Jerritt Clark/WireImageMeek Mills request to have a judge removed from his criminal trial has been denied as the Pennsylvania Supreme Court was evenly divided on his motion. The court was split 3-3 on the decision, so Philadelphia Judge Genece Brinkley will continue to preside over Mills appeal of his sentence on a probation violation, Law.com reports. The seventh judge did not participate in the voting. The appeal hearing is scheduled to begin June 18. As previously reported, Mill wants Brinkley removed from his case because she sent him to prison, despite the fact that neither prosecutors, or his probation officer, had requested that he be incarcerated. Earlier this month, Philadelphia Judge Leon Tucker, who is the supervising judge of Philadelphias criminal courts, denied Mills motion to have Brinkley removed, saying he did not have jurisdiction to remove fellow trial judges from their cases. Brinkley sentenced the All Eyes On Me rapper to prison and denied him an opportunity to be released on bail. Mill was eventually granted bail in April. Mills legal team claims that Brinkley has treated him unfairly by refusing to grant him a new trial despite support from the District Attorneys Office and Pennsylvania Governor Tom Wolf. Mill believes he was framed by former Philadelphia Police Officer Reginald Graham, who arrested him. Mill was initially convicted in 2008 on drug and gun charges, serving an eight-month sentence, followed by probation. In November 2017, Brinkley sentenced the rapper to two to four years in prison for parole violations. In April of this year, the Pennsylvania Supreme Court finally granted Mills release. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved ABCNews.com(WASHINGTON) -- Attorney General Jeff Sessions Wednesday hailed the Supreme Court's ruling in favor of a baker who refused to bake a cake for a same-sex couple because it violated his religious beliefs. "There are plenty of other people who will bake that cake. Give me a break!" Sessions said in a speech at the Orthodox Union Advocacy Center's Annual Leadership Mission in Washington, D.C. a group that co-authored an amicus brief with other religious organizations in support of the baker. "There is no need for the power of the government, no need for the state's power, to be arrayed against an individual who is honestly attempting to live out, to freely exercise his sincere religious beliefs," Sessions said, congratulating the group for the "victory." In a 7-2 ruling last week, the court disagreed with a Colorado court's previous ruling that the gay couple, Charlie Craig and Dave Mullins, had been discriminated against based on sexual orientation and ruled in favor of the appeal by the baker, Jack Phillips. The opinion, authored by Justice Anthony Kennedy, said that the Colorado Civil Rights Commission was hostile to Phillips' First Amendment rights and that his "religious objection was not considered with the neutrality that the Free Exercise Clause requires." Justices Ruth Bader Ginsburg and Sonia Sotomayor dissented. The attorney general's comments came ahead of his announcement of a new Department of Justice initiative aimed at protecting religious liberty. Last year, the Trump administration sided with Phillips, who owns the Masterpiece Cakeshop in Lakewood, Colo., and issued an amicus brief arguing that forcing Phillips to bake the cakes "invades his First Amendment rights." "Phillips views the creation of custom wedding cakes as a form of art, to which he devotes his creativity and artistic talents," the brief reads. "... When Phillips designs and creates a custom wedding cake for a specific couple and a specific wedding, he plays an active role in enabling that ritual, and he associates himself with the celebratory message conveyed." Phillips maintained in an interview with ABC News last week that he said no to the baking of the cake itself and not to serving the couple. "We serve everybody who comes in the shop. We just cant create every cake they ask us to," he said and added that he would also refuse to bake cakes with a Halloween theme or ones with "anti-American" messages. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Investment in BevCanna, Cannabis Infused Beverage Company Perth, June 14, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - MMJ PhytoTech Limited ( ASX:MMJ ) ("MMJ") has invested CAD$0.5 million for a 3.6% shareholding in privately-held BevCanna Enterprises Inc. ("BevCanna").Business modelBased in Vancouver, Canada, BevCanna intends to become a fully vertically-integrated premium-based cannabis infused beverage manufacturer.Specifically, BevCanna aims to operate as a white label, end-to-end producer of CBD and THC beverages(see Note below).Business planBevCanna is in customer contract discussions with Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR) Licensed Producers.BevCanna's current business plan is based solely on being a wholesaler to the Canadian medical cannabis market, however the recreational market represents potential future upside(see Note below).Manufacturing arrangementsWith future funding rounds, BevCanna will build out its manufacturing facility, subject to a licensing arrangement, on the site of a premium alkaline spring water source and bottling facility at Bridesville, BC owned by The Naturo Group Investments ("Naturo Group"). Naturo Group owns Trace (tracebeverages.com) and Naturo Aqua (naturoaqua.com) beverage product lines which are currently sold in over 3,000 retail locations across North America.CEO commentMMJ's CEO Jason Conroy commented that "We are excited by the opportunity to invest in BevCanna, founded by influential and experienced cannabis market executives, and see significant potential upside in their business model and manufacturing arrangements."Note: Health Canada's regulatory approach to cannabis edibles (which includes beverages) is expected to be finalised within 12 months after the Federal Government's Cannabis Act (Bill C-45) becomes law.About MMJ Group Holdings Ltd MMJ Group Holdings Ltd (ASX:MMJ) is a global cannabis investment company. MMJ owns a portfolio of minority investments and aims to invest across the full range of emerging cannabis-related sectors including healthcare, technology, infrastructure, logistics, processing, cultivation, equipment and retail. For MMJ's latest investor presentation and news, please visit: http://www.mmjphytotech.com.au/investors/ Joanna, who holds a Bachelor of Science in electrical engineering and minor in computer science from University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, joined ThoughtWorks in 2003 as a software developer. Over the years she's evolved her skill set and business acumen, taking on project management, program management and client engagement responsibilities, which led to her most recent role at ThoughtWorks as managing director of North America. In 2015, Joanna was recognized by Crain's Chicago and named to the prestigious 40 under 40 list for her contribution to talent development and for the critical role she played in doubling the percentage of technical women at ThoughtWorks. "As the dynamics of the modern workforce are changing, our approach to investing in and building talent is evolving," said Guo Xiao, chief executive officer, ThoughtWorks. "Joanna's experience with agile software practices, technology, consulting and working in a very people-oriented and collaborative way, perfectly positions her to strengthen the most important driver of our long-term success - our talented people and teams." "From shifting workforce demographics, to remote working and artificial intelligence impacting employee engagement, this is an exciting time to evolve our approach to finding and developing the next generation of ThoughtWorkers," said Joanna Parke, chief talent officer. "I joined ThoughtWorks 15 years ago as a software developer because I believed in the company's pursuit of software excellence - to push ourselves, our clients and our industry to continuously evolve and improve. This is reflected in our commitment to building a learning organization where individuals can expand their capabilities and reach their full potential as part of a high-performing team." Attitude, aptitude and integrity have been core to ThoughtWorks' talent strategy since the founding of the company 25 years ago. In the ever-evolving talent landscape, one constant is the company's desire to find and hire enthusiastic learners that are intellectually curious. Talent comes in many forms and doesn't always include conventional paper credentials. Anyone passionate about the role technology can play in business and society can apply to join ThoughtWorks in one of our 41 global offices. And if you care deeply about the craft of software and its ability to make the world a better place, attend XConf, hosted by ThoughtWorks in New York City July 20th, 2018. Register here. About ThoughtWorks We are a global software consultancy and community of passionate purpose-led individuals. We think disruptively to deliver technology to address our clients' toughest challenges all while seeking to revolutionize the IT industry and create positive social change. SOURCE ThoughtWorks Related Links www.thoughtworks.com WARWICK, R.I., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In an effort to help travelers better understand travel insurance and the claims process, InsureMyTrip announces the most common reasons why claims are typically delayed or denied, based on industry data. The results suggest that travelers who closely review their policies and are mindful of claim documentation requirements prior to departure are more likely to experience positive outcomes. Summary: Avoid claim processing delays by gathering all paperwork and documentation in advance. Obtain any claims-related medical documents and/or police reports prior to returning home. Understand travel insurance policy language prior to trip departure. Buy travel insurance early to boost eligibility for time-sensitive benefits and ensure trip cost is accurate. Expect claim processing delays following major travel events, like hurricanes. Based on industry data, these are the most common scenarios why a claim is denied or delayed and tips for avoiding these outcomes: CLAIM ISSUE TIP Reason for canceling a trip is not covered under policy. Review the policy with a licensed travel insurance expert prior to purchase. Check covered perils and exclusions. Pre-existing medical condition not covered under policy. Request a plan that includes a pre-existing medical conditions waiver. This is a time- sensitive benefit that is available when all eligibility requirements are met. Failed to meet definition of being sick or injured under policy terms. Ask physician to provide insurance company with details about treatment, medical conditions and prognosis. Read policy for specifics on what may qualify as an illness or injury. Does not meet required timeframe for a flight delay. Review policy with a licensed travel insurance expert prior to purchase for clarification on benefits. A travel delay must be for a certain number of hours and varies by plan. Missed paperwork, inaccurate information, or wrong claim form submitted. Follow instructions on claim form and forward all requested documentation. Contact the travel insurance company immediately after an issue arises. Save all paperwork related to the trip. Expect to provide receipts and a complete travel itinerary for any claim. Claims typically take a minimum of 30 days to process. Failed to seek medical treatment after becoming ill or injured during a trip. Seek treatment prior to returning home and save all medical documentation. In addition to the release of the claims data, InsureMyTrip also moves to expand its award-winning Anytime Advocates program that provides claims assistance and educational resources for travelers following a surge in travel insurance claims in 2017. RELATED: 2017 Hurricanes Lead to Record High Travel Insurance Claims, Delays Expected Since the program began nearly a decade ago, Anytime Advocates has saved policyholders over $1,150,000, marking a significant industry milestone that highlights the value and need for professional claims assistance and dispute resolution services for travel insurance policyholders. Over 90 percent of claims advocacy customers have been satisfied with the outcome. All travelers that purchase a policy through InsureMyTrip have access to Anytime Advocates and the following services: Claims assistance Receive expert advice on how to navigate the claims process and file a claim properly with your travel insurance provider. Dispute resolution Anytime Advocates will check the status of a claim. If a claim is denied, an advocate will work on behalf of the customer to learn why or to help with the appeal process. Over ninety percent of InsureMyTrip claims advocacy customers were satisfied with the outcome. Topic Expert: Meghan Walch [email protected] MORE: InsureMyTrip Releases Hurricane Guide for Travelers InsureMyTrip It's simple. InsureMyTrip finds you the right travel insurance plan, every time. InsureMyTrip is the authority on travel insurance. We are committed to empowering travelers to make the best possible insurance decisions by leveraging our technology, data intelligence, and expertise. SOURCE InsureMyTrip Related Links http://www.insuremytrip.com ORANGE CITY, Iowa, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Carrie DeJongh, a 40 year old wife and mother from Sioux County, Iowa, had four beautiful children (ages 4, 9, 14, and 17) and a loving husband who she didn't come home to for supper on June 9, 2015, because she was negligently killed in a hospital as a result of clear cut malpractice. She had gone to Sioux Center Community Health for a routine CT scan, which showed she had mild constipation. On June 13, 2018, just over three years after her wrongful death, a jury issued a unanimous record-setting verdict of $29,500,000.00 against both Sioux Center Community Health Center and Dr. Roy T. Slice. It is believed to be the first medical malpractice verdict awarded in Sioux County history. The Defendants and the insurance company, MMIC Insurance, were confident that a conservative Orange City jury would not award any real compensation to the family, and following multiple opportunities to settle the case, the case went to trial. The verdict was in favor of the surviving spouse and four children who brought the case to uncover the truth behind Carrie's death and to improve the quality of care for all Iowans. Dr. Slice, an emergency room physician employed by Sioux Center Community Health Center at the time, negligently failed to give Carrie Epinephrine (which is the same medicine children carry in their back packs for allergic reactions or bee stings). Carrie had an anaphylactic reaction to the contrast dye administered for her CT scan, lost consciousness, and went into shock minutes after the contrast was put into her body. The only immediate treatment given to her by Dr. Slice and the hospital was Benadryl which is a treatment for itchiness and hives. Dr. Slice and the hospital failed to administer Epinephrine to Carrie until forty-five minutes after her adverse reaction and not until after Carrie's heart stopped beating. Carrie suffered severe brain damage due to the delay of giving her a simple life-saving treatment and because of the brain damage, she passed away later that evening. The DeJongh family's lead trial lawyers, Nicholas and Courtney Rowley from Decorah, Iowa, argued that the standard of care under the circumstances required Dr. Slice to administer Epinephrine to Carrie and that if Dr. Slice had given the Epinephrine when he gave her the Benadryl, she would have survived. "We are proud to be the trial lawyers for the DeJongh family and proud that justice was served for her husband and children," added Rowley. "The defense lawyers argued in closing arguments that if the jury were to determine Dr. Slice was negligent, they should only award between $50,000.00 and $100,000 for past and future loss of consortium (the love, comfort, support and companionship of their mother). A fair-minded, loving, conscientious Sioux County jury made it clear that the value of a wife and mother to her family should not be treated cheaply in Iowa. The Judge gave both sides a fair trial, but nonetheless, the Defendants and their insurance company that carries over $30,000,000 in insurance are going to fight this verdict tooth and nail and file appeals if they don't get a new trial." In November, 2017, TL4J obtained a $10,000,000.00 verdict in another medical malpractice wrongful death case for their clients in Pellock v. Mississippi Valley Anesthesiology, P.C. The Pellock case was tried in Dubuque, Iowa and was another wrongful death medical malpractice against an MMIC insured policyholder. In that case, both pretrial and during trial, MMIC refused to offer a single dollar to settle the claim by the Pellock family. In November 2017, TL4J won a record $131,000,000 jury verdict in the State of Washington on a case where another insurance company would not fairly compensate a nurse who was rendered a quadrapalegic. The Trial Lawyers for Justice trial team consisted of lead trial lawyer Nicholas Rowley, Courtney Rowley, Rod Ritner, Matt Reilly, Dominic Pechota, Greg Egbers, and John Hemminger. Trial Lawyers for Justice is dedicated to changing the way insurance company's value injuries and lives. Headquartered in Decorah, Iowa, with additional offices in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, New York, Washington, Alaska, and California, and offering legal services from coast to coast, Trial Lawyers for Justice focuses on personal injury law. Trial Lawyers for Justice is dedicated to helping clients recover the compensation they deserve for their injuries. For more information, or to schedule a consultation regarding your case, visit http://www.tl4j.com today. Nick Rowley and his trial team are available for media inquiries and interviews regarding this case and other personal injury legal matters. For media and press inquiries, please contact Brendan Egan at [email protected] Case Number LACV026141 SOURCE Trial Lawyers for Justice Related Links http://www.tl4j.com SANTA CLARA, California, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Trianz, a global digital transformation consulting and technology services firm, today announced having won a Stevie Award at the 16th Annual American Business Awards, a premier business awards program in the US. Trianz was honored with a Bronze Stevie Award in the 'Most Innovative Company of the Year' category. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/705788/Trianz_Logo.jpg ) This year, the program received more than 3,700 nominations from private, public, for-profit and non-profit US organizations in different categories including technology, management, product, company and leadership. Over 200 professionals evaluated the nominations to select the Gold, Silver and Bronze Stevie Award winners. Representing Trianz at the event, Ira Horowitz, Vice President - Client Relationships, said, "Continuous innovation is key for business transformation and market success. We walk the talk through our dedicated Centers of Excellence, systems and processes that nurture Trianz' culture of innovation across the cloud, analytics, digital, infrastructure, and security paradigms. Being recognized by the American Business Awards validates our own and our clients' belief in us." The winners were announced in a gala ceremony at the New York Marriott Marquis, New York City (US). About the Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in seven programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 10,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 60 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com. About Trianz Trianz simplifies digital evolutions through effective strategies and excellence in execution. Collaborating with business and technology leaders, we help formulate and execute operational strategies to achieve intended business outcomes by bringing the best of consulting, technology experiences and execution models. Powered by knowledge, research, and perspectives, we enable clients to transition to a digital enterprise by leveraging Cloud, Analytics, Digital, Infrastructure and Security paradigms. With offices in Silicon Valley, Washington DC Metro, Rosemont, Chicago, Austin, Boston, Denver, Irvine, Raleigh, San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Dubai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai, we serve Fortune 1000 and emerging organizations across industries globally. For more information, visit http://www.trianz.com. Trianz Media Team: [email protected] +1-408-387-5800 SOURCE Trianz CHICAGO, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Chicago (UChicago) today launched the UChicago Empower Initiative, a test-optional admissions process to enhance the accessibility of its undergraduate College for first-generation and low-income students. The first top-ranked college to institute a test-optional policy, along with increased financial aid and programmatic resources, UChicago will enable more students to pursue higher education, regardless of background, geographic location, or ability to pay. A strategic initiative to address key barriers encountered by underserved and under-represented students, the UChicago Empower Initiative has three areas of focus: (1) the use of technology for greater flexibility in the admissions process, including making submissions of standardized test scores optional; (2) increased financial support, on-campus programming, and online resources for first-generation, rural, and under-represented students, with full tuition aid for students whose families earn less than $125,000, and (3) new scholarships and access programs to recognize those who serve our country and local communities. Each aims to empower historically under-represented communities in the highly selective admissions process by increasing equity and access. "Today, many under-resourced and under-represented students, families and school advisers perceive top-ranked colleges as inaccessible if students do not have the means to help them stand out in the application process," said James G. Nondorf, vice president, dean of Admissions, University of Chicago. "The UChicago Empower Initiative levels the playing field, allowing first-generation and low-income students to use technology and other resources to present themselves as well as any other college applicant. We want students to understand the application does not define you you define the application." Rollout of the UChicago Empower Initiative will begin with the Class of 2023. Specific offerings will include: Flexibility in the Application Process Self-submission of transcripts, to eliminate fees and simplify the application process. The ability to apply without submitting either SAT or ACT scores, and additional ways to exemplify strong academic work and demonstrate intellectual abilities. The ability to submit a two-minute video introduction, to embrace technology in communicating merit. Expanded Financial Aid Full tuition aid for students whose families earn less than $125,000 , to build on the College's history of ensuring access to all. , to build on the College's history of ensuring access to all. Scholarships of $20,000 over four years, and a guaranteed paid summer internship, for all first-generation College students. over four years, and a guaranteed paid summer internship, for all first-generation College students. Expanded funding for veterans and the children of veterans, police officers and firefighters at state and local departments across the U.S., in addition to covering all education costs for eligible Yellow Ribbon participants (veterans and their eligible children). New Programming New mentoring technology for first-generation and low-income students, to expand the ways in which engaged alumni can offer mentorship and support. Partnership with the Posse Foundation's Veterans Program, to build an undergraduate veterans cohort. Allison Davis Jr. Education Summit and the UChicago Summer Scholars Program for African American students sponsored by UChicago's Women's Board. Education Summit and the UChicago Summer Scholars Program for African American students sponsored by UChicago's Women's Board. Partnerships and experiential learning opportunities that will be announced in 2019. "The UChicago Empower Initiative continues the University and College's unwavering commitment to access and inclusion," said John W. Boyer, dean of the College, University of Chicago. "Throughout the past century, UChicago has considered a broad diversity of cultural perspectives and academic merit without regard to socio-economic class to be fundamental as exemplified by our Odyssey Scholarship Program, Jeff Metcalf Internship Program, and No Barriers offerings that enable outstanding students of all backgrounds to enjoy a UChicago education. We are delighted to now also provide an admissions process that makes UChicago even more accessible by enabling students to present their best, most authentic selves." For more information on UChicago Empower or College Admissions at the University of Chicago, please visit: https://collegeadmissions.uchicago.edu/empower. About The University of Chicago The University of Chicago is a leading academic and research institution that has driven new ways of thinking since its founding in 1890. An intellectual destination, the University draws scholars and students from around the world to its home in Hyde Park and campuses around the globe. SOURCE The University of Chicago COLLEGE PARK, Md., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- When IHOP, the International House of Pancakes, recently announced a temporary name change to IHOb, the jeers came quickly on social media. Yes, it was a gimmick. But was it a success? Marketing professors at the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business weigh in: B is for Bemusing "People were surprised to find out what 'B' stands for. The fact that IHOP sells burgers seems rather bemusing. In some sense, the publicity stunt is certainly working in spreading the buzz. Nonetheless, the word-of-mouth so far appears to be fairly negative. It is an open question whether people would go to IHOP for burgers after they have learned about the offering." Jie Zhang, Professor of Marketing, Harvey Sanders Fellow of Retail Management B is for Backlash "As far as a publicity stunt, it seems to have worked as they have been able to dominate Twitter since they teased the public with their announcement to change their name on June 11. By capitalizing on social influencers they have been able to reach more individuals and stretch their promotional dollars. But in orchestrating this PR event for their new menu items, they have also raised expectations for their upscale burgers in the minds of potential customers. "The gourmet hamburger field is quickly becoming crowded, and if the quality is not there, this new menu promotion could be detrimental to IHOP. With the interest in healthy eating and, consequently, pancake sales flattening, it's understandable why they are diversifying into the red-hot gourmet hamburger menu offering. It will allow them to capture family and group sales when not everyone wants pancakes for lunch. However, often when companies venture into new product offerings, they are not always successful, especially when the initial product offering has been so engrained into the hearts and minds of consumers as IHOP's has been. "It reminds me of the time several years ago when Burger King decided to be known as BK to downplay its burger offerings and move more into sales of chicken sandwiches. It was at a time when the general public was concerned about their consumption of red meat and sales of hamburgers was on the decline. This does show the importance of being on top of consumer sentiment when planning your company's marketing strategy." Mary B. Harms, Clinical Associate Professor in Marketing B is for Brand Dilution "It's folly to make an abrupt change to the brand name (even on a temporary basis). It takes years for the public to amass the desired associations in memory that a firm projects toward the marketplace (e.g., IHOP means scrumptious pancakes served with strawberries, blueberries or chocolate chips). "In my view, by taking on this radical approach, IHOP risks diluting its brand essence. Case in point, when I told my wife about the new logo, IHOb, she thought it stood for International House of Breakfast. It makes sense given her prior associations. Yet the intended inference behind this campaign is often easily missed. The newly minted IHOb now offers burgers on the menu. That's wonderful. But is it really necessary to tinker with the logo to get this message across? Interestingly, in the wake of this campaign, IHOb has left itself wide open for ridicule and corporate mockery. Just check out some of the latest jeers in the Twittersphere." Henry C. Boyd III, Clinical Professor of Marketing Visit Smith Brain Trust for related content at http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/faculty-research/smithbraintrust and follow on Twitter @SmithBrainTrust. About the University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business The Robert H. Smith School of Business is an internationally recognized leader in management education and research. One of 12 colleges and schools at the University of Maryland, College Park, the Smith School offers undergraduate, full-time and part-time MBA, executive MBA, online MBA, specialty masters, PhD and executive education programs, as well as outreach services to the corporate community. The school offers its degree, custom and certification programs in learning locations in North America and Asia. Contact: Greg Muraski at [email protected] or 301-405-5283 SOURCE University of Maryland's Robert H. Smith School of Business Related Links http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu WASHINGTON, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Today, House Members Kenny Marchant (R-TX) and Brian Higgins (D-NY) penned a letter to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and U.S. Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer regarding the softwood lumber trade with Canada, calling for renewed negotiations with Canada for a softwood lumber trade agreement -- in lieu of the current enforcement of the U.S. trade laws through countervailing and antidumping duties on imports of unfairly traded Canadian softwood lumber. The letter states that anti-dumping and countervailing duties imposed by the U.S. Department of Commerce on Canadian softwood lumber are the chief driver of current lumber prices, a claim that is inaccurate. The price of lumber, like all commodities, fluctuates due to market forces. The trade measures -- imposed after a thorough year-long investigation by the U.S. Department of Commerce and the International Trade Commission -- are designed merely to offset the harm done to domestic producers from imports that are sold in the United States at less than fair value or which benefit from subsidies provided through foreign government programs. The U.S. industry stands ready to work with the Administration if and when Canada can demonstrate that it is serious about negotiations for an agreement that is based upon a clean quota that properly offsets Canadian unfair trade practices and permits the U.S. industry to continue to make necessary and appropriate capital and employment investments, and grow to its natural size without being impaired by unfair trade. "The U.S. industry remains open to an appropriate, effective and durable U.S-Canada trade agreement on softwood lumber imports that uses a quantitative metric for Canada's maximum participation in the U.S. market," stated Joe Patton, U.S. Lumber Coalition Co-Chair and Vice President of Wood Products at The Westervelt Company in Alabama As of yet, the Canadian government and industry have made no indication that it is prepared to engage in meaningful discussions towards a new softwood lumber trade agreement. Thus it is Canada that must decide whether it is prepared to negotiate seriously with the United States. "Until then, the U.S. industry fully supports the Administration's full enforcement of the U.S. trade laws against subsidized and dumped Canadian imports," added Jason Brochu, U.S. Lumber Coalition Co-Chair and Co-President of Pleasant River Lumber Company in Maine. "The fair chance to compete on a level playing field is of utmost importance to domestic lumber manufacturers, their workers, as well as tree farmers and landowners, and the economies of the rural communities they support across the United States," concluded Brochu. Additional information and background: In November 2016, the Committee Overseeing Action for Lumber International Trade Investigations or Negotiations (COALITION) petitioned the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. International Trade Commission to restore the conditions of fair trade in softwood lumber between the United States and Canada. In November 2017, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced its final determination that Canada subsidizes softwood lumber production and that exporters from Canada have sold softwood lumber to the United States at less than fair value, distorting the U.S. softwood lumber market to the detriment of U.S. sawmills, their employees and communities. The U.S. Lumber Coalition's statement on the antidumping and countervailing duties on imports of Canadian softwood lumber products into the United States can be found here. About the U.S. Lumber Coalition The U.S. Lumber Coalition is an alliance of large and small softwood lumber producers from around the country, joined by their employees, and woodland owners, working to address Canada's unfair lumber trade practices. Our goal is to serve as the voice of the American lumber community, and effectively address Canada's unfair softwood lumber trade practices, including its gross underpricing of timber. For more information, please visit the Coalition's website at www.uslumbercoalition.org. CONTACT: Zoltan van Heyningen [email protected]| 202-805-9133 SOURCE U.S. Lumber Coalition Related Links http://www.uslumbercoalition.org/ SOMERS, Wis., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The University of Wisconsin-Parkside is pleased to offer a 100% online Master of Business Administration program, empowering students with the knowledge and practical skills vital to achieving personal and professional success in an evolving business marketplace. The UW-Parkside online MBA program is offered in an accelerated format and can be completed in as few as 12 months at an affordable tuition of $18,000. This 30-credit-hour program provides six options for studentsa general management MBA track in addition to MBAs with concentrations in data analytics, finance, global management, marketing, and supply chain management. UW-Parkside's Department of Business is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International), a prestigious distinction granted to less than 5% of business schools worldwide. Each concentration within the program features several other benefits for students, including multiple start dates per year, a GMAT waiver for most applicants, accelerated 7-week courses, and highly qualified faculty with extensive experience as corporate managers and entrepreneurs. These 100% online programs provide a personalized, real-world educational experience that equips students with the necessary tools for career advancement. The relevant core curriculum focuses on strategic management concepts, particularly business-level and corporate-level strategy formulation, implementation, and control. Students will study competitive decision making, including the use of an online business simulation, and will learn to manage and coordinate diverse workers across national boundaries, using case studies involving different cultures. UW-Parkside MBA students and alumni are engaged in a wide range of responsible positions in various fields including sales, marketing, computer networks/systems, corporate finance, and global supply management. They also hold managerial positions in many industries, companies, and nonprofit organizations. Many MBA alumni are also very successful entrepreneurs and operate their own businesses. UW-Parkside, which is one of 13 baccalaureate and post-baccalaureate degree-granting campuses in the esteemed University of Wisconsin System, is a dynamic learning community grounded in academic excellence and focused on student success, diversity, inclusion and community engagement. The campus is a premier comprehensive public institution and a destination of choice, serving as a focal point of local, regional and global progress. More information can be found at: https://online.uwp.edu/ Media contact: John Mielke 262-595-3226 [email protected] SOURCE University of Wisconsin-Parkside Related Links https://online.uwp.edu SAN FRANCISCO, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Valimail, the world's only provider of fully automated email authentication, announced today that it has completed a SOC 2 Type 2 certification. SOC 2, developed by the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA), is a widely recognized authoritative guidance that ensures a company's information security measures in line with today's specific cloud requirements. As companies increasingly use the cloud to store sensitive data, SOC 2 compliance is vital to organizations in a wide array of industries and governments. Companies that complete an annual SOC 2 examination are able to demonstrate a substantially higher level of assurance and operational visibility than those companies who do not. The completion of the SOC 2 Type 2 examination exemplifies Valimail's commitment to creating and maintaining the most stringent controls needed to ensure the highest quality and security of email authentication services for their customers. The company previously achieved SOC 2 Type 1 compliance and is Privacy Shield certified. "As a company whose business is restoring trust to email, it's imperative that our customers can trust Valimail's platform itself," said Valimail co-founder and CTO Peter Goldstein. "By following industry best practices like SOC 2, we can give customers the confidence that any data we handle is as secure as possible. In addition, Valimail's technology does not require us to handle any personally identifiable information (PII), streamlining use cases, like GDPR, where stringent privacy controls are necessary." The examination was performed by 360 Advanced, Inc., a full-service IT assurance, compliance, and security firm that specializes in integrated compliance solutions, including conducting SOC examinations. The Service Auditor's Report includes a detailed description of Valimail's controls and an independent assessment of whether the controls are placed in operation, suitably designed, and operating effectively. To receive a copy of the Service Auditor's Report, or for any further questions, please contact Valimail senior security engineer Eric Holtzclaw at [email protected]. For further information on how Valimail's suite of products can stop email impersonation and restore trust to email, please contact [email protected]. About Valimail Valimail is the trusted leader in automated email authentication, with a comprehensive platform for anti-impersonation, brand protection, and anti-fraud defense. Valimail's patented, standards-compliant technology provides an unrivaled, fully automated solution for DMARC enforcement to stop phishing attacks, improve deliverability, provide comprehensive visibility of legitimate as well as unauthorized email senders, and protect organizations' reputations. Valimail authenticates billions of messages a month for some of the world's biggest companies, in finance, government, transportation, health care, manufacturing, media, technology, and more. Valimail is based in San Francisco. For more information visit www.Valimail.com SOURCE Valimail Related Links https://www.valimail.com BPH Energy Limited (ASX:BPH) is pleased to advise that a Letter of Intent has been issued by Advent Energy, through its' subsidiary Asset Energy, to Weatherford Australia Pty Ltd (Weatherford) for the provision of Liner Hanger & Expandable Equipment and Services. SANTA CLARA, Calif., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Versa Networks, a leading innovator of next-generation software-based networking and security solutions, is continuing to accelerate its momentum as a leader in the software-defined wide area network (SD-WAN), SD-Security and SD-Branch market, garnering more than 150,000 contracted licenses worldwide to-date. Versa's Cloud IP platform is now embraced by more than 50 managed service providers to deliver secure SD-WAN services to multiple segments of the enterprise market. In addition, multiple large enterprises are deploying Versa Cloud IP Platform themselves to transform their WAN securely and accelerate their digital transformation and transition to multi-cloud/SaaS. The company has also built a robust partner ecosystem of channel, reseller and system integrators, that has grown by 100 percent since 2017, doubling its go-to-market partners. Versa continues to enable and increase revenue opportunities for its provider partners through ongoing innovation in software-defined networking (SDN) and security (SD-Security), as well as network function virtualization (NFV). "Digital transformation and the transition to multi-cloud/SaaS is driving tremendous growth in SD-WAN and Versa has emerged as a key player in this crowded market," said Kelly Ahuja, CEO of Versa Networks. "Our conversations with prospective customers have evolved from 'what and why' to 'when and how'. Being the only SD-WAN vendor to encompass a full-suite of integrated SD-Security differentiates us, and gives our customers unmatched visibility, control, agility and scalability to meet their business needs. Our innovation, technology leadership and transformative business model is resonating as customers are committing to long term partnerships." Notable Customer Movement and Deployments Versa Networks announced Capital One as a customer, whose hybrid approach to SD-WAN deployment has taken the lead in the financial industry. The large financial institution chose Versa Networks because of the company's technology innovation that gave them simplicity, speed and scale. Many others are in the midst of their deployments and the company expects them to publicly share their success with Versa during the course of this year. Since 2017, more than 50 Service Providers have chosen to partner with Versa Networks including Comcast Business, China Telecom Global, Kalaam Telecom, KDDI, Singtel, Tata Communications, Telesystems, Transtelco, Verizon and VergX. In the first half of 2018, Virgin Media Business, Verizon Business Markets, Zayo, Wholesale Carrier Services, Hub One and others also joined in the extensive list of customer wins. "Managed service providers gained valuable experience in the first round of their SD-WAN deployments and are entering round two of their software adoption in support of next generation services," said Mike Fratto, Research Director, GlobalData. "Versa Networks' recent service provider wins shows that the managed services market is progressing from single function SD-WAN appliances to SD-Branch offerings with SD-WAN as a foundational capability upon which other virtualized network functions like routing and firewalling are supported on the same platform. Robustness, simplicity, and versatility are key elements for MSPs managing a large and diverse customer base." In the U.S. alone, CenturyLink was the first Service Provider to partner with Versa for their SD-WAN service. In 2017, Comcast launched their ActiveCore service that is based on Versa. Verizon also launched their Secure Software Defined Branch service with Versa in 2017. Just recently, Verizon Business Markets recently launched the SD-Branch with Versa for small and medium businesses, state and local governments and education institutions. The new offering combines application-experience routing and SD-WAN functionality, as well as various advanced security services such as firewall, web filtering and unified threat management. Accelerated Company Growth Versa Networks has continued its global growth and expansion. The employee count has doubled in the past year, reaching more than 200 employees worldwide. In 2017, the company moved its headquarters in San Jose to a much larger office and expanded its Bangalore office in anticipation of this growth. Rob Mustarde joined Versa as SVP of Worldwide Sales earlier this year and is focused on expanding Versa's global coverage and capacity to meet the customer and market need. Noteworthy Industry Recognition In the past year, Versa Networks and its Cloud IP Platform have received several industry accolades, including: Versa partners and customers are also benefiting from notable award wins thanks to the adoption of the Versa Cloud IP Platform, of which include: "We've seen a substantial increase of deployments in the SD-WAN market due to the growing networking and security demands of enterprise businesses requiring agility, control and visibility as they move to multi-cloud. Thanks to SD-WAN's deployment success in the early adoption stage, the market is quickly moving towards a rapid growth stage where organizations are now replacing their legacy hardware WANs with secure SD-WAN and SD-Branch solutions," said Ray Mota, CEO & Principal Analyst, ACG Research. "The recent notable customer wins by Versa Networks suggests that the market is positioning SD-WAN with integrated security as the next generation secure networking solution for organizations pushing towards digital transformation and multi-cloud services." For more details on Versa Networks and its Cloud IP Platform, visit www.versa-networks.com. About Versa Networks Versa Networks is a leading innovator in the SD-WAN and SD-Security market. Versa's solutions enable service providers and large enterprises to transform enterprise WAN's to achieve unprecedented business advantages. Versa's carrier-grade cloud-native software platform provides unmatched agility, cost savings and flexibility, transforming the business of networking. The company is backed by premier venture investors Sequoia, Mayfield, Artis Ventures and Verizon Ventures. For more information, visit https://www.versa-networks.com or follow Versa Networks on Twitter @versanetworks. Versa Networks Media Contact: Jacqueline Velasco 408-680-0564 [email protected] SOURCE Versa Networks Related Links https://www.versa-networks.com/ "I loved this event because I saw couples getting along, smiling, talking, and sharing some love," said National Guard veteran Frankie Perez. "The music, wonderful Puerto Rican food, and the staff also made the gathering really enjoyable." He added that many returning warriors welcomed newcomers with open arms by sharing their experiences at previous WWP events. WWP program gatherings offer settings that provide opportunities for injured veterans to form bonds with one another, their families, and their communities. WWP also serves warriors by focusing on mental and physical health and wellness, financial wellness, independence, government relations, and community relations and partnerships. Warriors and their guests delighted in a delicious creole dish with dessert while enjoying the relaxing sounds of a four-piece quartet. They learned about other WWP programs, like its mental and physical health and wellness workshops and clinics. They also heard from fellow Puerto Rico wounded warriors who attended a recent Soldier Ride in Florida. "I loved that the dinner was really beautiful and calming," Frankie said. "It was a chance for me and other warriors to reconnect with our loved ones. Some of them had not spent time together in a really long time." WWP program events like this give wounded warriors an opportunity to recharge relationships and experience veteran peer support firsthand. These social gatherings get them out of the house and connect them with their families, fellow service members, and their communities. "For me, Wounded Warrior Project means an opportunity to get better as a human being and as a warrior," Frankie said. "As my extended family, they provide the support and care I need. I'm honored and humbled to be a part of it." To learn more about WWP's Physical Health and Wellness program, visit https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org/programs/physical-health-wellness. About Wounded Warrior Project Since 2003, Wounded Warrior Project (WWP) has been meeting the growing needs of warriors, their families, and caregivers helping them achieve their highest ambition. Learn more: http://newsroom.woundedwarriorproject.org/about-us. SOURCE Wounded Warrior Project Related Links https://www.woundedwarriorproject.org NASHVILLE, Tenn., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Waller, a leading provider of legal services to the healthcare, financial services, retail and hospitality industries, has added four associates in its Nashville office. M. Leanna Degenhart, Melissa W. Jones, Pirjin Tayip Laser and Andrew F. Solinger add depth and experience to Waller's corporate, commercial finance and healthcare compliance practices. Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP "As our clients across all industries continue to grow, Waller follows suit to meet their legal needs," said Waller chair Matt Burnstein. "We recently opened a new office in Chattanooga with a team focused on complex corporate transactional and financing matters, and our recent additions in Nashville illustrate our commitment to adding talent and experience to support our clients." M. Leanna Degenhart is a transactional attorney with extensive experience assisting in the structuring and closing of complex mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, recapitalizations and divestitures in the healthcare industry. Prior to joining Waller, Degenhart gained valuable transactional and healthcare regulatory experience as an associate in the Atlanta office of Morris Manning & Martin where she worked extensively with healthcare information technology companies, tax-exempt and investor-owned health systems, and physician groups. She earned her J.D. in 2012 from the University of Georgia School of Law where she served as board member at the Health Law Society. Majoring in Economics, she earned her B.A., magna cum laude, in 2005 from the University of Georgia. Before attending law school, Degenhart was a Private Client Associate with Bernstein Global Wealth Management in New York City. Degenhart is licensed in Georgia and is practicing in Tennessee subject to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 7, Article V, Section 5.01(g) pending admission to practice in Tennessee. Melissa W. Jones represents both lenders and borrowers in structuring and closing commercial finance transactions related to acquisition financing, asset-based lending, capital expenditure funding, real estate and construction lending and equipment financing. Her healthcare experience includes assisting hospitals and health systems, behavioral health, senior living and post-acute care. Jones earned her J.D. in 2017 from Emory University School of Law. She received dual degrees in Spanish and Sociology from the University of Mississippi in 2014. Pirjin Tayip Laser assists publicly traded and privately held companies in mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures and divestitures. Her experience also includes public and private offerings of debt and equity securities. Prior to joining Waller, Pirjin gained valuable experience as a corporate associate in the Cincinnati office of Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP where in addition to corporate and commercial transactions, she assisted clients in a wide range of contractual matters related to intellectual property, non-compete and non-disclosure agreements, employment contracts and service agreements. Laser earned her J.D. in 2016 from Belmont University College of Law. She earned her B.B.A. in Finance and Economics in 2013 from Middle Tennessee State University. Laser is licensed in Ohio and is practicing in Tennessee subject to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 7, Article V, Section 5.01(g) pending admission to practice in Tennessee. Andrew F. Solinger advises tax-exempt and investor-owned health systems, renal care providers, ambulatory surgery centers and other outpatient care providers a wide range of healthcare operations and regulatory compliance matters. He provides counsel on the full spectrum of healthcare regulatory law including the federal Stark and anti-kickback statutes, the False Claims Act and state healthcare regulations. Andrew also represents clients in Medicare, Medicaid and commercial payor billing and reimbursement matters. Prior to joining Waller, Solinger gained extensive healthcare experience as an associate in the Washington D.C. office of Arent Fox LLP where he played key roles in internal investigations and government enforcement actions. He earned his J.D. in 2014 from Vanderbilt University Law School. He earned his B.A. in Political Science in 2009 from Johns Hopkins University. Solinger is licensed in Maryland and the District of Columbia and is practicing in Tennessee subject to Tennessee Supreme Court Rule 7, Article V, Section 5.01(g) pending admission to practice in Tennessee. 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: 615 610 0323 Email: [email protected] Related Images m-leanna-degenhart.jpeg M. Leanna Degenhart melissa-w-jones.jpeg Melissa W. Jones pirjin-tayip-laser.jpeg Pirjin Tayip Laser andrew-f-solinger.jpeg Andrew F. Solinger SOURCE Waller Lansden Dortch & Davis, LLP Related Links http://www.wallerlaw.com "Demand for new self-storage facilities has been fueled by a growing and increasingly mobile population, multi-family development, and a resilient U.S. economy," said SROA Capital CEO Benjamin Macfarland. SROA Capital is a vertically-integrated self-storage operator focused on acquiring, developing and selectively redeveloping undermanaged facilities in select growth markets throughout the U.S. SROA was founded in 2013 by real estate entrepreneur Benjamin Macfarland in partnership with Sidney Kohl (co-founder of Kohl's Department Stores) and James Jenkins (co-founder of Alliant). Since inception, SROA has aggregated a 4 million rentable square feet, 33,000 unit portfolio comprised of 81 properties. The N. Congress location is the company's 11th in Florida. with several more in its pipeline. "We see continued growth in the industry," says Steve Tedder, Principal of Live Oak Capital Partners. "This well designed, highly visible facility is the best climate-controlled self-storage in the market and addresses the unmet needs of local residents and businesses." About SROA Capital, LLC SROA Capital is a real estate investment company focused on the acquisition and development of self-storage properties as well as direct equity investments with developers and operators across the country possessing a proven track record in self-storage. SROA operates under the brand Storage Rentals of America (www.sroa.com). About MacArthur Holdings, LLC For over half a century, MacArthur Holdings LLC has developed, owned and operated real estate in New York City. The portfolio includes multifamily, retail, office, hotel, and future development sites. It also owns office, warehouse, manufacturing and distribution facilities for clients operating in southern New Hampshire and is an investor in numerous multifamily properties in New Jersey, Delaware and Pennsylvania. MacArthur often partners with local owners and developers. Our core philosophy is developing long term strategic relationships and having local management with a stake in ownership (macarthurholdings.com). About Live Oak Capital Partners, LLC Live Oak Capital Partners acquires and develops high quality real estate assets that will become exceptional investments for our clients, partners, and communities. Based in Atlanta, the firm focuses primarily on niche property types and off market opportunities to add significant value and generate above market returns. To date the firm has acquired and developed more than $100 million in commercial properties (www.liveoakcp.com). SOURCE SROA Capital, LLC Related Links http://www.sroa.com NEW YORK, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S. today announced that Cheetah has won Best Legal Solution for the 2018 SIIA CODiE Awards. Cheetah is an intuitive legal research platform, powered by Wolters Kluwer's world-class content. Enabling faster, more accurate research, a new search structure and enriched content, it organizes legal information topically, putting content in context so attorneys can quickly understand and advise on today's complex matters. Over the past year, Cheetah has been successfully adopted by more than 2500 law firms, law schools and corporate legal departments. "Cheetah was designed to provide attorneys with expert analysis and authoritative content, interactive and precise research to help efficiently assist their clients," said Dean Sonderegger, Vice President and General Manager, Legal Markets & Innovation. "We are thrilled that the 2018 SIIA CODiE Awards have recognized this innovative solution and its ability to help legal professionals cultivate a sophisticated understanding of the latest developments within the legal and regulatory landscape." Notable features of Cheetah include: Comprehensive, curated coverage of broad and deep content across more than 25 practice areas; Hundreds of time-saving interactive practice tools, including proprietary SmartCharts, which help users build customized multijurisdictional surveys with just a few clicks of the mouse; and Customizable topical dashboards which put each user's high-value content right at their fingertips. The SIIA CODiE Awards are the industry's only peer-recognized awards program. Business technology leaders including senior executives, analysts, media, consultants and investors evaluate assigned products during the first-round review which determines the finalists. SIIA members then vote on the finalist products and the scores from both rounds are tabulated to select the winners. Read more about Cheetah at: http://www.siia.net/codie/2018-Winners/Details/nID/64 About the SIIA CODiE Awards The SIIA CODiE Awards is the only peer-reviewed program to showcase business and education technology's finest products and services. Since 1986, thousands of products, services and solutions have been recognized for achieving excellence. For more information, visit siia.net/CODiE. About Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S. Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S. is part of Wolters Kluwer N.V. (AEX: WKL), a global leader in information, software solutions and services for professionals in the health, tax and accounting, risk and compliance, finance and legal sectors. We help our customers make critical decisions every day by providing expert solutions that combine deep domain knowledge with specialized technology and services. Wolters Kluwer reported 2017 annual revenues of 4.4 billion. The group serves customers in over 180 countries, maintains operations in over 40 countries, and employs approximately 19,000 people worldwide. The company is headquartered in Alphen aan den Rijn, the Netherlands. For more information about Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S., visit www.WoltersKluwerLR.com, follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Media Linda Gharib Director, Communications Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S. Tel: +1 (646) 887-7962 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Wolters Kluwer Legal & Regulatory U.S. Related Links http://www.wolterskluwerlr.com SHANGHAI, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- STA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (WuXi STA), a subsidiary of WuXi AppTec, congratulates its partner Ascletis for receiving approval from National Drug Administration of China (CNDA, former CFDA) of its Category 1 new drug, Ganovo (also known as Danoprevir or ASC08), to treat viral hepatitis C. Ganovo is the first Direct-acting Anti-viral Agent (DAA) developed by a domestic company in China and has been selected as a National Science and Technology Major Project for "Innovative Drug Development". With this approval, WuXi STA became the first Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) to support the launch of innovative drugs in China since the implementation of Marketing Authorization Holder (MAH) pilot program. The approval of Ganovo marked a critical milestone in the history of the "MAH" policy in China. The collaboration between WuXi STA and Ascletis originated in 2012. Via its industry leading process development and manufacturing technology platform and global standard quality system, WuXi STA supported the process optimization and process validation of Ganovo Active Pharmaceutical Ingredient (API) as well as the Ganovo NDA submission and approval. In December 2017, WuXi STA's Jinshan API manufacturing site successfully passed the pre-approval inspection by CNDA as part of the Ganovo NDA application process. As a pioneer of "MAH", WuXi STA is helping many innovative drug development partners in China including Ascletis to optimize their manufacturing processes, significantly reduce commercial production costs, mitigate business risk, and improve operational efficiency. "The successful development of Ganovo fulfilled our commitment to deliver affordable innovative drugs for the Chinese patients." said Jinzi J. Wu, Ph.D., Ascletis' founder, President and CEO. "We sincerely appreciate the dedicated support from WuXi STA over the past six years which is crucial to the approval of Ganovo." "Congratulations to our partner Ascletis for reaching this milestone. The strong support received from the Chinese government for new drugs and the successful implementation of 'MAH' pilot was integral to reaching this milestone. We now look forward to enabling more partners to launch their innovative medicines both in China and internationally for benefit of patients around the world." said Dr. Minzhang Chen, CEO of WuXi STA. About Ascletis Ascletis' mission is to become a world-class biotechnology company addressing unmet medical needs in three therapeutic areas: anti-viral, cancer and fatty liver disease, for the patients in China and worldwide. Led by a management team with deep expertise and a proven track record, we have developed an integrated anti-viral platform covering the entire value chain from discovery and development to manufacturing and commercialization. For more information, please visit: http://www.ascletis.com About WuXi STA STA Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (WuXi STA), a subsidiary of WuXi AppTec, is a leading pharmaceutical development and manufacturing capability and technology platform company serving the life science industry, with operations in China and the United States. As a premier Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO), WuXi STA offers our worldwide partners efficient, flexible and high-quality solutions for Active Pharmaceutical Ingredients (APIs) and finished dosage forms. For more information, please visit: http://www.STApharma.com About WuXi AppTec WuXi AppTec is a leading global pharmaceutical and medical device open-access capability and technology platform company with global operations. As an innovation-driven and customer-focused company, WuXi AppTec provides a broad and integrated portfolio of services to help our worldwide customers and partners shorten the discovery and development time and lower the cost of drug and medical device R&D through cost-effective and efficient solutions. With its industry-leading capabilities such as small molecule R&D and manufacturing, cell therapy and gene therapy R&D and manufacturing, and medical device testing, WuXi platform is enabling nearly 3,000 innovative collaborators from more than 30 countries to bring innovative healthcare products to patients, and to fulfill WuXi's dream that "every drug can be made and every disease can be treated." Please visit: http://www.wuxiapptec.com SOURCE WuXi AppTec Related Links http://www.STApharma.com Abuja, June 14 : At least 10 persons have been confirmed killed in a fresh attack by gunmen in Nigeria's northwest region, according to local police. Many others were wounded when the gunmen attacked two villages in the northern state of Zamfara late Tuesday, Xinhua reported. Zamfara police spokesman Muhammadu Shehu told reporters on Wednesday in the state capital of Gusau that security agents responded swiftly to a distress call by residents of Dutsen-Wake and Oho village in Birnin-Magaji area of Zamfara where the gunmen launched the attack. Shehu said the gunmen, thereafter, fled to Rugu Forest bordering Zamfara with Katsina State in the northwest region. The police are closing in on the gunmen, he added. Washington, June 14 : A lawyer for former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe is suing the FBI, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and its Inspector General for declining to turn over documents related to McCabe's firing. McCabe was dismissed in March shortly before his planned retirement for what the DOJ called a "lack of candour." As a result, his healthcare benefits were stripped and his ability to collect a federal pension was also delayed. McCabe's lawyer filed a lawsuit on Tuesday evening, claiming that the dismissal violated federal law and the authorities have refused to turn over materials related to McCabe's disciplinary process, Xinhua reported. The former FBI deputy director has come under attacks by President Donald Trump since the 2016 presidential campaign. McCabe's wife ran for the state Legislature in Virginia as a Democrat and accepted contributions from then Governor Terry McAuliffe, a Clinton family ally, during the failed bid in 2015. Trump has asserted that McCabe had a conflict of interest in later overseeing the FBI's investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server while she was secretary of state, despite the FBI and the DOJ said McCabe and his wife observed relevant ethics requirements. McCabe's legal team has been reportedly working on a civil lawsuit related to his firing since March, but has not yet filed it. Seoul, June 14 : The top diplomats of South Korea, the US and Japan had talks here on Thursday over a strategy on North Korea, emboldened by the first-ever Pyongyang-Washington summit. Starting a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha expressed hope that "the current momentum will be maintained", reports Yonhap News Agency. Their closed-door talks were followed by a trilateral session involving Japan's Minister Taro Kono. Earlier on Thursday, Pompeo paid a courtesy call on President Moon Jae-in. The US diplomat briefed them "in detail" on the results of the summit meeting between President Donald Trump and the North's leader Kim Jong-un held in Singapore on Tuesday, officials said. In a joint statement after Tuesday's summit, Kim agreed to the "complete denuclearization" of the Korean Peninsula and Trump vowed security guarantees for the communist nation on the basis of the "new relations" between the longtime adversaries. Pompeo will lead Washington's follow-up negotiations with Pyongyang, but the details were not immediately known. "I will be the person who takes the role of driving this process forward," he told reporters. He's expected to sit down with a high-level North Korean official as early as next week. Pompeo said the denuclearization process can make significant progress by the end of Trump's first term in early 2021. Regarding the issue of "major disarmament", the former CIA director said: "We're hopeful that we can achieve that in the next 2 1/2 years, something like that." He dismissed criticism about the summit accord without the term "compete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization" (CVID). "Let me assure you that the 'complete' encompasses verifiable in the minds of everyone concerned," he stressed. "One can't completely denuclearize without validating, authenticating." San Francisco, June 14 : Global cab-hailing platform Uber has hired Daniel Danker, a product director at Facebook who was responsible for video and Facebook Live. Danker will now serve as Senior Director and Head of Driver Product at Uber, responsible for planning, strategy, and execution, TechCrunch reported on Thursday. "Danker's passion for our mission and deep product knowledge will ensure we continue to improve and innovate on their behalf," Uber Head of Product Manik Gupta was quoted as saying. Danker has earlier worked with Microsoft before joining Facebook. Uber recently unveiled a revamped driver app that helps drivers recognise where surge, boost, and incentivised areas are located. Uber in April brought its new driver-partner app to India. "Drivers' opinions shaped the app for the better. After over 100,000 trips, thousands of conversations, and many bugs reported (and fixed!), we're excited to share the product of our partnership: a new app built for drivers, with drivers," Dara Khosrowshahi, Uber CEO, said in a blog post. The app comes with an "Earnings tracker" to let drivers know how much they earned on their last trip and makes it easy to track progress. "Status bar" feature provides real-time updates on market conditions around them and opportunities for more trips nearby. "Notifications" feature lets drivers see messages about upcoming earning opportunities, feedback from riders and information about their account. REDDING, Calif.-- Redding Police say the owner of the troubled Ponderosa Inn in Redding is facing charges of sexual assault. Police say it stems from a May 29th incident, in which a woman reported being sexually batterd and assaulted by Gursahib Sekhon, 39 years old, of Redding. The victim said she was also threatened with a gun during the encounter. Police say an arrest warrant was issued for Sekhon. The Redding Police Department Neighborhood Policing Unit was contacted, due to several previous investigations they have conducted on the Ponderosa Inn and Sekhon, and obtained a search warrant for several locations associated with Sekhon. On Wednesday, the search warrants and arrest warrant were executed at the Ponderosa Inn. Sekhon was booked into the Shasta County Jail for Assault with a Deadly Weapon, False Imprisonment, Sexual Battery, Assault With the Intent to Commit Rape and Attempted Rape. This is not the first time the business owner has had trouble with the law. Back in April, Sekhon faced several contempt charges from the Shasta County District Attorney's Office, stemming from failure to carry out requests to rid crime at his motel. Stay with Action News Now for for all of your local coverage. SIGN UP: Get our daily newsletter Hyderabad, June 14 : Islamic art, especially calligraphy, can play a key role in ada'wah', or inviting people to understand Islam and clearing misconceptions about it, feels Fareed A. Al-Ali, the head of Kuwait Islamic Arts Centre. Drawing pictures of human beings is prohibited in Islam, but he believes the beauty of various Islamic arts, including calligraphy, is a powerful tool to attract people and invite them to understand the message of Islam. Whenever Fareed goes to art exhibitions, people stand in queue to get their names written in his beautiful writing and they preserve it like autographs of a celebrity. Fareed's writing of Allah's names in different styles at an exhibition in Egypt attracted the attention of a French national. "He wanted to know what is Allah and what is Islam. I referred him to Al-Azhar University, where he learnt about Islam and a year later embraced Islam," Fareed told IANS. The president of the Kuwait Islamic Arts Centre, who was recently on a visit to India, believes that art exhibitions and workshops are key to spreading the message of Islam and also in removing the misconceptions. "The beauty of words can make the difference. When they see beautiful words of Quranic ayats (verses), they want to know the meaning and this make them go further and understand Quran," said Fareed, who has demonstrated his calligraphy skills at the Jaipur Art Summit for the last two years. The Kuwait Islamic Arts Centre, under the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, has been working for more than 11 years to promote Islamic arts like calligraphy and illumination. It organises workshops and exhibitions and conducts competitions in schools. He pointed out that the Centre , apart from promoting Arabic calligraphy around the world, was also helping remove the misconceptions about Islam. "Everybody thinks Islam is terror and Islam is a problem... but through art we tell them it is not. We say Islam is peace. "People in Europe, America and Japan respect Islamic art. We go to their countries and show this is Islam." The Centre, working in different ways to nourish calligraphy, focuses on children and publishes a lot of books to make them learn and discover Islam through activities like puzzles and colouring. He is happy that many young people in Kuwait are taking to calligraphy. "There is huge demand. Many students are on waiting list. Several Kuwaitians take Ijaza (certificate) from renowned calligraphers. More women than men are learning calligraphy," he said. Fareed is happy over the efforts being made in India to revive Arabic calligraphy. In December last year, he inaugurated the Arabic Calligraphy Centre in Hyderabad. This is the second centre opened by Muqtar Ahmed, who teaches calligraphy at the Institute of Indo-Islamic Art and Culture in Bengaluru. He feels without depending on the government's help to promote Arabic calligraphy, the rich among the Muslims community should come forward to contribute their mite. "The rich should put their money in buying calligraphy works. They will also get good returns. A good work which is worth $1,000 today will have a value of $3,000 to 6,000 in 5-7 years. Such works fetch millions in international exhibitions," he said. He is of the view that the technology is not a threat to calligraphy. "In fact the digital technology helps calligraphers to come out with many innovative and beautiful designs and save time." (Mohammed Shafeeq can be contacted at m.shafeeq@ians.in) Seoul, June 14 : US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday metwith South Korean President Moon Jae-in here to discuss the outcome of the historic summit between American President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. According to the South Korean Presidential office, Pompeo told Moon at the start of the meeting that there is still "a great deal of work to do" and that he trusts that both sides will be able to cooperate and bring peace to the Korean Peninsula, Efe news reported. Pompeo also said he was "confident that we took a very good, significant step in Singapore" and that the US and North Korea will work together to provide their citizens with the best results. He thanked Moon, who has met with Kim twice since April, for his mediation between North Korea and the US, saying that if it had not been for Moon's effort, the talks between Trump and Kim would not have been possible. Moon said he was satisfied with the outcome of the summit and what is most important is that it has allowed the world to escape from the threats of a nuclear war and long-range missiles. However, there was no mention of the suspension of annual South Korean-US military maneuvers, which Trump unexpectedly announced on June 12 at the end of the summit. Trump and Kim had signed an agreement at the end of their summit in which they pledged to open a new chapter of relations, establish peace and work towards North Korea's complete denuclearisation. Pompeo also held talks with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts Kang Kyung-wha and Taro Kono respectively to further discuss the details of the Singapore summit. San Francisco, June 14 : American television personality Farrah Abraham has been arrested for misdemeanour, battery and trespassing. The former "Teen Mom" star was reportedly detained after she allegedly assaulted a security guard who would not let her re-enter a party at a hotel in California on June 13, following a verbal altercation with guests, reports aceshowbiz.com. According to a publication The Blast, Abraham was placed under citizen's arrest and when police officers arrived at the hotel, they observed that the 27-year-old "exhibited signs of intoxication". She was subsequently booked at a police station in Beverly Hills and is still behind bars. Her bail is set at $500. New Delhi, June 14 : India, which is a mobile-first country, will soon have millions working on their smartphones from anywhere, any time, and global communications technology firm Avaya is all geared up to tap the huge potential, a top executive has stressed. According to Vishal Agrawal, Managing Director (India and SAARC), Avaya, a strong mobile workforce will emerge from the cities in the next few years. "The way traffic is increasing in cities, it is becoming difficult to commute to work and a stronger mobile workforce will soon emerge and more youngsters will work from home. "This comprises the segment which doesn't care where they are working from, but focus on delivering. They are least bothered at what time they log in and log out but want to give their 100 per cent," Agrawal told IANS. Speaking on the challenges that the mobile workforce is facing today, Agrawal said they do struggle a bit with patchy mobile networks and voice quality. "However, we are confident it will be dealt with soon and the cultural shift will make more youngsters comfortable working from anywhere," the Avaya executive added. India is a global innovation hub for Avaya and the company has built a sizeable R&D team in the country. "We will continue to expand. We see the India start-up scene as very vibrant, with a lot of innovation happening in areas like Artificial Intelligence (AI), Machine Learning (ML), Data Analytics and Internet of Things (IoT)," said Agrawal. Avaya has explored some Indian companies and start-ups working in AI, ML, analytics and IoT, and has held discussions with some of them that could add unique capabilities to Avaya's portfolio. "Since our financial restructuring, we have more cash to invest in innovation and are interested in talking to companies with strong intellectual property and strong differentiation in key technologies," Agrawal told IANS. In 2015, Avaya acquired Hyderabad-based KnoahSoft, a workforce optimisation provider. The acquisition gave the company its third R&D centre in India after Bengaluru and Pune. "Avaya works closely with India's developers' community, inspiring them to build next-generation of communications-enabled applications that help businesses meet the challenges of the digital era," said the executive. The company has hosted Hackathon events to encourage start-ups, developers and enthusiasts to create breakthrough ideas. "We also work closely with partners to collaborate on developing solutions based on our market-leading platforms, including Avaya Oceana, Avaya Breeze and IP Office," he added. For the past two years, the company has invested in building a strong ecosystem of partners. "Our customer-focused, outcome-based strategy is making a great difference to our customers and partners' business," Agrawal noted. According to him, the entire discussion with the young generation is happening around mobility. "If you see new solutions on Cloud and chat, etc., the discussion is all on how you provide a mobile solution and how it works on its online subscription-based communication solution. This is a global phenomenon," the executive said. When it comes to India, Avaya is only looking at expanding its presence. "There are no restructuring but only expansion plans. We have increased sales representatives by 25 per cent in the country," said Agrawal. "The solutions we are launching in the Indian market are Cloud-ready. Our traditional customer base is also modernising fast here," he added. (Archana Sharma can be contacted at archana.s@ians.in) New Delhi, June 14 : India on Thursday expressed over the political situation in the Maldives where former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and Supreme Court Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed have been sentenced to long terms in prison. A statement issued by the External Affairs Ministry said that since the beginning of the political crisis in the the Maldives in February when emergency was imposed, India has repeatedly urged the government of the Indian Ocean archipelago nation "to allow all institutions, including the Supreme Court and the Parliament, to function in a free and independent manner, and to permit genuine political dialogue between all political parties". "This has also been the demand of the international community at large," the statement said "It is, therefore, with deep dismay that we learned that the former President of the Maldives as well as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court are being sentenced to long prison terms without fair trial," it stated. "This casts doubt on the commitment of the government of the Maldives to uphold the rule of law and will also call into question the credibility of the entire process of presidential elections in September this year." The statement also said India believes that a democratic, stable and prosperous Maldives is in the interests of all its neighbours and friends in the Indian Ocean. "It reiterates its advice to the government of the Maldives to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by immediately releasing political prisoners including former President Gayoom and Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and creating the necessary conditions for the participation of all political forces in the presidential elections." On Wednesday, a court in the Maldives court sentenced Gayoom, accused of plotting to overthrow the government, to 19 months in prison for failing to cooperate with the police investigation. Gayoom, 80, who ruled the country from 1978 to 2008, is the second former president to be jailed under President Yameen Abdul Gayoom's rule. He was arrested in February on charges of attempting to overthrow the government of Yameen, his half-brother. A court sentenced him to one year, seven months and six days in prison for failing to hand over his mobile phone to investigators. The country's chief justice, Abdulla Saeed, who was arrested with Gayoom, was also given the same sentence for the same offence on Wednesday. Saeed was previously given a similar jail sentence for allegedly influencing lower court decisions. Mohamed Nasheed, who was the country's first freely elected president in 2008, was earlier given a 13-year sentence in a trial widely criticised for due process violations. However, he has been living in exile in Britain. Yameen's former vice president, Ahmed Adeeb, another Supreme Court justice, two former defence ministers, a prosecutor general and opposition lawmakers are among those who have been jailed during Yameen's tenure following trials that have come under fire for alleged lack of fairness. A five-member Supreme Court bench in February ordered the release and retrial of Nasheed and other prisoners, calling their sentences politically motivated. However, Yameen declared a state of emergency on February 5 and had Saeed, another justice, Ali Hameed, and Gayoom arrested. The emergency was lifted in March. Later the three remaining Supreme Court judges overturned their previous decision to release the political prisoners. Italy, June 14 : Italian designer Stefano Gabbana has made headlines in the past for his public feuds and controversial comments, called actress Selena Gomez "ugly" on social media. The designer posted a collage of five red dresses worn by Gomez on Instagram and commented on it, calling her ugly, reports hollywoordreporter.com. "A proprio brutta (She is really ugly)" Gabbana commented on the photograph. Gabbana also responded to a user's comment, agreeing that Gomez "looks like a pomeranian dog" and seemed to find the insult really funny. Gomez's fans were not happy with Gabbana's comments and were quick to defend the performer, calling the designer's behaviour "disgusting" and "disrespectful" and shamed him for online bullying. This isn't the first time Gabanna has commented rudely. Most recently, he came under fire for commenting on a photograph of model Kate Moss wearing a black Saint Laurent romper, by simply writing, "No". In the past, Gabanna has been in a feud with pop star Miley Cyrus and her brother Braison after Cyrus publicly announced she did not agree with his company's politics. Chennai, June 14 : In a breather to the AIADMK government, the Madras High Court on Thursday gave a split verdict in the case of disqualification of 18 rebel-AIADMK MLAs. Chief Justice Indira Banerjee upheld the disqualification of the 18 legislators ordered by Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker P. Dhanapal while companion judge Justice M. Sundar held that the Speaker's decision was invalid. Justice Banerjee said in view of the contradicting judgements, the case will now be transferred to a third judge. The Chief Justice made it clear that she will not decide on the third judge and that decision will be taken by a senior judge. Justice Kuluvadi Ramesh is most likely to decide the name of the third judge. Maintaining status quo, the court also said till the case is finally decided, no by-elections should be held. The Chief Justice in her judgement said the Speaker's decision could not be called unreasonable and need not be interfered with by the court. On the other hand, Justice Sundar said he differed with the Chief Justice and cited a Supreme Court judgement to say that the High Court can interfere in the order of the Speaker which was not within the confines of law. Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker Dhanapal had disqualified 18 legislators after they met the Governor and gave a memorandum expressing loss of confidence in Chief Minister K. Palaniswami and requested him to appoint a new Chief Minister. The case filed by the disqualified legislators against the Speaker's action is pending before the High Court since September, 2017. The court had reserved the judgement on January 24. Hours before the judgement, Tamil Nadu Advocate General Vijay Narayanan met Palaniswami. Earlier in the day, the disqualified law makers met sidelined AIADMK leader T.T.V. Dinakaran and discussed the steps to be taken ahead. As per the party position in Tamil Nadu assembly, the ruling AIADMK has 116 members followed by DMK-89, Congress-8, IUML-1, Independent-1, the Speaker and 18 vacant seats, totalling 234. Besides, there is one nominated member. In April, in a different case, the Madras High Court had said it could not interfere in the Assembly Speaker's domain. On April 27, the court dismissed a petition seeking disqualification of 11 AIADMK legislators, including Deputy Chief Minister O. Panneerselvam, for voting against the government during a confidence motion moved by Palaniswami last year. Dismissing the petition filed by DMK Whip R. Sakkarapani, the court said it could not interfere in the Assembly Speaker's domain. The court said it had the power of judicial review of decisions taken but could not interfere in a matter where the Speaker had not taken a decision. It also referred to a case pending in the Supreme Court on a similar issue arising from Andhra Pradesh. The disqualification petition was filed against 11 AIADMK legislators for voting against the confidence motion on Palaniswami government on February 18, 2017, defying the party whip. At that time, Panneerselvam had rebelled against the party led by jailed leader V.K. Sasikala. Later, Panneerselvam merged his group with the one led by Palaniswami who sidelined Sasikala and her relative T.T.V. Dinakaran. The petition for disqualification was filed by Sakkarapani soon after Assembly Speaker Dhanapal disqualified 18 legislators owing allegiance to sidelined AIADMK leader Dinakaran. The legislators belonging to Dinakaran camp had also written to the Governor expressing their loss of confidence in Palaniswai and requested him to appoint a new Chief Minister. The case was filed by the disqualified legislators against the Speaker's action. A total of 19 AIADMK legislators had submitted a letter to the then Governor C.V. Rao withdrawing support to Palaniswami. They asked the Governor to initiate the process to install a new Chief Minister. Dhanapal issued notice to the 19 lawmakers asking them why they should not be disqualified under the anti-defection law. Subsequently, one of the MLAs, S.T.K. Jakkaiyan, switched over to the Palaniswami side and Dhanapal disqualified the remaining 18 lawmakers. New Delhi, June 14 : Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Thursday sought the Army's assistance in rescue operations across the flood-hit state. Tripura has witnessed incessant rains in the last 48 hours to Thursday afternoon which has caused heavy flooding. Deb informed Union Home Minister Rajanth Singh in a telephonic conversation on Thursday morning of the situation and apprised him of the steps taken by the Tripura government. The Chief Minister also requested the Home Minister to "urgently" increase the number of National Disaster Response Force personnel in Tripura. "Apprised Rajnath Singhji about the flood situation and the ongoing relief work in Tripura. Requested for assistance from the Army for rescue operations in a few critical locations. The Home Ministry has assured all the necessary support from the Central government," Deb tweeted. An official statement said the Central government has assured it would provide all the necessary support to Tripura and that it has asked the Army chief, General Bipin Rawat, to take the necessary action. Continuous rain has triggered flash floods in Tripura's Unakoti, Dhalai, Khowai and Gomti districts. Over 3,500 families are lodged in 189 relief camps as the heavy downpours inundated their houses, according to the report of the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC). Srinagar/New Delhi, June 14 : Militants in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday abducted an Indian Army soldier from states Shopian district, police said. The soldier, identified as Aurangzeb of the 44 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), was travelling to Rajouri district when the militants stopped his vehicle in Kalampora area and kidnapped him. The soldier is a resident of Poonch district. Meanwhile, Army sources in New Delhi said they were already "taking action" to locate and rescue the jawan. "The information of one jawan of 44 Rashtriya Rifles who was proceeding on leave having been abducted has come in. Action is being ensured to locate the person and get him," a source said. The abduction comes on a day when Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is discussing whether to extend or call off the Ramadan ceasefire that is due to end on Friday. Bengaluru, June 14 : Opener Murali Vijay notched up his 12th hundred as play resumed after the second rain break with India firmly in control against debutants Afghanistan in the historic one-off Test here on Thursday. Vijay hit Wafadar for a four over point to bring up his ton with Lokesh Rahul closing in on his half century at the other end. India were 268/1 after 50 overs as the visiting bowlers were sent on a leather hunt. Cumulatively 103 minutes were lost due to rain. ANDERSON, Calif.Anderson Police Department is asking for the publics help in finding one of their most wanted criminals. Steven Olan Sexton, age 35 of Anderson has three active warrants for his arrest. Sextons charges include domestic battery, child endangerment, and assault likely to cause great bodily injury, evading a peace officer in a vehicle, and driving without a valid drivers license. If you know his whereabouts or have information that may help locate Sexton, contact the Anderson Police Department at 224-8435. Anderson Police urge the public not to attempt to contact, apprehend, or follow Sexton by any means. Contact law enforcement right away. Stay with Action News Now for all of your local coverage. SIGN UP: Get our daily newsletter New Delhi, June 14 : India on Thursday rejected as "fallacious, tendentious and motivated" the first ever report on human rights in Kashmir released by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees (OHCHR). "India rejects the report. It is fallacious, tendentious and motivated. We question the intent in bringing out such a report," External Affairs Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar said in response to a question. "It is a selective compilation of largely unverified information. It is overtly prejudiced and seeks to build a false narrative," Kumar said. The 49-page report issued by the OHCHR "details human rights violations and abuses on both sides of the Line of Control, and highlights a situation of chronic impunity for violations committed by security forces", a statement issued from Geneva on Thursday said. "The political dimensions of the dispute between India and Pakistan have long been centre-stage, but this is not a conflict frozen in time. It is a conflict that has robbed millions of their basic human rights, and continues to this day to inflict untold suffering," UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said in the statement. Noting the continuing serious tensions in recent weeks, including those stemming from a series of incidents in Srinagar, he called on Indian security forces to exercise maximum restraint, and strictly abide by international standards governing the use of force when dealing with future protests, including ones that could well occur this coming weekend. "It is essential the Indian authorities take immediate and effective steps to avoid a repetition of the numerous examples of excessive use of force by security forces in Kashmir," Zeid said. It also called upon India to "urgently repeal" the AFSPA; establish independent, impartial and credible investigations to probe all civilian killings since July 2016 and all abuses committed by armed groups; and provide reparations and rehabilitation to all injured individuals and to the families of those killed in the context of security operations. Similarly, the PSA should be amended to ensure its compliance with international human rights law, and all those held under administrative detention should either be charged or immediately released. According to the report, the UN Human Rights Office - which, despite repeated requests to both India and Pakistan over the past two years, has not been given unconditional access to either side of the Line of Control - "undertook remote monitoring to produce the report, which covers both Indian-Administered Kashmir and Pakistan-Administered Kashmir". Among the issues highlighted in the report is the constitutional relationship of the two distinct territories of "Azad Kashmir" and Gilgit-Baltistan with Pakistan. The "Azad Kashmir" has effectively been controlled by Pakistan throughout its entire history. Pakistan's federal authorities also have full control over all government operations in Gilgit-Baltistan, and federal intelligence agencies are reportedly deployed across both regions. The report said India should "urgently repeal" the Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act 1990 (AFSPA) and "establish independent, impartial and credible investigations to probe all civilian killings since July 2016 and all abuses committed by armed groups; and provide reparations and rehabilitation to all injured individuals and to the families of those killed in the context of security operations". Stating that the report violates India's sovereignty and territorial integrity, Kumar, in his response, said that the entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. "Pakistan is in illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the Indian state through aggression. We have repeatedly called upon Pakistan to vacate the occupied territories," he said. "The incorrect description of Indian territory in the report is mischievous, misleading and unacceptable. There are no entities such as 'Azad Jammu and Kashmir' and 'Gilgit-Baltistan'." Stating that terrorism is the most egregious violation of human rights, the spokesperson said that yet the authors have conveniently ignored the pattern of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan and territories under its illegal control. "Cross-border terror and incitement is aimed at suppressing the will of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, disrupting its political and social fabric and undermining India's integrity," he stated. "It is disturbing that those behind this report have chosen to describe internationally designated and UN-proscribed terrorist entities as 'armed groups' and terrorists as 'leaders'. This undermines the UN-led consensus on zero tolerance to terrorism." Kumar also said that the motivated report deliberately ignores that fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution to every Indian citizen, including in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, are protected also by an independent judiciary, human rights commissions, free and vibrant media and an active civil society. He said India's protest and views in the matter have been conveyed unequivocally to the OHCHR. "We are deeply concerned that individual prejudices are being allowed to undermine the credibility of a UN institution," he said. "Such malicious reports cannot undermine the will of the people and the government of India to take all measures necessary to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country from cross-border terrorism," he added. Almhult (Sweden), June 14 : Leading Swedish home furnishings retailer IKEA, which is launching its first store in Hyderabad next month, says it is making a lot of effort to provide good service for India, as it expands its mission to provide a better "life at home" and healthy lifestyle across the world. It said it will come up with a range of products that can be repaired, restored and recycled. "I, with the team, have done many home visits in India as it was utmost important for us to understand how Indians live in their homes and how IKEA can contribute to a better everyday life for the many Indians who love their homes," said Mia Lundstorm, Creative Director at IKEA India, during the brand's annual Democratic Design Days event held here recently. "We have put in a lot of effort into making a very strong and good service package for India. "The common thread behind all IKEA products is their 'democratic design'. This is a five-pronged idea: Sustainability, form, functionality, quality and price. All these must be checked before a product rolls out," said Lundstorm. After launching in Hyderabad, IKEA will move into Mumbai in 2019, followed by Bengaluru and Delhi NCR. "Hyderabad is a starting pointA Then we would be moving into Mumbai next year. That is a very exciting market for us. Hyderabad itself is a very interesting and starting point to see what they (Indians) like about our products, solutions and approach," said Mia Olsson Tuner, Country Communication and Design Manager, IKEA India. IKEA, with its "do-it-yourself" (DIY) assembly model, announced during the event a slew of collaborations with big names including Adidas and Lego Group as part of its effort to make everyday life better for the people globally. The retailer said it hopes to extend the partnerships for the Indian market for creating customised newer designs and products for Indian customers. "IKEA range in Hyderabad is 90 per cent going to be the same as everywhere else in the world. We are playing around for about 5 to 10 per cent of the local adaptation or market specific range product," said Lundstorm. "Home is where we create life-long habits. Teaming up with Adidas, we want to understand what wellness means to different people and what role their living spaces play in this," said Marcus Engman, Head of Design at IKEA of Sweden. "By doing so, we can create homes that are better designed to enable better habits and more active living." On the tie-up with Lego, Fredrika Inger, Business Area Manager for Childrens's IKEA of Sweden said: "We believe more play makes the home and the world a better place." IKEA will also be partnering with UNYQ, a 3-D printed medical wearables firm; educational e-sport company Area Academy; and Little Sun, a global project and social business that connects the world by sharing the sustainable energy of the sun, among others. It plans to achieve zero emissions by 2025 and for that it has pledged to design all its products by using only renewable and recycled materials. During the event, the multinational group unveiled a tap nozzle that can help save over 90 per cent of water used. Another highlight was solar panels and the chain that offered more plant based food options in its eateries, like the veggie hot dog launching globally in August and a dairy-free, vegan soft-serve ice cream in a bid to increase sustainability for the company. IKEA said that "our rapidly changing world and increasing climate threat calls for more ambitious goals and urgent action" as it vowed to become 'people-and-planet positive' by 2030. It also announced outlawing single-use plastic products from its global stores and restaurants by 2020. IKEA also unveiled an "Art Rug" collaboration with eight influential artists from different parts of the world. The eight rugs are manufactured in Egypt and India, using traditional methods such as "dhurrie weaving" and hand tufted piles and are made with high quality wool. IKEA Art Rugs will be available for a limited time starting in spring 2019. (Parul Soni was in Almhult, Sweden, at the invitation of IKEA. She can be reached on parul.s@ians.in) New Delhi, June 14 : National Agricultural Cooperative Marketing Federation (Nafed) has procured 31.91 lakh tonnes of pulses and oilseeds in 2017-18, benefitting over 20 lakh farmers, an official statement said on Thursday. Money was directly transferred to farmers' accounts and Nafed is expected to earn profit this year, said the Agriculture Ministry statement. Nafed procured 64 lakh tonnes of pulses and oilseeds at minimum support price (MSP) from farmers in 2014-18 while it had procured only 8 lakh metric tonnes in the last four years (2011-14) of the UPA government, it said. The bank guarantee of Nafed was increased to Rs 42,000 crore by the NDA government against only Rs 200-250 crore during the UPA government, it added. Panaji, June 14 : Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who was being treated in a US hospital for advanced pancreatic cancer since more than three months now, returned to India on Thursday afternoon and is expected to arrive in Goa later this evening, a BJP leader said. Parrikar, accompanied by members of his family, a medical team and officials of the Chief Minister's Office, flew from US to Mumbai, from where he will be taking a connecting flight to Goa, a party official said. Additional police personnel have been deployed at Dabolim International Airport ahead of the Chief Minister's return. Parrikar is expected to chair a meeting of the state's council of ministers on Friday. Lucknow, June 14 : Former Uttar Pradesh Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Thursday announced that he would be contesting the 2019 general elections from Kannauj, while his father Mulyam Singh Yadav would be contesting again from party stronghold of Mainpuri. Addressing a press conference here, flanked by his wife Dimple Yadav, the sitting MP from Kannauj, he said that he has understood that elections had now become an "art of management" and added that he would now do the same. Akhilesh Yadav, who currently is not a legislator as his term on the legislative council ended in April, had started his parliamentary career from Kannauj. He later quit the seat, paving the way for his wife to contest from the seat. Mulayam Singh has represented Mainpuri thrice in the Lok Sabha and won the seat in 2014 as well along with Azamgarh but he chose to retain the latter as he wanted to contain the influence of the Modi wave in Poorvanchal as eastern UP is popularly known. New Delhi, June 14 : Newly-appointed Coal Secretary Inder Jit Singh took charge of his post on Thursday, an official statement said. A Coal Ministry release said that Singh, a 1985 batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, assumed charge here in the presence of senior officials of the ministry. The post had fallen vacant after the retirement of Susheel Kumar on April 30 this year after which the government had given it as an additional charge to Mines Secretary Anil Mukim. Singh was previously posted as Secretary, Coordination in the Cabinet Secretariat. Earlier this week, Railway and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal said here that the government will start a new round of coal block auctions and that commercial mining would also get underway. Srinagar, June 14 : Two motorcycle-borne assailants on Thursday snatched the service rifle of CRPF trooper in Jammu and Kashmir's Anantnag district and fled, police said. The incident happened near Sadoora railway station when the bike-borne men attacked the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) trooper with a stone, snatched his INSAS service rifle and escaped, a police officer said. New Delhi, June 14 : Delhi's ruling AAP on Thursday sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention to end the "strike" by the IAS officers as there has been no communication from the Lt Governor's office over the sit-in protest by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues. The sit-in by Kejriwal, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Cabinet ministers Satyendar Jain and Gopal Rai at the Lt. Governor's office entered its fourth day on Thursday, after which Kejriwal wrote to Modi urging him to intervene in the matter of the "strike" by the IAS officers, accusing Lt Governor Anil Baijal of doing "nothing" in this regard. In the letter, Kejriwal informed Modi the officers have not been attending meetings with ministers for the past three months and cited instances when the government work was affected. He also said that he hope Modi will allow them to work for the people of Delhi, adding that "no one should be allowed to trample upon people's will". Recalling former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee, he said: "I hope sir that Modiji will also follow in the footsteps of Atalji, respect people's will and allow opposition-ruled states to work for the people." On social media, the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has launched a campaign #ModjiForgiveDelhi. Party members, by posting videos, are requesting Modi to let the elected government work by asking the IAS officers to join back the work. Social Welfare and SC/ST Minister Rajendra Pal Gautam, in his video, said: "Modiji, don't take revenge from the people. Please ask your IAS officers to join back the work." Durgesh Pathak, in-charge of the National Organisation Building Team, also posted a video saying: "Modiji, Namaste. We know that people of Delhi had defeated you very badly in the election. And you are just taking revenge from the people. This is not right. There will be elections after two years. You can contest that election. Do some good, positive work. Please ask your IAS officers to join back the work." Atishi Marlena, who served as an advisor on education to the Delhi government for three years, said in a video: "Namaste Modiji. The people of Delhi are upset. You have ordered the strike by the IAS officers. The work related to de-silting of drains is not able to complete due to this strike. the monsoon is approaching, the roads will be flooded. So we are requesting you to order the IAS officers to call off the strike." Similarly, Sisodia's former media advisor Arunoday Prakash and other people from the party also posted their videos. AAP leader Dilip Pandey, in his video, asked Modi to not punish the people of Delhi. "Punish us the way you want, but don't punish the people of Delhi. Your officers are not working, due to which the work is affected...Please ask your IAS officers to join back the work," he said. Peshawar, June 14 : The alleged murderer of Sikh rights activist and inter-faith harmony advocate Charanjit Singh was arrested by Peshawar regions Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Thursday. Singh was shot dead in Peshawar on May 29 by bike-borne assailants while he was on his way home from his shop. He had shifted to the city with his family nearly 20 years ago and was a highly respected figure in the region. He was known for promoting religious harmony and discouraging violence. According to a statement by the CTD, an operation was conducted in the Ghalla Mandi area of Peshawar and the alleged target killer, identified as Sheheryar Sultan, was arrested, the Express Tribune reported. An investigation officer told the daily that the activist "was killed for failing to pay extortion". "The suspect is part of a criminal group involved in extortion," the officer said, adding that they also found evidence of Singh previously paying extortion money. The CTD said that the accused also named some accomplices during the investigation, for whose arrest a separate team was formed, Dawn online reported. Chennai, June 14 : In a huge relief to the AIADMK government headed by Edappadi Palaniswamy, the Madras High Court on Thursday delivered a split verdict in the case relating to disqualification of 18 MLAs, an order that will allow the present status quo to continue, at least for some more time. While Chief Justice Indrani Banerjee declined to interfere with the order of the Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker P. Dhanapal disqualifying 18 MLAs owing allegiance to sidelined AIADMK leader T. T.V. Dhinakaran in September last year, the other judge Justice M Sundar forming the two-judge bench set aside the Speaker's order on the ground it is hit by "perversity, non compliance with the principles of natural justice, mala fides and violation of constitutional mandate". The judges said since there has been disgreement between them, the case should be transferred to a third judge. Since the Chief Justice is involved in the matter, she is of he view that it would not be appropriate for her to nominate the third judge. Hence, the next senior-most judge would name the third judge, they said. It is likely that the decision to name the third judge will most likely be taken by the senior-most judge Justice Kuluvadi Ramesh. Maintaining status quo, the court also said till the case is finally decided the interim order issued earlier that barred holding of by-elections and floor test in the Assembly continue to be valid. In the 296-page judgement, Justice Banerjee said that in her opinion the view taken by the Speaker is a possible, if not plausible view, and "I am unable to hold that the said decision is any way unreasonable, irrational or perverse". "It is well-settled that when two views are possible, the High Court does not in exercise of its power of judicial review conferred under Article 226 of the Constitution of India interfere with the decision just because it prefers the other view. No interference is, therefore, warranted with the impugned order passed by the Speaker," she said, dismissing the petitions by the disqualified MLAs. In his order differing with the Chief Justice, Justice Sundar said "sum totality of discussion leads this court to inevitably conclude that the impugned order of the Speker disqualifying 18 writ petitioners herein deserves to be set aside." Citing various Supreme Court judgements, he said the Speaker's order was hit by perversity, non-compliance with the princioples of natural justice, mala fides and violation of constitutional mandate." "It is made clear that his order is being passed without relying on the Yeddyurappa case owing to the controversy regarding implied overruling/per incuriam qua Nabam Rebia which has been left open," he said. Responding to the judgment, rebel leader Dhinakaran said: "The longevity of the anti-people government now gets extended by couple of months. But it is not at all a setback for us. We got 50 per cent victory." Had the judgement gone either way - upholding the disqualification or setting aside the Speaker's order, the AIADMK government would have faced critical problems. In case the court had upheld the disqualification, then there would have been by-elections in 18 constituencies, exposing the ruling party to vulnerabilities of electoral politics On other hand, if the court had quashed the Speaker's disqualification order, the government may have to face an opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion, which it will find difficult to survive. In the 234-member Assembly, the AIADMK has 116 members followed by the DMK with 89, Congress with 8, one of the IUML, one Independent, the Speaker and 18 vacant seats. Besides, there is a nominated member. DMK leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, M.K.Stalin, in a tweet, said: "Not only delayed justice is denied.... When people are having faith on the judiciary for protecting democracy. there should be clear and fast judgements." PMK founder S.Ramadoss said the state government is surviving mainly due to legal delays and others and the K. Palaniswami government has no justification to continue in power and should resign immediately. VCK leader Thol Thirumavalan termed the judgment "unexpected". "The final decision on the case should be given at the earliest," Thirumavalavan added. The case comes from the time when Panneerselvam had rebelled against the party led by jailed leader V.K. Sasikala. Later, he merged his group with the one led by Palaniswami, who sidelined Sasikala and her nephew Dinakaran. A group of 19 lawmakers met then Governor C.V. Rao and gave a memorandum expressing loss of confidence in Palaniswami and requested him to appoint a new Chief Minister. The Speaker then issued notice to the lawmakers asking them why they should not be disqualified under the anti-defection law. Subsequently, one of them, S.T.K. Jakkaiyan, switched over to the Palaniswami side and the others were disqualified. The case filed by the disqualified legislators against the Speaker's action is pending before the High Court since September 2017. The court had reserved the judgement on January 24. CHICO, Calif. - Chico Unified School District will receive more than 1.5 million dollars to combat tobacco use by students. A two dollar a pack tax on cigarettes is the source of funding for the anti-tobacco program run by the state Attorney General's office. Chico Unified received one of 71 grants creating partnerships with law enforcement to educate kids about the dangers of smoking and use of tobacco products. The 71 grants total $37.5 million dollars. The funds come from a voter- approved tax, called the California Healthcare, Research and Prevention Tobacco Tax Act. It was passed by voters in November 2016. New Delhi, June 14 : The Congress on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of protecting Nirav Modi in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case and sought a reply from Ministry of External Affairs on the absconding diamantaire's travel spree using a revoked passport. "Even as the Modi Government has been caught snoozing, Chhota Modi-2 i.e 'Nirav Modi, the absconding accused in India's 'Biggest bank loot scam' is on a travel spree using a 'revoked passport' by the Ministry of External Affairs," said former Union Minister Rajeev Shukla. Nirav Modi, his wife, brother and uncle fled the country before the PNB complained against their companies, saying it had been cheated through fraudulent issue of Letters of Undertakings (LoUs) and Foreign Letters of Credit (FLCs). The Interpol has written a letter to investigative agencies stating that despite the revocation of his passport, Nirav Modi travelled three countries on four different dates - March 15, March 28, March 30 and March 31, Shukla disclosed. "The Interpol says that Nirav Modi travelled using Indian passport, post his 'revocation' - and then how did the Immigration authorities and exit points remain unaware of this. "Now it is crystal clear that Modi is saving another Modi! Now the question is, whether one Modi is supporting the other," Shukla said. He pointed that Nirav Modi fled India on January 1, and was then seen in a group photograph with Narendra Modi during World Economic Forum from January 23 to 26. "The MEA only revoked his passport on February 24. Why did it take 54 days to revoke his passport? Was the Modi Government aiding and abetting the escape of Nirav Modi and facilitating his escape to the farthest point from India's shores," he asked, dubbing the government "a mute spectator". "It is ridiculous and painful to witness that a 'strong' Modi government is caught snoozing, even as Nirav Modi travels indulges in globetrotting, while making a mockery out our systems," he said. New Delhi, June 14 : As 20 states signed MoUs on Thursday to launch Ayushman Bharat, popularly called Modicare, Union Health Minister J.P. Nadda said the success of the world's largest government-run health scheme hinges upon active participation of the states. "States need to own the scheme while Centre will design the policy framework with all possible flexibility and support. Exchanging of MoU is an important step in formalizing the partnership between Centre and states," Nadda said at Health Ministers Conclave 2018 here. Ayushman Bharat - National Health Protection Mission (AB-NHPM) aims to provide annual health coverage of Rs 5 lakh per family to around 10 crore poor and vulnerable familes, thereby protecting about 50 crore people or 40 per cent of the country's population. "There is a large volume of experience with the states, which are our implementation agency for NHPM. This will contribute to perfecting NHPM framework and systems," said Nadda and added more than 90 per cent of NHPM beneficiary data verification has already been done. Model tender documents and final operational guidelines for Modicare were also released at the Conclave. Another five states are likely to sign MoUs by month end, he said. Presenting the status of implementation, AB-NHPM CEO Indu Bhushan urged the states to seek approval and release RFPs for hiring insurance company (in case of insurance mode) or Implementation Support Agency (ISA) in case of trust mode implementation. "The initiative will change the landscape of healthcare in the country and we would be remembered forever for our work. We shall work together, learn together, so that we work with the spirit of cooperative federalism, to perfect this largest health assurance scheme of the world," Nadda said. A web portal for initiating the empanelment of hospitals under the mission was also launched. Training and demonstration of empanelment software will be conducted in next two weeks and states can operationalize empanelment of hospitals by July 1. The participants appreciated the inclusive approach taken by National Health Agency during consultations and workshops. Uttar Pradesh Health Minister Siddharth Nath Singh said his state has identified about 98 per cent of the beneficiaries and Meghalaya Health Minister A.L. Hek said NHPM is an end to end scheme which will reduce out-of-pocket expenditure on hospitalization. Islamabad, June 14 : Pakistan on Thursday supported a call by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to investigate alleged violations in Jammu and Kashmir. The first-ever report issued by the UN on human rights in Jammu and Kashmir sought a probe to "resolve past and current violations" in the disputed territory, which has witnessed a seven-decade long conflict between India and Pakistan. "Pakistan welcomes the proposal by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to establish a commission of inquiry for international investigation into human rights violations in the Indian occupied Jammu and Kashmir (IoK)," the county's Foreign Affairs Ministry said in a statement. The statement added that the UN proposal was "similar to Pakistan's appeals for probing alleged human rights violations in the disputed region, calling it a 'legitimate' demand which has been ignored by New Delhi". India outrightly rejected the report as "fallacious, tendentious and motivated" and an attack on its sovereignty. The UN report focussed mainly on alleged serious violations committed in Jammu and Kashmir from July 2016 to April 2018. Activists estimated that up to 145 civilians were killed by security forces and up to 20 civilians killed by armed groups in the same period, it said. The document also referred to "lack of political liberty and freedom of expression in Pakistan-administered regions of Azad Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan". "References to human rights concerns in Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan should in no way be construed to create a false sense of equivalence with the gross and systematic human rights violations in IoK," Pakistan said. The UN Human Rights Council is set to kick off a three-week meeting in Geneva on Monday to discuss "the most disturbing" cases of rights abuse around the world. Panaji, June 14 : After three months of treatment in a US hospital for advanced pancreatic cancer, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar returned to the state on Thursday. Parrikar, accompanied by members of his family, a medical team and officials of the Chief Minister's Office, flew from US to Mumbai, before arriving in Goa on Thursday evening amid heavy police security. A visibly-thin Parrikar, who walked out of the terminal building at the Dabolim International Airport wearing a blue shirt, was welcomed by Health Minister Vishwajit Rane and Director General of Police Muktesh Chander, among other Goa government officials and state BJP office bearers. He then headed for his private residence near here. Bharatiya Janata Party sources said, that Parrikar may cancel the meeting of his council of ministers, which was scheduled to be held on Friday. "The Chief Minister is tired after the visit. The cabinet meeting which was scheduled to be held at his private residence, may be rescheduled," a senior BJP functionary said. Parrikar was shifted to the US in March this year, after being diagnosed for advanced pancreatic cancer. He was first admitted to the Lilawati Hospital in Mumbai in February, after he complained of stomach pain. New Delhi, June 14 : The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) can now conduct main exams for Upper Subordinate Services Examination 2017 as the Supreme Court on Thursday allowed its appeal challenging the Allahabad High Court order directing re-evaluation of the answer-sheets. Preliminary exam for 677 positions were held on September 24, 2017. Advertisement for the same was issued on February 22, 2017. Initially exam was for recruitment of 251 posts but later it was increased to 677. Allowing the appeal by the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission, the vacation bench of Justice Uday Umesh Lalit and Justice Deepak Gupta set aside the High Court's March 30 order directing the re-evaluation of the answer-sheets of the preliminary examination. " ... we are clearly of the view that the High Court over stepped its jurisdiction by giving the directions which amounted to setting aside the decision of experts in the field," the apex court said. "The law is well settled that the onus is on the candidate to not only demonstrate that the key answer is incorrect but also that it is a glaring mistake which is totally apparent and no inferential process or reasoning is required to show that the key answer is wrong," observed Justice Gupta speaking for the bench. The court also said that the constitutional courts "must exercise great restraint in such matters and should be reluctant to entertain a plea challenging the correctness of the key answers". "Judges cannot take on the role of experts in academic matters. Unless, the candidate demonstrates that the key answers are patently wrong on the face of it, the courts cannot enter into the academic field, weigh the pros and cons of the arguments given by both sides and then come to the conclusion as to which of the answer is better or more correct," said the judgment accepting the challenge to High Court order of re-evaluation of answer-sheets. When there are conflicting views, then the court "must bow down to the opinion of the experts", it added. "Judges are not and cannot be experts in all fields and, therefore, they must exercise great restraint and should not overstep their jurisdiction to upset the opinion of the experts," said the judgment pointing to limited scope of judicial review in such matters. The court noted that before final answer key was uploaded, the answer key provided by the one who had set the paper for preliminary exam was vetted by the two committees of experts having 15 and 18 members respectively. The answer key that emerged after being vetted by the two expert committees was uploaded for inviting suggestions. There was 962 objections which were gone into for two days by another 26 member expert committee before the final answer key for the purposes of final result was uploaded. The High Court had ordered the deletion of certain questions and re-evaluation of the answer sheets of the candidates on the basis of the correct answer to the questions identified by it. It had ordered the candidates who would qualify the preliminary examination after re-evaluation would be entitled to appear in main written examination, also adding that the andidates who had earlier qualified the preliminary examination but failed to be successful after re-evaluation will not be entitled to appear in main written examination. Aggrieved candidates had moved the High Court challenging the correctness of 14 questions and it, after examining these, negated the plea in respect of 11 questions and deleted one question. In case of another question, the High Court held that there were two correct answers. In the case of remaining one question, it accepted the contention of petitioner candidate while not agreeing with the Commission. Srinagar, June 14 : Senior journalist and Editor-in-Chief of English daily "Rising Kashmir" Shujat Bhukhari was on Thursday shot dead by militants outside his office here, police said. Militants fired from close range at Bukhari outside his office in the Press Enclave area of Residency Road here, critically injuring him, his driver and a security guard, police sources said. All the three injured were shifted to hospital, where Bukhari and his driver were declared dead by doctors and the security guard is critical, the sources said. Qingdao (China), June 14 : A forum to promote film cooperation among the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) member countries was held in east China's Shandong province on Thursday. The forum, a cultural exchange activity following the latest SCO summit here, was themed "respecting diverse civilizations and promoting film cooperation", Xinhua news agency reported. "China stands ready to co-produce movies, increase cooperation on training film talent and develop mechanisms for film exchanges with other SCO states," said the Chinese delegation at the forum. The film cooperation forum, initiated by China, won wide support from other SCO states, which described the event as a good platform to deepen film cooperation. The 8-member bloc comprises of China, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, India and Pakistan. The Beijing Film Academy will offer one-year training programmes to young people from SCO countries to study film production in China. China Film CO., Ltd. will also invite people in the film industry of other SCO states to China for further study. Sagar Island: The Indian Coast Guard carries out rescue operations after container vessel MV SSL Kolkata caught fire on Wednesday night, at West Bengal's Sagar island on June 14, 2018. Image Source: IANS/Twitter/@IndiaCoastGuard Sagar Island: The Indian Coast Guard carries out rescue operations after container vessel MV SSL Kolkata caught fire on Wednesday night, at West Bengal's Sagar island on June 14, 2018. Image Source: IANS/Twitter/@IndiaCoastGuard Kolkata, June 14 : The Indian Coast Guard on Thursday rescued all 22 crew members of a merchant container vessel after a devastating fire broke out in the ship in the Bay of Bengal, a senior coast guard official said here. The container ship, MV SSL Kolkata, that was on its way to the city with 464 containers on board, caught fire on Wednesday night, the officer said. "Our Coast Guard ship arrived in the area in the morning. The captain decided to save the crew and abandon the ship. On his request, we have successfully picked up all the 22 survivors. As of now, all 22 people are being brought to Haldia in the coast guard ship," Coast Guard Commander (NE) Inspector General K.S. Sheoran said here. "The sea was very bad at the accident site. There were high waves and the wind was very strong. Almost 60-70 percent of the ship was on fire by that time," he said. The reason of the fire is still not confirmed. According to the Coast Guard, the owners of the ship, Shreyas Shipping & Logistics have hired tugboats from the nearby ports that would work on salvage operation of the remaining goods, unaffected in the blaze. "The owner of the ship has hired big tugboats from Haldia port and Dhamra port in Odisha. They have also engaged salvage companies from Singapore. The salvage operations will start after sometime. The first priority was to save the captain and the crew, which the coast guard has done successfully," the officer added. The fire on board the merchant vessel was of such magnitude that a Seaking 42C helicopter and a Dornier aircraft from Vizag had to be launched on Thursday morning at first day light, in coordination with the coast guard, to assist in search and rescue. However, the two aeroplanes were rooted back to Vizag after receiving a message that search and rescue operations would be over by the time the two aircraft reached overhead. According to the monitoring team of the Haldia dock, the ship is likely to be grounded. Moscow, June 14 : The Russian government on Thursday proposed raising the retirement age of citizens despite public sentiments to the contrary. The government proposed to gradually extend the age of retirement to 65 from 60 for men and to 63 from 55 for women from 2019, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said at a government meeting broadcast live by the Russia-24 TV channel. He said the government proposed to introduce a transition period from 2019 in order to reach step-by-step the retirement age of 65 for men in 2028 and 63 for women in 2034. But women working for 40 years and men for 45 years will be allowed to retire two years earlier than the generally established retirement age, Xinhua news agency reported. However, Russia's independent market research company ROMIR published the results of a poll on Thursday, showing that 92 per cent of the respondents did not support raising the retirement age. More than half of the 1,500 people aged 18 years or older polled in cities and rural areas said men should retire at 60 and women at 55. Also on Thursday, the Russian Labor Confederation, the country's second largest trade union, published a petition on the Internet, demanding to keep the current retirement age. The petition had been signed by nearly 200,000 people by Thursday afternoon. New Delhi, June 14 : Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday said he was anguished to hear about the killing of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari, "a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace". "I'm anguished to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of @RisingKashmir. "He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu and Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed," he said in tweets. Bukhari, the Editor-in-Chief of English daily "Rising Kashmir", was on Thursday shot dead by militants outside his office in Srinagar, police said. CALIFORNIA-- A bill gaining momentum with California lawmakers could make your fishing season more affordable. North State Assemblyman James Gallagher is trying to revamp the fishing industry to make it more popular in California. Fishing license sales have been on the decline in the state, according to Gallagher. His bill, AB 986, aims to give anglers an affordable option to buy consecutive, 12-month licenses. Right now, no matter when it's bought, fishing licenses for the year expire on December 31. The bill also offers discounts to California's veterans. It passed the Senate Natural Resources and Waters Committee with unanimous bi-partisan support. It now heads to the Senate Appropriations Committee for further consideration. Stay with Action News Now for all of your local coverage. SIGN UP: Get our daily newsletter New Delhi, June 14 : The Congress on Thursday supported the government's stand in dismissing the UN report on Human Rights in Kashmir, saying the report was "prepared with zero understanding of situation in Jammu and Kashmir". The party also said the "it condemned this kind of report and is completely uncalled for." "Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inseparable part of India. We reject UN Human Rights Report as a prejudiced attempt by vested interests to hurt India's sovereignity and national interests," said party spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala on Twitter. "Congress party supports the government's stand in dismissing the report," he said. "UNHRC prepared this report remotely with zero understanding of situation in J&K. "How does the report justify terrorism by self-styled militants of JeM and Hizbul Mujahideen? Should the UN overlook the state sponsored terrorism being exported on Indian soil by Pakistan?" he asked. Former Union Minister Rajeev Shukla said: "As far as this UN report on Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, I think this report has been released without getting into the details of the situation in the state." "I don't think any UN team has visited there. This kind of report will always encourage the terrorists groups. Whatever reaction government of India has given on this, Congress party supports that because we consider these groups as terrorists. "They cannot be called militant groups or fighting espousing their own cause and their own struggle. We condemn this kind of report and is completely uncalled for." Shukla, however, said the situation in J&K is grave as the soldiers are dying on the borders everyday due to cross-border terrorism. He also said the Central and state government are not able to manage the situation in the state and this is a matter of concern. India on Thursday rejected as "fallacious, tendentious and motivated" the first ever report on human rights in Kashmir released by the UN Office of the High Commissioner for Refugees. The 49-page report "details human rights violations and abuses on both sides of the Line of Control, and highlights a situation of chronic impunity for violations committed by security forces". Srinagar, June 14 : The United Nations' first ever report on rights violations in Kashmir has triggered a hot debate here with the separatists welcoming the report and the government rejecting it as "fallacious". Senior separatist leader, Mirwaiz Umer Farooq has welcomed the report saying that it was overdue. "Also welcome @UNHumanRights has also called for a meaningful resolution of the #Kashmir dispute inclusive of people of Kashmir. Unfortunate that GOI instead of taking cognisance of the report and making serious amends in its repressive policy in Kashmir has chosen to attack it", Mirwaiz said on his Twitter page. The Indian government has outright rejected the report, terming it "overtly prejudiced and seeks to build a false narrative". "It violated the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the Ministry of External Affairs said. The report has sought an international independent probe into human rights violations in Kashmir from July 2016 onwards - the time when Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani was killed in a gunfight with the security forces. Wani's killing was followed by massive civilian protests in which 110 civilians were killed in clashes with the security and scores injured. Over two dozen civilians lost their vision either permanently or partially because of the pellets fired from shotguns by the security forces. The UN report has called the pellet shotguns as "the most dangerous weapon still in use by the security forces in Kashmir". Junaid Azam Mattu, spokesman of the National Conference, however said that the report was a result of the Indian government not reaching out to the emotions and aspirations of the Kashmiri people. NC lawmaker Aga Syed Ruhullah also said the Centre had been ignoring the sentiments of the people. "The autonomy resolution submitted to the Central government was thrown into the dustbin despite the fact that it was passed by an overwhelming majority of the state assembly," he said. Bharatiya Janata Party spokesman, Brig Anil Gupta (retd) said the UN has prepared the report without any once visiting the state. "It is the handiwork of pro-Pakistan lobbies working overnight to tarnish India's fair image. J&K is an integral part of the country and nobody has any business meddling in our internal affairs," he said. At the national level, the Congress said the report needs to be rejected and the party supports the Central government's decision to reject the report. The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) leaders in the state refused to comment on the report. New Delhi, June 14 : Both India and Pakistan should fulfil their obligations under international human rights law and end the atmosphere of impunity to rights violations in Kashmir, Amnesty International India said on Thursday. It said the UN report on the human rights situation in Kashmir on both sides of the Line of Control reaffirmed the demands of various domestic and international human rights organisations to deliver justice for human rights abuses, and protect the freedoms of all people in Kashmir. In a statement, Amnesty International India Executive Director Aakar Patel said: "Both India and Pakistan should fulfil their obligations under international human rights law and end the atmosphere of impunity in Kashmir by conducting effective, impartial, and independent investigations into human rights abuses by armed forces." They should also end the use of repressive laws and respect the right of all people to peacefully express their opinions, he added. The 49-page report issued by the UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva on the human rights situation in "Indian-Administered and Pakistan-Administered Kashmir", detailed human rights violations and abuses on both sides of the Line of Control and highlighted a "situation of chronic impunity for violations committed by security forces". The Indian government has outright rejected the report, terming it "overtly prejudiced and seeks to build a false narrative". Amnesty International India also noted that the UN human rights body said it had made repeated requests to both India and Pakistan over two years for unconditional access to both sides of the Line of Control, but had been refused access. New Delhi, June 14 : Several journalist bodies on Thursday condemned the killing of senior journalist and Editor-in-Chief of English daily "Rising Kashmir" Shujat Bhukhari by militants in Srinagar. They also demanded that forces responsible for his killing should be brought to book at the earliest. Militants fired from close range at Bukhari outside his office in the Press Enclave area of Residency Road in Srinagar killing him and his driver while critically injuring a security guard. Condemning what it called a "dastardly attack", the Editors Guild of India said that Bukhari was "a voice of moderation and a courageous, big-hearted editor who mentored a large cadre of young journalists from Kashmir". "The guild calls upon the government of Jammu and Kashmir to take urgent steps to bring to book the culprits and ensure safety and security for the media in the state," it said in a statement. It added that an attack on a journalist challenges the very foundations of a free press and vibrant democracy and more so in a state like Jammu and Kashmir that is going through militancy. "The guild also calls upon the state and Central government to enhance security for all journalists in Jammu and Kashmir. Recent weeks have also seen threats of violence against many journalists in different parts of the country," it said. "The killing of Bukhari is a new low in a rapidly deteriorating environment for media practitioners in Kashmir, in particular, and in the country in general," it added. Expressing "shock", the Press Club of India also "strongly condemned" the killing in the holy month of Ramadan and said that "forces inimical to restoring peace in Kashmir Valley had silenced a voice of reason, logic and peace". "Press Club of India deeply mourns the loss of Shujaat Bukhari's life and extends its condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of crisis," it said in a statement. It added that the "terror attack" showed that lives of journalists were not safe. "Press Club of India has time and again underlined the threat to the lives of journalists working under difficult and challenging circumstances and demanded protection for them," it said. The Indian Women's Press Corps, Press Association and Federation of Press Clubs of India also expressed "deep shock and outrage at the brazen murder" of Bukhari. They said that Bukhari was a respected journalist known for his wide range of analytical writings on Kashmir and that he continued to write actively despite the death threats issued to him. "His murder can only be viewed as yet another attempt to muzzle the media and the freedom of the press in the valley," a joint statement said. Bukhari started his career as a young reporter with Kashmir Times and moved to The Hindu in the 1990s. Later, he established his own English daily Rising Kashmir. Islamic scholar and Imam-e-Eidgah Maulana Khalid Rasheed Firangi Mahali spots the Eid moon using binoculars, in Lucknow on June 14, 2018. Image Source: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS Kolkata: People busy shopping on the eve of Eid in Kolkata, on June 15, 2018. Image Source: Kuntal Chakrabarty/IANS New Delhi, June 14 : The holy festival of Eid-ul-Fitr which marks the end of Ramadan will be celebrated on Saturday, the Markazi Hilal Committee declared on Thursday. A comminique from the office of Shahi Imam Ahmed Bukhari said Eid will be celebrated on June 16 on the completion of 30 days of Ramadan as the new moon has not been sighted in India. "New moon not sighted, Eid to be celebrated on Saturday," the Markazi Hilal Committee declared in its meeting. The day of Eid falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal depending upon the sighting of the moon the previous night. New Delhi, June 14 : The Congress on Thursday said it was anguished to hear about the killing of senior Kashmiri journalist Shujaat Bukhari, with party President Rahul Gandhi terming him "a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace". The party also sought swift action to apprehend those responsible. "I'm anguished to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of @RisingKashmir. "He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu and Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed," Gandhi said in tweets. Bukhari, the Editor-in-Chief of English daily "Rising Kashmir", was on Thursday shot dead by militants outside his office in Srinagar, police said. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala also expressed shock over Bukhari's killing. "Anguished beyond words. Security situation in J&K has hit its nadir. Demand the Centre to take swift action to nab the killers. They can silence us but not our thoughts," he said in a tweet. New Delhi, June 14 : The Congress on Thursday described the severe air quality in Delhi as an "emergency-like situation" and accused the the AAP government in Delhi and the BJP at the Centre of fighting with each other to hide their failures. "Delhi is facing emergency-like situation of pollution... It is because the (public) transport system has come to a standstill in the tenure of Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) government," Delhi Congress Chief Ajay Maken said while leading a protest march against the severe air quality here. Hundreds of party workers gathered outside Rajiv Chowk Metro Station in central Delhi. Targeting Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, Maken said: "Air pollution in Delhi have crossed danger mark, but Kejriwal is sitting on protest for his rights in air-conditioned rooms." "And likewise, the Bharatiya Janata party (BJP), which is also the ruling party in the MCD and at the Centre, is also sitting on protest... "Both the BJP and the AAP are fighting with each other just to hide their failures due to which people are suffering a lot," he alleged. Targeting both parties, Maken asked: "Who will raise the voice of people if both AAP and BJP will sit on dharna against each other in air-conditioned rooms? "If Kejriwal will sit on protest, who will fight for the rights of the people of the city, who will fight for water and electricity and against the air pollution?" Slamming the city government for failing on all fronts, the former Union Minister said that during the Congress regime in Delhi, there were 5,500 buses in the Delhi Transport Corporation (DTC) fleet which has now come down to 3,500 in AAP regime. "Kejriwal government had failed to even purchase a single DTC bus in his tenure of more than three and half years," he alleged. Highlighting the works of the Congress government under Sheila Dikshit, Maken said that during the 15 years of Congress rule in Delhi, for six years the BJP government was at the Centre. "But the Congress government converted the DTC buses and autos into CNG which brought laurels to Delhi government at international level and also helped lower the pollution level." "If the Congress government could carry out development works in Delhi, as alleged by the AAP, then why Kejriwal has failed to do it for the people of Delhi?" he questioned. Maken said that through this protest, "we want to wake up Arvind Kejriwal and his ministers from slumber and draw their attention towards the emergency-like situation of pollution in Delhi". New Delhi, June 14 : The Delhi Commission for Women (DCW) on Thursday wrote to the Deputy Commissioner of Police (DCP) seeking the reasons for the delay in arrest of self-styled godman Daati Maharaj, who has been accused of sexual assault by a woman. According to the Commission, the godman has not been arrested yet despite an FIR registered against him. "It has come to the knowledge of the Commission through media reports that the accused Daati Maharaj has not been arrested till now and he is giving interviews to the media from his ashram. This is a very serious matter," the letter stated. "Please provide an action taken report to the Commission within 48 hours of receipt of this notice," it added. The incident came to light after the 25-year-old victim registered a case in Fatehpur Beri Police Station under sections of 376 (rape), 377 (unnatural sex) and 354 (molestation) on Monday against the godman, who is the founder of Delhi-based Shree Shanidham Trust. DCW chief Swati Maliwal also said that the godman should be arrested immediately and proper investigation be done in the matter. "Deeply shocked. Daati Maharaj, a rape accused is yet to be arrested and is conveniently giving media interviews from his 'ashram'. DCW has issued notice to Crime Branch to seek reasons for same. Daati Maharaj should be immediately arrested and proper investigation done in the matter," she tweeted. Srinagar, June 14 : A soldier was abducted and killed by militants in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, police said. Police said the body of Aurangzeb, who had been abducted by militants in Shopian, was found in Pulwama district. The soldier, belonging to 44 Rashtriya Rifles, had boarded a private vehicle to reach Shopian where from he was supposed to go to his home in Rajouri district for Eid celebrations. Sources here said the soldier was part of the army team that had killed top Hizbul Mujahideen commander, Sameer Tiger, on April 30. Kolkata, June 14 : West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday expressed shock over the killing of senior journalist and Rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari by militants outside his office in Srinagar. "Saddened and shocked at the brutal killing of respected editor and senior journalist @bukharishujaat. With a few hours to go for Eid this is terrible," Banerjee tweeted. "No words are enough for this big tragedy." State police chief S.P.Vaid said that it was around 7.15 p.m., the Iftar time, that Bukhari came out of his office in Press Enclave and was boarding his car when he was attacked by militants. SACRAMENTO, Calif. (AP) - California's next state budget will fill the state's rainy day fund just four years after Gov. Jerry Brown convinced voters to boost the savings threshold in preparation for a recession. But filling it brings a strange dynamic. If the good economic times continue the state can't put substantially more money in the fund. But it's not nearly enough to keep the state afloat during even one bad year. Lawmakers are preparing to vote Thursday on the nearly $140 billion general fund budget. It would boost total state savings to $16 billion, almost all in the rainy day fund. That money can't be tapped unless there's a fiscal emergency caused by a natural disaster or plummeting revenue. Socking away money has been a top priority for Brown. (Copyright 2018 The Associated Press.) Stay with Action News Now for Coverage you can Count on. SIGN UP: Get our daily newsletter Gurugram, June 14 : A man, who suspected his wife's character, strangled her to death here on Thursday, police said. He had married the woman after she accused that he had raped her a few years ago. The police said that Mahesh Kumar, 27, a resident of Jaipur, and his wife Seema, 31, hailing from Moti Nagar area of Delhi, were living in Suncity residential area of Gurugram. "Seema had slapped rape charges on Kumar in 2011 when he was living in Moti Nagar and running a shop. Later, both reached an agreement in 2013 and got married," Arvind Dahiya, chief of Sector 53 Police Station told IANS. Kumar, who ran his business earlier, had been without any work for the last two months. The police said that Kumar doubted the character of Seema and both often fought over the issue. "After heated arguments in early hours of Thursday, he strangulated Seema to death and hid her body in the house. But later in the day, he surrendered and narrated the story to the police," the officer said. United Nations, June 14 : It is up to the members of the UN Human Rights Council to follow up the recommendation of Human Rights High Commissioner Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein and set up an international commission to investigate the human rights situation in Kashmir, a spokesman for Secretary-General Antonio Guterres said Thursday. Asked by reporters if Guterres supports setting up the inquiry body, his deputy spokesperson Farhan Haq said: "This as you know is a question for the member states of the human rights council. Human Rights Commissioner Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein has made that proposal to the Human Rights Council and we will see and evaluate what the response will be." "As with all question regarding mandates by member states, it's up to the member states to determine the sort of mandates that the United Nations will have," he said in reply to a question about the prospects of a UN probe given the rejection of the report by India and acceptance by Pakistan. He added: "What the High Commissioner has done and what the Human Rights Office has done is provide with the best information that they have available even though they lacked the sort of access that they needed to either of the areas of Kashmir. At this stage they now have the report in the hands of the members of the Human Rights Council (and they) can determine whether any other steps are needed." India's term as a member of the Human Rights Council ended last year, while Pakistan is currently a member. About the Kashmir dispute, Haq said, "The parties need to resolve the situation in Kashmir through their own relations." The 49-page report issued on Thursday by the Office of the Human Rights High Commissioner said there was a "situation of chronic impunity for violations committed by security forces" and listed human rights violations on both sides of the Line of Control. India rejected the report asserting that it "is overtly prejudiced and seeks to build a false narrative". External Affairs Ministry Spokesperson Raveesh Kumar dismissed it as "a selective compilation of largely unverified information." (Arul Louis can be reached at arul.l@ians.in) Kolkata, June 14 : The Press Club, Kolkata on Thursday joined the media fraternity in protesting against the brutal killing of renowned Journalist and editor of 'Rising Kashmir' Shujaat Bukhari in Srinagar. Describing Bukhari as a respected and courageous journalist, the club in a statement said his independent views were highly visible in the social media also. "He was respected as a courageous journalist propagating his independent views from the disturbed areas of the valley," it said, terming the killing an attack against free press and democracy. "Press Club, Kolkata condemns this heinous act of crime which is considered as an attack against the free press and democracy," the statement added. Bukhari was shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside his office in Press Enclave area at Lal Chawk in Srinagar on Thursday evening. New Delhi, June 14 : Delhi BJP Chief Manoj Tiwari on Thursday described Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal as an actor, who scripts a play and does the lead role and accused him of acting as a "pawn for anti-national elements". "Kejriwal is a big actor. He writes the script, directs the play and himself plays the lead role," Tiwari told media here. Attacking the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leader, the Bharatiya Janata Party leader said that after being in power for over three and half years, suddenly he remembers that Delhi has not got full statehood. "People of Delhi are suffering due to the acute water shortage, while he is sitting in an airconditioned room. "He is just doing drama," Tiwari said. The BJP leader also said that the AAP leader has written to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to divert the attention of the people from the real issues of power and water shortage. Tiwari's remarks came soon after Kejriwal urged Modi to intervene to end the "strike" by the IAS officers as there has been no communication from the Lt Governor Anil Baijal's office. The sit-in protest at the Lt. Governor's office by Kejriwal, Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues entered its fourth day on Thursday while the hunger strike by Health Minister Satyendar Jain entered day two and that by Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia completed a day. Tiwari also said: "In 1993, there was a BJP government in Delhi while a Congress government was at the Centre. Similarly, in 1998, there was a Congress government in Delhi and BJP government at the Centre. Then also both the governments worked for the development of the city. "But here in last three years of the AAP rule, the city has been pushed 10 years back." Jaipur, June 14 : Rajasthan Governor Kalyan Singh on Thursday asked the state government to do away with the practice of according guard of honour to him on his arrival/departure from the Raj Bhavan and during district tours. The Governor had sent a letter in January to the state Home Department seeking their opinion on discontinuing the age-old protocol. The Home Department, in its reply on Thursday,said it could be discontinued and the Governor on Thursday sent his consent on discontinuing this protocol. Kalyan Singh had himself taken the initiative of discontinuing the protocol from June 9 during his travel to Jodhpur where he had put a stop to this practice. New Delhi, June 14 : More parties and leaders have come out in support of the sit-in by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, with Samajwadi Party President Akhilesh Yadav, actors-turned-politicians Kamal Hassan and Shatrughan Sinha, the CPI-M and the CPI the latest. The sit-in by Kejriwal, Deputy Chief Minister Manish Sisodia and Cabinet ministers Satyendar Jain and Gopal Rai at the Lt. Governor's office entered its fourth day on Thursday. Akhilesh Yadav, in a tweet, said the capturing of Secretariat of the national capital by the political party in power points towards a "situation worse than the killing of the democracy". "This is an arrogance of the power. Those who are capturing the democracy with their power today will also capture the houses of the people. The people are angry as well as scared," he said. Disgruntled BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha, in a series of tweets, said the current situation is "not good or desirable for our Delhi government, Central government and the people of our country". "Can you expect a swimmer to swim when we tie his arms and hands? That is what has been done with our young, dynamic and one of the country's popular gentleman politician Kejriwal. Time for a full-fledged struggle for Delhi statehood... "Dear Sir! You will remember that this (full statehood for Delhi) has been a very strong demand of our party since ages and of some other parties too. Sir, when do we see this happening? I hope, wish and pray it is soon, sooner the better," he tweeted. Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader and Bihar's Leader of Opposition Tejashwi Yadav also attacked the BJP for taking "revenge". "The people of Delhi have been rejecting the BJP from past 20 years and so the BJP in the centre is interrupting the works of the Kejriwal government to take revenge from the people of the Delhi. This is a beginning of an unhealthy tradition," he said. Kamal Hassan, president of Makkal Needhi Maiam, equated the situation in Delhi and Pondicherry. "Interference in the functioning of an elected government is unacceptable in a democracy. In fact what is happening in Delhi and in TN/Pondicherry are not too different. It is frustrating for people who want a change for the better," he tweeted. Communist Party of India-Marxist General Secretary Sitaram Yechury also came in support of Kejriwal, accusing BJP of attacking federalism. "BJP central government is using the office of the LG to obstruct the elected state government in Delhi to discharge its constitutional duties. This is despicable. The Centre must abandon this course of the confrontation right away. "The BJP at the Centre has a terrible track record on federalism; of targeting states which are Opposition-ruled, their most recent bid was to attempt an illegal capture of the Karnataka state govt," he said in a tweet. New Delhi, June 15 : Health ministers of northeastern states on Thursday sought intervention of Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda into the shortage of faculty members in the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) in Meghalaya's capital Shillong. Nadda said he has taken note of the problems faced by the central medical institute, they said. Meghalaya Health Minister Alexander Hek, who was accompanied by his counterparts from the other northeastern states, urged Nadda to fill various vacant positions in the teaching and non-teaching departments. Arunachal Pradesh Health and Family Welfare Minister, Alo Libang, Nagaland Health and Family Welfare Minister, S. Pangyu Phom, Manipur Health and Family Welfare Minister, L. Jayantakumar Singh, Sikkim Health and Family Welfare Minister Arjun Kumar Ghatani and Assam Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Minister Pijush Hazarika were also present at the meeting. The North East Health Ministers also raised the issue of de-recognition of the Post Graduate course at NEIGRIHMS with the Union minister and requested him for his personal intervention. Following the meeting, Nadda told the North East Health Ministers that he is aware of the problems in NEIGRIHMS and promised them that he would soon call a meeting of the NEIGRIHMS Governing Council to address the problems. The NEIGRIHMS has been designed on the lines of the premier All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, and Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh. The hospital was built at an estimated cost of Rs 420 crore and has a 30-bed Intensive Care Unit and 35 specialty and super specialty departments. Washington, June 15 : A highly anticipated US Department of Justice report accuses ex-FBI director James Comey of being "insubordinate" but not biased, US media report. Inspector General Michael Horowitz found Comey broke "dramatically from FBI and department norms" in handling a probe into Hillary Clinton's emails, BBC reported. The 500-page report examines actions by top FBI and justice department officials before the 2016 election. The inspector general's report will be released in full later during the day. The report found while Comey's actions were not the result of political bias, "by departing so clearly and dramatically from FBI and department norms, the decisions negatively impacted the perception of the FBI and the department as fair administrators of justice", according to Bloomberg News. In announcing the review in January 2017, Horowitz said that there was overwhelming demand from lawmakers, members of the public, and "various organisations" to investigate claims of unprofessional behaviour on the part of the justice department and FBI employees. US President Donald Trump is among the most vocal critics of the FBI, repeatedly accusing several employees of being biased against him. The report focuses on Comey's decision in July 2016, then FBI director, to hold a news conference announcing that Hillary Clinton would not be criminally charged for using a private email server for classified information during her time as US Secretary of State. Eleven days before the presidential election, Mr Comey announced that the bureau was investigating new emails related to the Clinton email probe. Mrs Clinton and her aides have blamed Mr Comey for her election loss to Mr Trump while Democrats pointed out he that remained silent at the time about an investigation into possible collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign. Mr Trump's decision to fire Mr Comey in May 2017 led the Department of Justice to appoint ex-FBI director Robert Mueller to open a special counsel investigation into the Russia investigation. Mr Trump has repeatedly denied any collusion with the Kremlin, calling Russia investigation a "witch hunt". The report criticises Mr Comey and other senior officials for decisions made in the lead-up to the US election in 2016. The inspector general found "a troubling lack of any direct, substantive communication" between Mr Comey and former Attorney General Loretta Lynch. But the report also touched on text messages exchanged between two FBI officials who worked on Special Counsel Mueller's investigation. Republicans have seized on exchanges between Peter Strzok, a senior counter-intelligence agent, and Lisa Page, an FBI lawyer who also temporarily worked on the Mueller investigation and with whom Mr Strzok was having an extramarital affair, to argue that the agency was biased against Mr Trump. When Ms Page asked if Mr Trump would become president, Mr Strzok responded: ""No. No he won't. We'll stop it," according to a copy of the report, obtained by the Washington Post. On Thursday, the president took to Twitter to deny that there was any collusion and to call the allegations "phony" and "a pile of garbage". Mr Trump has also criticised Mr Comey for his handling of the Clinton email investigation. "After years of Comey, with the phony and dishonest Clinton investigation (and more), running the FBI, its reputation is in Tatters - worst in History! But fear not, we will bring it back to greatness," Mr Trump tweeted in December. Bouwinvest has signed three agreements with different developers to buy 583 homes for its residential funds portfolio of mid-priced free market rental housing in key cities across the Netherlands. The company also disclosed that Colliers International will relocate its Dutch headquarters to the office funds iconic Building 1962 near Amsterdams [] GUEST OBSERVATION Chinese direct investment in Australia has declined, according to a new report by the University of Sydney and KPMG. In 2017, the value of investment fell by 11% in US dollar terms, from $11.5 billion in 2016 (A$15.4 billion) to $10.3 billion (A$13.3 billion). In early 2018, we also surveyed nearly 50 Chinese executives in Australia. The responses show Chinese investors are feeling apprehensive and reluctant to engage in a climate of insecurity created by current debate about Chinas role in Australia. The investment drop occurred in nearly all areas of Chinese investment in Australia, including: commercial real estate, where investment was down 22% infrastructure (-89%) food and agribusiness (-8%) renewable energy (-64%) oil and gas (-84%). Growth occurred in mining and energy, with a 448% increase in investment, health care (20%), transport (2%) and smaller areas such as services and manufacture (38%). The decline in Chinese investment does not come as a surprise. Chinese outbound investment in all countries was down 29% in 2017. Chinese investment in the United States fell by 35% and in the European Union by 17% after large increases in 2016. Some of this is a result of actions by Chinese regulators since late 2016. They have targeted speculative irrational investment and capital flight, grouped outbound investment into three categories prohibited, restricted and encouraged and directly intervened in some high-profile international transactions. However, the new regulations and the curb on speculative investments only marginally affect Australia. The more important news is Australia did not pick up increased Chinese investment in the encouraged industries, namely services, agriculture and infrastructure. These are areas where Australia has strong competitive advantages and is highly complementary to Chinese economic interests. Combined Chinese investment in Australias agribusiness, infrastructure, renewable energy and services halved in 2017. Commercial real estate, the second-largest area behind mining in 2017, has fallen two years in a row. The only two growth areas in the encouraged category were mining and health care. Lithium mining and Yancoals A$3.4 billion acquisition of Rio Tintos thermal coal assets boosted mining investment. Health-care investment rose by 20% with several large investments in health service providers and supplements. Two structural trends have underpinned the decline in investment volume. First, private investors with smaller investment volumes are crowding out larger investments by state-owned enterprises. Second, investment by new entrants is declining in favour of repeat investors. The report adds fuel to the debate about the Australian governments political stance towards China and its impact on economic relations. If the intent was to slow down Chinese investment in Australia, this has been achieved. Feeling less welcome In our survey, more than half of our respondents either agreed (48%) or strongly agreed (4%) that they felt less welcome in Australia, compared to just over one-third (35%) of respondents in 2014. Asked about the level of support from major stakeholders, Australian media received the lowest rating overall. Business leaders were seen as the most supportive group. State governments and local councils were also given positive ratings. Local communities were seen as less supportive, ahead of the federal government. The Foreign Investment Review Board (FIRB) received the lowest government rating. Two-thirds (67%) of respondents strongly agreed (17%) or agreed (50%) agreed that the federal government was less supportive of Chinese investment than previously. A slightly higher number (70%) stated that the political debate about China had made their company more cautious about investing in Australia. Half of the respondents (52%) felt that Australia was a safer place to invest than many other countries, down from 63% in 2014. The majority view was in spite of problems such as higher business costs than in the United Kingdom, United States and Canada, difficulties in finding qualified staff, and communication issues with local staff and management. The Chinese investors evaluation of business success over the past three years and the outlook for the year ahead confirms their overall positive attitude towards Australia. Growth in turnover and profitability was reported by 65% percent and 45% of respondents respectively. For 2018, a similar number of respondents expect growth in turnover (64%) and profitability (42%). Half of the respondents (49%) expressed optimism about business prospects for the year ahead. Politics plays into business Personal interviews with a smaller number of local Chinese companies confirmed the prevailing feelings of insecurity and apprehension. Chinese investors discuss the political situation among each other and with head offices in China, which are concerned about negative reporting. In the absence of positive signals from the federal government, larger investments by state-owned enterprises in infrastructure building, for example are unlikely to go ahead. The report highlights the potential business implications of trying to separate business from politics in the relationship with China. Business co-operation between Australia and China is strategic rather than purely transactional. This means bilateral diplomatic relations have an important signalling function for long-term and large-scale investments. Australia needs to build up supply chains and infrastructure to maintain its competitive advantage and to increase capacities in growing export industries such as agriculture and services. This in turn requires substantial investments. So far, state governments and business are seen as supportive, but a more predictable diplomatic environment is indispensable for securing long-term strategic investment. Hans Hendrischke, Professor of Chinese Business and Management, University of Sydney Wei Li, Lecturer, Business School, University of Sydney This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. REDDING, Calif - As the days warm up, construction and road workers head out doors to get their jobs done. For the companies this is the best time to assign work because they dont have to deal with rain and wind getting in the way. But for construction workers this means standing outside in the hot weather for hours. So Action News Now reporter Elizabeth Zelidon stopped and spoke with one employee on Wednesday to ask what he does to beat the summer heat. We just drink a lot of water. Try to stay in the shade whenever we can take breaks drink a lot of gatorade. And just stay hydrated out here," said Cliff Clement from Ward's Construction. CLICK HERE FOR THE SAFETY AND HEALTH MAGAZINE ARTICLE When Action News Now did further research, one article from the Safety and Health Magazine says 17 construction workers died in 2015 because of heat related conditions. They add ways to stay safe are exactly what Cliff said wear light clothing, drink plenty of water, avoid caffeine and stay in the shade. GUEST OBSERVATIONS What is economics all about? Ask a person in the street and the most likely answer will be along the lines of economics is about money, earning money, something similar to business and finance. But economics is more than just the study of money there is a whole other side of economics that many people have never thought of. It is time we spread this message to attract more students, especially women and those from minority backgrounds, into economics. A lack of diversity among economists has serious consequences for society. A survey of US economists found that the gender mix of economists could affect the nature of policy advice they provide. In Australia, more than half of university economics students are in the top quarter of socio-economic status, with only about 10% in the bottom quarter. The low proportion of women, minorities and students from low socioeconomic backgrounds in the field of economics affects social problems we should all care about. Economics can help patients find the right kidney donors or match foster children with the most suitable parents. When you do a Google search or use wireless internet, have you ever thought of the integral part that auction theory, a subfield of economics, plays in todays digital age? What about the most important issues facing humanity today? Media articles portray an inaccurate picture when they say that young people care more about social issues and the environment than about the economy. Without economics, none of these social and environmental issues can be tackled effectively. Various specialisations of economics (including public, political, environmental, health, labour, cultural, social welfare, gender and development economics) analyse social issues and design testable solutions and policies for major problems of our times. This includes issues such as climate change, inequality, poverty and immigration. Society has evolved into an economy. This means we need economic literacy to remain politically and socially informed. The problem begins with getting students into the economics pipeline. How does an image problem affect the pipeline? The widespread misconception that economics is essentially business and commerce creates a major hurdle to attracting students into economics. Since high schools introduced business studies in 1991, enrolments in Year 12 economics have fallen by almost 70%. The lack of female participation in high school economics is equally stark. A 2016 study for the Reserve Bank found only about one-third of Year 12 economics students were female in 2016, down from around half 25 years ago. At Australian universities, women account for between 25% and 45% of undergraduate economics students. Low female participation in economics at school flows on to a lack of women in economics, especially in academia. Less than 10% of economics professors at Group of Eight universities are women. Too few high schools teach economics. Even when it is taught, its importance in solving social issues is neglected. Most high school students dont get to know what an economist actually does and what the potential of economics can truly be. Moreover, economics is offered mostly in private and boys schools. That helps explain why mostly students from a certain gender and socioeconomic background choose it as their career. This contributes to the lack of diversity in economic leadership and the related consequences for public policy and business decisions. Paul Morse/White House Archives, CC BY Another misconception about economics is that it is a difficult and mathematical subject, which women cannot succeed in or would not enjoy studying. In any case, there is no evidence that women are worse than men in mathematical subjects, including economics. On the contrary, several studies document the stereotype threat to the performance of women in these subjects. Finally, the ambiguity of career paths for economics graduates is an important factor in the pipeline problem. If you study law, you become a lawyer. If you study medicine, you become a doctor. What occupation do you get as a graduate of economics? Most young people are not able to answer this question. Having a clear idea of job prospects is crucial for students, especially those from certain demographic groups, when choosing a university degree. Author provided How can we fix economics image problem? Unlike declining enrolments in STEM subjects (science, technology, engineering, maths), the decline in economics enrolments, especially by women, has received little public attention. The remedy probably starts with expanding the number of high schools that teach economics. The curriculum also needs to be redesigned to highlight the relevance of economics to our daily lives and, more broadly, for resolving social problems. Universities can also do a lot more. Initiatives that can help include organising high school events where speakers talk about social issues through an economics lens, choosing female speakers for these events, and preparing career guides that explain the wide range of paths that economists can follow. Recently, steps have been taken to increase womens participation in economics both at universities, such as the Women in Economics program at the University of Adelaide and Women in Economics Hackathon at the University of Queensland, and nationwide (Women in Economics Network). These initiatives promise the start of a new era for the pipeline problem of women in economics in Australia. Yet a lot remains to be done to resolve the image problem of economics. Portraying a more accurate and inclusive image of economics in the media would be an effective step in this direction. Duygu Yengin, Associate Professor of Economics, University of Adelaide This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. W Hotels is coming to Sydney, with completion slated for the luxury hotel at Darling Harbour in 2020. W Sydney will feature 593 guest rooms, suites and serviced apartments, with a rooftop pool deck dubbed the 'Wet Deck' offering city skyline views. The hotel will be built and developed by Grocon and funded by Greaton Group and is part of The Ribbon development designed by architect Hassel. W Hotels Worldwide global brand leader Anthony Ingham said Sydney is a perfect match for W Hotels. Sydney with its glamorous energy, cultural diversity and statement architecture is the perfect match for W Hotels." Wherever my travels take me, I am asked again and again when W is returning to Sydney, and I am thrilled to finally be able to answer the question. "With the long-awaited return of the W brand in Sydney, Australia will now have three W hotels, along with W Brisbane and W Melbourne demonstrating just how important and exciting this continent is for global travel. There will be a restaurant, two bar and the brand's signature Living Room and AWAY spa, as well as a state of the art FIT gym, and 925 sqm of event space including a grand ballroom. Marriott International senior director of hotel development Richard Crawford said they are excited to have found the right location and partner who shares their vision. The boundary breaking approach to luxury from W Hotels is a worldwide phenomenon, and there is no better city than Sydney to shake off convention and shake up the way its always been done. "The property will be a game-changer for Sydney and an absolute market leader when it comes to luxury hotels in the city. W Brisbane open in June and W Melbourne is also set for completion in 2020. W Hotels are targeting 75 hotels across the world by the end of 2020. W Sydney is part of Marriott International's expanding Australian portfolio which currently stands at 18. The Ritz-Carlton Melbourne, The Ritz-Calrton Perth and The Tasman, a luxury collection hotel in Hobart, are all under development. The first Marriott in 20 years is being built in Melbourne's Docklands and is being described as Melbourne's new home of five star living. Castran Gilbert, who are marketing the apartments, have a free ebook on property investment tips in Melbourne. If you are new to iQ you can schedule a demo and learn more about this opportunity. PSFK iQ - Where Innovators Turn for Research. Our professional-grade research platform is designed specifically for Retail and CX leaders who want to know whats next. Whether youre staying current on trends or need a real-time research partner to help you get ahead, count on PSFK iQ to deliver the info you need to make your next move. Last month, YA author Victoria Aveyard set out on a seven-city tour in honor of the release of War Storm, the final installment of her bestselling Red Queen series. Aveyard joined a number of fellow writers in a series of events, which drew crowds of more than 200 fans. The celebration kicked off on May 15, the day of the books release, at DIESEL in Santa Monica, Calif., and wrapped up on the 21st at Literati Bookstore in Ann Arbor, Mich. Weve gathered a selection of photos, highlighting memorable moments from the tour. The author signed books during a visit to Literati Bookstore. Aveyard joined authors Susan Dennard (l.) and Brittany Cavallaro (center) in conversation at Literati. Cinda Williams Chima (center), author of the Shattered Realms series, and Megan Whalen Turner (r.), author of the Queens Thief books, appeared with Aveyard for a discussion of YA fantasy at Books & Co. in Dayton, Ohio. The War Storm author with Sharon Kelly Roth, director of public relations at Books & Co. Rebecca Ross, author of The Queens Rising, and Aveyard at Barnes & Noble in Tulsa. Johnson County Public Library in Indianapolis hosted a discussion with Aveyard and Francesca Zappia (Eliza and Her Monsters) at Clark Pleasant Middle School. Here, the authors joined Sarah Taylor, programming manager at JCPL. Local musician Beth Crowley performed an original song inspired by the Red Queen series, during an event at Woodstock High School in Woodstock, Ga., hosted by FoxTale Book Shoppe. (Front row, from l.): YA authors Nic Stone (Odd One Out) and Rebecca Ross appeared in conversation with Aveyard at Woodstock High School. Rosss family (standing) also turned out for the event. A new picture book by Christian Robinson is a noteworthy event, especially since his next release will mark his first publication as both author and illustrator. In Another (Atheneum, Apr. 2019), whose cover is revealed here exclusively for the first time, Robinson plays with the physical format of the picture book in a way he hopes will encourage readers to spin the book around, look at pages upside down, and consider new perspectivesappropriate for a book with a theme of discovery. When I think about stories that I gravitated toward as a child, I think of narratives that take you on adventures to other worlds, places in which anything is possible, Robinson said in a promotional letter he wrote for the book addressed Dear Observers, which he says feels like the most accurate name for someone viewing a wordless book. Robinson is among the most decorated illustrators of the past decade, having won a Caldecott Honor for Last Stop on Market Street (Putnam, 2015), the Newbery Medal winner written by Matt de la Pena; a Boston Globe-Horn Book Honor for Josephine: The Dazzling Life of Josephine Baker, written by Patricia Hruby Powell (Chronicle, 2014;) and recognition from the New York Times, which named Leo: A Ghost Story, written by Mac Barnett (Chronicle, 2015) one of its Best Illustrated Childrens Books of the Year. His first solo effort echoes the adventures of Alice in Wonderland as Robinsons heroine follows not a rabbit but her black kitty into and down a hole, surfacing in a parallel universe full of wonder, play, and maybe, even a different version of herself. Growing up, Robinson says he didnt see a lot of characters who looked like him in the adventure stories he loved, so he set out to create one himself. I was moved to tell a story about a girl who rarely sees herself as an explorer of new worlds, he said. When children see themselves and their experiences reflected in books, they are being sent a message that their story matters and that they matter. The book, edited by Emma Ledbetter, will publish on April 2, 2019. Four years ago, just before the first BookCon literary fanfest, the long-simmering frustration among many in the industry and beyond concerning the lack of diversity in contemporary childrens literature boiled over, and We Need Diverse Books was born. Since 2014, the grassroots organization has been front and center at trade shows and literary festivals, and both BookExpo and BookCon organizers also have committed themselves to scheduling panels meant to raise awareness of diversity and multiculturalism in literature. The diversity movement is now stepping it up a notch. If there was a common theme to the In ConversationLatinX Authors and Rise Up! panels at BookExpo 2018, as well as the We Need Diverse Books panel at this years BookCon, it was this: diversity should not be a monolith in publishingthere are multiplicities of differences. Theres not one LatinX story, moderator Cristina Arreola, senior books editor at Bustle, pointed out during a lively discussion among LatinX childrens authors Diana Lopez (Lucky Luna), Sarai Gonzalez (Sarai and the Meaning of Awesome), and Daniel Jose Older (the Shadowshaper series), plus author-illustrator Rafael Lopez (Weve Got the Whole World in Our Hands). Its not one culture, its a lot of cultures, Gonzalez added, as LatinX peoples include Mexicans, Puerto Ricans, Central Americans, most South Americans, and Spaniards, among othersas well as, in the U.S., the children of immigrants. Noting that she is a Mexican-American who grew up in Texas, Diana explained that her best friend grew up in Puerto Rico, and thus speaks a completely different dialect. We all write from our experience, she said. I understand the Tex-Mex experience and Tex-Mex Spanish. I cant understand [her friends] Spanish. After Arreola noted that Esperanza Rising, the 2000 historical YA novel set in Mexico by Pam Munoz Ryan, was the only novel with LatinX characters and themes available to her during her childhood, Older said that, growing up Cuban, there were no books reflecting his experiencewhich motivated him to become a writer. I had to translate characters, he said. I dont want that happening to anybody else. Rafael Lopez noted that of all the panelists, only Gonzalez gets to see herself in a book during her youth, as the 13-year-old actress and dancers first volume in a series based on her life and adventures, Sarai and the Meaning of Awesome, is being published in September. Rafael explained that, now that more LatinX writers are getting published, and book covers are showing more LatinX faces, its incumbent upon LatinX authors to show the world how complex we are by writing books that go beyond stories about tortillas. Older pointed out that the LatinX experience traditionally is reduced to brown-ness, and that he hopes there will be more attention paid in the future to Afro-LatinX peoples and cultures in contemporary literature. The Poet X by Elizabeth Acevedo is a good start, he said. The discussion among the Rise Up! panelistsYA authors Becky Albertalli and Adam Silvera (What If Its Us), Tahereh Mafi (A Very Large Expanse of Sea), and Ibi Zoboi (Pride)moderated by Veronica Chambers (Resist: 35 Profiles of Ordinary People Who Rose Up Against Tyranny and Injustice), touched upon many subjects, including the notion that these authors are writing fiction as a means of resistance to the dominant paradigm. The bravest thing Ive ever done is committing to being a writer, believing in what I want to do, and sharing my truth, Zoboi, who originally hails from Haiti, said. I never thought I had permission to write about characters who look like me. It wasnt until Edwidge Danticats novel, Breath, Eyes, Memory, with its Haitian protagonist, was selected in 1998 by Oprah Winfrey for her book club, that Zoboi felt validated, that a Haitian was chosen. For her part, Albertalli said that, when she was younger, she didnt feel that it was possible for a fat girl to have access to romance, until she read Dumplin by Julie Murphy. It was a game changer for me. Mafi, noting that she has to be brave every time she leaves her house, due to wearing a head covering in adherence to her Muslim beliefs, said that she regards writing fiction with Muslim-American protagonists as her way of telling what it is like to practice Islam in a post-9/11 U.S., and channeling her anger into writing. Silvera shared that writing a rom-com about a Puerto Rican boy and a Jewish boy really feels subversive to me, a sentiment that is amplified by the cover art for What If Its Us. To see a love story between two boys treated like a love story between a girl and a boy is so revolutionary, he said. I hope the visibility of two boys on the cover will help teenagers who are looking for such a read. While the title of this years WNDB panel at BookCon revealed little about its content, the author lineup indicated that magic in its various manifestations in middle grade and YA novels was on the menu: besides moderator Dhonielle Clayton (The Belles), the panel featured Tomi Adeyemi (Children of Blood and Bone), Tracey Baptiste (The Jumbies), Zoraida Cordova (Bruja Born), Anna-Marie McLemore (When the Moon Was Ours), and Rebecca Roanhorse (Trail of Lightning). WNDBs goal, panels co-chair Sandie Chen told PW, has always has been to move beyond Diversity 101 and to have conversations that dig deep into various issues surrounding representation and inclusiveness in childrens and YA literature. In this years panel, Chen said, the goal of the speakers was to illuminate that magic isnt limited to stories with European roots. For instance, Cordova said, the magic in her novels is inspired by her heritage, her Latin-American roots. The magic is infused with Catholic rituals, she said. My background is super Christian vs. paganism, which is dark magic. In contrast, McLemore took a more secular approach to magic, explaining that magic belongs to communities, magic is about community. The magic in her novels, she said, brings up your secrets, brings up the things you dont want to talk about. Roanhorse, who is Native, emphasized that she works hard to distinguish between magic and the spiritual in her novels, explaining that the powers that the protagonist gets from her ancestorsthats magic. What a medicine man doesthat is not magic. That is ritual. As for Baptiste, she regards magic as a natural extension of the everyday world, pointing out that as a child growing up in Trinidad, she always wore a magical talisman around her neck. The ability to overcome and persevere, the ability to survivethats magic, she said. And for Ayedemi, too, just as her stories are inspired by her Nigerian heritage and her experiences as a woman of color, the magic in her fiction is inspired by the real world. I always think lightning is cool, she said. Adeyemi and Baptiste both delved into their beliefs that, as women of color, they can best tell stories of oppression via fantasy. Sometimes, its easier to talk about racism and oppression in a fantasy world, Adeyemi said, while Baptiste noted, were not being subtle. Were writing to be entertaining, but were responding to the terrible things in the world in ways that are palatable to the reader. There are problems in this world that we want you to see in the way we see them. Update: An earlier version of this story misstated Daniel Jose Older's ethnic background and has been corrected. Published on: 14 June 2018 Queen Mary InQUBEate team working with a mentor Queen Mary InQUBEate team working with a mentor Queen Mary will use the money to improve and grow 'InQUBEate', the universitys start-up incubator programme, which provides seed funding, mentoring and training for students to test and develop business ideas. InQUBEate By providing an incubator workspace, the programme offers an essential aspect of support to entrepreneurs so that they can develop their teams, recruit new employees, and have a meeting space with clients in a respected location. The networking opportunities with other members will also form an essential part of the benefit this provides. Additionally, participants in the InQUBEate programme will have access to mentors through the workspace, and will receive regular visits from the Queen Mary enterprise team who will provide additional guidance and support. Professor Peter McOwan, Vice Principal (Public Engagement and Student Enterprise), said: Our student population is a source of innovative business ideas, but in order to bring these ideas to fruition it is vital that we work with students to develop their entrepreneurial skills and mindsets. This new funding from Santander will help us develop support for high potential businesses and provide dedicated workspace, as well as expert mentors for our budding entrepreneurs. Sometimes you just need a little push to make magic happen Olga Kravchenko, Queen Mary BA Drama graduate, took part in InQUBEate from January to March 2018 to develop her virtual reality company Musemio. Musemios vision is to provide quality, accessible cultural education for all children through virtual reality. This edtech platform provides a gamified learning journey for children between the ages of 7 to 12 by engaging with arts and cultural content supported by physical museum collections. Ms Kravchenko said: The progress we have made because of this programme - from February until March - was very impressive. Starting from huge re-branding, website development and finishing with potentially securing a museum partner to start building the credibility. We have achieved 700 likes on our Facebook page after the digital marketing session, therefore now I can show and not only tell that idea has some interest from the target market. At the end of the programme, Ms Kravchenko applied for financial support and received 6,000 in grant funding to build the product and conduct in-depth research with children to prepare for a launch this August. She added: Sometimes you just need a little push and I am thankful to InQUBEate programme for being my magic. The Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Fund The Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Fund is designed to support universities in delivering large-scale projects benefiting over 5,000 people directly and driving economic benefits across the UK. Queen Mary is one of 15 institutions across the UK to receive a grant from the fund, which was launched to celebrate Santander Universities 10th anniversary in the UK. Matt Hutnell, Director at Santander Universities, said: The Enterprise and Entrepreneurship Fund was created to enable universities across the UK to develop ambitious projects that deliver real economic, social and employment benefits. We are delighted to award this grant to Queen Mary University of London, and were very excited to see its economic impact across the UK. More information: German international public broadcaster Deutsche Welle (DW) has launched a new on-air channel branding kit designed by London based digital design agency W12 Studios. The new brand toolkit comprising a motion design language and mnemonic, idents, on-screen graphic, and social media video treatment uses movement to reveal contrasting story lines over time in line with DWs corporate brand ethos called Made for Minds. The new channel branding is being rolled out globally across all four of their broadcasting languages: English, Spanish, Arabic and German. It will be rolled out across the DW broadcast, digital and social media ecosystem.The W12 solution is based on building blocks that can be applied across all of DWs distribution channels from on air, social to mobile web. W12 Studios developed what it called a vocabulary of continuous motion from right to left that reveals content over time.As time progresses new content is revealed to resemble a timeline. The framework juxtaposes two clips in quick succession to invite the audience to interpret a story from multiple perspectives indicative to Deutsche Welles coverage approach . The controlled wipes are therefore uniquely DW. But whereas the majority of Windows devices are personal computers, Samsung device usage spans a mix of smartphones, tablets and smart TVs. Apple is at third place, present in 53% of online households.Striking a note of caution, the research revealed that many devices are now reaching saturation point, particularly laptops, smartphones and tablets. Uptake for laptops has peaked as they are substituted with smartphones and tablets across all age brackets.Yet despite this of saturation, Ampere observed that OTT boxes were driving device growth in 2018 and beyond. The latter, and sticks, fell into one of the fastest growing categories of connected device, driven in part by older consumers who have begun to adopt OTT boxes . Within the last two years, ownership of boxes and sticks has doubled amongst those aged over 44. Googles Chromecast remains the market leader, favoured by one in three consumers globally. But Amazons Fire TV Stick has made a big impression on the European market, most notably in the UK and Germany where it is the number one streaming box/stick. It is also closing in on Rokus market leader position in the US.Significantly, the research also highlighted that there was a symbiotic relationship between the availability of high quality media content and smart TV purchases. For every 10% of homes that have an SVOD subscription, about 6% of homes will buy a smart TV within a two-year period.Ampere calculated that effectively this means that for every additional $1 that is generated by Netflix in subscription revenue from new customers in their first year, $1.20 is made by TV manufacturers selling smart TVs to them. This said the analyst demonstrates that content is key for device manufacturers, and likely to become a bigger driving force behind consumers technology choices in the future.In a market of increasing saturation and standardisation, brand loyalty counts more than ever, said Sarah Fisher, analyst at Ampere Analysis . In this respect, Apple is a clear winner, especially with its skew towards younger, more affluent consumers. But while Apple has a clear and loyal following amongst its enthusiasts, the research shows that it has some way to go to close the gap with Samsung in terms of sheer market reach. As Smart TVs are still a high growth area, a market from which Apple is absent and Samsung is a dominant player, Samsung is the one to watch. CALIFORNIA-- People in the North State refer to themselves as "Northern Californians." That title could become official if backers of "Cal 3" get their way. Billionaire Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tim Draper has successfully pushed his plan to get the Cal 3 initiative on the November ballot. It would split the Golden State into three states; California, Northern California, and Southern California. The north would include San Francisco, Sacramento, and all counties to the north. The south would include inland counties from just north of Fresno, down to the border with Mexico, and San Diego. California would include coastal towns, from Monterey down to Los Angeles. Even if passed by voters, the initiative would have many hurdles to clear. Dividing California for more equal representation has long been a goal of the State of Jefferson, a group that has pushed to split 23 counties in Northern California from the more-liberal Central and South. But are Jefferson enthusiasts on-board with this new Cal 3 plan? Not exactly. According to Mark Baird, Jefferson State spokesperson, the plan has possiblities. There's just one problem: Northern California would include San Francisco and Sacramento. Says Baird, "We will not allow ourselves to be subjugated by Sacramento or San Francisco counties. We will fight to change that boundary to reflect the needs of the people affected by the state split, which are the (23) Jefferson counties." Baird says the big question is whether legislators can be compelled to alter the wording of an initiative, once it has been passed by voters. Baird says the current case law is muddy. Jefferson State representatives plan to hold a press conference at Robert T. Matsui U.S. Courthouse and Federal Building in Sacramento Thursday at 3:00pm. Stay with Action News Now for all of your local coverage. SIGN UP: Get our daily newsletter From the moment President Trump won the presidency, he became an object of scorn and derision in Washington and most European capitals. The reason: Trump insists on seeing the world as it is; a virtue that mobilized 60 million Americans to vote for him. Serious-minded people can come to different conclusions about a given set of facts, but Trumps willingness to declare openly that the world changed dramatically from what it was 20, 30 or 50 years ago was too much for the self-appointed elites in Washington and Western Europe. Trumps early recognition that the Trade Agreements Washington made in the 1960s are legacies of the Cold War when Americas interest revolved around creating and maintaining a global community of nations committed to containment made him extremely unpopular in Europes capitals. Absolved of the responsibility to defend themselves for many decades, West Europeans grew accustomed to a kind of Dont Worry, Be Happy, approach to national security. Trumps underlying message that Washington would no longer play the role of a global Daddy Warbucksthat the national economies previously in recovery from two world wars had in fact recoveredwas unwelcome news. Since 1991, the deterioration of the postwar order has accelerated, in part, because of U.S. actions in the Middle East after 2001, but in larger part due to the dramatic rise of new regional powers and coalitions of powers with renewed economic strength. The outcome is a mixed bag for NATO States. Smaller powers inside NATOlike Greeceare behaving more and more like neutral States. Greece, like many Mediterranean and East European States, is trying to maneuver for advantage within the framework of Washingtons competition with Moscow. Why not? Greece shares Russias religion and much of its culture making reliance on Russia in a conflict with Turkey a safer bet than reliance on Western Europe or the United States. On the one hand, the Europeans struggle to reconcile their desire for prosperity and stability with an increasingly aggressive Russian State. But Europeans also decline to go their own way, or at least, push for a European Defense Community with a focus that is different from the Cold War Atlantic Alliance. Europes NATO members also refuse to collectively eject the Turks from NATO and expel the soft Muslim invasion orchestrated by Elites in the Arabian Peninsula and Ankara. Why not? The strategic implications for Europe of Turkish-led Muslim hostility to the West are far more ominous than Moscows re-conquest of Crimea. Its all too clear that the mass migration aims to demographically replace Europeans with Muslims. How can Europe ignore Erdogans brand of Islamist Nationalism distinguished by its hostility to Christianity and Israel has decisively triumphed inside Turkey? In Washington, the real question is what the West European powers would actually do to help the Baltic States if the Russians suddenly marched into Tallinn on the pretext that Moscow is protecting a large Russian minority? The answer is unknown, however, many in uniform think they would whine, complain and beg the United States to act for them. Trump sees no future in this kind of behavior. Like the great European powers of the past, he seeks a viable alternative. In 1878, the Russians were poised to occupy the Bosporus. The Russians did not do so, and a war was avoided. Why? Because the European Powers led by Britain and Germany found alternative solutions that were not designed to humiliate or punish the Russians. The unspoken truth was that the negotiated arrangements were also backed up by the Royal Navy and the Imperial German Army. Would Otto von Bismarck and Benjamin have sought a settlement over territory that had no strategic importance to Britain or Germany, or would they have presented Moscow with an ultimatum similar to the one Vienna sent to Belgrade in July 1914? The answer is clear: the two would have sought a settlement that closed the open wound. In Singapore, Trump prefers the approach that Disraeli and Bismarck favored. Trump recognizes that North Korea is a dying society. North Korea is as moribund as postwar order that created it. Trump also understands that China is not a military threat to the United States or its strategic interests. Trump and Xi have serious disagreements on trade, but both believe that business can be conducted on new terms that minimize the potential for conflict. For this wise policy, Trump is attacked in Washington even as an agreement is emerging. After all, an end to nearly 70 years of conflict on the Korean Peninsula and a mutually beneficial modus vivendi with Beijing would change the redistribution of cash in Washington, D.C., would it not? Colonel Douglas Macgregor (U.S. Army, Ret.) is a decorated combat veteran, a Ph.D. and the author of five books. His most recent is: Margin of Victory, (Naval Institute Press, 2016). The United States Conference of Mayors met in Boston last week, and a key topic was climate change. Mayors have been looking for ways to exert leadership on this issue, but one idea that should be tossed to the waste bin is suing Americas energy producers over so-called climate change injuries. These lawsuits, started by a handful of California mayors last summer, are orchestrated efforts to sue companies for doing nothing more than producing the energy we use every day. The litigations backers are actively recruiting mayors to file carbon copy lawsuits. Progressives who care about climate change should not reflexively cheer or join this litigation. The lawsuits, the brainchild of a 2012 conference in La Jolla, California, of environmental activists and lawyers, are driven by private law firms. They seek to make energy companies pay for local infrastructure projects, such as sea walls. Lets be real: Building a seawall around our coastline and making energy producers pay for it has as much to do with combatting climate change as Trumps border wall has to do with illegal immigration nothing but symbolism. What these lawsuits are really about is our way of life. Suing dozens of American oil, gas, and other companies cannot change the fact that we all rely on energy products every day to heat our homes, fuel our cars, and turn on our lights. One of the organizers of these lawsuits even admitted that publicly vilifying energy production was a key objective here. In March, a federal judge holding a hearing on climate change science exposed the true nature of the litigation in the City of Oaklands case. In an effort to drive the media narrative, the law firms leading this effort included bold allegations of industry secrecy and conspiracy. But, in a reverse Perry Mason moment, Oakland found itself at the wrong end of its own smoking gun evidence. The big moment came at the end of the hearing. Judge Alsup, a Clinton appointee with a solid reputation for immersing himself into the subject matter of a case, pointed to a paragraph in the complaint that suggested the existence of a conspiratorial document showing that energy producers knew good and well that global warming was right around the corner. Judge Alsup said he was expecting it to be a big thing. But, as Judge Alsup found, it turned out it wasnt quite that at all. All this smoking gun evidence ended up being was an industry representatives notes from a 1995 meeting of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC). As Judge Alsup concluded, That was it. Nothing more Its hard to say that they were secretly aware [of climate change]. By that point they knew. Everybody knew everything. There was no secret information. When Judge Alsup asked Oaklands counsel if he had anything to say about the Citys misleading accusations, the lawyer simply said, No. The next week, the City submitted a revised lawsuit that struck that paragraph. To avoid similar embarrassment, the City also eliminated one of the most incendiary allegations in the complaint where it falsely accused the American Petroleum Institute of leading a disinformation campaign. Oaklands experience should be a cautionary tale for mayors around the country: Be careful before filing a lawsuit drafted by political activists that they have not researched or initiated themselves. When governments, from Oakland to New York City, use the power of the people to sue any person or business, it should be for law enforcement reasons, not politics. Attorneys general from several states urged Judge Alsup to dismiss Oaklands case for these very reasons. As this episode shows, litigation is the wrong way to tackle climate change. Progressive governments should know better than to sue people and businesses because they are unhappy with Washington. As Justice Ginsburg wrote for the Supreme Court the last time such climate change tort suits were tried, setting national energy and emissions policy are subjects within national legislative power. They should not be decided by judges or under any states law. The truth is that Americas energy policy involves balancing many complex political issues. Climate change and environmental concerns are certainly important, but so too are energy independence, accessibility of natural resources, and affordability for American families. If these political activists want to change Washington or how we consume energy, they should start with being straightforward and stop abusing our civil justice system. Phil Goldberg is the Director of the Progressive Policy Institutes Center for Civil Justice and Office Managing Partner for Shook Hardy & Bacon LLP in Washington, D.C. On behalf of the 94 percent of Americans who expressed approval of Canada in a Gallup poll early this year, I apologize to the people of Canada and their prime minister, Justin Trudeau, for the behavior of our president in recent days. For too long, black America has let its political voice and power be taken for granted. When Kanye West recently suggested that African-Americans didnt need to be Democrats, Rep. Maxine Waters quickly tried to put him in his place. Waters told Kanye, in effect, that he needs permission -- from his betters, presumably -- to say what he believes. In other words, dont talk out of turn; follow the thinking of the group. She sounded like a plantation manager of old, insisting that everyone else follow the rules she and other black Democratic leaders set down for their people. Black Americas monolithic loyalty to the Democratic Party does not empower blacks, however. If we are not allowed to entertain any political alternatives, we are left locked into a party that has not served our interests. Call it a kind of collective Stockholm Syndrome: The condition that causes hostages to develop a psychological alliance with their captors. Trillions of dollars have been poured into the inner cities, and yet these groupthinkers are blind to the seven-decade failure of the Democratic Partys policies to improve the lives of black Americans. When asked if it would not be better if single moms and dads could take their tax dollars and send their children to schools that are not ravished by gangs and drugs, the groupthinkers echo the narrative that black politicians and white liberals have taught them: That school choice starves the failing public school system and harms their neighborhoods. These groupthinkers dont tell you that members of the Congressional Black Caucus and the children of white Democrats typically send their own children to private schools. I have recently come under attack for chronicling this history of the Democratic Party on Fox News and elsewhere. While I dont advocate identity politics, I often remind African-Americans that even the late Malcolm X told the blacks of his day, While you put the Democrats first, they put you last. He also called blacks political chumps and traitors to their own race for reflexively supporting the party. All Americans today are reaping the benefits of the Trump administrations economic policies. Employment is at an all-time high; black and Hispanic unemployment is at record lows. Decembers tax cuts doubled the tax credits for school-age children and raised take-home pay for nearly all American taxpayers. Incomes have risen in real terms for the first time in 18 years, tax refunds next year that will be substantially larger, 2 million-plus poor Americans are no longer on food stamps. This has been achieved by the GOP, which was founded in 1854 as the anti-slavery party. Whats more, most states with Republican governors are outperforming so-called blue states those run by Democrats. No matter what the color of your skin happens to be, economic opportunity comes from freedom, not higher taxes and big government. Meanwhile, the economic fallout from group thinking can be seen in every major city in America, where the plantation supervisors are still channeling the failed oppressors spirit upon the minds of the weak. Its long past time that black America shake off the plantation managers yoke and shake off its Stockholm syndrome. Groupthink has gotten this group nowhere. One of the costs of the Trump era is that all opinions become suspect because, even more than usual, everything is seen through the prism of whether you are for or against the president. Consequently, criticism of President Trump is regularly assumed by his supporters to be rooted in bad faith. The retort to any judgment against his statements or his policies typically begins with You wouldnt say this . . . and ends with if Obama (or Bush or Clinton) were doing it. In the interest of candor, lets acknowledge that many of us are automatically suspicious of everything Trump says because he not only is a documented liar but also came close to copping to the fact during a news conference in Singapore. In explaining what hed do if he proved to be mistaken about his big bet this week on the integrity of Kim Jong Un, Trump said: I may stand before you in six months and say, Hey, I was wrong. Then he caught himself and added: I dont know that Ill ever admit that, but Ill find some kind of an excuse. This was our salesman-in-chief reveling in his skill at covering up and deceiving. But charges of hypocrisy against those who question Trump extend to substantive matters as well. Its thus important to take on two deeply flawed but predictable arguments that have been offered in defense of Trumps lovefest with North Koreas brutal dictator and the presidents approach to negotiation. The first is that because the United States has sometimes allied (and frequently negotiated) with dictators, chastising Trump for ignoring North Koreas loathsome human-rights record represents a double standard. Its true that human rights have often taken second place behind calculations about national security based on realpolitik . The United States, rightly, joined with Stalin to defeat Hitler because, between the two murderous regimes, Hitlers posed the imminent danger. During the Cold War, the United States at times supported the installation of right-wing dictatorships to foil the communists or to protect American businesses. But our wrongful indifference to human rights in the past should not be used as an excuse to justify apologias for dictatorships in our time. Moreover, previous American presidents (including Barack Obama, both George H.W. and George W. Bush, and Bill Clinton) have managed to negotiate with unsavory adversaries without pretending they were embodiments of George Washington or Nelson Mandela. Trump did not simply overlook the astonishing brutality of North Koreas regime. He heaped praise on Kim as someone very open, very honorable, very smart, very worthy and very talented who wants to do the right thing. Most appallingly, Trump, fresh off nasty rebukes of the leader of friendly and democratic Canada, told ABCs George Stephanopoulos of Kim: His country does love him. His people, you see the fervor. Yes, fear of a gulag can produce a lot of fervor. Sorry, Trump defenders, but this is obscene. The second canard is that those who once expressed alarm over Trumps loose talk about nuclear war have no right to critique his diplomacy. Never mind that he made real concessions to North Korea beginning with the legitimacy that the Singapore extravaganza conferred on Kim and Trumps decision to call off joint military exercises with South Korea without winning anything concrete in return. Trump himself tweeted out this line of thinking, asserting that pundits & talking heads who were begging for conciliation and peace were now saying you shouldnt meet, do not meet! But as usual, Trump was distorting what his critics were saying. True, we wondered why he gave Kim the meeting without extracting anything of substance in advance. Yet his harshest detractors were among those pleased that Trump was talking rather than brandishing fire and fury. This just goes to show how low he has set the bar. And Mr. President, that flimsy piece of paper you signed guaranteed absolutely nothing and contained far weaker promises than those wrung out of North Korea by earlier administrations promises, by the way, that the very honorable regime broke. On MSNBCs Morning Joe on Wednesday, Sen. Chris Murphy (D-Conn.) summarized the case against Trump nicely: Were not against diplomacy. Were just against bad diplomacy, and this was really bad diplomacy. And deluded diplomacy as well. Consider that upon returning home, Trump tweeted that There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea. When the most optimistic scenario is that the president doesnt really believe what hes tweeting, we have ample reason to doubt his competence and his motivation. And, fortunately, were not required to demonstrate our fervor. (c) 2018, Washington Post Writers Group Good morning. Its Thursday, June 14, 2018. On this date in 1777, the Continental Congress adopted the Stars and Stripes as our national emblem. For the past century, U.S. presidents have sought to associate themselves closely with that badge of honor -- and that date. Woodrow Wilson first proclaimed June 14 to be Flag Day in 1916. In 1949, Harry Truman made it official. But the Flag Day ceremony that most impacted the modern presidency took place on this date in 1922, fittingly, in Baltimore. Ill relate this story in a moment. First, Id point you to RealClearPolitics front page, which presents our poll averages, videos, breaking news stories, and aggregated opinion columns spanning the political spectrum. We also offer original material from our own reporters and contributors, including the following: * * * Why Fact Checkers Need to Accept That They Can Err. Kalev Leetaru examines the limited avenues of recourse the subjects of negative fact checks have to dispute rulings they believe are inaccurate. Women and Cyber. In our latest cybersecurity podcast, former Homeland Security official Phyllis Schneck discusses her pioneering role in the cyber defense realm. Religious Freedom Isnt Baked Into Wedding Cake Ruling. Peter Berkowitz considers the implications of last weeks Supreme Court decision. Black Americas Stockholm Syndrome. Aubrey Shines argues that African-American voters are locked into a party that has not served their interests. Texas School Supers Behaving Badly, But Mums the Word. In RealClearInvestigations, Steve Miller reports that officials misconduct has been addressed under a code of silence that insulates school boards from negative publicity. McConnell Is the Longest-Serving GOP Leader. But Not the Most Consequential. In RealClearPolicy, James Wallner contends that the Senate majority leader's real legacy is replacing the art of deliberation with the aim of winning congressional elections. Hurricanes, Flooded Homes, and Moral Hazard. Also in RCPolicy, Bruce Yandle calls on Congress to reform FEMAs insurance program. America's Mayors Should Not File Copycat Climate Suits. In RealClearEnergy, Phil Goldberg urges public officials to focus on legislation, rather than litigation, to formulate energy and emissions policy. Why the AMA & Everyone Else Should Oppose Assisted Suicide. T. Brian Callister makes his case in RealClearHealth. Simple Law Will Save Us From Telemarketers. In RealClearMarkets, Harold Furchtgott-Roth advises Congress to pass a new law that updates a 1991 measure to protect the public from unsolicited calls. The Story Behind Three Identical Strangers. In RealClearLife, Thelma Adams interviews the director of a documentary about triplets separated at birth. * * * Warren G. Harding was president on June 14, 1922, when a memorial to national anthem author Francis Scott Key was unveiled at Fort McHenry, in Baltimore Harbor. The president was invited to make remarks, and on that date, and in that place, he became the first U.S. president whose voice was broadcast over the radio. His exact words were unmemorable, which isnt the point, but its worth digressing momentarily for an observation about President Hardings communication skills. The publisher of an Ohio newspaper before he became a U.S. senator from the Buckeye State, Harding was fascinated with modern communications. Paradoxically, his own speaking style was epitomized by language so flowery and over-the-top that it seemed to come from a previous era. Hardings prose was also generally devoid of any real meaning. Heres an example from 1920, the year he was chosen as the Republican Partys presidential nominee: Americas present need is not heroics, but healing; not nostrums, but normalcy; not revolution, but restoration; not agitation, but adjustment; not surgery, but serenity; not the dramatic, but the dispassionate; not the experiment, but equipoise; not submergence in internationality, but sustainment in triumphant nationality. Aside from displaying a fetish, if not a talent, for alliteration, what did it all mean? If youre unsure, nobody at the time quite knew what to make of it either. (Normalcy was a term Harding didnt invent, but did popularize. Some people made fun of the word, and still do. Equipoise, on the other hand, was doomed to remain in justifiable obscurity). Former U.S. Treasury Secretary William Gibbs McAdoo, who sought the Democratic Partys presidential nomination that year, derided Hardings speech as an army of pompous phrases moving across the landscape in search of an idea. But Warren Harding wasnt stupid, and his rhetorical obtuseness was -- as he might have put it -- a deliberate device, a clever contrivance, sly stratagem. Mostly, though, he spoke in baroque generalities to avoid alienating the warring ideological factions within his own political party. As president, he was also quick to grasp the politically advantageous implications of technological innovations. In February 1922, he had the first radio installed in the White House. This gave his advisers an idea: Prior to his planned trip to Fort McHenry, Baltimores mayor and other civic leaders worried that the crowd would be so large that most people in attendance would be unable to hear the president. Frederick R. Huber, the Baltimorean heading up the planning committee, proposed building a separate broadcasting station. But the estimated cost, $30,000, was deemed too steep. So they improvised: The presidents voice was carried by telephone to a broadcasting station in the Anacostia district of Washington, D.C., and then relayed back to receiving stations in Baltimore. The world would little note, nor long remember, what Warren Harding had to say in Charm City that day, but it never forgot that a presidents words could now be transmitted through the air. Carl M. Cannon Washington Bureau chief, RealClearPolitics @CarlCannon (Twitter) ccannon@realclearpolitics.com 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. 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The Treasury segment operates with Government Securities of the Group, syndicated loans, and financial lease. The Consumer segment consists of loans and other credit products targeted to middle and lower-middle income sectors and non-financial products and services. The Insurance segment comprises insurance products, with a focus on life insurance. The Asset Management and Other Services segment offers mutual funds and other products and services. The company was founded on October 8, 1979 and is headquartered in Buenos Aires, Argentina. Read More By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 06/13/2018 ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. By Elizabeth Kwiatkowski, 06/14/2018 ADVERTISEMENT Elizabeth Kwiatkowski is Associate Editor of Reality TV World and has been covering the reality TV genre for more than a decade. , We're sorry, this article is not currently available In case anyone forgot, Fathers Day is this Sunday, June 17. On the off chance that someone didnt remember, rest assured as there are so many places to go in Athens to treat your old man this Fathers Day. Just as the hobby of craft brewing offers a temporary escape to those weary from the white collar daily grind, opening and expanding his craft soda business means escape for Kooistra. The flavors of his sodas include butter pecan cream soda, strawberry habanero, and classics like root beer. NORFOLK Roomful of Blues, the jumping, swinging, rocking, award-winning band, will perform at Infinity Hall in Norfolk on Saturday, June 30. The bands latest CD, 45 LIVE, is a lightning-in-a-bottle blowout, showcasing the larger-than-life vocal and instrumental power of the band. 2018 will mark the bands 50th anniversary. The group has earned five Grammy Award nominations and a slew of other accolades, including seven Blues Music Awards. Twice, the prestigious DownBeat International Critics Poll selected them as Best Blues Band. Infinity Hall is located at 20 Greenwoods Road West, Norfolk, and can be reached by calling 866-666-6306 or visiting www.infinityhall.com. Tickets are $34 to $49. Roomful of Blues has been led since 1998 by Vachon, who according to Guitar Player, burns with explosive solos and a delightfully greasy sense of rhythm. Roomful of Blues has always maintained its signature sound through great musicianship and a stellar horn section featuring Rich Lataille, who first joined the band in 1970 on tenor and alto saxophone (and clarinetist on 45 LIVEs Jambalaya). Latailles masterful playing can evoke either the fat-toned honking sax of the glory days of early rock or the cool elegance of big band swing jazz. While the band has always been one of the tightest, most joyful blues ensembles in the world, they have never sounded fresher or stronger than with the current lineup. Along with Vachon and Lataille, the band includes vocalist Phil Pemberton, long-time tenor and baritone saxophonist Mark Earley, trumpeter Doug Woolverton, bassist John Turner, drummer Chris Anzalone and keyboardist Rusty Scott. Roomful of Blues came together in Westerly, Rhode Island in the late 1960s when guitarist Duke Robillard and keyboardist Al Copley began exploring the swinging, jumping blues, R&B and jazz of the 1940s and 1950s. They added a horn section (including Rich Lataille) in 1970. The bands ability to ignite a sedate crowd into a dancing frenzy solidified their reputation as the best little big band in New England and expanded their following into New York and Washington, D.C. In 1974, they performed with Count Basie, and a few years later legendary songwriter Doc Pomus helped them land their first record deal. In 1977, Roomful of Blues self-titled debut album on Island Records (reissued on Hyena Records) brought them to the attention of fans and critics from coast to coast. Over the years there have been more than 50 Roomful of Blues members, each bringing his or her own unique talent and vision to the mix. Famed alumni include guitarist Ronnie Earl, vocalist Lou Ann Barton, vocalist/harpist Curtis Salgado, saxist/vocalist Greg Piccolo and harpist/vocalist Sugar Ray Norcia. Recording for Rounder Records Bullseye Blues and Varrick labels between 1980 and 2001, the band cut nine albums that won them international fame and major rock radio airplay. The band has performed in cities from coast to coast, and traveled abroad to 22 countries including Lebanon, Poland, Spain, Italy, France, Portugal, Switzerland, Turkey and Russia. Since Roomful joined the Alligator Records family in 2003, their popularity has continued to increase. Their first Alligator CD was the Grammy-nominated Thats Right! in 2003, followed by Standing Room Only in 2005, Raisin A Ruckus in 2008 and Hook, Line & Sinker in 2010. Mary Glassman has held on to her Democratic party endorsement by two votes in the 5th U.S. House District race after a review of last-minute vote switching by the partys statewide office. A review by the Democratic State Central Committee, released late Tuesday, showed that two vote switches, which swung the lead at the May 14 convention from educator Jahana Hayes to Glassman, were improperly recorded and thus voided. But that small victory was not enough to push Hayes past Glassman, who wins the endorsement. The new final delegate vote total under the ruling is 171 votes for Glassman and 169 for Hayes. Both sides on Thursday accepted the ruling by a 5-person panel, which convened and held a June 7 hearing after three complaints from Waterbury Democrats. The dispute resolution committee's ruling affirms what we have said since the convention, Mary Glassman won the convention despite a lot of political obstacles in front of her and she is focused on winning the primary in August, said Mark Bergman, a spokesman for the former 8-term Simsbury first selectman. Hayes, the 2016 national teacher of the year, said even though the ruling did not change the convention outcome, she was pleased the citizens had the opportunity for redress and the integrity of the voting process was re-established. It is my hope that this decision shows those in attendance at the convention that they are a crucial part of the process and their voices matter, said Hayes, who was encouraged to run for office by U.S. Sen. Chris Murphy. Glassman and Hayes will face off in an Aug. 14 primary. Longtime U.S. Senate employee Shannon Kula said Wednesday she submitted enough signatures to petition her way onto the primary ballot, joining Glassman and Hayes. Among those lodging complaints in the vote-switching was Waterbury Mayor Neil OLeary, who disputed the endorsement, questioning whether voting irregularities, suppression or manipulation occurred. Both Hayes and Glassman declared their plans to run for Congress after three-term Democrat Rep. Elizabeth Esty, dropped her re-election bid after news broke that she covered up an office abuse scandal. The five-member review panel found that two of three vote switches by the New Britain delegation from Hayes to Glassman were announced, but improperly recorded on convention balloting forms. The panel called this a fatal error and thus decided to reinstate those votes to Hayes. The panel also noted two other problems at the convention: the first ballot roll call said more votes had been cast than the number of delegates voting and the counting of the second ballot took an inordinate amount of time due to issues with vote intake and review. While these issues caused delays, they were rectified at the convention, the panel noted; but they were contributing factors to the dissatisfaction of the complainants with the convention process. In its ruling, the panel recommended Democrats review the entire convention process. These discussions will take place at Democratic State Central Committee meetings and at Rules Committees for future conventions, said Christina Polizzi, spokeswoman for the state Democratic party. emunson@hearstmediact.com; Twitter: @emiliemunson Over 2,500 Jews, Christians, Muslims and people from all walks of lives in Toronto joined millions of protestors in over 800 cities to condemn the israeli war crimes against the indigenous Palestinian population. The protestors expressed their solidarity with the 7.2 million refugees who have been forced out of their homes by the Zionist extremist settlers, who believe that they have a religious right to the land. The attendees also expressed their dismay at the incarceration of over 800,000 and the massacre of over 9,000 Palestinians including over 2,000 children. Speakers at the rally, which included Jewish human rights activists, strongly condemned the war crimes committed by the israeli army especially in the past two months in Gaza. Many of the attendees wore lab coats to express solidarity with Razan Al-Najjar, a 21 year old Palestinian nurse, murdered by the israeli army snipers for the crime of trying to help an injured protestor. A number of women also carried coffins of children to give a voice to the anguish of the mothers of the Palestinian children including an 8 month old baby killed by tear gas poisoning last month and a 15 year old boy shot dead by Israeli snipers on Friday. The attempts by JDL and Bnai Brith to stop the Al Quds rally failed miserably again this year. The Jews attending the rally also strongly condemned the unsuccessful efforts by these organizations to label condemnation of israeli war crimes as anti-Semitism and vowed to never let the racist ideology of Zionism represent the beautiful faith of Judaism. The speakers at the rally also issued a strong condemnation of the derogatory sermon by the Chief Rabbi of Israel in March 2018 in which he referred to black people as monkeys and reinforced Zionist racial supremacist ideology of defining the purpose of existence of non-Jews as servants of Jews. Ontario's NDP had thought that there was a strong possibility that they and not Doug Ford's PCs could have won the election. Many media pundits blame for the loss the way in which rural and urban ridings are divided favouring more conservative parts of Ontario. However, there's one big reason that media pundits have failed to mention. Andrea Horwarth is in no way a congenial NDP leader in the style of late-Jack Layton who Canadians of all political persuasions felt a sense of bonding and connection. Indeed, I would go as far to say that Andrea Horwarth on a personal level is pretty unpleasant. I support the substance of NDP policies. But having worked in the Ontario NDP I don't like her at all and won't vote for the NDP as long as she's there. Indeed, I think there were many people in Ontario who also love NDP ideals but don't find her an attractive leader. Do you know where Andrea's Horwarth's unpleasantness comes out in very distinctive way? Just go to YouTube, find a video where's she's speaking and close your eyes. Now, isn't that the most unpleasant voice you have not only heard in politics but maybe your whole entire life? Andrea's Horwath's voice expresses the harshness that she's about. There is no "softness" really in Andrea Horwarth. In my view she's just a cold, calculating caricature of suburbanite who has found a way to rise to power by parroting "progressive issues" that in no way conveys the passions of an empathetic 'social progressive' in the traditions of Jack Layton, Ed Broadbent and Tommy Douglas. In Andrea Horwarth, I heard great lines of fabulous policies without conveying the kind of soulful connection that would be able to connect a cross section of Ontario that would have been required for she to have become the next Premier. Several U.S. lawmakers on Thursday urged Ambassador to Cambodia William Heidt to ramp up pressure on Prime Minister Hun Sens government to release two former RFA reporters who have spent seven months behind bars on espionage charges. Uon Chhin and Yeang Sothearin were taken into custody on Nov. 14 last year and formally charged with illegally collecting information for a foreign source. They have since had production of pornography added to the charges against them and face possible jail terms of up to 15 years if convicted. The pair deny the charges, but have been denied bail from pretrial detention. No date has been set for the hearing of their case. On Thursday, eight members of congress including Cambodia Caucus co-chairs Alan Lowenthal and Steve Chabot wrote a letter to Ambassador Heidt, calling on him to secure the release of the reporters, who they said were victims of a crackdown on the opposition, NGOs and independent media by Hun Sen to ensure his ruling Cambodian Peoples Party (CPP) remains in power following a July 29 election. In addition to dissolving the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in November over allegations that its leaders had plotted to overthrow the government, the lawmakers noted that Hun Sens regime had also forced several independent media outlets to close and forced all radio stations to stop broadcasting independent international programming. It is with this repressive atmosphere in mind that we request your attention to the detention of journalists Uon Chhin and Yeang Sothearin, the letter said. We are aware that the State Department has advocated for them and encourage further efforts to ensure their swift release. Last month, The Phnom Penh Post Cambodias last independent daily was sold for an unknown sum to a Malaysian investor with ties to Hun Sen following the out-of-court settlement of a U.S. $3.9 million claim by the government for alleged unpaid back taxes, prompting an exodus by several senior members of the newspapers reporting staff. The sale of the Post came less than 10 months after the forced closure of the Cambodia Daily, another independent newspaper that was also pressured over claims of unpaid taxes, and the shuttering of several independent radio programs. RFA closed its operations in Cambodia in September amid government pressure. When police took Uon Chhin and Yeang Sothearin into custody in November, they initially said they had been detained for running an unlicensed karaoke studio. The reporters were later accused of setting up a studio for RFA and charged with espionage under Article 445 of Cambodias Criminal Code. Cambodias Ministries of Information and Interior had warned prior to their arrests that any journalists still working for RFA would be treated as spies. Lengthy detention In Thursdays letter, the members of congress noted that Uon Chhin and Yeang Sothearin were enduring squalid, cramped conditions in Prey Sar Prison, and that their families were very worried about their health and well-being. While the two men have been able to retain a lawyer, concerns are mounting that the government will hold them indefinitely, adding more charges to keep them in jail longer, the lawmakers said. We know you share our concerns and urge you to continue advocating for Uon Chhin and Yeang Sothearins release. Am Sam Ath, Licadhos head of investigations, welcomed the intervention from the U.S. congress and said the journalists should be released immediately and without condition, as they have not committed the crimes they were charged with. Any appeal for their release is crucial, he told RFAs Khmer Service, noting that while it is up to Cambodias authorities to release them, their continued detention only invites more criticism and advocacy for intervention from the rest of the world. Thursdays letter follows multiple statements from local and international rights groups, condemning Hun Sens government for its treatment of the two reporters and demanding that they be freed. Last month, Brad Adams, Asia director for New York-based Human Rights Watch, said that authorities had concocted absurd espionage charges against the pair as part of the governments reprisals against RFA for its critical reporting, and called for their release. In a separate statement, the Southeast Asian Press Alliance (SEAPA) called the charges against Uon Chhin and Yeang Sothearin a direct assault on freedom of the media and designed to frighten other journalists into silence. Paris-based media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) ranked Cambodia 132nd out of 180 countries in its 2017 World Press Freedom Index, and warned that the Southeast Asian nation is liable to fall in next years index. Reported by RFAs Khmer Service. Translated by Nareth Muong. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Chinese authorities are stepping up their use of "student information officers" at colleges and universities across the country to serve as frontline informers on their classmates, RFA has learned. Informants report back to the ruling Chinese Communist Party (CCP) on the expressed opinions of their classmates and teachers, resulting in sanctions and sackings for government critics in higher education. Reports emerged last month that the Beijing University of Civil Engineering and Architecture had issued an administrative demerit to one of its associate professors, Xu Chuanqing, after she made comments in class that the authorities deemed inappropriate. Xu allegedly commented that the Japanese were superior to the Chinese, but later said her remarks were taken out of context, and that she was trying to shame her students into catching up with Japan by working harder in class. She was reported by a student in her class. Xia Yeliang is a former economics professor at Peking University (Beida) fired in 2013 for making "anti-Communist Party and anti-socialism" remarks in class. He said "student information officers" played a key role in that process. "I was reported by students in 2010," Xia said. "They were organized. There are economic benefits to becoming a student information officer, as well as the prospect of a future in politics." "Such student information officers are required to report back on anything negative that their lecturers say in class, as well as on ideological trends among their classmates," he said. The CCP offers various benefits to student spies, including boosting their research and development opportunities, increasing their access to government departments, and offering them opportunities to go overseas on exchange programs, he said. Xia said student spies are nothing new in China, but the extent to which the system has relied on them varies greatly, depending on who's in charge at the top. They will find other ways The public denunciation of individuals for ideological "wrongdoing" was rife during the political violence of the Cultural Revolution (1966-1976), but the system of informants in higher education was later strengthened under the administration of President Hu Jintao. But since taking over from Hu in 2012, President Xi Jinping has launched an unprecedented set of ideological controls and boosted the institutions needed to enforce them. Xi has repeatedly warned CCP members not to go off message in public, and set up a nationwide monitoring agency to supervise state employees at every level. "The student information officer system was strengthened under Hu Jintao, and Xi Jinping has definitely intensified its use," Xia, who signed the Charter 08 document calling for constitutional government in China, told RFA in a recent interview. "If lecturers show political resistance, they will find other ways [to get rid of them]," he said. "They will find reasons or organize students to give them negative reviews and use that against them. It's the safest way to do it." Xia was just one of a string of academics to be dismissed from their posts under President Xi. Last July, Beijing Normal University lecturer Shi Jiepeng was fired after being accused of posting "inappropriate comments" to social media, including WeChat, according to a copy of his termination letter posted on Twitter at the time. And Li Mohai, a deputy professor at the Shandong Institute of Industry and Commerce, was fired from his job after he criticized government propaganda via his social media account. Beijing constitutional scholar and political commentator Zhang Lifan said the system has strong parallels with the way the Stasi operated in East Germany, and with the fictional scenarios depicted in George Orwell's classic novel 1984. "Encouraging secret informing is a hallmark of dictatorial regimes," Zhang said. "The Stasi did the same in East Germany. We are all living in 1984 now." "All of this goes to show just how worried those in power are, and there are always people who are willing to stab someone in the back," he said. "If this was truly a self-confident regime, they wouldn't fear criticism." Moral, ethical implications Zhang said the system of student informers isn't just a matter of thought control, however. It has implications for the moral and ethical development of an entire generation of Chinese people. "These people are going to keep on doing what they did as students, the moment they get their hands on any kind of power," Zhang said. "This will destroy the culture of our nation, and create new moral fault lines." Chinese students studying overseas are not exempt from this kind of ideological monitoring, either. Li Longxi, who is currently studying at New York University, said he became aware of being monitored via social media after he took part in an online protest at President Xi's election to an indefinite term in office in March, using the hashtags #NotMyPresident and #IDisagree. "Paying people to inform and spy on others is typical of a dictatorial government," Li said. "Some of these people have been trained to act as informants since they were young." "It is totally unacceptable to restrain people's freedom of speech in this way," he said. In recent months, students studying in Australia and Japan have also been reported by informers for taking part in the online protest against Xi's indefinite presidency, and for signing a petition protesting China's treatment of ethnic minorities. Dissenting opinion is often characterized in such reports as "antisocial," "antiparty," and "splitting the country." Xia said the network of overseas student informers generally reports to the Chinese embassy in the country where they are studying. Reported by Ng Yik-tung and Sing Man for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. The Chinese Communist Party is increasingly making its influence felt in European and North American countries, through the "manipulation of information and foreign institutions," U.S. politicians and commentators have warned. In a letter to senior officials in President Donald Trump's administration, 12 U.S. senators called on Washington to come up with a strategic response to growing Chinese influence beyond its own borders. "We are concerned that while some of these efforts may seem innocuous when taken independently, collectively they represent an attempt to increase the appeal of autocracy and strengthen Chinese leverage over U.S. allies," said the letter, which was signed by senators from both major political parties. The letter cited a number of attempts by the Chinese government to influence politicians in the European Union, as well as Beijing's increasing clout with smaller nations dependent on it for crucial loans and investment. It cited a recent report by the National Endowment for Democracy (NED), which highlighted China's "sharp power" influence campaign in the EU. "Political elites within the European Union and in the European neighborhood have started to embrace Chinese rhetoric and interests, including where they contradict national and/or European interests," the report authors said. "Rather than only China trying to actively build up political capital, there is also much influence courting on the part of those political elites in EU member states who seek to attract Chinese money or to attain greater recognition on the global plane," they wrote. Among those who signed this week's letter was Republican senator Marco Rubio, who has called on U.S. educational institutions to terminate programs sponsored by the Chinese Ministry of Education. "[Beijing's] long-term objectives with these operations are to undermine liberal democracies, erode the strength of U.S. alliances, weaken the ability of democracies to work against China, supplant U.S. leadership in the world and shape the future of the international order," the senators wrote. They called for a "coordinated strategy" among U.S. government agencies to counter Chinese efforts to wield overseas influence. "While nations around the globe seek to influence public opinion and policy debates beyond their borders, the nature of Chinese efforts goes well beyond those legitimate activities," the letter, dated June 11, said. "Indeed, we believe the nature and scope of Chinas influence operations suggest it is time the United States look at them holistically, and respond with a similarly unified strategy," it said. Well-founded concerns Xia Ming, a political science professor at the City University of New York said he believed the concerns were well-founded. "China is embracing globalization; it has already infiltrated the political and economic life of Western nations with its own interests, and its influence," Xia told RFA. "Under such circumstances, it is very hard for Western countries to summon the necessary immune response to this infection, because they would have to carry out surgery on their own body politic to achieve this," he said. He said there is also plenty of resistance to attempts to undermine Chinese influence. "Such a response is being undermined and neutralized by certain interest groups within those countries, and by representatives of the Chinese government," Xia said. Sen. Rubio, a prominent China critic, has already called for an end to the practice of embedding Confucius Institutes on U.S. campuses. Last month, a Confucius Institute at Savannah State University in Georgia removed reference to the democratic island of Taiwan from the biographical information of journalism award winner Bethany Allen-Ebrahimian, who gave a keynote address at the universitys Department of Journalism and Mass Communications. Allen-Ebrahimian's award was underwritten by the Confucius Institute, whose Beijing-funded staff are trained in China and instilled with Communist Party teachings before being posted overseas. She was also criticized by its director for talking about Beijing's crackdown on freedom of expression and persecution of ethnic minorities in her speech. Rubio has warned that Confucius Institutes are used to identify students who could become "agents of Chinese influence," and warns that they form part of a deliberate strategy on Beijing's part. Wu Lebao, a Chinese student studying in Australia, said the country is currently looking carefully at Chinese influence following a series of damaging revelations in the past two years. "Most Confucius Institutes in Australia have been set up in well-known universities," Wu said. "We are already at the stage of Chinese Communist Party infiltration. This has been having an impact in Australia for quite some time now." He added: "I think the Australian government will be reviewing the status of Confucius Institutes ... in future." Australian author and professor of public ethics Clive Hamiltons new book, Silent Invasion: Chinas Influence in Australia, was initially turned down by three publishers citing fears of reprisals from Beijing. Finally published in February, Silent Invasion argues that Australias elites, and parts of the countrys large Chinese-Australian diaspora, have been mobilized by Beijing to gain access to politicians, limit academic freedom, intimidate critics, gather information for Chinese intelligence agencies, and organize protests against Australian government policy. 'Appealing to wallets' Meanwhile, the American Association of University Professors (AAUP) has warned that cooperation agreements underpinning Confucius Institutes feature nondisclosure clauses and unacceptable concessions to the political aims and practices of the government of China. It says such political agendas are typically allowed to flourish in U.S. colleges and universities, even when curriculum choices and academic debate are restricted as a result. The University of Chicago, Texas A&M University, Pennsylvania State University and McMaster University in Hamilton, Ontario have already shut down their Confucius Institutes, while the University of West Florida has announced it won't be renewing its contract with the Confucius Institute, citing lack of student interest in its exchange programs. Giving evidence to Congress last December, University of Michigan historian Glenn Tiffert said China often wins the propaganda war with money. "What distinguishes the Chinese efforts to wield influence in the United States is that they are spending a great deal more money to do thatthey have commercial advantages and so they are able, through, for example, Confucius institutes, to promote a particular view of China and to close out discussion of certain topics on campus," Tiffert said in his testimony. "They are able to donate money to a particular causemuch of this is legal activity but they can simply wield influence because they can write checks," he said. "China is not necessarily appealing to hearts and minds, it is appealing to wallets." Reported by Jia Ao and Lin Ping for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Wen Yuqing for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. China's massively popular social media platform WeChat appears to have further tightened requirements for user registration, demanding access to all files and media content, and potentially giving the authorities access to everything on a user's smartphone, RFA has learned. A newly registered WeChat account resulted in a pop-up request on Thursday, calling for permission to access the device's "photos, media library, and file content." Pressing "Deny" resulted in a further pop-up asking to turn on "storage space permissions." Denying such permission resulted in the registration being aborted. An internet service user in Guangzhou who has technical knowledge of WeChat's functions told RFA that the app has evolved from a simple chat client to a form of spyware that monitors users' behavior. "If you use WeChat, there will be nothing private left on your phone," Hu said. "Anything on your phone can be read by the app, which can even take control of the phone's camera and microphone." "If the government wants to see what you are doing, or wants to hear what you are talking about, it can monitor you through WeChat, so it's a very powerful tool," he said. Hu said users would be better off keeping at least one phone that didn't have the app installed. Meanwhile, WeChat users in China were told to log back in to their WeChat accounts, a process that included a "security check." The security check included a check on whether or not the user had acted as secondary authentication for another person in the past month. It also included a new requirement that WeChat's payments function be installed, and requested that the user scan a QR code sent by the app. Secondary authentications A WeChat user surnamed Liu said the QR code appeared to be a measure intended to stop people acting as a secondary authentication for people setting up new accounts. WeChat has increasingly shut down users' accounts if they post, repost, or comment on content deemed subversive or "undesirable" by the ruling Chinese Communist Party's censors. The new layer of security would potentially make it harder for such users to immediately open a new account again, as they were previously able to do. "It gets you to scan a QR code, and if your smartphone has scanned a similar code, it won't be able to scan the code [and unlock the user's WeChat account] for at least six months," Liu said. "You won't be able to scan anyone else's code, either, and you have to bundle the Alipay function to be able to scan the QR code." A Beijing resident surnamed Guo said there are concerns among users about the security of their banking details on the Alipay platform. "For example, your account details are linked to a physical bank card, the details of which are stored on the Alipay platform," Guo said. "They won't let you use the platform until you verify it." In May 2017, Russia blocked access to WeChat because it did not provide contact details for Russias register of "organizers of information distribution on the internet." The ban was later lifted ahead of a visit by Russian president Vladimir Putin to China. Reported by Qiao Long for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. A U.N. review of the rights record of Laos scheduled for July should look closely into the condition of civil and political rights in the Southeast Asian country, focusing on reports in recent years of forced disappearances and harsh prison terms handed out to critics of the countrys government, two Paris-based rights groups say. Numerous violations of citizens rights in the one-party communist state have been documented and must finally be addressed, the International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and its member organization The Lao Movement for Human Rights (LMHR) said in a joint statement released this week. The upcoming review of the disastrous state of civil and political rights in Laos is a rare opportunity to put the spotlight on the repressive actions of the authoritarian government in Vientiane, Debbie Stothard, FIDH Secretary-General, said in the June 11 statement. Its critical that the international community pays close attention to this review and uses its key outcomes to recalibrate its policies vis-a-vis Laos, Stothard said. Meeting in Geneva, Switzerland, from July 11 to 12, the UN Human Rights Committee (CCPR) will examine for the first time the state of civil and political rights in Laos, the joint statement said. The committee tracks the compliance of state signatories to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. Laos became a state party to the Covenant in 2009, the rights groups noted. In Geneva, the Lao government delegation will have to answer many questions, starting from those concerning the enforced disappearance of civil society leader Sombath Somphone and the shocking jail sentences imposed on government critics, LMHR President Vanida Thepsouvanh said. Its time for the government to come clean and publicly address the serious violations of civil and political rights in Laos, Thepsouvanh said. Disappeared, jailed In December, supporters and family friends marked the fifth anniversary of the disappearance in Laos of Sombath Somphone, a prominent civil society leader who vanished at a police checkpoint outside the Lao capital. Just before his abduction, Sombath had challenged land deals negotiated by the government that left thousands of rural Lao citizens homeless with little compensation. Meanwhile, three young Lao migrant workers disappeared in March 2016 after returning to Laos to renew their passports. Charged with criticizing the Lao government online while working abroad, the three were later handed prison terms ranging from 12 to 20 years at a secret trial in April 2017. More recently, a Lao villager detained since July 2017 in a dispute over village land died under mysterious circumstance in police custody, with relatives challenging government claims that the man had killed himself. The villager, named Somsavanh, was one of a group of 14 villagers in Sekong province held for obstructing workers and cutting down trees on land granted by the Lao government to a Vietnamese rubber company, sources told RFA in an earlier report. Routine violations Speaking to RFAs Lao Service on June 11, Bounthone Chanthalavong-Wiesepresident of the Germany-based Alliance for Democracy in Laossaid that the rights to freedom of speech, freedom of peaceful assembly, and freedom of the press are now routinely violated in Laos. The freedom of civil society organizations and religious freedoms are also violated, he said, adding, By law, the Lao people can express their opinions according to what they believe is right and wrong, but in reality it is hard to do this, because it may touch on political concerns. Attempts by RFA to contact Lao officials responsible for treaties and laws and foreign affairs rang unanswered this week, but an official in an unrelated department urged a better understanding of Lao government policy. We understand that the U.N. commission will press Laos to respect peoples rights in the country, especially rights to the freedom of speech and expression, and political rights, the official told RFA, speaking on condition of anonymity. We should understand that Laos is not a democratic county. To change things suddenly is very hard, he said. Reported by RFAs Lao Service. Translated by Sidney Khotpanya. Written in English by Richard Finney. Authorities in Qaraqash (in Chinese, Moyu) county, in northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR), have detained nearly half of the population of a village in political re-education camps, according to a local official. Beginning in April 2017, Uyghurs accused of harboring strong religious views and politically incorrect views have been jailed or detained in re-education camps throughout the XUAR, where members of the ethnic group have long complained of pervasive discrimination, religious repression, and cultural suppression under Chinese rule. A duty officer with the Chinibagh township police station in Qaraqash recently told RFAs Uyghur Service that in his home village of Yengisheher, almost all of the adult males from the areas more than 1,700 households had been placed in camps, leaving few people behind to farm the local fields. Overall, 40 percent of the population in our village is currently in re-education camps, said the officer, who spoke to RFA on condition of anonymity. The officer acknowledged that village authorities were following an official directive previously reported by RFA which brands Uyghurs born in the 1980s and 1990s as members of an unreliable and untrustworthy generation and targets them for re-education because they are considered susceptible to influence by dangerous elements. He said that only children and old people remain in the village, and that the local labor force had been decimated by the sweep. If the husband is taken away, his wife must take over his work, and where there are young children in a family they must help in the fields, the officer said. For families with no remaining able-bodied members, the village cadres have made arrangements for their fields to be cultivated by other people, he added. The officer, who said he helps to question detainees, said none of his siblings had been placed in the camps because his grandfather had taught them to refrain from anything which would get us into trouble, and to always be loyal and give a good impression to the authorities. From a very young age, we followed the call of the [ruling Chinese Communist] party. When asked how many residents of Chinibagh township have been detained in the camps, the officer said he was unsure, and referred questions to his supervisor. The officers claim comes after the party secretary of Qaraqashs Aqsaray township told RFA at the end of last year that he and other township officials had received an order from county-level authorities to target 40 percent of the population for re-education. At the time, RFA found that around 5,000 of Qaraqashs population of 34,000 peopleor nearly 15 percent of the countys residentshad already been taken away to re-education camps. Reports suggest similar orders for quotas have been given in other areas of the XUAR, and that authorities are detaining as many Uyghurs as possible in re-education camps and jail, regardless of their age, prior service to the Communist Party, or the severity of the accusations against them. Camp network China's central government authorities have not publicly acknowledged the existence of re-education camps in the XUAR, and the number of inmates kept in each facility remains a closely guarded secret, but local officials in many parts of the region have in RFA telephone interviews forthrightly described sending significant numbers of Uyghurs to the camps and even described overcrowding in some facilities. Citing credible reports, lawmakers Marco Rubio and Chris Smith, who head the bipartisan Congressional-Executive Commission on China, said recently that as many as 500,000 to a million people are or have been detained in the reeducation camps, calling it the largest mass incarceration of a minority population in the world today. Adrian Zenz, a lecturer in social research methods at the Germany-based European School of Culture and Theology, said the number could be closer to 1.1 million, which equates to 10-11 percent of the adult Muslim population of the region." China regularly conducts strike hard campaigns in Xinjiang, including police raids on Uyghur households, restrictions on Islamic practices, and curbs on the culture and language of the Uyghur people, including videos and other material. While China blames some Uyghurs for "terrorist" attacks, experts outside China say Beijing has exaggerated the threat from the Uyghurs and that repressive domestic policies are responsible for an upsurge in violence there that has left hundreds dead since 2009. Reported by Shohret Hoshur for RFA's Uyghur Service. Translated by RFA's Uyghur Service. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Dolkun Isa, the president of the Munich-based World Uyghur Congress exile group, recently learned from a close family friend that his mother, Ayhan Memet, died in northwest Chinas Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) on May 17 at the age of 78. Isa, who has lived in exile since 1994, last spoke with his mother more than a year ago and was unsure if she had been incarcerated in one of the many political re-education camps throughout the XUAR, where authorities have been detaining Uyghurs accused of harboring extremist and politically incorrect thoughts since April 2017. Uyghurs with relatives living abroad are frequently targeted by this campaign. Amid an information clampdown in the region, many Uyghurs in exile have difficulty learning about the circumstances of loved ones back homea situation that is made even more vexing for those whose relatives have passed away and who are unable to honor them with Uyghur burial rites according to Muslim tradition. Isa recently told RFAs Uyghur Service about how he was affected by learning of his mothers death. The last time I saw my mother was in May 1994, just before I was forced to leave my homeland. Its been 24 years. I have never seen her sinceeven by video chat. Ive only seen a couple of photos of her since I last saw her in person. I was forced to leave my homeland after experiencing frequent harassment and being repeatedly questioned by the Chinese police. I was targeted because the Chinese authorities accused me of running an information center [to promote Uyghur issues] under the guise of a restaurant in [Chinas capital] Beijing. While I was in Beijing, I had the opportunity to introduce Uyghur people and culture to international students through authentic Uyghur food. This probably made the authorities uncomfortable. My parents and family members [in Kelpin (in Chinese, Keping) county, in the XUARs Aksu (akesu) prefecture)] have always faced official harassment, even while I was living in Beijing. I was in Beijing altogether for four yearstwo years for study and two years for running my restaurant. Whenever I returned [to Kelpin] from Beijing to visit my parents, the Chinese police kept a watchful eye on me and followed me around. My brother was imprisoned for two years because of my peaceful activism [against the discrimination Uyghurs face under Chinese rule in the XUAR]. My parents, and even distant relatives, were never granted passports or allowed to leave China. My mother was a courageous woman. She knew no fear. She flatly told Chinese officials, Im proud of my son and dont need anything from you when they visited her after expelling me from Xinjiang University [in the XUAR capital Urumqi] in 1988 [for campaigning for Uyghur rights]. Over the past 24 years, she never flinched under Chinese pressure, harassment or threats that came because of what I had done. Dolkun Isa's mother, Ayhan Memet, and father, Isa Memet, in an undated photo. Credit: Dolkun Isa Information dark age The most painful part of losing my mother is only learning of her passing 22 days after she died. In this 21st century age of informationwhere instant messaging connects people around the world in secondsI, and my fellow Uyghurs in exile, are deprived by the Chinese government of the basic right to timely information about the death of loved ones. China has completely cut off our communications with our friends and family in East Turkestan [the XUAR], creating a situation in which Uyghurs both inside and outside of the region live in an information dark age. The last time I briefly spoke to my mother was in April 2017. I dont know how she passed awaywhether it was at home, in a hospital, or in a concentration camp. This is the situation faced by all Uyghurs living under Chinas draconian rule. I demand that the international community condemn and take action to end Chinas horrific treatment of the Uyghur people. I also call on the Chinese government to stop its crimes against humanity imposed on the Uyghur people in East Turkestan and immediately close all political re-education camps, releasing the nearly one million Uyghurs who have been arbitrarily and extrajudicially detained. Reported by RFAs Uyghur Service. Translated by Alim Seytoff. Protesters in Ho Chi Minh City demonstrate against the Vietnamese government's plans to grant long-term leases to foreign companies operating in special economic zones, June 9, 2018. Vietnams Ministry of Foreign Affairs said Thursday that it is detaining a Vietnamese-American citizen for disturbing public order for participating in a peaceful protest that turned violent in Ho Chi Minh City on June 9. William (Will) Anh Nguyen, a 32-year-old graduate student from Houston, Texas, who is visiting Vietnam, tweeted about clashes between protesters and police over government plans to grant long-term leases to foreign companies operating in special economic zones (SEZs). He was detained the following day in Ho Chi Minh City, also called Saigon, for participating in the protest where dozens of demonstrators were taken into custody, with some assaulted by police, sources told RFA in an earlier report. A consular visit for this individual is under arrangement, and there was no use of force concerning this individual, ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang was quoted by Agence France-Presse as saying. Last weekend, thousands of Vietnamese citizens in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Nha Trang in Khanh Hoa province, and Binh Thuan province, publicly demonstrated against the communist governments plan to sign into law a decree on SEZs amid fears that leases for periods as long as 99 years in the areas could go to Chinese-owned and operated firms. In one of several tweets about the protests, Nguyen said the Vietnamese were also demonstrating against encroachment by China and a cybersecurity bill that would further restrict citizens use of the internet. The law, approved by Vietnam's National Assembly on Tuesday, requires companies like Google and Facebook to delete posts considered threatening to national security and to store users personal information inside Vietnam. 'Beaten over the head' Nguyens family and friends said in a statement that he was beaten over the head and dragged into the back of a police truck, when officers started to break up the protest, and that he was taken to a police station. He is thought to be in Ho Chi Minh City, but his whereabouts remain unclear. Nguyens mother, Van Nguyen, told RFAs Vietnamese Service on Monday before Vietnam confirmed her sons detention that relatives in the country had tried but failed to see her son. They asked the police why William had not been released and were told that it was because he did not want to sign some paper, she said by telephone on Monday. We are very worried about William. Ngyuens family called the American embassy in Hanoi after they heard that he had been arrested, his mother said. The embassy said in a statement that it was aware of media reports that a U.S. citizen had been detained and said it would offer assistance, but declined further comment, citing privacy concerns, the Associated Press reported Thursday. The family has also contacted U.S. congressional offices to exert pressure on officials in Vietnam to release Nguyen. Reported by RFAs Vietnamese Service. Translated by Viet Ha. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Protesters in Ho Chi Minh City demonstrate against the Vietnamese government's plans to grant long-term leases to foreign companies operating in special economic zones, June 9, 2018. UPDATED at 9:45 A.M. EST on 2018-06-13 Vietnamese authorities have beaten and arrested a Vietnamese-American citizen who tweeted about clashes between protesters and police in Ho Chi Minh City over government plans to grant long-term leases to foreign companies operating in special economic zones, sources familiar with the incident said Tuesday. William (Will) Anh Nguyen, a 32-year-old from Houston, Texas, entered Vietnam on June 9 and was detained the following day in Ho Chi Minh City, also called Saigon, for participating in the protest where dozens of demonstrators were taken into custody, with some assaulted by police, they said. Nguyen is visiting Vietnam before he receives a masters degree in public policy in July from the Lee Kuan Yew School of Public Policy at the National University of Singapore, said the sources who declined to be named. During the weekend, thousands of Vietnamese citizens in Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, and Nha Trang in south-central Vietnams coastal Khanh Hoa province publicly demonstrated against the communist governments plan to sign into law a decree on special economic zones (SEZs) amid fear that leases for periods as long as 99 years in the areas could go to Chinese-owned and operated firms. Nguyen participated in the rally in Ho Chi Minh City and filed accounts of the events on Twitter because he is passionate about Vietnamese socioeconomic issues, sources said. In one of several tweets about the protests, Nguyen said the Vietnamese were also demonstrating against encroachment by China and a cybersecurity bill that would further restrict citizens use of the internet. The proposed law requires companies like Google and Facebook to delete posts considered threatening to national security and to store users personal information inside Vietnam. There was a report that police injured Nguyen's head while detaining him, and he is now believed to be held somewhere in Ho Chi Minh City, they said. Nguyen's family has contacted the American embassy in Vietnam, but has not yet received a response, sources said. They are now in contact with U.S. congressional offices to exert pressure on officials in Vietnam to release him. The banned nerve agent sarin and chlorine were used in two more attacks in Syria last year, the global chemical-weapons watchdog has said. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) said on June 13 that sarin was used south of the city of Ltamenah in the Hama area on March 24, 2017. It also "concluded that chlorine was very likely used as a chemical weapon at Ltamenah hospital and the surrounding area" the following day. The findings in Ltamenah were based on witness testimony, epidemiological analysis, and environmental samples, it said. The OPCW did not assign blame for the attack. In March 2017, activists in the rebel-held area of Ltamenah accused the Syrian government of carrying out an air attack using chemical weapons against a hospital, a charge that Damascus denied. Previous UN-OPCW investigations have found that Syrian government forces used both sarin and chlorine, while Syrian rebel forces once used sulphur mustard gas. Days after the Ltamenah attacks, sarin was used in a deadly attack at nearby Khan Sheikhun, killing nearly 100 people. A UN-OPCW investigative team blamed that attack on Syrian government forces. Damascus denied responsibility. Based on reporting by Reuters, AP, and dpa BRUSSELS -- The European Parliament has passed a resolution demanding that Russia reverse its "decision to recognize the so-called independence of the Georgian territories of Abkhazia and South Ossetia." The June 14 resolution, which comes nearly 10 years after the Russia-Georgia of August 2008 that resulted in Russia's recognition of the two territories, also "condemns the decision by Venezuela, Nicaragua, Syria, and Nauru to recognize Abkhazia and South Ossetia, and calls for this recognition to be withdrawn." The resolution, which was backed by the vast majority in the European Parliament, also calls on Russia to "cease its occupation" of the two breakaway regions and "fully respect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of Georgia, as well as the inviolability of its internationally recognized borders, and that it stop the de facto integration of both regions into the Russian administration." It also urges Moscow to stop installing barbed wire fences and other artificial barriers at the administrative boundary line between Georgia and the two regions in order to put an end "to the encroachment into territory controlled by the Georgian government." BRUSSELS -- The European Commission is proposing a 30 percent increase in its 2021-27 external-action budget, with a focus set on helping countries in its southern and eastern neighborhoods to raise standards in their efforts to join the European Union. The commission on June 14 said the planned increase to 123 billion euros for the period is intended to show EU leadership "in times of uncertainties all over the world." The commission called the external-action budget its main tool to support partner countries in their political and economic transformations. The proposed budget level, up from 94.5 billion euros in the 2014-20 outlay, would set aside 22 billion for its neighborhood policy, up from 16.5 billion previously. It said 14.5 billion euros would be earmarked to aid countries looking to gain EU membership, mainly in the Western Balkans, which includes Albania, Bosnia-Herzegovina, Kosovo, Macedonia, Montenegro, and Serbia. The increased and reformed budget will allow us to continue working with those countries that are engaged to join the EU, as well as maintaining our special relationship with our eastern and southern neighbors," said Johannes Hahn, commissioner for European neighborhood policy and enlargement negotiations. "This will support our strategic goal to achieve a space of stability, security, and prosperity close to the EU's borders," he added. As an unwritten rule, two-thirds of the neighborhood budget tends to go to the Western Balkans or southern neighborhood, with the rest going to the eastern region, which consists of Armenia, Azerbaijan, Belarus, Georgia, Moldova, and Ukraine. The budget hike, part of an overall 1.28 trillion euro budget request, will be put to a vote by EU member states and the European Parliament and are often the start of long and arduous negotiations. Several EU states have indicated they want to see a decline of the general budget after Britain leaves the EU next year. Amnesty International has urged Pakistan to end the "current crackdown" on human rights defenders, activists, journalists, and members of civil society ahead of next months general elections. In a June 14 statement, the London-based rights watchdog denounced the ongoing wave of arbitrary arrests, enforced disappearances, attacks on the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly in the lead up to the July 25 polls. The vote comes at a time of growing political instability, with the ruling PML-N party accusing the military of interfering in politics. The army denies involvement in politics. Key freedoms are under relentless attack in Pakistan, with the authorities cracking down on dissent, whether it takes place on the streets, on television news channels, in newspaper columns, or on social media, said Dinushika Dissanayake, deputy director for South Asia at Amnesty. The group called for the immediate and unconditional release of 37 activists it said were currently detained in the city of Rawalpindi for participating in peaceful protests against extrajudicial executions, enforced disappearances, and other human rights violations. Amnesty said it was also deeply concerned by the hours-long arbitrary detention of British-Pakistani journalist and rights activist Gul Bukhari earlier this month. Bukhari, who has been a critic of the Pakistani military, was abducted in the eastern city of Lahore on June 6 and held for several hours by unknown men before being freed, her family and colleagues said. Pakistan's army denied it was involved in the abduction, which occurred a day after a military spokesman warned at a press conference that it is monitoring citizens who criticize Pakistan, amid a growing crackdown on free speech in the country. Amnesty also said that Dawn has seen its circulation heavily disrupted in the country while the newspaper has come under intense pressure for its independent editorial policy. Similar pressure has been applied on the Jang media group, it added. Pakistan once proudly boasted a lively and independent media. This, sadly, has stopped being the case. People can no longer speak or write freely, Dissanayake lamented. Georgia's ruling party named acting Finance Minister Mamuka Bakhtadze as a candidate to become the next prime minister, a day after the resignation of the cabinet following a series of antigovernment protests in the capital, Tbilisi. "We will accomplish the historic choice of the Georgian people to be integrated into the Euro-Atlantic space," Bakhtadze told journalists on June 14 after receiving the nomination. He also promised "fundamental and innovative reforms, to create a new economic model that will affect every Georgian citizen." Announcing his resignation as prime minister on June 13, Giorgi Kvirikashvili cited disagreements with the leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party, tycoon Bidzina Ivanishvili, as a reason for his decision. Kvirikashvili had been prime minister since December 2015. His decision triggered the resignation of the whole cabinet. Bakhtadze, 36, needs to submit a cabinet list to President Giorgi Margvelashvili within a week. Margvelashvili then will have a further seven days to submit the new cabinet to parliament for approval. Bakhtadze, a former Georgian Railways head, was appointed acting finance minister during a sweeping government reorganization in November 2017. Bakhtadze studied microeconomics and management at Tbilisi University and has postgraduate qualifications from Moscow State University and INSEAD. He served from 2010-2012 as executive director of the Georgian International Energy Corporation and from March 2013 as head of Georgian Railways. A wave of demonstrations started in Tbilisi on May 31 to protest against what demonstrators said was a miscarriage of justice following the killing of two teenagers in December. The protests stopped after June 6, but resumed on June 10 and ended on June 11 with police dismantling protesters tents and detaining opposition politicians and their supporters. The demonstrations followed a series of rallies held in May by hundreds of people who took to Tbilisi streets and erected tent camps to protest an antidrug raid by police on two popular nightclubs, angered by what critics called an excessive use of force against club-goers. They also came after mass street rallies in neighboring Armenia helped force the resignation of the prime minister and led to protest leader Nikol Pashinian being voted in by parliament as the new premier. With reporting by AFP Greece's main opposition party has called a no-confidence vote in the government in a bid to block a proposed name deal with neighboring Macedonia. "This is the last straw," New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis told parliament on June 14. "We will not divide the Greeks in order to unite the [Macedonians]." Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras -- whose government is expected to win the vote -- this week agreed with Macedonian counterpart Zoran Zaev to rename Greece's northern neighbor the Republic of North Macedonia. Under the accord, its language will be Macedonian and its people known as Macedonians or citizens of the Republic of North Macedonia. Skopje and Athens had recently stepped up United Nations-brokered negotiations to resolve their 27-year name dispute, which dates back to 1991 when Macedonia peacefully broke away from Yugoslavia, declaring its independence under the name Republic of Macedonia. Greece had objected to the name Macedonia, fearing territorial claims on its eponymous northern region. Because of Greek objections, Macedonia was admitted to the UN under a provisional name, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Greece, an EU and NATO member, has also cited the dispute to veto Macedonia's bid to join the two organizations. "I have an obligation to the Greek people to try to prevent the future of our homeland being mortgaged under a deal harmful to national interests," Mitsotakis told lawmakers. On June 13, Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov also objected to the deal, saying he wouldn't sign it because it violated the country's constitution. "My position is final and I will not yield to any pressure, blackmail, or threats. I will not support or sign such a damaging agreement," Ivanov told a news conference. Later on June 13, about 1,000 people gathered in front of the parliament building in Skopje, calling for Prime Minister Zaev's resignation. The demonstrators were holding Macedonian flags and chanting slogans such as "Zaev is a traitor." With reporting by AP, Reuters, and the BBC Russias Kaspersky Lab says it will no longer cooperate on several European cybercrime-fighting initiatives after the European Parliament moved to ban its antivirus software. "Kaspersky Lab has taken the difficult decision to temporarily halt our numerous collaborative European cybercrime-fighting initiatives, including those with Europol," Europe's police agency, the Moscow-based firm said on June 13. The United States and a number of European countries have accused Kaspersky of having ties to the Kremlin and Russian intelligence services, allegations Russian officials and Kaspersky deny. The European Parliament on June 13 issued a report demanding a ban on programs and devices that have been confirmed as malicious, such as Kaspersky Lab. The call by European MPs was not binding, but Kaspersky said that it demonstrates a distinct lack of respect for the company which has been a firm friend of Europe in the fight against cybercrime." The chief executive and founder of the software company, Yevgeny Kaspersky, said the company is stopping its work with Europol, on the No More Ransom project, a joint effort by governments and companies to detect ransomware on computers. The U.S. Department of Homeland Security last year ordered the country's agencies using Kaspersky products to remove and replace them with other approved software within 90 days. Kremlin authorities blamed the decision on political motives and said it was a manifestation of unfair competition practices. An estimated 400 million computers around the world have Kaspersky Lab's antivirus products installed. Based on reporting by AFP and TASS A regional court has overturned a verdict that cleared Russian historian Yury Dmitriyev of child pornography charges, setting up a retrial, his lawyer says. In comments to reporters June 14, defense lawyer Viktor Anufriyev called the decision by the Karelia Supreme Court "unlawful and not based on criminal legislation." Dmitriyev, a human rights activist who helped uncover mass graves of gulag prisoners executed in the 1930s, was acquitted by a local court in April. Prosecutors had charged the 62-year-old after authorities found 49 naked photographs of his adopted daughter on his computer. But Dmitriyev testified that the photos were taken because medical workers had asked him to monitor the health and development of the girl, who was malnourished and ailing when Dmitriyev and his wife took her in as a foster child. His supporters said the case was brought against Dmitriyev, a member of the Russian human rights group Memorial, because he exposed a side of history that complicates the Kremlin's glorification of the Soviet past. Russia has vowed to retaliate against a plan by Norway to more than double the number of U.S. Marines stationed in the country. The Russian Embassy in Oslo issued the warning on June 14, two days after Norway announced it will ask the United States, its NATO ally, to send 700 Marines starting next year. The move came amid increasing wariness among nations bordering Russia following Moscow's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea Peninsula in 2014. The Russian Embassy said that Norways plan, if realized, would make Norway less predictable and could cause growing tensions, triggering an arms race, and destabilizing the situation in northern Europe." "We see it as clearly unfriendly, and it will not remain free of consequence," it said in a statement. Some 330 U.S. Marines currently are scheduled to leave Norway at the end of this year after an initial contingent arrived in January 2017 to train for fighting in winter conditions. They were the first foreign troops to be stationed in Norway, a member of NATO, since World War II. Norwegian Foreign Minister Ine Eriksen Soereide told reporters on June 12 that the additional U.S. troops would be based closer to the border with Russia in the Inner Troms region in the Norwegian Arctic, about 420 kilometers from Russia, rather than in central Norway. Soereide also said that the decision to increase the U.S. presence has broad support in parliament and does not constitute the establishment of a permanent U.S. base in Norway. The initial decision to welcome the Marines irked Russia, with Moscow warning that it would worsen bilateral relations with Oslo. NATO's massive exercise Trident Juncture 18 is due to take place in and around Norway in October-November. All 29 NATO allies, as well as Finland and Sweden, will participate in the drills, which will involve some 40,000 troops, 70 ships, and 130 aircraft. With reporting by Reuters and Interfax There will be no sanctions relief for North Korea until its complete denuclearization, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said in Seoul. Pompeo was in the South Korean capital on June 14 to brief South Korean President Moon Jae-in on the results of this week's landmark summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Pompeo, speaking at a news conference with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts, Kang Kyung Wha and Taro Kono, said North Korea understood the need for a "quick" denuclearization process that would be based on "conditions" and "sequencing." Trump and Kim signed a joint statement after their Singapore meeting that reaffirmed the North's commitment to "work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula," mentioned an end to joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises, and gave U.S. guarantees of security to North Korea. However, there had been criticism of the statement for its failure to give detail on a timeline for Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons or how it would be verified. North Korean state media on June 13 reported that Trump had agreed to a "step-by-step" process, suggesting that Pyongyang would gain concessions from Washington at the same time. But Pompeo made clear that no sanctions would be lifted until total denuclearization was achieved. "President Trump has been incredibly clear about the sequencing of denuclearization and relief from the sanctions," Pompeo told reporters. "We are going to get complete denuclearization; only then will there be relief from the sanctions," he said. Pomepo said regional powers remained "committed to the complete, verifiable, and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea." Before the talks with Pompeo, Moon hailed the summit as a great success, though he acknowledged that there might be "very conflicting views regarding the outcome of the summit." Moon appeared to be referring to Trump's surprise pledge to halt joint military exercises with South Korea, which the U.S. president called a "provocation" of the North. With reporting by dpa, AP, and Reuters A Chechen man has been sentenced to prison over a deadly hostage-taking in the southern Russian city of Budyonnovsk in 1995, a turning point in the first of the two post-Soviet separatist wars in nearby Chechnya. The North Caucasus Regional Military Court in the city of Rostov-on-Don on June 14 found Badruddi Daudov guilty of hostage-taking and taking part in a terrorist attack and sentenced him to 14 years in prison. Daudov pleaded not guilty. It is not clear when he was arrested. On June 14, 1995, a group of Chechen separatists led by Shamil Basayev attacked a local police station and government buildings in Budyonnovsk and took some 1,500 people hostage, demanding the withdrawal of Russian troops from Chechnya. About 150 people were killed. The surviving hostages were released following a five-day siege after Russian Prime Minister Viktor Chernomyrdin promised a cease-fire in Chechnya and gave Basayev and his backers safe passage back to Chechnya. The deal to resolve the crisis paved the way for an August 1996 agreement that ended the war. A second war erupted in 1999, with then-Prime Minister Vladimir Putin playing a prominent role in decision-making, after Basayev led militants in an incursion into neighboring Daghestan. Basayev, who became the most wanted man in Russia, was killed in an explosion in 2006. Based on reporting by Rapsinews and Interfax Prominent Russian film director and lawmaker Stanislav Govorukhin has died at the age of 82. Vyacheslav Volodin, the speaker of the State Duma, said on June 14 that Govorukhin died at the Barvikha sanatorium near Moscow after a long illness. From the 1960s, Govorukhin was one of the most popular film directors in the former Soviet Union and Russia. Most of the films he directed during the Soviet period were shot at the Odesa Film Studio in Ukraine. Some of his movies -- Vertical, White Explosion, and the Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed -- were extremely popular in the Soviet Union. After former Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev initiated his reform initiative known as perestroika, Govorukhin produced several documentaries about the realities of life under communism and began getting involved in politics. In recent years, Govorukhin, a member of the ruling United Russia party, became a strong supporter of Russian President Vladimir Putin. He served as chief of Putin's campaign office in 2011-12. In 2013, Govorukhin became a senior member of the Putin-led All-Russia Popular Front (ONF) political movement. In 2014, he signed a letter in support of Russia's annexation of Ukraine's Crimea region. Based on reporting by Interfax and TASS Russian opposition politician and anticorruption campaigner Aleksei Navalny has been released from jail after serving 30 days for organizing protests against President Vladimir Putin. Dozhd TV reported on June 14 that Navalny left a Moscow detention facility and posted Navalny's photo on Twitter. Moscow's Tver district court on May 15 found Navalny guilty of repeatedly violating regulations for organizing public gatherings and sentenced him to 30 days in jail. The court later found him guilty of refusing to comply with police orders and sentenced him to 15 days. However, Navalny, who called the accusations against him "ridiculous," served both sentences at the same time. The vocal Putin foe was one of hundreds of people apprehended in Moscow and more than 1,600 people detained nationwide during May 5 demonstrations against Putin's inauguration for a new six-year term two days later. Navalny was released hours later but was ordered not to leave Moscow while the cases against him were pending. He has already served several jail terms on charges related to organizing antigovernment protests, and was convicted twice on financial-crimes charges he says were trumped up by the Kremlin as retribution for his opposition to Putin. Navalny was barred from taking part in the March 18 presidential election due to the convictions he and supporters contend were fabricated to keep him out of the electoral process. Putin, who has been either president or prime minister since 1999, was sworn in for a new six-year term on May 7 after a landslide victory in the election. He won almost 77 percent of the vote -- more than he received in any of his three elections and the highest percentage handed to any post-Soviet Russian leader. The vote was marred by allegations of fraud and what international observers said was a lack of genuine choice. With reporting by Dozhd TV and Mediazona Two Russian opposition activists have been jailed in the Far Eastern city of Vladivostok two days after they were detained. Dmitry Gultyayev, an activist from opposition politician Aleksei Navalny's office in Vladivostok, told RFE/RL that Vladimir Dubovsky, the coordinator of Navalny's regional team, was sentenced to 14 days in jail, and a leading member of a regional branch of a civil-society group, Open Russia, Andrei Yarotsky, was sentenced to 15 days in jail. A court in Vladivostok found the two guilty of not complying with police orders. The young men were detained on June 12 after police disrupted the founding gathering of Open Russia's regional branch in Vladivostok. Open Russia's chairman, Andrei Pivovarov, his press secretary Natalya Gryaznyevich, and activist Maria Zinchenko, who were detained along with Dubovsky and Yarotsky, were found guilty of disobedience and fined the equivalent of $10-$15 each. Open Russia is a civil-society group established by exiled Kremlin foe Mikhail Khodorkovsky. In April 2017, the Russian Prosecutor-General's Office declared Open Russia "undesirable under a controversial law signed by President Vladimir Putin in 2015 and accused the nongovernmental organization of conducting antigovernment activities. Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said he needs the assistance of Iranian and Hizballah forces in Syria and they will stay for as long as they deem necessary. In an interview with Iran's Al-Alam TV late on June 13, Assad said Iran did not have any military bases in Syria, unlike Russia, but he said that if there was "a need for Iranian military bases, we will not hesitate" to provide them. "Iran is an allied country,as [is] the case with Russia," he said. Assad said he had received critical support from Iranian advisers and fighters as well as Iraqi Shi'ite militias and the Lebanese fighters in Hizballah's militia in his seven-year civil war against Sunni rebels, which has killed more than a half-million people. He said those fighters were still needed for the government to regain control an estimated 40 percent of the country that is still controlled by rebel forces. "Hizballah is a basic element in this war. The battle is long, and the need for these military forces will continue for a long time," Assad told Al-Alam. Assad stressed that he invited the allied fighters into his country and he would never ask them to leave, as the United States and Israel are demanding, even as part of any peace settlement. Israel sees Tehran as a mortal foe and has pressed for removal of the Iranian military presence in Syria in talks with Russia and the United States, as well as targeting Iranian fighters and facilities in Syria in a series of deadly air raids this year. Assad told Al-Alam that Syria's relationship with Iran "will not be part of any settlement" and was "not in the international bazaar." He said friendly forces will remain in Syria until "terrorism" has been rooted out. Assad frequently refers to his armed rebel opponents as "terrorists," even those not designated as terrorists by the United Nations or other official organizations. "When Iran or Hizballah sees that terrorism is eliminated, they will tell us that they want to leave back to their homelands," he said. Iranian President Hassan Rohani said during a phone call with French President Emmanuel Macron earlier this week that he had not ruled out the withdrawal of Iranian troops from Syria if what he called the "roots of terrorism" are destroyed there. "That would mean there was no need for the presence of foreign troops in Syria," he said during the call, according to a statement from his office. With reporting by AP, dpa, and Reuters By arresting Irans top human rights lawyer, Nasrin Sotoudeh, powerful Iranian hard-liners are aiming to silence the most prominent voice for the voiceless in the Islamic republic. Sotoudehs husband, Reza Khandan, has said that she was rearrested at her home on June 13 to serve a five-year prison sentence on unknown charges. He said she didnt know anything about the sentence. The London-based human rights group Amnesty International condemned her latest detention, calling it an "outrageous attack on a brave and prolific human rights defender." The United States said it was "deeply concerned" by reports of Sotoudeh's rearrest. "First arrested in 2010, Ms. Sotoudeh has spent the past several years harassed by the Iranian regime and has been routinely placed behind bars for daring to defend the rights of those in Iran," spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement. "We applaud Ms. Sotoudehs bravery and her fight for the long-suffering victims of the regime. We call on Iranian authorities to release her immediately, along with the hundreds of others who are currently imprisoned simply for expressing their views and desires for a better life." Sotoudeh, 55, has been among a handful of rights advocates and activists who have stood up against state repression and highlighted human rights abuses in the country. In 2010, Sotoudeh was sentenced to six years in prison -- reduced from an initial 11-year sentence -- and a 10-year ban on practicing law for several charges, including acting against Iran's national security. She spent three years in prison before being released unexpectedly in 2013 ahead of a trip to New York to attend the UN General Assembly by the then newly elected president, Hassan Rohani. In 2012, the European Parliament gave its most prestigious award, the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, to Sotoudeh and acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi. These are some of the sensitive political cases Sotoudeh has represented and the issues she has raised in recent years: Defending Anti-Hijab Protesters In the past several months, Sotoudeh had been defending several young women who peacefully protested the compulsory hijab rule in Tehran by removing their head scarves in public and waving them on sticks while standing on utility boxes. Sotoudeh had represented them in courts while also raising their plight in media interviews and by providing details about the cases on her Facebook page. She also criticized the use of force against some of the women, whose protests were forcefully stopped by police. The women of our land are flowing like rivers, she wrote in a February 22 post on Facebook. Dont jail them, dont put them on trial, they havent committed any crimes, Sotoudeh said, while adding that Iranian women want to be in charge of deciding about their clothing. Criticizing An Official List That Excludes Most Lawyers From Politically Charged Cases Sotoudeh had in recent weeks spoken out against a Judiciary-approved list of lawyers who will be allowed to represent individuals accused of national security, political, and media offenses. She and others who have defended political prisoners were not on the list. Sotoudeh told RFE/RL last week that political detainees in Iran will be completely denied the right to defense due to the list. 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 incite fear and intimidation for the defendants," Sotoudeh said. Calling For A UN-Held Referendum On A New System Of Government In Iran Earlier this year, the outspoken mother of two signed a public statement calling for a referendum, organized by the United Nations, that would pave the way for a new system of government in Iran. The statement said the current system -- which it accused of systematic rights violations, corruption, and the selective use of religion -- has become the "main obstacle to the progress and liberation of the Iranian people. Sotoudeh and the other 14 signatories of the statement said they favor a peaceful transition from the Islamic republic to a secular parliamentary democracy that would be based on freedom of expression, respect for human rights, and the elimination of all discrimination and equality, particularly for women. Defending Child Offenders On Death Row, Womens Rights Activists, And Intellectuals Before her arrest in 2010, Sotoudeh defended some of those arrested in the state crackdown that followed the disputed 2009 presidential election. She also presented the cases of several child offenders on death row, womens rights activists, journalists, and others charged in politically motivated cases. Sotoudeh had been campaigning against the death penalty in Iran, which executes more prisoners than almost any other country in the world. She was also a member of the One Million Signatures Campaign, which aimed to gather support for the elimination of laws that discriminate against women, including in divorce and child custody. Hope Followed By Despair While her 2013 release was viewed as a very hopeful sign, her rearrest on June 13 is likely to have a chilling effect on those pushing for change in the Islamic republic. It comes amid a U.S. withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, which appears to have empowered powerful hard-liners in charge of key institutions, including the judiciary. In a May 9 interview with RFE/RL, Sotoudeh predicted that U.S. President Donald Trumps decision to quit the deal would likely contribute to a worsening of Iran's domestic rights situation. The end of diplomacy and negotiations can lead the international community toward war. As a matter of fact, when the country faces a war situation, any talk of human rights is meaningless, Sotoudeh told RFE/RL from Tehran. The United States says it is deeply concerned by reports that prominent Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh has been arrested in Tehran and calls for her immediate release. Sotoudeh has spent the past several years harassed by the Iranian regime and has been routinely placed behind bars for daring to defend the rights of those in Iran, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a June 14 statement. We applaud Ms. Sotoudehs bravery and her fight for the long-suffering victims of the regime," she added. Nauert called on Iranian authorities to release her immediately, along with the hundreds of others who are currently imprisoned simply for expressing their views and desires for a better life. There was no immediate comment from Iranian authorities. Sotoudeh's husband, Reza Khandan, wrote on Facebook that security forces appeared at the couple's home on June 13 and took his wife to a court at Tehran's Evin prison. Khandan told RFE/RLs Radio Farda that security forces said they were taking Sotoudeh away over a prison sentence issued in the past, adding that his wife didnt know anything about the case. The London-based human rights group Amnesty International also condemned Sotoudehs detention, calling it an "outrageous attack on a brave and prolific human rights defender." The 55-year-old human rights lawyer has been pressured and jailed in the past for taking up sensitive cases. The mother of two was arrested in 2010 and sentenced to six years in prison on a number of charges, including acting against Iran's national security. She was released in 2013 after serving three years. In 2012, the European Parliament gave its most prestigious award, the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, to Sotoudeh and acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi. With reporting by AFP and AP The UN human rights chief has called for an international investigation into possible rights violations in Kashmir, the disputed region divided between India and Pakistan. A report by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights on June 14 highlighted the "chronic impunity for violations committed by security forces," alleging large-scale abuses committed by both sides in the volatile Himalayan region. "I will be urging the UN Human Rights Council to consider establishing a commission of inquiry to conduct a comprehensive independent international investigation into allegations of human rights violations in Kashmir," High Commissioner Zeid Raad al-Hussein said. "It is a conflict that has robbed millions of their basic human rights and continues to this day to inflict untold suffering." Kashmir has been divided between Hindu-majority India and Muslim Pakistan since the end of British rule in 1947. Both claim the region and have fought two wars over it. A secessionist insurgency in the Muslim-majority region has led to the deaths of an estimated 44,000 people over the decades, many of them civilians. The UN report focuses on what it calls serious violations in India's northern state of Jammu and Kashmir from July 2016 to April 2018. The report quotes activists as saying 165 civilians were killed by security forces and armed groups during that period. "In responding to demonstrations that started in 2016, Indian security forces used excessive force that led to unlawful killings and a very high number of injuries," the report said. India immediately rejected the report, calling it a "selective compilation of largely unverified information" that creates "a false narrative." Islamabad welcomed Zeid's request for a probe, with the Foreign Ministry saying it was "consistent with Pakistan's several calls to this effect since 2016." New Delhi has long accused Islamabad of arming and training insurgents and helping them infiltrate across the militarized Line of Control that separates the two sides. Pakistan denies the charges and calls the militants freedom fighters seeking autonomy. The report also cited alleged violations in the Pakistan-administered portion of Kashmir. It urged Islamabad to end "misuse" of antiterror legislation to persecute peaceful activists and suppress dissent. Pakistan did not immediately comment on the report. Meanwhile, senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari and his police bodyguard were fatally shot on June 14 by unknown assailants in the Indian-controlled portion, police say. Bukhari, who was the editor for a group of daily newspapers, advocated for a peaceful resolution to the Kashmir dispute, often participating in peace conferences between Indian and Pakistani officials. With reporting by dpa, Reuters, and AP Cancun, Riviera Maya weather to remain wet and windy Cancun, Q.R. While Tropical Storm Bud drenches the Pacific coastline, a slow moving tropical disturbance has been doing the same to the Cancun, Riviera Maya coast. The National Meteorological Service reports there are five tropical systems that are causing intense rains around the country, with Tropical Storm Bud causing the most damage along the Baja California Sur region. As Tropical Wave No. 3 continues its movement, the southeast portion of Mexico will remain wet and windy for another 48 hours. As the Tropical Wave continues on the Yucatan Peninsula, it is interacting with a weak Low Pressure Channel. Both systems continue to move slowly to the west-northwest causing rain and thunderstorms over most of the state of Quintana Roo. The National Meteorological Service is forecasting the Cancun, Riviera Maya region to remain wet with the additional accumulation of between 75 and 150 mm of rain for Yucatan and Quintana Roo as very strong storms and intense electrical activity make their way through the region Thursday and Friday. On Saturday, SMN are forecasting the arrival of a new tropical wave system that will travel across the Yucatan Peninsula and the southeast, continuing Cancun and Riviera Mayas wet and windy weather. Rain accumulation for Saturday is anticipated to be between 50 to 75 mm. Variable winds of between 25 and 35 km/h are also expected. Sunday, the National Meteorological Service reports the likeliness of intervals of rain for the areas of Sinaloa, Yucatan and Quintana Roo. Illinois man arrested in Cancun, extradited back to United States Cancun, Q. R. An American man has been sent back to the United States after being arrested in Cancun Wednesday. The Attorney Generals Office, through International Affairs, says that a man identified as Raymundo B was arrested by agents of the Federal Ministerial Police without incident in Cancun Wednesday. The American was wanted by the Federal District Court of the Northern District of the state of Illinois for the crime of electronic fraud. Authorities say Rayumudo B was on Interpols list. The Criminal Investigation Agency learned of his whereabouts and requested the arrest and extradition from Mexico back to the United States. Raymundo B was taken into custody without incident. He will face a judge in an Illinois court room for fraud charges. 14 people arrested for gold smuggling Fourteen people, including six Chinese nationals, have been arrested by customs officials at the international airport here for allegedly smuggling gold worth about Rs eight crore into the country. Some of the accused, including five women, had concealed gold in their rectum, an official said. The 14 were arrested in five incidents that were reported in the past three days at the airport, said Anubha Sinha, Joint Commissioner (Customs) at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. 5 women had concealed gold in their rectum Advertisement It is one of the biggest seizures made by the customs in recent times, she said. Giving details of the cases, Sinha said besides the five Chinese, the customs department arrested Iranian and Azerbaijan nationals. The officials had yesterday intercepted two Chinese nationals after their arrival from Bangkok. A detailed examination of their baggage and the personal search resulted in the recovery of six kg of gold. They had concealed gold in the form of bangles worn by them. Gold worth about Rs 8 crore The gold which is assessed to be worth Rs 1.8 crore has been seized," she said. In another case, an Iranian national was held after his arrival from Dubai on Tuesday for allegedly trying to smuggle in eight kg gold. He had concealed the gold in specially designed pockets of the jacket worn by him. On the same day, five Azerbaijan nationals, including three women, were arrested for smuggling in 2.45 kg gold. The accused had concealed the gold in the form of bangles and other jewelry worn by them. Advertisement On June 11, four Chinese nationals, including two women, were arrested for illegally carrying six kg gold. Of the total gold, about five kg was concealed in their rectum by the accused, said Anees Cherkunnath, Deputy Commissioner (Air Intelligence) at the airport. They were intercepted after their arrival from Hong Kong. Two Indian men were also arrested on the same day for smuggling in four kg of gold. Accused had concealed the gold in the form of bangles and other jewelry worn by them One of them was intercepted after his arrival from Bangkok. He had concealed three kgs gold in his rectum, Cherkunnath said. Whereas, the other person was arrested in Amritsar with one kg gold. The accused had either smuggled in gold on his own or got it through his accomplice who had come from abroad, according to customs officials. They said the flight bound for Amritsar was earlier an international one and the accused must have smuggled the gold through the help of another passenger who had come from abroad. In all, 26.45 kg gold valued at Rs 7.93 crore has been seized in these cases, Cherkunnath said. French woman missing from Rajasthan A 20-year-old French woman, who was on her way to Jaipur after visiting the holy town of Pushkar in Rajasthan, has been missing for nearly two weeks, police said today. Gaelle Chouteau was last seen on June 1 at a bus stand near her hotel in Pushkar in Ajmer district where she arrived on May 30, they added. On information about the girl's disappearance from an official of French embassy through email on Tuesday, we collected CCTV footage from the hotel, SHO of Pushkar police station in Ajmer, Mahaveer Sharma said. Police collected CCTV footage from the hotel Advertisement "She is seen going towards the bus stand but nothing could be established further," he added. Sharma said three police teams have been dispatched to Ajmer, Jaipur as well as Jodhpur, from where she arrived in Pushkar last month. She was supposed to go to Jaipur so we have sent our teams to both Ajmer and Jaipur to check CCTV footage and to collect further information about her," he said. Her friends too are circulating messages on social media seeking help "Her mobile phone is switched off and a technical investigation is going on, he added. Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler had yesterday tweeted a photo and details about the woman. Her friends too are circulating messages on social media seeking help to locate her, police said. Union Minister Arun Jaitley Taking a jibe at Rahul Gandhi for anti-Narendra Modi tirade, Union Minister Arun Jaitley questioned the Congress President's wisdom saying that it has to be acquired through learning and cannot be inherited. The Congress party has become "ideologyless" because its "only obsession is a person called Narendra Modi", Jaitley said in a Facebook post. Gandhi has been attacking the BJP government for waiving loans of Rs 2.5 lakh crore by big corporates, as also criticising the Mudra Yojana. Rahul Gandhi Advertisement Observing that the UPA government during 2008-2014 indiscriminately lent money through banks to 15 big loan defaulters, Jaitley said Gandhi prefers the "Gobbelian traditions to say the exact opposite". "For a President of a national party not to understand this basic procedure of bank functioning should be a matter of concern to the entire party as also the country. In dynastic parties political positions are heritable. Unfortunately, wisdom is not heritable. It has to be acquired through learning," he said in a post titled 'Is Congress Becoming Ideologyless? Is Anti-Modism it's only ideology?' Gandhi earlier this week cited the examples of successful American entrepreneurs to attack Modi's policies and described the founder of Coca-Cola as a 'shikanji seller' and that of McDonald's a 'dhaba wala'. "Though factually what he stated was incorrect, the larger point is that he saw virtues in these professions which can act as a launch pad for many start-ups. Narendra Modi Advertisement "The great-grandson of the man who authored 'The Discovery of India' could with his customary inaccuracies one day give to this country his monumental work on 'The Rediscovery of Coca-Cola'," Jaitley said. He further said that there is no ideological pattern in Gandhi's statements. "Ignorance with anti-Modism is a common thread", he said. Dynastic political parties are family and personality dominated and ideology takes a back seat, he said. "The leader's ill-informed instincts become the ideology. This can only happen to a party which becomes ideologyless; pushes itself to the fringe; is willing to act as a tailender to regional parties. All this because its only obsession is a person called Narendra Modi," Jaitley said. The minister also questioned the Congress party's 'sudden love for the Other Backward Classes' saying Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi had opposed the Mandal Commission and the Congress Party recently opposed the grant of constitutional status to the National Commission for Backward Classes. Former Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi Advertisement On Congress leader P Chidambaram's comment that frying pakodas are not job creation, Jaitley said: "being cleverer than rest of his colleagues, he perhaps was trying to neutralize the success story of the Mudra Yojana where 12.90 crore loans have been given for self-employment to various weaker sections". Jaitley said the total of these loans has touched Rs 6 lakh crores and created work for millions of people. Assyrians, Jews and Israel There is an Islamic phrase in Arabic, which accurately describes the treatment of Jews and Christians under Muslim rule: First the Saturday people, then the Sunday people In other words, writes professor Guy Milliere, First Muslims attack Jews; then when the Jews are gone, they attack Christians. It is what we have been seeing throughout the Middle East. The phrase also explains how the fates of Jews and Christians particularly the Assyrians, a persecuted people in the Middle East - are intertwined. Assyrians have inhabited the Middle East since the beginning of recorded history. They are the descendants of the ancient civilizations of Assyria, Babylon, Sumer, and Mitanni. For 300 years, Assyrian kings ruled the largest empire the world had yet known. Ancient Assyrian culture contributed tremendously to human civilizationparticularly in the fields of science, mathematics, medicine, geography, law, and literature, among others. Today, however, Assyrians are stateless due to constant persecution, ethnic cleansing and the multiple genocides committed against them principally by Kurds, Iraq, Turkey and the Iranian regime. This has been done in the name of Islam and Arab, Kurdish, and Turkish nationalisms, making the intended destruction of Assyrians both an ethnic and religious one. According to the Assyrian International News Agency (AINA), every fifty years there has been a massacre of Assyrians. The Assyrian homeland encompasses northern Iraq, northern Syria, southeastern Turkey, and northwestern Iran. Only northern Iraq and Syria have substantial population centers left while the Assyrians that haven't been massacred over the centuries are living largely in Western, Middle Eastern, and Russian diaspora. Assyrian people are predominately Christian and speak Assyrian, a language rooted in Aramaic and similar to Hebrew. The author Ross Perlin explains the massive historic and cultural importance of the Assyrian language: Nearly three millennia of continuous records exist for Aramaic; only Chinese, Hebrew, and Greek have an equally long written legacy. For many religions, Aramaic has had sacred or near-sacred status. Assyrian and Jewish History The Assyrian and Jewish nations share a rich history mired in ups and downs. From conflict in the distant past, to the Jewish Assyrian Kingdom of Adiabene, to shared language and roots, to living in the same villages in the Assyrian homelandthe commonalities between the two are substantial, to say the least. Persecution and diaspora is the grimmer area the peoples share. Professor Hannibal Travis writes in his comprehensive article ''Native Christians Massacred The Ottoman Genocide of the Assyrians during World War I, that: The Assyrians and other Ottoman Christians, like the Jews, had suffered from centuries of discrimination and official segregation; were charged with being agents of foreign powers and scapegoated for military defeats and looming threats in a rhetoric of ethnic elimination; and were physically and culturally exterminated in large numbers by means of massacres, rapes, expulsions, and attacks on homes and religious institutions carried out by genocidal state apparatuses and local irregular forces. Due to the similarities between the two peoples, Assyrians understand the Jewish situation better than most other populations, making it very hard for empathy to not exist from Assyrians for Jews and from Jews for Assyrians - when aware Assyrians are still alive and kicking. This is all in spite of the groups and governmentsTurkey, Syria, Iraq, Iran and Kurdish groupssurrounding Assyrians today being overall highly anti-Semitic, anti-Israel, and propagating such stances against them. An example was demonstrated recently by Selahattin Demirtas, the Kurdish leader of the pro-Kurdish People's Democratic Party (HDP) in Turkey, an affiliate of the internationally recognized terrorist organization known as the Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK) and also the Democratic Union Party (PYD) in Syria. Demirtas, who is also HDP's presidential candidate, joined the anti-Israel chorus in Turkey and tweeted: I curse the boundless barbarism of the government of Israel. I wish mercy from Allah to the massacred sons and daughters of the oppressed Palestinian people and healing to their injured. A powerful voice and a joint stance is required to be able to stop the savagery of the Israeli government immediately. In another Twitter post Demirtas called on everyone in Turkey to organize a huge demonstration in Istanbul to protest and stop Israel's savagery. The pro-Kurdish HDP party also presented a proposal to Turkey's parliament that demands all political, economic and military agreements with Israel, including the one that recognizes Jerusalem as its capital, be cancelled. Ironically, the proposal was rejected by votes of the ruling AKP party and the opposition MHP, the Nationalist Movement Party. Regardless of such statements and actions, both secular and Christian Assyrians continue their steadfast pro-Jewish and pro-Israel views, being a testament to the cultural elements Assyrians perceive woven between themselves and the Jewish people. Mar Awa Royel, the first American-born Assyrian bishop in history, for example, has publicly conveyed his desire for friendship between Israel and the Assyrian people. Israel has stability, the ear of the world community, and the ability to be a modern state in the Middle East. Israel has withstood the test of time, he said, according to Bradley Martin, an expert on Jewish history. 'We are the most Semitic of the churches,' Bishop Royel added When asked what a modern state of Assyria would look like, Royel stated that he would like very much to see a free Assyrian homeland for his people to live in peace within its borders. Friendship between Israel and Assyria would be mutually beneficial, with both countries being strong allies. Whereas Israel would serve as a model for a successful Middle Eastern state for Assyria, Israel would gain a strong ally in an increasingly tumultuous region. Back in 2003, Israelis visited Adabashi in southeastern Turkeya historical part of Assyria now populated by Kurds and Turks after the 1915 Assyrian Genocideand had the following to say regarding their experiences with local Assyrians and one visiting from GermanyBalan: The Assyrians like to compare themselves to the Jewsalways persecuted, forever tolerated only barely by the local majority. During World War I, many of them were massacred, along with the Armenians. Prior to the Israelis leaving, Balan advised the following: Don't give in to the Palestinians, he said. The Land of Israel should not be redivided. I am a devout Christianand the Bible says that the country should not be divided. The Israelis concluded their trip stating: Our visit to Adabashi was short. And then we move on to our next stop along the border with Iraq. But even as the world prepares for a possible war, Adabashi lingers in the mind, and it prompts me to make a suggestion for the Jewish tourist looking for new places to visit. If the area ever opens up to tourismas it was until only a few years agoyou should remember that you have friends in Adabashi, and they speak the language of your forefathers. Actually, they are family. Multilingual students, who speak a language or more than one language other than English at home, have improved in reading and math achievement substantially since 2003, finds a new study published in Educational Researcher by Michael J. Kieffer, associate professor of literacy education at New York University's Steinhardt School of Culture, Education and Human Development. This new research debunks a common myth that multilingual students and English Learners have made little progress in academic achievement in recent years, and that U.S. schools continue to fail these students. "Educators and policymakers have been misled by traditional ways of looking at achievement data for English learners," said Kieffer. "When we look at the broader population of multilingual students, we uncover remarkable progress." Kieffer and the study's co-author, Karen D. Thompson of Oregon State University, analyzed National Assessment of Educational Progress data from 2003 to 2015. The data demonstrated that although all students' scores improved, multilingual students' scores improved two to three times more than monolingual students scores in both subjects in grades four and eight. There is little evidence that these trends can be explained by cohort changes in racial/ethnic, socioeconomic, or regional composition. The research also demonstrates that multilingual students are about one-third to one-half of a grade level closer to their monolingual peers in 2015 than they were in 2003. The data cannot identify the specific sources for the change in achievement, but suggests that a bundle of policy changes which occurred between 2003 and 2015 may have moved schools in the right direction in serving multilingual students. "Despite the dominant perception that these students have made little academic progress in recent years, our findings indicate there is real evidence of progress for this population," said Thompson, the study's co-author and an assistant professor in OSU's College of Education. "Students are showing what they know." How are proteins in the cells of a flowering plant similar to social networks on Twitter or Facebook? And how might both of those be related to the way pathogens make plants or people sick? Shahid Mukhtar, Ph.D., and colleagues at the University of Alabama at Birmingham address these questions in a collaborative study with researchers at the Gregor Mendel Institute, Vienna, Austria. Using systems biology, they successfully identified previously unknown protein targets of plant pathogens in the flowering plant Arabidopsis thaliana, employing some of the same methods used to analyze social networks or biological networks. Their theoretical framework, they say, could help analyze other interactions between species to reveal pathogen contact points. In a social network, one can map the connections between followers or friends on Twitter and Facebook. A few people will have a huge number of connections, some will have many, and a vast majority will have much fewer. A map of these connections is akin to an airline route map, and the architecture of the networks shows topological features like hubs and bottlenecks. Analysis of social networks has allowed experts to identify people who are the "best information spreaders." Similarly, for biology, deciphering the network architecture in an ecosystem or among macromolecules within cells of a lifeform can help discover novel components in those complex systems and provide biological insights and testable hypotheses. One biological network is protein-protein interactions inside cells. Such networks have been studied in organisms as diverse as plants, humans and roundworms. A network map of those protein-protein interactions, which signify proteins' operating in conjunction with other partners, is called a protein interactome. In a study published in Nature Communications, Mukhtar, an assistant professor in the Department of Biology, UAB College of Arts and Sciences, together with colleagues at UAB and the Gregor Mendel Institute, analyzed two different interactomes. The first one is the global protein interactome for proteins inside leaf cells of the model plant A. thaliana, called the Arabidopsis interactome. They also analyzed another, more specific protein interactome for receptors on the cell surface that allow plants to see, hear, smell and respond to environmental cues and dangers -- especially to virulent pathogens. This second network is called cell surface interactome. advertisement For the proteins inside cells, they first matched more than 4,300 Arabidopsis protein-coding genes to five classes of observable traits, known as phenotypes. The five phenotype groups were essential genes that are needed for plant survival; morphological genes that control a plant's shape or appearance; genes for cellular or biochemical processes; conditional genes, where a mutation shows its effect only when the plant is subjected to stresses like water shortage or temperature extremes; and genes with no known phenotype. When they associated the phenotypes with a protein interactome network they had previously mapped, they found the large hub and bottleneck nodes were enriched for conditional phenotype genes and depleted for essential genes. This contrasts with the controversial centrality-lethality rule seen in yeast protein interactomes, where the large hub and bottleneck nodes are enriched for essential genes. Pathogens of Arabidopsis are able to inject pathogen proteins into the plant cells, and those injected "effector" proteins manipulate the plant's network to the pathogen's advantage. Mukhtar and colleagues had previously constructed two interspecies plant-pathogen interaction networks between pathogen effector proteins and Arabidopsis proteins inside the cell. The team found that large hubs in the Arabidopsis interactome comprised only 6.5 percent of the targets of the pathogen effector proteins, which made it a limited way to identify targets using network biology. But when the researchers applied a method called weighted k-shell decomposition to identify the best "information spreaders," akin to recent analysis of social networks, the Arabidopsis protein nodes in the internal layers of the k-shell decomposition gave a 33 percent discovery rate for pathogen effector targets. Thus, k-shell decomposition analysis surpasses other centrality measure for effector target discovery. To test this, they then looked at an unrelated network, the cell surface interactome. These cell-surface proteins allow plants to sense the environment around them. The k-shell analysis predicted that 35 of these cell-surface proteins were the most influential spreaders of information. When the internal portions of the cell-surface proteins were tested for interactions with effector proteins from the bacterial pathogen Pseudomonas syringae, the researchers were able to identify seven previously unknown effector targets, a discovery rate of 40 percent. The researchers made mutants of the seven effector targets and found that all of the newly identified targets showed changes in pathogen growth on Arabidopsis plant leaves when mutated. "Our network-centric approach," the researchers wrote, "has exciting potential applicability on diverse intra- and inter-species interactomes, including human protein-protein interaction networks, in efforts to unravel host-pathogen contact points, while fostering the design of targeted therapeutic strategies." El Nino was long considered a reliable tool for predicting future precipitation in the southwestern United States, but its forecasting power has diminished in recent cycles, possibly due to global climate change. In a study published today in Nature Communications, scientists and engineers at the University of California, Irvine demonstrate a new method for projecting wet or dry weather in the winter ahead. "The interhemispheric teleconnection that we have discovered promises earlier and more accurate prediction of winter precipitation in California and the southwestern U.S.," said study co-author Efi Foufoula-Georgiou, UCI Distinguished Professor of civil & environmental engineering. "Knowing how much rain to expect in the coming winter is crucial for the economy, water security and ecosystem management of the region." The researchers called the new teleconnection the New Zealand Index, because the sea surface temperature anomaly that triggers it begins in July and August in the southwestern Pacific Ocean, close to New Zealand. As the sea surface temperature in the region cools down or heats up, it causes a change in the southern Hadley cell, an atmospheric convection zone from the equator to about the 30th parallel south. This prompts a commensurate anomaly east of the Philippine Islands, which, in turn, results in a strengthening or weakening of the jet stream in the Northern Hemisphere, having a direct influence on the amount of rain that falls on California between November and March. "With the New Zealand Index, we can predict from late summer the likelihood of above- or below-normal winter precipitation in the southwestern U.S., with a correlation in the order of 0.7 -- compared to the El Nino-Southern Oscillation technique, which has a correlation around 0.3 to 0.4," said lead author Antonios Mamalakis, a UCI graduate student in civil & environmental engineering. "Our research also shows an amplification of this newly discovered teleconnection over the past four decades." For the study, an interdisciplinary team of scientists analyzed sea surface temperature and atmospheric pressure in 1- and 2-degree cells around the globe from 1950 to 2015. Mamalakis said the unexpected result was the discovery of persistent sea surface temperature and atmospheric pressure patterns in the southwestern Pacific Ocean that exhibited a strong correlation with precipitation in Southern California, Nevada, Arizona and Utah. Climate researchers have traditionally relied on a few planet-spanning oceanic and atmospheric conditions to help them forecast future rainfall. Gradual changes in sea surface temperature in vast regions of the Atlantic and Pacific oceans, jet stream-influencing high-pressure ridges over the Gulf of Alaska, and the familiar El Nino-Southern Oscillation are all players in the precipitation prediction game. But in recent years, strongly positive El Nino conditions did not bring a lot of rain to California, as they had in the past, while the usually arid state received heavy precipitation in the winter of 2017, considered a neutral El Nino season. "Predicting drought in the southwestern U.S. is a critical issue for food production and local economies," said Tom Torgersen, director of the National Science Foundation's Water Sustainability & Climate program, which funded the research. "The discovery of an interhemispheric bridge that affects the winter U.S. jet stream holds the promise of improved precipitation predictability and drought forecasts." One hundred. That's the number researchers argue is a pragmatic quantity of nuclear weapons for any nation to have. To put that number in perspective, the U.S. and Russia each currently have thousands of nuclear weapons. Both nations hew to the concept of nuclear deterrence -- more firepower is intimidating and makes other countries think twice before picking a fight. More than 100 nuclear weapons in a nation's arsenal does more harm than good -- as using them can destabilize the country that uses them even in a best-case scenario. Joshua Pearce, professor at Michigan Technological University, and David Denkenberger, assistant professor at Tennessee State University and director of Alliance to Feed the Earth in Disasters (ALLFED), co-authored an article published today in the journal Safety. In "A National Pragmatic Safety Limit for Nuclear Weapon Quantities"{link/DOI TK}, Pearce and Denkenberger examined direct negative physical consequences of the use of nuclear weapons to the nation firing them, including impacts such as starvation and global supply chain disruption coupled with the cost to maintain an extensive arsenal. To summarize: A nation willing to use its nuclear weaponry against another must determine whether it has the ability to survive the problems of its own making. advertisement There are nine nuclear weaponized nations: the U.S., Russia, the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea. There are approximately 15,000 nuclear weapons globally. Under the disarmament proposed in the paper, this number would drop to 900 or fewer. "With 100 nuclear weapons, you still get nuclear deterrence, but avoid the probable blowback from nuclear autumn that kills your own people," Pearce says. "Defense expenditures post-9/11 show we care about protecting Americans. If we use 1,000 nuclear warheads against an enemy and no one retaliates, we will see about 50 times more Americans die than did on 9/11 due to the after-effects of our own weapons." Pearce notes this is the first study to quantitatively demonstrate just how dangerous the use of nuclear weapons is even for the aggressor nation that fired off the nukes. After-effects of nuclear aggression In the paper, Pearce and Denkenberger write, "No country should have more nuclear weapons than the number necessary for unacceptable levels of environmental blow-back on the nuclear power's own country if they were used." The consequences of environmental blow-back include a significant drop in global temperature because of soot from nuclear blasts blocking the sunlight from reaching Earth's surface, decreased precipitation, a drop in food production because of blocked sunlight and less moisture, increased ultraviolet radiation resulting from a badly damaged atmosphere, and non-functioning supply chains. advertisement "We should be clear this analysis represents a severe underestimate on the number of dead Americans," Pearce says. "We assume severe rationing, which is the best way to keep the most people alive when there is this level of food shortage. It means anyone who would die of starvation is immediately cut off from food. "I don't think rationing would go overly smoothly -- a lot more people would die in violence internally than what we estimated based on lack of calories." Putting numbers to the evaluation, Pearce and Denkenberger examined the threat potential of a 7,000-weapon arsenal, a 1,000-weapon arsenal and a 100-weapon arsenal. Playing out a hypothetical scenario, the researchers explain that if the U.S. used 100 nuclear weapons against China's most populous cities, initial blasts would likely kill more than 30 million people. This would kill a higher fraction of the population than even severe pandemics, providing plenty of deterrence to prevent another nation from attacking. Sunlight would decrease 10 to 20 percent and precipitation 19 percent (and in some places, even more). Pearce and Denkenberger, based on previous work, built a model of the burnable material in cities, how much would burn in a nuclear attack, how much of that would turn into smoke, and how much of that smoke would make it into the upper atmosphere. Then they used the result of climate and crop simulations to predict the impact on food supply. They coupled this with food storage to predict how many people would starve. The agricultural loss from this so-called "nuclear autumn" would range from 10-20 percent, enough to cause widespread food shortages in wealthier nations and mass starvation in poorer nations. Starvation could result because nuclear weapons would cause cities to burn, putting smoke into the upper atmosphere and blocking sunlight for years. This could cause lower rainfall and lower temperatures, potentially causing winter-like weather in the summer, called "nuclear winter." Less severe reduction in sunlight is called "nuclear autumn," which could still cause many millions of people to starve. It is clear that even 100 nuclear weapons is more than enough to dramatically reshape the globe, and Pearce and Denkenberger argue it's also more than enough to deter other countries. Maintaining more than that number, the authors state, is not only against the best interest of a nation to protect its people, but also cost a significant amount to maintain. Policy recommendations In addition to a large arsenal reduction, Pearce and Denkenberger make other policy recommendations. They argue that the Department of Defense should extend its nuclear disaster modeling past the initial blast to include potential deaths caused by nuclear autumn. Says Denkenberger: "The U.S. government should greatly increase focus on producing alternative food to provide for survivors in the case of nuclear war; with supply chains cut-off, all food Americans eat will have to come from within the nation's borders." "It is not rational to spend billions of dollars maintaining a nuclear arsenal that would destabilize your country if they were ever used," Pearce says. "Other countries are far worse off. Even if they fired off relatively few nuclear weapons and were not hit by any of them and did not suffer retaliation, North Korea or Israel would be committing national suicide." Research, led by the University of Sussex and the University of Kent, indicates that for wolves to be effective at directly reducing red deer numbers and allowing nature to recover in the Scottish Highlands they may need to be reintroduced to very large fenced reserve. A fenced area, which would also help limit encounters with residents, farmers and workers in the Scottish Highlands, would give the reintroduced grey wolf the opportunity to achieve the high population densities (e.g. 80 wolves per 1000 km2) required to directly reduce the very high red deer numbers that are currently create an over-grazing problem in the Highlands. The current high red deer densities (up to 40 deer/km2) are preventing tree regeneration and ecosystem restoration in parts of Scotland with more than one third of all native woodlands in an unfavourable condition because of herbivore impacts. Dr Christopher Sandom, lecturer in biology at the University of Sussex with a particular interest in rewilding, said: "Reintroducing the wolf has long been suggested as part of the solution to large red deer populations but there will always be concerns about how wolves interact with people in any rewilding project like this. This research shows that they could actually have an extremely beneficial impact in terms of making the rewilding process more effective." The research, which also involved scientists from Aarhus University and the University of Oxford (WildCRU), tackled the question of how many wolves would be needed in an area to bring down the number of red deer to allow ecological restoration. The results are published today at LINK. The team's analyses show that a barrier capable of retaining 75% of dispersing wolves within the reserve would be optimum in allowing for rapid wolf population growth that could lead to reduced deer numbers without the risk of having so many wolves that the red deer population would be threatened. advertisement To understand the likely dispersal behaviour of wolves, the researchers drew on examples from around the world, which reveal that young wolves who leave a protected area often find it difficult to establish a new territory. In Finland, all wolves leaving an expanding wolf population into a reindeer management area were shot before being able to reproduce, while in the Bia?owie?a National Park in Poland, surrounding human activity has created a barrier to wolf movement patterns. Biologists found that the wolf population of Riding Mountain National Park in Canada had limited interbreeding with other wolf populations in nearby protected areas and no successful wolf dispersal from the park had been recorded over several multi-year tracking studies over 40 years. Dr Sandom said: "Fences are a common but unpopular tool in biodiversity conservation and would ideally be avoided. But where there are conflicting interests, compromise is needed. Fences particularly constrain animal dispersal but as Britain is an island, this is less of a problem. A fenced reserve in Scotland could be a fantastic opportunity to return large predators to Britain, ecologically restore a large part of the Scottish Highlands, and promote tourism." The paper states that a reintroduction of grey wolves, also known as timber wolves, to Scotland is likely to be of relatively small benefit to the conservation of the species, which are classified as of least concern in terms of extinction by the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). However, it could have important ecosystem level effects by instigating a significant trickle down impact on species below them in the food chain. It could also have a major effect of wildlife-based tourism, and associated job creation. Dr Joseph Bull, lecturer in conservation science at the University of Kent, said: "Wolves are glorious animals, and were originally natives of these shores. The idea of them returning will be thrilling for many people. However, the contribution that would make to global wolf conservation would be small -- the larger ecological benefit of bringing them back would be the effect on other native species." Professor David Macdonald, Director of WildCRU and co-author of the study said "Scotland can lead Europe in thinking about how conservation, large fenced reserves and tourism can reframe rural economies. The role of fencing in the conservation of big predators is globally a hot topic. So far our results are just simulations made from the safety of a desk, but they offer a highly original way of thinking about restoring nature and natural processes." The authors note that the reserve would require human management to help mitigate risks such as inbreeding depleting the health of the wolf packs, as has happened catastrophically to the wolves on Isle Royale in the US, while the construction of the fence would require very careful management to minimise potential negative impacts on birds in flight and the movement of non-target species. Dr Bull thinks the next step is to take the rewilding proposals out of computer simulations and into the wild. He said: "While our model offers insights into what is likely to happen, the crucial next step would be to test these ideas in practice -- by creating a reserve, reintroducing wolves, and closely monitoring the system. More generally and perhaps counterintuitively, barriers in some form might have a more important role to play in establishing modern wild areas than previously thought." The world produces more corn by weight than any other cereal crop. Corn, also known as maize, is a staple food in many countries. But farmers growing corn face many challenges, such as drought, diseases, and pests. For example, in sub-Saharan Africa, 20 to 80% of corn yields may be lost because of a semi-parasitic plant, Striga. In areas infested with Striga, farmers may even lose their entire crops. In a new study, researchers from southern Africa identified several varieties of corn resistant or tolerant to Striga. Importantly, these varieties also have improved nutritional content, particularly protein. The combination of Striga tolerance and improved nutrition is key. Farmers, as well as local populations, will benefit, says Peter Setimela, a study co-author. Setimela is a scientist at the International Maize and Wheat Improvement Centre in Harare, Zimbabwe. Striga infestations can force small farmers in sub-Saharan and southern Africa to abandon their farms. "Striga is known to affect fields that have poor soil fertility. Its seeds can stay in the soil for more than 15 years," says Setimela. "Many small farmers can't afford to buy chemicals to control Striga. They may also be unable to buy chemical fertilizers." Having access to varieties of corn that can tolerate Striga will benefit these farmers. They will be able to continue farming and growing corn in areas with Striga. advertisement The improved nutritional content of these corn varieties will also help. The varieties have a wider variety of amino acids, the building blocks of protein. "Typically, corn is poor in essential amino acids. Human and animal bodies can't make these amino acids. They have to be obtained from food," says Setimela. "Lack of essential amino acids can impair growth and development. It can also weaken the immune system." Many rural populations depend on corn as a staple food. "But these populations often have limited access to protein sources, such as eggs, meat, and dairy products," says Setimela. "If varieties of corn can provide high-quality protein, these populations will benefit." Setimela and colleagues tested both typical and high-protein varieties of corn for Striga resistance in the lab and field. Controlled conditions, such as those in the laboratory, allow researchers to conduct tests that may not be possible in the field. But "ultimately, crops will be grown in farmers' fields," says Setimela. "We ensured that the results from controlled environments also apply to field conditions." Field experiments were carried out in three locations in Zimbabwe with diverse conditions. The researchers tested eight high-protein varieties and four typical varieties of maize. They measured several plant characteristics, including yield, height, vigor, and kernel weight. Researchers found four varieties of high-protein corn that also showed high levels of Striga tolerance and high yields. "These varieties will provide options to farmers in areas with Striga," says Setimela. "They will improve food security and nutrition." The intensive whaling that has pushed many species to the brink of extinction today may be several centuries older than previously assumed. This view is held by archaeologists from Uppsala and York whose findings are presented in the European Journal of Archaeology. Museum collections in Sweden contain thousands of Iron Age board-game pieces. New studies of the raw material composing them show that most were made of whalebone from the mid-6th century CE. They were produced in large volumes and standardised forms. The researchers therefore believe that a regular supply of whalebone was needed. Since the producers would hardly have found the carcasses of beached whales a reliable source, the gaming pieces are interpreted as evidence for whaling. Apart from an osteological survey, species origin has been determined for a small number of game pieces, using ZooMS (short for Zooarchaeology by Mass Spectrometer). The method shows that all the pieces analysed were derived from the North Atlantic right whale (Eubalaena glacialis), a massive whale weighing 50-80 tonnes. It got the name because it was the right whale to hunt: it swam slowly, close to shore, and contained so much blubber as to float after being killed. Whalebone gaming pieces appear at the same time as production features for blubber and large boathouses were multiplying in northern Norway. The gaming pieces were probably made in this region, from where they were transported south and ultimately used as burial gifts in Sweden. The origins of large-scale whaling in northern Europe have long been shrouded in mystery. Written sources refer to whaling on a large scale during periods corresponding to the Viking Age in Scandinavia. Ninth-century sagas about the Norwegian merchant Ohthere/Ottar (a guest and informant at the court of King Alfred the Great) mention his extensive hunt for large whales, but these stories have long been controversial as factual sources. The gaming pieces not only indicate early whaling. To the archaeologists, they are an important component in research on extensive early trading networks. These were well-functioning several centuries before the formation of towns in Viking times. The new study, along with several other archaeological studies over the past few years, shows increasingly substantial exploitation of marine resources, and also of inland resources in northern Scandinavia. In a supplementary in-depth study, the results will also be used to study human influence on the marine ecosystems in relation to whale population trends, since it is now realised that the inception of large-scale whaling took place further back in time than was previously known. The waste-management system of the cell appears to play an important role in the spread of Alzheimer's disease in the brain. A new study has focused on small membrane-covered droplets known as "exosomes." It was long believed that the main task of exosomes was to help the cell to get rid of waste products. In simple terms, they were thought of as the cell's rubbish bags. However, our understanding of exosomes has increased, and we now know that cells throughout the body use exosomes to transmit information. It's now known that the exosomes can contain both proteins and genetic material, which other cells can absorb. The Linkoping researchers have shown in the new study that exosomes can also transport toxic aggregates of the protein amyloid beta, and in this way spread the disease to new neurons. Aggregated amyloid beta is one of the main findings in the brains of patients with Alzheimer's disease, the other being aggregates of the protein tau. As time passes, they form ever-increasing deposits in the brain, which coincides with the death of nerve cells. The cognitive functions of a person with Alzheimer's disease gradually deteriorate as new parts of the brain are affected. "The spread of the disease follows the way in which parts of the brain are anatomically connected. It seems reasonable to assume that the disease is spread through the connections in the brain, and there has long been speculation about how this spread takes place at the cellular level," says Martin Hallbeck, associate professor in the Department of Clinical and Experimental Medicine at Linkoping University and senior consultant of clinical pathology at Linkoping University Hospital. In a collaboration with researchers at Uppsala University, he and his co-workers have investigated exosomes in brain tissue from deceased persons. The research team at Linkoping University found more amyloid beta in exosomes from brains affected by Alzheimer's disease than in healthy controls. Furthermore, the researchers purified exosomes from the brains from people with Alzheimer's disease, and investigated whether they could be absorbed by cells cultured in the laboratory. "Interestingly, exosomes from patients were absorbed by cultured neurons, and subsequently passed on to new cells. The cells that absorbed exosomes that contained amyloid beta became diseased," says Martin Hallbeck. The researchers treated the cultured neurons with various substances that prevent exosomes from being formed, released, or absorbed by other cells. They were able to reduce the spread of the aggregated amyloid beta between cells by disrupting the mechanism in these ways. The methods used in these laboratory experiments are not yet suitable for treating patients, but the discovery is important in principle. "Our study demonstrates that it is possible to influence this pathway, and possibly develop drugs that could prevent the spreading. The findings also open up the possibility of diagnosing Alzheimer's disease in new ways, by measuring the exosomes," says Martin Hallbeck. The research has received financial support from donors that include the Swedish Research Council, the Swedish Alzheimer's Foundation, and the Swedish Brain Foundation. Travellers carrying standby antibiotics take them more often than those travelling without such drugs. Having antibiotics packed in the bags allows their use -- against recommendations -- also for mild and moderate diarrhea, i.e. cases not requiring medication. Increasing antimicrobial resistance, primarily caused by excessive and uncontrolled use of antibiotics, is a globally recognized severe threat to human health. Returning home, approximately every third traveller to the tropics carries intestinal multiresistant bacteria. The risk of having contracted such bacteria is doubled by taking antibiotics during the journey. Seeking means to avoid unnecessary antibiotic use, a study was carried out jointly by the University of Helsinki, the Helsinki University Hospital, and the Aava Travel Clinic, aiming to identify factors increasing antibiotic use among travellers. "To cut down unnecessary antibiotic use, the underlying factors need to be explored," says Anu Kantele, professor at the University of Helsinki and the project lead. The study comprised 316 prospectively recruited subjects who had contracted travellers' diarrhea during their visit to the tropics. Of the 316 participants, 53 had brought stand-by antibiotics from Finland. The most common reason for antibiotic use was diarrhea, the most prevalent disease among travellers to the tropics, followed by respiratory infections. As risk factors associated with use of antibiotics, the study identified carriage of stand-by antibiotics, vomiting, diarrhea disrupting or preventing daily activities and contacts with local health care at the destination. Of those carrying vs not carrying stand-by antibiotics 34% vs 11% resorted to antibiotic therapy. Severe diarrhea was treated with antibiotics similarly in the two groups, yet carriers of stand-by antibiotics also used them for mild and moderate diarrhea. "According to the Finnish guidelines, antibiotics should be used for diarrhea patients with a high fever or an exceptionally severe disease or deteriorating condition, or if they have an underlying disease which may become aggravated," says Kantele. "In other words, antibiotics should only be used to treat severe diarrhea, whereas for mild and moderate disease fluid therapy and non-antibiotic drugs suffice." Rather than the severity of diarrhea, the factor determining recourse to antibiotics was travellers' subjective experience of disturbance of daily activities. "Physicians in Finland and elsewhere should give up routinely prescribing antibiotics against travellers' diarrhea," Kantele concludes. A new study co-led by University of Iowa researchers explains how ammonia is distributed in Earth's upper atmosphere. The study authors used computer modeling to determine that ammonia is eventually released as a gas into the upper atmosphere. The modeling explains a mystery -- data gathered by satellites that shows plumes of ammonia in the upper atmosphere, especially over parts of Asia during the summer monsoon season. The research is important because it answers on a molecular scale how ammonia is absorbed by liquid water droplets and later is pushed into air during convection, when air rises from Earth's surface, and freezes in the upper atmosphere. "We found we can simulate and predict where ammonia should be, and our predictions align with satellite measurements," says Jun Wang, professor in chemical biochemical engineering in the UI's College of Engineering and whose team led the study. "The novelty of the research is to combine what we know at the molecular level and put that into a global-scale simulation model." Ammonia (chemical formula NH3) has been measured near Earth's surface, but gauging its concentration in the upper atmosphere -- more than six miles up -- has been challenging. In 2016, satellite measurements detected ammonia plumes in the upper atmosphere over subtropical regions of Southeast Asia. That surprised researchers because it's widely believed that all ammonia should be absorbed by cloud water or acid aerosols in the lower atmosphere, up to three to four miles above the surface. "So the question is, 'How does ammonia rise to such an elevation (nine miles) above the Earth's surface when it reacts so well with other species?'" Wang says. "How does it remain as a gas in the upper atmosphere?" Using computer modeling, the UI team, with help from researchers at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln, found that ammonia molecules occupy a thin layer between ice particles and the outside air, and are released when the ice particles collide in the upper atmosphere. "We show that the NH3 dissolved in liquid cloud droplets is released into the upper atmosphere upon freezing and that there is a subsequent collision of ice particles during deep convection, thereby explaining the unexpectedly high concentrations of NH3 in many parts of the world," the authors write. The paper, published online May 30 in the journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, is titled, "Molecular perspective for global modeling of upper atmospheric NH3 from freezing clouds." In a new study, researchers from Sweden and Britain have investigated how the endocrine-disrupting substance linuron affects reproduction in the West African clawed frog, Xenopus tropicalis. The scientists found that linuron, which is used as a pesticicide, impaired the males' fertility, and that tadpoles developed ovaries instead of testicles to a greater extent, which caused a female?biased sex ratio. The results are published in the journal Scientific Reports. Worldwide, animal and plant diversity is decreasing, and amphibians are among the animals disappearing most rapidly. It is estimated that nearly 40 per cent of all known amphibian species are endangered. The main cause is changes in their habitat, but pollution, diseases and climate change are also contributing to the extinction. In agriculture, a huge variety of pesticides are used, for example against weeds and insects. These chemicals then leach into nearby ponds where frogs lay their eggs. Some of these substances have hormone-disrupting effects and are known as 'endocrine-disrupting chemicals' or EDCs. Known EDCs include Bisphenol A, DDT and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). With scientists from Scotland, England and Umea, researchers at Uppsala University's Department of Environmental Toxicology have studied how one of these endocrine-disrupting pesticides, linuron, affects the life cycle of the West African clawed frog, Xenopus tropicalis. After exposing tadpoles to a concentration similar to that measured in the natural environment, and through comparison with control groups and a control substance, researchers found that the tadpoles developed ovaries to a greater extent than testicles. The researchers were also able to show the shift in the male-female sex ratio towards an increased proportion of females by analysing gene expression in tadpoles. Once the frogs reached adulthood, the researchers showed that the males' fertility had been impaired and that certain gender-specific features had become more like females'. The researchers believe that the likely explanation for these observations is that the pesticide inhibits the functioning of testosterone in the body. "The results show that pesticides with this mechanism of action can cause permanent damage, such as reduced fertility in frogs exposed at the tadpole stage. This supports previous research showing that endocrine-disrupting substances in the environment may negatively impact amphibians. The substance linuron isn't approved for use in Sweden, but it's used in other parts of the EU and in North America," says Cecilia Berg, ecotoxicologist and project leader. The study was conducted at Uppsala University's Department of Environmental Toxicology, in one of the few laboratories worldwide that performs life-cycle testing of chemicals on frogs. By using the West African clawed frog as a model organism, Berg's research group has developed a test system to study how chemicals affect the reproductive system of amphibians and other animals. The results emphasise the importance of studying the entire life cycle to investigate how pesticides and other environmental pollutants affect the amphibians' reproductive capacity. "The results of the study are important, since they contribute knowledge that risk assessment authorities in the EU can use as a basis for assessing the health and environmental risks of pesticides. The European Commission is currently taking several measures to improve pesticide risk assessment. A new report from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), for instance, points to the need to assess the risks of pesticide use to amphibians -- something that isn't being done today," Berg says. 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. Singapore Airlines has extended its cargo handling contracts with Worldwide Flight Services (WFS) in France and the UK. In France, the Paris-headquartered handler looks after the airlines daily A380 flights from Paris-Charles de Gaulle as well as providing offline cargo reception points, handling and domestic trucking at all WFS stations across the country. In London, WFS will continue to handle cargo for the carriers double-daily Airbus A380-800 services, as well as its twice-daily Being B777-300 flights, between Heathrow and Singapore. The company also already takes care of Singapore Airlines cargo in Copenhagen, Frankfurt and Stockholm. WFS director of cargo sales Europe Stephane Scholving said: In Paris, we have worked together for over 30 years, so we clearly understand Singapore Airlines service requirements. This is enabling us to continue to grow our relationship with the airline at other points in its international network. Read more ground handler news Sign up to receive Air Cargo News direct to your inbox for free Google announced improved and new college related knowledge panels for those searching for a college or university to attend. Google said "we're bringing a new feature to Search to help you navigate the college search process." If you search for some of your favorite colleges on mobile (and sometimes on desktop) Google will show you new knowledge panels that will show information about admissions, cost, student life and more. Google said you can look up "average cost after student aid is applied, including breakdowns by household income." "You can also dig into data around graduation rates as well as typical annual income 10 years after enrollment, designed to help you better understand the potential outcomes of attending that school," Google added. Google said the information comes from public data from the U.S. Department of Educations College Scorecard and Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Google "also worked with education researchers and nonprofit organizations, high school counselors, and admissions professionals to build an experience to meet your college search needs," they said. Forum discussion at Twitter. Newspaper columnist Bruce Bellingham took his writing seriously but never himself. His words were irreverent, well-chosen and down-to-earth. He was a fixture in the Marina but well-known in bars, restaurants and storefronts all over San Francisco. He usually went from place to place by walking. This is really a walking town, he wrote not long ago. Parking is such sweet sorrow. A memorial celebration will be held July 20 for Bellingham, who died May 8 in his San Francisco apartment following a long illness. He was 66. Bellingham tossed off one-liners, like a veteran pitcher, with speed and devastating accuracy. A favorite target was himself, whom he once memorably referred to as a conscientious objector in the Sexual Revolution. In 2007, after being handed an effusive proclamation from the Board of Supervisors praising his decades of column writing for the Marina Times newspaper, Bellingham smiled, walked out of the ornate City Hall chamber and deadpanned, May I go back to making fun of the board now? His hero, mentor and friend was the late Chronicle columnist Herb Caen, who printed many of Bellinghams observations and witticism over the years and whose style clearly influenced Bellingham, down to the use of the ellipsis or three dots. Of the legendary Caen, Bellingham wrote that he was cursed and blessed by a supernatural curiosity that compelled him to stick his nose into other persons lives but Bellingham could have been describing himself as well. He was a kind, supportive and generous friend to me, said his Marina Times colleague Sharon Anderson. Name an interesting place in San Francisco, and its likely Bruce took me there first. Born in Englewood, N.J., Bellingham came to San Francisco in 1971 to attend music school. He was an accomplished guitarist, clarinetist, pianist and sitar player. Bellinghams life was as eclectic as his instruments, or the sound of his words on paper. He was also a short-order cook, a radio broadcaster, an operatic tenor, a filmmaker, an actor, a former paper boy and the author of a 1998 memoir with a collection of column excerpts titled Bellingham By the Bay. The book focused on the brighter and lesser lights of San Francisco, its heroes and its scoundrels. Bellingham would have been delighted to have learned that, in the days following his death, the book climbed to 6,595,475th place on Amazons best-seller list. He would have had something funny to say about it, too. Drought Map Track water shortages and restrictions across Bay Area Check the water shortage status of your area, plus see reservoir levels and a list of restrictions for the Bay Areas largest water districts. The late Chronicle columnist Jerry Nachman once called Bellingham the Boswell of the Marina and the columnists friend. Bellingham, in typical fashion, replied that last accolade sounded like a plumbing tool. His work appeared in the San Francisco Examiner, the Irish Times, the Nob Hill Gazette, the Marin Independent Journal, and FRISKO and SOMA magazines. He wrote stories and documentaries with legendary broadcaster Al Hart for KCBS radio and also worked with public radio host Sedge Thomson on his weekly variety program West Coast Weekend, where he once famously provided the sound effects for an interview with a scuba diver by blowing bubbles through a soda straw. Bellingham is survived by his former wife, Susan Bolding; and three brothers, Paul of St. Petersburg, Fla., James of Oklahoma City, and Jack of Milton, N.Y. The July 20 memorial for Bellingham will be at 4 p.m. at New Life Church of the Nazarene, 300 Ulloa St., San Francisco. Steve Rubenstein is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: srubenstein@sfchronicle.com 2 1 of 2 Gabriela Hasbun / Special to The Chronicle Show More Show Less 2 of 2 Gabriela Hasbun / Special to The Chronicle Show More Show Less The Mountain View Los Altos High School District has paid a settlement to the family of a former student who said the school district failed to protect her after she accused another student of raping her at a party in September 2015, according to district officials. The former Los Altos High School student, who was 17 at the time of the alleged incident, told her teachers she was assaulted by a 17-year-old male student while trapped in a locked bathroom at a San Jose hotel party that was hosted by another students father. SmugMug has called Mountain View home for more than a decade, since it moved out of the founders family home. But as the city considers a tax that would charge all but the smallest businesses an annual per-employee fee, that could change where the photo-sharing service plots its growth. Last week, SmugMug opened its first office outside of Mountain View in San Francisco. The 8,250-square-foot office at 390 Fremont St. is a home for its recent acquisition, rival photo app Flickr. The San Francisco outpost will have 25 to 30 employees, including some moving north. We thought it was important to keep the team close to their homes and the city that they love and still have it be a part of the identity of Flickr, said Ben MacAskill, SmugMugs chief operating officer. The reconfiguration would leave SmugMug with 40 staffers in Mountain View. Under a new business-license fee the City Council is considering, SmugMug would pay a flat fee of $400, since it has fewer than 50 employees. Once companies grow past that, they pay an additional fee per employee, starting at $75 and rising with the total number. The council will vote this month on whether to place the tax on the November ballot. Critics say the move could spur businesses to move jobs elsewhere. SmugMug could be a case in point: MacAskill notes that its S.F. office has room for the company to grow there. We would definitely re-evaluate if it became too costly or too painful, Ben MacAskill said. We love Mountain View its part of our identity. It is not so important to our identity that we could not move. Theres no immediate cost savings for SmugMug to employ people in San Francisco. In 2012, San Francisco began to phase out a payroll expense tax that charged businesses a percentage of what workers were paid. The tax, once as high as 1.5 percent, was originally set to expire this year. Because revenue from a replacement gross receipts tax was lower than expected, the city expects to charge businesses a payroll tax rate of about 0.5 percent starting in July. That makes San Francisco, at least in the short term, a more expensive place to employ people. Mountain View hasnt changed its $30-a-year business license fee since 1985. Google and the Bay Wash coin-operated laundry pay the same. Council members have said raising the fee could generate $6.1 million a year, which would go toward fixing traffic problems and the regional housing crunch. Mayor Lenny Siegel said he thinks a higher fee would be low on the list for reasons why a company would leave his city. The biggest disincentive to locating in Mountain View right now is the difficulty recruiting and retaining workers because housing is so expensive and we have a very poor public transportation system, said Siegel, adding that money raised through the tax will help the city address those issues. If were lucky, some of the companies wont expand here and they will expand elsewhere, where the workers live, said Siegel, later adding, Im not saying, no growth. At a certain point, growth becomes too fast. Photos by Paul Chinn / The Chronicle Down the road, Cupertino, Apples hometown, is also considering a similar employment tax, as cities grapple with the surge in jobs and not enough regional housing built over the years. But such taxes can face a backlash from the business community. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes Local business organizations have already expressed concerns about Mountain Views tax. In Seattle, Amazon opposed a tax that would charge certain businesses $275 per employee, raising money for homeless programs and affordable housing. This week, just a month after they passed the tax, Seattle council members repealed it. Amazon Vice President Drew Herdener said in a statement that the councils vote was the right decision for the regions economic prosperity, and said the company would continue to invest in nonprofits that address homelessness. Meanwhile, SmugMug is working on welcoming Flickr employees to their new home. Almost the entire Flickr team joined SmugMug after it acquired the business from Verizons Oath division, MacAskill said. The office is steeped in history: Submarine engines were manufactured there during World War II. Soon, its walls will feature a new chapter for the city, with photos from Flickr users a testament to how mobile apps have changed the landscape. We think its an exciting platform and exciting community and we want to invest in it properly, MacAskill said. Wendy Lee is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: wlee@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @thewendylee Bill Nagel, a media executive who worked at Tribune Publishing and the Los Angeles Times, was named publisher and CEO of The San Francisco Chronicle on Thursday. Nagel replaces Jeff Johnson, who in February was promoted to president of the newspaper division of Hearst, which owns The Chronicle. Nagel, who met the publications staff Thursday, will be the ninth publisher of The San Francisco Chronicle since its founding in 1865 and the fifth under Hearst, which acquired the newspaper in 2000. Opendoor, a San Francisco startup that buys and sells homes online, has raised an additional $325 million from investors including venture capital firms, homebuilding giant Lennar and Invitation Homes, the nations largest single-family home landlord. Altogether, Opendoor has raised $645 million from equity investors. It also has raised $1.5 billion in debt to finance its home purchases. Opendoor has been described as a flipper, but its not trying to make money by rehabbing homes. It does painting and minor repairs before putting homes it has purchased back on the market, typically within a week or so. It aims to buy and sell at the market price and make money the old-fashioned way, by charging sellers a commission. Its typically about 1 percentage point higher than the going commission in each market, but it says sellers are willing to pay extra for the speed and convenience. What makes it techie is that sellers can start the deal just by filling out an online questionnaire and, if they want, uploading photos. Theyll have a cash offer within a day or two. No need to stage the home, have neighbors traipsing through an open house or worry about the buyers loan falling through. After viewing the home online, buyers can get in to see it with or without their own agents between 6 a.m. and 9 p.m. seven days a week. They open the house with a smartphone app. If the buyer has an agent, Opendoor will give that agent the usual commission, typically 3 percent. If the buyer has no agent, Opendoor keeps the full commission. Agents who are already working with sellers can also get an offer from Opendoor and if the seller accepts it, the agent will get a referral fee, which Opendoor would not disclose. The company has licensed real estate agents on staff, but prices homes by using computer-generated formulas. Thats where our data science team comes into play. They are building algorithms to accurately price homes, said Julia DeWahl, chief of staff to Opendoor chief executive Eric Wu. Venture capitalists have been pouring money into residential real estate, an enormous, politically powerful industry that has proven hard to disrupt. Offerpad, an Arizona company very similar to Opendoor, has raised $410 million in venture capital. Its lead investor is LL Funds of Philadelphia. Zillow, which runs a house-hunting website, and Redfin, a discount real estate brokerage firm, have also become so-called iBuyers in select markets. Zillow is buying and selling homes, with the help of agents, in Phoenix and Las Vegas. Opendoor is operating in 10 cities, mostly in the West and Southeast, plus Minneapolis. We wanted to start in what felt like the average American city, DeWahl said. That explains why its not in the Bay Area. It has worked with almost 20,000 customers, which means it has bought or sold around 10,000 homes, although we have bought a few more than we have sold, DeWahl said. Nancy Robinson, regional vice president for Coldwell Banker in the Bay Area, said Opendoor is targeting a very narrow need in the marketplace, sellers who need cash quickly. Sellers will take a sizable discount to achieve that liquidity, she said. What we see in the Bay Area its not just about selling houses, its about selling houses for the best price. Thats where these tried and true real estate models are invaluable. If Opendoor is really trying to make money just on commissions and not buying low and selling high she wonders why the company is not active in the Bay Area, its home base. We are the hottest real estate market in the nation. Youd think theyd go where that big pot of gold is, Robinson said. DeWahl said that one in two sellers who get an offer from Opendoor is accepting it, which indicates that its offers are fair. Air Quality Tracker Check levels down to the neighborhood Ratings for the Bay Area and California, updated every 10 minutes Analyst Thomas McJoynt-Griffith of Keefe, Bruyette & Woods said investors typically pay less for homes than a family who sees their kids playing in the backyard. However, companies like Opendoor have a pretty unique value proposition. If you scale up in certain cities, if you have contractors and the infrastructure to do quick fix-ups, I think these can be fairly profitable options. People do appreciate the convenience. Opendoor has done business with some of its investors including Lennar, which has participated in two rounds of financing, including the latest one announced Wednesday. Move-up buyers interested in a new Lennar home can sell their existing home through Opendoor. This way they know exactly how much they will get and can close the sale shortly after they move into their new home. We kicked off that program almost a year ago, said Jon Jaffe, Lennars president and chief operating officer. It started in Las Vegas and Phoenix and is now in all Opendoor markets. In each of those cities, around 20 Lennar buyers are selling their previous homes through Opendoor each month, on average. We have seen that their valuation model works, that what they do for the customer really is frictionless, said Jaffe, who is joining Opendoors board. Invitation Homes, a publicly held company that started buying up single-family homes en masse during the recession and turning them into rentals, has purchased a couple hundred homes from Opendoor, said Dallas Tanner, Invitations chief investment officer. It has also purchased homes through Zillow and Offerpad. We are seeing that transactions are starting to happen through companies like Opendoor. Its a nice alternative for buyers and sellers to transact with a considerably easier process than a traditional model. We are usually a cash buyer in these situations. The seller is looking for a cash price. Us being the largest single-family home owner in the U.S., the investment made sense, Tanner said. Invitation has not sold any homes through these companies but we would consider doing it in the future, Tanner said. Opendoors latest round of financing was co-led by General Atlantic, Access Technology Ventures, and Lennar with additional participation from new investors Andreessen Horowitz, Coatue Management, 10100 Fund, and Invitation Homes. Existing investors Norwest Venture Partners, Lakestar, GGV Capital, NEA, and Khosla Ventures also participated in the round. Kathleen Pender is a San Francisco Chronicle columnist. Email: kpender@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @kathpender Orens Hummus has a cult following based around its fleet of popular outposts on the Peninsula and in the South Bay: Palo Alto, Mountain View and Cupertino. But only recently did the mini-chain, beloved for its creamy variations of Israeli-style hummus, decide to tap into the San Francisco market. A new Orens Hummus location is opening at 71 Third St. in mid-July between Mission and Market streets. The restaurant scene in San Francisco is a beast. So, getting a foot in the door is something we plan to take advantage of, said chef David Cohen, a partner in the Orens business and also the coordinator of its Middle Eastern menu. For the most part, the offerings at the new space will boast the same Israeli fare popular at the Peninsula and South Bay locations hummus bowls, skewers, pita sandwiches. The only twist for the Yerba Buena crowd will be a breakfast menu. One of the more prominent options will be a large-format Israeli breakfast of two eggs any style, Israeli salad, goat cheese and roasted peppers. Check out the Orens menu here. Orens Hummus was founded by tech entrepreneur Oren Dobronsky in 2011. The shop shot to prominence in Palo Alto for its use of Israeli-imported ingredients, including Turkish and instant coffees. Chef Cohen and his wife and business partner, Mistie Cohen, joined the venture after Dobronsky decided he wanted to expand the brand beyond Palo Alto. Growth has been on the menu ever sine. The best part about this whole process is just watching it come to life, said Mistie Cohen. We were in the space, and when you see the paint on the walls and the light coming through, its just a wonderful moment. The Third Street restaurant has a dining room with 100 seats inside and 28 on the patio, as well as a separate entrance for to-go orders. The space was designed by Tecta Associates, a Bay Area design firm that also created the aesthetics of Orens Cupertino location. Tecta Associates/Oren's Hummus More than anything else, Orens opening in the city adds to a growing list of high-profile Middle Eastern restaurants and culinary ventures that have popped up in San Francisco and Oakland over the last year or so. Most recently, Michael Mina decided to pivot his namesake restaurant on California Street into a Middle Eastern concept. Meanwhile in Oakland, Reem Assils Oakland restaurants Dyafa and Reems California are thriving. 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. For years, the San Francisco Middle Eastern food scene was stagnant, and the changing tide isnt something thats lost on David Cohen. He said that Orens as a business could eventually end up in multiple locations across the country. There was a significant pull for the brand to go to Los Angeles. For now, he said, theyre just trying to keep things simple while continuing to move forward. Were just trying to change the world one garbanzo bean at a time, he said. Orens Hummus: 71 Third St., San Francisco; opening TBD in June. Orens breakfast from 8:00 to 11:00 a.m., lunch from 11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m., and dinner from 5 to 10 p.m. www.orenshummus.com, 415-915-6736 Justin Phillips is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jphillips@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JustMrPhillips Five years ago, East Bay artist Donald Bradford was driving his truck across the Bay Bridge, delivering a bunch of his paintings to be shown in an exhibition at the Andrea Schwartz Gallery in San Francisco, when a strong wind blew four of them into the bay. The paintings focused on love, marriage and Proposition 8. Bradfords latest show, Prayer Paintings, opened at the same gallery on Wednesday, June 13. Two weeks ago, he received an email from Carey Bell, a stranger living in Kansas. Several months after the painting, Wedding Gown, had gone for a swim, Carey found it floating near the shore of Alameda. Hed been working as a subcontractor for a Navy project at the Alameda Naval Base, wrote Carey, inspecting an area on the north side of the base to make sure that radiation had not escaped a controlled zone. The shoreline there was fortified by rocks, he emailed, and it was low tide when he saw a painting that was resting on the rocks but being rocked by the waves. ... It was cluttered with seaweed and sand along the frame. I pulled it out and set it in the sun to dry. He tried to locate Bradford at the time but was unsuccessful. So he took the work off the stretcher bars, rolled it up and stored it in a locker in Kansas. Five years went by, and then Bell made another stab at finding the painter. This time he was successful. It seems amazing, emails Bradford, that this has happened just as my new work is about to be transported for my next show at the gallery. This time in a rented enclosed van. The restaurant Bix, on Gold Alley in the old Barbary Coast hood, is celebrating its 30th anniversary, a feat in restaurant years. Theres Champagne on the house and extra music through Friday, June 15. Owner Doug Biederbecks original concept for the place off the main drag, club-like, softly lit and sophisticated had always included music, he said. Mary Stallings has been singing there for 30 years. As to the drinks, in 1988, he said, people were drinking white wine spritzers, the Cosmo had just been invented, and there wasnt even a cocktail culture. Nowadays, customers crowd around the bar for all kinds of hand-crafted beverages. He looked around the room, where early diners were hunkered down in quiet conversation. Biederbeck, who drinks one perfect martini a night, looked around with satisfaction. The three most successful restaurants in local history, us, Trader Vics and Stars, he said, were all on alleys. Backstage at the Greek Theatre on June 11, Berkeley music-lovers and music-makers gathered to say farewell to Matias Tarnopolsky, who, after nine years as executive and artistic director of Cal Performances, is leaving to become president and CEO of the Philadelphia Orchestra. This goodbye was not as so many goodbyes are a fundraiser disguised as farewell; it was an affectionate hug and a hearty thank-you for Matias amazing nine years, beyond what we could have ever imagined, said board of trustees co-chair Helen Meyer. She was standing alongside co-chair Susan Graham, who had found Tarnopolsky at the New York Philharmonic and recruited him for the Berkeley job. He wasnt yet 40 years old, but I talked to him and he was full of ideas, said Graham. He knew everybody. He knew all the artists, and that helped bring them to the West Coast. That all has included Yo-Yo Ma, Placido Domingo, Gustavo Dudamel and Daniel Barenboim. Sipping a glass of celebratory vodka, Tarnopolsky greeted longtime friends, fans and supporters (composer John Adams, photographer Deborah OGrady, Alice Waters, composer Paul Dresher, Crowden School director Doris Fukawa, Cal Shakes dramaturg Philippa Kelly, major supporter Gregg Perloff) with grace. Hed asked Waters where to eat in Philadelphia, and shed told him, Im not going to tell you. Because then youll come back. Meyer and Graham presented him with an official commemorative gift (an engraved crystal star from Tiffany) and an unofficial expression of affection, a Selmer 1010 clarinet that hed long had his eye on, an extraordinary gift, he said. As the tributes flowed, so did the wine and food, as well as music, from a sound system apparently pre-programmed with tunes for all kind of parties on the site. Arthur Conleys Sweet Soul Music wasnt quite in keeping with the event, but stalwart board member Sylvia Lindsey couldnt resist a little shimmy. Maybe letting music move you is exactly the point. Public Eavesdropping "Mia, I'm not going to negotiate with you. You're 3 years old." Mother to daughter, overheard in Target checkout line by Larry Malin Leah Garchik is open for business in San Francisco, 415-777-8426. Email: lgarchik@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @leahgarchik Ambition isnt something thats in short supply these days at 165 OFarrell St. in Union Square. The six-story brick building is in the throes of a multimillion dollar renovation effort. Once complete, its name will officially be ONE65, and the 25,000-square-foot interior will be home to ONE65 Patisserie, ONE65 Bistro, ONE65 Lounge & Bar and a fine dining restaurant called O. Suffice to say, ONE65 might be San Franciscos most ambitious hospitality project of 2018. Claude Le Tohic, whose past work at Joel Robuchon at the MGM Grand Las Vegas placed the restaurant among the worlds three-Michelin-star elite, is at the helm of ONE65. Rumors of his involvement spread through the local food scene in 2016, as did the general idea that the building would contain multiple culinary concepts. But Le Tohic told Inside Scoop hed been working behind the scenes on the concept long before that. Timelines are essentially a fluid concept when creating four self-contained businesses in the same building, Tohic said. Add in an elongated permitting process with the city (ONE65 resides in a building listed on the National Registry of historic places) and the venture has taken much longer to become a reality than Tohic anticipated. Notably, ONE65 is Le Tohics first foray into the Bay Area dining scene. San Francisco has an energy when it comes to restaurants. People here care about the food and they care about experiences, he said. I just knew this city would be a good place for this project. Spanning the first and second floor of 165 OFarrell St. will be ONE65 Patisserie, a casual dining spot with breakfast and lunch service. (As is the case with all of the concepts in the building right now, the menu is still being developed.) Le Tohic said people can expect French pastries, breads, house-made ice cream and chocolates, as well as wines available by the glass or bottle. ONE65 Bistro & Grill , a 65-to-70-seat restaurant will be on the third floor. Its lunch and dinner menus will offer seasonal French comfort food, Le Tohic said. We felt like with this size of bistro, we can keep it under control. Even with all that we have in this building, [that size] restaurant is still manageable even when crowded, Le Tohic said. We can control the experience and make sure its special like all of the others. On the fourth floor will be ONE65 Lounge. With views over Union Square, the space will be divided intothree areas: high-top cocktail tables, bar-side overlooking an exposed wine cellar and a whiskey library seating. O by Claude Le Tohic, the chefs fine dining venture and the place hell spend most of his time, will call the fifth floor home. Additional seating for larger parties will be on the sixth floor. Le Tohic said the restaurant menu is based around the elements of water, fire and earth, though the specifics are still in flux. It will feature French cuisine. Food Guide Top 25 Restaurants Where to eat in the Bay Area. Find spots near you, create a dining wishlist, and more. The San Francisco Bay Area is no stranger to ambitious culinary projects. Last year the city welcomed the $20 million China Live food emporium on Broadway, and a $13 million restaurant at the Oakland Zoo, accessible only by aerial gondola rides. Despite its grandeur, Le Tohic said the success of ONE65 and its corresponding concepts will come down to one thing. San Francisco is simple: if you dont provide good food, you dont survive, Le Tohic said. People here like are very open-minded and enjoy new concepts and experiences. We plan to give them those. ONE65: 165 OFarrell Street; Opening Fall 2018; ONE65sf.com Justin Phillips is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jphillips@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JustMrPhillips Ben Margot / Associated Press As anticipated, Trevor Cahill was placed on the disabled list with a right Achilles tendon strain Thursday and Chris Bassitt was recalled to take his place. Bassitt will start Friday against the Angels, subbingfor Cahill for the second time in a week. Cahill, who said the injury is right where the calf meets the tendon, is in a walking boot and he is unsure how long his recovery will take. It's not feng shui-friendly or the least bit romantic, but the energy- starved Dorantes family has put an alternative fuel source in their boudoir: an RV battery. It's there to power the 27-inch TV, while another battery is juicing a second television set in the living room. As California's energy crisis has swelled, recharging the batteries has become a daily ritual for Rick Dorantes. Every morning during his commute from the family's Crockett home to San Rafael, he tucks a battery or two in the trunk of his 1973 Chevy Malibu, where they are jury-rigged to the car's alternator. After a few days of gently goosing the batteries, Dorantes swaps them for the ones inside the house. His next step will be keeping the batteries in the car and running a line directly into the house. "But I wouldn't recommend this to anybody," said the longtime truck mechanic. Dorantes and his wife, Karen, are like many Californians contorting their lives in an effort to squeeze another watt out of their energy bill -- and frustrated at the results. Especially after hearing last week that consumers would get hit with an average 40 percent jump in monthly power costs. Many are tired of stumbling through chilly, darkened rooms and glancing futilely at unplugged clocks. They say they've conserved as much as they can, and don't know what more they can turn off to save the 20 percent needed to snag a rebate promised by Gov. Gray Davis. Under the plan, any customer who uses 20 percent less power between June 1 and Sept. 1 compared with last year would be eligible for a rebate on a future bill. Berkeley resident Esther Fulsaas spoke for many who are bird-dogging every "on" switch when she said, "I have always saved water and energy, and think this proposal only favors those who weren't saving all along." Many are finding you can conserve only so much by unplugging "leaky" appliances and air-drying their jeans. A few are wondering how much more they can compromise their standard of living before moving somewhere with a more reliable power source. "It's like we're living in the Ukraine," said Karen Dorantes. Even after buying fluorescent bulbs, blow-drying her hair through car vents, barbecuing incessantly and sidestepping laundry piled up between once-a-week washings, Karen Dorantes predicts, "We'll be getting half the energy at the same price as before." She's not alone in the cold. Carla Sarvis, a 51-year-old grant writer for a San Francisco dance company, said her family hadn't had the heat on all winter. "It was 50 degrees in the house. I had to wear sweatpants to bed," said Sarvis, who lives with her husband and teenage son in a two-bedroom flat on 20th Street in San Francisco. "You could clearly see your breath in the house - - like you were smoking." It was somewhat worth the pain. This winter's bill averaged about $80 a month, compared with about $120 for the previous winter. "I would love to tell PG&E what I think, but this is a family newspaper," she said. Yet Sarvis is willing to reshape more of her life to save power. She'll even cut back on cooking, which she loves. She doesn't heat up bread anymore, and thinks the family will barbecue more outside, even though she said, "I don't like the taste of the grill." "This whole thing is so disruptive to someone's culture and lifestyle," she said. "There's only so much I can do. My child has to do his homework by light. " BAD TIMING While some curse the darkness, new San Franciscan Beth Cundiff curses her timing. She moved from Chicago to the Bay Area in September -- right as the energy crisis hit. In Chicago, she would wear a tank top inside most of the winter, thanks to a landlord who cranked up the heat in her apartment building. When she got to sunny California, Cundiff had to turn off the heat in her two-bedroom Laurel Heights apartment and wear a sweater inside all winter. Her first purchases upon moving to a neighborhood bordering San Francisco's fog belt were items she never bought while living in the Midwestern tundra: a comforter, flannel sheets and a blanket. A pain, but it helped to cut her $117 bill from two months ago in half last month. "If I didn't love my job so much, and the area, yeah, I'd think about moving," said the 30-year-old corporate communications director. "You've got to stop and think when my PG&E bill is almost as much as my parents', and they live in this big house in Michigan." Others are installing more than flannel to beat the chill. TECHNOLOGY TO THE RESCUE Albany architects David Arkin and his wife, Anni Tilt, are turning to new technology to boost their energy supply. They've already cut back on consumption, replacing 100-watt incandescent lights with 18-watt fluorescent bulbs. They also replaced their refrigerator and washer with more energy- efficient models. "I think we're running as lean as we can in terms of electricity usage," Arkin said. "We really need to augment the supply." To do this, they've begun harnessing solar power by installing photovoltaic panels on their roof and a wind generator. "The great thing about solar generation is it's producing the most electricity during the time our state needs it the most -- on sunny afternoons, " said Arkin who thinks his family probably will be able to cash in on the 20 percent rebate. Ted Lesher, a computer programmer living in Atwater in Merced County, worried about the guesswork involved in finding out how to save 20 percent on his bill. So he bought a power meter, and has spent the past months monitoring the energy consumption of his refrigerator, computer and other appliances in the five-bedroom home he lives in with his wife and two sons. They unplugged a freezer, which he found was an energy hog, cut back on their use of a pool pump and turned off the computer after finding that it sucks about 80 watts even in sleep mode. Lesher's vigilance has started to pay off. His bill dropped from $150 in January to $120 in February. He estimates that it will be about $100 for March, and he's confident that he'll be able to hit the 20 percent rebate target. Since the start of June, security cameras have caught a mountain lion prowling the streets of Hillsborough six times. The footage, and a number of other sightings, spurred the Hillsborough Police Department to release a warning to residents on Facebook reading, "Residents who live in these areas and/or live adjacent rural areas are reminded to keep their domesticated pets indoors during dawn, dusk and evening hours - Close & lock doors at night." Cameras captured a lion on two occasions (June 3 and 5) on the 200 block of Darrell Street. The east side of the 280 freeway borders the 4,000-acre Rancho Corral de Tierra open space where mountain lions are known to live. A cougar also lurked many blocks away from the wild lands in the 900 block of Macadamia Drive on June 6 and 10, and the 2850 block of Churchill on June 7 and 9. ALSO: Is it a werewolf or Big Foot? Mysterious furry creature turns up in Montana Hillsborough residents are also advised to watch children closely when traveling in or around wooded areas and to avoid hiking or jogging in the areas when mountain lions are most active, at dawn, dusk, or night. The warning from the police department says Hillsborough represents a natural habitat for mountain lions. There are roughly 5,000 mountain lions in California, and sightings on the Peninsula are common. A Hillsborough resident captured footage of one near his home in December 2017 and a lion and her cub were spotted in Palo Also near a school in August 2017. Mountain lions generally prefer to stay far away from humans, but if you do spot one, you should not approach it or run away. "Instead, face the animal, make noise and try to look bigger by waving your arms; throw rocks or other objects," the police department warning says. "Pick up small children." American Indians who want the city to remove a 124-year-old statue of a vaquero, a priest and a fallen Indian from its perch in Civic Center were granted a new chance to make their case Wednesday night. The citys Board of Appeals had ruled unanimously in April that the Early Days statue should remain in place, overturning decisions by the San Francisco Arts Commission and Historic Preservation Commission to put it in storage. The board said the historic commission had overlooked its duty to preserve history rather than concealing it. But after testimony from about 40 people, nearly all of them favoring removal, the board voted 4-0 to grant a rehearing to the city commissions, at a meeting sometime this summer that would include more public speakers. Board member Darryl Honda said they were not bowing to political pressure, such as a unanimous Board of Supervisors vote demanding a new hearing, but were willing to hear further evidence that the statues continued presence was a manifest injustice. RELATED VIDEO: Arts commission votes to remove Early Days statue The sculpture is part of the Pioneer Monument, a 47-foot-tall, 800-ton edifice between the citys Main Library and the Asian Art Museum. It is crowned by a statue of Athena, the Greek goddess of wisdom and war. Below her are four bronze sculptures commemorating Californias founding goddesses of agriculture and commerce, three miners examining a gold nugget, and Early Days, a nearly naked Indian man at the feet of a friar and a conquering vaquero. Designed by San Francisco sculptor Frank Happersberger, the monument was unveiled in 1894 at Hyde and Grove streets. It stood in front of the old City Hall, which was leveled in the 1906 earthquake. The monument survived and was relocated only to make way for the new Main Library in 1993, over the protests of Indians and their supporters who wanted the offending statue removed. Their campaign re-emerged last year as part of a national movement to rid public squares of symbols of racial or ethnic supremacy, such as Confederate statues. More for you The ugly pasts of famous men whose names grace SF landmarks At Wednesdays hearing, Tom DeCaigny, the Arts Commissions director of cultural affairs, said Early Days had no rightful place on city property, any more than we should have a statue there of Robert E. Lee. A Pit River tribal member, Morningstar Gali, called the sculpture a monument to genocide and scoffed at assertions that its removal would show disrespect for history. We have existed here for thousands of years, she said. Other opponents carried signs that read, Tear Down White Supremacy. A few speakers urged the board to reaffirm its earlier decision. David Dippel likened the statue to a memorial of the Holocaust and said its preservation would serve as a reminder of how things can go very bad. The board also heard from Frear Stephen Schmid, the Petaluma attorney whose appeal of the Historic Preservation Commissions decision led to the April vote. Art should not be destroyed, he said, prompting cries from some audience members that its not art. Schmid said the monument was the oldest piece of art in this area and an essential part of this national historic district. Its presence in a historic district required the Arts Commission to gain approval form the Historic Preservation Commission to remove Early Days. That decision, in turn, was appealed to the Board of Appeals, which reviews licensing permits and other decisions by city administrative agencies. Three of the board members were appointed by the late Mayor Ed Lee, who also opposed the statue. The other two, one of whom was absent Wednesday, were named by the Board of Supervisors president. Bob Egelko is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: begelko@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @BobEgelko More scooters may soon land on Americas sidewalks as the West Coast scooter war propels a rush of fundraising. Bird, an electric scooter startup, is raising $300 million in new funding that would value the company at $2 billion, according to three people with knowledge of the financing, who asked not to be identified because the proceedings were confidential. The round is set to be led by Menlo Park venture capital firm Sequoia Capital and will include other investors such as Accel Partners, the people said. The financing would cap one of the fastest and largest startup fundraising frenzies in recent memory. Last month, Bird began raising $150 million at a $1 billion valuation, which quickly rocketed higher because of investor interest, according to one person. Bird, which was founded by Travis VanderZanden, a former executive at Uber and Lyft, in September, had previously raised $15 million in February and $100 million in March. A Bird spokesman declined to comment. The new fundraising round was reported earlier by the Financial Times and the $2 billion valuation by Axios. Bloomberg earlier reported the $150 million financing talks. Many investors in Silicon Valley are eager to put their money into another transportation opportunity after the success of ride-hailing companies like Uber and Lyft. Electric scooters have burst onto the streets of several U.S. cities, including San Francisco and Los Angeles. Bird is at the head of the pack, with rivals, including Spin and LimeBike, also piquing investors interest. Before this latest investment rush, the companies had already raised more than $250 million in venture capital. Consumers can use the Bird app to find and, for a per-minute fee, ride the electric scooters, dropping them wherever their trip ends. A small ecosystem of scooter chargers rove the streets at night to pick up the scooters and recharge them, collecting a bounty per scooter. The company, from Venice (Los Angeles County), has bucked officials in several cities as it rolls out thousands of scooters across the country, scattering them on public sidewalks and wreaking urban havoc, causing both delight and frustration among residents. Birds strategy and fundraising bonanza are reminiscent of the days when Uber and Airbnb clashed ferociously with American cities as they fought to flood the market. The playbook is to become ubiquitous and popular with consumers overnight so that city regulators have a harder time banning the product and instead have to negotiate rules. In an interview in April, VanderZanden said he saw his electric scooters becoming the dominant in-city transportation solution. Were not going to be happy till there are more Birds than cars, he said. Nellie Bowles is a New York Times writer. A bigger threat to cashiers jobs Microsoft is working on automated checkout technology that could help retailers compete with Amazons new cashier-less stores. One firm building automated checkout systems, Ava Retail, said Thursday it is working with Microsoft on the technology for physical stores. Both companies have headquarters in Redmond, Wash. Microsofts cloud technology would power the retail system by pulling in data from in-store cameras or sensors. Amazon opened its first cashier-less Amazon Go store in Seattle this year, right, and plans others in Chicago and San Francisco. Number of the day 26 percent Thats how much Etsys stock jumped Thursday after the online crafts company announced an increase in fees and boosted its revenue outlook for the year. The Brooklyn company said Thursday that the transaction fee will rise from the current 3.5 percent to 5 percent. The fee will be increased starting July 16. Chipping off the old Block Death and taxes might be certain but making money off of taxes? Not so much. H&R Blocks stock fell for the second day in a row Thursday after it announced that it would shutter 400 offices in response to a new tax law that could simplify the average Americans return. Block said it will invest in technology and focus on retaining customers by providing a range of options for filing their taxes. From staff and news services. See more at www.sfgate.com. Berkeley police officers arrested a suspect in a shooting that left a man bleeding from a gunshot wound and screaming in the street Wednesday morning. Officers responded to the 2100 block of Essex Street in Berkeley and found a man suffering from a gunshot wound, according to the Berkeley Police Department. Members of Berkeley Polices Special Response Team applied a specialized medical chest seal on the victims gunshot wound to stabilize him until paramedics arrived, according to a police news release. He was taken to a nearby hospital. His condition was unclear as of Wednesday evening. Responding officers closed the streets near the scene including Prince Street, Shattuck Avenue, Emerson Street and Wheeler Street as they searched for the suspect shortly before noon. Officials determined the suspect was holed up in a nearby residence and used a small robot to clear the residence before the suspect emerged from the home and was arrested. Department officials did not share how they determined the location of the suspect. The suspect was arrested without incident. Police declined to identify either the suspect or the victim Wednesday evening, said Officer Byron White. The shooting investigation is ongoing. Anyone with information may contact the Berkeley Police Department Homicide Unit at 510-981-5741. Lauren Hernandez is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: lauren.hernandez@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @LaurenPorFavor Generations of Strength is an apt theme for this years 48th annual San Francisco Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Transgender Pride Parade, which has gained strength over the generations as one of the citys most important cultural events and has morphed into a celebration shared by the young and the not-so-young, the straight and the not-so-straight. In our uncertain political climate, the massive parade which begins downtown roughly at 10:30 a.m. Sunday, June 24 will be an opportunity for everyone to just have fun and be themselves, even as we are mindful of the present and the past, and the things that bind us all. Theres turmoil surrounding the East Bay growth of one of Berkeleys most popular independent supermarkets. According to a lawsuit filed in Alameda County Superior Court in November, Berkeley Bowl is being sued by the owners of a 70-year-old, family-owned metal anodizing business in Emeryville called Metalco for breach of contract, misrepresentation and violating California business practices, among other actions. The suit stems from Berkeley Bowls 2017 purchase of 1475 67th St., Metalcos place of business since 1946, for an unspecified project. Bruce Kawabata, Berkeley Bowls director of governance, risk and compliance, responded to the lawsuits accusations via email on Friday. He said his company worked with Metalco on a new lease for four months before initiating actions to evict the business. He said the situation can be traced back to Metalcos original lease, which contained an option for a five-year renewal, with rent being adjusted to reflect market rates. Kawabata said Metalco chose not exercise the option to renew. Nevertheless, rather than simply evict Metalco, Berkeley Bowl offered [Metalco CEO Bill Beard] the opportunity to renew the lease for another five years, at a more than fair rate of rent. Instead, Mr. Beard rejected our offer and demanded a rent that was substantially below fair market, saying he could not afford to pay any more, Kawabata said. Berkeley Bowl then asked Mr. Beard to provide Metalcos prior two years tax returns, to verify Mr. Beards claim and work with him. Mr. Beard refused to provide those returns. Only after Berkeley Bowls four months of good faith efforts to set a new reasonable rent failed, did Berkeley Bowl initiate action to evict Mr. Beard. In court documents, Metalco alleges Berkeley Bowl coerced its former landlord, also a defendant in the suit listed as Corder Family Emeryville Properties, not to extend its lease before the transaction to keep from inheriting a tenant. After obtaining the property, Berkeley Bowl declined to negotiate a new lease and demanded the business vacate the premises, Metalco alleges in the filing. There were other contiguous properties involved in the purchase, with whom we successfully re-negotiated new leases at fair market rents, Kawabata said. According to the lawsuit, Berkeley Bowl sent a letter to Metalco in August stating its lease would end on Nov. 30 and the business would need to remove by November 30, 2017, all machinery and equipment ... and return the premises to the condition of general industrial use. Google Maps Metalco alleges in the suit that its lease with its previous landlords required any new property owner, which in this case is Berkeley Bowl, at least to allow it to negotiate for a new lease, which it says Berkeley Bowl did not. Metalco in the lawsuit is seeking damages in an amount exceeding $5 million should it be evicted from their 67th Street space. Honestly, theres no moving Metalco, not without a lot of time, which they didnt give us, and a lot of money, which we dont have. Theres environmental permitting, engineering, finding a property, said Metalco CEO Bill Beard. He said the building from which hes being evicted was built specifically for Metalco, including concrete tubs in the floor to accommodate the process of metal anodizing. Before Beards former landlords accepted Berkeley Bowls offer on the property, which he said was around $25 million, the Metalco owner said he and several other tenants of properties run by Corder Family Emeryville Properties submitted offers to buy several lots, including Metalcos 1475 67th St. address. All of the offers were declined, Beard said. Corder Family Emeryville Properties did not respond to a request for comment. Berkeley Bowl is focused on whatever is better for them financially. For them, if they destroy a business that has been here for 70 years, then so be it, Beard said. Evicting us is basically a shot to the head for the business. Justin Phillips is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: jphillips@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @JustMrPhillips Summer is here in San Francisco, and with the extra hours of sunshine, plenty of people in the city are finalizing plans and grabbing their bags at 5:28 p.m. to meet up with friends. But where are those folks heading to? We asked Lyft and Uber to tell us which bars and restaurants were the most popular drop-off spots in the city. WASHINGTON Former FBI Director James Comey was insubordinate in his handling of the investigation of Hillary Clinton during the 2016 presidential election, a critical Justice Department report concluded Thursday. But the report, by the departments inspector general, Michael Horowitz, does not challenge the decision not to prosecute Clinton. Nor does it conclude that political bias at the FBI influenced that decision, the officials said. We found no evidence that the conclusions by department prosecutors were affected by bias or other improper considerations, the report said. Rather, we concluded that they were based on the prosecutors assessment of facts, the law, and past department practice. The report has been highly anticipated in Washington, not least by President Trump, who has argued that a secret coterie of FBI agents rigged the investigation to help Clinton win the presidency. The findings cite no evidence to support that theory. Nevertheless, the report paints an unflattering picture of one of the most tumultuous periods in the FBIs history, when agents investigated Clintons use of a private email server to store classified information and the Trump campaigns connections to Russia. The report criticizes the conduct of FBI officials who exchanged texts disparaging Trump during the campaign. The officials, Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, were involved in both the Clinton and Russia investigations, leading Trumps supporters to suspect a conspiracy against him. Many of those text messages have been released, but the inspector general cites a previously undisclosed message in which Strzok says the FBI will stop Trump, according to two of the officials. The FBI officials brought discredit to themselves and sowed public doubt about the investigation. But the report did not cite evidence that Strzok had acted improperly or influenced the outcome of the investigation, the officials said. Comey held a news conference in July 2016 to announce that he was recommending no charges against Clinton and to publicly chastise her email practices. It was highly unorthodox; the Justice Department, not the FBI, makes charging decisions. Comey withheld his plans for a public statement from his bosses at the Justice Department. It was extraordinary and insubordinate for Comey to do so, the inspector general wrote, and we found none of his reasons to a persuasive basis for deviating from well-established department policies in a way intentionally designed to avoid supervision by department leadership. Matt Apuzzo, Nicholas Fandos and Charlie Savage are New York Times writers. PROVIDENCE, R.I. The house where Rosa Parks sought refuge after fleeing the South will be offered at auction after being turned into a work of art and shipped across the Atlantic Ocean twice. Guernseys auctioneers said it will offer the house where Parks family lived in a midsummer auction in New York City that also will feature several other items related to African American history and culture. It said it expects the tiny wood-framed house marked with peeling paint to fetch seven figures. The house, owned by Parks brother, was abandoned and set for demolition in Detroit before Parks niece, Rhea McCauley, bought it for $500 and donated it to American artist Ryan Mendoza in an attempt to preserve the legacy of the civil rights activist. Mendoza shipped it to his home in Berlin and reassembled it in his yard, where it drew a steady stream of visitors. Mendoza brought it back to the U.S. this year for a temporary exhibit in Rhode Island, but he had been searching for a permanent home. The delicate structure should only be rebuilt one more time, he said. Its a wonderful way to present the house again to the American people. Let them decide what this house is worth, Mendoza said. I hope it ends up in the hands of somebody who loves Rosa Parks. I hope it will be on public display. The pieces of the house, currently in Providence, will be taken in two, 40-foot shipping containers to a storage area in Massachusetts on Friday, Mendoza said. Parks moved to Detroit in 1957, two years after refusing to give up her seat on a bus to a white passenger in Montgomery, Ala. Her family says Parks stayed in her brothers home with 17 other relatives. Arlan Ettinger, of Guernseys auctioneers, said the house was not much to look at but is a national treasure for what it represents. Guernseys handled the sale of Parks personal archives after her death for $4.5 million, and Ettinger noted that collection is now in the Library of Congress. He said that almost guarantees that nothing of hers of any importance will ever surface again for sale. Michelle R. Smith is an Associated Press writer. WASHINGTON The Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a Minnesota law that prohibits voters from wearing T-shirts, hats and buttons expressing political views at polling places. In a cautious 7-2 decision, the court acknowledged the value of decorum and solemn deliberation as voters prepare to cast their ballots. But Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that Minnesotas law was not capable of reasoned application. Minnesotas law, similar to ones in about nine other states, is quite broad. It says that a political badge, political button or other political insignia may not be worn at or about a polling place on primary or Election Day. As enforced by election officials, the law bans even general political messages on apparel, like support for gun rights or labor unions. The goal, state officials have said, is an orderly and controlled environment without confusion, interference or distraction. The case started when members of the Minnesota Voters Alliance, which says it works to ensure election integrity, turned up at Minnesota polling places wearing T-shirts bearing Tea Party logos and buttons saying Please ID Me. They were told to cover the messages and were allowed to vote even if they refused. But they risked prosecution for disobeying poll workers orders. The group and two individuals challenged the law on free speech grounds, and they lost in the 8th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, in St. Louis. Even if Tea Party apparel is not election-related, it is not unreasonable to prohibit it in a polling place, Judge Duane Benton wrote. In order to ensure a neutral, influence-free polling place, all political material is banned. Roberts said that went too far. States remain free to decide that some forms of advocacy should be excluded from the polling place, he wrote. Minnesota, Roberts wrote, had failed to articulate some sensible basis for distinguishing what may come in from what must stay out of a polling place. In a dissent, Justice Sonia Sotomayor, joined by Justice Stephen Breyer, said the court should have asked the Minnesota Supreme Court for a definitive interpretation of the state law. Adam Liptak is a New York Times writer. When you lose a statewide primary by 44 percent to 12 percent, its hard to believe things can get worse. But Democratic state Sen. Kevin de Leon is finding out that, yes, they can. Despite being shellacked last week by Democratic Sen. Dianne Feinstein, de Leon managed to hang on to second place and a spot on the November ballot. Speaking before the election, Jon Underland, the former state Senate presidents campaign spokesman, said all de Leon was looking for was a runner-up finish because after the primary, everything changes. But that doesnt mean theyll change for the better. On Monday, for example, Assembly Speaker Anthony Rendon came out with a full-throated endorsement of Feinstein, picking her over de Leon, his fellow Los Angeles County lawmaker and legislative leader. Senator Feinstein is the strongest candidate to stand up to Donald Trump and is a tireless champion for our state and our progressive values, Rendon, D-Paramount (Los Angeles County), said in a statement. In this time of instability, California needs Senator Feinsteins leadership in Washington now more than ever. Despite their years of working together, Rendon went out of his way to take a hard shot at de Leon when he called Feinstein a champion of our progressive values. De Leons whole argument for his longshot campaign against Feinstein has been that the former San Francisco mayor is just too moderate and Republican-friendly to represent Californias liberal leanings. And then there are the election results. While theres nothing wrong with losing in an election where the top two finishers both advance to the fall campaign, its another thing entirely to get slaughtered. Not only did Feinstein win the state with 44 percent of the vote, she trounced de Leon in his home county, 49 percent to 15 percent. And to cap off the state senators disaster, the unofficial results show Feinstein with a 40 percent to 31 percent lead in de Leons own 24th State Senate District. As for de Leons appeal to the states growing number of Latino voters: Imperial County, which is more than 80 percent Latino, went for Feinstein by nearly 2-1. Like de Leon, Rendon is Latino. But that didnt matter when it came time for an endorsement. On election night, de Leon told supporters that its clear that weve done what we needed to do. A majority of Californians want new leadership in Washington. But between now and Nov. 6, what de Leon has to do is show those voters that the new leadership should be him. Looking at the election results, its not at all clear theyre willing to be convinced. John Wildermuth Break for fire victims? Sen. Kamala Harris introduced a bill Tuesday aimed at waiving fees for replacing immigration documents destroyed in natural disasters, such as the fires that ripped through Northern California in October. The bill, the Disaster Victims Passport and ID Relief Act, would apply to those who qualify for Federal Emergency Management Agency aid and would get rid of fees for replacing passport books (more than $100), green cards ($455) and employment authorization documents ($410), among other papers. The bill would also make it easier for child care facilities to receive FEMA assistance following disasters. Victims of natural disasters are forced to reconstruct their lives, and too often face high levels of financial stress, Harris, D-Calif., said in a statement. We must do what we can to ease that burden, including waiving fees associated with the replacement of critical documents. Harris first raised the issue in letters to then-Homeland Security Secretary Elaine Duke and then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in November after the Northern California fires, which killed 45 people and destroyed nearly 9,000 structures. Hamed Aleaziz Three members of San Franciscos Board of Supervisors rigorously examined the citys controversial gang injunction program during an emotional and overflowing meeting Wednesday evening at City Hall. At issue was the citys more than decade-old civil gang injunction program that identifies people in crime-plagued parts of the city as gang members, and seeks to prevent them from engaging in certain behaviors within designated safety zones. Opponents have long fought the injunctions, saying they lead to police harassment and racial profiling, pointing out that all 139 people initially listed on the four injunctions are either African American or Latino. But proponents of the program, including the c ity a ttorneys o ffice, which began issuing the gang injunctions in 2006, said they have been a valuable tool in reducing crime, particularly in the citys poorest areas w h ere gangs maintained a stranglehold over their communities. Listed members inside the safety zones are prohibited from activities such as loitering, interacting with other alleged gang members, wearing certain colors, spraying graffiti and other nuisance behavior. Violating an injunction is a misdemeanor, punishable by up to six months in jail. What were trying to learn is today in 2018, when San Francisco has undergone such big changes in every single neighborhood, that is it time for us to really look at gang injunctions in another way? asked District One Supervisor Sandra Fewer, who called the special meeting of the Public Safety Committee. Fewer was joined by Supervisors Hillary Ronen and Aaron Peskin who heard testimony from various stakeholders, including the city attorneys office, the public defender and a man who is currently listed on a gang injunction. More than 50 community activists packed the room after holding signs and protesting the injunctions on the steps of City Hall before the hearing. These gang injunctions were created in my view as a tool for racial profiling, Public Defender Jeff Adachi said. They were used as a means, and I saw this right away, because as soon as the police officers got the c ity a ttorney on board, they began using it not only against people that were targeted, but also everybody. But Yvonne Mere with the city attorneys office carefully outlined the program on Wednesday, detailing how San Franciscos gang injunctions were different than other controversial programs around the state, such as in Los Angeles and Orange County. In San Francisco, she said, identified gang members can opt out by showing the c ity a ttorney they are on a clean path. Whats more, police officers dont have the power to add names to the injunction, and a judge must sign the order after reviewing evidence of a persons gang involvement. Mere said the gang injunctions have been instrumental in San Franciscos declining crime rate. Homicides, for example, have fallen by nearly 50 percent since the program began. She pointed out that felony convictions among those on the lists totaled 104 before the injunctions. That number fell to 58 after the program went into effect, Mere said. Ronen, though, questioned the effectiveness of the injunctions, pointing out that crime in general has steadily fallen over the past decade. It honestly is surprising to me that that limited, really expansive nature of laws prohibiting behavior would have such dramatic impacts, she said. The city attorneys office has recognized San Franciscos changing landscape, Mere said, and has begun the process of removing many names from lists. Some of the listed members have died. As of Wednesday, Mere said, 14 people have been removed from the Bayview-Hunters Point injunction against the Oakdale Mob and 18 remain on the list. In the Western Addition, 34 people were removed from the injunction of the Knock Out Posse, Chopper City and Eddy Rock gangs and eight remain on the list. In the Mission District, 16 names were removed from the injunctions against the Norteno gang, and eight remain on the list. And in Visitacion Valley, 22 people have been removed from the injunction against the Down Below Gangsters and Towerside street gangs, and 19 remain enjoined. Jason Jones, 31, who now lives in the East Bay, was told he taken off the Visitacion Valley injunction on Wednesday after testifying at the hearing. He described being pulled over by police on his way to take his three kids to Disney on Ice at the Cow Palace, when he still lived in the neighborhood. Even though the stop was outside of the safety zone, he said it showed how the injunction can lead to harassment. I was so embarrassed, I didnt even take my kids to see the show, he told the committee. We went home. I couldnt explain it to my wife. I told her we didnt get there in time. Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky A 19-year-old Maryland man has been indicted on charges that he threatened to kill two high-profile liberal senators Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Kamala Harris of California and to injure marchers at a gun control rally in Washington earlier this year. The man, Nicholas Bukoski of Anne Arundel County, faces five felony counts: two for the alleged threats against Sanders, an independent, and Harris, a Democrat; and three that charge him with transmitting threats via interstate commerce. In the indictment which a federal grand jury returned on April 11 but was released only Wednesday specifics were sparse. But a memorandum filed by a federal prosecutor Wednesday, which requested the court order the pretrial detention of Bukoski, detailed the alleged threats. Bukoski, who faces robbery charges in an earlier unrelated episode, is suspected of sending Instagram messages to the offices of Sanders and Harris on March 24, the day of the March for Our Lives rally, immediately before texting the Metropolitan Police Department tip line in Washington. Senator, I would watch your back as youre out today, read an Instagram message to Sanders office. You wouldnt want to be caught off guard when I use my second amendment protected firearm to rid the world of you, you stupid, crazy old fool. Two minutes later, according to the memorandum, an Instagram message was sent to Harris office. It used a profane and sexist slur, then added, I am going to make sure you and your radical lefty friends never get back in power you will never run for president, because you wont make it to see that day. The third communication was a text message to the Police Departments text tip line: I am intending to send the message that gun control, bomb control, or any other kind of weapons control will not stop attacks, it is an issue of the heart. My heart is messed up and evil, and part of me wants to see people suffer, goddammit, it read. Anyway, good luck and Godspeed finding my presents. This will be my only message. That text prompted the police to immediately determine who sent it, which led them that day to Bukoskis home, about 30 miles from Washington. His father allowed police to enter, and the defendant, who appeared nervous, according to the memo, told the officers that he had studied police tactics and asked if the bomb squad was coming. At that time, Bukoski was handcuffed and taken to the Anne Arundel Medical Center for emergency evaluation. The memo said that while there, he admitted to sending the threats, among others, and stated that he was frustrated with liberals and very supportive of the current president. The defendant said he did not have access to a firearm because his parents wont purchase a firearm based on his history and the strict gun laws in Maryland, and said that he probably wont be able to get one, the memo said. I dont want to kill people unless I absolutely need to, the defendant reportedly said. Bukoski appeared in the U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia on Wednesday and will remain in federal custody pending further proceedings, said Bill Miller, a spokesman for the U.S. attorneys office in Washington. Another court date had not been set, Miller said Wednesday. A call and email to Bukoskis lawyer was not immediately returned Wednesday. Attempts to reach his parents were unsuccessful. Representatives for Sanders and Harris declined to comment Wednesday. On March 24, Bukoskis father gave consent to the police to search the familys home as well as the laptop and cellphone used by his son. He also gave the officers two journals written by his son. Preliminary examination of the cellphone indicated that that day, the defendant had looked up how to contact Sanders and the Police Department tip line, as well as a Wikipedia page titled Threatening government officials of the United States. He had also visited websites about murders, serial killers and murders of police officers, the memo said. On April 9, Bukoski was arrested on armed robbery charges in Anne Arundel County in connection with a Jan. 11 knife-point robbery at a 7-Eleven convenience store. He is scheduled for a jury trial in that case on Sept. 6. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. SAN FRANCISCO Earthquakes are part of the California bargain, a risk that residents accept in exchange for the states natural beauty, sunshine and plentiful jobs. This unspoken seismic trade-off came into sharp focus last month when, for the first time, a government earthquake study included a list of potentially vulnerable high-rise buildings in San Francisco. The list includes some of the citys most prominent hotels and office buildings. Engineers have known about a major defect in certain steel-frame buildings since 1994, when shaking from the Northridge earthquake in Los Angeles fractured critical joints in more than 60 buildings, bringing at least one very close to collapse. The building code was rewritten to eliminate the flawed technique. Yet nearly a quarter of a century later, California is still wrestling with what to do with the hundreds of buildings, many of them high-rises, that were constructed during the more than three decades when the defective connection system was widely employed. Last year Santa Monica, which has identified more than 70 steel-frame buildings believed to have the problem, became the first city in California to order mandatory retrofits. A similar law in nearby West Hollywood comes into effect in August. This is an issue that structural engineers should have been dealing with continuously since the mid-1990s and we just dropped it, said Keith Porter, an earthquake engineering expert who helped lead the U.S. Geological Survey study that published the list of San Francisco high-rises. We dont know how to deal with a problem this big. Experts consider these buildings vulnerable to collapse only in extreme shaking caused by rare and powerful earthquakes, similar to the one that struck San Francisco in 1906. The list, buried among the seismic calculations of an appendix in the USGS report, includes around 40 steel-frame high-rises clustered in downtown San Francisco and built between 1960 and 1994, the approximate years when the flawed technique was employed. There are more than 200 high-rises in the city. The steel buildings constructed in the years when the technique was used house technology and finance companies, law firms, restaurants, shopping arcades, at least three major hotels, the headquarters of Pacific Gas & Electric, the San Francisco office of Sen. Dianne Feinstein, and the former Bank of America building, one of the citys tallest and which is partly owned by President Donald Trump. One cluster of pre-1994 steel-frame buildings known as the Embarcadero Center welcomes more than 16,000 people each day, according to its website. A 43-story building known as Salesforce West is on the list and is directly across from Salesforce Tower, the tallest office building west of the Mississippi River. Salesforce Tower was recently completed and is not a steel-frame building. One address on the list jumped off the page for me: The building that houses the San Francisco bureau of The New York Times. A number of building owners responded to emailed queries about these buildings. The Hilton hotel near Union Square said it did a retrofit in 2012. And a representative for Columbia Property Trust, the owners of the building where The Times bureau is located, sent a statement that said, While no seismic retrofits have been made to the building, we believe that the buildings structure compares quite favorably when compared to many other similar buildings constructed before 1994 due to expert assessments that are ongoing. Most of us are too busy to think about what lurks behind the walls of our offices or the seemingly far-off possibility that the Big One, generally thought of in California as around an 8-magnitude earthquake, might strike. Researching these buildings took me down a road of uncomfortable questions about risk and probabilities. So how dangerous are these buildings? Known in technical lingo as welded steel moment-frame buildings, the columns and beams that make up the skeleton of the building are welded together, an innovation that was adopted to save time and money and a departure from the bolts and rivets used in previous generations of steel buildings. Those constructed before around 1985 were often very flexible allowing them to sway extensively from side to side. The building code was revised in the mid-1980s to require more stiffness, and again a decade later to correct the defective welding technique. To live in California is to be forced to draw lines between acceptable and unacceptable seismic risks. And for policymakers, this class of steel-frame building seems to fall somewhere in between. There are several types of buildings that engineers have identified as vulnerable to even moderate earthquakes, notably wood-frame soft-story structures and non-ductile concrete buildings, which were typically constructed before the mid-1970s. Steel-frame buildings, by contrast, are not considered vulnerable to moderate earthquakes. A 6.9-magnitude earthquake in Kobe, Japan, a year after Northridge caused the collapse of 90 older steel-frame buildings and cracks in newer ones. A prominent Japanese engineer at the time said the Kobe earthquake was a turning point in public perception it refuted the popular myth that steel buildings are immune to strong earthquakes, he said. When these fractures occurred it was a very humbling experience first shocking and then humbling for the structural and earthquake engineering professions, said Gregory Deierlein, a Stanford University earthquake engineering expert who is a seismic adviser to the city of San Francisco. It starkly brought into question one of the fundamental assumptions and building techniques that they had been using. The building code today mandates a probability of collapse of no more than 10 percent in extreme shaking similar to what San Francisco experienced in 1906. Deierlein was a co-author of a study in 2015 that found that the risk of potential collapse for pre-1994 steel-frame buildings could be five times as much: roughly 50 percent instead of 10 percent. Kenny Buyco, an engineer at the California Institute of Technology, simulated severe ground motions in Los Angeles and found a 20 to 35 percent chance of collapse for a 20-story steel-frame building. There are many caveats to all the studies. Computer modeling is far from perfect and each building is unique buildings with tall ground floors or irregular shapes can be even more vulnerable. San Francisco, which is straddled by the San Andreas and Hayward faults, has spent billions of dollars strengthening government buildings and other structures and has a program of mandatory retrofits for soft-story buildings. The city is still in the assessment phase for pre-1994 steel-frame buildings, according to Naomi Kelly, the San Francisco city administrator. Its not like we are waiting, Kelly said. There are only so many engineers in this city. Theres only so much money. Retrofitting a single building can cost tens of millions of dollars and few building owners in California have done it, engineers say. There appears to be relatively little pressure to do anything about the problem because for years it remained a somewhat obscure, technical flaw discussed among engineers. I dont think theres really any awareness in the general population, said David Mar, a structural engineer who has retrofitted around half a dozen steel-frame buildings in the San Francisco Bay Area. Folks need to know and then you can make decisions about retrofitting or not. More knowledge is better for everybody. A bill that passed an initial vote in the California Legislature last month would make it mandatory for cities to produce an inventory of seismically vulnerable buildings, including steel-frame buildings with the construction flaw. The problem is not confined to high-rises; engineers estimate that there are hundreds of defective steel-frame buildings of all sizes in California. Partly because of the cost, Santa Monica is giving owners of steel-frame buildings 20 years to carry out retrofits. Most of the steel buildings identified as vulnerable are office buildings, but the city also has a number of large steel-frame condominium buildings. A number of experts described tension between engineers who wanted to raise greater awareness about the vulnerability of the pre-1994 steel-frame buildings and Ron Hamburger, one of the countrys leading seismic engineers, who helped lead federal investigations after Northridge and has been described as a kind of skeptic in chief about the buildings potential for collapse. Hamburger recently said he had become more convinced of their danger. If we have a repeat of 1906 it is probable that some, not all, of the high-rise buildings in downtown San Francisco will experience collapse, he said. Hamburger travels extensively, but on this particular day he was in his office in San Francisco. I mentioned that I was calling him from the 12th floor of a steel-frame building, the likes of which we were discussing. He paused for a beat. Im sitting in one of them, too. On the List In April, the U.S. Geological Survey published a report with a list of high-rises in downtown San Francisco that included 39 steel-frame buildings constructed between 1960 and 1994, the approximate years when a flawed welding technique was employed. The list was compiled with help from the Structural Engineers Association of Northern California. 1. Hartford Building, 650 California 2. Beal Bank Building, 180 Sansome 3. Bechtel Building, 50 Beale 4. 44 Montgomery 5. 425 California St. 6. 555 California St. 7. McKesson Plaza, One Post 8. Pacific Gas & Electric Building, 77 Beale 9. One Embarcadero Center, 355 Clay 10. Transamerica Pyramid, 600 Montgomery 11. 100 Pine Center, 100 Pine 12. 211 Main St. 13. First Market Tower, 525 Market 14. 425 Market St. 15. Two Embarcadero Center 16. 221 Main St. 17. California Automobile Association Building, 100 Van Ness 18. Chevron Tower (Market Center) 19. Spear Tower (One Market Plaza) 20. Steuart Tower (One Market Plaza) 21. Three Embarcadero Center, 155 Clay 22. Shaklee Terraces, 444 Market 23. 333 Market St. 24. 595 Market St. 25. 201 California St. 26. Two Transamerica Center, 505 Sansome 27. 101 California St. 28. Telesis Tower, One Montgomery 29. 1 Ecker Square, 1 Ecker 30. 100 Spear St. 31. 101 Montgomery 32. Citicorp Center, One Sansome 33. 50 Fremont Center 34. 333 Bush St. 35. 345 California St. 36. 301 Howard St. 37. Hilton San Francisco Hotel, 333 OFarrell 38. San Francisco Marriott, 55 4th 39. Embarcadero West, 275 Battery This article originally appeared in The New York Times. A 55-year-old man was shot during an argument in San Francisco's Mission District early this morning, according to police. The shooting was reported at about 12:45 a.m. in the 2000 block of Mission Street. The victim was arguing with the suspect, who then pulled out a handgun and shot the victim. He was taken to a hospital to be treated for gunshot wounds that are not life-threatening, police said. The suspect, a man believed to be around 40 years old, fled and has not been arrested, according 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. SAN FRANCISCO (BCN) San Francisco Board of Supervisors president London Breed today claimed victory in the race to be the city's next mayor after former state Sen. Mark Leno conceded to her. Although the results are not final, Breed has slowly built a lead against Leno in the city's ranked-choice voting system over the last several days after Leno led in the initial results posted on Election Night last week. As of Tuesday, Breed was ahead of Leno by more than 1,800 votes, garnering 50.42 percent of the vote, according to the city's Department of Elections. Outside of City Hall this afternoon, Breed said, "I am looking forward to serving as your mayor. I am truly humbled and I am truly honored." "It is time for us to forget about the drama that existed in the world of politics during the campaign and time for us to focus on addressing these challenges so that we can focus on making this a better city for all San Franciscans," she said. "I'm a native San Franciscan and I grew up in some of the most challenging circumstances and the reason why I feel so incredible about this is because the message this sends to the young people growing up in this city that no matter where you come from, no matter what you decide to do in life, you can do anything you want to do. Never let your circumstances determine your outcome in life," Breed said. Only about 9,350 ballots still needed to be reviewed, election officials said Tuesday. Speaking today at his business, Budget Signs, Leno congratulated Breed, conceding to her in the neck-and-neck race. "I called Supervisor London Breed this morning to congratulate her on her victory and to wish her every success both personally and professionally in her new job as mayor of San Francisco," Leno said. "She was very gracious and said that, recognizing the serious challenges facing our beloved city, she was going need all the assistance she could get in making sure that we're successful in moving our city forward," he said. "It was a very positive conversation, she is a very remarkable young woman. She is going to do a fine job and I'll wish her the best because her success is San Francisco's success." Supervisor Jane Kim, who finished third in the race, said in a statement today, "I want to offer my congratulations to London Breed who has prevailed in this election and will soon be declared the winner. I'm proud to live in the largest city in America with a woman as mayor." Kim added, "I also want to thank Mark Leno and acknowledge his nearly two decades of service as a publicly elected official who has accomplished so much on behalf of our city." "We must stay focused on how we can make San Francisco a city that works for everyone -- and I look forward to working with the Breed Administration on these vital issues," Kim said. Breed will serve the remainder of the late Mayor Ed Lee's term, which ends in January 2020. 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 city worker died after a vehicle slid off a tow truck and into the path of the worker this afternoon in San Francisco, a police spokeswoman said. "Our city family is mourning today following the death of Lilianna Preciado, a valued employee with the Public Utilities Commission," Mayor Mark Farrell said in a statement. Police went at 2:04 p.m. to 28th and Diamond streets in the Noe Valley neighborhood because of a traffic collision, Officer Grace Gatpandan said. A tow truck driver was loading a vehicle on the truck's bed when the truck malfunctioned and the vehicle slid into the path of three city employees working in the area. Gatpandan said two workers were able to get out of the way of the truck but one wasn't. Preciado died at Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital following the collision, police and hospital spokesman Brent Andrew said. Farrell said, "We are incredibly saddened anytime a member of the city family passes away, but it is particularly painful when an individual perishes while working on the behalf of San Francisco. "My most sincere thoughts and deepest condolences are with the friends, family members and professional colleagues of Lilianna at this time." The collision is being investigated by the California Division of Occupational Safety and Health and the San Francisco Department of Public Health. The tow truck driver cooperated with police. Gatpandan said no one has been arrested. 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 Hillsborough couple will be sentenced in federal court in San Francisco on Sept. 18 for conspiring to export components of night-vision rifle scopes to Russia without a license. Naum Morgovsky, 69, and Irina Morgovsky, 66, pleaded guilty before U.S. District Judge Vince Chhabria Tuesday to conspiring to sell scope components without a license from the U.S. State Department between 2012 and 2016, in violation of the Arms Export Control Act. The items included various types of lenses and image intensifier tubes, according to a 2017 grand jury indictment. Naum Morgovsky also pleaded guilty to two other counts of laundering a total of $223,000 in profits from the scheme by setting up bank accounts using the stolen identity of a deceased person. The guilty pleas came during jury selection for a trial that was scheduled to begin today. Each count carries a possible maximum sentence of 20 years. The sentence will be pronounced by Chhabria. The couple owned a night vision company in Moscow. According to the indictment, a co-conspirator at that company would send the pair lists of components needed. The couple would either send the items directly to the Moscow employee or send them to associates in Europe who would hand-carry the components to Moscow. U.S. Attorney's Office spokesman Abraham Simmons said Naum and Irina Morgovsky admitted in their plea agreements that they bought the items through their American company, Hitek International, and did not tell the sellers that the items would be exported. Acting U.S. Attorney Alex Tse said in a statement, "Protecting sensitive technology from unlawful export is crucial to our national security, especially when that technology has military uses." Morgovsky also faces unrelated charges in the same indictment of bank fraud conspiracy and bank fraud related to the short sale of two condominiums in Kihei, Hawaii, in 2009. He is accused of defrauding mortgage lenders by using a stolen identity to buy the units from a codefendant, Mark Migdal, 72, of Portola Valley, for a little more than half of what was owed on the mortgages, and then transferring the properties to Migdal's wife. Migdal pleaded guilty last year to conspiring to commit bank fraud in connection with the Hawaii condominiums and making false statements on mortgage modification applications for properties he owned in Mountain View and Portola Valley. Chhabria sentenced him in April to one year and six months in prison. 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. Its been awhile since Heavan Papendick became a sexual assault survivor. She found a way to use her experiences to help others when she started volunteering for the Alachua County Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center in 2016. It felt really good to know that I was able to take something so horrible that happened to me and turn it into something so good for somebody else, Papendick said. The Alachua County Victim Services and Rape Crisis Center is seeking volunteers to answer calls on the centers 24-hour helpline and assist with outreach events, said Ashley Flattery, a victim advocate counselor. A volunteers responsibilities can range from just listening to sexual assault survivors to referring them to community resources, Flattery said. Volunteers take calls from the helpline when the office is closed. This includes weekends and holidays, said Jessie Lazarchik, the sexual assault program manager. These calls are taken on a county cell phone which is given to the volunteers, according to their website. I think the most important thing for our folks on the helpline, more important than any kind of educational background or certification is that the person is kind, compassionate, wants to be supportive of survivors in our community and is up for that kind of task, Lazarchik said. The center is looking for volunteers of all backgrounds but is especially encouraging bilingual, Spanish speakers to join, Flattery said. To start training at the center, an online application should be turned in by June 22, Lazarchik said. Applicants will then attend a one-on-one meeting before the training, which begins June 27. The training includes 30 to 40 hours of online coursework through the Florida Council Against Sexual Violence and in-person training where volunteers practice answering calls on the helpline through role-play and presentations, Flattery said. Volunteers also learn about community resources they can refer callers to. The center requires volunteers to commit at least nine months to the helpline. Volunteers also have a monthly requirement to either work a weekend shift, where they are on call from 5 p.m. Friday to 8:30 a.m. Monday, or four weekday shifts from 5 p.m. to 8:30 a.m., Flattery said. The really cool thing about our helpline is a lot of times people get worried that theyre going to be pressured to report or that we wont help them if theyre not into the idea of talking to police, but we offer services whether a person wants to report or not, Flattery said. The helpline is not a high-volume hotline, Flattery said. All volunteers will have a backup staff member from the center on duty to serve as a consultant and relief for volunteers. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now In the wake of the #MeToo movement, people feel passionate about wanting to help sexual violence victims but may not know how, Flattery said. This is an outlet where if you want to help, if its something that youre passionate about, this is a concrete, actionable thing that you can do to help survivors in our community, Flattery said. To apply to be a volunteer or for more information, visit alachuacounty.us/depts/css/victimservices/pages/volunteerinfo.aspx. The phone number for the 24-hour sexual assault helpline is 352-264-6760. Follow Victoria Chin on Twitter @torischin and contact her at vchin@ufl.edu. OAKLAND (BCN) A man has been convicted of first-degree murder for fatally shooting another man while the victim was eating his dinner and drinking beer as he was sitting in a car in East Oakland two years ago. An Alameda County Superior Court jury last Thursday found 21-year-old Danny Hogg guilty in connection with the shooting of Arturo Barrera Rodriguez, 43, in the 3700 block of Penniman Avenue at about 10:10 p.m. on June 9, 2016. Prosecutor Alex Hernandez alleged in his opening statement in the trial two weeks ago that Hogg killed Rodriguez because he wanted to steal Rodriguez's necklance. Hernandez said Rodriguez was murdered "for money in an unprovoked, unjustified shooting." Hernandez said Rodriguez had just finished working at a job in Berkeley and on his way back to his home in Oakland he picked up some food at a Taco Bell restaurant and was eating his food and drinking beer with two other men in a car they parked in the 3700 block of Penniman Avenue. The prosecutor said Hogg lived nearby and was armed with a loaded concealed firearm and was wearing a mask, a hoodie and latex gloves as he walked with a friend to a corner store to buy a product for rolling and smoking marijuana. Hernandez said after Hogg and his friend left the store they walked past the car where Rodriguez was eating and drinking with his companions. He said Hogg told his friend to wait for him and then walked over to the car, put a gun to Rodriguez's face and tried to steal his necklace. Hernandez said that when Hogg was unable to steal the necklace quickly he shot Rodriguez at point-blank range without any interaction or provocation. Rodriguez was pronounced dead at the scene. Hernandez said Hogg's friend, Bruce Benson, later said to police that Hogg told him after the shooting, "I was just trying to make some money." Hernandez admitted that Rodriguez had a knife when he was killed but said Rodriguez used it for his job and didn't use it against Hogg. Hogg's lawyer Francesca Serrano didn't deny that Hogg shot Rodriguez but said the shooting occurred only after there was "a struggle" at the window of the car in which Rodriguez and the other two men were sitting. Serrano told jurors in her opening statement there isn't any evidence that Hogg was reaching or grabbing for Rodriguez's necklace and said alcohol was thrown in Hogg's face during a struggle at the window. Serrano also alleged that Benson is an unreliable witness because he was in custody in connection with Rodriguez's death when he gave his statement that incriminated Hogg and has given multiple conflicting accounts about what happened. Serrano said, "This loss of life was not a murder and Mr. Hogg cannot be found guilty beyond a reasonable doubt in this case." Hogg is scheduled to be sentenced by Judge Gloria Rhynes on Sept. 21. 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. DUBLIN (BCN) A Castro Valley man was sentenced today to 25 years to life in state prison for fatally shooting his wife at their home four years ago. Feng Mi, 49, pleaded no contest to first-degree murder on March 22 for the death of his wife, 45-year-old Yunyi Zhang, who was found dead of gunshot wounds at their home in the 19000 block of Stanton Avenue in Castro Valley at about 4 p.m. on March 14, 2014. Mi's plea agreement called for him to receive a term of 25 years to life in state prison and Alameda County Superior Court Judge Paul Delucchi formally imposed that sentence at a hearing today. Mi and his wife have a daughter who's now 18 and a son who's now 12, according to the Alameda County Sheriff's Office. Before Zhang was killed, deputies had been to the couple's home multiple times to respond to reports of domestic violence involving Mi, sheriff's officials said. Mi, who surrendered to police at California State University East Bay in Hayward three days after his wife was found dead, had two guns registered under his name, according to the sheriff's office. 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 man charged with first degree murder for allegedly knocking an elderly man down so hard last week in San Francisco that the man died days later is devastated over the death, his attorney said today. According to police, Garret Miller, 31, robbed a store around 4:10 p.m. on June 7 near the corner of Columbus Avenue and Lombard Street. As Miller fled the store, he allegedly knocked 85-year-old Sami Batshoun to the ground. Batshoun died on Sunday from his injuries, police said. Miller's arraignment was scheduled for this morning, but it was put off until July 5. Miller has not yet entered a plea. He's been charged with murder, robbery, battery, assault and elder abuse. Miller was initially hospitalized after the alleged robbery and assault on a psychiatric hold. Today, his attorney, Deputy Public Defender Brian Pearlman said, "He's completely devastated and distraught that this man lost his life," adding that the act was unintentional. "The facts reported by police are not accurate," Pearlman said. According to Pearlman, Miller suffers from schizophrenia and had gone off his medication. In an attempt to self-medicate, Miller went to the store and allegedly tried to take a bottle of wine. As Miller was running out of the store with the wine bottle in hand, Batshoun put out his cane to try and stop Miller. Miller then unintentionally hit Batshoun, causing Batshoun to lose his balance and fall to the ground, Pearlman said. Miller immediately dropped the bottle of wine and stopped to check on Batshoun. Miller stayed at the scene and waited for police to arrive, he said. Batshoun was hospitalized and eventually died. "It's a tragedy but it was not a murder case," Pearlman said. "The way it's being charged, that he willfully and with malice aforethought killed someone... To charge him with that is complete overcharging by the DA's office." Pearlman said, "Normally with this you would see manslaughter." The District Attorney's Office was not immediately available for comment. Miller remains in custody and is being held without bail. 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. LAFAYETTE (BCN) Contra Costa County Fire Protection District crews have fully contained a one-alarm fire at a home in Lafayette early this morning, according to fire officials. The fire was first reported at 3:59 a.m. today and was fully contained at 4:57 a.m., according to Capt. Steve Aubert. When fire crews arrived on scene, heavy smoke and fire was coming from the garage of the home into the attic, Aubert said. The cause is under investigation. None of the residents in the home or firefighters were injured in the blaze. 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 man who was shot by a California Highway Patrol officer on U.S. Highway 101 in Belmont in 2016 was convicted Tuesday of assaulting an officer, a felony, and misdemeanor possession of methamphetamine, according to San Mateo County prosecutors. Carlos Mora, 43, was seen in the median on Highway 101 near the Ralston Avenue exit around 2 a.m. on Aug. 28, 2016. An officer responded to the scene, approached Mora and deployed a Taser stun gun after the man acted erratically and failed to follow commands. He quickly sat up, however, displayed a knife in his hand, raised it over his head and charged toward the officer, prosecutors said. The officer backed up to avoid physical contact and fired five shots at Mora, striking the defendant with three of those shots. Mora suffered gunshot wounds to the eye, the side of his torso and one of his legs. Mora was transported to a hospital with life-threatening injuries and was ultimately arrested. During the subsequent investigation, officers found Mora's 2001 Volkswagen Beetle abandoned on the southbound exit ramp to Holly Street with methamphetamine and a pipe inside. The jury deliberated in Mora's trial for six days, returning a guilty verdict on Tuesday. Mora faces up to six years in state prison when he returns to court on Aug. 8 for sentencing, prosecutors said. Meanwhile, he remains in custody on no-bail status. Defense attorney Linda Bramy could not immediately be reached for comment on her client's behalf. 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) The condition of a San Francisco motorcycle police officer was upgraded to serious less than a day after he suffered critical injuries in a collision this morning, police said. The collision occurred around 9:35 a.m. near Mariposa Street and Pennsylvania Avenue in the city's Potrero Hill neighborhood, police said. The officer collided with a vehicle, according to police. The officer was taken to Zuckerberg San Francisco General Hospital and his family and colleagues were by his side today. The driver involved in the collision remained at the scene and cooperated with the investigation, police 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 FRANCISCO (BCN) A woman charged with murder for allegedly killing and then dismembering her roommate's body pleaded not guilty this morning in a San Francisco courtroom. Prosecutors say Lisa Gonzales, 47, killed Margaret Mamer, 61, sometime between May 13 and June 2 at the Mission District apartment they shared in the 200 block of 14th Street. Officers conducting a welfare check on Mamer discovered her body on June 2, stuffed inside a plastic container in a storage unit at the building. During this morning's arraignment, Assistant District Attorney Adam Maldonado said prosecutors are waiting on a report by the city's medical examiner's office that he said should be ready within the next two or three weeks. Outside of court, however, Gonzales' attorney Deputy Public Defender Alex Lilien said the report could take longer than that. Although the medical examiner's office has concluded that Mamer's death was in fact a homicide and that she suffered blunt force trauma and "sharp force" injuries, it has not determined how she died. That detail, Lilien said, will be crucial for the defense. "The dismemberment and allegations about that ... is something that would've happened after the person was killed. So it colors this and makes it sound terrible but that's not necessarily the main point here," Lilien said. "The cause of death is still going to be the most important issue here and all the things that happened afterward, perhaps as unsettling as they as, are going to be less of an issue than actually what the cause of death was and the circumstances surrounding it," he said. According to court documents, starting in August 2017, Gonzales rented a room to Mamer and charged her only $400 per month after learning that Mamer had recently lost her home and fallen on hard times. However, by December, Gonzales became frustrated after things around the house started to go missing or were misplaced. Gonzales allegedly asked Mamer to move out, but Mamer stayed in the apartment and around mid-April, Gonzales gave her a 30-day notice to leave. Mamer, however, did not leave, according to court documents. Another roommate said that on May 15, when that roommate came home, Gonzales told them not to go in the bathroom. Later that evening, the roommate reported a "metallic" smell at the apartment and when they left to go to the store and returned, they smelled the scent of vinegar. The next day, the roommate said they heard what sounded like a saw being used in the bathroom. Later that evening, the roommate said the apartment smelled like rotten eggs. When the roommate asked Gonzales where Mamer was, Gonzales confirmed that Mamer left, adding "but not the way she should have," according to court documents. Days later, the roommate said they saw a hacksaw underneath the sink in the laundry room and also noticed that a plastic container in the home was missing. On May 31, the roommate told another person that they feared that Gonzales had killed Mamer. That person subsequently reported it to officers at the Ingleside police station. The following day, Mamer's friend made a missing person report, saying they hadn't seen Mamer since May 15. When officers showed up at the residence the next day looking for Mamer, Gonzales allowed them to search it, in addition to the common storage area where Mamer was ultimately discovered. Upon inspection of the storage unit, officers noticed a "pungent" odor coming from inside. After noticing the plastic container, which was in plain view, the officers opened it and saw a plastic bag covered with maggots and liquid coming out, according to court documents. As officers were about to open the plastic container, Gonzales allegedly expressed reservation and the officers stopped and obtained a search warrant before proceeding. After obtaining the warrant, officers opened the plastic bag and saw Mamer's cut-up body with her limbs sawed-off and head and torso still intact, court documents said. After the gruesome discovery, officers arrested Gonzales. When interviewed by investigators, Gonzales reportedly said that she and Mamer had gotten into an argument but said that she had no recollection of the events that occurred afterward and when asked what happened by investigators, Gonzales said, "probably nothing good." According to court documents, Gonzales was convicted in 2004 of assault with a deadly weapon after she struck a co-worker in the face with a metal object, fracturing the woman's jaw and shattering her teeth. Gonzales served a year in San Francisco jail and was placed on five years' probation afterward. According to Lilien, Gonzales is a lifelong San Francisco resident and had lived at the 14th Street apartment for most of her life. She is set to return to court on July 14 and remains in custody without bail. 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. Closed captioning may soon be required for Student Governments videos after a bill was unanimously passed during first readings at Tuesdays student government meeting. The bill requires closed captioning on prerecorded SG social media videos, said Senator Branden Pearson (Lakeside, Independent), an author to the bill. When captioning the videos, SG will have to comply with the Federal Communications Commissions guidelines for internet video closed captioning. I think this is a great step forward to ensure Student Government is accessible for every Gator, Pearson said. Just days before his term ended, Student Body President Smith Meyers vetoed a similar bill. The veto was upheld in a later meeting. When writing the new bill, Pearson said he only contacted one author, Preston Jones, of the original bill. He contacted other SG members but did not say he contacted anyone from the deaf and hard of hearing community. Among the vetoed bills authors was Senator Zachariah Chou (Murphree, Inspire). Chou said he and the other authors consulted people who are members of or work with the deaf and hard of hearing community. Chou said he believes the authors of the new bill should have contacted these groups, too. The originally proposed version of the new bill referenced the Americans with Disabilities Act as the American with Disabilities Act. The bill was amended before voting took place. I just more wanted to emphasize how important it is to include (the) community, the deaf and hard of hearing community, because those people quickly point out that Americans with Disabilities was misspelled in the legislation, Chou said at Tuesdays meeting. Follow Gillian Sweeney on Twitter @gilliangsweeney and contact her at gsweeney@alligator.org. Enjoy what you're reading? Get content from The Alligator delivered to your inbox Subscribe Now The Harn Museum of Art is welcoming Lee Anne Hurt Chesterfield as the new museum director. Chesterfield will begin at the Harn on July 1 after years of working her way up the ladder at the Virginia Museum of Fine Arts. Currently, she is serving as the senior adviser for Museum Planning and Board Relations at VMFA. Chesterfield, whose educational background is rooted in marketing and art, said she is excited to bring her skills in strategic planning to the Harn and increase accessibility to the community. Chesterfield believes the best way to engage the community is by engaging its interests through exhibits and events. The biggest thing is doing research into the community, Chesterfield said. Theres a big music scene in Gainesville, so maybe do even more with music. Chesterfield will be taking the position as current Director Rebecca Nagy retires after 16 years with the museum. She said Nagy called her when she was offered the job to congratulate her. Chesterfield hopes to sit down with Nagy when she comes to Florida to pick the brain of her predecessor. These are big shoes to fill, Chesterfield said. She has quite a legacy with the Harn. TORONTO For the first time in decades, one of the worlds most durable and amicable alliances faces serious strain as Canadians widely considered some of the nicest, politest people on Earth absorb Donald Trumps insults against their prime minister and attacks on their countrys trade policies. Some Canadians are urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to seek peace with the U.S. president. Many others want him to hang tough even as Trump seeks to make political hay with his anti-Canada rhetoric. But theres broad agreement with this assessment by The Globe and Mail, a leading Canadian newspaper: Relations between two of the worlds closest allies are now at a perilous low. The spark for the confrontation: Not only did Trump suggest new tariffs against Canada are justified on grounds of national security, but he and top aides assailed Trudeau as a weak and dishonest back-stabber who deserves a place in hell. For Canadians who dont totally reject their stereotyped image as self-effacing and nice the eruption seemed completely at odds with their own national temperament. Anne Marie Goetz, a Canadian who teaches global affairs at New York University, said she hopes her compatriots will show maturity and forbearance amid the tensions. But as these kinds of absurd statements and rude outbursts pile up, antagonism and resentment might, too, which would be terribly unfortunate and even surreal for two of the best neighbors on the planet, Goetz said. Resentment already is palpable. A popular Alberta-based travel and culture blogger, Mike Morrison, said he and his wife have canceled a trip to the U.S. next month. In Halton Hills, a Toronto suburb, the City Council unanimously passed a motion Monday encouraging its residents and businesses, with typical Canadian politesse, to consider avoiding U.S. goods where Canadian substitutes are reasonably available. Trump is like a bad house guest. He showed up late, left early and insulted the host, said Mayor Rick Bonnette. When you have a bully like Trump, you cant just keep taking it and taking it. The ties between the two countries are without parallel anywhere in the world. Trade between the U.S. and Canada totaled an estimated $673.9 billion in 2017, with a surplus of $8.4 billion for the United States. Each day, about 400,000 people cross the worlds longest international border. There is close cooperation on defense, border security and law enforcement, and a vast overlap in culture, traditions and pastimes. Canadas foreign minister, Chrystia Freeland, met in Washington on Wednesday with some U.S. senators to discuss the strained relations, then gave a speech with a clear warning to the Trump administration You may feel today that your size allows you to go mano-a-mano with your traditional adversaries and be guaranteed to win, she said. But if history tells us one thing, it is that no one nations pre-eminence is eternal. Rob Gillies and David Crary are Associated Press writers. BEIJING Chinas government renewed its threat Thursday to scrap deals with Washington aimed at defusing a sprawling trade dispute as the White House prepared to release a list of Chinese goods targeted for tariff hikes. President Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on up to $150 billion of Chinese goods in response to complaints about Beijings trade surplus and technology policy. As part of that, the White House is due to issue a list on Friday of $50 billion of Chinese goods targeted for a 25 percent tariff. In Beijing, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters he had constructive discussions with Chinese officials. Our deficit with China is still too high, Pompeo said. I stress how important it is for President Trump to rectify that situation so that trade becomes more balanced, more reciprocal and more fair, with the opportunity for American workers to be treated fairly. Beijing has promised to buy more American soybeans, natural gas and other exports but warned after June 3 talks between Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and Chinas top economic official, Vice Premier Liu He, that all deals were off if Trumps threatened tariffs went ahead. We made clear that if the U.S. rolls out trade sanctions including the imposition of tariffs, all outcomes reached by the two sides in terms of trade and economy will not come into effect, said a foreign ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang. I just want to repeat this point today. Beijing also has announced plans to cut import duties on autos and some consumer goods and to ease limits on foreign ownership in auto manufacturing, insurance and some other industries, though those dont directly address U.S. complaints. Economists also warn that Beijing will resist changing technology development policies Washington dislikes but that Chinese leaders see as successful. China also has threatened to retaliate with its own tariff hikes on $50 billion of U.S. exports including pork and soybeans, though authorities avoided renewing that threat following the latest round of talks. On Thursday, a Commerce Ministry spokesman said some Chinese exporters are rushing to fill orders due to concern about possible trade risks. SANAA, Yemen The Saudi-led coalition backing Yemens exiled government captured a town south of the port city of Hodeida on Thursday as fierce fighting and air strikes pounded the area on the second day of an offensive to capture the strategic harbor that is the main entry point for food in a country teetering on the brink of famine. A Saudi military spokesman said the forces were drawing closer to the Red Sea port in a campaign aimed at driving out Iranian-aligned Shiite rebels known as Houthis, who have held Hodeida since 2015, and breaking the civil wars long stalemate. International aid agencies and the United Nations have warned the assault could shut down the vital aid route for some 70 percent of Yemens food, as well as the bulk of humanitarian aid and fuel supplies. Around two-thirds of Yemens population of 27 million relies on aid and 8.4 million are already at risk of starving. The United Arab Emirates ambassador to U.N. agencies in Geneva maintained the coalition had no choice but to act. Should we leave the Houthis smuggling missiles? Ambassador Obaid Salem al-Zaabi told a news conference. This comes from this seaport. We already gave the United Nations the chance to operate from this seaport, and (the Houthis) refused. The ambassadors comments contradict the conclusions of a U.N. panel of experts that said it was unlikely the Houthis were using the port for smuggling arms. In its report in January, the panel cited the fact that ships coming into the port face random inspections, require U.N. approval and that no weapons have been seized since March 2017. The U.N. and Western nations have accused Iran of supplying the Houthis with weapons, from assault rifles to the ballistic missiles they have fired deep into Saudi Arabia, including at the capital, Riyadh. More than 150 ballistic missiles have been fired into the kingdom by the Houthis, according to Saudi officials. The Norwegian Refugee Council said the port remained open Thursday, citing information from the United Nations. There were four vessels filled with food and fuel at berth and another five vessels anchored nearby, it said. Meanwhile, soldiers took the town of Nakhila, some 12 miles south of Hodeida International Airport, according to Yemens government-run SABA news agency. Fighters continued to move closer to the airport in fighting on Thursday. Col. Turki al-Malki, a Saudi military spokesman, said coalition forces were some 3 miles from the airfield. The Saudi-led coalition launched the assault on Hodeida on Wednesday, raising warnings from aid agencies that Yemens humanitarian disaster could deepen and that the offensive could set off prolonged street-by-street battles. Ahmed al-Haj is an Associated Press writer. Jung Yeon-je / AFP / Getty Images WASHINGTON America and the world can sleep well tonight, President Donald Trump declared on Wednesday, boasting that his summit with Kim Jong Un had ended any nuclear threat from North Korea though the meeting produced no details on how or when weapons might be eliminated or even reduced. While Trump claimed a historic breakthrough at the most significant diplomatic event of his presidency, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was more measured. He said that Trumps tweet was made with eyes wide open to the possibility diplomacy could falter, and that the U.S. wants North Korea to take major nuclear disarmament steps within the next two years before the end of Trumps first term in 2021. BEIJING The United States and its Asian allies worked Thursday to paper over any semblance of disagreement over President Trumps concession to Kim Jong Un that the U.S. will halt military exercises with South Korea, with Trumps top diplomat insisting the president hadnt backed down from his firm line on North Koreas nukes. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, meeting in Seoul with top South Korean and Japanese diplomats, put a more sober spin on several moves by Trump after his summit with Kim in Singapore fueled unease in Washington, Tokyo and Seoul. He brushed off a North Korean state media report suggesting Trump would grant concessions even before the North fully rids itself of nuclear weapons. Pompeo flew from Seoul to Chinas capital, Beijing, later Thursday for a meeting with President Xi Jinping, whose country is believed to wield considerable influence with North Korea as its chief ally and economic lifeline. I also want to thank China and President Xi for his role in helping bring North Korea to the negotiating table, Pompeo said in a briefing with reporters. Pompeo thanked Beijing for its continuing efforts to help achieve the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea. He said both sides had agreed that sanctions would not be eased until thats achieved. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, in remarks at the start of his meeting with Pompeo, described the Singapore summit as of great historic significance that could lead to enduring peace. Wang said the U.S. should continue to work through China. Pompeo said there was still a risk that denuclearization might not be achieved and added there more work to be done by Beijing and Washington. At a daily briefing, foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang reiterated Chinas support for a political settlement, while also pointing to an eventual lifting of United Nations Security Council economic sanctions. We believe that the sanctions themselves are not the end, Geng said. China has been praised by Trump for ramping up economic pressure on the North that the U.S. believes helped coax Kim to the negotiating table. On the joint U.S.-South Korea drills that Trump after meeting Kim said would be terminated, Pompeo emphasized a key caveat: If the mercurial North Korean leader stops negotiating in good faith, the war games will be back on. Josh Lederman and Christopher Bodeen are Associated Press writers. Page Content When is a tip not a gratuity? When it's a service charge. In California, a worker's "regular rate of pay" must include any portion of a service charge that the worker receives. Otherwise, employers may be making costly wage and hour mistakes, particularly when calculating overtime and sick-leave pay. Gratuities are voluntarily left by customers, and under California law, they belong to the employee, not the employer, said Christina Tellado, an attorney with Reed Smith in Los Angeles. Service charges, on the other hand, are mandatory amounts set by an establishment and charged to customers. Restaurant and hotel employers sometimes get confused about the difference. They may call a service charge an "automatic gratuity" that they add to bills for large parties, banquets or private rooms, said Nancy Yaffe, an attorney with Fox Rothschild in Los Angeles. "But once you make it nondiscretionary, you convert it from a gratuity to a service charge," she said. Why does it matter? The federal Fair Labor Standards Act and the California Labor Code treat mandatory charges differently than discretionary tips. If an employer treats a service charge as a tip, it can get into trouble, because the employer will not be calculating, taxing or reporting wages properly, said Michelle Lee Flores, an attorney with Akerman in Los Angeles. If businesses do add a service charge to tabs, the amount shouldn't be variable, noted Brandon Takahashi, an attorney with Hinshaw & Culbertson in Los Angeles. Overtime Calculations California has daily overtime pay requirements. Employees must be paid time and a half for hours worked beyond eight in a day and double time after 12 hours. Overtime wages are based on an employee's regular rate of pay, which doesn't include discretionary bonusessuch as a holiday bonus or a tipbut does include nondiscretionary bonuses that are based on hours worked, production or proficiency. Unlike tips, an employer generally may keep a portion of the service charge, Tellado said. However, some citiessuch as Santa Monica, Emeryville and Oaklandrequire employers to distribute the entire service charge to the employees who performed the work for which the charge was collected. If an employer does distribute service charges to employees according to a uniform policy, a service charge is really like a nondiscretionary bonus, Takahashi said. Additionally, if a restaurant manager offers servers an incentivesuch as a $2 bonus for every daily special soldthose payments need to be included in the calculation, Yaffe noted. Miscalculations can be costly. "California has one of the highest number of wage and hour class actions in the nation, and these lawsuits can be big trouble for employers who are not using the proper rate to determine overtime for employees," Flores said. One of the most significant risks with wage and hour class actions is that employers may be required to pay the employee's attorney fees. Paid Sick Leave California employers must also factor in any wages received from service charges when determining an employee's regular rate of pay for sick leave, Flores said. California law allows employers to pay sick leave at the employee's regular rate of pay for the workweek in which the leave is used. Alternatively, employers can divide the total wages (excluding any overtime premiums) by the total hours worked in the full pay periods from the prior 90 days of employment. SHRM members-only how-to guide: How to Comply with California's Paid Sick Leave Requirements] Employers should note that some cities in California have their own paid-sick-leave ordinances, which vary on how an employer must calculate the sick-leave rate. The Los Angeles hotel ordinance adds yet another layer of complication, Yaffe noted. Not only does Los Angeles have a minimum wage and paid-sick-leave law, but it also requires certain large hotels in the city to pay workers a higher minimum wage and to provide more paid time off. "Variances between California state and local sick-leave ordinances reinforce that employers should work closely with counsel to ensure their pay practices are compliant," Tellado said. The Society for Human Resource Management supports a bill that would pre-empt state and local paid-sick-leave laws. The bill would give employees more options and flexibility when taking time off to meet their individual and family needs, while providing predictability for employers who now face overlapping state and local requirements. Best Practices Restaurants and hotels need to be very clear about the purpose of any extra charges on a customer's bill. Customers should be notified that a mandatory set percentage will be charged and that it is not a gratuity, Takahashi said. If a business wants to add a gratuity to a bill or service contract without converting it to a service charge, the details must be carefully worded, Yaffe said. For example, a banquet event order could have an option for customers to preselect the gratuity they would like to add and clearly state that they will have the opportunity to adjust the amount at the time of service. Tellado recommends that employers do the following: Clearly identify the service charges collected from customers. Create a written policy spelling out how the service charges will be distributed to employees. Implement a precise record-keeping process to track tips and service charges. Confirm that the payroll administrator is properly calculating the regular rate to include service charges for purposes of overtime premiums and sick-leave compensation. Continue to monitor state and local rules and guidance on the proper calculation of employees' regular rate of pay. California employers must make sure that they are informed and understand the unique laws, regulations, ordinances and guidance that may apply in each of the California jurisdictions where they do business, she added. This column is written by the Staten Island Advance/SILive.com collegiate correspondent. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Every year, hundreds of Staten Islanders come together for a plethora of good causes. In 2018, a new community benefit event was born: The Walk for GRACE. The inaugural walk on April 28 at St. John's University was organized by the GRACE Foundation, which is "committed to increasing the quality of life for children, adults, and families living with Autism Spectrum Disorder." Program Director Julie Gottesman said she had always envisioned a GRACE Foundation walk, so she worked with Tolisa Khelawan and Bernie Veneziano from the St. John's University student government department to make it a reality. More than 350 guests attended the Walk for GRACE, which featured inspirational performances by the GRACE-ful Glee Club, breakfast sponsored by Beverage Island and a Staten Island Kar Klub (SIKK) show featuring more than 100 vehicles. All proceeds will benefit the GRACE Foundation. "We are always open to fundraising opportunities especially while faced with budget cuts," said Kevin J. Brosnick, executive director of The GRACE Foundation. "This first [event] proved not only to be a community-driven event for our friends and families at GRACE, but it enabled us to reach out for much needed donations to expand and sustain our programs." Event sponsors included M&R Construction, Colonial Funeral Home, Dependable Auto and Empire State Bank. Beverage Island sponsored the breakfast table and there were giveaways from Scaran and a special appearance by Scooter from the S.I. Yankees. The Grace Foundation of New York's mission statement is to "empower those we serve with Opportunity, Dignity & Teamwork." For more information, visit GraceofNY.org. -- Staten Island native Charista Mroczek is a freshman at Barnard College of Columbia University. Then-Chief of Detectives William Allee walks across World Trade Center rubble at the Fresh Kills landfill in this July 15, 2002 photo. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel) STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- William Allee was a cops cop. The decorated officer slept with his shield under his pillow when he rose through the ranks and became chief of detectives. But that didnt mean he was running things from a cushy office. He was instead on the streets helping his cops, and above all, his beloved city. The Willowbrook native sifted through the wreckage at the Fresh Kills landfill after the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and fought against drugs, gangs and prostitution in the Lower East Side. It was always in his heart, said his daughter, Diana Allee-Fulton. Allee, 76, died last month from a 9/11-related illness at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center. He is the highest-ranking uniform cop to die of a Sept. 11 illness, his family said. Were still in shock, Diana said. It never entered my mind that this would happen. Don't Edit Allee guides reporters on a tour of the Fresh Kills site after 9/11 in this 2002 photo. (Staten Island Advance/Jan Somma-Hammel) Devotion to public service Allee first wanted to be a firefighter before embarking on a decorated 40-year career at the police department. Inspired by his uncle, who was also detective, and two Queens cops from his old neighborhood, Allee went to the police academy and made a difference in several New York City neighborhoods, from Hells Kitchen, to the Lower East Side to Brooklyn. While a lieutenant at Manhattan South Narcotics, he and his team worked tirelessly to rid the Lower East Side of drug dealers who preyed upon the community during the crack epidemic. He also played a pivotal role while serving at Midtown South Precinct during the cleanup and revitalization of Times Square. He loved helping and protecting people, said his daughter, Christine Allee-Escandon. He was a cops cop because he was still on the streets. Allee has held ranks of officer, detective, sergeant, lieutenant, commander of detective squads, captain, deputy inspector, inspector, deputy chief and chief of detectives. Allee was the recipient of 43 department recognition awards for excellent police work and two unit citations. He retired in 2003. He was so proud (of being chief of detectives), Diana said. It was something he could never imagine. Don't Edit Allee marches in the Manhattan Columbus Day Parade. (Staten Island Advance/Hilton Flores) Leading through adversity Allee was deeply devastated by the terrorist attacks on Sept. 11, his family shared. He was at headquarters that fateful day and heard the planes go over. He phoned home after the first building collapsed, but was then missing for several hours after the second tower fell. He and a fellow officer took refuge in a Verizon building, and emerged blanketed in dust. He was devastated, Diana said. It was such a horrible, horrible thing that his city and country was attacked. He couldnt put into words. So he went into action. Allee began managing what was a monumental crime scene, searching for civilians, firefighters and cops in the midst of the chaos. He didnt return home until the next day. Don't Edit Allee at the Fresh Kills site in 2002. Sacred ground After the tragic events, his work began. Allee was in charge of compartmentalizing and analyzing evidence from the World Trade Center site at the Fresh Kills landfill on Staten Island. In a C-SPAN documentary from January 2002, he said his team was able to identify 46 victims after digging through the debris at the former landfill. This is not a dump, he said on the documentary. Its sacred ground. "This is an extension of the World Trade Center," he added. "I'm proud to be involved in this." His daughters said he found jewelry, identification, wallets and other personal possessions. He treated every piece with respect, they added. He was at the landfill every day. Allee said he would come at night and drive around on an all-terrain vehicle thinking about how he got out and others didnt. Its humbling, he said in the C-SPAN piece. This is the most horrendous thing thats happened to this country, he added. When Allee retired, he was honored by then-police commissioner Ray Kelly. "William Allee is a true professional and is leaving a lasting legacy," Kelly said after the retirement ceremony. The former commissioner said Allee would be particularly remembered for the "sensitive way in which he led the recovery efforts at Ground Zero and Fresh Kills." Don't Edit NYPD Devastating diagnosis Allee was diagnosed with the 9/11-related leukemia in September 2017, and doctors and his family were optimistic about his prognosis. He underwent four rounds of chemotherapy, and had common side effects like hearing loss and a horrible cough. A month before he passed, Diana was set to donate her bone marrow. But doctors were unable to perform the procedure because the cancer grew more aggressive. The night before he died, he appeared fine and was joking with doctors, the family said. Allee passed away on May 24 at Memorial Sloan Kettering. The leukemia had taken over his breathing and he went into cardiac arrest, the family said. Everyone was shocked, Christine said. There was no indication he would pass that morning. He was such a great person, kind, giving and generous, Diana added. Theres such a void. Don't Edit Don't Edit Saying goodbye The NYPD covered Allee's casket with an NYPD flag when they escorted him out of the hospital. Several former and current high-ranking members of the police department attended the wake. Police Commissioner James ONeill, former chief of detectives Robert Boyce and Rep. Dan Donovan (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) all paid their respects. He was a loving and devoted man, Diana said. Hes missed by so many people. Allee is survived by his wife of 52 years, Diane; his two daughters; and five grandchildren: Isabella Escandon, 17; Christian Escandon, 14; Gabriella Fulton, 14; William Fulton, 13; and Luke Fulton, 11. "He was a wonderful grandfather," Diana said. "The grandkids are heartbroken. They miss him." What are the guidelines for installing a deck off my house? More so than the "what" are the guidelines of installing a deck, is understanding that in New York City, the Department of Buildings (DOB) requires that a deck be permitted and approved prior to being installed. An improperly constructed deck can be dangerous, or can damage your home. Specific structural guidelines must be followed to ensure your deck will be safe for use. In order to prevent potentially hazardous building practices, local building code lays out a set of standards for deck construction. Although codes vary from locale to locale, many of them are based on the International Residential Code, which sets out requirements in a few key areas of deck design and construction. Many known guidelines relate to railing height or the space between posts and balusters, however, there are also important guidelines to follow with respect to the decks structure. Footings need to be properly spaced and set below the frost line to ensure they do not shift in frigid temperatures. Treads and stringers need to be properly spaced, and ledger boards need to be fastened with specific types of lag screws. Furthermore, NYC code in particular, requires that a deck or porch may only project up to eight feet beyond the face of the building. When a deck has been improperly installed, has been installed without receiving approval by the DOB, or is too close to the property line, it may eventually need to be taken down. This means that you not only paid to have it installed, you will have to pay to take it down. If somehow the Department of Buildings is made aware of your "illegal deck," an inspector may be sent out to your home to verify the validity of the claim. The inspector can, and in most cases, will issue a violation, creating a lot of red tape and an even greater expense to the homeowner. Hiring an architect to discuss the type of deck you would like to install is the first step of the process, as a deck, or porch, may only be installed if there is adequate space on your property, as determined by zoning regulations and your property survey. Architects can also discuss with you the function and durability of decking materials that are available on the market. This can be helpful as some of the materials used to construct decks require maintenance, and in the long run, can add to the cost of having a deck. While your architect will review requirements that are specific to your property, there are certain general rules that apply to most porch and deck construction in NYC: There must be at least three feet between the deck or porch and the property line on the sides. All decks and porches must have a railing at least 42 inches high. Spaces between railings and/or posts can be no greater than five inches. Elevated decks and porches must be braced at the columns and where the beams and columns connect. Decks and porches should be able to withstand a minimum of 40 pounds per square foot plus the weight of the deck or porch, so the structural design and materials used are important considerations. Decks and porches must be properly anchored to a house or building and restrictions apply to use of wood material near lot lines and multiple dwellings. No storage is permitted below a deck or porch. Prior to retaining a contractor, you must verify they have a home improvement contractor's (HIC) license issued by the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs, and carry the proper insurance, as both are required to secure a permit to begin construction. Your licensed contractor should provide you with a detailed contract indicating the cost and scope of work in accordance with Consumer Affairs guidelines. Work cannot commence on your porch or deck unless and until a permit is secured. Any plumbing or electrical work included in the scope of the project must be performed by a licensed plumber or electrician, respectively. Homeowners cannot perform plumbing or electrical work themselves. It is important to note, that regulations from other agencies may apply to your property if it is landmarked, or is situated in a special natural area, historic, or other designated district. These regulations may concern front, rear, or side yard requirements, tree maintenance, and/or grading requirements that would affect your porch, or deck location choice. Upon completion of construction, sign-off inspections may be required, an updated survey may be needed indicating the conditions as completed, and either a Letter of Completion or amended Certificate of Occupancy may be issued depending upon the type of approval that was required. The process of installing a deck can be more than you expected, however, when your deck is constructed properly , and when it is record with the Department of Buildings, you r peace of mind will be worth the process. When you are ready to sell your home, you will be able to do so without issue, as an illegal deck can halt or kill a house sale. Contrary to many myths and untruths, all decks and porches must be approved by the NYC Department of Buildings and a permit must be issued for the work to commence. Jeff Troost, President - Troost Bros Inc. (718) 667-3131 www.troostbros.com All our experts are licensed, bonded and insured members of the Home Improvement Contractors of Staten Island (HIC of Staten Island). Homeowners should always consult with licensed professionals, check a contractor's license through the NYC Department of Consumer Affairs (call 311 for information) and ensure that their project complies with NYC DOB regulations before embarking on any home improvement project. To ask your home improvement questions contact: questionsfortheexpert@gmail.com STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Staten Island's 120th Precinct has seen a rise in some significant crime areas, and is one of nine citywide commands that will be assigned more police officers, officials said. All the cops attended a one-day refresher training course designed to reemphasize the neighborhood policing and de-escalation techniques, the NYPD announced Thursday. This is the fourth year the NYPD has redeployed police officers to areas with historically elevated levels of violence. "The all-out officers will be deployed precisely where the violence is still occurring. Their professional presence is a deterrent to crime. It also provides a measure of comfort to residents of that neighborhood," said NYPD Chief of Department Terence A. Monahan. "This is crucial because it doesn't matter if crime statistics are showing the city is safe, and getting safer, even if every single New Yorker doesn't actually feel they are safe." The St. George-based precinct has see an increase in five of the seven major crime categories this year, including murder, rape, robbery, felony assault and burglary, according to NYPD CompStat figures. Both of the boroughs homicides occurred in the precinct this year, up from one at this time last year. There have been 90 burglaries so far in 2018, compared to the 45 in 2017, the data shows. In misdemeanor offenses, there was an increase in petit larceny, assaults and sex crimes this year. The petit larceny crimes increased from 327 to 375, while misdemeanor assaults grew from 290 to 372, police said. The 32nd Precinct, 40th Precinct, 43rd Precinct, 67th Precinct, 73rd Precinct, 75th Precinct, 103rd Precinct, and PSA 7 commands are also increasing staff. Update: All New Jersey Highway 440 northbound lanes heading to the Outerbridge Crossing now are open. The combined ramp to State and High streets in New Jersey have been cleared. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Drivers should take the Goethals Bridge and avoid the Outerbridge Crossing if they're heading to Staten Island, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. However, the Outerbridge Crossing to our borough is accessible from the ramp from local streets in New Jersey, according to the Port Authority. All lanes of NJ 440 Staten Island-bound are closed, according to an alert around 9 a.m. by the Port Authority. A fatal crash with one death occurred on Thursday morning at State Highway 440 Northbound in New Jersey at the State Street ramp, according to a social media post by the New Jersey State Police. The ramp is closed and there are delays in the area. A man riding a motorcycle was killed in the crash, according to NJ.com. Earlier, delays were reported on the Outerbridge Crossing New Jersey-bound for the Thursday morning rush hour due to a crash. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - A bill to ban the importation and distribution of lifelike child sex dolls in the United States was unanimously passed in the House of Representatives on Wednesday. The Curbing Realistic Exploitative Electronic Pedophilic Robots, or CREEPER Act, was introduced by Rep. Daniel Donovan (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) in December 2017. The dolls are made of silicone and anatomically resemble young children. They come with "accessories" that make them more life-like, such as wigs, eyelashes, warming devices and cleaning tools. "It's a uniquely vile person who preys on children to fulfill horrific pedophilic urges," Donovan said. "During my 20 years as a prosecutor, I put away animals who played out their disgusting fantasies on innocent children. What I saw and heard was enough to make anybody sick," he said. The dolls, labeled as mannequins or models to avoid detection in the mail, are typically imported from China, Hong Kong and Japan. Some have suggested that focusing pedophilic urges on the dolls would prevent preying on children. "Once an abuser tires of practicing on a doll, it's a small step to move on to a child," Donovan said in a statement about the bill's passage. Law enforcement agents have said the purchases of child sex dolls can indicate a history of offences against minors. Psychologists and researches believe the life-like dolls reinforce, normalize, and encourage pedophilic behavior, increasing the risk for children. "My bill takes necessary steps to stop these sickening dolls from reaching our communities. We must protect children from those who wish them harm," he said. The CREEPER Act will now go to the Senate for consideration. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y.-- The former top cop from Staten Island who pleaded guilty in connection to the NYPD corruption probe has avoided jail time. Ex-Deputy Chief Michael J. Harrington, 52, of Westerleigh, was sentenced to two years' probation Wednesday in Manhattan federal court, sources said. Prosecutors had argued for a maximum of six months in prison. "We believe the sentence was a fair one which reflects Mr. Harrington's highly decorated three-decade career in public service, as well as the fact that he had no idea at the time that his actions were illegal," said Harrington's lawyer, Andrew Weinstein, in a statement to the Advance. In March, Harrington pleaded guilty to one count of misapplication of NYPD property, nearly two years after the former cop was accused of receiving lavish gifts and expensive dinners after an FBI bribery investigation into the police department. Harrington admitted he diverted $5,000 of police resources to benefit prominent Brooklyn businessman Jeremy Reichberg. The retired officer said he arranged for the NYPD's Counter Terrorism Squad to provide coverage for a midtown synagogue during and around certain Jewish holidays, and had an NYPD helicopter do a "fly over" above a party that Reichberg was hosting on a boat in the East River. Harrington also had the NYPD Harbor Unit provide rides for Reichberg and other guests during a barbecue, and arranged for a group of children with cancer and blood disorders to visit the NYPD training grounds at Floyd Bennett Field. The bribery charges against Harrington were dropped. "We are also pleased that all of the baseless bribery-related offenses with which Mr. Harrington was originally charged have now been fully dismissed," Weinstein said. In 2016, Harrington and Deputy Inspector James Grant were accused of exchanging meals and presents for special favors with Reichberg, according to federal court documents. Prosecutors previously said Reichberg allegedly took Harrington to dinner at expensive restaurants in Manhattan, gave him tickets to numerous sporting events and paid for a trip to Chicago. Reichberg also delivered a video game system to Harrington's house on Christmas Day 2013, authorities originally said. Last year, Grant, who also lives on Staten Island, and Harrington were stripped of their badges and guns and reassigned. Grant was the boss at the 19th Precinct on the Upper East Side, and Harrington was the deputy chief of the Housing Bureau and former deputy chief of Manhattan North, Advance records show. Grant and Reichberg are set to go to trial in October. STATEN ISLAND,N.Y.-- The National Weather Service is cautioning against an increased risk of brush fires Thursday on Staten Island. The combination of dry conditions over the past 10 days, low humidity and frequent wind gusts ranging between 25 and 35 miles per hour make for optimum conditions for flames to spread quickly, according to a notification posted Thursday morning by the NWS. The post also applies to areas around Staten Island, including Passaic County, New Jersey, New York City's other four boroughs and Long Island. Should the warning come to fruition, firefighters in Travis are ready, following the unveiling in May of a new truck to combat brush fires. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- Police are investigating an armed robbery at a Bulls Head tile business Wednesday afternoon. The two perpetrators entered the Casale Tile store at 1736 Richmond Ave. at around 1:22 p.m., according to an NYPD spokesman. One of the suspects displayed a knife, but it is unclear if there were any injuries or if anything was taken, police said. The perpetrators, a male and female, fled the scene after the incident. The male suspect is described as black, in his 30s and has a shaved head, police said. No description of the female was available. Several officers and NYPD vehicles responded to the scene near Richmond Avenue and Victory Boulevard. Nearby business owners were unaware of what happened. An individual at Casale Tile would not speak to an Advance reporter. There have been no arrests and the investigation is ongoing. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders has responded to reports she plans to leave the White House. In a Wednesday night Tweet, Sanders asked if CBS - the network that first reported the news - knew something she didn't know. Does @CBSNews know something I dont about my plans and my future? I was at my daughters year-end Kindergarten event and they ran a story about my plans to leave the WH without even talking to me. I love my job and am honored to work for @POTUS Sarah Sanders (@PressSec) June 14, 2018 Citing sources in the administration, CBS News reported Sanders had told friends she plans to leave the Trump administration by the end of this year. The same report said deputy press secretary Raj Shah is also weighing leaving the White House but has not decided on a departure date. The White House Office of Communications has been one of the most volatile of the Trump administration. Numerous staffers have left in recent months, including Communications Director Hope Hicks, assistant press secretary Natalie Strom and director of White House message strategy Cliff Sims. Communications director Anthony Scaramucci was fired last summer after a brief stint at the White House. Sanders, the daughter of former Arkansas Governor and failed presidential candidate Mike Huckabee, assumed the role of press secretary after the exit of Sean Spicer in June 2017. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. -- A New Brighton man has been indicted on charges accusing him of sexually abusing an 11-year-old girl on several occasions last year. Brian Prince, 31, forcibly subjected the victim to sexual contact three times inside his Pine Street home between Nov. 1 and Dec. 31, said a criminal complaint. Prince knows the girl, police said. The defendant twice forcibly touched the youngster's private parts, and once made her touch his, said the complaint. Prince was arrested on March 19; prosecutors filed an indictment last week. He was charged with multiple counts of first-degree sexual abuse, a felony, and second-degree sexual abuse, a misdemeanor. The defendant is also accused of misdemeanor counts of forcible touching, endangering a child's welfare and unlawful imprisonment. Prince pleaded not guilty to all the charges contained in a 15-count indictment during his arraignment Wednesday in state Supreme Court, St. George. He was ordered to return to court on July 31 for a conference. Anthony Katchen, his lawyer, declined comment. Assistant District Attorney Rhiannon LaTour is prosecuting the case. STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. - How popular is President Donald Trump on Staten Island? So popular that he even tops the iconic Robert De Niro. At least as far as Great Kills resident Joseph DeVito is concerned. DeVito has become an Internet sensation after trashing a photo of De Niro in the wake of the actor's foul-mouthed "F--k Trump" diatribe at the Tony Awards. That rant led DeVito, who calls De Niro his idol in the video, to take a framed picture of the actor from his wall, drop it in a trash can outside, and smash the picture glass with a hammer. He then tears the picture to pieces. "Another Trump-hater down," DeVito says, closing the lid on the garbage can. It's amazing. This is De Niro we're talking about. He played Vito Corleone in "The Godfather Part II." He was James "Jimmy the Gent" Conway in "Goodfellas." Jake LaMotta in "Raging Bull." You won't find a more quintessential actor for Staten Island. How many lines from those movies are quoted around the Island per day? But bad mouth Trump? Fuggedaboutit. Out with the rest of the trash. "I'm not going to stand by and let somebody disrespect the president," DeVito told me. It's a perfect illustration of why Trump looms so large in the GOP congressional primary between Rep. Dan Donovan (R-Staten Island/Brooklyn) and former Congressman Michael Grimm. Grimm and Donovan each want Republican voters to think that he is the one who is closest to Trump. Donovan has gained the upper hand on that one lately, after Trump recently tweeted out a glowing endorsement of the incumbent lawmaker, despite the fact that Donovan went against the president on three key votes in Congress. But a poll from NY1 and Siena College said that of the two, Grimm would work better with Trump in the House. Surveying for the poll was already underway when the Trump endorsement news dropped. Donovan and Grimm both feature Trump on their campaign mailings. They both mention the president's name in their ads. They have both embraced Trump surrogates; Grimm had short-lived White House communications director Anthony Scaramucci at a recent fundraiser, and also buddied up with former Trump advisor Steve Bannon. Donovan went to a New York Yankees game with former Mayor Rudy Giuliani, now the president's top lawyer in the Russia collusion battle. Giuliani is set to come to the Island to stump for Donovan on Saturday. So while the congressional primary is between Donovan and Grimm, it's actually all about Trump. And that's no surprise. This is Staten Island, after all. The borough is some of Trump's friendliest ground in the country. He got 82 percent of the vote here during the 2016 GOP presidential primary. He held a huge rally here just ahead of the primary. It was the only one of the five city boroughs where Trump beat Democrat Hillary Clinton in the general election that year. According to that NY1/Siena poll, Trump's has an 82 percent favorability rating with borough Republicans. So what is it about Trump and Staten Island? The core of Trump's appeal during 2016 was that he said he would give a voice to those who felt that establishment Washington insiders weren't listening to them. Many of those who were frustrated with the Beltway "swamp" that Trump pledged to drain reside in the so-called "flyover states" in between the East Coast and the West Coast. They were states that New York and Washington media elites, as well as Clinton herself, too often ignored during the campaign. That's why the results on Election Night were such a shock to many, as is Trump's continuing popularity, despite the skewering the president receives from late-night talk show hosts and on "Saturday Night Live." There's something happening here. What it is ain't exactly clear. To some, at least. But it's easy to see why Trump's message resonates on Staten Island as well. How often do we borough residents feel like the powers that be in City Hall and Albany ignore us? How often have we felt like a drive-by borough, a place people pass through on their way someplace else? How often have we felt ignored by the big-time media, unless it's to poke fun at our connections to "Jersey Shore" or "Mob Wives"? When off-Island reporters come to the borough to see "what Staten Island is really all about", the stories more resemble some kind of college sociology term paper, like they were assigned to visit a circus or a freak show. Then there's Trump's in-your-face way of engaging, a turn-off to many, but something that Islanders appreciate. "He does have a little bit of an attitude," said DeVito, who served in the Marine Corps from 1967 to 1974. "And that's what the world needs right now, after eight years of going down the tubes, in my opinion. He is making America great again. He's done nothing but good since he's been in office. Give the guy a chance." "Staten Island rewards the bold," said City Councilman Joseph Borelli (R-South Shore), a frequent Trump surrogate on the TV talking head circuit. "People here are convinced that he's going to keep his campaign promises no matter what the media hot take of the moment is. His attitude resonates with Staten Islanders, who are unique in our own braggodocious way." 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! The future of struggling junior miner Atlas Iron has become even more unclear after it was advised by the West Australian government that it does not have a "priority right" to develop valuable export infrastructure at Port Hedland. Shares in the miner, which have jumped more than 60 per cent in recent days after attracting the interest of mining billionaires Andrew "Twiggy" Forrest and Gina Rinehart, fell sharply on the news and eventually closed down 18.2 per cent at 3.6 cents. A massive number of Atlas shares, nearly 880 million, changed hands on Thursday. The WA government also advised Atlas, an iron ore miner with operations in the Northern Pilbara region, that two proposed new port berths at Port Hedland associated with an Atlas joint-venture project known as North West Infrastructure (NWI), now stalled, would be set aside for junior miners. While Atlas didn't release a WA government definition of "junior miner", nobody in WA mining circles has been arguing that the description could apply to either Fortescue Metals Group, or Hancock Prospecting, meaning the ruling could have ramifications for the two companies if they have hopes of acquiring extra port capacity via this future project. Atlas emerged from a trading halt on Thursday and told the market it had received correspondence from the office of WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti that implied it didn't have a "priority right" to develop two berths at the port of Port Hedland. Sirtex Medicals board has announced it is backing China's CDH Investments' $1.9 billion bid for the medical device maker, which it thinks will help it manoeuvre into the potentially lucrative Chinese market. Until Thursday afternoon, a lower bid of $28 a share from US-based Varian Medical Systems had received Sirtex board's backing. Sirtex Medical's board decided that the higher but more complicated offer from the Chinese private equity firm of $33.60 is the better deal. Credit: Michele Mossop But the board has now decided that the higher but more complicated offer from the Chinese private equity firm of $33.60 is the better deal. CDH has about $US20 billion of assets under management. It was established in 2002 and its portfolio includes companies in China, Asia and globally. Former prime minister John Howard rarely used speechwriters and often spoke from notes rather than prepared text, it was reported this week. Delivering speeches in an impromptu fashion made them more engaging, persuasive and authentic. Some of his speeches fell flat. Still, one must admire leaders who prepare their material and passionately argue it. In this era of corporate spin, too much business communication is outsourced and stage managed to within an inch of its life. John Howard rarely used speechwriters and often spoke from notes. Credit:Louise Kennerley Is it any wonder that community trust in institutions is falling? I know of chief executives who cannot write an email without using a professional copywriter. My favourite is the chief executive who hires a journalist to tweet on his behalf; the chief executive is presumably too busy and boring and prefers to fool his followers. I worked on a straightforward client document last year that 20 people reviewed. The document went around the organisation, becoming a vessel for internal politics and useless meetings. Quality and timeliness suffered because nobody was accountable. It is concerning that the nation's top 200 companies are not moving fast enough to meet a target of 30 per cent women on boards by year's end, says Australian Institute of Company Directors (AICD) chairman Elizabeth Proust. The organisation's latest diversity figures show for the first time women account for 30 per cent of board positions across Australia's top 100 listed companies. But achieving the AICD's 30 per cent by 2018 target for the nation's largest 200 companies would now be "tough", said Ms Proust who has previously called for quotas if targets are not met by year's end. At the end of May, women made up 27.7 per cent of ASX200 board positions. There are still five boards on the ASX 200 with no women, down from 13 this time last year (see full list below). Paul Ramsay was a good friend of mine and he made his fortune in private hospitals and the media. It was sad when he lost his final battle to live some years ago, however it seems that not all of his battles ceased when he became deceased. I used to catch up with him a few times a year on some continent or another and I knew that he intended to leave a very substantial estate. Paul Ramsay was full of life, but life where he was a participant for your joy. Where the task was for you to enjoy life, his task was to see you happy. Credit:Peter Braig Many of us have now seen that his $3 billion Ramsay Foundation is in the wars as it tries to establish a Ramsay Centre for Western Civilisation in a number of Australia universities. And its not going according to plan, with one university after another pulling out. I have great memories of Paul. The best of them was standing on the back of a boat in the harbour at Barcelona during the 1992 Olympics. I was there as a media buyer and Paul was attending as owner of the Prime television network, although his primary business was in private hospitals which began with the first private psychiatric hospital in Australia. Two "expert" witnesses from Hollywood testified that Wilson ought to have landed up to four roles over the 18 months following the May 2015 release of Pitch Perfect 2, and to have earned at least $US5 million for each of those roles. But instead, she entered a lean period that she claimed was due to the damage to her reputation that followed the publication of a string of defamatory articles in Womans Day and on Bauers websites. Justice Dixon accepted their prediction, then rounded it down to three roles, and applied a discount of 80 per cent to account for tax, agent fees and the opaque relationship between Wilson and her company Camp Sugar (which contracts her services to film producers) to arrive at a sum of $US3 million, or $3,917,472 at the applicable exchange rate. With Dakota Johnson in the 2016 film How To Be Single. The Court of Appeal has now judged that sum manifestly excessive. It has reassessed Wilsons non-economic loss to be worth $600,000. More tellingly, it has struck the economic loss damages in their entirety. The Court of Appeal ruled that Judge Dixon had been wrong to conclude the articles had spread like a "firestorm" on the international "grapevine", ruining Wilsons reputation and standing in Hollywood. He had been wrong to accept the evidence of the Hollywood experts who could not suggest a single role for which Wilson had been in line before the stories broke. And he had been wrong to accept that her established value was $5 million per role. He was not, however, wrong to find that the articles were defamatory, erroneous and malicious in intent. While the Court of Appeal ruling restores a semblance of sanity in the world of defamation law, it does not let the media off the hook. That $600,000 figure is still high, and reasserts the obligation of the media to operate with a degree of responsibility and accuracy that was sadly lacking in Bauers reporting with respect to Wilson. In their judgement, the judges ruled that while the articles were clearly defamatory, there appeared to be "scant evidence" they had been discussed widely or for a prolonged period in the US. They noted that neither of the expert witnesses called by Wilson's team had even been aware of these articles "at any relevant time". The judges ruled that Wilsons team had not demonstrated that her alleged employment downturn was due to anything other than the normal fluctuations in a performers career. They noted that, in fact, she had secured plenty of work during this "downturn", including stage roles in the US and UK, and commercials in the UK, including one for British Telecom in 2015 that paid $1 million and one for booking.com the following year that paid the same amount. Wilson, second from right, in Pitch Perfect 2 (2015). They also noted that Wilsons contract negotiations for Pitch Perfect 3 had begun in September 2015, when she was allegedly at her least signable. Nor had Wilsons team produced evidence of actual roles slipping through her fingers because of the stories. Sydney is set to shiver through its coldest day so far this year, with the cold snap also forecast to bring a generous dusting of snow to the NSW ski resorts. The city is forecast to reach a top of 14 degrees on Sunday, as is Penrith and Liverpool, but Weatherzone forecaster Kim Westcott said it would feel even colder thanks to the wind. Winter kayaking at Bondi Beach. Credit:Jessica Hromas "Even though it's mostly sunny, we've got a big pool of cold air from several cold fronts passing over Victoria and southern NSW," she said. "The winds will be quite dry at times so it will actually feel a lot colder as well." A Canberra son was refused bail on Thursday following allegations he assaulted and abused his frail and elderly mother, for who he was the primary carer. The woman is aged in her late 60s, and a police statement of allegations tendered in court suggest the man called the woman a "fat c--t", put his hands around her throat and squeezed. She further alleged that her son used a pillow to push her down to the bed before pulling the pillow off and saying "I'll be back for you" and "I'm going to f--king kill you this time". The allegations further suggest the man, 54, sprayed his mother with an unknown substance. She said her son "keeps telling me I'm a worthless piece of shit and he wants me to hurry up and die". Canberra man Lionel Moore has bequeathed his Watson home to children's charity Camp Quality, a final generous act from a true gentleman, according to those who knew him. His home at 5 Harding Street, Watson will be auctioned on site at 11am on Saturday, June 23. "The sweetest man you'd ever meet": Lionel Moore at his beloved Tradies in 2014. Credit:Matt Bedford There is no reserve on the original 1960s Canberra red brick home, which means it will simply sell under the hammer to the highest bidder. Mr Moore died on March 11 aged 87. He had lived in his Watson home for more than 50 years. A record 750 new paramedics and call centre staff will be dispatched across NSW as part of the state government's new $1 billion funding for ambulance services. The first 200 fresh recruits will be trained and deployed within the next year including a major boost to paramedic numbers in Sydneys west and south-west, the Berejiklian government will announce ahead of next Tuesdays budget. NSW Ambulance early career paramedic Clare Price and Assistant Commissioner Clare Beech. The government is set to announce 750 new paramedics in next Tuesday's budget. Credit:Dom Lorrimer The bumper increase to paramedic numbers is expected to cut ambulance response times, ease fatigue and improve safety for paramedics and critically ill or injured patients they care for. Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said the government had listened to concerns about the increasing demand on overstretched paramedics from a rapidly growing and ageing population. A Newcastle community is being urged to stay "vigilant" as the hunt continues for a man who abducted and sexually assaulted an 11-year-old girl in a "horrendous" five-hour ordeal this week. Police are throwing every resource at the hunt for a man who grabbed the girl from behind as she walked to school about 9.15am on Tuesday morning through Hudson Park in the suburb of Adamstown Heights. She was then threatened with a knife, sexually assaulted and forced into a car - believed to be a red Holden Commodore - and driven to bushland where she was sexually assaulted before being released at Kotara Railway station about five hours later. A manhunt is under way for the man who sexually assaulted a young girl in Newcastle. Credit:Max Mason-Hubers The young girl walked 1 kilometres on her own before raising the alarm at a home and was taken to John Hunter Hospital for examination. Minister for Family and Community Services, Pru Goward. Credit:Daniel Munoz The Tune report on child protection has the state government running for cover as well it might. The report, commissioned from David Tune, AO, the former head of the federal Finance Department, was delivered late in 2016 but has been kept secret needlessly until last week. The state government finally released it after a Liberal rebel, Matthew Mason-Cox, voted with the opposition in the upper house. Mr Mason-Cox has voted against the government before and has already been sacked from parliamentary positions for it. He deserves praise, not censure. It speaks volumes about the Liberal Partys contempt for the electorate that it now wants to expel him the one person on the government side who has been standing up for open government and the public interest. The report was a cabinet document and therefore confidential but there is nothing in it that requires confidentiality except the political damage it might cause. It condemns the system it investigated. That is no reason to keep it secret. On the contrary, it makes publication all the more important. As we have reported, Mr Tune found the child protection system was under pressure and a set of earlier changes appeared to have made things worse. Following recommendations in the 2008 Wood inquiry into child protection services, the management of less complex cases involving out-of-home care were gradually transferred from the public sector to non-government organisations. The rationale was to allow the Department of Family and Community Services to concentrate resources on more difficult cases. Contrary to expectations, this cost a lot more. Mr Tune reported that a child managed by the Department of Family and Community Services (FACS) cost the budget an average $27,000, while one managed in the NGO sector cost $41,000. This finding alone casts doubt on the current fad for outsourcing government services. But it is not all. Loading Higher expenditure, according to Mr Tune, had not improved outcomes. He documents a range of persistent shortcomings in the delivery of services. Vulnerable children and families can suffer a wide range of problems: ill health, drug use, lack of housing, unemployment, family violence and so on. As things stood, programs tended to address each of these in isolation, which complicated matters unduly and frustrated a co-ordinated, client-centred approach. The government did respond to the findings. Since the report was delivered it has for example refocused efforts on tailoring government services to the needs of clients, in line with what Mr Tune recommended. The Minister for Family and Community Services, Pru Goward, has been defending this response but she has the additional burden of defending the reports suppression. It led her to hang up on one interview and the excuses have been flowing freely from her office. She wasnt the minister when the report was commissioned. She did not decide to suppress it. The report was a cabinet document and confidential. All true. And all beside the point. Chemicals from the RAAF air base at Richmond on Sydney's outskirts have leached into groundwater, potentially risking the health of nearby residents, an investigation has found. From 1976 to 2004, the base used a form of firefighting foam that contained per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances, cancer-causing chemicals known commonly as PFAS. The NSW Environment Protection Authority refers to PFAS as an "emerging contaminant" - one that has unknown effects on human health. But a growing body of international evidence has associated exposure with a slew of health effects, including immune suppression, liver dysfunction, high cholesterol and some forms of cancer. Last year the ADF launched an investigation into the Richmond base and the surrounding area, releasing results to local residents on Thursday afternoon. The NSW government hopes to lure global businesses to the state's regions with financial incentives as part of a new economic package aimed at boosting jobs in the bush. Deputy Premier John Barilaro will reveal on Friday the state government is preparing a comprehensive package designed to transform regional NSW into an attractive option for international and interstate businesses. We plan [to] establish a one-stop business concierge service to proactively support major employers and investors interested in setting up a base in the regions and help them navigate through all levels of bureaucracy, Mr Barilaro will tell hundreds of grassroots party members at the NSW National Party state conference on Friday. NSW Nationals Leader John Barilaro wants to attract businesses in all forms to regional NSW. Credit:Jay Cronan The policy details are still being worked through by government departments, but new financial incentives for businesses seeking to expand or relocate to the bush are expected to be a central feature. What a soulless, vapid city politicians are creating. The old joke about a bridge and an opera house for sale is no longer funny. I expect to see them listed in Domain any day now. - Marie-Louise Dreux, Petersham After all of the expense of the Darling Harbour revamp, the added attraction of a world class museum within easy walking distance of the hotels and the revamped area would make the museum a cash cow. Does the government think tourists are going to get on a train or ferry out to Parramatta when the city is the centre of tourism? - Robin Humphrey, Springwood If Gladys Berejiklian is confident that the electorate agrees with the rebuilding of the stadiums and the moving of the Powerhouse Museum, she should put both proposals on hold until after the next election. This would allow all people to decide on the future of these major issues, something they are currently denied. - Tony Re, Georges Hall The papers the government released reveal what we always knew about the proposed move of the Powerhouse Museum to Parramatta: it was never feasible. Oh well, all is not lost: I'm pitching the storyline to the producers of Utopia. - Irma Havlicek, Umina Beach Australia needs to go its own way in the world Your editorial was most candid and sounds a clarion call for us in Australia ("Summit of illusions has a clear message", June 14) . Our future focus should be towards our neighbours in the Asia/Oceania region of the world. America reflected in the persona of Donald Trump has for too long now sounded like the spoilt child who has had its lolly taken away. They were once great contributors to the planet, but a culture of expected rights and freedoms has them now moving towards being takers rather than givers. The foundations of the planet earth we once knew are being shaken. This is admittedly discomforting. If we don't point ourselves in our own chosen direction then the bully boys of the world will drag us in their direction, which is ultimately self-defeating. Australia's coming of age might well start with us recognising our First Nations peoples in our Constitution. There's a solid foundation stone to move us forward creatively. - Neville Williams, Darlinghurst Many times I thought Trump would never be elected President of USA (Letters, June 14). I watched every minute of the three debates and came away convinced that he had no hope of victory, especially when he refused to say he would accept the will of the people in the event of he not winning. I was dumbfounded on election day. So who is to say he will not succeed now? Time will tell. I have learned not to write him off. And for world peace, I wish him well. - Michael Kennedy, West Pymble Of all the comments on the Singapore Summit, Michael Kirby's informed and compassionate assessment seems the one most worthy of reflection ("A long way to right the wrongs", June 14). Beware those who "mock the time with fairest show" when a false face hides what the false heart knows. - Meredith Williams, Dee Why Even the most ardent supporter of Trump admits he sometimes presents poorly, but if he succeeds in denuclearising the Kim regime, who cares about his demeanour and modus operandi unless you are one of those elitists for whom the "sizzle is more important than the steak". - George Fishman, Vaucluse Trump has now verified that he is not the great negotiator that he like the world to believe that he is. Kim has neither ceded nor agreed to anything remotely close to denuclearisation. Trump's new nickname? Steinway. Kim is playing him like a piano. - Alan Garside, Raglan I await the announcement of the biggest, most expensive Trump Hotel project to date in Pyongyang. - Patrick McGrath, Potts Point Energised by school funding The state election is only nine months away and we now have news of a huge boost in funding for schools ("Huge boost in funding for schools", June 14). The Treasurer Dominic Perrottet claims the government's strong economic management has allowed for heavy investment in schools. It was encouraging to read all new schools and schools being upgraded will be designed with sustainability in mind. Does this mean all these schools will be fitted with solar panels? Schools are the obvious buildings to make use of solar energy as very few schools are open at night. An initial outlay for solar panels could save schools an enormous sum of money due to lighting, heating, cooling and computer networks. If there is as much spare cash as the Treasurer claims surely there will be enough for solar panels. -Robyn Lewis, Raglan Guarantee there will be no indoor swimming pools, orchestra pits or heated horse stables in the "necessary" upgrades earmarked for a number of public schools in NSW. - John Cotterill, Kingsford Times are changing Christian churches must forgo the right to keep silent on child sexual abuse, both as educational institutions and as hearers of confession ("Bishops still don't get it, things have changed", June 14). If not, they must forgo the right to work with children in line with the rest of the community who are banned from working with children if they fail to report abuse. - Vanessa Tennent, Oatley Whether the Catholic bishops "get it" or not, the Pope has publicly stated what they have to do. The Pope said, in reply to a journalist's question, that there is zero tolerance of sexual abuse; bishops must remove all powers from priests who offend; and they must support victims including in the pursuit of civil claims. Moreover, some of the things recommended by the royal commission and mentioned by Joanne McCarthy are simply not within a bishop's power to change. They are matters for Rome. - Greg McCarry, Epping My bet is that Malcolm Turnbull will take all the credit for the royal commission into child abuse during his apology on October 22 rather than thanking Julia Gillard for initiating it ("Tougher laws months away", June 14). - Judy Hungerford, North Curl Curl An undersea cable for neighbours Congratulations to the Turnbull government for financing the undersea internet cable to the Solomon Islands ("'It's business': talks with Chinese telco ongoing", June 14). As a wealthy nation, Australia should be very proactive and generous in helping our less well off neighbours in any way we can. Be proactive not reactive. - Graham Russell, Clovelly Will the internet cable connection promised to the Solomon Islands and Papua New Guinea be better than the internet cable connections Turnbull promised to Australians? To where will their cable be connected? The home, curb or corner? They should check their contracts now for download speeds, data limits and ever-extending connection dates. - Ian Campbell, Newington The political relationship between Brian Burston and Pauline Hanson has been destroyed. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen Turnbull's double dissolution stunt It's no surprise that One Nation and the rest of the hard-right fringe is fracturing ("Senate scramble as Burston quits One Nation", June 14). Five senators on the right no longer represent the party of their election. This alone damns our democracy or what is left of it. But the carnage is partly due to Malcolm Turnbull's double dissolution election stunt which meant more fringe-dwellers were elected than in a normal half-senate election. - Nick Wilson, Palm Beach Training students for jobs that don't exist Recent findings seem to go against the current thinking that we are helping students by training them for jobs that don't yet exist and that future workers will undertake a variety of jobs in response to flexibility in the job market ("Early career choice pays off over lifetime", June 14). With this type of thinking espoused by leaders in government and education, is it any wonder that children no longer have a clear sense of career direction? It would also be interesting to know if this is contributing to the lack of engagement with education in our young people. - Philip Cooney, Wentworth Falls For universities to boast about their student culture and the variety and volume of their degrees and not show where people end up after graduating means that adolescents aren't to blame for having an uncertain career path. Being in year 12, I know what courses I want to do, I just have no idea where it will land me or who I will be working for. - Naosheyrvaan Nasir, Quakers Hill Data entry is not teaching Just what do we want from our teachers and students that we are subjecting both to such extremes of testing and data collection ("Teachers win data entry reprieve", June 14). Imagine the stress put on little children by such testing no matter how good, kind, caring and wonderful the teacher may be. Imagine multiplying the collection of 1000 pieces of data for one child by 28 or 30. Do the people who dream up these schemes ever think about what the rest of the class is doing while the teacher is finding and entering the data? No wonder teachers are complaining about workload. - Augusta Monro, Dural A final solution for refugees Congratulations Australia, you've finally been recognised and acknowledged in the world ("Australia an inspiration for boat halt", June 14). Your treatment of refugees has been adapted by Italy and will forever be known as "The Aussie Solution". Doesn't have the same ring as "Final Solution" but the treatment of the oppressed is from the same page. Hang your head in shame. - Tony Redmond, Wyong Italy is a beautiful country but now not for refugees. Italy was wrong to refuse the shipload of refugees. Spain showed a kinder heart and a stronger character and acted to help the unfortunate souls. This is only one example of an issue that is going to be ongoing. The residents of San Remo Avenue, Gymea, are unlikely to forget the hellish, fiery scenes of October 7 last year. That night a vicious blaze tore through Jeffrey Lindsell's granny flat in Sydney's south. Nor will they forget the cries of "help, help, help" from his former girlfriend Amanda Zukowski, who ran from the flat and assured them, "He's gone, he's not there." But Mr Lindsell was there. The 39-year-old was trapped inside the backyard flat, and soon emerged covered in flames, before dying two days later. A spate of homemade soda bombs being let off in suburban Queensland streets has resulted in charges being laid against a 35-year-old man. The Springfield Lakes man was arrested on Thursday morning after a three-month investigation, and charged with unlawfully dealing with explosive substances. The 35-year-old man will face Ipswich Magistrates Court over the soda bombs. Credit:File Police had launched Operation Quebec Ramrod in March after receiving complaints about the bombs being let off in the Redbank Plains region. Detective Inspector David Briese said it was "sheer luck" no one had been injured by the highly corrosive bombs, which had caused damage to property. Queensland Health is investigating after a mother says she first learnt of her murdered daughters final words in a book, launched in Brisbane this week. Sonia Anderson accused forensic psychiatrist Donald Grant of withholding her daughter Bianca Faith Girvens last words before she was strangled to death by her boyfriend in March 2010. Interrupting the book launch event at Avid Reader in West End on Tuesday, Ms Anderson told Dr Grant he should have contacted her and told her what had happened before publishing his novel Killer Instinct. I read in your book that my daughter wanted to say goodbye to her son and I didnt know that until you wrote it, she said in footage aired on Nine News. Transgender woman Roz Dickson wont have to divorce her wife of more than two decades to change the gender on her birth certificate after laws were passed in state Parliament. The Brisbane resident transitioned to live as a woman at the age of 47, after having two children with her wife Kathy. Brisbanes Roz Dickson will be able to change the gender marker on her birth certificate without having to have a divorce after laws passed in state Parliament on Wednesday. Under restrictions in the Births, Deaths and Marriages Registrations Act 2003, Ms Dickson had faced having to divorce her wife of 28 years in order to change the gender marker on her birth certificate. Section 22 of the act meant any Queenslander who had undergone sex reassignment surgery had to divorce their partner to have their gender legally recognised. A remorseless paedophile and former Queensland magistrate should have his minimum jail sentence almost doubled, a court has heard. William John Randall was last November sentenced to at least four-and-a-half years behind bars after a Brisbane District Court jury found he had sexually abused a boy for more than a decade. The appalling abuse began when the child was aged five, in 1990, at Randall's home at Wynnum, on Brisbane's bayside. It continued for almost 12 years and the victim was 30 before he told police. At trial Randall had fought 18 charges, including maintaining a relationship with a child, indecent treatment and sexual assault, and even after verdicts were returned continued to maintain innocence. The death of a woman in Logan this week has prompted a national lobby group for pedestrians to call for reduced speed limits in built-up areas. A 67-year-old woman was killed and a man, 67, injured after they were hit by an SUV on Thursday. Emergency services were called to the intersection at Browns Plains. Credit:Twitter / Seven News The woman was the second person killed on south-east Queensland roads in as many weeks, after Caroline Davis was killed while crossing the road in Brisbanes inner-west on her 33rd birthday. A man was rushed to hospital in a critical condition after he was hit by traffic in Brisbane's north the following day. The state government is preparing to pay out up to $600 million in the next 10 years to Victorians sexually abused in state institutions as part of the official national redress scheme. Survivors could be entitled to up to $150,000 each under the scheme, but average payments are estimated to be between $65,000 and $76,000 with the Andrews government estimating that up to 5000 Victorians who were sent to state-run institutions could apply. This does not include those who may have been abused at non-government institutions, such as Catholic schools or religious institutions, who could also apply for redress. The state government says it is putting the money into the scheme to ensure that survivors of government institutions get recognition, respect and support while non-government entities, such as the Catholic Church, will also contribute money to the compensation fund. But one of the state's leading lawyers in institutional abuse cases has urged caution, warning official redress schemes are limited in what they can do for victims and that survivors should seek their own legal advice before they sign anything. Kununnura followed closely behind, with $825, with other popular WA locations Kalgoorlie, Coral Bay and Esperance all failing to dip below the $350 mark. This was in comparison to travelling interstate, where the most expensive fair was Cairns at $748. Tasmania, which does not have a direct route, was close behind at $718, and Gold Coast flights came in at $484. Melbourne and Sydney were both inexpensive options, at $394 and $364 respectfully. International tourism hot spot Auckland was the most expensive destination at $1159 due to a number of layovers. Bali was also uncharacteristically expensive and rang in at $705. Destinations Phuket, Singapore and Kuala Lumpur ranged from $610 to $462 each. Overall, the average cost of travelling within WA was around $100 more expensive than if locals would prefer to fly interstate. The McGowan Government has previously flagged its intentions to encourage travel within WA by making it more affordable, and Tourism Minister Paul Papalia said it was still a priority of his portfolio. Broome is one of WA's premier holiday destinations, but is also one of the most expensive. Credit:Angela Wylie The state government recognises the cost of airfares can be a barrier to travel to and within WA and that is why we are working extensively with the airlines and to find ways to make air travel more affordable, he said. For example, we introduced the deals with Qantas to offer lower fares between Perth and Broome on weekend flights starting this August, and we are working with Rex to introduce a tourist fare for travel between Perth and Esperance. However, one thing that does, in many cases, make airfares cheaper is planning and booking in advance. Under the new deal you can get fares between Perth and Broome for $179 in the low season, or $199 in the high season, one way, but you need to book 60 days in advance. By booking 60 days in advance WA travellers will be able to book a $400 return ticket to Broome. The $400 price tag is still far and away than intrastate travel over east, where New South Wales locals can expect travel from Sydney to Coffs Harbour for $135 return for the same July dates. The state government is also attempting to increase the frequency of regional WA flights, with the Carnarvon and Monkey Mia air route expected to become more frequent from July 2. However, it's understood the fare will remain the same with flights for the July 2 to July 8 period currently set at a whopping $742 return. Other destinations such as Margaret River and Busselton have no existing air route. Credit:Andrew Quilty Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said the state government was still working hard to reduce regional airfares "where possible", but some responsibility had to be placed with the airlines. "Airlines operating in regional Western Australia need to take steps to provide more affordable airfares, taking into account the operating conditions and market," she said. "Comparisons with other routes are often unrealistic due to different circumstances, however airlines need to justify that airfares are reasonable. Ms Saffioti said the government was still working towards implementing the recommendations put forward in the parliamentary inquiry into regional airfares. "The primary focus will be on the unregulated intrastate air routes, which will include the Broome, Geraldton, Karratha, Kununurra, Kalgoorlie, Newman, Paraburdoo and Port Hedland air routes," she said. "In the next 24 months the Department of Transport will engage extensively with stakeholders and the community. "Initiatives for resident fares will be a key aspect of the consultation over the next 24 months, especially given the community concerns about airfares for those travelling for medical or emergency purposes, with a number of opportunities to be rolled out in the next couple of months." Shadow Tourism Minister Libby Mettam said the time for quick fixes was over. The McGowan Government has cut funds for destination development and failed to adequately fund an aviation strategy; two measures that could grow demand to regional locations and make flights more affordable, she said. A four-year-old boy injured in a house fire in Thornlie on Wednesday night has died, just a week after he celebrated his birthday. Police said young Thyreese Alaniz passed away just after 5pm on Thursday, after remaining on life support since being taken to hospital overnight. Family representative Raul Alaiz said Thyreese was initially deemed brain dead when he arrived at the Perth Children's Hospital. The fire started at around 6pm. Credit:Hannah Barry "He has passed away," he told reporters on Thursday. The Barr government will look for a private partner to run a new cemetery and crematorium in Canberra's south, as it considers allowing graves to be recycled. The ACT government did not allocate funding for a new cemetery in its 2018 budget, despite a Legislative Assembly inquiry last year recommending the ACT build a new graveyard in Tuggeranong as an "urgent priority". The Woden cemetery is running out of space. Credit:Jamila Toderas Burial space is due to run out at the Woden cemetery this year and a planned expansion was dumped due to stage two of light rail. A site on Mugga Lane has been reserved for a new cemetery for nearly a decade. The Office for Mental Health will operate as a part of ACT Health despite a consultant report urging it to remain independent of the increasingly fragmented directorate. The office is now formally established more than 18 months after it was announced as a key election pledge. Minister for Mental Health Shane Rattenbury. Credit:Sitthixay Ditthavong Minister for Mental Health Shane Rattenbury said the office would develop a renewed vision for mental health in the ACT. In the 2017-2018 Budget, $2.9m was allocated over four years to establish the office which was part of the Labor-Greens parliamentary agreement. Federal Labor has promised to base the headquarters of the new Australian space agency in Canberra with "nodes" in the states and territories, if it wins the next election. Senator Kim Carr will also warn against the bidding war arising between the states for the agency, in a speech at the Australian Strategic Policy Institute's Building Australia's Strategy for Space Conference in Canberra on Friday. Mount Stromlo Observatory: Canberra is already home to a high level of public and private space infrastructure. Credit:Daniel Spellman Former CSIRO boss Dr Megan Clark will be the head of the new agency when it is created in two weeks. Jobs minister Michaelia Cash revealed at the conference on Thursday the agency would be based in Canberra for one year, not six months as originally foreshadowed. Chief Minister Andrew Barr has doubled down on the ACT's "townhouse-killing" tax, despite it raising $14.7 million less than predicted last year. The territory government quietly raised the charge to change the use of land from a house block to a strata title from $7500 a unit for the first three units and $5000 a unit after that to $30,000 in last year's budget. The property industry calls townhouses Canberra's "missing middle" and say last year's hikes to the lease variation charge will worsen the problem. Credit:Matt Bedford The increase was projected to bring in an extra $3 million this financial year, bringing total revenue from lease variation charges (LVC) to $22.85 million. However the charge was blasted as spelling the death of townhouses in inner-city Canberra and the industry backlash forced the government to announce a transition package Australia's potential next defence minister says Australians desperately need to pay more attention to science, expressing frustration the possible discovery of life elsewhere in the universe within about a decade is not inspiring a wave of interest as the moon landings did for his generation. Addressing a major conference on the future of space, Labor defence spokesman Richard Marles said Australians were deeply involved in some of the most advanced projects in astronomy that will make major discoveries but those endeavours received only scant public attention. As a result, children were not being swept up in science and technology studies as his generation was after the Apollo moon landings. Labor frontbencher Richard Marles. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen By the 2030s, scientists using the latest generation of space telescopes will likely be able to see so-called biomarkers - signatures in light arriving from distant solar systems that indicate whether their planets have life. We will know at that moment that we are not alone. In human experience, this is a profound and deep moment and Australia is right there at the forefront of it, Mr Marles told the Australian Strategic Policy Institute conference. Arts Minister Mitch Fifield has backed the National Gallery of Australia after an audit report said it had cash flow issues and was in a "high risk" financial position. The report found that financial management at the gallery was negatively affecting the way it manages its collections, with urgent repairs required to protect works from water leaks that occur when it rains. The National Gallery of Australia has been criticised in an audit report. The government "welcomed" the report, a spokeswoman for the Arts minister said, acknowledging that there were areas where change was needed at the gallery. "The NGA has accepted the findings of the report that there are improvements to be made in its management of the National Collection," the spokeswoman said. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has slammed as completely and utterly unacceptable a Nazi swastika flag that was flown on an Australian Army vehicle in Afghanistan. A leaked photo of the 2007 incident, obtained by the ABC, shows a large swastika hoisted over an Australian military vehicle. "It was absolutely wrong and their commanders took action at the time," Mr Turnbull told reporters in Hobart on Thursday. The chairman of Jewish organisation the Anti Defamation Commission, Dvir Abramovich, said the incident was deeply troubling and distressing. Alan Jones' legal team has argued against a Rebel Wilson-like defamation payout after dropping his honest-opinion defence and admitting some claims he made about the Wagner family were indefensible. On the final day of submissions, Brisbane Supreme Court Justice Peter Flanagan also took issue with what Jones said in the witness box. Mary Wagner (centre), her son Denis Wagner (right) and members of the family leave the Supreme Court in Brisbane, Thursday. Credit:AAP/Dan Peled The high-profile broadcaster, journalist Nick Cater, Harbour Radio and 4BC are being sued for $4.8 million by the Wagner brothers, who claim they were accused of 12 deaths in the 2011 Grantham floods when one of the walls of the Lockyer Valley quarry they owned collapsed. John, Denis, Neill and Joe Wagner also allege they were accused of a high-level cover-up with politicians, as well as corruption and intimidation, relating to their Wellcamp Airport. PHILIPSBURG:--- Friday the 15th of June the Royal Netherlands Navy ship Holland will visit St. Martin. The acting Governor of St. Martin will welcome the ship from Fort Amsterdam. Traditional salute At 08:45 AM the patrol vessel will perform a sail past near Fort Amsterdam. The ship will fire the traditional salute to the Flag of The Kingdom of the Netherlands and to the Governor of St. Martin. In absence of the Governor, acting Governor mister Groeneveldt will be attending the ceremony. Guard Ship HNLMS Holland is deployed as guard ship for the Royal Netherlands Navy in the Caribbean for counterdrugs operations and to assist the Dutch Caribbean Coast Guard. The ship can also be used to provide assistance in case of humanitarian relief operations. Open House On the day of arrival and on Sunday 17th the Holland will host an open house for all interested people. From 13:00 till 16:00 you will have the change to visit the ship for a tour on board. HNLMS Holland is moored at the cruise terminal in Philipsburg. WILLEMSTAD:---CIFA has for many years, and together with other organisations such as the VAB (Association of Antillian Tax Advisors), cooperated with the Curacao Government to ensure improvement and amendment of the legislation to keep pace with the constantly changing international requirements regarding compliance, substance and transparancy. Since 2010 we have collaborated to ensure that Curacao complies with the requirements of FATCA (Foreign Account Tax Compliance Act), CRS (Common Reporting Standards) and FATF (Financial Action Task Force). We also promoted legislation to comply with the OECD standards with regard to harmful tax practices. In 2015 the OECD published the final reports of their BEPS project (Base Erosion and Profit Shifting). It is expected that all members of the OECD Global Forum will introduce legislation to comply with these BEPS standards and it has been announced that jurisdictions that do not comply with these standards will be blacklisted, which will have negative ramifications for the economy of these jurisdictions. Moreover, the European Union has indicated that Curacao may become EU-blacklisted if Curacao does not timely comply with these BEPS standards. CIFA therefore actively promotes the introduction of legislation that ensures that Curacao remains compliant with these international standards. Last week, the Parliament of Curacao approved legislation to introduce one of these standards, the Country by Country Reporting. Based on this legislation, entities of large multinational companies that are established in Curacao must file certain information with regard to their business activities in Curacao. This is required by the OECD and many other countries have already introduced similar legislation. Included in this legislation was an amendment of article 1 of the Profit Tax Ordinance. The old text mentioned that a trust and a foundation, which was deemed to include a Private Foundation, are subject to profit tax for profits derived from operating a business. The new text now explicitly includes the Private Foundation. In practice, this does not change anything, as the Tax Authorities could already tax profits from a business operated by a Private Foundation. A more material change however is that in the Explanatory Notes its mentioned that Private Foundations will be required to start filing annual profit tax returns as from the year 2019, meaning that all Private Foundations will have to file a tax return in 2020 for the year 2019. Until now, the Private Foundations did not have to file annual tax returns, as a Private Foundation is, based on the Civil Code, not allowed to operate a business and therefore in practice should never be in a situation where it would be taxable for its profit. The new requirement of filing an annual tax return is a result of the increasing importance for the Government to have all pertinent information available such as the ultimate beneficial owners and any information that might be required to comply with an international information request. Contrary to what has recently been mentioned in the news, the tax position of a Private Foundation will not change as of 1 January 2019. A Private Foundation that is not operating a business, is now, and will remain, exempt from profit tax. This of course also applies to the trust. We would like to point out that further legislative changes will follow shortly. Another BEPS requirement is that jurisdictions amend their legislation to terminate or modify their preferential regimes so they will no longer be deemed harmful. The OECD has indicated that the E-zone, export regime and the legislation with regard to profits from Intellectual property (IP) have aspects that are considered harmful. CIFA and VAB have been working diligently with Government to prepare new legislation to comply with these OECD BEPS standards to make sure we can maintain our professional level of financial services and promote the investment climate of Curacao for the financial sector. POINTE BLANCHE:--- Port St. Maarten attended the Florida-Caribbean Cruise Association (FCCA) Platinum Associate Membership Advisory Council (PAMAC) meeting from June 6-9 in Punta Cana, Dominican Republic. Leading the destination delegation to PAMAC was Acting Minister of Tourism & Economic Affairs Cornelius de Weever. During the closing reception of the conference, Port St. Maarten received the baton and opportunity to host the PAMAC Conference to be held in June 2019. This is a plus for our country that we will be able to host this very important conference which brings together key decision makers from the cruise lines that operate about 200 ships and have 95 percent of the global ocean cruising capacity. PAMAC is an opportunity for us to grow together as was pointed out at PAMAC 2018 last week. I commend the Port St. Maarten Management Team for their hard work which is translating into opportunities for the destination that will have a positive development for all stakeholders concerned, Minister Cornelius de Weever said on Wednesday. The FCCA PAMAC Conference has developed a long history of mutual success for FCCA Platinum Members and Member Lines by bringing together cruise executives and stakeholders to build understanding, relationships and business through an engaging agenda, and I cannot be prouder that this will be on full display in St. Maarten. Not only is the destination deserving because of its remarkable recovery, which will be showcased throughout the event, but St. Maarten has also been a true partner of the FCCA and cruise industry, Michele Paige, President of the FCCA said on Wednesday. The hosting of PAMAC 2019 will be great for hospitality businesses to showcase the true rebound and tours where attendees will be able to rediscover destination St. Maarten/St. Martin. At the same time, the Port will be celebrating its 55th cruise anniversary in June 2019, an ecstatic Port St. Maarten Management said on Wednesday. Port St. Maarten has been collaborating with key stakeholders such as the St. Maarten Tourist Bureau, the Chamber of Commerce & Industry, and the St. Maarten Hospitality & Trade Association (SHTA) in promoting the destination abroad to come and rediscover the island. Meets will be held with various stakeholders in order to prepare for PAMAC 2019. PAMAC brings together Platinum Members of the FCCA who meet with high-ranking FCCA Member Line cruise executives and top Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) as part of a relationship and business building process. The PAMAC 2019 Conference is expected to attract 150 delegates, all platinum members, and 10-15 cruise executives and top CEOs. During the 2018 conference, Port St. Maarten had interactive meetings providing an update about port and destination developments. At the same time, the port delegation learned about the latest industry trends, standards and individual issues and developments that can maximize the benefits of the cruise sector. Our cruise numbers have been growing and we want to ensure that the figures continue to grow in the coming months leading into the 2018-2019 high cruise season. PAMAC presents an opportunity to network and better understand each other especially when we look at different cruise industry developments, Port St. Maarten Management Team pointed out. The PAMAC event is one of many that the FCCA coordinates for its Platinum Members and Member Lines to stay at the forefront of information about both the industry and destinations while finding ways to maximize the benefits for all. The FCCA is a not-for-profit trade organization composed of 19 Member Lines operating over 100 vessels in Floridian, Caribbean and Latin American waters. Created in 1972, the FCCAs mandate is to provide a forum for discussion on tourism development, ports, safety, security, and other cruise industry issue and to develop bilateral relationships with destinations private and public sectors. By fostering an understanding of the cruise industry and its operating practices, the FCCA works with governments, ports and private sector representatives to maximize cruise passenger, crew and cruise line spending, as well as enhance the destination experience and increase the amount of cruise passengers returning as stay-over visitors. PHILIPSBURG (DCOMM):--- According to the World Health Organization (WHO), health care-associated infections, infections acquired during delivery of health care, are common and are a risk factor for developing sepsis but it can be prevented. In review of the existing reports and theories, the Collective Preventive Services (CPS), a department within the Ministry of Public Health, Social Development and Labour (Ministry VSA), from an awareness and public information perspective, emphasizes the need to routinely clean your hands, simply wash hands in every action and step in order to mitigate the spread of infectious diseases. Very young and especially premature babies are very vulnerable since their immune system is not fully developed and at such an age they are not vaccinated. Therefore, parents should be aware of people wanting to cuddle or kiss their baby while they have a cold sore; or persons who would like to look at the baby while they are coughing and sneezing, or hold the baby without proper hand washing. Effective hand hygiene plays a key role. The WHO calls on health facilities to prevent health care-associated sepsis through hand hygiene and infection prevention and control (IPC) actions/protocol. Sepsis is estimated to affect more than 30 million patients every year worldwide. At the Seventieth World Health Assembly in May 2017, Member States adopted a resolution on improving the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of sepsis. Sepsis is a complication that arises when the human body mounts an indiscriminate, and overt, response to an infection. Sepsis is a medical emergency. If not diagnosed and treated early, sepsis can lead to irreversible tissue damage, septic shock, multiple organ failure and potentially death. Septic shock is a severe type of sepsis in which the circulatory, cellular, and metabolic abnormalities are associated with a greater risk of mortality than with sepsis alone. Approximately 31 million new sepsis cases occur each year, resulting in 6 million deaths annually, according to the WHO. The occurrence, frequency, and fatality of sepsis are determined by complex interplaying factors including the host immune system, causative pathogen, timely diagnosis, and access to quality care. Most sepsis occurs as a complication of common preventable infections in the community (community acquired infection). It also frequently results from infections acquired in healthcare settings, especially among immunocompromised patients. Healthcare acquired infections are often resistant to antibiotics. This makes the management of these infections challenging and are often associated with poor patient outcome; and higher economic burden. Sepsis is frequently undetected and/or misdiagnosed, during initial onset when it is effectively treatable. Increasing awareness of the clinical manifestations of sepsis in the community, building capacity for early detection, appropriate timely management, and reporting, are some of the major challenges facing effective prevention and control of sepsis. Persons seeking additional information can contact CPS at telephone numbers: 542-1570 or 542-1222. Dutch Quarter:--- The Filipino Communityof Sint Maarten visited the Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Primary (MLK) School on Wednesday morning as part of their Independence celebrations. "I deeply appreciate the Filipino Community contributing to our school as they celebrate the 120th year of independence of their country" remarked MLK School Manager Stuart Johnson. The special visit to the Kindergarten classes included brief remarks by the members of the Filipino Community. Additionally each student received a package of gifts and toys. The toys were donated by ACE and the Filipino Community "Congratulations to the Filipino Community of St.Maarten on their country's milestone and thank you for solidifying a long standing working relationship with our school," Johnson concluded. The Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Primary School is a public education school located in the district of Dutch Quarter. ~New award for Emilio Jorge Rodriguez~ GREAT BAY:---The book Una suave, tierna linea de montanas azules: Nicolas Guillen y Haiti, by Emilio Jorge Rodriguez, received the Honorable Mention prize from the Caribbean Studies Association (CSA) on June 8, according to the Gordon K. and Sybil Farrell Lewis Book Prize committee for 2018. The book, which explores the communicating ties between Haitians and Cubans, according to journalist Marilyn Bobes, is already a winner of the prestigious Casa de las Americas literary prize (2017). Una suave, tierna linea de montanas azules (A Gentle, Tender Line of Blue Mountains), is now the first Spanish-language book to receive the CSA academic award. Rodriguez is one of the very few Caribbean comparative literature experts that span the regions various language zones. The Cuban author is also one of four published experts on the developing literature of St. Martin, said linguist Dr. Rhoda Arrindell. Previous CSA Honorary Mention awardees are Maureen Warner-Lewis, Richard Price, Peter A. Roberts, Olive Senior, Neil Roberts, Ada Ferrer, Hilary Mc D. Beckles, and Raphael Dalleo. The CSA criteria used by the judges for the Book Prize were, The theoretical contribution to our understanding of historical and/or contemporary issues within a discipline of the broader field of Caribbean Studies, and, The methodological rigor of the work, e.g. the use of primary source or archival/historical data, methodological innovations, and suggestions for new avenues of research and thinking about the Caribbean. CSA held its 48th annual meeting in the Cuban capital of Havana this year from June 4 8, under the theme of Education, Culture and Emancipatory thought in the Caribbean. According to CSA, its membership includes more than 200 universities and 60 countries, with an outstanding presence of the Anglophone Caribbean and the United States. Willemstad:--- The Central Bank of Curacao and Sint Maarten (CBCS) received questions from the media in response to possible statements by the Minister of Finance of Sint Maarten, Mr. Michael Ferrier, about the limited banknote stock for Curacao and Sint Maarten. The CBCS, being the only authority authorized by law to commission and issue banknotes in circulation, has started the preliminary work in anticipation of the change in the constitutional structure of the then Dutch Antillean islands on 10 October 2010. to create a new currency for the monetary union of Curacao and Sint Maarten. It would be the Caribbean guilder. The CBCS is currently in discussion with the governments of Curacao and Sint Maarten to come to a decision on a new currency for both countries. As long as no decision has been taken by both governments, Dutch Antillean guilder banknotes will remain in circulation. The CBCS guarantees that it will continue to ensure that it has sufficient banknotes at all times to continue meeting the demand for banknotes. Greenwood Precious Metals Project Lexington Mine Sample Results Posted by Publisher Internet Wolf Wiese CEO of Golden Dawn Minerals Inc., (TSX-V: GOM; FRANKFURT: 3G8B; OTC: GDMRF) (the ?Company? or ?Golden Dawn? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TznsCxr95gc ) provides assay results from sampling conducted in the Lexington Mine and an update on activities completed.? The Company is aiming at initiating trial mining and processing before year end. ? Rock chip sampling is being conducted in the mine to assess the working faces remaining from the 2008 mining campaign that are currently accessible.? A total of 339 individual samples have been collected so far.? Results from the first batch of 206 samples sent for assay are provided below. The sample results are very positive and demonstrate that potentially economic grades of copper-gold mineralization are exposed on the faces in the mine.? The results also serve to substantiate and provide confidence in the mineral resource as reported in the 2017 PEA report. The methodical mapping and sampling will provide the technical team to develop a mining plan based on the data gleaned from this work.? The results will be used as a guide to minimize dilution of the mill feed from day one of trial mining. Compilation of exploration data around the Lexington mine has highlighted areas with high potential for discovery of similar style gold-copper mineralization.? Potential for at least two parallel zones of mineralization close to the Lexington Main zone are documented in the PEA, and potential has now been recognized for strike extension of these potential zones to the northwest at least as much as the known extent of the mine. There is a 1 kilometer long trend of favourable host rocks that stretches from the Lexington mine across the border with Washington State and into the former Lone Star open pit mine, within which several historic drill intercepts of significant copper-gold mineralization occur.? The favourable stratigraphy also extends over 3 kilometers to the northwest through the historic Lexington, Mable and Number 7 mines, where minimal past exploration drilling was done.? Good potential for mineralization over significant widths also exists in the vicinity of the City of Paris historic mine that overlies the Lexington Main zone, as indicated by a chip sample collected in 2017 at a raise break-through from this mine.? This sample was previously reported in news release dated 30 January 2018 but check assaying for gold returned a result of 18.0 grams per tonne gold over a sample width of 4.5 meters; the original copper result was 0.42%. Update on Work Completed The mine operation has been staffed with a Mine Manager, Mine Superintendent, Heavy Duty Mechanic, Watchman, Mine Shift Boss and two miners as employees to maintain pumps, support technical work, and do repairs.? Daily pumping is underway to maintain the water level at the 1166 level or bottom of the mine.? Physical work completed: ? West Portal: Surface area stripped of loose material and washed down to bedrock, new timber sets assembled to be installed shortly to complete the safe access from the west portal, new roof installed on mechanics shop, temporary toilet installed Vent raise was retimbered and new ladders installed Equipment: Mine personnel vehicles refurbished, fire suppression systems installed, scooptrams, longhole drill and jumbo moved to mine site and initial mechanical checks done East Portal: generator, compressor, mine office, mine dry and toilet facilities installed Ditching conducted on roads above East and West portals to control run-off water Large trees overhanging west laydown felled Mine lubricant storage sump facility refurbished Electrical motors in mill megger tested Technical work competed: ? Geotechnical assessment of mine workings and diamond drill records, and rock bolt pull tests to formulate a Ground Control Management Plan Mine engineering studies to update the Mine Plan and Ventilation Plan Review of past grade control assay data Review of past mining stope development GIS compilation of prior exploration data initiated; new diamond drilling targets identified and drilling permit applications submitted Geotechnical assessments of the East and West Portals underway Geotechnical engineer engaged to prepare a waste dump operation, management and surveillance manual Environmental consultant engaged to prepare Environmental Management Systems for mine and mill Application submitted for power load reconnection with energy supplier to ensure timely startup A formal RFP (request for proposal) document is being prepared for engineering design to support permitting an upgrade of the processing and tailings facilities capacity to 400 Tonnes Per Day The Company is ready to begin installation of mine infrastructure.? However, prior to this various updates to permit documents are required by the Ministry of Mines for the mine and mill.? These include Environmental Management Systems, Water Quality Monitoring Plans, Waste Management Plans, Waste Rock and Tailings Management Plans, Erosion and Sediment Control Plan, Mine Plan, Ground Control Management Plan, Waste Dump Operation and Surveillance Manual, Invasive Plant Management Plans, Closure Management Manual, and Life of Mine Reclamation Programs.? In addition, the Ministry of Mines and Ministry of Environment recently conducted Environmental, Industrial Hygiene, Geotechnical and Reclamation site inspections of the mine and mill.? BC has one of the highest safety and environmental standards in the world and new regulations have been put into place to improve environmental and safety standards since the mine and plant were constructed in 2008.? The inspections identified items that need to be addressed before approval will be granted to operate.? The Company will engage consultants and contractors as necessary to address the items listed below prior to restart of operations: ? Installation of new offices and wash/dry facilities Ventilation and lighting surveys and improvements Dust Control Emergency Wash Facilities Hazardous materials storage and handling Lead Exposure Control Program Refurbishment and Remediation Plan for Assay laboratory Health and safety programs (medical surveillance, hearing protection, safe work procedures) Confirmation of as-built dimensions for tailings impoundment Installation of a weather station The samples reported above were collected under the supervision of Dr. Mathew Ball, P.Geo. and delivered to Activation Laboratories (Act-Labs) in Kamloops, B.C. Activation Laboratories (Act-Labs) is an independent commercial laboratory that is ISO 9001 certified and ISO 17025 accredited. Analyses for gold were by the fire assay method using 30 gram samples with an AA finish. Fire assay gravimetric analyses were carried out on initial gold analytical results in excess of 30000 ppb gold. Other elements were analyzed by ICP-OES using an aqua regia digestion. Copper results above 0.75% were re-analyzed by peroxide fusion. Quality control was monitored using reference standard, blank and duplicate field samples inserted into the sample sequence at intervals. The Company would like to clarify that it has not based its decision to proceed to production on a feasibility study of mineral reserves demonstrating economic and technical viability.? The Company cautions that, in such cases, there is increased uncertainty and higher economic and technical risks of failure.? Technical disclosure in this news release has been approved by Dr. Mathew Ball, P.Geo., a Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101, and Chief Operating Officer of the Company. On behalf of the Board of Directors: GOLDEN DAWN MINERALS INC. Wolf Wiese, President & CEO For further information, please contact: Corporate Communications 604-221-8936 allinfo@goldendawnminerals.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this news release. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements:? Certain disclosure in this release constitutes forward-looking statements. In making the forward-looking statements in this release, the Company has applied certain factors and assumptions that are based on the Company\-\-s current beliefs as well as assumptions made by and information currently available to the Company, including that the Company is able to procure personnel, equipment and supplies required for its exploration activities in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis and that actual results of exploration activities are consistent with management\-\-s expectations. Although the Company considers these assumptions to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect, and the forward-looking statements in this release are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include, among others, that actual results of the Company\-\-s exploration activities will be different than those expected by management and that the Company will be unable to obtain financing or will experience delays in obtaining any required government approvals or be unable to procure required equipment and supplies in sufficient quantities and on a timely basis. 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. We seek safe harbor. First real-time test of Li-Fi utilization for the industrial Internet of Things The BMBF-funded OWICELLS project was successfully completed with a final presentation at the BMW plant in Munich. The presentation demonstrated a Li-Fi communication with a mobile robot, while the robot carried out usual production processes (welding, moving and testing parts) in a 5x5m? production cell. The robust, optical wireless transmission is based on spatial diversity; in other words, data is sent and received simultaneously by several LEDs and several photodiodes. The system can transmit data at more than 100 Mbit/s and five milliseconds latency. Modern production technologies in the automobile industry must become more flexible in order to fulfil individual customer requirements. Researchers are therefore investigating applications for mobile robots and robotic tools that are networked with artificial intelligence in the cloud for the so-called Internet of Things (IoT). Wireless data transmission is essential for this, but must be just as reliable and at low-latency as a wired data connection. Li-Fi is based on low-cost LEDs and uses the license-free spectrum of visible and infrared light. Optical data transmission does depend on a line-of-sight connection, however, it cannot be jammed by radio transmitters. ?The Li-Fi solution based on a Multiple-Input Multiple-Output (MIMO) architecture enables reliable mobile communication in production processes, with especially low latency,? comments Dr. Volker Jungnickel, project coordinator at Fraunhofer HHI, on the developments. ?Li-Fi can unburden the densely occupied Wi-Fi spectrum and realize an uninterrupted mobile transmission for industrial IoT. Li-Fi works reliably when typical industrial work such as spot welding with high currents and flashes of light takes place,? emphasizes Gerhard Kleinpeter, project manager at BMW. The three-year project was funded by the Federal Ministry of Education and Research (BMBF) with 1.6 million euros. Project partners were BMW AG, evopro and Fraunhofer HHI (coordinator). OSRAM and the Munich University of Applied Sciences were associated partners and subcontractors, respectively. The project work on the industrial Li-Fi system was presented through demonstrations and scientific publications at international trade fairs and conferences, such as the Hanover Fair, ECOC, OFC and WCNC, and contributed significantly to standardization (IEEE P802.15.13 and P802.11bb, ITU-T G.vlc). The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft is the leading organization for applied research in Europe. Its research activities are conducted by 72 institutes and research units at locations throughout Germany. The Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft employs a staff of more than 25,000, who work with an annual research budget totaling 2.3 billion euros. Of this sum, almost 2 billion euros is generated through contract research. Around 70 percent of the Fraunhofer-Gesellschaft?s contract research revenue is derived from contracts with industry and from publicly financed research projects. International collaborations with excellent research partners and innovative companies around the world ensure direct access to regions of the greatest importance to present and future scientific progress and economic development. Endeavour Silver Announces At-The-Market Offering of up to US$35.7 Million Posted by Publisher Internet Endeavour Silver Corp. (NYSE: EXK, TSX: EDR) (the ?Company? or ?Endeavour? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=miy1x5T4c5I&t=3s ) is pleased to announce it has entered into a sales agreement dated June?13, 2018 (the ?Sales Agreement?) with BMO Capital Markets (the lead agent), CIBC Capital Markets, H.C. Wainwright & Co., HSBC and TD Securities Inc. (together, the ?Agents?) pursuant to which the Company may, at its discretion and from time-to-time during the term of the Sales Agreement, sell, through the Agents, such number of common shares of the Company (?Common Shares?) as would result in aggregate gross proceeds to the Company of up to US$35.7?million (the ?Offering?). Sales of Common Shares will be made through ?at?the?market distributions? as defined in the Canadian Securities Administrators? National Instrument?44?102?Shelf Distributions, including sales made directly on the New York Stock Exchange (the ?NYSE?), or any other recognized marketplace upon which the Common Shares are listed or quoted or where the Common Shares are traded in the United States. The Common Shares will be distributed at the market prices prevailing at the time of each sale and, as a result, prices may vary as between purchasers and during the period of distribution. No offers or sales of Common Shares will be made in Canada on the Toronto Stock Exchange (the ?TSX?) or other trading markets in Canada. The Offering will be made by way of a prospectus supplement dated June?13, 2018 to the Company?s existing US?registration statement on Form?F?10 (the ?Registration Statement?) and Canadian short form base shelf prospectus (the ?Base Shelf Prospectus?), each dated April?10, 2018. The prospectus supplement relating to the Offering has been filed with the securities commissions in each of the provinces of Canada (other than Quebec) and the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. The US prospectus supplement (together with a related Registration Statement) is available on the SEC\-\-s website (www.sec.gov) and the Canadian prospectus supplement (together with the related Base Shelf Prospectus) will be available on the SEDAR website maintained by the Canadian Securities Administrators at www.sedar.com. Alternatively, BMO Capital Markets will provide copies of the US?prospectus upon request by contacting BMO Capital Markets (c/o BMO Capital Markets Corp., Attention: Equity Syndicate Department, 3 Times Square, New York, NY 10036, or by telephone at (800) 414-3627, or by email: bmoprospectus@bmo.com). Net proceeds of the Offering, if any, together with the Company?s current cash resources and free cash flow, will be used to advance its Terronera project and for general corporate purposes. The Company will pay the Agents compensation, or allow a discount, of up to 2.25% of the gross sales price per Common Share sold under the Sales Agreement. Sales under the Sales Agreement remain subject to necessary regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX and the NYSE. This press release does not constitute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy securities, nor will there be any sale of the securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. About Endeavour ? Endeavour Silver Corp. is a mid-tier precious metals mining company that operates three high?grade, underground, silver?gold mines in Mexico. The Company is forecasting 20% production growth to 10.2?11.2 million?oz silver equivalent in 2018. Endeavour is currently developing its fourth high?grade, underground, silver?gold mine in Mexico and has a compelling pipeline of exploration and development projects to facilitate its goal to become a premier senior silver producer. Our philosophy of corporate social integrity creates value for all stakeholders. SOURCE Endeavour Silver Corp. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements Some of the statements contained in this release are forward?looking statements within the meaning of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the United States Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, and forward?looking information within the meaning of Canadian securities laws, such as statements that describe the anticipated offering of securities under the Company?s Base Shelf Prospectus and Registration Statement, the anticipated use of proceeds from any offering made under the Company?s Base Shelf Prospectus and Registration Statement, and other statements. Since forward?looking statements are not statements of historical fact and address future events, conditions and expectations, forward?looking statements by their nature inherently involve unknown risks, uncertainties, assumptions and other factors well beyond the Company?s ability to control or predict. Actual events, results and developments may differ materially from those contemplated by such forward?looking statements. Material factors that could cause actual events to differ materially from those described in such forwarding?looking statements include risks related to the Company?s condition requiring anticipated use of proceeds to change, timing of, and ability to obtain, required regulatory approvals, and general economic and regulatory changes. These forward?looking statements represent the Company?s views as of the date of this release. There can be no assurance that forward?looking statements will prove to be accurate, as actual events and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Readers should not place undue reliance on any forward-looking statements. Low-Code Is Trending Up! OutSystems Announces Dates and Keynotes for NextStep Conferences in Boston and Amsterdam OutSystems today announced the keynote speakers for NextStep 2018, the number one event series focused on low-code and digital transformation. This year\-\-s conferences will take place first in Boston, September 25-27, at the Renaissance Waterfront Hotel, followed by Amsterdam, October 8-9, in the historic Taets Art and Event Park. OutSystems visionary CEO Paulo Rosado, whose leadership drove the company to a recent valuation of more than $1 billion, will headline this year\-\-s keynotes. Additional keynote speakers for NextStep 2018 include a shortlist of insightful leaders, adept at identifying emerging technology trends and cultivating teams and organisations to unprecedented growth. NextStep Boston keynote speaker, George Blankenship, is widely credited for driving consumer adoption and engagement throughout his career, but notably as an executive at Gap Inc., Apple, and most recently Tesla. In his presentation, Blankenship will share his highly sought-after insights on buildingand maintainingbrand loyalty and ensuring that organisations remain forward-thinking in evolving markets. Wired Magazine\-\-s executive editor and tech-trend spotter, Jeremy White, keynotes day 2 in Amsterdam. From the Internet of Things to AI, smart homes to smart cities, and flying cars to passenger drones, White has firsthand experience identifying emerging trends, as well as personal contact with the global business leaders driving them. Complementing a stellar keynote lineup, attendees will have dual content streams to follow: Moving from Strategy to Digital Initiatives: This stream explores the path from ideation to implementation, with panels and stand-alone presentations covering modern agility, APIs, and a look into the future of human AI-assisted development. Modern IT in Practice: For those seeking practical guidance on emerging low-code technologies and methods, this stream includes sessions covering modern application methods, microservices, DevOps, and consumer-facing app development. These streams are in addition to a full schedule of product demos, networking breaks, and the highly anticipated OutSystems Innovation Awards programme, which recognises OutSystems customers who are delivering in truly innovative ways. After a full day of presentations from futurists and technologists, and networking with more than a thousand CIOs, CTOs, IT leaders, and developers, attendees can take in the sights, sounds, and tastes at this year\-\-s venues. Boston\-\-s Renaissance Waterfront hotel offers unparalleled views of the Seaport District, with more outdoor dining options than anywhere else in the city. Amsterdam\-\-s Taets Art and Event Park, surrounded by the North Sea Canal, is the perfect marriage of form and function, mirroring the modern design found throughout the city, but in a unique, historic setting. OutSystems would like to thank NextStep 2018 returning sponsors: Deloitte (Global sponsor), Truewind, Noesis, Do iT Lean, Infosistema, CoolProfs, Glintt, Conclusion, Synobsys, Roff, Inforza, AskBlue, Everis. And welcome to our new sponsor: Tech Mahindra. Register Today! Last year\-\-s events sold out, so be sure to register soon. Learn more about this year\-\-s sessions, get venue and travel information, or learn more about this year\-\-s sponsors on our website. 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. Bunnelle grantees at left, top to bottom are: Brewster Buck, Carolina Human Reinvestment; Ruth Farb, The First Tee of the Grand Strand; Aixa Rodriquez-Mariani, Healthy Learners; Barbara Singleton, The Mitney Project; and Tracy Roode, Chapin Art Museum. Grantees at right, top to bottom are: Giany Guedjo, Carolina Human Reinvestment; Gail Phillips, Reach Out and Read Carolinas; Sarah Pope, S.O.S Healthcare; and Shelia Spinks, The Mitney Project. You have permission to edit this article. Edit Close Groups, businesses and individuals are working to protect the pristine beaches along the East Coast, like this stretch of Pawleys Island. Rocket Lab's second Electron rocket "Still Testing" stood vertical ahead of its successful launch in January. WASHINGTON Satellite rideshare company Spaceflight Inc. on June 11 signed on as the anchor customer for three Electron launches from Rocket Lab. Spaceflight President Curt Blake told SpaceNews the company bought the "vast majority" of the lift capacity on all three missions, giving Spaceflight control of the schedule for each. Blake declined to say if Spaceflight received a discount for placing a three-launch order. Spaceflight, as an aggregator of launch demand for cubesats and other small spacecraft, already has customers lined up to fill all three missions, he said. [Related: Watch Rocket Lab's Latest Electron Launch] Spaceflight's first Electron launch is slated for late this year, followed by the second and third in early 2019, each from Rocket Lab's New Zealand spaceport. Rocket Lab, which has reached orbit with Electron just once in two attempts, is shooting for its third launch no earlier than June 22. Notable customers on the new missions include Spaceflight Industries' own BlackSky and Japanese camera company Canon Electronics. The first Electron launch will carry a BlackSky Earth-observation satellite, along with other spacecraft. Spaceflight Industries raised $150 million in March to fund the first 20 satellites in a planned constellation of 60 satellites. Spaceflight launched a demo satellite in 2016 on an Indian Polar Satellite Launch Vehicle. A Canon satellite called CE-SAT-I Mark 2 will launch on the third Spaceflight-controlled Electron launch. Nobutada Sako, group executive of Canon's Satellite Systems Lab, said the satellite "is our first mass-production model," and carries two cameras of differing resolutions. CE-SAT-I Mark 2 follows the experimental CE-SAT-I, which launched in 2017 also on an Indian PSLV. Spaceflight's second launch of the trio will carry unspecified spacecraft from "commercial and government organizations," the company said. Spaceflight previously bought a dedicated Electron launch in 2017, but has not said when that mission will occur. Blake said dedicated missions with small and medium-sized launch vehicles are becoming more important for Spaceflight. "There will be more for sure," he said. Spaceflight's biggest dedicated mission, a SpaceX Falcon 9 launch called SSO-A, is scheduled for early fall, he said. This story was provided by SpaceNews, dedicated to covering all aspects of the space industry. A dust-enshrouded, giant black hole ripping apart a star blasted out a superfast jet of particles that packed about 125 billion times the amount of energy the sun releases per year, a new study finds. This is the first time astronomers have directly imaged the formation and evolution of such a jet from a black hole. This finding may help astronomers discover many new instances of black holes destroying stars. Supermassive black holes that are millions to billions times the mass of the sun are thought to lurk in the hearts of most, if not all, large galaxies. If a star passes too close to such a monstrous black hole, its powerful gravitational pull will tear it apart in a so-called tidal disruption event. [Images: Black Holes of the Universe] In the pair of colliding galaxies Arp 299, researchers spotted evidence of a supermassive black hole shredding a nearby star, pulling its debris into an orbiting disk and blasting a powerful jet of particles outward. The background photo is a view of the colliding galaxies from the Hubble Space Telescope; an artist's concept of the black hole system is pulled out. (Image credit: Sophia Dagnello/NRAO/AUI/NSF/NASA/STScI) As a black hole tears matter off a star, this material forms a rotating disk that glows brightly before it falls into the black hole. Previous research also suggested that jets of particles are launched outward from the poles of these so-called accretion disks at extraordinarily high speeds. Most times, supermassive black holes are not actively devouring anything, the new study's researchers told Space.com. The small number of tidal disruption events that astronomers have detected so far offer scientists the chance to learn more about the formation and evolution of these jets. The first evidence that researchers had of this newly reported jet came on Jan. 30, 2005, from astronomers using the William Herschel Telescope in the Canary Islands to analyze a pair of colliding galaxies called Arp 299, nearly 150 million light-years from Earth. They discovered a bright outburst of infrared light coming from the core of one of the colliding galaxies in Arp 299, study co-lead author Seppo Mattila, of the University of Turku in Finland, told Space.com. On July 17, 2005, using the Very Long Baseline Array (VLBA) a network of 10 radio telescopes spread across thousands of miles that can work together to essentially act like a giant radio telescope scientists detected a new source of radio emissions from the same location in Arp 299. "As time passed, the new object stayed bright at infrared and radio wavelengths, but not in visible light and X-rays," Mattila said in a statement. "The most likely explanation is that thick interstellar gas and dust near the galaxy's center absorbed the X-rays and visible light, then re-radiated it as infrared," Mattila said. This supermassive black hole shredding a star in the system Arp 299 resulted in an expanding, radio-emitting region, indicating a jet of particles moving outward. (Image credit: Mattila, Perez-Torres, et al; Bill Saxton/NRAO/AUI/NSF) The researchers initially thought this outburst was a star exploding in a supernova, but that explanation didn't match the data. Continued monitoring over nearly a decade showed the source of radio emissions, dubbed Arp 299-B AT1, expanding in one direction, just as would be expected for a jet, but not for a supernova. Radio data suggested the material in the jet raced outward at an average of about 25 percent the speed of light. In contrast, the average expansion speed of a supernova after 10 years is expected to be, at most, about 5 percent of the speed of light, study co-lead author Miguel Perez-Torres of the Astrophysical Institute of Andalusia in Granada, Spain, told Space.com. "We continued to patiently collect more and more data to discern the true nature of this source, and our patience paid off," Mattila said. "The combination of our infrared and radio observations, coupled with state-of-the art simulations of radio jets and calculations of infrared emission from the dusty regions surrounding a supermassive black hole, left us with one plausible explanation the infrared and the radio emission came from the disruption of a hapless star being devoured by the supermassive black hole when it passed too close to this cosmic monster." The researchers estimated that this jet resulted from a supermassive black hole that was 20 million times the mass of the sun. The black hole was situated at the core of one of the pair of colliding galaxies and it was in the act of shredding a star that was more than twice the sun's mass. "Never before have we been able to directly observe the formation and evolution of a jet from one of these events," Perez-Torres said in a statement. [No Escape: Dive Into a Black Hole (Infographic)] The new findings were a surprise, the scientists said. Arp 299-B AT1 was discovered as part of a project that sought to detect supernova explosions in colliding pairs of galaxies. This infrared burst was originally thought to be a supernova explosion it was only in 2011, six years after the outburst's discovery, that Arp 299-B AT1 began to show the elongation that went on to reveal that it was a jet and not a supernova. Over the course of about a decade, the jet released more than 1.5 x 10^52 ergs of energy in infrared and radio waves, the researchers said. This is about 125 billion times the amount of energy the sun releases per year. With the help of the VLBA, now the scientists are "witnessing how the radio source is now breaking up into several separate sources, telling us how the interaction of the jet with its surrounding medium is proceeding," Perez-Torres said. The event was not bright in visible or X-ray wavelengths, likely because of the effects of gas and dust, the scientists noted. This may help explain why tidal disruption events are not as bright as theoretically predicted, they added. "How many similar events are we missing in dusty centers of galaxies that would only be detectable by infrared and radio observations but be completely invisible in the optical light?" Mattila said. These new findings suggest that infrared and radio telescopes may discover many tidal disruption events that may have escaped detection until now because dust absorbed any visible light from them, Perez-Torres said. Such events may have been more common in the early universe, so investigating them may help scientists understand the newborn cosmos, the researchers added. The scientists detailed their findings online June 15 in the journal Science. Follow Charles Q. Choi on Twitter @cqchoi. Follow us @Spacedotcom, Facebook and Google+. Original article on Space.com. Two NASA astronauts took a spacewalk today (June 14) to continue preparations for the arrival of the first commercial crew vehicles that will launch to the International Space Station (ISS) later this year. Expedition 56 Cmdr. Drew Feustel and flight engineer Ricky Arnold departed the ISS through the Quest airlock after switching their spacesuits over to battery power at 8:06 a.m. EDT (1206 GMT). They spent 6 hours and 49 minutes working in the vacuum of space. Some technical difficulties put them off to a rough start, but the two spacewalkers aced all of their assigned tasks for the day and even had some time left over for a few get-ahead tasks. They spent some time wrestling with a jammed panel to a micrometeoroid shield, which was stuck open and needed to be closed. [Expedition 56: The Space Station Mission in Photos] NASA astronauts Ricky Arnold (front) and Drew Feustel float approximately 250 miles (400 km) above the Earth while taking a spacewalk on June 14, 2018. (Image credit: NASA) Flight controllers were considering giving up on the pesky door so the spacewalkers could move on to other important tasks, but Feustel was unwilling to give up on the stubborn panel. With a little elbow grease and a lot of determination, he put that panel in its place. "I think I got it!" Feustel exclaimed while catching his breath after the strenuous feat. Feustel's most notable achievement of the day came a few hours later, when he surpassed NASA astronaut Peggy Whitson's accumulated spacewalking time, bumping him up from seventh place to third place on the list of most experienced spacewalkers. "Feustel has now moved into third for all-time spent spacewalking," NASA TV commentator Dan Huot said during a live broadcast of the spacewalk. He also surpassed Russian cosmonaut Fyodor Yurchikhin and NASA astronauts Jerry Ross and John Grunsfeld. NASA astronaut Drew Feustel works outside the Japanese Kibo module during a spacewalk on June 14, 2018. (Image credit: NASA) Feustel has now spent a total of 61 hours and 48 minutes working in the vacuum of space, or 1 hour and 21 minutes more than Whitson. It was the ninth spacewalk of Feustel's career as a NASA astronaut. Arnold, who completed his fifth spacewalk today, has accumulated a total of 32 hours and 4 minutes of spacewalking time.A rnold and Feustel have now completed three consecutive spacewalks together this year. For the last two spacewalks, Feustel was designated as EV-1 (extravehicular crewmember 1), and Arnold was EV-2. Today, however, the roles were reversed. "Welcome to being the first out of the hatch," Feustel told Arnold as they left the Quest airlock this morning. To make it easier to tell the two spacewalkers apart, the spacesuit for EV-1 has red stripes, while the spacesuit for EV-2 is plain white. NASA astronaut Ricky Arnold emerges from the Quest airlock, kicking off a 6 hour and 49 minute-long spacewalk on June 14, 2018. (Image credit: NASA) The main objectives for today's spacewalk were to install new brackets and high-definition cameras outside the Harmony module, where SpaceX's Crew Dragon and Boeing's CST-100 Starliner will start arriving in August. Following the first uncrewed test flights, these two spacecraft will begin transporting astronauts in 2020. NASA contracted both companies to design and build these spacecraft to end the agency's reliance on Russia's Soyuz spacecraft, which have transported all U.S. astronauts to the ISS since the shuttle program ended in 2011. In order for commercial crew spacecraft to dock with the Harmony module at a port that was originally built to accommodate only space shuttles astronauts had to retrofit it by installing an International Docking Adapter (IDA) during a spacewalk in 2016. The new cameras installed during today's spacewalk will help arriving spacecraft line up with the IDA while docking at the space station. Additionally, the cameras will provide wireless network access to experiments outside the European Space Agency's (ESA) Columbus laboratory and the Japanese Experiment Module - Exposed Facility. See more Some of the best views of today's spacewalk, which was broadcast live on NASA TV, came when Arnold mounted the Canadarm2 robotic arm to replace a camera and a light that were too far out of reach for an astronaut tethered to the main body of the ISS. His Expedition 56 crewmates, NASA astronaut Serena Aunon-Chancellor and ESA astronaut Alexander Gerst, controlled Canadarm2 from inside the space station to give Arnold a lift. NASA astronaut Ricky Arnold faces the Earth while mounted to the end of the Canadarm2 robotic arm during a spacewalk on June 14, 2018. (Image credit: NASA) Back at NASA's Johnson Space Center in Houston, ESA astronaut Andreas Mogensen the first Danish person to fly to space served as the capsule communicator (CAPCOM) and helped guide the spacewalkers through their tasks for the day. "Andy, where are we in the world?" Feustel asked as the space station passed over turquoise-blue waters and a chain of islands. "We are over the Caribbean," Mogensen replied. "OK, just wondering what islands I was looking at thanks for not saying 'space station,'" Feustel said. When Mogensen informed the spacewalkers that they were passing over the Great Lakes, Feustel made a shout-out to his friends and family back home. "Hello, Detroit!" he said. The International Space Stations Canadarm2 robotic arm gives NASA astronaut Ricky Arnold a lift during a spacewalk on June 14, 2018. (Image credit: NASA) Feustel and Arnold squeezed in as many get-ahead tasks as they could before heading back inside the airlock. The spacewalk officially ended at 2:55 p.m. EDT (1855 GMT) when they switched their spacesuits off battery power. This was the 211th spacewalk in support of assembly and maintenance of the International Space Station. Optimization Are you frustrated with a slow pc or a hard disk not performing as it should? Try SLOW-PCfighter to speed up boot time on a slow PC, or try a free scan of FULL-DISKfighter to recover space on a full disk. The latest offering is DRIVERfighter to update your driver updater. Get complete PC optimization and extend the life of your PC with these must-have software tools. New York, June 13, 2018 (SPS) - The delegations of several countries participating in the annual session of the United Nations Special Committee on Decolonization, known as Committee of 24, called Monday to resume negotiations on Western Sahara to speed up its decolonization. In a session devoted to the Sahrawi issue, the representative of the Ecuador Diego Fernando Morejon Pazmino said that it is important to focus on the resumption of the negotiations at the approach of the end of the Third International Decade of the eradication of colonialism, underlining that 30 years of failure is inacceptable. For his part, East Timors representative Mautito called the Committee to intensify efforts to put an end to colonialism, pointing out that 17 Non-Self-Governing Territories provide shelter for nearly two million people. Ethiopias representative Biruk Mekonnen Demisse called for the resumption of negotiations leading to a political solution allowing the implementation of the Sahrawi peoples right to self-determination. The representative of the delegation of Venezuela Jorge Arturo Reyes Hernandez said that the four stages of negotiations held under the auspices of secretary general are considered as precious efforts that must be strengthened. Nicaraguas representative Jaime Hermida Castillo insisted on the respect of the international law, expressing solidarity with the struggle of the Sahrawi people for independence while urging the two sides to the conflict to reach a development plan enabling the Sahrawi people to implement their right to self-determination. Elton Khoetage Hoeseb, representative of the Namibian delegation, said that it is imperative that the United Nations continues leading the negotiations process backed by the African Union.SPS 125/090/700 Yep, you read that headline right -- 400 meetings with investors. As a Silicon Valley entrepreneur who has raised seed and angel money in practically every major U.S. tech hub, I'd like to share a few tips about what I've learned along the way. Related: How to Use Psychology to Get Investors to Close When You Want Them to The first thing you need to know is there are major differences between raising money in New York, San Francisco and Los Angeles. The unique culture of each city plays a distinct role in how venture capitalists approach working with startup founders, so you need to be ready for this -- and you may eventually find that one market totally gets your company's niche while others don't. In L.A. and New York, for example, VCs tend to focus more on the revenue model of your business and are pretty blunt in asking about it. "How much money are you making?" is a question that comes up early on. San Francisco investors, on the other hand, are very focused on data. They want to know more about traffic and retention: Their thinking is that if a startup has the traffic, they can monetize it several ways with a high eyeball count. Along my journey to raising capital, I've learned a few tips and tricks that have made me a better, more successful fundraiser. Here are five strategies that early stage entrepreneurs can adopt as they begin fundraising for their company: 1. Shuffle the deck. If an investor asks for your presentation deck before your meeting, find a clever way not to send it. Let that person know you are still updating it or completely "forgot" to attach it. It is super easy for investors to see your deck (which is only a partial story about your company) and say "no." Getting the first meeting in person is crucial so that they remember you, which increases your chances of being able to close the deal. For example, oftentimes I write something like, "would love to grab a quick coffee and chat more about our business" as a way to secure a meeting. Since it seems more casual and entails less of a commitment, it usually works -- and I've found that many times during these meetups, I don't even show the pitch deck, which is fine. It's much better to have a one-on-one with an investor over a casual conversation so you can make an impression; you can always share your deck later as a follow-up. Related: I've Raised Over $20 Million for My Businesses. Here's How to Get the Attention of Venture Capitalists. 2. Court the CEO. For any introductory meeting, make sure it's just you and the CEO/founder. Any follow-up meeting can be with the CTO or No. 2 executive, but it's far more effective to tell your story clearly and concisely to the most important decision-maker, one-on-one. Personally, I find that having two-against-one in a conversation can be overwhelming and at times feel strained. There were times when I brought my co-founder to initial meetings with investors, and they would oddly look at him a lot more, even though I did most of the talking. Maybe they were more comfortable asking questions of a man than a woman. Whatever the reason, this made those intro meetings more awkward for me and at times frustrating. Keeping the energy positive is crucial to ensure both you and the investor to walk away pleased with the meeting. 3. Value your time. I've heard countless stories from new founders about investors who don't show up or cancel meetings last minute. Don't sweat it -- take it as a clear sign of what kind of investor they might be (someone who clearly doesn't value your time). Watch out for early signs of time-wasters, and if this happens to you, move on. Once, literally as I was parking my car for a meeting, I got an email from the assistant that the investor was, not able to make the meeting. Although being late or bailing with moment's notice can be a frustrating part of L.A. culture, I don't usually bother to reschedule these meetings unless the reason was valid. Related: 7 Reasons to Never Send Your Deck to an Investor Before You Meet in Person 4. Avoid the divas. If you hear through the grapevine about investors who are prickly or difficult, run as fast as you can in the opposite direction. Or at the very least, take that into serious consideration if they decide to invest in your company. There were times when I ignored talk about particular investors -- dismissing it as gossip -- only to later discover that there was truth behind it. Do your due diligence, and find out as much as you can about an investor's reputation. 5. Stifle the follow-up questions. Investors having initial follow-up questions after your meeting is to be expected. But, if there are repeated questions, watch out. A few questions are OK but after the first set, they pretty much know if they want to invest in your company or not. I've come to see repeated follow-up questions post-meeting as not a sign of interest, but of an investor fishing for reasons to say no. No one who's ever had a long list of follow-up questions has invested in my company, and going through the back and forth has only proved to be a waste of time. Don't fall for the trap, and instead focus on investors who are genuinely interested in you and your business. Related: I Took 400 Meetings With Investors to Get My Startup Funded. Here's What I Learned. Entrepreneur Elevator Pitch Season 2 Ep. 8: Drop and Give Me Valuation This Entrepreneur-Turned-VC Explains What Makes a Perfect Pitch Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved T he gorgeous, natural beauty look - all blusher, nude lip gloss and dewy skin that Meghan Markle rocked for her wedding was the perfect accompaniment to her chic and understated Givenchy gown. In the weeks since, sales of nude lipsticks have surged and tutorials on how to get the no-makeup makeup look have abounded. The one outcome we didnt see coming? A rise in requests for fake freckle tattoos. You what now? No really. Gabrielle Rainbow, a Canadian cosmetic tattooist, recently told New Beauty that she has been crazy busy with requests post-wedding for fake freckle tattoos from people who want to look a little more like the 36-year-old Duchess of Sussex. Could this be going on in the UK? We spoke to some of the pros in London to find out. Oh yes Ive had lots and lots and lots of requests for freckle tattoos, with a noticeable increase in the last five months. says Laura Kay, founder of London-based permanent makeup salon Laura Kay London. I definitely wouldnt recommend it though, says Kay, who specialises in tattoos for eyebrows, lips and the scalp. The pigments fade over time and if you do the freckles too close together the dots can sometimes merge, so you could end up with a mass of orangey-brown on your face. Different skin holds colour differently too so you cant guarantee exactly what the results will be. For this reason, Kay restricts clients to three beauty spots per face. I wouldnt do a mass of colour. Im too cautious because I dont know how thats going to heal in years to come and I wouldnt want to do that to someone, she says. Plus, each of Kays spots costs 100, and they need topping up every two years, so a face of freckles wouldnt come cheap. Tracie Giles, who runs one of the largest permanent makeup salons in the UK (and has tattooed many a freckle in her time), has also noticed a surge in requests post-royal wedding. Its not a treatment that we had had requested for quite some time, but we have definitely had a bit of a revival. People literally come in holding a photo of Meghan, she says. She regards it as her responsibility to make clients road test a full-on face of freckles before committing to the needle. Its quite a big step to take, and I insist clients draw them on with long-lasting makeup for a few weeks to make sure they genuinely love them, she says. Unlike some permanent makeup such as eyebrow tattoos, freckle tattoos have a habit of staying there for an extremely long time, and can last up to four or five years. Done right, facial freckles can, according to Giles, look completely realistic. But it requires more than a bit of skill. To make freckles look amazing they have to be perfectly imperfect. You cant have a perfect smattering because youd look like Pippi Longstocking. They also have to be a similar colour to the type of freckles that you would get naturally, and peoples freckles are very rarely all the same colour, so to do them well I have to use slightly different shades which I match bespoke for clients. More technical than you thought? Thats not all. If you make them too small, continues Giles, they look like blackheads, and if you make them too big they look a bit ridiculous. There really is an art to putting them in perfectly. Minefield. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle leave St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle after their wedding (Brian Lawless/PA Wire Brian Lawless) / PA Sarah Chapman, the woman rumoured to be Meghan Markles favourite facialist, tells us a similarly cautionary tale. Remember a tattoo is permanent, she says. The colour changes as the pigment fades and often will turn red-toned as it lifts through the skin. As with any tattoo, applying ink to your skin comes with risks such as allergies but also the challenges of removal if you dont like them. This is not a decision to take lightly because of a trend as it cant be washed off! Meghan Markle: The Duchess of Sussex - style file 1 /110 Meghan Markle: The Duchess of Sussex - style file October 25, 2018 Meghan Markle in Nadi, Fiji on October 25, 2018 Getty Images May 8, 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex with their baby son PA June 8, 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the Trooping of the Colour PA November 11, 2019 The Duchess of Sussex wore a 1,500 Stella McCartney coat at the annual Remembrance Sunday memorial Getty Images March 2021 Harpo Productions January 07, 2020 The Duke And Duchess Of Sussex Visit Canada House, where the Duchess wore a Massimo Dutti slip skirt in an all-brown outfit Getty Images November 9, 2019 Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, arrived in bespoke Erdem Getty Images November 7, 2019 Prince Harry and Duchess of Sussex at The Fields of Remembrance in Westminster Abbey Jeremy Selwyn October 25, 2019 Meghan, The Duchess of Sussex and Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex attend a roundtable discussion on gender equality with The Queens Commonwealth Trust (QCT) and One Young World at Windsor Castle Jeremy Selwyn October 22, 2019 Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends the One Young World Summit Opening Ceremony at Royal Albert Hall Getty Images October 2, 2019 Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visits a township with Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex to learn about Youth Employment Services Getty Images October 1, 2019 The Duchess of Sussex visiting Action Aid, a gender based violence education club in Johannesbur PA October 1, 2019 Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, arrives to meet academics and students during a roundtable discussion on female access to higher education with the Association of Commonwealth Universities, at the University of Johannesburg Reuters September 25, 2019 Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visits Woodstock Exchange, a women founders/social entrepreneurs event during her royal tour of South Africa with Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex Getty Images September 25, 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex along with their son Archie meet with Archbishop Desmond Tutu and Mrs Tutu at their legacy foundation in Cape Town PA September 24, 2019 Meghan, Duchess of Sussex visits Waves for Change, an NGO supporting local surf mentors to provide mental health services to vulnerable young people living in under resourced communities, with Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex (not pictured) at Monwabisi Beach, in Cape Town, South Africa Reuters September 24, 2019 Meghan Markle, Duchess of Sussex, attends a reception for young people, community and civil society leaders at the Residence of the British High Commissioner in Cape Town, South Afric Reuters September 23, 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex, Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, visit Nyanga township, on the first day of their African tour in Cape Town, South Africa Reuters September 12, 2019 Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrives to launch the Smart Works capsule collection Getty Images September 07, 2019 Meghan (R), Duchess of Sussex attends the Women's Singles final match between Serena Williams of the United States and Bianca Andreescu of Canada on day thirteen of the 2019 US Open Getty Images July 7, 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the christening of their son Archie Chris Allerton July 4, 2019 The Duchess of Sussex at Wimbledon Championships PA June 29, 2019 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex at the New York Yankees vs Boston Red Sox baseball game PA March 11, 2019 At a Commonwealth Day Youth Event Getty Images March 11, 2019 At the Commonwealth Service Getty Images March 8, 2019 Attending the Queen's Commonwealth Trust Getty Images March 5, 2019 At the fiftieth anniversary of the investiture of the Prince of Wales Getty Images February 25, 2019 At a reception with King Mohammed VI of Morocco Getty Images February 24, 2019 At a reception hosted by the British Ambassador to Morocco Getty Images February 23, 2019 At Casablanca Airport in Morocco Getty Images January 30, 2019 At the National Theatre Getty Images January 16, 2019 At Cirque du Soleil Getty Images January 16, 2019 During a visit to the Mayhew Getty Images January 14, 2019 During a visit to Birkenhead Town Hall Getty Images December 25, 2018 At the Christmas Day Church service Getty Images December 10, 2018 At the British Fashion Awards Getty Images October 26, 2018 At the Australian Geographic Society Awards Getty Images October 25, 2018 Meghan and Prince Harry attend a state dinner in Tonga Getty Images October 23, 2018 Meghan and Harry in Fiji Getty Images October 28, 2018 Meghan and Harry attending an evening reception at Government House in Wellington Getty Images October 27, 2018 At the Invictus Games Sydney Getty Images October 23, 2018 Attending a state dinner in Fiji Getty Images October 24, 2018 Meghan visits the University of the South Pacific Getty Images October 19, 2018 Meghan and Harry visit Bondi Beach Getty Images October 16, 2018 On the couple's royal tour of Sydney Getty Images October 12, 2018 At the wedding of Princess Eugenie of York to Jack Brooksbank Getty Images July 11, 2018 Visiting Croke Park, Ireland Getty Images July 10, 2018 During a royal tour of Ireland PA July 10, 2018 At the RAF centenary service PA July 9, 2018 At the christening of Prince Louis PA July 5, 2018 At Your Commonwealth Youth Challenge reception Getty Images June 26, 2018 At the Queen's Young Leaders Awards Ceremony Getty Images June 19, 2018 At day one of Royal Ascot Getty Images June 14, 2018 During her first engagement to Cheshire with Her Majesty The Queen Getty Images May 22, 2018 At The Prince of Wales' 70th Birthday Patronage Celebration wearing the Goat Flavia Dress Getty Images May 19, 2018 The Duke and Duchess of Sussex attend an evening reception at their wedding Getty Images April 23, 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at a memorial service at St Martin-in-the-Fields PA April 21, 2018 The couple attend a reception for Invictus Games at Australia House AFP/Getty Images April 21, 2018 Prince Harry and Meghan Markle arrive at the Royal Albert Hall to attend a star-studded concert to celebrate the Queen's 92nd birthday Getty Images April 19, 2018 At a Women's Empowerment reception at the Royal Aeronautical Society Getty Images April 18, 2018 At a reception with delegates from the Commonwealth Youth Forum during the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre Getty Images April 6, 2018 At the team trials for the Invictus Games Sydney 2018 at the University of Bath Sports Training Village in Bath Reuters March 23, 2018 Visiting the Titanic Belfast Getty March 23, 2018 Attending an event to mark the second year of youth-led peace-building initiative Amazing the Space PA March 12, 2018 At a Commonwealth Day Service at Westminster Abbey AFP/Getty Images March 8, 2018 At an International Women's Day event at Millennium Point in Birmingham PA March 8, 2018 At an International Women's Day event at Millennium Point in Birmingham PA February 13, 2018 At Edinburgh Castle, during a visit to Scotland AFP/Getty Images February 13, 2018 With Prince Harry during their visit to Scotland AFP/Getty Images February 1, 2018 Attending the Endeavour Fund Awards ceremony Getty Images January 18, 2018 At Cardiff Castle during a visit to Wales Getty Images January 9, 2018 Arriving to visit Reprezent Radio AFP/Getty Images December 25, 2017 At the royals Christmas Day Church service Getty Images December 1, 2017 On an official visit to Nottingham with Prince Harry Getty Images November 27, 2017 With Prince Harry at the official photocall to announce the engagement Getty Images September 25, 2017 With Prince Harry at a Wheelchair Tennis match during the Invictus Games Getty Images September 23, 2017 At the Opening Ceremony of the 2017 Invictus Games PA July 14, 2016 At the 'Today' show in New York MediaPunch/Rex Features May 20, 2016 At the pARTy! - celebrating 25 years of P.S. ARTS Getty Images April 27, 2016 At Glamour's Women Of The Year awards in New York Getty Images March 17, 2016 At AOL Build Speaker Series Startraks Photo/Rex Features November 2, 2015 At the 12th annual CFDA/Vogue Fashion Fund Awards Getty Images June 24, 2015 At NBC Universal Summer Press day MediaPunch/Rex Features May 14, 2015 At the 2015 NBCUniversal Cable Entertainment Upfront Getty Images March 10, 2015 At the Step It Up For Gender Equality event Getty Images February 13, 2015 On her way to MADE Fashion Week Rex Features February 13, 2015 At the Wes Gordon runway show during MADE Fashion Week Getty Images October 28, 2014 At the Elton John AIDS Foundation gala Getty Images October 1, 2014 At RELAIS & CHATEAUX 60th Anniversary Guest Chef Dinner Launch Getty Images September 5, 2014 At an exclusive preview of the Marchesa Voyage for ShopStyle collection Getty Images February 8, 2014 At the Herve Leger By Max Azria fashion show during New York Fashion Week Getty Images January 22, 2014 At ELLE's Annual Women in Television Celebration Getty Images November 19, 2013 At the London Global Gift Gala at ME Hotel Getty Images November 11, 2013 At the world premier of 'The Hunger Games: Catching Fire' in Leicester Square AFP/Getty Images October 2, 2013 At the Gala Tribute for Cate Blanchett during the 51st New York Film Festival Getty Images September 11, 2013 At the Annual Charity Day Hosted By Cantor Fitzgerald And BGC Getty Images September 10, 2013 At the Novak Djokovic Foundation New York dinner Getty Images September 10, 2013 At the Tory Burch fashion show during New York Fashion Week Getty Images September 8, 2013 At the Tracy Reese show during New York Fashion Week MediaPunch/Rex Features September 7, 2013 At the Herve Leger By Max Azria fashion show during New York Fashion Week Getty Images June 16, 2013 At the 2013 MuchMusic Video Awards Getty Images May 16, 2013 At the USA Network 2013 Upfront Event Getty Images January 26, 2013 At the Entertainment Weekly Pre-SAG party Getty Images January 24, 2013 At the ELLE's Women in Television Celebration Getty Images January 13, 2013 At NBC Universal's 70th Annual Golden Globe Awards after party Getty Images September 11, 2012 At the FINCA Canada Fundraiser At TIFF 2012 during the Toronto International Film Festival Getty Images September 5, 2012 At the Rising Stars: 2012 Producers Ball during the 2012 Toronto International Film Festival Getty Images February 15, 2012 At the USA Network's and The Moth's Storytelling Tour Getty Images August 26, 2010 At the Some Kind-a Gorgeous Style and Beauty Lounge at the Chateau Marmont Getty Images September 18, 2009 At the DPA pre-Emmy Gift Lounge at the Peninsula Hotel Getty Images So, for anyone with face freckle regrets, how do you get them off? Turns out laser removal, which is painful and not cheap, is the only option (other than waiting and hoping they fade over the years). But even laser is also not without its complications, says Giles. On darker skin types, like Meghans for example, laser would be wholly inappropriate because the laser would take the pigment out of her skin, she explains. You could end up with bleached spots or hyperpigmentation of some sort. Yeesh. So, the moral of the story is you gotta be damn sure. Permanent makeup can make the most incredible, realistic-looking freckles, Giles enthuses, but youve just got to be really sure you want them because theyre going to be there for a really long time. Y ou could hear the champagne corks popping over Watford. As that noble towns Grove hotel hosts the Founders Forum today, known to the great and good as Davos for Tech, Theresa May is finally relenting on her obsession with keeping bright foreign IT workers out of the country. No industry has been held back as much as technology by the Prime Ministers myopic restrictions on Tier 2 skilled worker visas for people outside the EU. Londons tech scene is the hottest in the world outside San Francisco. Yet it suffers a woeful lack of staff to cope with its growth. The employment websites say it all: currently in the Greater London area there are ads for more than 25,000 tech vacancies. Without enough Brits to fill these roles, there have been few times in history when we have so needed skilled foreign workers. Worries about Brexit have kept many European techies away. Berlin, Amsterdam and even Paris are seen as better options. That means we have to look further afield for candidates to get the job done. Tomorrow, the Home Office will announce plans to take NHS workers out of the 20,700 allocation of Tier 2 visas, freeing up thousands for the tech worlds skilled employees. Just what the doctor ordered. But its not just the programmers, data analysts and developers we need. If we really want to thrive as a tech nation, we should be bending backwards to encourage the brightest company founders here too: precisely the kind of superbrain entrepreneurs who are in attendance at the Founders Forum today. And they are a veritable rainbow of nations: Chinese, Indians, Turks, Russians, Japanese, Americans, Canadians. All have created big, global businesses offering high-paid jobs and paying big taxes. Why wouldnt we want them to set up shop here? The relaxation of the Tier 2 regime follows yesterdays launch of start-up visas for just this breed of tycoon. Under these plans, UK tech investors such as incubators, venture capital funds and accelerators will be able to sponsor foreign entrepreneurs visa applications, making it quicker and easier for the Home Office to process them. More great news. Having seen the Government finally heeding businesses calls, it would seem churlish to chide it for not doing enough. But given the expansion of Londons tech economy and the lack of EU folks coming here, its certain that the new visas now being freed up will soon all be taken. The next step should be to increase the Tier 2 limit until we are at a level that truly makes supply meet demand, at least for the decade or so it will take for us to grow our own tech talent. Then lurks the bigger issue: how we treat EU workers post-Brexit. T HE chairman of gold miner Petropavlovsk on Wednesday wrote to the Financial Conduct Authority demanding it investigates anonymous overseas shareholders agitating to remove his board. Failure to launch a full investigation jeopardises the global reputation of London as a place to do business, mining veteran Ian Ashby claims. London-listed Petropavlovsk, which mines for gold in Russia, has been in a messy battle between current and former directors. Three months ago, two new shareholders, CABS Platform and Slevin, appeared on the share register and added their support to a plot by other minority shareholders to demand the board be ousted at the companys AGM on June 29. The activists AGM resolutions demand the board be replaced by three of their own choice of directors. Ashby has written to FCA chairman Charles Randell, saying the board has attempted to discover who is behind CABS and Slevin which are based in Gibraltar and Anguilla respectively but to no avail. Those demanding his board quit have constructed a series of offshore shell companies and trusts as an impenetrable veil of secrecy, he said. Citing reports in the Russian press, he says there is a risk 24% shareholder Kenges Rakishev could be acting in the interests of a Chechen oligarch whose efforts two years ago to merge his gold company with Petropavlovsk were rejected by shareholders. Posted on: June 14, 2018 1:11 PM The Archbishop of Cape Town has welcomed a decision by South Africas Constitutional Court which will make it easier for victims of sexual violence to seek justice. A statute of limitation in South Africa prevented prosecutions for sexual offences other than rape, if the alleged offence occurred more than 20 years earlier. Today, the Constitutional Court struck down that law, saying it was inconsistent with the countrys constitution. Giving judgment, the lead judge, Zondi AJ, said: of pivotal importance to the case before us is this: that the systemic sexual exploitation of woman and children depends on secrecy, fear and shame. Too often, survivors are stifled by fear of their abusers and the possible responses from their communities if they disclose that they had been sexually assaulted. This is exacerbated by the fact that the sexual perpetrator . . . is in a position of authority and power over them. They are threatened and shamed into silence. These characteristics of sexual violence often make it feel and seem impossible for victims to report what happened to friends and loved ones let alone state officials. Combined with this is the frequent impact of deeply-located self-blame, which . . . disables the victim from appreciating that a crime has been committed against her for which the perpetrator, and not she, is responsible. All these features of survival of sexual trauma make it rational to be reluctant to report and to avoid reporting. And this is before even considering the effect of rape trauma syndrome, the now recognised patterns of emotional, physical, cognitive and behavioural disturbances that approximately one in three survivors of sexual assault develop. Even if a survivor is fully aware that she was abused, she naturally weighs up the possibility of reprisals from the perpetrator together with the possible lack of support from the police and statistically small eventuality that reporting will actually, eventually, result in a conviction in a criminal court. The Constitutional Court gave Parliament 24 months to amend the relevant sections of the Criminal Procedure Act 51 of 1977 and the Criminal Law (Sexual Offences and Related Matters) Amendment Act 2007. The Archbishop of Cape Town, Thabo Makgoba, welcomed the ruling and urged Parliament to act quickly to remedy the injustice which has prevented survivors of abuse from pressing charges. He said: I welcome in particular the Courts recognition that survivors of sexual assault have often not reported offences at the time they were committed for fear of their abusers or concern over the possible responses from their communities. This new development in criminal law comes as our Church also takes action to make it easier for survivors of abuse to bring charges under church law. Church lawyers have recommended to me that we need to make it easier for complainants to access the process laid down under Canon Law and that we need to provide more support for them during the process. They are also reviewing how the Church can prevent sexual abuse and harassment and how it can initiate early intervention in such cases, including providing support services, a helpline and crisis and survivor support. B lue chip engineer Rolls-Royce will take the axe to 4600 white-collar jobs over the next two years in the biggest workforce shake-up at the FTSE 100 giant for nearly two decades. The airplane engine-maker will shed about two-third of the roles in Britain, mostly at its Derby headquarters, and the rest overseas, removing around three to four layers of Rollss bloated management structure. Around a third of the job losses will occur over the next six months, with the rest completed by mid-2020. The lay-offs take the tally of jobs cuts under chief executive Warren East to nearly 10,000 since he took charge in 2015, although that doesnt include new hires. East said: Rolls-Royce is at a pivotal moment in its history. We have been doing aircraft engines for the past 100 years; we want to be doing similar things for the next 100 years. We have world-class tech in Rolls-Royce. Were just not a world-class business to go alongside it. Management and support functions, such as HR, legal, finance and marketing, will bear the brunt of the cuts but manufacturing jobs will be protected. Its London headquarters at Buckingham Gate, where it shares a floor with Gucci-owner Kering, also faces the chop as it seeks cheaper office space. Rolls-Royce will pursue voluntary redundancy but East said he could not rule out compulsory layoffs. Costs associated with redundancy will be 500 million over three years. He also stressed the cuts, which will save 400 million a year by 2020, were designed to improve the business rather than please cost-conscious shareholders. However, the City was pleased with the move sending shares up 22.6p, or around 2.7%, to 851.2p. Rolls-Royce, which has 55,000 staff worldwide with about 26,000 in the UK, will host a capital markets day for investors in the City on Friday to map out more details. The business has up to 11 layers of management between shop floor engineers and the chief executive whereas rivals content themselves with between six and nine. US consultants Alvarez & Marsal masterminded the restructuring after being hired earlier this year. The headcount reduction unveiled today is the biggest single lay-off round since 2001 when the 9/11 attack cut demand for aircraft engines. More than 2500 jobs were slashed in 2015 with a further 1800 cuts from the marine division in 2016. The shake-up coincides with an ambitious plan to double Roll-Royces production of wide-body engines to 600 a year. However, it is facing issues on a batch of 1000 Trent engines supplied to Boeing 787s, which it is scrambling to fix. Also a former Rolls-Royce engineer was arrested under the Official Secrets Act last night over fears of a Chinese plot to gain access to secrets about the F-35 fighter jet plan. A n embattled High Street is far from out of the woods despite a surge in spending around the Royal Wedding and one of the hottest Mays for nearly a century, experts warned on Thursday. Buoyant retail sales were up 1.3% on the month as Britons wheeled out the barbecues, boosting food sales, while a rush to revamp summer wardrobes also prompted the biggest month-on-month jump in clothing and footwear sales for more than a year. The latest figures offer food for thought for Bank of England rate-setters pondering a potential August hike, following much weaker industrial production data earlier this week. But analysts warned that Mays strength was likely to be a one-off, while a host of retailers facing pressures such as rising business rates and online rivals are struggling to stay afloat. ING Banks James Smith said: We dont think retailers are out of the woods just yet. He added: Consumer confidence has picked up slightly, but remains low by historical standards, particularly when compared to Europe and the US, where in many cases shoppers are the most optimistic theyve been since the early 2000s. This is evident in the sales of bigger-ticket items... appetite for home improvements and furniture remains low. Savannah Resources currently up 12.26% to 15p following news of its scoping study for its Portuguese lithium project confirming that it has the potential to be a major European producer of spodumene lithium. U nilevers UK shareholders faced a headache on Thursday as the consumer goods giant admitted it is extremely unlikely to remain in the FTSE 100. Investors have been on tenterhooks since March, when Unilever which has been based in London and Rotterdam for nearly a century, picked the latter city for its sole headquarters. Parts of the Square Mile feared the Marmite-to-Dove soap maker would be delisted from the blue-chip index. Today, at a Deutsche Bank presentation in Paris, the firms finance chief Graeme Pitkethly said that after engaging extensively with FTSE Russell, his company is extremely unlikely to be included in the FTSE UK series. He added: We will be maintaining a premium listing in London and we would hope those investors who are affected have sufficient flexibility in their portfolios to continue to hold Unilever. Shares in the consumer goods giant plunged 181.5p, or 4.37%, to 3968.5p. Once it moves its headquarters to Rotterdam, it would be more likely to increase its weighting in Europes blue-chip index EuroStoxx. The firm, which is also behind Domestos bleach and Magnum ice creams, has argued that the move will make its governance more transparent and make it easier to take part in major mergers and acquisitions. However, exiting the blue-chip index, of which Unilever was one of the original members in 1984, may mean the stock is less likely to be included in UK fund managers portfolios. The move would put it out of the remit of FTSE 100 tracker funds. Top 10 shareholder, Columbia Threadneedle Investments, said earlier this year it was disappointed by Unilevers lack of engagement with shareholders ahead of its decision to restructure, particularly in view of the likely impact on its premium listing in London. Fewer than 30 of the original members of the FTSE 100 remain part of it. In another blow for the Square Mile today, Pitkethly also revealed in his presentation that sales growth in the first half is likely to be below the full-year forecast range of 3% to 5%. The firm was hit by a transport strike in Brazil which will cuts sales by 150 million (132 million). Pitkethly said: In a business of our size and scale, speedbumps like the Brazil strikes can happen and we tend to deal with them very effectively when they do. We expect that inventories and the supply pipeline in Brazil will refill over quarter three and quarter four of this year. Unilever has been under the spotlight after last year proved tumultuous. It spent much of the period reviewing the business after rebuffing a shock $143 billion (100 billion) takeover bid from Kraft Heinz. It has been attempting to prove to shareholders it is better off on its own and unveiled a 3.5 billion restructuring plan, made a series of acquisitions, and agreed a sale of its spreads business. A new play written in response to the Grenfell Tower fire is set to tour UK council estates later in the year. The Burning Tower by Helena Thompson will be staged as a collaboration between the Bush Theatre and S.P.I.D, a charity that creates community theatre on council estates. Its London appearance will be an interactive, site specific piece at Kensal House estate, near Grenfell Tower, running from September 18 to October 13. Inspired by interviews with local west London estate residents, the play explores the history of social housing and the huge shadow this tragedy has cast. It follows Sarah and Em, two Living History youth ambassadors who have invited the audience to view their presentation on the local heritage of social housing, when everything falls into darkness and Sarah starts to panic. Prior to its run at Kensal House, the show will tour estates in Birmingham, Newcastle-upon-Tyne and Nottingham. E ighty-five thousand people applied to be on Love Island this year... More than double the number of applicants who applied to Oxbridge. What has happened to us? asked the internet. Duh, replied the internet, arguing with itself as usual. Have you seen how much Kem earned last year? 1.2 million. Sunning yourself in Mallorca for eight weeks is a smarter investment than racking up three years worth of debt. At least, it is if you are young and gorgeous. If 2018 is the year of Actual, Real Diversity, then where are the spin-offs? Wheres Love Island for Mingers, or Love Island for Recent Middle-Aged Divorcees? Given the first episode of season 4 was watched by a record 2.9m viewers, surely theres an appetite for more. Its all well and good watching Hayley pronounce things interestinger and smirking as Wes tells Laura that her eyes are daft, but think how much more poignant the show could be if all the contestants werent quite so young and giddy. REX/Shutterstock Some might say you can learn nothing from a programme on which people say things like, I need a female fish to come and unravel my rainbow, but theyd be wrong. Certainly, older viewers who havent been single since Cold Feet was first screened will learn a lot about modern courtship. Things have been finessed since the Nineties: instead of lunging for your breasts, men now work out whether a woman likes them by trying to gauge it with their knee a little bit, according to one male contestant. The male appendage is no longer a cock: its a ginormous thing, a phrase imbued with more coyness than you might expect from a female contestant with the confidence to spend eight weeks in raffia wedges and a string bikini. They might be getting more sex, but beneath the oiled limbs and lasered teeth, theyre all as confused and neurotic as the rest of us. Love Island: I hate it but I love it but I hate it. Steep descent Everyone knows that in summer your drinking habits change. Rose replaces red, Pimms replaces rum and tequila shots replace nope, still doing those. But what of those dreary daytime occasions when propriety requires you to order a soft drink? Enter, stage left, the iced tea. Ooh, I fancy an iced tea. I havent had one yet this summer, someone will always say in mid June, as though not having had one is some kind of grave, irreparable oversight. Theres a reason you havent had one, sweetie. Iced tea is bogging. Its just cold tea, minus the milk, which is the only thing that makes hot tea palatable in the first place. To this bitter effluent, drinks companies seem to have decided it would be a good idea to add lemon, peach or raspberry, aka disinfectant, deodorant or bubble bath. #Lifehack: save yourself 2.95 by simply taking some cold dishwater with you in a plastic bottle. Alamy Stock Photo Special ops M idday on a mild Saturday, casually dressed in jeans and button-down shirts, waiters whisper through a crowd of party-goers in a sprawling west London flat. Their trays are laden with kombucha champagne: non-alcoholic, gingery and effervescent in an unpleasant, medicinal way, it tastes, I realise, like spicy Alka-Seltzer. All around, however, people are sipping enthusiastically as they make conversation. The crowd sober, clear-eyed and jovial seems an odd mix. There are about 30 of us; in one corner, a designer perches on a velvet chaise with the head of marketing for a mental-health tech start-up. Hedge-fund managers chat to tech execs about the crypto bubble; a food entrepreneur, an independent publisher and two south London-based artists laugh among one another. Other than the fact that no one is above the age of 40, the only thing we have in common is that we are here on the promise of a psychedelic adventure. Share in the positive vibes and healing energy. Re-stoke your creative fires, read the invite. Then, in small print: Strictly no other substances. I was intrigued. Illustrations by Michelle Thompson Sorry were west, the host, Lotte, says. She squeezes my arm as we ascend a spiral staircase to a smaller room with a dazzling modern artwork on one wall. But this apartment was too perfect. I blink twice at what appears to be a piece by a very famous contemporary artist. Its real, she says, nodding. The flat has been hired specially for the party and particularly, it seems, because of the artworks. Itll look really great when everyones on the trip later, she tells me. Lotte, vegan and alcohol-free for more than a year, works for a global beauty brand. This is the second party she has hosted where guests have been invited to expand their minds with hallucinogens such as acid, magic mushrooms and 2CB (tablets that are, effectively, a cross between ecstasy and LSD). Lotte was, she tells me, inspired after visiting a west-London holistic practitioner who underpins meditation and energy work with biannual psychedelic retreats in the Cotswolds. While not strictly legal, the retreats inspire such devotion in the attendees that it renders the NDAs (to protect the identities of the guests, not of the organisers) almost pointless. Its such a lovely little community, Lotte tells me. And you leave feeling very centred. I wanted to create that same atmosphere here in town, so it didnt feel like such a commitment. Dr Robin Carhart-Harris Psychedelics have been making a quiet comeback. Fifty years since flower children were tuning in and dropping out, LSD and psilocybin have been co-opted by a new generation: urban, capitalist, successful. They have memberships to boutique gyms and work in industries where productivity is prized far above more ephemeral things such as peace and love. But despite being highly educated, theyre also wilfully blind to both the illegality of their actions and the potential dangers of these substances; anxiety, delusions and paranoia are commonplace if theyre misused on a short-term basis while frequent and heavy use of LSD can lead to psychosis and recurrent hallucinations long after users stop taking the drug. I truly believe that its helping me to be a better businessman, says Steven, who has been micro-dosing acid (where a sub-perceptive amount of the drug is taken every few days, he says) for almost a year. Hes the co-founder of a property company and met Lotte at the Cotswolds retreat. I had a heavy year work-wise and I think the acid has allowed me to tap into an extra 10 per cent. I dont feel a huge difference, but Im less reactive, more open and more in tune with others around me. In real terms? I suppose Im less angry, basically. For this new breed, the goal isnt to check out, but to hack the minds potential with the help of a little chemical uplift. Illustrations by Michelle Thompson Dr Robin Carhart-Harris, head of one of the few psychedelic research groups in the world at Imperial College London, agrees that they can be powerful agents for enhancing performance. Hes been conducting functional magnetic resonance imaging experiments into the impact of psychedelics on the brain for almost 10 years. People report feeling somehow reconnected, within themselves to their emotions but also to other people, he says. And even to some kind of higher cosmic order. He theorises that this is down to the fact they allow the brain centres dedicated to emotion, and those dedicated to rational thought, to connect in ways they normally wouldnt. They prompt more harmonious interplay between these systems, resetting us to a mode of functioning thats more natural and more akin to the rest of the natural world, he says. The benefits can be an increase in creativity, a heightened feeling of contentment and some people report a better understanding of their place in the cosmic order. In therapeutic terms, I actually believe psychedelics can be a more holistic treatment for disorders such as depression than, say, SSRIs. But its not just the renaissance in psychedelic research that has improved their standing among a certain higher stratum of millennial. Steven Kotler is a journalist and author, whose recent Pulitzer Prize-nominated tome, Stealing Fire, looks at the modern rebranding of these drugs. I think it has been happening slowly for a number of years, he tells me during a crackly Skype call. It is only 5am in LA but he has already been awake for an hour. Steve Jobs routinely told people that doing acid was one of the most impactful experiences of his life. Thats quite an endorsement. From there you can see a reverence for mind-altering substances spread into Silicon Valley then, via Burning Man, outwards to the rest of the world. I guess were in this age of acceleration, right? And the human brain is not good at processing change at this speed or on this scale. So anything we can do to keep up, were doing. Its a sentiment I hear echoed again and again at the party: that used correctly, these drugs, some of which are synthetic, make one guest more creative, another more emotionally stable, a third more altruistic and more connected to her partner. And far from seeing it as a nefarious weekend activity, many count it as part of a holistic approach to mental and physical wellbeing. There is no mention of the fact that these chemicals can do damage to the psyche that can never be undone. I think theres a massive distinction to be made between substances that allow you to experience the full spectrum of your consciousness and those that just give you a false high, says Rex, an early-30s senior developer I meet at the party, gesturing with his glass. He is one of the few people drinking. No ones here to get off their face, it means a lot more than that. He has never taken drugs, he assures me. But I dont count the hallucinogens as drugs in the traditional sense. I did dabble with modafinil [a smart drug that is used to treat narcolepsy and has been shown to improve concentration], but it made me feel completely disconnected from the rest of my life. He finds that while, on the surface, the crowd at the party seems an odd mix (There are certainly people here Id never have met otherwise, he says), there is a common love of what he calls big-idea thinking. People are here for different reasons, he says, but we meet up and discuss interesting dilemmas, explore ideas, talk about real-world problems. Then he adds, a little incongruously: The fact that we buy everything online [on the dark web] makes a difference. No ones calling a shady dealer at 4am. Steve Jobs / Bloomberg via Getty Images While, in principle, I understand his reasoning, the more self-affirming conversations I overhear the more its hard not to roll my eyes. Any caner (even the one calling a shady dealer at 4am) will tell you that their way of partying is, like, totally cool, not even that bad for you. Rexs words remind me of something Dr Sarah E Johns, senior lecturer in evolutionary anthropology at the University of Kent, once told me about our modern attitude to food: Theres a prestige and morality that never existed before Im eating clean, healthy food thats organically produced, locally sourced and small-batch. Its an anti-consumerist mentality. And these choices somehow make you morally superior. Its hardly surprising that the generation who moralised food is doing the same with its class As. But isnt this just like eating cake made from avocados and calling it health food? Wishful thinking and clever rebranding? Even as the psychedelics take effect, many of my conversations at the party come back to the scientific studies that reaffirm their benefits, as if everyone is verbally patting themselves on the back. But as Carhart-Harris himself tells me, People can experience moments of crisis on these drugs, it is actually quite common. I always want to emphasise that psychedelics are powerful substances, and because theyre powerful they can be very dangerous. I decide not to partake this time and am handed my coat by a waiter as I leave. Will you guys try it? I ask, gesturing to the other staff, most of whom are now standing idly by the bar. God, no, the waiter laughs. Id rather just have a drink. Outside, it is still daylight when I leave. Peoples names have been changed to protect privacy H ome is Islington, with my husband Ben. I moved from west to north for love. From the outside its a modest Georgian terraced house you have no idea that there is a double height, top-lit space I designed behind it. Best thing a cabbie has ever said to you? You know that funny oval shaped building at Lords cricket ground? Thats my favourite piece of architecture. Alamy Stock Photo Last play you saw? My son Josef took me to The Brothers Size at the Young Vic. It was an astounding, very physical piece of theatre I came out moved and elated. Brilliant performances by Sope Dirisu and Jonathan Ajayi, and their duetting of Otis Reddings Try a Little Tenderness was sublime. If you could buy any London building, which would it be? Apsley House, No 1 London. When driving past with my young son, we used to fantasise about it being our home. Its a spectacular site with commanding views across Hyde Park Corner. Inside, I would make it all about modernity to counterbalance the grandeur of its exterior. Apsley House / Copyright Historic England, Lucy Ever had a run-in with a policeman? I once shadowed Chief Superintendent Dal Babu. We drove the wrong way up one-way streets to an emergency and checked in with a police station to discuss a gang situation. What is your biggest extravagance? Starched linen napkins at breakfast, lunch and dinner. Who is your hero? Richard Rogers (below). He was my boss, then my mentor and now a dear friend. His intellectual approach, his knowledge of history, his ability to inspire and his humanity have been a big influence on me. He told me if you create the right culture in your office, the work will look after itself and hes right. Richard Rogers / Ray Tang/REX/Shutterstock Which shops do you rely on? Santa Maria Novella for Acqua di Sicilia and Tabacco Toscano eau de colognes (left). I wear one on the wrist and the other on the back of the neck a great tip from the sales assistant. Also Michanicou Bros in Holland Park for fruit and veg, and for reminding me of my days in Notting Hill. Most iconic Londoner? Like most Londoners, Lord Michael Young was born elsewhere but made the city his home. He was an innovative thinker who against all odds brought many of his ideas to life: the Open University, NHS Direct and after-school clubs. Best meal youve had? Dinner at Farang, a Thai restaurant with a British chef that has popped up in an Italian taverna near the old Arsenal stadium. This bizarre mix makes for the best Thai food (above) outside of Bangkok and its eye-wateringly spicy. What are you up to at the moment? If you are planning a trip to Stockholm, we can highly recommend a restaurant called Pom & Flora for brunch. Its a pretty little neighbourhood spot with a bountiful central counter piled high with pastries, muffins, flowers and tempting little things to buy. There is a menu dedicated to muesli and bircher, and one just for porridge, both of which change seasonally think saffron, cranberry and mascarpone porridge at Christmas. Then there are exciting-sounding egg dishes and the sweet menu: croissants with espresso and pistachios or the banana bread with home-made peanut butter and cardamom. This dish was inspired by a more recent trip to Stockholm when the Christmas porridge was replaced by something more refreshing. Bircher, also known as overnight oats, is incredibly easy to make and hugely useful for those with busy lives who dont have time to make breakfast in the morning. We like to make a large quantity to keep us going through the week (if the mixture looks like it has separated just give it a quick stir). You can top it with practically anything. We love poached fruit apricots and peaches are delicious at this time of year with a splash of yoghurt and a nut or seed butter. You could add some granola or roasted nuts for a bit of crunch; we can also recommend experimenting with bee pollen and flax seed or fresh berries and toasted coconut flakes, and even grated dark chocolate. Shady ladies: Jemima and Lucy sip champers in disguise Try different nut milks Lucy likes her bircher with mashed banana and hazelnut milk while Jemima often makes hers with cinnamon and almond milk or high quality cows milk (we like Ivy House Farm). This is a good way to tempt kids away from sugary cereals, too. Sweeten if necessary by adding grated apple or carrot to the mixture before you leave it overnight. Coconut bircher with poached nectarines and seed butter (makes 1 weeks worth breakfast) Ingredients For the bircher base 100g quinoa 1 litre coconut milk 1 cinnamon stick 100g oats 50g desiccated coconut 2 tsp ground cardamom Seeds of vanilla pod (or 1 tsp of vanilla extract) For the seed butter 100g sesame seeds 100g pumpkin seeds 100g sunflower seeds 1 tbsp maple syrup Large pinch of sea salt For the nectarines 300ml rose wine 200ml water 2 tbsp honey vanilla pod 8 nectarines, halved and destoned Method Start by making your bircher. Rinse the quinoa well under running water and put in a small pan. Cover with 100ml coconut milk and add a cup of water and the cinnamon stick. Bring to the boil and simmer for about 15 minutes or until cooked if the pan is going dry then top up with water. Drain and place in a bowl. Stir in the oats, desiccated coconut, cardamom and vanilla. Pour in the rest of the coconut milk, cover and refrigerate overnight. This can keep in the fridge for several days. For the seed butter, heat the oven to 180C. Place the seeds on a tray and roast for 5 minutes. Remove and whizz in the food processor for about 5 minutes, pushing the sides down with a spatula. Eventually it will start to go runny. Add the maple syrup and salt and whizz it again it will immediately go hard but keep whizzing until it turns into liquid again. Spoon into a jar. It can be stored for a couple of weeks. To make the nectarine topping, place the wine, water and honey in a pan. Slice the vanilla pod down the middle and scrape the seeds into the pan then add the pod, too. Boil for 2-3 minutes then add the nectarines and lower temperature to a soft simmer for 15-20 minutes; if it looks like there is too much juice left, remove the fruit and boil the liquid until reduced. You can keep the nectarines and juice in a container in the fridge for up to a week. A series of five alabaster portraits by Marina Abramovic lines the entrance to Masterpiece London, the extravaganza of collectible design, art and jewellery that returns to the Royal Hospital Chelsea. Viewed at one angle they appear to be abstract landscapes, but at another they show the performance artists face vividly contorted, her mouth agape as though screaming in horror. But dont take Five Stages of Maya Dance for an expression of art fair fatigue. If anything, the diverse and vibrant showing at Masterpiece makes fair-going more enjoyable than ever. The fairs modus operandi is its seamless juxtaposition of old and new, and nowhere is this more evident than the collaboration between American galleries Safani and Geoffrey Diner, which sees the formers ancient Egyptian, Greek and Roman antiquities contrasted with the latters 20th-century furniture, among them a sculptural wooden table and matching chairs by the George Nakashima. Likewise, Masterpiece veteran David Gill seems determined to show that great design knows no chronological boundaries. He uses 21st-century works among them a coral-like bronze bust by Michele Oka Doner and a whimsically upholstered armchair by Mattia Bonetti to create an interior like the home of Edward James (1907-84), famed patron of Dali and Giacometti. James illustrated how interiors can mix a Picasso with a Syrie Maugham, contemporary bookcases with period furniture, says Gill. I thought it was fitting to do this at Masterpiece, working around a pair of Maugham bookcases from his library. Hot on the heels of a major expansion in New York, contemporary design gallery R & Company is making its first appearance at the fair, assembling a solo presentation of glass artist Jeff Zimmerman. A range of organically formed vessels will be paired with three illuminated sculptures, each featuring handblown glass orbs clustered around a sensuously curved brass vine to mesmerising effect. Another newcomer, local gallerist Sarah Myerscough, has opted for a group presentation including a table and chairs (above) in scorched wood by John Makepeace and Peter Marigold and Tadanori Tozawas Cleft cabinets, made from different Japanese woods. While the textures and processes of the pieces are varied, they are united in their use of organic materials and creative manipulation of form. Ascetics may screech, Abramovic-style, at Masterpieces embarrassment of riches, but theres no denying that life is good in the material world. 28 Jun to 4 Jul (masterpiecefair.com) THE PERSON The youngest person ever and the first solo woman to design the Serpentine Pavilion, Frida Escobedo, 38, made her name with public architectural interventions, including an Aztec-inspired landscape at the V&A courtyard in 2015 and a monolithic timber platform for the Chicago Cultural Center last year. Her Serpentine project, opening on 15 June, will feature a reflecting pool enclosed by dark latticed walls, uniting architectural hallmarks from Britain and her native Mexico. (fridaescobedo.net; serpentinegalleries.org) THE EXPERIENCE The annual Great Architectural Bake Off, organised by hospitality design agency WATG, is always a highlight of the London Festival of Architecture. Leading practices including Zaha Hadid Architects, Squire & Partners, Make Architects and Wilkinson Eyre will be creating edible works of architecture this Saturday in Guildhall Yard, with results determined by a judging panel that includes architectural writer Peter Murray and The Great British Bake Off star Tom Hetherington. The event is open to the public. (londonfestivalofarchitecture.org) THE OBJECT Nest Labs, the Google-owned maker of intelligent thermostats and smoke alarms, releases a new video doorbell in the UK this month. Called Nest Hello, the product allows users to screen visitors to their front door on a phone screen, with an optional facial recognition system that can send customised alerts based on who it is. The doorbell also connects to Google Assistant-enabled speakers, bringing us yet another step closer to a fully intelligent home. 329 (nest.com/uk) THE BUILDING The new cultural home of Japan will be unveiled on Kensington High Street on 22 June. Overseen by Muji art director Kenya Hara and Wonderwall designer Masamichi Katayama, Japan House will showcase the best of Japanese design, art, technology and food, with the architectural draw being a spiral staircase at its heart. Comprising 51 steel steps and weighing 19.3 tonnes, the staircase was handmade in Japan over eight months and is a fitting opener to a cultural tour de force. (japanhouselondon.uk) C osta Coffee has just one-upped last years rainbow lattes by introducing recyclable rainbow cups to celebrate this years Pride month. These limited-edition cups are replacing the coffee chains signature red cups across the UK as part of its Pride celebrations. Jason Cotta, Costa Coffees Managing Director UK and Ireland, said in a statement: Our all-new rainbow cups are a fun way to celebrate Pride and reflect Costa Coffees values of equality, and diversity. We are passionate about championing team members rights to work in an inclusive, supportive environment. Were so proud of the achievements of the GLOW team and look forward to seeing them marching at the many of the Pride Parades across the UK. GLOW (Gay Lesbian Out at Whitbread) is a group at Costas parent company, Whitbread, that works to make sure all employers feel supported. Food. Bars. Going out. Delivered weekly Email Sign up Sign up I would like to be emailed about offers, event and updates from Evening Standard. Read our privacy notice {{message}} {{permutiveUid}} {{message}} While the cups are not yet available in London - and wont be until July 2 you can already buy then in Edinburgh and Chelmsford stores. W ith multiple treatment rooms, deluxe products and a friendly vibe, the Danai spa, based in the 5-star Danai Resort in Halkadiki, is a Greek treat that you need to book yourself into. Famous for Newly renovated for 2018, with an extensive list of treatments, its based in the heart of the resort and its key piece has to be the Cleopatra bath. For the Cleopatra experience, the gold-plated bath is filled with petals, milk, aromatherapy oils and honey just how she used to bathe apparently. Hero treatment Anti-ageing facials are the spa's forte and the The Purity of the Alps by Valmont is no exception. A biological lift and deep hydration face treatment, it is said to have great results in tissue exchanges and cellular rejuvenation. Danai's Cleopatra bath General vibe Friendly and knowledgeable. The staff are hands-on during the treatments, giving you recommendations when you ask for them. Afterwards you can wander around in your comfy robe and slippers, relax with a fruit tea or cucumber water on their relaxation beds or hop from sauna to steam room if you so desire. 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}} Products The Danai spa uses products from the Ligne St Barth and Valmont ranges. Both are 30-year-old family run cosmetic brands, which stands in line with the Danai resorts family-run theme. Ligne St Barth products, including the luxurious massage oils, are created on its Caribbean island and local ingredients are used to produce them. While the swiss brand Valmont are used around the world in many famous spas. The relaxtion room at Danai's spa The treatment I opted for the one-hour massage, where they used Valmont products - said to tone and enhance the skin. The full body massage was personalised - tailored to the sort of pressure and products I wanted - while also relaxing. They advised me to keep the products on for a couple of hours afterwards to reap the benefits of the oils. The next day my shoulders were knot free and my skin was super soft. They also have numerous spa packages, which can be taken over the course of your holiday. Plus, packages for detoxing and even one for anyone who has overdone it in the sun - the St Barth Sun Downer hydrates your skin again with aloe vera gel, coconut oil and melon mousse, helping sooth the skin and alleviates any skin irritations. You'll feel like a queen as you luxuriate in the steam room Verdict You could spend a whole day here swimming in the inside pool, having various treatments and relaxing in the saunas and spas. If making it to the actual spa feels like too much work on holiday, and youre staying at the resort, you can have a treatment in your room or on the beach. Youll leave feeling Pretty special and like youre walking on air. The staff are exceptional at pampering to your every need but also being invisible when you want to relax and take a moment for yourself. Details H iking is 2018's biggest fitness trend. Celebrities, such as Jessica Biel and Amanda Seyfried, are incorporating it into their daily health and fitness regimes, plus studies have shown that hiking has similar mental health benefits to yoga and meditation. Although, London yoga studios offer countless ways of immersing yourself into this ancient practise, they won't give you mountains, waterfalls and refreshing clean air. For those, I've found just the spot: the French Alps. Its much more than stunning scenery and adorable alpine animals. On a recent trip, I have never felt so grounded yet elevated before. Going on an eight-day wellness retreat has changed my views on vacationing. Sightseeing and lying on the beach are lovely, but not the only things that can take you out of your everyday life. Matching the intensity of hiking with the meditative effects of mindfulness has given me one of the best getaways ever. The location 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}} Guests can take part in daily guided hikes in the surrounding mountains The holiday in the French Alps is organised by Adventure Yogi. Its one of their several retreats in and out of the UK, including places like Morocco, Ibiza and Norfolk. Stepping out of the chalet in Sainte Foy, just a short drive from Bourg St. Maurice, youll see mountains all around you waiting to be explored. As the snowy slopes of the French Alps turn into blooming mountain trails and crystal clear blue glacial lakes, what once was a ski paradise in the winter will become a hiking haven in the summer. There are two options for getting to Sainte Foy. Either by plane to Geneva or by train to Bourg St Maurice. Theres a pick-up from the train station which is a 20-minute drive from the chalet. Or, if you choose to fly in to Geneva, theres a three-hour flight transfer to the accommodation. The retreat Sunrise yoga in the mountains is one of the highlights of the retreat The two main aspects of the retreat are hiking and yoga. Each day begins and ends with a 90-minute vinyasa, hatha or restorative yoga session closing with meditation. Plus, one early morning theres a hike up to high in the mountains for sunrise yoga. I couldnt believe the amazing energy one can gather from being outdoors until that Sunday morning. It changed the way I practice yoga and meditation and helped me fully embrace what mindfulness meant and how to get the most out of it. In between yoga, there are guided hikes each day in the surrounding trails, then a social dinner with a delicious gourmet vegetarian three-course meal and wine. Activities Azul blue glacial water gathers in reservoirs creating a stunning view Theres something for all guests, but none of the programmes are mandatory. The intensity of the hikes is suited for all fitness levels and during each trip youll encounter glacial lakes, breathtaking waterfalls, horses, marmots and even views of the snow-capped Mont Blanc. And, if youre seeking a little more adrenaline, you can choose from a variety of additional activities including paragliding, wild water rafting and hydrospeeding. What did I choose? I wanted to fly, so I signed up for paragliding and it was breathtaking. Both scary and spectacular at the same time. Most days are quite busy with activities, but theres still time for a massage and to relax in the hammock or stretch in the outdoor hot tub or sauna to steam away aches and pains of the long walks. The verdict Whether youre an adrenaline junkie or just looking for a vacation thats not your usual sit-back-hot-dog-legs-up getaway, this retreat checks all the boxes. Its an ideal combination of excitement, adventure and relaxation. The hikes and views are incredible. Honestly, the 90-minute yoga twice a day seemed too much at first, but by day three they flew right by. I realised that at the beginning I wasnt fully ready mentally. Once I immersed myself, however, it gave me the foundation of how I practice today. So, if you havent done yoga or dont know how to meditate, that shouldnt stop you because that was me, and Im grateful that it didnt hold me back. There are six weeks of holidays this year from July 18 to August 29. Prices range from 989pp to 1294. M ore than four out of five children convicted of carrying a knife have been persistently absent from school and played truant for long periods, an official report revealed today. The Ministry of Justice study also found that a similar proportion of offenders had been given a short term exclusion and that one in five had gone on to be permanently expelled. The report the first official analysis of the educational background of juvenile knife carriers also confirmed that exam results of those who carried blades were significantly lower than those of their peers. A higher proportion had special educational needs. The findings were intended to highlight some of the social causes fuelling the surge in knife crime, and will heighten concern about the role that absence from school plays in encouraging offending. Todays report said 83 per cent of children convicted of carrying a blade had been persistently absent from school. Meanwhile, a lower proportion of juvenile knife carriers achieved the key educational attainment levels during their school career, and those with more than one blade conviction performed even worse. The study highlighted the high level of exclusion but said that this did not prove a causal link between being ejected from school and committing knife crime. This was because few knife offences followed soon after an exclusion. By contrast, some of those excluded were ejected from school because of a blade offence, indicating that their criminal activity was a trigger for being kicked out, rather than the other way round. The report stated that 41 per cent of children convicted of knife possession offences were eligible for free school meals. But it said that this did not prove a direct connection, and pointed out that convicted knife carriers entitled to free school meals only represented one per cent of the overall number of children who qualified for them. T he Bishop of Kensington, Reverend Graham Tomlin, first found out about the horror unfolding in his borough when he awoke early on June 14 to a text from a local radio show asking for a comment on the fire. I didnt know what they were talking about, he said. But then, of course, I looked on Twitter and realised pretty quickly that this was a big deal. So I gathered members of my clergy and headed down to the base of the tower. The hours that followed, he said, were filled with scenes of chaos" and bewilderment. After offering support to families and firefighters on the ground, he went to St Clement Church, around the corner from the tower, which quickly became a point of contact for victims of the blaze. Support: The Bishop with the Mayor, Sadiq Khan, and emergency services shortly after the fire There is something about tragedy that brings people together, he said. There was an extraordinary sense in London of what can we do and there was a great sense of different faiths coming together, the community really did unite. Grenfell Tower and London landmarks illuminated on anniversary But as the days unfolded, and the death toll rose, Rev. Tomlin said the sense of bewilderment was replaced by anger. The community grieving for its loss in the spotlight of the worlds media expressed anger at the government and local councillors, blamed for not prioritising housing in this area - the poorer north of the borough. Silent march: A moving tribute to the victims of the Grenfell Tower disaster in the days after the blaze / AFP/Getty Images As time goes on the strain and trauma comes back and it turns into something more fractured, the Bishop said. Grenfell anniversary: Grandmother came out of retirement to help grieving community But anger is something you cannot live with for too long - it needs to be channelled into something. Rev. Tomlin, who has held the position of the Bishop for three years, said he hopes that the unity seen in the aftermath of the fire is something Londoners are able to learn from for the future. Donations: Volunteers helping at St Clement Church, which became a focal point for the community It is not always about looking backwards but instead looking forwards to see if we can find a better way of living side by side in London. After the fire we saw people reach out to their neighbours and forget about their own needs, this needs to be the way we live all the time in cities like London. I am Christian so of course I am hopeful this can happen - Christianity is about hope. Indeed within hours after the fire, local areas were inundated with donations and volunteers and, within days, the traumatised community was able to find within itself the strength to form support groups for families. Grenfell Tower fire: One year on One of the campaigns that that quickly rallied was Justice for Grenfell, a group of locals committed to pushing for inquiries and investigations into the wider cause of the blaze. Justice4Grenfell slams progress with powerful billboard campaign 1 /9 Justice4Grenfell slams progress with powerful billboard campaign The vans arrive at Grenfell Tower The billboards passing the Gherkin earlier Moving past St Paul's Cutting a dramatic path across the Thames The billboards parade through central London In front of the Houses of Parliament The vans made their way to Grenfell Tower The billboards called for greater action Making their way through central London Its spokeswoman, local teacher and artist Moyra Samuels, said the strength and unity seen in the aftermath of the fire has not faded a year on because, she believes, it is integral to the identity of this part of London. I think there is something very particular about this community, she said. Actually there was quite a strong sense of community before the fire. When footage of the burning building was shown to the inquiry, people watching broke down and fled from the room. Because of our history - the fact that actually we host [Notting Hill] carnival - we effectively open our area, our community, our doors to almost two million people. It shows something about the kind of community we are. She acknowledged, however, that the last 12 months has taken its toll on the area. J4G: Moyra Samuels, left, with Nicole Belfon, Yvette Williams & Judy Bolton of the Justice for Grenfell campaign group Its been long, we are a bit battle-weary, we are tired, she said. But at the same time we have all got a place where we are a lot stronger and determined to get to the truth. As a society Grenfell has held a mirror up and we need to look in that mirror. Not averting our gaze but looking squarely in the mirror to what our society has become and that is going to be uncomfortable. The community is taking steps to heal but the trauma is still incredibly raw. When footage of the burning building was shown, without warning, to the inquiry in May, people watching broke down and fled from the room some suffering panic attacks and one collapsing. Tributes have at the tower one year on / Jeremy Selwyn Both Rev. Tomlin and Ms Samuels said they were apprehensive about the press interest surrounding the anniversary, particularly in light of the response by residents attending the inquiry. Rev. Tomlin said: The inquiry is very important but for many people who are just beginning to put their lives back together this is bringing it all back. People talk about it taking five years to overcome a trauma so really one year is not very long. He added that, in the build up to the inquiry, the initial anger in a lot of people has slowly changed into something more like determination to get to the bottom of what happened. A sign criticising the Prime Minister at the scene of the blaze / Alex Lentati Ms Samuels agreed, saying that, despite the sadness, the community remained determined, to reveal the truth for the families involved "because they deserve that". A Paddington Bear statue popular with tourists and children in Portobello Road has been swiped by thieves in broad daylight. The 4ft-high, 30kg statue of the fictional Peruvian animal clutching a jar of marmalade and a suitcase was stolen from its home outside the London Tree House gift and toy store in Notting Hill on Monday afternoon. Schoolchildren are distraught by the theft of the bear, loved by residents and visitors alike, the shops owner Kenny Kaneko said. He has launched an appeal for the safe return of Paddington and put posters up outside his shop. He bought the rare Seventies statue on eBay eight years ago for a few hundred pounds, repainting its original colours and regularly repairing damage caused by the constant affection of passers-by who would pat it and treat it as a mascot for the famous market street. Kenny Kaneko runs the store from where the Paddington statue was stolen from Mr Kaneko, 49, said: I cant believe no one saw anything. The road was busy with school kids and the last deliveries of the day and suddenly hed just gone. Its empty without him. The children used to pat him on the way to school, he was the same height as some of them, its a sad loss. He was the Portobello Market mascot. Mr Kaneko urged those responsible for the theft to please look after this bear. He speculated that someone mistaking it for a charity moneybox, or a collector, could have been responsible and is convinced more than one person was involved because of the bears weight and their getaway in a car. Paddington has enjoyed a huge renaissance since author Michael Bonds books hit the big screen with the first of two movies in 2014. Mr Kaneko, whose stock includes a range of Paddington merchandise, said: It used to only be Americans and Australians who stopped to take their photo, now its European people too since the films. He had met Mr Bond, who died earlier this year at 91, and said the author knew of his statue and thoroughly approved. Mr Kaneko has temporarily replaced the missing statue with a cardboard cut-out. I have two MDF ex-cinema ones too, but theyre not the same they cant be hugged, he said. A photographer who lived metres from Grenfell Tower and spent three weeks documenting the fire today tells of the incredible spirit of unity one year after the tragedy which claimed 72 lives. Parveen Ali, 36, lived on Queensdale Crescent, just down the road from the site of the fire, and immediately rushed to help the community when it was struck by the tragedy in June last year. She took a series of powerful black-and-white photographs documenting the people who descended on the area to offer help. One year on, she has published her moving photos which, she says, display the best of British society uniting in the wake of a horrific event. Ms Ali said the first she heard about the fire was in the morning of June 14 when news sites were reporting the horrific events that had unfolded in the early hours. Donations: Collections build at St Clement church near the site of the fire / Parveen Ali I thought is this a dream? It looked like a dream, she said. I just couldnt believe what I was seeing. I got dressed and went to help and I could see the tower - with this thick, dark smoke - and police, the paramedics and the families families just crying their eyes out. I saw young girls saying my friend has died in there and screaming. It was quite a lot to take in. I felt helpless. The first day it was the most traumatic because there was so much going on until - so much happened so quickly in that day that it was like a year in one day. In every direction I was looking something was happening, something major going on. Arguments or conflict or people frightened or people crying, people screaming up at the building, people putting notices on cars saying this man have you seen him he is missing. Blaze: Firefighters spray water onto the Grenfell Tower block in the hours following the fire / REUTERS She immediately began helping with the relief effort by offering clothing, water and acting as a translator for some of the older members of the community for whom English was not their first language. Grenfell Tower fire: One year on After a few hours Ms Ali went back to her flat to retrieve her camera and begin taking photos. I felt that it was important for me to document this because it was such a tragic incident," she said. "And, at that point, I didn't know what was happening and why it was on fire so I thought they might be useful for someone at some point along the line. Volunteers: Helpers handing out water to locals / Parveen Ali Every opportunity I got I was taking pictures because it was so important it was part of what was happening and I also felt as an artist it is my own way of coping. The student, who moved down to London from Lancashire for work in 2010, first began photography as a means of coping with her depression three years ago. Since then she has focussed primarily on social and political issues and, before the Grenfell tragedy struck her neighbourhood, had travelled to Calais to take pictures of the refugee camp. Kensington: Shocked residents gather close to the building / Parveen Ali Her candid images taken in the hours after the fire show people taking collections of donations sent to the survivors of the fire, community members gathered together near the tower and volunteers joining together to get food. Ms Ali said her favourite images are one depicting four Muslim women holding boxes of donations and another showing all the boxes lined up outside St Clement church. Grenfell Tower and London landmarks illuminated on anniversary I had never seen so many donations in such a small place and so many people, she explained. If you look at that the picture there is every nationality there and every age group. Community: This is Parveen's favourite image because she said she find the unity 'beautiful' / Parveen Ali I just think it is very beautiful. When I look at these pictures they make me smile. When I think of Grenfell I could sit here for ages and feel so low but when I look at those photographs I find some form of healing." Seventy-two people died as a direct result of the fire and, 12 months on, the community is only just beginning to come to terms with the devastation caused. But Ms Ali hopes her images can bring about a sense of hope in the trauma. Being British myself there is so much negativity about racism and Brexit and, in a way, this was very British everyone coming together," she said. I felt like it was Britain at its best like: Forget our differences, this is a tragedy, lets get on with it and help each other. Boxes of donations are stacked up / Parveen Ali The photographer has scores more pictures she took in the three weeks after the fire, but has chosen to only publish a select few now that, she feels, will provide comfort to the wounded community. There are other photos as well but they are quite harrowing images they are not the community side of it I wanted to show, she said. As a whole collective I am going to do that later on next year it is too raw to be showing images like that with the inquiry going on. "I want to focus on something positive and maybe it will give somebody some hope because the community was amazing - it came together beautifully and differences were put aside. T housands of grieving community members, volunteers and campaigners will join together for a silent walk past the site of the Grenfell Tower a year on from the tragic fire. Silent walks have been held on the 14th of each month since the fire, giving people a quiet and dignified moment to reflect on the events of the early hours of June 14 2017. As London, and the UK, marks 12 months since the horrific blaze, 2,000 people are set to attend the vigil. Organisers have asked for the community to join in an evening of reflection for the one-year silent march. Traumatised: The community is encouraged to take part in the vigil and various events / PA In what has been the toughest year so far we have remained dignified and have remained united, the event page said. We ask that this silent walk is used to pay respects and to honour those no longer with us. We carry the memory with us on every walk and are keen to make this walk all about love and unity! Grenfell Tower fire: One year on Mourners will gather at 5.30pm at Maxilla walk, where there will be a candlelit vigil, before the walk sets of at 7pm. Mourners: The walk will begin with a candlelit vigil before setting off around the area near the tower / PA It will travel up Lancaster Road left onto Ladbroke Grove, finishing in Kensington Memorial Park where there will be a community Iftar the evening meal where Muslims observing Ramadan break their fast. The reflective event is one of a series planned to mark the one-year anniversary of the fire, which left 72 people dead. Grenfell anniversary: Grandmother came out of retirement to help grieving community The public inquiry has paused for a week to allow people time to reflect on the anniversary. Grenfell Memorial at St Paul's Cathedral - In pictures 1 /35 Grenfell Memorial at St Paul's Cathedral - In pictures The Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry attend the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service held at St Paul's Cathedral Getty Images Mourners leave after attending the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service at St Paul's Cathedral AFP/Getty Images Adele teary eyed and emotional sitting next to Marcus Mumford and Carey Mulligan during the the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service at St Paul's Cathedral BBC Maria Jafari bereaved daughter, speaking at Grenfell Tower memorial service at St Paul's Cathedral BBC Mourners hold white roses at the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service at St Paul's Cathedral BBC rince Harry, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Duchess of Cornwall and The Prince of Wales attend the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service at St Paul's Cathedral PA A banner at Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service at St Paul's Cathedral in London, to mark the six month anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire PA Mourners arrive at St Paul's cathedral for a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images Firefighters arriving for the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service at St Paul's Cathedral in London, to mark the six month anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire PA Guests arriving at Grenfell Tower Memorial at St Paul's Cathedral Jeremy Selwyn Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott arriving Jeremy Selwyn Prince Harry, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Duchess of Cornwall and The Prince of Wales attend the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service at St Paul's Cathedral PA A woman appears emotional as she leaves the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service at St Paul's Cathedral in London, to mark the six month anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire PA People hold photos and flowers as they leave after the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service at St Paul's Cathedral Jeremy Selwyn People gather on the steps after the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service at St Paul's Cathedral in London, to mark the six month anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire PA People hold photos and flowers as they leave after the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service at St Paul's Cathedral Jeremy Selwyn The Duchess of Cambridge leaves St Paul's Cathedral after a memorial service in honour of the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire REUTERS Adele leaves St Paul's Cathedral after a memorial service in honour of the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire Alan Davidson/SilverHub The Duke and Duchess (left) of Cambridge and Prince Harry (2nd left) attend the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service at St Paul's Cathedral in London, to mark the six month anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire PA Theresa May arriving at Grenfell Tower Memorial service at St Paul's Cathedral Jeremy Selwyn Sir Martin Moore-Bick, chairman of the Grenfell public inquiry arrives at Grenfell Tower Memorial service at St Paul's Cathedral Jeremy Selwyn Former footballer Les Ferdinand arrives PA Mourners arrive at St Paul's cathedral for a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry (behind) attend the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service at St Paul's Cathedral PA The Duchess of Cambridge arrives Jeremy Selwyn Armed policewoman at Grenfell Tower Memorial at St Paul's Cathedral Jeremy Selwyn People arriving for the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service at St Paul's Cathedral in London, to mark the six month anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire PA Guests arriving at Grenfell Tower Memorial at St Paul's Cathedral Jeremy Selwyn The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge and Prince Harry arrive at St Paul's Cathedral for a memorial service in honour of the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire Reuters Mourners arrive at St Paul's Cathedral for a memorial service in honour of the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire Reuters Grenfell survivors and bereaved familly members attend the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service held at St Paul's Cathedral Getty Images Prince Charles, Prince of Wales arrives at St Paul's cathedral for a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images Mourners arrive at St Paul's Cathedral for a memorial service in honour of the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire Reuters Jeremy Corbyn with a mourner at the Grenfell Tower Memorial at St Paul's Cathedral Jeremy Selwyn Members of the public gather outside St Paul's Cathedral ahead of the Grenfell Tower national memorial service Getty Images At 0.54am today Grenfell Tower and the surrounding buildings were turned green to mark the exact time the block caught fire. Twelve blocks turned green for Grenfell in a show of solidarity across the west London skyline, while Downing Street was also illuminated. The 13 buildings were list until 5am and, for the following four evenings, they will be illuminated from 8pm until midnight. At 11am, there will be a service of remembrance at St Helen's church organised by campaign group Relative Justice Humanity for Grenfell. Banners are unveiled at the top of Grenfell Tower / PA Clarrie Mendy, who lost two family members in the fire and organised the event, said the names of the 72 victims would be read out, while 73 doves will be released outside the church. Events 0.54am - Grenfell and surrounding buildings turned green 11am - anniversary memorial service at St Helen's church 12pm - private silence observed by survivors and bereaved by the tower and unveiling of green community mosaic 7pm - silent walk Saturday: march to Downing Street In addition, a moment of silence will be observed at midday by survivors and bereaved gathered close to the tower's base and nationally. A community mosaic is to be unveiled, while wreaths will be laid and candles lit. Yvette Williams, from campaign group Justice 4 Grenfell, said: "I think we kind of almost move from 'did it really happen at all?' to 'it feels like it happened yesterday', to looking at the struggles the bereaved families and survivors have had over the year (and realising) that it is actually a year. Justice demo: Hundreds of people joined the march / Getty Images "We want the nation to keep Grenfell in their consciousness. The anniversary is about love and support - the fight can start again on Friday and Saturday - and keeping that humanity going on that day." Tomorrow, schools across the country are expected to take part in "Green for Grenfell", a day to "celebrate the spirit of people coming together". And on Saturday, thousands are expected to march to Downing Street calling for more answers as to the circumstances of the fire. A protest march, organised by campaign groups, will march to Downing Street at midday. Today marks a year on from the Grenfell Tower / AP The event page says: Justice for Grenfell and FBU call on people from around Britain who demand justice to join us. T ouching footage shows the moment a Tube driver stopped his train mid journey to salute people commemorating the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire. The video showed the driver stopping the train on a bridge before pulling into Latimer Road station. He emerged from the front of the train with a green banner shouting words of support to the people gathered. He also sounded the Tube's horn to mark the event being held in the centre of London. The driver was met with applause from the crowd gathered below / Twitter/Sky News His salute was met by applause and cheers from the crowds of hundreds of people standing below. The touching moment was caught on Sky News. Correspondent Dan Whitehead described the moment as remarkable. Speaking to the camera he said: Pretty remarkable scene actually one of the Underground trains stopping and cheers from the couple of hundred people here who have gathered. What a lovely tribute. The event took place on Wednesday evening. Many people gathered to eat an iftar meal to show solidarity with the Grenfell survivors and victims. The display is one of a series of commemorations and vigils taking place this week as the public inquiry is temporarily halted for commemorations. Thursday marks one year since the horrifying fire tore through the tower block taking the lives of 72 people. From 11am, there will be a service of remembrance at St Helen's church organised by campaign group Relative Justice Humanity for Grenfell. Clarrie Mendy, who lost two family members in the fire and organised the anniversary event, said the names of the 72 victims would be read out, while 73 doves will be released outside the church. She said: "It's a service of healing, community, inclusivity and solidarity, to know we are not alone. "We'll be releasing 73 white doves. Why 73 instead of 72? One for the unknown. If there were more than 72, we will put one for the unknown." They will be giving out 400 white roses which people will able to carry on their way to the tower afterwards. In addition, a moment of silence will be observed at midday by survivors and bereaved close to the tower's base and nationally. A community mosaic is to be unveiled, while wreaths will be laid and candles lit. Grenfell photographer documents relief effort in powerful images 1 /9 Grenfell photographer documents relief effort in powerful images The hours after the Grenfell Tower fire The community relief effort in the wake of the fire. Parveen Ali The hours after the Grenfell Tower fire Ms Ali said she found the images of people coming together 'beautiful'. Parveen Ali The hours after the Grenfell Tower fire 'There was so much going on,' she said. 'It was a lot to take in.' Parveen Ali The hours after the Grenfell Tower fire St Clement Church became a base for donations, which flooded in almost immediately. Parveen Ali The hours after the Grenfell Tower fire People gather to buy food as the relief effort continues. Parveen Ali The hours after the Grenfell Tower fire She said she liked that the pictures showed a nicer side of the community in the wake of the tragedy. Parveen Ali The hours after the Grenfell Tower fire 'Everyone came together,' she said. 'It didn't matter where you were from.' Parveen Ali The hours after the Grenfell Tower fire She hopes to exhibit more of her images later in the year. Parveen Ali The hours after the Grenfell Tower fire Parveen Ali The tower is now completely covered by white sheeting, with banners featuring the green Grenfell heart and the words "Grenfell forever in our hearts" emblazoned across the four highest floors. In the afternoon, the community is expected to congregate at the nearby "Wall of Truth" ahead of the silent march which will set off around 7pm. Grenfell Tower was illuminated in green to mark the anniversary on Wednesday night. Another 12 blocks turned green at 12.54 am on Thursday the time off the first 999 call reporting the fire - until 5am. In a show of solidarity, Downing Street is also to be illuminated. B rexit Secretary David Davis sought to reassure Right-wing Tory MPs that ministers will not let Parliament dictate Brexit terms. He spoke out in the Commons as the Government prepared to issue an amendment to Brexit legislation that will give MPs a real say over what happens if the deal being negotiated by Theresa May falls through. Speaking in Brexit questions, he said: We cannot accept amendments that allow Parliament to instruct Government on what steps it should take in the national negotiation because that undermines one of my three tests. Such a move would be constitutionally unprecedented, the current constitutional arrangements have served this country well for hundreds of years over thousands of treaties. However, Tory MPs from Jacob Rees-Moggs European Research Group were meeting to decide for themselves whether the amendment proposed would be acceptable. They fear the option of an extreme no-deal Brexit has been surrendered already by Mrs May in a private meeting to buy off rebels. This follows Wednesday nights last-minute deal with former attorney general Dominic Grieve, who resisted pushing such an amendment to a vote after the Government pledged to discuss giving MPs a greater role in the event of no deal. Leading Remainer Mr Grieve, who brokered the deal with Mrs May, denied being involved in an anti-Brexit conspiracy. The claim was made by the Daily Mail after he addressed a private meeting of Remain campaigners at the European Commissions London base. The former attorney general was accused of supping with the devil by Brexiteers after being seen at the event with former spin doctor Alastair Campbell and other opponents of Britains exit from the EU. Mr Grieve, who was part of a group of Tories who pushed Mrs May into promising concessions ahead of a crucial Commons Brexit vote earlier this week, insisted it was not a meeting to conspire with anybody. T heresa May is facing the biggest parliamentary bust-up yet on her flagship Brexit legislation after Tory Remainers denounced a promised compromise as unacceptable. On Tuesday, the Prime Minister saw off a move by MPs to secure a meaningful vote on the eventual deal with the EU by guaranteeing concessions, although no concessions were actually agreed. The wording of the compromise has now been published, with one senior pro-EU Tory saying it was changed at the last minute to deny MPs the chance of blocking a "no deal" Brexit. In a move branded "sneaky" by one backbencher, the amendment to the EU withdrawal bill simply leaves Parliament facing a "deal or no deal" choice. Prime Minister sees off potential rebellion over Brexit bill What does the government's amendment say? The amendment says that if no deal has been reached by January 21 2019, a minister must make a statement in Parliament and give MPs a chance to vote. However the vote would only be on a "neutral motion" stating that the minister's statement on the issue has been considered. Crucially, the motion will be unamendable, meaning that MPs cannot insert a requirement for Mrs May to go back to the negotiating table, extend the Brexit transition or revoke the UK's withdrawal under Article 50. Leading pro-EU Conservative Dominic Grieve said: "After what had been a very sensible negotiation, I thought we had an agreement, and at the last moment part of the text was changed to make the final motion unamendable if there isn't a deal by the end of January 21. Justice Minister resigns over handling of Brexit "I think it is unacceptable because it seems to me to be contrary to what the whole intention was behind this whole amendment." Mrs May had avoided almost certain defeat in the House of Commons by inviting potential rebels into her private office and assuring them that their concerns would be addressed. Peers are to vote on Monday on the amendment as a potentially bloody round of "parliamentary ping-pong" gets under way. 'Parliamentary ping-pong' Mr Grieve previously tabled his own proposals, which would have allowed Parliament to dictate the next steps the Government should take if no deal was reached by the end of February. However, the Grieve amendment was not put to a vote on Tuesday after would-be rebels accepted "personal assurances" from the PM that a compromise would be found. Instead, the majority of the pro-EU Tories backed the Government in voting down a Lords amendment to give them the power to tell ministers to go back to Brussels and renegotiate. Now Conservative peer Viscount Hailsham has re-tabled Mr Grieve's amendment in the House of Lords, setting the scene for a fresh Government defeat when the Bill returns to the Second Chamber on Monday. DExEU tests A spokesman for the Department for Exiting the EU said the amendment met the tests set down by Brexit Secretary David Davis and the PM. The tests state that any changes to the bill must not undermine negotiations or change the constitutional roles of parliament and government and must respect the referendum result. The spokesman said the wording "ensures that in all circumstances Parliament can hold Government to account while also allowing Government to deliver on the will of the British people as expressed in the referendum". He added: "This remains hypothetical and the Government is confident we will agree a good deal with the EU which Parliament will support." Pro-EU Tories voice their anger Shortly before the text of the amendment was tabled, former minister Anna Soubry tweeted to say that "deal or no deal Parliament will have a meaningful vote and... there will be no hard Brexit". However, following the release of the Government's proposals, she said: "I understand the Government has tabled an amendment that has not been agreed by Dominic Grieve. Grateful for the conversations but without consultation what was agreed earlier today has been changed." Sarah Wollaston tweeted: "So just to be clear we are now going to have to amend the 'unamendable' after the agreed amendable amendment acquired a sneaky sting in the tail. "Would be funny if only it wasn't such a serious issue." 'Not good enough' Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said: "The Government's amendment is simply not good enough. "Theresa May has gone back on her word and offered an amendment that takes the meaning out of the meaningful vote. Parliament cannot - and should not - accept it." Liberal Democrat Brexit spokesman Tom Brake said: "It appears Theresa May has been caught red-handed making conflicting offers to Tory rebels and hard-right Brexiters. T heresa May was deluged with calls to take students out of immigration numbers and to scrap her 100,000 target today after she bowed to Cabinet ministers by easing the rules for NHS doctors from overseas. The Prime Ministers anti-immigration stance will be eased for the first time tomorrow when doctors and nurses will be taken out of the annual 20,700 cap on Tier 2 visas, letting the health service recruit more non-EU staff to fill posts. About 6,000 to 8,000 visas earmarked for highly skilled people will be freed up as a result, allowing businesses to bring in specialists that cannot be found in the UK. Mrs May gave way in the face of pressure from new Home Secretary Sajid Javid, Chancellor Philip Hammond, Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt and Business Secretary Greg Clark. The Evening Standard has led calls to ease rules and ditch the 100,000 cap. Business leaders and universities welcomed the change but called for the scrapping of other anti-immigration rules holding back recruitment. Mark Hilton, immigration policy director at London First, said: A wise decision but its time for the Government to accept that arbitrary caps and targets dont work. We need to hear ideas for a fair and managed immigration system instead of the Government sticking to its net migration target. Matthew Fell, CBI chief UK policy director, called the change a good first move but added: A successful migration system should focus on peoples contribution to the UK economy and society, not numbers. Until our immigration system is reformed to reflect this, businesses will continue to struggle. Dr Tim Bradshaw, head of the elite Russell Group of universities, said: Continuing to include students in the net migration target sends the wrong message and is out-of-step with ambitions for a truly global Britain. C atholics who help carry out President Donald Trumps immigration policy of separating families who cross the US border illegally should be penalised, a bishop has said. Bishop Edward Weisenburger of Arizona made the suggestion while addressing the spring meeting of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops on Wednesday. He said: Canonical penalties are there in place to heal, according to Religion News Service. And therefore, for the salvation of these peoples souls, maybe its time for us to look at canonical penalties. A canonical penalty is a censure or punishment of a priest or cleric where they are deprived entirely or partially of the use of the power of orders, office or benefice. The denouncement of the Trump immigration policy was introduced by Attorney General Jeff Sessions. Donald Trump meets Kim Jong-Un - In pictures 1 /21 Donald Trump meets Kim Jong-Un - In pictures Donald Trump shakes hands with North Korea leader Kim Jong-un during their first meeting AP Mr Trump and Kim sign a document acknowledging the progress of the talks Reuters AP AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Getty Images Mr Trump and Kim shake hands for the cameras before sitting down to sign a document Reuters AP AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images AP North Korea leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump share a 13-second handshake upon meeting AP AP AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images EPA AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images AP REUTERS Reuters Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of the USCCB, said in a statement at the event: Our government has the discretion in our laws to ensure that young children are not separated from their parents and exposed to irreparable harm and trauma. Families are the foundational element of our society and they must be able to stay together. Separating babies from their mothers is not the answer and is immoral, he continued. Several bishops recommended bold strategies for countering the policies, including two from states along the US-Mexico border, in the question-and-answer session. Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, NJ, proposed that a group of bishops be sent to the border to inspect the detention facilities where children are kept. US government shuts down over immigration stand-off He said it would be a sign of our pastoral concern and protest against the hardening of the American heart. Bishop of Oscar Cantu of Cruses, NM, also suggested public gestures such as prayer vigils in front of federal courthouses. Trumps immigration policy was a signature issue of his presidential campaign and has generated huge publicity. As part of his Put America First strategy, he released an immigration plan in January which offered a 12-year path to citizenship for 1.8 million immigrants who arrived in the US illegally as children. A former Rolls-Royce scientist has been arrested by counter-terrorism police on suspicion of passing secrets to China on Britains new fighter jets. Bryn Jones, the companys former chief combustion technologist, was detained on Tuesday afternoon after MI5 warned that classified defence information might have been leaked to China. The 73-year-old was taken to a police station in Derbyshire for questioning and later released under investigation. Scotland Yard confirmed that a man in his seventies who worked within private industry had been arrested in Derbyshire as part of an investigation under the Official Secrets Act. It added: Police officers executed a search warrant at an address in the West Midlands, which is now complete. A search at an address in Derbyshire is ongoing. We are not prepared to discuss further at this stage given the nature of the investigation. Rolls-Royce is one of several UK companies involved in the construction of Britains new multi-million-pound F-35 stealth fighter jets. Four of the warplanes, which have been described as the future of our air power for decades to come by the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier, landed at RAF Marham in Norfolk last week. Mr Jones, a married father of five who describes himself as a visiting professor in gas turbine combustion at the Aeronautical University of Xian in central China, is understood to deny any wrongdoing. He worked at Rolls-Royce for nearly 30 years before leaving to start a consultancy firm, but is believed to have maintained his connections with his former employer. One of the properties searched by police were offices at a West Midlands firm linked to him, and police were also seen removing boxes of documents from his four-bedroom home, 20 minutes drive from Rolls-Royces Derbyshire headquarters. A Rolls-Royce spokesman said the firm could not comment on the arrest while the investigation was ongoing. The F-35 fighter is built in America by the US company Lockheed Martin. It has a top speed of 1,200mph, a 300-mile range and can dodge enemy radar. Several British firms, including Rolls-Royce, which has provided its lift system hover technology, have been involved in its production. The Government has committed to spending 9.1 billion on 48 of the aircraft by 2025. L ondon Fire Commissioner Dany Cotton consoled firefighters as they broke down in tears during the 72 second silence to commemorate the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire. Firefighters were seen wiping tears from their faces during the silence in powerful scenes as they marked the anniversary of the tragedy. Ms Cotton consoled her colleagues during the outpouring of of emotion at the London Fire Brigade headquarters in Southwark. Among the people gathered were those who fought to save residents trapped in Grenfell Tower when the building became engulfed in flames. Firefighters stood and observed the 72-second silence at the London Fire Brigade HQ in Southwark / PA People across the capital marked the loss of the 72 people killed in the fire on June 14 last year with a 72-second silence. Silence fell over the streets surrounding Grenfell Tower as survivors and bereaved relatives led a national minute's silence one year on from the fire. Those touched by the tragedy gathered near the foot of the block in west London to pay their respects at a ceremony which was closed to the public. Firefighters broke down in tears during the 72-second silence / PA Parallel commemorations took place nearby, including an 11am service of remembrance at St Helen's Church. The hollowed skeleton of Grenfell Tower - still fenced off - is cloaked in white scaffolding and emblazoned with tributes 12 months on. Banners bearing the giant green hearts can be seen for miles, alongside the slogan: "Grenfell: Forever in our hearts." London fire commissioner Dany Cotton embraces her colleague / PA Lampposts, railings and zebra crossings throughout near the scene have been covered with green fabric, while a giant floral heart greeted commuters at nearby Latimer Road station. The wall of handwritten tributes - last year a desperate mesh of missing posters - is now home to carefully organised shrines to the victims, lined by plant beds. London fire commissioner Dany Cotton marks the one year anniversary of the Grenfell Tower fire with a one minute silence at London Fire Brigade / PA At the start of the day, 58-year-old survivor Antonio Roncolato, a former resident of the 10th floor, said: "Today is a time to reflect and to raise further awareness and make sure that the world is still listening because we don't want this to happen ever again." T he Duchess of Sussex and the Queen have undertaken their first joint Royal engagement in Cheshire today. Crowds of schoolchildren waved Union flags and cheered as Meghan and Her Majesty arrived in the English county for the Royal visit. Kate, the Duchess of Cambridge, waited 10 months before she was invited on an away day with the Queen, which was a trip to Leicester. While the Queen looked vibrant in lime green on the day the country adopted the colour in memory of the victims of the Grenfell Tower disaster, Meghan was elegant in a custom made cream fitted dress with a cape feature at the shoulders by her wedding dress designer, Givenchy. Meghan Markle and the Queen on first Royal engagement together The Queen, 92, and her granddaughter-in-law, 36, arrived at Runcorn Station by Royal Train this morning and will depart by car later for the Mersey Gateway Bridge. Upon disembarking from the train, they were greeted by the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs, said to Meghan: I understand it is your first trip to the north of England. TODO: define component type brightcove To which she replied: Thats correct. Im very happy to be here. After meeting architects and dignitaries, they watched a performance by local schoolchildren entitled Bringing Communities Together: Haltons river crossings over the ages. The monarch will officially open the bridge, which crosses the River Mersey and is 2.2km long. The Queen and the Duchess of Sussex on a Royal visit to Cheshire 1 /33 The Queen and the Duchess of Sussex on a Royal visit to Cheshire The Queen and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex arrive by Royal Train at Runcorn Station to carry out engagements in Cheshire PA The Queen and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex arrive by Royal Train at Runcorn Station to carry out engagements in Cheshire GC Images Rex Features GC Images The Duchess of Sussex at the opening of the new Mersey Gateway Bridge, in Widnes, Cheshire PA PA PA Getty Images PA The Queen and the Duchess of Sussex at the opening of the new Mersey Gateway Bridge, in Widnes, Cheshire PA PA Meghan, Duchess of Sussex smiles Getty Images PA PA PA PA PA The Queen and the Duchess of Sussex at the opening of the new Mersey Gateway Bridge, in Widnes, Cheshire PA PA Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess of Sussex arrive by Royal Train PA Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess of Sussex arrive by Royal Train at Runcorn Station PA PA PA School children near Runcorn Station await the arrival of the Queen and the Duchess of Sussex PA A women sit outside a decorated house near Runcorn Station PA A dog wears a tiara and sunglasses ahead of Britain's Queen Elizabeth and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, visit to Chester REUTERS Police on the roof of Storyhouse in Chester ahead of the visit of the Queen and the Duchess of Sussex to Chester Town Hall PA Getty Images PA Getty Images PA Reuters The and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, observe a moment of silence in memory of the victims of the Genfell Tower fire during their visit to Chester, Reuters Its construction was completed in October 2017, and despite the bridge being in use since, it is yet to have its official unveiling. The Queen and Meghan Markle step out in Cheshire / PA After this, the Queen and Meghan will officially open the Storyhouse theatre, which has been operating as a library, theatre, cinema, restaurant, bar, community centre and arts hub since it opened its doors in May 2017. There, they will meet a Syrian settlement group learning craft works and watch a performance by Fallen Angels a dance theatre company for people recovering from addiction. Meghan sits next to her grandmother-in-law the Queen / PA The new Duchess of Sussex giggles with the Queen / Getty Images Following that, they will watch a medley of songs from the theatres latest production, A Little Night Music. The pair will then do a walkabout on their way to Chester Town Hall where they will attend a lunch as guests of Chester City Council. Meghan, the new Duchess of Sussex, supports the Queen on their first outing together / PA The news that the monarch personally invited the Duchess of Sussex is further proof that she has been welcomed into the royal fold. Meghan accompanied the Queen on board the luxurious Royal Train last night for the overnight journey to Cheshire. It consists of nine carriages and is over 150 years old. Meghan and the Queen travelled to Cheshire by Royal Train / PA The train, which costs approximately 900,000 a year to run, is only used by the Queen, Prince Philip, Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. The Queen prefers to use the train overnight on long journeys in the UK, which would have been a fresh experience for Meghan. GC Images Her personal saloon on board is 75ft long and includes a bedroom decorated in pastel shades. M eghan Markle is set to pass another royal milestone when she accompanies the Queen for the first time on an official royal visit to Cheshire. The newlywed Duchess of Sussex will begin her rites of passage as a royal newcomer with the visit to Widnes and Runcorn on Thursday. Meghan, 36, married the Queen's grandson Prince Harry last month in the 15th-century St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle. All eyes will again be on the duchess as today marks the first time she has joined the Queen for an event without Harry. She will get to grips with her new role of ribbon cutting and plaque unveiling under the watchful eye of the 92-year-old monarch. Trooping the Colour highlights: Harry and Meghan on royal balcony Both will arrive by royal train at Runcorn train station to begin the day's engagements before departing by car for the Mersey Gateway Bridge. There the Queen will unveil a plaque to officially open the 1.86 billion project, a six-lane toll bridge over the River Mersey, to ease traffic between Runcorn and Widnes. The opening event will be held at Catalyst Museum in West Bank, Widnes, which offers a bird's eye view of the new crossing from the glass top observation gallery. The royal party will also watch a performance by local school children there called Bringing Communities Together: Halton's river crossings over the ages. Official Royal Wedding Photography 1 /3 Official Royal Wedding Photography Alexi Lubomirski Alexi Lubomirski Alexi Lubomirski Afterwards the Queen and the duchess will depart by car for Chester, 20 miles away, for two more royal engagements. The first is for the official opening of Storyhouse, a library, theatre and cinema complex, where they will be taken on a tour of the building. There they will meet a Syrian settlement group engaged in craft work and watch a performance by Fallen Angels, a dance theatre company for people in recovery from addiction. Meghan and the Queen will then move on to the theatre to see a medley of songs from Storyhouse's latest production, A Little Night Music. Local schoolchildren will also sing songs alongside actors from, Swallows And Amazons. The Queen and the Duchess will then walk to Chester Town Hall where they will attend a lunch as guests of Chester City Council, which will mark the conclusion of their visit to Cheshire. T he UK will today fall silent to remember the 72 people killed in the Grenfell Tower fire one year on from the devastating blaze. Just before 1am on June 14 last year flames ripped through the west London tower block killing 71 people including a stillborn baby. Maria del Pilar Burton, 74, died in hospital in January from injuries sustained in the blaze. At 12 noon people across the UK will observe one minutes silence to pay tribute to the victims of the fire. In the heart of the Grenfell community in north Kensington a series of events are taking place to mark the anniversary of the tragedy. A 72 second silence will take place at a memorial service at St Helens Church in the shadow of the building from 11am. Seventy three doves will be released to commemorate each victim and anyone unaccounted for. T he families of a young Italian couple killed in the Grenfell Tower fire have thanked Londoners for their support. More than 300 people gathered last night at All Saints Church in Fulham for a memorial concert dedicated to architects Gloria Trevisan, 26, and Marco Gottardi, 27, who died on the 23rd floor. The engaged couple had been in London three months and Ms Trevisan had been working for only one week at architectural practice Peregrine Bryant, which organised the concert. The proceeds of the evening will be used to fund an annual award named after the couple that will give a graduate from their university in Venice the chance to come to London to study architecture and conservation. Following the concert, Ms Trevisans mother Emanuela Disaro told the Evening Standard of her and her husband Loris Trevisans gratitude. Considering she only worked here for a week for this architect, they have done so much for us, she said. Today is a very, very hard day, but we wanted to be here. A warning has been issued to hay fever sufferers as pollen counts reach the highest levels in over a decade. The Met Office warned that the amount of pollen in the air will be higher than average and could trigger symptoms in people who are not usually affected with allergies. Meteorologist Helen Roberts said a combination of weather conditions has caused the spike in the pollen count in the past couple of days and could continue to do so. The recent bouts of warm weather followed by rain and breezy days have led to more pollen being in the air, she said. The Met Office said those living in England and Wales will be worse affected with the East Midlands expected to experience very high pollen counts. Ms Roberts advised people to wear sunglasses when outdoors and to shower when they get home to remove any pollen that could be in their hair or on their skin. Regularly vacuuming and washing your clothes also helps, she said. According to the Met Office, one in five people suffer from hayfever. Hot Weather: April 2018 - In pictures 1 /27 Hot Weather: April 2018 - In pictures People sit in St James Park on a sunny day in London EPA People relax in the sunshine beside the River Thames in Richmond upon Thames Reuters Jade Newsome nd Kate Whitfied from London, enjoy the hot weather on Richmond riverside PA People sit on deckchairs on a sunny day in London EPA Hercules the Blackpool horse cools down in the sea with rider Tyrone, on what is believed to be the hottest day of the year so far PA People punt along the River Cam in Cambridge PA A group of friends kick a ball in Greenwich Park as London has clear blue skies and temperatures rise Getty Images People relax in the sunshine on Primrose Hill Reuters A woman reads a book in the sun at Green Park in London PA Sunshine on Primrose Hill Jeremy Selwyn People enjoy the hot weather in St. James's Par PA Glorious sunshine in central London Alex Lentati People enjoy the hot weather in St James's Park, London PA A couple enjoy the sun at Green Park in London PA Runners enjoy a warm morning in St James's Park Alex Lentati Londoners enjoy a sunny view from Primrose Hill Jeremy Selwyn A couple enjoy the warm weather at Green Park in London PA St James's Park dazzles in the sunshine Alex Lentati Londoners bask in soaring temperatures Jeremy Selwyn The sun rises over London Jeremy Selwyn Emma Peleshok enjoys the flowers in St James's Park Alex Lentati Members of the King's Troop Royal Horse Artillery ride out in front of Buckingham Palace en route to Green Park for the 53 Gun Salute which will mark the official opening of the Commonwealth Heads of Government Meeting. PA Horse Guard's Parade pictured in the sunshine Alex Lentati Long awaited warm weather pleased Londoners Alex Lentati The mercury could hit 28C today Alex Lentati Sunrise at Hyde Park Jeremy Selwyn PA The Met Office has joined with the NHS to set up the UKs first pollen-monitoring network. The research program identified the pollens which are most likely to cause allergies. According to experts, grass is the most common cause of hay fever, affecting 95 per cent of UK sufferers. The highest level of grass pollen is expected in the months May through to August. As the pollen count soars, Britain is gearing up to face Storm Hector on Thursday morning as gusts of 70 mph move in from the Atlantic. Much of Britain is currently covered by a yellow warning, but the majority of Northern Ireland is now subject to a more serious amber warning. The Met Office said injuries and a danger to life is "likely" in coastal areas in Northern Ireland, with the chance of large waves and potential for beach debris to end up on roads, sea fronts and properties. Londoners should miss the worst of the storm but are still set for strong winds as they make their way to work, with a high chance of showers around mid-morning. A woman who was a victim of upskirting and is spearheading the campaign to criminalise it said she has been bombarded with rape threats and abusive messages. Gina Martin, 26, has spent the last year calling for the ban after two men took a picture up her skirt while at the British Summer Time festival in London's Hyde Park in 2017. Ms Martin, a freelance writer living in London, has received wide spread support for her campaign from the likes of television presenters Holly Willoughby, Dermot O'Leary and Laura Whitmore. But she said the campaign has also resulted in her receiving regular torrents of abuse over social media, as well as accusations that she was to blame. Upskirting victim campaigns to change the law She said: "It's generally people telling me that I should have worn trousers, or I deserved it, or I'm attention-seeking, but they can get pretty horrible at points. Holly Willoughby has backed Gina Martin's campaign / Getty Images "At the very beginning it was really bad and I was getting a lot of rape threats. "I still get a lot of stuff in comments, but, if anything, it shows me that people don't get this, so let's keep going." The first figures on the prevalence of upskirting, published by the Press Association earlier this year, showed complainants as young as 10, with incidents in a slew of public locations such as restaurants and festivals. Currently victims in England and Wales are forced to seek prosecution through other legal avenues, such as outraging public decency or harassment, prompting the call for a specific law similar to one already in force in Scotland. A Private Member's Bill, tabled by Bath Liberal Democrat MP Wera Hobhouse, is in the list to be potentially called on June 15, although there would be further legal hurdles before any law comes into force. Ms Martin said she hoped the campaign would have a positive impact on attitudes as well as providing a clear avenue for justice for victims, many of whom have also contacted her for advice or support. She said: "They (victims) feel they can reach out because they know I've been through it. "But the really interesting thing for me is that it can happen anywhere - it's supermarkets, it's bus stops when they're on their own, Tube cars, in parks, festivals - it's happening everywhere. "Before I started working with Ryan (Whelan, her lawyer) it was very difficult for me to professionalise it and say 'We're going to do this' - it was 'I'm going to try and do this'. "Now I feel I've got to the point where we are going to do this, and I'm doing it for other women because my case was closed four days after it happened to me - it's not about me. "It really spurs me on because they need my help, and hopefully we'll get there soon. "The change in the law is huge, it sets a precedent of what's right and wrong and it means it will cover women in every situation which the law can't now. A group of LGBTQ activists will host a dance party to greet Vice President Mike Pence on a state visit. The dance party, which is being co-hosted by Progress Ohio will take place outside the Renaissance Hotel in Columbus. Mr Pence is due to make a speech about the Republican tax law there on Friday. According Facebook, the event will involve performances from drag queens and live DJ sets. The dance party is being held to protest Mr Pences visit. Pride over the years - In pictures 1 /70 Pride over the years - In pictures Click through our gallery to see pictures of Pride over the years... Rob Stothard/Getty Images A picnic in Victoria Gardens by the Houses of Parliament during what was then called 'Gay Pride Week', August 5, 1976 Peter Cade/Central Press/Getty Images Members of the Gay Liberation Movement protesting outside the Old Bailey over Mary Whitehouse's court action against the Gay News Magazine on July 4, 1977 Malcolm Clark/Hulton Archive/Getty Images The march goes on at Pride in 1984 Rex Revellers in fancy dress at Lesbian & Gay Pride, London 1984 Rex Lesbian & Gay Pride, London 1985 The sun shines down on Pride in 1992 Rex Men in corsets perform a dance at Pride in 1993 A lesbian couple on Horseguards Parade at Pride in July 1994 Steve Eason/Hulton Archive/Getty Images A man applies lipgloss during Pride in June 1995 Steve Eason/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Men in camouflage trousers ride a pink tank and carry rainbow flags during Pride in June 1995 Steve Eason/Hulton Archive/Getty Images A man sashays down the street with pride in 1995 Steve Eason/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Demonstrators dressed in hot pants and crop tops at Pride in 1995 Steve Eason/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Two supporters of the Socialist Workers Party amongst the marchers at Pride in July 1996 Steve Eason/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Two young men share a tender moment on the grass during a Pride in London in 1996 Steve Eason/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Male dancers standing with their arms raised above their heads, donning black t-shirts with a heart logo, during Pride in 1996 Steve Eason/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Comedian Rhona Cameron and political activist Peter Tatchell help to hold a banner at Pride in July 1998. The banner called for an end to Section 28 which refers to the teaching and promotion of homosexuality by local authorities Steve Eason/Hulton Archive/Getty Images The London Gay Men's Chorus perform at the Pride Mardi Gras parade in London, in July 1999 Steve Eason/Getty Images Members of Outrage! carry pictures of Tony Blair with the title 'Broken Promises' at the parade in 1999 Steve Eason/Getty Images Women share the love at Pride in 1999 Steve Eason/Getty Images Two men wearing silver underpants and spiky collars take part in the London Pride march in 2000 Steve Eason/Hulton Archive/Getty Images Men share a kiss in front of spectators at Picadilly Circus in July 2002 AFP/Getty Images A man wearing leather hot pants and harness makes his way through the streets of London to a party to celebrate the Mardi Gras in 2002 Scott Barbour/Getty Images Policemen in uniform march along the Embankment at Pride in 2003 Bruno Vincent/Getty Images Marchers, alongside more than 40 floats, bands and drummers are seen during the rally for Pride in 2005 Jeremy O'Donnell/Getty Images London Mayor Ken Livingstone walks with the EuroPride parade as it makes its way down Oxford Street in July 2006 Scott Barbour/Getty Images A man poses in a white feathered neckdress during the Pride march held in central London in June 2007 Mark Wieland/Getty Images A Drag Queen poses during the Gay Pride in London, on June 30, 2007 Leon Neal/AFP/Getty Images The Gay Pride parade passes down Lower Regent Street on July 5, 2008 Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images Two men in drag costumes with bouffant blonde hair pose at Pride in 2008 Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images Police pose for a photograph before marching on the Pride parade in 2008 in London Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images A man wears a home made costume at Pride in july 2008 Peter Macdiarmid/Getty Images Actor Sir Ian McKellen (left) waves at the parade in 2008 Boris Johnson, then Mayor of London, wears a pink stetson hat at Pride in 2008 A man decorated with neon face paint blows his whistle at Pride in July 2009 Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Marchers in 2009, when the theme of Pride was 'Come Out and Play' Dan Kitwood/Getty Images A reveller stands proud in a Union Jack-themed outfit in 2009 Dan Kitwood/Getty Images More Union Jack-festooned outfits on show at Pride in 2009 Dan Kitwood/Getty Images A man in butterfly wings at Pride in 2009 Dan Kitwood/Getty Images A canine gets in on the action at Pride in 2009 Dan Kitwood/Getty Images Revellers in hot pink dresses and blonde beehives at Pride in 2011 Warren Allott/AFP/Getty Images Members of the British Armed Forces march alongside members of the parade through London's streets to celebrate the World Pride Festival on July 7, 2012 Andrew Cowie/AFP/Getty Images A man dressed as 'Mister Universe' marches in July 2012 Andrew Cowie/AFP/Getty Images Members of the LGBT community parade through London in 2012 Andrew Cowie/AFP/Getty Images People carry 'Proud to be Trans' signs as they march in July 2012 Andrew Cowie/AFP/Getty Images The Pride parade weaves its way down Regent Street on June 29, 2013 Will Oliver/AFP/Getty Images A fabulous carnival costume on display in 2013 Will Oliver/AFP/Getty Images A man dressed as a Dalmatian at Pride in 2014 Justin Tallis/AFP/Getty Images The rainbow gay pride flag flies on Whitehall in front of Nelson's Column in Trafalgar Square in March 2014 Ben Stansall/AFP/Getty Images Leather-clad marchers at the Pride Parade in London on June 27, 2015 AFP/Getty Images Girls carrying rainbow flags at Pride in June 2015 Rob Stothard/Getty Images Arm in arm, people celebrate the annual parade in 2015 Rob Stothard/Getty Images People gather in Soho outside the Admiral Duncan following Pride in 2015 Rob Stothard/Getty Images The London Gay Men's Chorus take part in Pride in 2015 Rob Stothard/Getty Images A dog dressed in a rainbow coat as people gather to watch the parade in 2015 Rob Stothard/Getty Images A giant rainbow flag is carried along with the parade at Pride in 2015 Rob Stothard/Getty Images Steven Choo, aka 'Eva' walks in front of a marching band as the LGBT community celebrates Pride in 2016 Getty Images Pride marchers wave American and rainbow flags from the top of a double decker bus with Parliament behind as the LGBT community celebrates Pride in 2016 Getty Images Pride marchers wave American flags and dress as Hilary Clinton as the LGBT community celebrates Pride in 2016 Getty Images 'Queen Alexandra' aka Stephen Stephenson-Spencer, makes his way to the march as the LGBT community celebrates Pride in 2016 Getty Images London Mayor, Sadiq Khan, and his wife Saadiya Khan lead the Pride march as the LGBT community celebrates Pride in 2016 Getty Images Mitzi Macintosh gets ready to march as the LGBT community celebrates Pride in 2016 Getty Images Shiro, a Siberian Husky, plays with a rainbow flag as the LGBT community celebrates Pride in 2016 Getty Images Parade goers during Pride In London on July 7, 2018 Getty Images for Pride In London Parade goers on and around the statue of Eros, Piccadilly Circus, 2018 Getty Images for Pride In London A proposal of marriage is accepted during the parade, 2018 Getty Images for Pride In London Pride in London, 2018 AFP/Getty Images Parade goers at the start during Pride In London at Portland Place, 2018 REUTERS Many countries represented at Pride in London, 2018 Niklas Halle'n/AFP/Getty Images Mayor of London Sadiq Khan opens the Pride In London parade, 2018 Getty Images for Pride In London The Vice President has openly held anti-LGBTQ beliefs during his time in office. In 2010 he voted against the Dont Ask, Dont Tell repeal which allowed LGBT Americans to openly serve their country in military service and in 2014 he supported HJR-3, a bill to add an amendment banning same-sex marriage to Indianas Constitution. Co-organiser of the event Jay Smith told Newsweek: We all kind of decided the best way to protest is to have a dance party, He said he wanted the event to provide a positive atmosphere for the LGBTQ community. We want this to be a very positive, upbeat event that will showcase for other people in the [LGBTQ] community that may not be out or struggling with their gender identity. The Trump administration doesnt have their back, but we do, and we will be fighting for you every day. We support you, we will fight for you and we love you, he said. More than 500 people have already clicked attending on the Facebook event with 1,800 claiming they are interested in attending. The party will coincide with the first day of Ohios Pride Weekend. A lbert Einsteins racist views have been revealed in newly published travel diaries written by the world famous scientist in the 1920s. The diaries, written between October 1922 and March 1923, track his experience in the Far East and Middle East. Einstein, who would later in life advocate for civil rights in the US, makes sweeping and negative statements in the entries. He brands the Chinese industrious, filthy, obtuse people and in other entries he calls China "a peculiar herd-like nation," and "more like automatons than people". The scientist also claimed there is "little difference" between Chinese men and women. Einstein travelled from Spain to the Middle East and Sri Lanka before moving on to China and Japan. The recently-published The Travel Diaries of Albert Einstein The Far East, Palestine, and Spain, 1922 1923 has not before been reproduced as a standalone volume in English. The entries, edited by Ze'ev Rosenkranz, were published by Princeton University Press. The scientist was later noted for his humanitarianism. C racks began to appear in the US-North Korea summit agreement today as secretary of state Mike Pompeo denied that America had approved a step-by-step approach to denuclearisation and sanctions relief. President Trumps top diplomat insisted that no international sanctions against Pyongyang would be lifted until there was complete denuclearisation. Speaking in Seoul today, Mr Pompeo claimed Mr Trump was incredibly clear to North Koreas leader Kim Jong-un about when the US would lift sanctions. Were going to get denuclearisation, he stated at a joint news conference with South Korean foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha and Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono following a meeting in the South Korean capital. Only then will there be relief from the sanctions, he added. Trump: North Korea destroying missile engine site His comments contrasted with reports in North Korean state media that suggested Mr Trump was willing to lift sanctions in a phased manner as the country take steps towards removing its nuclear weapons capability. The Korean Central News Agency said the US president and Kim agreed to abide by the principle of step-by-step and simultaneous action in achieving peace, stability and denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. Mr Pompeo said the two leaders had a blunt conversation at Tuesdays summit in Singapore about the need for the regime to rejoin the world community and claimed the meeting represented a turning point in the relationship between the two countries. After returning to Washington yesterday, a jubilant Mr Trump tweeted that the world can sleep well tonight and claimed there is no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea. Donald Trump meets Kim Jong-Un - In pictures 1 /21 Donald Trump meets Kim Jong-Un - In pictures Donald Trump shakes hands with North Korea leader Kim Jong-un during their first meeting AP Mr Trump and Kim sign a document acknowledging the progress of the talks Reuters AP AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images Getty Images Mr Trump and Kim shake hands for the cameras before sitting down to sign a document Reuters AP AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images AP North Korea leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump share a 13-second handshake upon meeting AP AP AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images EPA AFP/Getty Images AFP/Getty Images AP REUTERS Reuters After the summit, the president said the stringent sanctions would remain in effect until the nukes are no longer a factor but he did not offer any details of what was required of the North Koreans, saying only: At a certain point I look forward to taking them off and they will come off when we know we are down the road. D onald Trump, three of his children and the presidents charitable foundation are being sued for alleged extensive and persistent lawbreaking. The Trump Foundation had engaged in unlawful political co-ordination designed to influence the 2016 election, New Yorks attorney general claimed on Thursday. The lawsuit, filed on Mr Trumps 72nd birthday, seeks to dissolve the foundation and $2.8 million in restitution, and asks for the distribution of $1 million in assets to other countries. Barbara Underwood also asked a state judge to ban the president, his sons Donald Jr. and Eric, and his daughter Ivanka from holding leadership roles in New York charities. The three children joined the foundation's board in 2006, although Ivanka stepped down to work at the White House last year. The foundation denied the charges, calling them politically motivated, and Mr Trump hit back with a furious Twitter message, saying: The sleazy New York Democrats are doing everything they can to sue me. Ms Underwood, a Democrat, filed the petition at the New York Supreme Court in Manhattan. It accuses the foundation and its directors - Mr Trump and his three eldest children - of unlawfully co-ordinating with the Trump presidential campaign, repeated self-dealing transactions, and violating laws under which non-profit organisations must operate. Ms Underwood said the US leader had illegally instructed the foundation to provide support to his presidential campaign by using the foundation's name and funds it raised to promote the campaign. The petition also claims Mr Trump used charitable assets to pay off legal obligations to promote his own businesses and to purchase personal items including a painting of himself. The lawsuit is the culmination of a two-year investigation that began under the previous New York attorney general, Eric Schneiderman, Ms Underwood said in her statement. In his response, posted to his 52.8 million Twitter followers, Mr Trump wrote: The sleazy New York Democrats, and their now disgraced (and run out of town) A.G. Eric Schneiderman, are doing everything they can to sue me on a foundation that took in $18,800,000 and gave out to charity more money than it took in, $19,200,000. I wont settle this case! H awaii has become the first state to ban a pesticide that is linked to developmental delays to children and pregnant women. The Pesticide Bill was signed by Governor David Yutaka Ige on Wednesday, banning all products containing the insecticide chlorpyrifos from January 1, 2019. Companies will still be allowed to apply for a permit to use pesticides containing chlorpyrifos for up to three years after the bill goes into effect. The bill also prohibits the use of pesticides within 100 feet of schools and requires companies to report which pesticides they use and where. The use of pesticides containing chlorpyfiros was banned in residential areas 18 years ago by the Environmental Protection Agency after it was discovered it caused severe developmental delays in children. But, pesticides including the chemical are still used on a number of crops including corn, wheat and apples. There have been calls to completely ban the pesticide in the US but these were brought to a halt by the Trump administration in March after the appointment of Administrator Scott Pruitt. California Maryland and New Jersey have all considered state wide bans on chlorpyrifos. Californias EPA increased buffer zones between fields in which the pesticide is used and school and homes after the appointment of Mr Pruitt. Chlorpyrifos is listed as a neurotoxin by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. A n allegation of sexual assault against Hollywood film star Sylvester Stallone is being reviewed by prosecutors in Los Angeles, a spokesman said. A Los Angeles District Attorney official confirmed a case was under review on Wednesday. No further details were provided. The case against the Rocky actor, 71, was presented by the Santa Monica Police Department. In December, the same police force revealed they were investigating a complaint made in November 2017, relating to an alleged incident in the city in the 1990s. Stallone had previously issued a denial over reports that a 16-year-old fan had accused him of sexually assaulting her in Las Vegas in the previous decade. B rigitte Macrons daughter has spoken out for the first time about her mothers love affair with the teenage Emmanuel Macron. Tiphaine Auziere, 34, appeared in a television documentary last night which cast fresh light on her mothers relationship with the French president. She described how the future leader fell for her mother aged just 15, when he attended a theatre workshop she ran at a Catholic secondary school in Amiens. They were quite smitten and it was quite obvious between them and very difficult, said Ms Auziere, who was nine years old at the time, while her mother was 40. The first lady, now aged 65, gave her blessing for the documentary but declined an interview. Emmanuel Macron and Brigitte pictured in Sicily in 2017 / AFP/Getty Images The programme, aired on a French state television channel, explores the moment the eager pupil declared his love for his teacher in 1994, when he was 16. His parents reportedly asked Mrs Macron to stop seeing him until he was 18, but she replied: I cant promise you anything. Her husband Andre-Louis Auziere then left after learning about his wifes affair with their daughters classmate, although their protracted divorce was not finalised for over a decade. Meanwhile, Mr Macron was sent to a finishing school in Paris, but the couple carried on their long-distance relationship for 13 years before he eventually proposed. Ms Auziere said: If I have to give a vision of love, its Emmanuel and Mummy. When they are together, it is almost as if the world doesnt exist. E lvis Presleys legendary drummer, DJ Fontana, has died at the age of 87, his family has confirmed. The prolific musician, who was the last surviving member of The Kings original band, passed away in his sleep on Wednesday night. Confirming the news in an emotional Facebook post, his son Daniel Fontana said that his father had been comfortable with no pain at the time of his death. I told everyone that I would keep you posted. My Dad passed away in his sleep at 9:33 tonight, he wrote. Collaborators: Elvis Presley and DJ Fontana / NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images He was very comfortable with no pain. I will post more tomorrow when I have more information. We ask for privacy at this time. Thank you for your love and prayers. A message posted by the Sun Studio in Tennessee, where Elvis began his career, read: We are extremely saddened to hear about the passing of legendary drummer D.J. Fontana. The band is all back together now. The drummer, born Dominic Joseph Fontana, but known as DJ, played on many of Presleys biggest hits including Heartbreak Hotel and Jailhouse Rock. Elvis Presley - In pictures 1 /25 Elvis Presley - In pictures Elvis Presley on the 'Singer Presents Elvis: Elvis Comeback Special' TV in 1968 Rex President Richard Nixon meets with Elvis Presley in 1970 at the White House National Archive/Newsmakers Elvis Presley getting out of his Cadillac car at Graceland in the 60's Elvis Presley surrounded by fans after a concert in 1958 AFP/Getty Images Elvis Presley performing in his famous Gold Lame jacket in 1957 Rex Elvis Presley on tour performing in his white jumpsuit in 1972 Rex Rock'n roll legend Elvis Presley is seen during a concert in the 50's AFP/Getty Images Elvis Presley is seen as a honky-tonk performer on the midway in the 1964 MGM film 'Roustabout' AP Portrait of Elvis Presley holding a twelve string guitar in 1955 Hulton Archive/Getty Images Elvis Presley performs on tour in the summer of 1957 with Scotty Moore and Bill Black AP Elvis Presley as he presents sergeant's stripes during his career as a soldier in the US Army (1960) EPA Elvis Presley cutting the six-tier wedding cake with his bride Priscilla Beaulieu at the Aladdin Hotel, Las Vegas in 1967 Keystone/Getty Images Elvis and Priscilla Presley with their daughter, Lisa Marie, born on 2 February 1968 Keystone/Getty Images American popular singer and film star Elvis Presley (1935 - 1977) is the undisputed 'King of Rock 'n' Roll' Keystone/Getty Images Elvis Presley performs in Providence (1977) three months before his death AP Elvis Presley has a gun playfully aimed at him by co-star Ann-Margret on the set of MGM's latest picture, 'Viva Las Vegas PA Elvis Presley takes a break from singing during his stint at Las Vegas PA Elvis Presley as a boxer in his latest film 'Kid Galahad'. Alongside him are his co-stars Joan Blackman and Lola Albright PA Elvis Presley PA Welsh-born entertainer Tom Jones poses with Elvis Presley and his wife Priscilla, Las Vegas, Nevada, 1st July 1971 Getty Images Singer Elvis Presley (1935 - 1977), 33, and his 22 year-old wife Priscilla, leaving the Baptist Hospital, Memphis, Tennessee, with their baby daughter Lisa-Marie, born at the hospital on February 2nd Getty Images American rock singer Elvis Presley (1935 - 1977) serenades a basset hound in a top hat with the song, 'Hound Dog' on the set of 'The Steve Allen Show,' July 1956 Getty Images American film star Elvis Presley (1935 - 1977) strides around a ranch with a gun in his hand Getty Images Singer Elvis Presley holding up actress Jennifer Holden, his co-star in the film 'Jailhouse Rock', as they spend time together in a swimming pool, circa 1957 Getty Images Ann Margret and Elvis Presley pose in 1964 in USA for a publicity photo for their new film "Viva Las Vegas" Getty Images The Louisiana-born star joined forces with Presley back in 1954, with the band originally calling themselves The Blue Moon Boys. The band parted ways in 1958 but Presley and Fontana continued to work together during the 1960s. Talking about developing their sound in 1996 book Go Cat Go, he said: I learned the value of simplicity at the Hayride. I heard Scotty and Bill and Elvis one night and knew that I couldn't mess up that sound. That's why I always play what I feel. If that won't work, I just won't do it again. I think the simple approach comes from my hearing so much big band music. I mixed it with rockabilly. O pening a bank account is a difficult thing to do at the best of times, and downright frustrating at the worst. You need specific ID documents, like a passport, and a proof of address, such as a council tax or energy bill. But, you dont have these documents unless you own or rent a property. And to do that, you need a bank account. What do you do then? Say, youre a refugee in the UK, or a recent immigrant that has moved for work, or one of the UKs 300,000 homeless population? Thats why challenger bank Monzo has launched a new initiative aimed at improving access to financial services for everyone. Why Monzo wants to help the UKs unbanked Participating in society starts with a bank account. Otherwise, you cant find a place to rent, get a mobile phone, or be paid officially for work. To open a normal Monzo account you need a form of photo ID like a driving license. Then, you take six-second video of yourself to prove you are who you say you are. Thats it. As part of its financial inclusion initiative, the bank is working to include more types of ID documents for its sign up process. If youre a recent refugee for example, you might have a biometric residence permit, a government-issued card that proves your identity immigration status. You can use this instead of a passport to sign up. Monzo is expanding this to include application registration cards, for refugees that have made asylum applications but havent received leave to stay yet. At the moment, its not permissible to use this documentation to sign up for a bank account, but Monzo is finding a way around this in the form of basic bank account. Tristan Thomas, head of marketing and community at Monzo, explains that this is similar to its current account offering, but is restricted so that the level of risk is less for the bank. Its a limited version of the full current account, so you maybe cant withdraw as much cash or you cant get an overdraft. Overtime, they can build up to a full account if thats what they want. The basic bank account project is about the first step for financial inclusion. Its about getting people onto the ladder in the first place with an account number and a sort code, so they can get paid, says Thomas. Improving financial access across the board The bank is looking to expand these services out to homeless people as well. Its virtually impossible to get a bank account without a home address, which keeps the cycle of homelessness continuing. Thomas says that Monzo is looking to offer these limited accounts by using a letter from a homeless shelter, or a benefits letter as an identification document instead of a passport. But if its possible for Monzo to offer these services, why are other banks not doing it already? Giving a refugee or a homeless person a basic bank account with low limits and no overdraft isnt going to make money for a bank. But for Monzo, this goes back to its overall mission to have a positive impact on peoples lives. If we offer people better budgeting tools, theyre less likely to use any overdraft so we make less money. Thats find for us we make these decisions every day to try and have a positive impact on society. Its early days for Monzos financial inclusion initiatives but Thomas says the reaction so far has been great, with different organisations reaching out and wanting to spread the message. T he gender breakdown statistics in the UKs technology sector are woefully disheartening. Only 17 per cent of employees are women, out of the 2.1 million people working in the tech sector. But, how does the sector plan to solve this? As part of London Tech Week, transport platform Trainline held an event discussing the problems surrounding the gender imbalance in the industry. From targeting issues surrounding education, womens confidence, and the lack of role models, here are some solutions for tech's gender problem. Take diversity seriously Firstly, if we want to start tackling the tech gender problem, the panel said we need to ensure that diversity is taking seriously. Chi Onwurah, MP and shadow minister for industrial strategy, science and innovation, said it was important that diversity isnt seen as this fluffy thing on the edges. Its about our economic competitiveness on the global stage and at home, she said. If we dont make use of everyones talents, were not going to excel. As well, Trainlines CEO Clare Gilmartin said it makes good business sense to have diverse teams, because customer bases are diverse. Tech is shaping our lives now and into the future. Of course we need women participating and co-creating these tools, explained Gilmartin. Dont underestimate the power of role models One thing the panel all pointed out was the importance of role models. Companies should encourage mentorship programmes so that young women feel they have guidance throughout their careers. The Royal Academy of Engineering runs an Enterprise Hub to encourage engineers to become entrepreneurs and its head of innovation, Ana Avaliani, said role models were an important part of this work. [The entreprenurs] become wonderful role models for people to look up to and want to replicate, said Avaliani. At Trainline, the workforce is 35 per cent women, which is very high for a tech company. Gilmartin said that when she asked some of her team about why they ended up in tech, they said role models were crucial to this decision. "Someone helped them see how STEM [science, technology, engineering, mathematics] could translate into a career in later life," said Gilmartin. Onwurah added that it was important for men to be included in this too. Some of my best mentors and supporters were men. They can support, nurture and champion women and be fantastic allies, she said. In an industry that is so male-dominated, the potential is huge. Education doesnt end at 18 For Amali de Alwis, CEO of Code First: Girls, an initiative focused on teaching girls and women coding skills, the key to ensuring gender diversity in the tech industry is encouraging education after people leave school. We need to think about lifelong learning. People come from different backgrounds to Code First: Girls, its a life raft for people who feel they have missed the boat and want to get into digital roles, she said. Encouraging people to learn digital skills is important for businesses too. Theres no such thing as a non-tech business, said de Alwis. Its all part of that digital sphere. The importance of flexible working Finally, the panel discussed how to keep women in the tech industry, particularly if they have taken time off to start a family. One way to help solve this is by encouraging men to take paternity leave as well. Companies do have policies around maternity leave and flexible working, but we need to talk about paternity cover, said de Alwis. Allowing fathers and mothers to take the same amount of time off at the same rate of pay. Gilmartin said she found it hard balancing her career after she had two children. I wanted to do four days a week at work but thought everyone would think I wanted to take the slow path, she explained. But, after deciding to ask for the reduction in hours, helped her tremendously. 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"The laws have already been adopted!," Minister Tudorel Toader said. The Prosecutor's Section of the CSM decided to notify Minister of Justice Tudorel Toader and Florin Iordache, Chair of the Joint Special Committee of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate for the systematization, unification and assurance of legislative stability in the field of justice, in connection with the proposal to amend Art. 54 par. (1) and (4) of Law 303/2004 on the statute of judges and prosecutors, which regulates the appointment and dismissal of chief prosecutors.According to a CSM statement, the decision of the Prosecutor's Section was taken in Tuesday's sitting.The notification shows that, in view of the decision of Constitutional Court 358/2018, the Prosecutor's Section of the CSM proposed the amendment of the provisions of Art. 54 par. (1) and (4) of Law no. 303/2004, as follows:"Article 54 - (1) The Prosecutor General of the Prosecutor's Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice, his/her first deputy and deputy, the chief prosecutor of the National Anticorruption Directorate, his/her deputies, section chief prosecutors of these prosecutor's offices, and also the Chief Prosecutor of the Directorate for the Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism and his/her deputies are appointed by the President of Romania, at the proposal of the Prosecutor's Section of the Superior Council of Magistracy, with the opinion of the Minister of Justice, from among the prosecutors who have a minimum of 10 years of service of a judge or prosecutor, for a period of three years, with the possibility of re-investing once.""Article 54 (4) The revocation of the prosecutors from the leading positions provided in par. (1) shall be made by the President of Romania, at the proposal of the Prosecutor's Section of the Superior Council of Magistracy, with the opinion of the Minister of Justice. The Prosecutor's Section can notify on his/her own, at the request of the general assembly or, as the case may be, of the Prosecutor General of the Prosecutor's Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice or the Chief Prosecutor of the National Anticorruption Directorate or the Directorate for the Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism, for the reasons referred to in Article 51 (2), which shall apply accordingly".The CSM argues that, to the extent to which it is considered that the selection proposal for these positions should remain the attribute of the Minister of Justice, the Prosecutor's Section proposed the amendment of the norm, as follows:"Article 54 - (1) The Prosecutor General of the Prosecutor's Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice, his/her first deputy and deputy, the chief prosecutor of the National Anticorruption Directorate, his/her deputies, the section chief prosecutors of these prosecutor's offices, and the Chief Prosecutor of the Directorate for the Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism and his/her deputies are appointed by the President of Romania, at the proposal of the Minister of Justice, with the approval of the Prosecutor's Section of the Superior Council of Magistracy, from among the prosecutors who have a minimum age of 10 years of service as a judge or prosecutor, for a period of three years, with the possibility of being re-invested once"."Art. 54. - (4) The revocation of the prosecutors from the leading positions provided for in par. (1) shall be made by the President of Romania, at the proposal of the Minister of Justice, who can notify on his/her own, at the request of the general assembly or, as the case may be, of the Prosecutor General of the Prosecutor's Office attached to the High Court of Cassation and Justice or the Chief Prosecutor of the National Anticorruption Directorate or the Directorate for the Investigation of Organized Crime and Terrorism, with the opinion of the Prosecutor's Section of the Superior Council of Magistracy for the reasons to Article 51 (2), which shall apply accordingly".In both cases, the Prosecutor's Section of the Superior Council of Magistracy considers that the proposed legislative amendment ensure the strengthening of the role the Fundamental Law assigns to the Superior Council of Magistracy by the provisions of art. 133 par. (1) of the Constitution of Romania Justice Minister Tudorel Toader presented on Wednesday his correspondence with the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) that shows Drago Kos is not the head of the OSCE anti-corruption body, and the latter's statements would have not been made on behalf of the organisation. "From my correspondence with OECD: Drago Kos is not the head of the anti-corruption body of the OECD. Drago Kos is the president of the International Trade Trading Group. Drago Kos did not speak on behalf of OECD!," Toader said in a Facebook post on Wednesday. He also quotes a response from the organisation in which OECD disengages from the way in which Drago Kos's statements have been reflected in the Romanian media."We cannot comment on the way in which Mr Kos's views were reflected in the press in Romania," Toader says, quoting from the OECD response.On June 4, Toader said that he sent a letter to the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) demanding to know whether recent controversial statements by head of the OECD anti-corruption watchdog Drago Kos on a ruling by the Constitutional Court of Romania (CCR) regarding the head of Romania's National Anti-Corruption Directorate (DNA) were made on behalf of the organisation."Are they threats from OECD or internal manipulation? On Monday morning, I will address OECD to demand it to formally communicate whether Mr Drago Kos's statements were made in his own name or on behalf of OECD, as the title of a story carried by Ziare.com alludes (...) An article published on June 1 states that, on behalf of OECD, Mr Drago Kos made a series of statements of great gravity on the Romanian Constitutional Court. At the same time, the same publication quotes the same sources, also on behalf of the OECD, as claiming that your justice Minister will soon learn in a tough way that he is seriously mistaken," according to another of Toader's Facebook posts. Prime Minister Viorica Dancila and the Speaker of the Seimas of the Republic of Lithuania, Viktoras Pranckietis met on Thursday in Vilnius, the two high dignitaries tackling topics of the bilateral relation between the two countries and issues regarding the European agenda and the security one. According to a release of the Romanian gov't sent to AGERPRES, the two officials brought to mind the historical importance of 1918 for both Romania and the Republic of Lithuania, given that in 2018, both countries celebrate their Centennial. The Romanian Premier and the Speaker of the Seimas expressed their satisfaction for the consistency of the bilateral dialogue, at government and parliamentary level, and noted the development potential of the economic cooperation, the release adds.PM Dancila, on a working visit to Lithuania, presented the stage of preparations of the takeover by Romania of the presidency of the Council of the European Union and had a swap of opinions with Speaker Pranckietis regarding the future of the European project. She has also reiterated that Romania is backing the EU enlargement and that it wishes to keep this topic on the EU agenda during its Presidency of the Council.As for the security agenda, talks focused on the risks and threats the NATO is confronted with, as well as on the Black Sea region's security situation, the release adds. agerpres Prime Minister Viorica Dancila, currently on a visit in Lithuania, visited on Thursday the NATO Energy Security Centre of Excellence, in Vilnius, on which occasion she received the invitation for Romania's participation in its activities. According to a Government press release sent to AGERPRES, the head of the Executive attended the presentation of the Centre's activities. On this occasion, the director handed the prime minister the invitation for Romania to take part in the Centre's activities. "The Romanian official inquired about the projects developed by the Centre and the way these will be implemented, expressing our country's priority interest in the energy security," the press release informs.The Prime Minister also congratulated the Centre's leadership for its role in supporting the development processes of the NATO capabilities, considering the ever-growing contribution that the North-Atlantic Alliance has in the field of energy security, reads the release. agerpres President Klaus Iohannis has sent a letter to the chairs of Parliament recommending Gabriel Vlase for director of the Foreign Intelligence Service (SIE), according to the Presidential Administration. "On Thursday, June 14, President of Romania, Klaus Iohannis, sent a letter to the chairs of the two chambers of Parliament under Article 65 (2) ( h) of the Constitution of Romania, recommending that Mr Petru-Gabriel Vlase be appointed director of the Foreign Intelligence Service (SIE)," the Presidential Administration says in a press release. Vlase is deputy speaker of the Chamber of Deputies, a member on the National Defence and Public Order Committee and member on the Joint Special Committee of the Chamber of Deputies and the Senate on the analysis and updating of the national security normative framework.He is a graduate of the National Defence College, the National Defence University, the National Security College, the National Intelligence Academy, holding a doctor's degree in Military Sciences and Intelligence from the National Intelligence Academy.Former SIE Director Mihai Razvan Ungureanu resigned in September 2016. Secretary of State for Euro-Atlantic bilateral and strategic affairs with Romania's Foreign Ministry (MAE) George Ciamba underscored in Berlin the special importance that the Government of Romania grants to the creation of a favorable framework in terms of preserving the identity of the German minority and highlighted the fact that the results of the Romanian-German collaboration in this area represent an example at European level, the MAE informs. George Ciamba chaired the works of the 21st session of the Romanian-German Governmental Committee for German ethnics of Romania, that was carried out in Berlin on Tuesday and Wednesday, alongside co-chair Bernard Fabritius, commissioned by the German Federal Government to be in charge with immigrants and national minorities within the Federal Ministry of the Interior. According to a release of the MAE, the committee appreciated the measures taken by Romania starting the year of its creation, namely 1992, which have contributed to the preservation of traditions and identity of the German minority. Taking into account that the current session was carried out in the year of the Greater Union Centennial, the historic role played by the German ethnics in achieving this desideratum was highlighted.The representatives of both parties showed the positive influence of the German minority in the development of the Romanian society and the bilateral relations. Within the session also reviewed was the stage of completion of the project stipulated in the Protocol concluded at the previous session of the Mixed Committee (Bucharest, 10-11 April 2017) and the initiation of some new projects in relevant areas for the German ethnics of Romania has been agreed.The parties negotiated and adopted the Protocol of the 21st session of the Mixed Committee, that establishes the main cooperation objectives of the two governments in this area and the framework for the subsequent development of the projects destined to the German ethnics of Romania.The Romanian side extended an invitation to the German side to the works of the next Mixed Committee which are to be held next year in Bucharest.The session was also attended by Romania's Ambassador to the Federal Republic of Germany Emil Hurezeanu and Ambassador of the Federal Republic of Germany to Romania Cord Meier-Klodt. The Republic of Moldova will be connected to the European gas network by early 2020 at the latest, enabling it to access a multitude of gas sources, Transgaz CEO Ion Sterian on Thursday told the Gas Infrastructure Europe General Assembly in Bucharest. "In 2019 - early 2020 we will succeed in connecting the Republic of Moldova to the European gas transmission infrastructure, that is we will be able to carry gas in the first place from Romania, from the Black Sea, from the TAP-TANAP Southern Gas Corridor section in northern Greece, but also the other way round because all these corridors operate reverse flow. We can take gas to Chisinau even from the North Sea," Sterian said. Transgaz won the previous winter the tender for the acquisition of the Republic of Moldova's gas transmission operator. "We are now in full transfer completion procedure," the Transgaz representative said.Ion Sterian mentioned that the gas to be extracted from the Black Sea will be mainly for Romania's consumption."A household gas supply governmental program is underway and this will increase household and industrial gas consumption while reducing wood consumption," the Transgaz CEO said. agerpres Any animal farm needs to feed, to its livestock, food that the farmer has selected, so as to fatten the animals in the way that the farmer wants, in order for him to serve his selected market serve them what that market wants. Foie-gras ducks (and geese) are fed in order to produce foie gras sickly enlarged bird-livers which aristocrats traditionally have craved to eat. Many rich people eat this almost tasteless delicacy, as a status-symbol. By French law, foie gras is defined as the liver of a duck or goose fattened by force-feeding corn with a feeding tube. The final weeks of the birds life consist of nothing but these force-feedings, as the animals only supply of food. Thats the way to produce those highly valued, sickly enlarged, bird-livers. In the following video, the actress Kate Winslet explains and shows how this force-feeding is done (its showing there a bird-analogue of whats done to Americas voters): Those ducks and geese need to be force-fed this food because the birds dont actually want to eat it theyre forced to eat it; its simply forced into their stomachs. Thats not really eating of food, for nutriment or for health, and especially not for pleasure, like real eating is. It is, instead, just the farmer's forcing corn into the birds stomach, regardless of what that victim wants, or needs, or can even tolerate. Its something thats done to the bird, not by the bird. So, although its feeding, its not actually eating. This is the way that American elections increasingly are, for Americans elections are increasingly something thats done to them, and less and less what they themselves do. Americas Democratic Party voters arent as politically disaffected as are Americas Republican Party voters, but both groups are reluctant to vote for the politicians whom the aristocracy is offering to them as constituting their final general-election options. And there are now a larger number of unaffiliated or independent American voters than the voters of either Party and Americas independent voters are astronomically politically disaffected. This was shown on 26 October 2016, just before the U.S. election, when Britains Guardian bannered Most Americans do not feel represented by Democrats or Republicans survey Poll finds Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump continue to face historically low favourability ratings, while pessimism about the countrys direction has grown Participating in this poll had been (as shown on page 42 of the pollsters full report) two thousand scientifically sampled American adults, 18 or older including ones who hadnt even registered to vote (and so this was a scientific sampling of the total U.S. adult population, instead of only of registered voters, or only likely voters) and consequently the most disillusioned voters who dont vote at all were included in this political poll, which is absolutely extraordinary and it found, as the Guardian summarized it, that: Sixty-one per cent of survey respondents say neither political party reflects their opinions today, while 38% disagree. Nearly eight in 10 (77%) independents and a majority (54%) of Republicans took this position, while less than half (46%) of Democrats agree. So (to clarify that incompetent writing in the Guardian): just before Americas 2016 general election, 46% of Democrats were politically disaffected, 54% of Republicans were, and a whopping 77% of independents were; and 61% of all Americans were. Fewer than 39% of Americans thought that the U.S. Government represented them. Not necessarily in words, but definitely in reality: 61% of Americans thought they werent living in a democracy they thought that America is actually a dictatorship. A better headline for that news-report would therefore have been: 61% of Americans Think They Live in a Dictatorship. It would have been shorter, clearer, and equally as true, as the Guardians headline. Since Democrats are the least-displeased American voting-group, regarding the politicians that their aristocrats have selected for them and fed to them, lets focus on and consider here, in some detail, this least-displeased American voting-group, because theyre the least like any resistant (or anti-Establishment) foie gras geese and ducks are; Democratic Party voters are far more passive than other Americans are, far more willingly accepting of whats being fed to them by the aristocracy. During the 2016 primaries-season, which are the contests within each of Americas parties, one candidate stood out above all others as being by far the most-preferred one by the American general electorate: Bernie Sanders. He was Hillary Clintons opponent in the Democratic Party primaries. Although all of the Democratic Partys billionaires were funding Ms. Clintons campaign, the American public strongly preferred Mr. Sanders. In the numerous one-on-one polled hypothetical choices versus any of the opposite Partys contending candidates, Sanders crushed each one of them except John Kasich, who, throughout the primaries, was the second-most preferred of all of the candidates of both Parties (and who performed far better than Trump did in the hypothetical match-ups against Clinton). But Kasich received almost as little financial backing from the billionaires as did Sanders; so, like Sanders, Kasich didnt receive his Partys nomination. In the hypothetical match-ups, Sanders beat Kasich by 3.3%, whereas Kasich beat Clinton by 7.4% that spread between +3.3% and -7.4% is 10.8%, and provides a pretty reliable indication of what the Democratic National Committee threw away when rigging the primaries and vote-counts for Hillary Clinton to win the Partys nomination. All of the DNC insiders knew that Sanders would be the stronger general-election candidate, no matter whom the Republican nominee would end up being; all of the polling showed it clearly, and they all read the polls voraciously. In all of this hypothetical polling, Sanders beat Trump by 10.4%, whereas Clinton beat Trump by only 3.2%. That spread was 7.2% in favor of Sanders over Clinton, and thats a huge spread. However, the DNC cared lots more about satisfying its mega-donors, than about winning, when they picked Clinton to be the Partys nominee. Ms. Clintons actual victory over Mr. Trump in the final election between those two nominees turned out to be by only 2.1% close enough a spread so as to enable Trump to win in the Electoral College (which is all that counts), which counts not individual voters but a formula that represents both the states and the voters. Sanders would have beaten Trump in a landslide far too big a victory-margin for the Electoral College to have been able to go the opposite way, such as did happen with Clinton (who was so stupid her campaign was a mess, definitely stupider than Trumps). This fact, of Sanderss clearly trouncing Trump, was also shown here and here. Thats what the DNC threw away; but discard it they did, because their billionaires were strongly opposed to Sanders (and many of them might have donated even to Trump in order to defeat Sanders). Hillary Clinton received by far the biggest support from billionaires, of all of the 2016 candidates; Sanders received by far the least; and this is the reason why the Democratic Party, which Clinton and Barack Obama (two thoroughly billionaire-controlled politicians) effectively controlled, handed its nomination to Clinton. The poll that had been reported by Britains Guardian, is shown in fuller detail here, documenting how loathed both of the two Parties Presidential nominees were: Both Hillary Clinton and Donald Trump continue to have historically low favorability ratings with fewer than half of the public viewing each candidate positively (41% vs. 33%, respectively). Clinton is viewed less favorably than the Democratic Party (49%), but Trumps low favorability rating is more consistent with the Republican Partys low favorability (36%). Of course, the Republican Party won everything, though its favorability-rating was the lowest. In no way was this outcome the result of democracy. The real action in American politics is in the primaries, and the billionaires know this. The primaries are the process where any candidate who wants to represent the public instead of the aristocracy, gets eliminated from further competition. Thats the reason why the billionaires are especially concerned to win in their respective partys primaries the first-stage selection process so that the general-election options will be only candidates who are acceptable to the aristocracy. Then, if a particular billionaire doesnt like what his party has nominated, he can either back that candidate if acceptable, or else might back another partys nominee, who was selected by that other partys billionaires. In either case, the billionaires class-interest will still be served, even though the given billionaire might philosophically disagree with the other partys candidate. Itll still be the same aristocracy ruling the country, even if a different segment of it. This means that, for the voters, the final choice doesnt include any anti-aristocratic (or pro-democratic) option: its instead between nominees all of whom represent some faction or another within the nations aristocracy. Thats the situation amongst Democratic Party voters these being the voters who are the least-disillusioned about their countrys democracy. Apparently, no matter how much the Democratic Party lies to its voters, those voters are extremely reluctant to reject their Partys nominee. Even if their Party has stolen the nomination from them, and handed it to a nominee who ends up losing in the final contest, Democratic Party voters are still willing to back the Party that stole the nomination from them, for the weaker candidate, and that thereby handed the victory to a different party. But Americas Republican voters, and especially Americas independent or non-affiliated voters, are very much in the position of reluctant, or even highly resistant, foie gras ducks and geese (the ones who squawk and squirm more). Democratic Party voters are the most accepting of what theyre being force-fed. Thats why most of them remain as Democrats, even after their Partys having stolen the nomination and handed it to Clinton, and even after Clintons subsequent choice for DNC Chair and not Sanderss choice becoming selected in 2017 by the DNC to run the Party in the 2018 mid-term elections. The fewer-than-a-thousand people (447, to be exact) who are allowed to vote in DNC elections, are, as a group, thoroughly unrepentant, even though they had, to a large extent, made Trump President. (That last linked-to site, being mainstream, and thus necessarily controlled by the aristocracy, said that the DNCs exact roster of current members doesnt appear to be easily available on its website, but that was a lie, because the membership-list simply wasnt at all available on its website and it still is being kept a secret there, which fact, of the DNCs secrecy about whom those 447 DNC members are, further displays the type of democracy that America is, which fact, in turn, explains the vast political disaffection in the United States, though Democratic voters especially accept this ongoing abuse of Democratic voters, by the DNC.) Americas voters are foie gras birds, but some of these birds (the Republicans and especially independents) are more resisting than some others (Democrats) are. The way that Americas billionaires farm this public is by feeding to the voters the politicians, without even considering the needs much less the wants of that public. And this is the reason why the only scientific study that has ever been done of whether a given country is a democracy or instead a dictatorship, which was a study that was done about the U.S., found that America is clearly a dictatorship, no democracy at all. It found that whereas the very wealthy and well-connected do have very significant effect shaping Americas laws, the public-at-large has virtually none: The preferences of the average American appear to have only a minuscule, near-zero, statistically non-significant impact upon public policy. Such a country isnt a democracy; its an aristocracy a nation where only the rich and well-connected have impact upon the government. Americas public are foie gras ducks. What will come out of this weeks summit between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un of North Korea remains to be seen, and one must hope for the best, but the bullets are already beginning to fly in the US media with The New York Times Nicholas Kristof declaring impulsively somewhat implausibly that Trump gave away the store by canceling military training exercises with South Korea and in legitimizing Jong-uns rule by meeting with him without getting anything substantive in return. Lost in the flood of news coming out of Singapore are Trumps positive comments delivered at the earlier G-7 meeting in Canada, which may have opened the door to a possible meeting with Russian President Vladimir Putin and a return of Moscow to a reconfigured G-8. One hopes that China will soon also make it into the ultimate insiders club, which will have to be renamed G-9. Washingtons most important relationship is with Moscow, and the possibility of detente should be welcomed by everyone who wishes to avoid a nuclear holocaust. But The Times Paul Krugman, among others, cannot overcome his visceral dislike for Russia, citing its invasion of Ukraine and its relatively small economy as good reasons to block its membership in a reconstituted G-8. He also suggests that Putin has some kind of hold over Trump, a serious charge that he cannot substantiate except by innuendo, also claiming that Trump is some kind of Quisling who defended Russia while attacking our closest allies. It is odd that Krugman, a Nobel laureate in Economic Sciences, chooses to ignore the fact that Moscow punches well above its weight both economically and politically while also sitting on what is presumed to be the worlds most resource-rich region in Siberia. Also, Krugman should do a fact check on who started what in Ukraine. He might be surprised to learn that it was the United States and its proxies. The Krugman and Kristof excursions into fantasy demonstrate clearly how media punditry in the United States is a fascinating plant that grows in darkness. It is rarely fact-based, is never held accountable, and it is nearly always ideologically driven. Talking heads sitting across the right/libertarian divide are as bad as traditional liberals like Krugman and Kristof. Justin Raimondo, for example, praises Donald Trumps performance in insulting and rebuffing the six other nations at the recently concluded G-7 Summit because those conniving non-Americans are relying on the United States to provide their defense so they can sit around all fat and happy. He calls them Euro-weenies. While I too would like to see the end of NATO given my belief that Russia does not threaten Eastern or Western Europe, there is more than a touch of hypocrisy in those like Raimondo who favor dismantling military alliances as part of their embrace of what they perceive to be an antiwar doctrine while at the same time failing to mention the terrible decisions that the White House has made that have actually increased tension in volatile parts of the world. Taken in order of magnitude, Trumps renunciation of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) was a major disaster, eliminating a successful program that was preventing nuclear proliferation on the part of Iran and replacing it with nothing whatsoever apart from war as a possible way of dealing with the potential problem. And then there is Syria, where there have been contradictory signals, but also two pointless cruise missile attacks. It looks like the US Army is in for the long haul, having recently set up a trap to kill Russian mercenaries while also seeking to destabilize President Bashar al-Assad and continuing the occupation of the Syrian oil fields. And in Afghanistan there are now more troops on the ground than there were on inauguration day. The United States also has a new military base in Israel which will serve as a tripwire for automatic American involvement if Israel goes to war, has given the green light to the Israeli slaughter of Palestinians, has backed off from detente with Cuba, and has been periodically threatening some kind of intervention in Venezuela. It is engaged in aggressive war games on the Russian borders. It has increased involvement in Somalia and has drones and special ops units operating worldwide. Giving the Europeans a possibly deserved bloody nose over their refusal to spend money defending themselves would hardly seem to balance the equation. The hypocrisy in national security policy exhibited by the Trump regime is best illustrated by comments from Tony Blinken, Deputy Secretary of State under President Barack Obama, who helped negotiate the JCPOA agreement with Iran, as well as by Scott Ritter, former arms inspector. They have opined that a successful deal with North Korea will likely look very much like the what was negotiated with the Iranians: curtailment or elimination of any weapons development program coupled with rigorous inspections and major incentives to include a non-aggression pact and the lifting of sanctions. In any international agreement no one ever gets everything they want, but they can get enough to make the enterprise worthwhile. It is a lesson that Donald Trump must learn. While Algeria has been buying billions of dollars worth of Russia weapons recently it has also been buying Chinese weapons as well. Algeria has noted that China often manufactures Russian type weapons that are cheaper, more reliable and delivered more quickly. A recent example of this is the W86 120mm mortar carried on the back of a Mercedes Benz 4x4 G Class military vehicle. Normally China offers the W86 carried on the back of a similar Chinese EQ2050 vehicle. EQ2050 is actually a copy of the American hummer (M998 HMMWV). But the W86 and its hydraulic system for getting the 206 kg (453 pound) W86 off and back onto the rear of the vehicle can be mounted on any similar 4x4 vehicle, including the hummer. The G Class qualifies and is preferred because Algeria has been assembling G Class military vehicles in Algeria since 2015. Most of the production of the new plant is for civilian customers but up to 2,000 of the Class G vehicles are for Algerian military and para-military (including police) units. By adopting the G Class Algeria joined more than sixty other nations that have used the Class G for their armed forces. First developed in the 1970s as a military vehicle, civilian versions appeared as well and were soon outselling the military models. Production of G Class military model is to continue at least until 2025. Most Model Gs are used to carry personnel and supplies. Able to haul up to 1.5 tons, some Model Gs are also used as ambulances and there is an armored version (with a payload of only half a ton). The standard Model Gs weigh about 3.5 tons while the armored models come in at 4.5 tons. In many respects, the hummer was inspired by the G Class but optimized for military use from the beginning. The hummer and G class have similar capabilities. The W86 mortar was developed in the 1990s to replace the Type 55 (a copy of the Russian World War II M1943). There was an upgrade in 2003 and the version carried in the back of an EQ2050 appeared in 2014. The W86 has a more efficient recoil system and can handle more powerful new 120mm shells that have a range of up to 7.7 kilometers (and weigh about 14 kg/31 pounds each). The W86 is also sold in a towed version that uses large road wheels like artillery and can be towed by vehicles like the hummer. The version carried in the back of a hummer type vehicle is more popular and better able to move off-road. The W86 usually has a crew of six and these, as well as a few dozen rounds of ammo are carried on the vehicle along with navigation and fire control equipment (which often includes a laser range finder). Chief of Army Staff General Qamar Javed Bajwa has said all regional stakeholders need to remove differences for regional peace. Addressing participants of National Security and War Course at National Defence University in Islamabad today (Thursday), he said cooperation based framework can make peace possible in the region. He said all parties will have to shun aggressive thinking for regional peace and development. The Army Chief said a positive track will have to be adopted to utilize resources available in the region. General Qamar Javed Bajwa said Pakistan has passed the difficult stage of coping with security challenges. He said we want Pakistan which has a rule of law. Forces backed by the Saudi-led coalition have launched an offensive against Yemens Red Sea port city of Hudaydah in defiance of warnings by the UN and international rights groups against the catastrophic repercussions of such a military action. On Wednesday morning, Saudi-owned Al Arabiya TV network announced the beginning of the Hudaydah operation, which the UN has warned could cause up to 250,000 deaths. The Saudi-led military alliance is providing air cover to the operation. Meanwhile, Arabic-language al-Masdar News has reported heavy Saudi-led airstrikes on Hudaydah as the UAE-backed troops stormed the Houthi positions just south of the citys airport. Houthi media activists have also reported fierce clashes south of the Hudaydah airport and intense air raids over the entire province. The United Arab Emirates (UAE), a key member of the Saudi-led coalition waging the war on Yemen, had set a Tuesday deadline for the Yemeni Houthi Ansarullah movement to pull out of Hudaydah. The port city serves as a lifeline for aid delivery to the war-stricken country. These are the last and final hours to get unconditional guarantees that the Houthis will leave the port, UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash told Reuters on Tuesday. The Saudi-led coalition claims that the Houthi Ansarullah movement is using Hudaydah for weapons delivery, an allegation rejected by the fighters. The Houthi movement has pledged strong resistance in the face of the assault, which is said to be the largest of its kind since the onset of the war in early 2015. Shortly after the operation was launched, the Yemeni National Salvation Governments spokesman, Abdulsalam Jaber, said Yemeni armed forces had targeted a UAE warship off the countrys western coast. Yemens Supreme Revolutionary Committee said the warship was destroyed in the counter-attack, adding that Saudi-led helicopters rushed to save the forces aboard the vessel, which is now burning near Yemens coastline. A second battleship left the site following the incident, it added. Meanwhile, according to The Wall Street Journal, there are signs that the US military is deepening its role in the assault on Hudaydah, in spite of UN warnings of massive human casualties. Washington, the paper says, is providing its Persian Gulf allies with intelligence on airstrike targets in the port. It cited American military officials as saying that the US is helping the UAE develop a list of targets meant to be off limits for airstrikes on Hudaydah, with an apparent aim to minimize civilian casualties. The UN and other aid groups have over the past days withdrawn their staff members from the port city in the wake of UAE threats. The United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF) has also raised alarm over the impact of the attack on children in Hudaydah and beyond. There are 11 million children in need of humanitarian aid in this war-torn country. Choking off this lifeline will have devastating consequences for every one of them, UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta H. Fore said in a statement on Tuesday. Red Cross renews warning On Wednesday, the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) called on all sides to the Yemen conflict to protect civilians, voicing concerns about the humanitarian situation in Hudaydah. Under international humanitarian law, parties to the conflict have to do everything possible to protect civilians and ensure they have access to the assistance they need to survive, Lise Grande, UN humanitarian coordinator for Yemen, told Reuters. ICRC spokeswoman Marie-Claire Feghali also warned that the assault on Hudaydah was likely to exacerbate an already catastrophic humanitarian situation in Yemen. Michael Waite Syracuse, NY -- An East Syracuse private music teacher on trial for sex abuse is accused of giving a young girl erotic foot rubs to please himself. Michael Waite, 42, of Mattydale, has denied the allegations that he used the girl's feet to touch his private parts on repeated occasions for 7 1/2 years. The girl, who took the witness stand, did not accuse Waite of any other sexual contact. Prosecutor Jordan Aiello today told the jury that the girl was worthy of belief: after all, if she was lying, why wouldn't she accuse him of something worse, like rape? But defense lawyer David Zukher argued that the girl was lying to hurt Waite. He also lambasted a police investigation as being "shoddy" and "shameful," noting that there was no physical evidence found. Zukher called the whole case a "he said, she said" with "an appalling lack of evidence." Aiello noted that foot rubs would not have created any physical evidence that could be collected by police. There's no evidence that Waite went any further than having the girl's feet touch his privates, she said. Waite runs a music studio in East Syracuse, but the girl in this case was not a student. Waite has consistently denied subjecting the girl to sexual abuse, though did admit to giving her foot rubs in text conversations and a wiretapped police interview, according to trial testimony. There's no allegation of physical force being used, but the foot rubs began when the girl was young, the prosecutor said today. Waite cast the foot rubs as nothing more than innocent, but acknowledged during the police interview that her foot may have touched his private areas by accident. Both sides sought to use the wiretapped interview -- which took place at Waite's music studio -- to sway the jury. The prosecutor said it confirmed Waite's conduct while the defense stressed his denials of wrongdoing despite what Zukher called a "brutal interrogation under the guise of an interview." Waite faces about a decade in prison if convicted of sex abuse. The most serious crime relates to abuse that happened before the girl was 13 years old. A jury heard closing arguments from both lawyers this morning. They will begin deliberating this afternoon. Waite remains free on bail pending the verdict. ALBANY, N.Y. -- A former New York State corrections officer was sentenced in federal court on Thursday for coordinating the delivery of 120 pounds of marijuana in March 2011, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office for the Northern District of New York. Brad Rushford, 35, of Ellenburg Depot, received a sentence of one year and one day in prison, a four-year term of supervised release and a $6,000 fine, the attorney's office said. Rushford admitted to providing a driver and scout cell phones to be used in delivering the marijuana, the attorney's office said. The marijuana was intercepted by law enforcement in Malone, the attorney's office said. At the time, Rushford worked as a corrections officer, the attorney's office said. He last worked at Franklin Correctional Facility as a corrections officer in 2016, according to SeeThroughNY, a state payroll database. His job paid $59,821 per year, but Rushford made just $22,684 that year, the database said. Syracuse, NY -- With Gary Thibodeau in hospice care, his public defender vowed today to continue fighting his 1995 Heidi Allen conviction "as long as (Thibodeau) can hold on." Public Defender Lisa Peebles remained undeterred after a 4-3 ruling from the state's highest court that struck down Thibodeau's appeal for a retrial based on newly discovered evidence. Allen, 18, disappeared from an Oswego County convenience store on Easter 1994; newly discovered evidence had implicated others in her kidnapping, but courts have now ruled that evidence could not be used at trial. "We're going to keep fighting, there's no question about it," Peebles told Syracuse.com | The Post-Standard. "It was a divided court. We obviously agree with the well-reasoned decision of the dissent. "The fight is not over." For his part, Oswego County District Attorney Gregory Oakes said he isn't surprised that the fight continues. Oakes said today he was happy the high court agreed with his analysis of the law. "We're very pleased with the court's decision," the DA said. "I'm glad that, at least the majority, viewed the laws and the facts the way we saw them." He thanked Heidi Allen's family for sticking with the DA's office and sheriff's office after new evidence pointing to other possible suspects came to light four years ago. "It took a tremendous toll on them as a family," Oakes said. "I'm glad we didn't let them down." So what's next? Peebles said there's a way to ask the state's Court of Appeals, which narrowly struck down the appeal, to reconsider the case. That's one option. Then there's the request for a federal court to take up an appeal. That's been on Peebles' radar all along: after all, she's actually a federal public defender who has fought the case so far in state court. The challenge there is that federal appeals can take even longer than state appeals. One recent appeal granted former Cazenovia resident Hector Rivas a new murder trial after 23 years, but he died before getting his new day in court. Perhaps the fastest route would be to ask the U.S. Supreme Court to intervene. But Peebles acknowledged that's a long shot given the small number of cases that the nation's highest court considers. "Each time you go up, it gets more and more difficult," Peebles said. The biggest question is Thibodeau's health: can he survive yet another appeal? Oswego County DA Gregory Oakes talks to public defender Lisa Peebles during a hearing to determine whether Gary Thibodeau should be granted a new trial. From Day One, Peebles has said that she hoped to set up a federal appeal for Thibodeau, Oakes told Syracuse.com. If Peebles goes to federal court, Oakes said the prosecutor's role would be handled by the state's Attorney General Office, not the local DA office. Oakes promised to assist in any way he could. Peebles said that because Thibodeau is being held in a medical ward of a Hudson Valley state prison, he probably doesn't know about today's decision. She plans to mail him a copy and then visit him next week. BUFFALO, NY -- Upstate New York has a thing for Labatt's beer. Labatt's is returning the love. Labatt's, a Canadian beer marketed and distributed by a Buffalo-based company (Labatt USA), is introducing a series of new cans for its Blue and Blue Light beers that feature illustrations of Upstate waterfront scenes. The series, called "Loving New York," includes the Buffalo riverfront (showing an old grain silo adorned with a Labatt's logo), plus a pier on Seneca Lake, the Thousand Islands Bridge in Alexandria Bay and a view of Lake George. The new packaging will be available this summer in all locations that sell 18-packs of Blue and Blue Light. As part of the promotion, Labatt USA is partnering with Riverkeeper, a non-profit environmental group dedicated to protecting the Hudson River and its tributaries. Labatt USA is making a $10,000 investment to support Riverkeeper's efforts. That's part of the company's larger investment of $100,000 in Waterkeepers, which supports clean water throughout the Great Lakes. The links between Labatt and Upstate New York have always been strong. While Labatt is the top-selling Canadian beer across the United States, Buffalo is its single biggest American market. It's also particularly popular across Upstate and the Great Lakes region. Labatt USA is headquartered in Buffalo, where it is currently developing the Labatt House, a combination pilot brewery and restaurant in the Cobblestone District that will also house the company's offices. Labatt USA is owned by North American Breweries, the Rochester-based company that is also the parent of the Genesee Brewery. Don Cazentre writes about craft beer, wine, spirits and beverages for NYup.com, syracuse.com and The Post-Standard. Reach him at dcazentre@nyup.com, or follow him at NYup.com, on Twitter or Facebook. His Eminence Shyalpa Tenzin Rinpoche gave a public talk entitled "Finding Peace in Every Moment" on Tuesday to a capacity crowd at the University United Methodist Church in Syracuse. Rinpoche spoke to an attentive audience about how everyone has the capacity to find peace within by nurturing their own innate wisdom, compassion and equanimity. Following a lively question-and-answer session, Rinpoche remained on stage for guests to greet him and receive a blessing while presenting a traditional white kata. Rinpoche is currently directing the construction of the Mahasiddha Sanctuary for Universal Peace in Lumbini, Nepal, the birthplace of the Buddha. He envisions the Mahasiddha Sanctuary to be a place of pilgrimage and spiritual enrichment for people of every race, color, and creed. Rinpoche was born in the foothills of the Himalaya Mountains where he was recognized as a holy child and began training as a Lama at the age of 4. Rinpoche attended the Buddhist University in Sarnath, Varanasi, and later received transmissions and empowerments from many of the greatest Nyingma and Kargyu masters of our time. --- Paul Patrick Syracuse, N.Y. -- Miguel Robles was on his way to New York City from Cleveland in August last year when the bus he was riding stopped to pick up passengers in Rochester. Border Patrol agents boarded the bus and asked the five Latino men on it for papers, Robles said through an interpreter. When they asked him for his paperwork, he showed them papers from his Green Card application, which is pending in immigration court in Cleveland, he said. "They put me in handcuffs," Robles said. He said agents told him his application to be a legal, permanent resident didn't matter. Robles, 36, is married to a U.S. citizen and has 11-year-old twin boys who are also U.S. citizens. He works in construction in Cleveland, he said. He entered the U.S. illegally from the Dominican Republic 12 years ago. Robles was taken to the federal immigration detention center in Batavia. While there, he said, agents pressured him to sign a voluntary removal order. If Robles had signed, he would give up his right to argue his immigration case and be fast-tracked for deportation. "I resisted signing it," Robles said. Robles was in detention for about a month, he said, before he went in front of an immigration judge. After a hearing that lasted minutes, Robles was able to get out on bond and go home to his family. His green card application and deportation case are pending, he said. Robles' story is repeated in cities across the state and nation: Bus and train trips that end in secret prisons and closed courtrooms. It offers a window into the increased searches by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol on buses and trains. While the searches were not uncommon under President Barack Obama, the frequency has increased under the Trump administration, according to statement from Dave Long, a Customs and Border Patrol spokesman who oversees the Buffalo region. "Transportation hubs are used by alien smuggling and drug trafficking organizations to move people, narcotics, and contraband to interior destinations throughout the country," Long said in a statement. "To combat these growing threats, the U.S. Border Patrol has increased the frequency of deportation checks around the country as an additional enforcement mechanism to reinforce CBP's world-class approach to border security." Last year, the government made a change that gave more power to local agents. Now, the chief agent in each region approves the searches. Before, they had to be approved through a process at Border Patrol's central headquarters in Washington, D. C., Long said in the statement. Border Patrol is not required to keep data on the searches its agents conduct. Lawyers and advocates said they have seen an increased presence of Customs and Border Patrol agents at the regional transportation centers in Syracuse, Buffalo and Rochester. Average people, here illegally for decades often, are getting caught in the document searches and finding themselves in deportation proceedings. Immigration advocates say this is the government taking advantage of the fact that undocumented immigrants often rely on public transportation because they are barred from getting drivers' licenses in most states. There are 12 states that allow the licenses, including Connecticut and Vermont. New York does not; legislation has been introduced here but seems unlikely to pass this year. Advocates for tighter immigration controls say the increased checks will deter people from crossing the borders illegally. "This type of activity is essential to protecting our national security and tamping down on the flow of illegal aliens into the U.S. There is nothing unusual about this; the BP is carrying out is duty, which was curtained during the Obama administration, to enforce federal immigration law," said Hans von Spakovsky, senior legal fellow at The Heritage Foundation, a conservative think tank. "The more publicity there is about it also, the more effective it may be in acting as a deterrent to illegal aliens who want to cross into the U.S. from Canada." Immigration advocates recently took video of agents questioning people boarding a bus at the Syracuse regional transportation center. They went down the line, asking travelers for their paperwork to prove that they are citizens. They are not required to oblige. The searches, without warrants, are allowed under federal law because they occur within 100 miles of the border. The law used to allow searches within 25 miles of the border, but the zone was expanded in the 1950s. Lawyers and immigration advocates say the searches, without warrants, smack of racial profiling. People who have been in the country for decades find themselves locked up for weeks before they can see an immigration judge to post bail. And many end up facing deportation because they entered the country illegally. "If you've seen the video or you've been there, they are going person to person and asking principally folks of color," said Herve Comeau, an immigration attorney with the Volunteer Lawyers Project of Onondaga County. In recent months, Comeau received about a half-dozen phone calls from people while they were being questioned at the Syracuse regional transportation center. In all of those cases, the people were either U.S. citizens or international students who were in the country legally, Comeau said. But in some of the cases, the people didn't have the proper documents with them and Comeau had to talk them through how to get the documents in front of the agents who were questioning them. In all of those cases, once a lawyer was involved, the people who were questioned were let go, Comeau said. "What's scary is how many of these are we missing? How many of these calls don't I get," he said. In early May, Pat Reynolds was at the Syracuse Transportation Center when he watched as Border Patrol agents remove a man from the train. "He wasn't talking," said Reynolds. "He looked very scared. There was really nobody there to notice." A border patrol spokesman later said the man was from Yemen, but declined to give any more information about the situation, including the detained man's name. He also declined to give any data on searches at the different transportation hubs in Upstate New York. Reynolds, a retired human resources manager who lives in Fayetteville, had read about the questioning agents were doing at the transportation hub the week before and was disturbed. He said he decided to check it out for himself. He was surprised to see someone detained. Jose Perez, an immigration lawyer who practices in Syracuse, Buffalo and Rochester, said the increase in calls from immigrants in detention because of bus and train searches has been substantial. In recent months, he has had 11 consultations from potential clients who were detained after being questioned. Robles, the man from Cleveland, is his client. A 65-year-old couple who had been in the country for nearly 30 years found themselves in handcuffs and then immigration detention for six weeks after immigration authorities searched their bus in Rochester. "This routine terror at the hands of Border Patrol instills fear in community members who are simply traveling for work or visiting loved ones," said Carly Fox, Senior Worker Rights Advocate at the Worker Justice Center of NY in Rochester. Fox, who provided translation for this story, said Greyhound should stop allowing Border Patrol to board its buses and New York should allow undocumented workers to get drivers licenses. Teresa Obiedo-Orozco and Jose Fide Valdes-Lopez were traveling to Chicago from New York city when they were picked up by border patrol agents off their Greyhound bus in Rochester. The couple, both 65, spent more than a month in immigration detention. They are now facing deportation. Teresa Obiedo-Orozco and Jose Fide Valdes-Lopez were going to see her brother in Chicago. They'd made the trip twice before by bus and once by plane and never encountered immigration authorities. Now they are facing deportation. Both entered the U.S. illegally from Mexico nearly three decades ago and eventually made their home in Newburgh, N.Y., outside of New York City. He has worked in landscaping, at car washes and as a mechanic. She cleans hotels and homes. They've paid taxes out of their paychecks over the years. And they've never been in trouble with immigration - until now. Through Fox, the interpreter, the couple said they had never seen Border Patrol agents. The agents boarded the bus and asked everyone for documents proving their citizenship. The couple offered their passports and then were removed from the bus. "He said, 'We'll get you off the bus to ask you some questions and let you go on your way,' but that's not what happened," Obeido-Orozco said. They said they were taken to the Customs and Border Patrol office in Irondequoit and questioned for several hours before being taken to the Buffalo Federal Immigration Detention Center in Batavia. They and Robles said that in detention, they weren't sure what would happen or what rights they had. Obeido-Orozco and Valdes-Lopez said they were treated properly. "They didn't hit us. They brought us to the doctor," Obeido-Orozco said. But they were only able to see each other on Sundays for a half hour. They were in detention in Batavia for six weeks. When they finally saw an immigration judge at the end of that time, they were quickly released on $1,500 bond each. She's been here for 24 years and he for 28. Now they are facing deportation. They have no idea what will happen now. "Only God knows," she said. "We never imagined this would happen to us." Marnie Eisenstadt writes about people, life and culture in Central New York. Have an idea or question? Contact her anytime: email | twitter | Facebook | 315-470-2246 Syracuse, N.Y. -- New York regulators on Thursday ordered Charter Communications, known as Spectrum, to pay a $2 million fine for being too slow expanding its network of high-speed internet, cable television and telephone services. As a condition of its 2016 approval of Charter's acquisition of Time Warner Cable, the state Public Service Commission required Charter to extend its network to an additional 145,000 unserved and underserved residential housing units and businesses within four years. The commission's order required the company to meet certain buildout milestones along the way. The commission said Charter has failed to meet its obligations to expand the reach of its network and failed to justify why it wasn't able to meet them. In addition to imposing the $2 million fine, the commission ordered Charter to "unequivocally" accept the terms of its 2016 approval of the merger with Time Warner Cable or risk having the merger revoked. The commission said that, in a response to its audit of the company's buildout progress, Charter argued in May that not all of the commission's 2016 merger order applies to the company. "Since the company has taken the unfortunate position of refusing to adhere to all conditions set forth in our initial decision two years ago, we now demand the company unconditionally accept all of the conditions as the commission unambiguously required in 2016, or run the risk of more severe consequences," commission Chairman John Rhodes said. Charter responded with a statement saying it has expanded its network infrastructure "to bring broadband to tens of thousands of residences and businesses in New York state." "We exceeded our last commitment and we continue to meet our merger obligations," the company said. The company says it is on track to extend the reach of its broadband network to 145,000 unserved or underserved locations by May 2020. "Our multiyear buildout is a massive undertaking, one that will ultimately involve construction of thousands of miles of network infrastructure -- all funded completely by Charter, with no taxpayer subsidies or customer contributions," the company says on its website. In its order, the commission rejected 18,363 addresses - including 12,467 in New York City and 4,096 in Albany, Buffalo, Mount Vernon, Rochester, Schenectady and Syracuse - to which Charter said it had expanded its network. The commission said it found that the addresses had already been passed by Charter or another company providing high-speed broadband, or that Charter was separately required to pass the addresses by state regulations or franchise agreements. As a result, it ordered Charter to revise its buildout plan within 21 days. The commission said that, about a year after its 2016 approval of Charter's merger with Time Warner Cable, it became apparent Charter had failed to meet its May 2017 buildout target. To get the company back on track, the commission approved a settlement under which Charter was required to pass 36,771 unserved or underserved premises by December 2017 and meet regular six-month milestones Under the settlement, Charter agreed to pay a fine of up to $1 million for each six-month milestone it missed and up to $1 million if the company failed to correct any miss within three months. As part of its order Thursday, the commission ordered Charter to pay $1 million for failing to satisfy its December 2017 buildout target and failing to demonstrate that it missed the target due to circumstances beyond its control. It ordered the company to pay an additional $1 million for not "curing" the miss by March 16 of this year and not demonstrating that it had good cause for its failure to do so. PSC Order on Charter Buildout 6.14.2018 by rickmoriarty on Scribd Contact Rick Moriarty anytime: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 315-470-3148 SYRACUSE, N.Y. - Fifteen years ago, a Syracuse mayor saw a way to save a few bucks. Matt Driscoll was negotiating a contract with the firefighters union. The city wanted to get rid of a rule that let firefighters "vault" unused compensatory time and cash in on it just before retirement. The firefighters wanted a more lucrative pension benefit. So they struck a deal that, at the time, saved the city millions. The union got its benefit. The city nixed the vault rule and skipped a raise for firefighters. Now, 15 years and two mayors later, the full cost of that deal is being realized as pensions and overtime costs rise. The deal slashed city spending, but boosted the burden on the state retirement system by fostering a system in which firefighters rack up overtime in their final year, leading to higher pensions. The state gets no say on how the city doles out overtime, and the city doesn't have to pay a retiree's pension. That leaves little ability or incentive to fix the system. There are six Syracuse retirees with pensions greater than $100,000. Five of those are firefighters who retired this decade (the sixth is a cop). For the Fire Department's top overtime earners, the pension benefit can lead to a pension larger than their base salary. It's something the union president said he's trying to corral, with help from new leadership in the department. Retirees attribute high overtime payouts to budget cuts - fewer employees doing more work. The top Syracuse pensioner is Stephen J. Cavuto, 59, a firefighter who retired two years ago as a deputy chief. His pension is $126,900 a year - more than he made in most of his 31 years on the job and more than his $104,000 salary the year he retired. Statewide, New York's pension program pays nearly $11 billion to retired cops, firefighters and local government workers each year, not including teachers. That's a little more than the annual budget of Iceland. It's a figure that doubled over the last 10 years, as six-figure pensions have become more common, especially among cops and firefighters. One-year benefit Over the last eight years, 10 Syracuse firefighters - mostly district chiefs or deputy chiefs - retired with pensions higher than $90,000, due in large part to big sums of overtime at the end of their careers. The Fire Department uses a one-year final average salary benefit. A pension is based on total pay in someone's final year, instead of an average of three years like many pension benefits. For one year, then, you can sacrifice your free time to boost the payout you'll get (free of state income tax) for the rest of your life. At the time the one-year benefit was adopted in 2003, the decision saved the city millions. Not only did the city get rid of the vault rule, it was able to skip a raise for nearly 300 people. Since then, however, annual overtime costs for the department have risen from $1.4 million to $4.7 million. The department also has 21 fewer firefighter positions now than it did then, according to the city budget. The fire chief said the increasing overtime costs are a result of doing more work with fewer people. Deputy Chief Stephen Cavuto speaks at he Collins Block Memorial Ceremony, Tuesday, Feb. 3, 2015. Cavuto, the city's top pensioner, retired in 2016 after 31 years of service. He made $68,000 in overtime in his final year on the job, according to records from the state comptroller's office. In a typical year, Cavuto made between $12,000 and $18,000 in overtime, according to city pay records. Those numbers jumped sharply in his final few years. His regular pay rose as well. Cavuto attributes that jump to his duties as a deputy chief. He was the lone chief in charge of approving new construction during a boom in city building (among other duties). His hours also increased after a district chief who shared some of his responsibilities died in early 2015. "There was a tragedy," Cavuto said. "As he was dying of cancer his productivity dropped off and I picked it up. I wound up working more. It wasn't anything magical." It was up to Cavuto to meet with developers and sign off on new projects. More often than not, he had to work around their schedules. During the construction of Destiny USA, for example, there was a financier involved from Italy. Cavuto had to attend regular 5 a.m. meetings to accommodate someone across the globe. All those extra hours, he said, don't come without a cost. He had to work, a lot. "It took a toll on home life," he said. "I missed birthdays and holidays. I always kept a bag with a change of clothes in it. I never went home at night." Loopholes in the contract As part of the department's collective bargaining agreement, overtime is generally awarded on a rotating basis. After you take an available overtime shift, you go to the bottom of the list. If you're offered overtime and refuse, you're moved to the bottom of the list as if you accepted. The list is initially ordered by seniority, so the longest-serving members get first crack at overtime. Union President Paul Motondo said that system ensures overtime is evenly distributed among regular firefighters, for the most part. But the contract is riddled with loopholes. There is an exception in the contract for employees who are "offered to be put on duty," "ordered to duty" or told to "remain on duty" for various reasons by department leadership. Those hours are awarded independent of the rotating list, so if you take them, you don't lose your shot at regular overtime. Some of that is common sense: A firefighter shouldn't be expected to drop his hose in the middle of a fire just because he wasn't up next on the overtime list. A review of last year's overtime list, however, shows that more hours go to firefighters about to retire. Three of the four top overtime earners last year retired in the early months of 2018. Top earners The highest-paid person in the department last year was Lt. Joseph Galloway -- a fire investigator who retired this January after 22 years. Joe Galloway pulls a fire hose at a fire at the factory and sales outlet for the Muench-Kreuzer Company on Hiawatha Boulevard in 2004. Galloway more than doubled his $74,000 salary in his final year, making him the fifth highest paid city employee in 2017. He made $168,500. His pension will likely be about $78,000 (as of May, the comptroller's office had not yet calculated the amount, but Galloway shared some of his calculation paperwork with syracuse.com). Galloway worked 1,351 overtime hours in his last year, an average of 26 extra hours per week. That's 400 hours more than the next highest person, Lt. David Hook, who also retired in January. Galloway said in an interview that he hadn't planned to retire this year. He'd hoped to continue running the Fire Investigations Bureau under a new chief for two or three more years. But he wasn't part of the new leadership's plan, he said, so he retired. His case is somewhat unique. He's been among the top overtime earners in the department since at least 2014. Galloway was one of only three fire investigators, and the department requires an investigator on duty at all times. He became supervisor of the investigations bureau after the full-time supervisor position was cut, which added many administrative duties to his regular workload. That, in turn, led to lots of overtime. "Five years ago, when I took over, I knew that would be the case," he said. "I accepted the challenge and responsibility, but I wasn't going to do it for free." His overtime hours were especially high last year, he said, because he had two cases go to trial. Those cases involved hundreds of overtime hours in preparation, court appearances and things like depositions. Motondo said cases like Galloway's irk the rank-and-file, who are generally more constrained by the rotating overtime list. Galloway's unit operated independent of that list, since they weren't fighting fires. The average firefighter worked 238 overtime hours in 2017. Those hours are usually used to make sure fire stations are staffed around the clock. Fire Chief Michael Monds said his administration has made personnel changes to spread some duties among more members, which would cut down on some individuals working lots more overtime than others. He declined to say, specifically, what those duties were. Monds also stressed that more than 80 percent of overtime goes to firefighters "on the trucks" and that his department has fewer people to do more work. He noted the increase in new construction in the city, as well as an increase in calls for opioid overdoses. Chief Michael Monds, center, poses for a photo with city leadership, Saturday, Dec. 16, 2017, at the Firefighters' Memorial Park in Syracuse. "We respond to all the shootings and stabbings that happen in the city. We're the first people on scene," he said. "We're trying to split duties up so it's not just one person with the overload, that will make some people not make as much money in the long run...But I can only divide up stuff so many times." Cavuto, the retired deputy chief who started with the department in 1985, said he watched the department slash "back room" positions during his tenure. Off-the-truck duties were then split up among remaining personnel. That led to more chances for overtime. "I joined in 1985 and you had one or two overtime [opportunities] a year," he said. "They were so rare you were expected to bring in dessert when you got one. You were getting extra money, so you brought everyone ice cream." Overtime for the Fire Department today costs between $4 million and $5 million a year. There were about 85,000 hours of overtime worked last year. At a recent council hearing, Chief Monds - who was appointed to the position earlier this year - said the department is projected to spend around $4 million. That's down from the previous fiscal year, but still about 20 percent over budget. Mayor Ben Walsh has budgeted for a new class of firefighters this year, which Monds said will cut down on overtime. Cops want what firefighters get In Syracuse, the one-year pension benefit applies only to firefighters, not police. That isn't for lack of trying, on the police department's behalf. City Personnel Commissioner Robert Stamey said the police union has been lobbying for a matching benefit in negotiations since firefighters got it in 2003. The police and fire departments have generally matched one another for benefits. The one-year benefit for firefighters broke that trend. "One used to get whatever the other guy got," Stamey said. The benefit isn't the norm statewide, nor is it rare. Of the 687 fire and police departments in the state pension program, 210 use a one-year final average salary to calculate pensions, according to the state comptroller's office. It also has limits on how much an employee's salary can increase from one year to the next and still be included in a pension calculation. Any pay increase over 20 percent from the prior year won't be used to calculate a pension. Jeff Piedmonte, president of the Police Benevolent Association, said the benefit is a win-win for the firefighters and the city. Firefighters get to spend a year taking any available overtime shifts to get their best pension, he said, and the city gets a one-year heads up when a firefighter plans to retire. That allows the department to prepare to fill vacancies. "It gives them an idea of who's leaving," Piedmonte said. "And if there's any extra overtime available, they've got first crack at it." Chief Monds said at a spring council hearing he knew of four firefighters who planned to retire by July. Piedmonte said the police department has tried for several years to get a similar benefit. The firefighters' contract includes a clause that says, essentially, firefighters will receive whatever cops get, he said. But it's not reciprocal for police. Piedmonte said the one-year final average salary is a desirable benefit, but the police have negotiated for higher salaries, so it generally balances out. The police union's contract with the city has been expired for two years. It will be up to Mayor Walsh to negotiate a new one in his first term. The fire union is also negotiating a new contract. In his State of the City address in January, Walsh cited rising costs of pensions, salaries and retiree healthcare costs as some of the factors contributing to a deficit in the city. A memo prepared by his transition team identified expired labor contracts as one place to potentially save money. Correction: An earlier version of this story incorrectly said Lt. Galloway's pension will be around $90,000. While the final figure hasn't been calculated, it will be closer to $78,000. Fire Department's top pensioners Firefighter Retirement year Final year pay Pension Stephen Cavuto 2016 $185,030 $126,900 William Mitson 2014 $163,826 $108,486 Robert Bratt 2012 $157,183 $106,126 Mark Zoanetti 2015 $160,787 $100,582 David Reeves 2013 $140,223 $99,262 Edward Kurtz 2012 $156,196 $97,925 Collin Coogan 2011 $138,072 $95,598 William Elderbroom 2015 $170,144 $91,457 Timothy Hess 2017 $138,688 $90,592 *Dep. Chief Paul Cousins retired in 2018. His pension will likely be more than $100,000 based on final year figures, but it has not yet been calculated. Lt. Galloway's pension also has not been calculated. Top 2017 OT earners Lt. Col. Bryan Kilbride is commander of the Syracuse Army Recruiting Battalion. By Lt. Col. Bryan Kilbride | Special to Syracuse.com On this very day 243 years ago, the United States Army was born. Our nation was built on the backs of soldiers who fought for freedom, and for centuries, soldiers have continued to defend those freedoms. For the past four decades, the soldiers raising their right hands for the American way of life have volunteered to do so. The all-volunteer force has transformed the way we work toward peace and stability as a nation. It has also overhauled the level of quality we require. There is a reason the U.S. Army is one of the most respected organizations in the world - its people. Our U.S. Army is filled with fully qualified, trained and educated individuals who have a desire to serve. Unfortunately, we are challenged with finding enough young Americans who meet our cognitive, physical and moral requirements and also want to serve. As the commander of the Syracuse Battalion, I see amazing young people in our area wanting to dedicate time in service to our nation. Sadly, I also see how societal issues impact the ability of so many to even meet the qualifications to serve. More than 70 percent of young people do not meet the requirements because of obesity, mental and physical health problems, drugs, law violations and aptitude. I also see a major problem with public perception, and it will impact the future of our nation's Army if we don't work together as a community to fix it. About 50 percent of today's youth admit they know little to nothing about the U.S. military. Many can't even name all the services. If they don't understand the caliber of our soldiers or the educational and career opportunities available to them, they will never consider service as an option. We are depriving young Americans of an opportunity to mature, develop strong decision-making abilities, and gain skills that will help them throughout their lives. They don't know their Army will pay for their education and offers housing allowances, health care, retirement, family support and many other benefits well beyond what normally is found in the private sector. They don't know nearly every career available in the private sector is also available in the U.S. Army. Not everyone can or should choose the Army as a career path; however, young people deserve a chance to make an informed decision about their future. They deserve to understand every path - work, technical education, community colleges, universities and yes, the military, too - so they can find the one that best suits their future goals. It is a fact that veterans are more likely to vote, volunteer and be involved in their communities. Student veterans are more likely to graduate, earn higher GPAs and select more academically rigorous degrees. Veterans also make more money than their non-veteran counterparts at the same educational level. Why wouldn't we want to encourage youth to grow through service and become the leaders our nation needs? I challenge community leaders, educators and parents throughout Central New York to learn more about your Army. Don't make assumptions or allow misperceptions about service or the quality of our soldiers to spread. Take the time to get to know the soldiers and veterans in your community -- learn about what they do and how their service has impacted their lives. I think you will be very surprised with what you find. To have the best soldiers serving our nation as engineers, logisticians, nurses, human resources specialists and so much more, our Army needs your support to educate and encourage youth to learn about military service and consider it as a career option. We need you to be ambassadors of the all-volunteer force to help continue the legacy of the soldiers who have fought for our way of life for the last 243 years. Help celebrate this year's Army birthday by connecting with local soldiers and veterans to learn more about what he Army has to offer youth in our community. To the Editor: Where are all the veterans? I am an 82 year-old, proud United States Navy Korean War Veteran 1952-56, and an ex-commander of the American Legion 1976-77. Once again, I am mystified and appalled that an aide from President Donald Trump's Cabinet can insult Sen. John McCain, or any war veteran, and no one from the White House has the decency to publicly apologize. Maybe worse, not one top official from the Veterans Administration, American Legion, VFW or Gen. John Kelly has taken a stand on behalf of McCain to protest this disrespect. My family immigrated to the U.S. from Ireland, as I'm sure Kelly's family did. My father was drafted at 33 years of age into World War II and my eldest son served four years in the Navy. The countless men and women who have given some of the best years of their lives to protect this country deserve to be recognized, regarded and respected. Because no one has voiced a concern about any of this, I have resigned from the Legion. It is beyond me how we have come to this place as a country. Yet, it reminds me of watching newsreels of Hitler as a child and crowds giving him a standing ovation. I hope our country's veterans and leaders are aware of what turning a blind eye to a grave situation can amount to. Thank you, Sen. McCain, for your years of service. John "Pete" Riley North Syracuse J.J. McCullough is a writer based in Vancouver, Canada. By J.J. McCullough | The Washington Post One of President Donald Trump's darkest talents is his ability to identify an opponent's delicate spot and stab it remorselessly. From his knack for condescending nicknames (Low Energy Jeb, Little Rocket Man) to inviting Bill Clinton's various accusers to the second presidential debate, there's no denying the man has a skill for knifing sensitive areas. And now he has found Canada's vulnerable flank: dairy tariffs. Though Canada enjoys broadly free trade with the United States through the North American Free Trade Agreement, it has never been absolute, and the deal makes several concessions to Canadian protectionism and politics. Chief among them are Canada's extraordinarily high tariffs on American dairy products, which at last week's Group of Seven summit in Quebec, Trump correctly identified as a "270% tariff." As the CBC reminded, "Canada levies a tariff of 270 percent on milk, 245 percent on cheese and 298 percent on butter in an effort to keep U.S. and other foreign dairy imports out." These tariffs exist almost exclusively for the benefit of the agriculture sector of Quebec, a province with a unique stranglehold on Canadian politics. Trump has cited these "unfair" dairy tariffs again and again in rationalizing his desire to retaliate economically against Canada, and though one can easily question the common sense of starting a mutually destructive trade war with one of the United States' closest allies over this, it's equally wrong to dismiss the subject of Trump's annoyance as frivolous. The Canadians certainly don't consider it so. The wisdom of the dairy tariffs is a source of debate and second-guessing in Canada, and we can't take for granted that voters will stand foursquare behind Prime Minister Justin Trudeau as he insists that dairy protectionism is something he's "100 percent" ready to defend. Trudeau has, in fact, all but bragged about instigating the latest conflict, stating prior to the Quebec summit that the "reason why Donald Trump continues to write tweets on dairy products and Canada - it's because I've told him many times: 'No, he won't touch, we won't touch our supply management system.' " This is a curious calculation, both as foreign policy and domestic politics. Here in Vancouver, most of the dairy in my local supermarket is produced by dairy companies based in Quebec, some 2,100 miles east. I can buy a half gallon of milk from the Agropur dairy cooperative of Longueuil for $2.85, or get a 16-ounce bottle of "Milk-to-Go" from Saputo Inc. (Saint-Laurent, Quebec) for $2.31. Buying a pound of Agropur butter costs $4.87, while 1.5 pounds of Saputo cheddar will set me back $9.74. These prices are, as the U.S. president might say, terrible deals. Less than an hour's drive south, comparable products sell for half as much in the United States, which has led to the preposterous spectacle of cheap Canadians crossing the border on milk and cheese runs, propping up the economies of border towns such as Point Roberts, Washington. To call this a minor triviality of Canadian life is to ignore one of the country's highest-profile policy debates of the past half-decade. In 2012, centrist Liberal politician Martha Hall Findlay provoked the conversation by running for her party's leadership on what was a mostly one-issue campaign to abolish dairy tariffs. Though ultimately unsuccessful, her taboo-breaking crusade inspired a deluge of favorable editorials that helped make "supply management" - the Canadian jargon for dairy protectionism - a household phrase. On the conservative side, libertarian former cabinet minister Maxime Bernier faced cries of hypocrisy when, as minister of industry, and later foreign affairs, he was forced to endorse the tariffs. In his subsequent run for Tory leader, he atoned for past misdeeds by campaigning hard against supply management, calling it the work of a "cartel" forcing high prices on Canadian families "to protect 10 percent of farmers" in the country. The fact that Bernier, a Quebecer himself, narrowly lost several Quebec ridings to rival Andrew Scheer was widely interpreted as evidence that the dairy vote played a significant role in the outcome. "I certainly do not owe my leadership victory to anybody," Scheer joked at a press gallery dinner, taking a showy gulp from a Saputo milk carton. Support for supply management is a difficult issue to poll, largely because the Canadian public has only the dimmest awareness of the status quo. Yet judged by their actions, culture and temperament, it does strain credibility to believe that there exists a broad-based constituency in favor of paying more for a basic staple in order to further benefit a province already widely resented for its coddling by Ottawa. Yet this is the trade-war hill that Trudeau has chosen to die on. He has alienated the entire western half of his country through bungled oil and pipeline policies, and now his path to a second term in next year's election seems increasingly tied to maintaining the goodwill of Quebec. Americans do not have spotless hands when it comes to using unfair measures to protect their own sacred industries, yet it's a myth to believe Canada has ever had much interest in running hard in the opposite direction, and embracing the sort of unqualified economic integration with the United States equivalent to that enjoyed among member nations of the European Union, or one American state to another. The consequences of this long-standing approach, which has always been grounded in economically regressive nationalism and politics, will now be felt. For centuries, much of Canadian policymaking has been justified on the grounds that maintaining sovereignty from the United States is the highest good. It works fine -- so long as the United States never feels the need to indulge in a bit of pompous sovereignty of its own. WASHINGTON -- Five House members from Upstate New York have asked President Donald Trump's administration to hold off on imposing tariffs on Canadian paper used by the newspaper industry. The bipartisan group told U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross in a letter that a preliminary decision to impose the tariffs threatens an industry that employs more than 600,000 people. The tariffs, imposed after a complaint from a single paper mill in Washington state, has resulted in import duties as high as 32 percent, the members of Congress said. The International Trade Commission, an independent federal agency, is expected to recommend later this year whether to move forward with the tariffs. The Upstate House members warned in their letter to Ross and the International Trade Commission that a final ruling to impose the tariffs "has the potential to destabilize the industry and accelerate the decline of print news media." The letter was signed by Reps. Elise Stefanik, R-Willsboro; John Katko, R-Camillus, Brian Higgins, D-Buffalo; John Faso, R-Kinderhook; and Sean Patrick Maloney, D-Cold Spring. North Pacific Paper Co. in Washington, a mill owned by a New York City hedge fund, has argued American mills can't compete because of Canadian government support for its newsprint producers. But the House members, in their letter, pushed back on that argument. "The petitioner's claim that the decline in demand for U.S. newsprint is a result of imported Canadian newsprint rings hollow in light of the reality of an industry trying to adapt to a changing market in a digital age," the letter said, citing a decline in newspaper circulation. A bipartisan group of senators is also trying to convince President Donald Trump's administration to suspend the tariffs. A bill authored by Sens. Susan Collins, R-Maine, and Angus King, I-Maine, would delay the import taxes until the president could certify that the tariffs are in the economic interests of the United States. U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., has also asked the Commerce Department to reconsider their decision and examine the potential wider impact on the printing and publishing industry. Contact Mark Weiner: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 Janet Burman, the former chairwoman of Syracuse's Republican Committee, plans to announce Thursday that she'll challenge state Sen. David Valesky, D-Oneida, in the November election. Burman, an economist, will become the first Republican to run against Valesky since 2010, when he defeated Andrew Russo by about 4,000 voters in a competitive race. Valesky was unchallenged in the past three elections after joining the breakaway Independent Democratic Conference, a group of eight Democrats who formed a coalition with Republicans to cement GOP control in the state Senate. The IDC decided in April to disband and rejoin mainline Democrats as some of its members, including Valesky, faced Democratic primary challenges. Burman, 63, of Syracuse, said Wednesday night that she will focus her campaign for the 53rd Senate District on three core issues - poverty in Syracuse, education and taxes. Burman said she will spend at least one day a week during the campaign focusing on how to build stronger coalitions among churches, community groups and government to address Syracuse's poverty. She previously campaigned unsuccessfully for the Syracuse Common Council, Onondaga County Legislature, state Senate and Congress. Contact Mark Weiner: Email | Twitter | Facebook | 571-970-3751 SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- A chance to see Vice President Mike Pence in person next week will cost at least a $1,000 donation. Pence is scheduled to appear at the Embassy Suites near Destiny USA next Tuesday for a lunchtime event to raise money for U.S. Rep. John Katko. Entry level tickets are $1,000, according to two sources invited to the event. There is a VIP reception with Pence and Katko that costs $5,000 per couple. The fundraiser is by invitation only. Pence begins a series of fundraising events tomorrow to back Republicans candidates. Those include appearances in New York, Ohio and Pennsylvania. Katko, who is seeking election to a third term this year, had about $1.2 million available in his campaign account at the end of March. He's preparing to fend off a challenge from one of two Democrats. Dana Balter and Juanita Perez Williams will compete in a Democratic primary this month to decide who will face Katko in November. Wednesday, Pence hosted a fundraiser in Washington D.C. for more than 20 House Republicans running in competitive races, including Katko and U.S. Rep. Claudia Tenney. That event, held at Trump International Hotel, cost $30,000 per ticket and benefited Protect the House, a joint fundraising committee set up by Pence and House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy. According to Politico, Wednesday's event raised $3.2 million for Protect the House. Protect the House has donated $52,473 to Katko for the 2018 election. NEW YORK CITY -- A Cor Development executive who was acquitted in a corruption trial this year will play a more prominent role in a second trial slated to begin on Monday. Joseph Gerardi, a co-founder of Cor who serves as the company's general counsel, was cleared in March of charges he participated in a bribery scheme that netted convictions of his partner Steven Aiello and top governor's aide Joseph Percoco. Gerardi and Aiello will stand trial again, alongside a Buffalo developer and former SUNY Polytechnic Institute President Alain Kaloyeros. The men are accused of secretly rigging bids for state contracts on economic development projects. In this trial, Gerardi is set to play a larger role. He faces three felony counts, including for making false statements to federal officials. Prosecutors dropped a false statements charge against Cor partner Aiello. Gerardi was a bit player in the first trial, overshadowed by Aiello, whose personal text messages and son's raise drew the focus of prosecutors. As the company's president, Aiello was often the public face of Cor, posing in photographs with the governor. While the evidence in the first trial showed Aiello comparing a state employee to Santa Claus, and ranting about how hard his son worked in the governor's chambers, perhaps the most memorable evidence against Gerardi was a two-word email: "Agreed .... S.HEAD!!" Gerardi appears to be a more prominent actor in the alleged bid rigging scheme, according to the information publicly released so far by the U.S. Attorney's Office. As the company's top lawyer, prosecutors have said Gerardi was responsible for negotiating contracts. His emails to lobbyist Todd Howe are detailed in a complaint charging the men with the bid rigging scheme. Prosecutors say they have evidence that shows how Gerardi was given advance copies of a request for proposals to be the Syracuse-area "preferred developer" on state economic development projects. According to court papers, Gerardi sent a list of Cor's qualifications to Howe before the preferred developer bid was ever announced. The qualifications and language in Gerardi's memo are echoed in the RFP that was eventually issued. Before the RFP was made public, Gerardi also had a chance to edit a draft, according to prosecutors. Gerardi crossed out portions of the RFP and scribbled notes in the margin, appearing at one point to question whether it was too obvious that the specifications favored Cor: "Too telegraphed?" he wrote, according to prosecutors. The Cor partners have been unified in their defense so far. Lawyers for the two men often, but not always, join in motions together or take the same positions on various issues. The Aiello and Gerardi families mourned together when Aiello was convicted. Gerardi's lawyer, Milt Williams, was the first to publicly lament the jury's verdict. "It's awful. I'm very relieved for Joe Gerardi. I feel very bad for Steve Aiello and his family," Williams said at the time. "Their families are very close." The men will appear Monday in court in Manhattan as lawyers deliver their opening statements in the case. Syracuse.com will be covering the trial from New York City. Read our continuing coverage of the corruption trials Public Affairs Reporter Julie McMahon covers courts, government and other issues affecting taxpayers. She can be reached anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-412-1992 BERLIN (AP) -- German authorities have thwarted a plot by a Tunisian man who created the deadly toxin ricin using castor bean seeds and planned to use the poison in an Islamic extremist attack in Germany, federal prosecutors said Thursday. Sief Allah H., whose last name wasn't given in line with German privacy laws, was taken into custody Tuesday during a raid on his apartment in Cologne. The 29-year-old was formally arrested Wednesday after a judge reviewed the evidence. Authorities are still investigating exactly how the suspect planned to use the toxin, but said he was working on a "biological weapon" attack in Germany. "We don't know how, or how widely, the ricin was to have been distributed," said prosecutors' spokesman Markus Schmitt. The suspect is believed to have begun procuring material online in mid-May, prosecutors said. He succeeded in creating the toxin this month and investigators found it in the apartment search. Prosecutors wouldn't say how much ricin the suspect had produced. The seeds of the castor bean plant are naturally poisonous and can be used to create ricin. The substance kills the body's cells by preventing them from creating protein. A few milligrams are enough to kill an adult if it's eaten, injected or inhaled. Early symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and coughing. The suspect is not known to have been a member of a terrorist organization but did have contacts with extremists, Schmitt said. "He had contacts with people in the jihadist spectrum," Schmitt said, but would not elaborate on whether those contacts were online, in person or both. He also would not comment on a report in the top-selling Bild newspaper that American intelligence tipped off German investigators after they detected the suspect's online activity buying the seeds to make ricin. Bild also reported that the suspect bought bomb-making materials and chemicals used in the production of ricin. It said the suspect lived in the Chorweiler neighborhood of Cologne with his wife, a convert to Islam, and four children. He supposedly used instructions to make a ricin bomb that had been posted online by the extremist Islamic State group. His wife was initially taken into custody but was later released, prosecutors said. Talk about an exhaust-ing ordeal. A young woman got her head stuck in a tailpipe at a country music festival in Minnesota over the weekend. Video of the unusual incident went viral, being viewed more than 3 million times on Facebook. According to the Associated Press, firefighters used a power saw to free the woman from a truck's exhaust pipe at the Winstock Music Festival in Winsted, about 40 miles west of Minneapolis. She was rescued and apparently unharmed after spending 45 minutes with her head stuck. Exhaust-ing ordeal: Woman gets head stuck in tailpipe. pic.twitter.com/3DBlaRHxVU Circa (@Circa) June 13, 2018 KARE-TV reports alcohol may have been a factor in the incident: The McLeod County Sheriff's Office says she was cited for underage drinking and escorted out of the festival, which featured performances by Dierks Bentley, Miranda Lambert and Luke Combs. The woman was later identified as 19-year-old Kaitlyn Strom. "We were just all having fun and I saw this big exhaust pipe and I was like, 'Hey, my head could probably fit in that,'" Strom told the Hutchinson Leader. "So I tried it. It did fit, but it didn't want to come back out." She said she's not surprised the incident went viral, but wants people to know it wasn't as funny as it looked. "A lot of people don't realize how serious it was," she told the Leader. "So it's kind of expected when it's blasted on the internet that you're going to get negative comments. ... Some people can be really cruel." Strom didn't seem too upset, though, as she posted a photo of herself on Saturday and proudly identified herself as "the tailpipe girl." DeFazio Tables US Anti-Profit Shifting Bill by Mike Godfrey, Tax-News.com, Washington 14 June 2018 US congressman Peter DeFazio (D-OR) has introduced legislation designed to amend the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act so that incentives for US corporations to shift income and production overseas are reduced. Introducing the bill, DeFazio said: "The new tax law [the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act] allows multinational corporations to reduce their overall tax liability by requiring only a minimum tax on an average of profits earned in both low-tax and high-tax countries, instead of taxing profits earned in different countries separately. This system incentivizes companies to shift earnings abroad in order to bypass US taxes." The Per-Country Minimum Act, introduced in the House of Representatives on June 6, would require the new regime concerning the taxation of Global Intangible Low-Taxed Income (GILTI) to be applied on a per-country basis, meaning that taxes would be paid based on a per-country basis rather than on a global basis. The GILTI regime was included in the TCJA to discourage US corporations from shifting high-yielding intangible assets such as intellectual property rights to low-tax jurisdictions. GILTI is defined as the portion of the income of a controlled foreign corporation owned by US shareholders that exceeds a notional 10 percent return - a rate that is intended to reflect the normal rate of return on tangible assets. After a 50 percent deduction, GILTI is subject to an effective corporate tax rate of 10.5 percent, half the regular 21 percent US corporate tax. Discussing the bill, the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policy (ITEP) said: "Ironically, allowing the foreign tax credit on a worldwide basis may encourage companies to invest in high-tax foreign countries because it would allow them to generate larger foreign tax credits." "To fix this loophole created by the TCJA, Rep. DeFazio's Per-Country Minimum Act would require that the tax rate on GILTI be applied on a per-country basis," the ITEP said. "In other words, it would not allow foreign tax credits from higher tax countries to reduce taxes on GILTI earned in low- or zero-tax countries. This reform would raise a significant amount of revenue and curtail the incentive to shift profits into tax havens." The bill also includes provisions that seek to ensure that income generated from intangible assets held offshore are not more favorably taxed than IP held in the United States. Under the proposal, the 50 percent deduction under the GILTI framework would be reduced to 37.5 percent. "While the ideal tax rate on offshore income should be the same as on domestic income, increasing the effective rate on this income from 10.5 percent to 13.125 percent is a step in the right direction[...]." The tax rate on foreign derived intangible income (or FDII) is 13.125 percent. EU Agrees New Money Laundering Rules by Ulrika Lomas, Tax-News.com, Brussels 14 June 2018 The EU is to apply new anti-money laundering rules aimed at disrupting and blocking access by criminals to financial resources. On June 7, European Council ambassadors confirmed the agreement reached between the Council's Bulgarian presidency and the European Parliament on a proposed new anti-money laundering directive. Currently, all EU member states criminalize money laundering. However, definitions of criminal offences and sanctions related to money laundering vary across member states. Under the agreed changes, the EU will introduce EU-wide definitions of money laundering-related crimes, including practices that are not currently deemed a crime in all EU countries. The EU will set a maximum term of four years' imprisonment for money laundering offences. Additional sanctions and measures may be imposed by judges, including temporary or permanent exclusion from access to public spending, and fines. Aggravating circumstances will apply to cases linked to criminal organization or for offences conducted in the exercise of certain professional activities. EU member states may also define such aggravating circumstances on the basis of the value of property or money being laundered or the nature of the offence. It will also be possible to hold legal entities liable for certain money laundering activities, and such entities may face a range of sanctions. In order to remove obstacles to cross-border judicial and police cooperation, the EU will set common provisions for the investigation of money laundering-related offences. In cross-border cases, the EU will also provide clearer rules to define which member state has jurisdiction and the cooperation between the member states concerned, as well as the need to involve Eurojust. Dimitris Avramopoulos, the Commissioner for Migration, Home Affairs and Citizenship, said: "With stronger and uniform rules on money laundering across the European Union, we have tightened [the] screws even harder, making it more difficult for terrorists and criminals to get away with the profits of crime." Commissioner for the Security Union Julian King said: "We need to hit terrorists and criminals in their pockets cutting off their access to money is a vital part of preventing their crimes. The new rules agreed today are an important step in the fight against the financing of terrorism, helping to pave the way towards an effective and genuine Security Union." Each year, an estimated EUR110bn (USD129.1bn) is generated from criminal activity within the EU, corresponding to one percent of the bloc's GDP. Depending on the member state, between 10 percent and 70 percent of criminal investigations involving money laundering have a cross-border dimension. Hong Kong Issues Tax Compliance Guide For Property Owners by Mary Swire, Tax-News.com, Hong Kong 14 June 2018 On June 14, 2018, Hong Kong's Inland Revenue Department released guidance on the tax obligations of landlords. Owners in receipt of rental income must inform the Department in writing if they are liable to tax and supply the particulars of the property no later than four months after the end of the basis period for the year of assessment (e.g. on or before July 31, 2018, for the year of assessment 2017-18), unless they have already received the appropriate tax returns. Owners should use the form "Notification of Letting of Properties" (IR6129) for this purpose. Property owners must complete a tax return, even if they do not receive rental income. These are: BIR60, for properties solely owned by an individual; BIR57, for properties jointly owned or co-owned by individuals; and BIR58, for property owned by corporations and bodies of persons. Sufficient rent records must be retained by property owners, such as lease agreements and duplicates of rental receipts, for at least seven years, and the Department must be informed in writing of a change of ownership or a change in the owner's address within one month of the change. Where a corporation has been exempted from property tax and there is a change in the ownership or use of the property, or in any other circumstances that may affect the exemption, the corporation must notify the Department in writing within 30 days of the event. Irish Corporate Tax Reform Pushed By MPs, To Shore Up Tax Base by Jason Gorringe, Tax-News.com, London 14 June 2018 The highly concentrated nature of Ireland's corporation tax receipts represents "an unacceptable level of risk," according to parliament's Public Accounts Committee. The PAC has published a new report on Ireland's corporation tax receipts. Corporation tax accounted for 15 percent of total tax receipts in 2016, with 70 percent of all corporation tax paid by the top-100 companies and 37 percent paid by just 10 companies. The Committee set out to examine the risk posed by this high concentration of receipts and how best to resolve such. According to the Committee, "The highly concentrated nature of corporation tax receipts represents an unacceptable level of risk to the sustainability of the corporation tax regime and to overall exchequer income." The Committee found that, in 2015, the average effective corporate tax rate applying to all companies was 9.8 percent. However, it also calculated that 13 of the 100 companies with the highest taxable income had an effective rate of less than one percent, a figure it said reflected the use of tax credits and reliefs, and in particular of double taxation relief and research and development tax credits. The PAC recommended that the Finance Department conduct a review of the corporate tax system and publish proposals for dealing with the high concentration of receipts. It also argued that the Government should carry out a detailed analysis of double taxation relief, which reduced corporation tax receipts by EUR948m (USD1.1bn) in 2015. The PAC additionally found that the Finance Department has identified eight approaches for calculating the effective rate of corporation tax on company profits. Of these eight, the Department has identified two as being the most appropriate measurements. The Committee said that the Department should take steps to ensure that there is general agreement on a single most appropriate calculation methodology. According to the PAC, it has not been possible for the Irish Revenue to provide accurate details on PAYE paid by participators in close companies. The Committee said that it is not satisfied that Revenue can demonstrate that the application of the close company rules is achieving its intended purpose, and recommended that Revenue determine whether the rules are effective. The Committee added that Revenue data is also lacking on losses carried forward by companies. It said that greater priority should be given to the sustainability of corporate tax receipts on an annual basis and that the Finance Department should consider the introduction of a 10-year time limit or sunset clause and/or other restrictions in respect of losses carried forward. Finola Geraghty, Trouble and Strife: We wanted to create a story that combined the mainstream page 3 and the darker and more hidden side of porn. Interesting stuff emerged as we wrote like the addictive and infective element to it all, which revealed it to be just as harmful to men as to women. It was inevitable that it was going to grow. And it has. Next To You I Lie is a play loaded both with historical significance and issues pertinent to the current world. Written by Trouble and Strife, a theatre company formed by Cambridge undergraduates in 1983, the play illustrates the glamour modelling industry of the 1980s and its effects on human relationships, examined through the perspective of three equally powerful female leads. Given its release in the male-dominated theatre scene of the 1980s, this itself gives the script a unique and insightful flair. The play opens with a monologue one of many by Juliet (Thea Mead), an aspiring glamour model who has just been published for the first time. It follows Juliet as she struggles to further her career amidst the chaos and misogyny of the 1980s modelling world. Juliets mother, Paula (Ananya Mishra), a middle-aged, single (and lonely) bartender similarly strives to come to terms with her body and age. On the other hand, Sian (Sophie Atherton), Juliets close friend, contemplates the relationship between love, lust and porn. A definitive strength of the play lies in its strong female characters, each with their own unique perspective and backstory. While Juliet defends porn, Sian and Paula argue for it being poison. Perhaps the most enticing moment of the play is its resolution, where the three leads come into conflict with their respective opinions; the play pushes a strong message as it asserts that there is neither a singular female perspective nor a conclusive answer to the problems of industries such as pornography. Another clear strength lies in the script of the play, which was both beautifully written and brilliantly executed in various monologues and conversations between characters. Despite the phenomenal exposition and resolution of the play, it must be said that the build up was rather slow I, personally, found myself looking at the clock a few times. This may be due to the fact that there is no solid plot to the play, and it is rather more of an exploration of characters, opinions and facts. As such, a play of this nature requires other strong elements, such as through the set, lightning and acting, in order to make up for the absence of narrative. However, I found these to be a bit lacking, perhaps due to the limits and constraints of university productions. The stage setting was minimal, with only a few chairs as props. The lighting, largely purples and oranges, somewhat complemented the strikingly powerful issues presented by the play. However, small changes such as a few extra actors, in addition to the small cast of four might have gone a long way in making better use of all the empty stage space and adding to a sense of chaos and change. Overall, however, I must complement the team for making an incredible production, given the scope of the play. It is rare to see a production that so openly and fearlessly addresses typically taboo topics such as the female body and the diversity of female perspectives. That, for me, makes this performance a true stand-out and one of the most memorable plays I have seen at Cambridge. The big picture: Following reports earlier this year that Amazon is planning to open six more Go stores in 2018, it appears as if its cashier-less experiment is proving a success. But the company could soon have some competition in the market, thanks to Microsoft. Reuters reports that the Windows maker is developing a system similar to Amazon's that tracks what shoppers add to their carts as they walk around a store. The company has reportedly shown the technology to retailers around the world and has had talks with Walmart about a potential collaboration. Amazon finally opened its first automated Go store in Seattle last January, following a lengthy beta phase during which time it was only open to select Amazon employees. The Just Walk Out Technology uses a combination of cameras, machine learning, computer vision, deep learning algorithms and sensor fusion to determine when customers pick up an item and place it in their basket. It even knows if something is returned to the shelf, should they change their mind. Once shoppers leave the premises, the total cost is automatically charged to their associated Amazon account. One obstacle Microsoft needs to overcome is making its technology cheap enough for retailers to consider it worth the investment. While we don't know any precise detials, it's possible that the system will incorporate the firm's Project Kinect for Azure sensors. The company already showcases the basics for automated checkout at its Retail Experience Center in Redmond. Reuters adds that Microsofts team, which includes a computer vision specialist hired from Amazon Go, have experimented with attaching cameras to carts to track items, and studied how smartphones can be used as part of the shopping experience. As is the case with many new technologies, there are concerns over what the introduction of cashier-less stores will mean for employees. Amazon still hires staff in its Go stores for stacking shelves, making prepared items, and security, but if Walmart ever does introduce Microsoft's version, it will likely affect some of its 1.5 million US workers. Tech companies around the world have begun to reduce their reliance on non-renewable energy, and Samsung is the latest example of this trend. The company today announced their decision to power all of their US, China, and Europe-based operations through strictly renewable energy - in a sense. The company won't necessarily be constructing their own renewable power plants, but they will acquire energy from other companies and organizations. Samsung isn't taking this commitment lightly. According to a press release, the company intends to source "100%" of the energy used in their factories, office buildings, and "operational facilities" from renewable sources by 2020. As far as their operations in countries other than the ones mentioned above go, Samsung says in the "medium to long-term" it will seek to "further increase its use of renewable energy around the world," though they didn't offer specifics. Samsung Electronics is fulfilling its duty as a corporate citizen by expanding and supporting the use of renewable energy," said Samsung Executive VP of Global Public Affairs Won Kyong Kim in a statement. "As demonstrated by our expanded commitment, we are focused on protecting our planet and are doing our part as a global environmental steward." In addition to reducing their own overall carbon footprint, Samsung will be helping their business partners "across the supply chain" to follow suit. Specifically, the company wants to work with their "top 100" partner companies to help them meet, or exceed, their own renewable energy targets. Samsung plans to release more information about their renewable energy pursuits in their upcoming Electronics Sustainability Report, which will be published on June 15. Something to look forward to: Though the mobile typing experience has never been ideal, Microsoft's SwiftKey keyboard certainly improves the situation quite a bit. By merely sliding your finger across the keyboard quickly, you can type full words and sentences with remarkable accuracy. Interestingly, it seems desktop users will soon be able to access SwiftKey for themselves, as the feature is arriving with the upcoming "Redstone 5" Windows 10 update. Although Microsoft's Windows Phone never found quite the following the company hoped it would, the company's mobile software is another story. Indeed, one of the most popular apps on mobile devices is Microsoft's SwiftKey keyboard, which they acquired back in 2016. The keyboard seeks to offer a more convenient, efficient alternative to ordinary mobile keyboards. It accomplishes this primarily through its auto-correct and quick-typing features. The latter allows users to simply drag their finger from key to key to type out messages, a process that can often be significantly faster than manual typing. It seems the SwiftKey app has grown enough on mobile devices that Microsoft is ready to take it a step further. Microsoft will officially be bringing SwiftKey to Windows 10 later this year as part of their upcoming "Redstone 5" update. Redstone 5 is also bringing improvements to Windows 10's Game Bar - when you have the feature toggled, you'll be able to see in-game FPS, as well as RAM, CPU and GPU usage. If you're a Windows 10 beta tester, you should be able to access SwiftKey and the new Game Bar improvements right now by opting into the latest Redstone 5 preview. If English isn't your native tongue, the preview build will also include several other SwiftKey languages, such as French, Russian, Spanish and German. California is poised to capture significant attention among ballot battle watchers in the next two weeks, when the state is expected to declare whether the proposed California Consumer Right to Privacy Act of 2018 has enough valid signatures to move it forward to the November ballot. I have been tracking ballots for five years, and I would say there seems to be more of a focus on technology as a topic, Josh Altic, Ballotpedias project director for the ballot measures project, told Government Technology magazine, Techwire's sister publication. California has its privacy rights initiative, which Facebook, Google and Verizon are opposing, and Oregon has its net neutrality initiative. Although Google and Amazon have voiced support for net neutrality, the same cant be said about the California Consumer Right to Privacy Act of 2018. This initiative not only faces opposition from the Committee to Protect California Jobs, an organization sponsored by the California Chamber of Commerce, but Facebook, Google, Verizon, Comcast and AT&T have already each put in $200,000 to fight the effort, according to Ballotpedia. On the heels of last months European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) enforcement deadline, tech titans and businesses are pushing back against the prospect of having to deal with similar regulation locally, should the California Consumer Right to Privacy Act make it on the ballot and pass. The initiative calls for consumers to have the right to know the various categories of personal information that businesses collect, sell or disclose about them and the organizations that receive this information. Consumers would also have the right to prevent companies from selling or disclosing their personal information, and could sue businesses if their personal information is exposed in a security breach regardless of whether they could prove they were injured by the incident. So far, Californians for Consumer Privacy has collected 637,000 signatures for the California Consumer Right to Privacy Act. Here are some key figures to track, according to information supplied by the California Secretary of States website: A total of 402,468 verified signatures of California voters are needed to put the initiative on the November ballot. If the number of verified signatures falls between 347,587 and 402,467, then Californias counties will need to check every signature of the 637,000 submitted, rather than just do a random check. Anything less than 347,587 verified signatures means the initiative fails and will not be on the November ballot. As of Tuesday, 159,540 signatures had been verified. The California Secretary of State is expected to announce on June 25 whether the privacy initiative will be on the ballot, failed or will need more time as the counties move to count each signature submitted. Im pretty optimistic the initiative will get on the ballot. We submitted way more signatures than what was needed to qualify, said Alastair Mactaggart, campaign chair for Californians for Consumer Privacy. Most experts have also told us we will likely qualify. If the Secretary of State announces June 25 that the initiative will be on the ballot, Californians for Consumer Privacy will have until June 28 to withdraw the measure. Mactaggart says he has heard that legislators may be trying to put their own privacy bill forward, but its questionable whether it will happen before the end of the month. It is doubtful that any state or federal legislature can pass a meaningful privacy law, given the amount of money tech companies and other players can throw at opposing such a bill, Mactaggart says. They probably think they can crush (opponents) like bugs and make the issue go away for several more years, said Mactaggart, a real estate developer. According to Ballotpedia, Mactaggart has personally donated $2.35 million in cash and services to support the initiative. The opposition the Committee to Protect California Jobs has received over $1 million as of last week, according to Ballotpedia. But Altic says opponents are likely to kick in a whopping $100 million if the initiative gets on the ballot. In 2016, for example, ballot measure campaigns received approximately $1 billion overall, with more than $616 million going to support campaigns and $396 million to opposition campaigns, he said. Although Facebook initially contributed $200,000 to the Committee to Protect California Jobs, the social media giant in April announced it would stop providing funds to the opposition campaign and seek ways to focus its efforts on supporting reasonable privacy measures in California, according to a National Public Radio report. Steven Maviglio, spokesman for the Committee to Protect California Jobs and a political consultant, maintains that the authors of the privacy initiative did not consider the workability of the measure and that it is almost impossible for organizations to comply with it. If Amazon had to comply with it, anyone who orders anything from Amazon can request where their information went, and that can not only overwhelm a large company like Amazon but also smaller ones, too, Maviglio said. He said that the measure, if passed, would apply only to California and that it would be difficult to enforce when it comes to companies that operate on the Internet and do business outside California. Maviglio said the Committee to Protect California Jobs is extremely optimistic it can defeat the privacy ballot. Other states may be watching the outcome of this ballot proposal, as well, Altic says. Anytime there is a ballot measure in California," he said, "it is a bellwether for the nation. The decision comes following the extradition of diplomat and member of the delegation Alex Saab to the U.S by Cape Verde authorities on Saturday. | Read More Banks would have to bluntly warn parents planning to guarantee their children's business debts that they risk losing their home, and that many small businesses end up failing, under proposals to the royal commission. After the commission last month delved into parental guarantees of business loans, Bank of Queensland (BoQ), Legal Aid NSW and the Finance Sector Union (FSU) backed changes to ensure guarantors were making informed decisions when putting their home on the line. Commissioner Kenneth Hayne has examined the risks facing guarantors. Credit:Eddie Jim However, the major banks are resisting further change, arguing current laws and the industry's revamped code of conduct give guarantors enough protection, with one suggesting further change could make it harder to get a loan. A key issue examined in the royal commission's small business hearings was the risk that family members - particularly those who are elderly or vulnerable - do not always understand the risks they are taking when they agree to guarantee a loan to a loved one. The expected ban of controversial Chinese equipment maker Huawei from 5G mobile networks in Australia on fears of espionage reads like a plot point from a John le Carre novel. But the decision will have an impact on Australia's $40 billion a year telecoms market - potentially hurting Telstra's rivals. Huawei: Still banned from the NBN, and could be banned from 5G. Credit:Bloomberg It looks like Huawei, already banned from any involvement in the NBN, has next to no chance of being involved in the next generation of mobile services in Australia. The company, which has been accused of spying by lawmakers in the US, and criticised for its links to the Chinese military and government was "all but certain" to be blocked from supplying equipment for 5G wireless networks, The Australian Financial Review reported this week. "The people thanking Elon for the opportunity to work there are authentic. It's unprecedented," said Gene Munster, a managing partner at venture capital firm Loup Ventures. "One of Tesla's secret weapons is the shared vision of clean energy, as well as how much people believe in Elon Musk and his leadership. It's a unique asset for Tesla." The company won't be able to succeed in its goal - to get the world to transition to clean cars and battery-powered buildings if it's unable to put an an end to an era of regularly burning through $US1 billion dollars a quarter. Throop started his Tesla career in Southern California: first as a product specialist, then as an owner adviser, and most recently as an enterprise sales manager for the Western US and Canada. "People need to know that we need Tesla to succeed," he said in response to questions about his message to Musk. "It's the front lines in the fight against climate change." In an internal memo on Tuesday, Musk stressed that the cuts largely focused on salaried workers and that no production associates were included, "so this will not affect our ability to meet Model 3 production targets in the coming months." Tesla has struggled to produce the electric Model 3 sedan in high volumes and has yet to reach a 5000-a-week target. Employees across the company are learning they're being let go this week and reaching separation agreements that restrict them from disparaging Tesla, which may muzzle more critical voices. And not all of Tesla's former workers and their families have been so philosophical or upbeat about the layoffs. "I'm deeply grateful for your many contributions to our mission," wrote Musk, who purchased $US24.9 million worth of Tesla shares on Tuesday. "It is very difficult to say goodbye." Bloomberg One of the best teams I ever worked in had an all-female composition. Well, almost all female. Eight women and me. And by the best I dont necessarily mean the greatest performing but certainly the most fun and cohesive. So it was a real surprise when I stumbled on fresh research published last month by the University of Melbourne which found that, for many people, its a different story. The different story relates to the feeling of being the odd one out at work, irrespective of whether youre a man in an all-female team or the reverse. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, men outnumber women by five to one in the construction industry, while among nurses its even more extreme, with women outnumbering men by ten to one. So being a female bricklayer or a male midwife can be an isolating experience and, as per this latest research, potentially a psychologically damaging one as well. The analysis of over 11,000 people was premised on trends identified in previous race-related studies. Ilana Glazer is co-creator, with Abbi Jacobson, of the popular sitcom Broad City. If her first trip to Melbourne is any guide, the show has more than its share of fans in Australia. Ilana Glazer, left, and Abbi Jacobson, co-writers of 'Broad City'. Credit:nicole.elphick@gmail.com Broad City follows the escapades of two twenty-something Jewish women living the dream in New York, and started as an independently produced web series, later picked up by Comedy Central. It soon became clear it had broad appeal, driving the classic comedy duo Glazer and Jacobson play fictionalised versions of themselves headlong into the same ball park as Girls, in a weird and endearing mix of buddy story, guerilla feminism, and millennial comedy of manners. Glazer grooved onto the stage to a rock star welcome at Hamer Hall on Saturday, after the audience had been lightly toasted by the sharp stylings of Zoe Coombs Marr. (No one has more vagina jokes than the Barry Award winner: Marr's talent for finding unexploded ordnance in the minefield of sexual politics, and her louche rapport with the audience, made her a perfect choice for the support act.) Possessed of a native ridiculousness that's a sure sign of a natural born comedian, Glazer in the flesh is just as lively as her souped-up alter-ego a goofy, pot-smoking, pocket rocket whose adventures are always getting her into trouble on the show. (ANSA) - Rome, June 13 - High profile figures from the worlds of politics and business were among nine people arrested on Wednesday over alleged corruption related to AS Roma's project to build a new stadium in the Italian capital, sources said. The Vice President of the Lazio Regional Assembly, Forza Italia (FI) member Adriano Palozzi, construction businessman Luca Parnasi and Luca Lanzalone, the president of water and energy utility ACEA, were among the people arrested by Carabinieri police, the sources said. A former regional councillor for the centre-left Democratic Party (PD) who is considered close to Lazio Governor Nicola Zingaretti, Michele Civita, was arrested too. Six of the suspects were taken to jail while three - Palozzi, Lanzalone and Civita - were put under house arrest, the sources said. Paolo Ferrara, the caucus head of Rome Mayor Virginia Raggi's 5-Star Movement (M5S) in the city assembly, is among 16 people under investigation as is Davide Bordoni, FI's leader in the council. Ferrara announced he was suspending himself from the anti-establishment M5S. The investigation regards alleged corruption linked to a revision of the initial project. The revision was okayed by Raggi's administration in February 2017 and saw the volume cut by half. Lanzalone was a consultant for the M5S in January and February 2017 and took part in the mediation with Eurnova, a company controlled by Parnasi that bought the land in the Tor di Valle area where the stadium is set to be built. "Those who have done wrong will pay, we are on the side of law and order," said Raggi. Interior Minister and League leader Matteo Salvini said he knows Parnasi personally and hopes he is proved innocent. Investigators said that "neither Raggi nor AS Roma" are implicated in the case. The probe risks holding up the stadium project, although Roma's American Chairman James Pallotta said he does not think it will, as the club has done nothing wrong. But he also stood by his pledge to sell up if the stadium project is scuppered or significantly held up. "Roma have done everything right," he said. "The stadium must go ahead. I don't see why it shouldn't. "If the project is halted, see you in Boston". In 2012, to convince the producers that the role of Queen Lagertha should be hers, she smeared dirt on her face for a second audition with Vikings writer Michael Hirst. "When I read the first two episodes of Vikings I knew the show was special, and if people responded to my character the way I envisioned it, I knew it would work," she explains. "I was a huge fan of Michael Hirst, but I didn't expect my role to keep going for as long as six years." Lagertha was a historical Viking figure, praised in an ancient epic for her bravery Katheryn brings both intellect and sex appeal to the Viking era (series one begins in 793AD), not to mention a blonde ambition that would make Madonna blush. She delivers her lines in Old Norse, using a mash of German and Scandinavian accents, and has just directed her first episode for series six, which is yet to screen. Katheryn never imagined that taking on the role of Queen Lagertha would make her a feminist role model. But she says Lagertha's fierce character is an encouraging sign for women in the age of #timesup and #metoo. "Lagertha runs a male army and is in a position of authority," Katheryn explains. "But she is a woman who comes with vulnerabilities, responsibilities and extra pressures that men don't have, like dealing with sexual advances. "Lagertha can't let emotions lead her and she tries to be a different kind of ruler. She's strategic rather than after revenge and bloodshed. She brings intelligence to the decisions she makes under pressure." Katheryn believes the storyline of Lagertha, a woman who stands up for what she believes in, and isn't afraid to fight for what she wants, has many parallels with modern life. "What is really important is that women should speak up and have a strong voice and not be afraid to do so. I get a lot of letters from women who are going through abusive relationships, or coming out of them, and some from survivors of sexual assault who say my role has helped them. Teaching self-defence is a big passion of mine but I feel now, more than ever, we need strong female role models on TV to teach women to stand up and fight for equality." While Katheryn's home is in Venice Beach, California, she bases herself in Ireland when filming Vikings, which is almost entirely shot in County Wicklow. Along the way, she has forged close-knit friendships with the other actors and crew members. "We film up to four episodes in a day and the thought of taking 12-hour flights from Ireland to LA regularly didn't appeal to me," she says. "I didn't want to be on set dealing with jet lag, so I've made Ireland my home away from home for the time being." Playing the love interest and wife of King Ragnar, played by Echucaborn actor Travis Fimmel has been a highlight for Katheryn. She's grown attached to his prankster ways on set, but downplays suggestions they were romantically involved off-screen. "I love Travis for his impulsive ways he's childlike and freeflowing," she says. "In saying that, he's also a prepared actor. It might sound contradictory, but you just have to go with what you get from him. He keeps me on my toes when I play alongside him." Travis's departure in series four sparked doubts among hardcore Vikings aficionados about the show's future. "The sons of Ragnar have done a great job in keeping the spirit of the Vikings alive, and it's evident that it's still a popular and much-loved series," Katheryn says. Katheryn never expected her own character, Lagertha, to last beyond the second season. However, she knows that she too will have to eventually move on if she is to grow as an actor. "When you give your heart, soul, sweat and tears to a role for so many years, it gets to the point as an artist where you ask yourself whether you can do it any more," she says. While she's carved out the top job of Queen on the screen, Katheryn still has to fight for equal pay when a male colleague gets a pay rise. "Hollywood is under immense pressure right now," she says of the way the Weinstein and Cosby scandals are being felt in the corridors of decision-makers. She observed a small shift recently when she met with a top Hollywood producer in his studio and the producer asked his assistant to be present. "He was there to make sure things are properly recorded, which was a smart way to handle the extra pressure with the #metoo movement," she says. "It was different and not what I am used to, but I respected it." Right now, Katheryn is focused on acting and the opportunities it brings her, making no mention of a partner or plans to start a family. In 2016, she was the face of a Raymond Weil luxury watch campaign and by the end of this year she hopes to launch a T-shirt line with a renowned designer (she is tight-lipped about the details). And she'll soon be seen on movie screens alongside John Travolta, Jennifer Esposito and Jordi Molla in the speedboat racing saga Speed Kills. "For me, the future is about doing the best I can as an actor," Katheryn says. "I'd be lying if I said it's not a dream to win a Golden Globe in fact anyone who says that isn't telling the truth. But I get enough gratification knowing that I give my best shot. "The awards are not what drive me. I have friends and family to tell me I'm doing a great job. I have a long way to go, and a lot more to learn." Karl Stefanovic has finally opened up on his Ubergate episode, saying he takes "full responsibility" for the embarrassing fallout. The Today host revealed the incident in which he was overheard criticising Today's Georgie Gardner and Richard Wilkins, and network bosses had caused friction with his higher-ups at Nine. "Channel Nine weren't happy, and upstairs weren't happy, and that's fair enough," the breakfast host told KIIS FM's Kyle Sandilands and Jackie O on Thursday morning. "Whatever comes out of my mouth, I'm responsible for, and if that brings the company into disrepute or whatever, that's on me. I accept full responsibility." A rare Hermes Birkin bag has sold for over $280,000 at an auction in London. Credit:Christie's A rare Hermes Birkin bag has sold for over $280,000 at an auction in London. Loading The 2008 Himalaya Birkin set the European record for the most expensive handbag ever sold at auction, when it went for 162,500 ($287,224) at Christie's on Tuesday. The exclusive bag, which at 30cm wide is slightly smaller than the traditional Birkin, is made from nilo crocodile hide and decorated with diamonds. Eurydice Dixon's show was titled 'At Home, I Feel Like A Tourist'. Melbourne comedians have lent their voices to an outpouring of grief for young comic Eurydice Dixon who was found dead in an inner-city park on Wednesday. The city's comedy and arts community has been rocked by the loss of the aspiring 22-year-old comedian, who has been remembered as a "universally loved" and talented artist. On Twitter, Julia Morris said she was shattered to hear of Ms Dixon's death on Thursday. "Our comedy community is like a family and this news is beyond heart-breaking," she wrote. "An important and funny voice has been extinguished." A judge found for a driver on Thursday after she was sued by a pedestrian who had dashed in front of her car and suffered catastrophic injuries. The ACT Supreme Court heard the 15-year-old boy had been running across Clift Crescent in Richardson on March 27, 2009, when he was hit by the woman's car. The driver had been distracted by two other boys, a cousin and friend of the 15-year-old, who had just emerged from the bushes and sprinted across the street, the court heard. The driver told the court she slowed down. The boys were looking back and she believed they were going to run back across the road. But then she saw a third boy ran out from behind the path. ABC 702 Morning Presenter Deborah Cameron in the Ultimo studios. Credit:Fairfax Deborah Cameron could never be kept down, though her origins were humble enough, leaving school in rural Victoria and going straight to work as an office girl in a stock and station agency. It was only when the locals in Warrnambool, in Victorias south west, saw this outgoing girl-about-town charming people with her personality and sharp intellect that someone thought she might make a good journalist. She didn't take much convincing and after a lengthy newspaper career, which took her across the world, she was a dominating presence on Sydneys airwaves with ABC Radio 702s Mornings program, bringing in thousands of listeners and sending the stations rating soaring. Her reporting dealt with such high-flying events as politics in Jakarta, machinations in the United Nations, drama in the Japanese royal family, and the nitty-gritty of teaching at Marrickville High, and the inquest into the death of Sally-Anne Huckstepp. Deborah Anne Cameron was born in Koroit, near Warrnambool, on November 30, 1958, eldest of three children of a farmer John Jack Cameron and Theresa Teenie (nee Bartlett). She went to school at Hawkesdale, and in 1977 joined Dennys, Lascelles, stock-and-station agents in Warrnambool. Holocaust survivor Gena Turgel. Credit:AP Gena Turgel, who was half of an oft-told love story born in the Holocaust and whose barracks mates at the Bergen-Belsen concentration camp included Anne Frank, died on June 7. She was 95. Turgel (pronounced tur-GELL) was imprisoned in several concentration camps after the Nazis invaded Poland and rousted her family from a comfortable home in Krakow. Most of her family members died but she and her mother survived to see the liberation of Bergen-Belsen, in northern Germany. One of the liberating British soldiers, Sgt. Norman Turgel, saw her and was lovestruck so much so that soon after meeting her he managed to arrange a dinner for her at the officers mess at his British camp. The lavish setting she encountered when she entered perplexed her. I turned round to this Sergeant Norman, Turgel recalled in an oral history for Shalom TV, a Jewish cable channel. I said: Do we expect any special visitors? What am I doing here? So he says: You are the special visitor. This is our engagement party. The Western Australian government recently announced it will hold talks on the establishment of an "independent office for Aboriginal people" , even as the Northern Territory government committed to three years of consultation on a treaty. In Victoria the process is even further advanced, with a bill on a treaty successfully passing in the lower house of State Parliament last week. That call was rejected by the Turnbull government , on the basis that it simply would not be possible to get the rest of the nation on board. While the federal opposition has held out the hope of progress in Canberra if it is elected, attention has switched to the states. Symbolism is important - but, more than 40 years on from this historic moment between Gough Whitlam and Vincent Lingiari it is past time for substance, too. Credit:Mervyn Bishop "We will never close the gaps without Aboriginal participation at the core of what we do." Victoria's treaty commissioner, Gunditjmara woman Jill Gallagher, has been at pains to assure the wider community that a treaty will be about rebuilding capacity and pride rather than the old fears of land seizures. Ms Gallagher has talked about revitalising languages, but others will hope that any treaty might give Indigenous groups power over health and social policies that affect them, and perhaps create a fund for purchasing land. The formation of an executive council to drive Aboriginal policy in Victoria is a statement of intent by the Andrews government that promises progress on some of these issues. But if Indigenous leaders and activists had hoped that turning to the states would free them from political partisanship, they look set to be disappointed again. While the WA, NT and Victorian Labor governments are talking about treaties, South Australia's new Liberal government has emphasised "practical outcomes" and dismissed treaties as "expensive gestures". This rhetorical divide between substance and symbolism has long dogged the debate over Indigenous advancement, yet the dichotomy should trouble us. Between people who have struggled for mutual comprehension, gestures are crucial, but even the most famous such as Gough Whitlam's handful of earth for Vincent Lingiari in 1975 or Kevin Rudd's 2008 apology to the Stolen Generations have as much or as little practical force as our continued commitment to them. If a partisan breach is to be avoided, we need to return to first principles: does the unique experience of our Indigenous population and its effects demand a unique approach to this section of Australia's citizenry? Or do we really believe that over time representative democracy alone will answer the needs of what is in electoral terms a very small minority of the population? Former Auburn deputy mayor Salim Mehajer has been accused of perjury after he told a sentencing hearing he didn't intend to rig the election that catapulted him into office. Mehajer, 32, was found guilty of electoral fraud in April after magistrate Beverley Schurr found he had engaged in a joint criminal enterprise with his sister Fatima to rig a local government election in September 2012. The Australian Electoral Commission (AEC) became "suspicious" after an "unusually large number" of online enrolment applications for voters in Auburn were submitted just before the electoral roll closed in July 2012. Those voters were not located in the Auburn local government area and the forms were submitted from IP addresses associated with the Mehajer family. And finally, monsieur, a wafer-thin mint? Recent consternation over Sydneys arts and culture glut brings to mind the restaurant scene from Monty Pythons The Meaning of Life, when John Cleeses maitre d plys an insatiable Mr Creosote aka Terry Jones with all the fare he can stomach until he literally explodes. Sydneys cultural appetite, it seems, knows no bounds. But dont dare suggest the harbour city has had enough, or worse, could share the bounty. The crowds at Circular Quay for this year's Vivid festival. Credit:James Alcock Take the Vivid festival. Overcrowding, we hear, has made it impossible. How dreadful. Basking in the glow of all that culture has never been so gruelling. Meanwhile, in large areas of western Sydney, the closest we get to a light show is a mosquito sparking the insect zapper at the local chicken shop. Entirely reasonable suggestions that Vivid be less frequent or, heaven forbid, be held elsewhere some of the time are refused. The Tourism Minister responds that this is a job for the crowd control experts. TEL AVIV - Palestinian police last night dispersed a demonstration against the Palestinian National Authority of President Abu Mazen in downtown Ramallah. The demonstration, the second over the past few days, was organized to protest against ''punitive'' measures decided by the PNA leader on Gaza. According to Palestinian media, 10 people were arrested. The ban on demonstrations was justified with the imminent festivity of Eid al Fitr which is closing the holy month of Ramadan. The protests were against salary cuts for 63,000 public employees in Gaza; the PNA's refusal to pay for the electricity used by Gaza residents; and for the cuts imposed by Ramallah on funding for medical expenses for Gaza Strip residents. All the measures, the PNA has said, were adopted by Abu Mazen as part of a prolonged political confrontation with Hamas aimed at forcing the Islamists to hand over total control of security in Gaza. According to eye witnesses and activists quoted by Palestinian media, security forces seized cameras from many demonstrators as well as cell phones preventing protesters from filming the event. The same sources said journalists were not allowed to report on the demonstration. The journalists' union decided to ''boycott news on the Palestinian government and security forces'', urging the media to follow the choice ''until new orders'' in response to ''attacks to representatives of the media during the demonstration last night''. ''This - the union denounced, quoted by the media - is a violation of all previous official guarantees and statements on the respect of freedom of opinion and expression''. In the dim corners of an inner city alley, a group of street artists hope bold colours and androgynous figures in their works will transform the dull surface of metres of construction hoarding. Even stronger is the Sydney-based artists' desire for the murals that loom large in Underwood Street at Circular Quay to generate a deeper conversation about gender inequality in the city's heart. Looking up: Two Good Co director Rob Caslick with Lendlease project director Kimberley Jackson in front of a mural by artist Shannon Crees. Credit:Louise Kennerley The artworks are dotted around the construction site for Circular QuayTower and Lendlease's urban regeneration precinct and will decorate the hoarding for at least 18 months. Lendlease joined with social enterprise Two Good Co, which provides meals to domestic abuse refuges, to encourage businesses to team up with street artists to create murals for the space. A NSW coroner has delivered a stinging takedown of the state's under-resourced child protection sector and urged Family and Community Services Minister Pru Goward to fix the problem in the findings of an inquest into the deaths of two infant sisters. The baby girls, whose identities have been suppressed, both died within months of their births to an ice-addled mother, whose chaotic living circumstances and criminal associations were repeatedly ignored by the Department of Family and Community Services (FaCS). The problem is clear and urgent. We are currently failing children who need our help," Deputy State Coroner Harriet Grahame said in her scathing findings, which were handed down last Friday. The mother and grandmother of BLGN and DG outside the Glebe Coroner's Court. Credit:Peter Rae FaCS received several reports raising serious concerns for the safety of the children in the mother's care between 2010 and 2014 but the department failed to act upon them, often closing the reports due to "competing priorities". The owner of a Gold Coast Pizza Hut franchise has been ordered to pay more than $215,000 after exploiting a delivery driver and trying to cover it up by falsifying records. Dong Zhao, who owns and runs Pizza Hut Upper Coomera, was penalised $36,700 and his company, Skyter Trade Pty Ltd, penalised $180,000. The delivery driver has also been paid back in full. Mr Vijan was in Australia on his wifes student visa and they both depended on the income from Pizza Hut. Credit:Pizza Hut Australia - Facebook The penalties were imposed by the Federal Circuit Court after the Fair Work Ombudsman took legal action to stand up for the rights of Humit Vijan, an Indian man aged in his 20s. Mr Vijan was employed as a delivery driver between November 1, 2015, and May 31, 2016, and underpaid $6248.41 during this time. A man charged over what police allege is a sophisticated drug trafficking ring is set to miss the birth of his child because of a backlog of bail applications before the courts. Pasquale Barbaro, 28, fronted Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday evening wanting to apply for bail in the hope he could be beside his wife on Saturday when she gives birth to the couple's third child. But magistrate Len Brear told Mr Barbaro's lawyer he was expecting a busy night dealing with other cases, and a long queue of bail applications meant June 27 was the earliest date Mr Barbaro's application could be heard. "Every court room in this building is full day in, day out," Mr Brear said. "It's not for me to say much more other than that's the reality." Arrogant at best and stupid at worst. Thats how an expert has described the actions of a Melbourne GP who ignored a pharmacist's warning that hed prescribed a potentially lethal dose of medication. Father-of-four Ian John Gilbert died from complications from methotrexate toxicity in 2015 after being dispensed the hardcore chemotherapy drug to treat a case of psoriasis, a common skin problem. On Thursday Coroner Rosemary Carlin found that the 77-year-olds death was needless and entirely preventable. A CMFEU WA representative has cost his union more than $50,000 after he called workers f---king dog c--ts at a representative meeting at Barrow Island mine site three years ago. Bradley Upton was working as a union representative in December 2015 when he aided in the negotiation of an enterprise bargaining agreement for the Gorgon gas project. CMFEU representative Brad Upton. After the EBA was successfully amended Mr Upton understood a number of workers on site resigned from the union. Mr Upton was made aware of the mass resignation and attended the project on December 3 for a meeting with about 50 to 60 employees working on site to speak with them about the outcome. The decision last year by the Fair Work Commission meant that cuts to penalty rates would be rolled out slowly. Those cuts were really the result of heavy-duty campaigning by business, big and small; based on the concept that cuts to penalty rates would mean increased jobs. That turned out not to be true. There was zero increase in jobs, according to research conducted by the University of Wollongong and Macquarie University. In some cases, after the 2017 cuts, some workers actually experienced a drop in the number of penalty-rate hours they worked in the first two months after the cuts were introduced. That research is about to be published in Economic Papers, the journal of the Australian Society of Economists (this turns out to be a gentle reproach for University of Canberra professor Phil Lewis, who in January this year was critical of the research. Professor Lewis represented the retail industry in hearings that led to the cuts to penalty rates). Now bigger cuts to Sunday penalty rates are coming. And Martin O'Brien, the chief investigator in that research, says he is keeping an eye on the hospitality industry and the number of jobs is actually decreasing. He too points out that it's hard to spend money on eating out when wage growth is so sluggish. I always think about those first cuts as being a taste of what is to come - penalty rates cut for the industries we don't think are important, hospitality, retail. It's a way of desensitising the electorate so when it comes to the industries which are really important, we won't be able to argue. Nurses. Aged care workers. In the meantime, wages reduce. Whatever argument employers might make about an increase in jobs or at least in hours has been disproved by the research. But research doesn't usually make a big impact on the electorate. We have five by-elections coming up and now we have the knowledge that the ACTU is campaigning hard on the cuts to penalty rates in those electorates. I have no idea who will win those by-elections but it's a ground war and the unions have shown how good they are at rolling out the troops in the run up to any election. They will summon up everyone who has ever been in a union, whether they are members of the Labor Party or not, to get out and doorknock. And they will have one rather terrifying piece of evidence. Here's what a permanent retail worker on Level 1 wages who worked eight hours each day from last Saturday to Monday would have received $1,018 in her pay packet, according to ACTU calculations. Low patronage outside business hours is part of the reason why Access Canberra opening times won't be extended further, the ACT government says. However one of the shopfronts that runs extended hours is only open an extra hour a day, while another operates fewer hours than the 9-5 centres, raising questions about how convenient the service really is. Access Canberra service centre Winyu House in Gungahlin. Credit:Jay Cronan Access Canberra handles vehicle registrations, drivers' licence, births, deaths and marriage certificates, as well as proof of identity cards and Working With Vulnerable People applications. Last financial year, it served more than 450,000 customers, took more than 720,000 phone calls and processed more than 1.7 million digital transactions. After all, the real crisis in our military culture is the feminisation of our combat forces isnt it? Due to political correctness no men are allowed to serve in the infantry any more. Is it any wonder that some of the lads reached back deep into the majesty of Western civilisation to the example of the Spartans to draw solace, since the Anzac tradition has been undermined by the left? To paraphrase an old saying, war is too important to be left to the keyboard warriors. Already the usual suspects are running around hysterically because a feminist academic was involved in the examination of culture within the special forces. It is far easier to dust off grandpas slouch hat and rant about unpatriotic feminists obsessed with "toxic masculinity" than to deal with the substance of the allegations. The revelations published by Fairfax Media of alleged war crimes by a rogue element within Australias Special Operations Command are too important to be subsumed into the domestic culture wars. The revelations raise serious questions about the development of a culture of impunity among our elite ground forces. Director of the Australian War Memorial Brendan Nelson leapt into the fray, declaring: I stand with the special forces. Well so do I. Though I would prefer to stand with those who have had the moral courage to risk social ostracism from their tight circle of mates by collaborating with investigations into alleged conduct ranging from premeditated murder of detainees to drug abuse. And therein lies the insurmountable problem for the bathtub admirals, and keyboard warriors. The allegations cannot be brushed aside by ranting about feminism. The most damning evidence as to the conduct of the latter-day Spartans has emanated from within the ranks of the special forces. A number of men with strong moral compasses said: Enough. We are better than this. I also stand with Chris Masters and Nick McKenzie, whose exhaustive research emphatically confirmed stories that have been circulating among members of the special forces community over a period of years. Since the formation of Special Operations Command as a discrete entity, under then Major-General Duncan Lewis, I have known every one of the two-star officers who has held that post, having worked for all of them in a variety of appointments. (Though not in a special operations environment, I worked as an interpreter with the Commandos during the civil disturbance in East Timor in 2006.) Former commander of Special Operations Jeff Sengelman ordered the inquiry. Every one of them is a man of integrity and an exceptional soldier. These allegations cannot be lightly dismissed. And it seems beyond doubt that there have been multiple incidents of excessive use of force and breaches of the laws of armed conflict by our special forces, especially in the latter part of the war in Afghanistan. That the most vital evidence has been provided by special forces soldiers speaks well of the commands truest values. South Korea's top envoy in Australia has warned that US President Donald Trump cannot unilaterally halt joint military exercises on the Korean Peninsula but conceded some "good faith" compromises on the drills could aid negotiations with Kim Jong-un. South Korean ambassador Baeksoon Lee also said Mr Trump's "bold, top-down leadership" had made this week's landmark Singapore summit possible, heralding a "new chapter of history" that will need to be backed up with concrete and verifiable steps towards North Korean denuclearisation. Mr Trump's surprise promise to call off military exercises, describing them as expensive and "provocative", delighted North Korea and China but caught key US allies off-guard. In also expressing a desire to eventually remove the 28,500 American troops stationed on the peninsula, Mr Trump's shift could overturn longstanding US policy in Asia and has received a cool reception from Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop. North Korean leader Kim Jong-un with US President Donald Trump. Credit:AP In an interview with Fairfax Media on Thursday, Mr Lee said the suspension "cannot be decided unilaterally by the United States because it is a joint military exercise", adding the US and South Korean militaries had begun negotiating the future of the drills. Gaza: Abu Mazen says UN vote victory for Palestinians (ANSAmed) - TEL AVIV, JUNE 14 - Palestinian National Authority (PNA) President Abu Mazen on Thursday hailed a UN General Assembly vote in favor of a resolution criticizing Israel's ''excessive use of force'' against Palestinian protesters at the Gaza border during weeks of clashes. ''The vote is a victory for the rights of Palestinians, for justice and international law'', he said. The resolution - which was approved with 120 yes votes against eight no votes (including the US and Israe)l and 45 abstentions - also requested the ''protection of the Palestinian civil population''. Israel and the US criticized the resolution as one-sided and not useful. (ANSAmed) The Federal Court on Thursday awarded the Liberal Party 25 per cent of the Cormack Foundation's shares, but the donor group described the decision as a "Pyrrhic victory" with no practical impact. The Victorian Liberal Party president Michael Kroger at the state council meeting earlier this year. Credit:Daniel Pockett The ongoing dispute denies the Victorian Liberal Party a key funding source just months from the November state election. The bitter feud between the Victorian Liberal Party and its main donor is set to worsen after a federal court decision over who controls a $70 million fund left both sides claiming victory. There is now no end in sight to the row, with Victorian Liberal Party president Michael Kroger calling on Cormack's directors and shareholders to resign and relinquish control of the fund. "It is now our proposal to write to the Cormack directors asking them to acknowledge the decision of the court and resign as directors and shareholders," he said. But the foundation insisted the court confirmed its independence and said the matter should never have resulted in litigation. The Liberal Party has completely failed to achieve its objective of confirming ownership or control of Cormack Foundation," it said. The legal action may yet continue with Mr Kroger saying "further options would need to be examined" if Cormack refused to return the funds to the Liberal Party. Lord mayor Sally Capp has made a peace offering to traders at the Queen Victoria Market, announcing almost $2 million extra for maintenance and marketing. There are around 600 traders at the market and most have been angered by Melbourne City Councils $250 million redevelopment plan. Devised under former lord mayor Robert Doyle, the plan includes major works to place services and parking areas underground. It also envisages a new park, built where the market's main parking lot now sits. Redevelopment plans have cost the council more than $15 million so far. Phnom Penh: A year ago, Jesse Ricketson could not have imagined hed be living in Cambodia, far from his Sydney home, fighting for his fathers freedom. Jesse Ricketson has moved to Cambodia to support his father James Ricketson. Credit:Kate Geraghty The 36-year-old uprooted his life and moved to Phnom Penh with his partner in a bid to clear his father, Australian filmmaker James Ricketson, of espionage, a charge he emphatically denies. Ricketson was arrested in June last year after he was seen flying a drone above an opposition party rally, a turn of events that has left Jesse and his family grappling to come to terms with Cambodias justice system. Three hours later, the migrants were all dead. They were found the next morning, in sweltering heat, on a highway leading to Vienna, just 50 km or so from the Hofburg. Days later, a visibly shaken Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that Germany would open its borders to those clamoring to get into the country a policy decision that reverberates across the Continent to this day. Investigators stand near an abandoned truck near Parndorf, Austria, south of Vienna in 2015. Credit:AP/File Italy recently refused entry to a rescue ship carrying hundreds of migrants, and an increasing number of European Union nations adamantly oppose any plan requiring them to share the responsibility of sheltering refugees and asylum-seekers. Beyond the politics, though, the case in Hungary offers a reminder of an unavoidable fact: Desperate people will take desperate measures, even if it can cost them their lives. The tragedy also highlighted how many people, including some former refugees, had taken advantage of the crisis to enrich themselves by turning humans into cargo. The ringleader of the smuggling network on trial was Lahoo Samsooryamal, a slim, 31-year-old Afghan who speaks eight languages. Samsooryamal arrived in Hungary in 2013 and made his way to the top of an established network that transported groups of three or four people into Germany or Austria. In 2014, some 200,000 people sought refuge in Europe from Africa and the Middle East. But in the first six months of 2015, more than 300,000 people flooded onto the Continent. For smugglers, more refugees meant more business. "The lure of money quickly pushed them to bigger groups that finally led to the tragedy," said Gabor Schmidt, the prosecutor, during the trial. With the help of Metodi Ivanov Georgiev, a Bulgarian who was already being sought by police in his own country, the smugglers established a network of drivers poor Bulgarians, often from Roma villages. Soon, they were operating on an "industrial scale," Schmidt said, moving 1200 people in 31 trips that began at the Hungary-Serbia border. Samsooryamal's ring was part of a broader international network, according to prosecutors. As migrants increasingly sought to travel from the western Balkans to EU countries with their open borders and economic promise crime syndicates in each country worked in coordination. For those seeking passage across Europe, smugglers were relatively easy to find, as migrants passed phone numbers between friends and families. Samsooryamal's group was unaware that the authorities had also gotten their numbers, and were listening to and taping their phone calls. Those recordings, played in court, revealed that everyone involved knew how desperate the situation was for those in the truck in the hours before they died. Just 20 minutes into their journey, the driver suspected something was wrong and called Georgiev, who told him not to stop. Forty minutes into the trip, the smugglers, who had neglected to give their human cargo water bottles, pulled into a petrol station. But when they saw police officers nearby, they decided not to open the truck to give the people anything to drink. The driver called the boss again, reporting that the passengers "knocked like hell at the gas station." As the screams from the back of the truck grew louder, the driver and his partner grew increasingly terrified, according to testimony. On previous trips, the smugglers had communicated with their passengers by mobile phone, but this time, they did not have a number for anyone in the back of the truck. There were more panicked calls between the bosses and the driver, who noticed that the passengers were trying to bore a hole out of the box to get air. An hour and 20 minutes into the trip, the screaming continued, with the driver clearly able to make out one word, repeated over and over: "Please." Around this time, in a call between Samsooryamal and Georgiev, Samsooryamal finally lost his temper when told that the women would not stop wailing. "If he opens, I know what will happen," Samsooryamal said. "He should know for sure everybody will go out. He should know that if he doesn't want to end in jail, he shouldn't open." Panicked, the driver decided to just abandon the truck on the side of the road. At the trial, Samsooryamal was unapologetic, insisting that the migrants chose to make the journey and knew the risks. The 2018 National High School Musical Theatre Awards, also known as the Jimmy Awards, has announced the nominees competing for the titles of Best Performance by an Actor and Best Performance by an Actress. Tony Award winner Laura Benanti will host the 10th annual event, taking place Monday, June 25, at 7:30pm at the Minskoff Theatre. Among the nominees are New York's Andrew Barth Feldman and Alyssa McDonald, Chicago's Darian Goulding and Natalie Doppelt, and Los Angeles's Daniel Kohanbash and Hannah Kanter. For a full list of nominees, click here. Jimmy Awards nominees will prepare for their debut on a Broadway stage during a nine-day professional training intensive with NYU Tisch School of the Arts' New Studio on Broadway faculty members plus other theater professionals. Winners will be selected by a panel of industry experts. Founded in 2009 by Nederlander Alliances LLC, Pittsburgh CLO, and Broadway Education Alliance (BEA), the mission of the Jimmy Awards/National High School Musical Theatre Awards (NHSMTA) is to raise the profile of musical theater in schools, recognize dedicated teachers, and inspire the next generation of performers and enthusiasts. Since the inception of the program, participating students have earned over $2 million in university and conservatory scholarships. Several student participants have already been cast in Broadway, touring, and West End productions. At this year's event, the Inspiring Teacher Award, presented by Wells Fargo, will be presented to Janine Papin of Trinity Preparatory School in Winter Park, Florida, and Nadine Love of William R. Boone High School in Orlando, Florida. Several firearm-related charges are pending against a 51-year-old La Broquerie man after a search warrant was executed at a residence in that community early Wednesday morning. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 7/6/2018 (1227 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Several firearm-related charges are pending against a 51-year-old La Broquerie man after a search warrant was executed at a residence in that community early Wednesday morning. In a statement released Thursday, Steinbach RCMP Staff Sgt. Harold Laninga said officers executed a "high risk" search warrant during the early hours of June 6 on Gauthier Street, with assistance from an RCMP "D" Division emergency response team and canine unit. Three people were taken into custody as a result. The 51-year-old man is expected to face two counts of possession of a prohibited weapon, unsafe storage of a firearm, and possession of a weapon for a dangerous purpose. A 22-year-old man and a 44-year-old woman taken into custody were later released without charge. Cancel your plans and make room in your stomach because Steinbachs biggest street party kicks off this Friday. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 14/6/2018 (1220 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Cancel your plans and make room in your stomach because Steinbachs biggest street party kicks off this Friday. Tomorrow morning, Steinbach Credit Union invites Steinbach to breakfast, serving free pancakes and ham on Lumber Ave beside SCU from 7-9:30 a.m. That should tide folks over until 11 a.m. when the 70-plus vendors open for business, hawking mouthwatering street food, handcrafts and other wares. Starting at 11:30 a.m., performers take to the Steinbach Credit Union mainstage. Its free to watch until 6 p.m. Friday acts include Backyard Theatre Company, 5acres, Jason Kirkness and others before headliner Terri Clark at 9:30 p.m. Saturday performers include Scorpion Elite Cheerleading, Stacy James Band and the Boy and the Sea. Harlequin and Honeymoon Suite rock the stage Saturday night. Cultures in the City brings the world to Main Street with music, dancers and food booths from countries such as Jamaica, Ireland, Rwanda, Brazil, Korea, as well as Indigenous and Metis performances. Artists in the City will showcase an open-air gallery, art demonstrations as well as free Paint-in-the-City Parties with instructor Arlene Enns. Kids can enjoy face painting and a superhero mask-making station. Stay informed The latest updates on the novel coronavirus and COVID-19 delivered to your inbox every weeknight. Sign Up I agree to the Terms and Conditions, Cookie and Privacy Policies, and CASL agreement. Street Arts in the City at the skate park features the Summer Skate Series and a graffiti art battle on Friday. Saturday, skateboarders and BMXers compete in Shred in the City and BOSS Dance Academy will showcase their best moves. On Sunday, Worship in the City features guest speaker Mark Hughes along with Danny Plett and Project Worship at 10:30 a.m. A freewill offering will be taken. Funds go to South East Helping Hands, Soups On and Steinbach Community Outreach. At 11 a.m., watch CrossFit athletes from across Manitoba compete at the T.G. Smith Centre. At 12:30 p.m., comedian Matt Falk will take to the main stage. At 4:30 p.m. there will be a concert by The Color and Manic Drive. Road closures for Summer in the City begin Thursday, with Reimer Avenue closing from Elmdale Street to First Street at 7 a.m. Main Street shuts down from Friesen Avenue to Barkman Avenue at 6 p.m. Streets reopen at midnight on Sunday. For more information on vendors and events, visit summerinthecity.ca. Photo: Tom Williams/CQ-Roll Call,Inc. Across the country today, people are turning out to protest the Trump administrations policy of separating immigrant children from their families when they are detained at the U.S.-Mexico border. To separate immigrant families, victims of violence, hunger and poverty, is to re-violate them, Families Belong Together, the group that is organizing the protests, wrote on their website. Children as young as 18 months are torn from their mothers arms by the U.S. government. This is violent abuse. These families are victimized again by the government to which they turn for help. Families Belong Together opposes the inhumane policies of the Trump Administration, Border Patrol, and I.C.E. and calls for immediate reform. There are protests tomorrow all over the country against the separation of children from their asylum-seeking parents: https://t.co/S98SmbYLTN Rebecca Traister (@rtraister) June 14, 2018 The protests come after a wave of troubling reports of children being separated from their families as a result of the Trump administrations zero tolerance policy toward people attempting to enter the U.S. Under the new rules, once their guardians are detained, children are treated as if they arrived alone, and placed with a family member, or in a shelter while their case is considered. Since the new policy went into effect, over 1,300 children have been removed from their families at the U.S. border with Mexico. The U.N. has denounced this practice as a serious violation of the rights of the child. Detention is never in the best interests of the child and always constitutes a child-rights violation, said Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the U.N. human-rights office. On Wednesday, the day before the protests were scheduled, a group of legislators and activists including Representatives John Lewis, Pramila Jayapal, Luis Gutierrez, and actor John Cusack staged a sit-in outside the headquarters of the Customs and Border Protection agency in Washington, D.C., to protest the family-separation policy. As they marched outside the building, protesters chanted, Bring our babies back! More chants: bring our babies back. pic.twitter.com/5ki41QO92P Ella Nilsen (@ella_nilsen) June 13, 2018 For information about how to find a Families Belong Together march near you, click here. AMMAN - King Abdullah of Jordan on Thursday approved new government by prime minister Omar al Razaz as the new cabinet looks to deal with an economic crisis that threatened stability of the kingdom. In a royal palace statement, the monarch approved appointment of new cabinet that included seven women and 15 ministers of the outgoing government. Razaz and his team have lined up at the royal palace to be sworn in by the monarch, who has the constitutional rights to hire and fire governments at his wish. The pro-west Abdullah hopes changing the government would absorb a growing criticism of his management of the country, where poverty and unemployment have been on the rise during the past few years. The new prime minister told the media after his appointment that the kingdom faces a number of challenges that can not be put on the back burner, in reference to climbing foreign debt and urgency to generate revenues for the state budget. Last week, a decision by former prime minister Hani al Mulki to introduce an amendment to the income tax law was the hay that broke the camels back, triggering wide spread protest across the kingdom against government fiscal policies. Protestors demanded the resignation of the government and the parliament and introduction of wide range of reforms. Earlier this week, gulf nations of Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the UAE and Qatar have pledged financial aid to Jordan worth around $3 billion, but observers say the solution lies in genuine reforms to address high level corruption and nepotism. The Islamic Action Front (IAF) the strongest political party in the kingdom has urged the monarch to implement political reforms in order to address the economic crisis. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Photo: Xinhua News Agency/Xinhua News Agency/Getty Images While we were all busy speculating where Meghan Markle and Prince Harry were going for their honeymoon, the royal couple snuck off and took the dang trip. According to a source who spoke to E! News, the newlyweds ended up in the one place where Harry apparently feels like he can be himself: Africa. Earlier this month, the couple apparently visited more than two countries in East Africa, where they went on safaris, participated in outdoor adventures, and did a whole lot of relaxing. It was the perfect break and blend of their passions, the source told E! News. Restorative and the perfect holiday before starting a very busy second half of 2018. Months before the royal wedding on May 19, the British tabloids were convinced that the Duke and Duchess of Sussex were going to honeymoon in Namibia, Africa. Mere days after the ceremony, though, E! News refuted that rumor. Then, there was the speculation that the couple would jet to the beachside town of Noosa in Queensland, Australia, which was challenged one day later by a TMZ report that named Alberta, Canada, as the royal honeymoon spot. It looks like Royal expert Omid Scobie was right all along. In late May, he told Elle, The couple have been keen to explore other countries in Africa, and Im certain we will see them do that on this honeymoon. A newsstand vendor in Beijing on December 6, 2016. The newspaper in the foreground is the state-run Global Times. (Greg Baker/AFP/Getty Images) Chinese State Media Downplays Coverage of Trump-Kim Summit The summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore this week was a historic meeting between the two nations leaders. The news dominated headlines around the world, with media running coverage of the summit on their front pages. Except in China, where the news was just a blip in the state media coverage. The Chinese regimes mouthpiece newspaper, Peoples Daily, chose not to run the story on the front page. In its June 12 edition, the newspaper instead ran stories about domestic affairs, such as a story about Chinese leader Xi Jinpings remarks at a recently held summit of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization. Where was news about the TrumpKim summit? On the very bottom of the third page, in the right-hand corner, in a short piece about their signing of an agreement on denuclearization. Nowhere in the entire newspaper were photos of Trump and Kims meeting to be found. Why was the worlds biggest news censored out of Chinese state media? China observers have their theories. Zhou Xiaohui, China political commentator at The Epoch Times, believes Beijing wishes to downplay the fact that China was marginalized amid the denuclearization talks. The reality is in sharp contrast to other state propaganda, which previously claimed that China would be instrumental in the process. A June 4 editorial in the state-run Global Times opined, If China does not participate, and U.S.North Korea or U.S.North KoreaSouth Korea were to sign a declaration ending the war, it cannot technically replace the armistice, since the 1953 armistice was also signed by the Chinese armed forces who participated in the Korean War. It would only be a bilateral or trilateral document, and thus can be nullified at any moment. But the summit went on as planned, with the United States and North Korea negotiating directly without China. North Korean state media, on the other hand, has celebrated news of the summit, running front page spreads and calling it the meeting of the century. Meanwhile, Russias state-run newspaper, Rossiyskaya Gazeta, analyzed the situation as follows in a June 12 report: The North Korean regime sought to display the backing of a powerful ally, China, by borrowing a jumbo jet from it to make the trip to Singapore. The jet showed the logo of the state-run carrier, Air China, along with the emblem of the Chinese national flag. The symbolism was hard to miss. However, the Chinese regime didnt garner any benefits in return, as the North Korean regime went ahead with negotiating with the United States without Chinas assistance, according to the Russian newspaper. Ontario premier-designate Doug Ford arrives at Queens Park in Toronto for a meeting with his transition team on June 10, 2018. (The Canadian Press/Marta Iwanek) Doug Ford Is No Hardline Right-Winger, Says Pundit Doug Fords election on June 7 represents a sea-change on Ontarios political landscape. And if the trouncing Kathleen Wynnes Liberals took at the polls is any indication, Ontarians are more than ready to embrace change. I think its fair to say that most conservatives, and that would include myself, are looking forward to an Ontario PC government that is going to hopefully redefine 15 years of ineffective Liberal government, says columnist and political commentator Michael Taube. Though it still remains to be seen what happens, I would certainly say Im optimistic at this point. Taube notes, however, that he doesnt believe Ford is a strong social conservative, as some of his critics have said, nor is he a hardline right-winger. I think Doug Ford tries to mix fiscal conservative and social conservative issues to the best of his ability, he said. I dont think youre going to see this radical change that people purport is going to happen, because if you look at Doug Ford specifically, he isnt a radical whatsoever. During the campaign, Fords long list of promises included lowering tax rates in several areas and balancing the budget without laying off any public service employeesalthough he failed to offer a fully costed platform on how all this would be achieved, leading to criticism on whether he could deliver. My belief is that once he gets to government, looks at all the books, determines where the deficit is at and can move forward, I think well see something very quickly, Taube says. One of his big things is obviously to lower taxes for all Ontarians. Thats part of the core message, say, of Ford Nation. So I think that lowering taxes and reducing the size of government and reducing the bureaucracy are all going to be very important things. Ford created a fuss during the campaign when he said he would use legislation to remove the CEO and board of Hydro One. Under the Liberals, electricity prices for residents skyrocketedsomething a recent Fraser Institute study blamed on poor energy policy choices, including Ontarios Green Energy Act. Ford also said hed cut hydro bills by 12 percent, return all Hydro One dividends to Ontario families, and use retroactive legislation to ensure executives and board members dont receive large payouts if removed from their positions. I think that dealing with Hydro One is going to be a very high priority, says Taube. Its not going to be as easy as he says it is to remove that board all at once and start fresh on the first day of the job, but I believe he does remain committed to ensure that taxpayer dollars are used wisely when he looks at Hydro One. Ford could run up against a lot of opposition when it comes to his promises on climate change and education. On the climate change file, he has vowed to scrap the cap-and-trade system and the Green Energy Act and oppose the minimum price on carbon emissions mandated by the federal governmentalready being challenged by the governments of Saskatchewan and Manitoba. The only cap and trade youre going to see is that were going to cap taxes and trade Kathleen Wynne, he quipped on Twitter. In education, Ford plans to axe Wynnes controversial sex-education curriculum and replace it with one that is age-appropriate and only after real consultation with parents occurs. He also plans to get rid of discovery-based math and replace it with proven methods of teaching, and expand the mandate of the Higher Education Quality Council of Ontario to enable violations of free speech to be evaluated. I think that a lot of [Ontarians] probably recognize that the process of building the actual sex-ed curriculum was not perfect, says Taube. It was very imperfect, and for that reason I think that Doug Ford can make a lot of people happy by simply re-opening the process, letting people have their say. Ford is currently working with his transition team and will take over as premier on June 29, marking the first time in 15 years that Ontario has had a Progressive Conservative government. Migrant 'detente' time with Italy - Macron I have collaborated with Rome since start of mandate (ANSAmed) - PARIS, JUNE 14 - French President Emmanuel Macron said Thursday it was "time for detente" with Italy after a diplomatic crisis over migrant ship Aquarius had threatened his meeting with Premier Giuseppe Conte in Paris Friday. "From the start of my mandate I have wanted to collaborate with Italy," Macron said, according to BFM-TV. The working lunch with Conte is scheduled to go ahead Friday after macron denied calling Italy "cynical and irresponsible" for closing its ports to the Aquarius.(ANSAmed). Heavy Rains in Southern China Cause at Least 4 Deaths From Electrocution Heavy rain has battered southern China all week, with more downpours forecast for this weekend. The subsequent flooding has claimed at least four lives as a result of electrocution, according to official estimates, though locals have reported many more. Local residents are also calling out local authorities for failing to improve electrical infrastructure to prevent such electrocutions from happening. The four deaths all took place on June 8. At noon, a man was found dead, lying motionless on a flooded street in Zhaoqing City in southern Chinas Guangdong Province, reported Chinese news portal Sohu. He likely died due to electrical leakage from an unknown source. Then at around 5 p.m., a 17-year-old student at a local transportation vocational school died of electrocution while walking in the rain at Baiyun District in Guangzhou, the capital of Guangdong Province, reported state-run media Xinhua. It was later determined that the electrical leakage was from a 220-voltage circuit board inside a traffic control box. Later, at 7 p.m., a 30-year-old mother and her 10-year-old daughter were both electrocuted at Chancheng District in Foshan City located in Guangdong Province, reported Hong Kong news website Initium Media. The electricity came from an electrical switch box at a nearby bus stop. They lay motionless in the water for about 30 minutes before authorities arrived. On the popular social media platform similar to Twitter, Sina Weibo, several netizens revealed several cases of pedestrians requiring medical attention after they got electrocuted by power leakage from street lamps in Guangzhou and Foshan, according to Taiwanese newspaper the Liberty Times on June 10. One Weibo user posted information about a death in Zhongshan City in Guangdong Province. The accompanying photo showed a man who appears to have died from electrocution, with the body being pulled by a stick from the back of a car amid flood waters. It is not known when the man died. The fear of getting electrocuted was pervasive throughout the region, according to a report by Radio Free Asia (RFA). On June 13, a picture circulated online of a local police officer standing on a police car trying to pull a dead body from flood waters with a stick to avoid electrocution from contact with the water. Several others have also died from electrocution amid flooded streets in Huadu District in Guangzhou, according to Mr. Hsu, a local resident. I do worry. When it rains and I am out picking up my child, I always wear water boots, said Mr. Hsu. He added that he has not seen local authorities take any measures to prevent high voltage devices and other power sources from leaking electricity. Local authorities should be held responsible for these deaths, said Jia Pin, a rights activist from Guangdong Province, in an interview with RFA. Guangzhou, being a city in the Pearl River Delta region, is affected by many typhoons every year, said Jia. The local government should know about this by now and improve the water drainage system in the city, to prevent something like this [electrocution] from happening. The Chinese regimes online censorship was in full force on Weibo, according to RFA. Videos showing people being electrocuted were deleted from the platform soon after posting. This is not the first time people in China have died from electrocution after heavy rainfall. In July 2012, when the heaviest rain in over 60 years hit Beijing, the resulting flash floods caused 77 deaths. Among them, 46 died from drowning and five died from electrocution. Floods were in part caused by the limited capacity of the capital citys drainage system. Here Is What Happened to Anthony Bourdains Body After Death Anthony Bourdains body has been cremated in France, according to reports. His remains will be returned back to the United States on Friday, People magazine reported. French prosecutor Christian de Rocquigney de Fayel said that his death was a suicide, and there was nothing to indicate that foul play was involved. Thats why the cremation was allowed, he explained. Nothing suggested the involvement of a third person, Rocquigny said. Bourdain was found dead in his Paris-area hotel room on Friday, June 8. The 61-year-old celebrity chef and TV host was filming an episode for CNNs Parts Unknown. His body was discovered by friend and chef Eric Ripert. Other chefs mourned his loss. I know you are on a Ferry going to somewhere amazing, Chef Jose Andres wrote on Twitter. You still had so many places to show us, whispering to our souls the great possibilities beyond what we could see with our own eyes. You only saw beauty in all people. You will always travel with me. His girlfriend, Actress Asia Argento, 42, issued a statement on his death. Anthony gave all of himself in everything that he did, she wrote on Twitter. His brilliant, fearless spirit touched and inspired so many, and his generosity knew no bounds. He was my love, my rock, my protector. I am beyond devastated. My thoughts are with his family. I would ask that you respect their privacy and mine. His mother, Grace, also issued a statement to the New York Times. He is absolutely the last person in the world I would have ever dreamed would do something like this, Gladys Bourdain told the New York Times. Tony had been in a dark mood these past couple of days, Ripert had told Gladys Bourdain after her sons death, according to the Times. She added that she had no idea why he killed himself. She explained: He had everything. Success beyond his wildest dreams. Money beyond his wildest dreams. In a statement to People magazine, the U.S. Embassy in Paris wrote: We can confirm the death of Anthony Bourdain in the Haut-Rhin department of France. We extend our sincere condolences to friends and family. We stand ready to provide appropriate consular service. Out of respect for the family at this difficult time we have no further comment. If youre in an emergency in the US or Canada, please call 911. You can call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline on 1-800-273-8255. Young people can call the Kids Help Phone on 1-800-668-6868. Watch Next: Father Who Lost Child Tells Trump: I remember the hug you gave me The Pentagon, headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, taken from an airplane in January 2008. (David B. Gleason/Wikimedia Commons) House Does Not Want Independent Military Space Force The House is at odds with President Donald Trumps plans to create a separate branch of the military focused on space, and instead wants to maintain current plans to create a space branch thats under the Air Force. The Fiscal Year 2019 National Defense Authorization Act directs the Department of Defense to create a new U.S. Space Command, but the House is undecided on whether the military needs a separate Space Corps. Last year, out of a lot of frustration and a commitment to do better in space, we set up a separate Space Corps, House Armed Services Committee Chairman Rep. Mac Thornberry (R-Tex.) said on June 13 on Capitol Hill, according to Space News. That is not the way it came out in conference, and we have given the Air Force an opportunity to show a greater commitment in space. Trump discussed the idea of creating a new Space Force during a March 13.speech at the Marine Corps Air Station Miramar in San Diego. He said, My new national strategy for space recognizes that space is a warfighting domain, just like the land, air, and sea. We may even have a Space Force. Richard Fisher, senior fellow with the International Assessment and Strategy Center, told The Epoch Times in a previous interview that an independent military branch focused on space could help defend against near-future threats. China wants to control the Earth-Moon system. By doing so, it can impose a toll on the space economy ambitions of the West, Fisher said. It is actually quite fortunate that President Trump has emerged at this time with this broad understanding and a desire to position the United States and the democracies strategically so that China and Russia do not deny the future benefits of space to our people, he said. Former FBI Director James Comey testifies before the Senate Intelligence Committee in the Hart Senate Office Building on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., on June 8, 2017. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) IG Report: Comey Used Gmail Account to Conduct Official FBI Business Former FBI Director James Comey used a private email account to conduct official FBI business on multiple occasions, a newly released report by the Department of Justices inspector general reveals. Comey would forward unclassified emails from his official FBI.gov email account address to his Gmail account. The former FBI director was questioned by the IG during the course of the investigation on the use of the private email account. Government policy requires official business to be conducted using government email accounts, both for record-keeping and safety. Comey told the IG that he did not have access to a working unclassified FBI connection at his home and had not bothered to fix it. Instead, he would use his personal or business phone, or his personal laptop, to write documents related to official FBI business, and then forward them to his official FBI account using the private email account. I was always making sure that the work got forwarded to the government account to either my own account or [former chief of staff Jim] Rybicki, so I wasnt worried from a record-keeping perspective and it was, because there will always be a copy of it in the FBI system and I wasnt doing classified work there, so I wasnt concerned about that, Comey told the IG. In separate testimony to the IG, Rybicki confirmed that Comey had sent unclassified emails from his official FBI.gov email account to his Gmail account. This permits him to open attachments and use his personal laptop to then work on a speech or other content intended for wide dissemination, Rybicki said. He then sends drafts or the completed text to his official FBI.gov email account or to another FBI.gov email account from [his Gmail account]. According to the former chief of staff, Comey had opened the account around the time when he was appointed director and had not sought or received advice from the DOJ on the use of these accounts. To ensure a high level of cybersecurity, Director Comey routinely deletes all emails from his [Gmail] account each day, and then clears the deleted messages folder. He began this practice about two years ago, Rybicki said. The IG report states that Comeys use of the private email account to conduct official government business is inconsistent with the DOJ Policy Statement. It is unclear whether the DOJ will pursue charges against Comey over his use of the private email account. This is not the first time that Comey has been in hot water over his handling of sensitive information. Last June, Comey acknowledged under oath before the Senate Judiciary Committee that he had intentionally leaked memos written about his conversations with President Donald Trump to a friend, with the intention of having them leaked to The New York Times. Several of the memos had been classified and marked as secret at the time. IG Report: FBI Agents Were Concerned About Obama Comments on Clinton Case Comments made by then-President Barak Obama that suggested that Hillary Clintons use of a private email server did not pose a national security risk caused great concern among FBI agents, a newly released report by the Department of Justices inspector general reveals. The report cites the responses of FBI agents to the statements Obama made during an Oct. 11, 2015, interview on 60 Minutes, in which he said that Clintons use of a private email server was a mistake but that it did not pose a national security problem. Former President Obamas comments caused concern among FBI officials about the potential impact on the investigation, the inspector general writes in his report. It cites former Executive Assistant FBI Director John Giacalone as saying: We open up criminal investigations. And you have the president of the United States saying this is just a mistake. Thats a problem, right? Former Assistant Director Randy Coleman told the IG: [The FBI had] a group of guys in here, professionals, that are conducting an investigation. And the president of the United States just came out and said theres no there there. Obamas comments were considered especially problematic since Hillary Clinton at that time was running to succeed him as president. The FBI officials were also concerned about statements by Obamas press secretary, Josh Earnest, who said on Jan. 29, 2016, that the DOJ had told the White House that Clinton was not the target of the investigation. What I know that some officials over there have said is that she is not a target of the investigation, Earnest told reporters. The statement prompted the DOJ to demand an explanation from the White House. In response, Earnest told Melanie Newman, the director of the Departments Office of Public Affairs, that he had made the comments based on news stories, not based on conversations with the department. At that point, the damage had been done already, as Earnest had spread the false information to reporters, without issuing a correction. Watch Next: What is MS-13? Polls Reveal How Americans Reacted to Trump-Kim Summit More than half all Americans say they support the way President Donald Trump handled the historic meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore on June 12, according to an opinion poll by Reuters/Ipsos released on June 13. Trump and Kim concluded the meeting by signing a joint statement, which states that the two leaders would work to achieve lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula and that Kim is committed to complete denuclearization. Six out of 10 Americans said they either believe that the leaders would follow through on their promises or are still unsure. Americans credited Trump above other world leaders for the summit and the joint pledge. Survey takers were four times as likely to credit Trump than the second leader on the list, South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Forty percent gave Trump credit, compared to 11 percent for Moon, and 7 percent for Kim. Trump received a 51 percent approval rating for the summit. In the joint statement, Kim also agreed to let the United States repatriate the remains of American soldiers who perished in the Korean War. Beyond the written agreement, Trump promised Kim to call off the war games while active negotiations continue. Kim promised Trump he would destroy a ballistic missile testing site. Roughly 4 out of 10 Americans believe that the summit reduced the threat of nuclear war between the United States and Pyongyangs communist regime. The lack of confidence could be attributed to past failures by past administrations and to a media narrative that the summit didnt bring about an instant solution to a complex, decades-old problem. The historic document is the first bilateral agreement between an American president and a North Korean leader. Make no mistake: The world should welcome Donald Trumps bold move to engage Kim Jong Un, Eurasia Group President Ian Bremmer wrote in an editorial for The Hill. A lasting peace for the Korean Peninsula, if it can be accomplished at all, will take years to accomplish. No one should ever have expected that Trump and Kim could solve a decades-old problem in a single afternoon, Bremmer said. The leaders of these two nuclear-armed nations are talking about peace rather than war, and Kim has taken concrete steps to sharply improve relations with all his neighbors except Japan. From the early days of his tenure, Trump instituted a maximum pressure campaign to force North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons. The president rallied international allies to impose the toughest sanctions in decades. Trump coupled economic pressure with a sizable military presence, sending an armada of aircraft carriers and warships to the Korean Peninsula. Throughout 2017, Kim continued to test ballistic missiles. Pyongyang also claimed to have tested a hydrogen bomb. But at the beginning of this year, Trumps strategy forced the communist leaders hand. Kim signaled a willingness to talk, and Trump accepted the offer once Pyongyang committed to discussing complete denuclearization. Republicans were overwhelmingly more enthusiastic than Democrats about the outcome of the summit. Republican respondents were twice as likely as Democrats to say that the meeting lowered the chance of nuclear war and three times as likely to believe that both sides would follow through on their commitments. Republican lawmakers and governors showered Trump with praise on the heels of the summit. Congratulations to President Trump bringing this about. This is an historic opportunity to end the Korean War, get North Korea to give up their weapons and missiles that threaten us and the world in return for security guarantees and prosperity, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said in a statement. Trumps approval rating among Democrats is usually low, but in the case of the summit, approximately 30 percent backed Trumps work on the summit, compared to the 12 percent who approved of his overall job performance. On a return flight to Washington, Trump said that the summit removed the threat of nuclear war. In addition to the tight sanctions and military presence, Trump also broke from decades of diplomatic practice by using Twitter as a communication platform and a video resembling a film trailer as a persuasive device. At the summit, Trump showed Kim a Hollywood trailer-style video illustrating a bright future for North Korea if Kim abandoned nuclear weapons. Before the summit, more than 3 out of 4 Americans supported Trumps decision to meet with Kim, according to a CNN poll. Impact on Voters On the campaign trail, Trump said that denuclearizing North Korea is his top foreign policy goal. The president, who believes the problem could have been dealt with long ago, blames previous administrations for failing to rein in the communist regimes nuclear program. Some experts say it is too early to tell whether Trumps win with North Korea will have an impact on voters, but the results of the June 12 primaries offer a hint. Voters in South Carolina ousted incumbent anti-Trump Republican Mark Sanford in favor of Katie Arrington, a state representative who made support of Trump a central part of her campaign. Trump said on Twitter that he was advised against announcing his support in the race, but sent a message of support for Arrington three hours before polls closed. Arrington received 50.6 percent of the vote, compared to Sanfords 46.5 percent. Alice Stewart, a Republican strategist, said its too early to determine whether the summit will have a positive impact on voters. Its a good step to have the conversation, but that doesnt yet mean that its a success, she said. Republican strategist Ron Bonjean said it would have been more likely for voters to be influenced if there had been serious and measurable progress closer to the election. The Reuters/Ipsos opinion poll was conducted online in English, from June 12 to 13 in the United States. It gathered responses from more than 1,000 adults, including more than 400 Democrats and 400 Republicans. It has a credibility interval, a measure of the polls precision, of 4 percentage points for the full sample and 6 percentage points for the Democrats and Republicans, meaning that the results could vary in either direction by that amount. Media Bias Both Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo criticized American media for their flawed reporting on the summit. Many media outlets have taken on the narrative that the agreement signed between Trump and Kim was not significant, ignoring the fact that just months ago, North Korea had threatened to strike the United States with nuclear weapons. Responding to a question by a reporter on June 13 about why the words verifiable and irreversible were not in the statement signed by Trump and Kim, Pompeo said, Its in the statement. Youre just wrong about that. Because complete encompasses verifiable and irreversible. The president also weighed in on the reports, in a tweet on June 13. So funny to watch the Fake News, especially NBC and CNN. They are fighting hard to downplay the deal with North Korea. 500 days ago they would have begged for this deallooked like war would break out. Our Countrys biggest enemy is the Fake News so easily promulgated by fools! So funny to watch the Fake News, especially NBC and CNN. They are fighting hard to downplay the deal with North Korea. 500 days ago they would have begged for this deal-looked like war would break out. Our Countrys biggest enemy is the Fake News so easily promulgated by fools! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2018 The New York Times went as far as making an edited version of a video the White House had prepared for Kim Jong Un in an attempt to discredit the presidents efforts. The video features selectively edited clips of Trump in Singapore that paints a highly misleading picture of the nuclear negotiations. The New York Times had been among the most vocal media outlets last year to suggest that peace with North Korea was not possible to achieve. Epoch Times reporter Jasper Fakkert and Reuters contributed to this report. One of the Worlds Worst Pedophiles Has Just Been Handed a Life SentenceYou Wont Believe How He Reacted Peter Gerard Scully, one of the worlds most shamelessly vicious paedophiles, smiled as he was sentenced to life in prison in a Philippines court on Wednesday, June 13. Scully, 55, was sentenced to life along with Carme Ann Alvarez, his former girlfriend and accomplice. Judge Jose Escobido convicted Scully of one count of human trafficking and five counts of rape by sexual assault of underage girls. He faces up to 60 additional charges for child murder, torture, and abuse cases against children as young as 12 months old. The Philippines government had earlier considered reintroducing the death penalty for Scully, news.com.au reported. Lead investigator from an international investigation team, Angelito Magno, said that Scully made child pornography and torture videos he called The Destruction of Daisy. It was revealed that clients from Europe had funded Scully due to the online demand for his abusive content. One of the videos involved an 18-month-old girl being hung upside down and tortured. Scully sold the videos to customers around the world for $10,000 per view. His anonymity was finally brought down when Scully accusedly made two young girls, 12 and 13, dig their own graves while they were getting raped. They escaped with chains around their necks, seeking local police for help, ABC reported. The Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade has spent approximately $500,000 on Scullys legal assistance, The Australian reported. According to the Serious Overseas Criminal Matters Scheme, the accused is eligible for public funding if they are punished with an imprisonment of 20 years or more, or a death penalty. They will not be assisted if they can afford to fund their legal aid without serious financial difficulty, are eligible for legal assistance in the overseas country, or do not have a continuing connection with Australia. Scully will be face court again on June 20, ABC reported. Watch Next: Emotional Footage Shows Overjoyed Family After Being Reunited With Missing Dog ROME - After tension yesterday between Italy and France on the migration dossier, French President Emmanuel Macron and Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte had a long and cordial phone call overnight and the Italian prime minister's planned visit to Paris Friday has been confirmed. Conte will visit Paris on Friday and have lunch with French President Emmanuel Macron, the Italia government said Thursday after the phone conversation overnight. The planned visit had looked in danger of being scrubbed after Macron spoke of cynicism and irresponsibility over Rome's refusal to let the migrant-rescue ship Aquarius dock in an Italian port at the weekend. Interior Minister Matteo Salvini demanded an apology and said Conte would be right to cancel the visit unless this was forthcoming. During the phone call, Macron ''stressed that he never said any expression aimed at offending Italy and the Italian people,'' said a statement by the Italian premier's office. ''The president of the (French) republic recalled that he has always defended the need for greater European solidarity towards Italy''. The statement continued saying that the French president and Italian premier confirmed that France and Italy have pledged to participate in rescue efforts ''in the framework of humanitarian protection rules for people in danger''. ''Italy and France must deepen bilateral and European cooperation for an effective migratory policy with the countries of origin and of transit, via better European management of the frontier and a mechanism of solidarity in taking responsibility of refugees'', read the statement from the Italian premier's office. ''Macron and Conte agreed that, in view of the European Council at the end of June, new initiatives to discuss together are needed. ''To evoke these issues and the many dossiers of common interest, the (French) president and Prime Minister Conte will meet in Paris on Friday for a working lunch followed by a press conference''. Foreign Minister Enzo Moavero said ''it is up to France to have a more courteous tone in statements'' on the migration dossier, speaking on the sidelines of a ceremony for the anniversary of the Fullbright Commission. He also said the issues at stake need to be discussed within European institutions. Meanwhile, due to bad weather conditions, the Aquarius has had to change route, SOS Mediterranee, the NGO that operates the migrant-rescue ship, said on Thursday. ''#Dattilo, the leading Italian coastguard ship of our convoy, decided to change route,'' SOS Mediterranee said via Twitter. ''#Aquarius will proceed along the eastern coast of #Sardinia to seek shelter from bad weather, otherwise unbearable for the rescued people, already exhausted, shocked and seasick''. The Aquarius was on its way to Valencia with an escort of two Italian ships after the Italian government denied it access to its ports at the weekend in a case that has caused political tension in Europe. Most of the over 600 migrants who are on board the Aquarius have been transferred to the escort vessels. The ship is expected to arrive in Valencia on Sunday. Photo of Boy Comforting Dying Sister Shows Heart-Wrenching Journey Through Cancer An Arkansas family is mourning the loss of 4-year-old Addy, who battled one of the deadliest forms of childhood cancer. A photo of her brother, Jackson, comforting his sister in her final moments is being shared widely online. Its a heart-wrenching reminder of the pain families go through in their struggle with the diseaseand of how they can support each other in the darkest moments. Back in 2016, 2-year-old Adalynn Joy Sooter was given only months to live after doctors found a tumor in her brain. She was diagnosed with a deadly form of cancer called diffuse intrinsic pontine glioma or DIPG. According to a foundation that seeks to raise awareness of the disease, DIPG is a condition that almost exclusively afflicts children. Between 200 and 400 children in the United States are diagnosed with the disease each year, according to the Michael Mosier Defeat DIPG Foundation. DIPG is one of the deadliest forms of childhood cancer. The median survival time is 9 months from diagnosis. Addy battled DIPG for nearly 19 months before she passed away. Her parents first shared Addys story on the Love What Matters webpage. In the post, her parents Matt and Chandra Sooter recounted that they noticed something was wrong when Addy began having trouble walking and holding items in her hand. As I watched her I noticed she had a little hitch in her step every once in a while, said Matt Sooter. Not thinking too much of it I chalked it up to being tired and having gone through a growth spurt recently. She was having trouble feeding herself because all her food would fall off her fork or spoon before it made it to her mouth, Sooter said. They took Addy to a doctor. Then came the devastating diagnosisa tumor in her brain stem. They were fairly certain our daughter had a tumor growing in her brain stem, it was aggressive, there was no treatment and therefore no cure, and it was going to take our little girl from us in a matter of months, Sooter said. Radiation treatment shrank the tumor for a timebut the disease came back. Radiation gave her six months of happy, normal life. In July of 2017 an MRI confirmed that her tumor was once again growing. During those months we searched the globe for a treatment, said Sooter. Then, a glimmer of hopean experimental treatment in Mexico. The family made numerous trips to a hospital in Monterrey. But eventually, the treatments stopped having an effect. On Wednesday the 9th, we found out that Addys cancer had spread to the lower part of her brain and on down her spine as well. Her Mexico treatment that has kept her cancer stabilized is no longer working either because the protocol has changed, or because the tumor has mutated. Whichever it is doesnt really matter at this point because the outcome is the same, Sooter said. For the second time now our doctors have told us to go home and make memories. So thats our plan. Adalynn passed away earlier this month. Matt shared the news on Facebook, saying that she passed from this life to the next just as she had lived: stubbornly but also peacefully, and surrounded by family. But its the photo of Adalynn and her brother Jackson that shows the heartbreak of families fighting childhood cancer. She clutches his arm, as he tries to comfort her. In the post, Sooter wrote that Addy didnt have much time left. A little boy should not have to say goodbye to his partner in crime, his playmate, his best friend, his little sister, he wrote. On June 3 he wrote that it all happened so much faster than we expected, but that in itself is a blessing because she suffered so little at the end. Watch Next: Toddler With Rare Heart Condition Gets to Go Home After 402 Days in the Hospital Pompeo: Allies Unanimous on Keeping Sanctions Until Denuclearization Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said that the United States, South Korea, Japan, and China are in agreement that strict sanctions on North Korea must remain in place until its leader, Kim Jong Un, completely abandons nuclear weapons. Pompeo made the remarks on June 14 in Beijing after conducting a spree of meetings with senior officials from the three countries, first in South Korea and later in China. Each of those three countries has also acknowledged that its important that the sanctions regime that is in place today remain in place until such time as that denuclearization is, in fact, complete, Pompeo said in a press conference after meeting Chinas Foreign Minister Wang Yi. There has been unanimity in that set of objectives, and Im heartened by that. Hours earlier, Pompeo met with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and the foreign ministers of Japan and South Korea in Seoul. Pompeo met with Chinese President Xi Jinping at 9 p.m. local time to wrap up a meeting blitz to update U.S. partners on the details of President Donald Trumps historic meeting with Kim. Pompeo told reporters in China that the four nations have made very clear that the sanctions, and the economic relief that North Korea will receive, will only happen after the full denuclearization, the complete denuclearization, of North Korea. American officials have repeatedly affirmed that sanctions would remain in place until denuclearization is achieved. Pompeos statements on the heels of the summit are in response to North Korean media reporting that Trump expressed an intention to lift sanctions as part of a gradual disarmament process. Trump and Pompeo have been adamant for weeks that their goal is to achieve the complete, irreversible, and verifiable denuclearization of North Korea. While world leaders lavished Trump and Kim with praise for holding the meeting, media in the United States seized on the fact that the joint statement signed by the two leaders was broad in scope but offered little detail. Pompeo addressed these concerns with reporters in Seoul on June 13. A lot has been made of the fact that the word verifiable didnt appear in the agreement, Pompeo said. Let me assure you that the complete encompasses verifiable in the minds of everyone concerned. One cant completely denuclearize without validating, authenticatingyou pick the word. At the first-of-its-kind summit, Trump and Kim signed a joint statement agreeing to work toward peace on the Korean Peninsula. Trump offered Kim security guarantees, while Kim committed to abandoning nuclear weapons. The joint statement also included a promise from Kim to allow the repatriation of the remains of American prisoners of war and soldiers missing in action. Trump made a verbal promise that the United States would suspend military exercises, while Kim promised to destroy a ballistic missile engine testing site. Pompeo on June 13 said that Trump is aiming to achieve complete denuclearization of North Korea before the end of his first term in 2 1/2 years. We have big teams ready to go, Pompeo said. Weve been working on it for months to have all of the relevant parties from our labs, smartest folksby the way, not just Americans, but partners around the world. Were prepared to execute this once were in a position that we can actually get to a place where we can do it. Yeah, so most certainly in the presidents first term. North Korean media changed their portrayal of Trump after the summit. The state-run outlets used to refer to him simply as Trump, but has since called him President of the United States and even supreme leader. Back in Washington, Trump credited the progress made with North Korea and Americas roaring economy with helping to secure victories by Republican candidates in primary elections. The Republican Party is starting to show very big numbers. People are starting to see what is being done, Trump wrote on Twitter on June 14. Results are speaking loudly. North Korea and our greatest ever economy are leading the way! Watch Next: A Story of Opportunity for North Korea President Trump showed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a video resembling a movie trailer in preparation for their meeting. Corey Stewart won the Republican primary in Virginia and will now face Sen. Tim Kaine. (Chip Somodevilla/Getty Images) Primaries Show Republicans Are the Party of President Trump Primary elections have received extra scrutiny this year, as analysts seek to discern, on the basis of necessarily limited evidence, the trends that may forecast the outcome of the midterms. Those midterms may be more consequential than usual this time around, as Democrats hope to take the House back from the Republicans and, with it, the opportunity to impeach President Donald Trump. One trend was clear in this set of primaries: The Republican Party is now Trumps and electoral success will rise and fall with the fortunes of the president. In South Carolina, incumbent Rep. Mark Sanford, who has been a strong critic of the president, was defeated in a close race by state Rep. Katie Arrington. In the presidential primaries, Arrington favored Romney, but she couldnt have made her current support for Trump more clear, tweeting, for instance, We are the party of president Trump. In Nevada, Trump brokered a deal in which incumbent Dean Heller got the nod for the Republican Senate nomination and his challenger Danny Tarkanian agreed to run for a House seat instead. Trump endorsed both, and both won, with Tarkanian identifying himself very closely with the president. On the morning of the primaries, Trump endorsed Nevada Attorney General Adam Laxalt, a supporter of Trump who won easily. In Virginia, Corey Stewart, a member of the Prince William County Board of County Supervisors and a strong supporter of Trump, won a narrow victory to take the Republican nomination for Senate, where he will face Hillary Clintons running mate, Tim Kaine, in November. In Maine, Shawn Moodys pitch to voters in his bid for the nomination for the governorship was reminiscent of Trump, running as an outsider businessman. Among the Democrats, in a couple of high-profile races, voters turned away from the progressives, who have seemed to set the tone for the party nationally. Steve Sisolak, a Clark County commissioner, easily defeated fellow commissioner Chris Giunchigliani for the nomination for governor of Nevada. Sisolak, who describes himself as a moderate, is allied with retired Sen. Harry Reid, and Giunchigliani with Clinton. In Virginia House District 10, state Sen. Jennifer Wexton won by not seeming as radical as some of her opponents. She will face Republican incumbent Barbara Comstock in the general election. Prison Chief With a History of Human Rights Violations Is Under Investigation In the span of two weeks, two Chinese officials from a provincial prison management bureau have been placed under investigation for human rights violations. Gao Qi, current deputy inspector with the prison management bureau in northern Chinas Shanxi Province, was placed under investigation by the provinces discipline and supervision commissions, reported Peoples Net, the online version of state mouthpiece Peoples Daily on June 1. On June 13, Wang Wei, current director and Party secretary of the same prison management bureau, was placed under investigation by the same commissions, reported state-run media Xinhua. Both state media did not provide an explanation for what may have triggered the investigations, merely stating that they were suspected of serious violation of Party discipline and the lawan oft-used euphemism for corruption. Wang has been Gaos superior since 2003, when Wang was the bureaus deputy director and a member of the bureaus Party committee. Wang became the bureaus deputy party secretary in June 2011 and rose to his current positions in July 2015. Gaos tenure in the prison management bureau began much earlier. He was a staff member of the bureau in 1986 and was promoted through the ranks to eventually become deputy inspector in December 2017. In China, prisons hold more than just sentenced criminals, they also hold people who are considered enemies of the regime, such as political dissidents, prisoners of conscience, human rights lawyers, and journalists. They are often subject to abuse, such as forced labor and torture. The World Organization to Investigate the Persecution of Falun Gong (WOIPFG), a U.S.-based nonprofit organization, has named both Wang and Gao as perpetrators of human rights abuses against adherents of the Falun Gong spiritual practice. Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a self-cultivation discipline with slow, meditative exercises and moral principles based on truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. The practice was introduced to the public in May 1992, and became hugely popular by the late 1990s, with official estimates of 70 to 100 million practitioners. Fearful of losing his grip on power amid such popularity, then-Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Jiang Zemin ordered a nationwide persecution in 1999 with the goal of exterminating the practice. Since then, hundreds of thousands have been abused inside Chinas brainwashing centers, psychiatric wards, and prisons. WOIPFG named one specific casethe death of Falun Gong adherent Wang Jigui (not related to Wang Wei), 64, a Chinese doctor from Pingding County in Shanxi Provincewhich Wang Wei was culpable for. On Aug. 4, 2014, Wang Jigui was passing out to pedestrians CDs with a recorded television program about Falun Gong and the Chinese regimes persecution when he was illegally kidnapped by Pingding police. After a secret court trial, held without his familys knowledge, Wang was sentenced to three years in prison. On June 2, 2016, about a year into his prison sentence at a prison in Jinzhong City, Wangs family abruptly received a call from prison authorities informing them of his death at the Shanxi 109 Hospital. Wangs family became suspicious of the circumstances that led to Wangs death after finding bruises on his chest and necka sign that he was likely abused and tortured. Falun Gong adherents who have survived their sentences recount common physical and mental torture by prison guards, tactics used to coerce adherents into giving up their practice. The family requested to see Wangs medical record, but was denied. On June 8, 2016, Wangs body was cremated against the familys wishes, another indication that local authorities wished to cover up any evidence of torture on his body. Senior FBI Official Vowed to Stop Trump From Becoming President Senior FBI counterintelligence official Peter Strzok sent a text message to a senior bureau attorney saying well stop Donald Trump from becoming president, according to text messages released for the first time in the highly anticipated report by the Justice Department inspector general. Strzok, the deputy assistant director of the FBIs Espionage Section, sent the message on Aug. 8, 2016, to his mistress, Lisa Page, the special counsel to former Deputy Director Andrew McCabe. [Trumps] not ever going to become president, right? Right?! Page wrote to Strzok. No. No he wont, Strzok replied. Well stop it. When asked about the message by the investigators, Strzok claimed he didnt remember sending it and insisted that he didnt take any steps that would impact the presidential election. Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz investigated the FBIs handling of the Hillary Clinton email case for over a year. The extremely detailed, 586-page report (pdf) released on June 14 found that communications between Page and Strzok cast a cloud over the FBIs handling of the Clinton-email investigation and the bureaus reputation as an independent investigative agency. The conduct by these employees cast a cloud over the FBI Midyear investigation and sowed doubt the FBIs work on, and its handling of, the Midyear investigation, the report states, using the FBIs codename for the Clinton-email probe. Moreover, the damage caused by their actions extends far beyond the scope of the Midyear investigation and goes to the heart of the FBIs reputation for neutral factfinding and political independence, the report states. Messages between Page and Strzok are part of the report because both were involved in the Clinton-email investigation. Strzok was the supervising agent on the case. Page served as McCabes liaison. Strzok and Page were not the only agents on the Clinton-email case who were biased against Trump and supportive of Clinton. The report found that two FBI agents, an FBI attorney, and an FBI employee involved in the investigation had an animus against Trump and supported Clinton. The inspector general referred a total of five employees to the FBI for potential disciplinary action. Before the reports release, Attorney General Jeff Sessions said that people could be terminated if firable offenses are brought to light. The inspector general concluded that the conduct of the persons involved has brought discredit to themselves, sowed doubt about the FBIs handling of the Midyear investigation, and impacted the reputation of the FBI. Despite the alarming messages between Page, Strzok, and the other officials involved, Horowitz found that the Clinton email case was not impacted by the political views of the those conducting it. The messages released in the inspector generals report shed further light on the already questionable communications between Strzok and Page and their involvement in politically sensitive investigations despite their bias. Both were assigned to the probe of alleged ties between the Trump campaign and Russia. Strzok led the investigation beginning in late July 2016. As with the Clinton-email case, Page was McCabes liaison. In text messages made public prior to the inspector generals report, the pair discussed an insurance policy in case Trump became president as well as a secret society meeting. Both expressed hatred toward Trump and the intention to go easy on Clinton. The text messages included political opinions about candidates and issues involved in the 2016 presidential election, including statements of hostility toward then-candidate Trump and statements of support for candidate Clinton, the report states. Several of their text messages also appeared to mix political opinions with discussions about the Midyear and Russia investigations, raising a question as to whether Strzoks and Pages political opinions may have affected investigative decisions. The counterintelligence investigation of the Trump campaign, which started in mid-2016, morphed into a criminal investigation in mid-2017, when special counsel Robert Mueller was appointed to investigate Russias meddling in the election. Both Page and Strzok were also assigned to that probe. Page left Muellers team around July 15, 2017, according to the report. Strzok was reassigned to the human resources department a day after Mueller learned of the pairs text messages on July 27, 2017. In light of Strzoks lead role in the investigation of the Trump campaign before and after the election, his intention to stop Trump is alarming. Multiple aspects of the investigation of the Trump campaign are already facing intense scrutiny. Congressional investigations and leaks from anonymous sources over the course of a year revealed that the FBI used a spy to infiltrate the Trump campaign, obtained a warrant to wiretap a campaign volunteer using an unverified opposition research dossier funded by the Clinton campaign, and worked to reel in double agents, among other issues. The inspector generals team reviewed more than 40,000 text messages between Page and Strzok. The pair frequently discussed their support of Clinton and hatred of Trump, with Page writing, God trump [sic] is a loathsome human, and Strzok writing, God Hillary should win 100,000,000-0. Page and Strzok told investigators that their text messages were an expression of their political opinions but did not impact their work. Strzok acknowledged that it was dumb to do that all on a government device. Page said that the pair used government phones to conceal from their spouses that they were having an extramarital affair. The report, for the first time, includes explanations from Page and Strzok about their most controversial texts. In reference to the text message about an insurance policy in case Trump won the election, Strzok said that he could not recall the related conversation, and Page said she could not find a note of it in her notebook. Strzok said the reference in his text message to an insurance policy reflected his conclusion that the FBI should investigate the allegations thoroughly right away, as if Trump were going to win, the report states. Strzok stated that Clintons position in the polls did not ultimately impact the investigative decisions that were made in the Russia matter. Strzok told also investigators that Pages mention of a secret society was related to him purchasing a bunch of Putin 2017 calendars and planning to give them to senior members of the FBI around election time. After a lengthy explanation, Page said the comment was a joke. When the secret society text message was made public in January this year, Sen. Ron Johnson (R-Wis.), citing an informant, said that the secret society consisted of high-level officials in the FBI and Justice Department who held secret off-site meetings. In the final days before the inspector generals report was released, congressional investigators, led by Rep. Devin Nunes (R-Calif.), the chair of the House intelligence committee, intensified their demands for the Justice Department to release documents related to how and for what reason the probe of the Trump campaign was ultimately initiated. The FBIs stated rationale for starting the investigation keeps shifting, with the latest explanation rooted in drunken comments made by Trump campaign adviser George Papadopoulos to an Australian diplomat in London about Russians having dirt on Clinton. This rationale is now in question since anonymous leaks to the media revealed that the FBI had a spy infiltrate the Trump campaign before the counterintelligence probe was officially launched. Furthermore, recently unredacted messages between Page and Strzok show that the FBI was working on recruiting double agents against the Trump campaign as early as December 2015. The DOJ has so far declined to provide the documents Nunes requested. The inspector generals report leads to more questions about problems within the department. The Inspector General report shows real problems within the FBI and Justice Department, Johnson said in a statement about the report. While some questions have been answered, many new questions have been raised. Watch Next: A Story of Opportunity for North Korea President Trump showed North Korean leader Kim Jong Un a video resembling a movie trailer in preparation for their meeting. The Chinese Gestapo-like agency, the 610 Office, established in 1999 to arrest, detain, and torture Falun Gong practitioners. (Courtesy of New Tang Dynasty Television) The Death of a Chinese Official Exposes Long-Standing Human Rights Abuse in China The recent slaying of a Chinese official by his subordinate is the latest in a long, bloody trail of human rights violations committed by an extralegal Party organization. Sun Hengshan, 57, the current director of the 610 Office in northeastern Chinas Jilin Province, was stabbed a dozen times by his subordinate at around 2:25 p.m. on June 8, reported state-run news website The Paper on June 11. Sun died from his wounds two hours later at a hospital. The 610 Office is, in fact, a Gestapo-like secret police force that was established to carry out the persecution of Chinese citizens who practice the spiritual discipline, Falun Gongwhich has been banned and severely suppressed by the Chinese regime since 1999. Suns subordinate, surnamed Shi, escaped after the stabbing, but turned himself in at a police station in Kuancheng District, Changchun City, the capital of Jilin at about 4:00 p.m. Shi later admitted that he killed Sun as revenge for the poor job assessment he received in 2014, which subsequently led to his demotion. According to The Paper, Shi is being held under criminal detention, pending an investigation. Sun had a long political career in Jilin. Before he was named to his current position, he was a bureau chief under the Supervisory and Judicial Affairs Committee of the Jilins People Congress, the provinces rubber-stamp legislature; and a bureau chief at Jilins Commission for Discipline Inspection, an anti-corruption agency, posted to the provinces highest court, according to Chinese search portal Baidu. Suns death added to the notoriety of the 610 Office, where 783 officials have either died from illness, suicide, car accidents while serving in their positions, or were dismissed following internal investigations into corruption crimes, according to Minghui.org, a website that tracks the ongoing persecution in China. Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a popular self-cultivation practice with meditative exercises and moral principles based on truthfulness, compassion, and tolerance. After its introduction in China in 1992, the number of adherents reached 70 million to 100 million by 1999, according to official estimates. Then-Chinese Communist Party (CCP) leader Jiang Zemin believed the groups popularity to be a threat to communist rule. Jiang established the 610 Office on June 10, 1999, hence its name. Offices were created nationwide within 10 days. Since then, hundreds of thousands of Falun Gong adherents have been arrested and subject to abuse, torture, and forced labor while being incarcerated in prisons, brainwashing centers, and psychiatric wards. Falun Gong practitioners in Jilin Province are among the most brutally persecuted. According to Minghui.org, more than 290 adherents have been killed in Jilin as of June 12, with only Chinas other northern provinces of Liaoning, Heilongjiang, and Hebei having a higher death toll. Given the difficulty in passing sensitive information out of China, the true death toll is likely much higher. Many 610 officials have met ill fates. Yang Shuntian, former director of the 610 Office in Luyuan District, Changchun, colluded with authorities in schools, police stations, and the judicial system to harass, arrest, and detain over 100 local Falun Gong adherents, according to Minghui.org. He has since been dismissed from his position. Liu Yuanjun, former head of the Changchun City 610 Office, once detained over 5,000 adherents in the city within the span of ten days under Jiangs orders, according to Minghui.org. He died of lung cancer at the age of 54 in April 2006. Police tape cordons off a mosque after a knife attack in Malmesbury near Cape Town, South Africa on June 14, 2018. (REUTERS/Mike Hutchings) Two Killed in Knife Attack at Mosque in South Africa JOHANNESBURGTwo people were stabbed to death on Thursday at a mosque in South Africas Malmesbury in the Western Cape before the attacker was shot dead by police. The attack comes a month after three knife-wielding men stormed a mosque north of Durban, killing one person and seriously injuring two others. Police said that incident showed elements of extremism but did not otherwise comment on the motive behind the attack in Malmesbury, a small farming town 40 miles north of Cape Town. Police were called out to a local mosque and found two people stabbed to death and several injured, the police said in a statement. The suspect, believed to be in his thirties and armed with a knife, was still on the scene and charged at the police who tried to persuade him to hand himself over. He ignored the calls and tried to attack police. He was shot and killed in the process. Watch Next: Ivanka Trump Asked About Lessons She Learned From Her Dad, She Listed 5 Principles The Ariane 5 Flight VA240 lifts off from Europe's Spaceport, carrying Galileo satellites 19 and 22 on Dec. 12, 2017, in Kourou, French Guiana. (Manuel Pedoussaut/ESA via Getty Images) UK Will Be Excluded From Galileo Satellite Project After Brexit, Says EU LONDONThe UK has been excluded from a new European Union satellite navigation system designed to rival the U.S.-controlled global positioning systemdespite having already paid 1 billion ($1.3 billion) toward the project. British companies are being blocked from bidding for contracts in the 8 billion ($10.6 billion) Galileo project, with a majority of EU states voting to go ahead with the next stage of contracts. Galileo will give consumers access to precise positioning data down to a meter or less that could also be used for drones and autonomous cars. It will have 30 satellites in orbit by 2021, with 22 already launched. Britain has been central to Galileos development, with Brexit lawmaker David Davis saying that shutting the country out would delay the project by up to three years and cost an extra 1 billion euros. UK science minister Sam Gyimah wrote to Elzbieta Bienkowska, the EU internal market and industry commissioner, ahead of the vote, attempting to persuade her to defer procurement of the next batch of satellites. Following the vote, Gyimah told the Guardian, The government has been clear that our preference is to contribute fully to Galileo as part of a deep security partnership with the EU, and that negotiations should be allowed to run their course. By forcing through this vote, while excluding UK companies from the contracts on unfounded security grounds, the European Commission has put this at risk. There is an option on the table that would benefit both the UK and EU. If that is not accepted by the EU, we are a proud and confident nation and will be looking at all alternatives. Gyimah suggested that Britain could develop its own rival satellite system. However, EU diplomats said that the UKs military would not be blocked from using Galileos signal, just from having knowledge of the security-focused aspects. A European Commission slide presentation for members, released on June 13, said that allowing the UK full participation in Galileo would change [the] nature of the program into an international project rather than an EU one. The bloc would lose strategic autonomy if the UK were to have industrial participation in the secure military-grade signal, the slides said. The UK will only be permitted observer status and will not be able to contribute to decisionmaking, the commission agreed. The slides referred to the UK as a third country, meaning it will not be allowed to participate in EU projects like Galileo on equal footing with EU countries. US Commerce Department Initiates Anti-Dumping Investigation of Propane Tanks Imported From China, Taiwan, Thailand In a June 12 press release, the U.S. Department of Commerce announced that it was initiating an investigation into whether steel propane cylinders from China, Taiwan, and Thailand are being dumped in the United States at much lower prices, stifling competition from American manufacturers. The cylinders are portable tanks of propane commonly used to heat and power objects being transported. The investigation was initiated after American companies Worthington Industries, based in Columbus, Ohio, and Manchester Tank & Equipment Co. based in Franklin, Tennessee, filed petitions. They claimed that the Chinese government has 18 subsidy programs that assist Chinese manufacturers in producing propane cylinders, which are then dumped in the United States at much lower than market value. For the past several years, China, Thailand and Taiwan have been pretty aggressive in selling propane cylinders at prices dramatically lower than the domestic industry, Cathy Lyttle, spokeswoman for Worthington Industries, told the Columbus Dispatch in a June 13 report. And it has driven down prices and taken sales away from U.S. producers. The U.S. International Trade Commission (ITC) will conduct a preliminary investigation into whether imports from China, Taiwan, and Thailand have injured domestic industries by July 6. If such a determination is made, the Commerce Department will continue investigations, results of which will be announced in August and October. The Commerce Department said it would impose duties on steel propane cylinder imports if it is determined that dumping and unfair government subsidies exist. In 2017, steel propane cylinders imported from China, Taiwan, and Thailand were valued at roughly $89.8 million, $10.1 million, and $14.1 million, respectively, according to the Commerce Department, with millions being sold. Anti-dumping duties have been at the center of trade tensions between the United States and China. In February, the Commerce Department first found that imports of aluminum and steel products from China had been subsidized by the Chinese government and dumped in the U.S. market. It subsequently announced tariffs on Chinese imports. China then announced retaliatory tariffs on American agricultural goods. In May, when the Commerce Department discovered that steel products made in Vietnam had in fact originated from China, and hence imposed duties on Vietnam steel imports, Canada followed suit with a dumping inquiry into steel imported from China, Vietnam, and South Korea. That month, the European Union also opened an investigation into steel sheets imported from China. Other American industries have also complained of dumping practices by Chinese manufacturers. In April, an American producer of quartz surfaces, Cambria Company, filed a petition to the ITC, claiming that Chinese producers benefit from government subsidies. Quartz surface products are commonly used to make kitchen and bathroom countertops. In 2017, the United States was Chinas largest export market for man-made synthetic stones, valued at $709 million, including quartz products, according to Chinese manufacturer websites. That number represents more than 60 percent of Chinas total exports for synthetic stones. On May 24, the Commerce Department said it would investigate dumping claims after American manufacturers of a polyester fiber filed a petition against imports from China, India, South Korea, and Taiwan. There have been more than 114 new antidumping and countervailing duty investigations since President Donald Trump took office, 78 percent more than the number initiated during the last year of former president Barack Obamas administration, according to the Department. Paratroopers engage ISIS terrorists with precise and strategically placed artillery fire in support of Iraqi and Peshmerga fighters in Mosul, Iraq, on July 6, 2017. (Army photo by Sgt. Christopher Bigelow) Wisconsin Woman Charged With Helping ISIS to Prepare Terror Attacks A Wisconsin woman has been arrested and charged with recruiting and training potential terrorists for ISIS. According to a June 13 statement from the U.S. Department of Justice, Waheba Issa Dais allegedly hacked a number of social media accounts, which she then used to recruit on behalf of ISIS. Dais, 45, is an Arab-Israeli who is currently a permanent resident living in Cudahy, Wisconsin. Dais used one of her pro-ISIS accounts to encourage an individual, whom she believed to be an ISIS supporter, to conduct an attack in the name of ISIS, the DOJ said. According to the DOJ, she provided that individual with detailed instructions on how to produce the deadly poison ricin and then suggested she put it in water reservoirs. In another social media post, she allegedly proposed suggested targets for bombing attacks, such as street festivals and other celebrations in the summer. Dais also maintained a virtual library of instructions on how to make bombs, biological weapons, poisons, and suicide vests. If convicted, she faces a maximum sentence of 20 years in jail and a fine of up to $250,000. Earlier this week, on June 11, the DOJ sentenced a New York man to 15 years in prison after he was found to have attempted to provide ISIS with material support and resources. Arafat M. Nagi, 47, traveled to Turkey twice with the intention of meeting with ISIS terrorists. According to the DOJ Nagi had pledged an oath to ISIS and expressed agreement with ISIS tactics, including the killing of innocent men, women, and children. ISIS gained control over large pieces of Iraq and Syria in 2014. After coming to office last year, President Donald Trump has made destroying the group a key focus of his administration. After a sustained bombing campaign, and the collaboration of U.S. special forces with local groups on the ground, such as the Kurds and the Iraqi army, ISIS has lost control over two of its main strongholds, Raqqa in Syria and Mosul in Iraq. Bigelow Teas pursuit of benefit corporation status has proven successful, but president Cindi Bigelow said the work is just beginning. The Fairfield-based tea manufacture announced recently it has joined a select number of companies in the state to be certified as following a commitment of benefiting the environment and the greater good. I think it really was a designation that did the best job possible of letting everybody know inside and outside of the organization that this is the kind of company that we are. That our purpose is higher than just making a quality tea bag. That our purpose is making a difference every day, said Bigelow. Designation as a Benefit Corporation according to nonprofit B Labs highlight is a recognition of companies that benefit the public and as well as social and environmental issues that matter to surrounding communities. Bigelow Tea touts several such initiatives, including the Bigelow Tea Community Challenge, which has raised $1.5 million to donate to charity since its inception 31 years ago. Being a benefit corporation means that our mission and our shareholders are not just focusing on profit; theyre focusing on the larger environment, where its ensuring that our mission is taking care of the environment, taking care of the citizens around us and taking care of the employees, Bigelow said. The company has also worked to maintain its zero-waste-to-landfill effort, which ensures that no more than 4 percent of the Bigelow Teas waste ends up in landfills. Bigelow said the company is also considering increasing solar panel use. The Fairfield headquarters has roughly 900 panels on top of the facility, and the company is looking to incorporate the same efforts at its Louisville, Ky., location. Bigelow Tea was created by Ruth Campbell Bigelow, who moved to Wilton from New York City with her husband David and created R.C. Bigelow in Norwalk in the early 1960s to sell tea under the Constant Comment brand. Under granddaughter Cindi Bigelow, the companys Bigelow Tea is among the best known of Connecticuts homegrown consumer products brands. She said certification as a B Corp is the next step for her familys business. The designation is issued to for-profit companies that meet rigorous standards of social and environmental impact and transparency. There are more than 2,000 companies nationwide that have obtained that certification. Its not just about receiving the designation, its about making sure that you are doing all the right things day in and day out, Bigelow said. That designation should not change your actions. Those should be your actions and the designation should be supporting them. Jordan.grice@hearstmediact.com NORWALK A spooked homeowner helped cops capture a fugitive wanted for his alleged role in a 2016 home burglary, according to police. Police said Jonathan Ceballos, 31, of Queens, New York, was linked to a December 2016 burglary at a Bayne Street home by DNA evidence found at the scene. Though police narrowed their search to Ceballos long ago, it wasnt until a few days ago that police caught a break in locating their suspect. On the evening of Wednesday, June 13, Norwalk police responded to an East Cavray Road residence after the homeowner complained of a stranger banging on his front door. When police arrived, they found two suspects sitting in a car outside of the residence. While speaking to the men, police observed gloves, a crowbar and a window-punch tool inside the car. Police said one of the men, later identified as Ceballos, initially lied about his identity. When police learned his true identity, he was placed under arrest on an outstanding warrant. Ceballos was charged with third-degree burglary, first-degree criminal mischief and interfering with an officer. He was held on a $35,000 bond, and he was given a court date of June 22. If ever there was a culinary match made in heaven, its between seafood and the deep fryer. When its cooked within sight of salt water, preferably near where it was caught, and eaten while still mouth-burning hot all the better. And if youre wearing shorts with flip flops, and temperatures in the 80s are moderated by an ocean breeze, then you can fully appreciate the perfection of the paring. Yes, broiled seafood is probably better for you, and sauteeing allows for added flavors, but frying matches the fresh seafood with a satisfying salty crunch found nowhere else. When I say seafood, I really mean shellfish- clams, scallops, and oysters the trinity of the deep fryer. Fish fillets for much-loved fish and chips are high art when done well, but theyre usually batter fried, not breaded. Shrimp shines in the fryolator but comes from away, and fried calamari is a year-round staple. For now, Im thinking about summertime clam-shack style eating. Jay LeBlanc, chef and owner at Knot Norms catering and eatery, insists freshness is the most important factor for his fried seafood. He would, of course, because he can walk down the block to the Norm Bloom oyster docks for a resupply of right-off-the-boat Copps Island bivalves. When I asked LeBlanc what he used for breading, he explained his preference for the term flouring, not breading. The oysters are dusted with a light coating of corn flour mixed with a dash of cornstarch for crunch. Dont overcook them, he pleaded. The oysters at Knot Norms are served in a cut sided, New England-style roll toasted to a crisp golden brown on both sides. Overtons, the classic clam shack at the edge of Norwalk Harbor has been serving great fried seafood since 1948. Im here all day every day, Napoleon Nappy Gavrielidi told me when I called. Hes the guy responsible for Overtons reliable reputation. Stop by anytime, he encouraged. Shrimp, clam strips, clam bellies, and scallops are all hand-breaded with a practiced eye and sure touch. Shrimp are the most popular with clam strips a close second. I got to watch the clam strips being breaded. After a good rinse, theyre well soaked in a batter bath. With a flick of the wrist, the strips are tossed into a bin of a white and corn flour mix. Given a quick toss, just like dressing a leafy salad, they get a brisk shake and then are ready to fry. Dont over do it, I was cautioned. They should be well coated, but not heavy. Beer batter is the secret ingredient at SoNo Seaport, owner Jack Cutrone told me. The beer makes for a light crisp coating. The scallops were a golden color, had a delicate crunch, and were perfectly cooked. Cutrone gets his scallops and cod from New Bedford, clams from Maine, and oysters from Copps Island, just across the harbor. Everyone agrees clean, fresh oil is the key. At SoNo they use a no trans-fat vegetable oil and change it daily in the busy season. You can buy a deep fat fryer for home use, but I wouldnt. Fried seafood is complicated, messy, and benefits from commercial equipment. Its one of those things that is better eaten out. Fry cooks judge doneness by color shooting for the ubiquitous golden brown specified in recipes. Color is actually a measure of temperature. The hotter the food, the darker the color and the more cooked it is. Think about a slice of toast. You might like it light or dark, but too light, its underdone and too dark its burned. Same for fried seafood. A large fryer is key to quality fried food. A substantial quantity of oil will keep its temperature when a small amount of food is added for a quick, light fry. Add too much food and the temperature drops leading to soggy breading. A small home fryer doesnt have a chance. Tartar sauce is the go-to condiment for fried fish. At Knot Norms it was obviously homemade with an unusual but welcome bit of heat. At Overtons, it probably came from a jar, but had a just right, sharp, pickley tang. A platter of shellfish right out of the fryer with a shake of salt and a squeeze of lemon along with a fresh sea breeze its the perfect summer meal. Frank Whitman can be reached at NotBreadAloneFW@gmail.com. NORWALK A Norwalk man was caught with nearly a pound of pot, multiple guns and $15,000 in cash as a part of a sting Tuesday afternoon, police said. Police said a months-long investigation culminated in a raid at a Huckleberry Drive residence they suspected of being a drug factory on June 12. The suspect, Chris Cornell, 26, had two warrants for his arrest stemming from prior drug deals, police said. The raid on Cornells home, conducted by the departments Special Services Unit, uncovered just under a pound of marijuana and large amounts of cash, police said. Police also recovered two revolvers, a handgun, a rifle and ammunition for each weapon, all of which was stowed away in a closet. Police said Cornell was licensed to conceal and carry such weapons, however the weapons were still seized and forwarded to Connecticut State Police. Spokesman Sgt. Sofia Gulino said state police could return the weapons, though it is unlikely due to the nature of the arrest. The suspects younger brother, Devin Cornell, 19, was also found in a room filled with marijuana smoke, containers of pot, digital scales and boxes of sandwich baggies during the raid. The teenager was charged with possession of marijuana with intent to sell, possession of less than a half-ounce of marijuana and use of drug paraphernalia. He was released on a promise to appear in court on June 21. Cornell was charged with operating of a drug factory and use of drug paraphernalia, as well as three counts of possession of marijuana with intent to sell and possession of greater than a half-ounce of marijuana. He was held on a $300,000 court-set bond, and he was given a court date of June 21. Editor's Note: Entrepreneur's "20 Questions" series features both established and up-and-coming entrepreneurs and asks them a number of questions about what makes them tick, their everyday success strategies and advice for aspiring founders. Managing money and making it grow can be a confusing and expensive proposition. Baiju Bhatt and Vlad Tenev started their investing platform Robinhood to try and make even the most novice investor feel comfortable and figure out a system that works for them -- whether they are going for more traditional stocks or working in the world of cryptocurrencies like Bitcoin and Etherium. Rather than make a commission on those investments, Robinhoods business model is based around a monthly premium service Robinhood Gold, which allows users to increase their buying power and gain access to after-hours trading. It also brings in revenue by collecting interest on the cash and securities in user accounts, similar to how banks treat cash deposits. Since launching the platform in in 2013, the company has grown to a user base of more than than 4 million users and over $100 billion in transaction volume. To date, they have also raised $539 million in funding, valuing the business at $5.6 billion. We caught up with Bhatt and Tenev to ask them 20 Questions and find out what makes them tick. Related: This Successful Entrepreneur Shares the Simple Mantra That Helps Her Take Big Risks 1. How do you start your day? Baiju Bhatt: Im usually out of bed by 7am and try to get to the office early, which gives me a couple of uninterrupted hours to work on my individual projects. Tinkering with, and building the products Robinhood ships brings me joy. Vlad Tenev: I wake up at around 6:30 am and spend some time with my wife, Celina, and our 1-year-old daughter, Nora, who enjoys crawling around the house as I get dressed and ready for work. Spending time with my family before I get to work is an essential part of my morning routine, and gets me motivated and ready to tackle the work day. 2. How do you end your day? Bhatt: Most nights of the week I make it a point to get home in time to have dinner with my wife. Its a simple routine to maintain my work-life balance. Tenev: I try to come home around 7:30 pm, in time for Noras nightly bath. Sometimes, I come back to the office around 9 pm, or work a bit more from home until I go to bed, usually around 11:00 pm. 3. Whats a book that changed your mind and why? Bhatt: Brighter Than a Thousand Suns by Robert Jungk and Surely Youre Joking, Mr Feynman! by Richard Feynman were both books my father purchased for me when I was in high school. Both left a lasting impression on me, because they chronicle the lives of some of the most creative scientists of the 21st century. Tenev: I recently read Antifragile by Nassim Nicholas Taleb, who is probably better known for writing The Black Swan. This book discusses systems that actually improve as a result of volatility and external stressors. The general concept is applicable to many fields beyond biology, for instance finance, economics and monetary policy. 4. Whats a book you always recommend and why? Bhatt: The Case for Mars by Robert Zubrin. Im fascinated by the privatization of the space industry, and Zubrins literature provides an inspiring perspective on what the colonization of Mars could look like. Tenev: I like the classics such as The Republic by Plato and The Art of War by Sun Tzu. I think there is something special about books that have stood the test of time and been read by millions of people over millennia. 5. Whats a strategy to keep focused? Bhatt: I limit how often I let technology interrupt my day, which given my line of work, isnt always easy. So, for example, I turned off all notifications on my phone a few years ago. I also prefer taking notes with a notebook and pen rather than in an app. Tenev: Over the past few years Ive become much more deliberate about how I spend my time. At work, this involves scheduling time in advance to prepare for important meetings and also just to think. Outside of the office, I rarely stay up late or go out at night. I make sure I am well-rested and at the top of my game, even on weekends. 6. When you were a kid what did you want to be when you grew up? Bhatt: I wanted to be a physicist. When I was growing up, my father worked at NASA and he would buy me science books for my birthdays. Tenev: My childhood dream was to be a writer. When I was in sixth grade I remember being very upset by the ending of Animal Farm by George Orwell. I wrote a full-length sequel [to the book]l in which a group of kind and just animals take back control of the farm. 7. What did you learn from the worst boss you ever had? Bhatt: Ive only had one real job in my life before I started my first company with Vlad, so I havent had a bad boss experience. Hopefully, it stays that way. Tenev: I never had an actual boss because I mostly did research prior to starting my first finance company. I wish I had a lot more hands-on mentorship from the research supervisors that I worked with. 8. Who has influenced you most when it comes to how you approach your work? Bhatt: Vlad. Hes persistent, creative and cool-as-a-cucumber in the most stressful of situations. Tenev: Baiju is probably the person Ive spent the largest amount of time working with, and I try to emulate whenever possible. I admire Baijus strong product intuition and ability to drive us to build products that customers really love. 9. Whats a trip that changed you? Bhatt: Ive taken quite a few road trips across the country as an adult, and each time Im reminded of the diverse backgrounds and experiences of Americans, and the abundance of our natural resources. Tenev: When I was in high school I went on a school trip to the Galapagos Islands. I learned that there are places in the world that are basically untouched by humans, and I yearn to return. 10. What inspires you and why? Bhatt: Im inspired by those whose creativity has changed the world -- from Alexander Hamilton, to Richard Feynman and Steve Jobs. Tenev: Im inspired by great entrepreneurs, scientists and creative builders who have changed the world they inhabit through grit and determination. Related: Health and Beauty Mogul Bobbi Brown Shares The Biggest Time Sucker -- and What You Can Do About It 11. What was your first business idea and what did you do with it? Bhatt: Before we launched Robinhood, our first joint startup business was offering tools for hedge funds and banks to build automated trading strategies. This was the precursor to Robinhood, and inspired us to bring existing technology to the retail brokerage market. 12. What was an early job that taught you something important or useful? Bhatt: The summer after my senior year of high school I worked on a particle accelerator at Jefferson Lab. I learned the importance of being able to figure out how to get stuff done even though I had jumped into the deep end. Tenev: When I was in elementary school my friend and I set up a stand in the neighborhood to sell household tools. Selling is a basic skill that unfortunately isnt taught in schools. 13. Whats the best advice you ever took? Bhatt: Steve Jobs 2005 Stanford commencement speech. Your work is going to fill a large part of your life, and the only way to be truly satisfied is to do what you believe is great work. And the only way to do great work is to love what you do. If you havent found it yet, keep looking. Dont settle. As with all matters of the heart, youll know when you find it. And, like any great relationship, it just gets better and better as the years roll on. So keep looking until you find it. Dont settle. Tenev: Choose a great life partner! True for both my co-founder and my wife; they make me better with each passing day. 14. What's the worst piece of advice you ever got? Bhatt: In the context of Robinhood, weve gotten advice on the rate at which we should grow our team. Robinhood has been able to scale by hiring the right people, not the most people. Tenev: When we first started the company, we got turned down by about 75 investors. If we had listened to most of the advice we were given then, Robinhood wouldnt be what it is today. 15. Whats a productivity tip you swear by? Bhatt: Take lots of notes. Details matter. Tenev: Write everything down. 16. Is there an app or tool you use in a surprising way to get things done or stay on track? Bhatt: Maybe its not that surprising, but having a notebook and a pencil handy is all I need. Tenev: Im not really answering the question here, but for the past several months I have been keeping my phone in a different room when I sleep. Also, when I have my phone with me I keep it on Do Not Disturb mode. Theres nothing worse for my productivity than constantly being interrupted. 17. What does work-life balance mean to you? Bhatt: Having the mental space to focus just on work at the office, and just on family and relaxing at home. Tenev: I try to optimize my life around working and spending time with my wife and daughter, which is what I enjoy the most. Everything else I put on the backburner. 18. How do you prevent burnout? Bhatt: Daily exercise and spending time in nature. Tenev: Try a scene change -- go to the gym, on a hike, or take a vacation. 19. When youre faced with a creativity block, whats your strategy to get innovating? Bhatt: I like debating and challenging my assumptions, especially on tough problems. I like working with people who come to different conclusions, and seek to understand their thinking. Tenev: Ignore the problem for a few days, get the subconscious mind working on it. When youre doing something totally unrelated, the solution might just pop into your head. 20. What are you learning now? Bhatt: Im learning to be a better public speaker and leader of people. As the organization and headcount at Robinhood has grown to over 150 employees, its a fascinating new challenge. Tenev: I have been learning the Irish Whistle and trying to teach my daughter how to play it. Its a small, recorder-type instrument, and it should be easy to play. Im excited about teaching my daughter the joy of music. Related: The Entrepreneurs Behind This Multibillion Dollar Company Share Why Success Is Nothing Without a Partner You Can Rely on 30 Successful Entrepreneurs Reveal the Books That Changed Their Lives The Co-Founder Behind Slack Shares What He Did 140 Times Last Year Alone -- and How It Helped Prevent Burnout Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved EDWARDSVILLE A brief stop at the Wildey Theater proved worthwhile for members of the Edwardsville Police Department as they participated in the Special Olympics Torch Run on Monday. Al Canal, manager of the Wildey Theater, presented the police department with a check for $5,880 for the Special Olympics. The donation from the Wildey came about as part of an upcoming pair of concerts by Arlo Guthrie, who will appear at the theater on Nov. 9-10. Guthrie's local shows are part of his annual "Alice's Restaurant" tour, featuring songs from his debut album in 1967. The title track has become a Thanksgiving Day classic and is Guthrie's signature song. "He has been doing an annual Thanksgiving show at Carnegie Hall (in New York) for many years, so we're happy to be part of this tour," Wildey Theater manager Al Canal said. "Meanwhile, I was talking to (Edwardsville police) chief (Jay) Keeven about Special Olympics and the police do so many good things for the community. "I found out they were a little short (on fundraising) for Special Olympics, so I checked with Arlo's management if they would be interested in doing a pre-sale for extra money for people who want to get their tickets first. We were allowed to tack on an extra $20 per ticket and sold 294 tickets, with 100 percent of that money going to Special Olympics." The Edwardsville Police Department has been participating in the Special Olympics Torch Run since 1997. Other Special Olympics fundraising events include the Polar Plunge, held in February at Carlyle Lake and a special day at Culver's in April. Upcoming events are July 26 at Texas Roadhouse and Aug. 23-26 at Shop 'n Save. "Over the years, we've increased the amount that we raise through different events," said Edwardsville Police Major Michael Fillback. "Al Canal here at the Wildey came up with a suggestion and he was able to raise more than $5,800. "Everything that we raise goes to Special Olympics here in Illinois and those athletes and their families really appreciate the effort. They don't care if you raise a dime or if you raise $10,000 they'll give you the same hug and the same smile." The Edwardsville Police Department is involved in numerous fundraising efforts and community projects, but Special Olympics holds a special place in the officers' hearts. "There are a lot of great charities out there, but this is one that law enforcement adopted back in the 1980s," Fillback said. "We got on board with it and really enjoy it. We thank all the businesses and all the citizens that donate and participate. We can stand out there all day, but if no one gives any money, it doesn't matter. "The first year we did this, we probably raised about $75, but last year we raised about $17,000. Getting another $5,800 from the Wildey will make a huge difference." The Edwardsville Police Department's portion of the Torch Run began early Monday afternoon at the QuikTrip on Troy Road, where they received the torch from the Glen Carbon Police Department. The three-mile trek made a brief stop for a check presentation at the Wildey Theater before finishing at TheBANK of Edwardsville, where the torch was handed over to the SIUE Police Department. Torch runners this year for the Edwardsville Police Department included Fillback, officers Justin Towell, Jackson Nolen and Mark Lask and dispatcher James Henghold. Eventually, the torch will make its way to Bloomington/Normal, where the Illinois Special Olympics will be held Friday through Sunday. "The Special Olympics athletes appreciate it, but I also appreciate that they come out here and do things like this because they're doing it on their own time," Fillback said. "That sets an example for the community and it gives us a great opportunity to talk to people in the community, other than pulling them over and telling them they're not wearing their seatbelt." To make a donation to Special Olympics, call Fillback at 692-7256 or talk to any Edwardsville police officer. 9 hours ago Bitcoin-mining power plant raises ire of environmentalists An obstacle to large-scale bitcoin mining is finding enough cheap energy to run the huge, power-gobbling computer arrays that create and transact cryptocurrency. One mining operation in central New York came up with a novel solution that has alarmed environmentalists. Read Article Government ups efforts to nab fake news spreaders BANGKOK: The authorities are stepping up a crackdown on false and misleading information targeting the government which is spreading quickly via social media platforms. crimeimmigrationpolicepoliticstechnology By Bangkok Post Thursday 14 June 2018, 08:56AM Deputy Tourist Police chief Surachet Big Joke Hakpan shows media his briefing board to press charges against a London-based Facebook user for spreading fake news on the satellite plans (top) and an altered photo of Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha. Photo: Tourist Police Concerns about fake news were heightened after a London-based Facebook user posted on the KonthaiUK Facebook site a photo and a message suggesting corruption in the governments satellite project. Speaking after being briefed on the crackdown by Maj Gen Surachet Hakpan, deputy commissioner of the Tourist Police, Deputy Prime Minister and Defence Minister Gen Prawit Wongsuwon said the authorities are taking legal action against people generating and spreading fake news. In the latest case, warrants have been issued for the arrest of 29 people including a woman identified as Watana Ebbage, 56, who is believed to be living in London and who registered the KonThaiUK page. Gen Prawit said Thai authorities were also in contact with Interpol to have red notices issued for suspects who live overseas. Commenting on the satellite project, Gen Prawit said the scheme is not off the ground yet and is still on the drawing board. Earlier, political activist Srisuwan Janya accused the military of pushing for the procurement of 112 THEIA satellites at a cost of B91.2 billion from the THEIA group based in the US. The military countered the claim, saying the THEIA satellite project dealt with commercial communication satellites, not spy satellites as claimed by Mr Srisuwan and it was a technical study project jointly carried out by the governments sub-committee on space policy and the National Defence Studies Institute. Maj Gen Surachet said yesterday (June 13) that the suspects include ordinary people who liked or shared the posts on social media. He insisted action must be taken against them because misinformation could trigger public disorder. He urged people to check sources of information and verify authenticity of news before sharing it. Read original story here. South Korean hiker shares tale of survival in Australia bush AUSTRALIA: A young South Korean hiker lost in dense Australian bushland for six days without food and in near-freezing temperatures has spoken about how dreams of a warm bed and her parents kept her alive. tourism By AFP Thursday 14 June 2018, 09:02AM South Korean hiker Joohee Han, 25, was lost in bushland for six days. Photo: Screengrab via news.com.au Joohee Han, a 25-year-old tourist, shared her improbable tale of survival after she fell into a deep ravine while taking photos from a mountaintop south of Cairns in northern Queensland state. Rescuers had said her chances of staying alive in the rugged terrain, where temperatures dropped to nine degrees Celsius (48 degrees Fahrenheit), had been near zero. She disappeared on June 1 after telling friends she was going to climb Mount Tyson, but was only reported missing last Wednesday (June 6) with rescuers eventually finding her last Thursday (June 7). Han told the Australian Broadcasting Corporation last Saturday (June 9) that she was knocked unconscious for several hours after falling, and woke up at night on the side of a steep slope. I pretty much didnt move from where I fell from because it was so steep. Even putting a foot wrong wouldve been instant death, Han said. It still makes me teary thinking about that, thinking, Am I going to die? But there was so much I still wanted to do, food I wanted to eat, and people I wanted to see again. I thought of my parents so much. Despite the fall of what she thought was about three-storeys high, Han only suffered a broken tooth, some bruises and cuts. Thoughts of her family and food kept her going as she struggled with the cold each night, she added. I just craved the stuff I normally ate, mee goreng, cereal, bananas, Han said. I thought so much about the things I wanted to do when I got out of here and stepped on solid ground, but then Id get sad again because I knew I could only do those things if I stayed alive, they were things I couldnt do if I died. Han eventually was able to make it to a ledge near a waterfall, where she drank water and screamed for help until a nearby hiker heard her and alerted police. I didnt realise how happy I could be just standing on the ground until then, she added of her rescue. Submachine gun seized in ongoing Phuket anti-crime blitz PHUKET: The Phuket Provincial Police have announced that five more people have been arrested in their ongoing Battling crime for the good of the community campaign, which included the seizure of a submachine gun, various illegal substances along with other weapons and ammunition. crimedrugsmilitarypolice By Eakkapop Thongtub Thursday 14 June 2018, 11:55AM Chaiyachet Chet Polta (left) and Korpkit Jor Sawasdee were both arrested at properties in Moo 6 in Kathu. Photos: Eakkapop Thongtub On Tuesday (June 12), under the direction of Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Teeraphol Thipjaroen and Deputy Commander Col Sermpan Sirikong, Lt Col Pongpan Siripatnukul led a team to make two arrests in Kathu. Arrest One The 29-year-old Chaiyachet Chet Polta was arrested at a property on Moo 6, Kathu when he was found to be in possession of 1,970 methamphetamine pills (ya bah), 2.89 kilograms of marijuana, six bundles of kratom leaves, and eight bottles kratom juice. Chaiyachet was charged with possession of drugs Category 1 and 5 drugs with intent to sell. Arrest Two The 23-year-old Korpkit Jor Sawasdee was arrested also at a property on Moo 6, Kathu with 436 ya bah pills. Korpkit was charged with the possession of a Category 1 drug with intent to sell. Yesterday (June 13), Maj Poramin Pannarai and Maj Phirod Thanapannatorn from the Phuket Provincial Police together with officers from the Royal Thai Navy Third Area Command made two arrests in Rassada. Arrest One The 23-year-old Somchai Jantamat was arrested at a property on Moo 6, Rassada when he was found to be in possession of nearly 100 grams of kratom. Somchai was charged with the possession of a Category 5 drug. Arrest Two The 28-year-old Tanabat Petchmanee was arrested at Moo 6, Rassada when he was caught with nearly 180 kilograms of kratom. Tanabat as charged with possession of a Category 5 drug with intent to sell. Also yesterday, Anon Wandee, 30, was arrested at a property at Phuket Villa Kathu when he was found in possession of a 9mm Baretta submachine gun, scope, homemade pen gun, 46 9mm bullets, 17 .38 calibre bullets, five .45 calibre bullets, seven .38 Special bullets and bullet holders. Anon was charged with illegal possession of guns and ammunition. Three men surrender for Chinese tourist attack in Phuket PHUKET: Three men have surrendered to police after a video showing them attack two Chinese tourists at a Phuket port was widely shared on social media yesterday. crimehealthmarineMyanmarpoliceviolencetransport By Eakkapop Thongtub Thursday 14 June 2018, 01:27PM Chinese tourists Lin Jaiwei and Lyu Jinlin are attacked as they leave the Nonthasak Marine Departure Port. Screengrab The three, Liayaoyi, 26, from Myanmar, Sili Sankham, 27, from Chiang Mai, and Pa Thongdee, 25, found carrying an ID card issued by Thai authorities in Chiang Mai that only identified him as a Non-Thai citizen, are currently being held at the Phuket Provincial Police Station. Yesterday evening (June 13), a video was posted online showing three men attacking two Chinese tourists at the Nonthasak Marine Departure Port on Koh Siray on the east side of Phuket. After learning about the video, Phuket Provincial Police Commander Maj Gen Teeraphol Thipjaroen ordered that Thalang Police Chief Col Sompong Tipapakul and Lt Col Rungrit Rattanapakdee coordinate with chief of the Phuket Tourist Police Maj Eakkachai Siri in tracking the suspects down. However, at 8pm last night Liayaoyi, Sili and Pa handed themselves in at the Phuket Provincial Police Station. Liayaoyi told police that he took his family to visit Phi Phi Island yesterday morning. While they were on the boat they had argument with two Chinese tourists Lin Jaiwei and Lyu Jinlin because they had their bags on seat. Liayaoyi felt that by doing this Mr Lin and Mr Lyu had no regard for other tourists on the boat. The boat returned to the Nonthasak Marine Departure Port at 3:30pm, and Liayaoyi, who had Sili and Pa waiting for him at the port, went to talk to the two Chinese tourists. However, the discussion quickly escalated into a fight. During the course of the fight Mr Lin suffered a head injury when it was struck with a rock while Mr Lyu suffered an injury to his ear when struck with a bottle and also an injury to his shin. Both were taken to Vachira Phuket Hospital for treatment. Police are continuing to question Liayaoyi, Sili and Pa to see what charges will be pressed against them. Prep Football: Ten area teams qualify for first round of state Class 11B, 9AA, 9A and 9B playoffs Ten area teams have qualified for the state Class 11B and nine-man (9AA, 9A and 9B) playoffs that open on Thursday. The cottage country commute is sure to be a breeze this weekend at least for travellers willing to pay for a new air taxi service between Torontos Billy Bishop Airport and Muskoka Airport in Gravenhurst. Instead of spending more than two hours on Highway 400, passengers with FlyGTA, which launches the Muskoka service Friday, can expect to be near the lake in about 35 minutes. These flights are a great way for Muskoka residents and visitors to avoid traffic and save time, said Chris Nowrouzi, CEO of FlyGTA, a Toronto-based operator of air charters and sightseeing tours over Toronto and Niagara Falls. FlyGTA also operates what it calls the shortest commercial flight in North America between Billy Bishop and St. Catharines/Niagara, at just over 10 minutes. Nowrouzi called the flights a convenient alternative to bus, train and ride-sharing services to Gravenhurst and to the chartered float planes that ferry wealthy cottagers onto Lake Rosseau and other posh retreats. FlyGTAs service, which costs $140 for a one-way ticket, including fees and HST, will run once a day on Friday, Saturday and Sunday during peak travel times to and from the Muskoka Airport, June to October. There are additional fees for baggage, depending on the size. The flights use a twin engine Piper Panther aircraft that can accommodate up to eight passengers at a time. The initial flight to Muskoka on Friday is sold out, according to Nowrouzi. He said public interest in the taxi service, which allows for quick check-in, no lineups and digital ticketing, will be monitored until early to mid-October. A decision will then be made with municipal authorities on whether to continue it, whether prices should be raised or cut, if more flights should be added or if a larger plane is required. He said the carrier, which began with one plane offering scenic tours over Toronto and now operates eight light aircraft, is working with local governments and tourism bodies that are promoting the service but not providing revenue guarantees. The Muskoka flights are geared to vacation commuters, tourists and business travellers, Nowrouzi said, adding that the company maintains low overheads compared to other air taxi services so that it can provide a competitive ticket price. He said that no other airline offers regularly scheduled flights between Toronto and Muskoka, though Porter Airlines was reportedly interested. We do not typically comment on potential destinations, a spokesperson for Porter said in email, but I can say that we have no planned route announcements at the moment. The Muskoka Airport Board said the service will benefit Muskokas year-round residents, second home owners and visitors looking for more options and convenience connecting Muskoka and Toronto. The Muskoka Airport Board looks forward to welcoming more opportunities like this as we develop our strategic planning process this summer, said board chair Bud Purves. He said Muskoka welcomes close to 3 million visitors each year, adding that the new service will provide links through connecting carriers operating from Billy Bishop to more than 20 cities in Canada and the U.S. Muskokas tourism industry is integral to the districts economy and Muskoka Tourism is excited to see the impact that regularly scheduled flights will have, said Luke Nixon-Janssen, Muskoka Tourism chair. He said the organization hopes the service can also bring new guests and new tourism dollars to Muskokas accommodation sector. He added that area municipalities and tourism organizations are working with FlyGTA to plan flight schedules and develop strategies to market the program. In November, the carrier started offering 18-minute flights between Billy Bishop and the Waterloo Region at $129, and announced a similar new service between Toronto and the Lake Simcoe Regional Airport near Barrie. It had already been flying a 12-minute route between Toronto and the Niagara District Airport. Getting away FlyGTA charges $140, all-in, for a 36-minute, one-way trip to cottage country. Heres how that compares: Charter flights: Start around $3,000 Bus: A one-way, 167-kilometre bus trip from the Yorkdale terminal to Gravenhurst costs $30 to $45 and takes more than 2 hours, on a good day. Train: Infrequent train service from Toronto takes 2 hours and 40 minutes, starts at $22 one-way, and only goes as far as Washago. From there you still need to take a 15-minute cab ride to Gravenhurst Car: A one-way, 167-kilometre drive from Yorkdale terminal to Gravenhurst, also takes at least two hours, and costs gas and wear-and tear on your car. Without surge pricing, a one-way UberX trip will set you back $210 from One Yonge St. CALGARYNearly seven million travellers filed through Calgary International Airport last year without stepping outside the terminal, but the airports leadership is hoping to entice more of them to spend cold, hard cash in Cowtown. Roughly 16.3 million passengers passed through Calgary International Airport in 2017, along with 147,000 tonnes of air cargo over 75 per cent of Albertas total. Bob Sartor, president and CEO of the Calgary Airport Authority, estimated that it generates more than $8 billion in gross domestic product for the city. What YYC needed, in his view, was a way to lure even a fraction of those nearly seven million travellers to stick around and enjoy the sights in Calgary. We want those connecting passengers to not connect next time and stay, Sartor told a gathering of roughly 80 business leaders and members of the public at a downtown Calgary conference hall on Wednesday. While the airports development plan is far from finished its intended as a 10- to 20-year initiative he hopes to reforge YYC into a transit hub for Alberta businesses, as well as for travellers who might want to step foot into the city proper. Part of the strategy involves a shift in thinking of YYC as a destination of its own. It should always be a place of hospitality which most airports arent and a strong conduit for economic activity, Sartor said. He believed a shift in brand thinking is also needed to create a more individual experience for passengers at the airport, such as using the term guest. Amalgamating YYCs security screening into a single, central checkpoint and upgrading the baggage handling system to speed up check-in is also part of the plan. Passengers complained about the lack of seating and places to eat at YYCs new international terminal when it first opened in 2016. Bare walls, long walks from gate to gate, and a lack of food options prompted the airport authority to reconsider how it handled redesigns of its facilities, and what passengers might actually want. Had we done presentations ahead of time, had we done roundtables with people or focus groups, we wouldnt have had that kind of outcry, Sartor later told StarMetro. Theres also the question of the airport as an economic engine. In his speech, Sartor spoke about the need to attract five key sectors of Albertas economy to the airport itself: agribusiness, IT, aerospace and aviation, logistics and distribution, and energy and clean tech. Lets imagine bringing these sectors to YYC and creating, effectively, another central business district just north of our core, Sartor said. He cited the Dallas-Fort Worth airport as a notable example. It is a conventional airport, but it has also attracted significant on-site investment from nearby companies, he said. But the comparison stops at transit options. Unlike YYC, Dallas-Fort Worth has a light rail system at the airport to ferry passengers to and from the cities of Dallas and Fort Worth, Texas. Rapid transit to a citys downtown core is crucial for an airports success, Sartor said in his speech, using Vancouvers airport as an example. Connectivity will be a significant factor in our long-term success and weve seen what happened with development at Vancouver airport (after rapid transit service started). Remarkable. Absolutely remarkable, he said. Current plans for an LRT connection to YYC arent yet clear. There is talk of extending some sort of LRT, said Councillor Shane Keating, head of Calgarys transportation and transit committee. We do need a dedicated public transit line to the airport, but maybe it should be something else besides an LRT line, Keating said, noting that a decent estimate for an LRT runs $100 million per kilometre. Nonetheless, the link is on the minds of Calgarys tourism industry. Every city that I visit that has that LRT link from the airport to the downtown core really changes the guest experience and the opportunities, as marketers, for our city that we have, said Cindy Ady, executive director of Tourism Calgary. For the time being, Sartor said, rapid bus transit may do the trick in the absence of light rail. But that doesnt mean we cant add to our (airport) campus. We already do $8 billion, we already have literally over a hundred-some-odd businesses on campus, Sartor said. We can just do a lot more, a lot faster, with better connectivity. Brennan Doherty is a work and wealth reporter with StarMetro Calgary. Find him on Twitter @Bren_Doherty Read more about: EDMONTON Drivers were in for a surprise at gas stations Thursday morning, with some people complaining about gasoline prices jumping overnight by over 20 cents per litre. People took to the social news website Reddit to discuss the wide variation in prices within the Edmonton area. While bog box stores like Costco pegged gasoline at around $1.11 per litre, some users reported seeing prices upwards of $1.30 a 15 to 20 cent increase in some cases. I knew I should have stopped at a gas station on my way home, wrote one Reddit user on Wednesday night. Maybe I can make it until it goes down a bit more again. GasBuddy a website that tracks gas prices across North America issued a price hike alert, saying the pre-hike average in Edmonton was approximately $1.17, which jumped Thursday to a projected average of $1.32. Retailers have been really beating themselves up keeping prices extraordinarily low in most cases below cost, said GasBuddy Senior Petroleum Analyst Dan McTeague. It really explains to a large extent why were seeing such massive variations just in the Edmonton area. McTeague said prices have been fluctuating due to a phenomenon he calls gas bar shenanigans. In this scenario, big box stores sell gasoline below cost. Unable to keep up with their competitors, competitors that do not sell other retail products raise prices to stay competitive. This leads to a big variety in prices across the same metropolitan area. While some have suggested the price fluctuation is related to Suncors fuel shortage at some Petro-Canada stations, McTeague disagrees. According to him, the prices fluctuated solely due to the adjusting retail margin. Unless youre selling a lot of other products to defray or somehow compensate for the loss, you have no choice but to raise those margins or lose your business, he said of the pumps charging more for people to fill up on Thursday. However, he says people can expect the prices to settle down soon, predicting they will be back to under $1.20 by Monday. According to GasBuddy, here were the average gasoline prices across the country Thursday: Halifax: $1.24 per litre Toronto: $1.32 per litre Winnipeg: $1.27 per litre Calgary: $1.26 per litre Vancouver: $1.52 per litre Read more about: HALIFAXHopes have been dashed for a recovery of the once mighty northern cod stock off Newfoundland, a leading conservation group says. Three years after scientists confirmed there were signs of a comeback and catch limits were increased, the federal government decided this week to reduce the limit. Ottawa cited a spring stock assessment that found the cod population had declined 30 per cent after seven years of rebuilding. However, Oceana Canada says the 9,600-tonne catch limit announced Tuesday a 25-per-cent reduction when compared with last year is still too high. There were some fragile signs of recovery, said Robert Rangeley, a marine biologist and science director for Oceana Canada. All those hopes were dashed in the assessment this spring. Northern cod were once the backbone of Newfoundland and Labradors 400-year-old fishing industry. But the population collapsed in the early 1990s because of overfishing, mismanagement and changing environmental conditions. A fishing moratorium imposed in 1992, which was eventually extended to other groundfish stocks, wiped out more than 30,000 jobs. It was the largest mass layoff in Canadian history. Within a year, the entire $700-million enterprise and way of life was gone. But there were initial signs of recovery in 2012, and by 2015 the catch limits started to increase that years limit was 4,400 tonnes, less than half of what it is now. Rangeley said the biomass of the northern cod population is now estimated at around the same levels as in 1992. The projections for next year are no better (because) this stock isnt growing, Rangeley said in an interview Wednesday. Its well under the critical zone ... Its pretty scary. The provinces largest fishermens union is arguing that the new catch limit amounts to a dramatic reduction that will hurt coastal communities that rely on the fishery as a key source of income. Keith Sullivan, president of the Fish, Food and Allied Workers union, said the March stock assessment had concluded the fishery was having no impact on the trajectory of the stock. This decision (to reduce the catch limit) ignores socio-economic considerations for hundreds of communities in our province and the thousands of people who rely on coastal resources, he said in a statement late Tuesday. Without it, out-migration will continue and rural life will be a thing of the past, with no industry to support it. The union said the latest research indicates the population decline can be mainly attributed to natural mortality and not fishing pressure. Rangeley said he was aware that coastal communities are heavily reliant on the fishery, but he insisted that tougher measures were needed. What will they be relying on when theres no fish? he said. I understand those communities want to catch more cod, but they would catch a lot more if that stock were allowed to rebuild. The federal approach ignores scientific advice to reduce fishing pressure to the lowest possible level, he said. As well, the advocacy group said there should be no recreational cod fishing until the federal government is able to monitor catch levels in that fishery. Federal officials announced Tuesday that the recreational groundfish fishery, which opens June 30, will include 39 fishing days a reduction from the 46 days allowed last year. A spokesperson for the federal Fisheries Department was unavailable for comment Wednesday. Read more about: HALIFAXThe union at the Halifax shipyard building some of the Royal Canadian Navys new ships has given 48-hour strike notice. A news release issued late Wednesday by Unifor says hundreds of employees at Irvings Halifax Shipyard have rejected a tentative contract. Unifor Marine Workers Federation Local 1 says 75 per cent of its members voted against the deal offered following eight months of negotiations. The union says the four-year tentative agreement that was rejected included increases of 1.5 per cent per year over the next four years, but the employer had not agreed to paid sick days for workers. The release says picket lines are expected to go up Saturday at 9 a.m. The shipyard with about 800 workers is currently building Arctic and offshore patrol vessels for the navy. This is not just about economics, its about respect for workers and fixing the workplace for members and they are clearly sending a strong message to Irving today, said Jerry Dias, Unifors national president. Read more about: A new grocery store is opening in the Junction and the shelves are being stocked with pantry staples: bread, canned goods, beans and cereal. Baskets are being filled with softball-sized grapefruits and heads of purple cauliflower. But theres one thing missing: price tags. Thats because everything in this 1,100-square-foot market is pay-what-you-can. Customers take what they need, and give what money they can, or nothing if they cannot pay. Store owner Jagger Gordon says customers are limited to a days worth of food for a family so that the shop can feed as many people as possible, or people can sign up to have a box of packaged foods and produce with recipes sent to them on a biweekly basis. The food comes from food terminals, farms, restaurants, cafes, supermarkets and bakeries. None of it is expired or rotten, but companies are getting rid of it for reasons such as the produce being naturally bruised or misshapen, or theres too much to store in warehouses. Suppliers include the Whole Foods Market in Yorkville, Freds Bread bakery, Moxies Grill and Bar on University Ave., organic growers Greenwood Farms in Whitby and the seafood company High Liner Canada. There are big companies that have a lot of (food) stuff stored away in big warehouses and not all of it is sold, said Gordon, a Toronto chef and founder of the Feed It Forward initiative. Theres nothing wrong with the products we get; some stores just mandate that the food cant sit longer for four or six months on the shelf. For example, we have pet food here thats still six months away from the optimal freshness date. Its an ambitious social enterprise headed up by Gordon, who for the past four years has been working on addressing food insecurity and waste in the city. The Feed It Forward grocery store, at 3324 Dundas St. W., just east of Runnymede Rd., will have its grand opening Saturday at noon after which it will be open 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Similar ventures exist internationally. In Canada, theres Second Harvest, which saves food from supermarkets, farms and factories and redistributes it to social agencies such as shelters as well as school breakfast programs across the GTA. Gordon is experimenting with reducing food waste with the pay-what-you-can model. Read more: Canadians among worlds worst food-wasters, report finds Feeding it forward at Junction sandwich shop Baguette & Co. Opinion | How to create financial security for all Ontarians The concept behind the store is showcasing how Canadians can utilize the food thats destined for landfills: perfectly edible food that shouldnt be thrown out and can be filling the empty bellies of our citizens, Gordon said as he unpacked striped red and yellow peppers donated by a local supermarket. A report released in April by the Commission for Environmental Co-operation, an organization created by Canada, Mexico and the United States to monitor the effects of the North American Free Trade Agreement on member countries, found that for every Canadian, almost 400 kilograms of food are thrown away annually. Statistics from the University of Torontos department of nutritional sciences also show that one in eight Toronto households dont always have access to nutritious and affordable food. Its a problem compounded by other issues such as the lack of affordable housing and low incomes. Although a pay-what-you-can grocery store wont solve everything, Gordon wanted to use his culinary experience and connections to help Torontonians gain access to healthy food. I used to send my daughter to her friends for a sleepover and in the morning, theyd come back into my kitchen saying theyre here for breakfast because the other house had nothing in the fridge, he said. He chose the Junction neighbourhood because many residents are on fixed incomes and its close to schools and a proposed mens shelter. After that, I got more involved with after-school programs and helped provide meals for kids in the neighbourhood. Thats how things progressed. In 2014, he started a pilot project installing a commercial freezer on private property within the Junction stocked with leftover food from his catering jobs. He expanded with more freezers in other neighbourhoods including Jane and Finch, but had to end it after realizing it wasnt feasible to make the daily deliveries himself and fix the fridges after they were vandalized. Last summer, Gordon opened Soup Bar inside a shipping container outside Scadding Court Community Centre at Dundas St. W. and Bathurst St., with a similar concept of pay-what-you-can meals created with donated ingredients. That operation lasted for eight months until leasing issues and the difficulties of operating without heat during the winter pushed him to close. He persevered and, in addition to the store, he plans on launching an app and meal delivery service called Feed the Future that for $5 will provide students with nutritious and frozen meals made from donated ingredients and packed in biodegradable packaging. The Feed It Forward shop is largely funded by his catering business, Jagger Gordon Catering, fundraising efforts such as the Toronto Doughnut Festival held recently at Dufferin Mall and a landlord who is supportive of the philanthropic concept. Gordon has applied for charitable status so that people who pay for their food at the shop can get a tax receipt, as the purchase would be considered a donation. Read more: Four recipes that cut down on food waste: Ricardo Welfare changes credited as Toronto food-bank use drops in first three months of 2018 The shop will be run by volunteers who signed up on the Feed It Foward site. One volunteer, Toni Zambri, a professional cook in the city, said: We dont have a lot of money ourselves, but we live in a city where there shouldnt be people begging on the street. A place like this makes you feel like youre going into a regular store. The movement first made gains in Europe in the past few years. In 2016, U.K.-based food advocacy group the Real Junk Food Project opened a pay what you feel market in Sheffield where patrons get fresh vegetables, bread, meat and dairy products that would otherwise end up in a landfill. The Good Food, a pay-what-you-can supermarket in Cologne, Germany, opened a year later. And in Copenhagen, Denmark, Wefood teamed up with a local supermarket chain and other suppliers to sell surplus groceries at a discount in 2016. It quickly opened a second location. That same year, France made it mandatory for supermarkets to donate unwanted food to charities and food banks. Gordon said he hopes Canada will adopt similar measures as more people become aware of how much edible food gets thrown out. He is optimistic that more corporate sponsors will sign on to donate food or open more locations, but for now hes just eager to open the doors. This is about showcasing how it can be done. People will invest in this idea whether its with me or someone else, he said. Nobody in Canada wants a trade war least of all the countrys bartenders and cocktail lovers. The drinks industry is an especially global-minded one. Spirits enthusiasts think nothing of popping down to Buffalo for a bar crawl or road trips to the whiskey trails in Kentucky and Tennessee. Now, with tariffs, tougher security measures and Wisconsin Governor Scott Walker talking seriously about a northern border wall, it looks as though some of that might change. Were neighbours, says Ryan Ringer who, with Becky Ip, co-owns Grey Tiger cocktail bar in Torontos Bloordale neighbourhood. And its like before we could, you know, walk over to our neighbours backyard while theyre having a barbecue, bring some drinks and join in. Now, suddenly, we have to call in advance. The United States Department of Homeland Security recently announced it will toughen border surveillance to ensure fair trade, which, in concert with U.S. President Donald Trumps continued attack on the North American Free Trade Agreement, has led many to believe the days of friendly trade relations are over. Trump announced 20-per-cent tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum exports to the U.S.A., which elicited Canada to promise retaliatory tariffs on imported American whiskies, such as bourbon and rye. Canadians will be reluctant to part ways with American whiskey since its so popular. However, Canada, Mexico and Europe are specifically targeting U.S. red state products the Republican held states including Kentucky, which helped Trump win the election. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell represents Kentucky, where much of Americas bourbon is made, so its a safe bet tariffs will only continue to go up if the trade war isnt stopped. The scheduled bourbon tariffs expected to add a 10 per cent tax on American whiskey on July 1 is the first retaliation. Realistically, a lot of Canadians will support our own distilleries and shop Canadian since its likely Canadas economy will suffer from tariffs applied by our biggest trading partner. Thankfully, thats not a hardship anymore when it comes to spirits (and wine and beer, but thats another story) since almost any American spirit can be swapped for a comparable or better Canadian product. Here are some worthy Canadian substitutes for American whiskies. Bourbon is still king in a lot of ways for a lot of people, says Grey Tigers Ringer. Hardcore bourbon drinkers might not mind paying a little bit more, but other people who are more adventurous and willing to try new things will quickly learn were in a new golden age of Canadian whisky. Ringer likes a good bourbon as much as the next guy there are many on his impressive back bar Elijah Craig 12, Stagg Jr., Koval Single Barrelbut hes quick to point out that Irish and Canadian whiskies have been living under an American shadow for too long. To replace a smooth, corn-based American whisky with intense caramel and vanilla notes, Crown Royal Limited Edition Canadian Whisky (LCBO 246603; $40.95) is an absolute bargain far better than most comparably priced bourbons. Swap out a spicy, potent American rye for Lot 40 Cask Strength Canadian Whisky (LCBO 541326; $70.20). Or if you prefer craft, try Stalk and Barrels 100 per cent Rye Whisky (LCBO 415810 $70.10). And tariff day Canada Day is the perfect opportunity to pick up a Forty Creek Heritage (LCBO 542985; $74.95), an expression that honours distillery founder John Halls vision for the revival of the Canadian whisky blending tradition. These suggestions only scratch the surface of available Canadian spirits. There are more than 130 craft distilleries in Canada, as well as several big operations such as Hiram Walker Distillery in Ontario and Albertas Crown Royal Plant. A trade war is the last thing we want, but at least we wont get fleeced going thirsty. Jailed Hamilton police officer Craig Ruthowsky has lost his bid for freedom pending appeal after being convicted of corruption charges. I am persuaded that his appeal contains grounds that are not frivolous, that he will more probably than not surrender himself into custody, and that he does not pose a risk to the safety of the community, wrote Court of Appeal Justice David Paciocco in a decision released Wednesday. However, I am not satisfied that a reasonable member of the public would conclude that his detention pending appeal is not necessary in the public interest, he wrote. This is because he has been convicted of serious offences that were committed in extremely aggravated circumstances. In these circumstances, a reasonable member of the public would conclude that the interest in the immediate enforcement of his lengthy sentence outweighs the interest in releasing him pending the appeal of his conviction and sentence. Ruthowsky was convicted of bribery, attempt to obstruct justice, criminal breach of trust and trafficking cocaine after a 25-day jury trial in Toronto. Last month, Superior Court Justice Robert Clark sentenced him to 13 years in prison, minus six months credit for time served. Ruthowsky is appealing both his conviction and sentence. He is still facing more than a dozen criminal charges this fall. One of Ruthowskys grounds of appeal is that the trial judge demonstrated a reasonable apprehension of bias in the way he conducted the trial. Ruthowsky argues the trial was conducted in an atmosphere of unabated oppression towards the defence, Paciocco wrote. Greg Lafontaine, Ruthowkys defence lawyer who also argued the appeal, submitted an affidavit from his law student who recorded observations about the judge made during the trial. The hearsay reported by the law student described the judge disparaging the defence case or betraying his disapproval of the defence by variously shaking his head and rolling his eyes, demonstrating impatience or disapproval through his body language, huffing and scoffing, scowling, sighing loudly, glaring and appearing visibly annoyed, angry, frustrated, or looking disdainfully or with apparent disapproval. However, Paciocco wrote there are significant impediments to this ground of appeal, including the fact the jury was instructed to decide the case on the evidence, based on their own opinions. OTTAWAAdd Italy to the growing list of Canadas trade headaches. Italys agriculture minister said his countrys new government wont ratify the Canada-European Union free trade accord, media reports said Thursday. Gian Marco Centinaio, whose government is led by a populist coalition, also insisted hes heard doubts about the 28-country deal from many of his European colleagues. The development adds to Canadas collection of trade challenges, which already include deep uncertainty surrounding the future of the North American Free Trade Agreement, hefty steel and aluminum tariffs imposed recently by the United States and the threat of more to come on automobiles. Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland, in Washington on Thursday to try to jump start stalled NAFTA negotiations, told reporters she believes Italy will eventually sign on to the Comprehensive Economic Trade Agreement, or CETA. Freeland noted that Austria was initially reluctant to ratify CETA, but eventually came around. Im confident we will have full ratification at the end, said Freeland, who added she had a good conversation about CETA with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte during last weekends G7 summit in Quebec. Ninety-eight per cent of CETA came into effect last September on a provisional basis. The deal was settled in 2016 after years of talks, but all EU nations must now vote on it independently. Read more: Chrystia Freeland takes on Trumps mano-a-mano mentality N.L. premier invites Donald Trump to watch Come From Away and talk tariffs Trump adviser apologizes for saying Trudeau has special place in hell NAFTA, however, was the main topic of discussion for Freeland on Thursday during an hour-long meeting with U.S. trade czar Robert Lighthizer. Canada, Mexico and the U.S. will continue negotiating NAFTA through the summer, although specific dates havent been set, she said. Were going to make a real push over the summer, said Freeland, who called the meeting constructive. I think all three countries are clear that meaningful progress has been made to date and we need to keep working hard to get to a deal. Several Canadian cabinet ministers have been reaching out to their American counterparts this week in an effort to advance NAFTA talks and to persuade the Trump administration to back down from his steel and aluminum tariffs. Lighthizer and Freeland also discussed the tariffs, which have been at the centre of an increasingly ugly dispute between the U.S. and many of its closest allies, including Canada. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau has called the tariffs insulting because they are based on the premise Canada poses a national security risk to the U.S. and has announced dollar-for-dollar retaliatory duties on a wide range of American imports. Trudeaus push back earned him an unprecedented personal attack from Trump and his emissaries after the G7 summit. The EU and other countries have also threatened retaliatory tariffs against the U.S. The Canadian countermeasures are to go into effect July 1. During her meeting with Lighthizer, Freeland said she underlined Canadas concerns over what she calls the illegal national-security consideration. I was very clear about that. Im confident that Ambassador Lighthizer heard and understood that, she said. The Canadian strategy on the tariffs was, and will continue to be, that we will not escalate and we also will not back down. Brian Kingston of the Business Council of Canada was encouraged to hear the NAFTA talks could continue this summer. He said staying at the table could lead to progress on smaller issues while the process navigates the upcoming Mexican presidential election and the U.S. congressional mid-terms, which are both expected to slow things down. You can kind of clear out that undergrowth, take brackets off texts and get to a point where weve just got those big issues and we can make a deal, said Kingston, the councils vice-president of international and fiscal policy. On CETA, Kingston said the comments from Italy were concerning. But he noted its provisional implementation means the commercial benefits are already being realized and that theres no set timeline for E.U. states to ratify. Without ratification, however, the agreements investment provisions and its investor court system wont come into force, he said. Obviously, for certainty reasons, people prefer this to be done relatively quickly, said Kingston, whose group represents many of Canadas largest corporations. Companies always benefit from having investment certainty when theyre entering into a market. So, having those investment provisions would be absolutely beneficial. International Trade Minister Francois-Philippe Champagne visited Italy a few days ago to sell the merits of CETA to the new Italian government, which took power on June 1. On Thursday, Champagne said 12 countries have already ratified the deal and he argued Italys exports to Canada are up eight per cent since the provisional agreement came into effect. He called it a gold standard deal because it offers protections for the environment and labour rights. Champagne also introduced legislation Thursday in Parliament in support of the controversial 11-nation, Pacific Rim trade pact, which is known as the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership. Ottawa attracted criticism for the move as groups, including the United Steelworkers and Council of Canadians, warned the CPTPP is a business-friendly deal that will give multinationals the power to sue governments in Canada. The Liberal government is set to fast-track Canadas inclusion in the TPP, while most Canadians know little about the impact of this secretly negotiated trade agreement, United Steelworkers national director Ken Neumann said in a statement. It will worsen inequality, further erode Canadas manufacturing and industrial base. It will eliminate more middle-class jobs, increase drug prices and drive down wages, working conditions and environmental standards. OTTAWAThe federal government has ordered an investigation into complaints of misleading and aggressive sales tactics by the countrys telecommunications companies. In a rare move, Navdeep Bains, minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, on Thursday directed the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to investigate the sales practices. Weve heard from hundreds of Canadians clearly theres a problem, Bains told reporters on Parliament Hill. Weve also heard from sales agents who say that their managers have put pressure on them as well. There are vulnerable Canadians, seniors, low-income earning Canadians, people that necessarily dont understand the technology that clearly can be persuaded to buy products and services that they may not necessarily need, said Bains, the MP for Mississauga-Malton. The government has asked the CRTC to have the investigation finished by Feb. 28 and is hoping the report will contain recommendations to reduce consumer complaints. Bell Canada had the most complaints, at 2,275, followed by Rogers Communications (707) Telus Communications (511), followed by Virgin (429) and Videotron (368). The government order directs the CRTC to examine whether telecoms are providing consumers with incomplete, unclear or misleading information regarding service terms and conditions. The investigation will also look at the measures the companies have in place to monitor aggressive sales practices, existing policies to protect consumers and the most feasible and effective ways to strengthen existing consumer protections. We want a set of recommendations and a clear set of facts around these high pressure sales tactics, Bains said. The CRTC is responsible for regulating telecommunications services and overseeing measures already in place to protect consumers, such as the Wireless Code of Conduct. Bains has also asked the Competition Bureau to assist in the investigation. The CRTC had already rejected a request this year by the Public Interest Advocacy Centre, a non-profit organization that advocates for consumer interests, to investigate what it branded as aggressive, inappropriate and potentially misleading sales tactics. Many of these aggressive sales practices appear to have targeted vulnerable consumers, including older Canadians, grieving spouses and blind customers, John Lawford, the centres executive director and general counsel, wrote in his January letter to the CRTC requesting the probe. The nature of these allegations is so serious that a formal inquiry into the entire industrys sales practices is required, he wrote. In a February response to Lawford, CRTC chair Ian Scott denied the request, saying Canadians already have a variety of options available to them to seek redress. Those options include the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-Television services, an independent organization that helps settle customer complaints. It received 6,849 complaints between August 2017 and January 2018, up 73 per cent over the comparable period a year earlier. The commission said it was able to resolve 90 per cent of the complaints that it concluded during the same time frame. The complaints covered all platforms, such as wireless, internet, local phone, long distance and television. The most common gripe was non-disclosure of terms or misleading information, followed by incorrect charges and poor service. In a statement Thursday, Bell said it would be happy to talk about its customer service. Bells success depends on delivering the best customer experience and were seeing consistent growth in both customer satisfaction and subscriber growth, Marc Choma, Bells director of communications, said in an email. Choma noted the CRTCs pronouncement this year that Canadians already have adequate methods to seek redress for their complaints. But were always open to further discussions, Choma said. Rogers said too that it would work with the investigation. We strive to deliver the best possible experience for our customers with products and services that best meet their needs and budget, and we will participate and share how we work to be clear, simple and fair with our customers every time they contact us, a spokesperson said in an email. Telus said its sales representatives are bound by ethics codes and said the company is laser-focused on ensuring our customers have a positive experience. We look forward to participating constructively in the CRTCs review and are optimistic it will help to elevate and standardize best practices across the industry, Johanne Senecal, senior vice-president of government and regulatory affairs, said in an emailed statement to the Star. Read more about: A company that operates several nursing homes has denied dramatic allegations that it had placed Elizabeth Wettlaufer on a do not hire list before the nurse was revealed as a serial killer. A public inquiry had heard on Thursday that the company, Revera Long Term Care, had placed Wettlaufer on their black list under her maiden name Elizabeth Parker. The name difference allowed Wettlaufer to end up working as a registered nurse at the companys nursing homes, according to Heidi Wilmot-Smith, president of Lifeguard Homecare, an agency that provided Revera and other long-term-care facilities with registered nurses to fill staffing shortages. At one of the Revera nursing homes, in September 2015, Wettlaufer tried to kill resident Sandra Towler with an injected overdose of insulin. Wettlaufer worked for Lifeguard from January 2015, until she resigned in September 2016. She spent much of that time working at Revera homes. Wilmot-Smith testified that the do not hire issue came to light after police began investigating Wettlaufers crimes in October 2016. Wilmot-Smith said a senior vice-president of Revera told her that the company had suddenly learned that Wettlaufer was on the list under her maiden name. Thats probably why they did not catch it, because Beth was practising under the surname Wettlaufer, Wilmot-Smith said. Later in the day in cross-examination, a lawyer for Revera called Wilmot-Smiths testimony inaccurate, adding that Wettlaufer was never on their do not hire list. Jennifer McAleer noted that a different Elizabeth Parker had worked for Revera in Jasper, Alta., from 1986 to 2002. And the Elizabeth Parker in Jasper was never on the do not hire list. In a testy exchange, Wilmot-Smith insisted her recollection of her phone conversation with the Revera vice-president was accurate. I wouldnt have been able to come up with that idea on my own, she said, referring to the alleged do not hire mix-up. Elizabeth Wettlaufer went by her maiden name until she married in 1997. Her husband applied for and received a divorce in 2008. The public inquiry is examining numerous systemic failures and missed red flags that allowed Wettlaufer to kill eight people in her care while assaulting or trying to kill six others with insulin overdoses. Read more: Elizabeth Wettlaufer was called angel of death by co-worker, inquiry hears Much of Elizabeth Wettlaufers stained record not reported to College of Nurses Inside the troubled life of Elizabeth Wettlaufer, the nurse on the night shift Wettlaufer first tried to kill a nursing-home resident in 2007 while working at the Caressant Care home in Woodstock, Ont. She confessed, unprompted, to her crimes in September 2016, ending a two-decade-long career as a registered nurse marked by numerous medication errors, suspensions for incompetence, and murder. The inquiry heard Thursday about one complaint against Wettlaufer at Caressant Care where she worked seven years and killed seven residents when she was seen shaking and smacking her butt at a resident. The resident was in a wheelchair and (Wettlaufers) butt was right at the residents head, said Brenda Black, a personal support worker who witnessed the incident. It was very disrespectful for the resident. Wilmot-Smith said she had no idea Wettlaufer had been fired from two workplaces when she hired her in 2015. The College of Nurses of Ontario, responsible for protecting the public from bad nurses, was informed of both firings. But when Wilmot-Smith checked Wettlaufers standing with the college, she found a spotless public record. Wilmot-Smith said she called Wettlaufers former supervisor at Caressant Care, registered nurse Sandra Flutter, and was told that Wettlaufer was a very caring nurse and a good team player. By the time she began working for Wilmot-Smith, Wettlaufer had already killed eight people and assaulted or tried to kill four others. The first sign of trouble in her new job occurred a month after she was hired, when Wettlaufer didnt show up for a shift at the Telfer Place nursing home in Paris, Ont. When reached by phone that day, Wettlaufer said she couldnt attend because she had been drinking. Months later, Wettlaufer revealed to Wilmot-Smith that she was an alcoholic who had started drinking again. By April 2016, the director of care at Telfer emailed Wilmot-Smith to say she no longer wanted Wettlaufer to work at the nursing home. The email noted that a doctor at the home did not feel confident in (Wettlaufers) abilities to assess our residents and carry out basic nursing duties. Read more about: Following Spatials successful completion of upgrade works to Aer Linguss A320 Cabin Emergency Evacuation Trainer and A330 Door Trainer in 2017, Spatial has been appointed to manufacture an A330 Cabin Service Trainer. The device will replicate the latest finishes in Aer Linguss Business and Economy cabins to allow the airline to further enhance its market-leading service offering. Henry Robertson, Managing Director at Spatial said: Realism and quality are absolutely critical to the success of a cabin service trainer. This contract further affirms Spatial as the market leader for these devices. This is our third contract with Aer Lingus over the past 12 months and will further strengthen the close working relationship we have built with them. Above: Spatial's base in Ras Al Khaimah, United Arab Emirates. Courtesy Spatial Noel Houlihan, Safety Training Officer at Aer Lingus said: We are delighted to once again be working with Spatial on this exciting new project and we are looking forward to taking delivery of this high quality A330 Service Trainer in the coming weeks. This training device will add a whole new level of realism to our A330 training and guest experience training as we continue to develop and improve our training product. Eamon Kierans, Manager of Training Standards at Aer Lingus said: Spatial have once again been able to meet the requirements of Aer Lingus. We look forward to the commissioning of the new trainer and future cooperation with Spatial in support of our training devices. A cyclist who died last week in hospital after he was hit by a car on Lake Shore Blvd. last month created so much kindness, friends and family told the Star. Jonas Mitchell, 36, was the third of four cyclists to die on Toronto streets this year. On May 15, Mitchell was riding his bicycle on Colborne Lodge Dr., heading south towards Lake Shore Blvd. At the same time, police say a 27-year-old man was driving east on Lake Shore in a Honda Civic, approaching Colborne. They collided. Mitchell was taken to hospital, where he died on June 7, police said. Family and friends identified him to the Star. Cody Campbell, Mitchells younger brother, said that hell be remembered as someone who was always there to lend a hand, an avid traveller and a Dallas Cowboys fan. He was there, whether it was something small or something big, said Campbell. And he was always positive, even in the worst situations hed be the guy that would find something to be positive about. Campbell visited his brother in hospital and said they had been optimistic he would pull through. (He was) someone whos created so much kindness, compassion and happiness and has been taken away from so many different people. Whether its family or friends, everyone that knows him knows him as that guy who is going to make the gathering that much better, and weve lost that we dont have that because it was taken away from us. Robert McEvoy said Mitchell and he had been best friends since they met at school in Grade 1. We grew up together, McEvoy said. He was the best man and emcee at my wedding because he was always the life of the party and the centre of attraction. McEvoy said he was lucky enough to see Mitchell in Toronto in April, shortly before the accident, when he and his son came down from Ottawa to visit. He described Mitchell as a very outgoing person with a huge heart. He was the type of person to make friends with the world, McEvoy said. From the person who worked at the hotel, to strangers walking on the street. McEvoy said Mitchell was his daughters godfather, and he would often come over to hang out with her, or take her out for sushi and go girl shopping. Mitchell used to work at two popular Toronto restaurants, Jump and Canoe, both owned by Oliver & Bonacini Hospitality (O&B). All of us at O&B are deeply saddened by the tragic loss of Jonas Mitchell, and our hearts go out to his family, the company said in a statement. A valued member of the teams at both Canoe and Jump restaurants, Jonas personal energy and positive spirit have left a lasting impact. Mitchells co-workers at O&B set up a GoFundMe while he was in hospital. As of late Wednesday night, $34,341 of the $50,000 goal had been raised by 340 people in 27 days. Campbell said the support after his brothers accident was very overwhelming. He hopes Mitchells death raises awareness about road safety in Toronto. Jennifer Keesmaat, Torontos former chief planner, said Wednesday the city should declare a state of emergency after a surge of pedestrian and cyclist deaths this week. Mitchells cousin, Jeremy MacDonald, informed the Star of a memorial ghost bike ride planned for Friday in Mitchells honour. Its a 10-kilometre route starting at Spadina Ave. and Bloor St. and ending at the crash site on the south side of Lake Shore Blvd. W. at Colborne Lodge Rd., said the public Facebook event. MacDonald also commented on the rising number of cyclist and pedestrian deaths happening across the city. There is clearly a crisis in this city, he said in a Facebook message. Pedestrian deaths and cyclist deaths continue to rise astronomically. There is an utter failure in transportation and this is true for pedestrians, cyclists, transit riders, and drivers, he said. By the Stars count, 18 pedestrians and four cyclists have been killed this year already. Campbells glad the issue is in the spotlight, but it comes at a bitter cost. I dont think it should take a situation like this to be having this conversation, he said. This whole situation has really opened my own eyes to the attitudes of both motorists and cyclists I think there needs to be mutual respect. Traffic death numbers compiled by the Star are higher than the official police count. Thats in part because Toronto police figures for traffic fatalities dont include deadly collisions that happen on private property, such as in the parking lots of apartment buildings or malls, or on provincial 400-series highways within Toronto, which are the jurisdiction of the Ontario Provincial Police. The Star has counted four cyclist deaths this year; police have counted three, excluding the March 20 death of a cyclist who hit a parked car in North York. Neither tally includes victims of homicide, such as those killed in the Yonge St. van rampage. Police announced Mitchells death amid a wave of outrage over pedestrian and cyclist deaths in the city. The city unveiled Vision Zero a plan to reduce traffic deaths to zero by 2021 two years ago Wednesday. Since that date, 93 pedestrians or cyclists have died on the streets of Toronto, according to data compiled by police and the Toronto Star. On Wednesday, a chorus of experts and advocates called for stronger action against traffic deaths. I am calling for a state of emergency, which means treating this crisis as a high priority and investing in immediate measures to create a safe environment for vulnerable road users, Keesmaat told the Star. Note - June 18, 2018: This article was edited from a previous version that referred to Jeremy MacDonald by an alternate name. Heritage Toronto is using plaques to help tell the history of one of Torontos east-end neighbourhoods. Dundas and Carlaw will be known as Torontos first Heritage Plaque District. Ten plaques will be installed throughout the zone, and 5,000 self-guiding tour pamphlets with information about the neighbourhoods history will be distributed to residents and visitors. Heritage Torontos plaques co-ordinator, Chris Bateman, said details were partly collected from people who worked at the factories there, back when it was an industrial area, and its part of an effort to make the citys history more accessible. Most of the information centres around issues of gender in the industrial market, how factories adjusted to war demands, and city building throughout the years. The program, spearheaded by Councillor Paula Fletcher, will be launched on June 17. Here are five of the historical sites featured in the project: Wrigley Originally built in 1915, this was the first Wrigley factory outside the U.S. Known for its production of Doublemint, Spearmint and Juicy Fruit chewing gum for the Canadian market, the factory had its own fire hall on Boston Ave. which is now a private home. During the Second World War the company sent gum to soldiers in an attempt to build brand loyalty and popularity. In the 1960s the factory moved to the Don Mills area, looking for more land and better road access for shipping. The building is now lofts. Reliable Toy Founded by two brothers and originally operating in the west-end near Spadina, the factory moved to Carlaw in 1935. It made its name building plastic toys the Barbara Ann Scott doll being a popular product. During the Second World War the factory produced plastic bullets and bayonet covers, and multiplied their production of plastic soldier toys. The factory eventually went into decline and closed in the 1980s. The building is still there and houses a variety of businesses. Colgate Palmolive first built the factory in 1917, but the company merged with Colgate to make Colgate-Palmolive corporation in the 1920s. The company employed hundreds of people in the making of soap, toothpaste and cleaning products. Old pictures from the factory show a gender divide, with women working in packaging departments while men worked in heavy lifting roles and as supervisors and managers. The factory was destroyed in the 1990s, and theres now a condo building at the same site. Woods Initially built for Smart Bag in 1907, the company later merged with Woods, which was then specializing in making sacks, rope and other fibre products. They eventually ventured into making outdoor items such as tents, sleeping bags and clothing. The company produced military uniforms during the Second World War. When Dundas St. was being extended from Broadview to Kingston in the 1950s, the factory was literally split in half by construction. The building now houses businesses. Hydro Substation No. 8 Opened in 1916, the station was supposed to be the engine of the area, distributing power from Niagara Falls to the factories and the sprawling neighbourhood. Prior to that, many factories generated power from burning coal. The factory also had a storefront where people could buy electric appliances. The station, expanded in 1924 and 1929, remains active to date. The names of high-billing doctors should not be made public, lawyers for the Ontario Medical Association and two other doctor groups have told the Ontario Court of Appeal. Doctors are different ...Why are they different? Because they do not have a contract with government, lawyer Linda Galessiere, acting for a group of physicians described as affected third-party doctors, argued Tuesday. Others paid from the public purse including lawyers, consultants and contractors have actual contracts with government, she said, but with doctors, it is simply legislation that mandates their OHIP payments come from the public treasury, not contracts, Galessiere argued. The contract between the government and the Ontario Medical Association (OMA) is only about the value of specific fees doctors can charge OHIP, she said. Galessiere said physician-identified billings are public in British Columbia, Manitoba and New Brunswick because governments in those provinces passed legislation forcing disclosure. She said that if the Ontario government wants disclosure, then it can also introduce legislation. The second group of doctors is described as several physicians affected directly by the order. This group and the affected third party doctors comprise 34 physicians, all of them men, more than half of whom practise in the GTA. Approximately one-third are radiologists and another third are ophthalmologists. They are among the top OHIP billers. Share your thoughts The doctors and the OMA are appealing a ruling made a year ago by the Ontario Divisional Court that upheld an order by the Information and Privacy Commissioner of Ontario (IPC) to release physician-identified billings of the 100 highest-paid doctors. The IPC order was the result of an appeal by the Toronto Star after the Ontario health ministry only partially disclosed information sought under the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. The Star, in April 2014, made an application for information on the 100 highest-paid doctors for the most recent five years 2008 to 2012, inclusive. The ministry disclosed most of the doctors medical specialties and amounts paid, but withheld names, claiming such disclosure would be an unjustified invasion of their personal privacy. Justice Paul Rouleau, one of three judges hearing the appeal case, asked Galessiere what makes doctors different from service providers such as road builders when it comes to disclosure. They (doctors) are not providing any services to the government. None. They provide them to the citizens, she responded. Galessiere also argued that the IPC erred in finding OHIP billings do not constitute personal information since they do not represent net income. The IPC found that OHIP payment information relates to doctors in their business or professional capacities, rather than personal capacities, and, therefore, is not exempt from disclosure. The assumption cannot be made that all doctors deduct business expenses from their OHIP payments, Galessiere argued. If you were an anesthetist, you would have no overhead. You administer a needle, she said. But Paul Schabas, the Stars co-counsel, said lawyers for the doctors have contradicted themselves by also arguing OHIP payments are business revenue. They have argued that physician-identified billings should not be disclosed because some people might assume they are the same as income and not understand that overhead expenses such as rent are paid out of this revenue, he noted. Schabas said doctors are not special or different from others paid out of the public purse and should be treated the same when it comes to disclosure of their names and how much they make. This case is about whether the public is entitled to know who the top-billing doctors to the public healthcare system are. Just as the public knows who gets paid what by the government through the Sunshine list, he said, referring to the list released annually by the province of those earning more than $100,000. Others who do work for the government, including consultants, lawyers, law firms, and road builders, are also subject to public disclosure, he added. Associate Chief Justice Alexandra Hoy asked why the names of the doctors matter. Star co-counsel Iris Fischer responded that the disclosure of names allows journalists to scrutinize government expenses. Fischer noted that physician-identified Medicare billings were released in the United States in 2014 following a court challenge by the Wall Street Journal. Quoting from a Washington Post editorial published that year, she said such information helps illuminate the workings of a complex system of fee-for-service medicine whose seemingly uncontrollable costs have challenged U.S. policymakers for decades. Toronto Police is appealing to the public for information in the homicide case of a woman who was found dead in her apartment near Trinity Bellwoods Park. The woman, whose identity has not been confirmed, was found Tuesday in a fifth-floor apartment unit at 798 Richmond St. West after police were called to the building around 5:15 p.m. for a suspicious death. The woman was found on site with obvious trauma and pronounced dead at the scene. A post-mortem conducted the next day ruled her death as a homicide, though investigators are not revealing the cause of death. Police are asking anyone with information, particularly from the last three days, to contact officers at 416-808-7400 or through Crime Stoppers. The same apartment building was the site of a double homicide in 2008 that remains unsolved. Two 25-year-old men, Oliver Martin and Dylan Ellis, were shot dead in the front seat of Range Rover parked in front of the building 10 years ago on June 13, 2008. The Toronto Transit Commission is investigating all its fuel tanks after an underground storage tank leaked diesel fuel into city sewers last Wednesday. The underground storage tank which was kept at a bus garage in Etobicoke was found leaking by staff on the morning of June 7. TTC spokesperson Stuart Green said the leak was caused by a small piece of pipe that was worn out after exposure to the elements. The fuel leaked from the TTCs Queensway bus division to a storm sewer that feeds into a water holding pond in Colonel Samuel Smith Park, near Kipling Ave. and Lake Shore Boul. W. Green said the tank was one of the last two underground fuel tanks on TTC property. It was scheduled to be removed and replaced with an above ground one, according to the commission. Toronto Water cleaned and flushed out the storm sewer at the site of the leak to remove any diesel fuel. They also set up containment booms in the pond at the park and absorbent booms at the site of the outfall at the park. Read more: Opinion | Edward Keenan: You cant ride a streetcar that isnt there Study says improving bus service is the best way to boost transit ridership Opinion | Clearing the air around the TTCs new buses The absorbent booms will remain there until the first significant rainfall as a precautionary measure, according to the TTC. After an investigation, Toronto Water didnt find any evidence of fuel in sewer lines running from the storage area to the park. According to a TTC press release there is no existing threat to public or employee safety. Green said part of the investigation is figuring out how much fuel was lost but transit operations will not be affected. The incident is pushing the TTC to conduct a review of all its fuel storage tanks and related equipment. The commission said its also developing a site remediation plan. The spill was reported to the Spills Action Centre of Ontarios Ministry of Environment and Climate Change as is legally required. The agency will conduct its own investigation. A criminal lawyer in Argentina has been charged with helping a Mexican cartel sicario or hit man murder one of her clients as he awaited trial on charges connected to the largest cocaine seizure in the history of the Ontario Provincial Police. Lawyer Julieta Estefania Bonanno, 29, was arrested last week in Buenos Aires. She is charged with helping a hooded hit man shoot her client Rodrigo Alexander Naged-Ramirez, 59, and his son dead in their apartment complex in that city on June 4. At the time of his killing, Naged-Ramirez was under house arrest, awaiting trial in Argentina on charges connected to a Canadian drug bust. Naged-Ramirez was charged after police in the GTA and Argentina seized tonnes of cocaine in the GTA, Stoney Creek, Montreal and Argentina. The scope and brutality of the case didnt surprise a Toronto-area journalist who covered organized crime on the Mexican-U.S. border in the early 2000s, before he was forced to seek asylum in Canada over cartel death threats. This is a clear indication of how the Mexican drug cartels have expanded their criminal influence across the world, said Luis Horacio Najera, who was based in Ciudad de Juarez, Mexico, covering cocaine trafficking, gun smuggling, corruption and the drug trade. Naged-Ramirezs son, Jhon Naged, 30, was also shot dead point blank on June 4 in the apartment he shared with his father in the Belgrano district of Buenos Aires. Naged, a Colombian national, was not charged in the cocaine case. The Canadian side of the case is called Project Hope. Last August, OPP commissioner Vince Hawkes announced police had found at total of 1,062 kilograms of 97-per-cent-pure cocaine with a street value of $250 million. Police said they seized the cocaine in warehouses in Toronto and Stoney Creek, and inside containers in Montreal. The first arrests in the case came after a traffic stop on Highway 410. The cocaine was apparently sourced from the Michoacan region of Mexico and shipped through the Andes to Chile and Argentina, before it was shipped to Canada, Najera said. Argentina has been a significant port of transit, or a trampoline for Mexican drug cartels because of its location, and international trade with Europe and North America that facilitate movement of drugs, in particular cocaine from the Andean region, Najera said. Unfortunately, corruption among local authorities has facilitated the settlement of drug cartels within the country, which has grown to the point of becoming a national security priority for the federal government, Najera said. In Argentina, the case was called Bobinas Blancas Project White Coils because some of the cocaine was shipped in containers of steel coils. The case was hailed as the most important drug bust in the last 20 years for Argentina. The drug would have entered through Chile and gone to Spain and Canada, Argentinean National Security Minister Patricia Bullrich said at a press conference after the arrests of 17 men in July, including Naged-Ramirez. Police found about 1,500 kilograms cocaine inside eight steel coils, ready to be shipped to Canada and Spain. Weighing nearly 10,000 kilograms each, the coils were engineered to create a magnetic shield that blocked police scanners, police said. It took police six hours to cut their way through the first coil of steel to retrieve cocaine, Bullrich said. Earlier this month, murder investigators in Buenos Aires released security video of Bonanno with an unidentified hooded man suspected to be a sicario or cartel hit man in the lobby of her clients apartment building on the night of the killings. The suspected hit man wore a hoodie and a cap that hid his face. Bonanno did not appear nervous on the tape. She looked at her cellphone and chewed gum, occasionally blowing bubbles as the hooded man stood behind her for about four minutes before Jhon Naged appeared and allowed them both inside. According to Argentine media reports, Bonanno told police after the killings that she was forced to tie Naged-Ramirez and his son to chairs, and that she was then tied up herself and locked in a laundry room. When she managed to free herself, she reportedly said she saw the father and son dead in their home. According to judicial investigators, Naged-Ramirez was an expert in charge of hiding drugs to avoid customs controls. He travelled to Argentina from Mexico in May of 2017. A Mexican citizen living in Buenos Aires, Naged-Ramirez was indicted on cocaine trafficking charges in Argentina on July 6, 2017. While in custody, he apparently suffered a heart attack and brain damage. A medical committee allowed him to await trial under house arrest. His nickname was The Engineer, according to media reports. Naged-Ramirez was shot twice in the head from about 10 centimetres, while his son was shot dead with the muzzle of a nine-milimetre pistol pressed against his forehead, according to Argentinian media reports. No court date has been set for Bonanno. Read more about: TURNED IN: An off-duty FBI agent who accidentally shot someone in the leg. Chase Bishop, whose poorly thought-out back flip in a Denver bar helped lead to the guns discharge, was charged with assault, Denver police said. The gun went off when he picked it up after it had fallen out of his pants during his acrobacy. SENT OUT: The former president of Panama. Ricardo Martinelli was extradited there, from the U.S., to face corruption and political espionage charges, the L.A. Times reports. Martinelli was said to be living in a Miami waterfront estate last year; the billionaire was pictured this week waving from a Panamanian prison. RESTRICTED: Smoking pot in Banff. The Alberta resort town has banned smoking or vaping the drug in public places even once its legal in Canada. Officials say theyre not naive about a Rocky Mountain high reputation or the potential costs of enforcement. But the mayor said there wasnt much need for cannabis use in public places. UNINHIBITED: The women in a village near Barcelona. The BBC reports theyve voted to go topless in public swimming pools. The binding vote, by 61 per cent to 39, overturned a local ban. The issue flared up after police turned up at a pool last summer and ordered two women to put on their tops. WINNER: London Breed, the San Francisco supervisor now about to become mayor. Shes the first African-American woman elected mayor in the city defeating a man who would have been the citys first openly gay man in the job. Breed saw her win as a message to kids who grew up poor; she was raised by her grandmother in public housing. LOSER: Of press credentials, if Donald Trumps 2020 campaign manager has his way with Jim Acosta. The CNN reporter was targeted by Brad Parscale for shouting a question during the Trump-Kim Jong Un signing ceremony, Fox News reports. Among the questions: Mr. President, did he agree to denuclearize? NAMED: Macedonia. Or, as its formally known, the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia. Under a preliminary deal with neighbouring Greece, it would become the Republic of North Macedonia. The dispute has been going on for decades and helped keep it out of the EU and NATO. But obstacles remain: some Greek factions oppose any name with Macedonia (the name of its northern province). SHAMED: A single mother in the English town of Colyton. Claire Mountjoy got an email instructing her not to hang her laundry to dry as it could hurt the tone of the neighbourhood. In response, and after a Facebook post, town residents have been displaying their underwear and nighties outside their homes in solidarity. DENVERAn off-duty FBI agent charged with assault after an accidental shooting while dancing at a Denver bar would like to meet with the man who was injured and is praying for his recovery, the agents attorney said Wednesday. Chase Bishop appeared in court Wednesday morning, out of custody after turning himself in Tuesday on a second-degree assault charge. Jail records say Bishop posted bond and was released. Attorney David Goddard asked that Bishop be allowed to travel because he lives and works in Washington, D.C. Prosecutors did not object, and Denver County Court Judge Andrea Eddy gave Bishop permission to travel. Goddard called the shooting an incredibly tragic event in a written statement released Wednesday afternoon. Bishop and his family are praying that the injured man has a full and speedy recovery, Goddard said. He referenced media interviews of the injured man saying he would like to talk with the agent, adding that Bishop also hopes they can have a private meeting when appropriate. While members of the local and national media have repeatedly expressed interest in speaking to Mr. Bishop, out of respect for the Denver Police Department and their investigation, we will refrain from further comment until the investigation into this incident is complete, he said. Read more: Dancing FBI agent drops gun during backflip and accidentally shoots someone, police say Police have said Bishop, 29, was dancing at a bar on June 2 when a gun fell from his waistband holster. The firearm went off when he picked it up. Video footage shared with local media shows Bishop dancing in the middle of a circle of people before doing a backflip. The gun falls to the ground mid-flip, and as Bishop picks it up, appears to go off. The video then shows the agent putting the gun back into a waistband holster and walking away with his hands up. The patrons injury was described as serious but not life-threatening. He was treated and released from a hospital. Additional charges could be filed based on the results of a blood-alcohol content test, which has not yet been received, authorities said on Tuesday. Denver District Attorney Beth McCann said the assault charge was filed before that report comes back because sufficient evidence has been presented to file it. The FBI has declined to comment since the shooting. The FBI will continue to fully co-operate with the Denver Police Department and the Denver District Attorneys Office as this matter proceeds through the judicial process, spokeswoman Amy Sanders said on Tuesday. CAMEROON, CAMEROONThe UN General Assembly approved a Palestinian-backed resolution Wednesday blaming Israel for violence in Gaza after narrowly rejecting a U.S. demand to add a condemnation of attacks on Israel by Gazas Hamas rulers. The votes reflected wide concern in the 193-member world body that the resolution sponsored by Arab and Islamic nations was one-sided and failed to even mention Hamas which has fired over 100 rockets at Israel an issue the United States attempted to rectify in its amendment. Since near-weekly mass protests began March 30 along the Israel-Gaze border, more than 120 Palestinians have been killed and over 3,800 wounded by Israeli army fire. The overwhelming majority of the dead and wounded have been unarmed, according to Gaza health officials. Israel says Hamas uses the protests as cover for attacks on the border fence. Algerian Ambassador Sabri Boukadoum, representing Arab nations, first sought to block a vote on the U.S. amendment, saying it wasnt relevant to the resolution. He said it also undermined reconciliation efforts between rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah as well as the remote prospects of reviving peace negotiations with Israel. His motion to take no action on the amendment was defeated by a vote of 59-78 with 26 abstentions, allowing the U.S. amendment to be put to a vote. The U.S. motion was approved on 62-58 vote, with 42 abstentions. But General Assembly President Miroslav Lajcak declared that under an assembly rule, a two-thirds majority was needed so the amendment failed. Read more: Medic who saved lives loses her own in Gaza Israel says Palestinian shot dead in West Bank was attacker Competing UN resolutions to respond to Gaza violence both fail U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley appealed, citing another rule that says only a majority vote was required. After a short break, Lajcak then put the U.S. appeal to a vote. The U.S. narrowly lost that vote 66-73 with 26 abstentions. Finally, the assembly voted on the original Palestinian-backed resolution, approving it 120-8 with 45 abstentions. The resolutions text deplores any excessive use of force by Israeli forces, particularly in Gaza, and demands that Israel refrain from such actions. It also seeks recommendations from UN Secretary-General Antonio Gutterese on ensuring protection for Palestinian civilians, including an international protection mechanism. The Palestinians had initially sought a Security Council resolution after Israels military killed civilians during the mass protests in Gaza against the border blockade imposed by Israel and Egypt in 2007 after Hamas overran the territory. The U.S. vetoed that resolution June 1, with Haley calling it grossly one-sided for criticizing the use of force by Israel while not mentioning Hamas. Arab and Islamic nations then decided to seek a vote on virtually the identical resolution at Wednesdays emergency meeting of the 193-member General Assembly, where there are no vetoes. The Palestinians and their supporters followed the same route they took in December after the United States vetoed a Security Council resolution calling on President Donald Trump to renounce his recognition of Israel as Jerusalems capital. The General Assembly largely ignored Trumps threats at the time to cut off aid to any country that went against the United States and voted 128-9 to denounce the U.S. presidents recognition of Jerusalem as Israels capital and declare it null and void. Wednesdays assembly meeting reflected the deep divisions that persist over the decades-old Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The marchers in Gaza have pressed demands for a right of return for descendants of Palestinian refugees to ancestral homes in what is now Israel. More than 700,000 Palestinians were expelled or fled in the 1948 Mideast war over Israels creation. Two-thirds of Gazas 2 million residents are descendants of refugees. The resolution adopted Wednesday calls for immediate steps towards ending the closure and the restrictions imposed by Israel on movement and access into and out of the Gaza Strip. It also deplores the firing of rockets from the Gaza Strip against Israeli civilian areas, but doesnt say who is doing the firing. While Security Council resolutions are legally binding, General Assembly resolutions are not, although assembly spokesman Brendan Varma stressed Wednesday that they do reflect political will as well as international opinion. Read more about: LONDONIn the shadow of Londons Grenfell Tower, the pain is as fresh as the newly laid flowers for the dead. One year ago, the residential high-rise was destroyed by a fire that killed 72 people. It was the greatest loss of life in a fire on British soil since World War II, a horror that left the neighbourhood and the country in shock. On Thursday, survivors, bereaved families and people around Britain marked the anniversary of a local tragedy thats also a national shame one for which blame still is being assigned and traded. Was Grenfell a tragic accident, the product of government cost-cutting and lax safety standards, or authorities disregard for people who lived in public housing? I dont see this as a tragedy. I see it as an atrocity, Hissam Choucair, who lost six members of his family in the fire, told a public inquiry last month. The sombre anniversary was being marked across Britain with a minute of silence at noon. In the west London neighbourhood around Grenfell the dead were remembered at vigils and church services, before a silent march and an evening meal hosted by local Muslims. The tower and other London buildings were lit up overnight in green, which has been adopted as a colour of remembrance. Antonio Roncolato, who lived the 10th floor, said Thursdays anniversary was a time to reflect and to raise further awareness and make sure that the world is still listening, because we dont want this to happen ever again. Read more: Britains Grenfell Tower inquiry looks at how highrise became highly combustible death trap U.K. inquiry into Londons deadly Grenfall Tower aims to answer overwhelming question: Why? After Grenfell Tower fire, U.S.-based group develops tool aimed at making buildings safer A year on, the area around Grenfell echoes with sounds of construction. The ruined tower, which stood for months like a black tombstone on the skyline, is covered in white sheeting. A green heart and the words Grenfell forever in our hearts are emblazoned at the top. Notice boards and walls nearby carry hand-written tributes, expressions of sorrow and promises of resolve: RIP to the fallen; I love my Uncle Ray; RIP Yas; We wont fail! Flowers, candles, and well-worn teddy bears that were left in memory of the dead are tended by local volunteers. A note from Prime Minister Theresa May, attached to a wreath of white roses, promises: They will never be forgotten. The fire broke out shortly before 1 a.m. on June 14, 2017, in the kitchen of Behailu Kebedes fourth-floor apartment. Kebede woke the neighbours on his floor and called firefighters, who soon arrived. High-rise apartment towers are supposed to be designed to stop apartment fires spreading. But within minutes, the flames had escaped Kebedes apartment and raced up the outside of the 25-story tower like a lit fuse. Many residents fled, but some on the upper floors observed official fire-safety advice and stayed put. The fire brigade changed the guidance at 2:47 a.m. By that time, the buildings only stairwell was smoke-filled and treacherous. Several people died trying to get out. Others perished in their homes as they waited to be rescued, or died in neighbours apartments where theyd taken shelter. Three people were found dead outside, having fallen or jumped from the tower. Rania Ibrahim, who died with her two young daughters on the 23rd floor, broadcast her final hours of fear and prayers on Facebook. Mohamed Amied Neda, 57, who had fled the Taliban in Afghanistan to build a life in Britain, left a voice message for his family: Goodbye, we are leaving this world now, goodbye. I hope I havent disappointed you. Goodbye to all. By the time the sun rose, a building that could be seen for miles around was a blackened, smoking shell. Hundreds of people were homeless and dozens were dead, though the destruction from the heat had been so great it would be months before police were certain of how many: 70 died that night, plus a premature baby, Logan Gomes, who was stillborn later that day. Maria del Pilar Burton, a 74-year-old resident of the 19th floor, was hospitalized after the fire and died in January. Local government workers, police and volunteers rushed to help, setting up temporary shelters and bringing clothes, food, money and help for the hundreds of people displaced from the tower and nearby buildings. Grief was soon joined by anger at local authorities in Kensington and Chelsea borough, which owned the building; at the tenant management organization than ran the tower; and at Britains Conservative government, seen as distant and uncaring. Many residents said they had complained about safety and poor maintenance and were ignored because the tower was home to a largely immigrant and working-class population. A public-housing block in one of Londons richest boroughs, a stones throw from the pricey boutiques and elegant houses of Notting Hill, it came for many to symbolize a divided and broken Britain. The anger is still visible on the walls around Grenfell. Mixed in with tributes to the dead are the words TMO = terrorists a reference to the tenant management organization and expletives directed at the prime minister. May acknowledged this week that the government had been too slow to act. She vowed that survivors would get the homes and support that they need and the truth and justice that they deserve. After the fire, the government immediately promised to re-house all those displaced within three weeks. But some residents spent months in hotels, and many are still in temporary accommodations. May said Wednesday that 183 of 203 affected families have accepted offers of new homes, though most have not yet moved in. A judge-led public inquiry finally got underway last month. It will take 18 months and look at the fires causes, the response to it and Britains high-rise building regulations. But some survivors are critical because it wont investigate wider issues around social housing and social policy. Already, the testimony has been damning. A report by fire safety engineer Barbara Lane listed multiple safety failings, including the flammable aluminum-and polyethylene cladding installed on the towers facade during a recent renovation. Stephanie Barwise, a lawyer for some of the survivors, said the cladding helped flames spread more quickly than dropping a match into a barrel of petrol. The safety failures at Grenfell have national implications. More than 300 towers around Britain have similar combustible cladding. The government says it will spend $530 million (U.S.) stripping the cladding from publicly owned high-rises. Questions have also been raised about whether lives were lost because of the fire departments stay put advice. Police are considering corporate manslaughter charges in the blaze, but no one has been charged. Tony Travers, a professor of government at the London School of Economics, said the disaster was likely the result of a systems failure rather than a single cause. Its likely that there will not be a single guilty person or institution, but more a chain of events that together led to a catastrophic failure, Travers said. Even if the inquiry identifies causes and who deserves to be held accountable, the formal review is unlikely to end Britains soul-searching over a disaster with victims from 23 countries taxi drivers and architects, a poet, an acclaimed young artist, retirees and children with bright futures. Ill fares the land that left these people to be so exposed to such trauma and such death, Danny Friedman, a lawyer for some of the bereaved families and survivors, told the inquiry. In the end, he said, the Grenfell Tower fire is an example writ large of how inequalities of political, legal and economic power can kill people. San FranciscoThe election of London Breed as mayor of San Francisco, which was all but made official Wednesday when Mark Leno, the runner-up in the election, conceded defeat, was a remarkable victory. Breed is the first African-American woman to hold the post in San Francisco. And San Francisco is now the largest U.S. city with a female mayor. For many black people in the city, Breeds election has a special resonance, one that rekindles the hope that the long and steady decline of San Franciscos African-American population might be stanched or even reversed. We were fast becoming an invisible people in this city, said the Rev. Amos Brown, pastor of Third Baptist Church, where Breed is a congregant. Maybe we can now stop this hemorrhaging. John William Templeton, a historian of black culture and business in San Francisco, said he hoped Breed could serve as a beacon and a magnet for black entrepreneurs across the country. The campaign got a lot of people around the country interested in San Francisco who wouldnt have thought about it before, he said. Templeton contrasts the many individual successes of black people in San Francisco with the collective poverty of African-Americans overall in the city. Black people have a median income that is a fraction of that for whites or Asians. Blacks have succeeded individually but not as a group, he said. In a city where black people make up less than 5 per cent of the population, the chief of police, the city administrator, the superintendent of schools and the head of the public works department are all African-Americans. Templeton points to both the racist policies toward blacks and Chinese people of decades past and the citys current evangelizing spirit of tolerance. Breeds election, he said, reflects the best of San Francisco as a western sanctuary where people who didnt have opportunities in other places could come. Read more: San Francisco Mayor Edwin Lee dies suddenly at age 65 San Francisco claims victory after right-wing group shut out BEIJING The United States will not ease sanctions against North Korea until it denuclearizes, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday, as he reassured key Asian allies that U.S. President Donald Trump had not backed down on Pyongyangs weapons program. Pompeo, meeting in Seoul with top South Korean and Japanese diplomats, put a more sober spin on Trumps summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un after the presidents comments fuelled unease in Washington, Tokyo and Seoul. He said Trumps curious claim that the Norths nuclear threat was over was issued with eyes wide open, and brushed off a North Korean state media report suggesting Trump would grant concessions even before the North fully rids itself of nuclear weapons. Were going to get denuclearization, Pompeo said in the South Korean capital. Only then will there be relief from the sanctions. Diverging from the president, Harry Harris, Trumps choice to become ambassador to South Korea, said the U.S. must continue to worry about the nuclear threat from North Korea. However, Harris, the former commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific, endorsed Trumps plan to pause major military exercises with the South, saying the U.S. is in a dramatically different place from where it was a year ago. Pompeo emphasized that the drills, which North Korea claims to be preparation for a northward invasion, could still be resumed if the mercurial Kim stops negotiating in good faith. Read more: Trump declares North Korea no longer a nuclear threat Analysis | Donald Trump gave a summit to Kim Jong Un but its unclear what U.S. is getting in return Opinion | Trump trusts Kim, but will change actually come to the Korean Peninsula The words of reassurance from Pompeo came as diplomacy continued at an intense pace after Tuesdays summit in Singapore, the first between a sitting American president and North Koreas leader in six decades of hostility. In the village of Panmunjom along the North-South border, the rival Koreas on Thursday held their first high-level military talks since 2007, focused on reducing tensions across their heavily fortified border. Pompeo flew from Seoul to Chinas capital, Beijing, later Thursday for a meeting with President Xi Jinping, whose country is believed to wield considerable influence with North Korea as its chief ally and economic lifeline. I also want to thank China and President Xi for his role in helping bring North Korea to the negotiating table, Pompeo told reporters. Pompeo thanked Beijing for its continuing efforts to help achieve the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea. He said both sides had agreed that sanctions would not be eased until thats achieved. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described the Singapore summit as having great historic significance with the potential to lead to enduring peace. Wang said the U.S. should continue to work through China. Pompeo said there was still a risk that denuclearization might not be achieved and there was more work to be done by Beijing and Washington. Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang reiterated Chinas support for a political settlement, while also pointing to an eventual lifting of UN Security Council economic sanctions. We believe that the sanctions themselves are not the end, Geng said. China has been praised by Trump for ramping up economic pressure on the North, which the U.S. believes helped coax Kim to the negotiating table. For its part, Beijing has broadly welcomed Trumps diplomacy with Kim. The summit in Singapore marked a reduction in tensions a sea change from last fall, when North Korea was conducting nuclear and missile tests, and Trump and Kim were trading threats and insults that stoked fears of war. Kim is now promising to work toward a denuclearized Korean Peninsula, and state media heralded the meeting as victorious, with photos of Kim standing side-by-side with Trump splashed across newspapers in Pyongyang. On Thursday, North Koreans finally got a glimpse of video of Trump and Kim together, as official Korean Central Television broadcast the first footage of Kims trip to Singapore. Yet there were persistent questions about whether Trump had given away too much in return for too little. Trumps announcement minutes after the summits conclusion that he would halt the provocative joint military drills were a shock to South Korea and caught much of the U.S. military off guard, too. Pyongyang has long sought an end to the exercises it considers rehearsals for an invasion, but U.S. treaty allies Japan and South Korea view them as critical elements of their own national security. So Pompeo had some explaining to do as he travelled to Seoul to brief the allies on what transpired in Singapore. In public, at least, South Koreas leader cast the summits outcome as positive during a short meeting with Pompeo at the Blue House, South Koreas presidential palace. President Moon Jae-in, an avowed supporter of engagement with North Korea, called it a truly historic feat that had moved us from the era of hostility towards the era of dialogue, of peace and prosperity. Still, there were signs as Pompeo met later with the top Japanese and South Korean diplomats that concerns about the freeze had not been fully resolved. South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha told reporters afterward that the military drills issue was not discussed in depth. This is a matter that military officials from South Korea and the United States will have to discuss further and co-ordinate, Kang said. The U.S. has stationed combat troops in South Korea since the end of the Korean War and has used them in a variety of drills. The next scheduled major exercise, involving tens of thousands of troops, normally would be held in August. With the Trump-Kim summit concluded, the baton was being passed to lower-level U.S. and North Korean officials, who Pompeo said would likely resume meeting as early as the next week to hash out details of a disarmament deal, sure to be a complex and contentious process. He said the U.S. was hopeful North Korea would take major disarmament steps before the end of Trumps first term in office, which concludes in January 2021. Read more about: A June 6 StarMetro Vancouver article about the city of Vancouver voting to ban conversion therapy mistakenly stated that a Vancouver religious organization called Journey Canada offers courses to adults who wish to change their sexuality and said the organization had not responded to a request for comment before deadline. In fact, Journey Canada has since made clear that it does not engage in conversion therapy. Its statement on what it calls "sexual orientation change efforts" can be found here. StarMetro apologizes to Journey Canada for this mistake. The real reason jobs left America, June 9 As a person who was affected by NAFTA, I take exception to Mr. Dyers article, where he notes the real job killer is robots, not free trade. During the mid-1960s, Canada and the United States signed a fair trade deal called the Auto Pact. This deal resulted in the hiring of tens of thousands of workers, including myself, to work in numerous auto plants and parts suppliers. This progressive trade deal lasted for almost 40 years until it was dismantled by the governments in the early 2000s. Shortly after the demise of the Auto Pact, numerous plants closed when the jobs left for Mexico under NAFTA. There is no doubt robots have integrated into auto plants and have affected the workforce, but to suggest the robots have taken over the plants entirely is false and misleading. Ken Robertson, Barrie No doubt automation has killed many jobs here and south of our border. But surely the majority of jobs were lost because we (the majority of Canadians and Americans) want to buy manufactured goods at prices that cant be supported by the wages we want and need to be paid to maintain a standard of living to which we have come to expect is our right. Pete Watson, Anten Mills, Ont. Read more about: Ontarians of all political stripes can celebrate the results of the June 7 election for one key reason. Fully 58 per cent of eligible voters turned out in a high stakes provincial campaign, yielding the most democratic outcome in nearly two decades. In a province that never broke the 5-million mark, more than 5.7 million people voted last week. Six in 10 people voting may not sound like much to rejoice over. But it is much, much better than the last two Ontario elections, when barely half of all voters bothered to cast ballots. In 2014, a mere 51 per cent of Ontarians voted. In the 2011 election, the turnout fell to an all-time low of 48 per cent. Perhaps the province suffers from a guilty conscience, because polling suggests most Ontarians arent proud of their democratic deficit. Told that turnouts had tumbled to the psychologically important halfway mark, fully two-thirds of Ontarians said it called into question the legitimacy of our elected governments at Queens Park, according to a survey conducted earlier this year by Campaign Research for the Toronto Star. Now, Ontario is no longer an outlier burdened by the countrys lowest electoral turnouts. Last weeks vote was a full 10 percentage points higher than in 2011, suggesting that a disconcerting downward trend has been reversed for the time being. What happened? Never mind who people voted for, why did they vote at all? Well know more in the coming weeks as new survey data becomes available. But we already know from past research that a high-visibility election whether highly competitive, highly contentious, or both motivates people to show up on election day. Or, tellingly, before election day: In this campaign, an estimated 770,000 voters took advantage of advance polls an increase of nearly 19 per cent over the last election. Thats a leading indicator that many more people believed their vote was too important to miss. We know that voters tend to stay home if they believe the outcome is a foregone conclusion. While it would be wrong to say that the 2011 and 2014 campaigns were predictable they both produced surprising outcomes it is fair to say that the 2018 election had heightened suspense. The dynamics and theatrics of this race doubtless drove turnout. PC Leader Doug Ford was nothing if not a polarizing populist, capable of angering and motivating voters on both sides of the ideological divide to turn out whether for or against him. Supporters would stop at nothing to elect him, while opponents would elect anything to stop him. NDP Leader Andrea Horwath profited from perceptions of a Liberal collapse and fears of a PC conquest to boost the NDP vote dramatically. Liberal Leader Kathleen Wynnes unpopularity probably pushed many progressives into the NDP camp. One unanswered question is whether young Canadians and New Canadians turned out in larger numbers than before. We know that millenials helped bring Justin Trudeaus Liberals to power federally in the 2015 election, but we also know they were at least partly motivated by his promise to legalize cannabis a one-time offer. Mid-campaign polling showed that much of the NDPs surge in support came from younger voters, but did millenials come through on election day? The NDPs popular vote of 34 per cent marked a big increase from the 24 per cent they won in 2014, but we dont know how much bigger it might have been had more young people voted. In the 1971 election that made Bill Davis premier, a solid 74 per cent of eligible voters cast ballots. But in the 1981 election that gave him a comfortable majority government, turnout tumbled to 58 per cent. With last weeks turnout, we have come full circle. In between, from 1985 to 1995, turnouts hovered in the low 60 per cent range, until starting a downward trend in 1999 that saw the percentages drop into the 50s, bottoming out at 48 per cent in 2011. Now, thanks to the inspiration and desperation flowing from the Ford factor, Ontarios voter turnout has rebounded to where it was in the final years of the Davis era. While that offers some consolation, it is not grounds for complacency. For those who worry about the dynamics of democratic engagement, the question remains: Where would voter turnout be today in Canadas biggest province without Ford Nation? Read more about: Its not often that a Canadian foreign affairs minister says anything important. But Chrystia Freeland did Wednesday when she told Americans point-blank that their days of global hegemony are numbered and that they would be wise to keep the allies they have. You may feel today that your size allows you to go mano-a-mano with your traditional adversaries and be guaranteed to win, Freeland told a friendly audience at the Foreign Policy forum in Washington. But if history tells us one thing it is that no one nations preeminence is eternal. She noted in particular Chinas rise as an economic power. Freelands message will not go down well with U.S. President Donald Trump, who has vowed to make America great again. It may not go well with Americans in general. The foreign affairs minister made her point in a wide-ranging speech that articulated her view of world history since 1945. Read more: Editorial | Americans should fight for rules-based order, not trash it Freeland raises Canadian concerns about American auto proposals for NAFTA Its a rosy view, one that she has given before. It downplays the role that American self-interest played in establishing the post Second World War order and glosses over the corrosive effects of what used to be called U.S. imperialism. But it is essentially correct in its description of how America and its allies created international institutions and rules designed to increase trade and encourage global capitalism. In the early years, these rules unambiguously favoured the U.S. and its multinational corporations. The International Monetary Fund, for instance, was used to impose fiscal discipline on developing nations and force them to adopt policies that benefitted foreign capital. Freeland didnt talk about that. But the postwar order did have rules. And as long as the U.S. played the lead role in setting these rules, it was happy to follow them. When the Cold War ended, countries that had been ideological enemies of U.S. capitalism, like China and Russia, joined the rules-based order and enriched themselves by doing so. China in particular demonstrated that a liberal, market-based economy could thrive in an authoritarian, undemocratic state. Meanwhile, in advanced countries like the U.S. a reaction to globalization was growing among those who had been left behind. Freeland didnt mention Trumps name but she clearly had him in mind when she talked of the false lure of those who would do away with the postwar order. My own view is that Freeland is too quick to equate trade protectionism with authoritarianism. Canadas supply management system in dairy products is protectionist. Yet Canada is not an authoritarian state. Conversely, Chinas embrace of freer trade has not lessened the dominance of its ruling Communist party. But shes right when she says that adherence to a rules-based order can sometimes discourage big countries from bullying the small. And shes right when she says the time of Western preeminence is fast coming to an end. How shall we behave in a world we no longer dominate? she asked Wednesday. Her answer: Cement the rules in place before the other guys take over. As the Wests relative might inevitably declines now is the time to plant our flag on the rule of law. Read more: Doug Ford to meet with U.S. governers and press for open borders Trump says hell punish the people of Canada because of Trudeaus news conference Americans are not likely to be pleased by Freelands reminder that their time in the sun is drawing to a close. They pride themselves on what they call their exceptionalism. Nor are Congressional Republicans likely to rise up and demand that Trump withdraw the punitive tariffs he has levied against Canadian steel and aluminum. The president is popular among Republicans. Legislators who dare to cross him are in danger of being punished politically by the voters. Some have been punished already. Still, Canadas foreign affairs minister has articulated a truth that Americans would be wise to consider: Dont screw your friends. You might need them sometime. Thomas Walkom is a Toronto-based columnist covering politics. Follow him on Twitter: is a Toronto-based columnist covering politics. Follow him on Twitter: @tomwalkom Read more about: Justin Trudeau needs a win. The Liberal ledger of broken, under-delivered or endangered promises is growing. Electoral reform was simply tossed overboard for political expediency. A national climate pricing program has nothing but trouble ahead and confrontation over the nationalized Trans Mountain pipeline expansion is all but guaranteed. Relations with Washington are at a nadir and a trade war will bite the middle class the prime minister has purported to champion. Indigenous reconciliation was over-promised but even the lowest-hanging symbolic fruit of that initiative, the inquiry into Missing and Murdered Indigenous Women and Girls, now only pierces the public consciousness for all the wrong reasons. Hence the need for a relatively clean rollout of legalized recreational marijuana a signature promise of Trudeau, one that can restore his progressive bona fides and one which would most definitely buoy a government that is finding danger at every turn. Predictably, the clean roll out kept hitting speed bumps. At one time, July 1 was going to be pot legalization day. Now, it is U.S. retaliatory tariffs day. The Senate considered the cannabis bill for seven months. Five committees heard from more than 200 witnesses. It was a level of diligence that bordered on obstructionism, or at least an attempt to keep punting legalization closer to an election year where inevitable hiccups could be highlighted. Trudeau made just such a charge this week, but Conservative Leader Andrew Scheer, citing his partys minority in the Senate, said the pace of approval in the Upper House was Trudeaus responsibility. Regardless, it was Scheers Conservatives who led the Senate opposition and were hammering away at it in the Commons question period Thursday. The government will now send the bill back to the Senate, after rejecting most of the Upper Chambers 46 amendments. There, senators should take a bow, congratulate themselves for their great work and resist any impulse to continue a fight over a promised piece of legislation from a democratically elected majority government. Quebec, Manitoba and Nunavut, with the Senates backing, may feel that the battle for provincial primacy now rests on their desire to ban homegrown pot in their jurisdictions, but this could not possibly become a mountain to die on for the Senate. Whether the provinces are claiming four (or fewer) homegrown pot plants constitute a danger to children, abuses their right to set their own regulations or put an undue burden on law enforcement, this can hardly be an issue to shake the country. When government statistics say there were at least 5,869 opioid-related deaths in this country between January 2016 and September, 2017, the idea of cops using resources to count pot plants in Winnipeg condos is absurd. As we move toward legalization, the government should be pushed on issues more substantive than Senate concerns with indoor plants or T-shirts with cannabis leaves on them. One of those issues was laid out in the Commons by Marilyn Gladu, who stepped away from Conservative fear-mongering to explain the situation in her border riding of Sarnia-Lambton. Without assurances from U.S. Homeland Security, legalized cannabis is taking us to a thickened American border and possible tragic consequences for uninformed pot smokers. Cannabis residue or even the odour of cannabis is enough for border agents to send Canadians to secondary screening. Possession of cannabis could get you a lifetime ban from the U.S. Gladu says U.S. border agents have told her they will not hire more screeners, so some searches will simply be done in the crossing lanes and they are anticipating wait times to increase 300 per cent. A spokesperson for Public Safety Minister Ralph Goodale says the matter has been consistently raised in conversations with his U.S. counterparts. Given the state of Canada-U.S. relations, Canadians deserve something more concrete. The Liberals have also remain coy on what they will do about people with criminal records for simple pot possession, disproportionately Black and Indigenous Canadians. The government owes them an easy way to have those records expunged and Goodale says once the law is changed, fairness will follow. But anything short of a blanket pardon is hypocrisy, as Canadians will otherwise face roadblocks to advancement because of a criminal record for something thats not illegal anymore. Conservatives can no longer moralize. This ship is sailing. We cant get bogged down on homegrown plants and T-shirts when Liberals still have important work to do at the U.S. border and in our criminal system. Tim Harper is a former Star reporter and a freelance national affairs columnist based in Toronto. Follow him on Twitter: @nutgraf1 Read more about: VANCOUVERThe B.C. Public Service Agency has reached a tentative collective agreement with the union representing government employees, nine months before their existing contract was set to expire. The government announced the formation of a three-year tentative agreement in a news release Wednesday afternoon. Its the first agreement to be formed under the NDP governments Sustainable Services Negotiating Mandate, which sets out the expectation that the government engage in modern, forward-looking negotiations with unions. This tentative agreement is the first among 183 that will help us deliver better services to British Columbians, said Finance Minister Carole James in a news release Wednesday. We look forward to unions and employers continuing to reach freely-negotiated agreements. Reached by phone Wednesday afternoon, BCGEU president Stephanie Smith said the union shares a mandate with the government to improve public services in the province. We were clearly optimistic about going into bargaining with an NDP government that has put that as part of their mandate, Smith said. We had to temper that with understanding they have a very ambitious agenda. According to the union, the agreement includes annual general wage increases, as well as additional wage increases in targeted areas, to deal with recruitment and retention issues in the respective ministries. Smith declined to give details on those targeted areas, but referred to court services deputy sheriffs and child protection social workers as examples of workers the public service has had difficulty recruiting and retaining due to wages she says just havent kept up. The tentative agreement, which would cover 26,500 public sector employees, must be ratified by the membership, upon which it would come into effect April 1, 2019. A ratification vote will take place over mail-in ballot, once the membership has had the opportunity to review the tentative agreement. Read more about: VANCOUVERIts not often that Granville Island Vancouvers beloved tourist and arts hub looks to redevelop its infrastructure with ideas from the public. But starting in September, the island will launch an online form giving individuals the opportunity to voice their ideas and feedback on the how a 120,000 square-foot building that previously housed the Emily Carr University of Art and Design should be used. The call for ideas on the designated arts and innovation hub is part of a greater redevelopment plan for the island by 2040. Lisa Ono, public affairs manager, said in a statement that this change represents the most significant redevelopment project on the island in decades. The hub will house a mix of arts and innovative organizations, restaurants and other amenities. The change to the building is part of a greater plan in place for Granville Island that aims to make improvements in areas such as accessibility, public spaces, arts and innovation and expand the public market. Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation, the organization that manages Granville Island on behalf of the federal government, has been soliciting feedback for roughly a year and a half from existing tenants before going public. The lengthy period of consultation has drawn ire from merchants in the past. It has been a long process because were looking at the island holistically, Ono said. And this is one very large project among many other large projects that are happening. Barbara Arnold, an artist who has been a tenant on the island for seven years, said she would like the space to provide some affordable studio space for emerging artists that specialize in areas like pottery, jewelry, fine art and digital art. Its really hard to get started in Vancouver because the rent is so expensive. Flexible rental spaces on a mix of hourly, weekly or monthly basis would benefit artists, she added. Individuals and organizations interested in participating in the call for ideas process will need to register before being invited on a series of building visits and information sessions over the summer, in order to help participants prepare their ideas in advance of the submission period. Read more about: VANCOUVER Real estate agents in B.C. say they are not ready and may risk significant financial penalties when new rules are implemented prohibiting dual agency, the practice where an agent represents both a buyer and a seller. Starting June 15, according to rules posted by the B.C. Real Estate Council, agents are prohibited from representing both the buyer and seller in a transaction in almost all circumstances. The regulations, announced last November by B.C.s Office of the Superintendent of Real Estate, require listing agents to present a disclosure form to every unrepresented potential buyer who asks for advice. Even answering even simple questions about real estate could be seen as acting as someones agent. Additional rules require agents to disclose, in dollar value, exactly how much commission they would make whenever an offer is made. To help agents understand the changes, the Real Estate Council of B.C., the regulator responsible for enforcing the rules, has a prepared three-day mandatory course agents must take before their licences expire. But even on the eve of June 15, multiple agents told StarMetro they have yet to take the course. One agent said they received an invitation to take the course only nine days before the new rules were slated to take effect. Barbara Bell-Olsen, managing broker at Royal LePage Westside, said the changes put agents who want to help unrepresented buyers by answering questions into a difficult position. She questioned whether the changes are truly helping the public. Read more: In an election of safe choices, Patrick Condon wants to be Vancouvers Bernie Vancouver wants single-family neighbourhoods to make room for more people As cost of living increases, number of B.C. seniors living in poverty spikes What happens is if youre holding an open house and ... you come in. If you start to tell me private or confidential information about yourself, I have to make sure I stop you right away. Because at that point, you could fall into implied agency, Bell-Olsen said. Such private or confidential information could include how much money a potential buyer is willing to spend, their motivation for the purchase, or what theyre looking for in a real-estate transaction. If you phone me up and you want information, Im going to refer you to get your own realtor, Bell-Olsen said. Darlene Hyde, CEO of the B.C. Real Estate Association, has been unsuccessfully calling for a grace period after June 15, so agents can learn the new rules without risking penalties. Her association has been spending the last few weeks updating forms used by agents, educational materials and course curricula in an effort to make sure everyone will comply. The group is tasked with educating 23,000 real estate agents. Weve maxed out on our outreach efforts to realtor, Hyde said. All I can say is that the relationship that the consumer has with the agent is going to have to change in some circumstances. The new conflict-of-interest and dual-agency regulations were created in response to concerns that agents could not objectively represent two parties in the same transaction. They were intended as transparency measures, and to help the public make more informed real estate financial decisions. For agents, however, the rules represent barriers to their established way of doing business. For example, an agent who specializes in a certain neighbourhood could find themselves in conflict of interest should more than one of their clients ever wish to make an offer on the same property. In those circumstances, an agent might find 10 clients vying for the same three listings, and the only way to avoid a conflict would be to convince the opposing buyers to agree to continue despite the conflict of interest, or to drop the clients altogether. Erin Seeley, executive officer of the Real Estate Council of B.C., which enforces the new regulations, said agents have had plenty of time to prepare. She said the council will continue to perform up to 300 audits per year to ensure licensed agents are following new and old regulations. If they fail to do so, the council can levy administrative fines of up to $50,000, conduct penalties of up to $250,000, and more fines equalling to what the agent earned from the sale in question. She said theres no plan to provide a grace period. In every complaint, there is always a potential to have a maximum fine if it meets the standards for the most egregious conduct and the ... greatest harm to the consumer, Seeley said. In general, technical errors result in smaller penalties ... but there are always factors in how the misconduct is assessed. Brian Taylor, a lawyer with Norton Rose Fulbright, told Re/Max agents in an educational seminar that many will likely be caught for honest mistakes discovered during audits. Taylors advice was captured in a video distributed to Re/Max agents and obtained by StarMetro. Taylor said one of the biggest risks is when a listing agent is approached by a potential buyer at an open house, who asks whether the listing agent can show them any other properties. If the agent agrees, they may have just committed a dual-agency violation. Its not going to come from complaints. Its going to be audits, thats where its going to get dinged, Taylor said. (Agents) may say, This is stupid. (Regulators) dont make rules for you to ignore. It isnt a defence to say, Your rule is stupid. Read more about: VANCOUVERThe B.C. Civil Liberties Association and the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs are calling for an investigation into the racial disparities evident in the Vancouver Police Departments practice of street checks, also known as carding. The complaint was based on data released in May on VPD street checks from 2008-2017, showing that Indigenous and Black people were checked, or stopped and asked for identification, at a disproportionately a higher rate than the rest of the population. Indigenous people, who make up 2 per cent of the Vancouver population, were found to have made up 16 per cent of street checks; and Black people, who are 1 per cent of the population, made up 5 per cent of checks. At a news conference on Thursday, the BCCLA and the UBCIC were joined by representatives from Vancouvers Indigenous and Black communities to announce the filing of a complaint with the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner and call for an immediate investigation. Elaine Durocher, a Metis woman and longtime resident of the Downtown Eastside, said she is routinely stopped on the street and racially targeted. As an Indigenous women in the Downtown Eastside, the police are harassing and stopping us on the street. I feel its just harassment to be asked where Im going, what Im doing, said Durocher. She said that the frequency of street checks on members of the DTES community has made some people fear leaving their homes and being out on the street. Read more: First Nations police arent considered an essential service. Thats making a tough task even harder Mikmaq film The Basket Maker explores craft through generations of artists Students from Calgary and Tsuutina create mural for Fort Calgary Poverty is not a crime, homelessness is not a crime, being a person of colour is not a crime. Josh Paterson, executive director of the BCCLA, said that the to the racial disparities in the VPD data points to clear discrimination. It is difficult for us to imagine any conclusion other than street checks are conducted in a discriminatory manner here in Vancouver, said Paterson. We are asking for an immediate independent investigation to determine what is going on and how this can be fixed. Robert Chamberlin, vice-president of the Union of B.C. Indian Chiefs, said that the VPD needs to develop overarching guidelines and policies on street checks in order to prevent racial discrimination. Here we have a situation with the Vancouver police departments own data that clearly shows a need to understand this situation and call on the powers that be to develop clear policies to guide the action of the VPD, he said. The time of justice is now. In a statement, VPD media relations officer Jacson Doucette said street checks are prompted by suspected criminal activity, not race. The VPDs street checks are not based on ethnicity. If our officers see potential criminal activity or a threat to public safety, they are bound by law, including the Police Act, to address it A persons race does not factor into an officers decision to take action to prevent a crime. There is a strong association between street checks and criminal charges. The numbers show that the percentage of street checks by ethnicity is comparable to percentages by ethnicity for charges and recommended charges. Doucette said that the VPD will be working on delivering a response soon. The Vancouver Police Department will review the policy complaint submitted today to the Office of the Police Complaint Commissioner and provide a fulsome response with additional data, analysis, and context, in the coming weeks. Read more about: WOOD RIVER A 69-year-old East St. Louis man died Wednesday after a crash on Illinois Route 3 that sent two others to area hospitals. At approximately 1 p.m. Wednesday, the Wood River Police Department received 911 calls in reference to a traffic crash on Illinois Route 3 at Amoco Cutoff, just south of Illinois Route 143. ALTON Mayor Brant Walker released a statement Wednesday stating he does not approve a new Community of Sunnybrook housing development in Alton, two days after the majority owner of the project was denied a chance to speak to an aldermanic panel about the project. Ed Hightower, former Edwardsville School District superintendent and majority owner of the planned Alton development, requested to give a presentation at Mondays Committee of the Whole meeting but received no motion from the panel to allow him to speak. A story about the meeting in Tuesdays edition of The Telegraph reports Hightower was told by Corporation Counsel Jim Schrempf that no presentation was necessary because Walker is in favor and no member of the council has voiced any opposition. At Wednesdays meeting, Schrempf said he was misquoted in the story, saying he claimed the mayor previously supported the project. He clarified Wednesday night the project can go forward without any further action from the aldermen or the mayor, but the lack of opposition does not indicate approval. Walkers statement released Wednesday said the Telegraph report of his approval was incorrect. He said the project was brought to his attention two years ago and that it did not align with his administrations policy of promoting affordable, single-family home ownership. The $14 million project in the 700 block of Washington Avenue is being backed by the Illinois Housing Development Authority in the form of tax credits. The authority can authorize a dollar-for-dollar federal tax credit for investment in affordable housing. The Telegraph obtained a copy of Hightowers presentation, even though he did not present it at the Monday committee meeting after Schrempf told him committee approval was not needed. Hightower could not be reached Wednesday for comment. In Hightowers planned presentation, he said the mayor agreed in writing to back the proposal. Hightower, formerly superintendent of the Edwardsville School District, said, The support from Mayor Walker and his staff was excellent until recently. The former superintendent quoted Walker as having praised the project. The project is directly in line with Altons growth and revitalization efforts, Walker wrote, according to Hightower. As the mayor of Alton, I affirm that the city strongly supports this project and the efforts of the development team, the mayor reportedly said. Walker acknowledged he signed a memorandum of understanding in support of the project, but that memorandum included a stipulation that prospective residents would have the opportunity to purchase the home after a 15-year tax compliance period and it deleted all reference to subsidized housing within the project. He said his letter was based on the memorandum. He said that in May of this year it was brought to his attention that the the application for the project included a proposal for various forms of subsidized housing. He never received a copy of the application until the city obtained a copy through the Freedom of Information Act, he said. He then called the Illinois Housing Development Authority, withdrawing his support, his statement said. Hightower said the mayor did not notify him first before calling the authority. Because the latest version of the proposal to development the Community of Sunnybrook includes subsidized, multi-family rental units at the expense of affordable single-family ownership, I cannot support it at this time, the mayor concluded in his statement released Wednesday. Hightower said the mayor contacted the Illinois Housing Development Authority to withdraw his support without notifying the backers. In addition to Hightower, the project is backed by Laborers International Union of North America and Morrissey Construction. The home would be built in the 700 block of Washington Avenue. Hightower said he and the other backers have been working for more than a year with continual consultation with Mayor Walker, his team, and Fourth Ward Alderman Tammy Smith. The project was announced publicly last week. Reach reporter Sanford Schmidt at 618-208-6449. GREENFIELD Two Alton men were being held Wednesday in the Greene County Jail after their arrest on aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault charges. According to the Greene County Sheriffs Department, Kenneth D. Harris, 29, of Alton and Perry Rondell, 31, of Alton were arrested after police were called to an altercation between Harris and Rondell and two others at U.S. 267 and Illinois Route 108. ALTON With Americas Got Talent and the World of Dance reality shows in full swing for the summer, the YWCA of Alton is gearing up to help Riverbend-area stars hone their craft with their second annual Summer Days Theater Camp. The camp will begin Monday, July 9 and conclude with a special performance for parents, friends, and families at the YWCA of Alton, 304 East Third St., Alton, at 11 a.m. on July 14. Our theater camp was really a hit last summer and it is an important part of our mission that all the youth of our community are inspired to reach for their dreams, YWCA of Alton Executive Director Dorothy Hummel said. This is also a program that provides us a platform to let our theater talented high school students pay it forward and give back to the community that has supported them. The second annual Summer Days Theater Camp 2018 will feature a weeks worth of student-led workshops in singing, dancing, improvisation, and acting. The camp is for young people ages 8 to 14, and is being held at the YWCA from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. each day. We will divide our campers into four groups and will spend about 45 minutes each day in each of the four theater disciplines, Joe Whiteside, Alton High sophomore and one of the camps instructors, said. My AHS thespian friends and members of the AHS National Honor Society (who volunteered as camp helpers) really loved participating in this camp last summer, and found it particularly rewarding to share with our next generation of dramatists. We students really appreciate the YWCA of Alton doing this for our community and allowing us to help. Theater Camp participants are encouraged to pack their own lunches, and will take time to eat together each day. Participants are also reminded to dress in cool and non-restrictive clothing as they will be moving a lot throughout each session of the camp. It will also be very important that our campers are on time each day so that we can maximize their instruction time, Greg Gelzinnis, YWCA of Alton Director of Program Development, stressed. As noted, the camp will conclude on Saturday, July 14 with a special recital performance for parents, families, and friends highlighting the skills that the campers learned throughout the week. Seeing the campers proudly showing off their new talents is simply priceless! Gelzinnis said. The recital will begin at 11 a.m. and is free. Riverbend area young people wishing to participate in the YWCA Summer Days Theater Camp 2018 are encouraged to call the YWCA of Alton at 618-465-7774 or stop by the YWCA and register. Even though the Theater Camp is free, campers must be registered in order to participate. If anyone has additional questions, they may contact Joe Whiteside at 618-910-8713. There is also a YWCA Summer Days Theater Camp 2018 Facebook page where you may register on-line, and that can be shared with friends and families that may be interested in the camp. YWCA of Alton is on a mission to eliminate racism, empower women, stand up for social justice, help families and strengthen our community. For comprehensive information about this important work, go to: www.altonywca.com and www.ywca.org. The YWCA of Alton is proudly sponsored by IlliniCare Health, Morrissey Contracting Co., Inc. and Wood River Phillips 66 Refinery. The Protection Assistant will provide functionaland administrative support to the protection unit on protection relatedliaison, correspondence, monitoring, case management and reporting activities.The Protection Assistant will also supports the protection unit in designing acomprehensive protection strategy and in providing quality, timely andeffective protection responses to persons of concern. He/she will liaiseexternally with local authorities and partners on correspondence and/orprotection issues as guided by the supervisor. The Protection Assistant willalso facilitates the involvement of persons of concern with the Office inmaking decisions that affect them, whether in accessing their rights or inidentifying appropriate solutions to their problems. To achieve this, theincumbent will need to build and maintain effective interfaces with communitiesof concern, local authorities and protection and assistance partners. "When I return to my village in UP, some people use the words 'bhar' and 'chamar', in the same breath, as insults. Perhaps because it rhymes well," says Mumbai-based multidisciplinary artist Sudheer Rajbhar over the phone. Today, he wants to infuse new meaning and pride in a word traditionally used as a pejorative by the upper castes for people who work with leather. Rajbhar's six-month-old designer label, Chamar Studio, has roped in dalit leather craftsmen from Dharavi who have been affected by the beef ban. For their first batch of products, which includes sleek, minimalist bags and belts in black, Rajbhar has trained his artisans to work with recycled rubber tyre sheets, cotton and latex. His staff also includes former cobblers and sweepers from the slum settlement. Thirty-two-year-old Rajbhar, who is from the OBC category in UP, wants to make Chamar Studio a high-end designer brand, a force to be reckoned with. "If we associate the word 'chamar' with something good, it will gain more respect. Otherwise, it will continue to be used as an abuse and invective," says Rajbhar, about the naming of his company, which he says is registered. "Imagine, if my company becomes a brand, people will go 'wow'." Artist Sudheer Rajbhar | Linesh Desai The Studio, which was once the house where Rajbhar was born, is situated in a smaller slum area in Kandivali. His father migrated there from a village in Kheta Sarai from Jaunpur district in Uttar Pradesh after getting a job in the post office. Rajbhar has invested close to Rs 3 lakh in refurbishing the place, and with some additional funding, he hopes to turn the space into a library stocked with books on contemporary design, which his artisans can benefit from. He also wants a single work table in the middle of his library, echoing a design aesthetic which is as uncomplicated and smooth as his sling bags. Nothing will give him more joy than to see this space, bursting with personal memories, to be turned into a crucible for artistic collaboration, communication and exchange. But this is not the first time that Rajbhar has used his art to make a point about social stratification. In 2010, Rajbhar completed his art education in drawing and painting from Vasai Vikasini in Thane district, and was looking for work when he realised "bigger galleries don't entertain people from small art schools". So he started assisting senior artists and worked in residencies. Last year, he curated a group show on works by assistants and apprentices of bigger artists. Shown at the Clark House Initiative in Mumbai, the exhibition was called "We are here because you are there" and included works by seven artists, some of whom were unskilled artisans and daily wage labourers when they started out. "This is not a charity project, but rather one where assistants display their refined ability at conceptual art," read the curatorial note of the show. Earlier this year, at the Jehangir Art Gallery's exhibition for the Kala Ghoda festival, Rajbhar made black-coloured "thailas" with the help of cobblers for a video project. He fashioned them into small black houses filled with objects like frames and letters drawn from demolished houses of low-income groups. The first batch of Chamar Studio products includes sleek, minimalist bags and belts in black | Debdeep Roy Now, Rajbhar has many local artisans keen on collaborating with him for his Studio work. But he can accommodate only so much because of his limited capital. The products from the Studio range anywhere between Rs 1,500 to 6,000 and a retail house from Kolkata called Living Free is soon going to stock them. Rajbhar has reached out to concept stores like Bungalow 8 in Mumbai and wants to pan out to Delhi and Bengaluru soon. He is currently in the process of researching other recyclable, organic fabrics and his next collection will be entirely in blue, inspired from the uniforms of railway employees. He says the way his staff has worked with rubber tyre sheets to make soft and comfortable bags, as opposed to existing hard and bulky alternatives, is something he is quite proud of. "The material I am working with is natural rubber, which, for me, is like black skin," says Rajbhar. Ghent is often referred to as the hidden treasure of Belgium. A lesser-known university town, which is overlooked in elaborate itineraries, Ghent happens to be an eclectic blend of traditional and modern. Dominated by the Gothic Bell-tower, the Belfry and the medieval counts castle, the town is all about cobbled streets, narrow lanes, gliding tramcars and meandering canals. I arrive in Ghent on a sunny morning on a train from Brussels. The train (I took it from the Brussels Midi station) was packed but I had been lucky to find a window seat. It would not have mattered though, for barely had I been able to take in the storybook landscape when the station was announced. A little disappointed, I de-boarded. I had expected everyone else to get off too but hardly anyone did. They were, it seems, headed to the next destination, the ever-popular Bruges. To get to Ghent, you can take a train from Brussels Midi; the same train will take you to Bruges too. I remember my Airbnb host, John, telling me even as I walked out of the station wondering if I should have also headed straight to Bruges instead, it is more popular after all. My doubts are laid to rest as I stepped out of the station. The town looked inviting and friendly. With fascinating brick-coloured housesthe kind I had only seen in pictures until thenand juxtaposed against them, slick trams and buses gliding on cobbled streets, it was rather beautiful too. I took one such tram to arrive at the town centre. The town centre, or town squares in Europe have an old world charm about them. Stepping into one is like stepping into a time wrapbell towers, cathedrals, townhouses, and marketplaces transport you to the medieval ages. If not for modern cars and people, you may as well believe that you are in another age. Ghent is no different. With a castle dominating the skyline, and a canal meandering through, it turns out to be one of the quirkiest town squares I have set my eyes on. My first stop is the Castle of the Count. Built in 1180 by Count Philip of Alsace, the castle is small and compact, and is known for its role in Flemish historyit has served as the home of the counts, a prison, a court, and even a cotton factory. Presently it houses a compact museum. The torture chamber from the medieval ages is replicated on the top floor with weapons, models and methods of coercion; arms are displayed a level below. A walk through the rugged fortress confirms that it was built to intimidate the people rather than protecting them. The best thing about it, however, is the view of the town from the top. One can see the belfry, the cathedral, the canal, and the beautiful 18th century gabled houses. Not very far from the castle stands the majestic St. Bavoss Cathedral. The Gothic church is home to some of the worlds most famous art pieces The Adoration of the Mystic Lamb by the Van Eyck Brothers happens to be the most precious of those. The painting, made in 1432, is touted as the most influential painting ever made, and has been stolen a record number of times and is considered the prde of Ghent. Nearby the Belfry stands tall. A UNESCO world heritage site, the Belfry is a majestic sight, climbing it however is not for everyone, with 350 steps to conquer, I chose to give it a miss and walk around. Ghent may have a rich history and great cultural standing in Belgium, but it also has a cool vibe about it. Being a university town, it is hip, trendy and contemporary, especially in summer when the entire town, and the tourists, are out and about. Cosy lunch spots, hole-in-the-wall cafes, and gourmet restaurants are brimming with people, streets are overflowing with tourists, and trams have no space to standquite a contrast to the empty railway station of the morning. I am now in the narrow cobbled lanes of the old town rubbing shoulders with locals, students, tourists, and the tramcars. Bikes glide past me, even as the shoppers strut around in high heels and designer dresses. A lady plays guitar on a corner; a gentleman sells Cuberdons nearby. Boats sail on water; tiny dogs trot past. Ghent is known all over Belgium for shopping. Designer stores stand proudly alongside independent boutiques, branded shops and large chains. The main shopping street, Veldstraat, is pedestrian only and lined with retail chains. It is also a haven for people (like me) who can neither afford to shop from a chic boutique nor a designer store but must shop nevertheless. I spend the rest of the afternoon collecting lotions and potions of every kind from Kruidvat, Chocolates and preserves from Carrefour, and knick-knacks and gifts from Hemaall popular chains. While it is upbeat and touristy during the day, Ghent becomes dreamy in the evening. Tiny watering holes fill up; alfresco cafes come to life. The lights glimmer in water, and the skyline sparkles in the dark. I am now at Paterschol, a web of cobbled paths in the shadow of The Counts Castle. This neighbourhood was once a run down ghetto of leather traders, now, it is known for its bohemian charm. As I wander in the picturesque lanes, looking up at the crumbling yet beautiful facades of medieval buildings, munching on my fifth portion of fries, I am only glad that I did not skip Ghent this morning. I would have never known what I had missed. The adage that failures can teach many lessons seems quite... Actor Jamie Foxx is the latest celebrity to be accused of sexual misconduct, but he says the allegation is "absurd". The 50-year-old actor has spoken out against a sexual assault allegation first reported by tmz.com. A spokesman for the Las Vegas police told people.com: "On June 8, 2018 a female victim came to the LVMPD and alleged that a sexual assault occurred in the Las Vegas area in 2002 and named Jaime Foxx as the suspect. A report was taken and the incident will be investigated. Due to the nature of the crime, no further details can be released." Foxx's lawyer issued a statement which included that the actor was seeking legal action against his accuser, reports people.com. "Jamie Foxx emphatically denies that this incident ever occurred, and he will be filing a report with the Las Vegas Police Department against the woman for filing a false police report against him," said the attorney. "The first time Mr. Foxx became aware of this woman's absurd claims about an incident that supposedly occurred sixteen years ago was when TMZ contacted his representatives today about this story." The lawyer added, "The alleged incident was not reported to law enforcement in 2002, or at any other time in the last sixteen years until last Friday because the incident never happened. We consider it to be extraordinarily reckless for any publication to publish this bogus story." Although they've been keeping their relationship ultra-private, Foxx is currently dating Katie Holmes. Barring four states ruled by opposition partiesWest Bengal, Delhi, Punjab and Odishamost others have readily jumped on the Modicare bandwagon. Even as the Centre is preparing to launch the world's largest healthcare scheme in August this year, the four states are playing party pooper by refusing to sign up for the big ticket insurance scheme, officially known as Ayushman Bharat-National Health Protection Scheme. On Tuesday, Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik announced the Biju Patnaik Swasthya Kalyan Yojana, a health scheme that would provide assistance of upto Rs 5 lakh per family in government hospitals for 3.5 crore people in the state. The scheme will also be launched on August 15, the date set for the launch of Ayushman Bharat-NHPS too. However, 20 other states such as Bihar, Gujarat, Uttar Pradesh and Chhattisgarh signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Centre today. Most of the states that signed the document today are either ruled by BJP, or, as in Jammu and Kashmir, by a coalition government with the BJP. Another five states are expected to join in by the end of the month, taking the tally to 25. The WEEK had reported on Monday that the Union ministry of health and family welfare would be holding a conclave with the states in the national capital on Thursday to sign MoUs on the health insurance scheme that is expected to benefit 50 crore families in the country. The Centre and states would be sharing the costs for the scheme, with the Centre contributing 60 per cent of the funds. We shall work together, learn together, so that we work with the spirit of cooperative federalism, to perfect this largest health assurance scheme of the world, Health Minister J.P. Nadda said in a statement. "The success of the scheme hinges on the active participation of the states. States need to own the scheme while the Centre will design the policy framework with all possible flexibility and support," he said. Exchanging MoUs is an important step in formalising the partnership between the Centre and the states, he said. Nadda also said that states would have flexibility in deciding the packages that would be reserved for the public sector hospitals (for reimbursement under the scheme). At the conclave, Indu Bhushan, CEO, Ayushman Bharat Mission, asked the states to seek approval and release RFP (request for proposal is a type of bidding solicitation in which a company/organisation announces that funding is available for a project and companies can place bids for its completion) for insurance company hiring (in case of insurance mode) or implementation support agency (ISA) in case of trust mode implementation. States are going either with a trust model, or an insurance model, though ministry officials maintain that they favour the trust model. A web portal for initiating the empanelment of hospitals under the Ayushman Bharat mission was also launched today. In the next two weeks, trainings for the empanelment software will be done, and states can start the empanelments by July 1. A domestic merchant vessel, MV SSL Kolkata, caught fire on Wednesday with 22 crew members on board. All the crew members of the vessel have been rescued by the Indian Coast Guard in a rescue operation by the ship Rajkiran. The vessel caught fire on Wednesday night and the rescue team reached the area on Thursday morning to save crew members who were in danger. Rajkiran arrived from Haldia. According to a defence ministry spokesperson, the fire was of such intensity that even the Navy's air assets (Sea King helicopters) from Vishakapatnam had to be launched on Thursday morning. In coordination with the Coast Guard, they rescued the team of 22 crew members of the vessel. One Sea King 42C helicopter and one Dornier aircraft were launched from Vishakapatnam to assist in search and rescue, said a senior officer of the Eastern Naval Command. The Sea King is especially useful in situations where surface vessels cannot approach closer to the distressed vessels for reasons of their own safety, said the official. The Dornier is used for sighting the distressed vessels. The Coast Guard team on Rajkiran, however, was successful in rescuing men from the vessel on its own. On Thursday morning, around 6.30am, after having been airborne for some time, a message came in that the distressed vessel had been located and the search and rescue operations were intensified. It was then felt that the operations would be over by the time the Sea King helicopter reached the area. The Sea Kings were moved to Vishakapatnam. But the Navy later changed the decision and put the Sea King helicopter at Bhubaneswar, awaiting further instruction from the Eastern Naval Command. According to initial investigation, the fire on the ship spread rapidly because of the rough seas and strong winds. Around seventy per cent of the vessel was listing into the water. There was an explosion on Wednesday night before fire was seen billowing out of the ship. The rescue operation has not ended completely and the vessel is currently near the Kolkata port. Officials said a high-level inquiry has been ordered to find out the reason behind the fire. Patidar quota stir leader Hardik Patel on Thursday dropped a bombshell by saying that the chief minister of Gujarat would be changed in 10 days. Patel, who was in Rajkot, the home city of Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, told mediapersons that the decision on Rupani's resignation was taken in Wednesday's cabinet meeting. He even went on to claim that the new face would be either from the Kshatriya or Patidar community. Patel claimed that Rupani would be replaced for what he termed as the latter's failure to maintain law and order in the state. He gave no further reasons to back his claim about Rupani's resignation. For the last couple of days, rumours have reportedly been doing the rounds that Gujarat would get a new chief minister. Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel on Thursday termed as baseless any talk about change in leadership. He said that these were just rumours and were being circulated by people who want to create distrust among the BJP's rank and file. Even though Prime Minister Narendra Modi and national party president Amit Shah addressed a series of rallies ahead of the 2017 Assembly elections, the party had managed to hold on to power but its strength stood at 99 seats in the 182-member Assembly. Soon after Rupani was sworn in, there were rumours that he could be replaced but nothing happened. Even as recently as Wednesday, Rupani was holding fort and before a select media gathering, he had displayed a monitoring unit set up at his residence from where he could keep a tab on various facilities of the state government and the district collectorates. The picturesque town of Kunming in China's Yunan province is playing host to the annual China-South Asia exposition, an effort by the Chinese government to link China with south Asian countries through engaging trade ties. The inauguration of the exposition was a spectacular ceremony held on Thursday morning at the state of the art expo centre. China chose the event to also launch the China-South Asia Cooperation Forum. Gao Shu Xun, deputy governor of Yunan and head of the exposition, said that the focus for the cooperation forum will be to share experiences in poverty reduction experiments, financial cooperation, dialogues between regional governments of the various countries and cooperation on development. The event comes soon after the heads of state meeting of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) that was held in Qingdao some days ago. While the SCO is a multilateral forum through which China makes its outreach to Central Asia, the China South Asia Cooperation forum looks towards the south of Asia. There are countries like India and Pakistan, which are part of both clubs. The forum, of course, has just taken birth and its agenda, focus and success are still only potentials. Kumning is an ideal place to kickstart such an endeavour. The beautiful lakeside town is in southern China, and apart from very good weather (good rains, warm sunshine) it is also ideally located geographically to be China's gateway to the countries to its south. Not only is it a key centre for the dragon's ambitious Belt and Road Initiative, it is also China's nodal city for the Bangladesh-China-India-Myanmar highway project. The secretariat for the BCIM in China is in Kunming, said Ma Jun, deputy director general, foreign affairs office of Yunan province. We have invested heavily in building the roads that lead from Kunming to the border areas, he said. BCIM, however, hasn't made much headway yet, with the countries still having to sit together to discuss their individual plans and chalk out a joint one. India may not be on the same page as China with regards to connectivity, because of its reservations with the BRI project, but in terms of trade, the relationship is rather healthy. This is obvious at the expo, where India has always been the largest contingent. This year, with 258 booths, India's presence is phenomenal. Thailand, Vietnam and Nepal are the only other countries with over 200 booths. Japan is working on arranging a meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, with one possibility including the premiers visit to Pyongyang around August, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Thursday. Citing multiple government sources, the paper said officials from the two countries had been in contact several times in recent months to negotiate a possible meeting between the two leaders. US President Donald Trump this week agreed to halt joint US-South Korean military exercises after meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore, drills Japans defence minister said were vital for East Asian security. North Korea fired at least two missiles over Japan last year as it sought to develop a weapon capable of reaching the US mainland with a nuclear warhead. Japan is expected to contribute towards the costs of North Koreas denuclearisation but only after the International Atomic Energy Agency restarts inspections, a spokesman said on Wednesday. Abe has made the resolution of the issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea a political pledge, and has said Japan would hold back economic assistance until those issues, along with denuclearisation, are resolved. If Abes visit to Pyongyang proves difficult, Japan is eyeing another scenario for Abe to meet Kim on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum to be held in September in Vladivostok, if the North Korean leader attends, the paper said. A government source familiar with the matter said that Japanese officials planned to discuss the summit meeting with North Korean officials at an international conference on Northeast Asian security to be held on Thursday and Friday in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The person added that it was still unclear whether Abe would attend the conference in Vladivostok in September, when his ruling Liberal Democratic Party is due hold a leadership race. The US military on Wednesday was looking at ways to ensure American forces in South Korea could still be fully trained and ready, a day after President Donald Trump suspended military exercises in a surprise concession to North Korea. US officials said it was unclear what types of training involving US and South Korean troops might cross into Trumps now forbidden zone of war games. But big, joint US-South Korean exercises appeared off-limits under the new guidance. Make no mistake, we are going to maintain the readiness of our forces in South Korea, said one US official, speaking on condition of anonymity. The official acknowledged, however, it was still not certain how that was going to happen. Trump announced the end to the drills on Tuesday following his historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore, calling exercises expensive and provocative - echoing a North Korean criticism that the United States had long rejected. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, speaking to a small group of reporters in Seoul on Wednesday, said Trump was unambiguous that the exercises would be frozen as long as there were productive, good-faith negotiations with Pyongyang. His intention here was to put us in a place where we get the opportunity to have productive conversations connected to the denuclearisation of North Korea, Pompeo said. The decision to halt military exercises in South Korea has bewildered many current and former US defence officials, who only learned about it when Trump made his remarks. They fear it could erode the readiness of US troops in one of the worlds most sensitive military flashpoints who have long prided themselves on being able to fight tonight, thanks to heightened training. Critics, including in Congress, warn that an end to joint US-South Korean drills could also erode the effectiveness of the military alliance between Washington and Seoul. They also balked at Trumps justification that cutting drills would save money. What training will be allowed? A White House National Security Council official said some types of training would continue even after Trumps announcement. There is absolutely no change to our commitment to the defence of South Korea, the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity, adding: Regular readiness training and training exchanges will continue. US Democratic Representative Ted Lieu, a former active-duty Air Force officer now in the Reserves, questioned how the military would differentiate between military exercises and regular readiness training. Theyre part and parcel of the same thing, said Lieu, who sits on the House of Representatives Foreign Affairs Committee. As the dust settled, it appeared increasingly unlikely that US troops would be able to proceed with the annual Exercise Ulchi Freedom Guardian, a largely computer-simulated but large-scale exercise in South Korea that last took place in August 2017 and involved 17,500 US forces joining South Korean troops. Forces from Australia, Canada, Colombia, Denmark, New Zealand, the Netherlands and Britain also participated. Republican Representative Mac Thornberry, the chairman of the House Armed Services Committee, said he believed the August drill would be affected. My understanding is the intention is to suspend the large joint training exercises, Thornberry said, adding that he supported the Trump administrations effort to give the negotiations a chance and put North Korea to the test. The traditional US calendar for other major drills would not pick up again until next spring, officials say. That could give diplomats and military planners time. The US-South Korean exercise calendar hits a high point every spring with the Foal Eagle and Max Thunder drills, which both wrapped up last month. Max Thunders air combat exercises so unnerved North Korea that it issued threatening statements that nearly scuttled the summit. Foal Eagle is designed to simulate war scenarios and involves ground, air, naval and special operations forces. One possibility could be carrying out some joint training overseas - beyond South Korea. Within the US militarys Pacific Command, there are plenty of regular exercise opportunities. Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said on Wednesday that his countrys military exercises with the United States would continue, calling them vital. Lieu dismissed the idea of holding the drills in Japan or Guam since the terrain would not properly simulate a conflict with North Korea. It would be sort of bizarre because Guam doesnt look like North Korea. Neither does Japan, he said. So, its not clear what the utility would be. -Reuters NEW YORK Thomson Reuters is marking the 250th firm to benefit from Practice Forward, an innovative program that guides firms through a business model transformational roadmap, culminating in a client service approach that is proactive, harnesses the unique expertise of the firm, and establishes the firm as their clients most trusted adviser. Thomson Reuters Practice Forward has been available commercially for three years and was designed in collaboration with noted thought leader, speaker, and inventive practitioner Paul Miller, founder and managing partner of Business By Design, a firm in Edina, Minnesota. Practice Forward provides a market-proven and regimented program that helps firms maximize their growth potential by providing a combination of innovative and proven business model methodologies; technology leadership and profession expertise from Thomson Reuters; and content, instruction, and templates that smooth implementation across the firm. The 250 firms that have chosen to reshape their future with Practice Forward share many of the same traitsa desire to provide clients with a more understandable way to view their money, net worth, and longer term goals, a drive to change the way clients view the value of their firmfrom transactions about history, to forward-thinking and proactive measuresand a focus on offering and monetizing consultative services around tax efficiency, finance, and other business best practices. Its becoming more and more of a necessity to develop tax strategies and to mitigate the consequences of taxes, said Sean Berry, Owner, Mt. Hood Tax & Accounting Professionals. Practice Forward has helped us progress toward more of the advisory services and be more focused on tax strategy and tax implementation of those strategies. In just a three month period of using Practice Forward, Ive been able to double where we were as compared to last year, year to date. It is great to see so many firms inspired by the vision and embracing the concepts and principles delivered with Practice Forward, said Paul Miller, owner of Business By Design. We have heard so many great transformation stories, and it has been very encouraging to see how many firms see the tremendous opportunity in our profession to change the way we show our value and engage with clients. A business model that combines elevated client satisfaction with increased firm revenue and profit is at the heart of Practice Forward. We are energized by this important milestone, as Practice Forward is aligned with the paradigm shift in the Profession towards consultative, value-priced service offerings over and above the core compliance services a firm offers, added Jon Baron, managing director of the Professional segment with the Tax & Accounting business of Thomson Reuters. Practice Forward has provided us with fresh ideas for new technology tools to support practices offering business advisory services. Most importantly, practitioners stories of the positive impact and success theyve experienced after going through the program is further confirmation of its value. Practice Forward members have access to a comprehensive set of services and resources, including access to the Practice Forward Central portal, with content and tools designed to help firms execute the Practice Forward concepts; consulting assistance; access to the Thomson Reuters Practice Forward online Community group, where members will find ongoing information, collaboration, and connection; invitations to Practice Forward Community webinars featuring profession thought leaders, which qualify for CPE credit; and an invitation to the in-person Practice Forward group meetings at the annual Thomson Reuters SYNERGY Users Conference. For more information on Practice Forward, click here. The Thomson Reuters CS Professional Suite provides the professions most integrated, sophisticated suite of tax and accounting software, including tax prep and planning, accounting, practice management, payroll, research, and more. Created by accountants for accountants, its unparalleled level of workflow integration, comprehensive thought leadership offerings, and link to expert content and insight power smoother workflows, more informed decisions, improved client service, and better results for tax and accounting firms of all sizes. For more information, visit cs.thomsonreuters.com. 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. For more information, visit www.thomsonreuters.com. CONTACT Dana Greenstein Public Relations Manager Tax & Accounting Thomson Reuters +1 201 536 4397 dana.greenstein@tr.com The following companies are subsidiares of General Motors: 2140879 Ontario Inc., ACAR Leasing, ACAR Leasing Ltd., ACF Investment, ACF Investment Corp., AFS SenSub, APGO Trust, Adam Opel, Adam Opel GmbH, Aftermarket (UK), AmeriCredit, AmeriCredit Consumer Loan, AmeriCredit Consumer Loan Company Inc., AmeriCredit Financial Services, AmeriCredit Financial Services Inc., AmeriCredit Funding, AmeriCredit Syndicated Warehouse Trust, Annunciata Corporation, Argonaut Holdings, Argonaut Holdings LLC, BOCO (Proprietary), BOCO (Proprietary) Limited, Banco GMAC, Banco GMAC S.A., Baylis (Gloucester), Boco Trust, Boden Brussels, CHEVYPLAN, CHEVYPLAN S.A. Sociedad Administradora de Planes de Autofinanciamiento Comercial, Cadillac, Cadillac Europe, Cadillac Europe GmbH, Carve-Out Ownership, Carve-Out Ownership Cooperative LLC, Chevrolet Deutschland GmbH, Chevrolet Sales (Thailand), Chevrolet Sales (Thailand) Limited, Chevrolet Sales India, Chevrolet Sales India Private Ltd., Chevrolet Sociedad Anonima de Ahorro para Fines Determinados, Controladora General Motors, Controladora General Motors S.A. de C.V., Cruise, DCJ1, DCJ1 LLC, DMAX, DMAX Ltd., Dealership Liquidations, Dealership Liquidations Inc., Delphi Energy and Engine Management Systems UK, Delphi Energy and Engine Management Systems UK Overseas Corporation, EDS (Electronic Data Systems), FAW-GM, Fundacion Chevrolet, G.M.A.C., GCAR Titling Ltd., GM (UK) Pension, GM (UK) Pension Trustees Limited, GM APO Holdings, GM Administradora de Bens, GM Administradora de Bens Ltda., GM Asia Pacific Regional Headquarters Ltd., GM Auslandsprojekte, GM Automotive, GM Automotive Services Belgium, GM CME, GM Canada Holdings, GM Canada Limited, GM Components Holdings, GM Components Holdings LLC, GM Cruise, GM Cruise Holdings LLC, GM Cruise LLC, GM Defense LLC, GM Eurometals, GM Eurometals Inc., GM Europe Treasury, GM Finance, GM Finance Co. Holdings LLC, GM Financial, GM Financial AB, GM Financial Canada, GM Financial Canada Leasing, GM Financial Canada Leasing Ltd., GM Financial Colombia Holdings LLC, GM Financial Colombia S.A. Compania de Financiamiento, GM Financial Consumer, GM Financial Consumer Discount, GM Financial Consumer Discount Company, GM Financial Del Peru, GM Financial GmbH, GM Financial Holdings LLC, GM Financial Insurance Services, GM Financial Mexico Holdings, GM Financial Mexico Holdings LLC, GM Financial Real Estate, GM Financial de Mexico, GM Financial de Mexico S.A. de C.V. SOFOM E.R., GM Financial del Peru S.A.C, GM Global Business Services, GM Global Propulsion Systems -Torino S.r.l., GM Global Purchasing and Supply Chain, GM Global Technology Operations, GM Global Technology Operations LLC, GM Global Tooling, GM Global Tooling Company LLC, GM Global Treasury Centre Limited, GM Holden, GM Holden Pty Ltd., GM Holdings U.K. No.1 Limited, GM Inversiones Santiago Limitada, GM Investment Trustees Limited, GM Korea, GM Korea Company, GM LAAM Holdings, GM LAAM Holdings LLC, GM Mexico Holdings, GM Mobility Europe GmbH, GM PSA Purchasing Services, GM Personnel Services, GM Personnel Services Inc., GM Philippines Inc., GM Plats (Proprietary), GM Regional Holdings, GM Regional Holdings LLC, GM Retirees Pension Trustees, GM Retirees Pension Trustees Limited, GM Subsystems Manufacturing, GM Subsystems Manufacturing LLC, GM Technical Center Korea Ltd., GM Viet Nam Motor Company, GM-DI Leasing, GM-DI Leasing LLC, GMAC - Instituicao Financeira de Credito, GMAC Administradora de Consorcios, GMAC Administradora de Consorcios Ltda., GMAC Banque, GMAC Continental, GMAC Espana de Financiacion, GMAC Holdings (U.K.), GMAC Lease B.V. (aka Masterlease Europe), GMAC Nederland N.V., GMAC Prestadora de Servicios de Mao de Obra Ltda., GMAC Servicios, GMAC UK, GMAC de Venezuela, GMAC-Prestadora de Servios de Mo-de-Obra, GMACI Corretora de Seguros, GMACI Corretora de Seguros Ltda, GMAM Real Estate I, GMCH&SP Private Equity II, GMCH&SP Private Equity II L.P., GMF Australia Pty Ltd, GMF Europe, GMF Europe Holdco, GMF Europe LLP, GMF Floorplan Owner Revolving Trust, GMF Funding, GMF Germany Holdings, GMF Global Assignment, GMF Global Assignment LLC, GMF International, GMF International LLC, GMF Leasing LLC, GMF Leasing Warehousing Trust, GMF Wholesale Receivables, GMGP Holdings, General Motors (China) Investment Company, General Motors (China) Investment Company Limited, General Motors (Thailand), General Motors (Thailand) Limited, General Motors - Colmotores, General Motors - Colmotores S.A., General Motors Advisory Services LLC, General Motors Africa and Middle East, General Motors Africa and Middle East FZE, General Motors Asia, General Motors Asia LLC, General Motors Asia Pacific Holdings, General Motors Asia Pacific Holdings LLC, General Motors Asset Management, General Motors Asset Management Corporation, General Motors Australia, General Motors Australia Pty Ltd., General Motors Austria, General Motors Austria, General Motors Auto, General Motors Auto LLC, General Motors Automobiles Philippines, General Motors Automobiles Philippines Inc., General Motors Automotive Holdings, General Motors Automotive Holdings S.L., General Motors Belgique Automobile NV, General Motors Belgium, General Motors Chile, General Motors Chile Industria Automotriz Limitada, General Motors China LLC, General Motors Daewoo Auto and Technology, General Motors Daewoo Auto and Technology CIS LLC, General Motors East Africa, General Motors Egypt, General Motors Egypt S.A.E., General Motors Espana, General Motors Europe Holdings, General Motors Europe Limited, General Motors Financial Chile, General Motors Financial Chile Limitada, General Motors Financial Chile S.A., General Motors Financial Company, General Motors Financial Company Inc., General Motors Financial International, General Motors Financial Italia, General Motors Financial Suisse, General Motors Financial UK, General Motors Financial of Canada, General Motors Financial of Canada Ltd., General Motors Finland, General Motors France, General Motors GBS Hungary, General Motors Global Service Operations, General Motors Global Service Operations Inc., General Motors Hellas, General Motors Holden Australia, General Motors Holden Australia NSC, General Motors Holden Australia NSC Pty Ltd., General Motors Holden Australia Pty Ltd., General Motors Holdings LLC, General Motors IT Services (Ireland) Limited, General Motors India Private, General Motors India Private Limited, General Motors International Holdings, General Motors International Holdings LLC, General Motors International Operations, General Motors International Operations Pte. Ltd., General Motors International Services Company, General Motors International Services Company SAS, General Motors International Services LLC, General Motors Investment Limited, General Motors Investment Management, General Motors Investment Management Corporation, General Motors Investment Participacoes, General Motors Investment Participacoes Ltda., General Motors Investments, General Motors Investments Pty. Ltd., General Motors Ireland, General Motors Israel, General Motors Israel Ltd., General Motors Italia, General Motors Japan, General Motors Japan Limited, General Motors LLC, General Motors Limited, General Motors Manufacturing Poland, General Motors Nederland, General Motors New Zealand Pensions, General Motors New Zealand Pensions Limited, General Motors Overseas, General Motors Overseas Commercial Vehicle, General Motors Overseas Commercial Vehicle Corporation, General Motors Overseas Corporation, General Motors Overseas Distribution, General Motors Overseas Distribution LLC, General Motors Peru, General Motors Peru S.A., General Motors Poland Spolka, General Motors Portugal, General Motors Powertrain (Thailand), General Motors Powertrain (Thailand) Limited, General Motors Research Corporation, General Motors South Africa, General Motors South Africa (Pty) Limited, General Motors Suisse, General Motors Taiwan, General Motors Taiwan Ltd., General Motors Technical Centre India, General Motors Technical Centre India Private Limited, General Motors Treasury Center, General Motors Treasury Center LLC, General Motors Turkiye, General Motors UK, General Motors Uruguay, General Motors Uruguay S.A., General Motors Venezolana, General Motors Ventures, General Motors Ventures LLC, General Motors Warehousing and Trading (Shanghai), General Motors Warehousing and Trading (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., General Motors de Argentina, General Motors de Argentina S.r.l., General Motors de Mexico, General Motors de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., General Motors del Ecuador, General Motors del Ecuador S.A., General Motors do Brasil, General Motors do Brasil Ltda., General Motors of Canada, General Motors of Canada Company, General Motors-Holden's Sales, General Motors-Holden's Sales Pty. Limited, GigaPower LLC, Global Services Detroit, Global Services Detroit LLC, Global Tooling Service Company Europe, Global Tooling Service Company Europe Limited, Go Motor Retailing, Go Trade Parts, Grand Pointe Holdings, Grand Pointe Holdings Inc., Grand Pointe Park Condominium, Grand Pointe Park Condominium Association, H.S.H., Haines & Strange, Holden New Zealand, Holden New Zealand Limited, IBC Pension Trustees, IBC Pension Trustees Limited, IBC Vehicles, Lease Ownership Cooperative, Lease Ownership Cooperative LLC, Lidlington Engineering Company, Lidlington Engineering Company Ltd., Limited Liability Company "General Motors CIS", Master Lease Germany, Maven Drive, Maven Drive LLC, Millbrook Pension Management, Millbrook Pension Management Limited, Monetization of Carve-Out, Monetization of Carve-Out LLC, Motor Repris Automocio, Motors Holding, Motors Holding LLC, Motors Properties, Motors Properties (Trading), Multi-Use Lease Entity Trust, North American New Cars, North American New Cars LLC, Omnibus BB Transportes, Omnibus BB Transportes S. A., OnStar Connected Services Srl, OnStar Egypt Limited LLC, OnStar Europe, OnStar Europe Ltd., OnStar Global Services, OnStar Global Services Corporation, OnStar LLC, OnStar de Mexico, OnStar de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Opel Bank, Opel Danmark, Opel Group, Opel Group Warehousing, Opel Leasing, Opel Norge, Opel Sonderdienste, Opel Southeast Europe, Opel Sverige, Opel Szentgotthard Automotive Manufacturing, Opel Wien, P.T. G M AutoWorld Indonesia, P.T. General Motors Indonesia, PIMS, PIMS Co., PT. General Motors Indonesia Manufacturing, Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center, Pan Asia Technical Automotive Center Company Ltd., Prestadora de Servicios GMF Colombia S.A.S., Rapid Motor Vehicle Company, Reliance Motor Car Company, Riverfront Holdings III Inc., Riverfront Holdings Inc., Riverfront Holdings Phase II Inc., SAIC GM (Shenyang) Norsom Motors Co. Ltd., SAIC GM Dong Yue Motors Company Limited, SAIC GM Dong Yue Powertrain Company Limited, SAIC GM Wuling Automobile Company Limited, SAIC General Motors Corporation Limited, SAIC General Motors Investment Limited, SAIC General Motors Sales Company Limited, SAIC-GMAC Automotive Finance Company Limited, SAIC-GMF Leasing Co. Ltd., Servicios GMAC S.A. de C.V., Shanghai Chengxin Used Car Operation and Management Company Limited, Shanghai OnStar Telematics Co. Ltd., Sherwoods (Darlington) Limited, Sidecar Technologies, Skurrays Limited, Stam-Terberg Autobedrijven B. V., Strobe Inc., VHC Sub-Holdings (UK), Vauxhall Defined Contribution Pension Plan Trustees Limited, Vehicle Asset Universal Leasing Trust, Vickers (Lakeside) Limited, Vision Motors Limited, WRE, WRE Inc., and Zona Franca Industrial Colmotores SAS. Wall Street analysts have given Centennial Mining 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 Centennial Mining wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. The following companies are subsidiares of DaVita: Aberdeen Dialysis LLC, Accountable Kidney Care LLC, Adair Dialysis LLC, American Fork Dialysis LLC, American Medical Insurance Inc., Animas Dialysis LLC, Arcadia Gardens Dialysis LLC, Ashdow Dialysis LLC, Atlantic Dialysis LLC, Austin Dialysis Centers L.P., Barnell Dialysis LLC, Barrons Dialysis LLC, Barton Dialysis LLC, Bastrop Dialysis LLC, Beachside Dialysis LLC, Beck Dialysis LLC, Bellevue Dialysis LLC, Bemity Dialysis LLC, Beverly Hills Dialysis Partnership, Birch Dialysis LLC, Bladon Dialysis LLC, Bliss Dialysis LLC, Bohama Dialysis LLC, Bowan Dialysis LLC, Braddock Dialysis LLC, Bridges Dialysis LLC, Brimfield Dialysis LLC, Brook Dialysis LLC, Brownsville Kidney Center Ltd., Brownwood Dialysis LLC, Bruno Dialysis LLC, Buckhorn Dialysis LLC, Buford Dialysis LLC, Bullards Dialysis LLC, Bullock Dialysis LLC, Calante Dialysis LLC, Campton Dialysis LLC, Canyon Springs Dialysis LLC, Capes Dialysis LLC, Capital Dialysis Partnership, Capron Dialysis LLC, Carlton Dialysis LLC, Carroll County Dialysis Facility Inc., Carroll County Dialysis Facility Limited Partnership, Cascades Dialysis LLC, Caverns Dialysis LLC, Cedar Dialysis LLC, Centennial LV LLC, Central Carolina Dialysis Centers LLC, Central Georgia Dialysis LLC, Central Iowa Dialysis Partners LLC, Central Kentucky Dialysis Centers LLC, Channel Dialysis LLC, Cheraw Dialysis LLC, Chicago Heights Dialysis LLC, Chipeta Dialysis LLC, Churchill Dialysis LLC, Cinco Rios Dialysis LLC, Clark Dialysis LLC, Clayton Dialysis LLC, Cleburne Dialysis LLC, Clinica Central do Bonfim S.A., Clinton Township Dialysis LLC, Clyfee Dialysis LLC, Columbus-RNA-DaVita LLC, Conconully Dialysis LLC, Continental Dialysis Center Inc., Couer Dialysis LLC, Court Dialysis LLC, Cowell Dialysis LLC, Cowesett Dialysis LLC, Crossings Dialysis LLC, Crystals Dialysis LLC, Cuivre Dialysis LLC, Culbert Dialysis LLC, DC Healthcare International Inc., DNP Management Company LLC, DPS CKD LLC, DV Care Netherlands B.V., DV Care Netherlands C.V., DVA Healthcare - Southwest Ohio LLC, DVA Healthcare Renal Care Inc., DVA Healthcare of Maryland LLC, DVA Healthcare of Massachusetts Inc., DVA Healthcare of New London LLC, DVA Healthcare of Norwich LLC, DVA Healthcare of Pennsylvania LLC, DVA Healthcare of Tuscaloosa LLC, DVA Holdings Pte. Ltd., DVA Laboratory Services Inc., DVA Renal Healthcare Inc., DVA of New York Inc., DaVita - Riverside II LLC, DaVita - Riverside LLC, DaVita - West LLC, DaVita APAC Holding B.V., DaVita Brasil Participacoes e Servicos de Nefrologia Ltda., DaVita Care (Saudi Arabia), DaVita Dakota Dialysis Center LLC, DaVita Deutschland AG, DaVita Deutschland Beteiligungs GmbH & Co. KG, DaVita El Paso East L.P., DaVita Germany GmbH, DaVita HK Holdings Limited, DaVita HealthCare Brasil Servicos Medicos Ltda., DaVita International Limited, DaVita Nefromed Servicos de Nefrologia Ltda., DaVita Nephron Care Servicos de Nefrologia Ltda., DaVita Rien Servicos de Nefrologia Ltda., DaVita S.A.S., DaVita Servicos de Nefrologia Asa Sul Ltda., DaVita Servicos de Nefrologia Distrito Federal Ltda., DaVita Servicos de Nefrologia Guarulhos Ltda., DaVita Servicos de Nefrologia Jardim das Imbuias Ltda., DaVita Servicos de Nefrologia Taubate Ltda., DaVita Servicos de Nefrologia de Araraquara Ltda., DaVita Sp. z o.o., DaVita Sud-Niedersachsen GmbH, DaVita Transrim Servicos de Nefrologia Ltda., DaVita UTR Servicos de Nefrologia Ltda., DaVita VillageHealth Inc., DaVita of New York Inc., Dallas-Fort Worth Nephrology L.P., Damon Dialysis LLC, Dialysis Holdings Inc., Dialysis of Des Moines LLC, Dialysis of Northern Illinois LLC, Dierks Dialysis LLC, Dolores Dialysis LLC, Dome Dialysis LLC, Doves Dialysis LLC, Downriver Centers Inc., EURODIAL - Centro de Nefrologia e Dialise de Leiria S.A., East End Dialysis Center Inc., East Ft. Lauderdale LLC, Ebrea Dialysis LLC, Edisto Dialysis LLC, Eldrist Dialysis LLC, Elgin Dialysis LLC, Elk Grove Dialysis Center LLC, Empire State DC Inc., Etowah Dialysis LLC, Ettleton Dialysis LLC, Eufaula Dialysis LLC, Falcon LLC, Family Health Care of Central Florida, Fanthorp Dialysis LLC, Federal Way Assurance Inc., Fields Dialysis LLC, Five Star Dialysis LLC, Fjords Dialysis LLC, Flagler Dialysis LLC, Flamingo Park Kidney Center Inc., Forester Dialysis LLC, Freehold Artificial Kidney Center L.L.C., Fremont Dialysis LLC, Frontier Dialysis LLC, Fullerton Dialysis Center LLC, GDC International LLC, Gambro Healthcare, Ganois Dialysis LLC, Garner Dialysis LLC, Garrett Dialysis LLC, Gaviota Dialysis LLC, Gebhard Dialysis LLC, Genesis KC Development LLC, GiveLife Dialysis LLC, Glassland Dialysis LLC, Glosser Dialysis LLC, Goliad Dialysis LLC, Grand Home Dialysis LLC, Greater Las Vegas Dialysis LLC, Greater Los Angeles Dialysis Centers LLC, Green Country Dialysis LLC, Green Desert Dialysis LLC, Griffin Dialysis LLC, Groten Dialysis LLC, Harmony Dialysis LLC, Hart Dialysis LLC, Hawn Dialysis LLC, Healthcare Partners, Helmer Dialysis LLC, Hennepin Dialysis LLC, Hewett Dialysis LLC, Hilgards Dialysis LLC, Hochatown Dialysis LLC, Home Kidney Care LLC, Honeyman Dialysis LLC, Houston Kidney Center/Total Renal Care Integrated Service Network Limited Partnership, Hummer Dialysis LLC, Hunter Dialysis LLC, Huntington Artificial Kidney Center Ltd., Hyde Dialysis LLC, IDC -International Dialysis Centers Lda, ISD Bartlett LLC, ISD Corpus Christi LLC, ISD I Holding Company Inc., ISD II Holding Company Inc., ISD Las Vegas LLC, ISD Lees Summit LLC, ISD Renal Inc., ISD Schaumburg LLC, ISD Spring Valley LLC, ISD Summit Renal Care LLC, Iroquois Dialysis LLC, Jacinto Dialysis LLC, Jenness Dialysis LLC, Kamiah Dialysis LLC, Kanika Dialysis LLC, Kavett Dialysis LLC, Kenai Dialysis LLC, Kershaw Dialysis LLC, Kidney Home Center LLC, Kimball Dialysis LLC, Kingston Dialysis LLC, Kinnick Dialysis LLC, Kinter Dialysis LLC, Kiowa Dialysis LLC, Knickerbocker Dialysis Inc., Lakeshore Dialysis LLC, Landing Dialysis LLC, Landor Dialysis LLC, Lassen Dialysis LLC, Leasburg Dialysis LLC, Leawood Dialysis LLC, Lees Dialysis LLC, Legare Development LLC, Liberty RC Inc., Lifeline Pensacola LLC, Lifeline Vascular Center-Albany LLC, Lincoln Park Dialysis Services Inc., Livingston Dialysis LLC, Llano Dialysis LLC, Lofield Dialysis LLC, Logoley Dialysis LLC, Lone Dialysis LLC, Long Beach Dialysis Center LLC, Lord Baltimore Dialysis LLC, Lory Dialysis LLC, Lourdes Dialysis LLC, Lyndale Dialysis LLC, MVZ DaVita Alzey GmbH, MVZ DaVita Aurich GmbH, MVZ DaVita Bad Aibling GmbH, MVZ DaVita Bad Duben GmbH, MVZ DaVita Cardio Centrum Dusseldorf GmbH, MVZ DaVita Dillenburg GmbH, MVZ DaVita Dinkelsbuhl GmbH, MVZ DaVita Dormagen GmbH, MVZ DaVita Duisburg GmbH, MVZ DaVita Elsterland GmbH, MVZ DaVita Emden GmbH, MVZ DaVita Falkensee GmbH, MVZ DaVita Geilenkirchen GmbH, MVZ DaVita Gera GmbH, MVZ DaVita Iserlohn GmbH, MVZ DaVita Monchengladbach GmbH, MVZ DaVita Neuss GmbH, MVZ DaVita Niederrhein GmbH, MVZ DaVita Nierenzentrum Aachen Alsdorf GmbH, MVZ DaVita Nierenzentrum Berlin-Britz GmbH, MVZ DaVita Nierenzentrum Hamm-Ahlen GmbH, MVZ DaVita Prenzlau-Pasewalk GmbH, MVZ DaVita Rhein-Ahr GmbH, MVZ DaVita Rhein-Ruhr GmbH, MVZ DaVita Schwalm-Eder GmbH, MVZ DaVita Viersen GmbH, Madigan Dialysis LLC, Magney Dialysis LLC, Magoffin Dialysis LLC, Makonee Dialysis LLC, Marlton Dialysis Center LLC, Marseille Dialysis LLC, Mason-Dixon Dialysis Facilities Inc., Mazonia Dialysis LLC, Mellen Dialysis LLC, Melnea Dialysis LLC, Memorial Dialysis Center L.P., Meridian Dialysis LLC, Mermet Dialysis LLC, Milltown Dialysis LLC, Minam Dialysis LLC, Minneopa Dialysis LLC, Mountain West Dialysis Services LLC, Mulgee Dialysis LLC, Nansen Dialysis LLC, Natomas Dialysis LLC, Nauvue Dialysis LLC, Navarro Dialysis LLC, Nephrology Medical Associates of Georgia LLC, Nephrology Practice Solutions LLC, New Bay Dialysis LLC, Nicona Dialysis LLC, Norbert Dialysis LLC, Norte Dialysis LLC, North Austin Dialysis LLC, Northwest Physicians Network, Oasis Dialysis LLC, Ohio River Dialysis LLC, Okanogan Dialysis LLC, Olive Dialysis LLC, Ordust Dialysis LLC, Owyhee Dialysis LLC, Palo Dialysis LLC, Palomar Dialysis LLC, Panther Dialysis LLC, Parkside Dialysis LLC, Pattison Dialysis LLC, Patuk Dialysis LLC, Pearl Dialysis LLC, Pendster Dialysis LLC, Percha Dialysis LLC, Pershing Dialysis LLC, Pfeiffer Dialysis LLC, Philadelphia-Camden Integrated Kidney Care LLC, Physicians Choice Dialysis LLC, Physicians Choice Dialysis Of Alabama LLC, Physicians Dialysis Acquisitions Inc., Physicians Dialysis Ventures LLC, Physicians Dialysis of Lancaster LLC, Physicians Management LLC, Pible Dialysis LLC, Pinson Dialysis LLC, Pittsburgh Dialysis Partners LLC, Piute Dialysis LLC, Plaine Dialysis LLC, Platte Dialysis LLC, Pluribus Dialise - Benfica S.A., Pluribus Dialise - Cascais S.A., Pluribus Dialise S.A., Prairie Dialysis LLC, Prineville Dialysis LLC, Purity Dialysis, RMS Lifeline Inc., RNA - DaVita Dialysis LLC, RV Academy LLC, Ramsey Dialysis LLC, Rayburn Dialysis LLC, Red Willow Dialysis LLC, Redcliff Dialysis LLC, Refuge Dialysis LLC, Renal Center of Beaumont LLC, Renal Center of Fort Dodge LLC, Renal Center of Lewisville LLC, Renal Center of Morristown LLC, Renal Center of Newton LLC, Renal Center of Port Arthur LLC, Renal Center of Tyler L.P.L.L.L.P., Renal Center of West Beaumont LLC, Renal Center of the Hills LLC, Renal Life Link Inc., Renal Treatment Centers - California Inc., Renal Treatment Centers - Illinois Inc., Renal Treatment Centers - Mid-Atlantic Inc., Renal Treatment Centers - Northeast Inc., Renal Treatment Centers - Southeast LP, Renal Treatment Centers - West Inc., Renal Treatment Centers Inc., Renal Ventures Management LLC, RenalServ LLC, Riddle Dialysis LLC, River Valley Dialysis LLC, Rocky Mountain Dialysis Services LLC, Rollins Dialysis LLC, Roose Dialysis LLC, Rophets Dialysis LLC, Roushe Dialysis LLC, Routt Dialysis LLC, Royale Dialysis LLC, Rusk Dialysis LLC, Rutland Dialysis LLC, SAKDC-DaVita Dialysis Partners L.P., Saddleback Dialysis LLC, Sahara Dialysis LLC, San Marcos Dialysis LLC, Santiam Dialysis LLC, Sapelo Dialysis LLC, Saunders Dialysis LLC, Seabay Dialysis LLC, Secour Dialysis LLC, Sensiba Dialysis LLC, Shadow Dialysis LLC, Shayano Dialysis LLC, Shelling Dialysis LLC, Sherman Dialysis LLC, Shetek Dialysis LLC, Shining Star Dialysis Inc., Siena Dialysis Center LLC, Simeon Dialysis LLC, Skagit Dialysis LLC, Soledad Dialysis Center LLC, Somerville Dialysis Center LLC, South Central Florida Dialysis Partners LLC, South Fork Dialysis LLC, Southern Hills Dialysis Center LLC, Southlake Dialysis LLC, Southwest Atlanta Dialysis Centers LLC, Sprague Dialysis LLC, Springpond Dialysis LLC, Star Dialysis LLC, Stevenson Dialysis LLC, Stewart Dialysis LLC, Stines Dialysis LLC, Storrie Dialysis LLC, Sugarloaf Dialysis LLC, Sun City Dialysis Center L.L.C., Sunapee Dialysis LLC, Sunset Dialysis LLC, TRC - Indiana LLC, TRC El Paso Limited Partnership, TRC West Inc., TRC of New York Inc., TRC-Georgetown Regional Dialysis LLC, Talimena Dialysis LLC, Terre Dialysis LLC, The Woodlands Dialysis Center LP, Tortugas Dialysis LLC, Total Renal Care Inc., Total Renal Care Texas Limited Partnership, Total Renal Care of North Carolina LLC, Total Renal Laboratories Inc., Total Renal Research Inc., Toulouse Dialysis LLC, Transmountain Dialysis L.P., Tross Dialysis LLC, Tugman Dialysis LLC, Tunnel Dialysis LLC, Turlock Dialysis Center LLC, Tustin Dialysis Center LLC, Twain Dialysis LLC, Tyler Dialysis LLC, USC-DaVita Dialysis Center LLC, Unicoi Dialysis LLC, University Dialysis Center LLC, Upper Valley Dialysis L.P., Valley Springs Dialysis LLC, Victory Dialysis LLC, VillageHealth DM LLC, Villanueva Dialysis LLC, Vively Health LLC, Vogel Dialysis LLC, Volo Dialysis LLC, Waddell Dialysis LLC, Wakoni Dialysis LLC, Walker Dialysis LLC, Walton Dialysis LLC, Watkins Dialysis LLC, Weldon Dialysis LLC, West Elk Grove Dialysis LLC, West Sacramento Dialysis LLC, Weston Dialysis Center LLC, Whitney Dialysis LLC, Willowbrook Dialysis Center L.P., Winds Dialysis LLC, Wood Dialysis LLC, Woodford Dialysis LLC, Wyandotte Central Dialysis LLC, Yards Dialysis LLC, Ybor City Dialysis LLC, Yucaipa Dialysis LLC, and Zephyrhills Dialysis Center LLC. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . New Mexico Attorney General Hector Balderas has announced a key victory in New Mexicos lawsuit against major opioid manufacturers and distributors the case will be tried in New Mexico state court. Late Tuesday, a federal judge ruled Balderas lawsuit must be returned to the state court where it was originally filed. On April 25, McKesson Corporation, a pharmaceutical distributor that reported 2017 revenues of nearly $200 billion, removed New Mexicos case to federal court in an attempt to sweep New Mexico into a growing federal multi-district litigation currently overseen by a federal judge in Ohio. Tuesdays ruling effectively terminates that attempt, returning New Mexicos case to state district court and all but ensuring that the case will be tried before a New Mexico state judge and a New Mexico jury who understand our unique state, population and way of life. Im pleased the federal court saw through the multi-billion-dollar corporations ploy so quickly and sent our case back to Santa Fe where it belongs, but this delay unquestionably cost us lives and desperately needed funds to combat New Mexicos opioid epidemic, said Balderas, whose Consumer and Environmental Protection Division is overseeing the lawsuit. I fully expect these companies to fight us every step of the way and use every dirty trick in the book, but in the end our office will hold them accountable to help repair the damage theyve caused to New Mexican children, families and entire communities. Schenectady National Grid and the city of Schenectady launched a three-year, $6.7 million project to set the groundwork for Schenectady to become a "smart city" of the future where lights and sensors deployed on city streets will make city services more efficient and help improve public safety programs. The initiative, which will be paid for through the utility, will begin with National Grid converting more than 4,000 street lights across the city to energy-efficient LED lights that use much less energy than traditional light bulbs. However, the project will also include using those street lights to install a variety of wireless data network nodes and sensors that will dramatically increase the city's ability to collect and use data from city streets to its advantage. The hardware is expected to make Schenectady a so-called "smart city" that will not only adjust its street lighting based on real-time data but also traffic lights and other municipal services, including police and fire response. "This deployment is going to effect every department and every service in the city of Schenectady," Mayor Gary McCarthy said during a press conference Thursday at City Hall. State regulators have been pushing utilities like National Grid to expand their portfolio of services for the public beyond just electricity and natural gas service using its available infrastructure. Since National Grid owns many of the streetlights in cities across the state, the company is planning to offer smart city technology enhancements that go beyond lighting. The Schenectady project is a pilot program for what the state is calling Reforming the Energy Vision. The utility expects that it will be able to earn revenue from these services in the future. "This project will develop and test multiple innovative business models that could serve as scalable solutions for other cities and towns across our service area," Laurie Poltynski, National Grid's eastern New York regional executive said. Schenectady is already at the cutting edge of smart city research and development. McCarthy has even testified to Congress on the city's efforts, which have included the creation of a special smart city commission. General Electric Co., which was first headquartered in Schenectady back in the days of Thomas Edison, is participating in the National Grid project, along with computer chip giant Intel, AT&T and Cisco. McCarthy also created a city commission to oversee the smart city transformation. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. McCarthy said that the city has already made significant smart city technology upgrades. One project in partnership with the University at Albany uses sensors at intersections to measure the size of cars to figure out how to best manage the traffic signals and how long the line of traffic is at specific lights. "It makes moving through Schenectady more efficient," McCarthy said. McCarthy said that a Wi-Fi data network has been deployed in the city that downloads dashboard camera video from police cars directly to the city's network as cars move through the city. In the past, police officers would have had to stop at the police station to physically bring in the disk drive to download the video. "It was labor intensive," McCarthy said. "Now (police) cars are not taken out of service and are now available for patrols." Assemblyman Angelo Santabarbara was also at Thursday's press conference since he had previously helped the city get a $1 million grant to install new smart city infrastructure in the city's Mont Pleasant neighborhood. He said that while wireless internet networks and sensors are not new technology, it is the way that the city uses it that makes all of the difference. "The best part of this is that it will actually save the city money," Santabarbara said. Watch out, someone may be after your job. Well, actually some thing. Artificial intelligence, machine learning and robotics are changing jobs and businesses across nearly every industry and have the potential to affect millions of jobs across the state, a new study released this week says. In the Capital Region more than 72,000 jobs are "highly" susceptible to automation, which would affect $9.6 billion in annual wages, the report from the Center for an Urban Future notes. But among 10 major regions in the state, mechanization poses a lower risk for the area: the Albany area ranks second-lowest for the number of positions with the possibility of automation. Forty-two percent of job tasks in the area could be done by machines three percentage points above New York City, which came in first. The ranking can be partially attributed to some of this region's biggest job sectors, including nursing, home health work, retail and office work, which are less vulnerable to automation than some other jobs, said center managing editor Eli Dvorkin. "So much of it is interpersonal," he said. "You could theoretically automate a chunk of that work, but there's a business case to be made not to." Some of the Capital Region's largest companies have invested in automation. General Electric Co. has been working on robot and AI technologies for many years now. A group of scientists and engineers at the company's Global Research Center in Niskayuna are working with employees in Boston at Avitas Systems, a GE-created company, to develop technologies that will combine AI with robots, software and predictive data analytics. These technologies will provide high-tech inspection services to energy and transportation companies. Currently, oil and gas companies use human workers to inspect flare stacks for wear and damage. The company's software also creates so-called digital twins of industrial equipment that can predict when the actual equipment will need servicing. GlobalFoundries in Malta, which makes next-generation computer chips using cutting-edge technology, has automated much of the chip-making process. The chips are moved around the factory entirely by robots. Schenectady-based Dumbstruck's AI software platform can study people's facial reaction to advertising and marketing videos. The technology allows ad companies to better tailor advertising to their target audiences. Statewide, 41.2 percent of job tasks could be automated, a figure that's lower than the nationwide figure of 51 percent, according to the McKinsey Global Institute. The Center, a think tank based in New York City, used the Institute's analysis for their report. "Our study finds that New York State is less susceptible to automation than the nation as a whole. But it also reveals that more than 1.2 million jobs in the state, about 12 percent of the state's workforce, could be largely automated using technology that exists today," the researchers wrote in the report. Automation isn't anticipated to destroy most of these jobs, but it will alter them, the researchers added. The study defined highly automatable positions as those where 80 percent of the responsibilities can be done by machines, and a mere 24,740 jobs in New York are 100 percent automatable. "As with other major economic transformationssuch as the Industrial Revolution, the dawn of electricity, and the Internet agesome jobs will disappear, many will be created, and in the end, most will simply change," they wrote. It's too early to tell what impact the loss of jobs to automation might have on the state's tax base, Dvorkin said. But the statewide jobs that could be automated equate to $186 billion in wages, which means there would be "serious economic consequences if a lot of this work is automated," he said. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Those most at risk are fast food workers, accounting and bookkeeping clerks, mail clerks and people who drive tractor-trailers, delivery trucks and buses. "We also conclude that the strongest effects are on lower- and middle-income jobsthe first rungs of the state's economic ladderwhere the impact of automation is likely to be significant," the report notes. "Among the 100 most automatable occupations in the state with at least 1,000 workers, 68 percent make less than $40,000 per year, while 31 percent make between $40,000 and $80,000 annually." Still, CEOs aren't safe either: "Computers will be able to perform 25 percent of their work in the coming decades." As they look toward the future, companies and businesses should support greater technology fluency regardless of position, Dvorkin said. Federal, state and local government should also play a role in upscaling the workforce and investing in lifelong learning, such as post-secondary credentials and community colleges. "It's not enough to graduate with post-secondary credentials and say that's all of the skills and training you're going to need for a lifetime of work," Dvorkin said. The same day the report was released, U.S. Sen. Kirsten Gillibrand announced legislation that would expand the Trade Adjustment Assistance program, which offers job retraining and other help to workers whose jobs have been lost due to foreign trade. The bill would include workers affected by automation and provide them with similar benefits. "Congress has a responsibility to make sure that if a worker loses their job because of automation, they land on their feet," Gillibrand said in a statement. "We have to recognize that automation is only going to increase in our state, and we have to be ready to respond when it happens." The bill is the type of legislation that "gets ahead of the coming changes," Dvorkin said. miszler@timesunion.com 518-454-5018 @madisoniszler Harry Connick Jr. loves creating. It doesn't matter whether it's music or acting. It doesn't matter whether he's doing it professionally or just for fun. It doesn't even matter if he stinks. Sculpting and painting? "I'm horrible at it." But that doesn't stop him. He just likes making things. "I just love any type of process that involves creativity whether I'm good at it or not. I've always been like that. That's what I love," said the New Orleans jazz pianist, crooner, actor, TV host and apparently ageless heartthrob, who'll be performing a "New Orleans Tricentennial Celebration" at Tanglewood at 7 p.m. Saturday, June 23. "That's where my brain really feels comfortable in areas where I can create." Not long ago, Connick was visiting his mother-in-law Glenna Goodacre, the renowned sculptor who designed the front side of the Sacagawea dollar and the Vietnam Women's Memorial in Washington, D.C. He was sitting there at a table with his wife, Jill, and her accomplished mom, "and Jill said: 'Would you give us a lesson in sketching? So we got us some sketch pads. And it was intimidating." Intimidated or not, he sketched, and sketched away. "It's something I could have done all day for a week." Connick was on the phone from New York City, and he did not have all day to chat. He had 15 minutes exactly. Occasionally with celebrity phoners, the interviewee will turn loquacious, let the minutes slide and ignore any interrupting publicist as the clock runs out, but not this time. Tight schedule. Busy man. But Connick is always busy always cramming it in, appearing all over creation in all sorts of guises. Told that he had performed at Tanglewood and the broader Capital Region at least a dozen times since 1990, he expressed approximately zero shock. This is what he does. "I mean, if you go back that far almost anyplace I've been to, I've probably been there 12 times. You know, when you perform hundreds of concerts, you're bound to come back to the same place though I do love it up there," he said. He's not complaining. "Yeah, I mean, it's an amazing life. It's the kind of thing where you can go to a place that you've been to many times before, and you feel at home but you also feel like it's a brand-new start. Like every time you get on stage, it's a new experience, which is a really cool thing." Others might get bored or call it a grind, "But I have never thought that. I'm probably in the minority there's not a lot of people that think like me in that way but every single time I went on stage, I've felt enthused and excited and energized. I love every part of it." At Tanglewood, he'll be performing with his usual band of 11 or 12 members, "and we're gonna play all kinds of music," he said. "You know, the cool thing about my history, and New Orleans, is that we were exposed to so many different styles from traditional jazz to modern types of jazz to R&B to funk to Mardi Gras-style music. So it's going to be a mixture of all things." The Big Easy "is a unique place," he said. One major reason: "the fact that it's a port city, and it has influences from so many different places from Africa and the Caribbean and Europe. It's just this amazing melting pot that shaped the music and the cuisine." It's also "a joyous place. We have our share of pain and heartbreak, but at its heart it's a place that loves life, and it loves visitors, and it loves entertaining." So whatever he winds up playing at Tanglewood, chances are it won't be depressing. "It's just a very happy-sounding music. It's very collaborative everybody's sort of listening to everyone else. It's also inclusive. ... It's music that's designed to entertain and bring people together. So I think that's probably why a lot of the people respond to it: because it just makes you feel good." Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. To hear Connick tell it in his signature, rolling, medium-swing verbal inflections pretty much everything makes him feel good, from crawfish boils to Broadway shows. But music holds a particular sway. Recently, he was noodling around at the piano with Charlotte, youngest of his three daughters all of them gifted at music, none of them compelled to pursue it as a career. "The difference between her and me is that I would have stayed there for 12 hours and she did it for about an hour and had enough. ... It's a very specific type of personality you have to have to spend all of your time doing it, and they do not have that." Working hard what's known in jazz as "woodshedding," or long and monastic bouts of practicing was something he learned from his teacher, the legendary pianist and jazz pater familias Ellis Marsalis. As a kid he'd head over to Marsalis' house and find the great man practicing scales. These days, "He's maybe 80, maybe older" 83, to be exact. "And he's still practicing. So when your heroes are constantly trying to improve when you grow up in a culture in which the best people you know never think they're good enough, and they're always searching to become better you know, it leaves a very strong mark on you." He'll never stop making music. "An artist, or, like, a musician who discovers acting and then never makes another record? That's not me," Connick said. "I'm gonna go to my grave making records, because I love making music." Does it ever get old? "Never," he said. "Ever. Ever." abiancolli@timesunion.com 518-454-5439 @AmyBiancolli HUDSON Those who visit the former home of Frederic Church, now the Olana State Historic Site, can't help but feel transported to distant lands through the design and decor of the home. The Middle East is the most prominent land that building evokes, especially as guests are greeted with an Arabic inscription, marhaba, or "hello," above the front door. Now, the illusion will be even stronger with The Olana Partnership's special exhibition for 2018, "Costume & Custom: Middle Eastern Threads at Olana." The exhibit, which be open to the public from June 17 to Nov. 25, features clothing collected by Church during his travels to Middle Eastern cities like Damascus, Beirut, Petra and Jerusalem from 1867 to 1868. Interpretive tours led by artists of Arab and Islamic descent selected by the Institute of Arab and Islamic Art will also be offered. "What makes this so exciting is that these are on display for the first time," said Melanie Hasbrook, development and marketing communication manager at Olana. The clothing, she said, had been tucked away in a large glass cabinet on the second floor. With the help of expert costume consultants, Olana put the pieces together. Many of the clothing items can be found in Church's sketches and paintings, which are also only display. "As (Church) is collecting these objects on his travels, they're everyday clothes," she said. "He is picking them up because he likes them and has that artist's eye." Visitors are greeted with four mannequins in the dining room, adjacent to the foyer, dressed in brightly colored, differently patterned robes made of cotton, wool and silk. These were outfits that Church provided to his dinner guests on at least one occasion, according to an unearthed diary entry, so they could "dress as Turks." At the court hall landing stand two Dragoman, or tour guide, suits a blue one made of wool, cotton and silk, and a beige one made of wool with a metallic thread embroidery. "The Dragoman suits is a way of introducing the story of Westerners coming and traveling," said Diane Forsberg, Olana's director of collections and exhibitions. The clothing, Forsberg said, benefits scholars, and also helps visitors better understand the people of the Middle East, especially during in that 19th century time period. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. "What I find so intriguing is that with contemporary art and thought, and all the issues in Palestine and everywhere else, clothing is very symbolic and really gets into the heart and place and identity," she said. "We're inviting people to think about that." Orientalism is another strong theme of the exhibit that Forsberg said she hopes people have conversations about. "This is what Church and his friends did they had this exotic notion of this other land and brought back various pieces to put together what they were imagining, making it reality," she said. "You can think about appropriation as so much a part of our concern today what's the difference between appropriation, and respect and borrowing?" TROY Administrators at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute are poised to halt recruiting at the schools fraternities during a mandatory Stand Down, which could last through the fall. The move, though, is prompting a backlash from some alumni, including fraternity and sorority members, who are talking about withholding donations to the school if the halt goes through. The Greek community is ready to do that, Katelyn ONeil, a treasurer of the Class of 2014 alumni officers, said of their plans to stop donating if the recruiting freeze is enacted. It is almost inevitable, she added of the move. RPI officials on Thursday would only say they were creating a Greek Life Task Force to examine aspects of the schools fraternities and sororities. In light of recent incidents, we must determine the next steps Rensselaer should take to address issues within the Greek system at Rensselaer and to ensure the Greek organizations fulfill their intended purpose within our community, RPI President Shirley Ann Jackson said in a letter to members of the school community last week. I am appointing a Greek Life Task Force, led by Le Norman Strong, Interim Vice President for Student Life, to assess the system, and work with the community to identify what is necessary to enact a long-term, sustainable, and comprehensive culture change to preserve the positive aspects of the Greek system. The letter noted: Just recently, within our Greek system, we have experienced drug-related tragedies, alcohol abuse, sexual misconduct, and instances of hazing. Alumni, though, said that Strong, in a presentation made over the weekend, signaled the school plans a pause of all rush, recruitment and intake efforts, for Greek organizations. That was according to a slide show presented to fraternity/sorority leaders and alumni over the weekend and viewed by the Times Union. Also on hold going forward are social events with alcohol. The announcement came after most students had left school for the semester. Critics say that halting recruitment through the fall when the annual rush period takes place, could cripple the Greek organizations. And while Jackson referenced a number of issues, news of the planned Stand Down came days after a TV news report on CBS 6, in which an anonymous former RPI student said she was raped at a fraternity event in December 2016. Some consensual stuff happened and then he forced himself on me, the woman said in the news report. ONeils organization, on a Facebook page, said it would urge other graduates to withhold financial support and recruitment of students if the Stand Down goes through. If such a suspension is put in place, we will withdraw our support of the Institute. We will actively engage our peers, including other alumni class leaders, to discourage further financial contribution and admissions support, reads a letter from Class of 2014 officers posted Wednesday on the Facebook page maintained by Save RPI Greek Life, a group supporting the schools fraternities and sororities. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Also weighing in was RPIs Interfraternity Council. More for you Troubled alumni stop donating These potential sanctions are intended to promote our Greek community: however, we believe that their consequences would hurt us, stated a letter to the schools Greek community. With about 23 percent of students participating in fraternities and sororities, Greek organizations are a sizable presence at the school. ONeil added that Greek alumni make up a big part of the donor base and a majority of those who return to the campus for events like Alumni Weekend. She said she believes part of the concern comes from national stories over hazing at fraternities and sororities. But she said she never experienced that at RPI. You hear horror stories from other universities, said ONeil. I was never hazed. People who go to a school like RPI are really there for the academics. rkarlin@timesunion.com 518 454 5758 @RickKarlinTU TROY - Plans to build a massive warehouse in Schodack are among the items the Rensselaer County Industrial Development Agency will discuss at a meeting Thursday afternoon. The 1,015,740-square-foot facility with 93 loading docks, and parking for 300 tractor trailers would be located on vacant land between Route 9 and Interstate 90. One Superstorm Sandy or Hurricane Irene could wreak havoc on the dozens of dams peppering the Capital Region, a risk to life and property should one of them fail. The region has 75 dams, either government or privately owned, that pose an intermediate or high risk threat of damaging the surrounding area if the dams were breached, according to a report released by state Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli on Thursday. The difference in those risks are based on how widespread an impact a dam failure would have, accounting for homes, major highways, crucial infrastructure, environmental damage, economic loss and possible casualties. Fixing the dams could cost the state's municipalities $360 million, and little federal funding is available to help ease the punch, the report shows. A recent example shows how costly repairs can be. The 90-year-old Gilboa Dam in the Catskills underwent a $138 million reconstruction after a 2005 preliminary inspection showed a heavy rain or snow melt could compromise it. By the numbers A breakdown of the number of intermediate- and high-hazard dams in the Capital Region. Albany County Intermediate-hazard: 13 High-hazard: 13 Rensselaer County Intermediate-hazard: 13 High-hazard: 10 Saratoga County Intermediate-hazard: 13 High-hazard: 11 Schenectady County Intermediate-hazard: 1 High-hazard: 1 See More Collapse The deadly and destructive consequences of flooding in New York are clear, DiNapoli said in a news release. As with the impact of severe storms, the breach of a large dam could result in the loss of life, devastation of several communities and flooding that spans multiple counties. Even a small dam failure could result in significant economic consequences for residents, municipalities and the state. As infrastructure ages and hazardous weather events becomes more frequent, DiNapoli said local governments should ensure dams are annually inspected and deficiencies are addressed, emergency action plans are up-to-date and funding in capital plans is allocated for improvements. Albany Water Department Commissioner Joe Coffey said repairs to dams are usually privately financed because there are few grants, or other public funds, available. I think everybody always looks for grant money where you can get it, but a lot of these projects arent eligible, he said. There are two government-owned dams in Albany Rensselaer Lake and Tivoli Lake dams the former having an unsound condition rating, according to data from the state Department of Conservation. Unsound ratings could indicate seepage issues, or compromises in the structural stability. Coffey said the department has $10 million budgeted for improvements to all the dams it oversees, which includes Alcove, Basic Creek and Loudonville, in its five-year capital plan. The dams are assessed annually to make sure there is never a major failure, he said. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. In Colonie, officials also regularly evaluate and repair the three dams the town oversees, including the West Albany Storm Retention Dam & Dike that was renovated about five years ago to address flooding in West Albany. At this point, its part of our regular operations, said Jack Cunningham, Colonie Department of Public Works commissioner. Its not a surprise expense for us. You want to make sure theyre structurally sound, so they dont break and release water. But repairs and major reconstruction to dams can be costly, which sometimes means their owners may put off repairs until grants become available. Troy is responsible for three of four dams in the city Wright Lake, Bradley Lake and Rail Joint Mill. Bradley Lake Dams last condition rating was unsound. A new federal program, the High Hazard Potential Dam Rehabilitation Program, authorized under the Water Infrastructure Improvements for the Nation Act of 2016 would provide grants for repairs for high-hazard potential dams, but it hasnt been funded. We are aware of the maintenance issues and the costs associated with those particular dams, Troy spokesman John Salka said. Were continuing to monitor them, and when funding presents itself, the city is in a position to take action to address the deficiencies that have been identified. ALBANY The New York State Police crime lab is analyzing DNA evidence using controversial techniques that have been characterized as junk science and led to shakeups at other labs around the country. A Times Union examination of records documenting the practices of the State Polices Forensic Investigations Center also found the lab may be manipulating DNA analysis to match samples to known suspects in crimes, and that a national accreditation organization removed details of that allegation from an audit that was released in February. The issue centers on mixtures of human DNA recovered from evidence such as weapons or a victims clothing. Scientists at some labs, including the State Polices Forensic Investigation Center, use controversial subjective analysis to pinpoint the DNA of individuals who may have left their genetic footprint behind. Questions about the State Police crime labs application of the so-called Combined Probability of Inclusion (CPI) were raised in a recent Orange County murder case. Lab records obtained by the Times Union show a State Police scientist changed her initial written findings that concluded the suspects DNA was not on an ammunition magazine associated with one of the handguns used in the crime. The records confirm that the scientist, Cheryl L. Strevell, issued a second report three weeks later, on Dec. 8, in which she discarded four of the unique genetic markers that had indicated the DNA belonged to someone other than the suspect, Omarrio H. Morrison. The adjusted report, initially based on 16 genetic markers, or locations, was sent to the Newburgh City Police Department and used as evidence along with Strevells testimony to help convict Morrison of second-degree murder at his trial, which ended June 1 in Goshen. After initially finding Morrisons DNA was not included at all 16 genetic locations, Strevell's final report found that he was included using only 12 locations. Strevell reported the chance of a random person being in the mixture and that it was not Morrison's was one in 14.33 million. Her adjusted findings came after she had apparently looked at the suspects DNA profile, which multiple experts said is improper but may be common practice at the New York State Police crime lab. Its like painting the target after youve already shot the arrow, said Tiffany Roy, an attorney and DNA expert who exposed similar problems at the Broward County sheriffs crime lab in Florida. James W. Winslow, Morrisons attorney, said there was other evidence against his client, but the DNA evidence was damaging. There is this concept in DNA called suspect-centric analysis,' Winslow said. It seems to me, and to the other people that Ive talked to, that they really should be doing these things in the blind and not knowing who the suspects are or their DNA. Thats not the way its done. Roy, who examined the State Police labs DNA evidence in the Morrison case for the defense team, said the scientists report was a complete misinterpretation of the profile. They pretty much left out information that was questionable and tried to include information that would meet their guidelines to match the evidence to the suspect. In February, ANAB, a non-governmental national accreditation organization, issued an audit that flagged the State Police labs work in three cases, including the Morrison investigation. An earlier version of the audit, which was done under the umbrella of the ANSI-ASQ National Accreditation Board, had characterized the State Police labs CPI methods as inconsistent and improper, and noted its scientists have been selectively removing DNA loci from samples that did not support their interpretations. The section removed from the audit also indicated that State Police scientists were comparing evidence samples to the DNA of a suspect during the analysis, according to a person outside the State Police who was familiar with the audit. That practice, which is akin to looking at an answer before completing the work, is considered improper and may lead to wrongly implicating suspects in crimes. Similar allegations rocked a crime lab in Austin, Texas, where their outdated and subjective analysis methods came under fire in 2015. Beau Duffy, a spokesman for the New York State Police, said CPI "is a valid statistical technique." "In response to the audit, the lab took corrective action to update and clarify procedures, and provided staff with additional training, to the satisfaction of ANAB," Duffy said. "The (state forensic commission's) DNA subcommittee also reviewed the findings and corrective actions, and issued a recommendation to renew the accreditation." There is no question in the DNA community that serious issues have been found when scientists use interpretive analysis to pinpoint the DNA of individuals in samples that are mixtures of multiple people. In a 2015 report by the National Institute of Standards and Technology, more than 100 crimes labs took part in a study in which they used the interpretive method to analyze DNA mixtures. The study asked the labs to identify DNA samples found on a ski mask. Although there were four known contributors, more than 70 of the labs spread across 46 states but not identified in the study also matched the DNA on the ski mask to a fifth person whose DNA had been provided, even though that person had never touched the mask. Its unclear why the criticism of the New York State Police labs interpretive methods was removed from the ANAB audit that was issued four months ago. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. Nita Bolz, a manager at the Wausau Crime Lab in Wisconsin who oversaw the audit, did not respond to a request for comment. Another scientist who took part in the State Police audit said that ANAB requires them to sign a confidentiality agreement that prohibits the auditors from discussing their work. Problems similar to those described at the New York State Police crime lab led ANSI-ASQ to shut down a lab in Washington, D.C., three years ago after questions were raised by the U.S. attorneys office about the reliability of that labs DNA work. The labs DNA analysis was suspended for 10 months and slowly resumed under tighter controls. Roy, who is from West Palm Beach and was formerly a chemist at the Massachusetts State Police DNA lab, challenged the accuracy of the work at the Broward County crime lab two years ago in a formal complaint that helped spur a broader investigation of the facilitys work. Last week, Roy filed a formal complaint with the New York State Commission on Forensic Science, which oversees the states crime labs, about the issues raised in the ANAB audit, including the analysis in the Morrison murder case. Her complaint identified what she said were serious errors in the conclusion reached in the Morrison case. She also challenged the explanation that Russell Gettig, an associate director at the State Police lab, gave to the commission at a meeting in March when a commission member questioned the ANAB audit findings. Gettig said during the meeting that he had examined the three cases flagged in the audit, including the Morrison murder case, and that there was nothing improper, or incorrect, that went out in the report in those cases. Roy, in her complaint, said the method used by the State Police in those cases to identify the DNA contributors is unreliable and unsupported by good science. I agree with the ANAB auditors and I disagree with Dr. Gettig, she wrote in the eight-page complaint. The problems are hardest to address when bad information flows from the top down. Roys complaint said the issues cited in the audit of the State Police lab closely resemble the issues addressed in the audit of the D.C. lab, including several findings of validation deficiencies and improper case handling. Ray A. Wickenheiser, director of the State Police crime laboratories since 2013, was not available for comment on Wednesday. Its not the first time the State Police lab has been alleged to use suspect-centric DNA analysis. In 2016, three forensic scientists who were snared in an alleged cheating scandal at the State Police crime lab filed a federal lawsuit claiming they were wrongly targeted for termination, in part, because they questioned the validity of the lab's traditional DNA-testing program. The scientists, whose lawsuits are pending in U.S. District Court in Albany, accused the agency of using suspect-centric analysis, and alleged an unknown number of criminal convictions may have relied on inaccurate DNA results. They accused State Police leaders of pushing the cheating allegations to justify their sudden abandonment of a plan to implement a computerized DNA program that could have been used to re-test old cases. Albany - Two years after he came out of retirement to help overhaul the Albany County public defender's office, veteran defense attorney Terence L. Kindlon will retire again at the end of July. County Executive Daniel McCoy is expected to make the announcement Friday morning at a news conference at the Times Union Center, according to people with knowledge of the details. Kindlon, 71, of Glenmont, the chief assistant to Public Defender Stephen Herrick, the former county judge, will be at least the sixth departure or pending departure this year from the 29-lawyer office, which represents clients who cannot afford to pay for their legal service in defense cases, appeals and family court cases. Lawyers have left the office for other jobs -- such as those in state government -- that pay more money. Office lawyers also have large workloads, with some representing dozens at a time. Kindlon, who doubled as the office's director of training, is retiring as Laurie Shanks, his wife and longtime law partner, is set to teach at the University of Santiago in Chile as a Fulbright Specialist. The paid teaching fellowship, starting in September, could last months. Kindlon, who will be accompanying his wife to South America, also has committed to working as a mentor for the state Office of Indigent Legal Services in Washington County, people with knowledge of the move said. McCoy hired Kindlon in June 2016, just two months after the attorney -- a Marine and Purple Heart recipient who in 1968 survived being shot in the head during the Tet Offensive military campaign of the Vietnam War -- retired from his legal career of four decades. At the time, McCoy said it was part of a restructuring of the office. "We do have attorneys who have been with us forever and we love them and they do a great job, but this will help us," McCoy said in 2016. Among other changes, the office under Herrick and Kindlon now has three investigators, requires there be two assistant public defenders at each trial and sends lawyers to training. Kindlon, while serving as the acting public defender in the months before Herrick started, began a system in which 12 office attorneys exclusively represented felony-level clients and the rest of the criminal defense lawyers handled misdemeanor-level clients in local courts. Sign up for The Knick Get the latest news and some area history with our afternoon newsletter. At the time, Kindlon told the Times Union: "We formulated this new arrangement only after soliciting input from every lawyer in the office. And make no mistake: This is not 'Your Father's Public Defender' -- this is a culture change and, from this day on, we will be animated by the principles of client-centered representation." In addition to Kindlon, the most recent departures include Assistant Public Defender Samantha Koolen for the state Department of Corrections and Community Supervision and Assistant Public Defender Christopher Ritchie for Gov. Andrew Cuomo's office. That followed the departure of Assistant Public Defender Madalyn Rosa DeThomasis, who left to be an assistant corporation counsel for the city of Albany, Assistant Public Defender Kimberley Wallace, who left for the local firm of Carter Conboy and former deputy public defender George Mehm, who retired. Former Assistant Public Defender Steve Lydon is now a prosecutor for Albany County District Attorney David Soares. The public defender's office has also recently added Assistant Public Defenders Salvatore Russo, who was at the DWI defense firm of Anelli Xavier; Beau Melita, formerly of the Schenectady County public defender's office; Adam Staier, who worked in Saratoga County; Albany attorney Jessica Gorman; and Albany lawyer Rebekah Sokol. Tragic ride-on lawnmower accident victim, Joan Kinane, Toureen, Rossmore was laid to rest this afternoon in Rossmore cemetery, beside Christ Our Saviour Church when an enormous turnout meant that the Churchyard was packed with sympathisers, not to mention the Church itself. Mother of four, and wife to Sean, Joan died following an accident with a ride-on lawnmower at her home of Friday evening shocking her heartbroken family and an entire community in the process. Hundreds of mourners turned out for the removal of her Remains yesterday evening (Wednesday) at Hayes Funeral Chapel in Clonoulty, and the Church in Rossmore was packed to capacity as her brother Rev Fr Tom Dunne, CC in Boherlahan and Dualla paid tribute to a lady who was in the prime of her life. "What happened last Friday evening is best summed up by the words in St John's Gospel - disaster and annihilation. Because, our sister Joan has been snatched from us in the prime of her life and has left us feeling annihilated. There has been great trauma and tragedy since Friday evening but we have seen the hand and face of Christ in all of the people who have come to offer their support since," an emotional Fr Dunne said. Joan, a nurse, was an integral part of the community in Rossmore - a member of the Board of Management of the local school; Secretary of the Parents Association; a Eucharistic Minister and Minister of the Word, and a good, thoughtful and kind neighbour, she was described by retired Archdeacon Matty McGrath, as a humble lady, a great wife, mother, sister and friend to many. At a time when the clergy are "getting long on the tooth", Joan Kinane was a lady who would have been a magnificent Church administrator in any parish, Fr McGrath said. Survived by her husband Sean, her adoring family Shane, Aoife, Grainne and Moira; sister Brenda, brothers Fr. Tom (Boherlahan / Dualla) John, Paddy and Dermot, relatives and many friends, Joan Kinane was laid to rest in the eerie silence of a fresh, sunny afternoon neath the soil of the community she gave so much to. See next weeks Tipperary Star for further tributes to Joan Kinane. [June 14, 2018] Juniper Networks Wins "Best of Show" Top Awards at Interop Tokyo 2018 TOKYO, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Juniper Networks (NYSE:JNPR), an industry leader in automated, scalable and secure networks, today announced that it has captured multiple top honors at Interop Tokyo 2018 for the 12th straight year. The recognition reflects the companys consistent commitment toward delivering innovative and industry-leading networking technology while simplifying the complexities of networking. Maintaining its award winning-streak at the influential trade show, Juniper triumphed in the following categories this year: Best of Show Grand Prix Award (Network Infrastructure): Juniper Networks MX10008 Universal Chassis Juniper Networks MX10008 Universal Chassis Best of Show Grand Prix Award (Cloud Computing): Contrail Enterprise Multicloud by Juniper Networks Contrail Enterprise Multicloud by Juniper Networks Best of Show Runners-Up Award (Security): Juniper Networks ATP Appliance Juniper Networks ATP Appliance Best of Show Special Award (Security): Juniper Networks SRX4600 Services Gateway Continuing Junipers proud tradition of receiving consecutive Best of Show awards at Interop Tokyo since 2007, a prominent judging panel of industry experts and executives selected Junipers products as award winners from among hundreds of nominations across the industry. Recent Juniper award-winners have included the QFX10008, QFX5110 and the MX10003. As one of the largest network computing trade shows in Asia, Interop Tokyo is renowned for being a top global business technology event, showcasing the very latest in cutting-edge networking products, solutions and services from vendors across the world. This year, Interop Tokyo 2018 attracted more than 140,000 attendees (including co-located events) and featured major keynote addresses and full-fledged conference programs, as well as an associated expo area for showcases by vendors. Product Highlights: Juniper Networks MX10008 Universal Chassis The MX10008 completes Junipers universal chassis portfolio that also includes the PTX and QFX chassis and continues service-scale innovation to usher in the next era of carrier, enterprise and cloud networking. Customers now can have a singular chassis to accommodate a variety of line cards and software for different use-cases, enabling customers to do more withless while simplifying network design and reducing OPEX. In addition, the MX10008 also brings industry-leading and space-saving scale for edge routers at 19.2 Tbps, while also improving per-slot economics for service scale at ~0.6 watts per gigabit. Contrail Enterprise Multicloud by Juniper Networks Contrail Enterprise Multicloud is the only multicloud-ready orchestration and analytics platform, for any cloud and any workload, across multivendor environments. Integrating both overlay and underlay management into an open platform, Contrail Enterprise Multicloud streamlines workflows and improves end-to-end visibility. Featuring end-to-end policy and control capability, Contrail Enterprise Multicloud enables users to have a single tool for orchestration across overlay and fabric management, bare metal servers, virtual machines, containers and networking devices, private and public clouds and security management. Based on open interfaces and standard protocols, Contrail Enterprise Multicloud can be inserted into diverse networking environments to avoid unnecessary vendor lock-in, all while enabling a clear path toward a secure and automated multicloud. Juniper Networks Advanced Threat Prevention (ATP) Appliance The ATP Appliance provides comprehensive on-premise protection against a sophisticated ever-changing threat landscape. Utilizing advanced machine learning and behavioral analysis, the ATP Appliance identifies existing and unknown advanced threats in near real-time. With an open API architecture, the ATP Appliance integrates with third-party security devices for seamless, automatic threat mitigation. The ATP Appliance is available in both physical (all-in-one or distributed mode deployment) and virtual (distributed mode only) form factors. Juniper Networks SRX4600 Services Gateway The high-performance SRX4600 next-generation firewall offers fast, scalable protection across the enterprise private cloud, campus networks, cloud service providers and telcos alike With integrated malware prevention and a full suite of next-generation services, the SRX4600 is optimized to provide consistent and seamless protection across diverse environments As the center point of defense, the SRX4600 offers unprecedented command over your entire security infrastructure, allowing for single pane of glass management through Junos Space Security Director Supporting Quote We are delighted to once again continue Juniper Networks proud tradition of capturing multiple prestigious awards at Interop Tokyo, across the Network Infrastructure, Cloud Computing and Security categories. Its a major honor to be consecutively recognized every year since 2007 by the esteemed panel, and a strong testament to our commitment of continually challenging the complexities across networking all while consistently engineering industry-leading products and solutions for our customers. - Mike Marcellin, SVP and chief marketing officer, Juniper Networks Additional Resources: Follow Juniper Networks online: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn Juniper Blogs and Community: J-Net Juniper 1on1 app: Keep up with all things Juniper from your smartphone. Download the app from iTunes and Google Play store today. About Juniper Networks Juniper Networks simplifies the complexities of networking with products, solutions and services in the cloud era to transform the way we connect, work and live. We remove the traditional constraints of networking to enable our customers and partners to deliver automated, scalable and secure networks that connect the world. Additional information can be found at Juniper Networks (www.juniper.net) or connect with Juniper on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Juniper Networks, the Juniper Networks logo, Juniper and Junos are registered trademarks of Juniper Networks, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Media Relations: Juniper Networks Kenneth Chew +65 6511 3529 kchew@juniper.net [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2018] Digitalberge, Top SEO Company in India, to Provide Huge Discount on SEO Services NEW DELHI, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- 20% Off on all Digital Marketing Services Regarded as the best SEO Company in India, Digitalberge has come a long way from where it all began. They serve their valued customers and clients with a host of digital marketing services like PPC Services India, ORM Services India and so on. They take immense pride in providing top-quality SEO Consultancy Services in Delhi. Not only that, they go an extra mile in assisting their clients in building their brand online by running social media campaign. Moreover, they give online reputation management services. These Digital Marketing Services include: SEO Consultancy Services (SEO consultancy services India ) ) Social Media Optimization (SMO Services India) Pay per Click (PPC Services India) Website Designing Development Online Reputation Management (ORM Services India) Digitalberge offers these services that will help one improve their brands visibility, customer loyalty, keywords ranking, revenue and authority f the website. The SEO (Search Engine Optimization) methods they rely on are personalized for all clients just to make sure that the client is capitalizing on each area in their niche. How is Digitalberge different? With more than a decade experience, the skilled and qualified SEO consultants are extremely professional in the field of digital marketing and SEO. They leave no stone unturned when it comes to providing GAP analysis report compared to their competitors. Here are some reasons why Digitalberge is different than the rest: 15 years of professional SEO expertise They carry out only White Hat SEO practices for websites as per Google's latest guidelines Their SEO and Digital Marketing Services are very affordable and result oriented They deliver page #1 ranking which pulls more traffic and brings more sales Better ROI The objective of Digitalberge is to deliver best SEO results to their clients so that they can get the most profitable clicks from Google. Their SEO (Search Engine Optimization) process consists of maintenance, tuning and continuous testing and monitoring. They are a complete media company providing host of other services as well. And their design and development wing deals with website designing and development, Mobile apps and shopify development. Digitalberge is a top-notch SEO company in India that has set a benchmark for themselves in providing Search Engine Marketing and digital consultancy to several businesses all around the world. Being a leading SEO service provider, they analyze the core requirements of one's business. Moreover, they keep it proportionate to the company's goals and visions, so as to produce impressive results. Media Contact: Bindu info@digitalberge.com +91-9958992928 DigitalBerge [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2018] Ecommerce Search Upstart Twiggle Named a 2018 Gartner Cool Vendor in Digital Commerce Twiggle, a company pioneering the use of artificial intelligence in ecommerce search, announced that it has been named a 2018 Gartner (News - Alert) Cool Vendor in Cool Vendors in the Digital Commerce1. Gartner's annual Cool Vendors in Digital Commerce notes that the profiled companies are cool "because they each offer solutions that can be applied to deliver transformation or optimization for digital commerce use cases." According to Gartner, "Organizations with a digital commerce business - especially those in the retail industry - should examine how Twiggle might improve their on-site search function. If their current commerce search technology struggles with 'long tail' keyword searches or gives ambiguous results from more than one category, Twiggle could improve matters dramatically by determining the intentions of customers." Twiggle uses natural language understanding and machine learning to help retailers take a giant step away from keyword search towards effective natural language search. The company's game-changing technology automatically converts product listings into structured, semantic representations by mapping both structured and unstructured product data to a proprietary rich ontology especially built to represent the world of consumer products. Twiggle does the sme with customer queries - mapping raw textual (or verbal) input to their proprietary ontology. The result - search engines speak the same language as customers, making search more natural - even conversational. Twiggle works with some of the world's leading retailers. On average, Twiggle achieves more than 8% uplift in conversion for its customers, with some customers seeing as much as 18% uplift in conversion. Twiggle's API can be integrated with any search engine - including search engines that have been highly customized. "Being recognized as a Gartner Cool Vendor is a tremendous compliment. We've invested an incredible amount of time and resources to tackle one of the hardest problems in ecommerce search - understanding what the customer wants when she wants it," stated Twiggle co-founder and CEO Amir Konigsberg. "We believe this recognition, in addition to being named to CB Insights' prestigious AI 100, is strong validation for our approach to search and the results we're generating for our customers. The upcoming launch of our analytics product will extend the benefits of good search to marketing, product and technical teams who can leverage shoppers' intent from search, and continue to innovate while we execute on our product roadmap." 1 Gartner, Cool Vendors in Digital Commerce, Christina Klock, Jason Daigler, et al., May 16, 2018 Disclaimer Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in our research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. About Twiggle Founded by Dr. Amir Konigsberg and Dr. Adi Avidor, two ex-Googlers, Twiggle has created the first knowledge-based search solution for ecommerce - redefining what it means to deliver relevance and recall in ecommerce search. Some of the world's largest retailers are using Twiggle's API to add a natural language layer to their existing search engines and understand what their customers want when they want it - increasing conversion by an average of over 8%. Twiggle is backed by some of the world's leading investors, including Alibaba, Naspers (News - Alert) , Yahoo! Japan, State of Mind Ventures, MizMaa Ventures and Korea Investment Partners. Dr. Udi Manber, former Head of Search at Google and Amazon, is a member of Twiggle's Board of Directors. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180613006383/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2018] Dirk Kersten Joins Forbion as General Partner Forbion, one of the leading European life science venture capital firms, today announces that Dirk Kersten will join as a General Partner on October 1st, 2018. Dirk is currently responsible for the life sciences investment activities at Inkef Capital as a member of its Leadership Team and Investment Committee. Dirk brings a wealth of transaction experience to Forbion, as well as a deep sector knowledge and network from over 16 years of life sciences industry experience. As Managing Director at Inkef Capital, Dirk was closely involved in expanding Inkef's assets under management to EUR 500M and building a team of over 15 investment professionals and seasoned industry advisors. Prior to Inkef Capital, Dirk was a Partner at Gilde Healthcare Partners where he led a series of successful investments in biopharmaceutical and medtech companies across Europe and in the US. At Gilde, Dirk was responsible for pioneering their US investment activities and managed their Boston office for several years. Dirk holds a Master's of Science in Physics from the University of Groningen in the Netherlands. "We are very pleased that Dirk willbe joining our team. His professional experience and contacts will be invaluable in helping us continue to invest in the most promising European life sciences companies and building new biotech companies, like Dezima Pharma, Staten Biotech and NorthSea Therapeutics", commented Sander Slootweg, Managing Partner at Forbion. Dirk Kersten added: "I am very pleased to join one of the leading life sciences venture capital firms in Europe with clear ambitions to be a truly global player. From my experience, Forbion is one of few firms in Europe that operates on a level playing field with the leading US venture capital firms. Besides investing in, and building exciting new biotech companies, I look forward to working with the rest of the Forbion team to develop new areas of strategic focus for the future." - Ends - Notes to Editors About Forbion Forbion is a dedicated life sciences venture capital firm with offices in The Netherlands and Germany. Forbion invests in life sciences companies that are active in the (bio)pharmaceutical, as well as the medical device space. Forbion's investment team has built an impressive performance track record since the late nineties with successful investments in over 50 companies. Forbion manages well over EUR 800 million across nine funds. Its investors include the EIF, through its European Recovery Programme (ERP), LfA and Dutch Venture Initiative (DVI) facilities and the KFW through the ERP - Venture Capital Fondsfinanzierung facility. Forbion operates a joint venture with BGV, the manager of seed and early stage funds focused on Benelux and Germany. www.forbion.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180614005046/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2018] Carrot Rewards and RBC challenge Canadians to pick up the pace on wellness RBC encourages Canadians to live healthier lives by offering RBC Rewards points through the Carrot Rewards app TORONTO, June 14, 2018 /CNW/ - Today Carrot Rewards announced that Canadians can now earn RBC Rewards points when they invest in their wellness by learning how to live healthier, and by achieving daily step goals with the Carrot Rewards app. "Joining hands with one of our country's largest banks provides us with a terrific opportunity to accelerate our shared vision to make a positive impact on the everyday lifestyles of Canadians," said Andreas Souvaliotis, Chief Executive Officer, Carrot Rewards. "Adding RBC Rewards to the menu of choices on the Carrot Rewards app will further boost our platform's unique relevance and popularity." According to the Public Health Agency of Canada's recent report, How Healthy Are Canadians?1, more than 77% of Canadian adults and nearly 91% of children and youth are not meeting the Canadian Physical Activity Guidelines. The Carrot Rewards app helps to make physical activity and wellness fun by providing a gamified experience that delivers real rewards to Canadians. "Whether it's our support of youth mental health initiatives or our longstanding commitment to grassroots sport and the Olympic movement in Canada, RBC has an extensive history of supporting and promoting health and wellness in communities around the globe," says Jacquelina Calisto, Vice President, Global Loyalty & Rewards, RBC. "That's why we're investing in a range of innovative relationships with organizations like Carrot. We understand the importance of well-being in our clients' lives, and in 2017, we committed more than $15 million to health and wellness programs in Canada." The Carrot Rewards app is currently available for free download to Canadians in British Columbia, Ontario and Newfoundland and Labrador from the App Store on iPhone, iPad or at http://www.AppStore.com, and Google Play on Android devices, or at play.google.com. For more information, visit rbcrewards.com/carrotrewards. About Carrot Rewards Carrot Rewards is an AI-driven public engagement platform that leverages behavioural economics and nudge theory to motivate Canadians to make better everyday lifestyle choices. Carrot harnesses the power of the most popular consumer loyalty programs in Canada to maximize its appeal and user engagement. Carrot users earn their choice of Aeroplan Miles, SCENEPoints, Petro-Points, More Rewards Points, Drop points or RBC Rewards points each time they interact with the app. The Carrot platform was created in collaboration with public sector agencies, the three leading Canadian health NGOs and the private sector. With over a million downloads across Canada, Carrot is the most popular and trusted engagement platform in the country. Carrot was recognized as Canadian App of the Year and in 2018, was ranked as a Top 10 Loyalty Program in the country by the Bond Brand Loyalty Report. About RBC Royal Bank of Canada is a global financial institution with a purpose-driven, principles-led approach to delivering leading performance. Our success comes from the 81,000+ employees who bring our vision, values and strategy to life so we can help our clients thrive and communities prosper. As Canada's biggest bank, and one of the largest in the world based on market capitalization, we have a diversified business model with a focus on innovation and providing exceptional experiences to our 16 million clients in Canada, the U.S. and 34 other countries. Learn more at rbc.com.? We are proud to support a broad range of community initiatives through donations, community investments and employee volunteer activities. See how at http://www.rbc.com/community-sustainability/. ______________________________ 1 Public Health Agency of Canada. How Healthy Are Canadians? Ottawa (ON), April 2017. SOURCE Carrot Rewards [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2018] Navigator Business Solutions Releases Turnkey SAP Cloud ERP Solutions for Manufacturers and Distributors in the Consumer Packaged Goods Industry PLEASANT GROVE, Utah, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Navigator Business Solutions, an SAP Gold Partner, has released a pair of turnkey ERP solutions designed specifically for manufacturers and distributors in the consumer packaged goods industry. Built on SAP's cloud-based Business ByDesign platform and based on guidance from industry experts and Navigator's more than 10 years experience implementing consumer packaged goods (CPG) solutions, the CPG Distributors and CPG Manufacturers ERP solutions are intended to serve as a complete suite-in-a-box that enables CPG companies of all sizes to adapt to rapidly changing distribution models, dynamic product lifecycles and increasingly complex global supply chains. The secure, cloud-based ERP solutions connect every function across a CPG manufacturing or distribution business, including sales, supply chain management, omni-channel and EDI automation, RMA, quality control, accounting and analytics, among others. Because the manufacture and distribution of CPG goods is increasingly global, and CPG products will account for roughly 20 percent of all online sales by 2025, Navigator has taken SAP's industry-leading cloud ERP platform and preconfigured solutions for multi-country distribution and deep e-commerce connectivity along with industry best practices. These predefined configurations include embedded support for third-party logistics and order fulfillment, 70 end-to-end integration scenarios, connectivity to 277 web services, multi-country and mult-currency support out-of-the-box, wide e-commerce and EDI integration, and support for numerous credit card payment gateways. The CPG solutions also are configured for global compliance requirements such as the European Data Privacy requirements (GDPR/EU-DSGVO), as well as segregation of duty conflict reporting, multi-GAAP standards support, and localization for more than 22 countries. "Consumer product companies are dealing with rapidly changing distribution models, complex integration requirements, and a global marketplace that has demanding regulatory requirements," noted Grant Fraser, Navigator Business Solutions' president and CEO. "A cloud-based ERP solution tailored for CPG needs is essential for navigating and thriving in this environment," he added. "We designed these solutions so CPG distributors and manufacturers can easily migrate from spreadsheets and siloed applications to an all-in-one cloud ERP solution that is future-proof and ready out of the box." One manufacturer that already has benefited from Navigator's customized industry solutions is Schoolhouse Electric & Supply, makers of modern home furniture and fixtures. Since adopting the ERP solution, Schoolhouse Electric has improved product availability by 25 percent and on-time delivery by 20 percent. The company also has reduced its time between order placement and shipment by 65 percent. "SAP Business ByDesign allows us to exist in the market and grow as we have 25 percent year-over-year," said Chris Tufts, vice president of operations and finance for Schoolhouse Electric. "Without it, we simply wouldn't have competitive lead times and wouldn't be able to fill orders as fast as we do. It makes a business model like ours possible." Navigator Business Solutions is an SAP Gold Partner with more than 20 years experience and more than 500 implementations worldwide. For the past seven years, Navigator has worked alongside SAP to effectively deliver SAP Business ByDesign, providing a scalable cloud ERP solution that improves the ability to drive innovation, growth and profits for its customers. Navigator's proven approach gives customers the experienced leadership to leverage cloud solutions to support growth and change while reliably controlling back-office costs and improving operating margins. For more information on the company, visit https://www.NBS-US.com. SAP, Business ByDesign 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. Media Contact: Sean Barbera Marketing Director Navigator Business Solutions 385-323-9114 197065@email4pr.com View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/navigator-business-solutions-releases-turnkey-sap-cloud-erp-solutions-for-manufacturers-and-distributors-in-the-consumer-packaged-goods-industry-300665906.html SOURCE Navigator Business Solutions [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2018] 'Need for Speed' Threatens to Undercut Due Diligence in Commercial Real Estate Acquisitions, Expert Cautions ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- As investors race to buy shopping centers, hotels, offices and other assets before the market turns, they should stay cognizant of the ways in which due diligence can suffer amid today's need for speed, advises Mike Harris, Managing Director of CREModels, in a column for Forbes.com. "As teams fly around the country bidding on properties, they can lose sight of a sobering fact about real estate deal-makingthe faster the pace, the harder it can be to ferret out problems with prospective acquisitions," Harris writes. "In the worst-case scenario, the buyer finds out about a huge issue only after the ink on the closing documents is dry." Harris' firm provides consulting services and software products for investors, lenders and tenants in commercial and multifamily real estate. In the column ("Giving Due Diligence Its Due: Why Real Estate Investors Need To Ask Tough Questions"), Harris describes how today's fast-paced transactions market can undercut the quality of due diligence. In a sluggish environment, he explains, the seller of a value-add shopping center or multifamily property might struggle to find bidders, so when an interested party comes along, the seller is likely to give the buyer ample time to conduct a thorough due diligence process. When competition for assets heats up, though, a seller might have multiple suitors willing to pay competitive prices, says Harris. "All else being equal, if one bidder requires 45 days for due diligence while another is content with a short 15- or 20-day process, the seller will take the latter bid," Harris writes. This is partly why investors sometimes push ahead with "expedited" due diligence, he explains. However, today's real estate market is characterized by riskier value-add plays as well as rampant disruption in retailing and other sectors. That means investors and real estate companies should think twice about rushing the process, he suggests. "Amid thin margins and a high degree of uncertainty about the long-term prospects of some tenants and assets, getting due diligence right is imperative," Harris writes. p>Investors should make sure the due diligence process has an investigative quality, with experts asking hard questions about the property's financials, vendor contracts, co-tenancy clauses, Common Area Maintenance (CAM) reconciliations and more, he notes. The column cites situations in which due diligence experts, working on behalf of buyers, caught potential problems with acquisition targets before it was too late. In 2017, for example, the seller of a struggling multifamily property provided a prospective buyer with documentation of accounts receivable dating back 12 months. On the surface, all seemed well, but the team pushed for 36 months of documentation. "This inquiry revealed that a large number of tenants were not paying their rentan important detail that was omitted in the whitewashed document initially presented by the seller," Harris writes. "These uncollected rents totaled $236,000 for a single year." In other recent transactions, due diligence experts identified misleading information in profit-and-loss statements and general ledgers; alerted buyers about exorbitant, above-market vendor contracts that would have been transferred to them along with the property; and redid outdated lease abstracts to give buyers essential information about tenants, Harris writes. In the conclusion to the piece, Harris notes that due diligence is not a core competency for acquisitions teams, and that in-house property managers and accountants are often too busy to handle it properly. The wise approach, he writes, is to rely on a due diligence team with the expertise and bandwidth to sift through the paperwork, bring risks to the surface and uncover hidden value. "Due diligence is perhaps most critical when investors are least able to give it their full attentioni.e., when the market is hopping," Harris concludes. "And yet this process, when approached wholeheartedly and in an investigative spirit, can help answer a pressing question: How will this asset hold up if the economy nosedives?" To read the full column, go to: https://www.forbes.com/sites/forbesrealestatecouncil/2018/06/13/giving-due-diligence-its-due-why-real-estate-investors-need-to-ask-tough-questions/ About CREModels CREModels provides consulting services and software products for owners, investors, lenders and tenants in commercial and multifamily real estate. Founded in April 2010, the St. Petersburg, Fla.-based firm specializes in sifting through voluminous real estate investment data to create easy-to-grasp models that ramp up efficiency, transparency and productivity. For more information, visit CREModels.com. Note to media : Mike Harris is available as a resource for your coverage of commercial real estate and multi-family housing. Press Contacts: At Parness & Associates Public Relations, Bill Parness, (732) 290-0121, 197118@email4pr.com, or Lisa Kreda, 197118@email4pr.com View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/need-for-speed-threatens-to-undercut-due-diligence-in-commercial-real-estate-acquisitions-expert-cautions-300665951.html SOURCE CREModels [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2018] Jamf and MATTER Partner on Innovation Pod, Providing Access to iPads and Digital Curriculum for Haitian Students MINNEAPOLIS, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Jamf, the standard in Apple management, today announced it is partnering with MATTER, a nonprofit dedicated to expanding access to health around the world, to develop an Innovation Pod that will provide access to a variety of technologies, including iPads and digital curriculum all within a completely customized shipping container. The pod will be unveiled at the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series in Phoenix Park in Eau Claire, Wis. More details can be found below. Details-at-a-Glance What: This summer, more than 150 children living in poverty will soon have the opportunity to learn about and engage with technology many for the first time in their lives. Thanks to a first-of-its-kind prtnership between Jamf and MATTER, students attending Hope School in Cite Soleil, Haiti will receive a completely customized shipping container designed as a 21st century classroom. The Innovation Pod, outfitted with solar power, is a hub for learning and using technology. Each of the pods five collaborative workspaces include an interactive display powered by Apple TV. While in the unit, every student and teacher can access an iPad. Students at Hope School will use a variety of apps, such as Swift Playground, Duolingo and Khan Academy, to gain access to a diversified library of content to complement every students interests and learning style. Who: Jamf Global Education Evangelist Dave Saltmarsh will be onsite in Phoenix Park to lead tours of the pod and share details of the initiative. When: The unveiling will take place on Thursday, June 14, 2018 at 3:00 p.m. CT. The pod will be open to the public during the Sounds Like Summer Concert Series on Thursday nights through July 12. Where: Phoenix Park, 330 Riverfront Terrace, Eau Claire, WI 54703 About Jamf Jamf is committed to enabling IT to empower end users and bring the legendary Apple experience to businesses, education and government organizations via its Jamf Pro and Jamf Now products, and the 60,000+ member Jamf Nation. Today, 15,000 global customers rely on Jamf to manage more than nine million Apple devices. To learn more, visit: https://www.jamf.com. Media Contact: Kaitlin Shinkle Sr. Director, Marketing and Corporate Communications kaitlin.shinkle@jamf.com 612-508-2643 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2018] GoodData Customers Receive a $4 Return for Every Dollar Invested as reported by third party Nucleus Research SAN FRANCISCO, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GoodData?, the leader in embedded and distributed analytics, has been recognized by Nucleus Research for the exceptional value it provides its customers. In an analysis of GoodData ROI case studies and interviews with customers, Nucleus Research calculated that GoodDatas customers receive an average of $4.00 in the first three years for every dollar invested in the platform. While cloud solutions typically deliver 3.2 times the ROI of on-premise solutions, Nucleus Research found that GoodDatas customers benefited from higher-than-average returns and speed of deployment. The study identified four areas where GoodData provided the highest value. Flexibility of the end-to-end platform Ease of use for all users Scalability Automation of the platform GoodData delivers consistently high returns across diverse markets because it offers embedded analytics and BI at the point of work, said Kelsey Anspach, analyst for Nucleus Research. The solution transforms data and user decisions into actionable insights in the context of workflow processes, which enables customers to make data-driven decisions and increases employee productivity. Nucleus Research found additional benefits in the average payback period and the verage time to implement the solution. GoodDatas customers were typically able to begin using the platform in less than 5 months, thanks to the companys robust cloud capabilities. Once the solution was implemented, the average payback period across all companies surveyed was 7 months. We spent years developing a platform that harnesses the power of our customers data so its easy for them to make accurate, data-driven decisions that improve their business, and Im proud to see that our efforts have yielded such tangible value for our customers, said CEO Roman Stanek. The report joins several other recent publications to recognize GoodDatas platform, including The Forrester Wave: Enterprise BI Platforms With Majority Cloud Deployments, Q3 2017, in which the company earned the highest-possible scores in five of the reports criteria, and The Forrester Wave: Insight Platforms-As-A-Service, Q3 2017. About GoodData GoodData provides an integrated set of data management, analytics, and insight application deployment and management tools as a leader in the Insight Platforms-as-a-Service category. We support the enterprise-wide data adoption by embedding insights into applications and workflows to provide a full spectrum of data-driven decisions - from transactional to strategic - at the point of work. More than 50 percent of the Fortune 500 are using GoodData to achieve actionable insights. GoodData is headquartered in San Francisco and is backed by Andreessen Horowitz, General Catalyst Partners, Intel Capital, TOTVS, and others. For more information visit our website and follow GoodData on Twitter and LinkedIn. 2018, GoodData Corporation. All rights reserved. GoodData is a registered trademark of GoodData Corporation in the United States and other jurisdictions. Other names used herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. About Nucleus Research Nucleus Research is a global provider of investigative, case-based technology research and advisory services that provide real-world insight into maximizing technology value. For more information, visit www.NucleusResearch.com. 2018, GoodData Corporation. All rights reserved. GoodData is a registered trademark of GoodData Corporation in the United States and other jurisdictions. Other names used herein may be trademarks of their respective owners. GoodData Contact Amy Duryea amy.duryea@gooddata.com [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2018] Maropost Launches New Rapid Growth Data Strategy TORONTO, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, Maropost, the innovating force in Marketing and Sales technology, announced its migration to Google Cloud Platform (GCP)a move set to revolutionize Maropost's hosting security, stability, and scalability for customers. The company's move to Google Cloud Platform was inspired by Maropost's recent jump in growthand a desire for data infrastructure that could grow with them. With its expansive private global fiber network, state of the art security, dedication to continued expansion, and unrivaled uptime, GCP quickly became Maropost's top choice. "Scalability has always been essential in our own platforms. We don't just want to get clientswe want to grow them," says Ross Paquette, Maropost Chairman and CEO. "With Google Cloud, we found that same deication. We're looking forward to providing our customers with the best cloud hosting the market has to offer." GCP provides Maropost with robust, flexible data infrastructureand the perfect foundation for the company's unprecedented growth. On GCP, Maropost can continue to expand its capabilities and client basefor Maropost Marketing Cloud, Maropost Sales Cloud, and several highly anticipated platforms set to launch in 2018. About Maropost Maropost is a B2C cloud-based sales & marketing suite that enables companies to increase cross-channel customer engagement and maximize revenue. Through integrated marketing and sales automation, Maropost provides the essential tools, strategic guidance, and support needed to create personalized customer experiences through a 360-degree business viewfrom marketing automation, to CRM, commerce, and customer support. Headquartered in Toronto, Canada, Maropost is trusted by brands like DigitalMarketer, New York Post, Mercedes-Benz, Rolling Stone, SHOP.com, and Yext. Learn more at www.maropost.com . For more information, please contact: Christine Glossop Marketing Communications Manager Maropost 1-888-438-3152 x239 christine@maropost.com [June 14, 2018] Item 9 Labs Corp. Completes $1.5 Million Private Placement SCOTTSDALE, Ariz., June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTC:INLB) (Item 9 Labs or the Company), a leading provider of high-quality medical marijuana and developer of innovative medical cannabis treatments, today announced that on May 31, 2018, it closed a non-brokered $1.5 million private placement of its common stock at a price of $0.05 per share through an offering to qualified buyers (the Offering). The proceeds from the Offering are intended to be used to further develop the Company's intra-nasal delivery system, facility acquisitions, and for working capital and general corporate purposes. Bryce Skalla, Co-Founder & CEO of Item 9 Labs, commented, We are pleased to close this successful financing. This private placement demonstrates Item 9 Labs continuing ability to fund our technologys advancement and further our plans for geographic expansion. With this financing, we can continue moving full speed ahead with our development of a broad portfolio of comfortable cannabis solutions for todays modern cannabis user, capitalizing on our unique technology and delivery platform. The Offering was exempt from registration under Section 4(a)(2) of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Rule 506 of Regulation D promulgated by the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission thereunder. The common stock in the offering was sold to "accredited investors," as defined in Regulation D, and was conducted on a reasonable best efforts basis. This press release shall not constiute an offer to sell or the solicitation of an offer to buy these securities, nor shall there be any sale of these securities in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to the registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. About Item 9 Labs Corp.: Item 9 Labs Corp. (OTC:INLB) is focused on the development of technology and products that administer high-quality medical marijuana through a novel, proprietary intra-nasal delivery system to deliver significant health benefits. The Company is headquartered in Southern Arizona where it owns and operates 50 acres, one of the largest properties in the U.S. zoned to grow and cultivate the medical marijuana flower. Item 9 has a proven track record of providing consumers with high-quality medical marijuana flower and products focused on organic, cost-effective solutions for whole body health. By combining high-quality, medical-grade product with the Companys proprietary nasal mucus-membrane delivery system, Item 9 plans to produce the industrys first market medicated nasal delivery device that administers specific cannabinoid dosing to meet the growing demand of todays modern Cannabis consumer. Forward-Looking Statement: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of the safe harbor provisions of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. Such statements involve risks and uncertainties, including, but not limited to, risks and effects of legal and administrative proceedings and governmental regulation, especially in a foreign country, future financial and operational results, competition, general economic conditions, proposed transactions that are not legally binding obligations of the company and the ability to manage and continue growth. Should one or more of these risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual outcomes may vary materially from those indicated. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from the forward-looking statements we make in this news release include the introduction of new technology, market conditions and those set forth in reports or documents we file from time to time with the SEC. We undertake no obligation to revise or update such statements to reflect current events or circumstances after the date hereof or to reflect the occurrence of unanticipated events. Media Contact: Investor Relations: Jeffrey Rassas (480)463-4246 or (877)876-4868 Email: jeffrey@airwarelabs.com Investor Contact: Scott Eckstein KCSA Strategic Communications seckstein@kcsa.com 212-896-1210 [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2018] Acceliant Wins Stevie at 2018 American Business Awards SANTA CLARA, California and BANGALORE, India, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Acceliant, a global leader in e-clinical data management solutions, today announced having won a Stevie Award at the 16th Annual American Business Awards, a premier business awards program in the US. Acceliant was honored with a Bronze Stevie Award in the 'New Product or Service of the Year - Software - Healthcare Technology Solution' category. For close to two decades now, Acceliant has been helping companies in the clinical trials segment streamline their processes, monetize costs, better manage risks, shorten product development lifecycles, and increase operational efficiencies. The company recently unveiled a new version of its eClinical Trial Management Solution (eClinical Suite), Acceliant 7.0.2. This version, powered by Study Data Tabulation Module (SDTM), has new upgrades on randomization, multi-trial management and an improved mobile app user interface. Speaking on receiving the recognition, Prashant Bhavaraju - Chief Marketing Officer at Acceliant, said, "We're dlighted about Acceliant being named the 'Product of the Year' by the American Business Awards. Our eClinical Suite version 7.0.2 offers a comprehensive set of solutions facilitating faster, smoother, and efficient clinical research. The Stevie Award from industry experts further reinforces the value we bring to our clients." About the Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in seven programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 10,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 60 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com. About Acceliant Acceliant provides real-time, integrated clinical trial solutions for life sciences, CROs and pharma tools and expertise to take intelligent and smarter decisions. Its eClinical Suite allows users to build studies, design electronic case report forms (eCRFs), capture data through multiple sources (EDC), capture data directly from patients (ePRO), and manage other clinical data management functions. Media Contact: Prashant Bhavaraju Chief Marketing Officer Acceliant info@acceliant.com +1-408-387-5800 https://www.acceliant.com SOURCE Acceliant [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2018] Trianz Clinches High-profile 2018 American Business Awards Win SANTA CLARA, California, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Trianz, a global digital transformation consulting and technology services firm, today announced having won a Stevie Award at the 16th Annual American Business Awards, a premier business awards program in the US. Trianz was honored with a Bronze Stevie Award in the 'Most Innovative Company of the Year' category. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/705788/Trianz_Logo.jpg ) This year, the program received more than 3,700 nominations from private, public, for-profit and non-profit US organizations in different categories including technology, management, product, company and leadership. Over 200 professionals evaluated the nominations to select the Gold, Silver and Bronze Stevie Award winners. Representing Trianz at the event, Ira Horowitz, Vice President - Client Relationships, said, "Continuous innovation is key for business transformation and market success. We walk the talk through our dedicated Centers of Excellence, systems and processes that nurture Trianz' culture of innovation across the cloud, analytics, digital, infrastructue, and security paradigms. Being recognized by the American Business Awards validates our own and our clients' belief in us." The winners were announced in a gala ceremony at the New York Marriott Marquis, New York City (US). About the Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in seven programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 10,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 60 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com. About Trianz Trianz simplifies digital evolutions through effective strategies and excellence in execution. Collaborating with business and technology leaders, we help formulate and execute operational strategies to achieve intended business outcomes by bringing the best of consulting, technology experiences and execution models. Powered by knowledge, research, and perspectives, we enable clients to transition to a digital enterprise by leveraging Cloud, Analytics, Digital, Infrastructure and Security paradigms. With offices in Silicon Valley, Washington DC Metro, Rosemont, Chicago, Austin, Boston, Denver, Irvine, Raleigh, San Francisco, Seattle, New York, Dubai, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Chennai, we serve Fortune 1000 and emerging organizations across industries globally. For more information, visit http://www.trianz.com. Trianz Media Team: Media.Contact@trianz.com +1-408-387-5800 SOURCE Trianz [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2018] Loyyal to Speak on Blockchain's Impact on the Hotel Industry at Upcoming HITEC 2018 SAN FRANCISCO, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Loyyal, the industry leader in applying blockchain technologies to loyalty and incentive programs, is pleased to announce Chief Commercial Officer Thom Kozik as a speaker at HITEC 2018's Blockchain Super Session in Houston, Texas on Wednesday June 20, 2018. HITEC is the world's largest hospitality technology exposition and conference. The event brings together the brightest minds and hottest technology for an unparalleled expo, top-notch education program and networking. Having now expanded internationally to Europe and The Middle East; HITEC's regional conferences serve as a counterpart to the tentpole North American event. HITEC 2018's Blockchain Super Session will center on the potential for this technology to disrupt nearly every aspect of the hospitality industry imaginable. Gregory Simon, CEO & Founder of Loyyal said: "It's an honor for Loyyal to be recognized in this way, pioneering blockchain technology applications for the Hospitality industry," says Loyyal CEO & Founder Gregory Simon. "Thom's a respected voice in the loyalty industry, and we're excited to share his thought-leadership with HITEC 2018 attendees." Prior to joining Loyyal Thom served as VP, Loyalty for Marriott International since 2014, and has been a frequent conference speaker and university lecturer on gamification, identity marketing, and behavioral economics. Having been involved with the cryptocurrency community since 2013, Mr. Kozik quickly aw the advantages of Distributed Ledger Technology and has been a vocal industry advocate in how blockchain technology can radically advance the customer experience, operational efficiencies, and even the underlying financial models for Loyalty programs. HITEC Houston will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX on June 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st, 2018. For more information on HITEC, go to: https://www.hftp.org/hitec/houston/ About Loyyal Loyyal, the Internet of Loyalty, is reinventing how loyalty is created, rewarded, and managed. Using proprietary blockchain and smart contract technology, Loyyal's interoperable loyalty and rewards platform brings a host of benefits to a highly fragmented industry and offers brands an innovative way to unlock the billions of dollars in value held captive in legacy loyalty programs today. For information about Loyyal, please visit www.loyyal.com or email info@loyyal.com. About Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) established in 1952, is an international, nonprofit association, headquartered in Austin, Texas USA, with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with members and stakeholders spanning across the globe. HFTP uniquely understands the industry's pressing issues and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. It does this via its expert networks, research, certification programs, information resources and conferences/events such as HITEC. HFTP also owns the world's only hospitality-specific search engine, PineappleSearch.com. For more information please visit https://www.hftp.org/ Contact: Chelsea Ferriday Phone: 415-627-7121 Email: 197164@email4pr.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/loyyal-to-speak-on-blockchains-impact-on-the-hotel-industry-at-upcoming-hitec-2018-300666416.html SOURCE Loyyal Corporation [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2018] Fortem Technologies Selected to Participate in Transport Canada's Drone Flight Trials SALT LAKE CITY, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Fortem Technologies, Inc., an innovator in airspace awareness and intelligence, today announced its participation in Transport Canada's Proof-of-Concept Trials into Beyond-Visual-Line-of-Sight (BVLOS) Operations. ING Robotic Aviation, named a participant in the trials, selected Fortem Technologies' TrueView() Radar as its key detect-and-avoid technology to enable safe BVLOS operations. The missions will be undertaken within a safe flight regime approved and monitored by Transport Canada. "Transport Canada's BVLOS trials will help validate the technologies needed to facilitate the safe use of UAVs for everything from monitoring critical infrastructure for potential threats to search and rescue and so many other valuable services," said Fortem Technologies CEO Timothy Bean. "We are thrilled to participate in this program as a provider of advanced radar solutions for ING Robotic Aviation." Purpose of the Program The program was created to help Canada advance to the "next frontier of UAS*,"including gathering data, providing industry experience and validating technologies for future routine BVLOS operations. These trials build upon an earlier trial for first responders to evaluate UAS in short-range BVLOS (formerly known as extended visual lne-of-sight operations), as well as ongoing BVLOS testing at Canada's two test ranges in Foremost, Alberta, and Alma, Quebec. ING Robotic Aviation and Fortem Technologies ING Robotic Aviation chose Fortem Technologies for its breakthrough TrueView radar in creating safe, autonomous flights during their trial operations over Canadian Oil Sands in Northern Alberta. ING Robotic Aviation will employ helicopter and fixed-wing BVLOS systems. Each can carry a wide range of sensors and can be configured to conduct various operations including: leak detection of methane/Greenhouse Gases (GHG), inspections of tailings ponds, inspection of the power grid, environmental monitoring, volumetric measurement of mining activity, examination of flare stacks and plant infrastructure in visible and thermal, safety and security - including search and rescue and myriad communications. Quote from ING Executive: Fortem Technologies has developed the world's most compact, high-performance radar system for detecting airborne objects, a revolutionary safety capability for unmanned and manned aircraft. The Fortem TrueView radar system is small enough to be deployed on unmanned aerial vehicles that can operate autonomously beyond visual line of sight (BVLOS). TrueView radar can simultaneously track thousands of objectseach smaller than a soda can, traveling at high velocity, across a 360-degree field of view. About Fortem Technologies Fortem Technologies is an innovator in radar to make airspace safe and secure in a drone world. Fortem delivers military-tested, commercially available solutions that detect, identify and classify drones in real time to maintain airspace safety, while also actively protecting No Fly Zones. Based in Salt Lake City, UT, the company is privately held and backed by DCVC, Mubadala Investment Company, Boeing, Signia Venture Partners, Manifest Growth, and New Ground Ventures. More at www.fortemtech.com. *Transport Canada Official Proof of Concept Call for Participation Contact: Whitney Wells BAM Communications Whitney@bamcommunications.biz (561) 927-7803 View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/fortem-technologies-selected-to-participate-in-transport-canadas-drone-flight-trials-300666314.html SOURCE Fortem Technologies, Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2018] Xiaomi and Samsung Top Indian Smartphone Brand Consideration Says Strategy Analytics According to the latest Strategy Analytics (News - Alert) Handset Country Share Tracker report "India Android Smartphone Brand Perceptions and Characteristics" Chinese brands are well positioned to take advantage of the aggressive smartphone replacement cycle. This press release features multimedia. View the full release here: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180614005787/en/ Ideal Smartphone Brand Image and Characteristics (Graphic: Strategy Analytics) Strategy Analytics mobile intelligence platform, AppOptix polled our panel of Android (News - Alert) users in India to provide a pulse on the volatile smartphone and 4G feature phone market in Q2 2018. The report notes that over 60% of Android owners intend to replace their device in the next 12 months and 7 in 10 expect to buy through online channels. Clients of the Handset Country Share Tracker Service can access the full report here. Key Findings: Xiaomi has the most promising brand funnel with high intent and consideration. OnePlus has surprisingly impressive consideration and purchase intent score despite a tiny installed base. has the most promising brand funnel with high intent and consideration. OnePlus has surprisingly impressive consideration and purchase intent score despite a tiny installed base. Xiaomi users have a strong interest a trusted brand and of ease of use while Samsung users want "a brand I love" and which "understands my needs". Legacy brands Motorola (News - Alert) (31%), Micromax (38%), Samsung (30%) have a much higher % of customers willing to churn and are at high risk. Motorola (News - Alert) (31%), Micromax (38%), Samsung (30%) have a much higher % of customers willing to churn and are at high risk. Struggling global brands LG, Sony, Huawei (News - Alert) are all challenged to convert awareness into consideration with current offers and brand positioning. David Kerr, VP at Strategy Analytics, noted, "Success in the volatile India market requires much more than good product. In a commodity smartphone market, brand positioning, personality and characteristics with appropriate marketing communications will largely define product success rather than features. A trusted brand with the latest technology at good value for money is the ideal. Secure, innovative and modern are also valued brand attributes." Rajeev Nair, Senior Analyst, noted, "Most Android Smartphone users have high loyalty to their current brand but 1 in 3 are in play during replacement. The battle for replacement smartphone sales is intense with no local India vendor in the top six positions in Q1 2018." Kerr added, "Device vendors are over focused on marketing around features like imaging when Battery (32%) is the single most important feature in the purchase decision for Android Smartphone buyers. Camera quality and camera features dominate vendor marketing but are most important for only 1 in 7 Android users." A complimentary report summary is available to registered guests here. About Strategy Analytics Strategy Analytics, Inc. provides the competitive edge with advisory services, consulting and actionable market intelligence for emerging technology, mobile and wireless, digital consumer and automotive electronics companies. www.StrategyAnalytics.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180614005787/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2018] Canada and Argentina Announce Cooperation in the Areas of Energy and Mining at G20 BARILOCHE, Argentina, June 14, 2018 /CNW/ - Canada and Argentina continue to demonstrate global leadership collaboration to achieve our climate change goals and enable the transition to a low-carbon economy. Canada's Minister of Natural Resources, the Honourable Jim Carr, and Juan Jose Aranguren, Argentina's Minister of Energy and Mines, today agreed to combine their countries' expertise to deliver clean energy solutions for the future. The ministers signed three Memoranda of Understanding (MoU) one each on energy efficiency, mining policy, and nuclear energy cooperation at the G20 Energy Transitions Ministerial Meeting in Argentina. The MoUs demonstrate that the two countries: place a high priority on energy efficiency as a means to reduce energy use and costs and achieve our climate goals; share a commitment to sustainable mineral resource development, which will result in economic growth and environmental stewardship; and continue to work toward a bilateral framework for collaboration on nuclear energy projects, research and development, and policies aimed at the sustainable development of nuclear energy. The G20 Energy Transitions Ministerial Meeting, under the Argentine leadership, focuses on transitions to more flexible, transparent and cleaner energy systems, as well as affordable access to enegy. Work under the Ministerial complements Canada's G7 Presidency theme of working together on climate change, oceans and clean energy. Canada has demonstrated a strong commitment, both domestically and internationally, to a clean energy future. Through Canada's national energy dialogue, Generation Energy, Canadians expressed that Canada has an opportunity to play a leadership role in the global transition to a low-carbon economy while ensuring that industry remains competitive. Canada will continue to support clean energy initiatives that create jobs, support investment and strengthen industry competitiveness to advance Canada's clean future and help us realize our global climate change goals. Argentina is fully committed to its energy and climate goals and is eager to fulfil its international agreements. Ensuring energy security for a developing country as well as mitigating environmental impacts are critical issues for the Argentinean energy policy. Quotes "Major breakthroughs that truly accelerate our transition to a low-carbon economy can only come from collaboration. These agreements demonstrate that by leveraging our expertise and advancing energy cooperation we will move closer to meeting our climate change commitments and position Canada to be a leader in the clean growth economy." Jim Carr Canada's Minister of Natural Resources "These agreements confirmed Argentinas interest to enhance international collaboration in key areas. We ratified our commitment to mitigate climate change aligned with the Paris Agreement's goals. We pursue a sustainable energy and mining development together with a policy of energy savings and efficiency that allows us to take care of our natural resources and those of the planet". Juan Jose Aranguren Argentinean Minister of Energy and Mining Follow us on Twitter: @NRCan (http://twitter.com/nrcan) NRCan's news releases and backgrounders are available at www.news.gc.ca. SOURCE Natural Resources Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2018] Ricoh Employees Contribute to Shoreline Cleanups Across Canada MISSISSAUGA, ON, June 14, 2018 /CNW/ - Ricoh Canada, Inc. is working with the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup to help clean the shorelines, lakes and parks across Canada on June 14. Through this partnership, Ricoh has already succeeded in diverting over 8,200 pounds of litter. This activity is part of the global initiative "Ricoh Global Eco Action" announced by the company earlier this month. "Ricoh Global Eco Action" 2018 encourages its employees to think about the environment and take eco actions, and Ricoh will conduct a number of special events around the world. "Ricoh Global Eco Action" began in 2006, and is organized annually. This year marks the event's 13th year. Under this initiative, Ricoh has implemented a broad spectrum of cmmon global activities as well as local initiatives tailored to suit the distinct features of each area, thereby inspiring a greater number of people to join in the global eco action. Throughout June, a wide range of stakeholders from employee groups, their family members and friends, local communities, residents and business partners will participate in a variety of planned activities that share a common commitment to the environment. The Ricoh Eco Action campaign has cleanups scheduled in over 15 communities across Canada. Ricoh's EcoAction initiative is just one of many ongoing campaigns the company is involved in to help make consideration for the environment a central element of how the company, and its employees, go about their daily tasks. About the Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup The Great Canadian Shoreline Cleanup, presented by Loblaw Companies Limited, is one of the largest direct action conservation programs in Canada. A conservation initiative of the Vancouver Aquarium Marine Science Centre and WWF-Canada, the Shoreline Cleanup aims to promote understanding of shoreline litter issues by engaging Canadians to rehabilitate shoreline areas through cleanups. For further information, please visit http://www.shorelinecleanup.ca/ | About Ricoh | Ricoh is empowering digital workplaces using innovative technologies and services enabling individuals to work smarter. For more than 80 years, Ricoh has been driving innovation and is a leading provider of document management solutions, IT services, commercial and industrial printing, digital cameras, and industrial systems. Headquartered in Tokyo, Ricoh Group operates in approximately 200 countries and regions. In the financial year ended March 2018, Ricoh Group had worldwide sales of 2,063 billion yen (approx. 19.4billion USD). For further information, please visit www.ricoh.com 2018 Ricoh Canada, Inc. All rights reserved. All referenced product names are the trademarks of their respective companies. SOURCE Ricoh Canada Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2018] Government orders the CRTC to investigate high-pressure telecom sales practices Canadians consumers must be treated fairly OTTAWA, June 14, 2018 /CNW/ - Canadians have expressed serious concerns about telecommunication companies using misleading and/or aggressive sales tactics. The Government of Canada is taking action to ensure that Canadian consumers are treated fairly. The Honourable Navdeep Bains, Minister of Innovation, Science and Economic Development, today announced that the Government directed the Canadian Radio-television and Telecommunications Commission (CRTC) to investigate and report on the sales practices used by Canada's largest telecommunication companies. The Minister wants a public inquiry, where Canadians have an opportunity to be heard and these issues are carefully considered. The report resulting from the inquiry must include potential solutions to ensure Canadian consumers are adequately protected and treated fairly. The CRTC is responsible for regulating telecommunications services and implementing consumer measures such as the Wireless Code of Conduct. The CRTC has the authority to conduct public inquiries. In light of the Competition Bureau's expertise, Minister Bains also wrote a letter to the Interim Commissioner of Competition requesting that the Competition Bureau assist the CRTC as needed in its inquiry. Quotes "Like many Canadians, we are concerned by allegations of clearly inappropriate sales practices by telecom carriers. We have listened to Canadians about this issue, and we are takin action. I have directed the CRTC to thoroughly investigate this matter. No Canadian should ever be misled or treated unfairly by a telecom corporation, especially those who are most vulnerable." Quick facts The CRTC will be required to complete its inquiry and report by February 28, 2019 . . Reportedly, more than 900 Canadians, including over 200 current and former employees of major telecom carriers, contacted the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) with accounts corroborating or expanding on the CBC's initial reports about illegitimate telecom sales practices. In its April 2018 mid-year report, the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-Television Services found that complaints against telecommunications providers had increased by 73 percent compared to the previous year. mid-year report, the Commission for Complaints for Telecom-Television Services found that complaints against telecommunications providers had increased by 73 percent compared to the previous year. According to the latest CRTC Communications Monitoring Report, about 10 million communications service subscriptions were bundled with at least one other service with the same company. The communications sector is highly concentrated, with the top five ownership groups accounting for 83 percent of revenues. Related products Order in Council concerning high-pressure telecommunications sales practices Letter from the Minister of ISED to the Interim Commissioner of Competition Associated links CCTS mid-year report, 20172018 Public Interest Advocacy Centre letter of January 8, 2018 , to CRTC requesting inquiry , to CRTC requesting inquiry CRTC letter of February 12, 2018 , to the Public Interest Advocacy Centre Follow Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada on Twitter: @ISED_CA SOURCE Innovation, Science and Economic Development Canada [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2018] Sigma wins Smart City Partnership with Liverpool City Council Sigma Systems (News - Alert) today announced that it has won the Mayors Challenge Award for Aging Population at the Global Smart City Summit in Liverpool. As the winner of the Aging Population Challenge Award, Sigma will partner with Liverpool City Council and deploy its Sigma Catalog on a trial basis in Liverpool through a formal partnership with the city council and its partners, to respond to the challenge of an ageing population. Tim Spencer, President and CEO of Sigma, commented "We are honored and excited to win this prestigious award and we look forward to working with the city of Liverpool on solutions that will benefit the city's aging population. Cities undergoing digital transformation are facing similar challenges as Communications Service Providers (CSPs) undergoing digital transformation. Municipalities are making good progress at connecting and automating services for citizens but as the number of data sources grows and the size and complexity of the data mushrooms, having a strategy for data management and data access around the services offered to citizens becomes increasingly imporant. The Liverpool City Council has recognized how Sigma Catalog can help them meet this challenge." The Global Smart City Summit - Real Solutions for Cities is taking place during 2018 International Business Festival in Liverpool from 12th - 28th of June. The Conference covers groundbreaking innovations that Smart Cities are implementing all over the world. For more information about Sigma's smart city-ready products and services, please visit www.sigma-systems.com. About Sigma Systems (www.sigma-systems.com or Twitter (News - Alert) @SigmaSystems) Sigma Systems is the global leader in catalog-driven software solutions for communications, media, and high-tech companies. It serves over 80 customers in 40 countries with its award-winning products. The company's portfolio spans enterprise-wide Catalog, Configure Price Quote (CPQ), Order Management, Provisioning and Insights products in addition to offering a core set of services including professional services, cloud services, and managed services. Sigma utilizes an agile approach to implementing its B/OSS products for its customers. Sigma has offices in North and South America, Europe and Asia Pacific, with technology and integration partners globally. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180614005997/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2018] After Trump-Kim Summit, HollywoodSelfie App Now Offering Free Selfies with Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un In celebration of the recent landmark meeting in Singapore, HollywoodSelfie App is offering free selfies of Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un this month! Having launched in 2015 with Hollywood's highest paid Athlete & Celebrity Floyd Mayweather, the HollywoodSelfie App platform has expanded to include hundreds of additional celebrities. Millions of their fans globally, including those who use the HollywoodSelfie App, have been taking Donald Trump and Kim Jong-Un instant selfies and you can join them for free for this month. Surprisingly in China, Germany, and the USA, Donald J. Trump and Kim Jong-Un remain a favorite on the HollywoodSelfie App platform as both President's selfies are also guaranteed to elicit a response from your friends. The process is fast and simple (under 30 seconds), requiring no professional Photoshop editing given the automated manual and custom auto filters, which instantly produce photo's that look as if you are right next to Trump and Kim. Want your selfie to be 100% believable? You can sen your selfie to our graphic designers who will turn around live edits of your selfie for maximum believability! Instantly share your selfies on your facebook feed as well as having access with the click of one button to view hundreds of celebrities social media feed's at once. Hundreds of additional Hollywood and global celebrities are expected to be joining the platform in the coming months. In addition, HollywoodSelfie will be releasing blockchain capabilities by releasing our own HollywoodSelfie Coin to further capitalize on Hollywood digital collectibles first mover position. HollywoodSelfie App Link: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/hollywoodselfie/id988546164?mt=8 About HollywoodSelfie: HollywoodSelfie is the first Hollywood celebrity app platform(patent pending) that launched in 2015 with Floyd Mayweather. With hundreds of global celebrities, HollywoodSelfie is continually expanding its celebrities. Please visit www.hollywoodselfie.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180614006007/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2018] Reolink Father's Day Sales Kick Off: Easiest Smart Home Cameras for Even Non Tech-Savvy Dads HONG KONG, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Reolink today launches its annual Fathers' Day Sales (available during June 14th 17th 2018, PST) for its wire-free security cameras, enabling customers to get smart & special gifts for their dads with the best deals (10% off coupon code: DADGIFT). Check Reolink Fathers' Days Deals here: https://reolink.com/shop/. Laura, the manager of Reolink, said, "We hope our customers can enjoy a peaceful and worry-free Father's Day. Thus we launch special deals on our plug-and-play smart home cameras so that our customers can buy easiest tech gifts for their dads, who are even non tech-savvy!" Kicking off Father's Day this weekend, it's the best time for customers to buy such unforgettable gifts to surprise dads. Reolink Father's Day Sales: What to Expect During Father's Day deals, Reolink offers 10% off on the below wire-free battery-powered security cameras. Customers can enter the coupon code DADGIFT to get the best deals to buy gifts for dads on Reolink online store now. Reolink Argus 2 an outdoor rechargeable battery powered security camera for customers to spoil their fathers. ith only $116.99 , customers can get a wire-free smart home security camera for dads' security. Solar Panel pack (Reolink Argus 2 + Solar Panel). Reolink Argus an outdoor battery powered plug-and-play smart home security camera. Customers can buy this battery-operated security camera with only $85.49 . As the star products, Reolink Argus series got featured over 40+ top-tier media, such as CNET, Business Insider, TechRadar, etc. Most of the customers gave highly praise to the Argus series for their versatility and flexibility. Reolink KeenTM a battery powered pan and tilt indoor smart home camera. Customers can purchase this tech gift to get all-around security for their fathers (with only $89.99 ). About Reolink Reolink, a leading provider of home security products and camera solutions, has been dedicating to delivering advanced and high-quality consumers security cameras/system and reliable solutions for home and business. The products range from PoE security cameras/system, wireless security cameras/systems, to wire-free battery-powered security cameras, which are widely used in home surveillance, business surveillance, baby monitoring, etc. Reolink products are available and sold worldwide, providing video surveillance and protection for millions of homes and families. For more information about Reolink and its products, please visit https://reolink.com, or visit the Reolink US Amazon store: https://amzn.to/2y93Ukj. Contact Amanda/PR manager Email: pr@reolink.com Tel: +852-30696581 Address: RM.517, New City Center, 2 Lei Yue Mun Road, Kwun Tong, Kowloon, Hong Kong Reolink Digital Technology Co., Ltd. View original content with multimedia:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/reolink-fathers-day-sales-kick-off-easiest-smart-home-cameras-for-even-non-tech-savvy-dads-300666667.html SOURCE Reolink Digital Technology Co., Ltd. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2018] Mississippi Housing Development Opens with Help of $224K AHP Grant Media is encouraged to attend a grand opening and check presentation to celebrate the completion of the Ed Gray (News - Alert) Park, a 32-unit apartment community for very low-income residents, at 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 15, 2018, at 1500 Ed Gray Drive in Greenville. Planters Bank and Trust and the Federal Home Loan Bank of Dallas (FHLB Dallas) awarded a $224,000 Affordable Housing Program (AHP) grant to the Greater Greenville Housing and Revitalization Association for the construction of the apartment community, which provided gap financing for the affordable housing development. FHLB Dallas annually returns 10 percent of its profits in the form of AHP grants to the communities served by its member institutions, like Planters Bank and Trust. AHP grants fund a variety of projects, including home rehabilitation and modifications for low-income, elderly and special-needs residents; down payment and closing cost assistance for qualified first-time homebuyers; and the construction of low-income, multifamily rental communities and single-family homes. In 2017, FHLB Dallas awarded $7 million in grants, of which, Mississippi received $1.5 million. In 2018, FHLB Dallas is making $14.4 million in AHP funds available. Recipients will be announced in October. WHAT: Grand Opening and Check Presentation WHEN: 11:00 a.m., Friday, June 15, 2018 WHO: Mayor Errick Simmons, City of Greenville Parker England, First Vice President, Planters Bank and Trust Andy Sanders, President, Planters Bank and Trust Daniel Boggs, CEO, Greater Greenville Housing and Revitalization Association Inc. Scott Spivey, Chairman, FHLB Dallas Affordable Housing Advisory Council Bruce Hatton, Vice President, Affordable Housing Manager, FHLB Dallas WHERE: 1500 Ed Gray Drive Greenville, Mississippi 38703 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180614006062/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2018] RTB House Wins The AIconics Award in Best Application of AI for Sales & Marketing NEW YORK, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- RTB House, a global company that provides state-of-the-art retargeting technology for top brands worldwide, today announced the company won the 2018 The AIconics Award. The annual awards, celebrating the drive, innovation and hard work in the international AI business community, was held for the 3rd time in partnership with Microsoft and Imperial College London. RTB House was recognized for Best Application of AI for Sales & Marketing because of its deep learning technology. RTB House has won the jury's recognition, among others, for the innovative use of AI and the implementation of deep learning in its retargeting technology. In general, deep learning helps to increase the effectiveness retargeting, which results in precise determination of consumer attitudes and intentions, better product recommendations and a more precise estimation of the likelihood of users clicking on ads. In the end, advertisers receive increased effectiveness of retargeting activities and a higher return on investment (ROI). "The AIconics Award shows that our technology serves the best available solution for sales and marketing in e-commerce. This is a huge achievement for our team and proof that we have made a good investment in AI. From the beginning, we focused on technology development and AI because it is the core of our product and most important and promising technology in the world," said Daniel Surmacz, COO at RTB House. Deep learning offers truly personalized marketing. It is an innovative branch of machine learning that closely imitates the work of the human brain in processing data and creatin patterns of decision making. From a marketer's perspective, deep learning has made a huge impact on the entire advertising industry. It made it possible to get more reliable, richer, machine-interpretable user descriptions of customer's buying potential without any human expertise. This technology is able to predict a user's unique habits and desires for the advertising industry. It is simplifying our everyday user experience by bringing deeply targeted ads that contain not only products we are more likely to buy, but also those which we haven't seen or products we haven't even thought about, but which fit our shopping profile or which may be interesting for us. According to RTB House, deep learning algorithms make advertising activities up to 50 percent more efficient than those based on machine learning. In 2017 RTB House become one of the few companies in the world to have developed and implemented its own technology 100 percent based on deep learning, for purchasing ads in the RTB model. Recently, RTB House opened an AI Marketing Lab, which researches and develops cutting edge mar-tech solutions for both publishers and advertisers. About The Alconics Awards The AIconics are the world's only independently-judged awards celebrating the drive, innovation and hard work in the international AI Community. A panel of 20 judges from around the world thoroughly reviewed competitive entries from the foremost innovators in the AI Space. The AIconics are organised by AI Business and are a highlight of the upcoming AI Summit London, the world's largest AI event for business that brings together 15,000 delegates at the ExCeL on the 13th and 14th of June 2018. About RTB House: RTB House is a global company that provides state-of-the-art retargeting technology for top brands worldwide. With its proprietary ad buying engine, powered entirely by deep learning algorithms, RTB House helps advertisers multiply sales to reach their short, mid and long-term goals. Founded in 2012, RTB House serves over 1200 clients in nearly 70 countries in EMEA, APAC and the Americas regions with main locations in New York, London, Tokyo, Singapore, Sao Paulo, Moscow, Istanbul, Dubai and Warsaw. The team consists of more than 300 professionals and growing. Learn more at www.rtbhouse.com Media Contact: Scott Samson (415) 781-9005 scott@samsonpr.com View original content:http://www.prnewswire.com/news-releases/rtb-house-wins-the-aiconics-award-in-best-application-of-ai-for-sales--marketing-300666654.html SOURCE RTB House [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2018] TeraGo Inc. Announces Election of Directors TORONTO, June 14, 2018 /CNW/ - TeraGo Inc. ("TeraGo" or the "Company") (TSX: TGO, www.terago.ca), announces that the nominees listed in the management information circular for the Company's 2018 Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the "Meeting") were each either elected or re-elected as directors of TeraGo. Amongst the directors, TeraGo welcomes newly elected director Ms. Laurel Buckner to its Board. Ms. Buckner is currently Senior Vice President, Managing Director of ATN Ventures, the corporate venture capital group of ATN International, a U.S. publicly traded investment company based in Beverly, Massachusetts. She currently serves as a member of the Board of both Fireminds, a cloud services company in Bermuda, and Ahana Renewables, a renewable energy company based in San Francisco, California. Prior to founding ATN Ventures, Ms. Buckner created and ran the corporate venture investing group at GCI, Alaska's largest communications provider. Ms. Buckner has extensive experience in corporate law, mergers and acquisitions and corporate governance as she was previously a lead M&A attorney at Dell and the Corporate Secretary and General Counsel of SonicWALL a network security company based in San Jose. She began her career at the law firm of Davis Wright Tremaine in Seattle, Washington. Ms. Buckner holds a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature from Colorado College with Distinction, a Juris Doctor from the University of Denver, and an LL.M in Taxation from the University of Washington. Mr. Matthew Gerber, Chair of the Board commented, "I'd like to extend a warm welcome to Laurel Buckner who will be a great addition to the Board with her varied experiences and most impressive skillset. On that same note, the rest of the Board and I send our gratitude and appreciation to the Honourable Jerry Grafstein, who will be retiring today from the Board after 17 years of service as a director of TeraGo. We thank him for his long-term service, leadership and substantial contributions." Mr. Antonio (Tony) Ciciretto, President and CEO of TeraGo added, "We look forward to Laurel's contributions to the Board given her relevant experiences and thank Jerry Grafstein for his dedication and unwavering support to the Company for so many years. He will surely be missed and we wish him all the best." Detailed results of the votes by proxy for the election of directors held on June 14, 2018, as well as the other matters voted at the Meeting are as follows: Brief Description of Matter Voted Upon Outcome of Vote (1) For Against 1) In respect of fixing the number of directors of the Company at seven (7); Approved 7,853,677 (99.96%) 3,036 (0.04%) 2) In respect of the election of directors to hold office until the close of the next annual meeting of Shareholders or until their successors are elected or appointed: For Withheld Antonio (Tony) Ciciretto Approved 7,856,013 (99.99%) 700 (0.01%) Matthew Gerber Approved 7,856,013 (99.99%) 700 (0.01%) Michael Martin Approved 7,791,013 (99.16%) 65,700 (0.84%) Gary Sherlock Approved 7,856,013 (99.99%) 700 (0.01%) Laurel Buckner Approved 7,856,013 (99.99%) 700 (0.01%) 3) In respect of the re-appointment of KPMG LLP, Chartered Accountants as auditors of the Company to hold office until the next annual meeting of Shareholders and authorizing the directors to fix their remuneration. Approved 8,116,351 (99.97%) 2,836 (0.03%) (1) Vote conducted at Meeting by show of hands. The number of votes and percentages shown are based upon the votes cast by proxy only. A report of voting results for each resolution presented at the Meeting prepared in accordance with National Instrument 51-102 Continuous Disclosure Obligations has been filed on www.sedar.com. About TeraGo TeraGo provides businesses across Canada with cloud, colocation and connectivity services. TeraGo manages over 3,000 cloud workloads, operates five data centres in the Greater Toronto Area, the Greater Vancouver Area, and Kelowna, and owns and manages its own IP network. The Company serves business customers in major markets across Canada including Toronto, Montreal, Calgary, Edmonton, Vancouver and Winnipeg. TeraGo Networks is a Competitive Local Exchange Carrier (CLEC) and was recognized by IDC as a Major Player in MarketScape Cloud Vendor Assessment. TeraGo Networks was also selected as one of Canada's Top Small and Medium Employers for 2017. For more information about TeraGo, please visit www.terago.ca. SOURCE TeraGo Inc. [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] [June 14, 2018] TMAC Resources Sees Record May Processing Plant Results, Substantially Improved Balance Sheet and High-Grade Exploration Success As promised with the release on May 10, 2018 of TMAC Resources Inc.'s (TSX: TMR) ("TMAC" or the "Company") Financial Statements and Management's Discussion and Analysis for the periods ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, we are today releasing results for May to provide transparency on the first month of the processing plant's (the "Plant") performance after the installation of a Falcon SB400 in the primary grinding circuit of the North Concentrator Line ("CL1"). In addition, we are reporting on the start-up in June of the South Concentrator Line ("CL2"), recent exploration results at Doris and Madrid and the strengthening of the TMAC balance sheet. Jason Neal, President and Chief Executive Officer of TMAC, stated, "Our management team has taken several significant steps forward in the month of May, operationally and financially. We have achieved a new level of Plant recovery and performance and are planning the next steps for further improvement. As well, a key objective for 2018 has been to use more efficiently the equity that TMAC has raised historically. The first success was a diesel fuel consignment transaction to lower peak inventories by more than $20 million, and the second success we are announcing today is a new payment and bonding collateral structure with an expectation to efficiently release by July at least $25 million of our current restricted cash balance. We also have an opportunity today to remind our stakeholders of TMAC's great potential to grow value with the drill-bit with the release of significant exploration results in a concurrent release that includes a hole with 2,710 grams per tonne over 0.66 metres, the second-best drill intercept in the history of the Hope Bay project." Gil Lawson, Chief Operating Officer of TMAC, said, "In our first month operating a Falcon SB400 in the Plant we achieved a recovery for the month of 83%, which is very encouraging for the very first month of its operation. We tested the unit with our lowest grade stockpile for about half the month before feeding the Plant with higher grade blends. The performance improvement of the concentrator line met our expectations given the various grade regimes that were tested to achieve this average recovery. We have ordered additional gravity concentrator units that will be installed beginning later this summer that will drive further improvements and take us to the point where we will begin optimization and seek our ultimate recovery target of greater than 90%. We commenced feeding low-grade ore to CL2 in early June and it is ramping up to deliver overall Plant capacity of 2,000 tonnes per day. The mine continues to ramp up production to feed the growing Plant capacity. With increased throughput, grade and recoveries we expect to drive our all in sustaining costs significantly lower as fixed costs are spread over increasing gold production." May Plant Performance For the month of May, gold recovery increased to 83%, an improvement from 76% in April and 71% in the first quarter, on processing 28,900 tonnes at an average ore grade of 12.7 grams per tonne ("g/t") resulting in record gold production of 9,850 ounces and record gold pours of 10,108 ounces. Gold production in May was 28% better than the previous best month of November 2017, despite that comparable month benefiting from 22% higher grade. The amount of gold poured in May was 49% higher than the previous best month of December 2017. South Concentrator Line (CL2) Start-Up TMAC successfully installed and wet commissioned CL2 by the end of May with rock commissioning commencing June 3rd. CL2 incorporates modifications implemented on CL1 during its commissioning and ramp up, including, as original equipment, its own Falcon SB400. The commissioning of CL2 has been significantly better than CL1 based on our learning through a challenging start up, supporting our strategy of a staggered start up of the Plant. The next critical step is the integration of the two concentrator lines into the concentrate treatment process to achieve overall plant capacity of 2,000 tonnes per day. While early in the process of ramp up, we have thus fr met commissioning targets. TMAC reduced the ore feed grade at the beginning of June during the start up of CL2 and will begin increasing grade as confidence in sustained performance improves. Balance Sheet and Liquidity While TMAC maintains the objective of replacing the current Letters of Credit ("LCs") with surety bonds, the Company has collaborated with CIBC, Purves Redmond Limited and certain insurance companies to design, as an interim step, a payment and bonding collateral structure to achieve a similar benefit. TMAC is therefore expecting that there is potential to release at least $25 million of its current restricted cash balance by July. Crown Indigenous Relations and Northern Affairs and the Kitikmeot Inuit Association will continue to hold LCs exactly as they do today, but in place of cash collateral CIBC will hold the new product, referred to as "demand bonds", that will be provided by the same insurance companies which provide surety bonds. The demand bond wording and structure has been agreed with and vetted by CIBC as well as a representative group of insurance companies. TMAC and CIBC have executed an amendment to the terms of the current LC agreement to allow for the use of demand bonds and the insurance companies have initiated the underwriting process of the demand bonds. The demand bonds require a process similar to that used for issuing surety bonds to be followed and success is now in the control of TMAC and the insurance companies who have indicated an interest in issuing demand bonds. It is TMAC's expectation that the insurance companies may require that a portion of the demand bond face value be held as cash collateral. TMAC currently has $42 million of restricted cash which would be released by CIBC upon receipt of the demand bonds. The underwriting process is expected to close in July. On May 10, 2018, TMAC announced a diesel fuel consignment transaction which replaced an up-front acquisition cost of $21 million at the time of our annual sealift with an ongoing payment based on consumption. The main conditions precedents have been fully satisfied with the only remaining condition being the inspection of the Hope Bay storage tank and the installation of additional measurement equipment that is expected to be completed in mid-July. As a result, the cash outflow for the annual sealift from May to September was reduced from approximately $60 million to approximately $40 million, reducing peak working capital. The importance of the diesel fuel consignment agreement and the payment and bonding collateral structure, and potentially conventional surety bonding in the future, include both near-term liquidity and, importantly, a template to reduce further working capital investment as TMAC grows. At the end of May TMAC had an unrestricted cash balance of $27.1 million, which if combined with the potential net release of restricted cash would exceed at least $52 million pro forma. With completion of the diesel consignment transaction, and considering deposits already funded, the remaining committed 2018 sealift investment is approximately $35 million in total, to be expended June through September. Continued ramp up of the Plant and mine are required to generate material net free cash flow from operations. Exploration at Doris and Madrid TMAC also issued today a concurrent news release with detailed drilling results at Doris and Madrid. Despite only $8 million dollars of drilling expenses budgeted for 2018, including infill production drilling, TMAC has had significant success thus far. Highlights include two drill holes within the Doris North BTD zone, intersecting (i) 261.4 g/t Au over 7.1 metres including 2,710 g/t over 0.66 metres and 71.8 g/t Au over 1.4 metres; and (ii) 1,255 g/t over 1.5 metres. Results at Madrid North include two near surface intercepts of (iii) 11.5 g/t Au over 25.1 metres, including 18.1 g/t Au over 14.0 metres; and (iv) 12.9 g/t Au over 50.0 metres, including 60.1 g/t Au over 8.5 metres. Please see our parallel news release titled "TMAC Provides Exploration Update, Highlights Include 261.4 g/t Au over 7.1 metres at Doris North BTD Extension" posted concurrent to this news release for a complete and detailed description of these results. In the intersections highlighted above true width varies depending on the dip of the drill hole and we encourage readers to refer to the complete text of the news release. SAMPLE PREPARATION, ANALYSIS AND QUALITY ASSURANCE/QUALITY CONTROL For the Doris and Madrid North drilling campaigns, samples were prepared at ALS Laboratories in Yellowknife, Northwest Territories, and assayed at their Vancouver, British Columbia laboratory (an ISO/ IEC (News - Alert) 17025 accredited lab for gold analysis). Analysis for gold is completed on sawn half core samples (NQ) using 50 gram fire assay with atomic absorption (AAS) finish. Samples with higher grade gold (>100 g/t) are re-assayed using the pulp and fire assay with gravimetric finish procedures. Samples with visible gold, and surrounding samples are analyzed using screen metallics (1000 g of material is screened to 100 microns, with all +100 micron material analyzed and two samples of -100 micron analyzed by 50 g fire assay with AAS finish, results are averaged based on weight). The Company control checks include the insertion of standard reference materials and blank samples to monitor the precision and accuracy of the assay data. For a complete description of TMAC's sample preparation, analytical methods and QA/QC procedures refer to the 2017 Annual Information Form dated February 23, 2017 and filed on TMAC's profile at www.sedar.com. SCIENTIFIC AND TECHNICAL INFORMATION Scientific and technical information was prepared by, and all other scientific and technical information contained in this document was reviewed and approved by, Gil Lawson, P.Eng., Chief Operating Officer of TMAC, and David King (News - Alert) , P.Geo., Vice President, Exploration and Geoscience of TMAC, each of whom is a "qualified person" as defined by NI 43-101. FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION This release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws that is intended to be covered by the safe harbours created by those laws. "Forward-looking information" includes statements that use forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "potential" or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. Such forward-looking information includes, without limitation, freeing up restricted cash from completing demand bonds and the ramp up at Doris to design capacity. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and management bases forward-looking statements on a number of estimates and assumptions at the date the statements are made. Furthermore, such forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors, which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. See "Risk Factors" in the Company's Annual Information Form dated February 22, 2018 filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com for a discussion of these risks. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180614006211/en/ [ Back To TMCnet.com's Homepage ] If cops want to access criminals' texts and photos, they may have to find another way. According to a New York Times report, Apple may be closing a loophole with iOS 11.4.1 that law enforcement has allegedly used in the past to gain access to locked iPhones. (Image credit: Billion Photos/Shutterstock) Until now, it's been possible to plug an iPhone into another device and transfer data through its charging port. It's believed that some forensic devices take advantage of this. Apple told the Times that with its next iOS update, your iPhone's data port will be disabled an hour after the phone is locked. This means if you leave your phone off for an hour, you'll have to enter your passcode before you can plug it into a PC or other device to access the phone's innard. (The phone will still be able to charge its battery without a passcode.) This won't entirely stop law-enforcement examiners from getting access to locked iPhones, but may severely limits the time they have to complete a process that can sometimes take days or months. This issue came to light in 2015, when the Justice Department asked Apple for help accessing an iPhone used by a mass killer in San Bernardino, California who was thought to have had terrorist ties. Because of the way the operating system was written, Apple would have had to create custom code and install it on the device in question so that FBI examiners could bypass limits on how often they could guess the passcode. MORE: The Best iOS Apps You're Not Using (But Should Be) Apple refused to write the custom code, arguing that the company would be undermining its own security. (Apple still lets law-enforcement officials access iCloud accounts with a warrant.) The FBI was finally able to get into the iPhone with help from an Israeli digital-forensics firm that was reportedly paid $1,000,000. Several companies provide similar services to unlock iPhones. One of the most widespead is a device called GrayKey, sold by a company called Grayshift, that appears to bypass the screen-locking timeout by plugging into the Lightning ports of two iPhones side-by-side. Law-enforcement agencies can pay $15,000 to $30,000 for a Graykey box, depending on the features. It's not clear whether Apple's updates to iOS will render Graykey useless. "We have the greatest respect for law enforcement, and we don't design our security improvements to frustrate their efforts to do their jobs," Apple's director of corporate communications, Fred Sainz, told the Times. Rumors first appeared about Apple disabling data transfers without a passcode back in early May, when the Russian digital-forensics firm Elcomsoft noticed the feature in beta builds of iOS 11.3. Back then, the lockout happened only after a week of inactivity. The feature didn't make it into iOS 11.3 or 11.4, but is expected in iOS 11.4.1. While this update will certainly frustrate law-enforcement agencies, it could be seen as a win for consumers. Privacy experts warn that crooks who obtain your phone could also take advantage of this vulnerability. Presentation to the Portfolio Committee on Trade and Industry on 13 June 2018 The Tripartite Free Trade Area (TFTA) was launched in June 2015 in Egypt. Negotiations of the legal texts (the main Agreement and its annexes) were concluded in May 2017. South Africa signed the Agreement in July 2017. To date, 22 of the 27 Member States have signed the Agreement. The Agreement will enter into force once it has been ratified by 14 Member States. Thus far only Egypt and Uganda have ratified the Agreement. The TFTA has been used as a basis for engaging in the ongoing African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) negotiations. Ratification by South Africa will send a strong signal of South Africas commitment to regional integration. It will also bring South African exporters a step closer to enjoying preferential treatment under the TFTA. Basis for the TFTA Based on the development integration agenda that combines market integration with industrial and infrastructure development. Recognizes that the much advocated linear integration model is not suitable for countries of very different levels of economic development. Argues that major barriers to intra-regional trade are often inadequate infrastructure and underdeveloped production structures, rather than tariffs or regulatory barriers. Purpose of concluding the TFTA The Agreement will facilitate: harmonisation of trade regimes, free movement of business persons, joint implementation of regional infrastructure projects and programmes; development of regional value chains; and legal and institutional arrangements for regional cooperation among the 26 countries who are members of COMESA, EAC and SADC. This ratification request only relates to the trade liberalisation element of the agreement. Key Features of the TFTA Recognition of differentials in levels of economic development, i.e. Flexibility, Special & Differential Treatment. Variable geometry regarding pace of liberalisation across negotiating regions. Building on the existing acquis of the Regional Economic Communities (no backtracking). Objective to create a single TFTA market. Potential Benefit for South Africa Access to new and dynamic markets: combined gross GDP of US$1.2 trillion, and a combined population of approximately 626 million people, just over half the total African population and economy. Some TFTA countries are among the fastest growing economies in the continent, i.e. Rwanda, Ethiopia, Tanzania etc. South Africa will build on its current share of the African market and have access to a larger, more integrated, and growing regional market. This has the potential to stimulate industrial development, investment and job creation. It will promote intra-regional investment. When negotiations commence on the investment chapter, South Africa will advance that core provisions of South Africas Protection of Investment Act must be taken into account. Legal certainty and predictability of market in TFTA. Legal protections for South African exporters, i.e. Agreement makes provision for dispute settlement mechanism that is delinked from national courts. Possibility for the TFTA having a single-rule book for trade, investment, IPR and Competition. The TFTA will boost intra-regional trade. SAs trade with the TFTA countries South Africas trade with TFTA countries represents about 16% of SAs trade with the world. In 2017 total trade with TFTA countries was in the tune of US$27.6 billion. A bulk of the trade is with SADC countries. After SADC, Egypt, Kenya, Ethiopia and Uganda feature as export destinations of potential. South Africa exports to Kenya account for 3.3% of TFTA exports. South Africa in turn receives about 2% of its TFTA imports from Egypt. Kenyas exports to key markets in Africa fell to an eight-year low in the first four months of the year, official statistics show, continuing a trend that has been reflected in annual data over the years. Latest data by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) show earnings from the continent were about Sh71.44 billion, a 4.5 per cent drop compared to the same period in 2017 and the lowest since 2010. Reduced trade between Kenya and the rest of Africa is in keeping with a trend observed in the 12 months to December 2017. Kenyan factories have been losing their market share in Africa despite the country being a member of the six-nation East African Community (EAC) and 19-member Common Market for Eastern and Southern Africa (Comesa) partly due to import substitution amid dwindling industrial competitiveness. Export orders from neighbouring Uganda, the countrys largest market in Africa, for example fell by 5.69 per cent in the period to Sh20.41 billion, maintaining a flat trend witnessed in recent years. We dont get our VAT refund on time, we dont get export incentives and thats why our trade within the region has been reducing, Kenya Association of Manufacturers (KAM) vice chairman Sachen Gudka said in an interview late April. The government should address competitiveness because when you look at Kenya in terms of global benchmarks, cost levels are at least 10 per cent higher. Kenyas exports to Africa, however, accounted for 33.74 per cent of her total exports, which stood at Sh211.71 billion between January and April, the CBK data shows. Intra-Africa trade remains at a lowly 10 per cent, meaning African countries trade more with other continents such as Europe than they do among themselves. The country is championing a plan to remove trade barriers among African countries to grow movement of goods, services and labour through African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) which will create a market of at least 1.2 billion people upon ratification. Kenya and Ghana on May 10 became the first countries to ratify the AfCFTA deal which requires a minimum of 22 countries to be operationalised. President Uhuru Kenyattas administration also became the first country last Friday to present documents ratifying the proposed Comesa-EAC-Southern African Development Community (SADC) tripartite free trade area. The Comesa-EAC-SADC trade agreement, reached in June 2015 bringing together 27 Eastern, Central and Southern Africas countries, requires a minimum of 14 countries to ratify in order to come into force. To say Bolivia is a wonderful country would be an understatement, and in the heart of this picturesque place lies La Paz's futuristic urban transport system. At more than 11,000 feet above sea level, La Paz is the highest capital city in the world. With towering mountains and little terracotta slopes, the view will truly amaze you. However, if the breathtaking views of the city is not enough to make people visit, the revolutionary Mi Teleferico, or My Cable Car, will do just that. The ambitious cable car system in the La Paz-El Alto metropolitan area has been a dream of the Bolivian government for decades now. The cable car system designed by Austrian company Doppelmayr makes trips between the cities of El Alto and La Paz, which helps make people's commute feel like a vacation experience. Every day, thousands of people from the Bolivian city of El Alto go to La Paz to work. Before Mi Teleferico, their travel time would usually take up a huge chunk of their day. This is because the narrow and mountainous nature of their roads are not designed to keep up with the huge number of cars. Thanks to Mi Teleferico, travel time went down by an hour and 10 minutes. The highest and longest urban cable car system in the world has three teleferico lines, which are named after the colors of the Bolivian flag: green, yellow, and red. Then And Now The initial stage of the transit system was widely criticized because of the huge cost that it entailed. However, almost four years after it began its operation in May 2014, it has become a huge success. "I think the teleferico is great my life is different now. Before, I'd travel for three or four hours just to go shopping, and it was a worry to think we'd have that long journey [back] if there was some kind of emergency. The teleferico has helped us a lot," said Elisa Marconi, a primary school teacher, in an interview with The Guardian. "Along with striving to modernize mobility in La Paz, Mi Teleferico have also considered the system's impact on the environment; a topic of great importance in Bolivia. In an effort to cut the amount of smog polluting city air, the cable car system has been designed to run on electricity, part of which is provided through solar power," an article in La Paz Life stated. The ride costs $0.40 and is open from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. daily. The future of La Paz's amazing transit system is bright. La Paz Life reported that Entel, a telecommunications company in Bolivia, will provide Wi-Fi access to its customers. Additionally, Bolivia is gearing up for their goal to achieve 16 lines by 2030. People all over the world are now taking notice of Bolivia, one of the cheapest countries to migrate to. Considering its hairpin curves amid its beautiful mountainous landscape coupled with its rising development, there's no question why. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Airbnb has so many beautiful places to rent, and one of the hottest property listings is hanging on a cliff somewhere in Peru. Suspended 1,300 feet above the picturesque landscape of Peru is the Skylodge Adventures Suites. To reach the crystal rooms, guests have to brave the Via Ferrata route, a path with a meticulous safety system to help even the most inexperienced climber. It has bridges, metal ladders, and cables. Guests can also use the zip line. Only then can they be treated to the panoramic view and be blanketed by the stars. "The idea behind the unique hotel stemmed from the desire to offer 'a unique experience that that [reconnects guests] with nature or make them realize what really luxury can be," said SkyLodge manager Natalia Rodriguez, in an interview with CNN Travel. Natura Vive, the founder of the said hotel, wants their guests to awaken their adventurous spirit. Listed in Airbnb's recommended places to stay in Peru, the 24 by 8 feet crystal pods are made from weather-resistant polycarbonate and aerospace aluminum that can withstand strong winds. Aside from the wonderful view, guests will also be treated to four beds, a private ensuite bathroom, and a dining area. For ultimate comfort while stargazing, the bed comes with lush pillows and quilts too. Renting a crystal pod for the night will cost you 328 or $438. This rate also includes a sumptuous gourmet dinner and breakfast. For those who do not fancy an overnight stay at the pods, day tours are also available. At just $235 per person, travelers can enjoy a four-course Peruvian lunch with alcoholic and non-alcoholic drinks inside the room. Getting To The Skylodge Adventure Suites People who want to see the famous Machu Picchu, one of the seven Natural Wonders of the World, can do a side trip to the Skylodge. To get to the famous pods, it's advisable to spend a night in Cusco, since the company shoulders the accommodations and transportation from there. To reach the Southern Peruvian city, one must first fly to Lima. There are over 40 flights to Cusco from Lima per day. Ratings The Skylodge is one of the most viewed rentals on Airbnb and has been racking up five-star reviews since it started. "This was an AMAZING experience! I highly recommend it for anyone looking for an adventurous, unique experience. The guides were extremely patient when I (and others) were scared. They take the safety very seriously so you have nothing to worry about," said Emily, a satisfied customer on the luxury capsule's Airbnb. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Travelers heading to Chicago, one of the most visited places in the U.S., often spend a day touring the famous attractions the place can offer. Frequent travelers know that one of the best practices to enjoy a trip more is to avoid peak hours and large groups of tourists. Chicago's famous Cloud Gate aka "the Bean," a known steel structure in the city's Millennium Park, is worth checking out, but a trip to the city doesn't have to include stops at all the crowded tourist destinations. There are a few more places away from large crowds to add on every traveler's must-see list. Blue Nose Brewery Fancy a pint of beer after a long haul flight? Head out to Blue Nose Brewery, one of Chicago's hidden gems. The low-key vibe and chill atmosphere make this pub stand out from other breweries in the area. Here, people can choose from Blue Nose's wide selection of beers on tap or entertain themselves with darts, pool, or Jenga. Woolly Mammoth Antiques and Oddities Adam and Skye Rust started this odd shop in 2010. Travelers who are game for a unique experience will surely love this place. Over the years, it has collected taxidermied animals, teeth, fetuses in jars, and other weird objects. "This is all still a celebration of life. We're giving [dead animals] an afterlife of a sort," said Skye Rust in an interview with Timeout Chicago. Tiffany Dome To see this marvelous structure by Tiffany's "chief mosaicist" J. A. Holzer in 1897, people just have to look up. The dome, which measures 38 feet in diameter, can be found in Chicago Cultural Center's Preston Bradley Hall. It consists of 1,134 square feet of vibrant mosaic which includes over 30,000 distinct glass panes. According to Atlas Obscura, the Tiffany Dome is now valued at $35,000,000. Shit Fountain This bizarre installation by Jerzy S. Kenar will truly entertain travelers, especially those who have experienced potty training their dogs. The bronze sculpture which stands in a sandstone similar to that of a Grecian bust is a homage to dogs who defecate over Kenar's flowers and sits as a friendly reminder for dog owners to clean up after their pets. While some people may think of Kenar's protest art as revolting, there have been no complaints from the people of Chicago. International Museum of Surgical Science Chicago is home to numerous museums such as the Art Institute of Chicago and the Field Museum of Natural History. Since International Museum of Surgical Science is the only one of its kind in North America, it definitely warrants a visit. Located at the Gold Coast district, this museum is dedicated to surgery-related artifacts such as anatomical relics, a 3,000-year-old Peruvian skull drill, a Civil War-era amputee kit, and a working iron lung. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 To visit New York City is a lifelong dream for many people. However, if you do not plan your trip thoroughly, it can be quite expensive, and before you know it, you're already saying goodbye to your savings. Although it is one of the best places to earn a lot of money, locals and travelers alike still don't want to drown in credit card debt whenever they are in the city. Fear no more: travelers can still make the most out of New York City without panicking about breaking the bank. Thankfully, in NYC, people will never run out of things to do. Watch A Free Concert Travelers visiting New York in the summertime can treat themselves to a free concert organized by the BRIC. Celebrate Brooklyn is a free outdoor concert and art exhibit held in Prospect Park Bandshell with live performances from great artists such as Vance Joy and Shaggy and Les Ballets Jazz de Montreal. Just bring a blanket to laze around in, probably get a hotdog and beer, and enjoy the show. Visit House Of Yes For A Fun Time A fun night is a must whenever people visit NYC. This bar located in Bushwick, Brooklyn, will give the local dive bars and dance floors a run for their money. House of Yes sets up shows for its audience ranging from '90s nights, light shows, sensual presentations, and even a mermaid-themed party! Most nights in the bar are free, and ticketed events range from $15 to $30. Score Cheap Broadway Tickets New York is the mecca for Broadway musicals, and it is recommended that you watch at least one show when you visit. Be on the lookout for discounts at the TKTS booth or buy a Standing Room Only and Rush tickets. Watch Slam Poetry Live For just $10, people can visit Moth StorySLAM and witness the world's best slam poets share their art. If you're feeling it, you can even go onstage and share your own piece. However, you have to act fast, as tickets go on sale a week before the event and are almost immediately sold out. Do A BBQ in Brooklyn Bridge Park Taking a stroll in the famous Brooklyn Bridge will surely make you hungry. If you fancy a barbeque partnered with a breathtaking view of the skyline, you can go to the Brooklyn Bridge Park, where there are grills and picnic tables that you can use for free. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Many cities are situated on cliffs for numerous reasons. In the past, it was a practical way for defense since the city overlooks the sea surrounding it. Now, though, people enjoy it mainly because of the perfect, scenic view that if offers. In many cliffside towns, houses play a stark contrast to the vibrant waters that hit the steep hills. Here are a few towns built on the side of a cliff that you can visit. Positano, Italy Arguably one of the most popular cliffside towns on the planet, this scenic village in the Amalfi Coast will surely make anyone's adventurer heart flutter. Here, travelers can enjoy its steep flights of step in place of roads. While in the area, it is recommended to walk along Sentiero Degli Innamorati from Spiaggia Grande to the beach of Fornillo, buy an exquisitely made sandal, or hike the secret hamlet of Nocelle in order to see the Panorama of the Gods. The romantic city of Positano is also one of the top wedding anniversary spots. Santorini, Greece Considered as one of the most breathtaking destinations on earth, the Crescent-shaped town of Santorini is located in the southernmost part of Cyclades is actually an active volcano. Be welcomed by the deep blue hue of the waters, and steep rock formations, a stark contrast to the vibrant white and blue color of the buildings, and watch the entire town turn into a vibrant shade of orange as you watch the sunset in Caldera. It does not end there. Santorini does not just offer amazing views but also a gastronomic experience that will undoubtedly leave every stomach full. Azenhas Do Mar, Sintra, Portugal This incredible destination located on a cliff in Lisbon, Portugal, near Sintra, Azenhas do Mar is considered as one of the most beautiful beaches in Europe where you can see the Atlantic Ocean. Not only is the place travel-friendly for tourists who want to save, it is also home to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Pena National Palace. Meteora, Greece The town name Meteora translates to "suspended in the air." Here, people can treat themselves to a delightful view in one of Greece's most visited locations. This World Heritage-listed site which looks like that of an ancient tale will surely leave you in awe. Visit the town's six mountaintop monasteries, or immerse in Theopetra Cave, one of Europe's top archaeological sites that hold over 130,000 years of history and see some of the world's oldest known man-made structures which are located at the cave entrance, believed to be more than 23,000 years old. Ronda, Spain One of the most charming places in Spain, this mountaintop city in the heart of Serrania de Ronda will surely leave you breathless. Feast your eyes on the wonderful sights this town has to offer including the Mondragon palace built in 1314 by the Moorish King Abomelik, Arab baths, Real Maestranza bullring, and the bridge of Puente Nuevo which took 42 years to build. After you're done exploring, you can cool of Cueva de Gato, Ronda's famous river pool, or have a glass of wine in one of Ronda's wineries. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 The list of things to do whenever you're visiting Mexico is endless and now you can add one more thing to your to-do list: marry yourself. Travelers all over the globe are taking part in Rosewood Mayakoba's "Marry Oneself Journey," a four-day retreat near Playa del Carmen. Reconnect With Yourself The retreat offered in one of Mexico's most beautiful hotels combines elements of wellness and spirituality with a luxurious feel. This experience, which took inspiration from ancient Mayan traditions, is tailored to what the customer wants. Additionally, it relies on the theme of connecting with yourself and self-love. While surrounded by lush jungles and pristine white beaches, Fernando Montiel, the luxury hotel's shaman, marries the guest to his or herself. Although it seems quite cheesy, the ceremony's goal is beautiful. Instead of a wedding ceremony filled with hundreds of people and extravagant decorations, this only involves you and the resort's shaman. "Just hours before, I was standing in front of a mirror in my bathing suit, cursing myself after a serious session at the breakfast buffet, and thought, 'Who would want to marry this person?' Obviously, I needed a self-love ceremony. That said, even saying that I was 'marrying myself' felt weirdly embarrassing," shared Anne Roderique-Jones in Self.com. Roderique-Jones also described the ceremony as something that is not only focused on connecting with herself, but also on her connection to the world around her. The unique rite is set in the hotel's Sense Spa, according to the hotel's website. The said spa is located on its own island, hidden by the jungle and away from the hotel. The vast island is surrounded by trees and its own beach. This enchanting setting will surely help guests find out how the ancient Mayan culture got all these natural elements to attain balance in their well-being. Experience Of A Lifetime The ceremony has four parts which include an aquatic remedy session, a seaside stroll a steam session, and a session packed with shamanic drumming and singing bowls, according to Lonely Planet. The retreat ends with a ceremony where the guest re-commits to oneself. Just like usual weddings, "brides" and "grooms" of this experience should also write wedding vows dedicated to themselves which aims to make them look forward to a lifetime of happiness, self-compassion, and self-love, reported Brides.com. The resident shaman guides the guest on all of these rituals in order to make it more worthwhile and effective. Guests can book the ritual like a spa service and can choose to do it alone, with a special someone, or with a group. Just remember to get yourself a wedding present, too. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 For travelers carrying the rainbow-colored flag, picking places that are LGBTQ-friendly is essential. We've rounded up thriving cities for you to visit. Since the number of open-minded people is on the rise, cities that highly accept the gay community are increasing. Low level of hate crime, a promising gay dating scene, promising LGBTQ movements, and national laws that accept members of the LGBTQ community are all essential factors in what makes a place good for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, and queer people. Get yourself ready for the LGBTQ festivals that are coming this Pride month. Miami, Florida With hundreds of gay bars and an LGBT Visitor Center that will help you get acquainted with the place, Miami ranks high on the list. If the rainbow flags at the lifeguard stations on the 12th street beach do not make you feel welcome, then the warmth of its people absolutely would. Although Pride is usually done during springtime, Miami still has lots of things in store for you whether you're gay, lesbian, trans, or bisexual including numerous events held at South Beach. Tel Aviv, Israel Pride Parade takes place every June in the bustling city of Tel Aviv. Packed with a large LGBTQ community, the whole city bursts into color as thousands of people march and party on its streets all the way to the beach. With the palpable energy manifested by the art, music and the people, everyone will surely feel welcome here. Not only that, Tel Aviv also boasts some of the best cuisines so rest assured people will party their way on its streets with full stomachs. Amsterdam, Netherlands You can expect a city that is infamous for sex, parties, and drugs to be open-minded. Amsterdam is definitely one of the best cities in the world for LGBTQ travelers. People can attend their gay canal pride where people from all walks of live gather in a grand celebration complete with boats on the Amstel and along the city's scenic canals, such as the Prinsengracht. The Netherlands, one of the best places to visit during spring, is also home to Milkshake, a gay festival with no dress code where people can enjoy to their heart's content. When looking for a gay bar, just spot a rainbow flag in the city's Red Light District. You can opt to visit Cafe t'Mandje, a gay cafe which has been around since 1927. New Zealand The Land of the Long White Cloud is not only famous for its desktop-worthy landscape. It is also known for its acceptance towards the LGBTQ community. In an effort to be recognized globally, the country coined "gay/ lesbian-friendly" when talking about businesses and accommodation during 1998 making them the first country to do so. In 2013, New Zealand has also passed the same-sex marriage and continues to have thriving discussions on human rights. Paris, France Known as one of the most romantic cities in the world, the city of lights still shines as one of the best destinations for LGBTQ travelers. If you fancy visiting the country's gay neighborhood, you can find it near the Hotel de Ville metro in Le Marais which is also home to one of the brightest gay nightlife in the world. If you want a more in-depth experience of Paris, you can join The Gay Locals for LGBTQ-themed tours. See Now: The U.S. had the highest number of Most Wanted properties, dominating the Hotels.com Loved By Guests Awards 2018 Sometimes big stories come in little packages. Take the story of Frito the seahorse, for example. On June 10, local resident Dawn McCartney and her daughters were snorkeling off of Redington Shores, Florida, when they came across the tiny seahorse tangled in fishing line among the trash, with the line wrapped around her poor little neck several times. They carefully untangled the creature and put her in a water bottle filled with seawater before calling Clearwater Marine Aquarium (CMA) for help. Like a sea-creature ambulance crew, a team from CMA arrived at the scene and whisked the injured seahorse back to the aquarium where they promptly named her Frito. Clearwater Marine Aquarium Frito's story is not unlike many of the rescued animals at CMA; animals who have been affected by fishing line entanglement. The dangers of monofilament fishing line floating in the ocean threaten many different species of marine life including sea turtles, dolphins, stingrays, birds, and yes, even seahorses. Imagine humans having to find their way through huge tangles of hard-to-see fishing line everywhere we went a lot of us would end up in dire straits as well. But now, after two weeks of being nursed back to health, Frito was deemed ready to return to the wild which is exactly what the aquarium did. Taken by boat to a lush seagrass bed, b-roll footage shows Frito seeming to be right at home back in the sea. Clearwater Marine Aquarium Our mission of rescue, rehabilitation and release applies to all marine life, big and small, says David Yates, CEO of Clearwater Marine Aquarium. The level of care our team gave to tiny Frito is inspiring. It is so rewarding to get her back home. Saving the world, one inch-long seahorse at a time. Via AP Deputy Police Commissioner McDonald Jacob has been appointed the accounting officer for the Trinidad and Tobago Police Service (TTPS). This was announced by Finance Minister Colm Imbert in a statement yesterday evening. It saddens me to write what I am about to, but its a harsh reality that we must face and fight, or, if we are the unpatriotic cowards many believe we are, then we might consider joining millions of others across the world who abandon all hope in their native lands and become refugees, moving like nomads anywhere the wind and fellow refugees take them. -:- Message from Tripadvisor staff -:- This topic has been closed to new posts due to inactivity. We hope you'll join the conversation by posting to an open topic or starting a new one. To review the Tripadvisor Forums Posting Guidelines, please follow this link: http://www.tripadvisor.com/pages/forums_posting_guidelines.html We remove posts that do not follow our posting guidelines, and we reserve the right to remove any post for any reason. I have never written a review on this site but believe this is worth the effort. Imagine flying 36 hours from the east coast of the US to Sydney, Australia. You catch a shuttle to a downtown hotel and access email only to find out the cruise you had booked around New Zealand had to be cancelled for necessary ship repairs. The Cruise Company gave a refund and a voucher for another cruise; but because you were booked to travel on the second leg of a back-to-back cruise on this ship, you now have an unexpected 11 day stay in Sydney. What would you do? Thats exactly what happened to my husband and me. We decided to spend the time in Sydney, an energetic city with a lot to offer. We simply needed a reasonably priced accommodationa suite that would feel like home, give us a kitchen and washer/dryer to use, and that was close to public transportation. We got all that and more at the Meriton Suites in Waterloo. The price was reasonable and the staff ready and helpful. The suite was spacious, newly refracted, and serviced daily. Within two blocks we were in a district with shops, restaurants, and two large grocery stores. We spent one Saturday walking through Moore Park and to the wonderful Paddington Market. With an Opal Cardeasy to get and economical to havewe could catch a bus each day just blocks away that would connect us to buses, ferries, and trains throughout the Sydney area. Every day was a new adventure and every night offered opportunity to relax in our suite or on its deck. Waterloo is about 20 minutes by bus to the center city. Not only was the Waterloo Meriton much less expensive than one in town, we really liked the more open, residential, park-like feel of the area. I cant say enough about how glad we were to have had an unanticipated extended vacation in Sydney...and a hotel suite that supported our every need. I heartily recommend the Meriton Waterloo Suites to any Sydney visitors! Hi, We will be visiting Perth in September. We would like to stay in a suburb outside Perth CBD. We will be renting a car to explore Perth, but do want to be close enough to CBD so we can take public transport into the city on occasion as we understand parking in CBD is rather a problem. We are 4 young adults and would like to stay in a young vibey area with good markets/restaurants and good coffee spots. We are looking at the following areas: - Wembley - Mosman Park - Shenton Park - Scarborough Any others we didn't mention you would prefer? Please give me your top pick. Hello, this is a report of my trip to Kusatsu Onsen (June 11-13, 2018). It is a bit long and not well composed. Excuse me for errors in English language. As I am slowly recovering from a rare intractable disease with a joint pain (among other symptoms), I decided to take a couple of days rest at one of the most renowned historic hot springs town, Kusatsu Onsen, in Gunma Prefecture at the north-western corner of the Kanto Region. A brief description and the history of Kusatsu Onsen town is found here: ; also here: Official Website of Kusatsu Onsen: Official video introduction of the town: Japan-Guide entry: (*Notably, the town was controlled by the Sanada Clan in the later Sengoku (Warring States) Period, which played an important pivotal role among the great rivaly between Tokugawa Ieyasu and Toyotomi Hideyoshi, and the hot spring water of Kusatsu controlled by the Sanada Clan also played a diplomatic role between the two major players in Japanese history). The town's fame is such that everyone in Japan knows its name as a representative hot springs resort and can recite at least parts of the local folk song, Kusatsu-Bushi (the Ballad of Kusatsu) with lyrics telling you that "Kusatsu is a good place, please come here at least once in your lifetime". Well, I had been there two years ago, loved it, and decided to return. There are purpotedly 100 different geisers in Kusatsu, but today the town jointly controls six major hot spring sources, which allegedly produces a Japanese record of 32,300 liters per minute (that is 230,000 drum cans per day). The water at baths differ slightly by the source, but is generally strongly acidic and sulfric due to the town location which is just a few kilometers away from the opening of Mt Shirane volcano. One of the major attraction of the town is the Yubatake (Hot Water Field) which produces 5,000 liters per minute and distributes the water to guesthouses and communal bathing facilities across the town; the originial temperature of the water is around 70 degrees celcius so the townspeople have devised through history a unique way to cool it down not by adding cold water but by piping it through wooden conduits (additional air and occasional rain can cool it down). Another attraction is Sainokawara Park and Rotenburo, where a natural stream of hot springs flows downhill through a local religous spot with Buddhist statues and a Shinto shrine. The actual water source of the Rotenburo (open air bath), with gender-separated pools that are probably the largest of the kind in Japan, comes from a new Bandaiko (Eternal Geiser) found in the 1970s but which had been largely uncontrolable due to high temperature and sheer volume (it is now a major source for baths and for the heating system to melt snow in Winter). The water is traditionally said to cure everything except for lovesickness. There are several ways to get to Kusatsu Onsen from Tokyo, but the best way could be by train (which is slightly more expensive than bus). There are two regular runs of Ltd Exp Kusatsu per day from Ueno, Tokyo to Naganohara Kusatsuguchi, one departing at ten in the morning and another at noon. Scenery until Takasaki (a Hokuriku and Joetsu Shinkansen jucntion) is a bit boring, but the train goes through a nice river gorge on JR Agatsuma Line after Shibukawa (although the beautiful landscape is sadly partly destroyed by the controversial Yamba Dam project which was a subject of national political debate during the brief period of reformist Minshuto government). From Naganohara Kusatsuguchi in the middle of nowhere but hills, a connecting bus leaves for Kusatsu Onsen further uphill. Total journey time by using this non-highspeed conventional rail is about 3 hours (an express bus from Tokyo may take 4 hours with a detour to Ikaho Onsen town). There are over a hundred hotels and ryokans in the town, but for people with longer stays and limited budget, there are guesthouses for bath-curing purposes (toji) that offer basic lodging with self-cooking facilities and usually inhouse bath starting arond 3,500-4,000 yen (the budget hotels can be found around 5,000-6,000 and budget oriented classic ryokans at 7,000-8,000 yen). I stayed at one of such family-run guesthouses booked through Jalan, conveniently located near the bus terminal, a supermarket (one of few which exist in the outer areas of the town), and conveniece stores (there are a few Seven Elevens and a Lawson). This was a very basic accommodation with futon bedding, TV and Wi-Fi, common kitchen and toilet, but with a bath next to my room that has endlessly flowing water piped from the Yubatake. For the two nights stay, I took several baths through the night at the accommodation, and explored around the charming onsen town during daytime while engaging in onsen-hopping. It was mostly drizzling for the first two days, but the last day had good sunshine. It was surprisingly cool in the morning and at night (highlands weather). Sotoyu-meguri or outer bath hopping is one way to enjoy historic onsen towns, and Kusatsu is actually quite ideal for this practice (although not recommended for some reason perhaps including the one that I describe below), as it has three larger day spa facilities (Otaki no Yu, Sainokawara Rotenburo, and Goza no Yu) advertised to tourists (600-900 yen per entrance), as well as three smaller and historic communal facilities that are open, welcome, and free of charge to tourists (Jizo no Yu, Shirahata no Yu, and Chiyo no Yu). Plus, there are about 16 other communal facilites that are paid, run, and managed by the townspeople that are not explicitly shown but does not decline visitors who can "borrow" the water with appreciation to the local people. The issue is partly to do with security, as they are separated by gender (but foreign visitors might not understand which part is for which), managed without staff or video monitoring, and without locks on the doors or lockers to place the valuables. There are rules for use written on the wall (which are pretty obvious if you use common sense like don't drink alchol when taking hot bath, keep it clean, don't shut the water, don't over-use cold water, turn off the lights after use, and don't overspend/sleep/eat and drink in the bathhouse), and only those who understands and can adhere to rules are welcome to use them. Kusatsu Town is a small peaceful town that does not have a high occurence of crime (as I found out that locals do not bother to lock their houses at night; newspaper is delivered into the hall within the house each morning). (As I write this, I fear that some rowdy couples reading this might take the advantage and go in the bath together after locals went home, which would greatly destroy the local authentic bath culture, and which might eventually lead to a complete ban of visitors' use. It is good that these communal baths are usually scorching hot that it is clearly not fit for couples' dating use; if couples want to take bath together, they should book a ryokan with a bath attached to the room). The three larger facilities have moderate temperature baths, and can be highly recommended to everyone. They are all are gensen kakenagashi (direct from the original source with natural flow without circulation). Otaki no Yu is the largest of the three facilities that has indoor and outdoor baths; it has a proper resting place (room with tatami mats) downstairs where short naps can be taken, as well as a diner upstairs. Goza no Yu is the newest with tasteful loghouse architecture and also a large and clean tatami room facing the Yubatake. People can stay for hours by taking intervals between baths. Sainokawara Rotenburo is perhaps the most appealing of the three facilties, but people should not expect shower facilities and amenities such as shampoo here. Strong acid water of Kusatsu kills off all bacteria within a few minutes (and melts alminium coins within a week), and the soap is useless with such water. Visitors may buy a common ticket for entrance into the three popular facilities at 1,500 yen which will turn into a certificate to take home after being stamped at the locations. Towels and non-alcholic drinks can be bought at the facilities, but I'd suggest to bring yours from your ryokan and to keep a bottle of cold water at the dressing room to avoid dehydration. Medium sized lockers are available at Sainokawara Rotemburo and Otaki no Yu, but there are only smaller sized ones at Goza no Yu. Visitors with large luggage coming for a day trip or after/before checking out of the accommodation should use the coin lockers at the first floor of the bus terminal (which has a diner that serves soba with good tempura of local maitake mushrooms). The second floor of the terminal has souvenir shops; the third floor is half-library, half-museum of the city (which is actually quite fun to visit if you read Japanese or can enjoy just the old photographs and the exhibits of metals that has been deformed by the acidic water). Kusatsu Onsen town has been affected by the unfortunate eruption of the Mt. Shirane volcano in January 2018 at Kusatsu International Ski Ground which injured several people and killed one person by rocks. While the actual location of the Ski Ground and areas considered as posing risks are away from the onsen town, the number of visitors have fallen because of the false image that the town was at risk. That is part of the reason why I decided to post this trip report (whereas the other reason is that I really loved staying there again and wanted to share my joy of traveling to this cute little resort). My photos are posted here: Happy travels, everyone ! Edited: 3 years ago Hello fellow travelers and Japan travel authorities... Currently in the initial planning stages for a return trip to Japan to experience some beautiful fall foliage this coming November 2018. This will be my second trip to Japan the first was during the spring of 2014 during Sakura time. That trip was about 15 days long and took me to Tokyo, Nikko, Kyoto, Hiroshima, Miyajima, Nara, Koyasan and Osaka. For this next trip I plan to visit a few of the primary places as well as a couple previous favorites as well as a few new areas that I have yet to explore. The main focus being to witness the best autumn colors possible while not venturing too far north, south or west. This next trip will be a few days longer as well at 18 days/nights. The following is a rough list so far of the places Im planning to visit with a rough idea of the number of nights planned to stay next to each corresponding name. Any and all route help, transportation guidance as well as other suggestions and recommendations from fellow Japanese travel enthusiasts would be greatly appreciated. Also taken into consideration the length of trip and places planned for Im thinking a 14 day Japan rail pass will hopefully be sufficient. Again the trip is for 18 nights/days from November 1st landing in Tokyo on the evening of Friday November 2nd and returning the afternoon of Tuesday November 20th. Trying to plan out the places and how many nights for each so far this is what I have over 18 days/nites. The numbers next to places are a rough estimate of how many nites. Not exactly sure the best route yet other than begin weekend of November 2nd in Tokyo for 3 nites/2 days then up to nikko for 2 nites...everything else I need to figure in. Last time I saw Tokyo briefly, Nikko, Kyoto, Hiroshima and miyajima,Natab as well as Koyasan and this time wanna include others. Here is the rough itinerary so far Tokyo 5 Nikko 2 Karuizawa 2 Kurobe Kanazawa 2 Shirakawa-go 1 Takayama 2 Kyoto 3 Nara 1 Osaka 1 The trip begins and ends in Tokyo 3 nites/2 days in the beginning and 2 or 3 nites/3 days at the end. Thanks in advance for any and all help with this itinerary planning. 1. Your idea is generally quite good and organized. You will have a blast. Your concern is correct that some parts are off the JR Pass coverage (what is not explicitly stated as JR is non-JR; thus needs separate payment, such as the Fujikyu Railway and Bus, Nohi/Alpico Bus between Matsumoto and Takayama via Hirayu Onsen, Nagano Electric Railway between Nagano City and Yudanaka/Shibu Onsen, Shinhotaka Ropeway, Nohi/Kaetsuno Bus between Kanazawa and Takayama via Shirakawago). A suggestion is to avoid cramming everything in a short trip (Nagano Prefecture or the wider Central Japan is large and wide and divided by mountain ranges - the JR train does cover a significant part of it, but not all corners). Traveling by train in Japan is part of sightseeing, actually, but you do have to factor in travel time. 2. Best mix of top places in Tokyo depends, but people coming for the first time would probably do the 1) trendy and busy western Tokyo around Shibuya and Shinjuku, and 2) nostalgic and laid back eastern Tokyo around Asakusa, Ueno, and Yanaka. 3) Quirky subculture can be found in Akihabara and Nakano, and actually the charming part of Tokyo lies in the daily life in the suburbia like Kichijoji and Shimokitazawa. 3. It's better to reserve seats on the train as it won't take long to do at JR ticket offices (which doesn't have to be at the departing station). You can leave luggage at the empty space found after the last row of seats on Shinkansen (those are empty space originally designed to allow swinging the seats to the moving direction, but there is space enough for several suitcases). Also, use luggage forward service (takuhaibin offered by Yamato, JP, and Sagawa) - which are very reliable and aren't expensive - and coin lockers wisely. The train sets differ by lines and the reserved cars/non-reserved cars/green class cars differ by train sets used (there are many, many different train sets). There are electronic signboards that flicker in Japanese and English at platforms and near the gates. Ask the railway staff if you need answers to such questions for specific trains. Non-reserved cars are usually cars No.1-5 on Tokaido Shinkansen's Hikari, No.1-5 on Hokuriku Shinkansen's Hakutaka (although on certain days No.4-5 will be changed to reserved), No.4 on Sanyo Shinkansen's Sakura on weekdays. Japan is not a beaches places in general (its nearest foreign neighbor is Russia), and the beaches although comes in sand sometimes tend to be like those of Brighton or Blackpool (if you wonder why Hawaii, Saipan, Guam, Bali, Da Nang, and Sebu are popular among Japanese honeymooners - because they are beachy beach resorts). Kamakura - Enoshima has a popular surfer's beach, is a heavyweight champion of tourism in the Kanto Region as the old administrative capital with renowned temples and shrines, and a popular day out spot for the Tokyoite in the weekend (as Brighton is). It's just an hour from Tokyo, Southern Izu Peninsula around Shimoda and Boso Peninsula around Tateyama/Chikura has much nicer beachier beaches but they take more time to get to (see up to two-three hours by train). 4. Although Shibu-Yudanaka Onsen area and Shiga Kogen are nice any time, Jigokudani monkeys might not be enjoying hot springs bath during summertime (it depends). While Iwatayama monkeys in Arashiyama, Kyoto are authentically wild and natural, it has no onsen factor there. Monkeys at Takaosan are kept in a large enclosure like a zoo, actually, if I am not mistaken. I generally recommend going to highlands to cool down in August. It's going to be hot and humid in cities like Tokyo and Kyoto. I've recently come back from Kusatsu Onsen (the other side of the Mt Shirane Volcano seen from Yudanaka/Shibu/Shiga Kogen), and the temperature was around or below 15 degrees Celsius (Photos: ; https://goo.gl/1dSWM6). There should be some firework festivals going on in August particularly in the weekends. They are awesome in Japan, don't miss them. Edited: 3 years ago We are planning a 2 week trip from Liberia in mid July. We are thinking of hiring a car and visit the parks at Rincon & Tenorio &/or Arenal (or is it advisable to visit just one). The remainder will be spent on a beach - Playa Samara or nearby. Any advice on the following will be much appreciated: 1. Could we base ourselves in Bijagua or nearby and do day trips to each of these 3 parks/volcanoes? Or better to find accommodation further south for Arenal? 2. Is 1 full day in Rincon and 2-3 full days around the other parks reasonable or a bit rushed. 3. Is a 2WD car ok for this route? Thanks Some suggestions off the top of my head.... Arrivial Day/ Evening, I always suggest Rock Center Cafe Before/ After Top of the Rock, and then a night time view of Times Square. These day time suggestions are inter-changable: 1: Statue of Liberty reserved Crown tickets (reserve through Statue Cruises) for early Morning. After the Statue/ Ellis Island have Lunch at PJ Clarkes on the Hudson. After lunch walk through, Brookfield Place and Westfield World Trade Center, see Memorial foot print fountains (free no reservation needed). Walk over to City Hall Park, and get on the Brooklyn Bridge Promenade. Walk across and back for both views. Can take(subway) trains by City Hall to get back uptown. 2. Breakfast/ Lunch at Central Park boat House and then rent a row boat (you miss everything on a bike) See Bethesda Fountain, walk the Central Park Mall, and do a Museum (Met or AMNH) 3. Have Breakfast around Union Square (The Coffee Shop , Le Express, or Grey Dog) Walk Down Broadway into Soho to Canal St (China Town) take a right & go to West Broadway take another right and walk back uptown to Laguardia Place and then walk over to Washington Square Park (See the Arch & fountain- NYU center piece) Walk back downtown to Bleeker St. Take a right (many little shops (Greenwhich Village) walk all the way up Bleeker and head over to Chelsea Market, Have Lunch and the walk The High Line. 4. Warmer day take the (subway) train out to Coney Island (an hour train ride) and walk the Boardwalk to Brighton Beach and Back., Have Lunch & head back on the train. 5. Take Metro North train from Grand Central to Cold Springs, This was voted one of the most beautiful train rides in the world, and it is best in autumn months, so get a window seat. Have Lunch in Cold Springs and come back. 6. Do the United Nations Tour, lunch at the Delegates Dining Room (reservation needed) after take the The Roosevelt Island Tramway to Roosevelt Island and back. 7. Empire State (early in the AM with pre-bought tickets) Macy's Herald Square, Lunch at Pensky (Penn Station/ Madison Square Garden) or Bryant Park Cafe New York Public Library Building at Bryant Park. Walk up Fifth ave to the Plaza. For evening, as mentioned, look at Broadway Box website specials. Also, look at other event calendars, like Time Out NY, closer to your dates to find out to find out what may happening in the evenings that interest you. What ever you decide, Have Fun! How do I get from the airport (JFK, LGA, or EWR) to Manhattan? What To Do During Layovers? Vacation Apartment Rentals Violate NYC Laws Hotels: Kitchenettes and kitchens in 100+ Manhattan Hotels Hotels: Two queen beds plus a kitchen/kitchenette Hotels: Guests under 21 years old (but at least 18) Hotels: Which ones charge an additional Resort or Facilities Fee Hotels: When is the best time to go for cheaper rates? What are the Must-See's and Must-Do's? How Do I Ride the Subway (UPDATED)? Tips, Hint and Suggestions for First Timers SCAMS to avoid in NYC What Will the Weather Be Like During My Trip? Any Good Websites for Researching My Trip? How Safe is New York? Where to Eat in NYC Where to eat in NYC - Part 2 Celiac in the City? (gluten free) Which Area Should I Stay In? Is There Cheaper Lodging Outside Manhattan? How Much Do I Tip People? Are the New York Pass, Explorer Pass or CityPass worth it? How Do I Hail a Taxi? Public restrooms/toilets. Where do you go when you GOTTA GO? Where are the best areas for shopping? How do I find Discount Tickets for Broadway Shows? Events for Halloween 2019 in NYC Thanksgiving 2019 in NYC: What to Do & Where to Eat Christmastime in NYC 2020: Dates for the Trees-Windows-Markets-Ice Skating+MORE! Christmas Day 2019 in NYC: What to Do & Where to Eat What Should I Do on New Year's Eve? How Will I Survive the Cold Weather? Where are the Farmers Markets and Street Fairs? What is there to see and do near WTC/SOL/Brooklyn Bridge/SI ferry? What should I know about visiting the 9/11 Memorial and Museum? What Is There to See and Do in Brooklyn? How Do I Get to the Brooklyn Bridge? What Is There to See and Do in Queens? Exploring neighborhoods - where should I go and what should I see? Which is the best? ESB or TOTR or OWO? Which are the significant churches in Manhattan? Hidden Gems in the city - not so touristy How do I get from NYC to the Meadowlands and back? I'm Getting Married in NYC...what do I need to do? Should I Buy Knock-Off Purses? What to Do with Kids and How to Do It? What should we do at night -- especially with kids or under 21's? Places to eat (and drink) with a view Where is the Old FAQ? Trip Reports: Families with Young Kids - Add yours! Trip Reports: Groups of Friends - Add yours! Trip Reports: Couples - Add yours! Trip Reports: Families with Teenagers - Add yours! Trip Reports: Solo Travelers - Add yours! Trip Reports: Families of Adults - Add yours! - The six officers were attacked near the Kenya-Somalia border - The vehicle they were traveling in had hit an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) killing five of them on the spot - Three others were critically injured, with one dying while undergoing treatment - The officers will be buried in their respective homes later Tears flowed freely during a requiem mass to celebrate six General Service Unit (GSU) officers who died in a suspected terror attack. They met their untimely death after an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) exploded when they were in patrol in Liboi, Garissa county on Wednesday, June 6. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens According to a report by NTV, a requiem mass for the six officers was held on Wednesday, June 13, at the GSU recce camp in Ruiru. READ ALSO: Huyu ndiye afisa wa polisi mrembo zaidi Afrika? A requiem mass for the six officers was held on Wednesday, June 13, at the GSU recce camp in Ruiru. Photo: NTV/ Twitter READ ALSO: Police officer charged with terrorist links takes own life Friends and family who had gathered at the camp hailed the fallen officers describing them as diligent men in uniform who died fighting for their country. TUKO.co.ke understands the officers would be laid to rest in their respective homes. The officers who lost their lives in the attack included Alex Fundi Nyaga, Kipsang Justine Kiprop, Raymond Kipchumba Kirwa, Ronald Mutwiri Gitonga, Jackson Kipkoech and Alex Mwendwa Kimondio. READ ALSO: Al-Shabaab facilitator presents himself to police 4 days following KSh 1 million bounty on him A requiem mass for the six officers was held on Wednesday, June 13, at the GSU recce camp in Ruiru. Photo: Martha Gedion/Facebook. Two other officers who were injured in the attack have since been discharged from the hospital while one other is still fighting for his life. Initial report by TUKO.co.ke indicated Dadaab Deputy County Commissioner Harun Kamau who confirmed the incident said it happened just 2km from the Kenya-Somalia border. READ ALSO: Suspected al-Shabaab militants kill 5 GSU officers in Liboi The officers will be laid to rest intheir respective homes over the weekend.Photo: NTV/ Twitter The officers were reported to have been on normal patrol when the vehicle they were traveling in ran over the IEB which was planted by suspected members of al-Shabaab. The militia group is reported to be targeting police officers in Garissa County in an effort to take over the Kenya- Somalia border. May their souls rest in eternal peace. 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.co.ke - The Ford Kenya leader said oil should be refined instead of exporting it in crude form - He said the government should have started by building AN oil pipeline and refinery - The next step, Wetangula suggested, should be to extract oil products like kerosene and diesel - He recommended Kenya should only export oil products with value addition Ford Kenya party leader Moses Wetangula has harshly criticised the government's plan to export crude oil instead of refining it first. The Bungoma County senator questioned the reasoning behind exportation of oil, claiming even major oil producers like Nigeria, Saudi Arabia and Angola do not export their oil in crude form. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Huyu ndiye afisa wa polisi mrembo zaidi Afrika? Bungoma County Senator Moses Wetangula questions the reasoning behind exportation of crude oil instead of refining it the exporting final product. Photo: TUKO. READ ALSO: Kenya joins league of oil-producing countries as Uhuru flags off first batch of oil from Turkana Addressing the press on Wednesday, June 13, Wetangula said the decision to export the black gold did not make good sense and should be reconsidered. "Major oil producers refine their oil and sell refined product with value addition. Go to Saudi Arabia, Nigeria and Angola for example, they did not start by exporting crude oil. So let's do first things first," he said. READ ALSO: Africa's top 5 oil-producers that make Kenya's oil look like a drop in ocean The senator suggested Kenya should start by building a pipeline from Turkana County where the oil fields are, to Mombasa or Lamu. The next step, according to the Ford Kenya leader, should be to set up a refinery. "Put up a refinery then bring the crude oil from Turkana. Refine it, get all the oil products, like jet fuel, kerosene, diesel, super fuel and bitumen for making our roads," Wetangula said. READ ALSO: All eyes on Turkana as Uhuru moves to flag off first batch of crude oil He added in the event that Kenya ran out of oil, it could import crude oil then continue with the refining and exporting of oil products. "The refinery will have a dual purpose in this case," he said. The government had set in motion the process of exporting oil from Lokichar oil fields in Turkana to Changamwe refinery in Mombasa where it will be stockpiled over the next few months as Tullow Oil continues to pump more. READ ALSO: Revenue from Turkana oil to benefit all Kenyans - Uhuru The first consignment of the crude oil flagged off by President Uhuru Kenyatta on June 3, at Ngamia 8 in Lokichar, reached the port of Mombasa on June 7. So far, Tullow has pumped 60,000 barrels which is being stored in tanks at Lokichar awaiting transportation to the port of Mombasa. Tullow's plan is to produce at least 2000 barrels per day under the experimental programme dubbed Early Oil Pilot Scheme (EOPS). Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram : Tuko news. Top 5 Tips To Save Money: Easy Ways To Decrease Your Spending - On Tuko TV Source: Tuko Breaking News Latest - Ranguma filed a petition challenging Nyong'os win in the 2017 election - Nyong'o first beat Ranguma in the Orange Democratic Movement party primaries - Ranguma vied against Nyong'o as an independent candidate in the 2017 General Election - High Court dismissed Ranguma's initial petition for lack of evidence - Appeal Court reiterated the petition by the ex-governor lacked merit The Court of Appeal sitting in Kisumu granted Governor Anyang' Nyong'o relief after dismissing an election appeal filed against him. Former Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma had filed the matter at the court after the High Court dismissed his initial petition challenging Nyong'o's election in the Tuesday, August 8, 2017 election. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens In a ruling on Thursday, June 14, the bench of three judges concurred with the decision of the High Court that Ranguma's petition lacked merit. READ ALSO: Huyu ndiye afisa wa polisi mrembo zaidi Afrika? Appellate Judge Philip Waki on Thursday, June 14, concurred with High Court Judge David Majanja who had dismissed Ranguma's application for lack of evidence reiterating Nyong'o had won with a significant margin. The Court of Appeal has dismissed a petition by former Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma challenging the election of Anyang Nyong'o as governor. Photo: Anyang Nyong'o/Facebook. "The election was carried out according to the constitution and election laws. There was no just reason for conducting a recount and scrutiny as prayed by the petitioner. The discrepancies in the polling exercise couldn't change final tally," Waki ruled. According to Waki, despite Nyong'o being declared the winner before all votes were counted, the remaining results from five polling stations in Kisumu East constituency could not alter the final outcome. "Assuming that Ranguma could be awarded all the 3,500 votes from polling stations that were pending when the respondent was declared winner, it would not alter the majority will of Kisumu voters," Waki stated. READ ALSO: Nyong'o's election victory hangs in the balance as court sets date for final ruling On Wednesday, September, 6 2017, Ranguma filed a petition at the High Court seeking for the nullification of Nyong'o's win citing numerous irregularities which rendered the exercise not credible. Former Kisumu Governor Jack Ranguma had filed a petition challenging the victory of his successor and current Governor Anyang' Nyong'o. Photo: Jack Ranguma/Facebook. Justice David Majanja in his verdict of Wednesday, January 3, rubbished Ranguma's application and upheld Nyong'o's victory. "The petitioner failed to prove the election exercise was compromised. His allegations are unclear and embarrassing . The vagueness in the application can not be sorted out by looking at supporting affidavits," Majanja had ruled. READ ALSO: Chebukati calls for fresh vetting at IEBC as Uhuru orders procurement bosses to take polygraph tests Ranguma, dissatisfied by the decision of the High Court, went ahead to challenge the decision at the Court of Appeal through a notice filed on Thursday, January 11. After the Court of Appeal's decision, Ranguma said he would not dispute the ruling admitting there could be some errors in his petition that could have made the court to rule in his opponent's favour. I wish Nyong'o all the best. As at now, I am not sure if I will appeal the decision at the Supreme Court or not," Ranguma said. Governor Nyong'o in a tweet seen by TUKO.co.ke on Thursday, June 14, said the court ruling was a reaffirmation of his clear win in the August 2017 and thanked his legal team and opposition leader Raila Odinga following the victory. 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. Kenyans React to Loss of Public Funds - On Tuko TV Source: Tuko - The Treasury boss proposed for taxation of basic commodities previously zero-rated - Besides unga and milk, cost of bread, cooking gas and even medicine will also go up - It's understood the exchequer is under pressure to find cash for Uhuru's Big Four agenda - But with limited headroom left for borrowing, Rotich finds himself in a rather tricky situation The cost of living in Kenya is about to get extremely high as the National Treasury Cabinet Secretary (CS) Henry Rotich moves to introduce taxes on essential commodities including maize flour, milk, bread and cooking gas. Rotich is seeking to impose Value Added Tax (VAT) on basic commodities that were previously zero-rated as he struggles to find cash to finance the record-breaking KSh 3.074 trillion budget for the fiscal year 2018/19, a move which will directly affect your wallet in a big way. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens READ ALSO: Huyu ndiye afisa wa polisi mrembo zaidi Afrika? The National Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich (pictured) on Thursday, June 12, tabled in National Assembly the record-breaking 2018/19 budget. Photo: Nexus. READ ALSO: Kenyans brace for a tough 2018 after rise of Unga prices The national budget data seen by TUKO.co.ke on Thursday, June 14, indicated the price of a 2 kg packet of maize flour (unga), which currently retails at between KSh 110 and KSh 115, would most likely move past KSh 130. The price of milk will jump from KSh 50 per packet to KSh 60 once the National Assembly passes the proposed Tax Bill Amendment Bill 2018. You will also have to fork out more for cooking gas and even medicine. READ ALSO: High Food, Fuel Prices Increase Cost Of Living In Kenya Basically, the proposed amendment to the tax laws seeks to reclassify several basic commodities from zero-rated status that was imposed to cushion the poor from high cost of living. Once the Bill is passed, the taxman will not refund manufacturers and suppliers of the essential commodities the 16% VAT for materials used in making those goods. With increased cost of manufacturing, the manufacturers will most likely pass over the cost to the consumer. READ ALSO: Kenya Airways boss lands job at International Air Transport Association TUKO.co.ke understands Treasury is under immense pressure to find money for the huge budget and especially for President Uhuru Kenyatta's Big Four agenda. Rotich allocated KSh 1.6 trillion to the national government, KSh 372.7 billion to the counties, Ksh 17.7 billion to the Judiciary, KSh 42.5 billion to Parliament and KSh 962.5 billion to the consolidated fund services. His decision to amend the tax laws could have been informed by the fact that Treasury's options on how to finance the KSh 3 trillion budget were limited. The Central Bank of Kenya (CBK) recently urged the government to slow down on borrowing as public debt hit KSh 4.5 trillion mark. "We cannot continue borrowing. The country doesn't have any more headroom left, so we can't borrow even for good projects," Governor Patrick Njoroge said. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) also urged Kenya to lower its borrowing appetite. Rotich nevertheless insisted the public debt was still within a sustainable and manageable level. Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish, please reach us through news@tuko.co.ke or WhatsApp: 0732482690 and Telegram : Tuko news. Top 5 Tips To Save Money: Easy Ways To Decrease Your Spending - On Tuko TV Source: Tuko.co.ke - The Wiper leader warned Sonko risks being another one-term governor - Kalonzo said Sonko will be kicked out of office if he does not deliver his pre-election promises - The NASA co-principal told Sonko to clear the city of garbage for a clean environment - Sonko assured he will deliver all his pledges to Nairobi residents Wiper Democratic Party leader Kalonzo Musyoka has warned Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko could end up being a one term county chief if he fails to implement ambitious projects he pledged to the residents. The Wiper leader who met with Sonko at City Hall on Tuesday, April 24, went ahead to caution Sonko to watch out for the National Super Alliance (NASA) because it was eyeing his seat in 2022. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens Speaking during an Iftar dinner hosted by Sonko, Kalonzo reminded the governor that Nairobi was an economic hub which needed effective leadership to thrive. READ ALSO: Huyu ndiye afisa wa polisi mrembo zaidi Afrika? Wiper leader and former Vice President Kalonzo Musyoka challenged Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko to up his game or risk losing his seat to a NASA candidate in 2022. Photo: Kalonzo Musyoka/Facebook. "We have to acknowledge that the city is choking from heaps of garbage scattered in many parts. This should not be the spectacle for a city which controls 60% of Kenya's Gross Domestic Product. As a governor you have an obligation to ensure sanitation standards of Nairobi are enhanced," said Kalonzo. According to Kalonzo, if Sonko manages to clean up Nairobi, restore and maintain order, then he would be unbeatable in 2022. "It is time for the governor to address these few issues which are a great challenge to Nairobians. When you get these aspects right then you will be unbeatable in 2022, otherwise be sure NASA will come and take over from you if the state of the city continues to deteriorate," Kalonzo said. Wiper leader Kalonzo Musyoka told Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko NASA would come for his in 2022 if he fails to implement jhis manifesto. Photo: Mike Sonko/Facebook. Source: Facebook Kalonzo's sentiments prompted a message of support form Deputy President William Ruto who said the national government was already working hand in hand with Sonko to revive the glory of Nairobi. READ ALSO: Sonko speaks on running as deputy president in 2022 "We have already engaged and agreed how to work with Sonko's administration to make our city better. We are improving infrastructure especially upgrading and repairing roads, drainage systems and are putting in place measures to clear garbage from Nairobi," Ruto said. In his defense, Sonko said he was prepared sufficiently to offer Nairobians what he promised when he was campaigning for the seat which has subjected him to massive criticism over poor service delivery. Nairobi Governor Mike Sonko reiterated that he would ensure Nairobi is clean and more orderly at the end of his first five-year-term. Photo: Mike Sonko/Facebook. READ ALSO: Sorrow and tears as requiem mass is held for 6 GSU officers killed in Garissa "Garbage collection has been our priority. It is only a matter of time and the city will be clean. We are also improving roads and increasing access to water. My first five years will be excellent as I promised," Sonko reaffirmed. Sonko, who in recent times has been at loggerheads with his Jubilee party's leadership and several other leaders interested in the affairs of Nairobi gave politics a wide berth saying it was time to serve the public. 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. Kenyans React to Loss of Public Funds - On Tuko TV Source: Tuko.co.ke - Nyong'o caused a frenzy online after his photo launching fire engines branded Meru in Kisumu emerged - The donor explained the mishap was as a result of Meru being the central distribution point in UK - Kenyans were left bewildered as they demanded for answers while others made fun of the incident Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong'o left his county residents baffled after a photo of him launching fire engines branded Meru county circulated online eliciting mixed reactions. Fredrick Kiogora Atandi, the donor of the two fire engines, rushed to the rescue of the county boss from irked netizens to clarify how the engines meant for Meru found their way to Kisumu. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens Atandi who works for Hertfordshire Fire Service explained that Meru county was the central point for logistics and distribution once the engines arrive in Kenya from United Kingdom where they were sourced. READ ALSO: Nairobi MCA caught on tape complaining of slashed bribe after pocketing KSh 1 million Photo of Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong'o launching 2 fire engines branded Meru county caused a frenzy online. The mishap occurred because Meru is the central logistics point of our distribution of fire engines and the branding happens in the United Kingdom through one company, "We indicate on the shipment paperwork that the machines are destined for Meru. Once in the country, each county is in charge of paying the duty and customs for their respective vehicle,"he said. Atandi was speaking while handing over donation of two Volvo Saxon fire engines to Meru county, the Standard reported. READ ALSO: Huyu ndiye afisa wa polisi mrembo zaidi Afrika? Kenyans demanded clarification on how the engines branded Meru county found their way to Kisumu. He further divulged it was only counties which committed to hiring six personnel for each fire engine benefited from the project. Meru received two fire engines with one taken to Kisumu. Photo: Anyang Nyong'o/ Twitter Meru received two engines where one was handed over to Kisumu and another one taken to Tharaka Nithi County. Meru Deputy Governor Titus Ntuchiu strongly refuted claims that Meru fire engines were handed to Kisumu for a dummy ceremony saying the county government was resolute on protecting public interest. READ ALSO: 59,000 bags of suspected contraband sugar worth KSh 250 million impounded in Bungoma "We in Meru don't entertain such games. We are led by a responsible governor who is in charge of a responsible team," said Ntuchiu. Nyong'o caused quite a stir online after his communication team posted on Facebook on Tuesday, June 13, pictures of the newly acquired engines. The pictures went viral with irked Kenyans demanding answers from the governor. As usual with Kenyans, a section of netizens chose to see the funny bit of the whole melee. In a bid to save face and salvage the situation, the county administration quickly organised the rebranding of the machines by covering the Meru decal sticker with a Kisumu decal sticker, leaving the gathered crowd even more perplexed. 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. Anne Ngirita at The Center of The NYS Scam Probe - On Tuko TV Source: Tuko - The Mombasa governor and President Uhuru met for the first time after months of enemity - They converged during the opening of Dongo Kundu bypass - It was a rare sight as the two leaders were sworn enemies at the height of political tension in 2017 - Joho recently expressed willingness to work with the president Mombasa governor Hassan Joho finally put to rest speculation on whether he was willing to mend bridges with the Jubilee government after meeting Uhuru Kenyatta for the first time since the famous handshake between the president and ODM party leader Raila Odinga. Uhuru was on Thursday, June 14, in Bonje, Mombasa county alongside his deputy William Ruto where he officially opened the first phase of the Dongo Kundu bypass. Send 'NEWS' to 40227 to receive all the important breaking news as it happens Uhuru and Joho finally met after months of anticipation following the handshake. Photo: Robin Njogu/Twitter READ ALSO: Zari Hassan blasts ex-hubby Diamond after his TV aired house he bought his other baby mama Joho also graced the event which many were waiting in anticipation to see how the two leaders would engage after months of wrangles. As expected, the Mombasa boss warmly welcomed Uhuru and in photos seen by TUKO.co.ke, the two can be seen in a jovial mood as they also shared a handshake. The two leaders were in jovial mood as he met with Uhuru after months of feud. Photo: Mombasa control READ ALSO: Mombasa Governor Joho hints at working with Uhuru Despite the fact that Joho has already hinted to willing to work with the president, it was still a spectacle to many to see the two leaders come face to face in a less hostile context. Speaking during the meeting, Joho had nothing but kind words for the president as he maintained that he would push for the reconciliation agenda. "In the past, we used to speak at each other. This time we will speak with each other. If there are issues which I see from a different perspective, I will look for you and address it with you," Joho said. TUKO.co.ke earlier highlighted the major conflict points right from the start of 2017 when Johos outburst against the government earned him a sensational arrest and detention. READ ALSO: Tough times ahead as Rotich hikes price of unga, bread, milk to raise money for Uhuru's Big Four agenda Joho also had his security detail sensationally withdrawn in January 2017 as he continued to find fault with the Jubilee government. Since Raila called a truce with the president, Joho also eased his hard line stance and expressed willingness to work with Uhuru. Joho also graced the event which many were waiting in anticipation to see how the two leaders would engage one another after months of wrangles. Photo: Mombasa Control/Twitter READ ALSO: Former minister to get KSh 15 million from government after police killed his son During a tree planting event in Shanzu on Sunday, May 13, Joho, who was accompanied by Kiambu Senator Kimani Wamatangi said he would work with the Jubilee government for the good of his constituents. 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 NYS Scam probe | Tuko TV: Source: Tuko There was a development overnight with regard to the one aspect of the High Court Judge's ruling yesterday which invalidated two Acting Police Commissioner appointments. Militants launched 33 attacks on positions of the Armed Forces of Ukraine over the past day. This is reported by the press center of the JFO Headquarters. Russian-occupation troops violated ceasefire regime 33 times, using 122mm artillery and 82mm and 120mm mortars 11 times, the report reads. The armed hostilities were ongoing near Novotoshkivske (53km north-west of Luhansk), Novooleksandrivka (65km west of Luhansk), Novozvanivka (70km west of Luhansk) in Luhansk direction. Military operations in Horlivka direction continued mainly with the use of small arms near Hladosove and Zaitseve. In Donetsk direction, militants used mortars to fire at Avdiivka (18km north of Donetsk). In Mariupol direction, active hostilities continued near Talakivka and Vodiane. Four Ukrainian servicemen were wounded in fighting in last day. According to the intelligence, one militant was killed and five more were wounded in last day. ish Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said he is confident that joint efforts will help stop the construction of the Nord Stream 2 gas pipeline. He wrote this on his Facebook page. "Russia wants to build Nord Stream 2 not to conduct diversification through economic factors, but to leave Ukraine without money to finance defense," Poroshenko said. He noted that in 2014, Russian President Vladimir Putin did not go further due to the fact that full-scale aggression against Ukraine would stop the gas transportation network. "Putin would stop receiving from Europe the payment for gas being pumped in transit through Ukraine, and this amount was $30 billion last year alone. Russia would not live without these 30 billion [dollars]," Poroshenko said. "I am confident that through joint, concerted efforts we will be able to stop the construction of the Nord Stream 2, because it is an absolutely political project that is directed against Ukraine," he added. op The accused in the case of abduction and sexual assault of an actress, on Wednesday moved the Kerala High Court. Kochi: Noted Malayalam actor Dileep, an accused in the case of abduction and sexual assault of a actress in February 2017, on Wednesday moved the Kerala High Court, seeking a CBI investigation into the case. In his petition, he alleged that the Special Investigation Team of Kerala police had carried out a 'sham, unfair, biased, motivated and partisan investigation' in the case. He alleged that the SIT accepted as the 'gospel truth', false allegations and fabricated lies provided by the accused persons arrested in connection with executing the crime. The actor submitted that the truth can be brought out in the case through an investigation by an independent agency, which is not controlled by the state police. Dileep had earlier written to the state government, demanding a fresh police probe into the matter, alleging that the SIT investigation was not fair and that he was framed. He had also said in the letter to the state home secretary that if the case was not given to a new probe team, then it should be handed over to the CBI. Dileep was arrested on July 10 and let out on bail on October 3, 2017 after 85 days in custody. The Kerala High Court had granted him bail with stringent conditions. Seven persons, including key accused Pulsar Suni, were arrested in connection with the actress abduction case. The actress, who has also worked in Tamil and Telugu films, was abducted and allegedly molested inside her car for two hours by the accused, who had forced their way into the vehicle on the night of February 17, 2016 and later escaped in a busy area. The presence of German business in Ukraine is an important factor of democracy, the road to economic growth and high standards of quality. Ukrainian Foreign Minister Pavlo Klimkin said this in his Facebook greeting to German business. "I sincerely congratulate German business on the 25th anniversary of its presence in Ukraine. German companies are an important factor in the democratic life of Ukraine, the road to economic growth and high standards of quality," Klimkin said. op Ukraines Government is interested in deepening cooperation with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD). Prime Minister of Ukraine Volodymyr Groysman said this at a meeting with First Vice President of the EBRD Jurgen Rigterink, the Governmental portal reported. "Our relations have growth potential. The EBRD is one of the largest investors in the economy of Ukraine. And now we are talking about strengthening cooperation and increasing its effectiveness," Groysman said. The prime minsiter briefed the EBRD's first vice president on the course of reforms and priorities for the current year. Among them are the preservation of the economic growth trend, which showed + 3.1% on the results of the first quarter, the launch of privatization processes, including privatization of small-scale assets through the ProZorro system, the continuation of deregulation, the implementation of infrastructure projects, and the development of innovations. In turn, Rigterink said that Ukraine is an important investment destination for the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and a powerful platform for large projects implemented jointly with international partners. The EBRD's first vice president reminded that the Bank is currently working on a five-year action plan in Ukraine, which includes increase in funding and in-depth cooperation along specific directions, in particular on the work of national banks and the development of the energy sector. "We have a big package of proposals, hence such meetings at the level of the Head of the Government when concrete projects can be discussed are of predominant importance", Jurgen Rigterink stressed. ish The Second International Conference on Ukrainian Reforms in Copenhagen will help the world community to consolidate and strengthen its support for reforms in Ukraine. Ambassador of the Kingdom of Denmark Ruben Madsen said this during the forum of the Reanimation Package of Reforms, an Ukrinform correspondent reports. "The conference will provide an opportunity to discuss reforms and achievements, as well as priorities for the future. It will be also an opportunity for the international community to consolidate and strengthen its support for reforms in Ukraine," the diplomat stressed. He also noted that Ukraine can count on the full support of the international community, in particular the Danish people, in the process of reforms. "Our decision to host this event [the conference on Ukrainian reforms] is a reflection of the high political priority that we attach to relations with Ukraine. Successful reforms are the best response to Russian misinformation and aggression," the ambassador said. The last conference was held in London in July 2017, and it was attended by Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman. ish Ukraine's partnership with the Organization for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) will be strengthened and viewed as an effective tool for achieving goals within the course towards European and Euro-Atlantic integration. Minister of the Cabinet of Ministers Oleksandr Sayenko said this during a conference on strengthening the government center in Ukraine and lessons of the OECD member countries, the Governmental portal reported. "Tomorrow we will sign an agreement between the Government of Ukraine and the OECD in order to use its resource more efficiently in our work. I am sure that the reform of public administration should take place in close cooperation with the organization. We hope that using the best world experience in managing the market economy and research and expertise on the development of public administration in the OECD countries will greatly help us in our future work," he said. According to the minister, the Government is facing new challenges that require coordinated work of all participants of the process. In particular, we are talking about introduction of strategic planning, provision of coordination and monitoring of the implementation of public policy, its validity, and the revision of the functions of the Secretariat of the Cabinet of Ministers. "The latter should become less conservative and more flexible and adapted to the changing circumstances," he said. ish The Ukrainian side counts on progress in resolving the issue of the release of Ukrainian hostages after a telephone conversation between the Ukrainian and Russian presidents. Darka Olifer, the spokesperson for Ukraine's representative in the Trilateral Contact Group, former Ukrainian president Leonid Kuchma, wrote this on her Facebook page following the results of the TCGs meeting in Minsk. "The Ukrainian side is ready to compromise for the liberation of people who are held in the Russian Federation and in ORDLO, and we hope that the telephone conversation between the presidents of Ukraine and the Russian Federation on this issue will help resolve the issue as soon as possible. We expect that the Russian Federation will reconsider its position on important humanitarian initiative - the creation of a tripartite mechanism for the search for missing persons with the participation of Ukraine, Russia and the International Committee of the Red Cross," Olifer said. According to her, the implementation of the block of issues related to security and the Minsk agreements is the only way to establish a full and comprehensive peace in Donbas. However, all proposals of Ukraine were categorically rejected by the Russian side. As reported, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko held a telephone conversation with Russian President Vladimir Putin on June 9, during which he stressed the importance of the early release of Ukrainian political prisoners held in Russia and the occupied territories. ish Moldova will continue to support Ukraine's efforts to end the war in Donbas. Moldovan Foreign Minister Tudor Ulianovschi said this at a meeting of the Standing Committee on Foreign Affairs of the Parliament of Canada. "The Moldovan government continues to support Ukraine in its efforts to overcome the crisis in Donbas and solve the Crimean problem by political and diplomatic methods in order to restore peace and restore full sovereignty and territorial integrity of Ukraine," Ulianovschi said. He added that Moldova also fully supports the implementation of the Minsk agreements by the conflicting sides. "Moldova condemned the annexation of Crimea by the Russian Federation and supports Ukraine's efforts to resolve the separatist conflict in Donbas on the basis of the Minsk agreements," the minister said. op Verkhovna Rada Commissioner for Human Rights Lyudmyla Denisova has left for Russia to visit Ukrainian political prisoners. President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko wrote this on Twitter. " Lyudmyla Denisova is leaving for Russia to visit illegally imprisoned Ukrainians. Ive asked her to tell them the words of our support," Poroshenko wrote. Ukraine and the entire democratic world are with you. Together we will definitely return all our people back home," Poroshenko wrote. As reported, Poroshenko instructed Denisova to visit Ukrainian political prisoners held in Russia and in the occupied territories of Crimea and Donbas. For this, Poroshenko ordered the Foreign Ministry to assist the Ombudsman in her work in the Russian Federation. According to the Foreign Ministry, at least 24 Ukrainian political prisoners are held in Russia and more than 40 - in occupied Crimea. This list also includes Ukrinform journalist Roman Sushchenko, who in Russia was sentenced to 12 years in a high-security penal colony on "espionage" charges. iy The law on the High Anti-Corruption Court has come into force. A day earlier, the document was published on the website of the parliament's Holos Ukrainy newspaper. As reported, on June 9, Verkhovna Rada Chairman Andriy Parubiy signed the law on the High Anti-Corruption Court, which was passed by parliament on June 7. On June 11, the document was signed by President Petro Poroshenko. The document determines the principles of the organization and activities of the High Anti-Corruption Court as the highest specialized court in the judicial system, special requirements for judges of this court and guarantees of their activities, as well as the peculiarities of holding a competition for the position of a judge of the High Anti-Corruption Court. According to the law, the High Anti-Corruption Court will administer justice as the court of the first and appellate instances in criminal proceedings concerning crimes attributed to its jurisdiction, as well as by exercising judicial control over the observance of the rights, freedoms and interests of persons in such criminal proceedings. The law came into force on the day after its publication, except for amendments to Article 343 of the Criminal Code of Ukraine, which will come into force on the day the High Anti-Corruption Court begins to work. The adoption of the law is one of the requirements for granting Ukraine the next tranche of the IMF. op The European Parliament has strongly condemned massive systematic violations of human rights in Russia and in occupied Crimea and again demanded that the Russian authorities immediately and unconditionally release all illegally detained Ukrainian political prisoners. This is stated in a European Parliament resolution "On Russia, notably the case of Ukrainian political prisoner Oleg Sentsov," which was adopted on Thursday, according to Ukrinform's correspondent in Brussels. "The European Parliament demands that the Russian authorities immediately and unconditionally release Oleg Sentsov and all other illegally detained Ukrainian citizens in Russia and on the Crimean peninsula," reads the document. The resolution mentions the names of more than 70 Ukrainian political prisoners held in Russia and in occupied Crimea, including Ukrinform journalist Roman Sushchenko. MEPs also expressed their solidarity with Ukrainian filmmaker, political activist and political prisoner Oleg Sentsov, who began a hunger strike on May 14, 2018 to press for the release of illegally detained compatriots. The resolution notes that another illegally detained Ukrainian citizen, Volodymyr Balukh, is on hunger strike since March 19. MEPs expressed their deep concern that many of the Ukrainian political prisoners, such as Mykola Karpiuk, Volodymyr, Prysych, Oleksiy Chirniy and Yevhen Panov, had been seriously tortured. The European Parliament also draws attention to the detention of Crimean Tatars by the Russian authorities in occupied Crimea. "The European Parliament condemns Russia's violations of international law in occupied Crimea, including the enforcement of Russian legislation, the heavy militarization of the Crimean peninsula, which threatens the regional security, and the massive and systematic human rights violations targeting, in particular, ethnic Ukrainians and Crimean Tatars," the resolution says. The European Parliament called on the European Union's Special Representative for Human Rights to pay continuous attention to the human rights situation on the Crimean peninsula and in the non-government controlled areas of eastern Ukraine. op 06/13/2018 Contacts for media: Christine Gillette, 978-934-2209 or Christine_Gillette@uml.edu and Nancy Cicco, 978-934-4944 or Nancy_Cicco@uml.edu LOWELL, Mass. More than 57 million Americans are employed by small businesses and each year, 200,000 new startups launch in the U.S. alone. Leaders in educating the next generation of entrepreneurs, along with industry representatives and investors, are at UMass Lowell this week for the seventh annual Deshpande Symposium for Innovation and Entrepreneurship. More than 300 participants are working together on strategies to empower individuals to launch new ventures and how institutions can help those startups survive and thrive. They are also learning about how colleges and universities can take an entrepreneurial approach to their own operations, including maximizing resources to support growth and other initiatives. Attendees from across North America and as far away as India are hearing from keynote speakers Jonathan Ortmans, president of the Global Entrepreneurship Network, which operates in 170 nations, and Julie Lenzer, associate vice president of innovation and economic development and co-director of UM Ventures, an expert on magnifying the off-campus impact of innovation developed on college campuses. The symposium was established in 2012 by the Deshpande Foundation, which supports entrepreneurship programs around the world, and UMass Lowell. Noted tech entrepreneur and Deshpande Foundation co-founder Gururaj Desh Deshpande and UMass Lowell Chancellor Jacquie Moloney, an expert on entrepreneurship in higher education, are among the speakers at the symposium. In addition, 28 interactive sessions across four tracks culture and ecosystems, entrepreneurship in curriculum, research commercialization and emerging trends offer panels and presentations with representatives of numerous universities, venture firms, industry and economic development organizations. A full list of programs is available at www.deshpandesymposium.org/agenda. Over the course of the three-day event, participants are touring local business incubators, makerspaces and headquarters of community groups focused on economic empowerment, including the UMass Lowell Innovation Hub, E for All, Lowell Makes and UTEC, and learning about unique programs like the Massachusetts Medical Device Development Center, a joint effort of the UMass campuses in Lowell and Worcester, and the DifferenceMaker Program, which teaches UMass Lowell students in all majors entrepreneurial skills that they can apply to business and community challenges. Entrepreneurship is fueling economic growth and development around the world and UMass Lowell is proud to partner with the esteemed Deshpande Foundation to bring together experts in this field to further encourage, support and inspire innovators, said Moloney. At UMass Lowell, we are seeing the power of entrepreneurship firsthand, from our successful DifferenceMaker students who are starting companies and securing patents, to startups that are benefitting from the expertise and resources of our business incubators. The symposium, which wraps up today, also featured the presentation of the annual Deshpande Symposium Awards last night. The honors, which recognize the best in entrepreneurial education, were presented to four institutions and one individual. This years awards selection committee was made up of VentureWell President and CEO Phil Weilerstein, Babson College President Kerry Healey and Worcester Polytechnic Institute President Laurie Leshin, along with Moloney and Deshpande. The awards program is overseen by Raj Melville, executive director of the Deshpande Foundation. Once again, the Deshpande Symposium Awards have drawn strong interest from the academic community, which presented the best kind of challenge to the distinguished academic leaders who comprised the award selection committee. The finalists in each category represent outstanding examples in advancing entrepreneurship in their category and excellent role models for their peer institutions, said Melville. The Excellence in Curriculum Innovation in Entrepreneurship Award, which honors innovative educational courses and programs to foster entrepreneurship education, was presented to the University of North Carolina at Greensboros Entrepreneurship Cross-Disciplinary Program. Dianne Welsh, the universitys Hayes Distinguished Professor of Entrepreneurship, serves as the programs director. We congratulate Dr. Welsh for this outstanding honor, said UNC Greensboro Provost Dana Dunn. Because of Diannes decades-long commitment to building innovative courses that foster entrepreneurship at UNC Greensboros Bryan School of Business, the Entrepreneurship Cross-Disciplinary Program has grown exponentially under her leadership. UNC Greensboro graduates have launched successful businesses and the university continues to receive national recognition as an institution that demonstrates excellence and serves as a role model in the field. The Excellence in Student Engagement in Entrepreneurship Award which recognizes an institution that encourages student leadership and engagement and supports the development of entrepreneurial awareness, skills and practice was presented to the University of Houstons Cyvia and Melvyn Wolff Center for Entrepreneurship. This is not your fathers entrepreneurship program. Its not even your older brothers entrepreneurship program. Our curriculum evolves dynamically to incorporate new developments and opportunities. For our students, entrepreneurship is more than textbook learning, it is about creating opportunity for themselves and for the community that surrounds us, said Latha Ramchand, dean of the C.T. Bauer College of Business at the University of Houston. Students learn that besides analytical skills you also need people skills; importantly, you need to learn to be resilient. The learning environment brings together instructors, entrepreneurs and mentors to create a powerful learning experience. The Exemplary Practice in Technology Commercialization Award, which recognizes comprehensive programs that accelerate innovative research into commercialization, was presented to the University of Pittsburgh Innovation Institute. It is an honor to receive the Deshpande Symposium award for Exemplary Practice in Technology Commercialization, said Rob A. Rutenbar, senior vice chancellor for research at the University of Pittsburgh. This award is a reflection of the talent and dedication of the Innovation Institute staff and of the commitment of Pitt leadership to growing the culture of innovation and entrepreneurship at the university. While proud of our progress, we understand that innovation and entrepreneurship in higher education is a relatively young and ever-evolving domain and we look forward to continuing to share our experience, while learning from our colleagues at other institutions. This is the value that the Deshpande Symposium brings to us all. The Outstanding Contributions to Advancing Innovation and Entrepreneurship in Higher Education Award, which goes to the individual who has demonstrated extraordinary achievements in entrepreneurship in higher education, was presented to Ted Zoller, T.W. Lewis Clinical Scholar, professor of strategy and entrepreneurship and director of the Center for Entrepreneurial Studies in the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hills Kenan-Flagler Business School. Making entrepreneurship an integral part of the student, faculty and alumni experience is a priority not just for myself, but for my colleagues at the UNC Kenan-Flagler Business School and at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, said Zoller. I am delighted with the results weve achieved through our Learn-Launch-Lead program model. This model allow us to frame a cutting-edge curricula and co-curricula, build an entrepreneurial economy through the Launch Chapel Hill business accelerator and Blackstone Entrepreneurs Network, create more spin-out companies with the Startup-UNC course, develop the next generation of leaders with the Entrepreneurs Genome Project, and mentor students through the Adams Apprenticeship. It is a privilege to be part of this distinctive culture in Chapel Hill and at UNC-Chapel Hill where we are forging a new model for university-led entrepreneurship. The Entrepreneurial University recognizes an institution that demonstrates overall excellence in innovation and entrepreneurship. This years honor went to Northeastern University. Northeastern's entrepreneurial ecosystem is an organic, bottom-up movement, started by, and for, students, said Raj Echambadi, dean of the DAmore-McKim School of Business at Northeastern University. We pride ourselves in creating and training Chief Entrepreneurial Officers who think differently and are capable of solving the grand challenges of business and society in a global economy. This award is a testament to the strength of experiential learning through the integration of rigorous classroom education and real-world entrepreneurial engagement. In addition to the Deshpande Foundation and UMass Lowell, the steering committee for this years symposium included representatives of Arizona State University, the Burton D. Morgan Foundation, Houston Community College, Middlesex Community College, Queens University, Rice University, University of Akron, University of North Carolina, VentureWell and Worcester Polytechnic Institute. UMass Lowell is once again honored to host the Deshpande Symposium. The engagement of institutions and thought leaders in higher education from across North America in the planning and presentation of the symposium is impressive and rewarding. Our keynote speakers reflect the breadth of conference participation, from national innovation initiatives to consideration of the global impact of entrepreneurship networks. On behalf of the planning committee, I would like to thank our partners, our sponsors and the many faculty, staff and entrepreneurs who help make the Deshpande Symposium such a success, said Steven Tello, UMass Lowell vice provost for innovation and workforce development, who led planning efforts on behalf of the university. UMass Lowell is a national research university located on a high-energy campus in the heart of a global community. The university offers its more than 18,000 students bachelors, masters and doctoral degrees in business, education, engineering, fine arts, health, humanities, sciences and social sciences. UMass Lowell delivers high-quality educational programs, vigorous hands-on learning and personal attention from leading faculty and staff, all of which prepare graduates to be ready for work, for life and for all the world offers. www.uml.edu On Wednesday, four BSF personnel, including an officer, were killed and three others injured in unprovoked firing by Pakistan Rangers. Srinagar: Two terrorists and an Army jawan were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district on Thursday morning, officials said. "Two terrorists have been killed in an ongoing operation in Panar forest area of Bandipora district (in north Kashmir)," a defence spokesman said here. He added that a jawan also lost his life in the operation. #Visuals Jammu & Kashmir: One army personnel dead and two terrorists killed during an ongoing operation in Bandipora's Panar forest area. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/cYByGzFn6X ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 The identity and group affiliation of the two militants is being ascertained, an official said. The army personnel sustained serious bullet wounds during the operation. Later, he was immediately evacuated to a military hospital. However, he succumbed to his injuries. "The operation was launched last week when terrorists and the government forces exchanged brief gunfight in Raynar forests adjacent to Panar area. The operation with the help of additional reinforcement continued and entered on sixth straight day today," the officer said. "Operation is still going on to trace out the other hiding terrorists," the officer added. In May 2018, five terrorists were killed in southern Shopian district after security forces launched a cordon and search operation in the village. Top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Saddam Padder, and one university assistant professor were among the five terrorists killed in the encounter. (With inputs from agencies) Just as it was with the EU visa waivers, Georgia is now ahead of Ukraine on the path to NATO. The Ukrainian Foreign Ministry recognizes that Ukraine lags behind Georgia in the context of implementing reforms required for the integration with the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO). Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs of Ukraine on European Integration Olena Zerkal told TV Channel 5 that ahead of the July NATO summit in Brussels, important is how Ukraine deals with the implementation of reforms. "As far as I know, our Georgian colleagues are much more advanced than we are in matters of reform in all areas," Zerkal said. Read alsoParliaments of Ukraine, Georgia and Moldova start unification into Assembly According to the official, just as it was with the EU visa waivers, Georgia is now ahead of Ukraine on the path to NATO. "I would like to see more progress in our country. There is progress but it's not the same as in Georgia. We're lagging behind," said the diplomat. At the same tim, Zerkal noted that Ukraine is a bigger state and "that we have an issue with an open conflict, so we have to waste a lot of efforts, and there are some peculiarities that NATO doesn't take into account, but there are other issues as well." It is generally assumed in Ukraine that the signees failed to provide adequate support to Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. Former U.S. Ambassador to Ukraine Steven Pifer, who is now a non-resident senior fellow expert with Brookings Institution and an expert on nonproliferation, commented on a recent statement by Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko on the Trump-Kim summit where the Ukrainian leader warning the sides against shortcomings alike those in the Budapest Memorandum. "Ukraine received security assurances, not guarantees," Steven Pifer wrote on Twitter, responding to VOA's request for comment Poroshenko's statement, according to Voice of America. "Still, Obama administration should have done more to support Ukraine, eg, provide Javelin anti-armor missiles," Pifer went on to say, adding that he is "not sure" that Donald Trump understands security guarantees. "Is he really prepared to have US military defend DPRK?" the expert wonders. The Budapest Memorandum of 1994 is an international agreement signed off by Ukraine, the U.S., Russia, UK, on Ukraine's denuclearization. The Memo includes provisions on security assurances. It is generally assumed in Ukraine that the signees failed to provide adequate support to Ukraine in the face of Russian aggression. One of the reasons for such perception, according to VOA, is a confusion around the terminology. For example, the Verkhovna Rada website calls the document a Memorandum on security guarantees while the English version of the text notes "security assurances." Further commenting on the Budapest Memorandum, Pifer also ruled out a suggestion that the Ukrainian side at the time of its signing in 1994 was not aware of the essence of the document "US officials made clear to Ukrainian counterparts the difference between guarantees & assurances. Washington & Kyiv at that time did not anticipate what Putin did in 2014. Russia's violation of its assurances unfortunately has discredited assurances as non-proliferation tool," Pifer wrote. According to the expert, Putin will have to return to the framework of the international legal field. Russian President Vladimir Putin will be forced to make concessions on Donbas, however, it is unlikely that this will happen before the presidential and parliamentary elections in Ukraine, according to a Ukrainian security expert, Lieutenant-General Vasyl Bohdan. "Mechanisms for the implementation of decisions of international courts do exist. We're seeing this in the energy situation, for example. In several countries, the courts have already seized Gazprom's property. Therefore, there are legal mechanisms to put in its place a country that has been spitting on the norms of international law," the General told Apostrophe. He noted that in Russia "there is a primacy of its legislation over international law," however, sanctions gradually return Putin's regime back to the [legal] framework. "In the end, Putin will have no other choice but to go for certain concessions and return to the international legal field," Bohdan said. Read alsoUkraine General suggests "only thing" keeping Putin from "big war" with Ukraine "If there is a consolidated position in the West, if various Euro-capitulators that have already emerged don't pursue the policy paid for by Russia on splitting the European Union and Trans-Atlantic partnership but remain consolidated, there is some optimism that Russia will have to take all these things into account," he added. At the same time, according to the expert, we no quick changes in the Kremlin's position should be expected anytime soon. "I wish I were mistaken, of course, but it seems to me that until the presidential and parliamentary elections of 2019 are held in Ukraine, Russia will not take any serious steps toward common sense and implementation of Minsk agreements in the context of their commitments," Bohdan said. Russia's crimes against Crimea and its residents did not end with the actual occupation. And although Putin's regime still does not allow international observers to Crimea, some information is coming through. Since the beginning of the annexation, human rights monitors have recorded about two hundred cases of inhuman treatment of people, a quarter of which are torture cases. Some victims manage to escape from the FSB grip, and they are ready to tell the whole world about their experience. Since the beginning of the actual annexation of Crimea, Ukrainian human rights activists have recorded 181 cases of inhuman treatment of residents of the temporarily occupied peninsula, including 55 torture incidents. Everyone is well aware of the fact that, had international observers, in particular, the UN Commissioner for Human Rights, been able to visit the peninsula and communicate with local residents, it would have clearly been fewer violations recorded. But the thing is, there is no access to Crimea for any human rights watchdogs. Head of the board of the Crimea SOS NGO, Tamila Tasheva (who reported on the figures mentioned above) recalls that not long ago, the UN special rapporteur on combating torture, Nils Melzer, sought to pay a visit to Crimea to monitor local prisons, but the Russian side refused him entry. In fact, they put forward a condition that Melzer's visit be conducted within the framework of the procedures envisaged for "official visits to the national territory of the Russian Federation." Today, especially valuable are the cases where people somehow manage to pull themselves out of tenacious FSB paws. And it is also extremely important that the victims of the regime find strength to make their stories public. Concrete facts of the Kremlin inhumanity, voiced publicly, undoubtedly confirm Ukraine's position on the issue. And they once again prove to the world that the truth is on our side. For example, recently, a Crimea-born Ibrahimjon Mirpochchaev, the victim of FSB torture, shared his story with journalists in Kyiv. He has been living in the capital for several months. It was the Crimea SOS NGO and his friends who helped him flee safely from the occupation and settle in Ukraine's capital. A Ukrainian lawyer, expert of the Right to Defense charity foundation, Dmytro Dvorkin, who is helping Ibrahimjon's family, notes that he has already filed an appeal with the State Migration Service of Ukraine to ensure that Mirpochchaev is granted state protection. He also stresses that regardless of the decision, the foundation will support the family. "If we cannot resolve the issue at the national level, we will support the appeal to the European Court of Human Rights," says Dvorkin. In telling his story, Ibrahimjon struggles to hide tears, his hands in tremor. He does not look up at journalists in front of him - only staring down at the table. His muted voice and manner of speech are better than any words showing last summer's horrors he recollects. His large and friendly family lived in Crimea's Belogorsk district, in the village of Novokolenovo. Ibrahimjon's family is his parents, wife, children and three brothers. On August 10, 2017, at six o'clock in the morning, there was an FSB raid in his house. Chaos ensued as the operatives first started beating the men, women and children in the house, which was followed by a search that lasted for about two and a half hours. "They made a mess inside the house as well as in the barn and chicken coop. They pulled out Islamic literature that we had, including Quran and several other books," recalls Ibrahimjon. After that, together with his father and two brothers, he was taken to an unknown location, bags over their heads. There the family was divided: his brothers and father were left in one room, while Ibrahimjon was taken to another. He was tied to a chair, his legs and hands tied up with scotch tape, and then he was once again brutally beaten. The first blows were to his chest and head, and then beating continued for several hours. Along with physical abuse, he was bombarded with questions like where do you go, who are your contacts, whom do you know Moreover, they tried to establish his alleged links with the "Islamic State" and the war in ... Syria. "They asked me when I went to Syria and fought for ISIS? I told them that I did not go anywhere, that I never left Crimea. But they told me I was lying," says the victim. FSB operatives did not stop at the beating. The man was further intimidated and blackmailed. They told him they would rape his wife and send his children to an orphanage. They put a bag on his heads and strangled him, demanding to confess to extremism. They dragged them across the floor and tazed him six or seven times... "They took off my jeans and underwear, put me on the floor, tied my hands around my feet. They stuck something into me from behind and connected something, stuffed a rag into my mouth. They turned on some kind of machine and I was hit with electricity, I felt like I was burning inside... " the man tells us without looking up. Torture lasted for hours. After all the abuse, one of the kidnappers told Mirpochchaev he should be grateful to his brother for stopping the torture. Ibrahimjon was photographed, fingerprinted, and then moved to another room with a bag on his head. Then he found himself out in the street, where next to him he heard voices of his brothers and father. Then Mirpochchaev heard his second brother crying out: "They'll let you go, but they'll take me with them." And so it happened. Ibrahimjon Mirpochchaev, his father, and his second brother were taken away. It is noteworthy that throughout the entire trip (it was still unclear where they were taken them), one of the kidnappers repeated that Mirpochchaevs should keep silent about what had happened. He was instructed to tell everyone that they had been taken for a routine ID verification, and that they had been treated well. Otherwise, if the truth comes up, their entire family will simply disappear, they said. " Now we are your masters," he was told. "We will be calling you all, and you will be visiting mosques, getting new contacts and gathering information for us." In a few days it became known that his brother was held in a temporary detention facility. According to investigators, a patrol police officer allegedly requested that he present his ID, but he refused, resisted, insulted the policeman and even tried to escape. He was charged with an administrative offense - 15 days in custody for allegedly assaulting a policeman. Ibrahimjon's brother called him in three days, asking for food (he had not eaten anything). When Mirpochchaevs came to greet their loved one after those 15 days he was in custody, the same FSB operatives were already waiting for them (Ibrahimjon recognized them by their voices), accompanied by several other colleagues of theirs. The family heard an ultimatum: either they do what they're told or the FSB returns to "procedures." The demands were as follows: First, one of the brothers, the one who had been detained, must sign some blanks that were not even filled, and secondly, they must all be in touch to return calls from the FSB at any time. "Then the main thing for us to get out of there safe. So the brother signed a pile of empty blanks and they let us go. We went home. For a few months, no one touched us. I went back to work. That was until a call came from an unknown number: "It's the FSB. Tomorrow you must report along with your brothers at a certain location," Mirpochchaev said. It was impossible to get out of imposed cooperation with the operatives. Torture threats were voiced, again. Mirpochchaevs were once again given some blank papers to sign. After they signed them, the next day they fled from Crimea. Today, Ibrahimjon Mirpochchaev works at a car repair, saying he is building a new life. His children, fortunately, no longer wake up screaming at night and don't cry anymore. Crimean lawyer, specializing in politicized cases, Emil Kurbedinov, emphasizes that, unfortunately, this is not the first and not the last case of torture in Crimea. According to him, representatives of Russia's security agencies are trying in this way to collect facts for future extremism and terrorism cases and incline a person to cooperate with them by any means. Kurbedinov notes that in all similar cases across the occupied peninsula, together with his colleagues, he collects the corresponding information. Also, applications have been filed with the military prosecutor's office and military investigation committee of the Russian Federation (which should oversee the security agencies). "Of course, I do not think we will achieve truth there, but we collect all this information for international instances. Mostly, we will say that these cases are not being investigated and that Russia does not recognize that its security services apply methods such as torture. They will try to hide it all," he said. In turn, head of the Prosecutor's Office of the Autonomous Republic of Crimea (headquartered in Kyiv) Maksym Kandzioba notes that a pre-trail investigation is ongoing in the Mirpochchaev case: "This fact is very specific and I am grateful that they reported their story to us. Criminal proceedings largely depend on the active position of the victim." In general, according to the prosecutor, to date, about 140 criminal cases have been registered on the fact of torture and cruel treatment of people on the temporarily occupied peninsula. But we can only guess how many people have already suffered from Russian torture in Crimea. Iryna Shevchenko If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter The police, doctors, and rescue teams are now working at the scene. Deputy Chief of Ukraine's National Police Viacheslav Abroskin has reported four children have been injured in a car explosion on Chornobylka Street in Kyiv's Svyatoshinsky district. Read alsoCar explosion in Kyiv: Police considering two versions The children aged five to 11 decided to play inside the car that was parked in a yard. They got into it and found an item that exploded, according to the press service of the National Police. "All four children have been hospitalized to [the National Children's Specialized Hospital] 'Okhmatdyt,' two of them are in critical condition. We find out what exactly exploded. It's too early to talk about something," Abroskin said. The police, doctors, and rescue teams are now working at the scene. According to an intelligence report, one occupier was killed and five others - wounded. Russia's hybrid military forces mounted 33 attacks on Ukrainian army positions in Donbas in the past 24 hours, with four Ukrainian soldiers reported as wounded in action (WIA). "According to an intelligence report, one occupier was killed and five others were wounded," the press center of Ukraine's Joint Forces Operation said in an update on Facebook as of 07:00 Kyiv time on June 14, 2018. Read alsoMFA Ukraine: No concept and no consensus on peacekeepers within Normandy Four In the Luhansk sector, the enemy tried to force our units off their defensive positions near the villages of Novotoshkivske, Novo-Oleksandrivka and Novozvanivka. In the Horlivka sector, intensive fighting continued mainly with the use of small arms near the villages of Hladosove and Zaitseve. In the Donetsk sector, the enemy resorted to mortar shellings near the town of Avdiyivka. In the Mariupol sector, active hostilities were reported near the villages of Talakivka and Vodiane. Artemenko, who was subpoenaed by Mueller last month, met with Cohen one week after Trump took office to discuss possible back-channel peace efforts for Ukraine, allegedly those in Russia's favor. Andrii Artemenko, a former member of the Ukrainian parliament, said that his questioning last week by special counsel Robert Mueller focused on his interactions with U.S. President Donald Trumps personal lawyer Michael Cohen. I realized that Michael Cohen is a target [of Mueller's], Artemenko told The Washington Post this week, The Hill reports. Artemenkos comments show that Mueller, who is investigating possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 election, remains focused on Cohen. Mueller previously referred federal prosecutors to conduct a separate investigation into Cohens business dealings. Artemenko, who was subpoenaed by Mueller last month, met with Cohen one week after Trump took office to discuss possible back-channel peace efforts for Ukraine. Read alsoNames of EU politicians involved in Yanukovych lobbying to be revealed by Friday media Mueller's questions, Artemenko said, focused on a meeting he had with Cohen on Jan. 27, 2017. The meeting, organized by Trump's business associate Felix Sater, concerned a proposed plan that would have ended the conflict in Ukraine and eventually lifted U.S. sanctions placed on Russia a priority for Russian President Vladimir Putin. Artemenko and Sater deny that the meeting was friendly toward Russia. The two men and Cohen have given different public accounts of the meeting. Cohen has told the Post that Artemenko said Russia supported his Ukrainian peace plan, while Artemenko said the Russian government wasnt involved in his plan. After his meeting with Cohen was reported, Artemenko was expelled from the Ukrainian parliament and stripped of his citizenship. At the same time, the American president claimed he was "not for Russia." U.S. President Donald Trump denied that the recent G7 summit with other world leaders in Quebec was rocky, and elaborated on his call for Russia to be reinstated to the group. In an interview with Fox News, Trump explained his earlier calls to allow Russia back into the group it was ousted from following the illegal annexation of Crimea in 2014. You know, we spend probably 25 percent of our time talking about Russia and I said wouldn't it be better if they were here, Trump said. I'm not for Russia. I'm for the United States. Trump argued that if Russian President Vladimir Putin were present at the meetings, they could use the opportunity to discuss the situations in Ukraine and Syria. Read alsoG7 leaders vow rapid response to Russia's hostile interference I will tell you, as an example, if he were at that meeting I could ask him to do things that are good for the world, that are good for the country, that are good for him, Trump said. G7 is made up of France, Canada, Germany, Italy, Japan, United Kingdom and the U.S. As UNIAN reported earlier, during the latest G7 summit in Canada, Donald Trump repeatedly promoted Russia's return to the group. "They threw Russia out. They should let Russia come back in. We should have Russia at the negotiating table," Trump said. ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 13th Jun, 2018) National Ambulance has announced that it has taken all emergency preparation and proactive measures for the upcoming Eid al-Fitr period. This comes as part of an integrated pre-emergency plan to increase emergency resources by 20 percent leading to maximum readiness to ensure public safety and preparedness to deal with emergency situations and potential road traffic accidents across the northern emirates. As part of the pre-emptive preparations, National Ambulance will work closely with its strategic partners at the Ministry of Interior, mainly the police and Civil Defence, as well as the Ministry of Health and Prevention and its hospitals. The National Ambulance will be activating its proactive emergency plan for public holidays, which will raise levels of readiness and alertness through the re-distribution of medical emergency crews and putting extra ambulances on roads. These additional resources will be deployed around hot spots and vital roads according to data collected by National Ambulance and shared by strategic partners. Commenting on the announcement, Ahmed Saleh Al Hajeri, Deputy CEO of the National Ambulance, said, "Our dedicated team of ambulance crew and communications centre will be on full alert, and efficiently coordinating with strategic partners to respond and deal with emergency calls and incidents that may arise during this period; ensuring that the public receive the most effective assistance possible." "We urge people to call us on 998 or use the NA998 app in case they need an emergency ambulance," he added. The accident took place about 25 kilometres from the Mainpuri district headquarters. Lucknow: Eighteen people were killed and 35 injured when a bus overturned after hitting a divider in Tirathpur village on the Mainpuri-Etawah road early on Wednesday morning. The accident took place about 25 kilometres from the Mainpuri district headquarters. Mainpuri ASP Om Prakash Singh said that the bus, with over 70 passengers, was coming from Jaipur in Rajasthan and was on its way to Farukkhabad. Initial investigations suggest that the driver of the bus was speeding when the vehicle hit the road divider. The collision led to the bus being overturned. The ASP said that 17 persons died in the accident on the spot and one passengers died during treatment. Those with serious injuries have been referred to hospitals in Agra. The bus driver, who lost his leg in the accident, has been admitted to the PGI in Sefai in Etawah. The ASP said that efforts are on to identify the victims that include 16 men and one woman. The police officer said the private bus was carrying mostly labourers, who work in brick kilns and were returning to their native villages. Some passengers who were sleeping on the roof of the bus also lost their lives. The bus was registered in Farukkhabad and the police is trying to identify its owner. Meanwhile, UP chief minister Yogi Adityanath has condoled the death of the passengers in the bus accident. He has announced a compensation of `2 lakhs each for the families of the deceased and `50,000 for the injured. The chief minister also instructed officers to take all measures possible for the appropriate treatment of those injured. (@ChaudhryMAli88) ABU DHABI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News / WAM - 14th Jun, 2018) Reem bint Ibrahim Al Hashemy, Minister of State for International Cooperation said that the unprecedented humanitarian situation in Yemen, due to the Houthi militias practices that have long exploited the suffering of the Yemeni people to achieve political objectives, prompted us to take a serious stance to put an end for these practices and help the Yemeni people in this ordeal. The remarks were made when Al Hashemy spoke at a joint press conference of the Arab Coalition to Support Legitimacy in Yemen which was held today in Abu Dhabi with the consultant at the Saudi Royal Court Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeea, and General Supervisor of the King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center (KSRelief), The Minister of State for International Cooperation said, " We are looking for a glimmer of hope for the Yemeni people. More than three years have passed since the deterioration of the humanitarian situation, which was basically below the level desired by the human being to live a dignified life. After the Houthi coup on Yemeni legitimacy, the humanitarian conditions deteriorated dramatically in the country. '' Our attention to ease the humanitarian suffering being witnessed by Yemenis was not limited to the districts under the control of the Legitimacy forces, but included all territories of Yemen, including areas under the control of the Houthi coup, given our approach to help and provide relief for the peoples regardless of, race, gender, religion or political stances," She added. She noted, "We have set a humanitarian and development plan in consultation with the international institutions related to humanitarian assistance within an integrated system to provide an air and sea relief bridge to help the people of Hodeidah,". Our attention to the humanitarian situation in Yemen has always been a priority for us. In this regard, the UAE has been one of the major supporters of the UN humanitarian response plans for Yemen. The most recent of these was the 2018 response plan. The UAE has provided $ 500 million to support this plan, she reaffirmed. She reiterated that in the light of its pursuance to alleviate the suffering of the civilian Yemenis, the UAE, since 2015 to 2018, has provided humanitarian aid at a value that exceeded $ 3.7 billion which targeted 13.8 Yemenis, including 5.3 million children. The assistance provided by the UAE was not limited to relief, but also included various areas to improve the humanitarian situation, promote infrastructure and services, revitalise the economy, and support security and other fields. We have seen notable improvement in Aden, Mukalla and Mocha after the intervention of the coalition forces and liberated them from the Houthis' futility. She concluded that the Saudi-led Arab Coalition fully supports the Yemeni people, adding "We feel their suffering and we will never delay a day to help the fraternal people of Yemeni to lift all injustices from them until the land of Yemen returns as it was and better. Dr. Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al-Rabeea said the total value of relief and humanitarian aid provided by Saudi Arabia, through the KSRelief, to Yemen, stood at US$ 11.1 billion, including 1.1 billion as aid to the Yemeni visitors in Saudi Arabia, 2.9 billion as development aid to Yemen, 2.2 billion as bilateral government to government aid, 3 billion provided to Yemen Central Bank, in addition to 500 million for the comprehensive humanitarian contingency plan. He added that the UAE and Saudi aid to Hodeidah included an air bridge from Jazan and Abu Dhabi, with ships carrying foodstuff, medical, sheltering materials and fuel, in addition to boosting the local economy, providing medical equipment to hospitals and operating power plants. He gave an account on the Saudi assistance and relief items provided for Yemenis since May 2015 to date worth more than US$ 1 billion, the assistance provided by KSrelief amounting to 262 projects through 80 local and international partners, including health, food security, early treatment, accommodation and shelter, water, environment treatment, nutrition, education, protection and others, including 71 projects for women and 83 humanitarian projects for children. (@ChaudhryMAli88) Army personnel would be deployed inside and outside all the polling stations to ensure security during upcoming general election scheduled to be held on July 25. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Jun, 2018 ) :Army personnel would be deployed inside and outside all the polling stations to ensure security during upcoming general election scheduled to be held on July 25. This was decided in a meeting chaired by Chief Election Commissioner Sardar Muhammad Raza Khan.The meeting was also attended by Secretaries of Ministry of Defence and Interior, four provincial chief secretaries, Inspector Generals of Police, Director General (Military Operations) Additional Chief Secretary FATA, Chief Commissioner Islamabad and Inspector General Police Islamabad. The Secretary Election Commission of Pakistan briefed the participants of the meeting about the preparations made for the general election 2018. The meeting, convened to review security arrangements for elections, also decided that foolproof security would be provided during the printing of ballot papers. For this purpose, army personnel would be deployed at Security Printing Press from June 27 to July 25. Closed-circuit television cameras would be installed at all the sensitive polling stations across the country. It will be responsibility of the provinces to install the close circuit television cameras, the meeting decided. The government of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa will provide funds for the installation of Close-circuit television cameras at polling stations in FATA areas. All the District Returning Officers, Returning Officers, Assistant Returning Officers, provincial elections commission, regional elections Commissioners, District Election Commissioners and training centers will be provided foolproof security. It was decided that foolproof security would be provided to political leaders and candidates contesting the elections, for which provinces will make necessary arrangements. Close coordination would also be maintained with National Counter Terrorism Authority to prevent any untoward incident. A meeting of National Counter Terrorism Authority and Election Commission of Pakistan will also be called in this regard. The Election Commission of Pakistan will ensure full implementation of code of conduct of the elections. The commission expressed satisfaction over security arrangements so far devised for the general election. Meanwhile, Election Commission of Pakistan has expressed displeasure over requests of exemptions from election duty by various departments and individuals. In a statement, the ECP said holding free, fair and transparent elections is a national duty which has to be fulfilled by every one of us. Therefore, no applications for exemptions should be sent to Election Commission of Pakistan. (@mahnoorsheikh03) One-on-one meeting expected between Ch Nisar Imran Khan Islamabad (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News 14th June, 2018) Former interior minister and Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz (PMLN) leader Chaudhry Nisar Ali Khan will formally announce to join Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI) in a few days. A one-on-one meeting is also expected between Ch Nisar and PTI chairman Imran Khan in this regard. According to a news report published in a local newspaper, reliable sources have said that Nisar is going to join PTI for not getting election ticket from PMLN. Nisar has reportedly consulted his close friends and relatives in this regard. Sources said that the PTI chairman has again invited him to join the party. Khan has completed his consultations to drop Sarwar Khan against Nisar in Taxila and PTIs candidate from Rawalpindi will also be dropped. On the other hand, Nisar said that there is no room of dynastic politics in PMLN. He said that I stick to my statement that I dont know what Nawaz Sharif and Maryam Nawaz want as leaders. He clarified that he never applied for an election ticket for lion. He added that the current situation is the result of their own mistakes and not a conspiracy. It is not wise to take the revenge of their own mistakes from the state. Nisar had earlier called a corner meeting in Adiala Jail on Monday and invited some journalists and party members. Nisar asked the journalists to turns off their mobile phones and cameras and said that I am going to say something very important today. Announcing to contest elections as independent candidate, Nisar said that the opponent of womens rule has imposed his daughter over the party. The Sharifs will not be able to show their face anywhere if I opened my mouth, he said. Nisar said that the party has awarded tickets to political orphans. According to a report on a local tv channel, when Ch Nisar was asked about joining Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf (PTI), he asked the journalists to pay attention to elections. I will take a good decision. Nisar submitted nomination papers for one National and two Provincial Assembly seats on Sunday. The PMLN leader submitted nomination papers from Rawalpindis NA-59 and PP-10 and PP-12. According to media reports, Ch Nisar has decided to contest elections as independent candidate. Nisar is hopeful that he will win from these seats as independent candidate. Earlier on Sunday, Nisar said that dramas are being staged to deny him party ticket for the upcoming general election, scheduled to be held on July 25. "It is beyond understanding why funny dramas are being staged to make an excuse for denying him the party ticket," he said in a statement. Nisar said he was neither a candidate for the party ticket nor was in its need, adding that he would express his views on 'all matters' openly after fully recovering from the back-pain. "Has it ever-happened that most senior members of the party, who had been electable for several times, will have appeared before the board for party ticket interview," he questioned. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The intending pilgrims belonging to middle class have lauded religious ministry's praiseworthy step of not increasing government hajj scheme expenses despite a whooping increase of Rs 4.44 billion in total expenses of Government Scheme Hajj 2018 as compared to last year. ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Jun, 2018 ) :The intending pilgrims belonging to middle class have lauded religious ministry's praiseworthy step of not increasing government hajj scheme expenses despite a whooping increase of Rs 4.44 billion in total expenses of Government Scheme Hajj 2018 as compared to last year. The government has retained last year's hajj expenses of Rs 270,000 (South) Rs 280,000 (North) bearing the extra expenses from government exchequer, said official sources in Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony. The intending pilgrims, who are set to perform the sacred ceremony of Hajj under government scheme this year have lauded ministry's huge relief to them. Muhammad Siddique, an intending Haji told APP that the government has taken laudable step by not passing the increased hajj expenses to government scheme pilgrims. He said receiving of a record number of 375,000 applications under the Government Scheme shows people's trust and confidence over government Hajj scheme. The expenditures of each Government Scheme Haji has increased by Rs 45,000 this year owing to various reasons including the increase in Dollar, rupee parity ratio, said official sources of Ministry of Religious Affairs and Interfaith Harmony. As many as 179,210 would perform the sacred ceremony of Hajj, out of which 67 percent (119,473) would perform under Government Hajj Scheme and 33 percent 59,737 under private Hajj scheme. The ministry was conducting extensive training of intending pilgrims to enable them to perform the sacred religious ceremony. The training also covers how to wear `Ahram' and observe sanctity of the holy places besides performing rituals at Madina and manners of offering prayers at Masjid e Nabvi and `Salam' at `Roza e Rasool (Peace Be Upon Him)." The ministry has already devised an effective mechanism to monitor the Hajj operation. An advisory committee has almost also been set up to monitor the Hajj operation. Effective measures have been taken by the ministry to register complaints during Hajj. The training covers how to wear `Ahram' and observe sanctity of the holy places besides performing rituals at Madina and manners of offering prayers at Masjid e Nabvi and `Salam' at `Roza e Rasool (Peace Be Upon Him)." All Hujjaj would be provided five litre Zam Zam in a specially packed bottle upon their return to Pakistan at the respective destinations. The Hujjaj were being provided three times meal a day at their respective buildings in Makkah, Madinah and Mina. All pilgrims male and female have been asked to affix a Pakistan flag at their `Ahrams' for identification. Female pilgrims should carry at least two `Abayas' preferably of black colour. All pilgrims male and female should affix a Pakistan flag at their `Ahrams' for identification. Female pilgrims should carry at least two `Abayas' preferably of black colour. The applicants could get information from Hajj Inquiry no 051-9205696; 051-9216980 and Hajj helpline no 042-111725425. (@ChaudhryMAli88) The Rescuers, Ambulances and Fire services of Punjab Emergency Service, Rescue 1122 will remain on emergency alert during Eid holidays here to provide emergency cover to the citizens in case of any emergency. RAWALPINDI, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Jun, 2018 ) :The Rescuers, Ambulances and Fire services of Punjab Emergency Service, Rescue 1122 will remain on emergency alert during Eid holidays here to provide emergency cover to the citizens in case of any emergency. The Rescue 1122 staff will remain on special duties in Rawalpindi district control room and emergency rescue stations with 30 fully equipped emergency ambulances, nine fire vehicles, five rescue and recovery vehicles, two water bowzers, two specialize vehicles and 45 motorbike ambulances. Special rescue posts will be established at Ayub Park, Nawaz Sharif Park, Jinnah Park, GPO Chowk Saddar, Koral Chowk, T-Chowk Rawat whereas key points to cover Eid-ul-Fitr Namaz will also be established at Eid Gah Sharif, Children Park Gawalmandi, Liaquat Bagh Park, Jamia Masjid Faizan-e-Nadina Adyala Road, Capt. Bilal Shaheed Chowk Chaklala Scheme-III and 22 Number Chungi Chowk. The District Emergency Officer Dr. Abdul Rehman chairing a meeting held here at Central Rescue Station Rawal Road reviewed all the arrangements and finalized the Eid plan. The meeting was attended by all the Rescue officers. He directed the officers to ensure 100 percent attendance particularly of operational staff during Eid holidays. District control room will ensure all the emergency arrangements for better management of any untoward incident, he added. District Control Room will be functional round the clock for provision of effective emergency services to the public and leaves of rescuers have been restricted in this regard. Special mobile posts will also be established for providing effective medical cover to the Eid gatherings. The District Officer wished all the citizens a safe Eid and advised the motorists to drive safely with families particularly while leaving or returning from hometowns before, during and after Eid holidays. Rescue 1122 will also remain on high alert in the district for effective response and management of emergencies in case of any flash-flooding during Eid holidays. Rescue mobile posts of emergency paramedics will also be deployed at important places of mass gatherings to provide emergency cover. The second unit of 1410 MW 4th Extension Hydropower Project has been put into we commissioning and will enter its reliability period in first week of July ISLAMABAD, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Jun, 2018 ) :The second unit of 1410 MW 4th Extension Hydropower Project has been put into we commissioning and will enter its reliability period in first week of July. Official sources told APP here that third unit has also been completed and it would also shortly put on wet testing. They said that project would start supplying its full generation to the national grid in next month. It is pertinent to mention here that consequent upon the improved hydrological conditions and availability of water, the first unit of Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project has already started electricity generation. The unit, which is in its reliability period now-a-days, has been providing 335 MW of electricity to the national grid, which will be gradually increased to its maximum capacity of 470 MW. It is worth mentioning here that under the 1410 MW Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project, three electric power generating units each of them having capacity of 470 MW have been installed at the Tunnel 4 of Tarbela Dam. Tarbela 4th Extension is a component of least-cost energy generation plan being implemented by WAPDA on priority to meet electricity requirements in the country and increase the ratio of hydel electricity in the National Grid to stabilize electricity tariff for the consumers. With completion of the project, generation capacity of the existing Tarbela Hydel Power Station will increase to 4888 MW from the existing 3478 MW. Tarbela 4th Extension Hydropower Project will provide 3.84 billion units of electricity to the National Grid per annum. Annual benefits of the project have been estimated at Rs. 30 billion. The project will pay back its cost in just three years. (@FahadShabbir) Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has informed that pre monsoon rains are likely to start from Saturday in Pakistan. PESHAWAR, (UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Jun, 2018 ) :Pakistan Meteorological Department (PMD) has informed that pre monsoon rains are likely to start from Saturday in Pakistan. Moist currents will start penetrating on Friday and rain-thundershower was expected in the country. Like other parts of the country, rain-thundershower with gusty winds/dust storm is also expected at scattered places in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa during Eid days (Saturday, Sunday and Monday). All the Deputy Commissioner of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa have been asked to take precautionary measures and remain alert during the period. It was announced by Provincial Disaster Management Authority. A militia opposed to Libya's military strongman Khalifa Haftar on Thursday attacked eastern oil sites under his control, setting fire to at least one crude reservoir, a military source said. Benghazi, Libya, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Jun, 2018 ) :A militia opposed to Libya's military strongman Khalifa Haftar on Thursday attacked eastern oil sites under his control, setting fire to at least one crude reservoir, a military source said. The attack was carried out by the Benghazi Defence Brigades, including fighters driven from Benghazi city by forces loyal to Haftar, the source said. Haftar's forces control most of eastern Libya. Engineers have created a soft, malleable 3-D "ink" to print devices that can roll, jump, even grasp objects at the wave of a magnet, they said on Wednesday. Paris, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 13th Jun, 2018 ) :Engineers have created a soft, malleable 3-D "ink" to print devices that can roll, jump, even grasp objects at the wave of a magnet, they said on Wednesday. The shape-shifting material holds promise for flexible robotics and medicine, said the researchers, mooting tiny devices that can envelop a drug, transport it through the body, and unfold to release it where needed. A team of US-based researchers made the new type of 3-D printing ink by mixing magnetic iron particles with soft, silicone rubber. "The menagerie of structures that can be magnetically manipulated includes a smooth ring that wrinkles up, a long tube that squeezes shut, a sheet that folds itself, and a spider-like 'grabber' that can crawl, roll, jump, and snap together fast enough to catch a passing ball," said the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), whose experts spearheaded the project. "It can even be directed to wrap itself around a small pill and carry it across a table." The exploit was reported in the scientific journal Nature. According to Xuanhe Zhao of MIT's mechanical engineering department, the material can be used to manufacture magnetically-controlled biomedical devices. "For example, we could put a structure around a blood vessel to control the pumping of blood," he said in a statement issued by the institute. Or a magnet could be used to guide a tiny device through the gastrointestinal tract to take pictures, extract tissue samples, clear a blockage, or deliver drugs. This is the latest breakthrough in the quest for a soft, flexible material that can be manipulated to change shape and move. - 'Fast, forceful' - Devices made from hydrogels, for example, swell or shrink when temperature or pH changes, while hydraulic devices can be activated when water is pumped into them. So-called "elastomers" stretch when an electric current is applied. These devices are slow, however, with some requiring hours to change shape, said the research team. Some must be connected to water or air via tubes, while elastomers require high-voltage electric shocks. "There is no ideal candidate for a soft robot that can perform in an enclosed space like a human body, where you'd want to carry out certain tasks untethered," said Zhao's colleague, Yoonho Kim. The new method, he added, is promising "because it is fast, forceful, body-benign, and can be remotely controlled." Unlike other magnetically-activated materials created so far -- in which iron particles have the same magnetic polarity -- particles in the new method are imbued with differing polarities. This allows for more complex movements, the researchers reported. The material can be seen in action here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=1&v=aV07hCF7-AQ (@rukhshanmir) The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution put forward by Turkey and Algeria, with the co-sponsorship of Pakistan and 35 other countries, that calls for greater protection for Palestinians, and deploring any use of "excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate" fo UNITED NATIONS, (APP - UrduPoint / Pakistan Point News - 14th Jun, 2018 ) :The United Nations General Assembly has adopted a resolution put forward by Turkey and Algeria, with the co-sponsorship of Pakistan and 35 other countries, that calls for greater protection for Palestinians, and deploring any use of "excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate" force by the Israeli military against Palestinian civilians, particularly in Gaza. Under the terms of the resolution titled "Protection of the Palestinian civilian population" " adopted by a vote of 120 in favour to 8 against with 45 abstentions " the 193-member Assembly, which met in an emergency session on Wednesday, demanded that Israel refrain from such actions and fully abide by its legal obligations under the1949 Geneva Convention relating to the Protection of Civilian Persons in Time of War. Pakistan's UN Ambassador Maleeha Lodhi called the vote "a triumph of principle -- the principle that Might is not Right". "Pakistan co-sponsored the resolution not just to reaffirm our abiding solidarity with the Palestinian people but also to consider practical steps to alleviate the suffering of the Palestinians," she said in an interview with APP after the session. The Pakistani envoy pointed out that support for the people of Palestine was a "cardinal principle" of Pakistan's foreign policy. Ambassador Lodhi said the resolution focused on and reaffirms the rights of Palestinians in the context of the protection of civilians in armed conflict, and was considered necessary after UN Security Council's failure to act to protect the Palestinian people. Wednesday's session came about after weeks of the deadly violence along the border of the Gaza Strip" the Palestinian enclave blockaded by Israel" where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians participated in "the Great March of Return" protests, beginning at the end of March. More than 120 Palestinian civilians were reportedly killed by Israeli forces while participating in the protests against Israel's years-long blockade. The resolution also deplored the firing of rockets from the Gaza Strip into Israeli civilian areas" and any actions that could endanger civilian lives" and called for urgent steps to ensure an immediate, durable and fully respected ceasefire, as well as for the exercise of maximum restraint by all parties. It requested the Secretary-General to submit a report in no later than 60 days, outlining proposals on ways and means for ensuring the safety of Palestinian civilians, including on an international protection mechanism. The text was adopted following the Assembly's rejection of a United States-sponsored amendment " by a vote of 78 against to 59 in favour, with 26 abstentions " which would have condemned Hamas for repeatedly firing rockets into Israel and inciting violence along the boundary fence. It would have demanded that Hamas cease all violent activity and expressed grave concern over the destruction of the Kerem Shalom crossing by actors in Gaza. Introducing the proposed amendment, United States Ambassador Nikki Haley said the resolution, presented by Algeria's Ambassador Sabri Boukadoum, had failed to even mention Hamas, thereby sacrificing honesty in favour of a narrow political agenda that exclusively blamed Israel. Her "modest" amendment rightly condemned rocket fire by Hamas, as well as its diversion of resources from civilians to military resources, she said. Algerian Ambassador Sabri Boukadoum, representing Arab nations, first sought to block a vote on the U.S. amendment, saying it wasn't relevant to the resolution. He said it also undermined reconciliation efforts between rival Palestinian factions Hamas and Fatah as well as the "remote prospects" of reviving peace negotiations with Israel. His motion to take "no action" on the amendment was defeated by a vote of 59-78, with 26 abstentions, allowing the U.S. amendment to be put to a vote. The U.S. motion was approved on a 62-58 vote, with 42 abstentions. But General Assembly President Miroslav Lajcak declared that under an assembly rule, a two-thirds majority was needed so the amendment failed. U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley appealed, citing another rule that says only a majority vote was required. After a short break, Lajcak then put the U.S. appeal to a vote. The U.S. narrowly lost that vote 66-73 with 26 abstentions. Assembly President Miroslav Lajcak convened the meeting, following a formal request from Algeria and Turkey, in their respective capacities as Chair of the Arab Group and Chair of the Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. Unlike a resolution on Palestinian civilian protection that was vetoed by the US in the UN Security Council on 1 June, Wednesday's identical resolution in the Assembly was not subject to the same rules as exist in the Council. Prior to voting, the Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the UN, Riyad Mansour, said that "our decision to approach to the Assembly was prompted by the Security Council's failure to act due to the veto cast on 1 June by a permanent member." "We therefore firmly reject the bad-faith attempt to insert an amendment that would radically unbalance the text and shift the Assembly's focus away from the core objective of protecting civilians and upholding international law," he said. Briefing reporters earlier in the day, Spokesperson for the President of the General Assembly, Brenden Varma, said that if the resolution passed, it would represent an "important expression of political will" and an "important recommendation by the General Assembly." However, it would not be binding in the same way as a Security Council resolution. 'It is a selective compilation of largely motivated unverified information," Ministry of External Affairs said. India rejects the report of United Nations High Commission for Human Rights on 'human rights situation in Kashmir'. (Photo: File | AP) New Delhi: India today rejected the report of United Nations High Commission for Human Rights on "human rights situation in Kashmir". Read: UN report accuses India, Pakistan of Kashmir rights violations, seeks probe The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) rejected the report and said, "it is fallacious, tendentious and motivated. We question the intent in brining out the report." "It is a selective compilation of largely motivated unverified information," the MEA added. Trial of defendants charged with involvement in the death of 71 migrants in 2015 (ANSA) A Hungarian court has sentenced four members of a people-smuggling gang to 25 years in prison for letting 71 migrants suffocate in a sealed truck in 2015. The case, which shocked the world at the time, underscored the desperate plight of hundreds of thousands of migrants fleeing war, persecution, and poverty. By Stefan Bos A court in the central Hungarian city of Kecskemet found four men, including an Afghan, identified as the gang leader and three Bulgarian accomplices, guilty of homicide and other charges and said they should serve 25 years in prison for their involvement in killing 71 migrants. Some 10 others, all but one Bulgarians, were convicted on charges of smuggling and belonging to a criminal organization, and got sentences from three to 12 years. Judge Janos Jadi expressed outrage that the smugglers were letting 71 men, including women and children, suffocate inside a truck on August 26, 2015. They dumped the truck with corpses in sweltering heat at the side of an Austrian motorway leading to the capital Vienna. Investigators later find out that those who died were 59 men, eight women and four children from Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq, and Syria. FALSE PROMISE They were herded into a refrigerated truck in southern Hungary. Smugglers had promised safe passage to Germany. In a statement, judge Jadi said that the smugglers "knew the truck was packed, they knew that families and mothers with children were in the truck and that the people inside could die. He added They died in cruel circumstances, in a lot of suffering. But none of the defendants did anything. The tragedy unfolded while politicians in gathered in the Hofburg palace in nearby Vienna to discuss the most significant flow of refugees in Europe since World War II. Thousands had already drowned making the treacherous voyage across the Mediterranean in rickety boats and rafts that year, and an untold number had died trekking across the Continent. Days later, a visibly shaken Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that Germany would open its borders to hundreds of thousands of desperate people clamoring to get into the country a policy decision that reverberates across Europe to this day. Thursday's sentencing of smugglers linked to the death of migrants seemed aimed at sending a warning to criminal gangs. But the ruling is preliminary and open to appeal. Freeds Bakery, a family-owned establishment of 59 years and featured bakery on Food Networks hit show Vegas Cakes, will celebrate the Fourth of July with a patriotic cake, available through Wednesday, July 4. The Firecracker Cake, shaped as a festive, red firecracker, is made with a choice of any Freeds flavor with options including: vanilla cake with Bavarian cream or strawberry puree, chocolate cake with Bavarian cream or raspberry puree, almond cake with Bavarian cream filling, red velvet cake with cream cheese filling, marble cake with chocolate mousse, or lemon cake with lemon mousse or Bavarian cream and strawberry puree. In addition, Freeds will offer its selection of Fourth of July creations including: the These Colors Dont Run cake, featuring decorative red, white and blue frosting with the choice of any flavor; Ameriberries, plump California strawberries dipped in milk chocolate and white chocolate with Fourth of July decorations; and Americakes, a holiday-themed cupcake with the choice of any flavor including vanilla, chocolate or red velvet, and topped with Fourth of July decorations. Firecracker cakes may be purchased online or in-store. Fourth of July hours of operation will be from 8 a.m. until 6 p.m. The entire Las Vegas valley is invited to celebrate Independence Day at the 24th annual Summerlin Council Patriotic Parade, Southern Nevadas largest and most colorful Fourth of July parade (Pictured: Clark County 4H Club). Parade goers will witness the debut of a brand new float in this years lineup Vegas Golden Knights: Vegas Born, Vegas Strong. The new addition, sure to be a favorite in a community flooded with Vegas Golden Knights pride, enters the parade thanks to the generosity of Stars and Stripes Major Sponsor, City National Bank. All-in-all, the parade features more than 70 entries, including traditional floats, giant inflatable balloons, American military heroes, bands, musical groups and a variety of kids favorite storybook and cartoon characters. More than 2,500 people are participating in the parade and more than 500 volunteers from dozens of local schools and community groups are assisting with parade operations. More than 40,000 people are expected to attend the parade. This year, several new entries are added to the parade roster, including Escape from Jurassic World; Hamiltons America; Cocos Fiesta Espectacular; The Greatest Show; and appearances by The Incredibles, Black Panther, Pennsylvania Lions All-State Band and Paw Patrol. More than 16,000 cubic feet of helium will be used for more than 25 giant inflatables. Returning to the parade are fan favorites The Fourth Awakens float featuring the Neon City Garrison Star Wars costuming club; The Black Pearl pirate ship float featuring Captain Jack and his swashbuckling adventure; Moanas Ocean Journey float featuring dancing water fountains; America Standing Tall float featuring a 15-foot Miss Stars and Stripes; Guan Strong Lion Arts traditional Chinese dancers; Southern Nevada Military Vehicle Association; Danza Del Carrizo Native American performing group; the Palo Verde and Las Vegas High School marching bands; and A Salute to the Military float featuring service men and women from Nellis Air Force Base. Members of the American Legion, USO and Marine Corps League will also participate in the festivities. The parade is organized by The Summerlin Council, the non-profit arm of the Summerlin Community Association dedicated to the social, educational and recreational enrichment of residents. The parade is open to the public. Everyone is encouraged to arrive early, bring water and wear sunscreen. Title Sponsor is The Howard Hughes Corporation/Summerlin. Premier Sponsor is QI Security Services. Major sponsors include Summerlin Hospital and Medical Center; Station Casinos; Pardee Homes; Nevada State Bank; Hanratty Law Group; Southwest Medical Associates; Red Rock Fertility; Las Vegas Color Graphics; City of Las Vegas Department of Youth Development and Innovation; One Hour Air Conditioning and Heating; Palmer Electric; Par 3 Landscape and Maintenance; and Downtown Summerlin. Several U.S. lawmakers are dismissing President Donald Trump's assertion on Twitter that North Korea no longer poses a nuclear threat. They also rejected any swift lifting of U.S. sanctions amid claims by Pyongyang that Trump agreed to sanctions relief during his meeting with Kim Jong Un. Democrats are heaping scorn on Trump's tweet that "There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea." Replying on Twitter, the top Democrat on the House Intelligence Committee, Adam Schiff, said "North Korea is a real and present threat. So is a dangerously naive president." Providing a more gentle response was the chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, Republican Bob Corker. "That is a great example of hyperbole [by Trump]," Corker said. "I do not think that is what has happened." Much has to occur before the world can breathe easier with regard to North Korea, says Democratic Senator Jeanne Shaheen. "The nuclear threat will not be over until they have dismantled their entire nuclear establishment and removed both their enrichment capacity and their weapons," Shaheen said. Lawmakers are also responding icily to reports by North Korea's state-run media that, during the Singapore summit, Trump agreed to lift sanctions against Pyongyang as a trust-building measure. A joint statement issued at the end of the summit made no mention of sanctions relief. "I think that is wishful thinking on their part," said John Cornyn, the Senate's number-two Republican. Cornyn told VOA the Singapore summit did not, by itself, alter the Trump administration's policy of "maximum pressure" against Pyongyang. "The way I interpret this first [Trump-Kim] meeting, which was surprising to everybody, is that it is like two boxers touching gloves," Cornyn added, "The real negotiations have yet to unfold." Trump could, but should not, relax sanctions against Pyongyang at any time, according to Democratic Senator Ben Cardin. "The president has quite a bit of authority [to provide sanctions relief]," Cardin said. "He could do things. It would be a major mistake to make concessions. You have to have a game plan in place. You have to have a declaration of their [North Korea's] entire [nuclear] program, you have to have inspectors on the ground." What, exactly, did Trump and Kim discuss during their historic closed-door encounter? Corker says he hopes to find out. "Let us have the people around the president come in and talk with us," Corker said. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is expected to testify before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee as early as next week. Infanticide is the second most important cause of female incarceration in Senegal. Rights groups, who have raised concern over the conditions of women's detention, blame the country's restrictive laws on abortion. Many are calling on the government to loosen its legislation. Aminata, a name she chose to hide her true identity, was asleep with her two youngest children when police came to her home in the town of Mbour in the middle of the night. She had given birth two days earlier and a neighbor had seen her bury the baby. Aminata claims it was stillborn. She said she was impregnated by a cousin, who took advantage of her situation after she lost her husband and moved to Mbour to find work. "I did not want the baby," she said. Aminata was arrested on the spot and served four years in prison for infanticide, one year shorter than the typical sentence. She was released in 2015. After drug-related offenses, infanticide is the biggest cause of female incarceration in Senegal. Rights groups estimated that in 2015, almost one in five women were arrested on charges of infanticide. In the Thies detention center, where Aminata served her time, this figure nears 30 percent. Joseph Faye is a lawyer for the Senegal Human Rights League, a local partner of the Paris-based International Federation of Human Rights which among other things advocates for legalized abortion around the world. He said female prisons are overpopulated, and the country's strict abortion laws are largely to blame. Senegal is one of 10 countries in Africa where abortion is prohibited in all circumstances. There are strong feelings against abortion in Senegal, both in society and at the government level. In a nation that is 96 percent Muslim, Imams speak out forcefully against the practice. Women's rights advocates say there is also the cultural perception that allowing women to have abortions on demand will encourage them to be promiscuous. Women in Senegal can legally terminate their pregnancies if three doctors certify that her life is risk a task activists say is almost impossible to complete within the abortion time-limit. In the female quarter of the Thies detention center, women chat quietly amongst themselves as they embroider tablecloths and napkins. Prison officials say there are never more than 30 detainees at one time, but both rights groups and former convicts claim the real number is higher. Aminata recalls sharing a cell with more than sixty others. UN takes issue The United Nations has taken issue with the conditions of women's detention. In a 2015 report, the world body says Senegal's prisons are not adapted to women, with no facilities to handle pregnancies or accommodate children. Awa Tounkara works for the Association of Senegalese Women Lawyers, an organization advocating the legalization of abortion in cases of rape and incest, or when a woman's health is at risk. She said 'there really shouldn't be any women in jail," considering their role in society. She said her association is pushing the government to consider alternative penalties that would allow women to serve their sentences outside prison. "This would be better for their families and for the education of their children," she added. Aminata was not allowed to take her children to prison. They were collected by her eldest daughter and taken back to their native village, where they stayed until her release. Shunned by her family, Aminata now lives in a corrugated iron shed on her elder brother's mango plantation, 12 kilometers from Mbour. Aissatou Kebe, a program manager for Tostan, a Dakar-based NGO that helps reintegrate former detainees, said being arrested for infanticide "is something that will continue to haunt you for the rest of your life. These women are rejected by their families and rejected by society." But Kebe does not think loosening abortion laws would have a significant impact. "Many women are illiterate," she said. "They would not even think there could be an alternative to giving birth and smothering the baby." She is pushing for more access to contraceptives as a solution. Family Planning 2020 says fewer than 16 percent of women in Senegal were using a modern method of contraception last year. Aminata believes her fate would have been different, had she had more options. Forces loyal to General Khalifa Haftar and his self-styled Libyan National Army (LNA) are poised to capture the last remaining city outside of their control in eastern Libya, after weeks of heavy fighting, bombardment and airstrikes, and after years of siege. Haftar's army could wrench Derna from a coalition of local and Islamist fighters known as the Derna Protection Force, formerly known as the Derna Mujahedeen Shura Council. "What remains outside the control of our forces is considered a small combat zone, less than just 10 kilometers squared," LNA spokesman Ahmed al-Mismari told Reuters earlier this week. "The operations are in their final stages and the fighting is very heavy." Last month, Haftar's forces renewed their offensive "to liberate Derna from terrorists." Few experts, however, believe the city's capture will be the end for jihadists in Libya. "The fight against extremism is only going to be symbolically won by any LNA [Libyan national Army] takeover of Derna, or any other city for that matter," said Darine El Hage, regional program officer at U.S. Institute of Peace's Center for Middle East and Africa. "Indeed, evidence has shown that grievances stemming from heavy-handed military and security measures might make people more susceptible to joining extremist groups," she told VOA. Daveed Gartenstein-Ross, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies based in Washington, said "if the LNA captures Derna and expels jihadists from the city, they will not be finished in Libya." "Jihadists already have a presence in the south of the country, among other areas," he added. 'Escalating humanitarian crisis' This week, both the United Nations and the human rights group Amnesty International sounded the alarm over the escalating humanitarian crisis in Derna. "From the people we have spoken to inside Derna, they have explained that the situation is quite dire," said Marwa Mohammed, Libya researcher with Amnesty International, in an interview with VOA. "They've had very, very limited supplies that had gotten in, and that includes foodstuffs, medical supplies, fuel, cooking gas," she said. Amnesty International had earlier in the week issued a statement on the fighting in Derna, in which the human rights watchdog said unnecessary hardships are being inflicted on ordinary men, women and children by the use of "blockade tactics." According to Mohammed, people are afraid to flee Derna "because we do know there are people who are being arbitrarily detained, based on their profile" of being male and from Derna. After that, she said they disappear. "What we are calling for is the protection of civilians, giving them free access to flee without been profiled," said Mohammed. 'Permissive environment' With the Libyan National Army getting set to declare victory in Derna, many observers are pondering whether Haftar is considering something other than his stated goal of freeing Derna from the clutches of terrorists. "It is difficult to identify one single reason behind the timing of the battle," said El Hage of USIP's Center for Middle East and Africa. "The underlying root causes that allow for radicalization in or outside of Derna, are not won by military victories, at least not for the long term," she said. Gartenstein-Ross of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, says the best-case scenario, from a humanitarian and strategic point of view, is for the fighting in Derna to end quickly. If it gets drawn out, he said jihadists will be able to regroup and build their networks. "Libya will remain a permissive environment until a political entity emerges with the will and capability to deny jihadists the ability to operate," he said. Lawmakers in Pope Francis' native Argentina have begun debate on a bill that will legalize elective abortions in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. Abortion is allowed in the Catholic-dominated Latin American nation only in cases of rape or if the life of the mother is in danger. Large crowds of demonstrators, expressing either support of, or opposition to, the measure gathered outside the legislative building in Buenos Aires Wednesday as the debate began. The Catholic Church has lobbied strongly against the bill, while supporters say it will prevent deaths of women who seek clandestine abortions. Conservative President Mauricio Macri is openly opposed to abortion, but says he will not veto the measure if it passes. A final vote is expected Thursday. The U.N. special envoy for Syria says work has begun on establishing a committee that will aim to produce a new constitution for Syria when it finally emerges from war. The issue of a Syrian national constitution is a major bone of contention among the relevant participants in this war-torn country. The United Nations wants the government, the opposition, and members of civil society to draft a new document. The opposition agrees with this position, but President Bashar Assads government will only consent to amendments to the current constitution. The U.N. envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, reports a little progress on this issue. He says the Syrian government has sent him a list of 50 names it has chosen for the committee and the opposition is preparing a list of its own. As we proceed methodically and carefully in the task of facilitating the establishment of a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led constitutional committee, we recall that this is a key building block of a revitalized political process, de Mistura said. ... I do not expect, let us be frank, a major breakthrough. OK? But, I am confident that progress is possible. De Mistura has invited senior Iranian, Russian and Turkish officials to Geneva for consultations early next week on how to move ahead in the establishment of a constitutional committee. He says he also has invited a so-called small group of countries that include France, Germany, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, the United Kingdom and United States to come to Geneva the week after to hear their views on this issue. He says the United States has confirmed its attendance for June 25 and hopes to hold the meeting on that date. The Syrian civil war, now in its eighth year, has displaced more than 11 million people. Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili says he has decided to resign after a dispute with the leader of the Georgian Dream party, billionaire Bidzina Ivanishvili, the richest man in the country. Weve had some disagreements with the leader of the ruling party, Kvirikashvili said in a televised statement Wednesday. I think there is a moment now when the leader of the (ruling) party should be given an opportunity to staff a new Cabinet. According to Georgias constitution, the Cabinet is required to resign along with the prime minister. Kvirikashvili said the squabble was over economic issues. Ivanishvili stepped down as prime minister in 2013 after just a year in office, but since then he has been widely believed to be the man in charge in Georgia. He made a political comeback in May, assuming chairmanship of the Georgian Dream party. Experts say Kvirikashvilis resignation is not a surprise. There has been friction between the now former Prime Minister and Ivanishvili for some time, sad Paul Stronski, a senior Russia and Eurasia Program fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, told VOAs Georgian Service. And, the wave of protests in Tbilisi over the past months indicates there is a large segment of the population that is unhappy with the status quo. Kvirikashvili is a decent man who did his best to move Georgia forward, David Kramer, a professor at the Florida State University, told VOA. But he was burdened with constantly having to look over his shoulder to get approval from Ivanishvili. That kind of situation is not very sustainable. Former U.S. Ambassador to Georgia Kenneth Yalowitz said hes concerned that the government seems to be directed from outside. Mr. Ivaniashvili, I am sure, has good intentions and good ideas, but he is not a prime minister and he is not above the process. And yet that seems to be whats happening here, Yalowitz told VOA. Ani Chkhikvadze of VOA's Georgian service contributed to this report. Karni Sena state president also added that she should have remembered the Deepika Padukone incident during the 'Padmaavat controversy' In a media briefing on Monday, Rajasthan Education Minister Kiran Maheshwari said that as the assembly elections were drawing nearer, the rats were coming out of their holes. (Photo: Facebook) Jaipur: Rajasthan Education Minister Kiran Maheshwari joined the long list of people who have been threatened by the Karni Sena. The Shree Rajput Karni Sena threatened to chop off Maheshwari's ears and nose for her comment on the Rajput community. According to the Karni Sena, Maheshwari equated the Rajputs with 'rats'. However, she claims that her statement was taken out of context and twisted. In a media briefing on Monday, Maheshwari said that as the assembly elections were drawing nearer, the rats were coming out of their holes. This infuriated the Karni Sena. At a press conference on Tuesday, Karni Sena state president Mahipal Singh Makrana warned the minister of dire consequences and demanded an apology. He said that "If the minister thinks that Rajputs are 'rats', it will not be good for her nose and ears." He also added that she should have remembered the Deepika Padukone incident during the "Padmaavat controversy" before making such a remark. A video of Makrana making the statement soon went viral on social media. However, the cabinet minister denied using any offensive language against the Rajputs. Congress' Rajasthan chief Sachin Pilot also condemned the incident and said Maheshwari should apologise to the entire Rajput community, reports say. The Greek parliament began debating a no-confidence motion in the government on Thursday, with opposition lawmakers furious over Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras's deal aimed at solving a decades-old dispute with neighboring Macedonia over its name. Tsipras and Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev reached a landmark agreement on Tuesday to call the ex-Yugoslav republic the "Republic of North Macedonia," settling nearly three decades of wrangling over its name and removing an obstacle to Skopje's bid to join the European Union and NATO. But in a reflection of the depth of feeling over the issue, both Zaev and Tsipras were accused in their home countries of "national capitulation." The issue has triggered mass protests both in Skopje and Athens in previous months. The Macedonian president has said he would try to block the deal, and in Greece, the opposition initiated a censure motion against the government, a first since Tsipras came to power in 2015. The debate in parliament is expected to wrap up on Saturday. Tsipras' governing left-right coalition has 154 seats in the 300-member parliament, so the government is unlikely to fall, but if parliament were to back the no-confidence motion Tsipras would have to hand over his mandate to the country's president. Tsipras is already trailing in opinion polls, hurt by the economic reforms introduced as a condition for a third multibillion-euro bailout for Greece in 2015. The no-confidence motion, submitted by the opposition New Democracy, said the accord was the final blow for Greeks who have suffered years of austerity. "This is a damaging agreement to our national interests," the motion said. "It is a major national concession which cannot be tolerated." Tsipras' coalition ally, the Independent Greeks, have said publicly they would not support the accord reached with Skopje but would not topple the government, either. Protests were scheduled outside parliament on Saturday night, although demonstrations in central Athens were also expected on Friday. North Macedonia Under the deal, Macedonia would become formally known as "the Republic of North Macedonia." It is currently known officially at the United Nations as the "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia." The deal still requires ratification by both national parliaments and by a referendum in Skopje. "I am compelled, it is my duty, to exhaust every possibility offered in the constitution to avert this development," New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis said. In another debate earlier, Tsipras shrugged off the no-confidence motion, saying it gave him an opportunity to expose the seesaw tactics of New Democracy, whom he blamed for a series of blunders on the issue when it was in government. "What goes around, comes around," Tsipras said. Athens has long objected to its northern neighbor's use of the name "Macedonia," saying it implies territorial claims on a northern Greek province of the same name and amounts to the appropriation of Greece's ancient cultural heritage. In Macedonia, Zaev's government adopted the agreement, government spokesman Mile Boshnjakovski told reporters after the session. However, Macedonia's leading opposition party, the rightist VMRO-DPMNE, called on those who reject it to protest on Sunday. Zaev does not hold the two-thirds majority in parliament needed to push the measure through automatically. And while the government holds the executive power, President Gjorge Ivanov said on Wednesday he would not sign the deal, contending it violated the constitution. The Haitian government has permanently banned Oxfam Great Britain from operating in the country after revelations of sexual misconduct by some of the charitys staff members in the aftermath of the devastating 2010 earthquake. The government released a statement Wednesday announcing it was canceling the international charitys status as a non-governmental organization, or NGO, for violating Haitian law and the principle of human dignity. Haiti suspended Oxfam Great Britain in February after a report by the charity on the behavior of aid workers sent to Haiti revealed seven of them were accused of using prostitutes at an Oxfam-funded home and three of them physically threatened a witness in the investigation. Four staff members were fired for gross misconduct, and Oxfams director for Haiti, Roland Van Hauwermeiren, and two others were allowed to resign. The allegations of sexual misconduct rattled the aid sector, prompting Britain and the European Union to review funding for Oxfam, one of the worlds largest disaster relief charities. A Hungarian court sentenced four members of a people-smuggling operation to 25 years in prison Thursday for the deaths of 71 migrants who suffocated inside a truck in 2015. The four were convicted of murder in a court ruling in the town of Kecskemet. In August 2015, authorities found the bodies of 59 men, eight women and four children in the truck abandoned alongside an Austrian motorway. The victims came from Afghanistan, Iraq and Syria. They were among the hundreds of thousands of other migrants who were trying to reach Germany during the height of Europe's worst migrant crisis since World War II. When Colombia-born Catalina Cruz stepped toward the podium in Jackson Heights, Queens, officially launching her campaign for New York State Legislature, a few dozen supporters stood nearby with fluorescent blue, green and red signs #VoteCatalina, #ElectADreamer. Like other first-generation American candidates for local, state and nationwide office, Cruz had overcome a series of obstacles to get to that morning in June. Many can relate in her diverse community including her opponent, a daughter of Dominican immigrants. We have many people who understand the struggle of the immigrant, who understand that we do not come here to steal opportunities or take advantage of the system, but to work, to fight, Cruz told VOA. My mom had to take any job handing out leaflets, making empanadas (meat pies), selling food, babysitting, she said of her childhood era, a near 13-year-span during which she and her family lived under the radar, undocumented. WATCH THE VIDEO: Years later, after Cruz completed college, married her high school beau (a U.S. citizen), gained citizenship, and attended law school, she set out to defy the odds again by entering American politics an arena that has never reflected the diversity of the general population, particularly outside progressive urban centers. But 2018 may be a tipping point; immigrants are running everywhere, says Sayu Bhojwani, founder and president of New American Leaders (NAL), a national non-partisan organization which prepares first and second-generation Americans for political office. Youre seeing people run [for office] wherever they are, without the burden of, Oh, well, Im not in a district that necessarily quote-unquote looks like me, Bhojwani said in an interview with VOA. Barriers On the one hand, Bhojwani predicts immigrant candidates will face subtle and not-so-subtle references to (their) backgrounds and affiliations, like Abdul El-Sayed, who is hoping to become the countrys first Muslim governor in Michigan, and has faced the kind of anti-immigrant rhetoric that is pervasive nationwide. Yet, despite increasing partisan polarization, Bhojwani says immigrant candidates are beginning to claim their space across a range of offices and not just in progressive bubbles like Queens. Ahead of the 2018 elections in November, NAL has tracked at least 100 foreign-born candidates running for U.S. Congress, where a smaller share of immigrants currently holds seats than during either of the countrys 19th and early 20th century waves of European immigration. And immigrant candidates have been quietly making headway in both local and state elections, where fewer than two percent of 500,000 seats were held in 2015 by either Asian-Americans or Latinos the two most populous groups of first and second-generation Americans according to a report by NAL. Positions like school board and local city council member are often stepping stones to higher office for women, candidates of color and immigrant candidates, says Paru Shah, professor of political science at the University of WisconsinMilwaukee, whose research examines the characteristics of first and second-generation Americans running for political office. Would-be candidates all face the difficulties of financing a campaign and finding the time to run. But additionally, immigrant candidates often have their own psychological barriers, according to Shaw. Historically its a little bit of a chicken and egg situation, where people dont see themselves in those positions, Shah told VOA by phone, a situation of thats not for me. Changing the equation According to a report by Shah and UCLA PhD candidate Tyler Reny, published in Social Science Quarterly (SSQ), race or foreignness was the most frequently cited barrier among immigrant leader respondents. I will have to overcome those who challenge how American I am because I was not born here, read one recorded statement from the SSQ report. I imagine that my ability to lead and my loyalty to the nation would be questioned by the electorate, read another. According to Pew Research Center, the share of Asian-American and Hispanic Americans who think of themselves as typical Americans approximately doubles from the first-generation (Americans born outside the U.S. or U.S. territories) to 61 percent among the second (US-born with at least one immigrant parent). For support, Asian-American and Latino candidates for state legislature often rely more heavily on labor unions and community-based groups than their white counterparts, according to NAL data. In return, the groups benefit from better representation. There is a lot that you can do to create an environment that is supportive and welcoming, Bhojwani said. People are stepping up and saying, Look, I can represent my community and ensure that our schools feel safe and that our cities are welcoming. We are not going to forget how we have lived up this point, said candidate Catalina Cruz. Many people might think, 'Oh, she managed to get her papers and forgot. No, this is something you carry with you in your heart and in your blood. Laura Sepulveda, of VOA's Spanish Service, contributed to this report. An Indian chess champion announced she will not be participating in a tournament in Iran, as the country's law requiring women to wear headscarves is a violation of her human rights, she said. Soumya Swaminathan, a 29-year-old grandmaster, wrote on Facebook, "It seems that under the present circumstances, the only way for me to protect my rights is not to go to Iran." Swaminathan was scheduled to be part of the Indian team in the Asian Team Chess Competition, taking place in Hamadan, Iran, from July 26 to Aug. 4. Iran and Saudi Arabia are two countries that by law require women to wear headscarves in public, although the practice is common in fellow Muslim-majority nations. In February, Iranian police arrested 29 people following a series of protests in which women removed their headscarves in public. Swaminathan is not the only female grandmaster to find herself in opposition to Iran's laws. In October, Iranian national Dorsa Derakhshani was barred from playing in the country, or for the national team, after she played in a tournament in Gibraltar earlier that year without donning the headscarf. Derakhshani later moved to the United States and joined the U.S. national team. "It feels good and ... peaceful to play for a federation where I am welcomed and supported," Derakhshani said. The United States has expressed "deep concern" about Iran's re-arrest of prominent Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh, who was detained Wednesday by security agents at her Tehran home. U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert issued a statement Thursday, calling on Iranian authorities to immediately release Sotoudeh and hundreds of other people who she said are "currently imprisoned simply for expressing their views and desires for a better life." In a Wednesday phone interview with VOA Persian, Sotoudeh's husband, Reza Khandan, said she telephoned him about her arrest because he was not at home at the time. Khandan said Sotoudeh told him the agents were sending her to Tehran's Evin prison to serve a five-year sentence for a conviction handed down in absentia five years ago. He said neither he nor Sotoudeh were given further details of the case. "If she was sentenced in absentia, why didn't she get a letter or notification saying 'you received this sentence, come and present yourself'?" Khandan asked. He also said the agents who arrested his wife tricked their neighbors into opening the main entrance of their apartment building. "They rang the doorbell of other apartments claiming they were participating in a betrothal ceremony," Khandan said. "Unfortunately, the neighbors thought that this was something real and opened the entrance to the apartment building, enabling the agents to gain access to our apartment." Khandan said Sotoudeh told him that the agents did not search or take anything from their home. But he said it was no longer unusual for Iranian authorities to arbitrarily detain his 55-year-old wife. Sotoudeh's husband broke the news of her latest arrest in a Wednesday Facebook post. His account of how the Iranian agents detained her could not be independently verified. The London-based rights group Amnesty International called Sotoudeh's arrest an "outrageous attack on a brave and prolific human rights defender." In a Wednesday statement, it said Iranian authorities should release her immediately and unconditionally. The U.S.-based Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) also called for Sotoudeh's immediate release and demanded a stop to what it called the Iranian judiciary's "cowardly and unlawful actions of jailing and harassing human rights lawyers." There was no immediate comment from the Iranian government in state-run media on Sotoudeh's arrest. Sotoudeh was previously arrested in 2010 and sentenced to six years in prison on charges of hurting national security. Authorities freed her in 2013 after she staged a hunger strike to protest her detention. Recently, Sotoudeh had defended Iranian women arrested for removing their compulsory hijabs or headscarves during public protests against the Iranian government. In an interview with CHRI last week, she also criticized the Iranian judiciary, days after it ruled that only 20 government-vetted lawyers can defend clients accused of national security offenses. The list did not include Sotoudeh or any other known human rights defenders. She told CHRI that several human rights lawyers were ready to stage a sit-in to protest the move, which she said violates Iranians' constitutional right to pick their own lawyer. Nauert said Washington applauds what she called Sotoudeh's "bravery and her fight for the long-suffering victims of the regime." A senior Israeli diplomat has welcomed Tuesdays U.S.-North Korean agreement to denuclearize the Korean Peninsula, saying it puts more pressure on Israeli foe Iran to drop its own nuclear ambitions. Speaking to VOA Persian at a pro-Israel event in Washington on Tuesday, Israels deputy chief of mission in Washington, Reuven Azar, said the U.S.-North Korean summit that led to the agreement is great news. Azar said North Koreas commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, which followed the U.S. imposing its toughest-ever sanctions on Pyongyang, sends a key signal to Iran. WATCH: Senior Israeli diplomat Reuven Azar speaks to VOA Persian's Michael Lipin It is very clear that this U.S. administration is not going to allow rogue regimes to acquire nuclear weapons, Azar said. I think (the summit) is a great sign to the Iranian people as well (because it) entails great hope for them in future, if the regime decides to renounce that dangerous (nuclear) program. Israel and its main Western ally, the United States, accuse Iran of seeking to become nuclear-armed, a prospect that Israel sees as an existential threat because of repeated calls by Irans Islamist rulers for the destruction of the Jewish state. Iran says its nuclear activities are solely peaceful. Azar was speaking as about 400 pro-Israel activists gathered at Washingtons Grand Hyatt hotel on for an annual fundraising dinner for the Endowment for Middle East Truth, or EMET. The conservative-leaning advocacy group calls itself unabashedly pro-American, pro-Israel and seeks to educate policymakers and other Americans about Israels role as a U.S. ally in fighting radical Islam. The event drew at least six U.S. lawmakers, including five Republicans and one Democrat Congressman Josh Gottheimer, one of the few Democratic lawmakers who backed President Trumps withdrawal from 2015 Iran nuclear deal last month. One of the Republicans in attendance, Congressman Ron DeSantis, told VOA Persian that President Trump should do more in the coming months than just re-impose Iran sanctions that the previous Obama administration lifted under the deal. I do want the snap-back sanctions, but I think we need more sanctions, DeSantis said. You need to choke off the money to the Iranian regime, and the more problems they have with the cash flow, the more Irans Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps hemorrhages funds. You also (need to) work to open social networks within Iran, so that people who are dissatisfied with the regime can communicate with one another. Then you are creating circumstances in which Iranians can choose a different course. Also speaking to VOA Persian at the event, Republican Senator Tim Scott said President Trump should focus on building support for sanctions among U.S. allies who have been reluctant to follow them. Its a fairly complicated situation as it relates to the global response (to U.S. sanctions), Scott said. What we have done is the most appropriate response for us. The president will continue to have positive conversations that I think will hopefully lead us in the direction of having a concerted effort (with our allies on sanctions). So Im hopeful as it relates to what will be the final outcome. WATCH: Iran analyst Behnam Ben Taleblu speaks to VOA Persian's Farhad Pouladi about how the U.S.-North Korean summit will impact North Korean cooperation with Iran In a separate VOA Persian interview on Wednesday, Iran analyst Behnam Ben Taleblu of Washingtons Foundation for Defense of Democracies said President Trump also needs more North Korean concessions before he could achieve the goal of preventing Iran from developing nuclear weapons. If President Trump wants a real deal with Iran, he cannot just get a promissory note or a promissory agreement with the Kim (Jong Un) regime (of North Korea). He has to get something substantive, and unless he gets something substantive, he will likely not have the leverage to engage in coercive diplomacy with Iran. At the EMET event, many participants showed support for stronger global economic sanctions on Iran, seeing that as the best way to peacefully resolve the Iranian nuclear dispute. We are giving our best shot because we want diplomacy to win in order to avoid war and confrontation in the future, Azar said. So we have to use economic pressure. We hope that that works. Farhad Pouladi and Kaveh Jamshidi of VOAs Persian Service contributed to this report. New York state sued Thursday to dissolve President Donald Trump's family charitable foundation, claiming he engaged in "persistent illegal conduct" for more than a decade to benefit his personal, business and political interests. The lawsuit, brought by Democratic state Attorney General Barbara Underwood, accused the Trump foundation of "extensive unlawful political coordination with the Trump presidential campaign ... and violations of basic legal obligations for nonprofit foundations." It claimed Trump, a real estate magnate-turned-Republican-politician, used the foundation's charity funds to pay his legal bills and promote his Trump-branded hotels, and for personal spending. The suit names the president and three of his adult children, Donald Trump Jr., Eric Trump and Ivanka Trump, who were on the foundation's board, as defendants. Underwood said the foundation "was little more than a checkbook for payments from Mr. Trump or his businesses to nonprofits, regardless of their purpose or legality." She is seeking $2.8 million in restitution. "This is not how private foundations should function, and my office intends to hold the foundation and its directors accountable for its misuse of charitable assets," she said in a statement. Trump, in a pair of Twitter comments on his 72nd birthday, quickly called the lawsuit "ridiculous." "I won't settle this case!" he said. "The sleazy New York Democrats, and their now disgraced (and run out of town) A.G. Eric Schneiderman, are doing everything they can to sue me on a foundation that took in $18,800,000 and gave out to charity more money than it took in, $19,200,000," Trump said, referring to Schneiderman's resignation last month after allegations surfaced that he had abused women he dated. Trump contended that Schneiderman, who supported Trump's 2016 presidential challenger, Democrat Hillary Clinton, "never had the guts to bring this ridiculous case, which lingered in their office for almost 2 years. Now he resigned his office in disgrace, and his disciples brought it when we would not settle." Pakistans Election Commission (ECP) on Wednesday again rejected the registration application of Milli Muslim League (MML), a U.S.-designated terrorist political party. Citing its alleged terror ties, the national electoral body said MML cannot participate in the countrys general elections scheduled for July 25. The electoral entity denied MMLs right to register in October 2017. At that time, Pakistans Ministry of Interior Affairs had written to ECP that MML was a cover for Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), a U.S.-designated terror-sponsoring organization in Pakistan, and therefore the group should not be allowed into the national political system. The government is vigilant and under no circumstances will allow any political party with a proven record of promoting violence and terrorism to spread their extremist ideology through democracy and political means, Tallal Chaudhry, Pakistans then-minister of state for interior affairs, told VOA. Dissatisfied with ECPs verdict, MML took the matter to court and maintained the refusal was illegal and unconstitutional. Earlier in March, the Islamabad High Court ordered ECP to revisit the matter and to allow MML to be registered as a political entity in Pakistan. Terrorist political party The U.S. State Department in April imposed sanctions on MML and declared the party and its leadership terrorists. The U.S. added that the MML and Tehreek-e-Azadi-e-Kashmir were aliases for Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT), a U.S.-designated terror group. The United States categorically declared seven MML leaders as terrorists. Both of these parties were established last year and are tied to Hafiz Saeed, the Islamist cleric who founded Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) in the 1980s. Saeed is the alleged mastermind of the 2008 attack in Mumbai that killed more than 160 people, including six Americans. He was added to the U.N. Security Council Resolution 1267 sanctions list in December 2008. The U.S. designated him a global terrorist in 2012 and has offered a bounty of $10 million for information that would lead to his arrest. LeTs front organizations For years, Saeed has been trying to avoid sanctions and increasing international pressure on LeT by creating cover organizations with the same motives. Saeed renamed LeT to Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) and founded another charity organization Falah-e-Insaniat Foundation (FIF). Both JuD and FIF are placed on U.S. and U.N. terror watch lists. He founded Lashkar-e-Taiba to liberate Indian-administered Kashmir and to subsequently merge it with Pakistan. Over the years, the group expanded its operations into neighboring Afghanistan. Pakistan has been under increasing pressure for its inability to prosecute Saeed and sanction JuD and its subsidiary Falah-i-Insaaniyat Foundation (FIF), which operate freely in the country, despite being placed on the U.N.s terror watch list. In a press briefing in February, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert criticized Pakistan for its inaction against Saeed. How many times have we talked about the person who Pakistan let out of house arrest, who was responsible for the Mumbai attacks back in 2008 that killed so many people, including Americans, too? she asked. Pakistan, on the other hand, maintains there is insufficient evidence to connect Saeed to the Mumbai attacks and that he has been acquitted by the courts after due process. Milli Muslim League MML was established in August 2017 as a political wing for JuD, with an aim to enter Pakistans political arena. MML-backed candidates participated in the countrys by-elections last year. The partys supported candidate in an important by-election in Lahore in September 2017 finished fourth in the race. At that time, Pakistans Senate strongly criticized ECP for allowing MML-backed supporters to participate in the by-elections. In a recent meeting between Pakistans election commission and representatives of the major political parties to formulate measures for the upcoming general elections, the parties strongly urged the electoral body to bar militant-turned-political parties from participating in the election. The Election Commission works according to the law and constitution of the country, commission spokesperson Altaf Ahmad had told VOA. One example is the Milli Muslim League, a party with alleged ties to a banned militant group, was not allowed to be registered once the government and intelligence agencies lodged their concerns about MML to ECP, Ahmad said. Vice President Mike Pence announced Thursday he will visit Brazil, Ecuador and Guatemala during the last week of June. He will start the tour June 26 in Brasilia, where he will meet Brazilian president Michel Temer. The following day Pence will be in Manaus, capital of the Brazilian northern state that borders Venezuela. The vice president has said he intends to bring attention during his trip to the deepening humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. Pence will meet Ecuadorean President Lenin Moreno in Quito on June 27 and will finish the trip the following day in Guatemala. Pence added Guatemala to his third trip to Latin America in less than a year. The trip comes after the recent volcanic eruption that killed at least 110 people and left another 200 missing. Pence said the U.S. is helping transport burn victims for treatment and sending emergency aid at the request of President Jimmy Morales' government. We will continue to support the people of Guatemala as they recover and rebuild because thats what good neighbors do, Pence said at the National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast. The verdict could have a bearing on the stability of the TN govt led by CM Edappadi K Palanisamy, who had assumed office in February 2017. If the court quashes the disqualification, it would be a setback for the Palanisamy government, which could fall. (Photo: File/ANI) Chennai: All eyes are set on the Madras High Court today as it is expected to deliver its verdict on petitions challenging the disqualification of 18 AIADMK MLAs who had switched loyalty to sidelined party leader TTV Dhinakaran. The verdict could have a bearing on the stability of the Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisamy, who had assumed office in February 2017 with the backing of Dhinakaran but later turned against him. Speaker P Dhanapal on September 18, 2017, disqualified the 18 AIADMK MLAs on the grounds of Anti-Defection Act and a gazette notification was issued declaring vacancies to their seats. The first bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M Sundar, which had on January 23 reserved its orders on the petitions by the 18 MLAs challenging their disqualification by the assembly speaker under the anti-defection law, is likely to give the judgement this afternoon, news agency PTI said quoting court sources. If the court quashes the disqualification, it would be a setback for the Palanisamy government, which could fall. However, the ruling AIADMK is confident that its government would not face any immediate threat to its survival. They point out that in the event of a confidence vote, the 18 MLAs would be bound by the Whip and cannot afford to vote against the government. If the disqualification is upheld by the court then there would be no immediate threat to the government as the effective strength of the house would come down to 215. However, it would clear the way for bypolls to 18 seats, which could be an acid test for the AIADMK. In case of a split verdict, the matter will be referred to a larger bench, which again would have no immediate consequences for the government. Besides, the option of filing an appeal is also open to both the sides. Opposition DMK has been claiming that with the disqualification of the MLAs, the Palanisamy government had been reduced to a minority. The ruling AIADMK has a strength of 116 MLAs excluding the Speaker but including S Karunaas (Mukkulathor Pulipadai), M Thamimun Ansari (Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi) and U Thaniyarasu (Tamil Nadu Kongu Ilaignar Peravai), who had won on the ruling party's two leaves symbol in 2016 polls. While 18 MLAs owing allegiance to Dhinakaran were disqualified, the DMK has 89 MLAs, its allies Congress 8 and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) one in the 234 member strong House. Dhinakaran got elected from RK Nagar in 2017 and he is the lone independent member of the House. A court ruling adverse to the government would intensify the power struggle between the Dhinakaran, now chief of Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, and the ruling party led by top leaders O Panneerselvam. Dhinakaran, the nephew of deposed party leader V K Sasikala, had been claiming that the Palanisamy government would not last long. The MLAs were disqualified after they had called on Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit expressing lack of confidence in the leadership of Palanisamy and seeking a change of guard. The MLAs had met the governor on August 22, 2017, a day after then rival factions led by Palanisamy and his now deputy Panneerselvam merged their factions after deposing Dhinaknaran as the deputy general secretary. (With inputs from PTI) U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Thursday pushed back against a North Korean state media report that U.S. President Donald Trump agreed during this weeks Singapore summit with Kim Jong Un to gradually lift sanctions against Pyongyang, saying Trump had been very clear about the sequence of steps in the process. The official Korean Central News Agency (KCNA) said Trump offered to lift sanctions against it as relations improve, indicating a phased-in approach where concessions would be provided at various stages of the denuclearization process. Speaking at a news conference in Seoul alongside South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-hwa and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono, the U.S. secretary of state said the Trump administration would not repeat the mistakes made by past presidents that rewarded Pyongyang for denuclearization promises. When we refer to the mistakes of the past. They were providing economic and financial aid relief before the complete denuclearization had taken place. That is not going to happen. President Trump made that clear, Pompeo said. Singapore declaration President Trump described his meeting with Kim as a resounding success and in a tweet said, There is no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea. But the U.S.-North Korea joint declaration was vague on details, providing no clear definition on what constitutes denuclearization, set no timeline for the dismantlement process, and said nothing about outside verification requirements. Pompeo, however, pointed out that in the Singapore statement both countries reaffirmed the inter-Korean Panmunjom declaration from April, in which both South and North Korea agreed to uphold all past agreements that did specify detailed nuclear prohibitions and verification requirements. The secretary of state and his counterparts in Seoul and Tokyo said they are united in support of the U.S.-North Korea agreement, and in agreement on the goal of complete, irreversible, verifiable dismantlement of North Koreas nuclear program. Military drills After the summit, President Trump surprised allies in the region by calling the joint military exercises with South Korea provocative and saying they will no longer be held, as long as North Korea continues to make progress toward denuclearization. South Korean Foreign Minister Kang said the issue of these military drills was not discussed in detail at the U.S.-South Korea-Japan trilateral meeting, but she reaffirmed that the U.S.-South Korean military alliance remains strong, and they will continue to closely consult on all joint security decisions. The joint military drills between the U.S. and South Korea are a matter based on the alliance between the two countries, and are an issue to be decided between the military authorities after consultations. Regarding the alliance, we are dealing with all the issues under the premise that we maintain the ironclad joint defense posture. We have not spoken in depth about this topic between the three foreign ministers today, Kang said. U.S. officials said it was unclear what type of training involving U.S. and South Korean troops might now be stopped because of Trumps order to end the war games, but the massive annual exercises that bring in nuclear-capable ships and warplanes from Guam and other U.S. bases in the region will likely end. Overall the South Korean foreign minister voiced strong support for the Trump-Kim declaration agreement, calling it a historic turning point toward peace that will bolster political momentum toward action. Japan reservations Japanese Foreign Minister Kono was more cautious in his praise. He also welcomed the diplomatic progress made at the summit, but sought clarification at the trilateral meeting that North Koreas short-range ballistic missile arsenal that could target the mainland of Japan and its chemical weapons capability would also eliminated as part of the denuclearization deal. And he sought reassurance that the U.S. military presence in Japan would not be reduced, after Trump indicated that he would like to withdraw all or some of the more than 28,000 troops in South Korea at some point, as both a cost saving measure, and to reduce a perceived overextended U.S. military presence overseas. We also understand that the United States maintains its commitment to defend allies and the Japan-U.S. security commitment and U.S. forces in Japan posture remain unchanged, Kono said. A number of analysts caution that the U.S.-North Korea denuclearization agreement has not produced any reduction in the North Korea nuclear or missile threat, and they remain skeptical that the Kim government will agree to dismantle its entire nuclear and missile weapons programs that has long been seen as vital to it survival. Lee Yoon-jee in Seoul contributed to this report. Watching men in exaggerated makeup parade down a busy Washington street in high heels and big-hair wigs, Thuien Nguyen commented that this was not likely to happen in his native Vietnam. Nguyen, who moved to the United States as a child, said LGBTQ+ persons lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer and others whose lifestyles do not fall in the heterosexual mainstream do not enjoy the cultural acceptance in Vietnam that they do in parts of the U.S. "I know the LGBTQ community in Vietnam is frowned upon," Nguyen said. "It's very viewed as taboo. A lot of countries are becoming progressive [in Asia], but a lot of them are very discriminatory." In many U.S. capitals, including Des Moines, Olympia and Albany, LGBTQ+ events are being held throughout June to raise awareness about sexuality and gender. It's "about celebrating being who you are and being open and honest and feeling appreciated and feeling loved," said Ryan Bos, executive director of Washington's Capital Pride events. Some LGBTQ+ people may not follow their birth gender or mainstream sexuality. Some, like drag queens, may dress or behave as a gender or lifestyle that is out of the mainstream. Drag queens are typically men who dress in women's clothes and perform onstage. Famous American drag queen RuPaul explained why to The Guardian. "We are wearing clothes that are hyper-feminine, that represent our culture's synthetic idea of femininity," she said. In the U.S., alternative lifestyles are often celebrated but not always tolerated. Last year, 52 individuals identifying as LGBTQ+ members in the U.S. were slain in hate crimes, according to a report by the National Coalition of Anti-Violence Programs in New York. This was an 86 percent increase from 2016. Sixty-seven percent of those crimes were committed on LGBTQ+ people who were 35 or younger. Almost half of the cases involved people meeting each other online or through personal ads. In many parts of the world, homosexuality is acceptable. But in others, it is feared, disparaged and sometimes punishable by death. Same-sex activity is illegal in 23 Asian countries, according to a 2016 index by the International Lesbian, Gay, Bisexual, Trans and Intersex Association (ILGA) in Geneva, including Singapore, India and Malaysia. While Vietnam does not criminalize same-sex sexual activity, it is not culturally embraced, according to the Institute for Studies of Society, Economy and Environment (iSee) in Hanoi. Pride parades have been held in recent years, but many people who identify as gay, lesbian or transgender say they've faced discrimination or punishment. Some LGBTQ+ children and teenagers have left home and taken to the streets, according to a 2014 study by iSee. Same-sex activity is illegal in 34 of 55 African nations, including Kenya, Gambia, Cameroon and Ghana, according to ILGA. In Angola, homosexuality is illegal, and parents have the legal right to physically punish their children. In Sudan, Somalia and Nigeria, same-sex relations may be punishable by death. "We will fight these vermins called homosexuals or gays the same way we are fighting malaria-causing mosquitoes, if not more aggressively," said former Gambian President Yahya Jammeh in a 2014 speech on state television to mark the 49th anniversary of Gambia's independence from Britain. Homosexuality is punishable by death in the Mideast nations of Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Yemen and Iran, and in the South Asian country of Afghanistan. In the Chechnya region of Russia, there has been a "purge" of gay men, according to the newspaper Novaya Gazeta. At least 100 men the government said were gay have been detained. One in three transgender youths has considered suicide, research published in the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry shows. This was nearly two times higher than the figure among youth who did not identify as transgender. Transgender youths were also more likely to engage in substance abuse. Transgender youths who used a name they chose to correspond with their gender identity rather than their birth name were significantly less likely to have suicidal thoughts, according to research published in the Journal of Adolescent Health. Pride organizers say statistics like those are the reason public displays of acceptance are necessary for society to manage its conflicts in lifestyles. "Income inequality is worsening, and many states still lack LGBTQ employment protections, making it increasingly important to highlight the contributions of queer workers," wrote Jessie DeStefano and Michael A. Fowler in the 2018 Boston Pride Guide. "Queer immigrants are facing increasingly outrageous attacks from the current administration. While we have won many battles, our continued Rainbow Resistance remains as imperative as ever." Pride events are widely attended in many parts of the world. The 2017 Worldpride festival held in Madrid attracted 2.3 million people. "It's amazing how people come and be united," Angola native Volkeria Zamgo said of the parade in Washington. Rights groups and unions in France are slamming the involvement of French companies in the building of a tramway in Jerusalem that has links to Israeli settlements even as the French government has long criticized the building of Israeli settlements and, more recently, the U.S. decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem. A new report endorsed by more than a half-dozen French rights groups and unions singles out three French companies involved in the West Jerusalem tramway construction. One, Alstom, is privately owned. But two others, Egis Rail and Systra, are mostly or completely state-owned. The groups say the tramway is a tool of Israeli colonization and annexation, and violates international law. Contradiction in foreign policy The reports author, Didier Fagart, of the activist group Association France Palestine Solidarite, says the firms involvement in the tramway project marks at the very least a contradiction in French foreign policy. On the one hand, Fagart notes, the French government has criticized Israeli settlement building, as well as the U.S. decision to move its embassy to Jerusalem. But when it comes to the construction companies, it doesnt follow that condemnation with action. Two of the companies declined to comment, while a third could not be reached. Two-state solution France has been a longtime supporter of a two-state solution in the Middle East, with Jerusalem as the capital of Israel and a future Palestinian state. Tensions in the region periodically spill over to France, which has Western Europes largest communities of both Jews and Muslims. Last week, President Emmanuel Macron again criticized the U.S. embassy move, saying it did not advance the cause of peace. Fagart said Frances government must put pressure on the companies to pull out of the Jerusalem tramway project. The Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen's exiled government captured a town south of the port city of Hodeida on Thursday as fierce fighting and airstrikes pounded the area on the second day of an offensive to capture the strategic harbor that is the main entry point for food in a country teetering on the brink of famine. A Saudi military spokesman said the forces were drawing closer to the Red Sea port in a campaign aimed at driving out Iranian-aligned Shiite rebels known as Houthis, who have held Hodeida since 2015, and breaking the civil war's long stalemate. International aid agencies and the United Nations have warned the assault could shut down the vital aid route for some 70 percent of Yemen's food, as well as the bulk of humanitarian aid and fuel supplies. Around two-thirds of Yemen's population of 27 million relies on aid and 8.4 million are already at risk of starving. The United Arab Emirates ambassador to U.N. agencies in Geneva maintained the coalition had no choice but to act. Should we leave the Houthis smuggling missiles? Ambassador Obaid Salem al-Zaabi told a news conference. This comes from this seaport. We already gave the United Nations the chance to operate from this seaport, and [the Houthis] refused. The ambassador's comments contradict the conclusions of a U.N. panel of experts that said it was unlikely the Houthis were using the port for smuggling arms. In its report in January, the panel cited the fact that ships coming into the port face random inspections, require U.N. approval and that no weapons have been seized since March 2017. The U.N. and Western nations have accused Iran of supplying the Houthis with weapons, from assault rifles to the ballistic missiles they have fired deep into Saudi Arabia, including at the capital, Riyadh. Over 150 ballistic missiles have been fired into the kingdom by the Houthis, according to Saudi officials. The Norwegian Refugee Council said in a statement the port remained open Thursday, citing information from the U.N. There were four vessels filled with food and fuel at berth and another five vessels anchored nearby, it said. People in the governorate have reported heavy airstrikes along coastal areas and roads in districts south of Hodeida, the council said. No direct attacks have been reported within Hodeida city itself, despite the overhead presence of fighter jets. Meanwhile, soldiers took the town of Nakhila in Yemen's ad-Durayhimi district, some 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Hodeida International Airport, according to Yemen's government-run SABA news agency. Fighters continued to move closer to the airport in fighting on Thursday. Col. Turki al-Malki, a Saudi military spokesman, said coalition forces were some six kilometers (three miles) from the airfield, in an interview with the Saudi-owned satellite news channel Al Arabiya. Meanwhile, Col. Aziz Rashed, the spokesman for an army unit allied with the Houthis, told a news conference in the capital, Sanaa, that the rebels foiled a naval attack by government forces backed by the Saudi-led coalition in waters off Hodeida. He said the rebels had countered hostile naval warships off the coasty of al-Olifika, to the south. The Saudi-led coalition launched the assault on Hodeida on Wednesday, raising warnings from aid agencies that Yemen's humanitarian disaster could deepen and that the offensive could set off prolonged street-by-street battles, inflicting heavy casualties. Any closure of the port, even for a few days, will have a dramatic impact on the humanitarian operations in the country, the U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, Lise Grande, told The Associated Press Thursday. There is no substitute for Hodeida. Everything depends on that port, she said. The Saudi-Emirati coalition's initial battle plan appears to involve a pincer movement. Some 2,000 troops who crossed the Red Sea from an Emirati naval base in the African nation of Eritrea were awaiting orders to move in from the west after Yemeni government forces seize Hodeida's port, Yemeni security officials said. Emirati forces with Yemeni government troops moved in from the south near Hodeida's airport, while others sought to cut off Houthi supply lines to the east, the officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity as they weren't authorized to brief journalists. Four Emirati soldiers were killed in Wednesday's assault, the United Arab Emirates' state-run news agency said, but gave no details of how they died. Al-Zaabi, the UAE ambassador in Geneva, said they died in the Hodeida campaign, without elaborating. Hodeida is some 150 kilometers (90 miles) southwest of Sanaa, Yemen's capital, which has been in Houthi hands since September 2014. The Saudi-led coalition entered the war in March 2015. The United Nations and other aid groups already had pulled their international staff from Hodeida ahead of the assault. In a press statement on Thursday after an emergency closed-door meeting, the U.N. Security Council again called for Hodeida and the port of Saleef to be kept open and reiterated support for a political solution to the three-year conflict. More than 10,000 people have been killed in Yemen's civil war, which has displaced 2 million others and helped spawn a cholera epidemic. Saudi-led airstrikes have killed large numbers of civilians and damaged vital infrastructure. The coalition has blocked most ports, letting supplies into Hodeida in coordination with the U.N. The air campaign and fighting have disrupted other supply lines, causing an economic crisis that makes food too expensive for many to afford. Two people were stabbed to death at a mosque in South Africa Thursday, and several others wounded before the attacker was shot and killed by police. The attack took place in the town of Malmesbury near the city of Cape Town. Police say the attacker, believed to be in his thirties, was still on the scene and still armed when they arrived. He ignored calls to surrender, and was shot dead after he tried to attack police. No motive has been given for the attack. Thursday's incident happened a month after one person was killed and two others injured in a similar attack on a mosque in Verulam, outside the eastern city of Durban. No arrests have been made in the case. A U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) spokesperson confirmed Wednesday that officials are expected to tour vacant military properties to shelter unaccompanied migrant children in tents at some point in the future. In an email to VOA, the official from the Administration for Children and Families at HHS said Fort Bliss near El Paso, Texas; Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene,Texas; and Goodfellow Air Force Base in San Angelo, Texas, are being evaluated to build tent cities at military posts. U.S. Department of Defense (DOD) staff is expected to join HHS officials and will make the determination if any of the three sites assessed are suitable and selected for unaccompanied alien children program operations. The official said HHS will continue to keep local and congressional officials informed during this assessment and selection process. According to McClatchy, which first reported the story, the tent city at Fort Bliss alone is expected to hold between 1,000 and 5,000 children each. HHS told VOA that it currently has 11,200 children in its care which is putting a strain on its 100 shelters. How many of those children were separated from their parents at the border is unclear. Some possibly came as unaccompanied minors. A government official, who agreed to speak with Reuters only on the condition of anonymity, said he could not provide up-to-date statistics, on family separations but acknowledged the number has risen sharply in recent weeks, largely because of new administration policies. Immigration advocates say children are currently being separated from their parents as they come into the country at the U.S. Mexico border. Children belong with their families or in their communities, not in tents under extreme heat, without water or proper ventilation. Trump is fueling the humanitarian crisis that his own administration has exacerbated by intentionally separating children from their parents and falsely labeling them as unaccompanied minors to justify keeping them behind bars, said Jess Morales Rocketto, Political Director for the National Domestic Workers Alliance and Chair of the We Belong Together campaign. Separation policy In May, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a zero-tolerance policy, which means that those detained entering the United States illegally would be criminally charged. This approach generally leads to children being separated from their parents. If you cross the border unlawfully, even a first offense, were going to prosecute you. If you dont want your child to be separated, then dont bring them across the border illegally. Sessions told a gathering of the Association of State Criminal Investigative Agencies. The cost to detain unaccompanied children at shelters is about $250 per day and it might be higher for younger children (under the age of five), according to a 2015 GAO Report. Ashley Feasley, director of policy at the United States Conference of Catholic Bishops, said families apprehended by U.S. Customs and Border Patrol are now referred for prosecution and taken into custody for criminal prosecution with the cost of detaining the adults at a cost of $85 per day. Adding to the cost, Feasley said, is that children now have separate immigration cases. Yes, separate cases from their parents and sometimes separate from their siblings, depends on circumstances, she said. Gangs? The HHS official told VOA the Office of Refugee Resettlement is responsible and required to care for minors who are in the country illegally without a parent or guardian and is routinely evaluating the needs and capacity of an existing network of approximately 100 shelters in 14 states. The official stood behind the Trump administration decisions on border security and said the lack of parental protection, and the hazardous journey they take, make unaccompanied alien children vulnerable to human trafficking, exploitation and abuse. In some cases many violent gangs, including MS-13, are exploiting loopholes in U.S. laws to bring gang members into the United States or recruit unaccompanied alien children once placed with a sponsor, the HHS official said. Like prizefighters slugging it out this week, Italys populist leader Matteo Salvini clashed with French President Emmanuel Macron. The immediate cause for the bout was Salvinis closing of Italian ports to humanitarian rescue ships carrying migrants from Africa. Few doubt, though, the cosmopolitan French leader and the iconoclastic Italian nationalist, who is the interior minister in Italys new coalition government and its driving force, will clash time and again in the coming months in a prolonged contest to shape the future of the European Union. Both men defied naysayers and flouted conventional political norms to get where they are: Macron created a centrist political movement, Salvini transformed the regional far-right Northern League into a nationwide insurgency. But they represent conflicting visions of Europe and are being seen as the key champions in a struggle for mastery between centrism and nationalist populism. Their first-round clash this week was sparked when Salvini banned NGO ships carrying migrants, mostly African, rescued from the waters off Libya to dock in Italian ports, part of his hardline policy, popular in Italy, to curb new arrivals. Salvini also plans to deport more than 500,000 illegal migrants. In the past five years Italy has taken in more than 640,000 mainly African migrants and says its EU partners must ease the burden. France reprimanded Italy for closing the ports, focusing on the stranding at sea of an NGO ship carrying 629 migrants picked up in the Mediterranean, arguing it breached the rules agreed by EU member states. Macron scolded the Italian government for cynicism and irresponsibility, triggering a tit-for-tat trading of insults with Salvini, with other ministers on both sides piling on. Saving lives is a duty, turning Italy into a huge refugee camp is not, insisted Salvini. Instead he urged Malta to receive the migrants and suggested France could take them. A spokesman for Macrons party La Republique en Marche shot back, The position, the line of the Italian government, makes you want to vomit. It is inadmissible to use human lives for petty politics. Salvini retorted in the increasingly ill-tempered dispute that Italy had nothing to learn from anyone about generosity, voluntarism, welcoming and solidarity and demanded a formal apology. Italy summoned the French ambassador to protest the French reprimand and cancelled a planned meeting between the Italian economy minister and his counterpart in Paris. It also threatened at one point to postpone a scheduled meeting Friday between Macron and the new Italian prime minister, Giuseppe Conte. A spat was how many European newspapers described the clash, but it has widened the most dangerous fault-line in European politics over how to share the burden between EU member states for migrants from conflict zones and poor countries trying to enter the bloc or and whether they should be welcomed at all, while exposing divisions over the rights and prerogatives of nation states. The populist governments of Hungary and Austria leapt to Salvinis defense. Salvini told Italian lawmakers he is open to a possible axis with Germany and Austria, before an EU summit this month that will consider possible changes to asylum law. Macron has pitched himself as the antidote to the illiberal democracies of Central Europe and the defender of the European Union threatened by populist-nationalists like Salvini. The French leader wants to reform and revive the bloc by increasing the political and economic integration of Europe. The 44-year-old Salvini wants the opposite, not only a brake on further integration, but a reversal with the bloc being a looser grouping of nation states not ordered around by Brussels or too hedged by EU treaties. Both embrace opportunism and are nimble. According to Davide Vampa, an expert in Italian politics at Britains Aston University, Salvini, nicknamed by supporters Il Capitano (the captain), has borrowed much from other populist leaders. His language is direct and often guttural. E finita la pacchia per i clandestini, preparatevi a fare le valige (Illegals, the gravy train is finished, pack your bags), he announced earlier this month. A graduate of Frances elite institutions Sciences Po and Ecole nationale dadministration and a former Rothschild investment banker, Macron is more intellectual. In the face of authoritarianism, Macron told the European Parliament in Strasbourg in April, the response is not authoritarian democracy, but the authority of democracy. U.S. President Donald Trump saluted a North Korean general on the sidelines of this week's summit in Singapore, an unusual show of respect for a military figure of a foreign adversary. Two days after Trump's meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Pyongyang's state television broadcast a 42-minute program Thursday about the first-ever face-to-face talks between U.S. and North Korean leaders as they discussed denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. The footage included a brief awkward encounter Trump had with the general, No Kwang Chol, minister of the People's Armed Forces. As he greeted several officials in the North Korean delegation, Trump reached out to shake the hand of the three-star general, who instead saluted Trump. Trump saluted No in return, and then the men shook hands. U.S. military officers commonly return salutes from officers of friendly foreign nations, but there is no obligation for U.S. leaders to return salutes, particularly from officers of foreign countries with which the U.S. has no diplomatic relations and has not signed a peace treaty to officially end the Korean War of the 1950s. White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders called Trump's salute a common courtesy in returning the generals salute. But Trump's salute drew some criticism. Im not trying to be gratuitous or unfair but isnt saluting a General from an enemy military sort of a big deal? Hawaii Sen. Brian Schatz, a Democrat, said on Twitter. Retired Rear Admiral John Kirby, a former Defense and State Department spokesman and now a military and diplomatic analyst for CNN, called the salute "striking." He said North Korea "can see a propaganda value here, and this is basically them showing the level of deference and respect that Trump has paid to them and to their military leaders. It was inappropriate for him to do from a protocol perspective, but now he's played right into the North's propaganda about their legitimacy on the world stage." Kirby said Trump should have nodded his head at No's salute and then shaken the general's hand. Kirby said that Trump, as commander-in-chief of U.S. forces, "doesn't even salute his own generals. They salute him. That's the way it works. You certainly don't do it with leaders of foreign military, and you most certainly don't do it with the leaders of foreign militaries of an adversary nation." Criticism of Trump's salute is similar to blowback former president Barack Obama received early in his presidency for bowing to two foreign leaders, Japanese Emperor Akihito and King Abdullah of Saudi Arabia. Trump tweeted about Obama's encounter with Abdullah, saying, "Do we still want a President who bows to Saudis and lets OPEC rip us off?" The U.N. General Assembly adopted a resolution Wednesday calling for protection for Palestinian civilians living under Israeli occupation, after the U.S. blocked a similar measure in the Security Council. After some procedural drama that saw a proposed U.S. amendment condemning the Palestinian militant group Hamas fail to receive sufficient support to be included in the draft text, the original text was adopted by a vote of 120-8, with 45 abstentions. The U.S. and Israel were supported by Australia, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Togo and the Solomon Islands in voting against the measure. Many European countries abstained. While the resolution does not explicitly name Hamas, it does condemn "all acts of violence against civilians, including acts of terror, as well as acts of provocation, incitement and destruction." It also "deplores the use of any excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate force by the Israeli forces" against Palestinian civilians. Rebuked members Ahead of the vote, U.S. envoy Nikki Haley rebuked the General Assembly for using its time to criticize Israel, instead of addressing other situations. "Instead, today the General Assembly is devoting its valuable time to the situation in Gaza," Haley said. "Gaza is an important international matter, but what makes it different and more urgent than conflicts in Nicaragua, Iran, Yemen, Burma or many other desperate places?" She said the assembly was meeting because "attacking Israel" is the "favorite political sport" of some U.N. member states. Israel's U.N. ambassador, Danny Danon, went further saying, "This type of worldwide assault is reserved for Israel. It is not criticism, it is not difference on policy, it is anti-Semitism." He said countries that support the text put forward by the Palestinians, Algeria (as head of a bloc of Arab countries) and Turkey (as head of the Organization for the Islamic Conference), were giving their "stamp of approval" for terrorism. "By supporting this resolution, you are colluding with a terrorist organization; by supporting this resolution you are empowering Hamas," Danon said. "You are the ammunition for Hamas' guns; you are the warheads for its missiles." Seeking relief Palestinian envoy Riyad Mansour defended the decision to seek relief for his people in the General Assembly when he could not find it in the Security Council. "To condemn, to regret, to express concern is not sufficient, we need action, we need protection of our civilian population," Mansour said. "And why should that be offending anyone? We are just asking for a simple thing: We want our civilian population to be protected. Is that a crime to ask for?" The draft adopted carries no legal weight but has the moral backing of the majority of U.N. member states. It requests the U.N. secretary-general to present a written report within 60 days outlining his proposals on ways to ensure "the safety, protection and well-being of the Palestinian civilian population under Israeli occupation." Tensions along the border have escalated over the past two months, with Palestinians holding protests calling for a right to return to land they fled or were forced to leave when Israel was created in 1948. They have also rallied against a blockade of Gaza that has been in place for more than a decade, as well as the relocation of the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. Israeli forces have killed at least 120 Palestinians since the end of March, drawing criticism for the use of force. Israel has blamed the militant group Hamas for provoking violence and says it has acted to protect the border. The U.N. human rights chief is calling for an international inquiry into alleged human rights abuses in Kashmir. Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein issued the call Thursday in conjunction with the first report issued by his office on the situation in Kashmir, which it says highlights "chronic impunity for violations committed by security forces" in both the Indian and Pakistani controlled regions of the Himalayan territory since 2016. The report accuses troops in the Indian-held region of committing as many as 145 unlawful killings between July 2016 and April of this year, while 20 people were estimated to have been killed by armed militants. Zeid said he will urge the U.N. Human Rights Council to open an inquiry into Kashmir when the council opens a new session in Geneva next week. The report said human rights violations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir "are of a different caliber or magnitude," while calling attention to restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly. It said Pakistan's military continues to support the operations of armed groups across the Line of Control. India's Foreign Ministry strongly rejected the report as "fallacious, tendentious and motivated. "It said the report is a selective compilation of "largely unverified information," which seeks to build a false narrative and questioned the intent in bringing out the report. New Delhi says the report ignores the pattern of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan and territories under its control. There was no immediate comment from Pakistan. India and Pakistan both claim Kashmir, and have fought two wars over the disputed region since the split of Hindu-dominated India and Muslim-dominated Pakistan after India gained its independence from Britain in 1947. Both sides in recent months have exchanged gunfire and artillery fire across the Line of Control that divides Kashmir between the two nuclear-armed rivals, forcing tens of thousands of civilians on the Indian side to flee their homes. Massive fire-fighting to control the blaze and rescue operation by the Indian Coast Guard is underway. The rough sea wind is hampering the rescue operation as the fire is yet to be brought under control. (Photo: Asian Age) Kolkata: A merchant ship -- MV SSL KOLKATA -- an Indian flag container vessel, caught fire in the Bay of Bengal off the coast in the wee hours of Thursday. All the 22 crew members were rescued by the Indian Coast Guard which launched a massive fire-fighting and rescue operation. But the fire is yet to be brought under control due to the rough sea wind. ICG (North East Regional Headquarters) Chief Staff Officer (Aviation) and spokesperson Pradeep Sundriyal informed that the fire was reported on board the ship around 55 nautical miles off Sands Head at 12.05 am on June 14. #WATCH Merchant Vessel SSL KOLKATA caught fire last night; 11 out of 22 crew members rescued by Indian Coast Guard ship Rajkiran from Haldia, rescue operation for remaining crew members underway pic.twitter.com/FS6KccSSQA ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 "On receipt of the message an ICG ship immediately sailed with despatch from Haldia. Due to very rough sea and strong winds and inclement weather, the fire spread very fast like wildfire," he said. For efficient rescue operations, the Indian Navy's air assets from Vizag had to be pressed into action. The Indian Coast Guard and the Navy worked in tandem to control the fire and rescue all crew members. A Sea king 42C Helicopter and one Dornier aircraft were sent from Vizag to assist in search and rescue, according to sources. The Sea king copter is especially useful in situations wherein surface vessels cannot approach closer to the distressed vessel for reasons of own safety. The Dornier is used for sighting the distressed vessel as well as any liferafts that may have left the mother ship, sources revealed. Now with the rescue operation officially over, the Sea King helicopter and the Dornier aircraft have been sent back to Vizag. Sundriyal added, "ICG ship Rajkiran from Haldia and ICG aircraft Dornier arrived in the area at around 8 am. About 70 per cent of the vessel was on fire and the decision to abandon the vessel was taken." House Republicans are looking to President Donald Trump to help them pass an immigration bill that does not have the support of right-wing lawmakers. A day after Speaker Paul Ryan announced that the House would vote next week on two competing immigration measures, the details are still being worked out on a Republican-approved bill that would grant young undocumented immigrants a way to citizenship. WATCH: DACA May Finally Get a Vote in the House The bill would grant "Dreamers," people who were illegally brought to the U.S. as children, a respite from the threat of deportation and a chance to gain U.S. citizenship. As a compromise to conservatives, the bill would also finance Trump's proposed border wall with Mexico, curb family migration and end the visa lottery program. Weve been working hand in glove with the administration on this to make sure that were bringing a bill that represents the presidents four pillars so that we can come together," Ryan told reporters Wednesday. Its a product of good compromise. At a closed-door meeting with House Republicans, Ryan said Trump "seemed very supportive'' of the compromise," lawmakers told reporters. But despite Ryan's assurance of the president's support, some conservatives might be looking for a more vocal endorsement from Trump. Moderate Republicans and Democrats had threatened use a discharge petition to force a vote on four immigration bills. A discharge petition is a procedural move that forces a bill out of committee and to the House floor for a vote. In order to succeed, it needs 218 signatures. But the coalition fell short by two Republican signatures. The Republican leadership had feared that a discharge petition could have led to a coalition of Democrats and a few Republicans passing bills helping Dreamers without strong enough enforcement provisions. House Republicans have been struggling over immigration legislation since Trump last year ended the Obama administration-era program that protected the Dreamers. Lawyers for a Salvadoran woman at the center of a controversial ruling on asylum by Attorney General Jeff Sessions say they are looking to challenge the decision that could prevent tens of thousands of immigrants from being granted asylum. In a sweeping opinion that has touched off an outcry among immigration rights advocates, Sessions on Monday reversed a 2016 grant of asylum to the woman who had been abused by her husband, ruling that victims of domestic violence are not generally eligible for asylum under U.S. immigration law. While the decision applies to all seeking asylum on grounds of domestic and gang violence, applicants from Mexico and the Central American nations of El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras, could be hit especially hard, advocates say. The four countries accounted for 35 percent of asylum claims filed with U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services in March. Though Sessions directed his ruling at immigration judges, its effect could be felt beyond the court system, said Blaine Bookey, a co-legal director at the Center for Gender & Refugee Studies at the University of California Hastings College of the Law, which is representing the Salvadoran woman. The attorney generals decision applies to all adjudicators, including the appellate body, the immigration courts, as well as the Asylum Office, even down to the border officers who are doing the initial threshold screenings of individuals, Bookey said. A recent uptick in the rejection rate of asylum cases could accelerate, she said. This decision only provides further support to officers who would not want to recognize certain claims." But she said the attorney generals decision in the case is not necessarily the final word. Appeal for A.B. The Salvadoran woman, known by her initials A.B., can still pursue one of three forms of fear-based relief in the U.S., including asylum, withholding from deportation and seeking protection under the Convention Against Torture, she said. The center is also examining other options to challenge Sessions ruling, including through the litigation of other individual asylum claims that may be negatively impacted by the decision, Bookey said. Omar Jadwat, director of the immigration rights project at the American Civil Liberties Union, said the ACLU stands ready to support Bookeys group and others taking issue with the attorney generals decision. Jadwat said the organizations are considering various routes to a legal challenge. A Justice Department spokesman declined to comment. Key issue The Salvadoran woman first applied for asylum in 2014, claiming that she had been beaten and raped by her husband for nearly 15 years. An immigration judge rejected her claim, prompting her lawyers to take it to the Board of Immigration Appeals. The board ruled in her favor in 2016, citing a precedent set in an earlier case recognizing domestic violence as a basis for asylum. In his decision, Sessions said the immigration board had been wrong to recognize victims of domestic violence as members of a particular social group, a requirement for asylum. The mere fact that a country may have problems effectively policing certain crimes -- such as domestic violence or gang violence -- or that certain populations are more likely to be victims of crime, cannot itself establish an asylum claim, Sessions wrote. When, as here, the alleged persecutor is someone unaffiliated with the government, the applicant must show that flight from her country is necessary because her home government is unwilling or unable to protect her, Sessions wrote. In reversing the A.B. decision, the attorney general said that he was restoring sound principles of asylum and long-standing principles of immigration law. No national fix The case back was sent back to the same North Carolina immigration judge who had originally rejected A.B.s initial asylum claim. The judge, V. Stuart Couch, is widely expected to dismiss her case again, which could lead her lawyers to appeal to the immigration board and possibly to the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Fourth Circuit in Richmond, Va. Lindsay Harris, a law professor at the University of the District of Columbia and vice chair of the American Immigration Lawyers Associations National Asylum and Refugee Liaison Committee, said she expects the appeals court to reverse the decision, given its friendly attitude toward similar cases. However, a favorable ruling by the court would apply only in its jurisdiction and leave the precedent set by Sessions in force in other parts of the country, she said. Well need to overturn it one by one throughout the country in other jurisdictions, Harris said. A U.S. drone strike has targeted the leader of the Pakistani Taliban in an Afghan province near the border with Pakistan, a U.S. military official confirmed to VOA. Unconfirmed reports from locals Thursday said Mullah Fazlullah has been killed. The U.S. official, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, said the strike late Wednesday targeted Fazlullah, the chief of the Tehrik-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP). U.S. forces conducted a counterterrorism strike June 13 in Kunar province, close to the border between Afghanistan and Pakistan, which targeted a senior leader of a designated terrorist organization, a spokesman for U.S. Forces-Afghanistan, Army Lt. Col. Martin O'Donnell, also told VOA Thursday, without specifying that Fazlullah was the target. Pentagon officials declined to comment at this time on whether the strike was successful. U.S. officials said Fazlullah directed numerous high-profile attacks against U.S. and Pakistani targets since he was appointed the groups leader in 2013, such as the December 2014 attack on the Army Public School in Peshawar that killed 151 people, including more than 130 children. The U.S. also said Fazlullah ordered the 2012 attempted assassination of Malala Yousafzai, who had been advocating for the right of girls to have access to an education. The U.S. State Department offered a $5 million reward for Fazlullah in March, the same month Pakistani sources said his son was killed in a U.S. drone strike on a TTP training facility. The strike comes amid a cease-fire between the Afghan Taliban and government security forces to mark the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. Gen. John Nicholson, the commander of U.S. Forces-Afghanistan and the NATO-led Resolute Support, said the United States would adhere to the cease-fire announced by Afghan President Ashraf Ghani, which did not include U.S. counterterrorism attacks on other terror groups. As previously stated, the cease-fire does not include U.S. counterterrorism efforts against IS-K, al-Qaida, and other regional and international terrorist groups, or the inherent right of U.S. and international forces to defend ourselves if attacked, O'Donnell told VOA. VOA Urdu Service, Jeff Seldin contributed to this report. Much like the rest of the world, Muslims in America are in the midst of the holy month of Ramadan praying, fasting, giving to charity and breaking their monthlong fast every day at sunset. But as VOA's Urdu, Kurdish and Turkish services reports, Muslims get together to enjoy the holy month in different ways. Serhan Akyildiz, Aziz Ahmed, Raveen Dosky contributed to this report. Bezhan Hamdard narrates. The United States has imposed sanctions on the commander of Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sens personal bodyguard unit over human rights abuses. The sanctions target General Hing Bun Hieng, a member of the prime ministers close inner circle. The move comes after the U.S. State Department and Senate repeatedly warned that the punitive measures would be forthcoming if Cambodia did not reverse recent anti-democratic actions, such as the dissolution of the opposition and jailing of its leader, Kem Sokha. Any assets Hing Bun Hieng holds in the U.S. will be frozen while U.S. entities, including banks, will be banned from doing business with him, according to federal government regulations. General Bun Hieng commanded a Cambodian unit that engaged in a series of human rights abuses and was personally implicated in attacks against a number of individuals, including a U.S. citizen, said Sigal Mandelker, a Treasury official, in a statement issued Tuesday. Wat Phnom temple The statement cited a deadly 1997 grenade attack that injured a U.S. citizen, an attack at the Wat Phnom Buddhist temple in 2013 and the savage beating of two opposition lawmakers in 2015. The general, who is also a member of the ruling Cambodian Peoples Partys central committee and a deputy commander of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces, brushed off the sanctions Wednesday. The United States doesnt split the fish, but it splits the snail. I mean, I have no money. Anyone who has money, the U.S. should put pressure on. But it just puts pressure on me who has no money, he said, chuckling. I do not know what the U.S. thinking is. This is its right and it is the powerful country if it wants to pressure someone. For me, I dont care. I would like to say thanks, too. And if there is any wealth in the United States, freeze it quickly and take it all. The general said he had no properties or businesses in the United States and claimed that his involvement in the 2013 and 2015 incidents followed the rule of law, while denying culpability for the 1997 grenade attack. Cambodias Ministry of Defense issued a press release saying it regrets, denies, and condemns the U.S. Department of Treasury sanctions on Cambodian General Hing Bun Hieng by freezing his assets. The allegations On March 30, 1997, four grenades were lobbed into a crowd of about 200 supporters of former opposition leader Sam Rainsys Khmer National Party in front of the then-National Assembly opposite Wat Botum Park. At least 16 people were killed, and more than 100 others injured. Brigade 70, Hun Sens personal bodyguard unit, was deployed at the rally, and multiple eyewitnesses later told the FBI the soldiers allowed perpetrators to escape into a nearby pagoda before blocking those pursuing them. Hing Bun Hieng was deputy commander of the unit and told The Phnom Penh Post afterward that he wanted to kill journalists who alleged Hun Sens bodyguards had been involved. Tell them that I want to kill them ... publish it. Say that I, chief of the bodyguards, have said this. I want to kill. ... I am so angry, he reportedly said. U.S. citizen Ron Abney, country director of the International Republican Institute, was injured, prompting the FBI investigation, which was never completed but had strongly suggested forces loyal to Hun Sen were responsible. Violent crackdowns Regarding what happened in 2013 at Wat Phnom, it is not entirely clear which incident the Treasury Department was referring to, as there were several violent crackdowns in the area that year. Officials from the U.S. embassy in Phnom Penh have not replied to a request for clarification. In October 2015, Nhay Chamroeun and Kong Sakphea, lawmakers from the opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party, or CNRP, were dragged from their cars and beaten directly in front of the National Assembly. Three PMBU members were convicted of the attack, which was caught on video. They were promoted upon their release from jail. Experts divided on sanctions Opinions are sharply divergent on whether sanctions will have any impact on a regime that has dissolved the countrys only viable opposition ahead of an election in late July. Human Rights Watch has long lobbied for this type of action, and its deputy Asia director, Phil Robertson, said Wednesday the measure was appropriate and overdue. Well, theyve got it right. You know, he is the leader of an entity involved in serious human rights abuses and everybody knows it. I guess, I hope, this is the beginning, he said. Robertson rejected the argument that such sanctions could do more harm than good by pushing the country further into the orbit of China, which has eclipsed U.S. influence in Cambodia in recent years through unrivaled investment and infrastructure loans. You know, this whole game of because China is involved we cant say anything, is a recipe for lowest common denominator approaches toward an increasingly dictatorial rights-abusing government that, because it says it doesnt care, people take them at their word. Lee Jones, an associate professor in international politics at Queen Mary University of London, said in an email that the sanctions move is a purely symbolic action that will change nothing on the ground. The Cambodian government has already taken a very nationalistic posture towards external interference and painted the opposition as tools of foreign powers this will only provide further ammunition, while not actively helping the opposition one iota, he wrote. The sanctions sent an important message to Cambodias leadership that grave human rights violations will not go unpunished, said Charles Santiago, a Malaysian lawmaker and chairperson of ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights, in a statement. Particularly with elections on the horizon, we look forward to further concrete measures by the United States and other international actors to push back against government efforts to cripple democracy and human rights protections in Cambodia, he wrote. The U.S. Justice Department's internal watchdog is set Thursday to release a long-awaited report on the FBI's handling of its investigation into Democrat Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server when she was secretary of state, a probe that played a pivotal role in her unsuccessful 2016 presidential campaign against Donald Trump. Justice Department inspector general Michael Horowitz's inquiry has focused on the performance of former Federal Bureau of Investigation director James Comey, who four months before the election publicly cleared Clinton of criminal wrongdoing in her handling of classified material in her emails, even as he said she had been "extremely careless." Then, less than two weeks before the November vote, he reopened the investigation after discovering a new cache of emails before clearing her a second time two days before the election. Clinton has said that Comey's late reopening of the investigation played a role in her upset loss to Trump, coming at a time when pollsters were predicting she would win and many voters were making up their minds whom to vote for. Some Democratic critics of Comey say he violated Justice Department rules by publicly announcing so close to the election that he was reopening the probe. Comey continued as FBI director into Trump's presidency, leading the agency's investigation of whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russian interests. Trump abruptly fired him four months into his administration. Aside from investigating the Russian interference in the election, special counsel Robert Mueller is probing whether Trump obstructed justice by firing Comey after failing, Comey has said, to get him to pledge his loyalty to Trump and publicly exonerate the president. Trump and the White House have given several explanations for Comey's dismissal, including his handling of the Clinton investigation. However, days after he ousted Comey, Trump said he was thinking of "this Russia thing" when he decided to dismiss him. Trump has many times said he views Mueller's investigation as an excuse by Democrats to explain Clinton's unexpected loss. He has denied collusion with the Russians and obstructing justice. Trump allies are hopeful that the 18-month-long Horowitz investigation will give new credence to their claims that the president was justified in firing Comey because of the way he handled the Clinton investigation and that some key FBI officials were politically biased against Trump, leading to their decision to clear Clinton of wrongdoing. Last week, Trump expressed concern about the report and the length of time it was taking to complete. "What is taking so long with the Inspector Generals Report on Crooked Hillary and Slippery James Comey," Trump tweeted. "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!" Despite Trump's frequent complaints about the FBI, Democrats have attacked the FBI for not publicly acknowledging during the months before the election that it also was investigating Trump campaign contacts with Russia. The FBI rarely publicly announces its actions in investigations, as Comey did twice related to the Clinton probe. He has said he did so because of the importance of the investigation and its link to the presidential campaign. Five LGBT support organizations that were denied access to a prominent Utah July Fourth parade criticized event organizers Thursday for blocking them from participating hours after signing a nondiscrimination agreement with Provo city leaders. Amid the outcry, which included the Utah County commissioner threatening to rescind $100,000 in funding, organizers with the America's Freedom Festival offered to let the groups amend their applications and submit them again. Festival organizers said the five LGBT organizations were among 22 applications denied for failing to meet its specific requirements. Two of the groups had filed a joint application. It's unclear which requirements the groups did not meet. Festival organizers said participants cannot touch on political or social issues and must focus their applications on the spirit of patriotism. "Let's celebrate America pure and simple," festival director Paul Warner said in a statement. The event had been criticized for blocking participation by LGBT groups in the past. On Tuesday, organizers signed a nondiscrimination agreement with Provo leaders as part of a contract that will send $150,000 in cash and in-kind contributions for the festival. Organizers had also signed a separate contract with Utah County in March that included a nondiscrimination clause. The contract stipulates county contributions of roughly $100,000 for the event. Troy Williams, the executive director of advocacy group Equality Utah, accused organizers of "staggering bigotry" and said in a statement that the disconnect between their words and actions "is as astonishing as it is disappointing." County commissioner Nathan Ivie said on Twitter that he will try to pull funding for the organization. "I didn't think somebody would be stupid enough to do what they did. But they apparently did it," he said at a news conference Thursday. Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi said her office would need to examine whether the festival had violated terms of its contract. She said the two sides should work out an arrangement to allow the LGBT groups to participate. The city's chief administrative officer, Wayne Parker, suggested during a discussion streamed on Facebook that the city was committed to financially supporting the festival this year. What now? That is the question from the White House in Washington to the Blue House in Seoul and perhaps also inside the Ryongsong Residence in Pyongyang. Following the historic handshake here between a U.S. president and a North Korean leader, who inked their names to a document with vague but compelling promises, the question emanating from Sentosa's Capella Hotel was what will actually change on the Korean peninsula? Moments after the summit between Donald Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un concluded, VOA contributor Greta Van Susteren and I spent a few minutes with the U.S. president and his secretary of state, at the Capella. Trump was elated and within the hour would make a surprising announcement suspending "provocative" joint U.S.-South Korean drills on the Korean peninsula. "We had a great chemistry," the president, speaking to Van Susteren, said of himself and Kim. "We will do business." Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told us, "it's a great day." The president has essentially handed off to Pompeo the hard work of turning a sparse declaration on denuclearization into something truly transformative. Many will question whether Pompeo, who a decade ago was running an oilfield equipment company, is truly the man for the task. In Pompeo's background, however, are indications of his capabilities: First in his class at the U.S. Military Academy, time served on the House of Representative's intelligence committee, a brief stint as director of the Central Intelligence Agency and two meetings with Kim in Pyongyang. Perhaps he is now as astute as any American official on piecing together the Pyongyang puzzle. This correspondent an observer of the Korean peninsula over five decades, resident in Seoul for several years and once given the opportunity to frankly converse for a week (in 2013) in the North with KPA officers has gleaned some insight into the world's most reclusive state. Rarely can any collection of a few hundred words adequately encapsulate the geo-political conundrum. It is difficult for an outsider to fathom the deep emotional yearning of Koreans on both sides of the 38th parallel for reunification despite the vast ideological divide. There is Korean ambivalence about the support from and decades of meddling by powerful outsiders even as there is no denying that the fate of the Korean peninsula greatly depends on leaders and generals in Beijing and Washington. Shujaat Bukhari, editor of Rising Kashmir newspaper was attacked outside his office in Press Colony in Srinagar. The condition of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of Rising Kashmir newspaper, remains critical. He was attacked by terrorists in Srinagar. (Twitter/ @bukharishujaat) Srinagar: Senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari has been shot dead by three bike-borne terrorists outside his office in Srinagar. Shujaat Bukhari, editor and owner of 'Rising Kashmir' (English) and 'Buland Kashmir' (Urdu) was attacked by armed terrorists when he stepped out of his office in Press Enclave in Srinagar city centre Lal Chowk for an Iftar party on Thursday evening. The journalist and two of his personal security officers were attacked and were rushed to hospital. The senior journalist died on his way to the hospital. Both the personal security officers also died of their injuries. "It's a very unfortunate incident. Today at about 7:30 pm when he was coming out of his office and boarding his car, three terrorists came on a motorcycle and opened fire. Two of his PSOs (personal security officers) were also hit and one of them is no more the other is under treatment. They were shot before they could react," Jammu and Kashmir police chief S P Vaid told NDTV. "They (the terrorists) chose the Iftar time when everybody was rushing home. We will look into who these people are," J&K police chief added. Shujaat Bukhari was given police protection since an attack on him in 2000. This is the first attack on a journalist in a long time in Kashmir which has been facing severe attacks on civilians and security personnel in the recent past. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted: "Killing of Rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari is act of cowardice. It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist. Extremely shocked and pained. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family." The killing of @RisingKashmir editor, Shujaat Bukhari is an act of cowardice. It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist. Extremely shocked & pained at his death. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family. Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 14, 2018 Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former chief minister of the state tweeted their anguish over the attack on the veteran journalist Shajaat Bukhari. Shocked & deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Shujaat Bukhari. The scourge of terror has reared its ugly head on the eve of Eid. I strongly condemn this act of mindless violence & pray for his soul to rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family. Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) June 14, 2018 inna lilahi wa inna illahi rajiuun. Shocked beyond words. May Shujaat find place in Jannat & May his loved ones find strength at this difficult time. Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) June 14, 2018 Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti visited the family journalist Shujaat Bukhari. Talking to media, she said: "This is really shocking. He came to meet me a few days back. This is upsetting." Visuals of CM Mehboob Mufti meeting the family of Shujaat Bukhari, Editor of Rising Kashmir newspaper, who was shot dead by terrorists in Press Colony in in Srinagar city. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/jOizsk3J8s ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore called the killing of journalist Shujaat Bukhari "a shameful act". The Union Minister said, "This is a shameful act. Media is free in India. The state government and the central government are committed for the freedom of press in the country and the state." Congress President Rahul Gandhi also tweeted his anguish over the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, "'Im anguished to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of Rising Kashmir. He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu and Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed." Im anguished to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of @RisingKashmir. He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu & Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed. Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 14, 2018 BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav called the killing of journalist Shujaat Bukhari "Reprehensible and condemnable cowardly act of the terrorists". Shocked to hear about d attack on d Editor-in-Chief of Rising Kashmir Shujaat Bukhari in Srinagar. Reprehensible n condemnable cowardly act of d terrorists Ram Madhav (@rammadhavbjp) June 14, 2018 West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee also expressed her anguish over the killing of the senior journalist. Saddened and shocked at the brutal killing of respected editor and senior journalist @bukharishujaat With a few hours to go for Eid this is terrible. No words are enough for this big tragedy Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 14, 2018 The Press Club of India strongly condemned vetran journalist Shujaat Bukhari's killing. "Press Club of India is shocked and saddened by this mindless terror attack that claimed the life of Shujaat Bukhari in the holy month of Ramzan... [it] shows that lives of journalists are not at all safe. Forces inimical to restoring peace in Kashmir Valley have silenced a voice of reason, logic and peace," Press Club of India said in a statement. The attack took place hours after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh held a security review meeting for the annual Amarnath pilgrimage that will begin later this month. Sources say Rajnath Singh's peace initiative in Kashmir, a ceasefire, may not extend beyond Ramzan, which is expected to end with Eid tomorrow. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval indicated that the offer was only till Eid. Also read: Kashmir ceasefire till Eid: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval drops hint The ceasefire was seen to trigger a spurt in terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Data collected by the Union Home Ministry indicates that terror-related incidents in the Kashmir valley have increased by more than 100 per cent during the holy month of Ramzan. 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. 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. 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Flag as inappropriate. Mark as helpful or interesting. Send your own user report! Translate Pedasi / Strong shaking (MMI VI) Panama City (222.5 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) (reported through our app / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) Jaramillo Arriba, Chiriqui / Very weak shaking (MMI II) : Very faint vibrations Pedasi (66.7 km ENE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) Nuevo arraijan / Light shaking (MMI IV) La Arena, Herrera (71.6 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) District of mariato Veraguas (51.8 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Panama / Very weak shaking (MMI II) San francisco panama / not felt Los Santos, Los Santos / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Cambutal / Light shaking (MMI IV) : Initially thought it was a rumble from thunder, but it intensified - lasted about 10 secs, i think Nueva Gorgona, Chame, Panama Oeste (160.7 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) : On 7th floor balcony of 23 story building. Light to mild shaking for about 15 seconds. No damage. airport area, chitre panama (91 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) : Sitting in my recliner, felt like it had a viberator attached on high, about 5 seconds duration Panama City, El Cangrejo / Light shaking (MMI IV) Panama City (222.5 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Chitre / Strong shaking (MMI VI) : Sacudida fuerte por unos segundos Santa Catalina Panama (119.7 km SE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) Panama City (223.7 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / not felt San Carlos district / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : Apt shook for about 20 seconds quite noticeably . No damage Colon, Colon District (241.8 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) (reported through our app / Very weak shaking (MMI II) Bejuco Panama (85.8 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) Ciudad del Saber, Panama / Light shaking (MMI IV) : My bed shook like someone was at the foot of it nudging it back and forth, it got stronger the longer it went on. I left the building and waited until the security guard said it was safe to return Playa morrillo Panama (51.9 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Panama City (222.8 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : Well, it was shaking Sora. Panama Oeste, Panama (166.5 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) : Mild Panama City, Clayton / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : Was in the restroom and felt the shake for several seconds. House was moving Llano Largo, Los Santos District, Los Santos (73.8 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) The seiling was vibration similar yo passing light truck (reported through (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) El Valle de Anton, Cocle / Light shaking (MMI IV) CAMButal / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Panama Pacifico / Light shaking (MMI IV) santa fe, Veraguas, Panama... directly above santi (147.7 km NNW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) : 5 seconds of jostlung, roof creaking pty costa del este paseo de mar 57 floor / Strong shaking (MMI VI) Playa venao / Light shaking (MMI IV) Panama City Reparto nuevo Panama / Light shaking (MMI IV) Nueva Gorgona, Panama Oeste (161.3 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) (reported through our app / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Parque Lefevre, Panama (228.3 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) : Couch was moving and glass door was vibrating. I live on the 26th floor in costa del Este. Royal Decameron / Light shaking (MMI IV) : Weak shaking at Decameron . Feel like heavy traffic passing by . 02 of my Children felt the same. Guarare Panama / Light shaking (MMI IV) : I, sitting on the porch did not feel it. My family members in the house felt the tremor. No physical damage. near La Arena, Herrera (67.6 km N of epicenter) [ Map ] / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Panama City, Panama / Weak shaking (MMI III) Sora panama / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Home / Very weak shaking (MMI II) Arraijan, Panama / Very weak shaking (MMI II) : Thought one of my dogs was scratching themselves next to my bed Panama City (224 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very weak shaking (MMI II) Panama City / Light shaking (MMI IV) : Wow! Panama City (222.7 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) Nueva Gorgona, Panama / Light shaking (MMI IV) : Mild bumping/shaking like someone was shaking my chair Rio Hato / Weak shaking (MMI III) Panama City / Weak shaking (MMI III) La Ermita (152.3 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) Westin panama / Weak shaking (MMI III) Santiago Veraguas Panama / Weak shaking (MMI III) Arraijan, PA.13.0844, Panama Oeste (212.4 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) (reported through our app / Weak shaking (MMI III) Intercontinental Miramar Panama (209.6 km SSW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) Panama city / Moderate shaking (MMI V) altos de amador, panama city / Moderate shaking (MMI V) : 2nd strongest I have felt here in 11 years. short lived but entire building swayed back and forth about 10 times! really alters your state Rodeo Viejo (San Carlos area) / Light shaking (MMI IV) : Loud rumbling. 20 seconds long. Definitive movement (shaking, trembling) Mariato Malena (54.6 km NW of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) : Very short but strong shake. I walked and felt unbalanced. Rattling of doors and windows. Costa del Este (240.2 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) san carlos / Very weak shaking (MMI II) Panama city / Light shaking (MMI IV) Howard, Panama (212.5 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Weak shaking (MMI III) Coronado / Weak shaking (MMI III) paseo de la iguana, albrook / Weak shaking (MMI III) Panama Vity / Light shaking (MMI IV) arraijan, panama / Light shaking (MMI IV) Playa Venao / Very strong shaking (MMI VII) Anton / Light shaking (MMI IV) Panama City / Weak shaking (MMI III) Panama / Moderate shaking (MMI V) Nueva Gorgona, Panama Oeste (159.4 km NNE of epicenter) [ Map ] / Light shaking (MMI IV) 2 good sways seconds apart but nothing major (reported through (reported through our app / Light shaking (MMI IV) Penonome / Strong shaking (MMI VI) San Carlos (Panama, 132 km NE of epicenter) On 21st floor of a condo at Rio Mar. Ive experienced a 5 earthquake before in California and this seemed similar. (reported through (reported through EMSC Panama City (Panama, 207 km NE of epicenter) La cama se mecia (reported through (reported through EMSC Panama City (Panama, 206 km NE of epicenter) bounced us a bit. At first we were rocking, then it bounced like twice and then it was kind of like a vibration. Lots of people said they heard it too. (reported through (reported through EMSC Nueva Gorgona (Panama, 146 km NE of epicenter) Light shaking of 23 story building for about 10-12 seconds. No damage. (reported through (reported through EMSC Pajonal (Panama, 133 km N of epicenter) Seemed to last about 10 seconds. Nothing rattled or fell from shelves. (reported through (reported through EMSC Nueva California (Panama, 279 km NW of epicenter) very slight and soft (reported through (reported through EMSC Pacora (Panama, 230 km NE of epicenter) Algo largo y fuerte. Se movio toda la cama. (reported through (reported through EMSC Panama (Panama, 216 km NE of epicenter) Slight shaking. (reported through (reported through EMSC Panama (Panama, 214 km NE of epicenter) i moved my bed a little (reported through (reported through EMSC Panama (Panama, 211 km NE of epicenter) Si lo senti y durocomo 40 segundos o al menos eso me parecio (reported through (reported through EMSC Panama (Panama, 210 km NE of epicenter) Leve, ondulante 15-20 seg (reported through (reported through EMSC Panama (Panama, 208 km NE of epicenter) (reported through EMSC Panama (Panama, 208 km NE of epicenter) Todo temblo durante medio minuto. No fue tan fuerte, pero se sintio. (reported through (reported through EMSC Panama (Panama, 208 km NE of epicenter) I was sitting in our sofa and I felt how it moved horizontally (reported through (reported through EMSC Panama (Panama, 207 km NE of epicenter) Duro como 5 a 10 segundos (reported through (reported through EMSC Panama (Panama, 207 km NE of epicenter) Ciudad de Panama. 4to piso de un edificio (reported through (reported through EMSC Panama City (Panama, 206 km NE of epicenter) In town on business, on 18th floor of Hyatt Place. Used to live in California, so this was something I had felt before! Light shaking that lasted approximately 25 seconds. (reported through (reported through EMSC Panama City (Panama, 206 km NE of epicenter) It feltd twice anf very strong (reported through (reported through EMSC Panama City (Panama, 206 km NE of epicenter) Por lo menos donde vivo no se sintio fuerte (reported through (reported through EMSC Panama City (Panama, 206 km NE of epicenter) Duro aproximadamente 30seg (reported through (reported through EMSC Panama (Panama, 206 km NE of epicenter) Piso octavo. Tumbado. La cama oscilaba. (reported through (reported through EMSC (Panama, 196 km NE of epicenter) Small but noticeable (reported through (reported through EMSC Veracruz (Panama, 195 km NE of epicenter) Felt the tremor in Playa Bonita 15 floor condo 6:57 pm chandelier moving (reported through (reported through EMSC La Chorrera (Panama, 183 km NE of epicenter) Leve de unos 4 segundos (reported through (reported through EMSC Chame (Panama, 147 km NE of epicenter) We are on the ground floor and it wiggled both of us on the couch. Not real strong, but was no doubt of what it was. Possibly was 2 quakes one after the other or was a long one. No noise heard. (reported through (reported through EMSC (Panama, 147 km NE of epicenter) Little shake (reported through (reported through EMSC Coronado (Panama, 143 km NE of epicenter) Feel the sofa moving (reported through (reported through EMSC Coronado (Panama, 142 km NE of epicenter) My building really shook hard. (reported through (reported through EMSC Penonome (Panama, 122 km N of epicenter) Yo estaba en la cocina y me tambalie y un galon de agua se movia de lado a lado! (reported through (reported through EMSC Santiago (Panama, 87 km NW of epicenter) 2 seguidosSe sintieron mediamente fuertes en santigo, Veraguas (reported through (reported through EMSC El Roble (Panama, 82 km NW of epicenter) It was longer and stronger than usual. Usually of less intensity and strenght. (reported through (reported through EMSC La Villa de Los Santos (Panama, 59 km N of epicenter) Fue una sacudida fuerte como un golpe y siguio por varios segundos temblando (reported through (reported through EMSC La Villa de Los Santos (Panama, 58 km N of epicenter) Se sentio muy fuerte (reported through (reported through EMSC Las Tablas (Panama, 51 km NE of epicenter) Se sintio algo fuerte (reported through (reported through EMSC Sierra Negre volcano news & eruption updates (Galapagos Islands, Ecuador) Sierra Negra volcano (Galapagos): increased seismic activity and strong deformation, eruption warning Thu, 14 Jun 2018, 07:22 07:22 AM | BY: T 07:22 AM | BY: T Earthquake locations under Sierra Negra volcano since Jan 2017 (image: IG) Nr of daily earthquakes under the volcano (image: IG) The Geophysical Institute of Ecuador (IG) reported last week that seismic activity now has reached levels that could be interpreted as signs of an approaching eruption. Seismic activity at the volcano has been gradually increasing over the past two years, but reached and maintained very high levels since mid May, with an average of 42 local events per day. A record number of 104 quakes occurred on 25 May. The largest-so-far quake was a magnitude 4.8 on 8 June. This and several others have been widely felt by people in the vicinity. In addition to the dominant so-called volcano-tectonic earthquakes, which are related to internal rock fracturing due to fluid (magma) pressure creating space inside the edifice, a significant number of tremors reflecting fluid (magma, water, gas) oscillations and movements inside the volcano have also been detected. The earthquakes have been clustering in two SW-NE trending alignments touching the NW-N rims and S-SE rims of the caldera (s. figure). Over the past weeks, most quakes have been concentrated in the eastern and southeastern segments, suggesting that this could be a likely area of new fissures opening up in the case of a new eruption. In line with the elevated seismic activity, monitoring data shows strong ground deformation in the summit area, suggesting that a new body of magma has been intruding inside the upper volcanic edifice. IG concludes that the recent increase of seismic activity "suggests an increase of pressure inside the volcano, which could be related to an advance of a magmatic intrusion towards relatively shallow depths", or in other words, a new eruption could be in the making although it is difficult to give a time-scale. It should be noted that the current unrest does not automatically lead to an eruption, but if it does, the most likely outcome would be a moderate-sized eruption in the Volcan Chico sector (SE). Previous news Sierra Negre volcano, Galapagos: end of eruption Read all Lava stopped flowing at Sierra Negre volcano on the evening of 30th of Oct. 2005.However, even 10 days after the end of the eruption, fires caused by the eruption continued, threatening some rare plants on the island. About 500 hectars in the National Park were burning on the W flank of the volcano in an area called Pampas de Velasco. This area is home to the largest population in the islands of the rare endemic plant Scalesia cordata, which was threatened by the fires. Therefore, the local authorities decided to intervene and take costly measures to extinguish the bushfire. ... Show more Sierra Negre volcano, Galapagos: report available Read all The eruption of Sierra Negre continues with lava flows confined to the vast caldera; it does not pose risks to populated areas. In the meanwhile, a group of scientists from the Geophysical Institute of Ecuador have visited the site and posted a detailed report about the eruption's first 3 days: it can be downloaded here . ... Show more Sierra Negre volcano, Galapagos islands - eruption update Read all The eruption is continuing from a fissure inside the E part of the caldera of Sierra Negre, with lava fountains up to 200 m tall and large lava flows that have now covered about 20% of the caldera floor. Good eruption viewing possibilities are from a lookout on the caldera rim in the El Cura area. ... Sierra Negre volcano, Isabela Island, Galapagos (Ecuador): eruption update Read all First photographs and more detailed information about the large eruption of Sierra Negre are emerging. As on Monday, 24 October, lava flows from a fissure have travelled 9-10 km away from the fissure. The eruption is accompanied by strong lava fountains. Near the eruption site, the terrain consists mainly of older, unvegetated lava flows. Two flows are travelling towards Elizabeth Bay, while a third one is heading towards Cartago Bay, both uninhabited areas. The popoluation of Puerto Villamil is not threatened because of its sheltered position at the S of the island. Sierra Negra, Isabela Island, Galapagos (Ecuador): strong eruption Read all Sierra Negra volcano, also called "El Chico", on Isabela Island, Galapagos, erupted yesterday at 17h30 local time. As the Ecuadorian newspaper "El Universo" reports, an ash column estimated between 20 to 30 km high was observed. According witnesses from Santa Cruz island, two lava flows reached Elizabeth Bay, an uninhabitated settlement area close to the volcano. The island's main town, Puerto Villamil, 25 kilometers (15 miles) away, is not threatened by the eruption. Sierra Negro last erupted 1978. Eruption of Sierra Negre volcano (23 Oct. 2005): Graphic showing the location of Sierra Negre and the evolution of the eruption of 23 Oct. 2005, published by the newspaper "El Universo". (Free) translation below: First visit to our site? If you havn't done it yet, download the Volcanoes & Earthquakes app to get one of the fastest volcano news online: Android | IOS If you havn't done it yet,to get one of the fastest volcano news online: Near the eruption site, the terrain consists mainly of older, unvegetated lava flows. The popoluation of Puerto Villamil is not threatened becaused of its sheltered location at the S of the island. Because of the geologic characteristics (being a typical hot spot volcano, such as Hawaii), the volcanos of the Galapagos Islands produce very fluid lava flows (low viscosity) that permits the flows to travel over great distances.1) The eruption began, at 17:30 h local time on Sunday, 23 Oct. 2005, with a powerful explosion that emptied the uppermost batch of gas-charged magma, heard until 25 km away from the volcano. In addition to the noise of the explosion, a strong smell of sulphur was notised.2) A gas and ash column rose to about 20 km above the volcano.3) From a fissure (inferred from photographs), lava fountains started to produce lava flows observed by park rangers. Two flows are travelling towards Elizabeth Bay, while a third one is heading towards Cartago Bay. The lava flows (as on Mon. 24th of Oct.) have reached a distance of 9-10 km.---Sierra Negre is the largest of the Galapagos volcanoes, with a caldera 10 km in diameter. Its last eruptino occurred in 1979; the lava flows of that eruption did not pose any significant risk to the population of the island. Hidden cloisters provide a silent refuge in the heart of Trastevere. The complex contains two beautiful cloisters: one dating from mediaeval times, built in 1244, while the later Renaissance cloister was built in 1475. The cloisters offer a silent refuge from the bustle of Trastevere and can be accessed via the hospital's main gate, on Via Emilio Morosini 30, entering the courtyard to the right of the information office, then following the "C.U.P." signs to the left. The Nuovo Regina Margherita hospital in Trastevere houses one of Rome's more unexpected treasures: the tenth-century monastery of S. Cosimato and its beautiful cloisters.The building became a convent in the 13th century before becoming a city hospice in 1891 and then finally, in 1960, assuming its current role as part of the Nuovo Regina Margherita hospital. Ties worsen as India questions credibility of Presidential elections. Relations between the Government of President Abdullah Yameen and India have deteriorated sharply in the past few months especially after the Maldivian President had initially declared a state of emergency in his tiny archipelago nation. (Photo: PTI) New Delhi: Indo-Maldivian ties continue to worsen, with New Delhi on Thursday reacting sharply and with dismay to reports that former Maldivian president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom had been sentenced to 19 months in prison in the tiny nation on charges of obstructing an investigation into an alleged plot to oust President Abdulla Yameen. Directly attacking the Maldivian government, New Delhi said the developments cast doubt on the commitment of the Government of the Maldives to uphold the rule of law. Relations between the Government of President Abdullah Yameen and India have deteriorated sharply in the past few months especially after the Maldivian President had initially declared a state of emergency in his tiny archipelago nation. Maldives has politically moved extremely close to both China and Pakistan, something that New Delhi is viewing with some alarm. In a statement following the developments, the MEA said, It is, therefore, with deep dismay that we learned that the former President of the Maldives as well as the Chief Justice of the Supreme Court are being sentenced to long prison terms without fair trial. This casts doubt on the commitment of the Government of the Maldives to uphold the rule of law and will also call into question the credibility of the entire process of Presidential elections in September this year. New Delhi further said it reiterates its advice to the Government of the Maldives to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by immediately releasing political prisoners including former President Gayoom and Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and creating the necessary conditions for the participation of all political forces in the Presidential Elections. The MEA added, Since the beginning of the political crisis in the Maldives, India has repeatedly urged the Government of the Maldives to allow all institutions, including the Supreme Court and the Parliament, to function in a free and independent manner, and to permit genuine political dialogue between all political parties. This has also been the demand of the international community at large. ... India believes that a democratic, stable and prosperous Maldives is in the interests of all its neighbours and friends in the Indian Ocean. 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 June 19, 2012 On this day, WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange walked into the Embassy of Ecuador in London and requested political asylum in an effort to fend off extradition to Sweden, where he faced sexual assault allegations. While keeping with Assanges often-unpredictable methods, the surprise move by the man who masterminded the release of tens of thousands of secret U.S. cables and other sensitive documents appeared to catch British authorities off-guard, Anthony Faiola and Karla Adam wrote in a story for The Washington Post. Ecuador accepted Assange and granted him citizenship. In May 2017, Swedish authorities dropped the sexual assault investigation. But Assange refuses to leave the embassy for fear of extradition to the United States, which is investigating him for espionage. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has referred to WikiLeaks as a nonstate hostile intelligence service. At the embassy, Assange has had regular visitors, including actor Pamela Anderson and German hacker Andy Muller-Maguhn. WikiLeaks has also continued to function and in 2016 released a trove of emails hacked from the Democratic National Committee, drawing the attention of special counsel Robert S. Mueller III, who is investigating possible collusion between the Trump campaign and Russia during the 2016 elections. Kimberly Reed, who directed Dark Money, began filming in 2012 long before Trumps arrival but says she wouldnt have done the project unless I could keep it from falling into this partisan bickering, which so many of these issues fall into, she says. Noting that most Americans disagree with the Citizens United decision that sanctioned unlimited corporate donations to campaigns, she added that her aim was to find that Venn diagram with that huge overlap between right and left about money in politics. When she began editing the film shortly after Trump was elected, Reed recalls, the shock and sense of division informed the process. I think what it made us do in the storytelling was just to double down on the principles of the film, which is to find consensus and reconciliation. Dear Heloise: As a retired dentist, I appreciate the value of surgical gloves. They're awesome to keep in the kitchen: Use when handling poultry or hamburger patties, or when dealing with anything messy. They're inexpensive and available in nonlatex. By the way, your dentist might give you a box for cost! Love your column. Wilcox called another reporter, the Associated Presss Michael Biesecker, anti-Trump and dishonest in an email exchange last week. Which was actually a lot nicer than the extraordinary news release the agency sent out last fall about Biesecker after he documented the EPAs inattention to Superfund sites in the wake of Hurricane Harvey. Despite reporting from the comfort of Washington, Biesecker had the audacity to imply that agencies arent being responsive to the devastating effects of the hurricane, the release said. It added that Biesecker has a history of not letting the facts get in the way of his story. Wed been driving for close to three hours. The sun was setting in the KwaZulu-Natal province of South Africa, casting the bush in a gray and orange haze, our eyes working harder to adjust to the darkness. Soon wed have to give up the search. Sitting in the trackers seat at the front of the Land Rover was Barry Peiser, rhino monitor at Thanda Safari Private Game Reserve. He had been analyzing dung, sections of trampled bush and prints in the mud. Still there was no sight of the southern white rhino. The three were passing through Sondiha on a motorcycle when they were waylaid by the youths carrying firearms, police said. They raped the mother and the daughter after tying the father to a tree, police said. (Photo: Representational) Gaya (Bihar): A group of armed youth tied a man to a tree and raped his wife and 15-year-old daughter in Bihar's Gaya district, a senior police official said on Thursday. The family was waylaid while they were crossing the area on a motorcycle near Sondiha village in Konch Police Station area late on Wednesday night, following which the SHO in Gaya was suspended and 20 youth were arrested. "The three were passing through Sondiha on a motorcycle when they were waylaid by the youths carrying firearms. They raped the mother and the daughter after tying the father to a tree," Inspector General of Police, Patna Zone, Naiyar Hasnain Khan, said. The victims identified two of the arrested youths, he said. "It also came to light during investigation that before the gang-rape incident, the same group of youths snatched away mobile phones and cash from a couple of students passing through the village," Khan said. Efforts are on to arrest others involved in the crime, he said, adding that the station house officer (SHO) has been suspended with immediate effect for the lapse on his part, and a departmental action will follow. A panicked Mendelson enlisted the help of fellow council member Michael A. Brown, who offered the following testimony in a widely circulated campaign mailer that compared his photograph with that of the shadow senator: Its important for the voters of the District of Columbia to know that I am NOT up for re-election at this time. The Michael Brown that appears on your ballot is another person. Still, the College Board, ACT and many admission deans say multiple-choice tests provide useful data in combination with grade-point averages, course transcripts, application essays and other elements of applications. The SAT and ACT scales are broadly known gauges that many admissions professionals find helpful when they sift through thousands of applications and worry whether certain high schools are inflating grades. Few academic credentials grab attention like a maximum score of 36 on the ACT or 1600 on the SAT. A date for Dr. Maxwells last day of service has not been communicated to us or the public, the board has not discussed his departure at all, and we have heard that you, and school board members appointed by you, are orchestrating a massive severance payment for Dr. Maxwell, the minority bloc wrote in a letter sent to Baker on Wednesday. We just want the investigation to be thorough and transparent. Youre talking about peoples reputations and lives, said Doris Reed, executive director of the Association of Supervisory and Administrative School Personnel. So we want it to be thorough and transparent. Because we want people to be cleared if it turns out theres nothing to the allegations. He has poured nearly $3 million of his own money so far into the campaign $2.6 million in loans and $300,000 in contributions vastly outspending his five Democratic rivals in an election cycle that was supposed to be the first test of the countys new public campaign finance system, which was designed to keep big money out of politics. In an executive office and I know how this runs you have to lead, Baker said. You have to get out there and, yes, you have to be willing, Ben, to take on some tough hits if youre going to change things. It is thanks to Governor Hogan and his pro-growth agenda that Maryland is adding jobs and growing wages, Mayer said, before turning his attention to the two frontrunners in the June 26 Democratic gubernatorial primary. If Ms. Matthews believes that Rushern Baker and Ben Jealouss high tax, anti-business agenda will lure jobs to Maryland, then she is dangerously mistaken. His desire to rein in new development drew a rebuke last month from the nonprofit group Greater Greater Washington, which quoted Elrich as saying he would rather see jobs go to Frederick County than to Montgomery. Elrich says that his comments were taken out of context and that he was making the remark during a conversation about relieving congestion on I-270, which runs through the two jurisdictions. The McLeod County Sheriffs Office says the woman was cited for underage drinking and escorted from the festival once she was freed. Kaitlyn Strom was at the Winstock Country Music Festival in the town of Winsted on Friday when she decided to go where few people have gone before. Winsted: First responders had to use a power saw to help a woman who got her head stuck in a pickup trucks exhaust pipe at a Minnesota festival. KARE-TV says the incident happened at the Winstock Music Festival in Winsted over the weekend. Firefighters were called to help the trapped woman, who is OK. The McLeod County Sheriffs Office says the woman was cited for underage drinking and escorted from the festival once she was freed. Kaitlyn Strom was at the Winstock Country Music Festival in the town of Winsted on Friday when she decided to go where few people have gone before. Speaking to the Hutchinson Leader, she said that they were all just having fun when she noticed a big exhaust pipe. I was like, Hey, my head could probably fit in thatSo I tried it. It did fit, but it didnt want to come back out. Strom estimated she spent 45 minutes inside the pipe and said she was finally rescued when firefighters used a power saw, according to Minneapolis station WCCO TV. Lewis Johnson, 66, is retired from a three-decade career in the U.S. Government Publishing Office, formerly known as the U.S. Government Printing Office. Johnson said he is running for county executive because he has clean hands and a clean heart. He said he has been to only a few forums because he thinks the crowds get real loud and disrespectful. He said the audience was very rude at one forum during which he declared that our society is in the condition its in because families have broken down. He said he decided to stop going to forums after that and to pass out his fliers himself. We havent attracted a lot of jobs. And we have growing poverty, he said. We are not the same county we were 20 years ago, and I think there are a lot of people who are holding onto that vision of who we were 20 years ago. If you think this has a limited constituency, you should see AIDs constituency, Mr. Bennet joked at an introductory NPR news conference, when asked how his government work might compare to his new position. There are some parallels in management terms, the organizations are highly complex, the missions are sensitive. The automatic political support for manufacturing tanks or something is not there. My story is the story of one survivor, but it is also the story of 6 million who perished, she said at the event in Londons Hyde Park. Maybe thats why I was spared so my testimony would serve as a memorial like that candle that I light, for the men, women and children who have no voice. The ruling clears the way for Bilal Abdul Kareem, a freelance journalist who grew up in New York, to seek answers and try to clear his name after what he claims were five near-misses by U.S. airstrikes in Syria after he said he was mistaken for a militant because of his frequent contact with al-Qaeda-linked militants. At that hearing, Tituss attorney, Ronald B. Resetarits, argued his client should be released pending trial because authorities could not say which of the two guns fired outside the store killed Harrell a 9mm semiautomatic or a .38 caliber revolver. He said surveillance video and the version from one of the alleged accomplices backs Tituss statement to police that he fired a gun but aimed away from the victim. The filing, which is part of prosecutors case, contains a June 2012 memo from Friedman to Manafort asserting that Gusenbauer had told Friedman he was willing to help organize the lobbying effort at an annual rate of 300,000 euros. Gusenbauer has been quoted in several news reports repeatedly saying that he was not aware that the effort was financed by Manafort or the Ukraine government. An unlikely love story unfolded on the shores of India between a Russian artist and an Indian photographer. In today's day and age, love has been modernised, you can now find your soulmate (for the time being) with a right swipe. However, back in the day, love was pure and simple, one deep gaze would end with marriage and children. Plato's concept of soulmates is one of the earliest, and states that humans originally had four arms, four legs, and a single head made of two faces. They had great strength that threatened to conquer the gods. So Zeus came up with a solution, he split them in half as punishment and they were cursed to forever long for their other half. It is said that when the two find each other, there is an unspoken understanding, that they feel unified and would know no greater joy than that unity. One such story of soulmates, albeit unlikely ones, is that of a Russian national, Galina Valiullina and an Indian photographer, Sudarsan Gouda has all the elements of an amazing fairy-tale romance, there's fate, luck, timing, villians and a happily-ever-after. But like the best stories, you want to read this one for how it happened. Galina Valiullina on how she fell in love, with India, with the man: I was 15 when grand aunt Evgenia Khovanskaya died in 1975, leaving her home to my mother and me since she had no children of her own. Her younger sister was my maternal grandmother. Shortly after, I went to the house we had recently inherited, to sort things out and that was when I discovered letters and photographs of my granduncle, Ivan Dmitriev, historian and archaeologist and a close friend of Nicholas Roerich, the famous Russian painter. I also discovered India, something that was to change my life forever, in ways I could never imagine. I was raised from early childhood by my paternal grandmother who was of Tartar origin. Rooted in Christian faith, my grandmother had strong ties with and great fondness for Oriental art and culture, that I imbibed. I was a year old when I had pneumonia and was given streptomycin, a drug which has been banned in recent times. This very strong medicine, impaired my hearing forever. I grew up, getting used to this disability. I figured that if I were deprived of hearing surely could I use my eyes and hands more creatively. After graduating from Art School in 1980, I chose to enter the Moscow State Art Institute where I studied in the class of Professor D.K.Mochalsky for the next 6 years. In 1986, having secured a Diploma I joined the painters workshop of the Art Fund of USSR as a practising artist. All through these years of study and training, my first encounter with my great granduncle, his photographs of India and the artefacts he brought back, kept tugging at me. Ivan Dmitriev had married Evgenia Khovanskaya, a famous actress of the renowned Russian Art Theatre. In 1930, he accompanied Nicholas Roerich on his long travels to Tibet and then to India where the artist was to settle down. Ivan Dmitriev was the photographer who captured the scenes and sketches that the artist made of their travels, for future reference. I found all these photographs later in the house. He returned to his family in Moscow in 1932. Within 3 days he was picked by the forces of the Stalinist state, convicted and killed. It was a long 24 years before his wife Evgenia Khovanskaya received a letter of rehabilitation from the Soviet government under Khrushchev in 1956. He was acquitted of the crime of being an enemy of the Soviet state for which he had been wrongly executed. Ivan Dmitrievs photographs of India had completely bewitched me and I was very keen to visit that country but travelling abroad was not easy till things thawed with the change of government. In the winter of 1990, I was eventually able to make my dreams of many years come true, when a small group of us undertook the much looked forward trip to India. And events unfolded in the most magical way. All of us in the group had severe hearing disabilities and some of speech too. It was the Director of the Indian Cultural Centre of the Embassy in Moscow, George Joseph who made it all possible with his unstinted assistance and support. I had to visit him so often that his wife, Rani, became a great friend of mine. Both were to play critical roles in my life. We were headed for Gopalpur on Sea, a well-known tourist destination overlooking the Bay of Bengal in the eastern province of Odisha. We had put up in Oberoi, a 5-star hotel, with all its facilities and services, including that of a photographer. I noticed a young photographer who was assigned to take photographs of us and our different activities. He looked somewhat strange, a bit like a hippie with his long hair, hoops in his ears, beads around his neck and hands covered with bracelets. What flustered me somewhat was that I often found him staring at me. One day, while I was bathing in the sea, a large breaker crashed over me, toppling me over. Trying balance, I felt a pair of arms lifting me out of water and taking me ashore. It was the photographer. The moment was unreal; he had put his life in danger to save me. My heart skipped a beat and my feelings changed; he did not seem strange any more. We started talking. He told me his name was Sudarsan Gouda. Sudarsan had to soon leave Gopalpur on work and as we were due to return to Moscow; he said he wouldnt be there to say goodbye. He presented me with a beautiful coral necklace instead. On the day of our departure, as we boarded a bus to go to the airport, a young boy came running to tell me that someone was calling me. As I alighted the bus, I found Sudarsan standing. He had left his work so that he could meet me once before I left. I had made several sketches of my impressions of India, but they were all lost on the way from Gopalpur to New Delhi from where we took our flight home. Back in Moscow, Sudarsan and I began writing to one another regularly. George Joseph once again was a great help as he let us use the diplomatic bag to send and receive letters in. During the coup of August 1991, I stopped writing from fear of government reprisal. Sudarsan became very worried and send me a telegram. When I did not respond, he got in touch with George Joseph to ask for my phone number. His concern spoke of his sincerity and commitment and touched my heart deeply. We carried on corresponding till the April of 1992. Then I became impatient and wanted to meet Sudarsan again and bring him back with me to Moscow. But I had no money. The economic turmoil that followed changes in the government made things very difficult. I sold some of my paintings to raise money, but prices had fallen, and I was only able to gather together enough to make the air fare. George Joseph was there once more. He arranged for a free visa for me to go to India. His only instruction was, Dont return without paintings and the husband. I reached the city of Cuttack by train and Sudarsan was at the station to receive me with his friends. The rest was like a dream come true. His family and friends were very warm and kind to me. We became engaged and decided to marry soon. I wanted an Indian wedding but Sudarsan had some constraints. I spent two and a half months in Gopalpur living with his two families-natal and adopted. We came to Delhi with just enough money for a one-way ticket to Moscow for Sudarsan. We still needed to get a visa for him. The kind official at the Russian Embassy heard our story and he too offered a free visa with a warning to Sudarsan that he would find it difficult in Moscow if he didnt know Russian. We were married on the 30th of October, 1992 and have never looked back. I believe it was our fates to meet and make a life together with love and mutual respect and support. With Sudarsans complete dedication to our marriage I have been able to indulge in my own creative dreams. I loved to design beautiful clothes. In 2006, I graduated from the School of Fashion Textile Design and now I am both a painter and a textile designer. I also design costumes for the theater, especially Tartar. I am also a member of Creative Artists Union of Russia and International Art Fund. I paint, I stitch, I knit, and I dance to express the deep happiness and fulfillment of my life that I owe to our love and togetherness. Sudarsan Gouda on his 'Russian Dream': From the moment I saw Galia in the midst of a small group of Russians in Hotel Oberoi in Gopalpur, I knew she was special. She held me totally rivetted. I kept coming back to the hotel looking for this young beautiful girl who had blown my senses away. I found every opportunity to speak to her. I was thrilled when she reciprocated, and we began talking and getting to know one another. I had no problems communicating with her, despite her hearing impairment. I simply had to look at her and talk. She would read my lips. My family in Gopalpur is very modest, my father was retired clerk and our home made of mud and straw. I was raised by another couple who ran a small hotel in Gopalpur, nothing big or plush. Galinas presence was a sparkle of sunshine in my life. In June 1992, I received a telegram that I was to reach Cuttack station where Galina was arriving in a few days. I was shocked but equally ecstatic. It seemed too good to be true, and yet it was true. My immediate challenge was that I did not have enough money to go to Cuttack from Gopalpur. My friends and family gathered around me and lent me money. I met Galina at the station. The first thing she said was: I have come back for you. You must return with me to Moscow. Our fates were sealed. My parents were not opposed to our marriage even though they were worried about us being from two completely different cultures. My problem was that we couldnt marry in Gopalpur because my two older brothers and my sister were still unwed. It is customary in our part of the world that siblings marry in the order of their respective ages. Galina lived with my family for more than two months in the scorching heat of Odisha summer. There was no running water which had to be fetched from a distance and there were no chairs in the house; we sat and ate on the floor. The toilets were nothing like she was used to in Russia. But there was not a word of complaint from Galina. In Moscow, she brought me to a place that to my rural Indian eyes, looked like a hotel. I dont want to stay in a hotel, I said. This is my apartment, Galia replied. At the front entrance, she made me take the first step into the beautifully decorated apartment in the heart of the city. We continue to live in the same place. I thank God every day for bringing us together. It was our karma to meet and be together. I feel truly blessed. This story originally appeared in the blog pastconnect.net. A message from pastconnect: All of us have interesting personal experiences and stories to tell. Episodes and incidents from our past that have stayed with us because they were special or stories inherited from parents and grandparents. We all love to share and tell stories. Pastconnect.net lets you write and publish your stories for yourself and share with a wider readership from more than 27 countries. Write your stories and send them to us with appropriate pictures and we will publish them for you, with annotations where required. We will check with you first before putting anything online. Kentuckys waiver also sets precedent because it would become the first state to charge Medicaid premiums of up to 4 percent of an individuals income. The current limit has been 2 percent. Moreover, Kentucky would become the first state to lock out Medicaid enrollees from coverage for up to six months for failure to timely renew their coverage or failure to alert the state if their income or family circumstances have changed. Children will begin arriving in the next few days, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, which is responsible for their care. The site will have 360 beds, according to HHS officials, with the potential to add more. The Tornillo site will be the only location, to date, where HHS plans to put children in tents, or what the agency calls semi-permanent structures. In the CDU, this strategic challenge has led to an existential one. After World War II, the party as its name implies stood for a conservatism humanized by Christian (particularly Catholic) values. But Germany has become overwhelmingly secular. The CDU also sponsored the project of European unity, which now seems under severe strain. Under Merkel, the unifying principle has been pragmatism. But this no longer seems enough compared with the simple, emotional appeal of resurgent nativism. Annegret Kramp-Karrenbauer, the general secretary of the CDU and possible successor to Merkel, told me that her party must answer a large question: What are the values that hold us together, not just when it comes to immigrants, but for ourselves? Researchers have estimated that it would take 100 nuclear weapons would be enough to put a nation past its tipping point if used. If just 100 weapons were fired at a densely populated city, such as one of Chinas more highly inhabited areas, the blast would kill over 30 million people. (Photo Pixabay) A new study now warns that a large0-scale nuclear attack would have devastating effects not just on the area targeted, but also on the aggressor nation as well. Researchers have estimated that it would take 100 nuclear weapons would be enough to put a nation past its tipping point if used. However, between the nine nuclear nations, there are roughly 15,000 nuclear weapons in the world. Scientists warn a major attack could trigger worldwide effects, with millions killed in the initial blast, and a global nuclear autumn' leading to food shortages and mass starvation. Researchers add that US and Russia each have thousands of nuclear weapons, and the United Kingdom, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel, and North Korea all have their own arsenals. According to the new study, published in the journal Safety, researchers argue the total number should be slashed to 900 or fewer. Speaking about it, Joshua Pearce, professor at Michigan Technological University said, With 100 nuclear weapons, you still get nuclear deterrence, but avoid the probable blowback from nuclear autumn that kills your own people. The researchers examined the potential threat of three hypothetical scenarios: a 7,000-weapon arsenal, a 1,000-weapon arsenal and a 100-weapon arsenal. They also assessed the environmental blowback, which would affect even the aggressor nations population. If just 100 weapons were fired at a densely populated city, such as one of Chinas more highly inhabited areas, the blast would kill over 30 million people. Soot from a large-scale nuclear attack would block out sunlight, causing temperatures and precipitation to drop which would trigger dramatic decreases in food production. Even in the best case scenario, as estimated in the study, the researchers say the consequences would be grave. In the past, U.S. presidents were unwilling to exploit this leverage. They believed the United States had a stake in upholding the liberal world order, even if it meant abiding by or paying lip service to international rules and institutions to provide reassurance. The alternative was a return to the great-power clashes of the past from which the United States could never hope to remain uninvolved. To avoid a world of war and chaos, the United States was, up to a point, willing to play Gulliver tied down by the Lilliputians ropes, in the interest of reassuring and binding the democratic community together. Europeans and others may have found the United States selfish and overbearing, too eager to use force and too willing to pursue its goals unilaterally, but even President George W. Bushs America cared about them, if only because Americans had learned through painful experience that they had no choice but to care. The Saudis claim the intervention was necessary to counter Iranian sponsorship of the Houthis, who have been firing missiles into Saudi Arabia. But the Houthis are a homegrown force, and many experts believe they were driven into Irans arms by the intervention. The UAEs minister of state for foreign affairs says the Houthis are not willing to negotiate and that the seizure of Hodeida is necessary to bring them to the table. But that claim is contradicted by the U.N. envoy seeking to broker peace talks, who tried to stop the attack. A better explanation is that of David Miliband, the former British foreign secretary who now heads the International Rescue Committee: The attack on the port, he says, is an assault on the chances of a political settlement in addition to a danger to civilian life. To be sure, Kim needs to show his people some economic progress, but he must balance that with maintaining strict control. In the past few years, Kim has allowed small markets to operate independently throughout North Korea, which are improving peoples lives but are also chipping away at the states dominance over its citizens. He may open up a Potemkin McDonalds in Pyongyang, but hes not going to abandon his Stalinist model. The agreement is a testament to the good-faith efforts of both governments and the years of United Nations-mediated negotiations that have led to this moment but the battle for this compromise is far from over. For the name change to become official, it will have to be approved by the Greek and Macedonian parliaments and by the Macedonian public in a referendum. These are weighty obstacles, particularly in Greece, where the opposition has filed a no-confidence motion against Mr. Tsiprass government over the deal. Macedonias nationalist opposition has likewise voiced displeasure. Troublingly, Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov has refused to sign the deal, which means it will have to pass the parliament twice before he is obligated to sign it. And though Congress has approved $6 billion over two years in new opioid-addiction funding, this comes as President Trump has tried to scale back the two major programs that provide much of Americas addiction treatment, Obamacare and Medicaid. (Trumps nearly $1.5 trillion proposed cut is, by coincidence, the same as the cost of his tax cut.) The latest assault on Obamacare the Justice Departments refusal to defend current law against lawsuits from GOP-led states could leave many more without insurance and addiction treatment. According to the Times, Ms. Watkins was notified Feb. 13 that the Justice Department had seized years of records for two of her email accounts and a phone number. The investigators did not obtain the content of the messages but did obtain metadata, including from earlier years when she worked for BuzzFeed News and then Politico, before joining the Times last December. The records were apparently sought in connection with an investigation that led to the indictment last week of James Wolfe, a former director of security for the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, who was accused of lying to the FBI about his contacts with four reporters. One of them was Ms. Watkins, with whom he had had a romantic relationship until December. Mr. Wolfe pleaded not guilty to the charges Wednesday. The president must have missed his briefing. In fact, it is North Korea that provokes and threatens South Korea, as it has done since it first invaded the South in 1950. North Korea is thought to have about 1 million active-duty troops, almost twice as many as the South, and it has constructed perhaps as many as 20 tunnels to possibly mount a surprise invasion. North Korea also has more than 6,000 pieces of artillery that can reach South Korea, including some whose range is so long that they endanger 32.5 million people, more than half the countrys population, according to a study by the Rand Corp. The Defense Department estimated in 2006 that if North Korea opened artillery fire on the South, 250,000 people would be killed in Seoul alone, the Rand study notes. Of course, about a decade later, North Korea now has up to 60 nuclear bombs, complete with the missiles to deliver them. South Koreas war games with the United States are necessary defensive exercises undertaken in the shadow of an aggressive adversary. And add, if your stomach isnt already churning, what is happening on the home front. Parents are being separated from their children in the service of deterring illegal border crossings and with the false excuse that it is the fault of bad legislation passed by the Democrats. One Honduran woman claimed that immigration agents took her daughter while she was breast-feeding. Others have reportedly been told, chillingly, that their children are being taken off to bathe, only to have them disappear. It is hard to believe I am typing these words about my own country. All this activity is being fuelled by the fact that space is now a cornerstone of our modern society. A view of the USSR exhibit organised at the Messehall in Vienna in connection with the Outer Space Conference from August 14 to 27 in 1968 The United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs director outlines what will be on the agenda when the world meets at UNISPACE+50 from June 18-21, 2018 to discuss outer space activities. In the 60 years since the space age began with the launch of Sputnik-1, the first artificial satellite, humankind has achieved remarkable progress in the exploration and use of outer space. This would not have been possible without international cooperation. With more and more countries, organisations and companies accessing space and its economic and societal benefits, international cooperation to ensure the safe, secure and sustainable use of outer space now and in the future is more crucial today than ever before. That is why diplomatic efforts at the United Nations to drive forward such cooperation are so vital. From June 18 to 21, the world will gather in Vienna for UNISPACE+50, the first United Nations global space summit of the 21st century, organised by the United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNOOSA). This will be only the fourth time in history that government representatives join heads of space agencies, policymakers, industry representatives and other stakeholders at the United Nations on a large scale. Our top priority will be to look for ways to use space to improve lives around the world and protect our planet. mother and baby rhinoceros in Tigertops Wildlife Sanctuary, Nepal (April 1, 1987) A lot has changed since the first UNISPACE conference was held in 1968. Today, space is big business. Last year the global space sector was estimated to be worth $330 billion. Access to space is also growing rapidly. Over 70 United Nations member states now have established government space agencies. This is complemented by an ever-increasing number of private companies and industry. In 2017, a year in which the world placed over 450 new satellites a record number in orbit, commercial entities conducted just under half of all launches. All this activity is being fuelled by the fact that space is now a cornerstone of our modern society. We rely on space science and technology in a number of ways in our everyday lives. It helps us navigate when we are driving and enables us to call our friends and families around the world. Satellite technology can even help track endangered species like rhinoceroses to protect them from poachers, or provide imagery and data to farmers to help them monitor their crops, improve their yield, and avoid food shortages. Space is an invaluable tool for achieving sustainable development across the globe, and so it is important that everyone can access and enjoy the benefits that space brings to us all. In light of this, UNISPACE+50 will be a timely opportunity for the world to both reflect on our achievements in space over the past six decades and to look to the future. At UNISPACE+50, United Nations member states will endorse a resolution that calls for strengthened international cooperation in the peaceful use of outer space and the global governance of outer space activities, and which encourages coordination to ensure that space science, technology and applications serve the Sustainable Development Goals. In the 21st century, space is essential to all of humankind, so it is important that the international community works together on the future of space activities. We at UNOOSA are looking forward to welcoming the world to UNISPACE+50 and providing such a valuable platform under the umbrella of the United Nations to ensure that space benefits everyone, everywhere, for generations to come. Simonetta Di Pippo is director, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs A 5-to-4 conservative majority of the Supreme Court has now removed that protection. In the opinion for the court, Justice Samuel A. Alito Jr. managed to read the NVRA to allow precisely what it appears to forbid. Relying on an argument not even advanced by Ohio, he held that a state can purge voters so long as nonvoting is not the sole criterion for doing so. Even the slightest additional reason not responding to a one-time mailing makes their removal permissible. This logic ignores Congresss own statement when passing the NVRA that people should not be removed due to their failure to respond to a mailing. My first reaction was to think about the U.S. diplomats and other government officials who had labored on the two texts in good faith, achieved difficult compromises that protected American interests and then seen their work trashed by the know-nothings and bureaucratic bullies Trump has gathered around him for the apparent purpose of making sure he follows his own worst instincts. In a career of working abroad as a correspondent and columnist, I had come to respect and admire officials who did this kind of work for the State Department and other agencies. But now they and the very work they do are being sold out and made laughingstocks by the president they supposedly represent. Perhaps Trump was mainly trying to show toughness before his historic summit with Kim, as his top economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, suggested. But plainly what we are witnessing here is America First with a vengeance Trump giving voice to his visceral unilateralism and long-simmering mistrust of the global economic system that his predecessors in the White House, both Democratic and Republican, had the largest hand in creating over the past 70-odd years. The global institutions and alliances that Trump thinks only tie us up and bring America down as he put it in his biggest foreign policy speech as a candidate in 2016 were designed to do just the opposite: to ensure a peaceful world dominated by the United States and to build a global economy that would enrich and protect Americans. And they succeeded beyond their creators wildest dreams. Presidents from FDR to Ronald Reagan and beyond didnt nurture the United Nations, NATO, the G-7, trade alliances, the World Trade Organization and other bodies only out of some misguided sense of noblesse oblige. They did it to serve U.S. interests. At one point during the lunch, Sen. Ted Cruz (R-Tex.), who spent most of his first term as a thorn in the side of many of his Republican colleagues, tried to intervene and broker a solution to one of the disputes, according to multiple people who attended the lunch or were briefed on it. A shirt declaring All Lives Matter, we are told, could be perceived as political. How about a shirt bearing the name of the National Rifle Association? Definitely out. That said, a shirt displaying a rainbow flag could be worn unless there was an issue on the ballot that related somehow . . . to gay rights. A shirt simply displaying the text of the Second Amendment? Prohibited. But a shirt with the text of the First Amendment? It would be allowed. Hes a tough guy, Trump replied. Hey, when you take over a country, tough country, with tough people, and you take it over from your father, I dont care who you are, what you are, how much of an advantage you have. If you can do that at 27 years old, I mean thats one in 10,000 that could do that. So hes a very smart guy. Hes a great negotiator. But I think we understand each other. The New York State Court of Appeals decision today was on purely procedural grounds that the order appealed from was not within that courts jurisdiction because it was not the final order in the case, Kasowitz Benson Torres, the firm representing Trump, said in a statement. The Court of Appeals did not address the merits of the issue at stake here (an issue first raised by the U.S. Supreme Court in Clinton v. Jones) namely, that, under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, state courts do not have jurisdiction over a sitting President. China has reaffirmed its commitment to honoring the U.N. Security Council resolutions. Those have mechanisms for relief contained in them, and we agreed that at the appropriate time that those would be considered, Pompeo said. But we have made very clear that the sanctions and the economic relief that North Korea will receive will only happen after the full denuclearization, the complete denuclearization, of North Korea. Kevin Lim/THE STRAITS TIMES/Handout/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- President Donald Trump was effusive in his praise of North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during the summit in Singapore, but the kind words didn't stop there. In an interview with Fox News' Bret Baier that was conducted on the flight back from Singapore and aired Wednesday night in the U.S., Trump didn't seem concerned by the dictator's well-established history of abusing human rights. When Baier noted that Kim is "a killer, he's clearly executing people," Trump responded by calling Kim "a tough guy." "Hey, when you take over a country, tough country, with tough people, and you take it over from your father, I dont care who you are, what you are, how much of an advantage you have. If you can do that at 27 years old, I mean thats one in 10,000 that could do that. So hes a very smart guy. Hes a great negotiator. But I think we understand each other," Trump said in the Fox News clip. Baier followed up, saying "But he's still done some really bad things." "Yeah, but so have a lot of other people done some really bad things. I mean, I could go through a lot of nations where a lot of bad things were done," Trump said. The president went on to say that he's going "from today" in terms of dealing with Kim. This is far from the first time that Trump has shared positive views of strongmen and dictatorial rulers: he gave Syria's Bashar al-Assad "an A" in terms of leadership in 2015; said the U.S. would be "so much better off" if Libyan ruler Muammar Gaddafi was still in charge in 2016; and last year, he defended Russian President Vladimir Putin by saying "there are a lot of killers" in the world, adding, "You think our country's so innocent?" As for Kim's horrid history, the United Nation released a report in 2014, three years after he took control of North Korea. The report said "crimes against humanity have been committed in the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea, pursuant to policies established at the highest level of the State." "These crimes against humanity entail extermination, murder, enslavement, torture, imprisonment, rape, forced abortions and other sexual violence, persecution on political, religious, racial and gender grounds, the forcible transfer of populations, the enforced disappearance of persons and the inhumane act of knowingly causing prolonged starvation," the report stated. Trump was also asked about Kim's human rights abuses in his news conference in Singapore following the summit. ABC News chief White House correspondent Jon Karl asked if Trump believes Kim needs to change his approach to human rights. "Jon, I believe it's a rough situation over there. There's no question about it and we did discuss it today pretty strongly. I mean knowing what the main purpose of what we were doing is -- de-nuking -- but discussed it in pretty good length. We'll be doing something on it. Its rough, it's rough in a lot of places, by the way, not just there but it's rough and we will continue that and I think ultimately we will agree to something. But it was discussed at length. Outside of the nuclear situation, one of the primary topics," Trump said. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Three of the accused, Raju (32), Suresh, (27), and Hemraj (26) have been arrested, police said, adding Raju was the victim's brother-in-law. Shailender, was found dead in Raju's house with injuries on his face and other parts of the body. (Photo: Representational) New Delhi: A 32-year-old man was allegedly beaten to death in outer Delhi's Kanjhawla by four brothers who did not approve of him having a relationship with their younger sister, the police said on Wednesday. Three of the accused, Raju (32), Suresh, (27), and Hemraj (26) have been arrested, they said, adding Raju was the victim's brother-in-law. The fourth accused, Ravi, is absconding. Shailender, was found dead in Raju's house with injuries on his face and other parts of the body. Initially, Raju tried to mislead the police by claiming that the victim had come to visit the weekly market at Anandpur Dham and had passed lewd remarks about a woman following which the public to beat him up, the police said. The accused also claimed that he had brought Shailender to his house where he died on Tuesday. During interrogation, Raju admitted that he along with his brothers Suresh, Hemraj and Ravi had beaten Shailender to death with sticks, belt and pipe. Earlier, Shailender used to live with his sister and her husband Raju. He developed intimacy with Raju's younger sister, Additional Deputy Commissioner of Police (Outer) Rajendra Singh Sagar said. After coming to know about it, Raju and his brothers objected to it and subsequently, Shailender started living in a rented accommodation in Mangol Puri, he said. On June 11, Shailender had come to meet Raju's sister again and was seen by Suresh. Following this the four brothers beat Shailender to death, the police officer said, adding Raju's wife had gone to her maternal home in Agra at the time of the incident. Page and Strzok are not the only FBI officials assigned to the Clinton email probe who were found to have exchanged personal messages indicating either an animus against Trump or frustration with the fact that the FBI was investigating Clinton. The report identified five officials with some connection to the email probe who were expressing political views, faulting them for having brought discredit to themselves, sowed doubt about the FBIs handling of the midyear investigation, and impacted the reputation of the FBI. The midyear investigation refers to the Clinton email probe. She said: But the final verdict of the Supreme Court we believe is certain to go down in the history as a travesty of justice. New Delhi: The Association of Victims of the Uphaar Tragedy (AVUT) has urged the government to enact strict law for those responsible for major fire tragedies in the country. AVUT president Neelam Krishnamoorthy said on Wednesday that her association has been consistently fighting to get justice for their loved ones, killed on June 13, 1997 at Uphaar Cinema in one of the worst fire tragedies. She said AVUT invested its faith in the criminal justice system and took up an arduous fight for justice in the hope that it would get justice for those who were killed in the tragedy. She said: But the final verdict of the Supreme Court we believe is certain to go down in the history as a travesty of justice. The AVUTs endeavour for the past 21 years has been to get justice for our loved ones and ensure implementation of safety laws in public spaces so that no precious human lives are lost. She said in the Uphaar fire tragedy case, Sushil Ansal who had merely spent five months in jail a pitiful two-and-a-half days in jail for each of the lives lost, was allowed to walk free by the Supreme Court because of his old age. Years later, we have been again reminded of the insensitivity of our times. Someone accused of killing a blackbuck is sentenced to five years in prison. US indie band Haim have revealed they fired their agent after finding out they were paid ten times less than a male artist on a festival bill last year. The sisters, Este, Danielle and Alana, said they'd initially been told their fee was so low because "you played at the festival in the hope that you'd get played on the radio." "We didn't think twice about it, but we later found out that someone was getting paid ten times more than us. And because of that we fired our agent," Danielle told the UK's Grazia. The trio, who toured Australia last year for Splendour In The Grass, did not name the festival or the male artist. A former Australian intelligence official whose wife was jailed over a UN bribery plot was one of three confidential sources who spoke to Fairfax Media before it published a story linking Chinese-Australian billionaire Chau Chak Wing to the scandal, the Federal Court has heard. Mr Chau, one of Australia's most generous political donors, is suing the publisher of The Sydney Morning Herald and The Age over an online article titled "Are Chau Chak Wing's circles of influence in Australia-China ties built on hot air?", which was published on October 16, 2015. Chau Chak Wing leaves the Federal Court. Credit:AAP He alleges the article defamed him by accusing him of participating in a conspiracy in 2013 to bribe former UN general assembly president John Ashe; acting in "so seriously wrong a manner as to deserve extradition" to the US on bribery charges; and building an Australian business empire by making "illicit payments" to government officials. Fairfax Media denies the article conveyed those allegations. In the event the court finds it did so, the publisher has also pleaded the defence of qualified privilege, which requires a media outlet to show a defamatory article was of public interest and it acted reasonably in publishing it. Police have labelled the abduction and sexual assault at knifepoint of an 11-year-old girl in Newcastle a "horrendous" and "worrying" crime, as they hunt for her assailant. The girl was walking to school through Hudson Park in Adamstown Heights just after 9.15am on Tuesday when she was attacked, Detective Chief Inspector Paul Jacob said. "An 11-year-old girl was approached from behind by a male offender and attacked, threatened with a knife, sexually assaulted, placed into a car [and] driven to another location in bushland where she was further offended against," he said. The chief inspector, from the Child Abuse and Sex Crime Squad, said the girl was released at Kotara Station about five hours later, just before 2.15pm. She then walked the 1.5 kilometres home, and police were called. Accused Bourke Street driver Dimitrious Gargasoulas arrives at the Supreme Court on Wednesday. Credit:AAP James (Dimitrious) Gargasoulas smiles when he speaks about the Bourke Street tragedy, his psychologist says. Mr Gargasoulas, 28, is accused of killing six people, including two children, when he drove along Bourke Street on January 20 last year. He is now facing an "investigation hearing" in the Supreme Court, where a number of psychiatrists and psychologists are being called to give evidence to determine if he is fit to stand trial over the incident. A report by psychologist Professor Michael Daffern was read to the court on Wednesday describing Mr Gargasoulas' emotions when discussing the Bourke Street tragedy. The lawyer also argued Mr Todd's 15-year-old brother could experience distress if the accused man was named. But Magistrate Andrew McKenna ruled that media could name Mr Todd. It was Mr Todd's first time in custody, Mr Riordan said. He said Mr Todd's family had "indicated his condition makes him socially regressive". "He struggles in certain social environments and that may have a significant impact on him in custody," Mr Riordan said. Mr Todd was on prescribed medication for his condition, the court heard. The woman's body was found on the soccer pitch at Princes Park. Credit:Paul Jeffers Ms Dixon, an aspiring comedian, has been remembered by friends as a "kind, intelligent and talented" woman on the cusp of breaking ground in the comedy industry. Homicide squad Inspector Andrew Stamper said it was understood Ms Dixon and her accused killer did not know each other. And police do not believe Ms Dixon's death was linked to another sexual assault in Parkville in March. "We are satisfied at the moment the two aren't connected. Unfortunately this leaves us with the prospect there is an outstanding offender out there ... which we obviously need to maintain focus on." Carlton North death Police believe Ms Dixon was killed some time between 11pm Tuesday and 3am Wednesday, Inspector Stamper said. Detectives released images from CCTV footage of a man they wished to speak to on Wednesday night. The footage was taken in the CBD, Inspector Stamper said, but he declined to reveal how police had determined this man was of interest to them. "For us, charging somebody isn't the end," he said. "There is obviously still a lot of work that has to be done." However, he said the community and media had played a significant role in capturing the alleged killer. Homicide Squad Acting Inspector Andrew Stamper. Credit:Paul Jeffers "They played a very significant role in us being able to resolve this matter as swiftly as we have," he said. He urged people to continue to be vigilant. "If people have any concerns at any time for their own security, call triple zero. We would much rather have too many calls than too few." Round-the-clock patrols As news of Ms Dixon's death broke on Wednesday morning, a sense of alarm came with it and detectives promised round-the-clock patrols of Princes Park. But there was little sign come Thursday that the park had been the centre of a major homicide investigation, except for some flowers placed at the scene. A bouquet of yellow flowers tied with a white ribbon lay on a park bench and a single white orchid was left next to a soccer goalpost. A heart-shaped chain of yellow and orange jonquils was placed metres from the jogging track on Princes Parks eastern side. More flowers were placed next to it throughout the day. A heart-shaped chain of yellow and orange jonquils at the scene of the woman's death in Princes Park. Credit:Eddie Jim Superintendent David Clayton said there would be a visible police presence at the park "all times of the day and night". They [police] will be on foot, theyll be on bicycles and theyll be in cars, he said. He urged anyone walking in the area at night to be aware of their surroundings. Nestled near the residential colleges of Melbourne University to the south, Princes Park has one of the citys most popular running tracks, often filled with young students. But the closest property to the Princes Park crime scene is Melbourne General Cemetery. The nearest residents are further north, opposite Ikon Park, in Macpherson and Garton streets. To the north, it borders the corner of Royal Parade and Park Street, and close to the pubs that dot Sydney Road, meaning it also becomes a cut-through in the wee hours for those walking home. The scene near Princes Park on Wednesday as police investigated the discovery of a woman's body. Credit:Chris Hopkins Earlier assault On March 28, another woman was sexually assaulted less than one kilometre away, near Royal Park in Parkville, as she was walking by the intersection of Gatehouse Street and Bayles Crescent about 2.35am. A man approached the woman from behind, trapped her in a bear hug and the pair fell to the ground, where he sexually assaulted her, police said. But the victim screamed within earshot of nearby homes and managed to escape. "It was the only time I thought someone could rip me out of this world," the victim told media on Wednesday. "I felt like I was fighting for my life." Salem has complained about everything from poor quality food, unhygienic drinking water to solitary confinement. Mumbai: A day after the Portuguese embassy officials met Abu Salem in Navi Mumbais Taloja jail to learn about the alleged violations of his extradition term, the gangster wrote two letters to Portuguese authorities complaining about the sorry state of his solitary-confinement cell and the lack of basic amenities in the prison. In his letter, Salem stated that he could not give anything in writing to the officials who met him in jail due to presence of CBI officers and jail authorities. Salem has complained about everything from poor quality food, unhygienic drinking water to solitary confinement. You would have had a clear picture before your eyes as to how they have kept me in solitary confinement. It is even worse than animals. It is very evident from the fact that even after your request, the jail authorities did not allow you to visit my cell so they could hide all the facts about my living conditions, read the letter written by Salem, copy of which is with The Asian Age. Salems complaint is not limited to his condition in jail. He has thanked the Portuguese authorities for meeting him and giving him an opportunity to inform them about the ordeal meted out by the Indian authorities the trial court, the state government, the central government, the High Court and the Supreme Court. The main plan of Indian authorities is to keep me confined in such condition for 25 years to frustrate me so I will loose my sense and will become mad or will kill myself, said the letter. According to Salems letter he is facing several skin ailments and health issues due to solitary confinement as there is no natural air, sunlight or ventilation. Salem has claimed that not only have his rights provided under the Constitution of India been violated, but also the conditions of extradition with Portugal government have been breached. He claimed that he has been denied parole and furlough facilities and his request for parole to get married was also rejected. An elderly man has died and a three-year-old boy is fighting for his life at the Perth Children's Hospital after a fire ravaged a home in Perth's southern suburbs. The fire started just after 6pm on Wednesday on Rushbrook Way in Thornlie and the 69-year-old man and the boy were found unconscious in a bedroom of the house. A man and a little boy were found unconscious in a bedroom. Credit:Hannah Barry. "At about 6.10pm this evening we received a call to say there was a house fire in Thornlie," Senior Sergeant Dean Snashall told reporters at the scene of the blaze. "Police and fire brigade attended and located the house well alight at that stage. Fire-fighters have done their job obviously and police have been notified that two occupants have received injuries as a result of the fire and have subsequently been taken to Fiona Stanley Hospital. A mother whose baby survived a termination procedure only to die minutes later has spoken out publicly for the first time about her family's pain and anguish. Her son was one of the 27 babies who died in similar circumstances since abortion became legal in Western Australia in 1998. Since abortion became legal in WA in 1998, 27 babies have died after being born alive after termination procedures. Credit:Fairfax Media The babies have been the subject of calls for a parliamentary inquiry into their deaths. But the mother, who has asked to remain anonymous, is seeking understanding about the circumstances of her child's death in the hope an investigation could be rendered unnecessary. Jennifer* was told by her doctors that her baby had stopped growing. The former chief executive of a charity established by a Bali bombing survivor to help burns victims has spent her first night in jail after stealing $57,200 from the organisation. Samantha Chelsea McClymans, 42, was jailed for two years on Tuesday after pleading guilty in the District Court of Western Australia to two counts of stealing as a servant. The former chief with Dana Vulin at a 2014 event. Credit:Survivor Foundation. Her role at the Peter Hughes Burns Foundation meant she had sole access to its accounts, which she plundered on several occasions, spending the cash on things such as hairdos, washing her dog and buying expensive cosmetic cream for her niece. Some of the money had been held in trust for Dana Vulin, who nearly died in 2012 when Natalie Dimitrovska doused her with methylated spirits and set her on fire during a jealous rage. Less than a month before hundreds of WA workers were set to lose their jobs, a WA company has swept in and bought the Koolyanobbing mining operation. US mining giant Cleveland-Cliffs flagged its plans to cease mining operations in Australia earlier this year, and the announcement meant more than 520 regional jobs were on the chopping block. Premier Mark McGowan said the state government had been working closely with Mineral Resources Limited to ensure the successful acquisition of the operation and that economic activity continued in the region. Esperance port workers were set to be hit especially hard, with 120 jobs on the line if the mining operation was to close. Workers were told to "look after each other", with the port expected to lose one of its main sources of business. A Perth researcher believes he can weed out false confessions from genuine admissions of guilt after utilising a new psychological technique to understand a police interrogation transcript of Making a Murderer suspect Brendan Dassey. Murdoch University criminologist Dr David Keatley developed the Behaviour Sequence Analysis system in response to the Reid technique, a popular method of interrogation commonly used by police. A three-judge panel has determined that Brendan Dassey was coerced into confessing and should be released from prison last year. Credit:Eric Young The Reid technique focuses on reading non-verbal clues that may indicate dishonesty and wearing down suspects' psychological resistance. Critics argue the technique can often place too much emphasis on body language, with instances of discomfort often taken to infer guilt. Morrison himself provided a clue while ridiculing the idea. He said the Tax Act was designed to treat peoples income the same, and so you pay tax according to what you earn. But we dont. Someone who earns $1000 from wages pays twice as much as someone who earns $1000 by making a capital gain selling an asset. Income from capital gains is taxed more lightly in accordance with whats known as optimal taxation theory. It suggests taxing heavily things that tax is unlikely to stop, such as work, and taxing more lightly things that tax is more likely to stop, such as the movement of capital. Its the basis of the argument for a lower company tax rate as well as a lower capital gains tax rate. The concession isnt fair, but its efficient. Miranda Stewart suggested taxing women differently. Credit:Daniel Munoz As would be the logical extension, which is to tax female wages more lightly than male wages. Male work turns out to barely react to after-tax pay. Most men will continue to work full-time regardless of what happens to what they take home, regardless of how much they grumble. Some will work a bit less if their take-home pay falls, because they are offered less of a reward. Others will work a bit more in order to get back the income they lost. On balance the price elasticity of their labour is close to zero. Women are different. Most European and American estimates put the price elasticity of their labour between 0.4 and 1, meaning a 10 per cent boost in their take-home pay will lift their hours of work by between 4 per cent and 10 per cent. The most efficient way to tax labour would be to heavily tax generally unresponsive male work and more lightly tax generally highly responsive female work, depending on elasticities. Economists Alberto Alesina from Harvard University and Andrea Ichino from the University of Bologna in Italy believe women should be taxed at no more than 80 per cent of male rates in the US, at no more than 68 per cent in Italy and no more than 91 per cent in Norway. Loading And theres another argument for discriminating on the basis of gender. Its that, for most of us, gender is innate. We wont change it. Tax theorists say that, ideally, we should be taxed on our underlying ability to earn an income rather than the income itself. Otherwise some of us with ability will avoid tax by avoiding earning an income. Although the ability to earn is hard to measure, markers for it are easy to measure, such as height. In a half tongue-in-cheek paper entitled The Optimal Taxation of Height, Harvard economists Gregory Mankiw and Matthew Weinzierl note that someone who is 183 centimetres tall can expect to earn $US5500 ($7300) more per year than someone 165 centimetres tall. They say tall people should pay several thousands more in tax than short people on the same income. Its a way of getting at their earning capacity, as would be a higher tax on the earnings of men. And theres yet another practical reason to tax women more lightly. The withdrawal of family benefits and the imposition of childcare costs as mothers return to work mean some face extraordinarily high effective marginal tax rates of up to 90 per cent. If ever there were people who ought to be affected by high tax rates, its returning mothers. Loading But heres whats odd. Australian mothers are hardy. When the Productivity Commission recommended a new, simpler and more generous formula for childcare support along the lines of the one introduced in this years budget, it found it would boost employment by just 15,000 full-time worker equivalents in a workforce at present growing by hundreds of thousands per year. More than mothers in the United States, Germany and Britain, Australian mothers seem undaunted by tax rates. The case for treating them gently is strong in theory, weak in practice. Australian technology firms will face fewer legal barriers to launching high-powered rockets into space under changes to be spruiked by the Turnbull government at a major space conference in Canberra. A top defence expert meanwhile says Australia can help the United States make its crucial military satellite system more resilient in the event of a conflict with major adversaries such as China or Russia. Jobs and Innovation Minister Michaelia Cash will tell the Australian Strategic Policy Institutes major space conference on Thursday that the government is overhauling the two decade-old laws covering space ahead of an expected boom in the space industry. No Australian companies are launching satellites, meaning they have to join queues with overseas companies. Credit:AP The changes introduced to the Parliament recently would cut red tape for space-related businesses in Australia, particularly when it comes to launches and returns, she says, according to speech notes provided by her office. Federal MP Steve Irons has called for the introduction of the death penalty for paedophiles and "people who continually abuse children". Mr Irons made the call during a debate in federal parliament on the introduction of laws to establish a compensation scheme for victims of sexual abuse. Liberal MP Steve Irons during debate on the National Redress Scheme for Institutional Child Sexual Abuse Bill 2018, in the House of Representatives at Parliament House. Credit:Alex Ellinghausen The MP, who grew up as a ward of the state and has been a key campaigner for a redress scheme for victims of institutional child sex crimes, said he understood the idea wouldn't get far, but it was still a "personal passion". Mr Irons said in an interview on Tuesday that both he and his wife grew up in families that suffered from either sexual or violent child abuse. The second paragraph commits the US and North Korea to join their efforts to build a lasting and stable peace on the Korean Peninsula. This also is good news. But it is vague and very general. The world is waiting for the detail. The third paragraph, which is expressed as a reaffirmation of the April 2018 agreement between North and South Korea, commits the North to work towards complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. Here's the rub. Until now, US policy has been unwaveringly committed to securing CVID: denuclearisation which is "complete, verifiable and irreversible". Actions speak louder than words. Until now, to get a meeting with the US president, North Korea has been obliged to accept CVID. Now the meeting has been held and the commitment to those important adjectives is nowhere to be seen. Even denuclearisation is not a commitment, as such. Whatever it might mean, all that is promised is that North Korea will "work towards" the holy Grail. But when? By what time? In what stages? By what process? And what about the interests of other countries in securing that objective? What about the United Nations, protecting the nations large and small? What about the Korean example as a step in the direction of global nonproliferation and destruction of the enormous stockpiles that the world now lives with. Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un shake hands in Singapore. Credit:Straits Times Back in 2014, after an intensive commission of inquiry, the United Nations endorsed a detailed report on human rights in North Korea. It was damning and it was alarming. It drew overwhelming votes in the UN Human Rights Council, usually bitterly divided along geopolitical lines. Likewise in the General Assembly which was shocked and alarmed by the findings of multiple crimes against humanity. Millions of people starving in North Korea. More than 120,000 in detention camps to which access was denied. Thousands who had fled to South Korea despite great risk to their lives. Thousands executed publicly as enemies to the regime. Naturally, as the chair of this inquiry, I was expecting that some form of commitment (even vague like the rest of the agreement) to human rights would be recorded. The fourth and final paragraph does indirectly refer to human rights; but where the subjects are overwhelmingly long since dead. There is a commitment to "recovering prisoners/missing in action remains" and repatriation of those already identified. The dead, it seems, speak more powerfully to these leaders than the living. On their sufferings, there is total silence. Fadnavis is currently visiting the US following a trip to Canada. After meeting investors and CEOs and attending a community reception in the city, he will visit Washington and San Francisco. (Photo: File) New York/ Mumbai: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be voted back to power in the 2019 general elections; Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said emphasising that the Indian leader is addressing basic problems of the common man through flagship schemes of constructing toilets, providing bank accounts and gas connections. Fadnavis is currently visiting the US following a trip to Canada. After meeting investors and CEOs and attending a community reception in the city, he will visit Washington and San Francisco. In 2019, people are going to vote Narendra Modi again because what India could not achieve in 67 years, we have achieved a lot in the last four years, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told PTI in an interview in New York on Wednesday. I won't say that nothing happened in 67 years but the path on which the country has begun its journey now, is something which was never thought of, he said. Fadnavis said at a time when India is the fastest growing economy in the world, is developing infrastructure and technology, Modi is simultaneously addressing the problems of a common man. We may talk about missions to the moon but even today 50% of the population does not have toilets. Look at that disparity. That disparity is being addressed by Modi, he said. Unless we address this disparity, it will result in a very divided society. According to official data, Maharashtra has constructed the maximum number of individual household toilets under the Centre's flagship Swachh Bharat Mission scheme, followed by Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Till November last year, as many as 42.72 lakh household toilets have been constructed against the target of 66.42 lakh. Fadnavis said citizens of the country are now getting basic requirements like gas connections and bank accounts. From providing gas connections to electricity connections, every single step is changing the country and that is why I am very sure that people will vote for Narendra Modi again in 2019. Asked about the electoral losses suffered by the BJP in the recently held by-elections in Kairana and Noorpur seats in Uttar Pradesh and Bhandara-Gondiya Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra as the country gets ready for the 2019 general elections, Fadnavis said by-elections cannot be a yardstick since in the by-elections the voting is low. On the threat letters allegedly by Maoists containing a plot to target Modi, Fadnavis said the letter have been recovered from a hard disk and there is other corroborating evidence that an assassination attempt was being planned against Modi. NCP chief Sharad Pawar had said the BJP was playing a "threat letter card" to gain sympathy. Fadnavis reiterated that it was very unfortunate when senior leaders like Pawar make such comments. With all the damaging evidence, if somebody says that it is a letter to get sympathy, I don't expect that from such a person, he said. A couple who died after falling 30 metres down a cliff in Portugal while apparently trying to take a selfie have been identified. Perth man Michael Kearns, 33, and his British partner Louise Benson died when they fell down the cliff at the seaside town of Ericeira in the early hours of Tuesday morning. Their bodies were found by council workers who were sweeping the beach. Former FBI Director James Comey "deviated" from bureau and Justice Department procedures in handling the probe into Hillary Clinton, damaging the agencies' image of impartiality even though he wasn't motivated by politics, the department's watchdog found in a highly anticipated report. Among topics Inspector General Michael Horowitz reviewed was Comey's announcement in July 2016 that no prosecutor would find grounds to pursue criminal charges against Clinton for improperly handling classified information on her private email server, as well as Comey's decision to inform Congress only days before the election that the Clinton investigation was being re-opened. "While we did not find that these decisions were the result of political bias on Comey's part, we nevertheless concluded that by departing so clearly and dramatically from FBI and department norms, the decisions negatively impacted the perception of the FBI and the department as fair administrators of justice," Horowitz said in the report's conclusions. Also in the report is a damaging revelation of previously unreported text messages between two FBI agents in which one questioned whether Trump would become president. Agent Andrew Strzok, who played a senior role in the Clinton investigation, replied: "No. No he's not. We'll stop it." Minneapolis: A raccoon that became an internet sensation by scaling a 25-storey office tower in downtown St Paul was safely trapped on Wednesday and released back into the wild. The raccoon looked a bit bedraggled but healthy after it was caught before dawn atop the UBS Plaza. Technicians took the caged raccoon down a freight elevator to a truck, according to Wildlife Management Services, which provides animal control services for St Paul. "It's definitely a healthy raccoon. It's in good condition. It's eating normally," said Christina Valdivia, the company's general manager, who accompanied the technicians to the rooftop. The raccoon's adventures caused a stir on social media as it scaled the tower Tuesday, with many Twitter users voicing concern for its safety or joking about the drama as its seemly death-defying climb was livestreamed by several broadcasters. Valdivia said her mother-in-law saw it on the news in Chile. New Zealand: A Wanaka couple is distraught after a man shot their pet cat in broad daylight, claiming he thought it was a possum. Donald and Johanna Vermeulen tracked their beloved four-year-old Burmese cat, Arthur, via his GPS to a neighbour's property after he went missing on April 30. Police said they later interviewed a 60-year-old man who confessed to shooting Arthur and disposing of his body and his tracker. Arthur's GPS tracker led his owners to a neighbour's property. Arthur, who wore a large bright orange GPS tracker attached to his collar along with two bells, disappeared from his home in a quiet cul-de-sac of 12 properties. Connecticut added 4,100 jobs in May to erase many of the losses experienced in March and April and put the state ahead 11,500 jobs year over year, according to a report released Thursday by the Connecticut Department of Labor. The states unemployment rate remained unchanged at 4.5 percent, even as the national average dipped to 3.8 percent as announced earlier this month by the Bureau of Labor Statistics. There was surprising strength in retail trade and a good showing for financial activities, both of which are now ahead of last years pace, Andy Condon, director of the states Office of Research, said. Aprils initial job loss report of 1,400 was revised to a steeper loss of 1,900. The state lost 5,400 jobs in March and April, following strong numbers in January and February. Mays figures come from the business payroll survey by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The state has 1,690,700 jobs and 84,900 unemployed residents. Don Klepper-Smith, chief economist and director of research at DataCore Partners, celebrated the small victory for Connecticut, but added the state has a long way to go catch the nation and surrounding states when it comes to job recovery from the recession. The May jobs data was a welcomed reprieve from the job weakness seen in recent months, he wrote in a newsletter to clients. I would characterize the May numbers as being a positive step in the right direction and pretty encouraging. The private sector grew by 4,300 jobs in May and is up 13,800 positions for the year. The government supersector lost 200 jobs in May. The state employs 229,900 government employees, down from 255,100 prior to March 2008. The number includes federal, state and local government positions, including tribal employment. Five of the supersectors gained positions, while four lost jobs and manufacturing remained unchanged. The trade, transportation and utilities supersector led all industries with 2,600 new jobs. Mining and construction dropped 300 positions, the most of any supersector. Connecticut has recovered 81.0 percent of the jobs lost in the recession from March 2008, to February 2010. The private sector, however, has recovered 102 percent of the jobs lost during the recession. The state needs to gain 22,600 new jobs to reach full recovery. Five of the six Labor Market Areas gained jobs with the Bridgeport-Stamford-Norwalk LMA breaking even. Hartford led the way with a gain of 900 positions. Danbury added 200 jobs. It was a good (job) increase and it was broad-based with five of six labor markets gaining jobs and five of the supersectors gaining positions, Pete Gioia, an economist with Connecticut Business & Industry Association, said. Overall, it was a positive report. The one concern I do have is the labor force data, which decreased by 2,500 last month. Gioia said the 11,000 jobs gained year over year could become a yearly increase of 30,000 positions by the end of the year if the trend continues. But can we do it? he said. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy touted the states efforts to bolster the states private sector, while shrinking the government. Todays job numbers demonstrate that Connecticut has more private sector jobs than we did before the Great Recession, Malloy said in a statement. It also reflects the fact that government is smaller today than when I took office just as I promised to do eight years ago. Malloy said the state workforce, excluding higher education, is 13 percent smaller than it was when he took office. Average hourly earnings increased 48 cents year over year to $31.51. The writer may be reached at cbosak@hearstmediact.com; 203-731-3338 Maharashtra Navnirman Sena workers, who were at petrol pumps, will pay the differential amount to petrol pumps at the end of the day. Long queues of two-wheelers were seen at petrol pumps on Thursday as a majority of people got their tanks full and extended their greetings to Raj Thackeray who turns 50 today. (Representational image | PTI) Mumbai: It is Maharashtra Navnirman Sena President Raj Thackeray's birthday today and the two-wheeler owners are a happy lot as they got a discount of Rs 4 to Rs 9 per litre on selected petrol pumps in Maharashtra. Long queues of two-wheelers were seen at petrol pumps on Thursday as a majority of people got their tanks full and extended their greetings to Raj Thackeray who turns 50 today. Sagar, a two-wheeler vehicle owner, said, that they have been hit the most by recent rise in fuel price. "It's for the first time that I have been able to get a tank full in my vehicle. It's a huge relief," he said. "Like Thackeray ji, I hope Modi ji also reduces the prices and gives relief to youngster like us as salaries are also very less these days," he added. On Thursday, petrol in Maharashtra fetched Rs 84.26. Party workers, who were present at petrol pumps, were monitoring and keeping records and said will pay the differential amount to the petrol pumps at the end of the day. One of the party workers told news agency ANI, "The waiver is being offered since 8 am in the morning and will continue till afternoon. Two-wheeler owners will be paying Rs 4-5 less at selected petrol stations in Maharashtra." "In Mumbai's Shivadi Assembly Constituency, we are giving a relief of Rs 9 per litre on petrol," party workers said. In March, Raj Thackeray had launched a scathing attack on the BJP-led NDA government, calling for opposition unity and a "Modi-mukt Bharat" by 2019. "India got its first Independence in 1947, second in 1977 (after the post-Emergency elections), and 2019 can bring a third Independence if India becomes 'Modi-mukt'," the MNS chief had said. Raj Thackeray had also alleged that government is trying to control media, judiciary and institutions like CBI. Matthew Brown / Hearst Connecticut Media STAMFORD The seventh annual Hooks for Heroes fishing tournament, which raises money for the families of wounded soldiers, will cast off Saturday, June 16. The tournament, which starts at 6 a.m., will host more than 200 fishermen, disabled military veterans and their families. It will be held at the Halloween Yacht Club, 10 Seaview Ave. WESTPORT Towns next big land-use battle is clear: a proposal for a six-story 81 unit affordable housing apartment building at 1 Lincoln St. The proposed 6-story multi-family residential development qualifies as affordable housing under the Connecticut general statute 8-30g. In total, 25 of the 81 units will be affordable pursuant to CGS 8-30g, said Fairfield-based attorney John Fallon, representing Cross Street LLC, presented an overview of the project to the Planning and Zoning Commission, June 7. For towns, like Westport, that have not received a moratorium as a result of the lack of affordable housing in compliance with 8-30g, applications for housing pursuant to 8-30g regulations can bypass town zoning laws. The continued lack and need for affordable housing in Westport still exists and has been candidly admitted to over the years, Fallon said, adding the Lincoln Street proposal could housing for young and old people in Westport and towns police, fire, school, and municipal employees who may otherwise not be able to afford to live in Westport. The project will have 27 one-bedroom and 54 two-bedroom units, along with 153 parking spots. Fallon said the applications proximity to transit and location in an area with diverse property-uses makes it an ideal spot for an affordable housing application. Cross Street LLCs development will be built along Lincoln Street, Post Road West and Cross Street. Although the fire safety and traffic impact reports for the proposed development are not yet available, State Rep. Jonathan Steinberg, D-136, and his challenger for the 136th Assembly District, Republican Greg Kraut, both spoke at the June 7 meeting in opposition to the affordable housing development application. Steinberg disagreed 1 Lincoln St. is an ideal spot for a large affordable housing development, saying the locations placement on a hill and at the apex of two busy roads -- Post Road and Riverside Avenue, pose traffic and driving safety concerns. Its a six-story building, which, to my understanding would be unprecedented in our community, Steinberg said, albeit noting that neighborhood character is not a reliable basis for denying an 8-30g compliant application. The salient elements upon which to deny the application are grounded in issues of health and safety, Steinberg said, questioning whether the town has the adequate sewage capacity to accommodate a complex that would house in excess of 100 people. Kraut took the lectern and chastised Steinberg for his recent vote in the state assembly to take away the phrase character of our town, as a criterion for approval or denial of an 8-30g compliant affordable housing development. The project is simply not appropriate. It is entirely out of character with this neighborhood, Kraut said, adding he is not against affordable housing but believes, a 119 square foot, six-story industrial looking structure, which can not be built anywhere in town under current zoning regulations is, out of character with this neighborhood. The next public hearing on the 1 Lincoln St. application will be held in Westport Town Hall on June 21. svaughan @hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2638; @SophieCVaughan1 Anna Deavere Smith is a playwright and actress perhaps best known for her long-running role in the political TV series The West Wing. As a writer her credits include Fires in the Mirror and Twilight: Los Angeles 1992, which ran at the Gate Theatre earlier this year. She returns to the London stage for the first time in almost three decades with her one-woman show Notes From the Field, running at the Royal Court until 23 June as part of LIFT. Where did the idea for Notes From the Field come from? A group of people who do work with children in social justice told me about what is called the school-to-prison-pipeline. Basically, how poor kids get kicked out of school more often than middle-class and rich kids, and when they're not in school they're in trouble. In America you don't need too many bad steps down that road before you end up incarcerated. The United States incarcerates more people than any country in the world. And the play is the culmination of interviews with people involved in that pipeline? Yes. 250 interviews in four geographic areas: northern California, an Indian reservation, Baltimore (my home town), Philadelphia and South Carolina. South Carolina has an area that has been called the corridor of shame because the schools are so bad. So this project was both about the failure of public education in the United States and the rise of policing and jailing people as a way of making up for the ways schools have collapsed. Why did you want to tell this story? Almost my entire career I have been very involved in using art to raise awareness, and I'm interested in problems too because I'm a dramatist I'm interested in catastrophe, and real-life certainly provides lots of catastrophe to be examined. There's an inherent drama in places where things fall apart, so on the one hand it's just me being a dramatist that makes me interested in this stuff, but it's also because I'm an African American woman with my own journey, having grown up in a time when things were much worse in America. I didn't grow up in poverty and I've never been incarcerated, nonetheless I feel that this is the story of my people, not just black people, but poor people, suffering people. It's in my DNA to be concerned about that. So do you hope this piece can help to make a change? As artists we have to be careful in saying that we can change the world because part of what we have to do is attend to our craft. So I feel that, at this stage of my life, the best I can do is use my craft to look at a conflict, use drama as a way of showing that conflict, and then hopefully people who have greater means than I will do something. Anna Deavere Smith in Notes From the Field Joan Marcus You started Notes From the Field in 2013, so pre-Trump. Has his presidency changed the piece? The piece and my relationship to it has changed since I started working on it, but it's not Trump that changed it. The most essential change that happened was that, right after my first workshop of the play, a man named Michael Brown was shot in the back in Ferguson, Missouri, and then that whole year there was lots of instances of people being shot down by cops. That strengthened my resolve to commit my personal self to the project more. It was in the third or fourth week of me performing the play in New York that Trump was elected, and you could feel the shift in my audiences. As an artist, how does it feel to go from an art-supporting President like Obama to someone who seems to have a contempt for the arts like Trump? I find that artists are more resolved than ever, to get out there and do their work. I think we're in a time when art is actually going to be quite exciting because there has to be this other reality! I did The West Wing during the Bush era and one of the reasons that show became so popular was because people who didn't like Bush felt it was an alternate White House. Well, Trump makes Bush look like Gandhi! But the vacuum left by his behaviour is inspiring a hunger for a moral imagination. And now you find yourself in London. Are you excited to be performing at the Royal Court? Yeah, I haven't been here for 28 years or so, which is amazing. I had a chance to meet Vicky Featherstone who seems to be a force of nature, I'm very excited about the people involved it's just too bad that I won't get to see anything while I'm in London. How do you hope the play will be received here? Things are different here, but I think this idea of the white race being dominant, as a matter of migration and human evolution, is changing, and while my play paints this tapestry of America, I hope it speaks to London too. Muriel Spark's Miss Jean Brodie is one in a long tradition of inspirational but wayward fictional teachers. Think Dr Bryant from Educating Rita, John Keating from Dead Poets Society, Hector from The History Boys. Miss Brodie is formidable, brilliant, passionate and a bit of a mess. And here, in David Harrower's new adaptation of the original novel, she is a mint of a part. In Polly Findlay's production for the Donmar Warehouse, she is played by the equally formidable Lia Williams, who, despite the looming, iconic shadow of Maggie Smith in the 1969 film, makes the role entirely her own. It's a superb part and Williams emerges from it a complete star (although anyone who has been following her recently will already know she is exactly that). Rona Morrison, Helena Wilson, Emma Hindle and Grace Saif Manuel Harlan Miss Brodie is in charge of the class in the final year at an upright girl's public school in Edinburgh in the 30s. Where the stuffy headmistress Miss Mackay champions dull, pedestrian good sense and safety, Miss Brodie is the school's rebel. As soon as Miss Mackay's back has turned Miss Brodie is encouraging her young protegees to close their arithmetic books and talk about Italian art. And the 'creme de la creme' of the pupils (all still in junior school at 10 years-old) she invites back to her flat for sherry and more talk. She's the sort of teacher who changes your life and that, in a way, is Miss Brodie's raison d'etre. Although of course, these remarkable teacher-pupil relationships are on a singular path to disaster. The pressure Miss Brodie puts on the girls to become something brilliant, and the dreams she fills their heads with, don't sit well in a world where women are forced to stop working once they are married. The girls get older, most get real, and Miss Brodie makes a mistake (or two). It's a play about the place of joy in education and about the way women have been suppressed for so long. Though Miss Brodie is a force unto her own, she is also constrained by society desperate to keep working for 'her girls', her romantic dalliances are always shunned. She couldn't marry, imagine Miss Brodie as a housewife. Williams is poised and perfect as Miss Brodie, simpering and elegant in a series of fabulous, boldly coloured 1930s dresses that stand out on Lizzie Clachan's otherwise grey designs. She has eyes that smoulder and eyebrows arched at everyone around her. Williams' Miss Brodie is delighted by everything, her whole body dancing and laughing by the simplest thing such as a perfectly structured sentence. Lia Williams Manuel Harlan And her downfall is acute, as Rona Morison's Sandy proves top of the class then a latter-day Judas. Morison is also brilliant, offering a sense of Sandy's youthful intelligence and tenacity but also just how impressionable she is. That goes for all the young students. Nicola Coughlan's Joyce Emily who eventually follows Miss Brodie's instruction a step too far is sad and real as the girl who wants to be friends but is left out of the clique. Spark's story focuses on humanity the ability we have to inspire and lead, and the importance of experiencing the world directly rather than just through books. But as Miss Brodie lives vicariously through her students, it is also a lesson in what being a kid means and just how stifling a world without potential can be. Findlay's production is beautifully pitched, with some excellent supporting turns from the likes of a gentle but frustrated Angus Wright. It's also very funny; an evening offering tragedy, comedy and food for thought in equal measure. Four gold stars from me. Dale Wasserman's 1963 play, One Flew Over the Cuckoo's Nest, followed close on the heels of Ken Kesey's iconic novel, more than a decade before the film which won Oscars for director Milos Forman and his two leading players, Jack Nicholson and Louise Fletcher. One of the few people to hate the film was Kesey. Wasserman's play and Javaad Alipoor's Sheffield production is much closer to his intentions, the latter even sometimes over-emphatic in fulfilling them. The basic outline of novel, play and film is the same. Nurse Ratched rules her ward of a mental institution with an icy appearance of kindness, subjugating her weak-willed 'boys' to a set of rules that make life easier for her, over-ready to resort to electroconvulsive therapy and even lobotomy if any become obstreperous. Along comes Randle P McMurphy, small-time crook, who has got himself classified as a psychopath to avoid the prison farm as a punishment. He takes on "Big Nurse" by inciting the inmates to become individuals, free, with an anarchic sense of fun. The differences between play and film are concerned with the balance between drama, even tragedy, and farce. There are crazy funny scenes in the play (watching the World Series without television, for example), but they are much shorter and relate more directly to Kesey/Wasserman's message. Arthur Hughes, Tom Hodgkins, Joel Gillman, Jack Tarlton, Nathan Amzi and Jeremy Proulx Mark Douet The role of Chief Bromden, the giant Native American, is a major difference. The use as narrator of a character who pretends to be deaf and dumb and thus overhears all sorts of secrets was one of Kesey's sharpest inspirations and Wasserman carries that through with Bromden's meditations on The Combine which ruined his tribe and now pulses away controlling the inmates. Jeremy Proulx's bruised, tormented dignity suits the part perfectly. The major issue, however, is how much of a hero is Randle P McMurphy? Wasserman was furious when Kirk Douglas, in an early adaptation of his text, made him 'consistently lovable'. Of course he takes on an enemy who needs to be opposed, but his character is ambiguous and often unpleasant. Odious as she is, Nurse Ratched is correct when she accuses him of 'gambling with people's lives'. No one could find Joel Gillman's prancing, scuttling, singing, cackling McMurphy consistently lovable a bit much early on, perhaps, but he places the character in a territory far removed from that of the movie hero. This is a seriously thought through production, but one that can't quite resolve the inherent problem in Wasserman's play, the balance between the humanity and comic potential of the inmates. Also it could do with a touch more pace. It would be totally wrong to lay this at the door of Jenny Livsey, who stepped in at a day's notice to give a thoroughly believable account of Nurse Ratched, but the injury to Lucy Black, cast and rehearsed in the part, can't have helped. Carrying a script (which serves as clipboard or file), but using it sparingly, Livsey is especially successful in presenting the acceptable face of Ratched at first, then losing it step by step. Jenny Livsey ( Sam Taylor) Alipoor's production commands the vast Crucible stage with only a few sticks of furniture. There are strong performances all down the line from the inmates, notably Arthur Hughes' tremblingly, stammeringly mother-fixated virgin Billy Bibbit and Jack Tarlton's Harding, always trying to maintain dignity in the face of emotional and sexual inadequacy. Lewis Gibson's soundscape, with its buzzing machines and bland music (Lawrence Welk, apparently), is key in establishing the world of the institution, though some later interventions veer towards melodrama. BJP government is insulting freedom fighters, says Congress. The decision got the Cabinet nod and the committee has now drafted the procedure and guidelines for implementing the same. Mumbai: The Maharashtra government on Wednesday decided to give a monthly pension of Rs 10,000 to those who served imprisonment for more than a month or were arrested under the provisions of the MISSA Act while participating in protests to protect democracy during the Emergency imposed in the mid-seventies by the then Congress government headed by Indira Gandhi. The decision did not go will with the Congress, which claimed that the BJP government is insulting freedom fighters by equating them with those who opposed the Emergency. The decision got the Cabinet nod and the committee has now drafted the procedure and guidelines for implementing the same. However, the government stopped short of declaring who demanded the pension and why the issue was not considered during the BJP-Shiv Sena regime of 1995. Parliamentary affairs minister and member of the committee, Girish Bapat, told the Asian Age, The government is expecting applications of more than 2,000 to 2,500 activists or workers who were in jail during the Emergency under the MISSA Act or served the jail term for more than a month. We have decided to give Rs 5,000 pension to the spouse if the husband has died. Applications will be available at collectors offices across the state within 10 days. Workers who fought against the Emergency have to submit applications, along with proofs to the collectors and the government has given all powers to collectors to sanction the pension. Funds of Rs 20 to Rs 25 crores will be needed for this. However, the Congress reacted sharply against the decision. It is clear that the BJP is trying to rewrite the history by associating itself with some movement in the country. It is the fact that the RSS had no association with the freedom struggle. By declaring pension for people jailed during the Emergency, the BJP government is trying to cover up RSSs non-participation in the freedom struggle, said Congress leader Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil. There are 7-8 states, including Uttar Pradesh and Madhya Pradesh, which have already given the status of freedom fighters to those who were imprisoned for 19 months by the government during Emergency. BJP leader Eknath Khadse had demanded in 2016 that the same status should be given to people imprisoned during the emergency in Maharashtra also. Earlier this year, the BJP government in Haryana had also announced a monthly pension of Rs 10,000 to those residents of the state who were jailed during the emergency period. Usage of Facebook for news is down as youngsters are turning towards messaging apps like WhatsApp. The use of social media networks such as Facebook to consume news has started to fall in the United States as many young people turn toward messaging apps such as Facebook-owned WhatsApp to discuss events, the Reuters Institute found. Usage of Facebook, the worlds largest social network, for news is down 9 percentage points from 2017 in the United States and down 20 points for younger audiences, according to the Reuters Institute survey of 74,000 people in 37 markets. The use of social media for news has started to fall in a number of key markets after years of continuous growth, Nic Newman, a research associate at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, said in the Digital News Report. We continue to see a rise in the use of messaging apps for news as consumers look for more private (and less confrontational) spaces to communicate, Newman said. The research lays bare the volatility of consumer tastes as the news industry tries to grapple with the impact of the internet and smartphones that have transformed both the way people consume news and the way media companies make money. The YouGov polling for the Reuters Institute was conducted mostly before Facebook, facing criticism for algorithms that may have prioritized misleading news, adjusted the filters on its News Feed in January. Facebook and Twitter are still used by many users to discover news but the discussion then takes place on messaging apps such as WhatsApp, often because people feel less vulnerable discussing events on such apps. Social media is like wearing a mask, an unidentified UK female respondent from the 30-45 age group was quoted as saying. When I am in my messaging groups with my friends, the mask comes off and I feel like I can truly be myself. WhatsApp, founded in 2009 and bought by Facebook in 2014 for $19 billion in cash and stock, is more popular than Twitter in importance for news in many countries, the report said. Some respondents still found news on Facebook but then posted items on a WhatsApp group for a discussion with a closer set of friends. WhatsApp and Instagram, also a unit of Facebook, have taken off in Latin America and Asia while Snapchat has made progress in Europe and the United States, the survey noted of regional news sharing differences. Fewer than half of people surveyed across the world said they trusted the media most of the time, though in the United States just 34 percent said they trusted most news, most of the time, down 4 points. In the United States, local television news and the Wall Street Journal were the most trusted news brands while in the United Kingdom it was BBC news and ITV news. Fox News and Breitbart were trusted more by those on the right of the political spectrum in the United States while those on the left trusted CNN more. News brands with a broadcasting background and a long heritage tended to be trusted most, with popular newspapers and digital-born brands trusted less. Public broadcasters scored well. The so-called Trump Bump increase in subscriptions to news media has been maintained though more than two-thirds of respondents were unaware of problems in the news industry and thought most media were making a profit from digital news. The verdict is clear: people find that some news is worth paying for, but much of it is not, said Rasmus Kleis Nielsen, director of research at the Reuters Institute. The challenge for publishers now is to ensure that the journalism they produce is truly distinct, relevant and valuable, and then effectively promoting it to convince people to donate or subscribe. The Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism is a research centre at the University of Oxford that tracks media trends. Thomson Reuters Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Thomson Reuters, funds the Reuters Institute. (Source) OTTAWA The Manitoba Metis Federation will ask Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to intervene in its feud with the Pallister government, over its March decision to shelve a deal signed by Manitoba Hydro, the Free Press has learned. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/6/2018 (1221 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA The Manitoba Metis Federation will ask Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to intervene in its feud with the Pallister government, over its March decision to shelve a deal signed by Manitoba Hydro, the Free Press has learned. "Does (Ottawa) stand up and say, Wait a second, we believe youre infringing on constitutional rights here, and theres a problem," federation president David Chartrand said Wednesday. ADRIAN WYLD / THE CANADIAN PRESS FILES Metis leader David Chartrand (right) wants Trudeaus government to help settle the dispute. The federation is suing the Manitoba government over its demand Hydro kill a land-entitlement deal worth $67.5 million over 50 years. That agreement, which the government argues was a mere proposal, had the federation commit to not opposing a proposed $453-million hydro transmission line to Minnesota that would facilitate increased U.S. sales. Chartrand said hell broach the topic Friday in Ottawa during the Metis National Councils meeting with Trudeau, before passing him a letter asking for the prime ministers help. The federation is seeking financial assistance, or representation from Justice Department lawyers, or even Ottawa applying for intervener status. "Theres a federal question that has to be asked now: what happens to Indigenous Peoples when provinces try to misuse all their power, and authority as well, to try to shut down Indigenous rights?" Chartrand said before boarding a flight to Ottawa. "Do they let Indigenous people fend for themselves, against a big province with an endless amount of resources they can turn to?" 'There's a federal question that has to be asked now: what happens to Indigenous peoples when provinces try to misuse all their power, and authority as well, to try to shut down Indigenous rights' MMF President David Chartrand Manitoba Premier Brian Pallister has instead characterized the agreement as a bad deal for future generations, including Metis people. But he riled up Indigenous leaders when he called the deal "hush money" for a "special-interest group." This is the first time the federation has sought federal intervention in the issue; Chartrand has said the provincial Tory government "breached the honour of the Crown" but did not ask Crown-Indigenous Relations Minister Carolyn Bennett to step in. Chartrand said the provinces decision to choose the high-powered law firm Osler pushed him to seek Ottawas help, because the firm has represented lucrative oil companies. "Theres no way in hell Im going to be able to afford trying to get these kinds of big firms; I know Kinder Morgan can afford it, and I know the province can afford 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. On June 25, a judge will hear the federations request for a judicial review of the cancellation of the deal. The federation also plans to file a breach-of-contract lawsuit against the government. The National Energy Board has yet to approve the transmission project. Chartrand said when hearings get underway, the federation will call on Pallister to be cross-examined. He said his reasoning is an order-in-council that asks Manitoba Hydro to have the Crown services minister not the premier himself review all decisions involving Indigenous people. dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca Cancer mortality rates in Manitoba for both men and women were higher than the national average in 2017, says a new study and data released Wednesday by the Canadian Cancer Society. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/6/2018 (1221 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Cancer mortality rates in Manitoba for both men and women were higher than the national average in 2017, says a new study and data released Wednesday by the Canadian Cancer Society. Cancer is the leading cause of death in Canada, and in Manitoba the target rates for the three screening programs breast, colorectal and cervical cancer are all under what they should be to be fully effective, the study says. "The fastest way to decrease the mortality rate is to identify cancer early, before it spreads," said Kyra Gawalko, senior manager for missions at the Canadian Cancer Society's Manitoba division. It's the reason the Canadian Cancer Society invests in research, she added. "It is also why we urge all eligible Manitobans to participate in the three cancer screening programs available. The higher the participation rate, the more likely we are able to catch cancer early or abnormalities before they become cancer." The take-away message is not new, but with an estimated 80,800 cancer deaths in Canada in 2017, it's no surprise doctors, researchers and statisticians have joined forces to push it harder. The battle has always been to persuade people to take the tests regularly before they show symptoms, Gawalko said. Ignoring the screening test is costing Manitobans their lives, says the new report, "Canadian Cancer Statistics: a 2018 special report on cancer incidence by stage." The study was released by a coalition of partners, including the Canadian Cancer Society, Public Health Agency of Canada and Statistics Canada. They joined forces a couple of years ago in an effort to shift the conversation away from scary mortality rates to focus on the stages of cancer and when they're caught in Canada. "This is the first time weve have reported on cancer incident by stage at diagnosis, offering new and valuable insight into Canadas cancer burden and what can be done about it," the Canadian Cancer Society said in a statement that indicated the latest annual report built on the findings of the 2017 document. One out of four Canadians is expected to die from the disease, and nearly one in two can expect to be diagnosed with some form of cancer in their lifetime, the report says. In 2017, those numbers amounted to a national mortality rate of 233.3 for men and 172.1 for women per 100,000, the standard measure by population. Manitobas numbers were marginally higher: 248.6 men and 188.4 women out of every 100,000 could be expected to die of cancer. Each day, 18 people die of cancer in Manitoba, estimated at 2,900 deaths in 2017. Diagnoses were more than twice as high, at 6,700 new cases. The cancer societys Manitoba division anticipates 3,300 men and 3,400 women will be diagnosed with the disease in 2018. 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. Cancer rates have trended up as the countrys population ages, but the peak for mortality rates was in 1988. Since then, new treatments and earlier detection have saved an estimated 179,000 lives nationwide. Some 60 per cent of Canadians diagnosed with cancer can expect to be alive five years later, compared to 25 per cent in the 1940s, researchers say. The national report doesnt break down rates by province, as populations are too small to make those numbers statistically significant, according to the Canadian Cancer Society. The leading causes of death by cancer in Canada also aren't new, either. For men, it is lung, colorectal and prostate; for women, it is lung, breast and colorectal cancers. Together, those cancers accounted for half of all new diagnoses. alexandra.paul@freepress.mb.ca OTTAWA NDP MP Daniel Blaikie says pruning the pensions of nuclear-plant workers could endanger the decommission of a Whiteshell facility, though the federal Liberals say that claim is overblown. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/6/2018 (1221 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. OTTAWA NDP MP Daniel Blaikie says pruning the pensions of nuclear-plant workers could endanger the decommission of a Whiteshell facility, though the federal Liberals say that claim is overblown. "Theres an important moral reason for government to back up the pension promise," Blaikie, the MP for Transcona-Elmwood, said Tuesday. PHIL HOSSACK / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS FILES Transcona NDP MP Daniel Blaikie, centre, says Manitobans could be at higher risks of a nuclear accident during the looming decommissioning of the Pinawa (Whiteshell) facility because of a pension reform. The former Conservative government privatized the operation of nuclear facilities across the country, making their staff no longer public servants. According to federal law, those who work at a nationalized agency can only stay on the civil-service pension plan for three years, before rolling onto a private one. That rollover is set to take place in September, and unions say the private plan is far less generous. Blaikie said hes heard of workers planning to leave the Whiteshell Laboratories research facility in Pinawa, 115 kilometres northeast of Winnipeg despite the centres ongoing decommissioning, which is currently set to conclude in 2024. "By being kicked out of the plan, its causing those workers to look for work elsewhere, or consider an early retirement," Blaikie said, citing conversations hes had with some of the Pinawa plants 350 employees. They can still access their pension savings but those who stay wont be able to top them up nearly as much as theyd planned. "A lot of the workers there have site-specific knowledge that would be useful and important in that decommissioning process," he said. "Its not good for the workers, and its not good for Manitobans." Natural Resources Minister Jim Carr, whose department regulates nuclear energy, said dismantling the facility will follow such stringent standards that even a large amount of turnover wont impact safety risks. "There ought to be no link there," said Carr, MP for Winnipeg South Centre. Carr said the Pinawa facility "served the Canadian economy well, but now its being decommissioned, and it will be subject to the highest environmental review by the Canadian Nuclear Safety Commission." A spokesman for Treasury Board president Scott Brison blamed the issue on the former government, saying its outsourcing "has had a significant impact on its employees, who by law, are no longer eligible" for public-service pensions. "We are committed to providing our full support to the workers of Canadas nuclear industry," wrote Jean-Luc Ferland. Flanked by union officials and a cart full of bankers boxes, Blaikie said hed be presenting thousands of letters to the federal Liberals, asking them to reconsider. "Working in the nuclear industry is not an easy gig; it comes with a lot of risks and people get into that line of work in order to be able to provide for their families." The International Union of Operating Engineers (IUOE) commissioned an actuary to assess how much Ottawa would have to pay to keep 3,300 nuclear workers across Canada on public pensions. They found it would start at around $3 million in the first year, before declining as people retire. 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. Blaikie filed a formal request in Parliament asking the government how much it would cost to keep those employees on its pension plan; the Liberals responded in April by instead explaining federal pension rules. IUOE spokesman Steven Schumann claimed because the feds continue to monitor contracted nuclear facilities, privatizing them had effectively created a "shell company" that let Ottawa renege on its pension obligations, which he said is a bad precedent for the entire labour market. Blaikie compared nuclear workers pension woes to Ottawas reluctance to intervene in the January closure of Sears, during which 16,000 retired employees lost one-fifth of their pensions, despite the retail company paying dividends to its shareholders. "We have a government that said they were going to stand up for the middle class," he said. "Every time that they could actually stand up and do something for real peoples pensions that would make a difference in the life of real people they take a pass." dylan.robertson@freepress.mb.ca It felt like spatters of hot bacon grease or twacks from a snapped rubber band as a laser began zapping the Islamic State tattoo from her skin. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/6/2018 (1221 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. It felt like spatters of hot bacon grease or twacks from a snapped rubber band as a laser began zapping the Islamic State tattoo from her skin. "It's nothing," Faeza Mejo said through an interpreter as Bionic Tattoo Removal owner Chris Woywada went to work, blasting away the indelible marks in the young Yazidi woman's dermis. In 2014, Mejo was 18 years old and eight months pregnant when she, her husband and his family tried to flee Islamic State invaders in northern Iraq. She never saw her husband again. Over the next three years, Mejo was beaten, starved, bought and sold to 10 different Islamic State (IS) terrorists who've been accused of committing genocide against ethnic Yazidis. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Yazidi refugee Faeza Mejo at her first session to start the removal of her ISIS tattoo with laser specialist Chris Woywada at Bionic Tattoo Removal in Winnipeg on Wednesday. Her tattoo was made using a needle and eyeliner, she said through an interpreter. She did it herself when she was held captive by her third Islamic State "owner." He promised not to sell her again if she proved her loyalty to him. She attempted to tattoo his name on her arm, but he sold her anyway and told her she was now damaged goods and that her family -- if she ever made it back to them alive -- would never accept her. She was sold another seven times before her final owner decided he, too, wanted to escape IS. When they crossed into Kurdish-held territory, he didn't just let her go. He made Mejo's father scrape together US$12,000 for her freedom. In the fall, she arrived in Winnipeg with her young son, Harman, and shared her story with the Free Press in May because she wants the public to know about the Yazidis' struggles. When a friend sent Woywada a link to the Free Press article about the 21-year-old Yazidi woman wanting to get rid of her IS tattoo, the certified laser tattoo removal specialist said he wanted to help. He connected with Mejo's family friend and restaurateur, Sinan Aboud, who was raising money from food sales during Ramadan to pay for her tattoo removal. Woywada offered Mejo's first treatment for free and is charging half price for subsequent one. It will take several treatments with several weeks of healing time between each, Woywada said. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Yazidi refugee Faeza Mejo holds her arm after her first laser removal session at Bionic Tattoo Removal in Winnipeg on Wednesday. He said he's removed a tribal neck tattoo from an east African woman and another woman's face tattoos that were part of her country of origin's culture but attract unwanted attention here in the West. "For many people, removal is an emotional thing," Woywada said Wednesday morning before Mejo arrived at his West End office for her first session. He met with her and an interpreter earlier for a consultation and wasn't expecting the process to overwhelm her. "She could handle almost everything after what she's been through," Woywada supposed. "She seemed OK." Still, he said, post-traumatic stress disorder sometimes won't hit people until they get to a safe place and it could hit Mejo in his office. When she arrived, Mejo said she was nervous but sat perfectly still on a stool. Wearing protective goggles, she rested her tattooed left arm on the treatment table while squeezing a stress ball in her right hand. Woywada's laser clicked as he began pelting away the indelible reminder of the horrors she survived. 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. MIKAELA MACKENZIE / WINNIPEG FREE PRESS Yazidi refugee Faeza Mejo at her first session to start the removal of her ISIS tattoo with laser specialist Chris Woywada at Bionic Tattoo Removal in Winnipeg on Wednesday. "We're almost done," he told Mejo, who didn't flinch. "Good job," he said, as she squeezed the stress ball so hard her knuckles turned white. Within a few minutes, the session was finished. "Mumtaz," said Mejo, uttering the Arabic word for "excellent." Getting the tattoo done was much worse then getting it removed, she said. Mejo recalled it was very painful and she battled an infection as her arm swelled to twice its size from the festering eyeliner ink wounds. After her first laser removal session, the tattoo faded noticeably then turned red like a sunburn. "That looks really good," Woywada told her before giving her interpreter instructions for caring for the affected area, including not to scratch, soak, rub or bandage it. "If it blisters, don't pick it," he added. "Thank you," Mejo said in English, smiling at the stain of IS that's slowly being wiped out. carol.sanders@freepress.mb.ca A recent Free Press article (Group awaits approval for monument to Chief Peguis at legislature, May 28) suggests there is no statue paying tribute to historical First Nations people on the Manitoba Legislative Building grounds. The Committee to Commemorate the Bicentenary of the 1817 Peguis-Selkirk Treaty lobbied the provincial government to provide a space on the grounds because of Chief Peguiss role in the treaty. It extols Peguis and Lord Thomas Selkirk as the grandfathers of Manitoba. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/6/2018 (1221 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion A recent Free Press article (Group awaits approval for monument to Chief Peguis at legislature, May 28) suggests there is no statue paying tribute to "historical First Nations people" on the Manitoba Legislative Building grounds. The Committee to Commemorate the Bicentenary of the 1817 Peguis-Selkirk Treaty lobbied the provincial government to provide a space on the grounds because of Chief Peguiss role in the treaty. It extols Peguis and Lord Thomas Selkirk as the "grandfathers of Manitoba." The flaw in this proposal is that Metis were the Aboriginal people who resisted colonialism, and Cuthbert Grant led the Metis in conflict with Selkirks supporters. Yet there is no statue to Grant on the grounds of the legislature. Courtesy of the Archives of Manitoba Chief Peguis While we agree a statue should be dedicated to honour the First Nations, we question whether Peguis is the best choice. He was one of five Ojibwe chiefs who signed the treaty, but it excluded the Cree. The treaty re-enacted last summer was the 200th anniversary of the visit of Selkirk, known as "Silver Chief," to the Red River Settlement in 1817. This was not a charitable bit of diplomacy by Selkirk to his refugee Scottish settlers. He arrived with a mercenary army because of the conflicts and violence resulting from the fur-trade war between the North West Company (NWC) and the Hudsons Bay Company (HBC). On June 19, 1816, a year before Selkirks visit, escalating violence in the fur trade resulted in a confrontation between the Metis working for the NWC and governor Robert Semple and his men. More than 20 of Semples supporters were killed. Grant, the son of a NWC bourgeois, led the young Metis men who did not recognize the authority of the HBC, Selkirk or his governors, Miles Macdonell and Semple. Although Grant and the Metis were blamed for these deaths, historians now suggest the violence escalated because of Selkirks bad decision to place his settlement at the centre of the NWCs transportation routes. Miscalculations by his appointees, mismanagement and their assumption of racial superiority contributed to Metis resentment and resistance. Selkirk, as a businessman, represented the colonial interests of the British Empire. As a British lord, he did not respect the values and aspirations of the Metis families who "settled" in the Red River Valley before his European immigrants arrived in 1812 to take over their land. Scottish descendants promoted the mythology of their ancestors as the "first farmers of the Red River Valley," reflecting the idea that "first farmers" had to be European and Caucasian. This racist presumption ignores the fact that Metis families of the fur traders, voyageurs and Aboriginal women were already established on river lots before the Scots arrived. Newcomers portrayed the Metis families as squatters and nomads with no claim to the land. The wording of the treaty in 1817 suggests it was between the British Crown, the "Chippewa or Saulteaux Chiefs and Warriors and the Killistine or Cree Nation" and Lord Selkirk. The words "Saulteaux" and "Chippewa" refer to the Ojibwa. The treaty was never ratified by the British Crown and was not a real treaty. Selkirk did not represent King George III. 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. Selkirk offered the local chiefs 100 pounds of tobacco annually in return for use of a three-kilometre-wide strip of land along the Red and Assiniboine Rivers. The map shows this included land which is in North Dakota and Minnesota. Selkirks claim extended to the Red Lake River across from Grand Forks and along the Assiniboine to Portage la Prairie. But Ojibwe chiefs, including Peguis, did not invite the Cree chiefs to the treaty. The Cree threatened to expel the Ojibwe if they did not share the tobacco and the settlers were at risk of further violence. The three-kilometre strip along the rivers did not include most of southern Manitoba. We question the assertion of John Perrin, spokesman for the Committee to Commemorate the Bicentenary of the 1817 Peguis-Selkirk Treaty, that the "Red River Settlement would not have been possible without the treaty." We also question why Cree people would support the commemoration of a treaty which excluded their ancestors. Although both Grant and Peguis could be considered Aboriginal heroes, it would be preferable to erect a statue of an Aboriginal family: mother, father and children. The mothers were important because they not only were the mothers of Ojibwe and Cree families, but they also married fur traders and voyageurs and extended aboriginal rights to their Metis children. A family grouping would promote the more inclusive idea of gender equality and would avoid the problem of favouring one cultural group over another. We need a statue that represents the First Nations of the Red River Valley. Ignoring the contribution of the Metis is not the best way to commemorate our early history. Ruth Swan has a PhD in Aboriginal history (Manitoba) and has lived in the Red River Valley for over 40 years. Edward A. Jerome has researched his family tree. His family has lived in the Red River Valley for more than 200 years. His great-grandfather, Andre Jerome, was charged with "Treason-Felony" by the Canadian government and exiled to Minnesota for helping Louis Riel. It was not the G7 most expected. Not even close. But should we be surprised? Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 14/6/2018 (1220 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion It was not the G7 most expected. Not even close. But should we be surprised? As U.S. President Donald Trump lashes out on Twitter against Canadian dairies, Canada is beginning to realize there may be no North American Free Trade Agreement 2.0 after all. Washington is apparently aiming for two separate deals. But over the past few months, those paying attention have recognized how our supply management scheme, which protects dairy farmers, can gradually adapt to the new global competitive reality. Its happening without a revised policy framework, and with no vision or any strategy for the sector. Our American friends are clearly not playing along. Some reports suggest that milk prices at the farm gate have started to drop in many provinces, including Quebec. For years, the pricing formula to dairy farmers was centred on averages, with no incentives for farmers to become more market-driven. This seems to be changing. If industrial milk prices drop, dairy farmers will need to reinvest or leave the industry. Forcing farmers to make a strategic decision on whether they should serve the economy is immensely desirable and long overdue. It will allow motivated dairy farmers to grow their operations and be properly recognized by the system. But growth is not just about primary production; its also about processing. Recently, Coca-Cola announced it would invest $85 million in its Peterborough, Ont.-based Minute Maid plant to manufacture its Fairlife brand in Canada. Fairlife is an ultra-filtered, lactose-free milk that contains nine essential nutrients, with 50 per cent more protein and 50 per cent less sugar than traditional milk. This is a highly innovative product for the Canadian market. In return, farmers will temporarily offer Coca-Cola a special price for milk. This investment was possible because Ontario dairy farmers wished to increase processing capacity in the province and to support whats seen as an incredible opportunity to repurpose a floundering product. Milk consumption per capita in Canada has been dropping for decades and Coca-Colas approach could entice many consumers to return to it. This amounts to just 35 jobs now, but speaks to the potential of Canadian dairy processing. Similar projects have previously been denied by dairy farmers, who believed it would disrupt our quota system, which is designed to supply only what Canadas market needs. In contrast, foreign investors like Coca-Cola seek reliable access to cheaper milk in order to maintain their competitiveness. In 2013, U.S.-based Chobani, a producer of Greek yogurt, abandoned plans to build a $76-million, state-of-the-art plant in Kingston, Ont., that would have created almost 1,300 direct and indirect jobs. It could have been a significant game-changer for the local economy. Quota restrictions and milk procurement were significant issues in Chobanis decision. New classes of industrial milk are being created to accommodate processors. The pressure is on and the resulting changes are welcomed. Under the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement between Canada and Europe and the revised Trans-Pacific Partnership, the Canadian dairy market is becoming increasingly accessible. These deals have created opportunity toward maintaining equilibrium between supply and demand. Yet nothing is done to support our dairy industry, to make it more competitive. Supply management is essentially an unattainable ideal. Rules are rapidly changing around the industry, but the systems under which farmers and family farms work arent being retooled to match these new challenges and to manage a very different business. If dairy farms are to become more competitive, farmers need to develop new skill sets. 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. After decades and despite overwhelming political hypocrisy, many Canadian dairies are finally showing signs of common sense. Quebec remains painfully and stubbornly idle. But other provinces appear to see the writing on the wall and are taking specific, targeted measures to demonstrate how supply management can change. Its apparent that supply management has become a bargaining chip with the United States in this round of trade negotiations. That has many people bracing for significant changes. To show real leadership in foreign trade policy, Ottawa will need to give some thought to how to support our dairy farmers as their industry is disrupted. Sylvain Charlebois is dean of the faculty of management and a professor in the faculty of agriculture at Dalhousie University, senior fellow with the Atlantic Institute for Market Studies, and author of Food Safety, Risk Intelligence and Benchmarking. Troy Media Nations sell goods and services to each other because this exchange is generally mutually beneficial. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 13/6/2018 (1221 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion Nations sell goods and services to each other because this exchange is generally mutually beneficial. Its easy to understand that Iceland should not be growing its own oranges, given its climate. Instead, Iceland should buy oranges from Spain, which can grow them more cheaply, and sell Spaniards fish, which are abundant in its waters. Thats why the explosion in free trade since the first bilateral deal was penned between Britain and France in the mid-1800s has generated unprecedented wealth and prosperity for the vast majority of the worlds population. Hundreds of trade agreements later, the U.S. and several other countries established an international rules-based trading system after the Second World War. But now the U.S., which has played an integral role in bolstering this system, is actively trying to subvert it. At the recent G7 summit in Quebec, for example, the Trump administration objected to even referring to a "rules-based international order" in the official communique and the president ultimately refused to sign it. My research in international economics tells me that trade policy because it is inherently forward-looking and global requires three interrelated attributes to be successful: it needs to reduce uncertainty, ease long-term decision-making, and be legal and credible. President Donald Trumps recent trade policy fails all three tests. Birth of modern free trade Britain and France signed the first post-Industrial Revolution trade agreement, dubbed the Cobden-Chevalier treaty, on Jan. 23, 1860. In it, both countries agreed to either reduce or eliminate import barriers and grant the other most favoured nation status, which means any trade concessions offered to another nation would automatically apply to them as well. Within just 15 years, various countries inked 56 more bilateral treaties. Thus began the first wave of globalization, which lasted from 1870 until 1914, the beginning of two destructive world wars. From those ruins emerged a rules-based international trading system, known as the General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade, or GATT, which came into force in 1948. Its goal was to eliminate the kind of harmful trade protectionism that had sharply reduced global trade during the Great Depression with the aim of quickly restoring the global economys health after so much devastation. Almost a half century of negotiations to improve the agreement culminated in the creation of the World Trade Organization in 1995. The lynchpin of the modern rules-based international trading system, the WTO now includes 164 nations that together conduct more than 96 per cent of the worlds trade. This system has worked so well for so long because the WTO and its biggest champions, such as the U.S., made three interrelated attributes integral to their trade policies. That is, its members: reduced uncertainty by creating predictable trade policies; created an environment that facilitates decision-making particularly in the long term by consumers and producers; and placed credible and legal directives that are clearly understood by allies and by those who are not. Even though the U.S. played a salient role in the creation of both the GATT and the WTO, Trumps trade policy has not followed these guidelines. To me he seems more interested in wreaking havoc with the current global trading system than with ensuring its continued viability. And hes frequently and very recently intimated that he might even withdraw the U.S. from the WTO. Trump seems to think that by issuing tariff threats, being unpredictable, and viewing foreign countries even allies as rival businesses he can extract concessions from trading partners. Instead, such tactics are proving to be counterproductive. Sowing uncertainty Perhaps more than anything else, Trumps policies have created a lot of uncertainty among U.S. trade partners. His steel and aluminum tariffs are a case in point. In March, the administration announced across-the-board tariffs on imports of the metals of up to 25 per cent to punish nations particularly China for subsidizing their own industries and dumping their production on U.S. shores. After key allies including Canada, the European Union and Mexico complained, the administration granted some countries temporary exemptions to the tariffs. But just a few months later, on May 31, it reversed course and began to impose the tariffs on those countries as well, leaving heads spinning. Only a week later, at the G7, Trump was threatening to cut off all trade with his counterparts one minute, suggesting that everyone eliminate all tariffs the next. Another recent example of fostering uncertainty is the curious case of the Chinese phone manufacturer ZTE. In March 2017, Trumps Commerce Department fined ZTE US$1.19 billion for violating U.S. sanctions law by selling technology containing U.S. components to Iran and North Korea. This past April, the agency said ZTE was still violating U.S. law and barred American companies most importantly chip-maker Qualcomm from selling anything to ZTE, which led to an announcement that it was shutting down less than a month later. Within days, however, Trump appeared to have an abrupt change of heart and tweeted that he and Chinese President Xi Jinping were working getting ZTE "back into business, fast. Too many jobs in China lost. Commerce Department has been instructed to get it done!" Flip-flops like these make it hard for trade partners to predict what the U.S. government is going to do, breeding enormous uncertainty. Decision-making Consider the situation faced by an American businessman who produces high-level industrial equipment that is exported to many countries around the world. His companys equipment is made using aluminum and steel and, as a result of Trumps new tariffs, this businessman will have difficulty predicting what the cost of the metals will be in the future. This will have clear implications for the pricing of his products. In addition, if the U.S. gets into a trade war, this businessman will also not know whether some or all foreign buyers might look elsewhere for similar but cheaper alternatives. Such thinking affects not just individual business people but also companies. Far from hypothetical, companies are already warning about this. Ford and Toyota North America have both complained about the negative impacts of Trumps metals tariffs on costs and on the ability to make sound investment decisions. Act credibly and legally Trumps steel and aluminum tariffs have also raised questions about their legality and credibility. German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron have both asserted that these tariffs are illegal. As such, the European Union has filed a suit against the U.S. at the WTO. Its unclear whether the American national security justification will sway the WTO judges. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, who was the target of a post-G7 Trump tweetstorm, has wondered how Canada could possibly be a national security threat to the U.S. Even Defense Secretary James Mattis is reported to have pointed out the implausibility of the national security argument for the tariffs. 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 gloomy state of affairs shows that even some of our long-standing friends believe that the Trump administrations recent actions are illegal and, more generally, that these same allies cannot make head nor tail of the administrations trade initiatives. A key lesson The U.S. is the worlds richest and most powerful nation, in part because of its embrace of a rules-based international order that includes the present treaty-based global trading system. Rather than build on that success, President Trumps trade actions thus far have created chaos, which has not led to any noteworthy success either in terms of extracting concessions from trade partners or creating the "great" agreements he touts in his book The Art of the Deal. In negotiating deals, trade or otherwise, Trump seems to like to break all the rules. He needs to learn: thats not what made America great. Amitrajeet A. Batabyal is an Arthur J. Gosnell professor of economics at the Rochester Institute of Technology. This article was first published at The Conversation Canada: theconversation.com/ca. The Milli Muslim League (MML) is an offshoot of Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa. A four-member bench said that the decision had been taken in light of observations of the Ministry of Interior which had expressed its reservations because of the party's links with the banned JuD leader Saeed. (Photo:File) Islamabad: Pakistan's Election Commission on Wednesday rejected for a second time an application by the Milli Muslim League, an offshoot of Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa, to register it as a political party, just weeks before the general elections. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was asked by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to review its decision of last year through which it rejected MML's registration bid. A four-member bench of the commission, chaired by its Sindh member Abdul Ghaffar Soomro, on Wednesday decided against allowing the MML to be registered as a political party. In its short order, the bench said that the decision had been taken in light of observations of the Ministry of Interior which had expressed its reservations because of the party's links with the banned JuD leader Saeed. The interior ministry had opposed enlisting of the MML as a political party, arguing that it is an offshoot of the banned JuD. The MML, however, denied that it had any links with the JuD or that its chief, Saifuddin Khalid, had relations with Saeed. It said that former ruling Pakistan Muslims League-Nawaz and its leadership was behind the rejection of the application by ECP. The first rejection of MML's application by the election commission was set aside by the Islamabad High Court earlier this year. In May, MML President Saifullah Khalid had said that the basic law of the country gives the people the right to take part in the political process and the ECP cannot deny them this fundamental right. "Despite all odds MML candidates will contest from all constituencies in the upcoming general elections," he had said. The MML was launched last August to contest the July 25 elections. Saeed was already campaigning for the MML since the month of May. In April, the US designated the MML as a foreign terrorist organisation, saying the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) members make up MML's leadership and the so-called party openly displays Saeed's likeness in its election banners and literature. The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, including six Americans. The US Department of the Treasury has designated Saeed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and the US, since 2012, has offered a USD 10 million reward for information that brings Saeed to justice. Four years into a stalemated war, it takes something very big or very bizarre to get Ukraine back into the headlines. Even the news in April that the United States has started delivering lethal weapons (Javelin anti-tank missiles) to Ukraine didnt do the trick, but the recent non-assassination of Arkady Babchenko did just fine. Hey there, time traveller! This article was published 14/6/2018 (1220 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current. Opinion Four years into a stalemated war, it takes something very big or very bizarre to get Ukraine back into the headlines. Even the news in April that the United States has started delivering lethal weapons (Javelin anti-tank missiles) to Ukraine didnt do the trick, but the recent non-assassination of Arkady Babchenko did just fine. Babchenko is a Russian journalist, turned into a critic of the Putin regime by his service in the Russian army in two wars in Chechnya, who took refuge in Ukraine last year after receiving death threats in Moscow. Late last month, it was reported that he had been gunned down outside his apartment in Kyiv, and Ukrainian Prime Minister Viktor Groysman immediately blamed Russia. There was footage of Babchenkos lifeless body lying in a pool of blood and being taken away in an ambulance. But the following day, he walked onstage at a news conference to reveal that the assassination had been faked with the help of the Ukrainian intelligence service, the SBU. "Intelligence" may not be quite the right word here, since this was an exceptionally stupid thing to do. The Putin regime condemned the episode as "fake news," and will have much more credibility the next time it needs to deny killing a critic. The Ukrainian governments reputation for telling the truth, never that high, is shot to pieces. Why did the SBU organize this deception? According to Babchenko, the fake murder was planned for a month, even to the extent of having a makeup artist come to his apartment on the day of the "assassination." "I was made up, the blood was natural, everything was for real," he said. It was allegedly part of a clever plan to trap a real Russian operative who was plotting Babchenkos murder, but that doesnt even make sense. Was the SBU expecting the "real Russian operative" to break down in tears of frustration when he heard that somebody else had got to Babchenko first? This is really just more evidence of how dysfunctional the whole Ukrainian state is. The three-month confrontation on the Euromaidan in Kyiv in the winter of 2013-14, ending in a bloodbath that left 130 demonstrators dead, was supposed to be the revolution that finally freed Ukraine from rule by corrupt oligarchs backed by Moscow. It wasnt. The previous revolution had manifestly failed, with the pro-Moscow leader who had been rejected in the "Orange Revolution" in 2004, Viktor Yanukovych, back in power through a free election in 2010. The 2014 revolution drove him out of the country entirely but by overthrowing Moscows man in Kyiv again, Ukrainians greatly alarmed Moscow. Vladimir Putin feared that Russias big southern neighbour would end up joining both the European Union and the main Western military alliance, NATO. In the spring of 2014, he therefore incited a rebellion in two Russian-speaking provinces of eastern Ukraine, backed the revolt with Russian troops and annexed the Crimean peninsula outright. These illegal acts began a war that still rumbles on in the east, with 10,000 dead (mostly civilians) in four years. However, Putin is clearly not out to conquer all of Ukraine (which he could do quite easily). He just wants to paralyze the government in Kyiv and make the situation in the country so problematic that NATO would never consider taking it aboard. Thats not hard. In the presidential election of May 2014, the Ukrainians elected another oligarch, Petro Poroshenko. Hes just as corrupt as his predecessor, and there have been no reforms in the system that keeps him and his fellow oligarchs rich and the rest of the country poor. (Ukrainian GDP per capita is less than a third of Russias.) 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 basic problem is that practically everybody who has expert knowledge or administrative experience relevant to government has been co-opted into the system. Many veterans of the Euromaidan protests were elected to parliament, but they are struggling on $600-a-month salaries while they know that voting the right way can get them 10 times that. The opposition has done no better at staying united since 2014 than it did after 2004. The war in the east is largely a charade (although real people get killed in it), and its widely known that Poroshenko and Putin frequently have amiable late-night telephone conversations. Presumably they are discussing business deals, since theres no money in talking about politics. So what are the odds that the two men might one day cut a deal that ends the war? Its possible. Putin wants an end to sanctions, and given certain guarantees, hed be happy to see the two rebel provinces rejoin Ukraine. "Russia wants the regions (controlled by pro-Russian militants) reintegrated as a blocking share in the Ukrainian political system," said Andrey Kortunov, director general of the Russian International Affairs Council, in 2016. "The aim is to guarantee that Ukraine does not join NATO or move too far from Russia." The real obstacle to a deal now is probably Crimea. Russian nationalism wont let Putin give it back, and Ukrainian nationalism wont allow Poroshenko to let it go. But if the United States wants to ensure that there is no deal, it might try giving Kyiv enough modern weapons to get things moving again on the military front. Gwynne Dyers new book is Growing Pains: The Future of Democracy (and Work). Around 200 candidates backed by Milli Muslim League will contest under the already registered Allah-o-Akbar Tehreek. Islamabad: Hafiz Saeed-linked Milli Muslim League (MML) has decided to use the platform of a little known party to contest the upcoming general election, a day after Pakistan's poll panel rejected for a second time an application by the MML, an offshoot of the Mumbai attack mastermind's banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), to register it as a political party. Around 200 candidates backed by the MML will contest the July 25 election under the banner of the Allah-o-Akbar Tehreek (AAT), which is already registered with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the Express Tribune reported. The decision was taken after the ECP again dismissed the MML's application for registration on Wednesday. The first rejection of MML's application by the poll panel was set aside by the Islamabad High Court earlier this year. Also Read: Hafiz Saeeds MML cant contest general polls says Pak Election Commission The MML has announced that candidates backed by the party will be participating from the platform of the AAT if higher courts do not rule in their favour before the election. The AAT is listed at number 10 in the ECP's list of approved parties. The AAT, a little-known party, is headed by Mian Ihsan Bari from Bahawalpur. The party has already been allotted the chair' as an election symbol by the ECP. A four-member ECP bench dismissed the MML application on basis of an interior ministry report that said the party followed the ideology of JuD chief Saeed. An office bearer of the group alleged that the interior ministry in its letter to the ECP falsely claimed that Saifullah Khalid, the MML president, is a son-in-law of Saeed. In fact, they are not even distant relatives, he said. The interior ministry requested the ECP to keep its letter secret, however, this has been told to our lawyer by one of the members of the bench, he added. MML spokesman Tabish Qayum said his party will challenge the ECP's decision in the higher courts. He said a case about the party's registration is already pending with the Islamabad High Court. During the hearing, MML counsel Rizwan Abbasi said the federal government could not oppose registration of any political party. No one can predict if a political party will affiliate with banned outfits in the future, he said. The government through a presidential ordinance has said that any individual or organisation which has been declared proscribed by the UN would be deemed as a banned outfit in the country. The MML was formed in August last year. The group, however, denies any link to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) or any other banned outfit even though Saeed was already campaigning for the MML since last month. In April, the US designated the MML as a foreign terrorist organisation, saying the banned LeT members make up MML's leadership and the so-called party openly displays Saeed's likeness in its election banners and literature. The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, including six Americans. The US Department of the Treasury has designated Saeed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and the US, since 2012, has offered a USD 10 million reward for information that brings Saeed to justice. Pompeo said Washington remained committed to the 'complete, verifiable and irreversible' denuclearisation of North Korea. Pompeo is scheduled to fly to Beijing to meet his Chinese counterpart after the meetings in Seoul. (Photo: AP/File) Seoul: North Korea's Kim Jong Un understands that denuclearisation must happen "quickly", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Thursday, warning there will be no sanctions relief for Pyongyang until the process is complete. Pompeo said Washington remained committed to the "complete, verifiable and irreversible" denuclearisation of North Korea, after the joint statement from the US-North Korea summit in Singapore drew criticism for lack of detail on the key issue. "We believe that Kim Jong Un understands the urgency... that we must do this quickly," he said of the effort to have North Korea abandon its nuclear weapons. Washington's top diplomat is in Seoul to brief his South Korean and Japanese counterparts on Tuesday's historic talks -- the first between sitting leaders of the two countries -- after which a triumphant President Donald Trump said the world can "sleep well". Following the summit, Trump said the US would halt its "provocative" joint military drills with South Korea as long as negotiations are ongoing with the North, an announcement that caught Seoul by surprise. But the US-South Korea alliance remains "as robust as ever", Seoul's foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha said at a press conference with Pompeo and Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono. Pompeo is scheduled to fly to Beijing to meet his Chinese counterpart after the meetings in Seoul. Ad Legacy Research Veteran Tech Legend: Biggest Investing Event in 400 Years He called the #1-returning tech stocks of 2016, 2018, 2019 AND 2020Now Americas forecasting legend Jeff Brown declares: Nobody is paying attention to this technologyBut its about to change the types of houses, cars & investments you can own (and profit from)In a way we havent seen for 400+ years. 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 Tamarack Valley Energy Ltd. engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids in the Western Canadian sedimentary basin. It primarily holds interests in Cardium light oil plays in Wilson Creek/Alder Flats/Pembina, and Garrington and Lochend areas in Alberta; Viking light oil resource plays in Redwater and Westlock in Alberta, as well as in the Consort area of southeast Alberta and Hoosier area of southwest Saskatchewan; Barons Sands light oil plays located in the Penny area of Southern Alberta; and heavy oil properties located in Hatton area of Saskatchewan. The company was formerly known as Tango Energy Inc. and changed its name to Tamarack Valley Energy Ltd. in June 2010. Tamarack Valley Energy Ltd. was incorporated in 2002 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Read More by Mathias Hariyadi The group includes 51 students from Indonesias oldest Catholic seminary. The first performances were held in Magelang with the participation of local university students. Concerts in Yogyakarta and Jakarta were sold out. For the choir coordinator, months of preparation have served this: to build their capacity to communicate with others." Jakarta (AsiaNews) The Mertoyudan Minor Seminary in Magelang (Central Java), known for its well-established orchestra, has elicited the aid of its choir of seminarians to promote priestly vocations among young Indonesians. The initiative, which involves 51 students and required seven months of preparation, was a great hit among the Catholics in Magelang, Yogyakarta and Jakarta. In 2014, during its centennial, the seminary decided to look at ways to counter declining vocations and revive its presence in society. Four years later, the idea of setting up a vocal group took shape. Supported by the seminarys prefects and the rector, Fr TB Ganhi SJ and former student Jay Wijayanto were tasked with setting up Canis Choir, in honour of Saint Peter Canisius, the institutes patron. Mertoyudan Minor Seminary is the oldest in the country and currently has about 250 students. After months of rehearsals, the first performance took place in Magelang with the participation of local university students. Afterwards, the Canis Choir showed off its skills in Yogyakarta: first in a Mass in St Anthony of Padua Parish in Kotabaru and then, on 5 June, at the Sanata Dharma University, where the response of the public was amazing. All 1,200 tickets were sold. Following this success, the seminarians played at St Thomas the Apostle Parish in Bojong Indah, St John the Evangelist Church, St Stephen Church and finally the cathedral, between 8 and 11 June. The two concerts held on the last day at Usmar Ismail Concert Hall in South Jakarta were also sold out. Jay "Jagger" Wijayanto told AsiaNews that Canis Choirs success is due to the months of rehearsing, which gave seminarians the opportunity of developing their personal skills and of learning how to deal with people of different ages, professions and social backgrounds. "In the seminary, students relate above all to colleagues, teachers and priests, Wijayanto said. It is rare for someone from the outside world to become part of their lives. The project has created space and time to get to know new things. As future priests, seminarians will have to deal with diversity and the challenges that come with it. The seven months of preparation have served this: to build their capacity to communicate with others." Suncor Energy Inc. operates as an integrated energy company. The company primarily focuses on developing petroleum resource basins in Canada's Athabasca oil sands; explores, acquires, develops, produces, transports, refines, and markets crude oil in Canada and internationally; markets petroleum and petrochemical products under the Petro-Canada name primarily in Canada. It operates in Oil Sands; Exploration and Production; Refining and Marketing; and Corporate and Eliminations segments. The Oil Sands segment recovers bitumen from mining and in situ operations, and upgrades it into refinery feedstock and diesel fuel, or blends the bitumen with diluent for direct sale to market. The Exploration and Production segment is involved in offshore operations off the east coast of Canada and in the North Sea; and operating onshore assets in Libya and Syria. The Refining and Marketing segment refines crude oil and intermediate feedstock into various petroleum and petrochemical products; and markets refined petroleum products to retail, commercial, and industrial customers through its other retail sellers. The Corporate and Eliminations segment operates four wind farm operations in Ontario and Western Canada. The company also markets and trades in crude oil, natural gas, byproducts, refined products, and power. The company was formerly known as Suncor Inc. and changed its name to Suncor Energy Inc. in April 1997. Suncor Energy Inc. was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Calgary, Canada. Read More 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 GlaxoSmithKline Plc is a healthcare company, which engages in the research, development, and manufacture of pharmaceutical medicines, vaccines, and consumer healthcare products. It operates through the following segments: Pharmaceuticals; Pharmaceuticals R&D; Vaccines and Consumer Healthcare. The Pharmaceuticals segment focuses on developing medicines in respiratory and infectious diseases, oncology, and immuno-inflammation. The Pharmaceuticals R&D segment focuses on science related to the immune system, the use of human genetics and advanced technologies, and is driven by the multiplier effect of Science x Technology x Culture. The Vaccines segment produces pediatric and adult vaccines to prevent a range of infectious diseases including, hepatitis A and B, diphtheria, tetanus and whooping cough, measles, mumps and rubella, polio, typhoid, influenza, and bacterial meningitis. The Consumer Healthcare segment develops and markets brands in the oral health, pain relief, respiratory, nutrition and gastro intestinal, and skin health categories. The company was founded in 1715 and is headquartered in Middlesex, the United Kingdom. Read More Following Pope Francis, Fr Cedric Prakash hopes the Church in India will be "bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets. Hindu nationalists criticise the bishops' views about the country's politics. The hullabaloo by fundamentalists has only one explanation, they are either too afraid or too ashamed of the reality." New Delhi (AsiaNews) One of the major issues now affecting Indias Catholic Church is whether it should speak out in the countrys political debates, especially ahead of next years elections and in light of recent criticism against the countrys Catholic bishops who spoke out on the matter. Fr Cedric Prakash, an Indian priest in charge of the Jesuit Refugee Service's communication in the Middle East, has decided to address the issue. Noting that in his Apostolic Exhortation Evangelii Gaudium, Pope Francis wrote, I prefer a Church which is bruised, hurting and dirty because it has been out on the streets, rather than a Church which is unhealthy from being confined and from clinging to its own security", he notes that undoubtedly the Church cannot be a silent spectator of what is going on in society. In a letter to AsiaNews, the Jesuit cites the controversies unleashed by Hindu nationalists against three archbishops: Mgr Thomas Macwan of Gandhinagar, Mgr Anil JT Couto from Delhi, and Mgr Filipe Neri Ferrao of Goa. The first was criticised for expressing "legitimate concerns and asking for prayers" ahead of the December 2017 elections in Gujarat. Mgr Couto was attacked for asking for prayers and fasting ahead of the 2019 elections. Finally, a pastoral letter of Mgr Ferrao, although centred on poverty to alleviate, was seen mainly as a critique of Narendra Modi's government. Fr Prakash notes that previous documents, released during official meetings of the Catholic Bishops' Conference of India (CBCI), dealt with far more delicate issues than any pastoral letter by the archbishops. In the final report of the 30th CBCI General Assembly in 2012, Church leaders said that our hearts year[. . .] for a better India". They go on to list the missed goals of the Indian Constitution: "justice, social, economic and political; liberty of thought, expression, belief, faith and worship; equality of status and of opportunity; fraternity assuring the dignity of the individual and the unity and integrity of the nation. The failure to achieve these goals has increased "inequities, [creating] an ever-widening gap between the rich and the poor with consequent tensions spilling over into violence. The 2014 assembly, writes Prakash, dealt with even more important issues. On that occasion, the bishops highlighted "the trend to fundamentalism which seeks to dilute the secular character of our nation." For this reason, the CBCI insisted on the need to become more involved in favour of the "marginalised and the exploited, those suffering from disabilities, those living in the peripheries of the economic, cultural and social sphere". Indeed, they "want the Church to be truly a Church of the poor". For the clergyman, both statements are "highly critical of the Government of the day; highlighting the ills that plagued society and above all, challenging the Government to ensure that the rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution of India are guaranteed to every citizen of the country." Strangely enough, no rabid TV anchor yelled and screamed at that time the nation wants to know! or of an international conspiracy. There was no media, which took umbrage at what the Bishops were saying, there were no fascists and fundamentalists who went to town saying that it was Vatican interference. There were no self-appointed Christian voices who demanded evidence or substantiation to the Bishops statements or insisting that the Bishops should not dabble in politics. Here Fr Prakash is referring to the loaded accusations made by Surendra Jain, the joint general secretary of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), a Hindu ultra-nationalist group, who, last week, said that the Indian Churches are conspir[ing] with the Vatican to destabilise the current elected government of Narendra Modis Bharatiya Janata Party. Indeed, Jain openly spoke of a conspiracy to install governments that can be employed by the Vatican". For Fr Prakash, "The only plausible reasons for the hullabaloo is that these pseudo-nationalists are either too afraid or too ashamed of the reality." In light of this, all Catholics should follow the imperative of a true disciple of Jesus [which is to] do all one can to help alleviate poverty, suffering and injustice. Wall Street analysts have given iShares MSCI Philippines ETF a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but iShares MSCI Philippines ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. Our portfolio of high quality UK commercial property is focused on London Offices and Retail around the UK. We own or manage a portfolio valued at A13.7bn (British Land share: A10.3bn) as at 30 September 2020 making us one of Europe's largest listed real estate investment companies. Our strategy is to provide places which meet the needs of our customers and respond to changing lifestyles - Places People Prefer. We do this by creating great environments both inside and outside our buildings and use our scale and placemaking skills to enhance and enliven them. This expands their appeal to a broader range of occupiers, creating enduring demand and driving sustainable, long term performance. Our Offices portfolio comprises three office-led campuses in central London as well as high quality standalone buildings and accounts for 65% of our portfolio. Our Retail portfolio is focused on retail parks and shopping centres, and accounts for 31% of our portfolio. Increasingly our focus is on providing a mix of uses and this is most evident at Canada Water, our 53 acre redevelopment opportunity where we have plans to create a new neighbourhood for London. Sustainability is embedded throughout our business. Our places, which are designed to meet high sustainability standards, become part of local communities, provide opportunities for skills development and employment and promote wellbeing. In April 2016 British Land received the Queen's Award for Enterprise: Sustainable Development, the UK's highest accolade for business success for economic, social and environmental achievements over a period of five years. Read More Mongolias capital is hosting a meeting on sustainable herding. The Asian country has 66 million herds of livestock for a population of three million, Mongolia is one of the first countries in the world for livestock. However, the industry is in crisis due to climate change and rural exodus. Ulaanbaatar (AsiaNews/Agencies) The Global Agenda for Sustainable Livestock (GASL) is currently underway in Mongolia (11-15 June) with the participation of 120 experts from 34 countries. The topics covered are: food and food security, means of subsistence and growth, animal health and welfare, climate and the use of natural resources. In Mongolia, 40 per cent of the population is lives off the land. The livestock industry has been the main source of income for its people for centuries. Herding has contributed significantly to economic growth in the country over the past 25 years. During this period, the GDP tripled, thanks also to the mining sector, and livestock contributes 15 per cent of GDP. Livestock numbers have reached 66 million in a country of three million people. However, in recent years, pasture quality and productivity have dropped, both for environmental factors (climate) and the aging livestock. For this reason, the Mongolian Livestock programme was launched. The plan aims to protect breeder and livestock, with an eye towards protecting biodiversity, wildlife and landscape. Another important goal is better communication between herders and markets. Under a plan called Industrialisation 21:100, about a hundred processing plants are in the works in 21 provinces to treat meat, milk and wool and provide better access to markets. In a letter, Munkhnasan Tsevegmed, Minister of Food, Agriculture and Light Industry writes that the government is working to improve access to markets, both domestic and international. He acknowledges that Mongolia is also not alone. In fact, the UNs Food and Agriculture Organisation is lending a hand to set up disease-free zones for beef and lamb. To this effect, a Mongolian delegation travelled to Botswana and Namibia to learn from their experiences of opening up meat exports to the European Union. Xcel Energy, Inc. operates as a holding company, which engages in the generation, purchase, transmission, distribution and sale of electricity. It operates through the following three segments: Regulated Electric Utility, Regulated Natural Gas Utility and All Others. The Regulated Electric Utility segment generates, transmits and distributes electricity primarily in portions of generates, transmits and distributes electricity in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Michigan, North Dakota, South Dakota, Colorado, Texas and New Mexico. In addition, this segment includes sales for resale and provides wholesale transmission service to various entities in the United States. It also includes commodity trading operations. The Regulated Natural Gas Utility segment transports, stores, and distributes natural gas primarily in portions of Minnesota, Wisconsin, North Dakota, Michigan and Colorado. The All Others segment engages in steam, appliance repair services, nonutility real estate activities, processing solid waste into refuse-derived fuel and investments in rental housing projects that qualify for low-income housing tax credits. The company was founded in 1909 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, MN. Read More Helix Energy Solutions Group, Inc. is an international offshore energy company. It focuses on subsea construction, maintenance and salvage services to the offshore natural gas and oil industry. The firm also provides specialty services to the offshore energy industry, with a focus on well intervention and robotics operations. The company operates through three segments: Well Intervention, Robotics and Production Facilities. The Well Intervention segment offers vessels and related equipment that are used to perform well intervention services primarily in the Gulf of Mexico and North Sea regions. The Robotics segment involves four chartered vessels and also includes ROVs, trenchers and ROVDrills designed to complement offshore construction and well intervention services. The Production Facilities segment includes its investment in the Helix Producer I and Kommandor LLC. Helix Energy Solutions Group was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in Houston, TX. Read More Daimler AG, together its subsidiaries, develops and manufactures passenger cars, trucks, vans, and buses in Germany and internationally. It operates through Mercedes-Benz Cars & Vans, Daimler Trucks and Buses, and Daimler Mobility segments. The Mercedes-Benz Cars segment offers premium and luxury vehicles of the Mercedes-Benz brand, including the Mercedes-AMG, Mercedes-Maybach, and Mercedes-EQ brands; small cars under the smart brand name; and ecosystem of Mercedes-Benz under the Mercedes me brand, as well as vans and related services under the Mercedes-Benz and Freightliner brands. Daimler Trucks and Buses segment offers its trucks and special vehicles under the Mercedes-Benz, Freightliner, Western Star, FUSO, and BharatBenz brands; and buses under the Mercedes-Benz, Setra, Thomas Built Buses, and FU brands, as well as bus chassis. The Daimler Mobility segment provides financing and leasing packages for end-customers and dealers; and automotive insurance brokerage, banking, investment, and fleet management services under the Athlon brand. It also sells vehicle related spare parts and accessories. Daimler AG was founded in 1886 and is headquartered in Stuttgart, Germany Read More 3 Wall Street research analysts have issued "buy," "hold," and "sell" ratings for Peugeot S.A. (UG.PA) in the last twelve months. There are currently 1 sell rating and 2 buy ratings for the stock. The consensus among Wall Street research analysts is that investors should "hold" Peugeot S.A. (UG.PA) stock. A hold rating indicates that analysts believe investors should maintain any existing positions they have in UG, but not buy additional shares or sell existing shares. View analyst ratings for Peugeot S.A. (UG.PA) or view top-rated stocks. by Melani Manel Perera Roshen Chanaka was hit in 2011 during a protest in at Free Trade Zone. His family received almost US$ 19,000 in compensation. Inquiry found that those responsible should go to trail, but so far no has been indicted. Colombo (AsiaNews) Mary Swarnakanthi, mother of Roshen Chanaka, a young Catholic worker murdered in 2011 by law enforcement wants justice for all victims of police in Lanka. "Other young people were permanently disabled, suffered wounds and injuries and lost their jobs due to police attacks, said the mother of the young man, 21, who was hit during a protest by workers at the Free Trade Zone (FTZ) in Katunayaka. No one has obtained justice. We will be satisfied only when it is granted." On 30 May 2011, thousands of workers in the Free Trade Zone staged a protest against a new pension scheme, which eventually got out of hand. As a result of clashes between protesters and police, Roshen Chanaka was killed whilst another 260 people were wounded and inured. Following the incident, many workers lost their job because they had to spend too much time in the hospital. Only a few received financial help. Two of them, Dhammica and Lasantha, lost the use of their legs. On 1 June, Ms Swarnakanthi, with the help of some activists, delivered a petition to the Sri Lanka Human Rights Commission (HRCS), calling for an independent inquiry, adequate compensation and penalties for those responsible. "For the broken life of my son, my family received three million rupees (almost US$ 19,000] from the president, the Board of Investments and the Police Department. But this sum will not console our pain for the loss. His brothers and sisters miss him every day." For years, she carried out a silent protest outside the main entrance to the FTZ where her son was killed. Thanks to her efforts and the support of many friends and activists, the family was able to get the government of former President Mahinda Rajapaksa to name retired Judge Mahanama Thilakaratne to investigate the incidents of 2011. His report concluded that the victims must be compensated and the police must stand trial, whatever their rank". "So far though, no one has been brought before the law and the victims are still waiting for justice to be done". Andeavor, through its subsidiaries, operates as an independent petroleum refining, logistics, and marketing company in the United States. The company operates in three segments: Marketing, Logistics, and Refining. The Marketing segment sells gasoline and diesel fuel through retail, branded, and unbranded channels. This segment operates a network of 3,255 retail stations under the ARCO, Shell, Mobil, and SUPERAMERICA brands. The Logistics segment gathers and transports crude oil by pipelines, as well as by trucks. It operates approximately 13 million barrels of crude oil, feedstock, blendstock, refined product, and asphalt storage tanks. The Refining segment buys and refines crude oil and other feed stocks into transportation fuels, such as gasoline and gasoline blend stocks, jet fuel, and diesel fuel, as well as other products, including heavy fuel oils, liquefied petroleum gas, petroleum coke, calcined coke, and asphalt. It also sells refined products in the bulk market principally to independent unbranded distributors, other refining and marketing companies, utilities, railroads, airlines, and marine and industrial end-users in the western United States. This segment owns and operates 10 petroleum refineries with a combined crude oil capacity of approximately 1,157 thousand barrels per day. The company was formerly known as Tesoro Corporation and changed its name to Andeavor in August 2017. Andeavor was founded in 1968 and is headquartered in San Antonio, Texas. Read More Enercare Inc., through its subsidiaries, provides home and commercial services, and energy solutions in Canada and the United States. It operates through Enercare Home Services, Sub-metering, and Service Experts segments. The Enercare Home Services offers water heaters, furnaces, air conditioners, and other HVAC rental products, protection plans, and related services. This segment also provides duct cleaning, plumbing and electrical work, and other non-contracted chargeable services. The Service Experts segment is also involved in the sale, installation, maintenance, repair, and rental of HVAC systems and water heater products. The Sub-metering segment provides equipment and services to allow sub-metering and remote measurement of electricity and water consumption in individual units in condominiums, apartment buildings, and commercial properties. Enercare Inc. was founded in 2002 and is headquartered in Markham, Canada. Read More Nuveen Virginia Quality Municipal Income Fund is a closed ended fixed income mutual fund launched by Nuveen Investments, Inc. The fund is co-managed by Nuveen Fund Advisors LLC and Nuveen Asset Management, LLC. It invests in the fixed income markets of Virginia. The fund invests primarily in municipal securities rated Baa/BBB or better. It invests in securities that provide income exempt from federal and Virginia income tax. The fund employs fundamental analysis with bottom-up stock picking approach to create its portfolio. It benchmarks the performance of its portfolio against the S&P National Municipal Bond Index and the S&P Virginia Municipal Bond Index. The fund was formerly known as Nuveen Virginia Premium Income Municipal Fund. Nuveen Virginia Quality Municipal Income Fund was formed on January 12, 1993 and is domiciled in the United States. Read More Federated Investors, Inc. is a publicly owned asset management holding company. Through its subsidiaries, the firm provides its services to individuals, including high net worth individuals, banking or thrift institutions, investment companies, pension and profit sharing plans, pooled investment vehicles, charitable organizations, state or municipal government entities, and registered investment advisors. Through its subsidiaries, it manages separate client-focused equity, fixed income, balanced and money market mutual funds along with separate client-focused equity, fixed income, money market, and balanced portfolios. Through its subsidiaries, the firm invests in the public equity and fixed income markets across the globe. It invests in growth and value stocks of small-cap, mid-cap, and large-cap companies. The firm makes its fixed income investments in ultra-short, short-term, and intermediate-term mortgage-backed, U.S. Government, U.S. corporate, high yield, and municipal securities. It employs both fundamental and quantitative analysis to make its equity investments. Federated Investors, Inc. was founded in 1955 and is based in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania with additional offices in New York City and London, United Kingdom. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of The Procter & Gamble: "Procter & Gamble Services" LLC, "Procter & Gamble" LLC, Agile Pursuits, Agile Pursuits Franchising, Arbora, Arbora & Ausonia, Arborinvest, Billie, Braun (Shanghai) Co., Braun GmbH, Braun-Gillette Immobilien GmbH & Co. KG, Celtic Insurance Company, Compania Procter & Gamble Mexico, Compania Quimica S.A., Corporativo Procter & Gamble, Cosmetic Products Pty. Ltd., Detergent Products B.V., Detergent Products SARL, Detergenti S.A., Eurocos Cosmetic GmbH, FPG Oleochemicals Sdn. Bhd., Fameccanica Data S.p.A., Fameccanica Industria e Comercio Do Brasil LTDA., Fameccanica Machinery (Shanghai) Co., Fater S.p.A., Fountain Square Music Publishing Co., Gillette (China) Ltd., Gillette (Shanghai) Ltd., Gillette Aesop Ltd., Gillette Australia Pty. Ltd., Gillette Canada Holdings, Gillette Commercial Operations North America, Gillette Diversified Operations Pvt. Ltd., Gillette Egypt S.A.E., Gillette Group UK Ltd, Gillette Gruppe Deutschland GmbH & Co. oHG, Gillette Holding Company LLC, Gillette Holding GmbH, Gillette India Limited, Gillette Industries Ltd., Gillette International B.V., Gillette Latin America Holding B.V., Gillette Management LLC, Gillette Nova Scotia Company, Gillette Pakistan Limited, Gillette Poland International Sp. z.o.o., Gillette Poland S.A., Gillette U.K. Limited, Gillette del Uruguay, Giorgio Beverly Hills Inc., Hyginett KFT, Industries Marocaines Modernes SA, LLC "Procter & Gamble Novomoskovsk", LLL "Procter & Gamble Distributorskaya Compania", Laboratorios Vicks, Liberty Street Music Publishing Company, Limited Liability Company 'Procter & Gamble Trading Ukraine', Limited Liability Company with foreign investments Procter & and Gamble Ukraine, MDVIP, MERCK KGAA NPV, Marcvenca Inversiones, Modern Industries Company - Dammam, Modern Products Company - Jeddah, New Chapter, New Chapter Canada Inc., Olay LLC, Oral-B Laboratories, P&G Distribution Morocco SAS, P&G Hair Care Holding, P&G Industrial Peru S.R.L., P&G Innovation Godo Kaisha, P&G Israel M.D.O. Ltd., P&G K.K., P&G Northeast Asia Pte. Ltd., P&G Prestige Godo Kaisha, P&G Prestige Service GmbH, P&G South African Trading (Pty.) Ltd., PGT Health Care (Zhejiang) Limited, PGT Healthcare LLP, PPI ZAO, PT Procter & Gamble Home Products Indonesia, PT Procter & Gamble Operations Indonesia, Phase II Holdings Corporation, Procter & Gamble (Chengdu) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (China) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (China) Sales Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble (East Africa) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Egypt) Manufacturing Company, Procter & Gamble (Enterprise Fund) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Consumer Products Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Enterprise Management Service Company Limited, Procter & Gamble (Guangzhou) Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Health & Beauty Care) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Jiangsu) Ltd. China, Procter & Gamble (L&CP) Limited, Procter & Gamble (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, Procter & Gamble (Manufacturing) Ireland Limited, Procter & Gamble (Shanghai) International Trade Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble (Singapore) Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Acquisition GmbH, Procter & Gamble Administration GmbH, Procter & Gamble Algeria EURL, Procter & Gamble Amazon Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Amiens S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Argentina SRL, Procter & Gamble Asia Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Australia Proprietary Limited, Procter & Gamble Azerbaijan Services LLC, Procter & Gamble Bangladesh Private Ltd., Procter & Gamble Blois S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Brazil Holdings B.V., Procter & Gamble Bulgaria EOOD, Procter & Gamble Business Services Canada Company, Procter & Gamble Canada Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Chile , Procter & Gamble Chile Limitada, Procter & Gamble Colombia Ltda., Procter & Gamble Commercial LLC, Procter & Gamble Commercial de Cuba S.A., Procter & Gamble Czech Republic s.r.o., Procter & Gamble DS Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Danmark ApS, Procter & Gamble Detergent (Beijing) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Deuttschland GmbH, Procter & Gamble Distributing (Philippines) Inc., Procter & Gamble Distributing New Zealand Limited, Procter & Gamble Distribution Company (Europe) BVBA, Procter & Gamble Distribution S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Eastern Europe, Procter & Gamble Ecuador Cia. Ltda., Procter & Gamble Egypt, Procter & Gamble Egypt Distribution, Procter & Gamble Egypt Holding, Procter & Gamble Egypt Supplies, Procter & Gamble Energy Company LLC, Procter & Gamble Espana, Procter & Gamble Europe SA, Procter & Gamble Export Operations SARL, Procter & Gamble Exportadora e Importadora Ltda., Procter & Gamble Exports, Procter & Gamble Fabricacao e Comercio Ltda., Procter & Gamble Far East, Procter & Gamble Finance (U.K.) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Finance Holding Ltd., Procter & Gamble Finance Management S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Financial Investments LLP, Procter & Gamble Financial Services Ltd., Procter & Gamble Financial Services S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Finland OY, Procter & Gamble France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH, Procter & Gamble Germany GmbH & Co. Operations oHG, Procter & Gamble GmbH, Procter & Gamble Grundstucks-und Vermogensverwaltungs GmbH & Co. KG, Procter & Gamble Gulf FZE, Procter & Gamble Hair Care, Procter & Gamble Hellas Ltd., Procter & Gamble Holding (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Holding France S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Holding GmbH, Procter & Gamble Holding S.r.l., Procter & Gamble Holdings (UK) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Home Products Private Limited, Procter & Gamble Hong Kong Limited, Procter & Gamble Hungary Wholesale Trading Partnership (KKT), Procter & Gamble Hygiene & Health Care Limited, Procter & Gamble Inc., Procter & Gamble India Holdings, Procter & Gamble Indochina Limited Company, Procter & Gamble Industrial - 2012 C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial Colombia Ltda., Procter & Gamble Industrial S.C.A., Procter & Gamble Industrial e Comercial Ltda., Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Costa Rica, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Guatemala, Procter & Gamble Interamericas de Panama, Procter & Gamble International Operations Pte. Ltd., Procter & Gamble International Operations SA, Procter & Gamble International Operations SA-ROHQ, Procter & Gamble International S.a.r.l., Procter & Gamble Investment Company (UK) Ltd., Procter & Gamble Investment GmbH, Procter & Gamble Italia, Procter & Gamble Japan K.K., Procter & Gamble Kazakhstan Distribution LLP, Procter & Gamble Kazakhstan LLP, Procter & Gamble Korea, Procter & Gamble Korea S&D Co., Procter & Gamble Lanka Private Ltd. Sri Lanka, Procter & Gamble Leasing LLC, Procter & Gamble Levant S.A.L., Procter & Gamble Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing (Tianjin) Co. Ltd., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Belgium N.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Berlin GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing GmbH, Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Procter & Gamble Manufacturing SA (Pty) Ltd, Procter & Gamble Marketing Romania SRL, Procter & Gamble Marketing and Services doo, Procter & Gamble Maroc SA, Procter & Gamble Mataro, Procter & Gamble Mexico Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Mexico Inc., Procter & Gamble Middle East FZE, Procter & Gamble Nederland B.V., Procter & Gamble Netherlands Investments B.V., Procter & Gamble Netherlands Services B.V., Procter & Gamble Nigeria Limited, Procter & Gamble Nordic, Procter & Gamble Norge AS, Procter & Gamble Operations Polska Sp. z o.o., Procter & Gamble Overseas India B.V., Procter & Gamble Overseas Ltd., Procter & Gamble Pakistan (Private) Limited, Procter & Gamble Partnership LLP, Procter & Gamble Peru S.R.L., Procter & Gamble Pharmaceuticals France SAS, Procter & Gamble Philippines, Procter & Gamble Polska Sp. z o.o, Procter & Gamble Portugal - Produtos De Consumo, Procter & Gamble Product Supply (U.K.) Limited U.K., Procter & Gamble Production GmbH, Procter & Gamble Productions, Procter & Gamble Productos de Consumo, Procter & Gamble RHD, Procter & Gamble RSC Regional Service Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Retail Services BVBA, Procter & Gamble S.r.l., Procter & Gamble SA (Pty) Ltd, Procter & Gamble Satis ve Dagitim Ltd. Sti., Procter & Gamble Seine S.A.S., Procter & Gamble Service GmbH, Procter & Gamble Services (Switzerland) SA, Procter & Gamble Services Company N.V., Procter & Gamble Services Ltd., Procter & Gamble Share Incentive Plan Trustee Ltd., Procter & Gamble South America Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Spol. s.r.o. (Ltd.), Procter & Gamble Sports and Social Club Ltd., Procter & Gamble Sverige AB, Procter & Gamble Switzerland SARL, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Limited, Procter & Gamble Taiwan Sales Company Limited, Procter & Gamble Technical Centres Limited, Procter & Gamble Technology (Beijing) Co., Procter & Gamble Trading (Thailand) Limited, Procter & Gamble Tuketim Mallari Sanayii A.S., Procter & Gamble UK, Procter & Gamble UK Group Holdings Ltd, Procter & Gamble UK Parent Company Ltd., Procter & Gamble Universal Holding B.V., Procter & Gamble Verwaltungs GmbH, Procter & Gamble Vietnam, Procter & Gamble d.o.o. za trgovinu, Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.C.A., Procter & Gamble de Venezuela S.R.L., Procter & Gamble do Brasil S/A, Procter & Gamble do Brazil, Procter & Gamble do Nordeste S/A, Procter & Gamble-Rakona s.r.o., Progam Realty & Development Corporation, Redmond Products, Richardson-Vicks Real Estate Inc., Richardson-Vicks do Brasil Quimica e Farmaceutica Ltda, Riverfront Music Publishing Co., Rosemount LLC, SPD Development Company Limited, SPD Swiss Precision Diagnostics GmbH, Scannon S.A.S., Series Acquisition B.V., Shulton, Surfac S.R.L., Sycamore Productions, TAOS - FL, TAOS Retail, Tambrands Inc., Temple Trees Impex & Investment Private Limited, The Art of Shaving - FL, The Dover Wipes Company, The Gillette Company, The Gillette Company LLC, The Gillette co., The Procter & Gamble Distributing LLC, The Procter & Gamble GBS Company, The Procter & Gamble Global Finance Company, The Procter & Gamble Manufacturing Company, The Procter & Gamble Paper Products Company, The Procter & Gamble U.S. Business Services Company, This is L., US CD LLC, Vidal Sassoon (Shanghai) Academy, Vidal Sassoon Co., WEBA Betriebsrenten-Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Walker & Company Brands, and iMFLUX Inc.. Rome (AsiaNews) - Mgr. Giambattista Diquattro, nuncio to India and Nepal, will travel to the Himalayan country only in the coming days. He asks us to publish his letter, following serious mistakes contained in the article of 12 June 2018, by the correspondent of AsiaNews in Nepal. Reverend Father Bernardo Cervellera, I read with disappointment the article Nuncio calls on Caritas Nepal to speed up post-quake reconstruction by Christopher Sharma, dated today 12 June 2018. In it, it is reported that during a recent visit of mine to Nepal, I supervised the rehabilitation and reconstruction works, I visited the areas afflicted by the earthquake and I asked the Caritas office to extend its ways of support. The words of the title are not explicitly reported in the same article. I wish to inform you that my only visit to Nepal was from 3 to 8 June 2017, and later I did not go again. I am planning to visit the Country in the next days. I have not made therefore, recent visits in Nepal. During my visit in Nepal (3-8 June 2017), I was engaged with the first contacts for the beginning of my mission in that Country, and I did not supervise any rehabilitation and reconstruction works, also because it is not my duty to do so; and even less I spoke about activities of reconstruction. I esteem and appreciate your activity and your missionary commitment, and for this reason I ask you to publish this letter of mine, even in the English edition (English text enclosed), for a due act towards your Readers, among which I enclose myself as well. With sincere regards and in communion of prayer. Archbishop Giambattista Diquattro Apostolic Nuncio to Nepal 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. HSBC Holdings plc provides banking and financial products and services worldwide. The company operates through Wealth and Personal Banking, Commercial Banking, and Global Banking and Markets segments. The Wealth and Personal Banking segment offers retail banking products and services, such as current and savings accounts, mortgages and personal loans, credit and debit cards, and local and international payment services for ultra high net worth individuals; and wealth management services, including insurance and investment products, global asset management services, investment management, and private wealth solutions. The Commercial Banking segment provides credit and lending, treasury management, payment, cash management, commercial insurance, and investment services, as well as commercial cards, and international trade and receivables finance services; and foreign exchange products, and capital raising and advisory services to small and medium sized enterprises, mid-market enterprises, and corporates. The Global Banking and Markets segment is involved in the provision of financing, advisory, and transaction services, including credit, rates, foreign exchange, equities, money markets, and securities services, as well as principal investment activities to government, corporate and institutional clients, and private investors. The Global Private Banking segment provides a range of services to high net worth individuals and families with complex and international needs. HSBC Holdings plc was founded in 1865 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Read More Wall Street analysts have given Marijuana Company of America 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 Marijuana Company of America wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. Wall Street analysts have given iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but iShares Core MSCI EAFE ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. Keywords Studios plc provides integrated outsourced creative and technical services to the video game industry. The company offers art creation services related to the production of graphical art assets for inclusion in the video game, including concept art creation, as well as 2D and 3D art asset production and animation. It also provides audio/voice-over services, including script translation, actor selection, and talent management through pre-production, audio direction, recording, and post-production, as well as offers music licensing or music soundtracks selling services. In addition, the company offers localization services related to translation and cultural adaptation of in-game text and audio scripts in various game platforms and genres; and localization testing services consisting of testing the linguistic correctness and cultural acceptability of computer games. Further, it provides functional testing services related to quality assurance services provided to game producers to ensure game functions. Additionally, the company provides player support services related to the live operations support, such as community management, player support, and associated services to producers of games, as well as software engineering services for developing video games. It serves game companies and publishers. The company operates in Ireland, the United States, Canada, the United Kingdom, Switzerland, Japan, Italy, France, India, Germany, Singapore, Spain, Poland, Brazil, China, and Mexico. Keywords Studios plc was founded in 1998 and is headquartered in Dublin, Ireland. Read More The area is of strategic importance. It is the main entry point for humanitarian aid. Up to seven million people rely on external assistance to survive. An urgent meeting of the UN Security Council is scheduled today. Appeals for moderation and dialogue. Sana'a (AsiaNews / Agencies) - Saudi forces have launched a massive offensive on the strategically important Houthih-controlled Hudaydah port following the refusal of pro-Iranian Shia militias to withdraw from the area. According to some local media reports, the rebel positions have been the subject of intense bombardments from the sky and the sea. The humanitarian agencies present in the area have raised the alarm for a possible "humanitarian catastrophe" in the event that the city is the target of an attack. The risk is it could create up to 250 thousand victims. The Hudaydah port is the main entry point for humanitarian aid in Yemen. Since January 2015, the Arab country has been the scene of a brutal conflict opposing the Sunni-led government of former President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, supported by Riyadh, to Houthi Shia rebels, close to Iran and Hezbollah. In March of the same year, a Saudi-led coalition began air strikes against the rebels, which the United Nations slammed for causing civilian casualties, including children. The apostolic vicar, Msgr Paul Hinder, has repeatedly spoken out against the ongoing disaster. Christians too have become embroiled in the conflict as well, like in the attack against the Missionaries of Charity in Aden. In the pro-Saudi, government-controlled south, a new battle line has emerged with the arrival on the scene of pro-United Arab Emirate separatists, further complicating the situation. In a context of wars and divisions, Riyadh has also imposed a blockade last November in response to Houthi rocket attacks. In turn, this has exacerbated the food and emergency medicine. Up to seven million people in the Arab country are counting on aid and humanitarian assistance to survive. The Saudi TV Al-Arabiya confirms the start of operations for the "liberation" of the port. Heavy explosions and gunfire has been heard in the area. President Hadi said in a statement that "all the diplomatic channels" were possible to force the Houthi to surrender. A few hours earlier the Shiite rebels had received an ultimatum from the troops of the Emirates, according to which the time for negotiations has expired. Meanwhile, in New York, an urgent UN Security Council meeting is scheduled to discuss the Saudi offensive. For the second time in a week the UN body responsible for maintaining peace and security is meeting to discuss Yemen at the request of Great Britain, behind closed doors around noon local time. The UN special envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths continues to keep the channel of negotiations open to safeguard port operations, urging the parties to moderation. He is pressing for the delivery of the area to a committee under UN supervision. The McClatchy Company publishes newspapers and news Websites in the United States. Its publications include the Miami Herald, The Kansas City Star, The Sacramento Bee, The Charlotte Observer, The (Raleigh) News and Observer, and The (Fort Worth) Star-Telegram. It also provides niche publications and community newspapers, as well as other print and digital direct marketing services. The company distributes content, including video products, through its owned and operated Websites and mobile applications, third-party search and ad exchanges, social media platforms, and electronic editions of its daily newspapers, as well as its printed daily newspapers. The McClatchy Company was founded in 1857 and is headquartered in Sacramento, California. Read More Inmarsat plc provides mobile satellite communications services on land, at sea, and in the air worldwide. The company operates through five segments: Maritime, U.S. Government, Global Government, Aviation, and Enterprise. It offers voice and data broadband services; global maritime distress and safety system services; mobile and fixed voice services; a portfolio of machine-to-machine services that provide two-way data connectivity for messaging, tracking, and monitoring of fixed or mobile assets; maritime satellite services, including very small aperture terminals and television receive only antenna services; and Global Xpress, a high-speed broadband service that offer seamless connectivity for advanced data services on land, at sea, and in the air. The company also offers in-flight voice, data, safety, and cabin connectivity services for business and commercial air transport. It owns and operates 13 satellites. The company serves the aviation, government, enterprise, and maritime sectors. Inmarsat plc was founded in 1979 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Read More Siemens Aktiengesellschaft, a technology company, focuses in the areas of automation and digitalization in Europe, Commonwealth of Independent States, Africa, the Middle East, the Americas, Asia, and Australia. Its Digital Industries segment offers automation systems and software for factories, numerical control systems, motors, drives and inverters, and integrated automation systems for machine tools and production machines; process control systems, machine-to-machine communication products, sensors and radio frequency identification systems; production and product lifecycle management software; mechatronic systems simulation and testing software; and cloud-based industrial Internet of Things operating system. The company's Smart Infrastructure segment supplies and connects energy systems and building technologies to enhance efficiency and sustainability; and supports customers to address technology shifts. Its Mobility segment provides passenger and freight transportation, such as rail vehicles, rail automation and electrification systems, road traffic technology, digital solutions, and related services; and mobility system services. The company's Siemens Healthineers segment offers medical technology and software solutions; and clinical consulting and training services. Its Siemens Financial Services segment provides leasing solutions and equipment; and debt and equity investment products. The company was founded in 1847 and is headquartered in Munich, Germany. Read More TalkTalk Telecom Group PLC provides telecommunications services to consumers and business to business customers in the United Kingdom. It offers fiber, broadband, landline, TV, and mobile services under the TalkTalk and TalkTalk Business brands. Its products include HomeSafe, a home filtering service for residential customers; WorkSafe that provides protection for internet devices to business customers; SuperSafe, which offers protection from viruses and malwares; CallSafe, a security feature that screens inbound calls; and TalkSafe, a way of identifying a customer when they call using their voice. TalkTalk Telecom Group PLC was founded in 2002 and is based in Salford, the United Kingdom. Read More FactSet Research Systems Inc. (the ""Company"" or ""FactSet"") is a global provider of integrated financial information, analytical applications and services for the investment and corporate communities. Since inception, global financial professionals have utilized the Company's content and multi-asset class solutions across each stage of the investment process. FactSet's goal is to provide a seamless user experience spanning idea generation, research, portfolio construction, trade execution, performance measurement, risk management, reporting, and portfolio analysis, in which the Company serves the front, middle, and back offices to drive productivity and improved performance. FactSet's flexible, open data and technology solutions can be implemented both across the investment portfolio lifecycle or as standalone components serving different workflows in the organization. FactSet is focused on growing the business throughout each of its three segments, the Americas, EMEA (formerly known as Europe), and Asia Pacific. The Company primarily delivers insight and information through the workflow solutions of Research, Analytics and Trading, Content and Technology Solutions (""CTS"") and Wealt Read More Wall Street analysts have given Twelve Seas Investment Company II a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but Twelve Seas Investment Company II wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. On Friday, Air France-KLM unions announced a four-day strike to last from June 23-26. The strike call comes after workers participated in 15 strike days between February 22 and May 8 to demand wage increases. The call is the unions attempt to control rising anger at Air France. After the airlines workers voted to reject a concessions contract negotiated by unions and management calling for a 7 percent wage increase over four years, while management had granted itself double-digit wage increases of up to 67 percent, union officials are afraid they might lose control of the situation. For this reason, they are calling a symbolic action. In May, Air France unions and management organised a referendum on the proposed contract, hoping to secure a Yes vote and thus create conditions to end strike action. The French Democratic Labour Confederation (CFDT) had called for a Yes. Air France was proposing an immediate 2 percent raise plus a 5 percent raise in 2019-21, depending on the companys profits. However, some 55 percent of the workers voted the contract down, stunning the unions and forcing Air France-KLM CEO Jean-Marc Janaillac to resign on May 4. The unions then sabotaged the strike, calling for its immediate end, on the ludicrous pretext that Air France management had to be allowed a respite so it could concentrate on recruiting a new boss! After Janaillacs resignation, in a joint letter sent to Air France management, the unions wrote, We will show we are responsible and not immediately call a strike. They said they would continue asking for talks without mounting strike action, however, even after a new CEO was named: That is why, for the time being, there is no scheduled date for strike action. But now, the unions have changed course and told management they cannot wait, fearing wildcat actions could erupt across the company. Karine Monsegu, co-general secretary at CGT-Air France, said: On the ground, people are angry. The workers want to go back to war. Management has to understand it cant ignore the workers. At the same time, the airlines unions are demanding to meet with management as soon as possible, to restart talks before walkouts begin. Air France-KLM management plans to present actions and measures today at the central works committee meeting. According to Liberation, They indicate that managements new wage proposal only includes a 3.65 percent wage extension payable in three instalments and spread out until February. Like the last contract voted down by the workers, this is far below what workers are demanding. Air France management is counting on the unions to bludgeon workers into accepting the contract. In a letter to the Air France unions, interim CEO Anne-Marie Couderc wrote: Concrete responses must be provided we must make sure the coming weeks will be useful in addressing the concerns that have been expressed. The unions, terrified by the growing opposition, demanded to meet earlier with management to find a new deal to peddle to the workers. Why wait for June 14? asked Philippe Evain, head of the National Union of Airline Pilots (SNPL). He claimed that the delay in scheduling talks is profoundly damaging to the company This wait-and-see approach is scandalous. Similarly, at the Stalinist CGT, Monsegu asserted, Management must urgently organise a meeting with us. Militancy and social anger are rising among workers in France and internationally. However, the only way to struggle against social and wage austerity is to break the stranglehold over workers struggles maintained by the trade unions, backed by petty-bourgeois politicians like Jean-Luc Melenchon and the New Anti-capitalist Party. The construction of a network of rank-and-file committees in the workplaces must serve to take control of the strikes out of the hands of the unions and unify the different strikes against the policies and regime of French president Emmanuel Macron. Air France workers have already passed through important experiences. The union bureaucracies have done everything to strangle strikes after having negotiated contracts that accepted wage cuts, job cuts and attacks on working conditions. In 2014, Air France pilots launched a strike against cuts to wages and benefits as Air France tried to found a low-cost subsidiary, Transavia, to transfer staff toward lower-wage positions. After two weeks of a powerful strike, Air France was financially on its knees, and the pilots were on the verge of victory. Precisely at this time, terrified by the prospect of a victory that would encourage militancy far more broadly, the unions called off strike action. It is our duty to preserve the future of our company and to tend to its wounds, before irreversible damage is caused, the unions declared in a joint statement. The unions did not object to a collapse in wages. What they feared was a victory of the workers, which they were determined to avoid in order to boost profits and discourage broader strike action in France and in airlines across Europe. The only viable perspective is to fight to unify the struggles of the working class and develop them independently of the trade unions. Not only at Air France, but among rail workers, public sector workers and retail workers, strikes have been called against job and wage cuts. It is only by turning these actions into a political struggle against Macron that workers can take forward their struggles and prepare a real victory. The Socialist Equality Party (SEP) is holding series of public lectures in several Sri Lankan cities, beginning in Colombo, to mark its fiftieth anniversary. The Sri Lankan section of the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) was founded as the Revolutionary Communist League (RCL) at a conference held in Colombo on June 1617, 1968 and became the SEP in 1996, in line with other ICFI sections. The significance of the half-century struggle for Trotskyism in Sri Lanka manifests itself in the context of todays emerging mass struggles of working class, students and rural masses, not only in Sri Lanka but throughout South Asia and globally. These social eruptions are fueled by the deepening crisis of global capitalism and the drive by the imperialist powers, led by the US, toward a catastrophic third world war. The RCLs struggle for Trotskyism developed against the backdrop of the betrayal of the Lanka Sama Samaja Party (LSSP), which claimed to be a Trotskyist party, in entering a coalition government with the capitalist Sri Lanka Freedom Party (SLFP) in 1964. The LSSPs betrayal was prepared by the Pabloite liquidationist tendency that had emerged within the Fourth International in early 1950s. The work of the ICFI, which had been formed in 1953 to fight Pabloism, led to the formation of the RCL. The political history of the RCL/SEP has involved a protracted and uncompromising fight for the independent political mobilisation of the working class on international socialist perspective against all sections of the bourgeoisie and for the leadership of the oppressed masses. The political lessons of the RCL/SEPs half-century of struggle are crucial for the preparation of the working class for the revolutionary struggles that lie ahead. We urge workers, students, professionals, youth and others who want to fight the capitalist system and its political agents to attend the lectures and participate in this vital discussion. Lecture topics, dates and venues 1. A half-century of principled struggle for Trotskyism 2. The foundation of the Revolutionary Communist League 3. The struggle for international socialism against racialist war and separatism 4. The fight for a socialist republic against bourgeois governments 5. The struggle for international socialism against petty-bourgeois nationalism Colombo Public Library Auditorium Lobby Friday, June 22 at 4 p.m. Thursday, July 12 at 4 p.m. Thursday, August 2 at 4 p.m. Thursday, August 16 at 4 p.m. Thursday, August 30 at 4 p.m. Galle Municipal Sports Pavilion Sunday, June 24 at 3 p.m. Sunday, July 8 at 3 p.m. Sunday, August 5 at 3 p.m. Sunday, August 26 at 3 p.m. Sunday, September 9 at 3 p.m. Kandy Janamadura Hall (near the Goods Shed bus stand) Tuesday, July 3 at 4 p.m. The dates and venues for further meetings in Kandy and other areas will be announced shortly. The following statement was made by James Cogan, national secretary of the Socialist Equality Party (Australia), to a press conference in Sydney on June 13. The Socialist Equality Party has organised a political demonstration in Sydney Town Hall Square at 1pm this Sunday June 17 in defence of WikiLeaks editor Julian Assange. On Sunday, we, alongside journalist John Pilger, will raise one central demand: James Cogan statement on Assange The Australian government must immediately exercise the undeniable diplomatic power it has, and the undeniable legal discretion that it has, and intervene on behalf of Julian Assange, an Australian journalist and citizen. It must work to secure his immediate and unconditional freedom from his enforced confinement inside the Ecuadorian embassy in London. Julian Assange must be free to leave the embassy and immediately, if he chooses, to leave the United Kingdom and return to Australia. Assange must be given a public guarantee, by both Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull and Labor Party leader Bill Shorten, that any application by American authorities to extradite him to the United States will be rejected by Australia. The Australian government committed considerable resources to winning the freedom of Al Jazeera journalist and Australian citizen Peter Greste from false imprisonment in Egypt. It must do the same, if not more, to prevent Julian Assange falling into the clutches of the Trump administration and the American courts. Trumps attorney general Jeff Sessions has openly stated that Assanges arrest is a priority. WikiLeaks, an award-winning media organisation, was last year labelled a non-state hostile intelligence agency by former CIA director Mike Pompeo, who is now Trumps secretary of state. The US government wants to put Julian Assange on trial on charges of espionage for publishing leaks that exposed to the world US war crimes, diplomatic intrigues, and numerous corporate abuses. The vendetta against him has vastly intensified under Trump. In March 2017, WikiLeaks began publishing the Vault 7 leaks that have exposed the truly Orwellian dimension of the operations of the CIA to hack into phones, PCs, servers, smart televisions and even vehicle computer systems, so that it can spy on the communications of tens of millions of people in the United States and around the world. In the wake of the Vault 7 leaks, the US state apparatus is even more determined to silence WikiLeaks and silence Assange. Julian Assange has committed no crime under Australian or even American law. The attempt to smear him with allegations of sexual offences finally collapsed in May 2017, when Swedish prosecutors, after questioning Assange in November 2016, abandoned their politically-motivated investigation. The only offense that Julian Assange has committed, if it can be even called that, is to abscond on bail when he sought asylum with Ecuador after British courts repeatedly dismissed his well-grounded concern that extradition to Sweden to answer questions was nothing more than a pretext to remove him to a country where he could be rapidly extradited to the United States. I will conclude by stressing two points: Firstly, the situation facing Julian Assange is extremely grave. For six years, he has endured what the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention condemned as far back as in December 2015 as deprivation of liberty and a violation of his human rights. He has been denied access to essential medical treatment and even direct sunlight by the British government. Since March 28, 2018 he has faced the added psychological stress of being denied any communication with the outside world, including with his family in Australia, and denied even personal visitors apart from his legal representation, by the actions of the Ecuadorian government. A conscious attempt is being made by the Trump administration, the British government and now the government of Ecuador, to try and break Julian Assange, force him out of the embassy and compel him to admit to crimes that he did not commit. Every attack on freedom of speech and an independent and fearless media is a blow against the greater struggle of the working class against corporate exploitation, government austerity, widening social inequality and the ever growing danger of great power war. I appeal to workers in every workplace in Australia and internationally to convene meetings, pass motions in support of Assange and WikiLeaks, and send delegations to Sundays demonstration in Sydney or the June 19 events in the country in which you live. One year ago, the worst high-rise fire in British history in Grenfell Tower cost the lives of 72 people. What took place in the early hours of June 14, 2017 was social murder. This was the term first coined by Frederick Engels in his famous study, The Condition of the Working Class in England. Writing in 1845, at the beginning of industrial capitalism, he explained, When society places hundreds of proletarians in such a position that they inevitably meet a too early and an unnatural death... and yet permits these conditions to remain, its deed is murder just as surely as the deed of the single individual. Engels indictment of an entire social systemcapitalismresonates more than 150 years later. This is because it speaks to the common experience of working people the world over. From poisoned water in the American city of Flint, Michigan to collapsing garbage dumps and mudslides in Colombo and Sierra Leone that have killed many, to an entirely preventable tower block inferno in Londonone of the richest cities in the worldthe lives of working people are considered expendable by a parasitic financial oligarchy that subordinates every aspect of social and economic life to its enrichment. Grenfell was the direct result of the deregulatory policies carried out by successive Labour and Conservative-led governments. From Margaret Thatchers There is no such thing as society, through the Blair governments insistence on being intensely relaxed about people getting filthy rich, to David Camerons pledge to kill off the excessive health and safety albatross around the neck of British businesses, workers living standards and conditions have been gutted to fill the bank accounts of the major corporations and the super-rich. This offensive against the working class found malignant expression in the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC), in Londons richest constituency. To save money while gentrifying its external appearance, Grenfell Tower was wrapped in highly flammable insulation and cladding, turning it into a death trap. The inside of the building was no safer, with no central fire alarm system, no sprinklers and a single narrow stairwell the only means of escape. As a result, a small fire in a single flat on the fourth floor spread in a matter of minutes to engulf the entire 24-storey structure. Firefighters battled against the odds to contain the blaze. The surviving residents of Grenfell Tower and its environs were abandoned by the authorities, with many only able to eat, sleep and clothe themselves thanks to the selfless efforts of the local community. The government admits that 69 households remain in temporary accommodation, while RBKC has reportedly threatened 74 households that they must now return to the estate they fled or face indefinite homelessness and a loss of their rights as council tenants. In the fires aftermath, survivors, their relatives and others demanded the politicians and corporations responsible be brought to justice, forcing Prime Minister Theresa May to announce the holding of a full, independent public inquiry that would produce an interim report by the end of this summer at the latest and ensure that this tragedy is fully investigated. As the SEP warned at the time, Nothing of the sort will ever happen. As with every public inquiry called by the ruling elite it will end in a whitewash. Almost one year on, the public inquiryled by a pillar of the establishment, Sir Martin Moore-Bickhas produced nothing. Its aim is not to reveal but to conceal the truth; not to hold the guilty to account but to protect the criminals in central and local government and the corporate entities who signed off on the refurbishment of Grenfell. This is made clear by the 2005 Inquiries Act, which states, An inquiry panel is not to rule on, and has no power to determine, any persons civil or criminal liability. Moore-Bick himself has recommended, in agreement with May, that issues of a social, economic and political nature should not be addressed. Along with social murder goes class injustice. While no time has been lost in prosecuting a handful of people making fraudulent claims to do with the Grenfell fire, the Metropolitan Polices criminal investigation into the inferno has seen not a single person arrestedlet alone chargedin connection with the deaths of 72 people! To add insult to injury, as the inquiry opened it was announced that the Metropolitan Police are to target the London Fire Brigade for possible crimes relating to the stay put advice given to tenants. Not a word about the fact that the advice proved so disastrous because of what the counsel for the Fire Brigades Union described as multiple safety failings that meant the building was a highly combustible death trap, with fire-fighters put in an impossible situation. The refusal of the ruling elite to pursue the real criminals guilty of the Grenfell atrocity is also in stark contrast to their determination to silence anyone fighting to establish the truth about events. Hysterical witch-hunts have been mounted by the right-wing media against Joe Delaney and Edward Daffarn, both part of the Grenfell Action Group that warned of the danger of a catastrophic fire resulting from the policies of RBKC and its tenant management organisation. Delaney, who lived adjacent to Grenfell Tower, has fought for years for the rights of tenants in the area to live in decent, secure housing. Daffarn escaped from his flat on Grenfells 16th floor. Others denounced were filmmaker Daniel Renwick and local resident Ishmael, whose crime was to make a truthful film about Grenfell Failed by the State. Nothing is accidental. The high point of this campaign to suppress the truth is the ongoing and cruel attempt to silence Julian Assange. The WikiLeaks founder and editor has now been trapped for six years in the Ecuadorian Embassy, less than four miles from Grenfell, facing arrest and deportation to the US to face trial for espionage for revealing the war crimes of Washington and London. Meanwhile things continue as before, with the rich getting richer and the workers milked for every penny. Just as Moore-Bicks inquiry opened, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle were returning to their cottage in the grounds of Kensington Palacejust a few miles from Grenfell. Some 30 million in public taxes were squandered on their nuptials, while the brides dress alone was reported to have cost as much as the 300,000 saved by using cheaper, flammable cladding on Grenfell Tower. The money-mad and sociopathic ruling class in every country are incapable of addressing anything, except the further transfer of wealth to the super-rich and commissioning wars that threaten humanity with destruction. The freeing up of social resources to meet the needs of working people requires breaking the stranglehold of the financial aristocracy and its political representatives, and reorganising society on socialist foundations. This is the perspective of the Socialist Equality Party. Professor Piers Robinson is a leading figure in the Media on Trial group. Chair in politics, society and political journalism at the University of Sheffield, his 2002 book, The CNN Effect: The Myth of News Media, Foreign Policy and Intervention, examined news reporting in a series of humanitarian interventions in Iraq, Somalia, Bosnia, Kosovo and Rwanda. He was the lead author of Pockets of Resistance: British News Media, War and Theory in the 2003 Invasion of Iraq (2010), an ambitious and meticulous analysis of television and press coverage during the invasion. The Routledge Handbook of Media, Conflict and Security (2016), which Robinson authored with Philip Seib and Romy Frohlich, links the growing body of media and conflict research with the field of security studies. He is a member of the Working Group on Syria, Propaganda and Media. The group was set up in 2017 to facilitate research and debate with respect to the 2011-present war in Syria and the role of both media and propaganda. In January, Hayward exposed the Guardian for smearing critical discussion on the White Helmets as being the work of anti-imperialist activists, conspiracy theorists and trolls with the support of the Russian government. Robinson and another member of the Working Group on Syria, Propaganda and Media, Professor Tim Hayward, were among those targeted in witch-hunting articles run by the Times in April. In May, he responded to these attacks in a three-part interview published on the World Socialist Web Site. * * * We are living through very dark days for democracy and freedom of expression. Voices of reason and calm are being relentlessly smeared and bullied whilst courageous whistleblowers such as Julian Assange are subjected to increasingly coercive attempts to silence them. It is essential that all of us who value democracy and free speech stand up in defence of Assange and demand that this scandalous and shameful State-led harassment is brought to an end. Our freedom to speak truth to power, oppose immoral and illegitimate wars, and to campaign for truth and accountability, is being lost at frightening speed. Halting this democratic decay starts with demanding freedom for Julian Assange. Forces led by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched a long-anticipated siege of Yemens Red Sea port city of Hodeidah Wednesday, in what is certain to be the bloodiest battle since the Saudis began bombing the impoverished Arab country in March 2015. The charity group, CARE International, reported 30 airstrikes in the space of a half an hour Wednesday morning, while warships off Yemens coast conducted a naval bombardment. The military operation is being carried out in defiance of warnings from both the United Nations and multiple aid groups that hundreds of thousands of civilians in the crowded city are in danger of losing their lives. They have also warned that the devastation of the port of Hodeidah, which receives an estimated 70-80 percent of Yemens imports, including food, fuel and medicine, threatens millions more with starvation in a country where 22.2 million depend on food aid and at least 8.4 million are already facing famine. Carrying far greater weight than these humanitarian warnings, however, was the approval provided by Washington. Over the past week, a report surfaced that the Trump administration had ordered the Pentagon to review plans for a direct US participation in the siege of Hodeidah. This was followed by a perfunctory statement last week, given anonymously by a spokesperson for the White House National Security Council, that the US opposed any military action likely to exacerbate the dire humanitarian situation in Yemen. On Monday, however, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a statement described as a blinking yellow light, i.e., proceed with caution. He allowed that he was closely following the situation in Hodeidah but failed to make any appeal to Saudi Arabia or the UAE to refrain from attacking the city. Instead, he declared: I have spoken with Emirati leaders and made clear our desire to address their security concerns while preserving the free flow of humanitarian aid and life-saving commercial imports. And on Wednesday the Wall Street Journal, citing Pentagon sources, reported that the US military is helping its Gulf allies develop a list of targets, supposedly with an aim to minimize the number of civilian casualties. Similar claims were made in relation to US targeting in the cities of Mosul, Iraq and Raqqa, Syria, which were reduced to rubble by US bombs and shells, while the number of dead and wounded ran into the tens of thousands. The siege of Hodeidah, a city of 600,000 people, may well eclipse even those US war crimes. A military attack or siege on Hodeidah will impact hundreds of thousands of innocent civilians, the UN humanitarian coordinator in the country, Lise Grande, warned in a statement on Friday. In a prolonged worst case, we fear that as many as 250,000 people may lose everythingeven their lives. The British government of Prime Minister Theresa May, which like the Trump administration and the Obama administration before it, has backed Saudi Arabia and the UAE with massive arms sales, was clearly warned in advance by the UAE of the impending siege, passing on an advisory to British-based aid groups late last week to evacuate the city. The Red Cross, Care, Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and other groups have pulled their personnel out of the port city, as has the United Nations. These evacuations, together with the bombing and shelling, have brought the distribution of food to Yemens starving population to a halt. More than 13,000 Yemenis have been killed since Saudi Arabia began its bombing campaign over three years ago in a bid to topple the government led by the Houthi rebels and to reinstall the US-backed puppet regime of President Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi. Hadi, who spends most of his time in the Saudi capital of Riyadh, made a rare trip to the UAE capital of Abu Dhabi Tuesday on the eve of the full-scale attack on Hodeidah. According to the Middle East Eye website, the UAE strong-armed Hadi into supporting the attack in order to lend the military operation a thin veneer of legitimacy. Hadi had previously condemned the UAE for pursuing its own interests in Yemen, backing southern separatists and seeking to secure for itself Yemeni ports and islands in order to control the strategic Bab al-Mandeb Strait linking the Red Sea and the Gulf of Aden, through which most of the maritime trade between Europe and Asia passes. While UAE troops are on the grounda number of whom have been killed in the operationand Saudi planes are providing air support, a force made up of Yemeni mercenaries is led by Tareq Saleh, the nephew of former Yemeni President Ali Abdullah Saleh, who ruled the country for over two decades before being forced out by a mass revolt in 2012. In 2015, the ex-president had allied himself with the Houthis, but two years later shifted his allegiance to the Saudi-led forces, only to be killed by Houthi militiamen last December. There is little doubt that his nephew is now pursuing his own ambitions to take over the country. A statement was issued in the name of Hadis regime declaring, The liberation of Hodeidah port is the start of the fall of the Houthi militia and will secure marine shipping in Bab al-Mandeb strait and cut off the hands of Iran, which has long-drowned Yemen in weapons that shed precious Yemen blood. The statement was clearly aimed at identifying the bloody military operation with US imperialisms aims in the region. Both the Saudi and Emirati rulers and Washington have claimed that the port of Hodeidah has been used by the Houthis to import arms from Iran, but no evidence has been presented to support this allegation. From both Riyadhs and Washingtons perspective, however, the rule of Yemen by any regime that is not a puppet of US and Saudi interests is unacceptable and would weaken the anti-Iranian axis that US imperialism has forged in the region. Before the siege of Hodeidah began, the International Crisis Group warned that such an operation would be bloody, prolonged and leave millions of Yemenis without food, fuel and other vital supplies. Any attack on or significant, long-term disruption of operations of the port will have catastrophic consequences for the people of Yemen, Frank McManus, the International Rescue Committee's country director in Yemen, told ABC News. Jolien Veldwijk, the acting country director for CARE International, called the attack catastrophic, hopeless and devastating. She warned, If the port closed, even for a day, then the number of people at risk of famine will increase because no food will come into the country. With this assault, [children] are now suffering more hunger and death, Anas Shahari, a spokesman for Save the Children, told Reuters. He said that some 300,000 children would lose access to food, water and medicine. Describing the conditions when he visited Hodeidah three months ago, he added, I could see children who are hungry, children who are on the streets with their ribs sticking out, babies unable to cry because they are so malnourished. That was the situation before, and now it is going to get worse. The near-genocidal war against Yemen has been waged since its outset with indispensable aid from Washington, first from the Obama administration, which sold Saudi Arabia and the UAE the warplanes and munitions to slaughter civilians, providing mid-air fueling to their jets to assure round-the-clock bombing and setting up a joint US-Saudi command to render intelligence and logistical support. Since then, under Trump, special operations troops have been deployed with Saudi forces in the war against Yemen and US support for the war on the Yemeni people has been intensified in the context of the preparation for military confrontation with Iran. President Trump placed this on the agenda through his unilateral May 8 abrogation of the nuclear agreement reached in 2015 between Tehran and the major powers. While the Trump administration is portraying the US presidents Singapore summit with North Koreas Kim Jong-un as a de-escalation of global tensions, the predatory face of US imperialism finds its naked expression in Yemen, where the White House and the Pentagon are prepared to sacrifice the lives of millions in pursuit of hegemony against its regional and global rivals. 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Ireland Uruguay, Eastern Republic of Uzbekistan Vanuatu Venezuela, Bolivarian Republic of Viet Nam, Socialist Republic of Wallis and Futuna Islands Western Sahara Yemen Zambia, Republic of Zimbabwe Over the past five years, photographer Ciril Jazbec has documented the changing lives of the Inuit people in Greenland, the worlds largest island, which is covered by the worlds largest and fastest-melting ice sheet. This fact, together with the darkening of its surface, mean the changes in Greenland will affect the entire planet and its species, most scientists have come to agree. Jazbecs long-term project, Melting Away, is about a people at the forefront of climate change, who have an ancient knowledge of hunting and are searching for ways to survive a collapsing ecosystem. The roughy 700 Inuits of Qaanaaq and Siorapaluk, the worlds northernmost settlements inhabited by natives, continue their traditional ways despite several alarming climate, environmental and cultural threats. However, the Inuits resilience is being tested by the new constant of unpredictable hour-to-hour or day-to-day changes in weather. Once able to hunt for weeks on the sea ice, people living there now only travel for a day and have been forced to give up their dog teams. With such poor hunting conditions, young people are leaving smaller settlements like Qaanaaq for the growing capital, Nuuk. Jazbec explains, Melting Away project is my long-term body of work on which I plan to work on for the rest of my career. I keep returning back to the Arctic almost on a yearly basis, because I feel a very honest urge to document the climate change crisis. Throughout my trips, I have managed to establish incredible relationships with the Inuit people, and I am fortunate to be able to count many Greenlanders as my friends. We are in the constant touch about the new unfolding events. Daily life of Inuits is changing rapidly due to the climate change and being able to capture and communicate this change is my main vision. This requires a lot of resources and energy from my side; however, I deeply care about our planet and feel like my work can help fight the climate change. I grew up in a small Slovenian village surrounded by nature, and also from this stems my inspiration to do the projects that raise awareness about environmental issues. Story continues Born in Slovenia in 1987, Jazbec studied management in Ljubljana before moving to London. He earned his masters degree in photojournalism and documentary photography at the London College of Communication. He has been working as a contributing photographer for National Geographic Magazine since 2014. His work is focused on communities confronting the effects of globalization and climate change. He was awarded the Leica Oskar Barnack Newcomer Award 2013, and won awards from Photo Folio Review Les Rencontres dArles 2013, Magnum 30 under 30 2015, PDN30 New and emerging photographers to watch 2016, and Pictures of the Year International 2018. His work has been featured in National Geographic Magazine, the New York Times, GEO, Der Spiegel, Neu Zurcher Zeitung, Marie Claire Italy, Leica Fotografie International, Wired UK and the British Journal of Photography. Melting Away by Ciril Jazbec, winner of the Visura & United Photo Industriess 2018 Grant for Visual Storytelling on Climate Change, will have an artists talk on June 19, 2018, from 6 to 8 p.m. at United Photo Industries in Brooklyn, N.Y. The exhibition will be on view through June 29, 2018. Photography by Ciril Jazbec See more news-related photo galleries and follow Yahoo News Photo on Twitter and Tumblr. One of the most genuinely exciting occurrences of this console generation has been seeing Nintendo and Microsoft put aside their differences to make cross-play on games like Rocket League, Minecraft, and now Fortnite possible. It has been equally frustrating to watch Sony resist this change, and that frustration came to a head at E3 this week as thousands of Switch owners who had previously played Fortnite on a PS4 discovered that they would be unable to carry over their progress if they had already linked their Epic account to a PlayStation Network account. While the PS4 version of Fortnite does support cross-play on PC, Mac, and mobile devices, Sony seems to have no interest in working out a deal with Nintendo or Microsoft to make console cross-play a reality as well. In an interview with Giant Bombs Jeff Gerstmann at E3 this week, Phil Spencer, Head of Xbox, weighed in. Don't Miss: Your cable company will hate you so much when you get this $40 box So, obviously everybody has to run their own business, Spencer said, clearly choosing his words carefully. I was disappointed in the announcement and how it landed. I love the fact that its on Switch [] and we were really happy about how people could play, and not just play, but the things Ive earned and my status [carries over]. He then went on to give an example in which two parents each bought their kid a console. One received a PS4 and the other got an Xbox One. Both of those kids download Fortnite, expecting to be able to play together, but then find out that they cant because the PS4 doesnt support cross-play with the Xbox One. If it doesnt help the developer, and it doesnt help the consumer, then it doesnt feel like it helps grow gaming to me, Spencer concluded, offering his broadest take on the matter. I wish people could get to play together. As Gerstmann points out (while playing devils advocate), Sony has a sizable lead over Microsoft in terms of console sales, which puts the Japanese company in a position of power, but consumers are not happy with Sonys decision to take its ball and go home. Its a massive bummer, and Sony is handling it incredibly poorly. Story continues BGR Top Deals: Trending Right Now: See the original version of this article on BGR.com A U.S. citizen is facing human smuggling charges after dozens of suspected undocumented immigrants were found traveling inside his tractor-trailer in Texas on Tuesday night, according to federal authorities. U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement said it received a call from a law enforcement agency on Tuesday around 8:30 p.m. local time regarding a possible human smuggling venture in San Antonio, near Interstate 410. Special agents responded to the location and discovered a tractor-trailer containing 54 people suspected of entering the country illegally, including men, women and minors from Brazil, El Salvador, Guatemala and Mexico. Medical assistance was provided on the scene to all individuals and five people were transported to local hospitals for further treatment, according to ICE. As of Wednesday, four people had been released and one remained hospitalized. "The people rescued from this tractor-trailer were very lucky to have been discovered before the Texas heat took its toll," Shane Folden, special agent in charge of ICE's Homeland Security Investigations in San Antonio, said in a statement. "We have recently seen how smuggled people have died under the dangerous circumstances human smugglers transport their human cargo. These horrific instances show how no one should trust their lives -- or the lives of their loved ones -- to these criminal organizations." VIDEO: A U.S. citizen is facing human smuggling charges after dozens of illegal immigrants were found riding inside his tractor trailer in Texas Tuesday night, authorities said. (ABCNews.com) (MORE: Woman who falsely accused Texas state trooper of sexual assault could face charges) (MORE: Canada sees influx of Nigerian asylum seekers crossing border from US) San Antonio Fire Chief Charles Hood told ABC affiliate KSAT that the individuals were traveling in an air-conditioned tractor trailer with drinking water and that no one suffered any heat-related illnesses. The San Antonio Fire Department referred ABC News' inquiry to federal authorities. ICE said its special agents detained the suspected undocumented immigrants and arrested the driver of the tractor-trailer -- an American who is expected to be federally charged with human smuggling. The investigation is ongoing. The United States Attorney's Office for the Western District of Texas has accepted criminal prosecution of the driver, according to ICE. Another round of primary elections meant more big wins for women this week, notably in the commonwealth of Virginia where there are no Democratic women in Congress currently. But Tuesday night may have changed that, come November. Democratic women won three House primaries in Virginia last night. This is just the latest example of the party's surging female demographic in the Trump era. Democrat Jennifer Wexton, a state senator, now goes up against vulnerable incumbent Republican Rep. Barbara Comstock in VA-10. Democrat Abigail Spanberger, formerly of the CIA, will challenge Tea Party sensation Dave Brat, who famously won his VA-7 seat by knocking out former House Majority Leader Eric Cantor. Democrat Elaine Luria's primary win gives her a shot at unseating GOP Rep. Scott Taylor in a VA-2 general election battle between two Navy veterans. (Another Democratic woman, Leslie Cockburn, previously locked up the VA-5 nomination at the party convention; a book she wrote with her husband years ago on US-Israeli relations has led to questions about whether she is anti-Semitic.) Also in Virginia, former Hillary Clinton running mate, Tim Kaine, will compete for re-election to the U.S. Senate against controversial GOP nominee Corey Stewart, who's best known for things like defending Confederate monuments and appearing with Jason Kessler, organizer of the Charlottesville white nationalist rally during which counter protester Heather Heyer was hit by a car and killed. There's a sexist narrative brewing in North Dakota: In another notable win, North Dakota Democratic Senator Heidi Heitkamp will now go on to face GOP Rep. Kevin Cramer in a bid for another term. Heitkamp is already in a tense situation just based on the numbers, given that Donald Trump won her state by 36 points and she's trying to keep her job while balancing her relationships with both her president and her party. But there's an added layer to the story framed around Heitkamp's interactions with Trumpand the fact that she's a woman. Per a Washington Post report, Cramer is upset that the president gave Heitkamp a shout-out and a handshake at the recent banking bill signing. He also accused her of being "insecure" and trying to stand as close to Trump as possible during the event. Story continues Have you ever watched the video? Its obscene, Cramer told the Post. Taking it a (sexist) step further, he insinuated that the President's treatment of Heitkamp is based on the fact that she is a woman. I do think theres a little difference in that shes a woman, Cramer said. Thats probably part of it that shes a, you know, a female. He doesnt want to be that aggressive, maybe. I dont know. Bear in mind, Trump has had no qualms getting politically aggressive with women in the past. Just ask Hillary Clinton, Elizabeth Warren, and Kirsten Gillibrand. Or Claire McCaskill, as Heitkamp herself points out. Well, that wouldnt explain Claire. I think shes a woman, right? Heitkamp said of the Missouri Democratic Senator, whom Trump has criticized. That theory falls apart almost immediately. Needless to say, this race will be an interesting one to watch over the next few months. Here are the other primary results you might have missed from around the country: In South Carolina, Rep. Mark Sanford conceded a close GOP primary in which Trump had endorsed his challenger, Katie Arrington. Trump hate-tweeted against Sanford while the polls were still open, reminding SC-1 voters of the weird scandal in which Sanford (then the married governor of South Carolina) went off the grid and lied about being on a hiking trip when he was really hanging with his girlfriend in Buenos Aires. Arguably, it was an ironic line of attack for a president who has been married three times and repeatedly called to task for infidelities, but the Sanford upset might also highlight the price Republicans can pay in the 2018 midterms for being critical of Trump. Also in South Carolina, Democrat Archie Parnell won a four-way primary for the chance to go up against GOP Rep. Ralph Norman in November. This is all despite his admission that he abused his ex-wife 45 years ago in an incident she said made her fear for her life and which led to their 1974 divorce. The Democratic Party and Parnell's campaign staff shunned him after his history came to light, but he says his SC-5 win shows people believe, "You don't have to be defined by your worst mistake. You don't have to be cast aside. You are not alone. You can be better. And, together, we can be better." In Maine, Janet Mills is currently leading in the Democratic primary for governor. Mills is the first female attorney general of Maine and, if elected governor in November, would be the first woman to hold that office. However, Maine is trying out ranked-choice voting for the first time in this race, and a winner hasn't been called yet. (Under this setup, also known as the instant runoff system, voters pick a first choice, a second choice, and so on. If no candidate wins an outright 50% of the vote, they distribute the votes of the candidates at the bottom of the list until someone gets a majority and is declared victor.) Elsewhere, the mayor of Waterville, Maine survived a recall vote after having tweeted "Eat it" at Florida student David Hogg while sticking up for Laura Ingraham amid the ad pullouts generated by her post-Parkland remarks about guns. In Nevada, Democratic philanthropist Susie Lee will go up against GOP businessman and repeat candidate Danny Tarkanian to fill the NV-3 House seat of Democratic Rep. Jacky Rosen, who is now her party's nominee to topple incumbent GOP Senator Dean Heller. That could be a tough race for Heller, who is seeking re-election as a Republican in a state that went for Hillary Clinton in 2016. And so, the march to the November mid-terms continues. Britain's deterrent is delivered by nuclear-armed Royal Navy submarines - TASS / Barcroft Media Nations with huge nuclear arsenals are wasting their money because just 100 missiles would be enough to destabilise the globe and kill their own citizens, scientists have said. Britain currently possesses approximately 215 warheads of around 15,000 worldwide, the vast majority of which are American or Russian. But researchers have determined that no nation could fire more than 100 without causing a chain of events so catastrophic the impacts are felt at home. In the first such exercise of its kind, scientists analysed the environmental blow-back of a one-way but massive nuclear strike. Based on models including those of burnable materials in cities, they calculated the amount of soot and dust that would be thrown into the air by the blasts, the consequent blotting of the sun and damage to the atmosphere. Kim Jong Un and Donald Trump agreed to work towards the complete denculiarisation of Korea Credit: AP They found that the nuclear autumn of such destruction would damage agricultural output by up to 20 per cent, enough to affect widespread food shortages even on the other side of the world. The concept of nuclear deterrence has traditionally included the doctrine that the bigger the arsenal, the less likely an adversary is to attack. However, the authors at Michigan Technological University and Tennessee State University say there is no pragmatic reason for any nation to maintain more than 100. Published in the journal Safety, the study follows the historic Singapore summit between President Trump and Kim Jong Un, where both leaders pledged the complete denucliarisation of the Korean peninsula. There are nine official nuclear weaponised nations: the U.S., Russia, the UK, France, China, India, Pakistan, Israel and North Korea. Britains nuclear deterrent consists of at least one of four nuclear-armed submarines being at sea and ready to launch at any time. A Time-Lapse Map of Every Nuclear Explosion Since 1945 Although both the Conservative and Labour Parties are officially committed to renewing Trident, Jeremy Corbyn has expressed a preference to scrap it. Story continues Under the disarmament proposed in the the new study, the total number of warheads globally would drop to 900 or fewer. Professor Joshua Pearce, one of the authors, said: With 100 nuclear weapons, you still get nuclear deterrence, but avoid the probable blowback from nuclear autumn that kills your own people." "No country should have more nuclear weapons than the number necessary for unacceptable levels of environmental blow-back on the nuclear power's own country if they were used." Professor Pearce said modeling showed that if the US were to fire 1,000 nuclear warheads, 50-times more Americans would die than did on 9/11, even if no missiles were fired back. His team analysed a hypothetical US attack on China using 7,000 weapons, 1,000 or 100. North Korea's nuclear tests Blasts gain in strength Even in the smallest attack, 30 million people would be likely to die form the initial blasts. The altered atmosphere would be expected to result in an overall drop in global temperature, a 19 per cent reduction in rainfall as well as an increase in ultraviolet radiation. The study warns that its estimated long-term casualties suffered by the aggressor nation are likely to be a significant underestimate, because they reflect only the predicted deaths directly resulting from food shortage, but not the violence and unrest that such deprivation would cause. The incredible sight of molten lava streaming down a volcano's sides as voluminous ash plumes gush tens of thousands of feet into the atmosphere will send nearby residents into a panic. It's for good reason. Volcanic eruptions and related earthquakes have been known to wipe out neighborhoods and claim thousands of lives. Indonesia's Tambora volcano, which was the largest eruption ever recorded, killed nearly 100,000 people both directly and indirectly in 1815, according to History.com. Kilauea Volcano - AP Image This photo provided by the U.S. Geological Survey shows where lava from Kilauea Volcano is entering the ocean and the resulting laze plume where lava is entering the sea at Kapoho on the island of Hawaii on June 13, 2018. (U.S. Geological Survey via AP) These violent forces of nature are often associated with death and total destruction. However, it may come as a surprise that volcanic activity can positively impact the environment and people living in the region. Some of the benefits occur in the short term as well as over hundreds to thousands of years, according to Dr. Tracy Gregg, associate professor for the University at Buffalo's geology department. 1. Atmospheric cooling One of the shorter-term benefits could be observed with recent large eruptions including 1991's Pinatubo eruption in the Philippines and 1982's El Chichon eruption in Mexico, which both exploded ash and sulfur gas into the stratosphere, according to Gregg. "The sulfur gas combines with water in the atmosphere, creating microscopic droplets that can stay in the atmosphere for years," Gregg said. "The effect of those aerosol droplets is cooling the lowest level of the atmosphere, which is the level in which we live and breathe." Both eruptions cooled the atmosphere about over a half a degree Celsius, she said. "It doesn't sound like a lot, but when we're talking about anthropogenic global climate change, volcanoes have actually helped to keep the world about 2 to 3 degrees cooler than it otherwise may be," she added. Story continues 2. Land formation A long-term benefit of volcanic activity is seen in the Hawaiian Islands' very existence. "We're seeing this right now on the Big Island of Hawaii with Kilauea's current eruption, as lava is pouring into the ocean and creating new land," Gregg said. "All of the land in the Hawaiian Islands was created this way." This land formation can take thousands of years, she added. 3. Water production Over 4.5 billion years, the amount of water that has been produced by volcanoes has actually given us the water that we have on Earth, Concord University volcanologist Dr. Janine Krippner told AccuWeather. "It comes out of steam," Krippner said. "Over time, it's just built up the water that we have on this planet. Water can actually come out of magma itself, as well." Volcanoes have also helped create a large portion of Earth's atmosphere, she added. 4. Fertile land Fertile soil is another advantage of volcanic activity. "In places like Japan, Indonesia, Philippines and Hawaii, volcanic material mixed in with the soil provides a lot of important nutrients," Krippner said. "It gives us really fertile soils, which are great for farming and crops." Volcanoes also provide a good environment for the formation of new habitats for animals, plants and insects, she said. 5. Geothermal energy Hot springs and geothermal energy are additional benefits. "People use geothermal energy in places like New Zealand and Iceland," Krippner said. Places on Earth with the highest underground temperatures are located in regions with active or geologically young volcanoes, according to the Union of Concerned Scientists. The most active geothermal resources are normally found along major plate boundaries where volcanoes and earthquakes typically occur, like the Ring of Fire, according to the University of Colorado Boulder. 6. Raw materials Sulfur, copper and gold are produced from volcanic activity, Krippner said. Diamonds are also brought up to the surface from the mantle from a rare kind of magma, called kimberlite. "Volcanoes also provide a lot of building materials," Krippner said. "Volcanic material can be made into blocks, and lot of the materials are mined, especially in places like Indonesia, where it's used for conglomerate building blocks." The volcanic material can be ground down to help make cement, she added. An American university student was among the dozens of protesters beaten and arrested in Vietnam this week during clashes between demonstrators and police, according to the New York Times. Houston native Will Nguyen, 32, was visiting Ho Chi Minh City when he joined protests on Sunday over the governments plan to allow foreign companies long-term leases in Vietnams special economic zones. Thousands of people in cities across Vietnam reportedly flooded the streets over the weekend in a backlash prompted by fears of Chinese encroachment. Nguyen was beaten over the head and dragged into the back of a police truck, when police came to quash the protests around 3 p.m. local time, according to a statement from his family and friends. Video footage from the protests shows Nguyen with a bloodied face as a group roughly drag him along the road. According to the statement, he was taken to a police station and charged with causing a scene and destroying public property. Nguyens family and friends said the police fines were paid by a Vietnamese acquaintance, yet Nguyen was not released as expected. His current location and wellbeing are unknown as his family says they cannot reach him. On June 12, the police arrived at Wills hosts apartment to confiscate his laptop, passport, credit cards, and a change of clothes. They did not respond to questions about Wills whereabouts or welfare, the statement says. Pope Thrower, spokesman for the United States Embassy in Hanoi, told the Times the embassy was aware of media reports that a U.S. citizen was arrested in Vietnam. I cant stress how enormous of an achievement this is for the #Vietnamese people. The communist government is allowing people to assemble peacefully and the people are exercising their civic duty to protest injustice. #Vietnam #Phandoidackhu Will Nguyen (???? (@will_nguyen_) June 10, 2018 Nguyen, a Vietnamese-American, was visiting Vietnam ahead of his graduation from a masters program at the University of Singapore this summer. Shortly before his arrest, he tweeted photos from the protest and emphasized the enormity of the Vietnamese government allowing people to assemble peacefully to protest injustice. Brussels (AFP) - A Belgian court has convicted an anonymous Twitter user of harassment after the social media giant supplied his identity, in the country's first case of its kind, officials said Thursday. The man threatened a young woman of Moroccan origin, according to the judgment which was made at the end of April, Belgium's national anti-discrimination body Unia said. "It's the first time that the Belgian judicial system has taken action against an anonymous profile and asked the social network to identify the person," the agency's spokesman Michael Francois told AFP. "It's an important signal that will uphold justice and encourage prosecutors to take action in such cases." The agency did not name the man despite the fact that he had been convicted, and did not say why the case had only emerged now. For several years a man hiding his real identity had targeted 26-year-old Yasmien Naciri, who is known in the Dutch-speaking northern region of Flanders for campaigning against racism. After the March 2016 Brussels attacks, in which 32 people were killed in bombings claimed by the Islamic State group, the young woman was accused by the Twitter user of being a "terrorist". "These were systematic messages by what one would call a 'troll' that became very threatening for her," Unia co-director Patrick Charlier told RTBF television. The victim passed the threats to the anti-discrimination body, which then alerted Belgian judicial authorities, who asked Twitter to give his identity. The man was convicted and sentenced by a court in the northern port city of Antwerp to 48 hours of social work, Belgian media said. Belgium enacted a law in 2007 that bans discrimination based on sexual orientation, age, religion or disability which is "one of the strongest in Europe," according to Unia. The case "proves that this also applies to the internet", added Francois. The agency reported a rise in online harassment and hate crimes in 2017. Last year the administrator of a Facebook account for the far-right Flemish Defence League was sentenced to 10 months in prison for incitement of hatred against Arab Muslims. The Antarctic ice sheet is melting at a faster rate than at any previously recorded time, according to a comprehensive new study. The planets largest ice sheet is now losing more than 240 billion tons of ice every year a threefold increase from less than a decade ago. The melting is happening so fast that it could cause sea levels to rise 6 inches by the end of the century, the study projects. The accelerating pace of melting means rising sea levels could threaten coastal communities far earlier than scientists had expected. North America, particularly the East Coast of the U.S., could be particularly hard-hit. Antarctica has lost 3 trillion tons of ice in the last 25 years, and the rate of ice loss has tripled since 2012, says a major new study. Sea levels are now on track to rise 15 cm by 2100, higher than past estimates. Report: https://t.co/g8tjIO5jcW pic.twitter.com/xfw3PdJSm4 AJ+ (@ajplus) June 13, 2018 The study, published Wednesday in the journal Nature, has been described as the most exhaustive analysis ever conducted on the changes to Antarcticas ice sheet. The research involved more than 80 scientists from 44 international organizations and used data taken from multiple satellites, as well as air and ground measurements and computer simulations. We took all the estimates across all the different techniques, and we got this consensus, Isabella Velicogna, an Antarctic ice expert at the University of California at Irvine, told The Washington Post. The research shows that Antarctica has lost almost 3 trillion tons of ice since 1992. Of that loss, 40 percent took place from 2012 to 2017. Lead author Andrew Shepherd of the University of Leeds told NPR that prior to 2012, Antarcticas ice losses had been contributing a relatively small proportion to global sea level rise. Since then, however, the melt rate has increased dramatically from an average of about 84 billion tons a year between 1992 and 2011, to more than 241 billion tons a year from 2012 to 2017. Story continues The ice sheet is now losing three times as much ice, Shepherd told NPR, adding that the annual sea level rise attributed to Antarctica has similarly tripled from 0.2 mm to 0.6 mm. Thats a big jump, and it did catch us all by surprise, Shepherd said. Its possible that Antarctica alone can add about half a foot to sea level rise by the end of the century, Shepherd said in an interview with The Associated Press. He noted that climate change is the only plausible cause of this increased ice melt. New, startling evidence of ice sheet melt in Antarctica that poses a grave threat to humanity. We have the tools to solve the climate crisis, we just need the will to act. Make your voice heard and get involved @ClimateReality. https://t.co/pXyn5wRa1U Al Gore (@algore) June 13, 2018 Scientists warn that Antarcticas rapid melting could mean countries now have even less time to take action against climate change if they hope to protect vulnerable communities from rising sea levels. A separate study, also published in Nature this week, said governments will need to take action within the next decade to prevent the worst impacts of Antarctic melt. The Atlantic noted this week that millions of people on the U.S. East Coast could be displaced from their homes by the end of the century because of melting in parts of western Antarctica which scientists have identified as being the source of most of the recent melting. Bad news: Antarctica is melting. Worse news: Antarcticas melt rate has tripled since 2012. Worst news: Its losing mass in almost precisely the spot that will most hurt North Americans. https://t.co/b42E7OXcQ5 pic.twitter.com/GpjcCHuzEw Robinson Meyer (@yayitsrob) June 13, 2018 Scientists involved in the new study said people should be concerned by the findings, but there was still time to take action. I think we should be worried. That doesnt mean we should be desperate, Velicogna told AP. Things are happening. They are happening faster than we expected. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. Also on HuffPost This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Earth-orbiting satellites are watching Antarctica thaw. Eighty scientists from over 40 earth sciences agencies, including NASA and the European Space Agency, used satellite data from between 1992 to 2017 to find that Antarctica has lost three trillion tons of ice to the oceans over this 25-year period. Their research, published Wednesday in the journal Nature, confirms a troubling trend, as much of the world's fresh water is frozen away in Antarctica. It's accelerating melt will likely play a primary role in swelling Earth's oceans two or three feet higher this century, or perhaps as much as six feet. SEE ALSO: Arctic sea ice is loaded with plastic litter from cigarettes and paint The most vulnerable masses of ice are in West Antartica, where NASA has already witnessed an accelerating melt. "They're melting like gangbusters," Josh Willis, an oceanographer at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory, said in an April interview. "These are massive rivers of ice that are dumping just huge amounts of ice into the oceans." Image: imbie/Planetary Visions Perhaps most worrying, said Willis, is that this melting is unprecedented. Scientists are watching this thawing for the first time. They can see the melt is already accelerating and it's unknown what's exactly to come. "We have long suspected that changes in Earths climate will affect the polar ice sheets," Andrew Shepherd, a climate scientist and one of the study's lead authors, said in a statement. "Thanks to the satellites our space agencies have launched, we can now track their ice losses and global sea level contribution with confidence," said Shepherd. "According to our analysis, there has been a steep increase in ice losses from Antarctica during the past decade, and the continent is causing sea levels to rise faster today than at any time in the past 25 years." Over this 25-year period, scientists measured around 7 and a half millimeters of sea level rise from the ice-clad continent. Story continues This might not seem like a lot, Robin Bell, a marine geologist at Columbia University's Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, said over email. But, the more recent rapid loses in Antarctic ice "indicates Antarctica can change faster than we thought," said Bell. In fact, 40 percent of the total rise, or about 3 millimeters, came in the last 5 years. That's when things really started to change. Until 2012, the study's researchers found that Antarctica had been shedding 84 billion tons of ice into the sea each year, incrementally boosting sea levels by around 0.2 millimeters annually. But beginning in 2012, Antarctica began to lose nearly 240 billion tons per year, largely from two giant West Antarctic glaciers, Pine Island and Thwaites. The West Antarctic ice is particularly vulnerable because these massive ice sheets sit over the ocean, and even slightly warmer ocean waters can eat away at them from the bottom. The locations of the Pine Island and Thwaites glaciers, which alone have enough ice to raise sea levels by 4 feet, says NASA. Image: Nasa "The largest mass loss is observed where relatively warm ocean waters are melting floating ice shelves from below," Steve Rintoul, a study coauthor and physical oceanographer from the Antarctic Climate and Ecosystems Cooperative Research Center, in Australia, said in a statement. These masses of ice, which sit on the edge of the continent, act as a plug, holding the continent's thick sheets of heavy ice back. "As the ice shelves thin and weaken, they provide less resistance to ice flow from the continent to the sea," explained Rintoul. "This increases the rate of mass loss from the Antarctic Ice Sheet and therefore the rate of sea level rise." This leads to a foreboding future. Once these melting ice sheets on the coast go, nothing is left to hold West Antartica's ice back. And as the authors note, "The ice sheets of Antarctica hold enough water to raise global sea level by 58 meters." Certainly, no one is suggesting this will all dump into ocean not nearly. But only an insignificant amount needs to melt into the sea for coastal dwellers, where billions reside and many more are expected to live, to be impacted by rising seas, flooding, and surges of stormwater. Around 40 percent of Americans, for example, live directly on the shoreline. To better grasp exactly how much ice is lost each year and more critically, how fast these losses are accelerating space agencies will continue to peer onto the thawing continent. And down on Earth, scientists will even depend on seals, fitted with data-collecting devices, to dive under this melting ice. Less than three weeks since Ireland voted overwhelmingly to repeal its near-total ban on abortion, a country 7,000 miles away is considering similar reformsalbeit in Congress, rather than by popular referendum. In Argentina, tensions are running high as lawmakers prepare for what is expected to be an extremely close vote Wednesday night on whether or not to legalize abortion. Protesters on both sides of the debate have began to gather outside Congress. Abortion is almost completely illegal in Argentina, except in cases of rape or when the life or health of the woman is at risk. The proposed bill would legalize elective abortions up to 14 weeks, which would give Argentina one of the most liberal abortion regimes in Latin America. In the region, only Cuba, Uruguay, Guyana, and one Mexican state allow abortion in cases other than rape, fatal fetal abnormality and threat to the mothers life. In neighboring Chile, even these exemptions were only introduced in 2017. And in practice, even when Argentinian women in exceptional cases seek to terminate their pregnancies, they struggle to find doctors who will carry out an abortion, Amnestys Secretary General told The New York Times. At the time of publication on Wednesday, 123 lawmakers said they will vote against the bill, while 121 will vote in favor, according to La Nacion newspaper. Eleven remain undecided. The countrys main political blocs, usually bitterly partisan, have chosen not to dictate party lines, telling their members to vote on conscience. Im a Catholic. But representatives of the people must legislate for the common good and social justice, Fernando Espinoza, an opposition lawmaker from Buenos Aires Province who plans to vote for the bill, said on Twitter. The state must guarantee sexual education in schools so that women can decide. We must put personal beliefs aside. The pro-abortion rights campaign argues that the ban does not actually prevent abortion, but instead forces an estimated 450,000 women to seek clandestine terminations every year. Official figures suggest 50,000 women are hospitalized each year after botched abortions. Story continues Demonstrators in favor of abortion rights have adopted a green handkerchief as their icon, a reference to the history of Argentine womens protest movements. Handkerchiefs are strongly associated with the Mothers of the Plaza de Mayoa group of women who, for nearly 40 years, have worn white handkerchiefs during weekly demonstrations to commemorate thousands of Argentines who were abducted and disappeared during the countrys 1976-1983 military dictatorship. Of course we are worried [about the number of undecided votes], but we will get this passed, Laura Salome Canteros, told TIME. Canteros is a journalist and activist with the National Campaign for the Right to Legal, Safe and Free Abortion, which has been working for 13 years to increase awareness of the need for safe abortion and tackle social stigma. For years, any relaxation of the ban appeared extremely unlikely. But Argentinas feminist movement has been revitalized in recent years. Many trace the current momentum behind abortion rights to the 2015 Ni Una Menos (Not One Less) protest. Back then, 200,000 people took to the streets of Buenos Aires to protest against domestic violence, which kills one woman every 36 hours in the country. It was time that they listened to the demands, said Canteros. Abortion is a right, which is fundamental for womens lives, health and freedom. Support has grown so much that now its battering the doors of parliament and weve gotten to the vote. Polls suggest there has been a surge in public support for legal abortion, which in 2016 stood at just 27%. An Ipsos Public Affairs poll in 2018 found 39% of Argentines in favor of elective abortion, while another reported 44%. President Mauricio Macri, who was elected months after the 2015 Ni Una Menos protest, has encouraged an open debate on abortion though he opposes legalization. Im in favour of life, but I hope that all voices get heard and all positions get taken into account, he told Congress in February. The Catholic Church, which remains prominent in Argentine society and whose leader, Pope Francis, is from Argentina, is also an powerful force for the anti-abortion campaign. The church believes life begins at conception and in April it urged the public not to deny human rights to the most vulnerable in society. One of the leading opponents of the proposed law is Vice President Gabriela Michetti, who says Argentine women already have a wonderful pro-life option for dealing with unwanted pregnancies. If a girl is supported and has all the things that she needs and can give birth, she can give this child to the multitude of couples, single people, and families that want to adopt and particularly want to adopt newborns, she said in a TV interview on Sunday. If lawmakers do approve the bill in the Lower House, it would still have to be approved in the Senate. Some see that as unlikely given that few senators have spoken out in favor of legalization. If the law does make it through, though, Argentina would be by far the most populous country in Latin America to allow elective abortions. Womens rights activists say it could serve as a model for other countries in the region. Damascus (AFP) - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said that talks led by Moscow on the future of the south of the country were ongoing, but warned that Israel and the United States were preventing a negotiated settlement. In an interview with Iran's Al-Alam television channel broadcast late Wednesday, Assad said that after regime forces captured Ghouta from rebels in April, "it was suggested that we should move south". "We were faced with two options... reconciliation or liberation by force. At this point, the Russians suggested the possibility of giving reconciliation an opportunity," he said. "Up till now, there are no concrete results for a simple reason which is Israeli and American interference; for they put pressure on the terrorists in that area in order to prevent reaching any compromise or peaceful resolution," he added. Russia called late last month for urgent negotiations with the US and Jordan on the south, and President Vladimir Putin has discussed Syria with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It's a prized region for nearly all stakeholders in Syria's war due to its strategic geographical position: the south borders Jordan and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, but also lies close to Damascus. Typically bitterly divided over Syria, most of the powers involved seem to agree on a government comeback in the southern provinces of Daraa and Quneitra, 70 percent of which is controlled by rebel groups. The Islamic State group has a limited presence in the region. Assad said that "contacts are still ongoing between the Russians, the Americans, and the Israelis". Asked about the possibility of a settlement that included Iran leaving the south, Assad said: "The Syrian-Iranian relationship is a strategic one not subject to a deal in the south or in the north... it is not subject to the price tags of the international bazaar." The government has regained control of much of Syria with Russian backing and a win in the south would cap a string of victories this year. Regime forces recaptured Ghouta after a ferocious offensive that displaced tens of thousands. SYDNEY (Reuters) - Australian soldiers who flew a Nazi swastika flag over their fighting vehicle in Afghanistan more than a decade ago were "wrong" and punished at the time, Australia's prime minister said on Thursday, after a picture of the incident emerged. The flag was "briefly raised" above the vehicle in Afghanistan in 2007, Australia's defense department said in a statement. The flag was clearly visible flying over the bonnet of a jeep in a photo published by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation (ABC). "The flag obviously was removed and the personnel involved were disciplined," Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull told reporters in the Tasmanian state capital of Hobart, without specifying their punishment. "It was absolutely wrong and their commanders took action at the time," he said. Australia, a staunch U.S. ally, has had troops in Afghanistan for 17 years fighting against the Taliban and other Islamist militants. Their behavior between 2005 and 2016, including accusations that they used illegal force and showed a disregard for human life during missions, is being investigated by defense authorities. The swastika was the emblem of Germany's Nazi Party and later its national flag when millions of Jews were murdered by the state in the 1930s and 1940s, a genocide known as the Holocaust, along with others deemed inferior. "It is completely unacceptable to use a flag of this nature," Australia's defense minister, Marise Payne, said in an emailed statement. "This is completely at odds with the values of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the tens of thousands of ADF personnel who have served with distinction in Afghanistan." In recent days, the Sydney Morning Herald newspaper has published reports, citing unidentified witnesses, alleging Australian troops mistreated and executed prisoners in 2009 and 2012. The ABC has previously reported on an alleged cover-up of the killing of an Afghan boy by Australian special forces. Australia's defense department directed Reuters to previous statements describing the allegations as "serious" and under investigation. (Reporting by Tom Westbrook; Editing by Darren Schuettler) Manila (AFP) - An Australian man has been sentenced to life in a Philippine prison as part of a notorious child sexual abuse case in which prosecutors say he chained the victims like dogs. Peter Scully still faces another trial and dozens more charges, including allegations he made child pornography and murdered a young girl. The Philippines has become a key hub for a billion-dollar, global child cybersex industry, police have warned, with operators helped by widespread poverty. Scully was convicted Wednesday of trafficking and rape by a court in the southern Philippines, three years after he was arrested there and accused of sexually abusing and filming girls including an 18-month-old baby. The Cagayan de Oro court sentenced Scully and his Filipina partner to life in prison without parole and imposed a fine of five million pesos ($93,700) for trafficking Filipina girls then aged ten and 12, the regional prosecutor said. "This is a big victory for us. This sends a very strong signal to traffickers that this government is serious in pursuing and prosecuting these cases," Merlynn Uy, officer-in-charge of the regional prosecutor's office, told AFP. "These girls were lured into his apartment and they said that they were chained on the neck, like dogs on a leash." Scully was also found guilty of rape, which carries a minimum of six years behind bars. He was arrested in 2015 in Malaybalay, another southern Philippine city, after fleeing from Australia in 2011. He had come to the Philippines to escape fraud charges in his home country. He then set up a cybersex business, filming teenage girls from impoverished families as he had sex with them or used sex toys, investigators said. The videos were allegedly sold to customers in Germany, the United States and Brazil. Most of the people who pay to view these types of sex videos are abroad, with potentially thousands of children being abused, often with their parents' consent, authorities said. Story continues Scully faces another trial for a second batch of 60 charges including the rape of an 18-month-old baby girl and the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl. It is not clear when those proceedings will start. The social welfare department said Scully's victims remained in government custody. "The children have been traumatised. We provide them therapy to help them prepare for a normal life," regional social welfare director Nestor Ramos told AFP. Australia's foreign affairs department told AFP it was providing consular assistance to Scully but declined to comment further citing "privacy obligations". Al Duraihimi (Yemen) (AFP) - Yemen's rebel chief urged his forces to fight on against pro-government troops pressing a Saudi-backed offensive to retake the key aid hub of Hodeida, as the UN called for the Red sea port to be kept open. Heavy fighting left 39 people dead on Thursday, a day after the Saudi-led coalition launched an assault to recapture the city controlled by the Iran-allied Huthi rebels. Military sources said coalition gunships pounded rebel positions as fighting raged several kilometres (miles) from Hodeida airport, south of the city. Rebel leader Abdel Malek Al-Houthi urged troops to "confront the forces of tyranny", warning they would recapture areas taken by pro-government forces by "bringing huge numbers (of fighters) to the battle", according to the rebels' Al-Masirah TV. "The western coast will turn into a big swamp for the invaders," he added. The clashes came as the UN Security Council met for urgent talks on the military operation and called for the port, held by the rebels along with the capital Sanaa since 2014, to be "kept open". The Huthis suffered 30 fatalities on Thursday in the clashes, medical sources told AFP. Nine pro-government troops were killed in the same area, the medics said. Military sources said the deaths were caused by mines and snipers. An AFP correspondent south of Hodeida airport saw ambulances evacuating dead and wounded government loyalist fighters as reinforcements headed towards the front line. The United Arab Emirates, a driving force in the coalition, said four of its troops were killed on the first day of the offensive. The Huthis' television channel earlier said they had struck a coalition ship off the coast of Hodeida with two missiles. There was no independent confirmation of the report. - Port remains open - The United Nations has warned against an offensive on Hodeida because the port serves as the entry point for 70 percent of Yemen's imports, with the country already teetering on the brink of famine after three years of war. Story continues On Thursday, authorities said the Red Sea lifeline remained open to shipping. "We still have seven ships in the port. The work in the port is normal. And we have five other ships standing by waiting outside to enter," port director Dawood Fadel told AFP. Yemen's Foreign Minister Khaled Alyemany said that government forces were holding off on advancing on the port for now, and "are not planning to destroy the infrastructure". "We are in an area close to the airport, but not to the sea port. The sea port is totally out of operations, today," he told reporters on Thursday. Two Saudi and UAE aid ships were in the waters off Hodeida, coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki told Saudi state media. Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, which intervened against the Huthis in 2015 with the goal of restoring Yemen's government to power, have pledged to ensure a continuous flow of aid to the Arab world's poorest nation. Abdullah al-Rabeeah, the head of Saudi Arabia's King Salman Aid and Relief Centre, pledged an air, sea and land bridge would be opened "to transport aid and medical supplies, food, shelter and fuel other basic necessities". Capturing Hodeida would be the biggest victory for the Saudi-led coalition since the start of its costly intervention. International aid groups cautioned the threat of a major humanitarian catastrophe was growing as fighting drew closer to Hodeida, with the UN estimating some 600,000 people live in and around the city. "As air strikes intensify and front lines move closer to Hodeida city, so does the very real threat of harm to civilians in Hodeida," said the Norwegian Refugee Council's acting country director Christopher Mzembe. The group warned of a "high risk" of a fresh cholera outbreak around Hodeida should water supplies be disrupted. - 'Situation must change' - During a closed-door meeting, members of the Security Council expressed their "deep concern about the risks to the humanitarian situation" and called for Hodeida port to remain open, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia, who holds the council presidency, said. But the council brushed aside a call by Sweden, a non-permanent member, for a freeze to the military operation to allow time for talks on a rebel withdrawal from the Red Sea port. Yemen's internationally recognised government earlier said negotiations had failed to force the rebels from Hodeida, and a grace period for UN-led peace efforts was over. Nevertheless, the UN envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, has continued to hold talks on keeping Hodeida open and has urged all sides to exercise restraint. But UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash insisted in a statement that "it is clear that for the UN-led political process to succeed, the situation on the ground must change". Yemen's Saudi-backed President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, who has spent much of the war in exile in Riyadh, on Thursday visited the southern port city of Aden, where the government set up its base after being ousted from Sanaa. State-run Saba news agency said the aim of Hadi's first public visit to the country in more than a year was to "supervise" the military operations in Hodeida province. More than 22 million people in Yemen are in need of aid, including 8.4 million who are at risk of starvation, according to the United Nations, which considers Yemen to be the world's worst humanitarian crisis. burs/wd/ia/aph/qan Saudi-led forces in Yemen are attacking the vital port city of Hodeidah on the countrys western coast, in what could become one of the most pivotal battles to date in the three-year long war. The assault began on Wednesday after a deadline set by the United Arab Emirates (UAE) for Houthi rebels to leave the city passed. Soldiers massed south of the city are being supported by warplanes and warships, striking Houthi fortifications in and around Hodeidah, Reuters reported. A patchwork force of pro-government Yemeni, tribal, Emirati and Sudanese troops are pressing the attack. Hodeidah is a vital strategic port for the Iran-backed Houthis, who still control the capital Sanaa, much of the surrounding area and 7 million peoplethe majority of Yemens population. The rebels are battling forces loyal to deposed President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi, and supported by an Arab alliance headed by Saudi Arabia and the UAE. Trending: Sunlight Boosted Memory in Mice RTX68T0Z REUTERS/Stringer The war has plunged the country into a humanitarian crisis, with many Yemenis having lost access to food, fuel and medicine supplies. The vast majority of the aid that does reach the impoverished communities comes through Hodeidah. But the Saudi coalition says control of the port also allows the Houthis to import weapons, including Iranian ballistic missiles that are regularly fired at Saudi cities. Capturing Hodeidah would give the Arab alliance significant leverage in future peace talks, with the Houthis pushed back from the coast and beseiged inland. Since entering the war in 2015, the Saudi coalition has relied on airstrikes to degrade Houthi infrastructure and military units. For the Saudisthe leading regional Sunni powerthe presence of an Iranian-aligned Shiite movement on its southern border is an unacceptable strategic risk. Don't miss: Jared Kushner Visiting Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt to Push Middle East Peace Plan Story continues This is the first time the alliance has attempted to storm such a well-defended city, and its outcome will have enormous ramifications for the course of the conflict. For both Riyadh and Washington, the war in Yemen is vital in rolling back expanding Iranian influence in the Middle East. GettyImages-967150000 SALEH AL-OBEIDI/AFP/Getty Images The United Nations and Red Cross have pulled staff out of the city ahead of the operation, named Golden Victory. In a statement last week, the Red Cross said its activities have been blocked, threatened and directly targeted in recent weeks, and we see a vigorous attempt to instrumentalise our organisation as a pawn in the conflict. A Lebanese Red Cross employee was killed in the southwestern city of Taiz by unidentified gunmen in April. The citys 600,000 people are at immediate risk, while millions more will face further shortages if the pro-government troops are victorious. More than 22 million Yemenis already require international aid, over a third of which are close to starvation, according to the United Nations. At least 10,000 people have died since the war began. Most popular: Mike Pence Will Be Greeted By a 'Big Gay Dance Party' in Ohio The Arab alliance is being supplied with weapons and logistical support from the U.S. and the U.K. This week, American lawmakers called on Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis to avert the potentially catastrophic assault on Hodeidah. However, reports suggest the U.S. military is actually expanding its support for the attackers, providing enhanced intelligence to help direct airstrikes. In a statement broadcast by Yemeni state television, the exiled government called the operation a turning point in the battle against the rebels, who it alleges are beholden to foreign agendas. The liberation of the port is the start of the fall of the Houthi militia and will secure marine shipping in Bab al-Mandab strait and cut off the hands of Iran, which has long drowned Yemen in weapons that shed precious Yemeni blood. Houthi forces have launched attacks on shipping in the Bab al-Mandab strait, a vital route carrying cargo between the Middle East and Europe via the Suez Canal. Updated | This article has been updated to include a statement from the Red Cross. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Associated Press A woman was raped by a stranger on a commuter train in suburban Philadelphia in the presence of other riders who a police official said should have done something." Superintendent Timothy Bernhardt of the Upper Darby Police Department said officers were called to the 69th Street terminal around 10 p.m. Wednesday after the assault on the westbound train on the Market-Frankford Line. An employee of the Southeastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority who was in the vicinity as the train went past called police to report that something wasn't right" with a woman aboard the train, Bernhardt said. Brussels (AFP) - Belgium is prepared to accept former Democratic Republic of Congo vice president Jean-Pierre Bemba, after he was cleared of war crimes last week, Foreign Affairs Minister Didier Reynders said Thursday. "The Belgian authorities have responded favourably to the court's request to allow Mr Bemba to stay in Belgium, where his family lives, following his release on bail," Reynders said in a statement, adding that the handover would be finalised in the coming days. Bemba left the detention centre of the International Criminal Court on Wednesday following his acquittal of war crimes after a decade behind bars, his lawyer said. He was acquitted on appeal last Friday in a surprise decision, with the International Criminal Court in The Hague saying he could not be held criminally liable for crimes committed by his troops in the Central African Republic in 2002-2003. Bemba, 55, had been sentenced unanimously to 18 years in 2016 by ICC trial judges after a decade behind bars following his arrest in Belgium. Bemba has requested a short-stay visa, which would allow him to remain for 90 days in Belgium at first, said a spokesman for Belgium's migration minister Theo Francken. That request is being considered by the foreign office. Sources said Bemba's wife and children already live in the Brussels suburb of Rhode-Saint-Genese, from where he was seized back in 2008 at the international court's request. Judges had initially found Bemba guilty on five counts of war crimes and crimes against humanity committed by his private army during a five-month rampage in the neighbouring CAR. Bemba had sent his militia, the MLC -- a rebel force that he later transformed into a political organisation -- into the DR Congo's northern neighbour in October 2002 to quash a coup against then president Ange-Felix Patasse. Bemba had unsuccessfully opposed President Joseph Kabila in elections in 2006. After his militia clashed violently with government forces in 2007, he was forced out of the DR Congo but retains a groundswell of support. [caption id="attachment_15200" align="aligncenter" width="620"] U.S. Department of Justice building in Washington, D.C. January 10, 2012. Photo by Diego M. Radzinschi/THE NATIONAL LAW JOURNAL.[/caption] A few years ago, cyber scammers just targeted individuals and were satisfied if they made a few hundred dollars. But a joint enforcement action announced this week shows the fraudsters are increasingly targeting businesses, including law firms, and are making off with millions. U.S. authorities announced on June 11 that a joint operation arrested 74 scammers in five countries, seized nearly $2.4 million and recovered about $14 million in fraudulent wire transfers. John Torres, chief operating officer for security and technology at Guidepost Solutions, told Corporate Counsel cyber scams are becoming a higher priority for law enforcement as the schemes become more brazen and targeted. He said his investigative and consulting firm is seeing an increasing number of general counsel seeking security services. The trend is were seeing a lot more tension in the C-suite, beyond chief security officer, Torres said. He added that CEOs now realize there can be a significant impact on a companys bottom line from a breach. Before joining Guidepost about five years ago, Torres spent 27 years with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and the U.S. Department of Justice. Most recently he served as special agent in charge of Homeland Security investigations in the Washington D.C. and Virginia area, and he has extensive experience in counter-terrorism and cybercrime probes, according to LinkedIn. Torres said, What we are seeing now is that they (cyber scammers) are becoming more focused by researching their victims usually businesses or law firms involved in large deals or real estate transactions. He said the scammers may monitor a business emails over time until the deal is ready to close, and then strike. They will pretend to be the other party in the transaction and direct the business or law firm to wire funds to a certain account or individual. It can amount to a significant amount of money, Torres said. From millions to billions of dollars. In the enforcement action, which took place over the past six months, authorities said cases involved international criminal organizations that defrauded small to large sized businesses, or scammed individuals who transferred high dollar funds or sensitive records in the course of business. Among those charged last week were eight people in Miami who allegedly conspired to launder proceeds from numerous scams, including $1.4 million from a victim corporation in Seattle as well as from various title companies and a law firm. Two Nigerian nationals living in Dallas were charged June 6 in the Southern District of Georgia with laundering about $665,000 in illicit funds. DOJ said the pair allegedly sent a real estate closing attorney a spoofing email posing as the seller and requesting the proceeds of the sale be wired to their account. In another case in Massachusetts earlier this year, the perpetrators gained access to email accounts belonging to a Massachusetts real estate attorney. They sent emails posing as the attorney and directing a client to transfer nearly $500,000 due in a real estate transaction to a shell account held by a co-conspirator. The co-conspirator was indicted June 6. In all, DOJ said Operation Wire Wire arrested 42 people in the U.S. as part of the business scams, 29 more in Nigeria, and one each in Canada, Mauritius and Poland. The coordinated law enforcement effort included DOJ, Homeland Security, Department of the Treasury and the U.S. Postal Inspection Service. Torres recommends that any company or law firm have an independent assessment done on its computer security, then go beyond the company and look at potential risks associated with third parties, such as contractors, suppliers and potential clients. After the assessment, he recommends regular penetration testing, health checkups and continued upgrades to the system. There is a small silver lining: for Torres and a lot of my former colleagues, it ends up being a place for second careers, helping companies. A staggering gap between wages and the cost of rental housing across America threatens the stability of millions of families, according to a Wednesday report. There is not one U.S. state, metropolitan area or county in which someone working a 40-hour week on the federal minimum wage of $7.25 can afford to rent a modest two-bed apartment. Minimum wage workers would need to work a 122-hour week, or hold down three full-time jobs, to make a modest two-bed rental home affordable. The hourly wage needed to make a modest two-bedroom apartment affordable is $22.10 more than three times the minimum wage. Given that the average hourly wage of renters in the U.S. currently stands at $16.88, its clear the gap between wages and affordability is stark. A map showing the hourly wage a household must earn (working 40 hours a week, 52 weeks a year) to afford the fair market rate for a two-bedroom rental home without paying more than 30 percent of their income. (Photo: National Low Income Housing Coalition) The figures are from the National Low Income Housing Coalitions annual Out Of Reach report, which documents the affordability of rental housing to low-income families across the U.S. NLIHC arrived at its bleak findings by taking the cost of a modest two-bed rental home at fair market rent, as calculated by the Department for Housing and Urban Development (HUD) based on an estimate of what a family moving today would expect to pay. It then calculated the amount workers need to earn for these homes to be affordable meaning they spend no more than 30 percent of their income on rent and utilities. The most expensive state is Hawaii, where the fair market rent for a two-bed rental is $1,879 a month, meaning workers need to bring in $36.13 an hour for rent to be affordable. The current average hourly wage in the state is $16.16. Workers earning the minimum wage would need to work 143 hours or 3.6 full-time jobs a week to afford a two-bed rental. High rise buildings in Honolulu, Hawaii. Workers in this state need to earn $36.13 an hour to afford a modest two-bed rental property. (Photo: Michael Kulmar via Getty Images) At the other end of the scale Arkansas came in at the lowest, with a fair market rent for a two-bed at $720. Workers in the state need to earn $13.84 an hour for this to be affordable. But even here there is a gap, with average hourly wage for renters in the state a little below this level at $13.05. Story continues Even one-bed rentals are out of reach for many low-wage workers. Out of Americas 3,000 counties, in only 22 can a full-time minimum-wage worker afford a one-bed rental home at fair market rate. And these states all have a minimum wage above $7.25. For extremely low-income households those earning less than 30 percent of the average income in their area the situation is particularly tough. Families of four on no more than $26,420 a year can afford a maximum of $660 a month on rent but the national average fair market rent stands at $931 for a one-bed rental. The results of this are that a lot of the lowest-income families spend an exorbitant amount of their income just on housing, Andrew Aurand, NLIHCs VP for research, told HuffPost. About three-quarters of households earning below the poverty level, many of whom are working, spend more than half their income on housing, he added. This puts them at risk of losing their home if they have some kind of financial emergency because they have no cushion. With this instability comes other problems, said Aurand, including worse outcomes for children at school, risks to jobs and problems with physical and mental health. The crisis of affordability can be traced to stagnating wages and wage inequality, according to the report. Between 1979 and 2016 real hourly wages increased 51.7 percent for workers at the 95th percentile but only 4.4 percent for workers at the 10th percentile. And low-wage work is expected to grow. If you look at the 10 occupations that are projected to grow the most over the next decade, seven of those ten occupations are low-wage occupations that pay less than what is needed for a full-time worker to afford rental housing, said Aurand. These include roles like home care aides and food preparation workers. The stark findings of this report come at a time when affordable housing, already in crisis, is further threatened by Trump administration proposals to strip back the social security net. In April, HUD secretary Ben Carson proposed increasing rents for the 4.7 million families relying on government housing support. He also wants to allow public housing agencies to impose work requirements of up to 32 hours a week per household on those seeking assistance. Carsons plan, which needs congressional approval, would increase the amount of money families receiving housing assistance must pay towards rent from 30 percent of their gross income to 35 percent. He also proposed an end deductions for childcare and medical expenses. Secretary of the Department of Housing and Urban Development Ben Carson has unveiled proposals that aim to raise rents for low-income families. (Photo: Kevin Lamarque / Reuters) Around 700,000 of the poorest families, who have little or no income, would see rent caps triple from $50 a month to $150 a month. People with disabilities and those over 65 would be excluded from the rent raises. Carson, a former neurosurgeon who grew up in poverty in Detroit, told Fox News that housing assistance was not sustainable, calling the plans our attempt to give poor people a way out of poverty. But critics say these measures will only make the situation worse. The report shows how difficult its become for low-wage workers in this country to afford decent, stable homes, Will Fischer, senior policy analyst at the Center on Budget and Policy Priorities, told HuffPost. The Tump administration proposals, he added, would just add to the challenges those families face and make it harder for them to make ends meet and keep a roof over their heads. If the plans were enacted, more families would face eviction and more would become homeless. So whats the answer? Well, solutions are complex and long-term, Aurand said. Theres really no single bullet solution... but at a federal level we need to invest more resources in our housing programs that assist the lowest-wage workers, as well as other vulnerable families like seniors and people with disabilities. Matt Bruenig, president of Peoples Policy Project, has advocated for the creation of more social housing as a way of dealing with inadequate housing stock. Municipalities would build this housing, with rents charged at cost and some units subsidized. But this would only address one part of the problem he told HuffPost; it needs to go hand in hand with better social policies, including benefits like free childcare and free childrens health care. You need enough housing to house all the people in the area, and you need people to have high enough incomes either from wages or from welfare incomes to be able to cover the rent, and we are struggling on really all three. Housing is an issue we know how to solve, he said, but theres not the political will to do so. Senator Bernie Sanders (I-Vt) wrote the preface of the report. Stable and affordable housing is not only essential for a person to live with dignity, but without it, economic opportunity is simply an illusion, he wrote. On any given night more than half a million Americans are homeless, Sanders continued, in the richest country in history, no family should have to make the awful choice between putting food on the table and keeping a roof over their heads. This is America. CORRECTION: A previous version of this story misstated the name of the report. For more content and to be part of the This New World community, follow our Facebook page. HuffPosts This New World series is funded by Partners for a New Economy and the Kendeda Fund. All content is editorially independent, with no influence or input from the foundations. If you have an idea or tip for the editorial series, send an email to thisnewworld@huffpost.com Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. London (AFP) - Britain said Thursday it is easing visa rules to address a shortage of doctors and also encourage tech entrepreneurs as it prepares a new post-EU immigration system, an issue that drove the Brexit vote. Prime Minister Theresa May's government said doctors and nurses working in the state-run National Health Service (NHS) would be excluded from an annual cap on skilled workers from outside the European Union. May introduced the cap in 2010 when she was interior minister but has faced growing demands from the healthcare sector to review it due to a shortage of staff that has left hundreds of NHS posts unfilled. The annual limit of 20,700 on all non-EU skilled workers, broken down into monthly quotas, has been breached every month since December. The British Medical Journal says this has led to more than 1,500 doctors with job offers being refused visas in recent months. Many fear the shortages will only become worse when Britain leaves the European Union and the bloc's citizens lose their automatic right to work in the UK. EU nationals currently make up almost 10 percent of doctors and seven percent of nurses, according to a parliamentary report. May has promised to end EU freedom of movement after Brexit, but she has yet to publish her plans for a new immigration system. She wants migration controlled but says Britain should also attract the "best and the brightest" from around the world. To that effect, on Wednesday the government announced a new "start-up" visa for technology entrepreneurs, which will replace a visa route that was previously only open to graduates. - Turn the tap off - The promise of ending the huge influx of EU migration into Britain in recent years was a key element of the campaign for Brexit, and remains a central issue for many voters. "They are not against all migration, but they want a sense that we can turn the tap on and off when we choose to do so," opposition Labour MP Caroline Flint said this week. Story continues Migration Watch, a pressure group demanding tighter controls, reacted with disappointment to the government's changes on doctors visas. "It may be necessary, at least temporarily, to cope with the prospect of Brexit, but in the longer term the answer has to be to train our own medics and not take them from countries that need them far more than we do," chairman Andrew Green told the Daily Telegraph. The government is seeking to train more staff, funding an extra 1,500 medical school places from September, but critics note it will be years before those students are qualified. After Brexit, hardliners want to exclude all low-skilled migration from the EU and beyond, and tighten restrictions on skilled workers. But others believe the answer is a more flexible approach. The government has a blanket annual target to reduce all non-EU net migration, including foreign students drawn to Britain's elite universities, to less than 100,000. Critics, who reportedly including some of May's ministers, argue this target is arbitrary and also unrealistic, with the figure currently standing at 244,000. In a recent report, the left-wing think tank IPPR suggested migration targets for different skill levels, and visas tied to work for a particular employer in a particular region to help spread economic growth across Britain. Businesses are concerned that a rapid reduction in migration after Brexit could leave them without the staff they need. Some farmers have already warned that a drop in EU seasonal workers since the referendum vote in 2016 has left food rotting in the fields. Matthew Fell of the CBI business lobby group welcomed the changes to doctors' visas as recognition of the role of "international skills and talent". "A successful migration system should focus on people's contribution to the UK economy and society, not numbers," he said. By David Ljunggren OTTAWA (Reuters) - Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, facing the threat of a trade war from U.S. President Donald Trump, has unanimous domestic support for now but to keep a firm hold on power must wring concessions from an unwilling powerful dairy lobby in order to mollify Washington. Trudeau, who over the last year has faced increasing criticism for backtracking on promises, ordering endless consultations on major topics and failing to fulfill many of his campaign commitments, had taken a tougher stance against the United States in recent weeks. Trudeau, facing elections in 2019, said on Sunday that Canada "will not be pushed around", triggering a fierce attack from Trump and his advisers. Trump is particularly incensed by Canadian tariffs imposed on dairy products, which he says are "killing" U.S. farmers. He and other U.S. politicians have long demanded Canada's system of domestic dairy protections either be abolished or heavily modified to give American exports a bigger share. But Trudeau - like many prime ministers before him - has little room for maneuver. Dairy farmers, who number about 11,000, have an outsized influence in Canadian politics, being concentrated in the vote-rich provinces of Ontario and Quebec. The Dairy Farmers of Canada lobby group, which had earlier voiced the suspicion Trudeau might try to sell them out, met the prime minister for 25 minutes on Tuesday and said he had reassured them of his backing. "It was a very good meeting ... he reaffirmed his support for dairy producers all across Canada. He wants strong dairy production for the next generation," Pierre Lampron, president of the group, told reporters. Lampron later told Reuters that the two sides had not discussed potential financial support for the sector. Ottawa says it is discussing how it could help steel and aluminum workers affected by the recent imposition of U.S. tariffs. Canada's dairy sector is heavily sheltered under a government system which controls how much they produce but also sets prices that are far above those in the United States for domestic consumers. The system falls outside of the North American Free Trade Agreement. Canada's parliament unanimously condemned the personal attacks on Trudeau on Monday. "I think it is good for him in the short term. The longer term is not nearly as clear," said Ekos pollster Frank Graves. "Trade wars are never good for the respective combatants and if this escalates it could have very deleterious economic impacts. Trudeau's Liberals are tied with the main opposition Conservatives in polls. A trade war, and the resulting massive job losses, would be a political failure for the 46-year-old prime minister who came to power in late 2015 promising to improve ties with Washington. He could mitigate the damage by offering aid packages to affected industries although the bill would most likely run into many tens of billions of dollars. Trudeau says Trump's demands are in part linked to talks to update NAFTA. Trump, who has frequently threatened to walk away from the pact, is now threatening tariffs on auto imports. People close to the prime minister reject the suggestion he misread Trump and cite what they say is the president's highly unpredictable nature. "Even if we gave him everything he wanted - and there is no way we would ever do that - who can say whether he'd be satisfied?" said one source, who declined to be identified given the extreme sensitivity of the situation. Among the many uncertainties is how far Trump is prepared to match his tough words with action. "When it comes to Trump tweets there's a discount premium to them," said Carleton University professor and foreign policy expert Fen Hampson who advises Trudeau to "hunker down, say nothing, not rise to the bait". Hampson noted former Canadian prime minister Brian Mulroney, who pressured Washington for years on the need for a treaty to curb acid rain, only succeeded when George H.W. Bush replaced Ronald Reagan as president. Assuming Trump will be gone soon may not be wise. Under one scenario being studied by Canadian officials, he wins the next election and stays in power until 2025. (Reporting by David Ljunggren in Ottawa; Additional reporting by Roberta Rampton in Washington; Editing by Amran Abocar and Matthew Lewis) A top Catholic bishop condemned the Trump administrations immigration policies on Wednesday, calling the separation of immigrant families immoral and saying a recent change in policy will erode the capacity of asylum to save lives. Cardinal Daniel N. DiNardo, president of the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops, made the statement during the organizations spring general assembly. Its the latest criticism from within the Catholic Church directed at the harsh immigration enforcement tactics under President Donald Trump. On Wednesday, DiNardo focused on two parts of Trumps border crackdown: the zero tolerance policy for illegal entries that leads to children being split from their parents and Attorney General Jeff Sessions decision earlier this week that generally asylum-seekers should not receive relief on the basis of domestic or gang violence. At its core, asylum is an instrument to preserve the right to life, Cardinal DiNardo said at the assembly in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, urging courts and policymakers to respect and enhance, not erode, the potential of our asylum system to preserve and protect the right to life. He also called on the government to stop the separation of families at the border, saying he agrees with Bishop Joe Vasquez, who leads USCCBs Committee on Migration. The administration claims it must separate families who cross the border illegally so parents can be prosecuted, often for only misdemeanors, rather than putting them in immigrant detention. Immigration officials have already pulled away hundreds of children from their parents, who in many instances havent been told where their kids were taken to. Cardinal DiNardo said the U.S. should use discretion to keep young children from being exposed to irreparable harm and trauma of being split from their parents. While protecting our borders is important, we can and must do better as a government, and as a society, to find other ways to ensure that safety, he said. Separating babies from their mothers is not the answer and is immoral. Story continues The United Nations office for the high commissioner for human rights similarly condemned family separations as counter to human rights standards and principles earlier this month. But Trump administration officials have remained steadfast that its policies are necessary to deter unauthorized immigration. This includes both migrants who enter illegally and even those who come legally seeking safety at ports of entry. The administration argues they should stay in other countries instead. The world will know what our rules are, and great numbers will no longer undertake this dangerous journey, Sessions said earlier this week. The number of illegal aliens and the number of baseless claims will fall. Im confident thats true. A virtuous cycle will be created, rather than a vicious cycle of expanding illegality. Trump himself has simultaneously pushed for harsh tactics at the border and claimed they are not his fault when criticized. He has repeatedly falsely claimed Democrats enacted laws requiring him to split up migrant families. The asylum and family separation policies are not the first to garner criticism from Catholic leaders. Vice President Mike Pence, in his previous role as governor of Indiana, attempted to ban Syrian refugees from his state against the urging of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Indianapolis, which ultimately helped families resettle over his objection. Last year, Catholic leaders criticized Trumps decision to end the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, or DACA, that allows nearly 700,000 undocumented young people who came to the U.S. as kids to stay and work. (That decision is currently largely blocked in the courts and DACA holders can keep and renew their protections.) Pope Francis said in September that Trump should continue the policy as a pro-life matter. I have heard it said that the president of the United States presents himself as a man who is pro-life, and if he is a good pro-life [man] then he will understand that the family is the cradle of life, and that it must be defended as a unit, Francis said. Also on HuffPost April 2015 At an event hosted by Texas Patriots PAC: Everythings coming across the border: the illegals, the cars, the whole thing. Its like a big mess. Blah. Its like vomit. June 2015 At a speech announcing his campaign: "When Mexico sends its people, theyre not sending their best. Theyre not sending you. Theyre not sending you. Theyre sending people that have lots of problems, and theyre bringing those problems with us. Theyre bringing drugs. Theyre bringing crime. Theyre rapists. And some, I assume, are good people." August 2015 On NBC's "Meet the Press": Were going to keep the families together, we have to keep the families together, but they have to go." September 2015 On CBS's "60 Minutes": Were rounding em up in a very humane way, in a very nice way. And theyre going to be happy because they want to be legalized. And, by the way, I know it doesnt sound nice. But not everything is nice. November 2015 On MSNBC's "Morning Joe": You are going to have a deportation force, and you are going to do it humanely." February 2016 At a GOP primary debate: We have at least 11 million people in this country that came in illegally. They will go out. They will come back some will come back, the best, through a process. March 2016 At a press conference when asked if he would consider allowing undocumented immigrants to stay: "We either have a country or we dont. We either have a country or we dont. We have borders or we dont have borders. And at this moment, the answer is absolutely not. April 2016 At an event hosted by NBC's "Today Show": Theyre going to go, and were going to create a path where we can get them into this country legally, OK? But it has to be done legally. ... Theyre going to go, and then come back and come back legally. July 2016 At the Republican National Convention: "Tonight, I want every American whose demands for immigration security have been denied and every politician who has denied them to listen very closely to the words I am about to say. On January 21st of 2017, the day after I take the oath of office, Americans will finally wake up in a country where the laws of the United States are enforced." September 2016 At a rally: Anyone who has entered the United States illegally is subject to deportation. That is what it means to have laws and to have a country. Otherwise we dont have a country. September 2016 On "The Dr. Oz Show": Well, under my plan the undocumented or, as you would say, illegal immigrant wouldnt be in the country. They only come in the country legally. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. By Muyu Xu and Elias Glenn XUZHOU, China (Reuters) - The frontlines of China's war on pollution are moving beyond smog-prone Beijing and surrounding cities, driven by an effort to improve air and water quality across the country. Jiangsu, which boasts China's second-biggest provincial economy, has become the next front in the battle to clean up the environment as Beijing seeks to head off public discontent and accelerate a transition to a greener economy. In recent months, hundreds of steel, cement, and coal-fired power plants, as well as petrochemical makers, in the major industrial cities of Xuzhou and Lianyungang have been shut as local governments scramble to cut pollution, according to local authorities. Up to now, anti-pollution measures have targeted provinces further north like Hebei, the steel heartland of China, according to official data. Xuzhou started to implement its own restrictions on industrial activity after air quality worsened last year. Unlike the efforts further north, the Jiangsu city's efforts are not restricted to the winter season when coal-burning - and air pollution - spikes. The Chinese government has made the campaign against air pollution a national priority and plans to advance the drive across China, expanding its scope to also include water, soil and waste treatment. It is unclear so far how the campaign will affect China's economic growth target of 6.5 percent this year. The drive has hit industrial output in the north, but strong growth in other parts of the economy - like real estate and services - has helped soften the blow, according to official data. The Xuzhou restrictions - which the government said would be temporary for an unspecified period - followed a visit by President Xi Jinping in December. During his visit, according to the official Xinhua news agency, he said "the new concept of green development should be strictly followed". Air quality in Xuzhou was the worst of 74 major Chinese cities in the first five months of this year, according to data from the Ministry of Ecology and Environment. To view a graphic on Xuzhou air quality, click: https://reut.rs/2JL4x8i The plant shutdowns in Xuzhou have left thousands of workers with only subsistence wages, disrupted businesses along the supply chain and those that rely on worker spending, according to company executives and workers in Xuzhou. "No one knows exactly when the government will let us reopen," said Wang Guangrui, vice general-manager at Xuzhou Jinhong Steel Co, who estimated his daily losses at about half a million yuan, or about $80,000. Some steelworkers in Xuzhou said they have not been paid for two months. "There is not much we can do. All factories in town are closed and I won't be able to find a new job," said a worker at Jiangsu Xingda Steel Co, one of 18 mills in Xuzhou. Workers in Xuzhou told Reuters that over 20,000 people were out of work due to the shutdown. The Xuzhou government did not immediately respond to a faxed request for comment. In Lianyungang, a port city next to Xuzhou, more than 200 chemical companies have been shut since February after an industrial zone was exposed on national TV for illegal sewage disposal. While the area smelled strongly of chemicals during a visit by Reuters, locals said air and water quality had improved since the closures, though some complained the measures were too extreme. "I think it's unfair to close all of the companies in industrial parks only because a few of them violated environmental rules," said a worker, who asked to remain anonymous, at Rosi Chemical Co. Another worker in the industrial park said local authorities had switched off gas supplies to companies and inspections to ensure there were no violations were being carried out at night. Lianyungang government did not immediately respond to a request for comment from Reuters. COLLATERAL DAMAGE In Xuzhou, Zhao Song runs a restaurant with his wife near the front gate of a mill operated by Xusteel Group, the city's largest steel producer. Zhao said his monthly earnings had fallen to 3,000 to 4,000 yuan from about 7,500 yuan since the mill closed. "We make just enough to get by now," Zhao said as his toddler played among the tables. "We're actually lucky because we don't have any outside staff. Some bigger restaurants have closed because they can't pay their staff." In Lianyungang, a shopping center near apartment blocks housing workers at the closed chemical industrial park was nearly deserted during a midday visit. The manager of a mobile phone store said business was down 80 percent since the plant closures. As the anti-pollution campaign expands further south, policymakers will have to walk a fine line between cracking down on pollution and ensuring economic growth. In Tangshan, an industrial city in Hebei, gross domestic product growth slowed from 6.5 percent last year to 5.6 percent in the first quarter. PARADIGM SHIFT Xuzhou has been offering incentives, including cash subsidies, to attract new businesses and develop a high-tech sector and transition away from heavy industry. The city recently started construction on an industrial park for cloud computing and factories making electric vehicles are being built in the area. The city's economic growth has been steadily slowing over the last five years, but at 7.7 percent last year it was still well above the nationwide average. TusStar, a startup incubator affiliated with Tsinghua University in Beijing, started operations in downtown Xuzhou two years ago as it looks to foster new businesses in the city. Wang Tao, a Xuzhou native and partner at the local software startup Xuzhou Jiangxin Network Technology Co, moved back to the city last year from Shanghai. Wang said the government offered subsidies of several tens of thousands of yuan to open an office in Xuzhou, where he has about 10 employees. He said Xuzhou had lower home prices and costs than Shanghai, and he praised the city's effort to improve the environment. "If the pollution was as bad as it was 10 years ago, there's no way I would have moved back," said Wang. (Reporting by Muyu Xu and Elias Glenn; Editing by Philip McClellan) More Americans are falling behind on their bills this year. In fact, 25% of adults in a recent survey by the National Foundation for Credit Counseling, admit they arent paying their bills on time and 7% say they have unpaid debts that have gone into collections the highest its been in a decade. When this happens to the highest-earning households with delinquent statuses on their high-end luxury assets, banks hire recovery agents like Ken Cage, president of International Recovery and Remarketing Group (IRG), to locate and return the goods. In the past 13 years, Cage has repossessed over 2,600 private jets, helicopters, and luxury yachts, and showcases some of his craziest repos on Discovery Channels Airplane Repo. The worst thing a debtor can do is run away from the debt. A lot of people think its easier to find an airplane or a boat than it is a car, but there are lots of crazy things that happen when youre in a repo, says Cage as he recounts the numerous times hes been shot at, punched, and threatened while working. In most cases, banks will look to recollect their assets when a loan is 60 days past due or more. Typically, after six months a bank will have to charge off or write off the loan as a debt that is unlikely to be collected. When the bank gets to the charge-off date, they tend to lose a lot of money, so they hire me halfway to that charge-off point, explains Cage. Be honest about your debt The worst thing a delinquent debtor can do is to avoid calls, break promises on payment dates theyve set up, and attempt to hide their assets from being repossessed. That sets off a red flag for debt collectors who then immediately turn to repo men like Cage to secure the assets before any damage is done. When were dealing with repossessions of airplanes and boats were dealing with big egos, so they get very angry and misdirect their anger at me as opposed to the bank, says Cage. But its important to remember the repo person has been sent by a bank, no one is out to embarrass you, and the process can be painless if you are professional and honest about your situation. Story continues On many of his jobs, Cage has helped save face for the debtors and avoid embarrassment by acting like he was there to buy the boat or plane, when in reality he was there to inspect and secure it. If I come to your door, the best thing a debtor can do is tell me that youre going to call the bank immediately and get this taken care ofhave the bank call me, and Ill walk away. Its that simple, says Cage. Banks dont want to repossess your asset if they dont have to Repossessions can cost banks and creditors a lot of money, especially on luxury assets like yachts and planes. On one particular case, the fuel costs to return a yacht from South America to Florida was over $150,000. The additional expenses add up quickly: aside from the fuel, the bank had to pay Cage, a captain and crew for the yacht. Because he is also a licensed broker, Cage and his partner are able to collect a commission on the boats and planes they secure. With the ups and downs of the economy, this extra boost helps sustain his business. With the economy doing alright now, we dont have nearly as many cases as we had before, but the great thing is that the sales are up dramatically, explains Cage. As much as it keeps him in business, Cage encourages people to live within their means: Dont let your ego make financial decisions for you, says Cage. Hes seen far too many people live on the financial edge as theyre trying to keep up with the Joneses. Instead of buying what they can easily afford, the desire to impress makes them lose sight of their financial reality. And falling behind on just one payment for their yacht or jet can lead to falling behind on their mortgage, then credit cards, and it all comes crumbling down around them, says Cage. Throughout the month of June, well randomly select winners and award $100 and $500 Amex/Visa Gift Cards to help eliminate your debt and conquer your finances. Visit bit.ly/yfsweepstakes to learn more and enter. Winners will be announced every Friday. WATCH MORE: Theres $350 million in loan forgiveness up for grabs: how you can get those funds How to minimize debt while in college (beyond ramen) Tips to pay off debt from 7 people who have actually done it 3 key takeaways about managing credit card debt (Corrects dates in the headline) SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's President Moon Jae-in will visit Russia at the invitation of Russia's President Vladimir Putin from June 21 to 23, South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Friday. In what will be the first state visit by a sitting South Korean president to Russia since 1999, the two leaders are expected to discuss issues such as North Korea's denuclearisation and peace on the Korean peninsula, the Blue House said. "We expect that the summit with President Putin will serve as a chance to further strengthen strategic communication and cooperation between the two countries as peace is developed on the Korean Peninsula," the Blue House said. (Reporting by Haejin Choi; Writing by Joyce Lee; Editing by Robert Birsel) One-third of adults in the U.S. may be unwittingly using prescription drugs that could cause depression or raise the risk of suicide, a study has found. A team of scientists at the University of Illinois at Chicago warned that over 200 commonly prescribed drugs carry warnings that depression or suicide are potential side effects. But patients and clinicians may be unaware of this link because the drugs may treat conditions unrelated to depression or mental health. Those include some painkillers; blood pressure and heart medication; hormonal birth control pills; proton pump inhibitors; and antacids. Trending: Sunlight Boosted Memory in Mice The study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association is thought to be the first to reveal that polypharmacywhere several drugs are taken at onceis associated with a heightened risk of depressive symptoms. drugs-medicine-stock Getty Images Around 15 percent of participants who took three or more of the drugs identified in the study reported experiencing depressive symptoms while using them. In contrast, 5 percent of those who did not use the drugs and 7 percent of those taking one medication said they experienced depression. A further 9 percent of those who took two of the drugs felt depressed. The team found similar patterns in medications that listed suicide as a potential side effect. To compile their study, the researchers assessed data from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey, which documented the prescribed drug use of over 26,000 adults between 2005 and 2014. Dr. Dima Qato, assistant professor of pharmacy systems, outcomes and policy in the UIC College of Pharmacy, and author of the study said in a statement: "Many may be surprised to learn that their medications, despite having nothing to do with mood or anxiety or any other condition normally associated with depression, can increase their risk of experiencing depressive symptoms, and may lead to a depression diagnosis. Story continues Don't miss: Jared Kushner Visiting Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt to Push Middle East Peace Plan "People are not only increasingly using these medicines alone, but are increasingly using them simultaneously, yet very few of these drugs have warning labels, so until we have public or system-level solutions, it is left up to patients and health care professionals to be aware of the risks. Professor Andrea Cipriani, associate professor of psychiatry at the University of Oxford, U.K., said the paper is important but not alarming and highlighted two important caveats. First, the risk of depression was higher in people that took more types of medicine and this may be a result of the medicines interacting, but it may also be because people with chronic illnesses take more medicines and are also more likely to have depression. This was an observational study so we cannot tease this apart. Second, this study looked at many medications, including antidepressants. For many of the people who self-reported depression this may simply be because the particular antidepressants didnt work for them, or that they were biased towards expecting feelings of depression. It doesnt necessarily mean the antidepressants caused the depression." Professor David Baldwin, chairman of the Royal College of Psychiatrists Psychopharmacology Committee, said: "The findings emphasize the need for doctors to ask about all prescription and over-the-counter medicines when patients have depressive symptoms. Most popular: Mike Pence Will Be Greeted By a 'Big Gay Dance Party' in Ohio If there is a risk of making those symptoms worse, especially where they are taking several medications, then the patients condition might be improved by a change in their prescription. This could avoid unnecessary antidepressant treatment. Dr. Ian Anderson, professor at the division of neuroscience and experimental psychology at the U.K.-based University of Manchester, was not involved in the study. However, he told Newsweek the findings are potentially important for casting light on an area of medicine that is not usually considered. Further research is needed to unpack whether those who reported symptoms of depression were diagnosed with clinical depression; whether the medication or the participant's depression came first; and whether or not a drug having an association with depression in its side effects is to some extent arbitrary. "Those on drugs associated with depression could have had more conditions that themselves are associated with depression," Anderson argued. An analysis of those only on drugs associated with depression and those without the association would also make the results clearer. As for those concerned their medication could be causing depression, Anderson said the study shouldnt lead anyone to stop medicating, as this always needs to be discussed with a doctor. Anderson suggested that anyone whose mood has persistently worsened, especially inexplicably, after starting one or more medications should discuss this with a doctor. It may be possible to try an alternative treatment. "The interactions between multiple medications is extremely difficult to predict, so it's also worth asking whether all the medications being taken are needed, as far as simplifying medication regimes where possible," he said. This story has been updated with comment from Professor Ian Anderson. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site. With Wednesdays relaunch of the Ring Alarm system, originally announced as Ring Protect and swiftly canceled because of a lawsuit, Amazon-owned Ring joins more than a half-dozen companies, from the savvy startup SimpliSafe to the tech titan Samsung, hoping to get a foot in the door of your smart home. These companies are using their new DIY security systems as a beachhead for their other smart-home products, says Mark Allwood, a Consumer Reports market analyst. If you buy a Nest security system, you might be compelled to buy a Nest thermostat. The flurry of activity gives consumers the advantage of choice. Security and monitoring devices are still among the top-use cases for a smart home, and approximately 20 percent of the residential market has a professionally monitored security system, says Brett Worthington, a senior vice president for Samsung SmartThings. The majority of the remaining 80 percent includes consumers who are interested in smart-home and security products and services but are not looking for professionally installed options. To help you decide which home security system may be right for you, Consumer Reports calculated the five-year cost to install and run one with professional monitoring. We havent had a chance to test the new systems; in fact, a few of them have yet to hit store shelves. Types of Home Security Systems The first decision youll have to make is who you want to monitor the system. Some home security systems offer optional professional monitoring, in which responders track your system for triggered alarms. Alternatively, you can self-monitor by keeping an eye on your home through alerts and video feeds on your smartphone. However, two systems, Scout Alarm and SimpliSafe, require you to pay a monthly fee for smartphone alerts ($10 and $25, respectively), essentially charging you for self-monitoring. (Without those alerts, if youre not home youll have no idea if your alarm goes off.) The SimpliSafe fee also includes professional monitoring. Story continues Another deciding factor is how important smart-home features are to you. The straightforward systems from SimpliSafe and Scout Alarm offer home security and not much else. They might connect to security cameras, leak detectors, and the like, but dont expect them to control your heating or lights. Others systems double as a smart-home platform. This approach is best exemplified by SmartThings ADT Home Security, the Honeywell Smart Home Security System, and Wink Lookout. They allow you to connect to and control other smart-home products, including smart thermostats, lighting, and door locks. With any type of do-it-yourself home security system, of course, its your job to install the hardware and sensors and get everything up and running. How We Compare Security System Costs To accurately compare the costs of these home security systems, we used data from Energy Star (PDF) to determine the number of first-floor windowsthose most likely to be targeted by a burglarin the average American home. We combined the average number with one front door and one back door. Based on that information, our cost comparison is based on a system with 17 contact sensors for each security system: 15 windows and two exterior doors. Most DIY system starter kits come with only two to four contact sensors, which is why they can be offered at such attractive prices; some start at $200. But when you factor in the cost of the additional sensors that youll need, the price for your initial setup can easily skyrocket. For example, with 17 contact sensors, an iSmartAlarm security system will cost you $620, not $200. While none of these systems require professional monitoring, to help you weigh the monitoring choice we factored in the cost of a subscription for five years. Check out the chart below for a comparison of the top systems. As you can see, the cost of a home security system can get pretty steep over time. The most expensive one with monitoring for five years is the Nest Secure, with a total cost of $2,874. You can save $10 per month on Nests $29 monthly monitoring fee (the service is provided by Brinks Home Security), but it requires signing a three-year contract. Based on our analysis, there are two systems worth highlighting. Best Value Ring Alarm Starter kit cost: $199 Total hardware cost: $519 The original version of this article highlighted the Ring Protect system as our best value pick, but because of a legal dispute, Ring canceled preorders for the system and Scout Alarm became our pick. But now that Ring is relaunching the system Wednesday as Ring Alarm with preorders that ship next month, were reinstating Ring as our best value pick. If youre interested in professional monitoring, Ring Alarm is the least expensive system of the bunch. Its hardware prices are not the lowestthat honor goes to SimpliSafebut theyre reasonable, especially compared with SmartThings ADT and Nest. Ring Alarms professional monitoring plan, at $10 per month or $100 per year, is less expensive than other plans by $10 to $20 per month. If you dont need professional monitoring, you can self-monitor the system free. Ring Alarm also includes a Z-Wave radio chip that a Ring spokeswoman confirmed allows you to use Ring Alarm as a smart-home hub for compatible Z-Wave lights, switches, locks, and more. Ring Alarm preorders will ship July 3, 2018. Smartest Smart-Home Option Honeywell Smart Home Security System Starter kit cost: $500 Total hardware cost: $1,100 The new Honeywell DIY system is the second-most expensive option behind Nest Secure, but it offers far more value. The systems base station doubles as a security camera, with facial recognition and two-way audio, and a smart speaker with built-in Amazon Alexa. Honeywell told us that its also working to add Google Assistant, giving you two virtual assistants to choose from, as well as integration with Apple HomeKit devices. Like Ring Alarm, Honeywells system also includes Z-Wave to connect third-party Z-Wave smart-home products. With this roster of integrations, the Honeywell Smart Home Security System could connect to dozens of smart-home devices. And it will run on the same app Honeywell built for its Lyric thermostats and security cameras. In an odd move for a Fortune 100 company, Honeywell launched the system on crowdfunding platform Indiegogo, where interested consumers can pledge funds for a preorder for a January delivery. Indiegogo is made up of passionate early adopters and tech enthusiasts, exactly the type of people wed like to get early feedback from, says Ted Booth, Honeywells experience design director. Well use that feedback to drive future enhancements to the product. The Honeywell Smart Home Security System will be available in early August. Editors Note: This article has been updated with revised costs for Nest and the addition of the Ring Alarm. More from Consumer Reports: Top pick tires for 2016 Best used cars for $25,000 and less 7 best mattresses for couples Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright 2018, Consumer Reports, Inc. Hillary Clinton has blamed James Comey for shaking up the 2016 election in the final stretch. (Photo: Gary Cameron / Reuters) WASHINGTON The Justice Departments internal watchdog has concluded that former FBI Director James Comey deviated from bureau and department procedures by providing information about the investigation into Hillary Clinton just days before the 2016 presidential election, according to Bloomberg. Inspector General Michael Horowitz called it extraordinary that Comey didnt talk to former Attorney General Loretta Lynch before his July 2016 press conference on the Clinton matter or before sending Congress a letter about the investigation just days prior to the election. We found it extraordinary that, in advance of two such consequential decisions, the FBI director decided that the best course of conduct was to not speak directly and substantively with the attorney general about how best to navigate those decisions, the report states, according to Bloomberg. The report did not find that Comey, a Republican for most of his life, made any decisions as a result of political bias. But it did find that by departing so clearly and dramatically from FBI and department norms, the decisions negatively impacted the perception of the FBI and the department as fair administrators of justice, according to Bloomberg. The full report on the 17-month investigation led by Horowitz is expected to be released Thursday afternoon. Clinton has blamed Comey for shaking up the election in the final stretch by sending a letter to Congress that left voters with the impression that Clinton could be indicted. Two days before the election, Comey wrote another letter indicating that nothing new had been found on Anthony Weiners computer that warranted reopening the investigation. Nate Silver of FiveThirtyEight, drawing from polling data, has written that Comeys disclosures likely cost Clinton the election. Comey later testified that the idea that the FBIs investigation of Clinton swayed the election made him mildly nauseous. He wrote in his book A Higher Loyalty that he was surprised when Donald Trump was elected, and had assumed from media polling that Clinton would win. Story continues I have asked myself many times since if I was influenced by that assumption. I dont know, Comey wrote. Certainly not consciously, but I would be a fool to say it couldnt have had an impact on me. It is entirely possible that, because I was making decisions in an environment where Hillary Clinton was sure to be the next president, my concern about making her an illegitimate president by concealing the restarted investigation bore greater weight than it would have if the election appeared closer or if Donald Trump were ahead in all polls. But I dont know. Trump fired Comey in May 2017, not long after Comey confirmed that the FBI was investigating ties between Russia and the Trump campaign. Comey later described how Trump had asked for his loyalty, and said he believed the president was trying to create some sort of patronage relationship. Comey also said that Trump had tried to get him to drop an investigation into former Gen. Michael Flynn, who has since pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI. Trumps motives in firing Comey are now under scrutiny by Robert Mueller, who was appointed as special counsel in May 2017. Observers expect Trump to focus on the findings of Thursdays report to justify his firing of Comey, but to ignore the reports broader implication: that the FBI improperly helped the Trump campaign. Related... DOJ Watchdog To Review FBI Director James Comey's Handling Of Clinton Investigation Investigators Probing FBI's Treatment Of Clinton Say Trump Budget Would 'Inhibit' Work Comey Memoir: Hiding Clinton Email News Would've Made Her Presidency 'Illegitimate' Ryan Reilly is HuffPosts senior justice reporter, covering the Justice Department, federal law enforcement, criminal justice and legal affairs. Have a tip? Reach him at ryan.reilly@huffpost.com or on Signal at 202-527-9261. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. (Photo: AFP via Getty Images) WASHINGTON The Justice Departments internal watchdog just served up a hefty dose of reality to President Donald Trump and his allies. On Thursday afternoon, Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz released a report 17 months in the making on the FBIs handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation during the 2016 election. Amid the unfolding special counsel investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election, Trump and his supporters have been waging war against the FBI and Justice Department. The new report is sure to give them fresh material. But one takeaway from the document stands out: Despite Republican suggestions that anti-Trump forces within the FBI worked against Trump, the bureaus public actions during the campaign hurt Clinton and helped Trump. Examples of FBI decisions that helped Trump pervade the report. The inspector general criticized then-FBI Director James Comey for his unusual July 2016 news conference in which he faulted Clintons extremely careless handling of classified information but said no reasonable prosecutor would pursue charges. It questioned Comeys decision to send two letters to Congress in the final days of the 2016 campaign, setting the media aflame with speculation that Clinton could be indicted. It called him insubordinate. And it revealed that Comey, the man who oversaw the probes into Clintons use of private email for government business, used private email for government business. The inspector general found no evidence of political bias in the FBIs decision to clear Clinton of wrongdoing. In his recent memoir, Comey wrote that hiding Clinton email news ahead of the election would have made her election illegitimate. He conceded that his belief that Clinton was sure to win may have influenced his thinking. If the deep state really was trying to stop Trumps election, it did a terrible job. Trump was elected president. Read the whole report here: 2016 Election Final Report 06-14-18 by Anonymous FBZLGr on Scribd Story continues Related Coverage FBI Texts Reveal Major Flaw In GOP Theory Of 'Deep State' Plot To Defeat Trump Investigators Probing FBI's Treatment Of Clinton Say Trump Budget Would 'Inhibit' Work Comey Memoir: Hiding Clinton Email News Would've Made Her Presidency 'Illegitimate' This post has been updated based on details of the inspector generals report. Ryan Reilly is HuffPosts senior justice reporter, covering the Justice Department, federal law enforcement, criminal justice and legal affairs. Have a tip? Reach him at ryan.reilly@huffpost.com or on Signal at 202-527-9261. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. A demoralized workforce watching as its agency is dismantled by the very people charged to lead it: That is the grim state of affairs depicted by John J. OGrady, a longtime employee in the Chicago field office of the Environmental Protection Agency, which is tasked with protecting the nations air and water, while preventing the exposure of citizens to harmful chemicals. The agency is doing none of that, in OGradys telling, with career officials watching in dismay as EPA administrator Scott Pruitt seemingly lurches from one scandal to another while doing the bidding of oil barons and the chemical lobby. Morale is not good, OGrady said of the agencys 14,000 employees. Its so low, you need a ladder to get out of the gutter. OGrady, an EPA engineer who is also a chapter leader in the American Federation of Government Employees, a public sector union, made his remarks in an on-the-record breakfast with journalists at the National Press Club, in Washington, D.C. Nearby, a television screen was tuned to CNN, where an anchor discussed Pruitts most recent alleged transgression: According to a Washington Post report published that morning, Pruitt had his most influential aide urging Republican donors to hire his wife Marlyn. The week before, it was reported that Pruitt wanted Chick-fil-A founder Dan Cathy to offer his wife a franchising opportunity with the fast-food chain. Environmental Protection Agency administrator Scott Pruitt testifying on Capitol Hill in May. (Photo: Andrew Harnik/AP) It is not clear if Pruitt, a former Oklahoma attorney general who often spoke about the rule of law when resisting the social and environmental imperatives of the Obama administration, was aware that using his office for personal gain is unethical and potentially illegal. He is currently the subject of more than a dozen investigations, making him the most embattled of President Trumps Cabinet members, several of whom are also under investigation. But even as Pruitt continues to fight for his job, career officials at the EPA are fighting a different, countervailing battle, in what OGrady depicted as a principled effort to save both the agency and the environment. At times growing indignant, the 34-year veteran of the EPA wondered if Pruitt and his closest advisers had any goal beyond self-enrichment: Dont these people have children? Dont they have grandchildren? Dont they care about other people at all? Story continues If the Trump administration does have a broader philosophy about the federal government, OGrady believes it is the one expressed by former White House chief political strategist Stephen Bannon at the Conservative Political Action Conference in early 2017, just a few weeks after Trumps inauguration: the deconstruction of the administrative state, a systematic dismantling of regulations coupled with a forcing from government employ of those who make rules and enforce them. Photo: Pablo Martinez Monsivais/AP This is an administration that truly is set to carry out the Heritage Foundations desires and wishes, OGrady said, referencing the conservative think tank. He noted that the White House hired Heritage labor scholar James Sherk as an adviser in 2017. An activist affiliated with the conservative network funded by brothers Charles and David Koch, he has advocated for the limiting of the power of unions, like the one to which OGrady belongs. Given the Trump administrations antipathy to the federal bureaucracy, and to environmental regulation in particular, it is little surprise that OGrady describes the workforce as disgusted and afraid. He says that Pruitts political appointees have made efforts to silence and intimidate career officials. But, he cautioned, You wont see any memos. Theyre too smart to leave written evidence, instead relying on one-on-one discussions. In May, Pruitt demoted several EPA officials for questioning his lavish spending on travel, decor and security. He had previously hired a Republican opposition firm, Definers, for purposes that may have included monitoring career staff interactions with the press (the contract with Definers was canceled). Asked to respond to some of the allegations OGrady made about Pruitt, EPA spokesman Jahan Wilcox sent Yahoo News the following statement: From advocating to leave the Paris Accord, working to repeal Obamas Clean Power Plan and Waters of the United States, declaring a war on lead and cleaning up toxic Superfund sites, Administrator Pruitt is focused on advancing President Trumps agenda of regulatory certainty and environmental stewardship. OGrady joined the EPA in 1981 as a contractor and, three years later, became a full-time employee. He remembers the contentious rule of Anne Gorsuch Burford, mother of current Supreme Court justice Neil M. Gorsuch. He also remembers, longingly, the tenure of William Ruckelshaus, appointed first by President Richard Nixon, who created the EPA, and a decade later by Ronald Reagan, just as OGrady was beginning his career there. I dont care what party they are, I just want them to do the job theyre assigned to do, OGrady says, calling Pruitt the most corrupt administrator in the agencys history. A not-insignificant number of Republicans are coming to share that opinion. Shortly after OGrady met with reporters, Fox News primetime host Laura Ingraham became perhaps the most prominent of the presidents allies to call for Pruitts ouster. In a tweet citing Pruitts bad judgement, she offered a pithy verdict: Gotta go. The same day, National Review, a magazine admired by the Republican establishment, published an editorial that said Pruitt is replaceable. And he should be replaced. But Trump expressed confidence in Pruitt as recently as last week, after a relentless cavalcade of scandals that included reports of inexplicable quests for used mattresses and moisturizing lotion. OGrady was similarly resigned to Pruitts tenacity: I anticipate he may be in office for a while, he said, while also predicting that his continued tenure could prove useful in Democrats in November, providing them with a powerful symbol of Trumps failed promise to drain the swamp. For now, he urges other EPA field offices to be as vociferous as his in Chicago, which he believes, based on reports he has heard, may still come in for retribution from Pruitt. That doesnt seem to bother OGrady in the least. When you stick your head in the sand, the rest of your body is still standing upright, he said, singling out the offices in Boston, New York and Kansas City in particular for their timidity. He added that the only way to resist is to stand up and tell the truth. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Ankara (AFP) - Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pledged for the first time that he would immediately lift the almost two-year state of emergency in place since the 2016 failed coup if he is re-elected in this month's polls. Erdogan declared the state of emergency five days after the July 15, 2016 failed bid to oust him from power. An unprecedented purge that has seen some 55,000 arrested has taken place under the measure. The state of emergency has become a campaign issue in the June 24 presidential and parliamentary elections, with the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and Iyi (Good) Party vowing to end it. "After June 24, if I am given the right to continue in office, our first step will be, God willing, to lift the state of emergency," Erdogan said in an interview with 24 TV late Wednesday. His comments came after CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu vowed that its candidate for the presidency Muharrem Ince would lift the state of emergency within 48 hours if elected. Ince tweeted on Thursday: "After the elections I will take the oath and as I take office we will immediately lift the emergency." Erdogan had on June 8 said "there could be the question of lifting" the state of emergency after the election but this is the first time he has made such a clear pledge. The emergency has been criticised by activists who say the measure has been used against all opponents of Erdogan and not just plotters in the coup, which Turkey says was masterminded by US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen. Gulen denies the charge. Leftist and Kurdish activists have found themselves behind bars including the former head of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Selahattin Demirtas who is running against Erdogan in the elections. Erdogan indicated that lifting the state of emergency would not necessarily mean an end to the crackdown. "Lifting the state of emergency does not mean completely eliminating it or returning back to as we were," he added. "If we see terrorism, we will again take the strictest measures," he said. Analysts are forecasting that the parliamentary and presidential elections will be tight, with Erdogan possibly set to be pushed into a run-off and with his ruling party at risk of losing its overall majority. Valletta (AFP) - EU Justice Commissioner Vera Jourova said the murder of Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia was a "wake up call" Thursday while also raising concerns over the island's compliance with EU money laundering laws. On a visit to Malta, Jourova said that Caruana Galizia's death in a car bomb in 2017 was an issue that "deeply shocked Europe". "The commission expects an independent and thorough investigation to uncover who is really responsible for Daphne's murder," she said. Juorova said she would meet Friday with officials overseeing the investigation into the murder. The commissioner also called for more vigilance over the country's so-called "golden passport" scheme. Under Maltese law citizenship can be purchased providing the buyer has resided on the island for at least one year -- a stipulation put in place by the European Commission. "Becoming a Maltese citizen also means becoming an EU citizen with all its rights including free movement," said Jourova, stressing that citizenship should only be granted to people that "have a real link to the country." "We must not enable suspicious people to come to Europe and get citizenship, to use it for money laundering, or to cause a security risk. The commission has a legitimate right to require some basic requirements," she said. Jourova also called into question whether the Mediterranean nation was fully implementing EU anti-laundering rules, citing the scandal-hit Pilatus bank. "We have to step up the fight against money laundering," she said. "I fear there are gaps in the Maltese system." She said the Pilatus bank, at the heart of a corruption scandal exposed by Caruana Galizia showed the "challenges Malta is facing in applying the existing anti-money laundering rules." Malta's financial services watchdog froze the assets of Pilatus Bank and removed the bank's chairman Ali Sadr Hashemi Nejad in March. Jourova said "the Pilatus Bank case revealed that there are some shortcomings and the question remains whether it is just this one case or whether it revealed a systemic problem of the control of suspicious transactions". "Any time we systemic problem with the implementation of EU law the Commission has the possibility to launch an infringement procedure," she said, adding that she had asked European Banking Authority to investigate further. Consumer Reports has no financial relationship with advertisers on this site. Being physically active can lift mood, help you maintain a healthy weight, and keep your muscles strongand mounting evidence suggests that working out may have brain benefits as well. Now, a study published this week in the journal Neurology: Clinical Practice, is helping to determine how much exercise you may need for better brain power. Based on reviews of 98 randomized controlled trials, researchers from Brazil, Spain, and the U.S. found that people started to show some improvement in brain functionthey were unable to pinpoint exactly how muchafter a minimum of 52 hours of exercise. Their findings were true for those with cognitive impairment as well as those with normal cognition. Once youre around that 50-hour mark, you would expect to see some increase in mental sharpness, says Joyce Gomes-Osman, P.T., Ph.D., the studys lead author and an assistant professor in the departments of physical therapy and neurology at the University of Miami Miller School of Medicine. In the studies reviewed, exercise programs lasted about six months on average, but that doesnt mean its necessary to get those 52 hours over a half-year. Whats more important, Gomes-Osman says, is understanding that it takes a while for any thinking-related benefits of exercise to take hold. These are things that happen slowly, she says, with consistent exercise over time. Another takeaway from the new studyand some previous onesis that while most of the research on the exercise-brain connection has been on aerobic workouts, other kinds of exercise also appear to be beneficial. For example, a recent analysis from the University of Canberra in Australia found that some nonaerobic activities can also help improve brain function in people older than 50. Even when people did have some level of decline already, they were actually able to improve their cognitive function, says the Canberra studys author, Joseph Northey, a Ph.D. candidate in sport and exercise science. Story continues Here, for Alzheimers and Brain Awareness Month, is advice on how to optimize your exercise routine to help brain health. Take a Brisk Walk If you dont exercise now, its easy to start. Just walk out your door and keep going. Its fine to start small. Build up from 10 minutes walking a day until you get to at least 30, says Elissa Burton, Ph.D., a research fellow in the school of physiotherapy and exercise science at Curtin University in Australia. And if you can, pick up your pace. Getting your heart rate up will maximize the benefits to your brain, according to Helen Macpherson, Ph.D., a dementia research fellow at Deakin University in Australia. That means you should be exercising at an intensity where you start to find it difficult to have a conversation. Do More Than the Minimum The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends that older adults get 150 minutes of this sort of moderately intense aerobic exercise each week, which is five 30-minute workouts. But the biggest boost in brain health in the Canberra study was linked to exercise sessions of 45 to 60 minutes. So try consolidating some workouts into a longer session. Or gradually work up to 45 to 60 minutes, five days per week. Try Tai Chi This Chinese martial art, which consists of slow, rhythmic movements, was one of several types of exercise tied to improved cognitive functioning in the recent Canberra study. Plus its low-impact, which can be good for people who havent been active in a while, Northey says. Its also easy on your joints. To learn the proper technique, its best to seek out a local class, Northey says. You can find instructors near you who are certified by the American Tai Chi and Qigong Association. Resistance Training Can Help, Too Resistance training, exercise that causes muscles to contract, is meant to strengthen, but it may also help protect against cognitive decline. And you dont have to use weights or other equipment, Northey says. The CDC recommends resistance training at least twice per week. Here are three tips to get you started: Stand up, sit down, repeat. As long as youre steady on your feet, try standing up from a chair without using your hands. Do this in sets of five or more any time you find yourself sitting around the house. Make daily tasks harder. Choose stairs over elevators and escalators. Youll get an aerobic workout and build muscle at the same time. Join a class. Northeys study found that group programs incorporating resistance and aerobic training were beneficial for the brain. Check out the offerings at your local YMCA or senior center, and remember to talk with your doctor before you start any new exercise program. Editors Note: This article also appeared in the September 2017 issue of Consumer Reports On Health. It has since been updated to reflect new research on exercise and brain health. More from Consumer Reports: Top pick tires for 2016 Best used cars for $25,000 and less 7 best mattresses for couples Consumer Reports is an independent, nonprofit organization that works side by side with consumers to create a fairer, safer, and healthier world. CR does not endorse products or services, and does not accept advertising. Copyright 2018, Consumer Reports, Inc. Photo credit: The Manufacturer - Car and Driver From Car and Driver Ford and Lincoln are recalling 7580 of its 2018 model F-150 pickups and Expedition and Navigator SUVs over a faulty fuel-pump assembly. Fuel pumps on turbocharged 3.5-liter V-6 engines might have misaligned welds, which could lead to a fuel or oil leak. Ford says it has not been notified of any accidents or injuries related to the issue. While the number of vehicles is relatively small, this problem is not specific to one shift of workers or even one plant. It affects F-150s built in the Dearborn and Kansas City plants and Expeditions and Navigators constructed in Fords Louisville, Kentucky, facility. Of the 7580 trucks and SUVs recalled, 5645 were built for the U.S. market, 1625 for Canada, and 310 went to Mexico. Ford cites misaligned welds as the source of the issue. Because of this, the welds between the fuel-pump housing and the mounting flange could crack, which could result in a fuel or oil leak. Spilling oil or fuel in the engine bay could cause a fire. To fix the problem, Ford and Lincoln will replace the components at no cost to the customer. The vehicles will be fitted with a new high-pressure fuel pump plus new pump and discharge-tube mounting bolts. Along with the fuel-pump recall, Ford announced a second service action and the expansion of a third recall. According to Ford, 1485 of its 2018 F-650s and F-750s with hydraulic braking systems do not have the necessary brake-hose corrosion-protection plating. Additionally, Ford is recalling 27 more 20172018 Edge, 20172018 Fusion, and 20172018 Lincoln MKZ models with the 2.0-liter engine and six-speed automatic transmission to replace torque converters. If you own vehicles that fall under any of these umbrellas, contact Ford for further information. Story continues Photo credit: Car and Driver You Might Also Like PARIS (Reuters) - French President Emmanuel Macron sought to defuse tension with Italy after it criticized its refusal to accept more than 600 migrants on board the Aquarius ship earlier this week, telling the Italian leader no offense was meant. "The French president emphasized that he never said anything meant to offend Italy and the Italian people," Macron's office said in a statement on Thursday. Macron told ministers in a cabinet meeting on Tuesday the Italian government had acted cynically and irresponsibly in its refusal to welcome the Aquarius, according to French government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux. Macron confirmed the two leaders would meet in Paris for a working lunch on Friday. (Reporting by Michel Rose; editing by John Irish) The former Kmart on Wilson Road is slated to become an Amazon distribution hub and the e-commerce giant's second warehouse development in Kern Let's check out the Yahoo Finance charts of the day. General Electric (GE): Shares are down in early trade, at around .68%. GE was urged by France's finance minister to stick to its commitment to create 1,000 jobs at energy producer Alstom. The company made the commitment in 2015 when it bought Alstom's energy business, but GE subsequently said the target was out of reach. Microsoft (MSFT): Shares up here, at .20%. Reuters is reporting that Microsoft is working on technology that would eliminate cashiers and checkout lines from stores. The technology would represent a challenge to Amazon's automated grocery stores. Mylan (MYL): Shares down here, at around 3.7%. U.S. health regulators were unable to approve its generic version of GlaxoSmithKline's blockbuster inhaled lung drug Advair for the second time, as they found "minor deficiencies" in the treatment. For more on today's big stock movers check out the Final Round, live at 3:55 p.m. ET, right here on Yahoo Finance. KENNEBUNKPORT, Maine (AP) George H.W. Bush enjoyed a relaxing birthday on Tuesday as he became the first former U.S. president to turn 94. The nations 41st president was receiving calls and taking it easy at his seaside home eight days after being released from a hospital where he was treated for low blood pressure, said Chief of Staff Jean Becker. Bushs office shared a letter from the president in which he said, My heart is full on the first day of my 95th year. As many of you know, for years I have said the three most important things in life are faith, family and friends. My faith has never been stronger, the former president wrote in the letter. Several of his children were in town, including former President George W. Bush, who posted a smiling photo of the two of them on Instagram. Im a lucky man to be named for George Bush and to be with 41 on his 94th birthday, wrote Bush, the nations 43rd president. Another son, Neil Bush, called on people in a newspaper opinion piece to volunteer and to become a point of light. As president, Bush encouraged others to be points of light, reflecting his belief that people need to help out in their communities. Bush became the oldest U.S. president months ago and is the first to celebrate a 94th birthday, said spokesman Jim McGrath. Former Democratic President Jimmy Carter isnt far behind, at age 93, and hell celebrate his 94th on Oct. 1. Two other former U.S. presidents made it to 93: deceased Republicans Ronald Reagan and Gerald Ford. The Central Intelligence Agency marked Bushs birthday by releasing declassified material related to his tenure as the agencys director from January 1976 to January 1977. The items include a video about his path to becoming CIA director and another about his farewell visit to the agency employees in January 1993, the final month of his presidency. Related to that visit is a copy of a schedule for a briefing over lunch to discuss Iraq, Bosnia, Somalia, counter-intelligence, counter-narcotics and CIS Ops, an apparent reference to former Soviet states. After dessert, the briefs included presentations on Russia, North Korea and Clansig Operations, an agency acronym for clandestine signals intelligence. TBILISI (Reuters) - Georgia's Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili resigned on Wednesday amid a disagreement with the leader of his ruling party, Bidzina Ivanishvili, who is the richest man in the ex-Soviet republic. "We've had some disagreements with the leader of the ruling party," Kvirikashvili said in a televised statement. "I think this is the moment now when the leader of the party should be given an opportunity to form a new cabinet." Kvirikashvili, 50, has been prime minister since 2015. Under the constitution, the whole cabinet has to resign along with the prime minister. The ruling party, Georgian Dream, must then submit a new cabinet list to Georgia's president within seven days. President Giorgi Margvelashvili then has a further seven days to submit the new cabinet to parliament for approval. Ivanishvili, 62, a former prime minister, made a political comeback in May, becoming again the chairman of Georgian Dream amid tensions among party members over a range of issues. His Georgian Dream coalition won control of parliament in October 2012, defeating the party of ex-president Mikheil Saakashvili, leader of the 2003 Rose Revolution. Ivanishvili's coalition later split, but Georgian Dream won a parliamentary election in 2016, cementing its status as the ruling party in the country of 3.7 million people. Ivanishvili stepped down from the posts of prime minister and party chairman in 2013, though critics say he has continued to run the country from behind the scenes. (This version of the story was refiled to fix typo in paragraph six) (Reporting by Margarita Antidze; Editing by Gareth Jones) Frankfurt am Main (AFP) - The German government acknowledged Wednesday that it will miss a 2020 target for reducing carbon dioxide emissions, but vowed to catch up "as quickly as possible". Rather than cutting emissions of the greenhouse gas by 40 percent compared with 1990 levels, Europe's largest economy will manage reductions of just 32 percent, said the annual climate report for 2017 signed off by Chancellor Angela Merkel's cabinet. The shortfall of eight percentage points translates into around 100 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (CO2) pumped into the air annually. German politicians had already acknowledged they would not meet the 2020 target in coalition negotiations ahead of Merkel's swearing-in for her fourth term. "We must urgently get back on track and reach our 40-percent goal as quickly as possible," Environment Minister Svenja Schulze said in a statement. "We know the instruments that can get us to the target -- renewable energy or electric cars, for example." The environment ministry blamed three main factors for the slower progress: overestimates of how much CO2 would be saved under existing plans, faster-than-expected economic growth and a faster-growing population than forecast. In fact, "current trends in economic performance and traffic figures are cause for concern that the gap might end up even larger than the 8.0 points predicted," the ministry said. Germany has a 2050 climate goal to reduce CO2 emissions by between 80 and 95 percent compared with 1990, and is a signatory to the 2015 Paris agreement that aims to limit global warming to 1.5 degrees Celsius. But the government pulls in sometimes contradictory directions, turning to dirty brown coal to offset Merkel's 2011 decision to shut down all nuclear plants by 2022 and backing the car industry's fixation on the internal combustion engine. (Photo: Bloomberg via Getty Images) WASHINGTON House Republicans are expanding their attacks on Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, making the suspect claim this week that the Republican law enforcement veteran in the presence of the FBI director and other Justice Department officials threatened Republican House Intelligence Committee staffers during a meeting in January after they discussed the possibility of holding Rosenstein in contempt of Congress. Rosenstein, the lifelong conservative law enforcement veteran whom President Donald Trump chose for the crucial second-in-command position at the Justice Department, has drawn the ire of Trump loyalists in the House who are seeking to undermine the special counsel investigation being led by Robert Mueller. The latest claim is that Rosenstein, who joined the Justice Department in 1990 as a public corruption prosecutor, used the power of his office to threaten Republican House investigators during a meeting attended by Trump-appointed FBI Director Christopher Wray and other top DOJ officials. In a story in Fox News, Republican House staffers claimed Rosenstein had raised the prospect of subpoenaing their records during a meeting, with one official calling Rosensteins rhetoric downright chilling. The meeting included Rep. Devin Nunes (R-CA), who has been fundraising off of his defense of Trump by sending letters to potential donors touting a Trump tweet that referred to Nunes as a Great American Hero. Despite the claimed threat, Nunes attended dinner with Rosenstein and a mutual friend the evening of their meeting. The FBI and the Justice Department, as first reported by CNN, dispute House Republican staffers claims about the meeting. The FBI disagrees with a number of characterizations of the meeting as described in the excerpts of a staffers emails provided to us by Fox News, an FBI official said in a statement issued to HuffPost. The Deputy Attorney General never threatened anyone in the room with a criminal investigation, a Justice Department official said in a statement. The DOJ officials present for the meeting FBI Director Wray, Associate Deputy Attorney General Scott Schools (a career DOJ official) and Assistant Attorney General for Legislative Affairs Stephen Boyd are all quite clear that the characterization of events laid out here is false, the official said. Story continues The Deputy Attorney General was making the point after being threatened with contempt that as an American citizen charged with the offense of contempt of Congress, he would have the right to defend himself, including requesting production of relevant emails and text messages and calling them as witnesses to demonstrate that their allegations are false. That is why he put them on notice to retain relevant emails and text messages, and he hopes they did so, the DOJ official said. Former FBI official Greg Brower, who was in the meeting, said he cant make any sense of the House staffers claims. Certainly the deputy attorney general didnt threaten anyone, he told HuffPost. The speech and debate clause of the U.S. Constitution gives Congress wide protection from executive branch interference in their investigations, and a DOJ representative said that the Department didnt have a process for obtaining congressional records without approval. (Last week, in fact, the Senate approved a resolution allowing the Senate Intelligence Committee to cooperate with the federal probe of the committees former security director.) The DOJ official said that Rosenstein would be requesting that the House General Counsel conduct an investigation into the conduct of congressional staffers. The Jan.10 meeting took place shortly after House Republicans began threatening to hold Rosenstein in contempt of Congress unless he turned over records about the ongoing special counsel investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election. If they voted to hold Rosenstein in contempt of Congress, the referral would be sent to the U.S. Attorney for the District of Columbia another Trump appointee who works for Rosenstein. When House Republicans voted to hold former Attorney General Eric Holder in contempt of Congress, DOJ determined that Holder did not commit a crime and didnt move forward. The Fox News report on Rosensteins threat against House Republican staffers was covered throughout the night on the network, and discussed by Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.) and Rep. Jim Jordan (R-Ohio). Attorney General Jeff Sessions, appearing on Tucker Carlsons show, said he was confident that Rosenstein, who he noted had served in DOJ for 28 years, did not threaten anyone. Rosenstein warned publicly in May that the Justice Department would not be extorted, and said that people had made threats against him both publicly and privately. Any kind of threats that anybody makes are not going to affect the way we do our job, he said. Rosenstein is set to meet with Trump on Thursday to discuss a Justice Department inspector general report on the conduct of former FBI Director James Comey in the investigation of Hillary Clinton, according to the Washington Post. This was updated to include comment from Brower. Related Coverage Rosenstein To Republicans: DOJ Will Not Be Extorted Reminder: GOP Target Rod Rosenstein Is A Lifelong Republican Trump Appointed Devin Nunes, Fundraising Off FBI Attacks, Tells Potential Donors That Trump Says He's A Hero Ryan Reilly is HuffPosts senior justice reporter, covering the Justice Department, federal law enforcement, criminal justice and legal affairs. Have a tip? Reach him at ryan.reilly@huffpost.com or on Signal at 202-527-9261. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. The village of San Miguel Los Lotes has been almost completely engulfed by tons of ash spewed out by the eruption of Guatemalas Fuego volcano. The volcano rumbled to life early in the morning on Sunday, June 3. By midday, it was spewing miles-high columns of ash that then fell, dusting a wide swathe of the Central American country. In the afternoon things took a turn for the worse. Tons of ash propelled by scalding, toxic gases poured down Fuego's flanks. These "pyroclastic flows" hit much faster, more lethal speeds than lava, dragging trees and giant rocks down onto villages in their path. Many villagers had made a fatal bet to stay put, gambling that the luck that had protected them for decades would hold once again. By the time most families in San Miguel de Los Lotes knew what was happening, they only had time to run, if that. Sunday family lunches were abandoned, the food left on the table. Trending: Sunlight Boosted Memory in Mice As the burning volcanic matter rushed at them, some escaped on foot, others by car. "I took out the pickup truck and escaped with a lot of neighbors when we saw the smoke," Alejandro Velasquez, 46, a farmer, told Reuters. Others ran through bushes and leaped across barbed wire and wooden fences to reach the main road of the town of Escuintla, near Los Lotes. Now, everything in the previously lush, green landscape is coated in thick layers of sepia-colored volcanic ash, giving the place the eerie feeling of a ghost ship. Where once there was life, there is now heat, dust and a lingering smell of sulfur. Rescuers searching for bodies walked on the roofs of houses as if they were floors, digging down into buildings where they have found only corpses of those who stayed behind. Only a few dogs, chickens, rabbits and cats survived. Don't miss: Jared Kushner Visiting Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt to Push Middle East Peace Plan Photos show ash-covered food left on the tables in darkened kitchens. Children's toys lie abandoned in the brown dust. A bible, its pages singed by the heat, is seen on a destroyed home. Story continues At least 110 people died and close to 200 are thought to still be buried under the rubble in the village on the fertile lower slopes of the volcano. Reuters contributed to this report. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek President Donald Trump speaks to the media as he walks with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un during a break in talks at their summit in Singapore. (Anthony Wallace/AFP/Getty Images) Lets not be too critical of President Donald Trump. As long as he and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un are swapping pleasantries rather than threats, the United States and North Korea are unlikely to start exchanging nuclear weapons. And, its not impossible that the Singapore summit will spark a process that succeeds, over the long term, in curbing the threat from North Korea. Unfortunately, however, that outcome is also pretty unlikely right now. The summit and particularly its aftermath was a farce. And, while it doesnt need to be this way, the presidents bombastic all-or-nothing approach to denuclearizing North Korea means that, by the end of this process, we could easily be closer to a war than when we began. Well start from the end the news conference that Trump gave immediately after the summit. Lets ignore his description of the North Koreans being tortured in gulags as the great winners, as well as his promotion of North Korea real estate opportunities, and focus solely on how he fared in trying to convince North Korea to abandon its nuclear weapons. Trump indicated that North Korea had agreed to disarm unilaterally and verifiably and that it would start right away. He may honestly believe this description, but its a serious misrepresentation of the summits outcome. What came out of the summit was a brief, vague statement in which North Korea recommitted itself to work toward the complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula. The term complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula isnt new. North Korea first agreed to it (albeit without the word complete) in 1992 and has repeated it on various occasions since then. It has, however, never been defined precisely and the summit provided no additional clarity. But, for Pyongyang, it requires unspecified but presumably significant concessions from the United States and South Korea: the end of their alliance, perhaps, or the removal of U.S. troops from the peninsula. Story continues In fact, some past joint statements with North Korea were significantly stronger than this one. In particular, in 2005, North Korea committed to abandoning all nuclear weapons and existing nuclear programs. Given that Kim did not reiterate this commitment in Singapore, it strongly suggests that he no longer intends to abide by it. In short, whatever it was that was agreed to in Singapore, its not the complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearization the Trump administration has sought. In a news conference immediately following their meeting, Trump said Kim had agreed to start the process of nuclear disarmament "right away." (Win McNamee/Getty Images) To be fair, the Singapore summit is only intended to start a process. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is now supposed to go off and work out an implementation plan with, worryingly, an unspecified North Korean counterpart. Yet, such a process would have a much greater chance of success if it were built on solid foundations. For example, the interim agreement that the P5+1 reached with Iran in 2013 the deal before the deal was much more detailed than the Trump-Kim joint statement and represented genuine agreement on basic principles, thus paving the way for the 2015 Iran nuclear deal. Its very difficult to see the Trump administration reaching anything remotely comparable with North Korea. Diplomacy is nonetheless likely to continue for the time being. However, sooner or later most likely within the next year or so it will become clear that Kim is not in the process of de-nuking the whole place, as Trump hopes. At this point, the risks of a war will probably start rising again. At the news conference in Singapore, Trump unveiled (much to the surprise of South Korea) a big and apparently unilateral concession: the suspension of U.S.-South Korean military exercises. Restarting these exercises when North Korea fails to disarm will lead to a serious increase in tensions more so, in fact, than if they had never been suspended. Moreover, once diplomacy has been tried and it has failed, what else is left? John Bolton pretty much told us that this was his strategy. Trump administration officials have made it clear (wrongly in my opinion) that they think a nuclear-armed North Korea cannot be deterred, so it seems all too possible that they will go back to making military threats. In fact, before he became national security adviser, John Bolton pretty much told us that this was his strategy, supporting a summit on the grounds that it was a way to foreshorten the amount of time that were gonna waste in negotiations. If there is a way out of this mess, it must involve the United States adopting realistic goals. The United States should not abandon the long-term goal of North Korean nuclear disarmament. But, for now, in addition to working to reduce the risk of a conflict with North Korea, it should prioritize verifiable and simple-to-negotiate steps to cap the threat posed by North Koreas nuclear and missile programs (which is the first part of rolling them back). In return for such modest steps, the United States and others should offer North Korea only modest concessions an approach that I call less for less. Kim looks at his document at a signing ceremony with Trump. The brief, vague joint statement included a clause stating "the DPRK commits to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula." (Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images) North Korea, for example, has already announced a moratorium on nuclear tests and intercontinental ballistic missile flight tests. The United States should now press North Korea to expand this moratorium to include missiles of shorter ranges than ICBMs and also ground tests of missile engines. It should also aim to have North Korea sign and ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty, which would make its moratorium on nuclear tests legally binding. Another goal should be for North Korea to agree not to operate any nuclear reactors, which could be used to produce more plutonium and tritium (a material that is useful for miniaturizing nuclear warheads). North Koreas reward for taking such steps should primarily be economic, though the United States should also consider further ratcheting down its military posture. For example, Washington could commit to not conducting bomber training missions within a certain distance of North Koreas borders (such operations are presumably not covered by the suspension of joint military exercises with South Korea). These modest steps would hardly be a panacea, but they would go a long way to preventing the threat from North Koreas nuclear and missile programs from getting worse. If implemented successfully, they could pave the way for more challenging measures, such as a cap on North Koreas enrichment of uranium. This step-by-step approach is not the yuuuge win Trump is looking for but its a better option than betting everything on immediate and complete denuclearization with the risk of a war if we lose. James M. Acton holds the Jessica T. Matthews Chair and is co-director of the Nuclear Policy Program at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. A raccoon who captured the nations attention by climbing 20 stories up the side of a skyscraper in St. Paul, Minnesota, on Tuesday reached the roof of the building overnight to the delight of the internet. Tim Nelson of Minnesota Public Radio, who has been covering the high-altitude drama, tweeted the news just after 3:45 a.m. Eastern time. I MADE IT!!! I'd like to thank God, the great people of Minnesota and the Wu-Tang Clan. Now someone come get me. I'm on the roof.#mprraccoon #WuTang #MINNESOTA pic.twitter.com/V1HseSwVOV The MPR Raccoon (@TheStPaulRacco1) June 13, 2018 OMG I went to bed and he was headed down. I wake up and he climbed all the way up to the roof. Holy crap! Way to go little dude! #mprraccoon ! Julie Zimmerle (@foreverinshadow) June 13, 2018 A few hours later, Nelson tweeted that the raccoon had been trapped. A newly created Twitter account for the building, the UBS Plaza, appeared to confirm the news, tweeting a photo of the critter in a trap eating a delicious meal of soft cat food. Story continues After a delicious meal of soft cat food, #mprraccoon has been caught and will be picked up by Wildlife Management. Goodbye friend! pic.twitter.com/twcBPpjOQk UBS Plaza (@ubs_plaza) June 13, 2018 A local wildlife management company released the raccoon on private residential property on Wednesday. The company, Wildlife Management Services, posted a video of the release on Facebook and noted that it consulted with animal rehabilitation experts before freeing the raccoon. A spokesperson for Wildlife Management Services told HuffPost that based on its size, staff believes the raccoon is a female. However, the spokesperson said the company could not confirm the raccoons sex for sure. The raccoon was dubbed the #MPRraccoon because Minnesota Public Radio, whose offices are in a nearby building, documented the animals long, strange trip. So did other concerned animal lovers: Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. He is on the ledge on our floor. He seems to be doing well. Weve been told that the building has live traps on the roof and are trying to get him to go up there. We all just have to keep our fingers crossed.. #mprraccoon pic.twitter.com/HY1PkuFKz0 Paige Donnelly law (@donnelly_law) June 12, 2018 As the raccoon climbed higher and higher on Tuesday, animal welfare officials hoped that it would reach the roof of the UBS Plaza building so it could be trapped. But overnight, the nocturnal mammal thwarted that plan by beginning to descend. The wily creature climbed down to the 17th floor, where observers said it appeared to be resting. But it changed course one more time and climbed up to the roof. Many people followed the raccoons adventures and half a dozen Twitter accounts purporting to represent the animal were launched. Even Jake Tapper of CNN commented on the situation: I love the story of the #mprraccoon so Im going to shut out of my brain the fact that raccoons are nasty and evil beasts and not at all what we want them to be. pic.twitter.com/7JXiO0pyPA Jake Tapper (@jaketapper) June 12, 2018 #mprraccoon raccoon IS MOVING AROUND. do you realize how many people will need therapy when this is over? people online with their PRAYERS and OMG and someone climb 250 feet and catch this clawed animal. RELAX PEOPLE- this is what raccoons do Verified 1 Good Guy! (@LAmaleCA) June 13, 2018 Its 2am. Do you know where your #mprraccoon is? Melissa Alicea (@Missmouse2383) June 13, 2018 This story has been updated to note the raccoon reached the roof, was trapped and was later set free. Also on HuffPost This article originally appeared on HuffPost. By Helen Reid LONDON (Reuters) - Losses in miners and oil majors sent Britain's top share index into the red on Tuesday, while housebuilding stocks tumbled after weak results from Crest Nicholson piled extra pressure on a sector already hit by a run of poor economic data. A summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un had limited impact on UK and European stock markets. The FTSE 100 (.FTSE) fell 0.4 percent, while the STOXX 600 edged down 0.1 percent. With a crucial vote on Brexit getting underway in the British parliament, a volatile sterling currency helped rein back the FTSE's gains. Miners Anglo American (AAL.L) and Antofagasta (ANTO.L) were among the top fallers, down 3.2 and 2.3 percent as a strong dollar weighed on copper prices. Oil majors Royal Dutch Shell (RDSa.L) and BP (BP.L) fell 1.4 percent, tracking a decline in Europe's oil & gas index (.SXEP) as crude prices flagged, and traders said investors were pocketing profits after a strong run in the sector. While commodities weighed on the FTSE 100, the biggest moves were in the mid- and small-cap markets. Crest Nicholson shares (CRST.L) tumbled 4.2 percent, leading the housebuilding sector down. The southern England-focussed housebuilder said its margins had been hit by higher costs and flat house prices, and was moving out of central London. "Markets were unimpressed with lack of a clear cost control strategy and with UK housing sector on the downturn it is not clear if the outlook for the housebuilder will improve substantially," said Artjom Hatsaturjants, analyst at Accendo Markets. Housebuilders fell for a second day, extending their fall on Crest's pessimistic tone. Data on Monday showing a fall in UK factory output and widening goods trade deficit had dented the shares. Barratt Development (BDEV.L), Berkeley (BKGH.L), Persimmon (PSN.L) and Taylor Wimpey (TW.L) all fell 2.1 to 3.1 percent, bottom of the FTSE 100, while mid-caps Bellway (BWY.L) and Redrow (RDW.L) fell 3.6 and 4.2 percent. Story continues Domino's Pizza Group (DOM.L) was another top faller, down 5.8 percent after the company's chief financial officer departed suddenly, with immediate effect. Ocado (OCDO.L), which had made gains on Monday after broker upgrades, fell back 3.3 percent after French supermarket chain Carrefour (CARR.PA) upped the ante in the retail sector by signing an online shopping partnership with Google. Also in disruptive retail, online fashion brand Boohoo (BOOH.L) fell percent despite reporting strong results with revenue growing 53 percent in the three months to May 31. The stock tumbled 5 percent at the open but ended the day down just 1 percent. "Investors may be disappointed by the lower than expected growth at the boohoo brand," said Jefferies analysts. Liberum downgraded the stock, and one trader also said expectations were very high for Boohoo and some profit-taking was likely. Shares in small-cap Acacia Mining (ACAA.L) fell 3.8 percent after the gold miner reported a fatal accident at its North Mara mine in Tanzania. Utility Centrica gained 3.7 percent after Jefferies upgraded it to a "buy". Meanwhile a downgrade from Numis drove vehicle retailer Motorpoint (MOTR.L) to the bottom of the small-cap index. (Graphic: FTSE 100 earnings expectations edge higher - https://reut.rs/2JuKUCq) (Reporting by Helen Reid; Editing by Gareth Jones) Thank you for reading! Please log in, or sign up for a new account and purchase a subscription to continue reading. Indonesian students fast, and study, during Ramadan Students sleep at a mosque during the holy month of Ramadan at Lirboyo Islamic boarding school in Kediri, Indonesia, May 16, 2018. (Photo: Beawiharta/Reuters) For students at one of Indonesias oldest Islamic boarding schools, the holy month of Ramadan doesnt only mean fasting from dawn till dusk. It also means intensive study of the Koran. The Lirboyo Islamic School, or pesantren, established in 1910 in East Java province, encourages its 21,000 students from around the worlds biggest Muslim-majority country to use the holy month to study religious knowledge and Islamic teachings rigorously. Head of the boarding school, Ahmad Zulfa Sholeh, said his institution rejects radical teachings and focuses on interpreting the Koran to build good character. We dont agree with radical views because Muslims should not fight other religions. We should protect them, he said. Last month, a series of suicide attacks carried out by whole families, including young children, killed at least 30 people, shocking the largely moderate nation. They marked the worst militant attack since the Bali restaurant bombings in 2005 and happened just a two-hour drive from the school in the city of Surabaya. (Reuters) Photography by Beawiharta/Reuters See more news-related photo galleries and follow us on Yahoo News Photo Twitter and Tumblr. Barack Obama and Donald Trump. (Photo illustration: Yahoo News; photos: AP) Dan Pfeiffer, former assistant and senior adviser to President Barack Obama, thinks he knows the exact date the modern era of fake news was born: April 27, 2011. I had walked into the briefing room that morning with 50 copies of Barack Obamas birth certificate, Pfeiffer recalls in a memoir, Yes We (Still) Can: Politics in the Age of Obama, Twitter, and Trump, set to be published next week. So we could prove once and for all the man who was in his third year as president after winning an historic electoral landslide was an American citizen and eligible to be president. The term fake news was not yet part of the political lexicon, Pfeiffer writes, but this might very well have been the moment it when it rose from something that elicited an eyeroll to something that necessitated a full-throated response from the White House. The claim that Obama wasnt born in the United States the so-called birther conspiracy first cropped up during the 2008 presidential campaign, when the then Illinois senator was campaigning in Iowa. The story originated in conspiratorial emails that were forwarded by fringe groups in an effort to undercut Obamas candidacy. While the mainstream media mostly refused to amplify it, birtherism was gaining a disturbing amount of traction among some of the voters in rural Iowa, Pfeiffer writes. Our field organizers were getting questions from the voters they were contacting. Most of the questions were well-intentioned, according to Pfeiffer. Democratic primary voters were scarred by two consecutive losses and were reviewing the information through the prism of Obamas electability, he writes. If we nominate Obama and this information comes out, will the Republicans win again? Our field staff would tell people its not true, Pfeiffer continues, but they wanted proof both to soothe their own concerns and share with their friends and family. The Obama campaign decided to release Obamas certificate of live birth a document commonly issued by hospitals that includes basic information about a childs birth for record keeping. The information is then sent to the Office of Vital Statistics or the State Register to create an official, or long-form, birth certificate. Story continues This was not an easy decision, Pfeiffer writes. It ran counter to one of the cardinal political rules of political communications: Dont give oxygen to malicious rumors. Its better to ignore them than dignify them with a response that would catapult rumors from the dark corners of the internet to the front pages of the New York Times. But that rule, like most of the rules that govern public relations strategy, was written before the internet. The tactic worked, at least in Iowa, but the birther issue followed Obama to the White House. As far as I was concerned, the issue had been put to bed, Pfeiffer writes. We were inundated with the more serious issues that come with running the world and I didnt think about those old campaign rumors. But fringe members of the Republican Party wouldnt let it go. They had become convinced that the certificate of live birth that we released during the campaign was a forgery, Pfeiffer writes. And then Donald Trump, a man whose depraved desire for attention would make a Kardashian blush, latched onto the cause. When he did, in early 2011, Trump was trying to generate publicity for his NBC reality show, The Celebrity Apprentice. Trump even floated the idea of running for president. Almost no one took the idea that Trump was going to run seriously, Pfeiffer writes. But Trump realized he could get even more attention if he brought up the birther conspiracy. Trump was also unburdened by the shame that keeps most people from outright lying, Pfeiffer argues. All of a sudden, all the media could talk about was Donald Trump and the presidents birth certificate, he writes. It was coming up in Obamas press interviews. It was becoming clear we had a problem. President Obama with adviser Dan Pfeiffer, January 2013. (Photo: Charles Dharapak/AP) According to Pfeiffer, Obama first raised the idea to release his birth certificate to him while walking to the Oval Office. Maybe we should put the birth certificate out and be done with this, Obama said. But you know we cant do that, right? Pfeiffer responded. Obama said he agreed, but I could tell he didnt really mean it, Pfeiffer writes. A few weeks later on a fundraising trip to Chicago, Obama spent the night at his home. Whenever he was home, often alone, he would root through all his stuff; on this particular trip, he was going through a box and found what he believed was his birth certificate, Pfeiffer writes. To this day, it isnt clear whether he stumbled upon this document or went looking for it. I have always suspected the latter. Excited about his find, Obama brought it back to the White House and showed it to White House counsel Bob Bauer. Bauer took one look at what Obama had in his hand and knew it wasnt his actual birth certificate, Pfeiffer recalls. Instead the president had found a ceremonial document sold in hospital gift shops. This is the document that families often frame, but you cant use it to get a passport or debunk a racist conspiracy theory burning up the internet. The Chicago home of Barack Obama. (Photo: Saul Loeb/AFP/Getty Images) Obama, though, was undeterred, and directed Bauer and David Plouffe, another senior adviser, to acquire his official, or long form, birth certificate from the state of Hawaii. He didnt commit to releasing it but told Bauer and Plouffe to get it so we had it in our back pocket just in case, Pfeiffer writes. In late April, Obama informed top aides that he wanted to go into the White House briefing room and release the birth certificate himself. Pfeiffer thought he was f***ing crazy. The president wanted to use this opportunity to take the conversation to a bigger idea beyond the birth certificate, Pfeiffer recalls. He wanted to talk about the danger of the political conversation getting diverted into side issues. This was a better idea than simply going in front of the nation and saying, Hey look! Im American! Deal with it! But I was still horrified by the thought of the president being forced to go in front of the nation to defend his legitimacy. It felt beneath him. It felt beneath the office. He put it another way: The president of the United States was being forced to respond to a reality TV star less relevant than the Real Housewives. Pfeiffer reluctantly agreed to the presidents plan on condition that he, Pfeiffer, would release the form and brief the media first. It would at least keep Obama from having to answer a bunch of logistical questions about how we got the birth certificate, he writes. They also decided to keep the release plan a surprise. If we announced it in advance the press would lose its collective shit, Pfeiffer writes. There would be a CNN countdown clock ticking down to the second of release. So when Pfeiffer entered the room to hand out Obamas birth certificate, it was half empty. It had seemed reporters thought it would be a newsless briefing, he recalls. Then one of the press assistants started handing out copies of the birth certificate. All hell broke loose. President Obama interacting with reporters about the controversy over his birth certificate, April 2011. (Photo: J. Scott Applewhite/AP) By the time Obama addressed reporters, later that afternoon, the birth certificate issue was receiving wall-to-wall coverage. Now, normally I would not comment on something like this, because obviously theres a lot of stuff swirling in the press on at any given day and Ive got other things to do, Obama said. But two weeks ago, when the Republican House had put forward a budget that will have huge consequences potentially to the country, and when I gave a speech about my budget and how I felt that we needed to invest in education and infrastructure and making sure that we had a strong safety net for our seniors even as we were closing the deficit during that entire week the dominant news story wasnt about these huge, monumental choices that were going to have to make as a nation. It was about my birth certificate. Obama added: Were not going to be able to do it if we are distracted. Were not going to be able to do it if we spend time vilifying each other. Were not going to be able to do it if we just make stuff up and pretend that facts are not facts. Were not going to be able to solve our problems if we get distracted by sideshows and carnival barkers. Two days later, at the White House Correspondents Dinner, Obama hilariously skewered Trump and the birther conspiracy, with Trump in scowling attendance. Trump had been ushered off the national stage in humiliation, his foray into politics forever ended, Pfeiffer writes. Or so we thought. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: A Department of Justice report found that former FBI Director James Comey did not follow standard procedures in his handling of the investigation into Hillary Clintons email server. The report, which is not yet publicly available, concludes that Comey hurt the agencys reputation for impartiality, though it says he did not do so out of political bias, according to Bloomberg News, which obtained a copy of the report. The report by the Justice Departments inspector general will be the latest bombshell in the seemingly never-ending fight over the 2016 election. President Donald Trump has tweeted that he was eagerly awaiting it, and both Democrats and Republicans are watching to see how it will affect public opinion. Heres what you need to know. What does the inspector general do? The Office of Inspectors General is responsible for examining allegations of wrongdoing, fraud or misconduct within various federal agencies. The Inspector General of the Department of Justice, Michael Horowitz, currently leads a nationwide team of more than 450 agents, attorneys, auditors and other such employees who all work together to conduct these investigations. Often called the watchdog of the federal government, inspectors general work to hold government officials accountable to an honorable standard of behavior, promoting efficiency and integrity. Who is Inspector General Michael Horowitz? Michael Horowitz is a Harvard Law School graduate and former Assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York. Prior to practicing law for a private firm from 2002-2012, Horowitz worked in the Department of Justice Criminal Division between 1999 and 2002, where he was the Deputy Assistant Attorney General and then the Chief of Staff. Former President Barack Obama nominated Horowitz as inspector general of the Department of Justice in July of 2011. In 2012, he was confirmed by the Senate without objection and sworn into office that spring. Read More: Read the 191 Arguments President Trump Has Made Against the Mueller Investigation Story continues What is the Inspector Generals report about? Horowitz announced in January 2017 that the Department of Justice would examine how the FBI handled the probe into Hillary Clintons private email server under Comey. It will review a number of Comeys controversial acts, including his choice not to prosecute Clinton for sending classified information over her private email server and his decision to publicly resume the Clinton investigation in October, 2017. The report was welcomed both by Democrats, who thought Comeys reopening of Clintons email server investigation just days before the election cost her the race, and by Republicans, who felt Clinton deserved criminal charges for using a private server to send emails related to her work as Secretary of State. The report has nothing to do with Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election, but since Trump fired Comey in May of 2017, it has taken on added relevance. Trumps official reason for firing Comey was his mistreatment of Clinton, although he argued at other times that the FBI director was actually too nice to her. What happened during the Clinton email investigation? In March of 2015, the New York Times published a front-page article indicating Clinton exclusively used a private email server and personal email address to send work-related emails and that the use of the account may have violated federal requirements that she retain all officials correspondence. Breaking the tradition of not discussing FBI investigations with the public, Comey held a press conference in July of 2016 saying that though the FBI did not find evidence Clinton and her colleagues intended to violate laws regarding careful email practice, they were extremely careless in their handling of very sensitive, highly classified information. On Oct. 28, 2016, Comey sent a letter to Congress suggesting more emails had been discovered that appeared to be pertinent to the investigation of Clintons email server. Finally, on Nov. 6, 2016, just two days before the 2016 election, Comey told Congress the additional emails the bureau analyzed did not change the FBIs conclusion Clinton should not be prosecuted. What does the report say about James Comey? The report states that Comey departed clearly and dramatically from FBI and department norms, though not on account of political bias on Comeys part. The decisions negatively impacted the perception of the FBI and the department as fair administrators of justice, Inspector General Michael Horowitz said in the reports conclusions, which were obtained by Bloomberg News on Thursday morning. Former Attorney General Loretta Lynch may also come under scrutiny in the report. During the initial email probe, Lynch privately met with former President Bill Clinton on an airplane tarmac in Arizona. Though it is not clear what Bill Clinton and Lynch discussed on the plane in the midst of the email investigation, she expressed regret: I certainly wouldnt do it again. How did Republicans respond to the report? Earlier today, three Trump-supporting Republicans drafted a letter expressing concern about the final version of the report. Reps. Andy Biggs, Ron DeSantis, and Matt Gaetz wrote to Horowitz asking him to release the reports initial drafts along with the final published form due to concerns that the report may have been weakened over time and editing. Although they commend the report for being thorough and accurate, they write that people may have changed the report in a way that obfuscates your findings. They expressed worries that members of the DOJ and FBI may have changed the draft over the past month. What has Trump said about the inspector generals report? Trump eagerly anticipated the release of the Inspector Generals report. He has openly criticized how long it took the report to be published, by tweeting, Numerous delays. Hope Report is not being changed and made weaker! He has also expressed hope that the report will validate his decision to fire James Comey by providing evidence of Comeys incompetence. He recently tweeted When will people start saying, thank you, Mr. President, for firing James Comey? and later commented to the press that the June 14 report may turn out to be a nice birthday president. 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! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2018 White House spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said that the president wanted the report to be transparent but also expedited and completed quickly. I think the President would like to see this process move faster, she said at a press briefing in early June. Theyve been obsessed with a number of other issues in which theyve spent a great deal of time on. I think hed like to see some of that spread out and some time spent on that. Trump is expected to use any negative findings about Comey to attempt to further undermine his credibility, since Comey has also testified under oath that the president asked him to drop an investigation into former National Security Advisor Michael Flynn and sought to secure his personal loyalty, claims that the president denies vehemently. Nasrin Sotoudeh was previously arrested in 2010 - Getty Images Europe One of Irans most prominent human rights lawyers has been arrested after criticising the countrys judiciary, according to her family. Nasrin Sotoudeh, 55, has been a well-known defender of Iranian dissidents, including some of the young women arrested recently for refusing to wear the hijab. Her husband, Reza Khandan, said in Facebook post on Wednesday that police arrested her at home and took her to Tehrans Evin prison. "Of all the functions that governments of the world are expected to do, the Iranian one is only good in arresting and imprisoning innocent people, he wrote. No official charges were announced but the arrest came shortly after Ms Sotoudeh spoke out against efforts by Irans judiciary to force its own candidates onto the board of Iranian Bar Association. Ms Sotoudeh said the move would make it even more difficult for Iranian lawyers to defend dissidents. Vida Mohaved was arrested in Tehran in December "This action will erode the half-baked defence rights of those who have been accused of political and security offences and means a final farewell to the profession of independent attorney in Iran, she said in an interview with the International Campaign for Human Rights in Iran. Ms Sotoudeh was previously arrested in 2010 and accused of spreading propaganda and endangering national security. Western governments protested her detention and she went on several hunger strikes in prison. She was eventually released in 2013, shortly before Hassan Rouhani, Irans president, was due to speak at the UN. Ms Sotoudeh came to prominence representing defendants sentenced to die for crimes committed when they were children, opposition politicians, and the Nobel Prize winning-Iranian dissident Shirin Ebadi. She recently represented Vida Mohaved, a 31-year-old mother of one who was arrested in Tehran as she stood on top of a telecoms box hoisting a white hijab on a stick in protest at Irans compulsory veiling laws. Ms Mohaveds protest helped inspire dozens of other women and some men to mount similar protests. Baghdad (AFP) - A surprise alliance between the winners of Iraq's election appears to reflect manoeuvering by neighbouring Iran to form a broad Shiite coalition as it scrambles to protect its influence. When nationalist cleric Moqtada Sadr's bloc scooped the most seats at May's poll it was seen as a blow for Tehran, long the dominant foreign player in conflict-hit Iraq. Shiite firebrand Sadr had railed against both the influence of Iran and the United States, even drawing closer to Tehran's arch-foe Saudi Arabia as he insisted Iraqis should run their own affairs. So an announcement on Tuesday that he was linking up with the pro-Iranian former fighters under Hadi al-Ameri who finished second at the election was a shock to Iraq's political class. Insiders said the unlikely tie-up to try to form a new government came after Iran decided that if it couldn't beat Sadr, then it might be better to seek to join him. In the immediate aftermath of the vote, Tehran had launched a political offensive to try to unite its allies and block Sadr's path to power. But Iran changed tack on realising pushing the popular cleric aside was too problematic, and instead sought to include Sadr in a Shiite alliance broad enough to neutralise his influence. At a meeting Sunday with Ameri and former premier Nuri al-Maliki at Iran's embassy in Baghdad, top emissaries from Tehran apparently endorsed a link-up with Sadr as the lesser of two evils. "Dismissing Moqtada Sadr could allow him to assemble other groups and increase the criticism levelled at Iran's role in Iraq," said a source close to participants of the meeting. The gathering involved influential Iranian general Qassem Soleimani and Mojtaba Khamenei, son of supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. Soleimani used the opportunity to call for "a strong government, far from American and Saudi pressure and from foreign interference", the same source told AFP. Story continues If the broad Shiite alliance gets off the ground Iran will be "the first to support the next government in Iraq," Soleimani was quote as saying. - 'Pragmatic' politicians - Ahmad al-Assadi, spokesman for Ameri's Conquest Alliance, said it was natural that outside powers were interested in what was happening in Iraq. Developments in the country are "important for neighbouring countries and great powers, especially Iran and the US", he told AFP. Iran has become the major player since the US-led invasion of 2003, while the Americans led a coalition to oust the Islamic State group last year. "It's evident that their representatives in Iraq follow the situation, pose questions and offer advice," Assadi said. While the alliance between Ameri and Sadr might appear unlikely, analysts said both have a track record as practical politicians. Ahead of the elections they pitched themselves as outsiders looking to sweep clean the tarnished elite that has dominated Iraq since the ouster of Saddam Hussein. "Pragmatic positioning rather than ideology has governed their behaviour in recent years," said Iraq analyst Fanar Haddad. He said that even if a government turned out to be ostensibly closer to Tehran it could not shut out US influence entirely. "Messaging and ideology aside, practically speaking no Iraqi government today -- especially a broad coalition as the next one is likely to be -- can actually be anti-Iranian or anti-American," he said. - A broad coalition - As the coalition government materialises, three candidates have emerged for the post of prime minister. They are outgoing premier Haider al-Abadi, his interior minister Qassem al-Araji who is close to Ameri, and Mohammad al-Sudani, a former rights minister under Maliki. "There will be other candidates but the Shiite alliance must choose two who will be put to a vote by the new parliament," the source from the embassy meeting said. The alliance sealed at Sadr's home in Najaf, south of Baghdad, is however just the first step towards an even larger coalition according to Assadi. "We have invited all of the lists elected to participate in writing a government programme which they will agree on," he said. Sadr has already signed a coalition agreement with Shiite Ammar al-Hakim's Al-Hikma list and the secular outgoing vice-president Iyad Allawi, whose list was comprised largely of Sunnis. But for some within the cleric's Marching Towards Reform alliance -- a coupling of Sadr supporters and communists -- the vision is different. Raed Fahmi, head of the Iraqi Communist Party, said he is seeking a pro-reform alliance and has found common ground with Ameri's Conquest Alliance. "But that's not the case with all of the groups and we are not looking to put together a Shiite alliance," he said, singling out Maliki's bloc. "We campaigned against corruption and for the renewal of the political class." The Italian foreign ministry summoned France's ambassador on Wednesday amid a growing row over a migrant rescue boat blocked from unloading stranded asylum seekers. On Tuesday, Emmanuel Macron, the French president, strongly criticised the Italian governments "cynicism and irresponsibility" for deciding to close its ports amid a hardening stance towards migrants from the new populist government. After the declarations released yesterday in Paris on the matter of the Aquarius, Foreign Minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi has summoned the French ambassador in Italy this morning to the foreign ministry, the Italian foreign ministry responded on Wednesday morning. The rescue ship, the Aquarius, is operated by a French NGO and was carrying 629 migrants, including 123 unaccompanied minors and seven pregnant women picked up after setting sail from Libya, when it was prevented from docking in Italy on Sunday. Gabriel Attal, a spokeperson for Macrons En Marche party, called the Aquarius episode nauseating. After Malta and Italy's rejection of the ship, Spain announced it would allow it to dock in Valencia. Most of the rescued migrants were transferred to Italian Navy and an Italian Coast guard vessels, which set sail with the Aquarius toward Spain on Tuesday. Percentage of people comfortable with having social relations with immigrants Libya Spain Italy migrants But as a solution at sea was being negotiated, the war of words between Paris and Rome continued, with Italys prime minister Giuseppe Conte threatening to cancel a summit planned for Friday with Mr Macron, saying: Italy cannot accept hypocritical lessons from countries that in the field of migration have always preferred to turn their head the other way." France did not offer the boat a safe port as it insisted it was Italy's responsibility under the Dublin Regulation that stipulates migrants should claim asylum in the country to which they first arrive. Story continues Q&A | Dublin Regulation While diplomats work to resolve the row, the migrant crisis continues to pressure Italy, which carries out most of the search and rescue operations in the Mediterranean. An Italian Coast Guard ship carrying more than 900 migrants docked on Wednesday morning in Catania, Sicily, further intensifying the pressure on Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, who has made cracking down on migration and closing the ports a top government priority. Catania was obliged to accept migrants rescued by the Italian Coast Guard, as opposed to an NGO-operated ship. The two partners in Italys populist government, Mr Salvini, of the anti-immigration, hard-Right League party, and Luigi Di Maio of the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement, both lashed out on social media on Tuesday. "Spain wants to report us, France says I'm 'nauseating'. "I want to work serenely with all, but with one principle: #Italiansfirst," Mr Salvini said on Twitter. A French foreign ministry spokeswoman said on Wednesday that France is "perfectly aware" of the pressure on Italy as it copes with an influx of migrants from Africa, and it is "committed to cooperation and dialogue" on the issue. In an interview published on Wednesday in the Milan daily newspaper Corriere della Sera, Mr Salvini also said he had spoken with German interior minister Horst Seehofer, and believed an Italy-Germany consensus was close on migration and security policy. Mr Salvini said he plans to visit his conservative German counterpart in Berlin soon to hammer out new proposals on the boat row and the broader issue of migrant quotas. He criticised France for pushing back 10,000 people from its border with Italy and said we are all paying for instability the French brought to Libya and south of Libya. Sebastian Kurz, the Conservative Austrian chancellor, said on Wednesday that interior ministers of Austria, Germany and Italy have formed an "axis of the willing" to combat illegal immigration into the EU, "I am happy about the good cooperation that we want to develop between Rome, Vienna and Berlin - I think it marks very sensible cooperation that will contribute to reducing illegal migration to Europe," Mr Kurz, whose country assumes the EU's rotating presidency on July 1, said after talks with Mr Seehofer in Berlin. Mr Seehofer is involved in his own power struggle with Angela Merkel, the German chancellor, over his proposals to close the border to migrants. ROME (Reuters) - Italy's Supreme Court threw out an appeal from Shell and four former Shell managers to stymie a trial on alleged corruption in Nigeria, which also sees Eni's chief on the bench, legal sources said on Wednesday. The long-running graft case revolves around the 2011 purchase by Eni and Shell of Nigeria's OPL-245 offshore oilfield for about $1.3 billion. The trial kicked off last month, with the next hearing set for June 20. The appeal was aimed at reversing the trial to the preliminary hearing stage due to what it said were procedural errors, but the court decided the appeal was inadmissible. Nine current and former executives or contractors, including Eni Chief Executive Claudio Descalzi, have been accused by Italian prosecutors of paying bribes to secure the licence to explore OPL-245. The field holds an estimated 9 billion barrels of oil but has never entered production. All deny wrongdoing, as do Shell and Eni. If found guilty, those on trial could face jail. A Shell spokeswoman said on Wednesday: "Based on our review of the Prosecutor of Milan's file and all of the information and facts available to us, we do not believe that there is a basis to convict Shell or any of its former employees." As a rule, the Supreme Court does not comment on its decisions. (Reporting by Domenico Lusi in Rome, writing and additional reporting by Shadia Nasralla in London; Editing by Dale Hudson) Milan (AFP) - Italy's far-right agriculture minister on Thursday said his government would not ratify an EU-Canada free trade deal, claiming it does not protect his country's farmers. The European Union and Canada formally signed the Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) in October 2016, at a time when anti-globalisation sentiment was on the rise in Europe. The accord, which has yet to be ratified, eliminates 98 percent of tariffs between the EU and Canada. Opponents to the accord from around Europe see it as a danger to health, democracy and the rule of law. Farmers in Italy protested in 2017, demanding that the government refuse to ratify the pact. CETA's supporters, however, see it as an extension of the global trade system that faces a threat from protectionist US President Donald Trump. The global system has also come under attack from eurosceptics and anti-establishment parties like those swept to power in Italy in a March vote. In an interview published in Italian daily La Stampa on Thursday, Agriculture Minister Gian Marco Centinaio said: "We will not ratify the free-trade agreement with Canada because it only protects a small part of our protected designation of origin (PDO) and protected geographical indication (PGI) produce." He added: "We will ask parliament not to ratify this treaty or others similar to CETA." Centinaio said the decision was covered in the joint government contract published by the populist coalition government made up of the anti-establishment Five Star Movement and the far-right League Centinaio, a League member, said that his decision did not reflect just the nationalist position of his party, but that "doubts over this agreement are common among my European colleagues". Rome (AFP) - Italy's far-right interior minister Matteo Salvini has suggested that hundreds of migrants aboard a rescue convoy heading for Spain were on a "cruise", as an NGO condemned their plight as a symbol of the failure of the EU. The Aquarius boat, accompanied by two Italian vessels, is making its way across the Mediterranean to Valencia after Italy and Malta refused to allow it to dock at their ports over the weekend. But on Thursday, huge waves and strong winds forced the convoy, carrying 629 rescued migrants, to take a detour along the coast of the Italian island of Sardinia. Asked by a journalist on Thursday whether the ship would arrive in Spain, Salvini said: "Of course, it's not as if they can now decide where to start and finish the cruise." "It seems to me that their arrival is expected Saturday without problems," he added. French charity SOS Mediterranee said Thursday that the Italian coast guard vessel guiding the Aquarius ship had decided to divert the convoy north along the east coast of Sardinia to bypass four-metre (13-feet) high waves and winds of 35 knots (65 km/h). The move was to "protect itself from the otherwise unbearable bad weather for the people on board, who are exhausted, suffering from shock and seasickness," the NGO said on Twitter. The Aquarius received fresh supplies via an Italian coast guard boat from Sardinia, the organisation later told AFP. - Symbol of failure - Doctors without Borders (MSF) coordinator Aloys Vimard, who is on board the boat, tweeted: "Most people are inside lying on floor including pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, babies, burns patients, people who almost drowned." The majority of the migrants are from Africa, while several others come from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, according to MSF. The head of the Spanish branch of MSF David Noguera condemned the EU for a lack of coordination. "The detour of the Aquarius is clearly a symbol of the failure of the European Union and European governments with their contradictory policies," he told AFP by telephone from Barcelona. Story continues "It is a very negative precedent. The truth is there is a question on the table as to whether this is a single event which is resolved quickly, or if we will no longer be allowed to dock in Italy and the blockage continues which would completely change rescue operations." The plight of the Aquarius has again highlighted the failure of EU member states to work together to deal with the influx of migrant arrivals since 2015. But the French foreign ministry on Thursday said it was ready to welcome migrants aboard the Aquarius who "meet the criteria for asylum" after they arrive in Spain. Salvini has vowed to stop foreign boats carrying migrants from arriving in Italy, a policy that has also affected a US military ship. The Trenton rescued 40 migrants off the coast of Libya on Tuesday and was still waiting for instructions on where it could dock on Thursday, the US Navy said. It added that during the rescue operation "the crew initially observed approximately 12 bodies in the water that appeared to be unresponsive," but said that they "prioritised recovering those who needed immediate help". - 'Isolated and vulnerable' - As well as tension between Malta and Italy over who was responsible for helping the Aquarius rescue ship, another row erupted this week when French President Emmanuel Macron accused the Italian government of "cynicism and irresponsibility". Italy's new economy minister shelved a meeting with his French counterpart in Paris on Wednesday as a result of the dispute. However, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said Thursday he believed the row had been resolved after a phone conservation with Macron and the pair are set to meet Friday in Paris for talks. On Thursday Pope Francis called for "assistance from the entire international community" to help "isolated and vulnerable" migrants. "In order to acknowledge and respond to the current migration situation, the assistance of the entire international community is needed, since its transnational dimension exceeds the capacities and resources of many States," said Francis in a message to participants at a conference on international migration at the Vatican. The contentious issue of how to deal with migrants is expected to dominate an EU summit at the end of June. President Trump may have been too busy to celebrate the first ladys April 26 birthday with much fanfare, but his loved ones are making sure his own special day doesnt go unnoticed. From left, Melania Trump, Donald Trump, Ivanka Trump, Jared Kushner, and Tiffany Trump celebrate on election night in 2016. (Photo: Mark Wilson/Getty Images) Ivanka Trump, the elder daughter of President Trump, was the first to officially wish the 72-year-old POTUS a happy birthday on June 14. The first daughter and White House adviser shared family photos from her childhood alongside a message wishing her father his best year yet. The 36-year-old first daughter may get extra credit for beating her siblings to the happy birthday punch. Though younger daughter Tiffany Trump was up early posting on Instagram about her latest art project, she still hasnt mentioned her dad. Donald Trump Jr., meanwhile, is scheduled to appear on Fox & Friends, while first lady Melania Trump has yet to publicly acknowledge her husbands big day. Don Jr closes @foxandfriends interview by turning to camera and wishing his dad a happy birthday. "Hopefully he's watching, I imagine he is happy birthday dad, I love you very much." pic.twitter.com/B3NGyiSRHp Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 14, 2018 Stay tuned as more tributes roll in later in the day. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. Japan is working to arrange a meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Kim Jong Un after the North Korean leader said he was open to talks, local media reported Thursday. The Sankei Shimbun said Kim discussed the possibility during historic talks Tuesday with US President Donald Trump. "During the summit with Trump, Kim told Trump 'I can meet with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe'," the Sankei reported. Japan wants the talks to push the emotive issue of citizens abducted by the North decades ago, which has seen little movement despite a whirlwind of diplomacy in recent months. Abe on Thursday repeated a pledge to push for dialogue with Pyongyang on the issue as he met families of abductees. "I will face (North Korea) directly and work toward resolving the abduction issue," he told the families. "Japan has to take the initiative to resolve the issue," he said, adding that the summit would be "meaningless if it yields no progress on the abduction issue". Government officials are weighing several scenarios, including Abe visiting Pyongyang in August, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported. Another scenario would see Abe meet Kim on the sidelines of a conference in Russia in September, the daily said. Several Japanese media outlets said Kim had expressed a readiness to meet Abe when he held a summit with Trump. And Abe has already said publicly that he would be willing to meet Kim in order to resolve the abduction issue. "If (Abe's) visit to Pyongyang in August proves difficult," he could hold talks with Kim on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in Russia's Vladivostok in September, the Yomiuri said. Japanese media, including Jiji Press, said Japanese foreign ministry officials "contacted" their North Korean counterparts Thursday at an international security conference in Mongolia. Top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga on Thursday said only that "nothing has been decided at the moment". Story continues The issue of Japanese citizens who were abducted in the 1970s and 1980s to help Pyongyang train its spies has long soured already strained relations between Tokyo and Pyongyang. The Japanese government has officially listed 17 people as abductees, but suspects dozens more were snatched. Sakie Yokota, whose daughter Megumi was kidnapped at age 13, told reporters she was encouraged by Trump's talks with Kim and said she had urged Abe to resolve the issue quickly. "This is the beginning of a beginning," added Shigeo Iizuka, whose sister was kidnapped four decades ago. "I can only say 'I'm sorry' to my sister... But I want to tell her, 'Don't give up, hold out a bit more,'" he added. Trump said Tuesday he discussed the abductee issue with Kim, but it was not mentioned in the document signed by the two leaders. Japan has maintained a hardline position on North Korea despite the stepped-up diplomacy with Pyongyang in recent months, and has been left largely on the sidelines as South Korea, China and the United States have held talks with Kim. kh-mis-si-hih/fa New Jersey gun laws, long considered among the nations strongest, became even stronger on Wednesday, with the governors signature on a package of firearms legislation. Among the six bills are measures to expand gun background checks, tighten the handgun carrying permit process, reduce the legal capacity of ammunition magazines and establish a so-called red flag law, which allows people to petition for guns to be temporarily removed from individuals deemed to be dangerous. At a bill signing ceremony in Trenton, New Jersey, Gov. Phil Murphy (D) commended lawmakers and advocates for their work, while vowing to continue the fight against gun violence. We are proud to take these actions today, but let there be no doubt, our work is far from done, said Murphy. New Jerseys kids deserve better than to live in fear of gun violence. Join me in Trenton as I sign landmark gun safety legislation: https://t.co/u29qeODzDw Governor Phil Murphy (@GovMurphy) June 13, 2018 With the governors signature, New Jersey added its name to a growing list of states that have enacted new gun control measures this legislative session, in the face of aggressive calls for reform in response to mass shootings in Las Vegas and Sutherland Springs, Texas, and at high schools in Parkland, Florida, and Santa Fe, Texas. New Jerseys A1217 builds on a growing trend of red flag laws, which gun violence prevention advocates say can be used to prevent suicides, as well as attacks like the Parkland shooting. The legislation lays out a process for New Jerseyans to file gun violence restraining orders against individuals believed to be at significant risk of hurting themselves or others. A judge then reviews evidence and determines whether to order the individual to remain away from all guns for a period of up to a year. If there is cause to believe the individual is already in possession of a firearm, the judge will issue a warrant authorizing law enforcement to confiscate the weapons for the duration of the order. Story continues With the addition of New Jersey, 10 states now have this sort of measure on the books, though the laws vary in their specifics. Five states have passed new legislation since the Parkland shooting. A separate New Jersey law signed Wednesday, A1181, requires law enforcement to seize a persons guns whenever a mental health professional has determined that the individual poses a threat to themselves or others. Under A2757, private firearm sales must be accompanied by a background check conducted through a federally licensed gun dealer. Federal law requires a background check for every gun sale through a licensed dealer, but that requirement doesnt extend to private transfers. New Jerseys A2758 codifies a state regulation that requires residents wishing to obtain a handgun carry permit to first show a justifiable need, as evidenced by specific threats or previous attacks. Although this requirement had technically already been in place in New Jersey, former Gov. Chris Christie (R) had loosened the restrictions, making it easier for people to get carry permits. Another new law, A2761, expands an existing restriction on ammunition magazines, lowering the capacity from 15 rounds to 10 rounds. A2759 imposes a ban on the possession on armor-piercing bullets. In the wake of a recent wave of mass shootings, gun violence prevention advocates have loudly pushed for legislation to ban semi-automatic military rifles like the AR-15, as well as bump stock accessories that allow those firearms to simulate automatic fire. New Jersey had previously passed restrictions on that weaponry, which is one reason why gun violence prevention advocates cite the state as a model. Weve had really strong gun laws for a while, and were a good example of the fact that strong guns do work and save lives, said Nico Bocour, state legislative director of the Giffords Law Center to Prevent Gun Violence, who worked on the legislative efforts in New Jersey. New Jerseys gun laws ranked second in the nation last year, behind California, according to the latest scorecard from the Giffords center. The state also has one of the lowest gun death rates in the nation. During his remarks on Wednesday, Murphy said that while state action on gun control was important, it could only go so far in the absence of more sweeping federal legislation. He recalled a recent story about a nursery rhyme posted on the wall of a kindergarten classroom telling young students what to do in case of an active shooter lockdown. This image for me, more than any, highlights the failure of Congress to take action on a national level, said Murphy. New Jersey will lead, but unless and until that day that we have commonsense laws coming from our Congress, our laws will continue to be able to reach only so far as our own borders. The governor also urged people to keep up the campaign against gun violence by supporting candidates in November who would support gun control. Continue to push those in public office to stand for the right things, and if we do all of that together, we will win this fight, he said. Related Content New Vermont Gun Law Wont Work, Gun Advocates Say As They Try To Undermine It This Is The Toughest Gun Law In America New York Toughens Gun Laws For Domestic Abusers Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. A man who was caught on camera destroying a homeless mans possessions has been arrested for robbery in California. Initially only known as Jogger Joe, he was identified as Henry William Sintay, 30, after he was filmed on kicking around, throwing in the rubbish, and then dumping a homeless mans things into the citys Merritt Lake. The property belonged to Greg "Jarew" Markson as he was later identified. He is being held on $100,000 bail at the Santa Rita jail in Dublin, California according to inmate records. The witness who filmed the incident, JJ Harris, posted it on Twitter and it has been viewed nearly 750,000 times. In the video you can hear a bystander plead with Mr Sintay to stop destroying the lakeside encampment where Mr Markson had set up his camp. Mr Harris also asked "What are you doing with this stuff, man?" and then Mr Sintay and the bystander entered into a heated exchange. "I'm not taking any of it, he [the homeless man] can pick it up," Mr Sintay said, adding that he was cleaning up the area but never gave a reason why that meant trashing Mr Marksons possessions. Other bystanders joined in on the argument as well, CBS News reported. Yesterday in Oakland jogger found throwing a peaceful homeless mans possessions in the Lake. . What has this town come to?! #JoggerJoe#BbqBecky#Oaklandpic.twitter.com/QAldK6VIRy JJ Harris (@techboogie) June 9, 2018 The Oakland police were called but said they were unable to punish Mr Sintay because Mr Marksons belongings were considered debris given that he is homeless. Story continues Mr Sintay was once again filmed in the area at Lake Merritt the next day by a resident called Matt Nelson. Mr Sintay was apparently wading into the water and pulling things out of it. In that video, also posted and gone viral on social media, Mr Sintay can be heard saying he was "trying to do the right (expletive) thing" by cleaning some of Mr Marksons things from the lake. But, he denied being the one to throw them in the lake the day before. Others joined Mr Nelson in asking Mr Sintay questions about what he was doing there and why, which is when Mr Sintay appeared to attempt to snatch the mobile from Mr Nelson. They exchanged profanities and appeared to physically wrestle. The fight is not seen on camera, but the Facebook livestream was a series of shaky images. Eventually everyone appears to run away from Mr Sintay and a friend of his. Mr Nelson wrote on Facebook that he was dragged by their moving vehicle and hit a few times in the head, but I'm safe now. Still do not have my phone. Please keep calling it and if Henry picks up, I'd like it back, he said, regarding his phone. Mr Sintays arrest appears to be for the alleged theft of Mr Nelsons phone, not necessarily destroying Mr Marksons encampment. The Oakland police did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Community activists have stopped by to help Mr Markson replace some of this things and bring him essentials after seeing the two videos. Related Video: Rising Rents in Cities Increasing Homelessness For more news videos visit Yahoo View. By Suleiman Al-Khalidi AMMAN (Reuters) - Jordan's King Abdullah on Thursday swore in a new government led by a former World Bank economist and mandated to review a disputed tax system after widespread protests against IMF-driven austerity measures. A government official said the new cabinet decided at a meeting after the swearing-in ceremony decided to withdraw a contentious personal and corporate tax bill which the previous government had sent to parliament and triggered the protests. Abdullah, a relatively secure U.S. ally in a conflict-ridden Middle East, appointed Omar al-Razzaz, a Harvard-educated economist outside the ranks of the traditional political elite, as prime minister last week. Razzaz replaces Hani Mulki, a business-friendly politician who was dismissed to defuse public anger that triggered some of the largest popular protests in years. Thousands of Jordanians took to the streets in Amman and in provincial towns earlier this month against a series of tax rises since the start of the year. Protesters called for sacking the government and scrapping a tax bill which unions and civic groups blamed for worsening poverty and unemployment. Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Interior Minister Samir al Mubaydeen kept their posts in Razzaz's 28-member cabinet, dominated by a mix of conservative politicians and Western-leaning technocrats, including seven women. "The (economic) challenges we face are the accumulation of decades, in fact... nearly two decades," Razzaz said, pledging to address sluggish growth and eroding living conditions. Rajai Muasher, a conservative politician and influential banker and among Jordan's wealthiest businessmen, was appointed as deputy prime minister. Official sources said the government is expected to maintain traditional support for U.S. policies in the Middle East and continue with International Monetary Fund-guided reforms. Razzaz appointed long-time veteran finance ministry official Izzeddin Kanakrieh as the new finance minister to complete negotiations over a tough three-year program with the IMF. TAX HIKES Critics and some officials blame the speedy implementation of the program for successive tax hikes this year which infuriated many Jordanians and sparked the wave of protests. Razzaz, who was education minister in the previous administration, acknowledged after being appointed that the previous government had rushed into tax rises and pledged to engage a wide cross section of society on future levies. The broad-based popular protests were led by middle class professionals, unemployed graduates and youth who feel alienated and disenfranchised in a country where donors and diplomats say corruption is rampant. Critics and economists say the brunt of taxation is borne by salaried professionals in the vibrant, urban private sector that underpins the economy, and that tax evasion by a wealthy business and political elite has become widespread. Most of the increased revenue the government has secured from a series of tax hikes this year has gone to maintaining a bloated bureaucracy in a country with some of the world's highest government spending relative to its economy. After an IMF arrangement that induced 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. Jordan has seen public debt spiral to nearly $40 billion, driven in part by the expansionist fiscal policies of successive governments keen to create jobs and raise public sector pay to head off an repeat of 2011 "Arab Spring" unrest. Cutting public sector jobs, either by cutting defense spending or streamlining the civil service, would greatly curb spending but both are political red lines in Jordan. That left the IMF little choice but to seek higher taxes to rein in public debt. In the wake of the protests, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the United Arab Emirates pledged to extend an aid package of $2.5 billion to help Jordan's economy weather the crisis. Rival Qatar also pledged on Wednesday $500 million in cash and investments, officials said. (Reporting by Suleiman Al-Khalidi; Editing by Mark Heinrich) The Latest on primaries in five states (all times EDT): 9:10 p.m. U.S. Rep. Kevin Cramer has defeated a little-known opponent to win North Dakota's Republican primary for U.S. Senate. Cramer easily beat Air Force veteran Thomas O'Neill on Tuesday. Cramer now faces a tougher campaign to unseat Democratic Sen. Heidi Heitkamp in a race seen as critical for control of the closely divided Senate. Cramer is a former state Republican Party chairman. He was first elected to the House in 2012 and has easily won re-election twice since then. Cramer initially passed up the Senate race this year but said he changed his mind at the urging of President Donald Trump and others who saw him as the GOP's best hope to defeat Heitkamp. ___ 9:05 p.m. History is being made, in slow motion, in Maine where ranked-choice voting is being used for the first time in a statewide primary election. Democrats and Republicans ranked candidates for governor from first to last in Tuesday's primaries in a system that's sometimes called instant runoff voting in 11 local jurisdictions where it's currently in use. But there's nothing instant about Maine's process. If there's no majority winner, then the ballots will be shipped to the state capital for additional tabulations. Under the system, last-place candidates are eliminated and votes reallocated until there's a winner. If it comes down to that, then Secretary of State Matt Dunlap said winners won't be announced until sometime next week. Mainers who approved the system in 2016 also voted Tuesday on whether to use the system in November for federal races. ___ 8:55 p.m. Longtime state Rep. James Smith has won the Democratic nomination in South Carolina's gubernatorial race. Smith defeated Charleston consultant Phil Noble and Florence attorney Marguerite Willis in Tuesday's primary. Smith has led the pack in fundraising, but recent polling in the race showed many voters had yet to make up their minds. Story continues The incumbent, Republican Gov. Henry McMaster, is seeking his first full term in office. Smith has served in the state Legislature for 22 years. He was a JAG officer in the U.S. Army Reserve and South Carolina Army National Guard but resigned his commission after the Sept. 11 attacks to enlist in the infantry. Smith has selected fellow state Rep. Mandy Powers Norrell as his running mate. ___ 8:50 p.m. Corey Stewart has won the Republican nomination for U.S. Senate in Virginia and will face incumbent Tim Kaine in the November general election. Stewart beat state lawmaker Nick Freitas and Chesapeake minister E.W. Jackson in Tuesday's race. Stewart is a conservative provocateur who often feuds with members of his party. He's a one-time state chairman of President Donald Trump's 2016 presidential campaign and nearly won the 2017 Republican nomination for governor. He has pledged to run a "vicious" campaign against Kaine. Former governor and 2016 vice-presidential candidate Kaine didn't face primary opposition. The Democrat is the early favorite to win the general election. Virginia Republicans haven't won a statewide race in nearly a decade, and Kaine has a massive fundraising advantage over Stewart. ___ 8:10 p.m. U.S. Rep. Barbara Comstock has won the GOP nomination as she seeks re-election in her northern Virginia congressional district that is a prime target of Democrats trying to gain control of the House. In the Tuesday primary, Comstock fought off a challenge from Shak Hill, who attacked the two-term incumbent as insufficiently conservative and weak in her support of President Donald Trump. Comstock represents Virginia's 10th Congressional District. It stretches from the wealthy suburbs of McLean, inside the Capital Beltway, west to Winchester. Comstock won re-election in 2016 with 53 percent of the vote, but Democrats have high hopes of claiming the seat. Voters there supported Hillary Clinton in 2016 by a 10-point margin over Trump. Six Democrats ran in that party's primary Tuesday for the opportunity to unseat Comstock. ___ 8:05 p.m. Democrats have elected state Sen. Jennifer Wexton as their nominee in a northern Virginia congressional district key to the party's hopes of gaining control of the U.S. House. The 10th District stretches from the wealthy suburbs of McLean inside the Capital Beltway west to Winchester. It is considered the most likely seat in Virginia to flip from Republican to Democratic Hillary Clinton carried the district by 10 points in 2016, though Republican incumbent Barbara Comstock won re-election with 53 percent of the vote. The race attracted six Democrats, including four who raised $980,000 or more. Wexton was the only elected official and the favorite after receiving the endorsement of Gov. Ralph Northam. But several other candidates outraised or matched Wexton in fundraising. One competitor, Alison Friedman, committed $1 million of her money. ___ 7 p.m. Polls have closed in Virginia and South Carolina's primary elections. A bellwether Virginia congressional district promises to be among the most watched races nationally Tuesday as five states hold primaries. President Donald Trump also will be a factor, notably in two Republican primaries in South Carolina. Trump is weighing in for South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster, an early supporter of the president's 2016 campaign, and against Republican Rep. Mark Sanford, an outspoken critic of the president who is facing a Trump devotee. Elections are also scheduled in Maine, Nevada and North Dakota. Together, they raise to 21 the number of states having held their 2018 primary elections so far. ___ 5 p.m. President Donald Trump is urging South Carolina Republican voters to dump frequent critic Rep. Mark Sanford. Trump says Sanford "has been very unhelpful to me" and is poking fun at his infamous disappearance in 2009, when he was found to have been carrying on an extramarital affair with a woman in Argentina. Trump tweets "he's better off in Argentina." Sanford was elected during a 2013 special election to the U.S. House seat he had held previously despite the controversy which led to his divorce from his wife, Jenny. He has called Trump untrustworthy and culturally intolerant, prompting Republican state Rep. Katie Arrington to challenge Sanford. Trump tweeted his endorsement of Arrington along with the swipe at Sanford. __ 4:40 p.m. A bellwether Virginia congressional district promises to be among the most watched races nationally in primary elections in nearly every region of the country Tuesday. President Donald Trump also will be a factor, notably in two Republican primaries in South Carolina. South Carolina Gov. Henry McMaster has the president's backing but faces challenges from four other candidates. Republican Rep. Mark Sanford faces a challenge from a state lawmaker painting the outspoken former governor as insufficiently loyal to the president. Elections are also scheduled in Maine, Nevada and North Dakota. Together, they raise to 21 the number of states having held their 2018 primary elections so far. ___ 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 tim draper vc investor Frederick M. Brown/Getty A proposal to split California into three states Northern California, California, and Southern California has qualified to appear on the ballot in November's general election. The measure received more than 400,000 valid signatures, thanks to support from the legendary Silicon Valley investor Tim Draper. The rationale is that California is the most populous state in the nation, so having three states would give the people of California three times the number of senators in Washington and allow legislatures to tackle issues closer to home. Tim Draper is known for having crazy ideas and for funding them. Now, the legendary Silicon Valley investor is making headway on a longtime and perhaps unrealistic effort to split California into three states: Northern California, California, and Southern California. Draper's proposal to cut up the Golden State qualified on Tuesday to appear on the ballot in November's general election. It received more than 402,468 valid signatures, more than the number required by state law, thanks to an ambitious campaign called Cal 3 and financial backing from Draper, an early investor in Tesla, Skype, and Hotmail. If a majority of California voters who cast ballots agree to divide the state into three, the plan would need approval from both houses of the California Legislature. Then it would reach the US Congress. The last time an existing state split up, it was the 1860s and a civil war broke out. West Virginia was formed by seceding from a Confederate state over differences in support for slavery. Draper has reasons for wanting to slice and dice his home state. With slightly more than 39 million people, California is the most populous US state. Supporters of the initiative argue that it isn't fairly represented with two senators in Washington. The proposal would give the people of California six senators. According to the Cal 3 website, partitioning the state would also allow legislatures to make better and more sensible decisions for their communities. Story continues "The California state government isn't too big to fail, because it is already failing its citizens in so many crucial ways," Peggy Grande, a representative for the Cal 3 campaign, said in a Tuesday statement. "The reality is that for an overmatched, overstretched, and overwrought state-government structure, it is too big to succeed. Californians deserve a better future." However, the proposal is as radical as it is unlikely to pass. Critics of the initiative say that having three Californias would diminish the power of Democrats. With its 55 electors in the Electoral College, California has long been a stronghold for the Democratic Party. Three smaller states could change that equation, which worries some Democrats. California split map (3) Skye Gould/Business Insider Under the proposal, each state would have about one-third of California's population: California: This would include six counties: Los Angeles, Ventura, Santa Barbara, San Luis Obispo, Monterey, and San Benito. Southern California: This would have 12 counties: San Diego, San Bernardino, Orange, Riverside, Mono, Madera, Inyo, Tulare, Fresno, Kings, Kern, and Imperial. Northern California: This would make up 40 counties including those of the San Francisco Bay Area and those north of Sacramento, the state capital. This is the third time Draper has tried to get voters to weigh in on breaking up the most populous US state. He backed proposals in 2012 and 2014 to create six California states, but both initiatives fell short of gathering enough valid signatures. In 2016, an effort called Calexit sought to separate California from the US. The secession movement fell out of the spotlight after its former leader announced he was moving to Russia, though the group is still gathering signatures to qualify a measure for the 2018 ballot. NOW WATCH: People in California are calling for a 'Calexit' after Trumps victory See Also: SEE ALSO: 'He was like a hyena going after her:' Theranos investor Tim Draper blames the company's downfall on an investigative journalist Benghazi (Libya) (AFP) - A militia opposed to Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar on Thursday attacked oil sites under his control, a military source said, inflicting fresh disruption on an industry that forms the chaos-hit country's economic backbone. The attack was carried out by the Benghazi Defence Brigades, including fighters driven from Benghazi city by forces loyal to Haftar, the source said. Rival political authorities and militias have been vying for control of territory and Libya's oil wealth since the 2011 uprising that ousted and killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi. The latest fighting took place south of Ras Lanuf and Al-Sidra, two terminals in eastern Libya severely damaged in clashes between the two groups in 2016 and 2017. One of the reservoirs was hit by a rocket fired by the attackers and set ablaze, the military source said. Libya's National Oil Company said in a statement it had evacuated staff "due to armed clashes in the area", with production falling around 240,000 barrels per day. A spokesman for Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army, which controls most of the country's east, said the attack had been repelled. "The army and air force have been tracking down the Benghazi terrorist brigades," who fled the area, the spokesman said. It was not possible to independently verify this information. "The attack aimed to reduce pressure on the terrorists in Derna," the LNA spokesman added. The LNA launched an offensive on May 7 to "liberate" the coastal city of Derna, home to about 150,000 people and held by hardline Islamist fighters since the 2011. "Haftar's forces are preoccupied with Derna, hence the timing", said Jalel Harchaoui, an associate and Libya expert at North Africa Risk Consulting. Derna is the only major part of eastern Libya outside the LNA's control and is held by a coalition of jihadist militias, including groups close to Al-Qaeda. Story continues Backed by the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, Haftar opposes an internationally recognised government based in Tripoli and supports a rival administration based in the east of the country. In September 2016, Haftar's forces took control of Libya's four main oil terminals -- Zueitina, Brega, Ras Lanuf and Al-Sidra. The terminals were for years blocked by the Petroleum Facilities Guard led by Ibrahim al-Jadhran, opposed to both Haftar and the internationally recognised government. No oil was exported from these key terminals between the end of 2014 and their re-opening in 2016, costing Libya more than $130 billion (110 billion euros), according to NOC. In March 2017, the Benghazi Defence Brigades seized control of Ras Lanuf and Al-Sidra terminals, only for the LNA to take them back days later. Jadhran has kept a low profile since 2016, but appeared in a video on social media on Thursday, saying he had formed a coalition to take over the oil sites. It was not possibly to verify immediately whether Jadhran was involved in Thursday's attack. The arrival of a tanker to load crude at the Al-Sidra terminal has been postponed and NOC's board of directors is "following the situation closely," the oil firm said. Paris (AFP) - French President Emmanuel Macron did not mean to offend Italy with comments about the migrant crisis that have sparked a bitter diplomatic row, his office said Thursday. In a phone call with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Wednesday evening, "the president stressed that none of his comments were intended to offend Italy and the Italian people," Macron's office said in a statement. Italy had on Wednesday insisted that Macron apologise for accusing its populist new government of "cynicism and irresponsibility" for refusing to take in 629 migrants onboard the Aquarius rescue ship. A lunch meeting between the two leaders in Paris on Friday, which Rome had threatened to cancel over the row, will go ahead as planned, the statement added. Macron and Conte "confirmed the commitment of France and Italy to organising rescues within the rules on the humanitarian protection of people in danger," the statement said in reference to migrants making the dangerous Mediterranean crossing from Libya. "The president recalled that he has always defended the need for greater European solidarity with the Italian people," Macron's office said in comments that appeared designed to lower tensions between the two sides. "Italy and France must deepen their bilateral and European cooperation to implement an effective migration policy with countries of origin and transit," the statement said. It called for "better common European management of borders and a European solidarity mechanism for the handling of refugees". Ahead of an EU summit at the end of June, both leaders agreed that "new initiatives" were needed to handle Europe's migrant crisis, the statement said. Since the age of 7, Eric Abramovitz has studied with some of Canadas most prestigious clarinet teachers. He took first prize at the Canadian Music Competition six times and performed as a soloist with the Montreal Symphony Orchestra and the Orchestre symphonique de Quebec. However, his pitch-perfect career was thrown off-track. In 2013, Abramovitz applied to complete his bachelors degree at the Colburn Conservatory of Music in Los Angeles. Eric Abramovitz was offered a full-ride scholarship that would make or break his career. (Photo: Facebook/Nashville Symphony) Yehuda Gilad, a professor at the school, accepts two students a year, and he can afford to be picky. He is considered one of the greatest clarinet teachers in the world. On top of that, every student who is accepted into Colburn receives a full scholarship, which includes tuition, room and board, and money for meals and other expenses. A scholarship at the school is worth about $50,000 a year. According to the Montreal Gazette, being chosen for this scholarship is far more than a foot in the door it virtually guarantees becoming a well-paid symphony musician straight out of school. And, of course, Abramovitz cleared all the hurdles to get there. After finally making it through the prescreening process, he flew to Los Angeles in February 2014 to perform a live audition. He was accepted. Yet, the plot thickens. Abramovitz didnt receive his acceptance email. Another student at McGill, the school he was attending, did. That student was Jennifer Lee, his serious girlfriend of five months. She sent Colburn an email pretending to be Abramovitz, turning down the scholarship. Then she sent a fake email to Abramovitz, pretending to be Yehuda Gilad saying that he had not been offered the scholarship. Writing as Gilad, she offered a scholarship of $5,000 a year to study at the University of Southern California. Tuition at USC is $51,000, which Lee knew Abramovitz couldnt afford. According to the Montreal Gazette, Lee did the deception so that Abramovitz wouldnt transfer away from her. He finished his degree at McGill. Story continues After graduating, he worked on a two-year certificate program at USC, where he studied under Gilad part-time. Abramovitz learned of the deception two years later and sued Lee for $300,000. On Wednesday, Ontario, Canada, Superior Court Judge David L. Corbett ruled in his favor, adding $50,000 to the award. The judge said, I cannot speculate as to how high and how quickly Mr. Abramovitzs career might have soared, but for the interference by Ms. Lee. But the law does recognize that the loss of a chance is a very real and compensable loss. Gilad testified that Abramovitz won a number of competitions during his time in Los Angeles and secured a position in the Santa Barbara Orchestra two years later than he would have if he had had the scholarship, missing out on two years of potential salary. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. Her royal wedding may be over, but Meghan Markle isnt ready to give up the Givenchy just yet. The newlywed duchess stepped out in yet another creation by Givenchys Clare Waight Keller who designed her royal wedding dress as she joined Queen Elizabeth II for a joint appearance in Cheshire, England. Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess of Sussex teamed up for a royal appearance. (Photo by Jeff J Mitchell/Getty Images) Having gotten criticism for showing off her shoulders at last weekends Trooping the Colour celebration, Meghan played it safe but oh-so chic in a high-necked, off-white sheath featuring a capelet-style top that kept her upper arms under wraps. Black accessories heels, a clutch, and a slim belt completed the ensemble. The Duchess of Sussex arrives in Cheshire, where she is accompanying Her Majesty The Queen for a day of engagements today #RoyalVisitCheshire pic.twitter.com/tHXPeN3nL5 Kensington Palace (@KensingtonRoyal) June 14, 2018 The queen, meanwhile, stayed true to her habit of wearing bold, eye-catching colors. Her acid-green coat, worn over a floral dress, is by Stewart Parvin, with a matching hat by Rachel Trevor Morgan. In the weeks since her May 19 nuptials, Meghan who wore her hair in a long and loose style with a center part has been credit with boosting sales for Givenchy. With this latest look, the French fashion house famed for its association with Audrey Hepburn once again stands to benefit from the Meghan effect. Read more from Yahoo Lifestyle: Kate Middleton wore a $69.90 Zara dress for a surprise family outing Meghan Markle glows in first public appearance since returning from her honeymoon Move over, Charlotte this 4-year-old Swedish princess is the new royal scene-stealer after christening hijinks Follow us on Instagram, Facebook, and Twitter for nonstop inspiration delivered fresh to your feed, every day. Melting Away Climate change and Greenlands Inuits Photograph by Ciril Jazbec Over the past five years, photographer Ciril Jazbec has documented the changing lives of the Inuit people in Greenland, the worlds largest island, which is covered by the worlds largest and fastest-melting ice sheet. This fact, together with the darkening of its surface, mean the changes in Greenland will affect the entire planet and its species, most scientists have come to agree. Jazbecs long-term project, Melting Away, is about a people at the forefront of climate change, who have an ancient knowledge of hunting and are searching for ways to survive a collapsing ecosystem. The roughy 700 Inuits of Qaanaaq and Siorapaluk, the worlds northernmost settlements inhabited by natives, continue their traditional ways despite several alarming climate, environmental and cultural threats. However, the Inuits resilience is being tested by the new constant of unpredictable hour-to-hour or day-to-day changes in weather. Once able to hunt for weeks on the sea ice, people living there now only travel for a day and have been forced to give up their dog teams. With such poor hunting conditions, young people are leaving smaller settlements like Qaanaaq for the growing capital, Nuuk. Jazbec explains, Melting Away project is my long-term body of work on which I plan to work on for the rest of my career. I keep returning back to the Arctic almost on a yearly basis, because I feel a very honest urge to document the climate change crisis. Throughout my trips, I have managed to establish incredible relationships with the Inuit people, and I am fortunate to be able to count many Greenlanders as my friends. We are in the constant touch about the new unfolding events. Daily life of Inuits is changing rapidly due to the climate change and being able to capture and communicate this change is my main vision. This requires a lot of resources and energy from my side; however, I deeply care about our planet and feel like my work can help fight the climate change. I grew up in a small Slovenian village surrounded by nature, and also from this stems my inspiration to do the projects that raise awareness about environmental issues. Story continues Born in Slovenia in 1987, Jazbec studied management in Ljubljana before moving to London. He earned his masters degree in photojournalism and documentary photography at the London College of Communication. He has been working as a contributing photographer for National Geographic Magazine since 2014. His work is focused on communities confronting the effects of globalization and climate change. He was awarded the Leica Oskar Barnack Newcomer Award 2013, and won awards from Photo Folio Review Les Rencontres dArles 2013, Magnum 30 under 30 2015, PDN30 New and emerging photographers to watch 2016, and Pictures of the Year International 2018. His work has been featured in National Geographic Magazine, the New York Times, GEO, Der Spiegel, Neu Zurcher Zeitung, Marie Claire Italy, Leica Fotografie International, Wired UK and the British Journal of Photography. Melting Away by Ciril Jazbec, winner of the Visura & United Photo Industriess 2018 Grant for Visual Storytelling on Climate Change, will have an artists talk on June 19, 2018, from 6 to 8 p.m. at United Photo Industries in Brooklyn, N.Y. The exhibition will be on view through June 29, 2018. Photography by Ciril Jazbec See more news-related photo galleries and follow Yahoo News Photo on Twitter and Tumblr. By Anthony Esposito and Noe Torres MEXICO CITY (Reuters) - The collapse of the North American Free Trade Agreement would not be fatal for Mexico, the leftist presidential favorite said on Tuesday, while keeping his cool under attack from rivals in the last televised debate before the July 1 election. Asked what he would do if talks fail to renegotiate the deal that underpins the vast majority of Mexico's trade, frontrunner Andres Manuel Lopez Obrador said he would redirect the economy towards the internal market and revive the rural economy. "I am going to suggest that the treaty remains, but (the end of NAFTA) cannot be fatal for Mexicans, our country has a lot of natural resources, a lot of wealth," he said in the round table discussion between the four candidates in the city of Merida. Drawn out negotiations called by Donald Trump with Canada and the United States to modernize NAFTA have reached a deadlock since the U.S. president imposed steel and aluminum tariffs on the trade partners. With just over two weeks before voters head to the polls, the debate was one of the last chances for the pack of trailing candidates to whittle down leftist Lopez Obrador's lead. The four contenders tussled over their visions for changes to Mexico's healthcare and educations systems, but no one landed any game-changing, knockout punches. The former Mexico City mayor, in his third bid to reach the presidency, came out unscathed from two prior debates and has since widened his double-digit lead in most polls. He has double the support of Ricardo Anaya, who heads a right-left coalition, according to a nationwide survey published earlier on Tuesday. Lopez Obrador again pledged to fund big spending projects by ending corruption but was accused by Anaya of handing out contracts without public tenders when he was mayor of Mexico City. Lopez Obrador denied the accusation and Anaya held up a placard directing viewers to a website for evidence of his assertions. But that website was down and a spokeswoman for Anaya said in an emailed statement that the site had likely suffered a Distributed Denial of Service (DDoS) cyber attack. In DDoS, attackers use computer networks they control to send such a large number of requests for information from websites that servers that host them can no longer handle the traffic and the sites become unreachable. "On this website, 185,000 visits were registered within 15 minutes, with the attacks coming mainly from Russia and China," the statement said. "It can take hours to prospect the configurations needed for attacking a website, which indicates the attack was planned and coordinated with national and international agents." Reuters could not independently verify the statement. Lopez Obrador, 64, has benefited from widespread disenchantment with the ruling Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI) over political corruption, record levels of violence and sluggish economic growth. PRI candidate Jose Antonio Meade, who is running third in most polls, and independent hopeful Jaime Rodriguez, also baited Lopez Obrador. But the gray-haired politician did not bite. In the debate, Lopez Obrador showcased the more relaxed, jovial figure he has cut on the campaign trail, mostly avoiding the kind of outbursts that in the past helped adversaries depict him as a radical menace to stability in Latin America's No. 2 economy. Lopez Obrador has painted himself as more of a pragmatist and now says he wants to broker a deal with Trump to stem illegal immigration through jobs and development rather than a border wall. (Editing by Frank Jack Daniel, Michael Perry and Andrew Heavens) Vice President Mike Pence spoke Wednesday at the Southern Baptist Convention's annual meeting. (Photo: NurPhoto via Getty Images) Vice President Mike Pence pledged to continue prioritizing issues that matter to evangelical Christians during his address at the Southern Baptist Conventions annual meeting in Texas on Wednesday morning. Speaking to an estimated crowd of more than 11,000 delegates from Americas largest Protestant denomination, Pence boasted about President Donald Trumps accomplishments and promised Southern Baptists that the current administration will always stand with you. I know, with your strong support in prayers ... with Donald Trump in the White House and Gods help, we will make America safe again, we will make America prosperous again, and to borrow a phrase, we will make America great again, Pence said. During the wide-ranging speech, Pence touted actions the president has taken that were seen as victories by evangelical Christians securing the release of three Korean-American evangelicals who were detained in North Korea, moving the U.S. embassy in Israel to Jerusalem, and taking steps to defund Planned Parenthood. These mentions were greeted with raucous applause and standing ovations from the gathered crowd. At one point, an audience member yelled, Four more years! Dr. Steve Gaines, leader of the Southern Baptist Convention, presides at the denomination's annual meeting on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo: Fort Worth Star-Telegram via Getty Images) According to the SBC, the White House had reached out about Pence addressing its meeting. Pence, an evangelical Christian, is part of a long line of Republican politicians to speak at the Southern Baptists annual meeting. Gerald Ford addressed the meeting in 1976. President George W. Bush delivered a speech via satellite during the conventions 2004 meeting. Texas Gov. Greg Abbott (R) spoke on Tuesday. But news of Pences speech provoked a considerable amount of dissent among attendees, revealing a fissure in the denomination over associating with President Donald Trump. A few attendees of the meeting planned to skip the vice presidents speech and instead hold prayer sessions in other parts of the convention center, The Washington Post reports. Leaders claimed the speech was not meant to show allegiance to a specific political party, but rather an opportunity for Pence to express appreciation to Southern Baptists for the contributions we make to the moral fabric of our nation. Pence did in fact spend time praising the faith and charitable works carried out by Southern Baptists, calling the denomination one of the greatest forces for good anywhere in America. He also spoke about how he was inspired by the resilience of members of the First Baptist Church of Sutherland Springs, Texas. The church community, a member of the SBC, was torn apart by a mass shooting that killed 26 people there last November. Story continues But some Southern Baptists couldnt help but notice that a substantial part of Pences speech was devoted to stumping for the president. Several attendees took to social media to voice their continued opposition to the invite. Even the denominations newly elected president, J.D. Greear, appeared to be uncomfortable with the speech. The 45-year-old megachurch pastor from North Carolina, seen by many to represent a younger generation of evangelicals, acknowledged on Twitter that the speech sent a terribly mixed signal. We are grateful for civic leaders who want to speak to our Conventionbut make no mistake about it, our identity is in the gospel and our unity is in the Great Commission, Greear wrote. Commissioned missionaries, not political platforms, are what we do. Others chimed in: So apparently I've now attended my first political rally ever, sadly it's at the SBC Annual Meeting. Grieved at the division this will cause. Please know many in the room did not want this. I respect Pence, but the convention is not the place for politicking. #SBC18 #SBCAM18 Nathan Montgomery (@montynem) June 13, 2018 We were told the speech by @VP would be applauding Southern Baptists for our contribution to the moral fiber of the country (not that were in a position to be clapped on the back for that right now). But this is an unapologetic stump speech. MAGA hats and all #SBCAM18 #sbc18 rob collingsworth (@rcollingsworth) June 13, 2018 I know the SBC has welcomed politicians on occasion going back 45 years, but has there ever been a full-blown campaign speech like this one? #SBC18 #SBCAM18 Trevin Wax (@TrevinWax) June 13, 2018 I know Mike Pence is a Christian and our Vice President...But I want to personally apologize to those who are offended by the SBCs decision to bring him in. I have spoken and heard from MANY young SBC leaders that desire to chart a different path moving forward. https://t.co/dVOHWucZMY Matt Carter (@_Matt_Carter) June 13, 2018 Sad that so much good this week was just overshadowed by that horrific stump speech by VP Pence. Im horrified and ashamed. To our brothers and sisters of color, Im so sorry. So little wisdom exercised in that decision. I pray God moves us in a better direction. #SBCAM18 #SBC18 Will Standridge II (@WillStandridge) June 13, 2018 Trump is highly supported by white evangelicals across denominations: 75 percent said they hold a favorable view of the president, according to an April poll by the Public Religion Research Institute. On the other hand, Christians of color hold significantly less favorable views of the president. Pences appearance at the SBC meeting comes at a time when the denomination is grappling with racial and sexual misconduct issues. The vice presidents selection was controversial because the Trump administrations stance on racial justice could hurt Southern Baptists attempts to distance themselves from white supremacy and the Republican party. The denomination was formed in 1845 by Baptists in the South who split from their northern counterparts in defense of slavery, and the group has been striving in recent years to atone for that racist history. The church has also been reckoning with the Me Too movement, including the removal of Southern Baptist seminary president Paige Patterson after allegations that he mishandled a students rape complaint. Pence is the second-in-command to a president who has been accused of sexual assault by multiple women. Here is my full statement on why the #SBC18 should withdraw its invitation for Vice President Mike Pence to address the convention. pic.twitter.com/zuznErOjg1 Garrett Kell (@pastorjgkell) June 12, 2018 Virginia-based pastor Garrett Kell proposed an amendment on Tuesday calling for the conference to replace Pences speech with prayer time. About 30 to 40 percent of delegates supported his measure, but the overwhelming majority approved of Pence being invited to speak. Many of our minority brothers and sisters will be especially hurt by this invitation and I fear that it would communicate that our political associations are more important than our association with them, Kell said. Opposition to Pences speech was brought up several more times at the meeting, but SBC leaders ruled that the question had already been decided. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. Messengers pray and worship on Tuesday, June 12, 2018, at the 2018 annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention in Dallas, Texas. (Photo: Fort Worth Star-Telegram via Getty Images) On Tuesday, delegates to the meeting passed resolutions denouncing all forms of abuse, affirming womens dignity, and calling for sexual purity among pastors. The resolutions were a response to the Me Too movement that stayed within the boundaries of the conservative groups views on gender assuring, for example, that women should only serve in biblically appropriate ways, which usually signals that women cant become senior pastors. About two dozen protesters from within and outside the SBC gathered outside the Dallas convention center on Tuesday to push for increased transparency on the issue of sexual abuse. The organizers called for a clergy sex offender database for the SBC and mandatory training for seminarians on how to handle abuse allegations. Ashley Easter, an advocate for abuse survivors and a rally spokesperson, told HuffPost that Tuesdays resolutions fail to take into account the role that patriarchal theology has in the abuse of women. Allowing men to have authority and power over women opens the door wide for abuse, she said in an email. Easter, who is not Southern Baptist, added that she fears the resolution on the sexual purity of pastors wont be effective if the denomination doesnt take steps to hold predators accountable. To my knowledge, the SBC has still failed to implement a clergy sex offender database or call for mandatory abuse prevention and response training for SBC clergy that the [rally] called for, Easter said. If words are not accompanied by action I fear the resolution will be rendered meaningless. The issue continued to be on delegates minds on Wednesday. During a question-and-answer session with the presidents of Southern Baptist seminaries, delegates from around the country stood up and questioned leaders about the steps theyve taken to prevent abuse in their schools. A small group of protesters fighting various forms of abuse within the church engage passersby outside at the Southern Baptist Convention meeting on Tuesday, June 12, 2018 in Dallas, Texas. (Photo: Fort Worth Star-Telegram via Getty Images) Many attendees are hoping that the election of SBCs new president signals change. Greear, who was elected on Tuesday, is the denominations youngest president in decades. Seen by many as the voice for the younger generation, Greear ran on a platform focused on church planting, renewing personal evangelization efforts, increasing racial and cultural diversity in leadership, and engaging with young people. More than 68 percent of delegates chose Greear over the second candidate, 70-year-old former Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary president Ken Hemphill. On his website, Greear said he is approaching his new position with humility and hope. God is stirring in the SBC. He has exposed a startling amount of sin in our midst. He has shaken many of our foundations. And I actually think thats good news, because whom the Lord loves, he chastens, Greear wrote. He is inviting us, I believe, into an era of unprecedented effectiveness for the Great Commission, if we repent. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Everybody loves a joke about how meatheaded new dads are, right? But a new study found that new fathers who feel judged by their partners for their parenting skills could become less involved with their kids down the line. Researchers said the lack of involvement from new fathers may be caused by maternal gatekeeping, a habit some mothers exhibit of controlling the access to and handling of a baby. Much of it is natural, since mothers deliver and nurse babies and therefore have a natural bond. But some of it is social, in that mothers feel it is their role to supervise all aspects of childrearing. The more extreme these tendencies, which the researchers called maternal gate-closing, are can sap new fathers of their confidence around the child and lead him to avoid baby-father interactions, according to the study. Gate-closing activities include mothers taking over an activity with the child if she thinks the father is doing it the wrong way, dictating how any childcare duty should be performed or overtly criticizing the dads parenting skills. The study, which was published in the Journal of Child and Family Studies, looked at data on 182 couples who were asked questions and observed interacting with their child on two occasions, three months after the birth, then again at nine months. Fathers who felt their childrens mothers either denigrated their skills or took over from them were less engaged and warm when playing with their kids six months later. Fathers show lower-quality parenting, as indicated by decreased sensitivity, positive regard, and engagement, when they perceived maternal gate-closing earlier on, Lauren Altenburger, the lead author of this study, who did the research as a doctoral student at Ohio State University, told TIME via email. The study controlled for how competent fathers were, for co-parenting support, and for how difficult the baby was at 3 months old. So this was not just moms stepping in when fathers werent handling the baby with care or were not very enthused by his child. Most of the couples were white and well-educated with a median household income of $80,000. Story continues The study also asked about maternal encouragement (known in this study as gate-opening), but it appeared to have no effect on the fathers parenting skills and commitment at nine months. Becoming a parent is a significant life course event, says Altenburger. If both parents work together as a team to communicate openly about parenting strategies, positive consequences for fathers parenting quality, and, in turn, child adjustment may follow. Other studies have also found the current generation of dads has shown an increase in warmth and willingness to be very hands-on with their children. But others have shown the quality of fathers parenting is more susceptible to environmental influences than the mothers. After a little more than 300 U.S. Marines deployed to Norway last yearmarking the first time the country had foreign troops inside its borders since the World War II Oslo has announced that it plans to invite more than double the number of U.S. troops into its territory. The move is likely to rile Russia, who shares a border with Norway and views the U.S. troops as a threat. Norway's decision is widely seen as an attempt to stave off any possible incursions from Oslos larger neighbor. The U.S. Marines were only expected to stay in Norway until the end of this year, but now Norway wants to increase the U.S. military presence in its country after 2019. The U.S. troops will be asked to stay for at least five years after that, according to reports, and are expected to be sent to regions of Norway that border Russia. Moscows neighbors, such as Norway, Sweden, Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania, have all expressed concern over Russias revanchist tendencies following the 2014 annexation of Ukraines Crimean peninsula and Moscows support for pro-Russian separatists fighting in Ukraine. In 2016, Norway began building a fence along its border with Russia, and the idea of an invasion has become so deeply ingrained in the Norwegian consciousness that the country produced a popular television series about the subject called Occupied. Trending: Former Trump Adviser Roger Stone is Ready for Civil War Norway is a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) and is consequently protected from any foreign invasion by the alliances Article 5, which guarantees collective defense. Still, reports indicate that the countrys government has grown nervous since President Donald Trump began suggesting last year that the U.S. might not honor its obligation to defend its NATO allies. Inviting more U.S. troops into the country is a way to guarantee NATOs involvement if a military confrontation were to take place, analysts argued. Norway and the U.S. have both said that the U.S. Marines are stationed in the country in order to train in freezing temperatures. There are currently no plans to have a permanent U.S. military base in the country. Story continues Members of Norways political opposition, however, have expressed some concern over the presence of U.S. troops in their country. Last year, opposition members asked the government if the U.S. Marines are being used to make up for weaknesses in Norways defense capabilities that the government should address through more investment. Norways military is reportedly experiencing a shortage of personnel. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek T.L. Maxwell's Restaurant & Bar will prepare one last entree Saturday night, maybe serve a final dessert or an espresso, then it'll be tim Attorneys for special counsel Robert Mueller, who was tapped last year to lead an investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election, asked a judge Tuesday to limit how much evidence can be shared with a defendant accused of assisting Russias election interference. Prosecutors asked a federal judge to impose limits on the information that can be shared between defense attorneys and Yevgeny Prigozhin, a Russian businessman with ties to Russian President Vladimir Putin, the Associated Press reported. Prigozhin is accused of funding a troll farm that Muellers special counsel said used stolen American identities to spread false information in swing states ahead of the 2016 election. Prosecutors alluded to alleged ongoing efforts by Russia to influence the 2018 midterm elections as a reason to protect the methods and techniques that would otherwise be disclosed in the case and allow adversaries to adapt their practices. Trending: Resident Evil 2 Remake Producers Talk About Tofu, Eliza Walker Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said last month that the United States had a "great deal more work to do" in protecting the integrity of elections. "I have to say there is more work to do," he said. "We have not been able to achieve deterrence, effective deterrence of some of these efforts of the Russians," he said. Prosecutors outlined the potential threat in court filings obtained by the Associated Press. The substance of the governments evidence identifies uncharged individuals and entities that the government believes are continuing to engage in interference operations like those charged in the present indictment, they wrote. As long as Prigozhin chooses not to appear personally in front of this Court, he is not entitled to review any discovery in this case, they wrote. Courts generally do not allow a charged defendant to seek benefits from the judicial system whose authority he or she evades. Prigozhin, through his company, pleaded not guilty to one charge of defrauding the U.S. government. Story continues Don't miss: Darknet Sales of Opioids Jump After Prescription Restrictions Increase 170854733 Alex Wong/Getty Images He is often referred to as Putins Chef because he owns multiple restaurants the Russian leader has visited frequently. President Donald Trump has been a consistent critic of Muellers investigation and argued that if he is indicted by the former FBI Director, he has the ability to pardon himself. 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? Most popular: Rare Condition Means Blind Woman Can Only See Moving Objects Trump tweeted in June. In the meantime, the never ending Witch Hunt, led by 13 very Angry and Conflicted Democrats (& others) continues into the mid-terms! Trump tweeted in March, Why does the Mueller team have 13 hardened Democrats, some big Crooked Hillary supporters, and Zero Republicans? Another Dem recently added does anyone think this is fair? And yet, there is NO COLLUSION! A June POLITICO/Morning Consult poll showed Trumps attack on the special counsel may be working. 53 percent of those polled said they viewed Mueller in an unfavorable light, a 26 percent spike in unfavorability since last July. Muellers appointment in May 2017 was met with praise from both parties. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek If there are two things that President Donald Trump accomplished by meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore on Tuesday, they are shedding his image as the "dotard" in the country's state-controlled media and winning praise for his "will and enthusiasm." The front cover of the Rodong Sinmun, the mouthpiece of the country's ruling Workers' Party of Korea, prominently featured more than 30 pictures of Kim and Trump's summit, from the handshake to the working lunch to the signing of the document. The summit's outcome was also reported in the state television's daily broadcast courtesy of Ri Chun Hee, the so-called "lady in pink" news anchor usually tasked with reporting on missile and nuclear tests. The reports highlighted the magnitude of the historic moment of a sitting U.S. president meeting with a North Korean leader, described as a "first step toward reconciliation" and a "new starting point" in their relationship. Trending: Sunlight Boosted Memory in Mice Less than a year ago, Kim dug out the fairly archaic term "dotard"meaning "a state or period of senile decay" to respond in style to Trump's threat of "totally destroying" North Korea during the United Nations General Assembly in New York in September. The North Korean ruler was now quoted as saying he "highly praised the president's will and enthusiasm to resolve matters in a realistic way through dialogue and negotiations, away from the hostility-woven past." Kim also promised the world "would witness an important change." 06_13_NK_newspaper Kyodo/via Reuters As for the outcome of the summit, the North Korean media emphasized Trump's acceptance of Kim's request to halt "irritating" military exercises on the Korean Peninsula for as long as the two countries are engaged in talks, as well as a commitment to lift sanctions as relations improve. Story continues Don't miss: Jared Kushner Visiting Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt to Push Middle East Peace Plan "Trump expressed his intention to halt the U.S.South Korean joint military exercises, which the DPRK side regards as provocation, over a period of goodwill dialogue between the DPRK and the U.S., offer security guarantees to the DPRK and lift sanctions against it along with advance in improving the mutual relationship through dialogue and negotiation," the North Korean report read, referring to the country by the acronym for its official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. The state media reports portray Kim as a peace-loving but pragmatic leader who intends to "take practical measures actively to carry out the issues discussed at the talks and the joint statement at an early date" and "take legal and institutional steps to guarantee" denuclearization, peace and stability of the Korean Peninsula. He is also described as immediately agreeing to Trump's request to repatriate the remains of U.S. and foreign soldiers who were taken as prisoners of war or were missing in action following the 1950 to 1953 Korean Wara request that, according to Trump, was included toward the end of the talks. Absent from the North Korean reports is the commitment to destroy what Trump described as a "major missile engine test site"one that did not make it in the official document because, according to the president, "there wasn't enough time." That may be on the table for their next meetingas the North Korean media reported, the two leaders "gladly accepted" each other's invitation to their respective countries. Trump said at a press conference on Tuesday he would invite Kim to the White House "at the appropriate time." This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek President Donald Trump said the U.S. would end its very provocative and "tremendously expensive" war games with longtime ally South Korea in a major concession to Kim Jong Un after the two leaders met at an historic summit in Singapore. Trump said that the U.S. will not reduce its military presence on the peninsula, but that he would like to bring American troops home from South Korea. There has been American military stationed in South Korea since the outbreak of the Korean War in 1950. He also praised Kim Jong Un as a very talented leader of North Korea who ran it tough after a historic summit in Singapore between the two men. Trending: Who Is Uncle John Trump? President Says 'Brilliant Genius' Professor Taught Him About Nuclear Weapons "We can replace the horrors of battle with the blessings of peace," Trump said in a press conference, reported the BBC, after he signed an agreement with Kim. GettyImages-971889058 SUSAN WALSH/AFP/Getty Images That agreement heralds a new U.S.-North Korea relationship based on peace and prosperity and reaffirms Kims commitment to the eventual denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. "There's no limit to what North Korea can achieve when it gives up its nuclear weapons," Trump said. He also said he wanted North Korea to denuclearize as "fast as it can mechanically," while accepting this could be a lengthy process. The president called his meeting with Kim honest, direct and productive, and said Pyongyang promised to demolish a major missile site though this was agreed after the deal was signed, explaining its absence from the document. Trump also hit back at critics of the agreement, which analysts called sparse and underwhelming and said it gifted North Korea the legitimacy it craved in exchange for very little. "I gave up nothing," Trump said. Story continues But Trump said he secured the release of hostages, Kim's commitment to denuclearization, and the recovery of the remains of American soldiers who fell in the Korean War during the 1950s. Don't miss: Video: Jogger Accused of Throwing Homeless Man's Clothes In Oakland Lake The president said Kim accepted his offer of a visit to the White House some time in the future when it is "appropriate." Asked about the prisoners in North Korea's notorious gulags, Trump said: "I think I helped them. At a certain point I believe [Kim] is going to do things about it. I think they are one of the great winners today," CNN reported. In Pictures: Key Moments in North Korea-U.S. Relations These are the four key points from the document signed by Kim and Trump: 1. The United States and the DPRK [Democratic People's Republic of Korea] commit to establish new US-DPRK relations in accordance with the desire of the peoples of the two countries for peace and prosperity. 2. The United States and the DPRK will join their efforts to build a lasting and stable peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. 3. Reaffirming the April 27, 2018 Panmunjom Declaration, the DPRK commits to work towards the complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. Most popular: Fashion Nova's Men's Line Gets Slammed By Twitter Users 4. The United States and the DPRK commit to recovering POW/MIA remains including the immediate repatriation of those already identified. "Having akcnowledged that the U.S.-DPRK summitthe first in historywas an epochal event of great significance in overcoming decades of tensions and hostilities between the two countries and for the opening up of a new future, President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un commit to implement the stipulations in this joint statement fully and expeditiously," the deal says, adding that there will be subsequent high-level negotiations. There is already much debate about who is the biggest winner out of the meeting. Some credit Trumps tough line on North Korea, amounting to nuclear brinkmanship, for bringing Kim to the negotiating table and potentially solving the problem of a nuclear-armed Pyongyang. It was Trumps unique and maverick approach to the North Korean problem, they argue, that yielded results nobody anticipated. But others say this is a clear victory for North Korea, which was in reality rewarded for its nuclear weapons program with the Trump meeting, elevating the regime to the top tables of diplomacy despite its behaviorincluding grotesque human rights abusessending a troubling message to other rogue states and groups. The summit is a "huge win for Kim-Jong Un the optics literally couldnt have been better if he had tried to stage it himself," Jenny Town, Korea analyst and editor at 38North, told the BBC. The fact is this is Kim Jong Unsix months ago he was one of the worlds most hated leaders, and now hes a political rockstar. Other analysts and academics are underwhelmed by the agreement because of its lack of detail and specifics. "Wow. If this is it... this is depressing," tweeted Robert E. Kelly, Professor of Political Science at Pusan National University in South Korea. "This is even thinner than most skeptics anticipated. I figured Trump [would] at least get some missiles or a site closure or something concrete...This looks pretty generic." He added: "God, this is just depressing. All that hype for this? All that drama and the Nobel talk? Come, art of the deal. This is it? This is, well, pathetic given that the US president was personally involved." Viping Narang, associate professor of political science at MIT and an expert on nuclear proliferation, said North Korea has committed to denuclearization for 25 years, citing the 1993 deal with the U.S. "Everyone walks away happyKim having met POTUS as an equalhaving committed to nothing. Can. Kicked. Down. The. Road," Narang tweeted. This article was updated to include more of President Trump's comments. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek When Speaker of the U.S. House of Representatives Paul Ryan announced late on Tuesday that the House will vote next week on two immigration reform bills, he hit pause on the ongoing debate over the status of the so-called Dreamers shielded from deportation by the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. But, though the step forward can be seen as a victory for the Wisconsin Republicans conservative camp, it came in the face of a legislative threat. The announcement of next weeks vote came only after GOP leaders reportedly talked moderates out of forcing one of the immigration reform bills stalled in committee to the House floor for a vote, a threat that had been hanging over the chamber in recent days. The tactic that the moderates had on their side is one with a long history of spurring action among House majority party leaders: the discharge petition. Among the power trips that Congressional committee leaders can pull, they can prevent legislation from being brought to the House floor by doing, well, nothing. The bill then languishes in committee until its moment passes. A discharge petition is the counterbalance to that power, a way to circumvent gate-keeping committee chairs, as it essentially forces a measure out of committee onto the House floor for a vote. It must be signed by 218 members, representing a majority of the House. The discharge petition was first created in 1910 as a way to get around Joseph Gurney Cannon, who served both as the House Speaker and Rules Committee chairman, and kept blocking bills introduced by progressive Republican and Democrats. Incidentally, Cannon was featured on the cover of the first issue of TIME in 1923; in the story, he was characterized as believing that Speakership was a gift from heaven, immaculately born into the Constitution by the will of the fathers for the divine purpose of perpetuating the dictatorship of the standpatters in the Republican Party. But members of Congress didnt really get the hang of using it until after rules for discharge petitions were revised in 1931 and 1935. Desperate times called for desperate measures, so amid the national upheaval of the Great Depression and the New Deal discharge petitions only needed 145 signatures. With the Depression going on, [there were] a lot of kind of populist pressures among members to try new kinds of policies, says Eric Schickler, professor of Political Science at the University of California, Berkeley. (In 1935, the rule was revised to require 218 signatures.) Story continues For example, the modern minimum wage law the Fair Labor Standards Act of 1938 dates back to the heyday of efforts to use discharge petitions, which lasted into the 60s and 70s. During the later years of that run, discharge petitions were popular among Democrats struggling to deal with the split between conservative southerners and liberal northerners. From the 1930s through the 1960s, northern Democrats were the single group most likely to sign them even though they were in the majority, says Schickler. Conservative southerners would work with Republicans to control committees and block liberal legislation. But, though the tactic was top-of-mind for legislators in that period, it wasnt actually all that common for a bill to be stuck in committee, bumped to the floor by a discharge petition and then passed. In fact, between 1938 and the end of the 20th century, the Federal Pay Raise Act of 1960 is the only other discharge petition that actually resulted in the bill in question becoming law. What was more likely to happen was that legislators would use the threat of the discharge petition to encourage other members of Congress to act on the issue before the petition came to fruition. And, because the discharge petition tactic requires using whatever the original bill was, theres a good reason why the threat works. Theyd rather structure the process by which a bill is considered in a way that favors the majority party, says Kathryn Pearson, professor of Political Science at the University of Minnesota, and try to appease majority party members who might be likely to sign discharge petitions by passing something similar. Get your history fix in one place: sign up for the weekly TIME History newsletter Discharge petitions were used multiple times during this mid-20th-century era to force movement on civil rights bills, as the Rules Committee was chaired by Howard Judge Smith, infamous for his inaction on such liberal legislation. Sometimes the threat of a discharge petition is all thats needed to get the desired result, just as the sight of a growing number of signatures on a discharge petition at the end of the year in 1963 successfully pressured Smith to move a version of what would become known as the Civil Rights Act of 1964 out of committee in the first month of the new year. In 1970, a discharge petition forced the Equal Rights Amendment (ERA) out of the Judiciary Committee (though the amendment has yet to be ratified). But the more open the process of circulating discharge petitions became, the less popular they were. In 1993, in a Democratic-controlled Congress, Oklahoma Republican Jim Inhofe successfully filed a discharge petition about making signatures on discharge petitions public. The move was billed as an effort to increase transparency in government, whereas before, they were only published in the congressional record after all 218 signatures were gotten meaning that petitions that didnt hit the mark faded away, even if they had an impact on the course of other legislation. Inhofe leaked a list of 223 members who were refusing to sign his petition to the Wall Street Journal. Now members of Congress can be pressured by constituents to sign a discharge petition, says Pearson. Constituents] can go to the [House] clerks website to see if a member signs it. That wasnt the case before, says Pearson. After some Republicans signed the discharge petition to force the House floor to vote on the Shays-Meehan campaign finance reform bill (known as McCain-Feingold in the Senate), Republican leaders warned members not to do that again. Since discharge petition signatures became public, the only discharge petitions that have resulted in bills enacted into law have been Shays-Meehan in 2002 and a reauthorization of the charter of the Export-Import Bank in 2015. Having a law enacted exactly as its spelled out on the discharge petition is very rare because its a very cumbersome process, says Pearson. Nowadays, as Pearson sees it, discharge petitions have evolved from a tactic used to go over the heads of committee chairs, to a tactic used to go over the heads of majority party leadership. Just as discharge petitions were popular when the Democratic party was divided within, the latest discharge petition reflects internal divisions within the Republican party. In the modern era of a very partisan Congress and polarized parties, discharge petitions have mainly been used by the minority party; there are plenty filed by minority parties, but its more a sign of protest, she says. This latest discharge petition is different from recent ones because a significant number of signatories are members of majority party challenging the majority partys agenda control, moderate Republicans trying to overcome majority party leadership gate-keeping. President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un concluded their historic summit in Singapore Tuesday by signing a joint document that included a pledge to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The document, which hailed the summit as an epochal event of great significance, is broken down into four bullet point resolutions, including unspecified security guarantees from the U.S. in exchange for a firm and unwavering commitment from North Korea to pursue complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the White House confirmed. The leaders also agreed to commit to recovering and repatriating the remains of prisoners of war. Trump described the comprehensive document as very important, and the leaders signed English and Korean copies. The paper affirmed intentions to establish new U.S.-DPRK relations and agreed to future negotiations at the earliest possible date. The two countries are still technically at war since an armistice rather than a peace agreement ended the Korean War in 1953, and the two nations do not have formal diplomatic relations. The DPRK commits to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. pic.twitter.com/Gplql2SSQn Steve Herman (@W7VOA) June 12, 2018 Americas goal for North Korea is complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization. Kim had offered to discuss denuclearization in April, but North Korea threatened to cancel the summit late last month over concerns that giving up nucelar weapons was the only item on a one-sided negotiating agenda. Read more: Why Negotiating With North Korea Was Never Going to Be Easy Read the full document below: Joint Statement of President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea at the Singapore Summit Story continues President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) held a first, historic summit in Singapore on June 12, 2018. President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un conducted a comprehensive, in-depth, and sincere exchange of opinions on the issues related to the establishment of new U.S.-DPRK relations and the building of a lasting and robust peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. President Trump committed to provide security guarantees to the DPRK, and Chairman Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his firm and unwavering commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Convinced that the establishment of new U.S.-DPRK relations will contribute to the peace and prosperity of the Korean Peninsula and of the world, and recognizing that mutual confidence building can promote the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un state the following: 1. The United States and the DPRK commit to establish new U.S.-DPRK relations in accordance with the desire of the peoples of the two countries for peace and prosperity. 2. The United States and the DPRK will join their efforts to build a lasting and stable peace regime on the Korean Peninsula. 3. Reaffirming the April 27, 2018 Panmunjom Declaration, the DPRK commits to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. 4. The United States and the DPRK commit to recovering POW/MIA remains, including the immediate repatriation of those already identified. Having acknowledged that the U.S.-DPRK summit the first in history was an epochal event of great significance in overcoming decades of tensions and hostilities between the two countries and for the opening up of a new future, President Trump and Chairman Kim Jong Un commit to implement the stipulations in this joint statement fully and expeditiously. The United States and the DPRK commit to hold follow-up negotiations, led by the U.S. Secretary of State, Mike Pompeo, and a relevant high-level DPRK official, at the earliest possible date, to implement the outcomes of the U.S.-DPRK summit. President Donald J. Trump of the United States of America and Chairman Kim Jong Un of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea have committed to cooperate for the development of new U.S.-DPRK relations and for the promotion of peace, prosperity, and security of the Korean Peninsula and of the world. (Signed) DONALD J. TRUMP President of the United States of America KIM JONG UN Chairman of the State Affairs Commission of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea June 12, 2018 Sentosa Island Singapore President Donald Trump made history on Tuesday when he became the first U.S. President to meet with a North Korean dictator for denuclearization talks. But, though his meeting on Singapores Sentosa Island was with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, South Korea also played a large part in what happened. As TIME has reported, the U.S. made perhaps the most significant concession at the summit by agreeing to stop joint military exercises with South Korea. Trump said stopping provocative war games would save money. But the joint exercises, which the U.S. has described as a security and peacekeeping measure, have long been a sticking point; North Korea, which views the exercises as practice for an invasion, had threatened to cancel the summit over them. But why were those military exercises taking place at all, and how did nearly 29,000 U.S. troops end up in South Korea? American troops have been in South Korea since the Korean War, which began in 1950 when North Korean forces crossed the line that had been drawn to separate the two nations after World War II. When open hostilities ended in 1953 North and South Korea are still technically at war the support forces of both sides allies remained on the ground. Get your history fix in one place: sign up for the weekly TIME History newsletter By the late 1950s, about 60,000 U.S. troops were stationed in South Korea. Meanwhile, there were were 400,000 Chinese soldiers in North Korea, says Charles K. Armstrong, a Korean Studies specialist at Columbia University, but they were kicked out in 1958. There havent been foreign forces in the North since. Both sides thought South Korea was too poor and weak to defend itself, says Armstrong. North Korea was arguably militarily stronger and the economy recovered more quickly, so South Korea felt very vulnerable for many years after the Korean War. The economy of South Korea didnt pass the North until the early 70s. Thats when the regular joint military exercises started in the 70s and the U.S. has only agreed to suspend them once before, in 1992. That was enough to get North Korea to agree to denuclearization at that time, though it became apparent that the nations actions didnt match its words. Right after that, the U.S. said it had strong evidence that North Korea was developing nuclear weapons and then they went back to having the exercises and they continued ever since, says Armstrong. It does seem like a bit of an anachronism now that South Korea is so much stronger than the North in every way, except having nuclear weapons. Melbourne (AFP) - Hollywood actress Rebel Wilson's Australian record defamation payout was slashed on appeal Thursday to just Aus$600,000 (US$454,000) in a major win for publisher Bauer Media. The "Pitch Perfect" star was awarded Aus$4.5 million in damages against the group last September over articles claiming she lied about her age and background to further her career. It was the largest defamation win in Australian legal history and Bauer appealed, arguing the size of the settlement set a dangerous precedent and there were errors of law in the judgement. The Victorian Court of Appeal agreed, setting aside the decision to award her just over Aus$3.9 million for economic losses. It also cut the Aus$650,000 compensation figure for non-economic loss to Aus$600,000. Wilson had claimed a series of articles in Woman's Day, Australian Women's Weekly and OK Magazine in 2015 had portrayed her as a serial liar and damaged her reputation. The Sydney-born actress told the trial she was sacked from DreamWorks animated feature films "Trolls" and "Kung Fu Panda 3" following the stories. But the Court of Appeal said there was no basis for her to receive financial damages for the potential loss of roles. It found that the previous judge had relied on evidence from Wilson and two Hollywood agents to draw the conclusion that she had lost job opportunities. "The Court of Appeal held that, for a considerable number of reasons, the critical inferences drawn by the judge could not be upheld," the summary of judgement said. "It followed that the judge's award of damages for economic loss had to be set aside... there was no basis in the evidence for making any award of damages for economic loss." Wilson, 38, is in Europe filming and was not in court. She had previously vowed to give her entire payout to charity and tweeted Wednesday it was never about the money. "What happens tomorrow (Thursday) is to do with the losers @bauermedia quibbling about how much they now have to pay me," she said. "While this case was never about the money for me, I do hope to receive as much as possible to give away to charities and to support the Australian film industry." Madrid (AFP) - A rescue ship with 629 migrants on board that is on its way to Spain has become a "symbol of the failure of the European Union," the head of the Spanish branch of Doctors without Borders (MSF) which helps operate the vessel said Thursday. Spain's new Socialist government on Monday said it would allow the boat to dock at its eastern port of Valencia after Italy and Malta refused to accept it. The Aquarius, which is run by SOS Mediterranee and MSF, is expected to arrive in Valencia at the weekend. "The detour of the Aquarius is clearly a symbol of the failure of the European Union and European governments with their contradictory policies," the head of MSF Spain, David Noguera, told AFP by telephone from Barcelona. "It is a very negative precedent. The truth is there is a question on the table as to whether this is a single event which is resolved quickly, or if we will no longer be allowed to dock in Italy and the blockage continues which would completely change rescue operations." The Aquarius rescued the migrants including 123 unaccompanied minors, 11 other children and several pregnant women, from inflatable boats and rafts off the coast of Libya and took them toward Italy, but the country's new far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini barred it from docking, saying it should go to Malta. Malta also refused to take the ship, saying it was Italy's responsibility since the rescue was overseen by the Italian coastguard. Salvini declared victory after the standoff over the fate of the hundred of migrants on board prompted Spain to agree to accept them. "That the Aquarius was diverted to Spain is not a victory for anyone, not for Salvini although he thinks so, and not for MSF or the European Union and especially not for the refugees," Noguera said. "Today a boat that should be rescuing people at sea will spend 10 days outside of the rescue zone, and that will cause more deaths, that is obvious." Story continues The 629 migrants on board the Aquarius come from 26 different countries -- 23 in Africa in addition to Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, according to MSF Spain. Spain's new Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who toppled his conservative predecessor Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote on June 1 after a corruption scandal, made his offer to accept the migrants after the left-wing mayors of Valencia and Barcelona both offered to take the boat in at their ports. "We obviously thank the Spanish government for the gesture, but we ask that it not be a one-off gesture, that it lead the European Union in a change of policies, so that the response to this phenomena is more human," Noguera said. (COLUMBIA, S.C.) Over more than two decades, South Carolina voters forgave U.S. Rep. Mark Sanford for his quirkiness, his infidelity and his lies. But they could not forgive him for his criticism of President Donald Trump. Sanford lost his first election ever Tuesday, beaten for the Republican nomination for another term in the coastal 1st District around Charleston by state Rep. Katie Arrington. Less than three hours before the polls closed, Trump endorsed Arrington on his Twitter account with an especially personal shot at Sanford. Mark Sanford has been very unhelpful to me in my campaign to MAGA. He is MIA and nothing but trouble. He is better off in Argentina, the president wrote, referring to Sanfords trip to South America in 2009 to have an affair while his unknowing staff in the governors office told reporters he was hiking the Appalachian Trail. Sanford survived that public confession to the affair to win two more terms to the U.S. House. But Arrington made an issue of his criticism of the president, calling him a Never Trumper. One of her ads got personal too, saying its time for Mark Sanford to take a hike for real this time. After declaring victory Tuesday, Arrington asked Republicans to come together. And she reminded them who she thinks leads them: We are the party of President Donald J. Trump. Sanford won three terms for U.S. House in the 1990s, then two four-year terms as governor before the affair marred the end of his second term. He returned in 2013 and won a special election to his old U.S. House seat, holding on twice more. Throughout his political career, Sanford has played up his outsider credentials both in the U.S. House, where he supported a box to check on federal tax returns to put $3 toward the national debt, and as governor, bringing a pair of squealing pigs to the state House and Senate chamber to protest what he call pork spending. But Arrington, who works for a defense contractor, has exploited that trait, pointing out Sanfords call for Trump to release his tax returns, his vote against Trumps border wall proposal, and his calling proposed tariffs on alumni and steel an experiment with stupidity. Story continues Sanford responded that he speaks his mind regardless of party and said he has shown over two decades he is a true conservative. In his remarks Tuesday night, he said: I stand by every one of those decisions to disagree with the president. Then there was the Twitter post just after 4 p.m. Tuesday. After attacking Sanford, the president backed Arrington. I fully endorse Katie Arrington for Congress in SC, a state I love. She is tough on crime and will continue our fight to lower taxes. VOTE Katie! Sanford is a second U.S. House member from the South attacked by a challenger for criticizing Trump. In Alabama, U.S. Rep. Martha Roby is in a July 17 runoff against former congressman Bobby Bright. Roby said two years ago that Trumps 2005 lewd comments about women, captured on an Access Hollywood microphone, made him unacceptable as a candidate for president. Arrington will take on Joe Cunningham, a construction lawyer and yoga studio owner who won the Democratic nomination Tuesday. The district, which includes Charleston and the southern coast, has not elected a Democrat since 1978. Two roommates long suspected in the death of a Nebraska woman who vanished after she met one of the pair for a date have been charged with her murder, officials said. Sydney Loofe, 24, went missing after posting a photo to her Snapchat with the caption Ready for my date on Nov. 15, 2017. Loofe planned to spend the evening with 23-year-old Bailey Boswell after the two women met through Tinder. The pair had a first date the previous night, but Loofe never returned home following their second meeting. Boswell and her 51-year-old roommate, Aubrey Trail, were immediately looked at as persons of interest in the case, but they denied having anything to do with Loofe's disappearance. I pray for Sydney, I hope shes found soon," Trail said in a bizarre cell phone video he and Boswell, wearing a hood and sunglasses, posted to Facebook. "I wish the family the best, Im sorry that she wasnt with you on Thanksgiving and thats pretty much all I can say for now." In the video, Boswell discussed her relationship with Loofe, while Trail accused the police of withholding proof of their innocence. Boswell and Trail were taken into custody on unrelated warrants on Nov. 30. They were found in a motel in Missouri and booked into Taney County jail. Then on Dec. 4, about three weeks after Loofe was reported missing, her dismembered remains were found in garbage bags in a field located about 90 miles southwest of Lincoln, officials said. Trail and Boswell were allegedly caught on video hours before Loofe was reported missing at a Home Depot in Lincoln buying tools prosecutors said they used to dismember her body, according to a probable cause affidavit. Trail eventually told investigators that he strangled Loofe with an extension cord, officials said. "It wasnt supposed to go to the extreme it went, of course not," Trail told the World-Herald over the phone in January. It wasnt meant that she was to die." Story continues Boswell is believed to have helped Trail dismember Loofes body and dispose of her remains, investigators said. Trail and Boswell were charged with first-degree murder, and face charges associated with dismembering and disposing of Loofes remains. They made their first appearance in Saline County court Tuesday via videoconference, and were denied bond. Authorities believe the killing was premeditated, but have not suggested a motive in the slaying. Trail told the judge he wanted to represent himself, and an attorney appointed standby counsel as a result. Boswell asked that an attorney be appointed for her. Related Video: True Crime Stories and Our Obsession With Them Watch news, TV and more on Yahoo View. RELATED STORIES 'Killer Nanny' Sentenced to Life in Prison for Murders of 2 Children How Cops Pinned Death of Beloved Cheerleader on Her Ex-Boyfriend Timeline of 2 Murders: How the Killings of Russell and Shirley Dermond Unfolded Related Articles: A Roseanne Barr tweet storm Wednesday night produced another head-scratching moment. The disgraced sitcom star explained that her infamous tweet last month calling former Obama presidential aide Valerie Jarrett a Planet of the Apes child was about the anti-semitism of the Iran deal. Rod Serling wrote Planet of The Apes. It was about anti-semitism. That is what my tweet referred to-the anti semitism of the Iran deal. Low IQ ppl can think whatever they want. Roseanne Barr (@therealroseanne) June 14, 2018 (Rod Serling adapted the 1968 film with Michael Wilson from a novel by Pierre Boulle.) Barrs Hollywood fortunes crashed after she wrote on Twitter last month: Muslim brotherhood & planet of the apes had a baby=vj in reference to Jarrett, who is African-American. The racist tweet prompted ABC to cancel the comedians sitcom revival Roseanne, despite its success. Barr initially blamed the sleeping pill Ambien for her Jarrett post. In her tweet Wednesday, she wrote that shes learning to sleep without the medication. I have developed a bit of palsy in my head and hands due to the stress I have lived thru-I sleep alot now-without ambien too, thank G0D!! goodnight-we are winning! don't give up! PEACE is coming! Roseanne Barr (@therealroseanne) June 14, 2018 In addition to claiming shes not racist, Barr thanked Fox News Sean Hannity for supporting her. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. thank u to my friends @LionelMedia and @seanhannity @normmacdonald and my family & friends 4 helping me when I was broken. Roseanne Barr (@therealroseanne) June 14, 2018 It was a busy night. Story continues Also on HuffPost NEW YORK, NY - NOVEMBER 12: (L-R) Keith Richards, Patti Hansen and Derek Blasberg pose at the launch of "Patti Hansen: A Portrait" hosted at the Gordon Bar at Sixty Soho on Nov. 12." (Photo by Yvonne Tnt/BFA) LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 23: (L-R) Ashton Kutcher and Mila Kunis play ping pong at Clayton Kershaw's 6th Annual Ping Pong 4 Purpose on August 23, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images for Kershaw's Challenge ) NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 23: Former NY Giants player Victor Cruz and Kate Mara attend AT&T NFL Sunday Ticket 25th season kickoff party at The Blond at 11 Howard Hotel on August 23, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/WireImage) LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 23: (L-R) Sarah Hyland and Bryan Cranston attend Clayton Kershaw's 6th Annual Ping Pong 4 Purpose on August 23, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images for Kershaw's Challenge ) HOLLYWOOD, CA - AUGUST 22: Simon Cowell and Kelly Clarkson attend the ceremony honoring Simon Cowell with a Star on The Hollywood Walk of Fame held on August 22, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by JB Lacroix/WireImage) LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 22: Actress Regina Hall arrives at the premiere of Magnolia Pictures' 'Support The Girls' at the Arclight Theatre on August 22, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 21: Travis Scott (L) and Kylie Jenner are seen in SoHo on August 21, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images) NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 21: Rapper Iggy Azalea attends the Build Series to discuss 'Survive the Summer' at Build Studio on August 21, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Jim Spellman/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 20: Jennifer Lopez speaks onstage during the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall on August 20, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage) NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 20: Cardi B attends the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall on August 20, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic) NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 20: Camila Cabello accepts the award for Video of the Year from Madonna onstage during the 2018 MTV Video Music Awards at Radio City Music Hall on August 20, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/WireImage) HOLLYWOOD, CA - AUGUST 20: Jennifer Garner Honored With Star On The Hollywood Walk Of Fame on August 20, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Steve Granitz/WireImage) NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 19: Kylie Jenner on August 19, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Gotham/GC Images) NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 19: Blake Lively poses outside the Crosby Hotel on August 19, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by James Devaney/GC Images) NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 18: Janet Jackson and Daddy Yankee celebrate 'Made For Now' at the 44th annual Harlem Week on August 18, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by John Lamparski/WireImage) LATE NIGHT WITH SETH MEYERS -- Episode 725 -- Pictured: Actress Jessica Biel arrives on August 16, 2018 -- (Photo by: Lloyd Bishop/NBC/NBCU Photo Bank via Getty Images) LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 16: Zoe Kravitz is seen at 'Jimmy Kimmel Live' on August 16, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by RB/Bauer-Griffin/GC Images) NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 16: (L-R) Ruth Wilson, Lenny Abrahamson and Domhnall Gleeson attend 'The Little Stranger' New York Premiere at Metrograph on August 16, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Paul Zimmerman/WireImage) NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 16: Oscar Isaac attends the 'Operation Finale' New York Premiere at Walter Reade Theater on August 16, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Theo Wargo/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 15: Jordan Smith attends the Build Series to discuss his new album 'Only Love' at Build Studio on August 15, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Daniel Zuchnik/WireImage) NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 14: (L-R) Actors Chris O'Dowd, Rose Byrne and Ethan Hawke attend the 'Juliet, Naked' New York premiere at Metrograph on August 14, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Jim Spellman/WireImage) NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 14: (L-R) Actors Michelle Yeoh, Henry Golding, Constance Wu, Ken Jeong and Awkwafina visit Build Series to discuss the film 'Crazy Rich Asians' at Build Studio on August 14, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Desiree Navarro/WireImage) SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA - AUGUST 13: Katy Perry performs at Qudos Bank Arena on August 13, 2018 in Sydney, Australia. (Photo by Hanna Lassen/WireImage) HOLLYWOOD, CA - AUGUST 13: Mandy Moore attends an Evening with 'This Is Us' at Paramount Studios on August 13, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Jon Kopaloff/FilmMagic) LOS ANGELES, CA - AUGUST 12: (L-R) Karamo Brown, Bobby Berk, Antoni Porowski, Tan France and Jonathan Van Ness attend Netflix's Queer Eye and GLSEN event at NeueHouse Hollywood on August 12, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Christopher Polk/Getty Images) INGLEWOOD, CA - AUGUST 12: (L-R) Vanessa Morgan, Madelaine Petsch, Camila Mendes, KJ Apa, Lili Reinhart, Cole Sprouse and Mark Consuelos of 'Riverdale' accept the Choice Drama TV Show onstage during FOX's Teen Choice Awards at The Forum on August 12, 2018 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin Winter/Getty Images) INGLEWOOD, CA - AUGUST 12: Katherine Langford attends FOX's Teen Choice Awards at The Forum on August 12, 2018 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Frazer Harrison/Getty Images) INGLEWOOD, CA - AUGUST 12: Nick Cannon attends FOX's Teen Choice Awards at The Forum on August 12, 2018 in Inglewood, California. (Photo by Kevin Mazur/Getty Images) UNIVERSAL CITY, CA - AUGUST 12: Vanessa Hudgens attends The Celebrity Experience held at Universal Hilton Hotel on August 12, 2018 in Universal City, California. (Photo by Michael Tran/Getty Images) NEW YORK, NY - AUGUST 08: Actress Nina Dobrev is seen on August 8, 2018 in New York City. (Photo by Raymond Hall/GC Images) HOLLYWOOD, CA - AUGUST 06: Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Jason Statham attend the premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures and Gravity Pictures' 'The Meg' at TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on August 6, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Axelle/Bauer-Griffin/FilmMagic) Singer Kelly Rowland arrives for the premiere of Focus Features' 'BlacKkKlansman' at the Samuel Goldwyn Theater in Beverly Hills, California on August 8, 2018. (Photo by Mark RALSTON / AFP) (Photo credit should read MARK RALSTON/AFP/Getty Images) BEVERLY HILLS, CA - AUGUST 08: Executive Producer Amy Poehler of the television show 'I Feel Bad' speaks during the NBC segment of the Television Critics Association Press Tour at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on August 8, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Frederick M. Brown/Getty Images) HOLLYWOOD, CA - AUGUST 07: attends the premiere of Warner Bros. Pictures' 'Crazy Rich Asiaans' at TCL Chinese Theatre IMAX on August 7, 2018 in Hollywood, California. (Photo by Alberto E. Rodriguez/Getty Images) BEVERLY HILLS, CA - AUGUST 07: ETAF Ambassador and Co-Host Colin Farrell attends the House of Taylor dinner benefitting The Elizabeth Taylor AIDS Foundation at House of Taylor on August 7, 2018 in Beverly Hills, California. (Photo by Rachel Murray/Getty Images for ETAF) This article originally appeared on HuffPost. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders defended the administrations detention of nearly 1,500 immigrant children by citing the Bible. In a series of heated exchanges between Sanders and reporters at Thursdays press briefing, the press secretary seemed to have trouble explaining the reasoning behind the practice of separating children from their parents when they cross into the U.S. illegally. After CNNs Jim Acosta asked Sanders about Attorney General Jeff Sessions claim that separating parents from children is rooted in the Bible, Sanders said that following the law is biblical. Asked about Jeff Sessions' claim that separating children from parents is rooted in the Bible, Sanders says "it it is very biblical to enforce the law." She then calls @Acosta dumb, saying, "I know it's hard for you to understand even short sentences." pic.twitter.com/LnQrBUvDBe Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 14, 2018 It is very biblical to enforce the law, that is actually repeated a number of times throughout the Bible, Sanders said. But reporters including Acosta reminded Sanders that no one was forcing the administration to hold children captive, and that there is in fact no law forcing it to separate them from their parents. Can you imagine the horror these kids must be going through when they come across the border? Acosta asked. Theyre with their parents and theyre suddenly pulled away from their parents why is the government doing this? Because its the law and thats what the law states, Sanders responded. It doesnt have to be the law. You dont have to do that, Acosta said. On Wednesday, reporters were allowed for the first time to see a Texas facility housing nearly 1,500 immigrant children separated from their parents by the U.S. government. MSNBC reporter Jacob Soboroff said the children many of whom have been detained for months are essentially in a prison. Story continues I kid you not, one of the first things an employee of the shelter said to me is, when we walked inside, Can you try to smile at these kids, because its weird to see people from the outside. Soboroff said on MSNBC. He recalled the employee adding: They feel like animals locked up in cages being looked at. During Thursdays exchanges, reporter Brian Karem attempted to access Sanders empathetic side. WOW -- @BrianKarem heatedly confronts Sanders about the White House's family separation policy, says, "Come on! You're a parent! Have some empathy." pic.twitter.com/MaZckfqGYv Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 14, 2018 Youre a parent, dont you have any empathy? Karem asked. Come on, Sarah, youre a parent. Dont you have any empathy for what these people are going through? They have less than you do. Seriously, Sarah, seriously. These people have nothing. Sanders deflected the question by claiming Karem was simply looking for more TV time. Related Coverage Refugee Office That Lost 1,500 Kids Not 'Legally Responsible' For Finding Them: Official Immigrant Faces Deportation After Delivering Pizza To New York Army Base Migrant Children Detained In U.S. Facility See Mural Of Trump Quote About Evicting Tenants Detaining Migrant Children Has Lifelong Psychological Effects, Experts Say Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. The scientists used radio telescope data to spot the new planets (Carnegie) Scientists have spotted three baby planets as they form from a disc of gas and dust around a star and it could offer insight into how our own planet formed. Astronomers from Carnegie used a breakthrough technique to spot the extremely young planets in radio telescope data, by spotting swirls in the disc of gas around a very young star. Young stars are surrounded by rotating discs of gas and dust from which planets are formed. The technique spotted three Jupiter-mass planets around the star HD 163296, which orbit at distances of 83 and 137 times that between the Sun and the Earth. HD 163296 is just 4 million years old, compared to our Suns 4.6 billion years, and is 300 light-years from Earth. MOST POPULAR TODAY ON YAHOO Finding more baby planets will help astronomers answer many outstanding questions about planet formation including the process by which our own Solar System came into existence. The astronomers used data from the 60 radio telescope antennae of the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array, ALMA, which has imaged these discs with never-before-seen clarity. They found that anomalies in the velocity of the gas in these rotating protoplanetary discs can be used to indicate the presence of giant planets. Richard Teague of the University of Michigan said, This method will provide essential evidence to help interpret the high-resolution dust images coming from ALMA. Also, by detecting planets at this young stage we have the best opportunity yet to test how their atmospheres are formed and what molecules are delivered in this process. Researchers probing the hoops and gaps within a young stars swirling protoplanetary disk believe three baby planets could be to blame for these grooves. Writing in two papers published in Astrophysical Journal Letters, two separate teams have used a cutting-edge technique that maps the flowing gas around a stars warped and speckled disk to confirm infant star HD 163296 is circled by the newly-formed planets. 6_13 Disk Kink Pinte et al/ALMA (ESO/NAOJ/NRAO)/ESO Trending: Sunlight Boosted Memory in Mice Scientists previously suspected protoplanets might be behind the holey, haloed shape of the star's disk back in 2016, but more evidence was needed to be sure. This time around, research teams followed gas rather than dust as it flowed around HD 163296s disk. We looked at the localized, small-scale motion of gas in the stars protoplanetary disk. This entirely new approach could uncover some of the youngest planets in our galaxy, said Richard Teague, an astronomer at the University of Michigan and principal author on one of the papers, in a European Southern Observatory statement. HD 163296 is a great target for astronomers because its a very young star at only four million years old. That might not sound all that young, but its only about 1,000th the age of our Sun. It sits some 300 light years away from Earth in the constellation Sagittariusalso known as "The Archer." Don't miss: Jared Kushner Visiting Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt to Push Middle East Peace Plan Teagues team found two of the planets, and a team led by Christophe Pinte of Monash University in Australia and Universite de Grenoble-Alpes in France found a third. Astronomers believe the planets lie some 7.5 billion, 13 billion and 24 billion miles, respectively, away from HD 163296. Story continues Astronomers can track carbon dioxide molecules by looking for their specific millimetre-wavelength light. The unusual ebbs and flows of gas in the stars disk revealed massive objects interfering with its current, like a rock creating mini whirlpools in a stream as water diverges around it. The teams used data from Chiles Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) in slightly different ways to pinpoint the planets. ALMA is the largest astronomy project currently taking place on the ground. It harnesses the probing prowess of 66 high-precision antennas. Earlier this week, scientists revealed that tiny diamonds swirling around stars are to blame for mysterious microwave signals radiating through the galaxy. Researchers also think theyve found some of the building blocks of the solar system in dust grains shed by passing comets. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek SEATTLE In a 7-2 vote, the Seattle City Council voted to repeal a tax on large corporations to fund affordable housing and homeless services. The council had voted unanimously to pass the tax just over a month ago. Amid boos, cheers and chanting, three councilmembers whod voted for the tax then voted to repeal it told a packed City Hall audience that they had no other option. Since the Employee Hours Tax passed in May, a coalition of companies led by Amazon and Starbucks have collected more than 40,000 signatures to repeal it. If the City Council hadnt reversed its decision, a referendum to nullify the tax would have appeared on the ballot in November. Councilmember Lisa Herbold said she had seen polls indicating that the vast majority of Seattleites would support repealing the tax. We dont have the time or the resources to change enough minds before the referendum in November, Herbold said after more than an hour of often-heated public comment. Its not a winnable battle. A Compromise Bill The Employee Hours Tax, also known as the head tax, was never anyones idea of a perfect policy. According to the Institute on Taxation and Economic Policys Tax Inequality Index, Washington state has the countrys most regressive tax code in the country, and Seattle the most regressive code within the state. The state constitution bars passing a personal income tax (Washington is one of the few states without one). Thanks to a 2001 ballot referendum, the citys property tax revenues cant grow more than 1 percent per year without explicit approval from voters. All of the obvious fixes are impossible. But even greater than Seattles challenge of taxation is its crisis of homelessness. Since 2010, as Amazon has expanded and the population has boomed, the citys housing supply hasnt kept up. As rents and evictions have increased, the homeless population has risen to more than 12,000 people. A McKinsey study published in May the same week the Employee Hours Tax passed estimated that Seattle and King County, where the city is located, would need to spend at least $200 million more per year to solve its homelessness crisis. Story continues That was the bind growing inequality and strained social services the City Council was trying to address with the head tax. The original proposal was bold: It was going to charge large corporations $520 per year for every worker they employed in Seattle. In 2021, the flat fee would become a payroll tax of .7 percent, which would hit companies like Amazon, which employs thousands of high-wage workers in Seattle, even harder. During the debate that followed, Seattle Mayor Jenny Durkan indicated that she would veto the version of the bill with the payroll tax. Instead, the city passed a version with a more modest fee per employee ($275) and a sunset clause that would end the tax entirely after five years. Rather than raise the originally proposed $75 million to address homelessness, the final version would raise a little under $50 million. In the end, the tax the City Council passed and the mayor signed was modest. The fee it levied was small, it would only be charged to large corporations and it would disappear after five years. Seattle would remain a relatively low-tax city with a growing tech sector and a booming population. Amazon, in the month after it threatened to move 7,000 jobs to other cities, was still advertising more than 1,000 openings here. The entire purpose of the compromise was to lower the temperature of the debate. Instead, after the tax passed, it got worse. Kadee Ingram, 28, holds her son Sean, 2, at SHARE/WHEEL Tent City 3 outside Seattle. The Employee Hours Tax would have provided just under $50 million in funding to fight homelessness. (Photo: Shannon Stapleton/Reuters) Heated Rhetoric And Fudged Facts The Employee Hours Tax passed on Monday, May 14. By Friday of that week, corporations had raised more than $300,000 backing an effort to kill it. Less than two weeks later, canvassers were posted outside grocery stores and cafes, telling pedestrians that the new tax would cost them more money (it wouldnt only corporations would pay the tax) and that it would cut into the profits of small businesses (also false it only applied to companies with revenues over $20 million). Rhetoric about the tax grew increasingly overheated. Starbucks issued a statement saying that This City continues to spend without reforming and fail without accountability. A Seattle Times columnist characterized supporters of the tax as the activist elite. A shoving match broke out at a Trader Joes between supporters and opponents of the tax. Many of the arguments against the tax sounded reasonable. Opponents said they preferred a regional approach to homelessness, a benign-sounding argument that ignores King Countys years of stalled efforts to fight homelessness. They also cited a 2016 report that found the citys homeless services were inefficient and diffuse, but ignored that the bulk of the Employee Hours Tax would fund housing, not services. There was even a mini-fake news scandal. A Seattle real estate developer wrote a Forbes column claiming that the McKinsey report estimating the costs of homelessness didnt exist. This was false in the narrow sense (the report does exist) and in the broad sense (city councilmembers publicly supported the tax weeks before they even knew the report existed), but it didnt matter. The fudged facts, combined with the inflated rhetoric, created a narrative in which the City Council, blinded by ideology and contradicted by reality, was deliberately taxing away all of Seattles jobs. Gilded Age-Level Income Inequality Its rare for politicians to be so transparent about the calculus theyre making. On Monday night, city councilmember Mike OBrien told The Stranger, We know the campaign on the other side would raise however many million dollars they need. Herbold claimed that business interests had already managed to convince Seattleites that increased levels of human suffering were caused by government inefficiency rather than by the Gilded Age level income inequality. Better to repeal the tax now, Herbold argued, than lose publicly and endure six months of well-funded campaign rhetoric against the tax. Whether shes right or not, the repeal is unlikely to appease either side of the debate. At the City Council hearing on Tuesday, supporters of the tax called councilmembers cowards for repealing it. Opponents of the tax called them irresponsible for passing it in the first place. As councilmembers left the chambers after voting to repeal the tax, pro- and anti-tax activists chanted, Vote them out! But the overall lesson from this fight extends beyond Seattle. The vast majority of Americans tell pollsters they believe income inequality is a problem and that they support efforts to fix it. What Seattle has learned in the last month is that these beliefs may be more complicated than they appear. As Herbold points out, a network of companies tried to convince millions of self-identified progressives that a modest, temporary tax on large corporations to help poor people was government overreach. And they won. Similar efforts in other places will encounter the same opposition, the same well-funded misinformation campaigns, the same expansion of technicalities (a regional approach) into deal-breakers. Its easy to support improving the country. Its harder to live with the compromises and imperfections that get us there. CORRECTION: A previous version of this story indicated that a Seattle ballot referendum mandated the citys revenues cannot grow more than 1 percent per year without explicit approval from voters. In fact, that limit is on the citys property tax revenues. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Attorney General Jeff Sessions listens to President Trump speak during a roundtable on immigration policy, May 16, 2018, in the White House. (Photo: Evan Vucci/AP) This may have escaped your notice, but while President Trump was circling the globe, standing up to those menacing Canadians at the G-7 before jetting off to Singapore for the premiere of Strongman Apprentice, the attorney general with whom he cant stand to be in the same room was actually making some consequential policy choices on his behalf. Jeff Sessionss Justice Department has been busy lately. Last week, the department announced in court that it would no longer defend the unconstitutional conspiracy known as Americas health care law. Then, as Trump was arriving for his big summit with the North Koreans, Sessions ruled that foreigners fleeing domestic abuse or gang violence would no longer be given sanctuary in the United States. Both of those decisions broke with considerable precedent, and Id argue that they departed from American ideals in some fundamental way, too. But on the same day that Sessions issued his sanctuary decision, his department also announced a filing that garnered less attention. Administration lawyers filed a motion in support of conservative activists who are suing the University of Michigan, claiming that its policies against bullying and harassment violate protections on free speech. According to the New York Times, its the fourth time that Trumps Justice Department has weighed in against policies on public campuses that seek to curb hateful or divisive rhetoric. Which you could see, I guess, as an assault on tolerance and civility, in keeping with so much of the Trump ethos. Heres where I depart from the administrations reflexive critics, however. As Ive written before, the illiberalism of liberal academia has reached its irrational apex. And on this issue, Sessions and the administration are dead right to make a stand. Having not suffered through law school, I cant speak with authority to the legal maneuverings in the Michigan case. For its part, the university responded to the federal filing by saying that it had already changed some of the provisions in its anti-bullying policy, like the one that said the most important indication of bias is your own feelings. (Seriously. Think about that for a minute.) Story continues The university also said that the administration was wrong to assert that its bias response teams, which are apparently all the rage at universities now, had the power to discipline students. Well, OK. When it comes to the broader principle at issue here, though, we should acknowledge that the Justice Department exists, theoretically anyway, to enforce the nations constitutional protections none more than the right to free expression. And too many college presidents seem to have forgotten that they exist to teach students the value (and sometimes the cost) of those protections. On a basic level, the argument being played out on campus today is about what kind of experience a college owes its students. Increasingly, administrators seem to believe that its their responsibility to provide a safe and nurturing place for study, free of microaggressions and all the rest. A lot of us would argue, on the other hand, that real erudition demands discomfort, rather than its opposite. Being able to hear and process the points of view that contradict our own worldviews even when theyre odious or hateful is an essential prerequisite of knowledge. But on a much deeper level, the question were struggling with here is how a society evolves. One group of people, ascendant on the cultural left, seems to believe that a country becomes more enlightened chiefly by establishing rules and boundaries. In other words, if you issue edicts about the kinds of social views that are broadly acceptable now and those that are not, it will condition people to value tolerance. I imagine this group looked at the landmark legislation and case law of the 1960s, when government justly got involved in eradicating bias when it came to accessing public institutions, and came away with the idea that the same tactic could be used to wipe away more subtle biases inside the institutions themselves. Another group might argue, though, that societal attitudes evolve and become more tolerant with successive generations or, as Martin Luther King Jr. so brilliantly put it, the arc of the moral universe is long but bends toward justice. You can help coax the country along on that continuum, certainly, but ultimately the cost of individual liberty is that you cant just decide whats protected speech and what isnt. Take, for instance, the recent case involving Jack Phillips, a Colorado baker, who refused to provide a cake for a gay wedding. He wasnt saying he wouldnt serve gay people (which would be analogous to the 1960s lunch counters) only that he wasnt comfortable taking part in their weddings. The couple sued him, and the case went all the way to the Supreme Court, which ruled earlier this month that a state commission had mishandled Phillipss case and shown a bias when it ruled against him. Now, I happen to think its self-evident that anyone of legal age who wants to get married should have that right and shouldnt be ostracized for it. But I cant summon much outrage over this ruling, mainly because I dont think the forces of tolerance needed to challenge this guys First Amendment rights in order to win the day. I wouldnt go to a baker who took that position, and neither will a lot of other customers, in Colorado or anywhere else. As social attitudes change, businesses have to adapt or die, which is why one of the most progressive forces in America right now is the local Walmart or Target, where gay pride displays are front and center. So it is on campus. The reactionary forces of social conservatism may well create some hurt and fury for everyone else, but thats their right, and they represent a fading vision of America. You wont hasten their demise by dispatching bias response teams to the scene of the crime. And in fact, what we should have learned from the unlikely ascent of President Trump is that trying to marginalize outdated worldviews creates a backlash all its own. Unreasonable vigilance in the name of tolerance actually empowers the very opposite impulse in the society. To be clear, Sessionss Justice Department doesnt give a whit about any of that the attorney general is primarily interested in coming to the aid of campus rightists and conservative speakers, many of whom mimic Trumps brand of cultural contempt. Thats all right. The government can be on the right side of the issue anyway. One form of bullying doesnt justify another. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions at the Western Conservative Summit in Denver, June 8, 2018. (Photo: Aaron Ontiveroz/Denver Post via Getty Images) When Americans think of foreigners seeking asylum, they most likely imagine political dissidents fleeing the secret police in their home countries. But the controversial new policy announced this week by Attorney General Jeff Sessions severely restricting the grounds for granting asylum reflects a new reality about who seeks protection at Americas borders: people threatened by interpersonal violence who arent being protected by their own governments. People who seek asylum these days not are not the typical political dissenter threatened by [their] government, Ashley Huebner, a managing attorney with the National Immigrant Justice Center, told Yahoo News. She cited hypothetical but realistic examples, such as a woman in Ethiopia who fears female genital mutilation or a gay Iranian man threatened with death because of his sexual orientation. Sessions declared this week that victims of domestic abuse and gang violence should, in general, not qualify for asylum in the United States, creating a new and virtually impenetrable barrier for the majority of Central Americans seeking asylum at the U.S. border. It was a move that immigration attorneys and human rights advocates had been anticipating for months, ever since Sessions announced back in March that he would be taking the unusual step of referring to himself for review a 2016 ruling by the U.S. Board of Immigration Appeals that granted asylum to a woman from El Salvador whod fled her abusive husband and entered the U.S. illegally, claiming that she feared for her safety if forced to return home. The ruling created a precedent allowing foreign victims of spousal abuse and other forms of interpersonal violence committed by non-state actors to be considered eligible for asylum in the United States. Generally, claims by aliens pertaining to domestic violence or gang violence perpetrated by non-governmental actors will not qualify for asylum, Sessions wrote in his 31-page decision to reverse the ruling. The mere fact that a country may have problems effectively policing certain crimes such as domestic violence or gang violence or that certain populations are more likely to be victims of crime, cannot itself establish an asylum claim. Story continues Central American asylum seekers wait as U.S. Border Patrol agents take groups of them into custody near McAllen, Texas. (Photo: John Moore/Getty Images) It remains to be seen how, exactly, the attorney generals reversal of this landmark ruling will play out in practice. But it was immediately clear that the move stands to have the greatest impact on asylum seekers from Central American countries where, in recent years, rampant violence has driven large numbers of migrants to make the perilous journey through Mexico in hopes of finding refuge north of the border. Government data reflecting exactly how often asylum claims are made under the categories now excluded by Sessionss decision is not ready available. However, numbers from U.S. Customs and Immigration Services, whose asylum officers conduct credible fear screenings of individuals who tell a Customs and Border Protection agent that they would like to seek asylum after being apprehended at the border, show a significant surge in such credible fear cases within the last decade from 5,232 total completed cases in 2009 to a record high of 92,071 in 2016 and down slightly to 79,977 in 2017. Of those cases completed in 2017, 60,566 individuals were deemed to have established a credible fear of persecution or torture upon returning to their home country, meaning they would be allowed to remain in the country while applying for asylum in immigration court a lengthy process with relatively low rates of success. The vast majority of asylum cases that are from Central America are based on fear of harm related to gang violence and domestic violence, said Judge Ashley Tabaddor, president of the National Association of Immigration Judges. The decision is just the latest in a series of small but significant changes Sessions has made over the past year or so to the immigration courts which, unlike the criminal justice system, exist within the Department of Justice and fall directly under the control of the attorney general. It also comes amid disturbing reports from the southern U.S. border of family separation, arrests, and detention of asylum seekers, many of them fleeing violence at home in Central America. Asylum officers tasked with evaluating the credibility of an individuals claim that they fear returning home await instructions for how the attorney generals decision should be implemented on the border. A 2-year-old Honduran asylum seeker cries as her mother is searched and detained near the U.S.-Mexico border. (Photo: John Moore/Getty Images) U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services is carefully reviewing proposed changes to asylum and credible fear processing whereby every legal means is being considered to protect the integrity of our immigration system from fraudulent claims, USCIS spokesman Michael Bars told Yahoo News. The attorney generals decision will be implemented as soon as possible. Bars echoed Sessionss common refrain that so-called loopholes in U.S. asylum laws are being exploited by people without legitimate claims of fear. But others view the ruling as part of a broader attack on Central American asylum seekers in particular. This appears to be a very results-driven decision, intended to target a very specific population, said Huebner. She said it was factually inaccurate for Sessions to claim that domestic violence in the U.S. is comparable to levels in other countries. In El Salvador, for example, gender-based violence is so pervasive that Amnesty International considers it one of the most dangerous countries to be a woman. Guatemalas high femicide rate has been tied to inaction by the government in response to violence targeting women. Huebner also noted that Central America is hardly the only part of the world from which individuals seek asylum from harm by non-state actors, an indication of how violence and persecution have evolved around the globe in the decades since the U.S. first established its criteria for asylum seekers in the wake of World War II. A Justice Department spokesperson told Yahoo News specifically that the attorney generals decision on this matter would not preclude asylum for victims of female genital mutilation, but Huebner was skeptical of any such promise. Sessionss language, she argued, is vague enough to cover a range of scenarios, and cases will be decided on an individual basis, so the effect of the new policy will play out over time. But Huebner predicted that the immediate ramifications for those seeking asylum at the border will be devastating. I think its going to make it much more difficult for anybody seeking asylum from Central America and Mexico, unless they have one of the rare cases where theyve been persecuted by government entities, she said. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Naunde (Mozambique) (AFP) - The attackers lured the victims from their homes in the dead of night by shouting "thief", gunning down those who ventured out to intervene, decapitating them and setting one of their heads ablaze. Survivors of the attack that struck a normally quiet corner of north Mozambique described the panic after 20 men armed with guns, machetes and knives stormed Naunde village. Two young men who responded to the disturbance were captured and killed, said Mauricio Miranda, a village leader who survived the assault. "They severed his head, stuck it on a log, roasted it with the fire from a burning car and they left it at the market," said a witness, Narciso Cassimo, shaking with rage as he described the carnage, standing in front of a burnt-out shell that was once a house. Atanasio Nacir, the headteacher of the local primary school, and his deputy, Issufo Amade, raced towards the villagers who had come under attack as they slept. "They burned the first car," Nacir told AFP on Thursday. "We stopped and started watching. They burned another house. And that is when a lady screamed at us that 'you'd better get out because they are targeting men'," he said. Nacir and Amade then fled to the nearby town of Macomia where they and hundreds like them have sought refuge. - 'Sound of a gunshot' - Amade said that he saw three white men among the attackers after being woken by the screams of a neighbour whose husband had just been killed. "We went outside to try to find that lady... and then we heard the sound of a gunshot," said Amade. "The three men I saw were white and strong. They were carrying large backpacks. They started burning houses, went into my house, took the clothes, told my family to leave, and burned down the bathroom." Dozens of people have suffered similar fates this month in Mozambique's predominantly Muslim Cabo Delgado province in attacks blamed on radical jihadists. Story continues Locals and authorities call the group "Al-Shabaab", although it has no proven link to a notorious Somali group of the same name. The group, which conducted its first attack in October and is said by academics to want to impose sharia law in the region, has not published claims of responsibility or any demands. - 'They burned everything' - Naunde villagers attempted to repel the attackers with whatever weapons they could find but were struck down by gunfire. "We had machetes and arrows. We tried to react and they began to shoot us. So we had to run away," said Miranda, a village elder. The attackers torched 164 homes and four cars. Mounds of debris, charred wood and scattered possessions are all that remains of many of the homes and businesses that once speckled the white sandy ground. "In my house, they burned everything I had, my goats, my clothes, everything," said Cassimo. After laying waste to the village for two hours, the attackers destroyed the bridge that connects the village to the outside world to frustrate rescue efforts, and fled the area. More than half of Naunde's residents, who mainly work as fishermen and peasant farmers, have fled to the district capital Macomia. The village's only school has closed and nurses have fled the local clinic. Many of those who chose to stay behind are forced to sleep rough under palm trees while soldiers help to clear the area and begin the painstaking task of rebuilding. Two days after Naunde was attacked, the village of Namaluco, which is just 20 kilometres (12 miles) away, was besieged in the same way and five villagers were killed, raising fears of more attacks. The afternoon was classic Donald Trump. As cameras rolled and many channels took his comments live the then-candidate insulted the family of Jeb Bush, called Marco Rubio a choke artist and aggressively questioned Ted Cruzs mental health, honesty, citizenship and faith. I have never ever met a person who lies more than Ted Cruz. Ive never seen anything like it, Trump said on Feb. 15, 2016, in Hanahan, S.C. One of his strongest backers, then-Lt. Gov. Henry McMaster of South Carolina, stood at the side of the low-ceiling, wood-paneled room and smiled widely. McMaster, a veteran politician and former state party chairman, still knew how to win: question the character, integrity and Christianity of your rival, knowing that no one ever lost a vote for casting the choice in the state as an us-versus-them proposition. That style of hard-elbowed, cold-eye politics seemed to have led to a hiccup for McMaster despite the Trump blessing. Elsewhere, Trump seemed to be enough to hobble his foes, as was the case for an incumbent Congressman who drew an ire-filled tweet from the President shortly before polls closed. Taken together, the results signaled no Republican can ignore or upset the President, but neither could anyone count on him for survival. McMaster is as good a test case as any. Those who have watched him over the years knew he should never be counted out. Thats why, when he became the top South Carolina Republican to back Trumps White House bid, strategists took notice. Trump was leading in the polls but he was still an uncertainty in the Republican presidential field. He had come in a surprising second-place in Iowa a few weeks earlier and had surged to a win in New Hampshire. But the thrice-married New York billionaire who once supported abortion rights was now in the South, asking voters in a Republican primary dominated by evangelicals to give him a chance. The plan was to talk about the U.S. military installation in Guantanamo Bay, Cuba, in a state with one of the highest concentrations of veterans. After about 12 minutes of answering questions about his rivals in the race, Trump finally turned to the military message. They shouldnt be moving people, hardened criminals, into this area, Trump said, criticizing the considered move of some prisoners from Gitmo to Charlestons Naval Consolidated Brig. (It previously housed American citizens who were detained as enemy combatants.) I would increase the population, Trump promised of Gitmo. Story continues Trump also stoked the fears of immigration. With the migration, you have people coming into the area of South Carolina. Theyre coming in. If I were the Governor, I wouldnt let them come in. I dont care what the rules and regulations say, Trump said. We shouldnt be taking people in from the migration. And, for good measure, Trump blamed the Bush clan for not keeping the country safe on Sept. 11, 2001, repeatedly called Cruz a nutty liar, speculated about Rubios nerves and lashed out at former President Bill Clinton. McMaster simply nodded along. Four days later, Trump won the states primary and won every delegate on the table. Bush exited the race altogether, rejected by a state that had given his brother, George W. Bush, a second wind in 2000. A few months later, Trump appointed South Carolina Governor Nikki Haley his ambassador to the United Nations clearing the way for McMaster to move into the Governors Office. As the elections neared in 2018, Trump sought to keep McMaster there, tweeting that he is strong on Crime and Borders and great for our Military and our Vets. Henry McMaster loves the people of South Carolina and was with me from the beginning. He is strong on Crime and Borders, great for our Military and our Vets. He is doing a fantastic job as your Governor, and has my full endorsement, a special guy. Vote on Tuesday! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2018 Despite his plainspoken approach to politics, McMaster hardly has the authentic credentials that Trump used to great effect. In fact, this is McMasters 15th year in public office, dating back to his appointment as U.S. Attorney in 1981. That familiarity in an environment that rejects insiders or swampiness is part of the reason why analysts say McMaster ran into headwinds on Tuesday. Under South Carolinas electoral system, if no candidate captures 50% of the vote, the top two finishers proceed to a runoff, which is exactly what happened to McMaster, who is now headed for another ballot on June 26. McMaster also faced questions about his longtime advisers ethical scandals. McMaster has not been charged with any wrongdoing, has broken off his relationship with the adviser and has not been asked to testify. At the same time, in the same state, that pro-Trump message got a boost in a House race against incumbent Rep. Mark Sanford, a critic of the President. Sanfords challenger, state lawmaker Katie Arrington, successfully made that criticism central to her campaign and promised in television ads to support Trump. In a late-Tuesday tweet as polls had been open for more than nine hours and the President was on his way back from a summit in Singapore with North Korea Trump took a jab at Sanford and the extramarital affair that took him to Argentina and into divorce proceedings. Mark Sanford has been very unhelpful to me in my campaign to MAGA. He is MIA and nothing but trouble. He is better off in Argentina. I fully endorse Katie Arrington for Congress in SC, a state I love. She is tough on crime and will continue our fight to lower taxes. VOTE Katie! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 12, 2018 McMaster is merely the latest test of the Trump halo. The President has had mixed results when he has inserted himself into lower-tier races. He endorsed the losing candidate in both the primary and the general election in Alabamas special election for the Senate, as well as in the early barometer race for Virginia Governor last year. Republicans held a House district last year in Georgia, but only after party committees and their allies spent more than $18 million to help Karen Handel. This year, Trumps record is still split. His endorsement wasnt enough to help a Republican hold a Pennsylvania district Trump had won in 2016 by 20 percentage points. But it did help a preferred candidate, John Cox, make it onto Novembers ballot for California Governor. More tellingly, though, are the troubles that come to those who show signs of disloyalty toward the President, such as Sanford. In Alabama, Martha Roby signaled she was uncomfortable with Trump as the GOP nominee in the waning days of 2016 when a video recording came to light that showed the then-nominee bragging about sexual assault. A year and a half later, she was forced into a July 17 runoff against a Trump aficionado who ran an ad claiming Roby turned her back on President Trump when he needed her most even though Roby canned the criticism well before Trump had won the White House. Thus was the paradox of the Trump era for these candidates. Speaking out against him brings nothing but headaches in the first round of voting. But failing to do so could doom these candidates in second round this fall. From afar, Trump can only watch and weigh in on Twitter. And even then, its not entirely clear hes making the most informed choices, the way his predecessors in the Oval Office would have. For instance, Trump tweeted an endorsement of Rep. Dan Donovan citing his votes for Tax Cuts. Donovan actually voted against the GOP package of tax cuts this year. Even as Washington agreed to suspend joint U.S. and South Korean military exercises as the country pursues peace with North Korea and the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, Seoul is modernizing its military and purchasing new missiles and fighter aircraft. South Korea lives under constant threat of an attack by North Korea, and the countrys leadership has promoted the idea of diplomatic negotiations as a result. South Korea was largely responsible for convincing Pyongyang and Washington to come to the negotiating table. But simultaneously, Seoul is aiming to prepare its defenses in case the U.S. decides to halt joint military exercises indefinitely or pull out the around 28,000 troops it has stationed inside South Koreas borders. With this in mind, it is looking to upgrade its military equipment, particularly its air force and navy, according to reports. South Korea will now purchase F-35A stealth aircraft from Lockheed Martin, one of the company's most modern fighters. Trending: FIFA World Cup 2018 In Russia: 50 Things To Know In the near term, the stealth technology on our 5th Generation platforms, the F-22 and F-35, is the price of admission into the fight. The lethal envelope of advanced air-defense systems continues to grow against our 4th Generation aircraft, General Mark Welsh, the former chief of staff for the U.S. Air Force, said in a statement. The purchases are being finalized as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo claims that the U.S. can achieve the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula in just two and a half years. Experts, however, indicated that Pompeo still has a lot of work to do before the isolated country gives up its nuclear capabilities. President Donald Trump met with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore on Tuesday, but the historic meeting was just the first step toward diplomacy, according to some experts. Don't miss: Resident Evil 2 Remake Producers Talk About Tofu, Eliza Walker Story continues The summit didn't result in a concrete framework for how to get to denuclearization or normalized U.S-North Korea relations, but it did put in place a process for sustained negotiations led by the State Department. Secretary Pompeo and the other diplomats who will lead these talks no doubt have a lot of challenging tasks ahead of them, not only in getting North Korea to agree to significant follow-up measures, but in keeping Washington, Seoul and Beijing on the same page as each pursues bilateral engagement with Pyongyang, Daniel Wertz, associate director of the National Committee on North Korea, told Newsweek. There are a number of initial steps that need to be taken to start the process of rolling back North Korea's nuclear program. The dismantlement of some additional missile testing infrastructure, which President Trump mentioned at the summit, is a modest start, but should be followed up with a freeze of North Korea's uranium enrichment and plutonium production programs, and a full declaration of its nuclear activities, Wertz continued. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek (This version of the June 8 story corrects dates in the headline) SEOUL (Reuters) - South Korea's President Moon Jae-in will visit Russia at the invitation of Russia's President Vladimir Putin from June 21 to 23, South Korea's presidential Blue House said on Friday. In what will be the first state visit by a sitting South Korean president to Russia since 1999, the two leaders are expected to discuss issues such as North Korea's denuclearization and peace on the Korean peninsula, the Blue House said. "We expect that the summit with President Putin will serve as a chance to further strengthen strategic communication and cooperation between the two countries as peace is developed on the Korean Peninsula," the Blue House said. (Reporting by Haejin Choi; Writing by Joyce Lee; Editing by Robert Birsel) Madrid (AFP) - Spain's new interior minister said Thursday he will "do everything possible" to remove barbed wire from border fences that surround the Spanish territories of Ceuta and Melilla, to help reduce injuries to migrants seeking sanctuary in Europe. The six-metre (20-foot) parallel fences, often topped with barbed wire or coils of razor blades, form part of the Spain-Moroccan border and curve round the two North African enclaves, the only land connection between Europe and Africa. Surrounded by the Mediterranean Sea on one side and Morocco on the other, the territories are regularly targeted by migrants who try to get inside by climbing the fences -- sometimes resulting in serious injuries. "I will do everything possible so that the barbed wire at the gates of Ceuta and Melilla are removed," Interior Minister Fernando Grande-Marlaska said during an interview with radio Cope, adding it is a priority. "It is not reasonable or acceptable to see people jumping over the fences, we can act before, at the origin", in the countries where migrants come from. In Ceuta, 25 migrants have been treated for cuts caused by the barbed wire so far this year, including ten who required hospital treatment, according to the Spanish Red Cross. A 30-year-old Senegalese man lost his life in 2009 after piercing an artery on the barbed wire in Ceuta, according to Spanish media reports which cited a copy of his autopsy. "We are talking about solidarity, of respecting people's dignity, while controling the migratory flow, one does not impede the other," Grande-Marlaska said. Last year a parliamentary commission led by the Socialist party, in power since June 1, demanded in vain that the ruling conservative government at the time remove the barbed wire from the two territories. Watchtowers are also situated along the fences, which are equipped with movement sensors, cameras and spotlights. Human rights groups have slammed both Spain's and Morocco's security forces for beating migrants during attempts to scale the fence. Story continues They have also criticised Spain for expelling those who make it over the fence, without giving them the chance to claim asylum. Spain's new Socialist government has offered to take in 629 migrants aboard the Aquarius rescue ship that was stranded in the Mediterranean after Italy and Malta refused to let it dock at the weekend. Grande-Marlaska said these migrants would be treated "in the same way" as the more than 9,000 migrants who have reached Spain by sea so far this year. "It will be decided if a person should receive protection or not" by distinguishing between those who have endured "all sorts of calamities" to qualify for asylum, and those who come for "economic reasons", the minister said. As many as 55 people, some of them children, were discovered in a tractor-trailer in San Antonio, Texas, according to local media reports. Authorities were called to a North Side neighborhood at around 8:30p.m. on Tuesday and found dozens of people suspected of entering the country illegally in the vehicle, KSAT-TV reported. San Antonio Fire Department Chief Charles Hood said five people had to be transported to a local hospital for treatment for minor injuries. Trending: Resident Evil 2 Remake Producers Talk About Tofu, Eliza Walker Otherwise, he said everyone found inside the tractor-trailer appeared to be in good health. "This truck was air-conditioned, thank God," Hood said, adding that the truck had water, so the group was "hydrated." In July last year, 10 people died on the way to San Antonio while being smuggled into the U.S. in an overheated tractor-trailer that the Department of Justice believed had been packed with as many as 70 to 200 people at one point. A Walmart employee had called local authorities requesting a welfare check after being asked for water. Police found eight people dead inside the tractor-trailer, with two more people pronounced dead later after suffering heat stroke and dehydration. Don't miss: Darknet Sales of Opioids Jump After Prescription Restrictions Increase The driver of the tractor-trailer, 61-year-old James Matthew Bradley, was sentenced to life in prison for his role in the incident. KSAT-TV said a member of the community who was watching news coverage of the incident purchased pizza for the group, which they were able to eat while they were being detained. They were later taken to a detention center after being searched, the broadcaster reported. Homeland Security Investigations spokeswoman Nina Pruneda told the Associated Press that the agency is investigating the incident. Most popular: Rare Condition Means Blind Woman Can Only See Moving Objects HSI has not responded to a request for comment from Newsweek. Story continues As part of its nationwide crackdown on illegal immigration, the Trump administration has cracked down on smuggling operations, with enhanced security at the border. "Human smuggling operations, smuggling of drugs and other contraband and entry of gang members and other criminals at the border of the United States threaten our national security and public safety," President Donald Trump said in an April memo announcing increased measures to restrict illegal border crossings. He added that "the backlog of immigration-related cases in our administrative system is alarmingly large and has hindered the expeditious adjudication of outstanding cases," adding that "border-security and immigrationenforcement personnel shortages have become critical." The president has overseen a "zero tolerance" approach to undocumented immigrants, demanding that anyone caught crossing the border illegally be referred for federal prosecution and seeing families separated at the border, with parents taken to federal jail and children taken into the custody of the Department of Health and Human Services. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek A junior minister in the government of British Prime Minister Theresa May resigned on Tuesday ahead of a crucial vote that could decide the future of Brexitand perhaps the Prime Minister herself. The resignation of Phillip Lee could spell trouble for the British government, which wants the countrys lawmakers to approve its strategy for withdrawal from the European Union. The U.K. voted to leave the political and economic bloc of 28 nations in June 2016. Parliament will vote Tuesday on a key piece of legislation, the E.U. Withdrawal bill, that would transfer European Union laws currently on British books into British law after Brexit. If the government fails to pass the bill as it is, it will be forced to change what it asks for in negotiations with the E.U.undermining Mays position and possibly threatening her job as Prime Minister. Heres a short guide to a tumultuous week in British politics: Who is the minister who has resigned? Justice minister Phillip Lee is the first minister to resign over the governments Brexit policy. Lee, who voted for Britain to remain in the E.U. in the 2016 referendum, said in a statement he was incredibly sad to resign but did so in order to vote against the governments position on a key amendment to the bill. The amendment in question hinges on whether lawmakers will get a meaningful vote on Britains membership of the E.U. customs unionwhich allows for tariff-free trade between members should the governments negotiations result in an unfavourable deal. The government says lawmakers should be offered a choice only between its final deal and no deal at all. This particular amendmentbacked by rebel members of Mays Conservative party and some opposition lawmakerswould give lawmakers a greater spread of choices. What does his resignation mean for the government? Lees departure increases the likelihood of an embarrassing defeat for Theresa Mays government. A victory for the meaningful final vote amendment would leave the government weaker in am upcoming round of talks with E.U. negotiators in late June, and also weaken Theresa Mays authority as leader. Story continues If May is defeated by a wide margin her position as Prime Minister could be threatened. This might convince some wavering rebels to back the government in order to save May and prevent Boris Johnson, the current foreign secretary and a leading so-called Brexiteer, from seeking to replace her. The votes of opposition lawmakers will also be important. The Labour party, the main opposition, is also divided on Brexit. If some of its leave-supporting lawmakers choose to vote against the amendment, the government could avoid defeat altogether. What do the newspapers say about the votes? The right-wing press is presenting the upcoming votes as a make-or-break moment, continuing its longstanding tactic of describing the Brexit process as the will of the people and any attempts to seek greater democratic oversight of the process as undemocratic. Britains highest-selling tabloid, The Sun, which is owned by Rupert Murdoch, addressed lawmakers directly on its front page, saying they faced a choice between Great Britain or Great Betrayal. The Daily Express, another pro-Brexit tabloid, issued a thinly-veiled threat to lawmakers, saying they should Ignore the will of the people at [their] peril. It also attacked the unelected nature of the House of Lords (which traditionally scrutinizes laws passed to it by the elected lower chamber), linking it to a perceived attempt to frustrate the Brexit process. If the government avoids defeat, is Brexit a done deal? Not at all. Among the many issues outstanding ahead of Britains planned withdrawal date of March 29, 2019 is the question of what happens to the Northern Irish border. The land border, which separates European Union member state Ireland from the rest of the United Kingdom, currently has no checks on people or goods crossing from side to side. An open border is one of the key guarantees of the Good Friday Agreement, which ended decades of sectarian violence in Northern Ireland. Theresa May has said no British government would ever agree to a hard border there. But once Britain leaves the E.U. it must find a way to regulate or otherwise account for goods crossing its border into Northern Ireland while keeping it open. It is a politically explosive issue with no obvious solution. Mays preferred approach is temporarily keeping the U.K. in some form of temporary customs union with the E.U., but this is unacceptable to hardline Brexiteers in her party. David Davis, the Brexit secretary, was reportedly close to resigning over the issue last weekend. He was said to have changed his mind after a promise from May that such a temporary union would last no later than 2021. But if the amendments being debated in Parliament this week force a change to the governments negotiating strategy, the wound could yet reopen. Istanbul (AFP) - Four people were killed in southern Turkey Thursday in clashes that erupted when a lawmaker from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party was campaigning in a mainly Kurdish town near Syria, 10 days ahead of tightly-contested polls. Reports said those killed were shot dead in chaotic fighting at Suruc in the Sanliurfa region, although rival sides gave starkly contrasting versions of events. The incident added to tensions ahead of the June 24 elections, where Erdogan will seek a second term as president and also a thumping majority in parliament. The Sanliurfa governor's office said a fight erupted between two groups during the visit by MP Ibrahim Halil Yildiz to small businesses in the centre of Suruc. It said three people were killed and nine wounded in an "incident" that took place afterwards. It did not confirm reports that a shooting had taken place. Both the Anadolu and Dogan news agencies said there was a shooting and video reports from the scene published by Dogan contained the sound of gunfire. One of the victims later died in hospital from the wounds sustained in the attack, Anadolu said, bringing the death toll to four. The lawmaker escaped unharmed, the reports said, but the identity of all the victims was not immediately clear. There were conflicting reports about the circumstances of the killings, with pro-government media saying Yildiz and his supporters came under attack from opponents armed with knives and sticks. The state-run Anadolu described it as an attack against the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and added that among those killed was the MP's brother. It claimed that supporters of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) were among those involved in the attack. In his first reaction to the incident, Erdogan appeared to blame the bloodshed on the HDP and the outlawed Kurdish militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). "This is the most obvious example that the HDP and PKK have not been able to abandon basing their growth strategy on feeding off the blood of Kurds," he said. Story continues "We have no problem with our Kurdish brothers. We have a problem with the PKK," he said. - 'Sad events before polls' - But unconfirmed reports on pro-Kurdish media blamed the MP's bodyguards for the attack, after he was met with hostility during the visit to the shopkeepers. "We are faced with very sad events with just days to go before June 24," said the HDP's co-leader Pervin Buldan. "We see that some are trying to incite the people with provocations," she added, condemning those behind the killings. Reports indicated that the fighting had initially broken out after a dispute between Yildiz and a local representative of the Democratic Regions Party (DBP) which is close to the HDP. After the first clashes, fighting even continued at the hospital where the wounded were brought, reports said. Suruc, a mainly Kurdish town, was the scene of a bombing on July 20, 2015, blamed on so-called Islamic State (IS) jihadists that killed 34 people and wounded about 100. That bombing sparked huge tensions in Turkey at the time, with many Kurdish activists taking to the streets and accusing the government of not doing enough in the fight against IS. Turkey is entering what is expected to be a tense final week of campaigning ahead of the polls. Analysts are forecasting that the parliamentary and presidential elections will be tight, with Erdogan possibly forced into a run-off and with his ruling party at risk of losing its overall majority in parliament. One of the crucial questions will be whether the HDP is able to exceed the 10 percent threshold needed to win seats in parliament. If it does, the AKP's chances of winning an overall majority will be sharply reduced. HDP presidential candidate and former leader Selahattin Demirtas is campaigning from behind bars following his arrest in November 2016 on charges of links to the PKK. Istanbul (AFP) - Three people were shot dead in southern Turkey on Thursday during an election campaign visit to a mainly Kuridsh town near Syria by an MP from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party, reports said. Eight people were also wounded in the shooting at Suruc in the Sanliurfa region that broke out as MP Ibrahim Halil Yildiz visited small businesses in the town centre, the Anadolu and Dogan news agencies said. He escaped unharmed, the reports said, but the identity of all the victims was not immediately clear. There were conflicting reports about the circumstances of the killings, with pro-government media saying Yildiz and his supporters came under attack from opponents armed with knives and sticks. The state-run Anadolu described it as an attack against the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and added that among those killed was the brother of the MP. It claimed that supporters of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) were among those involved in the attack. But unconfirmed reports on pro-Kurdish media blamed bodyguards of the MP for the attack, after he was met with hostility during the visit to the shopkeepers. Suruc, a mainly Kurdish town, was the scene of a bombing on July 20, 2015, blamed on so-called Islamic State (IS) jihadists that killed 34 people and wounded about 100. That bombing sparked huge tensions in Turkey at the time, with many Kurdish activists taking to the streets and accusing the government of not doing enough in the fight against IS. Turkey is entering what is expected to be a tense final week of campaigning ahead of the polls. Analysts are forecasting that the parliamentary and presidential elections will be tight, with Erdogan possibly to be pushed into a run-off and with his ruling party at risk of losing its overall majority. Donald Trumps explanation for stopping military exercises with South Korea namely, saying they were too expensive was ridiculous, a senior Republican has claimed. Mr Trump stunned many observers at the Singapore summit when he declared he wanted to end very provocative war games with South Korean forces. He said the US paid for the majority of them and they were very expensive. We fly in bombers from Guam, he said. The announcement came as a surprise to most, including the government and military of South Korea, and the 28,500 US troops stationed in the country. On Wednesday, secretary of state Mike Pompeo flew to Seoul to explain Mr Trumps plan seen as a major concession to North Korea and Kim Jong-un to the foreign ministers of South Korea and Japan. Senator Lindsey Graham of South Carolina said he supported Mr Trumps decision, but for a different reason; he said it was important to give North Korea some breathing space to see if we can get a deal. He said Mr Trumps complaint about the cost was ridiculous, adding to CNN: The money we spend training with our allies is money well spent. Its not a burden onto the American taxpayer to have a forward deployed force in South Korea. It brings stability. Its a warning to China that you cant just take over the whole region, said Mr Graham, a member of the Senate Armed Forces Committee. So I reject that analysis that it costs too much, but I do accept the proposition, lets stand down and see if we can find a better way here. Mr Trump told reporters in Singapore he wanted to halt the exercises, which includes Ulchi Freedom Guardian, one of the largest military exercises in the world. The war games spread over 11 days and involve thousands of US and South Korean troops, an event North Korea has long described as being a deliberate provocation. Under the circumstances that were negotiating a very comprehensive, complete deal I think its inappropriate to have war games. ... It is something that [North Korea) very much appreciated, he said. Story continues He then cited the cost of the exercises. We fly in bombers from Guam. Thats a long time for these big massive planes to be flying to South Korea to practice and then drop bombs all over the place and then go back to Guam, he added: I know a lot about airplanes. Its very expensive. Meanwhile, other Republicans voiced concerns that Mr Trump had appeared too gushing when he spoke about Mr Kim. Mr Trump continued to praise him on Twitter on Wednesday as he flew back to Washington via Hawaii. Reuters quoted Republican Senator John Kennedy as saying Mr Trump had to be vigilant as the process moved forward. Its important that we dont lose sight of the fact that Kim Jong-un is a butcher and hes a butcher of his own people, he said. I want to thank Chairman Kim for taking the first bold step toward a bright new future for his people. Our unprecedented meeting the first between an American President and a leader of North Korea proves that real change is possible! pic.twitter.com/yF3iwD23YQ Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2018 Trying to reason with someone like that is like trying to hand-feed a shark. It doesnt mean that you cant do it, but youve got to do it very, very carefully. Senator Marco Rubio, who campaigned unsuccessfully against Mr Trump in the 2016 Republican presidential primaries, also faulted Mr Trumps praising of Mr Kim. Kim is NOT a talented guy. He inherited the family business from his dad & grandfather. He is a total weirdo who would not be elected assistant dog catcher in any democracy, he said on Twitter. House Speaker Paul Ryan said in a statement: We must always be clear that we are dealing with a brutal regime with a long history of deceit. Only time will tell if North Korea is serious this time, and in the meantime we must continue to apply maximum economic pressure. Meanwhile, Democrats were much more scathing. Its clear that Kim Jong-un walked away from Singapore with exactly what he wanted the pomp, circumstance and prestige of a meeting with the president of the United States while making no specific commitments in return, said Mark Warner, the top Democrat on the Senate Intelligence Committee. Whether this will result in a verifiable agreement to dismantle North Koreas nuclear weapons programme, America and the world will wait to find out. After months of nuclear gamesmanship, Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un had a friendly meeting in Singapore on June 12 the first time a sitting U.S. president has met with North Koreas leader. We expected President Donald Trump to praise himself for meeting with Kim Jong Un a dictator who, like his father and grandfather before him, has been longing for a meeting with an American president. And sure, if a meeting with Kim is the only thing that will stop nuclear war, give him all the meetings you can. But lets please remember that Trump created the frightening predicament that some are now crediting him with helping to resolve. Theres no question that the person who brought us to the brink of war was Trump, not Kim. The World has taken a big step back from potential Nuclear catastrophe! No more rocket launches, nuclear testing or research! The hostages are back home with their families. Thank you to Chairman Kim, our day together was historic! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2018 By tweeting threats of nuclear annihilation after North Koreas missile tests, Trump created the very crisis that he believed only he could solve by meeting with Kim and lowering the temperature by giving away the store. Its true that Kim responded with heated attacks, and the rhetoric escalated on both sides, but the American president shouldnt be elevating a despot like Kim in the first place and further instigating confrontation. North Korean Leader Kim Jong Un just stated that the Nuclear Button is on his desk at all times. Will someone from his depleted and food starved regime please inform him that I too have a Nuclear Button, but it is a much bigger & more powerful one than his, and my Button works! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) January 3, 2018 Despite claims coming out of the summit, Kim has made no move to denuclearize, blowing off White House demands from months ago that it be a condition of the summit. Trump caved when North Korea said last month it would absolutely not denuclearize and threatened to cancel the summit just before Trump canceled it (only to announce it was on again). Kim provided no timetable for denuclearizing or for inspections and verification. Story continues And why should he? As Sen. Tom Cotton (R-Ark.) said Tuesday in defense of the summit on conservative radio host Hugh Hewitts show (in one of those gaffes in which a politician actually tells the truth), if you have nuclear weapons, you should be given a meeting with the U.S. president. If youre only ambitious to get them but dont yet have them he used Iran as an example then, according to Cotton, youre one of the two-bit rogue regimes not worthy of a meeting. Theres no better encouragement than that for Kim to keep his weapons and for other despotic regimes to try to get them. Trump gave Kim (and himself) an enormous spotlight and made a key concession that took even allies by surprise by announcing that military exercises with South Korea will cease. Trump then invited Kim, a brutal dictator who has carried out horrendous atrocities against North Korean citizens and had his own half-brother killed, to the White House. North Korean state media reported that Trump would be visiting North Korea. The U.S. is essentially accepting that North Korea is now in the club of nuclear-armed nations. Trump might as well have announced that last year when Kim launched missile tests, rather than threatening nuclear attack. And Trump should have called for a summit then to talk about lifting sanctions in return for an end to North Koreas human rights violations. At least in that scenario, something of substance would have been accomplished. Theres no question that the person who brought us to the brink of war was Trump, not Kim. Instead, were now accepting North Korea as nuclear armed, overlooking its horrific actions against its own people and celebrating its leader. And Trump is being patted on the back for it and not just by stunningly hypocritical Fox News pundits many of whom attacked Barack Obama for supposedly wanting to meet with dictators and loyal Republicans twisting themselves into pretzels. On the positive side of the summit, one, we are now on a path to diplomacy rather than military confrontation and easing of tension in the Korean Peninsula because of this historic summit, former Clinton administration ambassador to the U.N. and Democratic former New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson reportedly said on a conference call with reporters. Another positive would be the fact that theres a process started, a process of continued negotiations. Both of those points are true, but again, we wouldnt have been on a path to military confrontation without Trumps reckless Twitter rants in response to Kims missile tests. As far as Kim is concerned, it was all worth it, because it brought him the meeting he has coveted. ABSOLUTELY STUNNING -@SebGorka reacts to history in the making as President Trump gets Kim Jong Un to denuclearize in less than a day pic.twitter.com/1wp5AjLiMs FOX & friends (@foxandfriends) June 12, 2018 Another thing about the process that has supposedly started: Weve seen North Korea start a process before, with previous administrations, only to break agreements, deceptively continuing its nuclear program. Theres no reason to believe anything is different this time and every reason to believe Kim views his nukes as his security and his ticket to the world stage. Weve also seen Trump become unhinged over perceived insults and do a 180 time and again. His recent attack on the Canadian prime minister and his angry exchange with the French president are perfect examples. He was bear-hugging both men and singing their praises just months ago just as he was with Kim two days ago. We should be glad were not all going to die tomorrow. But Trump shouldnt get the credit for temporarily getting us out of the potential catastrophes he created while he destructively feeds his ravenous ego. Follow Michelangelo Signorile on Twitter @msignorile. Donald Trump has a soft spot for strongmen. The president praised North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in a Wednesday interview, calling the head of the totalitarian regime a smart guy and a great negotiator. Hes a tough guy. Hey, when you take over a country, tough country, tough people, and you take it over from your father, I dont care who you are, what you are, how much of an advantage you have, if you could do that at 27 years old, I mean, thats one in 10,000 that could do that, Trump told Fox News Bret Baier. So hes a very smart guy, hes a great negotiator, but I think we understand each other. BAIER: Kim Jong Un is clearly executing people. TRUMP: Hes a tough guy. Hey, when you take over a country, tough country, tough people, and you take it over from your father if you could do that at 27-years old, I mean, thats 1 in 10,000 that could do that. (via FOX) pic.twitter.com/R8FfkREDYX Kyle Griffin (@kylegriffin1) June 13, 2018 After North Korean dictator Kim Jong Il died in 2011, his son, Jong Un, was named the head of the nation and went on to purge other family members from the party. Jong Un is widely suspected of killing of his half-brother. When Baier pointed out some of the unsavory things Jong Un is accused of doing in North Korea, Trump demurred. Yeah, but so have a lot of other people have done some really bad things, Trump said. I mean, I could go through a lot of nations where a lot of bad things were done. With the president offering North Korea several concessions at the Singapore summit with Kim, including the cessation of military-preparedness training with the South Koreans and the possible removal of U.S. troops from the Korean Peninsula, critics of the administration say the U.S. is giving China exactly what it wants. Baier pressed that point with Trump in Wednesdays interview. Story continues Slideshow: Historic summit between Trump and North Koreas Kim in Singapore >>> President Trump meets with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Sentosa Island in Singapore. (Photo: Evan Vucci/AP) No, I think China would really like to see no nuclear weapons, you want to know the truth, because look, whether youre semi-friendly with a nation or not, when they have nuclear weapons and youre that close, that cant be a positive feeling, Trump said. It just cant be. So Chinas been very helpful. I think over the last two months, maybe less so. I think the border got a little more open. Now, it didnt affect todays negotiation, but I think the border opened up a little bit more because China could be a little bit upset about trade because were very strongly clamping down on trade. Trump then pivoted to fondness for Chinas leader. I have a very strong relationship with President Xi of China. Hes an incredible guy, Trump said. They just, essentially president for life, thats pretty good. Trump on President Xi of China: Hes an incredible guy. You know, essentially president for life. Thats pretty good. pic.twitter.com/U0d8108edw Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 13, 2018 Rounding out Trumps positive appraisal of leaders with a tight grip on power, the president was asked about his relationship with Vladimir Putin and his call to reinstate Russia into the G-7 alliance. Im not for Russia, Im for the United States, Trump said. But as an example, if Vladimir Putin were sitting next to me at a table instead of one of the others, and we were having dinner the other night in Canada, I could say Would you do me a favor? Would you get out of Syria? Would you do me a favor? Would you get out of the Ukraine, get out of Ukraine, you shouldnt be there? Just come on. Now, I think Id probably have a good relationship with him or Id be able to talk to him better than if you call somebody on a telephone and talk. If Im sitting like I was with the others, for instance the new prime minister of Italy. He is a great guy, we had a great relationship. He agrees with me on Putin by the way. Trump on why he wants Russia back in G7: If Putin were sitting next to me & we were having dinner, I could say, would you do me a favor? Would you get out of Syria? Would you get out of Ukraine? Just come on. I could ask him to do things that are good for the world. pic.twitter.com/eBd2flJ3r9 Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 13, 2018 _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Kim Jong Un had a request. As Donald Trump wooed the North Korean leader inside a former British garrison in Singapore, Kim asked Trump to suspend military exercises by U.S. and South Korean forces on the Korean Peninsula, long a source of concern for Pyongyangs hair-trigger military. It wasnt something that had been negotiated by their staffs, and some of Trumps aides were concerned that the concession would irritate allies. But he calculated that it was worth the risk, and without consulting anyone further, he told Kim on the spot that hed do it. It was exactly the kind of shoot-from-the-hip move they hate in the pin-striped confines of the State Department. But the moment was classic Trump. Ill do whatever it takes to make the world a safer place, he said in a press conference after the summit, in response to a question from TIME. If I can save millions of lives by coming here, sitting down and establishing a relationship with someone whos a very powerful man, whos got firm control of a country and that country has very powerful nuclear weapons, its my honor to do it. The war-game concession was just the latest in a series of surprising turns in what may ultimately prove to be a historic moment. Since inspectors from the International Atomic Energy Agency were blocked from visiting North Korean nuclear sites during the first term of Bill Clintons presidency, the U.S. and its allies have struggled with the growing threat of a nuclear-armed North Korea. Multiparty agreements, crippling sanctions and threats of military intervention have failed to prevent the totalitarian state from approaching the ability to strike the U.S. with a nuclear-tipped missile. Now, in less than a year, Trump has gone from threatening Kim with annihilation to the first face-to-face talks between a sitting U.S. President and a North Korean leader. The result was mixed. Trump touted his terrific relationship with Kim, a verbal promise Kim gave him that he was destroying a missile-engine test site and Kims unwavering commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Trump also secured the return of the remains of 5,300 service members who died during the Korean War. But experts pointed out that Kim had made only vague promises of the kind that Pyongyang had violated multiple times before. Story continues The summit theater was the latest and most dramatic example of how the impulsive President is upending the global order. Three days earlier, as he flew to Singapore aboard Air Force One after a testy, two-day economic summit with six of the U.S.s closest allies, Trump had grown livid as he watched Canadian Prime Minster Justin Trudeau declare that the new U.S. trade tariffs were unfair. Scowling at the flat-screen TV in the planes private office, according to a White House official, Trump ordered his aides to back out of the summits final communique, which had already been publicly released after two days of negotiations. The move was met with stunned protest from Ottawa to London to Paris. But thats how things work now. With each feat of showmanship or fit of pique, Trump is redefining Americas role on the world stage. Early on, Trump heeded his top aides when they urged caution. But in the past six months, he has taken increasingly dramatic risksespecially in foreign policy. In December, Trump committed to moving the U.S. embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, overriding the dire predictions about Middle East chaos. In March, he threatened to impose stiff trade tariffs on China and Europe, then enacted them two months later after global markets generally bounced back from initial losses. In May, he withdrew the U.S. from the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran, even though Europe, international agencies and some of his own senior aides said Iran was complying with it. The populist has famously bristled at convention. If you go into a meeting and say we cant do that, or thats not the way its been done, you can be assured hes going to want to do it, says one senior National Security Council official. He thinks the way its been done is wrong and stupid and wont work. But lately Trump has become increasingly energized by the idea that hes shattering precedent, and feels vindicated by the results of his risky moves, according to interviews with more than a dozen friends, aides and former officials. He recognizes that people always are running around, it seems, with their hair on fire, senior White House aide Kellyanne Conway told TIME. He sees that all those attempts [by past Administrations] have been failures, and they have been aborted promises. So he says, Lets just try it a different way.' There may be short-term benefits in abandoning the U.S.s decades-old commitment to strategic predictability. But foreign-policy experts at both ends of the political spectrum are worried about the costs. Rattling allies undermines decades of strategic certainty in international affairs, says Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the hawkish Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Already, other countries are retaliating with trade tariffs that could boost prices at home, slow the global economy and spike unemployment. Trumps backing of Sunni and Israeli moves against Iran, in addition to his withdrawal from the 2015 nuclear deal, are encouraging a dangerous proxy war in the Middle East, where over 25,000 U.S. troops remain deployed. Nowhere are the stakes are higher than in North Korea, where diplomatic failure could set the course for renewed military confrontation. If Trump misplays his hand, it could endanger millions of lives. For those who have known the President for years, his handling of the summit was trademark Trump: casting aside strategic prudence for a theatrical gesture, with an impulsiveness rooted in the belief that he alone could cut the big deal. This confidence was visible seven years ago, at the 2011 White House Correspondents Association dinner, when Trump was already thinking about launching a campaign for the presidency, according to those who saw him in action that night. During a 10-minute conversation at a table in the center of the ballroom, Trump asked Nick Ayers, who was then a young Republican strategist and is now Vice President Mike Pences chief of staff, questions about the mechanics of presidential campaigns and political organizations and committees, according to a person at the dinner. Later in the evening, Trump sat stone-faced as comedian Seth Meyers skewered Trump for his questions about President Obamas birthplace and said he was surprised Trump was running as a Republican because I just assumed he was running as a joke. Five years later, in July 2016, Ayers was swept into Trumps campaign effort as part of Pences team. The day after Trump won the election, Ayers asked Trump if he recalled their conversation that night, according to a person close to Trump who was in the room. Trump said it was one of two or three moments that convinced him to launch a full-fledged bid for the White House. He heard the punch lines as a challenge. Oh yeah, you think I cant do it? the person said, describing Trumps reaction. Watch me do it. Trump wasted no time tossing diplomatic conventions overboard. The day after the 2016 election, Japans Prime Minister Shinzo Abe called Trump on his personal cell phone. Trump was in his office with a handful of senior aides and put Abe on speakerphone. After exchanging pleasantries, Trump said what he often tells acquaintances: if Abe were ever in New York, he should look him up. Abe said he would be in New York the following week. So Trump agreed to meet him, violating a long-standing tradition that a President-elect doesnt meet with foreign leaders until theyve taken the oath of office. The Obama White House was apoplectic. But Trump wouldnt cancel the meeting. The sit-down with Abe initiated what would become Trumps closest relationship with a world leader and set the tone for his engagement with Asian powers. Trumps first year in office was marked by running battles between his instincts and his aides. Some White House staffers appealed to the Presidents gut, while others tried to outmaneuver or wait out the Presidents impulses. In order to manage Trumps behavior in briefings, for example, his second National Security Adviser, H.R. McMaster, began having aides prepare cards that answered four basic questions: Why are we doing this? What will it cost? What are others paying or doing? And what happens next? For a while, it worked. In the summer of 2017, Trump repeatedly demanded to know why the U.S. was still in Afghanistan after toppling the Taliban government in 2001, but ultimately agreed to boost troop levels there, in line with Establishment thinking. He groused in response to the litany of concerns voiced by aides about moving the U.S. embassy to Jerusalem, which his transition staff had prepared for him to do on his first day in office. But he deferred action on the move. He complained that bureaucrats were overstating the potential fallout of ditching the Iran nuclear deal, but put off pulling out of it as he had promised to do during the campaign. When aides like Tillerson, Defense Secretary James Mattis and Trumps former economic adviser Gary Cohn succeeded in suppressing his instincts, it came at a cost. Trump railed against his Cabinet secretaries and staff. The Iran deal was a source of particular frustration. Thanks to the checks Republicans placed on the deal when Obama signed it, Trump was required every three months to certify that Iran was complying with the agreement. Advisers predicted that European markets would tank if Trump didnt. Feeling boxed in, the President demanded other options. In July 2017, with another three-month certification looming, Trumps national-security staff had none to offer. Trump exploded. This is never f-cking happening again, he said, according to two people familiar with the meeting. Against this backdrop, the President shook up his inner circle, firing chief of staff Reince Priebus and replacing him with Homeland Security boss John Kelly. In exchange for imposing discipline, the retired Marine general demanded tight control over the White House decisionmaking process. For a while, Kellys guardrails constrained Trump. But over time they, too, have failed. Much of the slippage came on the domestic front, with Trump lashing out more frequently and harshly at special counsel Robert Muellers investigation into his campaigns contacts with Russian officials, demanding the deployment of National Guard troops to the border and announcing pardons with little input from the Justice Department or his staff. But arguably the biggest breaks have come on foreign policy. When Trump took office, the State Department sent a document to the White House predicting that dozens of U.S. embassies would be overrun with protesters if Trump decided to recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital. Tillerson stuck to that line so hard that around the West Wing he become known as the Doomsayer, according to a White House official. The issue came to a head near the end of the year, when Trump pushed the case and Tillerson demurred. Diplomats from Egypt, Jordan and Saudi Arabia warned the White House that their leaders would issue forceful objections if Trump went forward, citing fears that formally acknowledging Jerusalem would spark violent clashes over the ownership of a city that has long been a lightning rod for religious and nationalist passions. But on Dec. 6, Trump announced that the embassy would move, and now many White House officials feel that the dire warnings were overblown. The jockeying wasnt done. Officials tried to stall the move. At a rally on May 10 in Elkhart, Ind., Trump himself described one such attempt, saying advisers told him it would cost $1 billion and take years to complete. He said he called the U.S. Ambassador to Israel, David Friedman, who told Trump he could move the embassy into an existing building in Jerusalem for $150,000. David, you can do that from $1 billion to $150,000. You know what? Spend $200,000 or $300,000thats O.K. too, Trump said. Friedmans move was largely symbolic: he had a large stone plaque installed on an existing consular office and transferred some staff from the existing embassy in Tel Aviv to populate it. By the time Trump walked away from the Iran deal, it was clear that the dam had broken during the previous five months and that a two-week period in early March had been particularly telling. On March 1, Trump announced new aluminum and steel tariffs on Europe and China. On March 13, he replaced Tillerson with his hawkish CIA director, Mike Pompeo. It was right in the middle of this period that a special envoy from South Korea arrived in Washington on March 8, with a message so urgent and sensitive, it needed to be delivered in person. The door to the Oval Office clicked shut. The South Korean envoy had told Trump that Kim Jong Un wanted to meet him as soon as possible. Would Trump accept? The President turned to the handful of senior advisers and jutted out his chin in what aides have come to recognize as a sign that hes about to say something provocative. Im inclined to do it, Trump said. What do you think? There were a million reasons to say no, and as the South Korean envoy cooled his heels across the hall in the Roosevelt Room, Trumps aides took turns listing them, according to two U.S. officials briefed on the meeting. For years, the U.S. had refused to reward North Koreas treaty-violating pursuit of nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles; a face-to-face meeting would seem to do just that. Moreover, with little time to plan tactics and strategy, or to demand concessions, there was no way to tell what Kim might give up in return. Worst of all, if talks proved that there could be no diplomatic solution to the standoff, then military conflicteven nuclear warcould become more likely. But in a matter of minutes, Trump had made up his mind. By quickly saying yes to a meeting, the President thought, he would test Kims intentions and put him off-balance, explains a close aide. Trump summoned the South Korean diplomats into the Oval Office and beamed. Lets do it, fellas, the President said. Trump wasnt done surprising his staff or his South Korean guests. He had, in some ways, internalized the concerns of his aides. The South Koreans assured Trump that Kim was open to giving up his nukes, wouldnt object to U.S.-Korean military exercises and promised to stop nuclear and missile tests. But none of that was in writing. Trump wanted to protect himself. So as he sat with the South Korean envoy, national-security adviser Chung Eui-yong, in the armchairs before the Oval Office fireplace, Trump made an unusual proposal. Heres an idea: how about you make the announcement, Trump said, according to the officials. It went against long-standing diplomatic protocol for an ally to speak on behalf of the U.S. President. But while White House aides helped draft a statement for Chung to read, the jet-lagged diplomat called his boss, South Korean President Moon Jae-in. Just after 7 p.m.two hours after delivering the message from KimChung walked into the West Wing driveway and announced that Trump had agreed to meet the brutal dictator. It was only the beginning of a diplomatic dance that would stun foreign-policy experts. Pompeo made two surprise trips to Pyongyang and brought back three freed American prisoners. Asked on May 9 if he deserved the Nobel Peace Prize, Trump replied, Everyone thinks so, but I would never say it. It was clear that he was beginning to enjoy himself. But it turned out that dealing with North Korea might not be so easy. Late one Wednesday night at the end of May, Trumps national-security team told him a North Korean official had called Pence a political dummy and threatened a nuclear showdown. On top of that, the delegation the President had sent to Singapore two weeks earlier to hammer out the summit details had been stood up. North Korea had gone radio-silent for more than a week. It was starting to look like the summit would be a diplomatic and public relations disaster. Trump decided to sleep on it. The next morning, after firing off two tweets alleging without proof that the FBI had sent a spy to infiltrate his campaign, Trump personally dictated a letter to Kim that announced he was canceling the summit. The letter, equal parts wistful and threatening, called Kim His Excellency, but pointedly noted that the U.S. President was hoping not to have to use Americas massive and powerful nuclear capabilities against the young dictator. Just over a week later, North Koreas No. 2 official, Kim Yong Chol, walked into the Oval Office and personally presented Trump with a letter the size of a legal pad. The summit was back on. To his fans, Trumps growing international disruptions are a welcome development. Thats exactly what we were hoping for when he was a candidatesomeone who acts less like a politician and more like a businessman, someone who sees the field and makes a decision, says Eric Bolling, a former Fox News anchor and early campaign supporter who regularly speaks to Trump and believes the Presidents unpredictability keeps foreign leaders off guard. Of course, Trump is hardly the first President to make decisions spontaneously. President George H.W. Bush surprised his staff in 1990 when he drew a red line after Saddam Husseins invasion of Kuwait, telling reporters on the South Lawn of the White House that Iraqs aggression will not stand, and setting the stage for the first Gulf War. President Richard Nixon unexpectedly created what is now a long-standing U.S. policy of not negotiating with terrorists when, faced with questions from reporters about two U.S. diplomats and three others held hostage in Sudan in 1973, he said the U.S. will not pay blackmail. But in previous Administrations, these types of incidents were rare. This President is interacting on an hourly basis, and there is no filter, says Timothy Naftali, a presidential historian at New York University. There are no staffers between his impulses and his Twitter finger. Trump is burning up political capital in the process. The White House is historically designed in order to limit the risk of embarrassment, Naftali says. If he would use his staff better, he wouldnt find himself in these embarrassing positions. There costs are mounting. In the wake of Trumps break with the other G-7 countries ahead of the Singapore summit, the French government suggested Trump had acted rashly and out of anger, and criticized his inconsistency. Canadas Parliament unanimously condemned Trumps criticisms of Trudeau and backed the governments hardening stance over the NAFTA negotiations. And while the Middle East hasnt yet blown up over Trumps Jerusalem embassy move or his departure from the Iran deal, both are proving destabilizing. Protests along Israels border with Gaza have claimed more than 100 lives, and have raised concerns in Cairo that the unrest could spread to the border with neighboring Egypt. European and Chinese attempts to salvage the Iran deal are faltering, and Iran says it will increase its uranium enrichment capacity now that the U.S. has abandoned the pact. In the case of another potential summit with North Korea, embarrassment could prove even more costly. Trump billed the Singapore meeting as just the first of several. But longtime U.S. intelligence analysts are concerned that Kim may use drawn-out talks to further advance his nuclear program, as North Korea has done in the past. Theres also a concern that talks may implode if Trump feels slighted, as he did after the G-7 meeting. This time the fallout would do more than bruise the U.S.s relationships with its steadiest allies; it would endanger millions of lives on the Korean Peninsula. In addition to an arsenal of atomic bombs secreted away in underground tunnels across the country, North Korea has approximately 11,000 pieces of artillery aimed at Seoul from the mountains north of the demilitarized zone. Destroying those positions would take days, during which bombs would be raining down on the Seoul metropolitan areas population of 25 million. The danger is that he is approaching this almost as a reality show, says Jeffrey Prescott, a former senior National Security Council official under Obama. Hes thinking about the short-term benefit he could get from the pageantry of the summit itself and could lose sight of the substance of the threat. Kim wants to be seen on equal footing with the U.S. and, ultimately, secure a guarantee that the U.S. wont attack and will eventually leave the Korean Peninsula. There is another possibility: that through chance, shifting interests and the mix of Kims strategy and Trumps spontaneity, the Singapore summit will represent a real breakthrough. When Trump took office, Washington elites were arguing over two options for dealing with Kims nukes: military intervention or learning to live with a nuclear North Korea through deterrence. This summit, for all its showmanship, may very well leave the U.S. better positioned than either of those offerings. Trumps diplomacy, however unconventional, has pierced the isolation bubble of the North Korean leadership, which no previous President could do, wrote Victor Cha, President George W. Bushs director for Asian affairs at the National Security Council from 2004 to 2007, in the New York Times on June 12. On his way back to the White House from Air Force One after departing from Singapore, Trump was in a defiant, even ebullient, mood. In defense of his cancellation of the military exercises, for example, he tweeted at his critics, We save a fortune by not doing war games, as long as we are negotiating in good faithwhich both sides are. A few in Washington agreed, including some Democrats. But there were plenty who saw in Trumps latest impulsive moves a dangerous trend. The President rolls the die, breaks diplomatic norms and relishes the fact that predicted catastrophe doesnt come to pass. Which is fine unless it does. Singapore (AFP) - The US will stop holding joint military exercises on the Korean peninsula, President Donald Trump said Tuesday, making a major concession to North Korea after his summit with Kim Jong Un. Washington and Seoul are security allies, with 28,500 US troops stationed in the South to defend it from its neighbour which invaded in 1950. They hold joint military exercises every year that infuriate Pyongyang, which has long demanded an end to the drills and often responds with actions of its own, ratcheting up tensions. North Korea in May cancelled talks with Seoul over "Max Thunder" joint military air exercises between the US and the South. They were a "rude and wicked provocation", it complained. "We will be stopping the war games which will save us a tremendous amount of money," Trump told reporters. "I think it's very provocative," he said -- echoing Pyongyang's traditional line. "Under the circumstances we are negotiating a complete deal," he added. "It is inappropriate to have war games. Number one, we save money. A lot. Number two, it is really something they very much appreciated." Trump did not indicate whether the North would make any concessions in return for stopping the exercises. The move, if fulfilled, would appear to be effectively an implementation of the "freeze for freeze" proposal promoted by China, under which the North would stop nuclear and missile tests in exchange for a halt to the exercises. Kim has previously declared a moratorium on testing, saying the development of his nuclear arsenal is complete. Trump also said he wanted to withdraw the US troops stationed in the South, something he promised on the campaign trail, saying: "I'd like to be able to bring them back home." The issue was "not part of the equation right now", he said, but "at some point I hope it will be." Trump's declarations are likely to alarm conservatives in South Korea, who have appealed to him not to put its security at risk. Story continues A presidential spokesman, in a cautious response, said Seoul needed to understand "the exact meaning and intention" of Trump's remarks. But various ways to encourage dialogue on denuclearisation should be seriously considered, the spokesman said. US Forces Korea said it had received no new instructions about its scheduled training exercises, including this summer's Ulchi Freedom Guardian. The other major joint exercise is known as Key Resolve/Foal Eagle exercise, usually conducted in the spring. "In coordination with our ROK (South Korean) partners, we will continue with our current military posture until we receive updated guidance from the Department of Defense and/or Indo-Pacific Command," it added. Any suspension of the joint exercises would be a "substantial concession" to the North's security concerns, said Alison Evans, deputy head of Asia Pacific Country Risk at IHS Markit. There is a precedent for cancelling joint exercises to encourage talks. A major drill known as Team Spirit was cancelled several times in the 1990s as Washington held its first major negotiations over the North's nuclear programmes. Chemical weapons such as chlorine and the banned nerve agent sarin gas were likely used in an attack in northern Syria in 2017, an international chemical weapons watchdog confirmed Wednesday. The attack took place on March 24, 2017, in the village of Ltamenah in northern Syria. The Organization for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) and its fact-finding mission concluded that the chemical weapons were also likely used on a hospital in the area a day later. In response to persistent allegations of chemical weapon attacks in Syria, the OPCW Fact-Finding Mission (FFM) was set up in 2014 with an on-going mandate to establish facts surrounding allegations of the use of toxic chemicals, reportedly chlorine, for hostile purposes in the Syrian Arab Republic, the background report read. The FFMs mandate is to determine whether chemical weapons or toxic chemicals as weapons have been used in Syria. It does not include identifying who is responsible for alleged attacks. The organization, which drew its conclusion based on epidemiological samples and environmental evidence, gave its report to the United Nations Secretary-General. Trending: Wyoming Badger Creek Fire Update: Map, Blaze Doubles in Size The use of banned chemical weapons has been an ongoing issue in the Syria civil war, which began in 2011. International organizations such as the United Nations have blamed the regime of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad for their use. The Syrian regime first admitted that it had chemical weapons in 2012, around six months before seven people were allegedly killed by a poisonous gas in the Syrian city of Homs. Recently, dozens were killed between January and April in suspected chemical weapons attacks on the suburbs of Damascus, which were controlled by rebel groups. According to a report published in March by the research group Bellingcat, there were at least four chemical weapons attacks in Eastern Ghouta and Douma. Don't miss: Vanessa Trump Defends Estranged Husband Donald Jr. Over Kimberly Guilfoyle Romance Story continues The recent targeting resulted in many injuries among civilians and the death of at least two children, which reinforces the fact that using chemical weapons appears to be a systematic policy pursued by the Syrian government during its ongoing battles. The first attack in 2018 occurred in the area between Douma and Harasta in Damascus Ghouta on January 13, 2018, the second attack took place on January 22, 2018, in the north-western area of Douma, and the third attack took place on February 1, 2018 in Douma as well, the report indicated, referring to a city slightly north of Damascus. In mid-April, the Trump administration ordered strikes against three targets in Syria believed to have chemical weapons facilities. Defense Secretary James Mattis called the attack a one-time shot meant to teach Assad a lesson. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek CAPE TOWN (Reuters) - Two worshippers were stabbed to death and another two injured early on Thursday at a mosque near South Africa's tourist city of Cape Town by an attacker who was shot dead by police. The attack comes a month after three men armed with guns and knives slit the throats of three worshippers at a mosque north of the port city of Durban, killing one person and seriously injuring two others. The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC) said worshippers, one of them in his 70s, were performing "l'tikaf" or seclusion in the mosque when the knifeman entered and joined congregants in morning prayers. "Just after 3 a.m., when the worshippers retreated to rest, the assailant attacked the imam first and then murdered the members who came to the imam's defence," it said in a statement. It named the deceased as Ismail Bassa, 74, and Somali national, Ziyaad Haseen Hedick, age unknown. Police said the attack near Durban showed "elements of extremism". They did not comment further on the motive behind the killings in Malmesbury, a small farming town 40 miles (65 km) north of Cape Town. The city and the Western Cape province in which it is located is home to the largest community of Muslims in South Africa. "The suspect, believed to be in his thirties and armed with a knife, was still on the scene and charged at the police who tried to persuade him to hand himself over," police said in a statement. The suspect was shot as he attacked officers, police said. The matter is being handled by the police's elite Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation unit. Africa's most industrialized country has a large expatriate community and attracts many tourists but has seldom been associated with Islamist militancy. (Reporting by Wendell Roelf, Joe Brock and Nqobile Dludla; Editing by Janet Lawrence and Andrew Heavens) 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. Malmesbury (South Africa) (AFP) - A Somali man stabbed two worshippers to death and wounded two others in a rampage at a mosque in South Africa on Thursday before being shot dead by police, officers said. Police quickly surrounded the building in Malmesbury near Cape Town outside which a body lay under a tree and a penknife was discarded nearby, according to an AFP correspondent at the scene. The motive of the attacker, who police said was Somali, remains unclear. It comes just a month after a deadly stabbing at another South African mosque which police said had "elements of extremism" and left an Islamic leader dead. Police were alerted by early morning worshippers and arrived at Malmesbury's mosque to find two people had died of stab wounds, Western Cape police spokeswoman Noloyiso Rwexana, told AFP. "The suspect, believed to be in his thirties and armed with a knife, charged at the police who tried to persuade him to hand himself over," she said. The man, who was seen at the Mosque for the first time on Wednesday according to police, "ignored the calls and tried to attack police. He was shot dead". Forensics officers are now conducting a finger-tip search of the area and the elite Hawks investigative unit has been drafted in to lead the inquiry. - 'Murdered, slaughtered' - Zainab Bassa, the wife of 72-year-old Ismail Bassa who was killed in the attack, told AFP that her husband of more than 30 years was "slaughtered" as he prayed. "My husband talked to everybody, he loved kids, it's a great loss for me, as well as for the community, to pass away in a masjid, murdered, slaughtered," said Bassa, 59. "That was his second house -- you would always find him in the mosque. He left last night and said 'I'm going now, I'll buy you another Eid dress'." The other victim was a member of South Africa's Somali community, according to police. Two other people were wounded and are being treated in hospital. Story continues The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), which represents the Muslim community in South Africa, said it was "shocked to the core" over the incident, which came at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The MJC appealed to the community not to speculate about the attacker's motives and said its top leadership would travel to the area to assist the community. It comes a month after an attack at a mosque in the town of Verulam, on the outskirts of the eastern port city of Durban. Three unidentified assailants killed a mosque leader on May 10 by slitting his throat and injured two others after midday prayers. The assailants in that attack, who also set off a petrol bomb inside the mosque, escaped in a car and remain at large. - 'Intolerance, killing and real conflict' - Their motive remains unclear, but a police spokesman said at the time that the attack had "elements of extremism. It shows hatred towards the worshippers". The Verulam attack was a watershed moment for South Africa, where about 1.5 percent of the country's 55 million people are Muslim. Asked if Thursday's attack was the first of its kind in the region, police spokesman lieutenant colonel Andre Traut said: "I can't recall of another incident, but all possibilities are being investigated". "It's way too soon to speculate as to a possible motive -- or link with any other incident in the country," he told the eNCA broadcaster. Nick Piper, a director at the Signal Risk security consultancy, described both attacks as "very rudimentary". "Typically, if a transnational group was to conduct a coordinated, planned attack, it would be more sophisticated," he said. South Africa prides itself on religious tolerance and has been spared the extremist attacks that have dogged other countries on the African continent. Ebrahim Rasool, a senior official of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, said that President Cyril Ramaphosa "expresses condolences to the families and the community". "(He) expresses his concern about this plague that is infiltrating the Muslim community of intolerance, killing and real conflict," said Rasool. By Stephanie Nebehay and Malini Menon GENEVA/NEW DELHI (Reuters) - India on Thursday rejected a United Nations report that accused it of having used excessive force in disputed Kashmir to kill and wound civilians since 2016 and which called for an international inquiry into the accusations of rights violations. Muslim-majority Kashmir is divided between nuclear-armed India and Pakistan, who both claim the mountainous region in full and have fought two of their three wars over it since their separation in 1947. The first U.N. report on human rights in both Indian-administered and Pakistan-administered Kashmir urged Pakistan to end its "misuse" of anti-terror legislation to persecute peaceful activists and quash dissent. The U.N. report focuses mainly on serious violations in India's northern state of Jammu and Kashmir from July 2016 to April 2018. Activists estimate that up to 145 civilians were killed by security forces and up to 20 civilians killed by armed groups in the same period, it said. "In responding to demonstrations that started in 2016, Indian security forces used excessive force that led to unlawful killings and a very high number of injuries," the report said. U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein called for maximum restraint and denounced the lack of prosecutions of Indian forces in Jammu and Kashmir due to a 1990 law giving them what he called "virtual immunity". In a statement, Zeid called for a commission of inquiry by the Human Rights Council, which opens a three-week session in Geneva on Monday, into all violations. Alleged sites of mass graves in the Kashmir Valley and Jammu should be investigated, he said. In New Delhi, India called the report a "selective compilation of largely unverified information" that sought to build "a false narrative", adding that it violated the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity. "India rejects the report. It is fallacious, tendentious and motivated. We question the intent in bringing out such a report," its foreign ministry spokesman said in a statement. India has long accused Pakistan of training and arming militants and helping them infiltrate across the heavily militarized Line of Control (LoC) that separates the two sides in the region, a charge Islamabad denies. There was no immediate comment from Pakistan to the report issued by the U.N. human rights office in Geneva, which called for justice for victims on both sides of the so-called Line of Conflict. However, Kashmiri human rights activist Khurram Parvez welcomed the report and the recommendation for a commission of inquiry by the U.N. Human Rights Council. "This U.N. report has authenticated our allegation that impunity for armed forces is chronic in Jammu and Kashmir," Parvez told Reuters. Welcoming the report, Kashmiri separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq wrote on Twitter, "People of Kashmir thank the U.N., especially the bold efforts of its HR commissioner, Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein, for its support to the right of self-determination." Tension rose after a February attack on an Indian army camp that India blamed on Pakistan. After the two armies agreed on May 30 to stop exchanging artillery fire, thousands returned to their homes near the de facto border with Pakistan. Crimes committed by armed groups in Jammu and Kashmir range from kidnappings and killings of civilians to sexual violence, the U.N. report said. India said it was disturbing that the U.N. report described internationally-designated and U.N.-proscribed militant bodies as "armed groups" and militants as "leaders", as it undermined the U.N.-led consensus on zero tolerance of terrorism. Violations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir "are of a different caliber or magnitude", the U.N. report said, while decrying restrictions on freedoms of expression and association. For the full statement, click here: https://bit.ly/2y9SCfI (Additional reporting by Suhail Hassan Bhat; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg and Clarence Fernandez) This weeks summit between President Donald Trump and North Korea leader Kim Jong Un was held in Singapore, the wealthy city-state known worldwide for its business-friendly politics, futuristic architecture and cleanliness. Singapores leaders scored a diplomatic victory in hosting one of the most important political events in recent years. But the U.S. State Department has taken the shine off the achievement somewhat by suggesting Singapore belongs to northern neighbor Malaysia, Reuters reported. The mistake was published in a transcript of a briefing given by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Monday. The document gave the location of the briefing as JW Marriott, Singapore, Malaysia. The transcript was later edited to remove the suggestion that Singapore is part of Malaysia. Trending: Backflipping FBI Agent Who Accidentally Shot Man Faces Assault Charge RTX1NK3G REUTERS/Edgar Su Singapore was once part of the Federation of Malaya, formed as a protectorate of the British Empire in 1948. The federation gained independence in 1957, and evolved into Malaysia in 1963. However, the next two years were beset by economic and political disagreements between the governments of Malaysia and Singapore. Eventually, Singapore was expelled from the country in 1965 following a series of bombings and communal riots. The split was acrimonious, and the issue is still a delicate one in both countries. Malaysian and Singaporean web users made light of the error, some celebrating the annexation of the island republic. Others lamented the apparent lack of basic knowledge demonstrated by State Department officials tasked with facilitating Americas international relations. Don't miss: Ivanka Trump Needs to Be Interviewed Over Her Russian Contact, Democrats Say Over the weekend, Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsein Loong said the nation was willing to pay the estimated $20 million it will cost to host the meeting. Lee said the summit was of huge importance and could be conducive to the security and stability of the region. Story continues Trump and Kim have both now left Singapore following the conclusion of their meeting. Some observers are disappointed that the summit failed to produce any concrete steps toward the denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, despite Trumps claims to the contrary. The two leaders ended their discussions by signing a four-point commitment to peace and prosperity. Trump later told reporters the document did not include all of the decisions made between him and Kim. While answering questions, the president announced the U.S. would halt all military exercises between America and South Korea, calling the drills expensive and provocative. The decision seems to have been made without any consultation with U.S. military or South Korean officials. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Palestinians take cover near the Gaza Strip's border with Israel during a protest in the Gaza Strip: AP Photo/Adel Hana The United Nations has overwhelmingly passed a resolution condemning Israels use of use of any excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate force" against Palestinians in the Gaza Strip. Scores have died and thousands have been injured as Israeli troops have responded with live fire to protesters near a border fence, who have in some cases in some cases carrying burning tires and floating explosives on kites. By a vote of 120 to 8, the United Nations approved a resolution decrying the use of live ammunition against civilian protesters, including children, as well as medical personnel and journalists and underscoring its grave concern at the loss of innocent lives. The measure also called for the creation of a mechanism to ensure the protection of the Palestinian civilian population and urged Israel to lift its economic blockade on an area ruled by the militant group Hamas. In the face of persistent international criticism, the United States and Israel have accused detractors of ignoring Hamass role in inciting violence by firing rockets into Israel and encouraging demonstrators to rush the border. After the UN voted down an American-authored amendment faulting Hamas, the final resolution made no mention of the designated terrorist group. It did deplore the firing of rockets from the Gaza Strip against Israeli civilian areas. In a statement after the vote, Americas ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley released a statement criticising the UN for arriving at the morally bankrupt judgment that the recent Gaza violence is all Israels fault. It is no wonder that no one takes the UN seriously as a force for Middle East peace, Ms Haley said, adding that peace will only be achieved when realities are recognised, including Israels legitimate security interests, and the need to end Hamas terrorism. The office of Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised Ms Haley for a strong statement today exposing the hypocrisy of the UNs bias against Israel. Story continues The contours of the debate, with Israel and America aligned in opposition to a majority of the international community, were familiar. Donald Trumps controversial decision to recognise Jerusalem as Israels capital and move the US embassy generated an international outcry and was blasted in a separate UN resolution. Donald Trump Jr. has found an ally in his estranged wife, Vanessa Trump, when it comes to defending his new girlfriend, Fox News host Kimberly Guilfoyle. President Trumps eldest son called out the New York Daily News for what he perceived to be a racist attack on Guilfoyle. The line in question was in an opinion piece written by Linda Stasi titled Fox should fire reporter Kimberly Guilfoyle, who cant possibly stay neutral while dating a Trump kid. Vanessa Trump, Donald Trump Jr., and Kimberly Guilfoyle. (Photo: Getty Images) Trump Jr. also took issue with the suggestion that his new love should be let go. On Thursday, he shared an article from Mediaite about the absurd Daily News piece, calling it liberal privilege at its finest. And the tweet caught the attention of Vanessa Trump. The lengths people will go to attack a woman simply because shes dating Don. Weve been separated for over 9 months and respect each others decisions & privacy. Well focus on raising our great kids.Would be nice if the press did the same rather than obsess over our pvt lives! https://t.co/fa73W3gv43 Vanessa Trump (@MrsVanessaTrump) June 14, 2018 Vanessa, 40, filed for divorce in March after 12 years of marriage; however, reports claimed at the time that the two had been living separate lives for a while. Even before all this Trump presidency stuff started they werent good and their marriage was strained, an insider told People. Sounds like this was just confirmed. Maybe thats why there is no bad blood over Trump Jr. moving on so quickly. He has reportedly been seeing Guilfoyle, who also happens to be a longtime family friend, since April. The host of The Five, 49, and Trump Jr., 40, have been spotted out together on various date nights over the past several weeks, which prompted Stasis article on Tuesday. The columnist called Guilfoyle an otherwise brilliant woman, but when it comes to picking men, though, shed be better off picking grapes. Trump Jr. found the grape reference offensive given Guilfoyles Puerto Rican heritage. Story continues How did this get past her editors at the @NYDailyNews? Or do they condone this kind of talk? I guess hypocrisy, sexism & racist rhetoric are alive & well there. Daily News Writer Tells Puerto Rican Kimberly Guilfoyle to Pick Grapes https://t.co/pDlKr4lfXt via @BreitbartNews Donald Trump Jr. (@DonaldJTrumpJr) June 13, 2018 After facing backlash online, Stasi apologized on Twitter. Absolutely no idea that Kimberly Guilfoyle is half Puerto Ricanand my column was in no way meant as a slur. Nonetheless I will change that reference online. Im just surprised anyone would have assumed such a stereotype b/c someone is half-Latina. So sorry for misunderstanding Linda Stasi (@lindastasi) June 13, 2018 The grapes reference in the New York Daily News article was changed to when it comes to picking men, though, shed probably have better odds picking lotto numbers. Trump Jr. clearly appreciates Vanessas support. He retweeted a post from Candace Owens, who called it real feminism. Read more from Yahoo Entertainment: The White House cited a nonexistent law and the Bible to defend the governments controversial policy of separating undocumented immigrant parents from their children upon their arrest at the U.S. border with Mexico. CNN reporter Jim Acosta asked press secretary Sarah Sanders about comments made by Attorney General Jeff Sessions earlier Thursday, in which he referenced the Bible to defend the administrations border tactics. I would cite you to the Apostle Paul and his clear and wise command in Romans 13, to obey the laws of the government because God has ordained them for the purpose of order, said Sessions. In her first press briefing since CBS News reported that she may soon leave her position in the Trump administration, Sanders said she had not heard Sessionss exact comments but agreed with the sentiment. I can say it is very biblical to enforce the law, said Sanders, that is repeated a number of times in the Bible. There is no U.S. law requiring that the children of immigrants entering the country illegally to be separated from their parents. Sanders later blamed Democrats for not fixing border policy despite the fact that Republicans control both houses of Congress and the White House. President Trumps administration has been criticized in recent weeks for stepping up efforts to separate migrant children from their parents as a means of deterring more immigrants. Over 10,000 migrant children are currently in federal custody. Previous administrations have chosen to deal with border crossers via non-criminal immigration courts, which did not require separating families, but under Trump, children are being placed in camps when no relatives or foster care spots are available. White House press secretary Sarah Sanders. (Photo: Jacquelyn Martin/AP) Those who have visited the camps have compared them to prisons, and NBC News reported that in one detention center a mural of Trump along with a quote from his book The Art of the Deal was painted on the wall. Earlier this week, a migrant mother claimed that Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents took her infant daughter away while she was breastfeeding her, a charge the government denied. Other immigrants have reported that agents have told them their children were being taken to bathe only to never see them again. Some children have been in foster care for months without knowing the location of their parents while other parents say theyve been deported for months but still havent had their children returned to them. Story continues The increased separations can be attributed to a change in White House policy that took effect in early April that stated that anyone attempting to cross the border illegally would be incarcerated and charged. The policys goal, per a memo obtained by the Washington Post, is to deter border crossings. Since children are not allowed in jails, theyre separated from their parents. Many of those attempting to cross the border are seeking from violence in their home countries, but new policies would disallow asylum seekers for the reasons of domestic abuse and gang violence. CBS News reporter Paula Reid pushed back on Sanderss claim that federal agencies were simply following the law by pointing out that no such law existed, asking why the White House refused to take responsibility for its policy change. There is no law that requires families be separated at the border, said Reid. This is the administrations choice to move from civil matters on immigration to criminal. Sanders again cited nonexistent legislation, arguing that the White House had been consistent in its policy of enforcing laws. This answer caused an emotional reaction from CNN political analyst Brian Karem. Come on, Sarah, youre a parent, dont you have any empathy for what these people are going through? asked Karem. They have less than you do. Sanders declined to answer the question. _____ Read more from Yahoo News: Thats trucked up! A Minnesota woman had a memorable time at a music festivial this past weekend, but no one would blame her if shed rather forget it. Thats a normal feeling when you get your head stuck in a trucks exhaust pipe for 45 minutes. Kaitlyn Strom was at the Winstock Country Music Festival in the town of Winsted on Friday when she decided to go where few people have gone before. We were just all having fun and I saw this big exhaust pipe and I was like, Hey, my head could probably fit in that, she told the Hutchinson Leader. So I tried it. It did fit, but it didnt want to come back out. Strom estimated she spent 45 minutes inside the pipe and said she was finally rescued when firefighters used a power saw, according to Minneapolis station WCCO TV. Although she was unharmed by her close encounter with the inside of a tailpipe, the McLeod County Sheriffs Office cited her for underage drinking, according to The Associated Press. She was escorted from the festival once she was freed, but her exhausting experience lives on thanks to this video posted on Facebook, which has been viewed more than 2.3 million times as of Wednesday afternoon. Strom didnt expect to go viral, but shes not surprised. A lot of people dont realize how serious it was, she told the Leader. So its kind of expected when its blasted on the internet that youre going to get negative comments. Some people can be really cruel. One person she said was surprisingly kind was Tom Wold of Darwin, the owner of the truck. I did not know him, but everyone who was around me knew him, she told the paper. He was wonderful. I remember getting my head unstuck, and I just looked at him and apologized, and he said, No, Im just glad youre OK. Dont worry about it. He has already fixed his exhaust and is going to be working on that. I did not have to pay for anything like that, because he was absolutely wonderful. She posted a photo of herself and Wold on Saturday where she owned up to the experience. Story continues Also on HuffPost Christian Greystock Christian Greystock, 57, allegedly blamed his 0.13 percent blood alcohol level on the New York Jets, telling officers, I drank too much because the Jets suck. Whitney Beall Whitney Beall, 23, was arrested on DUI charges after using the social media App Periscope to broadcast herself allegedly driving drunk. Samantha Lynn Goudie Samantha Goudie -- who also went by her Twitter alias, "Vodka Samm" -- was arrested at a University of Iowa football game in August 2013, after she allegedly tried to run onto the field. "Vodka Samm" blew a .341 BAC in jail, and later tweeted about it. Her outrageous tweets made her a viral sensation, but once she sobered up, she deleted her account. Mary Maloney When this middle school math teacher was arrested on a DUI charge, she allegedly offered the arresting officer oral sex and the opportunity to fondle her breasts. Read the whole story here. Timothy Carr His last name might sound like "car," but he was allegedly driving a motorized shopping car while drunk in a Florida Walmart. Read the whole story here. Thomasine Harjo Harjo allegedly told cops in December, 2012 that she couldn't be arrested for alleged DUI because she had a court date the following day for a previous DUI. Bryan Wendler Bryan Wendler was arrested for his sixth DUI while wearing a shirt that read "Been Drinking? Free Breathalyzer Test: Blow Here." He blew a .19 on the police breathalyzer, more than twice the legal limit. Jesse James Thomas Jesse James Thomas, arrested March 28 for public drunkenness, Thomas was wearing a sombrero when he jumped on an officer's parked patrol car screaming his name, according to an account in the Sacramento Bee. Read more. Jana Lawrence Jana Lawrence, 46, of Dacula, Ga., is accused of wreaking havoc at two restaurants Saturday, by groping, licking and flashing fellow patrons before being arrested. Vanessa Robinson Vanessa Robinson was charged with aggravated assult after she allegedly cut up her boyfriend after he tried leaving her apartment with the last beer -- a Colt 45 to be specific. Niles Gammons Ohio man Niles Gammons found himself in a bit of double trouble when -- thanks to daylight savings -- authorities busted him twice in one day, at the exact same time. Justina Laniewski Laniewski, 41, was arrested for allegedly endangering her child, among other charges, when she ran in to a raging creek to "save" ducks during Hurricane Sandy's onslaught on Oct. 30, 2012. Police say that Laniewski left her 4-year-old unattended while she plunged into neck-high waters in Glen Rock, Pa. It took 8 firefighters to rescue the woman, who allegedly had a blood alcohol level more than twice the legal limit for driving. Patricia Libby Police say that Patricia Libby was under the influence when repeatedly crashed her car into another vehicle in the parking lot of a Marco Island, Fla. elementary school where her children are enrolled. William Liddell William Liddell is accused of getting into a tussle with cops after they tried to arrest him for a hit and run. During the altercation, a police report said Liddell defecated in his pants. Ty Alsop Ty Alsop was allegedly found passed out in a car with pants soaked in urine. He was taken to an Evansville, Ind. hospital to detoxify. Instead of staying put, he sneaked out past the staff. Witnesses saw him in the parking lot wearing a hospital gown that exposed his backside. Alsop asked police for a second chance, claiming "I'm not really a bad guy. I've just been a drunken a-----e tonight," according to the police report. Alison Whelan This 51-year-old Brit hijacked a ferry in September 2011, reportedly yelling to police officers that she was Jack Sparrow. Read the whole story here. Eugene Carl Kotelman Largo (Fla.) Police pulled over Kotelman allegedly for speeding and driving drunk on May 3. Cops checked the trunk and say they found a small monkey tucked inside. Read more. Coley Mitchell Coley Mitchell, a lab tech at Georgia Health Sciences University, was arrested for public drunkenness after being found in a locker room intoxicated with his pants down halfway his legs surrounded by two lab monkeys that had been let out of their cages. Olivia Ornelas Police in Illinois say that Olivia Ornelas blamed her DUI and crashed vehicle on her boyfriend's failure to take her, as he promised, to the new "Twilight" movie. Read more. Man Charged with DWI for Driving Motorized Cooler An Australian man caught driving a motorized cooler box through a beachside resort town appeared in court charged with drunk driving, The Courier Mail reported Monday. Christopher Ian Petrie, 23, faces charges of driving under the influence and driving without a license after police caught him on the makeshift vehicle, which was powered by a 50cc engine. Randon Reid Police in Phoenix, Ariz., have accused Randon Reid of the crime of flight -- and a crime against flight. Investigators say the 26-year-old suspect opened fire on an airplane parked at Deer Valley Airport, then fled from authorities who tried to pull him over. He has reportedly been charged with felony flight and driving under the influence. Debra Oberlin It's always best to practice what you preach. Police in Florida say they arrested the former president of a local chapter of Mother's Against Drunk Driving for driving under the influence. Debra Oberlin has been charged with drunk driving for the Feb. 18 incident. Andrei Bibbs Andrei Bibbs, 54, of the 3000 block of Coopers Grove Court, was arrested Jan. 7 Illinois State Police and charged with driving while under the influence of alcohol. He was clearly shocked by the change. Bradley Pope Pope was arrested for DUI. He allegedly told police that he was a "covert agent" and that he had drank 100 beers. David Caruso In early August 2012, David Caruso was busted for allegedly deciding to grab a beer while driving through a sobriety checkpoint in Connecticut. Read more. Samuel Phipps Phipps was arrested and charged with driving under the influence after he got into a car accident that he allegedly blamed on an elephant. Sherri Wilkins Sherri Wilkins, a drug and alcohol counselor, was arrested after allegedly fatally hitting pedestrian Philip Moreno with her car while driving under the influence. Police say Wilkins then drove over two miles with Moreno partially through her windshield. Read the whole story here. Love HuffPost? Become a founding member of HuffPost Plus today. This article originally appeared on HuffPost. Moscow (AFP) - Russia warned on Thursday that an offensive against the Yemeni port city of Hodeida could lead to "catastrophic consequences" for the entire war-ravaged country. Yemeni forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition launched an assault on Wednesday to retake the rebel-held city, which is a key aid hub. The Red Sea port serves as the entry point for 70 percent of the impoverished country's imports as it teeters on the brink of famine. "The offensive against Hodeida risks triggering catastrophic consequences for all of Yemen," Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement. The peaceful population may find itself "on the brink of death" if the fighting leads to a blockade of the port, the statement said. "They will face a frightening choice -- either to get killed in bombing and artillery strikes or die of hunger and disease." Moscow added that the assault would deal a major blow to the "prospects of a political settlement of the Yemen crisis to which we still don't see an alternative." The UN Security Council will meet later Thursday for talks amid mounting international concern about the humanitarian situation in the country. The city of Hodeida, home to 600,000 people, was captured by Iran-backed Huthi rebels in 2014 along with the capital Sanaa. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and a bloc of other countries intervened in Yemen the following year with the goal of restoring the government to power. 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. 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. Lets talk a bit about todays Germany. Nearly 83 million residents, one of Europe's biggest countries. Between 100,000 to 200,000 Jews, most of whom arrived from Russia several decades ago after the German authorities invited them and helped with their absorption. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Germany needs a Jewish population, the authorities announced at the time. By the way, some of the invitees werent even Jews or werent Jewish according to Halacha. In Russia, after all, there was no problem purchasing certificates and permits of all kinds. I remember cases in which the husband received financial support from the Jewish community, which included some 28,000 people at the time, and his wife received aid from the Catholic Caritas organization. Skullcap march against anti-Semitism held in Berlin in April (Photo: EPA) And now to anti-Semitism. In a recent survey, 16 percent of the populationabout 13 million peopledeclared they didnt like Jews, to say the least. About 70 percent of the respondents further stated that they were strongly against the oppression of Palestinians by Israel. Theres no surprise here, if we know, for example, that two Muslim rappersKollegah and Farid Bangrecently won the Echo award, a sort of Oscar for the countrys most popular artists. The two, who always perform in front of sold-out crowds, often ridicule Holocaust survivors and their songs are littered with anti-Semitic expressions. After their win stirred a public row, the prize was cancelled, but the committee that delivers the award found no fault in their selection. And if a leading newspaper like Suddeutsche Zeitung publishes a cartoon of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu with all the characteristics that Joseph Goebbels gave the Jews (a long, crooked nose and big ears), and the papers editors decide to bid farewell to the cartoonist only after an uproar from Jewish circles, that says enough too. And now to Dr. Josef Schuster, president of the Central Council of Jews in Germany, who recently advised observant Jews not to wear a skullcap in big cities to protect themselves. Im having trouble accepting the arguments presented by the No. 1 Jew in Germany to Itay Mashiach, Yedioth Ahronoth correspondent in Berlin. His explanations prove that he fails to understand the situation or doesnt want to understand it. Anti-Semitic German rapper duo Kollegah and Farid Bang (Photo: AFP) On the one hand, Schuster says Germanys Jews are in no danger and have no reason to consider leaving. On the other hand, when he is asked whether the fact that anti-Semitism is still present in Germany in 2018despite politicians effortsisnt evidence of the failure of Jewish life in Germany, Schuster replies: Definitely not a failure. There has always been hostility towards Jews among 20 percent of the population, even when the community was much smaller. But we must also remember the opposite conclusion, that 80 percent are not prejudiced against Jews. Thats an argument I have yet to hear. Its like saying that in a certain country only 20 percent are criminals. Addressing the immigration of Jews from Germany, Schuster said: Thank God, there is no such danger. Thank God? Schuster also argued that anti-Semitic manifestations were more common in big cities like Berlin, Cologne and Munich, but that the situation was different in the small cities. As someone who has visited hundreds of school classrooms and addressed thousands of students, mainly in Germanys small cities, I would like to reveal to Dr. Schuster that he is wrong and that the truth is actually the opposite. Berlin and Cologne dont represent Germany. The small cities do, and anti-Semitism is much more common there. About three weeks ago, Supreme Court Justices Noam Sohlberg, Anat Baron and Yael Willner allowed the state to destroy the Palestinian community of Khan al-Ahmar and expel its citizens to a site near a dumpster in Abu Dis. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter A total of 32 families173 persons, including 92 childrenwill be expelled. All structures, including a school serving more than 150 children from Khan al-Ahmar and from neighboring Palestinian communities, will be demolished. Khan al-Ahmar is but one of dozens of Palestinian communities under threat of expulsion. It will be the first such community in many years to be forcibly expelled in its entirety and relocated deep into the enclaves the state created for its Palestinian subjects in the West Bank, though such mass forcible transfers are rare in the West Bank. Khan al-Ahmar (Photo: Amit Gilutz, B'Tselem) In recent decades, however, Israeli policymakers have been trying to silently transfer Palestinians from all of Area C (the 60 percent of the West Bank that Israel exploits as though it were its own). The upcoming war crime in Khan al-Ahmar is merely an extreme example of an expulsion strategy that Israel is undertaking vis-a-vis all Palestinian communities in Area C, to create an environment that will coerce them into leaving. The mechanical details of this environment are simple: The state forbids residents from connecting to infrastructural networks like water, sewage and electricity, prevents them from building legally, demolishes homes that residents had to build without permits, destroys basic infrastructure laid by them (such as solar panels, water containers and unpaved paths) and holds military training exercises that include firing live ammunition and shelling on agricultural land, in pastures and even within residential areas and between houses. As in the case of Khan al-Ahmar, the state does not spare educational establishments: In the last year alone, the Civil Administration demolished two schools and one kindergarten in Area Cin Jub a-Dib in the Bethlehem area, in Jabal al-Baba in the Maale Adumim area and in Khirbet Zanutah in the South Hebron Hills. This left 138 children with no educational framework. Today, 45 schools in Area C are under threat of partial or full demolition. The vast majority of Palestinians in Area C cannot build legally without master plans. These do not fall from the sky, but have to be approved by the Civil Administration (spoiler alert: it never approves them). In discussing the future of Khan al-Ahmar, the Supreme Courts basic assumption was that the residents are criminals who built their homes illegally. Yet in the West Bank, Palestinians do not have the privilege of building legally outside the small, crowded enclaves the state allocates for them. The master plans they submit for approval are rejected time after time and when they do build, having run out of options, Israel responds with demolition. In other words: The state has created an unbearable daily reality for Palestinians in Area C in order to make them leave as though of their own free will. These actions are part of a deliberate, premeditated policy aimed at expelling Palestinian residents from Area C and building (and expanding) settlements in their place. A Western-liberal state in theory; silent transfer of an entire population in practice. If we take a few steps back and look at Israels policy in the Occupied Territories since the Oslo Accords, a clear picture emerges. Israel is trying to concentrate Palestinians in the tiniest enclaves possible, while taking over as much land as it can. This policy is twofold: For Palestinians, creating unbearable living conditions to make them transfer themselves; for Jews, building and expanding settlements. Think about it. No infrastructure, no running water, no electricity and no educational framework for your children. You live under the constant whir of projectiles fired by training military forces, and all the while, the state destroys the few buildings and basic infrastructure you managed to lay out. Would you stay? Although Israel has been carrying out this policy of silent expulsion for years, the forcible transfer of Khan al-Ahmars residents to the dumpster in Abu Dis is a horrific escalation. No more coercion, no more leaving-as-though-freely, but a violent transfer out in the open. By the book. There is no telling how this decision might affect other Palestinian communities in Area C. However, Israels heightened motivation to accelerate the process of expulsion, coupled with the green light given by the Supreme Court in the case of Khan al-Ahmar, is a bad omen for other Palestinian communitiesespecially those that have legal processes pending a Supreme Court decision. These include Khirbet Umm al-Jamal and Khirbet Ein al-Hilweh in the Northern Jordan Valley, Abu a-Nuwar and Jabal al-Baba in the Maale Adumim area, and the residents of Susiya and the South Hebron Hills in general. At the end of the day, whether this policy of expulsion is enacted silently over many years, and whether it morphs into open forcible transfer in Khan al-Ahmar and elsewhere, Israeli policymakers bear criminal liability for it. The prime minister, the minister of defense and the head of the Civil Administration are all responsible. The fact that Supreme Court justices openly authorized this war crime exposes the complicity of Israels legal system with dispossession and forcible transfer. Rida Abu Rass is a data coordinator at BTselem. Palestinian security forces on Wednesday used tear gas and batons against protesters calling on President Mahmoud Abbas to end financial sanctions on their fellow Palestinians in Gaza. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Hundreds of protesters in the West Bank city of Ramallah faced down forces loyal to Abbas, who had banned such rallies earlier in the day. Abbas's Western-backed Palestinian Authority (PA) has sought to use financial measures to isolate its chief rival Hamas, the terror movement which controls Gaza. In April 2017, Abbas slashed the salaries of thousands of government workers in Gaza by 30 percent, increasing hardship in the impoverished coastal strip that is home to two million Palestinians. He has also cut the PA payroll in Gaza by ordering early retirement for nearly a third of its employees. PA officials said at time that those moves were meant to increase pressure on Hamas to relinquish control of Gaza. The rivalry between Abbas's Fatah faction and Hamas has simmered for years, and sometimes boiled over into violence since Hamas became a threat to his authority by winning parliamentary elections in 2006 and seizing military control of Gaza in a brief civil war the following year. Protesting that ordinary Gazans have been caught up in the power struggle between Fatah and Hamas, Palestinian activists have held rallies in the West Bank demanding that Abbas restart the full payment of government salaries and services in Gaza. Demonstrator Fadi Quran spoke to Reuters as policemen clashed with protesters in the centre or Ramallah. "We came here to demonstrate against the sanctions imposed by President Mahmoud Abbas on Gaza. Sanctions must be lifted," he said. Protesters held up banners reading, "Gaza unites us. Remove the sanctions." In an Egyptian-mediated bid to end the rift, Hamas said last year that it would cede control of Gaza to Abbas. But a dispute over how to implement power-sharing has hindered implementation of the agreement. Abbas' government said on Tuesday that Israel was mainly responsible for Gaza's misery, but it also blamed Hamas. Israel withdrew its troops and citizens from Gaza in 2005 but maintains tight control of borders, citing security. Egypt also restricts movement in and out of Gaza on its border. The UN General Assembly condemned Israel on Wednesday for excessive use of force against Palestinian civilians and asked UN chief Antonio Guterres to recommend an "international protection mechanism" for occupied Palestinian territory. The General Assembly adopted a resolution with 120 votes in favor, eight against and 45 abstentions. It was put forward in the General Assembly by Algeria, Turkey and the Palestinians after the United States vetoed a similar resolution in the 15-member UN Security Council earlier this month. The General Assembly text condemned the firing of rockets from Gaza into Israeli civilian areas, but did not mention Hamas, the Islamist group that controls Gaza. General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding but carry political weight. "The nature of this resolution clearly demonstrates that politics is driving the day. It is totally one-sided. It makes not one mention of the Hamas terrorists who routinely initiate the violence in Gaza," US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told the General Assembly before the vote. Germany's parliamentary budget committee on Wednesday backed plans by the military to lease Israeli-built Heron-TP surveillance drones in a deal valued at around 1 billion euros ($1.18 billion), committee sources said. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter The deal had run into resistance last year from the centre-left Social Democrats (SPD), junior partners in Chancellor Angela Merkel's grand coalition, because the drones, also know as the Eitan, could be armed in the future. The German military currently uses a different model of Heron drones that cannot be armed. Merkel's conservatives and the SPD agreed in a new coalition accord in February to lease the drones , built by Israel Aerospace Industries, through 2027, but to defer a decision on any future arming until after parliament had debated the issue. Eitan Heron-TP drone (Photo: IDF Spokesperson's Unit) The plans includes two separate contractsone with Airbus , which will manage the drone program, and one with the Israeli government to cover training, infrastructure and logistics for the planes, which will be stationed in Israel. The leasing program is intended as a temporary solution until a European drone is ready for use around 2025. Lieutenant General Ingo Gerhartz, chief of staff of the German air force, said the deal would allow significantly better protection of German troops. Eitan drone in action (: ) X The Greens party voted against the plan, saying that 50 million euros of the contract were already earmarked for a technical preparation for future use with weapons. "The big promised debate about the arming of the drones is a farce given what's already included in this contract," said Greens lawmaker Tobias Lindner, a member of the budget committee. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended the German government and parliament for approving the deal. "This is a great contribution to the Israeli security industry and to the Israeli economy. The giant deal is an expression of the strategic partnership between Germany and Israel and attests to the potential of Israeli industry to contribute to countries such as Germany," a statement said. As part of the agreement, Israel is also expected to train about 100 soldiers from the German army, the Bundeswehr at the Tel Nof Air Force Base, where the 201th White Eagle Squadron operates the UAV. While German soldiers have already arrived in Israel to undergo training for operating the UAV, their presence will remain permanent for the duration of the lease plan. The exact details of their stay in the country have yet to be finalized and will likely not be until 2019. Furthermore, as Israel takes in the German troops, Berlin is expected to pay Israels Defense Ministry $200 million to cover costs for the use of the air base and for IDF training. Germanys Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen said that the Bundeswehr is extremely satisfied with the drone which has been used for intelligence gathering for years in Afghanistan and Mali, where German soldiers serve. According to Von der Leyen, the drone will allow for greater protection of German forces. The IDF, Shin Bet, Border Police and the police detained overnight Wednesday nine Palestinians suspected of terror activities and violent disturbances. Two of the suspects were detained by the IDF in Deir Ibzi after vandalizing Danny Gonen's monument who was killed in a shooting attack in the Binyamin region of the West Bank three years ago. The suspects were taken for questioning. Waheba Issa Dais, a 45-year-old Israeli citizen who resides in Wisconsin, US was detained Wednesday on suspicion of supporting ISIS. The US authorities said Dais is suspected of providing ISIS with information about the production process of Ricina lethal poisonand for possessing information on preparing bombs and explosive devices. Dais is the first person to be detained in the last six months on suspicion of collaborating with ISIS. Several olive trees were vandalized on Palestinian land near the illegal outpost of Netiv HaAvot that was evacuated on Tuesday. The police also found graffiti saying "Stop the agricultural terror." The police launched an investigation into the matter. Syrian President Bashar Assad said on Wednesday Iran does not have any military bases in Syria, unlike Russia, but added that if there is "a need for Iranian military bases, we will not hesitate." Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Speaking in an interview with Iranian channel al-Alam News published in an English translation by Syrian state news agency SANA, Assad said his Syrian troops are supported by fighters from Iraq, Iran and Lebanon. When asked if he had asked Lebanese Shi'ite Muslim group Hezbollah to leave Syria, Assad said the group would remain until "Hezbollah, Iran, or others believe that terrorism has been eliminated". "Hezbollah is a basic element in this warthe battle is long, and the need for these military forces will continue for a long time." Syria's multi-sided conflict has drawn in a number of foreign powers. Assad said Syria had invited Iran and Russia to participate, but that he regarded American, French, Turkish and Israeli forces acting on Syrian territory as occupying powers. "Our position as a state has been from the beginning to support any act of resistance, whether against terrorists or against occupying forces, regardless of their nationality," he said. "Contacts are still ongoing between the Russians, the Americans and the Israelis," Assad added when asked whether the situation in the southwest would be decided through reconciliation or military means. Israeli tanks on Golan Heights (Photo: EPA) The US military is in much of the east and northeast, leading a coalition against Islamic State and backing the Kurdish and Arab forces which control the area. Turkey has sent forces into the northwest to counter the Kurdish groups, carving out a buffer zone where anti-Assad rebels have regrouped. Iranian and Russian support has been critical to Assad's war effort, but Israel is pressing Russia to make sure Iran and its allies including Lebanon's Hezbollah do not entrench their military sway in the country. Israel has carried out missile strikes on what it says are Iranian targets in Syria, and is suspected of being behind a number of other strikes on Iranian and Hezbollah positions. Giving political solution to violence a chance According to Aassad, his government is still pursuing a political solution for Syria's rebel-held southwest, but will use military force if this fails. "We are giving the political process a chance. If that doesn't succeed, we have no other option but to liberate it by force," Assad said. The southwest, bordering Jordan and the Golan Heights, is one of the remaining parts of Syria still outside the control of the state after seven years of conflict. Assad's forces have recovered swathes of territory from rebels with the help of Russian air power and Iran-backed militias. Syrian President Bashar Assad (Photo: Reuters) Assad has repeatedly pledged to take back "every inch" of Syria. Since last year, a "de-escalation" deal brokered by Russia, the United States and Jordan has contained fighting in the southwest. Washington has voiced concern about reports of an impending Syrian army offensive there, warning of "firm and appropriate measures" in response to any violations of the ceasefire. North and South Korea held military talks for the first time in more than a decade on Thursday, as two-star generals from both sides met just two days after US President Donald Trump floated his plan to halt joint exercises with South Korea. The talks, held in the border village of Panmunjom in the demilitarised zone (DMZ), followed on from an inter-Korean summit in April at which leaders of the two Koreas had agreed to defuse tensions and cease "all hostile acts." The talks came two days after Trump said he would stop "expensive, provocative" war games with the South, following his historic summit in Singapore with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. The French president's office has confirmed the visit to France of Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday. The Elysee said in a statement Thursday that Macron and Conte spoke by phone on Wednesday amid an escalating clash between the two countries over migration. Italy demanded an apology after the French president accused the new Italian government of irresponsible behavior for refusing entry to a rescue ship with 629 migrants aboard. Macron said he "had not made any comment intended to offend Italy and the Italian people," the statement said. Both leaders discussed the situation of the Aquarius ship and agreed on France and Italy's commitment to organize emergency aid under humanitarian rules to assist people in danger, according to the French presidency. Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz has expressed full support of Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, saying he "100 percent" believes the prime minister's testimony in the submarine affair, which is also known as Case 3000 Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter "It hasn't been established yet whether his cousin is criminally involved," Steinitz told Ynet on Wednesday. Steinitz reiterated Netanyahu's own claim to police investigators, insisting the prime minister did not know his cousin, Attorney David Shimron, was employed by state's witness Miki Ganor, who was German conglomerate Thyssenkrupp's sales representative in Israel. Energy Minister Yuval Steinitz (L) and PM Benjamin Netanyahu (Gil Yohanan) Thyssenkrupp sold the Israeli Navy submarines and patrol boats to protect its natural gas reserves in the Mediterranean. Steinitz pointed out that former prime minister Yitzhak Rabin "also did not know about Shimon Shabas," who served as Rabin's bureau chief and was convicted in 2000 of attempted bribery, fraud and breach of trust in two affairs for promoting the foreign interests of other countries. "And the State Attorney's Office didn't know about Ruth David, who was one of the Justice Ministry's senior officials and at the same time was involved in a corruption affair," Steinitz went on to say. Police investigator arrive to question Netanyahu on Case 3000 (Photo: AP) Steinitz explained he also gave testimony in the case. "The people suspected of being involved in the case didn't work for me at the time of their alleged involvement. In any case, I'm not interested in commenting on the matter," he said. "The matter is still being investigated, and we'll see how it will evolve day by day." US-N. Korea summit Steinitz took a cautious approach about the historic summit held between US President Donald Trump and North Korea's Leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday, arguing "It's too soon to declare it was a success, we still don't know." "There had already been agreements or negotiations with North Korea that were violated or failed. If we genuinely see steps towards full denuclearization in the upcoming months and the dismantling of both (North Korea's) nuclear arsenal and the nuclear infrastructure enabling the production of nuclear weaponsthat would be dramatic," Steinitz elaborated. Kim Jong Un (L) and Donald Trump (Photo: AP) He asserted that "the pressure applied on Iran to completely denuclearize, and not just halt for seven years, will cause Iranians to say it has no point, let's dismantle." "Only six months ago we, the world's citizens, feared a war breaking out between North Korea and the US, a war that could have escalated to a nuclear war with a real possibility of North Korea attacking Japan. Now we are talking about the possibility that North Korea and the whole region would completely denuclearize," he noted. "How will it affect our region? Firstly, it will show Iran that even North Korea, which had advanced more that it did, eventually had to relinquish (its nuclear weapon)." Historic summit meeting (Photo: AP) "So why continue being under the burden of severe sanctions and economic restrictions if eventually one doesn't achieve its purpose?" the minister wondered. Steinitz also noted North Korea's aid to Iran, Libya and Syria, building a secret nuclear reactor in Syria, which Israel destroyed in a 2007 strike. "North Korea is instigating terror in our region tooit is probably helping Iran develop ballistic missiles, it helped Syria with nuclear (advancements), it helped Libya with ballistic missiles," he specified. "If North Korea changes its conduct and behavior, it would definitely be useful. (It would mean) Iran and Syria are losing their historic support," the minister concluded. Jordan's King Abdullah issued a decree on Thursday forming a new government led by a former World Bank economist and mandated to review a controversial tax system after widespread protests against IMF-driven austerity measures. US ally Abdullah appointed Omar al-Razzaz, a Harvard- educated economist outside the ranks of the traditional political elite, last week to replace Hani Mulki, a business- friendly politician, who was dismissed to defuse public anger that led to some of the largest protests in years. Lebanese President Michel Aoun said on Thursday refugees in Lebanon could begin a phased return to areas of Syria that have become safe, and that should happen before a political solution is reached for the conflict. "Lebanon considers that a return has become possible in stages to areas that have become safe and stable in Syria, which are five times the size of Lebanon. Most displaced people in Lebanon are from these areas which have become secure," Aoun said on his Twitter page, in remarks to the ambassadors from the countries in the International Support Group for Lebanon. A Syrian human rights monitoring group reported on Thursday that the Hezbollah terror groups leadership has refused to accede to a Russian request that its forces vacate a number of locations in southwest Syria near the Lebanese border. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Moscow, which has served as Syrian President Bashar Assads chief patron in the war-ravaged country, reportedly demanded that the terror group withdraw from the southern and western suburbs in the Homs locality and the Lebanese vicinity as part of a wider effort to return Russian troops back to certain positions in the area away from Hezbollah. Despite the refusal, no dispute or fraying of relations were detailed in the report. The rights group said that Hezbollah is sporadically renewing its ranks in military posts straddling the Syrian-Lebanese border, serving as proof that it has no intention to evacuate the area. Hezbollah's Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah (L) and Russian President Vladimir Putin (Photo: AP) One of the locations in which the Shiite terror group plans to maintain its presence is the western Syrian city of Al-Qusayr, 35 kilometers south of Homs. Last month, a Hezbollah airfield in the area was bombed in a strike that was widely attributed to the Israel Air Force. In May, Arab news outlets, including the Syrian rights organization, reported that Russian forces had withdrawn from the Homs vicinity and would soon be replaced by Assads army. No indication, however, was mentioned in the report that the Russian withdrawal has yet been implemented. The Kremlin is currently in the midst of a tense relationship with Iran and its proxy Hezbollah over their presence in Syria, a reality which Israel has repeatedly raised concerns over and stated that it will employ all means necessary to flush them out of the country. Concerned that Hezbollah will eventually use Syrian soil as a launchpad from which to unleash its aggressive designs on Israel, Jerusalem has urged the Russians to reign in the terror group and remove them from the border. Following Israels exhortations, Russia announced its position that military presence in southern Syria should be restricted exclusively to Assads army. A feud erupted shortly after between Russia and Iran and Hezbollah, with the two complaining that the declared new position was not coordinated with them first. Hezbollah terrorists on Syrian-Lebanese border (Photo: AP) Assad said on Wednesday Iran does not have any military bases in Syria, unlike Russia, but added that if there is "a need for Iranian military bases, we will not hesitate." Speaking in an interview with Iranian channel al-Alam News published in an English translation by Syrian state news agency SANA, Assad said his Syrian troops are supported by fighters from Iraq, Iran and Lebanon. When asked if he had asked Lebanese Shi'ite Muslim group Hezbollah to leave Syria, Assad said the group would remain until "Hezbollah, Iran, or others believe that terrorism has been eliminated". "Hezbollah is a basic element in this warthe battle is long, and the need for these military forces will continue for a long time," he said. When Hezbollah or Iran are satisfied that we have destroyed the terror, they will tell us: We want to return to our countries. Syrian President Bashar Assad (Photo: Reuters) Secretary-General of Hezbollah Hassan Nasrallah said on Friday that his organization will remain in Syria as long as Syrian President Bashar Assad wants it there, defying renewed US and Israeli pressure to force Tehran and its allies to quit the country. "I will tell you that if the whole world comes together to force us to leave Syria, they will not be able to evict us," Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah said in a televised address to hundreds of supporters who gathered in the village of Maroun el-Ras on Lebanon's border with Israel to mark Jerusalem Day. He added that only the Syrian leadership could ask them to leave. The IDF attacked infrastructure in the southern Gaza Strip on Thursday afternoon, where earlier a terror cell was working on preparing incendiary balloons. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter An IDF aircraft initially fired warning shots at the cell, and later carried out an attack on the infrastructure. There has been no reports of casualties. "The IDF considers the use of incendiary and explosive kites and balloons to be very grave and will work to prevent use of them," the IDF said. IDF intercepts incendiary kites X On the Gaza borders, firefighters were battling 11 blazes in different areas caused by incendiary kites. One of the members of Gaza's self-declared "incendiary kites and balloons unit" said Israel attacked a group of its men "in an effort to break their spirit." Gaza's 'incendiary kites and balloons unit' preparing for Friday "We will continue with all of our strength until we achieved our goals," he continued. "The settlers will not live in security and stability until the siege over Gaza is lifted. We'll cause the residents of Gaza to live under a siege of the fire of incendiary kites and balloons. The fire of the siege won't just break us." He went on to say the "kites unit" has "prepared a target list of all of the sites and special facilities and of all of the agricultural areas so we can burn them all." "We warned Israel against making stupid actions and hurting us," he concluded. Gaza's 'incendiary kites and balloons unit' preparing for Friday The "kites unit" vowed on Thursday to fly 5,000 incendiary balloons and kites into Israel on Friday in honor of Eid al-Fitrthe holiday that marks the end of the month of Ramadan. "While the siege only increases and the aggression continuesthe 'March of Return' activity will continue as well," the unit said in a press conference convened at the Bureij refugee camp in the center of the Gaza Strip. "We'll go out to burn the settlers' lands. Our unit has burned tens of thousands of dunams and military outposts. We'll turn our lands into fire under their legs." Gaza's 'incendiary kites and balloons unit' preparing for Friday Several fires broke out earlier Thursday as a result of incendiary kites and balloons, including a brush fire near Kibbutz Be'eri and two other brush fires in the Shaar HaNegev Regional Council. Firefighters and foresters put out the fires. No one was hurt. Border Policemen arrested a Palestinian on Thursday afternoon who drew a knife he had hidden in his clothes at one of the security checkpoints at the entrance to the Cave of the Patriarchs in Hebron. The Palestinian dropped the knife from his hands. No one was hurt. The British Embassy in Israel is considering including a visit to the Western Wall in the itinerary for Prince Williams upcoming visit to the country at the end of June. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter William, Queen Elizabeth's grandson and second-in-line to the British throne, is the first senior British royal to pay an official visit to Israel and the Palestinian territories. According to Kensington Palace, the Duke of Cambridge's visit in the Occupied Palestinian Territories will begin with a short briefing on the history and geography of Jerusalems Old City from a viewing point at the Mount of Olives. Prince William (Photo: GettyImages) From here His Royal Highness will travel a short distance to the Church of St Mary Magdalene, where he will pay his respects at the tomb of his great-grandmother, Princess Alice. The statement from Kensington Palace did not mention the Western Wall, but the Kotel's Rabbi Shmuel Rabinovitch confirmed to reporters that the British Embassy is examining adding the holy site to the visit's schedule. Representatives of the embassy even visited the Western Wall to examine the possibility. "I'm not chasing after it," Rabinovitch said. "As a religious Jew, I think we don't need recognition that the Western Wall is ours. It's more important to me that a Jewish boy from Britain comes and connects with this place and in doing so becomes a part of the chain of Jewish generations. I respect the prince, but my job is to pass on the Western Wall's heritage to the future generations." The British Embassy said in response, "We do not comment on the itinerary beyond what has already been announced." The prince will begin his June 24-28 trip in Amman, Jordan, then travel to Jerash in Jordan, Tel Aviv and Jerusalem in Israel, and Ramallah in the West Bank. William will meet Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu at the prime minister's residence in Jerusalem before seeing Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas at his office in Ramallah the following day. He will be making the trip alone as his wife Kate will remain in Britain to look after their third child Prince Louis who was born in April. However, he will be accompanied by his senior adviser, David Manning, a former British ambassador to Israel. During the four-day tour, the prince will also go with Britain's Chief Rabbi Ephraim Mirvis to Yad Vashem, Israel's official memorial to Jewish victims of the Holocaust. Eight Israeli citizens, who were arrested in the Philippines on suspicion of running a large Bitcoin currency and online investments fraud scheme, were released Thursday. They are set to leave the Philippines. The prosecution ruled that the Israelis arrest was unlawful since they did not commit any crimes. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu praised on Thursday a $1 billion military drone deal between Israel Aerospace Industries and Germany as a sign of strong bilateral security ties. Germany's parliament approved the agreement to lease Heron TP drones from the state-owned Israeli company through Airbus. IAI said the deal was for five drone systems, training for German operators, and support services. Netanyahu said the agreement will be a boon not only "for our security industries and for the Israeli economy, but also for the continued strengthening of security relations between Israel and Germany." Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had an unexpected meeting with the leader of Indonesia's largest Muslim organization on Thursday. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Yahya Staquf, secretary general of the 60 million member Nahdlatul Ulama, is visiting Israel at the invitation of the American Jewish Committee, a US advocacy group. Staquf, an advocate of interfaith coexistence, met with several religious leaders this week. However, the meeting with Netanyahu was not listed on his schedule. Netanyahu meets with Yahya Staquf (Photo: Haim Zach/GPO) Netanyahu boasted of Israel's warming ties with Muslim countries, saying "I hope that we have some movement with Indonesia." Indonesia, the worlds largest Muslim country, does not have diplomatic relations with Israel, and support for the Palestinians there is strong. Staqufs presence has triggered angry reactions, as seen on Indonesian social media. Indonesia recently revoked tourist visas for Israeli visitors to protest Israeli actions in Gaza. In response, Israel has threatened to ban tourist visas for Indonesians. But in an interview, Staquf said he remains committed to the visit and hopes the controversy can bring more attention to his message of tolerance. Some people here are amazed by my decision to come, because they think it must be dangerous for this man to come, thinking that many, many Muslims must be threatening him with death or something, Staquf told the Associated Press. Earlier this week, Staquf addressed the American Jewish Committees conference, appearing alongside a rabbi in his discussion. His schedule also included meetings at Israels Hebrew University, and talks with local Jewish, Christian and Muslim leaders as well. There were no meetings with Israeli politicians listed on his schedule. Staquf in Jerusalem (Photo: AP) Staquf said the Israeli-Palestinian conflict is not the sole focus of his trip. Instead, he looks at interfaith cooperation as a basis for solving many conflicts, including in Myanmar, where 700,000 Rohingya Muslims have fled persecution by the countrys security forces to Bangladesh. But Staquf remains aware of the magnitude of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. We are facing a civilizational problem here, and it is related to religions, Staquf said. As Muslims, we want to do our part related to our religion. Staquf said he has identified portions of Islam that he considers problematic, including how Muslims interact with non-Muslims. He said there needs to be a new discourse to recognize that Muslims and non-Muslims are equal and should be able to coexist peacefully. These elements are problematic because they are not compatible anymore with the current reality of our civilization, he said. In Indonesia, Twitter and Facebook have been filled with negative comments about the visit. Many are upset about the situation in Gaza, where over 120 Palestinians have been killed during protests along the Israeli border over the past two months. A montage of Staqufs photo, and the Israeli and NU flags, has gone viral online. It is captioned: When Muslims are wounded by an Israeli attack, the NU representative goes to Israel. This visit is a form of recognition of the State of Israel, hurting the hearts of Muslims and Palestinians. Taufiqulhadi, a member of parliament from the National Democratic Party, one of the parties in the government coalition, said the majority of Indonesians do not want diplomatic relations with Israel. In a letter to Indonesias foreign minister that was published online, Staquf said the government could deny his actions if deemed harmful to state interests. But if there is a benefit, lets follow it up to be a real advantage. The Council of Torah Sages of Agudat Yisrael, the Hasidic faction in United Torah Judaism, ordered its representatives in the Knesset on Thursday to quit the coalition if the new draft law is passed, unless it is done in coordination with them and with their approval. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter Members of the faction include Deputy Minister Yaakov Litzman and Meir Porush and MKs Yisrael Eichler and Menachem Eliezer Moses. However, the Lithuanian members of UTJMKs Moshe Gafni, Uri Maklev and Yaakov Asheras well as members of the Sephardic ultra-Orthodox party Shas, are not bound by the decision. Haredim at the Jerusalem recruitment office (Photo: Office) The existing Israeli Defense Service Law expires in September after the High Court of Justice deemed it unconstitutional , and so the Knesset must pass an alternative law before then. If a new law is not passed to regulate the exemptions of ultra-Orthodox yeshiva students, tens of thousands of them are expected to receive IDF draft orders. A senior UTJ official said the party "will demand Prime Minister Netanyahu to have the state ask for a postponement from the High Court." Agudat Yisrael's Council of Torah Sages, led by Litzman's rabbi the Rebbe of Ger Yaakov Aryeh Alter, ordered its MKs to work to change the existing bill proposal as well as ensure Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman maintains the authority to exempt yeshiva students from the IDF draft. The main points of contention in the proposed legislation are the planned cuts to the yeshivot's budgets and the use of economic incentives to pressure the Torah study institutions to encourage enlistment. The Agudat Yisrael rabbis are worried that if enlistment quotas are set too high, they won't be able to meet them, and so yeshiva students would be forced to enlist or otherwise be incentivized to join the army by the offered economic benefits. Haredi hardliners protest against the draft law (Photo: AFP) The rabbis want to change the law to ensure that in any case, a yeshiva student would not be forced to leave the Torah study institution and put on uniforms. Agudat Yisrael is hoping the Councils of Torah Sages of Degel HaTorah, the second faction that makes up UTJ, as well as that of Shas, adopt the Hasidic rebbes' decision as well. The Lithuanian and Sephardic rabbis will likely have no choice but to fall into line, as otherwise they run the risk of being seen as "compromisers" by their voters on a topic of utmost importance to the ultra-Orthodox public. The leaders of the Haredi parties are regularly faced with accusations by hardliners of being "moderates" (a derogatory word in the ultra-Orthodox society), who allow legislation that could fatally harm the world of Torah to pass. Shas and UTJ therefore try to tread lightlyon the one hand be involved in formulating the legislation rather than allow their rivals to have the final word, while on the other hand trying not to play into the hands of the hardliners. Haredi hardliners protest against the draft law (Photo: Motti Kimchi) The Defense Ministry and IDF's joint committee for drafting members of the ultra-Orthodox community has recommended establishing new enlistment tracks designed to promote Haredi integration in the job market. The committee also recommended expanding the sanctions imposed on defectors and draft dodgers. In addition, the committee recommended imposing significant financial sanctions for failing to meet the enlistment goals and supported promoting benefits and rewards to all IDF soldiers. One of the committee's comprehensive recommendations is to revoke the law amendment (of rewarding Haredi soldiers) if 85 percent of the enlistment goals are not met within three consecutive years. Moreover, benefits and rewards will be given to all those who serve in the army in order to diminish the inequality in the Israeli society, and national service will also increase tracks suitable for Haredi needs while promoting their integration in the employment world. The new recommendations revoke criminal sanctions, thereby enabling most of the Haredim to remain in their yeshivot. The new annual goals determined by the committee are similar to those existing so far and are not bindingsuch as the enlistment quota that has to be met. The committee's recommendations were unanimous and were approved by the defense minister and Chief of Staff Lt. Gen. Gadi Eisenkot. The recommendations constitute the foundation on which the memorandum of the bill is currently being released to the public, prior to its presentation to the government and the Knesset. The bill is supposed to be voted into a law by the end of the Knesset's summer session. Iraq's 2017 Miss Universe beauty pageant contestant, is visiting Israel this week, a trip that has enraged people back home. Idan was criticized and received death threats after taking a selfie with Israeli contestant Adal Gandelsman during last November's competition. She arrived in Israel this week and reunited with Gandelsman during a visit organized by the American Jewish Committee to "talk about peace." Miss Iraq, who currently resides in the US, says she visited Israel "because I want peace for everyone, for Israelis, for Palestinians." A Wisconsin woman is accused of trying to plan terrorist attacks with hacked social media accounts used to show self-proclaimed members of the Islamic State how to make explosives and poisons. An FBI agent says in a criminal complaint released Wednesday that Waheba Issa Dais also tried to recruit people to carry out attacks for the Islamic State. The 45-year-old mother of two faces charges of trying to help a foreign terrorist organization. The heads of the Jewish and Muslim communities in Malmo, Sweden have decided to turn over a new leaf. On Friday, they will announce the end of the conflict between their two communities. Follow Ynetnews on Facebook and Twitter There are some 80,000 Muslims in Malmo alone, while the whole of Sweden contains around 20,000 Jews. Malmo is home to 2,000 Jews. But in recent years, Sweden in general and Malmo in particular have seen a spike in anti-Semitic incidents from harassment and vandalism to violent attacks against members of the Jewish communityleading many Jews to leave. Salahuddin Barakat, left, and Moshe-David HaCohen The heads of the Jewish and Muslim communities plan to publish a joint ad in Friday's edition of the main newspaper in southern Sweden, announcing the end of the conflict between them. "We, the Jews and Muslims living in Malmo, are uniting against any display of discrimination, hatred, prejudice and xenophobia. Jews and Muslims in Malmo stand together in the fight against anti-Semitism, Islamophobia, and any form of racism and discrimination against minorities," the ad will say. "We believe meeting and getting to know one another and our traditions will help us better appreciate and respect one another. We are convinced this is the only way forward for a shared, better and safer future in the city of Malmo. Shabbat Shalom, Eid Mubarak." Moshe-David HaCohen, the rabbi of the Malmo Jewish Community, noted that "The fact the Muslim community and the Jewish community are coming together in an official capacity is not an obvious thing, particularly in Malmo, and that requires courage from both. "At the same time, there is a deep-rooted understanding here that there is a great advantage to the other working for you and representing you, rather than you just representing yourself. When Jews come out against Islamophobia and Muslims against anti-Semitism, it's surprising and convincing." Salahuddin Barakat, left, and Moshe-David HaCohen He went on to say that "the fact the Muslim leadership in the city took responsibility for the safety of the Jews is not merely a statement, it has impact on the ground, as we've seen over the past year. We have a shared work to strengthen our identities in a secular country, and this receives expression in the ad being published in honor of Shabbat and Eid al-Fitr." Salahuddin Barakat, the founder of Islamakademin in Malmo, added that "The work the Jewish community and Muslim community in Malmo are doing together is necessary to the future of minorities in Sweden. Publishing a positive statement of solidarity and appreciation of our holidays is an important part of our work." Rabbi HaCohen and Barakat joinly founded "Amanah: The Jewish and Muslim Trust and Faith Project" in the city. The two were brought together by The Religious Peace Initiative, headed by former minister Rabbi Michael Melchior. Melchior lamented the fact Malmo has made headlines in recent years only in negative connotations and welcomed the joint statement. "This is wonderful news. There is now a spark of hope because of a true and deep connection between the communities," he said. -CEO of Rufftown Records, Bullet, has warned other record labels to stay off his new artiste, Wendy Shay -He said she is a property Rufftown Records. The Chief Executive Officer of Rufftown Records, Ricky Nana Agyeman, popularly known as Bullet, has sent a subtle warning to record labels in the country to stay off his new artiste, Wendy Shay. Wendy Shays latest single, Uber Driver is already making airwaves and topping charts in less than a month of its release. Like he did with late dancehall artiste Ebony Reigns, people have begun to shower praises on him for discovering and nurturing talents into great stars as Wendy Shays first single moved to number one on Youtube trending in less than 24 hours of its release. Bullet and his team (Image source: Ghana Music Awards Facebook page) READ ALSO: Tony Lithur accuses Nana Oye of having affairs You will recall that Bullet posted on his Facebook page that no artiste in Ghana has the kind of record Wendy Shay has set. Seeing all this progress, it seems the manager wanted to ward off other record labels who would poach his new artiste so he took to his Facebook page to warn other record labels/managers to stay away from Wendy Shay as she is a property of Ruff Town Records. Many social media users have interpreted this post as a subtle warning to the Zylofon boss, Nana Appiah Mensah. Although Bullet never mentioned his name , it sure looks like a jab at the Zylofon Boss This is a rufftown property, bailers stay off and go get your own he posted. READ ALSO: Woman dies after undergoing breast enlargement surgery It would also be recalled that after the demise of Ebony Reigns, the CEO of Zylofon Media made a revelation that the late Ebony Reigns begged for a bail out . It is certain Bullet doesnt want such to happen again so he has warned Nana Appiah Mensah and other labels beforehand to stay of his new signee Wendy Shay. READ ALSO: Waakye and Fred Amugi have 'chopped' me - Rosemond Brown reveals in interview with Delay Check out some of the trending news in Ghana in YEN.com.gh's video below: Do you have a hot story or scandal you would like us to publish on YEN.com.gh? Please contact us on Facebook now. Source: Yen - Google will open its Africa's first Artificial Intelligence (AI) Center in Ghana's capital, Accra - The new AI Center will open opportunities for over 10 million Africa's tech professionals Technology giant, Google, has announced its readiness to open its first African Artificial Intelligence (AI), research center in Ghana later this year. According to a statement issued by the tech company, Google will collaborate with local Ghanaian Universities and research centers, as well as policymakers on the potential uses of Artificial Intelligence in Africa. The Accra center, according to the statement, will join similar AI research centers in places like Paris, Tel Aviv, and San Francisco, Tokyo as well as New York. Google headquarters (Photo credit: Google Images) The new Google center, according to management, will open opportunities for 10 million Africans with its digital skills training program, which about 2 million people have already completed various courses. READ ALSO: Majid Michel 'saves' more souls on social media Weve seen people across Africa do amazing things with the internet and technology for themselves, their communities and the world. Over the past 10 years in which Google has had offices in Africa, weve been excited to be a part of that transformation, a statement by Google said. As part of its operational plans for the AI project, Google will also adapt its products to make things easy for people to discover the best of the internet, even on low-RAM smartphones or unstable network connections. Were announcing Google AI research center in Africa, which will open later this year in Accra, Ghana. Well bring together top machine learning researchers and engineers in this new center dedicated to AI research and its applications." The statement also added that, Google will combine its research interests in AI as well as its experience in Africa to push the boundaries of AI, while solving challenges in areas such as healthcare, agriculture, and education across the region. Artificial Intelligence (AI), has great potential to positively impact the world of science and technology. READ ALSO: Forget Ghana football, invest more in entertainment - Guru tells government With this, the company believe the Accra center will harness the development of AI technologies in Africa, therefore one can apply as a Research Scientist or a Research Software Engineer on our site, the statement said. Meanwhile, the Chief Executive, and Co-founder of Google, Sundar Pichai in a tweet expressed his excitement about the Accra project. Were excited that we'll be opening a new @GoogleAI center in Accra, Ghana - really looking forward to our research teams solving challenges with AI for Africa and beyond, Sundar Pichai posted. On his side, the Head of Google, AI division, Jeff Dean, called on tech professionals to take advantage of the opportunities the center will present. We're continuing to expand our @GoogleAI teams around the world. Well be opening our first research center in Africa in #Ghana later this year! If you're a machine learning researcher interested in working in Accra, Ghana, apply, Jeff Dean tweeted on Wednesday, June 13, 2018. READ ALSO: Sista Afia breaks silence over her recent weight loss Check out some of the trending news in Ghana in YEN.com.gh's video below: 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 The Bible has been under attack in the western world for over 200 years but never more intensely than today. These attacks have taken different forms and have come from many different corners of the academic world, from philosophers, to scientists, to textual critics. In the specialized world of archaeology the attacks have increased dramatically in the past 50 years. Once a specialization filled with Bible believing individuals, the field of archaeology is now overrun with atheists and skeptics, agnostics and those committed to the destruction of the Bible as a source of true historical information. These attacks on the Bible are a part of a sweeping movement in western culture. Spearheaded by academic elitists in the university and the public educational system, the news and popular media, and the entertainment industry, these revisionists cloak themselves with supposed objectivity, purity of motives, and the superiority of science over the "uninformed", "unscientific", religious community. They regularly mock those who question their world-view and their conclusions by name-calling and the worst forms of anti-Bible and anti-Christian propaganda. They have powerfully infected the church by turning Bible believing Christians against the very Scripture which is the foundation of truth and life in this world. Instead of contending for the Bible, Christian academics, pastors, and lay-persons are making egregious accommodations to these destroyers of faith and truth. In these days of intense spiritual battle, God has called ABR to step into the gap to contend for the truth and to assist the church in this critical hour. ABR is a non-profit ministry dedicated to demonstrating the historical reliability of the Bible and to give answers to questions being asked by believers and non-believers alike. We do this by using original archaeological fieldwork and research along with studies in other apologetic disciplines. We take on the bold claims of skeptics and critics. We challenge the bizarre anti-biblical propaganda that is purveyed upon the public as gospel through television and print media. We uphold the gospel of Jesus Christ, which is God's message for the salvation of all mankind! For Immediate Release, June 14, 2018 Contact: Mollie Matteson, (802) 318-1487, mmatteson@biologicaldiversity.org Disease Killing Millions of Bats Makes Major Advances in the West CHEYENNE, Wyo. The fungal disease that has wiped out entire bat populations in the eastern United States and Canada in the last decade made major advances into the West this spring. Since April, wildlife officials have announced the first discoveries of the fungal pathogen that causes white-nose syndrome on bats in Wyoming and South Dakota. Officials also announced finding white-nose syndrome for the first time in Kansas, along with the Canadian province of Manitoba. The first report of the bat disease in Newfoundland and Labrador was made this May, as well. The brutal wave of white-nose syndrome is now breaking on the West, and its going to slam bats and wreak havoc on the natural balance theyve maintained, said Mollie Matteson, a senior scientist for the Center for Biological Diversity. Bats eat millions of pounds of insects in the U.S. every year. Without them, farm crops and forests will suffer from insect damage. This is an economic crisis, not just an ecological crisis. A total of 10 bat species have now been documented with white-nose syndrome. Millions of bats have perished and the disease has spread to 32 states since first detected in upstate New York in 2006. Some bat populations have plummeted by more than 99 percent within three to four years of first detection of the illness in their area. Biologists fear new bat species in the West will be threatened with extinction like bats in the eastern United States and Canada as the disease moves into the last unaffected bat populations on the continent. The Center for Biological Diversity has pursued increased protections for several bat species devastated by white-nose syndrome. The Center petitioned to protect the northern long-eared bat under the Endangered Species Act in 2010. The bat was listed as threatened in 2015. The Center then petitioned for the listing of the tricolored bat in 2016. Its status is still under review by the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service. The federal government should focus on decreasing threats to bats, such as destruction of bat habitat through logging and mining, and disturbance of bat caves and roosts by recreation or development, Matteson said. We also need to boost funding to develop white-nose syndrome treatments to hopefully reduce bat mortality rates and give species a better chance at survival. For Immediate Release, June 14, 2018 Contact: Collette Adkins, (651) 955-3821, cadkins@biologicaldiversity.org Trump Administration Moving to Strip Protection From Wolves Across Country MINNEAPOLIS The Trump administration this week confirmed it is considering a proposal to strip Endangered Species Act protection from nearly all wolves in the lower 48 states, including the Great Lakes region, making the animals vulnerable to trophy hunting and trapping. An email statement from Gavin Shire, the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Services chief of public affairs, said the agency has begun reviewing the status of the gray wolf under the Endangered Species Act and expects to publish a proposal to revise the wolfs status by the end of the calendar year. Its deeply troubling to see the Trump administration trying to prematurely kick wolves off the endangered species list, said Collette Adkins, a Minneapolis-based biologist and attorney with the Center for Biological Diversity. Time and again the courts have told the Service that wolves need further recovery before their protections can be removed. But the agency is dead-set on appeasing special interests who want to kill these amazing animals. The Fish and Wildlife Service last removed protections for gray wolves in the Great Lakes region in 2011. Hundreds of wolves then died during wolf trophy hunting and trapping seasons that followed in Minnesota, Wisconsin and Michigan. Then, in 2013, the Service proposed removing gray wolf protections in the rest of the country. That included California, Oregon and Washington, where small populations are still recovering, and the southern Rockies and Adirondacks, which have suitable wolf habitat but no wolves. In 2014 a federal judge overturned the agencys decision for prematurely removing wolf protections. And last year a federal appellate court upheld the lower court decision, reasoning the Service unlawfully ignored how removal of wolf protections in the Great Lakes region could harm recovery of wolves in other areas, such as New England and the Dakotas. The Services statement explains that the courts reinstatement of wolf protections in the Great Lakes region prevented the Service from moving forward with the full delisting proposal at that time. Last year the Service applied to Yellowstone grizzly bears that piecemeal delisting approach that it unsuccessfully used for wolves. The agency designated a Greater Yellowstone distinct population segment and removed grizzly protections in that region. Conservation and tribal organizations challenged the removal of grizzly bear protections, relying largely on court decisions reversing the Services similar approach for wolves. If the Service succeeds in its efforts to prematurely remove protections for wolves and grizzlies, for the first time in generations trophy hunters in the United States could kill them in nearly all places they live. "Like so many Americans, I treasure having wolves and grizzlies in the wild and dont want to see them shot and trapped for blood sport or pelts, said Adkins. Were ready for a fight, and were going to do all that we can to make sure the feds fulfill their obligation to restore wolves and grizzlies across the country. Trump Administration Moving to End Wolf Protections The Trump administration is considering a proposal to strip Endangered Species Action protection from nearly all wolves in the lower 48 states, including the Great Lakes region. If that happens thousands of wolves will be more vulnerable to trophy hunting and trapping. The U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service has tried several times to end protections for wolves around the country but has been rebuffed by the courts. The Center for Biological Diversity has fought these efforts in the past and will stand against the Trump administration's latest effort. "It's deeply troubling to see the Trump administration trying to prematurely kick wolves off the endangered species list," said the Center's Collette Adkins. "Time and again the courts have told the Service that wolves need further recovery before their protections can be removed. But the agency is dead-set on appeasing special interests who want to kill these amazing animals." Get more from Associated Press. KIGALI, Rwanda - Advances in science, technology and innovation, particularly in gene technology, big data, artificial intelligence and robotics, offer unprecedented opportunities to speed up Africa's development and transformation process. dolgachov via 123RF Gene Drives for Malaria Control and Elimination in Africa. Drones on the Horizon: Transforming Africas Agriculture. Micro-grids: Empowering Communities and Enabling Transformation in Africa. In addition, APET has called for functional regulatory systems at national and regional levels Advances in modern technologies are occurring at an accelerating pace, ranging from the fields of robotics, nanotechnology and biotechnology to materials science and artificial intelligence.Globally, these technologies are bringing about transformation in all dimensions of life, and this provides an opportunity for Africa to harness these technologies to advance its socio-economic development agenda and position itself as a frontrunner in the 4th Industrial Revolution (4IR).Three reports were launched by Clare Akamanzi, CEO of Rwanda Development Board and the African Union (AU) High Level Panel on Emerging Technologies (APET), at the Africa Innovation Summit II held in Kigali, Rwanda. The reports focus on malaria control and elimination, increasing Africas agricultural productivity and enhancing Africas energy security.Recognising the role of science, technology and innovation, the APET was established by the AU to provide advice on emerging technologies and has since identified three emerging technologies that have the potential to benefit Africa:Speaking during the official launch of the three reports, Akamanzi commended the High Level Panel for the achievement of this milestone. He further reiterated his governments commitment and urged other Member States to harness emerging technologies for accelerated socio-economic transformation of the continent.Chair of the High Level Panel, Prof Gassama Dia emphasised the need to strengthen regulatory systems in order to ensure timely access and effectiveness of these technologies. She also stated that there are perceived risks associated with these technologies and further research is encouraged with full participation of African scientists, policy makers, with active engagement of the target communities.Advances in science, technology and innovation, particularly in gene technology, big data, artificial intelligence and robotics, offer unprecedented opportunities to speed up Africas development and transformation process. High-tech, reliable technologies at affordable cost, exist to address many problems in agriculture, energy production and health, Prof Dia said.Earlier during the summit, the chief executive officer of the New Partnership for Africas Development (NEPAD) Agency, Dr Ibrahim Assane Mayaki, noted that African scientists are actively involved in innovations and have necessary competences to apply the three technologies to address Africas challenges and opportunities for transformation. in order to effectively advance science, technology and innovation, Africa needs to adopt a co-evolutionary approach in which technology development should go hand in hand with regulation. The function of regulation is to promote innovation, Dr Mayaki argued.The three reports will serve as valuable resource in unpacking emerging technologies and building a culture of science, technology and innovation in Africa. The APET has made its recommendations on the three emerging technologies taking into account the capacity strengthening needs, regulatory and ethical considerations, and requirements for domestic and international investment.APET further argues that Africa cannot afford to play the waiting-game in putting together regulatory requirements for technologies that are on the horizon but should be actively involved and come up with harmonised policies, guidelines and standard operating procedures taking advantage of its regional integration agenda.The APET calls upon research and development institutions and entrepreneurs to examine these recommendations, and further calls upon African governments, regional organisations and partners to support them in taking this work to the next level. In Season 3 of Parts Unknown, Anthony Bourdain took viewers to Tanzania. CNN A single story of horror and hopelessness Bourdains critical lens When the new country managed to inaugurate their first democratically elected leader, Patrice Lumumba, the CIA and the British, working through the Belgians, had him killed. We helped to install this miserable bastard in his place: Joseph Mobutu. the camera is a liar. It shows everything. It shows nothing. It reveals only what we want. Often, what we see is seen only from a window, moving past and then gone. One window. My window. If you had been here, chances are you would have seen things differently. Cooking was simply the conceit Bourdain used to have a conversation about the culture, politics, struggles and triumphs of people around the world. As a human geographer , I was drawn to how Bourdain upended the travel show genre, telling compelling and complicated stories about people and places most Western viewers tend to view through a lens of simplistic stereotypes or caricatures.Even more remarkable, his work wasnt relegated to obscurity. The show aired on CNN a mainstream cable outlet with millions of viewers.I was especially interested in the way the show depicted Africa, a continent Western media tends to portray using what novelist Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie famously called a single story a monolithic narrative of poverty, backwardness and hopelessness.So in a paper published last fall , I analysed Bourdains Africa episodes, which took viewers to Congo-Kinshasa, South Africa, Tanzania, Madagascar and Ethiopia.In them, he largely rejects the single story approach taken by much travel writing, and later travel television, since at least the 16th century. While the stories told about Africa in the West have changed over time, theyve often lacked nuance and multiple voices something Bourdain was eager to provide.In the imaginations of many Westerners, Africa exists as a silent, docile, set piece a contrasting other.Sociologist Jan Nederveen Pieterse notes that for centuries through deliberate lies and well-meaning mistakes travel writers, missionaries and popular media outlets have wrongly depicted Africa as a place devoid of civilization, a frontier of wilderness and savagery.The dominant narrative goes something like this: If the West is stable, Africa must be chaotic; if the West is mature, Africa must be infantile; and if the West is technologically advanced, Africa must be primitive.Reality television and travel shows often deploy these tropes . Cultural anthropologist Kathryn Mathers has written widely on media depictions of Africa, suggesting that programs like Survior: Africa and Nicholas Kristofs popular newspaper columns tell predictable stories of poverty and chaos with little effort to contextualize them within a larger history.The dynamic voices of Africans hardly a monolithic category are often absent in these narratives. In the rare event they do appear, theyre often presented as people without politics who exist only to welcome tourists and protect rhinos. Intrepid conservation officers and overburdened health workers are favorite characters, along with the traditional leader, the street vendor and the small child in school uniform.Cable news coverage of Africa also tells a single story. As Mathers wryly notes , when the continent does get coverage, the stories can be distilled down to the same topic: the horrors of the hopeless continent, as seen on CNN.But Anthony Bourdain was also seen on CNN.Beginning with his memoir, Kitchen Confidential , Bourdain built his persona as a speaker of unspoken truths. Likewise, he steered his travel show to parts unknown or, more accurately, parts only known through incomplete tropes.In each episode, Bourdain gives a brief historical overview to remind the audience that places are made by their histories. He doesnt gloss over the difficult ones. For example, when explaining contemporary Congo, he implicates his American viewers:When Bourdain is in Madagascar , he reflects on his own conflicted relationship to tourism and colonialism.In Season 6, Ethiopian-born, Swedish-raised chef Marcus Samuelsson joins him in Ethiopia. Together, they explore the theme of home in the context of the African diaspora.While one might criticize Bourdains perspectives, he could never be accused of taking a sanitized, apolitical approach. In the episode on Tanzania , he visits a Maasai village a common pit stop for travel shows about East Africa. But Parts Unknown rejects the stereotype that the Maasai are an isolated, backwards tribe that exists apart from the modern world.When a villager learns that Bourdain was born in New Jersey, he tells the host that his son attends university there. The conversation picks up again later in the episode when Bourdain and the Maasai man thoughtfully ponder globalisation and the anxiety and opportunity of social change. Bourdain understands that his African hosts arent anchored to a static past. Instead, they are dynamic actors in a global economy.Bourdain writes his own reflections into each script. In Madagascar, Bourdain reminds viewers thatThe episode then cuts to previously rolled footage but re-edited in the style of Mathers horrors of the hopeless. Its all done to show the ease with which dominant narratives are packaged and to emphasize that Parts Unknown seeks to convey something entirely different.The greatest strength of Parts Unknown was its comfort with unknowns remaining unknown its resistance to arriving at singular truths about complex places. Bourdain never claimed that the artifice of making television as he called it allowed more than one window, his window.Yet it was an open window, a critical lens that helped his large audience disentangle the tropes so often served up by popular media. Bourdain was critical of the single story, critical of widely held stereotypes and perhaps most critical of his own position as a masterful storyteller.This article was originally published on The Conversation . Read the original article The Lisbon International Advertising Festival has released Win a Crow. Win the Respect, a video promoting the 2018 edition of the Festival. Screengrab from The Lisbon International Advertising Festival has released Win a Crow. Win the Respect video. Still time to submit Ana Firmo Ferreira, CEO of the Lisbon Awards Group says: This is the first promotional movie we ever made for the Lisbon Ad Festival and it couldnt have gone any better. We were able to portray, through humour, a well-known and common situation that happens in the advertising sector.The creativity of the movie was given to Buzziness Creative Lisbon Consulting, the production to the Portuguese company Show Off Films and the director was Martim Condeixa.The Lisbon International Advertising Festival takes place in Portugal on 20 September and you can still register and submit. Among the main speakers of the festival, are several worldwide advertising stars, such as Ajaz Ahmed, AKQAs founder, James Temple, European executive creative director of R/GA and Eva Santos, global chief creative officer of Proximity. Raizcorp hosted entrepreneurs and ad people on Friday morning, 8 June, for the second talk in the Loeries Creativity Series at its offices in Sandton. This time, Loeries chair aunty and creative director at FCB Africa, Suhana Gordhan shared her thoughts on the power of creative thinking, what creativity means to her and lessons in leadership she's learnt along her journey in advertising from the boys' locker room to the beaches of Nicaragua, everything from: feelings of fear, doubt and inferiority, consciously turning these into hunger, trust and vulnerability; dealing with dictators; running in high heels; and what it's like to be a woman of colour in the South African context. Suhana Gordhan presenting at the Loeries Creativity Series, hosted by Raizcrop. From innocence to inferiority Because its a negative thing, the feeling I had, and its the things that weaken you that actually give you empathy, and any creative person will tell you that empathy is the thing that gives you more creative power because it allows you to identify with other people; it allows you to put yourself in someone elses shoes. From bl*w jobs to real jobs Dealing with dictators If anyone doubts the power of advertising, then you should hear this story because we thought we made an ad to try and sell chicken, but this ad reached Robert Mugabe, and he sent his militant youth group to threaten to close down the Nandos in Zimbabwe. That was quite a terrifying moment, and we pulled the ad of course and tried to do some other ads to replace it, but those were pulled as well, and still, Nandos made their December sales for that time. So, if anyone doubts effective creativity, its there. A woman of colour, a village of aunties Open Chair 2017 | Zuzi Seoka, Photography What really fascinated me about the event is that you think women are going to ask about sexual harassment, you know, the typical issues women face, but they werent asking those questions, they were asking about the future of AI in our industry, how to grow a brand, etc., and that was really refreshing. At FCB, we believe the best part of a brands story is never finished. The part that always asks what can we do better. And always wonders whats next. Whats out there. Whats waiting to be discovered. And its not just the story of a brand or an idea. Its the story of all of us. Always moving forward. Always looking back. Always a work in progress. In part two, I cover the second half: how shes learnt to deal with dictators; that running in high heels is the best way to learn to walk in heels, metaphorically speaking; and how growing up during Apartheid and being a woman of colour in South Africa has affected her career and caused her to contribute to transformation in the industry.In case you missed it, read part one here When she thinks back to her LeaderSurf experience, Gordhan thinks its strange that she had never tried to learn how to surf having grown up in Durban. Well firstly, Indians just didnt do it. It was a thing, you didnt surf. But also, my dad was very protective and hed take me to the ocean, hold me in the water, and as soon as a wave would come, hed lift me up onto his shoulders. So, I never had that feeling of being thrown into the deep-end, and when I think about it, I think its because of the time that we lived in, our circumstances. Maybe thats what brown people had to do, we had to be protective.She remembers growing up in Apartheid, seeing the paddling pools she wasnt allowed to go to. They were clean and looked better than ours, and Id say to my mom, Why cant we go there?, and shed tag and pull me along and say, Thats not for us.As I grew up, I started to think about this feeling I always had as a woman of Indian descent. There was this stone-like feeling in my heart, and I couldnt understand it. Im ashamed to say it took me up until quite recently to analyse this feeling, and that was that I was inferior. This stayed with her for a long time, into her career, but it also allowed her to work from a vulnerable place.Looking back at her first job in advertising, she says the historical nature of the ad industry at that time was a boys locker room. It was kind of sweaty and crassy, and you know, it was kind of a place where as a young person in advertising I saw and heard things that maybe I didnt want to see and hear.It was her first week at a big agency, fresh out of ad school, and her boss at the time said, Oh, youre a vegetarian, doesnt that mean you dont give blowjobs? And you must remember, I was fresh out of college, so I was completely gobsmacked. I didnt know what to say, and I came up with all these inadequate words, and I actually should have said to him, Ya, you know, I am a vegetarian which means I dont tolerate sexist pigs.This sort of behaviour carried on, and men like these in leadership positions made her early years in advertising difficult because they constantly stood in her way. They advised her on what to wear and questioned why she was working on car advertising, saying she should be selling tampons. This was the mindset at the time, and it was not that long ago (2001).Her experience at university was not in congruence with that of working in the industry. I was studying feminism, gays and how womens bodies are politicised, so I came into this industry thinking all of this is relevant here, but no, I had to tuck it under my sleeve and pretend that I wasnt one [a feminist] because of the times that we lived in.After a short break, she found a new agency to work at, where she met her creative director at the time, who was a different kind of man. He was somebody who had a gentle way about him. He found a space for me to be creative and ways to uplift me and let me grow.He was also the one who promoted me to creative director. I felt it was before my time, and I think that he knew that too, but he realised that if he put me there, Id grow into. It felt like running in heels, and I always say to my sister, If you want to learn how to walk in heels, you must just run in them first, then youll be fine.This is something she believes everyone in positions of leadership should do for the young people in our country, both men and women: create a space for them to grow and shine a light on them.During her years at Black River FC, she had the opportunity of working on the Nandos brand, which she considers a privilege. Its such an amazing company and they make the most brave and engaging work out there. During that time, she got to do something she had never done before, and that was to piss off a dictator, none other than Robert Mugabe. They did this with their Last Dictator Standing ad, not intentionally of course.This experience made her think about dictators. She thought that was the last time shed ever experience dealing with such people, but she was wrong You will always face dictators in life people that you have to stand up to, and what Ive experienced over time is that they take different formats: people that have had to fight instead of helping me support them in the very thing they should be supporting, fighting against me; Ive had women dictators that Ive had to challenge.Why? Because Ive said something or questioned something that they dont like; and Ive received a formal complaint from one of my clients, because I questioned her; Ive had conversations with heads of organisations over the telephone, and you realise that because youre on a telephone, its not recorded so you can say whatever you want to say.Wow, these dictators are not just in Zimbabwe, and the hard lesson was that the way to deal with them is to just stand firmly in your power and find your voice over and over again, because youre going to make them uncomfortable, but if you just stand firmly, eventually they cant shake you or change who you are.About two years ago, Andrew Human, CEO of The Loeries, approached Gordhan to become the Loeries chairperson. She was terrified at the prospect and doubted whether to take on this responsibility. The question in my mind was: Am I going to be seen as someone who is just in this role because Im a woman and because Im a woman of colour?Everyone around me, my family, friends, superiors and all the people I consulted, said, Dont see it like that. Take it and do it so well that nobody will ever question why youre in that role.You know, youve heard that thing of: People are one day going to figure out that you actually dont know what youre doing, youre a fake.No matter how accomplished you are, those little voices at the back of your head speak this negativity to you, she acknowledges. She mentioned this at LeaderSurf, and one of the ladies on the course said, Well, Im the CCO of my company and I have that every single day, but all I do is I leave it outside the boardroom door and I walk in and shut those voices out. I know theyre going to be there when I step out again, but I leave them outside.This and what Simon Sinek says about purpose and finding your why has stuck with her and its led her to look at the people in her life, the way they uplift her and the things theyve done for her. In so doing, she realised there was something she needed to do and that was to find her purpose and way of using this role to do something meaningful. As part of my tenure, I decided to focus on transformation, but specifically around women because our industry is lacking so much in young women.Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, author ofis one of her favourite writers. In the book, she tells her friend how to bring her daughter up as a feminist, and she said, Surround her with a village of aunties, women who have qualities you'd like her to admire. As chair aunty she found she resonated with this.The chairperson of the Loeries is allowed to bring two people onto the committee, so she chose two industry stalwarts, two women she knew would share and support her vision. So, together with Andrew, we formed Open Chair . Its a kind of organisation that just creates face time for young women to speak to older and more senior people in the industry, and to talk to them aboutbecause that is whats lacking. Everyones so busy. You dont have access to mentors. Its just kind of a networking event that takes the form of speed dating.Looking back, shes grateful she took on the role. There were times when it was hard and I felt, Maybe I shouldnt do it and tell Andrew I cant anymore, its too much work, but someone a friend of mine and a colleague, a young man of colour said to me, You cant do that because were all watching you and do you realise how important it is for someone of colour and a woman to stand up there? It gives us all hope, so stay.Thats when I realised what Chimamanda was speaking about: the danger of a single story. My story is knitted together with the stories of others, and I knew why I had to stay. So, that whole experience was for me a lesson in hunger. As soon as I found my hunger, my purpose, my why, it became much more fascinating, much more interesting to me, and when you persist beyond doubt, doors just start to open up.FCB, the agency she works for, has a never finished philosophy:We laugh about it because it sounds like how our lives are in advertising. Were never finished, always working really late and long hours, but actually never finished is about making a legacy and developing something that can last and that we can continue to build on.This is something Gordhan believes in, and thats why the next part of her journey is to keep doing what she does. Maybe in different ways, and I dont know where the journey will go next, but I know I have a village of aunties with me Joe Raedle/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- Two Democrats are demanding a review of the Education Department's ethics program following an ABC News report that revealed a senior department official, hired straight out of the for-profit college sector, helped dismantle regulations designed to protect students defrauded by predatory colleges. Sen. Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, and Rep. Raja Krishnamoorthi, a Democrat from Illinois, make the demand in a letter sent to the department's inspector general on Thursday. Robert Eitel, who was hired by the Trump administration last year after four years as a for-profit college executive, played a role in suspending an Obama-era policy known as "borrower defense to repayment," according to documents obtained exclusively by ABC through the watchdog group Democracy Forward. The borrower defense rule made it easier for students, enticed into taking out pricey loans based on fraudulent claims by for-profit colleges, to file for debt relief. It also allowed the government to recoup losses due to discharged loans from predatory schools. When the Education Department decided to suspend the rule, Eitel -- a former vice president at for-profit college operators Bridgepoint Education and Career Education Corp. -- circulated borrower defense talking points to staffers, edited background documents and even signed off on the official delay notice, the documents obtained by ABC showed. Publicly, DeVos asserted that under the rule, "All one had to do was raise his or her hands to be entitled to so-called free money." After Trump took office, the borrower defense unit had been instructed "not to submit additional claims for approval" because "borrower defense policies are being reviewed with the change in administrations." Just before the regulations would have kicked in, DeVos officially and indefinitely pressed pause, and the Education Department is currently in the midst of writing "new regulation that will treat students, institutions and taxpayers fairly." Until ABC's report, Eitel had refused to tell lawmakers whether he'd had a hand in the delay. "A May 2018 report by ABC News revealed that Mr. Eitel played a more central role than previously indicated in the departments decision to delay the enforcement of borrower defense and gainful employment, and raised questions about whether key department officials have provided full and complete information to Congress," Warren and Krishnamoorthi wrote in the letter to the Education Department's inspector general. Ethics laws forbid Eitel from working on "particular matter involving specific parties that are directly and substantially related to former employers." But, according to documents cited by Warren, agency ethics officials advised Eitel that delaying the borrower defense rule -- which his former employers acknowledged in SEC filings last March could affect their bottom line -- could not be considered a "particular matter," because it is "directed to the interests of a large and diverse group of persons." He was therefore free to be involved on borrower defense policy, as long as he didn't participate in the adjudication of claims filed against his former employers, the ethics office said. "We disagree," Warren and Krishnamoorthi wrote in their letter to the inspector general. The rule applies "only to institutions of higher education that participate in the federal student aid program" and is thus considered a particular matter, they said. Warren and Krishnamoorthi wrote that they are "deeply troubled" that Eitels "questionable compliance" with federal ethics rules "signal a critical breakdown in federal ethics at the Department of Education." The lawmakers also questioned Eitel's possible involvement in the rollback of the so-called "gainful employment" rule, another Obama-era regulation that penalizes institutions with unreasonably high debt-to-earnings ratios. Eitel claimed he had "voluntarily recused myself" from matters related to gainful employment, "regardless of whether the ethics rules required such a refusal." But in the letter to the inspector general, the lawmakers question whether he actually did so, citing emails organizing meetings on the topic in question. They have asked the office to inspect Eitel's involvement in both the gainful employment and borrower defense rules to "provide clarity on what constitutes a legitimate and full recusal.'" More broadly, they asked the inspector general to "examine the Department of Education's entire federal ethics program to determine if it ensures department employees are observing both the letter and spirit of the ethics laws and regulations." "I take seriously my ethical obligations and have meticulously followed the ethics guidance that I have received from the Departments Office of the General Counsel," Eitel said in written testimony to Congress obtained by ABC News. "I have gone above and beyond my ethics obligations." Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. The fair is set to be an all-in-one showcase of fresh perspectives and sought after content on contemporary African art with a particularly strong representation of exhibitors from Angola, Ethiopia, Ghana, Mozambique, Namibia, Nigeria, South Africa, Uganda, and Zimbabwe. The new exhibitors from the continent include Namibian artist collective NJE Collective based out of Windhoek and Arte de Gema Contemporary gallery from Maputo, while This is Not A Whitecube will make their Johannesburg debut as the third Luanda gallery in the lineup (after ELA - Espaco Luanda Arte and MOVART Gallery). Tyburn Gallery, Lady Skollie in her Solo Presentation Two new team members Amy Ellenbogen as curator: galleries and VIP and Kabelo Malatsie as curator: talks programme have added to the diverse expertise of the existing Artlogic team, which includes Mandla Sibeko: fair director, Dr Cobi Labuscagne: director in charge of operations and management, and Nicole Siegenthaler: fair manager. Pooling their considerable resources, knowledge, experience, and in-depth understanding of contemporary African art, this team is preparing to inspire the art community investors, aspirant collectors, creative aficionados, and critics as well as an art-curious public who need that annual visual crash-course to keep abreast of emerging and established artists. Full list of exhibitors: Contemporary galleries 99 loop - Cape Town Addis Fine Art - Addis Ababa Afriart Gallery - Kampala Art First - London ARTCO Art Gallery - Aachen Arte de Gema - Maputo Barnard Gallery - Cape Town blank projects - Cape Town BLOOM art - Lagos Christopher Moller Gallery - Cape Town ELA - Espaco Luanda Arte - Luanda Everard Read - Joburg, Cape Town, London First Floor Gallery Harare - Harare Gallery 1957 - Accra Gallery MOMO - Joburg, Cape Town Goodman Gallery - Joburg, Cape Town Guns & Rain Joburg Kalashnikovv Gallery - Joburg Lizamore & Associates - Joburg MOV'ART Gallery - Luanda Red Door Gallery - Lagos ROOM Gallery & Projects - Joburg Salon 91 - Cape Town SMAC Gallery - Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Joburg SMITH - Cape Town Stevenson - Cape Town, Joburg This is Not a White Cube - Luanda WHATIFTHEWORLD - Cape Town Worldart - Cape Town Gallery solo projects Amy Lin presented by Alida Anderson Projects Roger Ballen with Hans Lemmen presented by ARTCO Aida Muluneh presented by David Krut Projects Mark Rautenbach presented by Eclectica Contemporary Mamady Seydi presented by Galerie GALEA Dale Lawrence presented by SMITH Limited editions ARTCO Art Gallery - Aachen Bad Paper - Cape Town LL Editions - Joburg MAKER - Joburg The Artists' Press - White River SA Print Gallery - Cape Town The White House Gallery - Joburg Art platforms Artist Proof Studio - Joburg Bag Factory - Joburg Department of Small Business Development - South Africa Javett Art Centre - Pretoria Johannesburg Art Gallery - Joburg Kuenyehia Prize - Accra Lalela - Joburg, Cape Town Legalamitlwa Arts - Mmabatho National Gallery of Zimbabwe - Harare NJE Collective - Windhoek SAFFCA - Joburg, Saint Emilion The Project Space - Joburg Village Unhu - Harare This company article has been removed. Jewish Literary Festival 2018 to celebrate words, literature The Jewish Literary Festival 2018 programme is set to explore an assortment of literary insights and commentaries that impact Jewish culture and history. It will also provide storytelling for the younger sector of the audience. Entrepreneur Howard Feldman will present a discussion on the 'Fear of saying the wrong thing: writing and living in a post-humour society'. Meeting Space for Hire in Cape Town CBD Can be used for: Meetings, hearings, workshops, discussions, training, workspace, events, presentations, demonstrations, brainstorming, strategic planning, Cape Town-based space, etc. Seats 18 comfortably around three round tables of six each. Room configuration is flexible. Can hire in additional chairs if required . Features Air-conditioning Flat screen monitor Data projector available to rent (extra) WiFi Flipchart stands and rails Variable lighting Comfortable, modern, stylish seating Standard set-up: round tables; other options available, i.e. school room or board room Availability -Monday to Friday from 7am till 6pm (not open on weekends or evenings) Cost Full day: R1,095.00 - eight hours Half day: R765 - four hours Catering Standard package - R20 per person Arrival, morning, and afternoon refreshments - includes: water/tea/coffee/biscuits Treat package - R40 to R50 per person Arrival, morning, and afternoon refreshments - includes: water/tea/coffee/juice/biscuits/pastries/muffins/table sweets Lunch package - R25 per person Standard package plus in-room lunch, including ordering take aways, cutlery, crockery, and cleaning (actual take away food order cost not included) Address 11-on-Buiten, Buitensingel Street, Cape Town (in i-fix building). Located near trendy Kloof and Long Street in the middle of Cape Town CBD. 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 Drought, fire, flood, and now COVID - the resilience of rural women COVID has affected the business on the dairy farm, but so has the floods, the droughts and everything that has come with it, the women said. The following are police reports from Bristol, Lower Makefield and Newtown townships. Bristol Township BURGLARY >> Maryland Avenue, Croydon, on Oct. 11 at 10:04 a.m. Sometime between Oct. 4 and 12 an unknown subject(s) used forced entry into a vacant residence. The subject(s) stole approximately 20 pounds of copper. The estimated value is $120. THEFT >> .Ford Road, Bristol, on... | BY Ricki Green | Colin Renshaw (left), VFX supervisor and founder, Alt.vfx is representing Australia on the Cannes Film Craft Lions jury. Renshaw, along with most of the other Australian and NZ jurors writes exclusively for CB. Getting there is never half of the fun. I am just going to lay that out straight up. Doesnt matter what airline you fly or which end of the plane you sit in long haul sucks. And long haul to Europe is the high priest of suckery. Bars on planes (thank you Emirates) are like kissing a hot someone with a coldsore. You jump in with reckless abandon but you know you will pay for it later. I once got on a flight and heard a very recognisable voice behind me. It was Singo. We introduced ourselves he asked me what I did. I told him. He said: Whats your strategy? I began my usual quasi-earnest reply: Doing great workuhh.hiring great people He cut me off mid-sentence. No, you fuckwit your plane drinking strategy. You go hard early, and then sleep? Or do you go hard all flight? Hmm? I confessed didnt have a strategy and that ended the conversation. I slinked back to my seat. But of course, you do need a strategy. You definitely need a strategy when you go to Cannes. I think this is my 5th or 6th year now and mine is well entrenched. Go hard for 2 days then hibernate for 2 days. Then go hard for two days again. Avoid talking to people that matter after 2pm and never ever go to the Carlton bar after 8pm. I live in my boardies, only bathe when I swim, and try to grow a beard. For me Cannes is a working holiday with largely the very same people I work with every day, and I like it like that. This year my strategy is getting all screwed up. I am going to Cannes to judge Film Craft. Being asked to judge at Cannes Lions Festival is an honour, certainly. But its also a big commitment. There is a lot to do, not just in the judging process, but readying the life you leave behind for you being absent, busy as hell and practically uncontactable for the next however many days. For one thing, Ive never been so exposed to so much bloody amazing work from all over the world. And for those who have sat through that initial online judging stageyou understand. There is A LOT. But of course, as with everything, with greatness also comes a great wave of utter bollocks. While I was awed by some of the amazing, beautiful, touching stories that brands across the world told in the past year, there were others that tried so desperately to achieve greatness that they reeked, a powerful stench of cynical emotional jabs that left me feeling like they had exploited the subject matter to the extreme. If you have a prosthetic limb, are transgender, in need of affirmative action or are #girl power, this is your year. The brands are behind you. Its a fine line to tread when you are seeking to tell a very real emotional story of human endeavour that ends mostly with a completely incongruous brand logo. When it works, it pierces the heart of even a cantankerous cynic like me. When it doesnt, it leaves you feeling cold and repulsed, and dirty. Thankfully, the obvious bleeding-heart PC bandwagon trash was quickly excised on Day 1. And in general, day 1 judging was exciting and funny and inspiring. Some of the comedic spots entered across categories are utterly brilliant, with a particular highlight being a handful of ones from Thailand. They seem to be able to get edgy, creative comedy along the production pipeline better than we can in Australia, and its a universal comedy that just works. Great scripts, great casts, great direction. Have to say that Im loving it so far. But I do miss my pool toys and Pina coladas. Wednesday seems so far away The Ding Darling Wildlife Society-Friends of the Refuge awarded $19,700 in conservation education scholarships to 15 students from the surrounding five-county area on June 13 at a special after-hours gathering at the J.N. Ding Darling National Wildlife Refuge. During its 12-year history, the DDWS Environmental Scholarship Program has awarded a total of $116,700. The society is committed to educating todays youth to become conservation stewards of the future, DDWS Education Chair Wendy Kindig said. We work with businesses and individuals to provide annual scholarships to award to outstanding students pursuing degrees related to conservation, wildlife biology, and the environment. A big thank you to our scholarship sponsors for helping us in our mission. Nine donors sponsored the 15 scholarships this year. Some were on hand to present checks to and congratulate the students who were able to attend. Many of the scholarship recipients who were unable to attend the ceremony sent thank you videos that highlighted their education and career plans. DDWS awarded two Richard Bailey Scholarships, named in memory of a longtime refuge volunteer and donated by his family. They went to Taylor Hancock, an Estero High graduate currently studying environmental science at Florida Gulf Coast University in Fort Myers, and Robert Smith, a North Fort Myers High graduate who will major in environmental studies at FGCU. The Mike and Terry Baldwin Scholarship, named for DDWS president and his wife, an emeritus board member, went to Katie Thorp, a Fort Myers High graduate studying environmental engineering at the University of Florida in Gainesville. Sarah Swiersz, a Southwest Florida Christian Academy graduate studying computational and physical science at the University of Central Florida in Orlando, received the Dr. Andrew and Laura Dahlem Scholarship. The Dahlems live part-time on Sanibel and were honored with a named scholarship by family members. Barron Collier High graduate Morgan Humphrey, who currently studies environmental engineering at FGCU, was awarded the Dr. H. Randall Deming Endowed Scholarship for Conservation & Environmental Studies. Demings family established the memorial in 2016 as a permanent endowed scholarship in his memory. Two Leslie & Hans Fleischner Scholarships went to Anthony Bonacolta, a Bishop Verot High graduate who studies marine science and microbiology at the University of Miami, and Cypress Lake High graduate Dara Craig, who studies wildlife ecology and conservation at Vanderbilt University in Tennessee. The Fleischners are part-time Sanibel residents whose love of the islands environment moved them to sponsor the scholarship. Maegan Mikkelson, a recent graduate of North Fort Myers High who is headed to UF to major in environmental studies, won the Mary Elaine Jacobson Memorial Scholarship, made possible by the Sanibel-Captiva Audubon Society. Barron Collier High graduate Kevin Macias, studying biological sciences at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York, received the Francine Litofsky Scholarship, in memory of a published nature photographer and active refuge volunteer. Tarpon Bay Explorers Scholarships sponsored five recipients: Seacrest Country Day School graduate Stella Souza, who will study environmental science at the University of South Florida in Tampa; Adrian Dougherty, a graduate of Fort Myers High studying wildlife ecology and conservation at UF; Jack Joers, a Barron Collier High graduate studying oceanic engineering at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton; Danielle Winchel, a recent Oasis High headed to UF to study environmental science; and Haleigh Niles, a recent Lemon Bay High graduate entering Washington University in St. Louis to study environmental earth science. Tarpon Bay Explorers started the original DDWS scholarship program in 2007. The Jane Werner Endowed Environmental Scholarship, DDWS first permanent endowed scholarship established in 2011, went to recent Naples High graduate Griffin Alexander, who will attend UM to study marine ecosystems, policy and law. The family of the late Jane Werner, who volunteered at the refuge for 25 years, set up the scholarship in her honor. These students become part of the greater Ding Darling family, Kindig said. We welcome them back as scholarship applicants next year and as fellow conservation stewards in years to come. DDWS will award scholarships of $1,000 to $4,000 each at the end of the 2018-19 school year. High school seniors and college students living in Lee, Collier, Charlotte, Glades and Hendry counties and pursuing careers in biology, conservation and environmental studies are eligible. For an application and to read full descriptions of 2018 scholarship winners and donors, visit dingdarlingsociety.org/articles/student-scholarships. Individuals and businesses interested in establishing a named scholarship of $1,000 or more for 2018-19 can contact Birgie Miller or Sarah Lathrop at 239-472-1100, Ext. 4. Tommy Doyle, Lee County Supervisor of Elections, warns citizens to be aware of a potentially misleading mailer they may receive in the weeks leading up to the Aug. 28 primary and Nov. 6 general elections. The letters originate from the Voter Participation Center and the Center for Voter Information, two organizations that are not associated with the Florida Division of Elections or the Lee County Supervisor of Elections. The mailers often include Florida Voter Registration applications with information pre-filled and are addressed to informal names, children under voting age, pets and deceased family members. The VPC and CVI generate address lists for the mailings from outdated and often incorrect data, which can lead to confusion regarding eligibility for voting, especially among voters who are already registered to vote. Lee County voters should not rely on the information printed on the mailed-out applications but confirm their voter record in the Voter Resources tab on the website lee.vote by clicking on Check my Voter Registration Status or call the Supervisor of Elections Office at 239-LEE-VOTE (533-8683). Questions regarding the eligibility of those who are not currently registered to vote may also be directed to these sources. The Lee County Supervisor of Elections has four office locations to assist constituents in-person with voter registration services. Check the Community Education Services Departments Calendar of Events for locations where they will be available to provide voter registration services. The Florida Division of Elections Online Voter Registration link is available for those who wish to register to vote or update their voter information online. Photo: Police photo Cory Vallee A convicted assassin frequently visited Kelowna, according to his recently-published first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder guilty verdict. Cory Vallee was found guilty earlier this month for the February 2009 contract killing of Red Scorpion gangster Kevin LeClair, along with conspiracy to kill the Bacon brothers and their associates. Throughout the 16-month trial, the Crown proved Vallee was hired as a hitman by the UN gang sometime around early 2008, and helped gather intelligence in the hunt for several rival gang members. Vallee was brought into the U.N gang fold as their battle with the Red Scorpions and the Bacon brothers intensified. LeClair, gunned down by Vallee outside a Langley mall on Feb. 6, 2009, was a former member of the UN, but he had left to join the Bacon brothers. He was known in UN circles as Traitor and was considered a high risk due to his knowledge of the inner workings of his former gang. The court heard in trial that Vallee was paid $50,000 for the LeClair hit. A price of $300,000 was put on the heads of the Bacon brothers, as "it was hard to kill them," according to testimony from a former UN member Justice Janice Dillon's recently-published decision outlines the UN gang's expansion through the 2000s, growing their drug supply lines throughout the Lower Mainland, B.C.'s Interior and into Calgary, the United States and Mexico. By 2006, the UN was organizing large shipments of marihuana and money by land and air to the United States in return for large shipments of cocaine from Mexico, Justice Dillon wrote. There were also return shipments of guns. A former UN gang boss, who ended up becoming a Crown witness in the case against Vallee, said he supplied cocaine to the Interior from 2007 to 2009, making up to $500,000 per year, until the quality of cocaine began to diminish. Vallee, meanwhile, said in 2008 that he regularly travelled to Kelowna. In April 2008 he was in Kelowna for the wedding of his friend and UN gang member Duane Meyer. Meyer was killed in Abbotsford less than a month after the wedding. The Red Scorpions were believed to be responsible for Meyer's death, one of the many back and forth murders between the two groups that had begun in 2006. Jonathan Bacon, killed outside Kelowna's Delta Grand Hotel in August 2011, was another casualty of the gang war. In several police intercepts of UN members in April 2008, one gang associate was overheard discussing having sent Vallee to an area believed to be the Okanagan in the past, and that they love him up there. It was also heard in trial that Vallee did a drug-related collection in Kelowna sometime in the spring or summer of 2009, followed by a shipment of ecstasy to Calgary the following fall. Vallee was ultimately found guilty of first-degree murder and conspiracy to commit murder charges on June 1. First-degree murder carries an automatic sentence of life imprisonment with no chance of parole for 25 years. He's scheduled to be sentenced on the conspiracy charge June 28. Photo: RCMP The trailer of stolen bicycles recovered by police. Seven people were arrested Tuesday after police found three stolen vehicles and a trailer of stolen bikes that had been taken from a local bike rental company. Dozens of bikes were stolen from Myra Canyon Bike Rentals last week from a property on McCulloch Road, along with a Ford pickup truck. Police initially searched a Beaverdell property Tuesday, discovering four stolen bikes from the recent theft, along with a stolen Jeep Patriot from Kimberley and a stolen Volkswagen Jetta from Kelowna. The search of the Beaverdell property led police to another property near Big White Road and Highway 33, where they found the stolen Ford pickup truck and the flatdeck trailer with the 41 additional stolen bikes. The Kelowna RCMP Target team were able to identify a residence and execute a search warrant at the property, said Const. Lesley Smith of the Kelowna RCMP Detachment. This investigation led to the recovery of over $100,000 in stolen property and the arrest of multiple well-known criminals. Six men and one woman were arrested. One man remains in custody, as he had an outstanding warrant out on an unrelated matter. Const. Smith says the investigation is ongoing. I get into Air Force One, the television's on, and I see a news conference being given by Trudeau, U.S. President Donald Trump said of leaving the G-7 summit held in Canada this weekend. And then he talked about how they wont be bullied. And I said, Whats this all about? He didnt do that to my face, whats this all about? He added: I actually like Justin, you know, I think hes good, I like him, but he shouldnt have done that. That was a mistake. Thats going to cost him a lot of money. These comments from the U.S. president have been the largest issue in Ottawa and elsewhere this past week. It is deeply alarming that the president of the United States is threatening to financially punish Canada at the trade table, in large part because he disagrees with the comments of Prime Minister Trudeau at a news conference. This is completely unacceptable. If this threat is carried out, it could seriously compromise what has otherwise been an extremely successful relationship between two world-leading countries. If there is an upside, recently we also witnessed a historic event where President Trump concluded what many view as successful talks with North Korea that may denuclearize the Korean peninsula. I mention this as it was not so many months ago that relations between the U.S. president and the leader of North Korea were far more adversarial and most would agree considerable progress has made towards a more constructive relationship. What can Canada do? As I have stated in the past, if there is one area where I believe our Prime Minister and his administration have worked very proactively, it has been to maintain positive relations with the United States administration. I believe this work will continue and some success will result from these efforts. The greater challenge is that the United States administration is aggressively pursuing an economic agenda that has been successful in increasing investment and lowering unemployment to record lows. U.S. corporate taxes have been significantly reduced and resource development has been accelerated. Here in Canada, costs of doing business have increased. The carbon tax, which the U.S. does not have, continues to rise. CPP, which is often referred to as an employment tax, is also steadily increasing. Locally, in provinces such as British Columbia, a new health employers tax will have a similar impact. Upper income brackets have been increased both provincially and federally and many tax credits used by families and students have been eliminated. All of these factors combined are making Canada less competitive compared to the United States. Aside from those measures, Canada still does not have true inter-Provincial free trade. For example, a winery in B.C. still cannot directly sell to consumers in many Canadian provinces, but a competing winery in Washington State can directly ship to customers all across the United States. Why do I mention all of these things? With the current uncertainty over the NAFTA negotiations, there are plenty of other areas where the federal government can take a leadership role and actively work with provinces to lower costs instead of continuing to increase them, as has been the case to date. My question this week: 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 Georgia On My Mind Day at the Georgia Visitor Information Center in Ringgold will feature tourist destinations, attractions, hotels, and more on Friday, June 22, from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. The Ringgold Georgia Visitor Information Center is at 2726 I-75 South. Participants will include: Villa Rica Main Street, Ellijay/Gilmer County CVB, Georgia State Parks, Woodstock CVB, Catoosa County Chamber of Commerce, Discover DeKalb, Visit Sandy Springs, Georgias Rome, Visit Henry County, The Georgia Winery Association, Fort Oglethorpe Tourism Association, Marietta Visitors Bureau, Chattanooga & Chickamauga National Military Park and the Cartersville-Bartow County CVB. Georgia On My Mind Day allows local communities and tourism partners to showcase their destinations to visitors and residents traveling to or through Georgia. Visitors can learn about Georgias tourism destinations and natural resources while sampling Georgia-made products. For more information email Ringgold@georgia.org or call 706-937-4211. Governor Bill Haslam and Department of Labor and Workforce Development Commissioner Burns Phillips announced on Thursday that Tennessees May 2018 statewide unemployment rate of 3.5 percent marked the 11th consecutive month the figure has been 3.5 percent or lower. While the May unemployment rate represents a slight uptick of 0.1 of a percentage point compared to the April rate of 3.4 percent, year-to-year, it is 0.3 of a percentage point lower than it was in May 2017. Back in May of 2011, the unemployment rate was 9.2 percent, Governor Haslam said. We have made tremendous progress over the last seven years, bringing new businesses to the state and creating hundreds of thousands of new private sector jobs. Tennessee will lead in job creation because weve worked hard to create an environment where businesses can grow and thrive and a skilled workforce ready for the demands of todays workforce. Between April and May of this year, Tennessee added another 7,800 nonfarm jobs. The vast majority of jobs created last month were in the professional/business services industry, which accounted for 4,200 new positions. Nationally, unemployment dropped for the second consecutive month. The United States unemployment rate for May was 3.8 percent, down 0.1 of a percentage point from the previous month. In May 2017, the national unemployment rate was half a percentage point higher at 4.3 percent. To experience nearly a full year of unemployment at 3.5 percent or lower is remarkable, Commissioner Burns said. We are working each and every day to continue this forward motion in Tennessee, increasing the quality of life for families across the state. The statewide unemployment rate is seasonally adjusted to eliminate the influences of weather, holidays, the opening and closing of schools, and other recurring seasonal events from an economic time series. Tennesseans looking for employment can access the latest job openings, update their resumes, and sharpen their job interview skill by visiting the states workforce website. A complete analysis of Tennessees unemployment data for May can be found here. The state of Tennessee will release the May county unemployment data on Thursday, June 21, at 1:30 p.m. CT. Deerfield-based Walgreens has been familiar with the building for some time, having considered it in 2014 when the structure was under different ownership. If completed, the Walgreens lease will represent a vital step for current property owner 601W Cos., which is in the midst of an $800 million-plus redevelopment. It will give 601W a big, prominent tenant, likely creating momentum toward additional office leases. More worrisome were the new grads in his study who were involuntarily underemployed. They tended to come from working-class backgrounds and often were the first in their families to go to college, which can make it harder to secure that first post-college job because they lack family friends who can put a good word in at a desired employer. Those grads felt highly stressed about not finding work commensurate with their education, which their families had believed would be the ticket to upward mobility, and several cried during their interviews, Steffy said. The ordinance, passed two years ago, is meant to allow the city to track and limit the number of units rented on a short-term basis. Supporters have said the law protects against commercial renters trying to list multiple units in residential buildings, effectively turning them into hotels. It also includes a 4 percent fee levied on guests that goes toward services for the homeless. We talk about Jack Fuller and his three core values, Im said. One is rigorous journalism, the second is respecting the subject and the audience, and the third is an expectation of civic engagement. We felt like these three organizations embodied those values the most at the moment, and they were all at an inflection point. McNally will be based out of Outcome Healths New York office, but he plans to travel to Chicago during his first two weeks with the company, which will be in late June or early July, the email to employees said. He was not available for comment. While on-site sales have yet to pay for the full marketing budget at a summer festival, Deubler said it is money well-spent, driving sustained sales increases for the brand in the wake of each event. He said connecting with millennials, a target demographic for Monaco, would be much harder through traditional advertising. Hes got a history of breaking barriers and doing things no one else has done, said Karl Brauer, executive publisher at Autotrader and Kelley Blue Book. Brauer referenced Musks SpaceX company, which is the first to reuse rockets that can take off and land, as well as being the first company to succeed in the premium electric vehicle market. All those accomplishments have come with more cost than originally planned, with a longer time frame than originally planned, and an unsustainable business model. Goose Islands long-simmering saga began the day after Thanksgiving in 2015, when the brewery released its annual batch of Bourbon County beers. Though the brand makes some of the most heralded beers in the industry, drinkers quickly began complaining of sour and rancid off flavors. The off flavors were later linked to the presence of lactobacillus acetotolerans, a bacteria that affects flavor but does not make a person ill. 1) National food holidays are mostly terrible marketing ploys, but we can all get behind National Lobster Day, right? Because lobster. At III Forks, snag some deals on everyones favorite crustacean, like a Texas-style fried Maine lobster tail with homemade remoulade sauce ($65), lobster bisque ($15) and lobster mac and cheese ($20). Want to try your luck at winning a free lobster roll every month for a year? Original Island Shrimp House in Palos Park is offering guests that chance by posting a photo with a 12-ounce footlong lobster roll, available all weekend. Stop by Saturday, and if youre one of the restaurants first 50 customers, youll snag a free regular lobster roll. Both promotions run Friday through Sunday. III Forks, 180 N. Field Blvd., 312-938-4303, 3forks.com; Original Island Shrimp House, 12902 S. La Grange Road, Palos Park, 708-923-6646. There are two ways to get this done, dry-aging and wet-aging. The difference between them comes down to how the meat is treated during this resting period. Dry-aged beef hangs out uncovered in a temperature- and humidity-controlled room. Because it's exposed to oxygen, the exterior of the meat develops mold, which helps to protect the meat within. Still, chefs need to cut off these moldy parts, resulting in a 20 to 30 percent loss of the original product. Conversely, wet-aged beef is sealed in plastic and then stuck in a fridge. Because it's not exposed to oxygen, none of the meat needs to be removed before cooking. Momin, a Georgia native who now lives in Downers Grove, said he was embarrassed by his lack of attention to detail in the first round and tried to redeem himself in the elimination round. Ramsay said Momin topped his benedict with too much paprika. Donahoe is a master motion mechanic at the Human Garage, which is not a metaphor for the body - although we will hear plenty of those here - but because the practice got started in an actual garage. "We recognize all truths in all modalities," he says. "We're the only ones talking about gravitational forces and atmospheric pressure and what that does for the human being." Chicago dermatologist Dr. Carolyn Jacob said it can be hard for people to visualize how much spray sunscreen is equal to 1 ounce (about the size of a shot glass). So she tells her patients they should be able to see the sunscreen on the skin. Sprays with heavier, more visible sunscreen ingredients, like zinc oxide, make it easier to follow this rule, she said. The same goes for stick sunscreens, Jacob said: You should see it on the skin, and rub it in so its effective. Although they were in this together, both parents emphasized that they had personal considerations. Kate said she didnt think shed feel an emotional attachment to the embryos, but after seeing her twins become people from them, it was a little bit more real to me, she said. She said she felt lucky that the decision came down to just one embryo. One friend had a dozen to think about. I understand that the most fun, most memorable, most peaceful, most meaningful moments will most certainly not happen on a screen. I understand that everything in life is better without a filter. (Except drinking water. That should definitely be filtered especially in Chicago.) I understand that looking up and out is a richer way to live than looking down and in. I understand that all of these things are true all year-round, but I commit to honoring them with extra diligence in the summer, which is light-filled and romantic and fleeting. Planning an overseas destination wedding is no day at the beach even if that's exactly your vision for your big day. Details could be lost in translation, travel restrictions might dampen attendance and legal requirements may get complicated. Before you mentally dig your toes into that sand, dig into the details so you don't end up being your own "something blue." 1. FACTOR IN COSTS, TRAVEL RESTRICTIONS According to a 2016 survey from wedding site The Knot, the average cost of an international destination wedding is $25,800. That figure may be within your event budget, but for guests, international airfare and multinight lodging could be out of reach. Of course, a smaller, more intimate gathering may be what you're after. In addition to costs, consider logistics for your guests. Work schedules, health conditions or a lack of child care may pose additional hurdles. Criminal convictions may also be an obstacle. For example, if you have a DUI on record, you may not be allowed entry into Canada, says Ashley Morris, owner and travel concierge at Alpaca Your Bags Travel. 2. CONSIDER A TRAVEL AGENT Travel agents can alleviate some of this pressure by handling guests' needs, questions and payments. They also may be able to negotiate discounted group quotes based on their partnerships. They might also negotiate perks when more guests stay at the host hotel, such as a free welcome happy hour or brunch, or even free rooms. Your guests might try booking a different hotel on their own to save money, but be aware that they may have to pay a day fee sometimes $100 to $150 for access to weddings at private resorts abroad, Morris says. 3. ANTICIPATE GUESTS' NEEDS When Elise Giannasi, style and beauty blogger at Belle Meets World , planned her wedding in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, she did the research for guests. Her wedding website answered frequently asked questions about travel requirements, hotel options, restaurants in the area, scheduled activities and more. "It's a balance between giving too much information and making them think they can come to you with any question versus giving them enough information so that they know how to figure their trip out," Giannasi says. At a minimum, give guests enough notice to save the date; Morris advises around 11 months. 4. DELEGATE SOME PLANNING A wedding coordinator can keep details from falling through the cracks. Consider a coordinator in the U.S. who has relationships with vendors in the destination; a private on-site wedding coordinator; or an on-site wedding coordinator provided by an all-inclusive resort. For destinations overseas, on-site coordinators who speak the local language can make communication with local vendors easier. 5. MAKE ROOM FOR MISHAPS Speaking of language barriers, details for a destination wedding can often get lost in translation because you're not on site to oversee them. That's what happened to Giannasi when the wreath on the front door of her venue didn't meet her expectations. "You just roll with it," she says. "For a destination wedding, you do need to go in with an understanding that you need to relinquish a little bit more control." If you live in a different time zone from the destination, patience is especially important, as you likely won't get immediate responses from vendors there. 6. UNDERSTAND FOREIGN FEES, PAYMENT METHODS With a year or so to plan, you can map out a budget. But that budget can quickly balloon with foreign fees. For example, debit or credit cards may charge foreign transaction fees ranging from 1 percent to 3 percent of each purchase. A no-foreign-transaction-fee credit card can eliminate that cost. Some destinations abroad may operate mostly in cash, but your bank might charge a fee for international ATM withdrawals. Research your vendors' payment methods. 7. KNOW THE LEGAL REQUIREMENTS Getting legally married abroad can be costly and time-consuming, the U.S. State Department notes on its website. Among the requirements could be blood tests, a residence requirement, and the translation and authentication of documents. Contact the embassy or tourist information bureau of your destination for specifics. Morris avoided such hurdles by having two events: a legal wedding in Las Vegas and a symbolic ceremony in the Dominican Republic. One perk of such an arrangement? Anyone can perform the symbolic ceremony, Morris says. "My husband's best friend was our officiant because we did a symbolic wedding." This article originally appeared on the personal finance website NerdWallet. Melissa Lambarena is a writer at NerdWallet. Email: mlambarena@nerdwallet.com. Twitter: @lissalambarena. For those needing justification, the book offers another reason to be suspicious of every black and brown face they encounter on the street. The commission has sent a message that some young men and women arent worth the time it would take to save them. They are worthless thugs, plain and simple. During Ramadan, expected to end as early as Friday after a sighting of the new moon, Muslims are expected to abstain from eating and drinking during daylight hours as a sign of patience and piety. They also are encouraged to step back from their daily routines and focus on "zakat, or charity. Organizers spent the last 29 days hosting teach-ins and iftars to raise awareness about the struggle for detainees who cant afford the money bonds required to go back to their jobs or families before their trials. According to the Maryland-based Pretrial Justice Institute, more than 60 percent of people in U.S. jails have not yet been to trial. About 90 percent of them remain there because they cant afford their bail. The concept is so, I guess the word is bizarre, Kirks alter ego, William Shatner, said by phone Wednesday. You have to blank your mind and say, What is blockchain, again? How does mining operate, again? The concepts are really strange, and yet when you begin to grasp it, it makes sense. Scores of African-American men have accused Burge, who is white, and detectives working under him of torturing or abusing them during the 1970s and 80s on the South Side. The scandal has stained the city's reputation and so far cost taxpayers at least $115 million in lawsuit settlements, judgments and other compensation to victims. Disciplinary authorities fired Burge in 1993 after determining he had tortured Andrew Wilson. After she was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, Albertine was taken directly into surgery, but doctors later told family that Albertines head injury was so severe that nothing could be done and she was placed on life support, MacMullin said. Her family took her off life support and she was pronounced dead just before 4:30 p.m. Tuesday. The Tribune reported in a front-page article Wednesday that while carjackings in Chicago have spiked over the past two years, juveniles share of arrests in the brazen crime has risen sharply as well. Through May 20 this year, those younger than 18 accounted for about 60 percent of arrests, up from about 35 percent for all of 2016, Police Department statistics show. In the motion to dismiss the four bribery and extortion counts, Cochrans attorney, Christopher Grohman, argued that it was the FBI that put pressure on at least one of the victims -- a liquor store owner who'd testified before a grand jury that Cochran never asked him for anything in exchange for the alderman's help with an ordinance change. Smith was last seen by her family on May 25, according to police. She was reported missing by her mother three days later, her family said. Her body was found June 7 in an abandoned garage in the 1800 block of South Central Park Avenue, about a block from where she lived and about 5 miles from where the teen was found. "Were there doubters when Chicago reversed the flow of the river? Yes. Where are they today?" Emanuel asked as Musk looked on. "Were there doubters when Chicago said we're going to build the first skyscraper in America? Yeah. Where are they today? Were there doubters when we said we're going to have the tallest building in the world known before as the Sears Tower? Yes, there were doubters. Where are they today? My view is it's easy to be a critic or a cynic. What jobs do they produce, what economic growth do they produce?" Some 400,000 migrants and refugees passed through Hungary in 2015 on their way to Germany and other destinations in Western Europe. The migrant flow was diverted and slowed by razor-wire fences that Hungary built on its southern borders late that year by Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government. Orban, who was re-elected to his third consecutive term in April, had based his campaign on his fierce anti-migrant policies. Canadians will hunker down and hope their economy survives the latest bump in the relationship. They take quiet, Canadian-like pride in the fact that there are eight Canadians among the Washington Capitals players who hoisted the Stanley Cup down Constitution Avenue on Tuesday (and zero North Koreans). But where shots across the fence are the most damaging are in their impact on North American competitiveness. The rest of the world is not standing still while we feud. China, Russia and others who do not share our values are moving in to fill the void. North America's strengths of abundant energy, resources and human ingenuity were amplified by U.S. rules leadership in the global trading system. In the absence of U.S. leadership, North America loses its competitive position in the world. Here is my suggestion to anyone who is thinking about getting a pet: When you first acquire it, create a list of everything you can find that makes the animal happy (eating a treat, chasing a ball, etc.). Put the list away until the animal is undergoing treatment for a terminal disease, such as cancer. At that point, return to the list. Is the animal able to chase a ball? Does the animal get excited about receiving a treat? While underground joyrides would be sensational, important developments already are occurring at OHare to maintain its position as one of the worlds biggest and best airports. The ongoing reconstruction of the airfield, including new runways and a central de-icing pad, will be completed in 2021. This should alleviate chronic flight delays. Just as important, the citys embarking on a $8.5 billion project to replace and rehabilitate terminals and add gates. That overhaul, scheduled to be completed by 2026, involves tearing down Terminal 2 and replacing it with a Global Terminal for United, American and their international partners. The idea is that flyers would be able to transfer to and from domestic flights without having to board the inconvenient airport tram. Development efforts beginning in the 1980s have transformed Arlington Heights into a national model for transit-oriented downtowns. The addition of a potential new Bears stadium is interesting, but not essential for a community that is no longer beholden to the fortunes of Chicago. The first Wild Things Wednesdays is from 9 a.m. to noon Wednesday at LeRoy Oakes Forest Preserve, 37W700 Dean St., St. Charles. It is themed Creek Exploration. The June 27 session is Woodland Adventure; the July 11 session is Animal Tracking; the July 18 program is Insect Investigations; the July 25 theme is Reptiles and Amphibians; the Aug. 1 session is Life by the Lake and the Aug. 8 theme is Rock Hunt. We can only speculate as to how the ring ended up where it did. But as Driscoll pointed out and I saw for myself this work glove is meant to fit snugly. And if a ring was a bit loose, it could slide off when the man pulled the glove from his hand. About the partner: Ive been doing this for 21 years, said Salazar whose first job in the restaurant industry was a grill cook at Whataburger in Texas. He earned a culinary arts and management degree from the Illinois Institute of Art, Chicago. He has been an executive chef at Dave & Busters, helping to open the Orland Park and Addison locations, and a kitchen manager and general manager for TGI Fridays where he helped open several locations including Orland Park and Oak Lawn. After partly training at Chuys in Noblesville, Indiana, he opened Illinois locations in Warrenville and Schaumburg before focusing on the Orland Park Chuys. The second is an Agricultural Impact Mitigation Agreement, which requires that such a document be created 45 days before construction begins to address issues such as broken drain tiles, drainage, compensation for damaged crops, and returning the land to farmable conditions. The developer also must post a bond with the state, guaranteeing it will properly decommission the site. When we look around in general, we can see that the country is quite divided right now, and this is a way for us to show that, even though things might appear they dont go together or you wonder how would they work together, you can actually bring things that look a lot different together and make it work, Combs said. She is fascinated by the different identities that women take on over the course of their lives, and she certainly portrays that in Coffee Spoons. The characters in Coffee Spoons, and there are characters in this book, are a composite of women, all of whom are me, she said. Reginaldo Etienne, 32, who is described by authorities as homeless, was in custody at the Kenosha County Jail following a transfer and is expected to be charged Friday with two counts of second-degree sexual assault with the use of force, aggravated battery to the elderly, battery and theft, according to Sgt. Mark Malecki, a spokesman for the Sheriffs Department. William MacKinnon, 49, was directed to report for treatment to a Veterans Administration facility, either in Illinois or Massachusetts, upon his imminent release from the DuPage County jail, where he has been held since his arrest in April 2017. I love everything about playing with Jeremy, Brown said. Hes a fantastic all-around musician, master of the piano, and a great person to make music with. We have a lot of the same influences and same things we love about jazz and music in general. Hes such a phenomenal musician, its always a lesson for me to get to play with him. A. Yes, definitely. All of my STEM classes require creativity, whether it's for building a model for a science project, coding, or solving a math problem. There's never any one right answer, so you have to think creatively to find solutions, especially in engineering projects. Honestly, since the state doesnt draw a distinction between [cosmetic tattoos] and body art, it probably makes sense, he said. I think some people may have outdated images in their heads of what a tattoo place might look like, but I know we can alleviate any fears in the community through the zoning process of where they would be allowed. Since we start with the music and procession at 1 p.m., anyone who wants to march or add flowers to the pole should arrive 15 minutes early. Once the pole is marched with our procession, it is placed in the prepared hole and stabilized to stay on display with the American and Swedish flags flying at the top. Buncich is currently housed at MCFP Springfield, a secure federal medical center in Missouri, according to the Bureau of Prisons. He previously was at Metropolitan Correction Center, a federal holding facility in Chicago, after he was sentenced. The criminal complaint in James case makes no mention of the church . Strietelmeier said James had no involvement with youth programs at the church and never expressed interest in wanting to be involved with those. Lakeshore PBS and Lakeshore Public Radio have launched a shoe drive to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the television series Mister Rogers Neighborhood. The goal is to collect 100 pairs of shoes to help those less fortunate around the world. The shoe drive commemorates the beginning of each episode when Fred Rogers would change out of his loafers and put on a pair of sneakers. The donated shoes will be delivered to Soles4Souls, a non-profit organization that re-purposes donated shoes and clothing for disaster relief and direct assistance programs. Producers of the series, The Fred Rogers Company and Soles4Souls have partnered and asked PBS stations nationwide to join their anniversary efforts. New and gently used shoes can be dropped off at Lakeshore PBS, 8625 Indiana Place, Merrillville, through November. More information is at LakeshorePBS.org. Portage Mayor James Snyder and Williams later indicated the two full-time officers would be offered to the schools at no additional charge to the schools. Alaniz said she believed the offer was to last only two years, but Williams said there was no timetable on the later offer. Arriving fire units found a bi-level home with heavy fire in the attached garage and additional fire in the roof of the adjacent living area, he said. Firefighters were able to stop the fire above the kitchen and living room areas of the home, he said. Dear Robert Buggs of the Gary School Board, I'm rather perplexed at the statement I read in the Post Tribune Thursday. Do you really think because Gary is mostly black that is why the state is picking on you? I quote "If we were in in any other neighborhood, we wouldn't be having the same dialogue." That's correct. Because in any other neighborhood, the State Board of Accounts would be holding them accountable. No million dollar loans floating from one year to the next. I have been watching, for decades, the decline of the Gary School system, and I'm outraged the rest of us taxpayers have been footing the bill for the incompetency that has been displayed. Gary Schools were once the gem of the nation. People moved to Gary because of how great they were. To watch the downfall has been truly heartbreaking. I do believe it's time for inner reflection not finger pointing. First, an update. Early this year, we discussed the increasingly serious and sometimes deadly problem of fraternity hazing. Attorney Mike Rathsack emailed me about a case being heard by the Illinois Supreme Court. I asked him to let me know the outcome, and in late January he wrote: Our Supreme Court finally issued its decision in the fraternity hazing death case. They affirmed that the family can sue the local fraternity and its members, but not the national. The Bogenberger opinion can be found on the Illinois Supreme Courts website. The tricycle represents a much more accessible form of community outreach than a bookmobile, Bartel said. Its far less expensive, at $3,670, than bookmobiles, which the Association of Bookmobile and Outreach Services estimates cost an average of $200,000 each. And its size means it can visit locations that the larger vehicle cant manage. Pueblo's 9 most haunted hangouts Pueblo is home to a diverse and complex history. It is also home to these 9 haunted houses and hangouts. Yu Long, China's preeminent conductor on the international scene, and the Shanghai Symphony Orchestra signed an exclusive contract with Deutsche Grammophon on June 7 to become the first Chinese conductor and orchestra to join the world's oldest and most renowned classical music label. Their first DG recording will be released in 2019 to celebrate the 140th anniversary of SSO, the oldest symphony orchestra in China. One of the pieces in the recording will be Chinese composer Chen Qigang's La Joie de la souffrance for Violin and Orchestra, which was co-commissioned by the Beijing Music Festival and premiered at last year's closing concert of the event in Beijing. Another piece that will feature in the album is Rachmaninov's Symphonic Dance. Separately, the SSO also plans to record two more albums featuring Chinese composers' works and Mahler's pieces under the yellow label. Meanwhile, in addition to the albums, DG will also release earlier recordings from the SSO's existing catalogue. Millions of user accounts of the Chinese video sharing platform AcFun have been hacked, the website said in a statement released early Wednesday morning. According to the statement, the accessed data included the user IDs, nicknames and passwords of nearly 10 million users. AcFun said it has collected evidence and reported it to the police. The company also advised users with simple passwords to change them as quickly as possible, on the AcFun site as well as any other sites where they use the same password. In the statement, AcFun apologized to users and promised they will do everything they can to protect user data. AcFun is China's first video sharing website where comments are overlaid on videos. Founded in 2007, the website was acquired by its rival video streaming app Kuaishou on June 5. Kuaishou is backed by Chinese internet giant Tencent Holdings Ltd. From ancient trade to modern tech Two millennia ago, camel caravans trekked across an inland route centered around Chang'an today's Xi'an, the capital of Shaanxi province serving to connect China to western-lying regions of the world through trade and exchange. Today, under the guidelines of the Belt and Road Initiative, cross-border and transcontinental transactions are booming online as well, with a key difference: unlike the ancient model, the online businesses of today's digital era are more efficient, more diverse and far more extensive. Smart technologies and modern logistics have enabled people to pick and choose products from overseas from Argentina's red prawns, Mexico's avocados and Chile's cherries to the Czech's crystals, Myanmar's emeralds and Bulgaria's rose oil and receive them within hours or days after a simple click. The Belt and Road online Countries involved in the Belt and Road Initiative have launched businesses on China's online shopping platforms, among which the e-commerce giant JD.com alone has attracted more than 50 overseas e-stores. At the same time, these e-platforms facilitate the export of Chinese products to 54 countries, among them Russia, Ukraine, Poland, Thailand, Egypt and Saudi Arabia. China's e-commerce sector, projected to reach 2 billion consumers globally by 2020, has become a pillar industry supporting worldwide trade, said Xing Yue, vice president of Alibaba.com, one of China's leading e-commerce conglomerates headquartered in Hangzhou, the capital of Zhejiang province. "With circumstances highlighting digital dividends, cross-border e-businesses do not only focus on selling products, but also on creating service-centered trade, a signal epitomizing digital commerce," added Xing at the second Cross-Border E-Commerce Summit held in Zhengzhou, capital of Henan Province, in May this year. According to Alibaba.com, the company's annual online shopping spree hosted last November 11 a day evolved from China's Singles' Day into an annual online shopping frenzy attracted buyers from 225 countries and regions, generating a revenue of 168.2 billion yuan (US$26.25 billion) and producing 812 million orders. AliExpress, a global business division of Alibaba.com established eight years ago, reached 100 million overseas customers as of April 2017. "We may be underestimating the actual size as people under the same roof may use the same account," said Shen Difan, the general manager of AliExpress. "Products made in China are nothing inferior to the rest of the world. However, the problem is that the small-and-medium-sized enterprises in China were unable to reach overseas customers," Shen said, adding that e-commerce has allowed these businesses to tap into other markets, extending connections between the two sides. E-commerce and drones reshaping trade The change in delivery speeds in Russia exemplifies the convenience of online business. Before e-commerce took off there, overseas packages often took as long as 60 days to arrive to Russian households, after being sent to Moscow for a security check. Now, however, with the adoption of big data, Russian customs is no longer required to send deliveries to Moscow for unpacking and examination. Instead, detailed information about each package, including dates, types and values of commodities, is made available online, enabling direct delivery to customers. E-commerce arising as one of China's four major modern inventions, along with high-speed railway, Alipay and bicycle sharing platforms has overhauled traditional industrial chains and reshaped the trade system across the world, the People's Daily reported. "I have been greatly interested in the rural logistics run by JD.com," Wu Min, the editor in chief of the Italian weekly newspaper Il Tempo Europa Cina, said while paying a visit to JD.com's Beijing headquarters on June 1 of this year. "In the past few years, it cost us heavily to send newspapers to the countryside, where difficult geographic conditions blocked entrance. Today, with the use of drones, we are able to surmount the last-mile challenge and send our newspapers to rural readers at much lower costs," Wu explained. JD.com has also developed drones, weighing 13 kilograms each, to manage deliveries to outlying areas. Additionally, smart technologies including robotic couriers and unmanned inventory have enabled the companies' shipments to cover 99 percent of the population nationwide, saving 70 percent of total logistical costs, the People's Daily reported. You are here: China Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed the importance of independent innovation and reform during the second day of his inspection tour in Shandong. Xi Jinping calls for state-owned enterpriese to step up the transformation into modern corporations through reform in Yantai on June 13, 2018. [Photo: Xinhua] During his time in Yantai Wanhua Industrial Park, Xi Jinping hailed the enterprise' effort to foster innovation. "You have undergone an excellent course of development. It's tough but successful. The reason for your success, in my opinion, is the pursuit of independent innovation. Nothing is impossible. Spirit is needed anytime. As ancient patriotic poet Qu Yuan said 'the road ahead will be long and our climb will be steep.'" Xi Jinping also called for state-owned enterpriese to step up the transformation into modern corporations through reform. His trip also included a visit to a leading producer of drilling rigs. One of the company's products, Bluewhale I, was used last year in China's extraction of combustible ice, an oil equivalent. The group of leading industrial nations known as the G7 is feeling the heat of Donald Trump's American presidency. The latest summit in Canada exposed differences on metal tariffs imposed by the United States, and increased fears of an acrimonious trade conflict between the U.S. and its closest allies. Trump has a sense that America is being cheated by none other than those whom the country tried to protect over the decades. In this context, his complaint that America is "like the piggy bank that everybody's robbing" becomes meaningful. Since his first day in the Oval Office, Trump has been arguing that the old ways of relations with his country are over. He repeats the mantra of "America First" because it resonates with many voters who have been left behind in the struggle for a better financial life. To start with, Trump forcefully asked NATO allies to pay their share for expenses incurred to keep up the alliance. This was shocking for some, who had never before been addressed in this tone and asked to do so. But the businessman in Trump believes that it is a very fair demand, and that every party to the deal should pay their due. Similarly, starting from June 1, he imposed 25 percent tariffs on steel and 10 percent on aluminum imported from the EU, Canada and Mexico. This reverberated heavily at the latest summit. Member nations argued in vain to convince Trump to give second thought to the issue. This effort was captured in a widely circulated photo showing a seated Trump surrounded by G7 leaders, including German Chancellor Angela Merkel staring coldly at the American president. In a scathing tweet, Trump also flayed Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trudeau's crime was announcing retaliatory tariffs to be imposed on July 1, as the rift between the two closely-knit neighbors and economies becomes wider than ever before. With its member countries commanding more than 60 percent of net global wealth, the G7 is predominantly an economic consultative platform, but also discusses the latest political matters of global concern. The group suspended Russia's membership in 2014 in protest after the country annexed Crimea. Ahead of the Canada summit, Trump surprisingly advocated for Moscow to be readmitted into the fold, but dropped the idea in the face of stiff resistance by other members. This failure may have bruised Trump and hardened his stance on the issue of tariffs, as well as stiffened his tongue, as evidenced by the tweet against the Canadian leader. Trump departed early from the summit, obviously not happy with the proceedings. A joint statement calling for a rules-based trading system had been agreed to at the gathering, but later Trump declined to endorse it. The other members have announced that they will still uphold the joint statement, but that is inconsequential -- Trump's decision has left the group in tatters. With Canada adamant on the tariff imposition and the EU announcing duties on U.S. goods, the stage is set for more bitterness in the coming months. A feisty Trump is in a combative mood, and instead of flinching, he has threatened to win trade wars "a thousand times out of a thousand." It is a battle of ideas between unhindered, mutually beneficial trade and the old days of protectionist policies. The issue is not about who is right or wrong, but who has enough financial and industrial power to emerge stronger. The U.S. is being isolated. The vast majority of G7 members -- as well as China -- think differently from Trump. They want a free and fair trade regime. Trump feels that he can get support of Russia, but this seems unlikely due to domestic constraints. The G7 summit has also laid bare the deep fissures in the trans-Atlantic system. The Europeans need to think anew about their security and economic issues. When France and Germany opposed the Iraq War in 2003, then-Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld dismissed them as "old Europe." For Trump, the entire European community may be qualified for the label. As far as immediate neighbors are concerned, Trump is clear that his mission is to make America stronger, with or without their support. There is no harm in pursuing such a mission, but with all other nations adhering to visions of their own, the world will be more chaotic and prone to violence. Sajjad Malik is a columnist with China.org.cn. For more information please visit: http://www.china.org.cn/opinion/SajjadMalik.htm Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. For most people, the annual G7 meeting may just seem like an expensive photo-op that doesn't connect with any concrete change in people's lives. But for us, appointed by Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to sit on his G7 Gender Equality Advisory Council, it was a unique opportunity to push for strong commitments for girls' and women's rights. We had the opportunity to meet the seven leaders for breakfast and make a strong case for concrete commitments and accelerated action to achieve gender equality within a generation. There is unprecedented momentum and support for gender equality and women's rights. With the universal adoption of the Sustainable Development Goals, which put gender equality at the center, and the global attention brought by #MeToo and related campaigns on ending sexual harassment and other forms of violence against women, support for improving outcomes for girls and women has never been so high. The explosion of discussions in our offices and shop floors, our boardrooms and lockerooms, our dining rooms and bedrooms must come right to the G7 table. It is therefore significant that leaders spent two hours discussing gender equality and that it was also part of other discussions. As the richest economies in the world, G7 countries can bring about far reaching systemic changes envisaged in the global agenda for sustainable development. The impact of G7 countries goes well beyond their borders. We have told leaders that they must use this unique footprint for the benefit of women and girls. Together with the Gender Equality Advisory Council, we have put forward a comprehensive set of recommendations. As a foundation, it is critical to eliminate discriminatory legislation which persists in G7 countries and around the world. We also called for the removal of barriers to women's income security and participation in the labor market. Concrete measures, such as legislation and implementation of pay equity can close the wage gap between men and women. And the jobs of the future, whether it is in the digital economy or artificial intelligence, must help close not further widen the gender gap. For most women, the challenge of balancing productive and reproductive lives creates a "motherhood penalty" that triggers major setbacks for women in the economy. G7 leaders can shape an economy that closes the gap between women and men through affordable childcare, paid parental leave, and greater incentives for men to do half of all care work. Addressing violence against women in the workplace is critical. Employers, shareholders, customers, trade unions, Boards, Ministers all have an obligation to make workplaces safe, hold perpetrators accountable and end impunity. The emerging International Labour Organization's standard to end violence and harassment at work should be supported to drive greater progress in this area. None of this will happen without the full participation and voice of women at all decision-making tables. We applaud the increasing numbers of countries with gender equal cabinets. We need more countries to follow suit, as well as the private sector. Because men still disproportionately control our political, economic, religious, and media institutions, they have a special responsibility to actively support policies and cultural change. Men's voices and actions, including those of our predominately male political leaders, are critical because they have such a big impact on the attitudes and behavior of other men. We welcome the announcement by Canada, the European Union, Germany, Japan, the United Kingdom, and the World Bank of an investment of nearly US$3 billion for girls' education, including the single largest investment in education for women and girls in crisis and conflict situations. This is a significant step forward to build a foundation for greater progress. In our own work, as the Executive Director of UN Women, and as a writer and activist focused on engaging men to promote gender equality and end violence against women, we've been witness to dramatic changes over the past few decades. The courage of individual women and the leadership of women's movements have meant that patriarchy is being dismantled in front of our eyes. But greater leadership is required. A strong commitment by G7 leaders to take this agenda forward beyond the Summit can push forward the most dramatic and far-reaching revolution in human history. The one that will make gender inequality history. Phumzile Mlambo-Ngcuka, under-secretary-general of the United Nations and Executive Director of UN Women, and Michael Kaufman, co-founder of the White Ribbon Campaign and senior fellow at Instituto Promundo Opinion articles reflect the views of their authors only, not necessarily those of China.org.cn. Flash The first ever direct flight between Scotland and China has landed at Edinburgh Airport in a momentous day Scotland's busiest airport. The four-weekly, year-round service with Hainan Airlines from Beijing Capital International Airport is Scotland's first connection to the Far East. It is a major boost for tourism in Scotland and increases business links with the Far East, both of which will benefit the Scottish economy. A piper from the world famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo welcomed passengers from Beijing to Scotland before piping them off on departure. Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: "This first direct service from China to Edinburgh represents a gear change for Scottish tourism and further cements Scotland's reputation as a world-class destination. "As the Chinese market has grown over the years so too has the Scottish capital's popularity with Chinese visitors and it continues to be the top destination outside of London. "Through our ongoing work with key Chinese tour operators we have seen visitor itineraries extending over the years. Bringing visitors from China directly into the heart of Scotland will create greater opportunities for tourism businesses right across the country, as visitors stay longer and explore further." Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said: "This is a momentous day as we connect not only Edinburgh and Beijing for the first time, but Scotland and China too. It is a route which has immense opportunities for our countries, from tourism and business to culture, education and more. "We know Edinburgh is second only to London for Chinese tourists and we are eager to welcome more people to our fantastic capital city, but it's also about connecting people from Scotland to Beijing and wider China thanks to Hainan's hub network. "Hainan is one of the world's most prestigious airlines and we are proud to be working with them. This is something the city has worked towards for a number of years and we are delighted to see this day finally arrive." Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy, Paul Wheelhouse, said: "Securing direct links between Scotland and China is one of our key priorities for route development. This new direct Beijing-Edinburgh route is an exciting first chapter in direct air connectivity between Scotland and China. It will enable China and Scotland to become closer in partnership and in travel time, building upon existing strong links for business and tourism. The Scottish Government and our agencies look forward to working with Hainan Airlines and Edinburgh Airport to make this route a great success." The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Frank Ross said: "This is the culmination of a lot of hard work by a number of organisations and it is fantastic for all of us to see the new flight schedule up and running. As the only Scottish city with a direct flight to China, the new route will provide Edinburgh with substantial outreach to Asia for tourism, business travel and investment opportunities. This will be supported by many across the retail, hotel and restaurant sectors through the city's innovative China Ready' campaign and I'm sure it will also be welcomed by Edinburgh's many business travellers and holiday-makers." Paul Lewis, managing director of Scottish Development International said: "We're working hard to ensure that more Scottish companies can take advantage of trade and investment opportunities in China, while at the same time trying to attract more Chinese companies to base their European operations here. A direct air route is a significant enabler of both these goals and we welcome Hainan Airlines' first ever route between Edinburgh Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport." Flash U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) was no longer a nuclear threat, following his summit with DPRK top leader Kim Jong Un. "There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea (the DPRK). Meeting with Kim Jong Un was an interesting and very positive experience," the U.S. president tweeted Wednesday morning after returning to Washington from Singapore, where he had held talks with Kim. The talks were the first of their kind between the sitting leaders of the two countries. Trump also said that the DPRK was no longer Washington's "biggest and most dangerous problem," envisioning "great potential" for Pyongyang's future. Trump and Kim held meetings on Singapore's resort island of Sentosa Tuesday, followed by a joint statement in which the United States was committed to providing security guarantees to the DPRK in exchange for Pyongyang's commitment to a complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Trump also told a press conference in Singapore that he would stop U.S. joint annual military exercises with South Korea, which he called "provocative" and "expensive." Flash China's top political advisor Wang Yang paid an official visit to the Republic of Congo from Monday to Wednesday to further advance bilateral ties between the two countries. During his meeting with President of the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso on Wednesday morning, Wang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), firstly conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping's best wishes to Sassou Nguesso. Wang said Xi looks forward to having an in-depth exchange of views on the further development of bilateral ties and China-Africa ties with Sassou Nguesso during the upcoming Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) to be held in September. Xi visited the Republic of Congo in March 2013 during his first African visit since he took office in 2013. During Sassou Nguesso's state visit to China in 2016, the two countries lifted bilateral ties to the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation, opening a new chapter of bilateral ties. Wang said his visit to the Republic of Congo, the first stop of his first overseas visit since he took office in March this year, showed the importance China has attached to its ties with the Republic of Congo and Africa. China and the Republic of Congo have always provided mutual support on each other's core interests and issues of major concerns and closely coordinated on international and regional issues so as to safeguard common interests, said Wang. China is willing to further enhance high-level exchange of visits, boost political mutual trust and focus on cooperation of the Belt and Road Initiative with the Republic of Congo in the hope of jointly building a China-Africa community with a shared future, said Wang. Calling the Republic of Congo "a firm friend of China," Sassou Nguesso said his country spoke highly of the Belt and Road Initiative and the concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity, which were both proposed by Xi. He said he expected to exchange views with Xi on state governance during the FOCAC Beijing Summit to further elevate bilateral ties and China-Africa ties to a new level. During his talks with Pierre Ngolo, president of the Senate of the Republic of Congo, on Tuesday, Wang said China and the Republic of Congo are good friends and partners. Wang said his visit aimed to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state and deepen traditional friendship between the two countries. China felt happy for the social and economic progresses made by the Republic of Congo under the leadership of President Sassou Nguesso, said Wang, adding that China firmly supports the Republic of Congo in choosing a development path suitable to its national condition. Wang said the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held last October established Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as a long-term guiding principle for the CPC and the thought was added into the CPC Constitution as well as the Constitution of the country. The CPC stands ready to share its experience on party-building and governance with the Congolese Party of Labor so as to make the party-to-party cooperation forge a solid foundation for the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between the two countries, said Wang. He said that the CPPCC is willing to enhance exchanges with the Senate of the Republic of Congo to promote the synergy of both countries' development strategies so as to benefit both peoples. Calling China a valuable friend of the Republic of Congo, Ngolo said recent years have witnessed great changes in his country and huge improvement of people's livelihood thanks to the country's robust cooperation with China. The Republic of Congo is glad to see the achievements China has scored under the leadership of President Xi, he said. The CPC has shouldered its historical responsibility by raising the concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity, Ngolo said. The Congolese Party of Labor is willing to enhance exchanges on development concepts with the CPC, while the Senate stands ready to be a "propeller" of ties between China and the Republic of Congo so as to make new contribution to bilateral ties, he said. During his respective meetings with Isidore Mvouba, speaker of the National Assembly and Clement Mouamba, prime minister, Wang said both countries have made fruitful cooperation in the areas of infrastructural construction, energy and resources development, air transport and finance. China will continue to plan and implement the major projects between the two countries, create a sound environment for bilateral cooperation, promote cooperation in areas important to people's livelihood and share experience on poverty-eradication, Wang said. Mvouba and Mouamba said the river of the friendship between China and the Republic of Congo, just like China's Yangtze River and the Congo River, runs a long course. They expressed appreciation to China for the long-term and precious support during their country's liberation and peace building. During his three-day visit in Brazzaville, capital of the Republic of Congo, Wang also visited joint cooperation projects including a demonstration village hosting the China-aided "Access to Satellite TV for 10,000 African Villages Project" at the village of Kintele, the Mpila Middle School and the Sino-Congolese Bank for Africa. Wang arrived in Brazzaville on Monday evening, kicking off an official friendly visit to three African nations. The 10-day visit will also bring him to Uganda and Kenya. Flash A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday that the meeting between the leaders of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the United States had important and positive historic significance. "A good beginning is half done," spokesperson Geng Shuang told a press briefing when responding to a question about the Kim-Trump summit on Tuesday. Geng said the meeting yielded positive achievements, which were important progress in promoting denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the political settlement process. "China greatly appreciates the political decisions made by the two leaders, welcomes and supports the achievements of the meeting, and applauds the efforts made by relevant parties to make the meeting a success," Geng said. "After long-term hostility and confrontation between the DPRK and the U.S., it is of important and positive significance for the leaders of the two countries to sit down together for talks on equal footing. "The results of the DPRK-U.S. summit are a correct and important step to achieve denuclearization, end the hostility and confrontation, and pursue lasting peace and prosperity on the peninsula. "The issues concerning the Korean Peninsula are both unique and complex. It is hard to solve them overnight." He called on parties concerned to have persistence, be patient and make unremitting efforts. "We wish and support the two sides to implement the consensus reached by the two leaders, promote follow-up consultations, further consolidate and expand the achievements, and make the political settlement of the peninsula issue a sustainable and irreversible process," Geng said. "As a neighbor of the peninsula and an important party to the Korean Peninsula affairs, China stands ready to work with other relevant parties toward denuclearization and the establishment of a peace mechanism on the peninsula, and make positive efforts and contributions to the lasting stability on the Korean Peninsula." Flash A lawyer for former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe is suing the FBI, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and its Inspector General for declining to turn over documents related to McCabe's firing. McCabe was dismissed in March shortly before his planned retirement for what the DOJ called a "lack of candor." As a result, his healthcare benefits were stripped and his ability to collect a federal pension was also delayed. McCabe's lawyer filed a lawsuit on Tuesday evening, claiming that the dismissal violated federal law and the authorities have refused to turn over materials related to McCabe's disciplinary process. The former FBI deputy director has come under attacks by President Donald Trump since the 2016 presidential campaign. McCabe's wife ran for the state Legislature in Virginia as a Democrat and accepted contributions from then Governor Terry McAuliffe, a Clinton family ally, during the failed bid in 2015. Trump has asserted that McCabe had a conflict of interest in later overseeing the FBI's investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server while she was secretary of state, despite the FBI and the DOJ said McCabe and his wife observed relevant ethics requirements. McCabe's legal team has been reportedly working on a civil lawsuit related to his firing since March, but has not yet filed it. Flash The Chinese embassy in Algeria on Wednesday strongly urged Algeria to solve the case of the murder of a Chinese citizen as soon as possible. According to embassy's official website, Chinese ambassador Yang Guangyu met with Algerian Foreign Ministry's General Director Mohamed Bensabri, who is in charge of foreigners' affair in Algeria, and submitted note on the recent murder. Yang said the Chinese citizen was robbed and killed on Sunday by several knife-wielding criminals in broad daylight in the region of Dalbeda in Algiers. He expressed serious concern to the Algerian side, adding that the crime is appalling and has caused a great shock and indignation among Chinese citizens in Algeria. The ambassador pointed out that criminal activities such as robbery and theft against Chinese companies and personnel have increased significantly. The Chinese embassy has frequently received reports and complaints. He complained that despite the timely report of Chinese enterprises and personnel being robbed, the police responses are generally slow. This has created a serious sense of insecurity among Chinese citizens in the country. He said a series of criminal activities against Chinese companies and citizens are not only detrimental to the development of China-Algeria relations, but also harm the country's image. The Chinese ambassador urged Algeria to attach great importance to this case and the safety of Chinese citizens in Algeria and demanded Algerian side to take strong measures to protect them. On his part, Bensabri expressed his condolences to the victim, assuring that Algerian police will do their utmost to expedite and solve the case. The Chinese embassy on Tuesday issued a statement on its website, alerting Chinese citizens in the North African country to take further safety precautions following the fatal robbery of a Chinese citizen. The Independent | Jun. 13, 2018 Europe's biggest budget airline has announced a new base at Southend Airport in Essex - taking on its arch-rival, easyJet, and sounding a warning to Stansted, its main base. Ryanair will base three aircraft at Southend from summer 2019, with nearly 60 weekly flights to 13 destinations in eight countries. Most of the routes are to holiday destinations, serving Alicante, Barcelona, Reus, Bilbao, Brest, Corfu, Faro, Malaga, Palma and Venice. But there are four city services, to Dublin, Milan Bergamo, Kosice in Slovakia and Cluj in Romania. David O'Brien, chief commercial officer of Ryanair, said: "We are pleased to add London Southend Airport to our UK base network. "Ryanair guests travelling to and from London and the Essex area can now enjoy low fares on a choice of 13 routes through London Southend's exceptionally passenger friendly terminal." Since a 100m project to turn Southend into a 21st-century airport, easyJet has established a base. Competition between the two airlines to Mediterranean destinations could trigger a fares war. The move also signals a warning to Stansted Airport that Ryanair is prepared to grow elsewhere. Southend Airport, owned by the Stobart Group, has long said it intends to capitalise on the congestion at other London airports, while waiting for a third runway at Heathrow. Warwick Brady, chief executive of Stobart Group, said: "Passengers are increasingly turning to London Southend Airport amid the capacity crisis found elsewhere in the capital, where holidaymakers and business travellers face frustration from overcrowded airports, impacting on customer service." China Aviation Daily | Jun. 13, 2018 Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates and the largest international cargo airline, has signed an MoU with Cainiao Smart Logistics Network Ltd. ("Cainiao"), the logistics arm of the Alibaba Group, to jointly facilitate the delivery of cross-border parcels as Cainiao looks to expand its global logistics infrastructure with Dubai as a hub. The MoU was signed by Nabil Sultan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo and Xiaodong Guan, General Manager of Cainiao Global Business at Cainiao's global headquarters in Hangzhou. It is a landmark agreement for both Emirates SkyCargo and Cainiao to leverage each other's strengths in cross-border e-commerce trade and airline cargo operation. It will also support Cainiao's broader efforts to offer enhanced customer experience. Cainiao recently unveiled plans to develop six global hubs in six cities around the globe. Dubai is one of them. Under the terms of the MoU, Emirates SkyCargo and Cainiao will work closely to manage e-Commerce shipments in the Middle East and other neighbouring regions through Dubai. Further details of the tie-up will be announced progressively as they are developed by the two parties. E-commerce is one of the strongest growth areas for the air cargo industry globally. Emirates SkyCargo has been exploring opportunities to collaborate with players in order to offer value-added services over and above cargo capacity between airports, using the strategic advantages of Dubai as a hub. "We are delighted to be entering into this agreement with Cainiao. The MoU that we have signed today is the first step in what will be a deep and fruitful relationship between Emirates SkyCargo and one of the biggest players in the global e-commerce supply chain," said Mr. Nabil Sultan, Emirates Divisional Senior Vice President, Cargo. "With Emirates SkyCargo's network spread, frequency of flights including close to 50 weekly flights from China, our state-of-the-art hub facilities and the strategic location of Dubai which allows it to serve as an effective logistics hub for the region, we are confident that we will be a strong partner for Cainiao to bring an enhanced experience to their customers in the Middle East and neighbouring regions." "As a key gateway that links Asia and Europe, Dubai is well positioned to help us achieve our goal of 72-hour global delivery. The MoU with Emirates SkyCargo is another milestone to reach this goal," said Xiaodong Guan, General Manager of Cainiao Global Business. "We have a strong commitment to Dubai and the neighbouring markets. This fits well with our broader strategy." Emirates SkyCargo offers cargo capacity to over 155 global destinations on a modern all-widebody fleet of 267 aircraft including 14 freighters- 13 Boeing 777-Fs and one B747 F. Emirates operates two state of the art Emirates SkyCentral cargo terminals in Dubai to manage cargo from passenger as well as freighter aircraft. Emirates SkyCargo has developed a number of transportation solutions targeted at specific industry verticals. As a technology company, Cainiao leverages cutting edge big-data technology and open collaboration to build a global infrastructure that links all the logistics elements to improve delivery efficiency and customer experience for all players along the supply chain. Cainiao's vision is to deliver anywhere in China within 24 hours, and across the globe within 72 hours. Contributed by Emirates airline Sentence affirmed for student's killer By Liu Yinmeng in Los Angeles | China Daily | Updated: 2018-06-14 08:20 A judge in Arizona accepted a plea agreement on Tuesday for the woman who killed a Chinese student in 2016. Judge Warren Granville of Maricopa County Superior Court in Arizona affirmed a 25-year prison sentence for Holly Davis, who killed Jiang Yue after a road rage incident in Tempe, Arizona, despite emotional pleas from the victim's family to charge Davis with first-degree murder. "The victim's family is disappointed with the judge's decision not to vacate the plea agreement," said Daniel Deng of Deng Law Center, a lawyer helping the family with their case. Jiang's relatives, who argued that the plea deal is unfair and lenient, had traveled from China to the US to ask for the death sentence or life imprisonment for Davis. Deng said several factors influenced Granville's decision. First of all, he didn't want the family to go through the heartbreak that comes with hearing about Jiang's death all over again, if the case were to go to court. Second, if Davis was charged with first-degree murder, she could appeal, resulting in multiple hearings, so striking the deal was in the family's best interests. Deng said Jiang's family could still appeal the decision. He was scheduled to convene with them on Wednesday to see if they planned to go through with the appeal. Davis' sentencing hearing will be held on Friday. Davis shot Jiang, then a 19-year-old sophomore at Arizona State University, after their cars collided at a red light on Jan 16, 2016. After the crash, Davis went to the driver's side of Jiang's car and shot her multiple times in the chest. Davis had expressed a desire to be shot by law enforcement, according to court documents. She was arrested and charged with 14 criminal counts including first-degree murder. She initially pleaded not guilty but in February changed her plea to guilty to second-degree murder in exchange for a 25-year sentence and a $250,000 restitution fee, in addition to dismissal of all other charges, according to Xinhua and Phoenix News Times. Xu Xiang, Jiang's cousin, said the family did not learn about the plea agreement until after it was made and only found out about it in Chinese media. The Maricopa County Attorney's Office said a letter had been sent to the family informing them of the deal but the family say they never received it. Jiang's death shocked and saddened the Chinese community in the US, resulting in an outpouring of support from friends, classmates and the Arizona Chinese Association. theresaliu@chinadailyusa.com (China Daily 06/14/2018 page12) We're always interested in hearing about news in our community. Let us know what's going on! Go to form We attempted to send a notification to your email address but we were unable to verify that you provided a valid email address. Please click here to update your email address if you wish to receive notifications. Otherwise, you may click here to disable notifications and hide this message. Is Foxconn Looking at Thailand Next? Published: 14 June 2018 by Mike Buetow by Mike Buetow BANGKOK -- Foxconn has met with Thailand officials and is reportedly in interested in investing there, a top government administrator says. Deputy Prime Minister Somkid Jatusripitak says he told J.W. Tai, Foxconn corporate executive vice president and chairman of Sharp Technology, that the world's largest ODM/EMS would receive incentives from the national Board of Investment (BoI) to pave the way to locating operations there. The value or timelines for any incentives were not disclosed. Long a popular site for contract assemblers building for the automotive or optical communications sectors, Thailand is eager to attract smartphone and other related industries as well. Foxcon is said to be interested because a major customer, Huawei, has a headquarters in the Thailand. According to its website, the BoI is a government agency under the office of the Prime Minister. Its core roles and responsibilities are to promote valuable investment, both investment into Thailand and Thai overseas investment. Register now for PCB WEST, the largest trade show for the printed circuit and electronics industry in the Silicon Valley! Coming Sept. 11-13 to the Santa Clara Convention Center. Questo comunicato e stato pubblicato piu di 1 anno fa. Le informazioni su questa pagina potrebbero non essere attendibili. The Global Anhydrite Market is segmented by Type and Application. Based on the Type, the Anhydride can be natural or synthetic. The synthetic type of Anhydrite is extensively used in buildings & construction materials. It is a raw material required for the production of cement, plasters, and flooring. It is used as a binder in plaster and cement due to its extremely shrinkage and swelling values. Furthermore, it is also used as a filler in the production of plastics and paper products. The Synthetic Anhydrite is used as a source of sulfur in the production of sulphuric acid. The Global Anhydrite Market is segmented into soil treatment, construction, fertilizers, industrial applications, drying agents, and others. The soil treatment accounts for around 35% of the market share and is likely to remain dominant owing to the lack of agricultural land and increasing food consumption demand. The increasing use of anhydrite in various other applications is expected to fuel the market growth further over the assessment period. Market Segmentation Based on the Type, the Global Anhydrite Market is segmented into natural and synthetic. On the basis of the applications, the Global Anhydrite Market is segmented into soil treatment, construction, fertilizers, industrial applications, drying agents, and others. Get a Sample Report for Brief Overview @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1618 Competitive Analysis Some of the prominent players operating in the Global Anhydrite Market are Solvay (Belgium), Vanich Gypsum Co. Ltd (Thailand), General Mining And Trading Co., Ltd (Thailand), USG Corporation (U.S.), Lafarge Holcim (France), Knauf Gips KG (Germany), Saint-Gobain SA (France), NATIONAL GYPSUM PROPERTIES, LLC (U.S.), Georgia-Pacific Gypsum LLC (U.S.), ANHYDRITEC (Cheshire), Mineralis Lucentum (Spain), Quzhou Zunlong Trading Co., Ltd. (China), Bisley & Company Pty Ltd. (Australia), BDH Gypsum (U.S.), and ACG Materials (U.S.). Market Scenario The Global Anhydrite Market is segmented into five regions: Asia Pacific, North America, Europe, Latin America, and the Middle East & Africa. Asia Pacific accounted for the major market share in 2016 owing to the growing industrialization and urbanization in developing countries such as China and India. The use of the product as a fertilizer is another driving factor of the market. North America was the second largest market in the United States with the rebounded construction activities. The growing demand for cement from the buildings and construction activities is projected to drive the Europe market. The high production and exports of fertilizers in Brazil and Argentina are expected to be the market growth in Latin America. The growing demand for the infrastructure market in the Middle East region. Get Complete Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/anhydrite-market-1618 About Market Research Future: At the Market Research Future (MRFR), we provide our customers to unearth the complexity of our industries through our Cooked Research Reports (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 optimal quality market research and intelligence services to our clients. Our market research studies by Components, Applications, Logistics and market players for global, regional, and country level market segments, enabling our clients to see more important questions. Contact: Market Research Future +1 646 845 9312 Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Foregoing their usual sunny optimism, the entire Scots Nat contingent at Westminster stomped out of PMQs, stabbing angry fingers at the London air and yelling until their tonsils all but dangled outside their gnashers as they did so. One out, all out! The SNPs leader here, Ian Blackford, had just been booted out by Speaker Bercow for refusing to accept the authority of the Chair. Up and off they went, every SNP Member in the Chamber following one another in file towards the double doors. It was a conga line of crazy crossness. The old tartan mist had come down. *%"$!*%!! they screamed. Joanna Cherry (Edinburgh SW) gave a disobliging gesture to the Speaker. Angus MacNeil (Western Isles) and Tommy Sheppard (Edinburgh E) huffed and puffed, swinging shoulders like pub bouncers after trouble. Springy-footed Mhairi Black (Paisley & Renfrewshire S), in training shoes and punk-rock trousers, moved so close to Conservative MPs it seemed she was going to nut em. Off they go: SNP MPs walk out during Prime Minister's Questions yesterday as their Commons leader Ian Blackford is expelled The back of the conga line was brought up by a grey-haired, soberly-suited MP who rather lacked his clans molten aggression. He settled for extending a pudgy hand and giving a shy little wave goodbye. Up in the Chair, Speaker Bercow guppy-fish gasped, his voice failing. Dont tell me what the procedures are! he had croaked. Shades of the poor, late Michael Martin, who near the end of his Speakership, as his authority withered in similar fashion, was reduced to bawling Dont you tell me how to do my job!. The trouble had started after an exchange between Theresa May and Mr Blackford. The latter was unhappy that the previous days time-limited Brexit debate had not included a specific discussion about Scottish devolution. After Mrs May gave what he felt was an unsatisfactory reply, Mr Blackford announced his intention to propose that the House immediately go into private session. This is an obscure parliamentary wheeze used as a way of causing a hiccup in proceedings and thus gaining attention. We should not be entirely shocked if the whole protest was planned. Mr Bercow refused to accept Mr Blackfords legitimate demand for an instant vote. Mr Blackford remained on his feet. Sit down, young man, bawled Bercow. Young man, indeed! Blackford is older than the Squeaker. No! shouted some SNP voices. Greatly incensed, they were clapping Mr Blackford. When Mr Blackford refused to resume his seat, Bercow red-carded him. This meant he had to leave the parliamentary premises for the rest of the day, without pay. Irresponsible of me, probably, but I do love a walkout. It caused mayhem with PMQs (which is these days not worth revering) and it created a stir, which is what politicians are surely meant to do. Here were the SNP, who so often disdain Donald Trump, succumbing to Trumpian histrionics. Good for them. Up in the visitors gallery, a delegation from the Ukrainian parliament stared down, boggle-eyed. Good griefski, they possibly thought, and we thought OUR democracy was chaotic! The Tory Chief Whip was by now crouching beside the Clerk of the House, whose hair was askew. Speaker Bercow flailed unexpectedly in these waters. He normally prides himself on knowing every arcane procedural gambit but this seemed to torpedo him. Come his biggest test, he froze. SNP Westminster leader Ian Blackford, surrounded by the party's MPs, in College Green, Westminster, after he was kicked out the House of Commons Later, after recovering his wits, Mr Bercow dismissed the walkout as a stunt. The last time we had this sort of caper was a decade ago when Nick Cleggs Lib Dems flounced out. They were cross that they were being denied a referendum on our membership of the EU. Times change. Maybe the Speakership should, too. Amid all this rhubarbery, in the gallery opposite me, sat a couple with an infant. Carefully, and with great tenderness, they passed the baby to a young woman with them who had learning difficulties. While the noise from below raged, I found myself transfixed by the look of complete wonder and happiness as this young woman held the tiny child. Parliament seldom felt so marginal. Why is the British State so tolerant of returning jihadis who fought for our enemies in Syria and Iraq and yet seems determined to punish former servicemen who have served Queen and country? Its indulgence of British jihadis can scarcely be doubted. Security Minister Ben Wallace told MPs on Tuesday that only 40 out of 400 have been prosecuted on their return home. They were told not to go to Syria. And as recently as December, the Defence Secretary, Gavin Williamson, called for British jihadis to be hunted down and killed in the Middle East. He said no Briton who had gone to fight in Syria or Iraq should ever be allowed back here. Affront That was, of course, an absurd thing to say. Mr Williamson must know we cant bump off all jihadis in the Middle East, even if that were thought desirable, and there is little we can do about them once they have sneaked back into the country. Believe it or not, one of them, who returned from the front-line in Syria, has even been given a council flat and cheerfully delivers takeaways on his motorcycle. His sole sanction is the confiscation of his British passport, which means he cant leave the country. Most people will think he should never have been allowed back in. Despite once being a right-hand man of hate preacher Anjem Choudary he was not put on trial But that, alas, is not possible because our Government unlike Australias has not sought powers to punish citizens for the act of travelling abroad to fight for our enemies. Only if clear evidence of wrong-doing is obtainable can returning jihadis be prosecuted. As the MP John Woodcock aptly puts it: It is an affront to our country that the difficulty of amassing admissible evidence means there is no comeuppance for people who went to aid an evil regime that wanted to slaughter British citizens. Some of these former killers may have learned the errors of their ways, and pose no threat to society. Even so, it is insufferable that hundreds of them (more are coming back) shouldnt face any retribution for their wrongdoing. We should be more alarmed by those who feel no regret for their actions and intend to carry on the fight on British soil. Sooner or later one or more of them, I fear, will be responsible for an atrocity against innocent people. Why is the Government unwilling to introduce legislation to punish this countrys enemies? Is it a case of straightforward incompetence? Or are ministers wary of doing anything that might be deemed confrontational in a few unrepresentative sections of the Muslim community? Whatever the explanation, there is a disgraceful contrast between the Governments relaxed indulgence of returning jihadis and its near-persecution of former soldiers who have served in Northern Ireland, Iraq and Afghanistan. Needless to say, where there is solid proof servicemen behaved illegally, prosecution should follow. But, in very many cases, those who have already been cleared, sometimes several times, are still being pursued by the authorities. A masked, black-clad militant, who has been identified by the Washington Post newspaper as a Briton named Mohammed Emwazi, in a still image from 2014 What does it say about Britain? A State that seems utterly blase about terrorists who could represent a lethal current threat to its citizens nevertheless hounds loyal ex-servicemen who fought for their country ten, 15 or even 40 years ago. Northern Ireland provides the most discreditable examples. This is partly because the so-called Troubles ended in the last century, and partly because erstwhile Irish terrorists who committed the most terrible atrocities have been given amnesties while soldiers, many now pensioners, are hauled in front of the courts. Take the case of 75-year-old Dennis Hutchings, who served 26 years in the Life Guards. He has been charged with attempted murder over the death of a man with learning difficulties in Northern Ireland in 1974. Hutchings was with another soldier (now dead) when the victim was shot. Very likely they thought he was a terrorist because he ran away. The other soldier may have discharged the fatal bullet. Hutchings was investigated at the time and cleared, and told again in 2011 the case was closed. He has kidney failure and has been given two years to live. Nonetheless, he was interrogated by police last year on 25 separate occasions, 11 of them on one day. Is this any way to treat a man who served this nation for quarter of a century, and has already been absolved? There is a similar case involving two unidentified former paratroopers who are being prosecuted over the death of an IRA terrorist commander in 1972. Despite each of them being told twice that they would not face prosecution, they both face trial, probably later this year. Hundreds of retired soldiers now in their 60s and 70s could be charged over acts committed in Northern Ireland nearly half a century ago when they were callow, nervous young men many of them from deprived backgrounds who were suddenly thrown into a bewildering and dangerous situation. Shaming Isnt it shaming that the Government should have recently announced that it has abandoned the idea of an amnesty for former soldiers after objections from Sinn Fein and the DUP, the latter of which is, of course, propping up the Tories at Westminster. Its obvious why Sinn Fein (once the political wing of the IRA) wants ex-British soldiers targeted. The DUPs motives are less cynical. It fears that a so-called statute of limitation for ex-servicemen would spare former IRA terrorists. And the Tories dare not upset the DUP at the moment. Yet the fact remains that some IRA terrorists were pardoned in the 1998 Good Friday peace deal, while a large number were among the recipients of 187 letters of comfort issued by Tony Blairs government guaranteeing that they would never be prosecuted. It seems there is one law or lack of law for terrorists, whether they be of the Northern Irish variety or returning jihadis, and an altogether stricter and less forgiving version for brave men who faithfully serve the British Crown. What is true of Northern Ireland remains true of Iraq. Admittedly, hundreds of bogus allegations against former British servicemen were ditched in 2016 after the collapse of the ambulance-chasing law firm Public Interest Lawyers, and the disgrace of its leading solicitor, Phil Shiner. But many spurious cases remain active. For example, Major Robert Campbell is being investigated for the eighth time over the death of an Iraqi teenager 15 years ago. Anjem Choudary arriving for a court hearing at the Old Bailey in March 2016 Vexatious Major Campbell was wounded on active service, and suffers from post-traumatic stress disorder. Shortly after his seventh investigation, he was awarded a decoration, which he has understandably handed back. What kind of Army hierarchy treats its people in this way? Major Campbell and his colleagues are the victims of a ferocious official body called the Iraq Historical Allegations Team, which is investigating claims of abuse of Iraqi civilians by UK Armed Forces. Meanwhile, in Afghanistan, the law firm Leigh Day is chasing compensation from the British Army for a Taliban bomb-maker and convicted terrorist called Serdar Mohammed. In a court hearing in April, Leigh Day lawyers admitted they were unsure whether their client was alive. Theresa May pledged in October 2016 that British soldiers would be protected from the industry of vexatious claims that has pursued those who served in previous conflicts. They havent been. And the British State seems often to be doing its best to emulate the self-seeking, ambulance-chasing lawyers. Why cant we have a statute of limitation for former servicemen? Why dont the authorities show them proper respect? And why wont the Government turn its attention to dangerous traitors returning to our shores? For once, someone spoke for Britain at the Palace of Westminster. If you want us well be in the bar, said Arron Banks, one of the self-styled Bad Boys Of Brexit. With that exquisite putdown, Banks and his oppo Andy Wigmore repaired to lunch, leaving gobsmacked MPs chewing their own tongues, astounded at the lack of respect they were being shown. Banks and Wigmore had been summoned to the Commons to address some Fantasy Island nonsense about Russia rigging the EU referendum. After a few hours of tiresome When did you stop beating your wife? questioning, theyd had enough. It was time to draw stumps. Weve got a luncheon appointment we dont want to be late for. Anna Soubry talking in Parliament about how a remainer MP needed six police guards The Hon Members attempted to stand on their dignity and insisted that the pair stuck around for further interrogation. As if that was ever going to happen. When one of the committee tried to pull rank, Banks asked: Are you that MP who got drunk in the House of Commons and harassed a woman at a karaoke evening? Collapse of stout party. As the Bad Boys got to their feet, Damian Collins, the puffed-up pygmy who chairs the Culture select committee, pleaded: Can you just give us five minutes? No. Banks and Wigmore quite rightly treated the committees members with the contempt they richly deserve, ridiculing their real motive for summoning them to Westminster. Hands up who voted Remain, said Banks. Precisely. Thats what this impertinent Star Chamber was all about. How dare the likes of Banks and Wigmore attempt to influence the Great Unwashed to ignore the orders of their elders and betters? The real scandal was the pretence that Leave.EU the Banks-rolled provisional wing of the Leave campaign was guilty of treason for sharing a bucket of goulash and a bottle of Stalins Stoli with the Russkies. If anyone is guilty of treachery, its the politicians from every party who are determined to betray the biggest popular vote in British history for anything in order to keep this great country subjugated to a corrupt, anti-democratic foreign power, based in Brussels. Sorry, I just dont get it. Those of us who live outside the Westminster bubble have been looking on with astonishment this week. I dont think Ive ever known a time when the posturing political class have been so far removed from the people they are supposed to represent. Theres no need for me to spend much time monstering the ludicrous Dominique Grieve, an alleged Tory, who was rather splendidly done up like a kipper (pardon, hareng fume) by Quentin Letts yesterday. Grieves about as representative of the British people as that rip-roaring bonkers Soubry woman, who still hasnt got over the schoolgirl crush she had on Ken Clarke in the Seventies, when she was a pretty hopeless reporter in ITVs Nottingham newsroom. Soubry reminds me of the bird who sings the theme tune to the BBC comedy, Mum, which I always mishear as: Ive got my knickers on the wrong way round. Arron Banks nailed Remainers such as Here We Go Soubry Loo when he told her fellow travellers on the Culture committee: Straight after this hearing youll be quaffing Chablis with a Guardian journalist, spinning this how you want. Sounds about right. On Wednesday, the BBC led all its bulletins, all day, on the news that a Conservative junior minister youve never heard of had resigned from a job you didnt know he had, in protest at the Governments handling of Brexit something which the majority of his constituents supported at the referendum. Yesterday, from what I can gather, half the Labour Party resigned from jobs you didnt know they had, either again over something to do with Brexit. But that wasnt considered quite so newsworthy. Meanwhile, in the Commons, Speaker Bercow set a new record in allowing Prime Ministers Questions (which used to last 15 minutes) to drag on for an hour. In the middle of it all, Wee Burneys SNP staged a walk-out over an obscure point of order, utterly lost on anyone who hasnt studied Erskine Mays 1844 Treatise On The Law, Privileges, Proceedings And Usage Of Parliament. That was a major, major story on the rolling news channels, too, except it wasnt for the 99.99 per cent of viewers who were watching Bargain Hunt instead. Round the corner, in Smith Square, Dominique Grieve was plotting to sabotage Brexit with a bunch of self-regarding Remoaners, including Alastair Campbell, the only man I know who has a certificate to prove hes sane. Also present was Henry Porter, someone I vaguely remember as a particularly pompous hack on Londons Evening Standard society pages back in the late Seventies, and Tory-turned-Liberal ex-MP Hugh Dykes, whom I inherited, and rapidly jettisoned, as a pundit when I took over from Michael Parkinson on LBC Radio in the early Nineties. Dykes had the worst case of gingivitis Ive ever seen. His gums appeared to have been creosoted. Put you right off your lunch. And from the look of the pictures in yesterdays Mail, hes still got the same suit, too. (The Next summer sale, Brent Cross, circa 1991.) The runners and riders also included the former journalist Patience Wheatcroft (theyre all a former something-or-other) elevated to the Lords by Call Me Dave in 2010. The last time I saw Patience she was a passionate Eurosceptic, parroting the anti-EU sentiments of her then employer Rupert Murdoch. Where does this Rag, Tag and Bobtail army of the so-called great and good get the idea that they have the God-given right to overturn the democratic will of the British people? They can huff and puff all they want but, frankly, no one outside their navel-gazing demi-monde is listening. Thats why the Bad Boys Of Brexit spoke for Britain this week. The politicians ignore us at their peril. Weve got an appointment we dont intend to miss, either freedom from the EU, for good, March 2019. Just shut up and get on with it. Until then, if you want us, well be in the bar. Turn your TV Licence into a swan A schoolboy with a catapult Opened the post yesterday to find a leaflet telling me I didnt need a paper TV licence any more. Apparently, its all done online now. So why bother sending out a letter? Whats wrong with an email? Hang on, though. It gets better. The leaflet was headlined: Turn your TV licence into a swan. Eh? On the reverse was an eight-point instruction, complete with diagrams, on how to fold the letter, origami-style, into the shape of a swan. Why? Can you imagine the meeting that came up with that daft idea? I suppose if you scrap paper licences, you dont need so many staff to process them. But what are they all going to do otherwise? I know! Lets send out leaflets telling people how to turn their TV licences into a giraffe. Nah, a giraffe would take up too much paper. How about a swan? Brilliant! You couldnt make it up. Coming soon how to turn your gas bill into a sun hat. Mind How You Go Todays edition of Mind How You Go comes from East London, where a police bomb disposal squad rushed to an Italian restaurant to defuse a suspected explosive device left in the doorway. They were alerted by a member of the public who spotted a package labelled Bomb lying outside the premises. You might ask yourself how many terrorists would bother to label their bomb with the word Bomb? And youd be right. It turns out the bomb was a loaf of artisanal sourdough bread delivered by a local bakery to the restaurant, which is called Bombetta London. The clues in the name. Still, cant be too careful. And at least the cops saw the funny side, but only after theyd carried out a controlled explosion on one of the desserts on the menu a cannonball-shaped chocolate and ice cream extravaganza called a Bombe Surprise. Does Donald Trump do consultancy work? Our hand-wringing diplomats and politicians could use some of his mad genius following the latest example of European Union snippiness to Britain. Throughout the drawn-out Brexit process, we have been assured that relations with Europe will remain cordial once we have escaped the EU. They probably will be from this side of the Channel. But it is becoming dazzlingly clear that the Eurocrats are intent on hating us. Yesterday morning even some of the most committed Remainer MPs seemed to be starting to accept that. Pull yourself together, matey! Time to channel some Trump A rather mournful defence minister, Guto Bebb, had come to the House to explain that the UK is being chopped out of the European Galileo space satellite programme. Galileo is a mapping system which will be used not only for motorists' sat navs but also by the Armed Forces. Much of it has been British designed and we have so far spent a billion quid on the system. But now that we are leaving the EU, our European 'friends' (ha!) have decided to stiff us and exclude us from Galileo. Mr Bebb, who is about as frightening as a rabbit, said British companies were being cut out of the Galileo project 'on security grounds'. In other words, the EU does not trust us. Why not say that? Why not say 'they're being bloody ridiculous and are saying we'll betray their secret codes'. But Mr Bebb, a trembly fellow, touched the side of the despatch box as though it was hot to the fingertips imagine someone testing the top of an electric cooker to see if it had just been used and apologetically conceded that we could now be 'obliged to walk away'. He spoke with such wetness, he could have been Mr Blubb, not Bebb. Pull yourself together, matey! Time to channel some Trump. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson is always trying to persuade us he is a tough guy. Why not take to Twitter and start trolling the EU? By 'walking away', Mr Bebb meant we might have to devise our own version of Galileo. That could mean plenty of work for Britain's space industry. But could we afford it? Shadow defence spokesman Nia Griffith asked what contingency money had been set aside. Straight answer came there none. Instead Mr Bebb said how 'disappointed' he was by the EU's behaviour. Disappointed? How about 'steaming with anger'? Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson is always trying to persuade us he is a tough guy. Why not take to Twitter and start trolling the EU? Sir Desmond Swayne (Con, New Forest W) is made of sterner stuff. 'I hope we are planning on getting even,' he barked. Mr Bebb gulped. 'This is not about getting even,' he said in his watery way. 'It is about doing the right thing.' He wanted Britain still to be involved in Galileo and was sad we had been 'rebuffed'. Marcus Jones (Con, Nuneaton) said the European Commission was cutting off its nose to spite its face (as a result of our exclusion from the project, the Galileo project will now probably be three years late and will cost the Continentals a packet more than it need have done). Even that most pro-Brussels of Labour men, Hilary Benn, attacked the Eurocrats, saying their behaviour was 'counterproductive and frankly insulting'. But some Euro-loonies were still determined to be gloomy. Dame Barry Sheerman (Lab, Huddersfield) said that his 'sources in Cambridge' told him it was all a catastrophe 'for defence and air travel' and 'a symptom of leaving European co-operation'. Cheryl Gillan (Con, Chesham & Amersham) returned to costs. What sort of sum were we looking at? Mr Bebb said she should be 'in no doubt' that costs would be 'no greater than our current contribution to the Galileo project'. If that is really true (which it probably isn't), why on earth did we ever go in with the European space effort in the first place? The nearest we got to Donald Trump was dear old Bob Stewart (Con, Beckenham), who shrugged that it was 'a shame' we had been booted off Galileo, 'but we can get round that'. A woman who suffered six miscarriages after undergoing various rounds of IVF has revealed how she came to the painful conclusion that she would never give birth to her own child. Speaking to Love What Matters, Erin Boelhower, 33, from Woodstock, Illinois, shared how she and her husband Matt wanted to start trying for a family soon after they got married in 2012. However, after a routine pap smear in March 2013, Erin found out she had an abnormal cervical cancer screen result and would need a LEEP (loop electrosurgical excision procedure) to remove the cells. Heartbreak: Erin Boelhower, 33, from Woodstock, Illinois, and her husband Matt have revealed how they came to the decision to use a surrogate after Erin suffered six miscarriages Difficulty: In May 2014 Erin and her husband met with a fertility specialist and started IVF in November 2014 (pictured, Erin's bruised stomach following IVF injections) Bittersweet: Despite getting pregnant on their first IVF attempt, when Erin went for her six week scan, there was no heartbeat Silver lining: After nine IVF attempts and six miscarriages, the couple decided to use a surrogate after Erin's best friend Rachel Checolinski offered to be their gestational surrogate A doctor advised that she should wait a year before trying to conceive and despite doing ovulation tests, tracking her cycle and taking her basal body temperature, she failed to get pregnant. After an ultrasound discovered 'two gold ball sized' cysts on her left ovary, Erin had to make the decision to see if the cysts would resolve on their own or if she should undergo surgery to remove them. 'I opted to have the surgery. Upon surgery, it was discovered that what looked like giant cysts on the ultrasound machine was actually my left Fallopian tube,' she explained. 'At some point, it had become infected, died, and needed to be removed. At this time, I was also diagnosed with PCOS (polycystic ovarian syndrome) and hypothyroidism.' After surgery, she started taking Clomid, a drug to help stimulate ovulation. 'I was starting to get very frustrated and discouraged because so many of my family and friends were having kids and starting their families. And so many of them had used Clomid with success so I thought we would be no different. It was beginning to become very stressful and emotional. Never did I ever think infertility would affect meand this was literally, only the beginning,' she added. In May 2014 Erin and her husband met with a fertility specialist and doctors there decided that their first course of action should be IUI (intrauterine insemination) which she described as 'basically a "turkey baster" method to inject sperm into the uterus to aide fertilization'. After three failed attempts, the couple decided to start IVF in November 2014. 'It was almost like I became a human pin cushion overnight,' Erin said of the experience. 'My stomach was covered in bruises and the side effects of the drugs had my emotions going haywire.' Some days she had to do five or more injections. Her first egg retrieval took place in 2014 and nine days after two embryos were transferred, Erin was given a blood test to test for HcG, the pregnancy hormone. 'I got the call that day that would forever change my life. We were pregnant, finally. I had a life growing inside of me and it was pure magic,' she recounted. However, at six and a half weeks pregnant on her 30th birthday, Erin and her husband Matt were told there was no heartbeat. From 2014 to 2017, the couple would go on to do a total of five egg retrievals and nine IVF transfers with 15 embroyos. They also suffered six miscarriages. Torn: 'As badly as I wanted to carry my child, I couldn't continue to pump my body full of hormones and lose our babies,' Erin said of her decision to progress with a surrogate Success: On January 12, 2018, the couple transferred two embryos into Rachel and on January 21, it was confirmed that Rachel was pregnant with one baby Expecting: Due in September, Rachel is currently in her second trimester Happy ending: The couple are keeping friends and followers in the loop by tracking their pregnancy on their Instagram account Our Journey to Three 'With each new cycle, new hope was found only to be followed by fear, devastation, and heartbreak. We saw different doctors, tried different protocols, anything for us to reach our dream of becoming parents. We became the living definition of insanity doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. And it was exhausting,' Erin said of the painful time. And she also shared how seeing their friends creating their own families was particularly painful. After her fifth miscarriage, the couple decided to explore other options and when Erin's best friend Rachel Checolinski offered to be their gestational surrogate, they decided to take her up on her offer. 'As badly as I wanted to carry my child, I couldn't continue to pump my body full of hormones and lose our babies. For the past five years, we were living on an emotional roller coaster and it was time to get off and move on. At one point during our journey, my husband said to me, 'Being a mom is more important than being pregnant.' And he was so right.' The couple had also spent several thousand dollars on treatment and although surrogates usually cost in the region of $50,000 and upwards, by Rachel offering to carry Erin and Matt's child, the couple could save on the gestational carrier fee. On January 12, 2018, the couple transferred two embryos into Rachel and on January 21, it was confirmed that Rachel was pregnant with one baby and the couple later found out that they are having a girl. Due in September, Rachel is currently in her second trimester. 'Each day that passes brings us closer and closer to her arrival and her being in our arms. She will be worth all the years of pain, every tear we shed, and every single penny we have spent,' Erin added. They are also keeping friends and followers in the loop by tracking their pregnancy on their Instagram account Our Journey to Three and commissioned photographer Jessica Weinstock Photography to take a series of stunning shots to commemorate this special time. 'It's been six years and over 700 injections in the making. It hasn't been one bit of how we could have ever imagined it would happen. I may have only carried each of my babies for a short time, but I will forever be their mom,' she said. A woman who was left with a deformed backside after having a tumor removed hopes doctors can fix her misshapen buttocks, which are growing up her back. Appearing on the E! reality series Botched, Sharon from Jesup, Georgia, admits that it has been difficult for her to be intimate with people because she is uncomfortable with how her butt looks. 'I was born with a tumor on my lower back,' she explains in a preview clip for Wednesday night's episode. 'Doctors then explained that I had spina bifida. They removed the tumor and, as a result of the surgery, my backside started to grow up.' Scroll down for video Struggle: Sharon from Jesup, Georgia, hopes doctors can fix her misshapen buttons on Wednesday night's episode of the E! reality series Botched Misshapen: She explains that her butt started growing up her back after she had a tumor that she was born with removed Sharon says she always knew there was something wrong with her buttocks because her backside always looked different than her older sister's. 'Seeing my sister being able to wear certain outfits that I couldn't wear, it just made me feel like I didn't fit in,' she admits. 'I'm from the south; I like the southern big butt look.' In general, Sharon says her family avoided talking about her condition because 'it would be out there that you're different' if they brought it up. As she got older, she started wearing bigger shirts and pants, and she recalled declining an invitation to a pool party solely because of the appearance of her buttocks. Hard to handle: Sharon says she always new she was different because she used to compare her butt to her sister's Hiding: As she got older, Sharon started wearing baggy clothes, and she even skipped a pool party she wanted to go to because she feared people would see her backside Nightmare: 'It's a fear of mine for people to think I'm different,' she admits 'I wanted to go, but I was fearful I may be exposed and have to answer questions . . . so I said no that I couldn't go.' 'It's a fear of mine for people to think I'm different,' she adds. 'I don't want to be teased or talked about. Or the butt of anybody's joke.' Worst of all, Sharon feels like she has been carrying this 'burden' by herself because she doesn't have anyone to talk to who would understand. 'I don't know anybody else with my condition or my situation. It's sad,' she says tearfully. Embarrassed: Sharon also admits that physical intimacy has been a struggle for her Airs Tuesdays at 9pm on E! UK - Stream on hayu in the UK & Ireland Sharon goes on to say that physical intimacy has also been a struggle for her. 'Being intimate has been difficult,' she says. 'I had certain positions I would lay in and I wouldn't let them touch me a certain type of way. 'I don't want to look this way, so why should somebody want to be with somebody who looks this way?' she asks. After years of feeling insecure about her buttocks, Sharon says she is finally ready to have surgery. 'I am so sick and tired of it,' she explains. 'I'm ready to get it out of my life.' She believes every person should be able to be a parent if they want to be Taking this path showed Ms Hendrix who her real friends and supporters are The new mother believes that we all write a unique story for our perfect life Ms Hendrix and the donor have a constant 'open line of communication' When career-focused Hayley Hendrix found herself newly single at 39, she thought she had missed the memo for motherhood forever. Refusing to accept that she would never experience the joys of motherhood simply because her relationship had ended, Ms Hendrix underwent three failed sessions of intrauterine insemination (IUI) costing $10,000. It was after the third round of treatment that the Brisbane native received news from her doctors that would shatter her world - she was medically infertile. Ms Hendrix (pictured) was terrified that she had 'missed the memo for motherhood' when her relationship broke down at 39 The call out which Hayley posted to a Facebook group in search of her dream donor Refusing to accept that her dream ended there, Ms Hendrix 'went rogue', embarking on a journey that would ultimately lead her to finding a sperm donor on social media platform Facebook. Becoming pregnant on her first attempt, Ms Hendrix fondly refers to her donor as 'Mr Stork'. The man in question allowed Ms Hendrix to fulfil her greatest wish, and has also helped three other women to become pregnant after connecting through social media. Now thirteen weeks old, baby Remy has brought fulfilment and a new found purpose into the doting Brisbane mum's life. 'I'm really ready at 42 to be a mother. I was too career focused, too 'me-oriented' to have done this a decade ago,' she said Speaking to FEMAIL, Ms Hendrix talked about life as a new mother, how things have changed since Remy arrived and what she has learned from her unusual experience of sperm donation. We share photos and regular updates, we talk about things to do with Remy. 'I'm really ready at 42 to be a mother. I was too career focused, too 'me-oriented' to have done this a decade ago. I was living in Los Angeles it was a hectic lifestyle and there is a real Peter Pan syndrome going on there. 'You almost never grow up and I suppose this is how I missed the memo for motherhood,' Ms Hendrix said. Ms Hendrix was overjoyed to find out she was pregnant with her first child at 41 IUI vs. IVF * In vitro fertilisation (aka IVF) is a procedure used to overcome a wide range of fertility issues, in which sperm and egg are fused together outside the body. The embryo is then transferred back to the uterus. * Intrauterine insemination (commonly known as IUI) is a method of fertility treatment that involves inserting prepared sperm directly into a woman's uterus. It is regarded as a less invasive procedure than IVF Advertisement 'I was thinking of where to travel next, what bar was the coolest place to be seen at, who was the coolest person to hang out with. 'Life now is a world apart, filled with unwashed hair and dirty nappies. And I couldnt be happier. I am more fulfilled now than I ever have been.' Ms Hendrix explained that living in LA, she felt a void that is gone now. These days, she feels deeply rewarded by the simple things in life. 'Remys smile has filled my heart,' she proudly told Femail 'Remys smile has filled my heart,' she proudly told Femail. 'I am really present with him he is getting all of me so it is the best of both worlds for the two of us. Not only did I have a miracle child, I really found my purpose.' Ms Hendrix has written a book about her experience and says she also has other projects in the pipeline. Hayley Hendrix speaks to ABC about her 'rogue' path to finding a sperm donor via social media Speaking about her relationship with Remy's 'DNA Daddy' as she refers to him, Ms Hendrix joked that he reminds her of Charlie from the Charlie's Angels film franchise. 'He's like the voice in the movie, always present without being there physically. We share photos and regular updates, we talk about things to do with Remy and there has always been an open line of conversation which is amazing. There is judgement, no doubt. 'Remy's biological father will always have a place at the table whenever hes in town. I want Remy to know who he is. No secrets I think keeping things from children just creates a lot of emotional and identity issues down the line, so I will always be honest about where he came from. 'I hope that in time, Remy and I can connect with the three other women who my DNA Daddy has also helped. I want Remy to know his half siblings.' Hayley Hendrix wants more women to explore unconventional avenues for starting a family regardless of their relationship or social status Ms Hendrix wants women to know that they are the authors of their own story, and that regardless of their relationship status, they too can become a mother just like her. In terms of negative reaction to her non-traditional pregnancy plan, Ms Hendrix admitted that there were people in her life that were not as supportive as she might have expected. 'There is judgement, no doubt. At 42, I am much more accepting of what people think of me, good or bad it solidified for me who my real friends are.' She added that while she acknowledges that there are strangers out there who may disagree with her choice, she wants to share her story publicly to show women that there is no 'right' way to have children. 'It's about breaking down stigma and purely traditional ways of thinking.' Ms Hendrix is adamant that she wants Remy to know exactly who he is and where he comes from, and hopes that someday he will connect with his half siblings Ms Hendrix, formerly Hayley Chapman, changed her surname as a result of her experience with social media sperm donation to represent the new chapter she had forged for herself and baby Remy. 'I did it to show that Remy and I are a family in our own right. 'I am my own person on my own mission I dont need to wait for someone else. It's about owning who I am and taking responsibility for the situation that Im in.' On giving advice to women who might be considering an unconventional avenue of sperm donation, Ms Hendrix says that while the process worked out incredibly well for her, it doesn't happen that way for everyone. 'You have to ask the right questions and be very selective when it comes to the donor. The baby must be at the centre of every decision.' A young woman has spoken out about how she shed more than half her body weight after undergoing a life-saving gastric sleeve surgery in her early teens. Ashlee Young, from Queensland, tipped the scales at a staggering 105kg at the age of 14. As her health deteriorated, Ashlee who struggled to run 100m said she turned to the weight loss procedure in a desperate attempt to tackle obesity. Growing up, Ashlee said she was also a target for bullies who relentlessly teased her about her appearance and size. Speaking to A Current Affair, the now-18-year-old now looks unrecognisable after she dramatically lost more than 50kg. Scroll down for video Ashlee Young was just 14 (left) when she tipped the scales at a staggering 105kg. She shed half her body weight after undergoing a life-saving gastric sleeve surgery in her early teens The then-14-year-old dramatically lost more than 50kg after she under the procedure 'It's like having a new life, being a new person,' Ashlee said. She's one of many young patients of renowned surgeon Dr George Hopkins, who's now calling for gastric sleeve surgery to be performed on morbidly obese children. Despite one in four Australian kids being either obese or overweight, children's hospital won't allow the procedure to be carried out due to medical restrictions. In a bid to combat the child obesity crisis, Dr Hopkins - who has performed the surgery on children as young as 12 - said the procedure would save them from a lifetime of severe health problems. 'Pre-teens are almost being left out of the conversation because the health system hasn't caught up with this problem yet,' he told the Channel Nine program. Growing up, Ashlee said she was also a target for cruel bullies who relentlessly teased her about her appearance and size The now-18-year-old now looks unrecognisable after she dramatically lost more than 50kg Dr Hopkins has performed the surgery on adults for decades, but he has since noticed an increasing number of children struggling with their weight. 'Obesity is the number one cause of schoolyard bullying,' he said, revealing that he has met eight-year-old kids weighing more than 120kg. 'These kids are sick... If you've got 130kg 15-year-old, all the evidence would suggest that child or adolescent will get heavier, will get sicker, and get more miserable.' He said the results after performing on his young patients are proof that if you operate early, the procedure would prevent them from suffering severe health problems in their adulthood. Dr Hopkins vowed to keep pushing for hospitals to allow children access to the radical weight loss surgery. 'I just can't believe we can have a very reasonable treatment option that we know works and say, "Well, that's not for you, based on your age",' he said. You might think your skin looks smooth after applying makeup. But have you ever taken a look at your complexion underneath a microscope? You might not want to after reading this. Beauty blogger Tina Yong, from Sydney, recently examined her face - both before putting any makeup on and once she'd applied her regular products, and the results are pretty disturbing. From under-the-skin spots to baby hairs the naked eye can't see, here FEMAIL takes a look at what Tina found. Scroll down for video Beauty blogger Tina Yong (pictured) from Sydney, recently examined her face - both before putting any makeup on and once she'd put her regular products, and the results are disturbing Speaking on her YouTube channel, the blogger (pictured) first said that she was taking a look at her skin under a microscope because it was something her fans were keen on Speaking on her YouTube channel, the blogger first said that she was taking a look at her skin under a microscope because it was something her fans were keen on: 'I bought this microscope for $10 or $20 online and this baby can zoom up to 1,000 times zoom,' Tina outlined. She then got to work, starting with her cheek area, before moving on to a under-the-surface pimple on her cheeks. 'Guys, guys, what is that?,' Tina said when she saw the zit. 'That looks so bad, that looks really bloody... It kind of looks like Jello,' she exclaimed, saying she didn't expect the experiment to look so 'graphic' up close. When looking at her under-the-surface pimple without makeup, Tina said: 'That looks so bad, that looks really bloody... It kind of looks like Jello' The most scarring area of all was her eyelashes (pictured without makeup). Tina said: 'I've got all these little black dots in my eyelashes from mascara I haven't taken off' Next, the beauty blogger moved onto her chin - which she quickly discovered was porous and 'pretty oily'. 'When I stretch my skin, eugh, you can see how much oil I have sitting on my skin, and a lot of little broken capillaries or veins or something,' Tina said. She then took her microscope to her upper lip and eyebrows, before heading to the most scarring area of all - her eyelashes. 'This is my eyelashes, woah,' she said. 'This is insane, I've got all these little black dots in my eyelashes from mascara I haven't taken off. This is not good guys.' When she had applied her makeup to the zit (pictured), Tina said she could see the foundation and concealer. 'It just looks like an alien right now,' she explained Meanwhile, her lashes with mascara (pictured) were dubbed 'scary'. 'I've got little spiders for eyelashes,' she said - adding that it looked like 'the end of the world' The blogger (pictured) has a huge following online, some four million of which watched her latest microscope video But the worst was yet to come, as Tina discovered when she applied a full face of her usual makeup. Tina found that she could quickly see her highlighter all over her cheeks, as well as little layers of foundation, concealer and highlighter on her pimple. 'It just looks like an alien right now,' she said. She also likened her mascara-d eyelashes to a 'forest burned down': 'Oh my lord, oh my lord, I've got little spiders for eyelashes,' the blogger exclaimed. 'It's like the end of the world guys. My eyelashes could be a horror movie right now.' Tina's (pictured) commenters have not been hesitant in sharing their views of the video either - with some describing it as 'freakishly satisfying' and others saying it was 'scary' Tina's commenters have not been hesitant in sharing their views of the video either: 'I found this freakishly satisfying,' one person posted. 'I had to pause the video to go wash and shave my face haha, great stuff,' another added - with a further fan calling it 'scary'. To watch more from Tina Yong, visit her YouTube channel here. Rising medical costs are pushing more Australians to have surgery overseas, new research has found. But it's not just cosmetic procedures that people are opting for, with some choosing to have cancer treatment, IVF and even organ transplants in a foreign country. The survey by WorldFirst asked an independent panel of 1000 Australian adults which surgeries they would go overseas for if they needed surgery, did their research and were confident in the medical team they found. The most common medical procedure Aussies would travel overseas for is dental work chosen by 60 per cent of the survey respondents. At least 15,000 Australians travel overseas for cosmetic surgery every year, spending a total of $300 million dollars abroad on medical costs (stock image) Most dental procedures in Australia are not covered by Medicare, and major dental work can leave individuals out of pocket thousands of dollars. The booming industry or medical tourism has many concerned including the Australian Dental Association. Australian Dental Association (ADA) Deputy Chairman of the Oral Health Committee Dr Michael Foley said standards may not be as stringent as those here and people undergoing procedures could end up with an infection or other complications. 'The decision to become a dental tourist usually comes to down to one simple thing saving money,' he said. 'And while it's true you may save some money in the short term, the reality is that things can go wrong and all those expected savings can quickly disappear and end up costing more than the holiday itself,' he added. 'If you have the need for a complex medical treatment or procedure, it is best done in Australia where you can be assured of the safety and quality standards in place, and of the certainty of follow up.' In Australia, popular cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation can cost up to $15,000 while in Thailand, costs are closer to $4000 (stock image) The second most popular overseas surgery was cosmetic surgery: almost a third of Aussies (31 per cent) would consider travelling overseas to get plastic surgery. In Australia, popular cosmetic procedures such as breast augmentation can cost up to $15,000 while in Thailand, costs are closer to $4000. The surgeries Aussies are most likely to undergo overseas rather than at home Dental work 60% Cosmetic surgery 31% Cancer treatment 27% Fertility treatments such as IVF 18% Eye surgery 17% Surgery on vital organs such as the heart or liver 14% Gastric bypass/banding surgery 13% Organ transplants 12% Advertisement Surprisingly, 27 per cent of respondents would travel overseas for cancer treatment, and 18 per cent would consider having IVF treatments overseas rather than in Australia. According to WorldFirst's analysis, a single IVF cycle in Australia can cost, on average, $9050. While having surgery on vital organs overseas rather than in Australia was less popular, younger people were more confident in considering medical tourism for these procedures: 20 per cent of those aged 20 to 29 would go overseas if they needed surgery on vital organs compared with just seven per cent of those aged 60 to 69. The survey also asked if cost was the main reason to have surgery overseas, with 74 per cent of respondents agreeing. At least 15,000 Australians travel overseas for cosmetic surgery every year, spending a total of $300 million dollars abroad on medical costs. Thailand is the most popular destination for cosmetic surgery tourists, followed by Malaysia. Thailand (pictured) is the most popular destination for the medical tourism industry, which is booming (stock image) In 2014, Leigh Aiple, 31, saved up $35,000 to undergo a tummy tuck, liposuction, an upper eye lift, a chin tuck, a thigh lift, chest sculpting and lip filler in Malaysia. He was given permission to fly home five days later, despite the fact that his wounds from surgery had burst open and he was in pain. But just 24 hours after arriving home in Australia, Mr Aiple collapsed at his Melbourne home and died a short time later. Advertisement Meghan's figure-hugging Givenchy dress was a 'show of respect' for the Queen, a fashion commentator has said. The Duchess of Sussex opted for a 'regal' monochrome number as she joined the Queen for their first official joint engagement in Cheshire on Thursday, proving herself an 'exemplary royal' according to Lucas Armitage. The custom-designed number, which fell to just below the knee, featured a thin belted waist and was paired with a sensible black clutch and pumps - and sheer tights. Lucas told MailOnline FEMAIL: 'Meghan has opted for a neutral colour once again. I feel this is a clever styling tactic as it will always work with the Queen's look; she is known and applauded for her use of bright fun colours.' Fashion fans eager for a glimpse of Meghan's outfit were not disappointed, with the royal giving her ensemble a modern twist in the form of an unusual cape as she embarked on a day of engagements in the North-West. Scroll down for video Here they are! Fashion fans eager for a glimpse of Meghan's outfit were not disappointed, with the royal opting for custom Givenchy while the Queen wore a green coat dress by Stewart Parvin and hat by Rachel Trevor-Morgan Regal: The Duchess of Sussex opted for a businesslike monochrome number as she joined the Queen for their first official joint engagement in Cheshire on Thursday, proving herself an 'exemplary royal' according to stylist Lucas Armitage It was a decidedly more conservative choice than Meghan's outfit last weekend, when she wore a fitted pink number that showed off her bare shoulders as she joined the Royal family at Buckingham Palace for Trooping the Colour. Her Majesty wore a pistachio coloured coat by Stewart Parvin and hat by Rachel Trevor-Morgan. Her hat featured an elaborate floral decoration, and the monarch appeared to be wearing a floral-print silk dress underneath. Commenting on their outfit choices, Lucas (the-timeless.com) added: 'Train travel, for most of us, is a commute where we are in far too close proximity to other people; for the Queen and Meghan its a much more regal affair. 'The use of neutral colour on Meghan part is also a show of respect to the Queen so she never looks like she is trying to outshine her. 'I would be shocked if Meghan ever opted for a bold colour, although its interesting to note in her previous life she was a fan of bright hues. 'I think the Queen and Meghan's relationship at this point is one built on respect, and Meghan has shifted her own personal style to adopt a more demure regal look - something I think the Queen will be thankful for. Complimentary colours: Her Majesty wore a pistachio coloured coat by Stewart Parvin and hat by Rachel Trevor-Morgan. Her hat featured an elaborate floral decoration, and the monarch appeared to be wearing a floral-print silk dress underneath Style statement:Fashion fans eager for a glimpse of Meghan's outfit were not disappointed, with the royal giving her ensemble a modern twist in the form of an unusual cape which she accessorised with a black bag and heels 'We now see Meghan much more covered up and most of her skirt lengths are a chic midi style - and she often has her shoulders covered. 'Its interesting again to look at the wardrobe choices of Diana who did routinely defy royal protocol; Meghan by contrast is the exemplary new royal respecting all dress codes for a duchess.' Lucas added: 'Givenchy is becoming a staple in The Duchess of Sussexs wardrobe - obviously once you work with a design team who understand your style and individual requirements it makes sense to build on the relationship and create more looks together. 'Meghan has opted for a much more designer wardrobe than some royals - but I feel on her part this may be due to wanting to make the perfect impression for her new in-laws. Speaking about Meghan's 'regal' look today, Lucas Armitage said: 'Meghan has opted for a much more designer wardrobe than some royals - but I feel on her part this may be due to wanting to make the perfect impression for her new in-laws' Meghan opted for Givenchy the label behind her wedding dress. She tied the knot with Prince Harry in a show-stopping ceremony at Windsor Castle on May 19, followed by a dress change for the evening reception at Frogmore House 'This has definitely paid off for her as she looks perfect for the occasion, I would maybe like to see a bit of her old style married in with this new regal look however.' Speaking earlier this week, designer Stella McCartney spoke of her 'pride' at make the stunning halterneck dress for Meghan's evening weding reception at Frogmore House - calling the commission 'a big deal'. Speaking to the BBC, McCartney explained she was determined to get it right because the wedding reception would be Meghan's final appearance before taking on her 'very austere, very serious' royal role as the Duchess of Sussex. Meghan has declared Prince Harry to be the 'best husband' during her visit to Cheshire today. The Duchess of Sussex, 36, was filmed speaking to well-wishers as she conducted a walkabout in Chester. In a clip shared on Twitter, she can be heard greeting fans shouting out her name as she walked past. Fan Sharon Briscoe, 61 - who had traveled about 25 miles east from Chirk, Wales, to catch a glimpse of Meghan - is then heard asking her how she was enjoying her new life with Harry. 'It is wonderful,' Meghan told her. 'I'm really enjoying it.' When Sharon told her to 'give our love to Harry and to look after him,' the Duchess replied: 'I will do. That means an awful lot to us. He's the best husband ever.' Meghan described Prince Harry as the 'best husband' while speaking to well-wishers in Chester today The Duchess of Sussex, 36, joined the Queen on a short walkabout during a day of engagements The well-wisher added that the new Duchess 'looked radiant', to which Meghan said, 'That's so kind.' Commenting on her conversation with Meghan, Sharon said: 'She seems so genuine and really warm and not rushing with people.' The Duchess is conducting her first official royal engagement without her new husband today, and her first joint appearance with the Queen. Hundreds of well-wishers waving Union Jacks have lined the streets of Chester in order to catch a glimpse of the pair. Today was Meghan's first official royal engagement without Prince Harry by her side. They are pictured here at Trooping the Colour on Saturday Meghan, who wore a cream cape dress by Givenchy for the engagement, looked to be in good spirits as she greeted the crowds. She travelled to the Cheshire with the Queen, 92, in the Royal Train overnight, with the pair pictured disembarking at Runcorn Station this morning. They were greeted at the station by the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, David Briggs, who told the Duchess: 'I understand it is your first trip to the north of England.' She replied: 'That's correct. I'm very happy to be here.' Their first stop today was a visit to the Mersey Gateway Bridge in order to conduct the official opening. Meghan looked in high spirits as she met fans lining the streets of Chester to catch a glimpse of her and the Queen The newlywed described married life as 'wonderful', adding 'I'm really enjoying it' Meghan and the Queen then went to visit to the Storyhouse theatre complex in Chester, which features a library and performing arts spaces. They were greeted by cheering crowds, before observing a minute's silence on the street outside the theatre to mark the first anniversary of the Grenfell Tower disaster. Inside they watched as a group of children from Ashgrove Farm day nursery took part in an enthusiastic rendition of The Wheels On The Bus. Following the visit to the theatre, Meghan joined the Queen on a short walkabout as they made their way to the nearby Chester Town Hall for a civic lunch. Meghan conducted her first joint engagement with the Queen, 92, in Chester today The Duchess opted to wear a cream cape dress by Givenchy for the royal visit Meghan made her first public appearance since her honeymoon at Trooping the Colour on Saturday, alongside Harry. The pair are reported to have jetted off to Alberta, Canada, for a two-week break following the wedding. According to TMZ, the pair chose Fairmont Jasper Park Lodge in Canada as their destination. They were said to have been staying at the 6,000 sq ft Outlook Cabin, which has been dubbed 'The Royal Retreat'. A breast cancer survivor who underwent a double mastectomy got nipples tattooed onto her chest in a 'mind-blowing' process that enabled her to reclaim part of her identity. Kim visited tattoo artist Shane Wallin at Garnet Tattoo, his parlor in San Diego, California, in a video shot by Refinery29 to document her experience getting 3D nipple tattooing. 'Coping with the double mastectomy is a vain process that you don't really realize when you're fighting for your life,' she said in the clip. 'This is what you used to define yourself as, and to have it taken away, you now have to fight to find that new balance of femininity and your identity.' Scroll down for video Ink: Kim, a breast cancer survivor who underwent a double mastectomy, visited tattoo artist Shane Wallin at Garnet Tattoo, his parlor in San Diego, California, to get nipples tattooed Results: By the end of the process, Kim had two round, pink nipples tattooed where she previously had scar tissue As part of the reconstruction process following her mastecomy, doctors had put a bit of color on Kim's breasts, but she wanted something more 'in-depth'. She wasn't sure what to expect before going under the needle. 'I don't know if it's going to be such an extreme, life-altering process of if this is just going to be another small step or if this is going to be a huge factor,' she said. 'It's just something to really help get an identity back.' Shane, who has 25 years of experience as a tattoo artist, first worked with a breast cancer survivor in 2012 and was profoundly moved by the experience. 'For me, you know, just being through a long family battle with cancer, I related closely to that,' he said. 'It just changed how I felt about tattooing and what I could give back to other people and just elevate just kind of what I was doing at the time.' He now has clients coming from all over the world for his services. Planning: Before he tattoos nipples onto someone's chest, Shane goes through an initial consultation to determine the shape, size, and level of detail of the design Impact: Shane, who has 25 years of experience as a tattoo artist, first worked with a breast cancer survivor in 2012 and was profoundly moved by the experience Process: The tattoo artist typically uses one color as a base tone, before mixing more hues for shades and highlights 'They're either looking to reinvent themselves, or possibly just get as close to where they were before they had the breast cancer experience,' Shane said. Tattooing nipples, he explained, is similar to doing a 'small, color portrait tattoo', while applying similar skills to the aerola area. 'I think it's really common for clients to become somewhat emotional over the experience,' he said. 'At that point, they've dealt with so much, and this is kind of the last stop to making them feel whole again.' Before he tattoos nipples onto someone's chest, Shane goes through an initial consultation to determine the shape, size, and level of detail of the design. He typically uses one color as a base tone, before mixing more hues for shades and highlights. Impressed: Kim, who smiled as she admired the result of Shane's work, said of her new tattoos:'I think this takes me back to the person I was before' Feedback: 'It was mind-blowing, it really was,' Kim said of the experience. 'Just the amount of detail and the work that went into it' As she prepared to get tattooed, Kim wondered how much she would be able to feel on her scar tissue. Most of Shane's clients cannot feel anything during the process, but for those who do, the tattoo artist recommends using a lidocaine gel as an aesthetic. Kim closed her eyes as Shane finally tattooed her chest. 'For a mastectomy client, there's a lot of anxiety involved and a lot more emotions,' he explained. 'It was important to set up a safe, kind of a softer environment, more of a one-on-one service and kind of a private experience.' By the end of the process, Kim had two round, pink nipples tattooed where she previously had scar tissue. 'It was mind-blowing, it really was,' she said of the experience. 'Just the amount of detail and the work that went into it.' She said she probably expected the process to hurt more than it did, adding: 'There is a lack of nerve receptors that, you know, made it a lot nicer than what I expected.' Kim, who smiled as she admired the result of Shane's work, said of her new tattoos:'I think this takes me back to the person I was before.' The latest innovative young chef to come along and shake up the food scene isn't some 20-something who just finished culinary school or wrapped up a stint studying in the kitchens of Le Bernadin or Per Se. Rather, one of the newest restaurants earning buzz in New York City is helmed by a chef who is just 19 years old. Yet despite him still being a teenager, Flynn McGarry is hardly a newcomer. In fact, he's been making headlines since 2012, when he was a 12-year-old cook nicknamed the 'Justin Bieber of food'. Flynn McGarry is the head chef at Gem, which opened on the Lower East Side earlier this year The 19-year-old's eatery is already getting some good reviews Flynn's restaurant, Gem, opened on Manhattan's Lower East Side earlier this year, and already appears to be a success. The New Yorker said that he 'masters the rules of fine dining', and he's had write-ups in The New York Times, Eater, and Food & Wine. In addition to serving coffee and sandwiches during the day, Gem does dinner seatings with a $155-a-head ten-course tasting menu. Dishes include scallop with gochoda shuzo, smoked cod with cynar spritz, foie gras, and rye bread pudding. Though the items on the menu change, they have also included trout, oysters, cavatelli, lamb loin, and lobster, all served with a mix of hard-to-pronounce ingredients. 'The impeccable, seasonally driven food arrives in a swift parade of delicate, artful arrangements: cubes, coins, foam, petals, and leaves of the sort you find at restaurants like Eleven Madison Park (where McGarry also interned),' wrote Hannah Goldfield for the New Yorker. 'Almost everything I ate at Gem was impressively delicious.' Standard: Reservations for the $155 ten-course tasting menu must be paid for in advance Fame: The restaurant opened at the beginning of the year and has been written up by the New York Times and the New Yorker Casual: During the day, it's open as a cafe, serving sandwiches and coffee Haute cuisine: At night, a fancy tasting menu is served up to customers 'For a long time, I wanted to do something flashy, but at the end of the day, I wanted to be in a space that was mine, and I wanted a big bowl of pasta,' he said Tribute: His restaurant, Gem, is his mom Meg's name backwards Flynn not only runs the kitchen, but he's in charge in the dining room, too, and will often serve dishes himself. 'People make overarching statements about me, and Ive been known to say some things, too,' he told Food & Wine. 'But at the end of the day, Im just making dinner. And I want to cook you dinner.' 'For a long time, I wanted to do something flashy, but at the end of the day, I wanted to be in a space that was mine, and I wanted a big bowl of pasta,' he added. 'Everyone has written about me as more of an idea, this weird kid who likes to cook. See me at the restaurant. This is how I express myself, and this is how people will understand me the most.' It would be hard not to make sweeping statements about a kid who became famous for his skills in the kitchen before even leaving junior high. Knows what he is doing: Flynn has plenty of experience under his belt for being so young Nice: He first starting out in the kitchen because he didn't like his mom's (second from right) cooking Starting young: He opened his first pop-up restaurant in Los Angeles when he was 13 Fancy: He went on to have internships at Alinea and Eleven Madison Park Honor: In 2014 and 2015, he was was named among Time Magazines 25 Most Influential Teens The teen first took up cooking because, he said, he didn't like his mother's food. (Though there are no hard feelings and his restaurant Gem his her name, Meg, spelled backwards.) 'It was after looking at all these cookbooks and going on the Internet and looking at these dishes that I thought, "I could achieve that one day,"' he told ABCNews in 2013, adding that he had his own copy of Thomas Keller's The French Laundry. 'I thought, every time I try it, I hope to keep getting better and better. I just fell in love with it.' 'Ive always been very creative, and I wanted to create my own dishes, and I didnt know too much about it but I would do variations from French Laundry and other cookbooks and would cook them for my family.' 'Then, I started liking the creative part of it, and I started to cook for more people then just my family.' He had first made headlines the year before in 2012, when, at age 13, he ran a pop-up restaurant of his own in Los Angeles. Named 'one of the country's hottest chefs,' he turned his family's own home into the restaurant once a month and even built a test kitchen in the his bedroom so he could reach all the utensils he needs. On TV: Flynn competed on MasterChef Australia at age 17 He'd also served an eight-course meal to 100 guests at John Sedlar's restaurant Playa in Hollywood, which sold out in advance. He went on to intern for Grant Achatz at Next and Alinea in Chicago, and Modernist Cuisine's Food Lab in Seattle. In 2013, Flynn was chef for the night at Beverly Hills' BierBeisl restaurant, where he served a 12-course $160-a-head meal to a sold-out dining room of 40 people. In 2014 and 2015, he was was named among Time Magazines 25 Most Influential Teens. And by 2016, when he was 17 years old, he was competing on MasterChef Australia. 'People call me the Justin Bieber of food,' he told News.com.au at the time. 'I've stopped focusing on my age but its obviously going to be something people talk about.' While on the show, he admitted that he hoped to have 'at least one restaurant' in the next five or ten years and he's met his goal in record time. Gem is open from Tuesday through Saturday, and is currently taking prepaid bookings for June and July. She showcased an extraordinary bond with the Queen during their trip to Cheshire today, and if things continue this way Meghan could soon be using a nickname on the monarch. When she stepped off the train at Runcorn the new Duchess of Sussex addressed the Queen as 'Your Majesty' accompanied with a curtsey. However, editor-in-chief at Majesty magazine Ingrid Seward said that once formalities are out of the way Meghan can refer to the Queen as something else. Editor-in-chief at Majesty magazine Ingrid Seward has revealed the nickname that Meghan will be able to call the Queen as they get to know each other better Speaking to Grazia she said that after Your Majesty: 'it is Ma'am, thrown into conversation as many times as possible.' Ingrid added that there is a more informal nickname, adopted by Harry's mother Diana, that Meghan may wish to use in time. She continued: 'This can be shortened to Mama , when Meghan gets to know her as Diana did. But never her pet name Lillibet, which is reserved for very close family and friend.' While Kensington Palace has told the MailOnline that the Duchess of Sussex is not referring to the Queen by the nickname 'Mama' according to experts she could use it as she settles in to her roll. Judging by their interactions today it won't be long until newly-married Meghan will be on 'Mama' terms. The close bond between the Queen and Meghan became apparent when the pair sat down at a ceremony to open the new Mersey Gateway Bridge. The Duchess of Sussex may refer to her as Ma'am which can be shorten to Mama as they become closer, a nickname that Diana (pictured with the Queen ) previously used However, for now Meghan must stick to formal greetings, referring to the monarch as Your Majesty as she arrived at Runcorn on Thursday Body language expert Judi James, an industry leader in communication, told how the Queen appeared 'completely confident' in Meghan's ability. She said: 'The Queen is quite stoic, she didn't make a fuss of Meghan, which can make someone feel anxious. She is clearly completely confident about Meghan's level of confidence. 'They were very relaxed. At one point they were giggling like teenagers together. The Queen looked delighted to be with her. 'The Queen was doing everything right for her and made her looked like a granddaughter or a friend whom she is very fond of. 'She was almost identically fun loving and relaxed with her first outing with the Duchess of Cambridge, that's what it reminded me of. It looks as though it really brought out the Queen's fun side.' Psychotherapist Toby Ingham added: 'The body language of the Queen and Meghan is warm, friendly, they look to be enjoying the time they are spending together. 'There is formality to the occasion as they step from the train, but the overall tone is relaxed and warm. The close bond between the Queen and Meghan became apparent when the pair sat down at a ceremony to open the new Mersey Gateway Bridge 'When sitting together they move in towards each other and enjoy a shared joke. The impression of spontaneity and warmth.' Today is the opportunity for Meghan to receive a masterclass from the Queen in how to conduct royal engagements. It was around ten months after her own nuptials before the Duchess of Cambridge undertook a similar day of events - and will no doubt be viewed as a sign of royal confidence in the former actress. The Queen has been on the throne for 66 years and has conducted tens of thousands of public engagements, shaking hundreds of thousands of hands along the way. Former Suits star Meghan couldn't resist sporting another creation by her wedding designer Givenchy for the visit, and looked elegant in the cream fitted dress with a cape feature at the shoulders, nipped in at the waist with a black belt, carrying a simple black bag by the same designer. And in another sign of her growing friendship with the Queen, Harry's wife sported a pair of delicate pearl earrings, given to her by the monarch as a gift. The Swedish royals were out in force this evening at an awards ceremony in Stockholm - just a week after attending the christening of Princess Madeleine's daughter Adrienne. Madeleine, 36, looked stunning in another floral number as she joined sister-in-law Princess Sofia, older sister Crown Princess Victoria and her mother Queen Silva on the red carpet at the Polar Music Prize. The mother-of-three opted for a feminine green gown featuring cape sleeves, which she paired with a pink clutch bag. Her sister-in-law Sofia, who attended the event with husband Prince Carl Philip, also wowed in an emerald green halterneck dress at the glitzy bash. The Swedish royals were out in force at the Polar Music Prize ceremony in Stockholm. Pictured are Princess Sofia, Prince Carl Philip and Princess Madeleine Crown Princess Victoria looked stunning in a vibrant orange frock as she arrived with husband Prince Daniel Queen Silva meanwhile looked elegant in a monochrome ensemble as she arrived at the awards ceremony Sofia, 33, wore her brunette tresses pulled back in an elegant pony tail, while accessorising her look with a pair of gold statement earrings. Crown Princess Victoria meanwhile opted for a stunning asymmetric gown in a vibrant orange colour. Victoria, 40 - who arrived at the ceremony with husband Prince Daniel - also wore her hair up, finishing off her look with gold accessories. The Polar Music Prize was founded by former ABBA manager Stig Anderson, and is presented annually to one contemporary musician and one classical musician. Madeleine, 36, looked stunning in floral green dress, paired with a pale pink clutch bag The mother-of-three arrived at the event with sister-in-law Sofia and brother Carl Phlip King Carl Gustaf gave out the Polar Music prizes to Metallica, and Dr Ahmad Sarmast, founder of the Afghanistan National Institute of Music. The appearance of the Swedish royals comes a week after they attended the christening of Princess Madeleine's daughter Adrienne. Madeleine put on a glamorous display for the special day, wearing a 1,735 Giambattista Valli floral dress paired with a traditional flower crown. She and husband Christopher O'Neill welcomed their third child, who is tenth-in-line to the throne, on March 9. The Swedish royals' appearance comes just a week after the christening of Madeleine's baby daughter Adrienne Sofia, 33, wowed in an emerald green halterneck gown, while wearing her tresses in an elegant pony tail Victoria, 40, also wore her hair up, while accessorising her gown with gold accessories King Carl Gustaf of Sweden gave out the Polar Music Prize to Dr Ahmad Sarmast, founder of Afghanistan National Institute of Music The King also presented an award to Lars Ulric and Robert Trujillo from Metallica According to tradition, the young princess was baptised with water from a spring on the Swedish island of Oland, a custom implemented by the present king and queen, the child's grandparents. She also wore robes steeped in royal tradition; the lining of the gown has the names and dates of all its previous wearers embroidered on it and has been worn by each royal infant since Prince Gustaf Adolf first wore it in 1906. Earlier this week, the Swedish palace has released three elegant new portraits of the royals to mark the christening. One shows Madeleine cradling 13-week-old Adrienne, while posing with her husband at Drottningholm Palace. Princess Madeleine wowed at the christening of her third child, baby Adrienne, last week Gin could be in short supply next year, according to experts, who are blaming the potential dearth of one of the nation's favourite tipples on Brexit. The Wine and Spirits Trade Association (WSTA) has said that a Government study's prediction that there could be food shortages within two weeks of a 'Doomsday' no-deal Brexit would have a severe impact on supplies of juniper berries used to make the spirit. It reports that British distillers import botanicals including juniper as well as other gin ingredients such as orange peel, liquorice and angelica root from the EU. Fancy a gin and tonic? You may not be able to quite so easily next year if there is a Doomsday no deal Brexit, according to a study There are 315 British gin distilleries, according to the WSTA, but there could still be a shortage due to lack of ingredients from overseas, it's said. It would also devastate British small businesses which would struggle to keep afloat in the event of a 'Doomsday' no-deal Brexit, the experts warned. The leaked Whitehall assessment revealed that if a deal was not reached, the port of Dover could collapse almost immediately, with food and medical supplies having to be flown into Cornwall and Scotland by the military. Miles Beale, chief executive of the WSTA, told The Independent's Olivia Petter: 'The whole of the UK wine and spirit trade relies on the frictionless movement of goods in and out of the UK. Juniper berries are used in the production of gin and they are often imported from the EU 'We have been warning our members to prepare for the worst for the last 18 months. Government seem to have only just woken up to facing the bleakest outcome.' More than 55 million bottles of gin were sold last year, the WSTA reports, and it was officially voted the nation's favourite drink in a 2017 poll. Not only would a shortage have an affect on independent businesses, but it could cause problems for bigger companies too as juniper is a fundamental ingredient in gin. Dan Szor, founder of the Cotswold Distillery in Stourton, told The Independent that it imports juniper berries from Macedonia which are ferried over from Calais. He called for more clarification from the Government on the issue of trade so that businesses can prepare for next year. Teenage girls who binge drink may be damaging the long-term health of their bones, a new study has found. Research that looked at 87 female college students in the US showed that those who binged about twice a month had lower bone mass in their spines. Because peak bone density isn't reached until about age 25, these women never fully develop several bones in their body, says the team from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, California. This discovery is among one of the first to conclude that binge drinking doesn't just have short-term consequences for women, but long-term ones that are carried for the rest of their lives. Teenage girls who binge drink have lower bone mass and never reach peak bone density compared to their peers, a new study has found The study was conducted on female college students between ages 18 and 20, which is when bone mass is still increasing. Women generally reach peak bone density between ages 20 and 25, according to lead researcher Dr Joseph LaBrie, a professor of psychology at Loyola Marymount University. Participants first underwent bone destiny measurements of their lumbar spine in the lower back, where the spine curves inward toward the abdomen. They were then asked questions about how often they binged in high school, which the researchers defined as having four or more drinks within two hours. The team found that women who'd binged frequently since high school had lower bone mass than their peers, with frequently defined as binging at least 115 times - or an average of twice a month. 'We knew that later in life, heavy drinkers are more likely to suffer osteoporosis and brittle bones,' Dr LaBrie told Daily Mail Online. 'But we didn't know that binge drinking was related to not reaching peak bone mass.' WHAT IS ALCOHOL TOLERANCE? The more you drink, the less sensitive your body becomes to alcohol and its effects. Because it is regularly exposed to alcohol, the liver takes not and prioritizes breaking down the substance by producing more of the enzymes that do this job. The brain adapts similarly. Receptors in the brain respond to the frequent presence of alcohol by establishing a new baseline. The pleasure receptors that respond to alcohol get overexcited, so the brain adjust by switching off the receptors to try to rebalance. As a result, the same amount of alcohol that would have produced the feeling of drunkenness no longer does, and a person simply drinks more. Advertisement Past research has shown that heavy drinking may increase the risk of osteoporosis, a disease in which the body loses too much bone, makes too little bone, or both. Although the mechanisms aren't fully understood, studies have found that alcohol has an adverse effect on calcium, which is vital for healthy bones. When you drink too much alcohol, your body cannot absorb calcium sufficiently. Additionally, alcohol interferes with hormones important to bone health. Chronic heavy drinkers experience increased levels of cortisol, known as the 'stress hormone' and parathyroid hormone, secreted by parathyroid glands in the neck. High levels of cortisol have been shown to decrease bone formation and increase bone breakdown while the parathyroid hormone leaches calcium from bones. Heavy drinkers are also more likely to suffer frequent fractures, particularly in the hip and spine regions, due to brittle bones and nerve damage. Dr LaBrie says that there already well-known short term risks when it comes to binge drinking including distorted vision, decreased coordination, memory lapses and impaired judgment. But now he says there's evidence that there are potential lifetime consequences of binge drinking. 'With binge drinking early on in life, now we have another thing that contributes to not reaching optimal peak bone mass,' Dr LaBrie said. 'Also we're living longer than past generations were. Were going to need our bones for a long time and especially women, who are more likely to develop osteoporosis.' Dr LaBrie says that he hopes the research helps parents who are seeking to warn their children about the dangers of binge drinking. 'A lot of bone health - 30, 40 even 50 percent - is hereditary. But a lot of is behavioral factors: smoking, nutrition, exercise,' he said. 'And now we have this new thing: binge drinking. So it's important to add that to the conversation when we talk about bone health. Thousands of men and women are frail in middle-age as symptoms thought to just strike the elderly occur decades earlier, according to a major study. Researchers spotted weakness, slowness and exhaustion, commonly associated with old age, in patients as young as 37. Scottish researchers warned frailty doubles the risk of dying within seven years - even for middle-aged adults. But the scientists, who delved into data from almost half a million people, argued that frailty can easily be reversed. Researchers spotted weakness, slowness and exhaustion, commonly associated with old age, in patients as young as 37 Frailty was defined as the presence of three or more out of five indicators: weakness, slowness, weight loss, low physical activity, and exhaustion. People with one or two indicators were classified as 'pre-frail' by the researchers at Glasgow University. Professor Frances Mair, lead author, told The Times: 'Most men in their thirties, forties and fifties would be appalled to be called frail. 'We have an impression in our head of what tends to be called frail, and that needs to change.' She added: 'I would suggest these estimates of frailty are probably quite conservative. In the general population it would be probably be even more common.' The study, published in The Lancet Public Health, delved into data from 493,000 men and women between 37 and 73 years old. Records of the participants were then assessed by the researchers to determine who would be considered frail. Three per cent of all the participants were identified as frail, and more than a third were already beginning to deteriorate. A further analysis of the data revealed 1,381 men and women between the ages of 37 and 45 were considered frail. Professor Mair and colleagues then tracked all the participants over seven years to determine the risk of death from frailty. It was associated with a greater than two-fold risk of mortality in males and females over the age of 45 and males aged 37-45. Professor Mair said: 'People with frailty are understood to be at higher risk of adverse health events, but previous research has almost always focused on older people. 'In our study we applied the test for frailty to a wider, and younger group of people and found that the condition was present in people of all ages. 'Interventions to reverse frailty or improve patient outcomes have, almost exclusively, focused on the very elderly or those in long-term care. 'However, our findings indicate that there is a need for a change in focus, to start identifying frailty and intervene much earlier. 'The hope is, with earlier identification and intervention frailty can be reversed in some patients.' Dr Peter Hanlon, co-author of the study, said: 'Although frailty should be a cause for concern when identified in middle to older aged people, it may be reversible, particularly if it is identified at an early stage. 'Identifying frailty may have positive implications for care, planning interventions and a patient's prognosis, particularly in individuals who have more than one underlying health condition. 'In light of our findings we suggest that an assessment of frailty should be incorporated into routine monitoring and assessment of people with multimorbidity, which may help identification of those at greater risk to ensure more accurate targeting of care.' It's a stereotype that has existed for years. But new research has now challenged the myth that cannabis is traditionally a drug for teenage boys wanting to get stoned. A study has found the number of over-40s needing specialist treatment for smoking weed in the past decade has more than doubled. Scientists suggest this may be because adults are no longer able to get their hands on weak strains of cannabis that they may have smoked as teenagers. Instead, they have to resort to 'skunk', which has flooded British streets and is heavily linked to a range of mental health issues and dependency. The study also showed a 95 per cent increase in the amount of women, of all ages, seeking help for cannabis-related issues - compared to 72 per cent for men. York University scientists searched for cannabis-related issues, such as dependency, from drug treatment centre records to make the conclusion. It's a stereotype that has existed for years. But researchers have now challenged the myth that cannabis is strictly a drug for teenage boys wanting to get stoned Ian Hamilton, lead researcher, pointed out it is currently unknown what is behind the surge of cannabis-related issues in the over-40s. However, he suggested that it could be down to skunk - an extremely potent strain of cannabis that has dominated the illegal market in Britain. An array of damning evidence has emerged in recent years that has linked skunk to psychosis and other mental health conditions. Mr Hamilton said baby-boomers would have been used to weaker weed strains, if they experimented with drugs when they were younger. He said: 'Turning to higher potency cannabis could increase the likelihood of them developing health problems.' THE DIFFERENCES BETWEEN THC AND CBD Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC) and cannabidiol (CBD) are both derived from the cannabis plant. Together, they are part of the cannabinoid group of compounds found in hashish, hash oil, and most strains of marijuana. THC is the psychoactive compound responsible for the euphoric, 'high' feeling often associated with marijuana. THC interacts with CB1 receptors in the central nervous system and brain and creates the sensations of euphoria and anxiety. CBD does not fit these receptors well, and actually decreases the effects of THC, and is not psychoactive. CBD is thought to help reduce anxiety and inflammation. Advertisement Mr Hamilton also claimed the surge in cannabis-related issues in the over-40s could be down to them having smoked for longer than younger users. He added older drug users may have dependent family members and financial commitments to look after, there may be 'more urgency' for them to seek help. Mr Hamilton told MailOnline: 'Despite the common view that cannabis is mainly a problem for young people, this research shows middle-aged people are increasingly developing problems such as dependency.' Data for the study, published in the journal Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy, was collected between 2005/06 and 2015/16. It collected records of patients who had cannabis listed as a primary problem from all drug treatment centres in England and Wales. The study showed 471 people over the age of 40 sought help for cannabis-related issues in 2005/06 - compared to 1,008 a decade later. However, Mr Hamilton and colleagues claimed 'this is just the tip of the iceberg', as only a tenth of smokers who need treatment seek help. Cannabis, a class B substance in the UK that can carry up to a five-year jail term for possession, is the most common illicit drug in the UK However, the numbers of people using it has been in steady decline over the past decade - from three million to an estimated two million. Around half of the users in England and Wales are between the ages of 16 and 25, according to the most recent Crime Survey figures. Mason McNair was visiting his grandparents last month when they spotted a tick in his belly button. The following day, his stomach appeared red and swollen. Concerned that the tick bite had caused an infection, his mother, Danielle took him to their doctor, who prescribed antibiotics. But, on the last day of the medication, Mason was covered in a rash from head-to-toe. The doctor insisted it was a 'delayed reaction' to the antibiotics but Danielle wasn't convinced. A research of Mason's symptoms led to a discovery that he actually had a tick-borne disease known as Rocky Mountain spotted fever, which can lead to hearing loss, paralysis and even limb amputation when left untreated. Now the mother-of-three, from LaGrange, Georgia, is warning other parents so they can spot the signs and make sure their children receive proper medical care before it's too late. Mason McNair, five (left and right), from LaGrange, Georgia, contracted a rare disease after he was bitten by a tick when visiting his grandparents last month. A day after being bitten, Mason's belly button appeared red and infected so he was put on antibiotics Mason then began experiencing fever, diarrhea and complained of pain in his abdomen. On the last day of the antibiotic, the five-year-old broke out in a rash from head to toe (left and right) A doctor told his mother, Danielle, that the rash was likely a 'delayed reaction' to the antibiotic Mason had taken and that it could take as long as six days for the rash to disappear Danielle told PEOPLE that Mason's grandparents spotted the tick while he was taking a bath during a visit to their house last month. He returned home with no symptoms, until he woke up the next morning. 'We noticed that [his belly button] was red and looked infected,' Danielle told the magazine. 'About six inches in diameter around the entire bite. It just looked really nasty and infected.' WHAT IS ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER? Rocky Mountain spotted fever is a bacterial infection that is spread through tick bites. Three types of ticks are the most common culprits: American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick and brown dog tick. There are around 3,000 cases reported each year, with 60 percent of reported RMSF cases occurring in five states: North Carolina, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. The illness damages blood vessels, causing them to become inflamed as well as possibly inflaming other organs such as the heart, lungs and brain. Diagnosis is made by a healthcare provider based on a persons signs, symptoms, and possible exposure to ticks There is no vaccine for RMSF. Signs and symptoms: Fever Headache Rash, usually appearing between two to four days Nausea Vomiting Stomach pain Muscle pain Lack of appetite Treatment: The antibiotic doxycycline is the recommended treatment from the CDC and the American Academy of Pediatrics. If treated in the first 5 days with doxycycline, people with RMSF typically recover. While those treated after day 5 of illness may experience a more severe illness requiring hospitalization, or intensive care. When left untreated, RMSF infections can lead to hearing loss, paralysis, amputation of limbs and, in extreme cases, death. Source: CDC Advertisement Danielle took Mason to the doctor, who diagnosed the condition as impetigo, a bacterial skin infection, and prescribed a 10-day antibiotic to treat it. However, it didn't work. Mason experienced fever, diarrhea and complained of pain in his abdomen. On the last day of the antibiotics, the five-year-old broke out in a rash from head to toe. Danielle first believed it was a heat rash, which occurs when the sweat ducts are blocked sweat ducts and the sweat is trapped beneath the skin. But once the spots on Mason's body began to grow and become even redder, she knew that wasn't it. Once again, Danielle took her son to the doctor, who told her it was like a 'delayed reaction' to the antibiotic Mason had taken. He said it could take as long as six days for the rash to disappear and sent them home. But the mother-of-three wasn't convinced that this was the extent of his condition, so she enlisted the help of her husband and sister and began looking up possible explanations for the rash online. Finally, they found a condition that matched Mason's symptoms: Rocky Mountain spotted fever. RMSF is a bacterial infection that is spread through tick bites, usually from the American dog tick, Rocky Mountain wood tick and brown dog tick. Signs and symptoms can include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and stomach pain - similar to what Mason was experiencing. There are approximately 3,000 cases reported every year with 60 percent of reported RMSF cases occurring in five states: North Carolina, Tennessee, Oklahoma, Arkansas, and Missouri. According to the CDC, a rash usually develops between two and four days after fever begins but, because it doesn't appear early on in the illness, it can make RMSF difficult to diagnose. If not treated with antibiotics, the condition can lead to hearing loss, paralysis and and amputation of limbs and - in extreme cases - death. 'I felt absolutely sick. My heart felt like it stopped, my stomach was in knots' Danielle said. 'It can lead to deaththat's the scariest thing to ever read when it comes to something your child just got diagnosed with.' However, Danielle (left and right, with Mason) wasn't satisfied and began searching for possible explanations. She soon found one that matched Mason's symptoms: Rocky Mountain spotted fever, a bacterial infection that is spread through tick bites After bringing her research to the attention of doctors, and reviewing the timeline of his symptoms, they concluded that Mason (pictured in blue, with his family) did indeed have RMSF and he was put on antibiotics Finally, they found a condition that matched Mason's symptoms: Rocky Mountain spotted fever. After bringing her research to the attention of doctors, and reviewing the timeline of his symptoms, they concluded that Mason did indeed have RMSF. Mason was soon put on antibiotics and his spots began to clear after about three days, according to Danielle. She is relieved that her son is back to his healthy self but she encourages parents to trust their gut instinct. 'This whole process has been such a horribly, scary situation, just extremely exhausting,' Danielle told PEOPLE. 'I am beyond happy to see him healthy again. It's just really important for parents to be an advocate for their child. Doctors are humans too, and as a parent you need to do your own research so you are informed and aware.' HE IS MINE AND I HAVE NO OTHER by Rebecca OConnor (Canongate 12.99) HE IS MINE AND I HAVE NO OTHER by Rebecca OConnor (Canongate 12.99) Set in a small-town parish in Nineties Ireland, this menacing debut is told by 15-year-old Lani, who spots a boy, Leon, repeatedly passing her home on his way to and from the cemetery after dark. Soon, theyre kissing at a school disco, distracting Lani from her revulsion that her mother is newly pregnant at 44. Yet there are creepy signs that this isnt your average story of girl-meets-boy not least when Leon lets slip that hes been spying on her through her bedroom window. Lani is torn between fear and hunger for experience, with her desires put into scandalous historical perspective by a subplot about a local industrial school run by nuns who incarcerated the children of unmarried mothers. But, when a shocking climax shifts focus from Lani to Leon unearthing more buried violence the voltage generated by the sudden change of tack is offset by a feeling that OConnor couldnt quite decide which of these stories she most wanted to tell. FALLING SHORT FALLING SHORT by Lex Coulton (John Murray 14.99) by Lex Coulton (John Murray 14.99) Lex Coultons debut is a vastly enjoyable two-hander that smuggles a sober exploration of grief and regret under a classroom comedy that follows two shambling, wine- sozzled teachers, Frances and Jackson. Still mourning her father, apparently lost at sea when she was a girl, 38-year-old Frances lurches between one-night stands, while her friends Facebook updates are full of photos of children who are almost ready to start secondary school. Shes tiptoeing around her latest ill-advised conquest, Jackson, her Withnail-ish colleague and best friend, who notorious for flirting with sixth-form girls hides a past involving sexual disgrace in his native South Africa. With late revelations and delayed flashbacks, the mechanisms advancing the story are creaky. Yet, if the destination of this warm and witty novel doesnt quite live up to the fun on offer along the way, Coultons central duo remain sparkling company and her school scenes are A*-worthy. ALL THE LIVES WE NEVER LIVED by Anuradha Roy (MacLehose 16.99) ALL THE LIVES WE NEVER LIVED by Anuradha Roy (MacLehose 16.99) Roys previous novel, Sleeping On Jupiter, about misogyny in modern India, beat names such as Kazuo Ishiguro and Jonathan Franzen to a spot on the 2015 Booker longlist. Her latest novel unfolds as Myshkin, an Indian horticulturalist, recalls his boyhood in the Himalayan foothills during World War II, the twilight of the Raj. Uppermost in Myshkins thoughts is his abandonment by his artistically inclined mother, Gayatri, who was inspired by the arrival of a German painter, Walter Spies, to ditch her husband, a nationalist whose tub-thumping for independence doesnt stretch to acknowledging hers. While it can be tricky to gauge the impact of Roys toying with history (Spies, a real-life figure who died a prisoner of war, never visited India), the late introduction of Gayatris voice after Myshkin finds a cache of her old letters puts real zest into this wistful tale of wartime collateral damage, both continental and intimate in scale. AUTOBIOGRAPHY STORYTELLING by Andrew Sinclair (Ashgrove Publishing 18.99) Like Byron, Andrew Sinclair woke up one morning and found himself famous. His fiction debut, The Breaking Of Bumbo, a satire of the Suez Crisis, made the former Guards officer a celebrated author at just 22. He went on to become a Cambridge history Fellow at 25, a Hollywood screenwriter, a revolutionary and a publisher but he is best known for directing Dylan Thomass film Under Milk Wood, starring Richard Burton, Elizabeth Taylor and Peter OToole. In the prelude to his memoir, Sinclair says he always resolved to be an original at whatever cost. Andrew Sinclair is best known for directing Dylan Thomass film Under Milk Wood, starring Richard Burton and Elizabeth Taylor (pictured). He recalls his famous peers in a new memoir True to his maverick spirit, he eschews a conventional narrative and divides the book into episodic chapters chronicling his encounters with famous peers. It makes for a slightly disjointed read, but it is never less than fascinating. A child of Empire and son of a cuckolded colonial police officer on the Gold Coast, he returned with his romantic novelist mother to be schooled in England. Sixty years and more passed, until I persuaded my mother to hug me often, he writes. A scholar at Eton College, where he was nicknamed the Melancholy Bloodhound, he went on to secure another scholarship to Trinity, Cambridge. Despite his Establishment background, he was hailed as one of the Angry Young Men of the Fifties. By his own admission, he never quite knew which side of the barricades he was on. While his fellow rebels were kicking their way in, he was kicking his way out, he joked. And he showed commendable chutzpah in the process. He thought Hugh Gaitskells speeches were terrible and wrote to him offering to be his speechwriter. Incredibly, Gaitskell agreed and briefly hired him. None of his subsequent novels repeated the success of his debut. However, he went on to delight in cocking a snook at the Establishment. He joined Aldermaston Marches, at which he hit a policeman in the chest (and ran away); he was put under surveillance by the security services for publishing a book on Che Guevara. And he became friends with the Black Panthers via his French first wife, Marianne. Andrew Sinclair (pictured) spent time rubbing shoulders with royalty including Princess Diana He met her the most beautiful student of her time in the audience when he gave a lecture on The Breaking Of Bumbo in the U.S. They wed shortly after and later lived in an uneasy menage a trois with a hermit called Derek Lindsay. Sinclairs second wife was biographer Miranda Seymour, who left him for an (unnamed) immoral philosopher. His third, current, wife is the author and society hostess Sonia Melchett. Sinclair provides fine portraits of William Golding, Harold Pinter, Francis Bacon and Ted Hughes and his dealings with Burton and Taylor are a hoot. Burton assured Sinclair he wouldnt drink while making Under Milk Wood. Only one bottle of vodka a day, he said, as opposed to his usual three. How many dry martinis did Richard Burton drink in one sitting? 17 Consecutive dry martinis Richard Burton drank in one sitting Advertisement The intellectually insecure Elizabeth Taylor disliked Sinclair on sight for seeming too clever. When Sinclair admonished her in the dressing-room for making herself look like Cleopatra, she said: I always look like Cleopatra. He adroitly conveys the deluded egomania of Hollywood (the director Sam Spiegel to Sinclair: When I say a leopard has stripes, it does) and the tortuous scriptwriting process with its stifling rules (make sure stars have the last word in each scene). Sinclair memorably had the last word when he opened his London front door to Frank Sinatra, who was scouting for a film location. He sent him packing. Im writing, Ive never heard of you, he told him. When Sinclair went to America to write screenplays for Jack Lemmon and Gregory Peck, he was known as the man whod never heard of Sinatra. Fortunately, Sinclair had heard of Lauren Bacall and was employed as her walker. The former guardsman outside Buckingham Palace also got to rub shoulders with royalty. He didnt raise a smile with Princess Margaret, while Princess Diana told him: I hear youre awfully clever. I am as thick as a brick. STORYTELLING by Andrew Sinclair (Ashgrove Publishing 18.99) Sinclair can be frustratingly elliptical about his own life (his second wife warrants barely a few paragraphs), and his prose can be overblown. But he has a gift for a nifty aphorism and his anecdotes are top drawer. My favourite? A Welsh professor informed Sinclair hed always been told the Queen never listened to what people said when she gave out gongs. So, when it was his turn, the professor said: I murdered, maam, my mother-in-law at breakfast over Rice Krispies. Unsmiling, the Queen replied: What a good idea. Sinclair confesses he hardly ever heeds critics (voracious sheep), but drinks in the praise of his peers. The pity is there arent that many of his peers left alive but, if nothing else, Storytelling proves that this self-appointed apostle of elegant mutiny remains a true original. TESTAMENT OF YOUTH by Vera Brittain (Virago 14.99) One hundred years ago, at 11am on November 11, 1918, a volley of gunfire sounded over London, marking the end of World War I. Vera Brittain, a VAD nurse at Queen Alexandras hospital, heard the victory guns, but she could not celebrate. Its come too late for me, she thought. The war had taken the four people she loved most: her brother, Edward; her fiance, Roland; and her two closest friends, Victor Richardson and Geoffrey Thurlow. Vera Brittain (pictured) documented the pain of World War I in her autobiography first published in 1933. The memoir is set to be reissued to mark the centenary of the Armistice Walking up Whitehall among the victory celebrations, Vera realised how completely everything that had made up my life had vanished . . . A new age was beginning; but the dead were dead and would never return. She was only 24, but she had experienced more than most of todays 24-year-olds will in a lifetime. Fifteen years later, in 1933, Vera published an autobiography, Testament Of Youth, reissued this month to mark the centenary of the Armistice. On publication day, the first print run sold out: her agonisingly personal memoir was a bestseller. While the war, in which she served as a nurse in London, Malta and France, was the defining experience of her early life, Vera (right) also wrote movingly about her struggle for independence and a career. She was born in 1893 and grew up in Buxton, Derbyshire. Her father was a prosperous businessman, but while her brother was destined for Oxford, Vera was simply expected to marry. A family friend persuaded her parents to send her to Oxford, but she had fallen in love with Edwards schoolfriend, Roland Leighton. When Edward and Roland went to war, Vera, feeling that Oxford now seemed infinitely remote from everything that counted, volunteered as a nurse. That experience would bring her face-to-face with the chaos of warfare her brother and lover were facing. On Christmas Day 1915, as she was preparing for a reunion with Roland, the telephone rang with the news that he had been killed. During their courtship, they had met on only 17 days and scarcely exchanged a kiss. Yet theirs was an intense and transformative first love. TESTAMENT OF YOUTH by Vera Brittain (Virago 14.99) Vera was an idealist who held passionate views on issues such as education and equal opportunities that still trouble us today. But her memoir also reveals a capacity for finding beauty in the direst circumstances. Tending the agonies of dying men, she would notice flowers blooming amid the carnage: lilac, tiny irises and the violets Roland sent from the Western Front. Accounts of the Great War by the men who were there describe scenes of almost unimaginable horror and heroism. But Testament Of Youth is a vivid, intimate description of the private face of war, seen through the eyes of a young woman who overcame her personal tragedies to tend the wounded and vowed to build a new world from the wreckage of the old. MEMOIR THE LIFE OF STUFF by Susannah Walker (Doubleday 14.99) Did you know what kind of state the house was in? asked the policeman who called Susannah Walker in 2016 to say that her mother had fallen at home. PC Harford had been summoned to break down the once-glossy red front door of Patricias three-storey Georgian terrace so the paramedics could get in. There was an awkward pause. It had been a long time since Walkers mother had let her into the house, which she imagined was messy and possibly damp. PC Harford filled the silence with details. There were brambles growing through the back door. Electric radiators stood in puddles. Lumps of plaster were dangling from the hall ceiling and, when he went upstairs, his foot had gone through the floorboards. Piles of papers and possessions were glued together in towers. Susannah Walker (pictured as a child with her mother) recalls her upbringing and the extent of her mother's hoarding in a new memoir Did you know how she was living? he persisted. Walker found herself hating the man. He obviously came from the normal world, she thought, a place where families cared about each other and showed it. Where mothers looked after their daughters and daughters then took care of their mothers in turn. In his eyes, I had failed entirely in the most basic duties of a person. But Walkers relationship with her mother was far more complicated than that. Her insightful memoir reveals Patricia to have been a bright and interesting, but difficult, woman. Born in 1937, she watched her father drink away the grand Victorian family home. Patricias first child, Fiona, was born with her organs outside of her body and died the same day. She went on to have two more children, first Susannah and then her brother. But they came with two awful bouts of postnatal depression and a mental breakdown. Her husband, Nick, divorced her in 1975, when Walker was just eight. Nick decided that it was all for the best if the children came to live with him and his new wife, visiting Patricia every other weekend. When Walker was eleven, Nick moved them all over to Denmark for three years and visits back to their mother were reduced to Easter and summer holidays. For the last 20 years of her life, Patricia slipped into depression and alcoholism. Her once-lovely house filled up with clutter: reacting to a lifetime of loss, she held on to every dead battery and bank statement. When Walker had a child, she stopped going into the smoke-filled house and her mother insisted they met in pubs. After Patricias death, Walker was forced to face the full extent of her mothers hoarding. The problem was that she wanted to find her mother in all this mess. She had felt very little as she stood beside Patricias cold corpse at the hospital, but she had inherited her mothers love of objects and hoped that something in the mountain of things she left behind might trigger more emotion. THE LIFE OF STUFF by Susannah Walker (Doubleday 14.99) Though some might see no connection between themselves and the hoarders we see on our screens, human beings have always invested their possessions with spiritual value. We buried our flint axes with our loved ones. The dying placed their beads around the necks of their children. And today, Walker reminds us, museums serve as national hoards, hanging on to evidence of a past we cant let go. Minimalists are not immune. On the contrary, says Walker, its the flipside of the same obsession, in the same way that anorexics are just as aware of the importance of food as fat people. They just flee from its powers instead of embracing them. If you think youre above investing objects with emotion, imagine I give you a mug of tea. Then I tell you the mug used to belong to Fred West. Do you still feel like drinking from it? In the end, Walker hired a pair of marvellously efficient house-clearers. She kept a few items that reminded her of good times and struggled to let go of those that memorialised her mothers pain. What should she do with the silver napkin ring engraved with the name of Patricias long-dead baby brother? Could she really chuck out all evidence of his short life? She couldnt. But, unlike her mother, she refused to carry it as dead weight. In the end, she had it melted down and turned into a bangle. And in learning more about hoarding, Walker understood that no matter what PC Harford might think, there was nothing she could have done to fix her mother. That knowledge, she concludes, felt like cleaning the windows of my own soul. An ancient frog species which lived at the time of dinosaurs has been discovered. Remains of the frogs have been found encased in stunning amber dating back around 99million years in south-east Asia. Little is known about the amphibians, but scientists believe they lived in the rainforest in modern-day Myanmar during the late Cretaceous Period. Scientists have discovered an ancient frog species previously unknown to human beings. Their fossils have been found encased in amber. Pictured is the largest amber they studied Scientists have managed to illustrate the frog's likely appearance using computer-generated imagery. The species lived in rainforest in south-east Asia 99 million years ago, said experts The extremely rare fossils are the oldest frog specimens any researchers have found trapped in tree sap, according to Dr. Xing Lida, 36, a leading member of the research team. WHAT WERE THE ANCIENT FROGS LIKE? The frog has been called Electrorana Limoae or Li Mo Amber Frog - after the collector who first found the amber It is believed that the frogs lived in wet tropical forests in northern Myanmar about 99 million years ago. They were said to be similar to the modern-day fire-bellied toads and midwife toads. The species lived in ponds near the Hukawng Valley and fed on mosquitoes, beetles, spiders and other creatures that didn't have a backbone. The newly discovered species has been named Electrorana Limoae. Advertisement Previously, frog amber had been unearthed in Mexico and Dominica, but those findings were from the more recent Cenozoic Era between 20 million and 30 million years ago, said Dr Xing, an associated professor from China University of Geosciences, Beijing. Dr Xing also explained to MailOnline that those rare fossils were from a new species that had been unknown to scientists before. The findings indicate that cold-blooded frogs lived in an area much wider than what researchers previously believed in temperate climates during the Cretaceous Period, according to the research team. The stones are also said to be the first collection of amber containing frogs from Myanmar's Hukawng Valley, a region known for its rich amber deposits. Dr Xing and his colleagues studied a total of four pieces of amber. The largest amber was given to the research team by Chinese amber collector, Li Mo. Ms Li bought the stone from a Myanmar vendor in 2013. The other three pieces were discovered by Dr Xing and his colleagues at markets in Myanmar between 2015 and 2016. The largest piece contains frog remains measuring 2.2 centimetres (0.87 inches) long. The frog's skull, spine and most of its limbs have been preserved. The frog is believed to be a young frog less than two years old, judging by the fact that some of the bones in its ears and around its wrists had not been fully developed, said another member of the research team Edward Stanley. Dr Stanley, from the Florida Museum of Natural History, called the fossil highly valuable because the frog is likely to have lived on the tree, therefore it would be difficult for its body to survive for such a long time. The second specimen is seven millimetres (0.28 inches) long and comprises the majority of the frog's body, except for its head. The rest two pieces preserve the limbs of two frogs. Researchers from China and the United States obtained a total of four pieces of amber (right). Remains of the frogs are well preserved by the stones (left is one of them) and closely studied The four pieces of amber were first discovered in Hukawng Valley in northern Myanmar Researchers have managed to understand the anatomy the species after putting the amber through 3-D CT scans. The examination gave researchers unprecedented, detailed insights into the bone structure of the animals. With the information in hand, scientists managed to illustrate the frog's likely appearance using computer-generated imagery. Dr. David Blackburn, another researcher from the team, told MailOnline that it was 'exhilarating' to hold these small fossils up to the light and see the small skeletons within. Dr. Blackburn is an evolutionary biologist specialised in frogs at the Florida Museum of Natural History. He said his role in the project was to scan and describe the fossils. He explained these ancient frogs would have been similar to modern-day frogs such as fire-bellied toads and midwife toads, adding that all toads are in fact types of frog. However, Dr. Blackburn also said that the fossils are missing important parts, such as the frogs' hips and pelvis, and this has posed challenge for the researchers to make more detailed comparisons between the ancient frogs and other known species. The ancient frog species has been compared to the modern day fire-bellied toads (pictured) They are also said to be similar to midwife toads (pictured) which are found in most of Europe The newly discovered species has been named Electrorana Limoae. 'Electrorana' is a combined word of 'amber' and 'frog' in Latin; while 'Limoae' pays tribute to Li Mo, the amber collector who gave the largest gemstone to the scientists. The species could have lived in ponds near the Hukawng Valley and fed on mosquitoes, beetles, spiders and other creatures that didn't have a backbone. Dr. Blackburn said it is exciting to find direct evidence of ancient frogs living in wet tropical forests. 'While frogs today live throughout the wet tropics, we have little evidence of this association from the fossil record.' Humid and hot northern Myanmar is renowned for its deposits of amber. Many animals and plants from the Cretaceous Period became trapped in tree sap and have been kept until today. Dr Xing Lida has previously led a separate research team to discover an incredibly well-preserved ancient bird trapped in amber from 98.97 million years ago. The animal was dubbed the 'pancake bird' by Dr Xing because it is thin, and is so far the most complete specimen of an ancient bird found stuck inside amber. An off-duty FBI agent charged with assault after inadvertently shooting a patron while dancing at a Denver bar would like to meet with the victim and is praying for his recovery. Chase Bishop appeared in court on Wednesday morning, out of custody after turning himself in Tuesday on a second-degree assault charge. Jail records indicate Bishop posted $1,000 bond and was released. Attorney David Goddard asked that Bishop be allowed to travel because he lives and works in Washington, DC. Prosecutors did not object, and Denver County Court Judge Andrea Eddy gave Bishop permission to travel. Scroll down for video A lawyer for FBI agent Chase Bishop (left) said his client would like to meet with Thomas Reddington (left), whom he accidentally shot while he was dancing at a Denver club Chase Bishop appeared in Denver court with his attorney on Wednesday morning Goddard called the shooting 'an incredibly tragic event' in a written statement released Wednesday afternoon. Bishop and his family are praying that Thomas Reddington, 24, has a 'full and speedy recovery,' Goddard said. He referenced media interviews of Reddington saying he would like to talk with the agent, adding that Bishop also hopes they can have a private meeting 'when appropriate.' Bishop was ordered by the judge to stay at least 100 yards from Reddington at all times. 'While members of the local and national media have repeatedly expressed interest in speaking to Mr. Bishop, out of respect for the Denver Police Department and their investigation, we will refrain from further comment until the investigation into this incident is complete,' he said. Police have said Bishop, 29, was dancing at the Mile High Spirits Tasting Room on June 2 when a gun fell from his waistband holster. The firearm went off when he picked it up. Video footage shared with local media shows Bishop dancing in the middle of a circle of people before doing a backflip. The gun falls to the ground mid-flip, and as Bishop picks it up, appears to go off. The video then shows the agent putting the gun back into a waistband holster and walking away with his hands up. Reddington's injury was described as serious but not life-threatening. He was treated and released from a hospital. The injured man, who is still recovering at home from his gunshot wound, told Good Morning America that he had watched the footage a number of times and was still confused by how it managed to occur. 'We sat down at one of those picnic tables, I heard a loud bang and I thought some idiot set off a firecracker,' he said in his first interview. 'Then I looked down at my leg and see some brown residue. I'm still thinking it's a firework... all of a sudden from the knee down my leg became completely red. Bishop was dancing at the Mile High Spirits Tasting Room in Denver on June 2 when the gun fell from the agent's waistband holster onto the floor and went off (left). At the time Bishop appeared unconcerned by what had happened (right) 'And that's when it clicked in my head, "Oh, I've been shot". 'I like stand up and like start walking in a little circle saying, "Hey, I think I've been shot. Can someone call 911?'" The bullet struck Reddington just below his left knee and tore through his leg. He said he blacked out and woke to find someone using a belt to put a tourniquet on his leg to stop the bleeding. Reddington, who has hired a lawyer, said he lost a lot of blood and that he 'soaked through several blankets, several towels, a few gauze pads'. He said he just wanted a private conversation with the agent to clear the air. 'I don't blame the guy. I don't want to ruin his life. I just want a private phone call from this guy,' he said. 'I just want to heal... I just want to be able to walk.' Additional charges could be filed against Bishop based on the results of a blood alcohol content test, which has not yet been received, authorities said on Tuesday. Denver District Attorney Beth McCann said the assault charge was filed before that report comes back 'because sufficient evidence has been presented to file it.' The FBI has declined comment since the shooting. 'The FBI will continue to fully cooperate with the Denver Police Department and the Denver District Attorney's Office as this matter proceeds through the judicial process,' spokeswoman Amy Sanders said on Tuesday. These are the first pictures taken inside the Mayfair brothel that Sir Martin Sorrell allegedly visited for a 300 sex session which sparked his humiliating downfall. The 73-year-old founder and former head of WPP, one of the worlds top advertising and PR firms, is accused of paying a prostitute using the companys expenses. The brothel is a flat on the first floor of a Victorian building located off a small square in Shepherd Market in Mayfair, central London. Inside, the bedroom is decorated to look like a Paris boudoir. Soft lighting and pink fairy lights behind the bed provide a relaxing atmosphere with discretion guaranteed thanks to thick curtains. The sex room contained spanking canes, fetish costumes and erotic artwork on the walls Around the bed was a selection of intimate toiletries, pin-up art and a clock for timekeeping The flat in Shepherd Market (pictured) is thought to have been used by prostitutes for almost a century Paintings of nude or scantly clad women adorn the pink and grey walls. A selection of sexy outfits hang behind the door including a nurse's uniform, a leather dominatrix-style jacket and lacy underwear. By the fireplace are several spanking canes. Multi-millionaire advertising mogul Sir Martin (pictured with his wife), 73, the former head of advertising giant WPP, allegedly spent 300 in the flat The one-bedroom flat is sandwiched between an artisan cafe and a William Hill bookmakers. Once punters climb a narrow flight of stairs, a bright pink notice pinned on the door advertises Beautiful Young Lady. Please Knock. An older woman, a chaperone for the girl, answers, greets gentlemen at the door and shows them into the bedroom. An hour with a girl costs 160 and includes sex in all positions. Half an hour costs 80. The flat is open from Monday to Friday night and occasionally Saturday. It includes a small living room where the girl and her chaperone watch TV while they are waiting for customers to arrive. Set up in the corner of the room is a small monitor which is connected to a camera trained on the entrance downstairs. Next to the living room is a small toilet and next to that is a cubbyhole kitchen. The bedroom is at the far end of the property. The seedy apartment which the shamed City mogul was allegedly spotted visiting is located in the heart of Shepherd Market in Mayfair. Two of Sir Martin's employees having a drink in Shepherd Market, a piazza full of upmarket bars and restaurants, are said to have spotted him going into the property on June 6 last year. It led to an investigation by WPP, which Sir Martin founded, into alleged personal misconduct and possible misuse of company funds, and ultimately resulted in his resignation as chief executive in April. He has consistently denied all the allegations. A woman working at the brothel yesterday claimed it had operated in the same property for around a century. This place has probably been open for 100 years. The lady I knew who worked here before me had been here for 35 years and the lady before her was here for 30 years, she said. The flat welcomes visitors with a lurid pink sign inside the front door announcing beautiful young lady The prostitute Sir Martin allegedly paid was English, she claimed. The Eastern European brunette, who has worked at the property for more than three years, added: Shes not from my country. Shes English She uses a lot of different names. Another prostitute, going by the name of Scarlett, who used to work at the brothel, said a friend of Sir Martins was a client of hers. She said: I have a client who is a friend of his and he sent me the article saying, Look what theyre doing to my friend. Andrew Finch was killed by swat team but had not even been part of the dispute He asked a third man Tyler Barriss to 'swat' Gaskill - form of retaliation for gamers Viner allegedly became upset at Gaskill while playing Call of Duty game Two online gamers whose dispute over a $1.50 Call of Duty WWII video game bet allegedly led police to fatally shoot a Kansas man pleaded not guilty Wednesday to charges in a 'swatting' case that drew national attention. Casey Viner, 18, of North College Hill, Ohio, and Shane Gaskill, 19, of Wichita, are charged with conspiracy to obstruct justice, wire fraud and other counts. Viner allegedly became upset at Gaskill while playing the popular online game. Authorities say he then asked 25-year-old Tyler Barriss of Los Angeles to 'swat' Gaskill at an address that Gaskill had previously provided him. Swatting is a form of retaliation sometimes used by gamers, who call police and make a false report to send first responders to an online opponent's address. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Casey Viner, 18, of Ohio, one of the three men accused of orchestrating a swatting call that ended with a 28-year-old man being killed by a Wichita Shane Gaskill leaves the federal court in Wichita. The 19-year-old fell out with Viner while playing Call of Duty, which resulted in the 'swatting' Tyler Barriss is accused of calling Wichita police from Los Angeles to report a shooting and kidnapping Barriss is accused of calling Wichita police from Los Angeles on Dec. 28 to report a shooting and kidnapping at a Wichita address which he believed to be that of Gaskill. Police went to the house where they thought the crime was occurring, and an officer fatally shot 28-year-old single-father Andrew Finch after he opened the door. Police responding were fake calls about a killing and hostages at Finch's home. The person who called said he the man in the home shot his father in the head and was holding his mother and little brother at gunpoint in a closet in the house. Finch had not been the intended target of the call, and Barriss allegedly told the detective he often made 'swatting' phone calls for attention. Authorities say Barris researched the address Viner had given him for Gaskill and verified it was a home. When Gaskill noticed Barriss was following him on Twitter, he began communicating with Barriss through direct messages in which he also gave him that same old address and dared him to swat him. 'Please try some s**t. I'll be waiting,' Gaskill wrote in the direct messages cited in the indictment. Andrew Finch, 28, was the unarmed single father (pictured with his son) who was shot dead by Wichita Police Mr Finch died in a tragic 'swatting' hoax call that led police to his front door believing there were hostages inside A police officer responding to the call fatally shot the new resident Finch after he opened the door. Defense attorneys for Viner and Barriss declined to comment, and the attorney for Gaskill did not immediately respond to an email. Viner and Gaskill have not been arrested and both were instead issued a summons to appear at Wednesday's hearing. They remain free on a $10,000 bond each and were ordered to find a job and not to play online video games or have contact with witnesses. Gaskill showed up in court dressed mostly in black down to his black tie and shirt and Viner wore a dark suit with a blue shirt and gray tie. They looked ashen as they sat with their attorneys and respectfully answered routine questions from the judge before quietly pleading not guilty, the only plea the magistrate told them he could accept at this point. Their court demeanor was a far cry from the bravado of the communications a forensic examination of Viner's iPhone found after the news of the death in Wichita. The indictment detailed an outgoing iMessage sent from Viner's phone in which Viner allegedly wrote: 'I was involved in someone's death ... I got pissed off at him he got pissed at me .. he gave me his address and said pull up and I said I won't be the one pulling up you're getting swatted.' The two men will be living with their parents pending trial, and the judge also forbade them from keeping firearms in the household. He made an exception to the gun restriction for Viner's father, who is a law enforcement officer. Barriss and Viner face federal charges of conspiracy to make false reports. Barriss also is charged with making false reports and hoaxes, cyberstalking, making interstate threats, making interstate threats to harm by fire and wire fraud. He was not in court Wednesday. Prosecutors say the most serious charge of making a hoax call carries a potential life sentence because it resulted in a death, and some of the other charges carry sentences of up to 20 years. A first court appearance on the federal charges has not been set for Barriss because the Sedgwick County district attorney is going forward first with his case on the state charges, said Jim Cross, spokesman for the U.S. attorney's office in Kansas. In the state case, Barriss is charged with involuntary manslaughter, giving a false alarm and interference with a law enforcement officer. That arraignment is June 29. Uber driver Gary Kitchings (pictured), 58, has been sentenced to 22 years jail for raping his female passenger in May last year An Uber driver has been sentenced to 22 years in prison for raping a woman he drove home from a concert in Florida in May last year. Gary Kitchings, 58, was sentenced Wednesday in Palm Beach County. He was convicted by a jury in March of three sexual battery counts, one count of burglary with assault or battery, and false imprisonment. His victim, a 38-year-old woman from New York, said during the trial she no longer felt safe in her own home, and had suffered severe panic and anxiety attacks since the attack, the Sun Sentiel reported. 'What Gary did to me has been life changing in the worst possible way,' she said. Kitchings is a former foster care provider who drove part-time for the ride-sharing service. On the night of the attack, he was taking his victim from SunFest in West Palm Beach to her Jupiter condo. The victim says Kitchings began to 'flirt' with her after dropping off her two friends, and then tried to put his hand up her shirt. He even tried to pull her hand onto his penis, but she pulled away. She said she tried to jump out of the car when they pulled off the freeway, but Kitchings locked the door. Kitchings threatened the woman with a gun and groped her in his car before following her into her home and raping her on her bed The 38-year-old woman, who has not been identified, says she now suffers panic attacks and nightmares That's when she says he threatened her, saying he had a gun under his seat and he would shoot her if she didn't perform oral sex on him. When they reached her home, the victim says she ran out and thought that Kitchings had driven off. But as she opened the front door, he came up behind her and pushed her inside. When she started to scream, he reached for his waistband and threatened again to kill her 'and her dogs' if she didn't shut up, the arrest affidavit says. He then reportedly took her to her bedroom where he proceeded to rape her. Before he left, he told the woman if she told anyone about what happened he would return and kill her. But the victim defied his orders, calling police while hiding inside her closet after he left. Kitchings told the woman if she called the police or spoke about what had happened, he would return to the home and kill her Police were able to track Kitchings down the following day, using information the victim screen-grabbed from the Uber app. Defense attorneys contended the sex was consensual, and Kitchings testified that he was only guilty of cheating on his wife. In sentencing, Palm Beach County Chief Circuit Judge Krista Marx said she would take into consideration Kitchings's work as a foster parent and his otherwise clean criminal record. While prosecutors had requested a life sentence, Marx declined to provide one, labeling it inappropriate considering his clean past. 'As egregious and horrible as these convictions are, I do not believe that a life sentence is appropriate,' she said. They caused chaos when they invaded Sydney earlier this week but an encounter with the Doritos Dinosaurs could see you walk away with some cold hard cash. Daily Mail Australia have received reports that the big orange beasts will be hanging around Central Park in Chippendale on Friday and a dinosaur encounter could leave you that little bit richer. If you're around the park area from 9am make sure to look out for the creatures and see if they want to play. Hug for cash: If you spot one of the Doritos Colossal Steak Dinosaurs you could win yourself $20 cash with a hug If you can hug one of the dinosaurs you could see yourself walk away with $20 added to your wallet. On Tuesday morning 30 of the Doritos Colossal Steak dinosaurs startled commuters as they made their way to work. On the run: 30 Doritos dinosaurs were seen running through Sydney's Martin Place on Tuesday morning Hero of the day: Crisp Pratt was thankfully on hand to help and managed to take control of the animals The hungry creatures congregated at Martin Place and it was only when hero Crisp Pratt stepped in that the pandemonium subsided. Thankfully, the dinosaur trainer was on hand to calm the beasts down, and it was only after they were given new Doritos Colossal Chargrilled Steak crisps, that order was restored. One witness said: 'It was hilarious watching the dinosaurs running around - no-one knew what was happening'. Making their way: Some Doritos dinosaurs were seen emerging from the station in Martin Place Pack: The bright orange beasts were spotted all over the city from the early hours of Tuesday morning and they met in Martin Place What an unusual sight: It's the first time the beasts have been spotted in Sydney And one youngster who watched the stampede turned to his father and said: 'Look daddy the dinosaurs are hungry!' Crisp Pratt, 38, holidaying in Sydney after a strenuous couple of weeks in Hollywood, explained: 'Initially I thought that the beasts were coming for me because I had some dinosaur eggs in my pocket.' 'They have a strong sense of smell so I thought it was the eggs that they were after, but I soon realised that they were actually after the new tasty Doritos I was carrying.' Strength in numbers: After initial sightings early on Tuesday morning, 30 of the beasts were seen taking over Martin Place Expert: Thankfully Crisp Pratt was in the vicinity and realised that the dinosaurs were after the NEW Doritos Colossal corn chips Feeding time: The expert dinosaur handler, who is in Sydney on holiday from his home in Jurassic World was seen giving the beasts the Doritos Colossal Chargrilled Steak chips 'Once I'd given them the snacks they calmed down a lot. They're really just big softies at heart - they're pretty harmless.' After the dinosaurs had fed on the new Doritos Colossal Chargrilled Steak chips they settled down and were even seen interacting with the public. Bystanders were treated to some cuddles and many of the beasts even posed for pictures. Photo opportunity: Commuters couldn't help but stop and take pictures of the unusual sight A bag for everyone: The huge orange beasts were happy once they got their claws on bags of the Doritos chips In good spirits: The animals proved they weren't a danger to humans Happy creatures: The dinosaurs calmed down once they were fed the tasty NEW Doritos Colossal corn chips The dinosaurs were first spotted across the city in the early hours of the morning, with reports coming in to Daily Mail Australia from concerned citizens. At around 6am this morning there were sightings of the huge creatures at iconic locations across the city including at Bondi Beach, Hyde Park and Circular Quay. But by 8am the group had congregated in Martin Place and by this stage the animals were ravenous. Do you want to greet a Doritos dinosaur? On Friday some of the beasts will be in Central Park Chippendale where you can win yourself some cold hard cash by sharing a hug with them Thankfully Crisp's quick thinking saved the day and he was able to usher the beasts away after feeding them some new Doritos flavours. On Friday Sydneysiders can experience all that Jurassic World has to offer by getting up close and personal with the pre-historic animals. Did you see a Doritos dinosaur this week? The animals were seen all over Sydney on Tuesday Aussies can meet and great the dinosaurs, who will be located in Central Park, Chippendale, and have the chance at winning some cold hard cash. All you need to do is spot one of the orange beasts, give them a hug and you will walk away with $20. Terms and Conditions Apply. AUS residents 18+ only. Limit one entry per person. Entries open at 9am and close 12pm (AEDT) 15/06/18 Full T&Cs here. A newly-emerged photograph of Australian soldiers flying a Nazi flag over a military vehicle in Afghanistan has sparked outrage. The disturbing image shows a swastika symbol - synonymous with racial hatred, fascism and genocide - hoisted above Australian Defence personnel in 2007. An army source told the ABC a solider took the flag to the warzone as a 'twisted joke' - not as an expression of Nazism. 'Defence and the ADF reject as abhorrent everything this flag represents. Neither the flag nor its use are in line with Defence values,' a spokesman told Daily Mail Australia. Australian soldiers have been photographed flying a Nazi flag over a military vehicle in Afghanistan 'The flag was briefly raised above an Australian Army vehicle in Afghanistan in 2007. The commander took immediate action to have the offensive flag taken down. 'It is totally inappropriate for any ADF vehicle or company to have a flag of this nature... The flag was destroyed once the unit returned from that operation.' The spokesman said the soldiers involved were cautioned and received further counselling. Dr Dvir Abramovich, Chairman of the Anti-Defamation Commission, described the photos as 'deeply troubling and distressing'. 'The flying of the Nazi flag, the most evil symbol in the history of mankind by our soldiers is a slap in the face to the diggers who fought valiantly and died to defeat Hitler,' Dr Abramovich told Daily Mail Australia. 'The swastika represents pure hatred and the crimes of a regime responsible for the most destructive conflict the world has ever known, including the murder of six million Jews and millions of others. An army source said a solider took the flag to the warzone as a 'twisted joke' - not as an expression of Nazism (stock image) 'At a time of escalating anti-Semitism and intolerance, this vile display of bigotry is a reminder of the ever-present need for people of good to speak out against such abhorrence, and that racism is still rampant in parts of our society.' Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull slammed the flag as 'completely and utterly unacceptable'. 'It was absolutely wrong and their commanders took action at the time,' Mr Turnbull said in Hobart on Thursday. The photos come as members of Australia's Special Air Services Regiment face shocking allegations of war crimes while fighting in Afghanistan. A confidential Defence inquiry report, obtained by Fairfax, shows SAS members reported 'unsanctioned and illegal application of violence on operations' which showed a 'disregard for human life and dignity'. A special forces interviewee said 'horrendous' and 'disgraceful things happened in Kabul... very bad news, or just inappropriate behaviour, but it was pretty much kept under wraps'. The report also describes the challenges the government faces in tackling conduct which involves 'problems deeply embedded in the culture' of the special forces. The photos come as members of Australia's Special Air Services Regiment face shocking allegations of war crimes while fighting in Afghanistan (stock image) It is alleged an Afghan man who was killed by machine-gun fire during a military mission had his leg removed and taken back to Perth to be kept as a souvenir. The leg, which was prosthetic, was used as a novelty drinking vessel by soldiers sharing a beer back home, The Sydney Morning Herald reported. In a separate killing, a junior trooper on his first deployment to Afghanistan was pressured by higher-ranking soldiers to execute an elderly, unarmed detainee, witnesses claim. Some soldiers said they overheard the Easter Sunday execution was to 'blood the rookie' - a twisted initiation into the job of killing. Others said it was just another example of 'competition killing' among some Special Forces teams. Soldiers from Australia's Special Air Service Regiment have been summoned to give evidence to a special inquiry, which aims to give clarity to the accusations. Joseph DeAngelo (pictured), the suspected Golden State Killer, has been cleared of any involvement in a 1978 double murder The suspected Golden State Killer has been cleared of any involvement in the 1978 cold case killing of a woman and her young son. DNA from Joseph James DeAngelo has been tested by investigators desperate to close up their cold case murders, to see if the 72-year-old had anything to do with the unsolved crimes. Most recently, it was found he had no involvement in the murders of Rhonda Whicht and her four-year-old son Donald, The LA Times reported. DeAngelo remains a suspect in at least 12 other murders and more than 50 rapes and sexual assaults. Wicht and her young son were found dead by a family member, who had gone to check on them when they did not attend a family gathering in Ventura County, California. Wicht had been beaten, raped and strangled with a macrame rope while Donald had been smothered in his sleep. The brutal killing matched many of the hallmark signs of the Golden State Killer's work, Simi Valley Police Chief David Livingstone told NBC, which is why the department was so keen to test his DNA. Rhonda Wicht (left)and her four-year-old son Donald (right) were found dead in their home in 1978, and though Rhonda's boyfriend was imprisoned for the crime, he has since been pardoned and their true killer has never been found Rhonda was found raped, beaten and strangled - killed in a similar way to how the Golden State Killer, suspected to be Joseph DeAngelo (pictured), murdered his victims Livingstone said the Golden State Killer was known for attacking young single women in their homes, and for tying up his victims before raping them for sexual gratification and then beating them. 'Not that a lot of murders don't have some similarities, in terms of violence, but this one is close enough and with the time frame it's close enough to where we want to take a look at it and see if we can include or eliminate [DeAngelo] as a possible suspect in that case,' Livingstone said at the time. Rhonda's former boyfriend Craig Coley was wrongfully jailed for the mother and son murder, and spent nearly 40 years behind bars before new evidence suggested he was innocent. Craig Coley (pictured) was imprisoned for 38 years for the murder of Rhonda and Donald, but was released last Thanksgiving after it was discovered he'd been wrongly convicted The woman's sheets, thought to have been destroyed, were uncovered and another man's sperm, blood and skin cells were found on them. Coley's DNA was not there, but the bodily fluids have never been matched to anyone. An investigation into Wicht's murder was reopened by former Simi Valley PD Detective Michael Bender, who came upon Coley's file in 1989 and felt a lot didn't add up. Coley had an alibi for the night the murders were committed, aside from 20 minutes, much longer than the murders would have taken. Other suspects were never pursued and fingerprints were not analysed. Coley, now 71, was pardoned by Gov. Jerry Brown and released from prison on Thanksgiving Eve last year. DeAngelo was arrested in April after a decades-long search for the man responsible for 12 murders in the 1970s and 80s. The former policeman is accused of being the notorious Golden State Killer after investigators sent DNA from a crime scene to a public database called GEDmatch, and getting a match on family members. DeAngelo is also suspected of being a serial rapist and carrying out more than 100 burglaries. Coley (center right) was released after investigators found Rhonda's sheet and discovered while a man's blood, sperm and skin cells were on it, the DNA did not belong to him An incredible rescue of a man trapped between waterfalls in California was caught on newly released video, and his rescuers are now receiving awards for their heroicism. A swimmer's leisurely float down the Yuba River almost turned into a deadly nightmare when he suddenly became stranded just feet away from a 45-foot-high waterfall drop. In the incredible video from June, 2017, the man is stranded helplessly on a rock in the middle of the rushing, powerful water of the Yuba River. Terrifying and trapped: The swimmer sits on a rock between two waterfalls, with water powerfully rushing all around him The helicopter, piloted by Monty Emery, had to navigate the narrow ravine, and then hover directly above the stranded swimmer on the rock to successfully save him Truckee firefighter Dave Fichter is pictured after he safely secured the swimmer to the hoist to be taken to safety The footage shows him sitting on the only safe surface, a granite slab smack in the middle of the river. As California Highway Patrol and Cal Fire worked on the dangerous rescue, it is pilot Monty Emery who had to navigate the helicopter through the narrow ravine, and remain at a steady hover just above the swimmer. Next, Truckee firefighter Dave Fichter was able to safely load the fortunate man onto a hoist. The unidentified swimmer was then taken to a local hospital for treatment. Emery, Fitcher and Truckee paramedic Mathew Calcutt were all honored with the Higgins and Langley Memorial Award one year later for their heroic and ambitious rescue. Pilot Monty Emergy, paramedic Mathew Calcutt and firefighter Dave Fitcher received an award this month for their heroic, and ambitious rescue in June of 2017 The Yuba River is a dangerous waterway for swimmers, other aquatic enthusiasts and nature lovers alike. A climber fell nearby, while another swimmer was injured- both incidents occurred just this spring- and both incidents required helicopter rescues. The CHP says the best way to keep safe near moving water is to be aware of the location at all times, don't set out alone, and be especially cautions around rushing water. Chef, writer and television host Anthony Bourdain has reportedly been cremated in France, just days after he died by suicide. Bourdain's ashes are expected to be flown back to the United States on Friday, a source claimed to People Magazine. At the same time, the Parts Unknown star's girlfriend Asia Argento was seen with Rose McGowan and two other friends, listening to the song 'Jesus Was a Cross Maker' by Judee Sill, a singer who died by suicide at age 35. The actress also shared a picture of her back, where the word 'saved' superimposed on the photo. Days after Bourdain's death, Argento shared her grief on social media, calling him an inspiration and herself 'beyond devastated'. Scroll down for video Anthony Bourdain has reportedly been cremated in France just days after he died by suicide Bourdain and actress Asia Argento began dating a year after meeting in 2016 She shared pictures of herself listening to Jesus Was a Cross Maker, a song performed by a woman who committed suicide at the age of 35, on the same day her boyfriend was reportedly cremated The 61-year-old was found dead on Friday, having hung himself in his hotel room in France (pictured is the Le Chambard Hotel where he was staying) 'Anthony gave all of himself in everything that he did. His brilliant, fearless spirit touched and inspired so many, and his generosity knew no bounds. He was my love, my rock, my protector. I am beyond devastated. My thoughts are with his family. I would ask that you respect their privacy and mine,' Argento wrote. Asia also shared a cryptic photo of her back with the word 'saved' superimposed on it On Sunday, his mother Gladys told Page Six the family were awaiting approval from the French Government to return Bourdain's body to America, and were expecting it to take a few days. The Parts Unknown host, 61, was found dead in his room at the Le Chambard hotel in France on Friday after hanging himself. Friend Eric Ripert, who had been helping the father-of-one make an upcoming episode of his show, was the one to make the grim discovery. He went to Bourdain's hotel room after he did not attend dinner or breakfast, which they were scheduled to eat together, where he found his friend had hanged himself. Christian de Rocquigny, the prosecutor of Colmar in France's eastern Alsace region, said on Saturday there did not appear to be much planning ahead of Bourdain's suicide. 'There is no element that makes us suspect that someone came into the room at any moment,' he said, adding a medical expert had concluded that there were no signs of violence on Bourdain's body. The celebrity chef's ashes are expected to be flown back to the US on Friday, a source has claimed to People Magazine Rocquigny said toxicology tests were being carried out on Bourdain's body, including urine tests, to see if he took any medications or other drugs, in an effort to help his family understand if anything led him to kill himself. Bourdain's funeral will be organised by his ex-wife, Ottavia, as she is still legally his next of kin, his mother Gladys has claimed. 'Although they're separated, she'll be in charge of whatever happens,' she said on Sunday. 'We haven't talked for a couple days. I'm sure she's as broken up as I am.' Ottavia was seen heading inside her New York home on Wednesday night, dressed casually in activewear and wearing sunglasses. Bourdain's estranged wife Ottavia (pictured) was seen heading into her New York apartment on Wednesday night She wore activewear and covered her face with sunglasses as she headed home about 7.15pm Busia has only recently broken her silence following Bourdain's death, and will be the one to organize his funeral The jiu-jitsu fanatic, and mother to Bourdain's only child, shared a photograph of the couples' 11-year-old daughter Ariana on stage in a pair of knee-high studded boots on Monday. 'Our little girl had her concert today,' she wrote in the emotional caption. 'She was amazing. So strong and brave. She wore the boots you bought her. I hope you are having a good trip, wherever you are.' Ms Bourdain said she 'never would have dreamed' her son would commit suicide, though she knew he was in a bad place mentally in the days leading up to his death. Bourdain's funeral will be organized by his estranged second wife Ottavia Busia Bourdain (pictured together in 2015) His mother told The New York Times Ripert had contacted her and said Bourdain had been 'in a dark mood these past couple of days', but she said she still never saw his suicide coming. 'He had everything,' she said. 'Success beyond his wildest dreams. Money beyond his wildest dreams.' But the celebrity chef opened up about his history of destructive behavior, including regular thoughts of suicide following the destruction of his marriage, in his 2011 book Medium Raw. After his first marriage to wife Nancy Putkoski ended in 2005, Bourdain recalled being 'aimless and regularly suicidal'. During a stint in the Caribbean, he wrote of getting 'the kind of drunk where you've got to put a hand over one eye to see straight' and would 'peel out' in his 4x4 for nightly trips to the brothels. Bourdain had also previously been open about his past struggles with drugs and spoke of being a recovering heroin addict. Argento (center right) spent Wednesday with actress and close friend Rose McGowan (left) and two other women In addition to the celebrity chef's feats in the culinary world, he was also hailed for being one of the loudest male voices in the #MeToo movement. Argento has accused Harvey Weinstein of rape. In an essay written after fellow chef Mario Batali was accused of sexual assault, Bourdain wrote that 'one must pick a side ... I stand unhesitatingly and unwaveringly with the women.' Argento wrote on Twitter on Friday that Bourdain 'was my love, my rock, my protector.' It emerged this week that friends of the celebrity chef had begun to become concerned with his infatuation with Argento shortly before his death. 'He would have done anything for her, and that was a little red flag for some of his friends,' a source told People. 'Like, he was crazy in love with her, crazy being the keyword.' Shining star: On Monday, Ottavia posted a photo of their 11-year-old daughter Ariana performing at a concert to Instagram (pictured), wearing the boots gifted to her by Bourdain Bourdain's longtime publicist for Parts Unknown, Karen Reynolds, told People that he seemed 'giddy' and was uncharacteristically communicative in the days in the run up to his suicide. Reynolds said he appeared to be delighted with his latest episode, filmed in Hong Kong and directed by Argento. 'He was so happy. I didn't talk to him this week but all I know was he was so happy last week. I mean giddy,' she said. 'He was texting me and emailing me which he doesn't normally do about publicity for episodes but he was like, 'This is a high water mark, this is the best thing I've ever done.' He was so excited to be working with Christopher Doyle. I saw nothing that would indicate what happened. Like, why this would happen? 'We're just floored. A complete shock.' The friend of Bourdain's told People that, while they knew he was overworked and struggling with the breakdown of his marriage, no one had any idea he'd been suicidal. Bourdain, a father-of-one, was loud voice in the #MeToo campaign and was in a relationship with actress Asia Argento, who has leveled sexual assault claims towards Harvey Weinstein 'None in our circle of friends knew he was struggling in any life-or-death way. Honestly, I don't think anyone knew. I don't think Eric [Ripert] knew the depths of his pain,' he said. 'The shock of Tony's death is almost as profound as the pain. Even his closest friends are still waiting for some mystery to be uncovered,' they added. 'We knew his nerves were shattered a little; his marriage had fallen apart, he was way, way overworked and overdriven, but unstable. No one had a clue.' Three days before Bourdain was found hanged in his French hotel room, where he'd been filming the latest episode of Parts Unknown, Argento had been photographed with journalist Hugo Clement in Rome. The pair were photographed hugging, holding hands and smiling as they strolled through the Italian capital. They were later seen dancing together and sharing a close embrace in an Italian bar. The photos have since been taken down by the photographer in question. For confidential help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or click here For confidential support on suicide matters in the UK, call the Samaritans on 08457 90 90 90, visit a local Samaritans branch or click here For confidential support in Australia, please call Lifeline on 13 11 14 or click here The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office is reviewing sexual assault claims against Sylvester Stallone. Santa Monica Police presented the case to the DA although officials declined to give any details. However, in December a woman filed a report with the same police department, claiming she'd been raped by the Rocky star in 1990. The Los Angeles District Attorney's Office is reviewing sexual assault claims against Sylvester Stallone (pictured last month in the Oval Office as he appealed for clemency for former heavyweight champion Jack Johnson) At the time, his lawyers called the allegations 'completely fabricated. The 71-year-old actor told Radar: 'That never ever happened. This is not true.' 'Its one thing to go after me, but they really attack the innocent the people that are going along with their lives, their reputations are sullied by this,' Stallone said referring to his wife, Jennifer Flavin and their three daughters. 'They are carrying the burden of a lie for the rest of their lives. Cruel is cruel. You dont have to make things up.' Although the ten-year statute of limitations has expired, authorities were said to be investigating her claim. The district attorney's office will decide whether or not to prosecute. TMZ also reported that Stallone accused the woman of filing a false report against him. The unnamed woman alleges that Stallone raped her in Santa Monica in 1990. He is pictured in the same year in Beverly Hills Actor Sylvester Stallone and then-girlfriend Jennifer Flavin on April 4, 1990 dine at Spago in West Hollywood, California. The unnamed woman claims Stallone raped her the same year Stallone admitted that he spent three days with the woman in 1987 in Israel (where he filmed part of Rambo III in the same year, above) but says he never sexually assaulted her Stallone admitted he knew the unnamed woman and said they spent three days together in Israel while working on a movie in 1987 - three years before the alleged rape. The film he referred to was likely Rambo III which was filmed in part in Jaffa, near Tel Aviv. He denied raping her but did not indicate what the nature of their relationship was. A month before the unidentified woman filed the report, DailyMail.com revealed an earlier police report, dating back to 1986, which detailed another sexual assault claim against Stallone. The other woman claimed Stallone raped her when she was 16 in a room at Las Vegas's Hilton hotel and that the star's bodyguard, Michael 'Mike' De Luca, forced her into performing oral sex on him. The girl told police in Las Vegas about it at the time but ultimately declined to press charges. De Luca died in 2013 after being shot by California police during a traffic stop. At the time, Stallone's marriage to Brigitte Nielsen had crumbled and he was single. He is pictured with Nielsen in 1987 At the time of the alleged rape, he was 27 and Stallone was 40. The teenage girl said she met the pair while staying in Las Vegas with friends. Stallone was there filming the movie Over The Top. The star denied those claims when they reemerged in November. 'No one was ever aware of this story until it was published today, including Mr. Stallone,' spokeswoman Michelle Bega told The New York Daily News last year TIMELINE OF CLAIMS 1985: Stallone marries Brigitte Nielsen, his second wife 1986: Teenager says Stallone raped her with his bodyguard in Las Vegas, she reports her claims to police 1987: Stallone films Rambo III. He says he spent three days with his second accuser in Israel In the same year, his marriage to Nielsen falls apart and he is sued by his half-sister Toni-Ann Filiti who he pays $2million over allegations he abused her 1988: Rambo III is released 1990: Second accuser claims Stallone rapes her in Santa Monica 2013: Toni-Ann dies, details of settlement she received emerge November 2017: 1986 rape claim is unearthed December 2017: Second accuser threatens to go to the police and Stallone fights back Advertisement 'At no time was Mr. Stallone ever contacted by authorities or anyone else regarding this matter.' She claimed that she willingly had sex with Stallone in his hotel room while De Luca was in the bathroom but that it ended briefly and without either of them climaxing. After allegedly remarking that she was 'tight', she said Stallone told her to perform oral sex on De Luca and that he forced her head onto his penis. After the alleged assault, she claims the star told her they 'would have to beat her head in' if she told anyone about it because they were both married men. The girl chose not to pursue charges because she was 'ashamed', she said. Stallone's representative vehemently denied her accusations on his behalf. 'This is a ridiculous, categorically false story.' In 1987, Stallone's two-year marriage to fellow star Brigitte Nielsen was coming to an end. He was at the height of his fame having starred in two Rocky films and two Rambo installments. It was also the year in which he was sued by his half-sister Toni-Ann Filiti who claimed he abused her when they were children. Another woman claims Stallone raped her when she was a teenager in 1986. She said his bodyguard Michael 'Mike' De Luca (above together in 1987) was there and that they both forced her into performing oral sex then threatened to beat her if she spoke about it. Stallone denied her claims in November The Rocky star (pictured in the movie in 1976) has denied all charges Stallone settled her claims with a $2million lump sum and a promise to give her monthly installments of thousands of dollars. Filiti's claims were made public in 2013 shortly after her death. They were undermined by her and Stallone's mother Jackie who amounted them to a 'shakedown'. Jackie, now 96, said Toni-Ann was a drug addict who had lied to extort her famous half-brother. She was Jackie's only child with her husband Anthony Filiti. Stallone has been married to his current wife Jennifer Flavin since 1997. The pair have three daughters together. He has two sons from his first marriage to Sasha Czack. He and Nielsen do not have any children together. Until this year, the Statute of Limitations in California gave sexual assault accusers 10 years to report their claims to police from the date of the offense. Governor Jerry Brown did away with it in 2016 as a growing number of women came forward to allege they had been assaulted by Bill Cosby. It went into effect in January but only applies to crimes committed after that date. Prisons Minister Rory Stewart announced last week that killers who refuse to reveal where they have hidden their victims' bodies will face extra punishment. The pledge to tackle the 'absolutely disgusting practice', which compounds the misery of grieving families, follows a lengthy campaign for 'Helen's Law' led by Marie McCourt. Her daughter Helen was murdered 30 years ago. Her killer has constantly refused to reveal where he hid her body. As well as legal measures to punish those who withhold information, parole board rules are expected to be tightened, preventing early release a change resulting in a 'no body, no parole' policy. Here Mrs McCourt and five fellow campaigners speak about the life sentences imposed on them by their loved ones' killers. We searched for her with our bare hands Helen McCourt, 22, an insurance clerk from Wigan, Lancashire, vanished on February 9, 1988. Pub landlord Ian Simms, now 63, was convicted of her murder and sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 16 years. Her mother, Marie McCourt, 74, says: Helen McCourt, 22, an insurance clerk from Wigan, Lancashire, vanished on February 9, 1988. Pub landlord Ian Simms, now 63, was convicted of her murder and sentenced to life in prison with a minimum of 16 years The prospect of burying a child would be most parents' worst nightmare, but it's all I want. I want to place flowers beneath a headstone that acknowledges Helen's short life. I want to know exactly where she is, safe and at peace. The not knowing is torturous, like a tap continually dripping onto our heads from which there's no escape. Even after 30 years, the first thing I do on waking, every single morning, is switch on the news to see if a body has been found. Helen went missing on her way home from work, a route which involved walking past the pub where Simms, a married father of two, was landlord. Forensic searches uncovered one of her earrings in the boot of his car and traces of her blood were found in the pub's private quarters. Police also noticed Simms had scratch marks on his face He was charged with murder five days after her disappearance. A month later Helen's clothes, containing fibres from the pub carpet, and a knotted flex which was traced back to the pub and contained strands of her hair, were found by a riverbank. But, even once he was convicted of her murder in March 1989, Simms refused to tell us what he'd done with her body. When the police searches were scaled down we carried on. We pored over Ordnance Survey maps, hired digging equipment and sniffer dogs and spent years searching rat-infested drains, crawling through sewers and pipes, draining ponds and even clearing rubble-filled mine shafts with our bare hands. Eventually, in 1992, I wrote to Simms begging him to reveal where my daughter is, but he refused. Time is running out as he's had escorted visits from prison, paving the way for his release. We really need to get Helen's Law in place, not just for my family's sake, but for all grieving families in the same position. Killers who refuse to reveal where their victims' remains are should never be considered for parole until they co-operate. She was thrown away like rubbish Jenny Nicholl, 19, disappeared on Thursday, June 30, 2005, after leaving her family home in Richmond, North Yorkshire, for a night out with friends. Her mother, Ann Nicholl, 62, says: Jenny Nicholl, 19, disappeared on Thursday, June 30, 2005, after leaving her family home in Richmond, North Yorkshire, for a night out with friends The hardest thing about not knowing what my daughter's killer did with her body is the thought that the child I gave life to, brought into the world, and loved, has been thrown away like she didn't matter. Jenny did and does matter. She would be 32 now and is always in our thoughts. We still gather as a family and raise a toast to her on special occasions. Before she left that evening, she mentioned she might not be home that night, which wasn't unusual. Like many teenagers she had a busy social life and often stayed over with friends. However, when she didn't return home on the Saturday morning, to get ready to go to her job in a supermarket, alarm bells rang. I called all her friends and left messages on her phone before reporting her missing. Days after Jenny's disappearance, my husband Brian and two of her friends received texts from her phone saying she had left home to live with a boyfriend. Cruelly, this gave us false hope that she was still alive, but detectives suspected they weren't from Jenny at all. Five months after her disappearance, police said the investigation had turned into a murder inquiry. David Hodgson, a 48-year-old married father of two from Richmond, was the main suspect. Investigations revealed that the messages had been sent from Cumbria and Scotland, and Hodgson had been in those specific areas on those dates, having hired a car. Hodgson was convicted of Jenny's murder in February 2007 and sentenced to life. He was told he must serve a minimum of 18 years before applying for parole. We only discovered during the trial that Jenny had been in a relationship with him. The misery he has inflicted on us has been compounded by his refusal to say what he did with our daughter's body. Despite police discovering Jenny's childhood teddy bear and stereo buried in woodland, we are no closer to knowing where she is. There has been no funeral, no chance to say goodbye. The man has no conscience: How could he treat her like she was just a piece of rubbish? Helen's Law might mean we could at least bury her with the love, respect and dignity she deserves. Not knowing is like the worst torture Danielle Jones, 15, from East Tilbury, Essex, vanished on the morning of Monday, June 18, 2001, after leaving for school. Her uncle, Stuart Campbell, is serving a life sentence for her abduction and murder. Mum Linda, 57, says: Danielle Jones, 15, from East Tilbury, Essex, vanished on the morning of Monday, June 18, 2001, after leaving for school. Her uncle, Stuart Campbell, is serving a life sentence for her abduction and murder Having no idea what happened to my daughter is the worst form of torture any parent could imagine. We have photos of Danielle everywhere and not a day goes by when I don't think: 'What would you be doing now?' She was in Year 10, studying for GCSEs, with dreams of becoming a nursery nurse, when she vanished. I knew something was very wrong when the school called to say she hadn't arrived that morning. Danielle wasn't a rule breaker. Witnesses said she had been seen getting into a blue van similar to one driven by her uncle, Stuart Campbell. He was charged with her murder five months later. We had to break the news to our ten and 13-year-old sons that, not only was their sister dead, but their uncle was responsible. It was horrendous. The murder trial at Chelmsford Crown Court in 2002 heard that Campbell who was married to my husband Tony's sister had developed an 'irresistible sexual attraction' to Danielle. Searches at his home had revealed a pair of blood-stained stockings with DNA matching both Campbell and Danielle and a diary which revealed his obsession with teenage girls. He had also sent a text from her phone to his, pretending to be her. He was found guilty of her abduction and murder and sentenced to life, with a minimum of 20 years before being eligible for parole. He has never spoken about why he killed my daughter or what he did with her body. Her brothers have never wanted to celebrate achievements, such as passing exams or driving tests, conscious that their sister never got to do these things. We are tormented by the thought of Campbell becoming eligible for parole in four years. If he continues to refuse to tell us where she is he should stay in jail for ever. Dad won't tell us what happened Mum-of-one Carole Packman, 40, vanished from her home in Bournemouth, Dorset, in June 1985. Her husband, Russell Causley, is serving a life sentence for her murder. Daughter Samantha Gillingham, 49, who was 16 when her mother disappeared, says: Mum-of-one Carole Packman, 40, vanished from her home in Bournemouth, Dorset, in June 1985. Her husband, Russell Causley, is serving a life sentence for her murder My dad and I came back from a day out in London to find a note in the kitchen, supposedly from Mum, saying: 'I've had enough. I've left and I'm not coming back.' On top of the note was her wedding ring. Mum had been unhappy ever since Dad moved a colleague, Patricia, into our home the previous year he claimed she needed somewhere to live, but it was clear they were having an affair. I ran upstairs to Mum's bedroom where the wardrobe doors were open but everything her clothes, jewellery and passport were still there. Dad and Patricia insisted Mum was 'doing her martyrdom act' and would be back. But I never saw her again. We reported her disapperance to police, but heard nothing. Shortly afterwards, Dad and Patricia asked me to move out, so I went to live with my boyfriend, Neil, who is now my husband. Over Christmas dinner in 1987 Dad announced he'd taken Patricia's surname, Causley, and that Mum had visited a police station, reporting that she was fine but wanted nothing to do with her family. I felt hurt but accepted it. Things must have been awful for her. Eight years later, a bizarre turn of events meant police began to look more closely into Mum's disappearance. Dad faked his own death in a life insurance scam, for which he was jailed for fraud. When police were unable to trace Mum to break the news of dad's 'death' they began investigating. They discovered that she had been to see a solicitor about filing for divorce just before she disappeared. Dad was convicted of her murder and sentenced to life twice. The original 1996 conviction was quashed by the Court of Appeal, and he was retried in 2004. After the second conviction, at Exeter Crown Court, the judge said: 'Not only did you kill your wife and somehow dispose of her body, you left your daughter in a permanent state of ignorance as to her mother's fate.' Forensic investigations have found no trace of my mother, and Dad continuing to refuse to reveal where she is adds insult to the terrible injury he has done us all. This week marks the 33rd anniversary of Mum's murder but the grief is still raw and continuous. Even my own son, Neil, 28, has been affected. At school, he was so bullied by other children taunting him with 'your grandad's a psychopath' that we had to home- school him. I've written to my father many times begging for the truth but all my letters are returned. By withholding the truth, killers like my father are continuing to commit other crimes preventing a lawful burial, hiding a body and obstructing a coroner. Surely these offences should be taken into account as well? A 'no body, no parole' law is long overdue. Killer took evil secret to the grave Michelle Gunshon, 38, a security officer and mother-of- three from London, was working away at an event at Birmingham NEC when she went missing in 2004. Her killer died in prison without revealing what he had done with her body. Michelle's daughter, Tracy Richardson, 34, of Swinton, Greater Manchester, says: Michelle Gunshon, 38, a security officer and mother-of- three from London, was working away at an event at Birmingham NEC when she went missing in 2004. Her killer died in prison without revealing what he had done with her body When Mum's boss called me on December 5, 2004, to say she hadn't turned up for work, I knew immediately that something terrible had happened because she was always so reliable. The next few days were a blur, but with each minute that passed the dread intensified I knew she wouldn't have just walked out on me and my two brothers. Then, two days later, police found Mum's car abandoned with her fluorescent work jacket in the boot. There were traces of her blood on it. Police investigations revealed that Martin Stafford, then 36, a glass collector who lived at the pub where Mum was lodging, had disappeared at around the time she vanished, before fleeing to Ireland three days later. They eventually traced him in Ireland where he was in custody awaiting trial for rape, a crime committed just three months after Mum's murder. He was convicted in February 2007 and sentenced to nine years. It was seven long years since my mother went missing before he was extradited to the UK in December 2011 to stand trial for her murder. Stafford, then 44, appeared at Birmingham Crown Court in July 2012, charged with murder, rape, false imprisonment, obstructing a coroner and preventing the burial of a body. The court was told that he had been spotted on CCTV walking beside Mum on the night she disappeared. His semen was also found on the passenger seat of her Ford Escort. He was convicted of all charges and sentenced to life imprisonment, to serve a minimum of 33 years. I'd hoped that he would do at least one decent thing and tell us what he'd done with Mum's body. However, in the cruellest twist of fate, Stafford died in prison in November 2015, taking his secret with him to the grave. So, we are left with no grave or special place to remember Mum. The closest thing we have is the last place she was seen, near the bus station in Birmingham. So, every anniversary, birthday, Mother's Day and Christmas, for years, I took flowers there and made a promise to Mum that I would find her. However, after 13 years, and with her killer now dead, the chances are slim. I will never give up my hunt for Jonathan's body Jonathan Dolton, 20, was killed in 2002 by a colleague, Stewart Martin, who has since died without revealing what he did with the body. Jonathan's mum, Sheila Dolton, 66, a retired civil servant, says: After leaving school Jonathan moved to Milton Keynes to work for a computer firm before leaving to set up a business with Stewart Martin, who was then 38. On February 25, 2002, we received a call from one of Jonathan's colleagues to say he hadn't turned up for work and wasn't answering his phone. My husband, Alan, 69, drove to his home and called the police. However, because Jonathan was an adult, they waited three days before investigating his disappearance. During that time Martin fled to France, then Australia, making it pretty obvious he had something to do with Jonathan's disappearance. After a month I began to accept that something terrible had happened to our son. He would never have put us through such misery. Stewart was finally captured in Melbourne two years later, charged with Jonathan's murder and extradited to the UK. His trial at Reading Crown Court in December 2004 heard that he was very bullying towards Jonathan, and was even seen punching him on one occasion. A friend of Martin's also testified that he had admitted killing Jonathan during a row about a girlfriend. However, Martin's barrister argued that he had acted in self-defence, when Jonathan ran at him with a knife. We were stunned when the judge instructed the jury to find Martin not guilty of murder, but guilty of manslaughter. How could anyone 'accidentally' kill someone then cruelly hide their body and refuse to reveal where it is? Desperate to give my son a proper burial, I stepped up my searches which continue to this day. I pore over maps then, every few weeks, when I've saved enough money, I catch a bus to Milton Keynes, book into a cheap hotel, then spend days searching deep into thickets and bramble anywhere a body could be hidden. Four years later, in December 2008, at Jonathan's inquest, we were allowed to address Martin. I implored him to tell us where our son was. 'We want him back. We have an empty grave and a headstone,' I told him. But he refused to even look at us, telling the coroner that he 'didn't wish to answer'. In February 2009, just over four years after his conviction, Martin was released on licence and moved to Portsmouth. Had Helen's Law been in place that would never have been allowed to happen. The following summer, in June 2010, the police called with the news that Martin had died of a heart attack, aged 47. His family were able to give him a funeral. We still have no idea where our son is. Rebel Wilson's record-breaking $4.5million defamation payout has been slashed to $600,000 on appeal. Bauer Media appealed a court order that Wilson be compensated $650,000 in general damages and $3,917,472 in special damages over a series of articles published in 2015 that she alleged painted her as a serial liar. The Court of Appeal on Thursday cut the general damages payout to $600,000 and set aside the special damages sum, finding it was wrongly awarded. Wilson, 38, was not present when the court handed down its ruling and published a 252-page judgement. Rebel Wilson's $4.5million defamation payout has been slashed to just $600,000 on appeal Wilson (pictured arriving at court for the defamation trial last year) was not present when the court handed down its ruling on Thursday The judgement means the Australian actress will receive about $3.9 million less than she had been originally awarded by the Supreme Court in September. Wilson claimed she lost film roles as a result of the articles and she was awarded the largest defamation payout in Australian legal history. Supreme Court Justice John Dixon awarded her a record $4.5 million, including $3.9 million in financial damages relating to a loss of income. But the Court of Appeal found there was no basis for her to be awarded financial damages for the potential loss of roles, setting aside the economic damages entirely. Wilson claimed she lost film roles as a result of the articles and she was awarded the largest defamation payout in Australian legal history Bauer Media did not challenge the jury's defamation finding in its appeal and sought only for the damages to be reduced. The Court of Appeal is yet to determine costs. The night before the decision, Wilson took to Twitter to reveal she wasn't bothered by the publisher's appeal. 'What happens tomorrow is to do with... Bauer Media quibbling about how much they now have to pay me,' she wrote. 'While this case was never about the money for me, I do hope to receive as much as possible to give away to charities and to support the Australian film industry.' Bauer Media appealed against a Supreme Court of Victoria order that Wilson be compensated $650,000 in general damages and $3,917,472 in special damages 'As I've said before, I have already WON the case and this is UNCHALLENGED!' Wilson tweeted In other post, she wrote: 'The Court of Appeal in Australia will be handing down their decision in the morning re my defamation case against Bauer Media. As I've said before, I have already WON the case and this is UNCHALLENGED!' Wilson discussed her case while co-hosting Channel Ten's The Project in April. 'A group of women who I didn't know [and] who had never met me orchestrated this malicious takedown of me and basically said everything about me and my life was fake,' the 38-year-old said. 'It was just so devastating to have that happen, and I'm proud of myself though for standing up to them because this is a huge media organisation owned by German billionaires. 'They bullied and intimidated me and obviously didn't want me to sue them publicly, and I just felt like it was the right thing to do.' Footage has been posted to Facebook of a woman harassing patients as they enter an abortion clinic. Two videos were posted to advocacy group Young Queenslanders for the Right To Choose last Saturday. In the first video the protester is seen approaching the doors of Options Clinic in Spring Hill waving a foetus sized doll and exclaiming 'Medical facts say they have a heartbeat from 18 days, please don't terminate your baby.' The second video shows the religious picketer preaching to a patient. 'God hates the hands that shed his blood,' she tells the woman before she is interrupted. 'Just shut up that is so traumatic. That is so f*cking traumatic.' The woman tries assuring the patient that she wants to help her, before the patient interjects and tells her she doesn't want her help. 'That baby's got a heartbeat love, please turn away, we can help you,' she says, raising her voice. The patient goes inside and the woman returns to her place on the sidewalk. Before the video ends, she turns to the pro-choice volunteers and addresses them. 'That baby's got a heartbeat and what that is is murder, and you guys are standing, you will stand before God as murderers by supporting this horrific act.' The religious picketer was seen holding a foetus-sized doll and exclaiming 'God hates the hands that shed his blood' This incident comes just days after New South Wales passed a legislation to enact safe-access zones around abortion clinics. This legislation, introduced by Labor MP Penny Sharpe, was passed a week ago and protects patients from harassment and intimidation by protesters with 150 metre zones around the clinics. Anti-abortion protesters that are caught intimidating staff or patients could be fined, or even jailed. The pro-choice young advocacy group Young Queenslanders for the Right To Choose posted the video to Facebook in hopes to spread how traumatic the experience can be Following New South Wales, Queensland is set to become the next state to legislate safe access zones. Queenland's Law Reform Commission is set to hand down a report into legislation within the next month. Kate Marchesi, the volunteer who posted the video told Buzzfeed News that she wanted to show how traumatic the protesters could be. 'The protesters outside the clinics regularly say that they are sidewalk counsellors who offer support, help and another option to women accessing abortion clinics, and in my experience attending these clinics as an escort this couldn't be further from the truth.' The daughter of a British aircraft engineer at the centre of a spying probe today said she can't believe he was involved in a plot to steal fighter jet secrets. Former Rolls-Royce engineer Bryn Jones was arrested after MI5 reportedly received intelligence that classified information about the F-35B stealth fighter may have been passed to Beijing. The 73-year-old was seen outside his Derbyshire home this afternoon, after he was questioned and released by Scotland Yard detectives investigating the alleged plot. Jones - who describes himself as a visiting professor at the Aeronautical University of Xian in China - regularly received Chinese visitors to his home, his daughter said today. But Jean Jones, a 47-year-old care home assistant, told MailOnline: 'I just can't believe for one minute he would do this. My father is a religious person he would go to church quite often.' Bryn Jones was today pictured for the first time since his arrest by detectives investigating allegations that details of Britain's new fighter jets were leaked to China Former Rolls-Royce employee Bryn Jones was arrested amid fears that classified information about Britain's new multimillion-pound F-35 stealth fighter jets may have been passed to China. Police have raided the house he shares with his wife, Dorothy (right) She added: 'He's been going to China for a few years now. He would go to China at least once maybe twice a year. 'My mother would go with him sometimes but not all the time. They sometimes have people from over in China come around to their house.' Ms Jones said the family were 'devastated' over the allegations and she has been unable to contact her mother, Dorothy, since Jones' arrest. 'He would never do something like what he's been accused of, no, it's not like him,' she added. 'He never really discussed his political views around me nor has he expressed any.' Ex-Chief Combustion Technologist Mr Jones was held after MI5 was informed classified defence information may have been passed to Beijing Scotland Yard detectives descended on his Jones and a nearby business premises on Tuesday. Neighbour John O'Melia said: 'There was a marked police van and some specialist plain-clothed officers at the address. Mr O'Melia said of Jones: 'He was a nice chap. He mainly spoke of Japanese customers rather than Chinese - but that must have been 10 years ago.' Mr Jones was questioned and held on suspicion of breaching the Official Secrets Act, according to The Sun. Crimes relating to national security can carry a maximum sentence of 14 years. Mr Jones, a married father-of-five, describes himself as a 'visiting professor' in 'gas turbine combustion' at the Aeronautical University of Xian, central China. Offices at a West Midlands firm linked to Mr Jones were also searched by forensics and police remained their today. It is understood that Jones denies any wrongdoing. It is understood the Met probe centres on fears over Rolls-Royce's top-secret work on the state-of-the-art F-35B (pictured) Jones declined to comment on the case after returning to his home in Derbyshire today The F-35B jet only arrived in the UK last week and Air Chief Marshal Sir Stephen Hillier described it as 'the most advanced and dynamic fight jet' in British history. With a top speed of 1.6 Mach (1,200mph) and a 300-mile range, the aircraft can deflect enemy radar almost unnoticed. Built in the US by defence giants Lockheed Martin, its weapons include air-to-air missiles and laser-guided bombs. The UK government has already committed to spend 9.1billion on 48 of the aircraft by 2025. But now there are grave concerns the aircraft's secrets are already in the hands of foreign powers. Mr Jones tells on his LinkedIn page how he worked for Rolls Royce before taking up a visiting position at a Chinese university A source told The Sun: 'China and Russia are determined to steal state secrets by any means. Any arrest of this type is highly significant.' Mr Jones, who has been married to his wife Dorothy for 49 years, studied mechanical engineering at Manchester University after leaving grammar school in the Sixties. He took on a job in Rolls-Royce's combustion engineering section after graduating and worked there for 28 years. Mr Jones declined to comment when approached this morning In 1996 he was named Chief of Combustion Technology Acquisition, where his role involved 'assessing military and civil product needs'. Four years later he landed the top post of chief combustion technologist. Mr Jones is thought to have left Rolls-Royce in 2003 and launched a consultancy firm. But he is believed to have retained links with his former company. In 2013, Mr Jones won a prize for a 'lifelong contribution' to his field from the Institute of Physics. Mr Jones would have been required to sign the Official Secrets Act due to the sensitivity of his work with Rolls-Royce. Plain-clothed police officers were still present at the Jones' home yesterday. Neighbours of the couple yesterday described them as 'private'. F-35 FACT SHEET Role: Stealth multirole fighter First flight: December 15, 2006 Unit cost (not including engine): F-35A - $98million F-35B - $104million F-35C - $116million Number built: 115 (as of November 2014) Length: 15.67m Wingspan: 10.7m Height: 4.33m Max speed (F-35A): 1,930kph Advertisement The Sun reported that electronic equipment including computers and USB drives were among the items seized. A Metropolitan Police spokesman said: 'At approximately 2.40pm on Tuesday, officers from the Metropolitan Police Service arrested a man in Derbyshire as part of an investigation under the Official Secrets Act. 'The man, who is in his 70s and worked within private industry, was taken to a police station in Derbyshire. 'He was released under investigation later that evening. 'Police officers executed a search warrant at an address in the West Midlands, which is now complete. A search at an address in Derbyshire is ongoing. 'We are not prepared to discuss further at this stage given the nature of the investigation.' Last night a Home Office spokesperson said they would not comment on an ongoing investigation. An 'embarrassed' mother of four children has been caught shoplifting from several shops and hiding the items in her pram. The woman received a suspended jail sentence after pleading guilty but avoided having to pay the money back. Alicia Jane Larsen-Smith, 35, faced the Southport Magistrates Court in Queensland on Wednesday on seven stealing charges, the Gold Coast Bulletin reported. An 'embarrassed' mother of four children has been caught shop-lifting from several shops and hiding the items in her pram (stock photo) The court heard the woman stole a $499 vacuum cleaner from Big W and placed it on her pram The court heard Larsen-Smith stole clothes because she didn't have a washing machine. The mother used her pram to hide items including a vacuum cleaner, baby clothes, and gift packs. The shopping spree started six months ago at Target at Westfield Helensvale on the Gold Coast where Larsen-Smith stole baby clothes and bottles before concealing them in her pram. One of the shops she stole from was the Lacoste shop at Harbour Town (pictured) on the Gold Coast Then on October 10 she was caught on CCTV stealing shirts from Lacoste at Harbour Town Shopping Centre and again placing them in her pram. In January, a few months later, the court heard she stole a $499 vacuum cleaner from Big W and $200 worth of gift packs from Lush at Mt Gravatt Brisbane. Two months later on March 7, the court heard she took clothes from Supre, Cotton On, Valley Girl and Target. Ms Larsen-Smith's Legal Aid lawyer told court her client had just left an 'abusive relationship' in NSW and was living with friend and relatives on the Gold Coast. 'She is extremely embarrassed,' lawyer Jessie Challal said in court. 'She didn't have any laundry facilities when she stole the clothes,' The magistrate sentenced her to three months jail, suspended for nine months, but she did not have to pay the stores back due to her financial situation, it was reported. 'I do so with reluctance because I have a great deal of sympathy for businesses (targeted by shoplifters),' he said. Usually, they were overcrowded and often late, but unfailingly they were utterly filthy. That, of course, was if the trains ran at all. Thanks to the power of the trade unions and their frequent wild-cat strikes, rail travel in the Sixties and Seventies was as unpredictable as it was unreliable. And yet today the era of British Rail is increasingly being held up as a golden age of travel. Labour wants to renationalise the railways, along with other big sector utilities, including water, energy and the postal service at a preposterous cost to the taxpayer. You're not going without me! A passenger dives into a packed train at Surblton during a work-to-rule in 1972 The train about to take the strain: Dangerously crowded platforms at Liverpool Street during a 1971 work-to-rule dispute Les us in! The big crush as passengers try to squeeze into a rare train from London to Southend On the bench: A makeshift bed during a 'go-slow' dispute at Euston in 1972 To a new generation of voters, the days of a publicly owned and operated railway, when passengers were at the mercy of the unions and Britain was mocked as the sick man of Europe, seem like ancient history. Grumbling about our privatised railways is todays national pastime, but the truth is they are far better now, with more services and more seats and much cleaner. Indeed, it is tempting to wonder if anyone really remembers just how awful BRs service actually was, so fashionable has it become to think of the railways back then as the last word in public sector efficiency. For those advocating a return to nationalisation, there is a harsh lesson from history: be careful what you wish for. These pictures are a grim reminder of what the daily commute was like in the Seventies. Frustrated travellers in the midst of the 'Go-Slow' industrial action at Waterloo Station in 1972 Travellers caught by a sudden strike called by Southern Railmen in 1972 Passengers waiting for a delayed train, Waterloo station, London Travellers in the midst of Work-to-Rule industrial action suffered long delays and last minute cancellations in April 1972 Trains randomly cancelled by strikes and people shoe-horned into over-crowded carriages, unheated in winter and too hot in summer. It meant standing in all weathers on congested platforms waiting for a train that may not have even been running, courtesy of the National Union of Railwaymen or ASLEF. And this was before mobile phones, so no one could call home to warn they would be late unless you waited in a queue for a coin-operated phone box, which was probably out of order anyway. Left: A fed up man grows tired of waiting for his train at Charing Cross Station. Right: A woman gathers while waiting for a train at Charing Cross Station Late extra: Travellers sit out on a trolly carrying bundles of newspapers In the Seventies, the number of strikes across all sectors averaged between 2,000 and 3,000 every year, peaking in 1979 when almost 30 million working days were lost. British Rail had wretchedly low standards of punctuality and customer service, not to mention catering that was a national joke. The famous British Rail sandwich unappetising, stale and with curling corners was a byword for the inefficiency of nationalised industries. It was the era when union bosses, with their absolute power, dominated our daily lives and controlled whether we got to work on time or whether we got to work at all. Privatisation under John Major in the Nineties may not have become the panacea we hoped for. But do we really want to turn back the clock to British Fail? Dukes of Hazzard star John Schneider was released early from jail this week, and is now blaming his conservative values for the few hours he spent in the slammer. Schneider, 58, began his three-day jail sentence in Los Angeles County on Tuesday for failure to pay spousal support to his estranged wife Elvira Castle. The actor, however, had been released after only five hours due to overcrowding. The filmmaker said he believes Republican stars are subject to political bias and stronger scrutiny - and claims that is what he fell victim to during a messy alimony battle in court. Scroll down for video Dukes of Hazzard actor John Schneider was released early from jail Tuesday. He is pictured above at the Las Vegas Convention Center on March 19, 2016 Schneider served time for failing to pay child support. He said in an interview after his release he was treated like a 'second-class citizen' because of his conservative views. The actor is seen above as Beauregard 'Bo' Duke in The Dukes of Hazzard, holding a monkey on set 'I do think there's a bias against conservatives, Republicans, in Hollywood, but I think if you let that alter how you are, then I question how you are,' Schneider said in an interview with Fox News after his release. '[Within the] court system, I was treated like I was guilty until proven innocent, like a second-class citizen,' he said, and added that it's time for Hollywood stars to 'come out of the Republican closet.' The Trump supporter noted that while he did not vote for President Obama, he still supported him, and believes as a US citizen, it was his duty to do so. 'I supported the last president [even though] I didn't vote for him,' he said. 'The difference here is that I did vote [for Trump] and I don't mind people knowing that.' The Smallville actor didn't seem to have it too bad Tuesday, as his sentence began at 10:29am and he already checked out by 3:46pm that afternoon. Schneider was a free man after having served just over five hours of a total 72-hour jail sentence. Schneider was previously given a March deadline by the court to pay more than $150,000 in delinquent spousal support to his estranged wife Elvira (pair shown above) It is common for inmates accused of nonviolent crimes to be released from LA County jail due to overcrowding. Schneider was ordered by a judge on Monday to serve the brief prison sentence as well as perform 240 hours of community service. Moments before he handed himself in, Schneider told Fox News that he was 'disheartened with the system' but would hold his head high during his jail time. Schneider was previously given a March deadline by the court to pay more than $150,000 in delinquent spousal support. He claimed that he couldn't afford the payments after losing the majority of his money when his Louisiana movie studio was destroyed by floods in March 2016. Tom Wopat (left) and Schneider (right) are shown in a promo still circa 1980 for The Dukes Of Hazzard 'If I had it [money], I would've given it to her just to let this go away but I don't have it,' he said. 'Hopefully this is evidence of that. 'I've worked seven days a week, 80 hours a week, at least since 1978. I have, as every working person has, a mountain of debt that was attached to my dream. 'There's a group now that somehow feels they're entitled to life or even luxury without work and the judicial system apparently agrees with that.' Schneider had earlier been ordered by a judge to transfer his property to his estranged wife to pay his spousal support debt and to resolve tax liens against the property. Earlier this year, he was accused in court documents of missing monthly support payments of $18,911 from September 2016 through May 2017. Castle filed for divorce in December 2014 after 21 years of marriage. She cited irreconcilable differences in the divorce filing. The couple married in 1993 and share three adult children, including Leah and Chasen from Castle's first marriage and their daughter Kris. Castle, in her divorce petition seeking spousal support, stated that she was a stay at home mother throughout their marriage and did not have the skills to compete in the modern workforce. Schneider, at age 17, won the role of Bo Duke on The Dukes Of Hazzard and starred on the CBS show from 1979 to 1985 opposite Tom Wopat as his older cousin Luke Duke. He has worked regularly in TV and film since and was a series regular on Smallville and The Mummy before landing a main role in 2013 on The Haves And The Have Nots on the Oprah Winfrey Network. Schneider also had recurring roles on Dr Quinn, Medicine Woman and the reboot of 90210. Two drug smugglers were caught red-handed at the Channel Tunnel thanks to an illegal immigrant who had sneaked on board their specially-adapted truck. British Border Force officers stopped the lorry on the French side of the tunnel after hi-tech scanners detected a migrant hiding in an external locker on board - with the smugglers totally unaware he was there. But when officers carried out the detailed search of the lorry - Border Force officers found cocaine and cannabis with a street value of 2.6m on board. The wheels came off for Dutch national Antonius Hendriks, 50, who had used the cover of being a stock car racer in a bid to sneak the drugs into the UK. Dutchmen Antonius Hendriks, 50, and Rene Neuteboom, 35, were arrested after drug haul when migrant was detected stowed away in their lorry Hendriks hadn't raced at all in the UK in 2017 but told officials he and his assistant Rene Neuteboom, 35, were en route to a competition in King's Lynn, Norfolk, when they were stopped at the Channel Tunnel on August 31 last year. Inside the specially adapted truck they used to transport Hendriks's race car were 40kgs of cocaine and 280kgs of cannabis hidden in the roof. The National Crime Agency said officials' attention first turned to the vehicle because an illegal immigrant had hidden in an external locker on the truck, unknown to Hendriks and Neuteboom. It was stopped and taken to one side. But when Border Force officers scanned the vehicle they discovered 60 holdalls containing the class A and class B drugs in concealed roof compartments. When asked what it was, Neuteboom, who owned and drove the truck, said: 'It's weed.' The Dutchmen were arrested and Neuteboom declined to answer questions except one, which was: 'Were you fully aware of what you were doing today?' He answered, 'Yes'. NCA investigators proved the men had travelled to the UK at least 20 times and that Hendriks had not raced in the UK since 2016. Self-employed car dealer Hendriks and Neuteboom both admitted importing class A and class B drugs at Canterbury Crown Court in Kent. Hendriks was jailed on Wednesday for 10 years and 10 months, while Neuteboom was given a nine-year prison sentence. NCA branch commander Matt Rivers said after the sentencing: 'Couriers like Hendriks and Neuteboom provide a vital service to the organised criminal networks involved in drug trafficking. 'These convictions are testament to the hard work of the NCA and our partners at Border Force. 'We have jointly taken out a sizeable consignment of drugs that would have funded further serious and organised crime in the UK and beyond if the vehicle had not been stopped and scanned.' Paul Morgan, director of Border Force South East and Europe, said: 'This is another excellent example of Border Force officers preventing a substantial quantity of drugs, with an estimated street level value of around 2.6 million, from ending up on the streets of the UK, where they cause significant harm to both individuals and communities. 'Working with our colleagues at the NCA we are determined to do all we can to stop drug traffickers. Those convicted of drug importation offences face considerable prison sentences.' Inside the specially adapted truck they used to transport Hendriks's race car were 40kgs of cocaine and 280kgs of cannabis hidden in the roof Border force officials use a number of security measures to catch illegal immigrants such as using monitor on a vehicle to detect heartbeats on board. They also have roving patrols of security guards and carbon dioxide detectors - which can show raised levels of people breathing in lorries or other vehicles. Haulier firms found carrying an illegal immigrant can face a 2,000 fine - but it is understood that as the pair of bungling drug smugglers were facing criminal charges relating to the drugs, they were not fined for the stowaway. The migrant was handed over to French authorities by Border Force. His nationality is not known. Charlie Elphicke, the Tory MP for Dover and Deal said on Wednesday: 'This case underlines the need to invest in our borders - and have properly trained officers at the front line. 'It is absolutely fundamental that we know who and what is coming into this country. That's why people voted to take back control of our borders, and that's exactly what we must do.' The headmaster of Eton College has revealed he is confiscating mobile phones from younger boys at night to ease the pressures of social media. The elite school, which educated Princes William and Harry, is asking all first-years to hand in electronic devices before bed so that they can sleep without intrusion. Speaking yesterday at the Girls Day School Trust conference in London, Eton head teacher Simon Henderson said: Our Year 9 pupils have to hand their electronic devices in overnight ... We thought there was going to be an outrage among the boys but actually they really welcomed it. Year 9 pupils, aged 13 to 14, are the youngest at the 40,000-a-year school in Berkshire. The boys are asked to hand in their devices at 9.30pm and get them back when they wake up. If there is a special reason why a boy should have their phone such as homesickness they can be given permission to keep it. Simon Henderson said pupils have thanked him for his decision. Stock picture of an Iphone Year 9 pupils, aged 13 to 14, are the youngest at the 40,000-a-year school (pictured) Mr Henderson said the policy had worked well so far and that he was considering rolling it out to those in Year 10 also. We brought it in to reduce the amount of screen time they were exposed to, to give them a break from the pressures of social media, he said. It has been a success. They appreciate ... not feeling the social pressure to read and reply to messages instantly. They think it improves their sleep. Mr Henderson added that while being a teenager has always been hard, social media had played a part in making it harder. The NHS must not be left to pick up the pieces from irresponsible social media firms, its chief executive has warned. Simon Stevens warned of mental health problems amongst young people triggered by services such as Facebook and Instagram. Addressing the NHS Confederation conference in Manchester, he said children were facing a double epidemic of obesity and mental health issues caused by the stresses and strains of adolescence. 'Scumbag' clampers locked the wheels on a mother's car while she was inside a police station making a statement about her son following his sudden death. The grieving parent's friend, Louise Allen, said the pair tried parking each of their vehicles at Henderson Police Station, Auckland, but all spots were filled so they opted for a nearby shopping centre park, Stuff reported. But when the pair returned, both of their cars had been clamped - adding to an already extremely traumatic morning for the heartbroken mother. The women were told it would cost $200 each to have them removed. When Louise Allen (pictured) and her friend returned, both of their cars had been clamped - adding to an already extremely traumatic morning for the heartbroken mother 'These wheel clampers are scumbags, they're bottom feeders, they just extort money out of people that can't afford it,' Ms Allen said. She confronted the Elite Parking Services officer and protested for him to show some sympathy and remove the clamps, but her efforts were unsuccessful. 'We pleaded with them to have some empathy for us under the circumstances of my friend's grief at such an awful time but the slug and manager on the phoneline refused to even consider letting us off,' she said. 'My friend was beside herself because her son had just died, where was their sympathy?' 'There's so much poverty around and those guys (are) just sitting on their fat a***** just trying to rake in $200 out of each person.' The pair tried parking each of their vehicles at Henderson Police Station (pictured), Auckland, but all spots were filled so they opted for a nearby shopping centre park Ms Allen claimed she was threatened her car would be taken away immediately if she didn't pay up, so she marched back to the station and complained to police. Given the clamping happened on private property however, police told her it was a civil matter and would need to be dealt with by owners of the property. She said she ended up paying both fines in an effort to alleviate a portion of her friend's pain, but she was determined to get her money back. The parking service company officer issued them both an on-the-spot fine, but after hearing the tragic circumstances, its owner agreed to hand over a refund. 'I'm a human being first and foremost. If she appeals in writing, I will make sure she gets her money back because I will be involved,' Gordon Ward said. She said she ended up paying both fines in an effort to alleviate a portion of her friend's pain, but she was determined to get her money back from the 'scumbags' 'She is under immense stress and we don't want to add to that anymore. But I'm not too sure about her friend.' Mr Ward said the signs at the car park clearly stated visitors not shopping at the centre were not permitted to use the space, and those who did would be penalised. 'My clamper was doing his job. He, nor anybody in my staff, are allowed to make decisions on site on removing our clamps if someone protests. 'If we did that then everyone we clamp could extort or lie to us.' The police station has 15 designated parks for public use and additional street parking for when those spots are occupied. The Australian couple who died after falling from a wall in Portugal may have tried to catch a dropped phone after taking a selfie, police have revealed. Michael Kearns, 33, was holidaying with his British-born partner Louise Benson, 37, before the pair were found dead at a popular surf beach in the seaside town of Eceira. The couple plunged 30 metres off the rocky cliff after reportedly taking a selfie and losing their balance sometime between 1am and 6am local time on Tuesday. 'They were probably on top of the wall or probably the cell phone might have fallen from their hands and they tried to reach it afterwards,' Commander Pereira of the local police told Nine News. Police believe the Australian couple who died after falling from a wall in Portugal may have tried to catch a dropped phone while they were taking a selfie In a chilling twist, Mr Kearns shared a photo (pictured) of a glass of red wine on the beach with the exact 30-metre wall he would fall from just 24 hours before his death Australian Michael Kearns, 33, (pictured) plunged to his death alongside his British partner after the pair reportedly slipped while taking a selfie British national Louise Benson (pictured), 37, has been remembered as a 'gentle soul' The couple were in Portugal for a friend's recent wedding before the fatal cliff wall fall (pictured). Their bodies were found by a beach cleaner next to a mobile phone A local fisherman found the two bodies in the sand beside a mobile phone early Tuesday morning at Pescadores beach in Ericeira, 30km from Lisbon. Tributes have begun to flow for the beloved couple, who left Australia in January to travel the world. The pair attended a friend's wedding in Portugal just weeks earlier. Mr Kearns was a part-time worker at energy company Chevron's enormous Wheatstone project, a natural gas plant currently under construction in the Pilbara region of Western Australia. Ms Benson, who was originally from Bristol, and a keen diver like Mr Kearns, regularly took to social media to share photos of her overseas journey - including snaps of a dive the pair enjoyed in Sri Lanka in February. Her friends have written poignant tributes following her death, with one posting online: 'It can be such a cruel world we live in, RIP Louise Benson yet again another great soul (taken) away from us far too early.' Ms Benson was travelling with her Australian partner when the tragedy unfolded A beach cleaner found two bodies in the sand beside a mobile phone early Tuesday morning In another touching tribute, a friend posted: 'No words can describe what we have lost. 'Louise Benson you had a passion for life. A quiet, not for long (though), Bristol girl who just loved life. 'Your smiles infectious, your laughs amazing, your friendship invaluable and just the love you have out in shock and speechless. You will be missed and I will miss you so much. Love you Lou, one in a million.' In a chilling twist, Mr Kearns shared a photo of a glass of red wine on the beach with the exact 30-metre wall he would fall from just 24 hours before his death. 'Everything seems to indicate that the fall happened when they were probably trying to take a selfie,' said Rui Pereira da Terra, head of the rescue service in Cascais port. 'It seems they dropped their mobile phone and fell down while leaning over to retrieve it,' he added. Mr Kearns was a fly-in fly-out (FIFO) worker at Chevron's Wheatstone project in the Pilbara, Western Australia, and enjoyed diving The 33-year-old man and 37-year-old woman are believed to have fallen between 1am and 6am in Ericeira (stock image) after they had been travelling overseas since Januar The Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade confirmed that one Australian had died while the British Foreign Office said a British woman had passed away. Pescadores beach is ringed by cliffs and a 30-metre high wall covered in shrubs. A DFAT spokesperson said it was 'providing consular assistance to the family of an Australian who died in Portugal. The Australian couple fell to their deaths in Portugal while apparently taking a selfie. Pictured is the beach wall they fell from 'The Department has been in contact with the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office regarding the other person who died in the incident. Owing to our privacy obligations we will not provide further comment.' A spokeswoman for the British Foreign and Commonwealth Office said: 'We are in touch with local authorities following the death of a British woman in Portugal and are providing support to her family.' The beach is at a surfing town on Portugal's western Atlantic Ocean coast. It is a popular hotpot, with countless tourists uploading their pictures of the enormous wall on Instagram. Pescadores beach is ringed by cliffs and a 30-metre high wall covered in shrubs Tinder lothario Gable Tostee has posed a yet another controversial question to his social media followers - this time on the topic of women's breasts. The 31-year-old Gold Coast man, listed as Eric Thomas, contemplated a social conundrum in a bizarre late-night post to Facebook Wednesday. 'Why is it ok to say to a girl "you have nice eyes" but not ok to say "you've got nice t*ts"?,' he asked his near 4,000 followers. Tinder lothario Gable Tostee (pictured) has posed a yet another controversial question to his social media followers - this time on the topic of women's breasts The 31-year-old Gold Coast man, listed as Eric Thomas, contemplated a social conundrum in a bizarre late-night post to Facebook Wednesday He accompanied the question with a puzzled emoji face and one of a face crying with laughter. The post follows a string of similarly vile public messages from Tostee, who recently suggested the cure for feminism was a 'good root'. Since being acquitted of the murder of one of his Tinder dates last year, he has made no secret of his 'outside the box' opinions. Tostee stood trial for the death of New Zealand tourist Warriena Wright, 26, after she fell 14 storeys from his Gold Coast apartment in 2014. The pair were on a first date after they met through the dating app. The post follows a string of similarly vile public messages from Tostee (pictured), who recently suggested the cure for feminism was a 'good root' Tostee activated a new Tinder account just months after he was acquitted of all charges over the death of Ms Wright Shortly after being cleared for her murder, Tostee created another Tinder profile. 'Shhh don't tell Channel 9,' his profile read, referring to the media attention surrounding the death of Ms Wright and his subsequent trial. He is no stranger to controversy, having shared several provocative posts to his social media accounts following his highly publicised trial. In a Facebook post last month Tostee wrote, 'The best cure for feminism is a good root,' accompanied by a photo of a raised middle finger. Tostee (left) stood trial for the death of New Zealand tourist Warriena Wright (right), 26, after she fell 14 storeys from his Gold Coast apartment in 2014 In March this year he also drew criticism for a comment he made to mark International Women's Day 'Happy International Women's Day to all ma hoes!!' he wrote at the time. The backlash he received on social media failed to deter him, as he went on to make more controversial posts. 'Merry Christmas to all ma ho ho hos!,' he said. Tostee has also referred to his murder acquittal in an online post, saying: 'the only thing I murder is p***y'. His other posts vary greatly, from rambling philosophical questions to pop culture references to support for US President Donald Trump. In March this year he also drew criticism after he posted a derogatory post on Facebook to mark International Women's Day. 'Happy International Women's Day to all ma hoes!!', he wrote Robert Billings, 28, was ditched by 24-year-old Chloe Whitehead (pictured) after she found out about his relationship with a married woman A fireman who had an affair with a policeman's wife has been dumped by his fiancee just days before their 20,000 wedding. Robert Billings, 28, was ditched by 24-year-old Chloe Whitehead after she found out about his relationship with a married woman. He had been secretly seeing mum-of-two Kath Parnell, 48, since last July - and even had sex with her in a Morrisons car park. Speaking to The Sun, a friend of Chloe's said: 'Everyone was so shocked. 'Chloe is gorgeous and yet he cheated on her with a married mum-of-two who is nearly 50.' The pal added: 'He and Chloe were ready to get married and had spent 20,000 on their big day.' Kath's husband, North Yorkshire PC Christopher Parnell, subsequently paid a home visit to his wife's toyboy, asking to see texts on his phone and leaving him 'scared and intimidated.' PC Parnell yesterday quit halfway through a misconduct hearing - only to be sacked hours later. The policeman's threatening behaviour put his career on the line but today he decided to resign part way through the hearing saying the case was 'exceptionally difficult' for him and his family. Despite resigning from the force this morning, PC Parnell was dismissed when the hearing resumed this afternoon as panel chairman Tom Mitchell said based on the evidence he had committed gross misconduct. Her lover allegedly said he would pay 1,500 to have her 'buried on the moors' when it became public and he also went to her home and began swearing at her in front of her daughter. Mrs Parnell (left) confided in a friend at her gym about the affair with Robert Billings (right), who later threatened to have her 'buried on a moor' and confessed they had sex outside Morrisons after their relationship emerged PC Christopher Parnell has now been sacked over his behaviour after he discovered his wife Kath (pictured together) was having an affair with a toyboy firefighter The chairman of the disciplinary panel, Tom Mitchell, admitted that his behaviour fell short of expected standards and he had failed to show his love rival 'respect and courtesy'. Mr Mitchell also revealed the next part of the hearing was to consider if the now former policeman unlawfully accessed the force's database on 37 occasions. He said: 'PC Parnell is a police officer, which was known to Robert Billings. He carried with him the authority of the law and that would have emboldened him. 'We find PC Parnell abused the authority vested in him and failed to show him due respect and courtesy. Pictured: PC Parnell's wife Kath who allegedly had an affair with a 28-year-old firefighter He added 'If this was the only matter PC Parnell would have faced we would have found this matter to be serious. 'But bearing in mind the circumstances that led to this it would have led to misconduct just short of gross misconduct.' Panel chairman Tom Mitchell concluded: 'We have read material submitted on PC Parnell's behalf by the police federation and his counsel. 'We know that for many years, and on many occasions, PC Parnell executed his duty well and prior to these matters had no convictions or disciplinary findings to his name. Nonetheless, taking all the concessions and findings in this case lead us to inevitably conclude that the only appropriate sanction available in this case is dismissal without notice.' The next part of the hearing looked at whether he had unlawfully accessed NICHE, the police recording system. It is alleged he accessed the system on 37 occasions without an appropriate policing purpose between April 2011 and January 2017. Mr Mitchell added: 'PC Parnell's most serious transgression related to the serious transgression of his repeated and unlawful access to the North Yorkshire Police NICHE computer system. 'Every citizen has the right to expect the police officers will respect their privacy and not invade it except with good and sufficient cause. 'It was clear from PC Parnell's evidence in this case that he knew his access to that system was wrong. What we find at this stage is he always knew that to be so. That fact is widely accepted and known as a declared corporate policy. 'Unless there be any confusion all officers and the public at large should know that unlawful access of confidential information will inevitably be regarded as a severe breach of the required professional standard of confidentiality. 'This is all the more true when, as here, the system was used to gain personal information about people with whom PC Parnell personally associated. 'It is however, important to note that there is no evidence that PC Parnell disclosed anything he discovered to anyone else.' The panel was also due to look at whether he held undeclared business interests. But PC Parnell announced through his barrister that he was going to resign. His barrister, Michael Rawlinson said: 'I've taken some instructions from PC Parnell and he will not be seeking to dissuade you from a finding in due course regarding the outcome that dismissal is appropriate in this case. 'With credit to PC Parnell he had expressed the view that he has found these proceedings exceptionally difficult from a personal point of view. 'They have in some cases been inaccurately reported in the papers. 'In order to preserve his own dignity and the dignity of his family and the office of constable and North Yorkshire Police he doesn't wish to prolong or elongate these proceedings. ' PC Parnell is accused of paying a home visit to his wife's toyboy, asking to see texts on his phone and leaving him 'scared and intimidated.' During the meeting Mr Billings was recorded telling his love rival he had sex with Mrs Parnell in a vehicle parked in the car park at the local Morrisons store, believed to have been in Boroughbridge north of York. Mr Billings reportedly said: 'I will never do it again. It was in Morrisons car park. It was disgusting.' His older lover has not attended her estranged husband's misconduct hearing but said last night: 'I am in shock, I was not expecting all this over something better suited to the Jeremy Kyle show'. PC Parnell's alleged threatening behaviour has put his career on the line and he is now facing a public disciplinary case. The hearing, at the force's headquarters in Northallerton, had heard earlier that the odd job man and retained firefighter, who then lived in Boroughbridge, had begun an affair with PC Parnell's wife in July last year. The Harrogate-based police officer learnt about the affair from another woman in the town after his fitness fanatic wife confided in a friend at the gym she regularly attended. The woman also told the officer that the firefighter had made a threat against his wife. She said that he told another woman in Boroughbridge: 'She doesn't know who she is dealing with. I'm from Leeds. I can pay 1,500 and have her buried on the moors.' The firefighter then went to the family home of the Parnells to speak to her and began swearing at her in front of their daughter. The panel heard PC Parnell went to the Boroughbridge home of the man three days later. The firefighter later reported the visit to North Yorkshire Police, saying he felt threatened by it. A recording of the conversation taken at the time by the police officer showed the officer asking if he could come in and have a chat and later asking if he could see his phone messages, which the firefighter agreed to. Parnell outside a hearing in North Yorkshire and he resigned today only to be fired later on Edward Pleeth, representing North Yorkshire Police, asked PC Parnell if the man felt intimidated by his visit because he was using his physical presence to intimidate him. The police officer added he 'wasn't that kind of person', saying in addition to using restraint and not wanting to lose his job, he wasn't violent and had never been in a fight in his life. Mr Pleeth told the panel the officer must have known his presence would be intimidating. He told the panel: 'He must have understood that a wronged husband turning up at the address of the man who he had recently found out had had a relationship and slept with his wife was going to be perceived in those circumstances as threatening.' However PC Parnell's barrister, Michael Rawlinson said if the allegations from Mr Billings were upheld, 'it would mean no serving police officer would ever be able to express his displeasure'. Mr Rawlinson added: 'They would never be able to express their displeasure to somebody who had committed a great moral wrong against them. 'It is wildly inappropriate to think any member of the public would think any police force had been discredited if they knew and realised what had occurred here. 'There's no evidence Mr Billings at the time was actually fearful because the recordings show this case for what it is; a grown-up conversation between two grown-ups about a very personal and unpleasant and sordid situation.' The hearing has earlier been told that on August 11 Mr Billings went to the home of PC Parnell and his wife. The hearing was told the couple's daughter answered the door and he asked to speak to her mother. The retained fire officer with North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue then told Kath Parnell that the public knowledge of their affair had 'ruined his life' and he would have to go and confess the affair to his girlfriend. He told the panel: 'I asked if Chris Parnell knew and she said, 'no', and asked me to cover it up by saying it was a lie and that she wanted attention. I said, 'no, it's come out now I wanted to tell my partner the truth.' The next morning, he saw PC Parnell drive down his street at about 5.50am after he had returned home after taking the dog for a walk and said he felt 'worried and scared'. Mr Billings was recorded telling his love rival he had sex with Mrs Parnell in a vehicle parked in the car park at the local Morrisons store, believed to have been in Boroughbridge north of York (pictured) Later, Robert Billings rang PC Parnell and left him a voicemail, saying he was sorry for what had happened and 'didn't want to cause any harm' and invited him to speak privately with him. He also told him in the message he felt intimidated by seeing him driving along his street. Mrs Parnell has not attended the hearing, with PC Parnell accompanied only by his elderly parents. She said her relationship with Mr Billings was 'hardly an affair' although she conceded he had a girlfriend at the time. Mrs Parnell said she and her husband had been separated since 2016, adding: 'We have not been together for some time, we have been separated since 2016 and the Rob thing was last year. 'He (Rob) was engaged to somebody, it was all so incestuous and so gross.' Amazing video captured the one-in-a-million chance that a New Jersey state trooper had during a routine traffic stop, when he realized the man he pulled over was the cop who helped deliver him 27-years-ago. Trooper Michael Patterson pulled over former cop Matthew Bailly for a tinted window violation in Kingwood Township last week. What appears as a normal traffic stop for Trooper Patterson, quickly turns into the reunion of a lifetime. 'Hows it going today? Can I get license, registration and insurance card. Oh Piscataway PD?' the trooper adds, as Bailly seemingly passed along his police identification. Trooper Michael Patterson, 27, (right) reunited with the former cop Matthew Bailly (left) who delivered him as a baby, discovered the connection when the trooper pulled him over in New Jersey on Friday for tinted windows While the amazing happenstance reunion was caught on video, it is hard to see the face of retired officer Bailly, but its the men's words that really bring to life the reality of what a small world this is The identification photo is a little older, the retired Piscataway officer explains, half joking, but assures Trooper Patterson that the man in the photo is indeed him. Then the retired officer shares some details of his history in the neighborhood, where he was on patrol. Next came the big revelation- the retired officer says the street where Trooper Patterson was born, and that that was the first time he had helped delivered a baby. Bailly says 'It was years ago, it was the first baby I delivered and it was at that house, that's why i always remembered the address. I delivered him in the bedroom by myself.' 'That was me that was me!' Trooper Patterson exclaimed. 'Get the hell out of here!' responded Bailly to possibly one of the best, most heartwarming happenstance meetings two people- both in law enforcement non-the-less, can have. At the very end of the clip, Patterson says to the retired officer that helped usher him into the world 'Lovely to meet you.' Patterson's mother had suddenly went into labor at a shopping mall and rushed home 27 years ago. New Jersey State police hail the serendipitous encounter as pure luck. 'Were not sure what the odds are of this happeningmaybe theyre close to the odds of a hole-in-one, winning the lottery, or being struck by lightningbut it happened,' the police department shared on Facebook. As Patterson and Bailly talked, Bailly revealed that he used to be a police officer in Piscataway - the neighborhood where Patterson grew up. During the course of their conversation, which was not released in full on Patterson's body camera video, said he grew up on Poe Place. Bailly then reminisced how he once helped deliver a baby there on October 5, 1991 when he was a rookie cop, recalling the color and style of the home he rushed to, and the baby's name Michael. Twenty-seven years ago Bailly (right) helped deliver Patterson (left) when his mother suddenly went into labor and a doctor guided Bailly over the phone, pictured together at Bailly's home Patterson then extended his hand saying: 'My name is Michael Patterson, sir. Thank you for delivering me'. A doctor talked Officer Bailly through the birth via telephone leading to Michael's birth. Awestruck with the reunion, Patterson and his mother Karen later visited Bailly and his wife to reminisce the miracle delivery and their fateful reunion. Their chance encounter has gone viral with over 18,000 likes on Facebook. Australians could by flying to work by the year 2023, according to ride-sharing service Uber. Uber announced it was launching flying car service UberAir, which would cost passengers no more than the average UberX ride. The ride-share company wants to start the trial in 2020 and make the service available across the world by 2023. Uber executives said they were negotiating with Australian transport ministers to trial the world-first taxis in Australia. Executives are reportedly weighing up between Sydney and Melbourne to launch their trial. Scroll down for video Ride-sharing company Uber is planning to launch a new flying car service, UberAir, (design pictured) in Sydney and Melbourne Uber said their flying cars would shorten a trip dramatically, making travel more economical Uber chief product officer Jeff Holden told News Corp their air travel project was something they were 'dead serious' about launching, where the futuristic aviation service could be introduced by 2023 in Australia. 'If I wanted to get to Bondi from the city, I could be there in just five minutes,' Mr Holden said. 'That's a very exciting concept.' The journey from Bondi to central Sydney is 7.9km and usually takes at least 15 minutes by car. Uber's flying cars will be specially designed vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) aircraft which would use rechargeable batteries and could fit several passengers. The aircraft would have fixed wings with tilt prop-rotors, making it significantly quieter than a helicopter. The ride-hailing giant, who is working with five aircraft manufacturing companies, are also planning to convert rooftops to 'vertiports' so the flying cars could land, take off and recharge. The aircraft would have fixed wings with tilt prop-rotors, making it quieter than a helicopter Uber have their sights set on Melbourne (pictured) and Sydney to roll out their UberAir Uber chief product officer Jeff Holden said a trip from Bondi to central Sydney would take five minutes The ride-hailing giant, who is working with five aircraft manufacturing companies, are also planning to convert rooftops to 'vertiports' To make the system possible, Uber says it plans to use rooftops as launch pads The company claims one charge would last a 160km journey. With traffic congestion getting worse in Melbourne and Sydney, Mr Holden said UberAir would be more economical than driving a car. Uber claims their flying taxis could complete a two-hour-and-12-minute car ride in just 15 minutes by air. While the service may seem like something for the rich and famous, Uber have said a trip would cost roughly the same price as an UberX fare. Uber's flying cars will be specially designed vertical-takeoff-and-landing (VTOL) aircraft which would use rechargeable batteries and could fit several passengers A Florida man threatened to go and 'shoot up' Walt Disney World if his comment got enough likes. Derek Eitel, 23, posted the disturbing threat in a group chat with more than 800 members, according to an arrest affidavit. '5 likes and I'll go shoot up Disney and hang myself,' he reportedly wrote, according to Florida Today. Derek Eitel, 23, posted the disturbing threat in a group chat with more than 800 members, according to an arrest affidavit In it, he threatened to go and 'shoot up' Walt Disney World (pictured) if his comment got enough likes At least two members who spotted the message reported it to the police. Kelly Maki claimed on Facebook that she was a member of the chat group. She said Eitel only received one 'like' on his comment - from himself. Maki added that she and a friend had reported him to the police, and believes others also raised the alarm as and when they saw it. The 23-year-old was arrested and charged with making written threats to kill or do bodily harm Eitel, of Cocoa, Florida, has reportedly confessed to typing the threat on his phone during an interview with officers. The 23-year-old, who posted a picture which read 'Better Off Gone' earlier this month, was arrested and charged with making written threats to kill or do bodily harm. He was being held at the Brevard County Jail. The 15-year-old girl who died after drinking a lethal homemade cocktail was bullied so badly she had to be homeschooled, according to a report. Paris Kamper's family believe she drank a bottle of vodka with sour lollies in it before she was found unconscious and taken to hospital, where she died three days later. Paris, from Kenthurst in Sydney's north west, had to leave school and be homeschooled due to intense bullying at Pacific Hills Christian School at Dural, The Australian reported. Scroll down for video Paris Kamper died after three days in hospital following the incident which has left her family and friends crushed Police investigating the incident believe the young girl found the recipe for the deadly cocktail, which contained alcohol, energy drink and lollies, on Instagram Paris Kamper (pictured) died after drinking a cocktail made from alcohol and energy drinks where she is being remembered as a 'free-spirited' young woman Officers investigating the incident believe Paris found the recipe for the deadly cocktail on Instagram. It contained alcohol, energy drink and lollies. 'Anyone who thinks making an instructional video on how to consume excess amounts of alcohol in a dangerous manner is sensible or desirable they need to stop it,' Superintendent Rob Critchlow said. The teenager was found unconscious at a semi-rural property in Kenthurst on Friday night. Devastated loved ones described the 15-year-old as an 'incredibly talented' and 'amazing' young horse rider with 'a heart of gold'. 'She was gorgeous but even more beautiful on the inside ... she had a heart of gold and would constantly offer help to me if I needed it!,' one person shared online. A 15-year-old girl (right) was found unconscious at a semi-rural property in Kenthurst, in Sydney's north-west, on Friday night 'Anyone who thinks making an instructional video on how to consume excess amounts of alcohol in a dangerous manner is sensible or desirable they need to stop it,' Superintendent Rob Critchlow said Police seized items from the family home, including a bottle of alcohol and energy drinks, after it was discovered the teenager (right) had used an online recipe It is believed that the 15-year-old was went out alone into the back paddock where she began to choke on her own vomit before being rushed to hospital. The teenager had a blood-alcohol level of 0.4 when she arrived to hospital - a reading which is eight times the legal driving limit. 'This child was not a user of alcohol, she wasn't known to have a drinking issue,' Superintendent Critchlow said. 'I cannot state how pointless and tragic and sad and avoidable the death of a 15-year-old child, drinking alcohol on their own, is in a place that should be a place of safety. 'The information we have is that she was quite a character, quite a free-spirited young girl, who was well respected and well liked.' Devastated loved ones described the 15-year-old as an 'incredibly talented' and 'amazing' young horse rider with 'a heart of gold' who was 'deeply engaged in her animals' 'She was gorgeous but even more beautiful on the inside ... she had a heart of gold and would constantly offer help to me if I needed it!,' one person shared online The girl's older sister marked the devastating event by changing her profile picture and cover photo. 'My angel,' the caption under one of the pictures read, while the other one - a picture of the sisters - was simply labelled: 'Snow Bunny'. The girl was taken to The Children's Hospital at Westmead, in the city's western suburbs, but she died on Monday. The teenager was one of five children. 'Send the strongest warrior angels to look after your beautiful sisters,' one friend wrote. The girl (pictured) has also been remembered for her love of horses and was 'the best rider of her age' according to friends The teenager had a blood-alcohol level of 0.4 when she arrived to hospital - a reading which is eight times the legal driving limit The girl has also been remembered for her love of horses and was 'the best rider of her age' according to friends. Police claimed the young teenager had little experience with alcohol after they seized energy drinks containing high levels of caffeine before paramedics rushed to her family home at 9.30pm last Friday. Superintendent Critchlow, from her local Hills Police Area Command, also said combining alcohol with popular energy drinks containing the guarana stimulant was a toxic brew. 'This investigation is in its infancy but early inquiries indicate this girl sourced an alcoholic drink recipe from an online site, then put that information to the test,' he said. She was taken to The Children's Hospital at Westmead (pictured), in the city's western suburbs, where she died the next day on the Queen's Birthday public holiday 'The consequences have been tragic.' Supt Critchlow said underage drinking was potentially fatal. 'We cannot emphasise more strongly the risk of underage and - more importantly - uninformed alcohol consumption,' he said. 'We have a family devastated by the death of their beloved daughter; they have a lot of questions.' Supt Crithlow have a simple message for teenagers following the tragedy. 'We will endeavour to find answers, but our message has to be: do not risk your health experimenting with high-risk information sourced online,' he said. Gut instinct may amount to more than just a hunch or feeling, say scientists. Our stomachs can help play a vital role in seeking out food, the researchers have found. The body's biggest nerve, the vagus, runs from the stomach to the brain and it has long been known that it signals to us when we are hungry. But University of Southern California scientists suggest this has evolved to be a form of sat-nav. Our stomachs can help play a vital role in seeking out food, the researchers have found This 'gut-brain axis' may help animals and humans remember where they ate by directing signals to the hippocampus, the brain's memory centre. Researcher Scott Kanoski said studies of rats show the stomach has an important role in helping us find our way around. He said: 'When animals find and eat a meal, for instance, the vagus nerve is activated and this global positioning system is engaged.' A woman has suffered a severe skin infection which led to swelling and her hair falling out after going for a bikini wax. Jessica Curran was rushed to hospital in Auckland, New Zealand on Sunday after her body was overwhelmed by a skin infection. She had a bikini, leg and face wax in February, and a few days later noticed small red lumps on her legs. A woman has suffered a severe skin infection which led to swelling and her hair falling (pictured) out after going for a bikini wax Jessica Curran (left) was rushed to hospital in Auckland, New Zealand on Sunday after her body was overwhelmed by a skin infection from a bikini, leg and face wax in February The lumps developed into sores and abscesses which spread to her face and scalp, causing her hair to fall out. She lost her eyebrows due to scarring and despite three rounds of antibiotics she was taken to hospital when her face became so swollen she couldn't see. Ms Curran's mother Petrina started a Give A Little page to raise money for her daughter. 'My poor girl is a mess. She is devastated,' Petrina said. Petrina is raising money to buy Jessica a human-hair wig to wear while her hair regrows. In a Facebook post, Ms Curran said she was 'extremely unwell and [looking] far from human'. 'Even if I recover well, I'll still have permanent scarring and significant hair loss indefinitely, which is really shattering my confidence.' She will be unable to work for at least a month after she leaves hospital. So far more than $2,400 has been donated by 37 people. An elderly couple have been arrested for allegedly submitting $280,000 of fake insurance claims after a car crash three years ago. A 72-year-old man and a 71-year-old woman have been charged for allegedly defrauding the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme. A police team nicknamed Strike Force Ravens arrested the pair yesterday after a morning raid on their home in Hinchinbrook, south-west Sydney. A 72-year-old man and a 71-year-old woman have been charged for allegedly defrauding the Compulsory Third Party (CTP) insurance scheme. Pictured is the man A police team nicknamed Strike Force Ravens arrested the pair yesterday after a morning raid on their home in Hinchbrook, south-west Sydney. Pictured is the woman being led away The couple were taken to Liverpool Police Station and each charged with one count of conspiring to cheat and defraud. They were both granted conditional bail and are due to appear at Liverpool Local Court on Wednesday 18 July 2018. Police will allege the couple submitted fraudulent CTP insurance claims totalling $280,000 relating to a crash at Hinchinbrook on 16 April 2015. In August 2016, detectives from the State Crime Commands Fraud and Cybercrime Squad established Strike Force Ravens to investigate syndicates targeting the CTP insurance scheme following recommendations of the CTP Task Force. The CTP Task Force is a NSW Government initiative coordinated by the State Insurance Regulatory Authority (SIRA), involving representatives from various government agencies and legal, health, and insurance sectors. To date, Strike Force Ravens investigators have arrested 20 people and laid more than 120 charges in relation to a combined fraud of more than $11 million. Investigations are ongoing and further arrests are expected. Police are urging anyone with information in relation to CTP Green Slip fraud to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 The couple were taken to Liverpool Police Station and each charged with one count of conspiring to cheat and defraud Police are hunting a predator with 'cracked lips, brown stains on his teeth and smelling of cigarettes' over the kidnap and sexual assault of a young girl. An 11-year-old girl was kidnapped at knifepoint on her way to school in Adamstown Heights, near Newcastle in NSW, and sexually assaulted before being forced into a red sedan at about 8.30am on Tuesday. The schoolgirl was then driven to bushland where she was further sexually assaulted, before being released at Kotara Railway Station about 2pm. Scroll down for video Police are hunting a predator with 'cracked lips, brown stains on his teeth and smelling of cigarettes' over the kidnap and sexual assault of a young girl (crime scene pictured) Detectives from the New South Wales Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad said they were on the hunt for a man of 'chubby build' with 'black short messy hair'. The police also described the sex-attacker as having 'cracked lips, brown staining on the bottom row of his teeth' and 'smelling of cigarettes or body odor'. They also said he had wrinkles on his forehead and around his mouth. The offender was reportedly wearing a blue and black coloured zip-up hooded top paired with blue demin jeans and beige shoes. Detectives from the New South Wales Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad said they were on the hunt for a man of 'chubby build' with 'black short messy hair' (crime scene pictured) The police also described the sex-attacker as having 'cracked lips, brown staining on the bottom row of his teeth' and 'smelling of cigarettes or body odor' (crime scene is pictured) Police were called when the young victim returned home and she was taken to John Hunter Hospital for medical examination. A crime scene was established at Hudson Park and forensically examined while Newcastle police and the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced inquiries. Detective Chief Inspector Paul Jacob from the Child Abuse and Sex Crime Squad described the horrific five-hour ordeal as 'a worrying crime committed in broad daylight', the Newcastle Herald reported. An 11-year-old girl was abducted and sexually assaulted during a five-hour ordeal in Newcastle (pictured are investigators at one of the crime scenes) The girl was walking through Hudson Park in the Newcastle suburb of Adamstown Heights just after 9.15am on Tuesday (pictured is one of the crime scenes) The girl was threatened with a knife by a man who sexually assaulted her, police said (pictured is an area under investigation by police) 'It's our mission to get this person and remove him from the community as quickly as we possibly can,' Chief Inspector Jacob said. 'Let me just say it was a horrible series of attacks on this young lady and I'm very thankful that we have a very brave young woman who's been able to help us so valuably in our continuing enquiry.' Detectives urged anyone who recognised the description of the man or saw a red coloured sedan in the area on Tuesday, June 12, to phone Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000. Advertisement A team of creative photographers have captured Australia's coastlines from a truly epic perspective. Tony Hewitt and Denis Glennon, with Canon, have compiled a breathtaking selection embodying the country's most picturesque wonders. The unique showcase comprises a stunning collection of 100 large-format aerial images of our coastline captured and reproduced in rich detail and displayed on a scale as bold as the voyage to capture them. A team of two creative photographers have captured Western Australia's coastline from a truly epic perspective Tony Hewitt and Denis Glennon, with Canon, have compiled a breathtaking selection embodying the country's most picturesque wonders The unique showcase comprises a stunning collection of 100 large-format aerial images of our coastline captured and reproduced in rich detail and displayed on a scale as bold as the voyage to capture them The exquisite exhibition, Girt By Sea, will be on show to the masses in Sydney at Paddington Town Hall from Saturday until June 27, where art lovers can witness the beauty between 10am and 6pm every day. Mr Hewitt said it had been his dream since he was a young boy to capture the true essence behind the famous national anthem lyric, 'girt by sea'. 'As Helen Keller famously said, 'Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,' Mr Hewitt said. 'It had always been my dream to create a project on the scale of what we're unveiling today and I am sincerely grateful to Canon Australia for their confidence in us and their support and sponsorship of the adventure.' The exquisite exhibition, Girt By Sea, will be on show to the masses in Sydney at Paddington Town Hall from Saturday until June 27, where art lovers can witness the beauty between 10am and 6pm every day Mr Hewitt said it had been his dream since he was a young boy to capture the true essence behind the famous national anthem lyric, 'girt by sea' For acclaimed photographer, Mr Hewitt, 'girt by sea' became the metaphor for an epic Australian adventure circumnavigating Australia's coastline by air in one 31-day trip. He and his close friend, accomplished photographer Denis Glennon AO, captured it in stunning detail and on their journey brought new meaning to those three iconic words - transforming their dream into reality. 'I knew that only a privileged few had explored Australia's breathtaking coastline to any significant degree from the air. So, I got to wondering what an adventure it would be to experience all of it in one go; to capture and reveal its magical, ever-changing beauty,' Mr Hewitt said. 'Girt by Sea started as an ambitious dream and now it's a lived experience. More than that, the collection means that we can now hold the understanding of those three words in our hands.' 'As Helen Keller famously said, 'Alone we can do so little; together we can do so much,' Mr Hewitt said about creating the stunning collection For acclaimed photographer, Mr Hewitt, 'girt by sea' became the metaphor for an epic Australian adventure circumnavigating Australia's coastline by air in one 31-day trip He and his close friend, accomplished photographer Denis Glennon AO, captured it in stunning detail and on their journey brought new meaning to those three iconic words - transforming their dream into reality 'I knew that only a privileged few had explored Australia's breathtaking coastline to any significant degree from the air,' Mr Hewitt said 'I got to wondering what an adventure it would be to experience all of it in one go; to capture and reveal its magical, ever-changing beauty,' he added 'I hope people share the same emotional response of 'Wow look at that!' that we did when we encountered these places.' The month-long voyage started and finished at Jandakot Airport, Western Australia, and took an anticlockwise flight path allowing both photographers to shoot simultaneously through front and rear portside windows. The duo took a Cessna 210 light aircraft, and predominantly flew it just off the coastline. 'This was never a documentary trip; it was a voyage of discovery akin to the explorers of old,' Mr Glennon said. 'There's lots of planning and preparation with a trip of this scale but ultimately it's instinct and curiosity that led to us taking the images in our collection. The month-long voyage started and finished at Jandakot Airport, Western Australia, and took an anticlockwise flight path allowing both photographers to shoot simultaneously through front and rear portside windows The duo took a Cessna 210 light aircraft, and predominantly flew it just off the coastline 'This was never a documentary trip; it was a voyage of discovery akin to the explorers of old,' Mr Glennon said 'We had an expectation of what we might see courtesy of Google Earth, but what we actually saw when we got there blew us out of our seats every time.' He said the pair made sure to keep their expectations low when they embarked on their daily scenic trips. 'It's the result of our daily decision to focus on what we actually find, not on what we expect to find that's the spirit of exploration,' he said. Mr Glennon said: 'There's lots of planning and preparation with a trip of this scale but ultimately it's instinct and curiosity that led to us taking the images in our collection' 'We had an expectation of what we might see courtesy of Google Earth, but what we actually saw when we got there blew us out of our seats every time,' he added He said the pair made sure to keep their expectations low when they embarked on their daily scenic trips A far-right Canadian activist has threatened to cause 'chaos' when she arrives in Australia to campaign alongside Stefan Molyneux next month. Controversial YouTube star Lauren Southern will host ticketed speaking events alongside the alt-right preacher in July in cities across Australia. She revealed her plan to arrive ahead of schedule in order to asses Australian politics and culture 'on the ground' and prepare herself adequately, news.com.au reported. Far-right Canadian activist, Lauren Southern (pictured) has threatened to cause 'chaos' when she arrives in Australia to campaign alongside Stefan Molyneux next month Southern, a journalist-turned independent commentator, said she planned to investigate Australia's immigration 'crisis' given she was no 'expert on Australian politics'. She has remained tight lipped on her exact plans for the trip, naming 'security reasons' for not wanting to give too much away. 'I can tell you I hope to cause chaos in a good way as I have every other country I've gone to,' she said. Tickets to the speaking events will set attendees back $79 for basic general admission, with the option to pay an additional $20 for seat preference. To meet the pair for a 30 minute meet-and-greet people can pay $199, or to spend 45 minutes with them they can pay $499. Fans can take the meeting to the next level and dine with the speakers to, but only if they're willing to part with $749. Southern (right), a journalist-turned independent commentator, said she planned to investigate Australia's immigration 'crisis' given she was no 'expert on Australian politics' Her tour comes six months after controversial all-right commentator Milo Yiannopoulos faced hundreds of protesters during his Australian tour. Southern said she was preparing to face a similar backlash when she arrives in the country, but believed the 'joy' would outweigh the 'hate'. Southern was banned from entering the UK in March for distributing 'racist material'. She was forcibly stopped by the police when she distributed 'racist' flyers which read 'Allah is a Gay God', and 'Allah is Trans'. Southern's UK ban came three years after she ran as a Libertarian Party candidate in the Canadian federal election. Southern was banned from entering the UK in March for distributing 'racist material' She was dumped by the party after she joined a 'Slutwalk' protest wearing a sign that read: 'There is no rape culture in the West'. She has also caused a stir with a number of unorthodox stunts in recent years. Southern announced she was transitioning to become a man but later said it was a stunt used as part of her argument that there should be only two genders. She also actively campaigned against the Black Lives Matter movement, claiming the movement caused more deaths than the Ku Klux Klan. A Woolworths customer was left red-faced after complaining about the weight of a packet of meat he had bought for dinner. Andrew Pearce posted a picture of him weighing his 500g pork brisket on the Woolworths Facebook page. With scales reading 454g, he complained: '500g measured out at 454g. Please explain Woolworths.' Scroll down for video Andrew Pearce posted a picture of him weighing his 500g pork brisket on the Woolworths Facebook page He also posted a photo of another packet which weighed in at 462g - and another at 453g. But the customer was swiftly told he had no cause for grievance because the 500g figure was only an estimated weight, as represented by the e underneath the weight label on the packaging. Other customers slammed Mr Pearce for his mistake, with one writing: 'You're being a bit over dramatic over a few grams... especially as its an estimated weight.' He later posted: 'Firstly, I didn't know it was estimated weight. Secondly, someone has now POLITELY educated me what the lowercase 'e' means. Thirdly, those missing grams add up.' White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders has pushed back against reports she has plans to leave the White House. CBS News quoted White House sources claiming Sanders and her principal deputy Raj Shah are planning to step down. But hours later Sanders posted an indignant tweet, insisting that she loved her role and was 'honored' to work for President Trump. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders is pushing back against a report that she is planning to leave theTrump administration 'Does @CBSNews know something I don't about my plans and my future?' she tweeted 'Does @CBSNews know something I don't about my plans and my future?' she tweeted. 'I was at my daughter's year-end Kindergarten event and they ran a story about my "plans to leave the WH" without even talking to me. I love my job and am honored to work for @POTUS.' Sources had told CBS that Sanders, who has been in the role 322 days, had told friends she plans to leave the administration at the end of the year. Shah was also reportedly considering leaving his role but hadn't decided on a date. There has been an exodus from the Trump administration in recent months, with a mixture of firings and resignations. Principal deputy press secretary Raj Sha (pictured) was also reportedly planning to step down The previous White House Press Secretary, Sean Spicer, (pictured) resigned in July last year after just 182 days after a series of missteps Former communications director Hope Hicks, Jared Kushner's top communications aide Josh Raffel, Trump personal aide John McEntee, congressional communications director Kaelan Dorr, assistant press secretary Natalie Strom deputy media affairs director Tyler Ross and others have moved on. Some have gone out quietly; others, like communications aide Kelly Sadler, went in disgrace. Sadler resigned after making an insulting joke about Arizona Sen. John McCain, who is suffering from brain cancer. The previous White House press secretary, Sean Spicer, resigned in July 2017 after just 182 days opn the job, following a series of missteps. Spicer suggested Adolf Hitler, who gassed millions of Jewish people in the Holocaust, 'never stooped' to using chemical weapons on 'his own people.' Many staffers have described the White House under Trump (pictured) as a toxic work environment He also appeared to tweet his own password, mistakenly called Justin Trudeau 'Joe' and earned hilariously send-ups from Melissa McCarthy on Saturday Night Live to the reported fury of Trump. The president's turnover rate stands at 51 percent, according to the Brookings Institution. 'There will be even more people leaving the White House sooner rather than later, laid off or just leaving out of exhaustion. And it is going to be harder to find good people to replace them,' the source close to the administration told CBS. 'I do think they're going to have a harder time getting the second wave of people in than the first, because those people were loyalists, and [new] folks will have to be recruited and encouraged and then survive the vetting process. In addition to all of that, the president prefers to have a small communications staff.' Many staffers have described the White House as a toxic work environment. In a sign of unhappy staff, there have also been numerous leaks and a hunt to find those responsible. There has been an exodus from the Trump administration in recent months, with numerous staffers pushed out such as former White House Communications Director Hope Hicks Kathryn Dunn Tenpas, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution who has studied turnover dating back to Reagan, said the turnover was so fast 'many people haven't even stayed in these jobs to master the learning curve.' 'This is a White House that doesn't seem to value that or understand the consequences of it. It's kind of one of those things where we may not know the vulnerability of lacking expertise unless there is a crisis or a crisis that may have been averted had a person been in the room.' Sources claim that the administration is struggling to fill the holes left by those in the West Wing's departure lounge. 'Nobody wants to come in,' a source close to the administration said. 'So they've gone through two rounds and now they're at third tier of people who are just lucking out battlefield promotion ends up promoting people who aren't qualified for the position.' John Travolta was seen digging into the same order of pizza he ate in the opening scene of Saturday Night Fever John Travolta was honored at a Brooklyn pizza restaurant in Brooklyn on Tuesday as the borough celebrated his contribution to the area through his role on Saturday Night Fever. John Travolta celebrated the special day named in his honor at Lenny's Pizza, the establishment made famous by the hit 1977 movie. In the scene, Travolta - playing Tony Manero - orders two slices of pizza and walks down the street eating them at the same time, while Stayin' Alive by the Bee Gees plays. Hundreds of fans gathered as a 'double decker slice' was named after the Hollywood legend, as New York State Senator Marty Golden praised his efforts in putting Brooklyn on the map. 'It's not often that we have an opportunity to recognize a great actor who helped turn Brooklyn into a cultural touchstone of the late 1970s,' Golden told the crowd. 'John Travolta did exactly that.' Travolta was joined by his wife Kelly Preston, who looked delighted to be biting down on the iconic pizza Hundreds of fans turned out on Tuesday to thank Travolta for the impact the film made on the borough The Hollywood heavyweight made jokes and talked pizza while at the podium on John Travolta Day Pictured: Travolta eating his 'double decker' pizza in the opening scene of Saturday Night Fever Travolta, now 64, was overwhelmed by the crowds and the praise heaped upon him. 'I'm so humbled, it's amazing,' he told PIX 11 as police escorted him through the crowds. 'I never expected this big a turnout, it was awesome.' Travolta appeared with his wife Kelly Preston, and both were seen digging in to the iconic slices. The Saturday Night Fever actor wore a white blazer over a black shirt, an outfit reminiscent of his character's, as she coordinated in a black dress. John also posed with John Gotti Jr, who was in attendance to help promote their upcoming movie. Lenny's Pizza is on 86th street and has been open since 1953. It serves crispy pies, sandwiches and Italian entrees. He wore an outfit that imitated the one worn by his character, Tony Manero, in the hit film Travolta and his actress wife Kelly Preston posed with John Gotti Jr and other friends Thumb's up: The Saturday Night Fever actor wore a white blazer over a black shirt as she coordinated in a black dress Preston plays Victoria Gotti in the mob biopic, while Travolta plays John, the patriarch of the family. Both actors have spent time immersed in the real-life crime family to help their performances. Preston said it was 'amazing' spending time with Victoria in research for the role. 'First of all, it's daunting to play someone who is alive, her husband was so iconic. She was amazing. She is smart, funny, kind, she was open and warm, she cooked us lunch - a beautiful Italian lunch,' Preston said. 'And we became friends by email, so I could ask her anything I wanted about how she was feeling, what she would say. 'This movie is so real, there's not one word that's in it that wasn't said, it's a real behind-the-scenes look at this family.' Gotti opens in theaters Friday. Salim Mehajer, 31, has burst into tears while telling a court he was recently diagnosed with bipolar. Mehajer, who was found guilty of 77 counts of electoral fraud in April, is facing sentencing for the crime that saw him elected in as Deputy Mayor of Auburn in 2012. At his sentencing in a Sydney court on Thursday, the controversial businessman announced he was diagnosed with severe mental illness and was 'sorry' for his crime. Mehajer (pictured), who was found guilty of 77 counts of electoral fraud in April, is facing sentencing for the crime that saw him elected in as Deputy Mayor of Auburn in 2012 The court was told on Thursday Mehajer was diagnosed with bipolar disorder, a diagnosis he 'accepted'. 'I suffered significant depression [when I was in custody], and thought, maybe I do need help,' an emotional Mehajer told the court. 'It affects the decisions I make. I'm my own worst enemy,' he said, News.com.au reported. Mehajer and his sister were both found guilty of electoral fraud in April this year. The pair submitted false enrollment forms for people who did not live in the local Auburn area. Mehajer said he regretted involving his younger sister, Fatima Mehajer in the crime. Fatima, who previously pleaded guilty to 77 charges of electoral fraud, had her sentencing delayed until her brother's trial was finished. Fatima, who previously pleaded guilty to 77 charges of electoral fraud, had her sentencing delayed until her brother's trial was finished Mehajer said his family noticed he 'had issues' when he married ex-wife Aysha Learmonth (together) in a bizarre $50 million wedding which drew national media attention Mehajer faces 10 years in prison for electoral fraud, but is yet to be sentenced. Accepting responsibility for the crime on Thursday, Mehajer said his 'aim was to be a part of a group of friends and stand out a bit'. Mehajer said his family noticed he 'had issues' when he married ex-wife Aysha Learmonth in a bizarre $50 million wedding which drew national media attention. His wedding to Ms Learmonth has since dissolved. Mehajer has fronted court charged with a slew of various, unrelated offences in the past year, including faking a car accident in January. A bombshell report released Thursday by the Justice Department's inspector general includes new evidence that an FBI agent and an agency lawyer who were having an affair in 2016 were also plotting to keep President Donald Trump from winning the election. In an email on August 8, 2016, Special Agent Peter Strzok reassured Page that she needn't worry about Trump winning the White House. Trump is 'not ever going to become president, right? Right?!' Page texted Strzok. 'No. No hes not. Well stop it,' he responded. Inspector General Michael Horowitz wrote that '[s]everal FBI employees who played critical roles in the investigation sent political messages,' and concluded that 'the conduct by these employees cast a cloud over the entire FBI investigation.' 'When one senior FBI official, Strzok, who was helping to lead the Russia investigation at the time, conveys in a text message to another senior FBI official, Page, that well stop candidate Trump from being elected after other extensive text messages between the two disparaging candidate Trump it is not only indicative of a biased state of mind but, even more seriously, implies a willingness to take official action to impact the presidential candidates electoral prospects,' Horowitz concluded. 'This is antithetical to the core values of the FBI and the Department of Justice.' Yet he declared in the same report that the IG's office 'did not find documentary or testimonial evidence that improper considerations, including political bias, directly affected the specific investigative actions we reviewed.' FBI Director Christopher Wray told reporters Thursday evening that he would make sure heads rolled, but emphasized that no one had proven a political motive behind any misconduct. FBI Special Agent Peter Strzok and former FBI lawyer Lisa Page exchanged text messages about keeping Donald Trump from becoming president, according to information in a Justice Department inspector general report released Thursday Strzok texted Page not to worry about what might happen if Donald Trump became president: 'No. No hes not. Well stop it' FBI Director Christopher Wray told reporters at a press conference: 'We're going to hold employees accountable for any potential misconduct' White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders told reporters Thursday afternoon that the finding on Strzok 'points out the political bias that the president has been talking about ... that we found to be a huge problem.' Strzok and Page have been front-page fodder since news of their relationship stoked Republican claims of bias at the FBI last year in the months after Trump fired FBI director James Comey. At the time, Strzok was a lead agent working on Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe into unproven ties between the Trump campaign and agents of Russia. Strzok was transferred away from that investigation, and Page quit the FBI. The 500-page report also found that then-FBI Director James Comey 'deviated' from the standard practices of his agency when dealing with the probe into Hillary Clinton's classified emails. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said Thursday that 'this has been a prolonged and painful process for the Department and the FBI. But this is not the end of the process' But IG Michael Horowitz emphasized that Comey was more knuckleheaded than malicious. 'While we did not find that these decisions were the result of political bias on Comey's part, we nevertheless concluded that by departing so clearly and dramatically from FBI and department norms, the decisions negatively impacted the perception of the FBI and the department as fair administrators of justice,' the report reads. Horowitz wrote that the Clinton saga was 'not the first time the [DOJ] and the FBI have conducted a politically-charged investigation and it will not be the last.' Attorney General Jeff Sessions has largely defended the DOJ's internal investigations while insisting that the agency can be trusted to police itself. He said Thursday that 'this has been a prolonged and painful process for the Department and the FBI. But this is not the end of the process.' Several top Justice Department and FBI officials have been under scrutiny in the IG's probe, including Strzok, Page, Comey, then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch and former Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe. Wray said in a press conference that 'Itake this report very seriously and we accept its findings and recommendations. The report does identify errors of judgment, violations of, or even disregard for, policy and decisions that at the very least with the benefit of hindsight were not the best choices.' He added: 'We're going to hold employees accountable for any potential misconduct.' The long anticipated inspector general's bombshell report on the Clinton email investigation is released and points fingers of blame at 'insubordinate' James Comey but doesn't call hm politically biased The president asked last week why Michael Horowitz, the Justice Department's inspector general, hadn't completed his report by the end of May as scheduled But he cautioned that it's 'important to note what the inspector general did not find: This report did not find any evidence of political bias or improper considerations actually impacting the investigation under review.' Three Republican members of Congress wrote to Horowitz on Thursday and demanded copies of his initial drafts, suggesting the final report was watered down for partisan reasons. Arizona Rep. Andy Biggs and Florida Reps. Ron DeSantis and Matt Gaetz noted that DOJ and FBI officials who received the draft had 'an opportunity to respond and rebut the report's findings in the final stage before the details become public.' HOROWITZ'S RECOMMENDATIONS Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz wrote in his report released Thursday that the agency should have done a better job protecting itself from allegations of political bias. Among his recommendations: Exercise more care before doing anything that could 'impact an election' Avoid making public statements about the actions of people who haven't been indicted FBI should consult with the attorney general, deputy attorney general or a federal prosecutor before announcing any decision about whether to charge someone Monitor and retain employees' text messages more consistently Inform FBI employees with messages on their government-issued cell phones that text messages are not private Conduct a review of campaign donations made by Justice Department employees and decisions by their spouses to run for public office Advertisement 'We are concerned that during this time, people may have changed the report in a way that obfuscates your findings,' they wrote. 'Per Congress's oversight authority, we request you supply your original drafts along with the final published form.' Trump last week put public pressure on Horowitz to finish the report, and said he hoped it wasn't being made 'weaker.' 'What is taking so long with the Inspector General's Report on Crooked Hillary and Slippery James Comey,' Trump tweeted. '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!' Bloomberg News was the first to obtain a copy of the report ahead of its scheduled 3:00 p.m. release. The long anticipated bombshell report brands Comey as 'insubordinate.' Senior members of Congress received a briefing on the IG's findings at lunchtime. South Carolina Republican Rep. Trey Gowdy, who chairs the powerful House Oversight and Government Reform Committee, said afterward that he was 'alarmed, angered, and deeply disappointed' by what he heard about the probe into what he called 'potential Espionage Act violations' by Clinton. 'The investigatory conclusions were reached before the end of the witness interviews,' Gowdy said in a statement, and '[t]he treatment afforded to former Secretary Clinton and other potential subjects and targets was starkly different from the FBIs investigation into Trump campaign officials.' He called on Attorney General Jeff Sessions and FBI Director Chris Wray to 'take decisive action to restore Americans confidence in our justice system.' Horowitz had direct criticism for Comey and Lynch, finding a 'troubling lack of any direct, substantive communication' between them in advance of the July 5, 2016 press conference where then-FBI director Comey appeared to let Clinton off the hook for housing classified emails on an unsecured private server. Three Republican members of Congress asked IG Horowitz for drafts of his report on Thursday, saying they suspect FBI and DOJ officials watered it down before its release He also upbraided the two of them for failing to connect before Comey's October 28 letter to Congress, in which he said additional emails had been found that caused him to restart the probe. 'We found it extraordinary that, in advance of two such consequential decisions, the FBI director decided that the best course of conduct was to not speak directly and substantively with the attorney general about how best to navigate those decisions,' Horowitz wrote. The West Wing held its collective breath all week, hoping for a spanking heard 'round the world. 'When will people start saying, 'thank you, Mr. President, for firing James Comey?'' the president tweeted a week ago. 'Comey is eventually going to get what's coming to him, so it may as well be soon,' one White House official added then. The official said the fired FBI director 'and his cheap halo have been wearing the holier-than-thou act pretty thin, and nobody around here is going to shed a tear if he's brought down a peg. Or a few hundred.' The Justice Department is making Horowitz available to testify in a public Senate hearing on June 18. House Judiciary Committee members will get their chance to quiz Horowitz a day later. The result could be a flurry of written demands for public testimony from Comey and former attorney general Loretta Lynch and then even more explosive testimony in public from both former top-shelf Obama administration luminaries. Horowitz's report has been widely expected to criticize Comey and other senior leaders for their handling of the investigation into Hillary Clinton's mishandling of classified information while she was secretary of state. The Trump White House is still reeling from the months-long public relations blitz associated with Comey's self-laudatory book, 'A Higher Loyalty,' which painted Trump as an integrity-compromised villain and cast Comey as the unfairlly deposed carrier of America's moral torch. Horowitz wrote to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, saying that his long-awaited report is released today and he'll follow up with public testimony four days later Among the report's findings already leaked to the press a week ago: Comey was 'insubordinate,' Lynch jeopardized the impartiality of the DOJ by meeting secretly with former president Bill Clinton while his wife's fate hung in the balance, and that the FBI didn't move quickly enough to review a trove of emails found late in the 2016 campaign. Those emails were found on a laptop belonging to disgraced former Rep. Anthony Weiner, the now-jailed ex-husband of top Clinton aide Huma Abedin. Of particular interest is Comey's bombshell announcement two weeks before the 2016 election that the agency was reopening the Clinton email probe after stumbling upon the new material. It wasn't until two days before the election that the FBI announced, for a second time, it would not recommend criminal charges against Clinton. The Office of Inspector General report is also expected to criticize Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, two FBI officials who exchanged vicious text messages about Trump during the course of the Clinton investigation and the presidential campaign. Strzok was later tasked to work on Special Counsel Robert Mueller's probe of unproven links between the Trump campaign and agents of the Kremlin. The Trump White House is still reeling from the public relations blitz associated with Comey's book, andsome in the West Wing are itching for revenge In a letter to Senate Judiciary Committee Chairman Chuck Grassley, an Iowa Republican, Horowitz wrote that '[p]rior to the June 18 hearing, the OIG intends to release our report publicly and to provide the report's classified appendix to our oversight committees.' 'We will release the report as soon as we complete the OIG's ordinary processes for the review and classification of such reports ... Most of this process is now complete, and we anticipate releasing the report on June 14, 2018.' The report is expected to be especially brutal to Comey 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 Clinton's private email server. ABC News reported that Horowitz will brand Comey 'insubordinate,' a word suggesting Lynch may have ordered him 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 advice of the FBI which ultimately recommended no prosecution shortly after she convened a secret meeting with former president Bill Clinton on an airport tarmac. Former attorney general Loretta Lynch is 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, and for not communbicating with Comey in advance of major announcements about the investigation 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 the letter 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. Trump asked last week why it was 'taking so long' for the Justice Department's IG to complete his report, details of which have begun to dribble out to the press PRESSURE: The president said he hoped the report wasn't being made 'weaker' a possible 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 General's 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.' 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.' Just days after Louisiana fundraiser Jennifer LeBlanc insisted she and Rudy Giuliani were not an item, the former New York mayor has revealed that they are, in fact, dating. The 74-year-old lawyer for President Trump told the New York Daily News that their romance had been blossoming over the past three weeks. 'We are dating, however not that advanced yet,' he said. Scroll down for video Former New York mayor Rudy Giuliani (L) has admitted he's dating Jennifer LeBlanc (R) - pictured arriving with her to the White House on May 30, 2018 in Washington Rudy Giuliani, attorney for U.S. President Donald Trump, wipes his brow as he attends the White House Sports and Fitness Day event with guest Jennifer Leblanc who initially claimed they weren't dating Giuliani's wife Judith Nathan filed for contested divorce in New York City on April 4 after 15 years of marriage. She had claimed her husband had been having an affair with another woman, 53-year-old Maria Rose Ryan, a doctor and hospital CEO and the mother of Vanessa Ryan, Giuliani's assistant. Giuliani denied the affair. Now, just two months later, he has confirmed he's back in the dating game. Giuliani insists that his latest relationship had no impact on his marriage. 'My ex-wife doesn't know Jennifer. Judith doesn't know Jennifer, wasn't until two months after legal separation that we met again, so should be no issue,' he said. He added that he hadn't seen LeBlanc, 56, for ten years util he ran into her three weeks ago. The lawyer said they'd been out three times or so since then. Leblanc served as Giuliani's finance chair for his failed 2008 presidential campaign 'It was a pleasure and an honor to go,' Leblanc said of the White House event Giuliani brought the fundraiser to the White House earlier this month, where she was seated next to him and photographed walking alongside him at the event. 'It was a pleasure and an honor to go,' LeBlanc said of the White House event. She said she attended 'by invitation of the mayor, and I had some other business there,' though she said it was a personal trip. The pair were photographed holding hands on the way to the White House last week. But when DailyMail.com questioned whether she and the former mayor were an item, she replied 'No.' She also was spotted with Rudy attending a production of 'Camelot' on what apparently was not quite a double date with Giuliani's son Andrew and his new wife, Zivile Rezgyte. The Washingtonian, who had a reported sat behind the couple, reported that he got repeated shoulder rubs from Leblanc that the publication described as 'sympathetic.' Giuliani's third wife, Judith Nathan, 63, (left and right with him) filed for divorce on April 4. She filed a contested divorce, citing their assets as the source of dispute On Monday, Giuliani announced he would be taking a trip to Lafayette, Louisiana, where LeBlanc lives, to attend a rally for congressional candidate Josh Guillory - who employs LeBlanc. His attendance was a surprise for many however as Guillory's opponent Clay Higgins is a Trump supporter. LeBlanc was the Louisiana finance chair for Giuliani's 2008 presidential campaign. She is a partner at LeBlanc & Associates, where she and her partner provide fundraising and consulting advice to clients in the state as well as to some prominent Louisiana officeholders in D.C. She serves as finance director for Guillory's congressional campaign in southwest Louisiana and for the state's agriculture commissioner. LeBlanc inherited substantial business assets after the death of her husband, Pat LeBlanc, a Lafayette, Louisiana businessman. He died in a plane crash at 53 while under investigation for an alleged bribery scandal for a Leblanc company that provided concessions services to Texas prisons. They proclaimed their innocence and were never charged. Giuliani is divorcing his third wife, Judith Nathan, after 15 years of marriage. Their romance famously began when Giuliani was still married to his second wife, Donna Hanover. He met Nathan in a cigar bar in 1999 while he was still mayor. Rudy Giuliani was accused of having an affair with 53-year-old hospital CEO Dr Maria Ryan (seen left in pink) who he is pictured with above on March 29 at her hospital in New Hampshire. After this visit, which was filmed by local news stations, the pair decamped to a mountain resort where staff say they were seen entering the suite Giuliani had rented together Rudy Giuliani boasted to friends that he was dating a big-breasted woman before it was claimed on Tuesday that he was having an affair with Dr. Maria Rose Ryan who accompanied him to Israel last week with her daughter Vanessa (in white). She is pictured in black standing behind him on June 7. During one hospital tour, she was introduced as his partner In 2000, he announced at a press conference that he was leaving Hanover, the mother of his two children. She was unaware of it beforehand and later participated in her own press conference where she claimed he'd had a previous affair with a different woman. Giuliani's first marriage, to Regina Peruggi, was annulled in 1982 because they were second cousins. The break up with Nathan comes amid claims he had an affair with another woman - Ryan. Page Six reported that he had boasted to friends that he was sleeping with a woman who had 'big boobs' before the identity of his rumored mistress was revealed, according to the Page Six. Giuliani, 74, said he and Maria Rose Ryan were 'just friends' and that even if they had spent the night together at a New Hampshire hotel before his divorce to wife Judith Nathan was underway, it happened when he was 'in effect, separated'. Nathan, who married the politician in 2003 after starting her relationship with him when he was married to his second wife, however dismissed his denial of infidelity. She came out swinging, saying: 'My husbands denial of the affair with the married Mrs. Ryan is as false as his claim that we were separated when he took up with her.' It has since been claimed that Ryan accompanied him to Israel earlier this month and attended an event where she was introduced as his 'partner'. On June 7, he and Ryan visited the Hadassah Medical Organization in Jerusalem. The group issued a press release afterwards which read: 'Former New York City Mayor Rudy Giuliani and his partner, Dr. Maria Ryan, Chief Executive Officer of Cottage Hospital in Woodsville, New Hampshire, visited Hadassah Medical Organization in Jerusalem today to get an update on Hadassah's management of terror events.' Giuliani was pictured at the hospital but Ryan was not. 'She however received a 'comprehensive tour' along with the former mayor. On March 29, Giuliani visited Cottage Hospital where Ryan is the CEO. Local networks filmed Giuliani's visit at the time. He said he was there to look at the hospital's cyber security equipment which was of interest to one of his businesses, Giuliani Security and Safety. Afterwards, they drove an hour to the hotel where staff said Giuliani was treated like a 'VIP'. Giuliani, the former mayor of New York, signed on in April as one of President Trump's personal lawyers to defend him against claims by Stormy Daniels, a porn star who alleges she was paid $130,000 by the president's lawyer to keep quiet about their 2006 alleged affair On the night in question, he, Ryan and two other men had dinner in the hotel restaurant. Afterwards, he and Ryan went back to his room, the $524-a-night Summit Suite. Giuliani has denied having an affair with Ryan, who is married to a former marine, but said they were friends. He also admitted having dinner with her at a hotel in March but said they dined with others and that there was 'no proof' they had had sex. 'I do know Dr. Ryan. She is a friend of mine, so is her husband Bob. Shes a PhD and a very, very fine woman. 'I was in effect separated by then,' he said. Pushed on whether or not the pair had a romantic relationship, he said: 'I never spent the night with her. Theres no proof. 'There cant be because we never did anything.' The visit on March 29 came a week before Nathan filed for divorce on April 4. He has since started dating LeBlanc. The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bill that would ban child sex dolls and robots because they normalize sex between adults and minors. The bill now moves to the Senate, where it must be approved before it is then offered up to the president for signing. These dolls can be programmed to simulate rape, said Rep. Bob Goodlatte, a Republican from Virginia who chairs the House Judiciary Committee. The very thought makes me nauseous. News of the bills passage in the House was reported by McClatchy. The bill, known as the CREEPER Act, is taking aim at child sex dolls and robots that are imported mainly from China, Hong Kong, and Japan. The U.S. House of Representatives has approved a bill that would ban child sex dolls and robots because they normalize sex between adults and minors. The U.S. Capitol building is seen above in Washington, DC There is currently no law on the books in the States that would prevent people from importing and selling life-size dolls and manequins used to simulate real-life sex. CREEPER is an acronym for Curbing Realistic Exploitative Electronic Pedophilic Robots Act. One of the bills authors, Dan Donovan, a Republican from New York, says the pedobots are a gateway to actual pedophilia. Once an abuser tires of practicing on a doll, its a small step to move on to a child, the Staten Island representative said. My bill takes necessary steps to stop these sickening dolls from reaching our communities. There is currently no law on the books in the States that would prevent people from importing and selling life-size dolls and manequins used to simulate real-life sex The proposed legislation is a response to the growing worldwide popularity of so-called sexbots. Sex robots - or sexbots - are anthropomorphic devices created for sexual gratification. Four companies sell them for $5,000 to $15,000. These realistic mannequins come in different ages, genders, appearances and textures with customizable oral, vaginal and anal openings. One company produces a childlike robot marketed as a pedobot. Those in favor of using sexbots argue for harm limitation to reduce prostitution and sex crimes. Opponents say sexbots could promote the idea that humans, too, are sex objects available for objectification. To the contrary, these dolls create a real risk of reinforcing pedophilic behavior and they desensitize the user causing him to engage in sicker and sicker behavior, Goodlatte said. Health benefits claimed by marketers of sex robots - safer sex, therapeutic possibilities, and the potential to treat pedophiles and sex offenders - havent been proven, or even well studied, experts say. In an editorial in BMJ Sexual & Reproductive Health, Dr. Chantal Cox-George of St. Georges University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust in London, UK and colleague Susan Bewley of Kings College London call for research into the ramifications of these devices. The majority of customers will probably make purchases for sexual gratification, and not for health reasons, Cox-George told Reuters Health by email. Still, she said, It is important for health care professionals to know the evidence in case there are medical risks or benefits, for example, with infections, in psychosexual therapy, or the treatment of sex offenders. Cox-George and Bewley looked for sex robot-related research and found no reports with primary data about their health aspects. Proponents argue that sexbots could provide a future with no sex trafficking, sex tourism or sex trade. In red-light districts, robotic prostitutes made of bacteria-resistant fiber and cleaned after each use could prevent the spread of sexually-transmitted infections. At some brothels in Barcelona, Spain, and Dortmund, Germany, sex robots and love dolls are already available. A family struggling to carry on with their dog's expensive skin treatment had no option other than to leave him in a shelter cage. The Shar-Pei dog, aged four and named Boockaboo, was found in the overnight cage outside RSPCA's shelter in Yagoona, accompanied with a heartbreaking handwritten note on Wednesday morning. The note said Booka was suffering from a genetic form of Mange disease and the family could no longer afford his expensive treatment. SCROLL DOWN FOR VIDEO Boockaboo was surrendered in the shelter cage outside RSPCA Sydney on Tuesday night The heart melting note said the family could no longer afford his expensive treatment Mange is a type of skin disease caused by parasitic mites and the term suggests poor condition of the hairy coat due to infection. RSPCA Sydney Media Liaison Stefania Kubowicz told Daily Mail Australia 'the staff was left teary-eyed in the morning' when they saw Booka cuddled up in one of the overnight cages. She said: 'It's always terrible to see a pet dropped off overnight and when the shelter staff saw Booka in the morning, they were moved.' Booka neither had an identification tag on him nor a microchip, making it even more difficult for RSPCA to locate the family members. The charity has offered to pay for Booka's treatment and have urged the owners to approach them for help. 'We have special community programs for families struggling to take care of their pets due to their financial troubles and would like to have a chat with the family,' Ms Kubowicz said. Ms Kubowicz said they were hopeful of finding Booka's family and encouraged people with similar problems to surrender their pets in daylight and try have a chat with them about the various ways help could be provided in. Two women are being treated in hospital following a horrific car accident where a truck landed on other cars. The truck was travelling down a ramp in Caboolture, Queensland, when it became airborne, crashing on top of the cars. Emergency services were called to the scene at Pumicestone Road near the DAguila Highway overpass, at about 8.30 am. A truck has landed on other cars in Caboolture, Queensland (pictured), after becoming airborne The wreckage from the horrific incident could be seen from above (pictured). Four vehicles were involved in the crash Emergency services responded to the scene and Queensland Ambulance reported that one woman is in a serious condition Queensland ambulance service shared that two patients were transported to the Royal Brisbane hospital - one in a serious condition and the other suffering from minor injuries. The Queensland Ambulance tweeted that the crash involved four-vehicles. Amy Russell, the daughter of one of the injured victims has spoken about the incident. She said that her mum suffered from glass in her skin and four broken ribs from the incident. 'The ute actually T-boned my mum's car and with such impact had lifted my mum's car up then the ute landed on her car and two other cars,' she said. Russell said that the other woman was older and had sustained injuries to her chest. 'This was absolutely devastating to hear and I hope all the families involved are okay.' A daughter of one of the injured victims, Amy Russell, said that her mother had four broken ribs and glass in her skin following the accident Queensland Ambulance responded to the four-vehicle smash after the incident occurred at 8.30am Aldi customers have been left furious after getting parking fines while shopping. Some claim staff at the shop in Gympie, Queensland called the police on them without warning. Aldi rejected suggestions staff called police on customers, saying in a statement that police regularly patrolled the area. Shoppers have been left furious for being fined while parking outside an Aldi store However, many customers said they knew they were parking on yellow lines but were left with no choice because the car park was full. Tony Jakeman received a $50 fine for illegal parking in the mail and told The Gympie Times: 'That was the first we heard of it.' It's a brilliant shop, but this is an unmitigated disaster Disgruntled Aldi customer Several shoppers said they have often struggled to get a space since the store expanded into the car park. My Jakeman said: 'It's a town planning issue - they increased the size of the shop and took some of the car parking spaces.' He added: 'It's a brilliant shop, but this is an unmitigated disaster.' One pensioner said he was fined for parking on yellow lines but had no choice because all the disabled bays were taken. Shopper Amber Walkerden said she was forced to go to Woolworths because there were no spaces to park. Other shoppers supported the fines. One said: 'They know they're parking illegally. Name them and shame them.' An Aldi spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'Local police regularly patrol the carpark at Aldi Gympie and surrounding areas at their own discretion, and any fines issues are a police matter'. 'We have also installed bollards in areas where we currently have "No Parking" signs to prevent illegal parking and the implementation of a one-way traffic system in a section of the car park.' Two men are in a critical condition after a helicopter carrying five people crashed on a steep hill. The crash happened on Thursday morning on private land in the Kaweka Ranges in the central North Island of New Zealand, Stuff reported. Two men are in a critical condition in hospital as a result of the crash. A man in his 30s is in a serious condition while two other men did not need hospital treatment. Two men are in a critical condition after a helicopter carrying five people crashed on a steep hill A distress beacon was alerted search and rescue volunteers to the helicopter's location after it crashed. It had been surveying the area and another helicopter from the same company was able to reach the crash site before rescue crews arrived, mission coordinator Dave Wilson said. The helicopter crashed on a steep hill, and helicopters from nearby Taupo and Hastings helped out in the rescue. A Transport Accident Investigation Commission spokesman said three investigators were due to arrive at the crash site on Friday. Chief investigator of accidents Captain Tim Burfoot said the helicopter had been significantly damaged in the crash. The crash happened on Thursday morning on private land in the central North Island of New Zealand All three of the men seriously injured in the crash are at Hawke's Bay Hospital in Hastings. One patient is believed to be in a serious condition with multiple fractures. The injuries of the other men in hospital are still unknown. A 17-year-old was killed in a modified game of Russian roulette in Las Vegas, but his family thinks he was flat out murdered by people that he believed were his friends. Matthew Minkler was in an abandoned home with Jaiden Caruso, 16, and Kody Harlan, 17 on Friday. The teens were playing the deadly game with a gun and Minkler was shot in the jaw. His friends ran and left him to bleed out on the kitchen floor, according to police. 'We know this wasn't Russian roulette,' his mother, Jamie Shanklin, told the Las Vegas Review-Journal. 'My kid was shot in the chin, like they were shutting him up.' Caruso and Harlan showed up back at the house shortly after Minkler was shot to clean up the scene. Harlan is accused of stuffing Minkler's body in a closet. Matthew Minkler, 17, was with people he thought were his friends in an abandoned house- when the teens played a deadly- and modified- game of Russian roulette According to police, this was not the typical game of Russian roulette. They allege only Jaiden Caruso, 16 (left) was only allowed to handle the gun, while Kody Harlan, 17 (right) stood by 'They never called 911,' detectives wrote in the probable cause arrest report. 'They never attempted to render aid.' Both Caruso and Harlan have been charged as adults in Minkler's death. Caruso is facing charges of murder with a deadly weapon and robbery, while Harlan faces charges of accessory to murder after the fact, destroying evidence and robbery. Disturbingly the suspects did not report the shooting to police, and, it was only after a police pursuit of a stolen Mercedes being driven recklessly by Harlan, that crashed that the teens would end up behind bars. Harlan allegedly blew through a red light and crashed into landscaping, while several other juveniles inside got out and ran. The plan unraveled once Harlan was in custody, spilling to police that 'he had been present during a murder, which took place earlier in the day.' That's when he led officers to the abandoned 3,717-square-foot house on Cool Lilac Avenue. Harlan told police that Matthew was shot in the face by Caruso. The teen confessed that Caruso allegedly pulled out a .375-caliber revolver for a game of Russian roulette. Typically, in the deadly game, a single bullet is loaded into a revolver, and the person spins the cylinder and then pulling the trigger while aiming the gun at yourself. However, this version was different. Harlan told police that Caruso 'never allowed the other participants to handle the firearm or pull the trigger themselves,' according to the police documents, reported by the Review-Journal. Matthew's mother believes this was no game, and her son's death was intentional. 'Jaiden had a 'beef' with my son. Jaiden never told him. He pretended they were friends,' Shanklin said, raising her voice. 'He would have never gotten into the car with them if he knew.' The words F*** Matt were spray painted onto the closet door where his body was found. Henderson officer Scott Williams said Matthew's killing 'shocked the conscience' of the Police Department. 'This one will stick with you,' he said, 'because it's so sinister.' In addition to any physical evidence against Caruso and Harlan in Minkler's murder, Caruso posted Snapchats as well. The teens played the game inside this abandoned home- and ran after Minkler was shot. They returned later to clean up the scene At one point Caruso speaks into the camera and says on Snapchat 'Bro, I just caught a body.' According to Las Vegas Now that Snapchat shows Minkler's body, still bleeding out on the floor. 'We know about the Snapchats that Jaiden posted,' Shanklin said Wednesday. In another video a voice is heard asking what to do with Minkler's body with Caruso not responding. Instead he is seen on video and 'calmly walks to the kitchen sink, wets his hands and begins to clean his shoes,' according to the police report. Caruso ends up replacing his shoes with $300 taken from Minkler's wallet, with the rest of the cash spent on drugs, according to police. Caruso admitted his involvement in the shooting when questioned by police. When presented with the evidence against him, Caruso 'broke down and admitted his involvement,' but claimed the shooting was accidental and he was on Xanax at the time. A teenage boy, 16, who was left fighting for his life after he was stabbed in a McDonald's is now in a stable condition. The boy was attacked at around 7.30pm on Wednesday night inside the McDonald's at Ravenswood in south-east, Ipswich, Suffolk. He is believed to have been stabbed in front of families with children. Police have arrested four people in connection with the attack. Local residents said they had been told that staff at the restaurant had intervened and given first aid to the youth. Police said he had suffered 'life threatening injuries' and was in a serious condition. It is believed he is being treated at nearby Ipswich Hospital. A teenage boy, 16, is fighting for his life after he was stabbed in a McDonald's in front of horrified parents and children. Suffolk police arrested four people in connection The boy was attacked at around 7.30pm on Wednesday night inside the drive-through McDonald's at Ravenswood in south-east, Ipswich, Suffolk He is believed to have been stabbed in front of families with children. Local residents said they had been told that staff at the restaurant had intervened and given first aid to the youth But today, Suffolk policing commander Chief Supt Tonya Antonis said his condition was now "stable". She added: "He is awake and talking and is expected to make a full recovery which is really good news. "We have not yet spoken to him. He is with his family in hospital and is in the care of hospital staff." The attack is the third stabbing in Ipswich within the last two weeks. It happened only a mile from where Tavis Spencer-Aitkens, 17, was stabbed to death in a suspected gang-related murder on June 2. Chief Supt Antonis added: "What we do know is that the victim of the stabbing at McDonald's was friends with Tavis who was sadly murdered a couple of weeks ago. "But there is nothing to suggest at this stage that this was an attack around retribution." The youth was attacked less than a mile from where another teenager Tavis Spencer-Aitkens, 17, was stabbed to death 11-days-ago in a suspected gang-related murder. A local resident said she believed the latest victim was a friend of a close relative of Tavis. The woman said: 'It sound like it was a tit for tat thing. This has got completely out of hand.' Armed police were seen swooping on a car around 100 yards from the restaurant in Nacton Road shortly after 9pm. Witnesses saw two men being ordered out of the car at gunpoint by officers armed with Heckler and Koch carbines. The men were ordered to walk slowly towards police before they were handcuffed and appeared to be arrested. A police dog handler and one armed officer ordered onlookers to step away, saying they were in danger if they stayed. On Thursday morning, Suffolk Police said: 'We have arrested four people in connection in what is still a dynamic situation. 'The victim remains in a critical condition and we are at the hospital supporting the victim's family. ' Witnesses saw two men being ordered out of the car at gunpoint by officers armed with Heckler and Koch carbines Forensic officers were also seen working at the scene while armed officers appeared to be searching hedgerows for a weapon An area inside the restaurant where the stabbing is believed to have happened was cordoned off with police tape last night. Forensic officers were also seen working at the scene while armed officers appeared to be searching hedgerows for a weapon. Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Parkes said: 'This is the early stages of a live investigation where we are already managing a significant number of enquiries. 'The public will see an increased number of officers in the area. I would urge anyone who has any information which may be relevant to call Suffolk police.' The stabbing happened just two days after another man was stabbed more than ten times by a gang of four masked men who forced their way into a terraced house in Pauline Street, Ipswich Suffolk. The victim was aged in his 20s was stabbed in the torso and legs just before 1am on Monday in what is believed to be a drug-related attack. The youth was attacked less than a mile from where another teenager Tavis Spencer-Aitkens (pictured) 17, was stabbed to death 11-days-ago in a suspected gang-related murder Tearful family and friends come to lay flowers in tribute to Tavis Spencer-Aitkens Suffolk Police described the attack by on Monday as 'targeted', but said they did not believe it was related to the murder of Tavis. The 17-year-old was attacked by up to seven men on June 2 outside his father's home in Packard Avenue, Ipswich, as he walked back to his father's home from a local shop. Her suffered multiple stab wounds and died later in Ipswich Hospital. Local residents linked his murder to a simmering feud between gangs in Ipswich. A 16-year-old boy and a 22-year-old man have been charged with the murder of Tavis and have been remanded in custody. Four men and a 17-year-old youth arrested on conspiracy to murder Tavis are currently on police bail and a 36-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released under investigation. Local policing commander Superintendent Kerry Cutler said earlier this week: 'This mindless violence needs to stop. This is our county town. We need to take our streets back, we need to ensure they are safe for our community. 'I do not want to take another phone call about somebody from our community being stabbed.' Police have arrested three men and a 17-year-old youth who are all from Ipswich in connection with the latest stabbing. Officers arrested an 18-year-old on suspicion of attempted murder, two men aged 20 and 22 on suspicion of causing grievous bodily harm and a 17-year-old on suspicion of having a bladed article and affray. All four are still being quizzed in police custody. Chief Supt Antonis said all the recent stabbings in Ipswich were "targeted" attacks. She said: "These are not random attacks. These are groups of young local men that are known to each other. "This is not just an issue in Ipswich. There is a much wider problem and it is not something the police can tackle alone." A local resident said: "It sound like it was a tit for tat thing. This has got completely out of hand." Armed police were seen swooping on a car around 100 yards from the restaurant in Nacton Road shortly after 9pm on Wednesday. Witnesses saw two men being ordered out of the car at gunpoint by officers armed with Heckler and Koch carbines. The men were ordered to walk slowly towards police before they were handcuffed and detained. A police dog handler and an armed officer ordered onlookers to step away, saying they were in danger if they stayed. An area inside the restaurant where the boy was treated for his wounds was cordoned off with police tape. Forensic officers were also seen working at the scene while armed officers appeared to be searching hedgerows for a weapon. A McDonald's spokesperson said: "We are aware of an incident that took place yesterday evening outside our Ravenswood restaurant in Ipswich. "We are doing everything we can to support all crew involved in the incident and our thoughts are with the family and friends of the young man involved. "Due to the on-going police investigation this it is not something we can comment on further at this time." Detective Chief Superintendent Simon Parkes said: "We have arrested four people in connection in what is still a dynamic situation. "The support of the public remains absolutely crucial and I urge anyone who may have the slightest information to call us straight away. "This is the early stages of a live investigation where we are already managing a significant number of enquiries. "The public will see an increased number of officers in the area. I would urge anyone who has any information which may be relevant to call Suffolk police." Tavis Spencer-Aitkens was attacked by up to seven men outside his father's home in Packard Avenue, Ipswich, as he walked back from a local shop. He suffered multiple stab wounds and died later in Ipswich Hospital. Local residents linked his murder to a simmering feud between gangs in Ipswich A 16-year-old boy and a 22-year-old man have been charged with the murder of Tavis and have been remanded in custody. Four men and a 17-year-old youth arrested on conspiracy to murder Tavis are currently on police bail and a 36-year-old woman arrested on suspicion of assisting an offender has been released under investigation. Another man aged in his 20s was stabbed more than ten times by a gang of four masked men who forced their way into a terraced house in Pauline Street, Ipswich at around 1am on Monday. The man who suffered wounds to his torso and legs is thought to have been targeted over a drugs dispute. He is in a serious, but stable condition in hospital. Ipswich's Labour MP Sandy Martin described the third stabbing as "tragic and frightening". He added: "Just yesterday, about an hour before this third stabbing took place, I was busy telling people that I thought the second stabbing was just a tragic coincidence. "I don't know the circumstances, it's too soon. But whether or not there's a link, clearly there's more to be done that we even thought three weeks ago. "I am convinced that after the tragic death of Tavis Spencer-Aitkens police are taking this as seriously as they need to - but I am not convinced they have the resources they need to get the necessary level of intervention." Mr Martin said he was having regular meetings with police, the borough and county councils to see what more can be done. He said: "We have to work together if we are going to achieve anything, We are all speaking the same language and discussing possible interventions. "There are certain things that have gone wrong in the past we need to make sure we get right in the future. "I will continue to do what I can to make sure the national Government gives police the funding it needs. "No one is safer if they carry a knife and parents need to know what their children are doing." Suffolk's Police and Crime Commissioner Tim Passmore said: "I'm absolutely devastated and shocked to hear yet another appalling attack. "It goes without saying I am so, so sorry to hear this and I do hope the victim pulls through. "My personal thoughts and prayers are with his friends and family. "I have got to re-emphasise the way forward in this dreadful situation is for all of us, every single person, charity, public and private body, to pull together and tackle the situation. "We are not going to police our way out of this. We need more opportunities for young people to make sure they have the right circumstances, the right skills for employment. "We have got to give people hope - a life without hope is one of despair. We cannot afford that to take hold because it will get worse. "There is no doubt this will cost money, I will continue funding but we need some long term solutions. "It grieves me to see these sorts of situations taking place. "We need to help those tangled up in it to get free and make sure the next generation stay away from it too. "This affects everyone in Suffolk. If we allow it to get worse it wrecks that area of Ipswich, then it wrecks out county town and then Suffolk PLC as well." Local policing commander Superintendent Kerry Cutler said earlier this week: "This mindless violence needs to stop. This is our county town. We need to take our streets back, we need to ensure they are safe for our community. "I do not want to take another phone call about somebody from our community being stabbed." Any witnesses to the latest attack are asked to contact 101 quoting reference CAD 355 of 13 June. Alternatively call the charity Crimestoppers anonymously on 0800 555 111. Off-duty Iredell sheriff's deputy Craig Scannella was at a bowling alley in North Carolina when his handgun accidentally went off, and struck a 10-year-old. Scannella was off duty at George Pappas Victory Lanes. He had a handgun in his right-front pocket with no holster, according to the Moorseville Tribune. When he went to place his hand in his pocket, the firearm dischaged. Off duty deputy Craig Scannella was at George Pappas Victory Lanes (pictured) with his gun un-holstered in his pocket. When he went into his pocket his firearm discharged The scene from outside the George Pappas Victory Lanes after a 10-year-old was struck by a bullet fragment after an off duty deputy's firearm discharged The bullet struck the ground and broke into several pieces, with one of them striking the child in the back, leaving a two-inch wound, according to the Charlotte Observer. The Iredell County District Attorney Sarah Kirkman reviewed the case and determined no criminal charges would be pursued. However, the sheriff's office is conducting its own, separate investigation. Deputy Scannella was put on leave pending the results of that investigation. Sajid Javid will ease a cap on foreign medics working in the UK to allow the NHS to recruit more staff Sajid Javid is planning a major relaxation of immigration laws before Brexit and will ease a cap on foreign medics working in the UK to allow the NHS to recruit more staff. The new Home Secretary will remove doctors and nurses from the annual 20,700 'tier 2' visa limit on non-EU workers. Other employers will be able to recruit an extra 8,000 skilled migrants a year, including IT experts, engineers and teachers, effectively raising the cap by 40 per cent. Mr Javid is expected to announce tomorrow that health workers from outside the EU will be exempt from the 'tier 2' visa cap to help the NHS fill staff shortages. Businesses will also be given a higher allocation, according to The Daily Telegraph. The move marks Mr Javid's first major intervention on migration policy and a significant softening of the Government's position on non-EU migration since Theresa May became Home Secretary in 2010. But sources made clear that there are no plans to drop Mrs May's target for bringing net annual immigration below 100,000. The NHS is facing a staffing crisis and Mr Javid is set to try to stop a drain of staff before and after Brexit Mr Javid is believed to favour a vision of Britain as a global country, open to business from beyond the EU after Brexit. It is understood that Mrs May was persuaded to support a 'time-limited' exemption for doctors and nurses after Cabinet ministers wrote to her backing Mr Javid's plan. DOCTORS WARN OF 'DESPERATE NEED' FOR FOREIGN STAFF Doctors have piled pressure on Sajid Javid to lift the cap warning of a 'desperate need' to ease pressures amid escalating patient demand. In a letter to Mr Javid, the head of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) said there were concerning cases where foreign GPs had been affected by the 'hostile environment' policies first introduced by Theresa May while she was at the Home Office. The British Medical Journal has said that between December 2017 and March 2018 more than 1,500 visa applications from doctors with job offers in the UK were refused as a result of the cap on workers from outside the European Economic Area. Sunder Katwala, director of the immigration think-tank British Future, said removing medical personnel from the visa cap would be a 'sensible move'. He said: 'It never made sense to turn away doctors and nurses that the NHS needs. It also frees up Tier 2 visa places for other employers who need high-skilled staff to fill vacancies. 'It's the right short-term fix for 2018. In the longer term, Britain will need better training of doctors, engineers and others here in the UK, together with an immigration system that welcomes people with the skills we need. 'But perhaps this is a sign that Home Secretary Sajid Javid is willing to take a bolder and more flexible approach to immigration, and deliver the kind of system that Britain will need after we leave the EU.' Advertisement Mr Javid is also expected to launch the first review in five years of the professions that could qualify for visas, meaning that GPs, teachers and other skilled migrants could gain the right to enter the UK under tier 2 visas. Pressure has been growing on the Prime Minister to abandon her target of reducing net migration to the 'tens of thousands', and to remove students from official figures. Mrs May has consistently stated that the goal of Brexit is limit migration and has resisted calls to soften her position. Leading Brexiteers, including Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, have argued that the Brexit vote was about taking 'control' of who should be granted entry the UK, rather than simply slashing numbers. Ministers are yet to begin detailed discussions on post-Brexit immigration strategies, but there is a growing suspicion that it is unlikely to be as strict as first thought. Former Chancellor George Osborne, an ally of Mr Javid when in Government, claimed last year that the entirety of Mrs May's Cabinet was opposed to her net migration target. But a Government source told The Daily Telegraph that reform is part of a 'long-term' plan for the NHS. In a letter to the Prime Minister, Mr Javid is understood to have warned that an increase in the number of doctors recruited from outside the EU has meant the cap for all skilled workers which is set at 20,700 people a year has been breached in every month since December. It is believed the Home Secretary stressed the new policy did not alter his 'position on net migration'. He said the aim of Government policy should be to train more British doctors. It is believed Jeremy Hunt, the Health Secretary, Greg Clark, the Business Secretary and Damian Hinds, the Education Secretary have written to the Prime Minister in support of Mr Javid. A male cyclists has died after suffering critical head injuries in an early morning collision with a truck. The victim was taken to hospital after the incident on Oxley Highway, near Port Macquarie, about 6am on Thursday, but later died. He was traveling north bound when he was struck by the semi trailer being driven by a 42-year-old man from Port Macquarie, Port News reported. A male cyclists has died after suffering critical head injuries in an early morning collision with a truck on Oxley Highway, near Port Macquarie He was traveling north bound when he was struck by the semi trailer being driven by a 42-year-old man from Port Macquarie The cyclist was unconscious and had severe facial, chest and head injuries when emergency services arrived. He was mobilised on a spinal board before being taken to Port Macquarie Base Hospital, where he died shortly after, a NSW Ambulance spokesperson said. Officers from the Crash Investigation Unit and Mid North Coast Police District remained at the scene for several hours after the incident. The truck driver was taken to hospital for mandatory blood and urine testing. The cyclist was unconscious and had severe facial, chest and head injuries when emergency services arrived Authorities have launched an investigation into details surrounding the incident. Footage from the scene showed the left-hand lane of the highway closed and a long line of traffic backed up. Officers were also shown placing numbers next to evidence, which included several pieces of debris and a blue bicycle. A Texas man who tuned into the nightly news caught word about the undocumented immigrants who were discovered in a tractor-trailer Tuesday, and dropped off pizza for the group. Tow truck driver Armando Colunga, of San Antonio, bought seven pizzas at a nearby Little Caesars for the 54 people who were found in the back of a refrigerated 18-wheeler. 'Something just told me, you know, I have to do this,' Colunga said in a statement to KSAT 12. The truck driver said he decided to send food after he heard the group had only been supplied water. Scroll down for videos Tow truck driver Armando Colunga bought pizza for a group of undocumented immigrants on Tuesday night Authorities found more than 50 suspected illegal immigrants huddled in the back of an 18-wheeler in San Antonio The truck driver said he decided to send food after he heard the group was only given water, no food 'They were happy they were eating something. I figured they hadn't ate in awhile,' he added. Mackey initially thought officials at the scene wouldn't allow him to give pizza to the immigrants - but was pleasantly surprised by their reaction. Colunga told the news station that firefighters thanked him for his thoughtful gesture. He said: 'It wasn't for the attention... Like I said, I felt it was something I had to do. They're all humans. 'They're not here to commit crime. They're here for a better life - to work. They are harder working people than some of our people here that are citizens.' Authorities from several agencies were called to a North Side neighborhood around 8.30pm on Tuesday and found 54 people, some children, suspected of entering the country illegally. The male driver of the tractor-trailer, who has not been identified, was arrested at the scene. At least 54 people were found hiding in the back of a tractor-trailer in San Antonio, Texas on Tuesday Five of the group were injured trying to flee the truck. They were taken to the hospital for minor injuries Homeland Security Investigations spokeswoman Nina Pruneda confirmed that the agency is investigating. San Antonio Fire Department chief Charles Hood said all the people appeared to be in good health. Hood said: 'This truck was air-conditioned, thank God. This truck had water. So they were hydrated.' Hood said five individuals were treated for minor injuries, sustained when they were getting out of the truck. They were transported to a hospital. The rest of the group were searched and fed before they were taken to a detention center. Those who were not injured were fed pizza and then taken to a detention center San Antonio Fire Department chief Charles Hood (pictured) says all the people appeared to be in good health The children in the group were said to be pre-teens and older. An representative from the Refugee and Immigrant Center for Education and Legal Services (RAICES) went to the scene to give the group legal counsel. 'We help people seek asylum,' said Jenny Hixon, RAICES Director of Education and Outreach, according to KENS5. 'We need to be humanitarian. We need to do something that is consistent with our values. We must show dignity and respect. 'We dont know where they are going. There are lots of detention centers around South Texas.' William Tyrrell's grandmother is furious with police who have failed to find the young boy after four years, and claims their latest search is 'just for show' coming up to what would have been the youngster's seventh birthday. Natalie Collins spoke with Daily Mail Australia on Thursday as police combed the bushland behind William's foster-grandmother's former home in Kendall, NSW. 'He isn't there and the police know that. 'They are just putting on a big show for the world because we haven't heard anything for a while, and his birthday is coming up,' she said. Natalie Collins spoke with Daily Mail Australia on Thursday as police combed the bushland behind William's foster-grandmother's former home in Kendall, NSW William Tyrrell's grandmother is furious with police who have failed to find the young boy after four years 'They are just putting on a big show for the world because we haven't heard anything for a while, and his birthday is coming up,' she said 'They just want everyone to think they are actually still looking for him.' Police began a four-week effort to comb the scrub in an effort to prove the boy was truly abducted. 'So we can show, beyond reasonable doubt, William's disappearance was the result of human intervention and not through misadventure,' the officer in charge of the investigation, Detective Chief Inspector Gary Jubelin, from the homicide squad said. It is the second major search of nearby forest, creeks and paddocks in the past four years. William's grief-stricken grandmother also revealed that she has never been questioned by police - despite having a close relationship with the boy prior to his disappearance. 'I think this has been handled wrong from the beginning,' she said. 'I have never even been interviewed by police, not once in all this time. Police began a four-week effort to comb the scrub in an effort to prove the boy was truly abducted 'I could have had him the whole time and I have not had one police officer knock on my door to check.' 'I could have had him the whole time and I have not had one police officer knock on my door to check.' And she is furious that William's parents Karlie Tyrrell and Brendan Collins were treated like criminals - when they have been devastated since hearing he had disappeared. 'Police knocked on their door, handcuffed them and treated them like criminals. 'They were so confused and had no idea what was going on. 'They have been treated so poorly this whole time - everyone forgets it is there son that is gone.' 'They have been treated so poorly this whole time - everyone forgets it is there son that is gone,' Ms Collins says, Karlie Tyrrell is pictured The grandmother avoids watching news about William's disappearance - as it 'is extremely difficult for everyone' Mr Collins has been 'in and out of jail' in the four years since William disappeared. 'No one cares that my son has been through hell and back because of this,' she said. Despite his difficulties since the disappearance of his eldest son Brendan is 'going good'. 'He is off the drugs and getting help with doctors and stuff - but that's only because he went to jail they didn't give a s*** about him before that.' The grandmother avoids watching news about William's disappearance - as it 'is extremely difficult for everyone'. She believes if her son had been able to keep custody of William he would be 'a happy little boy looking forward to his birthday' 'If I watch it then I will bring it up with Brendan and it hurts him so much to think about it - he feels so bad about everything because if William hadn't been taken away he wouldn't have been lost.' Ms Collins is torn between wanting the little boy's body to be found so she can 'say goodbye' and having the mystery remain unsolved. 'I just don't know what finding him will do to Brendan - I don't know how he will handle that,' she said. She believes if her son had been able to keep custody of William he would be 'a happy little boy looking forward to his birthday'. Two major fires broke out at separate high-rise blocks this morning on the first anniversary of the Grenfell Tower blaze. More than 150 people escaped a burning 20-storey block of flats in Lewisham, South East London, after a blaze took hold of the 13th floor shortly after 4am today. However, many complained they had to be woken by neighbours and other residents across the street shouting 'fire, fire' because the alarms didn't sound. Some 400 miles north and four hours later in Glasgow, five people were rescued after a blaze broke out in a block of flats, with smoke coming from the 14th floor. More than ten fire crews, police and other emergency services were sent to the scene in the Gorbals area after the fire broke out in a kitchen at about 8am. Crews were called to a fire on the 13th floor of the 20-storey block in Lewisham this morning A woman carries her baby child back into the building in Lewisham as two men follow behind Residents return to their homes today after the fire was put out by London Fire Brigade crews Residents are pictured returning to their homes following the blaze in South East London Some residents in Lewisham said they had to rely on neighbours to alert them to the danger In London, firefighters said around 150 people had left the building before crews arrived at about 4.15am today - and a sprinkler system 'suppressed' the blaze. But residents were only woken by shouting from across the road, and started running down the stairs - banging on doors as they descended to wake up others. Flats in the block, which is called Roma Corte and has a 24-hour concierge service, have sold for up to 500,000 over the past three years since it was built. People in the building opposite were screaming, 'fire, fire' Christoph Mayr, 32 Christoph Mayr, 32, said: 'We're on the top floor and woke up because there was shouting outside, so went out on the balcony, and people in the building opposite were screaming, 'fire, fire'. 'We didn't see anything, but they started waving and pointing and shouted, 'You. It's in your block, get out of the building'. We started running down the stairs and banged on doors as we were going down.' The artist manager, who has lived in the building for three years, said there was smoke on one of the floors. 'Everyone was pretty shocked there was no alarms,' he said. 'It got more real when we were in the staircase and it was pretty warm.' Five people have been rescued after a fire broke out in a high-rise block of flats in Glasgow More than ten fire crews, police and other emergency services went to the scene in Glasgow Five people were rescued from the building in Glasgow today and the fire was contained Smoke came from the 14th floor of the building in the Gorbals area of Glasgow this morning The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said the blaze took hold in 'the kitchen of the 14th floor' Firemen on the scene at Commercial Court in Glasgow after a fire on the 14th floor The blaze broke out on the 14th floor of the tower block in the Gorbells area of Glasgow today Parents were bringing their children inside wrapped in blankets as the last of the residents were allowed back to their homes at around 8am. Lewisham tower block where properties sold for up to 500,000 The fire took hold of Roma Corte, a tower block that has seen properties sell for up to 500,000 over the past three years since it was built. The flats, which have been billed as 'superb', 'luxurious' and 'stylish' by estate agents, are located in the Renaissance development near Lewisham train and DLR station. Amenities for residents include a 24-hour concierge, community leisure centre, landscaped gardens and underground bike storage. The block is part of a regeneration of the town centre, with the Renaissance development made up 788 homes, including 146 affordable properties. Those living in the tower include young professionals who benefit from quick journeys to Canary Wharf and Bank. A major safety failure in the Grenfell blaze one year ago was found to be the flammable aluminium and polyethylene cladding installed on the tower's facade during a recent renovation. More than 300 towers around Britain have similar combustible cladding. The cladding on three buildings in the Lewisham area failed government fire-safety tests last summer, but Roma Corte was not one of them. Advertisement Mr Mayr said residents are worried about the building's fire safety, which he had considered in the light of the Grenfell Tower disaster before moving in. 'It's a new building and seemed to have all sorts of precautions, including sprinklers, no cladding... but when the alarms don't go off of course you wonder what else is not working.' Another resident, Caleb Parker, 40, who lives on the 10th floor, said: 'I was sleeping and someone banged on the door and I got up and didn't know what it was. 'I heard someone else banging on the door saying, 'fire, get out'. I wasn't sure what to expect and when I saw the fire I thought it could be really bad.' Mr Parker, who is originally from the US, added: 'Up to now I felt safe. I don't know that I feel unsafe, but I'm concerned, certainly on the one-year anniversary of Grenfell.' Alix Mabon, 25, who lives on the fourth floor of Roma Corte, was one of the first people out of the building. She praised the bravery of three teenagers who alerted her to the fire before running through the building knocking on doors. 'I slept with the balcony door open,' the civil servant said. 'I just heard people screaming and shouting and thought it was an argument on the street, but it just got louder and louder. 'When I came out three teenagers were with the concierge shouting, 'fire, fire. Get out'. The first thought that came into my head was, 'Oh my God, it's Grenfell. We're going to be the next Grenfell'.' Ms Mabon said there was no official advice to evacuate and wants a full building inspection and investigation. London Fire Brigade said around 150 people left the building before firefighters arrived Residents of the block of flats in South East London have complained that there was no alarm The cause of the Lewisham fire is under investigation, according to the London Fire Brigade London Fire Brigade arrived at about 4.15am and said a sprinkler system 'suppressed' the fire 'I did think about staying, but obviously Grenfell was in the back of my mind, so I thought I have got to get out,' she said. 'I had no idea where the fire was. It could have been right next door.' Firefighters are seen investigating the blaze on the 13th floor in Lewisham today Ms Mabon said it was a good thing that the fire was contained in one flat, but added: 'Of course I worry when there's no alarm. Apparently there's supposed to be a central button the concierge can press. 'But nothing was pressed, nothing happened. The only people running up the stairs were those teenagers. There were also people who slept the whole way through it. Thank God it was contained.' Earlier, Yusif Ali tweeted: 'Fire in Roma Corte building, Lewisham and no fire alarm was set off. Instead get woken up to the sound of people screaming there was a fire. Horrible.' And Nick Cheuk added: 'Police just told us that no one has been injured and that the fire was contained to just the one flat.' Crews from Deptford, New Cross and Lewisham were among the 58 firefighters at the scene, while police and ambulance staff were also present. Firefighters said they received 16 calls about the blaze, which was under control by 5.23am. The cause of the fire is under investigation, LFB added. Paramedics and police were also at the scene. Pictures posted by the London Ambulance Service showed a number of emergency vehicles outside the block. Paramedics and police were also at the scene following the fire in London early this morning Firefighters allow people back into their homes following the fire in Lewisham this morning The Metropolitan Police, London Ambulance Service and London Fire Brigade all attended The London Fire Brigade is now investigating the cause of the fire in Lewisham this morning There were 58 firefighters at the scene in London, while police and paramedics were also there The A20 was partially closed while emergency crews were at the scene. A spokesman for Barratt Residential Asset Management, the firm that manages the building, said: 'A fire occurred in a single apartment at the Roma Corte building early this morning, it was extinguished safely and quickly without any injuries. 'Heat and smoke detectors and sprinklers are present in all apartments. Full fire safety procedures in the building were followed successfully and we would like to thank the London Fire Brigade who responded swiftly. 'All residents have now returned to the building and we are conducting an investigation.' In Glasgow, the city council's leader Susan Aitken praised firefighters for their work and said five people had been rescued with the fire contained. She tweeted: 'I've had an update from @fire-scot. It looks like this fire has been contained quickly and five people have been rescued. Firefighters in London received 16 calls about the blaze, which was under control by 5.23am 'Thanks again to our firefighters for their swift and effective work.' Eliot Brown, 19, was evacuated from his flat on the 13th floor. He said: 'I woke up and opened my eyes and saw smoke rising past the window. 'I thought it was mist at first and the after that I heard a knock on the door and it was someone shouting to get out.' The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said: 'Operations Control mobilised a number of resources to the scene at Commercial Court, where a fire has taken hold within the kitchen of the 14th floor property. Crews presently remain at the scene.' First Minister Nicola Sturgeon tweeted: 'As local MSP for the Gorbals, I'm in close contact with @NewGorbalsHA who are on site. 'The @scotfire-glasgo response is ongoing. I am receiving updates and will offer all possible assistance to any constituents affected.' Today marks 12 months since a small kitchen fire at Grenfell Tower in North Kensington, West London, took hold of the block - killing 72 people. Parliament's Serjeant at Arms is being investigated amid claims he verbally abused a female colleague, despite his staunch defence of John Bercow over bullying allegations. Kamal El-Hajji, who is responsible for the security of House of Commons, is said to have 'yelled' at a female security official in front of witnesses last week, according to The Daily Telegraph. Details of the inquiry emerged less than a day after Mr El-Hajji dismissed allegations of bullying against the Speaker as a 'witch hunt'. In an article for The House, the internal parliamentary magazine, he said claims against Mr Bercow came from 'disgruntled' former employees who sought to discredit him. Parliament's Serjeant at Arms, Kamal El-Hajji, is being investigated amid claims he verbally abused a female colleague in a heated exchange last week He said that Mr Bercow had supported him since his election as the first 'non-white' Serjeant at Arms in 2016. The Speaker is understood to have welcomed his appointment two years ago as part of a drive to improve diversity in Parliament. But it has now emerged that Mr El-Hajji is himself locked in a bullying row following a run-in with a female colleague. A senior Parliamentary official told The Daily Telegraph: 'While we cannot comment on individual cases, any reported incident would be dealt with through the appropriate channels.' It came as a briefing note from the House of Commons revealed that supportive MPs had been asked to deflect attention away from the bullying allegations surrounding Mr Bercow. One extract even suggested MPs accuse the BBC of bullying for its incessant reporting on the issue. Details of the probe emerged less than a day after Mr El-Hajji, 59, dismissed allegations of bullying against the Speaker John Bercow (pictured) as a 'witch hunt' Earlier this year Mr El-Hajj courted controversy after claiming he had been the victim of racism in the House of Commons. The Moroccan-born 59-year-old is believed to have described the Commons as a 'white people's club' after he was subjected to racist comments, stripped of his responsibilities and kicked out of his grace and favour home. Mr El-Hajji started in his 80,000 position with a team of around 12 and a grand office. A year later, he was told his team was to be subsumed into a new In-House Services department and that he would have to move from his office to a 'cupboard-sized' room while the windows were refurbished. In 2016, he had also been given a three-bedroom residence next to Parliament's Derby Gate, where he lives with his wife and three children. A source said Mr El-Hajji received an official letter saying he has to leave his home by next January. A man who claimed he taught Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith how to shoot has allegedly been caught out lying about being a returned serviceman. Kenneth Franks faced Goondiwindi Magistrates Court Thursday charged for impersonating a returned serviceman in regional Queensland, Courier Mail reported. During a raid of the 49-year-old's home, police officers said they seized a host of military paraphernalia after he fronted ANZAC Day with an impressive collection of medals. Kenneth Franks (pictured) faced Goondiwindi Magistrates Court Thursday charged for impersonating a returned serviceman in regional Queensland He faces charges of falsely representing to be a returned soldier, sailor or airman and improper use of service decorations. Franks wore 10 medals to this year's service, according to locals, and claimed he was a former SAS soldier. Goondiwindi RSL vice president Bill Brasington said his suspicions were first raised when Franks wore a hat with a Special Air Service Regiment badge on a visit to the town's ANZAC badge-sellers. 'He said he was an SAS fella and had been deployed everywhere, everywhere overseas -- you name it, but he said it was all a secret,' Mr Brasington said. Franks claimed he taught Victoria Cross recipient Ben Roberts-Smith (centre) how to shoot 'He said he taught Ben Roberts-Smith how to shoot his rifle. Then he showed up at the dawn service this year and he had medals from Bosnia and a US valor medal, which was the second-highest decoration.' 'When he said SAS you sort of look up to them because it's a really top ladder regiment.' On further investigation, Mr Brasington fount the military number Franks gave to the RSL wasn't listed and there was no record of him serving in the national military. He said Franks also showed him weapons, including a minigun, a .50-calibre sniper rifle and about 10 pistols. Mr Brasington fount the military number Franks (pictured) gave to the RSL wasn't listed and there was no record of him serving in the national military Franks even went and spoke about his time in the defence force at his local Men's Shed. Serious penalties, including six months jail, could apply for people who commit military fraud, according to Criminal defence lawyer and Iraq and East Timor veteran Dave Garratt. Mr Garratt said it was 'extremely disrespectful' to legitimate servicemen and women to falsely pose as an ex-soldier. The Governor of the Cayman Islands (pictured) is under investigation by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office The Governor of the Cayman Islands is under investigation by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) and has been called back to the UK just three months after taking the role. Island Premier Alden McLaughlin confirmed the British diplomat was temporarily withdrawn to investigate a number of complaints against him. The FCO confirmed it was investigating Choudhury, who was formally the UK ambassador to Peru, but refused to comment on the nature of the complaints. Anwar Choudhury, Governor of the Cayman Islands, has been temporarily withdrawn from his post to allow the FCO to investigate a number of complaints against him,' the FCO said. 'It is inappropriate to comment further while an investigation is ongoing.' The Governor was the main target of a bomb attack at an Islamic holy site in his home country of Bangladesh in 2004. The explosion at the Hazrat Shahjalal shrine in Sylhet killed two people and Choudhury, who was then the British High Commissioner in Bangladesh, was among about 100 injured. In his current role Choudhury acts as a figurehead for the Cayman Islands government, which is run by the Premier. Choudhury is pictured with a Bangladeshi woman signing a book of condolence following the July 7 bombings in London in 2005 McLaughlin told news group Cayman 27: The minister insisted that no further details could be provided at this stage and indicated that the Foreign and Commonwealth Office did not intend to make a public statement regarding the matter.' Choudhury was in London this week meeting with an FCO minister discussing a law passed last month that will force Cayman firms to disclose their beneficial owners by 2020. The Caribbean Island and other tropical locations have become infamous for providing a haven to companies and rich individuals wishing to disguise ownership, avoid tax in their home countries, and launder money. The Sanctions and Anti-Money Laundering Bill, amended by Parliament last month, forces 14 British overseas territories to introduce public registers of beneficial ownership, revealing who is behind the formerly shadowy companies. The FCO (pictured) is investigating the British diplomat in relation to a number of complaints Fourteen British overseas territories including the Caymen Islands (pictured) will be made to declare their beneficial owners Island Premier Alden McLaughlin (pictured with UK Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson) confirmed the British diplomat was temporarily withdrawn The new law has been met with staunch opposition by the Cayman government, and McLaughlin has described the law as constitutional overreach. Choudhury and the Premier met with Lord Tariq Ahmad of Wimbledon, Minister of State for the Commonwealth and the United Nations, on Monday for bilateral talks on the issue, according to a report by island news site Cayman Compass. McLaughlin told Cayman 27 that Deputy Governor, Franz Manderson, would serve in Choudhurys place while the Governor was being investigated. The Premier said the investigation would likely last four to six weeks. While this development was unforeseen and is most unfortunate, I am confident that it will not affect the continued good governance of the Cayman Islands, the Premier added. This was the shocking moment a jealous wife stripped her husband's alleged mistress naked before smothering her body in fish sauce and chilli powder. Giang Jun, 30, was working at her beauty spa in Thanh Hoa, Vietnam, on Tuesday at 10pm when the furious wife stormed in and accused her of having an affair with her husband. The married woman was said to have dragged Ms Jun by her hair onto the road outside before tearing off her clothes and dousing her in fish sauce. A furious wife covered her husband's alleged mistress in fish sauce (pictured) before smothering her naked body in chilli powder Giang Jun (pictured), 30, was working at her beauty spa in Thanh Hoa, Vietnam, on Tuesday night when the furious wife stormed in. Ms Jun is pictured with scratches across her cheek According to witness David Pam, she then smothered extra hot chilli powder over Ms Jun's naked body. The humiliating act is said to be a disturbing copycat trend emerging in Vietnam when wives confront their husband's mistresses. The incident was photographed by Mr Pam and police are now investigating. Mr Pam said: 'There was lots of cursing at the woman. The wife said she had been married for ten years and that the beauty spa owner had destroyed her marriage. The married woman was said to have dragged Ms Jun (pictured) by her hair onto the road outside before tearing off her clothes 'There were a group of women helping her. She pulled her hair and slapped her. She put chilli powder over her body in the middle of the High Street. 'The victim showed no resistance, she just was on the ground and received it. I think she was taken to hospital because of burns caused by the powder.' Thanh Hoa Police Chief Lam Son Ward told local media that officers received a call at 10pm about a girl who was jealous and had attacked another woman with fish sauce and chilli. One witness said: 'She pulled her hair and slapped her. She put chilli powder over her body in the middle of the High Street' Ms Jun was taken to the hospital where she was 'treated for burns caused by the chilli powder' He said: 'When officers arrived, all parties involved had left the scene. The cause of the case is now being verified. 'There are signs of a crime being committed by humiliating another person.' Nguyen Chi Phuong, head of Thanh Hoa police station, said: 'The unit has identified the girl who was assaulted in the incident and we are encouraging this girl to file a complaint. However, she is afraid of the consequences. Nguyen Chi Phuong, head of Thanh Hoa police station, said Ms Jun was afraid to file a complaint against her attacker because she feared the consequences Witnesses said other women helped the wife attack Ms Jun who didn't fight back 'After the investigation is completed, the public security bodies will handle the case strictly according to the law with regards to the violence displayed, the hooliganism and the lack of culture.' Officers said that the alleged attacker could be charged with humiliating another person, intentionally inflicting injury and causing public disorder. Nguyen Chi Phuong added: 'It is not a defence or justification that there is a conflict of love between the husband and wife. 'If they are no longer affectionate they should respect each other and divorce in accordance with the law. 'If there are grounds to prove that the husband shows signs of violating the marriage and family structure, there are many legal ways to settle the case, such as making an application to the local administration or the police office for settlement.' WARNING: GRAPHIC CONTENT A man stabbed to death two worshippers in an attack at a mosque in South Africa moments after praying with them - before he was shot dead by police. Several people were also wounded in the attack in the town of Malmesbury near the southwestern city of Cape Town early on Thursday, police said. Police revealed how the suspect was praying at the mosque at around 3am when he got up and began stabbing people. 'As people got themselves ready to pray, the suspect just got up and started stabbing the people. He was praying with them,' Malmesbury Police Constable Henry Durant told News24. Ismail Bassa, 74, was named as one of the dead worshippers. Ismail Bassa (pictured), 74, was one of the people killed when a man went on a rampage at a mosque in South Africa before he was shot dead by police A man stabbed to death two worshippers in an attack at a mosque in South Africa before he was shot dead by police Noliyoso Rwexana, spokesperson for the Western Cape police, said Malmesbury police were called out to a local mosque and found two people dead with stab wounds and several people injured. 'The suspect believed to be in his thirties and armed with a knife charged at the police who tried to persuade him to hand himself over, 'He ignored the calls and tried to attack police. He was shot dead,' Rwexana said. Rwexana said police are now 'combing the scene for clues'. The motive for the attack was not immediately clear. The attack comes in the finals days of the holy month of Ramadan, when devout Muslims often pray late into the night at the mosque. Several people were also wounded in the attack in the town of Malmesbury near the southwestern city of Cape Town early on Thursday, police said Police revealed how the suspect was praying at the mosque at around 3am when he got up and began stabbing people It also comes a month after a similar attack at a Shiite mosque in the town of Verulam, on the outskirts of the eastern port city of Durban. Three unidentified assailants killed one man by slitting his throat and injured two others after midday prayers at the mosque. Police are still searching for the attackers. The motive was not clear, but police said it had 'elements of extremism.' The Verulam attack appeared to be unprecedented in South Africa, where about 1.5 percent of the country's 55-million population is Muslim. The country prides itself on religious tolerance and has little record of violence related to religion. A police vehicle is parked outside the Malmesbury main mosque following a stabbing attack Remain rebels tonight rejected Theresa May's 'sneaky' attempt at a compromise over a meaningful vote on the final Brexit deal. The Government tabled a new draft moments before the 5pm deadline but failed to secure the support of ringleaders Dominic Grieve and Anna Soubry. Rebel Sarah Wollaston branded Mrs May's draft 'sneaky' because a last minute change meant the proposed 'meaningful vote' would not be amendable by MPs. Ms Soubry branded the turnaround 'unforgivable' and said the group of rebels - thought to number around 15 - feel 'badly let down' by Mrs May following her personal assurances on Tuesday night. But tonight Tory minister Robert Buckland, the solicitor general, insisted the Government 'has not lied' about the compromise being offered. He said rebel demands 'dancing on the head of a pin' and said the priority should be getting Britain the best deal. The failure to reach a deal sets the stage for another huge showdown over the EU Withdrawal Bill - also known as the Brexit Bill - next week. The rebels believed they had been promised a vote that could effectively veto on the Government walking away from Brexit talks without a deal. The Prime Minister (pictured at a business event in Downing Street yesterday) is attempting to defuse tensions with Tory Remainers by tabling a compromise amendment to the flagship EU Withdrawal Bill on a 'meaningful vote' for Parliament Tory Remainers including former ministers Dominic Grieve (right) and Anna Soubry (left on the BBC tonight) insist the PM gave them a 'personal assurance' that their concerns would be addressed Rebel Sarah Wollaston (pictured in the Commons this week) branded Mrs May's draft 'sneaky' because a last minute change meant the proposed 'meaningful vote' would not be amendable by MPs Ex-Tory minister Baroness Ros Altmann is believed to have tabled rival provisions on behalf of pro-EU Tories as an 'insurance policy'. Peers will vote on the clash on Monday and are likely to back the Remain rebel version. MPs are then due to vote on Wednesday in a clash that could humiliate the Prime Minister. Speaking to Sky News tonight, Mr Buckland admitted the amendment had gone through several different versions as the PM held last-ditch discussions with rebels. He said: 'Yes there were times in the day where we were looking at different iterations. But the Prime Minister had a choice to make, she was given a range of options, she delivered on the promise she made.' And he hit back at claims ministers have acted in an underhand way, saying: No I have not lied. I certainly have not. 'I promised them I would deal in good faith. We looked at iterations, they have been involved in the process as have other colleagues and in the end a decision was made by the Government to table the motion in these terms. I am sorry if they are disappointed by the final terms of it, I really am. But a decision has to be made, the Government has made its position clear about the ongoing negotiations, this is where we are. Let the Lords have their debate. Other colleagues were consulted but ultimately the decision was the Prime Ministers. This isnt some sort of draft by committee. ' What is the row over a meaningful vote on Brexit about? Tory rebels have been fighting to force Theresa May to agree to give Parliament a meaningful vote on the Brexit deal. The government has already committed that there will be a vote on the terms reached with Brussels. But Tory rebels want her to go further . They say that if the PM does not get a Brexit deal by November she must take a motion setting out her strategy to parliament - and this will be voted on by MPs. If she has still not reached a deal by next February next year then Parliament should be able to give her orders on what to negotiate. And if the PM does not get a deal, they want MPs to vote on it. Facing the prospect of a humiliating defeat in the Commons earlier this week, the PM thrashed out a verbal compromise with the backbenchers. But her compromise amendment has failed to win the support of the rebels. The PM has set the three red lines she says the compromise cannot cross. These are: 1. Not overturn the referendum 2. Undermine the negotiations 3. Not change the convention which gives the Government the power to negotiate Advertisement 'This is done by Government in the normal, proper way, the Prime Minister making a decision the Secretary of State for Exiting the EU making a decision and the amendment being tabled. He went on: This is all dancing on the head of a pin. Lets focus on getting a deal lets get that deal and lets get the deal we deserve. Mrs May delivered a stark warning yesterday that MPs must not be allowed to 'tie the hands' of the government in Brexit negotiations. Her Government tonight defended the amendment as meeting this test and insisted it met the demands of those who wanted a vote on the final deal. When they called off their rebellion on Tuesday night, Tory Remainers including former ministers Mr Grieve, Ms Soubry and Nicky Morgan insist the PM gave them a 'personal assurance' that their concerns would be addressed. Mr Grieve said there had been an agreed text at 2pm this afternoon, prompting him to get on a train to take part in Question Time tonight. After the final version emerged he told the BBC: 'It is unacceptable. At the end of the process something was inexplicably changed, which had not been agreed. 'The Government has made the motion unamendable, contrary to the usual methods of the House of Commons and therefore it cannot be accepted.' Ms Soubry tweeted: 'I understand the Government has tabled an amendment that has not been agreed by Dominic Grieve. 'Grateful for the conversations but without consultation what was agreed earlier today has been changed.' She later told the BBC the Government about face was 'unforgivable, I'm very, very disappointed', adding: 'People took the PM at her word... they feel badly let down.' Another rebel, Dr Wollaston, tweeted: 'Ah ha, so just to be clear we are now going to have to amend the 'unamendable' after the agreed amendable amendment acquired a sneaky sting in the tail. 'What a time to be alive.' Shadow Brexit Secretary Sir Keir Starmer said: 'The Government's amendment is simply not good enough. The text of the Government motion requires ministers only to provide a 'neutral motion' on the Brexit deal - meaning the Rebels would not be able to amend it to make their own demands for negotiations The rules set by the Government motion would require a statement by a minister on the negotiations within two weeks of a vote on January 21, 2019, if there is no deal 'Theresa May has gone back on her word and offered an amendment that takes the meaning out of the meaningful vote. Parliament cannot - and should not - accept it.' A Brexit department spokeswoman said: 'Our new amendment respects the tests set out by the Prime Minister and the Brexit Secretary. 'We have listened to those across the House who called for the ability to express their views, in the unlikely event that our preferred scenario did not come to pass.' She said there would now be a vote in both Commons and Lords if Parliament rejects the deal, if talks end with no deal, and if there is a deal by January 21, 2019. She added: 'This ensures that in all circumstances Parliament can hold Government to account, while also allowing Government to deliver on the will of the British people as expressed in the referendum. 'But this remains hypothetical and the Government is confident we will agree a good deal with the EU which Parliament will support.' Rebel Anna Soubry was the first to reveal talks had collapsed, warning that 'what was agreed earlier today has been changed' Health committee chairwoman Sarah Wollaston said the Government amendment had a 'sneak sting in the tail' Earlier today senior Tory MP Tom Tugendhadt, chairman of the foreign affairs select committee, said amendment is unnecessary as the Government will inevitably collapse if Parliament rejects the PM's deal. Speaking to Sky News today, Mr Tugendhadt said Mrs May's government will collapse if Parliament rejects her Brexit deal. Mr Tugendhat said he 'thought' MPs would get a 'meaningful vote anyway'. He said: 'The meaningful vote is going to be either the government's deal is accepted, in which case that's the meaningful vote accepted. 'Or it isn't accepted in which case, frankly, there's going to be a new government.' PM names replacement for minister who quit over Brexit Theresa May has appointed a replacement for justice minister Phillip Lee, who quit her administration in order to be able to vote against the Government on Brexit. Edward Argar was appointed Parliamentary Under-Secretary of State at the Ministry of Justice. Mr Argar, 40, was elected to the Commons as MP for Charnwood in Leicestershire in 2015, and has not previously held ministerial rank. He supported Remain in the 2016 EU referendum. Dr Lee quit as justice minister after two years in the post on Tuesday in order to join Tory rebels voting for a greater say for Parliament over the final Brexit deal. In the event, Mrs May was able to see off the rebellion with the offer of a compromise amendment, and the Bracknell MP ended up abstaining on the vote. Advertisement Challenged by Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg at PMQs yesterday, Mrs May said she would defend the 'separation of powers' between the executive and the legislature. 'I cannot countenance Parliament being able to overturn the will of the British people.' She said the fresh amendment to the flagship Brexit Bill would spell out how ministers would be 'accountable' to MPs and peers. The government escaped without further trouble in the House last night as an amendment demanding customs union membership was defeated. Mr Rees-Mogg told Newsnight that the concessions sought by Tories including Mr Grieve would 'gum up' negotiations with the EU. He added: 'Can you imagine: the Government goes off to Brussels and says 'we can only discuss these three things because these are the only ones that have been covered by a House of Commons resolution'. 'The EU says no, it goes back to the Commons, a week passes, another resolution has passed, it means nothing has happened.' He added that he would not support - or table - a vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister and he 'expected' her to get a good deal out of the EU. Labour divisions on Brexit erupted again last night in a vote on whether Britain should stay in the EU single market - the European Economic Area (EEA). Despite Jeremy Corbyn trying to avert a revolt by ordering his MPs to abstain on the issue, the party split three ways and six frontbenchers quit. Laura Smith stepped down as a junior shadow cabinet office minister to vote with the Government, saying 'remaining in the EEA is not the right way forward for our country'. But five parliamentary private secretaries (PPS) voted in favour of the EEA amendment; Ged Killen, Ellie Reeves, Tonia Antoniazzi, Anna McMorrin and Rosie Duffield, with all but Ms Duffield announcing their resignation before the vote. Jeremy Corbyn (pictured at PMQs) suffered a major rebellion last night in a vote on whether Britain should stay in the EU single market - the European Economic Area (EEA) The plan was comfortably defeated by the government. Trying to put a brave face on the divisions afterwards, Mr Corbyn said: 'I understand the difficulties MPs representing constituencies which voted strongly for Leave or Remain have on the EEA amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill. 'The Labour Party respects the outcome of the EU referendum and does not support the EEA or Norway model as it is not the right for option for Britain.' The Conservatives said the resignations showed that Mr Corbyn 'can't lead his own party let alone our country through complex Brexit negotiations'. While Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable accused him of being 'completely defunct as an Opposition Leader'. Advertisement Dramatic new satellite images show how a stream of lava has changed direction from the Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island during the past fortnight, and residents have been warned to expect further evacuations. In the midst of damaging earthquakes, explosions from the volcano and corrosive volcanic ash, time-lapse imagery released by the European Space Agency (ESA) shows orange rivers of lava altering routes to pour into the Pacific Ocean. The agency has released images taken in space, showing overhead views of the volcano and surrounding area, on May 23 and June 7 this year. In its first image, the active Kilauea volcano can be seen through scattered clouds, with molten rock spewing from fissures towards the sea. But by the second photo, the brightly colored lava is on a distinctly different route. Slide me Copernicus Sentinel-2 images from May 23 (left) and June 7 2018, released by the European Space Agency, show changes in lava flow from the Kilauea volcano on Hawaii's Big Island On Sunday, NASA astronaut and Expedition 56 Cmdr A.J. (Drew) Feustel tweeted that he could still see the Earths fury from the Space Station as the lava continues to flow from Kilauea, adding, Expedition 56 is thinking of Hawaii as the dynamic Earth continues to evolve. The ESA said that the lava flows had destroyed about '600 homes in one of the volcano's most destructive eruptions in modern times'. According to Hawaii County Mayor, Harry Kim, Kilauea has never destroyed so many homes in such a short period. It is one of five volcanoes on the Big Island and is one of the world's most active volcanoes. New land has been formed by lava from Kilauea volcano where the bay and village of Kapoho once stood on the island of Hawaii. The new coastline, following the ragged lava-ocean interface, is approximately 2.1 kilometers (1.3 miles) long. The white steamy laze plume, above, marks the location of the most active lava entry sites This photo provided by the U.S. Geological Survey shows where lava from Kilauea Volcano is entering the ocean and the resulting laze plume where lava is entering the sea at Kapoho on the island of Hawaii at dawn Wednesday, June 13 And it shows no sign of stopping, with reports of the Hawaii volcano summit continuing to erupt, along with fresh ashfall. The summit of the Kilauea volcano erupted early on Wednesday and fissures on its eastern slope sent fountains of lava up to 160 feet (50 meter) high, as the volcano showed no signs of calming down after six weeks of intensified activity. A steam explosion at the summit will likely shower communities near the volcano with ash, the Hawaii Civil Defense Agency said yesterday. The south side of the ocean entry, above, shows many small streams of lava and corresponding steam plumes spread along a fairly broad section of the southern part of the delta Events at the summit of Kilauea over the past few weeks have dramatically reshaped Halemaumau, shown here in this aerial view. The flat surface (photo center) is the former Halemaumau crater floor, which has subsided at least 100m (about 300ft) during the past couple weeks. The deepest part (foreground) is now about 300m (1,000ft) below the crater 'The summit explosion produced an earthquake with a magnitude of 5.4,' the U.S. Geological Service (USGS) wrote on Twitter. The volcano has produced hundreds of moderate earthquakes since it first began erupting on May 3, caused by magma draining from inside the volcano and moving underground. The magma has been spouting out of fissures from the ground along Kilauea flank, causing mass evacuations from communities. The most active fissure now, called 'fissure 8,' continued to pour into the ocean at Kapoho Bay, producing a hydrochloric acid mist called 'laze,' formed when lava enters seawater. A handout photo from the United States Geological Survey (USGS) on June 13 shows Kilauea volcano's fissure 8 (fountain visible in distance) feeding lava into an active braided channel that flows about 12km to the ocean entry in Kapoho Bay, Hawaii 'Gas emissions from the fissure eruption and at the ocean entry continue to be very high,' the Civil Defense Agency said. Due to the current volcanic activity, a Civil Defense message issued yesterday said that those living along Government Beach Road, between Kahakai Boulevard and Cinder Road should be prepared to evacuate with little notice. It added: The shelter at Pahoa Community Center is open and pet-friendly [but] the Keaau Armory shelter has reached capacity. New land formed by lava from Kilauea Volcano where the bay and village of Kapoho once stood on the island of Hawaii Kilauea volcano's fissure 8 fountains reportedly reached heights up to 160 feet (48 meters) overnight on June 12. Lava fragments falling from the fountains are building a cinder-and-spatter cone around the vent The United States Geological Survey, a scientific agency of the US government, said that with lightweight volcanic glass fragments from the lava fountain at fissure 8 continue to fall downwind of the fissure, 'high winds may waft lighter particles to greater distances. 'Residents are urged to minimize exposure to these volcanic particles, which can cause skin and eye irritation similar to volcanic ash.' It added: 'Volcanic gas emissions remain very high from fissure 8 eruptions. Gas emissions have increased over the past two weeks. Wind conditions are changing and may bring VOG [air pollution] to the central, south, and western parts of the Island of Hawaii. 'The ocean entry is a hazardous area. Venturing too close to an ocean entry on land or the ocean exposes you to flying debris from sudden explosive interaction between lava and water. 'Also, the lava delta is unstable because it is built on unconsolidated lava fragments and sand. This loose material can easily be eroded away by surf, causing the new land to become unsupported and slide into the sea.' The Kilauea eruption has destroyed more than 600 homes, spread lava over 2,000 acres (810 hectares) of land and opened up at least 22 fissures in the ground. It is the most destructive in the United States since the 1980 eruption of Mount St. Helens in Washington, which killed at least 57 people. Hawaii's eruption, however, has produced slow-moving lava that has destroyed hundreds of structures but allowed people to evacuate, in sharp contrast to Guatemala's Fuego volcano that ejected fast pyroclastic flows, which buried villages in burning ash and killed at least 109 last week. Hilarious footage shows a politician picking her nose during a BBC interview after storming out of the House of Commons in a 'manufactured row'. Mhairi Black, a Member of Parliament for the Scottish National Party since 2015, was caught in the act on live television as she stood behind her colleague Lisa Cameron. Britain's youngest MP for 350 years, who is just 23, can be seen vigorously sticking her thumb then her forefinger into her nose. SNP members were being interviewed by BBC journalist Jo Coburn after their mass walkout from Prime Minister's Questions in Westminster on Wednesday. Their Westminster leader Ian Blackford had refused to obey John Bercow's request for him to sit down. Mr Blackford had asked for the Commons to sit in private then continued to stand in protest on the handling of the EU Withdrawal Bill. But the Speaker ejected him from the chamber and his fellow MPs followed. Mhairi Black, a Member of Parliament for the Scottish National Party since 2015, sticks her forefinger into her nose The MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South makes the embarrassing move during an interview outside the House of Commons Ms Black was seemingly unaware her nose picking had been caught on camera during the BBC interview Scottish Conservative MP Kirstene Hair said the walkout was a 'rehearsed move'. 'They are the masters of manufactured grievance and the people of Scotland are sick of it,' she said. Ms Black, MP for Paisley and Renfrewshire South, was seemingly unaware she had been captured on camera exploring her cavity. Her colleagues don't appear to notice what she is doing during the interview and maintain serious expressions. But the mishap did not go unnoticed by viewers, some of whom took to Twitter to share their thoughts - with one branding it 'absolutely minging'. 'Ewww': This Twitter user was disgusted by Ms Black's nose-picking outside the House of Commons 'In other news today': This social media user promptly informed his followers of the mishap 'God almighty': This Twitter user was not impressed with MP's antics on live television 'Absolutely minging': This social media user said seeing the MP excavating her nostril made him want to be sick Ms Black joined the SNP in 2011 after learning there would be a referendum on Scottish independence. She was elected as an MP in 2015 aged 20, seeing off her Labour MP rival Douglas Alexander with more than 23,000 votes. The former University of Glasgow politics student ruffled feathers in March when she became the first MP to use the 'C' word during a debate in the Commons. She had been reading out the tirade of abuse she had been receiving online. Brexit secretary David Davis is answering questions in the House of Commons today following a tense 48 hours for the government. Despite avoiding defeat in a series of crunch votes over the EU Withdrawal bill, divisions within the Conservatives were clear as both pro and anti-Brexit wings of the party declared victory. Theresa May was forced to negotiate with more than a dozen potential rebels who could have inflicted a humiliating defeat on her government. Despite avoiding defeat, business leaders and those in the financial community have expressed concern about the Government's handling of the Brexit negotiations. MailOnline brings you the latest updates here. To read in this app, please click here. An old man was caught on camera angrily slapping a woman on a subway in central China after she allegedly refused to give him her seat. The pair were travelling on the No. 6 line on Wuhan Metro on Wednesday during rush hour when they started arguing. The agitated man started to launch a volley of verbal abuse at the woman after she reportedly refused to stand up. The incident has sparked a debate among Chinese net users, with some outraged by the man's actions while some showed sympathy. The pair were travelling on the No. 6 line on Wuhan Metro in Hubei province on Wednesday during rush hour when they started arguing after the woman refused to give up her seat The agitated man then suddenly reached out and slapped the woman across her face Video footage of the shocking incident in Hubei province shows an old man yelling and swearing in front of a seated woman, presumably in her 40s. The man was travelling with a bicycle at about 9.20am and was desperately looking for a seat on the crowded train, according to Chutian Metropolitan Daily. The incident happened as the train was travelling between the stations Dazhi Road and Jianghan Road. Witnesses who heard the commotion said the woman and the old man started fighting after he asked for a seat and she refused. She then reportedly accused the pensioner of being a 'self-conceited man' and said he was bullying others just because he was old. This further enraged the old man, who then suddenly reached out and slapped her across the face fiercely. The old man is seen yelling and swearing in front of a seated woman, presumably in her 40s. The he suddenly reached out and slapped her across the face in front of other passengers The woman reportedly accused the pensioner of being a 'self-conceited man' and said he was bullying others just because he was old. This further infuriated the old man After being hit, the woman shot up from her seat and fought back verbally Bystanders were heard gasping and exclaiming at the man's outrageous behaviour. After being hit, the woman shot up from her seat and fought back verbally. Both of them wouldn't back down. The woman was also seen pointing at the man and pushing his bicycle while he continued to berate her. Shocked bystanders tried to mitigate the situation, with one fellow commuter seen pulling back the man. The foul-mouthed man eventually got off at the Jianghan Road stop. A spokesperson from Wuhan Metro said while staff members have the responsibility to intervene altercations and such 'uncivilised behaviours' when they come across them, there are currently no standardised guidelines or measures in place, according to the report. Bystanders tried to mitigate the situation, with one fellow commuter pulling back the man The woman is seen pushing the man's bicycle while he continued to berate her Any major conflict between passengers will be reported to the police, the spokesperson added. The now-viral video has triggered a discussion among Chinese net users, with some slamming the man's actions while others thought the woman was in the wrong. 'This man is just crazy,' said one. 'If I were the woman, I would probably have slapped him back!' 'The woman doesn't look like a young person at all - she has every right to stay in her seat,' another said. However, some said the woman should have just promptly given up her seat. 'You should be respectful to the elderly no matter what,' one said. Japan is set to change its coming of age from 20 to 18 as part of measures aimed at revitalising the country's ageing population. The new law, which is set to take effect in 2022, will see millions of Japanese youths declared adults by statute two years earlier than their elders. But unfortunately for the new wave of grown-ups - the change still won't leave them eligible to drink or buy cigarettes. Japan's ruling Liberal Democratic Party said the move is intended to spark a population boom amid fears of an age crisis on the island nation. A crowd of Japanese women attend a ceremony during 'Coming of Age Day' in Tokyo to celebrate turning 20 The law aims to combat this by allowing Japanese to get married from the age of 18 without parental consent. Under the new rules, they'll also be able to apply for credit cards and make loans without parental approval and, if they want, they can obtain a passport valid for 10 years - all moves aimed at making youngsters more independent. Commentators have claimed Japan is sitting on a 'demographic time bomb' as fewer and fewer marriages and births are recorded every year. Mary Brinton, a Harvard sociologist, told Business Insider that the nation is facing 'the death of the family'. 'An aging population will mean higher costs for the government, a shortage of pension and social security-type funds, a shortage of people to care for the very aged, slow economic growth, and a shortage of young workers,' Brinton said. Forecasters have predicted that nation's population is predicted to tumble from just over 127 million in 2015 to 88 million in 2065 at the current rate. The Japanese government under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (pictured) has introduced a host of measures aimed at tackling the nation's ageing population Worrying figures have sparked a frenzy of activity among the Japanese political class as the government, under Prime Minister Shinzo Abe, tries to fight back the tide of the declining populace. Currently, males over the age of 18 and females 16 and over can marry - but only with the say-so of their parents. Otherwise you need to be 20. As part of the lowering of the adulthood age, revisions have been made to more than 20 laws, including those on nationality and certain professional qualifications such as being a chartered accountant. According to politicians, the change represents first time the age of adulthood has been altered since it was set in 1876. Two armed thieves threatened terrified staff at a prominent jewellery store with a gun and a hammer in the middle of a busy shopping centre. The robbery took place at the Michael Hill jewellery store at Sunshine Market Place in Melbourne. The CCTV footage shows the alleged bandits in bike helmets burst into the store just before 5pm on Wednesday. Two armed thieves threatened terrified staff at a prominent jewellery store with a gun and a hammer in the middle of a shopping centre The CCTV footage shows the alleged bandits in bike helmets burst into the store just before 5 pm on Wednesday The men allegedly grabbed various jewellery pieces and fled from the store on a black Honda CBR motorbike Police said one man used the hammer to smash opened several glass display cases while the other man threatened staff members with a firearm. The men allegedly grabbed various jewellery pieces and fled from the store on a black Honda CBR motorbike. One witness said the man with the gun pointed the gun at anyone who came close to the store, Seven News reported. Nearby witnesses managed to get away from the scene without getting hurt. Senior Constable David Martin-Alcaide said that it was a very serious incident especially considering there were a lot of people in the shopping centre. Investigators are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au. Donald Trump is demanding Britain pumps more money into the Nato alliance amid a Whitehall battle over spending on the military. The US President has renewed demands for allies to step up and contribute more to Nato amid fears he could withdraw support if members do not meet targets of spending 2 per cent on defence. Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson is using pressure from the White House to highlight demands on Britain's military to the Treasury. Mr Williamson needs extra spending to deliver a defence modernising programme, The Times said today, and is calling on Chancellor Philip Hammond for cash. Britain already meets the Nato target by spending more than 35billion a year - but the budget has not grown in real terms since 2010. Scroll down for video Donald Trump (pictured in Singapore on Tuesday) is demanding Britain pumps more money into the Nato alliance amid a Whitehall battle over spending on the military Defence Secretary Gavin Williamson (right in Downing Street on Tuesday) is using pressure from the White House to highlight demands on Britain's military to Chancellor Philip Hammond (left in Downing Street on Tuesday) Theresa May (pictured in Downing Street last night) is due to use the Nato summit to outline Britain's defence plans before she hosts Mr Trump for the first time Billions has been spent on new equipment, including the huge Queen Elizabeth Class carriers and state of the art F-35B fighter jets - leaving huge pressure on the wider budget. The row comes ahead of a major Nato summit next month, from which Mr Trump is due to travel to the UK for his first visit as President. Theresa May is due to use the summit to outline Britain's defence plans before she hosts Mr Trump. A Government source said: 'They will want the prime minister to be able to give a very clear direction of what the UK is bringing to the table. 'There is a feeling that the Americans expect more from the UK as a partner of choice.' Military officers and civil servants have spent six months reviewing defence spending after Mr Williamson successfully pulled the Ministry of Defence out of a wider security review to battle for more funding. Billions has been spent on new equipment, including the huge Queen Elizabeth Class carriers and state of the art F-35B fighter jets (file image) - leaving huge pressure on the wider budget Buying the new aircraft carriers (HMS Queen Elizabeth is pictured off Cornwall on Tuesday) has put pressure on the wider defence budget He is thought to want an extra 2billion a year to meet 2015 plans for the size and strength of the Army, Royal Navy and Royal Air Force. A source said: 'We are facing a profound moment for Britain and its place in the world and signalling whether or not post-Brexit we are going to be an ambitious, leading nation or one that is going in retreat.' But amid concern the plans will not deliver, a defence source told The Times: 'Everyone believes it is a damp squib. 'We have been here before. It is going to be the famed fudge as it always is.' A spokeswoman for the MoD said: 'The defence secretary launched the modernising defence programme to strengthen our armed forces in the face of intensifying threats and we have been consulting widely. 'Any talk on the outcome is pure speculation before we share our headline conclusions.' A court was told that a man accused of murdering one woman and seriously injuring another by allegedly deliberately crashing his car into their vehicle had drugs in his system. Shaun Southern allegedly steered onto the wrong side of Bussell Highway, near Capel in Western Australia's South West region, in February 2017. While Southern does not deny being involved in the accident, his lawyer told the court that he never intended to kill anyone. The crash killed 61-year-old Jennifer Pratt and seriously injured her passenger, Karen Williams. Scroll down for video Shaun Southern (pictured) allegedly steered onto the wrong side of Bussell Highway, near Capel in Western Australia's South West region, in February 2017 The crash killed 61-year-old Jennifer Pratt (pictured) and seriously injured her passenger, Karen Williams The 46-year-old is accused of murdering one woman and seriously injuring another by deliberately crashing his car into their vehicle had drugs in his system, the court was told Prosecutor Justin Whalley told the WA Supreme Court on Wednesday that a toxicology report showed Southern had methylamphetamine and amphetamine in his system. Mr Whalley said Southern had an intent to kill or cause a life-threatening injury when he drove his car at high speed towards several cars before finally striking Ms Pratt's vehicle. 'We will never know when he formed the intention,' Mr Whalley said. Both cars had been driving close to the 110 km/h speed limit before the collision, the court heard. At the point of impact, Ms Pratt had hit the brakes and was travelling at 38 km/h, while Southern was driving at 86 km/h. Southern was flung out of his car through the windscreen and was unconscious for some time. Prosecutor Justin Whalley said Southern had an intent to kill or cause a life-threatening injury when he drove his car at high speed towards several cars before finally striking Ms Pratt's (pictured) vehicle His car also caught fire, the court heard. A witness, Joshua O'Neill, told Perth's Supreme Court he saw the accused driving the wrong way on the dual highway after the Landcruiser came towards his car, ABC News reported. The 23-year-old gave evidence that Southern was smiling and laughing before he 'lined up' his car with Ms Pratt's car and drove straight into it. 'He closed in, lined her up and drove directly into her,' Mr Whalley told the court. The prosecutor said there were several near misses before the fatal crash, with other cars forced to scatter and take evasive action to avoid a collision as Southern took aim at oncoming traffic. Two people in one car used a GoPro and an iPhone to record Southern's erratic driving. The prosecutor said there were several near misses (pictured) before the fatal crash, with other cars forced to avoid a collision as Southern targeted oncoming traffic Defence counsel Justine Fisher agreed intention was the central issue in the case but said Southern did not have an intention to kill. She said the jury could find him guilty of the lesser charges of manslaughter and causing grievous bodily harm. 'You're going to have an emotional response,' she told the jury. 'Ms Pratt was an innocent member of the community going about her business. 'All the defence is asking of you is that you reserve your judgment until you've heard all of the evidence.' Ms Fisher said Southern did not recall what happened, had some ongoing memory problems and was wheelchair-bound for some time after the crash. The trial continues. One of Britain's most iconic seaside piers which was saved for the nation with a 12million lottery grant is to be sold to a millionaire for just 100,000. Hastings Pier is expected to be sold for a fraction of that cost to tycoon and local businessman Sheikh Abid Gulzar, who is dubbed 'Goldfinger' for his love of gold. It was badly damaged by fire in 2010 but a huge campaign led to a 12.4million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and reconstruction started in 2012. Hastings Pier is expected to be sold for a fraction of that cost to tycoon Sheikh Abid Gulzar, dubbed 'Goldfinger' for his love of gold. (He is pictured on Eastbourne Pier, which he owns) Last year it won the coveted Royal Institute of British Architects' (RIBA) Stirling Prize for the best new building in the UK. But now the seaside attraction is to be sold at a knockdown price - believed to be less than 100,000 - to a private developer after running into financial difficulties. Sheikh Gulzar, 72, has refused to comment, but just a week ago registered a new company under his name called Hastings Pier Limited. Indian-born Mr Gulzar, who drives a distinctive gold Mercedes, already owns Eastbourne Pier which he bought in 2015. Slide me The pier was badly damaged by fire in 2010 (left) but a huge campaign led to a 12.4million grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund and reconstruction started in 2012 (Right: The pier today) But he has caused anger among residents, conservationists and historians by painting the pier's traditional domes and pinnacles in his trademark gold along with lion motifs on nearly 50 lampposts. He courted further controversy by banning dog walkers, cyclists, fishing and picnics and threatening to introduce a 2 entrance fee to the pier. Hastings Pier has been a popular tourist attraction on the south coast since it first opened opened to the public in 1872. Last year the pier (pictured) won the coveted Royal Institute of British Architects' (RIBA) Stirling Prize for the best new building in the UK Campaigners said a deal to sell Hasting Pier to a private entrepreneur of was a 'travesty' and 'national disgrace.' Dan Matthews, events co-ordinator on the pier, said: 'It is shocking that this iconic pier, which was the recipient of so much public money, is going to be flogged off on the cheap like this. It is a travesty. It's criminal really. 'It's a national disgrace. There is a plan just waiting in the wings which would keep the pier in public ownership.' Indian-born Gulzar, who drives this distinctive gold Mercedes, already owns Eastbourne Pier In its 145-year history, the pier has burned down twice, served as a landing site for refugees during the Second World War, and hosted concerts by the Rolling Stones, the Who and Jimi Hendrix. But the Hastings Pier Charity, which employs 44 people, went into administration last year seeking additional funding. Administrators are looking to sell the pier as a viable business and have been holding talks with prospective buyers. However Friends of Hastings Pier (FOHP) want to keep the pier in public ownership and have raised 434,255 of a 500,000 target to keep it running. Friends of Hastings Pier (FOHP) want to keep the pier (pictured) in public ownership They say the pier should belong to the public and should not be sold off to the highest bidder. James Chang of the Friends of Hastings Pier said: 'We can maintain the future of the pier with this so we don't quite understand why this decision is being taken. We want a say in it's future. It is wrong for it to be sold entrepreneur to profit from.' The Indian 'sheikh' they call Goldfinger Abid Gulzar on Eastbourne Pier, where he has upset some of the locals Self-styled sheikh Abid Gulzar has already upset heritage fans when he took over Eastbourne pier. He painted parts of it gold, earning the Goldfinger nickname, and banned dogs, cycling, fishing and picnics, but said he had tripled footfall at the attraction. The hotelier was born in northern India to a family of tanners and came to Britain in 1965 at the age of 19 to seek his fortune. Advertisement Another campaigner said: 'Hastings Pier is part of our Victorian seaside heritage and it shouldn't be flogged off for a song.' News of the sale led to a protest at the pier on Wednesday evening when almost 300 people turned out to voice their disapproval at the plans. A spokesman for the campaign said: 'The Friends of Hastings Pier are currently in conversations with world class operators, with the proposition of making a collaborative bid. We know the pier hasn't been working. 'We know that things need to change and improve - we need a building, we need a budget, but we have a plan and if we're given time and investment we believe we can turn Hastings Pier into the icon the town deserves. 'They need somewhere between a few days and a couple of weeks - surely this is worth waiting for.' The Heritage Lottery Fund said the decision lay with the administrators. A spokesman said: 'We are supporting the administrators appointed by Hastings Pier Charity in their efforts to find a new future for the pier following the sad demise of the community trust. A decision on the future of the pier will be announced by the administrators in due course.' Administrators Smith Williamson said a decision would be made imminently but were tight-lipped about the identity of the new owner. News of the sale led to a protest at the pier on Wednesday evening when almost 300 people turned out to voice their disapproval at the plans Police made 441 terror-related arrests last year - the highest number since records began. In a stark warning of the threat the UK continues to face, the number of arrests under terrorism laws rose by 17 per cent in the year ending March 31, 2018. The arrests included 23 arrests in connection with the Manchester Arena bombing, 21 over the London Bridge atrocity, seven over Parsons Green and one in connection to the Finsbury Park attack. Stats show that 114 of the 411 arrested were charged with terror offences, but only 41 ended up being prosecuted, with 37 of them convicted. British police made more than 440 terrorism-related arrests last year, new stats show A graph released by the Home Office shows the number of terrorism arrests rising almost every year since 2010. The number charged is shown at the bottom of each column Today's figures mean the total number of terror-related arrests in Britain since the 9/11 attacks in 2001 has now passed the 4,000 mark, standing at 4,182 as of the end of March. The figures show that the number of women arrested for terrorism is also at an all-time high, at 56 over 12 months. The report published by the Home Office today states: 'As in previous years, and similar to other types of crime, the vast majority of those arrested for terrorism-related activity were males. 'However, 56 of the 441 arrests were females (13%), the highest number arrested in a financial year since the data collection began, and the highest proportion since the year ending March 2016. 'Since September 2001, when the collection began, females have accounted for 9% of arrests.' The increase in the number of women arrested comes in the year in which Britain's youngest ever female terrorist, Safaa Boular, was convicted of plotting a knife attack at the British museum with the help of her mother, Mina Dich, and older sister, Rizlaine Boular. Safaa Boular, her mother, Mina Dich, and older sister, Rizlaine Boular, were arrested and now face jail for plotting a knife attack at the British Museum. Overall the number women arrested for terrorism offences rose to its highest ever level A graphic from the report shows that only 37 of the 114 people arrested ended up by convicted of terrorism-related offences The statistics also show the breakdown of the nationalities of those arrested since the 9/11. Nearly 2,500 of those detained have been British, as well as 183 Algerian, 165 Pakistanis, 158 Iraqis, 89 Afghans, 83 from Iran and 77 from Somalia. The number of people in prison for terrorism offences has also risen 27 per cent to 228, the highest since records As at 31 March 2018, there were 228 persons in custody in Great Britain for terrorism-related offences, an increase of 27% on the 180 persons in the previous year. The report stated: 'This continues the upward trend seen in the last few years [and] was the highest number of persons in custody for terrorism-related offences since the data collection began in 2009. 'Of those in custody, the majority, 82%, were categorised as holding Islamist extremist views, a further 13% as holding far right-wing ideologies and 6% other ideologies.' Among those arrested this year were Finsbury Park attacker Darren Osborne and Ahmed Hassan, whose homemade bomb failed to detonate properly on a tube train in Parsons Green Also detained were Umar Haque (left), who encouraged children to carry out attacks in London, and Husnain Rashid (right), who called for attacks on, among others, Prince George Scotland Yard said it has foiled 12 terrorist plots since March 2017 and has around 600 active investigations ongoing. Responding to today's report, Met Police Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu said: 'With the terrorist attacks of 2017 we saw a genuine step-change in momentum. As a result, our operational activity increased to meet the new and emerging threats we now face. 'A year on and our activity continues to be at unprecedented levels; shown, not least, by the fact that, in the past year, working together with the security services we have stopped an average of one terrorist attack every month. 'Police, together with the security services, are determined to make the UK as hostile an environment for terrorists as possible.' Dramatic footage has emerged showing a group of Chinese villagers joining forces in a bid to save an adult whale after it got washed ashore yesterday. A dozen men were seen standing in choppy, waist-deep sea as they tried to push the massive mammal back to deep waters. Despite their combined rescue effort, the four-tonne Bryde's whale got beached again last night and died on the beach. A villager can be seen helping the stranded whale get back to the deep waters in China A group of volunteers spend hours pushing the massive Bryde's whale out to the sea The 39-foot-long Bryde's whale was first found stranded in the bay of Beizai in Leizhou, Guangdong Province on the morning of June 13, according to a local report on Southern Metropolitan Post. Experts from Guangdong Ocean University told the newspaper that the whale was a Bryde's whale. Nearby residents and beach-goers joined forces to rescue the whale as they were filmed pushing the mammal to the waters against the waves. Police were also called to the scene to assist and monitor the public's safety. The public spent hours to free the whale, but it failed to swim out of the shallow waters. It got washed ashore again later at night after three rescue attempts from the crowds. The adult Bryde's whale was confirmed dead at 9pm. After three rescue attempts, the whale failed to revive and died after washing ashore (left). Police officials confirmed the whale showed no signs of life at 9pm yesterday (right) The 39-foot-long whale remains lying on the beach today until an autopsy to be carried out The whale's corpse remained lying on the beach until marine experts arrived today, stated the report. Police have cordoned off the area around the whale to keep members of public away from the dead mammal. An autopsy of the dead whale is to be carried out to determine the cause of its death. It remains sure what the authority would do to the whale's remains. An estate agent on trial for killing his wife after a lesbian affair claims she would 'nearly always' belittle the size of his penis and made him feel like he 'wasn't even a man'. David Clark, 49, is accused of knifing his South-African born wife Melanie, 44, in the chest before dialling 999 and admitting killing her. The pair had argued in a Prosecco-fuelled rage before Mrs Clark's death at their Worcestershire home on New Year's Eve last year, his trial heard. Giving evidence for the first time at Birmingham Crown Court, Clark, of Bromsgrove, told jurors his wife's taunts made him feel 'worthless, inadequate and sad'. She would threaten to headbutt him and 'bust his nose' and would comment on the size of his penis 'almost every night', they were told. David Clarke, left, is accused of stabbing his wife Melanie, right, to death on New Year's Eve at their home in Bromsgrove, Worcestershire Clark became emotional and had to be handed tissues when describing one incident, before they were married, involving the 'particular' way he had organised his work shirts by colour. He said today: 'The one thing I did remember, was just my work shirts were in order, all neat.' Breaking down, he continued: 'She mixed them all up. 'She would change things, on purpose, move my stuff so I couldn't find it. She didn't really care.' Describing her 'taunting' behaviour, he added: 'She'd call me names, taunt me and stuff. 'She'd get right up to me, to my face, and she would like to say 'I'm going to headbutt you, bust your nose'. She was just angry.' Asked how she would make him feel, he replied: 'Like I wasn't worth it - like I wasn't a man.' Mr Clark also claimed his wife had battled with an alcohol problem since 2015 and was 'not pleasant to be around' when drinking. He said: 'It never stopped. It was almost every night.' Birmingham Crown Court heard Mr Clark was angered by his wife who criticised the size of his penis and also admitted having an affair with a friend's female daughter Police were scrambled to the couple's home at 11.52am on New Year's Eve last year after Clark told the operator: 'She f****** did my head in,' the trial previously heard. Jurors were told the couple were married for 10 years but had a turbulent relationship. Mrs Clark had a lesbian affair with one of their friend's daughters and taunted her husband about his small 'd***'. Clark's barrister today asked him about about a WhatsApp conversation, concerning a sex toy and his penis size, between him and his wife on January 18, 2016. Clark said to her: 'Hey, you could use a small one and think of me.' She replied: 'Lol, yes - yours isn't that small.' Alisdair Williamson QC, for Clark, asked him: 'What is she talking about Mr Clark?' She said: 'I don't remember the situation but I think she was on her own and using a sex toy.' Ms Clark was originally from South Africa and had four children in previous relationships Asked what he thought she meant about 'yours isn't that small', he replied: 'That she was talking about my penis.' Mr Williamson then asked: 'Is that something she often talked about? What would she say about it?' He replied: 'Comments in conversation, she would nearly always refer to it. Just say it was small.' Asked how that had made him feel during their relationship, he replied: 'Inadequate. I felt so sad.' Mr Williamson then asked if his wife had ever made him feel inadequate in other ways. The 49-year-old, who was born in South Africa but has a British passport, said: 'She would taunt me a bit, and just say horrible things.' He added: '[I felt] like I was worthless, like I didn't have a say. I did feel like a puppet.' Jurors also heard how the wife of one of Mrs Clark's former work colleagues emailed him in February 2016, claiming Melanie had broken up their marriage after having an on-off affair with her husband. The couple were with friends on New Years Eve before leaving to return home at 10pm Clark told the court that when confronted, his wife had 'denied everything'. Mr Clark said: 'At first I did not believe it. But I came to believe that Melanie had had an affair with the man. 'We agreed that we would tell the other before sleeping around before we were married. 'I confronted her. All I wanted was the truth. I wasn't horrible or nasty to her. I did not raise my voice. I just wanted the truth. 'I still love Melanie and I have forgiven her. 'After I moved back in with Melanie following the split, she was suspicious of me whatever I did.' He said: 'I used the term 'you can't cry over spilt milk'. I still loved her, and I'd forgiven her.' The court also heard Mrs Clark had been so paranoid about her husband's whereabouts she installed a locator app on his phone which tracked his every movement. He said: 'My wife put it on my phone. I did not really know how to turn it off. 'I was having problems with my phone. I did not have enough memory and I had to delete some apps. 'My wife checked my phone to see what I had been doing. She wanted to know why I had deleted the locator. 'She was really, really angry. She was so cross with me.' Forensic investigators are pictured scouring the couple's Worcestershire home early this year Jurors previously heard prosecutors allege that Clark tried to kill himself with gas and even begged police officers to kill him after his wife died. The day of her death was also his birthday - eight minutes into his 49th year, the court was told. Prosecutor Benjamin Aina QC previously described the aftermath of the stabbing. He said: 'It was about 10 minutes before midnight that David Clark telephoned the emergency services. 'He says to emergency operator 'I'm sorry, I've killed my wife. My wife started being s*** again. 'I'm totally in love with my wife. She f****** killed me and I had to stop her. I can't believe I f****** did it. I'm going to do myself in. I love my wife so much. 'She f****** did my head in. I'm f******* devastated. I don't know why I did it'.' Mrs Clark was found lying in the master bedroom, where she had been sleeping without her husbands for a couple of months. A knife was found near her body, the trial heard. Clark denies murder. The trial continues. Advertisement Spooky shots reveal the derelict condition of the historic towboat that once served as President Franklin D. Roosevelt's Mississippi River headquarters during the Second World War. A severely rusted exterior, fire-gutted interior, debris-filled floors and shattered windows belie the glamorous history of the former Mamie S. Barrett in the pictures, snapped by artist and photographer Skyler Brown. In 1942 the vessel had a special bathtub and elevator added so that President Franklin D. Roosevelt could inspect the Mississippi River in comfort. Eerie images have revealed the abandoned remains of an historic towboat that once served as President Roosevelt's Mississippi River headquarters in the 1940s, abandoned at Deer Park, Louisiana, 10 miles from the Mississippi A severely rusted exterior, fire-gutted interior, debris-filled floors and shattered windows belie the glamorous history of the former Mamie S. Barrett in these pictures, snapped by artist and photographer Skyler Brown Above: the boat in its heyday. The Mamie S. Barrett is a steel-hulled sternwheel river towboat constructed with scow bow and steam engine rig. It was built in 1921 by the Howard Brothers of Jeffersonville, Indiana Those luxurious touches are long gone, however, as this one-time-gem, a steam-powered towboat built in 1921, lies rotting after being abandoned at Deer Park, Louisiana, 10 miles from the Mississippi. Haunting pictures show the flaking walls of the interior with the remnants of a kitchen area still visible, doors hanging off their hinges and ceilings falling down. Other striking shots show the rusting exterior of the once-proud boat as it lies beached upon a green bank. Debris covers the floor of the Mamie S. Barrett, a steamboat which was bought by the US Army Corps of Engineers in late 1923. The Barrett was designed to accommodate a crew of 11 officers and 27 men Above: peeling walls and decaying walls are evident inside the once-proud boat, which was ravaged by fire last year. It enjoyed a long and varied career on the inland river system, and underwent numerous modifications since its launching in 1921 It's not clear whether some of the equipment which can still be seen inside the decaying boat was originally part of the vessel, or has been dumped inside it, since it was left to deteriorate 10 miles from the Mississippi River It would take a mammoth amount of money to restore this historic steamboat, which has notched up close to 100 years, to its former luxurious condition. Originally named the Mamie S. Barrett, the US Army Corps of Engineers bought the steamboat in late 1923, two years after the 124-foot-long boat had been constructed at a cost of $145,000 (108,000) at the Howard Shipyard in Jeffersonville, Indiana. The vessel was used by the Army Corps for 24 years, to cruise inland waters. President Franklin D. Roosevelt would have known it as the Penniman, as it was renamed in 1935. Under foliage, the former towboat and floating restaurant lies abandoned on the shore. In the 1950s the second deck was partially enclosed with wood panels and jalousie windows Peeling paint can be seen on the walls of the boat, which is also being overtaken by weeds at Deer Park, Louisiana. In 1981 the entire hull was filled with special foam to prevent further deterioration of the vessel. Estimates around that time indicated that over $725,000 would be needed to rehabilitate the Barrett into a first class restaurant and boutique In 1942, the commander in chief inspected certain strategic industrial and military sites related to the war effort via the Mississippi River. But information on these trips, which included a visit to Camp Shelby, was not publicized at the time, for security reasons. It also was employed as a towboat for hauling rock and lumber to sites for revetment work. In 1945 the Barrett carried a group of important officials and dignitaries on an inspection tour of the Mississippi River between Minneapolis and Cairo. The floor is pocked with holes as the elements continue to take a toll on the derelict boat. The Mamie S. Barrett, built in 1921 as the flagship vessel for the Barrett Towboat and Barge Line Company, is significant as a rare surviving form of riverboat transportation and for its historical association with the Howard Brothers Ship Yards of Jeffersonville, Indiana During the vessel's relatively long period of service on the Ohio and Mississippi Rivers (1921-1949), riverboat transportation and technology underwent a period of great transition, passing from the age of steam powered sternwheelers into the modern era of propeller driven, diesel powered vessels And before it was dumped on the shore and left to decay over 30 years ago, the vessel underwent various conversions. The Barrett has been a floating clubhouse, restaurant and, during the 1980s, a showboat with a 120-seat theater on the main deck. The boat, which was placed on the National Register of Historic Places in 1983, was bought to be used as a casino boat three decades ago. But that never eventuated, reports steamboats.org. In the 1990s, having survived two floods, the boat was donated to the town of Rosedale, but it had no use for the vessel. Although a substantial number of sternwheelers had been built during the nineteenth and early twentieth centuries, very few still survive The Mamie S. Barrett was launched at the Howard Yards on August 11, 1921, making her maiden voyage to Cincinnati two weeks later in tow of the J. D. Lane Plans to restore it have failed to materialize and last year, when the Mississippi River rose to the area it had been left to rot, the Mamie S. Barrett caught fire and was mostly destroyed. Documenting changes since that fire in a haunting series of photos, artist and photographer Skyler Brown, of Sacramento, California, said he was drawn to the vessel after 'hearing rumors of a large abandoned steamboat somewhere along the Mississippi River.' 'I've been documenting abandoned locations around the world for several years now,' he added. The Barrett and other sternwheel towboats such as the Loretta Howard, long considered the standard of the period, were two of only 17 sternwheel towboats built at the Howard Yards after 1920 As a result of the Depression, the Barrett Line sold the towboat in 1937 to the Army Corps of Engineers Office in Florence, Alabama. The Barrett was transferred to the St. Louis District and renamed the motor vessel Penniman, in honor of William H. Penniman, an employee of the St. Louis Office from 1891 to 1934 In 1945 the Barrett carried a group of important officials and dignitaries on an inspection tour of the Mississippi River between Minneapolis and Cairo 'Any time I travel somewhere I research the region beforehand to find forgotten locations that are off the beaten path. 'There wasn't much information online about the boat or its location, but after scouring satellite imagery I found what I suspected was the boat. I still wasn't sure that it really existed though until I arrived and saw it in person. 'Before I start taking pictures at an abandoned location I always survey the site first, both to find the best angles and to make sure it's safe to enter,' Brown said. He added: 'I like to be methodical and plan it out so that it goes as smoothly as possible, but you never know what you'll find inside so there is a lot of improvisation involved. 'Typically I make an effort to get as many photos as I can in a relatively short amount of time. For this series, all of the photos of the inside of the ship were captured within a ten-minute window. 'Whenever I shoot in a place like this, I always try to be respectful of the location and its history. I refrain from breaking anything, making a lot of noise, or doing anything that will further speed up the structure's decay.' Israel has developed a new supersonic missile which is nearly impossible to intercept as tensions in the near east continue to rise. The air-to-surface missile, dubbed 'the Rampage' after a popular video game, was manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI) and Israel Military Industry Systems (IMI). According to its makers, the powerful weapon is equipped with a warhead, rocket engine and advanced navigation suit which allows for precision targeting at a lower cost than the nation's existing arsenal. The new 'Rampage' missile being launched from an Israeli F-15 fighter jet for testing purposes Israel is stepping up its defence capabilities amid ongoing skirmishes with both Iranian and Palestinian militants Amit Haimovich, a director at the IAI, told the Jerusalem Post: 'It can be detected, but it is very hard to intercept. 'If you take the Middle East arena and areas protected by air-defense systems, the whole point of this missile is that it can hit targets within standoff ranges without threatening the launching platform.' The 4.7-meter-long missile weighs 570 kg and is intended for strikes on command centers, air force bases, infrastructures and valuable field targets protected by anti-aircraft batteries. Israel's announcement of the new missile comes amid rising tensions with Iranian troops stationed in Syria and Palestinian militants on the Gaza border. A video released by IMI shows a simulation of the missile destroying military targets at high speed Israel and Iran have been at loggerheads since US President Donald Trump controversially backed out of the Iranian nuclear last month. The two nations have been engaged in a series of heated battles on the border with Syria as Iranian troops fired several rocket salvos at Israeli military targets in the Golan Heights. US-backed Israeli troops then reined down a furious missile attack on several Iranian outposts in Syria - reportedly resulting in hundreds of casualties. Meanwhile Israel's military also struck 55 Palestinian targets in the Gaza Strip last month, including military compounds, sheds of drones used for terror purpose and training facilities. Action was taken after Hamas militants fired 70 rockets and mortar bombs into Israel which injured three soldiers due to flying shrapnel. A Palestinian stands near the destroyed Islamic Jihad military base in the Gaza strip after it was targeted by an Israeli warplane A thick plume of smoke rising on the horizon of the Gaza city earlier strikes on the territory drew to an eventual close Advertisement A vicious tornado ripped through a Pennsylvania town destroying a strip mall, downing trees, and violently flipping trucks over. The powerful storm struck a shopping plaza late Wednesday night while the area was under a tornado warning. The storm ripped the signs off storefronts of the Wyoming Valley Mall strip mall, shattered windows and doors, and scattered debris onto nearby streets and sidewalks. A tornado's damage: Pennsylvania city Wilkes-Barre was wrecked in a severe storm Wednesday evening that destroyed stores and flipped cars and trucks over This America's Best store was utterly destroyed with its roof ripped out and exterior battered as glass covers the parking lot Wyoming Valley Mall strip mall suffered the greatest damage in the storm, with parts of the structure's exterior destroyed, pictured Thursday after the tornado hit A bird's eye view: A wide shot of the damage reveals the destruction of buildings in the strip mall as roofs were completely ripped off, causing many stores to crumble within Emergency responders look over the damage on Thursday after the evening storm hit, where debris from buildings landed on top of violently flipped over and smashed vehicles The following day: Cars were smashed, overturned, and street signs pounded to the ground in the tornado's wake A parking lot of U-Haul trucks was destroyed in the tornado, with many of the vehicles flipped over and smashed in the storm Closer look: Moving trucks were severely damaged in the storm, many of them with shattered windows and flipped sideways This car was broken into bits, with its ends cut off as it was severely pounded by the strong winds and ended upside down Cars were also flipped over and thrown on top of each other, power lines downed, and glass shattered over the entire mall area. One eerie photo displays a U-Haul truck somehow thrown on top of another. Only a 'few minor injuries' were reported in the storm according to Red Cross of Eastern Pennsylvania spokesman Dave Skutnik speaking to Weather.com. Wilkes-Barre Township Police warned locals to avoid the area near Wyoming Valley Mall citing reports of 'multiple collapsed buildings'. A Panera Bread and Barnes and Noble in the strip mall suffered devastating damage in the tornado's wake with their very signs ripped off, windows shattered, and some front walls collapsed. Employees of a PetSmart in the mall were seen using personal vehicles to transport animals away from the store in wake of the storm. Right after the storm: Wilkes-Barre was wrecked in a severe storm Wednesday evening destroying stores and flipping cars The violent storm downed trees and power lines, collapsed structures and hanging wires pictured above after the tornado The greatest damage was concentrated in Wyoming Valley Mall, debris pictured in parking lot right after the storm Cars were overturned and damaged in the strong winds at the mall, which was pounded by the force of the storm, pictured above Wednesday night after the storm calmed Employees of a PetSmart in the mall used personal vehicles to transport animals away from the area in wake of the storm U-Haul trucks parked in Wilkes-Barre Township were tossed around in the severe winds, and in one bizarre instance thrown on top of each other as above The Wyoming Valley Mall strip mall suffered the most damage, pictured above with destroyed storefronts where windows were broken, walls collapsed, and signs ripped off Panera employee Bruno Isles was washing dishes at the back of the restaurant when the vicious tornado hit. 'My manager had us secure the doors. We had tables and chairs flying through the windows,' he said to the Wilkes-Barre Times Leader. He added he suffered a minor scrape on his arm as he tried to evacuate customers in the restaurant to safety. Pennsylvania senator Bob Casey warned residents to be safe on Twitter. 'Please heed the warnings and follow the directions of local officials',' he tweeted Wednesday evening. National Weather Investigators will assess the damage Thursday. Authorities and clean up crews sifted through the wreckage Thursday morning, walking above glass and debris covering the ground of the mall area, and investigating the damage of collapsed buildings. A Panera Bread at the mall suffered extensive damage in the tornado where its sign was ripped off and front windows broken Police warned locals to avoid the strip mall area that sustained the most damage in the storm, hanging signs above The tornado dented this furniture warehouse as it wreaked havoc in the strip mall Wednesday, leaving debris in its wake The United States returned a rare copy of a letter written by Christopher Columbus in 1493 to the Vatican Library on Thursday. In the letter Columbus announced his discovery of the New World. It's the third such return in recent years after US investigators, tipped off by a rare books expert, determined that several authentic copies of the Columbus letter had been stolen from libraries across Europe and replaced with forgeries without library officials' knowledge. Scroll down for video The United States returned a rare copy of a letter (pictured) written by Christopher Columbus in 1493 to the Vatican Library on Thursday. In the letter Columbus announced his discovery of the New World It's the third such return in recent years after US investigators determined that several authentic copies of the Columbus letter (pictured) had been stolen from libraries across Europe and replaced with forgeries without library officials' knowledge A detail of a page of an authentic 15th Century copy of a letter written by Columbus displayed at the Vatican on Thursday US Ambassador Callista Gingrich presented the letter to the chief Vatican archivist, Archbishop Jean-Louis Brugues, and the prefect of the library, Bishop Cesare Pasini, at a ceremony in the Vatican library. Both monsignors thanked US investigators for what Bruges said was their 'keen eye and fine detective work' in locating the document. The letter came from Mary Parsons, the widow of David Parsons, an Atlanta actuary who purchased it from a rare book dealer in New York in 2004, unaware it had been stolen from the Vatican. The eight-page text, handwritten and copied by hand in Latin, conveys Columbus' marvel at the fertile islands he found, 'full of the greatest variety of trees reaching to the stars,' and the timid natives who Columbus believed were ripe for conquest by Spain and conversion to Christianity. The letter is one of a few dozen authentic, reprinted copies of Columbus' original letter, which was handwritten in Spanish in April 1493 and almost immediately reprinted in Latin by the Rome printer Stephan Plannck. Columbus had sent the letter to Spain's King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella to offer his first impressions of the riches that were to be found in what he believed to be the eastern edge of Asia. US Ambassador Callista Gingrich (left) presented the letter to the chief Vatican archivist, Archbishop Jean-Louis Brugues (right), and the prefect of the library, Bishop Cesare Pasini, at a ceremony in the Vatican library The letter came from Mary Parsons, the widow of David Parsons, an Atlanta actuary who purchased it from a rare book dealer in New York in 2004, unaware it had been stolen from the Vatican. Bishop Pasini leafed through the copy of the letter on Thursday The Vatican had acquired the letter in 1921 as part of a collection of rare books and manuscripts. Brugues told diplomats and US officials at the handover ceremony that the Vatican doesn't know when the swap out occurred, but that the forging technique used was common in the 19th and 20th centuries 'so we will probably never know for sure who the forger was'. Columbus (pictured) had sent the letter to Spain's King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella Jamie McCall, an assistant US attorney in the district of Delaware, said Parsons bought the book in good faith and was not implicated in the theft. Parsons died in 2014. When presented with evidence that the letter was stolen, his widow agreed to return it. 'She understood the significance of this particular letter to the Vatican, to the world, to the researchers who come to the library in search of answers for what occurred in that period of time,' he said. He said his office had received a tip in 2011 about several forgeries in European libraries, and so far has found three of the authentic ones and returned them. Just last week, US authorities returned a copy of the letter to Spain and replaced the forgery that had been in the National Library of Catalonia. In 2016, the US returned to Italy a copy stolen from the Riccardiana library in Florence which ended up in the US Library of Congress. Adorable footage shows a cheeky family of swans wandering down a busy A-road on a morning stroll - keeping motorists waiting for almost an hour. The leisurely procession down the A90 towards Fraserburgh was led by the male and female parent swans, whose seven cute cygnets followed behind in an orderly line. Frustrated motorists were forced to creep along at a snail's pace for almost 60 minutes during Monday morning rush hour. But the feathered family looked unbothered by the attention they were attracting as they strutted down the middle of the northbound carriageway in single file. Luckily a patient lorry driver travelling just behind the birds obligingly put on his hazard lights and provided them with a reliable escort on their travels. Jamie Hagen, 30, was heading to work in Aberdeen, Scotland, when he spotted the swans on their merry jaunt. The father-of-two estimated there was a queue for about half a mile behind the winged road invaders. A cheeky family of swans enjoying a morning stroll along a busy A-road. An obliging lorry driver put on his hazard lights and followed them closely, providing an ideal escort A motorist filmed the cute family of swans sauntering down the northbound carriageway of the A90 towards Fraserburgh 'The people behind the lorry who couldn't see what was happening were quite annoyed, but the guy in the lorry was quite good he put on his hazard lights and drove slowly behind them until they were off the road,' he said. 'It was nice to see such a kind gesture. They didn't seem stressed at all. The one at the front was just staring at all the cars as they went past. 'In fact, they acted like they ruled the road!' A Syrian migrant has been arrested for allegedly raping a 25-year-old woman in the same German city where an Afghan man raped and murdered the teenage daughter of an EU official. The victim told police at around 6.30am on Saturday morning that she had been attacked in Colombi Park in Freiburg, in the south-western state of Baden-Wuerttemberg. Police and forensic experts searching the area where the assault took place found the suspect's backpack - complete with owner's personal details and identifying documents. Officers arrested the 23-year-old Syrian at a refugee shelter in the district of Breisgau-Hochschwarzwald at around 2pm. It comes after one of Freiburg's most shocking murder cases came to an end in March when asylum seeker Hussein Khavari was handed a life sentence for the rape and murder of Maria Ladenburger. A Syrian migrant has been arrested for allegedly raping a 25-year-old woman in the same German city where Hussein Khavani (left) raped and murdered Maria Ladenburger (right) The Afghan national, who age and origin is uncertain, raped and murdered the 19-year-old medical student in the university town in October 2016. In Saturday's alleged rape, the woman said she had earlier been approached by two unknown men on the railway road. One of them then follow her into the park where he allegedly raped her. She fought back and finally managed to call the police and the perpetrator fled the scene. The 23-year-old, who has not been identified, has been presented to a magistrate and is currently in detention. He denies the allegations. A woman told police she had been attacked in Colombi Park (pictured, file photo) in Freiburg in the early hours of Saturday morning It comes after three attempted in Freiburg over the past weeks, but in those cases, the victims managed to fight off their attackers. The police have accused the government of not focusing enough on victim protection. State chairman of the Baden-Wuerttemberg police union Ralf Kusterer said: 'We have to move away from perpetrator protection to victim protection.' Khavani's case stoked a fierce public backlash against the mass influx of migrants in Germany especially when it emerged that he served time in jail for attempted murder in Greece before his arrival in the country. He pushed Ladenburger, whose father is a senior legal adviser to the European Commission in Brussels, off her bicycle as she was riding home alone from a party, then bit, choked and repeatedly raped her and left her on the bank of a river where she drowned. In March, he was handed the maximum sentence of life in prison, which under German law means 15 years behind bars, with no chance of parole and the possibility of 'security detention' afterwards if the convict is still deemed to pose a threat to society. Asylum seeker Hussein Khavari (pictured) was handed a life sentence for the rape and murder of Maria Ladenburger Khavani's case stoked a fierce public backlash against the mass influx of migrants in Germany when it emerged that he served time in jail for attempted murder in Greece before his arrival Khavari had been arrested seven weeks after the murder, following a huge manhunt in the town near the French border. Police had found a black hair partially dyed blond at the scene, then spotted Khavari by his hairstyle on security camera footage and linked him to the crime using his DNA. As the crime sparked public anger and revulsion, social media users posted sarcastic 'thank you' messages to Chancellor Angela Merkel over her liberal policy that brought more than a million refugees and migrants to the country. During the trial, prosecutor Eckart Berger reminded the two jurors sitting alongside three judges that 'on trial is a criminal offender and not Germany's refugee policy'. Khavari arrived in Germany, without identity papers, in November 2015, near the peak of the refugee influx, as an unaccompanied minor claiming to be 16 or 17 and hailing from Afghanistan. A police officer told the court that Khavari's cellphone and social media accounts suggested he had lived in Iran. Khavari was initially tried as a juvenile offender, but the court accepted expert opinions, based on X-rays and dental analysis, that he is now aged between 22 and 29 Khavari was sent to live with a German host family in the picturesque town of Freiburg on the edge of the Black Forest, went to a local school, learnt German and received state benefits. It emerged only after his arrest that he had already committed a violent crime in May 2013 in Greece, where he pushed a woman off a cliff on the island of Corfu, leaving her badly injured. He was sentenced there in February 2014 to 10 years jail for attempted murder but was granted a conditional release from Greece's overcrowded jails in October 2015. He fled to Germany, where authorities knew nothing of his criminal past because Greece had only issued a nationwide warrant, and because no match was detected in an EU-wide fingerprint data base for asylum seekers. Flowers left in tribute to Maria Ladenburger are seen by a tree near the river in Freiburg Khavani pushed Ladenburger off her bicycle as she was riding home, then bit, choked and repeatedly raped her and left her on the bank of a river (above) where she drowned Khavari was initially tried as a juvenile offender, but the court accepted expert opinions, based on X-rays and dental analysis, that he is now aged between 22 and 29. The defendant had admitted to the crime, but claimed diminished culpability because he was under the influence of alcohol and drugs -- a position which his defence said it would argue again in an appeal. Khavari had also claimed that his father died long ago in a battle against Afghanistan's Taliban. But Judge Kathrin Schenk dialled a number on Khavari's cellphone and reached his father, who told her through an interpreter that he was living in Iran. A mother-of-two who was given breast implants she didn't ask for during a double mastectomy was later diagnosed with cancer after doctors 'missed' her tumours. Distraught Donna Finegan-White, 44, from Swindon, only agreed to have her breasts removed in a bid to avoid cancer because it runs in her family. But when she woke up from the operation at The Great Western Hospital in 2014 she was shocked to find she had implants she never asked for - which were much bigger than the breasts she had removed. Ms Finegan-White received a 10,000 payout from the hospital, which she now claims is also responsible for failing to spot two inoperable tumours. The 44-year-old says doctors gave her the devastating news she has a rare terminal cancer of the trachea in March after apologising for the oversight. She is seeking legal action again after the tumours left her with just two years to live. Donna Finegan-White, 44, woke up in hospital to find she had been given larger-then-before breast implants. She had to have them removed and went on to have more surgery after a blood clot developed after the removal The Great Western Hospital in Swindon is yet to comment on the claims but have been contacted for comment. They deny any wrongdoing over Ms Finegan-White's breast implants, which she had to wait two years to have removed at another hospital in 2016. She said: 'I'm fuming, it's not just one mistake that place has made. 'They've made the mistake with me, not just once but twice.' Ms Finegan-White underwent the double-mastectomy to reduce the risk of her developing breast cancer. She had the surgery in October 2014 after both her late mother, Carol Manola and her aunt were diagnosed with the disease. Donna had asked for 'temporary expanders' - which stretch the skin and pectoral muscle - but never agreed to implants. Instead she claims she received permanent sub-pectoral breast implants, which she never agreed to. Donna Finegan-White was shocked when she had breast implants inserted without her permission after she had a double mastectomy She told MailOnline: 'I hadn't seen an implant in my life, let alone wanting one put in my body. 'In a consultation they asked me about re-construction surgery and I said I'd have to think about it. 'I was a 32A, so I didn't mind being flat chested, it's not like I was going to miss anything. So I only signed to have my breasts removed. 'They cut corners to save themselves time and money by doing it without consent. 'They butchered me back in 2014.' Following the surgery Ms Finegan-White, who has a son Dominic, 25 and a daughter, Shakira, 23, sought medical help several times for severe pain and swelling in her breasts and suffered a significant psychological reaction. She finally underwent corrective surgery to remove the implants at a different hospital in Oxford on 23 February, 2016. But after being discharged that evening, she felt a pain in the right side of her body. She was rushed back to hospital for another life-saving operation after doctors discovered she had a blood clot. The Great Western Hospital in Swindon where a woman was given breast implant surgery without her consent After receiving her payout, in March this year she was told she had a rare cancer of the trachea, which she believes is linked to tumours missed by doctors. She is now planning to sue The Great Western Hospital Trust again, blaming them for missing the cancer on CT scans she had following her initial surgery in 2014. She said: 'They came over to my bedside when I was in hospital and they said 'Sorry Donna we've looked back at your CT scans from 2014 and we didn't spot your tumours. 'My friend was sat next to me when they told me, so I've got a witness to prove it.' Describing the incident with her breasts she said: 'I expected to come out of the surgery risk free of breast cancer and without permanent implants as this is what had been agreed upon. 'Yet, I woke up with implants, which I had never signed for in the consultations with the surgeon. 'At this point, I felt shocked and very upset and frustrated as it was completely unexpected. 'We put a great deal of trust in medical staff, relying on them for expert care. I just feel totally let down and angry by the care I received. 'I suffered a great deal of pain and trauma for months because of the implants that I never signed up for. 'By speaking out I hope my story reminds hospitals of the importance of upholding patient consent.' Ms Finegan-White has called on hospital trusts to ensure they honour the wishes of patients. She has instructed specialist medical negligence lawyers at Irwin Mitchell to investigate the level of care she received from Great Western Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The trust denied it had acted negligently but admitted the issue of whether Donna consented to the implants fell below 'reasonable standards'. It settled the matter out of court. A Great Western Hospital spokesman told MailOnline: 'We were given consent by the patient for implants in 2014, we did not act negligently and the case was settled in 2016. 'We have clear and effective consent processes that are followed across the Trust, which outline the risks that patients may face during and after any surgery, including the common risk of blood clots. 'As part of our continued improvement in services we are further strengthening our consent processes.' James Pink, expert medical negligence lawyer at Irwin Mitchell representing Donna, said: 'Donna had undergone counselling at the request of the Hospital Trust to prepare psychologically for double mastectomy so was incredibly shocked and upset to come out of surgery with implants she had not consented to. 'This was already a distressing time and this just compounded her problems. 'The NHS had shown care and compassion in helping Donna prepare for her surgery. 'However, what was meant to be an operation designed to reduce the risk of Donna being diagnosed with breast cancer ended up causing her much unnecessary distress and suffering. 'We now call on the NHS Trust to ensure it learns lessons from Donna's case and realises the importance of ensuring policies and checks surrounding patient consent are upheld at all times.' Attorney General Jeff Sessions has defended sacking of former FBI director James Comey who he said had committed a 'serious breach of discipline'. The long anticipated inspector general's report on the Clinton email investigation is released today and is expected to point blame at 'insubordinate' James Comey. Several top Justice Department and FBI officials are expected to come under scrutiny in the report, including Comey, then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch, former Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe and FBI official Peter Strzok. Jeff Sessions said sacking James Comey 'was the right thing to do' after the former FBI director committed a 'serious breach of discipline' In an interview with The Hill's 'Rising' show Sessions defended the decision to fire Comey, who he said 'made a big mistake' that belied a 'serious breach of discipline.' 'It was the right thing to do. The facts were pretty clear on it,' he said. Of particular interest is Comey's announcement two weeks before the 2016 election that the agency was reopening the Clinton email probe after stumbling upon the new material. It wasn't until two days before the election that the FBI announced, for a second time, it would not recommend criminal charges against Clinton. 'So we felt like there was a serious breach of discipline within the department if we allowed him to continue.' Sessions also made clear that he is open to firing more employees if the Justice Department inspector general's report warrants it. FBI director James Comey was fired by Donald Trump for what the President said was his handling of the Clinton email affair Andrew McCabe was dismissed from his post as FBI Deputy Director over allegedly lying over his contacts with the media 'I think it will be a lengthy report and a careful report,' he said. 'I think it will help us better fix any problems that we have and reassure the American people that some of the concerns that have been raised are not true. 'If anyone else shows up in this report to have done something that requires termination we will do so.' Sessions also said the termination earlier this year of Deputy Director Andrew McCabe for allegedly lying to investigators about his media contacts was also 'the right decision'. The president fired the FBI director in May 2017 with the White House claiming the dismissal was not about the Russia investigation - but instead about the handling of the Clinton investigation. Trump later told NBC the probe of Russia's role in the 2016 election was part of his reasoning. Special counsel Robert Mueller is investigating whether Comey's firing by the president was an obstruction of the Russia investigation. A German prince who moved to the UK after marrying an English woman has been killed after falling from a horse during a race at a 2.5million country house. Prince Georg-Constantin of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, 41, was thrown from the horse while riding with his friend Jean Christophe Iseux, Baron von Pfetten. The prince was visiting the French professor, diplomat and former adviser to the Chinese government - where he was dubbed at the Red Baron - at his home in Apethorpe Palace, Northamptonshire. Police and ambulance crews were called to the scene after receiving a 999 call at around at 8.30pm on Saturday, to a man suffering life threatening injuries. He was later pronounced dead. Prince Georg-Constantin of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, pictured on his wedding day, died after he was thrown from a horse during a race on Saturday Olivia, who married the prince in 2015, posted this picture on Facebook to pay tribute to her husband A friend of both, Alexander Fiske-Harrison, revealed the prince died in the grounds of the palace, which where he proposed to his English wife, Princess Olivia. He said 'From what I have been told from friends is that Con (Prince Georg-Constantin) was visiting Jean Christophe and they went out for a hack (horse ride) 'Con was a brilliant jockey, he raced at Cheltenham and wherever he went he rode. 'On Saturday he and Jean Christophe went for a ride. He was wearing a helmet and was riding in the grounds. The prince met his wife Olivia Rachelle Page (pictured) at the Last Night of the Proms in London's Hyde Park in July 2011 The couple were married in a registry office in 2015 in civil ceremony in Wiemar which was attended by Prince Michael of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach Princess Olivia, a former model, was not with her husband at the time of the tragic accident 'It was soft and flat and, from what I understand, was with Jean Christophe when he fell. 'I don't know the exact details of what happened. I understand his wife was not there at the time.' Prince Georg-Constantin was successor to the House of Wettin and his family is linked to many of Europe's Royal houses. He was the youngest child of Prince Wilhelm Ernst Emich Georg Rudolf of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach and his former wife, Eva Kovarcz. The Prince's uncle Michael is in the succession line to the British throne as he is the great-great-great-great-great-grandson of King George's II's daughter Princess Augusta. A tribute was posted by the Prince's friend and fellow conservationist Alexander Fiske-Harrison on Facebook According to German media, Prince Georg-Constantin would also have been next in line as successor to the throne in Germany if the Kingdom of Saxony had still existed. His wife Olivia Rachelle Page was born in London and is a former model. The wedding in 2015 took place in Weimar, Germany, and according to a local paper at the time the ceremony was delayed by 15 minutes because the bride was late. It reported that she had a severe fear of flying so she took the train from London. She was working in the financial sector in the city when she first met the prince at the Last Night of the Proms in London's Hyde Park in July 2011. After their wedding they are believed to have moved to London where Princess Olivia, 38, is from. The prince's friend, Baron von Pfetten who owns Apethorpe Palace, outside the gate of Selore Castle in Saint-Yan, France The incident happened in the grounds of Apethorpe Palace in Northamptonshire She was a director at her husband's firm until April and currently works as an office manager. Mr Fiske Harrison said he knew the prince 'very well.' A PROFESSOR, DIPLOMAT AND BARON: JEAN CHRISTOPHE ISEUX Baron von Pfetten, 42, who dubbed the 'Red Baron' after serving in the Chinese parliament from 2001 to 2005. Jean Christophe Iseux, Baron von Pfetten, 42, is a French professor, diplomat and former senior adviser to the Chinese government. He served in the Chinese parliament from 2001 to 2005 and was referred to by the Chinese press as the Red Baron. He was the first European ever to hold senior public office in the People's Republic of China. In 2013, he held a series of meetings on Iran's nuclear program at his home in Burgundy, France, which were attended by senior officials from Iran, Israel, China, the U.S., France and the UK. Baron von Pfetten, who is married, is a keen hunter and was elected President of the International Foxhound Association in 2012. He is a joint master of the New Forest Foxhounds in Hampshire, UK, and the Equipage de Vens et Venaille in Burgundy, France. He is currently master of his own hunt - Equipage de Selore - a private family pack of foxhounds and buckhounds based in the Chateau de Selore in St. Yan, Saone-et-Loire, France. Advertisement 'We were good friends. His wife and my ex-fiancee were best friends and neighbours in London. They would go off leaving us to go to the pubs in Chelsea. 'He was a genuinely lovely bloke. Despite being a prince he rarely spoke about it. 'A friend once joked that technically he out-ranked the Queen because his family is older than the UK Royal family. 'He wasn't invited to any royal weddings or anything like that. He was very interested in conservation and was involved with the reintroduction of wolves to Scotland.' A local man, who does not wish to be named, said: 'He was a close friend of mine. ' I go down to the palace often because I keep my bees there. 'It is devastating news. It was just a freak accident.' He added: 'He was such a lovely man, and he was so grounded he wasn't like what other aristocrats may be like he was such a nice lad, you wouldn't know he was a royal.' A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said: 'Police were called to reports of a sudden death in East Northamptonshire at about 9.25pm on Saturday, June 9. 'Sadly a man in his 40s is believed to have died following a riding accident. His death is not believed to be suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner.' A spokesman for East Midlands Ambulance Service, which attended the incident, said: 'We received a call at 8.30pm on June 9 to East Northamptonshire. 'The caller reported that someone had fallen from a horse and sustained life-threatening injuries. We sent two ambulances to the scene.' A worker at the London office of superyacht builders Edmiston, where Princess Olivia works, said today: 'It is incredibly sad and has happened very recently. We expect her (Princess Olivia) to be off for some time.' The firm, which also has offices in New York, Monte Carol, Antibes and Mexico City, says it 'specialises in the sale, charter, management and new construction of the largest and most important yachts.' A tribute posted by the Prince's friend and fellow conservationist Alexander Fiske-Harrison on Facebook said: 'Rest in peace my poor friend Prince Constantin von Saxe-Weimar.' His tribute recalls dining with the prince in the hall of Apethorpe Palace and went on to say: 'I remember you riding in that race at Cheltenham and polo in Berkshire and your stories of riding to your hounds in France. 'That such a fine horseman should go out that way. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Goodbye my friend.' Advertisement A police memo from 73 years ago has revealed new details about the PoWs who tunnelled out of a British camp - called Island Farm - during WWII in the little-known 'German Great Escape'. Historian Brett Exton (above at the camp) has now painstakingly restored the faded memo A police memo from 73 years ago has revealed new details about the PoWs who tunnelled out of a British camp during the Second World War in the little-known 'German Great Escape'. At least 70 men fled Island Farm in Bridgend, South Wales, in the biggest break-out involving German prisoners during the war. Their extraordinary escape saw them use tins to dig a 30ft tunnel beneath the site's barbed wire fencing - and craft a ventilation pipe from empty milk cans. Wood from bed posts and stolen benches was used to make the tunnel structurally safe ahead of the escape on March 10, 1945. Mystery surrounded the identities of almost all of those who went on the run - until house clearers discovered a dog-eared police memo in a garage. The note appears to be from first-on-the-scene local police to superiors in Glamorgan just hours after the escape was discovered. It includes escaped prisoners' height, rank, eye colour, hair colour and weight - as well as unusual markers such as 'cauliflower ears' and 'scar over right eye'. It reveals for the first time that 27 of them were from the Army, 13 of the escapees were in the air force, eight in the Navy and three in the notorious SS. At least 70 men fled Island Farm in Bridgend, South Wales, on March 10, 1945, in the biggest break-out involving German prisoners during the war. (Pictured, German PoWs in the common room at the camp) Slide me Mystery surrounded the identities of almost all of those who went on the run - until house clearers discovered a dog-eared police memo in a garage. The note appears to be from first-on-the-scene local police to superiors in Glamorgan just hours after the escape was discovered. It includes escaped prisoners' height, rank, eye colour, hair colour and weight - as well as unusual markers such as 'cauliflower ears' and 'scar over right eye'. Slide me The memo reveals for the first time that 27 of them were from the Army, 13 of the escapees were in the air force, eight in the Navy and three in the notorious SS. The missing soldiers were aged between 20 and 40, and included four men called Hans and five named Karl Above, the actual escape room, in Hut 9, as it is today. The Nazis used tins to dig a 30ft tunnel beneath the site's barbed wire fencing - and crafted a ventilation pipe from empty milk cans Mr Exton (pictured at Island Farm), 57, carefully recreated the faded list letter-by-letter, by filling in the missing words using a magnifying glass and scanners Wood from bed posts and stolen benches was used to make the tunnel structurally safe ahead of the escape. The escapees were woefully unprepared for life on the outside and every single one was eventually captured. (Above, one of the pieces of wood they used) The missing soldiers were aged between 20 and 40, and included four men called Hans and five named Karl. It only includes 54 names in total and states that just nine of them had been recaptured by the time the memo was written a day later. The escapees were woefully unprepared for life on the outside and every single one was eventually captured, although never officially punished. Historians have long suggested officials at the time played down the number who were still on the run in the days after the escape. Father-of-three Mr Exton, said: 'The original document was found in a house clearance, but is very grainy and difficult to read. This is the first time the list has been seen clearly. The men have not been named before because nobody has seen or worked with the list since 1945.' (Above, inside the Island Farm camp) Island Farm was built in 1938 as a dormitory camp for female workers at the nearby munitions factory but was converted into a prison in late 1944. The breakout on the outskirts of Bridgend was reported the next day and members of the Home Guard joined the search Mr Exton said: 'I often wonder what the soldiers thought they were going to do once breaking out - they could have been shot for all they knew. British soldiers escaping German camps were killed - perhaps they thought we were more civilised.' This and other interiors pictured have been lovingly restored by the Hut 9 Preservation Group Historian Brett Exton, 57, has painstakingly recreated the faded list letter-by-letter, by filling in the missing words using a magnifying glass and scanners. Father-of-three Mr Exton, said: 'The original document was found in a house clearance, but is very grainy and difficult to read. This is the first time the list has been seen clearly. 'The men have not been named before because nobody has seen or worked with the list since 1945. 'A solicitor who lives in south Wales was clearing the house of a client who died and she came across the documents in the garage and contacted me asking if I'd like to see them. A birthday card signed by some of the highest ranked Nazis held at Island Farm. 'Researching Island Farm is my life work and unravelling the lists was a particularly tricky piece of the puzzle,' said Mr Exton A German letter home, sent from the camp. Island Farm was one of 1,026 prisoner of war camps established in Britain towards the end of the war to accommodate the 400,000 captured Germans that were shipped here 'They were barely legible and very grainy. It was very hard to decipher German names because it was patchy. 'I spent many painstaking hours over the last few months searching all possible names and comparing scans to work out their identities. 'Researching Island Farm is my life work and unravelling the lists was a particularly tricky piece of the puzzle. 'When I started the website, I had one son and he was a baby - now he is 19 years old.' The camp housed 160 officers holding the rank of general, admiral or field marshal, including a number of Hitler's closest advisers. Senior figures including Gerd von Rundstedt, who was commander in chief of the German army in Western Europe, were held at Island Farm while awaiting the Nuremberg Trials Choral songs and a cunning plan: How the Germans escaped On the night of the escape, the officers divided into groups, each of which was equipped with a map, homemade compass, and food The cunning escape plan was hatched in Hut 9 of the camp. It was one of 1,026 prisoner of war camps established in Britain towards the end of the war to accommodate the 400,000 captured Germans that were shipped here. It housed 160 officers holding the rank of general, admiral or field marshal, including a number of Hitler's closest advisers. Senior figures including Gerd von Rundstedt, who was commander in chief of the German army in Western Europe, were held at Island Farm while awaiting the Nuremberg Trials. Other notorious prisoners included Field Marshal Erich von Manstein who established the operation plans for Hitler's successful campaign in the west and the former commander in chief of the German army Field Marshal Walther von Brauchitsch. They were not allowed to be put to work according to the Geneva Convention, so instead spent their days hatching escape plans. Inmates in Hut 9 used cans, meat tins and knives from the canteen to dig up the heavy clay soil beneath them, which they put into their pockets and disposed of outside or behind the false wall. In order to ensure those underground could breathe properly a ventilation pipe was fashioned from condensed milk tins and air was blown through with a hand-operated fan. The prisoners even fitted electric lighting underground by tapping the camp's mains supply. All the while this was going on the men sang German choral songs to conceal the noise. Each man's identity was only known by the others in his small group in order to protect against betrayal and discovery of the plan. On the night of the escape, the officers divided into groups, each of which was equipped with a map, homemade compass, and food. At 10pm they made their move - all of them went underground and crawled through the suffocating 30ft long tunnel and beyond the camp's perimeter. A few stole the camp doctor's car and fled 120 miles to Birmingham while another group got to the port of Southampton. As it turned out the escapees were woefully unprepared for life on the outside and every single one was captured, although never officially punished. Advertisement Island Farm was built in 1938 as a dormitory camp for female workers at the nearby munitions factory but was converted into a prison in late 1944. The breakout on the outskirts of Bridgend was reported the next day and members of the Home Guard joined the search. This memo appears to have been written by 'Superintendent William C May' in Bridgend to an unnamed Chief Constable in Glamorgan. It is dated March 11, 1945, and titled 'EXPRESS MESSAGE' with the subtitle 'particulars of escaped prisoner of war from Island Farm Camp, Bridgend, during night of Saturday 10th March 1945.' The youngest escapee on the memo was aged 20, while the eldest was 40, and the fugitives included members of the German SS. It was found by a solicitor who Googled 'Island Farm' and found Mr Exton's research so sent him the torn and weathered document. But Mr Exton - who doesn't know why it was in the garage or who it belonged to - filed it away until just six months ago, fearing the deciphering task would be complex. The papers were tatty and missing letters from inmates' names so he used magnifiers and various scanners which highlighted different letters. Mr Exton added: 'I often wonder what the soldiers thought they were going to do once breaking out - they could have been shot for all they knew. 'British soldiers escaping German camps were killed - perhaps they thought we were more civilised. 'I'm sure they were desperate to get back to their families, although some maybe liked the fun of hatching a perfect escape plan.' It is reported none of the escapees were killed but a man was shot after he refused to surrender; they were released months later at the end of the war. One group of escapees, led by infantryman Hans Harzheim, made for the nearest road and stole an Austin 10 belonging to a doctor. They didn't want to draw attention to themselves so they pushed the vehicle down the road before starting it up - only to be spotted by off-duty guards from the camp. The group of four convinced the confused guards that they were Norwegians living in the town - and even gave them a push to get the engine started. The prisoners, including an airman, planned to steal a plane and fly to southern Ireland. The car took them as far as Gloucester before running out of fuel so they boarded a train to Castle Bromwich and eventually found an aeroplane hangar. Hiding in a bush, poised to advance on the hangar, a herd of cows alerted a farmer to their whereabouts and they were arrested. Peter Phillips, author of The German Great Escape, claims that 84 prisoners actually got out - eclipsing the 76 Allied PoWs who broke out of Stalag Luft III, the inspiration for the film The Great Escape. He claimed 14 were captured very soon afterwards, allowing officials to announce - for propaganda reasons - that only 70 had escaped. Three were spotted in Kent and historians have speculated they were actually never caught. One of several images painted on the walls of the camp by the German PoWs. In the escape, each man's identity was only known by the others in his small group in order to protect against betrayal and discovery of the plan Peter Phillips, author of The German Great Escape, claims that 84 prisoners actually got out - eclipsing the 76 Allied PoWs who broke out of Stalag Luft III, the inspiration for the film The Great Escape This is the moment the socialite founder of $100 million clothing brand Kookai was filmed navigating her mangled luxury car down an alleyway as police chased on foot. High-profile fashion queen Danielle Vagner was behind the wheel of her Range Rover 4WD when she smashed into the front of a South Yarra residence about 5pm on Tuesday. The 53-year-old from Toorak then travelled down a Melbourne alleyway with no front tyres and a badly damaged bumper, catching the attention of nearby bystanders. Scroll down for video Danielle Vagner (pictured), founder of Kookai, was filmed driving her wrecked Range Rover It's alleged the mother-of-two fled the scene of an earlier accident at South Yarra before turning down the alleyway where she was filmed Vagner, who co-owns the Kookai $100 million chain with her ex-husband Rob Cromb, claims she has no memory of her dangerous driving, after having been at the dentist earlier in the day and at a lunch where she had some drinks. 'Obviously we're very concerned and worried about her. I'm sure she's remorseful and disappointed,' Mr Cromb told 7 News. 'From my perspective it's pretty sad and we'll do everything we can to get her any help she needs.' Stunned passerby Jarryd Wittingslow recorded the unfolding incident on his phone as Vagner attempted to flee the area on the bare rims of the car's wheels as they scraped against the pavement. Vagner co-owns the Kookai $100 million fashion chain with her ex-husband Rob Cromb (stock image of Kookai model) He said that he was very concerned and worried about her while offering her any help she may need (stock image of Kookai model) When officers arrested the driver they say she blew an alcohol reading of .099 'You've got no wheels... no front tyres,' he told Vagner. 'Is there a reason you're photographing me,' she can be heard saying on the video as she opens the door of the beaten down vehicle. As she argued with onlookers, Vagner was far from the reputable creative visionary who in 25 years has grown one store to 39 boutiques across Australasia. 'She came around the corner and the tyre came off the rim and she parked and jumped out and put the tyre in the passenger seat,' Mr Wittingslow told 7 News. She was able to drive down the alleyway but the police were hot on her tail who were soon seen running after the vehicle. Onlookers onlookers watched on as the Kookai owner navigated her wrecked vehicle down an alleyway (stock image of Kookai model) They tracked her down by following the huge gouge marks the metal rims of the vehicle engraved in the asphalt. When officers arrested Vagner she was accompanied back to the station and allegedly blew an alcohol reading of .099 - almost twice the legal limit. She was released after questioning and has not yet been charged over the incident. The homeowner, Elena Sender, whose front entrance had collapsed in the initial accident, was not home at the time. 'That's incredible, she just left it?' she said in shock when told the driver left the scene. She was released after being interviewed and it is likely that Vagner will be charged with drink driving, leaving the scene of an accident and reckless conduct endangering injury. Alison Chabloz has avoided a jail term for posting anti-Semitic songs online An anti-Semitic song writer who claimed the holocaust was 'meaningless' and said the Germans were unfairly blamed for the Second World War avoided a jail term today. Alison Chabloz, 53, had laughed in court as she was read lyrics to her songs mocked Jews being fashioned into lampshades, having their heads shrunk and being turned into bars of soap. She was convicted of three charges of sending by a public communications network an offensive, indecent or menacing message or material last month. Chabloz was sentenced to 20 weeks imprisonment suspended for two years and banned from social media for a year. Chabloz had previously supported former Labour party member Ken Livingtone, who quit the party last month following a row over his comments about Hitler. It emerged today that messages she has written online since her conviction had led to her followerds posting abusive comments about Judaism and death threats to the trial judge, John Zani. Adrian Davies, defending, said: 'Explaining some of the comments on Mrs Chabloz's blog - those of course are postings which Mrs Chabloz is not personally responsible. 'I understand she has taken them down and especially one - the theat to murder. 'Frankly some individual who is mentally unstable has threatened to kill the trial judge on the internet.' Chabloz uploaded tunes to YouTube including one defining Nazi death camp Auschwitz as 'a theme park' and the gas chambers a 'proven hoax'. Westminster Magistrates' Court has previously heard how Chabloz described Auschwitz as 'a theme park for fools' in one of her songs entitled (((survivors))). The blogger, who describes herself as a revisionist, denied sending offensive material. She claimed that the prosecution brought against her is an attack on her freedom of speech, although she admitted to police that her songs were 'close to the bone'. But despite her claims, she was convicted of three charges last month. District Judge John Zani told Chabloz: 'The right to freedom of speech in the court's view is fundamental to a fully functioning democratic society, however, the law has clearly instructed that this is a qualified right. 'You either intended to insult those to whom the material was directed or you must have been aware of the risk. 'You have been convicted of three serious offences the third while on bail.' The trial led to clashes between Chabloz's supporters and those who criticised her Prosecutor Karen Robinson had earlier told the court: 'This defendant used social media platforms - plural - to make available to others recordings of three songs each of which are grossly offensive in lyrics and in some cases musical accompaniment. 'The songs were undoubtedly anti-Semitic, they were explicitly and exclusively references to Jewish people and the Holocaust.' Chabloz, of Glossop, Derbyshire, denied but was convicted of three counts of sending by a public communications network an offensive, indecent or menacing message or material. Judge Zani sentenced her to 20 weeks imprisonment suspended for two years, banned her from social media for a year and ordered her to perform 180 hours unpaid work and pay costs of 600. Advertisement Remarkable letters from a British nurse telling of her weeks spent with Winston Churchill at the height of the Second World War have come to light. In the same month that the Nazis admitted their first failure of the war as the Germans surrendered to the Soviets at Stalingrad, the British prime minister was battling pneumonia. Doris Miles speaks glowingly of the war-time Prime Minister in her letters to her husband Roger, a Surgeon-Lieutenant with the Royal Navy, chronicling three weeks at his bedside in February 1943 at 10 Downing Street and Chequers. Doris, who died in 2016 aged 100, describes him as most considerate and someone who treated her as a dear friend rather than a nurse. Doris Miles, right, says the prime minister, left, treated her more like a dear friend than a nurse in letters she wrote while caring for Winston Churchill. The recollections of Doris, who lived to the age of 100, have been brought back to life in a collection chronicling their relationship Letters to the nurse's husband on board the HMS Tartar in the Mediterranean reveal Churchill's ferocious work ethic, dry sense of humour and legendary drinking habits with champagne, brandy and whiskey his daily tipples of choice. They have been transcribed by her daughter Jill Rose, who lives in Florida Doris Miles receives her Gold Medal for Excellence in Nursing from Miss Ruth Derbyshire, Head of the British Red Cross and a former Matron of St Maryis Hospital, while the current Matron, Miss Mary Milne, looks on Her letters to her husband who was serving on board the HMS Tartar in the Mediterranean reveal Churchills ferocious work ethic, dry sense of humour and legendary drinking habits. They have been transcribed by her daughter Jill Rose and published for the first time in a new book, Nursing Churchill. Doris, a recipient of the Gold Medal for Excellence in Nursing, was working as a private nurse at St Marys Hospital in London when she was whisked to Whitehall to care for Churchill following his pneumonia diagnosis on February 16, 1943. In a letter on February 21, she doesnt refer to Churchill by name but mentions V and Victory and says her patient is all he is cracked up to be. She tells of Churchills voracious appetite for work which kept him up to the early hours when she felt he should be resting. She writes: 'The trouble is that feeling a bit better he thinks he is cured, and will probably walk down the corridor to have a bath with only a towel round him in the morning. Doris and Roger Miles on their wedding day at St. Peteris Church, London, left, and Mr Miles is pictured during his service in 1942, right The nurse's room was on the upper floor of this building facing the front. It provided the setting in which she penned remarkable letters telling of her weeks with Winston Churchill while he battled pneumonia 'Been having a long chat with the old boy, hes been telling me his daily habits, did you know that he stays in bed until 12, sleeps from three to five, never goes anywhere before five, and never goes to bed before two. What a man.' A few days later, Doris describes how she and a fellow nurse, Dorothy Pugh, would laugh like drains at Churchills desk which was covered in various glass jars including the days urine specimens and temperature charts. 'Dorothy and I are now in full occupation of the study, and tonight we were laughing like drains at the PMs desk,' she wrote. 'There is a neat line of medicine bottles at one end, flanked by two glass jars containing the days specimens of urine, two packets of M&B, and various charts, temperature charts, fluid charts, etc. Can you imagine all that on Hitlers desk!' In her next letter, she is struck by Churchills compassion for the men and women involved in the war effort, revealing how every morning he would ask for the number of Bomber Command casualties. She writes: 'The PM is most considerate, and always the first thing he asks when I come on duty at night is how I have slept; and when Ive tucked him up and wished him a very good night, he says he hopes Ill get some sleep too. Winston and Clementine Churchill returning to 10 Downing Street in June 1943 following weeks spent under the care or nurse Doris Miles The collection not only chronicles the nurse's relationship with Churchill, but provides insight into her personal life with serviceman Roger Miles, who was a Surgeon-Lieutenant in the Royal Navy 'Even when most ill he would ring up Bomber Command in the early hours of the morning to find out how many casualties we had (not how many bombs had been dropped) and how many planes had got back safely.' By March 1, Churchill was on the mend and smoking enormous cigars, a sure sign his health was improving. He would also sing tunelessly to Doris while in the bath, something the nurse found disconcerting. 'He sings a lot, rather tunelessly, and at the top of his voice - while being bathed or washed in bed, and is very disconcerting,' she wrote. 'As he gets better so his cigars get larger, and tonight after dinner he was smoking one that I swear was over a foot long - a mammoth and enormous cigar!' The collection was compiled by the daughter of Doris Miles, who lives in Florida In one of her last letters, Doris says Churchill, who was then 68 years old, knew age was being to catch up with him, although he retained his Herculean spirit. She writes: 'Just been tucking the old boy up for the night. Its quite a performance, and involves undressing him, plying him with cold soup, soda water, sleeping tablet, and trying to make him do the breathing exercises he avoided earlier on! 'Poor old boy, you know its taken it out of him and he says ruefully that hes not the man he was. After all hes 68. But itll take more than this to get him down.' For the only time, she confides in her husband that Churchill, for all his qualities, could also be hard work. 'Sometimes I wish it was someone else here instead of me, which is sheer cowardice,' she wrote. 'Ive got awfully fond of him in spite of his occasional tantrums and rather overbearing ways. Hes very sweet to me, and always thanks me so nicely when I do anything for him.' When Doris bid farewell to Churchill on March 15, he presented her with his signed portrait and insisted she signed the Chequers visitors book. Reflecting on her time with Churchill, she writes: 'Back again in the old homestead after a most amazing three weeks. 'Now that Im no longer on the spot, as it were, I can give you a lot more of the lowdown. Had a very touching farewell this morning, he thanked me very kindly for all I had done for him, and made me sign the visitors book - Doris Miles SRN, next to Anthony Eden and five away from the King of Greece! 'I was presented with a signed portrait and a signed copy of My Early Life. When I thanked him I said I would be able to show them with much pride to my grandchildren. 'He is most amazingly natural, and the whole time he treated me more as an intimate friend than a nurse. He would talk on the phone when I was in the room, and have Most Secret documents lying around the bed. 'Darling, I wish so much that you could have been there, even invisibly, to watch the goings on!' A temperature chart chronicles the health of the prime minister as he battle pneumonia during the Second World War. The British nurse was at his side for three weeks during the fighting The nurse told how Churchill made her sign his visitors' book before she left, putting her name alongside important figures such as Anthony Eden Doris kept the letters tucked away in a desk in the dining room of her townhouse in Chichester, West Sussex, until her daughter discovered them in 2001. Captivated by their contents, Mrs Rose transcribed the letters and with her mothers blessing has produced a book of the war-time correspondence between her parents. Mrs Rose, 70, a retired computer programmer who now lives in West Beach, Florida, US, said: 'My mother kept the letters all through her life in a desk in her dining room. Doris Miles - who cared for the prime minister while he battled illness - is pictured with husband Roger Miles and Timo the dog during 1942 'It was partly because of her affection for Churchill and also because my father had somehow kept them safe all throughout the war even when his ship was torpedoed. 'One day in 2001 we were clearing out her desk and came across the letters and I started reading them. It was so exciting. 'I transcribed the letters for her and suggested we could make them into a book but she said they could be published with her blessing after her death. 'From the letters you can tell Churchill had this amazing personal charisma and loyalty to those people who were close to him and my mother was under his spell.' Nursing Churchill: Wartime Life from the Private Letters of Winston Churchills Nurse, by Jill Rose, is published by Amberley on June 15 and costs 18.99. The boss of a film production company credited with creating a video that Donald Trump showed to Kim Jong-un this week says he had nothing to with it. Mark Castaldo, the boss of California-based Destiny Pictures, says he has no idea why a credit his company appeared at the start of the film. The film, called 'A Story Of Opportunity', was shown to the North Korean leader during his meeting with Trump in Singapore on Tuesday. Destiny Pictures was credited with helping to produce the video that Trump showed to Kim Jong-un in Singapore this week Mark Castaldo, the founder of the company, said on Tuesday that he had no involvement with the film and put a statement on his website reiterating that Trump said the film was intended to demonstrate to the dictator what his country could be like if he gives up his nukes and embraces the free economy. After the film was shown to journalists, many contacted Destiny Pictures for a statement. Mr Castaldo told CNN that his phone and email were flooded with requests for interviews starting on Tuesday morning. 'I just tried to answer the emails and try to get out in front and say, "I had nothing to do with this."' Castaldo says he is 'not a political guy' and found the video 'overproduced... too long... redundant... [and] repetitious', though admits it was 'edited well'. A statement on Destiny Pictures' website also makes it clear that the firm 'Had No Involvement In President Trump NK Summit Video.' CNN reports that the video was in fact created by the White House National Security Council. The video, entitled A Story Of Opportunity, was designed to show Kim what North Korea could be like if he abandons his nukes and adopts the free market economy Trump said he was encouraging Kim to think of North Korea 'from a real estate perspective' by showing him footage of beach resorts he could develop Two White House officials refused to comment on who created the video when asked by Dailymail.com. Castaldo says he has no idea why the video would feature his company's name, but theorizes that it was chosen at random for its hopeful connotations Trump said the video was 'a version of what could happen and take place' in North Korea if Kim pursues a path of peace and disarmament. 'They have great beaches! You see that whenever they're exploding the cannons into the ocean, right?' Trump said after he played the four minute video for the press. 'So I said, "Boy, look at that beach. Wouldn't that make a great condo behind," and I explained it,' the real estate billionaire recalled. The heavily produced video, made with both Korean and English voiceovers, portrays Kim Jong-un as a man with a choice of moving his country forward or backward Images in the video included many of smiling North Koreans but none of the country's gulags and forced labor camps 'I said, "Instead of doing that you could have the best hotels in the world right there." Think of it from a real estate perspective.' A voiceover in the video described Tuesday's summit as 'a special moment in time when a man is presented with one chance that may never be repeated. What will he choose? To show vision and leadership? Or not?' 'Will this leader choose to advance his country and be part of a new world? Be the hero of his people?' the narrator says later, over a climactic string orchestra. 'Will he shake the hand of peace and enjoy prosperity like he has never seen? A great life, or isolation? Which path will be chosen?' Two young children walking home from school were approached by a strange man who police believe may have been attempting to abduct them. Security vision has emerged of the moment a passer-by stopped to help the children as they ran from the stranger, who was caught on film, Nine News reported. The children, who attend a primary school in Adelaide's north, told police the man was following them and then started chasing them on Tuesday afternoon. Scroll down for video Two young children walking home from school were approached by man who attempted to abduct them Security vision caught the man (pictured) who attempted to abduct the two children who were walking home from school The man is described being of Caucasian appearance, aged in his mid 40's, 180cm tall with big build, black hair and a black beard. He was wearing dark clothing including a black leather jacket. Police say they would like to speak to the man about the incident, and are calling for witnesses to come forward with any information about the event. Three similar incidents in neighbouring suburbs Salisbury North, Salisbury Park and Craigmore have been reported to police in recent weeks. In one incident, a girl was offered her a ride to school, while in another a man grabbed a boy's backpack. The first incident occurred on 8 June, when a young school girl was walking to school along Penong Crescent at Salisbury North. Police say it's too early to tell if the abduction attempts are related. Three incidents have occurred in the past week and police are urging anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers Hungary's far-right Prime Minister Viktor Orban claimed the population of Europe is being replaced and that financial speculators like US billionaire George Soros are hoping to profit from the 'ruination' of the continent. In a discussion on the growing number of migrants flooding into Balkan countries on public Kossuth Radio on Friday, Orban warned that Europe was seeing a new wave of migration. He claimed it was necessary to fight Soros and his 'army' to prevent a 'multicultural Europe' because 'we do not want to mix with others.' Scroll down for video Hungary's far-right Prime Minister Viktor Orban (pictured) claimed the population of Europe is being replaced with mass migration In response to press reports that Soros' organisations are in every Balkam country, Orban declared: 'It's worth fighting against a force that is stronger than us against a force like George Soros and his army. 'We've played a role in this network being exposed, as we brought it out into the open, and now they have to openly state their goals. They want immigration. 'The replacement of populations and peoples is under way in Europe, partly because speculators like George Soros can make large financial profits. 'They are set on the ruination of Europe, because they're hoping for large profits.' As well as profits, Orban also insisted that an ideological motivation for the creation of a multicultural Europe. He said: 'On the other hand, there is also an ideological motivation: they believe in a multicultural Europe; they don't like Christian Europe; they don't like the traditions of a Christian Europe; and they definitely don't like Christians. 'They believe that if they mix us with some other kind of people we'll be more beautiful, we'll look better, and Europe will be a better place in which to live. 'We, however, do not want to mix with others.' Orban claims financial speculators like US billionaire George Soros (pictured) are hoping to profit from the 'ruination of Europe' with mass migration He added that the current rising tide of mass migration poses a challenge for Hungary's neighbours. 'We are indeed seeing signs of a new migration wave, of a rising tide following a low tide; it's rising now, and this poses a challenge,' he said. 'We've managed to ensure that now every migrant knows that they shouldn't follow the path marked by the signpost pointing to Hungary. 'This is good, but it won't protect our neighbours, and as we also need stable neighbours we must provide them with help.' It comes after Orban's government proposed legislation, to be voted on later this month, which would criminalise the act of helping asylum-seekers. Leading Hungarian non-governmental organisations denounced the so-called 'Stop Soros' package of bills that could see activists and lawyers jailed. The measures would allow courts to pass criminal sentences including jail terms of up to one year on individuals for aiding asylum-seekers. Representatives from prominent local NGOs called the proposals 'an attack against human rights defenders'. Parliament should 'drop the idea of criminalising our work which is in solidarity with asylum-seekers and refugees', Julia Ivan, head of Amnesty International in Hungary, told a press conference outside parliament. Orban's government has proposed legislation which would criminalise the act of helping asylum-seekers 'We do what we have to do, we are not criminals,' she said. The government says the laws are aimed at persons helping undeserving migrants to acquire refugee status, for example if those persons were not in immediate danger before entering Hungary, or who entered the country illegally. Named after the liberal Hungarian-American billionaire George Soros, the measures are the government's latest broadside against the 87-year-old, who has long been accused by the fiercely anti-immigration Orban of facilitating migration into Europe. The run-up to a parliamentary election in April, which Orban's ruling Fidesz party won by a landslide, was dominated by anti-migrant and anti-Soros messaging on pro-government media. After the vote, Orban vowed to clampdown on NGOs, whose staff he called 'Soros mercenaries'. According to Marta Pardavi, co-chair of the Hungarian Helsinki Committee, a group providing free legal aid to asylum-seekers, Stop Soros is meant 'to stigmatise, intimidate, and sanction human rights defenders' work'. The measures are 'unacceptable,..and should have no place in a democratic country that is run by the rule-of-law', Pardavi told the press conference. The UNHCR refugee agency has also called on the government to withdraw the plans. They 'would significantly restrict the ability of NGOs and individuals to support asylum-seekers and refugees', it said in a statement. The EU's rights watchdog, the Venice Commission, has also begun a probe into the laws' compliance with EU values, and is due to give its opinion later in June. The NGOs have pledged to use all legal means to challenge the legislation, depending on the final version approved by parliament, including bringing cases before the Hungarian constitutional court and the EU courts. The US military has indefinitely postponed major joint exercises with South Korea, an official said Thursday, acting on President Donald Trump's pledge to halt the 'provocative' military drills following his summit with North Korea's Kim Jong-un. The move, a significant break in how the U.S. and South Korean militaries have worked together for decades, came even as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned that peace efforts still face risks, and insisted sanctions must be maintained until Pyongyang dismantles its nuclear arsenal. 'Major military exercises have been suspended indefinitely on the Korean peninsula,' a senior U.S. official said. Trump on Tuesday had said the US would halt 'war games' with its South Korean security ally but he did not make clear when the freeze would kick in. U.S. and South Korean forces have been training together for years, and routinely rehearse everything from beach landings to an invasion from the North, or even 'decapitation' strikes targeting the North Korean regime. Pyongyang typically reacts furiously. Following drills last year, the North fired ballistic missiles over Japan, triggering global alarm. U.S.-South Korea military exercises have long been a source of irritation for North Korea, which considers them preparation for an invasion and now President Donald Trump has ordered them stopped The White House sees Tuesday's summit between Trump and Kim Jong-un as as wildly successful; Trump susprised everyone by announcing that the war games would be suspended North Koreas Kim (left) is slowlly gaining leverage over his longtime enemy to the south (South Korean president Moon Jae-in, right) as Trump tries to establish stronger ties and force the North into denuclearizing its military Trump has sounded a triumphant tone since the Singapore summit, where he and Kim signed a joint statement in which Kim committed 'to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula.' But critics have pointed to the vague wording of the non-binding document, which Trump described as a 'deal,' and to concerns among allies about the decision to stop the US-South Korean 'war games.' Speaking on a regional tour to brief South Korean, Japanese and Chinese officials about the historic summit, Pompeo said Washington remains committed to the 'complete, verifiable and irreversible' denuclearization of North Korea. 'We believe that Kim Jong Un understands the urgency ... that we must do this quickly,' he said of the effort to have North Korea abandon its atomic arsenal. In Beijing, Pompeo also said China 'reaffirmed its commitment' to United Nations sanctions after the foreign ministry suggested earlier this week that the UN Security Council could consider easing the economic punishment against its Cold War-era ally. 'We truly believe that we have a path forward after so many years that can bring peace,' Pompeo told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi before talks with President Xi Jinping. But, he warned, 'there are still risks that we won't achieve' that goal, and more work needs to be done. Any reduction in tensions on its doorstep is welcome for China, North Korea's closest ally, which accounts for around 90 percent of Pyongyang's trade. Speaking alongside Wang, Pompeo said the UN resolutions have mechanisms for sanctions relief 'and we agreed that at the appropriate time that those would be considered,' stressing that any relief would come only after 'full denuclearization.' For his part, Wang said China has a 'firm commitment' to denuclearization but that North Korea's 'legitimate' concerns must be addressed. North Korean state media reported Wednesday that Trump had not only offered to stop military exercises during dialogue, but also lift sanctions imposed on Pyongyang -- causing concern in Tokyo and Seoul. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is insisting that the U.S. isn't out of the woods Donald Trump has said the nuclear threat from North Korea no longer exists after his summit with Kim Jong-un Earlier, South Korean President Moon Jae-in acknowledged that 'there may be very conflicting views' about the summit, but it had still helped mitigate fears of a nuclear war. South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha appeared meanwhile to sidestep the issue of military drills, saying the matter would be left to military authorities to discuss, and that the US-South Korea alliance remained 'as robust as ever.' While it is not directly involved, Japan also considers the exercises vital. Harry Harris, who until last month headed the US military's huge Pacific Command, has been a staunch advocate of the military exercises. But he told US lawmakers on Thursday that his position had changed. 'The whole landscape has shifted and I believe that we should give exercises, major exercises, a pause,' Harris told senators at his confirmation hearing to be the US envoy to South Korea. In the latest step to ease cross-border friction, the two Koreas held their highest-level military talks in over a decade Thursday in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the two countries. North Korea's reclusive regime has long craved international legitimacy, and celebrated the Singapore summit as a major victory In a joint statement the two sides agreed to restore their military communication lines and to halt 'hostile acts', Yonhap news agency reported. But they made little headway on a plan to get their defense ministers to meet, Yonhap added. Trump had raised eyebrows by describing his own country's drills on the Korean peninsula as 'provocative,' a term used by the North for the exercises. Pyongyang describes its nuclear weapons and long-range missiles as a shield against US aggression, and has in the past linked denuclearization to the removal of US forces from the peninsula. North Korea's propaganda machine embraced the summit, with state television airing footage Thursday, describing Kim as a universally revered 'prominent world leader.' Despite the concerns voiced by analysts and some allies, the Trump administration continues to tout the summit as a success, and Pompeo said earlier that he hopes to see 'major disarmament' of North Korea by 2020. Trump has declared the nuclear threat from North Korea no longer exists, and tweeted Wednesday that people 'can sleep well tonight!' Harris, however, disagreed. 'I think we must continue to worry about North Korea's nuclear threat,' he said. A black couple who couple questioned their bill in a Waffle House bill both ended up being handcuffed and arrested, in the latest incident at the chain. The couple, identified in a police report as Donald Copeland and Ms. Hart, placed a to-go order at the Waffle House in Fort Walton Beach, Florida. They disputed the price of a juice which they say was listed as $1, but for which they were charged $2.50. As Copeland attempted to call a corporate 1-800 number to further dispute the bill, Waffle House employees called the police, saying the man was 'being irate, screaming and cussing.' At the start of the video, the man identified by police as Donald Copeland can be seen arguing with staff at the Waffle House as well as on the phone making a complaint about his bill After one of the two officers goes inside the the restaurant, Copeland then emerges with his hands in the air Body cam footage from one of the officers shows him beckoning Copeland, who is on the phone, to 'come here!' and then says 'oh I'm going to put my hands on you, get out here!'. He is seen inside arguing with the operator on the 1-800 number as his girlfriend explains they are leaving but want to sort out the issue of the bill. The officer says the man should come outside and talk to him 'like a man'. Another officer then goes inside the restaurant and the Copeland comes out with his hands in the air and then turns to the left. The officer asks Copeland, whose hands are still in the air, to pay his bill warning him if he doesn't pay his bill 'you're going to jail'. After he continues to shout about the bill, the officer eventually took out his handcuffs and Taser. While the other officer points his Taser at Copeland, his colleague then handcuffs the Copeland and then leads him to a waiting squad car, as his girlfriend shines the torch on her phone at him. Copeland and one of the officers, who has by now withdrawn his Taser, continue to argue about the bill Copeland is placed in the back of a police car. Waffle House says it is investigating the dispute but said it has 'a very diverse customer base and workforce' She is also handcuffed, at which point she starts crying and saying that has done nothing wrong. The footage was posted by Footage posted by activist and journalist Shaun King. 'The man being arrested here refused to pay for a $1.50 overcharge on an orange juice that was listed as $1.00 on the menu. That's all,' wrote King. 'When they refused to change the charge he demanded to talk to customer service.' The woman returned to the Waffle House location later and received a full refund, it was reported. Waffle House said as 'anyone who has dined with us knows, we have a very diverse customer base and workforce' adding that an investigation was underway into the incident at Walton Beach. The incident comes after arrest in April of 25-year-old Chikesia Clemons at the Waffle House restaurant on in Alabama Video of the incident shows three officers briefly speaking with a visibly agitated Clemons moments before forcefully pulling her from a chair and pinning her to the ground of the Waffle House. In May, Waffle House employees called police on 22-year-old Anthony Wall after he got into an argument with several workers in North Carolina. Wall, who is black, was dressed in a tuxedo and had just taken his teen sister to prom. Video shows a white officer slamming the black teenager against a window, then turning him around before gripping the teen's neck. A tragic young couple were killed on their first date in a horror motorway smash in a BMW. Tim Grace, 31, was taking Sarah-Jayne Thomas, 28, for a spin in his BMW X5 when he lost control and crashed. Friends said the couple were on their first date together when the tragedy struck in the one-car crash. Brunette hairdresser Sarah-Jayne was described by heartbroken friends as an 'amazing girl' and 'fantastic mother'. Mum-of-two Sarah-Jayne was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on the M4 motorway near Bridgend in South Wales on Tuesday. Father-of-two Tim, a window cleaner, was left with life threatening injuries and taken to hospital for treatment but died on Wednesday night. The pair had been driving back from Miller and Carter steak restaurant in Cardiff at around 3pm when they crashed. Swansea residents Sarah-Jayne Thomas and Tim Grace were killed in a crash on the M4. Friends later revealed the couple were on their first date Tim's best friend Raju Miah, 26, said: 'It is too heartbreaking for words - it was their first official date. 'They had been planning it for a while and they both took the day off work. 'Tim was a smashing bloke, a great friend and the life and soul of the party. 'I'm in shock, I'd known him since school - we did everything together.' Tim, from Treboeth, Swansea, had been due to fly out to Ibiza for a friend's stag at the weekend but dropped out to be with Sarah-Jayne. His close friend said Tim was a keep-fit fanatic who doted on his toddler daughter Ella-Rae. Businessman Mr Miah said: 'He was either at the gym or with Ella- Rae, he saw her every other day. 'He was a good dad after splitting up with Ella-Rae's mum who he was still friends with. 'He and Sarah-Jayne had been out together in Swansea a few times but this was their first special date.' Grieving pals and close family members gathered at a racecourse near Sarah-Jayne's home in Penlan, Swansea to release balloons in her memory. Sarah-Jayne worked at the Ava Marie hair boutique in Swansea where her workmates are so upset they cancelled all appointsments until next Tuesday. A friend said: 'Sarah-Jayne was a beautiful girl, inside and out - everyone is walking around in a daze because we can't believe she's gone.' Friend Jordan Thomas said: 'What a cruel world we live in, RIP Sarah. 'You were a lovely person and shouldn't of been taken so soon, my heart goes out to the family and her two precious boys. Sleep tight angel.' Jordanna Richards said: 'She was amazing girl, a fantastic mother. She will be missed so much xx' Jenna Marie said: 'Awful news, thinking of those beautiful boys and her family.' Tim, who has a young daughter, was taken to University Hospital of Wales, Cardiff, with 'serious injuries' where doctors battled to save his life. The M4 was closed near Junction 37 westbound for seven hours after the crash Tim Grace, 31, was taking new girlfriend Sarah-Jayne Thomas, 28, for a spin in his BMW X5 when he lost control and crashed Mum-of-two Sarah-Jayne was pronounced dead at the scene of the crash on the M4 motorway near Bridgend in South Wales on Tuesday Mother-of-two Sarah Jayne was killed in the crash on the M4 when she was on a first date But he too died 24 hours after the crash. A friend of Tim's defended his driving, saying: 'Do you think he set out that day with Sarah going on their first date to crash and not go home? 'How anyone at this stage can judge is beyond me. People are in shock and grieving including myself. 'RIP Tim and Sarah. Heartbroken.' Investigators have appealed for dashcam footage and witnesses as they try to piece together what happened. The carriageway was closed for seven hours while emergency crews tried to get the couple out of the car and clear the wreckage of the devastating crash. Friends of the mother-of-two said she was an 'amazing' person and a 'fantastic mother' the road was shut for seven hours after the M4 crash, leading to miles of tailbacks on the motorway as police investigated A spokesman for South Wales Police said: 'Officers investigating the fatal road traffic collision which happened on the westbound carriageway of the M4 motorway near Pyle on Tuesday have released the names of the victims. 'They have been named as Timothy Peter Grace, 31, from Treboeth, Swansea and Sarah-Jayne Thomas, 28, from Penlan in Swansea. 'Specially trained police officers are supporting both families. 'South Wales Police is continuing to appeal for anyone who witnessed the collision or the manner in which the vehicle was being driven prior to it, or who has any dash-cam footage, to contact the Serious Collision Investigation Unit.' This is the shocking moment a mass brawl erupted outside of a busy Majorca bar and spilled onto the streets. The incident took place in Cala Ratjada, a resort in north-east Majorca in the Spanish Balearic Islands. In the footage, two young tourists square up to each other outside the pub and start shouting. As a group gathers to watch, the man in a white T-shirt hits his opponent in a black top against the side of his head. While the man reels in pain and holds his ear, a huge fight breaks out and both groups of friends get involved. Several members of the party chases after one of the instigators and more men start laying into him. Punches and kicks were thrown when a mass brawl erupted outside of a busy Majorca bar and spilled onto the streets A security guard dashes over shouting 'hey, hey' and chases off some tourists, but splinter groups carry on brawling outside a row of shops. They can be seen swinging punches and kicks in the middle of the street. The video ends with the brave guard breaking up a small group of fighters. The incident took place in Cala Ratjada, a resort in north-east Majorca in the Spanish Balearic Islands. Pictured: A confrontation between two men turned into a huge fight Both parties can be seen swinging punches and kicks at each other outside of a row of shops According to local authorities, no one has been arrested following the mass brawl and no injuries were reported. However, the incident will only add to the bad feeling caused by 'over-tourism' in the Balearic Islands. Footage that was recently released by Facebook group 'Islanders Fed Up With Saturation' showed the Majorcan capital Palma wrecked with litter and sleeping holidaymakers the morning after a night out. The clip was accompanied by the message: 'How long will this go on for?' Many pictures of graffiti daubed in town areas reading 'tourists go home' have been circulated on social media. Washington state police are searching for a gunman who terrorized drivers near an airport Wednesday afternoon. State patrol troopers said a total of four cars were hit with bullets as the drivers traveled along State Route 509 near the Sea-Tacoma International Airport around 1.30pm. Authorities believe the shooter was on the side of the highway and not in a moving vehicle because of the trajectory of the bullets. Scroll down for video Washington state police are searching for a gunman who terrorized drivers near an airport Wednesday afternoon. Four cars were hit with bullets, and this photo shows the windshield of one car Washington State Patrol said the cars were hit as the drivers traveled along State Route 509 near the Sea-Tacoma International Airport around 1.30pm Authorities believe the shooter was on the side of the highway and not in a moving vehicle because of the trajectory of the bullets. All of the cars were struck on the driver's side of their cars All of the cars were struck on the driver's side of their cars. Photos shared on Twitter by the State Patrol show the vehicles with bullet holes in the doors. One of the bullets even went through the windshield of Mary Ertl's car. 'I heard a boom and then glass all over my face,' she told KOMO News. 'I thought it was a rock until I looked at the passenger side, and then I knew it was a bullet... So I slowed down, and called police.' Troopers (pictured) and the King County Sheriff Air Support searched the area for the shooter Aerial video of their search shows K-9 units on the ground as well as heavily-armed officers (pictured) on foot No one was injured in the terrifying shooting, but the gunman remains on the loose. Troopers and State Patrol aircraft searched the area for the shooter. Aerial video of their search shows K-9 units on the ground as well as heavily-armed officers on foot. The Sea-Tac Airport was shut down for more than five hours on Wednesday and police blocked off traffic in and out of the area. No one was injured in the terrifying shooting, but the gunman remains on the loose. Police blocked off traffic (pictured) in and out of the area when the shooting occurred The Sea-Tac Airport (file image) was shut down for more than five hours on Wednesday and police blocked off traffic in and out of the area Authorities opened the southbound lanes and one northbound lane of State Route 509 around 6.30pm. All lanes were back open around 8.45pm Authorities opened the southbound lanes and one northbound lane of State Route 509 around 6.30pm. All lanes were back open around 8.45pm after law enforcement officers wrapped up their search for the shooter. Detectives don't have any reason to believe that the vehicles were targeted. But they are asking for any one with information on the shooting to call 911. Two Vermont inn employees learned the hard way that you should never eat something the guests leave behind. The two housekeepers at the Inn at Shelburne Farms had to be rushed to the hospital on Wednesday after eating some chocolate that turned out to be marijuana edibles. Both women were found unresponsive just before 10.30am. One was so ill that she was discovered lying down in the inn's driveway. The women had sampled a few candies a guest left behind in a box that was labeled 'salted caramel chocolates'. The two housekeepers at the Inn at Shelburne Farms (pictured) had to be rushed to the hospital on Wednesday after eating some chocolate that turned out to be marijuana edibles They had thought the chocolates were 'Whoppers', a malted milk ball candy. There was nothing on the box that indicated the chocolates were infused with marijuana. Authorities believes the box had originally held ordinary chocolates, which had later been replaced with the edibles. They had thought the chocolates were 'Whoppers', the malted milk ball candy (pictured in file photo) The two housekeepers have not been identified but Shelburne Farms did release a statement after the incident. 'Two employees at the Inn at Shelburne Farms fell ill this morning after ingesting something that came from outside of Shelburne Farms,' it read. 'They have been taken to the hospital and we hope they will make a full recovery soon. We are doing our best to be careful about protecting the privacy of our employees.' Shelburne Farms said it also planned to review its training so that employees understand they should never eat anything left behind by guests. The two guests who left the edibles behind will not face charges, Shelburne Officer Joshua Flore told the Burlington Free Press. Flore said the guests had checked out of the inn earlier that day and left the edibles behind because they were 'still traveling'. It is believed they purchased the edibles out of state. Marijuana will be legal in Vermont as of July 1, allowing adults 21 and over to possess up to one ounce of marijuana and grow a maximum of two mature marijuana plants. Gov Phil Scott signed the law in January and told legislators to turn their attention to 'more significant issues faced by Vermonters in their daily lives'. A father was brutally beaten with a wench after a man violently attacked him for driving too slow. Rodney had just dropped his daughter off to school and was allegedly targeted by the teenage motorist for driving five kilometres under the speed limit. The Perth man had to be hospitalised after suffering bleeding on the brain and a fractured skull after the horrific mid-morning ordeal. Scroll down for video Rodney (pictured) had just dropped his daughter off to school and was violently attacked by a man for driving five kilometres under the speed limit at about 9am The Perth man had to be hospitalised after suffering bleeding on the brain and a fractured skull after the horrific mid-morning ordeal (pictured) which started after road rage incident The road rage started when Rodney was cut off by the attacker and had a carton of milk allegedly thrown at him while he was driving 65km/h in a 70 zone, Perth Now reported. The construction worker pulled over, curious at what was happening, only to be allegedly violently attacked from behind with a 'big silver wench' at least five times. 'He's just gone around and started thumping me in the back of the head, so I've had five, six, seven blows of a metal bar, right at the back of my head,' Rodney told 9News. 'I've dropped to the ground and this guy has gone to town,' the 43-year-old said. Two men at a nearby convenience store ran to help at about 9am Wednesday after seeing Rodney laying bloodied and brutally attacked on the side of the Caversham road, north-east of Perth. 'I didn't do anything wrong ... jeez, I drove five kilometres under the speed limit ... there's no need for that,' he told the publication. The construction worker said he was cut off and had milk thrown at him before he pulled over, curious at what was happening before being attacked from behind with a 'big silver wench' The victim is now waiting for brain scans to come back to determine if he needs surgery. A 49-year-old male driver of the 2005 silver Commodore and 18-year-old passenger assisted police with the investigation. Western Australia Police charged the teenager over the assault for endangering life, health and safety of a person. A millionaire Eurocrat who married her husband after meeting him at the European Commission has been banned from divorcing in England by top judges. Una Kelly, 44, met John Pyres, 73, whilst they were both working in Brussels in the late 1990s and enjoyed a 'sumptuous' Italian wedding in 2005. She grew up in Ireland and briefly studied in Manchester, while Indian-born Mr Pyres had previously lived in the UK and owned a 2.5million house in Fulham, west London. Miss Kelly, who had two children with Mr Pyres before they separated in 2015, fought to end the marriage in England, were divorce payouts are often viewed as more generous. Una Kelly (left), 44, and John Pyres (right), 73, met while working at the European Commission in Brussels in the late 1990s and married at an Italian wedding in 2005 But now Appeal Court judges have dashed her hopes, ruling that her globe-trotting working life means she is not 'domiciled' in England. Although born in England, Miss Kelly spent the whole of her childhood in Ireland, said Lady Justice King. And, after her high-powered career as a European diplomat took her abroad, she had not lived in the UK for 17 years, she added. Miss Kelly said she considered England her 'adopted home' and that she had 'a singular and distinctive relationship' with this country. But the judge said that any visits she made to Britain had been just 'passing through' and she had shown little 'emotional attachment' to the UK. Indian-born Mr Pyres had previously lived in the UK and owned a 2.5million house in Fulham, west London (pictured) Although her finances were centred on Britain, and she came to London for medical treatment, that did not make her domiciled here. 'She demonstrated no personal nexus, never choosing to spend time, or just enjoy being in, what was supposed to her adopted home,' said the judge. Miss Kelly claimed she intended to retire to England, but the judge said that would be 'in several decades time, some 36 years after her last period of residence'. Apart from her time as a student in Manchester in her 20s, her longest period of residence in England was 11 months, when she was working here in the early 2000s. The judge, sitting with Lord Justice Newey and Mr Justice MacDonald, agreed that she had never lost her 'domicile of origin' in Ireland. Apart from her time as a student in Manchester in her 20s, the longest period of Miss Kelly's residence in England was 11 months, when she was working here in the early 2000s Although a British passport holder, she had left this country at 'a young and itinerant age' and had never made her home here. Indian-born Mr Pyres came to Britain with his parents in 1957, when he was aged 13, and later bought two properties here, including the six-bedroom house in Fulham. He worked in England as a civil servant for more than 20 years, but was seconded to the EU in Luxembourg, and later Brussels, in 1997. Mr Pyres, now retired, met Miss Kelly through their work at the EU Commission and they had their wedding reception at his Tuscan farmhouse in 2005. The couple described themselves as 'British subjects' in their pre-nuptial agreement, but stated that they were 'habitually resident and domiciled in Italy'. By 2006, they were in 'a long-distance marriage', with him on an EU posting in Sarajevo, whilst she was working in Albania. They were reunited three years later, when she was sent to the EU delegation in Bosnia, but by that time their marriage was in trouble. 'In an attempt to salvage their marriage, they attended marriage counselling in London' but, by 2015, their relationship was over. Charles Hale QC, for Miss Kelly, denied that she had no emotional attachment to England, pointing to the paper she wrote for her Master's degree. 'She demonstrated her passion for England by writing a thesis on English Country Houses,' he told the court. She considered the house, in Radipole Road, Fulham, as her home, storing her belongings, including expensive mahogany furniture, there. Throughout her adult life, she had 'an anchor laid in London', paying UK taxes and registered to a GP in Fulham, said the barrister. Miss Kelly, the court heard, was born in Stoke on Trent, where her father was a surgeon, but the family moved back to Ireland when she was a baby. Mr Pyres said his ex-wife had shown no 'emotional warmth or attachment' to England, or even suggested that she likes it here. It was only after she filed for divorce in this country in 2015 that she began describing herself as Irish-British, he claimed. Ruling out divorce proceedings in England today, Lady Justice King said Miss Kelly had been resident in England for only 29 months since 1995. She had 'not formed the necessary intention to leave behind her domicile of origin in Ireland and acquire a domicile of choice in England,' the judge concluded. President Donald Trump gave Americans a preview of this week's nuclear summit with North Korea nearly 19 years ago. As he considered a 2000 third-party run for the White House, the real estate tycoon told NBC News that he would 'negotiate like crazy' with what was then a future nuclear state, but ultimately wouldn't write off the possibility of military strikes. 'Now, if that negotiation doesn't work,' Trump said in the October 1999 interview, 'you'd better solve the problem now than solve it later.' The future commander-in-chief referred to North Korea as 'sort of wacko' and 'not a bunch of dummies, and they are going out and they are developing nuclear weapons.' SCROLL DOWN TO READ THE FULL TRANSCRIPT President Donald Trump said in 1999 (pictured) that if he were America's commander-in-chief he would 'negotiate like crazy' with North Korea before considering a military strike on their nuclear weapons infrastructure Trump was talking at the time about the 'wacko' regime of despot Kim Jong-il, whose son is now the hermit kingdom's powerful tyrant Trump and the dictator Kim Jong-un met Tuesday in Singapore to negotiate what the White House has predicted will be a complete withdrawal of Pyongyang's nuclear weapons program Flashback: Trump says he would 'negotiate like crazy' with North Korea on Meet the Press in 1999 pic.twitter.com/oSXyC70AMG Meet the Press (@MeetThePress) August 9, 2017 His tough talk, which foreshadowed this year's threats about raining 'fire and fury' on Pyongyang, came with Tim Russert, the 'Meet the Press' host who died 10 years ago. Russert cautioned Trump that prominent U.S. military leaders have warned about the nuclear fallout from a first strike a potential disaster that would affect most of East Asia. 'I'm not talking about us using nuclear weapons,' he answered. 'I'm saying that they have areas where they're developing missiles' that could be attacked with conventional weapons. President Trump boasted Wednesday that '[t]here is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea' following a day of negotiations Trump's foreshadowing came in an October 1999 interview with Tim Russert on 'Meet the Press' as he was considing a White House run in the 2000 elections 'Do you want to do it in five years when they have nuclear warheads all over the place, every one of them pointed to New York City, to Washington, and every one of us?' Trump asked. 'Is that when you want to do it? Or do you want to do something now?' Still, the bare-knuckled Manhattan dealmaker said his first preference would be the kind of sit-down meeting that he ended up attending two days ago in Singapore. 'If they think you're serious I deal with lots of people if they think you're serious, they'll negotiate, and it'll never come to that,' he boasted. Trump compared Kim Jong-il, the father of the hermit nation's current dictator Kim Jong-un, to an armed mugger whose attack might be thwarted if his victim could somehow negotiate with him ahead of time. 'If a man walks up to you on a street in Washington because this doesn't happen, of course, in New York but if a man walks up and puts a gun to your head and says "Give me your money," wouldn't you rather know where he's coming from before he had the gun in his hand?' he asked. John Bercow could quit as Speaker next year after Brexit has been concluded in Parliament, it was claimed today. Mr Bercow had originally promised to go after nine years - a deadline which expires next week - but said after the snap election a year ago he wanted to continue. But amid a storm of criticism over allegation he bullied staff and is sexist to female MPs, there are growing calls for the original deadline to stand. The claim today came as it was revealed MPs prepared to speak up in defence of Mr Bercow were urged to accuse journalists of bullying him. John Bercow (pictured in the Commons yesterday) could quit as Speaker next year after Brexit has been concluded in Parliament, it was claimed today Signalling the Speaker's plans, a source close to Mr Bercow told The Times: 'The government would love an inexperienced Speaker in the chair because they know that a new Speaker would initially be heavily reliant on the clerks, who are ''small c'' conservative and instinctively give the benefit of the doubt to the government of the day.' Arch-Bercow critic James Duddridge told the paper Mr Bercow's 'credibility is going to further erode every day that passes beyond June 22'. He added: 'Speaker Bercow has already proved himself not to be independent on Brexit. He is a vocal disruptor of all things Brexit against the will of the people.' The revelation came after the BBC's Newsnight reported on the 'lines to take' handed to MPs willing to defend Mr Bercow on TV. The document included the suggestion: 'BBC Newsnight has dedicated a lot of air time to these allegations - surely this is bullying? 'Surely this is bullying and harassment of the Speaker?' Pressure on Mr Bercow grew further yesterday when a government minister launched an extraordinary attack on him for his 'sexist' treatment of women. Claire Perry said she had decided to make her complaints public after colleagues highlighted Mr Bercow's 'demeaning' approach towards her in the House. She has written to the Speaker raising concerns that he looks to have a 'woman problem' and urging him to 'consider his behaviour'. Claire Perry (pictured on the BBC's Daily Politics yesterday) said she had decided to make her complaints public after colleagues highlighted Mr Bercow's 'demeaning' approach towards her in the House Mr Bercow has faced allegations of bullying staff and also been accused of branding House of Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom (file) a 'stupid woman' in a brutal off-mic rant. He denies wrongdoing Mr Bercow has faced allegations of bullying staff and also been accused of branding Commons Leader Andrea Leadsom a 'stupid woman' in a brutal off-mic rant. Mr Bercow has denied any wrongdoing. Ms Perry said the latest incident happened on Tuesday night when she was taking questions from MPs in the chamber. Arch-Bercow critic James Duddridge (file) said Mr Bercow's 'credibility is going to further erode every day that passes beyond June 22' She told the BBC's Daily Politics Mr Bercow kept cutting her answers short and was 'quite irascible'. 'He does that quite a lot with women on the government benches,' Ms Perry said. 'Men and women approached me afterwards to say his behaviour was sexist and demeaning.' Pointing to the previous clash with Mrs Leadsom, Ms Perry insisted Mr Bercow could not allow the impression to arise that he had a 'woman problem'. She said she had written to ask Mr Bercow to 'consider his behaviour'. During bruising exchanges with Ms Perry on Tuesday, Mr Bercow ordered her to 'resume your seat', adding: 'I am afraid dilation is not in order today.' Ms Perry hit back: 'The last time I talked about dilation, I was in labour.' But Mr Bercow replied: 'What is required is a brief answer and a brief question - no dilation.' Mr Bercow was accused of branding Leader of the House Mrs Leadsom a 'stupid woman' during an off-mic rant while presiding over the Commons last month. Following an outcry, he told the House that he had used the word 'stupid' in a 'muttered aside' during a row over business scheduling. However, he stopped short of apologising and insisted he would continue to speak out frankly when he felt ministers were behaving badly. Leaders of the Catholic church are criticizing the Trump administration over its border protection policy, saying that separating mothers who illegally come into the US from their children is 'immoral'. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, the president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, called out president Donald Trump and his 'zero-tolerance' policy on Wednesday during the the group's spring conference. 'Families are the foundational element of our society and they must be able to stay together. While protecting our borders is important, we can and must do better as a government, and as a society, to find other ways to ensure that safety,' he said, according to Religion News Service. 'Separating babies from their mothers is not the answer and is immoral.' Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, the president of the US Conference of Catholic Bishops, criticized the zero-tolerance policy saying it is 'immoral' to separate mothers who enter the country illegally from their children In this June 12 photo, a Honduran mother holds her two-year-old as U.S. Border Patrol agents review their papers near the U.S.-Mexico border Border Patrol agents take into custody a father and son from Honduras near the U.S.-Mexico border on June 12, 2018 near Mission, Texas Last month, Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced that the administration was going to crackdown on immigration into the country by prosecuting families who cross the border illegally. He acknowledged that the policy would separate more families. In an interview with NPR shortly after his announcement, Sessions said: 'The children will be taken care of - put into foster care or whatever'. DiNardo also slammed the administration's move to overturn asylum protection for victims of domestic violence. He said the policy 'elicits deep concern because it potentially strips asylum from many women who lack adequate protection'. 'Unless overturned, the decision will erode the capacity of asylum to save lives,' he said. Other bishops at the conference called for 'canonical penalties' for those Catholics who help Trump carry out the new rules. Cardinal Sean P. O'Malley, the archbishop of Boston, also criticized the Trump administration, calling the zero-tolerance policy 'harmful and unjust'. 'As a Catholic bishop, I support political and legal authority. I have always taught respect for the civil law and will continue to do so. But, I cannot be silent when our country's immigration policy destroys families, traumatizes parents, and terrorizes children,' the statement read in part. On Wednesday, CNN reported that federal agents separated a mother and child as the woman was breastfeeding the girl. The mother, an undocumented immigrant from Honduras, said she was at a detention center in Texas awaiting prosecution for entering the country illegally. Trump blamed the policy on Democrats in a tweet last month calling it a 'horrible law' She said she was handcuffed when she refused to let go of her child. According to the outlet, roughly 500 children have been separated from their parents since the zero-tolerance policy was announced last month. A spokeswoman for the Department of Homeland Security responded to DiNardo's comments saying the department has not been separating families at the border. The Department of Justice did not have a response. 'As part of long-standing policy, DHS is increasing referrals of illegal border crossers who violate our nation's sovereignty to DOJ for prosecution. Every day in communities across the country - if you commit a crime the police will take you to jail - regardless if you have a family or not... Illegal aliens should not get different - even better - rights because they happen to be illegal aliens.' In a tweet last month, Trump blamed the policy on Democrats, writing: 'Put pressure on the Democrats to end the horrible law that separates children from there (sic) parent once they cross the Border in the US. Catch and Release, Lottery and Chain must also go with it and we MUST continue building the WALL! DEMOCRATS ARE PROTECTING MS-13 THUGS.' Health care giant Bupa was today fined a whopping 3million after a beloved granddad fatally caught Legionnaires' disease at a 1,000-a-week care home. Subsidiary Bupa Care Homes BNH was slapped with the hefty penalty at Ipswich Crown Court after admitting 'significant and serious' health and safety failings following the death of Kenneth Ibbetson. The retired businessman had moved into the facility aged 86 just 12 weeks before he caught the deadly disease at Hutton Village Care Home, in Essex, where it was later found records had been falsified, warnings not acted upon and the manager was not trained. The retired businessman - pictured with his wife, Marjorie - had moved into the facility aged 86 just 12 weeks before he caught the deadly disease He caught the deadly disease at Hutton Village Care Home (pictured), in Essex, where it was later found records had been falsified Kenneth's daughters Elaine Ward, Val Manning and Caroline Peters are pictured outside Ipswich Crown Court today Mr Ibbetson's family said they were robbed of his twilight years after painstakingly choosing what they thought was the perfect place for him back in 2015. Instead they were forced to watch him die after failures to monitor and flush the water system allowed the deadly bacteria to develop - despite concerns raised in 2012. Today they revealed they have launched a civil case against the multi-national and will fight on for compensation. Mr Ibbetsons daughter, 54-year-old Caroline Peters, said: 'It is almost three years since our father contracted Legionnaires' disease from his bathroom and Hutton Village nursing home. 'Today Bupa were finally bought to justice by the excellence of the British legal system. Mr Ibbetson - pictured with his granddaughter Sarah Manning - died at the home, which prosecutors said enlisted staff who had not been trained properly The deadly waterborne bacteria infected Kenneth Ibbetson just 12 weeks after he moved into Hutton Village Care Home (pictured) 'The sentence imposed and the 3million fine will not bring our father back, but with the hard work of everyone involved Bupa are now facing the consequences of its failings. 'We would like to thank the team that bought the prosecution to its conclusion, ultimately we hope it will prevent another family having to suffer a needless tragedy.' Judge Emma Peters blasted the firm for its lack of training, oversight, and failure to flush a plumbing system. She slammed Bupa for 'significant and serious' failings which meant that Legionnaires' concerns raised in 2012 were not acted upon for three years. Caroline Peters (left) said her father entered the home with his twilight years ahead of him but died within weeks (pictured, middle, Mr Ibbetson's daughter Vallerie Manning and, right, his daughter Elaine Ward) WHAT IS LEGIONNAIRES' DISEASE? Legionnaires' disease is a severe form of pneumonia that causes lung inflammation. It is caused by a bacterium, known as Legionella. Around 500 people in the UK and 6,100 in the US suffer every year. The condition can cause life-threatening complications, including respiratory failure, kidney failure and septic shock, which occurs when blood flow to the vital organs is blocked. Most sufferers become ill by inhaling tiny water droplets from infected sources, such as shower heads, hot tubs, swimming pools or ventilation systems in buildings. Anyone can become infected, however, at-risk people include the elderly, smokers and those with suppressed immune systems, such as chemotherapy patients. Symptoms usually develop between two and 10 days after exposure to the bacteria. Early signs include: Headache Muscle pain Fever and chills People may then experience: Cough, which may bring up blood Breathlessness Chest pain Nausea, vomiting or diarrhoea Confusion Treatment is antibiotics, usually in hospital, as soon as possible. Prevention involves meticulous cleaning and disinfection of water systems. People can reduce their risk by not smoking as this damages the lungs and makes individuals more susceptible. Source: Mayo Clinic Advertisement In her lengthy sentencing she highlighted that records were falsified, warnings were not acted on and the homes manager was not trained. This coupled with a refurbishment meant the disease was able to develop in the hot water system. Judge Peters also revealed that other care homes suffered from the same oversight problems - but changes have now been made. 'In March 2015 Kenneth Ibbetson an 86-year-old man from a loving supportive family moved into Hutton Village Care Home run by Bupa Care Homes BNH limited,' she said. 'Just 12 weeks later he died of Legionnaires disease that resulted in an investigation by the HSE which brought a prosecution against Bupa Care Home to which they pleaded guilty. 'There is no dispute he caught that disease at Hutton Village likely it came from an aerosol of the disease from his hot tap. 'They failed in both the duties they owed to the residents of the care home and in particular Mr Ibbetson. 'In a high-risk environment in the provision of care homes to have systems that dont check up on untrained managers its not on in my view a system that discharges its duty. 'No one had a grasp of Legionnaires' risk at Hutton Village and no one understood fully or completely the system. 'I suspect the level of remorse in the company is real, but this has not been well conveyed by the company.' His youngest daughter Ms Peters revealed the 'terrible shock' of her fathers death earlier in the proceedings. Speaking in court she said: 'I am shocked and saddened that a company such as Bupa can show absolutely no regard and compassion right across the spectrum, from the management at the nursing home right through to the highest level of authority. 'My father walked into the nursing home as an elderly gentleman with his twilight years ahead of him. Within twelve weeks he was dead.' Mr Ibbetson - pictured dancing with his wife Marjorie - was infected at the Essex home and died within weeks of moving in Bupa was also slapped with costs of 151,482. Joan Elliott, Managing Director for Bupa Care Services, said: 'Our thoughts are with Mr Ibbetsons family and friends, and we are deeply sorry. 'Our residents wellbeing always comes first. Weve made a number of improvements across all of our care homes to make sure colleagues training is kept up to date, this is important to offering the best care for our residents.' Raul Plancarte-Hernandez, 33, is charged with stalking a woman he briefly dated in 2016 by allegedly peppering her with 300 phone calls and 4,000 texts, and hacking into her online accounts A man from Southern California has been arrested for allegedly stalking his ex-girlfriend for more than a year, sending her thousands of text messages and hacking into her social media accounts. Police took 33-year-old Raul Plancarte-Hernandez into custody last week after he was caught sitting in a parked car with the windows blacked out outside the victims home in Thousand Oaks late at night. According to a statement from the police department, during a month-long investigation into stalking allegations, they learned that the female victim and Plancarte-Hernandez briefly dated in 2016. After the woman ended their relationship, police say she began to receive phone calls and text messages from her jilted boyfriend at all hours of the day and night. In an attempt to stop Plancarte-Hernandez from communicating with her, the woman blocked his number, but the 33-year-old allegedly resorted to using phone apps that allowed him to call and text his ex from different numbers. According to police, since the woman broke up with Plancarte-Hernandez a year-and-a-half ago, the man called her 300 times and sent her some 4,000 texts. But his suspected cyberstalking campaign did not stop there: Plancarte-Hernandez is also accused of hacking into his ex-girlfriends social media accounts, as well as her iCloud, PayPal and cellphone accounts to make changes to them. Busted: Police arrested Plancarte-Hernandez in a car parked directly in front of the woman's home in the 300 block of Los Padres Drive in Thousand Oaks, California, on June 7 Determined to put an end to the stalking, the woman changed her phone number, email address, Apple ID and all electronic means of identifying herself, but police say Plancarte-Hernandez was still able to reach her via email and cellphone. The victim went so far as to move from the City of Moorpark to Thousand Oaks to get away from her infatuated ex, but Plancarte-Hernandez was able to track her down. Plancarte-Hernandez sent threatening text messages to the victim that included current events in the victims life that Plancarte-Hernandez could have only known if he was nearby and watching the victim, the press release from the police stated. Things came to a head just before 11.30pm on June 7, when police detectives spotted Plancarte-Hernandez seated in a parked vehicle directly in front of the victims home in the 300 block of Los Padres Drive in Thousand Oaks. Plancarte-Hernandez had parked the vehicle on the street and tried to obscure his face by placing sunshades in the windows. Plancarte-Hernandez was actively stalking the victim and sending her unwanted text messages, police said. On Tuesday, Plancarte-Hernandez was arraigned in Ventura County Superior Court on a charge of stalking, to which he pleaded not guilty. His bail was set at $100,000. Holland will vote next week on controversial plans for a ban on wearing burkas in public places. Anyone caught covering their face in government buildings, on public transport and in schools and hospitals in the Netherlands could face fines of up to 350 under the proposals. The ban, which would also apply to the use of non-religious ski-masks and full-face helmets,is likely to have a clear majority in the upper house of parliament when senators vote next week. The Dutch Senate debated the proposals, first mooted 13 years ago, on Tuesday and a vote is now scheduled for June 19. Holland will vote next week on controversial plans to ban burkas in public places (file picture) It comes nearly two years after the country's lower house of parliament backed the scheme. Last week, Denmark became the latest European country to ban the Islamic full-face veil in public spaces in a move slammed by human rights campaigners as 'a violation of women's rights'. 'Anyone who wears a garment that hides the face in public will be punished with a fine,' says the law, which was passed by 75 votes to 30 in the Danish parliament. Presented by the centre-right government, the legislation was also backed by the Social Democrats and the far-right Danish People's Party. The new rule will take effect on August 1. Wearing a burka, which covers a person's entire face, or the niqab, which only shows the eyes, in public will lead to a fine of 1,000 kroner (134 euros). The ban also targets other accessories that hide the face such as balaclavas and false beards. Repeated violations will be fined up to 10,000 kroner. Europe and the Islamic full-face veil The Islamic full-face veil - the burka, which covers a woman's entire face, or the niqab, which shows only the eyes - is a key issue across Europe. Different policies exist in different countries, with Denmark becoming the latest country to ban the wearing of the full-face veil in public. - Austria - The ban on the full veil in public places took effect in October 2017. Violations can lead to fines of up to 150 euros ($170). - Belgium - The wearing of the full veil is regulated by a 2011 law that bans 'appearing in places accessible to the public with a face masked or hidden, in whole or in part, in such a way as to be unidentifiable'. The European Court of Human Rights upheld the ban in July 2017. - Britain - There is no law restricting the wearing of garments for religious reasons. However, in March 2007 the education ministry published directives allowing directors of public establishments and denominational schools to ban the niqab. - Bulgaria - In September 2016 parliament adopted a law banning the wearing of the full veil in public, apart from for health or professional reasons. - Denmark - Denmark banned the full-face veil in public spaces on May 31 in a ruling that will take effect on August 1. Wearing a burka or niqab in public is punishable by a fine of 1,000 kroner ($156, 134 euros). The Islamic full-face veil - the burka, which covers a woman's entire face, or the niqab, which shows only the eyes - is a key issue across Europe - France - France was the first European country to ban the full-face veil in public places with a law that took effect in 2011. The European Court upheld the French burka ban in 2014, rejecting arguments that outlawing full-face veils breached religious freedom. The law has resulted in around 1,600 arrests since it came into force. Violations can result in fines of up to 150 euros. - Germany - German lawmakers have approved a partial ban on 'covering the face'. According to the legislation civil servants and officials, including judges and soldiers, must have their faces uncovered, and people can also be required to remove facial coverings in order to match them with their identity papers. - Italy - A 1975 law aimed at protecting public order makes it illegal to cover the face in public places but courts have systematically thrown out local moves to use the ban to outlaw the full-face veil. Two regions held by the anti-immigrant Northern League, Lombardy and Venetia, have banned the burka and full-face veil in hospitals and public places. - The Netherlands - Legislation passed by the lower house in November 2016 and currently being examined by the Senate would ban the wearing of burkas, helmets and face masks on public transport as well as in schools, hospitals and government buildings. Violations would result in a fine of up to 405 euros. - Sweden - Since 2006, schools are allowed to ban the face-covering veil if it prevents communication between the student and teacher, if it is dangerous (such as in a laboratory or during a sports class) or if it contravenes hygiene rules. Elsewhere in the country, wearing the full veil is authorised. Advertisement It is not known how many women wear the niqab and burka in Denmark. Amnesty International condemned the law as a 'discriminatory violation of women's rights', especially against Muslim women who choose to wear the full-face veils. 'Whilst some specific restrictions on the wearing of full-face veils for the purposes of public safety may be legitimate, this blanket ban is neither necessary nor proportionate and violates the rights to freedom of expression and religion,' the organisation's Europe director Gauri van Gulik said in a statement following the vote. 'If the intention of this law was to protect women's rights, it fails abjectly. Instead, the law criminalises women for their choice of clothing and in so doing flies in the face of those freedoms Denmark purports to uphold,' she added. Supporters argue the ban enables better integration of Muslim immigrants into Danish society, claiming the garment is used to oppress women. Last year, the European Court of Human Rights upheld a Belgian ban on wearing it in public. France was the first European country to ban the niqab in public places with a law that took effect in 2011. German lawmakers approved a partial ban on 'covering the face' last year. According to that legislation, civil servants and officials including judges and soldiers must have their faces uncovered. People can also be required to remove facial coverings in order to match them with their identity papers. Austria's law on banning the full-face Muslim garment in public spaces came into force last year. A primary school in Prime Minister Theresa May's constituency is so short of cash due to Government funding cuts it is now 'begging for toilet paper'. St Edmund Campion Catholic Primary School sent a desperate email to parents with a link to their Amazon 'Wish List' page, asking for them to buy essential items it cannot afford. The school in Maidenhead, Berkshire, has received devastating cuts in the last year - including losing out on a 70,000 grant - and is uncertain it will be able to operate after the next two years. Parents are growing increasingly concerned and one says she was 'shaken and nearly in tears' after discovering the school is 'begging for toilet paper'. St Edmund Campion Catholic Primary School sent a desperate email to parents with a link (above) to its Amazon 'Wish List' page, asking for them to buy essential items it cannot afford. The school is in Maidenhead - Prime Minister Theresa May's constituency The school, in Berkshire, has received devastating cuts in the last year - including losing out on a 70,000 grant - and is uncertain it will be able to operate after the next two years. Above, pupils at St Edmund Campion with supplies that are needed Other items on St Edmund Campion's Wish List include plasters, Pritt Sticks, colouring pencils, marker pens, Blu-tack, sticky tape, envelopes and lever arch files Mrs May has represented the constituency of Maidenhead for 21 years. In March, she told the House of Commons that the Government was spending more on schools 'than ever before'. The school's Amazon Wish List allows online shoppers using the retail giant to buy additional items when making purchases and send them to the school. Among the 17 items on the list are toilet paper and a number of office and classroom supplies including pens, pencils, erasers and felt-tip pens. One parent, Catherine del Campo, whose 10-year-old daughter attends the school, says she is worried about what the future holds for the school. She said: 'I was shaken and nearly in tears. This is really desperate - the fact they are asking for office supplies and toilet paper. 'As a parent, if the school is begging for toilet paper then it makes you wonder what's next.' Ms del Campo says the new National Funding Formula, which was designed to iron out discrepancies in the way funding was applied to schools, is seriously underfunded if schools are begging for essential items. She said: 'It doesn't sit right with me that the Government can find 50million for grammar schools when others are begging for toilet paper.' The 50million fund, announced in May, is for selective schools that can prove their commitment to admitting disadvantaged pupils. Kate Foreman, business manager at St Edmund Campion, said this is the first year the school has received less funding from the Education Funding Agency than the previous year. Mrs May has represented the constituency of Maidenhead for 21 years. In March, she told the House of Commons that the Government was spending more on schools 'than ever before' She added that a further 70,000 had been lost due to the Government's decision to cut the Education Services Grant. Academies and councils stopped receiving the grant last September. Mrs Foreman said she is uncertain what the future holds for the school which has around 420 pupils aged four to 11. She said: 'We're still committed to providing our children with an outstanding education but there's only so much you can do. Financially we're OK this year, and the next two years will probably be fine but any longer than that is harder to evaluate. 'It's certainly got more difficult over the last few years.' The Government has defended the funding it provides for schools. Detailing the new National Funding Formula in July last year, then Education Secretary Justine Greening said it will be a 'fairer' distribution and delivers 'higher per pupil funding in respect of every school, and in every local area'. But Angela Rayner, Labour's Shadow Education Secretary, insists the Government has done nothing to reverse cuts. Speaking earlier this year, she said: '2.7billion has been cut from the budgets of England's schools since 2015, and teacher recruitment targets have been missed for the fifth year in a row. 'Until this Government gets the basics right, they will never be able to deliver the education that every child deserves.' Other items on St Edmund Campion's Wish List include plasters, Pritt Sticks, colouring pencils, marker pens, envelopes and lever arch files. The notorious criminal who got the very first Antisocial Behaviour Order has been jailed for six-and-a-half years for an armed robbery at a newsagents. Kye Green was just a teenager when he was given the first ASBO in North East Lincolnshire in 2003. The grinning troublemaker was so well-known in Grimsby that he asked for his latest trial to be moved to Hull Crown Court because he feared that he could not get a fair hearing in his home town. In 2007, he told the Grimsby Telegraph he was turning his life around, while telling us that prison was soft and just a holiday and that he was proud of his ASBO. Green, 29, of Grimsby, changed his pleas to guilty in the end and smirked as he told the judge who had jailed him: 'Nice one.' Kye Green - pictured - was the first Briton to receive an ASBO and said 'nice one' to the judge who was jailing him for armed robbery He beamed broadly at female supporters in the public gallery and told them: 'See you soon.' But the show of bravado slipped as soon as he got the other side of the dock custody door and he could be heard scuffling about and shouting. He yelled to his barrister, Russell Davies, saying: 'Russell - Im going to appeal that.' But the barrister, Russell Davies, who was brought in especially from Manchester as his 'barrister of choice' from earlier dealings, confirmed outside the courtroom that there would be no appeal against the sentence. Green won a reduction shortly afterwards because the prison sentence originally announced by the judge was nine-and-a-half years. What are Asbos? The orders have been replaced bu Civil Injunctions in England, Wales and Northern Ireland. But Asbos are still used to crackdown on antisocial behaviour in Scotland. Antisocial behaviour covers drunken or threatening behaviour, vandalism including graffiti and playing loud music at night. When given an Asbo, you must follow certain rules. If you do not, you risk more severe punishment. An Asbo may require you to: Stay away from a particular place. Stop spending time with certain individuals. Work on improving your behaviour. Fix damage you caused to another persons property. Advertisement But the case was later revisited and the sentence was amended to six-and-a-half years because a wrong sentencing bracket had been used. Green admitted robbery, possessing a blank-firing fully-automatic starting pistol and handling a stolen vehicle. David Hall, prosecuting, said that Green and an accomplice entered McColls newsagents in Grimsby, just after it opened at 6am. They were masked and one of them pulled out a gun and pointed it at the female shop assistant. He told her: 'Open the till. Take all the money out or Ill shoot you.' The other raider passed a holdall over the counter to her. The first robber kicked a security door in and entered a supposedly protected area. He told the woman: 'Put all the money in the bag or Ill shoot you.' She felt the gun practically touching her arm and, after the till was opened, he grabbed money and put it in the bag. He told her 'and the fags' and grabbed half a shelf of cigarettes. The men escaped with 206.50 cash and two rows of cigarettes. The theft of the cigarettes was the undoing' of Green because, when he was arrested, six packs of cigarettes were at his home with his fingerprints on them as well as those of the shop assistant. The gun was found under soil and bricks at his mothers house. His DNA was on the trigger and guard. David Hall, prosecuting, said that Green and an accomplice entered McColls newsagents (pictured) in Grimsby, just after it opened It had six live rounds and two discharged ones in the magazine. He later blamed three other people for the robbery. The woman said in a statement that, as soon as the men walked into the shop, she thought she was going to get robbed. She started to shake and felt helpless. 'I was frozen with fear,' she said. 'I put my hands up in submission. I thought I could die here. I was trapped. I had nowhere to go.' The gun was touching the top of her shoulder. 'As far as I was concerned, the gun was real,' she said. She was so shaken that, as the raiders left the shop, the woman had difficulty telephoning the police. The victim would wake up in the middle of the night and, when somebody she did not know walked into the shop wearing black, she froze. Greens previous convictions included being jailed for two-and-a-half years in 2014 for kidnap against a former girlfriend involving threatening her with a razor, tying her to a radiator and threatening to kill her. He left her locked in the house but she managed to escape through a window. He was also jailed for a year for attempted robbery in September 2012, involving an attempted handbag snatch, and had a conviction for possessing a knuckleduster as an offensive weapon in May 2014. Russell Davies, mitigating, said that there was significant planning in the robbery but a relatively small amount of money was taken. Judge Paul Watson QC told Green: 'That poor lady must have been absolutely terrified. Its still having a lasting effect upon her.' No evidence was offered on matters involving attempted robbery and possessing a pistol at Lifestyle Express on December 18 and charges of robbery and possessing a pistol at Oriental Express on January 5 were left on file. Rudy Giuliani denies that Michael Cohen will turn on his former boss and cooperate with the special counsel's investigation into President Donald Trump. 'I checked into this last night. It's not so. He's not cooperating,' Giuliani said on Fox News Channel's 'The Ingraham Angle' on Wednesday night. 'Nor we do care, because the president did nothing wrong. We are very comfortable if he cooperates that there's nothing he can cooperate about with regard to President Trump.' Giuliani popped on TV after strong indications Wednesday that Cohen, who had served as Trump's lawyer, was cooperating with prosecutors. Rudy Giuliani denies that Michael Cohen will turn on his former boss and cooperate with the special counsel's investigation Michael Cohen parted ways with his legal team which could be a sign he's cooperating with prosecutors Cohen parted ways with his own legal team - a move that could signal a new legal strategy ora decision to cooperate. Cohen, who served as a fixer for Trump before he was president, has been under criminal investigation for bank and wire fraud as well as tax issues relating to his taxi business. Giuliani said Cohen had nothing on Trump. 'Michael Cohen I think would tell you, he's got nothing incriminating with the president. And really, they should stop going after - they're torturing the guy,' Giuliani, who serves on Trump's legal team, said. 'The reality is they are trying to frighten him. Michael is a tough guy, I don't think that will happen. And if he does, but don't think he's going to lie.' He said he emphasized with what Cohen is going through. 'I empathize greatly with Michael. I do not believe he is going to tell a falsehood. And I think he's going to tell the truth and we are very comfortable with that. The president is very comfortable with him. He's known him for years.' The former New York City mayor also said he wasn't worried about any taped conversations Cohen may have with the president. Giuliani wouldn't address whether Trump, who was running for president at the time, told Cohen, who worked for the Trump Organization, to contact the Russians about building a Trump Tower Moscow,. The plans for Trump Tower Moscow were ultimately abandoned although Cohen worked on the project for longer than he originally made known. 'I can't tell you that, that would be confidence, but the reality is, it wouldn't matter. I mean, nothing came of it,' Giuliani said. 'There was no quid pro quo for it.' He described Trump as 'clean as a whistle.' He said the Trump legal team didn't believe there was a connection between the Trump Tower Project and the investigation by special counsel Robert Mueller. Cohen is facing protracted legal battles after FBI agents raided his home and office in April. Although there is not evidence of it yet, the split with his legal team could also be a sign of some unknown friction between Cohen and his lawyers, possibly involving something discovered in the trove of documents seized by the FBI. Lawyers have been poring over 3.7 million documents seized in the raid. Cohen has been telling friends he expects to be arrested imminently, the New York Daily News reported. A source told the publication Cohen fears he will get indicted and arrested. Cohen has been working for Trump since 2011 in an assortment of roles, earning himself the nickname 'bulldog.' An ex-White House official shared with Vanity Fair that Trump should definitely be concerned if Cohen turns on him. 'Trump should be super worried about Michael Cohen,' the official said to Vanity Fair. 'If anyone can blow up Trump, it's him.' Giuliani on said Michael Cohen, Donald Trump's former lawyer, has nothing on the president Michael Cohen has been under criminal investigation for bank and wire fraud as well as tax issues Cohen sent a text message to Vanity Fair, asserting that 'your alleged source is wrong!' Last week Trump declined to rule out the possibility that he could pardon Cohen or his former campaign chairman Paul Manafort, who is facing trial. 'I haven't even thought about it,' Trump told reporters on the White House South Lawn, referring to Manafort and Cohen. 'I haven't thought about any of it. It's certainly far too early to be thinking about that.' He added, 'They haven't been convicted of anything. There's nothing to pardon.' In the meantime, Giuliani argued that Mueller 'should put in an interim report and tell us what he's got on collusion.' He has been arguing for Mueller's team to wrap up that part of its investigation - which is examining whether Trump tired to obstruct the federal investigation into Russia's role in the election - by September 1, so it will made public well ahead of the November election. 'He's got the material from which to write a report right now, except the report would say no evidence of collusion on the part of President Trump,' Giuliani said. 'He's not getting the president on any type of obstruction of justice questioning. It's not going to happen. His whole theory is cockamamie.' A plot to carry out a biological attack using ricin has been foiled in Germany, officials say. A 29-year-old Tunisian, identified only as Sief Allah H, was arrested on Wednesday before a search took place in his apartment in Cologne. Investigators say he started procuring material online including seeds needed for the creation of ricin in mid-May. They said he succeeded in creating the toxin this month and investigators found it in the search of his flat. They are still investigating how the suspect planned to use the toxin, but said he was working on an attack in Germany. A plot to carry out a biological attack using ricin has been foiled in Germany, officials say. Police are pictured in special protective clothes at a flat in Cologne earlier this week A 29-year-old Tunisian, identified only as Sief Allah H, was arrested on Wednesday before a search took place in his apartment in Cologne. Police are pictured at the scene German news weekly Der Spiegel reported that Sief Allah H. was thought to have been following instructions disseminated by ISIS on how to build a bomb containing ricin. But prosecutors said they have no evidence of a connection with any extremist organisation. They did not comment on a report that American intelligence tipped off German investigators. Prosecutors are still investigating how the suspect planned to use the toxin, but said he was working on an attack in Germany The deadly toxin with no known antidote Ricin, which has no known antidote, is one of the world's most lethal toxins and is 6,000 times more powerful than cyanide. According to the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, the toxin, found naturally in the shell of a variety of bean, works by getting inside cells and preventing them from making proteins they require. Without the proteins, cells die and this can be fatal. Symptoms of poisoning may occur between four and 24 hours depending on exposure with death taking place between 36 and 72 hours, the organisation says. It advises anyone exposed to the toxin to remove their clothing, quickly wash their entire body with soap and water, and seek immediate medical care. Advertisement He procured 1,000 seeds from a variety of bean online as well as an electronic coffee grinder, prosecutors said. Parts of the bean are highly poisonous and can be used to create ricin. The Bild newspaper reported that the suspect bought bomb-making material and chemicals used in the production of the ricin. The daily newspaper wrote that he lived in the Chorweiler neighbourhood of Cologne with his wife and four children. Ricin has no known antidote and is one of the world's most lethal toxins. It is 6,000 times more powerful than cyanide. The case comes less than a month after French authorities said they had foiled a terror attack possibly involving the use of ricin. Two brothers of Egyptian origin were arrested. Germany remains on high alert for jihadist attacks after several assaults claimed by ISIS in the country. In the worst such attack, Tunisian asylum seeker Anis Amri rammed a truck into crowds at a Berlin Christmas market in December 2016, killing 12. Douglas Kelly, 49, was arrested after he took meth to the police to try and press charges against his dealer A Florida man who was hoping to get his drug dealer arrested has found himself behind bars instead. That's because Douglas Peter Kelly, 49, was convinced his methamphetamine was bad - and took it to the police station to prove it. Kelly, of Hawthorne, called the Putnam County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday to report that he had suffered a 'bad reaction' to some meth he purchased the week before. He believed the 'violent reaction' was proof that he had been conned and sold a different drug. Kelly then told detectives that he wanted his stash tested so that he could 'press charges' against the dealer who sold him the drugs. The detectives told Kelly they were more than happy for him to come into the sheriff's office to get the drugs tested in person. Kelly, of Hawthorne, called the Putnam County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday to report that he had suffered a 'bad reaction' to some meth he purchased the week before He then told detectives that he wanted his stash tested so that he could 'press charges' against the dealer who sold him the drugs Kelly drove to the station and turned in a 'clear, crystal-like substance wrapped in aluminum foil', according to police. The substance tested positive for methamphetamine, and Kelly was taken into custody. Kelly has been charged with possession of methamphetamine and was taken to the Puntam County Jail, where he is being held on $5,000 bond. Kelly has been charged with possession of methamphetamine and was taken to the Puntam County Jail, where he is being held on $5,000 bond The sheriff's office, clearly amused by the whole situation, posted about Kelly's blunder on Facebook - where it has been shared nearly 30,000 times The sheriff's office, clearly amused by the whole situation, posted about Kelly's blunder on Facebook - where it has been shared nearly 30,000 times. A helpful notice was also added to the post. 'If you believe you were sold bag drugs, we are offering a free service to test them for you,' the officers wrote. 'Remember, our detectives are always ready to assist anyone who believes they were misled in their illegal drug purchase.' A doctor was tied to a tree by a mob of 20 youths who allegedly gang-raped his wife and 15-year-old daughter at gunpoint in India's latest shocking sex attack. The family were travelling home on a motorcycle after closing the man's clinic in Gaya in the northeast Indian state of Bihar on Wednesday evening. But as they passed through a deserted stretch of road near Sodiha village at around 8pm, the family were surrounded by a group of 20 armed youths. When the men assaulted the mother and daughter, the doctor fought back but was overpowered, he told police, according to the Times of India. Police search the area near Sondiha village in Gaya where a mob of 20 youths allegedly gang-raped a mother and daughter after tying the husband to a tree The men tied him to a tree then raped his wife and daughter, police said. Bihar police said the woman had identified two of the 20 men detained. Eleven of the suspects were arrested on Wednesday evening with the remainder taken into custody on Thursday. Villagers helped police catch the suspects by putting roadblocks in place to prevent them getting away, NDTV reports. Police inspector general Nayyer Hasnain Khan said that during the investigation, it emerged that before this incident, the same group of youths had stolen cash and mobile phones from students passing through the village. As they passed through a deserted stretch of road near Sodiha village in Gaya at around 8pm on Wednesday, the family were surrounded by a group of 20 armed youths 'The three were passing through Sondiha on a motorcycle when they were waylaid by youths carrying firearms,' he said. 'They raped the mother and the daughter after tying the father to a tree.' India has a grim record of sexual violence, with nearly 40,000 rape cases reported across the country in 2016. But campaigners say the true figure is likely to be much higher given the social stigma around victims of sexual crimes. Roseanne Barr said the plight of the Jewish people is depicted in the Planet of the Apes films in a series of tweets on Wednesday night and Thursday morning. The disgraced actress returned to social media where she was once again defending her racist remark about Valerie Jarrett when she wrote: 'Rod Serling wrote Planet of The Apes. It was about anti-semitism. That is what my tweet referred to-the anti semitism of the Iran deal. Low IQ ppl can think whatever they want.' Barr then tweeted a number of blog posts backing her theory, and at one point thanked Rosie O'Donnell and Norm MacDonald for supporting her over the past few weeks. Then, shortly after waking up on Thursday, she wrote about growing up alongside Holocaust survivors. Tweet, tweet, tweet: Roseanne Barr (above in March) said antisemitism and the plight of Jewish people were central themes in the Planet of the Apes films Comment: 'That is what my tweet referred to-the anti semitism of the Iran deal. Low IQ ppl can think whatever they want,' said Barr, claiming again she is not racist (above) Early life: The actress also said that she grew up surrounded by Holocaust survivors in a building owned by her grandmother (above) 'My childhood was spent growing up in an apartment house owned by my grandmother filled with survivors of Auschwitz and Belsen. I am an advocate 4 them & for all oppressed ppl. I will always be 4 FREEDOM FROM MOB MENTALITY,' wrote Roseanne. The previous night she had responded to a tweet about her Planet of the Apes interpretation by stating: 'i dreamed about my childhood, growing up with survivors of nazi camps-.' Barr went on to say she was spending the day making picture frames with her mother and singing Amy Winehouse before denying claims that she is racist yet again, calling her attack on Jarrett 'political' and not racially motivated. In a series of tweets on Wednesday night,. Barr claimed her comments had been 'misunderstood' while also saying she had quit taking Ambien sleeping pills. She wrote: 'I want u all2 know I'm fine. I've been using this time2 reflect & 2 gain insight on what I said & how it was misunderstood.. Needless2 say I'm NOT what people have accused me of! I've never practiced 'RACISM' in my entire life & never will.' Barr then revealed her 2012 presidential campaign manager Thomas Muhammad is to be allowed to speak for her because, 'he knows the work I have done in civil rights against racism ALL MY LIFE & understands my tweet was about Iran's regime, not race'. She also tweeted about planting trees and expressed her emotions about her recent controversy. 'Guys, I have been planting trees digging in the earth singing and feeling a great deal of relief. 'I will begin to speak for myself in media soon. My mind went into deep shock and my body too. I see clearly now.' She praised West's new LP, tiled Ye in another tweet, that has since been deleted. 'MUCH LOVE 2 U all-thanks for helping and praying for me! It worked! Listen to @kanyewest new album about mental illness, it's the greatest thing ever.' The disgraced star said her comments were 'misunderstood' and once again insisted she wasn't a racist She said she watched a documentary about the civil rights campaigner Malcolm X Roseanne said she had been planting trees, singing and 'feeling a great deal of relief' Barr said last month that she begged Disney-ABC Television Group President Ben Sherwood to not cancel her TV show after coming under fire for writing a racist tweet about former President Obama advisor Valerie Jarrett. In a since-deleted Twitter rant, Barr said she told network executives that she wanted to 'make amends'. 'I begged Ben Sherwood at ABC 2 let me apologize & make amends. I begged them not to cancel the show. I told them I was willing to do anything & asked 4 help in making things right. I'd worked doing publicity 4 them 4 free for weeks, traveling, thru bronchitis. I begged 4 ppls jobs,' she tweeted. 'He said: what were you thinking when you did this? I said: I thought she was white, she looks like my family! He scoffed & said: 'what u have done is egregious, and unforgivable.' I begged 4 my crews jobs. Will I ever recover from this pain? omg.' 'I also told Ben Sherman that I would go in hospital to check my meds, bc the stress had made them less effective. I begged like 40 motherf-----s. Done now,' Barr added. Minutes later, she tweeted: 'Get this! they pulled all my reruns and replaced me with COSBY! it's kinda hilariously gross.' That was not and is not true. Barr also said that she was ashamed that her child co-star Jayden Rey might think she didn't love her because she is African American. 'The saddest part of all is 4 Jayden Rey on the show whom I grew 2 love so much & am so ashamed of myself that she would ever think I do not love her bc she is African American. It's the most gawd awful painful thing. I can't let myself cave in tho,' she tweeted. Tiffany Haddish commented on the decision made by ABC to cancel Roseanne Barr's show after her racist tweet in an interview with The Hollywood Reporter. The comedian, who is known for her frankness and honesty, did not mince words either as she detailed two encounters she had with Barr and then scoffed at the notion that this behavior was a surprise. 'She been racist,' declared Haddish, who then added: 'Why'd you all give her a TV show?' She ready: Tiffany Haddish (left) said she twice ran into Roseanne Barr (right) around 2000, 2001 when she was visiting a friend who lived in El Segundo, California She racist: 'I say, "Hiiii, Roseanne." She looks at me ( gives a disgusted face), and ran in the house. I thought, "Maybe she don't want to be bothered today,' said Haddish (Barr with Laurie Metcalf and John Goodman on the Roseanne set) Barr's co-star and the show's executive producer Sara Gilbert denounced her on social media in the wake of her remarks. 'Roseanne's recent comments about Valerie Jarrett, and so much more, are abhorrent and do not reflect the beliefs of our cast and crew or anyone associated with our show. I am disappointed in her actions to say the least,' wrote Gilbert. '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.' 'Wow! unreal,' wrote Barr, who had confessed in earlier interviews to the difficult job Gilbert had of trying to rein in her impulse to tweet offensive comments. However, she later followed up, tweeting: 'No, I understand her position and why she said what she said. i forgive her. It just shocked me a bit, but I indeed f***ed up.' She reiterated this soon after when a follower criticized Gilbert, saying: 'She's distancing herself from me and my tweet-she has to.' Gilbert's on-screen brother did not get off so easy. Michael Fishman, who played D.J. Conner on the show and started working with Barr when he was just six, was the first to feel the wrath of the show's creator after he released a statement criticizing her racist tweet saying Jarrett looks like the lovechild of the 'Muslim Brotherhood and Planet of the Apes'. 'I condemn these statements vehemently,' wrote Fishman, who is the father of a black daughter in the reboot. 'They are reprehensible and intolerable, contradicting my beliefs and outlook on life and society. I have always lived and taught my children to be inclusive. I believe our show strived to embrace different backgrounds and opinions, through open dialogue.' Barr was none too happy with that statement and fired back on Twitter: 'I created the platform for that inclusivity and you know it. ME. You throw me under the bus. nice!' Fishman responded, stating: 'You fought, built, and designed Roseanne for inclusiveness. That is why yesterday was so out of character with the last 30 years. It was in your hands from the beginning to the end. No one can deny that.' Barr fired back: 'Please leave me alone, thanks.' Barr seemed to have made amends with both Gilbert and Fishman after a few days however, writing: 'To michael fishman and sara gilbert: I forgive u both, love u both, just wish u could have called me personally 2 talk rather than do it in a public arena. I understand, tho. It's ok.' A tractor-trailer collided with a BMW on New Jersey Turnpike during the morning rush hour and landed on top of the sedan. A news helicopter captured the harrowing scene along the highway in Ridgefield, showing the green truck resting on top of the silver BMW. The driver's side of the vehicle remained intact, but the front passenger side and the backseat were flattened by the massive truck. Seen from above: A news helicopter captured the scene of an accident involving a tractor-trailer and a sedan along New Jersey Turnpike on Thursday The collision took place at around 6.50am near the Vince Lombardi Service Area in Ridgefield, causing the truck to flip over Flattened: The massive truck landed on top of the silver BMW, crushed the backsteat and the front passenger seat The driver of the crushed sedan sustained only minor injuries, but Patch Fort Lee reported that the operator of the tractor-trailer was airlifted to the University of Medicine and Dentistry of New Jersey in Newark in critical condition. State Police say the collision took place at around 6.50am near the Vince Lombardi Service Area in Ridgefield, reported NBC4. The Turnpike's northbound lanes were closed for more than an hour following the crash, but the left lane has since reopened. The cause of the crash is being investigated. None of the victims have been named. Lucky escape: The driver of the crushed sedan sustained only minor injuries, but the operator of the tractor-trailer was in serious condition James Goolsby, 29, is charged with murder in the December 30 killing of Norris Jackson, 36, who was shot four times at a Bonchon Chicken in Connecticut A Connecticut restaurant manager charged with fatally shooting a cook during an argument about a negative Yelp review says the killing wasn't intentional. James Goolsby, 29, is charged with murder in the December 30 killing of Norris Jackson, 36, who was shot four times inside the Bonchon Chicken restaurant in Manchester. 'I didn't bring the gun that day to shoot him. I just had it in my hoody pocket, and everything got out of control,' Goolsby was said to have written in a statement, the Journal Inquirer reported. 'This is not the kind of man I am. Norris was a good guy, we were from the same part of Hartford and understood each other. 'I was trying for a better life and working so hard and so many hours. I don't know why I got so angry that day. I don't know why I walked back in to get the last word, but I did not wake up that day thinking I would hurt anybody.' Another cook, Tyler Neal, testified Tuesday that Jackson came to his defense when Goolsby got upset about a negative online review of the restaurant Goolsby's public defender John L. Stawicki stated that his clent didn't shoot Jackson in the center of his face or chest, inferring that such a move proved he didn't mean to do the shooting. Jackson was said to have died from a wound to the next that hit his spinal column, Chief Medical Examiner James R. Gill stated. The East Hartford resident also suffered three additional gunshot wounds. One was to his chest and right arm while the other hit him in his left arm. 'I didn't bring the gun that day to shoot him. I just had it in my hoody pocket, and everything got out of control,' Goolsby was said to have written in a statement Both his long arm bones were broken, the medical examiner stated in his report. Another cook at the restaurant, Tyler Neal, testified Tuesday that Jackson came to his defense when Goolsby got upset about a negative online review of the restaurant. 'We weren't up to par with our portioning and things like that,' Neal, who changed his last name to Figueroa-Vazquez, said. Neal added that Jackson quickly came to his defense and said: 'We're not perfect. We're going to make some mistakes.' Jackson was said to have died from a wound to the next that hit his spinal column, Chief Medical Examiner James R. Gill stated After their initial argument, Neal shared that Goolsby came back and got in 'another heated argument' with Jackson. 'They got into each other's personal space,' he added. 'When Norris took off his apron, that's when I really started paying attention.' The cook said Jackson appeared ready to fight but did not actually touch Goolsby before Goolsby opened fire. While in cross examination, Neal did share that Jackson referred to Goolsby as 'a street guy.' Charges for murder carry 25 to 60 years in Connecticut law. Goolsby can still be charged with first-degree manslaughter with a firearm if he isn't charged with murder. French First Lady Brigitte Macron has spent 44,000 on new plates for the Elysee Palace - sparking anger among critics. Officials say the 1,200-piece set, chosen by President Emmanuel Macron's wife was purchased because the existing collection was becoming old and was incomplete following years of use. It replaces Elysee crockery dating back to Jacques Chirac's time as president more than ten years ago while some items were from Rene Coty's presidency in the 1950s. The palace's ceramics have traditionally been supplied by the Sevres porcelain factory since the 1840s with designs on each plate showing the presidential building. French First Lady Brigitte Macron (left) has spent 44,000 on new plates for the Elysee Palace sparking outrage among critics Officials say the cost of the 900 plates and 300 side plates came out of the annual budget of the factory and that the 50,000 fee was for the artists who created the plate design. Bosses at the facility - which is reportedly 60 per cent funded by the culture ministry - say the price has not yet been determined - though the final bill would not be charged to the presidential palace, the BBC reports. It comes after French opposition parties called for a review of Emmanuel Macron's campaign spending after reports showed he obtained huge discounts from venues and service providers during last year's presidential race. Macron's critics have seized on the revelations given his emphasis on public integrity and accountability during his campaign. The latest came Thursday after France Info radio reported that Macron's campaign got 75 percent reductions on rentals at two theatres for campaign rallies. Both theatres are owned by Jean-Marc Dumontet, whom the report described as being close to Macron and his wife Brigitte. For another event, the campaign rented another Paris venue, La Bellevilloise, for an evening rally at a cost of 1,200 euros ($1,400). But France Info reported that the arts centre charged Socialist rival Benoit Hamon 4,838 euros for a comparable event. Such rebates usually draw the attention of France's campaign finance watchdog, the CNCCFP, since excessive discounts can be considered illicit campaign financing from corporate donors. Officials say the 1,200-piece set, chosen by President Emmanuel Macron's wife was purchased because the existing collection was becoming old and was incomplete following years of use 'Emmanuel Macron's campaign accounts have been approved by the relevant authorities,' the Elysee Palace said in a statement. French daily Le Monde and investigative website Mediapart reported last month that CNCCFP auditors had noted 'exceptional discounts, at times 'unusually big',' given to Macron's campaign by event management firm GL Events. For Macron's first major rally in December 2016, Mediapart reported that GL Events shaved 10,000 euros off an equipment rental bill, charging just under 29,000 euros. The CNCCFP ruled in May that the discounts were 'acceptable' and did not constitute illicit financing. 'The auditors did not identify any irregularities and the commission approved their findings,' CNCCFP president Francois Logerot said at a press conference Thursday. 'Nobody is perfect, but our auditors carried out serious work,' he said. Opposition groups have said they will lodge an official complaint seeking a new review of Macron's campaign spending. The commission 'has not been able to fully and satisfactorily carry out its examination of Macron's campaign accounts,' said Laurent Wauquiez, head of the rightwing Republicans party. The claims of financial favouritism come as Macron's chief of staff Alexis Kohler is facing a conflict-of-interest inquiry over his links to the Swiss-Italian shipping giant MSC. As a senior civil servant before Macron's election, Kohler worked closely on matters involving the shipyard STX France, of which MSC is a major client. MSC was founded by billionaire cousins of Kohler's mother, and Kohler himself joined MSC as finance director in 2016 while continuing to work as an advisor on Macron's campaign. Macron's office has dismissed the allegations of wrongdoing against Kohler. Argentina has narrowly approved a bill to legalise abortion during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. Thousands of abortion rights activists cheered and hugged outside the Argentine Congress in Buenos Aires as the lower house Chamber of Deputies passed the bill by 129 votes to 125. The bill will now go before the Senate where it faces an uphill battle to become law. Pro-choice activists celebrate outside the Argentine Congress in Buenos Aires after the abortion bill was narrowly passed today The lower house Chamber of Deputies passed the bill by 129 votes to 125. It will now go before the Senate, where it faces an uphill battle to become law The debate has divided Argentine society, which is still heavily influenced by the Catholic Church. Pictured: Campaigners cheer as they hear the news that the bill has passed today President Mauricio Macri is strongly opposed to the bill but has said that he would not veto it if it was passed by both houses. The debate has divided Argentine society. Though Argentina became the first Latin American country to legalise same-sex marriage in 2010, it remains strongly influenced by the Catholic Church and by the pope, who was formerly the archbishop of Buenos Aires. 'It's the time of women's rights,' said Silvia Lospennato, a member of President Mauricio Macri's center-right coalition. Argentinian deputies' reactions were split as the results were read out at Argentine Congress in Buenos Aires Protesters follow the discussion over the abortion law on an outside television screen after camping on the streets An abortion rights activist kisses her pro-choice scarf as she hears the news that the bill has passed Lawmakers wrangled through more than 22 hours of emotionally charged debate with nearly all 257 members having their say before the vote was taken while activists on both sides kept vigil in the streets outside. When the result was announced, many anti-abortion protesters in the street hugged each other and wept - while abortion rights activists wildly cheered. Mayra Mendoza, an MP for the center-left Front for Victory Party, described the approval as 'a debt of democracy.' Women celebrate the approval of a bill in the streets of Buenos Aires, where the pope was who formerly the archbishop Sebastian Bragagnolo, from the governing Cambiemos coalition, said: 'A woman is not entitled to an abortion, she has the right to health. 'The unborn child is biologically and scientifically a human being.' Magdalena Sierra of the Front for Victory party said :'Our women are out there, they're waiting for us, they're waiting for us to rise to the occasion.' A campaigner ties her scarf around her face in support of abortion rights (left). Protesters camped in the streets this week as they waited for the crucial vote to be cast (right) Luis Pastori, of the Radical Civic Union, said it was 'absurd and unjust to sanction a law that enables the killing of human beings that must be respected from the moment of conception.' Many lawmakers have said they would put their religious convictions aside to support the bill. The Church has campaigned fiercely against the new bill, and the pope sent a letter to Argentine bishops calling on them to 'defend life and justice.' As in most Latin American countries, abortion is illegal in Argentina, except in cases of rape or when the life or health of the woman is at risk. The bill, if passed by the Senate, would decriminalize abortion during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, and beyond that in cases where the fetus suffers from conditions not compatible with life outside the womb. As in most Latin American countries, abortion is illegal in Argentina, except in cases of rape or when the life or health of the woman is at risk. Pictured: Campaigners camped outside Congress last night Argentina overcame strong Church opposition to legalize gay marriage eight years ago, but the issue of abortion has never before been discussed in parliament. According to official health ministry statistics, more than 17 percent of the 245 recorded deaths of pregnant women and girls in 2016 were due to abortion. NGOs say some 500,000 clandestine abortions a year are carried out every year. In Latin America, unrestricted abortion is legal in Uruguay, Cuba and Mexico City. In almost all countries, it is available in case of a risk to a woman's life or in cases of rape. However, a blanket prohibition exists in the Central American states of El Salvador, Honduras and Nicaragua. A travel insurance company has agreed to foot the $200,000 bill to transport a paralyzed student on an emergency flight back to the United States. The family of Kara Dunn, 20, have hailed a decision by World Nomads to overturn its refusal to fly the physiology student home to Arizona after she was struck down by a rare autoimmune disorder. She had arrived in Spain from Tempe for what was meant to be a six-week-long vacation traveling to various European countries with a friend. Kara Dunn, 20, from Tempe, Arizona, was left paralyzed while on vacation in Spain. Pictured: Kara with her mother in the hospital From the moment Dunn (left and right) stepped off the plane, she was having blurry vision and trouble moving her face. This soon progressed to having trouble breathing and losing feeling in her hands and her feet However, from the moment Dunn stepped off the plane, she had blurry vision and trouble moving her face. And on June 5, after just one day in Barcelona, she was struggling to swallow. Although she went to hospital, doctors were initially unsure of what was wrong. When her symptoms worsened, with both her hands and feet growing numb, she was rushed into intensive care. Dunn (pictured) was diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome, in which the immune system attacks your peripheral nervous system, paralyzing parts of or - in some cases - your whole body Ryan says that Dunn (center, with her brothers) is studying to be a doctor who treats autoimmune diseases - and notes the irony that she is suffering from the very thing she wants to help treat Doctors diagnosed Dunn with Guillain-Barre syndrome, a rare disorder in which the immune system attacks your peripheral nervous system, paralyzing parts of or - in some cases - your whole body. Dunn, who studies physiology at the University of Arizona Honors College, has since regained movement in her arms and feeling in her legs but is still paralyzed from the waist down. Her brother, Ryan, told Daily Mail Online that a medical jet to transport Dunn home so she could begin a long journey of physical therapy would cost about $200,000 - something insurance was not at that stage willing to cover. A GoFundMe account was set up to help pay for her flight back to the US; medical expenses; physical therapy; and transportation and housing for Dunn's family. Today, though, there was a heartwarming update on the fundraising page, with her thrilled family announcing that 'Kara is coming home!' They posted: 'Contingent upon Karas continued improvement, Kara will be on a medical flight bound for Phoenix this weekend. 'Karas travel insurance will pay for the flight in full. We are blown away. A huge thank you to On Call International, World Nomads travel insurance, and FoxFlight air ambulance. 'We cant thank you enough for all of your support. There is a long road ahead and Kara will need that support to continue when she arrives at the hospital in Phoenix.' That means that the cost of Dunn's emergency flight back to the United States will now be covered by insurance, to the tune of $200,000. However, money raised through the GoFundMe page - which has so far reached about $88,000 - will go towards her general medical expenses and physical therapy along with transportation and accommodation costs for her family. Dunn's brother Ryan said that she has since regained movement in her arms and can start speaking again but is still paralyzed from the waist down. She faces months of physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy upon arriving home. Pictured: Dunn with her brother, Ryan, left, and with her father, right A medical jet to transport Dunn (pictured, with her family) home will cost $200,000 alone, which her primary insurance is not willing to pay Dunn's family posted that 'Kara would like any donated funds that arent used for her treatment, if any, to be donated to research to find cures for autoimmune and neurological illnesses like Guillain-Barre Syndrome.' Their positive news about the insurance cover has won praise on the fundraising page, with one person posting: 'Thank God the insurance is doing the right thing by stepping in to pay for the flights.' Guillain-Barre syndrome is often preceded by an infectious illness such as a respiratory infection or the stomach flu. WHAT IS GUILLAIN-BARRE SYNDROME? Guillain-Barre syndrome (GBS) is a disorder in which your body's immune system attacks your peripheral nervous system. Weakness and tingling in the extremities are the first symptoms. These sensations can quickly spread, eventually paralyzing your whole body. The exact cause of GBS is unknown. The disorder usually appears days or weeks after a respiratory or digestive tract infection. GBS is rare with between 3,000 and 6,000 developing the disease every year in the US, according to the CDC. Signs and symptoms: Prickling or tingling sensations in your fingers, toes, ankles or wrists Weakness in your legs that spreads to your upper body Unsteady walking or inability to walk or climb stairs Difficulty with eye or facial movements, including speaking, chewing or swallowing Difficulty breathing Rapid heart rate Low or high blood pressure Treatment: There is no cure for GBS but treatment can reduce the disease's severity and speed recovery. 1) Plasma exchange: Plasma, part of your blood, is separated from the red blood cells. The red blood cells are then put back into your body to rid the plasma of harmful antibodies 2) Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy: Immunoglobulin containing healthy antibodies from blood donors is given through a vein and blocks harmful antibodies from contributing to damage Recovery: Recovery can take months or even years but sufferers generally experience this timeline: After the first signs and symptoms, the condition progressively worsens for about two weeks Symptoms reach a plateau within four weeks Recovery usually lasts between six to 12 months, though it can take longer Source: Mayo Clinic Advertisement It's a rare syndrome, affecting about one in 100,000 people and fewer than 20,000 cases per year, according to the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke. After the first symptoms of Guillain-Barre syndrome, sufferers' conditions usually worsen for about two weeks before plateauing around the four-week mark. And that was the case for Dunn, according to her brother, Ryan. He told Daily Mail Online that within hours she was in the ICU and then intubated for severe pneumonia. He and their mother, Dawn, both traveled to Spain to support Dunn by her bedside. The recovery period can last as little as a few weeks and as long as a few years, but about 30 percent of those diagnosed have a residual weakness after three years. Most who have Guillain-Barre syndrome make full recoveries, but some are left with tingling sensations in the arms and legs Since Dunn first entered the hospital, Ryan says her condition has slowly been improving. 'After I got there she was under lighter sedation and her pneumonia was mostly resolved,' he told Daily Mail Online. 'She then was able to nod her head "yes" and shake her head "no" to question, which she doesn't remember because she was sedated.' Dunn's breathing tube has since been removed and she's gradually been able to start talking again, although Ryan says her speech is slurred, she speaks one sentence at a time, and has trouble controlling the volume of her voice. She's also regained movement in her upper arms and forearms and has feeling in her hands, but her legs are completely numb - she is paralyzed from the waist down. Dunn's first step in treatment has been to receive Intravenous Immunoglobulin Therapy (IVIG). When you have Guillain-Barre syndrome, the immune system produces harmful antibodies that attack the nerves. IVIG is a treatment made from donated blood that contains healthy antibodies to block the harmful ones from continuing their damage. Once she returns home, Dunn will receive a combination of physical therapy, occupational therapy and speech therapy. Doctors in Spain are waiting until Dunn is breathing completely on her own before sending her home so she will be stronger and will be less likely to have complications mid-air. Donald Trump Jr. whose Trump Tower meeting with a Russian lawyer features in special counsel Robert Mueller's probe said it would be 'stupid' for his father to sit down for an interview with investigators. Trump Jr., who along with Eric Trump and an executive began running the Trump Organization after the president stepped back from his controlling role shortly before he took office, joined many legal experts counseling his father against an interview. 'I wouldn't do it. I think it would be stupid,' he told Fox News on Thursday, shortly after his father returned from Asia for a period of intensified negotiations over whether he will appear before Mueller. Donald Trump Jr. said it would be 'stupid' for his father to agree to talk to Robert Mueller's investigators The president's eldest son explained: 'I wouldnt sit down with them, because you can sit there and ask questions for 50 hours or 100 hours, ask the same thing 100 times and its oh, the comments different here. Now we got you! He characterized a potential interview as an effort to entrap Trump into making statements that were 'somewhat off.' He didn't mention that in a prior court deposition in 2007 for a case where he sued a reporter Trump made a series of false statements. Mueller's investigators have obtained guilty pleas from Trump campaign aides George Papadopoulos, former National Security Advisor Mike Flynn, and former deputy campaign chair Rick Gates of lying to investigators. Don Jr., in his interview, was not at all eager for his father to be put in the same position. I dont trust these people as far as I can throw them,' he said. He also picked up some of his father's arguments. Trump Jr. made the comments on Fox News, his father's preferred network, on the president's birthday Thursday Trump Jr. met with a Russian lawyer at Trump Tower during the campaign 'The reality is the greatest investigation bodies in the world have been looking at this for two years two years!' he said. 'And theyve come up with nothing! By the way, the only thing theyve come up with is what they themselves were doing to try to set this up.' The president has said the only 'collusion' that happened was by Democrats. 'I dont think any proper lawyer would say hey, you should go do it. Because its not about collusion anymore. Its can we get something that maybe can be interpreted as somewhat off or inaccurate? And after 50,000 questions, maybe you make a mistake. And thats how we get you,'" he said.' 'I mean theyre not even talking about Russia collusion with that one anymore because theyve given up on that. Its the constant attempt to try to find something to undermine this president, this duly elected president, he said. His statement came just hours after the latest revelation in the Russia saga that two British political operatives who met Donald Trump during the transition then returned to London, where they met with Russia's ambassador to Great Britain days later, as CNN reported. The initial statement Trump Jr. released for a report after his Trump Tower meeting with a Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer stated that the meeting was primarily about adoptions. Emails he released later confirmed that the meeting took place after the offer of dirt on rival Hillary Clinton. Shocking footage has been released showing a former student allegedly cowardly punching a teacher in the face. The alleged attack happened at Wilsonton State High in Toowoomba, south of Queensland, on Thursday afternoon. The girl who recorded the incident told Seven News that alleged attacker was a former student at the school. Scroll down for video The alleged attacker (in white jumper) is believed to be a former student at the school The former student allegedly attacked the teacher in an unprovoked attack on Thursday afternoon The girl can be heard gasping at the horrific attack saying, 'Okay I'm going home.' The teacher was taken to hospital and was stitched up after the alleged attack. 'It's scary to send your kids to school and to think things like this can happen,' one witness told Seven News. The school has refused to comment about the alleged incident. Queensland Police and the Education Department are currently investigating. As we approach the end of Ramadan, the month observed to commemorate when Allah gave the first chapters of the holy book Quran to the prophet Muhammad, Muslims around the world will mark Eid al-Fitr. Eid al-Fitr starts when the new crescent moon is visible and is celebrated over a number of days, with Saudi Arabia marking the event with a public holiday. Muslims gather in mosques for prayers and visit their family and friends to wish them Eid Mubarak during this time. Heres everything you need to know about Eid al-Fitr, when Eid al-Fitr 2018 is and how to celebrate Eid in the UK. Egyptians try to catch balloons distributed for free marking Eid outside a mosque in Cairo What is Eid al-Fitr? Eid al-Fitr, known as the feast that breaks the fast of Ramadan, is the first and only day of the new month called Shawwal when Muslims are not permitted to fast. Ramadan, one of the Five Pillars of Islam which lasts between 29 and 30 days, is based on when a new moon is sighted by local religious authorities. When the crescent moon is seen, Eid can begin. Considered one of the most important holidays of the Islamic calendar, Eid has its own particular set of prayers that can only be recited in congregation and often called out in parks, community centres or mosques called the Salat al-Eid. Iranian men perform the Eid prayers at Tehran University to mark on the religious festival When is Eid al Fitr 2018? Due to the dates of Ramadan varying from one year to another on the Gregorian calendar, Eid is also on a different day each year because it is determined by the lunar calendar. In 2018, Eid al-Fitr will take place on Friday, June 15 after the crescent moon is seen on the evening of June 14 in Saudi Arabia. The time in Saudi Arabia is three hours later than Greenwich Mean Time (GMT) and at present, there is a two hour difference between the UK and Riyadh because of British Summer Time (BST). This means that as sunset is predicted for 6.43pm this evening, this would be 4:43pm in Britain. But as astronomers have predicted that the moon will not be visible until the next day, Eid al-Fitr will officially begin on Friday. Saudi Arabias Supreme Court has requested for Muslims to keep an eye out for the crescent moon and report it to authorities as many Islamic scholars insist on it being visible with the naked eye. Pakistani worshippers hold prayers for Eid in the Lahore King's Mosque for the religious festival How to celebrate Eid in the UK Every year, Eid al-Fitr is a big celebration with the Salat al-Eid being recited. Muslims will gather at mosques or open-air areas to pray on the first morning before eating breakfast with their family and friends, their first meal in daylight in over a month. Events will also be held in Londons Trafalgar Square and Birminghams Small Heath Park to mark the start of the new month. Muslims also honour Eid by giving to charity and this is referred to as Zakat al-Fitr. Donations will be given to those who are not able to join in the feast and celebrate the breaking of the fast. Ronni Kreikemeier, 29, has been charged with first-degree arson and criminal mischief for allegedly starting fires inside the restroom at Boomer Music Company in Colorado A woman was arrested in Colorado last week for allegedly starting several fires inside a music store bathroom, then emerging from the restroom in the nude and damaging merchandise. Ronni Kreikemeier, 29, was arrested on June 7 on charges of first-degree arson and criminal mischief stemming from the bizarre incident that took place in Boomer Music Company in Fort Collins. According to court filings obtained by The Coloradoan, Kreikemeier walked into the music store on South Mason Street and asked employees to use the restroom. While she was inside, workers said they heard crashing noises. An hour later, when the woman still had not come out, workers noticed smoke wafting from the bathroom. When the 29-year-old finally reappeared, she was completely naked. Boomer Music workers then saw a fire raging inside the store restroom. According to police, Kreikemeier torched a bathroom heater, walls and a cabinet. The woman is also accused of using a fire extinguisher to damage musical instruments inside the Fort Collins music store (the store is seen in this stock image) The arson suspect is also accused of using a fire extinguisher to smash musical instruments inside the store during her rampage. Following her arrest, Kreikemeier was booked into the Larimer County Jail on counts of arson and criminal mischief, as well as a bail violation stemming from an unrelated count of driving under restraint. Kreikemeiers criminal record includes charges of harassment and criminal mischief, to which she pleaded not guilty in February. She also has charges pending against her for traffic violations in Larimer County. Her bail in the arson case was set at $10,000. She was scheduled to appear in court on Thursday. According to status updates posted on the music store's Facebook page, the business required the services of a professional cleaning crew to mop up the mess caused by the fire. The store reopened to the public two days later. DailyMail.com on Thursday reached to the management of the store, but no one was immediately available for comment. Parents have been warned not to walk their children to school as a predator who kidnapped an 11-year-old and raped her for five hours remains on the loose. The manhunt for the attacker, who abducted the girl at knifepoint as she walked to school, has escalated with Sydney Sex Crime Squad Detectives being called in. Police said they are throwing every resource they can in an attempt to catch the man responsible for the 'horrendous' Tuesday morning attack in Adamstown Heights, near Newcastle, New South Wales. At least 10 investigators have been called in to assist with the case, however, police are still urging the public to come forward. The manhunt for an attacker who kidnapped a young girl before sexually assaulting her at knifepoint has escalated with Sydney Sex Crime Squad Detectives being called in Pamphlets are being distributed by police in the area encouraging locals who may have seen something to come forward 'The most valuable resources I imagine that we may need are from the community members who come forward,' Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec told reporters in Newcastle on Thursday. Pamphlets are being distributed by police in the area encouraging locals who may have seen something to come forward. Police have also reminded residents to be extra cautious while the attacker is still on the run. 'Until we find this person I'd be more vigilant than ever,' Detective Superintendent Kerlatec said. Detective Chief Inspector Paul Jacob from the Child Abuse and Sex Crime Squad described the horrific five-hour ordeal as 'a worrying crime committed in broad daylight', the Newcastle Herald reported. Police have also reminded residents to be extra cautious while the attacker is still on the run (pictured; the park where the girl was kidnapped) An 11-year-old girl was abducted and sexually assaulted during a five-hour ordeal in Newcastle (pictured are investigators at one of the crime scenes) The girl was walking through Hudson Park in the Newcastle suburb of Adamstown Heights just after 9.15am on Tuesday (pictured is one of the crime scenes) 'It's our mission to get this person and remove him from the community as quickly as we possibly can,' Chief Inspector Jacob said. 'Let me just say it was a horrible series of attacks on this young lady and I'm very thankful that we have a very brave young woman who's been able to help up so valuably in our continuing enquiry.' Police have described the man, who was wearing a black and grey hoodie at the time, as having a chubby face and hands and messy, dark hair. His teeth are said to have brown stains on them and he has wrinkles around his mouth and forehead. He spoke with an Australian accent and could also be a smoker, as the young girl described him as smelling of cigarette smoke or body odour. He was wearing a dark-coloured zipped-up hoodie, beige coloured shoes, and denim jeans. The girl was walking through Hudson Park just after 9.15am when she was threatened with a knife by a man who sexually assaulted her, police said. She was then forced into a red car and driven to bushland where she was sexually assaulted for several hours before being released at Kotara Railway Station just before 2.15pm. The girl was threatened with a knife by a man who sexually assaulted her, police said (pictured is an area under investigation by police) Police were called when she returned home and the girl was taken to John Hunter Hospital for medical examination. A crime scene was established at Hudson Park and forensically examined while Newcastle police and the Child Abuse and Sex Crimes Squad commenced inquiries. Police are urging anyone who was in the Adamstown Heights area or anyone with information that may assist to contact Crime Stoppers. German Chancellor Angela Merkel faced a tense showdown Thursday within her divided conservative camp over the flashpoint issue of immigration that could threaten her political future. Merkel was confronted with an open rebellion by her hardline Interior Minister Horst Seehofer, long a fierce critic of her liberal stance on refugees who wants to toughen border controls. After late-night talks between them failed to resolve the dispute, a parliamentary session Thursday was suspended to allow the rival camps - Merkel's CDU and its traditional sister party from Bavaria, Seehofer's CSU - to huddle for strategy talks. Angela Merkel's political future is in doubt after talks broke down between her CDU party and its Bavarian counterpart the CSU over the issue of immigration Seehofer has demanded as part of a new 'migration masterplan' that German border police be given the right to turn back all asylum-seekers without identity papers and those who are already registered elsewhere in the European Union. Merkel rejects the idea, fearing it would be seen in the EU as Germany going it alone and that it would hurt over-burdened frontline Mediterranean countries such as Italy and Greece. She has pledged to seek a negotiated response by the EU, which holds its next summit on June 28-29, instead of Germany taking 'unilateral steps at the expense of third parties' in the bloc. But the CSU was adamant that Germany 'can't wait for another EU summit', with its Bavarian state premier Markus Soeder declaring that 'we must think about the local population, not just the rest of Europe'. The CSU's Alexander Dobrindt said Seehofer had the authority to act without Merkel's consent and order police to turn back the migrants - a potential act of open defiance that would force Merkel to fire him, sparking a coalition collapse. Dobrindt said the CSU party leadership would meet on Monday to make a final decision, appearing to set Merkel an ultimatum to relent or face a make-or-break government crisis. Merkel, the longest-serving EU leader, had Wednesday called immigration 'a litmus test for the future of Europe' - but the issue has now rapidly turned into a test of Merkel's own grip on power at home. The top-selling Bild daily argued that 'if no agreement is reached, Angela Merkel must face a vote of confidence and every lawmaker must decide ... Keep going with Merkel's way or face an adventure called fresh elections.' The opposition Greens party voiced 'deep concern about a real government crisis' which put Germany 'at a crossroads, to choose humanity, solidarity and the rule of law, or say goodbye to all these values'. Seehofer has long been harshly critical of Merkel's decision to open German borders in mid-2015 to a mass influx of over one million asylum seekers, although the government has sharply restricted entries since. Horst Seehofer, the Interior Minister and leader of the CSU, wants German border police to be able to turn away all asylum seekers without papers, a move rejected by Mrs Merkel At the height of the crisis, tens of thousands of people fleeing war and misery in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries crossed the Austrian border into Germany per day in the Alpine state. The mass arrivals, together with some high-profile crimes committed by migrants since, sparked the rise of the far-right AfD party, which entered parliament last year, upending German politics. Merkel's CDU and the more conservative CSU have for decades been sister parties that form a single parliamentary faction. But the emotional immigration issue has opened a rift between them that is deepening as the CSU faces an electoral threat by the AfD in a state poll in October. In the tense stand-off, an unnamed CSU lawmaker even threatened that the party could end its decades-long parliamentary unity with the CDU, reported the regional Augsburger Allgemeine daily. And Bild quoted another MP from Bavaria as saying: 'The chancellor is asking for trust and patience, but we have run out of trust and patience.' Seehofer, in sharp contrast to Merkel, has voiced open sympathies for right-wing populist governments that are tough on immigration, from Hungary to Austria and Italy. On Wednesday Seehofer boycotted Merkel's 'integration summit', grouping volunteers and agencies that support refugees, saying he objected to the presence of a critical journalist there. The same day he met Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who announced at a joint press conference that the interior ministers in Vienna, Rome and Berlin had formed an 'axis of the willing' to combat illegal immigration. Newly released bodycam footage has revealed the shocking moment an Arizona police officer mocked an unarmed suspect as he lay bleeding on a hospital floor. The footage captured an unidentified Mesa Police Department officer laughing as Jose Luis Conde, 23, was treated by hospital workers in a pool of his own blood. 'Awww,' the officer said in mock concern. 'You gotta be a man, man up,' he tells Conde. The footage, obtained by The Arizona Republic, also shows a violent scuffle between Conde and another officer, who repeatedly punched him during the arrest. Newly released bodycam footage has revealed the shocking moment Arizona police officers (pictured) laughed and mocked an unarmed suspect as he lay bleeding on a hospital floor One officer shone his flashlight down on the suspect as another officer (who is not pictured) told him he had to 'man up' and that 'You gotta be a man' The incident began when Officer Matthew Harris pulled over a vehicle whose headlights were off on January 28. Edwin Cabanillas, 19, was driving and arrested on suspicion of a DUI. Conde was in the passenger seat and Harris asked him to step out of the car. Conde consented to being searched by Harris, who said he felt something in the man's sock. Harris claimed Conde then 'tensed up and turned on' him, according to his arrest report. 'His quick, aggressive and violent action was indicative of someone launching an assault,' Harris wrote. 'I reacted to his body movement by grabbing a hold of his upper body, lifting him off the ground and taking him to the ground.' Harris claimed Conde first threw punches at him and so the officer punched him in the face. Officer Joseph Mis also punched and elbowed Conde about four times while two other officers tried to pin him down and handcuff him, according to the police report. Jose Conde, 23, (pictured) was being treated by hospital workers in a pool of his own blood Harris said at one point he grabbed Conde's body during the three-minute scuffle and claimed the man had 'lost his footing as we made contact with a brick wall'. A police report states that Conde was pushed into the brick wall, which caused a cut behind his right ear. Pictures of the scene show blood on the wall and a nearby fence. The bodycam footage begins as Harris and Conde continued to scuffle on the ground. 'Don't be stupid, don't kick your feet at me,' one of the officers can be heard telling Conde. 'What the f**k,' Conde then screams, telling the officers he can't breathe as he groans in pain. 'Quit fighting,' one officer says while another cop tells Conde to 'eat s**t'. The officers then took Conde to the hospital for the cut behind his ear, and he tried to escape after it was treated. Conde ran through the emergency room while being chased by Officer Bryant Clover, according to a police report written by Officer William Roer. Roer said he saw Clover push Conde into a wall and then saw Conde 'fall head first through the set of double doors leading to another hallway'. The footage also shows a violent scuffle (pictured) between Conde and another officer, who repeatedly punched him during the arrest The footage here shows multiple officers handcuffing Conde during the scuffle 'Officer Clover was able to grab Jose and forced him up against a nearby wall. Jose continued to struggle and was trying to pull away from Officer Clover but in the process was grabbing at Officer Clover's gear,' Roer wrote. Roer said he then noticed that Conde was 'bleeding profusely from his head'. Conde was treated by hospital workers on the floor of one of the hallways while a group of officers circled around him and laughed. 'Bless his little heart,' one officer can be heard saying as he enters the area where Conde is being treated. Conde was charged with narcotics possession after the officers found cocaine in his sock, as well as one count of escape and two counts of resisting arrest. But Conde also faces a felony charge of aggravated assault due to the fact that Harris had cuts and scrapes on his arms, knees, and knuckles. 'It's really salt to the wounds, because not only did you beat him up but charge him with the injuries you sustained from beating him,' Conde's attorney, Bret Royle, told the newspaper. Royle said he decided to release the videos because he wanted the public 'to see what officers are doing behind closed doors'. Conde likewise said he wanted to share his story to 'alert the community of these officers and to bring about change to the culture within the Mesa Police Department'. 'What the f**k,' Conde can be heard saying as he tells the officers he can't breathe. 'Quit fighting,' one officer says while another cop tells Conde to 'eat s**t' 'I am asking that something be done to stop this from happening in the future,' he said in a statement. 'As it now stands, several officers within Mesa's police force have demonstrated their willingness to hold themselves above the law rather than to protect and serve it.' Conde's video was released just days after Mesa Police Chief Ramon Batista requested that a national police research group investigate his own officers. The investigation was spurred after two videos were released that showed Mesa officers using excessive force on suspects. One video showed five officers kneeing and punching an unarmed man after he didn't immediately follow orders to sit down. Another video shows two officers roughing up a handcuffed 15-year-old armed robbery suspect. Seven Mesa officers have since been placed on administrative leave while the two videos are under investigation. 'Let me be crystal clear, I'm angry and I'm deeply disappointed by what I saw in those videos,' Batista said last Friday. 'It's unacceptable and it needs to stop immediately. It's essential when this community interacts with our officers they are treated with the utmost professionalism, no matter the situation.' 'Quite honestly, that's not what I saw in those videos and that will change.' A Mesa police spokesman said the department was previously unaware of what happened during Conde's arrest and is now researching the incident. Conde's criminal case will go to trial on July 5. Royle hopes to convince the jury to acquit Conde based on how he was treated by the officers during his arrest. Three people were killed and eight wounded in a shootout between the families of two Turkish politicians at a campaign event. Ibrahim Halil Yildiz, an MP for the ruling AK Party was visiting shops in the Suruc district of Sanliurfa province on Thursday as part of his election campaign. He got into a heated argument with local pro-Kurdish Democrat Regions Party (DBP) official Esvet Senyasar that escalated into a gun battle. Three people were killed and eight wounded in a shootout between the families of two Turkish politicians at a campaign event The pair's families and supporters, including Kurdish shopkeepers, exchanged gunfire from AK47s and attacked each other with knives, according to local media. Mr Yildiz's brother Mehmet Ali Yildiz and Mr Senyasar's son Celal Sensayar and relative Jalal Senyasar were all killed. Eight others were wounded and rushed to hospital where violence continued as AKP supporters attacked Mr Senyasar's group. Mr Yildiz (second from left) meets with shop owners the day before Thursday's gun battle during his campaign ahead of the June 24 elections Some reports alleged the Celal and the other DBP member were killed in clashes near the hospital in response to Mehmet being gunned down. State-run Anadolu news agency claimed DBP attacked Mr Yildiz in the initial fight, but Arti Gercek portrayed AKP as the aggressors. The left-leaning outlet reported the argument started over products being packaged in green, red and yellow in the shops - the colours of the banned Kurdistan Workers Party. Ibrahim Halil Yildiz, an MP for the ruling AK Party was visiting shops in the Suruc district of Sanliurfa province as part of his election campaign when fight started It also claimed Mr Yildiz personally stabbed a DBP official during the melee. Police detained about 10 people and Turkish troops and extra police were deployed to the town to restore order. Turkey is deep in the campaign for snap parliamentary and presidential elections on June 24, with several campaign booths attacked around the country. President Recep Tayyip Erdogan called the early elections to solidify his position after changing the constitution to a model that gives the president more power. The new government system does not kick in until after fresh elections. Jailed: Jeffrey John Earp, aged 50 A thug who launched a horrific planned attack on a 88-year-old widow in her home has been jailed for 14 years. Blanche Rowlands was beaten black and blue by Jeffrey Earp, 50, a violent burglar who broke into her home in Newtown, Wales, in June last year. Her engagement ring and other sentimental jewellery given to her by her late husband were stolen and have never been recovered. Mrs Rowlands was later found by her neighbour having suffered significant and life-changing injuries. Earp, of Newtown, admitted robbery and conspiracy to commit burglary and was jailed for 14 years and four months by a judge at Caernarfon Crown Court on Wednesday. Keith Grogan, 42, and Carl Barrett, 51, both also from the town, also admitted conspiracy to commit burglary and were each jailed for three years. Detective Constable Amy Davies, who led the investigation, said: 'This horrific, planned attack on a vulnerable woman is the worst case I have dealt with. Brutal: Widow Blanche Rowlands, 88, pictured shortly after the attack which left her with life-changing injuries 'Blanche was subjected to a brutal, sustained attack, and left with life-changing injuries. This could easily have been a much worse outcome. 'After an intense year-long investigation I am satisfied we secured the best possible outcome for Blanche and her family. 'I would like to thank the Newtown community for their help and support, which helped us get this case to court and secure some sense of justice for everyone affected.' Mrs Rowlands' daughter, Bethan Rowlands, added: 'The whole family are happy with the court result. 'On behalf of mum I would like to extend my sincere thanks to the community for their support of mum over the past 12 months. Evil: Accomplices Keith Charles Grogan (left) and Carl John Barat (right) were also handed prison sentences 'I would also like to thank Newtown police for the hard work and dedication carried out to bring these men to justice and make the town a safer place for everyone.' Three men were jailed for a total of 20 years after a frail widow was beaten black and blue in her own home. Injured Blanche Rowlands, 88, was locked in her bedroom for two hours while one of the gang ransacked her home looking for valuables. She was found with a black eye and her shoulder socket was smashed beyond repair in the 'brutal' attack. Her engagement ring and sentimental jewellery from her late husband were taken in the burglary at her bungalow in Newtown, Powys, Mid Wales. Police said grandmother Mrs Rowlands suffered 'significant and life-changing injuries' a year ago. Caernarfon Crown Court heard Jeffrey John Earp, 50, went into Mrs Rowlands' home while his two pals kept look-out. Prosecutor counsel Anna Pope said: 'The raid was planned and targeted. 'Mrs Rowlands was walking down her path and unaware she was being watched. 'When she returned to her door Earp was waiting and he forced his way inside and demanded cash. 'The victim was struck with an unknown weapon, causing significant injury to her face and body You ruined Mrs Rowlands' life. It was a sickening attack. It must have been an horrendous ordeal for her 'Earp stopped her reaching a phone and he rifled through drawers and wardrobes.' Neighbours heard faint knocking after Earp fled with lookouts Keith Grogan and Carl Barrett. The court heard Mrs Rowlands was found in a 'confused, upset and frightened' state. Earp was jailed for 14 years and four months after admitting robbery and conspiracy to commit burglary. Grogan, 42, and Barrett, 51, were each sentenced to three years in prison for conspiracy to commit burglary. All three men are from Newtown. Judge Timothy Pitts told Earp: 'You ruined Mrs Rowlands' life. It was a sickening attack. It must have been an horrendous ordeal for her.' The judge said those who prey on the elderly should get 'severe sentences'. Detective Constable Amy Davies, who led the investigation, said: 'This horrific, planned attack on a vulnerable woman is the worst case I have dealt with. 'Blanche was subjected to brutal, sustained attack, and left with life changing injuries. This could easily have been a much worse outcome. 'After an intense year-long investigation I am satisfied we secured the best possible outcome for Blanche and her family.'Blanche's daughter, Bethan Rowlands, said after the case: 'The whole family is happy with the court result.' Advertisement Tom Brokaw is trying to unload two massive properties after being hit with multiple allegations of sexual misconduct. First up, his ranch in Montana, which Brokaw quietly put on the market late last year, asking $17.9 million for the 4,128 acre property in Park County. And earlier this month, Brokaw listed his home in Pound Ridge, approximately an hour outside the New York City, for $6.3 million. Brokaw and his wife Meredith still own a pied-a-terre in the Upper East Side which they purchased in 2011 for just under $2 million. Brokaw with expensive taste: Tom Brokaw (above at his Montana ranch) is unloading two of his three properties in the wake of sexual misconduct allegations, which he has firmly denied Hey dude: Brokaw put his Montana ranch on the market late last year, asking $17.9 million for the 4,128 acre property in Park County (above) Doolittle: 'Wildlife abounds, with massive trophy elk, mule and whitetail deer, upland birds, antelope and wild rainbow and brown trout,' says the listing (river on ranch above) Hideaway: Brokaw listed his home in Pound Ridge, New York, approximately an hour outside the city, for $6.3 million earlier this month (property above) News of the ranch's sale was first revealed in The Land Report, with Brokaw appearing on the cover of the trade publication's winter issue. 'The ranch runs from the banks of the West Boulder River to the public land abutting the Absaroka-Beartooth Wilderness,' reads the listing on Lands of America. 'Wildlife abounds throughout the ranch, with massive trophy elk, mule and whitetail deer, upland birds, antelope and wild rainbow and brown trout. With world-class fly fishing, miles of trails to hike and horseback ride, and two beautiful ponds for swimming, the ranch plays host to families and kids of all ages, and seems to have an endless ability to entertain and amaze.' It is the second ranch that Brokaw has owned, with the anchor also having purchased a property in British Columbia with a group of fly fishing friends that he sold back in 2013. The Westchester property has served as his weekend retreat for some time, with Brokaw opting to purchase the Pound Ridge property in upstate New York over a home in the Hamptons. The listing was first reported by The Real Deal, and Ginnel Real Estate calls the home the 'ultimate getaway.' It is located at the edge of a five-acre lake with enough land to build at least two other homes per that listing. 'Stunning interior spaces with wide-plank pine floors, Venetian plaster walls, exposed beams and walls of glass to capture light and views,' reads the listing. 'Impressive Great Room with vaulted ceiling, stone fireplace and doors to Screened Porch, overlooking the water.' Brokaw and his wife purchased the property back in 1998 for $4.25 million, which was just a few years after Brokaw allegedly tried to kiss his colleague Linda Vester. Relax: The Westchester property (main house above) has served as his weekend retreat for some time, with Brokaw opting to purchase the Pound Ridge property in upstate New York over a home in the Hamptons Waterworld: It is located at the edge of a five-acre lake (above) with enough land to build at least two other homes per that listing Classy joint: 'Stunning interior spaces with wide-plank pine floors, Venetian plaster walls, exposed beams and walls of glass to capture light and views,' reads the listing Because no one wants to swim in a lake: Brokaw and his wife purchased the property back in 1998 for $4.25 million, which was just a few years after Brokaw allegedly tried to kiss his colleague Linda Vester (Westchester pool above) Vester was a war correspondent for NBC in the 1990s who went on to host Weekend Today before leaving for Fox News. She told The Washington Post and Variety magazine that Brokaw forcibly tried to kiss her on two occassions, first in 1994 and then again in 1995. That timeline means that both of those alleged incidents occurred while Brokaw was the network's star anchor. Brokaw initially said that he met Vester twice, 'both at her request' because she wanted career advice. 'The meetings were brief, cordial and appropriate, and despite Linda's allegations, I made no romantic overtures towards her at that time or any other,' he said in a statement. Then came the letter, in which Brokaw declared: 'My family and friends are stunned and supportive. My NBC colleagues are bewildered that Vester, who had limited success at NBC News, a modest career at Fox and a reputation as a colleague who had trouble with the truth was suddenly the keeper of the flame of journalistic integrity.' In addition to Vester, a 24-year-old production assistant who also worked at NBC around the same time as Vester accused Brokaw of sexual harassment. One day later, a third woman, Mary Reinholz, said Brokaw forcibly tried to kiss her in 1968 when they both worked in California. That incident happened at her home and the two were not co-workers. Land ho: 'Over 56 spectacular acres with level lawns, Mountain Laurel and majestic Evergreens' Long drive: The listing points out the property's scenic woodlands that lead to 'peace and privacy' Chim-chiminey: There are multiple living rooms, one above with a pool table and fireplace Living room: The main house has three bedrooms plus guest room. The ottage has one bedroom Lake: 'Two additional approved building lots make for a potential family compound. A wonderful waterfront lifestyle' As is often the case in many of these incidents, Vester did not report Brokaw's harassment to management or executives at the network, and during the interview she explained the reason for her silence. 'Let me paint a picture of what it was like inside NBC News when this happened. I was a young reporter, just getting started,' said Vester on Good Morning America last month. 'Tom Brokaw was the most powerful man at the network, so the idea that I could go forward to management and say that I had been assaulted by the most powerful man at the network and a major moneymaker, well, that just wasn't going to get heard.' Vester went on to tell Stephanopoulos that she did not feel HR at the network was equipped to hand that sort of situation either, and so she chose to stay quiet. 'I felt it was unsafe to go to NBC, and I never felt safe at NBC News again,' said Vester. NBC is now interested in talking to Vester in the wake of her claims, but she said that she is reluctant to speak with a team of lawyers and executives from her former place of employment. 'They called my attorney and said they would like to talk to me and our answer is, as soon as NBC news or NBC Universal hires outside counsel to do a proper, thorough investigation, I will be glad to sit down,' explained Vester. That statement came one day after NBC revealed that the six-month internal investigation into Matt Lauer's sexual misconduct had determined that no executives or upper-management at Today or NBC News knew about the host's predatory behavior. Vetser thinks that investigation, and others like it, are a waste of time. 'Well, I mean I think it's common sense. You can't investigate yourself. You just can't,' stated Vester. 'There's an internal bias. That's how it works, so you have to have outside counsel.' Rome if you want to: 'European-inspired Country House with warm stucco and shingle facade,' reads the listing Vetser was then asked about the letter supporting Brokaw that was signed by a number of high-profile female staffers at NBC in the wake of her allegations. She acknowledged that it is 'everyone's right to defend a friend,' but noted: 'What concerns me is the message that that petition may have actually sent, the fact that that petition was sent around internally to employees could be viewed by many as intimidation, as pressure, not to report any misconduct.' Vetser then suggested that those women take a different approach and use their voices 'to call on NBC Universal to hire outside counsel to really get to the bottom of this long-standing widespread problem of sexual misconduct by multiple men at the top of the power structure of NBC News.' Brokaw meanwhile has not been in touch with Vester she revealed, and when asked what she wanted from the anchor she had just one request. 'An apology would be nice, but I think he set the tone for the conversation that's not really helpful,' said Vester. 'What's so much more important is that NBC news not only investigate the culture broadly but now there are three women, I'm not the only one who has accused Tom Brokaw of misconduct. And NBC News has yet in over a week to say that it will conduct an investigation into Tom Brokaw.' Vetser went on to say that she views Brokaw as a wolf in sheep's clothing when compared to other offenders. 'Some people might be tempted to believe that all harassers look and act like Harvey Weinstein. It's not true,' said Vester. 'Some of them can look like cultural icons like Tom Brokaw and they can be decent during the day to a lot of people and actually be really kind a lot of the time. And yet still have hidden behavior.' Vetser also said that she has no interest in a lawsuit, but at the same time was not going to stay quiet. 'A lot of brave people, brave people started this movement, the me too movement and broke the dam and I am kind of standing on their shoulders, or really following in their footsteps and just trying to help continue this movement and move the discussion along so that we can make it better for everyone in the workplace,' she said. Canadians are boycotting American-made products, stores and cancelling trips to the States in protest of President Trump's trade war and bad blood with their prime minister. In defense of Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, shoppers are skipping out on Walmart, Starbucks and Florida oranges and instead turning to homegrown Canadian products. The protest comes after Trump said he would punish 'the people of Canada' following Trudeau's criticism of the US president's tariffs at a post-G7 news conference. His comments then sparked a Twitter tirade where Trump called Trudeau 'very dishonest and weak'. In defense of their prime minister Justin Trudeau, Canadian shoppers are skipping out on Walmart and Starbucks and buying homegrown goods Scott Paler, from Winnipeg, said he has contributed thousands of dollars to the US economy, but that ends now with President Trump Maureen Spillane, from Toronto, changed her vacation plans when she learned of US tensions A Montreal woman Tweeted recommendations for shopping Canadian instead of American Hashtags are trending on Twitter including #BuyCanadian and #BoycottUSA Canadians took to Twitter to express their disdain for the US president and described their plans for boycotting their neighboring country. Popular hashtags have taken over Twitter, including #BuyCanadian, #BoycottUSProducts and #BoycottUSA. Canadians are sharing tips via social media for how to shop for homegrown products. One Montreal woman suggested shopping at Tim Horton's instead of Starbucks and going to Rossy instead of Walmart. Another Winnipeg resident said: 'I have traditionally contributed thousands to the US economy each year. Not until this guy is history. #Boycott USA.' Meanwhile, Canadians are buying more expensive products, like strawberries, in order to avoid profiting the US. Some are even cancelling vacations to the US and instead, flying or driving through different regions in Canada. One Toronto resident, Maureen Spillane, said: 'I was planning a road trip that would take me through Maine on my way to NS. Now I can't fathom spending any of my hard earned cash in your country. I don't blame the citizens but I gather you can understand the position the rest of the world is in. #BoycottUSA' Trudeau himself acknowledged the support of the public while at Parliament this week. 'There's a bit of a patriotic boost going on these past few days,' he said. Instead of Walmart, Starbucks and Florida oranges, shoppers are buying locally-sourced items Scott Chamberlain, from Ottawa, tweeted that he's going #TrumpFree Another Toronto woman is spending extra money for either Canadian or Mexican-grown products Speaking at a press conference in Singapore on Tuesday, Trump said he decided to back out of the G7 communique after watching Trudeau's closing summit news conference. It was there the prime minister warned that Canada would 'not be pushed around' on tariffs - a point Trudeau had made several times before. 'He'll learn that's going to cost a lot of money for the people of Canada. He'll learn, he can't do that,' Trump said. The president has imposed tariffs of 25 and 10 per cent on aluminum and steel from Canada and other countries. The president also said the Canadian leader must not have realized that Trump had televisions on Air Force One, allowing him to monitor Trudeau's news conference. 'I think that Justin probably didn't know that Air Force One has about 20 televisions,' he said. Trump recalled watching Trudeau's press conference in an interview with ABC News. 'He talked about how they won't be bullied. And I said "What's this all about? He didn't do that to my face, what's this all about?" But here's what the story is: We have been taken advantage of as a country for decades by friends and enemies both,' Trump said. 'Our trade is a disaster, our trade deals.' Following the president's comments, White House aide Peter Navarro said there is a 'special place in hell' for leaders like Trudeau who engage in 'bad faith diplomacy' with President Trump. Non-Muslim police officers have taken part in an 18-hour fast for Ramadan to help boost relations with the Islamic community. Northamptonshire Police said the move was to 'show unity' and 'gain a better understanding' of the local community during the Muslim holy month. PSCO's were this week pictured at the Headlands Mosque in Northampton, joining in with the evening iftar meal having fasted from sunrise to sunset. Officers, police staff and their families joined the local Headlands Mosque in Northampton for the evening iftar meal, after some of them took part in fasting Northamptonshire Police said the move was to 'show unity' and 'gain a better understanding' of the local community during the Muslim holy month Northamptonshire Police said the move was an attempt to get 'deeper into community roots' while the mosque also welcomed the officers' participation. Trustee of the Mosque, Mr Ayub Abdulla, said: 'It was heartening to see people from the police taking part in the fast and joining us with their families for the evening meal. 'The local officers, in particular our two local PCSO are extremely helpful and take an active interest in helping us and facilitating greater understanding between us.' Positive Action Officer, Kamilla Poole, said: 'Fasting for the day with no food and water was quite an experience and I realised that it requires a significant level of dedication and self control to do it. 'As part of my role, I want to get deeper into the community roots to help increase participation and recruitment from all parts of the community.' Chair of the Northamptonshire Association of Muslim Police, Sophia Perveen, said: 'When organising this event, I didn't expect officers or staff to fast, as it can be quite a shock to the system, however it was really encouraging to see them give it a go. 'This helped to send a powerful message to the local community that officers are willing to try different approaches to gain a better understanding of different communities, their needs and how it impacts their lives.' Adventure-loving Charles Bartlett fell to his death from a crane whilst studying a college degree at Manchester University A former public schoolboy fell to his death whilst climbing a crane at 2am after he drank red wine and took the party drug Ketamine during a black tie ball. An inquest heard adventure-loving Charles Bartlett, 19, scaled the crane whilst still dressed in his dinner suit. The teenager had told a fellow undergraduate he had run out of the drug during the student event at a luxury hotel. But Charles, who was in his first year of a computer science degree at Manchester University, lost his footing and tumbled onto a platform below. His body was found the following Monday by a construction worker at the former site of the BBC studios in Manchester. Tests showed he would have been the equivalent of three times the drink drive limit. The teenager, a former pupil at the 21,600 a year Kings College School in Wimbledon, South East London, had been captain of his house rugby team and hoped to use his expertise on cyber security to work at GCHQ. His father David, an electrical engineer, ran a flight navigation business and his grandfather Ricky Bartlett was a former England rugby player. After leaving Kings in 2016 Charles enrolled on a computer science degree at Manchester. But an inquest heard the teenager would regularly smoke cannabis and also take cocaine, MDMA or ketamine and another tranquiliser, Xanax, which it is believed he acquired through the 'dark web.' His mother and father first learnt of his drug use when he was asked to leave student halls and they had a 'parent chat' with him - but the he continued taking the substances. An inquest heard the teenager would regularly smoke cannabis and also take cocaine, MDMA and other drugs that he is believed to have purchased over the 'dark web' His best friend Sylvie Copley told the Manchester hearing: 'He had never had any problems - he was a very safe drug taker. 'He had received a telephone call from his mother in the week before he died and he seemed upset. 'They had had an argument and he was nervous because he thought she has found a package of drugs delivered to his house. He was nervous to return home to potentially receive a telling off.' Tragedy struck on May 7 after Charles attended the Owens Park Ball with fellow undergraduates at the four star Principal Hotel in Manchester city centre. Miss Copley added: 'Charles was very happy and he had a few beers before I met him in reception. A friend told the inquest that Charles was nervous because he thought his mother had found a package of drugs delivered to his house 'I wasn't with him until I reached the ball. He was completely lively and saying hello to everyone, just normal Charlie behaviour, nothing out of the ordinary. 'Whenever you're with him he makes everyone around him feel really happy all of the time On that evening Charlie was drinking wine, and had also taken ketamine but he told me that he had ran out at about 10-11pm. 'He left the hotel walked over to Sound Control nightclub which is about 200 metres away. 'Everyone left at the same time and planned to go to Sound Control. 'He was a very positive person. I have known him to climb in the past. He once climbed onto the top of the porch at our student halls He had also always said that he wanted to climb the Toast Rack building close to our halls. 'He was passionate about climbing but it was always controlled and there was some kind of assessment of risk. He wouldn't do something that was too risky and would never want to put himself in danger. I believe it is likely that Charles would have passed the site, seen the crane and thought that he could climb it. 'I truly think he was probably just walking back, saw it and thought that it would be really fun to climb.' Fellow student Edward Daniell who was also at the ball said: 'Charles seemed just like the rest of us, he had a few drinks and wasn't excessively drunk I saw Charles at the nightclub. I don't know the exact time he left but I remember seeing him leaving. Charles' best friend Sylvie Copley told the Manchester hearing: 'He had never had any problems - he was a very safe drug taker 'I stayed until around 3.30am and took the bus home. Charles left early and left on his own. He didn't seem any worse than anyone else. 'I assumed he was meeting someone outside and didn't have any concerns at all We walked to the club together, but I didn't see him in the queue.' Charles' uncle Harry said: 'Charles was adventurous and a frequent climber. He was like most students - drank on social occasions and overindulged. 'With regards to the issue of drugs, I did not become aware of this until after Charlie's passing. 'When we came to Charlie's house, it became evident when went into his room that there may have drug taking but I do not know the frequency or the amounts. Charles, pictured left with his older brother Harry, was described by his uncles as an 'adventurous and a frequent climber. He was like most students - drank on social occasions and overindulged' 'There have may have been a package containing drugs accidentally sent to Charlie's home address. I believe that when he was asked to leave student halls, that was when his parents were first aware of potential drug taking. 'They believed that the process of being asked to leave halls would encourage him to stop. They had a proper parent chat with him.' Toxicologist Dr Julie Evans said tests showed evidence Charles had been taking ketamine, cocaine and citalopram plus alcohol He added: 'As a child Charles always pushed himself to the limits and would be in the heart of the activity. He was fearless and what he might have lacked in physicality he had with endeavour, courage and passion. 'His fearlessness pushed the boundaries of risk taking. This was an attraction to life, it was a bit boring and tame if there wasn't something challenging for him to do. 'I suggested he put his talents into good use. He said he might have thought about working with the intelligence services in the future. 'Charlie was very special. He was always looking out for people who may need a verbal pick up and was very protective of his family. We miss that dearly.' The inquest heard police launched a missing person's hunt for Charles after he failed to return to his student digs. CCTV cameras at the construction site showed Charles wearing a dinner suit walking from the perimeter fence at 1.48am and stopping near to the tower crane. 'He was then seen climbing onto the crane itself shortly before the platform appeared to shake. He died from multiple injuries. Toxicologist Dr Julie Evans said tests showed evidence Charles had been taking ketamine, cocaine and citalopram plus alcohol. She added: 'This is unlikely to have caused death by toxicity but it is important to remember the effect on state of mind, behaviour and mobility is unknown. The effect on state of mind must be considered.' Zak Golombek assistant coroner recorded a verdict of accidental death and said: 'Charles was intelligent and had a fearless nature, but would assess risks and take precautions when required. Tragedy struck on May 7 after Charles, left and right, attended the Owens Park Ball with fellow undergraduates at the four star Principal Hotel in Manchester city centre 'He had consumed alcohol and also drugs but I do not have any evidence that alcohol or drugs used caused the fall. 'State of mind, perception and behaviour can be affected by alcohol and drug taking, but I do not have any evidence that this was the case here. 'He was not someone who would take risks in relation to his life and would not take risks with his climbing. 'Charles was obviously very young and someone who was loved, and loved by many people. 'It is clear he made an impression on almost everyone, if not everyone, that he met. He has certainly made an impression on me. 'This is a tragic death of someone who has died in an accident doing something he enjoyed after spending a night with people who he got on with. 'This was Charlie's last adventure. ' The tables have turned on an Atlanta cop who found herself behind bars after getting caught up in a $30,000 drug bust. Iris Rowe resigned from the Atlanta Police Department on Wednesday following her arrest at an apartment complex where police discovered 7 pounds of marijuana. Authorities also discovered prescription pills, guns, ammunition, and $8,000 inside the apartment during the raid on Monday. Iris Rowe resigned from the Atlanta Police Department on Wednesday following her arrest at an apartment complex where police discovered 7 pounds of marijuana Additional drugs and two guns - including an AR-15 - were also found in Rowe's car. Rowe was carrying the gun that had been issued to her by the department at the time of the arrest. Her uniform, badge, vest, and ID were also found inside the apartment, according to WSBTV. Rowe was immediately suspended following her arrest and was notified that she would be dismissed at an emergency hearing on Thursday, the Atlanta Police Department said in a statement. Authorities also discovered prescription pills, guns, ammunition, and $8,000 inside the apartment during the raid on Monday (pictured with the discovered marijuana) Rowe, who had been with the department sine 2016 and worked in the mobile patrol unit, decided resigned from the department with a handwritten note (pictured) But Rowe, who had been with the department sine 2016 and worked in the mobile patrol unit, decided to resign instead with a handwritten note. 'I would like to send my deepest apologies to the department and others for this shameful act,' she wrote. Rowe has been charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a controlled substance, and possession of illegal drugs in a drug-free zone. Officers had expected to find suspects Jeremy Laye (left) and Tony Robinson (right), who were also arrested on Monday, at the apartment. They were arrested alongside Rowe Authorities had been collecting surveillance at the apartment and had no idea Rowe was an officer before the raid, College Park Police Chief Keith Meadows told 11Alive. Officers had expected to find suspects Jeremy Laye and Tony Robinson, who were also arrested on Monday, at the apartment. Laye's children were also inside the home during the bust. Meadows said Rowe was in a relationship with one of the men but did not specify which. Both men face multiple drug charges. Laye has also been charged with obstruction of an officer and possession of a firearm by a first offender probationer. France's first lady was initially reluctant to marry the future President Emmanuel Macron because he was 25 years younger and 'might want children', it has emerged. Retired teacher Brigitte Macron, who is now 65, already had a husband and three children when she had an affair with her teenage pupil. As their relationship progressed, Mr Macron, now 40, asked for her hand in marriage, but she initially told close friend Pascale Bourdel she felt too old. 'One day, Brigitte said to me "Emmanuel wants us to get married",' said Ms Bourdel. Documentary Brigitte Macron: A French Novel presented Mrs Macron (pictured with Macron) as her younger husband's coach and muse and the couple as very much in love Macron (pictured as a teenager) was in her literature class and attending the theatre workshop she ran at a Catholic high school in Amiens 'She was a little reluctant and I told her that I could not see why, and she said to me, 'You do realise how old he is, and how old I am? Maybe he'll want children.' Ms Bourdel replied: 'So, Brigitte, you're happy with him, choose happiness!' The exchange was recounted in a new France 3 TV documentary called 'Brigitte Macron: A French Novel'. The film marks the first time the family have spoken out about the romance that blossomed after Macron began seeing his drama teacher. He was in her literature class and attending the theatre workshop she ran at a Catholic high school in Amiens. In his book and political manifesto Revolution, President Macron described the affair as 'a love often clandestine, often hidden, misunderstood by many before imposing itself.' The Macrons ended up getting married in the Channel beach resort of Le Touquet in 2007, but not before causing extreme angst among those closest to them. Mrs Macron's youngest daughter, Tiphaine Auziere, 34, told the documentary she was just nine when she learned of the affair. The film marked the first time the family have spoken out about the romance that blossomed after Macron began seeing his drama teacher (pictured in the 1990s) 'They were quite smitten and it was quite obvious between them and very difficult,' said Ms Auziere. Mr Macron was just 16 when he declared his love for the then Mrs Auziere, his drama teacher. Her first husband, Andre-Louis Auziere, moved out of the family home in Amiens, and went to live in Lille. Mr Macron's doctor parents asked Mrs Auziere to stop seeing him until he was 18 but she said 'I can't promise you anything,' according to the documentary. Instead, Mr Macron was sent to Paris to continue his education, and they continued seeing each until the Auzieres finally divorced. Tiphaine Auziere (left) has revealed how, at the age of nine, she watched her mother Brigitte Macron (right) fall for a 15-year-old Emmanuel Macron Despite such trauma, Tiphaine Auziere said: 'If I had to present a vision of love, it's Emmanuel and Mummy. When they are together, it's almost as if the world does not exist.' In other recent media interviews, Ms Auziere has called her mother a 'remarkable warrior', who gave Mr Macron a great deal of confidence. As his teacher she used to stand off stage and tell him 'to raise his voice', for example, said Ms Auziere. She added: 'I had parents who did things intelligently things were done gradually. 'My dad and my mummy always took care to protect us, to not expose us and to manage things properly so that we suffered as little as possible. 'My dad worked in Lille during the week and, I was with my mom when she went to see Emmanuel.' Mr Macron has since admitted that the young children of Tiphanie and her sister and brother are 'enough' for him, and he does not regret not having any of his own. Mrs Macron would not be interviewed for the documentary, but is said to have sanctioned close friends and family talking about her. She is quoted in the film as saying: 'I know that I hurt my children and it's the thing for which I most reproach myself but if I hadn't made that choice I would have missed out on my life.' Mrs Macron suffered a great deal of criticism in Amiens, where her family owned a chain of bakeries. In a macabre twist, the documentary compared the Macron affair to the case of Gabrielle Russier, a teacher in Marseilles who committed suicide in 1969 after being convicted of seducing a 16-year-old in her class. One of her co-workers also claimed she saw Myers giving the teen a massage A New York high school teacher accused of performing oral sex on a 14-year-old boy was back in court on Thursday. Dori Myers, 29, was spotted wearing a plain black dress and carrying a bright pink Kate Spade bag as she walked into the courtroom. Myers, who is married to Rockland County Sheriff's Deputy Matt Myers, was pictured wearing her wedding band on her left hand. Dori Myers, a New York high school teacher accused of performing oral sex on her 14-year-old student, appeared in court on Thursday Myers, who is married to Rockland County Sheriff's Deputy Matt Myers, was pictured wearing her wedding band on her left hand The former social studies teacher was also clutching the book, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis: The Untold Story. The Jackie O biography is described as 'the untold story of how one woman's life was changed forever in a matter of seconds by a horrific trauma.' Myers, who taught at the New School for Leadership and the Arts in the Bronx, was charged in January with criminal sexual act and endangering the welfare of a child. Myers looked downcast as she and her attorney walked into Judge Michael Obus' courtroom at New York Supreme Court on Thursday for a status conference in May The married teacher, seen here wearing her engagement ring and wedding band, was charged in January with criminal sexual act and endangering the welfare of a child She broke down sobbing in court last month as her attorney, Andrew Stoll, argued that there was inconsistencies in court documents pertaining to the location of her alleged encounter with the victim, according to the New York Post. The former social studies teacher was also clutching the book, Jacqueline Bouvier Kennedy Onassis: The Untold Story Bronx noted that the alleged incident had been placed in both Harlem and the Bronx. 'It's hard to imagine that this was just the error of a sex crimes detective,' Stoll said. Myers was freed on her own recognizance after her arrest in January. Police were notified of the alleged sexual encounter after the victim, who is thought to be one of Myers' students, told one of his classmates. That classmate told a school administrator, who then notified police, according to the Post. A co-worker also claimed to have seen her massaging the alleged victim. The criminal complaint claims the assault took place somewhere in Upper Manhattan on November 1, 2017. Myers has denied the allegations. Stoll previously told the Post that Myers started a track team at the Bronx high school - where she has worked since 2014. Myers broke down sobbing as her attorney argued that there was inconsistencies in court documents pertaining to the location of her alleged encounter with the victim Myers is accused of performing oral sex on her 14-year-old student in November 2017. A co-worker also claimed to have seen her massaging the alleged victim The teacher's Facebook page showed a series of smiling photos in which she laughed with friends and drank straight out of champagne bottles 'It takes just one person's accusation to make an arrest in this town and she's a model citizen who looks forward to clearing her name,' Stoll explained. The teacher's Facebook page showed a series of smiling photos in which she laughed with friends and drank straight out of champagne bottles before it was deleted. In several now-deleted photos she wore shirts with slogans referencing alcohol - such as 'Whisky makes me frisky' and 'Champagne all day.' Myers also wrote about her students and partying in a number of different posts. Myers also wrote about partying as well as her students at the New School for Leadership and the Arts (pictured) in a number of different social media posts Myers is pictured here with her husband, Rockland County Sheriff's Deputy Matt Myers In a tweet from 2015, which has now been deleted, Myers bragged that her students often commented on her looks. 'Ms. Youre like, real pretty, but, no offense, you got a big forehead,' she claims one student told her. The Department of Education called the allegations 'deeply troubling,' but said Myers has no prior disciplinary history. She had not been fired as of May and was reassigned 'away from students.' Vladimir Putin was given a handwritten note by Kim Jong-un after meeting with an North Korean official during a meeting earlier today. The envelope was given to Putin in Moscow by senior official Kim Yong Nam, who heads the presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly in North Korea. It comes as the North Korean leader was given an invitation to meet with Putin in Russia later this year. What was scribbled on the note remains unclear, but the invitation to Moscow comes just days after the leader of the hermit nation held a landmark summit in Singapore with Donald Trump. Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, looks at Kim Yong Nam, president of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea during their meeting in Moscow, Russia The North Korean official hands over the envelope to the Russian leader The Russian leader praised the historic meeting between the US and North Korea, adding it was 'without doubt just the first step towards a full-blown settlement'. He added: 'Certainly it creates conditions for further forward movement and decreases general tensions around the Korean peninsula.' The unprecedented encounter between the leader of the world's most powerful democracy and the third-generation of the communist dictatorship was the first between sitting leaders of the two nations. Critics have labelled the summit as more style over substance after a document lacking specifics was drawn up regarding Pyongyang's atomic weapons arsenal. Russian President Vladimir Putin, right, gestures while speaking to Kim Yong Nam Putin said he would like to welcome Kim Jong-un to Russia, suggesting they meeting during an economic forum in the far eastern port city of Vladivostok this September. Kim Jong-Il, the father of the current North Korean leader, travelled to the country in 2011 to meet with Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's president at the time. Sergei Lavrov, the Russian foreign minister, was the first official from the Kremlin to meet with Kim when he travelled to Pyongyang in May. The two countries share a short land border and have a history of long-standing ties. Rapper A$AP Bari has appeared in court charged with sexual assault after he allegedly slapped a women's bottom in an east London hotel. The US artist was arrested at Heathrow Airport in May as he transferred to a South Africa-bound flight. Appearing at Wood Green Crown Court today, Bari, real name Jabari Shelton, 26, denied two charges of sexual assault, reports The Sun. A$AP Bari, real name Jabari Shelton, has been charged with two counts of sexual assault following an alleged incident at a Shoreditch Hotel Shelton, from Manhattan, New York, was arrested after a video emerged allegedly showing the assault at a hotel in Shoreditch on July 10 last year. Defending, Gideon Cammerman QC told the court the rapper faces a $1million lawsuit over the alleged assault in the US. He said: 'The complainant filed [the civil action] two days before she made her witness statement to the Metropolitan police in the UK.' At least four witnesses will be travelling from the US for the trial which is due to begin on January 2 next year. Shelton was granted bail and left the court with his head covered by a coat. Judge Joanna Greenberg said: 'Your passport will only be restored to you when the security of $25,000 is provided.' Shelton, 26, is a founding member of A$AP Mob was stopped at Heathrow Airport as he transferred to a flight to South Africa In a video of the alleged incident - which Shelton previously said was 'fake' - he is apparently heard saying: 'What that mouth do b****'. He also appears to say: 'You f****** my assistant, now you're going to suck my d***.' The video briefly went viral last year before it was deleted from various sites. Shelton is a founding member of A$AP Mob and head of fashion label VLONE. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders continued to push back on Thursday against a report that she plans to leave the Trump administration. CBS News quoted sources claiming Sanders and her principal deputy Raj Shah were planning to step down. Sanders marveled in Thursday's press briefing that the network's reporter never reached out to ask her. 'I think CBS got a little ahead of their skis, particularly since they put out a story about my thinking without ever actually talking to me,' she told reporters. 'Seems that would be a little bit problematic.' 'I show up here every day. I love my job. I'm glad to work for the president,' she said. Sanders, a devout Southern Baptist whose father is both a former Arkansas Governor and an ordainer minister, didn't predict how long she'll stay in the West Wing but said she asks the Almighty for help answering that question. 'Each and every day I'll pray for clarity and discernment on what my future looks like,' she said as she ended the briefing. White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders is pushing back against a report that she is planning to leave the Trump administration, but says she's praying about her future daily Sanders tried to quell rumors in a packed briefing room that she already has one foot out of the White House door: 'I show up here every day. I love my job. I'm glad to work for the president' 'Does @CBSNews know something I don't about my plans and my future?' she tweeted Wednesday night 'Right now I think the country's looks pretty good, and I'm glad to get to be a part of that process, and I'm going to continue to do my job,' she said. The Trump spokeswoman had already upbraided CBS Wednesday night in a tweet for jumping the gun. 'Does @CBSNews know something I don't about my plans and my future?' Sanders tweeted. 'I was at my daughter's year-end Kindergarten event and they ran a story about my "plans to leave the WH" without even talking to me. I love my job and am honored to work for @POTUS.' Sources had told CBS that Sanders, who has been in the role 322 days, was confiding in friends that she plans to leave the administration at the end of the year. Shah was also reportedly considering leaving his role but hadn't decided on a date. There has been an exodus from the Trump administration in recent months, with a mixture of firings and resignations. Principal deputy press secretary Raj Sha (pictured) was also reportedly planning to step down The previous White House Press Secretary, Sean Spicer, (pictured) resigned in July last year after just 182 days after a series of missteps Former communications director Hope Hicks, Jared Kushner's top communications aide Josh Raffel, Trump personal aide John McEntee, congressional communications director Kaelan Dorr, assistant press secretary Natalie Strom deputy media affairs director Tyler Ross and others have moved on. Some have gone out quietly; others, like communications aide Kelly Sadler, went in disgrace. Sadler resigned after making an insulting joke about Arizona Sen. John McCain, who is suffering from brain cancer. The previous White House press secretary, Sean Spicer, resigned in July 2017 after just 182 days opn the job, following a series of missteps. Spicer suggested Adolf Hitler, who gassed millions of Jewish people in the Holocaust, 'never stooped' to using chemical weapons on 'his own people.' Many staffers have described the White House under Trump (pictured) as a toxic work environment He also appeared to tweet his own password, mistakenly called Justin Trudeau 'Joe' and earned hilariously send-ups from Melissa McCarthy on Saturday Night Live to the reported fury of Trump. The president's turnover rate stands at 51 percent, according to the Brookings Institution. 'There will be even more people leaving the White House sooner rather than later, laid off or just leaving out of exhaustion. And it is going to be harder to find good people to replace them,' the source close to the administration told CBS. 'I do think they're going to have a harder time getting the second wave of people in than the first, because those people were loyalists, and [new] folks will have to be recruited and encouraged and then survive the vetting process. In addition to all of that, the president prefers to have a small communications staff.' Many staffers have described the White House as a toxic work environment. In a sign of unhappy staff, there have also been numerous leaks and a hunt to find those responsible. There has been an exodus from the Trump administration in recent months, with numerous staffers pushed out such as former White House Communications Director Hope Hicks Kathryn Dunn Tenpas, a senior fellow at the Brookings Institution who has studied turnover dating back to Reagan, said the turnover was so fast 'many people haven't even stayed in these jobs to master the learning curve.' 'This is a White House that doesn't seem to value that or understand the consequences of it. It's kind of one of those things where we may not know the vulnerability of lacking expertise unless there is a crisis or a crisis that may have been averted had a person been in the room.' Sources claim that the administration is struggling to fill the holes left by those in the West Wing's departure lounge. 'Nobody wants to come in,' a source close to the administration said. 'So they've gone through two rounds and now they're at third tier of people who are just lucking out battlefield promotion ends up promoting people who aren't qualified for the position.' Sixty two illegal immigrants have been found crammed in a Texas 'stash house' when it was raided by border patrol agents. The agents raided the home in Laredo on the US-Mexican border on Tuesday. Authorities said the 62 undocumented immigrants found inside the property were waiting to be transported further into the United States. All 62 people were arrested. Sixty two illegal immigrants were found crammed in a 'stash house' in Laredo, Texas when it was raided by border patrol agents on Tuesday The Laredo Sector Border Patrol Agents said those arrested were from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador. It came as 54 immigrants, including some children, were found by agents packed into a semitrailer in San Antonio. Those illegal immigrants were from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Brazil. All 54 people were detained and with five had to be treated in hospital for injuries they received while trying to flee the truck and agents. Authorities said the 62 undocumented immigrants found inside the property were waiting to be transported further into the United States All 62 people were arrested and authorities said they came from Mexico, Guatemala, Honduras and El Salvador The truck filled with men, women and children as young as 16 was discovered in San Antonio about 8.30pm. The vehicle was air-conditioned and water was provided inside the trailer for the immigrants, according to authorities. In the case of the truck raid, police filed federal human smuggling charges against 36-year-old Gerardo Javier Carreon. Carreon allegedly admitted to authorities that he had traveled from Laredo on Tuesday. Fifty four immigrants, including some children, were also arrested Tuesday after they were found by agents packed into a semitrailer (above) in San Antonio This is the shocking moment a group of schoolchildren began attacking police officers who had been called to break up a fight. Footage shows outnumbered officers trying to keep order outside John Willmott School in Sutton Coldfield yesterday morning as the unruly teenagers surrounded them and hurled abuse. At point in the video, students can be seen holding onto a girl before she appears to strike an officer on the arm. A 16-year-old girl was held on suspicion of offences including assaulting an officer, while others were given dispersal notices banning them from the area for up to 48 hours. Footage showed outnumbered officers trying to keep order outside John Willmott School in Sutton Coldfield yesterday morning as the unruly teenagers surrounded them and hurled abuse A 16-year-old girl was held on suspicion of offences including assaulting an officer, while others were given dispersal notices banning them from the area for up to 48 hours At point in the video, students can be seen holding onto a girl before she appears to strike an officer on the arm The arrested teenager was released with what was termed a 'community resolution'. West Midlands Police said officers were sent to the scene to 'offer reassurance to students and staff' after a fight began at around 9am yesterday. Teachers were also present to help usher pupils away from the school. One 16-year-old student, accompanied by her mother, said the drama happened as Year 11 students sat an exam. She said: 'Police were there outside the gym as soon as we finished our exam. Our last exam is on Friday. 'There was a lot of grabbing, pushing and shoving. 'One of the lads in my year started filming the police and a policewoman started to record us all on camera. 'That's when it all kicked off. No-one was doing anything and they just started to push us. 'I got pushed so I said: "Don't push me". There was just no need. 'Even my mum said it didn't need to happen and they were too heavy-handed. There were three police cars and a couple of riot vans.' West Midlands Police said officers were sent to the scene to 'offer reassurance to students and staff' after a fight began at around 9am yesterday A spokesperson for John Willmott School (pictured) said: 'An incident involving a number of pupils occurred near the school, which was dealt with by the police' A spokesperson for John Willmott School said: 'An incident involving a number of pupils occurred near the school, which was dealt with by the police. 'We will continue to work with police and would reassure parents that our pupils' safety is our absolute priority.' West Midlands Police said: 'We were called to a school in Sutton Coldfield at around 9am yesterday morning to reports of disorder between schoolchildren. 'Police attended to offer reassurance to students and staff after a fight broke out outside the school. 'Dispersal notices, which can ban someone from an area for up to 48 hours, were issued to all teenagers involved, which relieved the situation. 'A 16-year-old girl was arrested for breaching the dispersal notice, failing to comply with directions and assaulting an officer. 'She has been released with a community resolution.' James Comey used his personal Gmail account to conduct FBI business on numerous occasions when he was director - even though he was investigating Hillary Clinton for using a private email server and had warned FBI staff they would be in 'huge trouble' for doing the same thing, a scathing watchdog report revealed on Thursday. The report from Justice Department inspector general Michael Horowitz found 'numerous instances' where Comey used his Gmail account to conduct the bureau's business, which was 'inconsistent' with Justice Department policy. Ironically, the report noted when Comey spoke at an FBI conference in October 2016, he warned employees they would be in 'huge trouble' if they used a private email service as Clinton did. James Comey used his personal Gmail account to conduct FBI business on numerous occasions He was investigating Hillary Clinton for the same thing Comey, when he spoke at the FBI's annual SAC Conference in San Diego, said: 'I have gotten emails from some employees about this, who said, 'If I did what Hillary Clinton did I'd be in huge trouble.' ' 'My response is you bet your ass you'd be in huge trouble,' Comey said in that speech. 'If you used a personal email, Gmail or if you [had] the capabilities to set up your own email domain, if you used an unclassified personal email system to do our business in the course of doing our business even though you were communicating with people with clearances and doing work you discussed classified matters in that, in those communications, TS/SCI, special access programs, you would be in huge trouble in the FBI,' Comey said. 'Of that I am highly confident,' he added. 'I'm also highly confident, in fact, certain you would not be criminally prosecuted for that conduct.' Nick Merrill, who was Clinton's spokes person on the 2016 campaign, retweeted a reporter's tweet about Comey's Gmail use with the words: 'I'll just leave this here.' Comey was criticized in IG report for usurping the power of the attorney general in his handling of the investigation into Clinton's use of a private email server for State Department business. The then FBI director said in July 2016 that he was not recommending any criminal charges in Clinton's case. But he caused a huge kerfuffle when, days before the election, he announced he would revisit the probe after the discovery of new emails, a move that the Clinton camp has blamed for her loss. None of the emails Comey sent to his Gmail account contained classified information, according to IG report. Comey defended his use of his Gmail to investigators, saying he only used it for public speeches and statements. I used it 'when I needed to word process an unclassified [document] that was going to be disseminated broadly, [such as a] public speech or public email to the whole organization,' he told them. The former FBI director also said his use of his Gmail was 'incidental' and because he made sure the work got forwarded to a government account so 'I wasn't worried from a record-keeping perspective.' He added: 'I wasn't doing classified work there, so I wasn't concerned about that.' He explained to investigators 'I did not have an unclass[ified] FBI connection at home that worked.' The IG report found five instances when Comey forwarded an unclassified FBI email to his personal Gmail account. Those included one on November 8, 2016, that proposed a post-election message for all FBI employees that was entitled 'Midyear thoughts.' The report from Justice Department inspector general Michael Horowitz found five instances where Comey used his personal Gmail Hillary Clinton's campaign spokesman tweeted his response to the news In late December 2016, Comey forwarded multiple drafts of a proposed year-end message to FBI employees. On December 30, 2016, Comey forwarded proposed responses to two requests for information from the Office of Special Counsel. On January 6, 2017, Comey forwarded an email from Chief of Staff Jim Rybicki highlighting language that needed to be corrected in a Wall Street Journal article. In mid-March 2017, Comey sent from his personal email account to his own and Rybicki's unclassified FBI accounts multiple drafts of Comey's proposed opening statement for his March 20, 2017 testimony to the House Intelligence Committee. Investigators asked Comey if the use of his personal email was in accordance with FBI regulations. 'I don't know,' he said. 'I think so, but I don't know. I remember talking to Jim [Rybicki] about it at one time, and I had the sense that it was okay.' Rybicki was also asked by investigators to explain the email use. He responded to them via email: 'In rare circumstances during his tenure, Director Comey sends unclassified emails from his official FBI.gov email account address to [his Gmail account]. This permits him to open attachments and use his personal laptop to then work on a speech or other content intended for wide dissemination. He then sends drafts or the completed text to his official FBI.gov email account or to another FBI.gov email account from [his Gmail account]. He opened this personal account at about the time he became Director.... To ensure a high level of cybersecurity, Director Comey routinely deletes all emails from his [Gmail] account each day, and then clears the deleted messages folder. He began this practice about two years ago. The Director does not recall receiving and/or seeking advice concerning the use of these accounts.' Comey offered his response to the IG report in an op-ed he wrote for the New York Times, which did not include any mention of his use of his Gmail account. 'The inspector general's team went through the F.B.I.'s work with a microscope and found no evidence that bias or improper motivation affected the investigation, which I know was done competently, honestly and independently,' he wrote. 'The inspector general's office has now reached that very conclusion. Its detailed report should serve to both protect and build the reservoir of trust and credibility necessary for the Department of Justice and the F.B.I. to remain strong and independent and to continue their good work for our country.' The Trouble With Women Rating: Outlander Rating: What a horrible shock for Declan from Glasgow. A chronic illness means hes reliant on his team of carers . . . and the newest recruit is Anne Robinson. Imagine gazing up to see Annies gimlet eyes and strawberry blonde bob at your bedside no less scary than a skeletal figure in a cowl, ending your brief tenure on Earth with her clipped catchphrase: You are the weakest link, goodbye! She wasnt here to claim another soul, but to investigate the gender pay gap, in a brisk probe into sexism called The Trouble With Women (BBC1). Declans carers, all female, were being paid 3 an hour less than their male counterparts by the council. Anne couldnt comprehend why theyd ever put up with it. Her solution was simple: girls everywhere should march into their bosses offices, harangue and belittle them, reduce them to whimpering jellies, and keep doing it till a fat pay rise appeared. Its a method that has never failed her. Frances Stojilkovic (left) and Anne Robinson stars of The Trouble with Women Equally, she saw no problem with wolf whistling or ogling. In her book, every time a lecherous male leers over a cleavage, its more proof that men are the weaker sex and so easy to manipulate. She seems to regard feminism as a backwards step. I believe equality is all about women having choice, she trumpeted, the choice to spend money on plastic surgery and the choice to earn money from their looks. Much of the show consisted of Anne basking in her own radiance. We leafed through her books of newspaper cuttings Annie is her own librarian and the camera lingered on her photo album. She even read out other peoples comments about her. But she had a good point to make, and she rammed it home with gusto: I never expected that generations after me were going to display a nervousness and a timidity about the behaviour of men. They somehow werent the warriors we had been. To emphasise this, she conducted an experiment with 20 primary schoolchildren, asking them to draw a surgeon, a mechanic and a firefighter. All but three drew males. Worse, when their mums did the test, they all pictured men. Thought-provoking and unpretentious, this one-off show had something worth saying. The strongest woman of the night was ordering her husbands about in two different centuries, as Outlander (More4) returned. Fearless Claire (Catriona Balfe) found herself flung by a timewarp, from the Jacobite uprising of the 1740s into post-war Britain 200 years later. Sam Heughan and Caitriona Balfe, the stars of More4's Outlander which returned last night Hubbie Frank (Tobias Menzies) found this hard to believe for a few minutes, but soon he was weeping and begging her forgiveness for ever doubting her. Claire couldnt bear to let him touch her, though he looks too much like beastly Black Jack Randall, who cruelly misused her in the 18th century. One quick flashback later, Claire was dragging her other husband, Highland warrior Jamie (Sam Heughan), all round Europe on a political mission for Bonnie Prince Charlie . . . stopping only to thwart an outbreak of smallpox. Thanks to a well-plotted love triangle and splendid costumes, this barmy historical romance looks and feels engrossing. Characters sometimes spend too long reminding each other about the Battle of Culloden and the Highland Clearances, and the Scottish accents do keep veering off to South Wales, but who cares? Just give us plenty of kisses and claymores, and were happy. If you cant wait to the weekends for a jaunt with Capn Ross, try Outlander. Its a sort of supernatural Poldark. Four in ten GPs quit the NHS within five years of finishing their training. Many switch to short-term locum work on much higher pay and better hours. Others practise abroad or leave the profession entirely. Each will have cost taxpayers around 500,000 to train over ten years. The recruitment crisis yesterday led Home Secretary Sajid Javid to relax visa rules to allow more foreign doctors into Britain. Figures on the high fallout rate were disclosed yesterday by Ian Cumming, head of the NHSs staffing body. Forty per cent of all the people who completed training five years ago as GPs are not working in substantive GP employment or as long-term locums, he said. They are doing short-term locums, they are doing other things. The recruitment crisis yesterday led Home Secretary Sajid Javid (pictured) to relax visa rules to allow more foreign doctors into Britain As every year goes by, beyond five years, that number goes up slightly. We have to address it. How do we train people? How do we keep people? To take someone from the day they walk into medical school until the day they can qualify as a GP costs somewhere in the region of half a million pounds. So every person who we lose, the NHS has invested half a million pounds in their training. That isnt what we want, that isnt what patients want. Professor Cummings figures suggest that around 1,200 of the 3,000 GPs that qualify annually will have left the Health Service within five years. This has helped lead to a shortage of family doctors at surgeries already overwhelmed by the demands of an ageing and growing population. The crisis had previously been blamed on more doctors retiring in their 50s, partly to avoid hefty taxes on their pensions. Ministers have pledged to hire an extra 5,000 GPs by 2020 to ensure patients have better access to appointments, particularly at weekends. But figures published last month showed the NHS had lost 1,300 GPs in two years. Numbers fell from 34,914 in March 2016 to 33,574 this March. Professor Cumming likened the Health Services efforts to recruit and retain doctors to running a bath without a plug. He said: We cannot simply keep producing more and more and more people when we have people who for whatever reasons are dissatisfied with the employment offer that they are getting. It is like a bath with water coming in from a tap at one end and out a plug at the other end. We need to make sure that we reduce the outflow of water. Mr Cumming said younger, millennial family doctors tended to want to work much more flexible hours than older colleagues. The millennial generation want more flexibility, they want to work different hours, they want to change career more regularly, he added. The NHS as an employer has to address that. The average GP is now working four days a week compared to four and a half days a week in 2009. They typically earn 55,600 a year at the start of their careers, rising to around 100,000 as a partner. Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard, who chairs the Royal College of GPs, said the demands of the job were part of the problem with staff retention. GPs are entering a profession that is incredibly pressurised, she said. Escalating workloads, workforce shortages and inadequate resources certainly do not make for a safe and supportive working environment, and unfortunately it isnt just GPs that have been working in general practice for years who are burning out. We have more GPs in training than ever before, but it takes a long time to train a GP at least ten years and in the meantime, more GPs are leaving the profession than joining it. Figures on the high fallout rate were disclosed yesterday by Ian Cumming (pictured), head of the NHSs staffing body Dr Tom Micklewright, who chairs the British Medical Associations GP trainees subcommittee, said: Without urgent action and investment to address the ongoing pressures of increased workload, soaring demand and increased bureaucracy, we will see more and more experienced doctors leaving the profession or reducing their time spent with patients. At least 445 surgeries have shut or merged in the past five years, forcing 1.3million patients to find a new GP. Many of the closures came about because GPs had retired or quit and replacements were not found. Approximately 3,000 would-be GPs start their three-year specialist training each year although there are no exact figures for the numbers who complete the course because some drop out. But if roughly 3,000 doctors complete their training, then 1,200 will have quit their posts within five years. They would have already done five years at medical school and two years in hospital. John OConnell, of the TaxPayers Alliance pressure group, said: Expensive training for vital doctors is surely something taxpayers are happy to stump up for, so theyll be disappointed to see so many benefit from it before leaving the NHS quite so quickly. Perhaps there should be a time limit on departure, to save money on training someone up before taking the skills elsewhere? Professor Cumming, who heads Health Education England, made his remarks in an address to the NHS Confederation conference in Manchester. A 'politically incorrect' party has sparked outrage after students dressed up in Ku Klux Klan costumes and blackface. The six university students were attending an event at the Black Swan hotel in Wagga Wagga, about 150km west of Canberra, on Thursday night. A photo from the party shows five students dressed in white KKK robes and hoods, while a sixth man is painted in blackface and holding a bowl of cotton. A 'politically incorrect' party has sparked outrage after students dressed up in Ku Klux Klan costumes and blackface (pictured) 'Very very politically incorrect,' one of the students wrote in the caption of the photo posted on social media. 'Cotton prices are unreal though so it's a great time to be pickin'.' The students were all holding schooners or bottles of beer, and appeared to be posing on the premises of the popular North Wagga Wagga Pub. They were attending an event starting at 7.30pm billed as a 'politically incorrect themed session'. A photo from the party shows five students dressed in white KKK robes and hoods, while a sixth man is painted in blackface and holding a bowl of cotton (pictured is the event description) 'Grab a kit that would legally get you in s*** and hook right in,' the invitation to the event read. The students were slammed as racist after the photo was shared, with angry social media users sharing the students' personal information. The student who posted the photo had his date of birth, address, driver's licence number, workplace, rugby club and university posted on Twitter. '[He]thinks it's ok to be a racist prick... Feel free to contact his Employer, Uni and Club,' wrote the person who shared the information. 'Disgusting - how can anyone think this is okay?' asked another person. The Black Swan Hotel responded to accusations they turned a blind eye to the event in Facebook post late on Thursday night 'Wow. Horrific,' wrote someone else. The Black Swan Hotel responded to accusations they turned a blind eye to the event in Facebook post late on Thursday night. 'The pub was made aware of a incident unbeknownst to staff,' the post read. 'We were unaware of this behaviour happening out the back of the pub, however we have immediately dealt with this. 'We have zero tolerance and do not condone this sort of behaviour.' 'They were not all in costumes but normal clothes. The function was private and patrons could come and go from the rear without going through the bar,' one patron wrote Some questioned the pub's claims, pointing out that the students appeared to have been served alcohol, while others defended the establishment. 'They were not all in costumes but normal clothes. The function was private and patrons could come and go from the rear without going through the bar,' they wrote. 'So, clearly they came through and staff (two only) at the bar working were not aware of their presence. 'Staff were informed by normal patrons when they were noticed. They were then immediately dealt with and asked to leave.' Daily Mail Australia has contacted the Black Swan Hotel for comment. A former Parliamentary intern has accused a 'high- profile' adviser to a Labour MP of drugging and raping her when she was 19. She said she had woken up in the man's bed with no memory of what had happened to her. The allegation came in an investigation by the Financial Times involving 30 former parliamentary members of staff. An MP's assistant, who still works in Parliament, claimed a fellow staffer thrust his crotch in her face (stock image) According to the FT, the intern said she had started working at an MP's office before encountering a 'high-profile' adviser who was nine years her senior. He had invited her to drinks with other colleagues, but when she arrived it was just the two of them, she told the paper. 'He handed me a drink before he started to talk about how influential he was and how he could help introduce me to people,' she said. 'I didn't know what to do but I refused another drink and then he asked me if I wanted some cocaine. I'd never done drugs, so he went off and did some coke before coming tumbling back in. 'I don't know what happened but I woke up in his bed.' She said he told her she'd got a bit drunk before adding: 'You don't know what I did to you last night.' 'He was insinuating he'd raped me,' she said. 'It was harassment, it was disgusting and it was vile. I wish I'd gone to somebody but I just told him not to come close to me ever again.' Richard Angell, director of the centrist Labour group Progress, said: 'I'm afraid I fear that the Labour Party now behaves as the Catholic Church once did' She said she had not reported the incident, which happened two decades ago, and became 'nauseous' when she saw him on television. The newspaper also quoted the director of a Labour think-tank comparing the party's approach to the Catholic Church's cover-up of paedophile priests. Richard Angell, director of the centrist Labour group Progress, said: 'I'm afraid I fear that the Labour Party now behaves as the Catholic Church once did protecting the reputation of the institution over the safety of the individual.' Other claims include one by a volunteer at a local Labour constituency office who says she was sexually assaulted by an organiser. A man who allegedly witnessed the incident told her people 'do strange things during elections don't take it further', which she didn't. Another woman quit her job as a researcher for a Tory MP when he allegedly sexually harassed her. He said he regularly told her about other researchers he had slept with in the office and made jokes about her masturbating. An MP's assistant, who still works in Parliament, claimed a fellow staffer thrust his crotch in her face and asked her to comment on the 'girth' of his penis. When she raised a complaint, she was told to take compassionate leave and was relocated. Several male staffers raised allegations against gay MPs. One was a 17-year-old on work experience who a male MP took to the Carlton Club before inviting him back to his constituency home. A cross-party working group of MPs and staff is overseeing new powers to suspend MPs if they are found to have harassed parliamentary staff. Both Labour and the Conservatives said they took all allegations of sexual harassment extremely seriously and urged victims to complain. A young mother accused of threatening a school massacre worse than Columbine says she was trying to protect her daughter from bullies when she allegedly posted the menacing messages online. The Gold Coast's Upper Coomera State College allegedly received two threats via social media on Tuesday, forcing staff to lockdown the school twice in one day. The mother, 36, said she posed as a student through bogus Instagram and Facebook accounts and made the alleged threats in a bid to stop her daughter's 'physical and emotional' torment. 'The [night before the lockdowns] my daughter had broken down from everything that has been happening and she was crying, screaming and saying ''how can (they) get away with it, how are [they] always right''?' she told the Gold Coast Bulletin. The Gold Coast's Upper Coomera State College allegedly received two threats via social media on Tuesday, forcing it into lockdown twice A post shared to Facebook showed a photo of a gun, which appears to be a stock image readily found online 'She was having a full on melt down and this is a regular occurrence. I was just trying to protect her. I regret that the children had to be in lockdown and were scared but I don't regret sticking up for my daughter. 'She always has to walk into the school and she gets s**t shamed. She gets called s**t by other students and people who gossip.' The lockdown was announced after a post shared to Facebook on Tuesday morning read: 'I'm shoot the f***ing school tomorrow, got a gun. This will be nothing on Colombians k***s'. That was accompanied with a rambling 3am post with a photo of a gun. The firearm appears to be a stock image readily found online. Parents were sent a terrifying text message alert after the first alleged threat informing them the school was in 'voluntary lockdown' at around 10.30am. The first lockdown was ruled a hoax by police about midday, but parents were told they could take their children home. Upper Coomera State College allegedly received two threats via social media, including the above Upper Coomera State College on the Gold Coast sent parents a text message saying the school was in 'voluntary lockdown' about 10.30am on Tuesday The school announced another precautionary lockdown just before 1.30pm which last around three hours. The 36-year-old woman on Wednesday was charged with using a carriage service to menace or harass, wilful disturbance at an educational facility and fraud. She will face the Southport Magistrates Court on June 28. Daily Mail Australia has contacted Upper Coomera State College for comment. A Queensland Department of Education spokeswoman said bullying was not tolerated in any of the state's schools. The school (location pictured) was taken off lockdown about midday only to be locked down again at 1.30pm 'Any situation that threatens the safety and wellbeing of students is treated extremely seriously, and dealt with as a matter of urgent priority,' they said. 'Upper Coomera State College, like all Queensland state schools, is committed to providing a safe, respectful and disciplined learning environment for students and staff. 'Upper Coomera State College has worked closely with the student and family to address the reported bullying concerns. 'The Department cannot comment on individual cases, for student privacy reasons. This weeks incident is a police matter and the Department cannot comment further.' A Queensland Police spokesman said: '[We] would like to remind the community that making threats, regardless of the forum, are treated seriously and offenders face serious criminal charges with significant penalties.' Rebel Wilson has taken to Twitter in rage following her record-breaking $4.5million defamation payout being slashed to $600,000 on appeal. The Hollywood star has made it clear that she will appeal, bashing the Court of Appeal in five tweets. 'I was hoping the Court of Appeal in Australia would deliver a reasonable judgement today....ummmmm seeing as that HAS CLEARLY NOT happened I look forward to appealing! There's some bizarre things in there guys that are so obviously challengeable!' Wilson wrote to her 2.97million twitter followers. Rebel Wilson has taken to Twitter (pictured) and with her 2.97 million followers that she will appeal the slashing of her defamation payout Wilson commented on the defamatory articles, calling out Bauer Media (pictured) Wilson (pictured) called the appeal 'clearly not fair' as she suffered distress from Bauer Media who she called 'bullies' The Twitter rampage comes after Bauer Media appealed a court order that Wilson be compensated $650,000 in general damages and $3,917,472 in special damages over a series of articles published in 2015 that she alleged painted her as a serial liar. The Court of Appeal on Thursday cut the general damages payout to $600,000 and set aside the special damages sum, finding it was wrongly awarded. Wilson, 38, was not present when the court handed down its ruling and published a 252-page judgement. 'Everybody knows I lost money after those maliciously defamatory articles were printed about me by @bauermedia in 2015. The learned trial judge and Australian jury on the case who heard all the evidence clearly agreed,' Wilson shared. The moment Wilson shared with her Twitter followers that she will appeal the slashed payout (pictured) Wilson commented on how the defamatory content affected her mental health, calling Bauer Media 'bullies' (pictured) 'Was it wrong of me to pledge that the money received from the case was going to good causes?? To me, after working tirelessly day and night to rebuild my career, I thought it was the right thing to do.' Wilson called the Court of Appeal 'flippant' when dealing with her economic loss, claiming that she suffered hurt and distress in her battles with these 'bullies.' Wilson called the pay-cut: 'Clearly not fair,' as she claims the $4million will not be given to the less fortunate Australians, instead allowing a billionaire corporation to get away with 'malicious' defamation. Rebel Wilson's $4.5million defamation payout has been slashed to just $600,000 on appeal Wilson had claimed that she would donate as much as possible to charities and support the Australian film industry Wilson (pictured arriving at court for the defamation trial last year) was not present when the court handed down its ruling on Thursday The judgement means the Australian actress will receive about $3.9 million less than she had been originally awarded by the Supreme Court in September. Wilson claimed she lost film roles as a result of the articles and she was awarded the largest defamation payout in Australian legal history. Supreme Court Justice John Dixon awarded her a record $4.5 million, including $3.9 million in financial damages relating to a loss of income. But the Court of Appeal found there was no basis for her to be awarded financial damages for the potential loss of roles, setting aside the economic damages entirely. Wilson claimed she lost film roles as a result of the articles and she was awarded the largest defamation payout in Australian legal history Bauer Media did not challenge the jury's defamation finding in its appeal and sought only for the damages to be reduced. The night before the decision, Wilson took to Twitter to reveal she wasn't bothered by the publisher's appeal - a stance that has definitely changed as proven by her Friday tweets. 'What happens tomorrow is to do with... Bauer Media quibbling about how much they now have to pay me,' she wrote. 'While this case was never about the money for me, I do hope to receive as much as possible to give away to charities and to support the Australian film industry.' Bauer Media appealed against a Supreme Court of Victoria order that Wilson be compensated $650,000 in general damages and $3,917,472 in special damages 'As I've said before, I have already WON the case and this is UNCHALLENGED!' Wilson tweeted In other post, she wrote: 'The Court of Appeal in Australia will be handing down their decision in the morning re my defamation case against Bauer Media. As I've said before, I have already WON the case and this is UNCHALLENGED!' Wilson discussed her case while co-hosting Channel Ten's The Project in April. 'A group of women who I didn't know [and] who had never met me orchestrated this malicious takedown of me and basically said everything about me and my life was fake,' the 38-year-old said. 'It was just so devastating to have that happen, and I'm proud of myself though for standing up to them because this is a huge media organisation owned by German billionaires. 'They bullied and intimidated me and obviously didn't want me to sue them publicly, and I just felt like it was the right thing to do.' A former Rolls-Royce engineer suspected of spying for China has pleaded his innocence and denied the allegations levelled against him. Bryn Jones, 73, was held over fears that top secret details of the RAF's 100million F-35B stealth fighter jet had been passed to Beijing. 'The police are right to conduct this investigation thoroughly because from what I have read this is a very serious security breach and this country needs to be protected,' Mr Jones told The Sun. 'But in due course it will become clear I am innocent of any crime.' His daughter, Jean Harlow, said: He is not political. Ive never heard him discuss politics and he doesnt even speak any Chinese languages. Mr Jones was held by Scotland Yard under the Official Secrets Act after MI5 was tipped off about the alleged leak. Released on bail: Bryn Jones yesterday Investigators suspect Chinese spies want valuable blueprints of the most advanced fighting jet in British history. But Mrs Harlow, 47, said her father who has a visiting professorship at a Chinese university would never consider betraying his country. She said: 'I'm devastated. He's not the kind of person to do anything like this. I just can't believe he would do this. I can't understand how this has just happened. We hope and pray it's a false alarm. Did spies help Beijing upgrade military might? China is desperate to boost its jet fighter capabilities to become a world leader in aeronautical engineering. In 2011, it became only the second nation after the US to build a stealth fighter. Three years later it unveiled the J-31 stealth multi-role fighter jet. But experts claimed it looked remarkably like the US-made F-35 Joint Strike Fighter, raising suspicions the Chinese built theirs using stolen blueprints. Last week, former CIA officer Kevin Mallory, 61, was convicted of spying after giving China top secret information in exchange for 19,000. He claimed to have been a double agent who was really keeping US spies informed of his actions. After the case, a US prosecutor described China as a sophisticated and determined adversary. It was revealed in America this month that Chinese government hackers stole a huge cache of data from a US Navy contractor, including detailed plans to develop a supersonic anti-ship submarine missile. Advertisement 'He's never said anything to me about his work. I know he has been working with the university in China for some years. My Mum usually goes with him.' His daughter Jean said: 'Hes worked for Rolls since he was 18. You cant imagine someone more loyal. Ive no idea what his political views are. Hes certainly not some mad Communist who wants to bring down this country.' Mr Jones was arrested on Tuesday afternoon. Detectives spent hours searching the 400,000 detached house in Belper, Derbyshire, he shares with his wife of 49 years, Dorothy, 75, a retired midwife. Neighbours said officers searched the four-bedroom home and removed computer equipment and memory sticks. Police also raided a West Midlands location, believed to be the specialist jet engine firm he runs. He is one of the world's leading experts on gas turbine combustion, having risen through the ranks at Rolls-Royce to become chief combustion technologist during a 37-year career, and launching his own consultancy. In 2013, he won a prize for his 'life-long contribution' to his field from the Institute of Physics. He holds the role of visiting professor in gas turbine combustion at the Aeronautical University of Xian in central China. Relatives said he visited the country at least once a year and often welcomed Chinese visitors to his home. Mrs Harlow, a care assistant in an old people's home from Alfreton, Derbyshire, said her father who adopted her was a 'quiet man who is dedicated to his work' and was 'quite strict'. Mr Jones's brother-in-law, Geoffrey Knowles, 66, from Hyde, Greater Manchester, said he was the 'last sort of person one would expect to be caught up in something like this', adding: 'I would have thought Bryn would have been assiduous in making sure he didn't reveal anything he wasn't supposed to.' Nathan Clarke, pastor at Ashbourne Baptist Church in Derbyshire, said Mr Jones had been a member of the congregation for almost a decade attending services most weeks with his wife. 'I value him as a friend and would say he's very trustworthy and reliable,' he said. 'I'm pretty sure his arrest will turn out to be a mistake. He and his wife are very involved in the church, and are very loving, kind and generous. The F-35B bomber, with a top speed of 1,200mph, a 1,300-mile range and the ability to fly undetected by radar, it has been hailed as 'the most advanced and dynamic' fighter in British history 'He didn't really talk much about his work, but I understand he was involved with a charity working on exporting engines to poorer countries.' A former neighbour described Mr Jones as a 'decent, straight guy who's not interested in money', adding: 'He's such a clever man, but in other respects he can be a forgetful sort. 'He's the kind who will forget his passport when going on holiday or on a business trip, or maybe the phone number at home. 'If he has revealed something he shouldn't have done, then he would not have been aware he was doing it he would have been tricked or manipulated somehow. 'I just can't see him being involved in something like this.' The police inquiry centres on fears over Rolls-Royce's top secret work on the stealth fighter jet, which only arrived in Britain last week. With a top speed of 1,200mph, a 1,300-mile range and the ability to fly undetected by radar, it has been hailed as 'the most advanced and dynamic' fighter in British history. It carries an arsenal of air-to-air missiles and laser-guided bombs and was built in the US by the defence firm Lockheed Martin. Rolls-Royce and other British companies have contributed parts and technology, including a 'lift system' that allows the aircraft to hover and land vertically. The Government, which has agreed to spend 9.1billion on 48 F-35Bs by 2025, will be horrified that its secrets could be in the hands of a foreign power. Rolls-Royce chief executive Warren East declined to comment. A Metropolitan Police spokesman confirmed there had been an arrest under the Official Secrets Act, adding: 'We are not prepared to discuss further at this stage.' Convictions under section one of the Official Secrets Act, which concerns national security, carry a maximum 14 years in jail. Officially this was the Queen's day, the cheering, flag-waving children were testament to that. But all eyes were on the slim young woman a few paces behind her. And it was the warmest of welcomes as an understandably edgy Duchess of Sussex undertook her first engagements with the Queen, less than a month after her wedding. That it included a performance by schoolchildren seemed especially appropriate for the former actress and it certainly seemed to relax her. The Queen insisted Prince Harry was not required for their first joint engagement The Queen, 92, showed how her bond with Meghan Markle, 36, has grown today as the pair laughed and chatted their way through a children's theatre performance in Cheshire The Queen and the Duchess visited the Storyhouse library in Chester where they mingled with locals who use the wide variety of services on offer All the same, without the reassuring presence of Prince Harry, who has been a constant at her side on every public occasion up till now, this was always likely to be a test. That she passed this nerve-shredding introduction into royal life with flying colours was everything to do with the figure who was showing her the ropes. The laughter and whispered asides between Queen and granddaughter-in-law were both spontaneous and entirely natural. Not even a mix-up over who should be first into the royal limousine spoiled the rapport the two women have clearly established. The Queen and Meghan dropped in to see schoolchildren at the Storyhouse building in Chester, but at first the youngsters didn't seem to notice the visitors had arrived Getting on famously! The Queen and the Duchess of Sussex shared a joke as they watched a ceremony to open the new Mersey Gateway Bridge during their first official engagement together What is all the more remarkable is that it should have happened so quickly. Since her wedding on May 19, Meghan has seen the Queen only once at last Saturday's Trooping the Colour. While she and Harry have been on honeymoon said to have been to Canada the Queen has also been away, to Craigowan Lodge at Balmoral. Royal aides had been thinking about a joint visit involving the monarch and Meghan but it was the Queen herself who suggested it should be sooner rather than later. The Duchess of Cambridge had been married almost a year before being invited to accompany the Queen, at the start of the Diamond Jubilee celebrations in 2012 for a day in Leicester. Some will doubtless wonder if this early invitation for Meghan reflects some sort of favouritism. I understand the decision was taken because it was felt the Duchess of Sussex might need more help to adjust to life inside the Royal Family than the already poised Kate Middleton did. Growing confidence! Meghan seemed completely at ease as she chatted with the monarch The Duchess of Sussex looked animated as she chatted during her first official engagement with the Queen It was felt the Duchess of Sussex might need more help to adjust to life inside the Royal Family than the already poised Kate Middleton (left) did 'Remember, unlike Kate she doesn't have a family to fall back on here,' said an insider. Indeed, it was noticeable how nervous Meghan appeared as she joined the carriage drive last Saturday. 'The Queen's thinking is simple, she wants to put her at her ease,' says one of her staff. When the invitation arrived, officials assumed Harry would be included too. Instead, it was made clear this was to be a visit for just the two women. Intriguingly, the programme was not especially designed for Meghan as it was when the Queen took Kate to Leicester where the two sat through a fashion show. In fact it was deliberately planned as a day of typical royal events that would give Meghan a better grounding in the royal routine. 'Nothing too starry, lots of handshaking and meeting of local worthies,' as one insider puts it. Wish you'd worn a hat? A sudden gust of wind made Meghans decision not to wear a hat on her first official engagement with the Queen rather noticeable particularly as the monarch was wearing a striking green creation. Indeed, the Daily Mail understands that there was what palace insiders have described as some to-ing and fro-ing over the issue. Meghan and Harry are keen to present an image of a youthful, modern monarchy which means fewer hats and gloves, and more cutting edge. A sudden gust of wind made Meghans decision not to wear a hat on her first official engagement with the Queen rather noticeable So a message was sent to the Queens private office asking what the sovereign intended to wear. The answer included mention of the hat by Rachel Trevor Morgan, which some would have taken as a suggestion for Meghan to do the same. But after some discussion, it was agreed between Buckingham and Kensington Palaces that the duchess would let her brunette locks flow free. Advertisement So much has happened to Meghan since her wedding day: Nottingham Cottage where she and Harry live at Kensington Palace has been redecorated and the couple have spent time at their new country bolthole in Oxfordshire. Nevertheless, it is not difficult to imagine how the duchess must have been feeling as she arrived at Buckingham Palace on Wednesday evening. Whenever the Queen takes the Royal Train there is a protocol to be observed. She dines first at home and then she travels to the station, on this occasion Euston. Meghan, too, had already had supper and the two women were driven together at 10.45pm along with a handful of senior staff. Domestic staff, including footmen, stewards and a dresser, had gone ahead. Once on board the train it is understood the Queen was keen to turn in. She doesn't like eating late but she did want to ensure that Meghan was comfortable. It must have been an eye-opening experience for the American-born duchess. There are no showers on the train, but full-size baths. The pair shared a joke during the opening ceremony, showing how a bond is clearly developing between the two women The Queen looked in great spirits as she began her day out with Harry's new wife and the pair showed their lighthearted bond as they laughed together during an opening ceremony for the new Mersey Gateway Bridge The Queen and Meghan were all smiles as they left Chester Town Hall, with both women carrying pretty bouquets of flowers It is thought that Meghan was provided with Prince Philip's saloon which includes a bedroom, bathroom and sitting room. By the time the train and its royal passengers arrived at Runcorn, Cheshire, yesterday morning after breakfast, Meghan and the Queen had spoken about the day ahead. That much was clear as they exchanged several observations during the ceremony to mark the opening of the Mersey Gateway Bridge. By the time she had watched the Queen unveil two plaques, completed a walkabout, attended a civic lunch and accepted numerous posies, her early stiffness had gone and she began to relax. Next week's carriage drive at Royal Ascot should be breeze. And next month sees an event where it's just possible that the Queen will be turning to the newest member of the family for help the arrival in London of Meghan's fellow American, US President Donald Trump. A 55-year-old villager in China has warmed the hearts of many after giving children piggyback rides across a flooded river for more than 40 years. The kind-hearted man, Hou Changhui, would be seen waiting by the riverbank for students to arrive in the morning whenever the river overflows in Anzi village. The children were trying to reach Sujiabao Primary School - the only school in the small village - but it is cut off by the Nan River, which floods every spring with water reaching waist-deep. The so-called 'bridge' for villagers to cross the river is just a small overflow dam that is placed on the riverbed. The entire pathway disappears almost every time it rains due to lack of maintenance. The kind-hearted man, Hou Changhui, is always seen waiting for the students by the river whenever the water spills over the small footpath in Anzi village, Hubei province The river floods due to heavy downpours, making it very difficult for students to reach school Children are smiling and laughing as they are being carried across the river by Mr Hou Mr Hou has been carrying the children across the river since 1978, when he was only 15 years old, according to Chutian Metropolitan Daily. Students told reporters that the river floods every spring due to heavy downpours, making it very difficult for them to reach school. 'Every time the river floods, uncle Hou would always give us piggyback rides to help us cross the river,' student Xiang Chunyang said. Some children don't even know his name and calls him 'the uncle that wades across the river'. Video footage of the heart-warming act in Hubei province shows Mr Hou charging carefully across the river with the schoolchildren resting on his back. Some children don't know his name and calls Mr Hou 'the uncle that wades across the river' The so-called 'bridge' for villagers to cross the river is just a small overflow dam Even though the water was only about ankle-deep that day, Mr Hou said the unstable weather always causes raging stormwater torrents. Donning thigh-high rain boots and a safety helmet, he effortlessly scoops up the children on his back, who appears to be enjoying the ride. Depending on the condition of the river, it takes more than 30 minutes every time for all the students to be carried across the river safely. There is an alternative route to reach the opposite side of the river, but it is overgrown with thorns and weeds, and is almost two miles (three kilometres) long. The parents of these schoolchildren have all left the village to go to work elsewhere, according to Beijing News citing Mr Hou. Video footage of the heart-warming act in Hubei province shows Mr Hou charging carefully across the river with the schoolchildren resting on his back Depending on the condition of the river, it takes more than 30 minutes every time for all the students to be carried across the river safely, according to Mr Hou 'So, I wait for them every morning to send them to school, and I come back every afternoon to pick them up from class,' he said. 'A lot of the primary school students have already graduated and are attending college now!' he said, beaming. Net users praised the kind man's actions, with many advocating for a real bridge to be built. 'What an incredibly nice man. I respect him very much,' one said. 'The government should quickly build a real bridge for these villagers.' 'Forty years - that is so touching,' another said. 'These are not even his own children.' A park worker claimed to have seen China's most renowned lake monster swimming under the water surface. Wang Xin'an, from Xinjiang, captured four mysterious moving objects swimming in the Kanas Lake on his mobile phone when he patrolled the scenic spot yesterday. Mr Wang was convinced that the eerie waves were made by the Kanas Lake monster, which has been compared to the Loch Ness monster in Scotland. Mysterious objects appear to leap out of water in Kanas Lake, China, in a video shot yesterday Mr Wang, who filmed the footage, said the objects were moving against the water flow Mr Wang explained that the objects were leaping out of water, according to a video from Pear. A man can be heard speaking in the footage: 'Look, is this the lake monster?' Another man, assumed to be his colleague, answered: 'Yes, it indeed is.' Mr Wang told a reporter: 'I don't think they were waves. They were moving against the direction of the water currents.' Sun Jidan, the director of the wildlife reserve centre at Kanas Lake, suggested that the waves in the video could have been caused by big marine animals, which tend to appear in the lake to hunt for food every June. 'The lake is at its highest water level, so those fishes or other creatures would come here for food,' he explained. Last month, a few tourists claimed that they had also filmed the Kanas Lake monster moving slowly under the water. Wang Xin'an, pictured, filmed the 'Kanas Lake monster' on his phone while patrolling around Kanas Lake is located in the valley of Altai mountain in Xinjiang autonomous region in China A group of Chinese tourists visited the famous Kanas Lake on May 15 and filmed the moment gentle waves appeared in the middle of the lake. 'Really! There it (Kanas Lake monster) is! There it is,' shouted a woman. Yang Weiqiang, a worker at the Kanas Lake scenic spot, told Pear Video that this was the first 'sighting' of the monster in 2018. Rumour of the monster started in 1980 and the lake has been flooded with tourists since who want to see the legendary beast. In 2012, a worker also filmed similar footage showing big waves emerging on the surface of the lake. 'I compared it to the size of a speed boat and a wild duck, the size of the mysterious object should be between the two,' Wang Hongqiao told China Central Television. A Siberian giant trout can grow up to two metres (6.6ft) long in deep waters (file photo) Kanas Lake becomes a famous tourist attraction since the first sightings reported in 1980 Yuan Guoying, a researcher at the Xinjiang Environment Protection Centre believed the Kanas monster is a group of Siberian giant trouts. 'I am certain that they are Siberian giant trouts.' 'Given the habitat and the waves, there is only one kind of fish that could live in the lake and that's Siberian giant trouts,' said Mr Yuan to China Central Television. 'What actually happened under the water is that the Siberian giant trouts want to hunt for small fish and the small fish swim close to the water surface to avoid the trouts,' he added. However, Mr Yuan's claims are yet to be confirmed. Self-proclaimed eyewitnesses have described that the shadow in the lake stretches about 10 metres (33ft) long. However, a Siberian giant trout can only grow up to two metres (6.6ft). A massive fire tore through an office building in east China on Thursday, sending huge plumes of black smoke into the air. Witnesses near the scene said they heard a loud explosion followed by the massive blaze which quickly engulfed the 12-storey tower on Pingfeng Steet in downtown Hangzhou. No injuries were reported as a result of the fire which broke out from the third-floor balcony where the air conditioning units were installed. A massive fire tore through an office building on Pingfeng Steet in downtown Hangzhou on Thursday, sending huge plumes of black smoke into the air The fire broke out from the third-floor balcony where the air conditioning units were installed Eight fire engines were alerted to the scene at Wukuang Building on Pingfeng Steet at about 11:30am. Video footage of the accident shows a massive fire ripping though the building and sending plumes of thick black smoke into the air. Two people, who reportedly worked at the building, were seen attempting to put out the flames with two fire extinguishers before emergency services arrived. 'We had gone for workplace fire safety training and knew what to do,' the two men told Hangzhou Online News. However, the flames quickly spread to the upper floors, with clouds of smoke covering up a large strip of the building. Eight fire engines were alerted to the scene at Wukuang Building at about 11:30am The charred surface of the building is seen after the massive fire was put out A firefighter aims the hose at the air-conditioning units on the third-floor balcony Ms Chen, who works on the third floor of the building, said there was a loud explosion, followed by a strong smell of smoke. People in the building immediately started to evacuate. Everyone was able to reach the ground floor within five minutes. She said no one panicked and everyone left the building in an orderly manner, thanks to the company's regular fire drills. The third floor was reportedly empty while the fifth floor was occupied by office workers. The third floor was reportedly empty while the fifth floor was occupied by office workers No injuries were reported as a result of the fire which broke out today in Hangzhou, China The windows of both floors were shattered as a result of the blast. Emergency services were able to control the blaze and the fire has been extinguished. Pictures of the fire's aftermath shows a large burnt patch on the side of the building and the charred shells of the destroyed air-conditioning units on the balcony. The incident is still under investigation. Professor Stephen Hawking's voice will be beamed into space as his ashes are interred at Westminster Abbey tomorrow. The late scientist's words have been set to an original piece of music by Vangelis for the Service of Thanksgiving, expected to begin at 11.30am BST (6.30am ET) They offer a 'message of peace and hope', Professor Hawking's daughter has said. The broadcast is set to take place following a service that will feature readings and addresses from Benedict Cumberbatch, who played the physicist in a BBC drama, and astronaut Tim Peake, among others. Scroll down for video Professor Stephen Hawking's voice will be beamed into space as his ashes are interred at Westminster Abbey on Friday. The late scientist's words have been set to an original piece of music, composed by Vangelis, for the Service of Thanksgiving Professor Hawking's children have expressed their gratitude to Westminster Abbey for allowing their father to have a 'distinguished' final resting place between the graves of Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. Vangelis is a Greek composer of electronic music, perhaps best known for his Oscar winning score for the 1981 film Chariots of Fire. The exact words accompanying the music is not yet known, but Professor Hawking's daughter Lucy described the Vangelis composition as a 'beautiful and symbolic gesture that creates a link between our father's presence on this planet, his wish to go into space and his explorations of the universe in his mind'. She added: 'The broadcast will be beamed towards the nearest black hole, 1A 0620-00, which lives in a binary system with a fairly ordinary orange dwarf star (around 3,457 light years away). 'It is a message of peace and hope, about unity and the need for us to live together in harmony on this planet.' One thousand members of the public, from more than 100 countries, have been offered the opportunity to attend the thanksgiving service, after a ballot attracted 25,000 applications for tickets. Guests will be welcomed by volunteers from the opening ceremony of the 2012 London Paralympic Games. Three young people who communicate electronically will be among the guests attending the memorial service for Professor Stephen Hawking. Jason Felce, 20, Jack Smith, 21, and Rose Brown, 20, all use electronic communication devices to enable them to speak, just as Professor Hawking did. The trio are all students at National Star College in Cheltenham, Gloucestershire, a specialist further education college for young people with disabilities and learning difficulties from across the UK. Professor Hawking passed away on March 14 at the age of 76, after battling motor neuron disease for 55 years. Professor Stephen Hawking's (pictured) children have expressed their gratitude to Westminster Abbey for allowing their father to have a 'distinguished' final resting place between the graves of Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin He lived with the prospect of an early death for decades - and it made him confront its dark realities head on. The physicist famously said 'there is no heaven or afterlife', describing the belief that we live on after death as a 'fairy story'. He believed that living your best life was more important than hoping for a heaven. Professor Hawking attended the University of Cambridge and became ill with the degenerative condition in 1963. With an initial diagnosis of two years left to live, Hawking defied all odds. 'I have lived with the prospect of an early death for the last 49 years,' Professor Hawking told The Guardian in 2011. 'I'm not afraid of death, but I'm in no hurry to die. I have so much I want to do first.' Advertisement The Boeing-sponsored GoFly contest has announced the first phase winners of a $2million (1.4million) competition to find a personal flying machine that could be mass produced to fulfil ordinary people's dreams of taking to the skies. The GoFly Prize is a two-year international incentive competition to create a personal flying device (a jetpack) that can be safely used by anyone, anywhere. The Boeing competition aims to 'make the dream of personal flight [a] reality' and contestants have two years to perfect their ultra-compact, quiet, urban-compatible, personal flying devices. From floating pods to hexocopters, teams from across the world hope to create the future of travel. Scroll down for video Harmony, from Texas A&M University is a high-technology readiness level (TRL) compact rotorcraft designed to minimize noise and maximize efficiency, safety, reliability, and flight experience 'This is the most significant milestone to date in the trajectory of the GoFly Prize, and a major moment for the future of transportation,' said GoFly CEO Gwen Lighter. 'We have had innovators from every region of the globe submit designs that will bring personal flying devices to the public,' Lighter continued. 'In launching the competition, we wanted to inspire the world's greatest inventors and builders to create a device that will make people fly. These innovators are reshaping human mobility and will change the world,' she finished. Ten winners won $20,000 each during phase one based on written technical specifications submitted to the competition. The UK walked away with one winner, Leap. Team Leap's design is called Vantage and is a five-rotor airbike Designs must take off and land vertically - or nearly vertically - and be able to carry someone 20 miles (32km) without needing to land and recharge. The 10 winning teams were from Latvia, the Netherlands, Japan, United Kingdom and the United States. From the US, five teams took home the top prize. Their designs included Blue Sparrow from Penn State University Aerospace Engineering. The team described it as 'scalable, robust, safe, and fun to fly.' Mamba, a hexcopter emphasizing safety, certifiability, and performance incorporating shrouded rotors and a tilting empennage. The Boeing-sponsored GoFly contest has announced the first phase winners. Flykart2 from Trek Aerospace is a single-seat, open-cockpit vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. It has 10-rotors, a ducted fan, and is electrically-powered Left, Mamba, a hexcopter emphasizing safety, certifiability, and performance incorporating shrouded rotors and a tilting empennage. right, Team Silverwing's S1 design from the Netherlands is a canard-wing configuration around a person in motorcycle-like orientation powered by two electric motors with ducted rotors. The aircraft makes a 90 degree transition from vertical take-off to horizontal cruise flight WHO ARE THE WINNERS OF THE GOFLY COMPETITION? The 10 winning teams were from Latvia, the Netherlands, Japan, United Kingdom and the United States. Blue Sparrow: Blue Sparrow, United States ERA Aviabike: Aeroxo AC, Latvia Flykart2: Trek Aerospace, United States Harmony: Texas A&M University, United States HummingBuzz: Georgia Tech, United States Leap: Leap, United Kingdom Mamba: Mamba, United States Pegasus I: Scoop, United States Silverwing: Silverwing, The Netherlands teTra 3: teTra, Japan Advertisement Flykart2 from Trek Aerospace is a single-seat, open-cockpit vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) aircraft. It has 10-rotors, a ducted fan, and is electrically-powered. Harmony, from Texas A&M University is a high-technology readiness level (TRL) compact rotorcraft designed to minimize noise and maximize efficiency, safety, reliability, and flight experience. HummingBuzz from Georgia Tech utilizes the fully electric, ducted coaxial rotor configuration, with the fuselage on top, in the shape of a motorcycle. The final US winner is Pegasus I from Scoop. It has Y6 tilt rotor with a wing and a hybrid powertrain with a cruise speed of 70 knots. Pegasus I was designed by a single self-taught programmer. The UK walked away with one winner, Leap. Team Leap's design is called Vantage and is a five-rotor airbike. The Latvian team Aeroxo AC took home $20,000 for their ERA Aviabike, a tilt rotor aerial vehicle that combines vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities of a helicopter with the range and speed of a fixed-wing aircraft. Team Silverwing's S1 design from the Netherlands is a canard-wing configuration around a person in motorcycle-like orientation powered by two electric motors with ducted rotors. The aircraft makes a 90 degree transition from vertical take-off to horizontal cruise flight. HummingBuzz from Georgia Tech utilizes the fully electric, ducted coaxial rotor configuration, with the fuselage on top, in the shape of a motorcycle. Right, Blue Sparrow from Penn State University Aerospace Engineering was described as 'scalable, robust, safe, and fun to fly' The Latvian team Aeroxo AC took home $20,000 for their ERA Aviabike, a tilt rotor aerial vehicle that combines vertical take-off and landing (VTOL) capabilities of a helicopter with the range and speed of a fixed-wing aircraft Japan claimed a win for the teTra 3, described as 'not only efficient enough, but also stylish enough for commercial requirements', Pegasus I from Scoop has Y6 tilt rotor with a wing and a hybrid powertrain with a cruise speed of 70 knots. Pegasus I was designed by a single self-taught programmer. Japan claimed a win for the teTra 3, described as 'not only efficient enough, but also stylish enough for commercial requirements.' The first 'fly-off' is due to take place in 2019. Phase two will include four $50,000 (37,000) prizes awarded to teams with the best prototypes and revised phase one materials. It is open to teams that did not compete in phase one. Phase three will unveil the Grand Prize Winner - awarded the Final Fly-Off in autumn of 2019. The final Fly-Off will be judged by a team of experts from Boeing and other leading organisations. The winner will be awarded $2 million (1.4 million) for the best overall Fly-Off score - which takes into account the speed, noise and size of the creation. Research suggests the magnitude 6.0 earthquake that rocked California wine country in 2014 may have been caused by an expansion of Earth's crust because of seasonally receding groundwater under the Napa and Sonoma valleys. The vineyard-filled valleys flank the West Napa Fault, which produced the quake that killed one person, injured several hundred and caused more than $500 million in losses. The study recently published in the American Geophysical Union's Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth suggests land between the valleys is stretched each summer as groundwater levels fall beneath the valleys and the ground in the valleys sinks and contracts. Scroll down for video Bricks and debris surround the Alexandria Square building in Napa, California following the earthquake that left 15 to 16 buildings no longer inhabitable after the 6.0 tremor THE NAPA QUAKE The early morning Napa quake on Aug. 24, was the largest to hit the San Francisco Bay Area since the magnitude 6.9 Loma Prieta earthquake of Oct. 17, 1989. It left 8 miles (12.8 kilometers) of surface rupture and damaged many historical masonry buildings and older residences, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Advertisement The amount of the horizontal stretching measured is tiny - about 3 millimeters (0.12 inch) - but enough to stress faults, according to the researchers. 'We think it's more of a localized effect, something related to the groundwater system. 'We don't know if it is groundwater pumping specifically, or something related to how the natural aquifer system works, or a combination,' said lead author Meredith Kraner, formerly of the Department of Geosciences at Stony Brook University in New York and now with the University of Nevada, Reno. Co-authors were William E. Holt of Stony Brook University and Adrian A. Borsa of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at the University of California, San Diego. The early morning Napa quake on Aug. 24, was the largest to hit the San Francisco Bay Area since the magnitude 6.9 Loma Prieta earthquake of Oct. 17, 1989. It left 8 miles (12.8 kilometers) of surface rupture and damaged many historical masonry buildings and older residences, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. Skater Gabe Haugen (R) of Napa took advantage of a buckled street after a 6.1 magnitude earthquake hit the San Francisco Bay Area, in Napa, California, USA, 24 August 2014. More than 70 people were sent to hospital with injuries and power outages darkened multiple cities in northern California after a 6.1-magnitude earthquake struck early on 24 August. The United States Geological Survey (USGS) said the earthquake struck at 3:20 am (1020 GMT) at a depth of 10.8 kilometres. It was located nine kilometres south-west of the Napa wine region, and 81 kilometres north of San Francisco. Experts have used a radical new satellites to capture unique psychedelic images of the ruptures in the Earth's crust caused by the Napa earthquake. Radar images from the UK's Sentinel-1A satellite have been used to map the biggest earthquake that has shaken northern California in 25 years. The images reveal the rupture is larger than previously thought. Yngvar Larsen from Norway's Northern Research Institute and Petar Marinkovic from PPO.labs in the Netherlands processed this new interferogram from two images: one that Sentinel-1A acquired on 7 August, the day the satellite reached its operational orbit, and another captured on 31 August. By processing two Sentinel-1A images, which were acquired on 7 August and 31 August 2014 over this wine-producing region, an interferogram was generated. The two round shapes around Napa valley, which are visible in the central part of the image, show how the ground moved during the quake. It clearly confirms that part of the West Napa Fault system was responsible for the 6.0 earthquake that rocked California's wine-producing region. However, the fault had not been identified as being particularly hazardous prior to the quake that hit on 24 August. Importantly, the extent of the ground deformation in the interferogram shows that the fault slip continues further north than the extent of the rupture mapped at the surface. Sharp lines in the interferogram show minor movements on other faults, such as the part of the West Napa Fault system that crosses Napa airport. One of the most famous and influential psychology studies of all time was based on lies and fakery, a new expose reveals. The Stanford prison experiment purported to show we are all naturally inclined to abuse positions of power - after volunteers randomly assigned to act as prison guards began abusing volunteer inmates in a mock prison. But now a report from author and scientist Dr Ben Blum claims the research was all a sham. It points to recordings found in archives at Stanford University which show the study's author Professor Philip Zimbardo encouraged guards to treat inmates poorly. Also, one volunteer prisoner has now admitted to faking a fit of madness that the study reported was driven by the prison's brutal conditions. The revelations have sent scientists into uproar, with some calling for the experiment and its findings to be wiped from psychology textbooks worldwide. Scroll down for video One of the most famous psychology studies of all time was based on lies, new recordings reveal. Participants in the study were assigned to be inmates (left) or guards (right) in a mock prison. The condition of the inmates quickly deteriorated The Stanford prison experiment purported to show we are all naturally inclined to abuse positions of power - after volunteers assigned as prison guards began abusing volunteer inmates in a mock prison. Pictured are inmates with their assigned numbers on their uniforms The experiment has been cited in many scientific textbooks, and is the subject of a number of documentaries, television series and even a feature-length film. Participants in the study, all Stanford University students recruited through a newspaper advert, were assigned to be inmates or guards in a fake prison in a basement at the institution. Prisoners were treated as second class citizens - they were made to wear women's clothing, not allowed to wear underwear and were only referred to by a number. One inmate reportedly broke out in a psychosomatic rash upon finding his 'parole' had been turned down, while another famously suffered a breakdown in his cell, screaming 'I'm burning up inside!' Guards were reportedly so cruel to inmates that the experiment had to be cut short after just six days of its planned two-week duration. The study and its authors have been cited for decades as proof that cruelty is driven by circumstance. 'The Stanford Prison Experiment is often used to teach the lesson that our behaviour is profoundly affected by the social roles and situations in which we find ourselves,' Dr Blum wrote in a report posted to Medium. 'But its deeper, more disturbing implication is that we all have a wellspring of potential sadism lurking within us, waiting to be tapped by circumstance.' Prisoners were treated as second class citizens - they were made to wear women's clothing, not allowed to wear underwear and were only referred to by a number. This image shows a blindfolded inmate heading to solitary confinement - a cupboard in the university's basement One inmate reportedly broke out in a psychosomatic rash upon finding his 'parole' had been turned down, while another famously suffered a breakdown in his cell, screaming 'I'm burning up inside!' Pictured are guards escorting prisoners through the prison WHAT WAS THE STANFORD PRISON EXPERIMENT? The 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment is one of the most famous psychological studies of all time. Run by psychologist Professor Philip Zimbardo, the study explored the destructive behaviour of groups of men over an extended period. Students were randomly assigned to be either guards or prisoners within a mock prison constructed in the Stanford Psychology Department. The objective was to observe the interaction within and between the two groups in the absence of an obviously malevolent authority. The 1971 Stanford Prison Experiment is one of the most famous psychology studies of all time. Students were randomly assigned to be either guards (pictured) or prisoners within a mock prison constructed in the Stanford Psychology Department The results proved shocking, with the abuse handed out to the prisoners by the guards so brutal that the study had to be terminated after just six days. Despite its status as one of the most influential psychology studies ever published, the Stanford prison experiment has come under much criticism. Several attempts to replicate the study have yielded disparate results, leading some scientists to suggest the study was faked. In June 2018, author and scientist Dr Ben Blum interviewed participants of the 1971 research, and uncovered recordings of its author, Professor Zimbardo. Dr Blum said the experiment's guards were trained to act cruelly to their subordinates, while one prisoner admitted to faking a fit of madness. Advertisement A report points to recordings found in archives at Stanford which show the study's author encouraged guards to treat inmates poorly and provoke psychological distress. Pictured right is a guard escorting a prisoner, left shows Prisoner #819 leaving the study Run by psychologist Professor Philip Zimbardo (pictured in 2015) the study explored the destructive behaviour of groups of men over an extended period Inmates who failed to follow the prison's rules were given degrading punishments, such as cleaning the basement's toilets Dr Blum, who earned his PhD in computer science at the University of California, Berkeley, looked into previously unpublished recordings of Professor Zimbardo and interviewed some of the psychologist's participants. He found that one of the study's most famous moments, in which a 22-year-old inmate broke down in distress at his treatment in the prison, was faked. Student Douglas Korpi, now 57, admitted he feigned a psychotic breakdown because he wanted to quit the experiment to study for his exams. 'Anybody who is a clinician would know that I was faking,' he told Blum. 'If you listen to the tape, it's not subtle. I'm not that good at acting. I mean, I think I do a fairly good job, but I'm more hysterical than psychotic.' Kopri added that he largely enjoyed the experiment and did not feel threatened because he know the guards weren't allowed to harm him. One volunteer prisoner has now admitted to faking a fit of madness that the study reported was driven by the prison's brutal conditions. In this image a guard searches a blindfolded inmate on his way into the prison following his mock arrest Guards were reportedly so cruel to inmates that the experiment had to be cut short after just six days of its planned two-week duration. Guards were dressed with sunglasses to hide their emotions and give them a sense of anonymity 'There were no repercussions. We knew [the guards] couldn't hurt us, they couldn't hit us. They were white college kids like us, so it was a very safe situation,' he said. 'It was a job...I was being a good employee. It was a great time.' Dr Blum also reveals that Professor Zimbardo told guards to rile up prisoners, suggesting their cruelty did not bloom naturally from their position of power. 'We cannot physically abuse or torture them,' Professor Zimbardo told them in a meeting before the experiment began, according to recordings. One guard told Dr Blum that he pretended to be a sadist, and acted cruelly in a way that was later reported as an organic product of the power dynamics at play. Pictured is a cell used as part of the experiment. As many as three inmates were crammed into each small room 'We can create boredom. We can create a sense of frustration. We can create fear in them, to some degree We have total power in the situation. They have none.' One guard told Dr Blum that he pretended to be a sadist, and acted cruelly in a way that was later reported as an organic product of the power dynamics at play. 'I took it as a kind of an improv exercise,' he said. 'I believed that I was doing what the researchers wanted me to do.' The guard added that he later regretted treating inmates poorly, though Professor Zimbardo had thanked him on his way out of the test. The study and its authors have been cited for decades as proof that cruelty is driven by circumstance. Pictured is a prisoner whose foot was chained up as part of the experiment Dr Blum reveals that Professor Zimbardo told guards to rile up prisoners, suggesting their cruelty did not bloom naturally from their position of power. Pictured are inmates lined up against a wall 'He made it a point to come and let me know what a great job Id done,' he said. 'I actually felt like I had accomplished something good because I had contributed in some way to the understanding of human nature.' Several attempts to replicate the Stanford prison experiment have failed to recreate its dramatic results, leading some scientists to suggest the study was faked. The research presents little in the way of concrete data, largely relying on testimonies from those involved in the study. Professor Zimbardo has admitted he was an active participants in the experiment rather than a neutral observer, meaning he exerted influence over its results. Pictured is a blindfolded inmate with two guards Professor Zimbardo has admitted he was an active participants in the experiment rather than a neutral observer, meaning he exerted influence over its results. He also handed the guards batons, which may have predisposed them to consider physical force as an acceptable means of enforcing good behaviour. Scientists took to Twitter to denounce the Stanford prison experiment following Dr Blum's recent revelations. Professor Simine Vazire, a psychology researcher at the University of California, Davis, said she was 'embarrassed' her field treated the study's author as a hero. 'We must stop celebrating this work. Its anti-scientific. Get it out of textbooks,' she wrote. 'Its also irresponsible in many other ways (socially, politically). Im embarrassed that my field treated this work and this man as heroic.' New York University scientist Jay Van Bavel pointed out that the falsified study has had far reaching influences. He tweeted: 'The Stanford Prison Experience - as it is presented in textbooks - presents human nature as naturally conforming to oppressive systems. 'This is a lesson that extends well beyond prison systems and the field criminology - but its wrong.' Elon Musk started to deliver the first $500 flamethrowers to customers last weekend, and already the owners have started to share stories about how they are using and misusing the controversial torch gun. Flamethrower owners have taken to social media with photographs of them cooking meat, preparing donuts, glazing creme brulee, and even, lighting a marijuana cigarette. Others used the zombie-killing flamethrowers to simply pose for photographs in sunglasses. CEO Elon Musk sold a limited run of 20,000 flamethrowers back in February to raise $10 million (7.02 million) for his high-speed tunnel venture, the Boring Company. The firm plans to build a network of tunnels where vehicles are transported on electric skates to their destination, reducing traffic on the surface. The first batch of 1,000 Boring Company flamethrowers were available for customers to pick-up on June 9, with 46-year-old Elon Musk hosting a party in Los Angeles to celebrate the launch. Photos of queuing customers were tweeted from the multi-billionaire's account. Boring Company flamethrower owners were also invited to toast a marshmallow to test their new propane-powered weapon. Musk tweeted a Dr Seuss-inspired rhyming safety disclaimer for flamethrower customers which made them promise to not only use the flamethrower outdoors, and never point it at loved ones. I will not use this in a house, I will not point this at my spouse, I will not use this in an unsafe way, The best use is creme brulee, the warning cautions. Elon Musk tweeted a rhyming safety disclaimer for Boring Company flamethrower customers, which made them promise not to use the torch gun in the house, and not to point it at a spouse however, the warning did not mention using the propane-powered weapon to light joints Tesla and SpaceX CEO Elon Musk shared the terms and conditions that customers have to sign before they can use the Boring Company flamethrowers in a tweet Donut Bar, based in Las Vegas, has already tested the theory. The popular bakery shared a video of one of a chef glazing creme brulee donuts in the kitchen of its downtown branch. This is how we torch the Creme Brulee Donut! We use only the best! Donut Bar tweeted. A number of early adopters of the Boring Company flamethrower have tried to use the torch gun to cook a variety of dishes. Dating app developer Pinguino Kolb posted a swathe of photos, showing friends posing with the weapon, preparing creme brulee, and trying to cook a cut of meat. Boring Company founder Elon Musk has revealed the best use for the $500 flamethrower is to make creme brulee, something early adopters immediately tested, posting proof online Unlike military-grade flamethrowers, the Boring Company guns do not use a mixture of flammable liquids to project flames. Instead, they function more like propane blowtorches Since propane blowtorches are used to create the caramelised sugar topping found on creme brulee it makes sense that Elon Musk would suggest this use for the $500 flamethrower Can confirm that you can bbq meat with the @boringcompany flamethrower, Kolb tweeted. Responding to Elon Musks claim that his flamethrowers meant no more need to use a dainty match to ignite! one social media user, known as Maxamilian Demian, tweeted a clip showing a marijuana cigarette being lit with the propane-powered gun. The cigarette is the size of the same length as the propane tank on the flamethrower. Californian firefighters have spoken about their disdain for the new toys, with one branding the Boring Company flamethrowers a 'recipe for disaster'. Orange County Fire Captain Tony Bommarito said: 'Weve had three major fires in Orange County just in the last couple of weeks. 'Everythings ready to go. We just didnt get the rain again this year, so its already brown, the moistures very low, so anytime you have somebody or kids even playing with these flamethrowers, its going to be a recipe for disaster.' Elon Musk revealed plans to donate $10,000 (7,400) to the charity California Wildfire Relief Fund, which supports intermediate and long-term recovery efforts in the wake of major wildfires. 'We dont think our product will be the cause of any wildfires, but The Boring Company is donating $10k,' Musk tweeted. Boring Company-branded flamethrowers are already available on eBay with prices ranging from $3,000 (2,200) to $20,000 (14,900). That's around 40 times the original $500 (374) price tag. An instruction manual for the gun is also available on eBay for $250 (187). The torch guns started to surface on the online auction site less than 48 hours after the first 1,000 customers took delivery of the flamethrowers. Social media users have shared their experience with the flamethrower. Ahead of its launch earlier this week, Elon Musk said the torch gun could protect against undead zombies, tweeting: 'When the zombie apocalypse happens, you'll be glad you bought a flamethrower. Works against hordes of the undead or your money back!' Some Boring Company flamethrower owners have used the zombie-killing torch guns to simply pose for photographs Earlier this year, Musk was forced to hastily re-brand the guns to Not A Flamethrower after a number of customs agencies stated they would not ship any packages labelled as Boring Company Flamethrower in the mail. Elon Musk's flamethrowers do not use a mixture of flammable liquids to launch flames great distances, like its military-grade counterparts. Instead, the Boring Company torch guns function like large propane blowtorches. Musk has previously joked that the flamethrowers will be ideal for an impeding zombie apocalypse. Ahead of the original launch of the gun, he said: 'When the zombie apocalypse happens, you'll be glad you bought a flamethrower. 'Works against hordes of the undead or your money back!' The first batch of 1,000 flamethrowers were available for pick-up on June 9 in Los Angeles. Elon Musk shared pictures of the first customers to get their new toy on his Twitter account Elon Musk's Boring Company flamethrowers are being sold between $3,000 (2,200) and $20,000 (14,900) on eBay, which is around 40 times the original price tag One eBay seller has even separately listed the instruction manual included in the box of the Boring company flamethrower for $250 (187) Each of the 20,000 Boring Company flamethrowers has a unique serial number. Elon Musk has previously teased plans to follow-up the promotional stunt with a 'freezegun' Following the success of the flamethrower, Musk has started to tease the next Boring Company promotional product. The billionaire said his company will ship a so-called 'ice blaster' before the winter. 'Will offer a TBC ice blaster before the dry season starts in winter,' Musk tweeted. This is not the first time he has referenced a ice-gun when addressing the tunnelling startups future products on social media. Elon Musk hinted at the Boring Company's plans to launch a 'freezegun' in a tweet back in January. The Boring Company has proposed to build a tunnel through West Los Angeles, passing underneath Sepulveda Boulevard through Culver City. According to the company, the privately-funded tunnel would be able to transport cars at 150 miles per hour (240 kph) to help with LA's 'soul-destroying' congestion. It's unclear how much a round-trip would cost, but the Boring Company said it will be 'comparable to or lower than current public transportation fares'. 'Animal-friendly' fashion alternatives could do more harm to the environment than fur and leather-based clothing, experts say. Many vegan-friendly fashion products produce thousands of synthetic fibres that harm ocean creatures, but this is often overlooked by consumers. Synthetic garments also come from petroleum, do not biodegrade and often don't last as long as their leather counterparts, environmental researchers say. Ethical shoppers are increasingly looking to buy polyester and acrylic imitations of leather products, but this could be harming the environment more than people think. Scroll down for video 'Animal-friendly' fashion alternatives could do more harm to the environment than fur and leather-based clothing, scientists say (stock image) 'We've got these two uber issues animal welfare and overconsumption of plastic that are coming up against each other,' Sydney-based sustainable fashion consultant Clara Vuletich told New Scientist as part of an in-depth feature. Some argue that using animals for their skin is cruel while others say the longevity of animal-based textiles makes them environmentally friendly. 'Maybe you could go for a thick, quilted cotton jacket, but even then, cotton farming typically uses a lot of water and pesticides,' she said. Increasingly high street retailers are promoting vegan clothing. Mango has a Mango Committed range range made entirely from environmentally friendly, organic, recycled cotton, recycled polyester and Tencel (a wood fibre sourced from sustainably managed forests). Zara's Join Life collection has garments made from recycled wool, Tencel and organic cotton, which uses 90 per cent less water to produce than conventional cotton. Even Primark has got sustainable cotton products with a pyjama range using cotton direct from female farmers participating in its sustainable cotton programme. The Higg Materials Sustainability Index is often used to work out the environmental impact of specific textiles. According to the index, which looks at how much energy, water and chemicals go into making them and the pollution that is produced as a result, alpaca wool and cow leather are worst for the environment. Cow farming is one of the leading sources of greenhouse gas emission and toxic chemicals go into leather tanning. The results found that Kangaroo leather was the most sustainable material followed by four synthetic vegan materials - polyester, acrylic, nylon and polyurethane leather. However, according to Lisa Heinze, who is doing a PhD on sustainable fashion at the University of Sydney, the index has a major limitation in that it doesn't consider how consumers use clothes or what happens to them when they're discarded. Only looking at the environmental costs or production without taking into account the impacts of how people use them means it's inherently limited, she believes. The Higg Materials Sustainability Index is often used to work out the environmental impact of specific textiles. However, only looking at the environmental costs or production without taking into account the impacts of how people use them means it's inherently limited A woollen coat is likely to last longer than a synthetic one and doesn't leach plastic microfibres that cause havoc in the ocean. 'Once a synthetic jacket ends up in landfill, it's never going to break down,' Ms Heinze told New Scientist. Only now are scientists understanding the effects of these tiny fibres. A shocking study from 2016 revealed that polyester fleece jackets release up to two grams of microfibres per wash which cause damage to marine life. The tiny plastic fibres - thinner than a human hair - are eaten by plankton and shellfish when they reach the ocean and can ultimately be consumed by humans. Plastic fibres from household laundry have been found in our food, from blue mussels to table salt and honey. Experts from the Italian National Research Council say up to 300 fibres per litre escape in the waste water from family washing machines and that synthetic clothing is 16 times more damaging for the environment than microbeads. 'It's a completely messy issue', said Ms Heinze. Parents in China are handing over babysitting duties to robots. The 1,050 ($1,400) 'iPal' speaks two languages, gives maths lessons, tells jokes and interacts with children through a tablet screen in its chest. Engineers designed the device to act like a four to eight-year-old, becoming an extra child in the family that also helps 'relieve the burden' felt by China's busy parents. The android offers education and company for lonely children and peace of mind for adults, who can remotely talk to and monitor their child through iPal's screen. A smartphone app directly links parents to the humanoid machine, allowing them to see and hear everything in iPal's vicinity. Scroll down for video The 1,050 ($1,400) 'iPal' speaks two languages, gives maths lessons, tells jokes and interacts with children through a tablet screen in its chest. The robot was among a slew of new tech unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Asia in Shanghai this week (pictured) The robot was among a slew of new tech unveiled at the Consumer Electronics Show (CES) Asia in Shanghai this week. 'The idea for this robot is to be a companion for children,' said Tingyu Huang, co-founder of AvatarMind Robot Technology, based in China's eastern city of Nanjing. 'When a child sees it, he or she will think of the robot as a friend, as another child in the family.' The humanoid device stands as tall as a five-year-old, moves and dances on wheels and its eyes keep track of its charges through facial recognition technology. It began shipping to buyers in China in December 2017, with a US release slated for later this year. Buyers at CES watched a performance of several iPals dancing in unison at the event. 'They're pretty cute. I was just thinking my own two-year-old daughter would love one,' Mike Stone, a buyer from Australia said. The 1,050 ($1,400) 'iPal' speaks two languages, gives maths lessons, tells jokes and interacts with children through a tablet screen in its chest China's young working parents often face the burden of taking care of children or elders without help from a large extended family, as the impact of the country's decades-long one-child policy lingers. The limit was raised to two children in 2016. 'I don't think the robots can replace parents or teachers,' Huang said. 'But iPal can be a complementary tool to relieve some of their burden.' The humanoid device stands as tall as a five-year-old, moves and dances on wheels and its eyes keep track of its charges through facial recognition technology. Buyers at CES watched a performance of several iPals dancing in unison at the event (pictured) The android offers education and company for lonely children and peace of mind for adults, who can remotely talk to and monitor their child through iPal's screen WHAT IS CHINA'S 'BABYSITTER' ROBOT THE IPAL? Chinese company AvatarMind has developed a robotic babysitter that takes on the responsibilities of an adult. The 'iPal' is designed to help educate children and keep them company by interacting like a four to eight-year-old child. The three-foot (90cm) humanoid has a touch screen tablet on its chest and can communicate in two languages. Its in-built screen provides live surveillance and video chat via a smartphone app to ease the mind of absent parents. The 'iPal' is designed to help educate children and keep them company by interacting like a four to eight-year-old child iPal moves and dances on wheels and its eyes keep track of its charges through facial recognition technology. The robot can also read your child stories, play games and offers software that teaches them how to do basic programming. It features a Children Messenger app that lets kids connect with others who have an iPal. Engineers designed the device to act like an extra child in the family and help 'relieve the burden' felt by China's busy parents. Advertisement Although iPal could provide a glimpse into the future of childcare, it raises questions about the consequences of using robots to raise children. 'Robots are a great educational tool for children,' Noel Sharkey, a professor emeritus of robotics and artificial intelligence at the University of Sheffield told The Guardian. 'It inspires them to learn about science and engineering. But there are significant dangers in having robots mind our children. The child-like robot is designed to keep children ages three to eight busy for 'a few hours' without adult supervision 'They do not have the sensitivity or understanding needed for childcare. It cannot replace a babysitter, but it is a social robot.' China's robot market is also catching onto needs from a growing population of elderly 'empty nesters' who prefer to grow old at home rather than at a nursing home. AvatarMind will soon launch another robot that can talk to seniors, remind them to take their pills and call the hospital when they fall. The robot can also read your child stories, play games and offers software that teaches them how to do basic programming. It also features a Children Messenger app that lets kids connect with others who have an iPal Beijing has invested money and manpower in developing AI as part of its 'Made in China 2025' plan. A Chinese firm unveiled the country's first human-like robot, which can hold simple conversations and make facial expressions, during the Consumer Electronics Show in Las Vegas last year. The iPal is the latest humanoid robot to be marketed for family use, following in the footsteps of the diminutive, wisecracking 'Pepper' companion released by Japan's SoftBank in 2015. Advertisement Ice sheets across northern Europe repeatedly met and merged in the North Sea, submerging Britain under frozen water around 1.4 million years earlier than thought. That's according to a new study by Manchester and Aberdeen universities that looked at ancient sediment cores around the UK. Researchers say Britain was repeatedly submerged under a massive ice sheet that generated icebergs more than three times the height of Big Ben. Beginning around 2.5 millions years ago, this sheet periodically advanced into waters around 820 feet (250 metres) deep where it eventually met and merged with a larger sheet from Scandinavia. Scientists say the discovery marks a significant breakthrough in our understanding of the extent of past glaciation in North West Europe. Scroll down for video Britain was repeatedly submerged under a massive ice sheet that extended out into the centre of the North Sea over a million years earlier than previously thought. Periodically, ice sheets from the British Isles and Scandinavia would advance, with the two repeatedly merging in the centre of the North Sea by 1.9 million years ago A research team led by scientists from the Universities of Aberdeen and Manchester analysed sediment cores and seismic data from deep beneath the North Sea to make the discovery. The North Sea basin has been continually preserving layer upon layer of sediment over millions of years, which contains evidence for past ice sheets that is not available onshore. Experts searched these different layers for traces of long-disappeared ice sheets through the evidence in core samples - including their sedimentary structures, minerals and the presence of microfossils. They discovered that extensive ice sheets repeatedly covered much of the UK and Ireland and, at the same time, an even larger ice sheet covered much of Scandinavia. The researchers explained that, back then, the North Sea was narrower and deeper than it is today, similar to a large 'fjord'. By 1.9 million years ago, the two ice sheets repeatedly merged in the centre of the North Sea, filling the 'fjord', as they advanced and retreated in response to climate changes controlled by the Earth's orbit. Until now, the scientific consensus said glaciation on this scale first occurred in the North Sea about 1.1 million years ago. The new research, however, shows it first happened 1.4 million years earlier. About the findings, published in the journal Science Advances, study leader Dr Brice Rea, of Aberdeen University, said: 'Through our work with Apache North Sea we obtained sediment core samples from beneath the North Sea at a depth where they are rarely obtained, and combined this with a range of geophysical datasets that were being worked on at the University of Manchester. 'Coalescence of the British ice sheet and ice from Scandinavia, which we show occurred at about 1.9 million years ago, wasn't thought to have happened until about 780,000 years ago. 'Our findings completely change our understanding of how far back in time large ice sheets covered the British Isles and merged with ice from Scandinavia.' Until now, the scientific consensus has been that glaciation on this scale first occurred in the North Sea about 1.1 million years ago. The new research, however, shows it first happened 1.4 million years earlier. This image shows how the ice sheets appeared around 2.5 million years ago Earlier this month, a fascinating new interactive map revealed what Britain looked like during the last ice age. The map reveals where corridors of ice and glacial lakes formed 22,000 years ago, during the peak of the ice age, when a half mile-thick ice sheet covered Britain and Ireland. Dubbed Britice, the interactive map allowed users to type in their postcode or city to see how their area was affected, and check nearby landforms. These include enormous glacial lakes, shown in light blue, and areas where rocks and sediments have been deposited by glaciers, shown in brown. There have been at least five documented major ice ages during the 4.6 billion years since the Earth formed. The last one took place in the Pleistocene Epoch which began 2.6 million years ago. The ice age peaked 22,000 years ago and lasted until about 11,700 years ago. A stunning new interactive map reveals what Britain looked like during the last ice age. Users can type in a place name or postcode to see how it was impacted by ice 22,000 years ago. Use your mouse wheel to zoom in and reveal new details The map of the glaciated British landscape, created by scientists at the University of Sheffield, contains more than 170,000 landforms from over 100 years of field investigation. It is the most complete overview of glacial landforms to date, according to researchers behind the project. The landforms featured in the map were left behind when a vast ice sheet covered the UK during the last ice age, carving its way through the country and leaving geographical scars that are still present today. Researchers looked at these marks to track how the ice sheet grew, flowed and eventually disappeared during a this period when average temperatures across Europe dropped 5C (9F) below the average today. This change was enough to stop snow and ice in northern regions from melting during the summer months, covering much of Scotland, Wales, the midlands and northern England in perpetual ice. Project scientist Dr Jeremy Ely said: 'The landform information tells us about how the last British-Irish ice sheet behaved. The online map shows where corridors of ice and glacial lakes formed in the United Kingdom 22,000 years ago, when a kilometre-thick ice sheet covered Britain and Ireland. The coverage of the ice sheet is shown in this image by the lighter colouration. The last ice age peaked about 21,000 years ago and ended about 11,500 years ago The online map highlights different geographical features using a range of shaded lines and colours. Areas where water has pooled to form enormous glacial lakes are shaded in light blue, while regions of moraine - a mass of rocks and sediment carried and deposited by a glacier - are coloured brown. Pictured is how the North Yorkshire Moors looked 22,000 years ago Areas shaded in yellow in this snapshot of Northern Ireland show subglacial rib regions - sculpted ridges formed by moving ice. Green areas show regions from which rocks known as erratics were carried long distances by glacial ice flows and meltwater. These areas are dubbed erratic source areas. Green lines show where their erratics were carried During the last ice age, temperatures dropped so far that snow and ice in northern regions from melting during the summer months, covering much of Scotland, Wales, the midlands and northern England in perpetual ice. The new map reveals that the furthest southern region affected by the geological event was Cambridge, which was covered by a huge glacial lake (blue) 'We can see how it dammed rivers, creating large glacial lakes which covered Manchester, Doncaster and Peterborough. 'Corridors of fast flowing ice, known as ice streams, flowed toward the east over Edinburgh and toward the west over Glasgow. 'Ice also covered the entirety of Ireland, flowing through the Irish Sea, where it coalesced with Welsh ice, causing it to flow southward toward the Isles of Scilly.' The online map highlights different geographical features using a range of shaded lines and colours. Pink lines on the map show glacially streamlined bedrock, which have been eroded by ice and water flow. Grey lines show a cirque, a bowl-shaped depression on the side of or near mountains carvedout by ice. Crag and tails are revealed by yellow lines. These are a tadpole-shaped landforms developed by glacial erosion of rocks on unequal resistance 22,000 years ago ice covered the entirety of Ireland, flowing through the Irish Sea, where it coalesced with Welsh ice. This image shows southern regions of Ireland, with erratic sources and their flows of rocks in greem while subglacial ridges are depicted in yellow. Brown shows regions of moraine Routes where huge lumps of rocks were carried, typically by shifting glacial ice, are called erratic pathways and are shown as dark green lines on the map (left). Red lines show eskers, which are long ridges of gravel deposited by meltwater, while channels burrowed by meltwater from the ice sheet are delineated as light blue lines The landforms featured in the map were left behind when a vast ice sheet covered the UK during the last ice age, carving its way through the country and leaving geographical scars that are still present today. This image shows the sheer extent of ice coverage over northern England and southern areas of Scotland BRITAIN DURING THE LAST ICE AGE The last Glacial Maximum was around 22,000 years ago when much of Europe was covered in ice. During the ice age, which ended about 11,500 years ago, ice covered about 30 per cent of the land in the world. In Britain, glacial ice and waterflows spread as far south as the Bristol Channel. Average temperatures were 5C (8F) colder than they are today, allowing a one-kilometre-thick sheet of ice to cover much of the country. The temperature remained below 0C all year round in northern regions, particularly Scotland, allowing the sheet to remain on the land all year. Ice connected Britain with Scandinavia, allowing a host of large wildlife to roam free between the UK and mainland Europe. During this period Britain would have seen the likes of woolly mammoths, giant deer and wolves roaming its icy planes. Large glacial lakes covered Manchester, Doncaster, Newcastle and Peterborough and much of the country was uninhabitable for humans. Corridors of fast flowing ice, known as ice streams, flowed toward the east over Edinburgh and toward the west of Glasgow. All of Ireland was covered in ice, which was flowing through the Irish sea where it met Welsh ice and then flowed south toward the Isles of Scilly. Much of Scotland, Wales, the midlands and northern England was covered in perpetual ice. Cambridge, which was covered by a huge glacial lake, was the most southern region to be heavily affected by the icy climate. Over time the ice and its hefty waterflows carved out the land of Britain, forming geological scars that can still be seen today. These include glacial ridges sculpted by moving ice and winding flows of rock that travelled for miles across the country. Advertisement Areas where water has pooled to form enormous glacial lakes are shaded in light blue, while regions of moraine - a mass of rocks and sediment carried and deposited by a glacier - are coloured brown. Routes through which huge lumps of rocks were carried, typically by shifting glacial ice, are called erratic pathways and are shown as dark green lines on the map. Red lines show eskers, which are long ridges of gravel deposited by meltwater, while channels burrowed by meltwater from the ice sheet are delineated as light blue lines. The map shows that a glacial lake (light blue) formed around the north-west corner of East Anglia around the rectangular bay and estuary known as the Wash. This was kept from flowing into the North Sea by glacial lake dams (dark blue) Northern Scotland featured an array of erratic sources (green regions) that pumped rock along winding rivers of glacial meltwater (green lines) The Britice project, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council, has seen researchers work for six years to model the build-up and retreat of the last British-Irish ice sheet. This image shows what Wales would have looked like The Britice project, funded by the Natural Environment Research Council, has seen researchers work for six years to model the build-up and retreat of the last British-Irish ice sheet. The programme has involved more than 70 scientists from around the world who have visited 28 different islands and collected more than 15 tonnes of samples from 914 sites. As well as the online map, a physical accompanying map poster has been distributed to all secondary schools in the UK to assist pupils studying glacial landscapes and processes as part of their GCSE and A Level studies. Security experts have warned about a major security flaw in Windows 10 that could allow hackers to bypass the password on your computer and access private files. The cyber attack leverages a vulnerability in digital assistant Cortana. The Microsoft voice assistant is built into every version of Windows 10 and is designed to schedule calendar appointments, check the weather, set reminders, send emails, and more. However, the new security flaw could enable hackers to browse files, install a virus, and even reset your password locking you out of your own machine. The flaw allows criminals to invoke the Cortana desktop menu from the lock screen when the computer is supposedly secure and use it to trawl files on the system. Security researchers were able to use the same flaw to trick the AI assistant into launching a malicious app to reset the password and gain full access to the PC. Scroll down for video Windows 10's in-built voice assistant Cortana (pictured in-use, above) can be used to schedule calendar appointments, check the weather, set reminders, send emails, and more The hack was discovered by McAfee security researchers and works on laptops and desktop computers that are password protected. The only requirement for the hack to work is for voice assistant Cortana to be enabled on the lock screen, which is the default setting when installing Windows 10. McAfee experts discovered a glitch in Windows 10 which allowed them to summon the full desktop interface for Cortana by typing any key while the voice assistant was listening to a query on the lock screen of the computer. This desktop window has a lot more functionality, since it is usually only accessible after you have logged into the computer. As a result, the desktop window includes the ability to search files and apps on the system, something that is usually blocked on the lock screen. The McAfee researchers were able to search for files saved on the computer and read file names, details, and, in some cases, a short preview of the text stored inside the file itself all without entering a password into the computer. Security experts have found a way to launch Cortana's menu from the lock screen, allowing hackers to search for private files on a password-protected computer HOW DO YOU UPDATE WINDOWS 10? Windows 10 every so often checks for updates so you dont have to. When an update is available, its automatically downloaded and installed, keeping your device up to date with the latest features. To check for updates manually, select the Start button, and then go to Settings > Update & security > Windows Update, and select Check for updates. If Windows Update says your device is up to date, you have all the updates that are currently available. Advertisement Worse still, McAfee experts were able to use the flaw to summon the Cortana menu and use it to open malicious files from USB drives plugged into the computer. This was possible because of the almost-constant indexing performed by Cortana in the background of Windows 10. This indexing process is what enables Cortana to find the files on your computer. However, it also allows hackers to find their own malicious apps stored on a USB, which was inserted into the computer after the owner had locked the system. These malicious apps can be used to change passwords, infect Windows 10 with viruses, and get unfettered access to the machine. Not only that, hackers can also use the same menu to run malicious files, like a virus or an exploit to change the password on the system, from the lock screen (pictured above) McAfee researchers Cedric Cochin and Steve Povolny announced the flaw in a blog post, writing: Personal digital assistants such as Siri, Alexa, Google Assistant, and Cortana have become commodities in many technologically inclined houses. 'From telling jokes, to helping with the grocery list, to turning on the kitchen lights, these robotic voices are beginning to feel oddly more and more personal as they expand their roles in our daily lives. However, we should consider the increased risk of built-in digital personal assistants when looking at new attack vectors for laptops, tablets, and smartphones. McAfee recommends disabling the ability to use voice assistant Cortana from the lock screen. McAfee security researchers discovered the different methods to attack Windows 10 using Cortana. According to the researchers, they are only just scratching the surface of potential attacks using in-built voice assistants Microsoft fixed the flaw in Cortana as part of its latest operating system update, which started to roll-out to users earlier this week. It's unlikely that most users will already have the patch installed, with business customers typically taking much longer to update their systems. This could leave a vast number of users still vulnerable to the attack worldwide. Elsewhere, McAfee says it is only scratching the surface of potential attacks that leverage digital assistants via vocal commands, with the Santa Clara-based company promising to keep digging in future. The attack surface created by vocal commands and personal digital assistants requires much more investigation; we are just scratching the surface of the amount of research that should be conducted in this critical area, the researchers wrote. This is not the first time Cortana has been used by hackers to gain access to Windows 10 machines. Microsoft has patched the flaw in Cortana as part of its latest operating system update, which started to roll-out to consumers on June 12 A pair of independent Israeli security researchers unearthed a flaw back in March which could be used to infect a computer with a virus. According to the researchers, the flaw could allow an attacker to plug a USB with a network adapter into a computer and command Cortana to open the web browser and navigate to a specific address, even ones that don't use https, meaning that the traffic between the user's device and the site is not encrypted. The malicious network adapter can then intercept the web sessions to send the device to a malicious website, where malware can be downloaded to the machine. Microsoft has since fixed the issue by forcing all browsing done through Cortana to go via its own Bing search engine, ruling out the possibility of forcing the Window 10 machine to navigate to unencrypted sites. Trained 'sniffer bees' have been successfully used for the first time to find mines in a former Yugoslavian warzone, a scientist has revealed. The honeybees led mine clearance teams to unexploded bombs in Croatia after they were trained to hone in on the smell of explosives. The bees could prove more effective than sniffer dogs in some circumstances because they can work for longer and are cheaper to use, experts say. Scroll down for video Trained bees have been successfully used for the first time to find mines in a former Yugoslavian warzone, a scientist has revealed. Pictured is a mine of the type found by the bees Attempts to rear bees that can hunt explosives have been ongoing since 2014. However, this is the first time the bees have been successful in detecting landmines. Dr Ross Gillander a physicist from St Andrews University helped design equipment which detects if bees are returning to the hive with tiny traces of explosives. Once confirmed, footage from drones was used to pinpoint the spot at which the bees picked up the traces. The promising early results of the ongoing trials in Croatia suggest more of the millions of abandoned mines around the world could be cleared up faster, potentially sparing thousands of lives. Real-world tests using bees from local hives started in Croatia in November last year and were funded by NATO Science for Peace and Security. Dr Gillander confirmed the bees had found mines and other explosives lost during Croatia's four-year struggle for independence from Yugoslavia which started in 1991. The project used standard Apismellisera Carnica honeybees which are trained over two days by placing sugar syrup on top of TNT. 'Basically we teach them by a version of reward like you do with dogs,' said Dr Gillander. 'The bees fly out of their hive to go about their normal day to day job of finding pollen but instead of finding pollen they find explosives. It's the sugar syrup, which draws them out.' The training takes two days and is much faster and more efficient than training a dog, Dr Gillander said. 'However, after three days the bees realise that they aren't getting reward from the TNT and as a result are disinterested in it and look for other things', he said. 'After three days we have to re-train the honeybees to detect the explosives.' The honey bees led mine clearance teams to unexploded bombs in Croatia after they were trained to hone in on the smell of explosives The bees could prove more effective than sniffer dogs in some circumstances because they can work for longer and are cheaper to use, experts say. Pictured is part of the explosion detection kit HOW CAN BEES BE TRAINED TO FIND EXPLOSIVES? Trained 'sniffer bees' have been used in mines in Croatia, a formed Yugoslavia warzone. The bees are taught in a similar way to sniffer dogs, according to researchers from St Andrews University. The bees are sent out to their hive to go about their normal day job of finding pollen. Instead of finding pollen, howeber, they find explosives that have been covered with sugar syrup on top. They then become attracted to the smell of explosives. However, according to experts, beeds realise they are not getting any reward from the TNT after around three days. After this, they become disinterested in it and start looking for other things. They then have to be re-trained. Researchers designed equipment that tests bees for explosives when they return to the hive. The bees go through a special canvas-type material which is then exposed to light. A drop in light emission confirms the presence of explosives on their body. Once explosives are confirmed, the team goes back to records from a drone which accompanies the bees on their expeditions, hovering a couple of metres above. The behaviour of the bees recorded by the drone indicates the precise moment they discovered explosive traces, pinpointing the buried mines. Advertisement Unlike honeybees, dogs can only work for 15 minutes at a time. Dogs, which are also more expensive to train, see it as a 'game' and quickly get bored. Bees are not affected by the chemical compounds found in explosives and can also get to areas that dogs cannot reach. Dr Gillander designed the equipment that tests the bees for explosives when they return to the hive. The bees go through a special canvas-type material which is then exposed to light. 'A drop in light emission (like a light dimmer switch) confirms the presence of explosives,' said Dr Gillander. The types of mines the bees are being trained to detect are Yugoslavian PMA-2 and PMA-3 mines, and some Russian/Soviet mines (pictured, although experts do not know what type of mine this is) Once explosives are confirmed, the team go back to records from a drone which accompanies the bees on their expeditions, hovering a couple of metres above. Pictured is part of the explosion detection kit Once explosives are confirmed, the team goes back to records from a drone which accompanies the bees on their expeditions, hovering a couple of metres above. The behaviour of the bees recorded by the drone indicates the precise moment they discovered explosive traces, pinpointing the buried mines. The types of mines the bees are being trained to detect are Yugoslavian PMA-2 and PMA-3 mines, and some Russian/Soviet mines. The bees do have drawbacks, however. Rain and darkness will normally deter the bees from going out on their life-saving missions. Precise details of the tests are being kept under wraps for now but Dr Gillander said the use of bees looked 'promising'. The academic revealed there had so far been just one casualty from the testing - PhD student James Glackin, who was strung three times while driving 6,000 bees to the test site. There are an estimated 110 million land mines lost across the world which kill or injure between 15,000 to 20,000 people annually. Humans could one day become enslaved by the intelligent machines they create, a renowned MIT professor has warned. A number of prominent researchers expect AI to be able to outsmart humans at every conceivable task and job within decades. One expert believes people may not be able to keep up with these super intelligent robots, who could 'break out and takeover' before destroying humanity. Shockingly, he also claims that some of his colleagues may welcome the extinction of the species by AI, viewing them as our natural descendants. Scroll down for video Mankind could become enslaved by the intelligent machines they may soon create, a renowned MIT professor Max Tegmark (pictured) has warned. Shockingly, he also claims that some of his colleagues may welcome the extinction of our species by AI The comments were made by Max Tegmark, a Swedish-American physicist and cosmologist. He is a professor at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and the scientific director of the Foundational Questions Institute. During an almost 20 minute long presentation at the Ted 2018 conference, held in Vancouver, Canada, Professor Tegmark outlined the opportunities and threats he feels AI will bring. 'One option my colleagues would like to do is build super intelligence, and keep it under human control like an enslaved dog,' he said during a talk in April, which has just been published on the organisation's website. 'But you might worry that maybe we humans just aren't smart enough to handle that much power. 'Also aside from any moral qualms you might have about enslaving superior minds, you should be more worried that maybe the superintelligence could outsmart us. 'They could break-out and take over.' During an almost 20 minute long presentation at the Ted 2018 conference, held in Vancouver, Canada, Professor Tegmark outlined the opportunities and threats he feels AI can bring. He believes people may not be able to keep up with these super intelligent robots Among the issues he confronted is who should be in control of super intelligent machines. Professor Tegmark added: 'One option my colleagues would like to do is build super intelligence, and keep it under human control like an enslaved dog' Professor Tegmark also claims that some experts would be comfortable with humanity being entirely replaced by robots. He added: 'I have colleagues who are fine with this, and it could even cause human extinction. 'As long as they feel the AIs are our worthy descendants, like children. 'But how would we know the AIs have adopted our best values? 'And shouldn't those people who don't want human extinction have a say in the matter too? 'If we don't go far beyond today's technology, the question isn't whether humanity is going to go extinct, more whether we are going to get taken out by the next killer asteroid, supervolcano or some other problem.' Professor Tegmark also claims that some experts would be comfortable with humanity being entirely replaced by robots, viewing them as our natural descendants or even like our 'children' Professor Tegmark hit the headlines back in May, when he revealed details of the debates between Tesla CEO Elon Musk and fellow billionaire friend Larry Page, the creator of Google. A book by Professor Tegmark recounts a heated debate between the two tycoons at a glamorous party in the early hours of the morning in Napa Valley, California. During the debate, Page accused Musk of being 'speciesist' for his apparently outlandish claims that killer robots could wipe out humanity. The Google founder said Musk - who has spoken out about the dangers of artificial intelligence - was treating certain life forms as inferior because they were made from silicon and not carbon. Professor Tegmark made the claim in his book, titled 'Life 3.0: Being Human In The Age of Artificial Intelligence', Metro writes. Elon Musk (left) and Larry Page (right) clashed over Musk's claims that AI will destroy humanity, causing the Google founder to label the Tesla founder as a 'speciesist' He describes how a post-cocktail chat about a children's book between himself and Page soon escalated into an argument between Musk and the Google founder. Described as a 'long and spirited debate', the two engaged in a war of words focusing around Musk's outspoken views on AI. According to Professor Tegmark, Page did not appreciate Musk implying robot overlords would bring about a dystopian future in which humans are destroyed. Professor Tegmark writes: '[Page's] main concerns were that AI paranoia would delay the digital utopia and/or cause a military takeover of AI that would fall foul of Google's 'don't be evil' slogan. 'Elon kept pushing back and asked Larry to clarify details of his arguments, such as why he was so confident that digital life wouldn't destroy everything we care about. 'At times, Larry accused Elon of being 'speciesist': treating certain life forms as inferior just because they were silicon-based rather than carbon-based.' In his book Life 3.0: Being Human In The Age of Artificial Intelligence, MIT professor Max Tegmark (pictured) describes a clash between Musk and Page from 2015 While Musk believes robots are inevitable agents of death, Page is a passionate advocate of a utopian future where humans and robots co-exist in harmony. Elon Musk is one of the most prominent names and faces in developing technologies and incredibly outspoken when it comes to the powers of AI. In 2014, he likened working on artificial intelligence to 'summoning the demon'. Earlier this year, Musk warned that humans could create an 'immortal dictator' from which we could never escape. Professor Tegmark writes: 'Larry [said] that digital life is the natural and desirable next step in the cosmic evolution and that if we let digital minds be free rather than try to stop or enslave them the outcome is almost certain to be good. 'He argued that if life is ever going to spread throughout our galaxy, which he thought it should, then it would need to do so in digital form.' A heart-breaking photo of a seagull that was found hanged by its neck from an abandoned waste plastic bag has emerged. The seabird died when its neck got caught in the handles of a single-use plastic bag that was attached to a fence in the small town of Bridgwater, Somerset. The graphic picture, which shows the bird's beak open and wings flaccid in death, was shared to Facebook by concerned resident Andy Keirle. Mr Keirle came across the dead bird when he parked to refuel his car. He said he posted the photo to share the 'massive problem with plastic materials'. It is unclear how the animal got there or how long it had been before it was found. Scroll down for video A heart-breaking photo of a seagull that was found hanged by its neck from an abandoned waste plastic bag has emerged. The seabird died when its neck got caught in the handles of a single use-plastic bag in Bridgwater, Somerset Posting the photo to Facebook page Bridgwater Matters, Mr Keirle wrote: 'I stopped off for fuel at Bristol Road fuel station in Bridgwater and saw yet another victim of too much plastic waste. 'It was already dead when I got there, and was causing a bit of a crowd at 7am in the morning. How it happened is beyond me.' The post has been liked 160 times and received more than 80 comments from people distressed by the graphic photo. Mr Keirle added: 'On my own I make little effect, but a lot of us can make a massive difference.' The Facebook page was inundated with concerned citizens aghast at the startling. Jane Ashford, also of Bridgwater, commented: 'This is horrible. This is a perfect picture to show the impact of plastic waste, this is why lids need to be able to shut on bins.' Some visitors to the site expressed concern at the suffering the bird likely endured. BREAK THE PLASTIC HABIT! JOIN THE DAILY MAIL'S CAMPAIGN Ten years ago, the Mail launched a trailblazing campaign to rid Britain of the scourge of plastic supermarket bags prompted by a heartrending, shaming picture of an endangered turtle entangled in one, which was used on the front page. The success of our Banish The Bags initiative has been nothing short of phenomenal. Now, in a landmark series that could have just as big an impact as that front page a decade ago, were here to assure you that you really can make a difference and your actions can help save our beautiful world and its animals. The Mails Turn The Tide On Plastic campaign isnt intended to make you feel guilty about plastic you depend on. Instead, this series will guide you through small daily steps you can take with little expense or effort to make dramatic inroads into reducing the amount of plastic you use. Even simply changing one habit such as using the reusable coffee cup were giving away today, instead of a throwaway cup will help decrease the demand for new plastics. If every Daily Mail reader uses their cup just once a day in place of a takeaway cup, millions of plastic-lined paper cups will be saved from landfill in a year. Its simple maths. Use a plastic bag twice and you halve your plastic footprint. Buy one bar of soap and you may spare the planet two or even three pump-action hand wash bottles. Inspire someone else and the impact is doubled. Well tell you how to double your recycling efficiency overnight, banish plastic from your kitchen and dodge food packaging. Better yet, you can even shop to save the planet with gorgeous and reusable plastic alternatives. Its never too late to start Advertisement Zara Louise Williams, from Taunton, Somerset, wrote: 'It must have been struggling for a while. And nothing was done. Poor gull, an awful way to go.' Every two hours, the RSPCA answers a call about an animal that has been harmed by rubbish - with 5,081 calls about animals affected by litter in 2017. Llewelyn Lowen, RSPCA wildlife scientific information officer, said: 'It's shocking how many litter-related incidents we see, particularly as these kinds of animal injuries and deaths are entirely avoidable. 'It is good that there's a global spotlight on how we use and dispose of plastic and other litter so that people understand how their rubbish is affecting animals and the environment. The scourge of plastic pollution is an ongoing battle for conservationists worldwide, with reports of animals dying from ingesting too much plastic becoming commonplace. Plastic has been found in the most remote locations, from the Mariana Trench, nearly 11,000 metres below sea level to the ice of Antarctica. Last month a baby seal was found dead on the Isle of Skye (pictured). Plastic has been found in the most remote locations, from the Mariana Trench, nearly 11,000 metres below sea level to the ice of Antarctica A rare visitor to UK shores, the seal died after eating a sweet-wrapper sized chunk of plastic a square inch in size (pictured). It is believed this wrapped embedded in the intestinal wall of the young pup, and contributed to its death It can be found hundreds of miles from the nearest coastline and it has even been found that microplastics have made their way inside human bodies. As a side-effect of our plastic obsession, animals are losing their lives as they fall foul of the persistent menace. Plastic does not biodegrade, and can last for tens and even hundreds of years. Last month, a baby seal was found on an Isle of Skye beach, a victim of ingesting plastic. A rare visitor to UK shores, it died after eating a square inch (6cm square) chunk of plastic, about the same size as a sweet wrapper. It is believed the plastic packaging was stuck in the intestinal wall of the young pup, and contributed to its death. Another poor seal, this time found in Lincolnshire, also suffered at the hands of marine litter. It fell victim to ocean pollution after getting a wire embedded two inches into its neck. A seal, found in Lincolnshire, has suffered at the hands of marine litter. It fell victim to ocean pollution after getting a wire embedded two inches into its neck The stricken creature - named Earth by rescuers - was spotted in distress at Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve and was rescued by volunteers from Natureland Seal Sanctuary on May 23. It is believed the nylon wire got stuck around her neck when she was a pup The scourge of plastic pollution is an ongoing battle for conservationists worldwide. A seagull found dead in Bridgwater, Somerset and a seal rescued at Gibraltar Point in Lincolnshire exemplify the scourge of plastic pollution The stricken creature - named Earth by rescuers - was spotted in distress at Gibraltar Point Nature Reserve and was rescued by volunteers from Natureland Seal Sanctuary on May 23. It is believed the nylon wire got stuck around her neck when she was a pup and has got increasingly deep as she has grown to around six months old. She weighed just 64 pounds (29kg) - around a third less than a healthy seal - when she was rescued. The wire had carved a large wound around three-quarters of her neck, narrowly missing her throat. She is being treated with anti-inflammatory medication and is gaining weight and due to be released back into the wild in the next two weeks. Natureland manager Matt Yeadon said: 'It's the worst I've seen for a while. The wound inflicted on the seal by the nylon wire was badly infected and the wound was a couple of inches deep The sanctuary that rescued her, Natureland, said if she had been left in the state she was found in, the animal most likely would have died from her injuries 'Someone at Gibraltar Point spotted her and called us when they realised she was in a bad way. 'It was badly infected and the wound was a couple of inches deep - it was very nasty.' The sanctuary said if she had been left in that state the animal most likely would have died from her injuries. Natureland has taken in and released 806 seals this year. In a statement, the sanctuary said: 'There are many more cases like Earth's that rescue centres across the world have to deal with every single day, and the time for change is now.' Please remember to dispose of your waste responsibly, recycle when you can, and avoid littering at all costs, as it could cost an animal more than a neck wound.' Natureland manager Richard Yeadon said that he has only seen injuries like Earth's three times in the last ten years. Many of the rescued mammals at the sanctuary are suffering from illness, dehydration or been separated from their pack. The dream of regrowing human body parts could become a reality after a major scientific breakthrough. A stem cell has been identified which causes a humble flatworm to regrow a head, brain or other tissue - a breakthrough that has huge potential for people. Regenerative medicine, where skin cells or even entire organs are regrown, could one one day provide a cure for a number of conditions These range from birth defects and blindness to diabetes, heart disease and cancer. Scroll down for video The dream of regenerating human body parts could become a reality after a major scientific advance. A stem cell has been identified (pictured) which causes the planarian flatworm to regrow a head, brain or other tissue - a breakthrough that has huge potential for people A team of experts from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research in Kansas City, Missouri, found the cell - which can regenerate an entire organism - after pioneering a technique using flow cytometry that scans cells in fast moving blood. They isolated the amazing cell in the planarian flatworm before it performed its remarkable regenerative act. Some scientists believe the worm, that lives in ponds and lakes, holds the key to immortality. The cell, which has been named Nb2, is a form of adult pluripotent stem cell - unspecialised 'master' cells found in humans that develop into many types of tissue and organs. Senior author Professor Alejandro Sanchez Alvarado, a molecular biologist at the Howard Hughes Medical Institute at investigator at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, Kansas City, said: 'This is the first time an adult pluripotent stem cell has been isolated prospectively. 'Our finding essentially says this is no longer an abstraction, that there truly is a cellular entity that can restore regenerative capacities to animals that have lost it and that such entity can now be purified alive and studied in detail.' What is more, it was pinpointed thanks to a 'marker', or biological sign, that is also present in humans - a protein known as piwi-1. Professor Sanchez Alvarado added: 'The fact the marker we discovered is expressed not only in planarians but also in humans suggests there are some conserved mechanisms that we can exploit. 'I expect those first principles will be broadly applicable to any organism that ever relied on stem cells to become what they are today. And that essentially is everybody.' The cell, which has been named Nb2, is a form of adult pluripotent stem cell - unspecialised 'master' cells found in humans that develop into many types of tissue and organs. What is more, it was pinpointed thanks to a 'marker', or biological sign, that is also present in humans All organisms, including humans, have the ability to regenerate something. But the process is much more developed in many invertebrates such as earthworms and starfish. This image shows some of the planarian flatworms scientists used in their experiments WHAT CAUSES SPECIES TO REGENERATE? All organisms, including humans, have the ability to regenerate to a degree, but the process is much more developed in many invertebrates such as earthworms and starfish. These animals can grow new heads, tails and other body parts when injured. Scientists don't know why mammals don't have the same ability, but they do regenerate skin, muscle and blood. Every multicellular organism is built from a single cell, which divides into two identical cells, then four, and so on. Each of these cells contains the exact same twisted strands of DNA, and is considered pluripotent - meaning it can give rise to all possible cell types in the body. But somewhere along the way, those starter cells - known as embryonic stem cells - resign themselves to a different fate and become skin cells, heart cells, muscle cells, or another cell type. Advertisement In humans, no known pluripotent stem cells remain after birth. In planarians, they stick around into adulthood, where they become known as adult pluripotent stem cells or neoblasts. Scientists believe these neoblasts hold the secret to regeneration. Neoblasts have been studied since the late 1800s. But only in the last couple of decades have advanced experimental and molecular techniques discovered there are many varieties, all with different properties and patterns of gene expression. Professor Sanchez Alvarado explained: 'We might have to transplant over a hundred individual cells into as many worms to find one that is truly pluripotent and can regenerate the organism. 'That is a lot of work, just to find the one cell that fits the functional definition of a true neoblast. 'And if we want to define it molecularly by identifying the genes that cell is expressing, we have to destroy the cell for processing. There was no way to do that and keep the cell alive to track it during regeneration.' This stock image shows a Polycelis felina, a type of planarian flatworm, captured in Catalonia, Spain One feature that had long been used to distinguish neoblasts from other cells is piwi-1, so co author Dr An Zeng separated those that expressed this from those that did not. Only those that were high in the protein qualified as neoblasts. Prof Sanchez Alvarado said: 'This kind of simultaneous quantitative analysis of gene expression and protein levels had never been done before in planarians. 'We could not have done it without the amazing scientific support facilities here at Stowers, including molecular biology, flow cytometry, bioinformatics, and imaging groups. 'Many researchers had assumed that all cells expressing piwi-1 were true neoblasts, and it didn't matter how much of the marker they expressed. We showed it did matter.' Through a process of elimination involving about 8,000 cells rich in piwi-1 - which managed to rule out those destined for a particular fate like muscle or skin - Dr Zeng was left with two types that could still be pluripotent, which he named Nb1 and Nb2. The Nb2 subgroup expressed tetraspanin, a group of evolutionarily ancient and poorly understood proteins that sit on the surface of cells. Stem cells are helping researchers study mammal development, allowing them to battle disease and create organs for human transplants Stem cells are the body's raw materials - a basic type of cell that can change into another type of more specialized cell through a process known as differentiation. Think of stem cells as a fresh ball of clay that can be shaped and morphed into any cell in the body - including bone, muscle, skin and more. This ability means they have been the focus of lots of medical research in recent decades. They grow in embryos as embryonic stem cells, helping the rapidly growing infant form the millions of different cell types it needs to build before birth. The embryonic stem cells used in research come from unused embryos, which result from an in vitro fertilization procedure and are donated to science. In adults they are used as repair cells, replacing those we lose through damage or ageing. For adults there are two types: One type comes from fully developed tissues such as the brain, skin, and bone marrow; the other includes pluripotent stem cells. Pluripotent stem cells have been changed in a lab to be more like embryonic stem cells. Advertisement So Dr Zeng made an antibody that could latch onto it, pulling the cells that carried it out of a mixture of other suspected neoblasts. He then transplanted the single purified cell into a planarian that had been subjected to lethal levels of radiation. Not only did these cells repopulate and rescue the irradiated animals, but they did so 14 times more consistently than cells purified by older methods. Prof Sanchez Alvarado said: 'We have enriched for a pluripotent stem cell population, which opens the door to a number of experiments that were not possible before.' Previous research by the University of Nottingham has suggested flatworms could live forever after examining their ability to repeatedly regenerate. Six years ago experts created a colony of more than 20,000 flatworms by chopping one into pieces and observing each section grow into a new complete worm. They believe it could help scientists develop new methods to allow humans to stay younger for longer. Zoologist Professor Aziz Aboobaker said at the time: 'Our data satisfy one of the predictions about what it would take for an animal to be potentially immortal.' The full findings were published in the journal Cell. The US Department of Defense is building a radical X-ray bomb that could knock out chemical and biological weapon sites without speading the chemicals over a large area. The secretive project has been under development since at least 2015. The DoD has contracted specialist electronics company Hyperion Technology Group to develop a prototype, which would fit inside an existing warhead casing, and could also be used in close combat. Scroll down for video The DoD is working with Hyperion Technology Group to develop a prototype, which would fit inside an existing warhead casing. Pictured, the U.S. Navy guided-missile destroyer USS Barry (DDG 52) launches a Tomahawk cruise missile HOW WOULD AN X-RAY BOMB WORK? At high enough exposure levels, X-rays destroy bacteria, spores and other biological agents. X-rays would also be able to break down complex molecules like organophosphate nerve gases, such as sarin. However, a simple gas like chlorine would be unaffected. Advertisement It would use a strong burst of X-rays to render chemical and biological weapons useless, without damaging the vessels containing them. The Department of Defense has contracted specialist electronics company Hyperion Technology Group to develop a prototype. Last year the firm received $980,745.00 for what appears to be phase two of the project, to 'develop a second generation X-ray system and conduct a series of static arena test against targets of interest to demonstrate the utility of a fully developed weaponized X-ray source for use as a Directed Energy Weapon.' The award states 'Traditional weapon systems often fail to meet the requirements of close combat typical of the previously discussed engagement, where insurgents often blend in or store weapon amongst friendly or non-combatant forces, to shield them from precision strike munitions of a technologically superior force.' Although most details of the project are secret, a 2015 document called 'High Power X-ray Munition to Attack and Defeat Weapons of Mass Destruction' reveals the beginnings of the programme. The $149,583.00 award for Phase one of the project was to 'determine the feasibility of defeating CBW production facilities via an X-ray source that would fit within the volume constraints of a munition platform.' 'The Phase I program will provide the basis for experimental design that will guide the Phase II program, and allow demonstration of an X-ray munition at a benchtop/subscale level against representative CBW samples in a relevant scenario,' the procurement document says. However, the development also raises fears the technology could be used by terrorists. 'This technology could be utilised against human beings to cause injuries and fatalities stemming from its radiation sickness effects,' Robert Bunker at the US Army War College's Strategic Studies Institute, in Pennsylvania, told New Scientist. It says work on the project will commence in July and run for two years. However, Bunker says the bomb would probably be designed so that the technology powering it incinerated on impact, to avoid others getting hold of it. Under international law, a weapon is legal if it does not cause any unnecessary suffering. Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com has constructed a fulfillment center that handles as many as 200,000 orders each day - and it only has four employees. That's because the roughly 100,000 square foot facility is run almost entirely autonomously, with human employees solely on site to tend to the robots. According to JD.com, the warehouse leverages 'highly-automated sorting technology' to sort up to 16,000 packages per hour with 99.99% accuracy. Scroll down for video Chinese e-commerce giant JD.com has constructed a fulfillment center that handles as many as 200,000 orders each day - and it only has four employees HOW DOES JD.COM'S AUTONOMOUS FACTORY WORK? Located outside Shanghai, the 100,000 square foot sorting center uses artificial intelligence to scan and inspect packages as they're being processed. JD.com says it handles as many as 200,000 packages each day. Packages are taken off of trucks, carried through a 'complex network' of conveyor belts and machinery. Image scanners check the packages and then they're delivered to specific bins. Driverless forklifts ferry the packages to a truck so that they can be sent out for delivery. Advertisement Located outside Shanghai, the sorting center uses artificial intelligence to scan and inspect packages as they're being processed. 'Once packages are taken off trucks at one side of the Kunshan facility, theyre loaded onto a complex network of automated machinery, where fast-moving, automated conveyors zip each box around,' JD.com explained. Then, image scanners check the packages in 'microseconds' and the firm's smart logistics system calculates where they should be dropped off. The packages are grouped by region, picked up by autonomous forklifts and brought to a truck for delivery. JD.com says the robotic package handlers can accomplish tasks in a fraction of the time that it would take 180 warehouse workers to accomplish. Located outside Shanghai, the 100,000 square foot sorting center uses artificial intelligence to scan and inspect packages as they're being processed According to JD.com, the almost human-less warehouse leverages 'highly-automated sorting technology' to sort up to 16,000 packages per hour with 99.99% accuracy The firm employs 17,540 people at its other warehouses, but acknowledges that the rapidly growing e-commerce sector calls for speedier solutions to ensuring packages make it to shoppers doors. It faces steep competition from fellow Chinese e-commerce firm Alibaba, as well as Amazon, Walmart and others. 'At the rate that e-commerce is growing in China and around the world, robotics and automation will be a necessary solution to meet that explosion in demand,' said JD Logistics CEO Zhenhui Wang. 'We are investing in this advanced technology, and other automation throughout our supply chain, with an eye on the long-term.' The firm faces steep competition from fellow e-commerce companies like China's Alibaba, Amazon and Walmart. Many of them also use automated tech in their factories The idea of automated fulfillment centers may scare off many, but as MIT Technology Review noted, many of these facilities were already automated for a while. Amazon uses robotic machines to organize shelves of goods and for routing and tracking packages. Alibaba has also built a warehouse that's almost entirely autonomous. But JD.com has been doubling down by applying automation to several different areas of its logistics process. The firm constructed a network of autonomous drones that can handle long distance deliveries. Drones are primarily based out of the northern Chinese province of Shaanxi and travel through a network that spans a 200 mile radius, with drone bases throughout the province. Google may be pitching its artificial intelligence and machine learning tools for a new military project. The search giant has been winding down its involvement with the Pentagon's controversial Project Maven, but Google's Cloud team is now talking with members of the US special operations community, according to Defense One. A document distributed last month at the Special Operations Forces Industry Conference (SOFIC) in Tampa, Florida described how Google Cloud's AI tools could be used by some special operations forces. Scroll down for video Google has been winding down its involvement with the Pentagon's controversial Project Maven, but its Cloud team is now talking with the US special operations community The US Special Operations Forces include specialized units of the military like the Green Berets and the Navy SEALs, among others. 'As part of the Special Operations mission to turn captured enemy material into actionable intelligence, Commands are tasked with collection, exploitation, and dissemination of unclassified material to include documents, images, audio, and video,' according to the document, which was obtained by Defense One. It also notes how Google Cloud's machine learning application programming interfaces (APIs), storage resources and other technologies can help 'accelerate exploitation of valuable unclassified intelligence material.' The document goes on to state other uses, like blending 'in with local traffic from your desired Point of Presence.' Google started reaching out to special operations groups last summer and conducted several demos and sales pitches to US military customers in Europe, Defense One noted. The move comes as Google has continued to face pushback from employees who object to its role in Project Maven. Google started reaching out to special operations groups last summer and conducted several demos and sales pitches to US military customers in Europe Google CEO Sundar Pichai last week published the company's new rules for its AI software. In it, Pichai said Google will not allow its AI software to be used in weapons or 'unreasonable surveillance' efforts. Google will pursue other government contracts including around cybersecurity, military recruitment and search and rescue, Pichai added. Earlier this month, the company announced that it wouldn't renew its contract with the Pentagon once it expires in 2019. Before that, nearly a dozen employees resigned from the company as a result of the contract. And more than 3,000 employees penned a letter addressed to Google, saying it shouldn't be 'in the business of war'. The move comes as Google CEO Sundar Pichai last week published the company's new rules for its AI software. He said Google will not allow its AI software to be used in weapons WHAT IS PROJECT MAVEN? The U.S. military has been looking to incorporate elements of artificial intelligence and machine learning into its drone program. Project Maven, as the effort is known, aims to provide some relief to military analysts who are part of the war against Islamic State. These analysts currently spend long hours staring at big screens reviewing video feeds from drones as part of the hunt for insurgents in places like Iraq and Afghanistan. The Pentagon is trying to develop algorithms that would sort through the material and alert analysts to important finds, according to Air Force Lieutenant General John N.T. 'Jack' Shanahan, director for defense intelligence for warfighting support. A British Royal Air Force Reaper hunter killer unmanned aerial vehicle on the flight line February 21, 2014 in Kandahar, Afghanistan. Military bosses say intelligence analysts are 'overwhelmed' by the amount of video being recorded over the battlefield by drones with high resolution cameras 'A lot of times these things are flying around(and)... there's nothing in the scene that's of interest,' he told Reuters. Shanahan said his team is currently trying to teach the system to recognize objects such as trucks and buildings, identify people and, eventually, detect changes in patterns of daily life that could signal significant developments. 'We'll start small, show some wins,' he said. A Pentagon official said the U.S. government is requesting to spend around $30 million on the effort in 2018. Similar image recognition technology is being developed commercially by firms in Silicon Valley, which could be adapted by adversaries for military reasons. Shanahan said he' not surprised that Chinese firms are making investments there. 'They know what they're targeting,' he said. Research firm CB Insights says it has tracked 29 investors from mainland China investing in U.S. artificial intelligence companies since the start of 2012. The risks extend beyond technology transfer. 'When the Chinese make an investment in an early stage company developing advanced technology, there is an opportunity cost to the U.S. since that company is potentially off-limits for purposes of working with (the Department of Defense),' the report said. Advertisement It was revealed in March that Google is engaging in a mysterious drone program with the Pentagon, with participation from Nvidia and other tech firms and academic institutions. Work on the project began last April. At the time, Google said its TensorFlow software would be used for 'non-offensive uses only,' namely assisting in object recognition on unclassified data. However, leaked emails showed that Google's business development unit hoped to make as much as $250 million per year from the military drone project, according to documents obtained by the Intercept. In the emails, Dr. Fei-Fei Li, head scientist at Google Cloud, wrote that she was worried about how the public would perceive the project. 'This is red meat to the media to find all ways to damage Google,' Li wrote, according to the Intercept. 'You probably heard Elon Musk and his comment about AI causing WW3' 'I dont know what would happen if the media starts picking up a theme that Google is secretly building AI weapons or AI technologies to enable weapons for the Defense industry,' she continued. Li added that the firm should take care to protect the 'very positive images' presented by Google Cloud about 'Democratizing AI' and 'Humanistic AI'. Advertisement No matter which cabin you're in, flying on Qantas' non-stop 17-hour service between London and Perth is quite an endurance test. Recognising this, the Australian airline has introduced an incredible new lounge at its Perth Airport - the Perth International Transit Lounge - to help prepare passengers for the long journey ahead and to de-stress in-bound fliers. Everything has been painstakingly designed with the aim of improving not just comfort but wellbeing by encouraging hydration and reducing the effects of jetlag with the likes of 'light therapy' showers, hydration menus and yoga classes. Scroll down for video The new Qantas lounge at Perth Airport, which has been designed especially to soothe passengers travelling on the ultra long haul non-stop flight to London, which takes 17 hours The airline consulted with Australian chef Neil Perry for the food menu. Pictured is the buffet, where passengers can help themselves Everything in the lounge has been painstakingly designed with the aim of improving not just comfort but well-being by encouraging hydration and reducing the effects of jet lag Before taking a long flight to London, passengers can take a yoga class, which features calming and grounding exercises The 'light therapy' showers - installed in 15 suites - help adjust the body clock. They contain a special light (pictured) that customers can activate, with the airline saying that 15-minute sessions can help body clocks adjust to the destination time zone, increase alertness and combat the effects of jetlag The 'light therapy' showers - installed in 15 suites - help adjust the body clock. They contain a special light that customers can activate, with the airline saying that 15-minute sessions can help body clocks adjust to the destination time zone, increase alertness and combat the effects of jetlag. There's also a timber-lined studio where stretching and breathing classes run by a yoga teacher are held every 15 minutes. Classes are based on customers' needs such as calming and grounding sequences for those departing on the flight to London and stretches to loosen and invigorate muscles for those arriving in Perth. There is an outdoor terrace in the Qantas lounge at Perth Airport, where chefs barbecue gourmet sausages, mushrooms and corn on the cob For those seeking a tipple, there's a full service bar with premium Australian beer and wine, including from the Margaret River region The airline consulted with Neil Perry for food, Australian industrial designer David Caon and SUMU design for the layout and decor, and the University of Sydney's Charles Perkins Centre for sleep medicine expertise. Charles Perkins Centre Professor of Sleep Medicine, Peter Cistulli, said the overarching goal was to enhance the passenger travel experience and optimise wellbeing. 'We've worked with the University of Sydney's School of Physics to create an airline-first bespoke body clock intervention using bright light to help kick start the adjustment of customers' body clocks. Applying light at appropriate times helps reduce the effects of jet lag,' Professor Cistulli said. 'The lounge is just one aspect of our partnership with Qantas to improve the wellbeing of travellers. We've also worked together to influence the menu and timing of the food and drinks service on the Perth to London route, cabin lighting design and temperature in the 787 and we are interested in seeing how customers will respond.' Natural light in the lounge floods in from an enclosed but breezy open-air terrace where chefs barbecue gourmet sausages, mushrooms and corn on the cob. The Perry-devised in-flight trial menu for the Perth to London route is chock full of healthy, hydrating options such as poke bowls and probiotic juice shots, and buffet choices in the transit lounge are equally nutritious. And before travellers begin their 17-hour haul, they'll be encouraged to hydrate with herbal tea, and fruit-infused and sparkling water. Qantas head of customer product and service, Philip Capps, said an emphasis on wellness in the lounge design was a whole new approach to long-haul travel For those seeking a tipple, there's a full service bar with premium Australian beer and wine, including from the Margaret River region. The lounge is open to travellers going through Perth when travelling on QF9 from Melbourne to London and QF10 from London to Melbourne. It is also open to customers beginning their journey in Perth to London. Eligible customers include customers travelling in business, gold, platinum and platinum one Frequent Flyers, Oneworld emerald and sapphire customers, and Qantas Club members and their guests. The timber-lined studio where stretching and breathing classes run by a yoga teacher are held every 15 minutes Qantas head of customer product and service, Philip Capps, said an emphasis on wellness in the lounge design was a whole new approach to long-haul travel. He explained: 'We've brought together some of Australia's best culinary, design and scientific minds to create a lounge experience that will help set our customers up to feel better throughout their journey. 'This sophisticated lounge is the ideal space for customers to unwind in between flights. The design reflects the natural beauty of the WA landscape through natural light and colour choices, and offers some of the best local food and wine.' The new lounge is open to business passengers as well as gold, platinum and platinum one Frequent Flyers, Oneworld emerald and sapphire customers, and Qantas Club members and their guests The first Qantas non-stop flight from Perth to London took place on March 24 and landed at Heathrow airport following a gruelling 17 hours and 20 minutes, travelling 9,000 miles. The aircraft used on the route is the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, which is twice as fuel-efficient as the Boeing 747. It boasts of a number of advantages over other models, including lower cabin noise, larger windows, improved air quality and technology to reduce turbulence. The inaugural trip took off with more than 200 passengers and 16 crew members. The plane has 42 business class flat-bed seats, 28 premium economy seats and 166 economy seats. The flight is 24 per cent further than the UK's previous longest route, operated by Garuda Indonesia between Heathrow and Jakarta, which is a measly 7,275 miles in comparison. Ryanair has warned it could be a summer of travel 'meltdown' due to strikes by French air traffic controllers. The Irish carrier revealed that it had to cancel 1,000 flights last month due to walkouts by air traffic control staff as well as shortages across Europe. Further air traffic control strikes in France are set to take place this weekend causing misery for holidaymakers as the summer season begins. Low cost airline Ryanair has warned it could be a summer of travel 'meltdown' due to strikes by air traffic controllers The low-cost airline accuses air traffic control across the continent of using 'adverse weather conditions' as a way of dealing with staff shortages. And now the carrier, which is one of the largest in Europe, is calling for urgent action by the EU Commission and European Governments to step in and put an end to the disruption. Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary said: 'Yet again this weekend, French ATC (air traffic control) will strike on Saturday and Sunday leading to hundreds of flights being cancelled, disrupting the holiday plans of thousands of passengers. 'Many of these flights don't even touch France, yet they will be disruptive because French ATC requires airlines to cancel overflights while they protect French domestic routes. 'Europe's airlines are also suffering thousands of ATC delays/cancellations because of staff shortages especially in German and UK ATC providers. Ryanair chief Michael O'Leary, pictured, said the strikes are causing misery for holidaymakers 'These disruptions are unacceptable, and we call on the UK and German Governments, and the EU Commission to take urgent and decisive action to ensure that ATC providers are fully staffed and that overflights are not affected when national strikes take place, as they repeatedly do in France.' And Mr O'Leary added that if the air traffic control situation is not brought under control soon, it will lead to travel chaos. He added: 'Europe's ATC providers are approaching the point of meltdown with hundreds of flights being cancelled daily simply because they don't have enough staff to deal with them. 'The situation is particularly acute at weekends where British and German ATC providers are hiding behind adverse weather and euphemisms such as "capacity restrictions" when the truth is they are not rostering enough ATC staff to cater for the number of flights that are scheduled to operate.' Despite the strike woes, Ryanair's latest passenger traffic figures show a six per cent increase in passenger numbers last month to 12.5 million. Its load factor - a measure of how well airlines fill their planes - improved to 96 per cent from 95 per cent a year earlier. The latest strike disruption comes after Ryanair's flight cancellation debacle last September, when more than 700,000 customers were impacted after it was forced to scrap flights over mismanaging pilots' annual leave. In May, the group reported a 10 per cent rise in full-year profits to 1.45 billion euros (1.3 billion) in spite of last autumn's flight cancellations. The annual results showed revenues jumped eight per cent to 7.15 billion euros (6.3 billion) for the 12 months to March 31. What do you get if you combine three Oscar winners, three Emmy champs, a riveting rapper and one of the world's biggest pop stars? The ultimate girl power film, of course. Ocean's 8 has re-written the rules when it comes to female-led blockbusters and looks set to steal the crown from the cinematic boys' club this summer. Sandra Bullock, Cate Blanchett and Rihanna helm a seriously accomplished cast and prove that it would have been a crime for Hollywood not to take a chance on this diamond of a heist movie. All you have to do is gather your own gang and steal a few hours together in front of the big screen... Ocean's 8 has re-written the rules when it comes to female-led blockbusters and looks set to steal the crown from the cinematic boys' club this summer Move over, George - Debbie Ocean is making waves George Clooney was Danny, the leader of the pack in 2001's Ocean's 11, who, along with his gang of heist hotshots, took a bet on robbing a Vegas casino. Now it's his sister Debbie Ocean's turn and she's just as charismatically calculating as her sibling. Sandra Bullock pulls it out of the swag bag as the freshly-paroled mastermind of the plot to swipe the $150 million Cartier 'Toussaint' diamond necklace at the Met Gala. No small feat, especially as it's the most important (and most guarded) night in fashion. Charming, persuasive and whip smart, Debbie is a woman on a mission to serve up freezing cold revenge and bag herself a fortune in the process. It's not just on-screen that determination was the theme du jour; Sandra also fought hard to get the movie greenlit. 'Its a chess match,' she says. 'And I didnt think in a million years that it would work.' Sandra Bullock pulls it out of the swag bag as Debbie Ocean, the freshly-paroled mastermind of the plot to swipe the $150 million Cartier 'Toussaint' diamond necklace at the Met Gala Cate's a perfect partner-in-crime While the gang are unscrupulous when it comes to their day jobs, the overriding theme of this film is the power of female friendships. And no matter what you're tackling in life, everyone needs a partner-in-crime. That's where Cate Blanchett steps in. She plays Lou, Debbie's no-nonsense sidekick. First seen filling vodka bottles with water, she is the ear and shoulder on which Ocean relies. When they discuss the heist over brunch after a five-year stint in the slammer kept them apart, Lou asks, 'Why do you need to do this?' 'Because it's what I'm good at,' Debbie quips. Lou's wry smile and raised eyebrow says it all; diamonds aren't a girl's only best friend. Cate Blanchett plays perfect partner-in-crime Lou, Debbie's no-nonsense sidekick proving diamonds aren't a girl's only best friend The Devil is in the detail One of the biggest hit movies of the Noughties was famously female-led and involved a certain Ocean's 8 cast member. Step forward, Anne Hathaway! The Devil Wears Prada secured her place as an actress able to open a film and boasts a few fashionable connections to the star's turn as spoilt actress Daphne Kluger. Anne's character is the guest of honour (and the heist's target) at the Met Gala, famously overseen by Vogue editor Anna Wintour who was the reported inspiration for mag maven Miranda Priestly in The Devil Wears Prada, played impeccably by Meryl Streep in the 2006 hit. Not only that, but Anna herself makes a cameo on the red carpet, while Rihanna served as her co-chair at the real bash earlier this year. The devil really is in the detail... Anne's spoilt socialite character Daphne Kluger is the guest of honour (and the heist's target) at the Met Gala and wears the priceless Cartier necklace the Eight are after Dressing up to the Eights As fashion was the focal point for the night of the heist, it was only right that Ocean's 8 got their chance to dress to the nines. And a cast's costumes have rarely epitomised the theme of 'power dressing' so perfectly. Guided by costume designer Sarah Edwards, each of the leading ladies teamed up with fashion houses who they thought most fit their characters to come up with some seriously glam Gala garb. Sandra makes a splash in an aptly Ocean-inspired Alberta Ferretti dress, Cate looks a gem in an emerald Givenchy jumpsuit, Rihanna rocks red Zac Posen, Helen Bonham-Carter chose floral Dolce & Gabbana for her turn as designer Rose Weil, Awkwafina stunned in Jonathan Simkhai, navy Prada worked wonderfully for Sarah Paulson while Mindy Kaling opted for bejewelled Naeem Khan. However, it was Anne who had to steal the show as diamond-draped Daphne and she certainly does that in a hot pink Valentino gown with a matching 25-foot cape. Who cares about the getaway when you have such a stylish arrival? Each of the leading ladies (pictured together at the New York premiere this month) teamed up with fashion houses to curate their Met Gala dresses in the film, guided by costume designer Sarah Edwards RiRi's sassy tech whizz role is no hack job 'What's your name?' asks Sandra. 'Nine-ball,' Rihanna replies. 'What's your real name?' Sandra retorts. 'Eight-ball.' And so it begins; RiRi's sassily simplistic takeover of her time on camera. Playing a too-cool-for-school computer hacker, Rihanna decided she wanted her character to be low-key and from her native Barbados. She also opted to go for '90s grunge and have dreadlocks to add to her aesthetic. The 30-year-old may be up against some of the world's most celebrated actresses during her screentime, but one scene sums up her star power perfectly. As Sandra and Sarah's characters panic over not being able to see their diamond target on surveillance footage inside the Met, Nine-ball leisurely leans across and flicks a button. 'It's not on,' she purrs. This is the movie RiRi becomes a film star. Rihanna is a scene-stealer as uber-cool computer hacker Nine-ball in the movie Just girls allowed 'A Him gets noticed, a Her gets ignored. And for once, we'd like to be ignored.' So says Debbie when she gathers her all-girl gang. And as proven by Ocean's 8, 'chick flicks' can ruffle feathers with the best of them. Ocean's 8 is released in the UK on 18 June Grant Denyer rushed his seven-year-old daughter Sailor to hospital on Tuesday with a 'suspected concussion,' after she took a shocking tumble during her first cartwheel. And on Wednesday, Grant's wife Chezzi Denyer thanked fans for their well wishes while giving an update on their child's condition. 'Shes been diagnosed with a concussion and has been told to take it easy,' the worried mother explained on Instagram. Scroll down for video 'She's back at the hospital for an MRI tomorrow': Grant Denyer and wife Chezzi's daughter Sailor(above) is 'doing OK' despite being diagnosed with concussion after cartwheel tumble Worried parents! Family Feud's Grant and Chezzi have been keeping a close eye on their seven-year-old at home and thanked fans for their concerns and well wishes 'Were home and Sailor is doing ok,' the caption began under a photo of the brave little girl giving the thumbs up. 'This morning was a little scary when she began vomiting, 40 hours after hitting her head hard,' Chezzi said, noting she had been diagnosed with a concussion. The mother-of-two added: 'Shes back at Hospital for an MRI tomorrow.. Just to ensure everything is ok,' she added. 'This morning was a little scary': After being told her daughter had a mild concussion, she was worried after she began vomiting after hitting her heads hard after attempting a cartwheel Grant, The Family Feud presenter, revealed that the youngster had a suspected concussion after falling while trying to do her first cartwheel on Tuesday. The 40-year-old shared a selfie with Sailor from the emergency room on Instagram, prompting fans to flood the comments section with their concerned messages. 'Uh oh. Hospital Emergency room. Someone did their first cartwheel into a backflip. Unsuccessfully. Suspected concussion,' he wrote in the caption. Oh dear: Grant rushed his daughter Sailor, seven, to the emergency room with a concussion after she took a shocking tumble during her first cartwheel on Tuesday One worried fan wrote: 'Aw Sailor. Are you okay now? Silly cartwheel. Hope you feel better, concussion is not to be messed with.' Another added: 'Hope you dont have a very long wait. Let us know what happens, Im really worried. Shes just like her father.' The presenter, who also shares two-year-old daughter Scout with his wife Chezzi, recently revealed the couple's plans to expand their family. Ordeal: 'Uh oh. Hospital Emergency room. Someone did their first cartwheel into a backflip. Unsuccessfully. Suspected concussion,' he wrote in the caption 'Look, we already have two little terrors so we're not desperate to have another straight away, but we'd be open to having more,' he told New Idea on Monday. 'We're not expecting at the moment, but never say never!' Grant told the publication. The star went on to explain that while the couple would love more children, nothing angers him more than trolls claiming he's 'disappointed' with two daughters. 'We're open to having more': Grant, who also shares two-year-old daughter Scout with his wife Chezzi, recently revealed the couple's plans to expand their family 'We don't feel like there's anything missing,' he said. Earlier this year, Chezzi, 38, spoke candidly about her diagnosis with post-natal anxiety and post-traumatic stress disorder back in 2012. Also speaking with New Idea in April, she revealed her PTSD was caused in part by the horrific monster truck smash her TV star husband Grant was involved in. In 2008, Grant broke his back and was rushed to the hospital after he crashed a 7.5-tonne truck he was driving at the showground. Will the family-of-four become more? 'Look, we already have two little terrors so we're not desperate to have another straight away, but we'd be open to having more,' he told New Idea Chezzi revealed she suffered a 'mini-breakdown' when their baby girl was eight-months-old, leading to her surprise diagnosis that lay dormant for more than three years. 'I feared that if I didn't get help, they were going to send me away and lock me up - because that's how crazy I felt at the time,' she told the magazine at the time. Six years following the diagnosis, Chezzi and Grant have added another daughter to their picture-perfect family of four. Ozzy Osbourne's son Jack gave an update on his divorce from his estranged wife Lisa Stelly, who's requested spousal support and attorney fees as well as joint custody of their three daughters. 'Things are going good,' the London-born, LA-raised 32-year-old told Us Weekly on Tuesday. 'We're trucking along and it is what it is.' But the British ex-couple of five years put their marital woes aside Wednesday to celebrate the third birthday of their daughter Andy Rose with a pink and gold cake. Scroll down for video 'Things are going good!' Ozzy Osbourne's (R) son Jack (2-L) gave an update on his divorce from his estranged wife Lisa Stelly (L), who's requested spousal support and attorney fees as well as joint custody of their three daughters (pictured April 4) 'The days have been long but the years short,' Jack - who boasts 1.2M social media followers - gushed. 'Her fire burns bright and hot and I can't wait to see what her third rotation around the sun brings to her. She might be Mummy's little girl but she has my heart. Happy birthday baby girl. #happybirthday!' And the 31-year-old Fancy Sprinkles CEO wrote: 'Lots has changed in 3 years, but something that hasn't is how perfect Andy fits in our lives. She is my little firecracker & I wouldn't change a single thing about her. I love you, Andy Rose! Happy third birthday! Let's party!' The Osbourne exes - who legally separated on May 4 - are also parents to daughter Pearl, 6; and daughter Minnie, 4 months. 'We're trucking along and it is what it is': But the British ex-couple of five years put their marital woes aside Wednesday to celebrate the third birthday of their daughter Andy Rose with a pink and gold cake The London-born, LA-raised 32-year-old gushed: 'The days have been long but the years short. Her fire burns bright and hot and I can't wait to see what her third rotation around the sun brings to her. She might be Mummy's little girl but she has my heart. Happy birthday baby girl' And the 31-year-old Fancy Sprinkles CEO wrote: 'Lots has changed in 3 years, but something that hasn't is how perfect Andy fits in our lives. She is my little firecracker & I wouldn't change a single thing about her. I love you, Andy Rose! Happy third birthday! Let's party!' 'I think people put so much emphasis into, "Oh, I'm going to raise my kid to be like this. I'm going to raise my kid to be like that," but for me, I'm in the business of making good citizens,' the 15 years sober reality star told Us. 'I just want a good human being to just do good. That's it. I don't care what it is as long as it's positive and good, and you're not making some weird life choice that ends up hurting people. Like I said, I'm in the business of making good citizens.' This Monday marks the six-year anniversary of the Battle of the Network Stars contestant's diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis. 'I'm in the business of making good citizens': The Osbourne exes - who legally separated on May 4 - are also parents to daughters Pearl (R), 6; and Minnie (L), 4 months (pictured May 12) 'My kids don't really see it as anything other than me just taking a medication': This Monday marks the six-year anniversary of the Battle of the Network Stars contestant's diagnosis of relapsing-remitting multiple sclerosis (pictured April 20) 'It's funny. It doesn't really spill over too much into parenting because my daughter was born and three weeks later I got diagnosed, so it's kind of been a thing,' Jack explained. 'And I'm really fortunate that the treatment plan I'm on works for me really well and I haven't had any major issues in the last six years, so my kids don't really see it as anything other than me just taking a medication a few times a week.' Osbourne and his famous 69-year-old father (and sister Kelly) will continue their adventures in the eight-episode third season of Ozzy & Jack's World Detour, which premieres Wednesday on A&E. She raised eyebrows when she shared a completely nude picture of herself on Instagram this week. Now Iggy Azalea has followed up her saucy snap with a new offering. Wearing skin-tight red leggings, the image features the blonde bombshell bent over and showing off her famous posterior. 'The ultimate babe': Iggy Azalea flaunts her bountiful booty in suggestive snap with model Raven Tracey Featured alongside 28-year-old in the cheeky picture is model Raven Tracy. Raven wears an identical skin-tight red outfit as the rapper and was praised by Iggy as 'the ultimate babe' in the photo's humourous caption. 'Sometimes you put on some [Fashion Nova] & start actin a fool with ya sis... [Raven Tracy] is the ultimate babe,' she wrote. Racy! On Wednesday, Iggy shared two eye-catching images from her racy Fashion Nova shoot in she appeared nude It appears that the Fancy hitmaker's new snap is part of the photo shoot she took part in for online fashion store, Fashion Nova. On Wednesday, Iggy shared two eye-catching images from her racy Fashion Nova shoot in she appeared nude. Wearing nothing but a pair of heels, the rapper teasingly wrote in the caption: 'Sometimes all you need is a good pair of heels.' If you got it, flaunt it! Not shy about showing off her curvaceous figure, Iggy often shares steamy snaps on her Instagram The Aussie star recently celebrated her 28th birthday, sharing a sultry bedroom selfie and announcing she was looking for love. 'Just woke up and I'm officially 28. Still saving you the right side of the bed, just in case I ever find you,' she wrote in the caption. Iggy, real name Amethyst Amelia Kelly, then hit the seas to celebrate her big day, inviting friends and family along on a luxurious chartered yacht. She offered a glimpse of the festivities on Instagram, including videos of herself cutting her cake and stripping down for a swim. She's a proud mother to four-year-old daughter Lila Louise, whom she shares with ex-husband Seth Campbell. And in an interview with Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday at the Nude by Nature launch, Elyse Taylor revealed how she balances motherhood and modelling. 'My focus is on my daughter,' the 31-year-old said. 'So I need to step away and remind myself of what's real.' 'I need to remind myself of what's real': Elyse Taylor has revealed how she balances motherhood with a modelling career. Pictured with her four-year-old daughter Lila Louise Elyse claimed she is never disappointed about being turned down for a modelling job because motherhood is always her first priority. 'I've been modelling now for 13 years. If people don't like me it's honestly just whatever. It's just the nature of the beast and you just have to let it go,' she said. 'My focus is on my daughter so I need to step away [in those times of rejection] and remind myself of what's real.' Elyse also revealed her strategy for balancing motherhood and modelling is to schedule numerous commitments at once. Priorities: Elyse told Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday she is never disappointed about being turned down for a modelling job because motherhood is always her first priority 'My trips to Australia are super cramped together, and I go 100 miles an hour because it's time away from my daughter, who is back home in New York,' Elyse said. And with Lila aware that her mother is 'on TV and in pictures', Elyse also revealed whether she hopes her daughter will follow in her footsteps. 'If she feels strongly about anything in her life, and if that's modelling, then I will definitely support her and encourage her,' said the Nude by Nature ambassador. 'That's all you can do for your children.' Support: The face of Nude by Nature also said that, should daughter Lila want to become a model, she will 'definitely support her and encourage her' Elyse shares daughter Lila Louise with her ex-husband Seth Campbell, whom she split with in May 2016. After giving birth to Lila in March 2014, Elyse soon returned to the catwalk. She was first discovered at age 18, later moving to New York where she was booked by Dolce & Gabbana, Tommy Hilfiger, Moschino and Trussardi, among others. Elyse has also featured in campaigns for Estee Lauder and Victoria's Secret. In late 2015, Elyse was unveiled as Nude by Nature's first-ever brand ambassador, and regularly commutes to Australia for its product launches. She helped launch the label's latest cruelty-free lipstick collection in Sydney on Wednesday. She enjoys a glamorous lifestyle on both sides of the Atlantic. And Dame Joan Collins, 85, made sure she put on a typically chic display as she arrived at LAX airport in Los Angeles on Wednesday. The screen legend looked elegant in monochrome for her strut through arrivals with her husband of 16 years Percy Gibson, 53. Jet set: Dame Joan Collins, 85, made sure she put on a typically chic display as she arrived at LAX airport in Los Angeles on Wednesday with her husband Percy Gibson Joan was ready for some sun in her wide-brimmed hat with black trim. She coordinated with a black and white stripe t-shirt which was layered under her edgy leather jacket. Slouchy black trousers made sure the icon was comfortable yet chic on her transatlantic flight, while she swapped heels for smart white leather loafers. The style savvy star added a pop of colour with her signature red lipstick and added a pair of dark shades. Always chic: The screen legend looked elegant in monochrome for her strut through arrivals Coordinated: Joan was ready for some sun in her wide-brimmed hat with black trim. She coordinated with a black and white stripe t-shirt under her edgy leather jacket Percy meanwhile was suave in a crisp blue and white shirt and black blazer as he flashed a big smile at waiting photographers. Dame Joan and Percy were married during an intimate wedding at Claridge's Hotel, Mayfair, in February 2002. The star revealed her top tip for 'lasting marriage' to Hello! after tying the knot sixteen years ago with husband Percy, saying it works because they 'really support each other'. Finishing touches: The style savvy star added a pop of colour with her signature red lipstick and added a pair of dark shades Comfy: Slouchy black trousers made sure the icon was comfortable yet chic on her transatlantic flight, while she swapped heels for smart white leather loafers She explained that in a lasting marriage, the key is to 'understand that there will be highs and lows'. She said: 'You won't always agree about everything, but you need to enjoy each other's company. Percy is such an amazing man, he is so kind and so caring. 'People get married on the crest of lust. Once that's gone, they look and think: 'What the hell? Who is this person?' 'There has to be something else to fall back on. If there isn't, they start looking.' They're in love and have been married for eight years - and they're not shy of showing it. Hollywood actor Chris Hemsworth and his wife Elsa Pataky were recently spotted putting on a steamy PDA at a cafe in Byron Bay, north of Sydney. Fellow A-lister Matt Damon and his wife, Luciana Barroso, watched on uncomfortably from across the table as Chris and Elsa hugged and kissed like no one else was there. Scroll down for video Get a room! Chris Hemsworth and his wife Elsa Pataky (pictured, left) were spotted going full PDA at a cafe in Byron Bay, while Matt Damon and wife Luciana Barroso (R) watched on Elsa, 41, clad in a leopard print top and black three-quarter length pants, could not seem to keep her hands - and legs - off blonde beau, Chris, 34, as the pair sat entwined. Chris married Elsa, 41, in 2010 and they share three children: daughter India, six, and twin sons Sasha and Tristan, four. Life as a busy father clearly helps Chris stay in shape, as he maintains his muscular frame all year round. I think we're alone now: Matt and Luciana watched on from across the table as Chris and Elsa hugged and kissed like no one else was there Togetherness: Elsa, clad in a leopard print top and black three-quarter length trousers, could not seem to keep her hands - and legs - off blonde beau Chris as the pair sat entwined Even when he doesn't have a blockbuster film on the agenda, he always looks in peak physical condition while surfing in Byron. Meanwhile, the Avengers star has been making waves of a different kind recently amid the construction of his massive new home. As his property transforms into a huge Hollywood-style mansion, locals have expressed fear the development sets an 'inappropriate' tone for the surf town. Family lunch: Chris married Elsa in 2010 and they share three children: daughter India, six, and twin sons Sasha and Tristan, four Construction is still rumbling on for the $8.7million coastal abode in the hills above Seven Mile Beach at Broken Head, but residents claim it's spoiling the local charm. 'It seems excessive but there's not much we can do about it - nothing surprises me in this town these days,' Darren Birch told the Herald Sun last week. Chris and Elsa, who were previously based in Los Angeles, now enjoy a more relaxed lifestyle on Australia's east coast. Elsa has been rather busy with her own acting career of late, too, filming 10-part Netflix show Tidelands in Queensland. Tidelands is the first Australian-made Netflix Original Series and will be released globally across the streaming platform. The temperatures are dropping in Sydney as Winter has descended upon the city. But luckily for Pia Mille she's enjoying far warmer climes in Hollywood and is more than comfortable showing off her enviable figure in less-than-warm clothing. The former Home And Away star shared a new sizzling Instagram snap of herself on Thursday, showcasing her figure in a skimpy blue bikini. 'Body goals!' Pia left nothing to the imagination in a new bikini photo shared on her Instagram Taken at the Petit Ermitage West Hollywood boutique hotel, Pia shared the photo with her 719,000 followers, adding the caption: 'Out of Hibernation! Thanks for having me [Petit Ermitage].' Pia looks relaxed in the snap, lounging around with a drink in one hand and the other blocking out the warm sun. The dark-haired beauty's toned body is on full display, with her bikini leaving very little to the imagination. Sunny skies: As Sydney is hit with the cold Winter, Pia is enjoying much warmer weather in Hollywood Amidst the sea of compliments left by fans, some left messages saying how much they missed her on Home And Away. The stunning actress joined the long-running soap opera in 2014 as police woman Katarina 'Kat' Chapman. Pia portrayed the character until she left the show in 2017. Busy, busy, busy: After a three-year stint on Home And Away, Pia will next be seen in Channel Nine's crime thriller series, Bite Club Following her departure from Home And Away, Pia has kept herself busy. She will next be seen in Channel Nine's crime thriller series, Bite Club, set to air in the coming months. Meanwhile, in her personal life Pia is happily engaged to filmmaker and macadamia milk entrepreneur Tyson Mullane, who popped the question to her last November. She is also a loving mother to her two sons Isaiah Loyola, 15, and Lennox Miller, 11. The actress was previously married to AFL star Brad Miller until their divorce in 2015. She recently enjoyed a secret rendezvous with her prison boyfriend Ben Panangian in Southeast Asia. And it looks like Schapelle Corby's relationship is still going strong. Taking to Instagram on Thursday, the convicted drug trafficker shared an undated photo of herself posing with Ben's foot. Scroll down for video 'I'm still wearing the smile you gave me': Schapelle Corby posted a bizarre tribute to her Bali prison boyfriend Ben Panangian on Thursday... after they secretly reunited in Singapore The 40-year-old captioned the bizarre snap: 'I'm still wearing the smile you gave me'. The romantic sentiment was lost among Schapelle's fans, who openly wondered why she was posing with her hand wrapped around Ben's foot. 'What the actual f**k. This makes me uncomfortable', wrote one baffled follower. Footloose and fancy free! The romantic sentiment was lost among Schapelle's Instagram fans, who openly wondered why she was posing with her hand wrapped around Ben's foot Star-crossed lovers: Schapelle first met Ben in 2006 during a church service in Bali's Kerobokan Prison, where they were both serving time for drug offences Other comments included, 'She's proper cooked', 'Thanks I'm not hungry anymore' and 'I'm f**king panicking'. Schapelle returned to Australia in May 2017 after serving almost a decade behind bars and three years on parole for smuggling marijuana into Indonesia. She first met Ben in 2006 during a church service in Bali's Kerobokan Prison, where they were both serving time for drug offences. Ganja queen: Schapelle returned to Australia in May 2017 after serving almost a decade behind bars and three years on parole for smuggling marijuana into Indonesia It was previously speculated that the couple would never be reunited, as he would not be allowed in to Australia because of his criminal history. But they recently reunited in Singapore before heading to a beach resort in Vietnam for a two-week holiday, Woman's Day reported last month. Schapelle was arrested at Bali's Ngurah Rai Airport in October 2004 after customs officers discovered 4.1kg of marijuana wrapped in plastic inside her boogie board bag. She was sentenced to 20 years' imprisonment at Denpasar District Court the following year, but ended up serving only nine years after receiving sentence cuts. Oliver Curtis has spoken candidly about his highly-publicised time in prison as he prepares to celebrate one year since his release. The disgraced investment banker opened up to Daily Mail Australia about his new job working with PR queen wife Roxy Jacenko, his desire for more children, and his contempt for the man who helped put him behind bars - former best friend John Hartman. The 32-year-old served a year-long sentence at Cooma Correctional Centre, after a sensational court case found him guilty of conspiring to commit insider trading. He was released on June 23, 2017. From his new jailbird pal to working for his wife... and the unforgivable act by his best mate that means he'll NEVER speak to him again: Inside the life of Roxy Jacenko's husband Oliver Curtis as he rebuilds his life a year after leaving prison 'Betrayed' by former best friend John Hartman During his headline-hitting trial, Curtis was pitted against the man with whom he committed the crimes - his former best friend, John Hartman. Hartman became the prosecution's star witness, testifying against Curtis in exchange for 10 per cent less jail time for himself. And Curtis claims that's a betrayal he will never forgive. 'This was my best mate. The guy I lived with': Curtis' former best friend John Hartman (right) testified against him at trial 'This was my best mate. The guy I lived with... To know that he was in with ASIC to turn around and basically throw me under the bus (was devastating),' he told Daily Mail Australia. Curtis and Hartman were childhood friends, having both attended the prestigious Sydney boys' school, St Ignatius College, Riverview. The pair both had notably wealthy fathers and grew up in the lap of luxury. But they turned to insider trader to keep funding their increasingly lavish lifestyles, taking trips abroad and renting an expensive apartment near Sydney's Bondi Beach. Hartman served 15 months in jail, and now lives and works in Perth, where he is married with two young children. 'This was my best mate. The guy I lived with': Curtis (left) and Hartman (right) were childhood friends, having both attended the prestigious Sydney boys' school, St Ignatius College, Riverview Similarly, Curtis shares two children with his publicist wife Roxy - six-year-old Pixie and four-year-old Hunter. When asked how he would explain his stint in jail to the couple's children, he told Daily Mail Australia: 'Obviously you've got to teach right and wrong. But I think it's also about loyalty and it's about friendship.' Taking a clear dig at Hartman, he added: 'If there's one thing I'd like to instill in the children it's loyalty. And how important friendship is. You've got to be loyal to people.' A new life: Hartman served 15 months in jail, and now lives and works in Perth, where he is married with two young children Family first: Curtis shares two children with publicist wife Roxy - six-year-old Pixie and four-year-old Hunter Life behind bars Curtis served out his sentence inside Cooma Correctional Centre, and told Daily Mail Australia that he tried to make the best of a bad situation. 'You've got two ways to deal with it. You either shut down and be reclusive and stay within yourself - that's not who I am. Or you have to deal with it, and fit in and adjust,' he stated. He even claimed he made some unlikely friendships behind bars, and is still in touch with his cellmate. 'I did make good friends... My cellmate has been released, (and) he's actually back in Vietnam now. I still speak to him quite often, a few times a week. You can't go through an experience like that and not make friends,' he revealed. 'You have to deal with it, and fit in and adjust': Curtis says he became close friends with his cellmate who has since been released from jail and is living in Vietnam Behind bars: Curtis pictured doing yard duty inside Cooma Correctional Centre in 2016 And while he says he does not suffer nightmares or post-traumatic stress from the experience, Curtis got emotional when describing his pain at being separated from his wife, Jacenko. The powerhouse publicist was diagnosed with breast cancer shortly after her husband began his stint in prison. 'I was in a 2 by 4 (cell) on my own in solitary confinement And I got let out once a day. I was locked into another cage to take a phone call, I had a seven minute phone call. 'During that process, over a matter of three or four days, I found out A) that Roxy had found a lump B) she went to get tested and C) that she had cancer And you're sitting in a jail cell on your own with nobody and no ability to communicate with anybody,' he reminisced. A free man: Oliver pictured leaving Cooma Correctional Centre in June 2017, after serving twelve months behind bars THE HIGHS AND LOWS OF OLIVER CURTIS August 2011: Welcomes daughter Pixie with partner Roxy Jacenko March 2012: Marries Jacenko in a lavish wedding ceremony in Sydney January 2013: Curtis is charged with insider trading, with former best friend John Hartman acting as a tipper May 2014: Welcomes son Hunter May 2016: Curtis' trial for insider trading begins in NSW Supreme Court June 2016: Found guilty of conspiring to commit insider trading, sentenced to two years jail July 2016: Wife Jacenko is diagnosed with breast cancer three weeks after he begins serving jail time June 2017: Curtis is released from prison after serving a twelve-month sentence July 2017: Proposes to Jacenko for a second time Advertisement Life after prison - working with Roxy Almost a year on from his release, Curtis has not returned to trading, instead trying his hand at a variety of other projects. After spending time at medical start-up E-Nome, he is now working at Jacenko's public relations company, Sweaty Betty. 'It's not that I work for her per se,' Curtis clarified. 'I'm still doing other things, but at the end of the day I said for a long time that I would love to help her out,' he continued, adding that Jacenko's business empire continues to expand. When pressed on what it was like working in close proximity to his wife, he laughed: 'I have plenty of rows with her at home, so I know how to deal with her better than probably anybody. 'To get through eight years of marriage save for a year of separation you know each other very well. 'It's no stress for me. I respect her for what she's good at.' Back to work! Oliver is now working with Roxy at her public relations business More children on the horizon? While Curtis is smitten with his children Pixie and Hunter, the doting dad revealed his desire to expand his brood. 'I think we'd love more kids. But I think with Roxy's treatment (for cancer) it makes that harder. If it happens, it happens. But we love our kids,' Curtis told Daily Mail Australia. And he certainly loves Jacenko. 'I think we'd love more kids': Oliver told Daily Mail Australia he'd like to expand his brood The blonde businesswoman was seen scandalously kissing her ex-boyfriend, Nabil Gazal, prompting speculation that she would divorce Curtis following his release from prison. However, the pair are stronger than ever before, with Curtis describing his wife as 'inspiring, loving, caring and compassionate.' After proposing to Jacenko for a second time last October, he is keeping coy about whether they will renew their vows in another wedding ceremony. 'You'll have to watch that space,' he teased. She a force to be reckoned with as Mrs. Waterford on the Handmaid's Tale. But actress Yvonne Strahovski couldn't help but be charming during a stop by The IMDB Show in Studio City, California on Wednesday. The Aussie beauty, 35, looked simply radiant as she covered her burgeoning baby bump in a stylish navy dress with subtle pattern. Expecting elegantly! Yvonne Strahovski of The Handmaid's Tale stopped by The IMDB Show on Wednesday, where she showed off her growing baby bump in a tight navy look The Chuck actress's frock hugged her every curve, making a prominent display of her round belly. She accessorized with red velvet flats and hoop earrings while tying her back into a messy chic pony. Yvonne's natural glow meant there was no need for dramatic beauty, just adding a hint of color of her cheeks and lips for a bit of warmth. Woah baby! The Chuck actress's frock hugged her every curve, making a prominent display of her round belly You glow girl! Yvonne's natural glow meant there was no need for dramatic beauty, just adding a hint of color of her cheeks and lips for a bit of warmth Ruby red slippers! She accessorized with red velvet flats and hoop earrings Sitting down with host Tim Kash, the Sydney native talked about her hit Hulu show and happy personal news. They also played a fun game with 'Hello' and 'Goodbye' signs featuring her Handmaid's character Serena Joy. New episodes of The IMDB Show hit the web on Thursdays each week, with Yvonne's set for release June 21. Fun and games! They also played a fun game with 'Hello' and 'Goodbye' signs featuring her Handmaid's character Serena Joy Pony up! The Aussie darling tied her hair back into a messy chic pony Chit chat: Sitting down with host Tim Kash, the Sydney native talked about her hit Hulu show and happy personal news Yvonne announced she and husband Tim Loden were expecting via Instagram at the end of May, when she shared a photo of her bump while donning a clingy pink maxi dress. The blonde beauty, who can next be seen in The Predator, wrote in her caption: 'I am very excited to finally be able to share my special news I'm going to be a Mama! 'So very exciting to watch & feel this little Peanut growing every day! .' The Married At First Sight finale aired in March, and it seems the stars of the show are desperately clinging to their 15 minutes of fame. From staging paparazzi photos to hiring publicists, some of the brides and grooms are looking increasingly pathetic in their bids to stay in the spotlight. Daily Mail Australia takes a look at some of the more obvious examples of attention-seeking behaviour as public interest in the contestants' lives rapidly diminishes. NASSER SULTAN From staging paparazzi photos to hiring publicists: How Married At First Sight stars are desperately clinging to their 15 minutes of fame as interest in them rapidly diminishes Nasser Sultan became an unlikely fan favourite after the MAFS finale, which saw him unleash the catchphrase '#CoconutOil' during a confrontation with Davina Rankin. Since then, the personal trainer-turned-beauty blogger has been trying to cash in on the catchphrase by sharing his skincare tips on Instagram. However, his dwindling fame was obvious when he was spotted at Sydney's Bondi Beach last month, charging fans $1 for a selfie. At the time, Nasser told Daily Mail Australia: 'We've all got bills to pay.' Ouch! Nasser Sultan's dwindling fame was obvious when he was spotted at Sydney's Bondi Beach last month, charging fans $1 for a selfie He later claimed that the '$1 selfies' debacle was all an elaborate 'prank' to prove how MAFS stars 'are not famous' and shouldn't be charging fans for meet-and-greets. Soon after the Bondi incident, Nasser told The Kyle and Jackie O Show that he had been 'blacklisted' by Channel Nine and wasn't invited to the Logie Awards. He said: 'After the last interview here, I had a text from publicity saying, "Just for your information, Channel Nine doesn't want to have anything to do with you."' Nasser has also been accused of staging paparazzi photos with notorious celebrity snapper Jayden Seyfarth - an allegation he denies. TRACEY JEWEL Backlash: Tracey Jewel teased fans last month by promising to tell her side of the story of the MAFS 'cheating' scandal, only to be branded 'pathetic' and an attention-seeker Tracey Jewel teased fans last month by promising to tell her side of the story of the MAFS 'cheating' scandal, only to be branded 'pathetic' and an attention-seeker. Taking to Instagram, she claimed that if her followers 'stayed tuned' she would reveal what really happened between herself and 'ex-husband' Dean Wells. But the publicity stunt backfired badly, and the single mother was accused of being a 'drama queen' who was 'looking for another cash out'. A new low: It turns out Tracey's haters were right - because the great 'tell all' about Dean (left) turned out to be a paid sponsorship for a gaming app, Coin Master Oh, no! Meanwhile, the launch of Tracey's woefully edited 'self-improvement' book Don't Mess With The Goddess appears to be a flop It turns out Tracey's haters were right - because the great 'tell all' about Dean turned out to be a paid sponsorship for a gaming app, Coin Master. Tracey is also rumoured to be paying celebrity agent Max Markson over $2,000 a month to 'turn her into Australia's new sweetheart'. Meanwhile, the launch of her woefully edited 'self-improvement' book Don't Mess With The Goddess appears to be a flop. There was a lucklustre turnout at her Sydney book launch earlier this month, with photos from the event showing a sparse crowd. SEAN THOMSEN Radio star? Railway technician Sean Thomsen, who was brutally dumped by Tracey last month, recently started a podcast to capitalise on his newfound fame Making headlines: The Seany Show so far consists of Sean interviewing his fellow Married At First Sight contestants, including Troy Delmege and Telv Williams Railway technician Sean Thomsen, who was brutally dumped by Tracey last month, recently started a podcast to capitalise on his newfound fame. The Seany Show so far consists of Sean interviewing his fellow Married At First Sight contestants, including Troy Delmege and Telv Williams. He has also lashed out at Tracey on Instagram, joining the long line of former MAFS stars to air their dirty laundry in public. DEAN WELLS Controversial: Dean Wells has capitalised on his 'super villain' portrayal by hosting 'Boys' Nights' at suburban nightclubs in locations such as Narre Warren, Melbourne Dean Wells was dubbed the 'super villain' of Married At First Sight after he 'cheated' on TV wife Tracey with Davina. And he capitalised on his portrayal by hosting 'Boys' Nights' at suburban nightclubs in locations such as Narre Warren, Melbourne. Hopefully the public appearances keep coming, as it was previously reported that Dean's career as a creative director suffered as a result of MAFS. RYAN, ASHLEY and JO Cashing in: Ryan Gallagher launched a stand-up comedy career after Married At First Sight Ryan Gallagher launched a stand-up comedy career after Married At First Sight. However, unlike some of his co-stars, the tradie has steadfastly refused to get involved in public feuds or staged paparazzi photos. Meanwhile, Ashley Irvin has publicly expressed interest in taking part in a Married At First Sight spin-off series. Jo McPharlin, who failed to find romance with Sean Donnelly, also previously said she would sign up for an 'all-stars' season. Evangeline Lilly caused quite a buzz in her puff-sleeved mini-dress as she attended a Taipei press event on Tuesday for her film The Ant-Man and the Wasp alongside co-star Paul Rudd. It was the Canadian 38-year-old's first time visiting the Chinese state of Taiwan and she looked leggy in a $1,738 chalk-print Toni Maticevski SS/18 'Circumstance' frock selected by 'Image Architect' Law Roach. As for Evangeline's wisecracking castmate, the stubbly SAG Award nominee easily defied his 49 years in a grey suit over a maroon polo shirt. Scroll down for video Teamed up: Evangeline Lilly caused quite a buzz in her puff-sleeved mini-dress as she attended a Taipei press event on Tuesday for The Ant-Man and the Wasp alongside co-star Paul Rudd During the press conference, the Golden Globe nominee discussed how much she loved wearing her character Hope van Dyne's neoprene battlesuit (armed with blasters and wings). 'I believe my suit is the most comfortable of the [Marvel Comic Universe],' Lilly explained - according to NDTV. 'I don't know if it was just because I liked it so much, and I felt so cool in it and I really wanted to wear it. I slept in it, I ate in it, I bathed in it, I never took it off ever. I'm very method.' The Lost alum continued: 'The only thing that was a bummer wearing the suit was I like to eat, and I like to eat in large quantities, and I'm in a very tight suit where I can barely breathe let alone eat. So I had to eat in tiny quantities all day, so that was irritating. I ate little bits of bee pollen all day and that's all I can eat.' Sexy stilettos: It was the Canadian 38-year-old's first time visiting the Chinese state of Taiwan and she looked leggy in a $1,738 chalk-print Toni Maticevski SS/18 'Circumstance' frock selected by 'Image Architect' Law Roach Evergreen: As for Evangeline's wisecracking castmate, the stubbly SAG Award nominee easily defied his 49 years in a grey suit over a maroon polo shirt 'It's the most comfortable of the MCU!' During the press conference, the Golden Globe nominee discussed how much she loved wearing her character Hope van Dyne's neoprene battlesuit (armed with blasters and wings) Lilly explained: 'I felt so cool in it and I really wanted to wear it. I slept in it, I ate in it, I bathed in it, I never took it off ever. I'm very method' The Lost alum continued: 'The only thing that was a bummer wearing the suit was I like to eat, and I like to eat in large quantities, and I'm in a very tight suit where I can barely breathe let alone eat. So I had to eat in tiny quantities all day, so that was irritating. I ate little bits of bee pollen all day and that's all I can eat' Incredible shrinking duo: The mother-of-two and the married father-of-two both proudly posed with the action figures of The Wasp and his fugitive character Scott Lang/Ant-Man Tasty? Bizarrely, Evangeline and Paul even gave the plastic action figures a taste while addressing the communist country audience The mother-of-two and the married father-of-two both proudly posed with the action figures of The Wasp and his fugitive character Scott Lang/Ant-Man. Bizarrely, Evangeline and Paul even gave the plastic action figures a taste while addressing the communist country audience. On Wednesday, the talented twosome glammed up in a suit and green gown for the official Taiwanese premiere of their action-packed flick. Make-up artist Hilsey Cook applied Lilly's faux freckles and kohl-rimmed eyes for the red carpet festivities. Posing with fans: On Wednesday, the talented twosome glammed up in a suit and green gown for the official Taiwanese premiere of their action-packed flick Sunkissed effect: Make-up artist Hilsey Cook applied Lilly's faux freckles and kohl-rimmed eyes for the red carpet festivities Faux bob: Hairstylist Renato Campora coiffed the Little Evil actress' long brunette tresses into a bottom braid And hairstylist Renato Campora coiffed the Little Evil actress' long brunette tresses into a faux bob fastened with a bottom braid. The Ant-Man and the Wasp - hitting US theaters July 6 and UK theaters August 3 - is chronologically set between Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War. The former Royal Airlines flight attendant makes history as the first female superhero to appear in the title of a MCU film. 'It means a lot to me,' Evangeline told EW back on April 19. Dynamic duo! The Ant-Man and the Wasp - hitting US theaters July 6 and UK theaters August 3 - is chronologically set between Captain America: Civil War and Avengers: Infinity War 'I feel a lot of pressure': The former Royal Airlines flight attendant makes history as the first female superhero to appear in the title of a Marvel Comic Universe film The original Wasp: Hope is now 'hell-bent on finding a way to get into the Quantum Realm and bring back [her long-lost mother Janet]' played by Oscar nominee Michelle Pfeiffer 'If I'm honest with myself, I feel a lot of pressure to make sure that it is everything that the world wants it to be.' Hope is now 'hell-bent on finding a way to get into the Quantum Realm and bring back [her long-lost mother Janet]' played by Oscar nominee Michelle Pfeiffer. Director Peyton Reed's superhero sequel also stars Michael Douglas, Hannah John-Kamen, Laurence Fishburne, Michael Pena, Walton Goggins, Bobby Cannavale, Judy Greer, Randall Park, and Tip 'T.I.' Harris. Visitors to the Disneyland theme park in Anaheim from now through July 15 will be able to catch an advance look at 'scenes from Ant-Man and The Wasp' at the Tomorrowland Theater - according to Disney's blog. She announced less than a year ago that she had welcomed twins Sir and Rumi into the family. And Beyonce made her one-year-old little ones the center of attention as she wished them a happy birthday while performing in Manchester, England on Wednesday. 'Happy birthday to Sir and Rumi. We love you!' the proud mom, 36, gushed to her fans, who went wild following her touching shout-out. Scroll down for video 'Happy birthday to Sir and Rumi!' Beyonce gushed about her one-year-old twins as she wished them a happy birthday while performing in Manchester, UK on Wednesday (pictured in Glasgow on June 9) Beyonce and her husband Jay-Z became parents of three after welcoming Sir and Rumi exactly one year ago. She announced the birth of her children a month later. The couple also have six-year-old daughter Blue Ivy. The theme of their world tour On The Run II a follow up from their original joint run in 2014 was 'This Is Real Love', an assured declaration that their marriage is now on solid ground. 'We love you!' The songstress was serenading to the crowd before she wished her little ones a special day So sweet: The star's adoring fans went wild after she gave a shout-out to her little ones Proud mom: Beyonce and her husband Jay-Z became parents of three after welcoming Sir and Rumi exactly one year ago Their relationship had weathered rough waters, inevitably in full view of the world and summarized in their music. During the opening show of the On The Run II tour, the couple - who celebrated their 10th anniversary in April - appeared to reveal that they recently renewed their wedding vows. Video footage broadcast during the concert at the Principality Stadium in Cardiff showed the pair dressed in white apparently exchanging vows and it certainly wasn't from their ultra-private 2008 ceremony. Hidden among the montage was a clip of the intimate setting, attended by twins Rumi and Sir, as well as older sister Blue Ivy. They married 10 years ago at Jay-Z's 13,500-sq.-ft. Manhattan penthouse. It was reportedly decorated with 70,000 Dendrobium orchids flown in from Thailand. Tara Pavlovic has denied rumours of a split with Sam Cochrane, after her fans noticed they had unfollowed each other Instagram. The reality TV lovebirds got engaged last year in the Bachelor In Paradise finale. But in the last few days, it was observed that Tara, 28, and Sam, 31, were no longer following each other on social media. Scroll down for video 'Woke up this morning to reports we're over': Tara Pavlovic has responded to rumours of a split with Sam Cochrane, insisting on Thursday they are still very much together 'I think they've broken up - they've unfollowed each other on Instagram,' somebody commented below one of Tara's recent photos. It didn't take long for the Bachelor fan community to go into a meltdown. Some of the comments included: 'Wait WHAT?', 'My world has literally just fallen apart' and 'Please tell me it's not true'. Is it really over? In the last few days, it was observed by several eagle-eyed fans that Tara (pictured on The Bachelor 2017) and Sam were no longer following each other on Instagram 'I really hope Tara and Sam are together': It appears that the couple re-followed each other after fans began asking questions (pictured) about their relationship status But on Thursday, Tara took to Instagram to deny rumours of trouble in paradise. She captioned a photo of the couple in bed together: 'Woke up this morning to reports Sam and I are over. 'But I woke up next to him... weird. Don't worry peeps, stop stressing. We're all good.' 'We're all good': On Thursday, Tara took to Instagram to deny rumours of trouble in paradise Tara and Sam became engaged during the Bachelor in Paradise finale, which was filmed in Fiji last year and aired in late April. Sam proposed with a GS Diamonds ring believed to be worth $11,000. 'I want to spend the rest of my life with you,' he said before presenting the magnificent sparkler and asking: 'Will you marry me?' Oliver Curtis and Roxy Jacenko are already proud parents to two young children. But the former investment banker has told Daily Mail Australia that he and his PR queen wife hope to expand their family even further. 'We'd love more kids!' 32-year-old Oliver revealed after Roxy's In Conversation seminar in Sydney on Wednesday night. 'We'd love to!' Speaking with Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday, Oliver Curtis revealed he wants MORE children with his PR queen wife Roxy Jacenko (pictured with the couple's two children Pixie, six, and Hunter, four) 'I think we'd love more kids. But I think with Roxy's treatment (for cancer) it makes that harder. If it happens, it happens,' Oliver stated. Roxy was diagnosed with breast cancer in 2016, and subsequently received treatment for the disease. The couple already share two children - six-year-old daughter, Pixie, and four-year-old son, Hunter. Baby on the way? The couple already share two children - six-year-old daughter, Pixie, and four-year-old son, Hunter 'We love our kids,' Oliver gushed to Daily Mail Australia. The Sydney-based businessman has been spending as much time as possible with his two children following his release from prison last June. He served a twelve-month sentence after being found guilty for insider trading. 'We love our kids': Oliver has been spending as much time as possible with his two children following his release from prison last June In the year since, Oliver's relationship with wife Roxy has also been going from strength-to-strength. The couple married in 2012, but the former banker proposed again last July after leaving jail. However it remains unclear whether the pair will hold another lavish wedding, with Oliver continuing to keep coy during his interview with Daily Mail Australia. 'You'll have to wait and see,' he teased. 'You'll have to wait and see': Oliver was keeping coy about a second wedding with Roxy So sweet: The loved-up couple shared a moment at Roxy's wildly successful In Conversation With Roxy Jacenko seminar in Sydney on Wednesday night Pretty in pink! The blonde bombshell wore a stunning pink Valentino dress at the event In 1996, his debut album Reasonable Doubt made him famous. But now, Jay-Z, 48, is being sued by Raynard Herbert who claims he helped land the rapper a distribution deal for the album in return for one percent of royalties. TMZ is reporting that Herbert has filed suit in New York claiming he hasn't been paid in 10 years and seeking what he's owed with interest and damages. Legal woes: Jay-Z is being sued in New York by Raynard Herbert who claims he hasn't been paid royalties owed to him by the rapper for 10 years In the lawsuit, he says he used his connections to get the deal for Roc-A-Fella as well as helping to master the album. But after getting regular payments from 1998 to 2008, he didn't receive any more during the past decade. Herbert also says he reached out to Jay-Z's team in 2010 to ask about the royalty payments but didn't hear anything back. Roc-A-Fella, Roc Nation, Damon Dash and Kareem Burke are also named in the legal filing. Herbert says he helped land a distribution deal for Jay-Z's 1996 debut album Reasonable Doubt in return for one percent of royalties. He's seeking what he's owed plus interest and damages Meanwhile, Jay-Z is currently on tour in the UK with wife Beyonce. On Wednesday, the A-list couple were seen arriving in separate helicopters in Manchester, England, for their concert at the city's The Etihad Stadium. Their On The Run II tour will go on to travel through The Netherlands, Denmark, Sweden, Germany, Poland, Italy, Spain and France, before returning to the US and Canada from July to October. Four months after suffering a heart attack, Kevin Smith has revealed he's lost 43 pounds. The star said he has just seven pounds to go to reach the goal of shedding the 50 pounds his doctor advised him to in the wake of the health crisis. 'Today, I am down a total of 43 pounds!' the 47-year-old filmmaker said in an Instagram post. 'While I may look a little better, I FEEL f***ing fantastic! Itll take a few weeks, but Im ready to lose that final 7 pounds!' Scroll below for video Moving forward: Kevin Smith, 47, said on Instagram Wednesday that he's lost 43 pounds in the four months since he had a heart attack The New Jersey native had much gratitude for those who have helped him along his weight loss journey, including comic Penn Jillette, scientist/author Ray Cronise and the company Weight Watchers. 'I wanna thank #pennjillette (the taller half of @pennandtellerlive) for his book #presto, @raycronise for the all-potato kick-start to my journey, and @weightwatchers for making it easy to lose some more while maintaining the weight loss!' he said. The director, whose career breakout in the 1990s came with films like Dogma, Chasing Amy and Mallrats, said he's 'now at the absolute adult thinnest [he's] been since [he] finished high school! And when I hit my goal, Ill let you know where I started.' Smith in February said via Twitter he 'had a massive heart attack' after the first of two slated comedy sets in Glendale, California, adding a shot of himself in a hospital. Helping hands: Smith, seen earlier this week in his Silent Bob getup, thanked comic Penn Jillette, scientist/author Ray Cronise and the company Weight Watchers for their help Health crisis: Smith in February said via Twitter he 'had a massive heart attack' after the first of two slated comedy sets in Glendale, California He added: 'The Doctor who saved my life told me I had 100% blockage of my LAD artery (aka 'the Widow-Maker'). If I hadnt canceled show 2 to go to the hospital, I wouldve died tonight. But for now, Im still above ground! In a subsequent Facebook post, Smith, who also lost 85 pounds three years back, opened up on the symptoms that preceded the heart attack. He said: 'I was trying to do a killer stand-up special this evening but I mightve gone too far. 'After the first show, I felt kinda nauseous. I threw up a little but it didnt seem to help. Then I started sweating buckets and my chest felt heavy. Turns out I had a massive heart attack.' She was forced to deny split rumours with fiance Sam Cochrane earlier in the day. And on Thursday, Bachelor In Paradise star Tara Pavlovic appeared in high spirits while out and about on the Gold Coast after getting her hair done. The 28-year-old blonde beauty flashed a smile as she flaunted her curves in tight jeans and a backless singlet during the outing. Scroll down for video In need of some R&R? Bachelor in Paradise's Tara Pavlovic flashes a smile after getting her hair done... after denying split from fiance Sam Cochrane Tara also flashed her black bra in her white top, which she teamed with high-waisted black trousers. She wore a dusting of light makeup and had just had her shorter locks straightened. The reality TV star was spotted hopping into her car as she talked on her mobile phone, flashing the peace sign to indicate that everything was alright. Carefree! The reality TV star was spotted hopping into car as she talked on her phone, flashing the peace sign Casual: Tara flashed her black bra in her white top, which she teamed with high-waisted black jeans Inside the salon, Tara shared pictures of herself getting the chop, writing on her Instagram story that she loves her 'fresh lob (long bob).' She also added that she was 'freshening up dat (sic) blonde.' Earlier that day, Tara hit back at rumours that she and fiance Sam Cochrane had split, sharing a picture of the pair cuddling in bed to her Instagram story. Fresh hair: Inside the salon, Tara shared pictures of herself getting the chop, writing on her Instagram story that she loves her 'fresh lob (long bob)' 'Weird': Tara hit back at rumours that she and fiance Sam Cochrane had split, sharing a picture of the pair cuddling in bed to her Instagram story 'Woke up this morning to reports Sam and I are over,' she wrote over the image, in which she was seen flashing her diamond engagement ring. 'But I woke up next to him... weird.' She added: 'Don't worry peeps, stop stressing, we're all G (good).' It comes after fans observed that Tara and Sam, 31, were no longer following each other on Instagram. 'I think they've broken up - they've unfollowed each other on Instagram,' somebody commented below one of Tara's recent photos. Strange: It comes after fans observed that Tara and Sam, 31, were no longer following each other on Instagram Heading down the aisle: Tara and Sam became engaged during the Bachelor in Paradise finale, which was filmed in Fiji last year and aired in late April Some of the comments included: 'Wait WHAT?', 'My world has literally just fallen apart' and 'Please tell me it's not true'. Tara and Sam became engaged during the Bachelor in Paradise finale, which was filmed in Fiji last year and aired in late April. Sam proposed with a GS Diamonds ring believed to be worth $11,000. 'I want to spend the rest of my life with you,' he said before presenting the magnificent sparkler and asking: 'Will you marry me?' Farrah Abraham was in good spirits on Wednesday evening after her arrest in Beverly Hills, California, where she was accused of striking a Beverly Hills Hotel security guard, then caught on camera cursing at police officers who reported to the luxury hotel over the incident. 'Thank you for all the love and support - life is good,' the 27-year-old reality star said on Snapchat, after she posted $500 bail to get out of jail. 'Its hard choosing this life and all these power trips.' The Teen Mom personality, according to authorities with the Beverly Hills Police Department, was told to exit the premises by the guard at about 1 a.m. Wednesday after she allegedly created a disturbance inside the hotel, yelling at other guests. Scroll below for video A-OK: Farrah Abraham, 27, was in good spirits on Wednesday evening after her arrest in Beverly Hills, California in connection with suspicion of misdemeanor battery and trespassing The guard told police he suffered minor injuries after she threw her forearm in his face and grabbed at his ear in the incident. Abraham was subsequently taken into custody in connection with suspicion of misdemeanor battery and trespassing, said police, who said she appeared to be under the influence of alcohol at the time she was arrested. She was seen in a video posted to TMZ repeatedly telling authorities, 'Go f**k yourself' as they investigated the incident. The Council Bluffs, Iowa native, who has a nine-year-old daughter named Sophia, later took to Instagram with a screen-grab of one of TMZ's stories about the arrest, saying she received 'no charges & no jail time' while blaming the incident on others looking to feed off of her fame. Price of fame: Farrah said 'its hard choosing this life,' adding that people have 'power trips' Unhappy customer: she felt 'unsafe' and 'targeted' at the luxe establishment 'I chose this life and I handle being targeted as a public figure & public punching bag,' she wrote. 'I will never believe the lies that people need to sell to make a dollar off me.' The My Teenage Dream Ended author said that she was happy the incident was 'all recorded and documented,' adding that she felt 'unsafe' and 'targeted' at the luxe establishment. 'The Beverly Hills hotel truly allowed misconduct by staff to a paying guest theres no need for me or anyone else to be treated this way,' said the MTV personality. Headed out: Farrah was snapped leaving the Beverly Hills police department after posting $500 bail in the incident She also called out the local authorities over the arrest and offered her advice as to where they should direct their energies, accusing police officers of selling stories to the media. 'Focus on really protecting the public and doing good for Beverly Hills instead of creating made up problems,' she said. Abraham's due in court over the incident August 13, and has not been charged, the Los Angeles District Attorneys Office told People. Melissa McCarthy, Elisabeth Moss, and Tiffany Haddish did a night shoot Wednesday in Manhattan's East Village neighborhood on the set of Warner Bros. Pictures' The Kitchen. According to THR, the talented trio play the wives of Irish mobsters who end up take over the business after the FBI does a sweep of the mafia back in the seventies. 47-year-old Melissa donned a curly wig and blue trench coat to better embody the unnamed adoring mother, who leads the women's charge to take over the business. Scroll down for video Action! Melissa McCarthy (M), Elisabeth Moss (R), and Tiffany Haddish (L) did a night shoot Wednesday in Manhattan's East Village neighborhood on the set of Warner Bros' The Kitchen 35-year-old Elisabeth sported a fake bruise on her chin to better portray Claire Walsh, a timid wife of abusive husband Rob (Jeremy Bobb) who falls in love with violence. Having starred in AMC's Mad Men, the two-time Golden Globe winner easily blended into the retro era with her green-patterned dress and newly red hair courtesy of Serge Normant stylists on Sunday. 38-year-old Tiffany was her usually animated self in a red paisley-print dress, brown leather jacket, and bandanna while in character as the murderous Ruby O'Carroll. The Girls Trip scene stealer will next host the MTV Movie & TV Awards - airing Monday - which take place at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica. Plotting: The talented trio play the wives of Irish mobsters who end up take over the business after the FBI does a sweep of the mafia back in the seventies SNL standout: 47-year-old Melissa donned a curly wig and blue trench coat to better embody the unnamed adoring mother, who leads the women's charge to take over the business Ouch! 35-year-old Elisabeth sported a fake bruise on her chin to better portray Claire Walsh, a timid wife of an abusive husband Rob (Jeremy Bobb) who falls in love with violence Mad Men alum: The two-time Golden Globe winner easily blended into the retro era with her green-patterned dress and newly red hair courtesy of Serge Normant stylists on Sunday Pulling a face: 38-year-old Tiffany was her usually animated self in a red paisley-print dress, brown leather jacket, and bandanna while in character as the murderous Ruby O'Carroll You ready? The Girls Trip scene stealer will next host the MTV Movie & TV Awards - airing Monday - which take place at the Barker Hangar in Santa Monica Bonding: In between takes, Tiffany could be seen supportively using a portable fan to cool her onscreen husband Kevin (James Badge Dale), who was still wearing one of his handcuffs In between takes, Tiffany could be seen supportively using a portable fan to cool her onscreen husband Kevin (James Badge Dale), who was still wearing one of his handcuffs. Earlier that same day, Haddish, McCarthy, and Moss were spotted strutting down a bustling New York street together with their scripts on location. The Oscar nominee - who has two daughters with with husband Ben Falcone - sported an 'Angel' sweatshirt featuring a painted kitten with patchy jeans and pink high-top sneakers. Big Apple: Earlier that same day, Haddish, McCarthy, and Moss were spotted strutting down a bustling New York street together with their scripts on location Has two daughters with with husband Ben Falcone: The Oscar nominee sported an 'Angel' sweatshirt featuring a painted kitten with patchy jeans and pink high-top sneakers Hard at work: The Life of the Party funnywoman could be seen touching one of the vintage NYPD wagons while mapping out her day of shooting LA native: The Handmaid's Tale actress looked comfy in her flip-flops, black sweats, T-shirt, and Army-green jacket while learning lines. LA native: And the Last O.G. stunner sported a black and yellow Louis Stewart tracksuit and partially-laced Converse high-top sneakers for the street rehearsal The Life of the Party funnywoman could be seen touching one of the vintage NYPD wagons while mapping out her day of shooting. The Handmaid's Tale actress looked comfy in her flip-flops, black sweats, T-shirt, and Army-green jacket while learning lines. And the Last O.G. stunner sported a black and yellow Louis Stewart tracksuit and partially-laced Converse high-top sneakers for the street rehearsal. 'Working this block again': Production runs until early July on The Kitchen and the crew managed to transform the LaMaMa theatre into a seventies-era police precinct in Hell's Kitchen on Wednesday 'Rolling!' Sleepless screenwriter Andrea Berloff makes her directorial debut for the adaptation of the DC/Vertigo female-fronted crime comic book series of the same name from Ollie Masters and Ming Doyle (pictured May 10) 'Work': Myk Watford, Common, Margo Martindale, and Domhnall Gleeson will also be featured in The Kitchen, which doesn't hit US theaters until September 20, 2019 (pictured May 17) Production runs until early July on The Kitchen and the crew managed to transform the LaMaMa theatre into a seventies-era police precinct in Hell's Kitchen on Wednesday. Sleepless screenwriter Andrea Berloff makes her directorial debut for the adaptation of the DC/Vertigo female-fronted crime comic book series of the same name from Ollie Masters and Ming Doyle. Myk Watford, Common, Margo Martindale, and Domhnall Gleeson will also be featured in The Kitchen, which doesn't hit US theaters until September 20, 2019. She rose to fame after debuting as Karl Kennedy's saucy mistress Sarah Beaumont on Neighbours. And Nicola Charles hinted at a possible return to the soap in an exclusive chat with Daily Mail Australia on Wednesday. The 48-year-old revealed that she has been in talks with producer Jason Herbison, saying 'it would be marvelous' to reprise the role. EXCLUSIVE: 'It would be marvelous': Nicola Charles, 48, hinted at reprising her role on Neighbours, after rising to fame as Karl Kennedy's saucy mistress Sarah Beaumont Reflecting on her decision to leave Neighbours in 1999, Nicola told Daily Mail Australia: 'I feel bad for the decision I made a long time ago to leave and for the character.' The British-born actress continued: 'I believed [at the time] that I was leaving for all the right reasons.' Since leaving the show, Nicola set up her own business, filmed a few TV commercials and just recently began writing a fiction book based on 'a woman who ends up living with a man who's addicted to online pornography.' Set to return? Nicola told Daily Mail Australia that acting is her true passion, and hopes the door is always open for a return to Neighbours 'I moved back here [Australia] in 2012 from Los Angeles with the premise of going back on the show, and I did go back on from 2012 to 2013, and then again in 2016, but it wasn't full-time,' Nicola said of making brief returns to the soap. The proud mother told Daily Mail Australia that she's in talks with the executive producer of Neighbours for a possible return. 'I've had a conversation with Jason [Herbison], and I'm going to meet him for coffee to discuss what's happening. I think it would be marvelous, I'd love to go back.' Beginnings: Nicola debuted on Neighbours in 1995, playing the role of Sarah Beaumont, Karl Kennedy's secretary at his surgery Nicola debuted on Neighbours in 1995, playing the role of Sarah Beaumont, Karl Kennedy's secretary at his surgery. Her character ended up having an affair with Alan Fletcher's character Karl, and was the source of tension in his marriage with Susan Kennedy, played by Jackie Woodburne. Sarah later revealed she got cancer and moved to Germany for chemotherapy at a state-of-the-art research centre. She welcomed her first child, Eliza Emily, into the world with her fiance Sean Ogilvy last week. And Erin Molan looked every inch the doting mother as she was pictured with her bundle of joy for the first time since the joyous arrival. The Footy Show presenter, 35, dressed in casual layers as she tenderly cradled baby Emily in her arms while leaving the Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick, Sydney, on Monday. Scroll down for video Sweet! Erin Molan looks every inch the doting mother as she's pictured with her newborn daughter Eliza Emily for the first time while leaving the hospital in Sydney on Monday The Channel Nine presenter looked relaxed in a simple loose black sweater and jogging bottoms. Sweeping her golden tresses back in a simple topknot, the Canberra-born beauty appeared to go make-up free. She looked like she was settling well into her new role as mother as she tenderly carried Eliza. Doting mum: The Footy Show presenter, 35, dressed in casual layers as she tenderly cradled baby Emily in her arms while leaving the Prince of Wales Hospital in Randwick, Sydney, on Monday Natural beauty: Sweeping her golden tresses back in a simple topknot, the Canberra-born beauty appeared to go make-up free Erin and her fiance Sean's bundle of joy is said to be happy and healthy following last week's birth. 'Everyone at Nine is so happy for Erin and Sean and the safe arrival of beautiful Eliza,' Erin's spokesperson told Nine. While it's been confirmed Erin and her newborn are in good form, the Nine journalist had a few hiccups throughout her pregnancy. Setbacks: While it's been confirmed Erin and her newborn are in good form, the Nine journalist had a few hiccups throughout her pregnancy She suffered two shocking falls within three months, as well as battling 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. Despite being married for twenty years, Cate Blanchett and husband Andrew Upton prefer to keep their marriage out of the spotlight. But the long-term lovers made a rare public appearance together at the UK premiere of Ocean's 8 on Wednesday. Looking the picture of perfection, Cate, 49, beamed as she walked the red carpet with her armed curled across Andrew's shoulder. Red carpet romance! On Thursday, Cate Blanchett and husband Andrew Upton made a rare public appearance together at the UK premiere of Ocean's 8 in London Happy together: The pair were joined by their 10-year-old son, Ignatius, who looked the spitting image of his Dad in a dapper navy suit The pair were joined by their 10-year-old son, Ignatius, who looked the spitting image of his Dad in a dapper navy suit. Oscar-winning Cate looked edgy in a grey feathered top paired with elegant black cigarette trousers. She added extra height to her look with black stilettos. Rare public appearance: Andrew and Cate celebrated their twentieth anniversary last December Andrew, meanwhile, opted for a light grey suit teamed with a patterned tie. The esteemed playwright, aged 52, also sported stylised stubble as he cosied up to Cate on the red carpet. Andrew and Cate celebrated their twentieth anniversary last December. Private parents: In addition to young Ignatius, the couple are also proud parents to Dashiell, 16, Roman 14, and Edith, four Britain-based: Andrew and Cate relocated with their family to an estate in East Sussex, England in 2016 In addition to young Ignatius, the couple are also proud parents to Dashiell, 16, Roman 14, and Edith, four. Both hail from Australia, and lived for many years in a mansion on Sydney's affluent suburb of Hunters Hill. They relocated with their family to an estate in East Sussex, England in 2016 . She tends to keep her relationship out of the spotlight. Yet Sandra Bullock was seen looking smitten with her boyfriend Bryan Randall as she cosied up to the hunk while leaving the Ocean's 8 premiere in London on Wednesday. Arm in arm, the pair made for a stunning couple on the outing, attracting the attention of one bystander, who put on a very animated display in front of them. Cute couple: Sandra Bullock was seen looking smitten with her boyfriend Bryan Randall as she cosied up to the hunk while leaving the Ocean's 8 premiere in London on Wednesday Sandra looked sensational in the glittering jumpsuit she had worn to the premiere, adding a pair of novelty cat ears to her look. Photographer Bryan looked dapper as he teamed a sharp grey suit with an unbuttoned white shirt on the outing. The pair live together in Los Angeles along with Sandra's adopted children Laila and Louis, and are believed to have met when Sandra hired the hunk to snap pictures at Louis' birthday party in 2015. Jump to it: Arm in arm, the pair made for a stunning couple on the outing, attracting the attention of one bystander, who put on a very animated display in front of them Meow: Sandra looked sensational in the glittering jumpsuit she had worn to the premiere, adding a pair of novelty cat ears to her look Earlier in the night, Sandra dressed to impress for the star-studded London premiere of Ocean's 8 in Leicester Square. The actress had arrived on the arm of her boyfriend Bryan for the event, but soon posed up a storm with her all-female co-stars. The brunette beauty chose a glittery sequinned look for the night's event, with Sandra teasing her assets in a plunging multi-coloured culotte jumpsuit. Leading lady: Earlier in the night Sandra dressed to impress for the star-studded London premiere of the anticipated movie in Leicester Square Sandra - who plays the titular Debbie Ocean in the film - rocked her jazzy number, which featured stripped and zig-zagged blocks in ruby, jade green, white and black. The outfit was nipped at the waist with a sash and fell into above-the-ankle bottoms, showing off the Speed actress' black strap heels. She added even more bling to her look in the form of statement 18-karat blackened gold and ruby earrings from Lorraine Schwartz. Strike a pose: Sandra looked incredible in her sequined jumpsuit with a very daring neckline, which she accessorized with ruby earrings from Lorraine Schwartz Her plus one: The actress left her hotel on the arm of her boyfriend Bryan Randall Girl power: Sandra posed with her A-list co-stars (L-R) Helena Bonham Carter, Sarah Paulson and Mindy Kayling She wore her chestnut locks in light waves, loosely around her plunging neckline, which teased her bust in the chic number. Sandra arrived on the arm of her silver fox boyfriend, photographer and model Bryan Randall, whom she has been seeing since 2015. He looked smart in a grey suit and black loafers, keeping it casual with an open-collar look and round shades. Colour pop: The brunette beauty chose a glittery sequinned look for the night's event, with Sandra teasing her assets in a plunging multi-coloured culotte jumpsuit Good looking pair: Sandra arrived on the arm of her silver fox boyfriend Bryan, whom she has been seeing since 2015. He looked smart in a grey suit and black loafers Ready for her entrance: He looked smart in a grey suit, keeping it casual with an open-collar look and round shades Leading the crowd: Ocean's 8 all-star female line-up sees Debbie - the estranged sister of Danny Ocean - attempt to pull of a $150 million heist at the Met Gala All-star cast: Helena Bonham Carter appears as Rose Weil, a fashion designer, in the summer blockbuster Ocean's 8 all-star female line-up sees Debbie - the estranged sister of Danny Ocean - attempt to pull of a $150 million heist at the Met Gala. Sarah Paulson plays Tammy, a suburban mum and Debbie's former partner-in-crime, while Mindy Kaling is along for the ride as Amita, a jewelry maker, while Rihanna is Nine Ball, a tech genius. Helena Bonham Carter appears as Rose Weil, a fashion designer, in the summer blockbuster. On the other side is Anne Hathaway playing Daphne Kluger, a celebrity and the target of the heist, whose assistant is James Corden (as John Frazier). It will also see cameos from Anna Wintour, Zayn Malik, Katie Homes, Serena Williams, Kim Kardashian, Kendall Jenner, and Kylie Jenner. Playful: Sandra and Sarah had a fun moment together as they hit the latest premiere of their movie A-list has arrived: The crowds turned out for the hugely anticipated premiere He has been enjoying his week-long honeymoon with his bride Anna Heinrich in Turkey. But Tim Robards left his ladylove behind on the island for five hours when he hired a van for a road trip with his groomsman Dean Stannard on Thursday. The Bachelor hunk, 35, displayed his muscle-bound physique when he went shirtless for the ride, sat beside his pal. Going out! Tim Robards displayed his shirtless physique as he hit the road with model pal during Turkey honeymoon with his bride Anna Heinrich on Thursday 'Hire a van for the roadtrip they said... it will be fun they said...... No radio... no probs... when groomsman @dean.stannard has the voice of an angel,' he wrote in the caption. 'The next 5 hrs should be bliss... #whoneedsaniPod #goingtopickupsomeflowers #girlslikeflowers.' (sic) New groom Tim hit the road with his model pal after the group enjoyed a sun-drenched day of rowing. Life in the fast lane! The Bachelor hunk, 35, displayed his muscle-bound physique when he went shirtless for the ride, sat beside his pal Out and about: New groom Tim hit the road with his model pal after the group enjoyed a sun-drenched day of rowing The lovebirds wanted to share their wedding bliss with pals as they invited their friends along to their honeymoon for a sensational yacht party. Tim whisked Anna away to Turkey for their glorious honeymoon following their lavish wedding ceremony in Italy. The Tim and Anna love story goes back to 2013 when they fell for each other on the original series of The Bachelor years ago. Yacht a life! The lovebirds wanted to share their wedding bliss with pals as they invited their friends along to their honeymoon for a sensational yacht party 'They crashed our honeymoon': Tim whisked Anna away to Turkey for their glorious getaway following their lavish wedding ceremony in Italy Anna fought off the tough competition of 24 other single ladies, including new Bachelorette Ali Oetjen, to win his affections. The couple's romance has strengthened over the years, with the pair moving in together in mid-2014 and now they are currently living in Bondi. Tim popped the question with a diamond ring thought to cost $173,000 during a romantic getaway in Kimberley, WA in May last year. She's a keeper! Anna fought off the tough competition of 24 other single ladies, including new Bachelorette Ali Oetjen, to win his affections Elvis Presley's legendary drummer DJ Fontana has passed away at the age of 87. The talented musician, who was Elvis' last remaining band member, died peacefully in his sleep on Wednesday. The drummer, real name Dominic Joseph Fontana, played on a number of Elvis' iconic hits from 1954 to 1968, including Jailhouse Rock and Heartbreak Hotel, and was instrumental in his global success. Sad news: Elvis Presley's legendary drummer DJ Fontana has passed away at the age of 87 Fontana's son David made the devastating announcement in an emotional Facebook post. He revealed: 'I told everyone that I would keep you posted. My Dad passed away in his sleep at 9:33 tonight. 'He was very comfortable with no pain. I will post more tomorrow when I have more information. We ask for privacy at this time. Thank you for your love and prayers.' DJ Fontana began his career alongside Elvis, who died in 1977, at Sun Studios in Memphis, Tennessee. Talented: The drummer, real name Dominic Joseph Fontana (R), played on a number of Elvis' iconic hits including Jailhouse Rock and Heartbreak Hotel and was instrumental in his global success - Pictured 1968 'He passed away in his sleep': Fontana's son David made the devastating announcement in an emotional Facebook post The iconic studio also took to Facebook to offer their condolences: 'We are extremely saddened to hear about the passing of legendary drummer D.J. Fontana. The band is all back together now.' Born in 1931 in Shreveport, Louisiana, Dominic's knack for drumming bagged him a spot as Elvis' drummer in 1954. As well as some of Presley's iconic tunes, Fontana also made a slew of appearances on the Ed Sullivan show with The King. Originally calling themselves The Blue Moon Boys, the rest of the band consisted of Bill Black on bass and Scotty Moore on lead guitar. History: Dominic's knack for drumming bagged him a spot as Elvis' drummer in 1954 Praised: Fontana was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in 2009. Later that year he was entered into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the sideman category The band parted ways in 1958, but Elvis and Fontana continued working together until the late 60s. Speaking of their collaborative music in the 1996 book Go Cat Go! by Craig Morrison, Fontana stated: 'I learned the value of simplicity at the Hayride. I heard Scotty and Bill and Elvis one night and knew that I couldn't mess up that sound. 'That's why I always play what I feel. If that won't work, I just won't do it again. I think the simple approach comes from my hearing so much big band music. I mixed it with rockabilly.' Commended for his talent and efforts in the music business, Fontana was inducted into the Rockabilly Hall of Fame in 2009. Later that year he was entered into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in the sideman category. Speaking in 1996 about his time in the band, Fontana revealed: 'I heard Scotty and Bill and Elvis one night and knew that I couldn't mess up that sound. I mixed it with rockabilly' She has just returned from a sun-soaked week in Mallorca with her little girl and mother Gilly. But Ferne McCann showed no signs of the holiday blues on Thursday, as she ran errands in her native Essex with her baby daughter Sunday. The former TOWIE star, 27, displayed her envy-inducing figure in a chic teal co-ord as she stepped out in Brentwood, with her tot cradled in her arms. Dynamic duo: Ferne McCann showed no signs of the holiday blues on Thursday, as she ran errands in her native Essex with her baby daughter Sunday Ferne showed off her impressively gym-honed frame in the matching bralet and trousers, just seven months after giving birth. The top cut off just below her bust while the flares cinched in at her slim waist, to draw attention to her enviably flat and toned stomach as she headed out. Only making the look more stylish, Ferne then layered a co-ordinating ribbed cardigan on top, which extended all the way to the floor and billowed dramatically as she walked. Stunning: The former TOWIE star, 27, displayed her envy-inducing figure in a chic teal co-ord as she stepped out in Brentwood, with her tot cradled in her arms Adding height to her frame with silver wedges and accessorising with retro round sunglasses, the TV personality was the picture of glamour as she embarked on her day of chores with her daughter. Meanwhile Ferne dressed Sunday in a sweet blue blouse and adorable white bow in her hair, to ensure she looked just as stylish as her as they headed out. The ITVBe star continued to show off her physique during the outing - having recently revealed the six-day-a-week regime that 'transformed' her body after pregnancy. She's the teal deal: Ferne showed off her impressively gym-honed frame in the matching bralet and trousers, just seven months after giving birth Gym bunny: The top cut off just below her bust while the flares cinched in at her slim waist, to draw attention to her enviably flat and toned stomach as she headed out She told The Sun's Fabulous magazine: 'My body shape has changed completely. Im not totally ripped but my thighs have shrunk. 'Im drinking more water, Ive cut down on alcohol, Im doing squats and deadlifts and theyve just shrunk. Ive got much more definition now.' Reaping the mental as well as the physical benefits, she added: 'I feel really good when Im in better shape and eating well. I feel more confident and happy in my own skin.' Leading lady: Adding height to her frame with silver wedges and accessorising with retro round sunglasses, the TV personality was the picture of glamour as she headed out Dramatic: Only making the look more stylish, Ferne then layered a co-ordinating ribbed cardigan on top, which extended all the way to the floor and billowed as she walked Like mother like daughter: Meanwhile Ferne dressed Sunday in a sweet blue blouse and adorable white bow in her hair, to ensure she looked just as stylish as her as they headed out After drawing so much attention with her post-baby body, Ferne even decided to launch her own fitness page on Instagram last month, titled 'fernutrition'. The reality TV star became a single mum in November following the arrival of her daughter Sunday. Ferne shares the tot with ex Arthur Collins, who is currently in prison for an acid attack carried out at an east London nightclub in April 2017. He was famously replaced by Christopher Plummer in All The Money In The World following sexual misconduct allegations, but Kevin Spacey will return to the big screen this summer in crime drama Billionaire Boys Club. And its not exactly a low-key return for the two-time Oscar winner, with Spacey getting second billing in the first trailer for the film. In October 2017, Spacey was accused of allegations ranging from sexual harassment to sexual assault. In November, his lawyer said the actor absolutely denies the allegations, which by this point included Rent actor Anthony Rapps accusations of Spacey making sexual advances when Rapp was 14 and Spacey 26, and Richard Dreyfusss son Harry allegedly being groped by the actor in 2008. Billionaire Boys Club will be Kevin Spacey's first film following the 2017 sexual allegations In that time he was recast in All The Money In The World, dropped by his agents CAA and fired from Netflix's House of Cards season 6. However, Spacey appears to have kept his role in the upcoming Billionaire Boys Club, which was filmed in 2016, before the allegations surfaced. Here is all you need to know about the film including its trailer, its release date, cast and the role Kevin Spacey plays in it. Watch the Billionaire Boys Club trailer The trailer for the Billionaire Boys Club film was released at the beginning of June and prominently features Kevin Spacey. What is the Billionaire Boys Club release date? Billionaire Boys Club is set to be released in the US on July 19, 2018. Who is in the Billionaire Boys Club cast? Kevin Spaceys Baby Driver co-star Ansel Elgort plays Joe Hunt, a financial expert who co-founds the Billionaire Boys Club, an investment-cum-social-club that is really a Ponzi scheme. Spacey plays Ron Levin, a real-life con artist in 1980s Los Angeles, who becomes involved with Hunts scheme and ultimately ends up being murdered by him, though his body was never recovered. Kevin Spacey stars opposite Baby Driver co-star Ansel Elgort about a 1980s Ponzi scheme Kingsman star Taron Egerton plays Hunts friend and partner Dean Karny, while Emma Roberts plays Hunts love interest Sydney. Judd Nelson, who played Joe Hunt in the original 1980s TV movie, now plays Hunts father, while model-turned-actress Suki Waterhouse plays Karnys love interest Quintana. What is Billionaire Boys Club about? The official plot is: A group of wealthy boys in Los Angeles during the early 1980s establish a 'get-rich-quick' scam that turns deadly. What was the real Billionaire Boys Club? Joe Hunt, born Joseph Gamsky, who was described as a boy genius and Svengali corralled fellow former members of the exclusive Harvard school to establish a club in the early 1980s for incredibly affluent young men from the LA area. They called the business-social club BBC Consolidated of North America. Spacey was famously replaced by Christopher Plummer in All The Money In The World following the 2017 sexual misconduct allegations Nicknamed the Billionaire Boys Club, the members tried to live up to the name, buying expensive cars, expensive suits and frequenting exclusive clubs in LA. However, the clubs investments quickly turned bad and by 1984, the 30-strong club had lost over $1m. Then came along Ron Levin, who supposedly gave Hunt $5 million to use to make investments but ended up swindling BBC out of $4 million. Levin disappeared a few months later. Several BBC members testified that Hunt bragged about killing Levin after forcing him to write a check for $1.5 millionwhich ended up bouncing. During the trial, the prosecution argued that Hunt killed Levin as revenge for the con. Hunt was ultimately convicted of Levins murder and sentenced to life in prison. If youre wondering if there will be any other live action Disney movies after seeing the trailer for Tim Burtons Dumbo, expected to be released in 2019, youre in luck. After the success of The Jungle Book and Beauty and the Beast, Disney have announced plans for more than 10 live action remakes of our beloved childhood favourites. Heres everything you need to know about the Disney remakes of Christopher Robin, Aladdin, The Little Mermaid, Mulan, The Lion King and many more. The trailer for Tim Burtons Dumbo, expected to be released in 2019, shows the titular elephant Christopher Robin Amid renewed speculation about whether or not Winnie the Pooh is a boy or a girl, this Disney live action remake comes soon after the release of Simon Curtiss 2017 film Goodbye Christopher Robin, a biographical drama about the lives of the creator of the story, A.A. Milne and his son, Christopher Robin. The remake sees Ewan McGregor play the titular character but here, he is a grown up and has completely lost his sense of imagination. Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Eeyore, Piglet and the rest of the gang are forced to help Christopher Robin find it again. Hayley Atwell and Bronte Carmichael play his wife and daughter respectively, with Mark Gatiss taking on the role of Ewan McGregors boss. Winnie the Pooh is voiced by Jim Cummings, with Brad Garrett as Eeyore, Toby Jones as Owl, Peter Capaldi as Rabbit and Sophie Okonedo as Kanga. Chris ODowd was initially announced as the voice of Tigger, but after he stepped down, Jim Cummings took on the role. Christopher Robin release date Christopher Robin will be released on August 3, 2018 in the US and later in the UK, on August 17, 2018. Christopher Robin trailer The Little Mermaid Long before Chrissy Teigen pointed out a flaw in the original version where Ariel knows what reprimand means, but is not aware of the word 'feet', the trailer for live action remake for The Little Mermaid was released. While this production is not an official Disney remake, Disney has commissioned Lin-Manuel Miranda to write original songs for the version to be scripted by Richard Curtis and directed by both Chris Bouchard and Blake Harris. The story will focus on a reporter called Cam Harrison, played by William Moseley and his sister who visit a circus and encounter a beautiful mermaid trapped in a tank. The Little Mermaid release date The Little Mermaid will be released in the US on August 17, 2018, but in the UK, it will come out on DVD three days later on August 20, 2018. The Little Mermaid trailer Dumbo Tim Burtons Dumbo is being hotly anticipated after the release of the first teaser trailer this week and will see Colin Farrell take on the lead role as the man tasked with caring for the elephant with abnormally large ears. The Dumbo cast also includes Danny DeVito, Eva Green, Alan Arkin with DeObia Oparei and Joseph Gatt taking on smaller roles. The trailer opens to the tune of Baby Mine, the song that introduced the world to Dumbo in the original 1941 animated film. It then shows the dark world of Dreamland, the name of the circus in which Dumbo resides and sees circus workers stare in amazement as they see the elephant fly for the first time. Dumbo release date Tim Burtons live action remake of Dumbo will be released on March 29, 2019 in both the UK and the US. Dumbo trailer Aladdin Aladdin, which will be directed by Guy Ritchie, will see a whole host of stars appear in the retelling of the classic 1992 Disney film of the same name, with Will Smith taking on the role of the Genie. However, the casting was not without its drama and Disney were accused of browning up white actors. Despite filming taking place in London, a city with a community of over one million Asian people, Disneys response was that there are not enough Asian actors to fill roles with certain skills and they were forced to bring in white actors to fill background roles. Aladdin will be played by Mena Massoud, Jasmine by Naomi Scott, Marwan Kenzari as Jafar and Navid Negahban as The Sultan. Aladdin release date Aladdin will be released on May 24, 2019 in the UK and the US. In the new film, Aladdin will be played by Mena Massoud and the Genie, by Will Smith The Lion King After being confirmed in 2016, The Lion King has cast a number of top Hollywood actors, as well as Beyonce, who will be playing Nala. After the success of The Jungle Book, Jon Favreau will take on another Disney classic and transform it in his re-imagining. With Donald Glover playing the protagonist Simba, he revealed he felt intimidated working with the Single Ladies hitmaker, who will re-record some of her songs for the live action remake, while Elton John who provided the music for the 1994 version has also agreed to a deal for the new film. Other big cast members include Seth Rogen as Pumbaa, Chiwetel Ejiofor as Scar and James Earl Jones will reprise his role as Mufasa. The Lion King release date The Lion King will be released in the UK and US on July 19, 2019. In the 2019 film, Simba will be played by Donald Glover and Scar, Chiwetel Ejiofor Mulan The life action remake of Mulan garnered criticism after reports the film had axed the cartoons bisexual icon Li Shang, the protagonists love interest in the 1998 animation. The Chinese warrior will be played by Liu Yifei, also known as Crystal Liu, who beat 1,000 other actresses across five continents for the role. She is well known for her appearances in The Chinese Widow with Emile Hirsch and The Forbidden Kingdom with Jackie Chan and Jet Li. She may join Jet Li again in Mulan after rumours emerged that the actor was close to signing up to play the Emperor of China in the film. Mulan release date The release date for Mulan is expected to be March 27, 2020 in both the UK and the US. Other Disney live action remakes include Cruella, Peter Pan, Tink, The Sword in the Stone, Red Rose, Pinocchio, Rose Red, Prince Charming, The Little Mermaid and Lady and The Tramp. She's been living it up in Santorini for the last few days. And TOWIE's Amber Turner has now jetted into Ibiza, shared a sizzling snap of herself wearing a hot pink bikini on Thursday, showcasing her enviable figure to perfection. The blonde bombshell, 24, stunned in the neon two-piece, which accentuated her deep tan and showed off her toned abs. Striking: TOWIE's Amber Turner has now jetted into Ibiza, shared a sizzling snap of herself wearing a hot pink bikini on Thursday, showcasing her enviable figure to perfection. Amber was seen posing up a storm against a board at the Nassau Beach Club, putting on a playful display. The blonde stunner - who recently rekindled her romance with her co-star Dan Edgar - tossed her hair over her shoulders for the seductive snap. Amber couldn't resist showing off her incredible figure in an array of skimpy swimwear as she soaked up the sunshine in Santorini over the last few days. The starlet put her ample assets and impossibly tiny waist on display in a red crochet bikini, striking a pose on a sun lounger. Bikini babe: Amber couldn't resist showing off her incredible figure in an array of skimpy swimwear as she soaked up the sunshine in Santorini over the last few days Glamourpuss: She also modelled a gold embellished bikini, ensuring her curves took centre stage as she posed in the shallow end of a swimming pool Amber also slipped into a hot pink two-piece with heart motif on the bust, putting on a playful display with ex-MIC star Nicola Hughes. Not one to shy away from a photo opportunity, Amber was captured posing on an inflatable unicorn in the same beachwear. She then modelled a gold embellished bikini, ensuring her curves took centre stage as she posed in the shallow end of a swimming pool. The girls were taken away by Flourish Management for a fun-filled break. Twice as nice: Amber slipped into a hot pink two-piece with heart motif on the bust, putting on a playful display with fellow reality star Nicola Hughes Giddy up! Not one to shy away from a photo opportunity, Amber was captured posing on an inflatable unicorn in the same beachwear The stunner captioned one seductive snap, 'Living my best life', and another, 'Life is better in a cute bikini'. Amber has been documenting her trip extensively on social media and as soon as she arrived in her hotel room, she threw on a very sexy neon orange bikini. Shimmying in the racy two-piece, Amber pulled down the straps of her top, showing off as much of her golden tan as possible. Living it up: The stunner captioned one seductive snap, 'Living my best life', and another, 'Life is better in a cute bikini' Looking good: Amber donned a neon orange bikini as she arrived in Santorini last week, posting the results on Instagram The beauty was away for five days and showed fans on Instagram stories that she has had a pedicure ahead of going away, calling it 'Santorini prep.' She then shared a quick peek of her suitcase before heading to the sunny destination, where there was an array of rolled up sundresses neatly packed. Amber then showed off her new eyelash extensions, putting an angel filter on. Flutter: She also shared a picture of her new eyelashes, fluttering them for the camera Clearly having some time on her hands at the airport, she shared some kind comments from fans, writing that they were 'too cute.' She then showed off her designer travel accessories, including a Louis Vuitton holdall and Balenciaga trainers. Arriving at the holiday hotspot which is boasting a 27 degree temperature, Amber also shared a snap of her holiday nails, while with a diamante embellishment. She gave fans a sneak peek of her villa, complete with glorious outdoor swimming pool, before slipping into her orange bikini. Neon dream: The beauty is set to be away for five days and has said she is looking forward to topping up her tan The trip away comes a week after Dan Edgar finally asked Amber to be his girlfriend on the TOWIE finale. After more than a year of casually dating and much heartache, the Lothario, 28, was finally ready to commit to the reality star. He asked the question she had been waiting to hear at Tommy Mallet's birthday party. He told her: 'We've gone around in circles long enough and I've been thinking a lot lately and I need to stop thinking about what everyone is saying. 'I think personally we should things a go.' Talons: Arriving at the holiday hotspot which is boasting a 28 degree temperature, Amber also shared a snap of her holiday nails, while with a diamante embellishment (left) He's Love Island's upcoming intruder whose eyes are firmly set on loved-up Erin. And knowing very well she's happily coupled with Eden, new boy Teddy has said he's convinced there will be 'no competition' ahead of his imminent arrival. In a preview clip ahead of Sunday's episode, Teddy made it clear he has no intentions of making friends upon entering the Spanish villa. 'I know she's already with him but I don't care': Love Island Australia intruder Teddy (pictured) sets his sights on Erin and claims he's 'way better looking' than her partner Eden Game on! 'So, the girl I've got my eyes on is Erin and I know she's with Eden but there's no competition,' newcomer Teddy said with confidence 'So, the girl I've got my eyes on is Erin and I know she's with Eden but there's no competition,' he said with confidence. The newcomer was quick to explain why he's certain Erin will jump at the chance to share a bed with him. Comparing himself to hunky Eden, the self-assured star said: 'I think I'm definitely better looking, better body, better face and more charisma...' Bit cocky? Comparing himself to hunky Eden, the self-assured star said: 'I think I'm definitely better looking, better body, better face and more charisma...' Cheekily adding: 'We'll see if she needs a teddy to cuddle.' But his ego didn't stop there, with the impending reality star saying he's 'too good to be true'. 'People often underestimate my intelligence because I'm so pretty,' he said. Pretty boy: 'People often underestimate my intelligence because I'm so pretty,' Teddy said in a preview clip ahead of his arrival on the Spanish island on Sunday evening Attempting to humour viewers with his reasoning, he added: 'I've got the face, the beauty and the brains.' Offering fans a glimpse at his overly confident ego, he finished saying: 'I know it sounds too good to be true - but I'm real.' Teddy is set to enter the island when Love Island returns to screens on Sunday at 8:30 pm on NineGo! and NineNow. She has freely expressed her struggles with her heartache while continuing to amicably co-parent Harper-Rose with her Married At First Sight ex Alex Garner. And Zoe Hendrix, 29, explained blocking out social media had helped her to continue to mend her broken heart after the break up on Instagram on Thursday. In a lengthy caption accompanied with a throwback picture of herself smiling with her mini-me daughter, the reality star laid bare her emotional pain following the split. 'I've been blocking out social media': Married At First Sight's Zoe Hendrix reveals emotional struggles after her split from Alex Garner On reflection, she penned on social media: 'Throwback to a year ago. That face! 'On a separate note, I've been intentionally blocking out some time offline/off social media (and using that time to write, read books or play music) 'And I've found that it does slightly help with my mental health. I'd recommend it to anyone else.' (sic) The mother-of-one is preparing to leave her daughter behind her ex while she jets off on her exciting adventure in Ethiopia. Happier times: She has freely expressed her struggles with her heartache while continuing to amicably co-parent Harper-Rose with her Married At First Sight ex Alex Garner Zoe and Alex have remained as friendly as humanly possible as they continue to raise their daughter together. They split in April but the couple had been together for three years after meeting on reality television show Married At First Sight. Fans were left devastated by the break up which came as a shock as there were no signs of their romance woes on their picture-perfect Instagram lives. Inseparable: 'On a separate note, I've been intentionally blocking out some time offline/off social media (and using that time to write, read books or play music),' she said Zoe has been candid about her heartbreak as she started the 7-stage process (1. Shock and denial 2. Pain and guilt 3. Anger and bargaining 4. Depression and reflection 5. The upward turn 6. Reconstruction 7. Acceptance) to heal after the split. She previously wrote: 'They say that there are 7 stages to healing from a broken heart, loss or trauma. That these stages are essential to the psychological processing of emotions, and it's possible to move across them in different patterns. 'It's been around 6 weeks since our separation and I've only recently went past stage 1. Shock and denial No matter where you are. What level of suffering you are in, know that just like joy, pain isn't forever. This too will pass. Be kind and compassionate to yourself. 'Take the lessons from your experience and see it as an opportunity for personal grow. As a wise friend recently reminded me 'Zoe you do not grow from standing on the mountain, you grow from walking the valley'.' The honeymoon period is officially over. Brody Jenner returned to Los Angeles with his new wife Kaitlynn Carter on Thursday. The newlyweds were on their way back from their Maldives honeymoon, having tied the knot on the stunning Indonesian island of Nihi Sumba. Newlyweds: Brody Jenner returned to Los Angeles with his new wife Kaitlynn Carter on Thursday Both were dressed cosily for the long flight, with 34-year-old Brody rocking Adidas trainers, black jeans and a grey hoodie. Kaitlynn, 29, opted for white trainers, black Adidas leggings and a large sweater which aptly read 'good times'. The couple were all smiles as they prepared to start their lives together as husband and wife. Last week Brody shared the first official wedding photo, as he held his new bride in the idyllic setting. Home: The newlyweds were on their way back from their Maldives honeymoon, having tied the knot on the stunning Indonesian island of Nihi Sumba Chilled: Both were dressed cosily for the long flight, with 34-year-old Brody rocking Adidas trainers, black jeans and a grey hoodie 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.' Cosy: Kaitlynn, 29, opted for white trainers, black Adidas leggings and a large sweater which aptly read 'good times' Ready: The couple were all smiles as they prepared to start their lives together as husband and wife Marital bliss: Kaitlynn shared clips of the couple driving home from the airport The blushing bride confided in People: 'We were out until 4 a.m.! It was so much fun.' There had been four days of festivities before the big ceremony. It was skipped by his father Caitlyn Jenner, who had a prior business engagement, while none of his Kardashian half-siblings made it either. While there was no funny business under the sheets for male model Justin Lacko on Love Island, one couple in the villa has been making love nightly. After being evicted on Thursday night, Justin expressed his displeasure with being in the presence of Erin Dally and Erin Bartlett having raucous sex. Speaking to The Daily Telegraph, he said: 'I am quite old school and I kind of feel like there is a time and a place for that and it definitely is not in the company of others.' Scroll down for video 'There's a time and a place': Love Island Australia's Justin Lacko says he was offended by Eden and Erin's rowdy sex and was forced to wear ear plugs to block out loud noises Sleeping in a bed with Millie Fuller one bed over from Eden and Erin, he added: 'I heard all the sounds and all the movements so I had to put in my ear plugs to get a good nights sleep. Thank god for ear plugs!' Speaking to Daily Mail Australia he claimed the rest of the villa opted to go to sleep earlier or invest in ear plugs to avoid hearing the stars have sex. He claimed the pair physically 'rocked the bed', while fellow evictee Elias Chigros claimed the couple had been physically intimate since day two.' 'I had to put in my ear plugs to get a good nights sleep': Justin complained about the star's nightly sex sessions, which occurred in the bed next to his and Millie's 'There is a time and a place for that and it definitely is not in the company of others': Despite knowing how the show worked, Justin appeared offended by the couple getting intimate in the shared room with other co-stars While on the show, Justin was labelled 'camp' by his co-stars, after failing to form any romantic connections on the show. And while the male model appeared to brush off the comment at the time, his co-star Elias claims off-camera an explosive fight broke out. Speaking to Daily Mail Australia on Thursday, Elias claimed the altercation was so intense between the pair that the villa feared Justin could be axed from the series. EXCLUSIVE: Love Island's Justin Lacko (R) confronts Elias Chigros(L) in an explosive UNSEEN fight over being labelled 'camp' as the male model claims the comment was a 'personal attack' 'I tried to say it (the camp comment) in the most diplomatic way possible, unfortunately off camera there was quite an adverse reaction and after that he didn't speak to me for the entirety of the week to us leaving,' Elias confessed. The word 'camp' is slang for someone with an exaggerated personality or seemingly homosexual. 'He kind of really worried me the way he reacted after that comment,' Elias said as he claimed: 'There was a lot of talk about whether he'd be allowed back into the villa after that.' Elias stood by his comments, claiming as a friend he wasn't going to 'pi** in his pocket', as he prides himself on being 'straight up with my opinions of people'. 'He didn't speak to me for the entirety of the week to us leaving': Elias claimed Justin 'really worried' him with his reaction to being called 'camp', but didn't regret being 'straight up' 'I didn't think Elias would say something like that': Justin claimed the comments made by Elias were 'confronting' and was shocked that his sexuality had become a topic of conversation Justin, who also spoke to Daily Mail Australia after his elimination, insisted he was straight and felt Elias' comment came across as a 'personal attack'. 'It was confronting because I didn't think Elias would say something like that... I left thinking why he of all people would say something like that,' he added in shock. Justin said he was 'just a bloke' like the rest of the male cast on the show and he was 'not ashamed' of showing his feminine side while on TV. 'I am straight!' Clearing up any miscommunication, Justin stated he wasn't ashamed of his feminine side and was looking for love as a straight man 'Quite frankly I don't understand when I've come on to a television show looking for love, why my sexuality would be a topic of sentence between any of the islanders,' he pondered. Clearing up any miscommunication, Justin stated: 'In this day and age a lot of people do question sexuality. I'm just going to keep doing the same thing. People have asked me that and i'm going to answer it the exact same way, I am straight!' Elias later added: 'I'm not going to speculate on his sexuality, but I hope he can come to terms with whatever he has to come to terms with.' 'I hope for his sake he's able to move on from it and for his sake... there's obviously going to be some questions regarding his sexuality and he has some trauma around that growing up and has been bullied.' An ITV Studios Australia spokesperson told Daily Mail Australia: 'Justin was never issued with a production warning about his behaviour during his time in the Villa.' 'There's obviously going to be some questions regarding his sexuality': Elias claimed there was no malice in his comment and hoped his friend could 'move on from it' 'Girls have said that they think you're camp': Elias claimed he wasn't referring to Justin's sexuality with the comment, instead noting his 'flamboyant' personality When Justin had asked the guys why he might not be forming romantic bonds with females in the villa, Elias responded: 'Girls have said that they think you're camp.' 'Not referring to your sexuality at all, but like the way that you're flamboyant... Anyone who deserves to be with you, should easily be able to see past that.' Justin told the boys that he was a little upset that he hasn't yet found anyone in the villa to have a relationship with. 'I'm just personally waiting for someone to come in that's going to take my breath away,' he said. Both Elias and Justin were evicted from Love Island on Thursday night's episode. Love Island returns to NineGo from 8.30pm on Sunday She plays the wife of Gambino mafia boss John Gotti, Victoria, in her latest project. And Kelly Preston looked so good it should be considered a crime on her latest outing. The 55-year-old actress looked absolutely breathtaking in blue while out and about in New York City on Thursday morning. Scroll down for video Beautiful: Kelly Preston looked absolutely breathtaking in blue while out and about in New York City on Thursday morning No doubt she commanded attention as she rocked the clinging number while heading to an interview on The View. Kelly rocked a body-hugging royal blue long-sleeved midi-dress featuring a low-cut neckline. She teamed the look with gold open-toed heels and accessorized with a beige designer bag. Wow factor: The 65-year-old actress rocked a body-hugging royal blue long-sleeved midi-dress featuring a low-cut neckline Stunner: She teamed the look with gold open-toed heels and accessorized with a beige designer bag Her blonde tresses were worn in a middle-part as it flowed down into waves. Kelly looked youthful as she accentuated her natural looks with blush and a swipe of pink lip. This comes just days after she joined husband John Travolta as he was honored at a Brooklyn pizza restaurant as the borough celebrated his contribution to the area through his role on Saturday Night Fever. Nice: Her blonde tresses were worn in a middle-part as it flowed down into waves The 64-year-old actor celebrated the special day named in his honor at Lenny's Pizza, the establishment made famous by the hit 1977 movie. In the scene, Travolta - playing Tony Manero - orders two slices of pizza and walks down the street eating them at the same time, while Stayin' Alive by the Bee Gees plays. Hundreds of fans gathered as a 'double decker slice' was named after the Hollywood legend, as New York State Senator Marty Golden praised his efforts in putting Brooklyn on the map. Back on Tuesday Kelly joined her husband John Travolta as he was honored at a Brooklyn pizza restaurant as the borough celebrated his contribution to the area through his role on Saturday Night Fever Hundreds of fans turned out on Tuesday to thank Travolta for the impact the film made on the borough The Hollywood heavyweight made jokes and talked pizza while at the podium on John Travolta Day Pictured: Travolta eating his 'double decker' pizza in the opening scene of Saturday Night Fever 'It's not often that we have an opportunity to recognize a great actor who helped turn Brooklyn into a cultural touchstone of the late 1970s,' Golden told the crowd. 'John Travolta did exactly that.' Travolta, now 64, was overwhelmed by the crowds and the praise heaped upon him. 'I'm so humbled, it's amazing,' he told PIX 11 as police escorted him through the crowds. He wore an outfit that imitated the one worn by his character, Tony Manero, in the hit film Travolta and his actress wife Kelly Preston posed with John Gotti Jr and other friends Thumb's up: The Saturday Night Fever actor wore a white blazer over a black shirt as she coordinated in a black dress 'I never expected this big a turnout, it was awesome.' Kelly even got in on the fun as she also partook in eating some of the iconic slices at the fun-filled gala. The happy couple star as John and Victoria Gotti in their new film Gotti which hits theaters on Friday. Billy Bob Thornton and Angelina Jolie divorced in 2003 after three years of marriage. And on Wednesday the 62-year-old actor revealed what broke them up when talking to the Hollywood Foreign Press Associations HFPA In Conversation podcast. The star said it simply came down to different lifestyles: while the Oscar-winning beauty was 'international' he was 'agoraphobic.' His side: Billy Bob Thornton and Angelina Jolie divorced in 2003 after three years of marriage. And on Wednesday the 62-year-old actor revealed what broke them up when talking to the Hollywood Foreign Press Associations HFPA In Conversation podcast; seen in 2002 Two paths: He said that they 'just had different lifestyles.' While she liked to fly to the Middle East to visit refugees he wanted to stay in Los Angeles. Seen in 2001 He said that they 'just had different lifestyles.' While she liked to fly to the Middle East to visit refugees he wanted to stay in Los Angeles. 'Hers is a global lifestyle and mine is an agoraphobic lifestyle,' said Billy. 'So, thats really the only reason were probably still not together, you know, cause [it was] just a different path and life we wanted to take.' The way they were: 'So, thats really the only reason were probably still not together, you know, cause [it was] just a different path and life we wanted to take.' Seen in 2001 Making out: The two often kissed in public; here they are seen in 2001 The actor/musician has been married to Connie Angland since 2014, while Jolie is currently in the midst of divorce proceedings from her third husband, Brad Pitt. The Sling Blade actor also said 'a lot' of what was written about the couple wasn't 'as crazy as people wrote about it.' The vials of each other's blood the couple were rumored to carry around their necks contained just a 'smear' and not the 'bucket of blood around our necks' the media made them out to be, according to the 62-year-old. Scuttlebutt: The Sling Blade actor also said 'a lot' of what was written about the couple wasn't 'as crazy as people wrote about it.' The vials of each other's blood the couple were rumored to carry around their necks contained just a 'smear' and not the 'bucket of blood around our necks' the media made them out to be. The pair seen here in 2001 Recent pic: The 62-year-old earlier this month And the pair are still close according to Thornton. 'Angie is still a friend of mine and shes a great person,' said the Oscar winner. Jolie has been having a tough time the past two years as she battles with Pitt over custody of their six children. Court papers were leaked this week with details about the custody war. That did not sit well with Jolie, who is shooting Maleficent 2 in London. A spokesperson for Angelina has responded to the leak. A spokesperson for Jolie said in a statement to DailyMail.com: 'This misleading leak is not in the best interests of the children. From the start, Angelina has been focused only on their health and needs, which is why it was so important that this last court hearing be conducted privately.' Not easy: Jolie has been having a tough time the past two years as she battles with Pitt over custody of their six children. Seen in 2007 Now: The siren looking stunning in London in February Farrah Abraham didn't seem to have a care in the world mere hours after spending a night in jail on Wednesday. Heading to a local park with her daughter Sophia, nine, the reality star looked at ease and smiled as she spent time in a playground with her little girl. The 27-year-old, who was arrested after a drunken altercation at the Beverly Hills Hotel in the early hours of the morning, certainly wasn't letting the incident dampen her mood. Free as a bird: Farrah Abraham looked happy and relaxed a park on Wednesday shortly after her release from jail The adult film star wore a long white shirt dress tied at the waist along with embellished flip-flops. She carried a white leather clutch and wore her dark tresses loose. Farrah was arrested at the Beverly Hills Hotel in the early hours of Wednesday morning after she was accused of striking a hotel security guard. The Teen Mom personality, according to authorities with the Beverly Hills Police Department, was told to exit the premises by the guard at about 1 a.m. Wednesday after she allegedly created a disturbance inside the hotel, yelling at other guests. Big smiles: The 27-year-old reality star spent time with daughter Sophia in a playground In a video obtained by TMZ the star was seen cursing at police officers who had escorted her outside the hotel. The reality star was subsequently taken into custody in connection with suspicion of misdemeanor battery and trespassing, said police, who said she appeared to be under the influence of alcohol at the time she was arrested. She posted $500 bail and was released from custody on Wednesday. Later that day in an Instagram Live session Farrah addressed the incident, revealing she was attacked. Carefree: Farrah opted for a summery white shirt dress with embellished flip flops and a white clutch for the outing 'Its sort of sad sometimes when youre out and you just cant have fun and people want to attack you and get you all in that trouble. So, Im blessed by God, and I dont ever want to be attacked again at a hotel.' In another Instagram story she claimed she was targeted because of her fame. 'I chose this life and I handle being targeted as a public figure & public punching bag,' she wrote. 'I will never believe the lies that people need to sell to make a dollar off me.' Innocence: Shortly after getting out of jail Farrah told her fans 'Its sort of sad sometimes when youre out and you just cant have fun and people want to attack you and get you all in that trouble.' She also called out the local authorities over the arrest and offered her advice as to where they should direct their energies, accusing police officers of selling stories to the media. 'Focus on really protecting the public and doing good for Beverly Hills instead of creating made up problems,' she said. Abraham's due in court over the incident on August 13, and has not been charged, the Los Angeles District Attorneys Office told People. Embarrassing: Farrah was arrested at the Beverly Hills Hotel in the early hours of Wednesday morning after she was accused of striking a hotel security guard. She was also filmed angrily cursing at officers who had arrived to escort her off the premises She spent the past few weeks in St Baths for her brother Barron's wedding. And getting ready for her own nuptial ceremony, Paris Hilton looked more in love than ever as strolled the streets in Ibiza, Spain, on Thursday. The 37-year-old kept a low profile in a casual shirt and pants as she walked arm-in-harm with fiance Chris Zylka, 33. Loved up: Paris Hilton kept a low profile on Thursday while dressed in casual ensemble alongside Chris Zylka in Spain Paris was seen wearing a Queen Bedouin t-shirt for the outing. She paired her statement shirt with loose-fitting black trousers. Assumingly doing quite a bit of walking, she swapped her signature heels for flat sneakers. Chic and casual: She paired her statement shirt with loose-fitting black trousers Paris, is that you? Assumingly doing quite a bit of walking, she swapped her signature heels for flat sneakers Paris kept a low profile with a cap and large sunglasses. The beauty appeared makeup free and had her blonde locks styled back into an effortless low bun. Chris was photographed walking alongside a smiling Paris. TV return? The pair's outing comes after Paris hinted to E! news earlier in the week that she would be returning to reality TV to televise her wedding He sported an oversized plain black t-shirt and Adidas track pants. The actor completed his look with Velcro sneakers. The pair's outing comes after Paris hinted to E! news earlier in the week that she would be returning to reality TV to televise her wedding. Bride-to-be: The hotel heiress then gushed about her husband-to-be revealing: 'It's the best feeling in the world just to find the one person who is your best friend, I trust him so much' 'We've been getting a lot of calls and a lot of offers from different networks, pitching the show so maybe,' she revealed. She also coyly said 'yes' when asked if she would ever take up one of their offers. The hotel heiress then gushed about her husband-to-be revealing: 'It's the best feeling in the world just to find the one person who is your best friend, I trust him so much.' 'He's so supportive and loving and like an angel, I feel like he saved me and I can't imagine my life with anyone else.' Paris and Zylka first met eight years ago at an Oscars party at Chateau Marmont but didn't start dating until 2016, finally making it official on social media in February 2017. While Paris has remained quiet over the details of her upcoming wedding, a source told Daily Mail that the couple, will say 'I Do' at the historic Roman Catholic 'Church of the Good Shepherd' in Beverly Hills, on November 11. Lauren Goodger put on a seductive display in a thigh-split red gown on Thursday night as she joined a star-studded lineup for the Caudwell Children Butterfly Ball in London's Grosvenor House. The 31-year-old ex-TOWIE star sizzled in a revealing one-shoulder frock that showed off every inch of her gym-toned physique, as she joined some of reality TV's finest in attendance for the charity event. Lauren had her signature Essex tan on full display in the ensemble along with a statement pout, allowing the colour-pop dress to truly make a statement. Jaw-dropping: Lauren Goodger put on a seductive display in a thigh-split red gown on Thursday night as she attended the Caudwell Children Butterfly Ball in London Curves ahead: The reality star, 31, put on a glamorous display in her striking scarlet gown as she worked her magic on the red carpet at London 's Grosvenor House Lauren was oozing summer chic in a beautiful red dress with sported a split all the way up to her thighs, adding some extra height through gold pointed-toe heels. The Celebrity Big Brother star carried her essentials in a Louis Vuitton-branded clutch bag, keeping all other jewelery to a minimum to allow the dress to truly make a statement. Lauren was sporting her signature Essex tan to accentuate her jaw-dropping curves, with her pout on display through a glossy nude lip. Lady in red: The former TOWIE star's stunning choice of gown emphasised her newly gym-honed curves as she strutted her stuff inside the star-studded bash Sizzling: The 31-year-old ex-TOWIE star stunned in the one-shouldered thigh-split frock as she showed off her signature Essex tan Curve queen: Lauren accessorised her look with gold pointed-toe heels and a Louis Vuitton clutch bag Strutting her stuff: Lauren was the picture of confidence as she worked her magic in front of the cameras in her stunning gown Lauren's makeup was also typically dramatic with defined brows and a matching nude smoky eye, with red nail polish to match her frock. The beauty cosied up to her Essex pal and blonde bombshell Amber Turner, who put on a busty display in a plunging red silk gown. The duo were out in force for the Caudwell Children Butterfly Ball, which raises funds to help children with disabilities, and also saw stars in attendance such as Lizzie Cundy, Peter Andre and Montana Brown. Besties: Lauren also cosied up to fellow Essex beauty and blonde bombshell Amber Turner Ladies' night! The girls stayed at the star-studded bash until 2am as they partied the night away Plenty to smile about: Lauren also enjoyed a catch up with fellow reality star Imogen Thomas at the swanky event, with the girls appearing in great spirits as they headed home Oh what a night: Imogen and Lauren were giggling away as they made a glamorous exit Meanwhile, earlier this week Lauren made the surprise confession this week that she turned down the chance to go on Love Island, revealing she regrets not taking up the offer. Speaking in her Now magazine column, she said: 'I actually got asked to do the show back in 2015, when I was ripped and a proper gym freak, but I was in a relationship so couldnt. 'Looking back, now I wish I had. I absolutely love the show and wouldve loved to be a part of it.' Stunning: Lauren had dramatic pout on full display as she highlighted her flawless complexion with defined brows and a glossy nude lip Star-studded event: The TOWIE star was joined by singer Darius Campbell as she made her way to the event Smart: The Scottish star, who rose to fame on Pop Idol, looked dapper in an all-black suit and tie with a crisp white shirt underneath Meanwhile, Lauren is thought to have rekindled her romance with boyfriend Joey Morrisson after he was released from jail. Joey's sister had shared a photogrph of herself with a purple heart over her face while on FaceTime with her brother, exclusively obtained by MailOnline. Clearly excited to have him back, she captioned the snap with: '&&&& he's home,' followed by tongue out emojis. The snap came after Lauren appeared to fight for and protect her feisty relationship with Joey on Instagram. Although she seemed to accept their love wasn't 'perfect', the reality star stood by claims that couples who fight are 'stronger' than lovers that don't. Accessories: Lauren styled her thigh-split red gown with a black Louis Vuitton clutch bag, with the logos visible in silver Peachy: The reality star knew how to work her best angles as she posed up a storm on the purple carpet Montana Brown was a vision in a pearly grey silk gown on Thursday night as she cosied up to boyfriend Elliott Reeder at London's Caudwell Children Butterfly Ball. The 22-year-old Love Island star stunned in an Old Hollywood-style gown as she put on a loved-up display with her boyfriend of six months. Montana stunned in the beautiful frock as she joined the star-studded lineup at the event, which raises funds for children with disabilities. Stunning: Montana Brown was a vision in a pearly grey silk gown on Thursday night as she cosied up to boyfriend Elliott Reeder at London's Caudwell Children Butterfly Ball. Montana put on stunning display in the fitted grey silk dress with a jewelled halterneck, keeping her dark tresses styled into effortless waves. The Hertfordshire-born beauty highlighted her flawless complexion with a simple smoky eye and nude lip, while Elliott was dapper in a black tuxedo and deck shoes. Montana joined some of reality TV's finest at the charity event, with stars in attendance such as Lizzie Cundy, Peter Andre and Montana Brown. Beautiful: The 22-year-old Love Island star oozed Old Hollywood in the grey silk gown with a jewelled neckline, with her dark tresses styled into effortless waves Montana and Elliot have been putting on a romantic display after sparking up a romance over the festive period. Bonding over a shared love of fitness and travelling, an insider told The Sun their relationship was made official when Montana 'fell hard' for the hunk. The source revealed: 'Montana and Elliott met before Christmas, but they've only been officially seeing each other for the last few weeks. 'It's early days but they've got loads in common - they're both really into fitness and travelling. They want to keep things quiet but it's all going really well. He seems smitten!' Lovely: Montana and Elliott have been putting on a loved-up display after first meeting at Christmas last year Proving his model prowess, Elliott is on the books at W Model Management, which also boasts Rosie Huntington-Whiteley's brother Toby as a signing. Montana is also making a foray into high fashion modelling, having just signed with Select Model Management. It appears to be a happy ending for the raven-haired beauty, after her Love Island romance with Alex Beattie failed to last more than a few weeks after leaving the villa. Hip-hop star French Montana is now officially a US citizen. The ex-boyfriend of Khloe Kardashian took the Naturalization Oath of Allegiance during a ceremony in New Jersey on Wednesday. In a social media post he thanked 'allah.' It has been a long-time coming; the Moroccan-born artist started the process of becoming a U. citizen in February of 2017. It's official: French Montana, whose real name is Karim Kharbouch, was sworn in as a U.S. citizen on Wednesday in New Jersey The Welcome to the Party rapper shared the major milestone via his Instagram story that was filmed moments after he was sworn in. In the video, he held up his right hand and sang his own rendition of the US National Anthem. At one point he even threw in a little improvisation about getting his passport. 'Officially a citizen today. Thank you Allah,' he wrote in the video caption. After getting his paperwork, French celebrated by partying at a nightclub. Major milestone: French started the process of becoming a U.S. citizen in February of 2017 American pride: The rapper documented his new citizenship in an video shared on Instagram; video had the caption, 'Officially a citizen today thank u allah' The Pop That rapper was born in Morocco, and immigrated to the United States when he was 13, where he ended up living in Bronx, New York. He has long prided himself as a global citizen and has tried to not lose sight of his roots through his extensive music career and charitable work. Earlier this year Global Citizen, a social action platform, named French as its first rap ambassador. The organization tackles worldwide issues like poverty, health and education. Honor: French was named Global Citizen's first rap ambassador for his charity work in Uganda The 33-year old has said that his 2017 trip to Uganda to film his Unforgettable video opened his eyes to the plight of extreme poverty abroad. 'My life changed forever after my trip to Uganda,' he said. 'And I am excited to continue engaging my fans to use their voices to advocate for universal health coverage and education for those living in extreme poverty.' Through his partnership with Global Citizen, the rapper helped to fund MAMA HOPE, an organization advocating for global entrepreneurship to help end extreme poverty, by providing maternal health care to a community of 300,000 people in rural Budondo, Uganda. According to a press release from Global Citizen, the funding went toward a prenatal care clinic, staff housing, a birth house, the first floor of the main hospital, and the purchase of a new ambulance. Happy times: French and Khloe Kardashian started dating in 2013 Khloe's rebound?: The reality star started dating French right after her breakup from Lamar Odom; the couple dated on and off until they finally called it quits in December of 2014 French has also made a lot of headlines for his romantic relationship with Khloe Kardashian. They dated on and off in 2013 and 2014. After they called it quits for the second time in December 2014, she said it was because she wasnt ready for a relationship after her marriage to Lama Odom ended. 'I jumped into something because I was just, like, lonely and destructive,' she said on an episode of Kourtney & Khloe Take The Hamptons right after the breakup. 'But now Im like, I just want to be alone.' French is fluent in his native Arabic as well as French and English. He has been a staunch critic of President Donald Trump, but now he can be complain about the President as an actual American citizen and he can vote in the 2020 presidential election. Past productions of Muriel Spark's Scottish school-ma'am story The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie have often been tinged by sepia nostalgia. You could practically taste the coal smoke in that oatcakey Edinburgh air. But the Donmar Warehouse's new version, haunted by tinkling, tolling bells on a minimalist set, pares back any sense of period and place not totally, but enough to make us savour more the universal qualities of Miss Brodie's dangerous rebelliousness. Here is a schoolmistress who encourages her wards to regard authority with scepticism. They relish her company. They drink sherry at her flat. They acquire a team spirit. Yet they do not necessarily benefit from it all, long-term; hence a slightly depressing, yet watchable, evening. Lia Williams stars as the title character in The Prime Of Miss Jean Brodie at Donmar Warehouse Lia Williams, as Miss Brodie, is a skittish, fragile, unpredictable figure. She dresses in scarlet and clasps her slender physique as she recounts holiday trips to Thirties Italy. Miss Brodie, despite her romantic streak, has a weakness for Mussolini and fascism. Those political inclinations are hard to believe a casualty of director Polly Findlay's decision to glamorise her central figure. A strong cast offers Sylvestra Le Touzel, excellent as overbearing headmistress Miss Mackay, Edward MacLiam as the dashing art master Mr Lloyd and Angus Wright as Lowther, the decent, but dull, music teacher who hopes to marry Miss Brodie. I am an admirer of Mr Wright. Few are better at conveying emotional constipation. Then there is the quintet of girls who are in Miss Brodie's class. Director Findlay has done well to find adult actresses who are so believable as teenagers. Lizzie Clachan's set gives us a bland, grey school corridor which could almost be the wall of a crematorium. Although the accents are Scots, little else locates the story. We must therefore confront the timelessness of a story which shows how all of us, at some point, must break free from our formative influences. There comes a moment our childhood heroes will be stripped bare. And for teachers the sad truth that the more independent you encourage your pupils to be, the quicker they will desert you. Monogamy at Park Theatre, London, is not quite oven-ready Despite a gluey end some of which could be dropped Monogamy is a good show which deserves a wider audience. At North London's Park Theatre, playwright Torben Betts had a promising idea: a play about a TV celebrity chef whose family life is a good deal less idyllic than viewers might guess from her perfect kitchen and her zingy smile and her wholesome ingredients. Caroline Mortimer (Janie Dee) is 'the nation's second-favourite TV cook', but once the cameras have stopped rolling she hits the bottle and has to come to terms with a neurotic, spoilt son and a chauvinistic, neglectful husband. Monogamy is an uncertain affair. Is it Ayckbourn-style comedy, farce or something more surreal and political? Genevieve Gaunt in Monogamy at Park Theatre, London, which Quentin Letts found 'not quite oven ready' It might be a lot more convincing and funny if it concentrated on Caroline's character and showed us more of her falseness in front of the TV cameras. For a play about a high-profile cook, there is remarkably little about food in this play. Some aspects of the plot are glaringly inauthentic Caroline's alleged religious fervour, for instance, and the pampered son's intention to run away to fight for jihadis in Syria. The comedy simmers, but never threatens to boil over. Patrick Ryecart probably overdoes things as the husband and Genevieve Gaunt shoots way over the top, though not in an entirely bad way, as Caroline's coke-snorting assistant. Former EastEnders actress Charlie Brooks appears as a wronged wife who also hits the sauce. It relies on the comedy of unravelling disaster. Some love that sort of thing. I often find it hard to watch. But Janie Dee is never less than likeable. Love-letter romance of 84 Charing Cross Road delivers the goods Helene Hanff's story 84 Charing Cross Road is now almost half a century old, but it still charms, seldom more than in a touring production starring Stefanie Powers and Clive Francis. Miss Powers plays a New York writer (Hanff) who falls in love, via letters over two decades, with a London antiquarian bookshop and its initially reserved manager Frank Doel. I toddled along to the Richmond Theatre not expecting much from this dusty yarn. In fact, it is the sweetest thing seen for many a moon, thanks in large part to Mr Francis and his American co-star. Helene Hanff's story 84 Charing Cross Road is now almost half a century old, but it still charms, seldom more than in a touring production starring Stefanie Powers and Clive Francis (pictured) The show opens with cast members strolling the stage with musical instruments, slowly breaking into first a classical piece, to signify Marks & Co Books, and then a more jazzy number, to signify Hanff's Manhattan apartment. The two sit side by side. Stage right, slightly raised, is Miss Powers at a typewriter, smoking; stage left is the bookshop, created beautifully by designer Norman Coates with high shelves, a tall desk for Doel and an air of penumbral learning. When Helene starts ordering books, it is 1949 and London is still half-starved from post-war rationing. To thank Frank for his good service, she sends food parcels for Christmas and Easter. Slowly he thaws and his letters become more personal. The story's virtue lies in its understatement and soft melancholy. Small acts of kindness a tin of luncheon meat and fresh eggs, a reciprocal present of a volume of love poems will make your eyes prickle. Do both Miss Powers and Mr Francis possibly overdo, by five per cent, the throaty chuckles? I could have done with proper harmonies when the shop staff sing Abide With Me, too. But those are the only quibbles in a delightful, moving evening. She's showcased the best of her designer wardrobe over the past month, with VIP invites to the likes of the Royal Wedding and her husband's lifetime achievement award ceremony. And on Thursday evening Amal Clooney, 40, flaunted another stunning ensemble as she enjoyed the opening of the new Giambattista Valli store on Sloane Street, London. The Human Rights lawyer wowed in a burgundy jumpsuit as she supported the Roman-born designer, for whom she has previously relied on to dress her for her wedding weekend in Venice. Always chic: Amal Clooney, 40, flaunted another stunning ensemble as she enjoyed the opening of the new Giambattista Valli store on Sloane Street, London on Thursday night Amal showed off her svelte figure in the one-shouldered jumpsuit, which featured a statement ruffle on the chest. The nipped-in waist flowed down to tapered trousers, with Amal adding a pair of shining gold heels. She carried a coordinating clutch and added statement drop earrings by de Grisogono, while her long, dark locks were styled into waves over one shoulder. Fashionable crowd: The Human Rights lawyer wowed in a burgundy jumpsuit as she supported the Roman-born designer, pictured centre with Philippa Webb Stunning: She paired the jumpsuit with a pair of long statement earrings Amal posed with the designer inside his new store, having struck up a close friendship with the Italian over the years. Valli famously designed the white lace floral mini dress Amal was seen in the day after her Venice nuptials to George Clooney in 2014 - the first outfit she stepped out in after the star-studded ceremony. It's been a busy month for Amal and her husband, who attended the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle on May 19. She's in fashion: Amal posed with (L-R) Italian fashion editor Giovanna Battaglia Engelbert, Valli, actress Bianca Brandolini d'Adda and Astrid Munoz, a model and photographer Style icon: Amal showed off her svelte figure in the one-shouldered jumpsuit, which featured a statement ruffle on the chest Firm friends: Amal posed with the designer inside his new store, having struck up a close friendship with the Italian over the years And just two weeks ago Amal moved her actor husband to tears when she paid tribute to him as he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the American Film Institute at Hollywood's Dolby Theater. As the human rights lawyer took to the stage at the star-studded ceremony, she spoke publicly for the first time about the couple's one-year-old twins Ella and Alexander and gushed about the 'joy' they give her. She said of her Oscar winner husband: 'He is the person who has my complete admiration and also the person whose smile makes me melt every time. My love, what I have found with you is the great love I always hoped existed. Afterparty: Amal joined British Vogue's editor-in-chief Edward Enninful at his private dinner following the store opening Beaming: The pair appeared in high spirits as they posed arm-in-arm with former Miss Vancouver and Idris Elba's girlfriend Sabrina Dhowre Cosy: The raven-haired beauty continued to work her way around the lavish bash with author Philippa 'And seeing you with our children, Ella and Alexander, is the greatest joy in my life.' 'You fill our home with laughter and happiness and thats even before the children have worked out that "da-da" is Batman, a talking fox, and friends with Mary Poppins.' Her rousing speech came just a day after the twins celebrated their first birthday. During the event, Amal also candidly confessed she had 'resigned herself to life as a spinster' before meeting the superstar five years ago. Fashion moment: Valli famously designed the white lace floral mini dress Amal was seen in the day after her Venice nuptials to George Clooney in 2014 Hollywood star Rebel Wilson is set to discover on Thursday whether she will still receive $4.5 million in defamation damages from "bully" magazine publisher Bauer Media. The company has appealed against a Supreme Court of Victoria order that the Pitch Perfect star be compensated a record $650,000 in general damages and $3,917,472 in special damages. The order came after the publisher defamed the 38-year-old star in a series of articles published in 2015 that painted her as a serial liar about her age, real name and childhood in order to make it in Hollywood. During a two-day appeal hearing in Melbourne in April, Bauer's barrister Michael Wheelahan QC argued the level of damages was "manifestly excessive". He said Justice Dixon made an error when he ordered Wilson be compensated for losing film roles. But Wilson's $9000-a-day barrister Matthew Collins QC argued the payout figure was conservative considering the actress could have taken eight different proceedings - one for each article - and been awarded much more money overall. He also said publication of the articles and Bauer's conduct during the trial went "beyond ordinary bounds" in terms of aggravating features. On Thursday, the Victorian Court of Appeal is scheduled to hand down its judgment. The appeal may then be dismissed, or damages reassessed by either the Supreme Court or the Court of Appeal. South Australians and tourists are being promised more shops, better dining options and an easier immigration process under a $165 million upgrade of Adelaide Airport. The main terminal will be expanded with a focus on improving the arrivals and departures hall for international passengers by installing longer baggage belts, a larger duty-free precinct and bigger security screening area, Adelaide Airport Managing Director Mark Young said. "Our aim is to provide a seamless, connected experience from the time you drive into the airport until you board your aircraft and vice versa," he said. Three men have been charged after a police officer was injured when the trio allegedly fled an aggravated burglary in Melbourne's southwest. The men, all aged 18, allegedly rammed a stolen car into two police vehicles, injuring the officer's hand on the second occasion, following a home invasion at Hoppers Crossing about 12.40pm on Wednesday. The trio, from Bundoora, Epping and Brookfield, have been remanded to face the Melbourne Magistrates Court on Thursday, on a string of charges including the new offence of intentionally exposing an emergency services worker to risk, by driving. pa David Moyes wants to challenge top four with West Ham and thinks Everton do too West Ham are currently ninth in the table with three wins from their opening seven matches, while Everton are three points better off in fifth. A NSW man who stabbed his mother to death as a teenager has been sentenced to at least 13-and-a-half years in jail. Bradley Craig Mottram, 22, hit Simone Mottram, 51, over the head with a bottle of bourbon and stabbed her in the chest, neck, upper abdomen and face after she said something that made him snap at an Inverell home, in northern NSW, in October 2015. The NSW Supreme Court on Thursday heard Mottram had a dysfunctional upbringing and struggled in the lead-up to the killing with substance abuse and deteriorating mental health. "A dreadful crime has been committed by a very troubled young man," Acting Justice Peter Hidden said in sentencing. On October 19, 2015, Mottram was at the Inverell property alone with his mother when he launched the attack, first punching her and bashing her with the bottle. He then went to the kitchen and grabbed a carving knife before repeatedly stabbing Ms Mottram to death. The court heard Mottram placed the knife on Ms Mottram's body and covered her before fleeing the scene in her car. Following his arrest, he made admissions to the crime and said: "I didn't meant to do it, she just wouldn't shut up". Police found notes written by Mottram before he was taken into custody which he titled "My Last Words" in which he repeatedly insisted the attack wasn't planned. "I was drunk. It was an accident. She just, she wired me from birth. I'm sorry. I didn't mean to," he wrote. "Oh Jesus, what have I done?" Mottram later told relatives he remembered about five per cent of the incident because he was coming down off drugs, but he was pleased he didn't remember it. Justice Hidden sentenced Mottram to 18 years in prison with a non-parole period of 13-and-a-half years, saying it was clear the offence took place against the backdrop of mental health issues. "I think it is unlikely he would offend again in this way or at all," Justice Hidden said. Mottram will be eligible for parole in April 2029. The mother of a NSW woman stabbed to death by her teenage son has described his 13-year jail sentence as "a joke", saying her grandson should never be allowed to walk the streets again. Bradley Craig Mottram, now 22, "snapped" at a home in Inverell, in northern NSW, in October 2015 when his 51-year-old mother Simone said something that upset him, the NSW Supreme Court heard on Thursday. Acting Justice Peter Hidden handed the "troubled young man" an 18-year sentence with a non-parole period of 13-and-a-half years, saying it was clear he was in a disturbed state of mind and was remorseful. "That wasn't a sentence, that was a joke," Ms Mottram's mother Maureen O'Bryan told AAP outside court. "That guy should not be out on the street with what he did ... it's a joke." The court heard Mottram punched his mother before beating her with a bourbon bottle and going to the kitchen to grab a carving knife. He then stabbed his mother repeatedly in the chest, abdomen, neck and face before placing the weapon on her body and covering her with a blanket. Mottram fled the scene in her car and wrote admissions in a notebook under an entry titled "My Last Words". "Holy s***, I'm sorry, this was not planned," he wrote. "I didn't mean to, she just wouldn't shut up." He accused his mother of "wiring" him from birth. The court heard Mottram had a "troubled" upbringing and was diagnosed with borderline personality disorder. His mother, who also suffered mental health issues, was a drinker and Mottram was exposed to short-term partners and domestic violence. By 2015, as a 19-year-old, he was abusing cannabis and codeine and was experimenting with hallucinogens. The court heard Mottram made various comments about falling out with "bad people" who were out to get him, including outlaw bikie gangs. After the murder, Mottram described his mother as "mean", a "bad woman" and a "bitch" who turned good boyfriends into bad people. In calls to his relatives from custody, he estimated he only remembered about five per cent of the attack. "I'm glad I don't remember. The bits I do remember are so horrible," he said. Acting Justice Hidden said it was tragic the attack took place when Ms Mottram had achieved some stability in her life. "A dreadful crime has been committed by a very troubled young man," he said. Mottram will be eligible for parole in April 2029. A Newcastle community is being urged to stay "vigilant" as the hunt continues for a man who abducted and sexually assaulted an 11-year-old girl in a "horrendous" five-hour ordeal this week. Police are throwing every resource at the hunt for a man who grabbed the girl from behind as she walked to school on Tuesday morning through Hudson Park in the suburb of Adamstown Heights. She was then threatened with a knife, sexually assaulted and forced into a car - believed to be a red Holden Commodore - and driven to bushland where she was sexually assaulted before being released at Kotara Railway station about five hours later. The young girl walked 1.5 kilometres on her own before raising the alarm at a home and was taken to John Hunter Hospital for examination. Officers have been door-knocking in the neighbourhood and distributed pamphlets describing the attacker. "Until we find this person I'd be more vigilant than ever," Detective Superintendent John Kerlatec told reporters in Newcastle on Thursday. "I'd be sitting down with my children and setting out some ground rules about where they can go and where they can't go," he said. Parents should explain to their children what to do if they feel unsafe or uncomfortable, who they can turn to or run to, and need to be aware of their surroundings, he said. The attacker is described as chubby with short black messy hair and wrinkles on his forehead and around his mouth. He spoke with an Australian accent. The attacker could also be a smoker, as the young girl described him as smelling of cigarette smoke or body odour. Brown staining on his bottom row of teeth and cracked lips were also visible despite the fact he was wearing a dark-coloured zipped-up hoodie that covered part of his face. He wore beige coloured shoes and denim jeans. Det Supt Kerlatec said at least 10 investigators have joined Newcastle police in tracking down the attacker but urged the public to also contribute. "The most valuable resources I imagine that we may need are from the community members who come forward," he said. A crime scene was established at Hudson Park next to Belair Public School, with NSW Education department saying students and parents at the school have been reminded about "stranger danger" as well as being offered counselling. "These messages have also been reinforced among the students of other public schools in the area," a NSW Education department said in a statement to AAP on Thursday. Young Liberals want the ABC's city to be privatised while West Australian Liberals want to stay out of any plans to depose Syrian dictator Bashar al-Assad. Their motions will be debated at the Liberal federal council in Sydney on Friday and Saturday, with Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull also due to speak at the event. Federal party president Nick Greiner was reportedly under threat but he looks likely to be re-elected to the position. Behind the scenes, some Liberals will be lobbying over preselections for the next federal election, with some sitting members under internal threat. The ACT branch wants the government to mandate a strategic federal fuel reserve setting aside at least 90 days of fuel, as well as the purchase of unmanned drones. The Young Liberal movement is calling for the full privatisation of the ABC, "except for services into regional areas that are not commercially viable". The West Australian branch of the party wants the government to "abstain from military intervention in Syria with an intention to oust its secular regime". Assad's government has been accused of gassing its own citizens as it fights a brutal civil war against Islamic State and other rebel groups. The federal women's committee wants more funding for vocational education and training, and to remove the $450 monthly cap on superannuation contributions to ensure everyone is paid super. The West Australians also want state government gambling revenue to be taken into account when GST is distributed. WA has no poker machines outside of Perth's Crown Casino. The federal council motions will be debated on Saturday, after the conference opens on Friday afternoon. The West Australian government has downplayed security worries around the expected award of a $120 million Perth Transport Authority contract to Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei. The company is on the shortlist to upgrade radio communications on Perth's urban rail system, but there have been suggestions it could be blocked from providing some equipment for Australia's new 5G wireless network because of national security concerns. Transport Minister Rita Saffioti said she couldn't comment on the preferred tenderer as the process was still underway but told reporters on Thursday federal government agencies had advised they weren't fazed by the prospect of Huawei winning the contract. Three hit musicals are heading Sydney's way over the next two years with Saturday Night Fever and Waitress both set to make their Australian debut. Sydney will also host the return season of Chicago, one of the most successful shows in theatre history, NSW Arts Minister Don Harwin announced on Thursday. Waitress, based on the 2007 independent film, has played to packed-out theatres since its 2016 launch on Broadway. Saturday Night Fever - made famous by the 1970's film starring John Travolta with music and lyrics written by the Bee Gees - has toured around the world and will hit Australian stages for the first time in 2019. Chicago, set in the prohibition-era in the 1920s about the corruption and the criminal justice system will also open in 2019, while Waitress will hit the Sydney stage mid-2020 "Chicago is one of the most successful shows in theatre history so it's fitting that Sydney will host the return season of this acclaimed production," Mr Harwin said in a statement on Thursday. An estimated 60,400 visitors will make their way to Sydney for the glitzy productions, injecting about $28.8 million into the local economy, he predicts. Australia will inevitably need to follow other countries legislating against the collection of data about children from the internet, a data privacy protection expert warns. Dylan Collins, the chairman of the kids' digital media company TotallyAwesome, believes the internet was designed for adults and many services are struggling to adapt to the extraordinary number of youngsters logging on every day. "Pretty much everything is based around capturing personal data and monetising it in some form," the Irish entrepreneur told AAP on Thursday. "That's just not safe or appropriate for six, seven or eight years olds." In recent years, the US, Europe and China have created so-called "zero-data environments" which prohibit companies from collecting data on people under a set age - ranging between 13 and 16. "It's probably inevitable that something similar will come to Australia in the not too distant future," Mr Collins said. He predicted that over the next five to seven years there will be a universal right for children to have access to the internet without being tracked. Mr Collins' concerns follow the Cambridge Analytica breach, which highlighted how Facebook data can be turned against internet users for sinister political purposes. But he believes the much bigger concern is what hasn't been done with data - and what could potentially be done. Mr Collins estimates before a child reaches the age of 13, there are "tens of millions" of pieces of information about them that have been collected and could be used to build a profile. "You've got all of this personal data about children floating around the very dark corners of the internet," he said. "You can imagine some pretty nefarious uses this could be used for. "At some point, you're going to see some sort of 9/11-type event with all of this childrens' data that has been inadvertently collected." Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has blasted the "politically correct" responses to the abuse of indigenous children in remote communities. Mr Dutton has hit out at Opposition Leader Bill Shorten, police and the Northern Territory government as the insidious issue garners national attention. Mr Shorten has drawn sustained criticism from some conservative commentators after suggesting last week that too many indigenous children were being taken from their families. He took aim at "know-it-all whitefellas" imposing paternalistic policies on Aboriginal communities, promising to include indigenous Australians in a future Labor government's decision-making on the issue. Mr Shorten has since struck back at the "absurd misrepresentation" of his comments, after being accused of failing indigenous children. "My commitment is that children should be safe in all communities regardless of their skin colour," he said on Wednesday. Mr Shorten's initial remarks stemmed from questions about the February rape of a toddler in Tennant Creek, who remained with relatives despite the family being the subject of 52 child protection notifications over 16 years. Mr Dutton gave the opposition leader a spray during a radio interview on Thursday. "I can't understand how you can have a child of any age being sexually assaulted and somebody who wants to be prime minister of this country saying 'don't lecture these families about this instance'," Mr Dutton told 2GB radio. "If a child was raped in my electorate today, or in Sydney, anywhere across the country, there would be outrage if that child wasn't removed from that circumstance or the police didn't properly investigate the matter, or somehow they were being told for cultural reasons you can't go to that house or you can't remove that child." Mr Dutton said he couldn't care less about anything other than the welfare of the children. "If we turn a blind eye to that or think for cultural reasons or because we're going to offend indigenous leaders that we shouldn't be talking about this or we shouldn't remove that child from the circumstances, then we're in a bad place," he said. The minister's criticisms were not contained to Mr Shorten. "There's a massive failing in these indigenous communities where police have lost control of the law and order situation," Mr Dutton said. "You've got the territory government, who it seems to me is not prepared to act in the best interests of these kids, and it needs to be called out." Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has been forced to defend his own response to the two-year-old's rape, after being accused by the Northern Territory newspaper of failing to care about the crisis. "Our commitment to keeping children safe is absolute," Mr Turnbull told reporters in Tasmania. "To suggest that the federal government is not putting enormous resources into support the Northern Territory or lacks empathy or concern for children many the Northern Territory is absolutely false." Thursday marks the end of a long road for Queensland men found guilty of historic homosexuality offences, with their convictions finally officially expunged. Consensual adult gay sex was a crime in Queensland until January 1991 when it was decriminalised by the Goss government, but convictions before that date have remained on criminal records. For decades convictions have had to be disclosed when applying for a card to work with children, a visa to travel overseas or for government-related work such as a police officer. The state government passed laws in October last year setting aside the convictions, however the changes were officially proclaimed on Thursday, making them official. Attorney-General Yvette D'Ath said the process was not automatic, and from June 30 Queenslanders convicted of such offences can apply to have them expunged. "Once a conviction is expunged a person does not need to disclose the offence nor be discriminated against for non-disclosure in their employment or profession," she said. "We know this doesn't make up for previous prejudice and discrimination, but it is an important step we can and will take to right these past wrongs." The former executive officer of a West Australian Aboriginal corporation has been ordered to pay more than $430,000 in compensation and penalties after he borrowed money from the non-profit entity that he couldn't repay. Ashley James Taylor took $211,612 from Geraldton-based Murchison Region Aboriginal Corporation between 2011 and 2015 without approval from the directors, and only repaid $29,085. In the Federal Court of Australia on Thursday, Taylor was ordered to pay the corporation the remaining $182,527 and its court costs, and was also fined $250,000 and disqualified from managing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander corporations for seven years. The last time Australian voters thought this much about the budget was a decade ago. It's okay to admit if you've forgotten this year's budget, which was overshadowed within 24 hours when four more dual citizens quit parliament. Mostly everyone outside Canberra and a few affected industries moves on from the budget fairly quickly each May. But this year is different. The Westpac consumer sentiment index shows "budget and tax" news had its highest recall rate and most favourable assessment since 2009. That year was a significant budget following the Global Financial Crisis, when revenue had tanked and the world's economy was still in chaos. This year isn't nearly as bad - in fact it's been quite good for Australia. But petrol prices are up, power prices are up, and house prices are dropping, leading families to worry. So voters turning their eyes to the budget is potentially a good thing for Malcolm Turnbull - or a bad thing if he can't get it through the Senate. The prime minister is promising tax cuts now and more in the future, putting $528 a year back into the pockets of low- and middle-income earners. And he's promising to cut company tax, which he says will mean more jobs. The rubber hits the road next week, when MPs return to Canberra for eight sitting days before the winter break. The Senate can make or break the tax plans, which the prime minister and his cabinet have been selling relentlessly. There is a boatload of legislation to get passed before the break, and Turnbull's political agenda relies on much of it. Labor doesn't support the full income tax cut plan and neither do the Greens, but the government isn't far off getting the votes from the crossbench. Finance Minister Mathias Cormann has ruled out splitting the bill in half to win Labor's support, but Bill Shorten has hinted that Labor could pass it and mitigate the damage when he wins government. "The Senate will have the opportunity to vote for income tax relief for hardworking Australians," Senator Cormann told reporters on Thursday. It will also have the chance to vote for company tax cuts, which look less likely to pass. Labor's stance is hardened, and Shorten is relying on that corporate revenue for his election promises. "They're on the wrong track when they're prioritising giving $17 billion to the big banks," the Labor leader said this week. So the "Senate whisperer" Cormann is working on the 10 crossbenchers. Brian Burston has burst free from One Nation, declaring his independence after a stoush over the party's support for the corporate tax cuts. That leaves "Whispering Mat" to work on Pauline Hanson and Peter Georgiou, Tim Storer, Derryn Hinch and the two Centre Alliance senators. Hinch wants the corporate tax rate cut from 30 per cent to 25 per cent, but only for companies with turnovers up to $500 million, meaning the big banks don't get a handout. Storer and the Centre Alliance want broader tax reform. No one is clear what Hanson wants, because she shook on a deal only to renege on it again, forcing Burston to make a break for it. Labor and the Greens will keep shouting about handouts for big business, leaving the coalition to decide how much further it wants to fight this battle. The corporate tax cuts might be a tough sell to voters, but the income tax cuts are easier for Turnbull to take to the Super Saturday by-elections on July 28. The coalition is a real chance in three electorates it doesn't currently hold. A win in the Senate means Turnbull can take his income tax cut message to voters in Queensland, Tasmania and South Australia. If he can tell them Labor voted against it - even better. Voters in Longman, Braddon and Mayo are getting the tax cut message hammered home every day. The data shows they're finally paying attention, now Turnbull needs the Senate to play ball. The mother of a two-year-old girl who was raped in Tennant Creek earlier this year has defended herself against claims she exposed her children to violence and neglect. A 25-year-old man was recently charged over the rape as police dropped charges against another man. A report by Northern Territory Children's Commissioner Colleen Gwynne said the child's family was known to police and welfare agencies for numerous incidents, such as domestic violence, aggravated assault convictions involving the parents, and sexual abuse against some of the woman's other children. The girl's mother, who can not be named, rejected negative comments about her and her portrayal in the media as unfair, saying the rape was not her fault. The woman is now in Adelaide and has had the rape victims and another young child removed from her but is still the carer of her older children. "Just don't go talking about my life, and putting my picture up, painting me as a bad mother," she told SBS TV's The Point on Thursday. "I'm not a bad mother, I'm a good mother. I worry about my children and their safety, and I love and care about them. "The media's blaming me, putting my face up, saying that I'm an alcoholic, but I'm not. I'm a social drinker. I look after my children and my family. "The media said that my house was a party house, but it wasn't." The mother said alcohol restrictions in communities such as Tennant Creek were more of a problem than a solution. "That's when they loaded up houses, townhouses with alcoholics ... it's just that some people would come past and sit down with their alcohol in my yard because they weren't allowed to go and drink outside of town," she said. "This could have been avoided if people were allowed to drink everywhere, out of town. "They can't drink outside of town because it's restricted and they have to have [an] address and have ID to help get alcohol and drink it at the house." However, Ms Gwynne says restrictions have had a positive effect, reducing presentations at hospital, violence and crime. The Prime Minister criticised the NT government on Thursday, saying "they have not done enough" to stop the abuse of children. NT Treasurer Nicole Manison said the Commonwealth had committed no money to recommended changes to youth detention and child protection after the Royal Commission it called for. A Qantas A380 plane bound for Melbourne lost altitude for about 10 seconds mid-air as another aircraft flew above it. Passengers on board flight QF94, which departed Los Angeles late on Sunday local time, experienced sudden turbulence "jolt" when another A380 bound for Sydney flew above and ahead of it, the airline said in a statement. "As the captain explained to passengers at the time, this A380 experienced a short burst of wake turbulence from another A380 flying ahead and above it," Qantas fleet safety Captain Debbie Slade said in a statement on Thursday. Captain Slade says any sudden turbulence can be a "jolt" for passengers but assured people aircraft are designed to handle it safely. The two aircraft were separated by 20 nautical miles and 1000 feet in altitude. No passengers were injured and there was no aircraft damage from the incident, a Qantas spokesman said. The Australian Transport Safety Bureau was notified of the incident on Thursday morning, with the bureau saying there was no need to be notified earlier because the incident didn't affect the safety of the aircraft. The ATSB won't be investigating the incident. Harry Harris, the firebrand former head of the US Pacific Command and President Donald Trump's former nominee to be US ambassador to Australia, has backed an expected pause of US military exercises with South Korea. The recently retired admiral faced the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee in Washington DC on Thursday ahead of his expected confirmation as the next US ambassador to South Korea. Mr Trump made a surprise switch earlier this year to re-direct Mr Harris from Canberra to Seoul. Mr Harris last year offered fiery words for North Korean leader Kim Jong-un but told the committee the dictator should be given some "breathing space" after this week's historic meeting with Mr Trump. "Following the president's summit with Kim Jong-un in Singapore we are in a dramatically different place," Mr Harris said. "The whole landscape has shifted and I believe we should give exercises, major exercises, a pause to see if Kim Jong-un in fact is serious about his part of the negotiations. "I have spoken in the past about the need to bring Kim Jong-un to his senses, not to his knees, and I think the president's efforts in Singapore did just that." Mr Trump is expected to announce a suspension of major military exercises with South Korea to encourage the North Korean leader to end his nuclear program and denuclearise the Korean Peninsula. Australia has been without a US ambassador for almost two years, with Mr Harris warmly welcomed by Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull when first nominated. Mr Trump is yet to announce a replacement in Canberra for Mr Harris. The senators on the Senate Foreign Relations Committee were full of praise for Mr Harris and his expected appointment in Seoul. "As you know he was first nominated to be ambassador to Australia and I think the fact that this administration decided on this critically important post in South Korea, I think that indicates not only the confidence people have in the four-star admiral but it is also him willing to answer the call of service wherever he is required," Senator Bill Nelson told the hearing. A group of experts from across the country will meet in Adelaide to help tackle the growing problem of elder abuse. The event's organiser, CEO of Aged Rights Advocacy Services Carolanne Barkla, says the conference will bring together police, academics and legal practitioners. "Elder Abuse is a major public health and social problem, a staggering one in 20 older people experience some form of abuse," Ms Barkla said ahead of Friday's event, being held on World Elder Abuse Day. "The conference aims to analyse what approaches work best when it comes to preventing abuse." She says there has been relatively little research done on prevention strategies and the reasons for abuse. "Elder abuse is a silent epidemic that demands a collaborative approach," Ms Barkla said. Age Discrimination Commissioner Dr Kay Patterson will give the keynote at the conference. It comes after federal Attorney-General Christian Porter pledged earlier this week to work with the states, territories and community partners to tackle elder abuse by setting up a national body. Ahead of federal parliament resuming on Monday, Labor says it will negotiate with the coalition to deliver personal income tax cuts for low-income earners. However, the Turnbull government insists it wants the full package of tax cuts passed in the coming fortnight of sittings. Labor frontbencher Brendan O'Connor says the opposition is keen to deliver tax relief for working people and has a plan that would almost double the relief being offered by the government. "We'll negotiate with the government," he says. "We'll support their first tranche (of cuts) but we are focused on what relief can be provided now, not seven years in the never-never world, which quite frankly is dishonest and delusional." Finance Minister Mathias Cormann, who leads negotiations for the government in the Senate, says the package should be passed as a whole to deliver the biggest benefit to workers and the economy. The coalition appears to be one vote short of the eight it needs to get the package through the Senate. It is understood senators David Leyonhjelm, Cory Bernardi, Fraser Anning and Derryn Hinch are supportive of the package as it stands. Former One Nation senator Brian Burston is also expected to endorse it, having left Pauline Hanson's party on Thursday. The two Centre Alliance senators, Rex Patrick and Stirling Griff, could also be on the government's side, but have said they are inclined to only support the first part of the plan. However, independent Tim Storer and senators Hanson and Georgiou want the package split. The cuts from July 1 would see a low and middle-income tax cut offset introduced - worth up to $530 for individuals - and the 32.5 per cent threshold increased from $87,000 to $90,000. The biggest concern of opponents of the whole package is the tax cut pencilled in for 2024. Stage three of the plan would increase the top 45 per cent tax rate threshold from $180,000 to $200,000 while abolishing the 37 per cent tax rate, leaving all taxpayers earning between $41,000 and $200,000 on a rate of 32.5 per cent. A manhunt is under way in NSW for a chubby man who abducted and sexually assaulted a schoolgirl in broad daylight near Newcastle. Police are throwing every resource into finding the man, who grabbed the 11-year-old girl from behind as she walked to school on Tuesday morning through Hudson Park in the suburb of Adamstown Heights. The girl was then threatened with a knife, sexually assaulted and forced into a car - believed to be a red Holden Commodore - and driven to bushland where she was again sexually assaulted before being released at Kotara Railway station about five hours later. She walked 1.5 kilometres on her own before raising the alarm at home and was taken to John Hunter Hospital for examination. Officers have been doorknocking in the neighbourhood and distributed pamphlets describing the attacker. They say he is chubby, with short black messy hair and wrinkles on his forehead and around his mouth. He spoke with an Australian accent. The attacker could also be a smoker, as the young girl described him as smelling of cigarette smoke or body odour. Brown stains on his bottom row of teeth and cracked lips were also visible despite the fact he was wearing a dark-coloured zipped-up hoodie that covered part of his face. He wore beige-coloured shoes and denim jeans. Labour hire providers in Queensland are now legally required to be licensed or have applied for one. New laws passed by the state government earlier this year came into effect on Friday. Queensland Council of Unions general secretary Ros McLennan said the sunshine state was the first jurisdiction in Australia to regulate the sector. "Before these laws it was easier to start a labour hire firm than getting your licence to drive, and that wasn't right," she said in a statement. "We've heard shocking stories of workers on labour hire arrangements being underpaid thousands and thousands of dollars across all sorts of industries and sectors, and it's got to stop." Ms McLennan called on other states to introduce similar laws so rogue operators could be stamped out. "The impact on law-abiding businesses will be negligible, as the reporting requirements should not be onerous for an organisation complying with the law," she said. Scores of NSW Nationals delegates and politicians have descended on the country town of Cowra for the party's state conference - though there may be one glaring exception. It's understood former deputy prime minister and Nationals leader Barnaby Joyce, who was said to have been considering attending the annual general conference, is now unlikely to show up. The embattled member for New England has been on sick leave since May. More than 60 motions, ranging from health services to tax policy, are up for debate over the two day conference beginning on Friday. Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack and Deputy NSW Premier John Barilaro are both scheduled to address the conference. Banks are being urged to mark Elder Abuse Day by appointing in-branch staff dedicated to protecting older Australians from financial exploitation. Advocacy group Greysafe is concerned bank jobs cuts and new technologies are exposing elderly customers to new threats of financial abuse. "We've heard many reports of perpetrators spending the money of their victims without permission, forging signatures or forcing older Australians to sign bank forms," Greysafe chief Mike Cahill said on Friday. "Unfortunately, when faced with new technology and change, older Australians will often put trust in a family member to help or take control of their banking, thus putting them at greater risk of financial abuse and manipulation." Last week, the banking industry and seniors groups successfully lobbied state and federal attorneys-general to progress standardised power of attorney orders to prevent vulnerable parents from "inheritance impatience". Mr Cahill believes having dedicated and properly trained "elder protection officers" in branches will also leave banks less exposed to adverse action and potential compensation payments. Leading Age Services Australia is the peak national body representing providers of residential care, home care and retirement living. Its chief executive Sean Rodney points out elder abuse can be physical, psychological or financial. "Our community must have zero tolerance towards elder abuse," Mr Rodney said. "We all have a role to play in identifying, empowering people and ending elder abuse." On the eve of Elder Abuse Day, it was announced older Australians suffering abuse and their families would be able to seek expert help from a new national body. Senior rights groups from each of the states will partner with the federal government under Elder Abuse Action Australia to protect people from financial and physical abuse. Attorney-General Christian Porter said the new body would help tackle serious crimes of fraud and theft. Mr Porter said elder abuse was most common in financial settings, with the EAAA to work with law enforcement in such matters as estates, property and bank accounts. He expects the new group to play a key role in the development of a national plan to combat elder abuse, which he announced in February. Voting for Labor's national presidency will close on Friday as federal MPs Wayne Swan and Mark Butler battle it out. The former federal treasurer Mr Swan is considered the favourite as Mr Butler's vote is expected to be diminished by two other left-wing candidates. Mr Butler, the incumbent president, is fighting on a reform agenda, but his spot is under threat thanks to the CFMMEU's decision to run a candidate and split the Left vote. He won the presidency in 2015 but has largely not been able to achieve the reforms he called for. Mr Swan is retiring at the next federal election, while Mr Butler is looking for a new seat after his was slated for abolition in a recent boundary redraw. The ballot closes on Friday, with the party's national returning officer due to announce the results once votes are counted. The party's national conference will be held in December. A Gold Coast Pizza Hut operator has been hit with a $216,000 fine for exploiting an Indian delivery driver and trying to cover it up. The Fair Work Ombudsman took action against against Dong Zhao after one of his drivers complained he'd suffered anxiety and anguish from being underpaid, and had to borrow money from his family to support his student wife. Zhao, who operates an Upper Coomera Pizza Hut franchise, was fined $36,700 and his company $180,000 after admitting breaking sham contracting laws, designed to stop employers from misrepresenting workers as independent contractors. The Warriors will be without prolific winger David Fusitu'a for Friday night's NRL match against North Queensland in Townsville. Competition leading try-scorer Fusitu'a has succumbed to an ankle injury which ruled him out of the clash with the Cowboys. It is a blow for the fourth-placed Kiwi club, with the Tongan international having bagged a hat-trick in last week's win over Manly to boost his tally to 15 tries from 13 games. Fusitu'a's place on the right wing will go to the versatile Gerard Beale. Captain Roger Tuivasa-Sheck passed a fitness test and will return at fullback after missing the 34-14 defeat of the Sea Eagles. Gold Coast Mayor Tom Tate has told the state's corruption watchdog it is taking too long to investigate allegations against some councillors, including himself. The Crime and Corruption Commissioner is investigating whether Mr Tate deliberately misled other councillors ahead of a vote on a property sale, and the disclosure of racehorses owned by him and Deputy Mayor Donna Gates. "The judicial maxim states: justice delayed is justice denied," he wrote to CCC chair Alan MacSporran this week in a letter obtained by NewsCorp. The ex-girlfriend of a south Sydney man who was engulfed in flames after his granny flat was set on fire has been charged with murder amid allegations the water supply was tampered with. Jeffrey Lindsell, 39, was at a pub with friends on the evening of Friday October 6, 2017, before he went back to the Gymea residence he shared with his elderly parents. Hours later his parents saw their son running out of his burning granny flat on fire. Mr Lindsell died of his injuries in hospital two days later on October 9. On Thursday, NSW Police charged 46-year-old Amanda Zukowski with murder. She appeared at Newtown Local Court where she was formally refused bail to reappear at the same court on August 14. In court, police alleged Zukowski tampered with the water supply and "deliberately" lit the fire in the granny flat knowing Mr Lindsell was inside. Detective Superintendent Linda Howlett in February described Mr Lindsell as a "loveable" man who was held in high regard by his friends. Move over finger painting, kindergarten kids could soon add Korean or Turkish lessons to their pre-school fun. Already 2500 Australian preschools offer language programs, teaching everything from Modern Greek to Arabic, Spanish, French and Mandarin. Federal Education Minister Simon Birmingham is expected to announced an $11.8 million expansion of the program to double that to 5000 preschools. It's designed for children aged three and up. The language program will also be extended into 300 primary schools, Senator Birmingham is expected to announce on a visit to a Sydney kindergarten on Friday. As well as existing languages, offered through play-based apps, the Early Learning Languages Australia program will add Korean, Vietnamese, Turkish and German to their languages list. Emergency crews have been called to Sydney Airport after reports of a white substance was found when luggage was being unloaded from an American Airlines plane after it touched down. Five NSW Fire & Rescue trucks are going through security clearance at the international airport after receiving a call at 7.48am on Friday that "a substance was found in the hold", a spokesman told AAP. The crews will liaise with the airport's fire crews and the Australian Border Force. American Airlines flight 73 from Los Angeles landed in Sydney 7.15am. The 'Pitch Perfect' star had said that while the case was 'never about the money', she had hoped to receive as much as possible to give away to charity Hollywood actress Rebel Wilson's Australian record defamation payout was slashed on appeal Thursday to just Aus$600,000 (US$454,000) in a major win for publisher Bauer Media. The "Pitch Perfect" star was awarded Aus$4.5 million in damages against the group last September over articles claiming she lied about her age and background to further her career. It was the largest defamation win in Australian legal history and Bauer appealed, arguing the size of the settlement set a dangerous precedent and there were errors of law in the judgement. The Victorian Court of Appeal agreed, setting aside the decision to award her just over Aus$3.9 million for economic losses. It also cut the Aus$650,000 compensation figure for non-economic loss to Aus$600,000. Wilson had claimed a series of articles in Woman's Day, Australian Women's Weekly and OK Magazine in 2015 had portrayed her as a serial liar and damaged her reputation. The Sydney-born actress told the trial she was sacked from DreamWorks animated feature films "Trolls" and "Kung Fu Panda 3" following the stories. But the Court of Appeal said there was no basis for her to receive financial damages for the potential loss of roles. It found that the previous judge had relied on evidence from Wilson and two Hollywood agents to draw the conclusion that she had lost job opportunities. "The Court of Appeal held that, for a considerable number of reasons, the critical inferences drawn by the judge could not be upheld," the summary of judgement said. "It followed that the judge's award of damages for economic loss had to be set aside... there was no basis in the evidence for making any award of damages for economic loss." Wilson, 38, is in Europe filming and was not in court. She had previously vowed to give her entire payout to charity and tweeted Wednesday it was never about the money. "What happens tomorrow (Thursday) is to do with the losers @bauermedia quibbling about how much they now have to pay me," she said. "While this case was never about the money for me, I do hope to receive as much as possible to give away to charities and to support the Australian film industry." US President Donald Trump has kind words for North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, but Trump's own state department says Kim's regime holds between 80,000 and 120,000 political prisoners in forced labor camps, facing torture and forced starvation US President Donald Trump downplayed abuses by Kim Jong Un's regime in an interview following his summit with the North Korean leader, saying that other countries had also done "bad things." "A lot of other people (have) done some really bad things. I mean, I could go through a lot of nations where a lotta bad things were done," Trump said in an interview with Fox News. He praised Kim as "a very smart guy" and "a great negotiator," saying that "I think we understand each other." According to Trump's own State Department, Kim's regime holds between 80,000 and 120,000 political prisoners in forced labor camps, facing torture and forced starvation. As well as abuses at home, Kim is also suspected of ordering the assassination of his brother at a Malaysian airport last year. Trump and Kim met in Singapore on Tuesday -- an unprecedented encounter that saw the leader of the world's most powerful democracy shake hands with the third generation scion of a dynastic dictatorship, standing as equals in front of their nations' flags. Critics have charged the summit legitimized Kim and said the summit was more about headlines than substantive progress. Trump also had kind words for Chinese President Xi Jinping in the interview, describing him as "an incredible guy" and noting that he is "essentially president for life. That's pretty good." Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described the displaying a Nazi flag as 'completely and utterly unacceptable' An Australian army vehicle flew a Nazi swastika flag during an operation in Afghanistan, the prime minister confirmed Thursday in an act he called "completely and utterly unacceptable". National broadcaster ABC published a leaked photo of the 2007 incident and cited a defence source as saying it was more a "twisted joke" than evidence of genuine neo-Nazism. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said displaying a Nazi flag was "absolutely wrong". "Completely and utterly unacceptable," he told reporters. "It was reported (to officials) in 2007, that incident, and the flag obviously was removed and the personnel involved were disciplined," he told reporters. "But the incident, it was wrong ... it was absolutely wrong, and their commanders took action at the time." The defence department said in a statement to AFP that "neither the flag nor its use are in line with defence values". "The flag was briefly raised above an Australian Army vehicle in Afghanistan in 2007. The commander took immediate action to have the offensive flag taken down," it said, adding that it was later destroyed and those involved cautioned. "Additionally, steps were taken to reinforce education and training for all personnel who witnessed the flag." Australian forces have been active in Afghanistan in various roles since 2001, when the conflict there began. Around 900 were in the country in 2007, predominately in Uruzgan and Kandahar provinces. The photograph has emerged as the actions of Australia's special forces in Afghanistan come under intense scrutiny. Earlier this month, elite troops were accused of committing war crimes in a secret defence report obtained by local media that described a "complete lack of accountability" from top military brass. The investigation, reported by Fairfax Media, quoted special forces insiders saying some Australian troops engaged in the "unsanctioned and illegal application of violence on operations" with "a disregard for human dignity". In response, Australia's former spy chief David Irvine was appointed last week to conduct a third inquiry into the nation's special forces in two years. Some 300 Australian defence personnel remain in Afghanistan. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is in Seoul for talks with South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha (front) and Japanese counterpart Taro Kono North Korea's Kim Jong Un understands that denuclearisation must happen "quickly", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday, warning there will be no sanctions relief for Pyongyang until the process is complete. Pompeo said Washington remained committed to the "complete, verifiable and irreversible" denuclearisation of North Korea, after the joint statement from the US-North Korea summit in Singapore drew criticism for lack of detail on the key issue. "We believe that Kim Jong Un understands the urgency... that we must do this quickly," he said of the effort to have North Korea abandon its nuclear weapons. Washington's top diplomat is in Seoul to brief his South Korean and Japanese counterparts on Tuesday's historic talks -- the first between sitting leaders of the two countries -- after which a triumphant President Donald Trump said the world can "sleep well". Following the summit, Trump said the US would halt its "provocative" joint military drills with South Korea as long as negotiations are ongoing with the North, an announcement that caught Seoul by surprise. But the US-South Korea alliance remains "as robust as ever", Seoul's foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha said at a press conference with Pompeo and Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono. Pompeo is scheduled to fly to Beijing to meet his Chinese counterpart after the meetings in Seoul. President Bashar al-Assad said that "contacts are still ongoing between the Russians, the Americans, and the Israelis" on the subject of Syria's south Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said that talks led by Moscow on the future of the south of the country were ongoing, but warned that Israel and the United States were preventing a negotiated settlement. In an interview with Iran's Al-Alam television channel broadcast late Wednesday, Assad said that after regime forces captured Ghouta from rebels in April, "it was suggested that we should move south". "We were faced with two options... reconciliation or liberation by force. At this point, the Russians suggested the possibility of giving reconciliation an opportunity," he said. "Up till now, there are no concrete results for a simple reason which is Israeli and American interference; for they put pressure on the terrorists in that area in order to prevent reaching any compromise or peaceful resolution," he added. Russia called late last month for urgent negotiations with the US and Jordan on the south, and President Vladimir Putin has discussed Syria with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. It's a prized region for nearly all stakeholders in Syria's war due to its strategic geographical position: the south borders Jordan and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, but also lies close to Damascus. Typically bitterly divided over Syria, most of the powers involved seem to agree on a government comeback in the southern provinces of Daraa and Quneitra, 70 percent of which is controlled by rebel groups. The Islamic State group has a limited presence in the region. Assad said that "contacts are still ongoing between the Russians, the Americans, and the Israelis". Asked about the possibility of a settlement that included Iran leaving the south, Assad said: "The Syrian-Iranian relationship is a strategic one not subject to a deal in the south or in the north... it is not subject to the price tags of the international bazaar." The government has regained control of much of Syria with Russian backing and a win in the south would cap a string of victories this year. Regime forces recaptured Ghouta after a ferocious offensive that displaced tens of thousands. Long pressured to deny their identities, transgender people in China are quietly asserting themselves Lan spent years trapped between two identities: the male gender assigned to her at birth and the woman she was inside -- a living "torture" in a China not yet ready to fully embrace transgenders. The Shanghai native, who asked that her full name be withheld, misled friends and family with a macho facade but eventually, depressed by her identity crisis, underwent gender-reassignment surgery in 2015. "I was always between those two voices," said Lan, 31, looking prim in a blue blouse and shoulder-length auburn hair. "I was lonely, helpless and in despair. Now I'm living my dream." Long pressured to deny their identities, Chinese transgenders are quietly asserting themselves, with advocacy groups forming and doctors reporting increasing gender-reassignment surgeries. Surgeon Zhao Yede performed 20-30 operations annually two decades ago. He now does around 200 per year, crediting a burgeoning online trans community with bringing people forward. A few transgender people in China have become minor celebrities, and the lack of strident religiosity in the country minimises overt persecution "What's clear is (patients) are getting younger. We used to see people at 26, 27, or 30. Now we see more and more 20-year-olds," he told AFP. Transgenderism's place in China has long been something of a paradox. Ancient depictions of cross-dressing abound, and men typically played female roles onstage. Today, a few transgenders have become minor celebrities, and the lack of strident religiosity in Chinese culture minimises overt persecution. - Down and out - But Chinese transgenders say they remain deeply misunderstood, subject to abuse from relatives and routine discrimination. China's trans population is unknown, but estimates say up to 0.6 percent of Americans identify as trans. That percentage in China would equal more than eight million people. Chinese transgenders say they remain deeply misunderstood, subject to abuse from relatives and routine discrimination A survey by the non-profit Beijing LGBT Center last year found nearly 62 percent of Chinese transgenders suffer depression, nearly half contemplated suicide and 13 percent attempted it. A 2017 UNDP report said that among China's LGBTs "trans people face the highest levels of discrimination, especially within the family, schools and workplaces". Chinese society prizes male heirs and continuing the family line, and transgenders, particularly vulnerable youths, often suffer physical and emotional abuse at home, said Zhuo Huichen, a transgender woman. Authorities typically dismiss such abuse as family squabbling, taking no action, said Zhuo, who co-founded the Guangzhou-based Trans Center in 2016, one of China's first trans-led NGOs. "Some cases we see are horrible. Parents may even want to kill their children," said Zhuo, 25. Even Zhuo, wearing make-up and with her long hair flowing from a cat-eared cap that says "beautiful" on it, hasn't told her parents she is transitioning to female. The centre is seeing increasing numbers of transgenders seeking help, and steady reports of suicides. "Many are minors. It's a serious problem," she said. Trans people can change their gender on Chinese government IDs but face major obstacles revising diplomas and academic records, often resulting in denial of jobs or further schooling Post-surgery, Chinese trans can change their gender on government IDs but face major obstacles revising diplomas and academic records, often resulting in denial of jobs or further schooling. Trans unemployment is three times the average, the Beijing LGBT Centre's survey said. Marginalised, some may drift into sex work. A transgender man known as "Mr. C", who was assigned female at birth but has transitioned, was fired by a health-care company in southwestern China in 2015 over his gender identity. But Mr. C, who withholds his real name to shield his parents, won a lawsuit last year accusing the employer of violating his rights, a ruling hailed by trans people. "I think legal protections will get better. But we have a long way to go," he told AFP. The rising trans profile comes at a fraught time, however, with the ruling Communist Party increasingly accused of quashing rights and anything deemed contrary to "party morals," and some trans fear a backlash. LGBT events are often shut down, and even hip hop music and tattoos were banned from television earlier this year as unwholesome. - Glimmers of hope - But trans activists see glimmers of hope, and Zhuo vows "we will keep pushing". Last year, government guidelines began referring to "gender-reassignment" instead of "sex-change" surgery -- which transgenders dislike -- and no longer call transgenderism a "disease". Shanghai Pride, the city's low-key LGBT festival now in its 10th year, held its first major trans forum on June 2. As of last year, Chinese government guidelines no longer call transgenderism a "disease" Many apprehensive attendees wore stickers of a camera with a red line through it to discourage photos. But the event, complete with an impromptu "fashion show", went ahead unimpeded by authorities. "I never thought I'd see that happen," said Lan. She has been more fortunate than most. Initially shocked by her coming-out, Lan's father has been supportive, accompanying her to Thailand for her $18,000 surgery and painful five-week recovery. A trained accountant, she still worries that having "male" on past records threatens future job prospects. But in a happy surprise, Lan and her male former best friend recently fell in love. They plan to wed and have a child through a surrogate mother. Lan's future in-laws don't know her past, a secret the couple intends to keep. "We (trans) are stepping forward, especially the younger generation. But we have to take it slow," she said. Hani and Noor al-Laham's financial woes have forced them to move to a homemade shack on the coast near Gaza City Hani al-Laham sits down to a family dinner after a long day of fasting, but he has little to celebrate as the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan approaches. Despite Laham having a monthly salary of 1,700 shekels ($475), tied to a job in the security services, the Palestinian government has repeatedly failed to pay him. He is one of nearly 60,000 Palestinians in Gaza on the payroll of the internationally-recognised administration based in the West Bank. More than a decade ago the Palestinian Authority (PA) ordered its employees in the enclave to stay at home, over a dispute with Gaza rulers Hamas, promising to continue paying their salaries. But now the money has been cut back. "This is a disaster, Gaza is collapsing," said Laham, whose financial woes have seen the family evicted from their rented home in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. They have now moved to a homemade shack on the coast near Gaza City, but even that meagre existence is threatened. The local municipality is trying to demolish their temporary home, claiming it was built without the necessary permits. "If they give me back my salary, I will rent an apartment. I am tired of this life," the 55-year-old told AFP. Last week Laham finally received a small sum of money, ahead of the Eid al-Fitr Muslim festival marking the end of Ramadan, but it doesn't cover the family's basic needs. "Where should we go? Burn ourselves?" his wife Noor, 33, asked. - West Bank protest - The family's situation -- and that of thousands of other Gazans -- is one of the idiosyncrasies of the bitter intra-Palestinian conflict. The Islamist Hamas movement seized control of Gaza in 2007, after a near civil war with the PA which is led by president Mahmud Abbas. Hamas argued it had won 2006 parliamentary elections and been deprived of the right to rule after the international community refused to accept the result. The Gaza takeover was deemed a coup by Abbas, who eventually told his employees not to go to work until Hamas ceded power. Hani al-Laham is an employee of the Ramallah-based Palestinian Authority, which has repeatedly failed to pay his salary The salaries of staff including judges, doctors and ministry workers continued to be paid while they waited for bickering politicians to allow them to return to jobs. But years later they are stuck, with Israel imposing a blockade on Gaza that has crippled the economy and no realistic employment opportunities under Hamas. Recently, facing financial shortfalls and seeking to isolate Hamas, Abbas sought to make cuts to the Gaza salaries. Last year they were reduced by 30 percent, while in March the PA paid nothing at all -- without explanation. The following month Abbas promised the salaries would be paid within a few days, but nothing happened. Finally 50 percent of one month's salary was paid on June 5, ahead of Eid which will likely be celebrated Friday. The Ramallah government has said the lack of payment is a "technical" issue, but it has long had budgetary problems. Critics also argue that by cutting salaries the PA is seeking to sow discord among Gaza's two million residents, and make life difficult for Hamas. Hundreds of Palestinians in the West Bank took to the streets of Ramallah on Sunday and Wednesday to demand that salaries be paid in Gaza, a rare show of opposition in the city where Abbas's government is based. The latter protest had been banned by the Palestinian administration and security forces dispersed demonstrators with tear gas and sound grenades. The United Nations warned last month that Gaza could be on the brink of war, after at least 129 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire in border protests. Hamas, which has strongly backed the demonstrations, has fought three wars with Israel since 2008. - A 'humiliating life' - The salary cuts have also affected Gazans' health. Sabara Abu Ali, 67, has kidney failure but can no longer afford the necessary care after her income was stopped. "I get dialysis three times a week," at Gaza City's Shifa Hospital, she said. "I don't even have the 30 shekels I need for transport each day." Noor and her children inside the family's shack near the beach in Gaza City "How could you desert us Abu Mazen?" she asked, using Abbas's Arabic nickname. Yasser, an employee of the health ministry, said even if he were to receive his full salary, his debts are such that once the bank takes its loan repayment and electricity and telephone bills are paid he would have only 75 shekels left. "I have debts to the supermarket, the greengrocer, the pharmacy, university fees for my daughter and school fees for my youngest," he said. Yasser said his financial situation led his wife to desert him, taking the children and returning to her family home. "Suicide is better than this humiliating life," he said. Gerard Peter Scully of Australia (R) was convicted Wednesday of trafficking and rape by a court in the southern Philippines, three years after he was arrested there and accused of sexually abusing and filming girls including an 18-month-old baby An Australian man has been sentenced to life in a Philippine prison as part of a notorious child sexual abuse case in which prosecutors say he chained the victims like dogs. Peter Scully still faces another trial and dozens more charges, including allegations he made child pornography and murdered a young girl. The Philippines has become a key hub for a billion-dollar, global child cybersex industry, police have warned, with operators helped by widespread poverty. Scully was convicted Wednesday of trafficking and rape by a court in the southern Philippines, three years after he was arrested there and accused of sexually abusing and filming girls including an 18-month-old baby. The Cagayan de Oro court sentenced Scully and his Filipina partner to life in prison without parole and imposed a fine of five million pesos ($93,700) for trafficking Filipina girls then aged ten and 12, the regional prosecutor said. "This is a big victory for us. This sends a very strong signal to traffickers that this government is serious in pursuing and prosecuting these cases," Merlynn Uy, officer-in-charge of the regional prosecutor's office, told AFP. "These girls were lured into his apartment and they said that they were chained on the neck, like dogs on a leash." Scully was also found guilty of rape, which carries a minimum of six years behind bars. He was arrested in 2015 in Malaybalay, another southern Philippine city, after fleeing from Australia in 2011. He had come to the Philippines to escape fraud charges in his home country. He then set up a cybersex business, filming teenage girls from impoverished families as he had sex with them or used sex toys, investigators said. The videos were allegedly sold to customers in Germany, the United States and Brazil. Most of the people who pay to view these types of sex videos are abroad, with potentially thousands of children being abused, often with their parents' consent, authorities said. Scully faces another trial for a second batch of 60 charges including the rape of an 18-month-old baby girl and the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl. It is not clear when those proceedings will start. The social welfare department said Scully's victims remained in government custody. "The children have been traumatised. We provide them therapy to help them prepare for a normal life," regional social welfare director Nestor Ramos told AFP. Australia's foreign affairs department told AFP it was providing consular assistance to Scully but declined to comment further citing "privacy obligations". Trump's health, both physical and mental, have been the subject of keen interest in America President Donald Trump turned 72 on Thursday, having returned to the fray of Washington politics after his grueling trip to Singapore for the summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Trump in 2016 was the oldest person to assume the US presidency -- he was 70 then -- although Ronald Reagan was 73 when he was re-elected in 1984. Trump's health, both physical and mental, have been the subject of keen interest in America. He underwent an official physical in January and then White House physician Ronny Jackson described his health as "excellent." When Trump was still a presidential candidate, his then personal doctor Harold Bornstein released a letter on Trump's behalf in December 2015 in which he described the businessman's health in grand hyperbole. It depicted Trumps blood pressure and laboratory results as "astonishingly excellent," his physical strength and stamina as "extraordinary," and said he would be "the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency." Last month Bornstein told CNN that Trump had personally dictated the letter. Bornstein also said last month that a bodyguard visited his Park Avenue office last year and confiscated the president's medical records. Bornstein said the "raid" took place on February 3, 2017, two days after The New York Times quoted the physician as saying he had prescribed Trump a hair growth medicine for years. The motive for the attack, in the town of Malmesbury near Cape Town, remained unclear A Somali man stabbed two worshippers to death and wounded two others in a rampage at a mosque in South Africa on Thursday before being shot dead by police, officers said. Police quickly surrounded the building in Malmesbury near Cape Town outside which a body lay under a tree and a penknife was discarded nearby, according to an AFP correspondent at the scene. The motive of the attacker, who police said was Somali, remains unclear. It comes just a month after a deadly stabbing at another South African mosque which police said had "elements of extremism" and left an Islamic leader dead. Police were alerted by early morning worshippers and arrived at Malmesbury's mosque to find two people had died of stab wounds, Western Cape police spokeswoman Noloyiso Rwexana, told AFP. "The suspect, believed to be in his thirties and armed with a knife, charged at the police who tried to persuade him to hand himself over," she said. The man, who was seen at the Mosque for the first time on Wednesday according to police, "ignored the calls and tried to attack police. He was shot dead". Forensics officers are now conducting a finger-tip search of the area and the elite Hawks investigative unit has been drafted in to lead the inquiry. - 'Murdered, slaughtered' - Zainab Bassa, the wife of 72-year-old Ismail Bassa who was killed in the attack, told AFP that her husband of more than 30 years was "slaughtered" as he prayed. "My husband talked to everybody, he loved kids, it's a great loss for me, as well as for the community, to pass away in a masjid, murdered, slaughtered," said Bassa, 59. "That was his second house -- you would always find him in the mosque. He left last night and said 'I'm going now, I'll buy you another Eid dress'." The other victim was a member of South Africa's Somali community, according to police. Two other people were wounded and are being treated in hospital. The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), which represents the Muslim community in South Africa, said it was "shocked to the core" over the incident, which came at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The MJC appealed to the community not to speculate about the attacker's motives and said its top leadership would travel to the area to assist the community. It comes a month after an attack at a mosque in the town of Verulam, on the outskirts of the eastern port city of Durban. Three unidentified assailants killed a mosque leader on May 10 by slitting his throat and injured two others after midday prayers. The assailants in that attack, who also set off a petrol bomb inside the mosque, escaped in a car and remain at large. - 'Intolerance, killing and real conflict' - Their motive remains unclear, but a police spokesman said at the time that the attack had "elements of extremism. It shows hatred towards the worshippers". The Verulam attack was a watershed moment for South Africa, where about 1.5 percent of the country's 55 million people are Muslim. Asked if Thursday's attack was the first of its kind in the region, police spokesman lieutenant colonel Andre Traut said: "I can't recall of another incident, but all possibilities are being investigated". "It's way too soon to speculate as to a possible motive -- or link with any other incident in the country," he told the eNCA broadcaster. Nick Piper, a director at the Signal Risk security consultancy, described both attacks as "very rudimentary". "Typically, if a transnational group was to conduct a coordinated, planned attack, it would be more sophisticated," he said. South Africa prides itself on religious tolerance and has been spared the extremist attacks that have dogged other countries on the African continent. Ebrahim Rasool, a senior official of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, said that President Cyril Ramaphosa "expresses condolences to the families and the community". "(He) expresses his concern about this plague that is infiltrating the Muslim community of intolerance, killing and real conflict," said Rasool. Gnanasara was found guilty of criminally intimidating Sandya Eknaligoda when she attended a hearing on the abduction of her cartoonist husband A firebrand Buddhist monk was sentenced to six months in jail by a Sri Lankan court Thursday for intimidating a woman whose cartoonist husband has been missing since his abduction by the military. The court in Homagama, near the capital Colombo, also fined Galagodaatte Gnanasara 1,500 rupees ($10) and ordered him to pay 50,000 rupees in compensation to Sandya Eknaligoda for abusing her in January 2016. He was found guilty on two counts of intimidation and given six months for each offence, both sentences to be served concurrently. This is the first time Gnanasara has been put behind bars although he has faced several previous cases on charges of hate crimes against minority Muslims in Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka. The saffron-robed monk tried to deliver a statement as the sentence was read out before a packed courtroom, but was stopped short by the judge. But outside the courthouse he remained defiant. "I have done my duty by my country," Gnanasara said as police led him to a prison bus. "I do not regret what I did." A spokesman for his Buddhist Force said it had already filed an appeal. Gnanasara was found guilty of criminally intimidating Eknaligoda during a hearing at the same court on the abduction of her cartoonist husband Prageeth, who went missing in January 2010. He had been there to voice his support for the military officers accused of abducting Prageeth, whose cartoons lampooned former strongman president Mahinda Rajapakse. In ugly scenes inside the courthouse, he accused Eknaligoda and her husband of supporting Tamil extremists and bringing the military into disrepute. He faces a separate contempt hearing at the Colombo High Court over the incident. - 'Hope in judiciary' - Eknaligoda's perseverance in campaigning to find out what happened to her husband earned her an "International Women of Courage" award last year from US First Lady Melania Trump. After the verdict Eknaligoda said she was pleased with the outcome and hoped the punishment would deter others. "I am happy this turned out like this. Some people thought that the monk will get off lightly with a suspended sentence, but it did not happen," she told AFP. "We can still have hope in the judiciary." Amnesty International welcomed the decision and described it as a victory for rights defenders in Sri Lanka. "A clear message has gone out to those who seek to intimidate, threaten and silence people seeking justice," said Amnesty's deputy director for South Asia, Omar Waraich. US ambassador Atul Keshap posted on Twitter after the verdict that Eknaligoda was "an eminently worthy and brave-hearted" recipient of the award for courage. Last year, Gnanasara spent a month on the run as police pursued him in connection with a string of attacks against Muslims. He later surrendered and was granted bail. The BBS has denied allegations it was behind riots against Muslims in 2017 and 2014 that left four people dead. Gnanasara maintains close ties with Wirathu, an extremist monk based in Myanmar, whose hate speech has stoked religious tensions in the country. Wirathu visited Sri Lanka as a guest of Gnanasara shortly after the 2014 violence in Sri Lanka's tourist resort of Aluthgama. Yemeni pro-government fighters advance south of Hodeida international airport on June 13, 2018 Air strikes by a Saudi-led coalition targeted areas around Yemen's rebel-held port of Hodeida on Thursday, the insurgents said, as an offensive to retake the vital aid gateway entered its second day. Hodeida remained open and processing ships despite the offensive, port authorities said. The Iran-backed Huthi rebels who control the Red Sea port city -- home to 600,000 people -- reported "two enemy air strikes on the (Hodeida) area" via their news outlet Al-Masirah. The coalition could not immediately be reached for comment, but the previous day coalition sources told AFP that 18 air strikes had been carried out on Huthi positions around Hodeida. Yemeni government forces and their Saudi and Emirati allies began an offensive aimed at retaking Hodeida from the Huthis on Wednesday, pressing toward the airport south of the city. The UAE, a driving force in the coalition, said four of its troops were killed on the first day of the offensive. It did not state when or where the soldiers were killed, but said at least one was a navy officer. On Wednesday, the Huthi rebels said they had targeted a coalition ship off the coast of Hodeida with two missiles, with their outlet Al-Masirah claiming a direct hit. On shore, the offensive has reached the outskirts of Hodeida airport which is in rebel hands. "The forces managed to liberate new strategic areas in Al Duraihimi district and areas adjacent to Hodeida airport after penetrating the Huthi militia's frontlines," the state-run Saudi Press Agency reported Thursday. The offensive is controversial because the port serves as the entry point for 70 percent of Yemen's imports, as the country teeters on the brink of famine. On Thursday, authorities at the port said it remained open to ships. "We still have seven ships in the port. The work in the port is normal. And we have five other ships standing by waiting outside to enter," port director Dawood Fadel told AFP. Two Saudi and UAE aid ships were in the waters off Hodeida, coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki told Saudi state media. Saudi Arabia, which intervened against the Iran-backed Huthis in 2015 with the goal of restoring Yemen's government to power, has pledged to ensure a continuous flow of aid to its neighbour. A file photo taken on October 8, 2007 shows an Israeli Heron TP surveillance drone Germany has agreed a nine year deal worth over half a billion dollars to lease Israeli military reconnaissance drones capable of carrying missiles, the aircraft's manufacturers said Thursday. European aerospace giant Airbus, which signed the $600 million (500 million euro) agreement on behalf of the German defence ministry, will maintain and provide operational support for the Heron TP drones, Israel Aerospace Industries said. An official from the state-owned Israeli firm, speaking on condition of anonymity, said the deal covered five drones. The German military currently uses Israel's Heron 1 in Afghanistan and Mali, with the more advanced Heron TP drones expected to replace earlier models. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Thursday that the German parliament had approved the deal the previous day following the government's green light. "It's a very large deal," Netanyahu said, "and that of course helps our defence industries and I think it helps security in Europe." "It's a very, very good piece of news," he said at a security conference in Jerusalem. IAI said the deal was pending German federal budgetary approval. In 2016, then-German defence minister Ursula von der Leyen said the intention was to use the Israeli drones until a similar European model was operational. Germany had considered buying Predator drones from the United States, but ultimately opted for the Heron TP, which German officials have said could be made available more quickly and would provide a smoother transition between models. A new UN report comes after months of deadly clashes along the border that divides Kashmir into zones of Indian and Pakistani control The UN human rights chief on Thursday called for a major investigation into abuses in Kashmir, as his office released its first-ever report on violations committed by both India and Pakistan in the disputed territory. Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein said he would urge the Human Rights Council, which opens a new session next week, "to consider establishing a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to conduct a comprehensive independent international investigation into allegations of human rights violations in Kashmir." A COI is one of the UN's highest-level probes, generally reserved for major crises like the Syrian conflict. The UN report, which is particularly critical of India, highlights "chronic impunity for violations committed by security forces". India's foreign ministry rejected the report, blasting it as "fallacious" and "tendentious". However Islamabad welcomed Zeid's request for a probe, saying in a statement that it was "consistent with Pakistan's several calls to this effect since 2016". The findings, described as the first-of-its-kind for Kashmir, come after months of deadly clashes along the border that divides Kashmir into zones of Indian and Pakistani control. Zeid said he met with representatives of both governments following an upsurge of violence in July 2016, triggered by India's killing of 22-year-rebel commander Burhan Wani. Concerned by what the UN termed "large and unprecedented" protests after Wani's death, Zeid asked for "unconditional access" to Kashmir, but neither government agreed. His office then began remote monitoring of the region, producing a report covering alleged abuses between January 2016 and April of this year. Kashmir has been divided since the end of British colonial rule in 1947 and both New Delhi and Islamabad claim the former Himalayan kingdom in full. India has about 500,000 soldiers in the part of Kashmir it controls, where armed groups are fighting for independence or a merger with Pakistan. - 'Unlawful' killings by India - Protesters and security forces clash in Srinagar, the capital of Indian-administered Kashmir, earlier this month The findings accused Indian troops of being responsible for some 145 unlawful killings, far surpassing the 20 people estimated to have been killed by militant groups during that period. Zeid said India needed "to take immediate and effective steps to avoid a repetition of the numerous examples of excessive use of force by security forces in Kashmir". The rights office raised particular concern over the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, in place in Indian-administered Kashmir since 1990, which prevents soldiers from facing prosecution without the consent of the central government. The act has amounted to "virtual immunity" for troops in Kashmir, the UN said, noting that the government has not approved a single case against an armed forces member. Zeid also called on India to ward off any further escalation in Srinagar, the capital of Indian-administered Kashmir. - Crackdown on dissent - Tensions have spiked in Srinagar in recent weeks, and there are fears of further unrest over the upcoming Eid holiday Tensions have spiked there in recent weeks after police were accused of firing teargas and shotgun pellets inside the city's main mosque and two protesters died after being crushed by paramilitary vehicles. Amid fears of further unrest over the upcoming Eid holiday, the rights office urged Indian troops "to exercise maximum restraint... when dealing with future protests, including ones that could well occur this coming weekend." Turning to territory under Pakistan's control, the report identified "a range of human rights abuses," but noted they "are of a different calibre or magnitude and of a more structural nature." The rights office criticised restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly that made it difficult to obtain information about conditions in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan should "end the misuse of anti-terror legislation to persecute those engaging in peaceful political and civil activities and those who express dissent," the report said. It cited claims from a local civil society group that hundreds of people have been detained under the anti-terrorism act and said the act has been used to target those who raise questions about basic rights. Pakistan warned against creating "a false sense of equivalence" between its conduct in Kashmir and that of India's. Xiang Junbo, 61, is most senior financial regulator to be targeted in President Xi Jinping's ongoing crackdown on corruption The former head of China's insurance regulator pleaded guilty to accepting 19 million yuan ($3 million) in bribes at his trial in eastern Jiangsu province on Thursday, state media said. Xiang Junbo, 61, admitted to taking bribes directly and through an associate and "showed repentance" at Changzhou Intermediate People's Court, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported. The court has not yet issued its verdict. The most senior financial regulator to be targeted in President Xi Jinping's ongoing corruption crackdown, Xiang was accused of taking advantage of his official positions from 2005 to 2017. He allegedly provided assistance in project contracting, approvals, loan issuance, and other tasks in exchange for compensation. Xiang was appointed to the top job at the regulatory commission in 2011, following stints as deputy governor of the central bank and head of the state-owned Agricultural Bank of China. He was put under investigation in April last year by the Communist Party's anti-corruption watchdog for suspected "serious disciplinary violations", a phrase that usually refers to graft. He was removed from his position immediately after the probe began. Xiang's time as head of the insurance regulator marked a period of rapid growth for the industry as he pushed for the liberalisation of investment rules, which allowed Chinese insurers to invest more of their assets at home and abroad. But this led to regulatory headaches after several high-profile cases in which insurance companies used their financial holdings to fund risky acquisitions in real estate and unlisted equities. The China Insurance Regulatory Commission and the China Banking Regulatory Commission were replaced by a banking and insurance regulatory commission after a major restructuring of government agencies in March. Xiang's guilty plea comes a month after the former high-flying head of troubled Anbang Insurance Group, Wu Xiaohui, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for defrauding the company of more than $10 billion. Wu was toppled as Anbang's head last year and China's insurance regulator announced an unprecedented takeover of the conglomerate in February, as the government moves to prevent heavily indebted large private companies from collapsing and posing a risk to the financial system. Demonstrators in Vietnam accuse the government of planning to grant lengthy land leases to China, a claim that prompted violent protests on the weekend An American citizen is being held in Vietnam for "disrupting public order" after he joined violent protests over a controverial special economic zone draft law, an official said Thursday. William Anh Nguyen, 32, took part in one of several rallies in the communist country on Sunday, where protesters accused the government of planning to grant China lengthy land leases in the zones. More than 100 people were detained in southern Binh Thuan province after demonstrations quickly spun out of control when rioters lit cars on fire and damaged government property. Large crowds who gathered in Ho Chi Minh City, including Nguyen, who was arrested Sunday and is being held for "disrupting public order", Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Le Thi Thu Hang told reporters Thursday. "A consular visit for this individual is under arrangement and there was no use of force concerning this individual," she added. A family friend citing relatives confirmed that Nguyen, a Texas-born Yale graduate, was detained Sunday in Ho Chi Minh City during the protests. Nguyen, who is set to receive a Masters degree in Singapore next month, had arrived in Vietnam on Saturday. He tweeted photos of huge crowds demonstrating in Ho Chi Minh with the caption "This is #democracy in #Vietnam". He also posted a photo of a man on the ground surrounded by crowds and wrote: "Police struck a protestor and chaos has broken out". The US embassy in Hanoi said it was "aware of media reports that a US citizen was arrested in Vietnam", spokesman Pope Thrower told AFP. "When a US citizen is detained overseas, the US Department of State works to provide all appropriate consular assistance," he added in a statement. The weekend demonstrations -- rare in the one party-state where public protests are banned or quickly broken up -- forged ahead in several cities, including the capital Hanoi, even after the government said it would delay a vote on the special economic zones. The draft law, which made no specific mention of Chinese investors, originally proposed land leases of 99 years but the government later said it would reduce the rental terms. Hanoi and Beijing have had a dicey relationship since a deadly border war in 1979. Tensions flare frequently between the communist neighbours over disputed claims in the resource-rich South China Sea, most of which Beijing says it controls. Deadly protests erupted over the hot-button issue in 2014 when Beijing moved an oil rig into waters claimed by Vietnam, prompting violent riots that killed several Chinese nationals. This handout picture from Medecins Sans Frontieres shows rescued migrants onboard an Italian coastguard ship following their transfer from the French NGO's ship Aquarius Huge waves and strong winds forced a migrant rescue ship caught in a major diplomatic row to take a detour Thursday on its way to Spain, with many aboard suffering from seasickness and shock, a French charity said. Spain agreed to take in the Aquarius vessel, which originally had 629 migrants aboard, after Italy and Malta refused to grant access to their ports for it to dock over weekend. The rescue ship, run by French charity SOS Mediterranee, has since transferred hundreds of the migrants to two Italian vessels, and the convoy is sailing across the Mediterranean to the Spanish port of Valencia. The charity said Thursday that the Italian coast guard vessel guiding the Aquarius ship had decided to divert the convoy north along the east coast of Sardinia to bypass four-metre (13-feet) high waves and winds of 35 knots (65 km/h). The move was to "protect itself from the otherwise unbearable bad weather for the people on board, who are exhausted, suffering from shock and seasickness," the NGO said on Twitter. As well as tension between Malta and Italy over who was responsible for helping the rescue ship, another bigger row erupted on Tuesday when French President Emmanuel Macron accused the Italian government of "cynicism and irresponsibility". Italy's new economy minister shelved a meeting with his French counterpart in Paris on Wednesday as a result of the dispute. However, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said Thursday he believed the row had been resolved after a phone conservation with Macron. The pair are set to meet Friday in Paris for talks, including on migration. The plight of the Aquarius has again highlighted the failure of EU member states to work together to deal with an unprecedented influx of migrants since 2015. On Thursday Pope Francis called for "assistance from the entire international community" to help "isolated and vulnerable" migrants. "In order to acknowledge and respond to the current migration situation, the assistance of the entire international community is needed, since its transnational dimension exceeds the capacities and resources of many States," said Francis in a message to participants at a conference on international migration at the Vatican. A column of Yemeni pro-government forces and armoured vehicles arrives in Al-Duraihimi district, south of Hodeida airport, on June 13, 2018 Heavy clashes killed 39 combatants outside Yemen's rebel-held port city of Hodeida on Thursday, as a Saudi and UAE-backed offensive to retake the key aid hub entered its second day. Yemen's Iran-backed Huthi rebels suffered 30 fatalities in the fighting, which took place two kilometres (1.2 miles) from Hodeida airport, south of the city, medical sources told AFP. Nine pro-government troops were killed in the same area, the medics said. Military sources said the deaths were caused by mines and snipers. An AFP correspondent behind the government lines in Al Duraihimi witnessed ambulances arriving from the front loaded with dead and wounded. Saudi-led coalition warplanes and Apache helicopters provided "continuous" air support to pro-government forces, striking Huthi positions, military sources said. The Huthis have put up a fierce resistance, however, using snipers to slow the assault, the sources added. The coalition-backed troops have also been slowed by the need for de-mining operations to advance. The government side sent significant reinforcements to the front on Thursday, according to military sources and the AFP correspondent. An oil refinery in Libya's northern town of Ras Lanuf on January 11, 2017 A militia opposed to Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar on Thursday attacked oil sites under his control, a military source said, inflicting fresh disruption on an industry that forms the chaos-hit country's economic backbone. The attack was carried out by the Benghazi Defence Brigades, including fighters driven from Benghazi city by forces loyal to Haftar, the source said. Rival political authorities and militias have been vying for control of territory and Libya's oil wealth since the 2011 uprising that ousted and killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi. The latest fighting took place south of Ras Lanuf and Al-Sidra, two terminals in eastern Libya severely damaged in clashes between the two groups in 2016 and 2017. One of the reservoirs was hit by a rocket fired by the attackers and set ablaze, the military source said. Libya's National Oil Company said in a statement it had evacuated staff "due to armed clashes in the area", with production falling around 240,000 barrels per day. A spokesman for Haftar's self-styled Libyan National Army, which controls most of the country's east, said the attack had been repelled. "The army and air force have been tracking down the Benghazi terrorist brigades," who fled the area, the spokesman said. It was not possible to independently verify this information. "The attack aimed to reduce pressure on the terrorists in Derna," the LNA spokesman added. The LNA launched an offensive on May 7 to "liberate" the coastal city of Derna, home to about 150,000 people and held by hardline Islamist fighters since the 2011. "Haftar's forces are preoccupied with Derna, hence the timing", said Jalel Harchaoui, an associate and Libya expert at North Africa Risk Consulting. Derna is the only major part of eastern Libya outside the LNA's control and is held by a coalition of jihadist militias, including groups close to Al-Qaeda. Backed by the United Arab Emirates and Egypt, Haftar opposes an internationally recognised government based in Tripoli and supports a rival administration based in the east of the country. In September 2016, Haftar's forces took control of Libya's four main oil terminals -- Zueitina, Brega, Ras Lanuf and Al-Sidra. The terminals were for years blocked by the Petroleum Facilities Guard led by Ibrahim al-Jadhran, opposed to both Haftar and the internationally recognised government. No oil was exported from these key terminals between the end of 2014 and their re-opening in 2016, costing Libya more than $130 billion (110 billion euros), according to NOC. In March 2017, the Benghazi Defence Brigades seized control of Ras Lanuf and Al-Sidra terminals, only for the LNA to take them back days later. Jadhran has kept a low profile since 2016, but appeared in a video on social media on Thursday, saying he had formed a coalition to take over the oil sites. It was not possibly to verify immediately whether Jadhran was involved in Thursday's attack. The arrival of a tanker to load crude at the Al-Sidra terminal has been postponed and NOC's board of directors is "following the situation closely," the oil firm said. Four members of a smuggling gang involved in the gruesome deaths of 71 migrants have been jailed for 25 years in Hungary. The ruling followed a year-long trial which took over proceedings from Vienna after it emerged that the migrants had suffocated on Hungarian soil. The incident, where a truck was abandoned on an Austrian highway in 2015, prompted German Chancellor Angela Merkel to open her country's borders. Gang ringleader Samsoor Lahoo is sentenced over the grisly deaths of 71 migrants The migrants were found in an abandoned truck on an Austrian highway in August 2015 Prosecutors had sought life terms without parole for the four men involved in the deaths of 59 men, eight women and four children, including a baby girl. The bodies, from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, were in an advanced state of decomposition when they were discovered in an abandoned poultry refrigerator lorry. Investigations showed they had been dead for two days, suffocating shortly after being picked up in Hungary, then a key transit country on the Balkan migrant trail. Ringleader Samsoor Lahoo and the other mostly Bulgarian suspects denied knowing that the migrants were dying in the back of the truck. Afghan national Lahoo allegedly told drivers to let the migrants die and dump their bodies But evidence presented to the court indicated they had been aware of what was happening. 'The defendants were well aware these vehicles were not suited for human passengers,' Judge Janos Jadi said. 'This is torture under the law even if the passengers were not beaten by the smugglers.' Lahoo, a young Afghan aged 31 who had fled his troubled homeland, told the court in a final statement that he 'had not wanted anyone's death'. But police intercepts of phone calls revealed he had ordered the truck drivers not to open the doors. 'Let them die instead. That's an order,' Lahoo allegedly says in one of the calls. 'If they die, let him dump them in a forest in Germany.' Burly guards in balaclavas and bullet-proof vests stood as the verdicts were read out Hungary built a fence to try to control the influx of migrants coming through the Balkans Challenged with this evidence, Lahoo told the court they were simply 'thoughtless remarks'. Hungary's legislation regarding trafficking was tightened in the aftermath of the deaths. The men were accused of trafficking more than 1,100 charging up to 1,500 euros (now around 1,300) a head into western Europe at the height of the continent's 2015 migrant crisis. The victims were among hundreds of thousands of desperate people fleeing war and misery in the Middle East and elsewhere. The deaths led a shocked Angela Merkel to announce she would open Germany's doors. Her policy eventually allowed in more than one million refugees, mostly from Syria. The men's verdicts come at a time when migration is once again under the spotlight, with Merkel facing a rebellion from hardliners in her coalition over refugees. The fate of the Aquarius ship, which was left stranded for two days in the Mediterranean with 629 rescued migrants after Italy refused to allow it to dock, has also sparked a war of words among European allies. Prosecutors immediately appealed the sentences arguing that they were too lenient. Prosecutor Gabor Schmidt said Lahoo showed only 'endless greed' and 'frightening indifference' to the migrants desperate to get to Europe. 'The ruling does not sufficiently reflect the seriousness of the crime,' he told the court. Ten other suspects were also found guilty and handed prison sentences of up to 12 years in the packed courtroom in Kecskemet yesterday. Three were tried in absentia. The Saudi-led coalition launched an assault on Wednesday to recapture the key aid hub of Hodeida controlled by the Iran-allied Huthi rebels Yemen's rebel chief urged his forces to fight on against pro-government troops pressing a Saudi-backed offensive to retake the key aid hub of Hodeida, as the UN called for the Red sea port to be kept open. Heavy fighting left 39 people dead on Thursday, a day after the Saudi-led coalition launched an assault to recapture the city controlled by the Iran-allied Huthi rebels. Military sources said coalition gunships pounded rebel positions as fighting raged several kilometres (miles) from Hodeida airport, south of the city. Rebel leader Abdel Malek Al-Houthi urged troops to "confront the forces of tyranny", warning they would recapture areas taken by pro-government forces by "bringing huge numbers (of fighters) to the battle", according to the rebels' Al-Masirah TV. "The western coast will turn into a big swamp for the invaders," he added. The clashes came as the UN Security Council met for urgent talks on the military operation and called for the port, held by the rebels along with the capital Sanaa since 2014, to be "kept open". The Huthis suffered 30 fatalities on Thursday in the clashes, medical sources told AFP. Nine pro-government troops were killed in the same area, the medics said. Military sources said the deaths were caused by mines and snipers. An AFP correspondent south of Hodeida airport saw ambulances evacuating dead and wounded government loyalist fighters as reinforcements headed towards the front line. The United Arab Emirates, a driving force in the coalition, said four of its troops were killed on the first day of the offensive. The Huthis' television channel earlier said they had struck a coalition ship off the coast of Hodeida with two missiles. There was no independent confirmation of the report. - Port remains open - The United Nations has warned against an offensive on Hodeida because the port serves as the entry point for 70 percent of Yemen's imports, with the country already teetering on the brink of famine after three years of war. Assault on Hodeida On Thursday, authorities said the Red Sea lifeline remained open to shipping. "We still have seven ships in the port. The work in the port is normal. And we have five other ships standing by waiting outside to enter," port director Dawood Fadel told AFP. Yemen's Foreign Minister Khaled Alyemany said that government forces were holding off on advancing on the port for now, and "are not planning to destroy the infrastructure". "We are in an area close to the airport, but not to the sea port. The sea port is totally out of operations, today," he told reporters on Thursday. Two Saudi and UAE aid ships were in the waters off Hodeida, coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki told Saudi state media. Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, which intervened against the Huthis in 2015 with the goal of restoring Yemen's government to power, have pledged to ensure a continuous flow of aid to the Arab world's poorest nation. Abdullah al-Rabeeah, the head of Saudi Arabia's King Salman Aid and Relief Centre, pledged an air, sea and land bridge would be opened "to transport aid and medical supplies, food, shelter and fuel other basic necessities". Capturing Hodeida would be the biggest victory for the Saudi-led coalition since the start of its costly intervention. The UN has warned against an offensive on Hodeida because the port serves as the entry point for 70 percent of Yemen's imports, with the country already teetering on the brink of famine after three years of war International aid groups cautioned the threat of a major humanitarian catastrophe was growing as fighting drew closer to Hodeida, with the UN estimating some 600,000 people live in and around the city. "As air strikes intensify and front lines move closer to Hodeida city, so does the very real threat of harm to civilians in Hodeida," said the Norwegian Refugee Council's acting country director Christopher Mzembe. The group warned of a "high risk" of a fresh cholera outbreak around Hodeida should water supplies be disrupted. - 'Situation must change' - During a closed-door meeting, members of the Security Council expressed their "deep concern about the risks to the humanitarian situation" and called for Hodeida port to remain open, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia, who holds the council presidency, said. A column of Yemeni pro-government forces and armoured vehicles arrives in Al-Duraihimi district, south of Hodeida airport, on June 13, 2018 But the council brushed aside a call by Sweden, a non-permanent member, for a freeze to the military operation to allow time for talks on a rebel withdrawal from the Red Sea port. Yemen's internationally recognised government earlier said negotiations had failed to force the rebels from Hodeida, and a grace period for UN-led peace efforts was over. Nevertheless, the UN envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, has continued to hold talks on keeping Hodeida open and has urged all sides to exercise restraint. But UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash insisted in a statement that "it is clear that for the UN-led political process to succeed, the situation on the ground must change". Yemen's Saudi-backed President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, who has spent much of the war in exile in Riyadh, on Thursday visited the southern port city of Aden, where the government set up its base after being ousted from Sanaa. State-run Saba news agency said the aim of Hadi's first public visit to the country in more than a year was to "supervise" the military operations in Hodeida province. More than 22 million people in Yemen are in need of aid, including 8.4 million who are at risk of starvation, according to the United Nations, which considers Yemen to be the world's worst humanitarian crisis. burs/wd/ia/aph/qan A handout picture released by the Egyptian Presidency on June 2, 2018 shows President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi giving a speech during his swearing in ceremony for a second four-year term in office, at the parliament in Cairo Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi replaced the interior and defence ministers in a major reshuffle Thursday, with security forces battling an Islamist insurgency at the start of his second term. Sisi, who also named a new finance minister, swept to another four years in office against a token challenger at elections in March, pledging to tackle the raft of security and economic challenges facing the country. Egyptian forces have since February been waging a sweeping operation against the local affiliate of the Islamic State group in the restive North Sinai province. The new cabinet under freshly appointed Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli, who previously served as housing minister, was sworn in live on state TV. General Mohamed Ahmed Zaki Mohamed, who led the republican guard since August 2012, became the new defence minister in place of Sedki Sobhi. Sobhi had held the post since taking over from Sisi when he ran for the top office in 2014, a year after spearheading the ouster of president Mohamed Morsi during mass protests. The position of interior minister was filled by General Mahmoud Tawfiq, who had led the national security apparatus since October 2017, replacing Magdi Abdel Ghaffar. Mohamed Ahmed Mohamed Moeet, who has previously held several government posts in various ministries, replaced Amr el-Garhy in the key role of finance minister. Egyptian authorities are implementing a sweeping economic reform programme that prompted the International Monetary Fund to approve a three-year, $12-billion loan in November 2016. Authorities have since also floated Egypt's currency, cut fuel subsidies and adopted a value added tax, measures which have led to soaring consumer prices. Other changes included the ministers overseeing aviation, health, communications, environment, commerce and agriculture. The former cabinet resigned on June 5, days after Sisi was inaugurated for a second term. Sisi has long promised to wipe out the Islamist insurgency in the Sinai as a spate of deadly attacks have hit the country. Officials say more than 200 jihadists and at least 35 soldiers have been killed since the military launched the "Sinai 2018" operation. Sisi, who has been accused of stamping out dissent in the country, was re-elected in March for his second term with 97 percent of the vote. He faced only one little-known challenger after more serious opponents were either detained or sidelined. President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Kim Yong Nam, North Korea's ceremonial head of state, at the Kremlin after inviting leader Kim Jong Un to visit Russia President Vladimir Putin on Thursday conveyed to a senior North Korean official an invitation for Kim Jong Un to visit Russia as he praised the results of his summit with Donald Trump. Hosting Kim Yong Nam, North Korea's ceremonial head of state, Putin said the historic summit with the US president was "without doubt just the first step towards a full-blown settlement". "Thanks to this meeting a possible negative scenario has been cast aside," Putin said. "Certainly it creates conditions for further forward movement and decreases general tensions around the Korean peninsula," he added. Trump and Kim made history on Tuesday holding a summit in Singapore. It was an unprecedented encounter that saw the leader of the world's most powerful democracy shake hands with the third-generation scion of a dynastic dictatorship. But critics said the Kim and Trump summit was more style than substance, producing a document short on specifics about the key issue of Pyongyang's atomic weapons. Putin said he would be happy to welcome Kim to Russia, suggesting they meet during an economic forum in the far eastern port city of Vladivostok this September. The youthful North Korean leader has never visited Russia, unlike his father, Kim Jong-Il, who travelled to the country in his armoured train in 2011 for talks with Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's president at the time. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov became the first ever Russian official to meet Kim when he travelled to Pyongyang in late May. The two countries share a short land border and have a history of long-standing ties. Pro-democracy demonstrators mount protests outside Hong Kong's Legislative Council as lawmakers passed a controversial bill giving mainland authorities joint control over a new rail terminus Thursday Hong Kong lawmakers passed a controversial bill giving mainland authorities joint control over a new rail terminus Thursday despite angry protests the move would erode the city's autonomy from Beijing. It is illegal for mainland law enforcement to operate in semi-autonomous Hong Kong under the city's mini-constitution, the Basic Law. But with a high-speed rail link to Hong Kong's neighbouring mainland cities of Shenzhen and Guangzhou due to open this year, plans have now been approved for a joint immigration checkpoint which will see mainland officials stationed in a new terminus in the heart of Hong Kong. Long-running opposition against the proposals reached a head Thursday evening, with about 200 people demonstrating outside the Legislative Council against the bill. "The Basic Law can no more provide protection to Hong Kong people. Our freedom is in danger," said one pensioner who gave his surname as Wong. Hong Kong enjoys liberties unseen on the mainland including freedom of speech and an independent judiciary, with the rule of law a bedrock of its culture and business success. The joint immigration arrangement bill was pushed through by Hong Kong's partially elected legislature, after the council president kicked out several pro-democracy lawmakers who protested. They were later barred from chamber. Holding up slogans during a debate ahead of the vote, angry opposition lawmakers accused the president of "crippling the legislature" and ceding Hong Kong to the mainland. "There's been every sign that the legislative and the executive branches are conniving together to sell out Hong Kong lock, stock and barrel," said pro-democracy lawmaker Claudia Mo. Concerns of Chinese operatives working undercover in Hong Kong has mounted after the alleged abductions of a city bookseller and a reclusive mainland businessman in recent years. The troubled HK$84.4 billion ($10.7 billion) high-speed rail link is one of a number of huge cross-border infrastructure projects approaching completion as concern grows Beijing is tightening its grip on the city. The Chicago announcement is the first time a major US city is willing to bank on Elon Musk's vision of the future of mass transit Elon Musk's The Boring Company has been tapped to build a high-speed underground transportation system for Chicago -- the first US city to bank on the entrepreneur's futuristic concept for mass transit. The project, to be officially announced Thursday, would employ tunnels and autonomous electric vehicles called "skates" to zip passengers between the Midwestern city's downtown core and its busy airport. Details remain to be hammered out, including the exact route of The Chicago Express Loop. "We're really excited to work with the Mayor and the City to bring this new high-speed public transportation system to Chicago," Musk's The Boring Company tweeted Wednesday night. The proposed transit system would consist of electric vehicles reaching speeds as high as 150 mph (240 kph) in underground tunnels, as they travel to O'Hare airport, one of the nation's busiest. The vehicles would be built on a modified Tesla Model X chassis and carry eight to 16 passengers, the company said. The company promised to cut journey times for the 20 miles between downtown and the airport to 12 minutes. A taxi currently can take as much as an hour or more with traffic. Musk's company said the project would be privately funded, and that a ride would cost less than half the typical taxi or ride-share fare. The proposed transit line is a slowed-down and modified version of the hyperloop concept -- a system of autonomous electric pods that Musk's company says could travel as fast as 600 miles per hour in vacuum tubes that eliminate air friction. The Chicago project would not require a vacuum, because of the shorter route and slower speed. Musk in May pitched a similar underground tunnel system in Los Angeles, and has proposed another that would link Washington DC and Baltimore. The UN and the US have called the campaign against the Rohingya Muslims ethnic cleansing, but Myanmar says it was defending itself against terrorists Japan beer giant Kirin says it is investigating whether donations for "humanitarian" work in Myanmar's Rakhine state ended up in the pockets of security forces accused of driving out Rohingya Muslims. In a report published Thursday, Amnesty International alleged at least $6,000 was funnelled through Kirin's local partner -- state-backed Myanmar Brewery -- to security forces who are accused of widespread atrocities. The donations were made just days after Rohingya militants launched attacks on police posts in August last year. That unleashed a military operation that has driven some 700,000 people from the stateless minority into Bangladesh. The UN and the US have called the campaign ethnic cleansing, but Myanmar says it was defending itself against terrorists. Kirin told AFP that Myanmar Brewery made three separate donations to authorities between September 1 and October 3 last year "on the condition" they were used for humanitarian aid. Nobuhiko Hori, a spokesman for Kirin, said members of the military were present during the first of the three donation rounds but said they believed the money was for relief. The second and third donations -- which included cooking supplies -- were handed directly to victims, he said. "We're taking seriously (the allegation) that we didn't sufficiently trace the money," he said, adding Kirin was halting any future funding pending the investigation. One of the world's largest beverage companies, Kirin bought a 55 percent stake in Myanmar Brewery in 2015, with the remainder owned by Myanmar Economic Holdings Limited, a company with strong links to the military. Under the arrangement of the joint venture company funds are not allowed to be used for military purposes. In its report Amnesty cites a September 1 speech from Myanmar army chief Min Aung Hlaing saying the gifts from businesses were also for "security personnel and state service personnel who risked their lives while shouldering national defence and security duties". It "beggars belief" that an international investor gave money that may have "actually funded the operations of military units involved in crimes against humanity," said Seema Joshi, Amnesty's head of business and human rights. "The choice to appear in a donation ceremony with Myanmar's top military leaders also sends a worrying message that Myanmar Brewery endorsed the military's actions against the Rohingya population," she added. Kirin said it had launched a human rights impact assessment for Myanmar Brewery in May, but that it was not related to Amnesty's queries. Myanmar has sought aid and investment from a number of companies and governments -- including China and Japan -- to help rebuild Rakhine state. But questions have been raised over whether it is ethical to support a rebuilding process that has gone a long way to rub out traces of Rohingya history in Rakhine. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi traded barbs on trade and China's territorial claims Thursday, just as the two seek cooperation on resolving the North Korean nuclear issue US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi traded barbs on trade and China's territorial claims Thursday, just as the two seek cooperation on resolving the North Korean nuclear issue. The top American diplomat made a flying visit to Beijing to brief China's leadership on Tuesday's historic meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. He also met with Chinese President Xi Jinping. Pompeo appeared with Wang in Beijing's Great Hall of the People for a brief press conference, where the two discussed the prospects for cooperation on ending Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programme. But while the two world powers have worked together to pressure Pyongyang, their relations have been been fraught by tensions on other issues. One particular sore spot has been the massive trade imbalances between the two countries, a bone of contention for Trump. "Our deficit with China is still too high," Pompeo warned, adding the issue was a key concern for the US president, who will decide Friday whether to impose tariffs on billions of dollars of Chinese imports. "We hope the US will meet the Chinese half way and use a win-win, instead of lose-lose approach," Wang said, urging Washington to refrain from "creating further obstacles to our cooperation". - Taiwan tensions - The two sides also aired grievances over security issues, with Wang saying he had "expressed grave concerns" over recent US actions on Taiwan, which China sees as a breakaway province. Beijing has consistently opposed moves by the Trump administration to strengthen ties with the self-ruled island, which split from the mainland in 1949. Two days after the US opened a de facto embassy in Taipei, Wang said he had urged the US to "stop official exchanges and all military links with Taiwan". China's state-run Xinhua news agency said Taiwan came up in Pompeo's meeting with Xi. "Xi expressed his hope that the United States will handle sensitive issues, including the Taiwan issue and economic and trade frictions, in a prudent way to avoid serious obstruction to bilateral ties," Xinhua said. On North Korea, Xinhua quoted the Chinese leader as saying that Beijing was committed to seeing "denuclearisation of the peninsula and its peace and stability". The news agency said Pompeo brought a message from Trump conveying his appreciation for Xi's "important advice and help over the Korean Peninsula issue". The issue of the South China Sea was also addressed by Pompeo at his press conference with Wang. Pompeo said he had "reaffirmed our concern with respect to China's efforts to build and militarise outposts in the South China Sea, endangering the free flow of trade, and threatening the sovereignty of other nations and undermining regional stability". Beijing has transformed reefs and islets in the resource-rich region's waters into artificial islands capable of hosting military facilities. China had pledged it would not militarise the area, where it has overlapping claims with Vietnam and the Philippines, among others. But the US has accused Beijing of breaking that promise by deploying a range of military hardware including anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missiles and electronic jammers across the region. Staffan de Mistura, pictured in April 2018, told reporters he plans to sit down with senior officials from Damascus-backers Russia and Iran as well as opposition supporter Turkey at the United Nations The UN envoy for Syria said Thursday he will try to kickstart work towards a new constitution for the war-ravaged country with a series of meetings in the coming weeks. Staffan de Mistura told reporters he plans to sit down with senior officials from Damascus-backers Russia and Iran as well as opposition supporter Turkey at the United Nations on Monday and Tuesday. He has also scheduled talks at the UN the following week with envoys from Britain, France, Germany, Jordan, the United States and Saudi Arabia -- another key opposition backer. The talks are aimed at creating a commission to hammer out a post-war constitution, an effort that the UN has been asked to facilitate. De Mistura said moving forward on a new constitution "is a key building block of a revitalised political process," to end the devastating seven-year conflict. The government of Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has submitted a list of 50 names to sit on the commission. Syrian opposition groups have not done so yet and de Mistura said "there is a need for progress on that soon". De Mistura's UN peace process has failed to make any headway through nine previous rounds. Repeating a phrase he has used many times through the long diplomatic slog, de Mistura said he did not expect "a major breakthrough" on the constitutional process. "But," he added, "I am confident that progress is possible." The Russian embassy in Tel Aviv The Russian embassy in Israel hosted a reception for its national day in Jerusalem for the first time on Thursday, instead of Tel Aviv, a Russian official said. It comes in the wake of US President Donald Trump's transfer of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in May, after he recognised the disputed city as capital of Israel. Before that decision the Russian government last year said it views "west Jerusalem as the capital of Israel". The same statement also recognised "east Jerusalem as the capital of the future Palestinian state". Dmitry Alushkin, a spokesman for the Russian embassy in Tel Aviv, said Thursday's event is consistent with his country's April 2017 remarks. Attending the reception, at the Russian-owned Saint Sergius Mission in western Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was doubly pleased to participate. "It is Russia's holiday and it is a holiday which is being initiated and performed in Jerusalem," a government statement quoted him as saying. "I imagine that there will be many more such days in Jerusalem," he added. Palestinians claim the eastern part of Jerusalem, annexed by Israel, as the capital of their future state. The Jewish state considers the entire city its own, "indivisible" capital. In December, Trump recognised Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, without making any distinction between the mainly Palestinian east and the predominantly Jewish west. His move broke with decades of international consensus that Jerusalem's status must be negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians, and drew near global condemnation. Particularly enraged were the Palestinians, who declared a diplomatic boycott of the United States. The Trump administration said that the move did not, however, prejudge the final status of the city, nor the borders of Israeli sovereignty. The body of slain Kashmir journalist Shujaat Bukhari slumped in the back seat of his car Unknown gunmen shot a veteran journalist and his police bodyguard dead on Thursday in the main city of violence-plagued Indian Kashmir, police and witnesses said. Shujaat Bukhari, editor of an English language daily Rising Kashmir, had just entered his vehicle outside his office in the city's press enclave when assailants fired several shots from close range. "He (Bukhari) is no more. One of his two police bodyguards also died in the attack," a top police officer told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity. Another police guard and the vehicle driver were critically wounded in the attack. Fellow journalists were on the scene soon afterward. Bukhari was slumped over in the back seat, and one of the police bodyguards had a gruesome head wound. Bukhari was a protected journalist, guarded by two armed police around the clock, in an area of India where political violence and threats to reporters is common. His final tweet, sent just a few hours before his murder, was a link to his website's reporting of the UN human rights chief calling for a major investigation into abuses committed by both India and Pakistan in Kashmir. Amnesty India described Bukhari as "a brave and outspoken voice for justice and equality in Jammu and Kashmir". "This is a grave attack on press freedom and democratic voices," the Editors Guild of India added on Twitter. Indian Home Minister Rajnath Singh described Bukhari's murder as an "act of cowardice". "It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist," he added. Witnesses said Bukhari died on the spot while the assailants fled immediately. There has been no claim of responsibility for the attack. Rebel groups fighting Indian rule of Kashmir as well as government forces have been accused in the past of abducting, attacking and threatening journalists. Kashmir has been divided between India and Pakistan since the end British colonial rule in 1947. Both countries claim the former Himalayan kingdom in its entirety. The attack comes one day before the end of a unilateral halt in military operations against the rebels for the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Rebel groups fighting for independence of Kashmir or its merger with Pakistan have rejected the brief religious "ceasefire". 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 EU countries on Thursday approved a raft of tariffs targeting US goods including whiskey and motorcycles in retaliation against painful duties imposed by President Donald Trump on European metals. Europe's move fuels a growing transatlantic trade war just days after a disastrous G7 summit in Canada at which Trump lambasted his allies on the issue and refused to adopt a joint statement. The European countermeasures aimed at 2.8 billion euros ($3.3 billion) of American imports come after Trump on June 1 followed through on his threat to impose tariffs on European steel and aluminium exports. "Member states have today unanimously supported the commission's plan for the adoption of rebalancing measures on the US tariffs on steel and aluminium," a European Commission source told AFP on condition of anonymity. The source added that the EU tariffs would take effect "in coming days", with other officials saying they would be implemented by the beginning of July. Brussels first drew up the list in March when Trump initially floated the 25 percent tariffs on steel imports and 10 percent on aluminium, which also target Canada, Mexico and other close allies. 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 list does not specifically name brands but European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker spelled out in March that the bloc was "preparing import duties for US products including Harley-Davidson, bourbon and Levi's jeans." - 'Breeches of cotton denim' - The EU imported some 415 million euros' worth from the US in 2017, along with another 150 million euros' worth of whiskey without the "bourbon" designation. Cranberries, cranberry juice, orange juice, sweetcorn and peanut butter are among the other food products targeted. The list hits clothing including "trousers and breeches of cotton denim" along with bed linen and men's leather footwear, eye make-up and lipsticks, plus a host of steel products. "The EU will exercise its rights on US products valued at up to 2.8 billion euros of trade, as notified to the WTO (World Trade Organization)," the commission source added. Transatlantic ties are at their lowest level for many years due to rows over a host of issues including the tariffs, the Paris climate agreement, the Iran nuclear deal and the new US embassy in Jerusalem. But relations plumbed new depths at the weekend as Trump abruptly rejected the text of a G7 statement and bitterly insulted his Canadian host, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Trump claimed America had been obliged to levy the metals tariffs as it has been exploited as the world's "piggy bank" under existing arrangements. His counterparts however said they were equally determined to protect "rules-based" international trade. Trump's outbursts were the latest in which he has clashed with America's closest allies, even as he has had warm words for autocrats like North Korean leader Kim Jong un, with whom he had a historic meeting on Tuesday, and Russia's Vladimir Putin. The assailants came at night, slaying villagers and burning their homes. Mozambican soldiers are rebuilding the structures to provide shelter The attackers lured the victims from their homes in the dead of night by shouting "thief", gunning down those who ventured out to intervene, decapitating them and setting one of their heads ablaze. Survivors of the attack that struck a normally quiet corner of north Mozambique described the panic after 20 men armed with guns, machetes and knives stormed Naunde village. Two young men who responded to the disturbance were captured and killed, said Mauricio Miranda, a village leader who survived the assault. "They severed his head, stuck it on a log, roasted it with the fire from a burning car and they left it at the market," said a witness, Narciso Cassimo, shaking with rage as he described the carnage, standing in front of a burnt-out shell that was once a house. Atanasio Nacir, the headteacher of the local primary school, and his deputy, Issufo Amade, raced towards the villagers who had come under attack as they slept. "They burned the first car," Nacir told AFP on Thursday. "We stopped and started watching. They burned another house. And that is when a lady screamed at us that 'you'd better get out because they are targeting men'," he said. Nacir and Amade then fled to the nearby town of Macomia where they and hundreds like them have sought refuge. - 'Sound of a gunshot' - Amade said that he saw three white men among the attackers after being woken by the screams of a neighbour whose husband had just been killed. "We went outside to try to find that lady... and then we heard the sound of a gunshot," said Amade. "The three men I saw were white and strong. They were carrying large backpacks. They started burning houses, went into my house, took the clothes, told my family to leave, and burned down the bathroom." Dozens of people have suffered similar fates this month in Mozambique's predominantly Muslim Cabo Delgado province in attacks blamed on radical jihadists. Locals and authorities call the group "Al-Shabaab", although it has no proven link to a notorious Somali group of the same name. The group, which conducted its first attack in October and is said by academics to want to impose sharia law in the region, has not published claims of responsibility or any demands. - 'They burned everything' - Naunde villagers attempted to repel the attackers with whatever weapons they could find but were struck down by gunfire. "We had machetes and arrows. We tried to react and they began to shoot us. So we had to run away," said Miranda, a village elder. The attackers torched 164 homes and four cars. Food, blankets and building materials are being brought to the stricken village -- 164 homes were destroyed and hundreds of people were displaced Mounds of debris, charred wood and scattered possessions are all that remains of many of the homes and businesses that once speckled the white sandy ground. "In my house, they burned everything I had, my goats, my clothes, everything," said Cassimo. After laying waste to the village for two hours, the attackers destroyed the bridge that connects the village to the outside world to frustrate rescue efforts, and fled the area. More than half of Naunde's residents, who mainly work as fishermen and peasant farmers, have fled to the district capital Macomia. The village's only school has closed and nurses have fled the local clinic. Many of those who chose to stay behind are forced to sleep rough under palm trees while soldiers help to clear the area and begin the painstaking task of rebuilding. Two days after Naunde was attacked, the village of Namaluco, which is just 20 kilometres (12 miles) away, was besieged in the same way and five villagers were killed, raising fears of more attacks. Afghan Samsoor Lahoo was found guilty of knowingly letting the 71 migrants die a slow and painful death by suffocation in the back of an abandoned truck At the start of his trial last June, Samsoor Lahoo flashed a boyish smile at the cameras as he entered the packed Hungarian courtroom in handcuffs to face charges over the gruesome deaths of 71 migrants rammed into a truck in 2015. The Afghan, 31, was accused of running a ruthless trafficking ring, which made a fortune from stripping refugees of their savings and smuggling them toward western Europe with a blatant disregard for human safety or dignity. Despite 59,000 pages of evidence detailing his gang's activities, Lahoo had held up a sign in the Pashto language reading "I am neither a killer, nor an oppressor" in the court in the town of Kecskemet. But a year on, he remained stoney-faced as the judge handed him a 25-year jail term on Thursday for knowingly leaving the migrants to die a slow and excruciating death by suffocation in an abandoned refrigerated truck on an Austrian motorway in August 2015. No caption Fifty-nine men, eight women and four children -- all from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq -- were locked inside a hermetically sealed poultry lorry near the Serbian-Hungarian border. Shortly after departure, the migrants banged and shouted that they were running out of air. Lahoo ordered the driver to ignore their screams. "If they die ... drop them off in a forest in Germany," he was quoted as saying in released transcripts of intercepted mobile phone conversations. The bodies were discovered in an advanced state of decomposition on August 27, 2015, more than 24 hours after the migrants had been abandoned. Among the sea of limbs was a baby girl, not even a year old. Lahoo, who rejected the charges against him and 13 other accomplices, remained mostly tight-lipped throughout the trial. He told the court in a final statement that he "had not wanted anyone's death". - Strict hierarchy - Lahoo arrived as an asylum-seeker in Hungary in 2013 and was granted protection status. At the start of his trial last June, Samsoor Lahoo held up a Pashto language sign reading "I am neither a killer, nor an oppressor" Well-versed in English, Arabic, Pashto, Serbian and Hungarian, he allegedly launched his gang in February 2015. According to prosecutors, business started to pick up after a Tunisian approached Lahoo about organising "regular transports" of migrants between Hungary and Germany. Amid escalating violence in the Middle East, hundreds of thousands of people landed on European shores in the summer of 2015 -- welcome fodder for human traffickers. From June that year, Lahoo's gang began ferrying migrants from Serbia to Austria or Germany on a daily basis, "often in closed, dark and airless vans unsuitable for passenger transport, in crowded, inhuman, excruciating conditions," according to the charge sheet. The operation soon flourished expanding to use dozens of vehicles, employ accomplices in key transit countries on the Balkan migrant trail and develop meticulous logistics. The well-oiled network is thought to have transported more than 1,100 people at the height of Europe's migration crisis in 2015. Lahoo pocketed between 1,000 euros ($1,100) and 1,500 euros per person, netting "at least 300,000 euros", according to the charge sheet. Security was tight at Thursday's ruling in the southern Hungarian town of Kecskemet As business boomed, he set up a strict hierarchy with designated people in charge of finance, transport and the acquisition of vehicles with valid papers. At the bottom of the ladder were the mostly Bulgarian drivers who received between 500 euros and 2,000 euros per trip and ran the biggest risk of getting caught. Several drivers were arrested by German police near the Austrian border in 2015. Unconcerned, Lahoo decided to use refrigerated trucks -- considered less obvious than vans -- to move increasingly large numbers of people in ever-worsening conditions. Up to 81 migrants were squashed into spaces measuring barely 17 square metres (180 square feet) according to investigators. A day after the death truck discovery, the gang is said to have loaded another 67 migrants into a refrigerated lorry and again driven to Austria. "This time the migrants managed to kick the door open, thus no one had died," according to prosecutors. The new Jordanian Prime Minister Omar al-Razzaz was appointed after a week of protests over a national income tax law Jordan's new government was sworn in on Thursday, after mass protests against price rises and austerity measures forced the prime minister's resignation. The new administration led by Harvard-trained economist Omar al-Razzaz has already withdrawn the contested tax law which brought thousands of Jordanians to the streets, officials said. The government shake-up has seen half the cabinet's 28 ministers replaced, with Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Interior Minister Samir al-Mabidin among those keeping their jobs. The defence portfolio goes to Razzaz, while new ministers were appointed in the areas including finance, planning, international cooperation and regional development. Since being asked to form a government by King Abdullah II on June 4, Razzaz said he had been engaged in talks with different parties to "reach a fair taxation system for everyone". Cash-strapped Jordan relies heavily on foreign donors and in 2016 secured a $723-million loan from the International Monetary Fund. But austerity measures tied to the loan have seen prices of basic necessities rise across the kingdom. Data on unemployment, inflation, economic growth and the public debt in Jordan Jordanians protested in Amman and other cities over a proposed tax hike, with the scale of demonstrations prompting the resignation of prime minister Hani Mulki. The public rallies were followed by a crisis meeting with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, concluding on Sunday with Jordan's neighbours pledging $2.5 billion in aid. The donors' rival Qatar followed up with an offer of $500,000 in investment and promised to create 10,000 jobs for Jordanians. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission published a provisional list of approved candidates that include President Emmerson Mnangagwa, pictured in May 2018 At least 15 presidential candidates were cleared on Thursday to run in Zimbabwe's elections due on July 30, the electoral commission announced. The Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (ZEC) published a provisional list of approved candidates that include President Emmerson Mnangagwa and a young opposition leader, Nelson Chamisa. More applications were still being processed for the first election since Robert Mugabe was ousted following a brief military takeover in November last year. "We will announce another batch once we are done with the rest of what is being processed," Japhet Munjere, ZEC director of elections told reporters. The election will be a key test for Mnangagwa, nicknamed the 'Crocodile', who succeeded the long-serving autocrat Mugabe seven months ago, and remains untested at the ballot box. He has pledged to hold free and fair elections as he seeks to mend international relations. He has invited Western observers, including the European Union and the Commonwealth for the first time in more than a decade, to monitor the polls. Previous elections in Zimbabwe have been marred by electoral fraud, intimidation and violence, including the killing of scores of opposition supporters in 2008. Candidates vying to contest next month's presidential, parliamentary and local polls had just one day to submit their candidacy to one of several specially convened electoral courts across the country. - 'Spilt opposition' - Mnangagwa, 75, of the ruling ZANU-PF party and Nelson Chamisa, 40, of the Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) party are the presidential front-runners. "I submitted the papers for his excellency honourable Emmerson Mnangagwa," said justice minister and Mnangagwa's election agent Ziyambi Ziyambi at the Harare High Court. Chamisa's election agent, Jameson Timba, said the MDC was confident of victory. "Nelson Chamisa has been successfully nominated as the presidential candidate for the coming elections... Chamisa is the next president of Zimbabwe," Timba told journalists in Harare. The opposition has complained of irregularities ahead of the much-anticipated poll and called for the full electoral roll of voters to be published. They have also demanded that the ZEC be overhauled to have fewer members with ties to the powerful military which is seen as backing Mnangagwa. Compared to previous elections, this year's vote has attracted more candidates than usual. "This maybe due to a sense of political liberalisation and relative peace as opposed to the highly polarised and violent political contestation between the Mugabe-led Zanu-PF and the MDC," said Gideon Chitanga of the Johannesburg-based Political Economy Southern Africa think-tank. "The election campaigns have so far been peaceful," he said. The opposition has also been hugely fragmented. "It is a rather sad reflection of Zimbabwean politics that so many with no chance think they can win. This will split the opposition, the unknown question is to what extent," said Piers Pigou of the International Crisis Group. A pre-poll survey by Afrobarometer published last week showed that Zanu-PF would attract 42 percent of the vote compared to 31 percent for the MDC, meaning the election could go to a run-off in September . To register successfully, presidential candidates must pay a $1,000 (850 euros) fee and be nominated by at least 100 registered voters from across the country's 10 provinces. Former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort arrives for a hearing in federal court in Washington -- his bail was revoked and he was ordered jailed before trial Donald Trump's former campaign chief was sent to jail Friday pending trial on a series of federal charges, as the US president ramped up efforts to discredit the wider probe into possible collusion between his campaign team and Moscow. Paul Manafort, who is facing money laundering and tax evasion charges among others, was the first former Trump campaign aide to be jailed in the sprawling probe led by special counsel Robert Mueller since May 2017. The revocation of Manafort's bail was a fresh sign of the looming collision course between Mueller and Trump, with the White House increasingly worried that the president could face obstruction of justice charges and an impeachment effort in Congress. Manafort, 69, had been under house arrest while awaiting trial in both the US capital and Virginia. He has pleaded not guilty to all charges against him, which also include obstruction of justice. Trump condemned the treatment of Manafort, a veteran Washington political consultant, as he sought to paint Mueller's team as well as the Federal Bureau of Investigation -- which Mueller once ran -- as deeply biased and illegitimate. "Wow, what a tough sentence for Paul Manafort, who has represented Ronald Reagan, Bob Dole and many other top political people and campaigns," Trump wrote on Twitter. "Didn't know Manafort was the head of the Mob," he said. "Very unfair!" Earlier, Trump lashed out at the entire investigation, labelling it a "ridiculous witch hunt" after a Justice Department watchdog report revealed that several FBI investigators had sent anti-Trump text messages during the 2016 campaign. "There was no collusion, there was no obstruction, and if you read the report... what you'll really see is bias against me," Trump said. - Witness tampering - Manafort, who is facing trial later this year on money laundering charges involving his work for Ukraine that predated the 2016 presidential election, saw his bail revoked by Judge Amy Berman Jackson over claims he was trying to influence witnesses in his case. He is one of 20 people and three companies already indicted by Mueller, who is investigating whether members of the campaign colluded with Russia during and after the election. US President Donald Trump has lashed out at the entire investigation led by special counsel Robert Mueller, calling it a "ridiculous witch hunt" Mueller's team has been seeking to interview Trump as well, and questions they have submitted to the White House indicate that they are also investigating whether Trump has illegally interfered with the probe. On Friday, Trump sought to make use of the Justice Department inspector general's report on the 2016 investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server during her time as secretary of state to erode confidence in Mueller's operation. While the IG report made almost no mention of Mueller or any alleged wrongdoing by Trump, the president claimed it "exonerates" him, while his lawyer Rudy Giuliani said Mueller and his team themselves should be investigated. "The report yesterday may be more important than anything. It totally exonerates me," Trump told journalists in front of the White House. - Undermining Mueller - The report faulted the FBI and its former director James Comey, whom Trump fired in May 2017, over the handling of the Clinton email probe. It said Comey, who cleared Clinton of allegations of mishandling classified materials, was insubordinate and guilty of bad judgment. It also showed several agents involved in both that investigation and the subsequent Russia meddling probe repeatedly expressing anti-Trump bias in private text messages. President Donald Trump says the Russia collusion probe of Special Counsel Robert Mueller has been "totally discredited" by allegations of bias "That is probably the tip of the iceberg," Trump said. "There was total bias, I mean total bias." He referred to Comey and other senior FBI officials as "the scum at the top" of the bureau and as "total thieves." The investigation led by Mueller "has massive conflicts," Trump said. "I think that the Mueller investigation has been totally discredited," Trump said. Trump's lawyers see that convincing the public ahead of November's congressional elections that the Mueller probe is illegitimate could be crucial to his political fate. If Mueller finds evidence of obstruction of justice, the president could face impeachment in the House of Representatives. Currently the House is in Republican hands, and would be unlikely to support an impeachment motion. But if Democrats capture control of the chamber in November, that vote could shift. US-South Korea military exercises have long been a source of irritation for North Korea, which considers them preparation for an invasion The US military has indefinitely postponed major joint exercises with South Korea, an official told AFP on Thursday, acting on President Donald Trump's pledge to halt the "provocative" military drills following his summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un. The move, a significant break in how the US and South Korean militaries have worked together for decades, came even as Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned that peace efforts still face risks, and insisted sanctions must be maintained until Pyongyang dismantles its nuclear arsenal. "Major military exercises have been suspended indefinitely on the Korean peninsula," a senior US official told AFP. Trump on Tuesday had said the US would halt "war games" with its South Korean security ally -- but he did not make clear when the freeze would kick in. US and South Korean forces have been training together for years, and routinely rehearse everything from beach landings to an invasion from the North, or even "decapitation" strikes targeting the North Korean regime. Pyongyang typically reacts furiously. Following drills last year, the North fired ballistic missiles over Japan, triggering global alarm. - Verifiable denuclearization? - Trump has sounded a triumphant tone since the Singapore summit, where he and Kim signed a joint statement in which Kim committed "to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula." Tensions on the Korean peninsula But critics have pointed to the vague wording of the non-binding document, which Trump described as a "deal," and to concerns among allies about the decision to stop the US-South Korean "war games." Speaking on a regional tour to brief South Korean, Japanese and Chinese officials about the historic summit, Pompeo said Washington remains committed to the "complete, verifiable and irreversible" denuclearization of North Korea. "We believe that Kim Jong Un understands the urgency... that we must do this quickly," he said of the effort to have North Korea abandon its atomic arsenal. In Beijing, Pompeo also said China "reaffirmed its commitment" to United Nations sanctions after the foreign ministry suggested earlier this week that the UN Security Council could consider easing the economic punishment against its ally. "We truly believe that we have a path forward after so many years that can bring peace," Pompeo told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi before talks with President Xi Jinping. But, he warned, "there are still risks that we won't achieve" that goal, and more work needs to be done. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo (L) said China has "reaffirmed its commitment" to UN sanctions after talks with Foreign Minister Wang Yi Any reduction in tensions on its doorstep is welcome for China, which accounts for around 90 percent of Pyongyang's trade. Speaking alongside Wang, Pompeo said the UN resolutions have mechanisms for sanctions relief "and we agreed that at the appropriate time that those would be considered," stressing that any relief would come only after "full denuclearization." Wang said China has a "firm commitment" to denuclearization but that North Korea's "legitimate" concerns must be addressed. North Korean state media reported Wednesday that Trump had not only offered to stop military exercises during the dialog, but also to lift sanctions imposed on Pyongyang -- causing concern in Tokyo and Seoul. - 'Conflicting views' - Earlier, South Korean President Moon Jae-in acknowledged that "there may be very conflicting views" about the summit, but it had still helped mitigate fears of a nuclear war. South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha appeared meanwhile to sidestep the issue of military drills, saying the matter would be left to military authorities to discuss, and that the US-South Korea alliance remained "as robust as ever." Donald Trump has said the nuclear threat from North Korea no longer exists after his summit with Kim Jong Un While it is not directly involved, Japan also considers the exercises vital. Harry Harris, who until last month headed the US military's huge Pacific Command, has been a staunch advocate of the military exercises. But he told US lawmakers on Thursday that his position had changed. "The whole landscape has shifted and I believe that we should give exercises, major exercises, a pause," Harris told senators at his confirmation hearing to be the US envoy to South Korea. In the latest step to ease cross-border friction, the two Koreas held their highest-level military talks in over a decade Thursday in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the two countries. In a joint statement the two sides agreed to restore their military communication lines and to halt "hostile acts," Yonhap news agency reported. And Russian President Vladimir Putin conveyed to a senior North Korean official an invitation for Kim to visit Russia, as he praised the results of the summit. - North Korea talking points? - North Korea's reclusive regime has long craved international legitimacy, and celebrated the Singapore summit as a major victory Trump had raised eyebrows by describing his own country's drills on the Korean peninsula as "provocative," a term used by the North for the exercises. Pyongyang describes its nuclear weapons and long-range missiles as a shield against US aggression, and has in the past linked denuclearization to the removal of US forces from the peninsula. Senior Republican Senator John McCain said suspending joint military exercises was a "mistake." "Making unnecessary and unreciprocated concessions is not in our interests -- and it is a bad negotiating tactic," McCain said in a statement. "Parroting Chinese and North Korean propaganda by saying joint exercises are 'provocative' undermines our security and alliances." London Breed (seen here) campaigned on her modest upbringing and a pledge to address the overwhelmingly white and Hispanic city's housing crisis, winning with just over 50 percent of the vote San Francisco is to get its first female black mayor after a knife-edge election, with the African American population in decline in the famously liberal Californian city. London Breed campaigned on her modest upbringing and a pledge to address the overwhelmingly white and Hispanic city's housing crisis, winning with just over 50 percent of the vote. "No matter where you come from, no matter what you decide to do in life, you can do anything you want to do," the 43-year-old, who will be the only female mayor in the 15 largest US cities, said. "Never let your circumstances determine your outcome in life." Breed, formerly president of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors, ran on 5 June but the result was delayed a week because of the tight count. Her rival Mark Leno, who would have been San Francisco's first openly gay mayor, conceded on Wednesday. "She's a remarkable young woman. She's going to do a very fine job and we wish her the best. Her success is San Francisco's success," he said. Famously progressive San Francisco has among America's most eco-friendly public policies and has declared itself a sanctuary to immigrants it considers persecuted by President Donald Trump's administration. The San Francisco Chronicle said Breed's elevation was all the more significant because of the city's "insane cost of living, which has driven out much of the black middle class." Official statistics put the African American population at five percent, and most live in public housing, according to the Chronicle. Breed, a moderate who has received financial support from Silicon Valley, joins a small club. Of the roughly 41,000 elected officials in the US, around two percent are estimated to be black women. Last month, LaToya Cantrell became the first black woman elected mayor of New Orleans, which is 60 percent African American. In an awkward-seeming moment, Donald Trump, seen in a different salute June 1, 2018, briefly saluted a North Korean general after the general saluted the president instead of shaking his hand US President Donald Trump drew criticism Thursday after footage emerged of him saluting a North Korean general while the totalitarian communist nation's leader Kim Jong Un looked on. The odd moment was captured during Trump's visit to Singapore for a summit with Kim this week, with North Korean state television broadcasting the footage Thursday. In the interaction, Kim is seen introducing Trump to a North Korean general. The US president puts out his hand for a shake, but the general instead salutes Trump. In an awkward-seeming moment, Trump then briefly salutes the general. The interaction prompted disbelief among some Trump critics, who already have said the president appeared too accommodating to Kim and his autocratic regime, which is accused of gross human rights violations. "To no one's surprise, North Korea used our President for their propaganda campaign," Democratic Senator Chris Van Hollen said on Twitter. "Kim Jong Un is pocketing immediate concessions and not making any concrete commitments. Nauseating to see Trump stiff our allies in Canada and then praise Kim while saluting his generals." White House spokeswoman Sarah Sanders said Trump was merely being polite. "It's a common courtesy. When a military official from another government salutes... you return that," Sanders said. Former president Barack Obama sparked outrage from his Republican opponents when in 2009 he bowed to Japanese Emperor Akihito. Conservative also media blasted Obama when he bowed that year to Saudi King Abdullah, and he was assailed again in 2014 for saluting while holding a cup of coffee. TOKYO (AP) - A Japanese wife has told police the body she thought was of her missing husband belonged to a stranger after her spouse turned up alive a year later. Tokyo police acknowledged Wednesday that the body found in a river in eastern Tokyo in June 2017 was of another man reported missing at around the same time. Police apologized for the mix-up and said the remains would be returned to the right family. Police initially believed the body was of a man in his early 40s reported missing by his family three days earlier, and handed it over to them after positive identification by the wife and two relatives. The body was then cremated by the family. The family earlier this month notified police that the man came home alive in May. Police refused to say where he was or what he was doing. The body, of another missing man in his late 30s, might have been misidentified because both men were about the same height and age, Tokyo's metropolitan police said. Bodies that are deemed unrelated to crime are usually returned to the families only after their visual inspections and without additional tests. The metropolitan police said they regretted the mistake and promised to take preventive measures. LONDON (AP) - British lawmakers rejected proposals by pro-European Union politicians Wednesday that were intended to lock the U.K. into the bloc's customs union and single market after Brexit. The results were a victory for Prime Minister Theresa May's Conservative government, which is determined to take the country out of the EU next year. But May's fragile minority administration faces more bumps ahead as it tries to forge an exit route while being buffeted by both sides of Britain's debate about Europe. The House of Commons voted by a wide margin against a call to join the European Economic Area - a club that includes the EU nations and Norway - after Conservative and opposition Labour leaderships opposed it. A flag is waved by a pro-EU demonstrator outside Parliament in London, Wednesday, June 13, 2018. The British government is bracing for more bruising debate on its key Brexit bill, after being forced to give ground to pro-EU lawmakers to avoid defeat.(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Lawmakers also rejected, much more narrowly, calls to keep the U.K. in a customs union with the EU. The votes came after two days of bruising debate on the government's key piece of Brexit legislation - the European Union Withdrawal Bill, intended to disentangle Britain from the 28-nation bloc after four decades of membership. In a series of votes the House of Commons largely reversed changes inserted by Parliament's upper House of Lords that would have softened the terms of Brexit. But it is likely only a temporary reprieve. Many lawmakers said it seemed likely that Britain would have to remain in a customs union with the EU, even though the government insists it will leave. The government says leaving the customs union will free the country to strike trade deals around the world. But many businesses fear it will mean tariffs or other barriers for British goods in Europe. It also threatens the currently invisible border between the U.K.'s Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland, an EU member. The withdrawal bill promises that the border will stay open and there will be no "physical infrastructure, including border posts, or checks and controls." But the British government has not said how that can be achieved if the U.K. and the EU have different customs rules. Pro-EU Conservative Heidi Allen said it was inevitable "we will have to come to a customs union agreement," even if it was given another label. "Partnership, love dance - don't care what you call it, that's what we will need to avoid any border to Northern Ireland," she said. The government was forced to give ground to pro-EU lawmakers in one key area, promising that Parliament would get more say over the U.K.-EU divorce deal. Many pro-EU lawmakers want Parliament to be able to send the government back to the negotiating table if they don't like the terms of the deal, or if talks with the bloc break down. Pro-Brexit lawmakers worry Parliament could use that power to delay Britain's departure, or stop it altogether. May said the government would amend the bill to address legislators' concerns, but warned that "I cannot countenance Parliament being able to overturn the will of the British people." "The British people voted to leave the European Union, and as prime minister I'm determined to deliver that," she told lawmakers. It has been two years since Britain voted by 52-48 percent to exit the EU, and there are eight months until the U.K. is due to leave the bloc on March 29, 2019. But Britain - and its government - remain divided over Brexit, and EU leaders are frustrated with what they see as a lack of firm proposals from the U.K about future relations. May's government is divided between Brexit-backing ministers such as Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson who support a clean break with the EU, and those such as Treasury chief Philip Hammond who want to keep closely aligned to the bloc, Britain's biggest trading partner. A paper laying out the U.K. government position on future relations, due to be published this month, has been delayed until July because the Cabinet cannot agree on a united stance. Brexit has also complicated relations between the British government and Scotland, where a majority voted in 2016 to stay in the EU. Scottish National Party lawmakers walked out of the House of Commons Wednesday to protest the short amount of time given to debate Scotland-related issues the day before - 20 minutes out of a six-hour session. The pro-independence party accuses the British government of trying to seize powers that will be handed back from Brussels after Brexit and which the SNP believes should go to Scotland's Edinburgh-based parliament. Ian Blackford, the SNP leader in Parliament, called the situation "a democratic outrage." "Scotland's voice has not been heard," said Blackford, who was expelled from the chamber for repeatedly challenging the Speaker on the issue, sparking a walkout by his colleagues. Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May leaves 10 Downing Street to attend the weekly session of PMQs at parliament in London, Wednesday, June 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Britain's Foreign Minister Boris Johnson leaves 10 Downing Street in London, Wednesday, June 13, 2018. (AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) A flag is waved by a pro-EU demonstrator outside Parliament in London, Wednesday, June 13, 2018. The British government is bracing for more bruising debate on its key Brexit bill, after being forced to give ground to pro-EU lawmakers to avoid defeat.(AP Photo/Kirsty Wigglesworth) Excerpts from recent editorials in the United States and abroad: ___ June 13 China Daily on relations between U.S. and China amid Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's visit days after the meeting between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Given the global significance of China-US relations, it is natural that they should be constantly in the spotlight. So it is not surprising that the visit of US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to China, which begins on Thursday, has grabbed worldwide attention. Especially as it comes just two days after the historic Singapore meeting between US President Donald Trump and Democratic People's Republic of Korea top leader Kim Jong-un. Aside from allowing them to compare notes on the summit and further coordinate their stances so that the current desirable momentum on the Korean Peninsula can continue, Pompeo's visit also provides a good opportunity for Beijing and Washington to air their differences on a variety of bilateral issues such as trade, the South China Sea and Taiwan. While the world's two largest economies are now deep in negotiations on trade, seeking to avoid a trade war, the frictions between Beijing and Washington over the South China Sea and Taiwan keep sparking heated words. Washington's frequent sending of warships and warplanes to sensitive waters has drawn much ire from Beijing, which sees it as a provocation to its sovereignty and security. And the Trump administration's growing penchant for playing the Taiwan card is also irking Beijing. On Tuesday, Marie Royce, US assistant secretary of state for educational and cultural affairs, attended a ceremony in Taipei, which marks the unveiling of a new office complex for the American Institute in Taiwan, which has served as the US representative office after Washington severed "diplomatic ties" with the island in 1979. The opening, together with the US' new "Taiwan Travel Act", shows Washington is now eying a bigger US presence on the island and using Taiwan as a linchpin in its overall containment strategy toward China. But what end is served by such a strategy? It is not good news for China-US ties, the US, or the world, since it only provokes more confrontation between the two sides. Taiwan remains the most sensitive issue in China-US relations, and Washington should handle the issue with wisdom and dexterity. Although it can't be expected to resolve all the issues standing between the two countries, Pompeo's visit signals that Beijing and Washington are committed to high-level communication to shore up ties. And as long as the two sides discuss their differences in good faith there is no reason why they should not find solid ground on which to do so. Online: http://usa.chinadaily.com.cn/ ___ June 13 The Post and Courier of Charleston on a tariff on imports of Canadian newsprint: The trade war with Canada over steel, aluminum and milk understandably grabs the headlines. But flying under the radar is the battle over Canadian newsprint, a skirmish that's hurting businesses and costing jobs. In January, the U.S. Commerce Department, responding to a complaint from a New York private equity firm that bought a Washington state mill, imposed a 6.2 percent tariff on imports of Canadian newsprint, then added another 22 percent in March. And U.S. newspapers, to put it mildly, are suffering mightily. That's why a group of newspaper executives will travel to Washington, D.C., this week to try to persuade lawmakers to get the Commerce Department to back off. The tariff already has prompted layoffs - newsprint is typically a newspaper's biggest operating cost behind labor - and caused some newspapers to reduce their number of pages. Thousands of U.S. newspaper jobs are hanging in the balance. The Washington state paper mill employs fewer than 300 people. Like some other recent tariffs, the cure is worse than the disease. Never mind that most U.S. mills quit producing newsprint more than a decade ago as demand fell and traditional newspaper subscribers migrated increasingly to digital news. Or that Canada produces about 60 percent of all newsprint. So far, the trade group News Media Alliance, representing some 1,350 U.S. newspapers, has unsuccessfully petitioned the U.S. International Trade Commission to have the case dismissed. "For an industry already severely challenged, this is very painful, unfair and totally unnecessary," Philadelphia Inquirer and Daily News publisher Terrance C.Z. Egger said in a story Monday in his newspapers, adding that the tariff was estimated to increase his operating costs by $2 million annually. About 50 newspaper executives with the trade group will make their case to lawmakers who are set to testify before the trade commission on July 17. After that, the Commerce Department would make a decision to keep the tariff or lift it. A decision is expected by late summer, but relief can't come soon enough. While the largest newspapers may be able to tolerate the increased operating costs, some smaller papers are in danger of failing. In April, the Tampa Bay Times, Florida's largest newspaper and winner of 12 Pulitzer Prizes, laid off about 50 employees, citing increased newsprint costs. Meanwhile, Sen. Bob Casey, D-Pennsylvania, has asked Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross to use his authority to suspend the tariff, a power the president also holds. Separately, the House and Senate are considering bills that would roll back the import duty pending a study of its economic effects. Newspapers still depend on revenue from their print editions, and the tariff is making the industry's already difficult transition to digital even harder. We need our newspapers and our newspaper jobs more than we need U.S.-produced newsprint. Our democracy also needs an informed public, a service that newspapers provide to their communities with more depth than other media. So it's no comfort that fewer than half of the newspapers that existed in 2001 ago are still in business, and the industry, which employed nearly 412,000 people then, now employs less than half that, according to a 2017 report from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The newsprint tariff isn't the only problem newspapers are facing, but it is one the administration can and should address quickly. Lift the tariff on Canadian newsprint. Online: https://www.postandcourier.com ___ June 12 The New York Times on a federal judge rejecting the government's attempt to block AT&T's acquisition of Time Warner: President Trump's chilling campaign to politicize the Justice Department ran into a stinging rebuke on Tuesday as a federal judge broadly rejected the government's attempt to block AT&T's $85.4 billion acquisition of Time Warner. Appearing to pander to the president's hostility to much of the news media, the department's antitrust division embraced a radical legal strategy that backfired, depriving every American of the responsible oversight that such a far-reaching merger required. Tuesday's ruling will probably unleash a new wave of deal making on Wall Street, in Hollywood and in Silicon Valley. As the media, telecommunications and technology industries continue to reshape both themselves and the lives of billions of people around the world, the consistent and fair application of American competition policy remains essential to foster innovation and the interests of everyday consumers. One can only hope that in the wake of Tuesday's defeat, federal authorities return to the principles that helped the United States become the world's engine of creative invention. President Trump's antagonism toward the news media - particularly CNN, one of Time Warner's crown jewels - is one of the defining aspects of his political identity. Hours before AT&T and Time Warner announced their deal in October 2016, then-candidate Trump vowed that his administration would try to block it. And yet once the Justice Department actually sued AT&T last November to stop the merger, the administration insisted that the president had nothing to do with it. The official line was that the White House had no contact with the department's antitrust division about the deal and did not influence its decision to sue. Leave it to Rudolph Giuliani, the president's personal lawyer, to baldly contradict the White House's story and reveal the truth. "The president denied the merger," Mr. Giuliani told HuffPost last month. "They didn't get the result they wanted." Mr. Giuliani eventually attempted to walk back his statement (without actually retracting it), but the damage had been done. The prospect that the administration has been using antitrust law to punish the president's opponents while rewarding those he views as friends is alarming. The AT&T-Time Warner merger has certainly required close scrutiny. Through its cable and satellite DirecTV operations, AT&T is the nation's No. 1 pay-television provider, with more than 25 million subscribers. (Comcast is second, with about 23 million cable customers.) AT&T is also the No. 2 wireless carrier, behind Verizon. Time Warner, meanwhile, controls some of the most popular television networks, including HBO, TBS and TNT, in addition to CNN. The prime concern is that a combined AT&T-Time Warner could jack up the rates it charges other TV distributors for content, increasing prices for consumers. In antitrust lingo, this deal represents a classic example of vertical integration: The companies have a "vertical" relationship where one company - Time Warner's networks and studios - supplies the other - AT&T's distribution operations. However, the two companies' main businesses do not actually compete with each other and so a merger would not reduce the number of competitors in any particular market. By contrast, deals like T-Mobile's $26.5 billion agreement to acquire Sprint announced in April are known as horizontal mergers. The two companies are direct competitors in the wireless phone market and their combination would reduce the number of primary national wireless carriers from four to three. The Trump administration's suit to block AT&T's acquisition of Time Warner was a suspiciously sharp, even radical, departure from modern antitrust policy because, since the early 1980s, federal courts and authorities have extended broad deference to vertical mergers while reserving aggressive challenges for horizontal deals that more clearly imperil consumers. Tuesday's decision by Judge Richard Leon of United States District Court was clearly in line with established antitrust precedent. Before Tuesday, the government had not even brought a vertical antitrust suit to conclusion in decades. That is probably why Makan Delrahim, then a Pepperdine University law professor, said when the deal was first announced, "I don't see this as a major antitrust problem." But then Mr. Delrahim became chief of the antitrust division under a president who despises CNN, and his tune changed. Suddenly, the deal represented a major threat to American consumers and had to be stopped. Rather than attempt to block vertical mergers outright, antitrust authorities in recent decades have instead focused on forcing the companies to curtail potentially anticompetitive behavior. For example, when Comcast acquired NBCUniversal in 2011 (a deal quite similar to AT&T-Time Warner's), the Justice Department reached a sensible settlement requiring the combined company to abide by a broad array of conditions to protect competition. That agreement was overseen and approved by none other than Judge Leon, who ruled against the government on Tuesday. Those Comcast-style provisions have appeared reasonably effective. Neither Comcast nor AT&T nor any other old-school media or telecommunications company has been able to hold back the relentless march of internet video behemoths like Amazon, Netflix and YouTube. In fact, the tech giants' media operations are already vertically integrated; Amazon and Netflix spend billions of dollars a year developing video content and then distributing it themselves through different systems and services. Mr. Delrahim could have pursued such conditions with AT&T and Time Warner. Unwisely, he didn't. The big risk in the government's litigation strategy was that if it lost, AT&T could acquire Time Warner without any such pro-consumer provisions at all. That is exactly what is happening. The rule of law is at least as important in business as it is in politics. As Tuesday's ruling potentially unleashes a new round of corporate consolidation, the most important concern remains insulating the application of antitrust law and competition policy from the whims of partisans. Consumers and the vitality of the economy's most dynamic sectors depend on it. Online: https://www.nytimes.com/ ___ June 12 The Wall Street Journal says tariffs could limit the tax-cut benefits for blue-collar Americans: More than a few conservative intellectuals have warmed to Donald Trump's trade protectionism because it supposedly helps blue-collar Americans. But what if his tariffs do the opposite? Erica York at the Tax Foundation crunched some numbers recently showing that Mr. Trump's proposal for a 25% tariff on imported cars, trucks and parts could eliminate half of the income gains from tax reform for millions of Americans. Those in the lowest income quintile could lose 49% of their tax gains. Say for ease of calculation that these folks received a $100 after-tax bonus from changes like the doubled standard deduction. After auto tariffs that would be whittled down to $51, Ms. York notes. The tariffs shave gains in all income brackets, but no one is hurt more than the poor and middle class. Take the fourth income quintile, or a household making at most about $70,000 a year in adjusted gross income. The Tax Foundation says auto tariffs could erase nearly 30% of that family's after-tax income bump. Ditto for the third quintile, or a family earning no more than $43,000 a year. Tariffs are inherently regressive because low-income Americans spend more of their income on household goods. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross has argued that no one will notice price increases - what's a few cents more for a can of soup? But people in Mr. Ross's income strata are not the Trump base. The Commerce Department is still looking at whether a muffler is a national security threat under Section 232 of the Trade Expansion Act of 1962. President Trump should abandon the idea lest Americans wonder if they really benefitted from that tax cut. Online: https://www.wsj.com/ ___ June 13 The Baltimore Sun on the Supreme Court upholding Ohio's purge of inactive voters from its rolls: Master impersonators taking on multiple identities to vote as other people. Dead people rising from their graves to haunt your neighborhood polling place. Non-citizens descending by the caravan to vote alongside true Americans. The mythical beast known as "voter fraud" is as preposterous as it is seemingly invincible. No amount of research - and there has been plenty - has managed to slay it, and now, it has even found a majority on the Supreme Court to rule on its behalf. By a 5-4 vote, the justices on Monday upheld Ohio's aggressive purge of non-active voters from its rolls, which state officials say maintains "election integrity." We say it is voter suppression, targeted at groups that lean Democratic - lower-income, minorities, young people and others who tend to move more frequently. In 2015 alone, according to the Cleveland Plain Dealer, hundreds of thousands of voters were purged, including more than 40,600 in Cuyahoga County, home to Cleveland and a disproportionate share of low-income and black communities. A survey by Reuters found that Ohio's purge struck twice as many voters from the rolls in Democratic-leaning neighborhoods in the state's three largest counties as in Republican communities. It's not just Ohio. Multiple states similarly are fighting this war against imaginary or at least negligible voter fraud, tightening identification requirements at check-in, for example, or shortening early-voting hours. This even as study after study has found few legitimate cases of voter fraud. The most comprehensive research, by Justin Levitt of Loyola Law School, surveyed 14 years of elections in which a billion ballots were cast - and found 31 credible allegations of someone using another person's name to vote. And not even all of those, Mr. Levitt has written, likely would stand up under further investigation. As cynical as these election-protection efforts may be, there is a way to at least begin to ameliorate them - and it starts, ironically enough, by simply voting. Use it or lose it, in other words, to avoid getting purged from the rolls. That, of course, is easier said than done. There are numerous reasons, from passion to practicality, why people sit out an election - if you work longer or non-traditional hours or have school, transportation, or child-care issues or have moved recently, it's harder to get to the polling place no matter how much you care about the outcome of an election. And measures like Ohio's create a cascading problem - you miss an election, you risk getting stricken and your right to vote in subsequent years. As cynical and unjust as these election laws may be, this is the reality at the moment. But not taking the extra step - to get an absentee ballot or to find time to vote early - has all too clear consequences. If nothing else, this past year has shown that elections matter. It matters to the kinds of laws that are enacted from the local to the global. It matters to the judiciary, from district to the highest level, that determines if those laws are indeed lawful. It most obviously matters in who we place in office. Which brings to mind the results of a recent poll that found that the No. 1 issue for Maryland Democrats as they head to the polls for the primary election later this month is "removing Donald Trump from office." You could argue, correctly, that Mr. Trump is not on the Maryland primary ballot. Or that voters had their chance in 2016. And some of those voters sat home, a passive act that nonetheless swung the election, according to data-crunchers. They have found that Hillary Clinton's failure to draw Obama voters to the polls in Michigan, Wisconsin and other critical states helped propel Mr. Trump to victory. Reliably blue Maryland went for Ms. Clinton, although our voter turnout rates have been shamefully low in some recent non-presidential years. It remains to be seen if this year's governor's race, and other high-interest contests such as Baltimore state's attorney and Baltimore County executive will drive traffic to the polls. Midterm elections traditionally attract fewer voters than a presidential year. And, according to Pew Research Center, those who skip the in-between years fit a particular demographic mold: They tend to be younger, less white and affluent and more Democratic-leaning than those who vote more consistently. In other words, the same demographics of those who would denied the right to vote by tighter election laws. They may not have the power to change those laws, they can still avail themselves of a ballot Online: http://www.baltimoresun.com/ ___ June 12 The Miami Herald on Marjory Stoneman Douglas Senior High School students' summer bus tour: Music is healing. Students from Marjory Stoneman Douglas Senior High School put that theory on display Sunday night in New York with their stirring performance at the Tony Awards - beautifully. The students, all from the school's drama department, brought the house down singing the powerful "Seasons of Love," from "Rent," as survivors of the Feb. 14 massacre at their Parkland school where 17 died. They touched millions of people with their moving message. This summer, many of their classmates also have a moving message: Register to vote - then vote! On Thursday, a large group of Stoneman Douglas graduates will set out on a nationwide summer bus tour to bring about change in America. Half a century ago, it was students protesting the Vietnam War. Today, the students' mission is to end a domestic war, one we're waging on ourselves through gun violence. The day after they received their diplomas - four seniors killed in the mass shooting received them posthumously - the grads announced the March for Our Lives tour. They will raise gun-control awareness and push for reform, likely going mano a mano with the NRA publicity machine. They will also be registering teens in time to vote in the midterm elections this November. They've got a big hurdle to clear. Millennials, who include 18 and 19 year olds, have the lowest voter turnout of any age group. Registering them will be easy, moving them to the voting booth, perhaps, not so much. The bus tour is an offshoot of the March for Our Lives demonstration in Washington, D.C., and Tallahassee in March. There will be two tours: One will make 75 stops in 20 states, with a separate statewide tour that will visit all 27 congressional districts in Florida. It's an ambitious project. It all begins Thursday with a peace march in Chicago, led by students from St. Sabina Academy. The tours are being funded by donations made by people from around the country. A dollar amount was not disclosed. Donations are accepted through the March for Our Lives website. It's imperative that students and their advisers are meticulous and transparent with their finances. They should not let even a whiff of carelessness compromise the integrity of their righteous mission. Their movement already has made an impact. In Florida, Gov. Scott signed into law a $400 million bill that raised the minimum age to buy a firearm from 18 to 21, banned bump stocks and imposed a three-day waiting period on gun sales. Florida is also one of four states to pass a "red flag law," allowing law enforcement to temporarily confiscate firearms from people found to pose a threat to themselves or others. The biggest chance to bring about change will come in November. Though the student group will not officially endorse candidates, they plan to call out those who are receiving money from the NRA and have regressive views on gun reform. The issue is of vital importance and, in that spirit, the Miami Herald Editorial Board will be asking candidates it interviews their stance on gun-control issues. If these Parkland students can turn inaction into action, nonvoters into voters and bring more souls to the polls in November, they would have accomplished something special, just like those young Americans did 50 years ago. Online: http://www.miamiherald.com/ SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (AP) - A Massachusetts woman is on a desperate search to find her wedding dress that was mistakenly donated to Goodwill. Rachele Familia tells WGGB-TV she was storing her wedding dress at her aunt and uncle's house. Familia married in 2004, and her aunt had offered to have her dress preserved and stored as a wedding gift. Familia says she found out last week that her uncle had accidentally included the dress in a donation to the Palmer Goodwill in March. The dress has since been sold, as well as her aunt's wedding dress that was included in the donation. Familia has turned to social media with the hopes that someone will recognize the dress and return it. If not, she says that she knows whoever bought the dress "will cherish it." SANTIAGO, Chile (AP) - Prosecutors seized documents in raids on Roman Catholic Church offices in two cities as part of an investigation into growing clergy sex abuse scandals, while Vatican investigators met with Chile's attorney general to discuss cooperation in the civil and canonical probes. The surprise raids Wednesday targeted the headquarters of Santiago's Ecclesiastical Court and the diocese in Rancagua in the O'Higgins region, where 14 priests are accused of having had sexual relations with minors. They came hours before two envoys sent by Pope Francis met with Chilean prosecutors, including Attorney General Jorge Abbott, to coordinate their response to scandals that have discredited Chile's church and last month led all of its 30-plus active bishops to offer to resign over their collective guilt in failing to protect children from abusive priests. Archbishop Charles Scicluna, center left, and Monsignor Jordi Bertomeu, center right, are protected by security guards as university students demand that the Catholic church investigate cases of sexual abuses inside the Catholic University of Chile, after a press conference at that same University in Santiago, Chile, Wednesday, June 13, 2018. Scicluna and Bertomeu, the investigators of sex abuse in Chile's church, returned to Chile to begin what the Vatican has said is a "healing" mission in Osorno following the resignation of Bishop Juan Barros, who has been at the center of Chile's growing scandal ever since Pope Francis appointed him bishop of Osorno in 2015 over the objections of the local faithful, his own sex abuse prevention advisers and some of Chile's other bishops. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix) "The commitment is to a greater collaboration between the institutions," Abbott said, adding that church and civilian authorities are going to set up a system that will provide victims with the protections needed to come forward and freely lodge complaints. Abbott said prosecutors met some resistance in the Rancagua raid, though they were satisfied with the information seized in both operations. He added that in the coming days prosecutors will ask the Vatican for any information it has related to the investigations. Cardinal Ricardo Ezzati, the archbishop of Santiago, said church officials "gave the prosecutor all the requested documentation." He added that they are "available to cooperate with the civilian justice system in all that is required." Prosecutor Emiliano Arias, who led the search in Santiago, said the church raids show that in Chile "we are all subject to common justice." The Vatican investigators in Chile - Archbishop Charles Scicluna and Spanish Monsignor Jordi Bertomeu - earlier put together a 2,300-page report that prompted Francis to realize he had misjudged the Chilean situation. On Monday, Francis began purging Chile's Catholic hierarchy over the avalanche of sex abuse and cover-up cases, starting with accepting the resignations of the bishop at the center of the scandal and two others. A Vatican statement Monday said Francis had accepted the resignations of Bishop Juan Barros of Osorno, Bishop Gonzalo Duarte of Valparaiso and Bishop Cristian Caro of Puerto Montt. He named a temporary leader for each diocese. Barros has been at the center of Chile's growing scandal ever since Francis appointed him bishop of Osorno in 2015 over the objections of the local faithful, the pope's own sex abuse prevention advisers and some of Chile's other bishops. The critics questioned Barros' suitability to lead since he had been a top lieutenant of Chile's most notorious predator priest and had been accused by victims of witnessing and ignoring their abuse by that priest, the Rev. Fernando Karadima. Barros denied the charge, but he twice offered to resign in the ensuing years. In 2011, the Vatican sentenced Karadima, a powerful preacher close to Chile's elite, to a lifetime of penance and prayer for his sex crimes. But the Scicluna-Bertomeu report exposed a far bigger scandal that has implicated several religious orders. It also exposed evidence that the Chilean hierarchy systematically covered up and minimized abuse cases. The findings opened a Pandora's Box of new accusations that led Francis to become the first pope to refer to a "culture of abuse and cover-up" in the Catholic Church. The raids in Chile were reminiscent of the police search carried out in 2010 at the headquarters of the Catholic Church hierarchy in Belgium, which prompted Pope Benedict XVI to protest, calling it a "deplorable" intrusion in the Catholic Church's legal process. Belgian police took away computers and hundreds of files amid rumors that church leaders were continuing to cover up abuse cases. The raid prompted a Catholic panel investigating abuse to shut down in protest, saying Belgian authorities had betrayed the trust of nearly 500 victims who made complaints to the panel. Chile's General Attorney Jorge Abbott, center, leaves the Apostolic Nunciature after meeting with Archbishop Charles Scicluna in Santiago, Chile, Wednesday, June 13, 2018. Police and prosecutors raided Roman Catholic Church offices in two Chilean cities Wednesday looking for files, investigative reports and documents related to a sex abuse scandal that has damaged the clergy's reputation in the South American country. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix) Archbishop Charles Scicluna, right, and Spanish Monsignor Jordi Bertomeuof, walk down a set of stairs prior a press conference at the Catholic University of Chile, in Santiago, Chile, Wednesday, June 13, 2018. Scicluna, the investigator of sex abuse in Chile's church, returned to the country to begin what the Vatican has said is a "healing" mission in Osorno following the resignation of Bishop Juan Barros, who has been at the center of Chile's growing scandal ever since Pope Francis appointed him bishop of Osorno in 2015 over the objections of the local faithful, his own sex abuse prevention advisers and some of Chile's other bishops. (AP Photo/Esteban Felix) TORONTO (AP) - For the first time in decades, one of the world's most durable and amicable alliances faces serious strain as Canadians - widely considered some of the nicest, politest people on Earth - absorb Donald Trump's insults against their prime minister and attacks on their country's trade policies. Some Canadians are urging Prime Minister Justin Trudeau to seek peace with the U.S. president. Many others want him to hang tough even as Trump seeks to make political hay with his anti-Canada rhetoric. But there's broad agreement with this assessment by The Globe and Mail, a leading Canadian newspaper: "Relations between two of the world's closest allies are now at a perilous low." FILE - In this June 8, 2018 file photo, U.S. President Donald Trump meets with Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau at the G-7 summit in Charlevoix, Canada. For the first time in decades, one of the world's most durable and amicable alliances faces serious strain as Canadians _ widely seen as some of the nicest, politest people on Earth _ absorb Donald Trump's insults against their prime minister and attacks on their country's trade policies. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) The spark for the confrontation: Not only did Trump suggest new tariffs against Canada are justified on grounds of national security, but he and top aides assailed Trudeau as a "weak" and dishonest" back-stabber who deserves a place in hell. For Canadians - who don't totally reject their stereotyped image as self-effacing and nice - the eruption seemed completely at odds with their own national temperament. Anne Marie Goetz, a Canadian who teaches global affairs at New York University, said she hopes her compatriots will show "maturity and forbearance" amid the tensions. "But as these kinds of absurd statements and rude outbursts pile up, antagonism and resentment might too, which would be terribly unfortunate and even surreal for two of the best neighbors on the planet," Goetz said. Resentment already is palpable. A popular Alberta-based travel and culture blogger, Mike Morrison, said he and his wife have canceled a trip to the U.S. next month. In Halton Hills, a Toronto suburb, the City Council unanimously passed a motion Monday encouraging its residents and businesses, with typical Canadian politesse, to consider avoiding U.S. goods "where Canadian substitutes are reasonably available." "Trump is like a bad houseguest. He showed up late, left early and insulted the host," said Mayor Rick Bonnette. "When you have a bully like Trump, you can't just keep taking it and taking it." The ties between the two countries are without parallel anywhere in the world. Trade between the U.S. and Canada totaled an estimated $673.9 billion in 2017, with a surplus of $8.4 billion for the United States. Each day, about 400,000 people cross the world's longest international border. There is close cooperation on defense, border security and law enforcement, and a vast overlap in culture, traditions and pastimes. As with most intimate relationships, there have been rough spots. Limited trade wars over lumber, pulp and paper, and other products have flared on and off for decades. In the early 1960s, there was a bitter rift because of personal enmity between President John F. Kennedy and Prime Minister John Diefenbaker, who balked at U.S. pressure to be more aggressive in Cold War maneuverings. Later, the Vietnam War caused some divisions, as Canadians - including Justin Trudeau's father, then-Prime Minister Pierre Elliot Trudeau - welcomed American draft evaders who crossed the border. And some Canadians, notably the Ontario intelligentsia, tend to regard Americans as more crass and gun-happy than people north of the border. "In general, Canadians have looked at us as a large, powerful, unruly but basically good child - a big animal that they don't have to worry about but does stupid things now and then," said Stephen Blank, an American academic who has taught at universities on both sides of the border. The flare-up came as the recent G-7 summit in Quebec concluded. While Trump headed to his meeting with North Korea's leader, Trudeau told reporters that Canada would retaliate against new U.S. tariffs it viewed as unfair. Trump was furious, pulling the U.S. out of the G-7 joint communique and calling Trudeau "dishonest" and "weak." "There's a special place in hell for any foreign leader that engages in bad faith diplomacy with President Donald J. Trump and then tries to stab him in the back on the way out the door," said Trump trade adviser Peter Navarro, though he later apologized for what he called "inappropriate" language. Across their political spectrum, Canadians were outraged. Trudeau, who has embraced many left-of-center policies on behalf of his Liberal Party, has received strong support from his normally hostile conservative rivals. Jason Kenney, leader of Alberta's United Conservative Party, said he was stunned that Trump would attack the prime minister while getting chummy with North Korea's Kim Jong Un. "It is increasingly bizarre to see an administration heaping praise on a totalitarian dictator while using unprecedented language to condemn the elected head of government of the United States' closest ally," Kenney said. David Frum, a Canadian-American political commentator, said the tiff would only boost Trudeau's stature among Canadians. "Trump's revenge-tweets from Air Force One back at his Canadian hosts probably did not lose him any friends in Canada, for the basic arithmetic reasons that a few alt-right YouTubers aside, he had no friends in Canada left to lose," Frum wrote in The Atlantic. However, Lawrence Martin, a columnist with The Globe and Mail, suggested Trudeau's defiance might be harmful to Canada and advised him to seek conciliatory talks with Trump rather than risk further trade reprisals. "The big dog has all the advantages," Martin wrote. "While only 16 percent of U.S. exports go to Canada, 72 percent of Canada's go south." Bruce Heyman, former U.S. ambassador to Canada, said he believes the Trump administration is determined to withdraw from the North American Free Trade Agreement and has created "an anti-Canadian narrative" that will help him when he pulls the plug. An ensuing trade war will be painful to Canada, but ultimately beneficial, Heyman said: "It will force Canada to diversify." Canada's foreign minister, Chrystia Freeland, met in Washington on Wednesday with some U.S. senators to discuss the strained relations, then gave a speech with a clear warning to the Trump administration "You may feel today that your size allows you to go mano-a-mano with your traditional adversaries and be guaranteed to win," she said. "But if history tells us one thing, it is that no one nation's pre-eminence is eternal." Some Americans have rejected Trump's vitriol, using the hashtag #ThanksCanada on Twitter to highlight positive things that Canada has done. The Globe and Mail said it received dozens of letters from Americans, many of them dismayed by the president's behavior. "We in America very much need your nation's good character and clear-eyed sense of mission as a reminder about what truly makes America great," wrote Tom Gerson of Old Saybrook, Connecticut. "I know we as your friends to the south can count on Canada for this inspiration and so much more - now and always." ___ Crary, a former AP bureau chief in Toronto, reported from New York FILE - In this May 17, 1961 file photo, U.S. President John Kennedy and Prime Minister John Diefenbaker meet to begin talks on U.S. and Canadian problems in Ottawa, Canada. In the early 1960s, there was a bitter rift between the two countries because of personal enmity between Kennedy and Diefenbaker, who balked at U.S. pressure to be more aggressive in Cold War maneuverings. (AP Photo) WASHINGTON (AP) - In a stinging rebuke, the Justice Department watchdog declared Thursday that former FBI Director James Comey was "insubordinate" in his handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation in the explosive final months of the 2016 presidential campaign. But it also found there was no evidence that Comey's or the department's final conclusions were motivated by political bias toward either candidate. President Donald Trump had looked to the much-anticipated report to provide a fresh line of attack against Comey and the FBI as Trump claims that a politically tainted bureau tried to undermine his campaign and, through the later Russia investigation, his presidency. He is likely to use the harsh assessment of Comey as validation for his decision to fire him, an act now central to special counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into whether the president sought to obstruct justice. Clinton and her supporters, on the other hand, have long complained that she was the one whose election chances were torpedoed by Comey's investigation announcements about her email practices, in the summer and then shortly before the election. FILE - In this Jan. 10, 2017 file photo, then-FBI Director James Comey testifies on Capitol Hill in Washington. (AP Photo/Cliff Owen, File) Yet the report's nuanced findings - that the FBI repeatedly erred, though not for politically improper reasons - complicated efforts by Republicans and Democrats alike to claim total vindication. The conclusions were contained in a 500-page report that documents in painstaking detail one of the most consequential investigations in modern FBI history and reveals how the bureau, which for decades has endeavored to stand apart from politics, came to be entangled in the 2016 presidential election. The report also underscores efforts by senior FBI and Justice Department leaders in the final stages of the presidential race to juggle developments in the Clinton investigation - she had used private email for government business while secretary of state - with a separate probe into potential coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia. The Russia investigation, though diverting bureau resources and attention away from the final stages of the Clinton probe, was unknown at the time to the American public. Comey, whom Trump fired shortly after taking office, bore the brunt of the report's criticism. It says the FBI director, who announced in July 2016 that Clinton had been "extremely careless" with classified material but would not be charged with any crime, repeatedly departed from normal Justice Department protocol. Yet it does not second-guess his conclusion that Clinton should not have been prosecuted - despite assertions by Trump and his supporters that anyone less politically connected would have been charged. It also disputed the Trump talking point that the FBI favored Clinton over him, saying, "We found no evidence that the conclusions by the prosecutors were affected by bias or other improper considerations; rather, we determined that they were based on the prosecutors' assessment of the facts, the law and past department practice." Still, Trump supporters quickly focused on the report's recounting of anti-Trump text messages from two FBI officials who worked the Clinton probe and later the Russia case, including one in which an agent says, "We'll stop it" with regard to a possible Trump victory. The report suggests that text from Peter Strzok, who was later dropped from Mueller's team, "implies a willingness to take official action to impact the presidential candidate's electoral prospects." It did not find evidence that those views seeped into the investigation. Spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the report "reaffirmed the president's suspicions about Comey's conduct and the political bias amongst some of the members of the FBI." FBI Director Chris Wray told reporters the FBI accepted the report's findings and was making changes, including requiring further training for employees and reemphasizing the importance of objectivity. In a New York Times opinion piece released after the report, Comey said he disagreed with some conclusions but respected the watchdog's work. The inspector general faulted Comey for his unusual July 5, 2016, news conference at which he disclosed his recommendation against bringing charges, even though cases that end without prosecution are rarely discussed publicly. Comey did not reveal to Attorney General Loretta Lynch his plans to make such an announcement. "We found that it was extraordinary and insubordinate for Comey to do so, and we found none of his reasons to be a persuasive basis for deviating from well-established Department policies in a way intentionally designed to avoid supervision by department leadership over his actions," the report says. Comey has said he was concerned that the Justice Department itself could not credibly announce the conclusion of its investigation, in part because Lynch had met days earlier aboard her plane with former President Bill Clinton. Both said they did not discuss Hillary Clinton's case. Concerned about the "appearance that former President Clinton was influencing" the probe, Lynch began talking to her staff the next morning about possibly recusing herself from overseeing the investigation, the report says. She told the inspector general she decided not to step aside because it might "create a misimpression" that she and the former president had discussed inappropriate things. Bill Clinton, also interviewed in the IG investigation, said he had "absolutely not" discussed the probe. Also criticized was Comey's decision, despite the discouragement of the Justice Department, to reveal to Congress that the FBI was reopening the investigation following the discovery of new emails. The FBI obtained a warrant nine days before the presidential election to review those emails, found on the laptop of former Rep. Anthony Weiner, and ultimately determined there was nothing that changed its original conclusion. The report faulted the FBI for failing to act with more urgency in reviewing emails from Weiner's laptop, saying the inaction had "potentially far-reaching consequences." Clinton supporters say her name could have been cleared well before the election had the FBI moved faster to review the emails. And Comey said had he known earlier about the laptop's import, it might have affected his decision to notify Congress. The Weiner laptop was discovered as the FBI was upgrading the nascent Russia investigation. Though there's no evidence the device was put on the back-burner to protect Clinton, the watchdog said it could not be certain that Strzok's decision to prioritize the Russia probe over examining the Weiner laptop was "free from bias," especially because Strzok was exchanging anti-Trump text messages during that same period. The report lambastes Strzok and a now-retired FBI lawyer, Lisa Page, for text exchanges that it says were "deeply troubling" and created the appearance "that investigative decisions were impacted by bias or improper considerations." Most of the problematic texts relate to the FBI's Russia investigation, the report notes. Both Strzok and Page acknowledged that some of their texts could be read as showing bias against Trump, but both insisted bias played no part in their work. The report also notes that Comey, despite chiding Clinton for mishandling government business, occasionally used personal email himself to discuss FBI matters. "But my emails," she said, reacting in a three-word tweet. ___ Associated Press writer Mary Clare Jalonick, Steve Braun and Colleen Long contributed to this report. ___ Read the report: http://apne.ws/UW6V5LZ FILE - In this April 6, 2017, file photo, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton speaks in New York. The Justice Department's internal watchdog is expected to criticize the FBI's handling of the Clinton email investigation, stepping into a political minefield as it details how a determinedly non-partisan law enforcement agency came to be entangled in the 2016 presidential race. President Donald Trump will look to the inspector general report to provide a fresh line of attack against the FBI's two former top officials, Director James Comey and his deputy, Andrew McCabe, as he claims that a politically tainted bureau tried to undermine his campaign and, through the Russia investigation, his presidency. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer, File) Part of the the Department of Justice Inspector General's report after its release in Washington, Thursday, June 14, 2018. The report documented in painstaking detail one of the most consequential investigations in modern FBI history and revealed how the bureau, which for decades has endeavored to stand apart from politics, came to be entangled in the 2016 presidential election.(AP Photo/Jon Elswick) From left, Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer, D-N.Y., House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi, D-Calif., Rep. Jerrold Nadler, D-N.Y., the ranking member of the House Judiciary Committee, and Sen. Dianne Feinstein, D-Calif., the ranking member of the Senate Judiciary Committee, respond to the Justice Department's internal 18-month review of the FBI's handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation, on Capitol Hill in Washington, Thursday, June 14, 2018. While the report faulted former FBI Director James Comey for being "insubordinate" and breaking protocols in his handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation during the 2016 presidential election, it also concluded there was no evidence that Comey was motivated by political bias. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) NASHVILLE, Tenn. (AP) - Police in Tennessee say a teen was shot and killed while attempting to rob a Burger King. News outlets report that Metro Nashville police identified 18-year-old Kenneth L. Jernigan as one of three masked gunmen who entered the Burger King on Monday night. Police say the restaurant's manager, 34-year-old Maurice Farris, tackled Jernigan, at which point the other two ran from the building. Police believe Jernigan was fatally wounded during the struggle with Farris. Farris was wounded by the gunfire and was hospitalized in critical condition. Police say Farris endangered himself to save his employees. Burger King said in a statement that the franchisee is cooperating with local authorities. Authorities are seeking information about the two suspects who fled. JOHANNESBURG (AP) - A man fatally stabbed two people on Thursday and wounded several others at a mosque near Cape Town before police shot and killed the attacker, authorities said. The assailant, believed to be in his thirties, charged police who had tried to persuade him to surrender after the attack in Malmesbury in Western Cape province, police said. "He ignored the calls and tried to attack police. He was shot and killed in the process," said a statement from police, who did not immediately comment on a possible motive for the attack. The scene inside the Malmesbury Mosque during a clean up operation near Cape Town South Africa, Thursday June 14, 2018. A man fatally stabbed two people on Thursday and wounded several others at a mosque near Cape Town before police shot and killed the attacker, authorities said.(AP Photo/Nasief Manie) A man said his father had been sleeping in the Malmesbury mosque when he was killed just ahead of the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Suad Bassa, son of Ismail Bassa, said in an interview with the News24 outlet that the attacker also injured his brother when they confronted him. "It's sad, but Allah has taken him away in the place that he loved the most," Suad Bassa said. News24 video footage showed the body of the attacker lying in an open area cordoned off by police tape. On May 10, assailants killed one person and injured two others in a similar attack on a mosque in the eastern town of Verulam, near Durban. No arrests have been made. South Africa's Muslim Judicial Council said it was "shocked to its core" by the attack in Malmesbury and that its president and his deputies were heading to the mosque. "We do not have any further details as yet but we urge the community not to jump to any conclusions until clarity can be given," the council said. The Democratic Alliance, an opposition party that runs Western Cape province, condemned the attack and said South Africans have the right to religious freedom. "An attack on people while they worship is a direct attack on the constitution and the freedoms we enjoy in this country," the party said. A man's body lays outside a mosque in Malmesbury, near Cape Town, South Africa Thursday June 14, 2018. South African police say a man with a knife fatally stabbed two people and wounded several others at a mosque near Cape Town before police shot and killed the attacker. (AP Photo Nasief Manie) A police vehicle outside the mosque in Malmesbury, near Cape Town, South Africa, Thursday June 14 2018. A man fatally stabbed two people on Thursday and wounded several others at a mosque near Cape Town before police shot and killed the attacker, authorities said. (AP Photo Nasief Manie) Michael Arnold, 38, has been jailed for 25 years for raping a 12-year-old family member in March last year A Georgia man who raped a 12-year-old girl before she suffered a stillbirth has been jailed for 25 years. Michael Arnold, 38, from the city of McDonough, admitted raping the female family member in March last year. His crime was only discovered after the girl, who did not know she was pregnant, gave birth to a stillborn child. The girl's mother called police and officers used DNA from the fetus to identify Arnold as the father. Arnold was sentenced to a whole-life term in court on Wednesday, but under the terms of a plea deal will only spent 25 years of that time behind bars. He will then have to spend the rest of his life on probation, will have to sign up to the sex offender register, and will be banned from contact with the victim. Arnold will have to serve every day of his prison sentence and will not be eligible for parole, the judge said. District Attorney Darius Pattillo told the Atlanta Journal Constitution: 'The family is satisfied with the outcome because it sends Mr. Arnold to jail for a significant amount of time and requires him to be supervised by law enforcement for the remainder or his life, while protecting the victim from testifying in court. 'I commend McDonough Police and our team for conducting a thorough investigation and working diligently with public safety officials in another state to get justice in this case.' SEOUL, South Korea (AP) - U.S. President Donald Trump promised to end "war games" with South Korea, calling them provocative, after meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un earlier this week. His announcement appeared to catch both South Korea and the Pentagon by surprise. A brief explanation of the military exercises: ___ THE DRILLS FILE - In this March 12, 2016, file photo, Marines of the U.S., left, and South Korea wearing blue headbands on their helmets, take positions after landing on a beach during the joint military combined amphibious exercise, called Ssangyong, part of the Key Resolve and Foal Eagle military exercises, in Pohang, South Korea. U.S. President Donald Trump promised to end "war games" with South Korea, calling them provocative, after meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on June 12, 2018. His announcement appeared to catch both South Korea and the Pentagon by surprise. (Kim Jun-bum/Yonhap via AP, File) The U.S. and South Korea hold major joint exercises every spring and summer in South Korea. The spring maneuvers - actually two overlapping exercises called Key Resolve and Foal Eagle - include live-fire drills with tanks, aircraft and warships. About 10,000 American and 200,000 Korean troops usually take part. The drills typically begin in March but were delayed until April this year to encourage North Korean participation in the South Korean Winter Olympics. The summer exercise, Ulchi Freedom Guardian, consists mainly of computer simulations to hone joint decision-making and planning. Some 17,500 American and 50,000 South Korean troops participated last year. The drill, held since the 1970s, usually takes place in August. Trump's pledge has thrown its fate into question this year. ___ THEIR PURPOSE A major goal is to ensure that the two militaries can work together smoothly and seamlessly in a sudden crisis, from top commanders to troops in the field. Moon Seong Mook, a former South Korean military official, calls the joint drills and the 28,500 U.S. troops stationed in South Korea the core of the alliance between the two countries. He says the American military presence "wouldn't mean much if the militaries don't practice through joint drills." ___ TRUMP'S WORDS "We will be stopping the war games, which will save us a tremendous amount of money, unless and until we see the future negotiation is not going along like it should," Trump told reporters after his meeting Tuesday with Kim in Singapore. "But we'll be saving a tremendous amount of money. Plus, I think it's very provocative." ___ PROVOCATIVE? Depends on your point of view. North Korea portrays the exercises as rehearsals for an invasion of its country. The U.S. and South Korea, at least until Trump's statement, have said the drills are purely defensive, to be ready at a moment's notice if the North were to attack the South. The U.S. has sent B-1B aircraft from an Air Force base in Guam on bombing runs over South Korean ranges, sometimes as a show of force after North Korean missile tests. The U.S. and its allies routinely call the missile tests "provocations." In 2016, North Korea reacted angrily after South Korean media reported that the allies were planning to include training for a "beheading operation" aimed at removing Kim Jong Un and toppling his government in the event of war in that year's Key Resolve-Foal Eagle exercises. The North Korean army's Supreme Command issued a statement saying a decapitation plan would be the "height of hostile acts" and that the North's weaponry is "ready to open fire." Washington and Seoul did not say outright that their troops would be training for decapitation strikes. ___ CHINA The biggest victor if the U.S. were to halt joint exercises with South Korea may be China. The Chinese military is expanding its reach into the Pacific and sees the U.S. as a rival in waters it considers its own. China has long called for a halt to both North Korean missile tests and U.S.-South Korean military drills as a precursor to talks on North Korea's nuclear weapons program. FILE - In this Nov. 12, 2017, file photo provided by South Korea Defense Ministry, three U.S. aircraft carriers USS Nimitz, left top, USS Ronald Reagan, left center, and USS Theodore Roosevelt, left bottom, participate with other U.S. and South Korean navy ships during a joint naval exercises between the United States and South Korea in waters off South Korea's eastern coast. U.S. President Donald Trump promised to end "war games" with South Korea, calling them provocative, after meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on June 12, 2018. His announcement appeared to catch both South Korea and the Pentagon by surprise. (South Korea Defense Ministry via AP, File) FILE - In this Sept. 18, 2017, file photo provided by South Korea Defense Ministry, U.S. Air Force B-1B bombers, F-35B stealth fighter jets and South Korean F-15K fighter jets fly over the Korean Peninsula during a joint drills. U.S. President Donald Trump promised to end "war games" with South Korea, calling them provocative, after meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on June 12, 2018. His announcement appeared to catch both South Korea and the Pentagon by surprise. (South Korea Defense Ministry via AP, File) FILE - In this July 6, 2016, file photo, South Korean and U.S. marines aim their machine guns during a joint military exercise between the two countries in Pohang, South Korea. U.S. President Donald Trump promised to end "war games" with South Korea, calling them provocative, after meeting North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on June 12, 2018. His announcement appeared to catch both South Korea and the Pentagon by surprise. (Kim Joon-bum/Yonhap via AP, File) GROSSRAESCHEN, Germany (AP) - As the sun beats down on a small vineyard by the rippling waters of Grossraeschen Lake, there's little sign of the vast wound that lies beneath. Meuro, the brown-black mine that once dominated the landscape, providing jobs to thousands of workers who toiled in clouds of lignite coal dust, has vanished. Only a floating excavator plucking sunken trees out of the water hints at the effort that's gone into reshaping this corner of eastern Germany over the past decades. It's part of a massive environmental cleanup in Lusatia, a region that provided much of the coal that heated German homes and powered the country's industrial rise. In this Wednesday, June 6, 2018 photo, a man walks over an artificial beach at the Lake Senftenberger See, a former lignite coal pit, in Germany's Lusatia (Lausitz) area, near the city of Senftenberg, Wednesday, June 6, 2018. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) Unlike its darker variety, lignite seams - also known as brown coal - often lie close to the surface, meaning it is easiest to just remove layer upon layer from above rather than dig underground shafts. "This is a region that was shaped by strip mining for hundreds of years," said Kathrin Winkler, a native of Lusatia. "No grain of dirt was left on top of the other." As a young woman growing up in communist East Germany, Winkler worked in the Meuro mine for a year. Now it's her job to promote Lusatia's lakes as the next big tourist destination, a tranquil retreat for weary city dwellers from nearby Berlin and Dresden. The idea would have seemed outlandish to anyone looking at the alien, lifeless landscape not so long ago. But over the past two decades the man-made craters have been slowly re-sculpted to create 26 lakes connected by 13 canals and hundreds of miles of cycle track. Instead of coal-fired power plants, the horizons are now dotted with wind turbines and fields full of solar panels. While about 22 percent of Germany's electricity still comes from burning lignite - and a further 12 percent from hard coal - some 33 percent is now generated using renewable energy. At its peak three decades ago, Lusatia's coal industry provided more than 90,000 jobs. Now, the region only has a few thousand workers at four mines operated by a private company, including the Welzow-South pit that supplies the 'Black Pump' power station 20 kilometers (15 miles) east of Grossraeschen. Helmut Franz, who used to work in the Welzow-South pit, said miners support the work that's being done to restore the sites. "People have been trying to figure out for generations how to heal the wounds," said Franz, who now chairs the Senftenberg mining heritage association. "We think it's a positive thing that the countryside is being reshaped after the end of mining." Much of the task of turning brownfield sites into the kind of "blooming landscapes" promised shortly before reunification to East Germans by West Germany's late chancellor, Helmut Kohl, has now fallen to a state-owned company, LMBV. So far it has spent 10.6 billion euros ($12.5 billion) removing the legacy of industry and creating 25,000 hectares (61,775 acres) of lakes. "You could say that it's the biggest landscape reconstruction in Europe," said Uwe Steinhuber, the public face of LMBV. "There's no script for this job." While countries such as the United States also require companies to restore mines and Spain's biggest lake is currently being created in a former lignite pit, LMBV's effort to develop an entire new lake district clean enough for tourism is one of the most ambitious projects yet - attracting attention from as far afield as the U.S., China and South Africa. One of the challenges is ensuring that the lakes, which start out having the acidity of vinegar due to minerals churned up by mining, are made safe for animals and people. This is done by flushing the lakes with river water or by pouring in limestone to raise the pH-level. Another problem is the risk of subsidence. Because the earth hauled out of the pits over decades was simply dumped elsewhere, it is very loose. A dramatic, unexpected landslide in 2010 prompted LMBV to re-examine the entire region. "Many areas that had been considered safe until then were re-classed as unsafe," said engineer Soeren Albinus. Creating a string of new lakes has an added benefit - allowing authorities to plan for the potential impacts of climate change on water levels in this part of Germany. Cities such as Berlin depend on water that flows through Lusatia and the lakes are being designed to act as buffer - storing water in times of plenty and releasing it when there's a drought. The region has become a giant laboratory for geologists, economists and biologists. Wary of the artificial landscape created for tourism, environmental groups have purchased some stretches of land to let nature take its course. Animals and plants that have been driven from much of Europe's intensively farmed landscapes, including wolves, the Eurasian hoopoe bird and a plant called great horsetail, are reclaiming areas that were considered dead just a few years ago. Back in Grossraeschen, tourism chief Winkler shows off the new marina awaiting its first sailboats. If all goes to plan, the water will rise by another foot (30 centimeters) in the coming months so the lake can be officially opened for business. Authorities hope to increase the number of overnight stays from 600,000 annually to some 1.5 million in the coming years, boosting employment in Lusatia. Young people in particular are benefiting already: the region has the lowest youth unemployment rate in all of Germany. "It's not just the landscape that's changing, there's also been a big, big change in people's heads," said Winkler. "We are moving away from being a former industrial region to one that's part of the service economy." Some locals, she acknowledged, have yet to embrace the hospitality and openness seen, for example, in Bavaria, where tourism has long been an important part of the economy. And there's little chance it will replace all the jobs lost in the mining industry. "It will be one important foundation, but not the only one," she said. Still, for a region which had areas resembling the moon and a stretch of barren sand widely referred to as "the Sahara," Lusatia has come a long way. "The nice thing is that the pride people had for this region is returning," said Winkler. ___ Follow Frank Jordans on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/wirereporter ___ Volkmar Kienoel and Markus Schreiber contributed to this report. In this Tuesday, June 5, 2018 photo, mining debris covers the ground of a lignite coal pit near the village of Welzow in the Lusatia (Lausitz) area in Germany. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) In this Wednesday, June 6, 2018 photo, the lake Sedlitzer See, a former lignite coal pit flooded with water in the Lusatia (Lausitz) area in Germany Tuesday, June 5, 2018. (AP Photo/Volkmar Kienoel) In this Tuesday, June 5, 2018 photo, trees rise out of the lake Grossraeschen See, a flooded lignite coal pit, in the Lusatia (Lausitz) area near the city of Grossraeschen, Germany. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) In this Tuesday, June 5, 2018 photo, steam rises in the air from the brown coal power plant Schwarze Pumpe in the Lusatia, (Lausitz) area in Germany. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) In this Wednesday, June 6, 2018 photo, mining debris covers the ground of a lignite coal pit near the village of Welzow in the Lusatia (Lausitz) area in Germany. (AP Photo/Volkmar Kienoel) In this March 27, 2012 photo, the area of the lake Grossraeschen See a former lignite coal pit, are under preparation for flooding in the Lusatia (Lausitz) area near the city of Grossraeschen, Germany. (AP Photo/Geir Moulson) In this Wednesday, June 6, 2018, photo, engineer Soeren Albinus checks displays at the flooding management control center for lakes in the Lusatia (Lausitz) area at the state-owned company, LMBV in the city of Senftenberg. (AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) In this Tuesday, June 5, 2018, photo, the sun sets behind a marina at the lake Geierswalder See, a formen lignite coal pit, near the city of Hoyerswerda in the Lusatia (Lausitz) area in Germany(AP Photo/Markus Schreiber) KABUL, Afghanistan (AP) - The governor of eastern Afghanistan's Nuristan Province says a clinic that was providing medical facilities for more than 2,000 people has been burned down by insurgents. Hafiz Abdul Qaum says the attack happened early Thursday in Kamdesh district and seven staff members were taken hostage, with five later freed. Qaum says two doctors are still being held by the insurgents. He said all the facility's equipment was burned. Zakiullah Storay, head of the health deportment in the province, said the facility was important, with 20 beds for people living in the rural area. Storay said the insurgents later freed the two remaining hostages. BUDAPEST, Hungary (AP) - A Hungarian court on Thursday sentenced four human traffickers to 25 years in prison each for their roles in the 2015 case in which 71 migrants suffocated to death in the back of a refrigerated truck found on a highway in Austria. The principal defendant, an Afghan man, and three Bulgarian accomplices, were found guilty in the southern city of Kecskemet of being part of a criminal organization and committing multiple crimes, including human smuggling and murder. Ten other defendants, mostly Bulgarians, were given prison terms ranging between three and 12 years. Three of the men convicted are fugitives. Defendants charged with involvement in the human smuggling case known as the Parndorf-case listen to the verdict at Kecskemet Court of Justice in Kecskemet, 85 kms southeast of Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, June 14, 2018. The Hungarian court has sentenced four human traffickers to 25 years in prison each for their roles in the 2015 case in which 71 migrants suffocated to death in the back of a refrigerated truck found on an Austrian highway. (Sandor Ujvari/MTI via AP) In France, meanwhile, President Emmanuel Macron's office confirmed that he will host Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte on Friday amid an escalating dispute between the two countries over migration. The Elysee said that Macron and Conte spoke by phone on Wednesday. Italy had demanded an apology after the French president accused its new populist Italian government of irresponsible behavior for refusing to allow a rescue ship carrying 629 migrants to dock at an Italian port. Macron said he "had not made any comment intended to offend Italy and the Italian people," the statement said. Conte said the chat with Macron had been "very cordial" and confirmed Friday's meeting in Paris. Spain on Monday announced it would allow the 629 migrants to dock at the port of Valencia, where they are expected Sunday morning. Bad weather has forced the convoy of ships now carrying them to take a detour after high waves caused some of the exhausted migrants aboard to be seasick. The migrants are traveling from the central Mediterranean Sea aboard the Aquarius, a rescue vessel operated by aid group SOS Mediterranee, and two boats of the Italian government. Spanish deputy Prime Minister Carmen Calvo said authorities would examine case by case if the migrants qualify for asylum according to the country's regulations. Calvo said minors and women were a priority, especially those who may have been trafficked or exploited in their attempts to reach Europe. In the aftermath of a separate rescue in waters off Libya, the U.S. Navy said it was still awaiting a decision on where it could disembark 40 African migrants it rescued at sea after a smugglers' boat capsized on Tuesday. Lt. Cmdr. Zachary Harrell, a spokesman for the U.S. 6th Fleet, said the survivors aboard the Trenton, a support ship, included four minors and came from countries including Sudan, South Sudan, Nigeria and the Central African Republic. Navy rescuers also spotted 12 "not responsive" persons in the sea, but they were unable to retrieve any bodies. The Trenton initially had asked a private rescue ship off Libya, the Sea Watch-3, if it would take aboard the survivors. But Sea Watch, wary of embarking on an odyssey similar to what befell the Aquarius, said it couldn't unless the Rome-based rescue coordination center assigned it a safe port within navigation distance. That didn't happen, so the 40 survivors stayed aboard the Navy vessel. In the Hungarian case, 59 men, eight women and four children from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan suffocated in the back of a refrigerated truck with Hungarian license plates. The truck was found abandoned in the emergency lane of a highway near Parndorf, Austria, near the Hungarian border, on Aug. 27, 2015. The migrants had boarded that truck near the village of Morahalom, at Hungary's southern border with Serbia, before heading toward Austria. According to prosecutors, who had requested life sentences for the four main defendants, the 71 victims "suffocated in horrendous conditions three hours after the departure," while still in Hungary. Prosecutor Gabor Schmidt said he would appeal the sentences, saying they are too lenient. "The only sentence capable of achieving the aims of the penalty for these defendants is the sentence of life in prison," Schmidt said after the court session, referring to the main defendants. D. Mihaly Irinkov, defense lawyer for one of the main defendants who drove a vehicle escorting the truck carrying the migrants, said he would ask for acquittal in the murder conviction and for a shorter sentence regarding the other counts. Some 400,000 migrants and refugees passed through Hungary in 2015 on their way to Germany and other destinations in Western Europe. The migrant flow was diverted and slowed by razor-wire fences that Hungary built on its southern borders late that year by Prime Minister Viktor Orban's government. Orban, who was re-elected to his third consecutive term in April, had based his campaign on his fierce anti-migrant policies. Orban has welcomed the election of the new, populist government in Italy, which has also pledged to oppose migration and has talked about expelling tens of thousands of migrants from the country. For his part, Pope Francis called Thursday for a multinational response to illegal migration because the problem often "exceeds the capacities and resources" of individual countries. Francis' message didn't refer to the France-Italy dispute, but he echoed Italy's longstanding complaint that it has largely been left alone to cope with the hundreds of thousands of migrants who have landed on its Mediterranean shores in recent years. ___ Sylvie Corbet in Paris, Aritz Para in Madrid and Frances D'Emilio and Nicole Winfield in Rome contributed to this report. Prime suspect L.S. of Afghanistan attends a court hearing at Kecskemet Court of Justice in Kecskemet, 85 kms southeast of Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, June 14, 2018. The Hungarian court has sentenced four human traffickers to 25 years in prison each for their roles in the 2015 case in which 71 migrants suffocated to death in the back of a refrigerated truck found on an Austrian highway. (Sandor Ujvari/MTI via AP) This June 12, 2018 photo released Wednesday, June 13, 2018 by French NGO "SOS Mediterranee" shows migrants on the Aquarius ship after being rescued in the Mediterranean Sea. Italy has defended its decision to refuse the Aquarius and its 600 passengers entry then Spain offered to take it in and the ship is currently on the dayslong voyage to Valencia. (Kenny Karpov/SOS Mediterranee via AP) This June 12, 2018 photo released Wednesday, June 13, 2018 by French NGO "SOS Mediterranee" shows migrants waving after being transferred from the Aquarius ship to Italian Coast Guard boats, in the Mediterranean Sea. Italy dispatched two ships Tuesday to help take 629 migrants stuck off its shores on the days-long voyage to Spain in what is forecast to be bad weather, after the new populist government refused them safe port in a dramatic bid to force Europe to share the burden of unrelenting arrivals. (Kenny Karpov/SOS Mediterranee via AP) Italian Interior minister Matteo Salvini, left, and Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte, right attend the swearing-in ceremony for the new undersecretaries in Rome, Wednesday, June 13, 2018. Italy escalated its standoff with France over migration Wednesday, challenging Paris to take in more asylum-seekers and demanding an apology after the French president accused the new populist Italian government of cynical, irresponsible behavior by refusing entry to a rescue ship with hundreds of migrants aboard. (Riccardo Antimiani/ANSA via AP) Prime suspect L.S. of Afghanistan attends a court hearing at Kecskemet Court of Justice in Kecskemet, 85 kms southeast of Budapest, Hungary, Thursday, June 14, 2018. The Hungarian court has sentenced four human traffickers to 25 years in prison each for their roles in the 2015 case in which 71 migrants suffocated to death in the back of a refrigerated truck found on an Austrian highway. (Sandor Ujvari/MTI via AP) MBANDAKA, Congo (AP) - Propped against his motorcycle taxi outside a hospital in the city affected by Congo's latest deadly Ebola outbreak, Jean Cedric waved a hand in the air, showing his fear about the risks of his job. "We're picking up everyone who's sick and we have no idea if they have Ebola or not. Why aren't we being vaccinated?" he said. Last month, he said, he gave a lift to a doctor who had treated someone who died of Ebola. It left Cedric worried that he might have contracted the virus, which spreads via bodily fluids of those infected and can take up to three weeks to develop symptoms. In this photo taken Saturday, June 2, 2018, a motorcycle taxi driver carries a passenger through the streets of Mbandaka, Congo. Hundreds are being vaccinated in Congo's deadly Ebola outbreak, but busy taxi drivers who might be ferrying the sick in an infected city of more than 1 million argue they are on the front lines as well and should receive the vaccine. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick) Despite his worries, the taxi driver in Mbandaka city never presented himself to health officials, who are vaccinating everyone who's had direct contact with a sick person and then contacts of those people, too. Nor was he tracked down in health officials' efforts to find hundreds of people who might be within that double "ring" of exposure. It's a particular concern in Mbandaka, a city of more than 1 million. While just four Ebola cases have been confirmed here, containing the virus has been more difficult in a city than in the remote rural areas in the northwest where the outbreak was declared in May. At least 38 Ebola cases, including 14 deaths, have been confirmed in what is Congo's ninth Ebola outbreak since the virus was first identified more than four decades ago. Officials have said the pace of new confirmed cases has slowed, with none in Mbandaka since May 17. Efforts are shifting to more remote areas, where most of the cases have been confirmed, to contain the outbreak. This outbreak is a major test of an Ebola vaccine that for the first time is being used at the start of an epidemic after showing promise late in the West Africa outbreak that killed thousands a few years ago. Health workers are among the first to receive the vaccine as they work on the front lines and are most at risk. But some of Mbandaka's taxi drivers argue they are on the front lines of the epidemic as well, even if their chances of becoming infected appear to be shrinking. With few cars in the vibrant city on the Congo River, the majority of residents rely on motorcycle taxis as their primary mode of transport. "When people are sick they call these drivers to take them to the hospital, increasing the risk of transmission of the virus," Jessica Ilunga, spokeswoman for Congo's health ministry, told The Associated Press. During a visit to Mbandaka, the AP attended a workshop run by the government and the World Health Organization for 300 of the city's estimated 4,000 taxi drivers. "What is Ebola?" WHO staffer Marie-Claire Therese Fwelo asked the audience. "A bad disease that can kill people," the drivers replied. Fwelo told the all-male group that she saw too many taxi drivers "die from fever" during the much larger West Africa outbreak four years ago that killed more than 11,000 people in Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. She encouraged them to sterilize their bikes, wear boots instead of sandals and carry fewer passengers to avoid bodily contact. But drivers said carrying fewer people means less money and they can't afford to lose business. "Two people is double the price," said Laie Ekakya, who usually piles two to four people onto the back of his motorcycle. He said he gives approximately 70 rides a day and worries because passengers always sweat on him. WHO says the Ebola virus has never been isolated from sweat; the most infectious bodily fluids include blood, feces and vomit. Instead of scaling back his clientele, Ekakya wants the government to provide greater protection, including the chance to be vaccinated. More than 2,000 people overall have been vaccinated for Ebola since the campaign started two weeks ago, according to Congo's health ministry. Although the government said it was working on making the vaccine available for taxi drivers it is not part of the immediate outbreak response plans. "All resources right now are being put toward trying to find people who have come in contact with those who have Ebola," said Rosy Boyekwa Yamba, the health ministry's representative in Equateur Province, home of the current outbreak. While officials say that anyone, including taxi drivers, who have had contact with an Ebola case or with one of those contacts will be vaccinated, the drivers are harder to track down because they're always on the move. "They are a risk and they're at risk," said Jonathan Shadid, a communications specialist with the U.N. children's agency in Congo, which is part of the outbreak response. He said his team emphasizes that drivers should take responsibility for themselves and go to a hospital if they think they've been exposed. The president of Mbandaka's taxi association, Benjamin Leli, said that's not good enough. "It's not fair that only doctors and nurses are considered to be on the red line," he said. "We're on the red line too, and I don't want our people to get Ebola." ___ Follow Africa news at https://twitter.com/AP_Africa In this photo taken Thursday, May 31, 2018, motorcycle taxi driver Jean Cedric speaks of his fears outside Wangata hospital in the town of Mbandaka, Congo. Hundreds are being vaccinated in Congo's deadly Ebola outbreak, but busy taxi drivers who might be ferrying the sick in an infected city of more than 1 million argue they are on the front lines as well and should receive the vaccine. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick) In this photo taken Thursday, May 31, 2018, motorcycle and cycle taxis wait for passengers outside Wangata hospital in the town of Mbandaka, Congo. Hundreds are being vaccinated in Congo's deadly Ebola outbreak, but busy taxi drivers who might be ferrying the sick in an infected city of more than 1 million argue they are on the front lines as well and should receive the vaccine. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick) In this photo taken Thursday, May 31, 2018, two children rest on a motorcycle-taxi outside Wangata hospital in the town of Mbandaka, Congo. Hundreds are being vaccinated in Congo's deadly Ebola outbreak, but busy taxi drivers who might be ferrying the sick in an infected city of more than 1 million argue they are on the front lines as well and should receive the vaccine. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick) In this photo taken Saturday, June 2, 2018, motorcycle taxis drive on a street in Mbandaka, Congo. Hundreds are being vaccinated in Congo's deadly Ebola outbreak, but busy taxi drivers who might be ferrying the sick in an infected city of more than 1 million argue they are on the front lines as well and should receive the vaccine. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick) In this photo taken Saturday, June 2, 2018, a health worker checks people's temperatures as they disembark a plane at the airport in Kinshasa, Congo. Hundreds are being vaccinated in Congo's deadly Ebola outbreak but busy taxi drivers who might be ferrying the sick in Mbandaka, an infected city of more than 1 million, argue they are on the front lines as well and should receive the vaccine. (AP Photo/Sam Mednick) PYONGYANG, North Korea (AP) - North Koreans are getting a new look at President Donald Trump. They see him shaking hands with Kim Jong Un at their historic summit in Singapore, and even awkwardly saluting a three-star general. It's a far cry from the "dotard" label their government slapped on him last year. Previously, even on a good day, the best he might get was "Trump." No honorifics. No signs of respect. Now, he's being called "the president of the United States of America." Or "President Donald J. Trump." Even "supreme leader." In this image made from video released by KRT on June 14, 2018, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, right, taking a walk through the a garden with U.S. President Donald Trump during their summit in Singapore, June 12, 2018. In the state-run media coverage of the recent summit, North Koreans are getting a new look at U.S. President Donald Trump now that his summit with leader Kim Jong Un is safely over and it's a far cry from the "dotard" label Pyongyang slapped on him last year. (KRT via AP Video) The post-summit transformation of North Korea's official version of Trump, who's now being shown by state media looking serious and almost regal, underscores the carefully choreographed reality show the government has had to perform to keep its people, taught from childhood to hate and distrust the "American imperialists," ideologically on board with the tectonic shifts underway in their country's relationship with Washington. With a time lag that suggests a great deal of care and thought went into the final product, the North's state-run television aired its first videos and photos of the summit on Thursday, two days after the event and a full day after Kim returned home to Pyongyang, the capital. To be sure, the star of the show was Kim. Trump's first appearance and the now famous handshake didn't come until almost 20 minutes into the 42-minute program. To the dramatic, almost song-like intonations of the nation's most famous newscaster, the program depicted Kim as statesmanlike beyond his years, confident and polite, quick to smile and firmly in control. He was shown allowing the older American - Trump, in his seventies, is more than twice Kim's age - to lean in toward him to shake hands, or give a thumbs up, then walking a few steps ahead to a working lunch. The program also showed an awkward moment of Trump reaching out to shake the hand of a North Korean general, Minister of the People's Armed Forces No Kwang Chol, who instead saluted the American president. Trump saluted the officer in return, and the two then shook hands. In another scene, he moved a chair with his foot instead of his hands. Both elicited giggles from North Koreans watching the program. Before showing Trump and Kim signing their joint statement, the newscaster said Trump made a point of giving Kim a look at his armored Cadillac limousine, and noted that it is known to Americans as "the Beast." She also at one point called them the "two supreme leaders" of their countries. The image-heavy news of Kim's trip to Singapore was presented like a chronological documentary, starting with the red-carpet send off at the Pyongyang airport on, interestingly enough, a chartered Air China flight. That was followed by video of his motorcade making its way to the St. Regis Hotel in Singapore as throngs of well-wishers waved as though awaiting a rock star, and Kim's night tour of the city-state on the summit's eve. The state media's representation of the summit and Trump is extremely important because it gives the North Korean population, which has only limited access to other news sources, an idea not just of what's going on but also of how the government expects them to respond. For the average North Korean, the state media's coverage of Kim's diplomatic blitz this year must seem nothing short of astonishing. After sending a top-level delegation that included his own sister to the Winter Olympics in South Korea in February, Kim has met twice each with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Chinese President Xi Jinping and the state media have splashed all of the meetings across its front pages and newscasts - though generally a day after the fact to allow time to make sure the ideological tone is right and the images as powerful as possible. In the run-up to the summit, the North's media softened its rhetoric so as not to spoil the atmosphere as Kim prepared to sit down with the leader of the country North Korea has maligned and lambasted for decades as the most evil place on Earth, other than perhaps Japan, its former colonial ruler. It fired a few barrages against hard-line comments by U.S. Vice President Mike Pence and National Security Adviser John Bolton and has stood ever critical of "capitalist values," but has kept direct references to Trump to a minimum. Bolton, who has been a target of Pyongyang's ire since his service in the George W. Bush administration, was introduced in the Thursday program dead-pan and shown shaking Kim's hand. What this all means for the future is a complicated matter. North Korea has presented Kim's diplomatic strategy as a logical next step following what he has said is the completion of his plan to develop a credible nuclear deterrent to what Pyongyang has long claimed is a policy of hostility and "nuclear blackmail" by Washington. That was its message through the news on Thursday, which stressed that the talks with Trump would be focused on forging a relationship that is more in tune with what it called changing times - most likely meaning North Korea's new status as a nuclear weapons state - and its desire for a mechanism to ensure a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula and, finally, denuclearization. Despite the respectful tone, there remains a clear undercurrent of caution. Kim remains the hero in the official Pyongyang narrative. Whether Trump will be his co-star, or once again the villain, is fodder for another episode. ___ Talmadge is the AP's Pyongyang bureau chief. Follow him on Twitter and Instagram: @EricTalmadge. In this image made from video released by KRT on June 14, 2018, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un smiling at the media as he shakes hands with U.S. President Donald Trump while his sister Kim Yo Jong, left, looks on during a summit in Singapore, June 12, 2018. In the state-run media coverage of the recent summit, North Koreans are getting a new look at U.S. President Donald Trump now that his summit with leader Kim Jong Un is safely over and it's a far cry from the "dotard" label Pyongyang slapped on him last year. (KRT via AP Video) In this Wednesday, June 13, 2018, photo, people read a newspaper dominated with news on the summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un at a subway station in Pyongyang, North Korea. North Koreans are getting a new look at U.S. President Donald Trump now that his summit with leader Kim Jong Un is safely over and it's a far cry from the "dotard" label Pyongyang slapped on him last year. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) In this image made from video released by KRT on June 14, 2018, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un waves to hundreds of well-wishers as he returns to a grand red carpet welcoming following his summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, June 12, 2018. North Koreans are getting a new look at U.S. President Donald Trump now that his summit with leader Kim Jong Un is safely over and it's a far cry from the "dotard" label Pyongyang slapped on him last year. (KRT via AP Video) In this image made from video released by KRT on June 14, 2018, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, right, sitting in a red velvet chair in his suite at the St. Regis hotel before his summit with U.S. President Donald Trump in Singapore, June 12, 2018. Through the state-run media's edited footage of the summit that aired in their country Thursday, North Koreans are getting a new look at U.S. President Donald Trump now that his summit with leader Kim Jong Un is safely over and it's a far cry from the "dotard" label Pyongyang slapped on him last year. (KRT via AP Video) In this image made from video released by KRT on June 14, 2018, shows North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, right, walking with U.S. President Donald Trump in the garden during their summit in Singapore, June 12, 2018. Through the state-run media's edited footage of the summit that aired in their country Thursday, North Koreans are getting a new look at U.S. President Donald Trump now that his summit with leader Kim Jong Un is safely over and it's a far cry from the "dotard" label Pyongyang slapped on him last year. (KRT via AP Video) BERLIN (AP) - German authorities have thwarted a plot by a Tunisian man who created the deadly toxin ricin using castor bean seeds and planned to use the poison in an Islamic extremist attack in Germany, federal prosecutors said Thursday. Sief Allah H., whose last name wasn't given in line with German privacy laws, was taken into custody Tuesday during a raid on his apartment in Cologne. The 29-year-old was formally arrested Wednesday after a judge reviewed the evidence. Authorities are still investigating exactly how the suspect planned to use the toxin, but said he was working on a "biological weapon" attack in Germany. In this Tuesday June 12, 2018 photo, German police officers in protective gear leave an apartment building during an operation in Cologne, Germany. German police are searching the apartment of a 29-year-old Tunisian man who is accused of keeping toxic substances in his home. (David Young/dpa via AP) "We don't know how, or how widely, the ricin was to have been distributed," said prosecutors' spokesman Markus Schmitt. The suspect is believed to have begun procuring material online in mid-May, prosecutors said. He succeeded in creating the toxin this month and investigators found it in the apartment search. Prosecutors wouldn't say how much ricin the suspect had produced. The seeds of the castor bean plant are naturally poisonous and can be used to create ricin. The substance kills the body's cells by preventing them from creating protein. A few milligrams are enough to kill an adult if it's eaten, injected or inhaled. Early symptoms include chest pain, breathing difficulties and coughing. The suspect is not known to have been a member of a terrorist organization but did have contacts with extremists, Schmitt said. "He had contacts with people in the jihadist spectrum," Schmitt said, but would not elaborate on whether those contacts were online, in person or both. He also would not comment on a report in the top-selling Bild newspaper that American intelligence tipped off German investigators after they detected the suspect's online activity buying the seeds to make ricin. Bild also reported that the suspect bought bomb-making materials and chemicals used in the production of ricin. It said the suspect lived in the Chorweiler neighborhood of Cologne with his wife, a convert to Islam, and four children. He supposedly used instructions to make a ricin bomb that had been posted online by the extremist Islamic State group. His wife was initially taken into custody but was later released, prosecutors said. In this Tuesday June 12, 2018 photo, German police officers in protective gear leave an apartment building during an operation in Cologne, Germany. German police are searching the apartment of a 29-year-old Tunisian man who is accused of keeping toxic substances in his home. (David Young/dpa via AP) Mario Tama/Gettty Images D.J. Fontana, who played drums behind Elvis Presley from 1954 to 1968, died on Wednesday. He was 87. His son David Fontana of Smyrna, Tennessee, announced the news on his Facebook page, writing, "My Dad passed away in his sleep at 9:33 tonight. He was very comfortable with no pain. I will post more tomorrow when I have more information. We ask for privacy at this time. Thank you for your love and prayers." Fontana, who original backed country artists like Webb Pierce and Faron Young, met Elvis Presley in 1954 at the Louisiana Hayride, a popular country-music radio show broadcast from Shreveport, Louisiana. He ended up joining Presley's backing band, which also included guitarist Scotty Moore and bass player Bill Black. He went on to play on 460 of Elvis' recordings, including "Jailhouse Rock" and "Heartbreak Hotel." He also appeared in a number of The King's movies, like Jailhouse Rock and King Creole, and performed on Elvis' legendary 1968 comeback special. In addition, Fontana was an in-demand session musician, playing on records by, among others, Ringo Starr. In the '90s, Fontana and Scotty Moore reunited for the album All the King's Men, featuring guests like Keith Richards and Levon Helm. Fontana was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame as a sideman in 2009. He's also in the Musicians Hall of Fame and the Rockabilly Hall of Fame. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. PARIS (AP) - France's parliament has voted through a bill that aims to prepare the national rail company for competition and which has prompted months-long rolling strikes. The Senate approved the bill Thursday, one day after the National Assembly passed it. The plan notably ends newly-hired employees' right to retain jobs and benefits for life. The government has agreed to take on 35 billion euros ($40.8 billion) in debt from the rail company, SNCF, out of its total debt of 50 billion euros ($58 billion) to meet one of unions' demands. Transport minister Elisabeth Borne said the vote opens "a new chapter" in French rail service. Unions have decided to maintain rolling strikes through June to protest against the changes. AMMAN, Jordan (AP) - The Latest on Jordan's economic crisis, which has sparked protests that brought down the prime minister (all times local): 7:15 p.m. Jordan's new prime minister says that fixing the economy will be the top priority of his Cabinet. FILE - In this June 7, 2018 file photo, Jordanian riot police and security forces scuffle with protesters during a demonstration outside the Prime Minister's office in Amman. Jordan's new prime minister, Omar Razzaz, won't have much time to deliver on promises to rescind a proposed tax increase and implement economic reforms with more consideration for the country's struggling poor and middle class. Union leaders who toppled the previous prime minister last week through widespread protests say they will go back to the streets if Razzaz does not deliver. (AP Photo/Raad al-Adayleh, File) Omar Razzaz says he plans to work closely with various segments of society as his government tries to overcome the country's economic challenges. After swearing in his Cabinet on Thursday, he said "our top priorities obviously are the economic situation, the economic challenges, and the political implications locally." He says: "We will be addressing these essentially and mainly by opening the books, exploring with the population, with representatives, with the civil society." Razzaz was appointed last week after widespread protests against a planned tax hike forced his predecessor to leave office. Razzaz has canceled the tax plan. ___ 3:30 p.m. Jordan's new prime minister has sworn in his Cabinet as he begins the difficult task of reforming the country's struggling economy. Omar Razzaz took office last week after widespread protests over a proposed tax increase forced his predecessor to step down. He immediately promised to rescind the tax plan. The new Cabinet must defuse public anger at economic policies seen by many as unfair, while still introducing reforms demanded by the International Monetary Fund. The Royal Court said the new ministers were sworn in Thursday at Al-Husseinyah Palace. Razzaz's Cabinet does not include any members of his predecessor's economic team. Razzaz has promised a more inclusive approach with labor unions and other sectors of the economy. But earlier this week, he also warned that "there is no magic stick." ___ 9:25 a.m. Jordan's new prime minister won't have much time to deliver on promises to rescind a proposed tax increase and implement economic reforms with more consideration for the country's struggling poor and middle class. Union leaders who toppled the previous prime minister last week through widespread protests say they will go back to the streets if his successor, Omar Razzaz, does not deliver. Razzaz, a former senior World Bank official, faces a tough task: He must defuse public anger at economic policies seen by many as unfair, while introducing reforms that can reduce Jordan's debt-to-GDP ratio to a level acceptable to international lenders. NEW YORK (AP) - Jackie Chan is ready to share more stories about his amazing life and career. The star of blockbusters such as "Rush Hour" and "Kung Fu Panda" has a memoir coming out in November. Gallery Books told The Associated Press on Thursday that "Never Grow Up" is a "candid" account of everything from his youth with the China Drama Academy to his "numerous" near-death experiences on and off camera. The 64-year-old Chan will also write about making movies in Hong King and Hollywood and of his imperfections as a family man, according to Gallery, a Simon & Schuster imprint. This cover image released by Gallery Books shows "Never Grow Up," a memoir by Jackie Chan, which will be released in November. (Gallery Books via AP) Chan's other films include a remake of "The Karate Kid" and the "Police Story" series. His previous books include "I Am Jackie Chan: My Life in Action," a memoir published in 1998. WASHINGTON (AP) - The Trump administration on Thursday freed up a fraction of some $200 million in frozen funds for Syria stabilization programs, a move that leaves nearly $195 million in limbo. The State Department said President Donald Trump had authorized it and the U.S. Agency for International Development to spend $6.6 million to support the White Helmets, a Syrian civil defense organization, and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism, a U.N. agency that is investigating war crimes committed during the conflict. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a statement that the money was for "the continuation of the vital, life-saving operations" of the White Helmets and to help the U.N. ensure those responsible for war crimes "are ultimately held accountable." Her statement made no mention of the remaining $193.4 million that remains frozen, and officials could not say whether a decision had been made to eliminate it all together. This photo provided on Jan. 7, 2018 by the Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets, which has been authenticated based on its contents and other AP reporting, shows Civil Defense workers inspecting a damages building after a bombing that targeted the office of Ajnad al-Koukaz, a militant group consisting of foreign fighters in Idlib, Syria. The Trump administration has freed up a fraction of some $200 million in frozen funds for Syria stabilization programs, leaving nearly $195 million in limbo. The State Department said June 14 that President Donald Trump had authorized $6.6 million to support the White Helmets, and the International, Impartial and Independent Mechanism, a U.N. agency that is investigating war crimes committed during the conflict. (Syrian Civil Defense White Helmets via AP) Trump has vowed to end the U.S. presence in Syria as soon as the fight against the Islamic State group is complete and has demanded that other donors contribute to reconstruction efforts. Last month, the State Department announced that it had ended all funding for stabilization programs in Syria's northwest. Islamic State militants have been almost entirely eliminated from that region, which is controlled by a hodgepodge of other extremist groups and Syrian President Bashar Assad's government forces. The $200-million pledge was made by former Secretary of State Rex Tillerson in February. Tillerson, who had advocated for maintaining a robust U.S. presence in Syria, was fired shortly after he made the pledge at a donors' conference in Kuwait. HONOLULU (AP) - A Hawaii hotel company has sold six of its Asia-Pacific properties to a Thai-based property development and investment holding company for $310 million. Honolulu-based Outrigger Hotels and Resorts will continue to manage the properties in the 859-room deal with Singha Estate Public Co., the Honolulu Star-Advertiser reported Wednesday. The sale includes Outrigger Laguna Phuket Beach Resort and Outrigger Koh Samui Beach Resort in Thailand, Outrigger Fiji Beach Resort and Castaway Island in Fiji, Outrigger Mauritius Beach Resort in Mauritius and Outrigger Konotta Maldives Resort in the Maldives. "With Singha Estate's esteemed reputation as outstanding stewards of the properties and places in which it invests, Outrigger has full confidence that its premier resorts will continue in exceptional care," said Jeff Wagoner, the company's president and CEO. "This asset sale and strategic partnership now provide new capital for further expansion while retaining Outrigger's brand presence and management of world-class properties." The sale demonstrates a new direction for the more than 70-year-old company, which was founded by Roy and Estelle Kelley. During the previous decade, the company pursued the acquisition of several beach and resort properties in the Asia-Pacific region. The company was purchased by Denver-based KSL Capital Partners in 2016. Outrigger oversees 37 properties representing about 6,500 hotel rooms. ___ Information from: Honolulu Star-Advertiser, http://www.staradvertiser.com ATHENS, Greece (AP) - Greece's Supreme Court has rejected a second bid by Malta for the extradition of a Russian whistleblower who helped a murdered Maltese journalist investigate money-laundering in high places. Thursday's ruling upheld an earlier decision in April by a lower court, which had judged the Maltese extradition request bid vague and irregular. The island nation had wanted to arrest former bank employee Maria Efimova for allegedly providing false evidence that could lead to another's conviction, making false accusations to authorities and theft. Efimova, 35, had helped Maltese journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was killed in a targeted car bombing on Oct. 16. Three Maltese men have been ordered to stand trial for her slaying. Efimova surrendered to police in Athens in March, citing fears for her life. She is now free. HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - Federal immigration officials granted a six-month reprieve on Thursday to a Connecticut immigrant facing deportation, a move his supporters say won't be long enough to allow him to undergo a scheduled kidney transplant. Dozens of people, including Democratic Gov. Dannel P. Malloy, rallied in front of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement offices in Hartford in support of Nelson Rosales Santos, 49, who was scheduled to be deported to Honduras on Monday, despite suffering from advanced renal failure. Some held signs that read, "Where is Our Humanity" and "Stop Separating Families." Stamford, Conn., resident Nelson Rosales Santos, center, poses with his wife, Patricia Morales, and son, Christian, outside Building One Community in Stamford, Conn. Thursday, June 14, 2018. Federal immigration officials granted a six-month reprieve Thursday to Nelson Rosales Santos, a Connecticut immigrant facing deportation, a move that may allow him to undergo a scheduled kidney transplant. (Tyler Sizemore/Hearst Connecticut Media via AP) Santos received the stay of deportation from ICE officials just hours before the gathering. "This case should be treated differently," said Malloy. "After all, we were told by our president and attorney general that they were only going to go after the bad hombres. Well, he's not a bad hombre." His family and supporters say Santos entered the country illegally but has lived in Stamford for 30 years, is married to a U.S. citizen and has three children, ages 19, 14 and 11, who all were born in the U.S. He also has diabetes, high blood pressure and kidney failure, requiring dialysis every two days. If Santos is forced to fly to Honduras, a country he has not seen in three decades, he would not have immediate access to dialysis and likely would be dead within a week, said his attorney, Glenn Formica. "I don't want to die," Santos said Thursday. "My kids and wife need me." Federal immigration officials had no immediate comment on Santos' situation. Santos works as a chef and has routinely received waivers allowing him to stay in the U.S., his supporters said. His wife has successfully petitioned immigration officials to allow her husband to be considered for permanent resident status. But because of his 30-year-old deportation order, he was told he must leave the country during that process, said Catalina Horak, who is working on Santos' behalf with the immigration support group, Building One Community. Formica said he was filing two separate requests to delay Santos' deportation. The first, before the federal Board of Immigration appeals, argues that the original deportation order was defective. The second, before ICE, requested the humanitarian stay of the deportation to allow Santos to receive a new kidney. He said he will seek to extend that stay to at least 12 months. "I just don't believe we are this vicious as a country," Formica said. "This policy speaks otherwise." Santos, who has private insurance through his wife, had a surgery date scheduled for later this month, but doctors told him they would not do the procedure until they receive assurances that he will be available for 12 months of follow-up visits and treatment, Horak said. Santos is willing to leave the country as required while awaiting his green card, Horak said, but can't do that until his medical situation is resolved. "He works, he has insurance, he has a private donor," Horak said. "He's not doing this on anyone else's dime. He has an avenue for legalizing his situation. That's what makes this case so compelling." Santos thanked his supporters at the rally and had a message for President Donald Trump. "Try and be nice to the people," he said. Nelson Rosales Santos, 49, an immigrant who lives in Stamford, Conn., speaks with Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy before a rally outside the federal bridling in Hartford, Conn., Thursday, June 14, 2018. Federal immigration officials granted a six-month reprieve on Thursday to a Connecticut immigrant facing deportation, a move his supporters say won't be long enough to allow him to undergo a scheduled kidney transplant. (AP Photo/Pat Eaton-Robb) Nelson Rosales Santos, 49, an immigrant who lives in Stamford, Conn., stands next to his 14-year-old daughter, Samantha, at rally outside the federal bridling in Hartford, Conn., on Thursday, June 14, 2018. Santos, who suffers from renal failure, received a six-month stay of a deportation order that advocates say would have amounted to a death sentence. (AP Photo/Pat Eaton-Robb) Nelson Rosales Santos, 49, an immigrant who lives in Stamford, Conn., talks to reporters while standing next to his 14-year-old daughter, Samantha, during a rally outside the federal bridling in Hartford, Conn., on Thursday, June 14, 2018. Santos, who suffers from renal failure, received a six-month stay of a deportation order that advocates say would have amounted to a death sentence. (AP Photo/Pat Eaton-Robb) PRISTINA, Kosovo (AP) - The European Union's mission to ensure the rule of law in Kosovo said Thursday it considered its work in the troubled state a success, as it scales down its operations after a decade helping guide the country to independence. Thousands of EU staff helped Kosovo's judicial and law enforcement officials build an independent, multi-ethnic government since it broke away from Serbia in 2008. Starting Friday, the mission will turn from an executive to a monitoring and advisory one. "Our biggest success is the fact that we are phasing out," mission head Alexandra Papadopoulou said Thursday in an interview with The Associated Press, the day its executive mandate was over. A man walks out the headquarters of European Union mission on rule of law "EULEX" in Kosovo capital Pristina on Thursday, June 14, 2018. Ten years after starting in 2008 helping guide Kosovo to independence following its unilateral break away from Serbia, Brussels is scaling down its mission from an executive to a monitoring and advising one. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu) She added that the judiciary still has "weak and problematic issues" and "there are a lot of things to be improved and a lot of gaps to be filled." Kosovo Justice Minister Abelard Tahiri acknowledged the mission, known as EULEX, "has helped in building the capacities of the rule of law institutions." But the country's courts and prosecution are among the most distrusted institutions in Kosovo, according to a poll conducted from the Pristina-based Group for Legal and Political Studies organization last year. The group said those institutions were influenced by politics, and corruption remains high, including among top officials. The parliament was troubled for months by opposition lawmakers who used tear gas, water bottles and other hard objects to stop a vote on a border demarcation deal with Montenegro. Kosovo's Parliament declared independence from Serbia in 2008, nine years after NATO conducted a 78-day airstrike campaign against Serbia to stop a bloody crackdown against ethnic Albanians. Most Western states have recognized Kosovo's independence, though Russia supports Serbia's claims over its former province. Brussels has since 2011 served as moderator between Serbia and Kosovo, telling them they must normalize relations in order to advance toward membership in the bloc. But ethnic tensions have persisted and violence breaks out occasionally, especially in the divided northern region of Mitrovica, where most of the ethnic Serb minority lives. Earlier this year a Serb politician was murdered, a still unresolved case. The new mandate for the EU mission will include 503 staff members, down from the current 800, and will no longer include judges and prosecutors. It will monitor selected cases and trials, and support EU-backed talks aimed at smoothing ties between Serbia and Kosovo. The mission's limited mandate has been extended until June 14, 2020. ----- Semini contributed from Tirana, Albania. ___ Follow Semini on Twitter at https://twitter.com/lsemini European Union Rule of Law Mission Kosovo head Alexandra Papadopoulou speaks during an interview with The Associated Press in Kosovo capital Pristina on Thursday, June 14, 2018. Ten years after starting in 2008 helping guide Kosovo to independence following its unilateral break away from Serbia, Brussels is scaling down its mission from an executive to a monitoring and advising one. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu) Kosovo minister of Justice Abelard Tahiri speaks with The Associated Press in Kosovo capital Pristina on Thursday, June 14, 2018. Ten years after starting in 2008 helping guide Kosovo to independence following its unilateral break away from Serbia, Brussels is scaling down its mission from an executive to a monitoring and advising one. (AP Photo/Visar Kryeziu) RADFORD, Va. (AP) - Officials say some production is restarting at the Radford Army Ammunition Plant in Virginia after a fire injured three workers this week. The U.S. Army owns the plant and defense contractor BAE Systems operates it. They said Thursday that officials have determined the facility is ready for a staggered restart, with full production resuming by Monday. Their news release says an investigation is under way to determine the cause of Monday evening's flash fire. Three workers were taken to a local hospital, then transferred to a North Carolina hospital. One has been discharged and a hospital spokeswoman said Thursday that two remained in critical condition. The facility on thousands of acres is one of southwest Virginia's largest employers. SIOUX FALLS, S.D. (AP) - Farmers and ethanol producers gave Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt a rough reception in South Dakota, accusing him of undermining the industry that's a key part of the state's economy. About 200 people rallied in Sioux Falls on Wednesday, urging Pruitt to support federal ethanol mandates, the Argus Leader reported. They criticized him for granting waivers to oil producers that allow them to ignore ethanol-blending rules. The renewable fuel standards have for years been essential to driving ethanol production. "We're here today to bring awareness to everyone in the state of South Dakota and the Upper Midwest that the administrator is not doing his job," Houghton-area farmer Troy Knecht said. Environmental Protection Agency Administrator Scott Pruitt addresses farmers during a forum at a farm near Reliance, S.D. Farmers and ethanol producers gave Pruitt a rough reception in South Dakota, accusing him of undermining the industry that's a key part of the state's economy. (Ellen Bardash/The Daily Republic via AP) Meanwhile, Pruitt toured a farm in Reliance and spoke with about 50 farmers. He told the group it's important to understand that the EPA works with other government agencies to determine who receives a waiver. "It's not a decision the EPA makes in isolation," he said. He said the agency has seen "a spike in applications." "A spike? That's more than a spike. That's a moonshot," farmer David Fremark told Pruitt. Many farmers who spoke to Pruitt said they felt the waiver increase was hurting their farms and their income, the Mitchell Daily Republic reported . Pruitt's visit to the farm wasn't publicized and was closed to the public. A Daily Republic reporter was turned away but later allowed access. "Two of these companies that they handed waivers to made over a billion dollars last year," Fremark told the newspaper. "I don't know what kind of hardship that is, but it's not like the hardship that I'm used to on the farm." Pruitt joked about his reception. "As I came to South Dakota, there were a few billboards greeting me, and they didn't say 'I hope you're having fun,'" Pruitt said. Instead, the administrator said he saw messages imploring him to support ethanol over big oil. WASHINGTON (AP) - The Supreme Court on Thursday struck down Minnesota's broad restrictions on voters wearing "political" hats, T-shirts and pins to the polls, but said states can place limits on such apparel. Minnesota contended the restrictions were reasonable, kept order at polling places and prevented voter intimidation. But the justices, in a 7-2 ruling, said the state's limits on political clothing violate the free speech clause of the First Amendment. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that "if a State wishes to set its polling places apart as areas free of partisan discord, it must employ a more discernible approach than the one Minnesota has offered here." FILE - In this Feb. 16, 2018, photo, Andy Cilek poses with a Tea Party shirt at his home in Eden Prairie, Minn. Cilek was one of two voters who defied elections officials after he was asked to cover up a tea-party shirt and button. The Supreme Court has struck down a Minnesota law that restricted what voters can wear to polls. The justices ruled June 14, that the law violates the First Amendment. Still, the justices' 7-2 ruling suggested that some restrictions on what people can wear to vote are permissible. (AP Photo/Jim Mone, File) At another point he wrote: "Casting a vote is a weighty civic act, akin to a jury's return of a verdict or a representative's vote on a piece of legislation. It is a time for choosing, not campaigning. The State may reasonably decide that the interior of the polling place should reflect that distinction." Most states restrict what people can wear when they vote, but Minnesota's restraints were some of the broadest. State law bars voters from casting a ballot while wearing clothing related to a campaign, such as a T-shirt with the name of a candidate. It also said voters couldn't wear a "political badge, political button, or other political insignia" to vote. That was the part of state law that was challenged and invalidated by the court. Roberts said the problem came down to the word "political," which state law didn't define. He said the state's interpretation of what counted as political was unreasonable, covering any item that made reference to a group with recognizable political views or referring to any subject on which a political candidate or party has taken a stance. "Would a 'Support Our Troops' shirt be banned, if one of the candidates or parties had expressed a view on military funding or aid for veterans? What about a '#MeToo' shirt, referencing the movement to increase awareness of sexual harassment and assault?" Roberts wrote. Justices Sonia Sotomayor and Stephen Breyer would have sent the case to the Minnesota Supreme Court for clarification of the law's boundaries. It is unclear exactly how many states the ruling could affect. Both Minnesota and the group challenging the state's law had said there are about 10 states with laws similar to Minnesota's, though they disagreed significantly on which ones. Roberts said other states have laws that describe restrictions "in more lucid terms" than Minnesota's, referencing laws in California and Texas. California bars voters from wearing anything with a "candidate's name, likeness or logo" or a "ballot measure's number, title, subject, or logo," Roberts said, and Texas prohibits wearing anything connected to a political party appearing on the ballot. Daniel Rogan, who defended Minnesota's law before the justices, said that while he was disappointed by the justices' conclusion, there was a lot in the opinion "we're very pleased about." Secretary of State Steve Simon, a Democrat, said he would work with the Legislature, which returns in January, to pass new voter apparel legislation. And Rogan said other provisions in state law will still bar voters from wearing apparel that promotes a candidate or party or that might be considered misleading to voters. The case before the Supreme Court dates back to 2010 and involves a dispute that began over tea party T-shirts and buttons with the words "Please I.D. Me," a reference to legislation then under discussion in Minnesota that would have required residents to show photo identification to vote. The legislation didn't become law. Pointing to the state's statute, Minnesota officials said before the election that neither the tea party T-shirts nor those buttons would be permitted at the polls. In response, a group of voters and organizations sued. J. David Breemer, a lawyer with the Pacific Legal Foundation, the group behind the challenge, said the court "put all government entities on notice - they cannot dictate the terms of personal expression, nor can they designate the arbiters of free speech at their whim." The Supreme Court has previously backed some restrictions on voters' free speech rights at the polls. In 1992, the court upheld a Tennessee statute prohibiting the display or distribution of campaign materials within 100 feet of a polling place. The case is 16-1435 Minnesota Voters Alliance v. Mansky. ___ Associated Press reporter Kyle Potter in St. Paul, Minnesota, contributed to this report. ___ Follow Jessica Gresko on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jessicagresko MASHPEE, Mass. (AP) - Police are investigating a report that a fisherman deliberately struck a swan with his boat on a Massachusetts pond, causing injuries that led to the bird's euthanization. A witness tells the Cape Cod Times he saw the boat accelerate into the swan on Mashpee-Wakeby pond on the Mashpee-Sandwich border on May 12. Animal control officers searched for the injured bird for weeks before it was finally brought to a rescue service on June 1. It had multiple fractures to its right wing and had contracted a bone infection. The swan was put down several days later. A bass fishing competition was taking place on the pond the day the swan was hit, but Mashpee police say they have cleared all competitors of wrongdoing. They are still searching for a suspect. ___ Information from: Cape Cod (Mass.) Times, http://www.capecodtimes.com TEGUCIGALPA, Honduras (AP) - Honduras' ruling party said it will cooperate with prosecutors' investigation into allegations public funds were illegally diverted to the 2013 campaign of President Juan Orlando Hernandez. The National Party issued a statement Wednesday after the investigation was announced by Honduran prosecutors and an anti-corruption mission sponsored by the Organization of American States. The party says no one can be above the law and that the responsibility to fight corruption is individual. Authorities sought 38 arrest warrants from the country's supreme court in relation to the case, but did not provide any names. FILE - In this Jan. 27, 2018 file photo, Honduran President Juan Orlando Hernandez acknowledges supporters accompanied by his wife Ana Garcia, during his presidential inaugural ceremony at the National Stadium in Tegucigalpa, Honduras. Honduras' ruling party said Wednesday, June 13, that it will cooperate with prosecutors' investigation into allegations public funds were illegally diverted to the 2013 campaign of President Hernandez. (AP Photo/Fernando Antonio, File) Prosecutors say $11.7 million was diverted from the agriculture ministry to political parties through nonprofit organizations. Part of the money allegedly was used for a discount card distributed by Hernandez's campaign. Some is also alleged to have gone to the opposition Liberal party. The Liberal party leader in 2013 and current congressman, Elvin Santos, said "this is all a political ploy that will soon be cleared up." In a previous, separate scandal, some of the $300 million embezzled from the country's Social Security Institute also wound up in Hernandez' 2013 campaign. Political analyst Hector Becerra noted that "the traditional parties, the National and Liberal parties, have historically looted the country." Lester Ramirez, the Honduras representative of Transparency International, noted that "never before gave they brought charges against high-ranking officials like they have now ... and that is good for Honduras." SRINAGAR, India (AP) - A senior journalist and his two police bodyguards were fatally shot Thursday by assailants in Indian-controlled Kashmir, police and the journalist's colleagues said. Shujaat Bukhari was shot by unidentified gunmen as he left his office in Srinagar, the disputed region's main city. Bukhari, who was a group editor for three daily newspapers and a weekly, including the English-language daily Rising Kashmir, was targeted as he was getting into his vehicle. The body of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari lies lifeless inside a car after an attack in Srinagar, in Indian-controlled Kashmir, Thursday, June 14, 2018. Bukhari and his bodyguard were fatally shot as he left his office. Police said the assailants came on a motorbike and fired a volley of bullets toward the victims, leaving Bukhari and his guards in a pool of blood. Another bodyguard was undergoing surgery and was reportedly in critical condition. (AP Photo) Bukhari and one police bodyguard were declared dead on arrival at a hospital. The other bodyguard died later. Police said the assailants came on a motorbike and fired a volley of bullets toward the victims, leaving Bukhari and his guards in a pool of blood. He died before he could get medical aid, said Mohammed Omar, the group manager of Bukhari's newspapers. "I would always accompany him to his vehicle when he would leave the office. I did the same today but I stopped half way as I got a phone call. In the meantime as he left I heard sounds of intense firing. I rushed to his vehicle where I saw him in a pool of blood," Omar said. Bukhari was an advocate for a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir dispute and was often part of peace conferences between India and Pakistan attended by former diplomats and generals from both countries. Journalists in Kashmir have worked under tremendous stress and have been targeted in the past, some fatally, by both the Indian state and militant groups. About 15 years ago, journalist Parvaz Sultan was shot and killed in the same Press Enclave in Srinagar, where many media offices are located. Kashmir is divided between India and Pakistan, but both claim it in its entirety. Rebels have been fighting Indian rule since 1989, demanding that the territory be united either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country. India accuses Pakistan of arming and training the rebels, a charge Pakistan denies. Most Kashmiris support the rebel cause while also participating in civilian street protests against Indian control. Nearly 70,000 people have been killed in the uprising and the ensuing Indian military crackdown. Relatives and friends of journalist Shujaat Bukhari cry inside a police control room in Srinagar, India, Thursday, June 14, 2018. Bukhari and his police bodyguard were shot and killed Thursday by assailants in Indian-controlled Kashmir, police and journalist's colleagues said. Bukhari, who is a group editor for three daily newspapers and a weekly, including the English-language daily Rising Kashmir, was targeted as he got into his vehicle. (AP Photo/Mukhtar Khan) A policeman holds the body of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari to be carried away after an attack in Srinagar, in Indian-controlled Kashmir, Thursday, June 14, 2018. Bukhari and his bodyguard were fatally shot as he left his office. Police said the assailants came on a motorbike and fired a volley of bullets toward the victims, leaving Bukhari and his guards in a pool of blood. Another bodyguard was undergoing surgery and was reportedly in critical condition. (AP Photo) The police bodyguard of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari is carried away after an attack in Srinagar, in Indian-controlled Kashmir, Thursday, June 14, 2018. Bukhari and his bodyguard were fatally shot as he left his office. Police said the assailants came on a motorbike and fired a volley of bullets toward the victims, leaving Bukhari and his guards in a pool of blood. Another bodyguard was undergoing surgery and was reportedly in critical condition. (AP Photo) PARIS (AP) - Thousands of French retirees are protesting across the country over a tax hike on their pensions. Nine unions called on retired workers to demonstrate Thursday against the centrist government's plans to freeze pensions and increase taxes. The tax hike has been in effect since January and has impacted some eight million retirees. French President Emmanuel Macron has said his fiscal policies are aimed at reducing France's deficit and lowering workers' income taxes, rather than increasing pensions. A retired woman holds a placard which reads "pensioners no longer want to be taken for milk cows" during a rally in Paris, France, Thursday, June 14, 2018. Thousands of retired French workers have taken to the streets across the country over a tax hike on their pensions. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) One placard at a protest read: "Macron - Robber of Little Old Men and Little Old Ladies." The retirees' protests are the latest of a series of marches by rail workers, hospital workers, students and others in recent months. Unions accuse Macron of favoring the rich and eroding French workers' labor rights. Retired people march during a rally in Paris, France, Thursday, June 14, 2018. Thousands of retired French workers have taken to the streets across the country over a tax hike on their pensions. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) A retired man holds a placard which reads "Macron robs the money of the old men and women" during a rally in Paris, France, Thursday June 14, 2018. Thousands of retired French workers have taken to the streets across the country over a tax hike on their pensions. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) A retired man holds a placard which reads "Macron rob the money of the old people" during a rally in Paris, France, Thursday June 14, 2018. Thousands of retired French workers have taken to the streets across the country over a tax hike on their pensions. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) A retired man shouts during a rally in Paris, France, Thursday, June 14, 2018. Thousands of retired French workers have taken to the streets across the country over a tax hike on their pensions. (AP Photo/Michel Euler) PIERRE, S.D. (AP) - South Dakota's Supreme Court this week dismissed an appeal from opponents of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, saying a lower court lacked jurisdiction to hear their cases. But an attorney battling the project says the "fight is not over." Groups fighting TransCanada Corp.'s pipeline appealed a judge's decision last year upholding regulators' approval for the pipeline to cross the state. But the high court said in a Wednesday ruling that justices didn't "reach the merits of the case" because the lower court didn't have jurisdiction to weigh the appeal of the Public Utilities Commission's decision. Robin Martinez, an attorney for conservation and family agriculture group Dakota Rural Action, on Thursday called the high court's decision "disappointing," but said "this fight is not over." Martinez said the organization, one of the appellants, is regrouping and evaluating its options. "That's really disappointing that the court didn't reach the merits, because the risk to South Dakota's land and water resources is clearly there," Martinez said. "It's a shame that that did not get a closer look by the court." TransCanada spokesman Terry Cunha said in an email that the pipeline developer is pleased with the court's decision. Keystone XL would cost an estimated $8 billion. The 1,179-mile pipeline would transport up to 830,000 barrels a day of Canadian crude through Montana and South Dakota to Nebraska, where it would connect with lines to carry oil to Gulf Coast refineries. TransCanada announced in April it was meeting with landowners and starting aerial surveillance of the proposed route. The company hopes to begin construction in early 2019. The Cheyenne River Sioux Tribe, Yankton Sioux Tribe and conservation and family agriculture group Dakota Rural Action appealed to the South Dakota high court after a judge had affirmed state regulators' approval for the pipeline. The Public Utilities Commission initially authorized TransCanada's project in 2010, but the permit had to be revisited because construction didn't start within the required four years. The panel voted in 2016 to accept TransCanada's guarantee that it would meet all conditions laid out by the commission when it first approved that state's portion of the project. Cunha said the company is working to get needed land easements for the pipeline in Nebraska. But Nebraska landowners have filed a lawsuit challenging the Nebraska Public Service Commission's decision to approve a route through the state. Separately in Nebraska, a husband and wife who don't want the proposed Keystone XL pipeline to run through their farm this week deeded a plot of their land to a Native American tribe, creating a potential roadblock for the project. Art and Helen Tanderup signed over a 1.6-acre plot of land to the Ponca Indian Tribe on Sunday. The Ponca enjoy special legal status as a federally recognized tribe. The land has been used as a planting space for sacred Ponca corn for the last five years, and it was chosen in part because it sits on the $8 billion pipeline's proposed route. It's also part of the historic Ponca route that tribe members were forced to take when the U.S. government relocated them to present-day Oklahoma in 1877. "What the impact will be, I don't know," Tanderup said. "But now, they'll have a voice in this issue. They will be a player at the table." It's not clear whether deeding the land to the tribe would hinder the company or create a new legal argument for the Ponca, given their status as a federally recognized Indian tribe. Brad Jolly, an attorney for the Ponca Tribe of Nebraska, said he was focusing more on overturning state regulators' approval of the pipeline in a case pending before the Nebraska Supreme Court. "I haven't gotten to all the what-ifs yet," Jolly said. The Keystone pipeline also faces a potential obstacle in a federal lawsuit brought by Montana landowners and environmental groups seeks to overturn President Donald Trump's decision to grant a presidential permit for the project. ___ Associated Press writer Grant Schulte contributed to this report from Lincoln, Nebraska. WASHINGTON (AP) - Steve King is a Republican congressman from Iowa who's a hard-liner on immigration with a penchant for making racially charged comments. Now he's facing heat for sharing a Twitter post by a Nazi sympathizer from Britain. Mark Collett posted a screenshot of a Breitbart.com story citing opinion in Italy on immigration, where the new government recently refused to admit a vessel carrying African migrants. Collett is a self-described admirer of Adolf Hitler and is active in the digital "alt-right." King retweeted the post and added: "'Europe is waking up ... Will America ... in time?" King has stirred controversy with previous anti-immigrant comments such as a tweet last year that said, "We can't restore our civilization with somebody else's babies." His office hasn't immediately responded to a message seeking comment. CHICAGO (AP) - The University of Chicago is becoming the first major U.S. research university to stop requiring American undergraduate applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores. The decision that school officials say is designed to help even the playing field for students from low-income or underrepresented communities has been made by some liberal arts colleges but the school is the first major research university to do so. The university also said Thursday that it will provide full-tuition aid for students whose families earn less than $125,000 and offer new scholarships to military veterans and children of veterans, police officers and firefighters. The school will also let applicants submit a video introduction instead of requiring that they sit for an interview Rollout of the initiative will begin with the class of 2023. SAN MIGUEL ISLAND, Calif. (AP) - The mystery behind the skull of an ancient man discovered in the eroding coastline of a remote Southern California island has been laid to rest along with the bones unearthed by researchers. But much of the story of the Native American who died 10,000 years ago will remain unknown. After more than a decade of study, the bones of the so-called Tuqan Man were recently returned to San Miguel Island and buried by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians that had claimed him as their own. FILE - In this Jan. 2009 file photo waves break on San Miguel Island, off the coast of Southern California. The remains of a Native American man who died 10,000 years ago have been returned to the island off the Southern California mainland where they were discovered in 2005. The National Park Service said Wednesday, June 14, 2018, the remains known as Tuqan Man were recently brought back to San Miguel Island by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians, who believe he was an ancestor. (AP Photo/Damian Dovarganes,File) "We made it a priority to ensure that our ancestor was laid to rest with a proper burial," tribal Chairman Kenneth Kahn said. "Protecting the final resting places of our ancestors is of paramount importance." The skull was inadvertently discovered during an archaeology survey by researchers from the University of Oregon in 2005. Because the remains were exposed and in jeopardy of being lost at sea as the shoreline eroded, the National Park Service consulted the Chumash tribe and decided to excavate them. The island 120 miles (193 kilometers) west of Los Angeles is one of the Channel Islands, also known as the North American Galapagos, where climate change is feared to be eating away at the beaches and sea cliffs and washing away cultural relics. Five of the isles form Channel Islands National Park. Testing of the Tuqan Man, as he was called according to the Chumash name for the island, took years. Ultimately, the testing couldn't determine if he was a Chumash ancestor. Analysis found the prehistoric remains to be Native American with a significant relationship to the culture found on the islands for more than 13,000 years, the Park Service said. The Chumash was granted custody of Tuqan Man and reburied him in late May in a ceremony that included singing and burning of white sage. "We're very happy that we could lay this man to rest," Kahn told the Ventura County Star . JERUSALEM (AP) - Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is praising a $1 billion military drone deal between Israel Aerospace Industries and Germany as a sign of strong bilateral security ties. Germany's parliament approved the agreement to lease Heron TP drones from the state-owned Israeli company through Airbus. IAI said Thursday the deal was for five drone systems, training for German operators, and support services. German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen told Germany's DPA news agency on Wednesday that the long-range drones will "provide better protection for the soldiers on the ground" in Afghanistan and Mali. Netanyahu says the agreement will be a boon not only "for our security industries and for the Israeli economy, but also for the continued strengthening of security relations between Israel and Germany." JERUSALEM (AP) - The leader of Indonesia's largest Muslim organization has held a surprise meeting with Israel's prime minister. Yahya Staquf, secretary general of the 60 million member Nahdlatul Ulama, is visiting Israel at the invitation of the American Jewish Committee, a U.S. advocacy group. Israel and Indonesia do not have diplomatic relations, and the visit has prompted protests in Indonesia. Staquf, an advocate of interfaith coexistence, met with several religious leaders this week. However, Thursday's meeting with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu was not listed on his schedule. Netanyahu boasted of Israel's warming ties with Muslim countries, saying "I hope that we have some movement with Indonesia." Indonesia recently revoked tourist visas for Israeli visitors to protest Israeli actions in Gaza. In response, Israel has threatened to ban tourist visas for Indonesians. FORT LAUDERDALE, Fla. (AP) - A Florida man accused of dumping his pregnant wife's body in a trash bin also has been charged with killing his father-in-law. The Sun Sentinel report s that Hollywood police say 22-year-old Cassandritz Blanc was charged Wednesday in the death of 68-year-old Roosevelt Bernard of Hollywood. An arrest report says Blanc shot Bernard and set the corpse on fire in a field near his father-in-law's home to try to conceal the killing last weekend. According to court documents, Blanc killed Martine Bernard on June 4 and kept her body in his Fort Lauderdale apartment for eight days before moving it to a trash bin in an alley. Blanc faces two counts of premeditated murder and two counts of abusing a corpse in the two slayings. He was held without bond after his arrest Tuesday in the Fort Lauderdale case. ___ Information from: Sun Sentinel , http://www.sun-sentinel.com/ SAO PAULO (AP) - Police say they have arrested 61 members Brazil's biggest and most powerful organized crime group, which they say has been trying to expand into other states and countries. Police say the arrests of members of the First Capital Command in 14 states were made on Thursday. The group was founded in 1993 by hardened criminals inside Sao Paulo's Taubate Penitentiary to pressure authorities to improve prison conditions. It quickly started using its power inside the state's prisons to direct drug dealing and extortion operations on the outside. Police say in a statement the command is responsible for instigating violent confrontations with other gangs and for the murder and disappearance of people in several parts of the country. WASHINGTON (AP) - The International Monetary Fund said Thursday that tax cuts will help fuel the U.S. economy this year and next. But it warned that growth after that will slide to levels just half of what the Trump administration is forecasting. In its annual assessment of the U.S. economy, the 189-nation IMF released a critical report that warned of adverse consequences from a number of administration policies, including its plans to impose punitive tariffs on major U.S. trading partners in an effort to reduce America's huge trade deficits. IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said that a trade war "gives no winner and we find generally losers on both sides." FILE- In this Jan. 30, 2018, file photo, several ship to shore cranes work a vessel at the Georgia Ports Authority's Port of Savannah loading and unloading container in Savannah, Ga. On Thursday, June 14, the International Monetary Fund issues its annual assessment of the U.S. economy at a news conference with IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde. (AP Photo/Stephen B. Morton, File) She encouraged the United States to "work constructively" with its trading partners to resolve disputes, refrain from imposing tariffs and avoid a tit-for-tat trade war in which other nations retaliate by enacting tariffs on U.S. products. "The negative impact on the global economy would be serious," Lagarde told reporters at a briefing. The IMF report marked the harshest assessment the lending agency has ever produced assessing the economic policies of its largest member country. It elicited a quick response from the Trump administration. "We differ significantly on the medium term and long-term projections, The Treasury Department said. "The Treasury Department believes our policies, including the productivity-boosting mix of tax reform and regulatory relief, will result in more sustainable economic growth." Lagarde said the IMF believed the administration's economic policies could result in higher trade deficits in the near-term by driving up U.S. domestic demand and making the dollar stronger. A stronger dollar makes imports cheaper for U.S. consumers while making U.S. exports more expensive on overseas markets. She said the tax cuts, which would lead to a higher budget deficit, could result in a faster rise in inflation that would force the Federal Reserve to push interest rates up more quickly. That might result in increased instability in U.S. and global financial markets. The IMF projected U.S. growth will hit 2.9 percent this year and 2.7 percent next year. Both are significant increases from last year's 2.3 percent expansion. However, after an initial boost from the $1.5 trillion tax cut package, the IMF forecasts growth will slow steadily in future years, dropping to 1.4 percent in 2023. This forecast would be just half of the 3 percent growth target that the administration has said will be produced with its policies. The IMF report was highly critical of Trump's trade policies in particular. The administration has imposed punitive tariffs on a number of countries to slow imports of steel and aluminum and has threatened to raise tariffs on up to $150 billion in Chinese goods in response to complaints about China's trade surplus and technology policies. The administration is expected to release a list of $50 billion in Chinese goods that will be targeted on Friday. During the 2016 presidential campaign, Trump pledged his economic program would boost the U.S. growth rate to 4 percent or better. But his budgets have projected a lower goal of sustained gains of 3 percent per year. The report said that with the tax cuts and expected increases in defense and domestic programs, the federal budget deficit as a percentage of the total economy will exceed 4.5 percent of GDP by next year - nearly double what it was just three years ago. This big boost in the U.S. government deficit is "quite rare," the IMF said. It has not been seen since in the United States since President Lyndon Johnson in the late 1960s boosted spending on the Vietnam War at the same time it was adopting the Johnson's Great Society programs. The IMF projected the level of the federal government's debt will exceed 90 percent of GDP by 2024. To reduce future deficits, the IMF suggested the US may need to take politically painful steps such as trimming Social Security benefits and imposing higher taxes on consumers. MILWAUKEE (AP) - A Wisconsin woman is accused of trying to plan terrorist attacks with hacked social media accounts used to show self-proclaimed members of the Islamic State group how to make explosives and poisons. In a criminal complaint released Wednesday, an FBI agent also details how Waheba Issa Dais allegedly tried to recruit people to carry out attacks for the IS. The FBI said it tracked Dais' activities to her computer in the Milwaukee suburb of Cudahy. The 45-year-old mother of two faces charges of trying to help a foreign terrorist organization. Her public defender, John Campion, didn't immediately respond to phone and email messages seeking comment on the allegations. Dais, who was arrested Wednesday, has a bond hearing Friday. She faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted. In the hacked social media accounts, the FBI said it found conversations with self-proclaimed IS members where Dais discusses possible attacks. In one case, she suggested using the deadly toxin ricin in a government building or a reservoir somewhere in the U.S., according to the FBI's report. In another instance, she suggested street festivals and summer celebrations as possible targets, the FBI said. Dais was born in Jerusalem and was married to a U.S. citizen when she arrived in Chicago in 1992, according to the FBI. They divorced in 2003 and Dais remained in the U.S. as a lawful permanent resident. When she applied for her visa, she said she wanted to stay in the U.S. "permanently as a housewife" and said she was fluent in Arabic and English. Her two children are believed to be minors, according to the FBI. The FBI said it found that Dais maintained multiple accounts on Facebook, Twitter, and email, all containing what prosecutors described as a "virtual library of instructions on how to make bombs, biological weapons, poisons and suicide vests." She also communicated with IS members overseas, the FBI said. When accounts were hacked, profile pictures and names were changed, and friends were removed and others were added, the FBI said. Authorities suspect Dais' activities began in January. In one Facebook post in February, she pledged her support for IS, according to the FBI's report. "#Caution. When I publish any statement I completely believe in it. I was and I continue to be on the doctrine of the Islamic State," the post read. In one online exchange, Dais told a potential recruit to "act like an ordinary person" and that complete secrecy was needed to carry out attacks, the FBI said. An FBI confidential informant told investigators that Dais is unemployed and that her "Islamic husband" paid the bills. The informant also reported that Dais was "constantly on social media promoting ISIS" and that her accounts were frequently shut down for that reason. Elizabeth Makowski, a spokeswoman for the U.S. attorney's office in Milwaukee, declined to say whether authorities believe Dais has any connection to an alleged plot in Germany involving a Tunisian man who prosecutors say created ricin using castor bean seeds. Sief Allah H., whose last name wasn't given in line with German privacy laws, was taken into custody Tuesday during a raid on his apartment in Cologne. SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch called for unwavering love and support for LGBT youth who experience high suicide rates as victims of bullying, discrimination and family estrangement in a somewhat surprising Senate speech this week from the retiring Republican who has long been an opponent of same-sex marriage. Hatch said Wednesday that the suicide epidemic is especially acute among LGBT teens as he spoke in favor of a proposal that would create a national suicide prevention hotline. "No one should ever feel less because of their gender identity or sexual orientation," said Hatch, according to a recording of the speech. "LGBT youth deserve our unwavering love and support. They deserve our validation and the assurance that not only is there a place for them in this society, but that it is far better off because of them." FILE - In this May 2, 2018, file photo, Utah Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, looks on during news conference, in Salt Lake City. Hatch is calling for unwavering love and support for LGBT youth who experience high suicide rates as victims of bullying, discrimination and family estrangement. The retiring Republican senator made the comments Wednesday, June 13, 2018, on the Senate floor in Washington while advocating for a proposal that would create a national suicide prevention hotline. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, File) Hatch last week applauded the U.S. Supreme Court's ruling in favor of a Colorado baker who refused to make a wedding cake for a same-sex couple. In 1988, he called the Democratic Party the "the party of homosexuals" in a derisive comment he later said he regretted. In recent years, however, he's begun to carve out a more sympathetic position toward gays, lesbians and transgender people that's similar to the tone now taken by leaders of his religion, The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The Utah-based religion of 16 million worldwide members has held firm to its opposition of gay marriage and homosexual activity while trying to foster an empathetic stance toward LGBTQ people. Last year, Hatch defended transgender people after President Donald Trump Tweeted that he would not "accept or allow" transgender people to serve in the U.S. military. "These young people need us - and we desperately need them," Hatch said Wednesday. "We need their light to illuminate the richness and diversity of God's creations. We need the grace, beauty and brilliance they bring to the world." His remarks come a week after a new report by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention found that suicide rates inched up in nearly every U.S. state from 1999 through 2016. In Utah, the number of yearly suicides for youth ages 10 to 17 has spiked to alarming levels in the last five years - more than double the average from the previous decade. Troy Williams, executive director of the LGBT support group Equality Utah, said it was heartening to hear a senior GOP leader speaking out in support of inclusion for gay, lesbian and transgender youth. He said Hatch has been fair-minded on LGBT issues for some time, but said the speech was unlike anything the senator had previously said. "It's a tremendous evolution," Williams said. "I believe his heart has been moved." Hatch said people should not just "tolerate, but love," no matter if a person is a religious conservative or secular liberal. LGBT youth deserve acceptance for who they are, which he said wasn't a choice but how they were born. "If there were ever a time to show our LGBT friends just how much we love them, it is now in a world where millions suffer in silence," Hatch said. "We owe it to each other to love loudly." JERUSALEM (AP) - Sarah Idan, Iraq's 2017 Miss Universe beauty pageant contestant, is visiting Israel this week, a trip that has enraged people back home. Idan was criticized and received death threats after taking a selfie with Israeli contestant Adal Gandelsman during last November's competition. She arrived in Israel this week and reunited with Gandelsman during a visit organized by the American Jewish Committee to "talk about peace." Miss Iraq, who currently resides in the U.S., received the title in 2017 after the original winner was disqualified for being married. Her appearance in Israel drew harsh criticism from Iraqis on social media. Iraq and Israel don't have diplomatic relations. Sarah Idan, Iraq's 2017 Miss Universe beauty pageant contestant, center, speaks with other visitors during a visit to the Babylonian Jewry Heritage Center in Or Yehuda, Israel, Thursday, June 14, 2018. Idan is visiting Israel this week, a trip that has enraged people back home. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner) Despite criticism, Idan says she isn't afraid, and that she visited Israel "because I want peace for everyone, for Israelis, for Palestinians." In this photo provided by Sarah Idan, shot in Las Vegas on Nov. 14, 2017, shows selfie Idan made with Miss Israel Adar Gandelsman during 2017 Miss Universe peasant in Las Vegas, Nevada. Sarah Idan, Iraq's 2017 Miss Universe beauty pageant contestant, is visiting Israel this week of June 14, 2018, a trip that has enraged people back home. Idan was criticized and received death threats after taking a selfie with Israeli contestant Adal Gandelsman during last November's competition. She arrived in Israel this week and reunited with Gandelsman during a visit organized by the American Jewish Committee to "talk about peace." (Sarah Idan via AP) Sarah Idan, Iraq's 2017 Miss Universe beauty pageant contestant, poses with an exhibit showing 1947 Miss Baghdad Renee Dangoor, during a visit to the Babylonian Jewry Heritage Center in Or Yehuda, Israel, Thursday, June 14, 2018. Idan is visiting Israel this week, a trip that has enraged people back home. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner) Sarah Idan, Iraq's 2017 Miss Universe beauty pageant contestant, center, speaks with other visitors during a visit to the Babylonian Jewry Heritage Center in Or Yehuda, Israel, Thursday, June 14, 2018. Idan is visiting Israel this week, a trip that has enraged people back home. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner) Sarah Idan, Iraq's 2017 Miss Universe beauty pageant contestant, shows her selfie during a visit to the Babylonian Jewry Heritage Center in Or Yehuda, Israel, Thursday, June 14, 2018. Idan is visiting Israel this week, a trip that has enraged people back home. (AP Photo/Sebastian Scheiner) A Montana man is being hailed a hero for rescuing a fawn stuck on a bed of drying sewer sludge as its helpless mother watched on. Joe Bauer, 19, one of the Fort Benton city crew member working on the sewage lagoon, was sent to rescue the fawn that was trapped in the sludge on Wednesday. Bauer slogged more than 100 yards through the thigh-deep sewer sludge to reach the distressed fawn. Fort Benton city crew member Joe Bauer, 19, is being hailed a hero for rescuing a fawn stuck in sewage sludge on Wednesday in Montana Joe Bauer walked 100 yards in thigh-deep sludge filled with feces to bring the fawn to river bank where its mother was 'It's just straight sludge. It's not clean stuff, it's pretty dirty. I hate to say it, but it's a lot of poop,' he said to the Great Falls Tribune. 'I know people that wouldve just left (the fawn) lay there,' he added. The fawn, he says, didn't fight being rescued. 'Honestly, it was fairly welcoming,' Bauer said. Speaking on his heroic act he says: 'I know people that wouldve just left (the fawn) lay there', his trail through the sludge pictured above After freeing the deer from the sludge, he carried the young creature to the bank of the Missouri River, Bauer's superintendent Skip Ross said. After the fawn regained its strength, Ross says others guided it back to its mother, avoiding the short-cut across the sludge. His coworkers have applauded Bauer for his rescue effort although they 'didn't want him anywhere near them,' when he returned covered in sludge. Its definitely not in the Top 10 things (Id hoped) to do today,' Bauer said. When asked if the experience was rewarding he said: 'It was. I guess it made me feel a little better when I was done.' WATERVILLE, Maine (AP) - A Maine mayor who narrowly survived a recall effort in the wake of a tweet making fun of a Parkland, Florida, high school shooting survivor says he deserves an apology from his critics. The attempt to recall Waterville Mayor Nick Isgro failed on Tuesday. He has been a source of controversy in Maine since April, when he posted a tweet that said "Eat it, Hogg" in reference to outspoken shooting survivor David Hogg. Isgro says people involved in the recall effort should apologize to him and reimburse the city for election costs. The Morning Sentinel reports the bid to recall Isgro failed by 91 votes. Isgro posted on Facebook that city councilors and others who supported the recall "sowed division instead of cooperation." WASHINGTON (AP) - Vice President Mike Pence announced Thursday he will visit Brazil, Ecuador and Guatemala during the last week of June. He will start the tour June 26 in Brasilia, where he will meet Brazilian president Michel Temer. The following day Pence will be in Manaus, capital of the Brazilian northern state that borders Venezuela. The vice president has said he intends to bring attention during his trip to the deepening humanitarian crisis in Venezuela. Pence will meet Ecuadorean President Lenin Moreno in Quito on June 27 and will finish the trip the following day in Guatemala. Pence added Guatemala to his third trip to Latin America in less than a year. The trip comes after the recent volcanic eruption that killed at least 110 people and left another 200 missing. Pence said the U.S. is helping transport burn victims for treatment and sending emergency aid at the request of President Jimmy Morales' government. "We will continue to support the people of Guatemala as they recover and rebuild because that's what good neighbors do," Pence said at the National Hispanic Prayer Breakfast. GALVESTON, Texas (AP) - A former member of the U.S. Navy has been sentenced to prison for illegally keeping classified national defense information, including that of some U.S. nuclear operations. The Justice Department says 43-year-old Weldon Marshall of Sherman, Texas, was sentenced Wednesday to 41 months in prison. Marshall pleaded guilty March 5 as part of a deal in which he admitted taking top secret documents when he left the Navy in 2004. He also admitted taking secret documents about U.S. operations in Afghanistan while he worked as a defense contractor for various companies. Marshall's rank and how he used the documents were not revealed. Assistant U.S. Attorney Alamdar Hamdani and defense attorney Mark Diaz declined further comment. HARTFORD, Conn. (AP) - The Latest on the planned deportation of a Connecticut man with renal failure (all times local): 5 p.m. Advocates for an immigrant who faces deportation to Honduras despite the need for a kidney transplant say a six-month reprieve won't be long enough. Stamford, Conn., resident Nelson Rosales Santos, center, poses with his wife, Patricia Morales, and son, Christian, outside Building One Community in Stamford, Conn. Thursday, June 14, 2018. Federal immigration officials granted a six-month reprieve Thursday to Nelson Rosales Santos, a Connecticut immigrant facing deportation, a move that may allow him to undergo a scheduled kidney transplant. (Tyler Sizemore/Hearst Connecticut Media via AP) Supporters, including Democratic Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy rallied Thursday evening in front of Hartford's federal building in support of Nelson Rosales Santos, who entered the country illegally 30 years ago. Supporters say the 49-year-old would not have immediate access to dialysis in his native country and the deportation would amount to a death sentence. They say his doctors in Connecticut won't perform the surgery without assurances that he will be in the U.S. for at least a year for follow-up treatments. Santos has asked President Donald Trump to "be nice," and says he feels like he and others are being treated worse than animals. ___ 2:15 p.m. Connecticut Sen. Richard Blumenthal says federal immigration officials have granted a six-month stay in the deportation of a man scheduled to undergo a kidney transplant this summer. Nelson Rosales Santos, who entered the United States illegally and has lived in Stamford for 30 years, was to be deported to Honduras on Monday. Supporters say the 49-year-old would not have immediate access to dialysis in his native country and the deportation would have amounted to a death sentence. Santos has a private kidney donor lined up, but doctors told him they would not perform the surgery until he could guarantee that he would be in the country for follow-up treatment. Santos, a chef, is married to a U.S. citizen and has three children who were born in the United States. ___ 1:30 p.m. Supporters of a Connecticut resident who was scheduled for a kidney transplant this summer are protesting a decision to deport him to his native Honduras. A rally is planned Thursday afternoon in Hartford in support of Nelson Omar Rosales Santos. His family and supporters say Santos has lived in Stamford for 30 years, is married to a U.S. citizen and has three children who were born in the United States. They say Santos has diabetes and high blood pressure and that his kidneys do not function. They say his deportation would amount to a death sentence and goes against a recommendation by U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services. That agency had no comment Thursday. Nelson Rosales Santos, 49, an immigrant who lives in Stamford, Conn., speaks with Connecticut Gov. Dannel P. Malloy before a rally outside the federal bridling in Hartford, Conn., Thursday, June 14, 2018. Federal immigration officials granted a six-month reprieve on Thursday to a Connecticut immigrant facing deportation, a move his supporters say won't be long enough to allow him to undergo a scheduled kidney transplant. (AP Photo/Pat Eaton-Robb) Nelson Rosales Santos, 49, an immigrant who lives in Stamford, Conn., stands next to his 14-year-old daughter, Samantha, at rally outside the federal bridling in Hartford, Conn., on Thursday, June 14, 2018. Santos, who suffers from renal failure, received a six-month stay of a deportation order that advocates say would have amounted to a death sentence. (AP Photo/Pat Eaton-Robb) Nelson Rosales Santos, 49, an immigrant who lives in Stamford, Conn., talks to reporters while standing next to his 14-year-old daughter, Samantha, during a rally outside the federal bridling in Hartford, Conn., on Thursday, June 14, 2018. Santos, who suffers from renal failure, received a six-month stay of a deportation order that advocates say would have amounted to a death sentence. (AP Photo/Pat Eaton-Robb) PARKLAND, Fla. (AP) - An unarmed security monitor who critics say could have stopped the Florida high school massacre was suspended last year for sexually harassing two female students, with one of them later dying in February's shooting, her family told The Associated Press on Thursday. The father and brother of Meadow Pollack say she was one of two girls Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School security monitor Andrew Medina harassed last year. Medina was suspended for three days, even though a disciplinary panel recommended he be fired, a newspaper reported Thursday. Andrew Pollack and his 20-year-old son, Hunter, said they didn't learn until after the Feb. 14 shooting that left 17 dead that Meadow and her mother had reported Medina, now 39, to Stoneman Douglas officials. Andrew Pollack said his ex-wife didn't tell them "because she knew I would have handled it." "I wouldn't have just let it go." Hunter Pollack said a Broward school investigator gave him the details after the shooting. "Every day more incompetence gets exposed," said Andrew Pollack, an outspoken critic of how Broward County school officials and sheriff's deputies dealt with suspect Nikolas Cruz before the shooting. Medina "should have been fired a long time ago." Medina did not return a call from the AP seeking comment. The school district said in a statement late Thursday that Medina was suspended because he denied the allegations, had no previous disciplinary record and "there was no direct evidence to distinguish between the conflicting statements provided by the student and the employee." According to records obtained by the South Florida SunSentinel, Medina, who is also an assistant baseball coach, asked one girl to go on a date and another said he made lewd comments to her and said he wanted to visit her at work. Broward County Schools investigators say one of the students' stories was corroborated by surveillance video of Medina approaching her in a hallway on Feb. 16, 2017. According to Andrew and Hunter Pollack, Meadow was one of the girls. They said Medina would call Meadow, then 17, "beautiful and sweetheart," making her uncomfortable. They say that when her boyfriend confronted Medina, Medina threatened him. Meadow and her mother then reported Medina, they said. Hunter Pollack said the other girl told him Medina made comments about her body and invited her over to his house for drinks. "He's a bum," Hunter Pollack said. Medina told detectives investigating the shooting that he spotted Cruz entering the school grounds carrying a bag and recognized him as a troubled former student who could be dangerous. "We had a meeting about him last year, and we said, 'If there's gonna be anybody who's gonna come to this school and shoot this school up, it's gonna be that kid,'" Medina told investigators shortly after the shooting in a videotaped interview that was made public by prosecutors last week. Medina didn't confront Cruz, nor did he call a "Code Red," which would have triggered an automatic lockdown of classrooms and brought police to the school, because he said he didn't see a gun. Instead, he radioed another unarmed security monitor, who hid in a closet when the shooting began. Medina still works for the district but not at Stoneman Douglas. "They still won't fire the guy," Andrew Pollack said. "There is incompetence everywhere in the Broward schools." Attorneys for the 19-year-old Cruz have said he would plead guilty in exchange for a sentence of life without parole. Prosecutors say they will seek the death penalty. NEW ORLEANS (AP) - The king and queen of Spain have arrived in New Orleans as part of the city's tricentennial celebration. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia flew in Thursday evening to Louisiana, which was a Spanish colony from 1763 to 1802. They arrived at New Orleans' airport at sunset and were greeted by several officials including Louisiana Gov. John Bel Edwards and New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell. After a private meeting with Edwards, Cantrell will welcome them Friday at Gallier Hall , a former City Hall opened in 1853 and renovated for the city's 300th anniversary. King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain arrive at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in New Orleans, Thursday, June 14, 2018. The King and Queen are in New Orleans to help celebrate the city's 300th anniversary, which was colonized by Spain from 1763 to 1802. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) Friday evening, the king and queen will visit St. Louis Cathedral and the Cabildo , built as the government seat under Spanish rule and the center of New Orleans government until Gallier Hall opened. Both buildings were erected after the Great Fire of 1788. An altar candle in the home of the colony's military treasurer set fire to the altar's lace draperies. The flames spread quickly, destroying more than three-quarters of the city. Because of that fire, much of the city's oldest architecture is in the Spanish style. The Cabildo is now a museum. Its current exhibits include "Recovered Memories: Spain, New Orleans, and the Support for the American Revolution." It includes naval models, important works from noted Spanish painters, and period clothing including an ensemble worn by 18th century Spanish diplomat Diego de Gardoqui. Saturday, Mardi Gras Indians and jazz clarinetist Dr. Michael White and his band will perform for the royal couple at the New Orleans Museum of Art. Mardi Gras Indians are groups of African-Americans who create elaborate feathered and beaded costumes in which they strut and dance through the streets on Mardi Gras. Felipe and Letizia leave Saturday for San Antonio, Texas - another former Spanish colony celebrating its tricentennial. They'll stay there until Monday, when they head to Washington. The last thing on their U.S. schedule is a White House visit Tuesday with President Donald Trump and first lady Melania Trump. King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain arrive at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in New Orleans, Thursday, June 14, 2018. The King and Queen are in New Orleans to help celebrate the city's 300th anniversary, which was colonized by Spain from 1763 to 1802. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell, left, greets King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain as they arrive at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in New Orleans, Thursday, June 14, 2018. The King and Queen are in New Orleans to help celebrate the city's 300th anniversary, which was colonized by Spain from 1763 to 1802. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) The Airbus A310 carrying King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain flies Spanish and American flags as it arrives at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport at sunset in New Orleans, Thursday, June 14, 2018. The King and Queen are in New Orleans to help celebrate the city's 300th anniversary, which was colonized by Spain from 1763 to 1802. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) A brass band and dancers from a social aid & pleasure club perform as King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain arrive at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in New Orleans, Thursday, June 14, 2018. The King and Queen are in New Orleans to help celebrate the city's 300th anniversary, which was colonized by Spain from 1763 to 1802. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) New Orleans Mayor LaToya Cantrell dances with a brass band and dancers from a social aid and pleasure club, after greeting King Felipe VI of Spain and Queen Letizia of Spain, after they arrived in their Airbus A380, background, at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in New Orleans, Thursday, June 14, 2018. The King and Queen are in New Orleans to help celebrate the city's 300th anniversary, which was colonized by Spain from 1763 to 1802. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) FILE - In this April 23, 2015 file photo, Spain's King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia arrive at the Cervantes Prize award ceremony at the University of Alcala de Henares, Spain. The king and queen of Spain are coming to New Orleans as part of the city's tricentennial celebration. King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia are scheduled to arrive Thursday night, June 14, 2018, in Louisiana, which was a Spanish colony from 1763 to 1802. (AP Photo/Abraham Caro Marin, File) Security for King Felipe VI and Queen Letizia of Spain stand by with a towering cumulonimbus cloud off in the distant background, as their plane taxis nearby at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport in New Orleans, Thursday, June 14, 2018. The King and Queen are in New Orleans to help celebrate the city's 300th anniversary, which was colonized by Spain from 1763 to 1802. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert) SALT LAKE CITY (AP) - Organizers of a prominent Utah July Fourth festival struck a deal to allow five LGBT organizations to participate in the parade Thursday, reversing an initial rejection given just hours after signing a nondiscrimination agreement with Provo city leaders. The deal followed an outcry that included the Utah County Commission chairman threatening to rescind $100,000 in funding and an LGBT group leader denouncing festival organizers as showing "staggering bigotry." America's Freedom Festival didn't immediately comment on the deal. But a member of the festival's board of trustees agreed to pay for a float hosting three of the groups, said Kendall Wilcox, a member of Mormon Building Bridges. The two other organizations will march with a quilt that Wilcox said represents different versions of Utah families. Utah County Commissioner Nathan Ivie speaks as he holds the American flag during a news conference to discuss the America's Freedom Festival's decision Thursday, June 14, 2018, in Provo, Utah. LGBT groups that were denied requests to participate in a July 4 parade that is part of America's Freedom Festival in Provo spoke out Thursday about being rejected even after festival organizer and Provo city officials signed a nondiscrimination deal. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) Festival organizers said earlier that the five LGBT organizations were among 22 applications denied for failing to meet its specific requirements. Two of the groups had filed a joint application. It's unclear which requirements the groups had not met. Festival organizers said participants cannot touch on political or social issues and must focus their applications on the spirit of patriotism. "Let's celebrate America pure and simple," festival director Paul Warner said in a statement after the rejections were announced. The event had been criticized for blocking participation by LGBT groups in the past, but Wednesday's outcry noted the festival had signed a contract Tuesday with Provo city leaders that included a new nondiscrimination agreement. As part of the contract, the city agreed to provide $150,000 in cash and in-kind contributions for the festival. Organizers had also signed a separate contract with Utah County in March that included a nondiscrimination clause. The contract stipulates county contributions of roughly $100,000 for the event. After the applications were rejected Wednesday, Troy Williams, the executive director of advocacy group Equality Utah, accused organizers of "staggering bigotry" and said in a statement that the disconnect between their words and actions was "astonishing as it is disappointing." Utah County Commission Chairman Nathan Ivie said on Twitter that he would try to pull funding for the organization. Provo Mayor Michelle Kaufusi had urged the two sides to work together on an arrangement to allow the LGBT groups to participate. The theme of the float agreed to Thursday is "Utah's LGBT community celebrates America: United we stand." The emotional two-hour meeting Thursday involved tears, yelling and deeply painful stories, Wilcox said. "I'm sort of in shock and pleasantly surprised at how much ground we actually covered," he said. People hold signs during a news conference to discuss the America's Freedom Festival's decision Thursday, June 14, 2018, in Provo, Utah. LGBT groups that were denied requests to participate in a July 4 parade that is part of America's Freedom Festival in Provo spoke out Thursday about being rejected even after festival organizer and Provo city officials signed a nondiscrimination deal. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) People hold signs during a news conference to discuss the America's Freedom Festival's decision Thursday, June 14, 2018, in Provo, Utah. LGBT groups that were denied requests to participate in a July 4 parade that is part of America's Freedom Festival in Provo spoke out Thursday about being rejected even after festival organizer and Provo city officials signed a nondiscrimination deal. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) People gather during a news conference to discuss the America's Freedom Festival's decision Thursday, June 14, 2018, in Provo, Utah. LGBT groups that were denied requests to participate in a July 4 parade that is part of America's Freedom Festival in Provo spoke out Thursday about being rejected even after festival organizer and Provo city officials signed nondiscrimination deal. (AP Photo/Rick Bowmer) MADISON, Wis. (AP) - The Wisconsin Legislature's budget committee took a detour Thursday from Gov. Scott Walker's road-funding plan, directing more money toward local road projects amid criticism from Democrats who argued against spending anything more on the interstate near the massive Foxconn Technology Group project. The state learned last week that it was being awarded $67 million more than it had expected from the federal government for roads. That required the budget committee to meet and decide how to spend it. Republican Sen. Alberta Darling, the budget committee co-chair, said completing the decade-old Interstate 94 project near the planned Foxconn project needed to be prioritized because of the amount of traffic along the corridor between Milwaukee and Illinois. "The roads in Illinois are much better than I-94 going in and out of Wisconsin," Darling said. That quote is certain to be recycled throughout the fall campaign season by Democrats, who see the condition of Wisconsin roads as a major issue they can use against Republicans. Walker and fellow Republicans have been in complete control of state government since 2011 but have not come up with a long-term funding solution for transportation. The road-funding debate is now tied to the Foxconn project because of its proximity to the ongoing I-94 road work. Foxconn is another issue Democrats hope to use against Republicans because $4.5 billion in taxpayer incentives could go to the Taiwan-based company if it hits investment and employment targets. Republicans voted last year to speed up work on the I-94 rehabilitation and expansion project because of Foxconn, which is building in Mount Pleasant near the interstate. Democrats argue that other pothole-ridden local roads and highways should be repaired first instead of completing I-94 to help Foxconn. "Our roads are falling apart," Democratic state Sen. Chris Taylor, of Madison, argued. In a move to blunt Democratic criticism, Republicans on the Joint Finance Committee voted to increase spending on local bridge projects from the $30 million Walker proposed to $38 million. The panel also approved spending $6.7 million on other state road projects. Democrats proposed spending the full $67 million on roads and bridges, and none of it on I-94. The committee approved spending $22 million - $15 million less than Walker proposed - on completing the long-delayed I-94 work that began in 2009. It approved the funding plan in a 10-5 vote, with all Republicans in support except Sen. Howard Marklein, of Spring Green, who is a top target for Democrats in the November election. Marklein joined all four Democrats in voting against it, saying he wanted more money to go toward local roads. Reconstruction of I-94 began under Democratic Gov. Jim Doyle and was originally scheduled to be completed in 2016. But Walker's administration in 2012 delayed the work, moving the end date to 2021. Under the state budget approved in 2015, the Milwaukee Zoo Interchange project was given priority, further delaying completion of I-94 to the end of 2022. The most recent budget included $250 million to speed up work of I-94 because of the Foxconn project, which will increase traffic along the interstate. That additional funding moved up the completion date to 2021. Foxconn says it could employ up to 13,000 people to make liquid crystal display panels at the factory, which would be its first outside of Asia. ___ Follow Scott Bauer on Twitter: https://twitter.com/sbauerAP ___ 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 MOSCOW (AP) - Russia's government is calling for the country's retirement age to be raised gradually and for a hike in the value-added tax. The moves approved by the Cabinet on Thursday now will be sent to the parliament. Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said the age at which retirees can receive state pensions would be gradually raised over the next 15 years to 65 for men - up from the current 60 - and from 55 to 63 for women. Alexei Kudrin, head of parliament's Russian Accounts Chamber, said the proposal to raise VAT to 20 percent from 18 percent "is connected with the fact that budget revenues are not rising, first of all due to the oil price drop." The moves follow President Vladimir Putin's promise last month to improve Russia's economy. MONTGOMERY, Ala. (AP) - A story circulating online falsely suggests the head of the Alabama Democratic Party has recently been arrested. The stories posted this week on sites called Conservative Army and Right Wing News says that Alabama Democratic Party Chairwoman Nancy Worley was "recently" in legal trouble after being indicted for several felonies and misdemeanors and had been hauled away in handcuffs. Efforts to reach the sites by email and Twitter were not immediately successful. FILE - In this July 11, 2007 file photo, former Alabama Secretary of State Nancy Worley waves goodbye to a friend after leaving the Montgomery County Courthouse for her trial on charges of violating election laws in Montgomery, Ala. On Thursday, June 14, 2018, The Associated Press has found that stories circulating on the internet that Worley, the head of the Alabama Democratic Party, has recently been arrested are untrue. (AP Photo/Rob Carr, File) The stories, hedged on the vague definition of "recently," discuss decade-old criminal allegations against Worley, and do not make clear that most of the charges against her were dropped. Worley had served as Alabama's secretary of state. She was indicted in 2007 on charges that stemmed from campaign material she sent to her employees in the secretary of state's office during her 2006 re-election bid. Worley in 2012 pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor charge of soliciting campaign support from her office staff. Prosecutors agreed to drop four other misdemeanors and five felony charges. ___ This is part of The Associated Press' ongoing effort to fact-check misinformation that is shared widely online, including work with Facebook to identify and reduce the circulation of false stories on the platform. ___ Find all AP Fact Checks here: https://www.apnews.com/tag/APFactCheck ___ Follow @APFactCheck on Twitter: https://twitter.com/APFactC WASHINGTON (AP) - Nyet. Non. Nein. No. That's the answer the Supreme Court gave Thursday to the question of whether federal courts in the United States must accept statements from foreign governments about their own laws as binding. Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg wrote for a unanimous court that a "federal court should accord respectful consideration to a foreign government's submission," but is not required to treat it as conclusive. Given "the world's many and diverse legal systems and the range of circumstances in which a foreign government's views may be presented," there is no single formula on how to treat the information a foreign government provides, Ginsburg wrote. FILE - This April 23, 2018, file photo shows the Supreme Court in Washington. The court ruled on Thursday, June 14, 2018, that U.S. courts do not have to accept as conclusive foreign governments' explanations of their own laws. (AP Photo/Jessica Gresko, File) Ginsburg said the appropriate weight given to a government's statement in each case will depend on the circumstances. Among the factors that U.S. courts should weigh in looking at what a foreign government has said about its own law are: the statement's clarity, thoroughness and support as well as the transparency of the foreign legal system and the role and authority of the statement's author. The ruling came in a case that involves trade with China, a class action lawsuit filed by two U.S.-based purchasers of vitamin C: Nacogdoches, Texas-based Animal Science Products and Elizabeth, New Jersey-based The Ranis Company. The companies sued vitamin C exporters in China. They alleged the exporters had violated U.S. antitrust laws by fixing the prices and amounts of vitamin C exported to the United States. The vitamin C exporters argued that Chinese law had required their actions and that the lawsuit should therefore be dismissed. China's Ministry of Commerce filed a brief arguing the same. A federal trial court said the ministry was entitled to "substantial deference" in its interpretation of its own law but didn't find its statements conclusive. The judge ruled that Chinese law did not require the companies to fix the price or quantity of vitamin C exports, and after a jury found against the exporters, the judge awarded the U.S. companies $147 million. The New York-based U.S. Court of Appeals for the 2nd Circuit reversed the award and dismissed the lawsuit. The appeals court said when a foreign government participates in U.S. court proceeding and submits a statement about its laws and regulations the U.S. court is "bound to defer to those statements." The Supreme Court disagreed, reviving the lawsuit and sending it back to the appeals court to look at it again in light of the Supreme Court opinion. The Trump administration had urged the court to side, as it did, with the Vitamin C purchasers. The case is 16-1220, Animal Science Products v. Hebei Welcome Pharmaceutical Co. ___ Follow Jessica Gresko on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jessicagresko Attorney General Jeff Sessions cited the Bible on Thursday in his defense of his border policy that is resulting in hundreds of immigrant children being separated from their parents after they enter the U.S. illegally. Sessions, speaking in Fort Wayne, Indiana, on immigration, pushed back against criticism he had received over the policy. On Wednesday, a cardinal in the Roman Catholic Church said that separating mothers from their babies was 'immoral.' Sessions said many of the recent criticisms were not 'fair or logical and some are contrary to law.' 'I would cite you to the Apostle Paul and his clear and wise command in Romans 13, to obey the laws of the government because God has ordained them for the purpose of order,' he said. Attorney General Jeff Sessions cited the Bible on Thursday in his defense of his border policy that is resulting in hundreds of immigrant children being separated from their parents after they enter the U.S. illegally A two-year-old Honduran asylum seeker cries as her mother is searched and detained near the U.S.-Mexico border on June 12 'Orderly and lawful processes are good in themselves and protect the weak and lawful.' Last month, the attorney general announced a 'zero tolerance' policy that any adult who enters the country illegally is criminally prosecuted. U.S. protocol prohibits detaining children with their parents because the children are not charged with a crime and the parents are. According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, more than 650 children were separated from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border during a two-week period in May. Demonstrators line up to protest Sessions and immigration reform at Parkview Field in Fort Wayne, Indiana on Thursday Last month, the attorney general announced a 'zero tolerance' policy that any adult who enters the country illegally is criminally prosecuted White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Thursday that she hadn't seen Sessions' comments but affirmed that the Bible did back up the administration's actions. 'I can say that it is very biblical to enforce the law. That is actually repeated a number of times throughout the Bible,' she said. 'It's a moral policy to follow and enforce the law.' In an unusually tense series of exchanges in the White House briefing room, Sanders wrongly blamed Democrats for the policy separating children from parents and insisted the administration had made no changes in increasing the use. Until the policy was announced in April, such families were usually referred for civil deportation proceedings, not requiring separation. U.S. protocol prohibits detaining children with their parents because the children are not charged with a crime and the parents are According to U.S. Customs and Border Protection, more than 650 children were separated from their parents at the U.S.-Mexico border during a two-week period in May 'The separation of illegal alien families is the product of the same legal loopholes that Democrats refuse to close, and these laws are the same that have been on the books for over a decade, and the president is simply enforcing them,' she said. 'We don't want this to be a problem,' she said. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, the archbishop of Galveston-Houston, told the U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops on Wednesday that he was joining other religious leaders in opposing the government's border policy. 'Our government has the discretion in our laws to ensure that young children are not separated from their parents and exposed to irreparable harm and trauma,' DiNardo said in a statement. WASHINGTON (AP) - The White House on Thursday defended President Donald Trump's decision to return a military salute to a North Korean three-star general. "It's a common courtesy when a military official from another government salutes, that you return that," presidential spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders told reporters two days after Trump returned from his summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un. North Korean state media released video from the visit of Trump reaching out to shake the hand of the minister of the People's Armed Forces, who instead saluted during the summit in Singapore. The two then reversed gestures, with Trump saluting and the general reaching out to shake hands. The two eventually shook hands. In this image made from June 12, 2018, video released by KRT, U.S. President Donald Trump salutes No Kwang Chol, minister of the People's Armed Forces of North Korea, as North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, introduces Trump to the general during the summit in Singapore. (KRT via AP Video) The awkward moment raised some eyebrows because the U.S. and North Korea technically are still at war. "I have never seen an American president salute an officer of another military, let alone a military that acts as a brutal enforcer of human slavery and awful prison camps in a gulag across its nation," said James Stavridis, a retired Navy admiral who served as the top NATO commander. "It was a mistake." The protocol on how American presidents should meet foreign leaders is murky. During the 2012 presidential campaign, Trump went after President Barack Obama for bowing to the Saudi king, tweeting: "@BarackObama bowed to the Saudi King in public -- yet the Dems are questioning @MittRomney's diplomatic skills." Obama also took some grief in 2014 for saluting with a coffee cup in his hand as he stepped off Marine One in New York. The "latte salute," had its own hashtag on Twitter. ___ Associated Press Writer Lolita Baldor contributed to this report. SAN FRANCISCO (AP) - A San Francisco woman has pleaded not guilty to a murder charge accusing her of killing and dismembering her roommate, whose body prosecutors say was discovered in plastic bags at their home. The San Francisco Chronicle says 47-year-old Lisa Gonzales entered the plea during a brief court appearance on Thursday. Prosecutor Adam Maldonado said the city medical examiner is expected to have a full report on the victim in the next two to three weeks. Prosecutors have said Gonzales told police that she and her roommate argued on May 15 after her roommate refused to move out, but she didn't recall what happened next. Police who went to the home roughly two weeks later discovered 61-year-old Maggie Mamer's severed arms and legs in a maggot-filled storage container. JEFFERSON CITY, Mo. (AP) - The private attorneys who represented former Missouri Gov. Eric Greitens' office against potential impeachment proceedings won't be paid by the state for more than $180,000 of legal bills, a top official decided Thursday. Office of Administration Commissioner Sarah Steelman said it appears the primary beneficiary of the lawyers' work was Greitens individually and that the attorneys weren't needed for the governor's office itself. Steelman provided The Associated Press copies of letters to the attorneys denying $118,067 of invoices from Eddie Greim of the Kansas City-based Graves Garrett law firm and $64,097 of invoices from Ross Garber at the Connecticut-based Shipman & Goodwin law firm. The attorneys had said they were hired by Greitens to represent the governor's office in its official capacity. Greitens also had attorneys representing him in his personal capacity. But Steelman wrote that the governor's office "at most received incidental benefits" from the lawyers' services. Democratic Auditor Nicole Galloway, Republican Attorney General Josh Hawley and the Republican chairman of a special House committee investigating Greitens had raised concerns about the state footing those bills. Greitens, a Republican, resigned June 1 while facing potential impeachment proceedings over allegations of sexual and political misconduct. He had been subpoenaed to testify June 4 before a special House investigatory committee considering whether to try to impeach him. Greim and Garber both told the AP that they hope Steelman will reconsider. Garber, who was hired because of his experience in defending other governors against potential impeachment, called the decision "misguided and wrong" and contrary to practices in some other states. "It looks like we've been caught in the middle of a political and politically motivated fight in Missouri," Garber said. Greim said he had never been contacted by the Office of Administration to learn more about the work he performed for the governor's office. He said the first task he did was to accept a subpoena on behalf of the governor's office to compile records related to questions about how the governor's office had posted a document online with an unauthorized signature of the secretary of state. "It would be ludicrous to claim that somehow the person who happens to hold the office - or happens to be in office at the time - has to actually personally pay for the office's production (of records) to the committee," Greim said in a phone interview from London, where he was vacationing. Steelman is a former Republican state treasurer and senator who was appointed administration commissioner by Greitens when he took office as governor in 2017. She has continued to serve in the role under Republican Gov. Mike Parson, who ascended from the lieutenant governor's office after Greitens resigned. CHICAGO (AP) - The conviction of a man for the murder of two Chicago police officers 40 years ago was overturned Thursday by a Cook County judge who cited alleged police torture in the case. Judge William Hooks tossed out the confession of Jackie Wilson that he fatally shot officers Richard O'Brien and William Fahey in 1982 and order a new trial. Wilson, 57, alleged former police Cmdr. Jon Burge and his subordinates tortured him into confessing to the shootings. Wilson had been serving a life sentence in prison. "Your life matters, and yes, even a guilty person's life matters," the judge said in his ruling. "All rights matter, the rights of the good, bad and ugly all count." Special Prosecutor Michael O'Rourke has said he would try Wilson again. It would be the third time Wilson is tried in the case. Hooks' decision means prosecutors would be unable to use Jackie Wilson's confession as evidence in a new trial. A team of special prosecutors opposed Wilson's bid for a new trial, saying the evidence didn't show he was beaten as was proven in the case of his brother, Andrew Wilson. A member of the team noted photographs taken after his interrogation show Jackie Wilson smiling, with no visible injuries. However, Wilson's lawyers say he smiled because one of his interrogators ordered him to and he was terrified to disobey. During the hearings, Hooks asserted the special prosecutors were acting more like defense lawyers for police than prosecutors. A former lawyer on the special prosecutors' team moved on to represent Burge in a civil suit brought by another alleged torture victim. Burge has never faced criminal charges for abuse. He was fired from the police department in 1993 over the 1982 beating and burning of Andrew Wilson. Andrew Wilson died in prison in 2007, having been tried and convicted twice in the deaths of O'Brien and Fahey. Burge was convicted in 2010 of lying about whether he ever witnessed or participated in the torture of suspects and served a term in federal prison. Theresa May faces a potential new front in the war between the pro and anti-EU wings of the Conservative Party after two days of votes that also exposed Labours fault lines over Brexit. The Government is expected to table a compromise amendment on Thursday to her flagship EU Withdrawal Bill, setting out in more detail the terms of the meaningful vote promised to MPs on the final Brexit deal. Pro-EU Tories have warned that they remain ready to rebel if their demands are not satisfied by the compromise amendment, before leading Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg claimed their idea made a no-deal Brexit more likely. It came after Jeremy Corbyn suffered a major rebellion, with six members of his shadow team among more than a third of Labour MPs who voted against the whip over the Brexit Bill. Prime Ministers Questions A total of 89 of the partys 257 MPs ignored front bench orders to abstain from voting either for or against an amendment to the EU (Withdrawal Bill) that sought to prioritise European Economic Area (EEA) membership in EU negotiations. But the rebels were split, with 74 voting in favour of the Lords amendment, which called for the Government to pursue the so-called Norway Model membership, and 15 against it. Mr Rees-Mogg told Newsnight that the concessions sought by Tories including Dominic Grieve would gum up negotiations with the EU. He added: Can you imagine: the Government goes off to Brussels and says we can only discuss these three things because these are the only ones that have been covered by a House of Commons resolution. The EU says no, it goes back to the Commons, a week passes, another resolution has passed, it means nothing has happened. He added that he would not support or table a vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister and he expected her to get a good deal out of the EU. A majority of 201 to reject the Lords amendment on the EEA. #EUWithdrawalBill pic.twitter.com/Ulu7fRtqoE Ian Jones (@ian_a_jones) June 13, 2018 The 126 voting against included 74 Labour (defying the party line to abstain) and 3 Conservatives (Ken Clarke, Dominic Grieve and Anna Soubry). Ian Jones (@ian_a_jones) June 13, 2018 After days of division and bitter rows between Brexiteers and Remainers in the Tory ranks, Mrs May was able to see off another amendment that would have tied Britain to the customs union post-Brexit by 325 votes to 298, majority 27. It was Labour divisions that were exposed on Wednesday by votes on the EEA plan. Laura Smith stepped down as a junior shadow cabinet office minister to vote with the Government, saying remaining in the EEA is not the right way forward for our country. But five parliamentary private secretaries (PPS) voted in favour of the EEA amendment; Ged Killen, Ellie Reeves, Tonia Antoniazzi, Anna McMorrin and Rosie Duffield, with all but Ms Duffield announcing their resignation before the vote. Mr Corbyn said: I understand the difficulties MPs representing constituencies which voted strongly for Leave or Remain have on the EEA amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill. The Labour Party respects the outcome of the EU referendum and does not support the EEA or Norway model as it is not the right for option for Britain. An amendment introduced by Labour, which called for access to the single market but stopped short of EEA membership, was defeated by 82 votes, with no party rebels. The Conservatives said the resignations showed that Mr Corbyn cant lead his own party let alone our country through complex Brexit negotiations, while Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable accused him of being completely defunct as an Opposition Leader. Newlywed the Duchess of Sussex will pass another royal milestone on Thursday as she accompanies the Queen for the first time together on an official royal visit to Cheshire. Meghan, 36, who married the Queens grandson Prince Harry last month in the gothic splendour of the 15th-century St Georges Chapel in Windsor Castle, will begin her rites of passage as a royal newcomer with a visit to Widnes and Runcorn, on the banks of the River Mersey, famous for chemicals and rugby league. All eyes will be on the duchess, the first time she has joined the Queen for an event without her husband, as she gets to grips with her new role of ribbon cutting and plaque unveiling, under the watchful eye of the 92-year-old monarch. Work on the new Mersey Gateway Bridge Both will arrive by royal train at Runcorn train station to begin the days engagements before departing by car for the Mersey Gateway Bridge. There the Queen will unveil a plaque to officially open the 1.86 billion project, a six-lane toll bridge over the River Mersey, to ease traffic between Runcorn and Widnes. The opening event will be held at Catalyst Museum in West Bank, Widnes, which offers a birds eye view of the new crossing from the glass top observation gallery. The royal party will also watch a performance by local school children there called Bringing Communities Together: Haltons river crossings over the ages. Afterwards the Queen and the duchess will depart by car for Chester, 20 miles away, for two more royal engagements. The first is for the official opening of Storyhouse, a library, theatre and cinema complex, where they will be taken on a tour of the building. While there they will meet a Syrian settlement group engaged in craft work and watch a performance by Fallen Angels, a dance theatre company for people in recovery from addiction, before moving to the theatre to see a medley of songs from Storyhouses latest production, A Little Night Music. Local schoolchildren will also sing songs alongside actors from, Swallows And Amazons. The Queen and the Duchess will then walk to Chester Town Hall where they will attend a lunch as guests of Chester City Council, which will mark the conclusion of their visit to Cheshire. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said there will be no sanctions relief for North Korea until it denuclearises. Mr Pompeo was pushing back on a report from North Korean official state media that said President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un had agreed to a step-by-step process. Earlier Mr Trump boasted that his summit with Mr Kim had ended any nuclear threat from North Korea, though the meeting produced no details on how or when weapons might be eliminated or even reduced. While Mr Trump claimed a historic breakthrough at the most significant diplomatic event of his presidency, Mr Pompeo was more measured. He said that the US wants North Korea to take major nuclear disarmament steps within the next two years before the end of Mr Trumps first term in 2021. .@SecPompeo participates in a joint press availability following his meeting with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono, in Seoul. pic.twitter.com/xN6WZP7hkX Department of State (@StateDept) June 14, 2018 And while North Korean state media had claimed that Mr Trump and Mr Kim agreed to step-by-step actions an apparent euphemism for phased sanctions relief in exchange for phased denuclearisation Mr Pompeo ruled that out. He insisted that Mr Trump had been explicit about the sequencing from the start. Were going to get denuclearisation, Mr Pompeo said. Only then will there be relief from the sanctions. Shortly after arriving in Seoul to brief US treaty allies Japan and South Korea, Mr Pompeo also cautioned that the US would resume war games with close ally South Korea if the North stops negotiating in good faith. The president had announced a halt in the drills after his meeting with Mr Kim on Tuesday, a concession long sought by Pyongyang but generally opposed by Seoul and Tokyo. After a three-way meeting with Mr Pompeo and Japans top diplomat, South Korean foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha suggested the US still had some explaining to do, telling reporters that the issue of the drills was not discussed in depth. This is a matter that military officials from South Korea and the United States will have to discuss further and coordinate, Ms Kang said. The summit in Singapore did mark a reduction in tensions a sea change from last fall, when North Korea was conducting nuclear and missile tests and Mr Trump and Mr Kim were trading threats and insults that stoked fears of war. Mr Kim is now promising to work toward a denuclearised Korean Peninsula. But the details of what is sure to be a complex and contentious process have yet to be settled. South Korea US Japan Despite the uncertainties, Mr Trump talked up the outcome of what was the first meeting between a US and North Korean leader in six decades of hostility. The Korean War ended in 1953 without a peace treaty, leaving the two sides in a technical state of war. Just landed a long trip, but everybody can now feel much safer than the day I took office, Mr Trump tweeted early on Wednesday. There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea. Meeting with Mr Kim Jong Un was an interesting and very positive experience. North Korea has great potential for the future! Mr Pompeo said the brief, four-point joint statement that emerged from the summit did not encapsulate all the progress the US and North Korea had made. He said negotiations would recommence in the next week or so. He bristled at questions from reporters about the vague wording of the statement where North Korea commits to work toward complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula a promise it has made several times before in the past 25 years and reneged on. "The U.S. alliances with these two countries are absolutely ironclad." @SecPompeo at a joint press availability following his meeting with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono. pic.twitter.com/7P88wjxUni U.S. Embassy Seoul (@USEmbassySeoul) June 14, 2018 Although Mr Trump before the summit had insisted on complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation, the deal he signed with Mr Kim made no mention of those last two conditions. Irrelevant, Mr Pompeo argued on Thursday in Seoul, noting that because the deal makes reference to a previous agreement that did include verification, it automatically incorporates verification without having to state it outright. On Thursday, the rival Koreas held rare high-level military talks to discuss reducing tensions across their heavily fortified border. It is possible North Korean officials will seek a firm commitment from the South on stopping its military drills with the United States. Seouls Defense Ministry said the talks would focus on carrying out agreements from a summit between Mr Kim and South Korean president Moon Jae-in where they vowed to take materialised steps to reduce military tensions and eliminate the danger of war. In public, at least, South Koreas leader sought to put a positive spin on the summits outcome. Meeting briefly with Mr Pompeo on Thursday morning, Mr Moon said he was eager to hear how the United States and North Korea could fully and expeditiously implement this great agreement. The summit was a truly historic feat which moved us from the era of hostility towards the era of dialogue, of peace and prosperity, Mr Moon said through a translator Mr Pompeo, the former CIA director, planned to fly to Beijing later Thursday to update the Chinese government about the talks. Leading Remainer Dominic Grieve denied being involved in an anti-Brexit conspiracy after addressing a private meeting in the European Commissions London base. The former attorney general was accused of supping with the devil by Brexiteers after being seen at the event with former spin doctor Alastair Campbell and other opponents of Britains exit from the EU. Mr Grieve, who was part of a group of Tories who pushed Theresa May into promising concessions ahead of a crucial Commons Brexit vote earlier this week, insisted it was not a meeting to conspire with anybody. He told the Press Association there was no conspiracy. I went along to speak at a meeting, he added. I often go to meetings to speak at peoples invitation and thats what I did. Brexit The meeting had been called by one of my Conservative colleagues to discuss how the process of Brexit was unfolding and to seek a briefing from me as to how I thought the dynamics were playing out in Parliament. Mr Grieve said he believed the meeting had been held at the European Commissions London office in Smith Square because it was organised by an MEP. He added: I told the meeting what I say publicly all around the place. Look at my lectures, go on my website, have a look at what I have to say about how I see the current dynamics of Brexit and the problems associated with it and the problems of trying to bring this to satisfactory conclusion. It certainly, from my point of view, was not a meeting to conspire with anybody. Jacob Rees-Mogg warned that Mr Grieve should be careful about the company he keeps if he wanted to maintain his position that this is not about stopping Brexit. The Brexiteer told the Daily Mail: He is someone I trust and when he says he is not trying to frustrate Brexit I believe him but the people he is associating with are clear they do want to stop Brexit. Liverpool v Burnley - Premier League - Anfield If you sup with the devil you should use a long spoon and he is using an egg spoon. Mr Grieve said he disagreed fundamentally with Mr Rees-Moggs claim. Firstly, I disagree with the characterisation of any of the people present as being the devil, he said. This is part of a language of politics I think we should avoid. The Tory MP acknowledged that his fellow backbencher may have made the comment in a lighthearted way. Problem is we have a PM who bends in the wind according to which Tory faction is blowing at the time. But the final deal will need real words agreed and understood by all EU govts and Parliaments. She cant face both ways forever. ALASTAIR CAMPBELL (@campbellclaret) June 13, 2018 But he added: I dont consider that any of the people I met were devils or could be characterised as such. Just because you disagree with Jacob Rees-Mogg doesnt mean that you are a devil. The Government is expected to table a compromise amendment on Thursday to her flagship EU Withdrawal Bill. Mr Grieve withdrew an amendment to the Bill earlier this week after an assurance from the Prime Minister that changes would be introduced to the to ensure that MPs get a real say on the final deal. The MP said he could not be certain that the issue would be resolved reasonably. He said: I dont know whats going to happen today. I hope that this matter will be resolved and reasonably quickly but I cant be certain. The number of terror-related arrests surged to a new record high as Britain was hit by a flurry of attacks, official figures show. In the year ending March 31, a total of 441 individuals were held on suspicion of terrorist-related activity. This was the highest number of arrests in a year since data collection started in 2001, and an increase of 17% on 378 in the previous year. The Home Office has published the latest figures on terror-related arrests (Kirsty O'Connor/PA) The Home Office said the rise was partly due to a number of arrests made following the attacks in London and Manchester. It also emerged that the total number of terror-related arrests in Britain since the 9/11 attacks in 2001 has now passed the 4,000 mark, standing at 4,182 as of the end of March. Storm Hector brought record-breaking winds and caused travel disruption as the prolonged spell of calm weather came to an end. The Met Office had issued a yellow weather warning covering northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland due to the wind. Storm Hector A gust of 74mph in Orlock Head, Northern Ireland, broke the June record for a gust in Ireland, the Met Office said. Fallen trees across Scotland and Northern Ireland caused travel problems. ScotRail said chainsaw gangs and overhead line teams have been deployed across the rail network to remove trees and branches that caused delays and cancellations to services. This @ScotRail service had to make an unscheduled stop at #CarseofGowrie in #Perthshire with downed branches making it unsafe to continue until track was cleared. Drivers operate at reduced speeds in areas where fallen trees are a risk #StormHector pic.twitter.com/CpSTVWIfDx Network Rail Scotland (@NetworkRailSCOT) June 14, 2018 In England, police closed the Tees flyover to high-sided vehicles and the Shields Ferry across the Tyne was not operating. But the gusts were not all bad news, as more than a third of Britains electricity supply came from wind power. Official figures showed that in the 30 minutes before 10am on Thursday, 34.5% of Britains electricity came from wind far higher than the 6% recorded on previous, calmer days. Nicky Maxey, of the Met Office, said records could be broken in Scotland as Storm Hector crosses over from Ireland. The storm brought heavy rain to parts of Cumbria with 3.2in (80mm) falling, and 5.1in (130mm) in the Isle of Skye over the past 24 hours. Whilst it's looking like a mostly fine afternoon for the south, further north it will remain windy with some heavy showers pic.twitter.com/HhL7WyxIZG Met Office (@metoffice) June 14, 2018 Further south in England, there will be blustery conditions but not the strong gusts experienced in the north. A much weaker weather front was due to follow after Storm Hector passed out into the North Sea, bringing much more typical June weather with showers and bright spells. The outlook for Saturday is similar, with the possibility of thunder while Sunday is expected to be the best day of the weekend, being drier with hazy sunshine. Eight people have been taken to hospital after a fire broke out in a high-rise block of flats in Glasgow. Smoke could be seen coming from the 14th floor of the building in Commercial Court in the Gorbals area of the city from around 8am on Thursday. More than 10 fire crews, police and other emergency services were sent to the scene where a fire had broken out in a kitchen. Gorbals blaze The Scottish Fire and Rescue Service said the flames were extinguished and eight people were treated by paramedics before being taken to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. The extent of any injuries is not known. A fire service spokesman said: Operations Control mobilised a number of resources to the scene at Commercial Court, where firefighters extinguished the flames. A total of eight casualties were passed into the care of the Scottish Ambulance Service and transported to the Queen Elizabeth University Hospital. First Minister Nicola Sturgeon and Glasgow City Council leader Susan Aitken praised firefighters for their work. Ms Sturgeon, who is the local MSP, tweeted: Latest update is that the Gorbals fire is fully under control though firefighters remain on scene as precaution against any further risk. My thanks again to our firefighters. Latest update is that the #Gorbals fire is fully under control - though firefighters remain on scene as precaution against any further risk. My thanks again to our firefighters. Nicola Sturgeon (@NicolaSturgeon) June 14, 2018 Ms Aitken initially tweeted that five people had been rescued from the block before the fire service confirmed the increase. The council leader added: Thanks again to our firefighters for their swift and effective work. Eliot Brown, 19, was evacuated from his flat on the 13th floor. He said: I woke up and opened my eyes and saw smoke rising past the window. I thought it was mist at first and then after that I heard a knock on the door and it was someone shouting to get out. The fire broke out a year after the Grenfell disaster in London. Immigration rules capping the number of foreign medics working in the UK will be relaxed to allow the NHS to recruit more staff. Downing Street confirmed that the change will come into effect immediately once new regulations are laid by the Home Office later this week. Non-EU doctors and nurses will be excluded from a cap on skilled worker visas initially imposed by Theresa May when she was home secretary. The cap currently restricts tier two visas for non-EU workers to 20,700 people per year, rules which have been criticised amid growing pressures on the NHS and escalating patient demand. Hospital stock Amid speculation that the move might represent a step towards softening the Governments target to get annual net migration below 100,000, Downing Street stressed that the Prime Minister remains committed to reducing the number to sustainable levels. Mrs Mays official spokesman said: The Prime Minister will in due course be setting out our long-term plan for the NHS. An important part of that is making sure that the NHS has more highly-skilled doctors and nurses to deliver outstanding patient care. What we will be announcing is that doctors and nurses are being excluded from the cap on skilled worker visas. That means more staff on our hospital wards, higher standards and safer patient care. Asked whether the move would make the Governments net migration target harder to hit, the spokesman said: Net migration is falling. We remain absolutely committed to bringing it down to sustainable levels. May visit to Frimley Park Hospital There has been a particular demand in this area and we are responding to this demand as part of our long-term plan for the NHS. Future numbers of visas for non-EU medics would be dictated by the requirements of the NHS, and it will be for health managers to determine how many are needed. The removal of doctors and nurses from the tier two total will have the knock-on effect of freeing up places for other professions, the spokesman confirmed. The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) said the announcement would be a much-needed victory for common sense and patient care. Earlier this month, chairwoman Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard urged Home Secretary Sajid Javid to relax immigration rules, warning there were concerning cases where foreign GPs had been affected by the hostile environment policies first brought in by Mrs May. The British Medical Journal has said that between December 2017 and March 2018 more than 1,500 visa applications from doctors with job offers in the UK were refused as a result of the cap on workers from outside the European Economic Area. Prof Stokes-Lampard said: While we await the details of the Home Secretarys expected announcement, lifting the cap of tier two visas for doctors and nurses wanting to work in the NHS would be a fantastic and much-needed victory for common sense and patient care, and something that the college, along with organisations across medicine, has been pushing hard for. She added: The NHS, general practice included, has long been supported by the skills and hard work of doctors and other healthcare professionals from overseas. Mindful of similar pressures in other countries, we would welcome any appropriately-trained doctor who wants to work in UK general practice to help us deliver care to over one million patients a day. NHS nursing staff survey The BMA said a change in the rules would be welcome relief to doctors and patients, who have witnessed first hand the damage that this policy has caused. Dr Chaand Nagpaul, BMA council chair, said: Overseas doctors make an invaluable contribution to our health service and, at a time when there are thousands of unfilled vacancies within the NHS, it is absurd that the Government should stop experienced and talented healthcare professionals coming to work here and provide much-needed care for patients. We await a full announcement from the Home Secretary tomorrow and will be scrutinising the details very carefully. At the start of June, Mr Javid signalled there could be a softer approach to immigration policy under his leadership at the Home Office, including looking again at the cap on tier two visas. Windrush generation immigration controversy A spokesman for Mrs May said visa routes were always under review, following Mr Javids comments on BBCs Andrew Marr Show. The Telegraph reported that a number of Cabinet ministers had joined Mr Javid to convince the Prime Minister to exclude medical staff from the tier two cap. The chair of the Commons Home Affairs Committee, Labour MP Yvette Cooper said: This is the right decision. For months doctors and nurses the NHS needs have been turned away including over 1,500 doctors with job offers already. But there are now so many problems with the immigration system, the Home Secretary must not stop here. The net migration target regime just isnt working and should be replaced including by removing students from the target straight away. NHS report The immigration policy director at business lobby group London First, Mark Hilton, described the decision as a step in the right direction, but added: Its time for Government to accept that arbitrary caps and targets dont work. The Home Office declined to comment. A gifted student who stabbed an autistic teenager to death over a pathetic row on social media has been jailed for 21 years. Paul Akinnuoye, 20, from Tunbridge Wells in Kent, traded gay insults with 19-year-old Jordan Wright in a WhatsApp group called Ice city boyz. The defendant called Mr Wright a batty boy and he retorted: On your mums life Im straighter than you. The argument led to the pair agreeing to a fight in Shooters Hill, south-east London. Jordan Wright, 19, was stabbed to death by Paul Akinnuoye, 20, after a petty WhatsApp spat (Metropolitan Police/PA) Akinnuoye, who had a past conviction for carrying a knuckleduster, armed himself with a small knife. But the victim, who was due to start a construction apprenticeship days later, regarded it as a fist fight ting, the court heard. On the evening of April 19 last year, Mr Wright suffered repeated stab wounds, collapsed and died. Jurors rejected the defendants claim someone else was responsible and convicted him of murder. At the sentencing, Mr Wrights mother, Katharine Alade, said her son was a happy, loving, thoughtful but solitary child who was on the autistic spectrum. She said: Due to his autism, Jordan was not realistic and did not understand the complexities of life and what was going on. He did not fully take on board the dangers on the streets these days. She described the impact of one moment of madness, saying: There is not one day when I dont shed tears. His father Neville Wright added that his son was just trying to find himself. In mitigation, John Femi-Ola QC said A-grade student Akinnuoye came from an academic family and had thrown away the opportunity to study pharmacy at Brighton University. He said: Its appalling what happened in this case. The life of one boy is gone, his home is destroyed. Judge Philip Katz QC jailed Akinnuoye to life with a minimum term of 21 years. He told him: This is another family devastated by the untimely death of a young man stabbed to death in public. The trigger for this murder was an utterly trivial dispute on a WhatsApp group chat which involved you, Jordan and others. The judge condemned the defendants friends on WhatsApp who encouraged the fight, saying in hindsight one could only recoil in horror. Jordan lost his life as a result of this pathetic goading on social media. Jordans death was as pointless as it was tragic, he said. He told Akinnuoye that his victim did not understand the complexities of life, adding: Unlike you, he had an innocent outlook on life and did not fully take on board the dangers of knife crime and violence. UBSs London headquarters has been snapped up by a Hong Kong property investment firm in a 1 billion deal. The building at 5 Broadgate has been sold by British Land and GIC to a subsidiary of Li Ka-shings CK Asset Holdings, where the tycoon is still an advisor. British Land originally took joint ownership of the site back in 2012, committing to develop the new location of the UBS global investment banking business. UBS offices in the City of London (Philip Toscano/PA) The building was completed in 2015, helping British Land pocket returns of 18% per year. Gerald Ma, a member of CK Asset Holdings executive committee, said: 5 Broadgate is a great quality asset with a high quality tenant, and we are delighted with this investment. British Land shares were down 0.3% following the news. It is the latest London office building to be picked up by Asian investors in recent months. Chinese investment group Hengli Investments Holding Group last year signed a 20-year lease on Lloyds Banking Groups headquarters for an undisclosed sum. That deal came shortly after Cheung Kei Group forked out 270 million for a Canary Wharf tower that lets to businesses including US banking giant JP Morgan as well as Time Inc, American Express, Balfour Beatty and Cision Gorkana. The company bought the site, at 5 Churchill Place, from Said holdings. Hong Kong food conglomerate Lee Kum Kee earlier spent 1.3 billion buying out Canary Wharf Groups and Land Securitiess 50% stakes in the Walkie Talkie skyscraper in June. Londons landmark Cheesegrater building was also sold to the investment vehicle of Chinese property magnate Cheung Chung Kiu for 1.15 billion. The Queen and the Duchess of Sussex fell silent to mark the first anniversary of the Grenfell Tower tragedy as they teamed up for their first official visit together since the royal wedding. They were in Chester at noon and joined people up and down the UK in observing the silence in memory of the victims of the fire. Royal visit to Cheshire The occasion added a sombre note to the otherwise happy tour of Cheshire, which drew large crowds. It began on a blustery platform at Runcorn station, where the Queen and duchess were welcomed with polite handshakes and curtsies from local dignitaries and wild cheering and applause from hundreds of flag-waving schoolchildren. Royal visit to Cheshire All eyes were on the duchess as she passed another royal milestone, joining the Queen for an event without her husband for the first time. The monarch appeared to enjoy the company of her new granddaughter-in-law, who was wearing a neutral pencil dress by Givenchy. They were clearly at ease in each others company, smiling and chatting as the duchess completed an important royal rite of passage. Royal visit to Cheshire The Queen and Meghan, 36, who married Prince Harry last month in the gothic splendour of St Georges Chapel in Windsor Castle, started their tour with a visit to Runcorn and Widnes, towns on the banks of the Mersey famous for chemicals and rugby league. The itinerary for the US-born former actress and the 92-year-old monarch included officially opening the Mersey Gateway Bridge, a 1.86 billion six lane toll crossing designed to ease traffic between Runcorn and Widnes. They also visited the Catalyst Museum in Widnes, which offers a birds eye view of the new crossing from the glass top observation gallery. Royal visit to Cheshire They then headed to the historic city of Chester for more engagements. But everything stopped at noon when they both stood in silence along with other dignitaries and crowds of well-wishers outside the Storyhouse theatre. The Queen and Meghan were cheered by screaming crowds as they arrived in the centre of Chester. Many had lined the centre of the city for hours waiting for the royal party, and there was a heavy police presence, including many officers on rooftops. Thousands of people crammed behind barriers in Northgate Street as the pair walked the 200m from the Storyhouse arts centre to the town hall in the sunshine. The Queen walked down one side of the road and Meghan down the other as they stopped to chat to people and collected dozens of floral bouquets and other gifts. Meghan was spotted showing her wedding ring to one group of well-wishers. On the other side of the road, many of those waiting to greet the Queen shouted Meghan, trying to get the duchess attention. Earlier, the royal party had toured the Storyhouse centre where they sat through a number of performances. The duchess appeared delighted at what she was watching, especially the songs by a choir of local school children. Meghan walked slightly behind the Queen as they made their way through the complex. As they sat through the performances, the duchess who smiled almost continuously occasionally leaned over to comment to her grandmother-in-law. After walking down the main street, the Queen and Meghan appeared on the town hall balcony to deafening cheers from the thousands below. The Duke of Cambridges children could be budding historians, Lady Antonia Fraser has told him. Lady Antonia, famed for her biographies and marriage to playwright Harold Pinter, returned to Buckingham Palace to become a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour. Despite having already been made a dame, she admitted feeling just as nervous ahead her return trip to Buckingham Palace where she received recognition for services to literature. Royal Baby It is a great honour, and its a pleasure, she said. The historian said William had been keen to know whether her interest in the subject began in childhood, telling how his own children are avid readers. She said: He asked me whether Id always been interested in history as a child and so I said: Yes, I used to write history as a child, so look out, meaning your (Williams) own children. And he said his own children are always reading books. He was very sweet and charming, as a father. The prince also joked that he had been gently scolded by his own father for not reading enough history, she said. He said his father, the Prince of Wales, said he didnt read enough history and I said well that can be remedied, she said, laughing. He was altogether delightful, natural. Investitures at Buckingham Palace Also honoured were former national security adviser Sir Mark Lyall Grant, awarded a Knight Grand Cross under the Most Distinguished Order of Saint Michael and Saint George, for his services to UK foreign and national security policy. Sir Mark, who retired last year, said: Its a very special privilege to receive the honour at the end of my public career, my Government career. As I move to a new phase of my life its very nice to feel that Ive been recognised for the things Ive done over the last 35 years working for the Government. Sir Craig Mackey, deputy commissioner of the Metropolitan Police Service, said he still felt shocked to have been knighted for his services to policing. Investitures at Buckingham Palace He said: (I am) a little bit still in shock, excited, very proud and very proud for policing. He said the honour is one he accepted on behalf of all those who work to keep the country safe. He said: This is about policing. There are very, very many men and women across the country who do an outstanding job on a daily basis and Im fortunate to be part of that team. Bazil Meade, of the London Community Gospel Choir, some members of which had sung at the wedding of the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, said William described the performance at St Georges Chapel last month as amazing. Mr Meade, made an MBE for his services to the development of British Gospel music, said he felt it had been a powerful statement to have a gospel choir at a British royal wedding. Investitures at Buckingham Palace He said: I think it was such a powerful statement having a gospel choir involved because we are at the heart of the African Caribbean community and it shows to the world the diversity that is present here. It has done a great deal I think to bring the royal family into the heart of the people. A minutes silence was observed in Buckingham Palaces ballroom, where the investiture ceremony took place, in memory of those killed in the Grenfell Tower fire. William observed the silence, commemorating the one-year anniversary of the tragedy that claimed 72 lives, privately ahead of the ceremony which began shortly after 11am. A best-selling author has told of her upset and sympathy for hundreds of people involved in a film adaptation of one of her books that has been scuppered by the Harvey Weinstein scandal. Deborah Moggach, who wrote The Best Exotic Marigold Hotel, had hoped the big screen version of her novel Tulip Fever would be in UK cinemas by now. She said the film, with an all-star cast including Dame Judi Dench and Cara Delevingne, had been hit by a string of complications and is an example of the knock-on effects of the scandal surrounding disgraced film producer Weinstein. It had many, many, many complications and slips and it was just about to come out when the whole Weinstein scandal broke, she said. And thats sort of scuppered it for the moment. Deborah Moggach Weinstein has pleaded not guilty to rape and criminal sex act charges in the US. Of the film delays, the writer said: I was really upset. But also upset for all the talented people who work in movies. She added: Hundreds and hundreds of people (are) involved in making films as you know and they put their heart and soul into it, so its the knock-on effects of these things. Moggach was made an OBE for services to literature and drama. Speaking after receiving the honour from the Duke of Cambridge at Buckingham Palace on Thursday, she said it felt thrilling. Its difficult to connect it up to your working life, that takes a bit of getting used to. I cant tell you how thrilled I am and my children are in seventh heaven, she added. A potato lover has made a 1,000-mile round trip to Scotland in order to dig up his own supply. Jamie McCoo, from Deal in Kent, was brought up in Scotland and has travelled back in recent years to collect 25kgs of his favourite Ayrshire new potatoes. The 69-year-old had contacted Scotty Brand to check for stockists of Ayrshire potatoes in the south east of England but with no availability south of the Border he was invited to Girvan, South Ayrshire to dig his own batch with father and son farmers Drew and David Young. He said: My mother always told me that the first dig resulted in the best batch and Ayrshire potatoes are some of the finest new potatoes grown in the UK. Ayrshire potatoes come into season in June, so Ive been making the special trip for the last couple of years to stock up for summer. Scottys new potatoes are in my opinion the best out there, so its been great to meet the farmer Drew Young who allowed me literally to dig my own batch. Farmer David Young with Jamie McCoo and his batch of potatoes (Peter Sandground/PA) Richard Allison, general manager of Scotty Brand, said the trip was a great way to start the production season. He said: We receive many requests from customers desperately searching for the best Scottish seasonal produce, but Jamie McCoos correspondence really stood out. Having emailed our customer service team to check for stockists of his favourite Ayrshires in the south east, he was disappointed to discover they werent available south of the border but made it clear that he was prepared to make a special visit. We invited Mr McCoo to select his crop personally from Scottys Girvan-based farmer, Drew Young and hes promised to share his four stone of potatoes with his Scottish friends in Kent. The Duchess of Sussex showed her nerves on her first joint engagement with the Queen, but there was genuine warmth between the monarch and Meghan, a body language expert said. Judi James said the head of state and the former Suits star giggled together like teenagers at one point as they enjoyed their day out in Cheshire. Ms James said: The Queen doesnt indulge in worries and she didnt spend a lot of time checking on Meghan, but instead let her get on with it. But when she did glance at her, it was with a beaming smile and approval. The Queen and Duchess of Sussex She added: The Queen was the happiest Ive seen her in a long time. They looked like naughty teenagers giggling together at one point. Meghan was still being very careful. She sat with her legs crossed at the ankles and was clearly seeking approval. The Queen and Meghan The newlywed duchess, who married the Duke of Sussex in a star-studded ceremony in Windsor last month, was nervous, repeatedly touching her hair. Ms James suggested: Meghan did so many self-checking gestures of anxiety which is interesting in such a confident woman. She walked up the aisle on her own without batting an eyelid. The Queen and Duchess of Sussex The duchesss outfit a beige Givenchy dress with caped shoulders may have not been the ideal choice, Ms James said. I think her outfit did her no favours. The caped shoulders restricted her arms and she lost some of her more natural movements. Royal visit to Cheshire Ms James described the monarch as having young body language for a woman of 92. Royal visit to Cheshire She looked positively girlish. When she smiles you can see the young princess coming out. Shes got a beautiful childlike smile and her little hands were formed into fists at one point. Perhaps Meghan did bring a little bit more of that out in her. Meghan and the Queen We saw displays which showed the pair genuinely having fun. Ms James said the Queen was similarly beaming with smiles when she carried out her first joint engagement with the Duchess of Cambridge. The Prince of Wales has said the good relations the UK and Ireland have enjoyed in recent years will survive as the two nations resolve shared challenges. Charles made the prediction in a speech to mark his visit to Ireland, and is likely to be interpreted by commentators as partly referring to the Brexit problem of the Northern Ireland and Republic border. The 2011 visit by the Queen to Ireland was seen as a watershed moment in Anglo-Irish relations, ushering in closer ties between the two nations as they reconciled their difficult shared histories. But the Brexit issue of how to create a frictionless border between Northern Ireland and the Republic is proving a major stumbling block to Britain leaving the EU. After meeting people at The English Market, The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall attend a Civic reception at Cork City Hall. #RoyalVisitIreland pic.twitter.com/91UUpocVqs The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) June 14, 2018 There are concerns that, if a hard border with infrastructure and guards returns, it could ultimately threaten the peace the north has enjoyed following the Good Friday Agreement. Charles, who was joined by the Duchess of Cornwall, is making his fourth successive visit to Ireland and said of relations between the UK and the Republic: With reconciliation and understanding as our guides, we have found a new path to shared prosperity and security, and we are determined that we must never lose our way again. If I may say so, this is precisely why I have felt it of such importance that we should keep coming to Ireland to demonstrate, in whatever small way we can, just how vital and valuable the ties between our countries are to us all. Royal visit to Republic of Ireland Speaking at Cork City Hall to an audience of local politicians, business people and civic leaders, the prince said: On each visit we have met so many unforgettable people who are doing such noteworthy things to strengthen that relationship, in almost every imaginable sphere. I therefore have nothing but the greatest confidence that the friendship, collaboration and mutual understanding that Ireland and the United Kingdom have enjoyed over recent years will endure, as we work together to find solutions to shared challenges and as our relationship evolves in the months and years ahead. Charles and Camilla began their visit to Cork by following in the footsteps of the Queen and visiting the citys famous English Market famed for its regional produce and food from across the globe. The Prince of Wales made a speech at the @corkcitycouncil Civic Reception. Read it in full here: https://t.co/bszQD4Tv8M #RoyalVisitIreland The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) June 14, 2018 During the tour of the historic food hall, baker Michael Hassett presented the royal couple with cupcakes bearing their picture. It was hilarious, he said. They really enjoyed it. They were delighted to see the picture we picked it was very flattering. Royal visit to Republic of Ireland Pat OConnell, the owner of a fish stall, showed the royals fresh salmon caught a short distance from the market in the River Lee. He said: Its been an incredible visit. Its fantastic for Cork city, fantastic for the English market and fantastic for local Irish produce. Mr OConnell said the welcome afforded to the prince was evidence of how far relations between the UK and Ireland have improved. He added: I think he expected a good welcome but this was way more than he expected really. Its how far weve come and lets keep going on that road. Prince of Wales Charles and Camilla attended separate events during the day, with the prince visiting the National Maritime College of Ireland near Cork. He was left impressed by the apparent sensation of a ship in stormy waters when he stood on the bridge of a simulator. Later he visited the nearby headquarters of the Irish Navy. The heir to the throne stepped on board the off-shore patrol vessel which the simulator was based on thought to be the first time a member of the royal family has boarded an Irish naval vessel. Meanwhile the duchess visited a womens refuge in Cork which has supported the victims of domestic violence for more than 40 years, offering counselling and support for women and children. Camilla hailed the work of the refuge for letting women know they are not alone. She presented a hamper to the refuge filled with sweets, chocolate and fudge for the children who live there. She also met the artist in residence who works with children through art therapy. Charles toasted his final night in Cork in Irelands native language as he thanked the county for their welcomes and hospitality. He said: You have been more kind and welcoming to us than we could ever believe possible. Our countries have travelled a troubled road together but reconciliation and understanding as our guide we have found a very important new path to share prosperity and security and together we are determined we must never lose our way again. Before raising a glass to toast, Charles said: To the President of Ireland and the people of Ireland and the special relationship between our two countries. Charles and Camilla ended their trip to Co Cork at a private banquet in Crawford Art Gallery. The dinner, hosted by Corks Lord Mayor Tony Fitzgerald, celebrated the time the royal couple had spent in the county and involved many of the citizens the couple had met throughout the day. The gallery holds some of Corks most well-known local art and tributes to the famous faces who call the county home. The dinner, held in an exhibition room, featured a menu showcasing the very best of local produce from Cork and the surrounding areas. The royal couple head off on Friday for neighbouring county Kerry for the final day of their tour of Ireland. The NHS is to be able to recruit thousands more medical staff from abroad, after the Government announced a relaxation on visas. Doctors and nurses are to be excluded from the cap on so-called Tier 2 visas for skilled workers from non-EU countries, imposed by Theresa May when she was home secretary. The visa limit has been set at 20,700 a year since 2011, with around 40% of places accounted for by the NHS. But recent months have regularly seen demand outstrip supply, driven in large part by the under-pressure health service. (PA Graphics) Home Secretary Sajid Javid said: I recognise the pressures faced by the NHS and other sectors in recent months. Doctors and nurses play a vital role in society and at this time we need more in the UK. That is why I have reviewed our skilled worker visa route. This is about finding a solution to increased demand and to support our essential national services. Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt said the move would send a clear message to nurses and doctors from around the world that the NHS welcomes and values their skills and dedication, adding: Its fantastic that patients will now benefit from the care of thousands more talented staff. Downing Street confirmed the change would come into effect immediately after new regulations are tabled on Friday. Future numbers of visas for non-EU medics would be dictated by the requirements of the NHS, and it will be for health managers to determine how many are needed. The removal of doctors and nurses from the Tier Two total will have the knock-on effect of freeing up hundreds of places each month for other professions, including engineers, IT professionals and teachers. Hospital stock Number 10 played down suggestions that the Government was moving away from its target to get annual net migration below 100,000, stressing that the Prime Minister remains committed to reducing the number to sustainable levels. Net migration is falling, said Mrs Mays official spokesman. We remain absolutely committed to bringing it down to sustainable levels. There has been a particular demand in this area and we are responding to this demand as part of our long-term plan for the NHS. The Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) said the announcement would be a much-needed victory for common sense and patient care. May visit to Frimley Park Hospital Earlier this month, chairwoman Professor Helen Stokes-Lampard urged Mr Javid to relax immigration rules, warning there were concerning cases where foreign GPs had been affected by the hostile environment policies first brought in by Mrs May. The British Medical Journal has said that between December 2017 and March 2018 more than 1,500 visa applications from doctors with job offers in the UK were refused as a result of the cap on workers from outside the European Economic Area. Prof Stokes-Lampard said: While we await the details of the Home Secretarys expected announcement, lifting the cap of tier two visas for doctors and nurses wanting to work in the NHS would be a fantastic and much-needed victory for common sense and patient care, and something that the college, along with organisations across medicine, has been pushing hard for. She added: The NHS, general practice included, has long been supported by the skills and hard work of doctors and other healthcare professionals from overseas. Mindful of similar pressures in other countries, we would welcome any appropriately-trained doctor who wants to work in UK general practice to help us deliver care to over one million patients a day. The BMA said a change in the rules would be welcome relief to doctors and patients, who have witnessed first hand the damage that this policy has caused. Dr Chaand Nagpaul, BMA council chairman, said: Overseas doctors make an invaluable contribution to our health service and, at a time when there are thousands of unfilled vacancies within the NHS, it is absurd that the Government should stop experienced and talented healthcare professionals coming to work here and provide much-needed care for patients. Windrush generation immigration controversy The chairwoman of the Commons Home Affairs Committee, Labour MP Yvette Cooper, said: This is the right decision. For months doctors and nurses the NHS needs have been turned away including over 1,500 doctors with job offers already. But there are now so many problems with the immigration system, the Home Secretary must not stop here. The net migration target regime just isnt working and should be replaced including by removing students from the target straight away. The immigration policy director at business lobby group London First, Mark Hilton, described the decision as a step in the right direction, but added: Its time for Government to accept that arbitrary caps and targets dont work. Windy conditions quickly helped send scores soaring on the first day of the 118th US Open at Shinnecock Hills, with former champion Rory McIlroy one of the high-profile victims. McIlroy and playing partners Phil Mickelson and Jordan Spieth were among the early starters hoping to take advantage of a course softened by Wednesdays rain. But the four-time major winner struggled to the turn in 42 as the marquee group combined to play the back nine in 15 over par with just two birdies between them. Rory McIlroy made a poor start at the US Open McIlroy had been bullish about his prospects after a lengthy spell of preparation at Shinnecock and other courses on Long Island, but his prospects of a second US Open title were quickly blown off course. McIlroy's highest opening nines at #USOpen: 42 (+7) in 2018 38 (+4) in 2012 37 (+2) in 2016 36 (+1) in 2009 36 (+1) in 2014 pic.twitter.com/Px6zfc2IyS The European Tour (@EuropeanTour) June 14, 2018 After missing from seven feet for birdie on the 10th, his opening hole, McIlroy dropped shots on the next two holes and then ran up back-to-back double bogeys on the 13th and 14th. McIlroy briefly stopped the rot with a birdie on the 15th, only to drop further shots on the 16th and 18th and then run up a double bogey on the first after a wayward tee shot. At nine over par the former world number one faced a battle just to break 80 on the par-70 layout, while Mickelson was a relatively respectable four over par and Spieth five over despite a triple-bogey six on the 11th. At the top of the leaderboard, Englands Ian Poulter and American Matt Kuchar were setting the pace on two under, with Scotlands Russell Knox a shot behind. Justin Rose and Masters champion Patrick Reed were part of a group on level par that also included Matt Fitzpatrick and Scot Calum Hill, the pair having both made eagle on the par-five fifth. Irish government agencies at the centre of a probe into the cervical cancer screening controversy have been accused of foot-dragging, the Dail has heard. Alan Kelly TD was also critical of unreadable documents that were sent as part of the investigation into the health scandal. The Labour representative accused the Minister of Health Simon Harris of not being on top of issues after it emerged that scanned documents were provided to inquiry chairman Dr Gabriel Scally. Simon Harris These documents are not searchable. Mr Kelly warned that if progress is not made soon the lifetime of this government will soon end. There are members of the house who have more knowledge than those in government, he said. It emerged in April that an audit by the Cervical Check screening programme of 1,482 women diagnosed with cervical cancer since 2008 had found potential errors in earlier smear tests in 209 of the cases, with results showing no abnormalities when they should have flagged a cancer warning. Fianna Fail TD Darragh OBrien slammed the lack of information provided to Dr Scally as outrageous and unacceptable. Information is being denied and delayed by various administrative and legal reasons, Mr OBrien added. Leaders Questions: No more delays for the CervicalCheck scoping inquiry https://t.co/z57XxUJaRQ via @YouTube Darragh O'Brien (@DarraghOBrienTD) June 14, 2018 It has taken a full month to send documents and they were not in an accessible form. He said that when the documents arrived they were buried under a mountain of paperwork. It would be more prudent to set up Commission of Inquiry and have information sought rather than dragged from agencies. Speaking in the Dail on Thursday, Mr OBrien said that a change of culture is needed and a Commission of Inquiry would provide more power in an investigation. Speaking on behalf of the government, the Minister for Education and Skills Richard Bruton said that the Health Minister made it clear to Dr Scally that interruption (of his inquiry) will not be tolerated. He told the Dail that a Commission of Inquiry would run long and that some of the affected women do not have such time. Dr Scally has proved his effectiveness in the first report, the Education Minister added. We needed to get quick access to important information. The Duchess of Cornwall has visited a refuge centre for victims of domestic violence in Co Cork. Camilla, who continues to make good on her promise to break the taboo of domestic abuse, has championed the cause for a number of years. Pauline Dunne, director of services of Cuanlee Womens Refuge who has been serving the community for over four decades, says the staff and women living in the refuge were honoured to have the royal attend their centre. Camilla in Ireland She said: When we found out that she had a genuine interest and dedication to helping those affected by domestic violence we were absolutely honoured and thrilled that she wanted to visit. The kids are so excited, dressed up, and its a big day for them and thats what matters to us. Its great that shes chosen a cause like domestic violence to shine a light on. Domestic violence does not discriminate, and it can happen anywhere to anyone. Were happy to have her here. Camilla, who has previously admitted personally knowing victims of domestic violence, met a number of women who live in the centre with their children due to violence and abuse at home. Speaking with one previous resident of the refuge, Camilla hailed the work of Cuanlee saying: Its important that people know they always have somewhere to come back to, and they are not alone. The first step is sometimes the hardest. She went on to visit a unit inside the refuge were families live together, as well as meeting the artist in residence of the refuge who works with traumatised children in art therapy classes. Artist in residence Terri OSullivan said: Im delighted to meet her, shes taken a real interest in the women here, and these women have been some real tough times. Its so important as we tend to stereotype people who have been through domestic violence, so having Camilla here really shows it can happen to anyone. Camilla presented the children living in the refuge with a hamper filled with sweets, chocolate and fudge as a parting gift. The visit was organised as part of Camilla and Prince Charles visit to Ireland this week. The royal couple were in county Cork on Thursday visiting a number of famous sites as well as charities and organisations in which they have an interest. Prince Charles attended a naval base while Camilla visited the womens refuge and the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind training centre. The Prince of Wales discovered that piloting a ship is like riding a bike you never lose the knack. More than 40 years after he commanded a British warship during his Royal Navy days he returned to the bridge albeit a simulator with a very realistic 180-degree projection of the sea. Charles, who captained the mine hunter HMS Bronington for 10 months in 1976, joined naval students at the National Maritime College of Ireland near Cork for the trip down memory lane. During a visit to The National Maritime College of Ireland, The Prince of Wales took control of a @nmcivirtual ship in the Bridge simulator. #RoyalVisitIreland pic.twitter.com/k6pSfJv1RU The Prince of Wales and The Duchess of Cornwall (@ClarenceHouse) June 14, 2018 At first, Lieutenant Gavin McCarthy, a navigation instructor, called out the manoeuvres for the ship WB Yeats which Charles repeated for those training for a career on the seas. WB Yeats a mock-up of a real off-shore patrol vessel was in waters off the town of Cobh, famous for being the last port of call for the Titanic before it set off on its ill-fated journey. Charles marvelled at the scene in front of him which gave a real-time feel to the movement of the ship, especially when stormy waters were introduced with the click of a mouse and he said its extraordinary as the projection outside the windows appeared to make the ship move up and down over the waves. Charles in Ireland The prince started making the orders himself, calling out midships, an instruction to move the rudder to the middle of the ship so it runs in a straight line, and managed to manoeuvre it into a tight berth. Lieu McCarthy said afterwards he did very well. Charles was also shown a survival exercise with civilian students training for a maritime career diving into a pool and clambering into a life raft. Charles in Ireland Before leaving, the heir to the throne attended a reception for staff from the college and was presented with an ink and watercolour sketch made by Queen Victoria when she visited Cobh in 1849. The image of Spike Ireland was created when the vessel Victoria was travelling in ran aground and she used the time until she was freed to indulge her passion for art. Theresa May is facing the biggest parliamentary bust-up yet on her flagship Brexit legislation after a compromise designed to keep critics in her own party on board was denounced as unacceptable by Tory Remainers. The move was branded sneaky by one backbencher while another senior pro-EU Tory said the wording of a Government amendment was changed at the last minute to deny MPs the chance of blocking a no deal Brexit. Peers are to vote on Monday on a proposal to give MPs the power to dictate the Governments response if it fails to reach a deal with Brussels as a potentially bloody round of parliamentary ping-pong gets under way. Mrs May avoided almost certain defeat in the House of Commons on Tuesday by inviting potential rebels into her private office and assuring them that their concerns about having a meaningful vote on the final Brexit deal would be addressed. Dominic Grieve However, the amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill tabled on Thursday leaves Parliament facing a deal or no deal choice. If MPs reject the agreement reached by Mrs May with Brussels or if no deal has been obtained by January 21 Parliament will be offered the opportunity only to vote on a neutral motion stating that it has considered a ministers statement on the issue. Crucially, the motion will be unamendable, meaning that MPs cannot insert a requirement for Mrs May to go back to the negotiating table, extend the Brexit transition or revoke the UKs withdrawal under Article 50. Leading pro-EU Conservative Dominic Grieve told the Press Association: It is unacceptable in my view. It is not in accordance with the normal procedures of the House of Commons and it totally negates the point of the amendment, which was to give MPs a say. Mr Grieve indicated the final text of the amendment tabled by ministers on Thursday been changed from the wording which he believed had been agreed earlier in the day. Theresa May He told PA: After what had been a very sensible negotiation, I thought we had an agreement, and at the last moment part of the text was changed to make the final motion unamendable if there isnt a deal by the end of January 21. I think it is unacceptable because it seems to me to be contrary to what the whole intention was behind this whole amendment. Mr Grieve previously tabled his own proposals, which would have allowed Parliament to dictate the next steps the Government should take if no deal was reached by the end of February. The House of Lords However, the Grieve amendment was not put to a vote on Tuesday after would-be rebels accepted personal assurances from the PM that a compromise would be found. Instead, the majority of the pro-EU Tories backed the Government in voting down a Lords amendment to give them the power to tell ministers to go back to Brussels and renegotiate. Now Conservative peer Viscount Hailsham has re-tabled Mr Grieves amendment in the House of Lords, setting the scene for a fresh Government defeat when the Bill returns to the Second Chamber on Monday. I understand the Govt has tabled an amendment that has not been agreed by Dominic Grieve. Grateful for the conversations but without consultation what was agreed earlier today has been changed. Anna Soubry (@Anna_Soubry) June 14, 2018 A spokesman for David Daviss Department for Exiting the EU said the Government amendment met the tests set down by the Brexit Secretary and Prime Minister that any changes to the Bill must not undermine negotiations or change the constitutional roles of Parliament and Government and must respect the referendum result. The spokesman said the wording ensures that in all circumstances Parliament can hold Government to account while also allowing Government to deliver on the will of the British people as expressed in the referendum. He added: This remains hypothetical and the Government is confident we will agree a good deal with the EU which Parliament will support. Pro-EU Tories were quick to voice their anger. Shortly before the text of the amendment was tabled, former minister Anna Soubry tweeted to say that deal or no deal Parliament will have a meaningful vote and there will be no hard Brexit. Ah ha, so just to be clear we are now going to have to amend the unamendable after the agreed amendable amendment acquired a sneaky sting in the tail. What a time to be alive... Sarah Wollaston (@sarahwollaston) June 14, 2018 However, following the release of the Governments proposals, she said: I understand the Government has tabled an amendment that has not been agreed by Dominic Grieve. Grateful for the conversations but without consultation what was agreed earlier today has been changed. Sarah Wollaston tweeted: So just to be clear we are now going to have to amend the unamendable after the agreed amendable amendment acquired a sneaky sting in the tail. Would be funny if only it wasnt such a serious issue. Sir Keir Starmer Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said: The Governments amendment is simply not good enough. Theresa May has gone back on her word and offered an amendment that takes the meaning out of the meaningful vote. Parliament cannot and should not accept it. But Labour MP Tom Tugendhat said the issue of the meaningful vote was secondary as the Government would fall if it could not secure parliamentary approval for its Brexit deal. If the government cant get the most important treaty through Parliament well be looking for a new government, said Mr Tugendhat. The PM has double-crossed Grieve and Soubry, put party before country and broken a promise made just 48 hours before. More than ever the people are entitled to a final say on the deal and an #ExitfromBrexit before the Govt do any more permanent damage to the country #FBPE Tom Brake (@thomasbrake) June 14, 2018 Liberal Democrat Brexit spokesman Tom Brake said: It appears Theresa May has been caught red-handed making conflicting offers to Tory rebels and hard-right Brexiters. It was clear she couldnt keep both promises we are now finding out which lie she was telling. Upskirting is due to become a specific criminal offence, with the worst offenders facing up to two years in jail, after the Government backed a campaign to criminalise the cruel craze. The Ministry of Justice announced its support to ban the practice, which sees perpetrators take images under a persons clothing without their consent, on the eve of a Parliamentary session which could have otherwise seen the Bill sink without trace. Upskirting Upskirting victim Gina Martin, 26, who faced rape threats and abuse after launching her campaign to make it a criminal offence, told the Press Association: This is obviously great news, and its thanks to everyone whos listened to us along the way. I want to hug every woman who has got in touch with me to say its happened to them, to say that now hopefully we can get access to justice for all victims because the politicians listened. Theres still a way to go, but it looks now like it will go through without too much of a hitch. Upskirting is due to form part of the Voyeurism (Offences) Bill proposed by Wera Hobhouse, Lib Dem MP for Bath which is now expected to be nodded through the Commons on Friday following the Governments public backing, unless there are any objections. The Bill which has received mass cross-party support to date will still have to be scrutinised and pass through the Commons and Lords before it receives Royal Assent, but this is seen as the greatest sign yet that the campaign will bear fruit. Justice minister Lucy Frazer said: This behaviour is a hideous invasion of privacy which leaves victims feeling degraded and distressed. By making upskirting a specific offence, we are sending a clear message that this behaviour will not be tolerated, and that perpetrators will be properly punished. Id like to thank Wera Hobhouse, Gina Martin, and all other campaigners for their tireless work, and look forward to seeing the Bill progress through Parliament. Ms Hobhouse said: I got involved in politics to change things that my constituents and I care about. I am incredibly grateful to Gina Martin for starting this campaign, and for giving me the opportunity in my first year in parliament to do exactly that. The fact that the Government has listened to our calls is testament to the widespread consensus that there was a gap in the law that needed to be addressed. By working with Gina and ministers on the detail of my bill, we have demonstrated when we work together successfully we can make a difference on issues that really matter to people. We all made the case for common sense. Now if someone is to fall victim to upskirting, the law will recognise them as the victim, and the police will be able to act immediately and bring the perpetrators to justice. Ms Martin, a freelance writer living in London, has spent the last year calling for the ban after two men took a picture up her skirt while at the British SummerTime festival in Hyde Park in 2017. She only realised what had happened when she spotted one of the men sharing the image on his mobile in front of her but despite snatching the phone and presenting it as evidence to nearby police, the case was closed four days later. Her campaign aided by lawyer Ryan Whelan from Gibson Dunn has won political support from all parties, was acknowledged by Theresa May at Prime Ministers Questions last month, and has been backed by the likes of television presenters Holly Willoughby, Dermot OLeary and Laura Whitmore. The first figures on the prevalence of upskirting, published by the Press Association earlier this year, showed complainants as young as 10, with incidents in a slew of public locations such as restaurants and festivals. Currently victims in England and Wales are forced to seek prosecution through other legal avenues, such as outraging public decency or harassment, prompting the call for a specific law similar to one already in force in Scotland. The new law would bring the punishment for upskirting in line with other existing voyeurism offences, and will see offenders face a maximum of two years in prison. A Ministry of Justice spokesman said: The Government will now work with Ms Hobhouse and others to bring these measures through, with ministers planning to ensure crucial amendments are made to the Bill the most notable of these amendments includes placing the most serious offenders on the sex offenders register. Mr Whelan said: Securing Government support is a significant milestone in the campaign. Gina, Wera and supporters from across the political spectrum are rightly celebrating. The Bill will be heard on Friday and we trust and hope that no member of Parliament will oppose it. BOGOTA, June 13 (Reuters) - More than a million people have left Venezuela to live in Colombia during the last 15 months, with arrivals expected to continue, the Colombian government said on Wednesday, as its socialist neighbor suffers a deep economic crisis. A two-month national survey to track migrants showed 442,462 Venezuelans without visas, stamped passports or temporary permission to remain had arrived over the 15 months. Another 376,572 arrivals did have legal permission. In addition, some 250,000 Colombian citizens who had been living in Venezuela also returned home during that period. "More than a million people have migrated from Venezuela to Colombia in the last 15 months, of which 250,000 are returning Colombians and 819,000 are Venezuelans with the intent to stay," Felipe Munoz, the Colombian government's director of border issues told journalists. Colombia had asked Venezuelans to register if they do not have work or tourism visas, dual citizenship, or some other type of formal permission to remain in Colombia. The government has said the information is meant to help understand resources needed for schooling, medical care and other services. Undocumented Venezuelans who did not register in the census will be subject to deportation, Christian Kruger, the head of the migration agency said. "Clearly while Venezuela's problems in terms of food and health continue, these figures are going to keep growing. We can't think it will end," Kruger said. Estimates of how many Venezuelans have left their home country during the tenures of former President Hugo Chavez and current leader Nicolas Maduro vary widely, with some opponents and academics putting the figure at 4 million. Maduro, who won re-election last month, insists that is an exaggeration. (Reporting by Luis Jaime Acosta Writing by Julia Symmes Cobb; editing by Bill Berkrot) PARIS, June 13 (Reuters) - The French jobless benefit fund said on Wednesday its accounts were returning to positive territory faster than expected thanks to falling unemployment. The state-guaranteed Unedic, which is jointly managed by employers and unions, said it now expected to be able to bring its accounts back into the black for the first time since 2008 in 2020. It said in a quarterly outlook it expected the shortfall between what it pays out and what it brings in to stand at 1.4 billion euros ($1.65 billion) this year versus 2.0 billion previously. It expects to post a deficit of 100 million euros next year before turning in a surplus of 1.6 billion in 2020 and 3.6 billion in 2021. Unedic said unemployment was expected to fall faster than previously expected, which means it will have to pay out less in benefits than previously anticipated. It said a deal between employers and unions last year on contributions to the fund was also helping by generating savings of 930 million euros a year. Unedic is financed directly by contributions from workers and employers, with any shortfalls made up by borrowing. Because the state guarantees Unedic's bonds, its debt counts towards the total government debt. Unedic's debt, which stood at 33.5 billion euros last year, was expected to peak at 35 billion euros in 2019. ($1 = 0.8487 euros) (Reporting by Leigh Thomas Editing by Alison Williams) By Kevin Yao and Fang Cheng BEIJING, June 14 (Reuters) - China reported weaker-than-expected activity data for May, adding to views the economy is finally starting to slow under the weight of a prolonged crackdown on riskier lending that is pushing up borrowing costs for companies and consumers. Industrial output, investment and retail sales all grew less than expected, data showed on Thursday, offsetting upbeat trade data and suggesting further weakness ahead if Beijing perseveres with its crackdown on factory pollution and questionable local government spending. Adding to the uncertainty over economic conditions, China's central bank left its short-term money market rates unchanged earlier in the day, surprising financial markets and analysts who had expected it to follow a policy rate rise by the U.S. Federal Reserve overnight. China's fixed-asset investment growth cooled to 6.1 percent in the January-May period from a year earlier, the slowest pace since February 1996. Retail sales in May expanded at the slowest pace since June 2003, according to Reuters calculations. May industrial output rose 6.8 percent from a year earlier, the National Bureau of Statistics said, missing analysts' estimates for a rise of 6.9 percent and compared with a rise of 7 percent in April. April data had also been mixed, suggesting a softening in demand. Analysts polled by Reuters had expected investment growth to remain steady at 7.0 percent in the first five months of the year, the same pace seen in January-April. Private sector fixed-asset investment rose 8.1 percent in January-May, compared with an increase of 8.4 percent in the first four months, according to official data. Private investment accounts for about 60 percent of overall investment in China. Growth in infrastructure spending, a powerful economic driver last year, slowed to 9.4 percent in the first five months, compared with a rise of 12.4 percent in January-April. Analysts forecasting an economic cooldown are largely basing their assumptions on slowing local government spending and real estate investment in response to regulators' campaign to reduce financial risks and curb a rapid build-up in debt. But a construction boom which began in 2016 may still be going strong. Data from the China Construction Machinery Association showed the sales of excavators doubled in May from a year earlier. Retail sales rose 8.5 percent in May from a year earlier, missing with expectations of an increase of 9.6 percent, compared with a rise of 9.4 percent in April. The growth was the slowest since June 2003. China's economy will likely expand by around 6.7 percent in the second quarter from a year earlier, the State Information Center (SIC), an official think tank, said recently. That would mark only a fractional easing from 6.8 percent growth reported by Beijing in each of the three preceding quarters. In the same article, the think tank said it expects China's industrial output to grow about 6.6 percent in April-June from a year earlier, with fixed-asset investment growth of around 7.2 percent and retail sales seen rising about 10 percent. While first-quarter growth was better than expected, economists polled by Reuters still expect China's economy to gradually slow to around 6.5 percent this year, from 6.9 percent in 2017, even if there are no trade shocks. A third round of talks between China and the United States early this month ended with few signs of progress, as Beijing issued a counter-warning that any trade and business deals reached with Washington would be void if the United States implemented tariffs. On Friday, Washington is expected to release a list of some $50 billion worth of Chinese goods that will be subject to a 25 percent tariff. (Reporting by Kevin Yao and Cheng Fang; Writing by Ryan Woo; Editing by Kim Coghill) SEOUL, June 14 (Reuters) - The top diplomats from the United States, South Korea, and Japan promised on Thursday to work together to ensure North Korea gives up its nuclear weapons programme after U.S President Donald Trump's summit with the North's leader Kim Jong Un. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono met in Seoul two days after Trump and Kim signed a statement agreeing to pursue the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. Pompeo insisted that Pyongyang was committed to giving up its nuclear arsenal but said it would "be a process, not an easy one". (Reporting by Hyonhee Shing and David Brunnstrom Editing by Paul Tait) World spiritual leaders have warned us that those who abuse children or indulge in child labour would and should be thrown into the deepest ocean with a millstone tied rounds their necks. Children are devastatingly honest and innocent that is why the heavenly realms comprise people who have the honesty and innocence of children. Seen in this light many of our leaders -- political, social, business and even religious leaders -- appear to be sadly lacking in honesty, innocence and a spirit of sincere, sacrificial and selfless service to the people, especially those caught in the poverty trap of a wicked world. Therefore such leaders face a fate that is too horrible to be imagined. June 12, was the World Day against Child Labour. According to the Indian Express group some 152 million children are caught up in the torture of child labour with some 73 million being forced to get involved in hazardous work. The United Nations, which mark this day worldwide is calling for an end to the brutalities of child labour. Despite the efforts made by NGOs and governments, the plight of illegal young labourers is a reality of society that we live in and we need to confront it with all the power at our disposal. According to the UN, in 2002, the International Labour Organization (ILO) launched the World Day Against Child Labour to focus attention on the global extent of child labour and the action and efforts needed to eliminate it. Each year on June 12, the World Day brings together governments, employers and workers organizations, civil society and millions of people from around the world to highlight the plight of child labourers and what can be done to help them. In a message, ILO Director-General Guy Ryder says Children are more vulnerable to risk than adults. It is a priority in the wider ILO campaigns against child labour and for safe and healthy work for youth of legal working age Generation Safe and Healthy . The child labourers are toiling in mines and fields, factories and homes, exposed to pesticides and other toxic substances, carrying heavy loads or working long hours. Many suffer lifelong physical and psychological consequences. Their very lives can be at risk. No child under the age of 18 should perform hazardous work as stipulated in the ILOs Conventions on child labour, namely the Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138) and the Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182). They require governments, in consultation with social partners, to establish and enforce a national list of hazardous work prohibited for children. Ratification of these Conventions by 171 and 181 ILO-member States respectively -- close to universal ratification reflects a commitment to end child labour in all its forms. It is time to step up action, the ILO says. A new ILO report, Towards the Urgent Elimination of Hazardous Child Labour, finds that certain occupational hazards -- including exposure to psychological stress and to commonly-used chemicals -- are even more serious for children than previously thought. Another key finding is that adolescence, as a period of physical maturation, may start earlier and last into the mid-twenties. Within this extended period of growth, children (and young adults), face a range of vulnerabilities that require responses in law and practice. In Sri Lanka, child labour may not be as extensive as in many other countries. But sometimes poverty-stricken families who have no means of feeding or giving education or healthcare to their children are forced to send them for household work in the families of rich and ruling elite. Such families need to ensure that the children while helping in the household work are provided education and healthcare facilities. They need to remember that just using or abusing a child is a crime that will bring penalties of hell-fire. The prime minister of Georgia resigned on Wednesday, citing disagreements with Bidzina Ivanishvili, the founder of the governing party and the countrys richest man. The resignation of Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili was announced in the wake of a series of antigovernment protests that have disrupted Tbilisi, the capital. We have had a number of fundamental disagreements with the partys leader over the past months, Mr. Kvirikashvili, who has headed the government since 2015, said in a televised briefing, without going into details. Today is the moment when the partys chairman should have the opportunity to form a team on the basis of his own views. In May, Mr. Ivanishvili announced his return to politics in Georgia, a former Soviet republic in the southern Caucasus Mountains between Russia and Turkey. Mr. Ivanishvili, a businessman, was elected chairman of the governing Georgian Dream party, which he had founded. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, Mr. Ivanishvili made billions in the Russian banking and metal industries. In 2012, he founded his own party in Georgia, which defeated Mikheil Saakashvilis United National Movement in a parliamentary election the same year. Mr. Ivanishvili became prime minister, only to step aside in favor of a longtime business associate, Irakli Garibashvili, in 2013. With his fortune estimated at about a third of Georgias gross domestic product, Mr. Ivanishvili was believed to control the countrys politics from his futuristic palace, which sits atop of one of the hills overlooking Tbilisi. In a speech at his partys convention, which elected him chairman in May, Mr. Ivanishvili cited economic underdevelopment, disagreements within his party and the hostility of his opponents as reasons for his re-entry into politics. Olesya Vartanyan, a Tbilisi-based analyst with the International Crisis Group, said both Mr. Ivanishvilis return to politics and the protests were related to diminished public trust in Georgias government. The Georgian government has been in crisis for quite a long time, Ms. Vartanyan said. Mr. Ivanishvilis comeback and popular protests are just symptoms of this process. One wave of protests was provoked by the murder of two teenagers, who were killed in a knife fight in central Tbilisi last December. Zaza Saralidze, the father of one of the two 16-year-old boys, accused the countrys prosecutors of a cover-up to protect the assailants. Since the end of May, Mr. Saralidze has been leading demonstrations, setting up tents in front of Parliament and periodically blocking Tbilisis main thoroughfare. The countrys prosecutor general was forced to resign, but the protesters demanded the resignation of the prime minister as well. Earlier in May, Tbilisi was the scene of a different kind of protest. Thousands of young people gathered in front of Parliament to protest against a heavy-handed antidrug police raid on two nightclubs in the capital. That time, however, instead of just shouting political slogans, the protesters also danced to techno music, turning a rally into a party. (NY Times) Rituals according to Islam abide by strict rules, acts of faith and devotions being observed by the Muslims that take place at the beginning and ending of fasting. Recently, an Iftar (breaking of the fast) was held at the historic Mawanella Mediliya Rajamaha Viharaya in the Aranayaka Divisional Secretariat. This religious ceremony was partaken by scores of Islamic devotees, Buddhists and government officials. Prior to the commencement of the event, Mawanella Mediliya Rajamaha Viharaya Incumbent Ven. Illukgoda Gnanendra Thera offeredPansil to Buddhists who were gathered, and the Muslims proceeded with their respective prayers under the leadership of Thasim Mawlavi. Addressing the gathering, Ven. Gnanendra Thera said, There are differences among Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and Christians due to certain concepts the religions hold. Yet, Buddhism holds no bars. Meanwhile, Aranayake Divisional Secretary Z. A.M. Faizal expressed his gratitude to the Nayake Thera for his untiring efforts in organising the Iftar. Religious leaders and government officials participating at the event pointed out that activities of this nature strengthened the unity among all religions. Police personnel on the instructions of the Kegalle Police ASP provided security for the event. There are differences among Muslims, Buddhists, Hindus and Christians due to certain concepts the religions hold. Yet, Buddhism holds no bars Statistics office cites too many holidays as the culprit The Index of Industrial Production (IIP), which measures the volume of industrial production, has decreased slightly by 0.7 percent in April compared to the corresponding month of the previous year, the Census and Statistics Department (DCS) Director General A.J. Satharasinghe said. He attributed the change to the reduced number of working days in April 2018 compared to the same month in 2017, as both Vesak and the Sinhala Tamil New Year were celebrated in April. IIP reported for the month of April 2018 and 2017 were 97.7 and 98.3 respectively. IIP conveys the status of production in the industrial sector of an economy in a given period of time, in comparison with a fixed reference point in the past. It reveals the short-term changes of the industrial sector. DCS compiles number of economic indicators including IIP. The IIP is a vital measurement of identifying the drivers of economic growth and evaluating economic performance of the country and it is based on volume of production of manufacturing industries. The manufacturing industries Manufacture of wood and products of wood, Manufacture of leather and related products, and Manufacture of wearing apparels have shown remarkable increases of 27.6 percent, 11.2 percent and 6.3 percent respectively in their volume of production during the month of April 2018 compared to that of April 2017. The volume of food products in April 2018 has increased by 0.5 percent compared to the same month in previous year. However, manufacturing industries volume of Manufacture of other non-metallic mineral products, Manufacture of rubber and plastic products and Manufacture of furniture have reported decreases by 15.1 percent, 14 percent and 10.7 percent respectively during this period. Fairway Colombo brought about yet another impressive addition to their series of street events with the introduction of Street Latin Night, the first of which took place on Tuesday 12th June at Hospital Street, Colombo 01. Leading the inaugural event was Sri Lankas own Kasun Dias founder and principal teacher of Star Latinos Dance Academy. The dancers took to the streets with renditions of Salsa, Bachata and Kizomba, grooving and moving to the Latin music beats. The special guest for the night, Nelson Campos is the first internationally acclaimed Kizomba teacher/dance artist to visit Sri Lanka. Known as the Kizomba guru, Nelson is the teacher of teachers, the driving force behind many successful Kizomba teachers and dancers in Asia and around the world. He is visiting Sri Lanka to conduct a series of workshops and tantalized the guests with his tasteful and breathtaking foot-work on the very first evening of his stay. A throng of onlookers gathered around to watch the dancers as well as join in the fun themselves. Regardless of being beginners or professional Latin dancers, guests simply got on their feet to have a fun filled evening, as Kasun led them through a few basic steps and got everyone dancing. Street Latin Night is Fairway Colombos latest addition to the Hospital Street events calendar, which comprises of the Colombo Street Food Festival, Art & Jazz on the Street, Jam on the Street, Fairway Cultural Show, and Vinyl Night. It will be a regular event taking place on the first Tuesday of every month in collaboration with the National Dancesport Federation of Sri Lanka. The concept of the street events came from the need to create a great location where people from various walkes of life could come together to celebrate different forms of art and culture. It deviates from the high-end, closed doors cultural events and makes it accessible to everyone by bringing it out in to the streets. The Fairway Colombo Hospital Street events have become equally popular among the locals and foreigners alike. Another unique feature is that all of these events require no entrance fee or cover charge. Fairway Colombo is a subsidiary of Fairway Holdings, which supports local arts and culture through numerous initiatives. Desperate cries of Jaffnas fishermen demanding solutions to issues connected to their industry continue to echo despite the Government reducing the price of kerosene to Rs 70 per letre. The price reduction in kerosene came as the result of lengthy protests by these fishermen who have time and again complained that there is intrusion into their profession by outsiders, especially Indian fishermen. Given that this is a country where people have to stage protests to obtain even some of their basic rights, this small win by the fisherfolk must be lauded. It was heartening to see that the Jaffna fisher community-represented by the Jaffna District Fisheries Organization-also received the support of Jaffna Private Bus Owners Association, Students of Jaffna University, Trishaw operators and Jaffna Traders Association during these protests. But this win, which will help them cut costs in their business, doesnt solve their biggest grievance. Since the war against Rebel Tiger separatists ended in 2009 these fishermen have been complaining about Indian trawlers encroaching into their waters. The large Indian trawlers present in Sri Lankan waters force the islanders using small boats to move away and fish in shallow waters. The northern fishermen also complain about the Indian fishermen using illegal fishing equipment and also netting sea cucumbers, a product that grows in the sea and is legitimately theirs. These fishermen are also displeased with the illegal tents that have been put up in some areas by migrant fishermen. There are also concerns about the destruction of fisheries resources by these migrant fishermen. This problem where Indian trawlers enter Sri Lankan waters has a long history. In 1970 a maritime boundary spanning 463 km was agreed upon by both states. But Indian fishermen still consider Sri Lankan waters as their fishing grounds. The migrant Indian fishermen have found strength for their activities in Sri Lankan waters largely because of the support they have from the leaders of the Tamil Nadu State Government. The late Tamil Nadu Chief Minister Dr. J. Jayalalithaa championed their cause, but what stood in good stead for Sri Lanka was the non-committal stance taken by the Indian Government. For the record the two Navies and the Indian Coastal Guards patrol the region. But it seems that a solution to this problem can be brought about only through a change in laws. In 2011 the two Governments set up a joint working group. But the Tamil Nadu State Government often makes claims of incidents and attacks featuring the Sri Lanka Navy during which Indian fishermen have become victims. The Tamil Nadu politicians maintain that these waters that the Indians fish in are traditional fishing waters. Indian trawlers cruising along the Southern Indian fishing ports Rameshwaran and Nagampadam use the Sri Lankan waters. These fishermen also head to Palk Bay, known for its rich fishing grounds. What the Government of Sri Lanka (GoSL) must fathom is that it needs to look into the grievances of its own fishermen with the view of strengthening them. This is a time when China is hell-bent on expanding its authority in the sea and has competition from India. Sri Lankans are quite aware of the interest that these two nations have shown in getting involved in development work in the island. GoSL should under no circumstance neglect its Northern fishermen and take its eyes away from the waters they fish in. This is because the war is over and the Sri Lanka Navy should maintain its vigil on the Northern sea 24X7. The Northern fishermen felt let down by the Illankai Tamil Arasu Kachchi, a constituent part of the Tamil National Alliance, in their struggle to find solutions to existing problems in the fishing sector. Its Leader Mavai Senathirajah seemed unwelcome when he tried to join the fisherfolk who were protesting. In this backdrop the Northern fisherfolk have found some solace to their problem thanks to the GoSL and not Tamil politicians. This augurs well for the future because the GoSL working closely with the Tamil community is so important in the reconciliation process. New investments in hotel sector amounts to US $ 2.8bn Addition of nearly 17,000 star-class rooms in next 3 years New investments in the hotel sector amounting to US $ 2.8 billion will require thousands of newly trained workers in the next couple of years. This was revealed by Minister of Tourism Development and Christian Religious Affairs, John Amaratunga at the 39th Graduation Ceremony of the Sri Lanka Institute of Tourism and Hotel Management (SLITHM) which was held at the BMICH this week. A total of 90 graduates received their management diplomas on the occasion. The Chief Guest at the ceremony was Minister John Amaratunga while the Guest of Honour was Jetwing Hotels Chairman Hiran Cooray. The total investment value of new hotel projects is estimated at US $ 2.8 billion. Needless to say these investments have put a lot of pressure on SLITHM to deliver thousands of new workers at craft, supervisory and management levels. Im happy to note that SLITHM has risen to the challenge by producing the required numbers, he said. SLITHM, previously known as the Ceylon Hotel School and School of Tourism, is Sri Lankas pioneer hospitality and tourism training provider. It was established by the Government of Sri Lanka in 1966 by an Act of Parliament in collaboration with the International Labour Organization (ILO). Its main purpose is to train young men and women in the tourism and hospitality field. SLITHM presently operates under the purview of the Ministry of Tourism Development & Christian Religious Affairs and trains over 6000 individuals in different aspects of the hospitality industry each year. Speaking at the ceremony Minister Amaratunga drew attention to the need for trained hoteliers. Sri Lankas rapidly growing tourism industry will see the addition of nearly 17,000 star-class rooms in the next three years. We need over 100, 000 new workers to serve in these hotels. The total number of SLTDA registered accommodation establishments as at 31st March 2018 was 2,131. Out of this the number of classified tourist hotels was 141 and among them, 20 were five-star hotels, he noted. Today the total registered room inventory stands at 36,133 with classified tourist hotels in the 1 to 5 star categories having the highest inventory of 12,828 rooms. Meanwhile 316 new hotel projects have been granted final approval while 113 are under construction and 161 are in operation. The number of rooms for which final approval has been granted stands at 17, 991, explained Minister Amaratunga. He also spoke about the large number of hotels opening up in Colombo. So many hotels are opening up in the city that we may actually have to consider limiting new hotels from coming up in the future. Investors will be encouraged to open hotels away from the city, he said. Guest of Honour, Chairman, Jetwing Hotels, Hiran Cooray made a passionate plea to stop the over promotion of tourism sites that leads to over visitation and subsequent sustainability issues. He singled out Yala and Sigiriya as examples of this and called on the industry to focus on promoting less visited areas. He highlighted Jetwings investment in Wellawaya as an example of taking tourism to untapped areas. He noted that responsible tourism was the key to sustainability of the industry which whether promoted or not will continue to grow in the future. In his address SLITHM Chairman Sunil Dissanayake focused on SLITHMs rich history of innovation, growth and change. Inaugurated in 1966, today we have earned local and global recognition as the premier institute for hospitality and tourism management education in Sri Lanka and the region. It has produced leaders for employment in the industry not only nationally but also internationally. We have been the backbone of the hospitality industry of Sri Lanka from its infancy, producing the required professional human resources for the hospitality industry. Dissanayake also spoke about the immediate requirements of the industry. With the hospitality industry estimating nearly 110,000 new direct employees by 2020 to serve Sri Lankas growing visitor base, last year alone 5485 students of SLITHM joined the industry of which 88 were graduates. This year the planned output is 7240 of whom 90 are graduates. All of them have already found employment in the industry, he said. To cater to the industry manpower requirements we have expanded our reach by establishing new colleges to attract young students into the industry and train unemployed youth in rural and suburban areas. We have launched a structured public awareness programme for career choices. This is to develop our supply chain to create interest among school leavers to join the hospitality and tourism industries, Dissanayake further explained. A significant feature of the ceremony was the official launch of the school anthem, 52 years after it began operations. The new anthem was well received by the audience. Director General, SLITHM, Buddhika Hewawasam spoke on the importance of international certification. With growing demand for high quality human resources in tourism and hospitality, SLITHM has identified the need to obtain international certification. We have set benchmarks for all hotel training institutes by specifying international standards and we will strive for excellence while continuously upgrading ourselves. Our aim is to stand out as a centre of excellence in the region and one that produces hoteliers who have the potential to excel in the global tourism industry, said Hewawasam. Meanwhile the top two awards for graduation year 2017, namely the Ceylon Hotel School Graduates Association Trophy for the Most Outstanding Student in the Three Year Management Diploma was presented to Ms. P.S.V. Senasinghe, while the Ceylon Hotel School Graduates Association Trophy for the Most Outstanding Graduate was awarded to Ms. B. Rengaswamy. IAI Wins $150M for National SIGINT & EW for a European Customer 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. 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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. Carmel Valleys Suni Gargaro has started a new line of eco-friendly yoga gear that she hopes will motivate yogis on the mat and bring energy and vibrancy to their practice. A native of India, Gargaro brings an Eastern-inspired look to her Sunia Yoga line with colorful patterns and designs instead of the basic black. Sunia Yoga pants feature bright colors and patterns inspired by Suni Gargaro's childhood in India. Courtesy I wanted to do something more inspiring and bring bolder colors to yoga pants, Gargaro said. I notice when people are wearing them, they seem happier because of the color and their performance improves. Back in 2004, Gargaro had her own boutique in the Cedros Design District in Solana Beach, then opened a boutique in La Jolla. After four years she took a break from retail to start a family. With her son Mason now in the second grade at Del Mar Heights Elementary School, she is stepping back into the retail industryshe added her Sunia Yoga line to the e-commerce site styleinvyte.com that she started back in 2014 to showcase all eco-friendly clothing and accessories. Gargaro loves yoga and has been practicing it for the last 15 years. From the the day I started, I noticed a big shift in my mental and physical well being, Gargaro said. Whether I have the best day of my life or really a bad day, I use the philosophy of yoga in my everyday life. Basically, it's about being in the present moment always. She is currently pursuing her passion by becoming a certified yoga instructor. As Gargaro has always loved yoga and fashion, the idea to do her own yoga line seemed to be a natural flowshe started Sunia Yoga in June 2017 using all eco-friendly inks and fabric and made in the USA. The pants are high-waisted and fit comfortably on the hips in breathable, moisture-wicking fabric.The bright colors and all-over graphic patterns draw inspiration from her cultural heritage and childhood in Kerala, South India. All of the Sunia leggings have Sanskrit names: the Surya (meaning sun) pant allows yogis to vinyasa in gold and green, and the Prana pink and gold pant is named for the all-important breath in yoga, the life-giving force. Up next, Sunia Yoga is launching a line of Mommy and Me yoga pants. Courtesy Gargaro operates her business out of her home as well as Hera Hub in Carlsbad, a shared office space for women. The space supports female entrepreneurs through workshops and mentoring and, as Gargaro said, also creates an office environment and community that is incredibly motivating.We all inspire each other, Gargaro said. For the past six months, Gargaro has been working on launching a new line of Mommy and Me yoga leggings to encourage kids to start practicing yoga at a young age. Teaching mindfulness and being in the present moment is so encouraged these days in schools. These are such good practices and techniques to teach our kids in this day of modern technology and fast-paced world, Gargaro said. The Mommy and Me line combines my three passions: kids, yoga and fashion, Gargaro said. It just aligned for me, thats what I want to do for the rest of my life. 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. Assa Abloy drives smart door lock applications, shaping user experiences with intelligence, security and convenience Consumers in Taiwan are probably quite familiar with the logo featuring the black characters "Yale" on a yellow background but they may not know the company behind the classic Yale brand - ASSA ABLOY. In fact, ASSA ABLOY is the largest worldwide leading company of door opening and security solutions. One out of ten locks or security devices in the world is an ASSA ABLOY product. In response to booming IoT developments, ASSA ABLOY is gearing up R&D efforts combining a wide range of high-tech innovations to deliver new-generation smart door opening solutions for homes and businesses and reshaping the traditional lock industry. During a recent interview, Aravind Karthigesu, managing director, ASSA ABLOY ASEAN, and Irene Yip, general manager, ASSA ABLOY Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan talked about smart applications and their views on Taiwan market expansions. Karthigesu first noted that ASSA ABLOY was formed in 1994 through the merger of ASSA in Sweden and ABLOY in Finland. Since then, the company has engaged in more than 200 merger and acquisition deals and is now an international group with 47,500 employees and annual sales of SEK76 billion (NT$265 billion). ASSA ABLOY's workforce in Asia Pacific comprises 11,800 employees and the region contributes SEK9 billion (NT$30 billion) to the company's annual revenue with the Taiwan market being an important segment. Focusing on R&D and innovation, ASSA ABLOY enables seamless access control In addition to Yale, ASSA ABLOY Group's comprehensive brand portfolio include Gateman, TESA, ABLOY, TRAKA, Mul-T-Lock, supplying a complete range of mechanical, electromechanical , digital and smart door opening solutions and security devices for both residential and commercial markets. Irene Yip added that many of ASSA ABLOY's brands have been long standing, particularly with Yale celebrating its 175th anniversary this year. Yale Joined the ASSA ABLOY family in 2000 and many customers only got to know ASSA ABLOY because of Yale. With digital locks becoming the trend, ASSA ABLOY's ongoing innovative efforts have been infusing new energy into Yale by introducing new high-tech electronic door opening solutions to keep the brand on the leading edge. Commenting on developments in Asia Pacific markets, Karthigesu pointed out the region has a population of 4.1 billion people, among which two billion have access to Internet, 3.9 billion use mobile devices and half are the millennial generation under the age of 30 who grew up surrounded by technologies. In view of the trend, ASSA ABLOY gears its Asia Pacific strategies from digital locks toward smart locks in an attempt to capture IoT opportunities. It is working to enable higher security and more convenience through strengthened integrations of smart locks, Internet and mobile apps. Extending from electronic locks to smart home applications, the famous Yale brand under the ASSA ABLOY Group highlights family values, especially for Asian markets. For example, when a user is worried about an elderly family member or a child but cannot go home to check on them, he or she can use a smart device to send a one-time-use electronic key, which is in the form of a password, or turn a smart device into a key using Wi-Fi or Bluetooth communication to allow a neighbor or friend to unlock the door and help check on family members during a specified period of time. Karthigesu said ASSA ABLOY brings innovative application built on adding value to people's lives. As a result of urbanization, most people live in apartment complexes or communities with common areas and personal spaces. For growingly popular home delivery services, ASSA ABLOY's solutions can allow a delivery person to pass through community gates and lifts on a one-time basis and bring packages to a customer's door with no security concerns. If we expand the scope to smart building and smart city applications, just think how many doors people pass through every day as they move around the city. ASSA ABLOY is becoming the 'meastro' in the background orchestrating the products, technologies and seamless customer experience to securely and reliably access the doors to where you live, work and play. We look to build seamless access control with no need for keys. The door can recognize your face and automatically open for you while denying unauthorized access. This will bring more convenience and security to people's lives. To achieve such a goal, we will combine multiple technologies, including early-day mechanical locks, present-day password, card and fingerprint solutions and face recognition or other cutting-edge technologies in the future. ASSA ABLOY will keep abreast of the times and introduce the latest high-tech advancements to reshape the lock industry that seems to be in keeping with the tradition." Says Karthigesu. Smart home and smart city applications spur growth opportunities ASSA ABLOY will continue to actively promote smart lock products to the Taiwan market where high-tech products enjoy a high penetration rate. As part of its efforts to expand into smart home services, ASSA ABLOY has joined forces with Secom to include its electronic locks and apps in Secom solutions. According to Yip, every household in Europe, North America, Taiwan, Japan and Korea will be equipped with electronic lock systems within the next 10 to 15 years, representing a significant change to the way people use locks. In view of this, ASSA ABLOY will strengthen collaborations with smart home service providers and system vendors to expedite market expansion. In addition, ASSA ABLOY is the first vendor in Taiwan to open a concept store featuring door locks with six Yale stores already up and running and a total of ten stores by year-end. These stores provide consumers easy access to ASSA ABLOY's innovations and raise market awareness on smart locks. ASSA ABLOY has enjoyed multiplying growth each year since 2010 in the home-use market in Taiwan, including uses in renovation projects and new constructions. This is very impressive growth and also a confirmation on the trend ASSA ABLOY has envisioned, so the company is very optimistic in its outlook for the Taiwan market. Aside from home-use, there are also tremendous opportunities in commercial buildings, government institutions and public infrastructures. The Taiwan government is aggressively rolling out smart city applications and has selected ASSA ABLOY's electronic locks for use in public housing projects and new Taipei MRT subway lines under construction. With government agencies leading the way, Taiwan citizens will increasingly embrace these high-tech innovations as well. According to Karthigesu, seamless access control also has wide-ranging applications throughout different scenarios such as hospitals, factories and power plants. For example, a patient that is delivered to the emergency room in an ambulance passes through multiple access control points before he is sent to the operation room. Any delay, even just seconds, may be life-threatening. ASSA ABLOY has received requests from hospitals to study the use scenario and develop solutions for them. In closing, Karthigesu emphasized ASSA ABLOY's product portfolio includes not only door locks but also smart windows and smart safes. The goal is to build a secure and convenient life for users. ASSA ABLOY is able to lead smart lock developments thanks to its devotion of immense R&D resources and its task force of more than 2,000 R&D professionals who continue to transform innovative concepts to actual implementations, thereby creating greater opportunities. Irene Yip, general manager, ASSA ABLOY Hong Kong (left) and Aravind Karthigesu, managing director, ASSA ABLOY ASEAN (right). 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 Only 9 percent of users were very confident that social media companies could protect their data. By ANICK JESDANUN and RYAN NAKASHIMA AP Technology Writers NEW YORK If technology giants like Facebook, Google and Amazon face a common threat to their dominance, it probably lies in a single word: trust. In some respects, these companies are riding high. They have woven themselves into the fabric of our daily lives, making their services indispensable for daily tasks like keeping in touch with family and friends, watching TV and buying cat food. Revenues are up and profits are soaring. . . . Subscriber content preview Working on the state level to attract foreign investment may be the answer to getting jobs in rural areas. By YURI KAGEYAMA AP Business Writer HACHIOJI, Japan President Donald Trump's trade relations with Tokyo are testy, but Idaho gave Takashi Suzuki a warm welcome. Suzuki, president of Sakae Casting Co., which manufactures aluminum parts used for cooling batteries and semiconductors, first went to Silicon Valley looking for opportunities. But that was where everyone went, making for tough competition. . . . Subscriber content preview Landscapers rely on workers with H2-B temporary visas more than many other industries. By JOHN SEEWER Associated Press TOLEDO, Ohio Already facing a severe labor shortage, landscaping businesses that can't keep up with booming demand for backyard patios and fire pits worry that an immigration raid that rounded up over 100 people recently will make it even tougher to persuade Congress to allow more foreign workers into America for seasonal jobs. Owners of landscaping companies near last week's sting in the Lake Erie resort city of Sandusky and nearby Castalia, which targeted workers with forged documents in one of the largest actions at a workplace in recent years, said it sent a shiver of apprehension through their industry. . . . Subscriber content preview Cypress Creek Renewables operates seven solar sites in Oregon and has invested nearly $1 billion into new sites. By STEPHEN FLOYD Herald & News KLAMATH FALLS, Ore. Klamath Falls' newest solar farm could be in the backyard of Eternal Hills Cemetery, which continues to struggle with real estate disputes in federal bankruptcy court. On April 20, Eternal Hills owner Robert Gordon signed an easement agreement with Cypress Creek Renewables of Santa Monica, California, that includes the southernmost portions of the cemetery and 40 acres of agricultural land directly to the east. . . . A new Holiday Inn for Tacoma Developer Paul Sandhu of Tacoma South Hospitality has opened Holiday Inn Tacoma Mall at 8402 S. Hosmer St. The 124-room hotel has a business lobby, indoor pool, fitness center and flexible meeting space. It was designed by Kaul Design Architecture and built by ZSA Inc. InterContinental Hotels Group, whose brands include Holiday Inn, Kimpton, Hotel Indigo, EVEN Hotels, Staybridge and Crowne Plaza, operates the hotel. Parkinson's sufferer Robin Buttery is to take on one of the world's toughest rows to raise thousands of pounds for charity and support vital treatment research. The De Montfort University Leicester (DMU) member of staff is to row across the Indian Ocean despite being diagnosed with young onset of Parkinson's disease (YOPD), a long-term degenerative disorder. Robin, who works as a technical instructor for furniture/timber product design, is due to set off on the sponsored ocean crossing with three crew members today (Thursday). The huge mental and physical challenge will see the group rowing 3,600 nautical miles from Western Australia to Mauritius on board a vessel that is just 30ft by 6ft. The crew of four will row for 24 hours each day, in two-hour intervals with two-hour breaks. They are expected to be at sea for about 65 days. They will be put through their paces as they will be unsupported and at the mercy of the elements and the vast open ocean. They face many dangers and discomforts such as stormy weather, huge waves, blisters, seasickness, whales and sharks, sunburn, sleep deprivation and exhaustion. The team will survive on a freeze-dried food and a desalinator will turn seawater into drinking water. Robin will also support vital research as scientists will use an on-board camera to better understand how his metabolic, cardiovascular and neuro-muscular system cope and adapt to prolonged endurance activity. It is hoped this could lead to a significant breakthrough in the way Parkinson's is assessed and treated. Robin, who lives in Leicester with his family, said the ocean crossing would be the challenge of a lifetime to raise money, as well as awareness. He has been busy training by going to the gym and putting his skills to the test on his rowing machine at home. The team has also done a training row from Guernsey to Southampton. Robin, who admits he's not an adventurer and only a novice rower, said: "I have to take a lot of drugs, but I try to stay positive and find that exercise helps me a lot. "I also want to show others that life does not stop after diagnosis. Whatever life throws at you, nothing should hold you back. "Researchers will be examining how my body reacts when things get ugly. I'll definitely be out my comfort zone, but I want to try to improve things through research to help us all." He added: "Everyone has been really encouraging and Im really looking forward to it." All money raised will be split between Parkinson's UK; the Clear Trust, which aims to encourage young people with neurological disorders to participate in exercise; and RAFT, a medical research charity dedicated to improving the lives of adults and children who have suffered physical trauma. Parkinson's disease is caused by a loss of nerve cells in part of the brain with symptoms including the slowing down of bodily movements over time. Robin was diagnosed in June 2015, just before his 44th birthday, after he noticed he had a sore knee and couldn't walk as quickly as he used to. He will be joined on his journey by skipper Billy Taylor and fellow rowers Barry Hayes and James Plumley. The crew hope to row their way into the record books by becoming the fastest four-man crew to row the Indian Ocean. The current record stands at 71 days and to date, less than 50 people in the world have successfully rowed the Indian Ocean. Visit the crew's website to sponsor them, or watch them live as they make their way across the Indian Ocean. Schoolchildren across the UK will also be watching the live-stream to learn about subjects such as geography, oceanography and marine conservation. RELATED NEWS Dementia artwork captures objects that trigger people's memories Endometriosis awareness event backs need for city's first support group Students at DMU working to improve cancer care chinadaily.com.cn Updated: 2018-06-13 A piper from the world famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo welcomes passengers from Beijing to Scotland at Edinburgh Airport June 12, 2018. [Photo provided to chinadaily.com.cn] The first ever direct flight between Scotland and China has landed at Edinburgh Airport in a momentous day for Scotland's busiest airport. The four-weekly, year-round service with Hainan Airlines from Beijing Capital International Airport is Scotland's first connection to the Far East. It is a major boost for tourism in Scotland and increases business links with the Far East, both of which will benefit the Scottish economy. A piper from the world famous Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo welcomed passengers from Beijing to Scotland before piping them off on departure. Malcolm Roughead, Chief Executive of VisitScotland, said: "This first direct service from China to Edinburgh represents a gear change for Scottish tourism and further cements Scotland's reputation as a world-class destination. "As the Chinese market has grown over the years so too has the Scottish capital's popularity with Chinese visitors and it continues to be the top destination outside of London. "Through our ongoing work with key Chinese tour operators we have seen visitor itineraries extending over the years. Bringing visitors from China directly into the heart of Scotland will create greater opportunities for tourism businesses right across the country, as visitors stay longer and explore further." Gordon Dewar, Chief Executive of Edinburgh Airport said: "This is a momentous day as we connect not only Edinburgh and Beijing for the first time, but Scotland and China too. It is a route which has immense opportunities for our countries, from tourism and business to culture, education and more. "We know Edinburgh is second only to London for Chinese tourists and we are eager to welcome more people to our fantastic capital city, but it's also about connecting people from Scotland to Beijing and wider China thanks to Hainan's hub network. "Hainan is one of the world's most prestigious airlines and we are proud to be working with them. This is something the city has worked towards for a number of years and we are delighted to see this day finally arrive." Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy, Paul Wheelhouse, said: "Securing direct links between Scotland and China is one of our key priorities for route development. This new direct Beijing-Edinburgh route is an exciting first chapter in direct air connectivity between Scotland and China. It will enable China and Scotland to become closer in partnership and in travel time, building upon existing strong links for business and tourism. The Scottish Government and our agencies look forward to working with Hainan Airlines and Edinburgh Airport to make this route a great success." The Lord Provost of the City of Edinburgh, Frank Ross said: "This is the culmination of a lot of hard work by a number of organisations and it is fantastic for all of us to see the new flight schedule up and running. As the only Scottish city with a direct flight to China, the new route will provide Edinburgh with substantial outreach to Asia for tourism, business travel and investment opportunities. This will be supported by many across the retail, hotel and restaurant sectors through the city's innovative 'China Ready' campaign and I'm sure it will also be welcomed by Edinburgh's many business travellers and holiday-makers." Paul Lewis, managing director of Scottish Development International said: "We're working hard to ensure that more Scottish companies can take advantage of trade and investment opportunities in China, while at the same time trying to attract more Chinese companies to base their European operations here. A direct air route is a significant enabler of both these goals and we welcome Hainan Airlines' first ever route between Edinburgh Airport and Beijing Capital International Airport." Turkish Army awaits for entering Manbij Turkish General Chief of Staff discusses Manbij issue with NATO General over the phone. Turkish General Chief of Staff Hulusi Akar and NATOs Supreme Allied Commander Europe General Curtis Scaparotti on Wednesday discussed the Turkish-US Manbij roadmap over the phone. In a statement released on Thursday, the Turkish General Staff said Akar and Scaparrotti also addressed the security situation in the north of Syria and the security issues in the Manbij-focused roadmap. The Manbij roadmap was announced after a meeting in Washington last week between Foreign Minister Mevlut Cavusoglu and US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. The deal focuses on the withdrawal of the PKK-affiliated YPG terror group from the northern Syrian city and on stability in the region. If the Manbij model is successfully implemented, eastern Syria could eventually become a joint US-Turkish zone of influence. This Page Is Under Construction - Coming Soon! Why am I seeing this 'Under Construction' page? Hi, my family and I are moving to the UAE in August (with our kids going to the American International School (Abu Dhabi)). We are currently in search of a modern, bright 3 bedroom apartment to rent in a family friendly neighborhood (with sea views) that minimizes the commuting time to the kids school (asking for a lot). Can anyone recommend places we should look at to rent. I really appreciate your feedback / advice. Thanks and have a great day. The only place we have looked at so far is the Corniche Area but am not sure if the commuting time would be too long for the kids (morning and afternoon)? I am a beginner and want to have an immigration of Canada. Please any one can guide me the process, how to start and get the educational assessment. and how to apply for express entry profile, also guide me for the process how to manage and apply for invitation, and for the PR application. I have no idea how to initiate the initial level application. guidelines are required from the experts and will be highly obliged if anyone can help and share the relevant websites and videos(if any). Thanks alot and looking forward for the help from experts. -Rabeel Details: total 10 years of work professional experience of software engineer IELTS: W: 7.5, R: 7.0, L: 7.5, S: 7.5 Degree: Computer Science and Engineering(4 years Bachelors) Marital Status: Married JavaScript is disabled. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. I always heard that there was insurance for things like cracked windshields that may occur while driving on Mexicos troll roads, well dont believe all you hear or read about that ferry tale...Here's my story and I'm stickin to it.......... The other day leaving Tepic en route to Guadalajara on 15D a bus passed me and as it merged back into my lane it kicked up a pebble cracking my windshield...So I reported it at the next toll booth and the dude showed me where to park so I could fill out a report, which I did...I was to to return to my car and wait for the insurance adjuster and it could be between a hour and a hour and a half...About an hour later this guy with a briefcase and camera is approaching my car and introduces himself and starts taking pictures of the windshield and vin number, luckily a security guard spoke perfect English which helped out tremendously, after about a half hour the adjustor speaks to the guard who turns to me and says to me that there is bad news, since the incident did not happen in an area where construction was not going on then they were not liable. .......Maybe go after the bus co....... So after wasting an hour and a half for nothing and a growing crack across the windshield I will check to see if my regular Mexican car insurance will cover it, with my luck it may be under the deductible ........LOL Formula 1 officials admit that there is little they can do about the presence of groundhogs on Montreal's Ile de Notre-Dame. One of the small ground mammals ventured onto the Circuit Gilles Villeneuve during Friday's free practice session last week. It was hit by Romain Grosjean's Haas, destroying his front wing - the groundhog coming off much worse. It was a big impact, it was a big animal, Grosjean said afterwards. Its a bit disappointing because they showed it on TV before the beginning of the session. "Im surprised they didnt move it," he added. Asked about the incident later, race director Charlie Whiting said there had been little he had been able to do about it. "I gave them the full explanation of why that was during the drivers' briefing," Whiting told Motorsport.com. "Of course we saw the groundhog," he admitted. "I did ask whether or not it was feasible to try and catch him,. "I was told by those who know much more than I do about groundhogs that it was a very unwise thing to try and do. "We felt that on balance we thought it was better to leave him there and hope that he didn't make a dash for it "But he did, unfortunately." Whiting said that there was little that the Formula 1 officials or local race promoters could do to avert a repeat in the future. "They are indigenous to this island," he explained. "They are protected, and do their best to get to places that they are not supposed to go. "We do our best to try and fill up all the holes,: he added. But they just dig new ones, "They quite often get onto the track, as you know," he acknowledged. "It's not nice, but there's very little that we can actually do to eradicate it." Gallery: The beautiful wives and girlfriends of F1 drivers Keep up to date with all the F1 news via Facebook and Twitter Ohio State University studied the potential impact of Chinese tariffs on corn and soybeans By Diego Flammini Staff Writer Farms.com Ohio corn and soybean farmers could be dealt a devastating blow if China imposes tariffs on U.S. imports. Should China place 25 percent levies on American corn and soybeans, Ohio farmers could lose 59 percent of their net farm incomes, an Ohio State University (OSU) study says. Researchers used data from six farms in the state to create and evaluate a farm representative of Ohios ag industry. The research farm is a 1,100-acre operation from west central Ohio. The farm has a 50/50 corn and soybean rotation and averages yields of 154 bu/ac of corn and 49 bu/ac of soybeans. Using a baseline estimated annual net income of US$63,577, a Chinese tariff could drop annual farm incomes to US$26,107, the study says. The biggest impact will be on profits from soybeans, however corn is affected too, Ben Brown, manager of OSUs College of Food, Agricultural and Environmental Sciences farm management program and author of the study, said in a release on Tuesday. There are farmers who are going to struggle across the state. If the proposed tariffs go into effect, were going to have farmers who will have to exit the industry. If China implements the tariffs, U.S. growers could find themselves with a surplus of soybeans. No other market could replace the volume of soybeans China imports. China is so enormous as a market that it dwarfs all of the other major importers, Ian Sheldon, an ag economist involved with the study, told Farms.com today. The European Union, Japan and Mexico are just not as significant a market as China is. Theres no other market to pick up that slack as far as I can tell. Mexico is just weeks away from a groundbreaking election on July 1. The election has profound implications for the fate of the existing National Anticorruption System. The country will elect its president, the entire congress (500) and senate (128), as well as state governor elections (9), and thousands of municipal and state congress seats. The implementation of the National Anticorruption System or NAS has hit an impasse and no further significant action will take place until after the election. Among the key pending actions to complete the implementation of the NAS are the following: 1. the appointment of a national anticorruption chief prosecutor, essential for the investigation and prosecution of criminal cases 2. the appointment of magistrates of the new specialized Federal Administrative Court, which will hear serious administrative offense cases related to bribes, embezzling of public funds and other corrupt acts 3. completion of the adoption of local anticorruption systems by the 32 states that form the federal system, and 4. completion and strengthening of a national digital platform, which will provide technical support to the NASs work. The current social mood in Mexico is one of anger and frustration with respect to existing corruption, coupled with demand for improved rule of law. The new president, regardless of who wins the election, will have incentives to make progress in fully implementing the NAS as well as in taking all necessary action to establish its credibility. The pending appointments for leadership of the NAS will most certainly take place during the first two legislative periods, which will end on 30 April 2019, so we are getting close to the operational stage. And given the current international trend of cooperation in enforcement , it is likely that Mexico will swiftly catch up to developments in the region and the world with respect to anticorruption enforcement. Perhaps the most important difference will be in the likely consideration that the presidential winner will have for relevant NGO proposals, such as reforming Article 102 of the federal constitution to give the national general prosecutor as well as the national anticorruption chief prosecutor independence and autonomy. Regardless of who wins the presidential election, it looks ever more likely that Mexico will see significant investigations over the next few years, and prosecutions related to corruption cases. That means the government will increase its budget to investigate and prosecute corruption cases and companies will continue to increase their investment in compliance programs. The success of Mexicos ambitious National Anticorruption System will depend in large part on the degree of independence enjoyed by appointees to the national general prosecutor as well as the national anticorruption chief prosecutor. But in any case, it is safe to predict that in the coming years, Mexico will either join the unstoppable international enforcement movement, or become even more isolated from the global anticorruption campaign. Recent events point in a positive direction for Mexicos anticorruption efforts. Well know more after the elections on July 1. ____ Luis Danton Martinez Corres, pictured above, is a partner leading the corporate governance and compliance practice of the Mexico-based law firm, Ritch Mueller. He previously served as head of legal and trustee services of Nacional Financiera, S.N.C., a leading Mexican development bank. Hes also admitted to practice in New York. He can be contacted here. Category Select Category Apparel/Garments Textiles Fashion Technical Textiles Information Technology E-commerce Retail Corporate Association Press Release SubCategory Select Sub-Category Most Honourable Voreqe Bainimarama, Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji, Honourable Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum, Attorney-General and Minister for Economy, Public Enterprises, Civil Service and Communications, Honourable Rosy Akbar, Minister for Health and Medical Services, Permanent Secretaries, Members of the diplomatic corps, Distinguished guests, ladies and gentlemen, Yadra Vinaka. A very good morning. I would first like to extend our deepest appreciation to The Most Honourable Voreqe Bainimarama, Prime Minister of the Republic of Fiji and Honourable Minister and Attorney General, Mr Aiyaz Sayed- Khaiyum, for inviting us to be a partner in this momentous occasion. It is indeed a delight to be here with you today for the official launch of the DigitalFiji Programme. The Singapore Cooperation Enterprise (or SCE) stands extremely privileged to have been given the opportunity by the Government of Fiji to be its partner for Digital Government transformation. SCE, currently an integrated arm of Enterprise Singapore, is a government agency by the Ministry of Trade and Industry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Singapore. It is set up to respond effectively to the multitude of foreign requests to tap on Singapores development experience. Its primary mission is to lead in public sector collaboration projects with foreign governments so as to build long-term partnerships with foreign governments and offer opportunities for Singapores private sector. To carry out its mission, SCE works closely with Singapores 16 ministries and over 60 statutory boards to tailor solutions to the needs of foreign government. Its mode of collaboration extends from basic capacity building to complex project implementation. SCE also serves as the focal point of access to expertise across the Singapore government. To-date, SCE has already engaged 47 countries and completed over 300 projects in the public-sector. These areas include:- - Digital Government and Smart Cities; - Public Sector Reform; - Financial and Economic Development; - Urban Townships, Industrial and Special Economic Zones; - Water and Environment Resource Management; - Education Policies and Training; Presently, SCE is collaborating with the Government of Fiji to serve as its main implementation partner for its digital government transformation journey. This project will be key in strengthening the delivery of public services, done through a 4-year DigitalFiji Programme. The DigitalFiji Programme aims to provide a holistic approach to support Fiji in realising its goal towards a Digital Government. For this reason, SCE has put together a team of experts from Singapore, which include former civil servants with relevant e- Government experiences, and partners with established track records in implementing digital government solutions. A roadmap has been established for implementing these solutions which would cover for instance, Birth Death and Marriage and the Registrar of Companies. We are also working with the Government of Fiji on several mobile applications, and we are here today for the launch of two of them namely myFeedback and Dir@Gov. SCEs track record in Digital Government projects 9. In the Digital Government and e-Services sphere, SCE has successfully delivered various projects with other governments. Key examples include:- - The Revenue Administration Management Information System for Sri Lanka, which is essentially a tax e-filing and compliance system that automates all its taxation processes for the countrys citizens and businesses. - The Electronic Single Window System for Kenya, which is a customs and trade facilitation system that has reduced its clearance times significantly for traded goods. - The National ID Card system for the Government of Mauritius, which is a turnkey solution that involves the implementation of a National ID Card system together with the design, production and distribution of new, fraud-proof National identity cards to nearly a million citizens. As part of the DigitalFiji engagement, SCE will be working with CrimsonLogic as its key technology solutions partner for the programme. CrimsonLogic has more than 30 years of experience in the IT space, and has worked on numerous e-Government projects with the Singapore government. It has done work with more than 40 countries and implemented more than 60 projects worldwide. In concluding, I would like to say that on behalf of the Singapore government, SCE is delighted to be a key partner for the Government of Fiji. Looking back, Singapore and Fiji have always enjoyed good relations, where diplomatic relations between the countries started way back in 1971, just shortly after Fiji obtained its independence. In fact, our founding father, the late Mr Lee Kuan Yew also spoke of the excellent bilateral relationship between Fiji and Singapore during a speech in 1986 in Suva. And being the visionary that he was, the late Mr Lee also mentioned and recognized how strong Fiji was in sports, namely rugby, back then. So it is no wonder we witnessed how the Fijian rugby team pulled off a stunning victory in the HSBC 7s finals competition in Singapore, just 2 months ago. For SCE, Fiji also represents the first country in the Pacific Islands region, which we have engaged with. Previously in 2010, SCE had the same privilege of working with the Fiji National Provident Fund (or FNPF) to also realise its transformation process. On that note, we are confident that the Government of Fiji will be able to achieve its vision of DigitalFiji. We believe that through this collaboration, we will forge stronger ties between Fiji and Singapore. SCE looks forward to deepening our relationship with Fiji, where we envision that the digital government will just be one of the first projects, with collaborations in other areas to follow. Vinaka Vakalevu. Thank you very much for believing in us and giving us the opportunity to be here HON. PM BAINIMARAMA AT THE LAUNCH OF DIGITALFIJI APPLICATION The Honourable Attorney-General and Minister for Communications;Honourable Ministers;The CEO of the Singapore Cooperation Enterprise;Members of the Diplomatic Corps;Permanent Secretaries;Students;Invited Guests.Good morning ladies and gentlemen, weve got an exciting round of announcements to make today in partnership with our friends from Singapore. Im sure we were all keenly watching whats been happening back in Singapore earlier this week. While this morning isnt about world peace, history is still being made here in a different way, as we unveil a new programme -- DigitalFiji -- that is bringing the digital revolution to our country, our economy, and into the lives of our people like never before, putting essential services provided by my government at the fingertips of ordinary Fijians.DigitalFiji is only one part of a wide-reaching partnership weve undertaken with the Singaporean Government. And this morning, were marking the first major milestone under this project with the launch of the DigitalFiji mobile application that offers the first two key services under the DigitalFiji umbrella; my-Feedback Fiji and Directory-At-Gov.Theres no doubt weve got a big morning ahead of us, and I know were all keen to see the unveiling of the DigitalFiji App. Well get there I promise. But Id like to start this morning off by speaking on this larger partnership with Singapore, because really its much bigger than todays launch. It has a lot of exciting potential thats going to make a real difference in the lives of our people, and today is only the start of our work to transform the way Fijians engage with each other and with their Government.When it came to finding the right partner for this project, The Singaporean Government was the obvious choice. Much of our own national ambition and vision echo the incredible progress Singapore has experienced over the last half century. Our nations are natural partners. Though we may be small island states, our leadership and our achievements are enormous, even when compared to much larger nations around the world. And the Singaporean experience, taking a nation, a small island nation, making it strong and unified, and shaping yourselves into an international powerhouse; that is an experience that speaks to every Fijian, and our united Fiji can and must achieve.In Singapores own development journey, their Government took technology by the reigns, bringing their government services online in an innovative way that gave their citizens a direct line of communication with their government, and made services massively more accessible. In Fiji, as we welcome our ninth straight year of growth, and on the back of our massive investment in ICT infrastructure, weve put Fiji in a position to take that same bold step, and we will do so in a way that is tailored directly to the realities Fijians face in their everyday lives.We are a nation of under one million people, and my Government has brought a style of leadership to Fiji that listens and learns from Fijians -- all Fijians, everywhere in the country. Fijians know that they can count on my Government to hear them out and respond to their concerns. And through DigitalFiji, Fijians will be able to access that style of leadership directly in the palm of their hands, and their voices can now affect change in their day to day lives more quickly and conveniently than ever before.Because the reality is that more Fijians are spending more of their time on the internet and on their phones, and that is where government services need to be offered, that is where services need to be immediately available to our people, wherever they may be, and whenever they may need them.We already have a proud record in bringing more and better government services to more Fijians. Were offering government services in every corner of Fiji, were putting the right people in the right positions to deliver for our people, and through DigitalFiji, that agenda of lifting service delivery is being taken to an entirely new level.Its not often we see such important new announcements in what is really only the first phase of this project, but that should give some sense of how significant this project will grow to become, and we do indeed have more very exciting announcements in the pipeline in the months ahead. And as we modernise the way Fijians can interact with and access information on government services and personnel, we expect every permanent secretary and every civil servant to make sure the most up-to-date information is available in real-time, that it is readily available and accurate for our people. That is what all of us owe every Fijian in our strong, healthy and inclusive democracy.I very much look forward to all this partnership has to offer. Soon, well hear more from Our Honourable AG and his team about DigitalFiji and the DigitalFiji App,Vinaka vakalevu. Thank you. Benchling, a San Francisco, CA-based data management and collaboration platform built to advance life sciences research, closed $14.5M in Series B funding. The round was led by Benchmark, with participation from F-Prime Capital, a global venture capital firm associated with Fidelity Investments, and returning investor Thrive Capital. In conjunction with the funding, Benchmark General Partner Eric Vishria will be joining the board of directors. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate product development, continue growing its team, focus on growing its customer base. Led by co-founder and CEO Sajith Wickramasekara, Benchling empowers R&D teams with a suite of unified applications to encourage active collaboration, design and track biologics research, and accelerate the production and retention of knowledge. Today, more than 100,000 scientists across enterprises and academia are using Benchling. The customer base includes enterprise companies and some of the worlds most renowned research labs at universities such as Harvard, MIT, UC Berkeley, and Stanford. FinSMEs 14/06/2018 Cleo, a San Francisco, CA-based startup that allows working parents to transition back to the workplace, raised $10.5m in Series A funding. Backers included Greylock Partners, Forerunner Ventures and Felicis Ventures. In conjunction with the funding, Sarah Guo from Greylock, has joined Cleos board of directors. The company, which has raised over $13M in total funding, intends to use the capital to continue to expand its business reach. Led by Shannon Spanhake, CEO, and Dr. Chitra Akileswaran, Chief Medical Officer, Cleo provides an app that pairs intelligent personalization technology with a global network of certified care practitioners to guide parents on their journey from considering, to pregnancy, to parenthood, and back to work again. Employers can see increased employee retention, inclusive workplaces, health outcomes, and savings on expensive pregnancy-related health claims. Cleo supports parents in 35 countries, partnering with companies like Box, Slack, Cooley LLP, BPM, and many others. FinSMEs 13/06/2018 Grab, Southeast Asias leading O2O mobile platform, is to receive US$1 Billion investment from Toyota Motor Corporation. Toyota made the commitment as a lead investor in the companys ongoing financing round. As part of the agreement, Grab and Toyota will strengthen and expand their existing collaboration in the area of connected cars, to drive the adoption of new mobility solutions across Southeast Asia. The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions. This investment allows Grab to further expand its range of O2O services, such as GrabFood and GrabPay, deeper into the region. Grab operates in 217 cities across eight Southeast Asian countries and offers users safe and affordable transport, food and package delivery, mobile payments and financial services through its Grab mobile app. Led by Ming Maa, President, Grab will work with Toyota on how connected car services on the Toyota Mobility Service Platform (MSPF) such as user-based insurance, financing program and predictive maintenance could enrich the Grab experience for drivers on the Grab platform. Grab and Toyota will roll-out connected car services, such as telematics-based insurance, which may reduce the cost of insurance premiums for safer Grab drivers. To deepen the strategic collaboration, one Toyota executive will be appointed to Grabs board of directors and a dedicated Toyota team member will be seconded to Grab as an executive officer. Grab is an O2O mobile platform, providing a wide range of on-demand transport services in the region, in addition to food and package delivery services. Its food delivery service, GrabFood, operates across Malaysia, Singapore, Vietnam, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand while Grab Financial increases access to cashless services for millions of Grab customers across Southeast Asia, and connects the underserved and unbanked population to financial services. FinSMEs 15/06/2018 Ethos, a San Francisco, CA-based insurtech startup focused on life insurance, raised $11.5M in financing. The round was led by Sequoia Capital, with participation from Stanford University, Arrive, a subsidiary of Roc Nation, Robert Downey Jr.s Downey Ventures, Kevin Durants Durant Company, Will Smiths Smith Family Circle, and a credit facility from Silicon Valley Bank. In conjunction with the funding, Sequoia Partner Roelof Botha will join the board of directors. The company intends to use the funds to accelerate growth and enhance product development. Co-founded by Peter Colis and Lingke Wang, who together previously co-founded Ovid Life, a life insurance marketplace, and licensed in 49 states, Ethos provides life insurance products through technology to align with the needs of American families. Using Ethos, people can apply and qualify for a policy after a ten minute application. There is always a non-commissioned licensed agent available to give unbiased guidance. FinSMEs 14/06/2018 Mubadala Investment Company of Abu Dhabi is to create a $400m fund to invest in European technology companies. Managed by Mubadala Ventures, the venture capital arm of Mubadala, the fund will also see the participation from SoftBank Group as a strategic investor via its SIMI US Holdings I, Inc. investment subsidiary. The fund will target founder-led, high growth technology companies with global scale and impact, working closely with early-stage UK and other European funds. As part of its European strategy, Mubadala Ventures will expand its fund of funds program and invest in both established and emerging fund managers across the continent. Through both the fund of funds and direct fund strategy, Mubadala Ventures will also facilitate the process for European tech companies to establish operations in Abu Dhabi to target the Gulf and Middle East markets. Led by Ibrahim Ajami, Mubadala Ventures has an office in San Francisco, USA and oversees and manages Mubadalas $15 billion commitment to the SoftBank Vision Fund, Mubadala Ventures Fund 1 a US-focused early stage venture fund, and a fund of funds program that includes Data Collective, 8VC, Foundry Group, and Upfront Ventures as a part of its funds portfolio. The venture capital arm sits within Mubadala Capital, Mubadalas financial investment division, which focuses on the management of alternative assets, invests globally across a range of asset classes, including equity and credit, public and private securities, direct and third-party managed funds, while also managing a number of sovereign investment partnerships. FinSMEs 14/06/2018 naviHealth, a Brentwood, Tennessee-based manager of post-acute benefits for health plans, received an investment from Clayton, Dubilier & Rice and Cardinal Health, Inc. (NYSE: CAH) According to terms of the deal, whose amount was not disclosed, CD&R will acquire about a 55% ownership stake in naviHealth while Cardinal Health will retain an approximate 45% stake in the company. Ron Williams, operating advisor to CD&R funds and former chairman and chief executive officer of Aetna, will become chairman of the naviHealth board. Cardinal Health and CD&R will each appoint three additional directors for a total of eight directors on the naviHealth board. Led by CEO Clay Richards, naviHealth is a large manager of post-acute benefits for health plans and a value-based care partner to health systems and providers. The company partners with health plans, hospital systems, at-risk physician groups, and other healthcare providers to manage post-acute care as part of value-based care programs. Through its proprietary technology platform, naviHealth utilizes evidence-based protocols and dedicated clinical staff to quantitatively track patient recoveries, manage hospital discharges, reduce readmissions and support efficient clinical decision-making The company currently serves more than two million insured members and manages care transitions for approximately 800 acute hospitals and 11,000 post-acute care facilities nationwide. The transaction is expected to close in the third quarter of calendar 2018 subject to customary closing conditions. FinSMEs 14/06/2018 MiAlgae, a Scottish agtech startup, received 500k in funding. Backers included Equity Gap, SIB and Edinburgh Universitys Old College. The company intends to use the funds to scale and expand production capacity 30-fold, expand its team, and build a new plant for its technology at a whisky distillery. Led by Douglas Martin, the founder, MiAlgae is producing a new kind of nutritious animal feed based on a algae grown using co-products from Scotlands whisky distillation process. Economical and environmentally friendly, this micro algae is rich in omega-3 and other vital nutrients, providing an alternative to current animal feeds on the market. The microalgae produced can be used as a raw material for agricultural food products, with the company initially targeting the aquaculture industry, whose future growth is predicted to require new sources of feed. FinSMEs 14/06/2018 . . 2023 . AS, . . . - ... LG introduced its mid-range Q7 series of smartphones last month. Today the company launched the Q7 and Q7+ smartphones in Korea and also revealed the price of the phones. It also reveals that the phone will be powered by 1.8 GHz Octa-core Snapdragon 450 SoC. In addition to military grade durability with MIL-STD 810G, same as the predecessor, this is also IP68-certified for water and dust resistance. It also has Portrait mode, QLens, Hi-Fi quality audio, DTS:X 3D Surround Sound, and the Q7+ also comes with Hi-Fi Quad DAC. Even though it has the same 3000mAh battery has the predecessor, LG has added support for Qualcomms Fast Charge technology that charge the phone from 0 to 50% in 30 minutes via USB Type-C port. LG Q7 / Q7+ specifications 5.5-inch 18:9 FHD+ (2160 x 1080 pixels) FullVision Display 1.8GHz Octa-Core Snapdragon 450 14nm Mobile Platform with Adreno 506 GPU 3GB RAM with 32GB storage (Q7) / 4GB RAM with 64GB storage (Q7+) expandable memory up to 2TB with microSD Android 8.0 (Oreo) Dual SIM 16MP (Q7+) / 13MP f(Q7) rear camera with LED Flash, PDAF 5MP (100-degree Super Wide Angle) front-facing camera 3.5mm audio jack, FM Radio, Hi-Fi audio, DTS:X 3D Surround, Hi-Fi Quad DAC (Q7+ only) Water and Dust Resistant (IP68) MIL-STD 810G certified Dimensions: 143.8 x 69.3 x 8.4mm ; Weight: 145g 4G VoLTE, WiFi 802.11 b/g/n, Bluetooth 4.2 LE, GPS / GLONASS, USB Type-C 2.0 3,000mAh built-in battery with fast charging The LG Q7 in Aurora Black and Lavender Violet colors is priced at 495,000 Korean Won (US$ 456 / Rs. 30,850 approx.) and the Q7+ in Moroccan Blue is priced at 570,000 Won (US$ 526 / Rs. 35,540 approx.). Both these will be available through all the three major operators in Korea. The company already said that the phone will roll out starting from Europe from this June, followed by countries in the Americas and Asia. Source Samsung today has announced all-new 2018 line-up of televisions, including new models in the flagship QLED, mid-range UHD and the Make for India Concert series. The company says that the TVs come with groundbreaking design elements, enhanced picture quality, and smart, intuitive capabilities. The new Samsung QLED TV come with Ambient Mode, this provides useful information throughout the day even if the user isnt watching anything. The TV can mimic the pattern on the wall behind the TV to create an astonishing visual effect in which the TV blends seamlessly into the wall. It can also automatically show you the weather and lets you personalize the background with your own photos or from a selection of stunning artworks. They also feature a new One Invisible Connection which is one slim cable that combines both users power and AV data to the TV. It is available up to 15 meters and eliminates the needs of placing the TV near data or power outlets. Users can interact with S VOICE. It also comes with Smart Things app that can connect TV to other IoT enabled devices for syncing and sharing content, sending notifications and, mirroring screen and sound. On the other hand, Samsung also introduced the UHD TVs and are powered by superior High Dynamic Range. They provide striking brightness, deep contrast, exceptional details and vividly accurate colors. Moreover, its Dynamic Crystal Color technology is optimized for high-resolution viewing. The UHD variants also come with One Remote Control, Smart Hub and Smart Convergence for you to pair your Smartphone with TV or vice-versa or TV with Bluetooth speaker. Lastly, Samsung has also launched the Concert Series, in two distinct variations, Smart Concert and Joy Concert. The 2018 Concert Series comes with a new sound technology that combines both hardware and software improvements to deliver a powerful cinematic surround audio experience. These come with 4 speakers; two at the top and two at the bottom. Each channel delivers 10W sound output to pack a cumulative punch of 40W surround sound experience. It features Bluetooth support as well. The Smart Hub feature in the Smart Concert variant allows users to access Live TV and browse content across a host of apps such as Jio Cinema, Netflix, Amazon Prime, Big Flix and many more. The new 8 Samsung QLED TVs range from 55-inch to 75-inch and they will start from Rs.2,45,000. The entry-level UHD comes in 7100 series followed by 7470, 8000 and finally The Frame. The UHD TV range will start from Rs. 64,900. The Smart concert and Joy concert are available in 32, 43 and 49 sizes, and will starts from Rs. 27,500. Commenting on the launch, Rajeev Bhutani, Senior Vice President, Consumer Electronics Business, Samsung India said: Asus rolled out first update for the Zenfone Max Pro last month, ahead of the sale that brought Face unlock and several improvement along with Android security patch for April, 2018. Today the company has started rolling out a new update that brings VoLTE support for Vodafone, Airtel and Idea (In circles where its available), in addition to Reliance Jio. In addition the update also adds Android security patch for May, 2018 along with fingerprint sensor and front camera improvements. Check out the complete changelog below. Enables VoLTE for Vodafone/Airtel/Idea Updates Google security patch to May 2018 Improves the response speed of finger print sensor Improves front camera performance Asus already said that it is continuously improving camera performance and features as well as battery life and overall performance, improvements and optimization. At the launch the company said that it will bring 6GB RAM with 64GB storage version with 16MP primary rear and 16MP front camera for Rs. 14,999 within six week, but there are no details about the availability of it yet. Check out the review of the smartphone, if you are planning to get it. Image: Shutterstock Alleging that steelmakers are trying to pressurise NMDC and other miners in Karnataka to reduce prices, the country's largest iron ore miner said that it otherwise "sees no reason for steel players to reduce offtake."The miner said that is production from the Karnataka mine has decreased due to saturation of stock piles."During current fiscal year till date, only 25 percent of ore got sold through e-auction against the offered quantity. We are pursuing the matter with our customers to participate and to improve their off-take," the company said in a statement to Moneycontrol.NMDC's comments come even as KISMA - which represents iron and steel makers in Karnataka - is said to approach the central government on Thursday with its side of the case. One of its members JSW Steel earlier told Moneycontrol that NMDC has been following a differential price policy, leading to a higher price of iron ore in Karnataka.Officials from the industry added that NMDC's iron ore in Karnataka is priced Rs 700 per ton higher than the one in Chhattisgarh, and Rs 2,000 a ton higher than the rate in Odisha.FIMI, the industry body representing miners, has already made up plans to take the issue to Supreme Court, and is also said to have approached the Central government. It has asked permission for its member to sell outside Karnataka, as presently they are not allowed to trade ore outside the state.NMDC operates the Donimalai mines in Karnataka, one of its three mines in the country. It produces half of Karnataka's iron ore output of 25 million tons a year.The company has refuted allegations on price differential and said that it reviews rates on a monthly basis based on market dynamics."Various parameters are considered to fix the prices including NMDC's landed cost at Karnataka plants vis-a-vis other sources, viz. imports and Odisha," the company said.Many of the steelmakers however claimed that they were forced to source iron ore from neighbouring states, or import from overseas, given the price differential.NMDC countered that its prices in the Karnataka market were competitive." The company added:"As far as iron and steel markets are concerned, the market is performing well across all the regions. The demand for finished and semi-finished products have shown a positive trend during the last two months. So NMDC sees no reason for steel players to reduce off take..."Original Source: On June 16, the fifth annual Swim with a Mission will take place. For the fifth year in a row, Thom Pear will head up a team of endurance swimmers from Southwest Florida to brave the waters of Key West to raise funds for the Haven of Hope (HOHI) Orphanage in Santa Cruz, Bolivia. This year they hope to raise $5,000 to buy much-needed computers for the orphanage. All donations received will go to fund this program. Julia Wreski will solo swim the entire circumference of Key West. Chiqui Zabala and Heather Roko are also back this year. Together with new swimmers Tori Page and Megan Corredor, they will form two relay teams to swim the circumference of the Island. The swim is long and challenging, a distance of 12.5 miles. For many orphans, when they turn 18, they must leave the orphanage and enter the workforce. Without skills, there is a high probability that they will return to the streets and a life of poverty, officials say, adding that 60-70 percent of orphans aging out will turn to crime to survive, and 10 percent commit suicide. The computers are a part of HOHIs Computer Training Program that will teach the children basic computer skills for their overall development and advance their ability to compete in the academic and vocational arenas. HOHIs vision is sustainable orphanages raising up a generation that will positively impact their world. We hope you can help support our swim and these deserving children. To donate to Swim with a Mission go to firstgiving.com/event/393019/Swim-with-a-Mission . Who doesnt want to look fit and perfect, right? I mean, almost all of us have been running in this... A photo alllegedly showing a Nigerian man being buried in a luxury SUV has caused a stir on social media and was picked up by news outlets around the world. But is legit? In the image, reported on by Nigerian aggregator Naij.com, it appears that the $90,000 BMW X6 is being lowered into a grave during a funeral service. The caption for the Facebook post where the photo came from says that the car was purchased for the unidentified man by his son, Azubuike, and that the burial is taking place in the town of Ihiala. However, while the comments section of the post is full of people criticizing the act as wasteful and a bad look for the country, a few shed light on what may actually be going on. One says Nigerian and fake news,,,, this is a film that's being directed by Tchidi chikere, a famous local director. Another identifies two actors in the image. One of them, Richeal Ogbonnaya, even responded that shes "tired of explaining" it to the bloggers who have been writing about it. Given that the the photo was originally posted to the Facebook account of Nigerian filmmaker and artist Zevi Gins, any graverobbers reading this can probably put down their shovels now. (We've reached out to several of the parties involved and will update this story with any responses.) Anthony Bourdain continues to be mourned around the globe. A CNN spokesperson confirms to ET that the 61-year-old famed food critic and TV personality's body was cremated in France on Wednesday. The family asks that their privacy please be respected at this time. Bourdain was found dead in his hotel room in Kraysersberg, France, on June 8 by his close friend Eric Ripert, a French chef, with whom he was filming his CNN series "Parts Unknown." French prosecutor Christian de Rocquigny told the Associated Press on June 9 that there was no evidence of foul play in Bourdain's death and didn't appear to put much planning into his suicide. Anthony Bourdain's 'Parts Unknown' Series to Remain on Netflix Following Fan Outcry There is no element that makes us suspect that someone came into the room at any moment, Rocquigny said, adding that a medical expert had concluded that there was no evidence of violence and that toxicology tests were being performed. Since the shocking news of his death, fans, celebrities and close friends of Bourdain have flooded social media with tributes and heartfelt messages about how his work inspired others. Anthony Bourdain's Mother Gladys Says There Was Never Any Sign Something Was Wrong "Anthony was my best friend. An exceptional human being, so inspiring & generous. One of the great storytellers who connected with so many," Ripert wrote on Twitter last week. "I pray he is at peace from the bottom of my heart. My love & prayers are also with his family, friends and loved ones." Anthony Bourdain's Death Investigation Reveals No Signs of Foul Play, French Prosecutor Says Asia Argento, Bourdain's girlfriend, also released a heartbreaking statement."Anthony gave all of himself in everything that he did," the 42-year-old Italian actress and filmmaker wrote. "His brilliant, fearless spirit touched and inspired so many, and his generosity knew no bounds." In addition to Argento, Bourdain is survived by his 11-year-old daughter, Ariane. Actor Jamie Foxx spoke out on Wednesday against a claim that he assaulted a woman with his penis 16 years ago. Foxx told TMZ the claim is absurd and he will challenge the woman in court. The woman told police last week that the incident happed in Las Vegas in 2002 when she and a friend were attending a party hosted by Foxx, TMZ reported. The woman reportedly claims Foxx hit her in the face with his penis when she refused to perform oral sex on him. After the alleged assault, one of Foxxs friends allegedly told the woman to leave the house and she went back to her home in Los Angeles to get treatment for a panic attack, the gossip website reported. Jamie emphatically denies that this incident ever occurred, and he will be filing a report with the Las Vegas Police Department against the woman for filing a false police report against him, Foxxs attorney told TMZ in a statement, adding that Foxx's team only learned of the alleged incident when the site contacted them. The woman said the #MeToo movement inspired her to come out, according to TMZ. Las Vegas police reportedly consider the case an open investigation, though statute of limitations in Nevada is three years. Just days after online hatred forced Star Wars: The Last Jedi actress Kelly Marie Tran off Instagram, another star has been forced to close up their social media to avoid trolls. Stranger Things star Millie Bobby Brown has deleted her Twitter after becoming the subject of homophobic memes. The 14-year-old star deleted her account after the hashtag #TakeDownMillieBobbyBrown gained momentum. According to TheWrap, the tag first appeared in November but resurfaced in June to coincide with Pride Month. Online trolls have been taking various selfies and media shes posted on the account and photoshopping them with crude and homophobic captions designed to make the star, who is pro-LGBTQ, seem to be violently against homosexuality. As Vanity Fair notes, the star wore a pin to the MTV Movie and TV Awards this year to support the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against Defamations Together movement. In one image of the star sitting in a car, a caption was doctored to read: Just got this car . Its pride month hoping to hit a few fa----s today. A similar image of her was captioned, just ran over a homo xoxo beep beep b----. Another showed the star simply posing with a cup of coffee with a doctored caption reading: Just bought myself a piping hot coffee to throw on a fa----. Ironically, Browns secondary Twitter account, @Milliestopshate, which was designed to be a place to share positivity and end cyberbullying, is still active. Her Facebook and Instagram pages remain active as well. The star is expected to return to her role as Eleven in the Netflix drama Stranger Things Season 3. A sexual assault case against Sylvester Stallone is being reviewed by the Los Angeles District Attorney's office. DA office spokesman Greg Riesling confirmed to Fox News that the case was being reviewed and that the Santa Monica Police Department filed the case on Wednesday, but did not give any further details on the alleged crime. Reps for Stallone did not immediately respond to Fox News' request for comment. Last December, a police report accusing the actor of sexual assault in the 1990s was filed to the Santa Monica Police Department. At the time, Stallone's lawyer said the actor "categorically disputes the claim," which occurred outside the statute of limitations in California. One month before, Stallone denied another report that claimed he had inappropriate sexual contact with a woman in 1986 in a Las Vegas hotel room when she was 16. This is a ridiculous, categorically false story. No one was ever aware of this story until it was published today, including Mr. Stallone. At no time was Mr. Stallone ever contacted by authorities or anyone else regarding this matter, a representative for Stallone told Fox News in November 2017. Could something between Tiffany Haddish and Leonardo DiCaprio be in the cards? Haddish told The Hollywood Reporter about a conversation she claimed to have had with The Revenant actor. Yeah, I met him at a party two, three months ago, and I asked him if hed let me hit that," she told the publication in the profile. Hes like, Tiffany, youre so funny. But for Haddish, 38, it was no laughing matter. Im like, Im serious, she went on. And then he goes, I mean, Id do it, but I was like, Come on, wasn't you in a squad? before referencing a vulgar nickname Hollywood crafted for DiCaprio and his group of celebrity friends. I told him, My only stipulation: I wanna do it with you as your character in 'Whats Eating Gilbert Grape,' she continued. He starts bustin up laughin. DiCaprio played a mentally challenged person in the 1993 movie, which also starred Johnny Depp in the title role. MEGHAN MARKLE COULD EARN AN EMMY NOMINATION FOR 'SUITS' DESPITE ROYAL STATUS Haddish said that DiCaprio, 43, asked her the reason. I say, Cause I feel like that performance deserves a real reward and that reward is this (gestures at her own body),' she recalled. Haddish continued, He starts goin into how he got into the role, how he worked with these kids and all this stuff, and Im just listenin and listenin, like, Mmm-hmm, mmm-hmm. I finally go, All thats good, I just need to know, Whens this gonna happen? DiCaprio later received a best supporting Oscar nomination for his role in the film but Tommy Lee Jones ended up winning the statue at the 1994 Oscars for The Fugitive. Asia Argento is letting fans know she's doing "fine" one day after her boyfriend Anthony Bourdain was reportedly cremated in France. The Italian actress, 42, shared a message on her Instagram story that showed a photo of a card that read "I'm a f---ing mess inside" that was crossed out with the words "I'm fine." She followed up with another photo of a prayer in Spanish. The prayer asked for God's guidance, thanked Him for His light and said she can rely on Him for His love and protection. Bourdain, whose rakish personality and appetite for culinary curiosities entertained millions of viewers, committed suicide on June 8. He was 61. "Anthony gave all of himself in everything that he did. His brilliant, fearless spirit touched and inspired so many, and his generosity knew no bounds. He was my love, my rock, my protector. I am beyond devastated. My thoughts are with his family. I would ask that you respect their privacy and mine," Argento tweeted June 8. Argento, a Harvey Weinstein accuser, released a statement hours after Bourdain's death was revealed. The pair began dating in 2017 after they met while the celebrity chef was in Rome filming "Parts Unknown." Supporters of the Times Up movement will not be happy to learn that the time is up for Kevin Spacey to be stuck in the doghouse. Billionaire Boys Club starring Spacey and Ansel Elgort is finally set for release on July 19, two and a half years after filming wrapped. And Spacey is featured in the trailer. Just as the producers were about to make a deal to distribute the movie last October, Spacey was accused of sexual assault by Rent actor Anthony Rapp. Then other men came forward. The movie based on the true story of a Los Angeles Ponzi-scheming ring in the 1980s also features Emma Roberts, Suki Waterhouse, Billie Lourd and, as Andy Warhol, Cary Elwes. Spacey was cut from the film All the Money in the World after his scandal and fired from House of Cards. Richard DuPont who plays a drug dealer in Boys Club, as does twin brother, Robert said it is time for Spacey to reappear on the big screen. People have such short memories, DuPont told me. And Spacey is almost unrecognizable in a beard and glasses. Meghan Markle stepped out for her first solo royal engagement with Queen Elizabeth following her royal wedding to Prince Harry. The newly named Duchess of Sussex and her grandmother-in-law made their grand entrance arriving in northwest England for a series of events. While the queen donned a green suit similar to the ensemble she wore to the royal wedding in May, Meghan greeted eager fans outside of the train station wearing a beige Givenchy pencil dress with a belted waist. The American actress made the decision to cover her arms and shoulders after critics deemed the off-the- shoulder Carolina Herrera dress that she wore to during the Trooping the Colour celebrations last weekend, "inappropriate." When Meghan and the queen stepped off the train, they were greeted by David Briggs, the Lord Lieutenant of Cheshire, who reportedly said to Meghan, I understand it is your first trip to the north of England," two which the Duchess replied, Thats correct. Im very happy to be here. The queen and Meghan's public outing is the first time the new duchess has been seen out with the queen without any other members of the royal family. Royal author Ingrid Seward told People that Meghan's solo outing with the queen occurred much sooner than Kate Middleton's following her marriage to Prince William. Queen Elizabeths former press secretary, Charles Anson, also told the mag that royal engagements such as these are the queen's way of helping Meghan to acclimate to royal life. "It is the way of the royal family all part of the training and getting used to being in public life and under public scrutiny, Anson said. Showing people the ropes is a high priority for the queen. According to People, the royals met with architects, planners and community representatives at Mersey Gateway Bridge for its grand opening. After a performance by some of the local children, the queen formally opened the bridge. Following the bridge ceremony, the royal pair will visit the Storyhouse in Chester, where they are reportedly slated to meet with a Syrian settlement group, dine with locals in Chester Town Hall and watch a live dance and song performance from the current production of "A Little Night Music." Mixed martial arts star Conor McGregor expressed regret on Thursday for a backstage melee at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn that was captured by cameras and detailed on social media. In it, he was exposed hurling a hand truck at a bus full of fighters. He is currently in the process of negotiating a plea deal to resolve criminal charges arising from the April episode. The brawler, 29, and his friend and co-defendant Cian Cowley, 25, remained free on bail after an initial court appearance on April 6. They were told that each would face up to seven years in prison on a top charge of felony criminal mischief, but a deal would almost certainly reduce or eliminate their time behind bars. Judge Raymond Rodriguez ordered them to return July 26, The Associated Press reported. I regret my actions that led me here today, McGregor said outside court in New York afterward, a shift in tone from his previous comments since the fracas. I understand the seriousness of this matter and Im hopeful to get it resolved soon. Assistant District Attorney Janet Gleeson said the case hasnt been presented to a grand jury for possible indictment because of the plea negotiations. McGregor was seen on camera attacking the bus in a Barclays Center loading dock after a press event ahead of UFC 223, which featured the sports biggest card of the year. According to the UFC president, Dana White, has described the situation as 20 hoodlums that flew in from Ireland and crashed the event, allegedly seeking retaliation against main event fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov, who previously had an altercation with McGregors friend Artem Lobov. Despite the controversy surrounding McGregor, he and White are expected to meet next week to discuss the fighter's next bout The Associated Press contributed to this report. Ron Howard has one question on his mind, and it has nothing to with his latest film, Solo: A Star Wars Story. Honest question to #MAGA minders, the 64-year-old tweeted Thursday. When was America at its greatest? Can you tell me an era that reflects the Again that you hope to return to? The Oscar-winning filmmaker and former Happy Days actor quickly started a conversation with users who had different opinions of President Trumps famous slogan. Tell me yours Ron, we are about the same age! one user responded. Mine is the Ronald Reagan 8 years! Economic growth! Stability! People were happy to talk about GOD in a positive mode! The World hates Christians & GOD! Love killing, especially babies! Its all about me generation instead of GOD! Any time before Obama, chimed another. I would say prob after WWII added one user. My dad and I have had heated conversations around this, explained a user. He believes its bringing back manufacturing because everyone has a job and you didnt need a college degree. Which at least my kids dont want. They want tiny houses and no debt. But some used the open question to criticize the current administration. I dont think this is really much about politics, tweeted one user. Its about a huge cohort of old people who are scared and confused about a changing world, and resentful that privileges they once took for granted seem to be disappearing. Fearmongering media drums this message, Id like to know that too Ron, said another. For all of us outside of America, weve been questioning the again all along. When was this golden age? So the era of McCarthyism, segregation, limited womens rights, the growth of the US Military industrial complex, and the repression of the LGTBQ communities, tweeted a user. Exactly. Trumpers want to return to the decade of unchecked straight, white, male power. Out of all the responses Howard received, he retweeted one comment that read, I know personally I had more money under bill Clinton then any other president. Howard pointed out the opinion about post-WWII. I always assume that, too, he explained. A time when most other economies were in a shattered state, so our dominance was clear and there was little global market competition. Taxes were high (90% top bracket) so there was infrastructure money to work with and the war economy continued. This isnt the first time Howard has spoken out about Trump. After the 2017 Golden Globes where Meryl Streep delivered a speech that condemned the president, Trump took to Twitter and characterized her as an over-rated actress. Soon after Howard addressed Trumps comment on Twitter. Trump was a reality tv star spouting criticisms of a president & reinforcing the Birther Lie, he tweeted. but now celebs should b muzzled? Trump takes the bait & calls #MerylStreep overrated?! Please Pres-Elect. Dont make this into the WWF which is fun but not presidential. Trump used his fame to speak out on issues years before he ran 4 office. Why was he allowed & Ms Streep should keep quiet. No hypocrisy pls. Willie Robertson of "Duck Dynasty" is back with a new book highlighting the "incredible stories" of American entrepreneurship. Fox News can reveal Robertson's new book "American Entrepreneur" will be released on November 13. "The book is about entrepreneurs in America and their incredible stories," the Duck Commander CEO told us. "As an entrepreneur myself, and the son of a man who put everything he had on the line to follow his dream, I know first hand what it takes to start a successful business in America." The 46-year-old said he wanted to write about the topic to help answer readers' questions about starting their own businesses. "I wrote about those who braved the risks to pursue their passion, and to find out what we can learn from their stories," the businessman explained. "How other people did it, what challenges they faced and why they didnt give up are all questions that I wanted to answer." The reality star said he hopes the book will inspire others to pursue their dreams of starting their own successful company. "I hope readers will be inspired and encouraged by the amazing stories of people who overcame enormous hurdles and brought us many of the companies we know today," he shared. In addition to telling the story of how Willie's father, Phil Robertson, turned his humble duck call manufacturing business into a multimillion dollar company, Robertson's book explores the tales of entrepreneurship early on in American history. "America was founded and built, in large part, by the courage, brains and sweat of entrepreneurs. George Washington and many of the Founders were entrepreneurs," the father-of-six said. "Large and small, entrepreneurs, small businesses and mom-and-pop operations launched the colonial economies, forged America's expansion westward, and laid the foundations for the cities, factories, farms, philanthropies, transportation and communications networks that powered the nation we live in today." Robertson starred on A&E's "Duck Dynasty" from 2012-2017. Since the show ended, Robertson co-starred in the spinoff "Going Si-ral" alongside his uncle, Si Robertson. "American Entrepreneur" will be released on November 13. Impress your dad and let him take a well-deserved break while you make him a Fathers Day-themed cocktail. Dominic Venegas, the brand ambassador for Pernod Ricard, takes his cocktails very seriously and now he's taking Fox News behind the bar to share two of his favorite recipes that, hopefully, our dads will enjoy too. One of the many things I enjoy about making drinks is introducing people to new ways to enjoy their favorite spirits through classic cocktails, says Venegas. Theres a bit of elegance and history to the classics, and every father loves a classic. Venegas starts with a play on Scotch on the rocks that he names "The Founding Father." Scotch rocks, in more ways than you know," he said. As an alternative, sweeter option, Venegas serves up a play on the traditional tequila-based Paloma, featuring a lot of seasonal fruit, which he aptly has dubbed the "Papa-loma." MILLENNIALS DRINK AT HOME BECAUSE IT TAKES TOO MUCH EFFORT TO GO OUT, STUDY FINDS Jordan Bushell, the national brand ambassador for Hennessy, also got in on the fun with a variation of the traditional Sidecar cocktail, which he calls "Between the Sheets." My father was actually the first person that got me to bartend, Bushell explains. He handed me a pile of recipes for a Fathers Day family gathering and I had to mix them up for everyone. I had no idea what these things were, but it turns out, many, many years later, its become my career. The original version of the Sidecar was created in 1930 by Harry MacElhone, the head bartender at his eponymous Harrys New York Bar in Paris, but Bushell mixes together cognac, rum and curacao to honor MacElhones legacy and bring the drink into 2018. "On Fathers Day I like the combination of Between The Sheets because its a classic cocktail with a fun and exciting recipe and name thats as interesting today as it was in 1930, explains Bushell. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Watch the video above to see Dominic Venegas make "The Founding Father" and the "Papa-loma," then check out the complete recipes for all three drinks below. The Founding Father by Dominic Venegas Recipe 2 parts Glenlivet Founders Reserve 4 parts soda (with or without flavoring) Lemon, strawberry or preferred fruit, for garnish Method Add Glenlivet Founders Reserve to an ice-filled highball glass Top with soda and stir Garnish with desired fruit Papa-loma by Dominic Venegas Recipe 2 parts Altos Plata .5 parts fresh lime juice 3 parts grapefruit soda Lime wedge, for garnish Method Add a pinch of salt to highball glass filled with ice Add Altos Plata and lime juice Top with grapefruit soda and stir Garnish with a lime wedge Between the Sheets by Jordan Bushell Recipe 1 ounce Hennessy V.S.O.P Privilege Cognac 1 ounce Ten Cane Rum 1 ounce Orange Curacao .5 ounces Fresh Lemon Juice Lemon Twist, for garnish Method One Wisconsin man was not lovin it when a police officer denied his request for a McDonalds during his arrest. The disgruntled 50-year-old reportedly told the officer he was not going to put handcuffs on him until he ate his McDonald's before proceeding to make an unsuccessful breakaway for the fast-food chain. IN-N-OUT TEMPORARILY CLOSED ALL TEXAS LOCATIONS DUE TO BAD BUNS Jack Rasmussen, who had an outstanding warrant for his arrest, was stopped Wednesday by an officer with the Bloomer Police Department, WQOW reported. Refusing to cooperate, Rasmussen drove his vehicle to a nearby McDonald's, parked and walked away from the car. Though the police officer instructed Rasmussen to wait by his vehicle, the man said he was "not going to put handcuffs on him until he ate his McDonald's and resisted arrest. Backup was called to the scene and Rasmussen was taken into custody, the outlet notes. MCDONALD'S EMPLOYEE CAUGHT ON FILM DARING CO-WORKER TO DRINK ALLEGED MIXTURE OF ICE CREAM AND CHEMICALS The Bloomer man now faces two charges for felony bail jumping and resisting an officer, and could face up to six years, nine months in jail. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Two sisters from Phenix City, Ala., gave birth on the same day, at the same hospital, around the same time last week for the second time in nearly a decade. Mara Meighan and Jennifer Solis, who announced they were pregnant within a week of one another, WTVM reported, knew there was a chance their children would be born around the same time. But they never expected the babies to arrive so close to one another. Meighan gave birth to a healthy baby girl named Ana Grace, while her sister, Solis, birthed a healthy baby boy named Marco. "It has brought us way closer than we were before," Meighan told the news station. This isnt the first time the sisters have given birth on the same day. According to Piedmont Columbus Regional Hospital in Columbus, Ga., which cared for the sisters, the pairs first children were born on the same day roughly nine years ago. The hospital said on Facebook the newborns are happy, healthy and doing well. Milena Canning has been blind for about one-third of her life. Thirty years ago, she suffered from a respiratory infection and a series of strokes, which landed her in an 8-week-long coma. When she finally woke up, her vision was gone. At first, Canning, a 48-year-old from Scotland, only saw darkness but soon, she was surprised with a bright flash of green light. It looked like a "glint of a sparkly gift bag," Western University in London, Canada, described in an online statement this week. Canning then began to see glimpses of other moving objects. "Her daughters ponytail bobbing when she walked, but not her daughters face; rain dripping down a window, but nothing beyond the glass; and water swirling down a drain, but not a tub already full with water," Western University explained. MASCARA KEPT ON FOR DECADES LEAVES 'EMBEDDED' LUMPS UNDER WOMAN'S EYELIDS Confused, Canning began to see a local specialist, hoping to find answers. Eventually, she was referred to Jody Culham, a neuropsychologist at the Brain and Mind Institute at Western University. Culham and her team conducted several tests, including a functional MRI to measure Canning's brain activity. The team then noticed something that may explain the gaps in eyesight. She is missing a piece of brain tissue about the size of an apple at the back of her brain almost her entire occipital lobes, which process vision, Culham said in a news release Tuesday. We think the super-highway for the visual system reached a dead end. But rather than shutting down her whole visual system, she developed some back roads that could bypass the superhighway to bring some vision especially motion to other parts of the brain. LEGALLY BLIND BOY SEES WITH HELP OF SPECIAL GLASSES The rare phenomenon is known as Riddoch syndrome, which is caused by damage to the occipital lobe. Culham's findings were published in the peer-reviewed scientific journal Neuropsychologia in May. According to Western University, only a handful of cases have been reported over the years and "none studied so extensively as this." This work may be the richest characterization ever conducted of a single patients visual system, Culham said. She has shown this very profound recovery of vision, based on her perception of motion. Culham plans to continue monitoring Canning to note any changes in brain activity, which may impact her vision. I cant see like normal people see or like I used to see. The things Im seeing are really strange. There is something happening and my brain is trying to rewire itself or trying different pathways, Canning said. Hospital intensive care units (ICUs) treat patients around the clock. But overnight shifts are hard to fill and can lead to burnout. Not only is it hard on the body to work at night, but its hard at 3 in the morning to decide if this problem is enough of a problem to call a physician, said Katie Casey, an ICU nurse practitioner at Emory Saint Joseph's Hospital in the Atlanta suburb of Sandy Springs. Emory Healthcare is tackling the problem by sending teams of doctors and nurses to deliver telemedicine from the other side of the world. I get more phone calls now without feeling bad that theyre waking somebody up in the middle of the night, said Dr. Milad Sharifpour. The Emory anesthesiologist spoke with Fox News using his hospital systems video conferencing capabilities from Perth, Australia, where the time difference is 12 hours. As he consulted with patients and on-site staff beginning an overnight shift back in the states, morning sunlight could be seen streaming into Sharifpours work station at Royal Perth Hospital. Sharifpour and his colleagues travel to Australia on tourist visas and stay no more than 90 days at a time. They monitor and communicate with patients over a closed network to insure privacy. By sending our staff to Australia, they have better sleep patterns, said Dr. Timothy Buchman, director of the Emory Critical Care Center. Theyre better rested. They make decisions more efficiently, more quickly and more reliably. Multiple studies suggest the introduction of telemedicine to ICUs can reduce medical costs while improving patient outcomes. Emorys Electronic ICU (eICU) program saved $4.6 million in Medicare spending over 15 months while shortening the length of hospital stays and reducing readmissions, according to an independent audit by Abt Associates for the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). In addition to providing expert consultation to overnight staff, eICUs allow patients spouses and relatives to talk to specialists during off hours. Most families dont converge in the hospital at 10 or 11 a.m. when the physician is there, said Cheryl Hiddleson, director of the Emory eICU Center. They come when they get off work. It may be 8, 9, 10 at night. Doctors and nurses say patients and families appreciate the extra care overnight and quickly get used to speaking to someone on a video monitor. Its not as personal, obviously, because youre not right at the bedside, said eICU nurse Terri Reece, speaking from Australia by video conference. But its a different relationship. Its more of a supportive role. And the patients have been very receptive, glad to see someone. Its more of a talking relationship. But theyre very receptive. Fox News Producer David Lewkowict contributed to this report. Kentuckys attorney general on Thursday sued Walgreens Boots Alliance Inc, accusing the company of playing a dual role in propagating an opioid epidemic in the state as both a pharmacy chain and wholesale drug distributor. The lawsuit by Kentucky Attorney General Andy Beshear was his sixth to date seeking to hold corporations like drug manufacturers and distributors responsible for their roles in the drug abuse crisis. The lawsuit, filed in state circuit court in Boone County, said Walgreens pharmacies filled massive and/or suspicious orders of unusual size. As a distributor, it failed to report suspicious orders to authorities, according to the complaint. WOMAN CLAIMS SHE WAS GIVEN BREAST IMPLANTS WITHOUT CONSENT AFTER UNDERGOING DOUBLE MASTECTOMY While Walgreens slogan was at the corner of happy and healthy, they have significantly harmed the health of our families in fueling the opioid epidemic, Beshear said in a statement. The lawsuit seeks damages and penalties as well as an injunction. Deerfield, Illinois-based Walgreens declined to comment. States, counties and cities have filed hundreds of lawsuits, accusing drugmakers of pushing addictive painkillers through deceptive marketing, and accused wholesale distributors of failing to report suspicious drug orders. Beshear is pursuing similar cases against drug distributors AmerisourceBergen Corp, Cardinal Health Inc and McKesson Corp as well as drugmakers Johnson & Johnson and Endo International Plc. 12:43 | Geneva (Switzerland), Jun. 14. This appointment is especially important given the proximity of ILO 's centenary celebrations, in 2019, when the Peruvian representative will be leading the Governing Body This is the second time a Peruvian envoy takes on this important responsibility since 1948. Supported by the Latin American group, the nomination received the subsequent endorsement of the Governments, Employers, and Workers' groups. After his appointment, the Peruvian was congratulated by the three main organs of the body and ILO Director-General Guy Ryder In his speech, the ambassador thanked for the confidence placed in Peru and pledged to work hard to promote transparent dialogue and reinforce trust so as to build tripartite consensus in which all members feel involved. The Governing Body is the executive body of the International Labour Organization (the Office is the secretariat of the Organization). It meets three times a year, in March, June, and November to take decisions on ILO policy, decide the agenda of the International Labour Conference, adopt the draft Programme and Budget of the Organization for submission to the Conference, and elect the Director-General. The body is composed of 56 titular members (28 Governments, 14 Employers, and 14 Workers) and 66 deputy members (28 Governments, 19 Employers, and 19 Workers). Ten of the titular government seats are permanently held by States of chief industrial importance (Brazil, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, the Russian Federation, the United Kingdom, and the United States). The other Government members are elected by the Conference every three years (the last elections were held in June 2014). The Employer and Worker members are elected in their individual capacity. (END) NDP/RMB/MVB The Governing Body of the International Labour Organization (ILO) has unanimously elected Ambassador Claudio de la Puente Ribeyro, Permanent Representative of Peru to the international organizations in Geneva, as the new Chairperson of the body for 2018-19.Published: 6/14/2018 A dad in North Carolina bought his recently graduated son a billboard recognizing him as valedictorian even though the school refused to do so. Garry Allmon purchased the large digital sign for his son, Joshua, on U.S. Highway 264 in Wake County, North Carolina to celebrate his four years of hard work. The proud father posted a photo of the billboard on Facebook, which reads Joshua Allmon will always be our Valedictorian. 2 OF 47 NEW JERSEY BEACHES STILL UNDER ADVISORY DUE TO FECAL BACTERIA Garry wrote, East Wake High School and Wake County Public School Board may not recognize Josh's hard work but we will. Joshuas school recently did away with naming a valedictorian and replaced it with the Latin honors ranking system as a better way to recognize students who may have barely missed being named valedictorian or salutatorian by several decimal places, according to News and Observer. The entire school district announced in May it would be making the change starting next year, but according to Josh his school decided to do it earlier. So even though Josh said his transcript shows him ranked as number one, he wasnt given the coveted title. Its a stupid rule that will hurt students down the line, but itll accomplish their goal of making everyone feel equal, he wrote on Twitter. In addition to graduating with a 5.31 GPA, Joshua participated in two sports, multiple extra-curricular activities and had a job his senior year. He even got his college tuition paid for. The hard-working student plans to attend North Carolina State University in the fall to study chemical engineering and paper science engineering with a minor in business, according to WRAL. Joshua told Fox News he didnt think his dad would actually go through with the idea. I was flabbergasted when I first saw the billboard, and enjoyed the recognition that it gave, but was also appreciative of the fact that it allowed for a broader message/warning to be shared, he said. He hopes the billboard will send the message to people outside the school that the policy change is affecting students. It was a public statement, geared towards an increased public awareness on the negative effects that come with such policies. High achieving students have their reputations undermined by them, he wrote on Twitter. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Its impossible to compete on the national stage when your accomplishments are limited by the system you have no choice but to come through. New policies are aimed at making everyone feel as if they achieved equally; this is simply not the case. Some people simple work harder, he continued. The billboard was on display for 10 days through June 12, the day of East Wakes graduation ceremony. A seventh grader in Maryland had to use duct tape to cover her legs after wearing ripped jeans to school and her mother is not happy about it. Nicole Williams said she received a text message from her daughter, a student at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School in Waldorf, complaining that the duct tape was itching and burning her skin. Williams alleges that she did not know of the dress code violation until her daughter sent her that text message. The idea that they came up with and believe it was a good idea to put duct tape on a child when they can clearly see bare skin I believe they should have called me first and gave her a chance to change her clothes, said Williams to FOX5. STUDENT TOLD SWEATSHIRT AND JEANS VIOLATED SCHOOL'S DRESS CODE Williams daughter said she was instructed by a teacher to use the duct tape after she went to class with the ripped jeans. They told me that my jeans were inappropriate for school and then one of the teachers told me that I had to go get tape, the student said. So I went to go get the tape and the teacher tried to put it on, and then she said make it tighter because she didnt want it falling off or anything. The middle schools dress code bans shorts that are above the knee or jeans with holes that are above the knee. In a statement to FOX5, Marvin Jones, the interim principal at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School said the schools policy is to first call the parent before having the student apply duct tape over any holes Jones admits the school did not follow protocol. "Our practice is to communicate with the parent before a student covers the holes with tape; however, that protocol was not followed today, and I apologize for that. The amount of tape applied by the student was excessive and unfortunately, she had a reaction to it. The parent met face-to-face with an administrator at the school, as well as a director at the system's administrative offices today. I have attempted to contact the parent as well but without success. My first concern is for the child and I want to make sure that she is okay. I will review with staff proper procedures for handling dress code violations moving forward. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS Jones statement continued: The expectation at Benjamin Stoddert Middle School is that students do not come to school in pants with holes above the knee. If a student does not meet that expectation, we first ask students if they have a way to cover the holes, and if they do, they go back to class. If they do not, we call the parent and provide the student duct tape to self-apply to the holes above the knee. "If a parent indicates someone will bring a change of clothes, the student is allowed to go to the in-school retention room to wait without having to apply the tape. In this case, the mother asked if the student could take the tape off and wait in the in-school retention room until she could bring a change of clothing, and that was allowed. Two fishermen in southeast Oklahoma unexpectedly caught a 4-foot long, roughly 100-pound alligator snapping turtle earlier this month. Fishing with a trotline on Saturday morning, Jonathan Van Fleet and Anthony Dover came across the turtle which, according to the Oklahoma Game Warden, found itself in a rather peculiar situation by munching on one of the sunfish used as bait. Van Fleet and Dover removed the behemoth turtle from the tangled trotline before taking the hook out of its mouth. PICS: FLORIDA FISHERMEN REEL IN MASSIVE 800-POUND MARLIN Afterward, Van Fleet called local game warden Mark Hannah, who helped the men measure the turtle, which appeared to be healthy, before returning it to Little River. It is illegal to keep an alligator snapping turtle in the state, according to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation (DFW). "Because of its rarity and low reproductive rate, the Alligator Snapping Turtle is classified as a species of special concern and a year-round closed season prohibits the trapping, possession or killing of these turtles," the Oklahoma DFW explained on its website. It's unclear exactly how old this particular turtle is, but alligator snapping turtles usually live to the ages of between 80 and 120. VID SHOWS FISHERMAN DRAGGING SHARK BACK INTO THE OCEAN The Oklahoma Game Warden posted pictures of the incredible find on Facebook, garnering nearly 2,000 shares as of Thursday afternoon. Though it's an impressive catch with a shell measuring 24 inches wide wildlife officials warned the creatures can be rather dangerous if not handled properly. It is advised that you use caution when dealing with them. The bite from a turtle this large can easily remove a finger, or even your hand, the Oklahoma Game Warden said. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! The report issued Thursday by highly respected Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz on the FBIs handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation shows that FBI Director James Comey deserved to be fired for his actions. But an important question is unanswered: How has the report been changed from Horowitzs findings as he originally presented them? The report made public is apparently a revised version of an earlier draft written by Horowitz. It is imperative that Congress and the public get to see the first draft as well as the final product, in order to determine whether there have been significant changes and if so, whether they were motivated by political considerations or basic fairness. The rules of the Justice Department provide that anyone criticized in an IG report has the right to suggest factual corrections. That seems fair, and if that is all that was done, there should be no complaints. But if the published draft improperly whitewashed any individuals or scrubbed any valid criticisms, we have a right to know. In an age of growing distrust by the American public of the Justice Department, the FBI, and Special Counsel Robert Mueller and his probe of Russian interference in the 2016 election, it is imperative that Inspector General Horowitz maintain his credibility as a guardian of truth, objectivity and political neutrality within the department. As expected, the report was critical of Comey for deviating from the policies and traditions of the FBI when he made public announcements during the windup of Clintons presidential campaign and gave his opinion regarding her conduct in dealing with emails during the period she served as secretary of state in the Obama administration. The report characterized Comey as insubordinate, but concluded that he was not motivated by any partisan political bias. I agree with the report that Comeys actions were not motivated by partisan considerations. He really didnt care who won the election. He certainly didnt want Donald Trump to defeat Hillary Clinton, even though his actions as FBI director may have contributed to that result. Comeys motivations were worse than partisan. They were personal. He placed his own personal reputation above that of the department and above partisan considerations. He believed that Clinton was going to win the election, and he was worried that if he didnt disclose matters pertaining to the investigation of her that he personally would be criticized by the Trump people when they lost the election. So Comey figured that by providing information that hurt the winning candidate, he would protect himself from such criticism. By placing concern for his own reputation over the rules and standards of the Justice Department, he more than deviated he abused his trust for personal gain. The condemnation of Comey in Inspector General Horowitzs report should have been much harsher. Had Clinton been elected, she certainly would have been justified in firing Comey for his handling of the email investigation. That is the justification provided by Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein in his letter calling for Comeys firing. The fact that Comey deserved to be fired for this reason is supported by the IG report. But it is alleged that the real reason why President Trump fired Comey was because the FBI director was investigating the Russia matter. Whats the truth? The key witness to President Trumps motive in firing Comey will, of course, be Rosenstein. That is why Rosenstein should have recused himself from Day One from any investigation of President Trump that might involve the firing of Comey. On a more fundamental level, President Trump was empowered to fire Comey for any reason, no reason or even a bad reason. Our Constitution precludes inquiring into the motives of the president (as distinguished from questioning the motives of the former director of the FBI) who has taken actions authorized by Article II. So perhaps, the reason why Rosenstein has remained on the case is because he knows that the firing of Comey can never be the basis for a criminal or impeachment charge. The IG report is 568 pages long. I have perused it and carefully read the conclusions and recommendations. Neither side will be happy, because the report itself seems cautious and balanced. Its recommendations are indisputable. Partisan Republicans will not be satisfied with the reports conclusion regarding Clinton: that the decision not to prosecute her was reached properly, by the book. Partisan Democrats will not be satisfied with the reports unwillingness to conclude that Comeys comments swung the election to Trump. For me, the major takeaway from this report by Michael Horowitz is that it conclusively demonstrates why we do not need a special counsel to conduct the Russia probe now underway, and why the appointment of Robert Mueller in this case was ill-advised. The report demonstrates that there are institutions within the Justice Department capable of rendering fair and impartial justice. There is no need except in the most extraordinary cases to go outside the Justice Department and spend millions of dollars of taxpayers money and to place targets on the backs of particular individuals. Career Justice Department officials non-political civil servants who serve under presidents of both parties were entirely capable of investigating the Russia matter and other matters being looked into by Mueller. Moreover, Muellers extremely close personal and professional association with tainted former FBI Director Comey raise serious questions about whether Mueller was the right person for the job. I do not think he was. There is every reason to wonder whether Mueller will lean over backwards to protect Comey. If the Justice Department felt the need to pick an outside lawyer to conduct the investigation and I do not think the need was justified it should have gone to someone who has no connection with any of the people involved in the earlier investigation. Mueller is himself a former FBI director, so has clear connections to individuals serving in the bureau, including Comey. All in all, the IG report will help to restore the trust of the public in our nations Justice Department. If the recommendations in the report are followed, the future will be brighter than the past when it comes to the politicization of law enforcement. We still have a long way to go to restore trust, but this report is a good beginning. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! Amid all the happy hoopla over President Donald Trump's trip to Singapore, where he began the process for what he hopes will be the normalization of relations between the United States and North Korea and the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, has come an effort by the House Intelligence Committee to interfere with the criminal investigation of the president. The committee's chairman, Devin Nunes, a Republican from California, and the Republican majority on the committee have demanded that the Department of Justice turn over documents pertaining to the origins of the investigation of President Trump by special counsel Robert Mueller. And Nunes has threatened Mueller's superior, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, with censure, contempt and even impeachment if he fails to comply. Can Congress interfere in an ongoing federal criminal investigation? Can it get its eyes on law enforcement's active files? In a word: No. Here is the back story. In the pre-9/11 era, when the FBI and the DOJ devoted their work primarily to investigating criminal activity, they both answered not only to the president but also to the House and Senate Judiciary committees. This long-standing relationship came about by way of a check on the exercise of prosecutorial power by the DOJ and the FBI. These congressional committees approve the budget for law enforcement, the argument went, and as watchdogs, so to speak, they are entitled to know how the taxpayers' money -- and money borrowed in the taxpayers' name -- is being spent. The relationship between the congressional committees on one hand and federal law enforcement on the other has been a give-and-take, push-me-pull-you relationship that generally led to compromise between Congress and federal law enforcement. After 9/11, Congress passed the Patriot Act, which, in addition to authorizing FBI agents to write their own search warrants for all sorts of custodians of records -- legal, medical, postal and banking enterprises, supermarkets, and libraries, to name a few -- gave the FBI a domestic intelligence mission not unlike that of the National Security Agency, which is America's domestic spying apparatus. The intelligence mission enabled the FBI to utilize new tools for law enforcement, under the guise of intelligence gathering. Stated differently, by pretending to be looking for spies, the FBI found crooks. Because the legal threshold for spying for intelligence purposes is far lower than the legal threshold for obtaining a traditional search warrant, FBI agents often took the easier route. But the FBI's spying mission also subjected it to the scrutiny of two additional congressional committees, one in the House and one in the Senate. This cross-pollination of law enforcement and intelligence gathering -- this mixture of two distinct roles, one traditional for the FBI and the other novel to it, one clearly regulated by the Constitution and the other purporting to be outside of it -- tempted not only FBI agents to use the tools of spy-craft for law enforcement (even though it's prohibited by the Fourth Amendment) but also Congress. Now back to Rep. Nunes and the House Intelligence Committee. The Republicans on that committee are determined to use their regulatory powers over federal intelligence gathering to investigate federal law enforcement. They are doing this because they claim to smell a rat in the origins of the special counsel investigation and they want to get to the bottom of it. In order to get to the bottom of it, they have demanded to see documents in the custody of special counsel Mueller to determine whether there was sufficient probable cause to commence the criminal investigation of Trump back in November 2016. But it is not the role of Congress to do this in the midst of a criminal investigation, and it is not the role of a congressional intelligence committee to scrutinize law enforcement. There are two dangers to the rule of law here. The first is that members of this committee could use their security clearances to examine classified materials and then use what they have seen for a political narrative. They cannot lawfully, except on the floor of Congress, publicly reveal classified documents they have seen, but they can (and they have done so in the past) summarize them publicly -- and with a political spin. That endangers the sources of criminal investigators, many of whom are people who communicate with investigators at great personal risk and to whom confidentiality has been promised. That confidentiality is recognized in the law as the informant's privilege, and it keeps confidential criminal matters from public and peering congressional eyes until the investigation is concluded. The second and equally harmful danger is that members of the committee could leak what they have seen. To prevent this, prosecutors have a privilege to keep their files secret until they charge or exonerate their targets or subjects. Under the Constitution, we enjoy the separation of powers. Congress writes the laws; the executive branch enforces them; and the courts interpret them. Congress can no more constitutionally interfere with ongoing law enforcement for political purposes than the DOJ can interfere with the passage of congressional legislation that it doesn't like. The down and dirty fear that the DOJ and the FBI have is that revealing the contents of the criminal file on the president to his political allies in Congress in the midst of an investigation of him would be a dangerous precedent, one that would pollute the investigation and give present and future politically powerful potential defendants advantages that no one else has. That disparate treatment of the president as defendant strikes at the heart of the rule of law. And the rule of law is what protects us from politicians who cant restrain themselves from violating their oath to uphold the Constitution. NEW You can now listen to Fox News articles! In the coming days, the U.S. Supreme Court will announce its decision in South Dakota v. Wayfair, a case that if the justices arent careful will have a dramatic, ugly impact on small businesses and entrepreneurs by enabling states to impose an Internet sales tax. South Dakota joined by a number of other states is seeking to require the online home-goods company Wayfair and similar retailers to charge South Dakota state sales taxes from consumers in that state. That would make perfect sense if Wayfair had any stores in South Dakota. But it doesnt. The state is simply seeking to line its pockets with tax revenue on transactions that occur online, not inside a store within their borders. The case is also noteworthy because South Dakota is asking the Supreme Court to overturn one of its own rulings, Quill Corp. v. North Dakota (1992), in which the high court found that retailers are not required to collect state sales taxes unless they have a physical presence in that state. Supporters of an internet sales tax argue that the Quill case was decided at a time when mail-order catalogues fueled remote shopping and is now outdated in the Internet age. But while the method may have changed, the concept has not, and an Internet sales tax is bad policy with far-reaching and negative ramifications. Suddenly, small businesses with just a handful of employees would have to comply with over 10,000 state and local taxing jurisdictions. Such requirements would transform entrepreneurs into tax collectors, causing them to waste valuable time and considerable resources collecting funds for states they have no affiliation with and subject them to potential audits in states and jurisdictions across the country. This is time, energy and money that entrepreneurs should be free to use to grow their businesses. The danger to these entrepreneurs does not end with the pending Supreme Court decision. Members of Congress including many Republicans who should oppose such a disastrous tax policy have pushed legislation to allow Internet sales taxes. In addition, many states eager and always revenue-greedy will continue to look for ways to collect these taxes from businesses outside their borders. In their minds, why not? Out-of-state entrepreneurs cant vote. If the Supreme Court rules against small businesses in favor of these governments, many small business owners will have to decide if staying in business is worth the hassle of ensuring their compliance with a vast number of individual tax jurisdictions. One Texas-based small business owner wrote in the Wall Street Journal that it takes her an entire business day each year to pay in-state taxes. If she had to do this for the other 44 states with sales taxes as well, shed lose 45 business days a year. And that estimate doesnt even account for navigating varied and complex differences between states, a burdensome task in and of itself. This particular small business owner, Ann Whitley Wood, has just a handful of part-time employees, meaning she does not have the resources for this monumental task. Simply put, overturning the Quill decision would create onerous burdens that would force many small businesses to close their doors and shut down their websites. South Dakota may feel as if it is missing out on vast revenue from online sales, but data suggests otherwise. According to the New York Times, only 8.9 percent of retail sales in the United States last year were made online. That includes transactions through retail giant Amazon, a company that already collects all applicable state sales taxes, and accounted for about 44 percent of online sales in 2017. So while online sales are changing the economy and are imperative for the survival of certain businesses, South Dakota is overestimating the revenue it could generate from charging sales tax and underestimating the damage they would do to retailers. Finally, Americans know Internet sales taxes are bad for business and for the economy. A recent poll from the National Taxpayers Union found that strong majorities of Democrats, Republicans and independents alike oppose new Internet sales taxes. Americans know that these taxes increase state governments power to tax across borders, which would negatively impact interstate commerce. When the Supreme Court issued its ruling in the Quill case, it recognized that forcing small businesses to comply with a nationwide network of state sales taxes rather than just their own states would place an undue burden on entrepreneurs. This burden would damage interstate commerce and the national economy as a result. For the same reason, the Supreme Court and our elected officials should reject this tax grab and instead uphold the principle of protecting small business owners from burdensome taxes in distant states. The Berkeley City Council on Tuesday night declared what it called a "climate emergency" with more global significance than World War II, and demanded an immediate effort to "humanely stabilize population" and "reverse ecological overshoot." The resolution, which invokes the global conflict between the Axis and Allies, charges that Americans bear an "extraordinary responsibility to solve the crises" facing the environment. "[D]uring World War II, the Bay Area came together across race, age, class, gender and other differences in an extraordinary regional mobilization, building and repairing Liberty ships, converting car assembly plants into tank manufacturing facilities," the resolution reads. A similar effort is necessary today to confront an even greater threat, according to the document. "[W]e can rise to the challenge of the greatest crisis in history by organizing politically to catalyze a national and global climate emergency effort, employing local workers in a mobilization effort building and installing renewable energy infrastructure," the resolution says. More than 60 million people died during World War II, according to most estimates -- a huge portion of the global population. But according to the Berkeley City Council, another thinning of the herd might be needed. The resolution notes that "reversing ecological overshoot and halting the sixth mass extinction requires an effort to preserve and restore half Earths biodiversity in interconnected wildlife corridors and to humanely stabilize population." UC BERKELEY CONVERTS HOMELESS, DRUG-USER HAVEN INTO STUDENT HOUSING The resolution, introduced in the ultra-progressive city by councilwoman Cheryl Davila, then invokes Pope Francis' comment that humanity is on the verge of global "suicide" and that "God's creation" is at stake. Davila's resolution also calls for a global climate summit in San Francisco in September and a push to "educat[e] our citizens about the climate emergency." The document's most substantial promise is for Berkeley to become a "carbon sink" by 2030 -- a term that means the city's greenhouse gas emissions will be in the negative. In addition to population control and a national mobilization effort, according to the Berkeley City Council, residents should avoid "consumerism" and "narcissism." Republicans on the House Intelligence Committee said Wednesday that an upcoming Justice Department briefing on documents concerning the FBI's alleged use of an informant linked to President Trump's 2016 campaign does not satisfy an April 30 subpoena. In a letter sent to Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein and signed by all 13 GOP members, the committee wrote that the DOJ limiting the briefing to the so-called "Gang of Eight" was "unacceptable and an affront to the oversight powers of the House of Representatives." Speaking to Fox News' "Hannity" Wednesday night, committee chairman Devin Nunes, R-Calif., said "people in America should be alarmed" at the Justice Department's actions "to hide information." "How do you get to misleading Congress? By taking this information that we've been legally asking for a legal subpoena that we're trying to enforce and you now move it upstairs and you go, 'Oh, no, no, this is now going to be super top-secret information that were only going to give to the Gang of Eight.'" Nunes said. "That's what's happening here." The "Gang of Eight" refers to Republican and Democratic leaders in both houses of Congress as well as top lawmakers from the House and Senate intelligence panels. "[T]he use of the 'Gang of Eight' to limit congressional access to intelligence information applies only to covert action activities approved and reported by the President," the committee wrote. "The documents subpoenaed ... are not covert action materials and as DOJ has represented are classified at the SECRET level. "The DOJ's continued reliance on this inappropriate legal construct can only be understood as an intentional means to limit our constitutional oversight duties." NUNES SETS DEADLINE FOR DOJ TO PROVIDE DOCUMENTS ON ALLEGED FBI INFORMANT Last week, Nunes set a June 12 deadline for the Justice Department to hand over documents related to the alleged informant to all committee members "and designated staff." A DOJ official said last week that Thursday's scheduled briefing would include new materials and "documents that were available for review but not inspected by the members at the previous briefing [in May]." Conservative Republicans in the House repeatedly have pressed for documents and questioned the Justice Department's conduct in the Russia investigation. "We've kind of been faked out by the Department of Justice again and again," Rep. Chris Stewart, R-Utah, an intelligence committee member, told Fox News. "We've been told we'll be able to see documents and then we show up and we're not able to do that ... It's important for DOJ to know we're not going to walk away from this. We're not going to say, 'Well, I guess that was hard. I guess we'll just give up on this battle.' We're not going to. We want to see this information." House Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., expressed his support for the committee last week, calling on the Justice Department to respond to what he called "legitimate document requests." "Frankly, the sooner the Department of Justice complies with all of our document requests ... the better this is going to be for everybody," Ryan said June 7, "and had they complied with the document requests earlier when we made them, we probably could have spared the country of all of this drama." Nunes told Fox News' Sean Hannity that his patience with Rosenstein "has run out." "I already wanted to move to [hold Rosenstein in] contempt months ago," he said. "The speaker of the House believes that he can work with DOJ and we're going to continue to try to work that path ... And now it's really up to the leadership of the House and the president of the United States in order to make sure that our subpoena gets complied with." Fox News' Catherine Herridge, Christina Cameron and The Associated Press contributed to this report. An Iowa man was sentenced Wednesday to six years in a federal prison for posting threatening Twitter messages directed at U.S. Sen. Joni Ernst. Joseph Hilton Dierks, 34, of Waterloo, sent Ernst several threatening tweets in August, including one that suggested he would shoot her, authorities said. That message included a link to a 2010 movie in which a man fatally shoots a woman in the head. After the tweet was posted, U.S. Capitol Police contacted the Waterloo police, and officers sent to Dierks' home said he promised to "tone it down." But Dierks resumed posting threatening messages within 24 hours, authorities said. At the sentencing in Cedar Rapids, a judge noted Dierks' criminal history, which includes a prior conviction for harassing a Waterloo police officer and carrying weapons. In January, a Nebraska man pleaded guilty to threatening Ernst. That suspect, identified as Robert William Simet, 64, of Omaha, was arrested last July after employees of an Iowa motorcycle shop told the FBI that Simet had made threatening comments about Ernst. Ernst, a Republican, has been in the U.S. Senate since January 2015. She previously served as an Iowa state senator. The Associated Press contributed to this story. A group of diverse but like-minded individuals, the members of ARC have come together in their common desire to fight hatred, bigotry, intolerance and violence because of the harm these antisocial behaviors cause to our society. In that effort, we will not use or sanction the use of illegal actions (such as violence or intimidation) in pursuit of our desired aims and if we learn of anyone who does use these unethical methods we will report those individuals to the authorities. Instead, we will use the guarantees found in the Canadian Charter of Rights and Freedoms that ensure freedom of legal speech and expression. Two leaders of the conservative House Freedom Caucus unveiled a non-binding resolution Wednesday asking the Justice Department to turn over documents related to investigations surrounding the 2016 presidential election. The resolution crafted by Freedom Caucus Chairman Mark Meadows, R-N.C., and Rep. Jim Jordan, R-Ohio, says it is "the sense of the Congress" that the DOJ should "provide certain documents in its possession" within seven days of the resolution's adoption. It is unlikely that the House will actually consider the resolution, which does not compel the Justice Department to provide the documents. However, the effort by Meadows and Jordan could serve as a precursor to future actions against the Justice Department -- including an attempt to impeach Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. The resolution notes that Rosenstein "appears to have threatened to subpoena the calls and emails of the [House] Intelligence Committee staff in retaliation for requesting documents and investigation the Department of Justice." On Tuesday, Fox News reported that Rosenstein threatened to "subpoena" emails, phone records and other documents from lawmakers and staff on the House Intelligence Committee during a closed-door meeting in January. Rosenstein is overseeing Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian activities during the 2016 election. The FBI and DOJ have disputed the accounts of the meeting in emails provided to Fox News, with the Justice Department denying that Rosenstein threatened anyone with a criminal investigation. "The Deputy Attorney General was making the pointafter being threatened with contempt that as an American citizen charged with the offense of contempt of Congress, he would have the right to defend himself, including requesting production of relevant emails and text messages and calling them as witnesses to demonstrate that their allegations are false," a Justice Department official told Fox News. "That is why he put them on notice to retain relevant emails and text messages, and he hopes they did so. (We have no process to obtain such records without congressional approval.)" Attorney General Jeff Sessions told Fox News' "Tucker Carlson Tonight" on Tuesday that he was "confident" that Rosenstein "did not improperly threaten anyone on that occasion." On Fox News' "The Ingraham Angle," Jordan said he was "flabbergasted" by what Sessions had said. "I mean, what is the attorney general saying?" Jordan asked rhetorically. "Rod Rosenstein was threatening members of the House Intelligence Committee for doing their job, for trying to get answers for the American people and the attorney general says, 'thats okay, we're doing just fine'?" Fox News' Catherine Herridge and Adam Shaw contributed to this report. Anti-Trump South Carolina Republican Rep. Mark Sanford, who was unseated in a dramatic primary vote Tuesday night after the president urged voters to oust him, told Fox News' "The Story with Martha MacCallum" on Wednesday that his political career is likely over. "That would certainly be my take," Sanford said when asked if critics are right that the defeat puts a permanent end to his time in elected office. But, Sanford also said, "never say never." The primary vote could mark the conclusion of a stunning fall for Sanford, whose scandal-pocked career nearly ended in 2009, when he acknowledged having a secret extramarital affair with a woman in Argentina while serving as South Carolina's governor. The scandal earned him the nickname "Luv Gov." TRUMP-BASHER MARK SANFORD OUSTED AFTER TRUMP SAYS HE BELONGS IN ARGENTINA But he staged a political comeback in 2013, winning the House seat in the district he had earlier represented for six years. That all came crashing back down on Tuesday, when Sanford's opponent, political newcomer Katie Arrington, defeated him in a GOP primary battle that largely served as a referendum on his anti-Trump rhetoric. "The race ultimately was reduced down to who was more Trump, versus not, and I lost that race," Sanford acknowledged. "The warning is for all of us," Sanford continued ominously. "When you look at my actual voting record, I've been with the president 89 percent of the time ... I love my brothers and sisters; doesn't mean I agree with them 100 percent of the time." Sanford, however, refused to criticize Trump for bashing him on Twitter and endorsing his challenger just hours before polls closed. "It's America, everyone's gonna do what they're gonna do, and the president certainly has his prerogative to do what he wants to do on that front. "The issue is -- do we want to have litmus tests and allegiance tests in running for office?" Sanford asked. He described it as a "wake-up call." "I fully endorse Katie Arrington for Congress in SC, a state I love," tweeted Trump as voters headed to the polls on Tuesday. "She is tough on crime and will continue our fight to lower taxes. VOTE Katie!" By contrast, Trump said that Sanford "has been very unhelpful to me in my campaign to [Make America Great Again]. He is MIA and nothing but trouble. He is better off in Argentina." Trump doubled down on the tweet on Wednesday, saying he had to get involved in the race because Sanford was "so bad." Asked whether he would consider forming a splinter party with fellow anti-Trump Republican Bob Corker, a Tennessee senator, Sanford declined to give a definitive answer, saying he was focused on the short-term. Fox News' Martha MacCallum contributed to this report. The Pentagon is expected to cancel the next major joint military exercise between the United States and South Korea scheduled for August, a senior administration official told Fox News late Wednesday, the same week President Trump said he would move to stop U.S. war games at the Korean Peninsula. The official said the Pentagon likely would make the formal cancellation announcement in a press release Thursday. Trump discussed U.S. actions in the region in a news conference Tuesday following his historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. A agreement signed by Trump and Kim at the summit does not have any mention of suspending war games. Pentagon officials were surprised when the president referred to the war games as "provocative," as the U.S. military had always characterized them as "defensive" in nature. The upcoming joint U.S.-South Korean military exercise is called Ulchi Freedom Guardian. The exercise that draws the most ire from North Korea comes each spring known as Foal Eagle when large live fire drills are held. Officials say if North Korea is not taking enough steps to get rid of its nukes by next year, those exercises would go forward. PENTAGON CAUGHT OFF GUARD BY PLEDGE TO STOP JOINT EXERCISES The largest multilateral military exercise in Asia takes place every February in Thailand known as Cobra Gold. Twenty-nine nations participated last year including the U.S. and South Korea. Preparing for potential war on the Korean Peninsula is part of the exercise. CNN was first to report the plan. Former President Bill Clinton was offended by the widespread criticism of his June 2016 tarmac meeting with then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch days before the FBI decided it would not recommend criminal charges against his wife, he told the Justice Departments inspector general. I thought you know, I dont know whether Im more offended that they think Im crooked or that they think Im stupid, Clinton told investigators, according to the report released Thursday by Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz. The long-awaited report was released Thursday afternoon, spanning nearly 600 pages and scrutinizing the actions of numerous figures who played a key role in the Justice Department and FBI's investigation. It is the product of an 18-month review, incorporating dozens of witness interviews and hundreds of thousands of documents. IG REPORT ON CLINTON EMAIL PROBE CALLS COMEY INSUBORDINATE In the report, Horowitz criticized Lynchs infamous meeting with Clinton on the Arizona tarmac, calling it an error in judgment" as the Justice Department was investigating then-Democratic presidential candidate Hillary Clinton for her email practices while serving as secretary of state. Although we found no evidence that Lynch and former President Clinton discussed the [Clinton email] investigation or engaged in other inappropriate discussion during their tarmac meeting, we also found that Lynchs failure to recognize the appearance problem created by former President Clintons visit and to take action to cut the visit short was an error in judgment, the report states. Lynch has claimed she and Clinton spoke of only innocuous things during their tarmac meeting, calling it a chance encounter. But it fueled Republican complaints that Lynch had met with the husband of an investigation subject improperly, just days before the probe into her personal email server was completed with no charges filed. Ex-FBI director James Comey has publicly taken issue with the meeting, saying it was a deciding factor in his decision to act alone to update the public on the status of the Clinton probe. Fox News Brooke Singman contributed to this report. A Democrat running for a congressional seat held by Republicans in Arkansas released a new television ad saying he wont support House Democratic Leader Nancy Pelosi in a bid to defuse Republican attacks amid the midterm election. Clarke Tucker, a state representative who won the partys primary last month, is set to air the anti-Pelosi ad on all four broadcast stations in the 2nd Congressional District. The ad follows the attacks by Republican U.S. House Rep. French Hill, who accused him of being supported by Pelosis allies in Washington. The Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee (DCCC) reportedly propped up Tucker as he was perceived as having the best chance to win against the incumbent Congressman. In the ad, Tucker slams Hill and assures voters that he wont be supporting Pelosi if he gets elected. "Congressman Hill opened his campaign by attacking me, knowing full well that I've said from day one that I won't vote for Nancy Pelosi. We're better than that," he said. But the Hill campaign pushed back against his opponents efforts to distance himself from the top party leader. "Clarke Tucker is the hand-picked candidate of Nancy Pelosi's liberal Washington allies because they know Clarke Tucker supports higher taxes and bigger government and that French Hill will continue to champion lower taxes and a stronger economy," said Mike Siegel, a spokesman for Hill's campaign. Tucker previously told the New York Times in March that the victory of Democrat Conor Lamb, who also opposes Pelosi, in a special election in Pennsylvanias deep-red district validated his approach to position himself against the leadership in Washington, D.C. He claims to have told his party in Washington that he was very frustrated with the leadership of the House in both parties, noting that Lambs seat is a lot like the one Im running in. He added: I think voters are interested in changing the leadership in Washington." The race between Tucker and Hill will benefit from an infusion of money from Republican groups. U.S. Sen. Tom Cotton's political action committee, the Republican Majority Fund, announced Wednesday that it will spend six figures on a campaign backing the Republican candidate. The money will include mailers, online ads linking Pelosi to Tucker and TV ads at later stages of the campaign. Tuckers anti-Pelosi ad was first of the kind to him as his previous ads focused on health care and veterans issues. Democrats are targeting Hills seat because they believe hes vulnerable due to his opposition to the federal health overhaul. The Associated Press contributed to this report. FBI agent Peter Strzok texted a fellow bureau official in August 2016 that well stop Donald Trump from becoming president, the Justice Department inspector general reportedly reveals in his highly anticipated report on the Hillary Clinton email case. The Washington Post reported that Inspector General Michael Horowitzs report includes an August 2016 text message exchange between Strzok and then-FBI lawyer Lisa Page about Trumps chance of being elected president. [Trumps] not ever going to become president, right? Right?! Page texted Strzok. No. No he wont. Well stop it, Strzok responded. Horowitz's review months ago revealed other anti-Trump texts between the two officials, who were romantically involved. The "stop" Trump text goes further, and is likely to fuel claims from the White House that the bureau was working against him. Republican lawmakers pounced on the new text. In Louisiana, we call that bias, we don't call that objective, Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., said on Fox News Outnumbered Overtime on Thursday. House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., said in a statement the report shows an alarming and destructive level of animus displayed by top officials at the FBI. Peter Strzok's manifest bias trending toward animus casts a pall on this investigationHis bias impacted his decision making and he assigned to himself the role of stopping the Trump campaign or ending a Trump Presidency, Gowdy said. This is not the FBI I know. But Bloomberg News, which also reported the new Strzok message, said Horowitzs report says investigators did not find documentary or testimonial evidence [in the Clinton case] that improper considerations, including political bias, directly affected the specific investigative actions we reviewed. STAGE SET FOR BOMBSHELL IG REPORT ON CLINTON EMAIL CASE For more than a year, Horowitz has been reviewing the FBI and DOJs actions related to its investigation into Clintons use of a private email server while she was secretary of state. The report is not expected to address the DOJ and FBIs actions taken in the Trump-Russia investigation, or relitigate the Clinton case itself. But it will mark the most definitive accounting of the email probe to date, looking at -- among other things -- whether certain underlying investigative decisions were based on improper considerations. The report is set to be released later Thursday. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein was seen arriving at the White House, where he was expected to brief Trump on its findings. The inspector generals review months ago uncovered a trove of anti-Trump texts from Strzok, who famously called Trump an idiot and texted about an insurance policy against a Trump presidency. Strzok was reassigned to the FBI's human resources division. Page has since left the bureau. A congressional source told Fox News that Pages text about Trump not ever going to become president was produced to Congress, but Strzoks response that well stop it was not. According to the Associated Press, the Justice Department's watchdog also faults former FBI Director James Comey for breaking with established protocol in his handling of the Clinton email investigation, but it says his decisions before the 2016 elections were not driven by political bias, according to a person familiar with the findings. The report from the inspector general also criticizes Comey for not keeping his superiors at the Justice Department, including former Attorney General Loretta Lynch, properly informed about his handling of the investigation, said the person, who spoke to The Associated Press on condition of anonymity because the report is not yet public. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The House of Representatives voted Wednesday to ban the importation and transportation of sex robots and dolls that look like children -- a move that would bring the U.S. in line with similar policies in Australia and the U.K. The Curbing Realistic Exploitative Electronic Pedophilic Robots (CREEPER) Act was passed unanimously in the House by a voice vote. It defines child sex doll as an anatomically-correct doll, mannequin, or robot, with the features of, or with features that resemble those of, a minor, intended for use in sexual acts. Rep. Dan Donovan, R-N.Y., said the move was important as such robots can be a gateway for abusers to move onto abusing children. Right now, a few clicks on a computer can allow a predator to order a vile child sex doll. This is not only disturbing but also endangers the most innocent among us, Donovan said in a statement. Once an abuser tires of practicing on a doll, its a small step to move on to a child. The legislation says that the dolls and robots make rape easier by teaching how to overcome resistance and subdue a victim, with some robots including settings to simulate rape. I am saddened that there are people in this world who would create realistic child sex dolls and distraught that there are people in this world who would buy them, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., said according to McClatchy. "Customers can order bespoke dolls, providing pictures of specific children they would like the doll to resemble. They can indicate a preferred facial expression such as sadness or fear, he said. Donovans office said in a statement that such dolls -- often imported from China, Hong Kong and Japan -- can include accessories such as false eyelashes, wigs, warming devices, and cleaning tools. The bill says that there is correlation between the possession of the dolls and robots and participation in child pornography, and that some owners of the robots have made their children interact with the machines as if they are members of their family. The bill now moves to the Senate for consideration. Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz, in a comprehensive and at-times scathing report on the handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation, exposed extraordinary text messages by a top FBI official vowing to "stop" Donald Trump -- while calling then-director James Comey's actions in the case "insubordinate." The long-awaited report was released Thursday afternoon, spanning nearly 600 pages and scrutinizing the actions of numerous figures who played a key role in the Justice Department and FBI's investigation. It is the product of an 18-month review, incorporating dozens of witness interviews and hundreds of thousands of documents. But one of the most stunning findings concerns texts between agent Peter Strzok and bureau colleague Lisa Page. According to the report, Page texted Strzok in August 2016 and said: [Trumps] not ever going to become president, right? Right?! No. No he wont. Well stop it, Strzok responded. Strzok was a lead investigator on the Clinton case and later worked the Russia investigation before being removed from that assignment. In particular, we were concerned about text messages exchanged by FBI Deputy Assistant Director Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, Special Counsel to the Deputy Director, that potentially indicated or created the appearance that investigative decisions were impacted by bias or improper considerations, the IG report said. Still, the report said investigators found no evidence that the conclusions by the prosecutors were affected by bias or other improper considerations. Months ago, Horowitz revealed other anti-Trump texts between the two FBI officials, who were romantically involved. The "stop" Trump text goes further, and fueled claims from the White House that the bureau was biased against him. Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said the report "reaffirmed the president's suspicions about Comey's conduct and the political bias amongst some of the members of the FBI." The FBI, in its response to the review, said the inspector general found no evidence to connect the political views expressed by these employees with the specific investigative decisions. But it said the inspector general has referred five employees for investigation into whether the messages violated the FBIs Offense Codes and Penalty Guidelines. Horowitzs investigation looked at a variety of other allegations, including whether it was improper for Comey to make a public announcement recommending against prosecution over the Clinton email arrangement while calling her actions "extremely careless." "We found that it was extraordinary and insubordinate for Comey to conceal his intentions from his superiors, the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General, for the admitted purpose of preventing them from telling him not to make the statement, and to instruct his subordinates in the FBI to do the same," Horowitzs report says. CLICK TO READ THE FULL REPORT Comey responded to the report on Thursday by tweeting that he believes the conclusions are reasonable, even though I disagree with some. People of good faith can see an unprecedented situation differently, Comey said. Trump fired Comey in May 2017, citing the Clinton email probe -- though he later cited the Russia probe as well. The report also faults the FBI and specifically Strzok for not acting quickly enough after the discovery of Clinton emails on the laptop of ex-Rep. Anthony Weiner in the fall of 2016. The report says Strzok and others argued that the Russia investigation was a higher priority at the time than reviewing the laptop. We found this explanation unpersuasive and concerning, the report said, noting the FBI could have gotten a search warrant in late September, but waited more than a month to do so -- ultimately revisiting the case days before the election. Clinton has long said that announcement contributed to her defeat. But the report also suggested that Strzok, ironically, may have acted out of bias for Clinton in slow-walking the laptop review. Based on the Strzok text messages, the report said, We concluded that we did not have confidence that this decision by Strzok was free from bias. In the report, Horowitz also criticized then-Attorney General Loretta Lynchs infamous meeting on an Arizona tarmac with former President Bill Clinton just days before the FBI decided it would not recommend criminal charges against Hillary Clinton. The report said investigators "found no evidence" of an "inappropriate discussion." But it found that Lynchs "failure to recognize the appearance problem created by former President Clintons visit and to take action to cut the visit short was an error in judgment." House Oversight and Government Reform Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., said in a statement the report shows an alarming and destructive level of animus displayed by top officials at the FBI. Other Republican lawmakers pounced on the newly revealed Strzok text. In Louisiana, we call that bias, we don't call that objective, Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., said on Fox News Outnumbered Overtime on Thursday. Strzok had been assigned to Robert Muellers special counsel probe, but has since been reassigned. Page later resigned. An attorney for Strzok, Aitan Goelman, denied the agents personal political views influenced his work. His dedication to unbiased service is a fact that would be universally echoed by the thousands of people who have worked with Pete during his 26 years of service in the FBI and U.S. Army, Goelman said. The final report could lead to repercussions for some in the DOJ and FBI. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement that the report reveals a number of significant errors by the senior leadership of the Department of Justice and the FBI during the previous administration. In an interview with The Hills new web show Rising on Wednesday, Sessions said the option of termination is on the table for those accused of serious wrongdoing. Some of the key figures, though, have already been fired or left the government. A related review already has put former top FBI official Andrew McCabe in legal jeopardy. The Justice Departments internal watchdog sent a criminal referral for McCabe in April to the U.S. attorneys office in Washington. That was in response to Horowitzs finding that McCabe leaked information to the press and later lied about it to Comey and federal investigators, prompting Sessions to fire him in March. The Washington Post reported that Comey has since been questioned by the U.S. attorneys office as part of a McCabe investigation. In his report Thursday, Horowitz also reviewed the circumstances of whether McCabe should have recused himself earlier from the Clinton probe because of his familys ties to the Democratic Party. McCabes wife took campaign money from a group tied to then-Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe, a Clinton ally, during her unsuccessful run for office in Virginia in 2015. McCabe did not recuse himself until a week before the 2016 election. Horowitz said McCabe did not fully comply with his recusal in a few instances related to the Clinton Foundation investigation. He also said the FBIs ethics officials and attorneys did not fully appreciate the potential significant implications to McCabe and the FBI from campaign contributions to his wifes campaign. An attorney for McCabe, Michael Bromwich, said in a Thursday statement that any and all claims that political bias or political influence affected Mr. McCabes actions are entirely baseless. In a New York Times op-ed on Thursday, Comey stood by his decision not to recommend prosecuting Clinton over her emails while secretary of state. The report also resoundingly demonstrates that there was no prosecutable case against Mrs. Clinton, as we had concluded, Comey said. Although that probably will not stop some from continuing to claim the opposite is true, this independent assessment will be useful to thoughtful people and an important contribution to the historical record. Fox News Catherine Herridge, Judson Berger, Bill Mears, Jake Gibson and Brooke Singman contributed to this report. The Justice Department inspector general has referred five FBI employees for investigation in connection with politically charged texts, revealing in its report on the Hillary Clinton email case that more bureau officials than previously thought were exchanging anti-Trump messages. The long-awaited report largely dealt with the Justice Department and FBI's handling of the Clinton case but uncovered numerous messages that appeared to mix political opinion with discussions about the MYE investigation." MYE, or "Midyear Exam," was the code used in the FBI to refer to the investigation into Clintons private email server. Some of these text messages and instant messages mixed political commentary with discussions about the Midyear investigation, and raised concerns that political bias may have impacted investigative decisions, the report read. The report noted that it was specifically concerned about text messages exchanged between FBI officials Peter Strzok and Lisa Page that potentially indicated or created the appearance that investigative decisions were impacted by bias or improper considerations. Strzok and Page, who were romantically involved, both served for a short period of time on Special Counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation team. Strzok was reassigned following the revelations of his anti-Trump texts. Page resigned last month. But while many of those texts were made public in late 2017, the IG report revealed a new one in which Strzok vowed to "stop" Trump from becoming president -- and made clear that as many as five total FBI employees exchanged politically charged messages. "The text messages and instant messages sent by these employees included statements of hostility toward then candidate Trump and statements of support for candidate Clinton," the report said. The report revealed instant messages between unnamed agents, labeled Agent 1 and Agent 5, discussing their jobs in August 2016. I find anyone who enjoys [this job] an absolute f---ing idiot. If you dont think so, ask them one more question. Who are you voting for? I guarantee you it will be Donald Drumpf, Agent 1 sent. I forgot about drumpfthats so sad and pathetic if they want to vote for him, Agent 5 responded. Someone who cant answer a question. Someone who cant be professional for even a second. In September, Agent 1 and 5 conversed again, bashing Trump supporters as retarded. Im trying to think of a would I rather instead of spending time with those people, Agent 5 sent. Agent 1 asked, stick your tongue in a fan?? Agent 5 later wrote: I would rather have brunch with trump and a bunch of his supporters like the ones from ohio that are retarded. The report did not, however, find evidence connecting those political opinions held by FBI officials to decisions made in the Clinton investigation. There were clearly tensions and disagreements in a number of important areas between Midyear agents and prosecutors. However, we did not find documentary or testimonial evidence that improper considerations, including political bias, directly affected the specific investigative decisions, the report read. Nonetheless, these messages cast a cloud over the FBIs handling of the Midyear investigation and the investigations credibility. Futher, the report said that while it found no evidence the views influenced investigative decisions, five employees have been referred for investigation into whether the messages violated FBI code. The FBI will handle these referrals pursuant to the FBIs disciplinary investigation and adjudication processes, and will impose disciplinary measures as warranted, the report read. It is unclear which five FBI employees have been referred for investigation. An FBI spokesperson told Fox News Thursday they were not able to comment on the names of the five employees referred for investigation. The IG report included a new text conversation between Strzok and Page from August 2016. [Trumps] not ever going to become president, right? Right?! Page texted Strzok. No. No he wont. Well stop it, Strzok responded. Those texts caused [the OIG] to question the earlier Midyear investigative decisions in which he was involved, and whether he took specific actions in the Midyear investigation based on his political views, the report read. In a statement to Fox News, Strzoks attorney Aitan Goelman defended Strzoks work at the FBI. After a year-long investigation that included a review of millions of communications and interviews of scores of witnesses, the IG concluded that there is no evidence that the political views of Special Agent Strzok and others in the FBI impacted the handling of the Clinton email investigation, Goelman said in a statement. As the Report notes, Special Agent Strzok in particular was consistently thorough and aggressive, sometimes to the point that put him at odds with senior officials at the Department of Justice. Goelman added: While pundits and politicians are using this matter to advance their agendas, the truth about Special Agent Strzoks character and professionalism is found in the fact that every witness asked by the OIG said that Strzoks work was never influenced by political views. His dedication to unbiased service is a fact that would be universally echoed by the thousands of people who have worked with Pete during his 26 years of service in the FBI and U.S. Army. The report also reveals that one FBI attorney assigned to the special counsel's team was found to have sent politically charged FBINet instant messages to other FBI officials. That FBI employee sent messages such as: "As I have initiated the destruction of the republic...Would you be so kind as to have a coffee with me this afternoon?" Another instant message read: "I'm clinging to small pockets of happiness in the dark time of the Republic's destruction." The report did not reveal this FBI official's name, but did state that the official worked on both the Clinton email investigation and the Russia probe. The FBI official left the special counsel's team in February of this year, following revelations of his politically charged messages. The special counsel's office did not immediately respond to Fox News' request for comment on the investigator who left the team in February. Lawmakers on both sides of the aisle slammed former FBI Director James Comey and other agency personnel on Thursday after Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz released a long awaited report on the FBI and DOJs Hillary Clinton investigation during the 2016 presidential election. Republican Rep. Trey Gowdy of South Carolina issued arguably the most vociferous statement of the day, saying that he was alarmed, angered, and deeply disappointed by the Inspector General's finding of numerous failures by DOJ and FBI and noted that the report showed an alarming and destructive level of animus displayed by top officials at the FBI. Gowdy, the House Oversight and Government Reform Committee chairman, added that the treatment afforded to former Secretary [of State Hillary] Clinton and other potential subjects and targets was starkly different from the FBI's investigation into Trump campaign officials. The Justice Department report, which was a stinging rebuke of the FBI for its handling of the Clinton email investigation, called Comey insubordinate and said his actions were extraordinary. The report, however, did not find that Comeys actions were motivated by any political bias or preference. The report made no recommendation of leveling any charges against Comey, but it gave both Democrats and Republicans plenty of ammunition to criticize him and the FBI. Democratic Sen. Dick Durbin of Illinois blamed Comey and others in the FBI for hindering Clintons presidential bid and, in turn, aiding the campaign of President Trump. This report makes clear that FBI Director Comey and FBI personnel failed to follow the rules, and in doing so, hurt Hillary Clintons campaign and helped Donald Trumps, the Senate minority whip said in a statement. Adam Schiff, D-Calif., the ranking member of the House Intelligence Committee, said the report showed that "there were serious errors of judgement made." "Those errors of judgement were not made owing to political bias, but nonetheless they were serious mistakes and those mistakes had the effect of helping the Trump campaign," Schiff added. "None of this reflects on the Special Counsels work and we are determined to make sure that work goes on unimpeded." Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer added that Comey had made "an error of judgement, but not an error of credibility" in response to claims that the former FBI director could be an unreliable witness in Robert Mueller's Russia investigation. Republican lawmakers took a different approach even as they also went after Comey and the FBI claiming that, despite the reports findings, the Clinton email investigation was determined to find the former secretary of state innocent. Director James Comey blatantly broke protocol on numerous occasions, to the point of what the report calls insubordination, North Carolina Republican Rep. Mark Meadows said in a statement. It is clear his department resolved to determine Secretary Clintons innocence well before the investigation was even close to completeand before an interview with Secretary Clinton even occurred. Republicans also heavily criticized FBI agent Peter Strzok, who in an August 2016 text exchange with FBI lawyer Lisa Page said that well stop Donald Trump from becoming president. The report stated that investigators "did not find documentary or testimonial evidence that improper considerations, including political bias, directly affected [the Clinton email investigation]," but added that we were concerned about text messages exchanged by FBI Deputy Assistant Director Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, Special Counsel to the Deputy Director, that potentially indicated or created the appearance that investigative decisions were impacted by bias or improper considerations. Republicans jumped on the texts between Strzok and Page even before the report was released. In Louisiana, we call that bias, we don't call that objective, Sen. John Kennedy, R-La., said on Fox News Outnumbered Overtime on Thursday. North Carolinas Meadows, quoting from the report itself, said in his statement later in the day that Strzok displayed such a stunning level of political bias against candidate Donald Trump that IG Horowitz called Strzoks conduct antithetical to the core values of the FBI and the Department of Justice. The final report could lead to repercussions for some in the DOJ and FBI. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said in a statement that the report reveals a number of significant errors by the senior leadership of the Department of Justice and the FBI during the previous administration. Speaking at the White House press briefing on Thursday, Press Secretary Sarah Sanders said that President Trump was briefed on the IG report earlier today and it reaffirmed the presidents suspicions of Comeys conduct. The release of the report itself was delayed for weeks, as the department and FBI carefully reviewed a draft copy to identify information they want protected from disclosure. Fox News' Brooke Singman, Alex Pappas and Samuel Chamberlain contributed to this report. A 19-year-old Maryland man is facing a lengthy prison term for allegedly making death threats against Sen. Kamala Harris and Sen. Bernie Sanders, newly unsealed court documents reveal. Nicholas Bukoski is behind bars Thursday following an appearance in U.S. District Court a day earlier over two counts of threatening to assault and murder a United States official and three counts of transmitting threats in interstate commerce. Senator, I would watch your back as youre out today You wouldnt want to be caught off guard when I use my second amendment protected firearm to rid the world of you, you stupid, crazy old fool Bukoski wrote in a chilling Instagram message directed at the office of Sanders, I-Vt., in March, according to federal court documents viewed by Fox 5 DC. Minutes after Bukoski made the alleged threat, a similar warning was sent to staff for Harris, D-Calif., the documents added. They also said the Crofton man called in to the D.C. police departments tip line to make a threat against attendees of the March for Our Lives gun control rally in late March. I am intending to send the message that gun control, bomb control, or any other kind of weapons control will not stop attacks, it is an issue of the heart. My heart is messed up and evil, and part of me wants to see people suffer, Bukowski said, according to Fox 5 DC. Bukowski first appeared in court on June 8, but he already was being held on separate charges in Maryland for arson and armed robbery after being accused of setting fires in Crofton and Gambrills and robbing a 7-Eleven store there with a knife in January. He could face decades in prison for the state charges and many more years on the federal ones, Fox 5 DC reported. Lawmakers on Capitol Hill are anxiously awaiting the release of a 500-page bombshell report prepared by Inspector General (IG) Michael Horowitz that will reveal whether the decision not to prosecute Hillary Clinton over her private email server was the right one. The IG's office announced its decision to review the actions of the Justice Department and FBI including those of then-FBI Director James Comey ahead of the 2016 presidential election. Comey announced in early July 2016 that, though he found he found Clinton was extremely careless in her handling of classified emails on a private server, the agency wouldn't recommend criminal charges be brought against her. But days before the election, Comey reversed course, announcing that the bureau would renew the investigation a move Clinton believes cost her the election. STAGE SET FOR BOMBSHELL IG REPORT ON CLINTON EMAIL CASE: WHO'S IN THE CROSSHAIRS? Since then, Horowitz has interviewed dozens of U.S. officials, looked over more than 1 million records and reviewed the actions of several FBI and DOJ officials. Several top employees from those agencies are expected to come under fire in the IG report. Supporters from both parties regard Horowitz, a former federal prosecutor appointed by President Barack Obama, as apolitical. Michael is very cautious, Steven Cohen, a colleague of Horowitzs in the southern district of New York's U.S. Attorneys office, told Vanity Fair in February. Hes dogged. Hes the opposite of a guy seeking to have a life in the limelight. He is really one of the smartest and fairest people I have ever had the pleasure to work with, Bill Hamel, former assistant inspector general for investigations at the Department of Education, echoed to The Hill. Hes a straight shooter and a fair guy. Hes an honest broker. DOJ TO RELEASE LONG-AWAITED REVIEW OF CLINTON PROBE ON THURSDAY The report was originally set to be released in May, but the date was pushed back. President Trump called for "transparency" in early June, demanding the IG release its findings. 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," Trump tweeted. Here's what you need to know about Horowitz as the highly anticipated IG report is released to the public. He worked in DOJ for more than a decade Horowitz held positions within the DOJ from 1991 to 2002. The majority of his time was spent working as assistant U.S. Attorney for the Southern District of New York, where he served as chief of the Public Corruption Unit. "In 1995, he was awarded the Attorney Generals Award for Distinguished Service for his work on a complex police corruption investigation," according to a Justice Department profile. Four years later, he joined the DOJ's criminal division. He graduated magna cum laude from Harvard Law Horowitz graduated magna cum laude with a Juris Doctor degree (J.D) from Harvard Law School and a Bachelor of Arts, summa cum laude, from Brandeis University in Waltham, Massachusetts, his DOJ online profile states. He oversaw the Fast and Furious case Horowitz's most significant report before this one was the 2012 study of the botched Obama-era gun operation known as Fast and Furious. Fast and Furious was a Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives (ATF) operation in which the federal government allowed criminals to buy guns in Phoenix-area shops with the intention of tracking them as they were transported into Mexico. But the agency lost track of more than 1,400 of the 2,000 guns they allowed smugglers to purchase. Brian Terry, a border patrol agent, was killed in 2010 by an illegal immigrant with a weapon used in the failed operation. The inspector general wrote the report just six months after he took over the position. It was just a remarkably intense first six months on the job. I know I wouldnt have chosen to walk into the job that way. Looking back on it, it was sort of trial by fire. You sink or you swim pretty quickly, and fortunately I didnt sink. People can use their own judgment about how well I swam," Horowitz told The Washington Post during a 2014 interview. At the time, Horowitz considered his report a success, telling the Post it "addressed the issues people were looking for." Its very important for any IG to have a strong professional relationship with the leaders of an organization. We have that. We meet separately roughly once a month with the deputy attorney general and try to make sure that theyre aware of problems that were finding within the organization that they have to manage," he added. "If theres a problem that can be fixed, we want to fix it soon. We dont want to have people wait for our report to fix it." Fox News' Brooke Singman, Alex Pappas and The Associated Press contributed to this report. President Donald Trumps remarks about North Korea no longer being a nuclear threat were made with eyes wide open, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday. In remarks at a news conference in Seoul, the top U.S. diplomat added that any sanctions relief North Korea receives from the U.S. will be linked to efforts to denuclearize. Pompeo added that Trump was incredibly clear to Kim about when the U.S. would lift the sanctions. Were going to get denuclearization, he stressed at the joint news conference with South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono, following their trilateral meeting in South Korea's capital. Only then will there be relief from the sanctions, he added. Were going to get denuclearization. Only then will there be relief from the sanctions. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo Pompeo met with his Asian counterparts following President Trump's historic summit in Singapore this week with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, in which Kim agreed to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. After returning to Washington, Trump tweeted Wednesday that the world can sleep well tonight and that there is no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea. Pompeo said Trump was alluding to the fact that it was the first time a sitting U.S. president had met with Kim, adding that both leaders had a blunt conversation about the need for the communist state to rejoin the world community. The presidents remarks about North Korea no longer being a threat were echoed Thursday by South Korean President Moon Jae-in, who said the Trump-Kim summit meant the world had escaped the threat of war. There have been many analyses on the outcome of the summit," Moon told Pompeo ahead of their meeting, Reuters reported. "But I think whats most important was that the people of the world, including those in the United States, Japan and Koreans, have all been able to escape the threat of war, nuclear weapons and missiles. The president was also unequivocal with Kim about the need to return abductees from Japan seized by the North in the 1970s and 1980s, Pompeo said at the news conference. Pompeo also pushed back against reports coming from North Korean official state media, claiming Trump and Kim agreed to a step-by-step process, with many interpreting the announcement as the U.S. giving concessions to the regime along the way. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Attorney General Jeff Sessions, on the eve of the release of a long-awaited watchdog report on the Hillary Clinton email case, pointedly warned that the findings could lead to more firings. The Justice Department inspector general report reviewing the FBI and DOJ's handling of that case is slated to drop Thursday. In an exclusive interview with The Hills new web show Rising on Wednesday, Sessions said the option of termination is on the table for those accused of serious wrongdoing. If anyone else shows up in this report to have done something that requires termination we will do so, Sessions told The Hill. It's unclear whether Sessions knows which individuals will be cited in the report, but several top FBI and DOJ officials are likely to come under criticism in the findings by IG Michael Horowitz. For more than a year, the inspector general has been reviewing those agencies' actions related to its investigation into Clintons use of a private email server while she was secretary of state. IG REPORT TO BE RELEASED: WHO'S IN THE CROSSHAIRS? I think it will be a lengthy report and a careful report, Sessions said, adding that he thinks it will help us better fix any problems that we have and reassure the American people that some of the concerns that have been raised are not true. The report is expected to look at, among other things, whether certain underlying investigative decisions were based on improper considerations. I think it's going to put a lot of the missing pieces in this giant puzzle together, House Judiciary Committee Chairman Bob Goodlatte, R-Va., predicted Wednesday on Fox News Americas Newsroom. Among the officials expected to come under scrutiny in the report are former FBI Director James Comey, then-Attorney General Loretta Lynch, former Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe, and FBI official Peter Strzok. Comey and McCabe have already been fired from the department, in part over issues related to the probe. Horowitz has investigated whether it was improper for Comey to make a public announcement about his decision to not recommend prosecution for Clinton over the private email server and mishandling of classified information. Comey, in that announcement, called Clinton and her associates extremely careless. A draft of Horowitzs report reportedly called Comey insubordinate, while also criticizing his decision to notify Congress the probe was being reopened just days before the 2016 election. Comey was fired in May 2017, upon recommendation by current Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein. They cited his handling of the Clinton case, though President Trump later indicated the Russia probe was also a factor. Trump has continued to decry that investigation as a "witch hunt" and is likely to seize on the IG findings to further question the FBI's integrity. At the same time, some of the IG findings may hit the bureau for actions seen as harmful to Clinton. Sessions told The Hill that Comeys firing was justified. It was the right thing to do. The facts were pretty clear on it. He made a big mistake and he testified only a few weeks before the termination that he would do it again [announce reopening the Clinton probe] if he had the opportunity, Sessions said. McCabe wasnt fired until March of this year, following a separate inspector general finding that he leaked a self-serving story to the press and later lied about it to Comey and federal investigators. Horowitzs office sent a criminal referral for McCabe to the U.S. attorneys office in Washington. In this report, though, Horowitz has investigated whether McCabe should have recused himself from the Clinton email investigation due to this familys ties to the Democratic Party. He did not decide to do so until a week before the election. McCabe could also come under scrutiny over the timeline of his knowledge of additional Clinton-tied emails found on disgraced Rep. Anthony Weiners laptop. McCabe and others knew that the emails were found as early as September 2016, but the FBI did not work to obtain a warrant to review them until October. This week, lawyers representing McCabe filed a suit against the Justice Department and the FBI alleging that they wouldnt give up files connected to his firing. As for Strzok -- who wasnt fired but rather re-assigned from Special Counsel Robert Muellers team to the FBIs Human Resources Department last year -- the official came under fire when Horowitz found a trove of anti-Trump text messages between him and former FBI employee Lisa Page, with whom he was romantically involved. Lynch also is expected to come under scrutiny, yet again, over the now-infamous Arizona tarmac meeting with former President Bill Clinton, just days before the FBI announced it would not press criminal charges against Hillary Clinton. Lynch has claimed she and the former president only discussed innocuous things, and that the meeting was just a chance encounter. Horowitz is expected to testify before the Senate Judiciary Committee next week on the report. Fox News' Alex Pappas and Judson Berger contributed to this report. Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz's bombshell report on DOJ and FBI actions during the Hillary Clinton email probe takes particular aim at key figures who, until now, have mostly escaped official censure for their conduct while in office. The DOJ watchdog reviewed a variety of critical decisions over the course of the investigation -- including how authorities conducted the summer 2016 interview with Clinton, and why top FBI and DOJ officials with political connections didn't immediately recuse themselves from the probe. Horowtiz's report also outlines new information concerning apparent bias at the FBI and DOJ that he says undermines the public trust in each agency. Some of the key takeaways from the report include: 1. New texts between FBI lovers Strzok and Page were 'disappointing' and cast a shadow over the integrity of the entire Clinton email probe A slew of anti-Trump text messages between special counsel Lisa Page and FBI Deputy Assistant Director Peter Strzok damaged the integrity of the entire Clinton email probe, Horowitz writes. The report unearths striking new messages between the pair that were sent and received on government devices, including one in which Strzok vows to "stop" Trump from being elected just months before the presidential election. On Aug. 8, 2016, the IG found, Page asked Strzok [Trumps] not ever going to become president, right? Right?! and Strzok replied No. No he wont. Well stop it." While Horowitz noted that there is no available evidence that political considerations directly impacted investigative decisions in the Clinton probe, and that Strzok was not the "sole" decision maker on any key investigative actions, he concluded the officials' behavior was still highly inappropriate. FBI LOVEBIRDS USED WORK PHONES TO HIDE THEIR AFFAIR, IG FINDS "We recognize that these text and instant messages cast a cloud over the FBIs handling of the Midyear investigation and the investigations credibility," the IG report said. MYE, or "Midyear Exam," was the code used in the FBI to refer to the investigation into Clintons private email server. Horowitz also published additional texts between the lovers that he called "notable," including one in which Page admits the two used their FBI phones to conceal their extramarital affair from their spouses. 2. Five unnamed FBI employees -- including one lawyer who later worked on the Mueller probe -- are under scrutiny for anti-Trump bias Strzok and Page are not the only FBI officials who evidenced anti-Trump bias during the Clinton email probe, Horowitz noted in the report. The watchdog identified five other unnamed individuals, including two agents and one FBI attorney who worked on Special Counsel Robert Mueller's Russia probe until earlier this year, who made "statements of hostility toward then-candidate Trump and statements of support for candidate Clinton," and improperly mixed "political opinions" with case-related discussions. "The damage caused by their actions ... goes to the heart of the FBIs reputation for neutral factfinding and political independence." DOJ IG report "Instant messages exchanged between Agent 1, who was one of the four Midyear case agents, and Agent 5, who was a member of the filter team," as well as "instant messages sent by FBI Attorney 2, who was assigned to the Midyear investigation," are specifically flagged in the IG report. UNNAMED AGENTS CALL TRUMP SUPPORTERS 'RETARDED,' MOCK 'DRUMPF' VOTERS The filter team was assigned to review documents for potential privilege issues, such as attorney-client matters. "We found that the conduct of these five FBI employees brought discredit to themselves, sowed doubt about the FBIs handling of the Midyear investigation, and impacted the reputation of the FBI," the IG said. According to the IG report, one FBI attorney who was later assigned to Mueller's Russia probe until earlier this year messaged another colleague Viva le resistance after Trump's election. The attorney acknowleged the message could create the "perception" of bias. Another unnamed agent called Trump supporters "retarded," according to the IG report. Again, the IG report noted that it was unable to connect the officials' apparent political bias to specific investigative decisions. Nevertheless, the IG referred the five FBI officials for further investigation. 3. President Obama was one of the 13 individuals with whom Hillary Clinton had direct contact using her clintonemail.com account In a footnote, the IG notes that "FBI analysts and Prosecutor 2 told us that former President Barack Obama was one of the 13 individuals with whom Clinton had direct contact using her clintonemail.com account." The information would suggest that Obama may have known about Clinton's private server, despite his claim in 2015 that he learned about it "the same time everybody else learned it, through news reports." Obama's press secretary at the time quickly clarified that the president was unaware of Clinton's use of a private server for official business, even as he acknowledged that the two did exchange emails and that Obama was aware of Clinton's email address. But the IG report revealed that intelligence analysts questioned whether Obama's correspondence with Clinton on her private server contained classified information, before a formal classification review determined that the emails did not. Obama used a fake name for the communications. Separately, the IG asked investigators why they made no effort to obtain the personal devices that Clintons senior aides were using at the State Department, since those devices were "potential sources of Clinton's ... classified emails" or places where unauthorized classified emails were being stored. In response, officials on the probe claimed that "the culture of mishandling classified information at the State Department" was so pervasive that it "made the quantity of potential sources of evidence particularly vast" -- a rationale that the IG implied was unconvincing, because investigators could simply have obtained personal devices for a handful of key Clinton aides. Investigators also claimed the State Department would be the better agency to handle that kind of deep dive into Clinton's emails. In the end, Horowitz concluded that the issue was a "judgment call" and that there was no evidence improper political considerations influenced investigators' decisions. 4. Despite Clinton connections, former Assistant Attorney General Peter Kadzik and former Deputy Director Andrew McCabe didn't fully recuse themselves The IG report focused on two top investigative officials' connections to Clinton: ex-Deputy FBI Director Andrew McCabe and former Assistant Attorney General Peter Kadzik. Kadzik exercised "poor judgment" by failing to immediately recuse himself as the Clinton probe unfolded, even after he sought employment for his son at her campaign, the watchdog wrote. Additionally, Kadzik's decision to provide Clinton campaign chair John Podesta the schedule for a court-ordered release of some of Clinton's emails "raised a reasonable question about his ability to act impartially on Clinton-related matters in connection with his official duties" -- even though it later became clear the information was public. FBI AGENTS RECEIVED 'IMPROPER' GIFTS FROM REPORTERS, LEAKED FROM PHONES IN FBI HQ, IG FINDS Horowitz also noted that Kadzik didn't fully honor his supposed recusal in November 2016. "Though Kadzik said he told his deputies ... that he was recused, emails show that Kadzik subsequently sent and received emails about Clinton-related matters," Horowitz wrote. Meanwhile, McCabe, whose wife Jill has ties to then-Democratic Gov. Terry McAuliffe and unsuccessfully sought a state Senate seat in Virginia in 2015 as a Democrat, was not obligated to recuse himself during the probe, the IG report found. 5. 'Insubordinate' Ex-FBI Director James Comey repeatedly violated policy and inaccurately described the legal situation surrounding Clinton's emails Former FBI Director James Comey had an apparently strong desire to avoid confronting authority figures with his concerns about their behavior, even as he nurtured a habit of going around the chain of command and violating long-standing departmental policies, the IG report found. In testimony before Congress and elsewhere, for example, Comey claimed that he had been pressured by former Obama Attorney General Loretta Lynch to call the Clinton investigation a "matter" in 2015, rather than an investigation. But Horowitz noted that others present who heard Lynch's instruction did not interpret her as trying to downplay the investigation, but instead to standardize language for personnel purposes. Perhaps more significantly, the IG report found that Comey seemed to have kept his concerns entirely to himself. COMEY USED PERSONAL EMAIL ACCOUNT TO CONDUCT OFFICIAL BUSINESS, IG FINDS Comey, whom President Trump has called a "slimeball," also failed to act appropriately on his concerns about the infamous airport tarmac meeting between Lynch and former President Bill Clinton in the waning days of the email probe, according to Horowitz. But the IG's most substantial criticisms of Comey centered around his decision to stage a dramatic news conference in the summer of 2016, in which he announced that "no reasonable prosecutor" would bring criminal charges against Hillary Clinton, even as he acknowledged she had been "extremely careless" in her handling of classified information." "Comeys unilateral announcement was inconsistent with Department policy, usurped the authority of Attorney General, and did not accurately describe the legal position of the Department prosecutors," the IG report said. The ex-FBI director made a similarly "serious error in judgment" by sending a letter to Congress announcing the reopening of the Clinton probe just days before the 2016 presidential election, according to the report. "We found that it was extraordinary and insubordinate for Comey to conceal his intentions from his superiors, the Attorney General and Deputy Attorney General, for the admitted purpose of preventing them from telling him not to make the statement, and to instruct his subordinates in the FBI to do the same." The rebuke was a particularly scathing one for Comey, who has cultivated his image as a responsible and strong leader since leaving office. 6. Former Obama Attorney General Loretta Lynch made errors in judgment during the Clinton probe Horowitz also charged that Lynch similarly made multiple errors in judgment during the probe. The DOJ watchdog was especially critical not just of Lynch's decision to hold court with the president on the Phoenix tarmac, but also her decision to retain involvement in the probe despite the appearance of bias. "Although we found no evidence that Lynch and former President Clinton discussed the Midyear investigation or engaged in other inappropriate discussion during their tarmac meeting on June 27, 2016, we also found that Lynchs failure to recognize the appearance problem created by former President Clintons visit and to take action to cut the visit short was an error in judgment," the IG wrote. 7. FBI agents' actions surrounding the DOJ/FBI interview of Hillary Clinton were 'inappropriate' and created appearance of bias Lisa Page, the special counsel to the deputy director of the FBI, sent messages to Strzok, McCabe, and another FBI employee suggesting that the agency limit the number of people attending the critical in-person interview with Clinton as the investigation wrapped up, the IG report said. Page's chief consideration was that Clinton would be angry at the FBI upon becoming president, which the IG flags as an "inappropriate" consideration. [S]he might be our next president," Page wrote, in urging that the number of people at the interview be limited to four or six. "The last thing you need us going in there loaded for bear. You think shes going to remember or care that it was more doj than fbi? LAWMAKERS FROM BOTH PARTIES SLAM FBI AFTER IG REPORT RELEASED While the IG report found that Page's text did not appear to influence the number of attendees at the Clinton interview, since eight officials attended from the FBI and DOJ, the report nonetheless said her considerations were improperly political. "Suggesting that investigative decisions be based on this consideration was inappropriate and created an appearance of bias," the IG wrote. Additionally, the IG notes that it was "inconsistent with typical investigative strategy" for the FBI to allow former Clinton chief of staff Cheryl Mills and ex-campaign staffer Heather Samuelson to sit in on the Clinton interview. "We questioned why the Department and FBI allowed Mills and Samuelson, two percipient witnesses (one of whom, Mills, herself had classified information transit through her unclassified personal email account) attend Clintons interview, even if they had also both served as lawyers for Clinton after they left the State Department," the IG wrote. While the report does not definitively find that political bias motivated the decision to allow Mills and Samuelson in the interview, "it recommends improvements to the DOJ and FBI's handling of similar situations in the future. "[T]here are serious potential ramifications when one witness attends another witnesss interview," the IG notes. As Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation into Russian influence in the 2016 election continues, two former members of his team are under scrutiny for text messages they exchanged about President Trump and the probe. In the messages, Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, who were romantically involved, bashed Trump and discussed concerns about being too tough on Hillary Clinton during an investigation into the use of her private email server. Overall, the pair exchanged some 50,000 text messages throughout the presidential election and first year of the Trump administration, many of them with anti-Trump sentiments. In one particular message, when Page asked if Trump would ever become president, Strzok reportedly replied, No. No he won't. We'll stop it. Other text messages showed an allegiance for fired FBI Director James Comey. The messages have not gone unnoticed by GOP lawmakers or Trump. Republicans have argued that their messages color the outcome of the Clinton email investigation and undercut the FBIs ongoing investigation into Russian election interference. The president has often tweeted personal attacks at Page and Strzok and called the texts hate filled and biased. The Justice Department's inspector general has criticized Strzok and Page for creating the appearance of impropriety through the texts. But the report said it found no evidence of political bias in the FBI's decision to not pursue criminal charges against Clinton. Heres a look at who exchanged the text messages and who would eventually leave the FBI. Peter Strzok A veteran counterintelligence agent, Peter Strzok was assigned to both the investigation into Clintons personal email server and the special counsels probe into potential collusion between Trump officials and Russia during the election. Strzok was removed from the Russia investigation after it was revealed that he exchanged anti-Trump text messages with Page, then a senior FBI lawyer. Months later, in August 2018, Strzok was fired from the FBI, his attorney said. According to the text messages, Strzok was hesitant to join Muellers investigation because of his gut sense that there was no big there there. MUELLER PROBE ONE YEAR LATER: HOW THE RUSSIA INVESTIGATION BECAME DCS BIGGEST POLITICAL FOOTBALL Strzok previously worked on investigations pertaining to Chinese and Russian espionage, according to The New York Times. ABC first reported that Strzok left the probe and was reassigned to the human resources division in August 2017. After he was fired, Trump said "finally" and again criticized the legitimacy of the Russia investigation. Lisa Page A lawyer for the FBI, Lisa Page was only temporarily on Muellers team, but she discussed the investigation with Strzok. Page warned Strzok via text about the FBIs investigation into Clintons use of a private email server during her tenure as secretary of state, saying in February 2016 that she might be our next president. The last thing you need [is] going in there loaded for bear, Page continued. You think shes going to remember or care that it was more [DOJ] than [FBI]? Page, who has "deep experience [in] money laundering and organized crime cases," was removed from the investigation in September 2017. She left the FBI in May. House lawmakers subpoenaed her to appear for a private interview in July. They said she was "cooperative" and "credible" in her closed-door interview that lasted for hours. Andrew McCabe A controversial figure at the FBI, deputy director Andrew McCabe was seemingly referenced by Page and Strzok in their text messages. I want to believe the path you threw out for consideration in Andys office - that theres no way he gets elected - but Im afraid we cant take that risk, Strzok texted in August 2016. Its like an insurance policy in the unlikely event you die before youre 40. US MARSHALS SERVED SUBPOENA ON FBI LAWYER LISA PAGE, LAWMAKER SAYS Some lawmakers believed Andy to be a reference to McCabe. In another text that same month, Strzok told Page that McCabe was concerned with information control about the investigation into Trumps campaign. McCabe, whose wife ran as a Democrat for a Virginia Senate seat with financial assistance from a group tied to Clinton, repeatedly faced criticism from Trump. How can FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe, the man in charge, along with leakin' James Comey, of the Phony Hillary Clinton investigation (including her 33,000 illegally deleted emails) be given $700,000 for wife's campaign by Clinton Puppets during investigation? Trump asked in a December 2017 tweet. In January, McCabe was removed from his post, taking terminal leave until his planned retirement in March. However, he was ultimately fired before he was set to leave his post. Robert Mueller Special Counsel Robert Mueller was tasked with overseeing the investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election after Attorney General Jeff Sessions recused himself. A LOOK AT TRUMPS LAWYERS WHO ARE INVOLVED IN THE RUSSIA INVESTIGATION Mueller led the FBI through the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks and served under presidential administrations of both parties. His Russia probe has led to charges for four former Trump campaign officials, although none of the charges directly stem from misconduct during the election. Fox News Brooke Singman and The Associated Press contributed to this report. It didnt take President Trump long after his return from Singapore to resume his bashing of the Russia investigation, Thursday calling the underlying allegations a pile of garbage, and blasting Special Counsel Robert Mueller and Democrats for pushing the phony crime of collusion. The president returned Wednesday from his historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to discuss denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Trump returned to his usual public criticism of the Russia investigation by mid-day Thursday. Now that I am back from Singapore, where we had a great result with respect to North Korea, the thought process must sadly go back to the Witch Hunt, always remembering that there was No Collusion and No Obstruction of the fabricated No Crime, Trump tweeted. Minutes later, he went further to set up a perceived scenario. So, the Democrats make up a phony crime, Collusion with the Russians, pay a fortune to make the crime sound real, illegally leak (Comey) classified information so that a Special Counsel will be appointed, and then Collude to make this pile of garbage take on life in Fake News! Trump tweeted. The president was referring to former FBI Director James Comeys decision to share notes memorializing conversations with Trump with his friend, Columbia University Law Professor Daniel Richman. Comey testified last year that he shared the memo with Richman to leak to The New York Times in an effort to spur the appointment of a special counsel to investigate any Russian meddling and potential collusion with Trump campaign associates during the 2016 presidential election. Last year, Richman told Fox News that of the seven memos Comey wrote, he was given four. This year, The Wall Street Journal reported that at least two of the memos Comey shared have been found to contain material now deemed classified. Richman is now serving as Comeys attorney. The presidents tweets came just hours before the Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz was slated to release his highly-anticipated report expected to reveal whether "certain underlying investigative decisions in the FBIs investigation into Hillary Clintons private email server were based on improper considerations. Both Comey and his deputy, Andrew McCabe, have been fired from the bureau. Attorney General Jeff Sessions warned this week that he was open to more firings, should names be implicated in the report. President Trump may have declared yesterday that there is "no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea," but that remains to be seen. The White House may insist there is no trade war with American alliesadviser Peter Navarro has apologized for his "special place in hell" slam at Justin Trudeaubut the outcome remains to be seen. But there is one thing that is crystal clear: Donald Trump, after nearly 17 months in office, now is the Republican Party. The latest evidence was the primary defeat of South Carolina congressman Mark Sanford, the former governor whose term was marred by a sex scandal after he was found to have snuck off with his Argentinian mistress. Sanford didnt lose because of a Trump tweet with hours left in the voting (saying "he is better off in Argentina"yes, he went there) but because he had criticized the presidents policies. This is why most GOP lawmakers are afraid to challenge Trump on just about anything. So if the Republicans in these midterms are now members of the Trumpist Party, what do they have to run on? A great economy, to be sure, cooking along at 3.8 percent unemployment, and a president who excels at the culture war. But what will be the impact of the Singapore summit and the G-7 blowup? As Dan Balz puts it in The Washington Post, "The question is, can he gain something politically from these efforts in the absence of demonstrable accomplishments?" The president, for his part, is blaming the media for not grasping the greatness of the summit: "So funny to watch the Fake News, especially NBC and CNN. They are fighting hard to downplay the deal with North Korea. 500 days ago they would have 'begged' for this deal-looked like war would break out. Our Country's biggest enemy is the Fake News so easily promulgated by fools!" First, as someone who wrote a book on the media's overwhelmingly negative coverage of Trump, the press, even the worst press, is not "our countrys biggest enemy." A bigger enemy than Kim Jong Un? Than, what's that guys name, Vladimir Putin? I wish the president would stop with this over-the-top rhetoric. Second, Trump has a fair point that some in the press have gone out of their way to denigrate the Kim meeting, as I wrote yesterday. And it's certainly true that he's reduced nuclear tensions by meeting with the North Korean dictator and starting a negotiating process. But the press is right to push back against the presidential declaration that there's no longer a nuclear threat. Kim agreed to nothing specific in the joint statement, just a general goal. All the thorny details about disarmament and inspections and the easing of U.S. sanctions remain to be negotiated. The North Koreans have repeatedly lied about giving up their nukes. And the whole process could eventually collapse, as the president has acknowledged. So it's unlikely there will be tangible results by November. Whatever the president's anger at the coverage, this is not just a product of the liberal media. Erick Erickson, the conservative blogger and radio hostand a major Trump criticwrote this yesterday: "The president pees in the punch bowl of the G7, insists the Russians come back into the organization, then flies off to Singapore to make kissy face with a man who routinely murders his own people. "Had Barack Obama done that, Republicans would be demanding his impeachment." But Obama is history and Republicans are now the Trump party. There is ample hypocrisy on all sides. The president deserves credit for getting Kim to the table, but at the moment there is no deal. The press should be held accountable for its double standard, but it is not, repeat not, Americas enemy. I don't know how many young women come to this blog or how many are parents of teenage or young adult women, but here are some safety tips from Kelsey's Army: T I P S 1. Trust your instincts - If something feels wrong then something probably is wrong.2. Know your surroundings - know who and what is around you.3. Always have a plan for where you would go and what you would do if a situation arises.4. Be willing to make a scene in order to be noticed.5. Let someone know where you are going and when you will be back.Remember the acronym TIPS:ake Chargenform others of your whereaboutsrepare for any situationurvival Mentality (role play situations so you will respond should they happen)For more information, go to Kelsey's Army In honor of Flag Day, we've decided to take a break from our normal Flag Day traditions (i.e., taking any excuse to eat red, white or blue candies) to gain a better appreciation of Old Glory herself. Not surprisingly, there are a lot of fun facts surrounding the Stars and Stripes but most of the coolest stuff isn't found in any of our history books. A lot of it is interesting, some of it is surprising, and the one tidbit about "Gilligan's Island" is downright haunting. 5 THINGS YOU NEVER KNEW ABOUT MEMORIAL DAY Bone up on the American Flag trivia below and use it to impress your friends and neighbors all day long: #1. Betsy Ross is widely credited with designing the first American flag, but there is almost no evidence to support that claim. The only records of Ross' involvement came from her own grandson in 1870, when he presented the Historical Society of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia with affidavits from his own family members as evidence. Instead, many historians believe that Francis Hopkinson deserves the credit, because early journals from the Continental Congress are said to explicitly name him as the flag's designer. #2. Karen Burke of Walmart's Corporate Communications revealed that Walmart stores sold around 115,000 American flags on Sept. 11, 2001, as compared to 6,400 flags on the same date in 2000. In the year following 9/11 (Sept. 11, 2001 through Aug. 19, 2011), they sold 7.8 million American flags as compared to 2.5 million the year before. #3. A 17-year-old student designed the flag as it appears today. In anticipation of Alaska and Hawaii becoming states, Robert G. Heft created the 50-star flag as part of a history project (for which he received a B-) before submitting it to Congress for consideration. In August of 1959, President Dwight D. Eisenhower chose Heft's design over 1,500 other applicants and informed him of the news over the phone. (Heft's teacher also changed his grade to an A.) #4. During the opening sequence (about 22 seconds in) of first-season episodes of "Gilligan's Island," the U.S. flag can be seen flying at half-staff off in the distance. According to a 1994 audio book co-authored by Russell Johnson, who played the Professor, this is because the show's pilot episode finished filming on Nov. 22, 1963 the same day President Kennedy was assassinated. FOUNDER OF FIRE DEPARTMENT COFFEE IS FOCUSED ON GIVING BACK TO INJURED FIREFIGHTERS, PARAMEDICS #5. Despite the harsh temperatures and conditions of the moon's atmosphere, five of the six flags that were planted during the Apollo missions are still believed to be standing. According to Buzz Aldrin, the one that fell was blown over by the exhaust from Apollo 11 during its liftoff from the moon's surface. #6. According to the U.S. Department of State, the names of the flag's official colors are "old glory red," "white," and "old glory blue." Their HTML codes and Pantone equivalents can be found on the Department of State's style guide. #7. Flag Day isn't technically a federal holiday, and it's not a state holiday outside of Pennsylvania and New York. Furthermore, New York's official observance of Flag Day isn't June 14 (when it's commonly celebrated), but rather the second Sunday in June. #8. Richard Williams, the animation director for "Who Framed Roger Rabbit," said that he modeled the title character's colors after Old Glory (red overalls, white fur, blue tie). "It looked like an American flag subliminally speaking so everybody liked it." FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS #9. There are federal regulations governing the handling and display of the flag (the U.S. Flag Code), including restrictions on using the flag's likeness for advertising, or printing it on anything intended "for temporary use or discard," like cocktail napkins or paper plates. Under the Flag Protection Act of 1989, there are also federal laws that call for criminal penalties for certain forms of flag desecration, although the Supreme Court found this act to be unconstitutional under the First Amendment in 1990. #10. Old Glory was actually the nickname of a specific U.S. flag, namely, the one owned by sea captain William Driver. He was previously given the flag by the women in his hometown of Salem, Mass., but he only named it Old Glory upon seeing it flying on his ship's mast in 1831. The name later went on to become synonymous with any American flag. An angler wrestled with a 324-pound porbeagle shark off the coast of Milford Haven in Wales this week, bringing the "beast" briefly aboard a charter boat before tossing it back into the water. Matthew Burrett, who lives in Scotland, caught the creature during his fourth fishing trip with Phatcat Charters in West Wales on Tuesday. The 8-foot shark is believed to be the "biggest of its kind" ever spotted off the coast of Wales, according to ITV. Charter boat skipper Craig Deans made sure he documented the rare find, taking several pictures of the shark before Burrett safely returned it to sea. "It gives a positive reflection on catch and release shark fishing in Britain," Deans told Fox News on Thursday. GIANT GREAT WHITE SHARK FEARED TO BE STALKING BRITISH BEACH AFTER DOLPHIN CARCASSES WASH ASHORE Porbeagle sharks can weigh up to 300 pounds and grow to roughly 11.5 feet, according to the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration Fisheries (NOAA). They can live up to 65 years. "Porbeagle sharks are moderately large, spindle-shaped sharks. They are characterized by a cylindrical body, conical head and crescent-shaped tail. A distinctive white patch on the lower trailing edge of the first dorsal fin is used to identify fins in trade," the NOAA describes on its website. "When I saw the size of it, I was pretty shocked. We didn't really see how big it was until it was brought up alongside the boat." Craig Deans Deans, who has been working for the charter company for nearly 15 years, said it's the biggest porbeagle shark he's ever witnessed. 15-FOOT GREAT WHITE SHARK SHOCKS SCUBA DIVERS ABOVE FLORIDA KEYS SHIPWRECK: 'GET ON THE BOAT!' "I've never seen anything that big before, although I'm sure there are bigger fish out there. When I saw the size of it, I was pretty shocked. We didn't really see how big it was until it was brought up alongside the boat," Deans told ITV. Burrett was struggling to lift the creature onto the boat his equipment repeatedly failing him. Luckily, a big swell helped lift the heavy shark onto the deck, Deans said. And that wasn't the only creature Burrett caught that day. "Along with the beast we landed 2 other porbegeals and 2 blues not forgetting several that didnt hook up. What a fantastic start to our season!" Deans wrote in a Facebook post. Deans emphasized that the company has a strict catch and release policy, and no fish are harmed in the process. "For anyone concerned, these sharks are extremely well looked after," he added. "The boats that fish for them are purpose-built to make it easy to bring them on board, measure then release them. It all happens very quickly and every shark is released alive." Beachgoers in Texas got quite a surprise on Sunday when a massive blue marlin washed up on shore. The incident happened in the Gulf Coast town Port Aransas, located just outside Corpus Christi. "I thought it was a shark eating something and as I walked closer, I discovered it was a blue marlin," Denice Garza told KIII-TV. Breana Nafziger posted videos to Facebook of 109-inch monster fish on the beach. According to National Geographic, blue marlins are one of the biggest fish in the world and native to tropical and temperate waters of the Atlantic, Pacific and Indian Oceans. The fish can weigh up to 2,000 pounds and reach 14 feet in length. "Blue marlins prefer the higher temperature of surface waters, feeding on mackerel and tuna, but will also dive deep to eat squid," according to the magazine. "They are among the fastest fish in the ocean, and use their spears to slash through dense schools, returning to eat their stunned and wounded victims." STRANGE 'BIRD FISH' GOES VIRAL: WHAT IS THIS CREATURE? A fisherman tried to drag the massive fish back into the sea, but it did not swim and unfortunately died later that day. "Everybody wanted to save it. Everybody wanted it to swim back out and it was unfortunate that it didn't make it," Garza told KIII-TV. Experts at the Harte Research Institute at Texas A&M University-Corpus Christi are planning to conduct a necropsy on the fish to figure out what led to its death, according to the television station. Nowadays, most humans leaving Earth must do so through Russian territory. Space fliers ride on a Russian Soyuz spacecraft, which lifts off from a special parcel of Russian territory in Kazakhstan. Their spacecraft mission is commanded by a Russian citizen and a large chunk of their destination the International Space Station has modules and operations in Russian, too. This means that all astronauts going to the ISS, no matter how many languages they speak, also need to learn Russian. And astronauts and cosmonauts all over the world need to learn at least some English to work with NASA. English is a challenging language for foreigners to learn. Do we need an international space language? Experts say it may be time to consider it, especially since the ISS could run out of funding and wrap up operations in the 2020s and the space world is changing rapidly. China is a strong space power that may in the future partner with the Europeans, at the least. And countries all over the world have talked about landing humans on Mars, another huge effort that would likely require international collaboration to succeed. [Baikonur Reflections: The Life-Changing Experience of Witnessing a Soyuz Rocket Launch] The U.S. State Department's Foreign Service Institute has a scale for English speakers to understand the difficulty of learning another language. The department ranks Russian among several "Category II" languages, such as Greek, Icelandic and Croatian, with "significant linguistic and/or cultural differences from English. To reach a reasonable level of fluency in Russian, students can expect to spend 1,100 class hours plus many hours of individual study time. That compares to between 575 and 600 hours for languages such as French, Spanish, Dutch and Afrikaans. Even astronauts speak about the Russian language's difficulty. Denmark's first astronaut, Andreas Mogensen, once said that learning Russian was his biggest challenge as he trained for an International Space Station mission. Former NASA astronaut Bonnie Dunbar also described the difficulties of learning Russian as she prepared to live on Russia's Mir space station. For her first six months of training, although "you knew the answer, you didn't know how to say it in Russian. For about six months, I felt like a small child," she said in an interview published on NASA's website. The NASA astronauts participating in Mir in the 1990s had varying levels of language training, and tended to do better with more exposure to Russian, said Megan Ansdell, a postdoctoral fellow in planetary sciences at the University of California, Berkeley. She wrote a 2012 Space Policy paperexploring the merits of an international language in space. "The astronauts often complained of insufficient language training, and all agreed that better Russian proficiency was necessary for safe operations on the Mir," she told Space.com by email. "Another issue was communication with ground crews, which only spoke English or Russian; this led to operational inefficiencies, such as the need to repeat multiple communications with ground crew or miscommunication of information when working through translators." The situation is much better for today's NASA astronauts, who receive years of training in Russian and even participate in home stays with Russian families to become more familiar with the language. But having two ISS languages brings operational inefficiencies, Ansdell said. "This has worked, but led to concerns about safety and efficiency/costs of station operations due to reliance on translators at mission control centers. Additionally, the implicit requirement to know both English and Russian can limit the workforce pool for space station partners whose first language is neither," she said. [30 Years Later: The Legacy of the Mir Space Station] Choosing another language But choosing another tongue to speak isn't all that simple. The ISS is governed in part by memorandums of agreement in which English is usually the operating language, although there are notable exceptions (such as when inside the Russian Soyuz spacecraft). Astronauts can operate in their native tongue in space when speaking with their own ground personnel, but they need to know at least enough English "to get by," said Michael Dodge, an assistant professor at the University of North Dakota who specializes in space law and policy. "Choosing an international space language could easily fall into one of two pathways. It could, for instance, become a thorny issue mired in geopolitical matters. Or, it could be much easier than one would think, as there are precedents in place already for a variety of space missions," he told Space.com by email. "There is already international precedent in the choosing of a single language for operational necessity, in both aviation and in space. In aviation, the ICAO [International Civil Aviation Organization] has already recommended, and since continued to study, the use of English as the so-called language of aviation. The reason behind this is that having all operators, from the ATC [air traffic control] personnel to pilots and onboard crew, all speaking the same language, increases their ability to do their jobs safely. There have been incidents where a language barrier has contributed to accidents and fatalities." Even if a location such as the ISS has an official language, it is OK to use other ones, he noted; several space law treaties (including the Outer Space Treaty and the Moon Agreement) say there are several equally valid legal languages for spaceflight. Dodge added that on the ISS, it's unlikely that if a new major participant came on board (such as China) that there would be a large change in language policy, mainly because of these safety reasons. But Chinese could be the language of choice in other situations, he said. On a Chinese-led Mars mission, for example, participation by other nations may include a requirement to speak in Mandarin or Cantonese. "Practically, however, with English being used already in cooperative international arrangements like the ISS, it feels most likely that it would be chosen for the language of space, in much the same way as it is for the language of aviation," Dodge said. While there is still a lot of debate about which language to use, Ansdell advocates talking to the astronauts to decide which language is best for safety as well as the comfort of the crew. As space crews move farther out in the solar system, they will feel more isolated and language will be even more important, she said. "One thing that struck me while looking back through these issues was the social aspect of language," Ansdell said. "Language clearly impacted crew integration: when you can't communicate sufficiently, you're isolated, and that's not a good thing on a long-term space mission to Mars. Also, the further you get from Earth, the longer the delay in communication back to the ground; this is a fact that we simply cannot get around, making it even more important for communication to be as efficient as possible." Original article on Space.com Laura Cicco received a vial of moon dust from famed Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong nearly 50 years ago. Now the Tennessee woman is suing NASA -- as a preemptive move to ensure that the space agency cant take the gift away from her. Cicco says she received the out-of-this-world gift when she was just 10 years old, but hadnt seen the vial for decades until it showed up as she rummaged through her late parents' belongings about five years ago, the Washington Post reported. I came running where my husband was and I said, This is the vial of moon dust. I have it, Cicco told the paper. At that time, we didnt really know what to do with it. Cicco said the vial was a gift from Armstrong, a friend of her dad, Tom Murray, when the former astronaut worked as a professor at the University of Cincinnati. Armstrong, who died in 2012 at age 82, even included a personalized note that reads: To Laura Ann Murray Best of Luck, Neil Armstrong Apollo 11. The handwritten note is what Ciccos attorney, Christopher McHugh, told the Post will be essential in proving the rightful owner of the moon dust. Cicco sued the agency, which has seized other lunar material from private citizens in the past, in an effort to get ahead of the curve, the paper reported. The vial has been tested by experts who have mixed reports on whether its contents consist of lunar dust, material from Earth, or a combination of both, according to the Post. Although McHugh told the paper there is no law preventing private citizens from possessing a lunar keepsake, Joseph Gutheinz, a former senior special agent for NASAs inspector general, argued that anything from the moon still belongs to the government. Neil Armstrong wouldnt have had the authority to give the moon rock away, he told the San Diego Union-Tribune. A 2012 law states that astronauts control any items they bring back from space, except lunar material, the newspaper reported. An original Society of the Cincinnati gold eagle medal, deemed one of the "most important objects from the nations founding," is set to go on display at Fort Ticonderoga in New York. The "priceless" medal, one of just two surviving examples produced in Paris in 1783, was available for purchase by officers of the Continental Army, the group of soldiers led by General George Washington, formed by the Second Continental Congress to fight against Great Britain in the Revolutionary War. The value of the medal is not only in its extreme rarity, but in its cultural and historical significance to the founding principles of the United States of America, said Beth Hill, Fort Ticonderoga President and CEO, in a statement. INCREDIBLE REVOLUTIONARY WAR JOURNAL SURFACES, DETAILING POW'S ESCAPE FROM BRITISH PRISON SHIP Hill added that Fort Ticonderoga, which preserves North Americas largest 18th-century artillery collection, is "excited to share such an important piece of American history with our guests. The exhibition including this rare medal is emblematic of the breadth and importance of Fort Ticonderogas museum collections and as a place to explore the origins of our nations rich military culture. The Society of the Cincinnati, the country's oldest patriotic organization, was founded by officers of the Continental Army in 1783. To show that one was a member, medals were commissioned by Pierre Charles LEnfant. Just 140 of them were made by jewelers Duval and Francastel in Paris and were sold to members of the society of Cincinnati. This medal was owned by Captain Richard Douglass from New London, Ct., known for serving the duration of the War. He also witnessed the British surrender at Yorktown on Oct. 19, 1781. EXTREMELY RARE COPY OF THE DECLARATION OF INDEPENDENCE, ONCE HIDDEN BEHIND WALLPAPER, SURFACES Douglass was an original member of the Society of the Cincinnati, which is still active today. Alexander Hamilton was one of a number of original members, as was Henry Knox, who founded the society. The medal is on loan to the fort from the Robert Nittolo Collection, "the largest and most important private collection of 18th-century militaria in North America," and public viewing will start on July 4. Follow Chris Ciaccia on Twitter @Chris_Ciaccia A Christopher Columbus letter that was stolen from the Vatican Library has been returned thanks to the efforts of U.S. and Vatican investigators. The 1493 letter was described as a priceless piece of cultural history by Callista Gingrich, the U.S. Ambassador to the Holy See, during a handover ceremony in Vatican City on Thursday. The letters repatriation follows a seven-year investigation by officials and law enforcement in the U.S. and the Vatican. Gingrich presented the historic letter to chief Vatican archivist, Archbishop Jean-Louis Brugues, and the prefect of the library, Bishop Cesare Pasini. EXPERTS DISCOVER 'CHRISTOPHER COLUMBUS' ANCHOR AT CARIBBEAN SHIPWRECK SITE Callista Gingrich is the wife of former Speaker of the House and current Fox News contributor Newt Gingrich. Reuters reports that the letter is a printed Latin translation of a letter written in Spanish by Columbus announcing the discovery of the New World. Printed in Rome in 1493, the 8-page Columbus letter eventually made its way into the Vatican library, according to Reuters. At some point, however, the letter, which is reportedly worth about $1.2 million according to officials, was stolen and replaced with a forgery. It's the third such return in recent years after U.S. investigators determined that several authentic copies of the letter had been stolen from libraries across Europe and replaced with forgeries without library officials' knowledge. Previous letters were returned to their rightful homes in Florence and Barcelona, explained Gingrich. The authentic letter had ended up in the possession of an Atlanta actuary who purchased it from a rare book dealer in New York in 2004, unaware it had been taken from the Vatican. His widow returned it. VATICAN TAPS SPACE TECHNOLOGY TO PRESERVE ITS TREASURES Several 15th-century Latin copies of Columbus original letter were made to spread the news of Columbus discovery around the courts of Europe and the papacy, according to Reuters. Gingrich said that, since 2007, Homeland Security Investigations agents have returned over 11,000 artifacts and works of art to over 30 countries. The Associated Press contributed to this article. Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers Apple Inc. announced a change to its iPhone default settings Wednesday that's intended to further secure user information from unauthorized access. The tech company said the change is aimed at blocking hackers, not at hindering law enforcement agencies from doing their jobs, Reuters reported. The iPhone operating system will now cut off communication through the USB port when the phone has not been unlocked in the past hour, the report said. The security step addresses a glitch that allowed hackers or government agencies to bypass the operating system's current security setting, the company told Reuters. Forensic companies that once employed machines to break through security provisions will now have only an hour to run code on the devices. Security researchers estimate the new feature will cut phone access by as much as 90 percent. Apple has insisted that the new security measure is primarily aimed at protecting users in despotic countries, not at making law enforcements job more difficult. Were constantly strengthening the security protections in every Apple product to help customers defend against hackers, identity thieves and intrusions into their personal data, Apple said in a statement, cited by Reuters. We have the greatest respect for law enforcement, and we dont design our security improvements to frustrate their efforts to do their jobs. Apple had long known before the making the update, that law enforcement agencies and unfriendly parties have been exploiting the glitch, Reuters reported. Apple has been at the forefront of a battle between tech companies and law enforcement to hand over data in extreme cases. The company went to court in 2016 over its refusal to break into the iPhone of a gunman who, along with his wife, killed 14 people and injured 22 others in San Bernardino, Calif., in December 2015. Then-FBI Director James Comey conceded there was no way the agency could legally force the company to comply with its demands. The FBI ultimately contracted a third party to break into the phone. Skeptics insist that heightened security measures will merely boost the demand for hackers outside the government. The new security feature, which has already been tested on beta versions of iOS, will be available in future iPhone models. New research argues that 100 nuclear weapons is the pragmatic limit for any country to have in its arsenal. Any aggressor nation unleashing more than 100 nuclear weapons could ultimately devastate its own society, scientists warn. The study was published in the journal Safety on Thursday; it was co-authored by Michigan Technological University professor Joshua Pearce and David Denkenberger, assistant professor at Tennessee State University and director of Alliance to Feed the Earth in Disasters (ALLFED). The results found that 100 nuclear warheads is adequate for nuclear deterrence in the worst case scenario, while using more than 100 nuclear weapons by any aggressor nation (including the best positioned strategically to handle the unintended consequences) even with optimistic assumptions (including no retaliation) would cause unacceptable damage to their own society, the scientists wrote. COULD AN 'INSANE' RUSSIAN NUCLEAR TORPEDO CAUSE 300-FOOT TIDAL WAVES? There are approximately 15,000 nuclear weapons globally, according to the research, with the U.S. and Russia accounting for nearly 90 percent of that total. With nine nuclear weaponized countries, the paper argues for a disarmament proposal that would reduce the number of nuclear weapons in the world to 900 or less. 100 nuclear warheads is the pragmatic limit and use of government funds to maintain more than 100 nuclear weapons does not appear to be rational, the paper argues. The scientists discuss the devastating global environmental impact that would occur when a country deploys more than 100 nuclear weapons. SCIENTISTS HAVE A NEW THEORY ON HOW THE CHERNOBYL DISASTER UNFOLDED This environmental blowback would involve a significant drop in global temperatures as soot from nuclear blasts prevents sunlight from reaching the Earths surface. This, combined with reduced precipitation, could severely impact food production, experts warn, potentially resulting in mass starvation. If the agricultural productivity reverts to preindustrial yields because of a nuclear strike, most countries would not be able to feed themselves, the study says. Researchers also cite conservative estimates that 34 million people would die if 100 nuclear bombs were unleashed on China, the worlds most populous nation. Follow James Rogers on Twitter @jamesjrogers Passengers have described the terrifying moment a vortex sent their Qantas flight into a 10-second nosedive. Hundreds of horrified travelers held hands believing they were about to die as the aircraft suddenly dropped over the Pacific Ocean on Sunday. The dramatic ordeal afflicting passengers on the QF94 from Los Angeles to Melbourne is understood to have been caused by the vortex, or wake turbulence caused by another aircraft which took off just two minutes earlier. QF94 passenger Janelle Wilson told The Australian the three-quarters-full plane suddenly entered a free fall nosedive a direct decline towards the ocean for about 10 seconds. It was between 1 and two hours after we left LA and all of a sudden the plane went through a violent turbulence and then completely up-ended and we were nosediving, Wilson told newspaper yesterday. We were all lifted from our seats immediately and we were in a free fall. It was that feeling like when you are at the top of a rollercoaster and youve just gone over the edge of the peak and you start heading down. It was an absolute sense of losing your stomach and that we were nosediving. The lady sitting next to me and I screamed and held hands and just waited but thought with absolute certainty that we were going to crash. It was terrifying. Thankfully nobody on-board the aircraft, with a seat capacity of 484, was injured. The QF12 flight took off from Los Angeles at 11:27pm Sunday night (US time), 57 minutes behind schedule. While the QF94 service, which departed at 11:29pm, 49 minutes late, landed safely but 30 minutes late in Melbourne at 8am on Tuesday. According to flight safety experts at SKYbrary wake vortexes cause severe turbulence which is generated by the passage of another aircraft in flight. Basically, there is not sufficient separation between the flights. However, a Qantas spokeswoman told The Australian, there had been no breach of separation standards because the two A380 aircraft were understood to be apart by 20 nautical miles and 1000 feet in altitude. There have been several incidents wake vortexes causing serious injuries and even deaths after pilots have lost control of the aircraft. A cross-track encounter en route is likely to lead to only one or two sharp jolts as the vortices are crossed, the SKYbrary site states. In either en route case, injuries to unsecured occupants can result, both passengers and cabin crew. Since most operators ensure that passengers are secured during intermediate and final approach and during initial climb after take off, it is cabin crew who will be most at risk of injury if they are not yet secured during the later stages of an approach. In 1993, the crew of a domestic passenger charter flight in California failed to leave sufficient separation between their aircraft and the Boeing 757 and lost control or their aircraft which crashed killing all occupants and destroying the aircraft in the impact and post-crash fire. More recently, in 2008 an Air Canada Airbus A319 en route over the north western USA encountered unexpected sudden wake vortex turbulence from an in trail Boeing 747-400. Pilots then responded with potentially hazardous flight control inputs which led to disturbance to the aircraft trajectory. An unintended descent of 1,397 feet followed, Because cabin service in progress and sea belt signs were left off, it led to cabin service carts hitting the cabin ceiling and several passenger injuries, some serious. Wake turbulence was also blamed for the near-stall of a Qantas 747 flight from Melbourne, about 68 miles from Hong Kong, in April last year. Last year, Germanys Federal Bureau of Aircraft Accident Investigation called for an urgent review of aircraft separation standards after a near disaster when a private jet was hit by wake turbulence from a Sydney-bound Emirates A380 above the Arabian Sea. This article originally appeared on news.com.au. Activists unveil the sculpture on Times Square. The space is visited by many tourists from mainland China. The discontent of the administration. Hong Kong (AsiaNews / Agencies) - A group of Hong Kong activists today unveiled a statue of Liu Xiaobo, Nobel Prize winner and icon of the Chinese democratic movement, who died last year after years in prison. The sculpture was erected in Times Square, Causeway Bay, opposite the entrance to a popular shopping mall. Activists have asked the Times Square administration that the statue remain there until July 13, the first anniversary of Liu Xiaobo's death. Sentenced to 11 years for "subversion against the state" due to some articles he wrote about democracy, Liu was left to die from liver cancer in prison. The statue, 1.5 meters high, is the result of a donation by an anonymous citizen. The activists had placed a bust of Liu Xiaobo in the same position on May 31, awaiting the vigil of June 4 in memory of the Tiananmen Square massacre. The choice of location is not random: Times Square is often a tourist transit area from mainland China. "Not many of them have heard of Liu Xiaobo because of the censorship in China," comments Avery Ng Man-yuen, leader of the League of Democrats. The installation of the statue has provoked discontent, in particular that of the company that owns the shopping centre and which manages the public space since 1992. We have no intention of challenging any law as we only hope to commemorate Liu and call for the release of Liu Xia, the leagues Tsang Kin-shing said, referring to Lius widow, who has been under house arrest since 2010 despite not being charged with any crime by Chinese authorities, and who is suffering from depression. For some time, personalities from all over the world have been demanding Lius release, and that she be allowed to go abroad for treatment. Hong Kong activists have recently launched a worldwide petition calling on Chinese President Xi Jinping to release her. You might want to think twice before taking a dip. The water of two New Jersey-area beaches showed high levels of fecal bacteria after a second set of tests performed on Tuesday. The results come just one day after tests from all 47 beaches in the state showed an excess of the bacteria, according to NJ.com. The two beaches in question, Windward Beach Park and East Beach in Pine Beach, both in Ocean County, will remain closed to swimmers until the water is deemed safe again. TEXAS' WHATABURGER, RAISING CANE'S HAVING BUN CRISIS DAYS AFTER STATE'S IN-N-OUT RESTAURANTS CLOSE Water samples taken on Monday showed the 47 beaches tested contained more than 104 colony forming units (cfu) of Enterococci bacteria per 100 milliliters of water, NJ.com reported. If a water sample comes back with over 104 cfu, the beach is placed under a swimming advisory due to the potential health risk of coming into contact with contaminated water. A spokesperson for the Department of Environmental Protection (DEP), Larry Hajna, told NJ.com the bacteria is likely a result of rain and storm water runoff from Sunday and Monday, which can result in higher cfu numbers. "In the ocean, everything dissipates quickly, but we want to make sure the water is clear," Hajna said. After retesting the water Tuesday, only two of the 47 beaches were closed and the advisory was lifted on the remainder 45. Hajna said the two beaches were likely still showing high levels because they are along the river. "The water doesn't turn over and exchange as quickly as it does in the ocean. The [river] beaches are usually in enclosed areas or a cove where the water flow is more dependent on tidal exchange," he told NJ.com. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS The water will retested and results should be in by Thursday afternoon. Swimming in contaminated water can result in a number gastrointestinal symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain; respiratory symptoms like sore throat, cough, runny nose, and sneezing; eye and ear symptoms including irritation, earache; dermatological symptoms like skin rash and itching, and flu-like symptoms such as fever and chills, the DEP told NJ.com. United Airlines has issued an apology to a mother who claimed a flight attendant on board forced her 8-month-old infant daughter to face forward in her car seat, though she is below the recommended weight for forward-facing seats. Cassie Hutchins said she was flying from Denver International Airport with her daughter on Sunday. Hutchins said in a Facebook post that because her daughter is only 18 pounds, placing her rear-facing in a car seat is safest. My daughter had her own seat, it was rear-facing because shes only 8 months old and around 18 pounds, so rear-facing is safest. Also, thats what Ive been told to do in planes as well, the mom wrote on Facebook. 'DEMONIC' CHILD THROWS 8-HOUR TANTRUM ON LUFTHANSA FLIGHT IN VIRAL VIDEO Hutchins pointed out that on her Friday flight to Denver, she placed her daughter rear-facing in the seat and had no issues with the airline. However, on Sunday before takeoff, Hutchins said a flight crew member came up to her seat in first class and said she would have to turn her daughter around for takeoff. "They told us that the plane could not leave without us moving it, so I knew we would be kicked off if we did not comply," she wrote in a post published on Facebook. Hutchins claims another crew member got on the plane to tell her the same thing. This man told me that we cant be on the flight without facing her forward. He then has another woman come on and berate me for trying to not face my daughter forward, WHICH IS SO UNSAFE. You cannot put a rear-facing seat forward, it is not meant for facing forward, putting my child in a dangerous position, she wrote in her Facebook post. During the flight, Hutchins said she asked the flight attendant where it says forward-facing is policy because an attendant allegedly insisted that she didnt really care about what I thought was safe, but this was just policy. After looking, [the flight attendant] comes back and says that she is supposed to rear-face, but the gate agents have final say in how the baby sits, she wrote. Though Hutchins said the flight attendants apologized and allowed her to turn her baby around for landing, the mom contacted United Airlines about the experience. FOLLOW US ON FACEBOOK FOR MORE FOX LIFESTYLE NEWS In a statement to Fox News, United said they are looking into the incident. At United, our customers safety is our top priority. We have been in touch with the customer and have apologized for her experience. We are continuing to review this with the SkyWest staff to learn more about what happened. A spokesperson for United Airlines also told Fox News they have refunded the daughters ticket and said it was our mistake and we acknowledge that. According to the airlines website, passengers can use car seats on planes according to "all applicable Federal Motor Vehicle standards." A person died on Wednesday after two planes flying over Alaska crashed in midair, officials said. Several reports regarding the deadly collision came in to the Alaska State Troopers around noon, Clint Johnson, chief of the Alaska regional office of the National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB), told The Associated Press. The NTSB confirmed that one person on board the plane had died in the crash that occured near Anchorage, although it wasnt clear whether the individual was the only one on the aircraft, the outlet said. The individual was not identified since the next of kin hadn't been informed yet. The wrecked plane was a high-wing Cessna, Johnson told The Associated Press. One of the pilots, who was also operating a Cessna, was reportedly able to safely make an unexpected landing at a base that's part of Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport. The individual emerged from the incident unharmed, according to an official. Emergency responders spotted wreckage of the first airplane partially submerged in the Susitna River where it flows into the saltwater of Knik Arm. Some debris landed on shore. The Associated Press contributed to this report. One of the fraternity brothers charged in the death of a Penn State pledge pleaded guilty Wednesday to nine charges related to Tim Piazzas death, making him the first in the case to enter a guilty plea. Ryan Burke, 21, pleaded guilty to four counts of hazing and five counts relating to unlawful acts involving liquor in the deadly injuries Piazza sustained following a night of heavy drinking and hazing, Pennsylvania State Attorney General Josh Shapiro said. Piazza died after he fell down basement stairs on February 4, 2017. Burke was first charged in November of that year. He was accused of giving the pledge a bottle of vodka at the Beta Theta Pi party. Burke admitted his role in the hazing of Tim Piazza, which included being present for and actively encouraging a gauntlet of drinking games and an obstacle course involving Piazza and other pledges, the press release read. Shapiro said he was committed to seeking justice for Piazza and that he planned to hold every responsible individual accountable for their actions. Twenty-five other defendants still face charges related to Piazzas death. Some of the most serious charges, including involuntary manslaughter, against five of the defendants have been tossed. Thomas Klein, an attorney representing the Piazza family, told Fox News in an interview the stoWednesday night that the individuals involved in the case are facing many years in jail if convicted. Klein said on The Story that Burkes charges alone each carry with them the possibility of up to a year in jail. He added that Piazza's relatives were hopeful that there will be others that follow suit and that they were seeking justice not just for the sake of punishment but also to serve as a deterrence for other students. Mr. Burke has done the right thing here, Klein told Fox News. He noted that he was working with the state to pass an anti-hazing bill. Burke's sentencing is set for July 31. Fox News Tamara Gitt, Martha MacCallum and The Associated Press contributed to this report. A Texas police officer is being commended after she replaced a sick man's groceries and medication that had just been stolen in a Walmart parking lot. Officer Kirsten Koryciak, of the Houston Police Department, said that the man, who was approximately between 50 and 60 years old, had some sort of diabetic episode outside the superstore on Tuesday and collapsed. TENNESSEE GIRL, 6, USES LEMONADE STAND TO HELP RAISE MONEY FOR FALLEN OFFICER'S FAMILY Once emergency medical services provided aid to the man, he realized his groceries had been stolen. The man entered Walmart to see what the store could do, and told Koryciak, who was working as a security guard for additional income, what had happened. Koryciak, who told reporters Wednesday that she understood what the man had experienced because her father is diabetic, said she believed the man was on a fixed income and couldn't afford to repurchase more food, so she decided to step up to the plate. "I offered to buy his groceries to get him some food because he was diabetic and I know that he needed to eat," the officer said. Koryciak said she bought around $25 worth of vegetables, oatmeal, medication and "essential items" for the diabetic man. The officer said she "didn't think twice" about the gesture, and that she "would do it again in a heartbeat" not for publicity, but to "pay it forward." VETERANS ORGANIZATION CAN KEEP AMERICAN FLAG BENCH FOLLOWING NYC REMOVAL ORDER Koryciak added that while people often now simply film or watch a situation rather than jump in themselves to help, she encouraged people to step forward. "If you see somebody being mistreated, or somebody being taken advantage of, say something." EXCLUSIVE: The murky nature of Hillary Clintons former presidential campaign fund continues to rise to the surface. Fox News has learned that one of the top donors to the Hillary Victory Fund (HVF) in 2016 was a Los Angeles-based attorney who is alleged to have misused company funds to create his own $22 million real estate portfolio. He has also been considered by California to be one of the state's biggest tax cheats, and allegedly has ties to the Kremlin. The donor, Edgar Sargsyan, contributed $250,000 to the Hillary Victory Fund in 2016, according to Federal Election Commission (FEC) filings, ands chaired a $100,000-a-couple Clinton fundraiser in Beverly Hills in September 2016. He is also being sued by his former company for allegedly diverting those funds to start his own real estate company. The really scary question is, what did this particular donor with this strange web of connections hope to buy for his quarter million dollars? Dan Backer , The Committee to Defend the President Nobody gave to the Hillary Victory Fund out of the goodness of their heart or some generalized desire to help 33 random state parties, Dan Backer, an attorney with the Committee to Defend the President, which learned about Sargsyans donations to the HVF, said to Fox News. They did so to buy access and curry influence something the Clintons have been selling for nearly three decades in and out of government. He continued, The really scary question is, what did this particular donor with this strange web of connections hope to buy for his quarter-million dollars? The Committee to Defend the President, alleges that Sargsyans former employer, SBK Holding USA for which he was still working at the time of his HVF donations - is an investment firm that is affiliated with United Arab Emirates president, Sheikh Khalifa bin Zayed al-Nahyan,and its international affiliate has business interests in Russia. Among its dealings was a bid to finance $850 million for a major bridge project to connect Crimea with Russia. Backer said that it wasn't immediately clear if Sargsyan himself had any direct connection with the Russian government, but that his SBK link has raised questions. He worked for SBK, and SBK appears to have bid on some Crimean/Russian bridge project, he said. Thats usually an indicator of political favor and connections. Sargsyan did not immediately return requests for comment. Officials for the Democratic National Committee also did not respond to a request for comment. Last September, SBKs principal owner, Sezgin Baran Korkmaz, was subpoenaed by Special Counsel Robert Mueller, who's looking into foreign meddling in the 2016 elections, because of his alleged ties to a Turkish lobbying client of Michael Flynn, President Trump's former national security adviser. The grand jury is conducting an investigation of possible violations of federal criminal laws involving the Foreign Agents Registration Act, among other offenses, a letter accompanying the subpoena stated, according to ProPublica. According to Backer, SBK Holding is a member of the Turkey-U.S. Business Council, which is chaired by Ekimn Alptekin, who hired and paid Flynn, giving him $450,000 for lobbying services shortly before the 2016 election. It was back in December when the Committee to Defend the President accused the Clinton campaign of running a corrupt money scheme through the HVF. The committee maintained in a complaint filed with the FEC that her presidential campaign, along with the Democratic National Committee (DNC), used state chapters as strawmen to circumvent campaign donation limits and launder the money back to her campaign. The committee said the filing was spurred by its own analysis of FEC reports, in which it said it found that irregularities: The HVF either never transferred the money to state chapters and back to the DNC, or did so without the state chapters having actual control. The committee alleged at the time that about $84 million was funneled illegally from the DNC through state party chapters and back into the war chest of the Clinton campaign. Backer says that the discovery of Sargsyans donations shows a flawed nature underlying the HVF. It reinforces how fast and loose the Clinton machine was when it came to 'Hoovering up' these megadonor checks, not just from questionable Hollywood and Wall Street elites but potentially from foreign influence peddlers using who knows what money, he said. It reinforces the need to take a long hard look at not just the unlawful money laundering process, but the way in which they were solicited as well. The Clintons," Backer said, "have never shown a great deal of concern for whomever it was cutting the checks whether its foreign influence peddlers or Hollywood smut peddlers like Harvey Weinstein. A convicted sex offender was arrested in Arkansas last week for allegedly possessing child pornography, police said. Joshua Glen Box, 35, of Fayetteville, was indicted by a federal grand jury on June 5 on four counts of receiving material involving the sexual exploitation of a minor and one count of possessing material involving the sexual exploitation of a minor, with the victim being younger than 12, KFSM reported. He was booked into the Washington County Jail on June 7. BOATER DIES AFTER SINKHOLE CREATES WHIRLPOOL ON ARKANSAS RIVER In May, the Washington County Sheriffs Office published a notice on its Facebook page informing citizens that Box, a Level 2 sex offender, had moved to the area. He was not wanted by police at that time. In August 2015, Box was convicted of possession of child pornography. He possessed thousands of images and videos of minors either nude or engaging in explicit activity, police said. He was placed in a classification level that meant he could possibly offend again, authorities said ARKANSAS JUDGE SEEKS TO DISMISS COMPLAINT OVER DEMONSTRATION Box allegedly told authorities he had been downloading child pornographic images since he was 15 years old, KSFM reported. Authorities have not revealed what caused his facial injuries. A Denver police officer who was shot in a leg during a confrontation Wednesday night was treated at a hospital and later released, authorities said. The suspect was also shot and was in grave condition, Denver police Chief Robert White said at a news conference. The suspect's identity wasn't immediately released. The officer, who wasnt immediately identified, was on a routine bicycle patrol when they were flagged down by someone who reported a robbery, FOX31 Denver reported. Two bystanders were injured in the crossfire between the officer and the suspect, according to the station. It wasnt clear how they were hurt. The bystanders suffered minor injuries. A Florida man was arrested this week after asking a sheriffs office to test his drugs, authorities said. The Putnam County Sheriffs Office said Douglas Peter Kelly, 49, of Hawthorne, told officers he suffered a "bad reaction" after smoking methamphetamine he purchased a week prior. The suspect said he believed because of the 'violent reaction' he had after smoking the drug, he was sold the wrong narcotic," the sheriff's office explained in a Facebook post, which has since gone viral with more than 54,000 shares as of Thursday evening. CALIFORNIA MAN BOMBARDED EX WITH 4,000 TEXTS, 300 CALLS, HACKED HER SOCIAL MEDIA, COPS SAY Deputies said Kelly made the request because he wanted to press charges against the person who sold him the "wrong narcotic. The sheriffs office said deputies told Kelly they could test the drug if he went to the sheriffs office. He followed their advice and drove to the station, dropping off a "crystal-like substance" wrapped in foil. After field testing, authorities determined the sample was, in fact, meth. Kelly was then arrested and charged with possession of methamphetamine. He was being held at Putnam County Jail on $5,000 bond before being released on Wednesday night. "PUBLIC NOTICE: If you believe you were sold bad drugs, we are offering a free service to test them for you," the sheriff's office posted on Facebook Wednesday, garnering thousands of replies. "Lol seriously?" one Facebook user asked. "Hilarious!" another wrote. A Florida man was arrested Tuesday after he allegedly posted in Facebook group saying 5 likes and Ill go shoot up Disney and hang myself, police said. Derek Eitel, 23, of Cocoa, admitted to deputies that he posted the threat into the group while he was at work, according to the Brevard County Sheriffs Office. Officials said the Facebook group has more than 800 members in it and they were all able to view Eitels alleged threat, according to ABC Action News. Two of the members reported the threat to police, according to Click Orlando. Authorities didnt release the name of the group. Eitel was charged with making written threats to kill or do bodily harm. He was being held at the Brevard County Jail on a $100,000 bond. by Shafique Khokhar Pakistan goes to the polls on 25 July. The Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal, an alliance of five ultraconservative regional parties, is using religion to attract votes. The Constitution already promotes Islamic law. Some want to see a focus on women's rights and unbiased education. Lahore (AsiaNews) A coalition of radical Islamic parties has pledged to impose Sharia across Pakistan if it wins the next general election on 25 July. The Muttahida Majlis-e-Amal (MMA) is an alliance of five ultraconservative and fundamentalist parties. In a rally organised in Islamabad, they presented a 12-point electoral program, the first of which is the application of Islamic law. Speaking to AsiaNews, Muslims and Christians expressed their disagreement with the proposal, noting how radical Islamic parties have always used religion to attract votes. The MMA includes Jamiat Ulema-e-Islam (JUIi-F), Jamaat-e-Islami (JI), Markazi Jamiat Ahle Hadith (JA), Tehreek-e-Jafaria Pakistan (TJP) and Jamiat Ulema-e-Pakistan (JUP). Their own electoral base is in the provinces of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, on the border with Afghanistan. Under the 1973 Constitution, all laws in Pakistan must conform to Islamic principles, but Sharia has never been enforced. Experts complain that election posters often show promises to implement Sharia but at the same time do not explain how that would be done. One of the expert is Ata-ur-Rehman Saman, coordinator of the National Commission for Justice and Peace (NCJP), who believes that regional parties have only "dusted out old slogans to attract votes. Under Article 227 [of the Constitution], no law can be passed that goes against the principles of Islam. Moreover, the government already promotes the Islamic way of life, as envisaged by the Constitution in Article 31, and the Federal Sharia Court has the power to invalidate a law that does not conform with Islam." For Hamza Arshad, teacher and journalist, "the alliance will not get a lot of votes at the next election, but its ideological influence could have a far greater impact. This is why it is dangerous. Even if people do not vote for these parties, they will certainly hear their message. "Since they do not have a real election platform, they try to exploit religious feelings to gain votes. For now, Pakistanis have not yet taken the bait, but if the trend continues, it could create problems for the elected government ". Muhammad Zubair, activist and manager of the South Asia Partnership Pakistan, notes that "The mullahs have little electoral support and it has thinned even more with the advance of social media. For this reason, they exploit religion. "For the alliance of political parties that wants to enforce Sharia, this is the only a way to enter the halls of power. Their goal is to pressure the government to make some gains, but they do not have the capacity to win seats. " According to Peter Jacob, former executive secretary of the NCJP and current director of the Centre for Social Justice, the radical manifesto "serves only to gain votes". For this reason, he is organising courses to train politicians in 15 districts. "For us, he said, the parties are the front door. It is time to negotiate with them and get commitments. In his view, The right to unbiased education, the implementation of the five per cent job quota for minorities and formation of a national commission for protection of minority rights are part our basic agenda. Sumera Saleem, an activist, is monitoring the training of polling and presiding officers in Balochistan. Her goal is to get political parties to take more care of women's rights. "We are part of the global village. Liberals are blamed for misguiding youth, but nothing much is done to strengthen families and improve the educational system ". (Kamran Chaudhry contributed to this article) Authorities are searching for whoever opened fire on four vehicles on a highway in Washington state near Seattle-Tacoma International Airport on Wednesday. The Washington State Patrol said the shootings happened in the southbound lanes of State Route 509 on the west side of the airport around 1:30 p.m., and all the vehicles were struck by bullets on the driver's side. No injuries were reported. Were looking for an individual from the tree line area," State Trooper Rick Johnson told Q13 FOX. "We dont believe the shots were fired from another vehicle." The shooting drew a massive response from law enforcement agencies as they searched by air and by foot to find whoever was responsible. Authorities closed the highway in both directions for five hours, and Sea-Tac Airport shut down a runway during the investigation, though no flights were delayed or canceled. State troopers said none of the victims knew each other, and the shootings appeared to be random. In my recollection, I cant remember anything like this, Johnson said. One of the drivers whose vehicle was shot at told Q13 FOX she was in shock after the incident. All of a sudden something hit my car and it was a big boom and then I realized what it was, Mary Ertl said. Ertl, whose car had a bullet hole in her windshield, said she quickly got off the highway to call police. MISSOURI POLICE ARREST 18-YEAR OLD MAN AFTER MOTHER SHOT TO DEATH IN FRONT OF HER CHILDREN It just went everywhere. I dont know, my whole car was just full of dust and glass, she told Q13 FOX. Another motorist, Mike Luiz, said the bullet struck somewhere in his seat cushion. It sounded like you ran over a rock, a big rock, but there was a big bounce to the car like something bounced up and hit the car, it was loud, he said. State Patrol are now asking that any witnesses contact them if they were on SR 509 before 2 p.m. Wednesday and saw someone or a group of people walking along the road near the airport. The suspect who police believe is the notorious Golden State Killer was cleared Wednesday in the 1978 murders of a woman and her son after his DNA samples didnt match the crime scene. Investigators were forced to keep searching for the person who killed 24-year-old Rhonda Wicht and her 4-year-old son Donald in Simi Valley about 40 years ago, according to the Los Angeles Times. Officials said DNA from the crime scene didnt match Golden State Killer suspect James DeAngelo Jr. They conclusively eliminated him as a suspect, Simi Valley Police Chief David Livingstone said. Once we follow and exhaust a lead, we move on. Authorities acknowledged that linking DeAngelo to the Simi Valley slayings was a longshot in the first place. Livingstone said police had no other reason to suspect he was the actual killer. Craig Coley, Wichts ex-boyfriend, spent 38 years behind bars in the killings. He was pardoned by Gov. Jerry Brown in November 2017, according to the Los Angeles Times. Police had raised doubts about the evidence used to convict Coley in 1980. DeAngelo is accused of committing dozens of rapes and murders across California in the 1970s and 1980s. He was arrested in April in Northern California. Newly-released bodycam videos from the Las Vegas shooting show scenes of chaos as the massacre starts to unfold, with police officers running for cover amid the screams of terrified concertgoers. Where is that coming from? an officer asks in one of the 28 clips released Wednesday by the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department. They also show first responders helping organize escape routes and bringing wounded victims to safety during the October 2017 attack. Ive been hit. Im down, I got shot! one man is heard yelling in another clip, over the sounds of Stephen Paddock spraying bullets from his Mandalay Bay hotel suite. The clips, totaling around 10 hours of footage, were part of the sixth batch of records to be released by the department following a court order in a lawsuit brought forward by numerous media organizations. The department on Wednesday also released 511 additional audio clips from 911 calls a similar number to those made public last week, according to The Associated Press. Other clips show a tourniquet being applied to a wounded concertgoer and confusion among police and the public as to what was happening as the attack unfolded. As long as you cannot see the Mandalay Bay you guys are good -- hes up in the Mandalay Bay, an officer tells a couple fleeing the scene of the shooting. Theres only one guy? the man then asks. I dont know. We dont know, the officer responds. The same officer then lets out a stressful sigh after later being told by a woman that a wounded victim is nearby. Another video, lasting about 30 minutes and not identified with a time stamp, according to the Associated Press, shows officers in a hallway outside the Mandalay Bay hotel suite where authorities say gunman Paddock killed himself before police reached him. The back of an officer's hand was sweating as he uncaps a bottle of water. In one of the 911 calls that was released, an unidentified man whispers to an emergency dispatcher that he's hiding in a broom closet at the Planet Hollywood resort, several blocks away from the shooting. "We want to know if it's safe," he says in the call time-stamped two hours and 30 minutes after the gunfire began. Paddock ended up killing 58 people in the October 1 attack and his motive is still unknown. Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo, said he expects a final investigative report will be released next month, while the FBI plans to release a report by the anniversary of the shooting. The Associated Press contributed to this report. A Texas man was praised Wednesday after delivering pizza to more than 50 illegal immigrants who were discovered in a sweltering truck near San Antonio International Airport. Armando Colunga told Fox San Antonio he saw the group drinking water and it didnt appear that they had anything to eat. Thats when he decided to step in. Some people are thinking that it was their tax money that bought those pizzas for the immigrants, which it didn't turn out that way. It was my personal money, Colunga told the station. I'm not looking for anything back from it. I have done interviews but I just want to let everybody know that these are human beings, they aren't just immigrants. It's not about color or race. Colunga, who brought the pizza after work, thanked law enforcement officers for allowing him to bring pizza to the illegal immigrants. Authorities discovered 54 illegal immigrants inside the truck Tuesday. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) special agent in charge Shane Folden told reporters the people in the truck were originally from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Brazil. He confirmed five people had been taken to a local hospital and four were later released. Folden added that a 36-year-old Laredo, Texas man had been arrested and was expected to be charged with federal human smuggling violations. Fox News Travis Fedschun and Samuel Chamberlain contributed to this report. A Minnesota teenager tested the rules of Darwinism on Friday when she ended up getting her head stuck in a truck's oversized tailpipe at a music festival. Firefighters had to use a power saw to free the woman from her predicament at the Winstock Music Festival in Winsted, located about 40 miles west of Minneapolis. Video of the rescue was posted on Facebook by Billy Little, and has since been watched over 2 million times. "How much alcohol does it take to get your head stuck in a diesel pickups exhaust tip? Who knows this girl? I have got to hear her side of the story," Little wrote. The girl, 19-year-old Kaitlyn Strom of Litchfield, Minn., told the Hutchinson Leader newspaper the incident happened when she was hanging with her friends the first day of the festival. We were just all having fun and I saw this big exhaust pipe and I was like, Hey, my head could probably fit in that," she told the paper. So I tried it. It did fit, but it didnt want to come back out. The 19-year-old told the Hutchinson Leader she was stuck for about 45 minutes until firefighters were able to cut the pipe and free her head. RACCOON CAPTURED AFTER MAKING DARING CLIMB UP MINNESOTA BUILDING (I was) kind of confused because I didnt know what was going on, because I couldnt see around me, Strom said, But I trusted everyone who was around that I knew to get me out safely. She later posted a picture to Facebook holding the cut pipe, writing "Yeah I'm the tail pipe girl, whatchu know about it?" The McLeod County Sheriff's Office told KARE-TV that Strom was cited for underage drinking and escorted out of the music festival. Strom said while she's received a lot of criticism from people on line, shes also learned a valuable lesson. To not stick my head in a tailpipe, she told the Hutchinson Leader. A family representative says the mother of four children who were held hostage and killed Monday in Orlando, Fla., has been grieving considerably since the tragedy, which also left a police officer comatose with a head wound and the gunman dead. I am heartbroken and feel completely alone, the spokesman, Walter Benenati, quoted Ciara Lopez as saying, the Orlando Sentinel reported. Lopez, 31, wants her children to be remembered as loving, wonderful, and full of life, the report said. Meanwhile, injured police Officer Kevin Valencia was comatose and in critical condition Wednesday, with a long road ahead for recovery, said Dr. Chadwick Smith at Orlando Regional Medical Center. "We were each other's first boyfriend and girlfriend when we were 12," Valencias wife, Meghan, told the Associated Press. You can imagine this person is literally everything to me. "We were each other's first boyfriend and girlfriend when we were 12. You can imagine this person is literally everything to me. Meghan Valencia, wife of critically injured Orlando police Officer Kevin Valencia The deadly ordeal started Sunday night when Lopez left her apartment and told police she had been battered by suspect Gary Wayne Lindsey, 35. After a long standoff, in which Lindsey barricaded himself inside the apartment and ultimately killed himself, police were able to enter the apartment Monday night. They found two of the children dead in one bedroom, and two other children in another bedroom. Orlando police Chief John Mina confirmed that all four children had been killed by Lindsey, not by police shots fired at Lindsey during a shootout. Authorities identified the children as Irayan Pluth, 11; Lillia Pluth, 10; Aidan Lindsey, 6; and Dove Lindsey, 1. Benenati is managing a GoFundMe page for the family to help cover funeral expenses, the Sentinel reported. Meanwhile, Meghan Valencia asked for prayers from the public for her police officer husband. "He needs all the support he can get," she said. "So that he can wake up. So that he can live because my boys need a daddy and I need my husband and this community needs a real hero." A separate GoFundMe page has been established for the injured officer. As of Thursday morning, it was about halfway toward its goal. The Associated Press contributed to this story. A sociology professor in New Jersey who has been teaching for over 50 years is under fire for alleged anti-Semitic comments about Jews and the Holocaust and for claiming the moon landing was faked. Clyde Magarelli, a sociology professor at William Paterson University in Wayne, N.J., is under review by the administration after video surfaced of him espousing controversial conspiracy theories during his Sociology 1020, Social Problems class. PROFESSOR BANNED FROM RESTAURANT FOR PROFANITY-LACED TIRADE AGAINST WHITE CHILDREN, UNIVERSITY INVESTIGATING It was very unfortunate, but most of all it was a waste of my time and money, freshman student, Benny Koval, who recorded the videos and raised concerns about Magarelli, told NorthJersey.com. It was incredibly frustrating going to a public university for a taxpayer-funded education and Im learning about how the moon landing was faked. Koval posted the videos on social media, and it eventually went viral. "We haven't landed on the moon? No. You didn't know that? No," Magarelli is heard saying in a video from April. "They say maybe in about 20 or 30 years they may be able to do it.We do not have a system that can take a living species out. Mechanical systems, no problem. By the way, mechanical systems can't land on the moon. They can take pictures of it." Magarelli also said he was a former U.S. spy while working on campus until his cover was blown and argued the Irish were the first slaves in the United States, among other controversial things. Koval wrote on Twitter that she did not file complaint paperwork because the university would require her to agree to a quasi-gag order. COLUMBIA PROFESSOR UNDER FIRE FOR BLAMING ISRAEL FOR EVERY PROBLEM IN THE WORLD University officials said Tuesday they are looking into the complaint and videos, but Koval said this is not the first time Magarelli has come under scrutiny. The schools student newspaper reported in 1994 that Magarelli was being investigated for a handout to students that minimized the death toll of Nazi concentration camps, which reportedly said a figure of between 700,000 and 800,000 appears more realistic. KENT STATE PROFESSOR CHARGED WITH LYING TO THE FBI, BANNED FROM CAMPUS Morton A. Klein, president of the Zionist Organization of America, is calling on the university to fire Magarelli for violating the schools non-discrimination policy. These false claims are part of a disturbing and unacceptable pattern, Klein wrote in a letter to WPU. Magarelli was rebuked for his misconduct more than 10 years ago, but the rebuke plainly did not change his behavior. At this point, the appropriate consequence is his immediate termination. An Atlanta police officer apologized and resigned Wednesday after being arrested during a raid where $30,000 in drugs was seized, authorities said. Officer Iris Rowe was set to be dismissed" from her service in the Atlanta Police Department on Thursday, but instead chose to tender her resignation a day early, Atlanta police said. On today, Wednesday June 13, 2018, I, Iris Rowe will be resigning from the Atlanta Police Department. I would like to send me deepest apologies to the department, and others for this shameful act, Rowe said in a handwritten letter. Rowe was discovered Monday in a College Park apartment complex with two suspects a police squad was investigating for allegedly selling drugs, WSB-TV reported. "This was a shocker to go in and apprehend 'as a suspect' another officer," College Park police Sgt. Marcus Dennard told the station. When officers tried to question Rowe, who wasnt assigned to the investigation, about her involvement in the drug activity, she chose not to answer, WJAX-TV reported. Officers said she showed no remorse. The drugs held a street value of nearly $30,000, police said. Investigators found high-caliber weapons, ammunition, almost $8,000 in cash, along with the officers uniform, badge, vest, radio and ID, the station said. Two guns, including an AR-15, and more drugs were found in the trunk of Rowes Nissan. "I would like to send me deepest apologies to the department, and others for this shameful act." Officer Iris Rowe, Atlanta Police Department Police arrested two other suspects, Jeremy Laye and Tony Robinson, accused of selling drugs. Rowe, who joined the Atlanta Police Department in 2016, was charged with possession with intent to distribute marijuana, possession of a controlled substance and possession of illegal drugs in a drug-free zone. Scores from the SAT or ACT will be optional for students applying to the University of Chicago. The prestigious and highly selective school says some students may feel that the standardized test results don't fully reflect their potential. The university said Thursday that it anticipates many students still will submit scores because other schools require them. James Nondorf, dean of admissions, says students "define the application" not the other way around. The university will also allow applicants to introduce themselves with a two-minute video, replacing campus interviews. With financial support and other changes, the university says it wants to reach more low-income students and students who are the first in their family to go to college. The school has 6,300 undergraduates. Tuition last year was $53,000. The National Weather Service confirmed Thursday that a strong tornado touched down in northeastern Pennsylvania, damaging businesses and flipping cars in a shopping center as survey teams are working to figure out if other twisters touched down across the region. The NWS Binghamton office said in a bulletin a survey team confirmed an EF-2 tornado with an estimated maximum wind speed of 130 mph occurred in the Wilkes-Barre Township on Wednesday night around 10 p.m. "The tornado touched down near Mundy Street and Highland Park Boulevard by the Wyoming Valley Mall and traveled about a half mile southeast toward I-81 before dissipating," the NWS said. "Numerous roofs were destroyed and windows blown out. Structures were sheared off near their foundation. Power poles were snapped with numerous lines down." The "considerable storm damage" was centered in the northeast part of the state on Wednesday in Luzerne and Bradford Counties, according to the NWS Binghamton office. In Wilkes-Barre Township, most of the damage was reported in the area of the Wyoming Valley Mall. The Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department posted on Facebook that there were "multiple collapsed/damaged buildings" in the area of Mundy Street, and asked drivers to avoid the area. Luzerne County officials told FOX56 that 23 businesses were damaged or destroyed in the tornado's path. Luzerne County Emergency Management Agency volunteer Garrett Hittle said crews were working to stabilize the propane cylinder by off gassing the contents. "The scene is not safe enough to have people be able to go in and perform a complete assessment at this point," Hittle said. "It affected between a half-mile and mile radius of mostly business interests." Hittle said there were reports of six storm-related injuries that were not life-threatening and did not require anyone to be admitted to the hospital. Pictures from the area showed major damage to businesses, including flipped vehicles at a car dealership and U-Haul facility. MORE STRONG STORMS, SOME HEAT RELIEF AND RAIN COURTESY OF TROPICAL MOISTURE INTO THE SOUTHWEST Bruno Isles, an employee at a Panera Bread restaurant in the area, told the (Wilkes-Barre) Times Leader that he was washing dishes in the back of the restaurant at the time the storm hit. I was washing dishes in the back, my manager had us secure the doors, Isles said. We had tables and chairs flying through the windows. Further north in Bradford County emergency responders reported damage to homes and businesses in Granville and Franklin Townships. "I've been in the department since 1973, I have never seen anything like this in our area," Troy Fire Department Chief Roy Vargson told WNEP. The NWS posted photos on Twitter from the survey team in Bradford County in the Granville, Leroy and Franklin Townships. "They are still assessing if the damage was due to straight line winds or a tornado from the storms on June 13," the agency said. Jeff Scarboro, the director of public safety and emergency management for Bradford County, told the Associated Press there were about 10 homes with varying reports of damage some of which appeared to be destroyed. "There were initial reports of entrapments with building collapses and debris, but local fire departments helped with removal from those properties," Scarboro said. Scarboro said some of the rescues included at least one person in a wheelchair who needed help because of debris and older couples who were trapped in storm cellars by debris. The Associated Press contributed to this report. The presidential decree issued secretly gives Lebanese citizenship to 375 foreigners, including Syrians and Iraqis, Christians and Muslims. Some of them are under suspicion for iffy connections. For Card Al-Rahi, they do not honour "Lebanese nationality". The life of the country itself is in danger. Maronite bishops meet to discuss Church, social and pastoral issues. Beirut (AsiaNews) The Maronite Church, at the urging of Patriarch Bechara Al-Rahi and on behalf of its Bishops, has loudly called for "the withdrawal of the naturalisation decree" by which the President of the Lebanon granted citizenship to at least 375 foreigners. Recently promulgated in a hurry and away from public scrutiny, the decree appears to benefit "dodgy" Syrians, Palestinians and Iraqis who "would not honour Lebanese nationality". Many Lebanese are "worried", the cardinal notes, "not only for their families, but also for the country. He points the finger at some of unnamed Lebanese leaders who "deviate from the general interest, for personal gain or that of (single) communities". Added to this is the lack of interest in situations "that endanger the very life of the country". Speaking about this major current issue, the head of the Maronite Church warns that the decree of "naturalisation" of 260 Christians and 115 Muslims "contravenes the preamble to the Constitution". The latter, the cardinal goes on to say, prohibits any form of forced concession of citizenship to "foreigners" who are not of "Lebanese descent". "How can one accept this when thousands of requests are pending before the Ministries of the Interior and Foreign Affairs", claims that have greater legitimacy than those that accepted surreptitiously in these troubled times. The cardinal notes that the benchmark for granting nationality is jus sanguinis (right of blood) and not jus solis (right of the soil). Ultimately, for Card Al-Rahi what matters is the implementation of a ruling by the Council of State that overturns the decree of naturalisation of 1994, which would have caused "a serious demographic imbalance" in the country. At present, Lebanons National Assembly is vetting a bill that would modify the naturalisation law, which dates back to 1925 when the country was not yet independent. Unofficial sources say that behind the harsh attack of the local Church lays a deep concern over the beneficiaries of the decree of naturalisation, who allegedly have close links to the Syrian government and Syrian President Bashar a-Assad. Getting Lebanese citizenship would allow them to circumvent, according to some, (controversial) international sanctions and the economic and trade embargo against Damascus. Meanwhile, the Assembly of the Maronite Bishops is currently in retreat, which began yesterday until Saturday, and plans to address Church, social and pastoral issues of primary importance for the life of the country. Among the main issues are the ordination of the clergy, the reform of the liturgy as a source of unity, and the pastoral orientation. Bishops will also study the possibility of setting up a special commission to look into the needs of some financially-strapped dioceses. A New Hampshire high school senior class president about to head out for military training couldn't make his graduation, so he got his own personal ceremony instead. People attending the Prospect Mountain High School senior awards program Wednesday night were asked to stay after the event ended. Out marched school officials, faculty and National Guard member Jacob Blair, all wearing graduation robes. "Pomp and Circumstance" played as Blair entered to a standing crowd. He gave a speech and received his diploma. Blair left Thursday morning for Fort Rucker, Alabama, to undergo advanced individual training. The full senior class will graduate Friday. Blair received a three-year Army ROTC scholarship and will attend the University of New Hampshire to study mechanical engineering in the fall. A woman charged in the death of a Tennessee police officer who tried to help her has taken a plea deal. News outlets report 42-year-old Judi Glisson on Tuesday pleaded guilty to vehicular homicide by intoxication in the 2017 death of Metro Nashville police Officer Eric Mumaw. Under her plea deal, she must serve at least 30 percent of her 12-year sentence and she'll be barred from driving for 10 years. Mumaw and other officers were called to help a reportedly suicidal Glisson in her car on a boat ramp. Police said Mumaw was pulled into the frigid water with Glisson's vehicle when she shifted from park. His body was found hours later. Prosecutor Kyle Anderson said Glisson didn't intend to hurt anyone, which factored into the plea deal. The University of Chicago is becoming the first major U.S. research university to stop requiring American undergraduate applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores. The decision that school officials say is designed to help even the playing field for students from low-income or underrepresented communities has been made by some liberal arts colleges but the school is the first major research university to do so. The university also said Thursday that it will provide full-tuition aid for students whose families earn less than $125,000 and offer new scholarships to military veterans and children of veterans, police officers and firefighters. The school will also let applicants submit a video introduction instead of requiring that they sit for an interview Rollout of the initiative will begin with the class of 2023. Two housekeepers in Vermont were hospitalized Wednesday after they unknowingly ate marijuana edibles that were left behind by guests at Shelburne Farms, police said. The housekeepers, who have not been identified, decided to taste what they believed to be malted milk balls placed in a box labeled salted caramel chocolates, Shelburne police told the Burlington Free Press. Shortly after, both employees fell ill -- one of whom was so sick she was found lying in the inns driveway, the newspaper reported. "They certainly weren't in any shape to work," Officer Joshua Flore with the Shelburne Police Department told the Burlington Free Press of the women, adding that there was no indication on the box that the chocolates contained marijuana. The guests who left the edibles will not face charges, Flore said. Two employees at the Inn at Shelburne Farms fell ill this morning after ingesting something that came from outside of Shelburne Farms. They have been taken to the hospital and we hope they will make a full recovery soon. We are doing our best to be careful about protecting the privacy of our employees, the inn said in a statement to the Burlington Free Press. The employees conditions are currently unclear. Starting July 1, adults 21 years or older can possess small amounts of marijuana in Vermont. Flore called the incident at Shelburne Farms a big lesson, warning residents to keep it away from children and pets. A Wisconsin mother is accused of hacking multiple social media accounts to spread ISIS propaganda online going so far as to direct one individual on how to make Ricin and to deploy it at a government facility or water reservoir, the Justice Department alleges. Waheba Issa Dais, a 45-year-old from Israel who is now a legal U.S. resident, was charged Wednesday with attempting to provide material support or resources to ISIS which carries a maximum 20-year sentence and $250,000 fine. Dais used multiple social media accounts that she hacked and took over from unwitting victims and private social media platforms to provide and facilitate her support, the Justice Department said in a statement. She provided detailed instructions on how to make Ricin and then suggested the individual introduce the Ricin to a government post or water reservoirs. In another post, she suggested potential targets for bombing attacks, including street festivals and celebrations in the summer, it added. She had also kept a virtual library of instructions on how to make bombs, biological weapons, poisons and suicide vests to assist self-proclaimed ISIS members and supporters in their attack planning. Dais, from Cudahy, is a mother of two, according to the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. She was arrested Wednesday and appeared before a federal judge, with another hearing reportedly scheduled for Friday. A disabled Wisconsin teenager suffered a slow death due to her mothers neglect, authorities alleged. Outagamie County District Attorney Melinda Tempelis said in court on Monday that Brianna Gussert, 13, who was unable to walk, talk or care for herself, suffered a "slow death." "This poor child struggled and suffered immensely because her mom did not check on her at all," Tempelis said. On May 29, 2017, a police officer discovered Gusserts body during a welfare check and said her bedroom smelled like rotten food, human waste and death, according to a criminal complaint. The county coroner estimated that Brianna died on May 24. An autopsy indicated her cause of death was sepsis, a blood infection. The criminal complaint said the skin under Brianna's diaper had already started to decompose when her body was found. HAMMER-WIELDING MOM CAUGHT SMASHING SCHOOL BUS FULL OF KIDS, OFFICIALS SAY The criminal complaint said the girl's mother, Nicole Gussert, 37, left the disabled teenager alone for days during the Memorial Day weekend last year. Tempelis said Gussert was not sure when she had last fed her daughter, changed her diaper or fed her. The Post-Crescent reported the teens feeding tube was almost empty when police discovered her body, while six boxes of formula were found outside the home. The girl hadn't been to school in months. Brianna Gussert was born with Wolf-Hirschhorn syndrome, which causes delayed growth and development, intellectual disability and seizures, according to the U.S. National Library of Medicine at the National Institutes of Health. The condition left her needing constant care, said her father, Greg Gussert. He said his daughter was living with her mother because she had more room but he was planning to buy a home that could accommodate her needs. FBI: WISCONSIN WOMAN RECRUITED ON BEHALF OF ISLAMIC STATE This is a tragedy, he told the Post-Crescent. Its a child who was taken away from her father, from her sisters, from her grandparents, from teachers and friends. She was taken too soon. She was such an inspiration and a wonderful child. And happy, she was happy all the time. Nicole Gussert was charged with child neglect and also faced three counts of possession with intent to deliver amphetamine. She is being held on $300,000 cash bond. Her preliminary hearing is scheduled for June 19. If convicted of child neglect, she could be sentenced to up to 25 years in prison. The drug charges each carry a maximum penalty of 12 years. The Associated Press contributed to this report. Testimony from two psychologists failed to convince an Ohio judge that a woman was insane when she swiped packages off 12 porches in the suburbs of Cincinnati, prosecutors said. Instead, Melissa Bergman, 30, of Mason, Ohio, was found guilty Wednesday on 12 misdemeanor theft charges, the Cincinnati Enquirer reported. According to prosecutors, surveillance cameras caught Bergman driving through Deerfield Township, collecting packages off of porches. Later, Bergman was found to have taken packages from homes in Warren and Butler counties, the newspaper reported. Bergman's mental status did not prevent her from knowing the wrongfulness of her actions, the court decided, according to the paper. Last November, Bergman was arrested and charged with identity theft after allegedly making purchases with stolen credit cards, WLWT-TV reported. A United States amendment to a Palestinian-backed draft resolution at the U.N. General Assembly that would have condemned the terrorist group Hamas was defeated even before getting a vote Wednesday afternoon because of a procedural maneuver by Algeria, one of the sponsors of the Palestinian draft resolution. U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley, before the voting, said that the attempt to obstruct the vote was shameful. The U.S. amendment would have been added onto a Palestinian-backed draft resolution that, in part, called for consideration of an international protection force for Palestinian civilians without any condemnation of Hamas, and was seen by the US as too one-sided. But had the Algerian blocking maneuver not been put in play, the U.S. amendment to condemn Hamas looked as if it would have passed. The U.S. elicited 62 votes in favor with 58 against and 42 abstentions. This should have seen its amendment brought to a vote according to Ambassador Haley. But the president of the General Assembly claimed that since the measure did not meet a supposed required two-thirds majority, it failed on that basis and was not brought up for consideration. Following the vote, Haley released a statement that read, in part, It is no wonder that no one takes the U.N. seriously as a force for Middle East peace. The statement claimed a change had taken place in this vote: The common practice of turning a blind eye to the U.N.s anti-Israel bias is changing. Today, a plurality of 62 countries voted in favor of the U.S.-led effort to address Hamass responsibility for the disastrous conditions in Gaza. We had more countries on the right side than the wrong side. By their votes, those countries recognized that peace will only be achieved when realities are recognized, including Israels legitimate security interests, and the need to end Hamas terrorism. Before the voting Haley angrily said: The fact that some member states believe that condemning Hamas does not even deserve a vote is astounding. Denying a vote on the U.S. amendment would be the height of this bodys hypocrisy. The Palestinian-backed resolution was largely the same as the Kuwaiti draft that had failed because of a U.S. veto at the beginning of the month in the Security Council. Four other members of the Security Council abstained citing its one-sided nature. While the Palestinian-backed General Assembly resolution passed with 120 votes in favor, there were still 45 abstentions with a further eight countries voting against it, including the U.S., Israel and Australia. U.N. General Assembly resolutions dont have the same legal clout of Security Council resolutions, but send a political message. Israels Ambassador Danny Danon, speaking before the vote, said, The resolution is nothing more than a twisted stamp of approval for terrorism. He said Wednesdays proceeding was making a mockery of the U.N. Danon said, Just for comparison, the devastation in Syria that has claimed 500,000 lives, and displaced seven million people has never resulted in an emergency special session of the General Assembly. This type of worldwide assault is reserved only for Israel. Danon continued, It is not criticism. It is not a difference in opinion in policy. It is antisemitism. The Palestinian representative Riyad Mansour criticized the attempt by the U.S. for its attempt to put in an amendment, and said, that, The bad faith attempt to insert an amendment that would tragically unbalance the text and shift the Assemblys focus away from the core objective of protecting civilians and of upholding international law. Mansour had more criticism for the U.S.s introduction of an amendment, at what, he said, was at the last minute. He called them games and gimmicks. He said they would not be sold to the very sophisticated diplomats in this chamber. One European diplomat speaking on background told Fox News, The result of the vote in the General Assembly is a good score for the Palestinians, close to their score on the Jerusalem vote in December, and, he continued, a very honorable outcome for the U.S., much better for them than their isolated position in the Security Council two weeks ago. In a statement released following the vote, Danon applauded what he said showed a plurality of nations had voted in favor of the anti-Hamas U.S. amendment. His statement read, in part, Thanks to the combined efforts with our American friends and our allies from around the world, we proved today that the automatic majority against Israel in the U.N. is not destiny and can be changed. Indeed, according to the vote tally, all the Europeans voted for the U.S. amendment to condemn Hamas but they were divided on the Palestinian-backed resolution. Sixteen abstained, including the U.K. and Germany, while 12 voted in favor, including France and Sweden. According to the terms of the resolution, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres must now report back his findings on the resolution within 60 days. The rival Koreas are holding rare high-level military talks to discuss reducing tensions across their heavily fortified border. It's possible North Korean officials during Thursday's talks at the border village of Panmunjom will seek a firm commitment from the South on stopping its military drills with the United States. President Donald Trump said after his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday that the allies should stop the war games during nuclear negotiations in "good faith." South Korea's presidential office has said it's trying to discern Trump's meaning and intent, but also that the allies should explore various ways to "further facilitate" dialogue with the North. Seoul's Defense Ministry said the military talks will focus on carrying out agreements from a summit between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in where they vowed to take materialized steps to reduce military tensions and eliminate the danger of war. The discussions are the first general-level talks between the militaries since December 2007. "We will invest our best efforts to bring in a new era of peace on the Korean Peninsula," South Korean Maj. Gen. Kim Do-gyun told reporters before the talks. The Korean military officials may discuss holding military talks on a regular basis and establishing a hotline between their top military officials. They may also discuss efforts to recover the remains of soldiers missing and presumed dead from the 1950-53 Korean War. Moon met Kim in April and again in May as Pyongyang made a diplomatic push following a provocative run of nuclear and missile tests in 2017. The Koreas have agreed to various sets of peace talks, including planned discussions to set up reunions between war-separated families and to field combined teams at the Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, in August. The Korean Peninsula remains technically at war, because the 1950-53 conflict ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. by J.B. An Dang The law was approved by an 86 per cent margin. For critics it will restrict political and religious freedom. Foreign companies will be forced to provide private user data to the government. In the past, Catholic sites, including AsiaNews, have been blocked. For Catholic priest, Vietnams Communist regime deems Catholic social doctrine unacceptable. Hanoi (AsiaNews) Vietnams National Assembly approved a cyber security law with 423 votes in favour and 43 against, giving the authorities the power to capture sensitive user data and exercise greater control over websites. The law will come into effect in 2019. For dissidents, this means loss of privacy and greater restrictions on freedom of thought. For the Communist regime, the new restrictions on Internet use are necessary on national security grounds. For protesters currently demonstrating against the law on special economic zones, the new legislation will allow authorities to access their private data, spy on users and limit freedom of speech on Facebook, Google and other social media. Information technology companies will have to register their data in Vietnam and provide users' information to the Ministry of Public Security in case of violation of the law. Moreover, the new law bans Internet users from organising themselves for "anti-state purposes", using terms that "distort history" or "deny the revolutionary results of the nation". Foreign investors have criticised the Vietnamese government's move. For them, the new law undermines business confidence and slows down the growth of the country's digital economy. Most foreign technology companies operating from Singapore or Hong Kong will be forced to open an office in Vietnam and keep their data in the country. In the past, Catholic sites, including AsiaNews, have been blocked. However, users could bypass the block by visiting anonymous sites. This practice is now prohibited by the new law and can be punished with imprisonment. Vietnams twenty-six dioceses and archdiocese, most of Church institutions and movements have websites that are hosted outside of Vietnam to avoid prosecution. Mgr Paul Van Chi Chu, spokesman for the Federation of Vietnamese Catholic mass media is highly critical of the new law. Its worth noting that the Communist Party considers unacceptable Catholic social doctrine on human dignity and the common good in society that address oppression, the role of the state, subsidiarity, social organisation, concerns for social justice, and issues of wealth distribution, said Fr Van Chi Chu, of the Archdiocese of Sydney. The clergyman is also critical of the lack of privacy protection. The law gives the authorities the power to determine when an expression is "illegal" or, even worse, when it violates national security". The provisions in the cyber security law could make it easier for the government to identify and prosecute people for their peaceful online activities, he warns. For Le Cong inh, a political activist, The government now can ask companies managing the Internet or social media to disclose all information about accounts. Arrested in 2009 for publishing articles demanding human rights, he was convicted a year later and sentenced to five years in prison on national security charges. An American student has been arrested in Vietnam after taking part in protests that turned into violent clashes between demonstrators and police. Will Nguyen, 32, who is of Vietnamese descent, was visiting Ho Chi Minh City ahead of graduating from a masters program at the University of Singapore, according to a statement from family and friends. The Houston native and Yale graduate was beaten over the head and dragged into the back of a police truck, during the protest, according to the statement. The protests in Ho Chi Minh City on Sunday were over a special economic zone law coming into effect. Nguyen chronicled the protests in a series of tweets, which start off with him emphasizing his pride in the Vietnamese people coming together to demonstrate. I cant stress how enormous of an achievement this is for the Vietnamese people. The communist government is allowing people to assemble peacefully and the people are exercising their civic duty to protest injustice, he wrote at 10:34 a.m. local time (11:34 p.m. EDT). But in a sign of things to come, he subsequently wrote: Violence is breaking out and then quickly quelled by level-headed protestors. US PASTOR IN TURKEY TOPS LIST OF AMERICANS JAILED, SENTENCED ON DUBIOUS CHARGES He then tweeted at 12:44 p.m. local time: Police struck a protester and chaos has broken out. He then posted some more pictures of peaceful marching ending at 1:08 p.m. local time before his account went quiet. Footage from the protest also shows a bloodied and dazed Nguyen being dragged on the ground before he appears standing in the back of a pickup truck with emergency lights. He is a proud Vietnamese-American, and passionate about his studies, specifically Southeast Asian studies, in which he majored, his sister, Victoria Nguyen, said in an email to The New York Times. His family has been unable to reach him, but his hosts at an Airbnb rental told them that they were able to speak to him shortly after he was arrested. On June 12, the police arrived at Wills hosts apartment to confiscate his laptop, passport, credit cards and a change of clothes. They did not respond to questions about Wills whereabouts or welfare, the family statement added. A spokesman for the US Embassy in Hanoi said they were aware of media reports that a U.S. citizen was arrested in Vietnam. When a U.S. citizen is detained overseas, the U.S. Department of State works to provide all appropriate consular assistance, the embassy said. Due to privacy considerations, we have no further comment. AMERICAN ARRESTED ON CHARGES OF TRYING TO JOIN ISLAMIC STATE The proposed economic zones would see foreign investors be granted leases of up to 99 years in three specific areas that would have fewer administrative restrictions than the rest of the country, raising fears from locals that they will be dominated by China. More than 100 protesters were arrested and dozens of police were injured at a protest in Binh Thuan in the center of the country. In the capital Hanoi, more than a dozen protesters carrying anti-Chinese banners were detained. On Monday, Vietnam agreed to delay a vote on the draft bill. next Image 1 of 2 prev Image 2 of 2 The French president's office has confirmed the visit to France of Italian Premier Giuseppe Conte to meet with French President Emmanuel Macron on Friday. The Elysee said in a statement Thursday that Macron and Conte spoke by phone on Wednesday amid an escalating clash between the two countries over migration. Italy demanded an apology after the French president accused the new Italian government of irresponsible behavior for refusing entry to a rescue ship with 629 migrants aboard. Macron said he "had not made any comment intended to offend Italy and the Italian people," the statement said. Both leaders discussed the situation of the Aquarius ship and agreed on France and Italy's commitment to organize emergency aid under humanitarian rules to assist people in danger, according to the French presidency. A German prince has died in the U.K. after being thrown from his horse in a riding accident. Prince Georg-Constantin of Saxe-Weimar-Eisenach, 41, was riding with his friend Jean Christophe Iseux, Baron von Pfetten, on Saturday when the tragedy struck in the ground of the barons home Apethorpe Palace, Northamptonshire. Emergency services were called to the scene around 8:30 p.m. on Saturday, to a man suffering life-threatening injuries. He was later pronounced dead. The prince was the designated successor of the German aristocratic House of Saxe Weimar Eisenach, which is the oldest branch of the House of Wettin, according to Deutsche Welle, a German media company. Prince Michael, 71, the current head of the line, said he was deeply shocked by his nephews sudden death. MEGHAN MARKLE, QUEEN ELIZABETH STEP OUT FOR FIRST ROYAL ENGAGEMENT TOGETHER Prince George-Constantin moved to Britain in 2015 after marrying English woman Olivia Rachelle Page, 38, in 2015. They met at Last Night of the Proms in Londons Hyde Park four years ago. She was a director at her husbands firm, renewable energy company Sustainability Factory Ltd, until April and now works as an office manager. A co-worker at the firm told The Sun: It is incredibly sad and has happened very recently. We expect her [Princess Olivia] to be off for some time. Alexander-Fisk Harrison, who knew both the prince and the baron, paid tribute to his friend, who he hailed as a brilliant jockey and a remarkable man. We were good friends. His wife and my ex-fiancee were best friends and neighbors in London, he told MailOnline. He was a genuinely lovely guy. Despite being a prince he rarely spoke about it. A friend once joked that technically he out-ranked the Queen because his family is more senior than the UK Royal family. He added on Facebook: Rest in Peace my poor friend Prince Constantin von Saxe-Weimar That such a fine horseman should go out that way. My Thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Goodbye my friend. A spokesman for Northamptonshire Police said: Police were called to reports of a sudden death in East Northamptonshire at about 9:25 p.m. on Saturday, June 9. Sadly a man in his 40s is believed to have died following a riding accident. His death is not believed to be suspicious and a report is being prepared for the coroner. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is praising a $1 billion military drone deal between Israel Aerospace Industries and Germany as a sign of strong bilateral security ties. Germany's parliament approved the agreement to lease Heron TP drones from the state-owned Israeli company through Airbus. IAI said Thursday the deal was for five drone systems, training for German operators, and support services. German Defense Minister Ursula von der Leyen told Germany's DPA news agency on Wednesday that the long-range drones will "provide better protection for the soldiers on the ground" in Afghanistan and Mali. Netanyahu says the agreement will be a boon not only "for our security industries and for the Israeli economy, but also for the continued strengthening of security relations between Israel and Germany." With a time lag that suggests a great deal of care and thought went into the final product, North Koreas state media aired a 42-minute-long video offering its perspective on the historic meeting of President Trump and Kim Jong Un. In that narrative, Kim is the unambiguous hero. The state-run television aired these first videos and photos of the summit on Thursday, two days after the event and a full day after Kim returned home to Pyongyang, the North Korean capital. A lot of leaders of different countries have visited Singapore, but it is unprecedented in the history of Singapore to have streets filled with the welcoming crowd like this, said Ri Chun-hee, the newsreader on state media, according to CNN. Streets were full of people admiring the supreme leader for his brilliant political skills to lead complex and eventful international politics. The state medias representation of the summit and Trump is extremely important because it gives North Koreans an idea not just of whats going on, but of what response the government expects. CNN reported that the video was likely some North Koreans first glimpse of the world outside the borders of their restricted and reclusive country. And Kim was the star of the show. Trumps first appearance and the now-famous handshake didnt come until almost 20 minutes into the program. To the dramatic, almost musical intonations of the nations most famous newscaster, the program depicted Kim as statesmanlike beyond his years, confident and polite, quick to smile and firmly in control. He was shown allowing the older American Trump, in his 70s, is more than twice Kims age to lean in toward him to shake hands, or give a thumbs up. The program also showed an awkward moment in which Trump reached out to shake the hand of a North Korean general, who instead saluted the American president. Trump saluted the officer in return, and the two then shook hands. Before showing Trump and Kim signing their joint statement, the newscaster said Trump made a point of giving Kim a look at his armored Cadillac limousine, and noted that it is known to Americans as the Beast. The image-heavy news of Kims trip to Singapore was presented like a chronologically organized documentary, starting with the red-carpet sendoff for Kim at the Pyongyang airport on, interestingly enough, a chartered Air China flight. That was followed by video of his motorcade making its way to the St. Regis hotel in Singapore as throngs of well-wishers assembled as though awaiting a rock star, and footage of Kim's city-state night tour on Summit Eve. The post-summit transformation of North Koreas official version of Trump, whos now being shown by state media looking serious and almost regal, underscores the carefully choreographed reality show the government has had to orchestrate. The goal: to keep its people, taught from childhood to hate and distrust the American imperialists, ideologically on board with seismic shifts in the relationship with Washington The Associated Press contributed to this report. Turkey's military says Turkish and U.S. officials, meeting in Germany, have reached an agreement on a plan for the strategic Syrian town of Manbij that was a source of tension between the NATO allies. A military statement on Thursday said Turkish and U.S. military officials met at the U.S. European Command headquarters in Stuttgart on June 12 and 13 and reached agreement on a "Manbij Implementation Plan." It said the plan would be discussed by senior officials from the two countries, but provided no details. Turkey and the U.S. have offered differing descriptions of their roadmap for Manbij, but a U.S.-backed Kurdish militia group is expected to retreat to the east of the Euphrates River, meeting a long-standing Turkish demand. Turkey considers the militia a terror group linked to Kurdish rebels fighting inside Turkey. Corruption is like a multifaceted octopus that rears its ugly image in all the facets of society. To treat this societal illness, a careful diagnosis must first be undertaken. The process will determine the type of the disease and the stage to which it has spread within society. There is no single treatment for this pernicious disease, and literature shows that the best way to combat it is the application of a combination of approaches towards the same goal. It comes in various types and stages ranging from low-level petty corruption to high-level grand corruption. PORT MORESBY - Corruption, being a very destructive societal disease, is like a cancer that eats at every fabric of society. It is organised crime. Corrupt transactions can transcend territorial jurisdictions and span many different countries. They may involve multiple players, private and government. Some forms of corruption, especially at the higher levels, are orchestrated by very skilful people with the institutional knowledge to bypass detection. High-level corrupt transactions are usually secretive and organised by people who have the requisite knowledge of the victim industry or agency. They therefore require skilful corruption investigators to detect. Detection may also require whistle blowers to come forward and provide relevant inside information. This may require the protection of these informants. In some cases, it might require a party to the illicit transaction to come forward in return for some form of leniency. Corruption investigators have to be vigilant and adept at investigating it. A single corrupt transaction may pollute an entire government agency. Top-level corruption may involve a patronage arrangement. For instance, if a minister intends to defraud his department, he directs the departmental head, who in turn directs his deputy and the pressure is exerted downwards through the subordinates until the cheque is paid out. Those lower ranking officials who execute the payment may not directly benefit from the improper payment but succumb to top-down pressure in fear of reprisals. Proceeds of corruption may be laundered through a number of countries in a single day. In todays technological world, conducting illicit financial transactions spanning a number of countries is possible. This is posing a formidable technical and organisational challenge when it comes to detecting and monitoring these transactions. It requires the cooperation of the victim country as well as those countries tainted by the illicit transfers. Corruption may be viewed as a moral issue or a breach of law. It is not necessarily a legal offence but one of ethical misconduct. Different fields see corruption differently as well. The prevalence of corruption may reflect the moral health of the society. Its causes may be deep and culturally embedded. Corruption is not just lack of law enforcement. It is also a cultural issue. An understanding of corruption entails an understanding of the social contexts that produce and sustain it, such that a change of these contexts would also cause changes in patterns of corruption. If the general population have a propensity to break rules for private gain, they will always be on the lookout to exploit opportunities. Such an opportunistic culture drives people to proceed on the basis that whatever is not fully protected is up for grabs. Some forms of corruption may flourish because the society as a whole tolerates it. For instance, the line between bribery and customary appreciations in Melanesian culture is often difficult to ascertain in terms of what is a bribe and what is customary reciprocal expectation. Widespread corruption is a symptom that the state is functioning poorly. It may reflect the health of the nations politics. Corruption may also reflect the inefficiency of government services. For instance, a lot of bureaucratic rules can frustrate business hence bribes are paid to expedite the process. This may offer some explanation for countries like New Zealand, Denmark, Finland and Sweden that do not have centralised Anti-Corruption Agencies but are considered as clean countries by Transparency International. New Zealands success is often attributed to it having an accountable and robust national public sector and integrity system. Denmarks clean record is attributed to its small population and the quality of government with an effective civil service, free press and independent judiciary. In these clean countries where the systems work, the mere exposing of a corruption scandal is sufficient to attract immediate consequences such. However, in countries where there is an ingrained resistance to accountability, such exposure by the media or watchdog agencies are not effective. Experts warn us that corruption becomes a major challenge if most of the key institutions of government are weak. Anti-corruption efforts will not be effective in circumstances where essentially every important institution is compromised. Although short-term success is sometimes possible in a dysfunctional environment, achievements are unlikely to outlive the incumbent regime. Some political leaders may ascend to power with noble intentions to curb corruption but it may become politically convenient to turn a blind eye to it. In Indonesia, President Joko Widodo, who was considered by many as an upright man, is increasingly becoming a supine leader in the face of insurmountable challenges confronting his anti-corruption agency. Ukraines National Anti-Corruption Bureau was established in 2015 on the back of a regime change. The bureau now faces challenges and resistance from powerful individuals within the government. In PNG, we have our own lessons from successive governments on how this pernicious disease was not addressed. At the end of the day, once a corruption scandal is exposed, we rely on respective anti-corruption institutions to investigate and take appropriate action. If those institutions are weak and compromised, nothing will be done. It requires the government to take appropriate action to improve those institutions and recruit skilled and honest personnel. The burden of combating corruption does not depend on one agency or one person. To be successful, it requires a holistic approach. Corruption should become the biggest concern for a country as its effects are widespread. It distorts development, diverts resources to the undeserving, and stifles the economy. If corruption denies the public of what is due to them, it really matters. When corruption is not addressed, impunity grows and a culture of corruption is engendered. Curtailment requires emphasis on law enforcement which can send a strong deterrence message. However, criminalisation is not the only cure. There must be education and widespread awareness on how bad this issue is. The citizens must internalise moral values. They must have the inclination to do the right thing because it is the right thing to do. Moral restraint is an effective preventative measure for corruption. Once moral values are internalised, they generate a natural inclination to avoid conduct perceived to be wrong. From a Christian perspective, the bible encourages each parent to train children in the way they should go, so even when they are old they will not depart from it. A corrupt culture is not immutable but is a malleable behavioural pattern that can change if the environment is fundamentally changed. Countries like Singapore and Hong Kong have come out of a corrupt culture to be where they are. Just like there may be many causes to corruption, the cure to corruption can require a myriad of responses. Combating corruption requires the government to demonstrate strong political will to reform and resource anti-corruption institutions. It requires regulatory institutions to effectively regulate and provide oversight to public activities. It requires public officials to be honest and do their jobs without fear or favour. It requires media to continue to expose corruption. It requires the public to stand up against corruption. It requires all our efforts. Yes, you can transfer your domain to any registrar or hosting company once you have purchased it. Since domain transfers are a manual process, it can take up to 5 days to transfer the domain. Domains purchased with payment plans are not eligible to transfer until all payments have been made. Please remember that our 30-day money back guarantee is void once a domain has been transferred. For transfer instructions to GoDaddy, please click here. Last year, scientists with NASA's Dawn mission announced the detection of organic material -- carbon-based compounds that are necessary components for life -- exposed in patches on the surface of the dwarf planet Ceres. Now, a new analysis of the Dawn data by Brown University researchers suggests those patches may contain a much higher abundance of organics than originally thought. The findings, published recently in Geophysical Research Letters, raise intriguing questions about how those organics got to the surface of Ceres, and the methods used in the new study could also provide a template for interpreting data for future missions, the researchers say. "What this paper shows is that you can get really different results depending upon the type of organic material you use to compare with and interpret the Ceres data," said Hannah Kaplan, a postdoctoral researcher at the Southwest Research Institute who led the research while completing her Ph.D. at Brown. "That's important not only for Ceres, but also for missions that will soon explore asteroids that may also contain organic material." Organic molecules are the chemical building blocks for life. Their detection on Ceres doesn't mean life exists there or ever existed there; non-biological processes can give rise to organic molecules as well. But because life as we know it can't exist without organic material, scientists are interested in how it's distributed through the solar system. The presence of organic material on Ceres raises intriguing possibilities, particularly because the dwarf planet is also rich in water ice, and water is another necessary component for life. The original discovery of organics on Ceres was made using the Visible and Infrared (VIR) Spectrometer on the Dawn spacecraft, which went into orbit around the dwarf planet in 2015. By analyzing the patterns in which sunlight interacts with the surface -- looking carefully at which wavelengths are reflected and which are absorbed -- scientists can get an idea of what compounds are present on Ceres. The VIR instrument picked up a signal consistent with organic molecules in the region of Ernutet Crater on Ceres' northern hemisphere. To get an initial idea of how abundant those compounds might be, the original research team compared the VIR data from Ceres with laboratory reflectance spectra of organic material formed on Earth. Based on that standard, the researchers concluded that between six and 10 percent of the spectral signature they detected on Ceres could be explained by organic matter. But for this new research, Kaplan and her colleagues wanted to re-examine those data using a different standard. Instead of relying on Earth rocks to interpret the data, the team turned to an extraterrestrial source: meteorites. Some meteorites -- chunks of carbonaceous chondrite that have fallen to Earth after being ejected from primitive asteroids -- have been shown to contain organic material that's slightly different from what's commonly found on our own planet. And Kaplan's work shows that the spectral reflectance of the extraterrestrial organics is distinct from that of terrestrial counterparts. "What we find is that if we model the Ceres data using extraterrestrial organics, which may be a more appropriate analog than those found on Earth, then we need a lot more organic matter on Ceres to explain the strength of the spectral absorption that we see there," Kaplan said. "We estimate that as much as 40 to 50 percent of the spectral signal we see on Ceres is explained by organics. That's a huge difference compared to the six to 10 percent previously reported based on terrestrial organic compounds." If the concentration of organics on Ceres is indeed that high, it raises a host of new questions about the source of that material. There are two competing possibilities for where Ceres' organics may have come from. They could have been produced internally on Ceres and then exposed on the surface, or they could have been delivered to the surface by an impact from an organic-rich comet or asteroid. This new study suggests that if the organics were delivered, then the potential high concentrations of the organics would be more consistent with impact by a comet rather than an asteroid. Comets are known to have significantly higher internal abundances of organics compared with primitive asteroids, potentially similar to the 40 to 50 percent figure this study suggests for these locations on Ceres. However, the heat of an impact would likely destroy a substantial amount of a comet's organics, so whether or not such high abundances could even be explained by a cometary impact remains unclear, the researchers say. The alternative explanation, that the organics formed directly on Ceres, raises questions too. The detection of organics has so far been limited to small patches on Ceres' northern hemisphere. Such high concentrations in such small areas require an explanation. "If the organics are made on Ceres, then you likely still need a mechanism to concentrate it in these specific locations or at least to preserve it in these spots," said Ralph Milliken, an associate professor in Brown's Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences and a study co-author. "It's not clear what that mechanism might be. Ceres is clearly a fascinating object, and understanding the story and origin of organics in these spots and elsewhere on Ceres will likely require future missions that can analyze or return samples." For now the researchers hope this study will be helpful in informing upcoming sample return missions to near-Earth asteroids that are also thought to host water-bearing minerals and organic compounds. The Japanese spacecraft Hayabusa2 is expected to arrive at the asteroid Ryugu in several weeks, and NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission is due to reach the asteroid Bennu in August. Kaplan is currently a science team member with the OSIRIS-REx mission. "I think the work that went into this study, which included new laboratory measurements of important components of primitive meteorites, can provide a framework of how to better interpret data of asteroids and make links between spacecraft observations and samples in our meteorite collection," Kaplan said. "As a new member to the OSIRIS-REx team, I'm particularly interested in how this might apply to our mission." Please follow Astrobiology on Twitter. 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. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- Guangdong Junhui Automotive Technology Co.,Ltd (JHAT) announced recently that the company has received the sign-on instruction to open a new mould from the Chinese EV startup XPENG Motors. Besides, JHAT predicts that the EV startup will start to mass produce vehicles in 2020 and is expected to achieve revenues of over RMB 100 million from 2020 to 2024. Reportedly, JHAT is XPENG Motors designated supplier for top cover of power battery box. XPENG Motors announced on May 4, 2017 that its vehicle plant was located in Zhaoqing, Guangdong Province with an annual capacity of 100,000 vehicles for the first phase. In the same month, the Guangzhou-based startup completed its Series-A round financing of RMB 2.2 billion from investors like Ucar Industrial Fund. Then, in January 2018, the company announced the Series-B round funding of RMB 2.2 billion, which was led by Alibaba Group, Foxconn and IDG Capital. In the meantime, XPENG Motors launched its first production vehicle model dubbed the G3, a battery electric model priced between RMB 200,000 to RMB 280,000 before exempting subsidies. Due to lack of car-building qualification, XPENG Motors signed an agreement with Haima Auto in September, 2017 to entrust vehicle manufacturing to the Hainan-based automaker. According to the initial agreement, the first model agreed by both parties should be mass produced at the end of 2017. Besides, within the 4-year cooperation period, Haima Auto will produce around 50,000 vehicles for XPENG Motors on an annual basis. The mass production is a barrier for most vehicle startups. For instance, Tesla had planned to mass produce 5,000 units of the Model 3 each week at the end of 2017. But until now, the production goal has not been realized yet. NIO also faces the same dilemma. It was originally ready to deliver 10,000 vehicles before September this year. However, up to now, the startup has only handed over 10 vehicles, which much lags behind its initial schedule. 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. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- At the CES Asia 2018, BMW China and Chinese Internet giant Baidu signed an agreement on June 14 to extend a home-to-vehicle cooperation and explore the new-generation human-vehicle interaction modes. According to the agreement, BMW and Baidu will jointly provide such intelligent services that enable users to access vehicle information by voice control and operates relevant functions easily from their home. For instance, users can control ventilation, check fuel levels and lock their vehicle doors by delivering remote instructions. In addition, users can search for mobility information stored in cloud, plan routes and arrange departure times in advance. The voice control function can be activated simply using certain wake-up words. IoV is a crucial constituent for Baidu's AI Strategy. According to Baidu's introduction, the company IoV solution boasts a number of leading core technologies, such as recognition of voice and semantic, multimodal interaction, monitoring of drivers' status and vehicle cybersecurity, which can provide its partners with all-around IoV ecosystem and relevant services. The agreement with the world-class luxury automobile brand indicates that Baidu will further expand its businesses in premium vehicle market to create superior human-vehicle interaction experience. Meanwhile, BMW Group will make use of Baidu's technology advantages in IoV area to deliver better voice interaction and home-to-vehicle experience, thus broaden its influence in China. Shanghai (Gasgoo)- ZHIDOU, a subsidiary of Geely, has become the new energy vehicle (NEV) supplier together with Kia and GM, according to the latest procurement announcement by the procurement department of South Korean government. It is said that ZHIDOU gained a procurement quota of 1,000 units. As China's first NEV maker who gained the subsidies from South Korean government, the deal marked great success of ZHIDOU's expansion in South Korean market. In recent years, the rapid growth of Chinese NEV enterprises has made "China Model" the study object of many mainstream NEV markets. ZHIDOU, a representative of China's EV market, put forward a concept of "micro mobility". As it expands its overseas presence, the concept of "micro mobility" was also widely accepted by the developed countries with strong auto industry. It is said that the batch of the ZHIDOU D2 that purchased by South Korean government will be applied in Korean's various public service areas, including the postal system. The application of EVs will help the country to purify environment, improve the work efficiency of the public institutes and also promote the popularity of EVs in South Korea. The ZHIDOU D2 is a three-door mini electric car with world-leading technologies and low fuel consumption. Moreover, Zhidou, an EV brand that targets the international EV markets, has delivered its EV models in 20 countries like Germany and Italy. 29-year-old arrested : Highly toxic substance found in Cologne apartment COLOGNE Investigators found a substance containing the highly toxic ricin in a Cologne apartment. An arrest warrant was issued against the man living there. The question is - what did he intend to do with it? Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken Suspicions were confirmed when investigators found highly toxic ricin in a mans apartment in Cologne. But guesswork continues about the intentions of the man and whether it was tied to any terrorist plans. The Federal High Court issued an arrest warrant on Wednesday evening for the 29-year-old Tunisian man. It was based on an urgent suspicion of violation of the War Weapons Control Act, said a spokesperson for the Federal Public Prosecutor. The poisonous substance found by investigators contained ricin. Authorities are also investigating the man on suspicion of preparing a serious act of violence against the state, but this was only an initial investigation. Federal prosecutors said there would be more details released to the press on Thursday. Ricin is considered a potential biological warfare agent. The well-known Robert Koch Institute (RKI) classifies the readily available remedy as a "potential biological warfare agent". It comes from the seeds of a castor oil plant. Selling or dealing in the pure substance is limited under the 1997 Chemical Weapons Convention. Even in low concentrations, ricin can be fatal. If the poison is injected, it can be deadly within 36 to 48 hours, according to RKI. Ricin damages the liver and kidneys, death occurs through multiple organ failure. According to "Kolner Stadt-Anzeiger" and "Express" newspapers, the suspect is believed to have entered Germany in November 2016, and he was not known to police. State security and investigative authorities received a tip about the man, who then came under surveillance until he was detained by police on Tuesday night. A spokesman for the Federal Prosecutor's Office did not have a comment about that. Special forces had stormed the man's home in a high-rise apartment building in Cologne on Tuesday night. He lived there with his wife and children. Outdoor swimming pools : Rungsdorf pool opens again on Thursday Rungsdorf/Friesdorf A technical defect was corrected at Rungsdorf outdoor pool, and it was expected to re-open on Thursday. Meanwhile, the fire department rushed to the Friesdorf pool, in what turned out to be a false alarm. Teilen Teilen Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Tweeten Tweeten Weiterleiten Weiterleiten Drucken The Panorama outdoor swimming pool in Rungsdorf had to stay closed a little longer than planned due to a technical problem. A notice outside the pool said the ticket booth would open again on Wednesday at 1:30 pm, but in the afternoon swimmers found out that it would only open again on Thursday morning at 6:30 am. Things werent running so smoothly at the Friesdorf outdoor pool either. There, the fire department rushed to the scene. A spokesman from the fire department, Frank Fresner, said that the Bosch company had to exchange the old gas detection system, which it operated. It monitors the amount of chlorine that goes in the water. The alarm for the system went off at 2 pm, although they didnt know the reason for the alarm. It caused the fire department to come, but on arrival they were informed by the Bosch employees that it was a false alarm and nobody was in danger. Swimming was able to go on uninterrupted, according to the fire department. On Wednesday afternoon, a technician was at Panorama pool to look into the defect of the water treatment device. Markus Schmitz of the city press office said that without this piece of equipment, there is no regulation of the amount of chlorine that goes into the pool. As reported, there had previously been a power failure during repair work. It is unrelated to a power outage in August of 2017 when the city reported a defect in the electrical system. Just before the start of the current outdoor swimming season, the old filter system was repaired in Rungsdorf. It was an emergency repair for 250,000 euros. In fall, the ailing piece of technology is to be taken out. In its place will come a room with steel pressure filters. New pumps will also be installed. Total costs are expected to run 1.25 million euros. Orig. text: Richard Bongartz Eight years ago, 3News was graced with one of the best and most Kiwi interviews EVER, and it's definitely a top New Zealand TV moment. Behold, the 'Dots Guy'. As quoted by 3News, Al Monitor, by Shahira Amin For many years, Egyptians believed that large families were a source of pride and security for old age. New family planning policies are trying to reverse that faith in numbers. Rayes Abdel Nazeer moved to Cairo from the southern province of Minya in the mid-1980s seeking a better life. He has since worked as a doorman in the affluent residential suburb of Hay El Maadi, 7 miles south of Cairo, living with his wife and children in a small, dark basement in the building where he works. His monthly earnings of 1,300 Egyptian pounds ($73) just above the minimum wage in Egypt are barely enough to look after his family. "In my village in the south of Egypt, large families are a source of pride and children are seen as blessings from God," 59-year-old Abdel Nazeer told Al-Monitor. While he admits it is a daily struggle to put food on the table for his family, he is nevertheless skeptical about the Egyptian government's new family planning campaign that advocates for smaller families using the slogan "Two Are Enough." "I believe that God will provide for every child, and children especially sons grow up to support their parents in their old age," said Abdel Nazeer, who has five children. Three of his older sons now have their own families to support. The two younger ones, who are 17 and 20, live with their parents in the small basement and help their father clean the cars of the tenants of the apartment for a small monthly fee. Many poor families in Egypt share Abdel Nazeer's conviction, considering children as a source of income. Egypt's poor tend to believe that the more children they have, the bigger the family income. They often force young children to drop out of school at an early age to start working," said Hanan Girgis, a population expert and executive vice president of Baseera, the Center for Public Opinion Research. But recent price hikes resulting from the harsh austerity measures adopted by the government in November 2016, which included the flotation of the Egyptian pound and subsequent cuts in state subsidies, are prompting a change in the mindset of some Egyptians. Feeling the pinch of the rising costs of fuel, housing and basic commodities, many young couples are having to reconsider their decisions and are weighing their birth control options. "When I first got married, I wanted a large family with at least four or five children. Since having my first child four years ago, I have realized how difficult it is to raise a child. Due to the high cost of living, few can afford to have a second or third child. It will be a long time before my husband and I decide to have another child," Kholoud Taha, an upper-middle-class housewife, told Al-Monitor. With nearly 95 million inhabitants, according to the World Population Review, Egypt is the Arab world's most populous country. With a newborn every 15 seconds and a population growth rate of 2.4% annually, the "catastrophic" population boom is piling pressure on the already hard-hit economy struggling to recover from the political chaosthat followed the 2011 uprising. The fact that the bulk of the population around 95% is concentrated in a narrow strip of land along the Nile River constituting less than 5% of the country's total land area has exacerbated the problem. Overcrowding, congestion, high pollution levels and poor delivery of public services are just some of the manifestations of the high population density. damyti at 14-06-2018 06:31 AM (3 years ago) (m) A young man is currently suffering from a bloated stomach as a result of a stomach ache which reportedly worsened after a surgery at the hospital. A young man is currently suffering from a bloated stomach as a result of a stomach ache which reportedly worsened after a surgery at the hospital. A 22-year-old man identified as Harrison Gbisanya, has been left with a bloated stomach after undergoing an operation at Ridge Hospital in Accra, Ghana. According to online reports, Gbisanya had the surgery on January 13, at the hospital after he was referred there from the Maamobi polyclinic to the 37 Military Hospital and then to Ridge Hospital. Speaking while narrating his ordeal in an interview with Chief Jerry Forson on Ghana Yensom on Accra 100.5 FM on Tuesday, June 12, he revealed that he went to the hospital because he had stomach ache. Harrisons health condition soon became controversial as people keep trooping in and out of the hospital which made the hospital transfer him to Greater Accra Regional Hospital. He said that after the nurses took his vitals in the hospital, the doctors told him he needed to undergo a surgery, and after successfully going through the process, Gbisanya said he started feeling pains in the part of his stomach where the surgery was conducted. I was admitted that night and the doctor who actually carried out the surgery came the following morning and saw my condition and gave me other prescriptions. He gave me injections on my stomach and discharged me, he revealed. He further revealed that the situation has worsened since he left the hospital. He therefore appealed to the general public to assist him, as he has no money to go for another treatment. A 22-year-old man identified as Harrison Gbisanya, has been left with a bloated stomach after undergoing an operation at Ridge Hospital in Accra, Ghana.According to online reports, Gbisanya had the surgery on January 13, at the hospital after he was referred there from the Maamobi polyclinic to the 37 Military Hospital and then to Ridge Hospital.Speaking while narrating his ordeal in an interview with Chief Jerry Forson on Ghana Yensom on Accra 100.5 FM on Tuesday, June 12, he revealed that he went to the hospital because he had stomach ache.Harrisons health condition soon became controversial as people keep trooping in and out of the hospital which made the hospital transfer him to Greater Accra Regional Hospital.He said that after the nurses took his vitals in the hospital, the doctors told him he needed to undergo a surgery, and after successfully going through the process, Gbisanya said he started feeling pains in the part of his stomach where the surgery was conducted., he revealed.He further revealed that the situation has worsened since he left the hospital. He therefore appealed to the general public to assist him, as he has no money to go for another treatment. Post Reply Posted: at 14-06-2018 06:31 AM (3 years ago) | Upcoming After a lengthy break in service, the Glasgow Clinic has finally hired a new psychologist to fill the much-needed role in northeast Montana. Dr. James Martin, Ph.D. moved to Glasgow in the recent months from his native Gainesville, Ga. The Doctor sat down with The Glasgow Courier to discuss his background and motivations for taking the job in Glasgow. Dr. Martin did his undergraduate work at the University of Georgia in Athens before pursuing graduate studies at Augusta State University, Augusta, Ga., where he earned his Master's of Science in Psychology. Following Augusta State, Dr. Martin took on a research role at the Augusta Veteran Affairs Hospital performing anti-psychotic drug research. Discussing the experience, Dr. Martin said the program saw, "Patients who had spent their whole life in psychiatric wards who could leave and go back into the community." Following his time at the VA, Martin returned to graduate school to pursue his Philosphy Doctorate in Psychology at the Illinois Institute of Psychology. Partway through his studies, though, a professor he was working closely with was offered a position at Louisiana State University and Martin was chosen to follow the professor back to the South. While finishing his Ph.D. Martin "ex-terned" with the State Forensic Hospital where he developed his skills in forensic psychology evaluating post-conviction offenders for the state. Martin earned his Ph.D. in 2002, and went on to the South Carolina State Forensic Hospital before returning to Gainesville and becoming licensed in the State of Georgia. Martin opened up a private practice in his hometown and, until taking the job here in Glasgow, had performed that task ever since. Martin had specialized in forensic psychology before opening a private practice which he described as being far more generalized. He had still performed courtroom testimony as an expert witness. Dr. Martin is married with grown kids and is excited to start a new chapter in the middle of nowhere. He described his motivations in the following terms: "Private practice is getting harder. It's harder to get reimbursements from insurers. So, it gets to a point where you want to focus more on what you are trained to do." The psychologist is looking forward to his time in northeast Montana and said he was familiar with the western side of the state before looking into the job in Glasgow. When asked what brought him here he quipped, "A little Ford Fiesta and a physician recruiter named Connie," before describing his interactions with the FMDH staff, hospital and the recruiter as some of the best he had interacted with. "This seems like a really good place to be. It seems like a really great hospital with really great leadership," said Martin adding, "and they have an awesome physician recruiter." On living in northeast Montana Dr Martin described his experience saying, "This is a better life. It's just like the old days when people out east came west looking for a better way of life. It's exciting to be part of a community because that was something that was missing back home." Dr. Martin added at the close of the interview that, "This (Glasgow) feels more like home than home did." The Montana Health Care Association Executive Director Rose Hughes confirmed to The Glasgow Courier that Valley View Nursing Home is among the more than a dozen care facilities across the state suing the Montana Department of Public Health and Human Services for recent cuts in Medicaid reimbursements. The department violated the law when it adopted rules cutting reimbursement rates for Medicaid services in Montana, stated Hughes in a release sent out June 11, adding, The public is guaranteed a constitutional right to meaningfully participate in these kinds of decisions, but the department never gave us that chance. They repeatedly failed to provide basic information and their story about these cuts changed over and over again. These rate cuts hurt Medicaid recipients and care providers alike, and the stakes are too high for these kinds of decisions to be made without the publics involvement. The cuts stemmed from the passage of Senate Bill 261 through the Montana Legislatures 2017 budget proposal. The Department recommended a cut of 3.47 percent that it said was necessary to implement the budget cuts required by the law. Those cuts were later reduced to 2.99 percent in the rule changes final version after many objections, including from the Legislatures Interim Committee on Children, Families, Health and Human Services, according to the MHCA press release. Valley View Home Administrator Wes Thompson told the Courier, Im hopeful that the lawsuit will be enough to pressure State into re-evaluating its reimbursement program. Valley County is no stranger to how Medicaid reimbursement has negatively affected the homes long-term viability. Earlier this year, Valley County passed a hospital district to make up shortfalls in funding for the homes operation. Much of that shortfall was due to the way Medicaid is reimbursed in the State of Montana. The MHCA release stated, The MHCA contends the department violated a number of provisions of the Montana Administrative Procedure Act. Among other violations, the department failed to show that the specific amounts cut from reimbursement rates were reasonably necessary. The department also did not give the plaintiffs and the public an opportunity to meaningfully participate in these significant rate setting decisions, as required by law. The plaintiffs (MHCA) also contend that reduced rates fail to meet mandatory levels specified in the law. A pivotal part of the argument against DPHHS is that the department has diverted bed tax funds that are statutorily intended to pay for nursing home care and diverted them to other programs. MHCA stated, The legislature approved the new taxes to pay for compliance with new federal regulations and to reduce the cost shift to people who pay for their own care. The tax legislation even says that the new money is to be used only to increase rates above the then current rates. Now the department is trying to take some of that tax money intended to help nursing home patients for other purposes. The MHCA is a non-profit association founded in 1962, the association represents over 100 organizations that serve elderly and disabled Montanans. Ella (Erck) Schlabs, 92, left this world on Thursday, May 31, 2018, at Valley View Home in Glasgow, Mont., due to complications from a stroke. Cremation has taken place and a graveside service will be held at the Medicine Lake Cemetery in Medicine Lake, Mont., at a later date. She was born Jan. 12, 1926, in Esmond N.D., and was the first child of three born to Joe and Christine (Gummeringer) Erck. Upon graduation from Esmond H.S. in 1943, she moved to Washington State to work in a military hardware facility. She met Dave Schlabs upon his return from World War II. They married in Tacoma, Wash., on May 18, 1946, and later made their residence in Medicine Lake. She was a master in the kitchen and left behind a hand-written cookbook of her favorite recipes. She also attended Dakota Business College and Billings Business College. She retired from the R.E.C. in Medicine Lake. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Dave; and one brother, Cletus. She is survived by three sons, David (Carla) of Williston, N.D., Terry (Bev) of Spirit Lake, Idaho, and Darryl (Mary) of Nashua, Mont.; one brother, Gerald (Joan) of Escondido, Calif.; three grandchildren; and two great-grandchildren. William R. Grant Services A graveside service for William R. Bill Grant, 80, of Portland, Ore., will be held on Saturday, June 16, at 10 a.m., at Highland Cemetery in Glasgow, Mont. Military honors will be rendered by U.S. Navy and VFW Post... Atos ranked in Top Five for Managed Security Services, Worldwide by Gartner based on 2017 Market Share Revenue June 2018 by Marc Jacob Atos announces that it has been ranked amongst the top 5 global players in Managed Security Services (MSS) in terms of 2017 market share revenue, according to the latest Gartner report [1]. Atos has consistently grown its market share in MSS and expanded its MSS revenue by more than 10% from 2016 to 2017, exceeding the overall market growth. With a global team of over 5,000 security specialists and a worldwide network of 14 Security Operation Centers (SOCs), Atos offers an end-to-end security partnership. Atos integrates the best technologies and offers a full portfolio of advanced security products and solutions, helping clients turn risk into business value. As a trusted partner, Atos develops, operates and maintains cutting-edge digital solutions that combine computing power, security and systems integration in the fields of identity and access management, data encryption, IoT security, ultra-secure mobile communications. Atos solutions support clients in meeting access and control requirements that European and global regulations demand. Security is also at the heart of the new partnership between Atos and Google Cloud. The expanded Atos solution will complement Google Clouds advanced and comprehensive set of security features with a multilayered defense approach delivering enhanced security to customers. Atos integration capabilities will also help Googles European customers comply with global data government rules. Furthermore, Atos Prescriptive SOC prevents breaches from happening by leveraging big data and supercomputing capabilities and automating security responses. Atos recently signed a deal with the Commonwealth of Virginia to protect its technology infrastructure with next generation cybersecurity solutions. [1] Gartner, Market Share: Managed Security Services, Worldwide, 2017, by Sid Deshpande, published on 23rd May, 2018 Birthday wishes Call 281-422-8302 or email david.bloom@baytownsun.com to wish someone a happy birthday. We will print your birthday wish on Page 2 of The Sun. Happy Birthday Wishes 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. As is usually the case, the State of the State addresses delivered this year by 47 governors responded to a number of trends and outlined a range of policy priorities. And as always, fiscal policies were mostly front and center. Refreshingly, more governors called for broad-based tax relief than tax increases, recognizing the reality that economic policy directly impacts quality of life and opportunity.Proposals aren't policy, of course. But they signal the directions in which governors want to take their states. Some of the governors' proposals have been enacted in one form or another, some haven't, and others are still being debated. But for many states the most pressing tax issue is one stemming from last year's federal tax reforms.As a result of the first federal tax reform in more than 30 years, many states are looking forward to higher tax revenues and surpluses. The net federal income tax cut centered on applying lowered tax rates to a broader tax base. Because many states in some way link their definition of taxable income to the federal definition, failure to lower state income tax rates would result in an increase in the state burden.Republicans predominated among governors outlining plans to give this unexpected tax revenue back to taxpayers. Leading the way was South Carolina's Henry McMaster, who proposed nearly $2.2 billion in cumulative tax relief over the next five years by lowering each of the state's five income-tax brackets by 1 percentage point per year. Iowa Gov. Kim Reynolds called for "a tax reform package that significantly reduces rates" and "provides real tax relief for middle-class families, farmers, and small businesses." And West Virginia Gov. Jim Justice boldly departed from his past tax-hike proposals, proposing to lowering taxes on manufacturing machinery, inventory and equipment.Georgia, Idaho and Missouri have already approved substantive tax-relief packages this year, but perhaps the most important pro-taxpayer proposal was Florida Gov. Rick Scott's plea for a constitutional amendment to require a two-thirds legislative supermajority to raise taxes. He said he hopes to "force leaders to contemplate living within their means rather than taking the easy way out and just sticking it to the public by raising taxes on families and job creators." Such an amendment would safeguard Florida's pro-growth reforms of the past seven years.Not all governors expressed a desire to lower taxes or protect taxpayers. Alaska Gov. Bill Walker, an independent, earned the dubious distinction of being the only governor to propose a tax hike on personal income of any variety. The state repealed its personal income tax in 1980. To circumvent this, Walker called for "broad-based direct participation by individuals" in the form of an economically damaging payroll tax. Oklahoma Gov. Mary Fallin, a Republican, continued her push for a variety of tax hikes on cigarettes, fuel and energy production, and the legislature ultimately enacted approximately $450 million in tax hikes. Meanwhile, Louisiana's Democratic governor, John Bel Edwards, demanded that lawmakers renew a slew of expiring tax hikes worth nearly $700 million.Two other Democratic governors championed significant tax-hike proposals. Pennsylvania's Tom Wolf once again embraced a severance tax on oil and natural gas, to be imposed on top of both an existing impact fee and the state's high corporate income tax. Meanwhile, Washington Gov. Jay Inslee once again called for enactment of a carbon tax that would generate an estimated $1.5 billion in revenue in just the first two years -- an additional tax burden of more than $800 for a family of four.Unfortunately, many governors continued to advocate for tax favoritism and subsidies in the name of economic development. These special deals for a select few companies result in higher tax rates overall along with economic distortions. New Mexico Gov. Susana Martinez, a Republican, applauded local-government deal closing funds , paid for with gross receipts taxes, that she claimed have "helped create thousands of jobs." Georgia's Republican governor, Nathan Deal, touted hundreds of special favors doled out by the state's Department of Economic Development to the tune of more than $6.3 billion. But the reality is that lowering business taxes across the board sparks far more sustainable growth than funding a few politically favored enterprises with taxpayer capital.A stronger appetite for prudent fiscal policy evidenced itself in the arena of public pensions. A combination of underfunding and overpromising threatens to bust state budgets and is already pushing tax rates up. Several governors were eager to follow the recent reforms enacted in Arizona, Michigan and Pennsylvania.In South Carolina, for example, Gov. McMaster called on lawmakers to close the state's defined-benefit pension system to new hires and move to a sustainable defined-contribution plan. Reform is certainly needed: According to the latest edition of the American Legislative Exchange Council's annual "Unaccountable and Unaffordable" public pension plan report , South Carolina's pensions are the nation's ninth worst funded. In Kentucky, Republican Gov. Matt Bevin acknowledged that the state has historically failed to pay the full annual required contribution for its public pension plans, leaving it the second worst funded. He promised, "This year they will be funded in their entirety for the first time in the history of the Commonwealth of Kentucky." Months later, the governor signed a pension-reform package into law.That kind of fiscal discipline is as important than ever. Generally, states with responsible spending habits, lower tax rates and fewer regulations outperform others in economic growth. It's encouraging to see so many governors endorsing market-oriented tax and fiscal policies. With the midterm elections fast approaching, a window still exists to translate bold ideas into law. WTOP: Attorney generals of Maryland and the District of Columbia expand their lawsuit accusing President Trump of accepting gifts from foreign and state governments New York AG announces lawsuit against Donald J. Trump Foundation and its board of directors over alleged violations of state and federal law, including "willful self-dealing transactions to benefit Mr. Trumps personal and business interests." - @NBCNews pic.twitter.com/oKUShGY3FH When Randall Woodfin became mayor of Birmingham, Ala., last year, the city once known as the Pittsburgh of the South had long been transformed. At one time a manufacturing hub where smoke billowed from the furnaces of steel mills, Birmingham's economy now centers around finance and health care.But that boom isn't benefiting everyone, particularly not the 77 percent of residents who are African-American.Many of our black residents arent finding jobs in our new industries, says the 37-year-old Woodfin, who is black.To help address that, Woodfin is stepping up investment in workforce training and hoping black residents can leverage that into new jobs.There was a time when African-American mayors enacted policies aimed explicitly at helping black residents -- demanding, for example, that local companies hire black workers. Atlanta Mayor Maynard Jackson, who led the city from 1974 to 1982, threatened to withhold funding to expand the Atlanta airport if black contractors weren't adequately represented. Similarly, Detroit Mayor Coleman Young moved swiftly to integrate the city's police department, hiring its first black police chief and openly taking race and ethnicity into account when hiring new officers. (The percentage of black officers rose from 10 percent to 50 percent during his 20-year tenure in office.)Those days seem to be gone.African-American mayors today are more likely to pursue a policy agenda with broad appeal to all their constituents. Part of the reason for that shift -- at least when it comes to demanding that a certain percentage of city contracts go to black-owned businesses -- stems from a 1989 Supreme Court ruling that deemed it unconstitutional to use city contracts as a lever for black economic gains. But it's also because of demographic changes that have eroded black voter bases in big cities like New York, Los Angeles and Chicago -- places that elected black mayors in the past but haven't had one since the late 1980s.Chicago, for instance, once had the nations second-largest black population, but the city has lost nearly a third of a million black residents since 1980, shortly before electing its first black mayor, Harold Washington. Meanwhile in Atlanta, once the standard-bearer for black municipal power, Mary Norwood last year nearly became the city's first white mayor in more than 40 years, losing by just 821 votes to Keisha Lance Bottoms. Whites made up one-third of the citys population in 2000; today they account for 40 percent.Nationwide, as black residents have moved out of cities, and as more white residents have moved in, the prevalence of black mayors has waned. In 2000, there were 19 black mayors in the 50 largest American cities. Today, there are seven. This week though, Supervisor London Breed became San Francisco's first black female mayor.Part of the challenge is many African-Americans have left the Northeast and Midwest, places where black populations were once substantial, and where black politicians once held significant power, says Michael Leo Owens, an Emory University political scientist.Even in cities that still have a majority-black population, most black mayors today must build and hold onto multi-racial voting blocs to stay in power.In Atlanta, where black voters no longer have a lock on electoral politics, it was the city's affluent white east side that was pivotal in Keisha Lance Bottoms' victory. In Washington, D.C.'s 2014 mayoral race, majority-white precincts in a city with a burgeoning white electorate broke hard for the runner-up David A. Catania . Muriel Bowser won by holding on the city's majority black precincts and winning precincts that were racially mixed.Balancing the need to appeal to a broad voter base and the need to keep the black vote isn't easy, Owens says.[Black] mayors are still struggling with the grand challenge that has always been a challenge," he says, "which is to maintain a coalition to achieve progressive policies that are beneficial to black people.One case in point: The recent, controversial push in many Southern cities to remove statues honoring Confederate soldiers. Different African-American leaders have responded in different ways.In Baltimore, Mayor Catherine Pugh last August decided to remove four Confederate statues in the middle of the night without warning. In Richmond, Va., Mayor Levar Stoney, who has said he supports removing the statues from their prominent position along the city's Memorial Avenue, last year convened a commission to study the issue further. The commission's report was recently pushed back until July.Meanwhile, in New Orleans, where former Mayor Mitch Landrieu (who is white) last year made national news by removing four Confederate memorials from public spaces, the decision of what to actually do with those statues has now fallen to Mayor Latoya Cantrell, who took office last month. Cantrell, who is black, has been criticized for choosing to involve a small group of Confederate monument supporters in that decision-making process.Every mayor must confront those sorts of balancing acts, but the challenge can be more acute for black leaders.The mayor in Richmond has more challenges than the mayor has in Baltimore, Owens says, pointing to Baltimores larger black voting base.Baltimore is 63 percent black, while Richmond has a razor-thin black majority. And according to recent polling , the majority of residents in the greater Richmond area prefer to leave the statues up.But some of this comes down to gut checks, Owens adds, whether Stoney is just going to remove the monuments and deal with the consequences. He may not be ready to go to the mat.While the number of African-American mayors in big cities has declined, they're not on the decline everywhere. Black mayors -- along with black populations -- have remained somewhat strong in medium-sized cities like Birmingham, New Haven, Conn.; and Flint, Mich. And last November, seven cities, including St. Paul, Minn., and Helena, Mont., elected their first black mayor. Former mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has asked for a commutation of his sentence, according to a public Facebook post and records from the Justice Department.In a message posted to his official Facebook page and the "Free Kwame Project" website, Kilpatrick announced that he is "ready (mentally, emotionally, spiritually) to go home!"He continued, "I am hoping, confidently expecting, that I will have the opportunity to boldly move into the next season of my life; outside of these prison walls."According to publicly available court records, Kilpatrick filed a request for commutation of his sentence with the Department of Justice at an unknown date. Kilpatrick sought a commutation from President Barack Obama, but the request was not granted.By filing for a commutation instead of a pardon, Kilpatrick appears to be acknowledging his guilt but protesting the length of his sentence, as commutations merely shorten sentences and do not wipe convictions.In his public plea, Kilpatrick accepted that he had "made some very bad decisions in my life. Yes, I betrayed my wife and family because of my own lust and sin. Yes, I failed to deliver on the promises and opportunities that was given to me by the people of Detroit, Michigan. And yes, I have been severely punished for it."However, he claimed, his family and "most Detroiters" have forgiven him. "By God's grace, I have received a pardon from Him, through Christ Jesus. I pray that I will receive the opportunity for Pardon/Clemency from the President of the United States as well."The 47-year-old disgraced mayor is serving a 28-year prison sentence for two-dozen felonies, including racketeering, extortion and wire fraud. He was recently transferred to a low-security prison in New Jersey.Although Kilpatrick has lost all appeals on his felony convictions, he is still fighting in the courts to avoid paying $1.5 million in restitution to the Detroit water department and $7.4 million to a contractor involved in the water bid-rigging case.If President Trump declines to grant Kilpatrick's commutation, the former mayor will remain in prison until at least 2037. The Denver and Thornton mayors have joined a new coalition of U.S. city leaders that will lobby Congress and the Trump administration to increase local control over marijuana policy.Announced during the weekend meeting of the U.S. Conference of Mayors in Boston, the group's formation is the latest effort by state and local political leaders to safeguard varying levels of marijuana legalization from potential federal interference.The Government for Responsible U.S. Cannabis Policy Coalition -- formed by Denver's Michael Hancock, Thornton's Heidi Williams and several other mayors -- also aims to provide better access to the banking system for businesses in the legal marijuana industry by changing certain federal rules. Those include descheduling marijuana under the Controlled Substances Act.Last week, U.S. Sens. Cory Gardner, a Colorado Republican, and Elizabeth Warren, a Massachusetts Democrat, announced a similar effort -- a joint bill that would force the U.S. government, which still considers marijuana an illegal drug, to respect state laws on marijuana.President Donald Trump said Friday that he "probably" would support the Gardner/Warren bill, but first it has to win approval from Congress."With 46 states having some form of legalization, the reality is legal marijuana is coming to a city near you," Hancock said in an announcement of the new mayors coalition. "As mayors of cities that have successfully implemented and managed this new industry, we have hands-on experience that can help Congress take the right steps to support other local governments as they prepare to enter this new frontier."Boston #Pride with fellow mayors here at #USCM18 -- looking forward to #Denver #Pridefest next weekend! @usmayors pic.twitter.com/8IoOhdqjAU-- Michael B. Hancock (@MayorHancock) June 9, 2018Hancock said that in the uncertain legal climate surrounding marijuana, cities in places that have legalized it "need federal solutions so implementation can be done smoothly, safely and effectively."The other mayors who have committed to lobbying for federal policy reform are from San Francisco, Seattle, Oakland and Portland.The mayors of Los Angeles, West Sacramento and Las Vegas joined as sponsors of a coalition-backed resolution that won approved Monday as the U.S. Conference of Mayors' meeting wrapped up. (TNS) - The Sarasota, Fla., County School District has a police chief for its new internal force: former college security head Paul Grohowski.The hiring decision marks the district's biggest step yet toward the creation of the internal police department following the board decision in April to have its own force rather than use resource officers from local law enforcement agencies. It came the day after a meeting of local law enforcement leaders, district administrators and School Board Chairwoman Bridget Ziegler in which the district pivoted to a later start for many of its internal police officers in elementary schools.Grohowski most recently worked as the director of public safety and chief of police for the Allan Hancock Joint Community College Police Department in Santa Maria, Calif. He was also a finalist for the North Port Police Department's top position.The Florida resident was chosen from a pool of more than 20 applicants and three finalists with various law enforcement backgrounds. All three had more than double the 10 years' minimum of experience required in the job description.Superintendent Todd Bowden praised Grohowski for his nuanced understanding of policing as a former college police chief and former police department sergeant, lieutenant and commander."To have an applicant like Mr. Grohowski who has worked in and thrived in both of those environments had great value," Bowden said. "It talks about his leadership but also his flexibility, his adaptability, that he has been very successful in multiple environments and that he will be a valuable bridge between our school district and the law enforcement community."In previous interviews, the district's head of safety and security, Michael Andreas, had indicated that an ability to work well with students and the community was one of the most important skills in a prospective police chief. Bowden said Grohowski exemplifies that."Mr. Grohowski carries himself like a law enforcement officer and he certainly has that kind of stature, but then as you engage him in conversation, you know that his heart is there with the kids," Bowden said. "He talks about his children, he talks about his unique mission of providing protection to our schools. He has a big heart but he is a law enforcement officer through and through."Grohowski began his career in 1996 at the Danbury Police Department in Connecticut. He then moved to Florida and worked for the Port St. Lucie Police Department from 2002 to 2015. He has maintained his certification with the Florida Department of Law Enforcement, Bowden said.He received his bachelor's in professional administration and master's in public administration from Barry University in Miami.Grohowski could not immediately be reached for comment.Although his most recent job was in California, Bowden said Grohowski would be moving from Orlando to Sarasota. He has four children, two of whom are rising high school seniors. After they graduate next year, his family will join him in Sarasota, Bowden said.Grohowski's hiring is contingent upon passing background checks and School Board approval. Although he has already passed a district background check, Grohowski must also pass an FDLE background screening. Should that happen before the School Board's June 19 meeting, Grohowski's position will be on that agenda, Bowden said.The district will now turn to hiring three police sergeants and 24 officers for its new force. It had received more than 40 applicants for those jobs as of late May.Bowden said Grohowski will be a part of those decisions. Following his job offer, Grohowski and Andreas were already discussing candidates for the sergeant positions."Our hire as chief of police will really set the tone for the department and I can tell you that there's a great deal of excitement," Bowden said. "If that department is created in the image of Paul Grohowski, with a great level of professionalism, I expect his standard will be looking for men and women who carry themselves and have the heart he possesses."On Wednesday, Bowden was audibly enthusiastic about the new hire."This is our first tangible public action," he said. "There is a level of excitement around that."2018 Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Fla.Visit Sarasota Herald-Tribune, Fla. at www.heraldtribune.comDistributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. Two things were covered this morning as I listened to my flash briefing on my Kindle. First there was the news that President Trump had agreed that the "war games" (in the military terminology, military exercises) were costly and provocative. Then there was a very short news item that the Washington State Emergency Management Division had begun planning for the next major earthquake exercise to be held four years from now.What keeps the military sharp and ready for combat is a continuous cycle of planning, training and exercising. In my early years in the military I was stationed at Fort Hood, Texas with the 2nd Armored Division. We would "go to the field" at least two weeks a month and sometimes more, every month--rain or shine. As a former battalion commander once said, I've never seen a rusty soldier. The repetition of repeated field training exercises made our unit extremely proficient in our combat arms readiness.The last Cascadia Rising Earthquake Exercise was held two years ago, this month, in June 2016. Thus, it will be six years between these events. King TV noted the scheduling of the 2022 exercise. Imagine six years between these exercises. What level of disaster readiness does that promote? Almost none! For the DOD military components that will participate there will have been four cycles of staffing rotation in between the exercises. What was learned two years ago by the staff who participated then is long forgotten. The players four years from now will be doing well to even find the after-action reports from six years ago.I always tell military personnel transitioning from the military to emergency management that the plan, train, exercise cycle is very weak in our emergency management world. We have other things to do, like "grant administration."That brings me back to backing off on military exercises in Korea. In my three years with I Corps, Fort Lewis, Wash., I participated every year in joint Team Spirit exercises in Korea. I had many different trips to Korea to conduct planning and reconnaissance for the exercises. Costly, yes--but, that is what readiness is. The concept of recruiting service people, equipping them, and then putting them on the shelf for when you need them has been tried many times before. It does not work and our "lunch has been handed to us in early battles" for just about every war we've fought. The outset of the Korean War is a great example of a lack of training and readiness by the United States military.But then, the lessons of the past will continue to be taught until they are learned. We are collectively, poor learners. (TNS) As Boulder Valley School District in Colorado continues to grapple with parent concerns about technology use in school, the school board on Tuesday night got its first look at updated technology policies for students and staff members.The new policies would prohibit both students and staff members from using cellphones to create hot spots, which bypass district Internet filters, except in emergencies or outages.The district also is proposing adding the same cellphone restrictions that are already in the student handbook to the policy.The handbook says cellphones must be turned off in class and at school events, unless school administrators allow their use."Schools can adapt the policy," said Andrew Moore, Boulder Valley's chief information officer.The school board agreed to vote on the policy changes at its Aug. 14 meeting, then continue to talk about more changes after getting feedback from parents through a planned technology survey in the fall."This is going to be a policy that continues to evolve, there's not a question," said school board President Tina Marquis. "We may not get it exactly right this time, but it gets us moving down the path."Parents concerned that students are accessing inappropriate content online at school have lobbied the school board over the past year to tighten controls. Other concerns have centered on the overall amount of technology use.Moore said, based on school principal feedback, the district plans to block gaming sites at middle schools in the fall, but continue to allow students to access social media sites.Gaming would continue to be allowed at high schools.A couple of school board members expressed concern that many middle school students aren't 13, the age guideline used by most social media sites."I have a problem with the school district enabling them to do something they're not supposed to be doing," said board member Kitty Sargent.But Moore said principals asked to keep access open because it's so prevalent. Blocking them, he said, could push more students to try to access them on their phones through hot spots."We're trying to teach in the reality of the world, which may not equate to the policies of the world," he said.For staff members, the new policy would require them to report observed access to inappropriate material and prohibits them from communicating with students through personal social media accounts. Communicating through professional accounts is allowed.Storing students' data in external storage providers, other than Google Drive, also will be prohibited, while emails will be deleted after three years."These are things that could damage our district," Moore said.At Tuesday's meeting, the last regular meeting before a summer break, the board also approved next school year's budget and a resolution on sharing revenue with charter schools from tax increases approved by voters.For technology, the budget includes about $400,000 to hire a second technology security-focused employee, to buy classroom management software to help teachers monitor screen use and to train teachers on using the software.Altogether, the district is spending about $3 million on new initiatives and ongoing funding needs in its $295 million general fund operating budget.The biggest expense is $1.3 million for a planned expansion of elementary counselors after hiring seven last school year. The $1.3 million pays for the equivalent of 10.5 counselors, plus a half-time assistant director and a full-time behavioral health specialist.One-time expenses, totalling close to $4 million, include $2.5 million to add teachers to address staffing issues after the start of school and $100,000 for an information technology security audit. What is net neutrality? What are the positions around the issue? Whats next? (TNS) The national debate over net neutrality landed back in the news last month after the U.S. Senate voted to restore controversial rules enacted during the Obama administration to mandate unencumbered Internet access that service providers argued was already in existence. It rolls on, even as those rules officially ended Monday.On May 16, the U.S. Senate voted to block a move last year by the Federal Communications Commission to end 2015 rules designed to more strictly regulate internet service providers (ISPs).Even when seen apart from politics, net neutrality can be confusing. Heres what you need to know about why it matters to business and consumers:Net neutrality is the idea that internet providers should allow consumers and businesses to have equal and open access to any online content without favoring certain websites or applications over others.People and companies on both sides of the debate say they support this general concept. But they differ on the rules and particulars, and how they should be implemented.In 2015, the FCC enacted rules to regulate service providers under Title II of the Communications Act of 1934, which meant ISPs, such as Comcast and AT&T, were treated as public utilities, much like power and telephone companies.Internet providers say that the much-lighter regulatory hand used for nearly 20 years prior to the 2015 rules had given service providers room to largely achieve many goals of net neutrality. They say that less regulation also helped enable the needed private investments to increase broadband access and Internet speeds. ISPs say that the 2015 regulations were more applicable to low-investment, low-growth businesses like public utilities and were unsuited for a rapidly growing, fast-changing Internet and the companies that provide access to it.Many tech companies and internet activists feel differently. They say that internet service providers can throttle speeds, charge more for faster service or block websites and apps if not regulated more closely by government.Service providers say the Internet is open already, and that has fueled an unprecedented global expansion of free speech.Last December, the FCC, now under Republican control, repealed the 2015 rules in favor of a light-touch, free-market approach, and restored consumer protection in the hands of the Federal Trade Commission.Republicans have largely sided with internet providers, while tech giants like Google and Facebook, civil liberties groups and Democrats have backed the Obama-era rules. In fact, Democrats have hoped net neutrality might motivate younger voters during the 2018 mid-term elections.All 49 Senate Democrats were joined by three Republicans in approving the May resolution restoring the 2015 rules.In 2010, ISPs, including Cox Communications, which is owned by The Atlanta Journal-Constitutions parent company Cox Enterprises Inc., pledged publicly to support the core principles of net neutrality, and have since reaffirmed those commitments of no blocking, no throttling and no unfair discrimination since the rule repeal.ISPs such as Comcast (NBC Universal) and AT&T (with its just-approved Time Warner merger) have been acquiring content makers, and some have feared the big companies could give their own content priority, slowing access to Netflix or other platforms. ISPs say this is an unwarranted fear, and that theyre motivated to provide good customer experiences for broadband and video customers. They note that many ISPs (including Comcast and Cox) already partner with Netflix to distribute content via their video platforms, and Comcast or Cox customers can use their voice remotes to search for Netflix shows.Parties on both sides have said they wanted to see Congress settle the issue, or else the matter could be settled by the courts. More than 20 states have filed suit in this regard.Despite the Senate vote, the FCC rule change took effect Monday, reflecting that the U.S. House has not acted on the Senates resolution.Both of Georgias U.S. senators, Republicans Johnny Isakson and David Perdue, voted against the resolution.In a statement, Isakson said providing equal access is important, particularly for rural areas that dont have the services provided in more-populated regions. He said lawmakers should pass bipartisan legislation to prevent abuses.How does this debate affect service, including rural broadband?Lawmakers in Georgia and elsewhere have grappled with how to provide faster internet service to rural areas where its less profitable for providers to serve. Internet providers have said repeal of net neutrality rules could allow for more investment in their products, allowing for new products that could be more efficient across their networks and improve service in rural areas.But consumer groups have said the repeal could make service more expensive.Thats not entirely clear. The Senate bill isnt likely to go anywhere in the House, which has a larger Republican majority. And House leaders say they want their own net neutrality legislation aimed at permanently addressing the matter. California Privacy Captures Ballot Attention 402,468 verified signatures of California voters are needed to put the initiative on the November ballot. If 347,587 to 402,467 signatures are verified, then Californias counties will need to check every signature of the 637,000 submitted, rather than just do a random check. Anything less than 347,587 verified signatures means the initiative fails and will not be on the November ballot. As of Tuesday, 159,540 signatures have been verified. The California Secretary of State is expected to announce on June 25 whether the privacy initiative will be on the ballot, failed or will need more time as the counties move to count each signature submitted. California is poised to capture significant attention among ballot battle watchers in the next two weeks, when the Golden State is expected to declare whether the California Consumer Right to Privacy Act of 2018 has enough valid signatures to move it forward to the November ballots.Should the privacy initiative become an official ballot item, it will join only two other tech-related ballot measures on the books, according toreview of Ballotpedias database . In Florida, voters will decide whether to repeal an obsolete constitutional provision that calls for a high-speed rail system to be developed in the state, while Nevada voters will decide whether to allow automatic voter registration when using certain services offered by the states Department of Motor Vehicles.Across the nation, nine potential tech-related ballot measures, including Californias initative, are in a state of limbo as to whether they will be included in the November elections. Potential ballot items include an initiative that could make cryptocurrency legal tender in Arizona, while Colorado voters may face a measure that calls on a ban regarding smartphone sales to minors under the age of 13.I have been tracking ballots for five years and I would say there seems to be more of a focus on technology as a topic, Josh Altic, Ballotpedias project director for the ballot measures project, told. California has its privacy rights initiative, which Facebook, Google and Verizon are opposing, and Oregon has its net neutrality initiative.Oregon Gov. Kate Brown signed a net neutrality law earlier this year, in which companies that wanted to do business with the state had to abide by net neutrality provisions, but the law did not address consumers. As a result, Oregonians for Net Neutrality are still moving forward with their signature-gathering efforts to get the initiative on the ballot, Thomas Frank, the organizations co-chief petitioner, explained. The group needs to collect a total of 87,184 valid signatures by July 6.A lot of people are fired up about net neutrality and there hasnt been any opposition to us, Frank said. All the tech companies like Twitter, Google, Amazon support it. Maybe thats why we havent seen any opposition. The only ones who wouldnt like it are the ISPs [Internet service providers] but we havent seen them come out against us.Although Google and Amazon have voiced support for net neutrality, the same cant be said about the California Consumer Right to Privacy Act of 2018. This initiative not only faces opposition from the Committee to Protect California Jobs, an organization sponsored by the California Chamber of Commerce, but Facebook, Google, Verizon, Comcast and AT&T have already each put in $200,000 to fight the potential ballot, according to Ballotpedia.On the heels of last months European Union General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) enforcement deadline , tech titans and businesses are pushing back against the prospect of having to deal with similar regulation locally, should the California Consumer Right to Privacy Act make it on the ballot and pass.The initiative calls for consumers to have the right to know the various categories of personal information businesses collect, sell or disclose about them and the organizations that receive this information.Consumers would also have the right to prevent companies from selling or disclosing their personal information, and could sue businesses if their personal information is exposed in a security breach regardless of whether they could prove they were injured by the incident.So far, Californians for Consumer Privacy have collected 637,000 signatures for the California Consumer Right to Privacy Act. Here are some key figures to track, according to information supplied by the California Secretary of States website Im pretty optimistic the initiative will get on the ballot. We submitted way more signatures than what was needed to qualify, Alastair Mactaggart, campaign chair for Californians for Consumer Privacy, said. Most experts have also told us we will likely qualify.If Californias Secretary of State announces June 25 that the initiative will be on the ballot, Californians for Consumer Privacy will have until June 28 to withdraw the measure. Mactaggart says he has heard legislators may be trying to put their own privacy bill forward but its questionable whether it will happen before the end of the month.It is doubtful that any state or federal legislature can pass a meaningful privacy law, given the amount of money tech companies and other players can throw at opposing such a bill, Mactaggart says.They probably think they can crush (opponents) like bugs and make the issue go away for several more years, says Mactaggart, a real estate developer. According to Ballotpedia, Mactaggart has personally donated $2.35 million in cash and services to support the initiative.The opposition the Committee to Protect California Jobs has received over $1 million as of last week, according to Ballotpedia. But Altic says opponents are likely to kick in a whopping $100 million if the initiative gets on the ballot. In 2016, for example, ballot measure campaigns received approximately $1 billion overall, with more than $616 million going to support campaigns and $396 million to opposition campaigns, he said.Although Facebook initially contributed $200,000 to the Committee to Protect California Jobs, the social media giant in April announced it would stop providing funds to the opposition campaign and seek ways to focus its efforts on supporting reasonable privacy measures in California, according to a National Public Radio (NPR) report Steven Maviglio, spokesman for the Committee to Protect California Jobs and a political consultant, toldthe authors of the privacy initiative did not consider the workability of the measure and that it is almost impossible for organizations to comply with it.If Amazon had to comply with it, anyone who orders anything from Amazon can request where their information went, and that can not only overwhelm a large company like Amazon but also smaller ones too, Maviglio says.He added the measure, if passed, would only apply to California and it would be difficult to enforce when it comes to companies that operate on the Internet and do business beyond California.Meanwhile, the Committee to Protect California Jobs also plans to educate citizens about the potential impact the measure may have on the states jobs if companies chose to relocate or avoid the state altogether because of the California Right to Privacy initiative, Maviglio says, adding that the committee is extremely optimistic it can defeat the privacy ballot.Other states may be watching the outcome of this ballot proposal, as well, Altic says.Anytime there is a ballot measure in California, it is a bellwether for the nation, he says. The Utah Lieutenant Governor's Office has made its notary practice exam available via Google Home, it announced June 14. That means that before taking the state's notary test, people can take the practice test orally at home.We are always looking for new ways to help notaries be more successful in the important role they play, said Jennifer Storie, office administrator for the Office of the Lieutenant Governor, in a statement In the same statement, Utah CIO Mike Hussey said the state is planning on adding more services to digital assistants.The Center for Digital Government* recently named the Lieutenant Governor's Office a winner of its Best of Utah awards for its notary website. The Google Home project builds on the state's focus on AI, which was a major talking point for Hussey at the National Association of State Chief Information Officers (NASCIO) Midyear conference in April.Government Technology's (TNS) Federal health officials are investigating an April data breach that affected 55,947 patients of Dignity Health, a major health system headquartered in San Francisco that operates 39 hospitals and 400 care centers in California, Nevada and Arizona.The breach occurred April 24 and was reported to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services on May 31. It was the third-largest data breach, by number of affected patients, reported to the federal health agency that month. The incident is being reviewed by the departments Office for Civil Rights, which investigates breaches of protected health information that affect at least 500 people. The office did not return a request for comment Tuesday.Dignity said the problem originated from an email list formatted by one of its vendors, the online appointment scheduling site Healthgrades, which contained a sorting error. The error resulted in Dignity inadvertently sending misaddressed emails to patients which contained the wrong patients name and, in some cases, the patients doctors name. Each misaddressed email was sent to one person.The emails did not include financial, insurance or medical information, according to Dignity. Dignity and Healthgrades have notified the affected patients, the companies said. The error has been corrected and the companies are taking steps to prevent it from happening again, they said.All of us at Dignity Health and Healthgrades take our responsibility to protect patients personal and medical information very seriously, Dignity said in a statement. We sincerely regret that this error happened and any concern or confusion it may have caused.A spokeswoman for Healthgrades, based in Denver, did not immediately return a request for comment. On its website, the company says it helps millions of consumers find and schedule appointments, and it partners with more than 500 hospitals across the United States. It is unclear whether the same email error has affected patients at providers other than Dignity.Dignity patients with concerns or questions can call 877-802-1959.In a separate incident disclosed to the Department of Health and Human Services on May 10, three Dignity hospitals in Nevada reported a breach affecting a combined 6,036 patients. In that incident, Dignity mistakenly continued to share private medical information about patients with a third-party contractor after it had terminated its contract with the company. http://www.foxnews.com/science/2018/06/13/einsteins-diaries-contain-shocking-details-his-racism.html Einstein's diaries contain shocking details of his racism By Chris Ciaccia | Fox News Newly translated into English, Albert Einstein's private travel diaries from the 1920s reveal that he was racist in his early life, especially towards Chinese people. The journals, published as "The Travel Diaries of Albert Einstein" by Princeton University Press, reveal that Einstein, perhaps the most famous scientist of all time and known for his theory of general relativity and the equation e=mc2, was extraordinarily biased towards certain populations. This is a stark contrast to his stance later in life when he said that racism was a "disease of white people." The diaries were written between October 1922 and March 1923. In one entry Einstein wrote that the Chinese dont sit on benches while eating but squat like Europeans do when they relieve themselves out in the leafy woods. All this occurs quietly and demurely. Even the children are spiritless and look obtuse. EINSTEIN PROOF: NOBEL WINNERS FIND RIPPLES IN THE UNIVERSE Speaking about the abundance of offspring and the fecundity of the Chinese, he continued: It would be a pity if these Chinese supplant all other races. For the likes of us the mere thought is unspeakably dreary. Einstein also derided the people of Ceylon, which is now known as Sri Lanka. In Ceylon, he wrote, the locals live in great filth and considerable stench at ground level, before adding they do little, and need little. The simple economic cycle of life. Einstein also gave his thoughts on Japanese people, who he viewed in a more positive light, calling them "unostentatious, decent, altogether very appealing. However, he also wrote the intellectual needs of this nation seem to be weaker than their artistic ones natural disposition? "Entries... contain passages that reveal Einstein's stereotyping of members of various nations and raise questions about his attitudes on race," a description of the book reads. The journals were translated from the German and are described as "the first publication of Albert Einsteins travel diary to the Far East and Middle East." Regime change is disruptive by definition, and New Jerseys newest technology executive said that while the state will likely continue on a path toward consolidating IT infrastructure, his boss Democratic Gov. Phil Murphy has asked him to assess the progress made under the previous administration, and recommend a course of action.The results of that closer look, which are at least several weeks away, could change the course of an IT infrastructure reorganization that is definitely midstream and in full stride, New Jersey Chief Technology Officer Chris Rein toldAs is common in the public sector, cost will be one issue to consider in continuing the consolidation. But beyond that, one key reason for scrutinizing the results of Executive Order 225, signed in June 2016 by then-Gov. Chris Christie, is to hear from the New Jersey Office of Information Technologys (OIT) customers around 70 state agencies and offices about their needs.Certain agencies may have a viable need for an exception. Why is it that their particular infrastructure would be best served not to consolidate right now? Were definitely in that evaluation mode right now, Rein said. The findings could alter the states course from an IT consolidation under OIT to a hybrid model with some agencies or offices remaining federated where it makes sense, the new CTO said.Rein started as CTO on May 29, and was formally announced by Murphy in a news release on June 8. He replaces the states first-ever stand-alone CTO, Dave Weinstein, who stepped down in January . Before Christie appointed Weinstein in June 2016, the CIO and CTO roles were filled by one person.In a similar combined role, Rein was most recently deputy director of the state Office of Homeland Securitys Cybersecurity and Communications Integration Cell, and the states deputy chief information security officer. He said the search for his replacement is now underway, and the state is evaluating potential candidates for their policy, cyber-technical, budgeting and procurement skills.As CTO, Rein said he has several distinct challenges including stabilizing and improving the states existing IT infrastructure in close collaboration with its cybersecurity team. The goal, he noted, is to try to drive that innovation while ensuring heavily utilized government services like unemployment insurance and the Department of Motor Vehicles become more seamless.Current services may have a little bit of a different look and feel between agencies, he said, due to different generations of state technology, so OIT will strive to give that public face a more unified look as it also works to replace and upgrade hardware, legacy systems and networks.The foundation to those areas of focus, however, will be what the CTO termed step zero, or the building up or rebuilding of relationships with the state agencies and offices OIT serves.The relationships between Office of Information Technology and our customers are so important, and Im not sure that some of them are where they need to be. Were here for them. If it wasnt for them, we wouldnt be here, right? Rein said.OIT is also looking at infrastructure tools and enterprise-level security monitoring and protection technologies, he said, pointing out that some projects were held a little bit in abeyance during the more than four months when the state was without a CTO.Cloud adoption is another area Rein said he wants to accelerate because it just allows faster delivery to the end citizens while reducing the states IT footprint.Based upon my either discretions with, or exposures to other states efforts, I would say that New Jersey has adopted the implementation of cloud slower than most states thus far, Rein said, adding that in some cases, concerns about privacy and data security have had to be addressed through the use of Federal Risk and Authorization Management Program (FedRAMP)-certified cloud service providers.Now in his third week, Rein acknowledged that the getting-to-know-you process between CTO and agency officials accelerated rapidly on his fourth day and through the weekend of June 2-4, when a power outage affected nearly all state agencies in the executive branch.Officials worked with the OIT incident response team, staff and vendors nonstop throughout the weekend to restore power; and in the process, Rein hosted several conference calls to provide status updates.We really had a lot of sharing and transparency on those calls and I think theres been a lot of positive feedback in that regard. You know how you learn in the face of a crisis, Rein said. JACKSON COUNTY, Mississippi -- Deputies found the materials needed to build pipe bombs inside a home in northwest Jackson County Wednesday night, Jackson County Sheriff Mike Ezell said Thursday. Just before 8 p.m. Wednesday, deputies responded to a call from a homeowner on Big Ridge Road after he found the suspicious materials. The owner told deputies he found the materials inside a chest which belonged to two roommates who had recently moved out. Ezell said after deputies examined the materials, the Biloxi Police Department's Bomb Squad and agents from the U.S. Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms (ATF) were called to the scene. ATF agents took custody of the materials, Ezell said. The Braunschweig, Germany public prosecutor issued an administrative order against Volkswagen AG in the context of the diesel crisis. The administrative order provides for a fine of 1 billion (US$1.2 billion) in total, consisting of the maximum penalty as legally provided for of 5 million and the disgorgement of economic benefits in the amount of 995 million. According to the findings of the investigation carried out by the Braunschweig public prosecutor, monitoring duties had been breached in the Powertrain Development department in the context of vehicle tests. According to the results obtained by the Braunschweig public prosecutor, they were concurrent causes of 10.7 million vehicles in total with the diesel engines of the types EA 288 (Gen3), in the United States and in Canada, and EA 189, world-wide, being advertised, sold to customers, and placed on the market with an impermissible software function in the period from mid-2007 until 2015. Following thorough examination, Volkswagen AG accepted the fine and it will not lodge an appeal against it. Volkswagen AG, by doing so, admits its responsibility for the diesel crisis and considers this as a further major step towards the latter being overcome. As a result of the administrative order imposing the fine, the active regulatory offence proceedings conducted against Volkswagen will be finally terminated. Volkswagen assumes that such termination of the proceedings will also have significant positive effects on further active administrative proceedings in Europe against the Volkswagen AG and its subsidiaries. Chester Sliter, right, hugs Green River Fire Fighter Austin Rider Tuesday evening at the Castle Rock Hospital District ambulance barn. Rider was one of many emergency responders who helped save Sliter after he suffered from cardiac arrest. Chester and Crystal Sliter wore large, beaming smiles Tuesday evening. The two were at the Castle Rock Hospital District Ambulance Barn, hugging emergency responders and thanking them for their work because without them, Chester wouldn't have been there. The ambulance service hosted an awards ceremony for those who responded to a 911 call Crystal made March 18, when Chester suddenly fell over unconscious from cardia arrest at the Sliters' home in Green River. Chester doesn't remember a lot about what happened the morning prior to being unconscious, saying he was working on the home he's building in La Barge the previous day. For his wife, it's likely an event she'll never forget. "I heard him fall over," Crystal said. Checking on her husband, she found him face down and not breathing. Crystal operates a safety consulting firm and is a CPR trainer, but admits the shock of seeing a loved one unconscious and not breathing is a different experience than helping a stranger. Crystal said she immediately felt panicked before her training and education took over. After calling 911, she started chest compressions on her husband. John Taylor, Castle Rock Ambulance Service's director, said early CPR and cooperation between emergency responders was likely what kept Chester from dying that day. "Without this whole team ... this could never happen," he said. "Cardiac arrest takes a lot of lives." When the ambulance service arrived at the Sliter household, Taylor said he saw Green River Police Department Officer Brad Halter doing chest compressions on Chester, having took over from Crystal. Taylor said they used a defibrillator on Chester and analyzed his heart rhythm before loading him into the ambulance and transporting him to Memorial Hospital of Sweetwater County. Taylor said Chester was doing poorly on the drive to Rock Springs and said the staff at the hospital did a wonderful job with him before Chester was flown to Salt Lake City. Taylor also said the incident highlights the need for more CPR education in the community, saying if CRP is performed before emergency responders arrive, the likelihood of survival decreases. "We need more people who know it," Taylor said. "She's the reason he's here." Gabriel Kloefkorn, 7, couldn't wait to try out his new bunk bed, which was delivered Saturday by volunteers from the Rock Springs chapter of Sleep in Heavenly Peace. For the first time in a long time, two Green River children will once again know what it's like to sleep in their own bed. For Julianna Kloefkorn, 11, and her brother Gabriel Kloefkorn, 7, taking turns sleeping with their mother, Jennifer Ferguson, was a nightly occurrence. Ferguson said she had bought two different bunk beds for them for a local store, but it was cheaply made and both of them broke. For a family tight on money, she wasn't about to make that mistake again. She did the best she could and took the twin bed memory foam and placed it at the end of her bed. They would all sleep in the same room, but since the children would fight sometimes, she decided it would be easier for them to take turns sleeping with her. One would sleep at the end of the bed on the memory foam placed on the floor, while the other would sleep with her. This wasn't the best arrangement because the kids would toss and turn and often kick Ferguson in the back, which would leave her feeling tired most days. Ferguson said she would try to move the children when they would roll on her or kick her, but they are getting too heavy. Plus, she didn't want to disturb them. "They're so cute when they are sleeping," Ferguson said. Everyone seemed tired and it was like they never had an personal space. With this as her only option, it quickly became a way of life. "It messed up the dynamic of everything," Ferguson said. That is until one day while Ferguson was scrolling through Facebook and she saw a page called Sleep in Heavenly Peace. It was for the Rock Springs chapter, but it specified that it would help anyone in Wyoming out. Sleep in Heavenly Peace is an nonprofit volunteer organization that provides bunk beds for children of families in need. Ferguson said she decided to contact them and apply for the bunk beds. She was expecting the process to take a long time, but to her surprise it only took two weeks. "I honestly thought there would be a long waiting list," she said. Little did she know, for the local chapter of SHP, this would be the group's first bunk-bed delivery and they were excited to help. The organization officially started in May and is just getting off the ground. The delivery On Saturday it was almost like a scene out of a movie. The SHP chapter volunteers gathered outside the apartment building getting everything ready. Once Mike Bond and his wife Aly, the chapter founders, spoke with Ferguson; the crew, Dave and Heather Jarrell and Tom and Cindy Jarvie, gathered up the materials and carried it all to the apartment. Once in the bedroom, the sound of drills could be heard. Although it this group's first Green River assembly, they went at it like pros. In less than a half an hour, the bed was assembled and everything was in place, including new stuffed animals for the children to snuggle with at night. The children watched excitedly as their new bunk bed took shape. "It will give them their own space," Ferguson said. She said she already moved her bed into the smaller bedroom so they could have more room. Before the children didn't really have any area to call their own, but now they do. "Hopefully, it will make them feel a little more confident," she said. Before the kids were hesitant to invite friends over for sleepovers, but Ferguson thinks this will soon change. For Ferguson, it was hard to ask for help. "I feel like I don't deserve this," she said. However, she said she has learned sometimes it's OK to ask for help. "I'm just going two accept it and be thankful," Ferguson said. "I have a hard time admitting I can't do stuff." She couldn't say enough good things about the SHP volunteers, "They are amazing and very sweet," she said. As for the kids, the minute the beds were ready they were in them. Of course both wanted top bunk, but in the end, Julianna claimed the top and Gabriel the bottom, but both seemed happy. Gabriel was a child of few words, but said he was "happy about everything" and "comfy." Star photo by Stephanie Thompson Julianna Kloefkorn tries out her new bed and snuggles with her new stuffed zebra. "It makes me feel so happy," Julianna said. "It makes me feel like I want to fall asleep. It makes me feel so comfortable." This was almost as exciting as Christmas for the children and Julianna said even though she was excited when her friend gave her a mountain bike, this feeling was even stronger. Both children snuggled up in their beds and although it was only 8:15 a.m., they wanted to take naps. For the family, the whole dynamic changed because of their sleeping arrangements and they are anticipating positive changes to come from this. Those who are in need of bunk beds or know children who are can request one by either finding the local chapter on Facebook at Sleep in Heavenly Peace - Wy., Rock Springs or by going to the website http://www.shpbeds.org. I, Dave Divis Sweetwater County Assessor, am writing to respond to Mr. Rubecks accusations against me and my office in his announcement to run for Sweetwater County Assessor. I would also like to point out a very significant statutory requirement to hold the office of assessor. Early on Rubeck states he owns and operates The Fish Bowl Restaurant and Bowling Center, which is true. Along with The Fish Bowl, Rubeck operates the restaurant at Rolling Green Country Club and also caters events across the county. Wyoming statute 18-3-106 states, Each county clerk, county treasurer, clerk of the district court, county assessor and county sheriff shall devote full time to the duties of their respective offices during the term for which they were elected or appointed. I dont know how Rubeck will continue to operate those businesses when he is required by statute to devote full time to the office of Assessor. He seems very interested in the statutes because he mentions them later in his article, and I hope he remembers Title 18 if he is elected. I would also encourage Rubeck to pay the delinquent personal property taxes on his business, the Fish Bowl. Per the Sweetwater County Treasurers website, as of May 25, The Fish Bowl had three years delinquent personal property taxes. Three years delinquent is unacceptable for someone who wants the trust of the residents of Sweetwater County and also wants to hold an elected office. To be clear, personal property valuation is done by the county assessor. Rubeck would be responsible for the valuation of the taxes he has neglected to pay for the last three years. Rubeck states, Government waste is always passed on to the businesses owners and individuals in the form of taxation. The current assessors office is as guilty of overspending tax dollars as any office in this county. First let me clear up the process in general. We do not value property to satisfy a budget. Values are set, budgets created from those values, mill levies are applied to the valuation and then tax dollars are billed and collected. And for further clarification, the county commissioners are charged with approving the budgets of the elected officials. The budget for the assessors office over the last five years has been as follows: 2015 $928,831 2016 $990,972 2017 $991,926 2018 $892,734 2019 $927,907 The increase from 2015 to 2016 was due to raises for elected officials and chief deputies approved by the county commissioners. The decrease from 2017 to 2018 was due to an employee participating in an early separation program offered by the county commissioners. The understanding when this employee retired was that we would not back fill the position at a later date. This decision by the management in the assessors office reduced our head count by 10 percent. The increase from 2018 to 2019 was the result of a 2.5 percent cost of living allocation approved by the county commission and putting our professional services budget line item back to the 2017 level to meet our contractual obligations for the fiscal year. As you can see our budget for 2019 is less than 2015, 2016 and 2017. Rubeck later states he proposes to save taxpayers over $1 million over the next decade by eliminating the chief deputy position. This position has already been eliminated, again by the county commissioners. So Rubeck does not get to take credit for the savings. Rubeck goes on to say this office has run short-handed for over a year while the taxpayers in this county paid a full salary to an elected official that was not held accountable to adhere to the statutory requirements of property ownership. In my mind this is a betrayal of public trust as the currently appointed assessor did nothing to enforce these known statutory requirements. Pat Drinkle retired on Feb. 2, so she has only been retired for about four months and she was working up to her retirement date. With regards to property ownership, Pat owned real property in Sweetwater County since 1990. She did sell her house in August of 2017 knowing she was going to retire in February of 2018. Pats home sale was not a secret and people in the courthouse did know. The sale was a matter of public record and did appear in the legal notices published by the county clerk, just like every other property transfer in the county. If Rubeck is going to throw accusations of deceit around, he needs to condemn everybody who knew, not just the chief deputy at the time. The fact is nobody cared because she was retiring. She could have easily just added her name to her daughters house where she was living in Rock Springs at the time, to meet the requirements. Rubeck states, Sweetwater County is in a period of declining population, declining revenues from natural resources and declining sales tax revenues yet the newly appointed assessor continues to petition the county commission to increase spending for his office. Government does not create jobs but the liberal spending agenda of this current administration does not seem to grasp this proven concept. Please refer to the provided budget numbers I referenced earlier, there has been no increase requested in the assessors budget. Once again let me state the facts, the valuation of the county has increased about $150 million for this tax year and sales tax revenues are up as well. I did not petition to increase spending in my office, the budget remained the same, and I was just trying to get my staffing to a reasonable level for our workload. With regards to workload, parcel count is the best indicator of staffing requirements for an assessors office. Campbell County has 10 full time staff with 25,500 parcels. Fremont County with 26,835 parcels (very similar to Sweetwater because of the two municipalities) has 12 full time staff. Sweetwater County currently has a staff of eight with a parcel count of 25,153. I am petitioning the commission to get us back to nine where we were before Pats retirement. This is a reasonable staff size for a county with our parcel count. This person is a replacement not an addition and still keeps me within the confines of my budget. I dont think wanting to staff my office at an efficient and effective level is a liberal spending agenda. Rubeck is throwing around buzz words like fiscally responsible conservative and inaccuracies like declining revenues from natural resources and declining sales tax revenues. He has also accused me of a liberal spending agenda when all I want to do is get the staff needed in my office to meet our statutory obligations. Please keep in mind that just because you see or hear something in the media does not necessarily mean it is true. This is especially true in an election year and it is very important to fact check the information being provided. Dont let catch phrases and false information provide cover for a lack of education and experience. I would be happy to sit down with anybody and discuss our budget, parcel count and staffing requirements. Kirt Heintzelman, the retail wine specialist at The Fine Wine & Good Spirits store in the West Shore Plaza in Lemoyne, is welcoming several visitors for this weekend's regular tastings. He and wine specialist Shane Via will hold a Special Chairman's Selection Tasting on Friday from 4 to 6 p.m. as they welcome Katie Phillips, brand ambassador for Cambria Winery in Santa Barbara, California, Steve Pollack, longtime wine buyer for the Chairman's Selection program. Here's what they will be pouring: Chairman's Selection(r) Cambria 2014 'Benchbreak' Pinot Noir from Santa Maria Valley, CA ($13.99). Quoted at $25. Wine Advocate 9/17 90 Points: "Pale to medium ruby colored with a hint of purple, the 2014 Pinot Noir Benchbreak has intense red currant and red cherry notes with hints of violets, Chinese five spice and dried herbs. Medium-bodied, fine and fresh in the mouth, it has a lot of varietal expression and sense of place for this price point without sacrificing flavor, which is a dorky way of saying, it rocks!" Wine Spectator 8/17 89 points: "Firm, fleshy and rich, with concentrated dried cherry, raspberry and pomegranate flavors. Shows iodine and sanguine notes on the finish, along with crisp acidity. Drink now through 2020." Chairman's Selection(r) Atalon 2014 'Pauline's Cuvee' from Napa Valley, CA ($15.99) which is a blend of Merlot, Cabernet Franc, Malbec. Quoted at $30. Winemaker notes: "Great dark ruby color. Very fruity and spicy bouquet, with lots of blackberry, black cherry, integrated with aromatic cedar, clove, black pepper, herbal spices, hints of smoke and tobacco. Blackberry, cherries and dark plum are the primary flavors. The body is full and rich and develops a long finish." Steve Pollack, wine buyer for the Chairman's Selection(r) program: "Aromas of cocoa and treated leather. The palate is rich, complex and beautifully balanced with velvety cherry, cassis notes and hints of mint. This is an incredible wine and a must-try!" On Saturday, from noon to 2 p.m., the store will welcome back good friends Daren and Emmanuelle (Manu) Miller, from Bordeaux, France. Daren grew up in York County and met Manu when she was visiting the state. The rest is history. As Heintzelman and Via pour their White Bordeaux and their Bordeaux Rose, chat with Daren and Manu about their wines, about their two daughters, about Bordeaux in general or just come out and listen to Daren speak with his French/PA Dutch accent. Here's a little more on the couple: A coup de foudre also knocked Daren Miller into vine life. A "country boy" working part-time at Naylor Wine Cellars in Pennsylvania, Miller met his wife-to-be, Emmanuelle Raguenot, during her stateside internship. "My family didn't even drink alcohol at the house," says Miller. "In Pennsylvania, the boss would say, 'We sold 12 bottles of wine, that's a great sale!' When I met my wife, I didn't know what kind of business her parents had." Their business, it turned out, was Chateau des Tourtes, a 132-acre Premieres-Cotes-de-Blaye estate. In 1996, Miller and Raguenot were married; they left for Blaye the same month. "I didn't even speak French when I came here. I was 24 years old-you're in love, you think everything's going to be great." Today, Miller, his wife, his sister-in-law and her husband own des Tourtes and a property across the Gironde, Chateau Haut Beyzac in Haut-Medoc, which they acquired in 1999 and planted themselves, all 65 acres. Chateau Haut Beyzac | Haut-Medoc: Purchased in 1999 by Daren Miller; his wife, Emmanuelle Raguenot; and Miller's in-laws, Marie-Pierre Raguenot and Eric Lallez. The property comprises 65 acres and makes 16,700 cases among three red wines. Chateau des Tourtes | Premieres Cotes de Blaye: Acquired in 2000 by Daren Miller, his wife and in-laws (see Haut Beyzac). The property comprises 132 acres and makes 33,300 cases among three red wines, two dry whites and a rose. Here's what they will pour early Saturday afternoon. Chateau des Tourtes 2017 'Le Duo' Bordeaux Blanc from Blaye, Cotes de Bordeaux ($16.99), which is a blend of 70% Sauvignon Blanc, 20% Semillon, 10% Muscadelle Daren Miller: "All the grapes are pressed together and cold-settled at 8degC for 4 days. Temperature-controlled fermentation during 12 days at 16degC in stainless-steel tanks. Aged 2 months in stainless-steel tanks on lees. "The aromatic purity marked by the Sauvignon characterizes this wine. The nose enhances the floral and mineral notes. You will also find the whole range of citrus and exotic fruits notes. Its wide structure will give you a expression of smoothness. The mouth is fresh and subtle, and will accompany really well all you appetizers. It will be well appreciated with seafood, such as oysters, shrimp or crab. It will enhance grilled fish." 74548 Chateau des Tourtes 2017 'Cuvee Classique' Rose from Blaye, Cotes de Bordeaux ($17.99), which is equal parts Merlot and Cabernet Sauvignon. Daren Miller: "The rose is obtained by running the must off, after approximately 12 hours of skin contact. Each grape variety is fermented separately, at low temperatures, then these wines are carefully blended to produce complex character that is typical to our estate. Tasting Notes: Pale salmon color. Highly aromatic nose, with berry fruit and floral overtones. Light and lively, with a fresh pleasant flavor. Food Pairing: Aperitif. Barbecues. Goes great with pastas, paella and couscous." The U.S. Senate education committee is planning to consider a bill to renew a long-stalled reauthorization of the Carl D. Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, the biggest source of federal funding for high schools. And just before the markup was announced, Ivanka Trump, the presidents eldest daughter and his adviser, let it be known through a White House spokesman that she will be on Capitol Hill urging senators to move on the legislation. Adviser to the President, Ivanka Trump, will meet with several Democrat and Republican Senators on Capitol Hill this week to discuss the urgency of reauthorizing the enhanced Perkins Career and Technical Education Act, which just passed the House, said Hogan Gidley, a deputy White House press secretary. The important legislation benefits more than 11 million Americans across the country and is integral to the administrations working families and workforce development agenda. Quick fact check on that statement: The House did indeed pass a bipartisan bill reauthorizing the Perkins law, which was last updated in 2006. But that happened last summer. The bill didnt just pass. The House also approved a similar bill, also with big bipartisan support, in 2016 . And notably, the presidents first budget request in 2017 sought to cut the CTE program, which represents the biggest source of federal funding for high schools. He sought to cut the $1.1. billion by $168 million. Congress rejected that cut, and Trump didnt ask again in his most recent request. So whats in the bipartisan House bill? The House legislation would give states more control over how to spend money obtained through Perkins. And states and districts would get more leeway to tailor CTE programs to the needs of the local economy. It also measures new subgroups of students that match those required in the Every Student Succeeds Act when assessing CTE program performance. Much more detail from Andrew here. So if the House acted on CTE in a bipartisan way all that time ago, whats the hold-up on the Senate side? The biggest stumbling point has been secretarial authority, advocates say. Sen. Patty Murray, D-Wash., the top Democrat on the Senate education committee and others in her party, want to make sure the secretary has sufficient muscle to oversee state programs. Sen. Lamar Alexander, R-Tenn., the chairman of the Senate education committee wants to rein in the federal role through prohibitions that sound somewhat similar to the ones on the secretarys authority in ESSA. Democratic and Republican staffers have been trading language for weeks, in the hopes of getting to a bipartisan deal. Thats still the goal, although lawmakers arent there yet. Senator Enzi, R-Wyo., and Senator Casey, D-Pa., have been making good progress, and I hope the bill the committee considers next week is bipartisan, Alexander said in a statement. Alexander, though, has told Bloomberg News that the bill will be marked up whether Democrats are on board or not. An advocate expressed skepticism that Alexander would give up on the prohibition issue. This really is his decision whether or not this is workable, the advocate said. But, she added, that if the Senate committee is able to come to a bipartisan agreement, theres an excellent chance the legislation will pass this year. Photo: Ivanka Trump, second from right, speaks with Education Secretary Betsy DeVos and Rep. Virginia Foxx, R-N.C., right, before President Donald Trumps signature of a memorandum expanding access to STEM education. (Alex Brandon/AP) Follow us on Twitter at @PoliticsK12 . Posted Thursday, June 14, 2018 7:00 am Lydia Burnett, Kylie McKay and Jahalah Myers of Bolivar received awards as part of the 2018 annual student awards presentations at College of the Ozarks, Point Lookout. Burnett, a home school graduate, received the Bartlett Respect Award, Lake Honor Award and Waymon M. Dickson Music Ministry Award. McKay, a Bolivar High School graduate, received the Psychology Outstanding Senior Award. Myers, also a BHS graduate, received the Marie Jessa Award in Education. This year, around 240 awards were given to students. Awards are based on outstanding accomplishments in the areas of academics, work and character. For the past 111 years, College of the Ozarks has recognized students annually for their achievements. Earlier today, Gabrielle Hamilton, the acclaimed chef and owner of Prune in the East Village, announced that she is headed across town to become the chef at the Spotted Pig. She will, she told the Times, run the restaurant with her wife, Ashley Merriman, and the restaurants co-founder, Ken Friedman, who has been accused by multiple women of sexual assault. Reaction to the news was swift, and many people in the restaurant industry voiced their displeasure on social media. Grub Street reached out to Hamilton about the move, and in response she sent a detailed email, writing that she and Merriman are excited and deeply invested in being at the leading edge of the much needed paradigm shift in the industry. She reiterated her feeling that she and Merriman are two highly qualified and capable women going into the ground zero of the man-made disaster to start to help out, and continued with what you can read below. (The punctuation and grammar have been preserved from Hamiltons original email.) there is a population of women who have been craving a more nuanced conversation regarding the #MeToo movement. a population of women (and men) who have been having their conversations sotto voce, privately, and frankly, super jumpy. it would be better for everyone if we could get that out in the open and start that rolling, too. the metaphor of divorce has been used a lot lately regarding ken and april and we can follow that metaphor for a single beat further and say we are going to be the second marriage. as everyone knows, it is a bittersweet trutheveryone is a better spouse their second time around. that said, ive been running prune for 19 years, with ashley for the past 3. i have 4 james beard awards. ashley ran the waverley inn for 4 years, was the chef of butter before thatabout the biggest celebrity hangs in nyc as one can imagine. in some ways weve been throwing the same parties that kens been throwing: booze, drugs, celebrities, money, after hours super fun shit, sexual innuendo, jokes, carmaraderie, fraternity, etc. but we didnt sexually harass our waitresses, and we didnt blacklist employees who betrayed us, and we werent abusive to our kitchen crews, and we didnt manage our restaurants through fear or intimidation and we didnt pretend that the left hand didnt know what the right hand was up to. we can tell you assuredly and confidently that we are not coming to partner with ken to be his fence. we are not about to sell on the street some shitty knock off handbag of redemption and im a new clean man with a wife and child and i dont do any drugs or any drinking and it was all a misunderstanding and april is the real bad wolf and mario is the bigger badder wolf crock of shit. we see ourselves helping the spotted pig, and helping the industry at large, and helping april and helping our long time friend ken, and helping ourselves. we feel exceptionally poised to be the leading edge of the paradigm shift, to make the spotted pig the best it has ever been, to protect, honor and respect aprils magnificent work, and to be one of the luckier things that ever happened to ken friedman, to be women in business of increasing power and to get paid for our impeccable work. Gabrielle Hamilton. Photo: Joe Schildhorn/BFA/REX/Shutterstock For 19 years, chef Gabrielle Hamilton has run just one restaurant, Prune in the East Village. So it was shocking, for a number of reasons, when she announced yesterday that she and her wife, Ashley Merriman, would finally spearhead a second restaurant the Spotted Pig, an establishment mired in controversy and operated by one of the citys most prominently accused sexual predators. Food-world observers and industry workers alike feel betrayed by Hamiltons decision to join forces with Ken Friedman, a move she insensitively, and bizarrely, compared to chef Jose Andress aid efforts in hurricane-stricken Puerto Rico. (You have two highly qualified and capable women going into the ground zero of the man-made disaster to start to help out, Hamilton said.) But last night at Prune, diners seemed blissfully unaware of the food-world turmoil that Hamiltons statement had caused just a few hours earlier, talking instead about more pedestrian topics: Trump, work, whether the Twin Peaks reboot was any good. The Prune staff, however, was all too aware of the controversy, and seemed ready to toe the company line. A hostess demurred when asked about the news, saying shed heard no complaints from guests or co-workers today before rushing back upstairs. One waitress was more explicit in her support of Hamilton. Its complicated because shes queer and a woman, she said. But she has good intentions and shes a great boss. I wanted to work here because of Gabrielle. She paused, and then added, again, She has good intentions. But good intentions wont erase the stain of Friedmans actions, or his continued involvement with the restaurant. In an interview with Eater, Hamiltons wife and fellow chef Ashley Merriman explained that the two have been friends with Friedman for years, and that through this partnership, they hope to provide a blueprint for post-#MeToo. I guess theres a big question missing for me in this #MeToo movement, Merriman said. What does the possibility of redemption look like? Is it possible? I dont know the answer to that, and I dont think anyone does. If Hamilton and Merriman had bought the restaurant outright, this discussion wouldnt be necessary. But the decision to lend their names and reputation to a man who has shown little to no remorse beyond the perfunctory apology he released when the accusations first went public and who maintains financial control of a restaurant where he has been accused of sexually assaulting and harassing dozens of women feels inexcusable. It seems, at best, opportunistic, to step in as Friedmans savior so soon after Bloomfields self-admitted failure to act. Even now, Friedmans own continued silence as Hamilton weathers the blowback of this decision speaks volumes. Hamilton and Merriman have indicated that the deal is not finalized, but the damage to their reputations has been done. Its clear that no amount of rebranding, or time, will erase the legacy of the restaurants so-called rape room. Yes, we want to support the restaurant employees who are blameless, and who deserve to keep their jobs, but the restaurant itself is unfixable. Many have called for the restaurant to simply close, and ultimately, that outcome is up to diners who choose, or do not choose, to spend their money there. At Prune last night, it became clear that many of those diners just dont keep track of the day-to-day goings-on of the restaurant world. As early evening turned into night, people ate and drank and caroused just as they have for the last 19 years, seemingly oblivious that the circumstances of their dinner had actually changed quite dramatically, in a way from where there might be no coming back. Sea to Table seafood. Photo: @sea2table/Facebook Sea to Table is a company held up as an emblem of sustainable fishing by chefs and the media. Its also the subject of yet another report on fraud and labor abuse in the industry. Tracing seafood is very difficult because of overseas processing, which meant many companies and people were buying seafood hauled in by boats that were overfishing and/or manned by de facto slaves. Founded in 2004, Sea to Table presented itself as combating this. But a lengthy, thorough AP story about the company, which purports to sell nothing but wild seafood that could be directly traced to American docks and occasionally even boats, pokes holes in that narrative. The details are damning. Sea to Table claimed to be selling Montauk tuna during the winter, but one week, reporters took 36,000 time-lapse photos of a Montauk harbor and not a single one captured a tuna boat docking. They connected the companys supply chain to migrant fishermen who had described both abusive labor practices including boats that paid fishermen $1.50 for 22-hour shifts without appropriate food and water as well as the slaughtering of dolphins, sharks, and whales. While all of the seafood was supposed to be local, the New York company offered seafood in other parts of the country that was farmed, illegal to fish, and out of season. Preliminary DNA tests on yellowfin tuna found that it came from the other side of Earth, and the company promoted fresh Maryland blue crab in January, several months out of season. In one case, caterers for a ball hosted by Washington governor Jay Inslee turned to the company Inslee had helped get through a law combating seafood labeling, but the Montauk tuna served at this dinner was actually from North Carolina. Certain partner docks were not actually docks, like the Santa Barbara Fish Market, a store where (as I once did) you can buy decidedly not-local Maine lobster. In some cases, the company also claimed to be getting fish from boats that were operating hundreds of miles away. One such boats owner, Robert Devlin, tells the AP thats not an uncommon practice. A half-dozen fishermen and dealers expressed concern and anger about Sea to Table, and the famous ocean conservationist Carl Safina told the AP that if a company preys on consumers desire to do good, then it deserves to be put out of business immediately. If Sea to Table is found to have misled customers, clients, and possible investors, it could be criminally liable. A seller that knows or shouldve known about mislabeling can be found guilty of charges including defrauding the U.S. government and face fines and jail time. Responding to the report, Sea to Tables founder, Sean Dimin, posted a letter to the companys website. In it, Dimin writes that the company is addressing these claims quickly, that it has discontinued its relationship with a supplier named in the story, Montauks Gossman, and that the company is unwavering in our commitment to sustainable fishing. Ngap And Abiriu Communities Of Gok Complaining Of Land Encroachment By Western Lakes The Ngap and Abiriu Community of Gok State have written a petition to parliament complaining of land encroachment by Western Lakes State. By Mabor Riak Magok CUEBET, 14 June 2018 [Gurtong]-The Speaker of Gok State, Veronica Ujima Philiph Dak says that parliament has received the two petitions. In an interview with Gurtong, Veronica Ujima Philip said that the State assembly members have no summoned the Commissioners of the two Counties of Ngap and Duony and the minister of Local Government and Law Enforcement Agency to appear before the house today Thursday. She said, that the assembly had resolved that the Commissioner of Duony County of Gok State should not use the flag of his County in the territory of Abieicok, and that he should evacuate the area by moving immediately to Duony County headquarters. Madam Veronica Philip said the community of Abieicok of Abiriu in Gok State brought their petition to parliament accusing the community of Duong of land encroachment and renaming their territories which includes areas of Mayiro, Guar-ru and other places. The community of Duony County is making land encroachment by moving back towards the areas of Mayiro and Guar-ru, and they are renaming and naming new and old places with their own different names. Thats why the community of Abieicok of Abiriu County wrote the petition against Duony community to evacuate the areas and move away to their original land where they can get better services and development in the County, said Madam Philip. She also said that the other community which had brought their petition is the community of Ngap County where land encroachment between Western Lakes and Gok States has intensified in the Southern part of Cueibet capital. The community of Ngap County of Gok State had written a petition asking the government of Western Lakes State to stop giving directives to its County Commissioner of Bahr el Gel to cease land encroachment in Ngap County headquarters which it has had occupied right now, said the Speaker. She said the community of Ngap County has also urged the government of Western Lakes State to order the Commissioner of Bahr el Gel County to return back to his County headquarters of Bahr el Gel County. The Minister of Information and Communication in Western Lakes State, Shadrack Bol Machok said he is first consulting with his State Governor on allegations of land encroachment against the State government before he could comment on the matter. Posted Thursday, June 14, 2018 6:00 am An Arkansas woman was injured in a single-car crash on Mo. 13 one mile north of Humansville on Sunday, June 10. The MSHP crash report said a 2017 Ford Escape, driven by Timothy J. Webb, 57, of Western Grove, Arkansas, was southbound at around 8:40 a.m. when the vehicle traveled into the median and struck the ground. The Ford became airborne, struck the ground a second time and came to rest facing south in the northbound lane of Mo. 13. One passenger, Mary L. Recoy-Webb, 51, also of Western Grove, Arkansas, was transported via ambulance to Citizens Memorial Hospital in Bolivar for minor injuries. Both Webb and Recoy-Webb were wearing seat belts, the report said. The Ford sustained moderate damage and was towed from the scene by Wakefield Towing of Bolivar. The crash was investigated by Cpl. S.W. Long. Bolivar woman injured in single-car crash A Bolivar woman was injured Thursday, June 7, in a single-car wreck on Mo. 83 in Polk County. According to a MSHP crash report, Mary Long, 54, of Bolivar was northbound on Mo. 83, 2 miles north of Bolivar, at around 2:45 p.m. when the 2002 Ford Explorer she traveled off the left side of the roadway after Long suffered an apparent medical condition. The Ford struck a large rock, brush and trees, the report said. Long was taken to CMH for minor injuries. According to the report, it is not known if Long was wearing a seat belt at the time of the crash. The Ford had extensive damage and was towed by Affordable Towing, the report said. Cpl. S.W. Long investigated the wreck. Pleasant Hope woman injured in two-vehicle crash Thursday A Pleasant Hope woman suffered moderate injuries in a two-vehicle crash about 1/2 mile south of Pleasant Hope Thursday, June 7. A MSHP crash report said Tamara Wood, 51, of Pleasant Hope was eastbound on Rt. H in a 2014 Chevrolet Malibu at around 2:10 p.m., and attempted to turn onto the highway, the report said. The Malibu failed to yield to a southbound 2010 Chevrolet Impala, driven by Hannah Cooper, 17, of Bolivar, the report said. The Impala struck the Malibu in the side. Wood was taken to CMH for moderate injuries, the report said. According to the report, Wood and Cooper were wearing seat belts. The Malibu had moderate damage, while the Impala had extensive damage. Both cars were towed from the scene by J and E Towing, the report said. The wreck was investigated by Cpl. S.W. Long. Five injured in crash with deer Five people were injured Wednesday, June 6, in a crash after hitting a deer. According to a MSHP crash report, the wreck occurred around 10:35 p.m. on Mo. 13, eight miles north of Bolivar, when a northbound 2002 Chevrolet Tahoe, driven by Shatigia S. Peterson, 29, of Charleston, Mississippi, struck a deer in the roadway. The driver and four other passengers, Arriana Autman, 8, Henry Autman, 9, Shariya Autman, 11, and Alayashia Moten, 7, were taken to CMH for minor injuries, the report said. The report said everyone was wearing a seat belt. The Chevrolet had moderate damage and was towed by B & B Wrecker of Bolivar. Trooper D.L. Johnson investigated the crash. Majestic declares itself fighting fit for tough market ahead By Andrew Catchpole Majestic Wines full year results to 2 April 2018 reported group sales up 2.3%, driven by underlying sales growth of 11% at Naked Wines, in line with the companys forecasts. Strong growth from Nakeds growing Australian and US operations helped underpin growth, while the group as a whole said is has now paid down debt to below target levels. Profitability at the Majestic retail chain remained flat, with underlying sales growth of 1.9%, put down to improved cost controls being offset by pressure on margins from unfavourable foreign exchange. Looking ahead, chief group executive Rowan Gormley described a UK market that would remain tough, possibly even tougher than last year, and talked of the robustness of the current Majestic business model. The group believes that its test and learn investments in its Majestic stores, which has seen shelving introduced to allow ease of shop and free up staff in terms of stocking up time, plus consolidation of Majestic and Nakeds distribution at one centre, place it well to weather an ongoing challenging retail environment. Majestics trading director Richard Weaver highlighted the central strategy of targeting customer acquisition, with a spend by Naked Wines of 14m to this end, and further investments planned for Majestic. We have been investing in new customers, and announced our intention to double our rate of investment in customer acquisition, with a spend of 5m to 8m planned to do that for this financial year, said Weaver. Majestic Commercial, which hit a rocky patch in recent years against ambitious plans for growth, mainly down to the troubled casual dining sector and fierce competition, will be more of a focus in 2018, with the appointment of new managing director Olivia Fitzgerald in April, who comes from a background of selling into on-trade and has a revitalised sales team in place. Sales at the companys third retail estate, Lay and Wheeler, remained flat as Majestic continues to unravel its heavy reliance on the fine wine and en primeur market, while looking to build a more sustainable business with subscription and a fine wine club potentially planned looking ahead. We have been in transformation mode for the last two to three years, what Rowan describes as a war mentality for the management team, so while other retailers are restructuring for straitened times, we have already done a lot of the heavy lifting, said Weaver. Gormely was similarly bullish about Majestics resilience in the face of a challenging environment. If the UK is headed for a retail crisis, as some commentators are suggesting, then we are planning for a great crisis, he said. We founded Naked Wines during the financial crisis of 2008 and proved that investing in acquiring customers and generating loyalty through great products and service, will drive profitable growth even in a tough market. 140618VICE PRESIDENT HAPPY WITH CEREMONY New Dawn FM News The ABG Vice President, RAYMOND MASONO today thanked the people of LULE and the people of TONSU for setting the way for other constituencies to prepare their areas as weapons ready before December this year. MR. MASONO made these comments at the retrieving of remains of a former fighter from BUIN who was buried at Novah on Buka island. MR. MASONO said he had to take nearly half of the Bougainville parliament to the ceremony as a show of confidence of such activities been carried out by the people themselves. He said he has not seen such events in the past and wanted to witness so that similar activities can be held in other areas of Bougainville. The Vice President congratulated the member for LULE JOSEPH NABUAI and the member for TONSU IZIKIEL MASAT for making this event possible. He said that Bougainville needs more of these ceremonies to clear outstanding issues before the referendum in 2019. Other members who spoke highly of the ceremony were the Speaker, SIMON PENTANU. Minister ALBERT PUNGHAU and JOSEPH WATAWI. Ends HawaiiNeed $75K Income to Afford 2br Apartment From NLIHC, June, 2018 In Hawaii, the Fair Market Rent (FMR) for a two-bedroom apartment is $1,879. In order to afford this level of rent and utilities without paying more than 30% of income on housing a household must earn $6,263 monthly or $75,158 annually. Assuming a 40-hour work week, 52 weeks per year, this level of income translates into an hourly Housing Wage of: $36.13 PER HOUR STATE HOUSING WAGE (On Oahu the housing wage is $39.06 -- In Hawaii County it is $25.42, thanks to the subdivisions shifting the supply demand equation.) NLIHC: Hawaii Statistics NLIHC: How Much do you Need to Earn to Afford a Modest Apartment in Your State? CB: Honolulu Workers Need $39 An Hour To Afford A 2-Bedroom Rental APPLY NOW FOR CONSERVATION ACQUISITION ASSISTANCE FROM HAWAII COMMUNITY FOREST AND FOREST News Release from DLNR, June 13, 2018 (HONOLULU) Are you a private landowner, non-profit group, or local government agency interested in protecting and managing forested lands? The Department of Land and Natural Resources (DLNR), Division of Forestry and Wildlife is seeking new projects for two federally-funded forest acquisition programs: the Community Forest Program and the Hawaii Forest Legacy Program. The Community Forest Program offers matching funds to local governments and non-profit conservation organizations for fee title acquisition of forests. Forests purchased through this program are owned by local governments and/or non-profit land conservation groups and managed to provide public benefits, including access and recreation, watershed protection, wildlife habitat, and economic benefits from timber and non-timber products. Forests acquired through this program must be privately-owned land that is at least five acres in size and at least 75 percent forested. Additional information can be found at https://www.fs.fed.us/managing-land/private-land/community-forest/program and applications are due June 29, 2018. DLNR is excited to now offer the new Community Forest Program that provides important resources to communities interested in managing and protecting their forest land. This program provides a unique opportunity for community groups, private landowners, and local governments to work together to preserve Hawaiis forests and leave a lasting legacy for the local community, said Suzanne Case, DLNR Chairperson. The Hawaii Forest Legacy Program works with private landowners, state and county agencies, and conservation non-profit groups to protect forests from conversion to non-forest uses and promote sustainable, working forests. This program differs from the Community Forest Program in that it accepts both conservation easement and fee title acquisitions from willing private landowners for forested lands. Most of the Forest Legacy projects in Hawaii have been conservation easements, which allow landowners to retain ownership of the restricted title to their property while providing permanent protection from development or unsustainable uses. Program information can be found at http://dlnr.hawaii.gov/forestry/lap/forest-legacy/ and applications are due August 10, 2018. The majority of forest land in Hawaii is privately owned. With the help of land trusts and conservation-minded landowners, we have been able to protect 47,000 acres in the state through the Forest Legacy Program, Case said. We are hoping to expand these programs to include additional priority forest areas, she noted. Landowners, counties and non-profits interested in participating in either program are encouraged to contact Tanya Rubenstein at the DLNR Division of Forestry and Wildlife at (808) 587-0027 or by email at Tanya.Rubenstein@hawaii.gov to discuss their property and/or interest in the programs prior to submitting an application. ---30--- What is Going on at OHA? Dear Friend, June 13, 2018 Why is OHA being so grossly mismanaged? Who are the trustees and why arent they doing anything? These are the questions I have been investigating for months. What I found has inspired me to switch from the at-large race to the Oahu race. The pivotal vote for enacting change at OHA will come from the Oahu seat my home seat. To inspire real change at OHA, we must remove CEO Crabbe. As has been outlined in the audits of OHA and my articles , he has mismanaged OHA for years and should no longer be the CEO. As Oahu representative, I will work with other Board Trustees to enact needed change and begin the leadership reform that must to take place. I will fight for the issues that affect all of us here on Oahu, such as the vastly important Kakaako Makai development project which represents a tremendous opportunity for Hawaiians on Oahu. Oahu is my home, I was born and raised on Oahu and it would be a great honor to continue serving its people as my primary responsibility as OHA Trustee. But to serve at OHA, we need to win the primary on August 11. In this election every bit of support you can manage makes a great difference. So please, consider contribution just $25 to our campaign and help us reach our ultimate goal of making OHA work for Native Hawaiians, not for the ego and power of its leadership! Mahalo, Sam King #TimeToFixOHA (Bloomberg) Rob Citrone is seeing a comeback in his hedge fund Discovery Capital Management after profiting last month from the market turmoil in Europe. His main fund surged 10.6 percent in May, paring losses this year to about 2 percent, according to a person with knowledge of the matter. The fund had been down about 11 percent until Mays rebound and lost about 8 percent last year, said the person, who asked not to be identified because the matter is private. Citrones Global Macro fund erased losses this year after gaining about 13 percent in May. To read this article: Lintila on Wednesday told the newspaper that the report indicates that there is no reason to assume that any wrongdoings or wasting of tax money have taken place. Business Finland has submitted a report on the collaboration agreement between IBM and the Finnish Funding Agency for Technology and Innovation (Tekes) to Mika Lintila (Centre), the Minister of Economic Affairs, reports Helsingin Sanomat. Related posts: Lintila to request report on collaboration deal between Tekes and IBM (07 June, 2018) Helsingin Sanomat revealed earlier this month that the extensive collaboration agreement the objective of which was to establish a centre of excellence to develop cutting-edge health technology in Finland has neither progressed according to plan nor created the jobs that were promised, driving the state-run agency into a crisis. Tekes, the newspaper wrote, states in the agreement that it intends to invest up to 150 million euros in the project through its various funding programmes. IBM, in turn, was expecting the project to grow into a business worth 400 million euros per annum. The agreement was signed in the latter half of 2016. Tekes emphasises in its report that the agreement is essentially a letter of intent that describes anticipated investments in developing digital health care and the artificial intelligence ecosystem but lays out no euro-denominated or operator-specific funding commitments. I trust the response of the officials, Lintila said to Helsingin Sanomat on Wednesday. IBM, he pointed out, has according to the report received no funding or services that were unavailable to other companies. The agreements monitoring group will definitely have to determine to what extent the objectives laid out in the letter of intent have been met and if theres something that should be done differently going forward, said Lintila. Tekes and Finpro were consolidated at the start of the year to form Business Finland. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: Vesa Moilanen Lehtikuva The Metropolitan Police reveals in a press release that the 29-year-old man was stopped by police officers as he was attempting to board a connecting flight at Heathrow Airport shortly after 11pm on Sunday, 10 June. A Finnish national has been arrested on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts in London, the United Kingdom, by the Metropolitan Police, reports Helsingin Sanomat. The destination of the flight has not been disclosed. The man was placed under arrest on suspicion of preparation of terrorist acts the following morning, while counter-terrorism detectives were granted a warrant for detaining him for roughly a week on Tuesday, 12 June. He is being held at a police station in southern London. Helsingin Sanomat on Wednesday wrote that the arrest has been confirmed by a spokesperson for the Finnish Ministry for Foreign Affairs. The spokesperson refrained from providing any further details of the case, such as whether the suspect was living in Finland. The newspaper also highlighted that the man is already the third Finnish national to have been arrested under counter-terrorism laws in the United Kingdom since 2016. One of the men was convicted of preparation of terrorist acts in June 2016, while the other was acquitted of the terrorism charges but sentenced to imprisonment for other offences in early 2018. Aleksi Teivainen HT Photo: Andrew Cowie AFP/Lehtikuva Remember When What kind of sound brings you into a reflective or peaceful place? Maybe the wind blowing the leaves around or... Wheres the voters fraud? As a resident of Davison Township, I see township clerk campaign signs saying Stop Voter Fraud. What is she talking... Kids need additional supports outside the classroom now more than ever For the first time in a year and a half, the majority of Michigans kids are back in the classroom,... Comm100 Launches AI Chatbot, Expands N.Am. Effort Artificial intelligence is improving processes and operations on a wide variety of fronts from customer service, to marketing and sales, and beyond. Chatbots are one of the specific areas in which AI driving improvement. And Comm100 is explaining how. The digital customer conversation solution provider today unveiled a second-generation, AI-enhanced version of its chatbot. It is available now. Comm100s initial chatbot could deliver pre-programmed answers to certain, pre-programmed questions. However, this new chatbot employs AI and natural language processing (text-based, not audio) to understand and respond to customer intents without being programmed for them, explains Kaye Chapman, the companys customer experience and training expert. That enables the new chatbot to respond to customer inquiries. It can also assist customers in completing transactions, such as paying a credit card bill. It can even see what a customer bought in the past to attain data on customer preferences and details such as shoe size, says Jeff Epstein, Comm100s vice president of product marketing and communications. The second-generation chatbot is based on Comm100s own technology paired with the Google Dialogflow. Googles NLP engine supports a wide array of different languages. Also new with the second-generation Comm100 chatbot is integration with Shopify. That provides agents who work with the chatbot to see customers current shopping carts and order histories. The new chatbot also allows for co-browsing, although this feature is not yet AI powered. However, Comm100 plans to employ AI for that in the future. (And, to ensure privacy, the current co-browsing feature requires the visitor to request and accept co-browsing.) The companys chatbot technology is used by a variety of companies in banking and finance, higher education, manufacturing, retail and ecommerce, and other verticals. For example, a Brazilian bank uses the chatbot in an online banking application. And some retailers employ the Comm100 chatbot to help their live agents find answers more quickly for website visitors. Today about 60 percent of Comm100s business is in Asia Pac. The other 40 percent is in the Western Hemisphere. But now the company is making a big push into North America, and the AI-enabled chatbot is a key part of that effort. Were about to crash open the barn doors and come into the North American market with a nine-year-old solution that's been proven. And weve added some horsepower to it, says Epstein. Edited by Maurice Nagle In 1877 Yellowstone National Park played host to the U.S. Armys war against the Nez Perce. FOR MUCH OF ITS FIRST TWO CENTURIES THE UNITED STATES was bent on conquering the wilderness. Cities rose from bare ground, forests were shorn for timber, open fields were subdued by plow, and indigenous peoples were pushed aside. But a dramatic reimagining of this philosophical course was signaled on March 1, 1872, when President Ulysses S. Grant signed An Act to set apart a certain Tract of Land lying near the Head-waters of the Yellowstone River as a public Park, shielding more than two million wilderness acres (most in northwest Wyoming) from development and creating the nations first national park. Such were its panoramic vistas, violently beautiful geysers, unique geological formations, and ominously bubbling hot springs that writers had dubbed it Wonderland. But just five years after its creation, Yellowstone National Park played host to a final stage of the last major military campaign pitting the U.S. Army against Native Americans: the Nez Perce War of 1877. Until that time, the Nez Perce, writes historian Elliott West, were arguably the nations strongest and most persistent ally in the Far West; a contemporary declared them the best type of Indians. The Nez Perceor Nimiipuu, as they called themselvesprovided timely aid to Meriwether Lewis and William Clark and then tried to follow a path that preserved their tribal dignity while accepting but moderating white encroachment. Though often viewed as a homogeneous entity, the Nez Perce were a deeply fractured society whose differences would factor into the 1877 conflict. Their homeland in the Columbia River Plateau of the Pacific Northwest put the Nez Perce somewhat off the main currents of settlers. Tribal clans living along the Clearwater River regularly traveled to the Great Plains to hunt buffalo, while others bordering the Salmon and Snake Rivers were stay-at-homes content to fish. Christian missionaries found a tolerant reception among upper Nez Perce living in the northern home country but encountered opposition from the lower Nez Perce. But the deepest split in the tribe was caused by a series of U.S. treaties. THE FIRST OF THE TREATIES WAS NEGOTIATED IN 1855 by Isaac Stevens, the first governor of Washington Territory, who cleverly kept the Nez Perce areas intact while dispossessing weaker neighboring tribes, thus muting Nimiipuu opposition. A second treaty, prompted by a fleeting 1863 gold strike, slashed tribal areas to 10 percent of what they had been. Its U.S. negotiators chose to assume that one of the few Nez Perce who accepted the treaty (a man known as Lawyer) spoke for the rest of the tribe; they maintained that the resulting agreement applied to all. The Nez Perce were now divided into a Treaty faction (those already living inside the designated reservation) and a Non-treaty faction (outsiders wanting better terms). The dissidents remained on the contested land and hoped the problems created by what they called the steal treaty would vanish. The Non-treaty faction was a loose end that the U.S. government was determined to tie up. After the Battle of the Little Bighorn in 1876, the Non-treaty headmen were given short notice to relocate onto the government reservation by choice or force. Nimiipuu leaders grudgingly decided to move, and the five affected tribal bands readied themselves for resettlement. For an embittered few, the years of humiliations sparked a violent frenzy against white settlements along the Salmon River in northwest Idaho Territory, on June 1416, 1877, that saw 18 settlers killed and at least one raped. If the Non-treaty leaders had doubts about whether the U.S. government would respond to these aggressions, they were put to rest on June 17, when a force of more than 100 cavalry and militia attacked their camps in White Bird Canyon. The poorly led cavalrymen were savaged by 65 Nez Perce warriors, who killed 34 of them. With indiscriminate retaliation inevitable, the Non-treaty tribes evacuated the area, beginning on June 18. The U.S. Army pursued, forging the basic dynamic of the 1877 Nez Perce War. By August 23, the involuntarily nomadic Nimiipuu about 700 men, women, and children, including some 150 warriors passed through what is today Yellowstone National Parks west entrance. They entered without any apprehensions, though according to a western traveler named C. W. Hatch, many whites believed that they had a superstitious dread of this hot water country, and never go into it. The tribal member with overall responsibility at the time was Lean Elk (a.k.a. Poker Joe), highlighting an often misunderstood aspect of Nez Perce leadership. When multiple bands of Nez Perce acted together, leaders were chosen in the moment, based on the critical skills needed at the time. Lean Elk, who had been chosen in early August to lead the group, was selected to succeed a warrior chief because of his familiarity with the Montana region and the lack of any imminent military threat. Chief Joseph of the Wallowa band of Nez Perce was a civil leadernot the master commander proclaimed by later writers. In fact there were times, according to a warrior present, when Joseph was hard to persuade to stay in the fight. The U.S. Armys chains of command, brimming with former Civil War officers, guaranteed there would be a lot of chefs in the kitchen. General William Tecumseh Sherman insisted that the Nez Perce merited punishment as a tribe, including the hanging of captured headmen. Under Sherman were the leaders of the principal military regions engaged in the conflict: Lieutenant General Philip Sheridan of the Division of the Missouri and Major General Irvin McDowell of the Division of the Pacific. Brigadier General Oliver Otis Howard (reporting through McDowell) commanded the Department of the Columbia in Oregon, which included the Nez Perce lands. Howard directed the pursuit, and, to marshal the force needed, Sherman promptly authorized him to ignore jurisdictional boundaries. This proved a difficult asset to deploy since different departments, following priorities that had nothing to do with the Nez Perce, often based their units far from the Nimiipuu caravan. Whats more, the Nimiipuu regularly cut telegraph lines, breaking Howards direct contact with the east and forcing him to travel by horseback to find telegraph stations that could get his messages to their desired destinations. Howard was a Civil War veteran with a very mixed record. His poor flank security facilitated Lieutenant General Stonewall Jacksons great success at Chancellorsville, but then his decision to hold the high ground south of Gettysburg secured the Union victory, for which Congress commended him. He was one of the wing commanders under Sherman during the famous marches through Georgia and the Carolinas. After the war he spent seven years running the Freedmans Bureau, which Congress had established in 1865 to help millions of former black slaves and poor whites in the South, only to be hounded out by false charges of fiscal mismanagement. He returned to active military service in 1872, eager for professional redemption. Negotiating with the Nez Perce was never an option for Howard, whose orders were to kill or capture them. He followed a tactical playbook that relied on superior firepower, requiring him to corner the Indians so that his arsenal, including light artillery and Gatling guns, could shred them into submission. But after the routing of U.S. forces at White Bird Canyon, it took Howard some time to concentrate a serious striking force, which allowed the Nez Perce to break contact and move off. The prospect of other tribes joining the Nez Perce was a constant worry for army leaders. Lacking any insightful intelligence about Nimiipuu politics, Howard authorized the detention of the Treaty warrior chief Looking Glass, a man of prestige and solid battle experience, solely on the assumption that he might defect. But the arresting party bungled the job, and the furious headman, who had been ready to sit this one out, joined the Non-treaty bands. With him came 60 warriors plus 16 gun hands from the nearby Palouse tribe. The Nez Perce lingered in Yellowstone until September 6. Evidence suggests that during their sojourn they separated into two large groups and many smaller ones, mostly scouting, security, and hunting parties, moving in all directions. While their general course is mostly understood, firsthand accounts are spiked with ambiguous details. Only toward the end of their time in the park was there any urgency to their movements, because Howards pursuing column had virtually collapsed from exhaustion at Henrys Lake, 30 miles out from the parks western entrance, on August 24. HOW COULD A PROFESSIONAL MILITARY FORCE FALTER while the Nimiipuu men, women, and children pressed on? Part of the answer was certainly motivation. The soldiers were merely following orders, the Nez Perce fleeing for their lives. Just as important, the tribes were accustomed to navigating the challenging terrain, readily improvising to overcome wilderness obstacles; the army forces werent. Howards need for firepower required wagons to carry the guns and ammunition, along with properly trained infantry. For long stretches of the chase, the soldiers had to carve roadways through areas one of his officers recollected as a perfect sea of mountains, gullies, ravines, canyons. Another remembered that the slippery trail was almost impassable, filled with rugged rocks and fallen timber. In contrast, the all-mounted Nez Perce, armed only with the weapons their warriors carried, easily traversed the familiar terrain and made better time. One tourist, Emma Cowan, described how they navigated a heavily timbered section of the park. It was a feat few white people could have accomplished without axe or implements of some sort to cut the way, she recalled. And when the pack animals got wedged between the trees, an old woman would pound them on the head until they backed out. Cowan belonged to one of several tourist groups the Nez Perce encountered in Yellowstone. The Nimiipuu passage to this point had shown two faces. In settled areas they agreed to temporary truces that included formal purchases, while encounters with small civilian groups and individuals elsewhere often ended in killings for supplies, horses, and security. Once within the park the nearly three-mile Nez Perce column compacted, putting the conciliatory headmen in closer contact with the more aggressive scouting parties. It is estimated that eight or nine separate sightseeing groups, totaling at least 25 people, were in the park as the Nez Perce passed through. Although they had been warned that the Nez Perce were in the vicinity, the tourists refused to yield to what one of them termed an old time Indian scare. Two groups were overrun, one (seven men, two women) on August 24, the other (10 men) two days later. In neither case did the tourist groups offer resistance, though Emma Cowans husband, George, projected an overbearing posture that soured what had been a tense but peaceful encounter. The mixed-sex group of tourists was brought into one of the main columns already in motion through a rugged area and were forced to abandon their wagons and goods. Lean Elk warned them that some warriors were in a murderous mood because several Nimiipuu noncombatants had recently been killed. But that news didnt stop two men in the party from escaping. A short time later, while the seven remaining tourists accompanied the caravan, several warriors rode over to shoot George Cowan and another man. Hit several times, Cowan fell with what seemed mortal wounds (he survived), but in the melee three more uninjured men fled into the brush and, like all tourist escapees, were not pursued. The warrior Yellow Wolf, in later acknowledging the incident, maintained that some Nimiipuu were double minded and blamed Cowans shooting on the bad boys. He also declared, We did not want to kill those women. They and the remaining male prisoner were eventually given broken-down horses, escorted to a safe area, and released. The other large tourist party the Nez Perce encountered was attacked without warning on August 26 and scattered. One person was killed, another wounded, and all had some fearful days in the wilderness before they reached safety. In all, two tourists were dead, three were seriously wounded, and the rest scarred with nightmares. The Nez Perce encountered several nontourists in their security sweeps as well. Typically, army scouts and couriers were killed; civilians deemed useful were spared. One such survivor, a prospector named John Shively, was taken on August 23 and, according to his account, guided his captors along some obscure Yellowstone trails before he managed to escape on September 2. He was the source for the often repeated story that while in the park the Nez Perce were lost. We knew that park country, no difference what white people say! insisted Yellow Wolf. What was true was that throughout the long marches, Nez Perce leaders constantly discussed the question Where are we going? Any hopes that the whites were not going to punish all Nez Perce were dashed after White Bird Canyon. The Nez Perce moved north and east to camp on the Clearwater River just within the official reservation boundary, where sympathetic Treaty Nimiipuu assisted them. The internal arguments seem to have been about whether to find a way to remain in the traditional homeland or continue to bison country to seek sanctuary with the historically friendly Crows. CAMP SECURITY WAS UNCHARACTERISTICALLY LAX WHEN THE ARMY UNITS under Howards personal command attacked on July 11. Howard deployed his Gatling guns and 12-pounder howitzers, but to little effect as the warriors continually dispersed. Killed today, there can be no fighting tomorrow, declared one. They also adapted to their enemy, using infiltration tactics to neutralize one howitzer, and targeting officers when receiving attacks (the Nimiipuu proved excellent marksmen). The Clearwater combat extended into the next day, after which the Nez Perce, with their pony herd intact, moved offbuying time with a ruse negotiation. Army losses were 14 killed and 25 wounded; the Nez Perce had four dead and six wounded. Thanks to Looking Glasss fighting prowess, his counsel became paramount. The line of movement now extended east, with a majority agreeing to join the Crows, while a few still eyed the homeland. They maintained a solid lead on their pursuers and believed their Idaho-based nemesis would not follow, when, on August 8, they were struck at Big Hole, Montana Territory. The attacking force of 161 (under Colonel John Gibbon, assigned to Brigadier General Alfred Terrys Department of Dakota) failed to capitalize on its initial success before the Nez Perce counterattacked. Fight! cried the warrior White Bird. Shoot them down. The end of this bloody day saw 34 U.S. soldiers dead and another 38 wounded, while 30 irreplaceable Nimiipuu warriors died with approximately 60 noncombatants. The exhausted U.S. Army force coiled protectively, while the Nimiipuu (pony herd intact) resumed their journey. They would engage in one more fight before they reached Yellowstone National Park, a partly successful spoiling attack on Howards camp on August 20 intended to scatter the army horses. Three days later the Nimiipuu entered the park, having learned from scouts that Howards pursuit had stalled. This allowed a relatively unhurried movement through the park to graze the pony herd and make good some of the wear and tear from the marching and combatsall buying time until the return of four emissaries sent to the Crows. Howard left for Virginia City, Montana Territory (60 miles away), arriving on August 24. There he obtained much-needed supplies for his troops and used the towns telegraph terminal to reconnect with his chain of command. (He was already smarting from local press coverage excoriating him for failing to close with the Nez Perce.) Howard contacted both McDowell and Sherman. Three days earlier he had sent a pessimistic update to McDowell complaining that his men were at the end of their tether and that he was not getting prompt and energetic cooperation from other commands. McDowells forwarded response was utterly unsympathetic. It was Howards responsibility to get the job done, he said, admonishing him to be less dependent on what others at a distance may or may not do, and rely more on your own forces and your own plans. Howard advised Sherman that his column was so much worn by overfatigue and jaded animals that I cannot push it much farther. If he was hoping for a little understanding he got none. Sherman suggested that if matters were as described, Howard should give the command to some young energetic officer and let him direct the pursuit. Howard shifted into full career-protection mode. My duty shall be done fully and to the letter without complaint, he assured McDowell. I never flag, he told Sherman. It was the command, including the most energetic young officers, that were worn out and weary by a most extraordinary march. (This didnt prevent Sherman from dispatching an officer to relieve him, but the man chosenactually older than Howardgot lost and never connected.) Howard returned to Henrys Lake and on August 28 entered Yellowstone, securing some terrified tourists along the way. His supply and bureaucratic issues had given the Nez Perce six days of relief, though elements of his commandscouting parties of Native Americans under white commandremained, actively seeking the Nimiipuu. A small, vigorous force of Bannock tribesmen led by Stanton G. Fisher confirmed evidence of Nez Perce passage and even saw a distant camp readying to march, but they never got any closer than some outposts. The Bannocks, who were primarily motivated by an ancient enmity (they routinely slaughtered Nez Perce stragglers) and the promise of Nimiipuu plunder, eventually lost interest, reducing Fishers force from more than 50 to a dozen. The failure of the scouting parties can be partially attributed to the difficulties of moving across the wilderness and to the intuitive skill of the Nez Perce in the art of misdirection. Centuries of internecine warfare made leaving false trails second nature to them, and they knew Howard could be fooled. Still, it would take one magnificent deception to get out of Yellowstone without confronting an army force positioned to block them. The Nez Perce had three Yellowstone exit options: due north, through Mammoth Hot Springs; northeast, via Clarks Fork; or due east, crossing the Stinking Water (now the Shoshone) River. The northern route was familiar; Nez Perce scouts, encountering army patrols there, had burned Baronett Bridge. The eastern route made sense only if the Crows were extending sanctuary. Its unclear exactly when the Nimiipuu emissaries returned to report that the Crows would remain neutral, but historian Elliott West believes it was August 31. That left Clarks Fork, opening the way to Canada. In all their movements the Nez Perce had made avoiding a fight their top priority, so the trick now was to make the army think their objective was the Stinking Water. For the first time in the campaign a strong army unit would await them. With the Nez Perce columns entering his domain, Sheridan kept his telegraphers busy positioning units to block all exits from the park. About 360 men from the 7th Cavalry reached Clarks Fork on September 1, even before the Nimiipuu began heading there. In command, reporting through Colonel Nelson A. Miles, was Colonel Samuel Sturgis, another Civil War veteran, who had performed well in the Antietam campaign but fumbled badly at Brices Cross Roads. The Nez Perce, aiming to misdirect the enemy, allowed their column to be seen heading toward the Stinking Water crossing. After covertly reversing course, they milled their 2,000 ponies to obscure the critical breakaway point. An army patrol probing toward Stinking Water found a pair of recently killed courier scouts, suggesting that the two had encountered the main body. Another, across Clarks Fork, declared the passage (just 20 feet wide in places) too narrow for large groups. Sturgis convinced himself he was blocking the wrong place and marched his command 20 miles south to Stinking Water, leaving no observers behind. So when the Nez Perce pushed their way down the passage to Clarks Fork, there was no one to stop or even spot them. Afterward Sturgis reportedly exclaimed, Poor as I am I would give $1,000 if I had not left this place. CANADAAND SANCTUARY WITH THE SIOUX REFUGEES THEREnow appears to have been the Nimiipuu objective. This represented a doomsday scenario for army commanders, who believed that a Sioux horde was ready to swarm the border states to assist their Nez Perce brothers. (An exile Sioux council actually convened to consider such an action but refrained when informed that the Canadians would terminate their sanctuary if they did.) The next 20 days of the Nez Perce exodus were marked by skirmishes with some of Sturgiss pursuing army forces, who eventually gave up the chase, spent. Although the Nimiipuu escaped, they made a strategic error in dismissing Howards column. (They had derisively nicknamed its leader General Day-After-Tomorrow.) As long as it remained distant they felt relatively safe, so much so that the hard-driving Lean Elk was once again replaced as leader by the warrior chief Looking Glass, who maintained that Howard did not pose an immediate threat. On September 29 the Nez Perce made camp on Snake Creek near Bear Paw Mountain, intending to stay there a few days. The instrument of their destruction was Miles, with 520 cavalry, infantry, and artillerymen. The ambitious colonel drove his force across plains and rivers, astutely located the Snake Creek encampment, and attacked on September 30. At the end of a hard days combat, Miles had (at high cost) effectively pinned the Nez Perce in place and, most important, scattered the pony herd. Many leading warriors, including Lean Elk and Looking Glass, died in the fighting. The bulk of the trapped party suffered greatly from the suddenly bitter weather, lack of supplies, and artillery. It was Chief Joseph who came forward to negotiate the October 5 surrender. His translated comments included the famous phrase: I will fight no more forever. Miless cordon, however, was anything but airtight, as it allowed some 233 Nez Perce to find their way to Canada. (Some Crow extended kindnesses to them along the way, as, said one, the Crow heart was Nez Perce.) The Sioux welcomed them by providing food and clothing, but within a year most returned to the United States. In 113 days the Nimiipuu had traveled 1,100 miles, crossed the Continental Divide three times, and ended up about 40 miles from Canada. A total of 418 Nez Perce shuffled into captivity. Miles and the late-arriving Howard (riding well ahead of his column) told them that they would eventually be returned to the official reservation, but Miles and Howard were overruled by Sherman, who was seconded by the War Department and subsequently walked back that promise. The mountain-loving Nez Perce were sent to an Oklahoma spot they called the Hot Place, where disease claimed more of them than Howard had. When they were finally allowed to settle on the approved reservation, the Treaty Nez Perce sometimes shunned them. Chief Joseph came to symbolize the tribulations of his people, owing in large measure to Howards repeated references to him as their sole leader. His dignified bearing and commentary elicited much national sympathy and won some concessions for his people. But he was banned from his beloved Wallowa Valley and died in northeast Washington in 1904. Howards subsequent writings and memoirs of the campaign steadfastly shifted blame to inept subordinates and limp intradepartmental cooperation and claimed impossibly large enemy body counts. Most modern assessments conclude that he consistently underestimated both his opponent and his logistical requirements. Until his death he was rankled by contemporary news reporting that gave almost all credit for the final victory to Miles, who claimed the top army command in 1895. The Yellowstone park sojourn came at an important moment in the Nez Perce odyssey. While the Nimiipuu kept a wary eye on Howards often immobile force, the real means of their downfall were being organized and facilitated via telegraph and railroads in a wholly different quadranttechnologies they never understood. Today a 1,170-mile National Park Service trail recognizes their journey. Profound differences of culture, tactics, leadership, and outlook differentiated the Nez Perce from their U.S. Army pursuers. Yet in the greatest irony of the 1877 war, there was a shared sentiment of awe and reverence in the face of the raw power of Wonderland. An officer on Howards staff proclaimed that Yellowstone park held truly the grandest scenery in America, while a journalist along for the campaign doubted if there is a place in all the world in which Nature is at once so mighty and so beautiful. Even though, as Yellow Wolf recalled, the hot smoking springs and the high-shooting water were nothing new, one briefly held tourist never forgot the sight of the curious Nimiipuu looking at the geysers in Fire Hole Basin. MHQ NOAH ANDRE TRUDEAU is the author of nine books, including, mostly recently, Lincolns Greatest Journey: Sixteen Days that Changed a Presidency, March 24April 8, 1865 (Savas Beatie, 2016). This article appears in the Summer 2018 issue (Vol. 30, No. 4) of MHQThe Quarterly Journal of Military History with the headline: Death and Decision in Wonderland In an interview on Fox News Radios Benson and Harf with Guy Benson and Marie Harf, United States Senator Lamar Alexander said we have the best economy in 18 years, lower taxes, the biggest reform in 31 years, and more support for the military than in 15 years with a Republican president and Republican-led Congress. "I think Republicans have been much too defensive," said Senator Alexander. "We got so busy criticizing Congress when President Obama was president, that we enjoyed it so much we just kept doing it after we had a Republican president and Republican Congress. This is the best economy in 18 years. This is the biggest tax change in 31 years. This is more support for the military than 15 years ago. And I think we have to keep talking about it. I do think that the more the economy booms, the more the unemployment rates go down, people are going to connect that to the Republican president and Republican Congress." You can listen to the full interview here and read a partial transcript below. Marie Harf: I was reading the story about this effort that you and your colleague Senator Cruz are undertaking right now and I find it fascinating that your sort of circulating a survey among your Republican colleagues asking about their support for dozens of legislative proposals. And this of course, against the backdrop of Leader McConnell canceling much of August recess, giving you all a little more time to work on things. The list seems really interesting taking another stab at repealing and replacing Obamacare, round two of tax cuts. Can you tell us A, what prompted you to undertake what I actually think is a really fascinating effort, and also B, what youre finding so far from talking to your colleagues about these priorities? Senator Alexander: Well, I can tell you the first. The first is we're painfully aware that only eight years in the last 86, since 1932, have Republicans had both the presidency and the Congress, and if there's one more thing we can pass with 51 votes, we want to do it. Having said that, we believe that in the first 18 months we've gotten more done with the president than about any conservative government in 30 years. When you add up the economy and taxes and support for the military, regulations, Supreme Court Justice. I even carry a little card around with me to give to doubting Thomases on that. But if we can find one thing that we all agree on, and we have to all agree on it, that we could do, we don't want to miss the opportunity to do it. Harf: Are there any issues in the running right now for that one thing? Alexander: Well, there are a lot and so I don't want to prejudge the survey. Senator Ted Cruz, its Ted Cruz's idea, which I think is a good one. He asked me to work with him on it and I am. We're going to report to our caucus in July and to Senator McConnell and see what we can do. What we'd have to do is go through the budget reconciliation process, which sounds kind of wonky, but it takes a couple of weeks to do. So we're not going to start that unless we know we can succeed. Guy Benson: So I just want to back up to something you just said. You have cards printed up with Republican accomplishments that you can hand to people who say youre not doing enough? Alexander: I absolutely do. When I'm in Tennessee, I'll sit down with three or four Republicans and they'll say, Why don't you guys ever do anything? And I'll hand them this card and I say, Okay, I can do this in 30 seconds Best Economy of 18 years, lower taxes, biggest reform in 31 years, more support for the military than in 15 years, regulations, Supreme Court justice, one eighth of all the appeals judges And by the time I get through they say, Oh, I didn't know that. Benson: Its like an elevator pitch and a fact check all rolled into one. Alexander: Well it is. And I gave it to the president, I said, Mr. President, add a sentence to your speech, say you've accomplished more than everybody, but then say, But I couldn't have done it without Republican majority, or there won't be a good reason to elect another Republican majority. Benson: Whats it going to take for Republicans to make sure that youre getting credit for the things that youve done at the ballot box in November? Alexander: That's why I carry around my card. I think we've been much too defensive. We got so busy criticizing the Republican Congress, or the Congress, when President Obama was president, that we enjoyed it so much we just kept doing it after we had a Republican president and Republican Congress, and even Republicans don't stop and think, look, this is the best economy at 18 years. This is the biggest tax change in 31 years. This is more support for the military than 15 years ago. And I think we have to keep talking about it. I do think that the more the economy booms, the more the unemployment rates go down, people are going to connect that to the Republican president and Republican Congress. And I do see the generic difference between Democrat and Republican voters narrowing. And I think the tax bill is the main reason for it. Benson: Whats the status on health care, generally?... What are you guys trying to do to help Americans who see their costs rising because of Obamacare? Alexander: Within the next week, the Secretary of Labor is going to make a final regulation that will allow millions more Americans, self-employed people, people who work for small businesses, to have access to the employer market. About 180 million of us get our insurance on the job. Our insurance is cheaper because we get a tax break. This has protections for preexisting conditions, other protections like that. We're going to make that available in Association Health Plans. So that's the step that we can take. Brixton group Alabama 3 have announced an intimate acoustic set in Kildare. Upstairs at JRB's in Newbridge -- a dedicated live music venue in Kildare -- will host the British group who blend electronic music, blues, country, gospel, and spoken word styles. They last released album in 2016 with Blues. Their most well-known track, Woke Up This Morning, is famous for being on opening titles of HBO hit series, The Sopranos. Support on the night comes from local Newbridge-based band Appo and The Disappointments. Advertisement The show takes place on July 12. Tickets are priced at 22.50 and are on sale now. The Northern-Ireland musician releases UK & Irish tour dates alongside their new single. The minimal instrumentation in 'Human' gives free rein to the devastating power of Kitt's vocals. It's both a plea and a powerful grasp at understanding. 'Human' is the first single from Kitt Philippa's debut album, due for release in Autumn/Winter 2018. Check out Kitt's summer tour dates here: 12th July 18 East Side Tavern, Dublin 13th July 18 Islington, London 14th July 18 Latitude, Suffolk 09th Aug 18 - Open House, Ireland 11th Aug 18 - Stendhal Festival, Ireland Advertisement Listen to 'Human' here: Piprework's Dublin Festival France 100, which is a celebration of the last one hundred years of the French organ and choral tradition, is running from now until this Sunday. Christ Church Cathedral, Dublin Unitarian Church, Whitefriar Street Church, St. Patricks Cathedral and St. Michaels Church Dun Laoghaire will resound with glorious uplifting music performed by world class master musicians. Taking its cue from the centenaries of Claude Debussy, Charles Gounod and Lili Boulanger, Pipeworks celebrates the last 100 years of the French organ and choral tradition. Over the five day festival audiences will be treated to a rich and diverse programme of music featuring Irish based virtuoso organists David Adams, Fergal Caulfield, David Leigh, Tristan Russcher with Frances phenomenal Thomas Ospital making his first recital appearance in Ireland. Also featured are RTE National Symphony Orchestra conducted by David Brophy, The Choir of St. Bartholomews Church accompanied by Andrew Johnstone, Martin Johnson (Violincello) and Adele Johnson (Viola) and Emily Kilkenny Roddy (Dancer) in a piece choreographed by Justine Doswell. I am delighted to announce the programme of the 2018 Pipeworks Festival. The French organ tradition of the last 100 years is a rich vein to mine, and we are pleased to feature some of Irelands leading musicians in inspirational surroundings to explore it," said Justin. "In our much valued partnership with the recital series in St Michaels Church, Dun Laoghaire, we are thrilled to welcome young French virtuoso Thomas Ospital, and we are proud to continue our relationship with the National Symphony Orchestra, who will perform the Irish premiere of Thierry Escaichs virtuosic and turbulent First Organ Concerto, alongside Saint-Saens much loved Organ Symphony. "I am confidant that hardened organ enthusiasts and lovers of classical music alike will find much to enjoy in this Francophile feast said David Leigh, Festival Director. Full festival programme with individual concert dates, ticket prices and booking details are all available on their website: www.pipeworks.ie/festival The debut album from Karen Sheridan, aka Slow Skies, arrives after several years sharpening her material on the live circuit, where she has supported the likes of St. Vincent and James Vincent McMorrow. 'Fire', meanwhile, is an assured piece of indie-pop showcasing Sheridan's melodic flair. Though the middle section flirts with MOR, the final third of Realign features some of its strongest material. On these tunes, producer Conal Herron seduces the listener with warm, shimmering synths. Described as indie-folk in some quarters, thanks to her imaginative arrangements and finely-honed melodies, Slow Skies is a long way from cookie-cutter acoustic ballads. Indeed, tracks like the beautiful, dreamy 'Map Out' and the deeply melancholic 'A Place In Time' mark her out as an artist to watch very closely. A great beginning. As an existing print subscriber it is easy to get FREE access to all our online content. When you click get started below it will walk you through creating an online account to attach your print subscription number to. After your account is created it will ask you to either add a subscription for online access or click on the print subscriber button. Click the print subscriber button header and it will open a dropdown, now click on get started. The page will reload and you will be prompted to enter an account number and a zip code. IT IS VERY IMPORTANT TO USE THE NUMBER OFF OF THE MOST RECENT ISSUE OR ANYTHING AFTER JANUARY 28, 2019 TO GAIN ACCESS! OLD ACCOUNT NUMBERS WILL NOT WORK The account number and zip code are easily available on your most recent issue of the High Plains Journal or Midwest Ag Journal in the address fields as is shown here. Sometimes the account number has extra zero's in front of it, just ignore those. Subscribing to our services is a three step process. First you have to create an account and then you have to pick if you want to subscribe to digital and or print. Some people only want to be a digital subscriber to get access online and others want to also receive the print edition. If you are already a print subscriber and want online access, it is free, you simply have to create an online account and then attach your print subscription account number to the online account you create. The Tivoli Theatre Foundation is hosting its Broadway Open House at the Tivoli Theatre Monday from 6-7:30 p.m. At the open house guests will be able to pick seats from available inventory and purchase subscriptions for the upcoming Trust Company of Tennessee Broadway at the Tivoli 2018-19 season. There will be complimentary champagne and light snacks in the lobby in addition to the playing of select musical numbers from titles of this years Broadway season. The Tivoli will open two hours early at 4 p.m. for Friends of the Tivoli at the Supporter ($250) donation level and above. These eligible Friends will get the first chance to secure the best remaining seats for the 2018-2019 Trust Company of Tennessee at the Tivoli Season and be part of a special reception on the Tivoli Theatre stage featuring the Mighty Wurlitzer and giveaways. To become a Friend of the Tivoli contact Nick Wilkinson with the Tivoli Theatre Foundation at 432-1888 or nwilkinson@TivoliChattanooga.com. John Vosburgh, left, incoming superintendent, School Committee Chairman Paul Butler and retiring Town Administrator Mark Webber at Tuesday's Selectmen's meeting. Cheshire Town Administrator Planning to Retire Next Year CHESHIRE, Mass. Mark Webber, who has been the town administrator for nearly 10 years, is to retire next year. "I'm going to leave at some point yet to be determined," Webber said at Tuesday's Selectmen's meeting. "I'm old." Selectwoman Carol Francesconi announced Monday night at town meeting that Webber planned to retire and pointed out that the town administrator salary line item had been increased from $20,910 to $40,000 for fiscal 2019. The Selectmen plan to hire a part-time town administrator to replace Webber but increased the salary to attract a candidate who would work more than the one day that he does. "We did this in advance of in anticipation of a transition," Francesconi said. "He may not go until May of next year." Webber will continue to be in town one day a week. Webber could not recall exactly when started with Cheshire but noted he left and came back and collectively probably has around 10 years total with the town. Town Clerk Christine Emerson recalled he was first hired in the early 2000s, left in 2010 and returned in 2012. Francesconi said the town has yet to outline a hiring process but will most likely do what it has done in the past. "We haven't really looked into it yet but when we looked for our current town administrator, we advertised and we did job interviews," she said. In other business, the Selectmen met with John Vosburgh, incoming Adams-Cheshire Regional School District superintendent, who said he is currently transitioning into the position that he will officially start at the beginning of the fiscal year "I am trying to meet with as many people as I can and tour the schools," the Taconic High School principal said. "I am just trying to get around to as many places as I can so on July 2, it will still be a steep learning curb, it won't be as daunting of a task I am learning a lot an am looking forward to it." The School Committee voted to hire Vosburgh in April to replace current Robert Putnam, who is retiring June 30. Vosburgh went on to say he was excited to be working in a smaller community and promised to be transparent with its residents. He acknowledged that moving from the position of principal in Pittsfield to superintendent of the two-town district is a big step but one he is prepared to make. "I've got a lot to learn. I am going from a principal of a large high school but a principal which I don't think is bad thing but it is still big jump," he said. "But it is one that I am prepared to make." School Committee Chairman Paul Butler said Vosburgh will attend a superintendent training program and that he knew Vosburgh would be a good fit for the district. "I just had a great sense about John, and I saw his demeanor and his honesty," he said. "Everything about his personality was a good fit for us so I think we have a good match." Selectman Robert Ciskowski agreed. "Same candidates answered their questions with words, but his answers really had meaning. He didn't dance, he didn't dodge and he didn't hide anything," he said. "I think we are going to work together just fine." Francesconi left Vosburgh with something to remember. "One word of advice," she said. "Don't forget about Cheshire." NOTICE: The Hamilton County Registers Office did not publish this data. All information in the Registers Office is public information as set out in T.C.A. 10-7-503. For questions regarding this report, please call Chattanoogan.com at 423 266-2325. GI numbers, listed when street addresses are not available, refer to the location of transactions (book number and page number) in Hamilton County Register Office records. 5 Premium Building Lots In The Developing Crown Harbor Community To Go Up For Auction Greater Chattanooga Realtors Donate $10,000 To Snack Pack Price Increases In Nashville Send Clear Message To Jump In The Market Now Five premium building lots in the developing Crown Harbor community are set to be auctioned by Compass Auctions on Oct. 28. The lots featured are situated in the luxury waterfront development ... (click for more) Greater Chattanooga Realtors presented a $10,000 check to Janice Robertson, founder of the Snack Pack Food Ministry during a realtor volunteering event. Greater Chattanooga Realtors ... (click for more) The North Kingstown School Committee adjourned their public session after only twenty minutes on Tuesday after committee members said several attendees werent wearing masks. The biweekly meeting was cut short in the middle of the citizens comments portion began when School Committee Chairman Gregory Blasbalg took a moment to address the attendees and ask them to wear masks. He had already made the request once at the commencement of the meeting when some people were made to leave the room after refusing to put a mask on. Do you believe local school boards or town council's should require the public wear a mask to attend its meetings? Why or why not? Let us know in this week's poll question below. You voted: CHI Memorial Center for Healthy Aging is hosting a Dementia Caregiver Support Group on Monday, June 25 from 6:30-7:30 p.m. at CHI Memorial Ooltewah Imaging Center, 6401 Mountain View Road. "Dementia is a life-changing diagnosis. Caring for a loved one with dementia can leave the caregiver feeling exhausted, angry or guilty. The support group will give caregivers an opportunity to meet with others who understand the demands and stresses of caring for someone with dementia," officials said. The focus of this meeting will be dementia caregiver burnout. Discussion topics include: What is caregiver burnout with dementia patients; recognizing signs of caregiver burnout; and managing caregiver guilt. The support group will be led by Adrian Boyd, social worker with CHI Memorial Center for Healthy Aging. There is no charge to attend the Dementia Caregiver Support Group. To RSVP, or for more information, call 423-682-8150. The bi-monthly Blues and Jazz in the Park series has always been a fan favorite that seemingly has no limitations, not even the weather. The rain didnt stop local music lovers from recently hearing Mr. 69 Ways & the Chocolate Shop Band at Watkins Park. The performance, part of the twice-a-month Blues and Jazz in the Park concert series, moved across the street to its rain location, the American Legion Post 249. The turnout was great, just as its been since he started performing at the concert series two years ago, Christopher Mr. 69 Ways to Learn Martin said. Jazz in the Park brings everyone out from all directions, Martin said. My music is mainly for the older crowd with blues and slight R&B, but there is never any trouble and everyone comes together. Blues and Jazz in the Park began 21 years ago when members of the American Legion asked for their commanders to adopt a park and host events within the community. It was then that Steve Barnett, former commander at the American Legion, and John Conner, retired Watkins Park director, collaborated to create Blues and Jazz in the Park at Watkins Park. The event alternates with blues on one Sunday and jazz on the next. The first year, the event drew a few hundred people, Barnett said. Now, Blues and Jazz in the Park draws about 1,500 to 2,000 weekly attendees from around the state and has never been canceled due to weather. Blues and Jazz in the Park offers an entertaining and safe environment for music lovers and their families or those looking for something fun to do. On sunny days, families and friends bring lawn chairs, set up tents to enjoy good food, good conversation and plenty of laughs while listening to good music. This program for 21 years has never suffered an arrest. Barnett said. IMPD does an excellent job of community policing at the event. You dont even notice them and dont think about police being there. There have been no drugs or no fights. We still wonder how we pulled this off without any negativism. Barnett and Conner prefer to bring in local artists because of the cost and neglect of Indianapolis talent. We have so much great talent in Indianapolis, Barnett said. We do not do enough to promote musicians in Indianapolis. Indianapolis is the only city Ive seen in my life that has a great talent pool but neglects it. Local artist Ken Skelton, one of five members in the blues band Harpman and Friends, has performed at Blues in the Park for two consecutive years. For the first few years, I would always come and check out the other bands, Skelton said. Then, I finally got the call to perform. The crowd is always geared up and very well-behaved. This event is so popular that attendees begin calling in March to find out the summer dates and request various local artists for Blues and Jazz in the Park, Barnett said. Barnett is extremely proud of the success of the concert series and says it will always hold a special place in the organizers hearts. Blues and Jazz in the Park is our baby, Barnett said. Contact staff writer Loren Dent at 317-762-7853. Interested in attending Blues and Jazz in the Park? Check out the remaining summer dates below and visit www.Indy.gov/concerts for more information. 5p.m. June 24 Jazz: The Sandy Lomax Ensemble 5p.m. July 15 Blues: Harvey & the Blue Tones 5p.m. Aug. 12 Jazz: Chubby & the All Stars 4p.m. Sept. 16 Blues: Todd Harrold Group Local bands interested in performing at Blues and Jazz in the Park should contact Steve Barnett at 317-657-7848. With summer underway, people are looking for vacation spots around America and the world. If youre over the traditional cookie-cutter vacation, these five websites, all ran by black women, are turning the tide by offering a meaningful experience or adventure to help people find the vacation of their dreams. Bucket List Beasts Like your travel with a lot of adventure? Bucket List Beasts is for you. Bungee jumping in New Zealand? Check! Diving with great white sharks in South Africa? Check! Drinking cobra blood in Indonesia? Check! Or traveling to unknown locations on Mystery Trips? Check! Bucket List Beasts was created for passionate individuals who want to live life to the max! Bucket List Beasts caters to all these adventures and more. Created by Sonjia Mackey, a woman whos traveled each continent, and is an adventurer to the core. On the groups Facebook page is where youll find tips, articles, videos, meet ups and more. www.facebook.com/BucketListBeasts Nomadness Travel Tribe If youre a millennial looking to unite with like-minded travelers, Nomadness Travel Tribe could be for you. Members of the tribe connect via social media as well as in person on group trips abroad. Traveling to places like India, South Africa and Samoa, Nomadness strives to show Black travelers the world and show the world that Black people travel. Founded by Evita Robinson, a three times expatriate, in 2011, Nomadness was first in the urban travel movement and caters to millennials, according to the website. The mission is to show the world that travel has no racial, gender, religious, economic or interest limitations through our community representation and relevancy. The tribe, as they call themselves, consists of more than 19,000 Black and brown millennials whove made almost 30 international group trips. Group members connect via the groups Facebook page. Anyone can join the tribe if you have at least one stamp on your passport. Robinson, also started The NOMADNESS Project web series for travelers. The web series is co-executive produced by Issa Rae. nomadnesstv.com Tastemakers Cherae Robinsons Tastemakers is a website geared towards the Black traveler with aspirations of visiting the Motherland. The sites goal is to change global perceptions about travel to Africa. It also has a mobile application that links curious travelers to unique cultural experiences from Cairo to Cape Town and Addis Ababa to Accra. By connecting travelers to local curators, who create a unique experience, Tastemakers is an all-access site that can book your entire vacation excluding flight fees. The website aims to make Africa a destination for more travelers who wouldnt usually see Africa as a prime vacation spot. tastemakersafrica.com Travel Noire Travel Noire is all about making vacation as cost-effective as possible. Glamour magazine award-winning creator Zim Ugochukwu gives tips on getting around traditional costs. Her site provides information on future trips and what can be cut out to save you money all over the world. The goal of the website is to connect you with guides all over the globe who curate trips for your personal preferences. Trip curators live in a variety of areas to give you different experiences of your travel destinations. Their goal is to take you from wherever you are and help you discover your inner explorer. travelnoire.com Up in the Air Life From a nine-day trip to Tanzania to a weekend Kentucky Bourbon Experience, Up in the Air Life is a full-service travel company that focuses on luxury service and 5-star accommodations. Up in the Air Life handles flights, hotels and tours. Up in the Air Life also has event coordinators in major cities to provide experiences every month. You can join a community of 17,000 travelers on the groups Facebook page and see photos from trips, hear stories and share information. Founder Claire Soares got her start in vacation planning when she planned a trip to Six Flags in New Jersey for 100 of her high school classmates. As an adult, she noticed an underserved population in the travel community those who love to travel but prefer luxurious accommodations over backpacking. upintheairlife.com travle stock photos Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honore, an Army veteran and expert on emergency and disaster preparedness, will be the featured keynote speaker for 2018 Equal Opportunity Day on June 20 held by the Indianapolis Urban League. Honore, who retired from the Army after 37 years of service, is now a go-to authority who helps organizations develop strategic preparedness plans and helps shape leaders. Honore led the Department of Defense response to hurricanes Katrina and Rita and as commander of Joint Task Force Katrina, he became known as the Category 5 General, for his leadership in coordinating military relief efforts after Hurricane Katrina. A native of Lakeland, Louisiana, Honore is often featured on CNN for his expertise. Highly decorated, Honore was a second lieutenant of infantry and received a bachelors degree in vocational agriculture from Southern University and A&M College. He has a masters degree in human resources from Troy State University, and he holds several doctoral degrees as well as. He has written three books, Survival: How a Culture of Preparedness Can Save You and Your Family from Disasters, Leadership in the New Normal and his latest, Dont Get Stuck on Stupid: Leadership in Action, which challenges society in the age of the new normal a business environment where change and unpredictability are constants and individual resilience is mandatory. Lt. Gen. Russel L. Honore SRMT Chief Michael Conners Jr., American Legion Post 1479 Adjutant Dwight Bero and New York State Senator Betty Little (R, C, IP-Queensbury), 45th Senate, as they unveil the plaque honoring Oakes into the NYS Veterans Hall of Fame. Akwesasne Mohawk Code Talker and Congressional Silver Medal Recipient Louis Levi Oakes was presented with the New York State Liberty Medal by New York State Senator Betty Little on June 8, 2018 at the American Legion Post 1479. The New York State Liberty Medal is one of the highest civilian honors issued by New York State and is bestowed upon individuals who have merited special commendation for exceptional, heroic, or humanitarian acts and achievements. The medal was presented to Levi Oakes for his role as an Akwesasne Mohawk Code Talker during World War II. As well, a plaque was unveiled to honor Oakes' induction into the New York State Senate Veteran's Hall of Fame on May 15, 2018. Dwight Bero assisting Senator Little as she presents Levi Oakes with his Hall of Fame plaque, Certificate of Recognition and a box of chocolates. Levi Oakes is one of 17 Akwesasne Mohawks to be recognized by the U.S. Congress as a Native American Code Talker. Mr. Oakes registered at the age of 18 for the U.S. Army, and served for six years as a Technician 4th Grade with Company B's 442nd Signal Battalion. He received his training as a code talker, along with other Akwesasne Mohawks, while stationed in Louisiana. During WWII, the Mohawk language was one of 33 Native languages used to send communications between U.S. forces. The Native American Code Talkers are known the world over as having the only unbroken military code in history; the Japanese never interpreted these messages in WWII. TEC 4 Oakes served as a code talker in the South Pacific, New Guinea and Philippines theatres during WWII and was awarded the Silver Star for his service. The Silver Star is the third-highest military combat decoration for gallantry in action against an enemy of the United States. Oakes served with distinction and received an honorable discharge on February 15, 1946. Oakes worked for 30 years as an ironworker in Buffalo, New York and later for the highway department in Akwesasne before retiring. Currently 95 years old, he is the sole-surviving Akwesasne Mohawk Code Talker to receive recognition for valor while engaged in military operations. Among his family members attending, Oakes also had a full American Legion honor guard, local dignitaries, and news media from across the North Country. Master Kathak dancer Farah Yasmeen Shaikh (l) is seen with her apprentice Sreoshi Sarkar (r), and in the photo on the right, Sarkar is seen in movement. (Prateek Sarkar photos) Blake Ray has been promoted to director of asset management at Legacy Senior Living in Cleveland, a Tennessee-based management company of assisted living and memory care facilities. In this expanded role, Mr. Ray will be involved in various aspects of the Legacy Senior Living portfolio. This will include assisting in new developments, construction and renovation efforts, coordinating facility financing, and supporting executive leadership in both real estate and operational analysis. He will also be assisting leadership in various special projects to support the facility teams. Mr. Ray began his career with Legacy Senior Living as the special projects coordinator and advanced to executive director of Renaissance Marquis Assisted Living and Memory Care community located in Rome, Georgia, where he oversaw 109 units with excellent results. Mr. Ray, a native of Cleveland, Tn., and student-athlete at Lee University, graduated with a double major in accounting and psychology. He and his wife, Kelli, currently live in Cartersville, Georgia and attend Crosspoint City Church. The senior living industry has been my calling from an early age. Over the past three years at Renaissance Marquis I have had the opportunity to serve the residents and team members at the closest level. My time at Renaissance Marquis gave me a greater appreciation of the amazing team members and the wonderful residents we get to serve. Now, I look forward to serving those team members and residents at the facility level from the Legacy Support Center, said Mr. Ray. We are excited to have Blake join us at Legacy Senior Living in this new role. He knows what it takes to be a servant leader from his experience as an executive director, and he has proven to be successful in any given situation. His drive and motivation for success is contagious. We know he will help us reach our mission to serve the greatest generation and various other projects to improve our services and efficiencies as we serve from the Support Center, stated Bryan Cook, COO of Legacy Senior Living. Mohammad Khan, assistant professor at the University of Connecticut, was honored by the National Science Foundation with a CAREER Award. Khan, over five years, will receive nearly $600,000 for his project, The Role of Emotion and Social Motives in Communicating Risk: Implications for User Behavior in the Cyber Security Context. (uconn.edu photo) Joyendu Bhadury has been selected as the next dean at Radford Universitys College of Business and Economics. He will assume the role Aug. 1. (SUNY College at Brockport photo) Trump Looking to Erect Tent Cities to House Unaccompanied Children By Franco Ordonez June 13, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - The Trump administration is looking to build tent cities at military posts around Texas to shelter the increasing number of unaccompanied migrant children being held in detention. The Department of Health and Human Services will visit Fort Bliss, a sprawling Army base near El Paso in the coming weeks to look at a parcel of land where the administration is considering building a tent city to hold between 1,000 and 5,000 children, according to U.S. officials and other sources familiar with the plans. HHS officials confirmed that theyre looking at the Fort Bliss site along with Dyess Air Force Base in Abilene and Goodfellow AFB in San Angelo for potential use as temporary shelters. HHS will make the determination if any of the three sites assessed are suitable," said an HHS official. The aggressive plan comes at the same time that child shelters are filling up with more children who have been separated from their parents. The number of migrant children held in U.S. government custody without their parents has increased more than 20 percent as Attorney General Jeff Sessions and Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen rolled out the administration's new policy zero tolerance policy that separates children from their parents who now face prosecution. The Office of Refugee Resettlement at HHS is responsible for the care of more than 11,200 migrant children being held without a parent or guardian and must routinely evaluate the needs and capacity of approximately 100 shelters , which are now 95 percent full. Because of the large fluctuations in referrals of unaccompanied minors, the administration said its appropriate to have a mix of standard beds that are available year-round, and temporary beds that can be made available to address any increases in migration flows. HHS can place unaccompanied children in an appropriate setting while a sponsor is identified who can care for the child while their immigration case proceeds. It helps protect the border but also prevents vulnerable kids to fall into the hands of traffickers, officials said. The lack of parental protection, and the hazardous journey they take, make unaccompanied alien children vulnerable to human trafficking, exploitation and abuse, the HHS official said. Trump has blamed Congress for allowing the loopholes that require federal authorities to release illegal immigrants to await hearings for which many dont show up. Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein at a roundtable last month with Trump charged that those loopholes also prevent the administration from quickly deporting unaccompanied children. It can take months and sometimes years to adjudicate those claims once they get into the federal immigration court system, and they often fail to appear for immigration proceedings, Rosenstein said. In fact, approximately 6,000 unaccompanied children each year fail to appear when they've been summoned. They're released and they don't show up again. Tens of thousands of unaccompanied children and families have been apprehended since 2014, when a surge of Salvadoran, Honduran and Guatemalan mothers and children raced into the Rio Grande Valley in Texas, fleeing violence and poverty. The unaccompanied children are generally turned over to family or held in an HHS shelter, like a detention center or tent city. Now those who arrive with their parents are being separated from them and also sent to HHS shelters or sponsor families. Leon Fresco, a deputy assistant attorney general under President Barack Obama, who defended that administration's use of family detention, said the Trump administration is also likely going to need to return to Congress soon for more money if it wants to keep up this aggressive detention approach. He said it's much more expensive to separate the parent and children and hold them in two different facilities than keeping them together using a monitoring system. The point is separating families is not only controversial, its also inordinately more expensive, Fresco said. Advocates accused the Trump administration of using the children as pawns to score political points. Detaining children for immigration purposes is never in their best interest and the prospect of detaining kids in tent cities is horrifying, said Clara Long, U.S. researcher at Human Rights Watch. US authorities should focus on keeping families together, ensuring due process in asylum adjudications and protecting the rights of children." This article was originally published by " McClathy " - The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. ====== Trump administration to fingerprint parents who claim custody of unaccompanied migrant kids Trumps Zero Tolerance Crackdown Wont Stop Border Crossings but It Could Break the Courts Migrant woman says federal authorities took her child as she was breastfeeding at the border: When the mother resisted, she was reportedly handcuffed. 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. Every Bullet has a Precise Address Another Israeli Journalist Justifies the Massacre By Jonathan Ofir June 13, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - This logic has been uttered by a prominent Israeli journalist: Mass shootings of Palestinians have saved their lives. Reporting from the sniper positions near the Gaza fence, Dan Margalit writes in his Hebrew-only Haaretz opinion (Saturday): From this position, the events looked a bit different than from the Karni crossing near Nahal Oz. Now I am convinced, more than at the beginning of the fighting about 10 weeks ago, that the massive shooting at the beginning of the battles [sic] has saved many Palestinian lives, and of course, first and foremost, lives of Israelis. And just how does he get to the logic, that mass shooting of Palestinians is good for them (and of course, first and foremost for us, and despite the fact that no real battles have really occurred in these demonstrations)? Margalit elucidates: It is necessary to understand the tactic: The Palestinians raise a pillar of smoke in hope to cause the soldiers breathing difficulty. Under the cover of smoke and while the soldiers are busy defending themselves from it, the Palestinians hope to breach the fence, bypass the sniper positions, and to insert in to Israeli territory terrorists and children and handicapped. Breach of the fence and the setting up of a temporary Palestinian outpost upon Israeli soil within Green Line (pre-1967) territory would have caused an increased shooting in order to expel them and increased the number of killed. Perhaps the Hamas leadership is interested in this, but not the protesters. Have they despaired? It is unclear. So this is the scare scenario, which Margalit assumes: terrorists and children and handicapped would set up a temporary outpost. And what would happen then? We would have to massacre them, of course, like weve regularly done to infiltrators since the state was established. And who would want that? Do Palestinians just want to die? Apparently, Margalit even concedes that Palestinians generally dont want to die. But Hamas wants them to. Hamas wants to use children and handicapped (and dont forget medics too) as human shields human cannon fodder because they know Israeli soldiers cant help massacring an outpost of Palestinian children and handicapped. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Weve seen this logic before, the one that says that killing Palestinians is good for Palestinians in the Shmuel Rosner massacre apologia in the pages of the New York Times. I believe Israels current policy toward Gaza ultimately benefits not only Israel but also the Palestinians. Its important to note, that Margalit is not a journalistic lightweight, and it is clear that Haaretz is not a lightweight outlet. Margalits recent engagement with Haaretz began exactly a year ago, just after he was fired from the Adelson funded Netanyahu-propaganda daily Israel Hayom. Margalit wrote for Israel Hayom since its founding in 2007. He was also chief editor for the centrist daily Maariv for a short period, and is a regular TV host on main Israeli channels. This is all to say, that this kind of commentary is not from an occasional right-wing fringe it is centrist and central. And its in Haaretz which is generally considered left. One is perhaps left to assume, that Haaretz would be ashamed to publish such opinion on in its English version such opinions could scare off liberal readers. But then again, when looking at a recent Margalit opinion in English titled The Arabs chose to be refugees (May 24th), one could have the impression that Haaretz hasnt got that much shame after all. Here, Margalit peddles classical Zionist Hasbara saying that Palestinians chose to flee despite calls from Jewish leaders to stay, and so its all on them. In that piece Margalit also cheer leads the ideological assault against the UN refugee agency UNRWA and advocates its dismantling for supposedly perpetuating the Palestinian refugee problem. But back to Margalits Hebrew piece, which is titled From the position of the snipers, things look different: a visit to the dwindling protests at the border fence. Here, Margalit notably accentuates that every shot is fired precisely, by order of a senior commander, and every bullet has a precise address. This message is reminiscent of the IDF tweet from the first day of protests within the Great March of Return (March 30th), where it claimed that nothing was carried out uncontrolled; everything was accurate and measured, and we know where every bullet landed. That day, 15 Palestinian protesters were killed. The army had immediately removed the tweet, apparently realizing what a damning admission this was. But Btselem saved the screenshot. Ali Abunimah in Electronic Intifada: The armys deletion of the tweet is hardly surprising. The admission that its killings of demonstrators were premeditated down to the last bullet means it cannot deny responsibility for apparent war crimes, such as the lethal shooting of Abd al-Fattah Abd al-Nabi, 19, as he ran away from the Israel-Gaza boundary fence. Abd al-Nabi was reportedly shot in the head. Video of the slaying, widely shared on social media, shows Abd al-Nabi running alongside two other Palestinians far away from the boundary fence when the crack of a gunshot is heard and he falls suddenly. So Margalit is peddling this precision notion. He repeats it in the piece: Not one lead bullet is fired without an explicit order. Nonetheless, there are exceptions, he qualifies: In the case of mortal danger, the soldiers are permitted to defend themselves according to their own judgement. One is thus left to wonder, whether 19 year old Al-Nabi was sniped by explicit command, or by the judgement of a soldier fearing that one day, Al-Nabi might hurl that tire hundreds of meters away towards the soldiers and cause their imminent death. But if that is not the case, Margalit emphasizes, the IDF shoots one bullet at a time, and every bullet has an address. The snipers aim towards the legs, and the Palestinians have begun to appear at the battle with metal sheets which serve as a protective for their knees. They too extract conclusions. Margalit also refers to incendiary kites: Across from Nahal Oz, kites have been seen in the skies for some hours. The Palestinians have improved their precision, and on their tails is more than one incendiary device. [] Vast areas of land have blackened in Nahal Oz, Kfar Aza and Nir Am. But some kites were fixed in the skies and not released. Its a diversion attempt, a shrewd effort to distract the attention of the soldiers, although they do not pose a danger. Aye, Public Security (and Hasbara) minister Gilad Erdan has recently suggested that Israel apply targeted assassinations of those who fly kites. He said: The fact that Hamas is enabling the shooting and the sending of the kites means we must return to targeted assassinations, and the kite launchers and Hamas commanders should be targeted for killing. One is left to wonder whether children flying non-incendiary kites anywhere in Gaza will now be targeted even if the kites are non-incendiary, they may be practicing to become Hamas terror kite operatives, or perhaps operators of deception kites meant to distract the soldiers. That could be just as bad. Israeli playwriter Yehoshua Sobol talks about the kites in an interview in Maariv (Hebrew): Interviewer: Do you identify with the those who fly incendiary kites? Sobol: I tried to imagine myself as a kid in the Gaza strip, when my neighbors are wounded and killed. My relatives are returned home as handicapped or as perforated bodies, and I asked myself: What would I do as a kid? And I answered: I would fly an incendiary kite. I remember myself as a kid in the 1940s in the Sharon (central coast area, Palestine). We flew kites. Not incendiary kites, because we were not in despair. But kites are not the main point of Margalits piece. The main scare scenario is the temporary Palestinian outpost, and Palestinians should be so happy that we dont let them do it. Because then it would be much, much worse. Wed just massacre their handicapped and children (as if we dont anyway). Margalit notes that even Palestinians seem to be sensible enough to be hesitant, despite the Hamas calls: As I neared the fence, I heard the calls from the leaders towards the 2.500 Palestinians who had gathered in the Karni crossing zone, to storm the fence. I did not understand the words, but I heard the aggressive voice, and most Palestinians did not act according to the call as those soldiers who sense how foolish it is to die on the last day of the war. Perhaps it is merely a wish of the heart. Margalit didnt really understand what the leader was saying, but he is certain, from the aggressive tone of the voice, that this was a suicide order. Perhaps it is but a wish of the heart, but Margalit knows what the plan is a temporary outpost of children and handicapped on the Israeli side which as we all know would be an imminent and existential danger, to which we would have to respond by massacring. This wouldnt look good, but hey, we get away with it dont we. Most of all it would be foolish for the Palestinian children and handicapped, because they would die just before their inevitable defeat. The logic that it could be much worse is the one informing Margalits piece. And the idea that Israel is doing a great job at preventing it. This logic appeared yesterday two days ago in Haaretz in Gadi Taubs piece Why Western Liberals So Easily Buy Into Hamas anti-Semitic Blood Libel. Taub contends that live sniper fire is the only effective means of response to the Gaza protests, and repeats, like Margalit, that permission to use it was given only by high-ranking officers, and instructions were to aim below the knee. Then Taub hails the outcome: Those instructions were followed scrupulously, as can be seen from the outcome: The number of people killed on the day the U.S. Embassy was moved to Jerusalem, was 62 According to Haaretz, about 2,770 were wounded, of these an estimated 1,350 from live ammunition. This means that 95 percent of those hit by snipers were neutralized without being killed, despite the smoke, noise and pandemonium. Thats fantastic, isnt it? We managed to kill only 62 protesters! Thats just 5%! By the standards of Margalit et al, Palestinians should really just stop complaining, go home, recognize their defeat, and die quietly and slowly from their poisoned water (and soon maybe from Typhoid and Cholera). And Haaretz publishes all this. Ah, I forgot to mention Margalit ends his piece with a critique of Netanyahu. If you criticize Netanyahu, then youre a liberal, and then you can say whatever you want. Jonathan Ofir - Israeli musician, conductor and blogger / writer based in Denmark. This article was originally published by " Mondoweiss " - The views expressed in this article are solely those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the opinions of Information Clearing House. ====== Israel: Apparent War Crimes in Gaza: Human Rights Watch said today Israel at 70: An Alarming Growth of Racism And Intolerance Israeli Zionists Plans for the Kingdom of Jordan, Not Good! Outgoing Israeli general defends his controversial Holocaust Remembrance Day speech : Yair Golan says he was shocked by backlash last year when he compared Israeli societal trends to those of pre-WWII Germany 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. UTCs Doctorate of Nursing Practice program has earned 10 more years of accreditation. The Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education recently granted accreditation that lasts until June 30, 2028 for the DNP program. The commissioners join me in expressing our very best wishes as you continue to promote excellence in nursing education, Judith Lewis, chair of the CCNE Board of Commissioners, said in the letter informing the School of Nursing that it had received the accreditation extension. Chris Smith, director of the School of Nursing, says the boards decision means that the Commission on Collegiate Nursing Education officially recognizes the outstanding work that our faculty has done on behalf of the DNP students, past and present. The DNP program began in 2010 and graduated its first class in 2012. The initial certification for the program was five years, explains Dr. Smith, so earning the full 10-year accreditation allows the faculty to continue to focus on supporting the students as they work on projects which will change practice in their respective areas of specialization. Most doctoral programs are research-focused, but a DNP trains students already working as nurses in clinical practice and also those in nursing leadership and management. Students who earn a DNP are the most highly educated and qualified practitioners in nursing and are qualified to teach the future clinicians and leaders in the profession, said officials. Putin and Xi top the G6+1 All hell broke loose at the G6+1, aka G7, while the China-led Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) aimed at global integration and a peaceful multipolar order By Pepe Escobar June 13, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - East vs. West: the contrast between the dueling summits this weekend was something for the history books. All hell broke loose at the G6+1, otherwise known as G7, in La Malbaie, Canada, while all focused on divine Eurasian integration at the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Chinas Qingdao in Shandong, the home province of Confucius. US President Donald Trump was the predictable star of the show in Canada. He came late. He left early. He skipped a working breakfast. He disagreed with everybody. He issued a free trade proclamation, as in no barriers and tariffs whatsoever, everywhere, after imposing steel and aluminum tariffs on Europe and Canada. He proposed that Russia should be back at the G8 (Putin said he has other priorities). He signed the final communique and then he didnt. Trumps I dont give a damn attitude drove the European leaders assembled in Canada crazy. After the official photo shoot, the US president grabbed the arm of new Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte and said, in ecstasy, Youve had a great electoral victory! The Euros were not pleased and forced Conte to abide by the official EU, as in German Chancellor Angela Merkels, policy: no G8 readmission to Russia as long as Moscow does not respect the Minsk agreements. In fact it is Ukraine that is not respecting the Minsk agreements; Trump and Conte are fully aligned on Russia. Merkel, in extremis, proposed a shared evaluation mechanism, lasting roughly two weeks, to try to defuse rising trade tensions. Yet the Trump administration does not seem to be interested. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Strategic game-changer Meanwhile, over in Qingdao, the stunning takeaway was offered predictably by Chinese President Xi Jinping; President Putin and I both think that the China-Russia comprehensive strategic partnership is mature, firm and stable. This is a massive game-changer because officially, so far, this was a comprehensive partnership. Its the first time on record that Xi has put the stress on strategic. Again, in his own words: It is the highest-level, most profound and strategically most significant relationship between major countries in the world. And if that was not far-reaching enough, its also personal. Xi, referring to Putin and perhaps channeling Trumps bonhomie with leaders he likes, said, He is my best, most intimate friend. Heavy business, as usual, was in order. The Chinese partnered with Russian nuclear energy giant Rosatom to get advanced nuclear technologies and diversify nuclear power contracts beyond its current Western suppliers. Thats the strategic energy alliance component of the partnership. In a trilateral Russia-China-Mongolia meeting, they all vowed to go full steam ahead with the China-Mongolia-Russia Economic Corridor one of the key planks of the New Silk Roads, known as the Belt and Road Initiative (BRI). Mongolia once again volunteered to become a transit hub for Russian gas to China, diversifying from Gazproms current direct pipelines from Blagoveshchensk, Vladivostok and Altai. According to Putin, the Eastern Route pipeline remains on schedule, as does the US$27 billion liquefied natural gas (LNG) plant in Yamal being financed by Russian and Chinese companies. On the Arctic, Putin and Xi went all the way for developing the Northern Sea Route, including crucial modernization of deep-water ports such as Murmansk and Arkhangelsk, and investment in infrastructure. The added geopolitical cachet is self-evident. Putin had said last week that annual trade between Moscow and Beijing will soon reach US$100 billion. Currently, it stands at US$86 billion. Now Russian businesses venture the possibility of reaching US$200 billion by 2020 as feasible. All this frenzy of activity is now openly described by Putin as the interconnectivity of BRI and the Russia-led Eurasia Economic Union (EAEU). Not to mention that the SCO itself interconnects with both BRI and the EAEU. Putin told Chinese TV channel CGTN that though the SCO began as a low-profile organization [back in 2001] that sought merely to solve border issues between China, Russia and former Soviet countries, it is now evolving into a much bigger global force. In parallel, according to Yu Jianlong, secretary general of the China Chamber of International Commerce, the SCO has now gathered extra collective strength to harness BRI expansion to increase business across Europe, the Middle East and Africa. So its no wonder companies from SCO nations are now being encouraged to use their own currencies to seal deals, bypassing the US dollar, as well as building e-commerce platforms, Alibaba-style. So far, Beijing has invested US$84 billion in other SCO members, mostly in energy, minerals, transportation (including, for instance, the China-Kyrgyzstan-Uzbekistan highway), construction and manufacturing. Putin also met with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani on the sidelines of the SCO and vowed in no uncertain terms to preserve the Iranian nuclear deal, known as the JCPOA. Iran is a current SCO observer nation. Putin once again reaffirmed he wants Tehran as a full member. The SCO charter determines that a dialogue partner status can be granted to a country that shares the goals and principles of the SCO and wants to establish relations based on equal and mutually profitable relationship. Iran, as an observer, fulfills the commitment. The spanner in the works happens to be tiny Tajikistan. Enter the trademark convoluted internal politics of the Central Asian stans, in this case revolving around Tajik president Emomali Rahmon accepting Saudi Arabias acquisition of a 51% stake in Tajikistans largest bank. Nobody else wanted it; Riyadh was just buying influence. All SCO full members must be approved unanimously. Still, that wont prevent larger economic integration between Iran, Russia and China. The talk in the SCO corridors was that Chinese companies expect an extra bonanza in the Iranian market after the unilateral Trump pullout of the JCPOA. Behind closed doors, as diplomats told Asia Times, the SCO also discussed the crucial plan devised by the SCO-Afghanistan Contact Group, an Asia-wide peace process with Russia, China, India, Pakistan, Iran and Afghanistan trying to finally solve the decades-long tragedy without Western interference. So what about a G3? The dueling summits clearly set the scene. The G7 meeting at La Malbaie represented the dysfunctional old order, dilacerated by largely self-inflicted chaos and its apoplexy at the Rise of the East from the integration of BRI, EAEU, SCO and BRICS, to the yuan-based gold-backed oil futures market. In contrast to the G7s full spectrum dominance doctrine of total military superiority, Qingdao represented the new groove. Implacably derided by the old order as autocratic and filled with democraships bent on aggression, in fact it was a graphic illustration of multi-polarity at work, the intersection of four great civilizations, an Eurasian Cafe debating that another, non-War Party conducted future is possible. In parallel, diplomats in Brussels confirmed to Asia Times there are insistent rumbles about Trump possibly dreaming of a G3 composed of just US, Russia and China. Trump, after all, personally admires the leadership qualities of both Putin and Xi, while deriding the Kafkaesque EU bureaucratic maze and its weaklings, currently represented by the M3 (Merkel, Macron, May). In Europe, no one seems to be listening to informed advice, such as provided by Belgian economist Paul de Grauwe, whos pleading for Frankfurt and Berlin to manage a common debt, without which the EU wont survive the sovereign crises of individual members. Trump, for all his dizzying inconsistencies, seems to have understood that the G7 is a Walking Dead, and the heart of the action revolves around China, Russia and India, which not by accident form the hard node of BRICS. The problem is the US national security strategy, as well as the national defense strategy, advocate no less than Cold War 2.0 against both China and Russia all across Eurasia. All bets are off, however, on who blinks first. June 13, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - Judging from statements made by G-7 leaders at the recent meeting, President Trumps application of US sanctions to Europe and disregard of European interests, just as Washington dismisses every countrys interests except Israels, has not caused Europeans to disassociate from Washingtons hostility to Russia. The prime minister of England said that the G7 agreed to stand ready to take further restrictive measures against Russia if necessary. The American puppet in France, Macron, falsely accused Russia, the only country trying to enforce the Minsk agreement, of violating the Minsk agreement. The French president also falsely accused Russia of invading Ukraine and annexing Crimea, despite the fact that Russian forces have been present in Crimea for years under a 50-year lease that provides Crimea as a Russian naval base. As the French president surely knows, all Russia did was to accept an unanimous vote of Crimeans to return to Russia. Crimea had been a part of Russia for three centuries, longer than the existence of the US, before it was illegally transferred to Ukraine. The G7 politicians accused Putin of destabilizing behavior, of undermining democratic systems, and of supporting Syria. Europe remains subservient to Washington despite everything Trump has done to humiliate Washingtons European vassals. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Putins response to what he called creative babbling was that Europe should get to work with Russia working out their common interest. There are common interests, and Putin sees them, but, as the G7 statements make clear, the G7 sees only a Russian enemy. From the Wests standpoint Putin is a problem because of his insistance on Russian sovereignty. When the West accuses Russia of destabilizing behavior, the West is saying that it is Russias independence that is destabilizing Washingtons world order. Russia is regarded as a destabilizing entity, because Putin does not accept Washingtons hegemony. Putin cannot overcome this attitude toward Russia with concessions and reasonable behavior. It could be a mortal delusion for Russia to believe that soft words can turn away the wrath of spurned hegemony. Putin accepts insults, provocations, deaths in Russian Ukraine, and Israeli attacks on Syria, a country he has spent resources liberating from Washingtons rebels, in order to demonstrate to Europeans that Russia is not a threat. Judging from the G7 or G6 statements, the European politicians simply dont care that it is Washington and not Russia that is the threat. Washington has handed Europe a Russian script, and Europe seems to be going by the script regardless of how Russia behaves and how Washington treats Europe. Previous hopes that European opposition to Trumps effort to destroy the Iranian nuclear agreement would result in Europes assertion of independence are dashed by the unified hostility to Russia displayed at the recent G-7 meeting. Putins strategy might not work for two reasons. One is that Europe has not had an independent existence for 75 years. European countries do not know what it means to be a sovereign state. Without Washington European politicians feel lost, so they are likely to stick with Washington. Putins other problem is his belief that Russia needs to be part of Europe. Americans reinforced this belief during the Yeltsin years. Russian economists and the Russian central bank actually believe that Russia cannot develop without Western participation. This makes Russia susceptible to destabilization by the Western financial empire. Foreign participation empowers Washington to manipulate the ruble and to drain the Russian economic surplus into debt service. To advance globalism, Washington works to discredit Russian politicians who favor a nationalist economic approach. Michael Hudson and I have described how, in effect, neoliberalized Russian economists are an American Fifth Column inside Russia. Countries that open themselves to Western globalism lose control of their economic policy. The exchange values of their currencies and the prices of their bonds and commodities can be driven down by short-selling on futures markets. Remember, just one manGeorge Soroswas able to collapse the British pound. Today Washington can organize concerted action against currencies by coordinating attacks by the Federal Reserve, European Central Bank, Bank of England, and the Japanese central bank. Not even large countries such as China and Russia can withstand such an attack. It is remarkable that countries, such as Russia and China that wish to have independent policies rely on Western monetary and clearing mechanisms, thereby subjecting themselves to control by their enemies. There is truth in the quote attributed to Mayer Amschel Rothschild: Give me control of a nations money and I care not who makes its laws. A professor at Oxford sent to me a copy of a letter he obtained from the Franklin D. Roosevelt Presidential Library written by President Roosevelt to Colonel House, dated November 21, 1933, in which Roosevelt writes: The real truth of the matter is, as you and I know, that a financial element in the larger centers has owned the Government ever since the days of Andrew Jacksonand I am not wholly excepting the Administration of W.W. The country is going through a repetition of Jacksons fight with the Bank of the United Statesonly on a far bigger and broader basis. Being a reasonable and humane person, Vladimir Putin is focused on avoiding conflict. It takes patience for Putin to ignore insulting threats from militarily insignificant countries such as the UK, and Putin has the virtue of patience. Nevertheless, patience can work against peace as well as for it. Putins patience tells Europeans that there is no cost to continuing hostile accusations and actions against Russia, and it encourages neoconservatives to employ more aggressive provocations and actions. Too much patience can result in Russia being backed into a corner. The danger for Russia is that the desire to be part of the West results in concessions that encourage more provocations, and that the commitment to globalism undermines Russian economic sovereignty. Russian hopes to unite with the West in a war against terrorism overlook that terrorism is the Wests weapon for destabilizing independent countries that do not accept a unipolar world. Perhaps war would be less of a threat if Russia simply disengaged from the West and focused on integration with the East. Sooner or later Europe would come courting. Dr. Paul Craig Roberts was Assistant Secretary of the Treasury for Economic Policy and associate editor of the Wall Street Journal. He was columnist for Business Week, Scripps Howard News Service, and Creators Syndicate. He has had many university appointments. His internet columns have attracted a worldwide following. Roberts' latest books are The Failure of Laissez Faire Capitalism and Economic Dissolution of the West How America Was Lost The Neoconservative Threat to World Order Dr, Roberts asks for your support so that he may continue his work June 13, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - Not many in the media are noticing, which is understandable given the burden of keeping up with Donald Trump, but in the shadow of Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu, Bernie Sanders is dramatically challenging Beltway discourse on Israel. In 2020, when Sanders likely runs for president, and journalists begin paying attention, theyre going to be shocked. The Israeli government and the American Jewish establishment will be scared out of their minds. Last month, Sanders crossed one of the red lines demarcating politically acceptable Washington discourse about Israel. He organized the first letter written by multiple senators criticizing Israels blockade of the Gaza Strip. Then, last week, he raced past that line again with a video that is unlike anything Ive ever seen from an American senator. The voices of the Palestinians are rarely heard. This is what life is like for those who are living in Gaza under a 10 year blockade: pic.twitter.com/pZHOljjDHL Bernie Sanders (@SenSanders) June 6, 2018 To understand how radical Sanders video is, its worth remembering how liberal Democrats like Barack Obama, John Kerry and Hillary Clinton talked about Israel and the Palestinians as recently as two years ago. While Obama, Kerry and Clinton did sometimes criticize Israeli policy, they generally did so in the language of Israeli self-interest, not of Palestinian human rights. Israeli settlement policy was bad for Israel, they argued, because it threatened Israels future as a democratic Jewish state. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter On Gaza, the Obama administration never publicly urged Israel to negotiate with Hamas, even as former Israeli security chiefs did. And Obama effectively endorsed Israels position that Palestinians should not be allowed to hold elections because Hamas might win. (This despite the fact that Israeli parties that oppose the two state solution among them, Likud run in Israeli elections all the time). When Gaza came up in a 2016 Democratic primary debate, Clinton placed the blame for its peoples suffering exclusively on Hamas. Remember, she declared, Israel left Gaza. They took out all the Israelis. They turned the keys over to the Palestinian people. And what happened? Hamas took over Gaza. So instead of having a thriving economy with the kind of opportunities that the children of the Palestinians deserve, we have a terrorist haven that is getting more and more rockets shipped in from Iran and elsewhere. Her comments, which are demonstrably false, could easily have come from Marco Rubio or Ted Cruz. Contrast that with the video Sanders released last week. (Its the third hes released on Gaza since April). For starters, it consists entirely of interviews with Palestinians in Gaza. That alone is extraordinary. Palestinians in Gaza are almost never included in the debates on American TV. Palestinians are rarely invited to hold public briefings on Capitol Hill, and when they are, its hugely controversial. In his video, Sanders lets Palestinians from Gaza speak for themselves. And they say things American politicians simply dont say. Again and again, the speakers, who are not politicians but rather academics, students and journalists, call Gaza a prison. They talk about having only four hours of electricity per day. In one comic-tragic moment, the lights go on behind a young woman while she is speaking. She notes that the power has just returned after being off for 16 hours. Then it flickers off again. A professor of political science notes that his family hasnt left Gaza in more than twenty years. A young man says his biggest dream is to travel from Gaza for one time in my life. To see how life is from outside the walls of the prison. He later comments that many of his friends have contemplated suicide: They cannot continue to live without any types of hope. A young woman says, I want the situation to change to where I feel like an equal human being to Israelis. By allowing ordinary Palestinians to describe their plight, Sanders video allows Americans to see the Great Return March as the product not of blind hatred of Israel but of a quintessentially human desire for a better life. This protest, says the professor, was designed and orchestrated by young, independent and frustrated Palestinians who were sick, tired and exhausted of their living conditions. And by allowing ordinary Palestinians to speak for themselves, the video shows how dehumanizing it is to describe the people protesting Israels blockade as mere pawns of, or human shields for, Hamas. Brilliantly, Sanders video shows clips of American pundits blaming Hamas for the protests, and then lets Palestinians in Gaza do something they can rarely do on American television: respond. Im talking with you. Im not Hamas, exclaims one man. Its a big lie to say that Hamas is pushing Palestinian children and Palestinian women in the front line, says the Palestinian professor. The majority of the people are not following Hamas, insists the young man. They are just participating peacefully because they just want to be free. Criticizing Hamas is both legitimate and necessary. But Sanders video shows how the medias obsession with Hamas obscures the human causes of Palestinian protest, and the human consequences of Israels brutal response. The right question to ask is not whether there is someone asking them to go to the fence, argues a young woman. The right question is what is driving these people to walk up to the fence. What kinds of conditions would drive someone to risk their lives knowing that there are snipers who are willing to shoot them? And when you look at her, you imagine being that desperate yourself. For decades, the conventional wisdom has held that a video like Sanders, which focuses without equivocation or apology on Palestinian human rights, is political suicide. But that conventional wisdom has rarely been tested. Democratic politicians and foreign policy experts are so accustomed to self-censorship that AIPAC and its allies rarely have to make an example of them. They make an example of themselves. Sanders is betting that the political ground has shifted. In a sense, hes doing in the Democratic Party what Trump has done inside the GOP. For years, polls showed that ordinary Republicans were moving away from their partys elite on trade and immigration. But until Trump, no Republican presidential frontrunner had been sufficiently unconventional and sufficiently unafraid to put that proposition to the test. Thats what Sanders is doing on Israel. He knows that Netanyahus opposition to the two state solution, and his support for the Iraq War, and his battles with Barack Obama, and his bromance with Trump, have deeply eroded support for Israel among African Americans, progressives and the young. He knows that his likely 2020 competitors are moving left on issue after issuefrom health care to college tuition to the minimum wagein an effort to keep pace with a Democratic base that has been radicalized by the financial crisis, stagnant wages, failed wars and Donald Trump. But he knows that when it comes to Israel, those competitors are constrained by their fears of the American Jewish establishment. Bernie Sanders, who now stands a better chance of becoming president than any Jew in American history, is not afraid. And, as a result, over the next two years he just might alter the American debate over Israel in ways we have not witnessed in decades. Perhaps the courage of the protesters in Gaza is proving contagious after all. Confusion As North Korea Says US Will Lift Sanctions June 13, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - North Korea's state media has reported that Donald Trump has "expressed his intention" to lift crippling sanctions against the country - despite the US president saying that they will remain until "nukes are no longer a factor". Donald Trump met Kim Jong Un for a historic summit at a luxurious Singapore hotel on Tuesday, with both leaders signing a deal regarding the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula". But it had always been Mr Kim's goal to rid his country of US sanctions and, according to the state-run KCNA news agency, that is exactly what he achieved. Following the "meeting of the century", KCNA said Mr Trump had agreed to lift sanctions as relations improve, as well as halt US-South Korea military exercises and offer security guarantees. There was no US response to the report, but sanctions had not been mentioned in the statement signed by the two leaders at the conclusion of the summit. At a news conference afterwards, Mr Trump had said he would like sanctions to be lifted but that this would not happen immediately. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter The discrepancy will go some way to justifying fears expressed before the summit about the risks of having the two leaders sit down for their first meeting with no aides or advisers to record what was said. Today's six-page edition of the North Korean newspaper Rodong Sinmun has been dominated by photos of the two leaders shaking hands, strolling around the hotel together and enjoying the sort of lunch that many North Koreans could only dream of. In the early hours of Wednesday morning, Mr Trump proclaimed that the world had "taken a big step back from potential nuclear catastrophe". He tweeted: "No more rocket launches, nuclear testing or research! "The hostages are back home with their families. "Thank you to Chairman Kim, our day together was historic!" Meanwhile, North Korea's neighbours have expressed concern over Mr Trump's promise to stop joint military exercises with South Korea - drills which have long angered Pyongyang. KCNA reported that Mr Kim had said it was "urgent" for North Korea and the US to halt "irritating and hostile military actions against each other". The news agency's report quoted Mr Kim as saying that the two countries should commit to avoid antagonising each other and take legal, institutional steps to guarantee this. The report added that Mr Trump said he "understood" and promised to stop the exercises while the two sides were talking. Mr Trump himself described the exercises as expensive and "very provocative". South Korea and Japan both depend heavily on the US presence in their countries as a deterrent against North Korea. Japan's defence minister Itsunori Onodera said the joint exercises were "vital" for security, adding: "We would like to seek an understanding of this between Japan, the US and South Korea." South Korea's presidential Blue House said it needed "to find out the precise meaning or intentions" of Mr Trump's statement. With no concrete commitments for denuclearisation by North Korea and no reference to the country's terrible human rights record, many critics say the summit was a missed opportunity for the US leader. Former US vice president Joe Biden said Mr Trump had given North Korea multiple "wins up front without getting anything in return". Among the US concessions was attending the summit at all, giving Mr Kim the legitimacy he craves. Mr Biden accused Mr Trump of taking "an inexcusable and irresponsible approach" by not being fully prepared for the meeting. Moon Seong-mook, a former South Korean military official and current head of the Unification Strategy Centre in Seoul, said the summit had been a "win" for Mr Kim. He added: "I am concerned that the summit between Trump and Kim will prove to be a setback in the global efforts to denuclearise North Korea and also introduce instability in the alliance between Seoul and Washington." This article was originally published by "Sky " - Bipartisan War Party Panics as Kim Meets Trump By Jeremy Scahill June 13, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - U.S. warmongers are in panic mode. The end of the longest continuous war on the planet, the Korean War, may be in sight. https://theintercept.com/2018/06/13/bipartisan-war-party-panics-as-kim-meets-trump/ As TV pundits gasped at the sight of the North Korean and U.S. flags side by side and Trump treating Kim Jong-un as an equal, a solid majority of Koreans supported the summit. UC Santa Cruz professor Christine Hong talks about the significance of this moment, how the U.S. has sabotaged peace in the past, and what an end to the war might look like. Tom Engelhardt, editor of TomDispatch, shares an essay on American militarism from his new book, A Nation Unmade by War. Journalist Elisabeth Rosenthal explains why the U.S. health care system is so bad and how Trump and the Republicans are trying to make it even worse. Musical artist Yasmine Hamdan shares her thoughts on war, the Middle East, and Trump, and we hear her groundbreaking music. Plus, Trump stops by Mr. Rogers Neighborhood. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter 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. June 13, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - As US President Donald Trump returns from a successful photo-op in Singapore with North Korea's Kim Jong Un, his focus will soon return to Iran. Israel and Saudi Arabia have eagerly hoped that the Singapore summit would help neutralise the Korean issue so that Trump could turn all his energy towards Tehran. Yet no one seems to know what Trump's Iran policy actually is. Is he looking for another deal? Is he paving the way for war? Is regime change the real goal? If Saudi Arabia and the UAE decide, it will be none of the above it'll be much worse. Trump's next diplomatic 'success' Trump himself has characteristically been all over the map on Iran. His confidence high after successfully shaking the North Korean dictator's hand, Trump told reporters that he was now getting ready to move on to score his next diplomatic success. "I hope that, at the appropriate time, after the sanctions kick in - and they are brutal what we've put on Iran - I hope that they're going to come back and negotiate a real deal because I'd love to be able to do that but right now it's too soon to do that," Trump said. But Iran is not North Korea and the depth of America's at times fabricated animosity towards Tehran is incomparable to the more cartoonish image it has of its adversaries in Pyongyang. It's not even been a year since the North Koreans returned the tortured body of American student Otto Warmbier. Yet, Trump heaped praise on Kim, saying it was an "honour" meeting him and calling the dictator "a very talented man" with a "great personality". In contrast, while a reprehensible act, none of the American diplomats taken hostage in Iran 40 years ago were killed. Yet the scar of the hostage crisis continues to run deep in the American psyche and some elements appear to wish to keep it open. Keeping US-Iran enmity alive This is one of the main differences between the US-North Korea and US-Iran conflicts: while America's regional allies in the former conflict seek to avoid war and favour a diplomatic solution, US allies in the Middle East oppose negotiations in the latter conflict. In fact, they have played an important role in keeping the US-Iran enmity alive. Which then raises the question: what do Saudi Arabia, Israel and the UAE - the three countries cheerleading Trump's confrontational policy with Iran - want? Contrary to the rhetoric of these countries, their main problem with Iran is not the nature of its regime, but rather its power and its ability to shift the balance of power in the region against their interests. An Israeli intelligence officer admitted to me in 2009 that a potential victory of the Iranian Green Movement would be "Israel's worst nightmare as it would enable Iran to break out of its isolation and expand its power further. Similarly, the Netanyahu government's opposition to the Iran nuclear deal had little to do with the details of the deal and more to do with how the deal signalled an end to almost four decades of America's policy of containing Iran. With the sanctions lifted and Iran on a path towards political rehabilitation, the United States was succumbing to Iran's rise rather than committing itself to reversing it. Given this, regime change towards a stable democracy in Iran does not appear to be beneficial to Iran's regional rivals. Indeed, the idea that the crown prince of Saudi Arabia - who contends that theres nothing wrong with an absolute monarchy - yearns for liberal democracy in Iran is preposterous. A more potential rival If Iran had a proper democracy that respected the rights of the Iranian people and provided them with the freedom to realise their full potential, Iran's power in the region would arguably rise well beyond what it has so far achieved through taking advantage of America's regional missteps. Such an Iran would be a far more potent rival to Saudi Arabia - a scenario Riyadh hardly wants to help bring about. Instead, the pursuit of regime change may in reality be an avenue to achieve a far more sinister objective: a civil war in Iran that could either lead to Iran's dismemberment or at a minimum, a prolonged state of debilitating instability. While democratisation in Iran would not shift the regional balance in Saudi Arabia's favour, turning Iran into Syria would. This may also explain Saudi Arabia's support for the MEK terrorist group. Riyadh surely understands that the MEK has no support inside Iran and that the prospects of it taking power in Iran is close to nil. From that perspective, Riyadh's investment in the MEK makes no sense. But the MEK can help spark an internal conflict in Iran and from that vantage point, Riyadh's investment in the terror group could serve a purpose. Saudi Arabia may not be alone in viewing the promotion of instability in Iran as a path to shift the balance of power against Iran. Senior Israeli Mossad official Haim Tomer recently told the Jerusalem Post that Israel can and should promote regime change in Iran because "even if regime change does not succeed... it is better to have the Iranians fighting among themselves". This would not be the first time Iran's regional rivals would seek instability in Iran or the dismemberment of the country. During the Iraq-Iran war, Saddam Husseins foreign minister Tariq Aziz famously lamented Iraqs geopolitical dilemma being situated next to the much larger and more powerful Iran. "[I]t is better to have five Irans, five small Irans rather than one big Iran," he told the Washington Post in 1981 as he spelled out Saddams goal of dismembering Iran, as recounted to David Ottaway. This may not be where Trump aims to go. But unlike with North Korea, disregarding the pressures and designs of America's allies in the region will likely prove far more difficult on Iran - Trita Parsi is the author of Losing an Enemy - Obama, Iran and the Triumph of Diplomacy and is president of the National Iranian American Council. June 13, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - UNITED NATIONS: The UN General Assembly on Wednesday adopted by a strong majority of 120 countries an Arab-backed resolution condemning Israel for Palestinian deaths in Gaza and rejected a US bid to put the blame on Hamas. At least 129 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire during protests near the border with Gaza that began at the end of March. No Israelis have died. The resolution put forward by Algeria and Turkey on behalf of Arab and Muslim countries won 120 votes in the 193-member assembly, with 8 votes against and 45 abstentions. An amendment presented by the United States condemning Hamas for "inciting violence" along the border with Gaza failed to garner the two-third majority needed for adoption. Addressing the assembly, US Ambassador Nikki Haley dismissed the resolution as biased against Israel and accused Arab countries of trying to score political points at home by seeking to condemn Israel at the United Nations. "For some, attacking Israel is their favorite political sport. Thats why we are here today," said Haley. "I wish everyone supporting this one-sided resolution would put as much energy into encouraging President Abbas to the negotiating table," she said. The resolution deplored Israels use of "excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate force" against Palestinian civilians and called for protection measures for Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Arab countries backing the measure turned to the General Assembly after the United States used its veto in the Security Council to block the resolution on June 1. Unlike the Security Council, resolutions adopted by the assembly are non-binding and there is no veto. UN chief to propose protection The resolution tasks UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres with the drafting of proposals for an "international protection mechanism" for the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. These could range from setting up an observer mission to a full-blown peacekeeping force, but action on any option would require backing from the Security Council, where the United States has veto power. Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour dismissed the US amendments blaming Hamas as "games and gimmicks" and urged ambassadors not to be "fooled" by the US proposal. "We are asking for a simple thing," Mansour told the assembly. "We want our civilian population to be protected." Turkeys Ambassador Feridun Hadi Sinirlioglu defended the resolution, saying it was "about taking sides with international law" and showing the Palestinians that the world "does care about their suffering." Taking the podium, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon assailed the measure as an "attempt to take away our basic right to self-defense." He warned ambassadors that by supporting the resolution "you are empowering Hamas." The US amendment condemning Hamas received 62 votes in favor, with 58 against and 42 abstentions. The United States sought to challenge the ruling requiring a two-thirds majority but that was defeated in a separate vote. "We had more countries on the right side than the wrong side," Haley said in a statement. The General Assembly last held a similarly contentious vote on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in December, when it rejected President Donald Trumps decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital and move the US embassy there. Haley had warned at the time that Washington was "taking names" of countries that supported the resolution. That vote was 128 to 9, with 35 abstentions. Backed by Arab countries, the Palestinians had lobbied to win as many votes as those cast in support of the Jerusalem resolution. Illegal Israeli actions in Occupied East Jerusalem and Palestine - UN General Assembly Watch General Assembly: 10th emergency special session - Illegal Israeli actions in Occupied East Jerusalem and the rest of the Occupied Palestinian Territory The General Assembly, Recalling its relevant resolutions regarding the question of Palestine, Recalling also its relevant resolutions on the protection of civilians, Posted June 13, 2018 By supporting this resolution you are colluding with a terrorist organization, by supporting this resolution you are empowering Hamas, Israels U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon told the General Assembly before the vote. Australia, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Solomon Islands and Togo joined Israel and the United States in voting against the resolution. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Israel: Apparent War Crimes in Gaza: Human Rights Watch said today Israeli officials call for snipers to target Gaza's kite flyers Israel at 70: An Alarming Growth of Racism And Intolerance The Knesset officially declares that Israeli democracy is for Jews only Israeli Zionists Plans for the Kingdom of Jordan, Not Good! Outgoing Israeli general defends his controversial Holocaust Remembrance Day speech : Yair Golan says he was shocked by backlash last year when he compared Israeli societal trends to those of pre-WWII Germany Hewlett Packard (HP) Faces $120 Million in Potential Losses Due to its Complicity in Israels Violations of Palestinian Human Rights 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 Home Search ICH By George Galloway June 14, 2018 " Information Clearing House " - Little more needs to be said about events in Singapore. Slings and arrows finally parked after a 65-year war in which millions died on a divided Korean peninsula where a nuclear slingshot was assembled and decommissioned. The world was taken to the brink of war and then back again. That Donald J Trump will now become a Nobel Laureate is axiomatic however surprising such a sentence might be, but a second term as president, which is looking more likely by the day, may almost be as surprising. With the US economy on the up, his G7 "partners" roasted in insults, and the Korean imbroglio basted in Trumpian batter - seasoned by the oft-reviled China and Russia, it is more entertaining to take a look at the smoking wreckage of Trump's domestic opposition. Are You Tired Of The Lies And Non-Stop Propaganda? Get Your FREE Daily Newsletter Singapore Slings and Arrows: How Donald Trump Confounded His Enemies You could measure President Trump's triumph not just by size of the smile on his face but the length of the faces of his enemies. Their vituperation and faux-liberal indignation on the one side and the sound of profit expectations deflating and a hard-power era crashing made a truly terrible din. Though I rather enjoyed it personally, as the only people I despise more than Trump are his bitter enemies. When, two years ago, I coined the phrase "I'm not happy Donald Trump is president, but I'm very happy indeed that Hillary Clinton isn't" it was days like this I had in mind. Clinton never could nor ever would have crossed the bridge of peace in North-East Asia. Just like when another Republican president, Richard M Nixon, "opened" to China in 1972 - ending a quarter of a century of non-relations, the confounded opposition in the United States consists of two apparently contradictory sets of interests. But in both cases (and many more) they are actually two sides of the same coin. Liberal democrats advocated (as well as a super-hawkish stance towards Moscow) a posture of war towards China and the doubling down of America's failed security investment in Taiwan. Liberals were aghast at the sight of a US president cavorting with men in Mao suits, then as well as now. This is rewarding "dictatorship" they cried, then as now. What about "human rights"they asked, then as now. On the coin's other side though was real coin. The US military-industrial complex - against which yet another Republican president, Eisenhower, had warned the world - was not just welfare-ism for capitalism it was a bonanza for capitalists. An apparently never-ending Eldorado fueled by the ever-present "threat" of war with the twin Red Menace in the East, Eisenhower had warned. No war, no profits - quite a simple equation actually. In Trump's case exactly the same dichotomy obtains vituperation in stereo. The bright shiny liberals, clustered around Hillary Clinton, the Ivy League establishment responsible for many of the worst US wars, the east and west coast elite can't accept that Trump can even tie his shoelaces, never mind pull off the diplomatic deal of the century. Their visceral hatred of the vulgar Trump has blinded them with prejudice and ire. That his suave Democrat predecessors dropped bombs and grabbed pussy with all the panache of Curtis LeMay crossed with Harvey Weinstein, is how they like it. Killing whilst crooning is the Democratic way. Trump's bull in a china shop doesn't break enough china for the liberals, that's the long and the short of it. Thus Trump's call for the return of Russia to the G7 must be buried in derision and false accusation. His peace process in Korea cannot be allowed to succeed. After all if the peaceful resolution of international disputes by diplomacy rather than war became the new normal, there would be nowhere left for the likes of the Clintons to "come, see and kill". And for Trump's deepest state enemies this is the greatest threat of them all. After all, if you can broker peace with Korea why not with Russia? Why not with Iran? If the real war leader Winston S Churchill's famous dictum "Jaw-jaw is better than war-war" comes back into fashion what future for the industries worth trillions of dollars which depend on war and the permanent threat of it? What future for the myriad of securocratic empires within the state if diplomats come back into business? And so Trump - who has spent two years riding onwards into the valley of death, caught in a pincer between pussy hats and the pimps of the war machine - has leapt over the canons. Has Singapore decisively noodled his enemies? I rather think so. At least I hope so. And so should you. George Galloway was a member of the British Parliament for nearly 30 years. He presents TV and radio shows (including on RT). He is a film-maker, writer and a renowned orator. This article was originally published by "RT " - 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. Following President Muhammadu Buharis apology on behalf of the federal government to the family of Moshood Abiola, over the annulment of June 12 1993 poll, presumably won by late Abiola, some Nigerian politicians have come up with a list of people deserving of an apology. According to these politicians, President Buhari should also apologise to Ken Saro Wiwa, his kinsmen, Beko Kuti, IPOB youths, shiite Muslims and others. This request was made by Kaduna state senator, Shehu Sani and former Aviation Minister Femi Fani-Kayode via their Twitter handles on Thursday. See tweets below Theres need for the FG to tender an unreserved apology to the families of Ken Saror Wiwa and his Ogoni Kinsmen and honour the 9 and the 4 Ogonis with national honours.Same should be done to late Gen Shehu Musa Yaradua.Dr Beko Kuti & Chima Ubani must also not be forgotten. Senator Shehu Sani (@ShehuSani) June 14, 2018 Four students in the UTC Honors College have received the Benjamin A. Gilman International Scholarship, awarded by the U.S. Department of State to help students afford to study abroad. Two UTC students were given the scholarships for study-abroad trips over the summer while the other two are for fall trips. The students are: Summer Austin Holdsworth, senior in business marketing, travel to Kenya: $3,500 Visesiya Uwifashije, junior in human resource management, travel to Spain: $3,500 Fall Elena Nourabadi, junior in business marketing, travel to Thailand: $3,000 Jared Steiman, Brock scholar and junior in international and English creative writing, travel to Mexico: $5,000 Across the country, about 1,150 students received scholarships for summer semester while a little more than 1,000 were awarded money for fall. In the 2016-17 academic year, 2,922 students received Gilman Scholarships, according to the programs website. Since it began in 2001, more than 89,000 students from the U.S. have been awarded funds through Gilman Scholarships, the website says. A Nigerian Lady has frowned at the practise of ladies asking their significant other to marry them, which in some cases, does not always turn out fine. The lady simply identified as Mhisbliss took to a popular Nigerian Online Forum to write ; I was hanging out with my brother and his friends today and they were talking about girls, i was so engrossed with my phone so they thought i wasnt listening to what they were saying, but i was, they were talking about girls, i concentrated on a particular girl who asked him out and he said no because he doesnt like her and all that, I noticed that most guys find it attractive when girls ask them out, to some its bravery and it takes alot of courage, and they might end up cherishing you because of it. Some think its desperacy and will look down on you from then onwards, asking such guys out has alot of backlash, it gives them this idea that theyre a worthy prize for the troubles you had to go through to ask them out, then comes the puffed up ego and attitude, they always threaten to leave you the moment something goes wrong, after all theyre so cool you had to ask them out, then they walk around with their shoulders high like deputy jesus, youll never be respected in such relationship. Then theres the question of whether he feels the same way about you, guys are polygamous in nature, they want something they go get it, its in their nature, he might be into someone else, not you who asked him out, coercing him to start feeling the same way you feel about him is not happening, The desperate girl who threw herself cheaply at him by asking him out wont have the same value as the one who played hard to get and he had to invest his time and effort to get her after trying For a very long time. ladies be wise, we aint white people, never ask a nigerian guy out, unless youre prepared to pamper, worship, adore, beg deputy jesus for the rest of your life, and hell still be giving you childish attitude. Show him all the green light you can, if hes too stupid not to get the clue, save whatever dignity and self esteem you have left and leave him alone Last year, the Dawn spacecraft spied organic material near Ernutet crater on the dwarf planet Ceres, largest denizen of the asteroid belt. A new analysis suggests those organics could be more plentiful than originally thought. Credit: NASA / Hannah Kaplan The findings, published recently in Geophysical Research Letters, raise intriguing questions about how those organics got to the surface of Ceres, and the methods used in the new study could also provide a template for interpreting data for future missions, the researchers say. What this paper shows is that you can get really different results depending upon the type of organic material you use to compare with and interpret the Ceres data, said Hannah Kaplan, a postdoctoral researcher at the Southwest Research Institute who led the research while completing her Ph.D. at Brown. That's important not only for Ceres, but also for missions that will soon explore asteroids that may also contain organic material. Organic molecules are the chemical building blocks for life. Their detection on Ceres doesn't mean life exists there or ever existed there; non-biological processes can give rise to organic molecules as well. But because life as we know it can't exist without organic material, scientists are interested in how it's distributed through the solar system. The presence of organic material on Ceres raises intriguing possibilities, particularly because the dwarf planet is also rich in water ice, and water is another necessary component for life. The original discovery of organics on Ceres was made using the Visible and Infrared (VIR) Spectrometer on the Dawn spacecraft, which went into orbit around the dwarf planet in 2015. By analyzing the patterns in which sunlight interacts with the surface looking carefully at which wavelengths are reflected and which are absorbed scientists can get an idea of what compounds are present on Ceres. The VIR instrument picked up a signal consistent with organic molecules in the region of Ernutet Crater on Ceres' northern hemisphere. To get an initial idea of how abundant those compounds might be, the original research team compared the VIR data from Ceres with laboratory reflectance spectra of organic material formed on Earth. Based on that standard, the researchers concluded that between six and 10 percent of the spectral signature they detected on Ceres could be explained by organic matter. But for this new research, Kaplan and her colleagues wanted to re-examine those data using a different standard. Instead of relying on Earth rocks to interpret the data, the team turned to an extraterrestrial source: meteorites. Some meteorites chunks of carbonaceous chondrite that have fallen to Earth after being ejected from primitive asteroids have been shown to contain organic material that's slightly different from what's commonly found on our own planet. And Kaplan's work shows that the spectral reflectance of the extraterrestrial organics is distinct from that of terrestrial counterparts. What we find is that if we model the Ceres data using extraterrestrial organics, which may be a more appropriate analog than those found on Earth, then we need a lot more organic matter on Ceres to explain the strength of the spectral absorption that we see there, Kaplan said. We estimate that as much as 40 to 50 percent of the spectral signal we see on Ceres is explained by organics. That's a huge difference compared to the six to 10 percent previously reported based on terrestrial organic compounds. If the concentration of organics on Ceres is indeed that high, it raises a host of new questions about the source of that material. There are two competing possibilities for where Ceres' organics may have come from. They could have been produced internally on Ceres and then exposed on the surface, or they could have been delivered to the surface by an impact from an organic-rich comet or asteroid. This new study suggests that if the organics were delivered, then the potential high concentrations of the organics would be more consistent with impact by a comet rather than an asteroid. Comets are known to have significantly higher internal abundances of organics compared with primitive asteroids, potentially similar to the 40 to 50 percent figure this study suggests for these locations on Ceres. However, the heat of an impact would likely destroy a substantial amount of a comet's organics, so whether or not such high abundances could even be explained by a cometary impact remains unclear, the researchers say. The alternative explanation, that the organics formed directly on Ceres, raises questions too. The detection of organics has so far been limited to small patches on Ceres' northern hemisphere. Such high concentrations in such small areas require an explanation. If the organics are made on Ceres, then you likely still need a mechanism to concentrate it in these specific locations or at least to preserve it in these spots, said Ralph Milliken, an associate professor in Brown's Department of Earth, Environmental and Planetary Sciences and a study co-author. It's not clear what that mechanism might be. Ceres is clearly a fascinating object, and understanding the story and origin of organics in these spots and elsewhere on Ceres will likely require future missions that can analyze or return samples. For now the researchers hope this study will be helpful in informing upcoming sample return missions to near-Earth asteroids that are also thought to host water-bearing minerals and organic compounds. The Japanese spacecraft Hayabusa2 is expected to arrive at the asteroid Ryugu in several weeks, and NASA's OSIRIS-REx mission is due to reach the asteroid Bennu in August. Kaplan is currently a science team member with the OSIRIS-REx mission. I think the work that went into this study, which included new laboratory measurements of important components of primitive meteorites, can provide a framework of how to better interpret data of asteroids and make links between spacecraft observations and samples in our meteorite collection, Kaplan said. As a new member to the OSIRIS-REx team, I'm particularly interested in how this might apply to our mission. The litigation practice had a very successful run with Aitken at the helm and last year won 22 out of 26 tax avoidance litigation cases. 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. firms_thumbnail Partners Miles Dean and Andrew Murray co-founded Milestone in 2008. The firm offers clients advice on structured finance, covering a range of transactions, real estate interests, private equity and investment funds. This includes structuring property development valued at 650 million in Canary Wharf. Milestone joins the association alongside RBC VAT and Mark Davies & Associates. George McCracken and James Frost are overseeing Andersens UK consolidation. The British market is a major focus before Andersen Global can focus its expansion on Asia in 2019, which began in June with the addition of two Indian firms. 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 Petronas Towers Malaysia only introduced GST in 2015, but the tax proved highly unpopular Malaysia will bring in a sales and services tax (SST) in September 2018 to replace the unpopular goods and services tax (GST). Tax practitioners expect a "hybrid" SST regime that retains some GST features. Details around the new SST, which will be implemented on September 1 2018, are thin, but it is safe to assume it will be similar to the regime which preceded the GST, which was implemented on April 1 2015. In addition, Malaysia's tax authority, the Inland Revenue Board of Malaysia, might abandon ongoing GST cases. What can the new SST learn from GST? "GST wasn't a failure," said Saravana Kumar Segaran, partner at Lee Hishamuddin Allen & Gledhill, with a sigh. "It contributed MYR 44 billion ($11 billion), it broadened the tax base, in ensured proper tax compliance. In this sense it was a success." Indeed, given the fall in oil prices shortly after Malaysia introduced the tax in 2015, GST can be regarded as having safeguarded government finances at a crucial time. However, given that the new government has been able to half the budget for the Prime Minister in less than a month, the public may be less convinced of such an argument. "From a political perspective, though, it was a failure," said Segaran. "There is a new government and whether you like it or not, we have to support it. We have to sink or swim together for the next five years, and they've done a lot in the last month. There is cause for optimism." While it is safe to say that GST is gone for good under the new government, some elements of it may be retained. "How will SST be introduced? I think it will be a hybrid system of the old sales and service tax together with compliance aspects of the GST law we have now, said Segaran. "It may not have input tax, but they may require things like tax invoicing." "Like it or not, GST introduced transparency. I don't think the government, when introducing SST, will want to forgo the compliance aspects such as the filing of returns and things like that. But the scope and application of SST will be limited, I doubt it will be broad based. Especially given the government's manifesto is to reduce the cost of living." "One thing I will add is that if the government wants to make SST successful, there must be transparency in the customs department," Segaran concluded. Details on the new SST will be released in the coming months, but businesses should start planning immediately. "There will be the foreseeable need for companies to redeploy resources and to reconfigure accounting and IT systems to transition from GST to SST, and this might contribute to an increase in costs," said Yvonne Beh, partner at Baker McKenzie Wong & Partners. "Many of the clients that we are advising are beginning to review their pricing strategies to ensure the SST incurred will not increase their bottom line costs." Perks for the services sector A number of sectors are set to benefit in the long term as the country transitions to a new SST, most notably the service sector, but challenges remain. Beh said the pre-2015 service tax was imposed only on selected services, such as hotels, food and drink and professional services and, therefore, most of the service industry could gain from the shift to a SST regime. A challenge for businesses, though, will be that the old SST did not have an input/output tax mechanism. "Businesses will have to bear the tax unless they are able to factor the tax cost into the price of products or services sold, which may have implications to their profitability and competitiveness. This is not to say, however, that GST was universally loved by the business community. It was not administrated perfectly, which sometimes led to delays. "It should be noted that many businesses did find the administrative costs associated with complying with the GST to be high as well as the cash-flow costs due to delayed payments of refunds," said Senthuran Elalingam, Asia Pacific indirect tax clients, markets and industries leader at Deloitte Malaysia. Until SST is re-introduced in a revised structure, the GST has been zero rated. This means that while businesses will still have to do the compliance work around the tax, Malaysians will enjoy an indirect tax holiday for the next three months. As a result, "businesses will likely see an increase in overall consumption from consumers looking to benefit from lower prices during this tax-free period", said Beh. "This will be more evident for the luxury and retail industry and particularly big ticket consumer purchases such as vehicles and commercial properties." Tourism could also increase under the zero-rated GST as there was no reduced GST rate for tourism under the GST regime. Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, who was also prime minister previously for 22 years until 2003 and is now 94 years old, ran on a ticket of anti-corruption. Many Malaysians were angry about the 1MDB scandal, and Mahathir has started pursuing those allegedly involved. This also means that the new government is likely to enforce anti-profiteering rules more strictly, so businesses must ensure to pass on GST savings to their customers, said Beh. This requirement will continue to apply when the new SST is introduced. In addition, there will be a more robust attitude to fraud, and leakage from the new SST is likely to be far lower than under the pre-2015 SST. It is also noteworthy that the new Finance Minister Lim Guan Eng is facing corruption charges and will not be able to take office until he is cleared. Mahathir is taking charge of the finance ministry until such time. The material on this site is for financial institutions, professional investors and their professional advisers. It is for information only. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Policy before using the site. All material subject to strictly enforced copyright laws. 2021 Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC. For help please see our FAQ. Share this article Vancouver, British Columbia - June 14, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Future Farm Technologies Inc. (the "Company" or "Future Farm") (CSE: FFT) (OTCQX: FFRMF) is excited to announce that the build out of its cultivation and extraction operation in Attleboro, Massachusetts has entered the next phase of development with the procurement of bids from general contractors. Future Farm is also pleased to announce that it has completed the demolition of the interior of its Providence, Rhode Island building, which allows for the build-out of a cultivation facility to commence in earnest. The building is located in an M-1 zone, which legally permits the cultivation of cannabis by right. As previously announced, the Company intends to lease this property to a local, licensed cultivator who will use the property as a licensed medical marijuana cultivation space, providing wholesale cannabis to Rhode Islands state-sanctioned dispensaries. Future Farm has already received a Letter of Intent to lease the property from a provisionally licensed cultivator and lease negotiations are currently underway. Due to their geographic proximity to each other, Future Farm and its Rhode Island lessee have carefully curated these tandem efforts to maximize efficiencies and secure competitive pricing from vendors and suppliers. Chief project manager Derek Ross has accepted bids from four general contractors who are competing strongly to work on these high profile projects. The bids each represent local contractors, laborers and craftsmen. "Southeastern Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island are traditionally underserved areas in the New England cannabis ecosystem," says Mr. Ross. "We are now positioned to make a significant contribution to a part of the country struggling to keep up with supply demands, especially as Massachusetts progresses towards adult use and Rhode Island contemplates licensing twelve additional dispensaries, potentially leaving both states very unprepared from a supply perspective. We expect to change that landscape in a few short months." With the bids now in hand, Future Farm and its Rhode Island lessee will be carefully vetting each candidate. Future Farm expects to break ground in Attleboro by the first week in July. For further information, contact William Gildea, Director, at (888) 387-3761. On behalf of the Board, Future Farm Technologies Inc. William Gildea, Chairman & CEO About Future Farm Technologies Inc. Future Farm is a Canadian company with holdings throughout North America including California, Massachusetts, Florida, Maine, Puerto Rico and Newfoundland. The Companys mission is to advance sustainable agriculture through production of wholesale and retail cannabis products, including hemp. As a leader in its field, Future Farm is committed to using only the highest quality processes and products. Towards this goal, the Company acquires or partners with licensed-cannabis operators, and acquires or develops leading technologies in cannabis production, breeding, genetics, and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). Future Farms scalable, indoor CEA systems utilize minimal land, water and energy resources. The Company holds an exclusive, worldwide license to use a patented vertical farming technology that, when compared to traditional plant production methods, generates yields up to 10 times greater per square foot of land. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws. William Gildea, CEO 888-387-3761 bill@futurefarmtech.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. 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Roberts, WA; Delta, BC - June 14, 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/http://www.investorideas.com/Audio/Podcasts/2018/061418-StocksToWatch.mp3 Investor Ideas #Potcasts; #Cannabis News and Stocks on the Move; TSX:TGOD, CSE:VGW, CSE:MDM, CSE:HIKU, TSXV:WMD 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's podcast features news announcements from The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. trading on the TSX as TGOD and the OTCQX as TGODF, Valens GroWorks Corp. trading on the CSE as VGW, Marapharm Ventures Inc. trading on the CSE as MDM and OTCQX as MRPHF, Hiku Brands Company Ltd. trading on the CSE as HIKU and WeedMD Inc. trading on the TSX-Venture as WMD and OTC as WDDMF. The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. announced that it has entered into a strategic partnership with Epican Medicinals Ltd. This partnership will add an additional 14,000 kgs, taking TGOD's total organic funded capacity to 130,000 kgs. Epican is a vertically integrated Jamaican cannabis company with cultivation, extraction, manufacturing and retail distribution licenses. This strategic partnership introduces TGOD's premier organic cannabis brand to the international medical market. Valens GroWorks Corp., a multi-licensed vertically integrated provider of cannabis products and services utilizing proprietary extraction processes, announced that its wholly-owned subsidiary Supra THC Services has obtained ISO 17025 accreditation for cannabis testing. It is the first Dealer's License using cannabis as it's matrix in Canada to achieve this accreditation. ISO 17025 accreditation scope includes methods for cannabinoids, pesticides, toxic metals, terpenes and residual solvents. The ISO 17025 standard, General requirements for the competence of testing and calibration laboratories, has become the international reference for testing and calibration laboratories wanting to demonstrate their capacity to deliver trusted results. The International Standard, published jointly by ISO (International Organization for Standardization) and IEC (International Electrotechnical Commission), contains a set of requirements enabling laboratories to improve their ability to produce consistently valid results, by specifying the general requirements for the competence, impartiality and commitment to continuous improvement of the laboratory's operations. Marapharm Ventures Inc. are nearing final approval for their North Las Vegas facility. On June 4th, a member from the State of Nevada, Department of Taxation met with Kurt Keating, Director of Operations, to perform a "walk-through" of both buildings. Final approval from the state will be granted, contingent on the city providing the Certificates of Occupancy. The Public Works Department is satisfied that they have met their criteria successfully and have acknowledged all utilities are installed to code. The City of North Las Vegas Building Department is on stand-by to "sign-off" on the pending Certificates of Occupancy. Upon approval, the State of Nevada, Department of Taxation will complete their "closing" review and allow the transfer of operations to the new buildings. Six City of North Las Vegas Recreational and Medical Cannabis Cultivation and Production Business Licenses have been renewed and reissued for 2018-2019. The next phase of construction is the 65,000 sq. ft, three storey cultivation and production facility Hiku Brands Company Ltd. and WeedMD Inc. announced that WeedMD has obtained an interim order from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice authorizing the holding of an annual and special meeting of WeedMD shareholders to consider the previously announced merger between Hiku and WeedMD. As described in the joint Hiku and WeedMD press release dated April 19, 2018, WeedMD will be seeking WeedMD Shareholder approval for the Arrangement under the Business Corporations Act. The WeedMD Meeting to consider the Arrangement Resolution will be held on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at 10:00 a.m 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 UTCs new Master of Public Health has received accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges, the last hurdle in the process. With this notification, we have formally started admitting students to the MPH program for the fall of 2018, says Mark Stoutenberg, director of the masters program. The MPH is the only one in Tennessee and one of only a few nationwide with a concentration in chronic disease treatment and prevention, a rapidly growing issue in global health care. This first cohort will play a significant role in shaping the future health in Chattanooga and across Tennessee, not only as public health professionals but as students providing their expertise to organizations and institutions and assisting them with their ongoing health and wellness efforts as part of their academic training, Mr. Stoutenberg says. The program starts in August and, at this point, about 50 potential students have begun the application process, filling about half the slots, Mr. Stoutenberg says. The deadline for applications is Aug. 1, he adds. We have had a tremendous group of future public-health professionals applying to participate in the program and we are extremely excited to welcome them to campus this coming August. June 14, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) The ongoing speculation online about the future of cooperation between Russia and OPEC seems to be a little one-sided. The main point of discussion up until now has been the fact that, due to international pressure (such as Trump's Twitter diplomacy, perceived Russian willingness to open up the taps and pressure from Asian consumers) Saudi Arabia will be willing to revoke its current production cut stance. Current volatility in the global oil market is, according to most analysts, due to fears that markets are facing a severe threat. A doomsday scenario is being painted in the media which suggests that oil prices will collapse as Moscow and Riyadh allow for OPEC compliance to slip, and that a glut of Saudi crude will be hitting the market. This has been the leading theme in the last couple of days, after reporters stated that Moscow and Riyadh are ready to assist the market. At the same time, analysts and pundits support the thesis that Saudi Arabia is able to produce at least 12.5 million bpd, which will be hitting the market on short notice. No one has really assessed the Saudi spare capacity capabilities though, with a majority of analysts taking the aggressive rhetoric for granted. Saudi Arabia, the Kingdom of Oil, will be the savior of the oil universe as it holds not only 276 billion barrels of reserves, but also can hit the market with millions of barrels of Saudi sweet to confront or mitigate possible shortages caused by Venezuela's collapse, the lack of U.S. oil infrastructure, and the impact of Iran sanctions. The main question to be answered, hopefully before reality hits us, is if the Kingdom of Oil really is capable of opening the taps and keep them open in the long term. Several analysts have been warning about the possible technical issues Saudi Aramco is facing for years. The lack of inside information into the world's largest NOC is one of the main reasons behind this. Some insiders have, however, been opening up some doors, indicating that Aramco could have hit a possible production ceiling, as production on several large fields, including Ghawar, has been hit by a long list of issues. In addition to the normal upstream problems, such as black powder, corrosion, biological fowling and misuse of seawater injection for decades, other issues could also affect overall capacity. Sources have seen major pipelines being blocked by corrosion and scaling, while other production has been hit by major sludging threats. These production issues are known, but the impact has never been able to be assessed fully. Financial analysts have always based their forecasts on open sources, such as reports from the IEA, EIA and OPEC, in which the statement is being repeated that Saudi Arabia has spare production capacity. In recent years, especially since the Russia+OPEC production cut agreement, it became a fact of life. Existing production capacity of Aramco was seen as a law, and analysts even concluded that production cuts increased overall spare capacity by the same number. Few analysts dared to ask the main question: If there is spare capacity available, can you prove the figures? At the same time, market watchers should have asked themselves the question: When did Aramco ever produce even 11 million bpd in the last few years. Additionally, there are other indicators that Saudi Aramco could be fighting an increasingly difficult battle to keep overall production up in its existing fields. While analysts differ about the exact rates, production declines can be expected to be above 6 percent per year on average. If this is taken as a fact for all production in the Kingdom, additional new production needed to come onstream is around 600,000-750,000 bpd per year. Hence the ongoing impressive investment schemes, which were even in place during the last oil crisis, as continuous innovation is needed to keep existing production at the same level. This fact is also a major driver for the ongoing discussion within Aramco to speed up conventional field developments on- and offshore, such as in the Arab Gulf (shallow water) and the current focus on shallow-deep-water Red Sea area. The costs of drilling and developing these projects are much higher, than the very easy onshore oil that Saudi Arabia traditionally drilled. Still, the need is there to keep overall production figures at the same level, while even trying to get additional spare capacity. With the widely published spare capacity of 2-2.1 million bpd, the need for these projects would be much less than current investments show. When these questions are not being addressed, but become reality, OPEC's upcoming meeting will be put in another light. Without a real spare production capacity, or with a much lower capacity, the current discussion is null and void. Additional oil on the market will be constrained, leaving a ceterus paribus situation, with increased threats from Venezuela and Iran. As U.S. bank Goldman Sachs already indicated, demand for crude oil and products is not showing any real slowdown. If production cuts stay in place, markets will tighten at an even faster pace. Despite the still elevated inventories and a small supply overhang, the Russia/OPEC mission has been mostly accomplished. A healthy appetite for crude, combined with an unexpected high level of compliance (or forced compliance in Venezuela's or Libya's case), has stabilized markets. Demand, as reported by all institutions and market watchers, is expected to be robust. The threat of higher oil prices culling demand is still very low, but will be looming on the horizon. For 2018-2019, no real risks exist for an oil price showdown. Without a real global financial crisis, lights are on green for a tight crude oil market for an extended period of time. OPEC's Vienna meeting will not trigger a new oil glut. Some goodwill gestures might be expected, such as the use of Saudi's floating storage, but in reality no options exist to move anything. Without major new investments outside of Saudi Arabia or the GCC region, the world is heading for higher prices long-term. Counting on Saudi Arabia's spare capacity could be foolish. Link to original article: https://oilprice.com/Geopolitics/International/Can-Saudi-Arabia-Prevent-The-Next-Oil-Shock.html More Info: This news is published on the Investorideas.com Newswire - a global digital news source for investors and business leaders Disclaimer/Disclosure: Investorideas.com is a digital publisher of third party sourced news, articles and equity research as well as creates original content, including video, interviews and articles. Original content created by investorideas is protected by copyright laws other than syndication rights. Our site does not make recommendations for purchases or sale of stocks, services or products. Nothing on our sites should be construed as an offer or solicitation to buy or sell products or securities. All investing involves risk and possible losses. This site is currently compensated for news publication and distribution, social media and marketing, content creation and more. Disclosure is posted for each compensated news release, content published /created if required but otherwise the news was not compensated for and was published for the sole interest of our readers and followers. Contact management and IR of each company directly regarding specific questions. More disclaimer info: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Disclaimer.asp Learn more about publishing your news release and our other news services on the Investorideas.com newswire https://www.investorideas.com/News-Upload/ and tickertagstocknews.com Global investors must adhere to regulations of each country. Please read Investorideas.com privacy policy: https://www.investorideas.com/About/Private_Policy.asp Vancouver, British Columbia - June 14, 2018 (Investorideas.com Newswire) Resources for Future Generations (#RFG2018) will bring International, Canadian and Indigenous peoples to Vancouver for a collaborative and exciting conference dedicated to the availability of resources. The conference will be held on June 16-21, 2018 at the Vancouver Convention Center. RFG2018 will examine three critical resources - energy, minerals and water - in the context of the Earth, environment, society, and the needs and roles of future generations. A community of scientists and professionals from several Canadian Associations, working together, created this new and exciting conference. The RFG2018 program will explore six vital themes: Earth, energy, minerals, water, resources & society, and education & knowledge. The daily schedule will include a wide range of innovative and provocative special sessions and events including panels, debates, thematic keynotes, public lectures and events for early career professionals. The sessions are specially designed to engage participants, provoking new ideas and conversations, and connecting the big thinkers with practical matters and real-world situations. Ultimately, the aim is to further our understanding of the relationship between minerals, energy, water and the impact they have on the sustainability of humans. Over the course of four days, there will be 140 technical sessions, and almost 1,500 oral and poster presentations. From Sea to Sky natural hazards to porphyry copper deposits in BC, RFG2018 will offer 15 pre and post-conference field trips. There will also be 26 one and two day short courses such as using drones in geoscience and integrating corporate social responsibility in exploration. Hear from the experts on why #RFG2018 is an important conference: John Thompson, Chair, RFG2018 Steering Committee "It's never been more important to discuss how we'll provide critical natural resources responsibly in the future. RFG2018 will be the place for this conversation." Merran Smith, Executive Director, Clean Energy Canada "Metals and minerals are key ingredients for solar panels, wind turbines and electric cars. Miners have an opportunity to play a major role in the global transition to clean energy, but if we're going to capitalize on this opportunity, we need to ensure mining practices are as clean as possible, that they have the support and confidence of communities." Jay Famiglietti, Canada 150 Chair, Saskatchewan "Conversations regarding how food, water and energy supplies are changing can be uncomfortable, but they are essential because planning for those changes must begin now. Conferences like RFG2018 provide a much-needed forum for these discussions and are often catalysts for action in resilience and sustainability." Lana Eagle, Consultant and Co-chair Program RFG2018 "This event is a tremendous opportunity to talk about the issues around sustainability for future generations and who better to encapsulate what some of those issues are than Indigenous people - in a format where they are being listened to and heard." #RFG2018 highlights - http://www.rfg2018.org/en/RFG/2018/Technical-Program/Plenaries Opening Forum - Resources Sources and Constraints Tzeporah Berman, Ross Beaty, Gavin Mudd and Richard Chucla take on the big thinking required to assess the availability of resources. Public Lectures 'Earth: the power of the planet' by Iain Stewart, Director of the Sustainable Earth Institute at Plymouth University 'Can we end the global water crisis?' by Jay Famiglietti, incoming Canada 150 Research Chair, University of Saskatchewan Dialogues Future of Energy- Scott Tinker and Merran Smith discuss how best to supply energy to meet global human needs. Who owns Resources? Jessica Bratty, Tony Hodge, Ian Gill and Cynthia Callison will dig deep into this fundamental question. Closing Forum - The Future of Resources Join Megan Leslie, Robert Armstrong, Tamlyn Botel and John Ludden in assessing what the future holds in a rapidly developing and technological world. Quick facts #RFG2018 will bring together a diverse range of several thousand participants including Indigenous and Government leaders, policymakers, business leaders, students, young leaders, researchers, scientists, and local communities to discuss the most pressing challenges concerning resources and related sustainability issues. #RFG2018 takes place under the auspices of the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) and is delivered by the Canadian Federation of Earth Sciences (CFES), the Canadian Institute of Mining, Metallurgy and Petroleum (CIM), the Geological Association of Canada (GAC), and the Mineralogical Association of Canada (MAC). For more information, visit www.rfg2018.org and watch the video Why RFG?. Find us on - Twitter: @RFG2018, #RFG2018 LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/rfg2018/ Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/RFG2018/ Media contact Kamran Shaikh PR Associates kshaikh@prassociates.com 778.846.5406 (Mobile) 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 This collection features the arguments in favor of and against the renaming of Catt Hall on Iowa State's campus, which was named in Hamilton County COVID cases 62,525 Hamilton County COVID deaths 638 By my math 62525/638 = 0.012 percent 0.012 percent of people that got COVID died from it 99.988 percent survived including myself I just wanted to point out how ridiculous vaccine mandates really are and how COVID hysteria, driven by the media and federal government, is unwarranted. Vaccines reduce ... (click for more) Hooray for The Saturday Funnies! Before we begin with some wonderful one-liners from some of historys greatest people, let me remind you we dont write the Funnies. Instead they are gleaned from the emails we gather from those that are sent to us each week. If you have a great funny, please send it to royexum@aol.com and well share it. * * * GREAT ONE-LINERS FROM THE WORLDS ... (click for more) My name is Matt, I am photographer and "BTS search Guru".On ISO 1200 Magazine we have the best team searching brand new behind the scenes videos around the world to learn all the secrets of the best photographers Wired Coffee Bar, a gathering spot on Main Street in the Ooltewah/Collegedale community, has finished completion of a nearly 1,500 square foot event space that includes an outdoor deck. We continually have requests for meeting and event space, from both individuals and businesses alike, and Wired has now responded to these requests," said Lisa Goolsby, owner of Wired Coffee Bar. "The local community is seeking a casual environment for business meetings as well as a location to host showers, dinners, church groups and private parties. Our new event space will easily be able to accommodate most of these needs." With room to accommodate up to 99 people, the new rentable space can be reserved in advance and configured to meet many different needs from sit down dinners to small groups, parties and business meetings. On the first Friday of every month Wired Coffee Bar has hosted the Ooltewah/Collegedale Chamber of Commerces morning coffee networking meetings, and this new event space will provide the room to meet and mingle that theyve been needing, said Ms. Goolsby. We look forward to having their next monthly meeting in our new space. To inquire on how to access the new event space, contact Wired Coffee Bar at lisa@thewiredcoffeebar.com. Childrens Emergency Care Alliance of Tennessee recognized Van Buren County 911 Central Dispatch, Fall Creek Falls State Park, Piney Volunteer Fire Department, Van Buren County EMS and Erlanger Life Force Air Medical at the Tenth Annual Star of Life Awards Dinner and Ceremony as the State Award in Nashville at Rocketown. The mission of CECATN, the host of the Star of Life Awards, is to ensure that every child in Tennessee receives the best pediatric emergency care in order to eliminate the effects of severe illness and injury. The Star of Life Awards are designed to honor Tennessees pre-hospital providers for their lifesaving care. The ceremony reunited the EMS personnel on stage with John Charles Blunt, a survivor of heart attack. As the narrative of the EMS call for saving baby Mr. Johnsons life was read by Jennifer Kraus of NewsChannel 5, each provider received a Star of Life pin. The evening recognizes these crews who are on the frontlines of emergency care. Below are the recipients for Region 4 Star of Life Award: The ceremony reunited the EMS personnel on stage as the narrative of the EMS call for saving John Charles Blounts life. As the narrative of the EMS call for saving Stacies life was read by Jennifer Kraus of NewsChannel 5, each provider received a Star of Life pin. Brian Bricker, paramedic Tiwanna Bricker, paramedic Corey Guy, certified flight paramedic Brent Measles, ranger Robin Bayless, EMT-B, ranger David Danz, firefighter Joey Grissom, firefighter, AEMT Will Maxwell, AEMT Jeffrey Hill, AEMT Colton Simmons, AEMT Kaitlyn Parker, AEMT Nicholas Abraham, CC paramedic Gillian Roberts, ranger Sean Cloud, dispatcher Mashal Ruth, dispatcher Mel Hughes, pilot Juantia Brymer, dispatcher Susan Musilli, RN Dale Millsaps Jesslyn Shockley Steve Butler On September 23, 2017 John Blount was out enjoying the fall weather at Fall Creek Falls State Park. While he was on a bicycle ride, he started experiencing severe chest pain. He collapsed near the B campground area and bystanders saw what happened and started CPR. When rangers arrived they placed the AED on him and it advised a shock. This was delivered and Mr. Blount regained a pulse but was still in critical condition. Other park personnel responded with the rangers to assist with crowd control and medical care if needed. Further medical care was provided by Piney Volunteer Fire Department and Van Buren County EMS before being transported emergently to Erlanger by Erlanger Life Force Air Medical. Nominations for 2019 can be received from the public or healthcare providers. To nominate an EMS save, please refer to the nomination packet https://cecatn.org/star-of-life/. The 2018 Star of Life Star Partner sponsor was Childrens Hospital at Erlanger, Erlanger LifeForce Air Medical and Erlanger Health Systems. AROUND THE ISLAND WE GO A heat of cyclists departs Monday from Fort Getty Road during the 45th Jamestown Classic, an annual 19-mile race around Jamestown every Columbus Day. More than 125 riders participated in... Council to mull leash law, rental rules The agenda for Mondays meeting of the town council will include two items that have been the source of debate for years. The councilors are expected to discuss draft ordinances... Major changes on tap for bridges Two major changes are on the horizon for the agency that operates the four saltwater spans connecting Aquidneck and Conanicut islands to the mainland. Open-road tolling at the plaza of... China's top political advisor Wang Yang paid an official visit to the Republic of Congo from Monday to Wednesday to further advance bilateral ties between the two countries. Wang Yang (R), chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with Congolese President Denis Sassou Nguesso in Brazzaville, the Republic of Congo, June 13, 2018. At the invitation of Pierre Ngolo, president of the Senate of the Republic of Congo, Wang paid an official friendly visit to the African country from June 11 to 13. [Photo: Xinhua] During his meeting with President of the Republic of Congo Denis Sassou Nguesso on Wednesday morning, Wang, chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), firstly conveyed Chinese President Xi Jinping's best wishes to Sassou Nguesso. Wang said Xi looks forward to having an in-depth exchange of views on the further development of bilateral ties and China-Africa ties with Sassou Nguesso during the upcoming Beijing Summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) to be held in September. Xi visited the Republic of Congo in March 2013 during his first African visit since he took office in 2013. During Sassou Nguesso's state visit to China in 2016, the two countries lifted bilateral ties to the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation, opening a new chapter of bilateral ties. Wang said his visit to the Republic of Congo, the first stop of his first overseas visit since he took office in March this year, showed the importance China has attached to its ties with the Republic of Congo and Africa. China and the Republic of Congo have always provided mutual support on each other's core interests and issues of major concerns and closely coordinated on international and regional issues so as to safeguard common interests, said Wang. China is willing to further enhance high-level exchange of visits, boost political mutual trust and focus on cooperation of the Belt and Road Initiative with the Republic of Congo in the hope of jointly building a China-Africa community with a shared future, said Wang. Calling the Republic of Congo "a firm friend of China," Sassou Nguesso said his country spoke highly of the Belt and Road Initiative and the concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity, which were both proposed by Xi. He said he expected to exchange views with Xi on state governance during the FOCAC Beijing Summit to further elevate bilateral ties and China-Africa ties to a new level. During his talks with Pierre Ngolo, president of the Senate of the Republic of Congo, on Tuesday, Wang said China and the Republic of Congo are good friends and partners. Wang said his visit aimed to implement the consensus reached by the two heads of state and deepen traditional friendship between the two countries. China felt happy for the social and economic progresses made by the Republic of Congo under the leadership of President Sassou Nguesso, said Wang, adding that China firmly supports the Republic of Congo in choosing a development path suitable to its national condition. Wang said the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China (CPC) held last October established Xi Jinping Thought on Socialism with Chinese Characteristics for a New Era as a long-term guiding principle for the CPC and the thought was added into the CPC Constitution as well as the Constitution of the country. The CPC stands ready to share its experience on party-building and governance with the Congolese Party of Labor so as to make the party-to-party cooperation forge a solid foundation for the comprehensive strategic partnership of cooperation between the two countries, said Wang. He said that the CPPCC is willing to enhance exchanges with the Senate of the Republic of Congo to promote the synergy of both countries' development strategies so as to benefit both peoples. Calling China a valuable friend of the Republic of Congo, Ngolo said recent years have witnessed great changes in his country and huge improvement of people's livelihood thanks to the country's robust cooperation with China. The Republic of Congo is glad to see the achievements China has scored under the leadership of President Xi, he said. The CPC has shouldered its historical responsibility by raising the concept of building a community with a shared future for humanity, Ngolo said. The Congolese Party of Labor is willing to enhance exchanges on development concepts with the CPC, while the Senate stands ready to be a "propeller" of ties between China and the Republic of Congo so as to make new contribution to bilateral ties, he said. During his respective meetings with Isidore Mvouba, speaker of the National Assembly and Clement Mouamba, prime minister, Wang said both countries have made fruitful cooperation in the areas of infrastructural construction, energy and resources development, air transport and finance. China will continue to plan and implement the major projects between the two countries, create a sound environment for bilateral cooperation, promote cooperation in areas important to people's livelihood and share experience on poverty-eradication, Wang said. Mvouba and Mouamba said the river of the friendship between China and the Republic of Congo, just like China's Yangtze River and the Congo River, runs a long course. They expressed appreciation to China for the long-term and precious support during their country's liberation and peace building. During his three-day visit in Brazzaville, capital of the Republic of Congo, Wang also visited joint cooperation projects including a demonstration village hosting the China-aided "Access to Satellite TV for 10,000 African Villages Project" at the village of Kintele, the Mpila Middle School and the Sino-Congolese Bank for Africa. Wang arrived in Brazzaville on Monday evening, kicking off an official friendly visit to three African nations. The 10-day visit will also bring him to Uganda and Kenya. Citizens in Alabama, Georgia and Louisiana [complaints, PDF] filed [press release] lawsuits on Tuesday against their respective states for violating Section 2 of the Voting Rights Act [text, PDF] through the drawing of the congressional districts. The lawsuits request that the congressional maps approved in 2011 be redrawn to strengthen the African American vote, by creating majority-minority congressional districts, allowing African American citizens a legitimate vote for their candidate. Louisianas lawsuit specifically claims that state legislators unlawfully diluted the minority vote by placing African American citizens into one majority-minority district and spreading the rest among the remaining districts. The Alabama lawsuit alleges the same while asserting that the African American population size is large enough to support a second majority-minority district. The Georgia lawsuit claims that legislators redrew the 12th congressional district to remove African American voters and add more White voters to dilute the power of African Americans votes. Gerrymandering has been the subject of numerous recent lawsuits. In May the American Civil Liberties Union (ACLU) [advocacy website] filed a federal lawsuit [JURIST report] challenging Ohios US congressional map as unconstitutional partisan gerrymandering. In the past term, the US Supreme Court has heard two different cases on partisan gerrymandering in both Maryland and Wisconsin [JURIST reports]. In March a federal district court dismissed the lawsuit brought Pennsylvania Republican legislators seeking to throw out the new electrical map [JURIST reports] deigned by the state Supreme Court. That same day, the US Supreme Court [official website] denied a separate appeal from the original Pennsylvania Supreme Court case that resulted in the new congressional map. In February, the US Supreme Court stayed an order [JURIST report] to redraw certain north Carolina congressional districts. Amnesty International [advocacy website] called on [Amnesty report] the Iranian government Wednesday to release prominent human rights lawyer, Nasrin Sotoudeh, whom the government had arrested on unknown charges. Recently, Sotoudeh had advocated against Article 48 of Irans 2015 Code of Criminal Procedure [text]. A note to Article 48 requires that individuals charged in serious criminal cases and in cases of political dissidence choose a defense lawyer that is pre-approved and listed by the judiciary. Earlier this year, Sotoudeh was prosecuted for participating with other women in a peaceful protest of the compulsory veiling [Amnesty report] law in Iran. Sotoudeh was also sentenced to six years in prison in 2010 for speaking out against the government but released early in 2013 on a pardon. In 2012 Sotoudeh received the Sakharov award [European Parliament press release] for her activism in the sphere of human rights. The Iranian governments action against Sotoudeh follow a trend in the governments treatment of activists with recent criticism [JURIST report] by UN human rights experts earlier this year for its treatment of imprisoned human rights defenders Atena Daemi and Golrokh Ebrahimi. Argentinas Chamber of Deputies [official website, in Spanish] approved [press release, in Spanish] a bill [text; Spanish] on Thursday to decriminalize abortion for the first 14 weeks of pregnancy. As of right now, abortion is only decriminalized in Argentina in cases of rape or risk to the health of the mother. The deputies proposed [JURIST report] the decriminalization bill in March. The debate lasted for over 23 hours. 129 deputies voted in favor of the bill, with 125 against, and one deputy abstaining. The bill will now be sent to Argentinas Senate. Amnesty International [advocacy website] hailed [press release] the passage in the lower house as historic for human rights. The Executive Director of Amnesty International Argentina, Mariela Belski, said, New legislation could end a vicious circle where women have no option but to risk their lives, their health, and their freedom if they are sent to prison. In May Irelands constitutional amendment banning abortion was repealed [JURIST report] by a popular vote. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein [official profile] called for [press release] an investigation Tuesday into potential human rights abuses committed in both the Indian-administrated and Pakistan-administrated sections of the Kashmir region. According to the first UN report [report, PDF] on Kashmir, in the Indian-administrated section, soldiers use excessive force against civilians, which led to approximately 145 deaths within the past few years. Civilians are also subjected to enforced disappearance, torture, and sexual violence. Victims are often barred access to justice because Indian soldiers have almost complete immunity. The report says that in the Pakistan-administrated section, the violations are of a different calibre or magnitude. The administration denies the freedoms of speech, assembly, and religion to the people of Kashmir. Any resolution to the political situation in Kashmir should entail a commitment to ending the cycles of violence and accountability for past and current human rights violations and abuses committed by all parties and redress for victims, says Zeid. Such a resolution can only be brought about by meaningful dialogue that includes the people of Kashmir. He recommends that the UNs human rights branch create a commission of inquiry to hold an independent investigation into the conditions in Kashmir. In 2016, Zeid said that he was concerned [JURIST report] about human rights violations in Kashmir. Police said two employees of an inn at a popular Vermont tourist destination ate marijuana-laced chocolate edibles left behind by guests and got sick. Shelburne Police were called to the Inn at Shelburne Farms on Wednesday after receiving a report an employee felt ill and was lying in the parking lot. The two employees were taken to the hospital and have since been released. The inn's spokeswoman said any food left behind is not to be consumed by staff and the inn's training programs will be reviewed with employees. Police are asking that people who possess edibles keep them secure. The edibles in this case resembled malted milk balls No charges will be filed against the guests. Recreational use of marijuana will become legal in Vermont on July 1. WCC's Central Committee Set for Packed Agenda on Unity, Justice and Peace GENEVE, June 14, 2018 / Christian Newswire / -- Observing the 70th anniversary of the founding of the World Council of Churches (WCC) brings special focus and heightened attention to this year's Central Committee meeting, 15-21 June in Geneva. The WCC Executive Committee meets 13-14 June at the Ecumenical Institute of Bossey. Photo: The WCC Executive Committee gathers in Bossey 13-14 June 2018. Credit: Albin Hillert/WCC With a densely packed agenda on tap, the chief governing body of the WCC is gathering this week for its biennial meeting, followed immediately by a visit from Pope Francis on 21 June. Highlighting the 70th, participants will attend a Sunday ecumenical worship service with the congregation of St Pierre Cathedral in Old Town Geneva and enjoy an evening anniversary celebration focused on informal storytelling and presentations from the several regions of the fellowship. Church leaders from around the world, including His All Holiness Bartholomew I, the Ecumenical Patriarch, are traveling to Geneva for the festivities, and the week will close with the daylong visit of Pope Francis. But there is also a heavy business agenda. Along with reports from the moderator, Dr Agnes Abuom, and the general secretary, Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, thematic plenary sessions are devoted to the ongoing and evolving search for Christian unity, re-conceiving ecumenical diakonia, experiences and stories from the pilgrimage, and the shape of the "living fellowship" of member churches today. Among the Central Committee's chief tasks are a midterm review of the council's programmes, decisions about the venue and theme of the next WCC assembly in 2021, monitoring and evaluating the ongoing foundational work of the Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace, updates on the emerging Green Village real-estate development, reception of the new landmark study of ecumenical diakonia (the churches' service), and addressing a variety of public issues. As the general secretary noted, "This whole meeting of the Central Committee has been prepared as a comprehensive, significant, public, and quite dense event to commemorate, consider, and celebrate the life and work of the World Council of Churches." Side events include special gatherings for youth and women and launches of two new books: a new short history of the WCC and its assemblies; and a cross-regional, cross-confessional theological reflection on the pilgrimage. Elected from among the delegates to the last WCC assembly, in Busan, Republic of Korea, in 2013, the 150-member Central Committee gathers directly after a two-day meeting of its Executive Committee, the 25 members of which were chosen by the Central Committee. It meets every six months and works closely with the leadership to guide the WCC's activities and decisions between biennial Central Committee meetings. Members of the Central Committee represent nearly 40 percent of the WCC's 348 member churches across a dozen families in world Christianity. Observers from other churches, ecumenical partner organizations, and religious organizations, along with media, staff and stewards, bring attendance to around 300. The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 348 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, from the [Lutheran] Church of Norway. Big Sponsors Flee Samantha Bee's Show Contact: The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, 212-371-3191, pr@catholicleague.org NEW YORK, June 14, 2018 / Christian Newswire / -- Catholic League president Bill Donohue (photo) comments on Samantha Bee's problems with sponsors: On June 8, I issued a news release, "Verizon and P&G Asked to Drop Samantha Bee." We provided email addresses so our followers could contact both companies. A few hours later, we received a call from an official at Verizon indicating that the company might pull its ads. On June 12, I issued a news release, "Will Verizon Drop Ads for Bee's Show?" Email contacts for both Verizon and P&G were again provided. Good news: On the June 13 edition of Samantha Bee's TBS show, "Full Frontal," neither Verizon nor P&G advertised on her show. In fact, most of the advertisements were for movies or Turner Broadcasting shows. The word is out: sponsoring Samantha Bee's show is a very risky ordeal. Our work is not done. There was one new big sponsor on Bee's June 13 show: Wendy's. If Wendy's hears from you, it is likely they will follow in the footsteps of Verizon and P&G. No respectable company wants to be associated with a show whose host uses the "c-word" to describe women she hates. We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge that Bee's relentless anti-Catholicism is a key motivating force behind our campaign. In secret, behind locked gates, our Nation's Oldest City dumped a landfill in a lake (Old City Reservoir), while emitting sewage in our rivers and salt marsh. Organized citizens exposed and defeated pollution, racism and cronyism. We elected a new Mayor. We're transforming our City -- advanced citizenship. Ask questions. Make disclosures. Demand answers. Be involved. Expect democracy. Report and expose corruption. Smile! Help enact a St. Augustine National Park and Seashore. We shall overcome! While a proactive lawsuit against the agency might appear slightly paranoid for a small vial of alleged moon dust, it's not. Private ownership of lunar material is a contentious legal issue in the US. If the initial findings are replicated, the vial would be extremely valuable but legally hazardous to sell. "I didn't want that to happen to Laura". She is seemingly concerned that the government might attempt to come after her-NASA has previously taken the legal position that "private persons can not own lunar material", and has criminally investigated people claiming to sell such lunar material or otherwise tried to seize such artifacts. NASA has yet to respond as of this posting, but the lawsuit was recently served and, as McHugh told Gizmodo, the space agency has 60 days to respond. It was from the moon, her mother told her. A note that Laura Cicco says Neil Armstrong wrote to her. Cicco claims in her lawsuit, filed Wednesday (local time) in federal court, that the moon dust was a gift from Armstrong, who was friends with her father, a pilot for the US Army Air Corps during World War II and for the Federal Aviation Administration. The two men were apparently close enough that Mr Armstrong gave Mr Murray a gift for his young daughter. But at 10 years old, Ms Cicco did not understand what she held in her hand. "I wasn't really excited about it", she recalls. Five years ago, after her parents had died, she found it while going through her parents' possessions. Although she had Mr Armstrong's autograph in a frame for years, she had completely forgotten about the moon dust. Cicco, who now lives in Tennessee, said she doesn't have the vial in her possession. "[I tried] a couple universities". Can private citizens own moon dust? The handwritten note is what Cicco's attorney, Christopher McHugh, told the Post will be essential in proving the rightful owner of the moon dust. And that's just not true", McHugh said, adding later: "This is not stolen property. "Lunar material is not contraband", McHugh wrote. "It is not illegal to own or possess". Laura Cicco received a vial of moon dust from famed Apollo 11 astronaut Neil Armstrong almost 50 years ago. A 2012 law states that astronauts control any items they bring back from space, except lunar material, the newspaper reported. For instance, NASA officials staged a sting in 2011 to retrieve lunar material from a 74-year-old woman whose late husband worked as an engineer on the Apollo 11 mission. There is no evidence former Kansas resident Laura Cicco, nee Murray, was even on NASA's radar before she filed suit early this month. It was bought and eventually resold, but not before NASA did everything in its power to get the bag back. NASA's Lunar Allocations Handbook states that lunar samples are the property of the United States government and are only to be used for authorized purposes. Of the 270 lunar samples given as gifts by the U.S. to foreign governments, about 150 are missing and many are presumed to have been sold on the black market. The attorney said that he has seen cases against NASA over material from other planets, but this is the first case he is aware of concerning ownership of moon dust. He hopes that by asking for a federal jury trial, the matter of whether or not private citizens may own lunar material will be decided once and for all. (CNN Money) The head of Britain's top business lobby group says the country's car industry could be wiped out by Brexit. "There is a risk that the auto industry in the UK faces extinction if there's no customs union after Brexit," warned Paul Drechsler, president of the Confederation of British Industry (CBI). Britain is set to leave the European Union at the end of March 2019, but the UK government has not made clear how trade will be conducted with the country's biggest export market. One of the largest outstanding issues is how goods will be treated when they cross the new border. Britain is currently a member of the European Union's customs union, which enables its 28 member states to function as a single trading area with no tariffs or border checks. What comes next is unclear. UK Prime Minister Theresa May has ruled out a future customs union, and is considering alternatives. But the leading proposals have been dismissed by Brussels or rely on new technologies that critics say don't yet exist. "If we do not have a customs union, there are sectors of manufacturing society in the UK which risk becoming extinct," said Drechsler. "That is the reality." Related: The CNNMoney Brexit jobs tracker Experts say the lack of progress over Brexit and ever tighter deadlines are worrying investors and business executives. "We still haven't got clarity about the future direction [of Brexit] at a level of detail that matters for investment. Yes, we've got great speeches. But what matters in business is the detail," said Drechsler. Drechsler's comments were first reported by the BBC and confirmed by CNNMoney. The UK auto manufacturing sector employs over 800,000 workers and depends upon a complicated supply chain for shipping parts and cars. Foreign automakers including BMW, Toyota, Nissan and Honda have big factories in the United Kingdom. Ford also makes engines at two plants. About 45% of the cars made in Britain are exported to the European Union. Related: Brexit could hurt UK car industry's electric dreams The auto industry is also sounding the alarm. "Free and frictionless trade with the EU has been the foundation of the UK automotive industry's recent success," the Society of Motor Manufacturers and Traders (SMMT) said in a statement. It warned of "major disruptions to vehicle manufacturers and their supply chains" if the United Kingdom fails to replicate the current trading system with the European Union after Brexit. In February, a delegation of top Japanese executives met with May to warn that big Japanese companies -- and others -- would have to quit the United Kingdom if trade barriers after Brexit wipe out their profit margins. On Monday, Jaguar Land Rover said it would move production of its Discovery model to EU member Slovakia. The company said in April that it would cut 1,000 UK jobs. Jaguar Land Rover -- which is owned by India's Tata Motors -- said that investments in other UK plants showed it was still committed to Britain. Related: What is a tariff? Your trade questions, answered Investment in the UK auto sector fell by 34% in 2017 to 1.1 billion ($1.5 billion), according to the SMMT. Drechsler said that slowing investment has become a widespread problem. "Every single day in my job at the CBI, I'm aware of decisions ... about delays, about deferrals" in investment, Drechsler said. This story was first published on CNN.com, "Brexit could make UK car industry 'extinct'." Manila (CNN Philippines Life) Born blind, Hannah Mae Aldeza is a call center agent who is also doing her Masters degree in UP Diliman. She is now 31 years old and seven years ago, she realized that she was attracted to women. I became close with another woman in 2011 and I thought everything was wrong and I was going to hell, she says. Aldeza grew up in a Christian family and when she told them that she is a lesbian, they didnt take it too well. However, she was able to navigate this period of her life through the help of a counselor she found on the internet who advised her to seek LGBTQI+ people and communities online. There, I found the support that I needed and I came out to my friends, she says. This Pride Month, we talked to Aldeza to know the complexities that come with being a lesbian in the Philippines. Watch the video below to know more about her coming out journey: A little boy gave his mother a humorous homecoming last week. Daimen Nielsen, 4, greeted his mom, Barbara Nielsen, at Fort Smith regional airport in Arkansas with a sign that read, "Welcome Home From Prison Mom." Nielsen of Muldrow, Oklahoma, said that Daimen had no clue what the sign said and that it was all his dear old dad's idea. "I was ready to smack my husband," Nielsen said, laughing. "It was cute when [Daimen] was holding it with that big, beautiful grin of his. I just looked at my husband and rolled my eyes and was like, really? And of course, everyone around us was smiling and giggling." Nielsen said she had returned from a business trip in Michigan when Daimen and his dad, Brandon, met her at the airport. Nielsen's friend, Jessica Williams, posted the photo of Daimen on Facebook, where it was shared more than 123,000 times. "So a friend was gone for a week on BUSINESS and her husband made this sign for their son to hold to welcome mom back!" Williams wrote. "I died laughing." Nielsen said her family also thought the photo of Daimen was adorable. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 13) Twenty-four town police chiefs from the Mimaropa region have been sacked for poor performance in the anti-illegal drugs campaign, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Wednesday. PNP Chief Oscar Albayalde commended the region's police officials for following his directive to remove officers who perform poorly. He said he reiterated the instruction at Wednesday's PNP command conference. The cops were marked as having had "no [or] low accomplishments" between December 5, 2017 to May 31, 2018. They will be reassigned to different localities. Mimaropa Regional Director PC Supt. Emmanuel Luis Delgado Licup approved their relief on the recommendation of the Oversight Committee on Illegal Drugs. A police statement said the officers failed to meet requirements set by the committee, which is chaired by Deputy Regional Director for Operations PC Supt. Ferdinand Garay. Last week, Human Rights Watch lamented the promotion of police officers who oversaw operations that resulted in suspects' deaths. Previous reports have also detailed "kill rewards" under the drug war. However, Licup denied that the underperformance of the relieved officers had to do with meeting a quota for arrests or deaths. When asked what the committee standards were, he explained that the men fell short in terms of accounting for personalities on their high value target list under Oplan Double Barrel or the watchlist under Oplan Tokhang. "If you have somebody listed as (a high value target), dapat may ginawang mga [there should be] operations... In short, you build up a case against him," Licup told CNN Philippines in a phone call. Under Oplan Tokhang a police operation where cops go door to door to "knock and plead" with suspects officers should convince suspects to submit themselves to inspection or rehabilitation. "Kung na-convince mo, that's a point para sa iyo [If you convince them, that's a point for you]," Licup added. If certain personalities were mistaken or no longer live in the area, the onus is on the policemen to prove this in their reports. If the suspects maintain their innocence, they should still submit themselves to interview, and the presiding officer is required to profile them. "The police has to defend his case na itong tao na to, baka na-drag lang ang pangalan [saying that this guy's name was just dragged into it]," said Licup. The lists are provided by the Barangay Anti-Drug Abuse Council (BADAC), of which PNP is a member. What's next for 24 cops? Licup warned the remaining 53 town police chiefs in the region that they will "face the same fate" as their colleagues unless they step up their efforts to run after criminals. However, he assured that the policemen will be given a second chance to uphold their duties elsewhere. "This is not something punitive," said Licup. "They're given the chance to get a fresh start if they go to another place and start anew." The sacked police officials include: One from Irawan Police Station in Puerto Princesa, Palawan Four from Bongabong, Bulalacao, San Teodoro, Mansalay in Oriental Mindoro; Five from Abra de Ilog, Calintaan, Looc, Lubang, Paluan in Occidental Mindoro; One from Sta. Cruz in Marinduque; Five from Alcantara, Calatrava, Ferrol, San Agustin, and Sta. Fe in Romblon; and Eight from Aborlan, Agutaya, Balabac, Bataraza, Brooke's Point, Culion, Linapacan, and Quezon in Palawan. Albayalde said regional directors are free to make calls relieving their men. "May power sila magrelieve, huwag na hintayin na kami pa magdeliberate... because if walang aksyon ang regional director, then damay siya dahil wala siyang ginagawa on his level," said Albayalde. [Transcript: They have the power to relieve (men), and not to wait for us to deliberate... because if the regional director doesn't act, he might be implicated later on for not doing anything on his level.] President Rodrigo Duterte's war on drugs has left more than 4,000 drug suspects dead in police operations, according to government data. Human rights watchdogs, however, estimate that the bloody campaign has left up to 13,000 suspects dead, including victims of vigilante-style operations. EUGENE, Ore. A man found guilty of sex trafficking and illegal possession of a gun has been sentenced to 6.5 years in federal prison, according to the U.S. Attorney's Office. 36-year-old Anthony Jones started using one of the victims for prostitution while still in Idaho. About eight months later, in March of 2015, Jones met another victim. She was homeless, and Jones bribed her with drugs, promising that prostitution would make her rich. This second victim eventually agreed. Then Jones brought the two victims to Eugene, Oregon. The U.S. Attorney's Office says that Jones would "talk menacingly about 'regulating' his victims and keeping them 'in check' in order to intimidate them. On March 7, 2015, a planned sex transaction at a Eugene motel "fell apart" when the second victim refused to participate. The "John" (client) became upset and tore at the victim's clothing, threatening to return with a gun. After the incident, Jones threatened to leave the woman stranded in Oregon if she did not cooperate and keep prostituting for him. When police investigated the disturbance at the motel that day, they found Jonesa convicted felonin possession of a handgun. He was arrested and would eventually plead guilty to one count each of interstate transport for prostitution and felon in possession of a firearm on Tuesday, November 21, 2017. MEDFORD, Ore. Precisely 10 years ago today, an 18-year-old Medford man drove away from his from his home in the 2700-block of Aldersgate Road and disappeared. Brandon Perduehis body or his vehiclewas never found. Between the initial investigation and more recent attempts to close the case, the Medford Police Department (MPD) have done their best to construct a timeline of events before his disappearance. A car similar to Perdue's red Honda Civic. A car similar to Perdue's red Honda Civic. On June 13, 2008, Perdue was at home and had been texting with his family and friends. He suddenly left his house, dressed in "casual clothing," and drove off in his car. MPD says that Perdue was texting that he was considering harming himself. He continued texting until his cell phone was "deactivated"probably from a drained battery, MPD says. The last reported contact with Perdue was a text message received by one of his friends just before 9 p.m. that night. No one has heard from him since. Friends and family told MPD that Perdue may have traveled to the Lost Creek Lake area. Final messages from the man indicated that he may have gone to a remote location to harm himself. During the initial investigation in 2008, investigators analyzed cell phone data, determining that Perdue drove north on Highway 62 to Eagle Point, then east on Highway 140. A cell tower on Robinson Buttejust south of Hwy 140 between Fish Lake and Lake of the Woodsregistered activity from him around 7:46 p.m. that night. Although there were more messages received after that time, they could not be pinpointed to a cell site. Perdue's family and friends, aided by MPD and Jackson County Search & Rescue (SAR), conducted organized searches near Lost Creek Lake and around Robinson Butte for days. Friends and family continued the search for weeks beyond that, even hiring an aircraft for air searches along the roadways near Hwy 140 into the Klamath Basin. Perdue's vehicle was never spotted. Stories aired on local news and requests for tips yielded no results. More recently, MPD have sent that cell phone data to the military for re-evaluation. They say that they have reached out to the Jackson County SAR Coordinator to see if more searches would be possible, and contacted the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC), and the National Missing and Unidentified Person System (NamUs) as well. Samples of Perdue's DNA and his dental history have also been sent out to the University of North Texas for comparison with any recovered unidentified remains. Now, 10 years after Perdue's disappearance, MPD are asking for public assistance to close the case: "We are asking for the publics help in locating Brandon Perdue and or his vehicle. The vehicle is very important to locate. This vehicle may have already been found and recovered. We ask that wrecking yards, tow companies in the Southern Oregon, Northern California region to check their tow records and check their inventory for the Perdue vehicle. We ask anyone who while hunting, hiking or recreating may have seen or recovered the Perdue vehicle please contact Medford Police. Any information should be forwarded to Medford Police, Medford Oregon by phone, email or facebook." Perdue's car was a red 1998 Honda Civic Coupe, with Oregon plates reading XVB-615. A similar vehicle is pictured below. WASHINGTON, D.C. Wording that would legalize hemp farming at a federal level will be part of the new Senate Farm Bill, according to U.S. Senators Ron Wyden and Jeff Merkley. The Farm Bill passed the Senate Agriculture Committee today. CLICK HERE to read how a previous version of the Farm Bill failed in the House just one month ago. Our bipartisan legislation will help farmers unlock the full economic potential of industrial hemp, spurring economic growth and creating good-paying red, white, and blue jobs in rural communities across the country. Passing the Hemp Farming Act through the Senate Agriculture Committee marks a huge step toward allowing consumers to buy products made with hemp grown in America, said Wyden. The two Oregon senators worked closely with Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) to create the legislation and include it in the Senate Farm Bill. According to a statement from Wyden and Merkley, 25 other senators now support the bill. Outdated policies should not stand in the way of our American farmers growing a crop that is already used to make products sold all across the U.S., said Merkley. With this farm bill, we are moving Oregon farmers into the 21st centuryallowing industrial hemp to meet its potential to create jobs and strengthen the agriculture industry, as well as jump-starting the long-overdue process of reforming the Controlled Substances Act. CLICK HERE to read more about the Hemp Farming Act and how it came to be. The new Hemp Farming Act would define hemp as an agricultural commodity and remove it from the list of controlled substances. According to Wyden and Merkley, it would also allow states the opportunity to become the "primary regulators" of hemp production, allow hemp researchers to apply for federal grants, and allow hemp farmers to apply for crop insurance. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 14) The country's top diplomat is banking on two things to resolve the South China Sea dispute: prayer and diplomacy. "I'm praying every day and I'm praying hard na may miracle na mangyari diyan na maresolve ang South China Sea issue," Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano said in a media briefing Thursday. [Translation: "I'm praying every day and I'm praying hard for a miracle to happen to resolve the South China Sea issue."] He said the government has taken a "slow" diplomatic approach to dealing with its long-standing maritime row with China, Vietnam, Taiwan, Malaysia and Brunei over areas in the South China Sea. Cayetano said the government cannot divulge the contents of all diplomatic negotiations to protect national interest. He also mentioned a third option - going to war, but President Rodrigo Duterte has made it clear the country cannot afford to fight China. "We don't want a single soldier hurt but we will not give up on our claims, especially on Scarborough," Cayetano said. Although the Philippines lost control of Scarborough Shoal after the 2012 standoff with China, Cayetano said it is not fully controlled by the Asian giant. "Scarborough is not 100 percent controlled by China because our fishermen and (our) Coast Guard are there," he said. Fishermen's plight Scarborough, also known as Panatag Shoal, is one of the islets and reefs in the South China Sea that lie within the country's 200-mile exclusive economic zone. The government calls this West Philippine Sea. The July 2016 arbitration ruling said the waters is a traditional fishing ground of Filipinos, Chinese, and Vietnamese fishermen. China refuses to acknowledge the landmark ruling and continues to claim the South China Sea in its entirety. It even said Filipinos are allowed to fish in Scarborough "out of goodwill." In the same media briefing, Cayetano said the Philippines and China have entered into a tentative fishing agreement, but did not elaborate on the details. Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio on Thursday told CNN Philippines a fishing agreement should discuss is the allowable quantity of fish, as well as a fish tax for the practice to be sustainable. Some fishermen claim they are being harassed, their catch being seized, by members of the Chinese Coast Guard in Scarborough Shoal. Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua said these are isolated incidents and erring coast guards will be punished. Maritime patrols Filipino, Chinese, and Vietnamese coast guards are meeting in July to discuss issues in patrolling contested waters, Cayetano said Thursday. He again denied there was an order from the President to stop patrols in the West Philippine Sea, a claim made by opposition lawmaker Gary Alejano. Cayetano said it was a "very irresponsible" claim that "endangered our security and our standing" in the maritime dispute. "We can assure our people may (we have) regular patrols," he said. FILE - In this June 9, 2018 file photo, President Donald Trump speaks during a news conference at the G-7 summit in La Malbaie, Quebec, Canada. New York Attorney General sues the Trump Foundation, Thursday, June 14, saying it engaged in a pattern of illegal self-dealing. (AP Photo/Evan Vucci, File) Lung transplant patient Eva Runciman, 52, of St. Thomas, Ont. is seen in this undated handout photo. Toronto doctors have successfully transplanted lungs from deceased donors with hepatitis C into patients in need of the life-saving organs, followed by treatment to prevent them from becoming infected with the potentially liver-destroying virus. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO, Eva Runciman *MANDATORY CREDIT* Uh-oh! It could be you, or it could be us, but there's no page here. A photograph of a gun released at Dellen Millard's trial for allegedly killing his father, Wayne Millard, released Thursday, May 31, 2018. The photo was taken by Toronto police on Nov. 29, 2012, at Wayne Millard's house in Etobicoke. THE CANADIAN PRESS/HO A building is seen at Trinity Western University in Langley, B.C., on Wednesday, February 22, 2017. The Supreme Court of Canada is set to release its decision Friday on whether law societies have the right to deny accreditation to a proposed law school at a Christian university in British Columbia. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Darryl Dyck Premier John Horgan speaks during an a press conference in the press theatre at Legislature in Victoria, B.C., on Tuesday May 29, 2018. A New Democrat member of the British Columbia legislature is running for the mayor's job in Nanaimo, potentially upsetting the delicate balance of power for the provincial government. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chad Hipolito Conservative MP Pierre Poilievre speaks during a Committee of the Whole in the House of Commons on Parliament Hill in Ottawa on Tuesday, May 22, 2018. Conservative Finance Critic Pierre Poilievre says he plans to make life really uncomfortable for the governing Liberals until they finally give in and produce their analysis on how much a carbon price of $50 a tonne is going to cost the average Canadian family. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Justin Tang Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 14) Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio says that fighting for the Philippines' claim in South China is far more important than officially becoming the country's top judge. Carpio, who is a likely candidate to take the job more permanently, has not seen eye to eye with President Rodrigo Duterte's administration on how to handle the maritime row. When asked whether his firm stance against China could cost him the Chief Justice post, Carpio said it was beside the point. "What is more important for the nation is that we preserve our sovereignty and sovereign rights. If we lose these, we lose this forever," Carpio told CNN Philippines' The Source. "That's far more important than any position. That's far more important than the presidency," he added. "The President can come and go, but our sovereignty stays with us." The Senior Associate Justice was appointed to the Supreme Court since 2001, making him the longest serving judge there. According to his SC profile, he has penned over 800 full-blown decisions and "[left] no backlog in his docket." He is set to retire in 2019. Carpio has also repeatedly urged the government to take on a stronger stance in defending sovereign rights in disputed waters. However, Duterte has adopted a warmer stance in relations with the eastern giant, which has built military structures over the disputed islands and most recently taken local fishermen's catch. While the government refused to call the incident harassment, Carpio said it was both harassment and theft. He urged the government to file a new case against China in the international arbitral tribunal following the event. However, Malacanang has maintained that a new case would come at a cost and "reverse our diplomatic gains." Among the other moves that Carpio has advocated to address the situation in the area are to file another case at the arbitral tribunal against China's destruction of corals there and an objection at the International Seabed Authority. He also urged the Philippines, China and Vietnam to negotiate an agreement covering their common fishing grounds and for the Philippines to file a resolution at the United Nations urging China to comply with the 2016 arbitral ruling that recognized Philippine sovereign rights and invalidated Beijing's historic claims to practically the entire South China Sea. He noted that the Philippines failed to file a UN resolution as Duterte closed billions worth of investment and loans with China. "24 billion (dollars) in loans from China is a pittance compared to the value of the resources in the West Philippine Sea," said Carpio. "There's no comparison at all." Carpio is leading the SC while the high court decides on the fate of ousted Chief Justice Maria Lourdes Sereno. Watch the full interview with Carpio here. The Irving Shipbuilding facility is seen in Halifax on Thursday, June 14, 2018. The union at the shipyard, building some of the Royal Canadian Navy's new ships, has given 48-hour strike notice. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Andrew Vaughan London Breed, left, hugs a supporter after speaking to reporters outside of City Hall in San Francisco, Wednesday, June 13, 2018. Breed was poised to become the first African-American woman to lead San Francisco following a hard-fought campaign when former state senator Mark Leno conceded and congratulated her Wednesday, more than a week after the election. (AP Photo/Jeff Chiu) Mixed martial arts fighter Conor McGregor leaves a Brooklyn Supreme court, Thursday, June 14, 2018, in New York. McGregor is in plea negotiations to resolve charges stemming from a backstage melee at a Brooklyn arena. The 29-year-old Irish fighter and co-defendant Cian Cowley remained free on bail after a brief court appearance on Thursday. They are due back in court July 26. (AP Photo/Mary Altaffer) In this Tuesday June 12, 2018 photo, German police officers in protective gear leave an apartment building during an operation in Cologne, Germany. German police are searching the apartment of a 29-year-old Tunisian man who is accused of keeping toxic substances in his home. (David Young/dpa via AP) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 14) About 80 percent of the Philippines' exclusive economic zone (EEZ) is at risk given China's occupation of nearby Woody Island, Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio warned Thursday. "We are not claiming Woody Island or the Paracels but they will use Woody Island to enforce the nine-dash line, and that means we will lose 80 percent of our [EEZ]," Carpio told CNN Philippines' The Source. "That's why we have to protest." Woody Island is another contested territory in the Paracel Island Chain in the South China Sea. It is claimed by China, Vietnam and Taiwan, but has been under China's control for over 40 years. Carpio, along with Vice President Leni Robredo, previously urged the government to protest the landing of nuclear-capable bombers on the island. Carpio argues its proximity to the Philippines puts other islands and most of the Philippines' EEZ within reach. He noted the EEZ is even larger than the archipelago's total land area. "You can just imagine the value of the resources in that area. You have oil, fish, gas, and other mineral resources," said Carpio. Both Carpio and Robredo urged the Philippines to turn to other countries for support. The Vice President on Monday noted that United States President Donald Trump and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe issued a joint statement saying that diplomatic efforts should lead to demilitarization. "Shouldn't be this the time for us to peacefully protest any effort to limit or control international waters?" said Robredo. "Many countries would be supportive of such a move." Carpio also said that the Philippines put pressure on China by working with allies in the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and United Nations. He added the Philippines could even sponsor a resolution requiring China to comply with the 2016 arbitral ruling. However, the Philippines has inked billions in loans and investments with China -- which Carpio noted could be the reason for not filing a resolution. "24 billion (dollars) in loans from China is a pittance compared to the value of the resources in the West Philippine Sea," he added. "There's no comparison at all." Other forms of recourse Other measures that Carpio urged the Philippines to file tribunal cases against China's destruction of coral reefs and the taking of catch from Filipino fishermen, a United Nations resolution, and an objection at the International Seabed Authority. Carpio maintained that the Philippines should "demand damages" for destroying corals in the area in order to harvest giant clams. The justice also previously urged the country to file a case after Chinese Coast Guard men took local fishermen's catch. While the government refused to call the incident harassment, Carpio said it was both harassment and theft. However, Malacanang has maintained that a new case would come at a cost and "reverse our diplomatic gains." Carpio also suggested that the Philippines file an objection with the International Seabed Authority, an autonomous international organization with jurisdiction over activities on the seabed, ocean floor, and subsoil. The authority is established under the 1982 United Nations Convention on the Law of the Sea (UNCLOS). He noted the authority has previously issued permits for China to mine deep seabeds. He said the Philippines could argue that China cannot benefit from one UNCLOS-established institution but defy another. "Because China is not complying with the ruling of the tribunal, a creation of UNCLOS, then the International Seabed Authority should not give benefits to China," said Carpio. "UNCLOS is a package deal. If you ratify it... you cannot cherry pick," he added. FILE - In this April 23, 2018 file photo, Stan Lee, left, and Keya Morgan arrive at the world premiere of "Avengers: Infinity War" in Los Angeles. Lee has taken out a restraining order against Morgan who had been acting as his business manager and close adviser. Lee took out the order Wednesday, two days after Morgan was arrested on suspicion of filing a false police report. (Photo by Jordan Strauss/Invision/AP, File) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 14) Lawmakers are looking into passing a bill which will require those who wish to construct buildings to plant a tree first. The House of Representatives signed House Bill 7373, or the "Green Building Act" on second reading. The bill requires the planting of trees inside the properties of residential, commercial, industrial and public establishments to help mitigate the effects of climate change in the country. The measure states applicants of building permits must submit a Tree Planting Plan (TPP) in addition to other requirements imposed by local government units. The plan indicates the total area of the project, number and species of trees to be planted and lay-out of areas for trees and flora. There must be a ratio of at least one tree for every 500 square meters of commercial or industrial projects or one tree for every 250 square meters for housing development projects. The TPP encourages the planting of indigenous species of trees, taking into account the location, climate, and topography of the area. Rep. Emmeline Aglipay-Villar, principal author of the bill, said the country produces more carbon emissions than it is able to produce and replenish green resources. "The continuous abuse of our forest reserves by big businesses does not help our cause either. With the passage of HB 7373, we are confident that we can effectively reduce the exploitation of our green resources," said Aglipay-Villar. This comes on top of the Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), which is issued by the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR). The ECC application includes which raw materials will be used and the manufacturing technology to be implemented. Should the DENR approve the application, the ECC will be issued to those looking to build a property in the area. It certifies that the project will not have a negative impact on the environment. If the bill is passed, the DENR, in coordination with the Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) and the Department of Agriculture (DA), shall issue the necessary implementing rules and regulations within 60 days. Data from the World Bank shows the Philippines accounted for 1.055 metric tons of carbon emissions in 2014. CNN Philippines intern Samantha Corrales contributed to this report. EUGENE, Ore. -- Anthony Ballard Jones, 36, was sentenced Wednesday to six-and-a-half years in federal prison for sex trafficking and illegal firearm possession. Jones will also serve a five-year term of supervised release, according to a news release from the U.S. Attorneys Office - District of Oregon. According to court documents, Jones transported two women from Idaho to Oregon to engage in commercial sex acts. The first victim had been with Jones for approximately eight months prior to his arrest. Jones met the second victim, who was homeless at the time, in Boise, Idaho, in March 2015 and offered her drugs and convinced her that prostitution could make her rich. She initially told Jones she did not want to engage in prostitution but later agreed. Jones was arrested after an incident at a Eugene motel March 7, 2015, when the second victim decided not to participate in a planned commercial sex act. The John became upset, tearing at the victims clothing and threatening to return with a gun. After the incident, Jones told the victim he would leave her stranded in Oregon if she did not continue to engage in prostitution. Police investigated the disturbance at the motel and contacted Jones, who was a convicted felon. Jones was found to be in possession of a pistol and was arrested. Jones pleaded guilty to one count each of interstate transport for prostitution and felon in possession of a firearm on Nov. 21, 2017. The FBI and Eugene Police Department investigated the case, and Assistant U.S. Attorney Jeffrey S. Sweet prosecuted it. ASTORIA, Ore. (AP) -- The U.S. Coast Guard says a man disappeared while fishing from the shore near Clatsop Spit. Petty Officer 1st Class Levi Read tells The Daily Astorian that the fisherman's wife contacted authorities Wednesday morning. She last heard from her husband Tuesday night, when he sent a text message. Crews from Station Cape Disappointment and Sector Columbia River have responded to the area with boats and a helicopter. The search is concentrated near the Columbia River side of the South Jetty. The fisherman's name has not been released. Read says the man is 53 years old and had been wearing waders. PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) -- The U.S. Coast Guard has suspended its search for a man who had been fishing from the shore near Clatsop Spit. Petty Officer 1st Class Levi Read said the fisherman's wife contacted authorities Wednesday morning after her husband failed to return home. He had sent her a text message Tuesday night. RELATED STORY: COAST GUARD SEARCHING FOR MISSING OREGON FISHERMAN The Coast Guard responded with boats and a helicopter, but had no luck finding the 53-year-old Scappoose man. The Coast Guard said in a tweet late Wednesday that its thoughts are with the fisherman's family and friends. EUGENE, Ore. -- A family who moved to west Eugene three weeks ago has their stuff back after they say a moving company charged them double and refused to give their property back. Kathryn Holden said she and her husband moved to Eugene after wildfires ravaged their neighborhood in Santa Rosa, California. She said they hired Flagship Van Lines, a company based in Connecticut, to move out the items from their three-bedroom home. Holden said the company told them it would take three to five days to do the move and it would cost them $3,800. Instead, Holden said she ended up paying over $7,400, and the company would only accept cash or a postal money order. Holden said it wasn't until she got a lawyer involved that crews delivered her property. "All my money is tied up in this house, every last dime we have," Kathryn Holden said. "And now these people come along, and basically extorting $9,000 from us, that is not ok." KEZI 9 News reached out to Flagship Van Lines numerous times Wedensday, and by late afternoon, we still have not heard back from them. The Eugene Police Department says they are looking into the case to find out if it is a civil or criminal matter. The Better Business Bureau has some tips to make sure your next move goes smoothly. They say to watch out for companies that don't have a physical address on their website and no information about mover's insurance or registration. They also say to be careful of unusual requests. If a mover asks for a large down payment or full payment in advance, that may be a warning sign. The Better Business Bureau also recommends getting everything in writing and says not be afraid to ask questions. MEDFORD, Ore. (AP) -- A southern Oregon man has been sentenced to more than six years in prison after authorities say he assaulted a prostitute he contacted online. The Mail Tribune reports 65-year-old Tim Lewis was sentenced Monday after pleading guilty to charges of attempted kidnapping, attempted sodomy and coercion for the June 2016 encounter. Lewis of Eagle Point also pleaded guilty Monday to unrelated charges of driving under the influence and harassment. Jackson County Deputy District Attorney Zori Cook says Lewis met up with the woman after contacting her through backpage.com, a website that federal authorities shut down earlier this year. Cook says Lewis held the woman at gunpoint and forced her to perform sexual acts. Lewis has been held in the Jackson County jail since his arrest in June 2016. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 14) President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the police to stop all attempts of urban poor group Kadamay to take over the housing units intended for them. "Given this latest attempt, the President has given directives to the police that Kadamay should not be allowed to takeover these housing units," Presidential Spokesperson Harry Roque said in his regular media briefing noon Thursday. "I will give you until noon tomorrow, umalis kayo (leave) and I will order the Special Action Force (SAF) to go in," Duterte said to Kadamay during a speech delivered to newly elected barangay officials of Region IV-A Thursday afternoon. The President added that the police should not hesitate to kill if it means implementing the law. "Kung kailangan pumatay kayo para i-implement ang legal na regulasyon, gawin ninyo," Duterte said. [Translation: If you need to kill to implement the law, then do it.] Duterte, during his speech added that there is only one instance when killing is justified: "If your life is placed in danger at baka ikaw ang maunahan [and they might kill you first]." CNN Philippines can not confirm if Kadamay members are still occupying said police housing. Around 700 members of the Montalban Homeless Association (MHA), a local chapter of the militant Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (Kadamay), stormed the La Solidaridad-Avilon Zoo housing project in Rodriguez, Rizal on Wednesday. Kadamay said these PNP housing sites are idle and should be given to homeless people so they don't go to waste. Kadamay, in a statement on Thursday said the government has to address the issue of unoccupied housing units that reach over 114,000 units. "At the heart of the issue is still the persistence of idle housing and all that comes with it. Contractors that have not been put to justice along with the NHA officials that allowed for this to happen. Significant changes to the policies of the housing sector that would swiftly rectify this among others," it said. According to Kadamay, there is still 114,409 idle housing units based on the latest report of the Commission on Audit, contrary to the 55,000 units floated by the NHA. Roque also said Duterte will talk to the National Housing Authority (NHA) to ask why the housing units remain idle. He reiterated Duterte earlier allowed Kadamay to occupy government housing projects intended for soldiers in Pandi, Bulacan, but the president said it will be the first and last. The warning has been given by the president, "Nagbigay na ako noong minsan, that will be the last and they cannot take the law into their own hands,'" he said. In April, Duterte asked soldiers and policemen to give up their houses in a resettlement area in Pandi, Bulacan to give way to members of Kadamay. Duterte said he will build bigger and better houses with water and power supply near the Pandi resettlement area. About 24,000 Kadamay members have occupied around 5,740 vacant units in six project sites since March 8. CORVALLIS, Ore. -- Oregon State University has received $88 million from the National Science Foundation to lead the plans for constructing a new research ship. KEZI spoke with Demian Bailey, who is the project co-leader with Oregon State University. Bailey said the National Science Foundation first selected the university back in 2013 to lead the initial designs for as many as three new research ships for the agency. He said constructing and staffing the ships could cost up to $365 million. Bailey said building these new ships are essential because many research fleets throughout the country are aging and are getting retired. Bailey said the new ships will be more efficient to operate, environmentally sustainable and will have advanced sensors for measuring the atmosphere, ocean water and seafloor. "We are leading the way in terms of building some of the greatest ships for research that the country's ever made, Bailey said. We got input from scientists from around the world, from operators around the world that have fed into the design and capabilities of these ships, and they're just going to be some of the greatest regional class research ships of this type ever made." Bailey said the second ship will be between 190 and 200 feet long and will be capable of staying out at sea for 21 days before returning to port for fuel and supplies. Bailey expects the first ship to be completed in early 2021 and expects the second ship to be completed in the fall of 2021. The third ship might be constructed as early as 2022. ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Mayor of Rochester Ardell Brede, Mayor of Stewartville Jimmie-John King, and Mayor of Eyota Tyrel Clark met up in the Rochester city council chambers to sign a proclamation declaring August 7 National Night Out. National Night Out is a chance for strangers to become neighbors. "It is a wonderful way for the communities, as the populations grows, to come out to meet their neighbors," says Mayor King. The event is hosted by the Olmsted County Sheriff's Office, so it's also a chance for the community to get to know members of local law enforcement. "When we are able to bring our law enforcement officers in and actually meet those people, it really is a great thing making those connections so they see those faces when they're in their community," explains Mayor Clark. If you register your event, a deputy may stop by to say hello on August 7. To register your event and learn nore about NNO, click here. MINNEAPOLIS (AP) The American Civil Liberties Union sued a southern Minnesota city on Wednesday, alleging its rental licensing ordinance is unconstitutional and aims to drive black and Somali-American immigrant families out of town. The lawsuit, filed on behalf of Faribault residents who were evicted or have been threatened with eviction, says the ordinance violates the Fair Housing Act and the 14th Amendment's Equal Protection Clause. It seeks a court order that would declare the ordinance unlawful and bar it from being enforced. "To quell its discriminatory and misplaced fear of black people, especially Somali immigrants, the city enacted this ordinance aimed at pushing them out of the community," said Rachel Goodman, staff attorney for the ACLU's Racial Justice Program. City administrator Tim Murray said Wednesday he hadn't yet seen the complaint. But in a June 11 letter to the ACLU, the city said the organization's claims were unfounded, and that the purpose of the ordinance was to improve safety and living conditions in rental properties. The ALCU says the ordinance was enacted in 2014 as the city saw an influx of Somali-American residents. Other residents and businesses had raised concerns about increasing crime and loitering, but Police Chief Andy Bohlen said any public safety concerns were unfounded and a product of "fears and cultural clashes." After the ordinance was adopted, one official in the predominantly white city of about 23,000 residents said it was successful in getting rid of "undesirable" people, the lawsuit said. The ordinance requires landlords to be licensed with the city and use leases that allow police to order evictions of entire households if any member engages in criminal activity, even if no arrests have been made, according to the lawsuit. There's also a three-strikes policy for disorderly conduct complaints. Landlords are required to conduct criminal background checks on potential tenants, which the ACLU says is discriminatory because black residents are more likely than whites to be arrested. The lawsuit says landlords must deny housing to anyone with a criminal record, though the city, in its June letter, said that isn't the case. The ordinance also limits occupancy of a rented home to two residents per bedroom, plus one, with some exceptions for children under age 2. The ACLU said those limits force many Somali-Americans, who tend to have larger families, out of rental units as new children are born and sometimes out of town because there are few large rental units available. "When you look at the public record, I think it's pretty clear that this was motivated as a means of pushing out people of color," ACLU-Minnesota legal director Teresa Nelson said. Minnesota is home to the largest Somali population in the United States, mostly concentrated in the Minneapolis area. One plaintiff, a Somali-American mother, was ordered evicted shortly after giving birth because the new baby put her family over the limit. Another Somali family is considering sending two of its children, who are U.S. citizens, to Africa so the rest of the family can stay in Faribault, the lawsuit said. The city contends the ordinance is consistent with requirements of the Fair Housing Act and reasonable occupancy limits have been upheld by the U.S. Supreme Court. Nelson said that while other cities have similar ordinances, Faribault's policies are problematic because they're mandatory. MASON CITY, Iowa A woman gets probation for waving a gun around after a road rage incident. Aerial Jeanne Miller, 34 of Mason City, received a deferred judgment after pleading guilty to intimidation with a dangerous weapon. Mason City police say Miller took out a pistol after a driving dispute on January 4 in the 00 block of South Taft Avenue. Shes been ordered to spend two years on supervised probation. If she meets all the requirements at the end of those two years, this conviction will be wiped from her record. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 14) Formal peace talks between the government and communist rebels will not resume on June 28 as earlier announced by National Democractic Front (NDF) chief consultant Jose Maria Sison. In a press briefing on Thursday, Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza said the negotiations in Oslo, Norway would "not happen as originally set and as originally announced by the media" as more consultations with the public were needed. "The President said let's reset. Give us time to work some more," Dureza explained, adding that President Rodrigo Duterte wanted an "implementable" peace deal. Representatives of the government and the rebels had been holding back channel discussions on going back to the negotiating table, after Duterte walked away from the talks in November 2017. The President ended the on-and-off negotiations with Communist rebels as both sides accused each other of violating their ceasefire agreement. READ: How peace talks with communist rebels failed The Duterte administration is the sixth to hold peace talks with the NDF, political wing of the Communist Party of the Philippines, which has been waging nearly five decades of insurgency against the government. ALBERT LEA, Minn. A guilty plea has been entered in a winter burglary. Jabar Pedro Morarend, 46 of Albert Lea, was arrested on January 26 and charged with 2nd degree burglary. Authorities say they followed tracks in the snow from a home where the dresser drawers were all found partially opened to a home where Morarend was found sitting in the basement next to a washing machine. Officers say wet shoes behind the machine matched the tracks in the snow. Morarend changed his plea from not guilty to guilty Wednesday and his sentencing is set for August 23. WASHINGTON (AP) The Supreme Court on Thursday struck down a Minnesota law that barred voters in the state from wearing a wide range of political hats, T-shirts and pins to the polls. Minnesota had defended its law as a reasonable restriction that keeps order at polling places and prevents voter intimidation. But the justices ruled 7-2 that the state's law is too broad, violating the free speech clause of the First Amendment. Chief Justice John Roberts wrote that "if a State wishes to set its polling places apart as areas free of partisan discord, it must employ a more discernible approach than the one Minnesota has offered here." Most states have laws restricting what voters can wear when they cast ballots, but Minnesota's law was one of the broadest. It barred voters from casting a ballot while wearing clothing with the name of a candidate or political party. Also not allowed: clothing that references an issue on the ballot or promotes a group with recognizable political views. A National Rifle Association T-shirt or shirt with the text of the Second Amendment wouldn't be allowed, for example, according to the lawyer who argued the case for the state. Roberts noted that Minnesota, like other states, had sought to balance a voter's ability to "engage in political discourse" with the ability to "exercise his civic duty in a setting removed from the clamor and din of electioneering." "While that choice is generally worthy of our respect, Minnesota has not supported its good intentions with a law capable of reasoned application," he wrote. Minnesota Secretary of State Steve Simon issued the following statement on the Court's decision: Freedom of political speech is a cornerstone of the First Amendment. As Minnesotas chief elections official, I am gratified that the Supreme Court today provided clarity for Minnesotans, while also recognizing the vital interest of maintaining an island of calm in our polling places. The legislature now must change Minnesota law so that it is entirely consistent with the right of free speech and expression while also maintaining the sanctity of the polling place. Until they do so, my office will work with local election administrators to ensure that the current law is administered in a manner faithful to the Courts decision. It is unclear exactly how many states the ruling could affect beyond Minnesota. Both Minnesota and the group challenging the state's law had said there are about 10 states with laws like Minnesota's, though they disagreed significantly on which ones agreeing only on Delaware, New Jersey, New York, Texas and Vermont. The case before the Supreme Court dates back to 2010 and involves a dispute that began over tea party T-shirts and buttons with the words "Please I.D. Me," a reference to legislation then under discussion in Minnesota that would have required residents to show photo identification to vote. The legislation ultimately didn't become law. Pointing to the state's statute, Minnesota officials said before the election that neither the tea party T-shirts nor those buttons would be permitted at the polls. In response, a group of voters and organizations sued. The Supreme Court has previously backed some restrictions on voters' free speech rights at the polls. In 1992, the court upheld a Tennessee statute prohibiting the display or distribution of campaign materials within 100 feet of a polling place. The case decided Thursday is 16-1435 Minnesota Voters Alliance v. Mansky. ROCHESTER, Minn. -- Rochester joined more than 100 cities in Europe, and some in Japan, Korea, Africa, Mexico, and Canada to become an International City; It's the first city in the U.S. to join the initiative. Joining the Council of Europe's initiative means the city will be assessed using the Intercultural Cities Index. This index will evaluate Rochester's level of achievement and progress over time and allow Rochester to compare ideas with other cities around the world. Then, the initiative will give Rochester advice on how to best utilize diversity and inclusion, especially in policy-shaping. "To feel included, to feel that our cultures and our languages and our experiences are valued enriches our cities," explains Rebeca Sedarski, Co-chair of the Diversity and Inclusivity Committee for the organization Journey to Growth. "I want to go from a positive perspective of being diverse and inclusive and step away from the negative of intolerance." Surrounding communities in the region will also be able to implement what Rochester learns into their own cities. Irena Guidikova, Head of division and inclusion programs for the Council of Europe came to meeting at Rochester City Hall from France. "We have to bring in the original meaning of a connected world that is really rich with diversity that's strong and inclusive," says Guidikova. She's hoping that other U.S. cities will follow Rochester's example. The Diversity Council, Journey to Growth, and Culture Brokers are partnering on the project. They are raising $50,000 for the 5-year initiative. ROCHESTER, Minn. A Muslim advocacy group is blasting a national restaurant chain for what it calls harsh treatment of an Islamic family. The Minnesota chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations (CAIR-M N) says a Muslim family went to a Red Lobster restaurant in Rochester and were treated poorly. CAIR-MN is alleging the family requested water to break their Ramadan fast but did not receive any for at least 30 minutes after several requests to different servers were made. CAIR-MN also claims when the family complained and raised the issue of possible bias in their treatment, they were reportedly told: You people love to play the race card whenever you can. CAIR-MN also accuses the manager of the restaurant, after the family said it would complain to corporate headquarters, of saying: Go ahead and call them. Its going to be your word against mine. They wont believe you. A server is also alleged to have said: I know all about Ramadan. A Muslim hit my car the other day because she was too hungry to drive in Ramadan. I almost got injured because of Ramadan. It is unconscionable that a family seeking to observe their religious principles would be so harshly treated by those paid to serve the public and who are legally bound to offer that service without discrimination, said CAIR-MN Civil Rights Attorney Ellen Longfellow. CAIR-MN says it has written a letter to Red Lobster corporate officials accusing the company of violating Title II of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Section 1981 of the Civil Rights Act of 1866, and the Minnesota Human Rights Act. The organization says it is seeking a written apology, compensation which would be donated to charity, updated anti-harassment and anti-discrimination policies, and sensitivity training for Red Lobster employees. In response to the claims of CAIR-MN, a Red Lobster spokesperson issued the following statement: We welcome everyone in our restaurants for a great seafood dining experience. All our guests should be treated equally and given the respect they deserve. Since this is an open legal matter, I cant share any additional information at this time. (Kitco News) - Gold traded as we expected after the Fed raised rates yesterday -- first a swoon on the announcement and then a pop. This has been the pattern for the last three rate hikes. Although the message from the Fed was hawkish, indicating further rate hikes this year, traders ignored the statement and began focusing again on global issues, specifically the looming trade wars. There is a consensus building that an acceleration of trade friction will be negative for global growth, which may make the Fed's hawkish statement a moot point. The focus will be on President Trump's decision on moving forward with Chinese tariffs, due to take effect tomorrow. On this point, we are less worried, at least while talks with North Korea remain ongoing. The U.S. needs China, if a North Korea deal has any chance of success, and the president may defer implementation of the actions against Chinese goods. The ECB has left rates unchanged and indicated that asset purchases will end by year-end. Watch the China story. If Trump backs off, gold may run into selling. The $1,297 level indicates support and a break above the 200-day moving average at $1,307 will generate the momentum for a sustainable rally. By Peter Hug Contributing to kitco.com Follow @KitcoNewsNOW www.kitco.com Disclaimer: The views expressed in this article are those of the author and may not reflect those of Kitco Metals Inc. The author has made every effort to ensure accuracy of information provided; however, neither Kitco Metals Inc. nor the author can guarantee such accuracy. This article is strictly for informational purposes only. It is not a solicitation to make any exchange in commodities, securities or other financial instruments. Kitco Metals Inc. and the author of this article do not accept culpability for losses and/ or damages arising from the use of this publication. LUBUMBASHI, Democratic Republic of Congo, June 14 (Reuters) - D emocratic Republic of Congo state miner Gecamines has called on its foreign partners to come discuss the terms of their joint ventures, its chairman said on Thursday. "If our partners think that operations bringing in 2.5 percent in royalties to the state are sufficient, they are mistaken," Albert Yuma told a mining conference in the southeastern city of Lubumbashi. "We will use all legal means to reclaim our rights," he said, complaining that Gecamines' partnerships have not brought in sufficient revenue to the Congolese treasury. Yuma also said that Gecamines' Deziwa joint venture with China Nonferrous Metal Mining (CNMC) would produce 80,000 tonnes of copper next year. Gecamines has reached a revenue-sharing agreement with an unidentified Chinese company to develop the Kilamusembo copper and cobalt mine, he added. (Reporting by Fiston Mahamba; writing by Aaron Ross; editing by Jason Neely) MILAN (Reuters) - Italy will not ratify the European Unions free trade agreement with Canada, its new agriculture minister said on Thursday, ratcheting up an international trade spat and potentially scuppering the EUs biggest accord in years. The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is the first major trade deal the European Union has signed since it began implementing its South Korea agreement in 2011. All 28 EU member states must approve the agreement for it to take full effect. In an interview with daily La Stampa, Minister Gian Marco Centinaio said the Italian government would ask the parliament not to ratify the treaty since it does not ensure sufficient protection for the countrys speciality foods. We will not ratify the free-trade treaty with Canada because it protects only a small part of our PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) products, Centinaio told the newspaper. Doubts over this agreement are shared by many of my European colleagues. The European Commission said it was working closely with EU members to ensure that the trade accord was mutually beneficial. Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland told reporters in Washington: Im confident we will have full ratification in the end, and the important thing is this agreement has entered into force as an economic matter. Of the 28 European Union countries, Italy has the most food products with PDO and PGI labels, including Parmigiano Reggiano cheese and Prosciutto di Parma ham. Under CETA, Canada has recognized more than 40 Italian PDO and PGI labels out of a total of 292 for the food-obsessed country. WRONG AND RISKY Coldiretti, the influential association of Italian agricultural companies, backed Centinaios intention, saying in a statement CETA was wrong and risky for Italy. It said Italian food exports, equal to 41 billion euros last year, could triple with a serious fight against international food counterfeiting. The treaty entered into force on a provisional basis in September 2017, sweeping away tariffs on a large number of goods and widening access to Canadian beef in Europe and EU cheese and wine in Canada. Its supporters say it would increase trade between the partners by 20 percent and boost the EU economy by 12 billion euros ($14 billion) a year and Canadas by C$12 billion ($9 billion). Some farm associations and critics in European states have expressed concerns about the threat of rapidly rising pork and beef imports from Canada. Coldiretti also mentioned risks posed by the annulment of duties on Canadian wheat, a country where the herbicide glyphosate can be used. Centinaio belongs to the far-right League party and is considered close to its leader and Deputy Prime Minister Matteo Salvini. Salvini is emerging as the pivot in the new government that the League formed this month with the anti-establishment 5-Star Movement. The minister was not immediately available to comment on the interview and it was not possible to get a reaction from the office of the prime minister on the issue. The government program that forms the basis of the League-5-Star coalition mentioned CETA, saying the executive would oppose the aspects (of the treaty) that imply an excessive weakening of the protection of citizens rights. The governments program also pledged to protect the highest-quality products of Made in Italy. Italys challenge to CETA comes after U.S. President Donald Trump backed out of a joint communique agreed by Group of Seven leaders in Canada at the weekend that mentioned the need for free, fair and mutually beneficial trade and the importance of fighting protectionism. The United States has imposed tariffs on steel and aluminum imports from Canada, Mexico and the European Union and is weighing up the possibility of slapping additional duties on automobile imports. Trump says his tariffs are meant to protect U.S. industry and workers from unfair international competition as part of his America First agenda. LONDON (Reuters) - Prime Minister Theresa May failed on Thursday to win around pro-EU lawmakers in her party over parliaments role in the Brexit process, raising the risk of defeat in lower house votes next week. May is struggling to unite the Conservative Party around her plan for leaving the European Union, trying to balance the demands of those who want the closest possible ties with the bloc and others who want a clean break. Those divisions only seem to be growing wider. Earlier this week, she agreed to seek a compromise with the rebellious Conservative lawmakers, avoiding a House of Commons defeat on the European Union (Withdrawal) Bill, which will sever Britains ties with the EU. Her minority government still needs support from the rebels to win future votes in the lengthy parliamentary process. That was not forthcoming on Thursday. Dominic Grieve, a Conservative lawmaker who has led the rebel group, told the BBC that the wording of the deal with May had been changed and the final format was unacceptable. The plan now has got to be to try to put it right, Grieve told Reuters later. The legislation will be debated on Monday by the upper House of Lords and if no compromise is agreed, May could face a damaging defeat when it returns to the lower house. Pro-EU lawmaker Anna Soubry tweeted: I understand the government has tabled an amendment that has not been agreed by Dominic Grieve. Grateful for the conversations but without consultation what was agreed earlier today has been changed. The row centres on what say parliament will have over any final Brexit deal agreed with Brussels. Some lawmakers want a greater say than the government has so far offered. The government has always insisted it would give parliament a meaningful vote, but debate has raged for months over what that should actually mean. Ministers said parliament should have the choice to accept the deal it negotiates with Brussels or leave the EU without a deal; others said that a no deal outcome was unacceptable and parliament should be given a greater range of options. A spokesman for the Brexit minister David Davis said he was confident a good deal would be agreed with the EU which parliament would support. SEOUL (Reuters) - Tough sanctions will remain on North Korea until its complete denuclearization, the U.S. secretary of state said on Thursday, apparently contradicting the Norths view that the process agreed at this weeks summit would be phased and reciprocal. U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un issued a joint statement after their Singapore meeting that reaffirmed the Norths commitment to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean peninsula, while Trump committed to provide security guarantees. Trump later told a news conference he would end joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises. President Trump has been incredibly clear about the sequencing of denuclearization and relief from the sanctions, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters after meeting South Koreas president and Japans foreign minister in Seoul. We are going to get complete denuclearization; only then will there be relief from the sanctions, he said. North Korean state media reported on Wednesday Kim and Trump had recognized the principle of step-by-step and simultaneous action to achieve peace and denuclearization on the Korean peninsula. The summit statement provided no details on when North Korea would give up its nuclear weapons program or how the dismantling might be verified. Skeptics of how much the meeting achieved pointed to the North Korean leaderships long-held view that nuclear weapons are a bulwark against what it fears are U.S. plans to overthrow it and unite the Korean peninsula. However, South Korean President Moon Jae-In said the world, through the summit, had escaped the threat of war, echoing Trumps upbeat assessment of his meeting with Kim. Whats most important was that the people of the world, including those in the United States, Japan and Koreans, have all been able to escape the threat of war, nuclear weapons and missiles, Moon told Pompeo. Pompeo insisted North Korea was committed to giving up its nuclear arsenal but said it would be a process, not an easy one. Kim understood getting rid of his nuclear arsenal needed to be done quickly and there would only be relief from stringent U.N. sanctions on North Korea after its complete denuclearization, Pompeo said. Moon later said South Korea would be flexible when it comes to military pressure on North Korea if it is sincere about denuclearization. Also on Thursday, North and South Korea held their first military talks in more than a decade. The talks followed on from an inter-Korean summit in April at which Moon and Kim agreed to defuse tension and cease hostile acts. Speaking later in the day in Beijing, Pompeo thanked China for its efforts to ensure the Trump-Kim summit happened, but also struck a note of caution. I wanted to thank you for the kind words you had for President Trump and work he did to put us in this place where we now believe we have a path forward which can truly, for the first time in so many years, create peace on the peninsula, Pompeo told the Chinese governments top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi. And there is still a lot of work to do. There are still risks that we wont achieve that. Wang said the meeting brought the Korean peninsula nuclear issue back to the correct track of resolving it peacefully. It accords with the all parties joint interests, including those of the United States and North Korea, he said. EVERYBODY MUCH SAFER The United States has long insisted on complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization by North Korea. But the summit statement reference to North Korea committing to work toward the complete denuclearization of the peninsula has used been by North Korea in the past to include a U.S. nuclear umbrella in the region, and echoes promises it has failed to keep. Trump returned to the United States on Wednesday and took to Twitter to hail the meeting, the first between a sitting U.S. president and a North Korean leader, as a major win for American security. Everybody can now feel much safer than the day I took office, Trump tweeted. There is no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea. Democratic critics in the United States said the agreement was short on detail and the Republican president had made too many concessions to Kim, whose country is under U.N. sanctions for its nuclear and weapons programs and is widely condemned for human rights abuses. Pompeo said Trumps comments about the reduced threat from North Korea were made with eyes wide open. It could be the case that our effort wont ... work but we are determined to set the conditions so that we can right this failure of decades and reset the conditions for North Koreas participation in the community of nations, Pompeo said after a trilateral meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono. MAINTAIN READINESS Japan has reacted to Trumps plan to cancel military exercises with South Korea with concern, saying the drills are vital for East Asian security. Two North Korean missiles flew over Japan last year as North Korea made rapid advances in developing a missile capable of striking the U.S. mainland with a nuclear warhead. Tokyo is working on arranging a meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Kim, with one possibility being an Abe visit to Pyongyang around August, the Yomiuri newspaper reported. A Japanese government source familiar with the matter told Reuters officials aimed to discuss a summit with North Korean officials at a regional security conference in Mongolia on Thursday and Friday. Kang said South Korea and the United States shared the same goals and approach to achieving denuclearization. The issue of South Korea-U.S. joint exercises is one that should be discussed, Kang said. But the issues of the alliance should be dealt with under the premise we maintain a joint ironclad defense posture. The U.S. intelligence assessment of the nuclear and other military threat posed by North Korea to U.S. and allied forces remained unchanged despite Trumps and Moons assertions about the North Korean nuclear threat being over, a senior U.S. official responsible for studying the North Korean military said. U.S. officials said it was unclear what types of training involving U.S. and South Korean troops might cross into Trumps now forbidden zone of war games. But big, joint U.S.-South Korean exercises appeared off-limits under the new guidance. Make no mistake, we are going to maintain the readiness of our forces in South Korea, said one U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity. The official acknowledged, however, it was still not certain how that was going to happen. The United States maintains about 28,500 soldiers in South Korea, which remains in a technical state of war with the North after the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce rather than a peace treaty. (adds details, context) By Francesco Guarascio BRUSSELS, June 14 (Reuters) - Euro zone creditors approved on Thursday a new disbursement of 1 billion euros ($1.16 billion) to Greece, a move that was seen as a precondition for talks on new debt relief measures for Athens next week. The decision came one week before a crucial meeting of euro zone finance ministers in Luxembourg on June 21 which is expected to decide on Greeces financial future after its third bailout programme ends on Aug. 20. The euro zones bailout fund, the European Stability Mechanism (ESM), authorised the new payment which will be used for the clearance of arrears. The release of funds was subject to a positive assessment by the European institutions of the clearance of net arrears by the Greek government. I am pleased to note that the Greek government has made sufficient progress in clearing its arrears to the private sector, ESM Managing Director Klaus Regling said in a statement. The decision on the new disbursement came minutes after the Greek parliament adopted a new reform package, which includes measures to expedite privatisations in the energy sector and tweaks to property taxes. The reform, which is part of the terms agreed under an 86-billion-euro bailout programme agreed in 2015, also outlines measures that will go into effect in the post-bailout period, such as extra pension cuts in 2019 and a lower tax-exempt threshold in 2020. The move paves the way for a last disbursement of loans to Greece next week by euro zone lenders. Of the nearly 40 billion euros left unspent under the bailout programme, about 12 billion could be unlocked next week to expand a cash buffer that would help Athens tap financial markets in coming months. The remainder could be used for debt relief measures such as a buy-out of expensive bonds falling due in the next decade. They would be replaced with cheaper ESM loans, lowering Greeces debt servicing costs and making more sustainable its huge debt of 179.8 percent of GDP, the highest in Europe. The measure, alongside other possible debt relief options, will be discussed by EU finance ministers next week. Rick Diamond/WireImageA new exhibit featuring personal items belonging to Kurt Cobain is opening in Ireland. It will be on display at the Museum of Style Icons in Newbridge starting July 19. Among the items featured in the exhibit, titled "Growing Up Kurt Cobain," include personal drawings and sketches, clothing and hand-written lyrics, as well as Kurt's powder blue 1965 Dodge Dart -- the only car he's known to have owned. The museum will also highlight the late Nirvana frontman's Irish roots. Cobain's daughter Frances Bean Cobain, as well as his mother Wendy O'Connor and sisters Kim Cobain and Olivia O'Connor, will attend the July 19 opening of the exhibit. "I am so thrilled to participate and support my family as they honor their brother and son at The Museum of Style Icons in Ireland," says Frances. "I have always been the most intimately informed of who my father was by my grandmother and aunts. I am so ecstatic that their view of who Kurt was gets to be celebrated with Nirvana fans the world over." "Growing Up Kurt Cobain" will be open through September 30. For more info, visit NewbridgeSilverware.com/Museum. While one Kurt Cobain exhibit is opening, another collection of Cobain artifacts has tragically been lost. According to The Seattle Times, a fire destroyed the Armory building in Aberdeen, Washington, Cobain's hometown. The historic building housed the town's Museum of History, which included some of Cobain's personal possessions. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. * Graphic: World FX rates in 2018 tmsnrt.rs/2egbfVh * Graphic: Trade-weighted sterling since Brexit vote tmsnrt.rs/2hwV9Hv (Adds quote, context, updates figures) LONDON, June 14(Reuters) - Sterling climbed to a five-day high on Thursday after retail sales data beat expectations in May, suggesting the British economy may be recovering from a slump in early 2018. Retail sales jumped for a second month in a row in May, far outstripping expectations as a royal wedding and warm weather helped shoppers put a sharp winter slowdown further behind them. That pushed the pound up to $1.3446 from $1.3405 before the data release, putting the currency up half a percent on the day. It also strengthened versus the euro and was up 0.3 percent at 87.93 pence. Analysts said the data might not point to a full-fledged recovery of the economy, however, since retailers benefited from people spending more on food and household goods in the run-up to the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in mid-May. [Todays] figures hide a stark divide in the retail sector. The struggles of high street retailers continue, under pressure from low consumer spending and declining footfall, said Lee McDarby, an executive at currency brokers Moneycorp. The still weak finances of many households, combined with the rise of online shopping, has hammered many retailers. Chains such as Marks & Spencer and House of Fraser have been forced to shut stores as consumers shop online for cheaper goods and other retailers have gone out of business. Data in recent days has revealed a mixed picture of the British economy factories had their worst month in five-and-a-half years in April and the pace of growth in wages slowed. The Bank of England held off from raising rates at its May meeting as it waited to be sure that Britains economy was recovering from its early 2018 slowdown. Expectations of a rate hike in August are around the 40 percent mark, according to swap market pricing. Headlines from the Brexit withdrawal bill put before parliament this week have also offered some support to the beleaguered British currency with analysts interpreting the results as pointing towards a softer Brexit. Lawmakers supported the governments position to reject amendments to the EU withdrawal bill that challenged Mays commitment to leave the blocs customs union and single market. (Reporting by Tom Finn and Saikat Chatterjee; Editing by Toby Chopra) Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 14) The government's top lawyer wants the Supreme Court (SC) to reject Maria Lourdes Sereno's appeal on her ouster as chief justice, insisting that her case was heard "with impartiality." In a 77-page comment on Sereno's motion for reconsideration, Solicitor General Jose Calida slammed the former chief magistrate's claim that the SC ruling robbed her of the due process in in an impeachment case because of the bias of six associate justices. "From the filing of the quo warranto petition up to the promulgation of its decision, the Court heard the present case with impartiality," he pointed out. READ: Sereno appeals ouster ruling, insists 'biased' justices' votes must not count The Solicitor General said Sereno was given a chance to defend herself from the allegations against her including the failure to file her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth from 2002 to 2012. "She was asked several times if she submitted her SALNs, but instead of presenting evidence, respondent (Sereno) contented herself with making unsubstantiated allegations," Calida said. He argued that the participation of the six justices who refused to inhibit themselves from the case Teresita Leonardo-De Castro, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Francis Jardeleza, Samuel Martires, and Noel Tijam did not violate Sereno's right to due process, noting that their testimony in the impeachment hearings did not constitute bias or abitrariness. "There is no basis for the six members of the Court to voluntarily inhibit themselves. Their voluntary recusal must be based on just and valid reasons," he stressed. The Solicitor General then turned to critics who argued that the move to oust Sereno through a quo warranto petition was unconstitutional because the Constitution only allows the removal of a Chief Justice by impeachment . But Calida said that he filed the petition because the Chief Justice cannot be impeached or convicted for lack of eligibility. He also pointed out that the Constitution grants the Supreme Court jurisdiction over quo warranto cases. The Judicial and Bar Council has held off its search for the next chief justice, pending the high court's final ruling on Sereno's ouster. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 15) Tropical Depression Ester has slightly intensified while heading for Taiwan, as it continues to pull the southwest monsoon winds. The Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) said the center of Ester was last spotted at 295 km northwest of Basco, Batanes as of 3 p.m. It has maximum sustained winds of 60 kph near the center and gustiness of up to 90 kph. Ester is slowly moving eastward. Ester is expected to exit the Philippine Area of Responsibility between Friday night and Saturday morning. Monsoon rains will continue to batter Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Batanes, Babuyan Group of Islands, Tarlac, Pampanga, Zambales and Bataan. The state weather bureau warned residents near low-lying and mountainous areas to take caution against possible flood and landslides. It also warned that sea travel is risky over the seaboards of Northern Luzon and the western seaboard of Central Luzon. Metro Manila (CNN Philippines, June 14) Tropical depression Ester has entered the Philippine area of responsibility, the Philippine Atmospheric Geophysical and Astronomical Services Administration (PAGASA) announced Thursday evening. Tropical Cyclone Signal number 1 is still up over Batanes province north of Luzon. Ester is bringing occassional rains with gusty winds to Batanes.. Ester was last spotted 335 kilometers northwest of Basco town. It has winds of 55 kilometers per hour and gustiness of up to 65 kilometers per hour. It is moving east northeast at 15 kilometers per hour. The state weather bureau warns that sea travel is risky over the seaboards of Northern Luzon and the western seaboard of Central Luzon. Rains brought by the southwest monsoon (Habagat) continue to batter Ilocos Region, Cordillera Administrative Region, Zambales and Bataan. Light to moderate with occasional heavy rain will occur in Metro Manila, Tarlac, Pampanga, Bulacan, Cavite and Batangas until weekend. Meanwhile, the low pressure area east of Mindanao has now dissipated. By Jhoo Dong-chan A growing number of young jobseekers are heading to Japan to find work amid Korea's unprecedented youth unemployment crisis. According to the Ministry of Employment and Labor, Tuesday, 1,427 people aged between 15 and 34 landed jobs in Japan through the government's job placement program, K-Move, last year. The number has jumped fivefold in five years from its 2013 figure of 296. It reached 338 in 2014, 632 in 2015 and 1,103 in 2016. A government official said the trend will continue for a while since it is still very difficult to get a job here. "Japan is struggling with a labor shortage. The number of the country's young adults is expected to decline by approximately 1.72 million between 2012 and 2021," said the official. "Japan has no option but to import more foreign workers from other countries." In a bid to help young jobseekers land jobs, the Ministry of Employment and Labor has carried out the job placement program jointly with the Korea International Trade Association (KITA) and the Korea Trade-Investment Promotion Agency (KOTRA) since 2011. According to the Human Resources Development Service of Korea, 5,118 Koreans landed jobs through the K-Move program last year. Of these, nearly one third of them chose Japan as an alternative job market. Japan's largest financial newspaper Nihon Keizai Shinbun said in a report that the country's barriers against foreign workers have also been lowered amid the labor shortage. "An increasing number of Japanese firms, especially small- and medium-sized enterprises, are hiring foreign workers for their language skills and differentiated backgrounds from Japanese workers," it said. According to the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, there were 55,926 Korean workers in Japan as of October 2017, up 16.2 percent from the previous year. "Japanese firms prefer Korean workers since the two countries share a similar work ethic," said a headhunting firm official. "The K-Move program is meaningful to help youngsters get a job, but it also needs to monitor how they live in those foreign countries, including Japan. The government also should thoroughly prepare them for their possible salaries and working environment before sending them abroad." FTC Chairman Kim Sang-jo By Yoon Ja-young Fair Trade Commission (FTC) Chairman Kim Sang-jo vowed to continue reforming conglomerates, on top of rooting out power abuse over weaker competitors. However, he is facing criticism that the FTC has been negligent in promoting competition. "I want to ask the conglomerate owner families to sell off their stakes in affiliates that aren't related with the group's core business," he said at the meeting with reporters, Thursday, marking one year since his appointment. He warned that the FTC would not tolerate conglomerates' unfair practices of supporting subsidiaries to fatten the wallets of the owner families who are their major shareholders. "They evade the law in order to hand over managerial control to their juniors, on top of destroying the ecosystem of SMEs and small merchants. We will firmly execute laws to make sure such practices are not tolerated anymore." Dubbed "chaebol sniper" for his dedication to small shareholder activism to reform chaebol, the former professor was appointed as the control tower of the "fair economy," one of the key economic strategies of the Moon Jae-in administration along with income-led and innovative growth. Backed by the trust of President Moon, the iconic figure of reform greatly improved the status of the FTC. He vowed to reform chaebol, setting up a bureau in charge of monitoring them. However, he faced criticism from both supporters and opponents. While there is criticism that too much pressure on chaebol is hindering their investment, NGOs are demanding he should speed up the pace of reform. The chairman stressed that conglomerates should get rid of unfair practices such as foregoing written contracts for suppliers or forcing them to submit data related with their key technologies. He also paid attention to sectors previously overlooked by the FTC, such as franchise and retail industries as well as small suppliers and sales agencies. For instance, the commission stopped a franchise headquarters' practice of forcing franchisees to purchase diverse items such as ingredients and utensils from headquarters at higher prices. However, market watchers point out that the FTC has been relatively negligent in its core task of protecting competition in the market, such as getting rid of monopolies and the abuse of power by dominant players. Kim said he is aware of such criticism. "As the reform of power abusers and chaebols received relatively more attention, I am aware of the concern that the FTC has been inactive in its key role of promoting market competition." He said that he will focus on innovating regulation and executing a fair trade act for innovative growth and promotion of competition. He said the FTC will focus on sectors such as agricultural wholesale markets and apartment maintenance services, where monopolies are prevalent and consumer complaints have surged, to promote competition. Goldman Sachs Chairman and CEO Lloyd C. Blankfein By Jhoo Dong-chan The financial authorities said they will take stern measures against the Seoul branch of Goldman Sachs Group for alleged "naked short selling." Short selling refers to the sale of borrowed shares in the hopes of making a profit from a price fall by buying the shares back at a lower price. Naked short selling is the practice refers to conducting short selling without actually borrowing the stocks first and is prohibited in Korea According to the Financial Supervisory Service (FSS), Thursday, Goldman Sachs International placed a short selling order via its Seoul branch for 350 stocks on the bourse, May 30. Of the 350 stocks, the Seoul branch failed to buy back 20 or about 1.38 million shares in time, indicating the 20 weren't in its possession at the time. They were reportedly three KOSPI and 17 Kosdaq stocks worth about 6 billion won ($5.6 million). "It seems like Goldman Sachs International committed to a short selling deal without confirming if the shares were actually borrowed," said an FSS official. "The FSS is currently looking into the case, but it has confirmed through the case that naked shorting is systemically possible in the nation's stock market. There is also no instrument to oversee such a practice at this point. Securities firms are the only players here that could closely examine whether investors are committing naked short selling." The financial overseer launched an investigation June 4, and said it will continue through this week, noting it could take stern action against Goldman Sachs. Goldman Sachs International blamed the borrower for unilaterally canceling the transaction with its Seoul branch. "The stock lender suddenly canceled borrowing shares with us. But our Seoul branch placed a short selling order for the 20 items without knowing this," Goldman Sachs said in an explanation submitted to the FSS. Naked short selling has been banned in the nation's stock market since 2000, but concerns are mounting among private investors as they believe they lose in the market because such a practice is still prevalent among institutional investors. The naked short selling case involving Goldman Sachs came a week after the FSS announced a set of regulations following Samsung Securities' "fat-finger error" where the brokerage mistakenly gave 2.8 billion non-existent company shares to its employees as dividends instead of 2.8 billion won. Economists call for more efforts in innovative growth By Yoon Ja-young The landslide victory of the governing party in the local elections is expected to add momentum to the controversial economic policies of the Moon Jae-in administration. Economists however point out that with political issues having overshadowed economic failures in the election, the government should make up for shortcomings in policies amid deteriorating economic figures. "The income-led economic growth will gain momentum. Corporate regulation will strengthen and property tax will likely be raised as expected," said Park So-yeon, an analyst at Korea Investment and Securities. "There has been criticism that the minimum wage hike had more side effects, but the voters' decision can be interpreted as their approval of it. Despite controversy, the government is likely to continue raising it," she added. The country's hourly minimum wage reached 7,530 won this year, following a steep 16.4 percent hike. It is scheduled to reach 10,000 won by 2020 according to a presidential election pledge. The measure, however, drew criticism as job market conditions have only worsened while those in the bottom rung of the income bracket are suffering from decreasing income. Analysts had warned that small employers and businesses would decrease the hiring of workers following the steep hike. With those in the bottom rung suffering from falling income, the government is expected to increase support through expansionary fiscal policies instead of amending its income-led growth strategy. President Moon also hinted recently that he will go on with the minimum wage hike which is at the core of income-led growth, saying, "the minimum wage hike has had a 90 percent positive effect." Chaebol reform as well as a tax hike will also gain momentum. The administration has already raised the corporate tax rate, and income tax on those in the highest income group. The property tax is also likely to be raised, with the presidential committee for fiscal reform scheduled to announce its plans soon. The impact on the stock market seems to be negative. "While income-led growth may help with equitable distribution and promote domestic consumption, stronger corporate regulation will be a negative for the bourse. Especially, conglomerates that make up a huge portion of the KOSPI will be the targets for regulation," Park said. Experts say that the administration should make up for problems in economic policies despite the victory. "A victory in the election doesn't mean that people are satisfied with economic policies. Political and diplomatic issues such as the thawing ties with North Korea and corruption-busting got more of the spotlight than economic issues," said Yoon Chang-hyun, a professor at the University of Seoul. He said the administration should put more weight on innovative growth and deregulation to encourage corporate investment instead of sticking to income-led growth. The administration has recently been paying attention to innovative growth, one of its growth strategies focusing on the corporate sector which received less of the spotlight. With worsening employment figures, market watchers have said that the private sector should be encouraged to create jobs. "If it continues with current policies, the dismal economic figures will get the spotlight. I think the administration is at the crossroads. It can either acknowledge the bad economy and make up for problems or stick to current problems. It is time for the President to make a turn around," the professor said. Korean and Japanese women have recently begun exchanging encouraging messages showing support for women's rights movements in their countries. / Korea Times graphic by Bae So-young By Jung Da-min Japanese women are throwing their support behind Korea's feminist movement through hashtag messages. Twitter users of both countries have recently started using hashtags to exchange encouragement. They come in Korean, Japanese and English and include #WeAreInSolidarityWithKoreanFeminists, #WeCanChangeTheWords, #LanguagePower and #LanguageRenewal. #WeCanChangeTheWords is aimed at removing gender-biased words from everyday conversation. To press the case for a change in the linguistic approach to gender equality, a Japanese publisher has begun translating a Korean feminism manual, "Reclaim the language: How to deal with a sexist." The Korean book was published in 2016 through public funding and has gone viral online. The Japanese version will come out next year. Many Korean women are excited about the solidarity between the two countries. "When I read a message that Japanese women and Korean women are in solidarity, I feel reassured knowing that there are some people abroad who fight together with us," one Twitter user said. "The word solidarity is resonating." Japanese women also sent messages of support on Twitter to Korean women who took to the streets to fight for their rights. "For my dear Korean comrades," read one June 9 tweet that was re-tweeted more than 4,400 times in five days. "I am Japanese but I want to cheer for those who took to the street and who showed support for the rallies. I also want to thank those who shared the information about the rallies and shared the hashtag messages with us Japanese." On May 19 and June 9, the largest women's rights rallies in recent memory were held near Hyehwa Subway Station in Seoul. In total, more than 36,000 women participated, calling for gender equality and fairness in law enforcement. Only women were allowed at the rallies that denounced the police for "gender-biased investigations." South Korean delegation for general-level military talks between South and North Korea on Thursday, led by Major General Kim Do-gyun, crosses the military demarcation line over to the northern side of inter-Korean border village of Panmunjeom in Paju, Gyeonggi Province, as a North Korean official greets them. Yonhap South and North Korea began their first high-level military talks in more than 10 years Thursday to discuss ways to ease cross-border tensions. The meeting kicked off on the northern side of the truce village of Panmunjeom at 10 a.m., according to Seoul's defense ministry. These were the first such talks since the two sides met in December 2007. South Korea's five-member delegation is led by Major General Kim Do-gyun. The North's delegation is led by Lieutenant General An Ik-san, who is accompanied by four other officials. "(We) plan to discuss such issues as easing military tensions between the two Koreas and arranging a defense ministerial meeting as part of efforts to implement what was agreed upon in the military sector under the Panmunjeom Declaration," Kim told reporters before leaving for the talks. The Panmunjeom Declaration refers to the April 27 inter-Korean summit agreement, which included the two sides' commitment to joint efforts to ease military tensions and "practically eliminate the danger of war." South Korean delegation on the left side and North Korean counterparts during the general-level military talks at the northern side of Panmunjeom, Thursday. Yonhap Cagayan de Oro City (CNN Philippines, June 14) A court found Australian national Peter Gerard Scully guilty of human trafficking and rape, while his Filipino partner Carme Ann Alvarez was declared guilty of human trafficking. Presiding Judge Jose Escobido of Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 37 on Wednesday promulgated the decision to sentence Scully and Alvarez to life imprisonment and impose a fine of P5 million for one human trafficking charge. Scully also faces an additional six to nine years of imprisonment plus P120,000 in damages for each of the five counts of rape charges. The six cases were among the 75 criminal offenses faced by Scully and other suspects. Scully, the man behind the "Destruction of Daisy," a series of videos showing young girls being sexually abused and tortured, was arrested in February 2015 in Malaybalay City in Bukidnon. He was charged with multiple cases of child abuse, kidnapping, human trafficking, voyeurism, sexual assault, and murder. Acting Regional State Prosecutor Merlynn Uy said the promulgation was just for the first batch as 50 more cases involving other victims and co-accused are still under trial. She said the decision will not affect other cases because of the different facts. The Justice Department in 2016 recommended the filing of criminal charges against Scully and six other suspects involved in the sexual exploitation of nine children hailing from different Philippine provinces. CNN Philippines stringer Alwen Saliring contributed to this report. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, right, attends a joint news conference with South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, center, and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono, left, following their meeting at Foreign Ministry in Seoul, South Korea, Thursday. AP-Yonhap U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday his administration has not dropped the aim of denuclearizing North Korea in a "complete, verifiable and irreversible" manner, apparently in response to criticism about the Singapore summit deal. Speaking after talks with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts here, he stressed that there would be no sanctions relief for Pyongyang before that. The United States and the two other regional powers remain "committed to the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization (CVID) of North Korea," he said at a joint press conference. His remarks came as some media and experts find fault with President Donald Trump's Singapore summit accord with the North's leader Kim Jong-un, which has no clear mention of Washington's stated goal of CVID. The accord just stipulates that the communist nation will "work towards complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula." The two sides agreed to establish "new relations" to end seven decades of hostility dating back to the 1950-53 Korean War. Trump said he had skipped the CVID jargon in the joint statement due to time constraints and Pompeo told reporters the word "complete" encompasses the notion of verification. Pompeo, a former CIA director, said Kim appears to understand the need for a quick process. "We believe that Chairman Kim Jong-un understands the urgency of the timing of completing this denuclearization and understands we must do this quickly," he said, "And the sanctions relief cannot take place until such time as we have demonstrated that North Korea has been completely denuclearized." The summit deal, he added, will be implemented on a "sequencing, conditions" basis "with eyes open." Analysts slam Trump for stopping joint military drills Trump-Kim summit: long on words, short on substance The malformed summit U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo looks on as he attends a bilateral meeting with South Korea's President Moon Jae-in at Cheong Wa Dae in Seoul, June 14. REUTERS-Yonhap He emphasized that trilateral cooperation among the three regional powers is "crucial to the effectiveness" of the process, which is "not an easy one." South Korea's top diplomat, Kang Kyung-hwa, described the Singapore event, an unprecedented bilateral summit between the Korean War war foes, as a "historic turning point," saying it marks the first time that the "highest authorities of the North Korea promised to a 'sitting' U.S. president to work towards complete denuclearization." Kang dismissed concerns about a possible crack in the Seoul-Washington alliance over Pyongyang. It's "as robust as ever" and the South expects "no daylight" in cooperation with the U.S. towards the denuclearization of the peninsula and peace. On Trump's talk of suspending major combined military drills between the allies, which he calls "expensive and provocative war games," the minister said it's an issue to be decided through consultations between their defense authorities. Keen attention is being paid to whether they will stage the Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG) joint exercise in August as scheduled. Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono said the U.S. Forces Korea should continue to play a key role in regional deterrence and stability. Ahead of the trilateral meeting, meanwhile, Pompeo paid a courtesy call on President Moon Jae-in, who is credited with having played a key role in creating the current dialogue mood. "I think what's tremendously valuable is that (the Singapore summit) has made people of the world, including those in the U.S., Japan and Korea, escape the threat of war, nuclear weapons and long-range missiles," Moon was quoted as telling Pompeo. South Korea's unification ministry said Thursday that it has closed the office for a state-run foundation for North Korea's human rights, whose launch has been delayed for nearly two years amid political differences. The ministry, which handles inter-Korean relations, said that it will terminate the lease contract for the office in Seoul this month to prevent the further waste of government funds, estimated at around 63 million won ($58,120) every month. The office has been vacant since first being rented 21 months ago. "The move is only an administrative and operational measure to stem further financial losses. The government's stance to launch the foundation on human rights for North Korean citizens as soon as possible remains unchanged," the ministry said. The foundation is aimed at conducting research and supporting civic groups to improve North Korea's human rights situation under a law that went into effect in September 2016. But it has yet to be formally launched due to a delay of the parliamentary process to recommend candidates for its board members. North Korea has long been labeled one of the worst human rights violators in the world. Pyongyang has bristled at such criticism, calling it a U.S.-led attempt to topple its regime. U.S. President Donald Trump reportedly mentioned the human rights issue in the North during his recent historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore. Critics, however, say that he has not made sufficient efforts in dealing with the dismal human rights situations in the communist state. (Yonhap) President Moon Jae-in shakes hands with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo at Cheong Wa Dae, Thursday. Pompeo briefed Moon on the outcome of the recent Washington-Pyongyang summit. / Yonhap By Kim Rahn South Korea and the United States may suspend their regular joint military exercises after U.S. President Donald Trump announced the suspension as a concession to North Korea in return for denuclearization, and South Korean President Moon Jae-in later also implied the possibility. Discussions about the issue are underway between the defense authorities of the allies, as the first affected exercise may be Ulchi Freedom Guardian (UFG), which is scheduled to take place in August. Some American media reported Thursday that the Trump administration would announce the formal suspension of the UFG soon. After his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore, Tuesday, Trump said he would stop the "provocative" and "expensive" military drills with South Korea, which he called "war games," as long as denuclearization talks continue in good faith. Moon also said the allies would consider suspending joint drills. "If North Korea sincerely carries out the denuclearization process and inter-Korean and Washington-Pyongyang talks continue to dissolve hostile relations, we need a flexible stance about military pressure on the North, based on the spirit of building mutual trust as agreed in the Panmunjeom Declaration," Moon said at a National Security Council (NSC) meeting Thursday, according to Cheong Wa Dae. Former Unification Minister Lee Jong-seok, currently a senior researcher at Sejong Institute, during an interview with Hankook Ilbo on April 17. Korea Times file North Korea is expected to take measures to denuclearize within the next two to three weeks following this week's historic summit between Washington and Pyongyang in Singapore, an expert on North Korea said Thursday. Former Unification Minister Lee Jong-seok, currently a senior researcher at the private think tank Sejong Institute, made the remark during a forum hosted by the institute in Seongnam, just south of Seoul, to analyze the outcome of the Tuesday summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Lee also took a view that the United States, in line with the North's implementation of such measures, will come up with rudimentary steps it could take to ease economic sanctions on the North and normalize its relations with Pyongyang, expecting that Washington and Pyongyang will reveal details not included in the accord released by the two countries after the Singapore summit. The document called for the U.S. to give the North security assurance and Pyongyang to commit itself to "complete denuclearization." North Korean leader Kim Jong-un waits before boarding an Air China aircraft to depart from Changi Airport in Singapore, June 12, after his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump at the Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island. EPA-Yonhap North Korean leader Kim Jong-un landed back in Pyongyang early on Wednesday, the North's official news agency said on Thursday, after departing Singapore Tuesday night following the close of a historic summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. By Park Si-soo Reputed South Korean Buddhist monk Pomnyun will host a Q&A-style meditation session in English for expats. It will take place at the Memorial Hall of Korean Buddhist History and Culture in Jongro, downtown Seoul, 7-9 p.m. Friday. The session will begin with Pomnyun's brief sermon and then he will take questions. The monk has built fame with his unique way of engaging with people off-the-cuff Q&As on a wide range of issues, including secular ones. Some of his mind-blowing comments have gone viral on social media, even drawing attention from followers of other religions. For more information, call 010-2059-2604 (English) or 010-3055-8192 (Korean). By Park Si-soo A naturalized Nepalese woman has become a police officer in South Korea. Samjhana Rai, 28, recently passed the final stage of a state-administered police recruitment test, said Chosun University in Gwangju, where she is a senior student majoring in police administration. She is the university's first naturalized student to pass the test. Rai will go through pre-appointment training for eight months at the Central Police Academy and will be assigned to Gyeonggi Provincial Police Agency to handle foreign affairs. She moved to Damyang, South Jeolla Province, in October 2010 from Nepal after marrying a South Korean man. She entered the university in March 2015. "My journey to become a police officer was long and tough," Rai was quoted as saying in a report. "I was able to make this happen thanks to professors and friends who were always kind and supportive to me." By Kim Hyun-bin Prosecutors demanded the Seoul Central District Court to sentence former President Park Geun-hye to 15 years in prison and fine her eight billion won, Thursday. The imprisonment term breaks down into 12 years for taking kickbacks from the National Intelligence Service (NIS), and three years for election interference. Park is accused of taking bribes of 3.5 billion won from NIS chiefs while serving in the nation's top office. President Park failed to appear at the final hearing of her trial, this time on charges of accepting bribes from the NIS and illegally meddling in the nominations of lawmakers for the former Saenuri Party -- now the Liberty Korea Party. The former president started refusing to attend all hearings beginning October 16 to protest her extended detention claiming the case against her was political revenge by the liberal Moon Jae-in government. Three former spy agency chiefs -- Nam Jae-joon, Lee Byung-ki and Lee Byong-ho -- allegedly gave her the money from the agency's off-book funds from May 2013 to September 2016. Nam headed the National Intelligence Service (NIS) from 2013 to 2014. He is suspected of giving 600 million won to the ex-president. Lee Byung-ki and Lee Byong-ho are accused of handing over regular payments to Park. Most of the witnesses who were called to the stand testified that there were monetary payments from the NIS. The money was handed to three of Park's closest aides Lee Jae-man, Ahn Bong-geun and Jeong Ho-seong, who were each sentenced to five years in prison in May for delivering 50 to 200 million won every month from the NIS to Park. Park is also accused of creating a "loyalist list" ahead of the 2016 general election and devising a campaign strategy to give advantages to Saenuri Party members who were loyal to her. Prosecutors believe the former president used some of the off book funds for the campaign. She was ousted after the Constitutional Court upheld an impeachment ruling March 10, last year. In April, Park was sentenced to 24 years imprisonment and fined 18 billion won ($16.8 million) after being found guilty of abuse of power and extorting money from businesses. The court convicted Park on 16 out of 18 charges including bribery, abuse of power, and soliciting more than 23 billion won in bribes from Samsung, Lotte and SK Group to fund the Mir and K-Sports foundations run by her close confidant Choi Soon-sil. The ex-president denied the charges that also included sharing state secrets with Choi, who held no official position in her administration. Choi was sentenced to 20 years in prison and fined 18 billion won as well as having 7.29 billion won in assets confiscated in February. Choi was found guilty of illegal manipulation of government affairs for her personal interests. A co-leader of the minor opposition Bareunmirae Party resigned Thursday after the party fared so poorly in Wednesday's local elections in a fiasco that even raised questions about whether it can continue to exist. The party won only 20 minor races in the elections, where more than 4,000 local administrative, legislative and educational posts, including 17 big-city mayoralties and provincial governorships, were up for grabs, in addition to 12 National Assembly seats. "I weightily accept the people's choices and resign," Rep. Yoo Seong-min, a co-leader of the party, said during a news conference. "I offer heartfelt thanks to those who supported our candidates." The party came into being in February through a merger of two minor parties with divergent support bases, one of them center right and the other center left, in a bold experiment in South Korean politics where regional loyalties remain strong. This week's elections were the first nationwide elections for the party. The ruling Democratic Party won a resounding victory, sweeping 14 out of the 17 big races, including Seoul mayor, 11 out of the 12 parliamentary seats, as well as more than 60 percent of regional administrative and legislative posts. (Yonhap) The main opposition Liberty Korea Party's chairman Hong Joon-pyo, center, bows at the party office in Yeouido, Seoul, Thursday, as he announces his resignation. Yonhap Hong Joon-pyo, the chief of the main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP), resigned Thursday after his party suffered a crushing defeat in the previous day's local elections. The LKP won only two of the 17 big mayoral and gubernatorial races contested in Wednesday's local elections. It also won only one parliamentary seat in by-elections held concurrently with the local elections. Hong's resignation was widely expected as he wrote a message on his Facebook saying "The buck stops here." "This is all my fault and all responsibilities fall on me. I respect the people's choice," Hong said at a press conference. (CNN) An operation to recapture the northwestern Yemeni port city of Hodeidah got underway at dawn Wednesday, potentially putting a quarter of a million people at risk. The Saudi-led coalition launched ground attacks on the city's airport and other neighborhoods in the southeastern part of the city, with air and naval support, General Mohsen Al Khosrof of the Yemeni National Army (YNA) told CNN. The YNA and the coalition are fighting on behalf of the internationally recognized government, which is trying to squash an insurgency by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. A UAE military ship has been attacked by Houthi rebels and is currently on fire in the Red Sea off the coast of Hodeidah, according to two senior Yemeni-Houthi military commanders. UAE state media has also reported that four Emirati soldiers had died fighting in Yemen, though the article did not specify whether their deaths are related to the attack on the ship. Last week, the UN said that in a worst-case scenario as many as 250,000 people could be killed in an offensive against Hodeidah. "I am extremely concerned about military escalation in #Hodeida & their humanitarian & political impact. We're in contact with parties to avoid further escalation. We call on them to exercise restraint & engage with political efforts to spare Hodeida a military confrontation," the office of the UN's Yemen envoy Martin Griffiths said in a tweet on Monday. The city, which is currently under rebel control, is considered a lifeline for the country's war-ravaged population. About 90% of food, fuel and medicines consumed in Yemen is imported, with 70% of that coming through Hodeidah, according to the UN. "Taking over Hodeidah could be called an act of madness in every meaning of the word because Hodeidah is (a) city full of civilians and it holds the main artery for all Yemenis, in the North and in the South," Sanaa resident Aly Al-Mahdy said. Another resident in the capital, Nouran Mohammed, said that it would "result in a humanitarian disaster." Recapturing the port would deprive the Houthis of access to the Red Sea, possibly ending the virtual stalemate between the rebels and the government. The Houthis control parts of northern Yemen, including Hodeidah and the Yemeni capital, while the government controls much of the south. "The liberation of the port of Hodeidah is a turning point in our struggle to take back Yemen from the militias that hijacked it to carry out foreign agendas," the government said in a statement on Wednesday. The United Arab Emirates, which is part of the coalition, on Wednesday called on the international community to pressure the Houthis to abandon the port, and said it remains open for shipping. "The international community must pressure the Houthis to evacuate Hodeida & leave the port intact. Their use of land & sea mines shows a cruel & callous disregard for Yemeni lives," the UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said in a tweet. In a statement, Emirati Minister of State Reem Al Hashimy said the coalition has prepared a "large-scale and comprehensive surge plan for the rapid delivery of humanitarian aid." Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the U.S., Khalid bin Salman, tweeted that the offensive was "critical in light of the growing threat that the Iranian backed Houthi militia poses to the maritime security of the red sea." In a series of tweets on Wednesday, he added: "The Houthi's continued obstruction with regards to Hodeidah is due to their use of the port to raise revenues through looting, extortion, and illegal taxation imposed on commercial ships to finance and sustain their military aggression against Yemen and neighboring countries." Thousands of people have died in Yemen's war. In 2015, Houthi rebels took over large swaths of territory prompting a coalition intervention. The conflict has spiraled into what the UN has dubbed "the world's worst humanitarian crisis." On Monday, the UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on Hodeidah after the UAE asked the United Kingdom to tell aid agencies to leave the port city. The aid agencies were told to evacuate by Tuesday night. Speaking ahead of Monday's emergency meeting called by the UK, Karen Pierce, Britain's ambassador to the UN, said: "The important thing is that (Hodeidah) is kept open and it is kept functioning because it is the major route in for these commercial supplies." UN Humanitarian Chief Mark Lowcock also warned about the potential consequences of an operation. "Seven million people are completely reliant every month on food and other assistance from humanitarian organizations so Hodeidah is absolutely central to the preserving of life," Lowcock said at a press briefing on Monday. "If for any period, Hodeidah were not to operate effectively, the consequences in humanitarian terms would be catastrophic." However, the United States, which previously stood against the offensive, appears to have offered tacit agreement. Officials issued a statement Monday that Yemen analyst Adam Baron described as a "yellow light" for the Yemen offensive. "I have spoken with Emirati leaders and made clear our desire to address their security concerns while preserving the free flow of humanitarian aid and life-saving commercial imports," said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a press statement Monday. Will the Houthis withdraw? The offensive risks plunging the country into further violence as the coalition tries to wrest control of the strategic city from the rebels. A coalition takeover would tip the conflict in favor of Saudi Arabia and its allies. "This offensive represents a huge escalation in the conflict ... a lot of it depends on how Hodeidah falls. If the Houthis dig in, this could be a bloody street battle comparable to Aleppo," Baron, the analyst, said. But "there is the opportunity for a Houthi withdrawal and for the coalition to force a Houthi retreat," Baron added. "This is something that could be extremely high-risk and could cause a lot of humanitarian disruption ... there's a reason why you're seeing so much opposition in some quarters." This story was first published on CNN.com, "Saudi-led forces begin attack on Yemen port city, ignoring UN warnings." By Kim Rahn President Moon Jae-in President Moon Jae-in said Thursday that the huge public support for the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) in Wednesday's local elections and the by-elections for parliamentary seats would give the government momentum in pursuing its reform drives. He expressed his gratitude to the people as the ruling party clinched a landslide victory across the country. "I know the huge victory does not mean I did well in all state affairs," Moon said in a statement. "The people showed their trust in me despite the shortfalls. That's why I thank them more." The President said he would hold himself in check. "I'll be cautious not to get drunk with the election results and become arrogant. I have hefty promises to keep and problems to solve. They may not be easy (to keep and solve) but I'll seek to do so by keeping in mind that the people are at the center of state affairs." DPK Chairwoman Choo Mi-ae also said the party's landslide victory is people's strict command to establish peace and revive the economy by assisting the Moon administration. Liberty Korea Party Chairman Hong Jun-pyo, center, bows after announcing his resignation from the post at the National Assembly, Thursday. / Yonhap By Park Ji-won The leaders of the country's two largest opposition parties offered to resign Thursday, following crushing defeats in local elections and by-elections for 12 Assembly seats the day before. Main opposition Liberty Korea Party (LKP) Chairman Hong Joon-pyo offered to step down at an emergency party meeting, hours after the smaller Bareunmirae Party Chairman Rep. Yoo Seong-min also tendered his resignation. "We totally lost in the elections. The whole country is now under the control of liberals," Hong said. "Everything is my fault and I take full responsibility." "I respect the people's choice. I quit as leader as of today. I hope the party can become a party trusted by the people by uniting," he said. The LKP also announced that party management leaders would also resign along with Hong, and its floor leader Kim Sung-tae would be a temporary head. The move is likely the beginning of a realignment for conservatives. According to the election outcome finalized Thursday morning, the ruling Democratic Party of Korea (DPK) won a landslide victory in the local elections and by-elections, sweeping 14 of the 17 key government positions including those for Seoul mayor and Gyeonggi Province governor. The DPK also swept 11 out of 12 Assembly seats. The LKP merely won two mayoralties and provincial governorships and secured one Assembly seat in Gimcheon, North Gyeongsang Province, a conservative dominated district. Right after the announcement of the exit polls Wednesday at 6 p.m., Hong hinted at the possibility of his resignation as he wrote "THE BUCK STOPS HERE!" on Facebook. Yoo Seong-min, a co-leader of the minor opposition Bareunmirae Party, leaves its headquarters after offering to resign during a news conference, Thursday, saying he was responsible for the party's defeat in the previous day's local and by-elections. / Yonhap By Kim Bo-eun It appears the establishment of a North Korean human rights foundation affiliated with the Unification Ministry, which has been delayed for almost two years, will take more time. The government on Thursday said it has decided to end an office rental contract for the foundation. The Unification Ministry said it is terminating the contract this month due to rental expenditures amid the delay of establishing the foundation. The ministry denied that this had anything to do with the current situation concerning North Korea and affirmed that policies to improve the human rights situation in the North would remain unchanged, and that it would seek to establish the foundation at the earliest possible date. "It is an administrative measure intended to prevent financial losses," a unification ministry official told reporters. "I believe the delay in the start of the foundation is due to lawmakers not reaching a consensus on recommendations about board members," he said. The ministry had been funding 6.3 million won ($581 million) in monthly rental expenses for the office in Mapo-gu, Seoul, since October 2016. The government has sought to establish the foundation since laws on North Korean human rights went into effect in September 2016. The unification ministry has spent a total of 1.3 billion won in rental fees and must shoulder additional costs of around 200 million won in contract cancellation charges and costs to put the office back in its original state. Only a few staff members of the ministry had been present at the office to assume duties such as drawing up plans of the foundation, to enable its start, according to the ministry. Equipment in the office was removed last week, the ministry said. Related regulations state that ruling and opposition parties must each recommend five board members. The ruling party under the Park Geun-hye administration recommended five members and the then-opposition People's Party one member. However, the situation became complicated after the Moon Jae-in administration came into power last year, and ruling and opposition parties changed. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo speaks during a joint press conference with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts in Seoul, Thursday. / Yonhap By Kim Bo-eun U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday said the agreement reached at the North Korea-U.S. summit this week was clear about North Korea's complete denuclearization in a comprehensive sense, despite the words verifiable and irreversible being omitted in the accord. Pompeo's statement is in line with U.S. President Donald Trump's remarks in a press conference following the summit that the term "complete" in the agreement covers the meaning of verifiable and irreversible. "The agreement made very clear that this would be complete denuclearization," Pompeo told reporters in Seoul, at a joint press conference with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts, Kang Kyung-wha and Taro Kono. The U.S. Secretary of State arrived in Seoul a day earlier for a bilateral meeting with Kang and trilateral meeting with Kang and Kono, to share details of the Trump-Kim summit and to discuss the means to cooperate in the process of North Korea's denuclearization and establishing peace on the Korean Peninsula. Pompeo also said North Korean leader Kim Jong-un understands that the denuclearization process should be carried out swiftly, although a timeline was not included in the agreement. "We believe that Chairman Kim Jong-un understands the urgency of the timing of completing this denuclearization," he said. He added verification of the process is central to reshaping the relationship between the U.S. and North Korea. At the summit, the two states agreed to establish "new relations." South Korean Major General Kim Do-gyun, right, who leads the country's five-member military delegation, shakes hands with his North Korean counterpart Lieutenant General An Ik-san, during the military dialogue at Tongilgak, the northern side of the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjeom, Thursday. This is the first time the two Koreas had held the military talks since December 2007. / Joint Press Corps By Lee Min-hyung, Joint Press Corps The two Koreas resumed military dialogue for the first time in more than 10 years Thursday, discussing detailed measures to ease tension on some disputed inter-Korean border areas. "Both sides are going to discuss a series of follow-up measures to implement the April 27 Panmunjeom Declaration and arrange schedules for upcoming inter-Korean defense minister talks," Major General Kim Do-gyun who led the South Korean five-member military delegation told reporters. "We will do the utmost to bring a new era of peace to the Korean Peninsula." Inter-Korean military talks have been suspended since December 2007, but Seoul and Pyongyang agreed to restart the dialogue during their summit this April. Jumping on the rare peace mood on the peninsula, leaders of the two Koreas signed an agreement to stop possible military conflicts and bring lasting peace here. The Kim-led delegation met with its North Korean counterpart at Tongilgak, the northern side of the inter-Korean border village of Panmunjeom. The North's Lieutenant General An Ik-san led its five-member delegation. In 2004, An also headed its delegations twice during inter-Korean general-level military dialogue. An also expressed his hopes to realize an inter-Korean peace agreement in an opening statement before the dialogue. "I am honored to sit face-to-face with the South Korean military authorities and discuss a military agenda to realize the Panmunjeom Declaration at a historic time when the two Koreas are vigorously moving forward for peace and prosperity," An said. The meeting came two days after North Korean leader Kim Jong-un held a historic summit with United States President Donald Trump in Singapore. At that time, the latter declared that the country would suspend joint military exercises with South Korea if the North maintains dialogue with the U.S. for denuclearization of the peninsula. South Korea's defense ministry has yet to confirm Trump's remarks, with its spokeswoman Choi Hyun-soo saying Thursday that Seoul and Washington are still in talks over the possible suspension of the joint military drills. It remains unclear whether the two military delegations discussed details about the Seoul-Washington joint drills. Both sides plan to release a joint agreement after ending their talks on Tuesday night. The main agenda of the inter-Korean military dialogue will be on the realization of the Panmunjeom Declaration under which both sides agreed to put a complete end to any military conflicts. They reached an agreement to designate a disputed western sea border, better known as the northern limit line (NLL), and the demilitarized zone as a "Peace Zone." Both sides also pledged to stop broadcasting propaganda through loudspeakers near the inter-Korean border area as of May 1. Under the agreement, the Seoul-Pyongyang military dialogue was also supposed to resume sometime in May, but it was delayed after the North canceled a planned high-level inter-Korean dialogue last month, citing the Max Thunder joint air exercises between Seoul and Washington. As the months-long warming inter-Korean relations began to turn icy, both Koreas had to postpone the military dialogue. But with the North restoring the peace momentum, Seoul and Pyongyang reached an agreement to hold the long-suspended military talks. Seen above is Esfahan Oil Refining Company facilities in Esfahan, Iran. Daelim Industries has canceled a $2.08 billion deal to build additional refinery facilities in Esfahan. / Courtesy of Esfahan Oil Refining Company Considering the rarity of President Donald Trump departing any recent summit meeting with a smile on his face, Tuesday's session with North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un was remarkable for the mere fact that it happened _ and ended cordially. Whether it proves a historic achievement depends on whether Kim honors his commitments. The world has ample reason to be skeptical. But this is no time for cynicism. Tuesday's summit was the first since the 1950-53 Korean War. There is talk of a trip by Kim to Washington. The threat of nuclear confrontation has dramatically diminished. That's cause for high praise, especially considering the roller-coaster relationship between these two mercurial leaders and the long exchange of public insults that preceded this meeting. It proves that measured discourse and cautious diplomacy have a far greater potential to yield positive results than threats and childish name-calling. Many aspects of their agreement require clarification. Their joint statement didn't specify what "complete denuclearization" means. North Korea might dismantle its existing arsenal of nuclear weapons yet retain the ability to restart its program should its relations with the West begin to sour. It could mean that North Korea retains a peaceful nuclear-generating capacity using uranium enriched from outside sources. Interestingly, the 2015 six-nation accord that halted Iran's nuclear program contained far more specificity and detailed inspection regimes than what Trump worked out with Kim. Yet Trump has repeatedly denounced the Iran accord as a "disaster" for having failed to deliver instant results. This accord is somehow better, he says _ mainly because he's the one who negotiated it. Trump's weak grasp of the specifics remains worrisome. One reporter asked how North Korean denuclearization would be verified through inspections. His answer was beyond vague: "Well, it's going to be achieved by having a lot of people there. And as we develop a certain trust ... we're going to have a lot of people there, and we're going to be working with them on a lot of other things. But this is complete denuclearization of North Korea. And it will be verified." Trump described their 437-word joint statement as a "very, very comprehensive document." It was, at best, a short list of bullet points whose details remain to be negotiated. Trump also surprised South Korea and the Pentagon by announcing the halt of war games scheduled for August. He correctly described those games as "provocative" and "inappropriate." But what he got from Kim in exchange for the military stand-down isn't quite clear. Kim can stand before his severely oppressed people knowing his legitimacy has been confirmed by the world's most powerful leader. Trump can return home claiming to have achieved something his predecessors couldn't. Symbolically, both emerge victors. But the Trump-Kim rollercoaster remains on its tracks. Lots of ups, downs, twists and turns are still to come. The above editorial appeared in St. Louis Post-Dispatch. It was distributed by Tribune Content Agency, LLC. By Stephen Costello WASHINGTON The Singapore summit between the U.S. and North Korean leaders was an unqualified success. Much still remains to be done in order to follow up on the promises in the joint statement. This was to be expected. The changed tone in the U.S.-North Korean relationship is critical, because that tone during 2017 alarmed the public in the U.S., Korea, East Asia and the world. In addition, that tone was accompanied by a buildup of arms, a buildup of tensions, and a great expenditure of assets. That tone which was only an exaggeration of the previous tone for the past decade also prevented the economic, political and infrastructure development of the Northeast Asian region. The personal and political value of the meeting of these two heads of state is impossible to calculate, but it is enormous. In both countries, the leader's investment marks a major shift away from confrontation and toward diplomacy, and a major shift toward simultaneous denuclearization and the lifting of sanctions surrounding North Korea. The fact that the joint statement did not mention either the return of IAEA inspectors to North Korea or the lifting of economic sanctions by the U.S. suggests that these remain key early concrete steps that both can take. Movement on them will be a good guide to how successfully the follow-up negotiations proceed. There are many signs that Chairman Kim Jong-un is serious about rolling back his nuclear weapons and long-range missiles in order to begin economic development, and he will have to be watched closely. His public statements and repeated messages since January, including front-page coverage and justifications for policy changes at home, are important and significant. There are far fewer signs that the massive American foreign policy and national security bureaucracy can likewise follow the lead of Trump and his team in the coming months. Assuming that national security adviser John Bolton has been contained, the coming policy and ideological fights between the White House and the State Department on one hand, and the U.S. Congress and foreign policy mainstream on the other, will be the biggest fights since Trump walked away from the Iran nuclear deal. President Trump has done perhaps the only thing in his foreign policy that advances U.S. interests, supports and brings closer U.S. allies, and helps diffuse a longstanding issue of military tension and nuclear proliferation. If this policy change is to survive beyond the next few months and beyond the end of Trump's term, a new coalition of political forces in Washington including practical and serious Democrats, arms control specialists, and think tank scholars will be required. Today it is very hard to imagine how such a coalition can be built. It may well be that, as the next U.S.-North Korea meetings are scheduled, and the South Koreans begin to return to their role as guides and managers of this process, those fights within the U.S. will be the most hard-fought and the most dramatic. Fights on similar terms are already well underway in South Korea, where the conservative party and its supporters have bitterly opposed the April 27 Panmunjeom inter-Korean summit agreement in the National Assembly. That group previously opposed the breakthrough South-North summit of 2000, preventing then conservative opposition lawmaker Park Geun-hye from accompanying President Kim Dae-jung to Pyongyang. Similarly, U.S. conservatives, mainly Republicans, bitterly opposed the U.S.-North Korea agreement of 1994 which capped nuclear and missile production. Once Republicans were back in the White House in 2001, they helped destroy it. Both countries' conservative blocs have resisted modernization, and have become ideological, narrow-minded, impractical and extreme regarding security policy. Fifty-year-old anti-communism continues to be an organizing principle for them. Some Democratic and progressive members in both parliaments have been drawn into the zero-sum, over-hyped threat assessment rationale that supports conservative policies. A letter to Trump from some of these Democrats in the U.S. this week reveals their confusion. In view of this, the political talents of both Donald Trump and Moon Jae-in will now be tested. Both must wrestle with these forces in order to make their upgraded and more strategically beneficial North Korea approaches into broad-based and durable national policy. For South Korea, it is past time to actively drag the U.N., through U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres, into a more central role as facilitator for an adjustment of U.N. sanctions if and when there are continued North Korean denuclearization actions. The coalition for this logical role for the U.N. has been waiting for Seoul to organize it. For Japan, its opportunity now is to quickly arrange a Tokyo-Pyongyang summit, get some accounting of the kidnapped citizens from the North, and put its enormous economic leverage on the side of denuclearization, development, arms reduction, and transparency. For China, a continuation of backing and advice for Kim, together with the promise and reality of increased China-North Korea trade, all tied to his continued cooperation on denuclearization, will cement the new regional openness. Still, after the Singapore summit the most important actions will be the rapid re-establishment of economic engagement with North Korea, by China, South Korea, Russia, and then others. Stephen Costello (scost55@gmail.com) is a producer of AsiaEast, a web and broadcast-based policy roundtable focused on security, development and politics in Northeast Asia. He writes from Washington, D.C. A short version of the above article previously appeared in NNA/Kyodo Newswire Japan edited by Mr. Tetsuo Sakabe. By Donald Kirk SINGAPORE Style triumphed over substance in a summit of imagery and optics that left you wondering, why did they bother? President Trump sought to justify the whole performance as an exercise that was "as good for the U.S. as for North Korea," but the joint statement that he and Kim Jong-un signed for all the world to see on TV contained no real promises or commitments, no guarantees, nothing that much changed the state of play between the two Koreas. If Trump during his presidential campaign said that he would like to sit down with Kim for a hamburger, he and Kim appeared instead to have shared a nothing-burger. There was really nothing in the statement on which to chew, to digest, to savor, that would change the dynamics on the Korean peninsula for the better. Perhaps the most remarkable aspect of the statement was what it did not say. It neglected to mention CVID, complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearization, the term the Americans have been using for years to say what North Korea must do about its nuclear program. That omission in itself represented a triumph for Kim, who presumably would not have considered any formulation that seriously committed him to denuclearization. Oh, the words "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula" were there, but as everyone knows they're a sham. When Kim calls for denuclearization, he is not talking about his own program but about the "nuclear umbrella" that the U.S. holds over the region. The U.S. pulled its nukes from South Korea before North and South got together on an agreement for a "nuclear-free Korean peninsula in 1992, but U.S. warships and bombers carry warheads seen by the North as a threat. Trump did not appear fazed by the omission of CVID. He had gotten Kim to make a "commitment to complete denuclearization" that was good enough for him to claim a breakthrough. Would Kim when he landed back in North Korea show his commitment by beginning to tear down his nuclear program? "Skeptics," as Trump had put it in a tweet, were "losers." There was, however, ample reason to be skeptical, doubtful and otherwise cynical about Kim's success at preserving a nuclear program that's enshrined in the country's constitution. Kim's overwhelming desire has always been to maintain North Korea's status as an added member of the elite eight nations that are able to wipe out hundreds of thousands, maybe millions, with a flick of the switch at the launch pad. Kim had reason to revel. Trump had given him what he wanted, but that wasn't all. Remember all the talk about the need for U.S. troops in South Korea? If North Korea was not going to stage hostile acts, open a second Korean War or otherwise provide a reason for their existence, why have them in Korea at all? Trump could not have agreed more. He never liked having so many troops around. They're a waste of money, he said. Kim hardly had to negotiate their withdrawal. Trump obliged by saying he would like to pull them back but not quite yet. In the meantime, he would call off "war games" that he believed were not only "provocative" but costly. Why in this "new era" should thousands of U.S. and South Korean troops threaten North Korea with exercises that the North always calls a threat to invade? What was the deal? Had Trump decided to stop the war games in response to Kim's demand? Had he secretly told Kim, We'll halt our exercises if you'll be sure not to test-fire missiles or explode more nukes? Was this the freeze-for-freeze or action-for-action that the U.S. had previously resisted? It certainly sounded that way. Trump's decision to cancel exercises with the South Koreans was probably the most important real news of the summit. He did leave an out that is, he would not order their cancellation if North Korea still had done nothing about its nukes but basically he was caving in. Trump conveyed the sense that speed was of the essence. "We have to get things moving fast," he said. "I really believe it's going to go quickly." You would never guess from reading the North's claim the next day that Trump had agreed on a "step by step" process that Kim had demanded. Trump was worried about speed. Just to hurry him along, Trump said he'd like to meet him again, maybe at the White House, maybe in Pyongyang. Appearances count. Kim had gotten more than he had bargained for. Donald Kirk (www.donaldkirk.com) has been covering nuclear talks on the Korean Peninsula for more than 30 years. By Andrew Hammond Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov continued an intensive period of Russian diplomacy Thursday with a visit to North Korea. Last month, he and Russian President Vladimir Putin met with a wide range of foreign leaders, including Japanese Premier Shinzo Abe, underlining that a key goal of the newly re-elected Putin is re-energizing relationships across the globe. Some two decades after first assuming power, Putin has restored Russia's geopolitical prominence, including through gambits such as the annexation of Crimea and the Syria intervention. And this has so far played well domestically for him, helping him win a new six-year term of office. Extraordinarily, by the mid-2020s he will have been in office for a longer period at the top than all the Soviet Union's supreme leaders, except Joseph Stalin. This underlines the breadth of his popularity, currently, in much of Russia despite the significant criticism he gets abroad. Yet, domestic popularity has been mirrored by frostier ties with leaders in multiple key countries, especially in the West. And a key question now that Putin has won power till at least 2024 is how much weight in coming years he wants to put on rebuilding these relationships. Early signs are that he recognizes the need to double down on diplomacy, and in the last 10 days he has met not just with Abe, but also French President Emmanuel Macron, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and Indian Prime Minister Narenda Modi. And there are signs of renewed foreign interest in Russia too. Take the example of the St. Petersburg International Economic Forum in late May which enjoyed the biggest international lineup since before 2014 when Russia was hit with sanctions over Crimea and Ukraine with keynote speakers including not just Macron and Abe, but also Chinese Vice President Qishan Wang, and Managing Director and Chairwoman of the IMF Christine Lagarde. According to Russian authorities, some 500 new business agreements worth around $38 billion were signed at the event. The question of rebuilding Russian's foreign relations is especially pressing with Europe after years of sanctions over Ukraine and Crimea; concerns over Moscow's alleged extensive meddling in a suite of Western elections; plus the recent attempted murder in England of former Russian spy Sergei Skripal and his daughter which has been widely blamed, internationally, on Moscow. To this end, Putin met not just with Macron on May 25, but also Merkel last week before, to try in the French president's words, to work "hand-in-hand [to end] one of the most difficult periods of our history". While the mood music between Russia and Europe is still tense, there are some signs that there may be a political window of opportunity to partially rebuild relations. In part, this comes in the context of U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to withdraw from the Iran nuclear deal, which is opposed by Putin, Macron, Merkel and other European leaders; and this issue therefore provides a new platform for constructive engagement between them. Outside of Europe, Putin is also cultivating enhanced ties with key Asia-Pacific countries from China to India and Japan. In his meetings with Abe, Putin agreed to foster joint economic activities in the disputed islands off Japan's northernmost main island of Hokkaido which were seized by the former Soviet Union at the end of World War II. These islands are now controlled by Moscow, but claimed by Tokyo, and both appear to want to see progress toward a peace treaty settlement on this issue. In the coming years, perhaps the biggest area of continuing Russian foreign policy uncertainty is over U.S. relations. Putin and Trump had hoped for a rapprochement, yet developments in 2017 and 2018, including the pressure the White House is under over the congressional and FBI investigations into alleged collusion with Moscow during the 2016 U.S. presidential campaign, may have destroyed the potential window of opportunity for this to happen. Putin said that he has had little contact with Trump and that "we are hostages to internal strife in the United States. I hope that it will end some day and the objective need for the development of Russian-American relationships will prevail." However, it is not only domestic U.S. pressures Putin referred to that are complicating ties. There have also been tensions between Moscow and Washington over the Middle East, including after U.S. missile strikes targeted at Syria this year and last year following alleged poison gas attacks committed by the Damascus regime which is propped up by Putin. Last year, U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis and then-Secretary of State Rex Tillerson were especially forceful in their criticism of Moscow with the latter saying that "either Russia has been complicit or simply incompetent" in Syria. And the spike in Washington-Moscow tensions then even saw Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev saying the two countries were "one step away from war" and had "totally ruined" relations. Taken overall, Putin's re-election has seen Moscow doubling down on diplomacy to try to rebuild relationships, especially with Europe. With the proposed U.S.-Russia rapprochement looking increasing uncertain, Putin may now place greater emphasis on Asia too, including Japan, China and India. Andrew Hammond (andrewkorea@outlook.com) is an Associate at LSE IDEAS at the London School of Economics. 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. By Doug Bandow President Donald Trump's bromance with Chinese President Xi Jinping has yielded few practical results. To the contrary, U.S.-Chinese relations increasingly seem headed for rough waters. Top of the list is North Korea. After the North's recent angry eruption, or "different attitude," as President Trump put it, he blamed China: "I think I understand why that happened," but "I can't say that I'm happy about it." Apparently the president believed that Kim was ready to toss away his nuclear weapons, and who knows what else, until President Xi summoned Kim to Beijing and issued contrary instructions. (The administration's multiple threats of military action are far more likely culprits for Pyongyang's shift.) President Trump is not the only one to assume that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea was China's puppet. Joseph Bosco, who served in the Bush Defense Department, charged China with "blatant sabotaging of the promising dialogue" between the U.S. and North Korea. In fact, Pyongyang is resisting administration demands because Kim believes they are not in his nation's, or at least his regime's, interest. From its founding the DPRK has resolutely resisted foreign pressure. Long ago even the PRC discovered the limits of its influence in the North. Beijing wants a stable, docile, non-nuclear Korean buffer state. That would enhance China's regional influence, prevent the peninsula from being used as a tool of containment, spark allied requests for Chinese help to "manage" the North, and preserve a relationship with both historical and ideological significance. In contrast, a nuclear DPRK ensures Pyongyang's independence, including from the PRC, and generates American complications. Unfortunately for Beijing, its buffer state was always unruly and recently went nuclear. For years the Chinese leadership decided that buffer took precedence over nuclear. Especially since the PRC's influence in the North was substantially more limited some observers assumed. The Beijing-Pyongyang relationship was not unlike America's support for brutally repressive regimes think Egypt or Saudi Arabia today which nevertheless were believed to advance other U.S. interests. Chinese intervention in the Korean War preserved founder Kim Il-sung's rule, for which it received few thanks. For years he played Moscow against Beijing. The relationship between the two supposed allies has oscillated, but generally grown increasingly strained. Kim Jong-un accelerated nuclear and missile testing. Moreover, five years ago he executed his uncle, Jang Song-thaek, who was his nation's principle interlocutor with Beijing. Nevertheless, complained Bosco, the PRC enabled the North's ambitions "by protecting successive Kim regimes from United Nations-imposed and other economic sanctions." True, because China fears instability and collapse rather like Washington would view a possible Mexican implosion. In control of the entire peninsula, the ROK also would become a more significant international actor, potentially part of a U.S-orchestrated containment system. In fact, in 1950 Beijing went to war to prevent a united Korea allied with America and hosting U.S. troops on its border. One can imagine Washington's reaction to Canada joining the Warsaw Pact. Thus, preserving the Kim dynasty made sense for the PRC. However, in recent years Chinese attitudes have hardened. After every North Korean test Beijing agreed to tighter restrictions and increasingly enforced them. Six years after Kim ascended to the North Korean throne he had yet to receive an invitation to the PRC. The DPRK was in the equivalent of Xi's doghouse. The Chinese deep freeze probably encouraged Pyongyang to play the America card. Xi watched as Kim met with South Korea's President Moon Jae-in and planned a summit with President Trump. This created a fearsome prospect for Beijing: an autonomous DPRK friendly to America. That possibility likely motivated the two Xi-Kim summits between March and May. It was imperative for Beijing to cater to Kim. China almost certainly was the supplicant, offering the DPRK what the latter long desired. Beijing still wanted North Korea to negotiate, but not from a position of weakness ready to toss the PRC under the proverbial bus. Instead of fulminating about Sino perfidy, Washington should engage the PRC over its perceived interests. For instance, a U.S. promise to withdraw troops and a South Korean pledge of military neutrality could moderate Chinese concerns over a westward North Korean move and even South Korea-dominated reunification. Washington should keep its eye on the prize at the upcoming summit: eliminating North Korean nuclear weapons. Doing so is still a long-shot. But President Trump should be prepared to pay the necessary price for the PRC's aid. Doug Bandow (chessset@aol.com) is a senior fellow at the Cato Institute and a former special assistant to President Ronald Reagan. He is author of "Tripwire: Korea and U.S. Foreign Policy in a Changed World" and co-author of "The Korean Conundrum: America's Troubled Relations with North and South Korea." Rooftop solar panels are seen at Samsung Electronics' headquarters in Suwon, Gyeonggi Province. The company said Thursday it will expand the use of renewable energy in its operations. / Courtesy of Samsung Electronics By Baek Byung-yeul Samsung Electronics said Thursday it has decided to expand the use of renewable energy in its operations to improve energy efficiency and reduce emissions. The tech giant said it will install an additional 63,000 square-meters of solar panels at its clusters in Suwon, Hwaseong and Pyeongtaek in Gyeonggi Province. The company said the initiative is in line with the government's plan to increase the country's renewable energy use by 20 percent by 2030. Samsung is also expanding its use of renewable energy in the global marketplace. In the United States, European countries and China, Samsung said it plans to commit to 100 percent renewable energy by 2020. Overall, Samsung's renewable energy use will match the equivalent amount of energy created by an average 3.1 gigawatt solar power plant, enough to power about 115,000 homes in Korea for a year The company said the plan is possible as the places are well-equipped with infrastructure for the development and transmission of renewable energy. In the medium to long-term, Samsung plans to seek to further increase its use of renewable energy across the world, the company added. In line with this commitment, Samsung said it joined the World Wildlife Fund's (WWF) Renewable Energy Buyers' Principles and the Rocky Mountain Institute's Business Renewables Center. Samsung said its decision is to show its strong commitment to environmental protection. "Samsung Electronics is fulfilling its duty as a corporate citizen by expanding and supporting the use of renewable energy. As demonstrated by our expanded commitment, we are focused on protecting our planet and are doing our part as a global environmental steward," Kim Won-kyong, executive vice president and head of global public affairs of Samsung said. Non-governmental environmental organizations welcomed Samsung's initiative. "We welcome Samsung Electronics' declaration to expand the roll-out of renewable energy across its global sites," Jochem Verberne, global partnerships director at the WWF said. "This is an important step and we look forward to working with Samsung on further measures to reduce the company's climate impact across its value chains." Greenpeace also said Samsung's decision to adopt renewable energy will send a positive message to industries. "This commitment could have an enormous impact in reducing the company's massive global manufacturing footprint, and shows how critical industry participation is in reducing emissions and accelerating the transition to renewable energy," Greenpeace campaigner Lee In-sung said in a statement. "More companies should follow suit and set renewable energy targets." Oracle Korea workers rally in front of ASEM Tower in southern Seoul where Oracle's Korea branch office is located, Thursday. / Korea Times photo by Baek Byung-yeul By Baek Byung-yeul It has been a month since Oracle Korea employees began striking. Given they are one of the few unions at the Korean unit of a foreign IT company, there has been some doubt that the strike would go this long, but they are still fighting for fair compensation and improved working conditions. Dozens of union members gathered in front of Assem Tower in southern Seoul, where the Korea branch of the U.S. tech giant is located, on a cloudy Thursday morning and asked for the immediate resignation of Kim Hyung-rae, CEO of Oracle Korea, chanting "Kim Hyung-rae out." They began the walkout, May 16, after they failed to reach an agreement with company management. Ninety-six percent of the members agreed on the strike action. Though it was only a three-day strike at first, the union extended it. "It has been a month since we went on a strike, but the word we received from management is to withdraw the strike action,'" Kim Chul-soo, leader of Oracle Korea's union said. "We've met only one time after we started the strike, and they said they can start talking once we withdraw the walkout action. We see no willingness from them to negotiate." Oracle Korea employees formed a union last September to protest what they called the company's unfair and non-transparent salary system. "We have seen no wage increase over the past 10 years. Also, there are workers who work about 80 to 100 hours a week, but they don't get compensated for that. Management has said you can use compensatory leave if you work overtime but it is literally impossible for them to use it in such a situation," Kim said. To let more people know the situation here, Kim said the union is cooperating with the UNI Global Union, an organization representing over 20 million workers worldwide. "The UNI Global Union is scheduled to hold a congress in Liverpool from June 17 to 20. There, a representative of Korea's unions will tell them what the union of Oracle Korea has been struggling with," Kim said. The union also plans to visit Oracle's headquarters in Redwood City, Calif. "We don't think the company management here at Oracle Korea sent a clear message about our complaint. So we decided to visit the headquarters in the U.S. and will amplify our message to them," Kim said. Gov't vows to advocate interests of local chip, battery makers By Kim Yoo-chul The government has officially requested China to drop its apparent "discriminatory measures" applied to top-tier Korean manufacturers. "The government filed an official request with the Chinese trade ministry to correct discriminatory measures on Korean manufacturers, which we believe are truly unfair, and asked it to ensure fair market competition to protect the best interests of consumers and clients," a senior government official said Thursday. "China has notified Korea's trade ministry that it will correct any unfair practices, if found." The official said the government will step in to help Samsung and SK affiliates, both of which operate massive manufacturing facilities in China, be treated under a "non-discriminatory" principle. Regarding the timeframe for change, the official said, "China will take procedural steps to change its policy and this will take some time." China recently launched an investigation into Samsung Electronics and SK hynix, alleging they "artificially inflated" memory chip prices that they sell to leading Chinese handset manufacturers. Chinese officials visited the offices of Samsung and SK hynix in Beijing, though it's unknown what information or documents they sought. The government official said the two Korean companies weren't involved in a price-fixing scheme and added the rise in memory chip prices was due to high demand and tight supply from industry consolidation. Earlier, China imposed heavy penalties on U.S.-based mobile chip giant Qualcomm with the latter lowering its royalties it collects from Chinese handset manufacturers. Another government official said China wants to help the country's leading hardware manufacturers by asking the Korean pair to widen the scope of patent licensing. "China provided Samsung and SK with financial and administrative support to help them reduce investment risk, there. The two firms responded by hiring more Chinese employees at their plants and paying more income taxes. Patents are a result of steady investment and commitment for innovation, which can only be negotiated on a needs basis" the official said. Also, LG Chem and Samsung SDI, Korea's top two battery makers, have been struggling to gain a foothold in China since 2016, when the trade ministry there began to drop subsidies for Chinese electric vehicles equipped with their batteries. China said the ban had no relation to Seoul's deployment of a U.S. missile defense system on the peninsula. But company officials said the measure was taken as part of "unofficial sanctions" for the deployment. "Korea's trade ministry asked China to address the battery issue and we are awaiting the newest updates," said the official. By Jhoo Dong-chan New Daewoo Engineering & Construction (E&C) CEO Kim Hyung emphasized the company's financial soundness and profitability during his inauguration ceremony. During the event held at the Kumho Art Hall in central Seoul, June 11, Kim said he will do whatever it takes to improve the construction company's profitability. Daewoo E&C has failed to turn profit for over a decade, and the construction company's main creditor the Korea Development Bank (KDB) attempted to sell off the firm to midsize builder Hoban Construction earlier this year only to fail due to its massive losses overseas. Kim said he will do his best to regain market trust by improving the company's competitiveness. "Daewoo E&C calls for drastic measures. It has suffered long enough from disappointing sales and unstable liquidity," he said. "It is time for the company to improve the risk management system while reducing its production costs to strengthen its profitability." Kim also vowed to make the company's governance more flexible and effective to cope with competition from Chinese and Indian builders. Union members at Daewoo E&C opposed the KDB decision to appoint Kim as CEO, claiming installing a new head could further diminish shareholder value and leave the ailing local builder vulnerable to more fallout. The union also said Kim was not qualified for the post since he had ethical issues and no track record in turning around overseas business projects. The former POSCO executive was indicted by prosecutors for allegedly offering bribes to government officials in exchange for receiving administrative benefits when he worked at Hyundai E&C in 2004. By Nam Hyun-woo The government abolished a rule obliging its employees to use either Korean Air or Asiana Airlines for official overseas trips, Thursday. Observers say the measure was taken because the Korean Air owner family's misbehavior angered the public. According to the Ministry of Strategy and Finance and the Ministry of Personnel Management, the government decided to end its Government Transportation Request (GTR) system after using it for 40 years. Under the GTR common carrier transportation services were procured for all government officials. The government has signed GTR deals with Korean Air in September 1980 and Asiana Airlines in August 1990 and "obliges official travelers to use (Korean) national carriers," under an order from the prime minister. The ministries said the government has been retaining the system because it allows the government to secure urgent tickets, change seats and cancel tickets without additional fees, which can be up to 30 percent of the ticket price, but decided to end the system due to "circumstantial changes" surrounding overseas official trips. In 1980, Korean Air was the only domestic airline, but the country has eight carriers now, with 93 airlines currently flying from and to Korea. The number of outbound Koreans also grew 78 times to 2.65 million last year from 340,000 in 1980. "The government plans to end GTR deals with airliners by October, after spending all the mileages employees have earned," an official said. Replacing the GTR, the government said it will make ministries select their main travel agencies respectively through open bidding and let the agencies make flight bookings. Though two carriers have been retaining the GTR deals with the government, Korean Air has been virtually monopolizing official transportation services. According to the Korea Transport Institute, Korean Air sold GTR tickets worth 179.68 billion won to 212,574 government officials from 2010 to 2014, far greater than Asiana Airlines with 42.5 billion during the same period. The price of tickets also has been at the center of the controversy, with GTR tickets sometimes priced higher than those purchased through travel agencies. The existing rule allows government officials to use other carriers when their tickets are cheaper but not many officials do this because they have to prove the price. "Through this, government officials will buy air tickets at market prices the same as the public," the official said, adding that the administration expects to save 8 billion won ($7.4 million) annually. Biddeford-Saco-OOB Courier "(It will) serve a need ... for kids in general and kids in trouble," said Commissioner Richard Clark. Kendallville, IN (46755) Today Partly to mostly cloudy. High 54F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight A few clouds. Low 43F. Winds W at 5 to 10 mph. Videos Sorry, there are no recent results for popular videos. VNPF Achary and Shefa SG Daniel put pens to paper in an MOU yesterday to strengthen compliance concerning businesses operating in SHEFA Photo: Kizzy Kalsakau LAHAINA Ulalena, Mauis signature show produced by the legendary Roy Tokujo of Lahaina Myth and Magic Theatre LLC (LMMT), and Burnn Love, produced by Michael Kattawar of Memphis, TN, through Kattwood LLC, shut their doors on May 11 when, under a court order, technicians flew in from Christie Lites, one of the largest lighting companies in the world, and removed the lights for non-payment of rent. A spokesperson for Christie Lites reported that lighting payments were delinquent for years. Kattawar said, I love Maui. I love the people out there. They all supported us, like the Maui Food Bank supported us, the rental car agencies, the Weinbergs, the hotels, the restaurants, the kamaaina. There just werent enough people to come and see those two shows to make it work. He went on to say, I never made money never made a penny. Im out $2 million. Kattawar said that he and Elvis impersonator Darren Lee, the star of the Burnn Love show, came here four-and-a-half years ago to do an Elvis luau and were approached by LMMT to do a second show in the Maui Theatre. Kattawar and Lee agreed, and Burnn Love was launched. Tokujo and Kattawar dispute various aspects of the theatres finances in recent years and ownership of Ulalena. Tokujo said, Ulalena was a passion for me, not from a financial point of view. I produced Don Ho, Jim Nabors and many luaus, but there was not a single entity that told the story of Hawaii. Ulalena was that show. It was a testament of how great Hawaii and Hawaiians are. We tried everything we could try, and the average person would have shut this thing down two years ago. It just never made money never made a penny. I am out about $2 million, said Kattawar. Corbett Kalama, vice president of real estate and community affairs for the Weinberg Foundation, the owner of the Maui Theatre, said, Maui is a special place, and Ulalena is a special show. We have a great deal of concern about these. We are working to make sure all of our properties are up and running. Our intention is to continue to make sure that all our properties are up and functional. Lee, the star of Burnn Love, wants to stay on Maui and do an Elvis luau. He is actively negotiating a venue for that show at the time of publication. LAHAINA The next Storm Drain Stenciling Community Event is scheduled in Lahaina on Saturday, July 14. West Maui Kumuwai is looking to enlist neighborhoods from the Lahaina area. We had been hoping to stencil the Front Street area based on multiple requests and suggestions by community members, but due to its designation as a historical district, well be unable to stencil Front Street between Shaw and Papalaua streets. Instead, well aim to stencil outside this area at nearby business and residential sites, noted Liz Foote of West Maui Kumuwai. If you, your family, youth group (ages 12 and up), school club or community association is interested in participating, or to suggest an area to be tagged, e-mail WestMauiKumuwai@gmail.com or call (808) 283-1631. West Maui Kumuwai will seek permission from the County of Maui and any homeowners associations/neighborhoods that would like to participate. The environmental organization hopes to establish some sites and teams in advance. The County of Mauis storm drain stencils feature an image of Hawaiis State Fish, the humuhumunukunukuapuaa (reef triggerfish), in addition to the no dumping message. Storm drain stenciling raises awareness that Mauis storm drains empty directly into the ocean, bringing with them all the pollutants that accumulate on land and run off during storm events or as a result of irrigation practices. These pollutants range from oil leaking from poorly-maintained vehicles, excess fertilizer from landscaping activities, sediments loosened due to erosion and other forms of land-based pollutants carrying substances that ultimately harm Mauis nearshore reef ecosystem. More on this and other events can be found on the West Maui Kumuwai Facebook page. LAHAINA At a recent meeting of the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset, Adam Parness was inducted as the 11th new member since July 2017. He was inducted into the club by Assistant District Governor Marti Wukelic and sponsored by Larry Laird. Parness is the owner and operator of ShipOnSite Maui. Originally from a small town in upstate New York, he moved to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to pursue a career in law enforcement, but his entrepreneurial skills took over quickly. Owning several service-oriented businesses helped Parness succeed in all areas of customer service. His ventures included a large family-owned printing company and the largest document destruction company in northeastern South Carolina. He now looks forward to specializing in shipping solutions for both businesses and travelers, as he opens this newest business in The Fairway Shops in Kaanapali. As past president of Surfside Area Rotary Club in Myrtle Beach, he is fully aware of the magnitude of Rotarys motto of Service Above Self. For more information about the Rotary Club of Lahaina Sunset, contact Co-president Joanne Laird at mamalrd01@gmail.com or see the clubs website at www.rotarycluboflahainasunset.org. The developer of the property at 266 Dickenson St., builder Christopher Ondatje (Alliance Hawaii), flew over the first hurdle in the county permitting challenge with ease. Hes rounded the first bend and is heading as fast as he can along the straightaway toward the next obstacle a hearing before the Maui Planning Commission on June 26 at 9 a.m. at the Kalani Pakui Building in Wailuku. Hes armed with an application for a change in zoning from D-2 Duplex and R-2 Residential to A-2 Apartment and a request for a Special Management Area permit. The Lahaina News congratulates the Kaanapali resident for his deftness. First, the Maui Planning Department issued a Finding of No Significant Impact (FONSI) on the Draft Environmental Assessment; it was announced in the Office of Environmental Quality Control Environmental Notice on May 8. Incredible! There will be no significant impact, building an eight-unit, three-story apartment complex on a 10,595-square-foot piece of property next to one of the tightest intersections in our community Dickenson Street and Highway 30 along a street so narrow it is not to code and is situated directly across the street from the entrance to the Sacred Hearts School cafeteria. The right of way is so limited that trucks and busses are not permitted to drive down it. If the application is approved, 16 vehicles will be added to the traffic mix, which already includes parents dropping off and picking up their keiki on school days and parishioners attending Maria Lanikila Catholic Church on Sundays and on special occasions like funerals, baptisms and weddings. Oh, theres more; the makai neighbor is seeking to sell his duplex-zoned property and is currently marketing it on Craigslist for $800,000, with the potential for a two-house, six-bedroom complex and parking for at least 10 cars. Mr. Ondatje claims the development will help to address West Mauis acute workforce housing shortage. I asked his representative, Rory Frampton, for a ballpark guess on the monthly rental rate. He (Mr. Ondatje) doesnt know what the rents will be yet; it will be dependent on total construction costs, including the costs to obtain all the approvals. His goal is to keep rents below existing market rates in Lahaina, Frampton advised. Further, Frampton said, He will be using a management company to handle the rentals and is not quite sure how they will be selecting tenants. Mr. Ondatje and partners purchased the empty lot for $468,000. They are constructing a 6,051-square-foot structure and have hired consultants to help them scale the permitting process. In the end, with these costs piled on top, how much will the tenants be paying per month, and will it truly be workforce housing? Your guess is as good as ours. Mr. Ondatje doesnt have to tell us. On Tuesday, June 26, the Maui Planning Commission will be assessing the applications. The public is invited to attend and testify. First and foremost, the Lahaina News strongly recommends that West Maui Planning Commissioner P. Denise La Costa request a site visit with fellow commissioners, so that the powerful panel has the chance to make an informed decision with first-hand knowledge. (By Louise Rockett) School appreciates T-Mobiles donations On behalf of King Kamehameha III Elementary School, I would like to thank T-Mobile for the exceptionally generous donation to our school! Each year, T-Mobile recognizes men and women doing great work by sending them to Maui, and extra gifts from the trip were donated to our kids. We plan on using the gifts to support our curriculum, as well as having some fun in the water. The students are so excited! Again, a huge mahalo to T- Mobile. CLAIRE TILLMAN, Parent Community Networking Center Facilitator Surfers need to be aware of pier planned for Lahaina Harbor Surfers should carefully study the architectural drawings/plans for the new passenger loading pier (ferry pier) planned to be built immediately next to the surf break at Lahaina Harbor. Plans and drawings for document POH-2015-00221 PDF Lahaina can easily be found online. The drawings for the new pier are dated 2015 and were apparently discussed at a public information meeting at that time. They are about to become a reality. Neither the potential effects on the wave itself, nor on the many ohana surf activities (such as surf events for groms from all over Maui and Neighbor Islands) held at the Harbor surf spot, are addressed (or even mentioned) in the planning document. No later than June 20 (the cutoff date for public comments on the plan), surfers should insist on a public hearing of these plans, so that all of our questions and concerns can be addressed. As Harbor is a family cultural gathering spot, the hearing should be scheduled at a time and place that allows all members of our surf ohana to attend and make their views heard. Please check out the plans for the new pier and discuss them with other members of the surf community. Harbor is an important part of our local surf culture. It should not be sacrificed on the altar of the tourist economy. Mahalo! ROBBIE LOPAKA MAUI Volcanic eruption a sign from God? Hawaiis Kilauea Volcano is poised to let us know what God thinks of the Supreme Courts interpretation of the constitutional protections of freedom of religion and freedom of speech for a cake baker, a florist and the God-fearing. MICHAEL W JARVIS, Salt Lake City, Utah Work in Mokuula is unforgivable I ask humbly to remove yourselves off this very sacred royal lands of my Maui royalties. I am of our Wainee Ahupuaa where only our Maui royalties resided. Please stop 25 years of illegal burial diggings and taking of our Maui bones of iiwi and our Maui artifacts. This is unforgivable. PRINCESS LEHUANANI KUMAEWAKAINAKALEOMOMONA, Lahaina Who Is Kim Yong-chol? General Kim Yong-chol is arriving in New York to discuss North Koreas denuclearization with top U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, whom Kim has met twice. The meetings promise to be difficult, because Kim has a reputation as a tough negotiator who is very familiar with intelligence and weapons issues. Kim may also have been behind the so-called Cheonan incident in 2010 the apparent torpedoing of a South Korean Navy corvette that resulted in loss of 46 sailors. The U.S. sanctioned Kim in 2014, reflecting the widespread belief, rejected by Pyongyang and Beijing, that North Korea was responsible for the sinking. Kim Yong-chol has a long resume that reflects the breadth of his experience and the reasons Kim Jong-un chose him to represent North Korean interests at this crucial time before the planned Trump-Kim summit. Most importantly, Kim Yong-chol worked on intelligence for about 30 years, including as director of the Reconnaissance General Bureau, the North Korean equivalent of the CIA. He also rose in the Korean Workers Party hierarchy, eventually becoming a vice-chair of the KWP Central Committee and a member of its important Military Affairs Commission. But what may be most notable about Kim Yong-chol is that he has served and survived all three members of the Kim dynasty. Thus, Kim Jong-un clearly deems Kim Yong-chol entirely trustworthy. Moreover, Kim Yong-chol has extensive experience negotiating with the South Koreans, including the comprehensive 1992 North-South joint declaration that pledged both countries not to test, manufacture, produce, receive, possess store, deploy or use nuclear weapons and not to possess nuclear reprocessing and uranium enrichment facilities. Most recently, Kim was among the North Korean leaders who met with South Koreans when they issued the Panmunjom Declaration on inter-Korean relations and the nuclear issue. A fair assumption is that Kim Yong-chol will spell out the conditions under which North Korea would embrace complete, irreversible, verifiable denuclearization, the official U.S. position. He will no doubt insist on establishing a step-by-step framework for dismantlement or, possibly, some other arrangement for dealing with North Koreas nuclear arsenal. And at each step, Kim presumably will want to know what the U.S. is prepared to offer in the way of firm security assurances, starting with an official renunciation of the John Bolton Libya model that Pompeo has now invoked to deal with Iran. The New York meetings will therefore either pave the way for a substantive agreement at the summit in Singapore or become another roadblock to ever holding one. MEL GURTOV, PeaceVoice Showing a demonstrated interest in a college can make a difference in your application process to many colleges. Aside from grades and test scores, colleges look at many other factors while making holistic reviews of student applications. Demonstrated interest is one of them. Visiting a school lets them know that you are serious about your application, and it will set you apart from the students who may apply just because it is so easy to do so now with the Common and Coalition Applications. Students who visit schools are more likely to accept an offer of acceptance than a student who does not, and in the end, accepting great students is what admissions departments are all about! Seeing what a school really looks and feels like gives you a strong advantage in making your own decisions about choosing a balanced list of schools to which you will want to apply and ultimately attend. With summer here, many of you will be heading to the Mainland to visit family and friends. If you are a rising junior or senior in high school, it is a great time to visit colleges that you think you might want to attend. It can be expensive to make these trips, so it is key to make the most of the visit. 1) Make sure you sign up for an official tour and information session, and CHECK IN. It is fine to take an informal tour with a friend or family member, and you may get more of the real story about the school that way, but it does not help in showing demonstrated interest if the admissions office does not know you were there. 2) Because you are coming from a long distance, try to plan as many visits as you can in any given geographical region, but know your limits. Dont try to visit more than two schools in a day. You want to make sure that you are giving each school the attention it deserves and not overload yourself in the process. It is important to plot out your distances in advance and be realistic about what you can do in a day. 3) Try to make an appointment with the admissions counselor for Hawaii. These are usually the folks who are reading your application, and they are often eager to put a face to a name on an application. Have a few questions for them maybe something specific about your particular academic interest or a program that is unique to the college. 4) If you have time, and classes are offered in the summer, sit in on a class and get a feel for the teaching in your area of interest. You may need to make an arrangement for this through your admissions counselor. 5) Eat in the cafeteria! Food choices at schools can be dramatically different. If you have special eating requirements, make sure that your needs are able to be accommodated. Beyond the food, the cafeteria is a good place to people watch. Look around while you are eating; how are students interacting with each other? Do you feel like you will fit in comfortably? 6) What is the surrounding area like? Is it in a big city? Out in the country? Is it in a College Town? How much does any of this matter to you? 7) Check out the dorms and housing options both on and off campus. Most tours will include a look at a dorm. Ask if the dorm you are seeing is typical of freshman housing. How many students to a room? Is housing guaranteed for freshmen? Is it guaranteed for other years, and if not, what is the typical living situation off-campus? What percent of students live in Greek houses and other fraternal organizations? 8) And finally, think about how far away the school is and how much of an effort it took to get there. Sometimes, students dont really have a sense of what is required both in time and money to physically get to college. Coming from Maui, your closest out-of-state options are almost 2,400 miles away. That can seem sort of abstract until you get on a plane to get there. Aside from the West Coast, most schools are going to require two or more flights to get there; make sure that feels okay with you. After you go to a couple of schools, you will start to feel that the tours are all pretty much the same: an enthusiastic student walking backwards, telling you all the great things about their school. Keep your eyes open and be realistic about what is being said. Ask questions and listen to the answers. Make the most of your visits and carefully weigh the options when choosing your list of schools. Maryanne Hogan is an Independent College Admissions Consultant working with students on Maui. Visit her website, thecollegeauntie.com, for more information or to make an appointment. LAHAINA Outlets of Maui, the 150,000-square-foot oceanfront shopping and dining destination located in Lahaina on world-renown Front Street, announced that the center will celebrate the grand opening weekend of Le Creuset, the premium French cookware manufacturer best known for its colorfully-enameled cast-iron cookware, as it hosts Le Creuset Maui Chef Weekend on Friday, June 15, through Sunday, June 17. Located between Michael Kors and Gap Factory Store in the Banyan Courtyard, Outlets of Mauis newest store offers customers enameled cast iron, stainless steel and non-stick cookware; bakeware; kitchen accessories; and much more. And, at 1,600 square feet, the first-of-its kind locale prominently features a Le Creuset outlet showrooming concept to conveniently buy in-store and ship home directly. The addition of Le Creuset represents our ongoing commitment to bring to our customers both unique and island-centric brands to our tenant mix, said Outlets of Maui General Manager Lisa Donlon. We welcome this globally-renown and iconic brand and are confident Le Creuset will quickly become a must-visit stop during a visit to Outlets of Maui. During its grand opening period, Le Creuset customers will enjoy storewide savings of 25 percent off, a special gift with purchase (while supplies last) and have the opportunity to register to win an iconic Dutch oven, too. While were known for our legendary enameled cast iron cookware, Le Creuset today is a source for all kitchen needs, from stainless steel and non-stick cookware to bakeware, accessories, wine tools, gifts and more. Were excited to welcome visitors to Maui as well as the Maui community and look forward to supplying color and joy for years to come, said Diane Foster, vice president retail for Le Creuset. Le Creuset Maui Chef Weekend will be a three-day cooking demonstration, where a collective of Mauis top chefs will prepare, and share, a variety of Le Creuset-inspired dishes. All cooking demonstrations take place on the Main Stage, and the mouthwatering weekends event schedule follows: On Friday, June 15, the lineup is: 3 to 4 p.m., Lyndon Honda, Sheraton Maui Resort & Spa; and 4 to 5 p.m., Seville Jackson, Ruths Chris Steak House. Saturday, June 16, will feature Thomas Hagist of the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort & Spa from noon to 1 p.m., and Daisiel Escobar of Pi Artisan Pizzeria from 1 to 2 p.m. On Sunday, June 17, the schedule is noon to 1 p.m., Alvin Savella, The Ritz-Carlton, Kapalua; 1 to 2 p.m., Sherif Elhadidi, Waikiki Brewing Co.; and 2 to 3 p.m., James Kimo Simpliciano, Simpli-Fresh. For more information, including a complete store directory, sale and special event announcements, along with driving directions, visit www.outletsofmaui.com. The Sanford Burnham Prebys (SBP) Medical Discovery Institutes Insight Series brings together a scientist, a doctor and a caregiver to share their reflections on the multiple facets of a given disease. As June is Alzheimers Disease and Brain Awareness Month, the topic June 5 was Alzheimers. Moderator Kristen Cusato, a spokesperson with the Alzheimers Association, opened the presentation by sharing stories of her mothers battle with Alzheimers and how the Association is partnering with organizations like SBP to raise awareness. We are focusing on the importance of early diagnosis and how to keep your brain healthy. Every 65 seconds, someone develops Alzheimers in this country. It is the only top-10 cause of death that has no cure, no effective treatment, no way to prevent and no way to slow down, she said. Each of the speakers offered insights and took questions from the audience. Dr. Michael Lobatz, medical director of the Rehabilitation Center at Scripps Memorial Hospital, discussed the different types of dementia, the pathway to diagnosis, and advances in imaging technology. If dementia is like fruit, he said, Alzheimers disease would be like an apple. There are other kinds of dementia, but the most prevalent form is Alzheimers disease, he said. The exact cause of Alzheimers is only theorized, and many clinical trials have been disappointing, he added. Preceding some cases is what Lobatz described as mild cognitive impairment, through which a person may have memory impairment, noticeable to themselves or to others in their lives, but they are able to function normally otherwise. However, this mild cognitive impairment will progress to Alzheimers at 12-14 percent per year. So after five years, as many as 60 percent have developed a diagnosis of Alzheimers. But that also means 40 percent may not, he said. To keep the brain sharp, he advocates for healthful eating, moderate exercise a few times a week, and (he joked) avoiding television at all costs. Cusato added: Anything that is good for the heart is good for the brain, and she suggested puzzles and taking different ways home from work to keep ones brain actively engaged. When it comes to diagnoses, which starts with the 10 Signs for Early Detection (see sidebar), Lobatz said doctors use informants in the family. Most people who have the onset of dementia are not aware of it. When people come to me with worries they have Alzheimers, they almost never do. If you can remember that you forget, you are probably OK, he said. When a person says there is nothing wrong, and their spouse, child or caregiver rolls their eyes that is the most reliable sign. Reflecting on new technologies, such as a brain volume study, Lobatz said: We can measure the volume of the brain, especially the memory centers of the brain, and this can be an indicator that there is something wrong that we can pick up early. These images, and early monitoring of mild cognitive impairment, are of great interest to researchers, he concluded. Dr. Jerold Chun, professor and senior vice-president of SBP neuroscience drug discovery, analogized the neurons of the brain including those that are damaged or inhibited by Alzheimers to a car. There are 100 billion neurons present in your brain, he said, different makes, models, colors, performance aspects and more. That constitutes a normal brain. We need to have a flow of cars through your brain in order for it to function on a daily basis. Some of these neurons are like a Trabant car, not what one would call a performance vehicle, it goes 0-60 in 30 seconds. He asked the audience to imagine a multi-car pile-up accident. Some still look like cars, but they are damaged. Others are completely scrunched. Others are surrounded by debris, he said. Whether it be a traffic jam or traffic accident, this type of information flow is whats affected when one looks at Alzheimers. But the overarching question in terms of research is: What about the drivers? Weve got these cars, and weve got these wrecks, but if we actually look at what is producing these accidents, shouldnt we be looking at what is controlling these cars to begin with? It turns out, in our brains, we have different genomes, neuron to neuron. So we need to understand what that difference is. In Alzheimers, Dr. Chun continued, weve found that a perturbation of that mosaic of cars is occurring at the level of these DNA drivers that are present in the individual neurons. So its our belief, if we can understand what the sequence changes are, then we can really get at real therapies that could modify the disease process. We believe we are on the right track. Serena Reid, a retired U.S. Marine Corps captain, recalled not knowing what it was and not knowing what it was called when her great-grandmother and grandmother experienced the effects of Alzheimers. My great-grandmother could not speak, so my grandmother would feed her, bathe her and help get her ready for bed, Reid explained. And we would just jump in and help. Eventually, my great-grandmother passed away and my grandmother moved into her house in Florida. Soon, Reid started to notice that conversations with her grandmother would be repeats of previous conversations. One day, we got a call from her neighbors saying my grandmother was at the playground, looking for her mother. My grandmother moved in with my mother, and I think my mother felt obligated, watching her mother (my grandmother) take care of her mother (my great-grandmother). She did that until the stress of it all took its toll. My mother now has mild cognitive impairment and she lives with me, she said. Relying on local support groups and the Alzheimers Association for resources, Reid said there are programs that assist with patient care. All SBP Insights forums include a Q-and-A, so attendees can quiz the experts. This night, an audience member asked Reid what a caregiver can do for a reprieve. Reid explained there are programs a patient can attend for a few hours, a few days a week. I get a lot done in those three days, she joked. The best thing that can be done is have a routine. It helps the person to not be confused, because when something out-of-the ordinary comes up, it really throws them. San Diego Superior Court Judge Randa Trapp was asked to take another look at her November 2017 ruling that the formation of the La Jolla Maintenance Assessment District (MAD) was unconstitutional, and she heard oral arguments to that effect on June 8 in the case of La Jolla Benefits Association LLC vs. the City of San Diego. Judge Trapp is expected to issue a new ruling in the coming weeks. In November 2016, a MAD within The Village of La Jolla was approved by a majority (weighted by property size) of the commercial and residential property owners within its boundaries. The MAD was then ratified by the San Diego City Council. Community members behind the MAD led a two-year campaign for its establishment, stating revenue collected from MAD assessments would provide enhanced services in The Village, such as landscape maintenance, street and sidewalk cleaning, litter and graffiti abatement, and additional trash collection. The local non-profit group, Enhance La Jolla (comprised of seven commercial, non-profit and residential property owners; three board members from the La Jolla Community Foundation, which funded formation of the MAD; a member of the La Jolla Village Merchants Association and a community member at-large) would manage the MAD, and in addition to the supplemental maintenance services, Enhance La Jolla would accept donations for capital improvement projects. After it passed, the La Jolla Benefits Association LLC was formed and it filed a lawsuit challenging the MADs legality on the grounds that the services the MAD would provide are services the City should be carrying out. On Nov. 30, 2017, court records show Judge Trapp ruled that the City failed to show the La Jolla MAD would provide special benefits, above and beyond those already provided as part of general municipal services. In January 2018, the City filed a request for a re-hearing on the judgment. During the re-hearing in Court chambers last week, Deputy City Attorney Carmen Brock asked Judge Trapp to vacate her previous ruling. Maria Severson of Aguirre & Severson LLP spoke on behalf of La Jolla Benefits Association LLC and argued that the court was correct in its original judgment that maintenance services in The Village of La Jolla are already being paid for by taxes and provided by the City. However, Brock countered that her case was based on three points: 1) a lack of standing from the opponents, 2) that the MAD does meet constitutional standards by offering services beyond what the City can provide, and 3) that the MAD assessments will be reflective of the value of the services to be rendered. Regarding the legal standing issue, Brock argued that in order for its standing in the case to be valid, the LLC must have owned property and therefore be subject to assessments at the time the MAD was formed. She said the La Jolla Benefits Association LLC (fronted by Lincoln Foster) formed one month after the MAD was passed and could therefore not have owned property at the time. She called it an after-the-fact way to get standing. As to whether the MAD was formed constitutionally (whether services provided are independent of what the City provides), Brock said: Just because a special benefit would also benefit the general public, it does not invalidate a special assessment. She noted there would be special services the City is not in a financial position to provide, such as power-washing the streets, additional trash pick-ups and more. Lastly, Brock called upon an engineers report that determined the MAD assessments charged are appropriate for the services to be rendered. She said the engineer created a matrix that shows the value of these maintenance services. However, due to technical difficulties, the report was not available for viewing. When it came time for the La Jolla Benefits Association LLC to affirm its stance, Severson noted that the court was correct in its original ruling, and that MAD services should be particular and distinct from general benefits. You cant make the few pay for benefits for the general public, Severson stated. Judge Trapp said she would review the information and issue a ruling in the coming weeks. Everyone eligible should be vaccinated against COVID-19 as a condition of long-distance travel or employment. Vaccination should be voluntary but those who don't get vaccinated should be frequently tested for COVID-19 as a condition of long-distance travel and employment. Both vaccination and testing should be voluntary and not required as a condition of long-distance travel or employment. I defer to the judgment of lawmakers as long as they base their decisions on a consensus of medical professionals. Vote View Results Violent men unknown to me have occupied my mind all my adult life, Michelle McNamara wrote in Ill Be Gone in the Dark: One Womans Obsessive Search for the Golden State Killer. Early in the book, she recounts a pivotal moment when she was 14 years old and a young female jogger was murdered near her home. Two days later, McNamara visited the spot where the body was found and picked up the remnants of the victims broken Walkman, holding them in her hands. I felt no fear, she wrote, just an electric curiosity. This is the genesis of McNamaras interest in true crime. In particular, it was the killers anonymity that haunted her. I need to see his face, she writes, slipping into present tense. He loses his power when we know his face. Reading those lines, I felt the frisson of recognition. Ive consumed true crime since first discovering Helter Skelter by Vincent Bugliosi in a used bookstore at age 9 or 10 and staring in fascination and horror at the crime-scene photos in the middle. And, while the primary focus of Ill Be Gone in the Dark is the Golden State Killer, a ski-masked serial rapist and murderer who terrified the West Coast in the 1970s and 80s, it also serves as an exploration of the intense attachment many of us have to true crime in particular, women. Ill Be Gone in the Dark by Michelle McNamara, shown at right with husband Patton Oswalt. (Matt Sayles/AP ) Advertisement McNamaras book, completed and published after her untimely death in 2016, landed at the top of the bestseller list at a time when the appetite for true crime feels greater than ever. The conventional wisdom is that its audience is primarily female a belief supported by an oft-cited 2010 study in Social Psychological and Personality Science, which found that, based on analysis of reader reviews and book selection, women were significantly more drawn to true crime than men. But perhaps the most telling finding of the study is that women were far more likely to select a true crime book featuring female victims. That intense identification between reader and victim ripples violently through McNamaras book. But in a recent piece on women and true crime, Cammila Collar finds canny parallels between the recurrent subjects of true crime (love-gone-wrong, family conflict, domestic violence) and the hard numbers on gender and violence. While men are four times more likely to be homicide victims, women comprise 70% of victims killed by an intimate partner, twice the rate of men. (The majority of male homicides are drug- and gang-related.) The statistic that most jumps out at me comes from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention: Nearly 44% of American women have experienced some form of contact sexual violence in their lifetime and reported some form of impact, ranging from injury and fearfulness to missing work or school or experiencing symptoms of post-traumatic stress disorder. These statistics refute any notion of true crime as escapist fare. As someone who reads the genre avidly, both high (Robert Kolkers Lost Girls, Monica Hesses American Fire) and low (ripped-from-the-headlines mass-market books you used to find on the spin rack of your drugstore), Ive always had a network of fellow devotees, mostly women, to whom I reach out regularly on the latest book, documentary, podcast like the L.A. Times Dirty John or the breaking news on an old case. Perhaps because its long been a suspect genre at best a guilty pleasure, at worst a genre for ghouls, for rubberneckers these exchanges often have a furtive, heated quality. A slightly dirty secret we keep. Debra Newell married John Michael Meehan, a terrifying story told in the L.A. Times series and podcast Dirty John. (Rick Loomis / Los Angeles Times ) But in the last few years, and especially in recent months as the Harvey Weinstein and associated scandals have dominated headlines, Ive come to think of true crime books as performing much the same function as crime novels (also dominated by female readers): serving as the place women can go to read about the dark, messy stuff of their lives that theyre not supposed to talk about domestic abuse, serial predation, sexual assault, troubled family lives, conflicted feelings about motherhood, the weight of trauma, partner violence and the myriad ways the justice system can fail, and silence, women. While these weighty issues arent generally resolved in true crime (to the contrary, given the number of them like McNamaras and Kolkers in which the case remained unsolved at publication), these books provide a common site to work through crises, to exorcise demons. Ive come to believe that what draws women to true crime tales is an instinctual understanding that this is the world they live in. (Emailing me about Ill Be Gone in the Dark, a mutual true crime enthusiast male noted, How a man could rape 50 plus women and kill 10 people and get away with it is basically a primer on institutionalized misogyny.) And these books are where the concerns and challenges of their lives are taken deadly seriously. Its been interesting to ponder the question of women and true crime in recent months amid our #Metoo moment. If, for decades now, true crime served as the collective unconscious of so many women, all the taboo topics the culture as a whole represses, what happens when the culture is unable to repress them any longer? In the aftermath of the 2016 election, and the subsequent explosion of #Metoo revelations, all those issues that have always dominated true crime are taking center stage. If true crime frequently explores the abuses perpetrated by seemingly upright men in power police, sheriffs, elected representatives, district attorneys well, what happens when these stories fill our daily headlines? The impact can be devastating not because anyones surprised (what reader of true crime could be?), but because we never guessed the lid would be taken off. And now, the onslaught is ceaseless. Megan Abbott writes bestselling crime fiction. But she avidly reads true crime, like many other women. (Drew Reilly ) Perhaps this is why the finale of the Dirty John podcast is so satisfying. It begins as a tale of female victimhood, but in the end it becomes a testament to female intuition and survivor instincts. The script is flipped, and women are weaponized. This is certainly the feeling reading Ill Be Gone in the Dark, and what marks it as uncannily prescient of our moment. One of the vanguard of amateur sleuths who connected on the internet to attack cold cases, McNamara firmly believed that the Golden State Killer would be caught and in fact saw her book as an intervention. This missionary zeal gives her book a potent avenging-angel quality. Recalling the anonymous killer of the female jogger that sparked her true crime obsession, McNamara notes, The hollow gap of his identity seemed violently powerful to me. Thats the power she seeks to tear down, and her defiant energy bubbles through the entire book, reaching its apogee in the blazing epilogue. Framed as her letter to the Golden State Killer, its a tour de force of righteous anger. Asserting that technology will ultimately beat him, McNamara warns him, A ski mask wont help you now. Open the door, she demands. Show us your face. Photo of Joseph James DeAngelo, left, who joined the Exeter Police Department in 1973. On the right, Sgt. Damon Maurice stands near the Evans Ditch, a flood canal in Visalia Calif., which police think was used by DeAngelo to commit crimes. (Santa Barbara County Sheriff; Tomas Ovalle/Los Angeles Times ) In late April, we saw his face. Two years after McNamaras death and a little over two months after the books publication, an arrest was made in the Golden State Killer case. Joseph James DeAngelo, a former police officer, was taken into custody outside the home he shared with his daughter and granddaughter. Watching the arraignment that followed, with a blank-faced DeAngelo rolled into the courtroom in a wheelchair, I wondered what McNamara would think, if she would feel a sense of catharsis or victory. Amid the torrent of news about the latest sexual assault scandal, the latest public figure toppled by gross misdeeds, feelings of satisfaction, of justice served, are more elusive. What happens, after all, when the killer is unmasked, yet he turns out not to have one face but many, replaced every few days by another powerful man with yet another trail of female victims in his wake? Abbott is the author of nine crime novels. Her latest, Give Me Your Hand, will be published July 17. She is on Twitter @meganeabbott Almost 35,000 former Corinthian College students in California will have the remainder of their private loan balances forgiven and some may receive payment refunds after an investigation by the state attorney generals office said a loan company engaged in illegal debt-collection practices. Forgiveness of the remaining balances on the 34,971 accounts owned by Balboa Student Loan Trust will total $67 million in debt relief, state Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra said Thursday. All too often, unfortunately, there are unscrupulous players who engage in unscrupulous practices in some of our postsecondary education institutes, and there are lenders in cahoots that do the same thing, he said at a news conference. The settlement comes after a yearlong investigation by the attorney generals office into Balboas debt-collection practices. Advertisement According to a complaint filed Wednesday in Los Angeles County Superior Court, the now-defunct Corinthian Colleges steered students toward high-interest private student loans. When Corinthian Colleges began to face federal scrutiny over its job placement rates, the for-profit chain sold nearly all those loans to another company, which then transferred them to Balboa. The complaint says Balboa erroneously sent borrowers overdue notices that threatened legal action if their loan balance remained unpaid. Balboa had previously agreed to significant debt-collection limitations that barred the company from threatening legal action, according to the complaint. An attorney for Balboa in the settlement did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Under the terms of the settlement, Balboa will immediately halt debt collections and will refund all payments made by Californians since Aug. 1, which totals more than $500,000, according to the attorney generals office. Balboa is also required to refund additional payments made before Aug. 1 by California borrowers who received problematic debt-collection notices, an amount that totals about $84,000. The company must also delete all negative credit reporting associated with those loans. Affected students, including about 23,000 in the Los Angeles area, will receive a letter in the mail from Balboa informing them that their loans have been forgiven. Borrowers will receive checks via mail for their refunds, which could also include the additional payment refund for problematic notices before Aug. 1. samantha.masunaga@latimes.com Twitter: @smasunaga Silicon Valleys cutting-edge work increasingly has made it an attractive place for the Pentagon to look for a defensive edge. Thats why military officials recently opened an outpost in Mountain View, Calif., to build relationships with technology start-ups and major players. The Pentagons enthusiasm to build those tech partnerships is unlikely to cool, analysts said, despite the employee pushback that recently led Google to not renew a contract that allowed the military to use artificial intelligence tools to analyze drone footage. Googles decision reportedly came after almost 4,000 employees (Alphabet, Googles parent company, has a total workforce of 85,000) signed a letter asking Chief Executive Sundar Pichai to end the contract for Project Maven and stop all work in the business of war. At least a dozen employees resigned over the issue, according to Bloomberg. Last week, Pichai laid out a set of principles for Google that bans artificial intelligence work involving weapons or surveillance that violates internationally accepted norms, and that endorses applications that are socially beneficial, built and tested for safety, and accountable to people. He noted, however, that Google would continue to work with governments and the military in other areas, such as cybersecurity. Advertisement The military-tech relationship has flipped from the early years, when the Defense Department acted as an investor in and customer for high-tech products that later worked their way into industry. Development of the ENIAC computer in the 1940s was funded by the Army to calculate weapons trajectories, after all, and the beginnings of the internet were created in the 70s with funding from an arm of the Pentagon. It wasnt until after the Cold War that commercial applications supplanted the military as the primary driver of innovation, especially with development of the personal computer and mobile devices. In recent years, recognizing that it needed to more rapidly adopt advances in areas such as software and networks, the Defense Department has turned to the commercial tech sector in search of partners. The Senate Armed Services Committees markup of the 2019 National Defense Authorization Act allocated $150 million and directed the undersecretary of Defense for research and engineering to work on developing Pentagon relationships with academia and the commercial tech industry. The payoff: contracts such as the $927-million deal Microsoft Corp. landed in 2016 with the Defense Information Systems Agency to provide technical support services. Silicon Valley firms are leading in a number of sectors of technology that have increasing relevance to national defense, said Tom Mahnken, president of the Center for Strategic and Budgetary Assessments. In 2015, the Pentagon opened the Defense Innovation Unit Experimental, or DIUx, an entity based in Mountain View with offices in the Pentagon; Austin, Texas; and Boston that provides capital without taking an ownership stake to companies to work on prototype projects that address problems faced by the U.S. military. A year later, the Defense Innovation Board was set up to advise the Defense secretary on crucial future challenges, including business concepts and technology applications. Chaired by Eric Schmidt, former Alphabet executive chairman and the companys current technical advisor, the board includes university professors as well as tech executives. Last year, DIUx awarded $104 million to 48 prototype projects at companies such as Adobe, software development firm Pivotal and Palantir, a big-data company founded by billionaire Peter Thiel. The technologies include autonomy and artificial intelligence, space and information technology. If you ask the fundamental question are the linkages between the valley and the Pentagon deepening all the time, the answer is a clear yes, said Paul Bracken, professor of management at Yale University who has studied the role of technology in defense and has served as a consultant to the Defense Department. That includes areas such as cloud computing, which the Pentagon sees as a way to modernize and secure IT systems. Last year, Amazon.com Inc. unveiled a cloud computing service available to the U.S. intelligence community called the Secret Region. A press release about the announcement included an endorsement by John Edwards, chief information officer for the CIA, who said it was a key component of the intelligence communitys cloud strategy. The deal upped Amazons credibility in the marketplace just at a time when cybersecurity was becoming one of the biggest issues around, Bracken said. Not only is the technology better because its being innovated under extreme circumstances, but you can get enormous credibility by servicing different markets under DOD because people view these systems as really tested. In addition to tapping Silicon Valley innovation, DIUx is trying to shorten the often lengthy acquisition process associated with the Pentagon, which analysts say has made fast-moving tech companies wary of working on defense programs. Google CEO Sundar Pichai released a set of principles that ban weapons applications of artificial intelligence and commit it to applications that are socially beneficial, that avoid creating or reinforcing bias and are accountable to people. (Jeff Chiu / Associated Press ) Concerns about weaponizing technology represent a small portion of DIUxs discussions with companies, said Sean Singleton, its director of business development and marketing. But artificial intelligence was raising difficult questions even before the Pentagon came calling. Some technologists most famously, Tesla Inc. and SpaceX Chief Executive Elon Musk worry that its creators havent fully thought through the implications of truly intelligent computers or the controls that would be needed. Military uses of AI, in particular, is something that technologists in Silicon Valley are particularly cautious about, said Peter Eckersley, chief computer scientist and head of AI policy at the Electronic Frontier Foundation. I dont think we would have seen this same type of backlash if this were a regular sale of Google cloud services for the military to use for its internal engineering. Google did not respond to a request for comment. In his numerous conversations with Google employees about Project Maven, almost all expressed alarm about or were opposed to the companys involvement in Project Maven, Eckersley said. Many Googlers think that getting the deployment of artificial intelligence right is extremely important and should begin with getting it right, he said, and that a military application should be avoided until the technology was very well understood. Project Maven intended to use machine learning to pick out specific objects from imagery captured by drones, work that would be extremely time-consuming if done by humans. A Pentagon official said last year that the projects goal was to turn the enormous volume of data available to the DOD into actionable intelligence and insights. Googles AI principles are wholly insufficient for establishing ethical accountability across the industry, said a statement from the Tech Workers Coalition activist group, which circulated a petition calling for Google to not renew its Project Maven contract. We join Google workers in their call for tech companies to agree to independent external oversight on how their AI is being deployed and used. That concern is not necessarily a disconnect between the government and Google, said Andrew Hunter, director of the defense-industrial initiatives group at the Center for Strategic and International Studies. Its a core issue for both industry and the government to understand and figure out ways to ensure that these artificial intelligence applications that are being used for national security are reliable and can support accountability, Hunter said. So when they are used for military purposes we know what theyre doing and why theyre doing that. The pushback at Google was probably also amplified by the companys culture. Founders Larry Page and Sergey Brin encouraged and enabled staff to voice their opinions on difficult topics, and the company promotes active internal communication on a variety of issues, such as workplace sexual harassment. That doesnt mean that the same objections wouldnt be prevalent at Amazon or Microsoft or other big tech companies, Eckersley said. But Google honestly does a better job of allowing their employees to have a loud voice. Bloomberg was used in compiling this report. samantha.masunaga@latimes.com Twitter: @smasunaga The flying car has never been more real. Kitty Hawk, the company backed by Google co-founder Larry Page, showed off its battery-powered recreational vehicle last week. Uber Technologies Inc. held a recent conference on flying cars. Boeing Co. is making working prototypes of flying taxis. There are more than a dozen serious efforts to realize the dream of the flying car. Another vision of flying futurism the jet pack is falling behind. Boeing just revealed the results of GoFly, its contest for inventors of personal aircraft that seemed to reinvigorate the decades-old hope of a contraption that could propel its wearer through the air. But none of the 10 winning designs announced Thursday straps onto someones back. These are simply not the jet packs weve been waiting for. All of the entrants in GoFlys contest are VTOLs, aerospace jargon for aircraft that can take off and land vertically. One proposal, from a start-up in Moscow, shows a rider straddling a vehicle that looks like a motorcycle powered by 16 fan-like propellers. Another motorcycle-inspired design features a single enormous propeller. Advertisement A team led by a professor at Texas A&M University designed a craft that looks like a flying lectern, with two propellers whirring at foot level. Each winner gets $20,000 to help build its design before a second phase of the competition, which is open even to those who didnt win the first round, and then four finalists will be granted an additional $50,000 each. GoFly plans to issue invitations next March to an actual fly-off with a $1-million top prize, as well as separate prizes for the quietest and most compact designs. Its anyones guess when these flying machines will be produced. GoFly Chief Executive Gwen Lighter compares the contest to those organized in the 2000s by the Defense Advanced Research Projects Agency to jump-start development of self-driving cars. Fourteen years later, autonomous taxis run by Waymo, a corporate cousin to Google, are picking up passengers in an Arizona pilot program ahead of a commercial debut later this year. Automakers, tech companies and start-ups are all racing to launch businesses with autonomous vehicles. The Harmony, from Texas A&M University, is one of the 10 first-round winners of Boeings GoFly competition. (GoFly / Boeing ) Whether theres a business case for personal aircraft remains an open question. But a handful of overlapping tech trends are combining to force the issue. The smartphone industry led to rapid improvements in sensors such as accelerometers and gyroscopes which, in turn, helped with the design of more stable drones and allowed for larger VTOL aircraft. Advances in electric battery technology are opening up new possibilities for flight, and 3-D printing is speeding up the process of prototyping. There has been a convergence of breakthrough technologies, Lighter said. Were at a legitimate shift in the way we travel from one place to another. This doesnt mean that the technical hurdles have been solved, especially for the specific flavor of airborne mobility that interests GoFly. While Kitty Hawk and Uber are focused on flying cars, GoFly wants single-person vehicles that are smaller and quieter than anything in existence today. The vehicles must measure fewer than 8.5 feet in any direction and travel 20 miles while carrying a single person, but thats hardly the trickiest part. Boeings contest also requires that devices run quieter than 87 decibels, as measured by sensors 50 feet away. That sort of noise would almost blend into city traffic. When it comes to aircraft, however, theres a trade-off between size and noise and smaller means louder. Engines produce thrust by moving air through a nozzle or propellers. The two primary factors affecting power are the size of the blades and the speed of the air; the smaller the diameter of the blade, the faster it has to move air through. An aircraft that uses a 5-foot propeller to lift a 200-pound person would be significantly louder than one using a 10-foot propeller. The GoFly prize is impossible, said Michael Hirschberg, executive director of the Vertical Flight Society, a technical society for people working on vertical takeoff and landing flight. There is no way based on conventional thinking that someone can make a device that can meet the low noise, small size and long endurance requirements that it requires. Hirschberg is hoping to be proved wrong. He hadnt yet seen the winning GoFly designs, and at this stage it remains difficult to tell whether anyone can achieve the minimum contest requirements. One takeaway from the contest submissions is that air motorcycles may be more sensible than jet packs. But that doesnt mean jet packs dont exist. David Mayman is the founder of Jetpack Aviation Corp., and has a functional vehicle he shows off at air shows and other events. But Mayman said his vehicle would also be far too loud for GoFlys purposes. His companys jet packs are powered by kerosene, adding even more noise. Mayman said hes skeptical that electric batteries, which run silently in cars, would be powerful enough to prove functional for jet packs in the near future. Google X, the tech giants research and development arm devoted to so-called moon shots, told the Wall Street Journal in 2016 that it had abandoned work on jet packs and gyrocopters because the prototypes burned too much fuel and were uncomfortably loud. The gyrocopter, a kind of backpack-worn helicopter, was louder than a Harley, said Google X boss Astro Teller. Silverwings S1 design is one of 10 first-round winners of Boeings GoFly competition. (GoFly / Boeing ) Then theres the lingering question of what these things will be good for. Martin Aircraft Co., a jet pack company that went public on the Australian Securities Exchange in 2015, told investors in December that its devices werent yet reliable enough to sell to first responders or other potential users. The company said it would focus on doing demonstrations for Chinese customers. Martin later pulled its stock from the exchange, saying it couldnt afford the administrative costs. JetPack Aviation continues to probe for the correct use for its very loud jet packs. The company has a research agreement with the U.S. Special Operations Command to assess the feasibility of its product for military applications. A spokeswoman for the military said it was still trying to determine a use for them and declined to discuss specifics. Mayman said JetPack Aviation also plans this fall to open an amusement park of sorts, where people will be able to fly in a jet pack tethered to a 200-foot cable. Greg Hyslop, Boeings chief technology officer, sees the GoFly contest as a way to engage with potential recruits at a time when start-ups are luring away top talent. Hes not yet persuaded that personal aircraft will develop into a viable market for his company, and he doesnt pretend to know what theyll look like. I think theres a future for smaller aircraft, Hyslop said. It could be a 10-person autonomous aircraft, it could be drones that carry cargo 50 miles. Last year, Boeing acquired Aurora Flight Sciences, one of the companies working with Uber to develop a flying taxi. Left to be resolved are questions about how such vehicles would fit into the airspace above cities. Boeing has deep experience dealing with governments, but navigating the emerging landscape of urban flight would be a new challenge for it. Were going to start opening those cans of worms, Hyslop said. Southern California has live music galore this weekend, as Diana Ross graces the stage at the Hollywood Bowl, the eclectic ensemble Partch returns to REDCAT, and the oratorio Considering Matthew Shepard comes to the Ford Theatres. Also, The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy opens, the drama Ripe Frenzy closes, and L.A. Dance Project makes its Orange County debut. Finally, a beloved author is remembered in a Bloomsday event at the Hammer. Diana Ross opens Hollywood Bowl season Shes coming out! Motown legend Diana Ross, backed by the Hollywood Bowl Orchestra under the baton of conductor Thomas Wilkins, revisits her hits to kick off another summer season. And yes, there will be fireworks. Hollywood Bowl, 2301 N. Highland Ave., Hollywood. 8 p.m. Saturday. $26-$210. hollywoodbowl.com L.A. Dance Project Dancer-choreographer Benjamin Millepieds L.A. Dance Project makes its O.C. debut with a program that includes his works Orpheus Highway and Bach Studies (Part 1), plus a world-premiere commission by New York-based choreographer Shannon Gillen. Musco Center for the Arts, Chapman University, 415 N. Glassell St., Orange. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. $35-$65. muscocenter.org L.A. Dance Project will perform Orpheus Highway and other works at the Musco Center. (Erin Baiano ) Advertisement Considering Matthew Shepard at the Ford Composer-pianist Craig Hella Johnson is joined by vocal ensemble Conspirare for two multimedia concerts of Considering Matthew Shepard, Johnsons oratorio written in remembrance of the young gay student murdered in Wyoming in 1998. Ford Theatres, 2580 Cahuenga Blvd. East, Hollywood. 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $25 and up. fordtheatres.org Vocal ensemble Conspirare performs Considering Matthew Shepard this weekend at the Ford Theatres. (James Goulden ) Hitchhikers Guide at the Wallis Have towel, will travel: Douglas Adams satirical sci-fi fable The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy blasts off in a brisk, gender-bending stage adaptation that features miniature sets, puppetry, live music and more. Lovelace Studio Theater, Wallis Annenberg Center for the Performing Arts, 9390 N. Santa Monica Blvd., Beverly Hills. 8 p.m. Thursday-Saturday, 2:30 p.m. Sunday. $20. thewallis.org Siera Williams and Mauricio Morazan costar in The Hitchhikers Guide to the Galaxy at the Wallis. (The Wallis ) Partch returns to REDCAT Partch, the eclectic ensemble dedicated to the works of maverick American composer and musical instrument inventor Harry Partch, is joined by Lyris Quartet and dancer-choreographers Liz Casebolt and Joel Smith for a program that includes the dance drama Daphne of the Dunes and the fan favorite Barstow, plus a selection of pieces by Partch contemporary Ben Johnston. REDCAT, 631 W. 2nd St., L.A. 8:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday. $20, $25. redcat.org Music ensemble Partch pays a return visit to REDCAT in downtown L.A. (Partch ) Ripe Frenzy closes at Greenway Court Its your last weekend to see Ripe Frenzy, Jennifer Barclays timely new play about a mass shooting that takes place at a high school performance of Thornton Wilders classic American drama Our Town. An L.A. Times Critics Choice. Greenway Court Theatre, 544 N. Fairfax Ave., L.A. 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, 4 p.m. Sunday. $15-$34. greenwaycourttheatre.org Renee Marie Brewster, from left, Melody Butiu and Elizabeth Ann Bennett in Ripe Frenzy at Greenway Court Theatre. (Michael Lamont ) Bloomsday event at the Hammer Fans of James Joyce, rejoice. The Hammers annual Bloomsday celebration is back. This years salute to the Dublin-born novelist includes dramatic readings from his magnum opus, Ulysses, plus live Irish music by Rattle the Knee and others. Hammer Museum, 10899 Wilshire Blvd., Westwood. 7:30 p.m. Saturday. Free; tickets required. hammer.ucla.edu Brazilian director Fellipe Barbosa opens Gabriel and the Mountain with one long take from a fixed point, as two Malawi grass-cutters dwarfed by a stunning mountain range methodically make their way toward us, until one of them, at the base of a huge rock, calls out what is translated in English as, I found the white one. In other words, hes discovered the body of 28-year-old Gabriel Buchmann, who in real life was an outgoing Brazilian graduate student in economics whod gone missing for weeks in the summer of 2009 at the tail end of a yearlong trip throughout southeast Africa. Barbosa grew up with Gabriel their Rio de Janeiro high school was the setting of Barbosas feature debut Casa Grande. That personal connection imbues the filmmakers dramatic re-creation of his friends joy-filled, peripatetic journey from hospitable huts to gorgeous waterfalls and finally his tragic fate on a mountain, with an inevitable mix of wonder and melancholy. The result is a beautifully filmed, subtly political travelogue with some central conundrums: Is Gabriel (played with childlike brio by Joao Pedro Zappa) the model tourist of privilege or a foolhardy one? Is he escaping life or embracing it? At the very least, with Gabriel and the Mountain, Barbosa wants to know if the answers lie in retracing this willful foreigners bounding, unstoppable steps. The initial sense as the movie begins 70 days before his death, watching the restless, smiling Gabriel immerse himself in Kenyan village life, going on hunts and drinking with locals, is that his energy is infectious, and his motives pure. Hes there to have a good time, but hes also researching poverty for when he returns to study at UCLA, making sure he spends in the communities, and learns as he goes. When hes gifted a ceremonial staff, colorful local garb and steel sword, Gabriel is like the happiest boy, even if his occasional playacting like an enthusiastic costume party participant has the faintest whiff of cultural condescension. Nevertheless, he charms many with his eagerness to absorb, pushing himself to the top of Mt. Kilimanjaro even though hes woefully unprepared for its arduousness. Advertisement When Gabriels girlfriend Cristina (a wonderful Caroline Abras) joins him in Tanzania, the intricacies of companionship take over. As they trek from there to Zambia, we see his wildly romantic, loving side, but also a testier one, likelier to play the arrogant traveler card, as when he accuses a safari guide (Rashidi Athuman) of overcharging or argues with a waitress over a tourist trap restaurants rules. Through Cristinas admiration and exasperation, played with heartfelt intensity by Abras, we grasp Gabriels complications: to be seen as a Mzungu or rich white tourist is anathema to him, and yet its also who he is. Maybe, as rendered by Barbosa and dimensionalized by Zappa, hes simply the most palatably human version of it. The movies physical authenticity is also a plus, especially masterful cinematographer Pedro Soteros acutely naturalistic visuals, through which Africa is never merely a backdrop, always present and breathing. And because Gabriel was found with all his belongings, including diaries and film rolls, Barbosa could be painstaking across four countries with the mile-marker accuracy of his storytelling. He not only was able to film exactly where Gabriel was even making the trek to Kilimanjaros peak but also cast the various Africans who had exchanges with him as guides or brokers or fast friends, as themselves. Their occasional voice-over remembrances of Gabriel, even Athumans mournful words about a difficult customer, only add to the warm mosaic of Barbosas carefully wrought, mysterious, and bittersweet elegy to this missed white one. ------------- Gabriel and the Mountain In English, Portuguese, Swahili, Chichewa and French with English subtitles Not rated Running time: 2 hours, 11 minutes Playing: Laemmle Royal, West L.A. See the most-read stories in Entertainment this hour Movie Trailers calendar@latimes.com Women of all ages and races crowded into the communal area of Twitters Santa Monica offices Wednesday night for An Evening With Female Showrunners, a pair of panel discussions hosted by Liz Hannah, screenwriter of The Post. Created in response to the Variety-sponsored Night in the Writers Room, a panel last week with 11 male writers and only one female, the event featured back-to-back discussions with more than 20 female showrunners who had been assembled on social media by Hannah. Hannah was overjoyed by the response. I think all of us feel like the last week has been a really positive experience that came out of something that was a little infuriating, she said during the second panel. It took 24 hours to get all of these women to say yes. So its not hard to get this amount of showrunners that are women in a room. A handful of men were there among the large crowd of female mentees, assistants and staff writers of the speakers. The event was closed to the public but live streamed on Twitter. Advertisement I should preface by saying I know a lot of nice men, Laeta Kalogridis (Altered Carbon) said to huge laughs from the audience. Some of my best friends are men. Conversation revolved around the importance of an inclusive writers room, the effect of the #MeToo movement and the intersectionality of race and gender. I think theres a danger in white men writing our stories, said Gloria Calderon Kellett (One Day at a Time), adding that if men are mostly creating the content and creating the language that we as women use, they cant help but see us through their eyes. The Cuban American writer and producer spoke about bearing the pressure of speaking for all women in rooms where theyre underrepresented, along with the expectation that she be the unofficial voice of people of color. Really, representation is about an invisible group of people women included, certainly minorities included, disabled included that dont see themselves represented, she said. That creates an invisibility. You feel unseen, and then that trickles into policy but thats a whole other discussion. Even though Im a woman and I feel sometimes other, I feel sometimes Im white before Im a woman, admitted Lauren Iungerich. As the head of Netflixs On My Block, a dramedy about four kids of color, she said shed had to check her white privilege by seeking out diverse writers for the most authentic portrayal possible. I took a different approach that I didnt want to be seen at all, she said. The panelists also brainstormed action plans for achieving parity. Gabrielle Stanton (The Flash) imagined a day when white male voices would become the minority rather than the majority. Lets be pragmatic this is a numbers game, she said. The more of us that are running these shows, that are starring in these shows, that are making decisions about who gets hired on these shows, thats how were going to make change. The #MeToo and Times Up movements were also hot topics, particularly the lack of real, lasting solutions being presented, the downplaying of nonsexual abuses and the use of nondisclosure agreements as a tool to punish victims and protect perpetrators, said Iungerich. We started with the sexual trauma in our business, but we have not even begun to talk about the emotional trauma and how it is so pervasive, she said. Im looking around and saying, When are the stories going to come out about these emotional terrorists that are hijacking the creative space in a lot of places? People are kind of doing the most least, added Samantha Corbin Miller (ER). Its kind of like, OK, great. SAG is going to put a little rider in their contracts saying, Dont take a meeting in a hotel room so now were good. But I think what it comes down to is this idea of this entrenched institutionalized power imbalance and people who get off, for lack of a better word, by aggrandizing themselves on other peoples backs. Other participants on the panels included Amy Berg (Counterpart), Dee Harris-Lawrence (Unsolved), , Corey Nickerson (black-ish), Beth Schwartz (Arrow), Moira Walley-Beckett (Breaking Bad), Monica Breen (Agents of S.H.I.E.L.D.), Aida Croal (Jessica Jones), Alex Cunningham (Dirty John), Lauren Hissrich (The Defenders, Daredevil), Keto Shimizu (Legends of Tomorrow), Veena Sud (Seven Seconds) and Jennie Urman (Jane the Virgin). All the panelists railed against the way women are commonly underwritten in scripts as the girl next door, pretty but she doesnt even know it and so hot that you cant even get her. Said Sera Gamble (Supernatural): I would see myself in characters that werent usually the main character. I think about the girl army out there, and I just dont think its fair that theyre considered also the audience rather than the default. A temporary retail space inside the Pottery dispensary in L.A.s Mid-City makes shopping for smoking accouterments water pipes, dabbing rigs, trays and the like feel a whole lot more like youre browsing a Robertson Boulevard boutique and a whole lot less less like youre dashing furtively into a mini-mall smoke shop. Higher Standards, an elevated take on the traditional head shop that opened a Chelsea Market flagship in New York late last year, marks its first foray into the SoCal bricks-and-mortar market with the pop-up partnership. For the record: An earlier version of this post said Sasha Kadey is Greenlanes chief merchandising officer. He is the companys chief marketing officer. Its presence inside the brightly lit 2,800-square-foot dispensary consists of several long, blond wood and white, powder-coated-aluminum tables, each stacked with an assortment of high-end marijuana-related merchandise, including vaporizers by Pax and Storz & Bickel, Higher Standards own line of sturdy, U.S.-made glass water pipes and pipe-cleaning supplies presented in minimalist black and white packaging. The pop-up is scheduled to run through Aug. 31. Advertisement Also in the mix are home goods such as Malin+Goetzs cannabis candles, funky Jonathan Adler stoneware jars labeled ganja, black and white Higher Standards ball caps and copies of the book How to Smoke Pot (Properly): A Highbrow Guide to Getting High by David Bienenstock. At left, the exterior of the Pottery dispensary at 5042 Venince Blvd. in L.A.'s Mid-City neighborhood, which will host the Higher Standards pop-up shop through Aug. 31. At right, the Peak by Puffco ($379), one of the many high-ened pieces of smoking equipment for sale. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times ) Since the Higher Standards retail concept is backed by Greenlane, a Boca Raton, Fla.-based distributor of premium smoking accessories, the on-site offerings include of-the-moment novelties like Otto, Banana Bros. just-launched portable joint-rolling machine the size of a peppermill for which it is the exclusive distributor ($128), and the Peak by Puffco, a conical, battery-powered concentrate-smoking rig so sleek and futuristic it could double as a Star Trek prop ($379). Its almost impossible to keep in stock, says Greenlanes chief marketing officer, Sasha Kadey. Unlike the THC-containing products that are displayed in closed glass cases and counters framing the perimeter of dispensary (state law requires cannabis be displayed out of reach of customers), the smoking gear and home goods are free for customers to examine and fiddle with. Kadey says thats an important part of the shopping experience. I believe in the pet the puppy principle, he says. Youve got to let people pick things up and feel them and touch them. Since you cant do that with the cannabis products, most [dispensaries] that have dabbled in the cross-selling of merchandise have generally glassed-in their accessories. The marijuana merchandise pop-up is the brainchild of one of the dispensarys managing partners, Nick Danias, left, and Greenlane CMO Sasha Kadey, right. (Ricardo DeAratanha / Los Angeles Times ) The idea for the Higher Standards X the Pottery pop-up was hatched by Kadey and one of the Potterys managing partners, Nick Danias, old chums from Santa Monica High School who reconnected at a High Times Top 100 event and brought the collaborative effort to life in just six weeks. But the idea of helping dispensaries grow merchandise sales (as opposed to cannabis sales), particularly at the luxury end of the spectrum, is one Kadey says hes been focused on for awhile. I was in the cosmetics business for five years, and we dealt primarily with high-end salons, Kadey says. Salons sell a lot of hair care products [in addition to cutting hair], so why should this be any different? If theyre coming here, why should they go somewhere else to buy the products they need to consume the products theyre buying here? He noted that the cannabis business and fashion and beauty industry have something else in common, too: Both are extremely fad-driven. For Danias, the pop-up provides an opportunity to drive traffic into his barely 12-week-old dispensary and cater to what he calls the Palisades mom target demographic. As a retail space, we want this place to feel very welcoming, he says. People are tired of being buzzed in through [a series of security doors]. We want to feel open and welcoming, and I think the merchandising [appeals to the] female perspective. Kadey sees it as a valuable case study. For me, its a little bit of proof-of-concept for what a really, truly integrated and curated retail accessory business [would look like] right alongside these earth-grown goods, he says. One of my favorite business concepts is Shoot bullets before cannonballs so for the next 90 days were shooting bullets, then well see if its a target to shoot cannonballs [at]. Higher Standards X the Pottery Where: 5042 Venice Blvd., Los Angeles. Entry is restricted to those 21 and older. Hours: 8 a.m. to 10 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. Sundays, through Aug. 31. Info: thepottery.la/home, higherstandards.com adam.tschorn@latimes.com For more musings on cannabis culture and commerce, follow me at @ARTschorn.follow me at @ARTschorn. Our work is just as dignified as a desk job. Los Angeles City Council members need to recognize this, Merced Sanchez told a group of USC undergraduates enrolled in a class on food justice in Latino neighborhoods in March. The students were gathered at the community development organization LURN (the Leadership for Urban Renewal Network) to hear from Sanchez and other organizers about the many challenges sidewalk vendors have faced in Los Angeles, about their lengthy battle for legalization and about sidewalk vending as a form of entrepreneurship and a way to improve access to healthful food in low-income Latino communities. For the record: An earlier version of this article said the L.A. City Council voted to legalize sidewalk vending on April 17. The vote to decriminalize sidewalk vending took place Feb. 15, 2017. The April 17 vote backed a revised set of proposed rules for vending. Sanchez is an entrepreneur and sidewalk vendor in her late 50s from a small town in the Mexican state of Puebla. In her hometown, Sanchez worked as a secretary for a government agency. In 2002, she fled Mexico for safety reasons with her two teenage children, joining her husband, who was already living in Los Angeles. Upon arriving in the U.S., she realized that she had few employment options available to her as a Spanish-speaking immigrant without a work permit. Advertisement At first, she worked in a shop sewing labels on hats, but earned so little that she left after a few months. Next, she sold prepared food in plastic containers to employees in downtowns Fashion District. Sidewalk vendor Merced Sanchez serves elotes and mole at the Taste of Boyle Heights event. (Wally Skalij / Los Angeles Times ) When the police would stop and tell her that sidewalk vending was illegal, she would tell them that she was bringing meals to family members, claiming that she couldnt possibly be selling food since she wasnt carrying disposable plates and forks. Eventually, they figured it out and wouldnt let her off the hook so easily. Worn out by the police, Sanchez devised a new business idea. She began to sell costume jewelry downtown. She set up a small stand inside a store, paying the Korean owner $800 a month to rent a 10-foot long space. For three years, she ran her own successful small jewelry business, until one day she arrived to find that the store had burned to the ground taking her inventory with it. Sanchez was utterly despondent and her health quickly declined. A few months later, she discovered that her daughter was pregnant and that she was about to become a grandmother. This news gave her a reason to start over and she returned to her true love preparing and serving traditional Mexican food. She began to sell elotes Mexican grilled corn on the cob, which is traditionally served with salt, chile sauce or powder, and rolled in Mexican crema and Cotija cheese on the sidewalks of Los Angeles. A fellow sidewalk vendor put her in touch with LURN; Two years ago, the organization gave her a loan of $2,500 to pay off over three years. Along with the loan, LURN taught her the skills to run her own small business: how to fill out forms to pay state and federal taxes, create a menu and design a business card. Most important, LURN instilled in her the idea that she is not a criminal and that she should stand up and defend her rights as a sidewalk vendor. Sanchez learned to cook from her mother. During Lent, she helped her mother prepare non-meat dishes such as shrimp mole and shrimp cakes to sell at the town market. Sanchez delights in preparing dishes from her home state mole poblano (a thick, dark sauce with chiles and chocolate), chicken tinga (shredded chicken in a tomato and chipotle sauce), along with more common street food taquitos de papa (potato taquitos), elotes and agua fresca made with flavors such as pomegranate, cucumber, and lemon with chia. Over the years, Sanchez has sold these dishes on the sidewalks in Hollywood, Boyle Heights and downtown. For the last eight years, Sanchez has also been one of the leaders of the movement to legalize sidewalk vending in Los Angeles. She has spoken eloquently at protests at City Hall, demanding respect and justice for all sidewalk vendors. Last year, the Los Angeles City Council voted to decriminalize sidewalk vending, giving Sanchez and tens of thousands of other vendors much greater security and allowing them to enter the formal economy. At El Coraloense, Jonathan Gold looks past the aguachiles appearances and finds deliciousness Soon, they will receive licenses and inspections from the County Health Department, just like other food-related businesses. This will give Sanchez the freedom to prepare and sell food on Los Angeles sidewalks, since she will not have to worry about running from the police or receiving a citation. In the last few months, Sanchez has been invited to cater many events, including a recent one at La Plaza de Cultura y Artes downtown, where she served mole, chicken tinga and esquites (a popular snack of boiled and sauteed corn served with lime juice, salt, chile powder and mayonnaise). She plans to expand her catering business in the coming months and, once the city issues permits, start selling food at the Mercado Olympic, a stretch of the Pinata District near Olympic Boulevard and Central Avenue, where more than 100 sidewalk vendors congregate each weekend to sell everything from chapulines (roasted grasshoppers) to Oaxacan cheese, baby clothing to electronics. Portnoy is a professor at USC, where she teaches classes on food, culture and social justice issues in Latino Los Angeles. Her recent book is Food, Health, and Culture in Latino Los Angeles. food@latimes.com Ten years ago, there were few better places in Los Angeles to eat Mexican street food than a city parking lot just off the corner of Breed Street and Cesar Chavez in Boyle Heights. Every night, vendors served a panoply of grilled, fried and stuffed masa: Mexico City-style quesadillas lined with squash blossom and cheese, tacos al vapor filled with jiggly bits of steamed cow, or crunchy huaraches topped with mounds of carnitas and laced with salsa and crema. Breed Street, as the informal (and unpermitted) market was often called, existed in one form or another for the better part of a decade, gaining notice from local papers and food blogs. But in 2009, police shut it down for good. Street vending is illegal in Los Angeles, after all. Or at least it was. What was the loss of a great, affordable dinner destination for some was far more catastrophic for the Breed Street vendors. A woman makes tortillas at a sidewalk food stall along Cesar Chavez Boulevard in Boyle Heights. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times ) Advertisement When it got shut down there, there wasnt a place to sell, says Caridad Vazquez, a vendor there for four years. I needed money, and that was the spot that everybody knew. Vendors who had entered the country illegally or overstayed their visas were particularly at risk: Criminal charges stemming from illegal vending could ultimately lead to deportation. After a permitted farmers market featuring some Breed Street regulars failed to take off, a group of vendors turned to the East Los Angeles Community Corp., a local nonprofit focused on development and housing. They were the ones who convinced us that this was a land-use issue, says Carla DePaz, director of community organizing at the nonprofit. That meeting was the beginning of the Los Angeles Street Vendor Campaign, which, building on at least a decade of work by various organizations and spurred by concerns over the increased immigration enforcement promised by President Trump helped push the City Council to decriminalize street vending in Los Angeles in February. Now, after an 11-4 vote by the council in April, the city attorneys are writing regulations to establish a permitting process that could legitimize L.A.s 50,000 or so street vendors. Significantly, a proposed amendment that would have given adjacent business owners the right to veto a vending permit failed to pass. The directive given to the city attorneys by the council includes very strong protections for immigrants. Vendors will be able to use a range of different identifications when applying for a permit be it a California state ID or a Mexican passport and will not need a Social Security number. Violations for vendors who are not permitted will be treated as an administrative concern, leading to fines instead of criminal charges. Boyle Heights residents dine at a sidewalk food stall along Cesar Chavez Boulevard. (Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times ) Theres an overall feeling in council that we want to support our immigrant population, and we dont want to funnel anyone into the criminal justice system simply for trying to make a living, says council member Jose Huizar, who represents Boyle Heights and other parts of the East Side where, as he put it, theres a largely immigrant, Latino population, and street vending is accepted. But the closing of Breed Street is just one example of how, even in a neighborhood like Boyle Heights, vendors were squeezed out under the old system. Organizers also cite instances of extortion at the hands of both business owners and gangs. If a market like Breed could soon be both an accepted and permitted fixture in a predominantly Latino neighborhood, the same might not be true in wealthier, whiter parts of the city represented by the four council members who voted against the measure: Mike Bonin, Mitchell Englander, Paul Koretz and Bob Blumenfield. Some areas, such as Staples Center and Hollywood Boulevard, are already designated as no-vending zones in the directive city attorneys are working from. Campaign lawyer Doug Smith says provisions limiting the number of vending permits to two per face block one block, one side of the street and allowing for special vending districts could be used to keep vendors out of certain neighborhoods. The city should be able to regulate and set rules if theyre needed to protect safety and public health, Smith says, but not because residents or business owners dont like the aesthetics of street vending. If you create this system where wealthier neighborhoods can just opt out, it becomes this new form of red-lining. Despite the lingering concerns, organizers and vendors are feeling optimistic about the new era of legal street vending in L.A. Now that I can street vend legally, I dont have to worry about the police taking away my equipment or food, says Vazquez. I can finally do it comfortably, without having to worry about anything. Willy Blackmore is a freelance journalist who covers food, culture and the environment. Hes on twitter @willyblackmore. food@latimes.com Rubilia Sanchez knew she had to flee her hometown of Tecun Uman after gangs repeatedly threatened to rape and murder her. So she took her four daughters and made the familiar, dangerous trek out of Guatemala, through Mexico and into the United States, where she requested asylum. After waiting for four years, she finally got a date to plead her case to U.S. officials: July 26. But now, her already hazy future and that of others fleeing gang violence in Latin America has been thrust into greater uncertainty. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions ordered immigration judges to stop granting asylum to virtually all those claiming to be victims of domestic or gang violence, a move that could block tens of thousands of people from gaining permanent entry into the U.S. Advertisement The gang violence that has raged in El Salvador, Guatemala and Honduras grew partly from American streets. The most powerful gangs in Central America, MS-13 and 18th Street, were born in Los Angeles a generation ago during the height of the citys gang wars. As gang violence exploded in the U.S., authorities responded in the 1990s by deporting gang members en masse to Central America. Experts said the move heightened violence in those countries and prompted waves of terrorized residents to seek refuge in the United States. Alex Sanchez, a former MS-13 gang member and the executive director of gang prevention and intervention organization Homies Unidos in L.A., said Sessions move essentially closes a door to victims of gangs that the U.S. government helped create through past policies. But supporters of President Trumps hard-line stance argue that domestic violence and gang problems should be handled by authorities in the immigrants home countries. The mere fact that a country may have problems effectively policing certain crimes or that certain populations are more likely to be victims of crime cannot itself establish an asylum claim, Sessions said. Asylum was never meant to alleviate all problems even all serious problems that people face every day all over the world. Amid the Trump administrations crackdown on illegal immigration, the question of asylum has become an increasingly charged issue. A caravan of asylum seekers from Central America that arrived Tijuana this year some saying they were fleeing gang violence made international headlines and became the focus of ire from the president and other anti-illegal immigration forces. There are no exact statistics on the percentage of asylum seekers who cite gang violence as their reason for coming to the United States. But according to U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, a backlog of 311,000 asylum claims existed as of late January. Sessions decision is a key part of a broader Trump administration effort to restrict immigration and discourage asylum seekers from coming to this country. The administration has also been separating families detained by immigration agents including children from parents. Times Exclusive: Prison-like migrant youth shelter is understaffed, unequipped for Trumps zero tolerance policy, insider says The asylum process has long offered little guarantee of eventual success for immigrants, no matter how desperate the plight. Between fiscal years 2012 and 2017, immigration judges denied about 75% of the nearly 11,000 asylum cases brought by Guatemalan immigrants, according to the Transactional Records Access Clearinghouse, a project with Syracuse University that monitors immigration data through public records requests. (The percentage of denials was slightly higher for Salvadoran and Honduran asylum seekers.) (Chris Keller / Los Angeles Times ) Sessions ruling makes it all but impossible for those seeking asylum based on domestic or gang violence to gain permanent entry into the U.S. I cant say our case would have won yesterday or even during the last administration, but its just another attack on Central Americans, said Rubilia Sanchezs attorney, Aaron Chenault. Its really another example of the culture of this administration going out of their way to make an already difficult process for these victims of crimes even more difficult. Theres been a lot of confusion, a lot of disorder with my case. Id expect that in Guatemala, but not this country. Rubilia Sanchez A photo of Rubilia Sanchezs daughters Maquisha Perez, left, Ellie and Dashley, taken when they lived in Guatemala, hangs at their home in Los Angeles. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times ) Chenault said hes still hopeful that he will be able to make the case that the Sanchez family deserves immigration relief. He plans to argue that Rubilia and her daughters belong to a particular social group that should be protected, arguing that women and girls are especially vulnerable to gang violence and gang members who often see them as property. But he acknowledged that it would be harder to prove that the Guatemalan government is condoning the gangs persecution, which would help in an asylum case under the new policy. For months, Sanchez had resisted the gang members in her hometown, which straddles the border with Mexico. In December 2013, she said, gang members tried to bust into the home she shared with her daughters. As she braced herself against the door, the men told Sanchez they were going to rape her. A few days later she ordered her daughters to pack up without telling anyone. For a year, Sanchez, who worked on a banana plantation in Guatemala, and her daughters took refuge in a Mexican shelter run by nuns. She did odd jobs there to make enough money to buy bus tickets to Tijuana. When the family reached the U.S., Sanchez had a decision to make. They could try to cross illegally or do what international law gave her the right to do and ask for asylum. She turned herself in at the San Ysidro Port of Entry in 2014 and underwent a credible fear interview with an asylum officer. Sanchez and her daughters were allowed to stay in the U.S. as they waited to go before an immigration judge in Los Angeles. But for four years, Sanchez found herself on the hamster wheel of a deeply backlogged immigration court system. Theres been a lot of confusion, a lot of disorder with my case, she said. Id expect that in Guatemala, but not this country. But the delays had an upside: They ensured that Sanchez and her girls wouldnt have to return to Guatemala as long as they were stuck in the bureaucracy. Sanchezs husband already had crossed illegally into the U.S. in 2008, intending to send money back to his family. He had planned eventually to return to Guatemala, but Sanchez said the threats from the gang in her hometown forced the family to flee before he could. The family settled in a run-down 500-square-foot studio apartment near MacArthur Park. Their living room doubles as a bedroom and dining room. The children share bunk beds. The couple sleep on separate couches. Sanchez works at a clothing factory after the government granted her a work permit; her husband is paid under the table in construction. After years in the U.S., their four oldest daughters 11, 12, 14 and 17 all think like Americans. They speak flawless English. The couple have a fifth child, a 2-year-old born in the U.S. Despite this weeks decision, Sanchez said, shes determined to remain optimistic. A devout Christian, she reasons that she followed the law and refuses to believe that her family will have to go back to a place that feels more like a deathtrap than home. For God, nothing is impossible, Sanchez said. Everything will be fine. God is just. Synthia Savllon, 19, of Honduras spends long hours in a Tijuana shelter with her 1-year-old son, Jonathan. She is fleeing an abusive boyfriend, who is a gang member. (Gina Ferazzi / Los Angeles Times ) The most immediate effect of Sessions decision will likely be felt by asylum seekers at the border. When people arrive with an asylum claim, they typically meet with a U.S. official, who screens them to determine whether the fear of returning to their home country is credible. Sessions decision sent a clear message that requests based on fleeing gang or domestic violence are to be rejected. In Tijuana, Honduran immigrant Synthia Savllon and her 1-year-old son, Jonathan, are awaiting their turn to meet with border officials and plead for asylum. The 19-year-old, who signed up two weeks ago at the San Ysidro Port of Entry for a chance to be heard, said she was orphaned as a child and grew up on the streets. When she was 15, she met a man who would become her boyfriend. He gave her a roof over her head, she said, but she soon discovered that he was a drug addict and gang member. Savllon said he regularly beat her and threatened her life. She said she had three children with the man but only managed to escape with her youngest, leaving behind 2- and 3-year-old daughters. Savllons chances of getting asylum were already slim because she has no family in the U.S. The attorney generals decision all but eliminated her odds of even getting a hearing. But Savllon said she had no plans of returning to Honduras, fearing she would be killed by her boyfriend. She reasoned that staying in Mexico posed its own dangers, so Savllon said she was determined to try to seek asylum in the U.S., despite the grim odds. Ellie Perez, 16, left, photographs sisters Maquisha, 12, and Dashly, 14, at their home in Los Angeles. (Gary Coronado / Los Angeles Times ) cindy.carcamo@latimes.com | Twitter: @theCindyCarcamo As California moves ahead with policies to limit law enforcement cooperation on immigration-related offenses, U.S. authorities are responding in kind. U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents in recent months have refused to transfer some suspects wanted by California law enforcement agencies for crimes including sexual assault and drug possession. The new approach breaks long-established law enforcement custody protocols and is escalating tension between the federal government and California over the so-called sanctuary state law. For years, criminal suspects encountered by U.S. immigration agents, either along the border or at ports of entry such as airports, have routinely been transferred to state agencies. Advertisement Now, federal authorities are instead deporting some suspects back to Mexico or charging them with immigration-related criminal offenses, which places them in federal custody. Federal authorities blame Senate Bill 54, saying the California law approved in 2017 restricts local agencies from assuring that suspects will be transferred back into federal custody after their state cases are resolved. State officials say the law doesnt prevent cooperation with immigration authorities in cases involving unauthorized migrants with serious criminal records. Exact figures arent available because federal authorities would not disclose how many warrants have been declined, but details of a few cases have emerged in court declarations and deposition by federal immigration officials. At least five or six suspects a month on average are being returned to Mexico by authorities in San Diego, and authorities in Los Angeles have also stopped honoring some warrants, according to the court documents. In 2017, federal authorities in California transferred at least 2,300 suspects both citizens and noncitizens to state law enforcement agencies, according to federal officials. Under the strictures of this bill, if CBP paroles an alien into the custody of a law enforcement agency in California for criminal prosecution, the state law actively inhibits the type of cooperation necessary for [the customs agency] to regain custody, Todd Hoffman, a Customs and Border Protection executive director, said in a declaration submitted in the federal governments legal challenge of SB 54. California officials say federal authorities exaggerate and distort the effects of the law. Officially dubbed the California Values Act, the law prohibits local authorities from enforcing federal immigration laws: They cant ask about someones immigration status or for personal information. But they can notify federal immigration agents of an inmates release from a county jail if the information is already available to the public or if the person has been convicted of any of 800 specific offenses. Those include serious or violent felonies, domestic violence and sex offenses. The measure also allows federal agents to work with state prison officials on deportations. The California Values Act does not conflict with federal immigration laws, but instead works in concert with them, California Atty. Gen. Xavier Becerra said in May. In court documents, federal officials paint a worsening public safety picture due to SB 54, citing several recent incidents in which they said state law enforcement agencies declined to cooperate. In February, police in El Cajon, a city east of San Diego, refused to assist Border Patrol agents in a freeway pursuit of three suspects, according to a declaration by Rodney Scott, chief of the U.S. Border Patrols San Diego sector. Scott said he has asked that some detainees not be held at the Imperial County Jail after one of them, a convicted felon, was released without immigration authorities being notified. The Border Patrol sector has declined to transfer at least five suspects to local agencies, including San Diego, Orange and Santa Barbara counties sheriffs departments, Scott said. They include suspects wanted on felony charges for driving under the influence, probation violation in a drug case, assault and sexual assault. One was a registered sex offender, and two were wanted on no-bail warrants. At the border crossings in San Diego County, each fugitive encountered by customs agents is handled on a case-by-case basis, depending on the nature of the alleged crime. Though some are transferred to local agencies, others are not, said Hoffman, the customs official. They are removing them [to Mexico] immediately at the port of entry [versus] turning them over to the state and local agency that wants the individual, because we have no assurance were going to get that individual back. So theyre not seeing their day in court, Hoffman said in his deposition. The sheriffs departments whose warrants were not honored declined to comment on the specific cases, saying not enough information was provided by immigration officials to identify the fugitives. The Orange County Sheriffs Department continues to work with federal authorities on criminal task forces, but the recent release into Mexico of a suspect who was wanted on a no-bail warrant is worrisome, said Undersheriff Don Barnes, who is running for sheriff and is critical of SB 54. My concern is that [the suspect] has to be held accountable for a charge presumably a significant charge, a no-bail felony warrant and is not being returned to the criminal justice system to face charges, Barnes said. A spokeswoman for the San Diego County Sheriffs Department, two of whose warrants were not honored, said the department does cooperate with federal agents by providing notification of release dates of suspects who have prior convictions for serious crimes. Law enforcement in the San Diego region has and will continue to have a strong culture of cooperation within the confines of the law, said the spokeswoman, Lt. Karen Stubkjaer. richard.marosi@latimes.com Twitter: @richmarosi San Francisco Mayor-elect London Breed was still basking in the glow of her election victory when she arrived at Rosa Parks Elementary school on Thursday. Having been raised by her grandmother just blocks away in the citys Western Addition neighborhood once the heart of San Franciscos black community Breed, 43, said the visit to her alma mater filled her with memories and purpose. In San Francisco, I think about this school, I think about the people I went to school with and I think about the fact that many of them dont live in this city anymore, she said to cheers. We have to build more housing. We have to build more housing. We have to build more housing, and I will be relentless in my pursuit to get the job done. Breed, the citys first female African-American mayor, succeeded in a bruising race that featured personal attacks and a drawn-out vote count a quirk of the citys ranked-choice voting system. On Wednesday, her main opponent, former state Sen. Mark Leno, conceded the race. Leno had initially been in the lead after the June 5 primary, but Breed eventually pulled ahead. When shes sworn in July 11, she will be the only female mayor of any of the 15 largest U.S. cities. Advertisement The problems she now plans to tackle are among the most difficult a city can face. Housing, finding solutions to the homelessness crisis and creating safe injection areas for drug users will dominate her portfolio as mayor of a city thats been flooded with technology wealth but has left many behind. The connection between Breeds life and the problems vexing San Francisco were often center stage as she campaigned for office. I know it means so, so much to so many people. I grew up in some of the most challenging of circumstances, Breed said Wednesday from the steps of City Hall after Leno called her to concede. Her personal story animated the race as she salted her campaign stops and ads with tales of being raised by her grandmother in a decrepit public housing project. Both of Breeds siblings were addicted to drugs, and her younger sister died of an overdose, while her brother is in prison for robbery and other crimes, according to media reports. Breed persevered, graduated from UC Davis and began working for then-Mayor Willie Browns administration. Eventually, she became the executive director of the African American Art & Culture Complex in 2002. That role was close to her heart, because the arts center was a stones throw from where she grew up and catered to a population that is becoming more and more marginalized as San Francisco becomes richer and whiter. African Americans now just make up roughly 6% of the citys population, and the number continues to shrink. The message that this sends to the next generation of young people growing up in this city is that no matter where you come from, no matter what you decide to do in life, you can do anything you want to do, Breed said Wednesday. Never let your circumstances determine your outcome in life. In her decade at the helm of the arts center, she raised millions for renovations. Then in 2012, she surprised the political establishment by beating out incumbent Christina Olague for a seat on the San Francisco Board of Supervisors. Then-California Atty. Gen. Kamala Harris, Breeds political mentor, swore her into office. By 2017, Breed had risen to become the Board of Supervisors president and appeared to be laying the groundwork for a mayoral run in 2019. Thats when Mayor Ed Lee a longtime city administrator who had been elevated to mayor when Gavin Newsom resigned in 2011 to run for lieutenant governor collapsed in a Safeway store and later died from a heart attack. Breed became interim mayor as a result of her position as president of the Board of Supervisors and soon after announced she would be seeking the post permanently. Things got interesting very quickly. In January, the Board of Supervisors her colleagues ousted her and named a wealthy white man, Supervisor Mark Farrell, as her replacement. Opponents said she represented the status quo, which enraged supporters who saw this as yet another slight to the citys African American community. They have pushed out African Americans, Sheryl Davis, a friend of Breed, told the San Francisco Chronicle. And everybody talks about how diverse and progressive we are. But if it happened anywhere else, wed be saying what a tragedy. Breed was interim mayor for 42 days and made it clear that she would still be a candidate for the job. Her friend of 15 years and informal advisor, Debbie Mesloh, was in the room that night when the vote came down and said it struck many as another backroom deal, she said. I think it galvanized and harnessed a lot of energy, she said. The race among a contest between Breed, Leno and Supervisor Jane Kim all Democrats. Leno and Kim portrayed themselves as progressive change agents and labeled Breed as a moderate who had the backing of the citys business and tech establishment. Leno would have been the citys first openly gay mayor, while Kim would also have been the citys first female mayor of color. The citys unusual electoral system where voters rank their top three choices led to some gamesmanship by the candidates. Kim and Leno each urged voters to rank the other second in order to lock Breed out of a victory. By Wednesday however, Breeds challengers acknowledged the outcome. Im proud to live in the largest city in America with a woman as mayor, Kim tweeted Wednesday. The housing crisis in San Francisco was one of the few areas where profound policy disagreements arose among the candidates. Breed picked up the backing of pro-development forces and publicly voiced support for state Sen. Scott Wieners controversial legislation SB 827, which wouldve loosened or eliminated restrictions on height, density, parking and design for residential properties near major rail and bus stops. Her opponents did not. The bill failed, but it squared with one of Breeds biggest priorities and what will be her biggest challenge as she enters office, Mesloh said. Housing, along with a host of other issues, will consume her time. But, Mesloh added, Breed is best positioned to tackle these problems because shes experienced many of them. Income inequality in San Francisco is something she will really need to address, she said. For the past five or six years, its felt like there are two different cities. How is she really going to bridge that divide will be a big question. benjamin.oreskes@latimes.com @boreskes Research suggests the magnitude 6.0 earthquake that rocked California wine country in 2014 may have been caused by an expansion of Earths crust because of seasonally receding groundwater under the Napa and Sonoma valleys. The vineyard-filled valleys flank the West Napa Fault, which produced the quake that killed one person, injured several hundred and caused more than $500 million in losses. The study recently published in the American Geophysical Unions Journal of Geophysical Research: Solid Earth suggests land between the valleys is stretched each summer as groundwater levels fall beneath the valleys and the ground in the valleys sinks and contracts. The amount of the horizontal stretching measured is tiny about 0.12 inch but enough to stress faults, according to the researchers. Advertisement We think its more of a localized effect, something related to the groundwater system. We dont know if it is groundwater pumping specifically, or something related to how the natural aquifer system works, or a combination, said lead author Meredith Kraner, formerly of the Department of Geosciences at Stony Brook University in New York and now with the University of Nevada, Reno. Co-authors were William E. Holt of Stony Brook University and Adrian A. Borsa of the Scripps Institution of Oceanography at UC San Diego. The early morning Napa quake on Aug. 24 was the largest to hit the Bay Area since the magnitude 6.9 Loma Prieta earthquake on Oct. 17, 1989. The Napa quake left 8 miles of surface rupture and damaged many historical masonry buildings and older residences, according to the U.S. Geological Survey. A pickup driver who led authorities on a 90-minute freeway chase in Southern California apparently shot himself. The chase ended Wednesday afternoon on a dirt shoulder of Interstate 15 in San Bernardino Countys Cajon Pass. KNBC-TV reports that the driver was suspected of stealing guns from his family in Orange County but was expected to return them. A family member, however, called police and the man fled in a U-Haul truck. It was unclear whether the truck was stolen. The chase reached speeds of 80 mph or more, with the driver calmly smoking a cigarette as he weaved through traffic in three counties. Advertisement The truck stopped in the Cajon Pass after its front tires blew. TV stations reported that the driver put a gun to his neck. Paramedics could be seen performing CPR on the man, and he was taken to a hospital. His condition is unknown. Police detectives on Thursday served search warrants at the Los Angeles home of a former USC gynecologist and a storage facility as they investigate allegations that he sexually mistreated patients. Los Angeles Police Department Capt. Billy Hayes said sex-crimes detectives talked to George Tyndall and seized evidence during the search but did not provide further details. The LAPD has been in contact with 135 women about Tyndall, who served as the campus gynecologist for nearly 30 years. More than 400 women have called a university hotline since a Times investigation detailed how USC allowed Tyndall to continue practicing at a student health clinic on campus despite a record of complaints that spanned more than two decades. The scandal over how USC handled complaints against the physician has roiled the campus and led to the departure of schools president, C.L. Max Nikias. Advertisement Tyndall, who resigned last year, has denied wrongdoing and said he never mistreated patients. He could not immediately be reached for comment on Thursday. The search warrants were filed under seal, Hayes said, to protect the integrity of the investigation. Tyndall was handcuffed during the search at his apartment, he added, but was not taken into custody and has not been charged with a crime. USC has said that complaints about Tyndall dating to the early 2000s reached the head of the clinic, who died in 2016, but that he handled patient complaints independently. The university said it was unclear why Tyndall was allowed to remain in his position. It was only after a frustrated nurse reported Tyndall to the campus rape crisis center in 2016 that the gynecologist was removed. USC leaders have acknowledged that the system for reporting and disciplining Tyndall had broken down, but they denied having known about the complaints before last year, according to a letter from Provost Michael Quick. The university, in a secret deal last summer, allowed Tyndall to resign quietly with a financial payout. USC did not report him to the Medical Board of California, which investigates misconduct by physicians and has the power to terminate their licenses, until last March. The university has acknowledged that in hindsight Tyndall should have been reported much sooner. The police action comes as more women have stepped forward to allege mistreatment at the hands of Tyndall, including dozens who have filed civil lawsuits. USC student Anika Narayanan said this week that she vividly recalls her first appointment with Tyndall at the campus health center, alleging that he made several explicit comments during an examination she felt was inappropriate and invasive. When she came back for a second visit in 2016 after a nonconsensual sexual encounter, he allegedly chastised her, she said in a civil lawsuit and at a news conference Tuesday. He asked me if I had forgotten to use a condom again, said Narayanan, 21. At one point, she said, Tyndall asked if I did a lot of doggy style, she said. Narayanan is one of 24 women being represented by attorney Gloria Allred as part of an amended lawsuit filed Tuesday. Allred told reporters Tuesday that her clients are alleging Tyndall repeatedly touched them without gloves while making comments about their sex lives and their ethnic origins. Narayanan has deep roots to the USC campus. Both her parents worked at the university. Her father is Shri Narayanan, a holder of the Niki and C.L. Max Nikias Chair in Engineering, Allred said. Narayan said the administration betrayed the students. I am ashamed, disappointed and furious that I am not alone, she said. Graduate student Daniella Mohazab, another plaintiff being represented by Allred, alleged in her lawsuit that Tyndall made comments about her sexual skills, connecting them to her Filipino heritage. We have been hurt, she said at the news conference. He has hurt our livelihood, consumed our time and mental health has been the root of distrust and discomfort that we now face. Taylor & Ring, another L.A. law firm, said Thursday that it has filed suit on behalf of 18 women. The sheer volume of abuse that Tyndall has inflicted on these former USC students is appalling, attorney David Ring said in a statement. richard.winton@latimes.com Twitter: @LACrimes UPDATES: 4:45 p.m.: Updated with more details about lawsuits. This article was originally published at 3:25 p.m. Colleagues at a government-contracted shelter in Arizona had a specific request for Antar Davidson when three Brazilian migrant children arrived: Tell them they cant hug. Davidson, 32, is of Brazilian descent and speaks Portuguese. He said the siblings ages 16, 10 and 6 were distraught after being separated from their parents at the border. The children were huddled together, tears streaming down their faces, he said. Officials had told them their parents were lost, which they interpreted to mean dead. Davidson said he told the children he didnt know where their parents were, but that they had to be strong. The 16-year-old, he looks at me and says, How? Davidson said. As he watched the youth cry, he thought, This is not healthy. Advertisement Davidson quit this week after being a youth care worker at the Tucson shelter, Estrella del Norte, for just a few months. He decided to speak out about his experiences there in hopes of improving a system often shielded from public scrutiny. His comments in a telephone interview offer a rare look into the operation of a migrant shelter. Davidson said he became disillusioned after the Trump administrations zero tolerance policy began sending the shelter not only children who had crossed the border unaccompanied by adults, but also those separated from their parents. The caseload is straining a facility he described as understaffed and unequipped to deal with children experiencing trauma, such as the three Brazilians. During his time at the shelter, children were running away, screaming, throwing furniture and attempting suicide, Davidson said. Several were being monitored this week because they were at risk of running away, self-harm and suicide, records show. A spokeswoman for Southwest Key, the Austin-based nonprofit operating the shelter, disputed those allegations Wednesday and said the shelter meets state licensing requirements, including for staffing ratios and training. Our staff have great expertise in dealing with this population, said spokeswoman Cindy Casares. We have very high professional development standards. Casares said staffing ratios were particularly important. We cannot operate if we do not have the legally mandated number of staff required, she said. In recent months, she said, the company paid staff to work overtime and mounted a very aggressive hiring campaign. According to a statement she released Wednesday, For the last 20 years we hire staff that have a child care or social work background to be prepared to support the developmental and emotional needs of all children who arrive to our facility. According to Kenneth Wolfe, a U.S. Department of Health and Human Services spokesman, the government contracts with 100 shelters in 17 states. The facilities now house 11,313 children. Twenty-seven of those shelters in Arizona, California and Texas are run by Southwest Key. It is among the largest child migrant shelter providers nationwide, having served 24,877 children last year. Staff members must be bilingual and receive 80 hours of training before they can work with children. The shelters are state-licensed, including the nearly 300-bed Tucson facility, a former apartment complex. This week there were 287 youth at the shelter, 70 of them age 13 or younger. By law, the U.S. Border Patrol must turn unaccompanied children over to the Health and Human Services Departments Office of Refugee Resettlement, known as ORR, within 72 hours. The children are then supposed to be placed with relatives or other sponsors. Some immigrant advocates say that under the Trump administration, ORR has become an arm of immigration enforcement. This month, Sen. Jeff Merkley (D-Ore.) questioned conditions in the shelters after he was turned away while trying to visit the Casa Padre facility in Brownsville, Texas, also run by Southwest Key. The company released a statement at the time saying with ORR approval, Southwest Key shelters have welcomed elected and other public officials at our facilities in the past, and will continue to do so, because we are proud of the caring environment we provide these children. The statement noted that federal employees from ORR visit our shelters multiple times a week. The Health and Human Services Department said that 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. The department conducted a media shelter tour in Brownsville on Wednesday and will hold one Friday in El Cajon, Calif. Visitors will not be allowed to talk to people inside or photograph them. Southwest Keys chief executive emailed staff Tuesday notifying them of the tours and offering reassurances. We are very excited about this opportunity to show the world the incredible work our employees are doing to care for the children we serve, Juan Sanchez wrote, noting Southwest Key had hired 700 new employees who will complete training soon. I know youve been working overtime due to the surge of kids in our shelters. Please hold on just a little while longer. Relief is coming soon. Antar Davidson was a youth care worker at a Southwest Key shelter, pictured at right, in Tucson, Ariz. (Rebecca Sasnett / For The Times ) Davidson, who completed work for a bachelors degree in political science at the University of Arizona last year, said he was full of hope when he arrived at the Tucson shelter in February. Children received know your rights presentations from a local advocacy group, then saw clinicians and case workers weekly. They were taken to see doctors and dentists as needed. Davidson taught vocational and English classes, and started a class in the Brazilian martial art of capoeira. Many of the Guatemalan youth he initially met were indigenous, from rural areas. Under the zero-tolerance policy, cases that had been handled administratively in immigration court were now prosecuted as misdemeanors or felonies in federal court. Migrants were charged with crossing the border illegally and separated from their children, who were placed in shelters. Davidson saw more and more confused and upset children, most from Latin America. There also were more of what staff call tender age children, those under 13. Some were as young as 4, he said. What was once a transient facility with a staff that was strained and struggling is now becoming a more permanent facility, and more prison-like, Davidson said. On May 27, three Honduran and one Mexican youth scaled the fence surrounding the shelter and ran away. Only one of the Hondurans was caught, he said. Runaways had been a problem at the shelter for years, and officials had already added security doors and cameras. Several youth were being monitored as run risks, records show. Southwest Key confirmed the incident in its statement, and said they reported the three runaways to law enforcement. We are not allowed, by law, to restrain anyone who tries to climb the fence to leave. We are able to talk with them and attempt to get them to stay but we cannot restrain them, the statement said. When the Brazilian siblings arrived May 29, they were taken to a classroom, where Davidson said he was told to have them stay because there wasnt enough staff to supervise the sleeping quarters. Southwest Key disputed his account, saying in its statement: Professional translation was already arranged in this situation. We have case managers who speak Portuguese and we use translation services. No minors slept in a classroom. That is inaccurate and is not allowed by law. But when five more Brazilian youth, ages 5 to 17, arrived May 30, it was clear that the kids had no idea what was going on, Davidson said. They had no idea where their parents were. The case managers said its going to be a week until we even find their parents and another week until we talk to them. I just saw how they were bungling these cases, he said. At that point zero tolerance was in full swing and you could see the desperation: kids running down the hall, screaming for their moms. Davidson emailed a written complaint to a regional supervisor that day. I would rather see the facility handle this humanitarian situation properly rather than turn my back on the plight of these minors, he wrote. With the new laws and influx of increasingly diverse and more troubled [youth], I worry the staff and management here in Tucson are going to struggle even more. Davidson said he also contacted the supervisor by phone, and she promised to take action, but conditions only worsened. The majority of children are able to contact their families in home country, as well as family and/or potential sponsor in the United States, within 24 hours of arrival, said Southwest Keys statement on Wednesday. Any delay is due to the fact that the child needs assistance obtaining the phone number of the family members to be called. But the staff were really unable to control these kids, Davidson said. Staff suspected some of their charges were adults posing as children, he said they were listed in records as possible adults. They had discovered men as old as 26 posing as adolescents, he said. But the way staff handle those suspicions can also cause problems, he said. Recently, staff questioned a Guatemalan migrant who said he was 13 and had come to the U.S. to join his father. Davidson said the boy was telling the truth, but a DNA test showed that the man he thought was his father wasnt. After officials told the man the boys true paternity, the man didnt want anything to do with him, Davidson said. After the boy learned the truth, he started scratching himself and attempted suicide, Davidson said. Officials contacted the boys biological father, he said, but he didnt want him either. The boy has been at the shelter for several months under close observation. Southwest Key said that legally, it could not discuss specific cases, but added that staff are trained to work with youth separated from their parents. We provide compassionate care, it is core to what we do. During the Wednesday tour in Brownsville, officials said they have tried to weed out adults posing as children using DNA tests and dental records. Last Thursday, the Southwest Key CEO met with staff at the Tucson shelter, including Davidson. He said the company planned to decrease the staffing ratio to one to three employees per child. Sanchez urged staff to help the migrant children through an employee give-back program a single $240 donation or $10 from each paycheck, Davidson said. Southwest Key said the donations were for a scholarship program for shelter youth who want to further education or have extreme health or life problems, and that Sanchez never vowed to decrease staffing ratios. We are hiring additional staff to meet an increase in all our facilities due to the number of children we are being asked to care for by ORR, the statement said. Davidson left thinking, Theyre not going to get enough workers. He got a new job, and submitted his resignation Tuesday. Davidson said he does not want to see shelters shut down, but feels like a conscientious objector. I can no longer in good conscience work with Southwest Key programs, he wrote. I am feeling uneasy about the morality of some of the practices. molly.hennessy-fiske@latimes.com @mollyhf As President Trump declared his summit with Kim Jong Un a smashing success, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo quickly began the hard part: negotiating the complex details for a deal to eliminate North Koreas nuclear threat. Pompeo went straight to Seoul after the summit in Singapore to confer on Wednesday with South Korean allies and top U.S. military commanders in the region. He said that dismantling Pyongyangs nuclear arsenal could take 2 years, the most concrete timeframe yet ascribed to what would undoubtedly be a long process. Pompeo also had to explain to both the allies and American commanders the unexpected announcement from Trump in Singapore that he is halting annual joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises, which the president described as provocative war games, using the lexicon of North Korea and China. Allies, including in Japan, were blindsided by the decision, which triggered sharp criticism from Congress, including Republicans, and from former and current U.S. officials. Pompeo met with Gen. Vincent Brooks, the top U.S. commander in South Korea, in what was billed as a brief greeting but stretched into nearly an hourlong closed-door discussion. Advertisement On Thursday, he is to meet with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, a principal force behind arranging the Singapore summit, and with the foreign ministers of South Korea and Japan. Later he continues to Beijing, where Chinese officials are thought to be extremely pleased with the summit results, but vexed by ongoing trade disputes with Washington. Complicating Pompeos diplomatic work, Trump, upon his predawn arrival in Washington from Singapore, made the kind of mission accomplished proclamation that often comes back to haunt leaders. He declared on Twitter that there is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea. A long trip, but everybody can now feel much safer than the day I took office, he added. This is absolutely untrue, said Nicholas Burns, a career diplomat and senior official in the Clinton and George W. Bush administrations. North Korea is still a nuclear threat to the U.S., South Korea and Japan. Kim has not dismantled any part of his nuclear apparatus. Trumps boast is at best premature. For now, Kim is likely to remain restrained about further nuclear and ballistic-missile testing. Yet despite Trump and Kims step away from what seemed last year to be the brink of nuclear war tensions inflamed in part by Trumps bellicose tweets and name-calling Kim has as many nuclear warheads now as he had last week, and more than he had when Trump took office. Another wrinkle: Official North Korean media are providing a different interpretation of what just happened in Singapore. The tightly controlled press accounts in Pyongyang said Trump and Kim agreed that work toward denuclearization would involve step-by-step and simultaneous action. The reports suggested the Trump administration would lift key economic sanctions in the process, which was not mentioned in the leaders concluding joint statement. They also said that denuclearization would occur in the southern half of the Korean peninsula as well as the north in other words, it would entail ending the United States longtime nuclear presence, something American officials have said was off the table. Trump and Kim held part of their meetings without aides or note-takers, only translators, so there is no record or confirmation of what was said between them. Further, the vaguely worded final statement contained no detailed plan or timeline for nuclear disarmament, or even a definition of the process. Missing were the words that had become the administrations mantra to describe its goal: complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization. Pompeo, speaking to journalists traveling with him in Seoul, defended the lack of details and vagueness of the document. When a reporter asked why nothing was included on the crucial element of verification, Pompeo bristled and said the question was insulting and ridiculous and, frankly, ludicrous. Let me assure you that the complete [denuclearization] encompasses verifiable in the minds of everyone concerned, Pompeo said. I am confident that they understand what were prepared to do, a handful of things were likely not prepared to do, he added. I am equally confident they understand that there will be in-depth verification. Pompeo said preparations ahead of Tuesdays summit produced numerous understandings that negotiating teams couldnt reduce to writing in the final statement. Just a day before the summit, Pompeo had said that complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization was the United States objective, as it has been for decades. Verifiable and irreversible do not appear in the document signed by Trump and Kim. Asked if major disarmament could be accomplished by the end of Trumps term, Pompeo said, Absolutely. Were hopeful that we can achieve that in the next what is it? 2 years, something like that, he said. Were hopeful we get it done. Theres a lot of work left to do. In the leaders triumphant remarks, both Kim, through state media, and Trump, through Twitter, sought to put the best spin on a high-stakes summit that each leader is trying to sell to his public as not only a historic result but also a personal victory. For Trump, one aim is to cast the Singapore summit as a major breakthrough to benefit Republican candidates in Novembers midterm election a goal already under discussion among political advisors. That plan hinges on the summit imagery, including the leaders elaborate handshakes and backdrops of flags of both nations stagecraft that will probably matter more to most voters than nagging questions about disarmament details, said a lobbyist in close contact with the White House. The American people believe Trump before they believe some member of Congress who has questions about the military exercises or some other thing, the source said, speaking anonymously to be able to discuss administration thinking candidly. Unless Kim does something provocative, Trump wins, the lobbyist added. All they [Trump supporters] know is there was a guy in North Korea shooting off missiles, and now hes not shooting missiles anymore. Overselling the fledgling deal for short-term political value, however, risks undercutting diplomacy and could make Pompeos job of forging a more durable and detailed disarmament plan all the more difficult. Several analysts and diplomats warned that exaggerating progress this early could ease the pressure on North Korea to conform with international norms, and make it more difficult to hold together an international alliance enforcing hard-hitting economic sanctions against Pyongyang. tracy.wilkinson@latimes.com For more on international affairs, follow @TracyKWilkinson on Twitter Breaking California into three states is no longer just a kooky idea being pushed by one rich guy. Now its a kooky idea that millions of Californians will face on the ballot in November, with less than five months to study how such a profound change might fundamentally change their lives and fortunes. The so-called Cal 3 proposition, authored and funded by Silicon Valley venture capitalist Tim Draper, qualified Tuesday for the November ballot. While not quite as extreme as Drapers earlier Six Californias proposal (which failed to get enough signatures to qualify for the 2014 ballot), it still sounds like it must surely be a long shot. But so did Brexit and the election of Donald Trump and look how that turned out. Voters are in a surly, disruptive mood these days, and theres just no telling what foolish thing theyll do next. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion Advertisement Under Drapers proposal, the state would be divided in three creating California, Southern California and Northern California. So, OK, heres one big benefit we can think of: Right now, 39.5 million of us are represented by two U.S. senators, meaning we have the same influence in that body as the 579,000 people in Wyoming. Thats fundamentally unfair. Under this plan, thered be six senators representing us. But beyond that, the advantages are unclear. In an email, Draper told The Times that a breakup will get us better infrastructure, better education and lower taxes. But he offered no proof. Indeed, it is impossible to say what these still-conceptual new states will or wont do. Maybe they will support higher taxes or maybe theyll cut school funding. How does Draper know? Voters are in a surly, disruptive mood these days, and theres just no telling what foolish thing theyll do next. What is guaranteed is tremendous upheaval and cost, at least in the short term, as three new governments are formed and then fight over how to split up the states shared assets courts, water resources, bureaucracies, infrastructure, etc. and its debts. A report by the state Legislative Analysts Office noted that all three states would be served by todays State Water Project; that neither the prisons nor the public universities would be easily divided between the new states; and that income taxes would be concentrated in certain areas. You can bet that this would be tied up in legal challenges long before Congress had a chance to weigh in. The last time part of a state calved off from another was during the Civil War, when West Virginia left Virginia. The subsequent litigation wasnt resolved for a half-century. Even if Californians decide to go their separate ways, theres no guarantee Congress would approve the establishment of the three states. Especially a Republican-controlled Congress (since it is not at all certain that any of the three could be counted on to vote GOP). Is this really the path Californians want to take? Theyd better be really sure before voting yes in November. Before seeking several new state birds and some new state flowers. Before requiring the U.S. to change its flag. Before doing away with the historic entity that is California which, despite its size and its share of woes has done a pretty good job governing itself and setting a high standard for the country since it became a state in 1850. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion and Facebook The J. Paul Getty Museum has been fighting in Italian courts for more than a decade to keep its bronze Statue of a Victorious Youth, one of the museums most prized antiquities. But the Getty itself has yet to emerge victorious. In the latest round, a court in Pesaro ruled that the bronze which was pulled out of the sea by Italian fishermen in 1964 should be forfeited by the Getty and turned over to Italy. The tortured battle over this priceless bronze will continue, since Getty officials plan to appeal, as they should. This is not another case in which the Getty purchased antiquities of questionable provenance. Since 2007, the Getty has returned more than 40 works in its collection to Greece and Italy. In this case, however, the bronze was found in international not Italian waters, according to the Getty, and has no archaeological connection to Italy because it is most likely Greek in origin. Accidental discovery by Italian citizens does not make the statue an Italian object. Of course, the Pesaro court disagrees, stating that the object was found in Italian territorial waters and that the fishermen should have sought to return the sea wreck to its owner. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion Advertisement Its often difficult to trace the provenance of antiquities. This bronze has a particularly complicated back story. Believed to be Greek, dating from 300 to 100 B.C., it may have been taken out of Greece by Romans and lost at sea. Fast forward about 2000 years: Fishermen find it, hide it and then sell it to other Italians who, at one point, were accused of and acquitted of purchasing stolen property. The bronze was found in international not Italian waters, according to the Getty, and has no archaeological connection to Italy. The Getty Museum Board of Trustees bought the bronze in 1977 in the United Kingdom for $3.95 million and only, Getty officials contend, after extensive review of applicable laws, previous investigations of dealers and a statement by the senior Italian official in charge of export licenses for cultural property who said Italy had no claim on the statue. Today the bronze holds court in a humidity-controlled gallery at the Getty Villa. However, the statue has been on the Italians radar since 1989 when a professor in the Italian culture ministry requested that the Getty give it up. The court battles go back to 2007. The Getty has appealed twice to the Italian Court of Cassation. After this latest lower court ruling, the Getty will be appealing a third time. The Getty Bronze is worth the fight. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinion or Facebook Thursday night is Eid, when followers of Islam gather together with friends and neighbors to celebrate the end of Ramadan, a month of daily fasting. Since 1996, when then-First Lady Hillary Clinton began the tradition, the White House has hosted an iftar the daily fast-breaking dinner during Ramadan. It has been a staple of both Republican and Democratic administrations, an opportunity to celebrate Ramadan with the American Muslim community, the leaders of its civic groups, its imams, its writers, artists and entertainers. But not in the Trump administration. President Trump, whose animosity towards Islam and the Muslim community is well documented, didnt host an iftar at all last year. This year, he honored the tradition with a dinner on June 6. But the representatives of American Muslim groups were not invited to the White House. Instead of community and religious leaders from across the United States, the guests included foreign ambassadors and dignitaries from Muslim-majority countries. It was as if the president hosted a White House Seder but with no American Jews invited. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion Advertisement In his remarks at the dinner, Trump avoided Ramadans devotional message of reflection and sacrifice. He used the occasion to reminisce about his visit to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, where he received a heros welcome and made deals that have fomented more enmity in the region, particularly between Iran and the Saudis. The spectacle of the 2018 White House iftar gets to the heart of Trumps view of Islam. He sees it as a foreign religion. He isnt alone in this other presidents have sought out foreign Muslims with more enthusiasm than homegrown ones. But Trumps antipathy stands out. To him Islam is un-American. From his travel ban to his birther campaign against President Obama, he has tried to make Muslim an invective. American Muslims have been patriots and an integral part of American society since the Revolutionary War. On June 6, Trump saw no reason to invite American Muslims because he prefers not to see us, period. Its as if we simply dont exist. Perversely, many of those the president did invite represent autocratic and repressive governments, regimes that routinely oppress innocent citizens and violate the rights of women, minorities and free-thinking people. Xenophobes capitalize on the dissonance between American values and these governments, and American Muslims pay the price in civil rights abuses and dehumanization. Making Islam the religion of the other feeds anti-Muslim tropes that circulate widely on social media: Muslims dont condemn terrorism; they have a secret plan to take over America; they want to supplant the Constitution with sharia law. In reality, American Muslims have been patriots and an integral part of American society since the Revolutionary War. We are doctors, lawyers, civil servants and actors on your favorite television shows. We represent the diversity that defines this nation at its best and our American values human dignity, freedom, justice are Islamic values too. We are American and we are Muslim, and there is no conflict between the two. And yet the idea that Islam is antithetical to what the West, and the United States, represents survives and even thrives in this administration. For the conservative fundamentalists in the Middle East, the presidents campaign refrain that Islam hates us serves as a recruiting tool for groups like Islamic State and Al Qaeda. At home, this line of thinking gins up fears among the American electorate that there are Muslim sleeper agents under every bed. The end of Ramadan is meant to be a moment for gratitude and reflection, a time to examine how we can be of greater service to one another. American Muslims offer an antidote to religious nationalism, to tribalism and to religious oppression. Our voices are essential to the discussions of domestic and foreign policy, especially pertaining to national security and human rights. Trump neglected to invite us to the White House iftar, but as Americans, as Muslims, we demand a seat at the table. Salam Al-Marayati is the president of the Muslim Public Affairs Council. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook Is there a character more derided in modern American politics than the anti-Trump Republican? Consider soon-to-retire Sen. Jeff Flake (R-Ariz.), a possible primary challenger to Donald Trump in 2020 and author of a bestseller attacking the presidents America-first ideology. When Flake responded to the administrations brutish comments about Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau by tweeting Fellow Republicans, this is not who we are, the condemnation was swift and brutal from the left. This is exactly who you are, the Splinters Emma Roller snapped back. Flakes criticism of Trumps G-7 antics is a sham, hissed Think Progress. Hand-wringing GOP senators such as Flake, John McCain and Susan Collins, charged the activists at Blue Virginia, are just a bunch of melodramatic Democracy Peacocks all plume, no teeth. Enter the Fray: First takes on the news of the minute from L.A. Times Opinion Advertisement The best version of these critiques is that Flake and his cohort should, you know, do something. So its interesting to examine the successful tactics of a Republican senator who did just that Colorados first-term Sen. Cory Gardner. Gardner, 43, is a former House GOP Young Gun known for being more problem-solver than bomb-thrower. He displayed both talents, however, in managing to convince a law-and-order president who appointed a drug-warrior attorney general to come out in favor of leaving legal marijuana alone. While nothing in Trumpworld is guaranteed until the ink is dry, this could be a huge turning point against the long-ruinous drug war. In a wide-ranging back-and-forth with reporters at the end of last week, President Trump was asked whether he supported a bipartisan bill introduced by Gardner and Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) the Strengthening the Tenth Amendment Through Entrusting States (STATES) Act which would make the federal Controlled Substances Act inapplicable in states where pot-related activity has been legalized. I really do, Trump said. I support Sen. Gardner. I know exactly what hes doing. Were looking at it, but well probably end up supporting that, yes. While nothing in Trumpworld is guaranteed until the ink is dry, this could be a huge turning point against the long-ruinous drug war. How did Gardner work this magic? By doing something Republicans excelled at when Barack Obama was president but which they have largely ignored since: Using every bit of leverage they command to frustrate a power-wielding president. Gardner went berserk in January when Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions announced in January that he was rescinding the Justice Departments 2013 memo guiding U.S. attorneys to de-prioritize federal enforcement against state-legal marijuana operations. Colorado had voted to legalize recreational marijuana in November 2012, and had begun legal sales in January 2014. Gardner wasnt in favor of legalization in 2012, but in 2018 he was ready to defend his states law. I believe that what happened today is a trampling of Colorados rights, he said in a podium-thumping speech after Sessions decision was made public. Prior to the attorney generals confirmation, Gardner charged, he had promised that the 2013 memo would not be rescinded and that pot enforcement would not be an administration priority. Until he lives up to that commitment, Gardner said, I will be holding all nominations to the Department of Justice. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) likes to say that the worlds greatest deliberative body is largely in the personnel business, moving briskly through the confirmation of judges, Cabinet members and lower-level executive branch appointments. Gardner gummed up that machinery for three months by using his parliamentary ability to place a hold on a nomination, a barrier that can only be overcome through a time-sapping cloture vote. It took about 20 holds for Trump to crack. In April, Gardner issued a news release saying he had obtained a verbal commitment from the president to support legislation protecting states that legalized marijuana from federal drug law enforcement, despite his attorney generals proclivities. The presidents comment last week was an indication that the promise will have more staying power than, say, Trumps firm commitment to Flake to work together on a solution to the Deferred Action on Childhood Arrivals program in exchange for Flakes yes-vote on last years tax cut. So is Gardners form of hostage-taking scalable? Its certainly worth a try among Trump-averse Republicans in the Senate, given that chambers slim 51-47-2 GOP majority (with the two independents caucusing with Democrats). But there are some unique aspects to the presidential buy-in on pot legalization. First, Trump favored state decision-making about marijuana when he was on the campaign trail. Second, keeping the feds out of the enforcement business in pot-legal states is widely popular 70% in an April Quinnipiac poll. (Straight-up legalization is now polling at 63%, a percentage no president has ever achieved in the popular vote.) And finally, lets not forget that Trump isnt exactly shy about tweaking Jeff Sessions. Favorable conditions aside, Gardner clearly forced the issue. The Senate is designed to be obstructionist, to thwart the ambitions of presidents and House members who want to get things done fast. For those senators who consider the president a challenge to the fundamental ideas of conservatism, Gardners example is instructive. Instead of merely standing athwart C-SPANs view of history yelling stop, they should use the power the Constitution and the Senates rule book gives them and stick out a foot when the president walks by. Matt Welch is editor at large at Reason magazine, and a contributing writer to Opinion. Follow the Opinion section on Twitter @latimesopinionand Facebook President Trumps top diplomat told China on Thursday that the United States still needs its help in restoring North Korea to the community of nations, and insisted that the long-isolated, nuclear-armed country had gotten no significant concessions in this weeks summit. It was Secretary of State Mike Pompeos second day of whirlwind diplomacy following the summit that Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held Tuesday in Singapore, where they agreed in vague terms to work toward nuclear disarmament. Trump roiled allies in Asia as well as former and current officials in Washington by his post-summit claim that the nuclear threat from Pyongyang was over, and by his surprise announcement that he was ending joint U.S.-South Korea military exercises. Also raising questions was North Koreas reporting that Trump had agreed to a phased denuclearization plan and to easing economic sanctions against the country. Pompeos arrived in Beijing after a day of meetings with South Korean and Japanese officials in Seoul on Wednesday aimed at reassuring those governments and clarifying the apparent contradictions. Advertisement The secretary of State held talks Thursday night with Chinese President Xi Jinping, who, despite tensions over trade and Chinas military expansion in the South China seas, said he and Trump enjoyed a solid working relationship. As reporters looked on in Beijings Great Hall of the People, Pompeo told Xi that the Trump administration wanted to share with you our hopes about what might be achieved with North Korea in the coming days and months. Earlier, Pompeo and Chinese Politburo member Yang Jiechi discussed steps that might ultimately lead to the reintroduction of North Korea in the community of nations. As North Koreas closest ally and major trading partner, China exercises considerable influence over Kim. China agreed to additional international sanctions against Pyongyang last year, as Trump urged, but it has been eager to lift them. Some reports say China already has begun doing so, and Trump has disapprovingly suggested as much, too. Pompeo dismissed those reports, saying China had reassured him that it continued to support the sanctions. He also challenged a report from an official North Korea news agency that Trump had agreed to a step by step process that would include lifting the sanctions. China, South Korea and Japan acknowledged that it is important that the sanctions regime that is in place today remain in place until such time as that denuclearization is in fact complete, Pompeo said. There has been unanimity in that set of objectives, he added. The three countries, together with the United States, have made very clear that the sanctions and the economic relief that North Korea will receive will only happen after the full denuclearization, the complete denuclearization, of North Korea. Pompeo acknowledged areas of disagreement that China and the United States will continue to debate, including Beijings trade practices and its attempts to militarize parts of the South China Sea. Also on Thursday, the state-controlled North Korean television belatedly broadcast footage of the summit two days earlier. One of the images shows Trump saluting a North Korean general, with Kim in the background looking somewhat taken aback. The presidents deference toward the leader of a repressive military incited criticism in Washington and on social media, including from some conservatives. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders defended the presidents gesture, contending it was a customary practice to salute a foreign military officer after he or she does the same. The Singapore summit marked the first time a sitting U.S. president met face-to-face with a North Korean leader. Recent American presidents have refused to do so at least until North Korea complied with past promises to end its nuclear program, arguing that such a meeting would reward what had been seen as an abusive rogue regime. North Korea reneged on previous commitments. As Pompeo prepared to return home, still unresolved was the contentious issue for Asian allies of Trumps decision to end the U.S. military drills held annually with South Korea as a part of its defense since the end of the Korean War more than 60 years ago. Trump, granting a long-standing wish of North Korea and China, said ending what he called provocative war games echoing the language of Pyongyang and Beijing would save a lot of money. South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha, after his meeting on Wednesday with Pompeo, told reporters that the military-exercise issue was not discussed in depth. Pompeo has said the exercises could be resumed if North Korea is found to be negotiating in bad faith. UPDATES: 2:50 p.m.: This article has been updated throughout with staff reporting. This article was originally published at 8:55 a.m. Allies balk at Trump administration bid to block Chinese firm from cutting-edge telecom markets By David S. Cloud Britain and Germany are balking at the Trump administrations call for a ban on equipment from Chinese telecommunications giant Huawei, threatening a global U.S. campaign to thwart Chinas involvement in future mobile networks. Both countries are expected to limit Huawei and other Chinese companies from providing core components including routers. But other types of Chinese equipment for next-generation, high-speed communications could still be installed on British and German networks, officials and analysts say. The U.S. push to ban Huawei has provoked a global dispute in recent weeks, with senior U.S. officials, including Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo, publicly urging NATO allies in Europe to exclude the company and warning that the United States might limit its military presence in countries that did not do so. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Confucius Institutes: Do they improve U.S.-China ties or harbor spies? By Don Lee Hanging red lanterns welcome visitors to the University of Marylands Confucius Institute, the oldest of about 100 Chinese language and cultural centers that have popped up over the last 15 years on American campuses, subsidized by millions of dollars from Chinas central government. But last fall, when four U.S. Senate investigators walked into the Confucius offices in Maryland and spent hours questioning staff, they werent looking for an educational exchange. The committee has been seeking detailed information from the university about the program, including contracts, email exchanges and financial arrangements that school administrators have kept under wraps since it started in 2004. American colleges once viewed these jointly funded institutes as an economical way to expand their language offerings one that could also bring warmer ties with China and, importantly, an influx of Chinese international students paying full tuition. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Watch Live: White House holds surprise news briefing amid government shutdown Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement U.S. policy toward China shifts from engagement to confrontation By David S. Cloud For decades, China had no closer American friend than Dianne Feinstein. As San Francisco mayor in the 1970s, she forged a sister-city relationship with Shanghai, the first between American and Chinese communities. As U.S. senator, she dined with Chinese leaders at Mao Tse-tungs old Beijing residence. And in the 1990s, she championed a trade policy change that opened a floodgate of Western investment into China. Today the Democratic senator sees China as a growing threat, joining a broad array of Trump administration officials, national security strategists and business executives who once favored engagement with Beijing and now advocate a confrontational approach instead. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Mnuchins attempt to calm markets backfires as Trump takes another shot at the Federal Reserve By Jim Puzzanghera An attempt by Treasury Secretary Steven T. Mnuchin to calm plunging financial markets backfired Monday, further rattling investors with new fears about whether major U.S. banks have enough cash on top of worries about interest rates, political instability in Washington and a slowing global economy. Adding to the volatile mix was a fresh attack on the Federal Reserve by President Trump, who declared that the central bank was the U.S. economys only problem and that it didnt have a feel for the market. The Fed is like a powerful golfer who cant score because he has no touch -- he cant putt! Trump said on Twitter. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print He speaks to Democratic hearts. But is Beto ORourke a serious White House contender? By Mark Z. Barabak Hes a failed U.S. Senate candidate with an undistinguished congressional record who, for the moment, is a blazing-hot 2020 presidential prospect despite the fact that he may not run and faces long odds if he does. Beto ORourke suggests the will-he-or-wont-he speculation is something he himself cant quite fathom. I think thats a great question, he responded in a Dallas Morning News interview when asked whether his unsuccessful November Senate bid merited a promotion to the White House. I ask that question myself. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Russian disinformation teams targeted Robert S. Mueller III, says report prepared for Senate By Craig Timberg, Tony Romm, Elizabeth Dwoskin Special counsel Robert S. Mueller III. (Associated Press) Months after President Trump took office, Russias disinformation teams trained their sites on a new target: special counsel Robert S. Mueller III. Having worked to help get Trump into the White House, they now worked to neutralize the biggest threat to his staying there. The Russian operatives unloaded on Mueller through fake accounts on Facebook, Twitter and beyond, falsely claiming that the former FBI director was corrupt and that the allegations of Russian interference in the 2016 election were crackpot conspiracies. One post on Instagram which emerged as an especially potent weapon in the Russian social media arsenal claimed that Mueller had worked in the past with radical Islamic groups. Such tactics exemplified how Russian teams ranged nimbly across social media platforms in a shrewd online influence operation aimed squarely at American voters. The effort started earlier than commonly understood and lasted longer while relying on the strengths of different sites to manipulate distinct slices of the electorate, according to a pair of comprehensive new reports prepared for the Senate Intelligence Committee and released Monday. Read more Timberg, Romm and Dwoskin report for the Washington Post. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement President Trump announces Mick Mulvaney as acting White House chief of staff By Associated Press President Trump says budget director Mick Mulvaney will serve as acting chief of staff, replacing John F. Kelly in the new year. I am pleased to announce that Mick Mulvaney, Director of the Office of Management & Budget, will be named Acting White House Chief of Staff, replacing General John Kelly, who has served our Country with distinction. Mick has done an outstanding job while in the Administration.... Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) December 14, 2018 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print It aint over when its over: In Michigan, Wisconsin and elsewhere, losers seek to undermine election results By Mark Z. Barabak Democrat Gavin Newsom has yet to become California governor, but already a candidate for state Republican Party chairman is promoting a recall effort. In Michigan and Wisconsin, GOP lawmakers have rushed through legislation to thwart their incoming Democratic governors and hamper others in the opposing party from doing the jobs voters chose them to do. In Congress, GOP leaders have echoed President Trump and sought to undermine the legitimacy of Democrats strong midterm performance, raising unsubstantiated allegations of fraud and political malfeasance. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print New CFPB Director Kathy Kraninger says she wont be a puppet of Mick Mulvaney By Jim Puzzanghera On her first full day leading the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau, Kathy Kraninger said she wont be a puppet of Mick Mulvaney, the controversial acting director whom she replaced in the powerful regulatory position. To underscore that point, the former White House aide said she would even reconsider a Mulvaney action that critics saw as a gratuitous jab at Democrats who championed the agencys creation: changing its name to the Bureau of Consumer Financial Protection. Kraningers declaration during a meeting with reporters Tuesday addressed one of the main criticisms of her selection. She is considered a protege of Mulvaney, her boss at the White House Office of Management and Budget who has executed a dramatic, industry-friendly shift at the watchdog agency. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trumps pick for chief of staff, Nick Ayers, out of running By Associated Press Nick Ayers, right, with Supreme Court Justice Neil Gorsuch, at the funeral service for George H.W. Bush on Dec. 3. (Jabin Botsford/The Washington Post via Associated Press) President Trumps top pick to replace John F. Kelly as chief of staff, Nick Ayers, is no longer expected to fill that role. Thats according to a White House official who is not authorized to discuss the personnel issue by name and spoke on condition of anonymity. Ayers is Vice President Mike Pences chief of staff. The official says that Trump and Ayers could not agree on Ayers length of service. The father of young children, Ayers had agreed to serve in an interim capacity though the spring, but Trump wanted a two-year commitment. The official says that Ayers will instead assist the president from outside the administration. Trump announced Saturday that Kelly would be departing the White House around the end of the year. Thank you @realDonaldTrump, @VP, and my great colleagues for the honor to serve our Nation at The White House. I will be departing at the end of the year but will work with the #MAGA team to advance the cause. #Georgia Nick Ayers (@nick_ayers) December 9, 2018 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement U.S. hiring slows to 155,000 jobs, unemployment rate holds at 3.7% By Jim Puzzanghera Job growth slowed significantly in November but still was solid, indicating the economy remains in good shape but not expanding so quickly that it will lead to sharply higher interest rates. U.S. employers added 155,000 jobs last month, well below analyst expectations and a steep decline from Octobers strong 237,000 figure, the Labor Department reported Friday. Still, monthly job gains are averaging 206,000 this year, the best since 2015. Even the slower pace of 170,000 over the last three months is close to last years average of 182,000 and well above the amount needed to keep up with population growth. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump is expected to pick State Department spokeswoman for U.N. ambassador By Associated Press Heather Nauert at a briefing at the State Department on Aug. 9, 2017. (Alex Brandon / Associated Press) President Trump is expected to nominate State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert to be the next U.S. ambassador to the United Nations. Two administration officials confirmed Trumps plans. A Republican congressional aide said the president was expected to announce his decision by tweet on Friday morning. The officials were not authorized to speak publicly before Trumps announcement. Trump has previously said Nauert was under serious consideration to replace Nikki Haley, who announced in October that she would step down at the end of this year. Trump has been known to change course on staffing decisions in the past. Nauert was a reporter for Fox News Channel before she became State Department spokeswoman under former Secretary Rex Tillerson. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Senate confirms new consumer financial protection chief: Kathy Kraninger, protege of industry-friendly Mick Mulvaney By Jim Puzzanghera The Senate, in a party-line vote Thursday, confirmed White House aide Kathy Kraninger to head the Consumer Financial Protection Bureau and experts predicted a continuation of the industry-friendly shift it has taken since President Trump installed an acting director last year. Kraninger is a protege of acting director and White House budget chief Mick Mulvaney, an outspoken critic of the agency that was created in the aftermath of the 2008 financial crisis to prevent predatory lending and other abuses that led to it. Democrats and consumer advocates have denounced him for sharply departing from the aggressive watchdog role the bureau had pursued under its first director, Obama-appointee Richard Cordray, including scaling back enforcement and moving to reassess tough new rules on payday loans and narrow the definition of abusive practices by banks and other firms. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Shutdown postponed by two weeks under plan approved by Congress By Erik Wasson Senate Minority Leader Charles E. Schumer (D-N.Y.), shown at the Capitol on Tuesday, says President Trumps border wall is a waste of money. (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) Congress passed a two-week stopgap spending bill that will delay the chance of a partial government shutdown until Dec. 22 as lawmakers and President Donald Trump negotiate over his demands to pay for a wall on the southern border. The House and Senate passed the measure Thursday without dissent, and Trump has indicated hell sign the bill before the current shutdown deadline of midnight Friday. Negotiations were delayed by memorial services this week for former President George H.W. Bush. The temporary measure gives Democrats and Republicans more time to find a resolution to their biggest hurdle: funding a wall on the U.S. Mexico border wall. Trump says he wants $5 billion for parts of a concrete wall on the southern border and is willing to shut down the government if he doesnt get it. Senate Minority Leader Chuck Schumer of New York has said Democrats will provide no more than $1.6 billion for border security, because the wall is a waste of money. The presidents demands for wall funding from Congress come after he said during the campaign that Mexico would pay for it. This week he said on Twitter that a $25 billion border wall would pay for itself in two months, without providing evidence. Most of the U.S. governments $1.2 trillion discretionary budget has been appropriated already by Congress for the fiscal year that began on Oct. 1. Departments at a risk of a partial shutdown late this month include the departments of State, Interior, Agriculture, Commerce, Justice, Treasury and Homeland Security. Talks to resolve the differences have been on hold since a meeting among Trump, Schumer and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi of California originally slated for Dec. 4 was postponed due to Bush memorial events. The three are scheduled to meet on Tuesday, according to a person familiar with the matter. Senate Appropriations Chairman Richard Shelby of Alabama told reporters the rest of the seven-bill spending package being negotiated is basically done. Shelby in recent weeks had tried to broker a compromise in which Trumps $5 billion request would be split over two years, but Schumer has rejected that. Some Democrats have been willing to trade border wall funding for deportation protections for young undocumented immigrants. Pelosi ruled out such a deal in remarks to reporters Thursday. The stopgap government funding measure also would extend the National Flood Insurance Program, which provides subsidized coverage for homes in flood-prone areas, to Dec. 21. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Bipartisan Senate group wants to formally blame Saudi crown prince for journalists killing By Karoun Demirjian Saudi Arabias Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman at the G-20 summit in Buenos Aires. (Associated Press) A bipartisan group of senators filed a resolution Wednesday condemning Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman as responsible for the killing of journalist Jamal Khashoggi, directly challenging President Trump to do the same. This resolution -- without equivocation -- definitively states that the crown prince of Saudi Arabia was complicit in the murder of Mr. [Jamal] Khashoggi and has been a wrecking ball to the region jeopardizing our national security interests on multiple fronts, Sen. Lindsey Graham (R-S.C.) said in a statement accompanying the release of the resolution. It will be up to Saudi Arabia as to how to deal with this matter. But it is up to the United States to firmly stand for who we are and what we believe. The resolution put forward by Graham and Sen. Dianne Feinstein (D-Calif.), who are expected to lead the Judiciary Committee together next year, comes just one day after CIA Director Gina Haspel briefed leading senators about the details of the agencys assessment that Mohammed ordered and monitored the killing and dismemberment of Khashoggi in the Saudi Consulate in Istanbul, Turkey. Senators emerged from that closed-door briefing furious not only with Saudi Arabia, but Trump as well for dismissing the heft of the CIAs findings. You have to be willfully blind not to come to the conclusion that this was orchestrated and organized by people under the command of MBS and that he was intricately involved in the demise of Mr. Khashoggi, Graham said following the briefing, referring to Mohammed by his initials. He added that Secretary of State Michael R. Pompeo and Defense Secretary James N. Mattis, who briefed senators last week, were at best being good soldiers and at worst were in the pocket of Saudi Arabia for presenting the evidence of Mohammeds involvement as inconclusive. The release of the resolution condemning Mohammed also comes as the Senate is preparing to move ahead with debate on a resolution to curtail U.S. support for the Saudi-led military campaign in Yemen. Though the Yemen resolution does not directly address Khashoggis murder, its popularity is a sign of how strained the United States patience with Saudi Arabia is on multiple fronts, including its role in worsening the civilian cost of the war in Yemen, cited by the United Nations as the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. Last week, the Senate voted 63 to 37 to advance the Yemen resolution past an opening procedural hurdle. But Graham and Feinsteins resolution on the crown prince has the potential of drawing broader support, especially from Republicans, who are deeply divided about how fiercely to punish Saudi Arabia over Khashoggis killing. Sen. Marco Rubio (R-Fla.), who has been an outspoken advocate for human rights and is seen as one of the more influential foreign policy voices in the GOP, did not vote for the Yemen resolution last week or sign on to a bipartisan measure last month to sanction Saudi officials and cease weapons transfers to the kingdom. But he is an original co-sponsor of the resolution condemning Mohammed over Khashoggis death. So is Sen. Todd Young (R-Ind.), who represents the other end of the GOP spectrum in terms of recent Saudi-related votes and endorsements. Young was an initial co-sponsor of the bill Graham wrote with Sen. Robert Menendez (D-N.J.) to sanction Saudi officials deemed responsible for Khashoggis killing and stop the sale of anything but exclusively defensive weapons to the kingdom until it ceased hostilities in Yemen. Young also voted to advance the Yemen resolution something Graham did as well, though Graham has signaled he will not be lending any similar support to the measure, fearing it may establish a precedent of invoking the War Powers Act too broadly. Sens. Edward J. Markey (D-Mass.) and Chris Coons (D-Del.) are listed as original co-sponsors of the resolution condemning Mohammed, which also urges Saudi Arabia to negotiate with Houthi rebels to end the Yemen war, work out a political solution to its standoff with Qatar and release political prisoners. But how much sway the resolution has probably comes down to how forcefully the administration decides to heed it -- and thus far, Trump has not shown any interest in condemning the crown prince the way the senators hope he will. Demirjian reports for the Washington Post. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Los Angeles County offices and U.S. Postal Service closed Wednesday in honor of George H.W. Bush By Brian Park The Honor Guard carries the casket of former U.S. President George H. W. Bush following his funeral on Dec. 5 in Washington, DC. (Doug Mills - Pool/Getty Images) The U.S. Postal Service will suspend regular mail delivery Wednesday, which President Trump has declared a national day of mourning in honor of former President George H.W. Bush. All retail postal outlets will be closed, and package delivery will be limited. In Los Angeles, all nonessential county departments, offices and libraries will be closed for the day, L.A. County officials said. The Los Angeles County Library said no overdue fines will be assessed for books, and due dates will be moved forward one week. Los Angeles County Department of Public Health offices also are closed Wednesday. The Sheriffs Department, Fire Department, clinics and hospitals will continue to operate, the county said. The Los Angeles County Department of Mental Health clinics are being operated with reduced staffing, and the department asked patients to confirm or reschedule any appointments. All county courts and the disaster recovery centers for the Woolsey fire in Malibu and Agoura Hills will remain open. Larger federal government operations will be closed Wednesday. To honor the life and legacy of President Bush, the Postal Service will observe the National Day of Mourning. Learn how Postal operations will be affected. https://t.co/Mffch7bPCh pic.twitter.com/vG46BsIOpm U.S. Postal Service (@USPS) December 4, 2018 L.A. County offices and libraries will be closed tomorrow (Dec 5) in observance of the #NationalDayOfMourning for President George H. W. Bush. The Countys Disaster Recovery Centers in Malibu & Agoura Hills will remain open from 10 a.m. - 8 p.m. pic.twitter.com/Sv1J7GoJ7T Los Angeles County (@CountyofLA) December 4, 2018 @LAPublicHealth offices will be closed tomorrow December 5 in observance of the national Day of Mourning for President George H. W. Bush. Essential Services including clinics and other services will remain open: https://t.co/tZGoGGHRlg pic.twitter.com/ypXsV6vlYY LA Public Health (@lapublichealth) December 4, 2018 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Former Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick to skip 2020 White House race, sources say By Associated Press Massachusetts Gov. Deval Patrick speaks during an interview in Boston on Dec. 15, 2014. (Elise Amendola / Associated Press) Former Gov. Deval Patrick of Massachusetts will soon announce he wont launch a 2020 presidential campaign, according to three sources familiar with his plans. They did not say why the Democrat decided against a run. A formal announcement was delayed as the country observed a day of mourning for President George H.W. Bush, one source said. News of Patricks plans was first reported by Politico. Patrick, 62, served two terms as governor, from 2007 to 2015, was assistant attorney general for civil rights in the Clinton administration and since leaving the governors office has been a managing director for Bain Capital. Patrick traveled the country in support of Democratic candidates in the recent midterm election. Earlier this year, some of Patricks supporters and close advisors started the Reason to Believe political action committee, a grassroots organization dedicated to advancing a positive, progressive vision for our nation in 2018 and 2020. Reason to Believe PAC had been holding meetups across the country, including in early presidential primary states. While Patrick is opting against a 2020 run, dozens of Democrats are considering jumping in, including nearly a half-dozen members of the Senate, several House members, and other Massachusetts politicians. On Tuesday, Michael Avenatti, the attorney for adult film star Stormy Daniels and a vocal critic of President Trump, said in a statement that he would run. Patrick had previously expressed some concerns about breaking through if he sought the nomination, telling David Axelrod, a former advisor to President Obama, that he wasnt sure he could stand out in such a large field. Its hard to see how you even get noticed in such a big, broad field without being shrill, sensational or a celebrity, and Im none of those things and Im never going to be any of those things, Patrick said in a September interview with Axelrod. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Former Trump adviser Roger Stone invokes 5th Amendment right and wont testify before Senate Judiciary Committee By Associated Press Roger Stone in 2017. (Joe Raedle / Getty Images) Roger Stone, an associate of President Trump, says he wont provide testimony or documents to the Senate Judiciary Committee. An attorney for Stone said in a letter to Sen. Dianne Feinstein, the committees top Democrat, that Stone was invoking his 5th Amendment right against self-incrimination in refusing to produce documents or appear for an interview. Stone has been entangled in investigations by Congress and special counsel Robert S. Mueller III about whether Trump aides had advance knowledge of Democratic emails published by WikiLeaks during the 2016 election. Stone has not been charged and has said he had no knowledge of the timing or specifics of WikiLeaks plans. In the letter to Feinstein, Stone said the committees requests were far too overbroad, far too overreaching and far too wide-ranging. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Watch live: Vice President Pence and lawmakers honor George H.W. Bush at the U.S. Capitol before he lies in state Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Rebuilding crumbling infrastructure has bipartisan support. But who gets to pay for it? By Jim Puzzanghera The grades for major U.S. infrastructure would give any parent indigestion if they were on a childs report card. Roads: D; bridges: C+; dams: D; ports: C+: railways: B; airports: D; schools: D+; public transit: D-. The nations overall grade: D+, which translates to being in fair to poor condition and mostly below standards with significant deterioration and a strong risk of failure, according to an evaluation last year by the American Society of Civil Engineers. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump calls former lawyer Michael Cohen a weak person who is lying By Associated Press President Trump says his former lawyer Michael Cohen is lying to get a reduced sentence. The president is reacting to Cohens guilty plea Thursday to lying to Congress about work he did on a Trump real estate project in Russia. During a surprise court hearing, Cohen admitted to lying in testimony to the Senate Intelligence Committee about a plan to build a Trump Tower in Moscow. Cohen in his guilty plea said he made the false statements to be consistent with Trumps political message. Cohens lawyer says he continues to cooperate with special counsel Robert S. Mueller IIIs investigation into Russian election interference and possible coordination with Trump associates. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print As California Republicans confront a congressional wipeout, GOP leader Kevin McCarthy faces a reckoning By Mark Z. Barabak When the House voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Kevin McCarthy trooped with other Republican lawmakers to a splashy Rose Garden celebration, smiling alongside President Trump as they celebrated the moment. As majority leader, McCarthy had helped round up the votes to narrowly pass the hard-fought legislation, convincing 13 other California Republicans to go along, even though several faced tough reelection fights. Fewer than half will be returning in January. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print As California Republicans confront a congressional wipeout, GOP leader Kevin McCarthy faces a reckoning By Sarah D. Wire When the House voted to repeal the Affordable Care Act, Kevin McCarthy trooped with other Republican lawmakers to a splashy Rose Garden celebration, smiling alongside President Trump as they celebrated the moment. As majority leader, McCarthy had helped round up the votes to narrowly pass the hard-fought legislation, convincing 13 other California Republicans to go along, even though several faced tough reelection fights. Fewer than half will be returning in January. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Michael Cohen, President Trumps ex-lawyer, pleads guilty to lying to Congress about Trump real estate project in Russia By Associated Press Michael Cohen, President Trumps former personal lawyer, pursued a Russian real estate project on candidate Trumps behalf well into the 2016 campaign, he said Thursday while pleading guilty to lying to Congress. Cohen had previously said that the project was abandoned in January 2016, but he now admits he continued to pursue a deal and says he updated Trump and members of his family about the negotiations, according to a new court document. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement James Comey says acting Atty. Gen. Whitaker may not be the sharpest knife in our drawer By John Wagner Acting Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitaker speaks at the Justice Department in Washington on Nov. 14. (Pablo Martinez Monsivais / Associated Press) Former FBI Director James B. Comey apparently isnt too impressed with the mental prowess of President Trumps acting attorney general. Matthew Whitaker may not be the sharpest knife in our drawer, Comey said during a radio interview on Monday night in which he sized up the man Trump installed this month to replace ousted Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions. Comey was asked by WGBH News in Boston if he thinks Whitaker could derail the investigation of special counsel Robert S. Mueller III into Russian interference in the 2016 presidential election. Whitaker has spoken critically of the probe, and Trump as recently as Tuesday continues to call it a witch hunt. I think its a worry, but to my mind not a serious worry, Comey said. The institution is too strong, and [Whitaker], frankly, is not strong enough to have that kind of impact. He may not be the sharpest knife in our drawer, but he can see his future and knows that if he acted in an extralegal way, he would go down in history for the wrong reasons, and Im sure he doesnt want that, added Comey, who was fired by Trump last year and later wrote a book that portrays the president as an ego-driven congenital liar. Whitaker, a former U.S. attorney in Iowa, was Sessions chief of staff before being picked by Trump to lead the Justice Department. Trump has called Whitaker a very smart man. Earlier this year, Trump called Comey an untruthful slime ball. Wagner writes for the Washington Post. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Interior Department watchdog clears Zinke in investigation of Utah national monument By Juliet Eilperin Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke, third from the left, and Gov. Jerry Brown tour fire damage in Paradise, Calif., on Nov. 14. (Rich Pedroncelli / Associated Press) The Interior Departments Office of Inspector General has cleared Secretary Ryan Zinke in a probe of whether he redrew boundaries of a national monument in Utah to aid the financial interests of a Republican state lawmaker and stalwart supporter of President Trump. In a Nov. 21 letter to Zinkes deputy, David Bernhardt, Deputy Inspector General Mary Kendall wrote that her office found no evidence that the secretary or his aides changed the boundaries of Utahs Grand Staircase-Escalante National Monument in an effort to help former Utah state representative Mike Noel, who serves as executive director of the Kane County Water Conservancy District. Last December, Trump shrank the monument, first established by President Clinton in 1996, by 46% based on Zinkes recommendation. Noel owns 40 acres that had been surrounded by the monument, but now lies outside its boundaries. The new boundaries also would make it easier to construct the proposed Lake Powell Pipeline, which would deliver water to sites in Kane County that include Noels property. Earlier this year, the Interior Department had proposed selling off 120 acres of federal land from the former monument that lay adjacent to some of Noels land holdings, but later reversed the plan. We found no evidence that Noel influenced the DOIs proposed revisions to the [monuments] boundaries, that Zinke or other DOI staff involved in the project were aware of Noels financial interest in the revised boundaries, or that they gave Noel any preferential treatment in the resulting proposed boundaries, Kendall wrote. Neither the Interior Department nor the inspector generals office would release the actual investigative report. In the letter, Kendall writes that her office will provide the report to Congress no sooner than 31 days from Nov. 21, when it is provided it to Zinkes office. The Associated Press first reported the inspector generals conclusions Monday night, but did not provide details from the report itself. Noel emailed Zinke about the effort to alter Grand Staircase-Escalante, according to emails released by Interior under the Freedom of Informational Act. But those emails do not make references to Noels land holdings. Noel also pushed to rename a Utah highway in honor of Trump, but abandoned that effort in March after some of his fellow Republicans objected to the idea. Noel did not respond to requests for comment Tuesday. The inspector generals office still has at least two ongoing probes of the secretary, including one focused on his real estate dealings in Whitefish, Mont., and another regarding his decision to deny a permit to two Connecticut tribes who were hoping to jointly run a casino after MGM Resorts International lobbied against it. Interior Department spokeswoman Heather Swift welcomed the watchdogs conclusions. The report shows exactly what the secretarys office has known all along that the monument boundaries were adjusted in accordance with all rules, regulations and laws, she said in an email. This report is also the latest example of opponents and special interest groups ginning up fake and misleading stories, only to be proven false after expensive and time consuming inquiries by the IGs office. But Kendalls spokeswoman, Nancy DiPaolo, defended the inquiry, even though she said the report has not been publicly released and we will not be speaking specifically about the matter at this time. The OIG opens investigations based on credible allegations and reports our findings objectively and independently, DiPaolo added. Any time or resources spent investigating conduct or activity that may be a violation of law, regulation or policy is a service to the public, Congress and the Department. Rep. Raul Grijalva of Arizona, the top Democrat on the House Natural Resources Committee, said in a statement that he still intended to investigate the way Zinke and his colleague redrew the boundaries for Grand Staircase-Escalante and another Utah national monument, Bears Ears, next year. I have great respect for the inspector general, and I accept these findings, but Secretary Zinke should have known the people he listened to while destroying our national monuments had disqualifying conflicts of interest, he said. Should I chair the Natural Resources Committee in the next Congress, the process he and President Trump used to destroy Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante will be front and center in our oversight and investigations efforts. We need to know why they ignored overwhelming public expressions of support for both Bears Ears and Grand Staircase-Escalante, why they ignored Native American tribes throughout their decision-making, and why they removed protections on parcels of land with known mineral deposits. Eilperin and Rein report for the Washington Post. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump advisor Larry Kudlow says China must do more to end trade war By Jim Puzzanghera Larry Kudlow, President Trumps top economic advisor, said Tuesday that Chinas response to U.S. efforts to rework the two economic superpowers trade relationship has been extremely disappointing but the planned meeting this weekend between the nations leaders is an opportunity for a breakthrough. They have to do more. They must do more, Larry Kudlow, director of the White House National Economic Council, told reporters ahead of a Saturday dinner between Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping at the Group of 20 Summit in Argentina. I think the president is exactly right to show strong backbone when prior administrations did not, to break through these Chinese walls, Kudlow said. Theyre so resistant to change. We have to protect the country. We have to protect our technology, our inventiveness, our innovation. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Watch live: White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders holds a media briefing amid tensions at the border By Los Angeles Times Staff Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Democrat TJ Cox grabs lead over Republican David Valadao in nations last remaining undecided House race By Maya Sweedler Democrat TJ Cox slipped past Republican incumbent David Valadao on Monday to take the lead in the countrys sole remaining undecided congressional race, positioning Democrats to pick up their seventh House seat in California and 40th nationwide. Cox, who trailed by nearly 4,400 votes on election night, has steadily gained as ballot counting continues nearly three weeks after the Nov. 6 election, a pattern consistent with the states recent voting history. On Monday, he pulled ahead by 438 votes after Kern County updated its results. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Former CIA director Michael Hayden hospitalized after suffering a stroke By Deanna Paul Then-CIA Director Michael Hayden testifies before a Senate committee in 2008. (Saul Loeb / Getty Images) Former CIA Director and retired Air Force Gen. Michael Hayden has been hospitalized after suffering a stroke, his family said Friday. He is receiving expert medical care for which the family is grateful, according to a statement issued by his namesake organization. The General and his family greatly appreciate the warm wishes and prayers of his friends, colleagues, and supporters. Hayden, 73, served as director of the CIA and National Security Agency during the George W. Bush and Obama administrations. He retired from the CIA in 2009. Hayden has been a vocal critic of Donald Trumps campaign and presidency. Earlier this year, after Trump decided to revoke the security clearance of former CIA director John Brennan, Hayden was one of several former intelligence leaders who signed a statement in opposition. Criticizing the president for crossing a line, he quickly became one of the individuals whose security clearance Trump threatened to review. Deanna Paul writes for the Washington Post. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump tells troops hes thankful for what hes done for the U.S. and rails against courts and migrants By Associated Press President Trump talks with troops via teleconference from his estate in Palm Beach, Fla., on Thanksgiving. (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) President Trump used his Thanksgiving Day call to troops deployed overseas to pat himself on the back and air grievances about the courts, trade and migrants heading to the U.S.-Mexico border. Trumps call, made from his opulent private Mar-a-Lago club in Palm Beach, Fla., struck an unusually political tone as he spoke with members of all five branches of the military to wish them happy holidays. Its a disgrace, Trump said of judges who have blocked his attempts to overhaul U.S. immigration law, as he linked his efforts to secure the border with military missions overseas. Trump later threatened to close the U.S. border with Mexico for an undisclosed period of time if his administration determines Mexico has lost control on its side. The call was a uniquely Trump blend of boasting, peppered questions and off-the-cuff observations as his comments veered from venting about slights to praising troops You really are our heroes, he said as club waiters worked to set Thanksgiving dinner tables on the outdoor terrace behind him. It was yet another show of how Trump has dramatically transformed the presidency, erasing the traditional divisions between domestic policy and military matters and efforts to keep the troops clear of politics. You probably see over the news whats happening on our southern border, Trump told one Air Force brigadier general stationed at Bagram Airfield in Afghanistan, adding: I dont have to even ask you. I know what you want to do, you want to make sure that you know who were letting in. Later, Trump asked a U.S. Coast Guard commander about trade, which he noted was a very big subject for him personally. Weve been taken advantage of for many, many years by bad trade deals, Trump told the commander, who sheepishly replied, Mr. President, from our perspective on the water we dont see any issues in terms of trade right now. And throughout, Trump congratulated himself, telling the officers that the country is doing exceptionally well on his watch. I hope that youll take solace in knowing that all of the American families you hold so close to your heart are all doing well, he said. The nations doing well economically, better than anybody in the world. He later told reporters, Nobodys done more for the military than me. Indeed, asked what he was thankful for this Thanksgiving, Trump cited his great family as well as himself. I made a tremendous difference in this country, he said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump contradicts CIA assessment that Saudi crown prince ordered Jamal Khashoggi killing By Josh Dawsey | Washington Post (Susan Walsh / Associated Press) President Trump on Thursday contradicted the CIAs assessment that Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman had ordered the killing of Washington Post columnist Jamal Khashoggi, insisting that the agency had feelings but did not firmly place blame for the death. Trump, in defiant remarks to reporters from his Mar-a-Lago resort in Florida, defended his continued support for Mohammed in the face of a CIA assessment that the crown prince had ordered the killing. He denies it vehemently, Trump said. He said his own conclusion was that maybe he did, maybe he didnt. I hate the crime .... I hate the cover-up. I will tell you this: The crown prince hates it more than I do, Trump said. Asked who should be held accountable for the death of Khashoggi, who was killed at the Saudi Consulate in Turkey, Trump refused to place blame. Maybe the world should be held accountable because the world is a very, very vicious place, the president said. He also seemed to suggest that all U.S. allies were guilty of the same behavior, declaring that if the others were held to the standard that critics have held Saudi Arabia to in recent days, we wouldnt be able to have anyone for an ally. Trumps remarks came after he held a conference call with U.S. military officers overseas, during which he repeatedly praised his administration and sought to draw the officers into discussions of domestic policy. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Former FBI Director James Comey gets subpoena from House Republicans By Bloomberg Former FBI Director James B. Comey said he has received a subpoena from House Republicans, according to a Twitter post on Thursday. Bloomberg News reported last week that Comey would be receiving a subpoena alongside former Atty. Gen. Loretta Lynch as part of continuing probes into their handling of investigations into Hillary Clinton and Russian election meddling, according to a top House Democrat. Happy Thanksgiving. Got a subpoena from House Republicans. Im still happy to sit in the light and answer all questions. But I will resist a closed door thing because Ive seen enough of their selective leaking and distortion. Lets have a hearing and invite everyone to see. James Comey (@Comey) November 22, 2018 Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Republican David Valadaos lead slips to 447 votes over Democrat TJ Cox in still-undecided Central Valley House race By Mark Z. Barabak Rep. David Valadao (R-Hanford), right, finds himself in an increasingly harrowing cliffhanger against Democrat TJ Cox. (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) On election night, it looked like Rep. David Valadao had survived a close shave and was destined to return to Washington for his fourth term. But on Wednesday, when Fresno County announced its latest vote totals, the Hanford Republican found himself in an increasingly harrowing cliffhanger against Democrat TJ Cox, with his lead in the Central Valley district shrunken to 447 votes. Thousands remain to be counted. Valadao, a repeated Democratic target, finished election night with a lead of nearly 4,440 votes. Cox, an engineer and a business owner who unsuccessfully ran for Congress in 2006, has steadily gained ground in the 21st Congressional District ever since. The trend is consistent with historic patterns showing Republicans in California tend to vote early and Democrats later, meaning their mail ballots continue to stream in past election day. Under California law, ballots postmarked up to midnight on Nov. 6 will be counted. Democrats have already picked up six House seats in California. They ousted Reps. Dana Rohrabacher, Mimi Walters, Steve Knight and Jeff Denham and won the seats of retiring Reps. Ed Royce and Darrell Issa. All six represented districts that backed Hillary Clinton over Donald Trump in 2016. Valadao was the seventh California Republican in a district Clinton won, though his previous successes he last won reelection by a 14-point margin suggested his ouster was a longer shot for Democrats. If Cox prevails, it would give Democrats a 40-seat gain nationwide, far more than the 23 seats needed to take control when Congress reconvenes in January. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump says no new punishments against Saudi Arabia in Jamal Khashoggi murder By Eli Stokols In this Oct. 25 photo, candles are lit in front of a photo of Saudi journalist Jamal Khashoggi. (Lefteris Pitarakis) President Trump made it clear on Tuesday that he does not intend to punish Saudi Arabia or Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman for the murder of dissident journalist Jamal Khashoggi, an American resident killed by Saudi officials in Turkey in October. In a remarkable statement replete with exclamation points, Trump cast doubt on the CIAs reported conclusions that it has a high degree of confidence that the crown prince ordered Khashoggis murder and sent his closest allies to Saudi Arabias consulate in Istanbul to carry it out. Read MoreThis article has been updated with staff. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Sixteen House Democrats vow to oppose Nancy Pelosi as next speaker By Mike DeBonis | Washington Post House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (J. Scott Applewhite / Associated Press) Sixteen House Democrats said Monday that they will vote to deny Rep. Nancy Pelosi another stint as House speaker, a show of defiance that puts her opponents on the cusp of forcing a seismic leadership shake-up as their party prepares to take the majority. Their pledge to oppose Pelosi (D-San Francisco), both in an internal caucus election and a Jan. 3 floor vote, delivered in a letter sent to Democratic colleagues, comes as Pelosi has marshaled a legion of supporters on and off Capitol Hill to make her case. But her opponents said Monday they are convinced it is time to select a new leader. We are thankful to Leader Pelosi for her years of service to our Country and to our Caucus, they wrote. However, we also recognize that in this recent election, Democrats ran on and won on a message of change. Pelosi has expressed complete confidence that she will retake the speakers gavel in January eight years after she lost it following massive Republican gains in the 2010 midterms and 16 years after she was first elevated to the top Democratic leadership post in the House. Come on in, the waters fine, she said Friday about a potential leadership challenge. The signers might not be able to force Pelosi out themselves. The size of the Democratic majority remains in flux, but Democrats have already won 232 seats, according to the Associated Press, with five races still undecided. All those races have Republican incumbents, but the Democratic challenger is ahead in only one of them. If the leads hold in the uncalled races, Democrats would have won 233 seats, a 16-seat majority. That means Pelosi could lose as many as 15 Democratic votes when she stands for election as speaker on Jan. 3. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Democratic senators sue over Whitakers appointment as acting attorney general By Associated Press Acting U.S. Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitaker (Nicholas Kamm / AFP/Getty Images) Three Senate Democrats filed a lawsuit Monday arguing that Acting Atty. Gen. Matthew Whitakers appointment is unconstitutional and asking a federal judge to remove him. The suit, filed by Sens. Richard Blumenthal of Connecticut, Mazie Hirono of Hawaii and Sheldon Whitehouse of Rhode Island, argues that Whitakers appointment violates the Constitution because he has not been confirmed by the Senate. Whitaker was chief of staff to Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions and was elevated to the top job after Sessions was ousted by President Trump on Nov. 7. The Constitutions Appointments Clause requires that the Senate confirm all principal officials before they can serve in their office. The Justice Department released a legal opinion last week that said Whitakers appointment would not violate the clause because he is serving in an acting capacity. The opinion concluded that Whitaker, even without Senate confirmation, may serve in an acting capacity because he has been at the department for more than a year at a sufficiently senior pay level. President Trump is denying senators our constitutional obligation and opportunity to do our job: scrutinizing the nomination of our nations top law enforcement official, Blumenthal said in a statement. The reason is simple: Whitaker would never pass the advice and consent test. In selecting a so-called constitutional nobody and thwarting every senators constitutional duty, Trump leaves us no choice but to seek recourse through the courts. The lawsuit comes days after a Washington lawyer challenged Whitakers appointment in a pending Supreme Court case dealing with gun rights. The attorney, Thomas Goldstein, asked the high court to find that Whitakers appointment is unconstitutional and replace him with Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein. Rosenstein, the second-ranking Justice Department official, has been confirmed by the Senate and had been overseeing special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation. Whitaker is now overseeing the investigation. The Justice Department issued a statement Monday defending Whitakers appointment as lawful and said it comports with the Appointments Clause, the Federal Vacancies Reform Act and legal precedent. There are over 160 instances in American history in which non-Senate confirmed persons performed, on a temporary basis, the duties of a Senate-confirmed position, Justice Department spokeswoman Kerri Kupec said. To suggest otherwise is to ignore centuries of practice and precedent. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Gov. Rick Scott says Sen. Bill Nelson concedes Florida Senate race By Associated Press Republican Senate candidate Rick Scott speaks with his wife, Ann, by his side at an election watch party in Naples, Fla., on Nov. 7. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) Floridas Republican Gov. Rick Scott says incumbent Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson called him to concede defeat in their extremely tight race. Scott issued a statement Sunday saying Nelson graciously conceded their Senate race shortly after the states recount ended. The final results show Scott defeated Nelson by just over 10,000 votes out of 8 million cast. Nelson is scheduled to release a videotaped statement later Sunday. The defeat ends Nelsons lengthy political career. The three-term incumbent was first elected to the U.S. Senate in 2000. Before that he served six terms in the U.S. House and as state treasurer and insurance commissioner for six years. Scott spent more than $60 million of his own money on ads that portrayed Nelson as out-of-touch and ineffective. Nelson responded by questioning Scotts ethics and saying he would be under the sway of President Trump. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Orange County goes blue, as Democrats complete historic sweep of its seven congressional seats By Michael Finnegan Gil Cisneros defeated Republican Young Kim on Saturday in the last of Orange Countys undecided House races, giving Democrats a clean sweep of the states six most fiercely fought congressional contests and marking an epochal shift in a region long synonymous with political conservatism. With Cisneros victory, Democrats will constitute the entirety of Orange Countys seven-member congressional delegation, the first time since the 1930s that the birthplace of Richard Nixon, home of John Wayne and spiritual center of the Republican Party will have no GOP representative in the House. Sitting back in the 1960s, I would never have believed this would happen, said Stuart K. Spencer, a party strategist who spent more than half a century ushering Republicans, including President Reagan, into office. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Going, going ... with midterm wipeout, California Republican Party drifts closer to irrelevance By Michael Finnegan For a party in freefall the last two decades, California Republicans learned that its possible to plunge even further. The GOP not only lost every statewide office in the midterm election again, in blowout fashion but Democrats reestablished their supermajority in Sacramento, allowing them to legislate however they see fit After major defeats in Orange County and the Central Valley, two longtime strongholds, Republicans will have a significantly smaller footprint on Capitol Hill. (Democrats hold both Senate seats.) When the vote-counting is finished, the GOP may not even have enough lawmakers in Californias 53-member House delegation to field a nine-person softball team. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Congresswoman-elect Katie Porter says she will support Rep. Nancy Pelosi for speaker By Maya Sweedler Democratic Rep.-elect Katie Porter is congratulated by volunteers at her campaign headquarters in Irvine. (Allen J. Schaben / Los Angeles Times) Congresswoman-elect Katie Porter said she plans to support Rep. Nancy Pelosis bid for speaker of the House and will make campaign finance reform her top priority when she enters the chamber in January. Im going to continue to have conversations, but so far I feel like Leader Pelosi is definitely making the things that were a priority to the families that elected me her priorities, including announcing her support for campaign finance reform and anti-corruption as HR1, Porter said in her first public appearance since being declared the winner in Californias 45th Congressional District on Thursday evening. It means a lot to me that she is a Californian. She understands our state, Porter added. When we talk about environmental protections, this is a person who understands as a Californian how fragile our environment is and whats at risk in things like drilling off our coasts. Porter, a law professor at UC Irvine, defeated two-term Republican Rep. Mimi Walters. The 45th District, covering inland Orange County, has never been represented by a Democrat. Porter became the third Democrat to claim a Republican-held seat in Orange County, following the victories of Harley Rouda in the 48th District and Mike Levin in the 49th. A fourth, Gil Cisneros, is running slightly ahead of his Republican opponent in the race for the open seat in the 39th District, which extends into Los Angeles and San Bernardino counties. Porter attributed the massive political shift in the county, for decades a conservative stronghold, to increased levels of political engagement. Folks here care about education, they care about the environment, they believe climate change is real, they want healthcare that protects preexisting conditions, they want a tax system that doesnt punish California, they want our schools and places of worship to be safe from gun violence, she said. Those are the issues we campaigned on, and to the extent that Donald Trump and Mimi Walters were on the wrong side of those issues, the voters have made clear what direction they want us to go. Porter was flying back from the East Coast when her race was called, she said. She turned on her phone to find 167 text messages from friends and supporters. Among them was Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.), who was one of Porters teachers in law school and with whom she has remained close. The pair spoke via FaceTime this morning, she said. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Bitter battle for Senate seat in Florida goes to hand recount By Associated Press Employees look through damaged ballots during a recount Thursday in West Palm Beach, Fla. (Wilfredo Lee / Associated Press) Floridas acrimonious battle for the U.S. Senate headed Thursday to a legally required hand recount after an initial review by ballot-counting machines showed Republican Gov. Rick Scott and Democratic Sen. Bill Nelson separated by less than 13,000 votes. But the highly watched contest for governor between Republican Ron DeSantis and Democrat Andrew Gillum appeared to be over, with a machine recount showing DeSantis with a large enough advantage over Gillum to avoid a hand recount in that race. Gillum, who conceded the contest on election night only to retract his concession later, said in a statement that it is not over until every legally casted vote is counted. The recount so far has been fraught with problems. One large Democratic stronghold in South Florida was unable to finish its machine recount by the Thursday deadline due to machines breaking down. A federal judge rejected a request to extend the recount deadline. We gave a heroic effort, said Palm Beach County Supervisor of Elections Susan Bucher. If the county had three or four more hours, it would have made the deadline to recount ballots in the Senate race, she said. Meanwhile, election officials in another urban county in the Tampa Bay area decided against turning in the results of their machine recount, which came up with 846 fewer votes than originally counted. Media in South Florida reported that Broward County finished its machine recount but missed the deadline by a few minutes. Counties were ordered last weekend to do a machine recount of three statewide races because the margins were so tight. The next stage is a manual review of ballots that were not counted by machines to see whether there is a way to figure out voter intent. Scott called on Nelson to end the recount battle. Its time for Nelson to respect the will of the voters and graciously bring this process to an end rather than proceed with yet another count of the votes which will yield the same result and bring more embarrassment to the state that we both love and have served, the governor said in a statement. The recount has triggered multiple lawsuits, many of them filed by Nelson and Democrats. The legal battles drew the ire of U.S. District Judge Mark E. Walker, who slammed the state for repeatedly failing to anticipate election problems. He also said the state law on recounts appears to violate the U.S. Supreme Court ruling that decided the presidency in 2000. We have been the laughingstock of the world, election after election, and we chose not to fix this, Walker said during a morning hearing. Walker vented his anger at state lawmakers and Palm Beach County officials, saying they should have made sure they had enough equipment in place to handle this kind of a recount. But he said he could not extend the recount deadline because he did not know when Palm Beach County would finish its work. This court must be able to craft a remedy with knowledge that it will not prove futile, Walker wrote in his ruling turning down the request from Democrats. It cannot do so on this record. This court does not and will not fashion a remedy in the dark. The overarching problem was created by the Florida Legislature, which Walker said passed a recount law that appears to run afoul of the 2000 Bush vs. Gore decision by locking in procedures that do not allow for potential problems. A total of six election-related lawsuits are pending in federal court in Tallahassee as well at least one lawsuit filed in state court. Walker also ordered that voters be given until 5 p.m. Saturday to show a valid identification and fix their ballots if they have not been counted due to mismatched signatures. Republicans appealed the ruling, but an appeals court turned down the request. State officials testified that nearly 4,000 mailed-in ballots were set aside because local officials decided the signatures on the envelopes did not match the signatures on file. If those voters can prove their identity, their votes will be counted and included in final official returns due from each county by noon Sunday. Walker was asked by Democrats to require local officials to provide a list of people whose ballots were rejected. But the judge appointed by President Obama refused the request, calling it inappropriate. Under state law, a hand review is required with races that have a margin of 0.25 percentage points or less. A state website put the unofficial results showing Scott ahead of Nelson by 0.15 percentage points. The margin between DeSantis and Gillum was at 0.41 points. The margin between Scott and Nelson had not changed much in the last few days, conceded Marc Elias, an attorney working for Nelsons campaign. But he said that he expected the vote tally to shrink due to the hand recount and the ruling on signatures. The developments fueled frustrations among Democrats and Republicans alike. Democrats want state officials to do whatever it takes to make sure every eligible vote is counted. Republicans, including President Trump, have argued without evidence that voter fraud threatens to steal races from the GOP. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Democrat Gil Cisneros pulls ahead of Republican Young Kim as more votes are tallied in Orange and San Bernardino counties By Michael Finnegan Congressional candidate Gil Cisneros (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times) Democrat Gil Cisneros pulled ahead of Republican Young Kim in one of Californias undecided congressional races Thursday, an ominous sign for a GOP already reeling from its loss of four House seats in the state. In updated vote counts released by the registrars for Orange and San Bernardino counties, Kim fell 941 votes behind Cisneros in the contest to succeed Republican Rep. Ed Royce in Californias 39th Congressional District. The 39th straddles Los Angeles, San Bernardino and Orange counties. In another unresolved House race, Democrat Katie Porter pulled further ahead of Republican incumbent Mimi Walters in the 45th District, which includes Mission Viejo, Tustin, Irvine, Rancho Santa Margarita and Laguna Hills. Porter, a consumer attorney and UC Irvine law professor, is now 6,203 votes ahead. The Nov. 6 midterm election has been devastating to Republicans in California. If Cisneros and Porter win, the party will have lost six of its 14 House seats in the state, essentially a wipeout in every contest that both parties spent heavily to win. The three Republicans already bounced from Congress are Reps. Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa, Steve Knight of Palmdale and Jeff Denham of Turlock in the San Joaquin Valley. Democrat Mike Levin won the seat of retiring GOP Rep. Darrell Issa of Vista in the fourth district flipped so far. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Florida Senate race likely headed to second recount By Associated Press A Palm Beach County Sheriffs deputy walks past boxes of ballots before a recount on Nov. 15 in West Palm Beach, Fla. (Wilfredo Lee) Unofficial Florida election results show that the governors race seems to be settled after a machine recount but the U.S. Senate race is likely headed to a hand recount. Republican Ron DeSantis is virtually assured of winning the nationally watched governors race over Democrat Andrew Gillum. Florida finished a machine recount Thursday that showed Gillum without enough votes to force a manual recount. Unofficial results posted on a state website show the margin between U.S. Sen. Bill Nelson and Gov. Rick Scott is still thin enough to trigger a second review. State law requires a hand recount of races with a margin of 0.25 percentage point or less. Counties have until Sunday to inspect the ballots that did not record a vote when put through the machines. Those ballots are re-examined to see whether the voter skipped the race or marked the ballot in a way that the machines cannot read but can be deciphered. The election will be certified Tuesday. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Pelosi says she has the votes to become the next House speaker By John Wagner Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi speaks during a news conference in Washington on Nov. 14. (Susan Walsh) House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi insisted Thursday that she has the votes to become the chambers speaker despite solid opposition from more than a dozen Democrats who want fresh leadership when the party takes control next year. I have overwhelming support in my caucus to be speaker of the House, the San Francisco lawmaker told reporters. I happen to think at this point, Im the best person for that. A vote within the Democratic caucus is scheduled for Nov. 28. The full House votes on Jan. 3 to elect a new speaker. During her remarks, Pelosi touted the size of the Democratic victory in the midterms, which she called almost a tsunami. With a few races still to be decided, Democrats are poised to pick up close to 40 seats in the chamber. Pelosi called that the biggest victory for the Democrats since 1974, when the Watergate babies came in. Pelosis comments come as she faces solid opposition from at least 17 Democrats, setting the stage for a battle over who will ascend to one of the most powerful positions in Washington. After a campaign in which some Democrats prevailed in competitive districts by promising to oppose her, a coalition of incumbents and newly elected members has denied her a smooth path to the speakership. The defections, if they stand, would leave Pelosi, who has led the Democrats for more than 15 years, several votes short of the 218 she would need when the full House votes for speaker Jan. 3. However, no Democrat has stepped forward to run against her for a job she held from 2007 through 2010. Rep. Marcia Fudge (D-Ohio) told reporters Wednesday that shes being encouraged to stand for speaker if Pelosi doesnt have the votes. In an interview with the Washington Post on Thursday, she said she has been overwhelmed by the support from many of her colleagues for her possible entry into the race for House speaker. Over the last 12 hours, Ive been overwhelmed by the amount of support Ive received, Fudge said, adding that there are probably closer to 30" Democrats who have privately signaled that they are willing to oppose Pelosi. Things could change rapidly, Fudge said. Fudge, 66, a former chair of the Congressional Black Caucus, said she is building a diverse coalition as she mulls a speaker run, talking with allies in the caucus, moderate Democrats and newly elected members. To this point, Pelosi has enjoyed the strong backing of the Congressional Black Caucus. On Thursday, Rep. Bobby Rush (D-Ill.), one of its members, wrote a letter to colleagues praising her insight, fortitude and strategic thinking and urging support for her speakership bid. Former Atty. Gen. Eric H. Holder Jr., an African American who is contemplating a 2020 presidential bid, also voiced support for Pelosi, praising her in a tweet as an architect of the recent midterm success. Rep. Seth Moulton (D-Mass.), a leader of the resistance to Pelosi, said during an interview on CNN on Thursday that Fudge is the kind of new leader that we need in this party. Shes in touch with middle America. She understands what the American people want. Shes a next-generation leader that people will look to and say, Thats the future of our party, thats the future of our country, and thats exactly the kind of leader that I want to see as our next speaker. Wagner reports for the Washington Post. The Posts Robert Costa, Erica Werner, Mike DeBonis, Paul Kane and Elise Viebeck contributed to this report. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement GOP Rep. Jeff Denham concedes to Democrat Josh Harder in Central Valley race By Maya Sweedler Rep. Jeff Denham (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) Republican Rep. Jeff Denham has conceded to Democrat Josh Harder in the race to represent Californias 10th Congressional District in the San Joaquin Valley. It has been an absolute honor to serve our community and represent the Central Valley in Congress over the past eight years, the 51-year-old congressman said. The enormity of the responsibility was never lost on me. My wife Sonia and I look forward to starting the next chapter of our lives. Harder said he had spoken with Denham and the two were committed to a productive transition. Denham, an Air Force veteran, previously represented the region in the state Senate for eight years and founded a company specializing in plastic packaging used in agriculture. While a member of Congress, he sat on the Transportation and Infrastructure, Veterans Affairs and Agriculture committees. First-time candidate Harder was born and raised in the district. After graduating from Stanford University, he served as vice president of a Silicon Valley venture capital firm. Since moving back, he has been teaching at Modesto Junior College. Denhams House seat is one of four in California that Republicans lost in the Nov. 6 election, with two contests in Orange County still undecided as of Thursday morning. Jeff Denham called me this morning and we had a very productive conversation. I'm honored that I've been chosen to serve our community in Congress, and we're both looking forward to a productive transition that best serves the people of District 10. Josh Harder (@JoshHarder) November 14, 2018 Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Democrat Katie Porter now nearly 3,800 votes ahead of GOP Rep. Mimi Walters By Maya Sweedler Rep. Mimi Walters thanks all of her supporters as she watches election results in Irvine on Nov. 7, 2018. (Alex Gallardo / Associated Press) Democrat Katie Porter opened a 3,797-vote lead Wednesday over Republican Rep. Mimi Walters in Orange Countys 45th Congressional District. In the neighboring 39th, Democrat Gil Cisneros has nearly tied the race against Republican Young Kim. Cisneros now trails Kim by a razor-thin margin of 122 votes. The 39th District straddles Los Angeles, Orange and San Bernardino counties; Wednesdays updated ballot counts came from the latter two. There are more than 202,000 ballots left to count in Orange County, which includes parts of seven congressional districts. The 45th is entirely in inland Orange County. In California, the ballots counted first tend to lean Republican and those tallied later skew Democratic. In the Central Valleys 21st Congressional District, Democratic challenger TJ Cox has pulled within 2 percentage points of Rep. David Valadao, who is serving his third term. The Associated Press had projected a win for Valadao on election night, but his 4,839-vote advantage has shrunk to 2,090. Back in CA-21, Valadao (R) wins a batch of ballots from his stronghold in Kings Co., but by a considerably smaller margin (14 points) than his previous ~30-point margin in the county. We're moving to Lean R from Likely R; today a bit scary for Valadao.https://t.co/WqJVUVkqGW Nate Silver (@NateSilver538) November 15, 2018 A spokesman for Valadao told the Fresno Bee that the changes were expected and that [s]tatistically, David Valadao has won this race. Democrats in California have already flipped four House seats, defeating three Republican incumbents and claiming an open seat previously held by the GOP. Reps. Steve Knight of Palmdale, Dana Rohrabacher of Costa Mesa and Jeff Denham of Turlock have already lost their races, and retiring Rep. Darrell Issas San Diego County seat was claimed by Democrat Mike Levin. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump aide departs West Wing after rebuke from Melania Trump By Associated Press First Lady Melania Trump. (Alain Jocard / AFP-Getty Images) Deputy national security advisor Mira Ricardel is leaving the White House, one day after First Lady Melania Trumps office issued an extraordinary statement calling for her dismissal. No replacement was named. Aides said Ricardel clashed with the first ladys staff over her visit to Africa last month. Yet it is highly unusual for a first lady or her office to weigh in on personnel matters, especially the presidents national security staff. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said Ricardel would have a new role in the administration. On Tuesday, Stephanie Grisham, the first ladys spokeswoman, released a statement saying, It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that she no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House. President Trumps White House has set records for administration turnover. Ricardel was the third person to hold the post under Trump. An ally of national security advisor John Bolton, Ricardel began her service in the Trump administration as associate director in the White House Office of Presidential Personnel, then moved to the Commerce Department last year. Bolton brought her into the West Wing shortly after taking the job in April. He is traveling in Asia this week alongside Vice President Mike Pence. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Race for House Minority Leader is Kevin McCarthys to lose By Associated Press (Bill Clark / CQ Roll Call) House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy is running to take over next years shrunken caucus in closed-door elections that will set the tone for the new Congress. The race for minority leader is McCarthys to lose Wednesday. But the California Republican, who is an ally of President Trump, must fend off a challenge from conservative Jim Jordan of Ohio. Jordan is a leader of the House Freedom Caucus. The two encountered questions and finger-pointing during a private meeting with lawmakers Tuesday night as the GOP sorted through the midterm defeat that put Democrats in the majority next year. Elections Wednesday will also determine party leadership in the Senate. Voting for the biggest race, Nancy Pelosis bid to return as the Democrats nominee for speaker, is later this month. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Melania Trump calls for the firing of deputy national security advisor By Justin Sink First Lady Melania Trump arrives at the Chateau de Versailles outside Paris on Nov. 11. (Alain Jocard / AFP/Getty Images ) First Lady Melania Trumps office said she wants Mira Ricardel, the deputy national security advisor, ousted from the White House. It is the position of the Office of the First Lady that she no longer deserves the honor of serving in this White House, Trumps spokeswoman, Stephanie Grisham, said in a statement in response to a question about reports the first lady had sought Ricardels removal. Ricardel is the top deputy to national security advisor John Bolton. She drew the first ladys wrath after threatening to withhold National Security Council resources during Melania Trumps trip to Africa last month unless Ricardel was included in her entourage, one person familiar with the matter said. Grishams statement comes as several media outlets have reported that President Trump is considering a broader shakeup of his administration, including ousting Homeland Security Secretary Kirstjen Nielsen. Sink and Jacobs report for Bloomberg. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print CNN sues Trump over the suspension of Jim Acostas White House press credentials By Jim Puzzanghera CNN said Tuesday that it is suing President Trump and other administration officials over the decision to suspend the White House press credentials of correspondent Jim Acosta after a conflict at a news conference last week. The suit, to be filed in U.S. District Court for the District of Columbia, escalates an ongoing battle between Trump and the cable news outlet that he frequently accuses of disseminating fake news for its aggressive coverage of him and his administration. The wrongful revocation of these credentials violates CNN and Acostas 1st Amendment rights of freedom of the press, and their 5th Amendment rights to due process, CNN said in a written statement. If left unchallenged, the actions of the White House would create a dangerous chilling effect for any journalist who covers our elected officials. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Maxine Waters to take aim at Wells Fargo and Deutsche Bank as new head of House Financial Services Committee By Jim Puzzanghera Rep. Maxine Waters plans to zero in on two big banks Wells Fargo & Co. and Deutsche Bank when she becomes head of the powerful House Financial Services Committee. The Los Angeles congresswoman, now the committees top Democrat, is widely expected to gain the gavel after her party won control of the House in last weeks elections. While Waters has outlined a wide-ranging agenda, she said her focus on bank oversight will target two large institutions she has been tangling with for a while including one, Deutsche Bank, that spills into her bitter feud with President Trump. With Trump in the White House, I know that our fight for Americas consumers and investors will continue to be challenging. But I am more than up to that fight, Waters wrote in a letter last week to her Democratic colleagues on the committee that was obtained by The Times. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Heres how a controversial voting system will decide a congressional race in Maine By Kurtis Lee For the first time in U.S. history, a controversial voting system known as ranked choice is being used to decide a federal election. Its happening in Maine, which adopted the system in 2016. Rather than marking a single candidate, each voter ranks them all, assigning a first-place vote, a second-place vote and so on down the ballot. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print ACLU files suit to stop Trumps new asylum limits By Associated Press A group of Central American migrants march to the office of the U.N.'s humans rights body in Mexico City on Nov. 8. (Rebecca Blackwell / Associated Press) The American Civil Liberties Union has filed a legal challenge to President Trumps order denying asylum to migrants if they cross the U.S.-Mexico border illegally. The lawsuit was filed Friday in federal court in San Francisco and argues the new rules are against the law. Attorney Lee Gelernt said the regulations will put families in danger. The suit seeks to declare the regulations invalid and wants a judge to stop the rules from going into effect while the litigation is pending. The new rules were spurred in part by caravans of Central American migrants slowly moving north on foot, but officials say they will apply to anyone caught crossing illegally. Officials say about 70,000 people who enter the country illegally claim asylum. The order invoked the same national security powers Trump used to push through his travel ban. Read More Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Trump on new acting AG: I dont know Matt Whitaker By Associated Press President Trump talks with reporters before departing for France on the South Lawn of the White House on Nov. 9. (Evan Vucci / Associated Press) President Trump is moving to distance himself from Matthew Whitaker as he faces criticism over his choice for acting attorney general. Trump told reporters Friday that I dont know Matt Whitaker and said he didnt speak with Whitaker about special counsel Robert Muellers Russia investigation. Whitaker has made public comments critical of Muellers investigation, and critics have called on Whitaker to recuse himself from oversight of the inquiry. Under former Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions, the investigation was overseen by Deputy Atty. Gen. Rod Rosenstein. Of the scrutiny Whitaker is facing, Trump said: Its a shame that no matter who I put in they go after. He also called Whitaker a very highly respected man. Whitaker was Sessions chief of staff before Trump made him Sessions interim replacement. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg out of hospital after fall By Associated Press The Supreme Court says 85-year-old Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg is home after being released from the hospital. She had been admitted for treatment and observation after fracturing three ribs in a fall. The court said Ginsburg was released Friday. Supreme Court spokeswoman Kathy Arberg says she is doing well and working from home. The court had previously said the justice fell in her office at the court on Wednesday evening and went to George Washington University Hospital in Washington early Thursday after experiencing discomfort overnight. Ginsburg broke two ribs in a fall in 2012. She had two prior bouts with cancer and had a stent implanted to open a blocked artery in 2014. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Gun-control activist Lucy McBath defeats GOP Rep. Karen Handel in Georgia By Associated Press Lucy McBath speaks during a rally for Democratic gubernatorial candidate Stacey Abrams on Nov. 2 at Morehouse College in Atlanta. (Alyssa Pointer / Atlanta Journal-Constitution via AP) Democratic gun-control activist Lucy McBath has defeated Republican Rep. Karen Handel of Georgia in a suburban congressional district long considered safe for the GOP. Handel had to seek reelection after winning her seat last year in a close special election race against Democrat Jon Ossoff. McBath became an advocate for stricter gun laws after her son, Jordan Davis, was fatally shot at a Florida gas station in 2012 by a man angry over loud music the teenager and his friends were playing in a car. McBaths margin of victory was narrow enough for Handel to have requested a recount. The Associated Press declared McBath the winner Thursday after Handel conceded. Handel conceded in a statement Thursday morning, stating that after reviewing all of the election data, its clear she came up a bit short in Tuesdays vote. Handel congratulated McBath, offering good thoughts and much prayer for the journey that lies ahead for her. McBath, who is African American, declared victory Wednesday. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg hospitalized after fracturing 3 ribs in fall By Associated Press Supreme Court Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg (Jacquelyn Martin / Associated Press) The Supreme Court says 85-year-old Justice Ruth Bader Ginsburg fractured three ribs in a fall in her office at the court and is in the hospital. The court says the justice went to George Washington University Hospital in Washington early Thursday after experiencing discomfort overnight. The court says the fall occurred Wednesday evening. Ginsburg was admitted to the hospital for treatment and observation after tests showed she fractured three ribs. Ginsburg broke two ribs in a fall in 2012. She has had two prior bouts with cancer and had a stent implanted to open a blocked artery in 2014. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print White House suspends press pass of CNNs Jim Acosta after heated exchange with Trump By Associated Press The White House on Wednesday suspended the press pass of CNN correspondent Jim Acosta after he and President Trump had a heated confrontation during a news conference. They began sparring after Acosta asked Trump about the caravan of migrants heading from Latin America to the southern U.S. border. When Acosta tried to follow up with another question, Trump said, Thats enough! and a female White House aide unsuccessfully tried to grab the microphone from Acosta. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders released a statement accusing Acosta of placing his hands on a young woman just trying to do her job as a White House intern, calling it absolutely unacceptable. The interaction between Acosta and the intern was brief, and Acosta appeared to brush her arm as she reached for the microphone and he tried to hold onto it. Pardon me, maam, he told her. Acosta tweeted that Sanders statement that he put his hands on the aide was a lie. CNN said in a statement that the White House revoked Acostas press pass in retaliation for his challenging questions Wednesday, and the network accused Sanders of lying about Acostas actions. This conduct is absolutely unacceptable. It is also completely disrespectful to the reporters colleagues not to allow them an opportunity to ask a question. President Trump has given the press more access than any President in history. Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 Contrary to CNNs assertions there is no greater demonstration of the Presidents support for a free press than the event he held today. Only they would attack the President for not supporting a free press in the midst of him taking 68 questions from 35 different reporters... Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 As a result of todays incident, the White House is suspending the hard pass of the reporter involved until further notice. Stephanie Grisham (@PressSec) November 8, 2018 Sanders provided fraudulent accusations and cited an incident that never happened. This unprecedented decision is a threat to our democracy and the country deserves better, CNN said. Jim Acosta has our full support. Journalists assigned to cover the White House apply for passes that allow them daily access to press areas in the West Wing. White House staffers decide whether journalists are eligible, though the Secret Service determines whether their applications are approved. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Trump spars with reporters at post-election news briefing, ordering several to sit down By Associated Press President Trump assails CNNs Jim Acosta at a White House news conference. President Trump sparred with reporters at his post-election news conference, ordering several to sit down and telling another hes a rude, terrible person. He told another reporter hes not a fan of yours, either. The presidents mood turned sour Wednesday after reporters pressed him on why he referred to a migrant caravan making its way to the U.S. on foot through Mexico as an invasion. Trump ramped up his anti-immigrant rhetoric against the caravan in the final days of the midterm elections. Trump was also pressed on why his campaign aired an ad featuring a Mexican immigrant convicted of killing American police officers and linking the mans actions to the caravan. Several television networks pulled the ad after airing it or declined to air it at all. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Im living one hour at a time at this point By Christine Mai-Duc Republican congressional candidate Young Kim and gubernatorial candidate John Cox campaign in Rowland Heights. (Irfan Khan / Los Angeles Times) Republican congressional candidate Young Kim greeted gubernatorial candidate John Coxs giant campaign bus, the words HELP IS ON THE WAY emblazoned across it, as it rolled into the parking lot outside her Rowland Heights field office. Standing beside Cox on Saturday, Kim predicted that a string of GOP victories Tuesday would start with voters repealing the gas tax hike. Can you imagine Gavin Newsom being our governor? Can you imagine Gil Cisneros being your representative? Kim asked the crowd, to loud boos and cries of Nooo! The former state assemblywoman who worked for retiring Rep. Ed Royce (R-Fullerton) is vying for his seat with Democrat Gil Cisneros. She led the crowd in chants of Enough is enough! and, though short-lived, Drain the swamp! Ive served you in Sacramento and Ive seen dysfunction personally, Kim continued. We cannot continue that route. She urged her supporters to stay and help make phone calls or walk neighborhoods. Lets get out there the 72 hours is really critical. Its all going to come down to a few votes, it could be your vote, she said pointing to her left, then pivoting right, it could be your vote. So dont sit back and do nothing. Every night I go to sleep thinking, OK, how many more votes can I get or how many more people can I call tomorrow? Kim said. It can be physically exhausting but Im mentally, emotionally very energized. She listed off her events so far that day and the next one she was heading to. Thats just what I can remember, she said. Im living one hour at a time at this point. Kims campaign invited press to two of her events on Saturday. After she was whisked away to her next event a high tea fundraiser in Walnut, a couple dozen volunteers remained. John Freeman, a statewide field manager for the state Republican Party, tried to pump them up. This is the Super Bowl. Were not in an NFL stadium, were not getting paid millions of dollars, but you know what? Freeman said. Were walking on the field right now. This is that high-stakes-level game. Facebook Twitter Show more sharing options Share Close extra sharing options Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Email Copy Link URL Copied! Print Advertisement Its going to be tough out there Democratic candidate Katie Porter speaks to volunteers in Mission Viejo. Jon Bauman, Bowzer from the band Sha Na Na, is in the background. (Victoria Kim / Los Angeles Times ) Judging from the cheers in the crowd, about half those assembled at Katie Porters campaign headquarters in Mission Viejo Sunday morning were old enough to remember 70s rock n roll star Bowzer from the band Sha Na Na. Jon Bauman, as Bowzer is known off stage, said it was her position on senior issues including retirement and social security that has him out supporting Porter over her opponent, incumbent Rep. Mimi Walters. I want you to make sure every phone is called and every door is knocked, he told the crowd of about 80 volunteers. There has never been a more important election. Both Bauman and his nephew, California Democratic Party Chairman Eric Bauman, were interrupted by yells from Trump supporters coming from an adjoining hillside. We love Trump, the voice cried out. We love him too, he makes great fodder, the younger Bauman retorted, before introducing Porter. Porter, a UC Irvine law professor and first-time candidate, acknowledged the uphill battle some of her canvassers might face in this more conservative end of the long-red Orange County district. I know its going to be tough out there, she said, motioning to the hillside. But she said the attacks meant the other side viewed her campaign as a significant threat. This election is going to be close, she said. If we dont fight all the way to the finish line, until 8 oclock on Tuesday, this could slip away. Bowzer then took to a keyboard piano to lead the crowd in a reworded rendition of the song Good Night Sweetheart: Good night, Mimi Walters, he crooned. A woman in a black tank top, jeans and flip flops holding a cup of coffee later joined the crowd with her two sons, 17 and 14, the younger one wearing a Trump 2016 T-shirt. She declined to give her name, saying she was concerned about being attacked, but said she lived up the hill and said she had been the one yelling. She said she was encouraging her sons to talk to people on both sides and make up their own minds. We need to have a government that runs the way government teachers are telling kids its supposed to be run, said the woman, a retired registered dental assistant who voted early for Mimi Walters. Referring to Democrats, she said: Theyve had control over all these years and Californias gone to crap. Among those canvassing was Stacie Campbell, 37, who was at the launch with her husband Jerome and three children, the youngest of whom was 2 months old. Campbell, a Mission Viejo resident who runs a business, had never canvassed or volunteered for campaigns before, and her husband is a French citizen and unable to vote. She said they had been talking to their children the older ones are 5 and 2 about the presidency and the government since Trumps election. Together, they worked on homemade Katie Porter lawn signs and put them up around town. This is the first time its felt like a big deal and there isnt a president up for election, she said. Because her city is a mix of conservatives and liberals her next-door neighbor is an NRA-supporting Republican she the race felt m When leaders of a powerful congressional committee turned their attention this month to the scourge of foreign agents plotting to weaken American democracy, they didnt target Eastern European hackers or shadowy international political operatives. They instead took off after the even-tempered environmental lawyers at the Natural Resources Defense Council. Rep. Rob Bishop (R-Utah), the chair of the House Natural Resources Committee, said he suspects the group has become an agent of Chinas Communist Party. Why else, Bishop and a colleague wrote in a letter to the group demanding documents, would NRDC spend so much effort fawning over our adversarys imperfect environmental record while attacking the Trump administrations stewardship? The committees interrogation of one of the countrys leading environmental groups came as part of a larger trend: Last year, Robert S. Mueller IIIs special counsel investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election breathed new life into the federal law requiring registration of foreign agents. Since then, the 80-year-old statute has started to become weaponized by political interests to go after their opponents. Advertisement A broad spectrum of civil society groups that work internationally fear they could face a new legal threat being pressured to register as foreign agents, a designation that could severely damage an organization. It is not at all clear where this is headed, said Sam Worthington, CEO of InterAction, a large coalition of U.S.-based nonprofits that work internationally. He warns that thousands of American nonprofits could find themselves in the same predicament as the Natural Resources Defense Council. Like several other baleful developments in U.S. public life, the potential misuse of the foreign agent registration law parallels developments in Russia. Advocates for nonprofit groups worry that a legal tool meant to protect American institutions could be used to strike at those out of favor in Washington, much as the Kremlin has used similar rules to intimidate and shut down civil society groups. Americas Foreign Agent Registration Act has been around since 1938, when it was passed to flush out Nazi agents in the prelude to World War II. By the 1950s it had become a staple of the so-called Red scare, used to attack perceived communist sympathizers. W.E.B. Du Bois, the prominent black sociologist and writer, was indicted in 1951 on charges of being an unregistered Soviet agent, with prosecutors citing his role as chair of the Peace Information Center, a group that advocated nuclear disarmament. He was acquitted, but the State Department banned him from traveling for eight more years because Du Bois would not sign an affidavit renouncing communism. In recent years, the act was laxly enforced and routinely ignored by Washington lobbyists who did work for foreign governments but claimed that they did not meet the laws requirements to register. That changed last year when Mueller indicted President Trumps former campaign chairman, Paul Manafort, on, among other charges, failure to register. That was followed in November, by the Justice Department forcing the Russian-funded television network RT America to register. Suddenly, attorneys and lobbyists in Washington with foreign governments on their client lists began to register in significantly larger numbers. As is often the case in Washingtons highly polarized political environment, it didnt take long for people to begin worrying about unintended consequences. In April, a group of 43 nonprofits urged lawmakers seeking to bolster enforcement of the registration law to proceed cautiously, warning their proposals could open nonprofits to politicized enforcement actions and attack. The act is so vaguely and broadly written that it lends itself to being politicized, said Nick Robinson, legal advisor for the International Center for Nonprofit Law. That might be by politicians or the Department of Justice or others who can use this to target nonprofits. We have seen this before, Robinson said, pointing to the Du Bois case. We and a whole bunch of other nonprofits are concerned about this, he added. The latest look at the Trump administration and the rest of Washington The coalitions letter was sent only weeks after Republicans on the House Science, Space and Technology Committee issued a report suggesting environmental groups protesting fracking and natural gas pipelines had become unwitting agents of the Russian government. The same committee last year accused the Sea Change Foundation, a major funder of large U.S. environmental groups, of getting money from Russian energy interests eager to curb gas extraction in the U.S. The committee seized on reports in right-wing media about the groups opaque financial documents in making its accusations, but it admitted that there was little to no paper trail. The members of Congress demanded the Trump administration investigate if Sea Change was a foreign agent. Roderick Forrest, an attorney for the Bermuda-based firm through which much of the money to Sea Change was channeled, said in an email that allegations are completely false and irresponsible and that there is no Russian connection whatsoever. But Sea Change and others may now find themselves targeted by the Natural Resources Committee. We are looking into groups beyond NRDC, said a committee aide who was not authorized to speak on the record. Committee officials denied Bishop and the co-author of the letter, oversight subcommittee chairman Rep. Bruce Westerman (R-Ark.), are using the registration act to target groups that oppose their push to expand oil and gas drilling. They say they merely seek clarity about their foreign affiliations. There is some question about to what degree a foreign entity drives NRDCs mission, the aide said. Have they crossed the line from just being sycophants to Chinese leadership to actively or indirectly carrying out their information campaign in some capacity? In their letter, Bishop and Westerman challenged NRDCs praise of Chinas environmental efforts and questioned whether the group was aiding Chinas perception management efforts with respect to pollution control and its international standing on environmental issues in ways that may be detrimental to the United States. The letter cites NRDCs praise of fisheries protections by China at the same time Greenpeace was sharply critical of the nation for subsidizing commercial fleets that are depleting fisheries around the world. The Committee is concerned that the NRDCs need to maintain access to Chinese officials has influenced its political activities in the United States, the congressmen wrote. A spokeswoman for Greenpeace called NRDC an ally that it fully supports. NRDC did not respond to interview requests. In a statement, Bob Deans, the organizations director of strategic engagement, said the groups work combating pollution worldwide is in Americas national interest. Were proud of our work, in China and elsewhere, helping to create a more sustainable future for everyone, and we look forward to discussing that work with Chairman Bishop and the committee, the statement said. The committees investigation has alarmed even some of those who have urged Congress to do more to inoculate American institutions against Chinese government interference. Among them is Glenn Tiffert, a visiting fellow at Stanfords Hoover Institution, who recently testified to Congress about the methods the Chinese use to project influence. He pointed to organizations, including the Confucius Institutes present at hundreds of American schools and universities. Their mission is to teach Chinese language and culture, but critics worry they have become a subtle tool the Chinese Communist Party uses to indoctrinate students. Educators have been debating whether the institutes should be compelled to register as foreign agents. Branding them as such would likely prompt schools to sever their relationships, depriving students of the language training and other coursework they provide. Tiffert says thats a debate the nation needs to have as it contemplates the nuanced ways in which foreign governments exert influence inside America. But he calls the congressional insinuations about the NRDC deeply concerning. This should not be about American civil society organizations, like NRDC, he said. We need to be cautious about recklessly crossing that line. The committees letter brings to mind some dark chapters in history when loose innuendo and association with foreign government were hurled for political purposes, he said in an interview. evan.halper@latimes.com | Twitter: @evanhalper House Republicans could move to strictly limit the Trump administrations policy of separating children from their parents at the border under immigration legislation expected to be considered next week. Democrats, however, object to other parts of the legislative package and say the administration could end the policy of separating children from their parents at any time without additional legislation. House Speaker Paul D. Ryan (R-Wis.) said Thursday that he disagrees with the new policy of splitting up immigrant families. He agreed with administration officials, however, that fixing the problem requires legislation. The administrations new zero-tolerance policy, which requires prosecution of people arriving illegally at the border, has driven up the number of immigrant children in government shelters in the nearly two months since it began. That has led to a public outcry as stories of children being ripped from their parents arms fill headlines. Advertisement We dont want kids to be separated from their parents, Ryan said. We believe because of the court ruling, this will require legislative change, he added, referring to a 1997 court case that limited how long the government can hold children in detention centers. Democrats and other opponents of the administrations policy say that case is not the root of the problem, noting that separating families was the exception, not the rule, for most of the two decades since the case was resolved with an agreement called the Flores settlement. The settlement does not require the government to separate families who arrive together, and previous administrations have not interpreted it that way. Previously, border agents tried to keep families together by sending all members to the same family detention facility. Now, under the new policy announced by Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions in early May, in most cases parents are prosecuted, while children are sent to a separate refugee facility. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi (D-San Francisco) questioned why Republicans havent put legislation forward already if they think it is needed. This is barbaric, this is not who America is, and this is the policy of the Trump administration, she said, referring to the family separations. The casual attitude that theyre having about this they could weigh in with the administration and stop it on a dime. Ryan brokered an agreement among House Republicans to vote next week on two immigration bills a hard-line conservative measure and an alternative that Ryan and other GOP leaders have been negotiating with the many GOP factions in the House. Even supporters of the more conservative bill say it is not likely to pass the House. Its unclear whether the leaderships alternative can pass, either. Democrats have been left out of the negotiations, and the bill, a draft of which was released Thursday, contains some provisions they consider unacceptable. Other parts of the measure would enact policies that conservative Republicans have balked at. We wont guarantee passage, Ryan said. I do hope this passes. I think its a very good bill. I think its a very good compromise and this can make law. The concrete has been poured, Rep. Mark Meadows (R-N.C.), the leader of the House Freedom Caucus, said Wednesday. You can still make handprints in it, you can still write your name in it. It is far from set. The latest from Washington The draft bill includes $25 billion for border security, including money to begin building President Trumps proposed border wall. It would include a legal fix for the so-called Dreamers, young people who came to this country illegally as children. Their status has been in limbo since Trump ordered an end to the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program, the Obama-era effort to shield Dreamers against deportation. Rep. Jeff Denham (R-Turlock) said the bill would cover all of the estimated 1.8 million Dreamers, not just the smaller subset who received coverage under DACA. The current version of the bill would provide Dreamers with visas that would allow them, after six years, to apply for citizenship. But two conservative provisions are likely to prevent nearly all Democrats, and perhaps some moderate Republicans, from supporting the bill. One would withhold visas from Dreamers if Congress fails to appropriate money for the border wall. The other would offset the visas for Dreamers by cutting existing, legal immigration categories. It would end the current diversity lottery and eliminate family reunification visas for adult children. Bills that would have made similar cuts in legal immigration failed earlier this year in the Senate, suggesting that even if the proposed package gets through the House, it would have a difficult path toward ultimate passage. Everything weve heard has been very negative, I dont even know if they have the votes to pass the bill on their side, Pelosi said. But, theyre certainly not going to use mothers nursing their babies as a draw. One other provision takes direct aim at Californias sanctuary law that limits the ability of sheriffs and prison officials to cooperate with immigration officials. The bill would allow victims and their families to sue jurisdictions that dont comply with federal requests to hold an illegal immigrant for deportation if the person is released and later commits rape, murder or sexual assault. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell (R-Ky.) has said the Senate would consider a House-passed bill that the president supports. But passage in the Senate would require some Democratic support to meet the 60-vote threshold to avoid a filibuster. The White House reiterated Thursday that if the House bill includes all of the presidents priorities, hell back it. White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders repeated in Thursdays briefing the presidents false claim that federal law requires the administration to separate immigrant children from their parents and said Trump would like a solution. The separation of illegal alien families is the product of the same legal loopholes that Democrats refuse to close, and these laws are the same that have been on the books for over a decade. The president is simply enforcing them, Sanders said. sarah.wire@latimes.com Follow @sarahdwire on Twitter Read more about the 55 members of Californias delegation UPDATES: 3:55 p.m.: This article was updated to add information on an additional provision of the draft bill that aims at Californias immigrant sanctuary law. This article was first published at 2:50 p.m. Tim Draper is used to making waves. A third-generation Silicon Valley venture capitalist, Draper has a reputation as an eccentric entrepreneur. He was an early investor in tech companies that hit it big, including Skype. And hes now one of the nations most ardent supporters of cryptocurrencies like bitcoin. Draper, an Atherton resident who turned 60 on Monday, has now ventured into something with potentially more power to disrupt: Hes successfully qualified a ballot initiative that will ask Californians in November to split the state into three new ones. His first effort which called for six new California states fizzled in 2014. On Tuesday, elections officials estimated that Draper had collected more than 402,468 valid signatures for his measure. Thats more than enough to be included on a November ballot that could see as many as 16 propositions by the deadline for certification later this month. The Times asked Draper about his motivations. What follows is an email Q&A, lightly edited for length and clarity. No doubt you know some believe this is an unserious proposal to the states serious problems. How would you respond? This arrogant dismissiveness represents the current state of corruption rampant in the halls of the bureaucracy in the Sacramento status quo. We have failing school systems, broken infrastructure with bad waterways and highways, and we have the highest taxes in the nation. There is no excuse for people not being open to a new solution ... [Critics] offer nothing but kneejerk rejection of discussion around one of the most meaningful initiatives to come through the ballot, ever! Who helped you determine where the three states boundaries would go? Was there a methodology used? Over the past year and a half, we have gone up and down the state of California and listened to what the voters are most concerned about ... They dont feel effectively represented in Sacramento ... They want to feel like their state has a locally vested plan to help successfully educate their kids, deliver reliable roads and waterways and constantly work in the best interests of the community, all while maintaining that essential feeling of regional pride. Reflecting those priorities, the Cal-3 coalition recognized that three states, based on natural geography, population density and representation that prioritized support closer to home, had overwhelming support from Californians, and the statewide approval to put Cal-3 on the ballot is a testament to Cal-3s commitment to delivering more meaningful results closer to home for all Californians. If Californians vote to split the state, heres what would happen Do you intend to fund the November campaign in a significant way, and can you offer any details on the level of money youd spend? We expect to see significant financial support from all corners of California, just as we have seen signature support from citizens across that state to put this initiative on the ballot for the first time ever! ... One thing is for sure. I dont want to have to leave this state, but I dont want my grandchildren to have to live in the state that is near last in education, last in quality of life, last as a place to do business and last in taxes ... Now it is up to Californians. They have an unprecedented chance to really improve government in California, and they will get a chance to vote on [something] to truly make a difference in November. Is part of your goal to spark discussion about Californias future, rather than an actual three-state future? You may have thought this, but I am very straightforward here. I believe that the state needs to be refreshed, rebooted, and reinvigorated. The Cal 3 initiative would not have earned the support of so many across the state to earn a place on the ballot for the first time ever if the voters did not think a three-state future held real promise of meaningful solutions for all Californians. To be clear: The vote this November is just the first step toward greatness ... From there, we will need the U.S. Congress to approve our right to be three. Follow @johnmyers on Twitter, sign up for our daily Essential Politics newsletter and listen to the weekly California Politics Podcast The school year is over, and public health officials have issued a report card for Americas high school students. On the whole, the marks are good. Fewer U.S. teens are having sex or using illicit drugs. (Theres no mention of rock-and-roll.) Theyre also less likely to drink and drive, smoke cigarettes or drink alcohol on a regular basis. The overall prevalence of most health-risk behaviors has moved in the desired direction, wrote a team from the Centers for Disease Control and Preventions Division of Adolescent and School Health. However, they added, many high school students are engaged in health-risk behaviors associated with the leading causes of death for their age group. Advertisement The assessment is based on data from the 2017 National Youth Risk Behavior Survey. The CDC conducts the survey every other year with a randomly selected, nationally representative group of students in grades 9 through 12. The students, from both public and private schools, answered up to 99 questions covering a wide range of topics. A total of 14,765 questionnaires were used to compile this report. Heres a look at the report card, which appears in Fridays edition of the CDCs Morbidity and Mortality Weekly Report. Sexual behavior Just under 4 in 10 high school students said they have had sexual intercourse at least once, with boys (41%) slightly more likely than girls (38%) to have lost their virginity. The overall figure was essentially unchanged from the last survey in 2015, but was significantly lower than the 54% of students who reported having had sex when the survey was conducted in 1991. Nearly 30% of students said they had been sexually active in the previous three months, and 10% had slept with four or more people. Back in 1991, 19% of students said they had had four or more sexual partners. Among students who were currently sexually active, 29% said either they or their partner used some type of long-acting, reversible birth control, such as an IUD, implant or birth control pills. Only 54% said a condom was involved the last time they had sex. In 2005, that figure was 63%. Sexual assault About 7% of students said they had been forced to have sex against their will, with girls (11%) far more likely to have experienced this than boys (4%). An even greater disparity was seen based on sexual orientation, with 5% of heterosexual students and 22% of gay, lesbian and bisexual students saying they were forced to have sex when they didnt want to. Nearly 70% of high schoolers said they had dated someone in the previous year, and among these students, 7% reported that during that time, they were forced to do sexual things that they didnt want to do, such as kissing, touching or having intercourse. Thats down from 2015, when nearly 11% of students reported instances of sexual dating violence. Smoking Nationwide, 29% of students said they taken at least one puff from a cigarette at some point in their lives, and 9% smoked at least once during the previous 30 days, including the 2% who smoked on a daily basis. All of these figures were down sharply from 1991, when 70% of students said they had tried at least one cigarette, 28% said they had smoked in the past month and 10% smoked every day. The story was different for electronic cigarettes. According to the survey results, 42% of high school students had tried some sort of vaping product at least once, and 13% had vaped in the previous 30 days significantly lower than the 24% who were current vapers in 2015. In 2017, boys (16%) were more likely than girls (11%) to say they had vaped recently, and 3% of students overall vaped frequently (on at least 20 of the previous 30 days). Drug use Marijuana was the most popular drug among high schoolers, with 36% of students saying they had used it at least once and 20% using it in the 30 days before they took the survey. Both of these figures are down from their peaks in the mid- to late-90s, when 47% of students had tried pot and 25% had used it recently. In 2017, black (43%) and Latino (also 43%) students were more likely than white students (32%) to have tried pot. Also in 2017, 5% of high schoolers said they had tried some form of cocaine, 2% had tried heroin, 3% had used methamphetamines, 4% had taken Ecstasy and 7% had tried hallucinogenic drugs like LSD or magic mushrooms. All of these figures are down from their highs in 1999 or 2001. Painkiller abuse About 1 in 7 students said they had taken a prescription painkiller without a prescription or in a way that was not directed by a doctor. These painkillers included OxyContin, Vicodin, Hydrocodone, Percocet and codeine. Prescription painkiller abuse was as low as 8% in some states and as high as 19% in others. This was the first time students had been asked about these drugs, so there were no comparisons to previous years. Alcohol use Well over half 60% of students had taken a drink of alcohol at least once in their lives. Girls (63%) more likely than boys (58%) to have tried it, as were Latino (65%) and white (62%) students compared with black students (51%). In 1991, 82% of students had tried drinking at least once. Current drinking that is, consuming alcohol at least once in the previous 30 days was also down from historical highs, falling from 51% in 1991 to 30% in 2017. Nearly 14% of students had a recent episode of binge drinking, defined as consuming at least four drinks in a row for girls or at least five in a row for boys. This was the first time the survey asked about binge drinking, so there were no historical comparisons. Risky driving Nearly 63% of students who took the survey could drive; among them, 6% said they had drunk alcohol and 13% said they had used marijuana before getting behind the wheel at least once in the previous 30 days. Boys (6.8%) were more likely than girls (4.1%) to drive after drinking. As recently as 2013, 10% of high school drivers said they had recently operated a vehicle after drinking. About 1 in 6 students said they had been a passenger in a car driven by someone who had been drinking at least once in the previous 30 days. Thats an improvement since 2015, when 1 in 5 students had ridden with a driver who had been drinking. In 1991, 2 out of 5 students had done so. Among the students who could drive, 39% said that they had recently texted or used their email while they were behind the wheel. This figure is essentially unchanged from the 41% who texted or emailed while driving in 2013. Nearly 6% of high schoolers said they rarely or never wore a seat belt when they were passengers in a car, with boys (6.6%) more likely to do this than girls (5.1%). It used to be a lot more common in 1991, nearly 26% of high schoolers failed to buckle up on a regular basis. karen.kaplan@latimes.com Follow me on Twitter @LATkarenkaplan and like Los Angeles Times Science & Health on Facebook. MORE IN SCIENCE NASA engineers hope the Opportunity rover will sleep through a continent-sized dust storm on Mars Antarcticas ice is shrinking at an unprecedented rate that could imperil coastal regions worldwide Are prescription medications making Americans depressed? About 100 people crowded the Senior Center at Central Park in Huntington Beach on Wednesday to learn about a local groups effort to gain relief for residents who say jet noise has damaged their quality of life. The three-hour workshop included a presentation led by members of the Air Traffic Noise Working Group, which includes City Council members Patrick Brenden and Barbara Delgleize and Chief Assistant City Attorney Mike Vigliotta. Before the presentation, Brenden acknowledged that many in the audience wanted to vent their frustration about airliners screaming over their homes and assured them that everyone at the meeting was in this together. Brenden said the meeting was more a status report on what the group has learned thus far, rather than a presentation of definitive solutions. The Air Traffic Noise Working Group, created in January, has 12 members, some of whom are former airline pilots. Its aim is to collaborate with the Federal Aviation Administration, area airports and cities such as Newport Beach and Laguna Beach to to find a solution to the overhead noise. Issues with air traffic noise in several Orange County cities stem mostly from John Wayne Airport, but Brenden said Huntington Beach is most affected by planes using Long Beach Airport. At meetings with officials from Long Beach and John Wayne airports and the FAA, members of the Huntington Beach group have proposed modifying aircraft approaches. Huntington Beach residents have increasingly complained in the past year about airplane noise linked to Long Beach Airport, pictured. (File Photo / Los Angeles Times ) Huntington residents have increasingly complained about the noise since the FAA implemented flight path alterations in 2017, but city officials said the issue dates as far back as 2007. The FAA says more than two dozen air routes have historically passed over Huntington Beach. The recent flight path alterations are part of the FAAs Southern California Metroplex project covering the regions airports, including Long Beach and John Wayne. The agency said the changes would shore up inefficiencies, save fuel and reduce carbon emissions and flight delays. In April, Huntington Beach Mayor Mike Posey asked county and federal officials to address noise related to the FAAs regional air traffic system, describing Huntington as an epicenter for heavily concentrated new landing and flyover patterns. Also that month, U.S. Rep. Dana Rohrabacher (R-Costa Mesa) asked JetBlue, a primary carrier at Long Beach Airport, to retrofit some of its planes to help minimize noise. Rohrabacher also proposed four amendments to the FAAs annual reauthorization bill that he said would ease aircraft noise in Orange County. The amendments failed on a 375-37 vote in the House of Representatives. Other House amendments calling on the federal government to take steps to reduce the noise and health effects of commercial air traffic passed. Other local cities such as Newport Beach and Laguna Beach also have been unhappy with the FAAs takeoff and landing patterns. Both cities sued the agency over the new system in 2016, saying the projects environmental review, which determined there would be no significant effects, was inadequate. Newport and Laguna reached settlements of their lawsuits in January. Vigliotta said Wednesday that legal action would be an uphill battle for Huntington Beach because the city didnt sue in 2016 over the environmental assessment. The first instinct was to sue them, Brenden said. We looked at that, but once we file a lawsuit against the FAA, that eliminates potential for dialogue. Phil Burtis, a member of the working group, shared data he collected on flight paths over Huntington Beach. When he asked audience members to raise their hand if they believe air traffic noise has increased, it seemed everyones hand shot up. Burtis shared an image with lines scribbled across a map of Huntington Beach. The lines represented flight paths in an eight-hour period on a day in March. Another poster board on display showed a map of the United States and pinpointed cities dealing with complaints of excessive air traffic noise. Poster boards displayed at Wednesdays Air Traffic Noise Working Group workshop in Huntington Beach indicate area flight patterns. (Photo by Priscella Vega ) During a question-and-answer session, residents and out-of-towners shared their efforts to push back against airplane noise and encouraged one another to file noise complaints on airline websites. Joe Mello of Long Beach encouraged people at the workshop to attend a June 26 Long Beach City Council hearing on JetBlues appeal for exemptions to an evening flight curfew. Newport Beach resident Susan Dvorak who is part of Citizens Against Airport Noise and Pollution, a countywide grassroots organization targeting aircraft noise related to John Wayne Airport said Newport and Huntington Beach need to work together, though their approaches may have been different. Priscella.Vega@latimes.com Twitter: @vegapriscella The composition of the Newport Beach Finance Committee will stay as-is. Councilman Scott Peotter had asked to change the committee from a mix of three council members and four citizens to a seven-person, all-citizen body, arguing that it would put all members on even footing without council members getting deference from the city staff that works with the committee. I think that the council will be better off having a full citizen committee, and I think that we will be blessed by the fact that weve got the kind of citizens that have the knowledge in finance that we do, he told the council Tuesday. So well have more input, not less input, from the citizenry in that kind of a makeup. However, the council voted 6-1, with Peotter the nay, to stick with the current format. Councilman Kevin Muldoon, who serves on the committee, said some of the bodys decisions have to be made by the people who are directly accountable to the citizens. Councilwoman Diane Dixon, the committees chair, agreed. She said the public participation has enriched the entire group, and she doesnt think there is any distinction between council members and citizen volunteers during discussions. Were a committee of peers on that level, she said. However, having said that, as elected representatives in a representative form of government we have a fiduciary responsibility to protect the fiscal house of the city, and that is our responsibility to engage in managing the finances of the city. In 2015, Peotter and then-Mayor Ed Selich worked to modify the finance committee to its current structure. Council members who do not serve on the committee nominate representatives. Previously, the committee was a three-person body comprised solely of council members who were appointed by the mayor. The group, which is advisory in nature, discusses reserve, debt and investment policies; reviews the proposed budget, long-range financial forecast, rates and fees, audits; and offers pension strategies. Carl Cassidy, a regular attendee at committee meetings, supported Peotters proposal, saying the citizen members give excellent input. Do we get the same just because the council decides to go and do the job themselves? Do you paint your own house? Do you do your own plumbing? The city has about 10 active commissions, committees and boards. Most are all-citizen, although the water quality, aviation and Balboa Village committees also have a mix. Councilman Jeff Herdman, who serves on the aviation and water quality committees, said he respects that Dixon, Muldoon and Mayor Pro Tem Will ONeill have developed an expertise in city finance. I think they have confidence in me, as I do in them representing me and serving on the finance committee, he said. Theyve expressed their confidence in me as far as my involvement with airport issues. Its a good balance. hillary.davis@latimes.com Twitter: @Daily_PilotHD Political prisoner, activist, journalist, hymn-writer, emerging think tanker, aspiring novelist, hanger on of academia, parliamentary candidate for North West Durham, Shadow Leader of the Opposition, Speedboat, proudly banned from Twitter so officially more dangerous than the Taliban, eagerly awaiting the second (or possibly third) attempt to murder me. Laguna Beach leaders vowed this week to take legal steps to fight a plan to develop multifamily residential units on two pieces of land near the edge of the former El Toro Marine Corps Air Station in Irvine, saying it would add to Lagunas traffic and parking burdens and hinder wildlife movement. The City Council voted 4-0 during a closed session Tuesday to file a lawsuit against Orange County over the West Alton development plan, which calls for building up to 803 multifamily residences on about 32 acres of county land near the intersection of Alton Parkway and Irvine Boulevard. The county Board of Supervisors approved the plan this month. Laguna Councilman Bob Whalen did not participate in Tuesdays vote because the law firm where he works has done business with the county. The citys attorneys plan to file the lawsuit within a month, according to Assistant City Manager Christa Johnson. Laguna Beach officials allege the project would add to already frequent gridlock on Laguna Canyon Road and other streets, overwhelm the citys parking supply and place increased demand on the citys beaches and police, fire and emergency medical services. In a letter to the county in 2017, City Manager John Pietig also expressed concern about the projects effects on a 300-foot-wide wildlife corridor between the two proposed development sites. The corridor enables animals to move among the Irvine Open Space Preserve, Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Limestone Canyon Regional Park, Whiting Ranch Wilderness Park, Cleveland National Forest and the Santa Ana Mountains foothills, according to the letter. Laguna Beach is concerned that the high-density, encroaching design of the project would impede wildlife movement between these areas, thereby worsening the species isolation that is already occurring within Laguna Coast Wilderness Park, Pietig wrote. A county representative declined to comment Thursday. Pietigs letter said the plans environmental impact report was insufficient and ignored or downplayed potential effects on the community. The environmental report, completed in 2016, states the development would not cause significant traffic issues in surrounding cities. County supervisors voted 3-1 on June 5, with Supervisor Shawn Nelson absent, to sign off on the environmental report and the development plan. Up to 112 units proposed for the West Alton development would be designated affordable housing and up to eight units would be transitional housing, according to planning documents. Supervisor Todd Spitzer, whose district includes the portion of Irvine outlined in the plan, voted against it, noting threats of lawsuits over the proposal. We know how this game is played. You end up in lawsuits, and thats where the real negotiations go forward, Spitzer said. I have great concerns. hannah.fry@latimes.com Twitter: @HannahFryTCN Over the weekend, I had a walking political conversation with a long-time friend. However, we do not see each other much these days. I had stopped by his home on my way to my sons house. He is a physician and well-read person who I would say has high moral integrity. I was absolutely flummoxed when he told me he voted for President Trump. I tried my best to point out all of Trumps lies and false promises, but he would have none of it. There is always the pursuit of false equivalency. Of course, my bringing up the meeting in June 2016 in Trump Tower was out of the question. He asked me if I believed in Russias collusion in the 2016 election. Where was I to go from here? There was not much for us to agree on, but it was friendly and respectful. He is going to call me to line up a game of pickle ball. Meanwhile, Trumps false promises are being unmasked on many other fronts. Trump was supposed to defy GOP economic orthodoxy by securing a huge infrastructure expenditure not happening. He was going to drain the swamp, and now we have Scott Pruitt, administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Trump embraced GOP orthodoxy with his huge tax cuts, and even though the market is at an all-time high, it is primarily resulting in stock buybacks, huge corporate payouts and no job-creating investments. The draconian immigration crackdown is supposedly about protecting U.S. workers from an elite cosmopolitan/globalist plot to import cheap labor, but all it is really producing is the cruelty of more family separations. Then there is the petulant Trump taking on Canada and snubbing our allies at the G-7. It is so much more likely that tariffs will ultimately hurt workers and the economy. The viral photo at the G-7 was an important moment of deep rot of bad faith and fraudulence at Trumps core. Then he says at the nuclear summit what an honor it was to meet Kim Jong Un, a ruthless dictator. Folks, cant you see we are being played? So, well see what happens. DENNY OSBORNE lives in Newport Beach. In 2013, when they first stepped foot on the wooded 11-acre parcel of land off Pasadenas Linda Vista Avenue, conservationists knew they were entering a kind of promised land. Cottonwood Canyon, nestled on the northeastern edge of the San Rafael Hills adjacent to La Canadas Flintridge neighborhood, contained a rare year-round spring the presence of water and shady oak canopies made it an ideal thermal refuge for heat-weary wildlife. Members of the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy, an Altadena-based nonprofit thats worked since 2000 to preserve land for wildlife and establish safe corridors for them to travel, suspected the canyon might hold greater promise as an access point between the San Gabriel Mountains and Glendales Verdugo Mountains. The latter range has long been considered a wildlife island completely circumscribed by urban development. The Cottonwood property teemed with biodiversity and, moreover, it was for sale. It appeared to be the only real viable route in and out of the San Rafael Hills, in any direction, to and from the Arrroyo Seco, said John Howell, AFCs executive director and general counsel. If it had been sold to developers, it would only have taken two houses on Inverness [Drive] to close it off. On June 6, after a five-year campaign to secure the nearly $1.3 million needed to acquire the land from two cooperative landholding families and develop a conservancy of local caretakers to protect it into the future, AFC announced its acquisition of Cottonwood Canyon. Funds from the California Department of Fish and Wildlife and Santa Monica Mountains Conservancy made available by the 2014 passage of the Proposition 1 water bond contributed $815,000 while another $450,000 was offered through Caltrans Environmental Enhancement and Mitigation program. No single funder will fund everything. It has to be a combination of different funding sources, Howell said. Members conducted surveys that revealed a potential 20-mile wildlife corridor stretching from Hahamongna Watershed Park to Tujunga and western portions of the Angeles National Forest comprising some 2,200 private parcels of land. Preserving the Hahamongna-Tujunga Corridor is a pivotal first step to connecting other wildlife islands like nearby Griffith Park, where mountain lion P-22 roams in 8 square miles of space (5% of the space required by healthy adult males), to wide swaths of protected land. AFC Director of Operations Barbara Goto says public awareness is key. Thats where the Friends of Cottonwood Canyon comes in. A determined group helped raise $425,000 to establish a conservancy that will guide land use and programming efforts. When we go into a community we figure out the best way to raise awareness and educate community members about the incredible resources they have, Goto said, calling the discovery of Cottonwood an eye-opening experience for residents. People really did not realize this incredible habitat existed among this intensively developed area, she added. Motion-sensor cameras have captured families of bobcats, deer and other large mammals in photographs that convey the vitality of Cottonwood Canyon, according to Goto. And the discoveries keep rolling in. On June 8, 2016, a female bear taking dips in La Canada homeowners swimming pools near Jarvis Avenue attracted great media attention. Two days later, the same bear was spotted on Glendales Saint Gregory Road before moving to Whiting Woods near the base of the Verdugo Mountains. Sporting a red ear tag, the bruin was named Red Bear No. 2. Conservationists curious about her route of travel turned to Cottonwoods cameras and learned the bear had burrowed in the stream there before heading over the hillside toward Glendale. Red Bear No. 2 was captured by a trap camera in the Verdugo Mountains on July 29, 2016, more than one month after she was spotted in several homes and pools in La Canada and Glendale. Footage shows the female bear used Cottonwood Canyon to get from one city to the other. (Photo by Johanna Turner ) It was kind of a high point for us in validating the wildlife corridor, Goto recalled. With the land transfer finalized, AFC members are using a land prioritization matrix they developed to identify other gateway properties and free up choke points along the Hahamongna-Tujunga Corridor. What were trying to create is free and appealing passage for wildlife, Howell said. This is just the beginning. [But] the storys getting out there, and we want allies. For more about the Arroyos & Foothills Conservancy, visit arroyosfoothills.org or call (626) 796-0782. sara.cardine@latimes.com Twitter: @SaraCardine Visitors to the Community Center of La Canada Flintridge with 10 minutes to spare and the inclination to learn a lesson in life-saving were treated to a free sidewalk CPR course on June 7, courtesy of USC Verdugo Hills Hospital. The free session allowed participants to practice compression movements on adult and baby mannequins under the guidance of Lucian Badica, EMS director for the medical transportation service Ambulnz, which offers services to the hospital. Badica explained that while performing CPR on someone whos stopped breathing can increase the likelihood of that persons ultimate survival by 92%, many bystanders are reluctant to intervene. Its a very simple technique but people are very afraid, he said. Their biggest fear is, I dont want to put my mouth on somebody. In 2008, the American Heart Assn. announced mouth-to-mouth resuscitation long deemed a crucial part of getting someone to breathe independently was not necessary, instead recommending rescuers deliver rapid, deep presses on a victims sternum until help arrives. On Thursday, Badica demonstrated how and where compressions should be delivered, telling students to repeat compressions 30 times, with breaks of a few seconds in between. Christine Rose, a retired Glendale Unified teacher who took a break from her ceramics class to join in on the lesson, said CPR skills are crucial for anyone who has a friend whos living. Now we dont have to do the breaths, but if it was a family member or friend Id still do them, Rose said. Richard Gilbert, owner of La Canada-based California Energy Designs Inc., brought several of his staff out to the Community Center for the lesson. He personally obtained CPR certification 11 years ago as a foster parent, but thought a refresher course would be good. We want to save a life so if something happens to one of our employees we know what to do, he said. You never know when youre going to need it. Deborah Weirick, who does community outreach through the USC Verdugo Hills Hospital Foundation, said the event was held during AHAs CPR Awareness Week to spread the word about how easy the process can be administered. Immediate CPR can double or even triple a persons chance of survival, she said. By working with some of our EMT partners and the Community Center of LCF we hoped to give people the tools they need to feel confident to provide this kind of live-saving, hands-only CPR. Maureen Bond, director of the community center, said its important for all the centers employees and teachers to have their CPR certification, in case something happens on their watch. Its one thing to call 911, but you can also do compressions, Bond said. We hear ambulances and fire trucks all the time and we hope everyones OK but its easy to do this. Its easy to save a life. sara.cardine@latimes.com Twitter: @SaraCardine As my 14-year-old son, Anders, scampered up a metal ladder to the gun emplacements at Ft. Casey Historical State Park on Whidbey Island in Washington last summer, I resisted the impulse to shout be careful. Hes as agile as a monkey, so I let him scramble about the bunkers housing the massive artillery while his sister, Maddie, 16, and I enjoyed the views over the northern end of Puget Sound. The battlements at Ft. Casey, a 998-acre marine park, were once part of a triangle of fire that included two other forts.The 120-year-old Ft. Casey attracts more than military history buffs. It has the restored 1903 Admiralty Head lighthouse, hiking trails, a bird sanctuary, meadows ideal for flying kites and a beach for building sand castles. Its also a short drive to the picturesque villages of Coupeville and Langley. The southern tip of Whidbey is just 30 miles from Seattle. The tab: $175 a night for lodging in restored non-commissioned officers quarters at Ft. Casey Inn, and $15 for a one-pound plate of Penn Cove mussels at Tobys Tavern. THE BED Ft. Casey was once home to 100 officers and 400 enlisted men. The officers, of course, had the best lodgings. Visitors can stay in one of the inns two-bedroom homes, which have a living room, full kitchen, upstairs bath, front porch and sweeping views of Puget Sound. Kids are welcome, but not pets. Its a short walk to the lighthouse, bunkers and the gun emplacements. Advertisement THE MEAL Seafood aficionados rank Penn Cove mussels among the tastiest of shellfish. And theres probably no place better to enjoy them than Tobys Tavern in Coupeville, which abuts the cove. My kids ate a margherita pizza ($11) at Ciao and I dined on these delicious bivalves (about 30 to a pound, $15) served in a simple sauce of wine, onions, basil and garlic at Tobys. I also had yummy mussel chowder ($6 for a cup, $9 for a bowl) and a homemade brownie ($3) for dessert. I washed it all down with a Parrot Red Ale ($5.25) specially brewed for Tobys at the Anacortes Brewery. THE FIND The view is stunning from 200-plus feet up in a 500-year-old Douglas fir in Deception Pass State Park at the north end of Whidbey Island. We booked a four-hour canopy climbing course with AdventureTerra guides Leo Fischer and Andrea Velasco. After a 30-minute introductory session to familiarize us with the awkward climbing ascenders, we were soon scaling a rope on the old-growth tree to a perch high above the ground. It wasnt as easy as climbing a ladder, but the wonderful views of the San Juan Islands, Deception Pass and the surrounding forest made it well worth the effort. LESSON LEARNED Whidbey Island is popular with travelers and Washington state residents alike, so plan your visit for midweek. And definitely avoid taking the ferry from Mukilteo on the mainland to the island town of Clinton on a Friday afternoon; you may wait in line for several hours. Ft. Casey Inn, 1124 S. Engle Road, Coupeville, Wash.; (855) 216-2204. No wheelchair-accessible rooms. Ciao, 701 N. Main St., Coupeville, Wash.; (360) 678-0800. Wheelchair accessible. Tobys Tavern, 8 N.W. Front St., Coupeville, Wash.; (360) 678-4222. Wheelchair-accessible; must be 21. Ft. Casey Historical State Park, 1280 Engle Road, Coupeville, Wash.; (360) 678-4519 Deception Pass State Park, 41020 State Route 20, Oak Harbor, Wash.; (360) 675-3767 Adventure Terra, 41020 State Route 20, Oak Harbor, Wash.; (206) 914-8613. $149 for a four-hour session. Want some insider tips for your next visit to Hawaii? Hawaii Magazines Best of the Best 2018 issue tells all, listing top five winners in categories such as best hotel, or best city or town. Results are based on readers and editors preferences. The magazine also lists places that were top vote-getters statewide, as well as island by island. In the overall category, Maui continues to reign as best island. Makena Beach on Maui was voted the top beach in the state. (Tor Johnson / Hawaii Tourism Authority ) The Valley Isle garnered top honors in a number of categories. Makena Beach, located near Kihei in South Maui, was voted the best of states hundreds of beaches. Advertisement Perched along the ocean, Lahainas Front Street is home to a variety of shops and restaurants catering to tourists. (Tor Johnson / Hawaii Tourism Authority ) About an hours drive to the north, the town of Lahaina remains Hawaiis best city or town, beating Honolulu, which finished second. While Lahaina, a former whaling village, isnt typically an overnight destination, its proximity to the resorts along Kaanapali Beach makes it a popular place to shop and dine. The spaciousness of the suites is one of the draws at Westin Nanea Ocean Villas, a timeshare property that also rents rooms by the night. (FOH Hospitality ) Kaanapali is the location of Hawaiis best new hotel, the Westin Nanea Ocean Villas. Featuring spacious one-, two- and three-bedroom suites, the resort is just steps from the sands. Located just off the Hana Highway in Paia, Mamas Fish House has been delighting guests for 45 years. (Mamas Fish House ) Mamas Fish House on Mauis North Shore is honored as Hawaiis best restaurant. Family-owned since it opened in 1973, the freshness and preparation of the fish have earned countless accolades through the decades. One of Hawaiis best-known chefs, Roy Yamaguchi, stands in the doorway of Humble Market Kitchin. Located in South Maui, its Yamaguchis newest creation. (Craig Bixel ) Maui is also home to what readers consider the best new restaurant, Humble Market Kitchin. Overlooking the water in Wailea, the eatery is popular chef Roy Yamaguchis latest showcase for his food. Located along Waikiki Beach, the bar at Dukes boasts a convivial atmosphere and traditional and contemporary cocktails. (Raindrop Branding & Advertising ) To find the best bar or lounge in the state, head to Oahu and, more specifically, to Dukes Waikiki. The restaurants Barefoot Bar features specialty cocktails think mai tais and coconut mojitos plus small plates. Among the many resorts along Waikiki Beach, Hilton Hawaiian Village sets itself apart with a fireworks show every Friday evening. (Hilton ) Situated along the same stretch of sand, the Hilton Hawaiian Village Waikiki Beach Resort was again named the states best hotel. With five pools and Waikikis longest water slide, its a good choice for sun seekers who want to be in the middle of everything. The loco moco, pictured here at the Rainbow Drive-In, is ubiquitous in Hawaii. (Aaron Yoshino / Hawaii Magazine ) Those whove never been to Hawaii may be unfamiliar with one the islanders favorite dishes, the loco moco. While recipes can vary, the massive plate typically is stacked with eggs and a hamburger patty atop a mountain of rice slathered in gravy. Readers say Honolulus Rainbow Drive-In serves the best of this truly Hawaiian concoction. Hula fans watch as one of the many contestants performs hula during the Merrie Monarch Festival in Hilo. (Lei-Ann Field ) Hawaiians love a good festival. There is one somewhere in the state nearly every weekend. For the No. 1, head to Hilo on Hawaii Island. The city is proudly home to the Merrie Monarch Festival. Held each April, it honors King David Kalakaua, who was known as the Merrie Monarch and his passion for keeping hula and other cultural traditions alive. Also on Hawaii Island is the readers choice for best national or state park. Lava spews from Halemaumau Crater in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. This photo was taken prior to the latest violent eruptions that have indefinitely closed the most popular parts of the park. (Paul Zizka / Hawaii Visitors Bureau ) Hawaii Volcanoes National Park earned that award. The votes were cast well before two-thirds of the park, including overlooks to the active Kilauea Volcano, were closed last month due to violent eruptions and earthquakes. Its unknown when the popular tourist destination will reopen. A young girl is delighted as she makes a lei from fresh orchids at the Aulani Resort in West Oahu. (Disney ) Specific to Oahu, by far the most visited island, readers gave top marks to Aulani A Disney Resort as the islands best hotel or resort for families. The Halekulani was deemed the best hotel or resort for a romantic getaway. Paradise Cove in West Oahu was chosen as best luau. Info: Hawaii Magaines Best of the Best 2018 travel@latimes.com @latimestravel In a May 30, 1971, article, Los Angeles Times staff writer Eric Malnic reported on the conversion to new uses of 1960s-era fallout shelters, including this large one at the Dunn School. Malnic wrote: One thing about fallout shelters they are built to last. Which is why virtually every one of the about 4,000 private underground shelters constructed in Los Angeles County in the era of the Berlin and Cuban crises is still around. Perhaps the most versatile shelter in Southern California is a 20-by-60-foot concrete and steel chamber built to accommodate the 85 students of a private high school in the Santa Ynez Valley. Advertisement Depending on when you step into either end of it, you may find it a visiting teams dressing room, a photography laboratory and dark room, a storeroom, a projection room, a meditation room for the schools occasional transcendental mediators or a dormitory for dates and their chaperons. It used to serve as a practice room for our rock n roll band, said Bill Webb, headmaster of the Dunn School, but we gave it up because we were afraid the boys could go deaf down there. ... The Dunn Schools shelter was built by headmaster Tony Dunn, an Englishman familiar with the horrors of the World War II blitz in London. Dunn passed away in 1967, but the school kept the shelter for other uses. From left in the above image are students Herb Yang, 16; Jon Sinclair, 18; Liz Shannon, 16; Henry Hassfeld, 17; and Randy Clark, 18. The post was originally published on Nov. 3, 2011. See more from the Los Angeles Times archives here Amid the bustling throngs shopping for food in the heart of Arab East Jerusalem in the hour before the Ramadan fast lifts, one group stands apart. A cluster of Israeli Jews are congregated on a traffic island between a commercial strip and Jerusalems sleek tram line. Behind them, floating above trucks and fruit stalls and huge vats of frying falafel, the golden cupola of the Dome of the Rock peeks over the fortress-like parapet of the Damascus Gate. Guys! A man wearing jeans and a black T-shirt yells in Arabic, trying to gather the group together. They talk among themselves in Hebrew. Advertisement This is almost always the opening scene when professor Anwar Ben Badis guides Jewish Israelis on Arabic-language tours of East Jerusalem. Intense and opinionated, Ben Badis may appear unyielding, yet as the son of a Christian mother who converted to Islam to marry his communist father, a staunchly lapsed Muslim, he embodies everything that does not lend itself to straightforward categorization in Israel. He refers to himself as a Palestinian in the state of the Jews. Among the small pack following this pied piper, only a few, mostly students of Arabic or the children or grandchildren of Jews from Arabic-speaking lands, fully understand what Ben Badis is saying. Others have not formally learned a word of Arabic. Eran Ner-Gaon, a 47-year-old cybersecurity expert who is learning Arabic, induced his in-laws and 16-year-old son to join even though they have no background in the language. He says he figured that Hebrew and Arabic are, after all, fraternal Semitic languages. Most of the crowd falls somewhere between, with a basic understanding of Arabic. Corralling his herd, Ben Badis, who has a day job teaching Aramaic at Jerusalems Hebrew University and also teaches Arabic at various institutes around town, can end up sounding like a kindergarten teacher at his young daughters bilingual preschool. Guys! he repeats in Arabic. Then, in Hebrew: Quiet! Why does a busy working dad take on the task of holiday tour-guiding for people not fully fluent in his language? For Ben Badis, its personal. It is very important to help the other to get to know me, he says. By the other, he means people from other cultural worlds who may find East Jerusalem, and maybe Ben Badis himself, a challenge. The other sometimes has good intentions, he really does want to get to know me, he says, but he doesnt have the tools. The aim of all these tours is to help the other, principally the Jewish Israeli, to get to know me better. The people signing up for Ben Badis tours range from tanned Tel Aviv residents unfamiliar with any part of Jerusalem to members of Jerusalems artistic bohemia and students from his Arabic language classes. The tour includes a stop at the Al Amin bakery. (Marcus Yam / Los Angeles Times ) Ben Badis Ramadan tours cover significant intellectual and physical territory as the professor/guide fills three hours with an introduction to the city-within-a-city that is East Jerusalem, with ancient customs and their modern adaptations, new words and gastronomic treats. There also are some concepts that are new to some in the Jewish group. For instance, Jews are not supposed to work on certain holy days, including the Sabbath and the annual fast day of Yom Kippur. But Muslims are encouraged to work during Ramadan, which ends this week after a month of fasting from dawn to dusk. Work is a commandment, Ben Badis says, explaining the arduous holiday through a prism of ascetic discipline, before introducing the Hebrew term mitzvah, a religious obligation, into an Arabic sentence. Ben Badis fervor is cultural, historical and scholarly but, somewhat paradoxically, it is not pious. One hundred percent atheist, the 41-year-old is married to a Jewish woman, lives in predominantly Jewish west Jerusalem, neither fasts nor prays and inhabits worlds within the city that often do not interact. An invariable stop on a Ben Badis tour of Jerusalems Ramadan, after seasonal juices and syrup-drenched sweets, is the cannon, fired daily during the holy month to alert Muslims far and wide to the end of the fast as nighttime falls. The big gun, a local tradition since Ottoman times, is in an ancient cemetery on Salah ad Din street, a downtown thoroughfare. In another local custom, on Wednesday it was shot by Jerusalem Mayor Nir Barkat, who is not a Muslim, enjoying the prerogative of his office for the last time before municipal elections in the fall. During a few recent tours, Ben Badis paused on a grassy knoll by the Old City, between the Damascus and Herod Gates, and elucidated the difference between sultan (a Turkish word for sovereign) and caliph (a Muslim religious leader) and why Jerusalem, with its convoluted, 3,000-year-old history, has both a Sultan Suleiman Street and a plaza named for Omar ibn Khatab, the second caliph in Islamic history. Boom! The assembled groups jump as the cannon fires, shaking the ground and staining the sky with a white contrail. Ben Badis chuckles and launches into an anecdote about a compromise reached after Israel took over East Jerusalem in 1967, when Israeli authorities initially wanted to ban the cannon, perceived as a security risk. Muslims here said, No way, youre not touching the cannon, he said. An agreement was reached replacing a real explosive charge with white stone powder. Invariably, Ben Badis tours explore the 19-year period in which Jerusalem was a divided city, from Israeli independence in 1948 to 1967, when Israeli troops defeated Jordan, which had ruled East Jerusalem since the end of the British Mandate. Palestinian worshippers pray at the Dome of the Rock in Jerusalem on the third Friday prayers of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. (Ahmad Gharabli / AFP/Getty Images ) Ben Badis describes East Jerusalem as a culture apart from West Jerusalem. Yet, he says, throughout the course of history, these two parts of the city were a single city, until 1948, when it was split, and the policies of successive Israeli governments over the years perpetuated the notion of two cities, entrenching the differences, but you cant carve it into parts. There are a growing number of initiatives aimed at bridging the gap. One is Open Holidays, established in 2014 by Nir Cohen, 34, a social entrepreneur, and two friends, with the aim of celebrating the variegated, multicultural part of Jerusalem that was always there but went unnoticed. He was inspired by a stay in London, where the fact that a place as thoroughly British as Trafalgar Square hosts a [Hindu] Diwali party enthralled him. The first connotation a non-Jerusalemite has with the city is tension and conflict, Cohen said, and we aim instead to rejoice in the cultural richness and cosmopolitan aspect of cultural difference. On one tour, Dan Ashbel, 69, a retired Israeli ambassador, said he hadnt studied Arabic since high school when he signed up for a language course with Ben Badis. It always bothered me I didnt know Arabic, he said. I grew up in Haifa; Arabic is part of the language of the city. Haifa is the northern Israeli metropolis known for easygoing cohabitation and a winter Festival of Festivals, in which the many religious traditions of the Galilee are commingled into a single, month-long municipal party. Jerusalem is complicated, Ben Badis says, describing the city like a walnut, its two lobes separate but inexorably part of the same whole, residents kept apart by fear, language, ignorance and economic gaps. Its complicated, he says, but you have to venture into it. Tarnopolsky is a special correspondent. Business ADNEC takes part in IFBSO Congress to promote Abu Dhabi International Boat Show to a wider global audience 14.06.2018 07:00:03 - Highly-anticipated boat show in October to focus on Abu Dhabis rich and diverse marine industry (live-PR.com) - Abu Dhabi, June 13, 2018/ADNEC/ Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (ADIBS) has recently participated at the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO) Congress, which was held from 6th to 9th June in Berlin. Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Companys (ADNEC) presence at the congress falls in line with its preparations for the forthcoming inaugural edition of ADIBS, which is set to - Abu Dhabi, June 13, 2018/ADNEC/Abu Dhabi International Boat Show (ADIBS) has recently participated at the International Federation of Boat Show Organisers (IFBSO) Congress, which was held from 6th to 9th June in Berlin. Abu Dhabi National Exhibitions Companys (ADNEC) presence at the congress falls in line with its preparations for the forthcoming inaugural edition of ADIBS, which is set to happen from 17th to 20th October this year. Supported by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism and Abu Dhabi Ports as the Strategic Partner, and organised by ADNEC. Being the first member from the UAE to join the organisation. ADIBS recently joined IFBSO, an organisation aimed at developing boat shows and marine trade exhibitions worldwide. By taking part at this event, ADNEC streaks a strategic move to create greater global awareness about the highly-anticipated show, highlighting its importance to the global boating community, it also provided gaining insights into global best practices for the leisure marine and luxury yachting industries and showcasing its preparedness to host this leading event. Alex Nicholl, Show Director of ADIBS said: Joining IFBSO demonstrates our vision for ADIBS, which aims to establish itself in the international boat show calendar as one of the leading events to attend alongside other flagship events such as the Cannes Yachting Festival and the Dusseldorf Boat Show held for over 40 years and 50 years respectively. The congress in Berlin provided us the opportunity to present to over 30 international boat show organising teams; updating them on the plans for ADIBS, the personality we are creating for the event, the approach we have taken and the challenges we have and are facing to be ready to deliver a successful show in October. The Congress also served as an excellent opportunity for us to learn from some of the best and most successful boat show organisers in the world, gaining knowledge of best practices to adopt and adapt ideas relevant to Abu Dhabi and the MENA region. he added. Nicholl noted, ADIBS will embody the theme Uniquely Abu Dhabi, we are creating an environment that uniquely blends luxury yachts and international leisure marine alongside the rich maritime history of the Emirates. Visitors and exhibitors attending the launch show will be left with no doubt about where and why they visited as ADIBS will be providing them with an outstanding platform on which to advertise Abu Dhabi to a wider international audience. Goetz-Ulf Jungmichel, President of IFBSO said: IFBSO is absolutely delighted to have gained ADIBS as a new Candidate Member and we feel that the show will be a very welcome addition to the existing portfolio of IFBSO boat show organiser members worldwide. We have matched ADIBS with the Gothenburg Boat Show as mentor and feel confident that the relationship will be mutually beneficial. We congratulate ADIBS on becoming a member and wish you every success for the inaugural show and many fruitful and enjoyable years of IFBSO membership. Organised and hosted by ADNEC, the inaugural edition of the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show 2018 will take place at ADNECs own and easily accessible purpose-built 31,000 sqm marina providing a world-class platform for local and international companies from the leisure marine industry to showcase and demonstrate their latest products and services to an international audience. ADIBS is expected to attract 180 exhibitors and 20,000 visitors and will feature over 75 boats berthed at the ADNEC marina, recently extended to increase capacity and meet the growing demand. happen from 17th to 20th October this year. Supported by the Abu Dhabi Department of Culture and Tourism and Abu Dhabi Ports as the Strategic Partner, and organised by ADNEC. Being the first member from the UAE to join the organisation. ADIBS recently joined IFBSO, an organisation aimed at developing boat shows and marine trade exhibitions worldwide.By taking part at this event, ADNEC streaks a strategic move to create greater global awareness about the highly-anticipated show, highlighting its importance to the global boating community, it also provided gaining insights into global best practices for the leisure marine and luxury yachting industries and showcasing its preparedness to host this leading event.Alex Nicholl, Show Director of ADIBS said: Joining IFBSO demonstrates our vision for ADIBS, which aims to establish itself in the international boat show calendar as one of the leading events to attend alongside other flagship events such as the Cannes Yachting Festival and the Dusseldorf Boat Show held for over 40 years and 50 years respectively. The congress in Berlin provided us the opportunity to present to over 30 international boat show organising teams; updating them on the plans for ADIBS, the personality we are creating for the event, the approach we have taken and the challenges we have and are facing to be ready to deliver a successful show in October.The Congress also served as an excellent opportunity for us to learn from some of the best and most successful boat show organisers in the world, gaining knowledge of best practices to adopt and adapt ideas relevant to Abu Dhabi and the MENA region. he added.Nicholl noted, ADIBS will embody the theme Uniquely Abu Dhabi, we are creating an environment that uniquely blends luxury yachts and international leisure marine alongside the rich maritime history of the Emirates. Visitors and exhibitors attending the launch show will be left with no doubt about where and why they visited as ADIBS will be providing them with an outstanding platform on which to advertise Abu Dhabi to a wider international audience.Goetz-Ulf Jungmichel, President of IFBSO said: IFBSO is absolutely delighted to have gained ADIBS as a new Candidate Member and we feel that the show will be a very welcome addition to the existing portfolio of IFBSO boat show organiser members worldwide. We have matched ADIBS with the Gothenburg Boat Show as mentor and feel confident that the relationship will be mutually beneficial. We congratulate ADIBS on becoming a member and wish you every success for the inaugural show and many fruitful and enjoyable years of IFBSO membership.Organised and hosted by ADNEC, the inaugural edition of the Abu Dhabi International Boat Show 2018 will take place at ADNECs own and easily accessible purpose-built 31,000 sqm marina providing a world-class platform for local and international companies from the leisure marine industry to showcase and demonstrate their latest products and services to an international audience. ADIBS is expected to attract 180 exhibitors and 20,000 visitors and will feature over 75 boats berthed at the ADNEC marina, recently extended to increase capacity and meet the growing demand. Contact information: Orient Planet PR & Marketing Communications P.O.Box. 500266, Dubai, UAE Contact Person: Eyad Zeidan MEDIA MONITORING Phone: 0097144562888 eMail: eMail Web: http://www.orientplanet.com Author: Pratik Karkera e-mail Web: http://www.orientplanet.com Phone: 0097144562888 14.06.2018 07:00:03 - Disclaimer: If you have any questions regarding information in this article please contact the author. Please do not contact Live-PR.com. We are not able to assist you. Live-PR.com disclaims content contained in this article. Live-PR.com is not authorized to give any information about content and not responsible for content posted by third party. Stock Market News Anglo American to develop Peru copper mine after $600m stake sale 14-06-2018 07:16 Stock News headlines are gathered from financial news sources around the web. Views and opinions on each item are from their respective authors and website. 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They are not opinions of LiveCharts.co.uk Culture / Art Republik Jun 14, 2018 | By Mary Ann Lim In Search of Southeast Asia through the M+ Collections is the first exhibition by the museum that showcases what M+ has amassed thus far, with a specific focus on their methodology. Within the multidisciplinary collections are works of art that reflect a plurality of narratives, histories and identities. Running from 22 June to 30 September, the exhibition will be displayed in the M+ Pavilion. With the goal of becoming Hong Kongs new museum of visual culture, and a target for the M+ building to be completed by 2019, it has accumulated pieces relating not only to art but also design and architecture. The show is a self-reflexive examination of the museums works through a specific focus on the process of collecting, which is guided by a sense of openness that lets the region speak for itself, rather than attempting to speak for it. ART REPUBLIK chats with the Lead Curator of Visual Arts, Pauline J. Yao, and Associate Curator of Design and Architecture, Shirley Surya, to understand their methodologies, as well as the kinds of conversations and narratives they hope to inspire from the exhibition. The concept of Southeast Asia has always been a topic of dispute and contestation, particularly since the region comprises of a myriad of religions, cultures, languages and so on that are seemingly incommensurable with each other. What is this Southeast Asia that the exhibition is in search of? In Search of Southeast Asia through the M+ Collections presents a selection of works from the M+ Collections that relate to the geographical region of Southeast Asia. The chosen title is meant to reflect an ongoing process with no definitive endpoint, much like how the Collections started and will continue to acquire materials from and about the region. The exhibition comes with a sense of purpose in understanding and revealing specificities about the region, but also with a sense of open-endedness (or open-mindedness) of uncovering something unknown, or under-represented, over time. Neither the show nor the Collections are about presenting a survey. Rather, they are influenced by a series of either isolated moments or micro-histories that can open doors into highly specific contexts and conditions. We are not searching for anything overarching or conclusive, but perhaps seeking to present Southeast Asia as a complex gathering of specificities that span across the spectrum of local, regional and global. Why focus on the specific geography of Southeast Asia? How has the location of M+ outside Southeast Asian borders helped to illuminate the narratives explored in this exhibition? Hong Kong is a city that has historically (and up till today) experienced an accelerated form of interconnectedness with other parts of the world. Similarly, as a museum rooted in Hong Kong, M+ has sought to take on a transnational framework in building and interpreting its collections. This does not entail a flattening of the local and the global but is instead a closer look at how art works can be sources of influence on the multiple levels of local, regional and global. As such, we saw the need to present works beyond Hong Kong, mainland China, or East Asia. These are geographies that have been well-represented in M+s public programming since 2011. Southeast Asia also happens to be the region in the M+ Collections that is represented by the most number of works after East Asia, which is why we thought to orient our direction to look southward. And based on our collecting efforts in the region that began in 2014, we felt this area offered a diversity and richness across M+s multi-disciplinary holdings that could be presented as an exhibition. We also find that a strong kinship between Hong Kong and Southeast Asia exists, especially in terms of colonial histories and the circulation of ideas and people even if the exhibition is not explicitly about it that we think the Hong Kong public would notice. Some of these similarities include: shared British colonial histories and post-colonial statuses of political, economic and cultural independence. This is particularly so in countries such as Brunei, Burma, Singapore, and Malaysia, the presence of the Chinese diaspora, interest in building for the sub-tropical region, and historic and contemporary links in maritime trade amongst other things. The history between Hong Kong and Southeast Asia is vast and deep but somehow not frequently addressed in cultural contexts so we also hope to raise this as a topic that can further expand understandings of ones own locale. These parallels and connections between the two regions form the backdrop which informs the narratives we are working with in this exhibition. For example, the Design and Architecture curatorial team has acquired works related to the narrative of post-colonial nation building. This is in addition to pieces that illuminate the practice and discourse of tropical architecture in Southeast Asia, which is a key factor in characterising the architectural system of the region. But in our interpretation of the works, we also seek to understand the influences of the wider Modern Movement in architecture in shaping the local-regional place identity. For visual art, additions to the collections by Southeast Asian artists have been primarily in the area of contemporary art and have evolved naturally out of our practice of acquiring both established and mid-career artists around the world. So on one level, contemporary artists in Southeast Asia who are active on the global circuit are natural candidates for the collections as we do look to represent practice that engages with issues of a global nature. But in addition to this, we are also mindful of recognising some of the unique aesthetic histories and practices in the region, particularly those that can contrast with a dominant global visual art style and reflect more specific or localised methodologies. Across all cases, we are highly aware of how to situate artists from this region in dialogue with the stories we are already building that relate to Hong Kong, East Asia and the rest of the world. Southeast Asia is constantly evolving, and contemporary research on the region is being shaped by these rapid changes. How can adopting a cross-disciplinary approach help inform new and innovative ways of reading and exploring the region? Each discipline whether visual art, design and architecture, or moving image is certainly rich enough to illuminate the specificities in the practice and discourse of any given cultural production. Yet how disciplinary histories have often developed along their own individual paths could either lead to some degree of naval gazing or blind-spots. Thus, in this show, we aim to find a platform where audiences can begin to understand a particular phenomenon, or place, across its various manifestations. If we consider that the people behind the various forms of production of a specific period came from a similar social milieu, and were responding to similar socio-political forces, then taking on the methodology of presenting how artists, architects or designers respond to similar set of conditions could enable us to see things in greater multiplicity. Within our team, weve called this a kind of visual culture as methodology. It is one part of an interpretive framework that seeks to incorporate multiple perspectives and approaches into the interpretation of a subject. The key sections, or themes, of the show have emerged as a result of seeing the similar forces or overlapping narratives that have shaped the works of artists and architects, namely Conditions of Place, States and Powers and Transnational Flows which broadly correlate to the local, regional and global. Who are some of the artists selected for the exhibition? Why these artists? Due to practical limitations on the space at M+ Pavilion, we can only show a fraction of all the works that weve acquired that are related to Southeast Asia. We were unable to include some larger-scale works such as Heri Donos Flying Angels (1996) or Bui Cong Khanhs Dislocate (2014-2016), so visitors will have to wait for the opening of the M+ building to see these! Even Sopheap Pichs Compound (2011) piece is shown in abbreviated form. Our goal has always been to present a selection that could represent both the diverse geographies, media, practices and narratives of the region, as well as the works in the Collections. We prioritised works that have never been exhibited in Hong Kong before, such as The Living Need Light and the Dead Need Music by The Propeller Group. Weve also attempted to present works using the medium of moving images that are usually showcased at screenings for the first time, such as a film by Midi Z. For Design and Architecture, we chose to showcase works and archival materials that represent the key narratives which the team has researched on since 2014, including tropical regionalism, post-colonial nation-building and postmodernism in Asia. This project seems to draw from a wide range of artistic mediums, disciplines and origins. Tell us more about the highlight works from the collections. For Visual Art, some highlights include the aforementioned film by The Propeller Group as it has not been exhibited in Hong Kong, and Charles Lims film All Lines Flow Out which will be shown in its full installation version, displayed alongside its two drain socks. The exhibition also includes a major installation by one of the most recognised Cambodian artists, Sopheap Pich, and an unusual video installation by Rirkrit Tiravanija. Occupying one of the large exterior walls will be a large mural work by Eko Nugroho with a commissioned project from 2010 that has been kindly donated to M+ by Hong Kong collector Hallam Chow. For Design and Architecture, a highlight includes early photographs and drawings of Sri Lankan architect Geoffrey Bawas highly-influential resort architecture in Bali. Further, selected archival materials of two of the most prolific architectural practices in post-independent Malaya will be displayed: one from Booty, Edwards and Partners (later BEP Akitek) and Malayan Architects Co-Partnership (later Architects Team 3). The unpublished models and drawings of works by Thai architect Sumet Jumsai will also be exhibited for the first time. What were some of the biggest challenges in putting this show together? The biggest challenge was to devise a method of displaying works of vastly different medium and materiality, that is, how we can provide enough room to bring out the distinct qualities of each work and groups of materials, while letting them be in dialogue with each other. This challenge was of course compounded by the space constraints. But these are all necessary challenges and tests for M+ as a museum. What are the kinds of conversations that you hope to spark from this exhibition? We hope the exhibition could remind the public of M+s remit as more than an art museum, and as a multi-disciplinary holding that encompasses a variety of mediums which can offer a broader perspective in making sense of various geographies. We also hope that it will spark interest and curiosity, or even a concerted understanding of Southeast Asias state of cultural production and its relationship to Hong Kong. In doing so, it may hopefully encourage a kind of reorientation in how Hong Kong sees its positioning beyond its immediate relationship to Europe, America, mainland China or East Asia, but also to the wider world, particularly South and Southeast Asia. This was what we had aspired to do through M+s public event last December, entitled REORIENT: Conversations on South and Southeast Asia. More information at westkowloon.hk. China IP Trends webinar 168 Join RWS and Managing IP on June 28 for our webinar China IP Trends: the shift in patent filing as we take a look at the data and give you tips to stay ahead of your competitors. Guest speakers Justin Simpson, RWS, founder of inovia, and Xia Zheng, founder, president of AFD China Intellectual Property, will review trends from WIPO and discuss important strategies for filing in China, including some of the advantages of their system and common mistakes even experienced filers fall victim to. The webinar is at 10am Eastern Time/3pm UK time. More details are here http://bit.ly/ChinaIPTrends The material on this site is for law firms, companies and other IP specialists. It is for information only. Please read our Terms and Conditions and Privacy Notice before using the site. All material subject to strictly enforced copyright laws. 2021 Euromoney Institutional Investor PLC. For help please see our FAQs. Share this article CRAFTSWOMAN AND ENTREPRENEUR. Elizabeth Agarao shares her talent as an artisan with other women in her community. The side panel of Manilacaba features the embroidery of the women embroiderers from Lumban, Laguna. Manilacaba, from the limited edition Treasure Totes by Christian Louboutin, celebrates the vibrant culture of Manila. Beth (rightmost) with Angie Ilul of the Yakan trip, GREAT Women co-founder Jeannie Javelosa, French designer Christian Louboutin, and B'laan indigenous weaver Felipa Manangka Perseverance, innovation, and diligence all go hand in hand for Elizabeth Agarao. Beth, as she is called, is overseeing a cottage industry of beautiful embroidery. Little did she know that her community would eventually be adorning a world-renowned designers collection of bags. Beth is currently the president and head designer of her own embroidery business. She is also a mentor to other women in her community in Lumban, Laguna.But her journey in the embroidery business did not start easily. Despite growing up in a place where embroidery is the major industry and everyone learns the craft at a young age, she did not. Beths mother disapproved of the low earnings, so she had to learn the craft secretly.Beth wanted to become a teacher after she finished her schooling. Since only contractual positions were available, she took a job as a secretary in an embroidery company until she resigned after getting married. Challenges in life came when her husband was laid off from his job. Using the capital from her husbands last salary, they purchased textiles to embroider and sell in Manila. She also intended to showcase her expertise for the purpose of accepting orders for traditional barongs and wedding gowns.Drawing from her exposure to the business of embroidery while working as a secretary, Beth successfully expanded her business; she first had six employees who would embroider and sew her wares. Further work such as beading textiles was also outsourced to other women who worked from home. Her flourishing business allowed her to take out a loan from a microfinance group to improve not only the business but her familys economic situation as well. Beth was introduced to Jeannie Javelosa, the social entrepreneur behind GREAT Women. Jevelosa worked with Beth to translate her art drawings into embroidered jusi tops. Soon, Beths role expanded into product design and development, as the bridge between client and producers. No longer was she embroidering the same style her town has been doing over and over again for decades. Her days were filled meeting with artists and designers who she collaborated with for more contemporary designs and updated looks and ultimately fresh products. These were all novel experiences for her, especially as GREAT Women brought her closer to partnerships with designers such as alumni of Slims Fashion School. She now aims to expand her skills with new textiles, motifs, and designs for new retail platforms.The GREAT Women Brand also encouraged Beth to mentor other women who depended on their craft for their livelihood. It also gave Beth and other embroiderers in Lumban, Laguna an arena to stretch their creative powers. Just recently, the creation from Beths community made its way to the luxury fashion scene as French fashion designer Christian Louboutin released Manilacaba, a collaboration with GREAT Women that celebrates Manilas vibrant lifestyle and culture while highlighting techniques from Luzon, Visayas, and Mindanao. On the bags right side panel, one will find Christian Louboutins name embroidered by the women from Lumban. Not only is this a source of pride for the community, but also for the Philippines whose craftsmanship is recognized on a global stage. And he's full of shit. The city I was working in north of Moscow was heated by a single central steam plant. It was terrible. You had no control. The guys at the steam plant had to guess the weather and send that much steam. Both the apartment blocks and the office buildings were connected to the steam system. The very few private houses were mostly wood burning I believe. Very primitive. That's what he was referring to and the system is still alive and well in Russia. At least as well as it ever was. Awesome Ideas For Guys To Explore In The Philippines Most Americans unfortunately only have a vague understanding of what Philippines is all about. The country is so off the radar when it comes to mainstream tourism, that its likely you wont even consider going there on your next mancation. This is really a shame, since going to beautiful undeveloped countries opens up a ton of possibilities to have fun and enjoy a very special holiday. Plus, you'll find that your money goes much ... much farther than more popular spots. If we have to sum it in a single sentence, the Philippines is all about stunning beaches and exciting wildlife adventures. Thing is, that hardly does the country any justice since it has so much more than to offer to guests. If you stay flexible and fairly spontaneous then the sky's the limit to what you could there. Ever wanted to travel to a place where youll feel like the king of the world? The Philippines offers you just that! Since everything is so cheap and people are so friendly and accommodating, you can do pretty much anything you like. Below youll find some pointers and ideas that can help you start planning your visit to this unique country. We tried to include all the traditional tourist spots and attractions, while still giving you some ideas on how to make your vacation extra special. If you need a point of reference, just imagine how Thailand used to be 30 years ago before it was spoiled by the hordes of tourists roaming around everywhere. Exploring Manilas Nightlife Manila is the center of everything and the best place to be if you want to have fun during the night. This is a city that never sleeps and theres always something interesting going on. There are 3 main areas for nightlife: Makati, BGC in Taguig City and Malate. The first 2 are extremely safe these are the posh areas of Manila and you can go around drunk in 3AM in the morning with no danger at all. Malate is sleazier so better to exercise caution just dont go anywhere by yourself and youll be perfectly fine. Manila bay is another option, if you prefer to blend in with the locals rather than going to tourist-oriented bars and clubs. The whole area near Mall of Asia is quite nice there are many good places to eat or grab a beer while looking at the ocean. Not from there, you can find the Solaire Casino and resort an establishment which doesnt fall short of the famous casinos in Vegas or Macau. This can also be a good option for a guyss night out. Canyoneering in Cebu Cebu is one of the major islands in the Philippines and you should strongly consider spending a few nights there as part of your holiday. Cebu city is the 2nd largest in the country and nightlife there is very good. There are plenty of hotels to choose from, great shopping malls and quite a few attractions and historic monuments in the city itself. The real adventure however lies in 2 hours away from the city, near the beautiful beach town of Moalboal. From there, you can start a 4 hours long trek through the jungle, following the river all the way to the spectacular Kawasan Falls. This trek is of medium difficulty and involves rappelling, cliff jumps and generally crawling and climbing your way through the creek. The reward in the end is worth it youll get to visit the Kawasan Falls which are one of the most impressive waterfalls youve ever seen. Do it the right way with an exciting adventure leading up to the falls themselves, and the whole experience will be so much more special. The canyoneering tour is provided by Filipino tour operators for a fairly cheap price, but we recommend booking through one of the foreigners living there for a much safer and professional service. Jungle survival training This is a very unique tour only offered near Manila and Cebu. Its kind of an underground experience and youll have a pretty hard time finding or booking it online. Philippines travel packages offers it as a part of their service so shoot them an email and ask about this adventure. It all started when U.S based forces needed jungle training before going to fight in Vietnam. From there, a tradition rose and is carried out until this very day. The purpose is to teach you how to survive on your in the jungle with nothing but a machete. Is there anything more hardcore or manly than that? Since this tour is so unregulated you can choose to do it pretty much any way you like to. People usually go for 2-3 days but longer treks are definitely possible. You will have a local experienced guide with you the whole time, and the city is always just a short distance away should anything go wrong. Big game fishing There arent many better ways to relax and have fun then going fishing with your mates. Big game fishing in the Philippines isnt so well developed, but there are some pretty exciting options. The main benefit is how cheap the whole thing is you can rent a private yacht, with licensed boatman and a guide, unlimited amount of beers and snacks for less than 300$. What about lunch you ask? Well, try and catch it yourself! The oceans of the Philippines are scientifically measured to have the richest marine diversity. Large school of fish are everywhere, and your chances of finding really big ones are quite good. The best place to do it is in Cebu island, just because the tour is quite organized and it will be hassle free. More advanced fishermen might prefer Siargao though, since there are much better and bigger catches over there. Overnight camping on a small remote island If you are a fan of camping outdoors then this is something you shouldnt pass on. Its a true castaway experience, being alone on a small tropical island with just your loved ones to keep you company. Considering the fact youll be staying at one of the most beautiful islands in the world, its easy to understand why this is just a wonderful idea. Island camping is usually done in either El Nido or Coron. Both are in Palawan island, which has been voted the best island in the world for 3 years in a row. This is a chance to experience this beautiful place in a way most tourists dont get a chance to. Youll spend the night on a remote island, completely cut off from civilization, before going to see all the famous nearby attractions on the following day. Worlds best diving spots As mentioned, the Philippines is the place with the richest marine biodiversity in the world. This means that professional divers from all over the world come there, and the diving scene is highly matured and professional. Even if you never dived before, this is the perfect place to try it out for the first time. The island of Bohol is the perfect choice for beginners since the dive clubs there are world class and the nearby islands are simply breathtaking. You can start your day early by going dolphin watching, then make your way to the Balicasag marine sanctuary where you can dive in the coral reefs and even have a huge chance of seeing sea turtles roam by. No certificate is required as you can do this as a Scuba discovery course instead. More advanced divers should really consider booking a diving safari. These liveaboard tours last anywhere between 3 to 7 days and are the ultimate diving adventure. These safaris are available at many different locations, but the best place to take it is Tubbataha Reef. The boat leaves form Puerto Princesa in Palawan and takes you to one of the best diving places in the whole world. Standard boats are pretty decent, but you can always go ahead and book a luxury package to Tubataha instead. Private island romantic getaway Ok, so not for a guys getaway but the Philippines also has a lot to offer if you are travelling with your wife or girlfriend. Its not all about adventure and undeveloped rural areas. Some islands are also home to world class 5 star resorts, and the best thing is these are much cheaper than in other Southeast Asian countries such as Thailand, Bali or The Maldives. For the most romantic hotels the best choice is to stay at a private island resort. This is the ultimate all inclusive vacation where all your needs and desires are being taken care of. You dont have to lift a finger and can focus on relaxing and having fun with your better half. The best place to find such hotels is in Palawan. Both El Nido and Coron offer some really exciting resorts to stay in. Prices for an all-inclusive stay start at 500$ per night but these already include all tours, resorts activities and of course a full board stay. If youre looking for something extra special, check out the Amanpulo island resort. It is significantly more expensive but standards there are truly world class so its perfect for honeymooners who want something extra special. In May, far-right former leader of the English Defence League (EDL), Tommy Robinson, was jailed for 13 months for contempt of court. The sentence followed his filming and revealing details of a child grooming trial at Leeds Crown Court. The stunt was clearly aimed at getting himself arrested and turning himself into a martyr for free speech, victimised by a politically correct establishment protecting Muslim grooming gangs. By all accounts it seems to have worked. Within days more than 500,000 people signed a petition for his release. Over the coming weeks protests were staged, culminating in a far-right mobilisation of 15,000 outside Downing Street last weekend, on 9 June. By contrast, the counter-mobilisation numbered a few hundred at most. Parallel to this weve seen details emerge of the trial of a National Action terrorist cell, who intended to follow the example of Thomas Mair and murder another Labour MP on Britains streets. This should serve as a loud wake-up call for anti-racists and anti-fascists, and particularly the trade union leaders whose dereliction of duty allowed the far-right to mobilise on the streets unopposed. Biggest far-right mobilisation in years The size of the 9 June mobilisation made it by far the biggest far-right gathering in recent years. There are a number of factors which led to this exceptional turnout. In the first place, the conviction of Tommy Robinson (real name, Stephen Yaxley-Lennon) provided a rare focal point for various groups to rally around. Embed from Getty Images Furthermore, it is clear that every effort was put into this mobilisation. Everyone from Robinsons Generation Identity group, to Katie Hopkins, to UKIP, to racist Dutch politician Geert Wilders was involved. The backing of UKIP is particularly significant. Since the 2016 Brexit vote UKIP has been wandering aimlessly. With the wind in the sails of the rabidly reactionary Brexiteers of the Tory Party, the latter have hoovered up a lot of UKIPs support. UKIP has therefore suffered an existential crisis. The support for Robinson offered by UKIPs new leader, Gerard Batten, indicates that UKIP is making the only logical pitch that can keep it relevant: to the far right. This is beyond the pale even for former leader, Nigel Farage. Whereas UKIP previously had safeguards in place against EDL entryists, at the 9 June protest Batten directly appealed for those assembled to join the party. Xenophobia and racism Clearly exceptional circumstances alone cannot account for such a large mobilisation, let alone the 500,000+ signatures calling for Robinsons release. Xenophobic bile and racial hatred have been deliberately nurtured over the course of years by the ruling class and its representatives. Daily the tabloid press scapegoats illegals, sponging immigrants, etc. for the crumbling state of the NHS, for the rise of crime, for the state of housing etc. Xenophobic bile and racial hatred have been deliberately nurtured over the course of years by the ruling class and its representatives / Image: Flickr, Lionheart Photography It hasnt just been the Brexiteer wing of the Tories who have whipped up this muck. The hostile environment policy was conceived by Theresa May when she was Home Secretary in Camerons government. And let us not forget that the Blairites have played their part in this vile game too. Yet they have the brass neck to call Corbyn an anti-semite. Who can forget Ed Milibands controls on immigration mug? Or the now notorious article written by Sarah Champion MP for The Sun declaring: Britain has a problem with British Pakistani men raping and exploiting white girls? What has Tommy Robinson and his ilk done other than take this poison to its logical conclusion? These poisonous seeds have found fertile soil in the left-behind housing estates and devastated ex-industrial towns. For years, no one has offered a way out for the depression and alienation gripping working class communities. The Blairite wing of the Labour Party and right-wing trade union leaders above all bear responsibility for accepting this managed decline dictated by the market. With no solution coming from the left, the answers of the right that Muslims and immigrants are to blame were the only ones on offer. Racists have since taken the Brexit vote as a vindication of their bigotry. Contempt of court Tommy Robinson has deliberately cultivated an image of a normal working class man, unlike the polished hypocrites of parliament. Furthermore the right wing are not afraid to mobilise on the streets and to denounce in the fiercest terms the establishment. Part of their appeal is the manner in which they paint themselves as a fighting alternative. Haughtily dismissing Robinson therefore as a common criminal, as a fraudster who is in contempt of court, as many have done, clearly isnt going to cut any ice. Hundreds of thousands of people see him as standing up for free speech against an establishment, a media, and politicians of which they are distrustful. Pointing to his less-than-polished image only does Robinson a favour. The left needs to offer political answers to the problem. We need to be absolutely clear that it is not Muslims who are responsible for the ills of society, but capitalism. Capitalism has failed, is destroying communities, and must be overthrown. Only a militant, socialist programme which breaks with this system can offer an alternative. Is this a new rise of fascism? The size of the 9 June mobilisation has naturally come as a shock to many. Some have even gone as far as to talk about the ascendancy of fascism in Britain. That the far right will be emboldened by the lack of opposition, and that this will spur on further racist attacks is undoubtedly true. That there were organised fascists among those present on 9 June is also true. We must maintain a sense of proportion, however. The Socialist Workers Party (SWP), whose front organisations Stand Up To Racism (STUR) and Unite Against Fascism (UAF) played a key role in the counter-mobilisation has been particularly vocal about the imminent threat of fascism. Their analysis of 9 June speaks of a lethal fascist street movement developing. The size of the 9 June demo was exceptional, but we must maintain a sense of proportion / Image: fair use Indeed, the SWP has claimed for years that the threat of fascism lies just around the corner. But to repeat that we are threatened with fascism year in, year out is worse than useless. Like the boy who cried wolf, constant warnings about fascism can only disarm workers and youth when a real fascist threat emerges. Are we seeing a new rise of fascism? All serious fascist movements in history have been marshalled by the capitalist class to completely crush the organised labour movement. They acquire a mass base in the middle class and declassed layers, ruined by capitalism. They are used as a last throw of the dice when the system is threatened with socialist revolution. Clearly this is not the case today. Where violent fascist groups have tried to organise, as was the case with National Action, they have enjoyed derisory levels of support and have quickly been crushed by the state. This does not mean that the state can be relied upon to defeat this threat. Rather, it demonstrates that the capitalist class does not have any interest in unleashing fascist gangs on the working class at this point. In Greece, where we have seen the organisation of a real fascist party in the form of the Golden Dawn, the ruling class have reeled them in because their violent assaults against workers and left-wingers threatened to provoke a massive backlash. How to fight the right We might not be on the cusp of the rise of fascism, but in no way can we downplay the very real threat posed by the far-right, particularly to immigrants and ethnic minority communities. The poisonous atmosphere created by the rotten policies of the capitalist class will continue to fuel racism, and breed new would-be-killers (like Thomas Mair) and National Action-like fascist cells. When the far right raises its ugly head it should therefore be beaten down. The question is: how? Only mass mobilisation on the streets, linked to a fight for clear socialist policies, can draw out the infection of racial hatred and scapegoating and smash the far-right for good. This could have been possible in advance of Saturdays demonstration. No less than seven trade union general secretaries (from Unite, NEU, PCS, CWU, TSSA, ASLEF and BFAWU) and two Labour MPs signed the Stand Up To Racism statement supporting the counter-mobilisation. Momentum in particular, which has styled itself as a campaigning organisation, should have mobilised to clear these bigots off the street. That only 150 people were mobilised is a disgrace, for which the leaders of the labour movement bear full responsibility. On account of the small numbers at the counter-mobilisation, people were placed in real danger, something which should never have happened. Although 15,000 thugs is a serious force when unopposed, this pales in comparison to the numbers that the trade unions have been capable of repeatedly mobilising through the capital in recent years. This shows the real balance of forces where the union leaders are prepared to mobilise them. The organised working class can easily land a blow against the far right with one or two serious mobilisations. The whole history of the struggle against racist and fascist groups illustrates this point. This was the case with the National Front, who were beaten in Lewisham in the 1970s; the same was true of the EDL in recent years. In the USA also, after the Charlottesville Unite the Right rally last summer, it was mass mobilisations across the country that forced the neo-Nazis and alt-right back into hiding. Above all, it is the responsibility of the trade union and Labour Party leaders to mobilise workers and youth to stop the right wing from marching. New York's attorney general announced on Thursday she was suing the Trump Foundation, as well as Donald Trump and his children, alleging "extensive and persistent" lawbreaking. Barbara Underwood said the charitable foundation had engaged in "unlawful political co-ordination" designed to influence the 2016 election. The lawsuit seeks to dissolve the foundation, Ms Underwood said. The foundation denied the charges, calling them politically motivated. In a statement, Ms Underwood said Mr Trump had illegally instructed the foundation to provide support to his presidential campaign by using the foundation's name and funds it raised to promote the campaign. The petition also claims that Mr Trump used charitable assets to pay off legal obligations, to promote his own businesses and to purchase personal items. The attorney general is also seeking to bar the president and three of his adult children, Donald Jr, Eric and Ivanka, from serving on the board of any New York-based charity, "in light of misconduct and total lack of oversight". The president hit back at the lawsuit on Twitter, saying that "sleazy New York Democrats" were "doing everything they can to sue me". He vowed he would not settle the case. Analytics website WalletHub has released the follow-up to its study on best states for working moms, and the news for Idaho dads isnt promising, either. Last month, the site declared Idaho the worst state for working mothers thanks to poor-quality child care and few professional opportunities. Similar metrics left our state at 47th in the nation for working fathers. By Nicole Blanchard [email protected] Read more here: http://www.idahostatesman.com/news/northwest/idaho/article213007589.html#storylink=cpy PFL Tech Inc. is a marketing technology company that provides sales enablement and marketing automation solutions, as well asprinting, mailing, and fulfillment services. They also provide some great Montana Jobs. Les responsables politique du gouvernement ont pris note de linstitution dune Commission dEnquete sur laffaire Betamax, que la loi sera amendee pour permettre la vaccination des moins de 18 ans, du Public Statement issued du Financial Action Task Force (FATF), des propositions pour le Virtual Asset Business Bill entre autres. 1. Cabinet has agreed to the setting up of a Commission of Inquiry to be presided by a Judge to inquire into, inter alia, the circumstances in which the contract for transport of petroleum products to Mauritius (Contract of Affreightment) was awarded to Betamax Ltd and the circumstances which subsequently led to the termination of the said contract. 2. Cabinet has taken note of the Public Statement issued by the Financial Action Task Force (FATF) with regard to Mauritius after its Plenary that ended that very day and has, inter alia, highlighted the high-level political commitment of Mauritius to work with the FATF and ESAAMLG to strengthen the effectiveness of its AML/CFT regime. The FATF has indicated that it intends to effect an on-site assessment at the earliest possible date, to verify the implementation of Mauritiuss AML/CFT reforms. 3. Cabinet has agreed to the industry stakeholders being consulted on the proposals contained in the draft Virtual Asset Business Bill and to drafting instructions being subsequently conveyed to the Attorney Generals Office for finalisation of the Bill. The object of the Bill is to provide for a regulatory framework for virtual asset service providers and the issuers of initial token offerings. The Bill accordingly makes provisions for: (a) the licensing, supervision and monitoring of virtual asset service providers; (b) the registration procedures and requirements for the issuance of initial token offerings; (c) the technical requirements, governance structures, risk management and information disclosure issues for virtual asset service providers; (d) the protection of the interests of clients of virtual asset service providers; and (e) compliance with international standards of the Financial Action Task Force on anti-money laundering and combatting the financing of terrorism and activities related to the proliferation of weapons of mass destruction. 4. Cabinet has taken note that the Minister of Health and Wellness has made the Public Health (COVID-19 Vaccines for Emergency Use) (Amendment No. 4) Regulations 2021 to enable vaccination of persons below the age of 18, in accordance with the directives and specifications to be issued by the Ministry of Health and Wellness on the types of vaccines to be administered. 5. Cabinet has taken note of the main outcomes of the recent virtual sessions organised jointly with the Confederation of Indian Industry (CII) and the Progress Harmony and Development (PHD) Chamber of Commerce and Industry. The objective of these sessions was mainly to apprise Indian businesses on the trade and investment opportunities under the Comprehensive Economic Cooperation and Partnership Agreement (CECPA), which entered into force on 01 April 2021. The session organised by CII was presided by Dr Anish Shah, Chairman and CEO of the Mahindra Group. The event was attended by more than 100 Indian businesses. The Economic Development Board, the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Mauritius Exporters Association and Business Mauritius also participated. The inaugural session included an interactive session with key Indian businesses in various sectors including financial services, chemicals, light rail and tourism. The session was followed by a business seminar. The PHD event was chaired by Mr Naveen Seth, Assistant Secretary General of the PHD Chamber of Commerce and Industry. More than 170 Indian businesses attended the session. The main takeaways of these sessions were, inter alia: (a) Mauritius offers a sound environment for Indian businesses to tap both the African Market and the other countries with whom Mauritius has concluded FTAs such as the EU, UK, US and China; (b) Indian operators could avail of warehousing facilities in the Mauritius freeport to service the African Market; and (c) the possibility of developing a special economic zone in Mauritius for Indian operators could be explored, allowing Indian businesses to enjoy preferential access both on the African continent and in India. 6. Cabinet has agreed to the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Economic Development Board and the Seychelles Investment Board. The Memorandum of Understanding has four main objectives: (a) enhancing cooperation between the Economic Development Board and the Seychelles Investment Board; (b) establishing a practical framework agreeable to both parties for cooperation with regard to investment and export promotion and facilitation; (c) strengthening institutional relations and capacity building through mutual cooperation; and (d) facilitating Outward Direct Investment to Seychelles from Mauritius through the creation of a dedicated desk within the Seychelles Investment Board. The Seychelles Investment Board would also provide aftercare services to operational businesses to support them with business expansions/re-investments. There would be an investment desk at the Seychelles Investment Board and an investment officer of the Seychelles Investment Board would liaise with the Economic Development Board Global Outreach Directorate. 7. Cabinet has agreed to the request from India to support the inclusion of an item for consideration by the United Nations General Committee, for granting Observer Status to the International Solar Alliance at the United Nations General Assembly. The International Solar Alliance was launched by India and France during the twenty-first session of the Conference of the Parties (COP 21) of the UN Framework on Climate Change in Paris in 2015 with the objective to address key common challenges in scaling up solar energy among Member States and to support developing countries to boost their solar energy production capacity. Mauritius is among the founding members of the International Solar Alliance. 8. Cabinet has taken note that a Coordination Committee would be set up to look into and to formalise the establishment of a mechanism for the promotion of Mauritian expertise. The Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade has been studying a proposal for the establishment of a mechanism to manage a database of Mauritian experts for assignment as consultants in other countries. 9. Cabinet has agreed to the proposal for the Municipal City Council of Port Louis to submit its application to UNESCO for potential inclusion of the City of Port Louis in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network in the field of Music. The UNESCO Creative Cities Network was launched in 2004 to promote cooperation with and amongst cities having recognized creativity as a major factor in their sustainable urban development. The network covers seven creative fields which are Crafts and Folk Arts, Media Arts, Film, Design, Gastronomy, Literature and Music. The common mission of these cities is to work together while placing culture and creativity at the core of their urban development. 10. Cabinet has taken note that in the context of the forthcoming Eid-Ul-Adha festival, the price of live cattle has been fixed at Rs151 per kilo. The Consumer Protection (Control of Sale of Imported Live Animals for Home Slaughter) Regulations would be amended accordingly. 11. Cabinet has taken note that following the MV Wakashio Oil Spill, the Ministry of Environment, Solid Waste Management and Climate Change arranged for the collection, transportation and storage of the Heavy Fuel Oil-contaminated solid and sludge wastes arising from the clean-up operations. These wastes are classified as hazardous wastes under the First Schedule of the Environment Protection (Standards for hazardous wastes) Regulations 2001 and cannot be disposed of locally. The wastes would be shipped in batches of ten 40ft shipping containers. The first shipment is scheduled for 02 July 2021 and the remaining wastes are expected to be shipped by the end of August 2021. 12. Cabinet has taken note of the situation of the COVID-19 pandemic prevailing across the world. Some 180.7 million cases have been reported globally, of which 165.4 million persons have been successfully treated. With regard to Mauritius, as from March 2020 to 25 June 2021, 1,887 cases (including imported cases) of COVID-19 had been registered. There were 391 active cases of COVID-19 in Mauritius, out of which 369 were local cases and 22 imported cases. Contact tracing exercises and random testing are being carried out in accordance with the established protocol. Cabinet has also taken note of progress in the implementation of the national COVID-19 vaccination programme. The milestone of 500,000 vaccinated persons with a first dose of vaccine had already been reached. Cabinet has further taken note of the reopening of certain activities as from 01 July 2021, subject to strict sanitary precautions being taken, including wearing of masks, social distancing, regular washing of hands and use of sanitiser. Appropriate Regulations would be promulgated. 13. Cabinet has taken note that three para-athletes would participate in the Tokyo 2020 Paralympic Games, namely: (a) Miss Noemi Alphonse, wheelchair specialist, in the 100m WC T54, 400m WC T54, 800m WC T54, 1500m WC T54 and 5000m WC T54; (b) Miss Anais Angeline in 100m T37, 200m T37 and Long Jump T37; and (c) Mr Eddy Capdor in Long Jump T20. 14. Cabinet has taken note of the re-election of former Chief Justice Mr Y. K. J. Yeung Sik Yuen, GOSK, on the Committee on the Elimination of Racial Discrimination during the 29th Meeting of States Parties to the International Convention on the Elimination of All Forms of Racial Discrimination. His third term of office would start on 20 January 2022 and would end on 19 January 2026. 15. Cabinet has taken note of the activities being organised by the Ministry of Health and Wellness to commemorate the International Day Against Drug Abuse and Illicit Trafficking, observed on 26 June. The theme chosen for this year is Share Facts on Drugs, Save Lives. The following activities would be held: (a) sensitisation of the population at large on the dangers of illicit drugs through talks on MBC radio and TV in creole and bhojpuri; and (b) interventions by health professionals in Priorite Sante on MBC TV. Cabinet has also taken note that a half-day workshop would be organised by the National Drug Secretariat, under the aegis of the Prime Ministers Office, on 26 June 2021 at the Prison Training Academy, Beau Bassin. The Prime Minister would be the Chief Guest and would launch the workshop. The participation of NGOs engaged in the prevention of drug use as well as Ministries/Departments concerned would be enlisted. 16. Cabinet has taken note of the arrangements being made for the International Day of Cooperatives 2021 celebrated on the first Saturday of July. The theme chosen for this year is Rebuild better together. The Cooperatives Division of the Ministry of Industrial Development, SMEs and Cooperatives would, in collaboration with the National Cooperative College, Cooperative Federations and other stakeholders, organise a gathering for co-operators at the National Cooperative College Auditorium at Terre Rouge on Saturday 03 July 2021, while observing all sanitary protocols. Other activities include: (a) a wreath laying ceremony to be held at the stele of cooperatives at Jardin de la Compagnie, Port Louis, in collaboration with the Mauritius Cooperative Alliance Limited, the apex body of the cooperative movement; and (b) the message of the Minister of Industrial Development, SMEs and Cooperatives on MBC TV to the nation on the International Day of Cooperatives 2021. 17. Cabinet has taken note of the outcome of the recent virtual meeting between the Ministers of Trade of the African Union and the Director General of the World Trade Organization (WTO). The Minister of Land Transport and Light Rail, Minister of Foreign Affairs, Regional Integration and International Trade was invited to chair the virtual meeting in his capacity as Coordinator of the African Group at the WTO and also to make an opening statement. He emphasised, inter alia, the following points: (a) there should be a balanced and equitable distribution of vaccines; (b) all export restrictions on vaccines should be lifted; and (c) the request of a waiver tabled by India and South Africa to increase the production of vaccines should be expeditiously considered and agreed by the WTO Member States. The WTO Director General indicated that since taking office in March 2021, her focus has been on revitalising and rebranding the WTO in order to bring it back to the centre of the global economic governance. During the virtual meeting, the African Ministers highlighted the need for the WTO to come forward with practical measures to ensure that international trade contributes to the economic recovery of its Members, and facilitate their integration in global supply chains. Many delegations stated that the digital divide became even more apparent during the pandemic. 18. Cabinet has taken note of the reconstitution of the Board of the Public Officers Welfare Council with Mr Jaylall Mulloo, as Chairperson. Partager et informez vous aussi...... 0 shares Share Tweet LinkedIn UCOM has officially launched the sale of IPHONE 13 Six servicemen were wounded by the attack of the Azerbaijani armed forces in Artsakh, two of them in critical condition 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 Google Ad Governments preventing publication of Haykakan Zhamanak newspaper during state of emergency UCOM prolongs the unlimited internet offer for the level up 4700 and level up 5500 subscribers Ucom employees received recognition for their services to the homeland Karen Vardanyan has allocated 105 million AMD to rescue the Yerevan Botanical Garden. "The Power of One Dram" to overcome childhood cancer Generation A 13 your chance to be the change President of the Artsakh Republic Arayik Harutyunyan met with Russian Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Igor Khovayev "uDays" special offer at Ucom: discounts for all smartphones and accessories for 2 days only For more than 3 hours, 50 or more Azerbaijani servicemen have blocked the interstate road Call on the international community for an adequate response against azerbaijani aggresssion Transformation and trust are important for success in modern banking. Artak Hanesyan UCOMS LEVEL UP 1700 REGIONAL TARIFF PLAN USERS TO RECEIVE MORE THAN THOSE IN YEREVAN Joint statement Dave Muzzillo of Waterloo, Ind., is well aware of what happened at Berlin Raceway Monday night when the track hosted the Money in the Bank 150. NASCAR star Kyle Busch came up to compete in the Super Late Model race, which had 31 entries and paid Wyoming's Brian Campbell $20,000 after he edged out Bubba Pollard for the win. Muzzillo's goal is to one day in the not-so distant future to have a race like that for his own series, the Main Event Outlaw Late Model Tour. The circuit will be competing at Berlin Saturday at 6:30 p.m. "We would like 25 cars per event, with some of the big names racing," Muzzillo said. "I want to get to the point where Kyle Busch calls us and says, 'Hey, I want to come race one of your races.'" Muzzillo points out that plenty of hard work needs to be done before that goal is reached, and he is just into his second race of operating the circuit. Muzzillo and Ed Kennedy, who owns Plymouth Speedway in Plymouth, Ind., purchased the Main Event series during the offseason, and they hosted their first race at Berlin in May. He added that he is confident the series is headed in the right direction. The May Berlin race drew 14 cars, and he said they could have up to 18 this weekend. "The Main Event has been around for 25 or 26 years, and it has gone through a big transition. It was in bad, bad shape," Muzzillo said. "But the ground work was there and we want to build on that and have a big foundation. "The main thing is respect. If you treat the racers with respect, you will have the racers' respect. We invite all the racers to come and race with us, and we talk to them personally and we do a lot of marketing to get these guys where they need to be." The Main Event has nine races scheduled in all this season, and it will return to Berlin a third time on July 7. It also will race at Toledo Speedway on June 29, Midvale Speedway on July 3 and Sept. 2, Baer Field Motorsports Park on July 11 and Oct. 20 and Owosso Speedway on Aug. 11. The Outlaw Late Models were Berlin's featured class for decades before the template-bodied Super Late Models emerged. The three Main Event races are the lone Outlaw races scheduled for Berlin this season. "In the Berlin area, I really can't speak of what happened there," Muzzillo said. "I know a lot of guys like to go template racing because there are more big shows. I don't remember an Outlaw show paying $20,000. Template cars are driving bigger, higher purses. "But (Outlaws) have guys who are 100 percent dedicated racers, and fans will go anywhere to watch them. We had fans that drove all the way from Columbus, Ohio, to Berlin to watch the Outlaws when we were there in May." Tyler Roahrig (Eli Kaminski photo) Terry Senneker Jr. won the 60-lap feature in May, and he will be back Saturday. Look for Tyler Roahrig of Plymouth, Ind., to compete as well, Muzzillo said. Roahrig, who wasn't in the May race, won the 60-lap Lee Anderson Memorial race last year at Berlin. Photo by Edward Pevos of MLive You've probably had an ice cream cookie sandwich, but chances are you haven't had this hot waffle ice cream sandwich which has been selling like hot cakes at a Michigan custard shop. We're showing you how this sweet treat is made and all of the flavors and items you can get it with. Don't Edit Photo by Edward Pevos of MLive You can get the hot waffle ice cream sandwich at the Custard Hut located at 25947 W. Warren St. in Dearborn Heights. Don't Edit Photo by Edward Pevos of MLive The Custard Hut has been around since 1979. Zahra Saad took it over in 2013 and has put the hot waffle sandwich on the map. "It's our number one selling item," Saad told us. But it wasn't always that way. When Saad took over, the Waffle Hut hardly sold any. Saad created new options and toppings and was determined to create a buzz. "When I took over this place, I told my dad if we aren't known for the waffle sandwich, I'm selling the business." Don't Edit Photo by Edward Pevos of MLive First you pick your waffle flavor (plain, cinnamon, chocolate chip, blueberry or strawberry) and then your custard flavor (vanilla, chocolate, twist or the flavor of the week). You can choose any ice cream flavor for $1 more. Don't Edit Photo by Edward Pevos of MLive Then you choose what topping or toppings you want (Nutella, fresh strawberries or bananas, Fruity Pebbles, sprinkles, nuts or toasted coconuts). The toppings are added to the toasted waffle. Don't Edit Don't Edit Photo by Edward Pevos of MLive Next comes the custard or ice cream. Don't Edit Photo by Edward Pevos of MLive The flavor of the week when we were there recently was blue moon and cherry. Don't Edit Photo by Edward Pevos of MLive Then the sandwiches are sprinkled with powered sugar and served hot. Don't Edit Photo by Edward Pevos of MLive Enjoy them before the custard or ice cream melts. This is a strawberry waffle with blue moon cherry custard and Fruity Pebbles. Don't Edit Photo by Edward Pevos of MLive This is a plain waffle with vanilla custard, Nutella and strawberries. Don't Edit Don't Edit Photo by Edward Pevos of MLive This is a plain waffle with Mackinac Island fudge ice cream and Nutella. Don't Edit Photo by Edward Pevos of MLive The last one we tried was a chocolate chip waffle with twist custard and Nutella. Don't Edit What we thought of them: Don't Edit Photo by Edward Pevos of MLive You never know how an unusual creation might taste as we discovered recently with a donut ice cream cone. Separately, they were great. Together, they didn't work. Let me tell ya... warm waffles and custard work, which is why the Custard Hut sells a ton of these for around $5 each. Don't Edit Photo by Edward Pevos of MLive The flavors compliment each other nicely. Just ask Sharon (middle) and Megan (right) from Westland who brought their college friend from Austin, Texas to the Custard Hut just to try one. *Tip: We preferred the sandwich with custard over ice cream, so save that extra $1 and choose custard. Don't Edit Don't Edit Photo by Edward Pevos of MLive The Custard Hut also has dozens of flavors of flurries and numerous ice cream flavors to choose from. Don't Edit Photo by Edward Pevos of MLive You can also get slushes, milk shakes, malts, floats, a hot fudge cream puff, custard parfait, chocolate covered banana, Vernors Boston cooler and more. Don't Edit Photo by Edward Pevos of MLive They also sell t-shirts. Don't Edit Photo by Edward Pevos of MLive The Custard Hut is located at 25947 W. Warren St. in Dearborn Heights. A second location is in the works for Plymouth and Southfield in Detroit. Don't Edit More unusual food from MLive Don't Edit Don't Edit GAINES TOWNSHIP - Residents of Brownell Street are imploring the Township Board to take action against a local ministry that is using two multi-family dwellings on either end of their street as transitional housing for criminal sexual offenders. A handful of residents spoke out against Living Water Ministry Network, which operates the halfway houses, at the board's meeting on Monday, June 11. They cited the properties' proximity to Pine Rest Christian Mental Health Services, where some 50 children are taught by teachers from Kentwood Public Schools, as well as their fears concerning their own children. Living Water Ministry Network's stated mission is to reach out to inmates and returning citizens "to help them make life-changing choices for a better life in Christ," according to its website. Living Water representatives did not respond to multiple requests for comment for this story. The ministry seeks to serve men in prison and those on parole from prison, as well as at-risk males aged 18 to 24. It maintains three transitional homes in the greater Grand Rapids area, according to its site, one of those being at 53 Brownell St. SE, which the ministry first leased from Hope Network in October 2016. Residents say Living Water has now moved criminal sexual offenders into a second house at 144 Brownell St. SE. The property changed hands as recently as May 18, according to realtytrac.com, but the ministry does not list the property as one of its homes on its website. "We think, between the two halfway houses, there are about nine to 12 registered sex offenders living on our block right now," Darlene Szumko, a Brownell resident, said during Monday's meeting. "These men are rapists, child molesters and sexual predators. "Pine Rest has children residing within a thousand feet of these halfway houses," Szumko said, adding that the area clearly qualifies as a "student safety zone" under the Sex Offenders Registration Act of 1994, meaning that sex offenders cannot legally reside there. The Michigan Public Sex Offender Registry on June 13 showed that two Tier 3 offenders -- those who are convicted of violent and nonviolent acts with minors or adults and who are required to remain registered for the duration of their lifetimes -- are currently residing at 144 Brownell St. SE, while two more Tier 3 offenders and a Tier 1 offender, which is a person who has been charged with indecent exposure, possession of child pornography or one of a range of other nonviolent offenses, were shown as residing at 53 Brownell St. SE. Regardless of the number of men living at either address, Angela Musselman, another Brownell resident, says the existence of the halfway houses has turned the neighborhood upside down. "On Brownell and Fontenelle, there are many Christian people, there are people of other faiths," Musselman said. "We know what ministry is. Legitimate ministries build up communities, they do not deliberately create fear; legitimate ministries create safe neighborhoods, they do not operate in the dark; legitimate ministries do not drive down property values and create financial losses to neighbors and surrounding businesses." Township Supervisor Robert DeWard said township officials have spent countless hours on this issue already but that there isn't necessarily an easy solution. "We have communicated already with the ministry and are waiting for a response from them," DeWard told residents Monday. "I think most everybody in the room would say that you have legitimate concerns." The supervisor said he would be open to setting up a meeting with residents to discuss the situation in more detail, but he wanted to receive a response from Living Water before carrying out any sort of action. Residents already met with Kent County Sheriff's Deputy Krystal Stuart, who serves as the township's community policing officer, during the first week of June. No concrete decisions or plans of action were formulated during that meeting. Virgie Ammerman, housing coordinator for Hope Network, which owns the home at 53 Brownell St., attended the June 11 Township Board meeting "to offer my support and collaboration to help solve the concerns of the citizens." "We partner with Michigan Department of Corrections ... we partner with HUD," Ammerman said."We are very interested in helping you solve this problem." UCOM has officially launched the sale of IPHONE 13 Six servicemen were wounded by the attack of the Azerbaijani armed forces in Artsakh, two of them in critical condition S&P Improved the Outlook on Ameriabank to Positive Ararat Mirzoyan to visit to Minsk Google Ad 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 Google Ad Governments preventing publication of Haykakan Zhamanak newspaper during state of emergency UCOM prolongs the unlimited internet offer for the level up 4700 and level up 5500 subscribers Ucom employees received recognition for their services to the homeland Karen Vardanyan has allocated 105 million AMD to rescue the Yerevan Botanical Garden. "The Power of One Dram" to overcome childhood cancer Generation A 13 your chance to be the change President of the Artsakh Republic Arayik Harutyunyan met with Russian Co-Chair of the OSCE Minsk Group Igor Khovayev "uDays" special offer at Ucom: discounts for all smartphones and accessories for 2 days only For more than 3 hours, 50 or more Azerbaijani servicemen have blocked the interstate road Call on the international community for an adequate response against azerbaijani aggresssion Transformation and trust are important for success in modern banking. Artak Hanesyan UCOMS LEVEL UP 1700 REGIONAL TARIFF PLAN USERS TO RECEIVE MORE THAN THOSE IN YEREVAN Joint statement BAY CITY, MI -- When it comes to finding a solution to Bay City's bridge funding crisis, the clock is ticking. About $9 million in repairs are needed for Liberty and Independence bridges over the next five years and city officials said they don't have the funds to pay for it. A community forum was held the morning of Thursday, June 14, to gather possible solutions from community members on how to deal with the distressed bridges. More than 50 people, including community members, government officials and business leaders, attended the informational and brainstorming session. Last year, the city pitched residents on selling off Independence and Liberty bridges to a private firm. The city would receive about $1 million for the sale of both bridges and the private firm would build a new Independence Bridge and make critical repairs to Liberty. To see a return on their investment, though, they would charge a toll to the thousands of motorists who the spans daily. That suggestion was met with much negativity from the public. Then the city tried to lobby the state to take over Independence Bridge, but officials with the Michigan Department of Transportation rejected that proposal. Bay City Commissioner Kerice Basmadjian, 7th Ward, said the bridges are safe but in bad shape and that the can has been kicked down the road long enough. "We are at the point where we can't do that anymore," she said. "We are running out of options and we are running out of time." Hardball suggestion Some of the suggestions that came out of break-out sessions included soliciting fees from freighters that use the Saginaw River, lobbying the federal government for repair funds, permanently closing Liberty Bridge, and going after a citywide or countywide millage. Dennis Banaszak, a former city and planning commissioner, offered up an option that he thinks could force the state to take over Independence Bridge and it involves tolls. He would like to see the city put up tolls on Independence and Liberty bridges. "Because if you institute the tolls, most of the residents won't use them," Banaszak said. "They will use (Veterans Memorial) and Lafayette bridges." In 2020, MDOT has plans to rebuild Lafayette Bridge -- a project that could take two years. "When they do," Banaszak said, "all the traffic will shift to Vets. The traffic will be so intolerable that the state will have to do something. The easy thing to do will be to extend M-15 out Wilder to I-75. That will be the new route and the state will own Independence." Valerie and Michael Morgan agree. "It makes sense," Valerie Morgan said. "We can't keep going the route we have been going. Too much of our road money is being spent on the bridges and our roads are suffering." Her husband added he has never driven on a toll road that was in bad shape. "It needs to be changed," he said. "The city is having a hard time finding money to pay for the bridges. The state sounds like they don't want to be involved. I think it's a good idea." Other ideas "So many ideas are floating around," said Michael Irish, a Bay City resident. Those included seeing the city build a bridge high enough to allow freighter and sailboat traffic without having to open a bridge. "Just the fact that it has to open and close is a lot of wear and tear," Irish said. As Irish spoke, the Liberty Bridge was in the process of opening for the Princess Wenonah. "See -- it's up now," he said. His group also suggested moving the Appledore tall ship and the Princess Wenonah further down river -- closer to the Saginaw Bay -- to prevent the bridges from opening as much. Liberty and Independence bridges both average just under 1,000 openings per year for river traffic. In 2017, there were 133 freighter passages, according to BoatNerd.com, which tracks the Great Lakes shipping industry. There was also a suggestion to tear the bridge down altogether. "But I think removing a bridge would just cause more congestion on the other bridges," Irish said. 'Looking for the best option' Commissioner Rachelle Hilliker, 5th Ward, called the residents the experts for the bridge issue. "This is such a big topic that we have to get the community's input," she said. "We need to hear how it will affect them and how it will affect their businesses." Liberty Bridge closed earlier this month for repairs that are expected to finish by the end of June. Traffic is detoured to Veterans Memorial and Independence bridges, while crews repair Liberty's concrete deck pavement, perform maintenance on its tails docks and inspect and perform routine maintenance on the bridge's mechanical system. The work comes after Independence Bridge was closed for nearly four months. The $1.45 million project experienced multiple delays before reopening on May 3. Organizers said the next step in the process is to take the input from community members and present the best solutions. "Our bridges are in disrepair and something has to be done," Hilliker said. "The cost is expensive. The city is looking for the best option to address the problem." A former Detroit police officer is headed to prison for two years and two months after pleading guilty to extortion. Charles Wills, 53, admitted to accepting bribes from an auto collision shop in exchange for arranging stolen and abandoned vehicles recovered in the Detroit to that shop. The U.S. Attorney's Office hasn't released the name of the shop that participated in the scheme. "Wills accepted cash payments from the owner/operator of a Detroit collision shop in exchange for referring abandoned vehicles to that shop for repairs," the U.S. Attorney's Office said. "Wills also accepted cash from other collision shops, wrote false police reports, and introduced another officer to the scheme of accepting cash in exchange for referring vehicles to collision shops." Wills is the fifth of six officers charged with similar crimes resulting from a federal investigation to be sentenced. A sixth defendant, Deonne Dotson, is awaiting trial. Detroit Police Chief James Craig said in December that allegations of extortion and bribery involving abandoned vehicles extend back as many as 12 years, but there was not enough evidence to substantiate many of the claims. The department was conducting its own internal investigation that involved two additional, unnamed officers not criminally charged in the case, according to the police chief's statements in December. "This issue has plagued this department in varying degrees for probably 10 to 12 years," Craig said. " ... I believe this may be it, finally." As federal authorities revealed one gruesome discovery after another in the trial and sentencing of body broker Arthur Rathburn earlier this year, the bizarre circumstances of the case raised questions about exactly how organ and tissue donations work. While the postmortem destinations and the handling of donated kidneys, hearts, livers, corneas, bone, skin and other body parts can vary widely, there is one constant: Your corpse is worth a lot of money. The heirs or estates of the dead see little to no financial benefit as a cadaver makes its way through the supply chain and is divided. They make the donation, as Michigan's Gift of Life organization says, out of a "selfless desire to save others." But donated organs and tissue generate hundreds of millions of dollars in economic activity. Gift of Life, a nonprofit with nearly $60 million in annual revenue and over $50 million in assets, coordinated the transplant of 876 organs to recipients from 320 donors in 2017. Among them was 55-year-old Roy Menken of Portage, who said he received his "invaluable" life-saving double-lung transplant because of a genetic form of emphysema. "I wouldn't have made it to my 55th birthday, which was back in October, without the transplant," Menken said. Menken wasn't willing to provide MLive a tabulation of the costs involved with his procedure -- most covered by health insurance -- but Milliman, a Milwaukee-based actuarial and consulting firm that researches medical billing related to transplant costs in numerous states, estimated the total average amount billed for a double-lung transplant in 2017 was approximately $1.2 million. Worst-case scenario Body snatchers, who regularly raided corpses from freshly buried coffins and sold them to medical doctors in the 1800s, are a thing of the past, but the need for cadavers, both for transplantation and research, is not. If you have the word "donor" in red lettering next to a tiny logo of a heart in the lower-right corner of your driver's license, you are among the 62 percent of Michigan adults, nearly 4.8 million, signed up with Gift of Life to donate tissue, eyes and organs to transplant recipients or researchers following your death. Gift of Life officials say the donations are strictly regulated, leaving little chance anyone would find their loved ones treated with the indifference and disrespect FBI agents say they found inside Rathburn's Detroit warehouse during a 2013 raid. A menagerie of body parts were found in Rathburn's Detroit warehouse, including various dismembered body parts, organs, fetuses and clumps of frozen heads stored amid piles of dead flies. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Rathburn's company, International Biological Inc., purchased cadavers from other companies that received the original donations. He'd sometimes receive a discount if the donor bodies were infected with diseases, such as sepsis, HIV and hepatitis. He then rented body parts or cadavers to medical organizations for use in displays or dissections at seminars, often without the customer's knowledge that they were working with infected tissue. The bodies were treated as a commodity, but that's not a crime. In fact, the government said there was no inherent crime committed by Rathburn related to the way he purchased, dismembered, sold or stored bodies. He had a mortuary science license, which allowed him to acquire and cut up bodies, but his license has since been permanently revoked. "This is not a medical crime; it is a financial crime" assistant U.S. Attorney Timothy J. Wyse during at a pretrial court hearing. Rathurn was convicted of defrauding customers who were deceived or misled about the "product" being infected with disease. He was also convicted on a count of transporting hazardous materials after some human heads he owned were shipped to Chicago from Israel in coolers filled with Listerine. He was sentenced to nine years in prison. 'Voluminous' federal guidlines While there are other companies that operate with a similar model to Rathburn's business -- in that they acquire donor bodies, cut them up and sell or rent them to third parties -- Gift of Life insists it's operations are very different. The nonprofit is one of 58 government-sanctioned organ recovery agencies across the nation. Their role, according to the federal government, is to increase the size of donor registries and coordinate transplants or tissue or organs for research. Some states have several government-sanctioned organ procurement organizations. Gift of Life is the only one in Michigan and has been since 1988. All organ procurement organizations must be certified by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). They follow guidelines, which Gift of Life spokesman Tim Makinen calls "voluminous," established by CMS and a network of organ procurement organizations. The agreements are reevaluated and renewed every four years. There are separate laws established by the U.S. Food and Drug Adminisitration regulating the handling and testing of organ or tissue used for transplant. Donating to Gift of Life is different from donating your cadaver to, say, a university, medical school, or one of the private companies that solicit donors, because the primary function of Gift of Life is to save lives with organ transplants, executives say. Companies and universities that accept bodies and organs often encourage donation by offering to cover death and funeral costs, like embalming, cremation or burial. Some return the bodies to families. Some don't. Gift of Life does it differently. They take what they need -- organs, tissue, eyeballs -- and return the body to the family in a condition adequate to still have an open-casket funeral, Gift of Life CEO dorrie Dils said. The Gift of Life process If you are registered as an organ donor and die, the hospital in possession of your body is required to notify Gift of Life. "They call us and we have a mechanism for looking you up to see if you're in the registry," Dils said. "Our organization, our primary focus is transplantation, so everything we evaluate and work toward is placing an organ for transplant. " ... However, if we have someone that's in the registry, and say, their kidney is not suitable for transplantation, it also would allow for medical education and research." And just because you haven't signed up as a donor, doesn't mean you can't become one in death. Dils says Gift of Life employees sometimes reach out a deceased person's next of kin for permission to use their organs, even if they didn't register. Residents may register on the Gift of Life website -- the preferred option -- through the Secretary of State website or during any transaction conducted in person at a Secretary of State office. The registry has grown from including 27 percent of adults in Michigan in 2010 to 62 percent, which is about 5 percent higher than the national average, Dils said. The information collected during registration goes into a confidential database that allows Gift of Life to speed up transplantation arrangements when you die. Once there is clearance to use a donor's tissue and organs, they're matched up with possible recipients, or sold to a third-party for research purposes. "We have a process where, when someone is requesting something for research from us, we have a vetting process that we go through ... " Dils said. "We work with a small group of research companies, of which (Rathburn's) was not one of them." Rathburn didn't receive his cadavers directly from families, but instead through Biological Resource Center of Illinois, a company that presented itself as a service to link donors with medical researchers and educators, a mission similar to New Jersey-based International Institute for the Advancement of Medicine, one of the largest recipients of research tissues and organs from Gift of Life, according to Dils. "Relatively few of the organs and/or tissues we recover go for research and education, although we are proud to provide these opportunities for medical advancement when transplantation is not possible," Makinen said. "The tissue that Gift of Life Michigan recovers - whether for transplant or research - goes to tissue banks that provide tissue for transplant and are therefore regulated by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, as opposed to 'body brokers' or "non-transplant tissue banks." Tissue not suitable for transplant is sometimes kept by Gift of Life for its own research and education, Makinen said. "With (International Institute for the Advancement of Medicine), we mostly provide organs for research," he said. The institute "works directly with hundreds of researchers who are studying organs in an effort to end diseases that impact millions ... instead of going through a middleman or body broker." The International Institute for the Advancement of Medicine is a nonprofit subsidiary of Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation Inc., which dubs itself the "largest tissue bank in the world," with annual revenue near $425 million and assets in excess of $250 million, according to tax filings. "We are committed to honoring the donated gift, serving patients and advancing science," the Musculoskeletal Transplant Foundation website says. In 2016, 11 officers or administrators for the nonprofit earned salaries in excess of $300,000, and up to $922,000, according to tax records. Gift of Life breakdown of costs, from agency website. After Gift of Life arranges for tissue or organs to be extracted from a donor, the body is sent to a funeral home to prepare for burial or cremation. "It does not impede the family from having whatever funeral arrangements they had planned to have," Dils said. "If they are going to have a full service or they're going to have a cremation, they plans could be fulfilled." The costs The transplant process is so complex and involves so many steps and players that it's difficult to identify a cumulative cost, which starts accruing from the second a transplant recipient places their name on the waiting list. "The average (organ acquisition cost) is $31,000 per organ," according to Gift of Life. That amount includes coordination between the patient, donor, and transplant hospital; testing the tranplant organ or tissue; and arranging for acquisition, possible storage or tranport. While Menken, the double-lung transplant recipient from Portage, was covered by Blue Cross Blue Shield, he said he had no idea what the total bill was for his transplant and follow-up care. Source: "2017 U.S. organ and transplant cost estimates and discussion," Milliman research report. Milliman reports average billing amounts ranging from $30,000 per cornea transplant to $2.6 million for a heart and lung transplant. Gift of Life and other procurement agencies across the nation, while being nonprofits, spend huge amounts of money on facilities and salaries. According to its 2016 form 999, an IRS tax filing required for nonprofit agencies, Gift of Life, with about 215 employees, paid nearly $21 million in salaries. It lists 14 officers or "key employees" with an average salary and compenastion package of $298,000. Former Gift of Life CEO Richard Pietroski earned $424,179 in 2015, according to the form 990 filing, and the current CEO, Dils, who started on Aug. 16, 2016, was paid $127,573 for her work the remainder of that year. Gift of Life spent over $12 million with Kalamazoo-based construction contractor and architecrutal firm Esphera 3 between 2015 and 2016 to build a new organ and tissue recovery center in Ann Arbor. Gift of Life is one of 13 procurement agencies, among the 58 total around the country, that operates its own surgical recovery center. "The trend toward having a dedicated surgical center is happening because it increases both efficiency and safety," Gift of Life spokesman Tim Makinene told MLive. "The space is set up solely for organ and tissue recovery. "So instead of having to travel across the state to different hospitals and different operating room set-ups, we always have an operating room that is equipped with exactly what is needed for the procedure and the set-up never changes." Dils says, "there is no question that when you have a catastophic disease like organ failure that it's an expensive venture to have your life saved, and there are a lot of resources that go into making it possible for an organ transplant; there's no questions about that." Gift of Life's 2016 form 990: DETROIT, MI - A road worker was killed late Wednesday night by a suspected drunk driver who entered a construction zone on the freeway. Trooper arriving at the scene of a rollover crash reported at about 12:50 a.m., June 14, on northbound I-75 near I-94 discovered two construction workers had been hit in the crash, according to a statement from the Michigan State Police. One of the workers was killed while the other suffered minor injuries, police said. Investigators determined a woman driving an SUV left the roadway and entered an active construction zone on I-75 where she hit a construction vehicle and the two workers before hitting a pickup and rolling her SUV on the freeway, police said. Alcohol is believed to be a factor in the crash. The woman was arrested at the scene, police said. Police said the two workers were not Michigan Department of Transportation or Wayne County employees, but workers for a private company working at the site. The area was reopened by 7 a.m. Thursday. FLINT, MI - Gail Arnold sat outside her mother's Pitkin Avenue home and dug up chunks of grass on a sunny afternoon. The Flint native grew up in the neighborhood, seated a few blocks from the former Delphi Flint East plant, and remembers babysitting for children at the now-vacant Kirkwood Mobile Home Park off Averill Avenue. "Many of my friends that lived there I went to school with," she said. "It used to be full of people. It was a regular, nice place." Years later, the city condemned the 60-lot mobile home park in April 2014 after it was foreclosed on by the Genesee County Treasurer's Office. Tormenta Property Holdings LLC of Florida owned Kirkwood prior to the foreclosure. Neighbors have complained of people using the park for illegal activities. Piles of tires and trash occupy some of the space, with graffiti tags on the structures left after demolition recently began at the facility. Michele Wildman, executive director of the Genesee County Land Bank, said demolition and abatement costs running approximately $215,000 are being paid for with grant funding from the Michigan State Housing Development Authority, Community Development Block Grant dollars, and $50,000 from Phoenix Investors. A Milwaukee, Wisconsin-based commercial real estate firm, Phoenix Investors announced in October that it'd purchased the former Delphi East plant for $3.15 million dollars and had plans on rehabilitating the building. Fourth Ward Councilwoman Kate Fields said it's taken a lot of work "to coordinate city funds and MSHDA funds," but she is pleased the work is moving forward. "We're thrilled and the neighborhood, they're thrilled to have that demolished," she said. "It shows what can be achieved with hard work, determination and perseverance." Tony Genella was glad to the see what he described as "an eyesore" at the end of his street finally coming down. "I like our neighborhood here," he said. "I've lived all over Flint and this is one of the best, except for that (park)." Sitting out on her small porch, Kathy VanDusen hopes the move cuts down on prostitution, drug use, and people squatting in the shells of trailers that remain. "This street is a pretty quiet street," said VanDusen. "You get very little riff-raff coming through here except for that over there. With that being gone, it will probably be a lot better." She did express some worry about the demolition process, with red caution tape bearing the word asbestos in black letter circling fencing put up around the area as workers move about the park in white protective suits and masks. "I'm concerned because I have a 7-year-old granddaughter here," said VanDusen. "I don't know if I should let her play outside." Wildman said mitigation efforts are taking place prior to demolitions to maintain safety for residents in the area. Arnold said the demolition was bittersweet as she shared memories of the neighborhood. "It kind of breaks my heart to see it go the way it did, but you can't leave it like that and once it gets like that I'll be glad when it's out of there," she said. "I would like to see them put something there. Not just leave another big empty lot." FLINT, MI -- The professor who helped identify the city's water crisis is asking a state judge to force Wayne State University to release documents related to another Flint water researcher. Marc Edwards, a Virginia Tech University professor, and the Mackinac Center Legal Foundation filed a lawsuit with the Michigan Court of Claims Monday, June 11, claiming Wayne State failed violated the law by failing to produce public documents or to explain its reason for withholding records. "Flint residents were receiving conflicting messages from the research at Wayne State," Edwards said in a statement released by the Mackinac Center. "After asking questions and failing to receive simple answers, they felt they had no alternative to get the information they wanted by filing a FOIA. "I am hoping the public can learn the truth about the now public conflicts between Wayne State and the state of Michigan -- I am wondering if Wayne State is ignoring FOIA law because the documents reflect negatively on their employees," Edwards' statement says. In his FOIA requests, Edwards requested information including emails to and from McElmurry and three other Wayne State employees working on the Flint Area Community Health and Environment Partnership project. MLive-The Flint Journal could not immediately reach a Wayne State spokesman for comment, but McElmurry, who led a team researching Legionnaires' disease outbreaks in Genesee County, has told MLive previously that Edwards' "personal attacks do not help advance our understanding or help the people of Flint." "Our work has been peer reviewed and accepted for publication in some of the most prestigious scientific journals in the nation. I stand by the quality of our science and the integrity of our work in Flint." Edwards has raised questions about McElmurry's qualifications and work in Flint previously, filing a complaint against his professional engineers' license with the state Department of Licensing and Regulation in March, an action that launched an investigation that is ongoing. The Virginia Tech professor has claimed McElmurry "appropriated ideas that were not his" and made false claims about this knowledge of the Flint water system to secure $3.35 million in state funding to pay for research through the FACHEP. FACHEP ended its relationship with the state at the end of last year without discovering a verified cause of outbreaks of Legionnaires', but it published studies saying 80 percent of cases in Genesee County between 2014 and 2015 could be linked to the city's drinking water supply at the time -- the Flint River. Edwards and the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services have been critical of the research, claiming it was flawed. LANSING, MI - Gov. Rick Snyder announced on June 14 that the state of Michigan has filed new rules that will strengthen standards set by the federal Lead and Copper Rule, a plan that stems from the Flint water crisis. These reforms were proposed by the governor and the Michigan Department of Environmental Quality, and underwent a year-long administrative process, according to a statement issued by Snyder's office. "The federal Lead and Copper Rule simply does not do enough to protect public health," Snyder said in the statement. "As a state, we could no longer afford to wait on needed changes at the federal level, so Michigan has stepped up to give our residents a smarter, safer rule -- one that better safeguards water systems in all communities." Updates to the Lead and Copper Rule will include a reduction of the lead action level from 15 to 12 parts per billion in 2025. Snyder initially proposed a 10 ppb limit in January. The changes will also require all public water systems to replace all lead service lines beginning in 2021, with 5 percent of service lines being replaced every year. The new plan will also require two separate sets of sample collections at lead service lines and will require all public water systems to conduct asset inventory, the first of which must be completed by Jan. 1, 2020. Additionally, a statewide water system advisory council will be created. The advisory council will include representatives such as public health professors, medical professionals and local government. Water systems that serve 50,000 or more customers will be required to create their own local water advisory councils. Michigan will have the most-stringent lead regulations in the nation following the changes, according to the release. Opponents of this plan, such as the Great Lakes Water Authority, say that requiring the full replacement of lead lines could infringe upon private property rights, and could cause legal battles, according to the Associated Press. However, only replacing parts of lead effected lines can worsen the chance of elevated lead levels, and is the reasoning behind Gov. Snyder's ban on partial replacements. "With these more stringent standards, Michigan will serve as a role model to other states looking to improve their own public health protections," Snyder said. FLINT, MI -- Michigan Department of Health and Human Services Director Nick Lyon is expected to find out July 25 whether he will face a jury trial on involuntary manslaughter and misconduct charges tied to the Flint water crisis. Genesee District Judge David Goggins has signed an order detailing how the remainder of Lyon's preliminary examination will play out -- 10 months after it started. Lyon is charged with involuntary manslaughter and misconduct in office and is the highest-ranking state government official charged with crimes for how he handled Flint water problems. His was the first of 15 criminal cases to advance to a preliminary exam, and apparently will also be the first in which a judge decides whether prosecutors have met their initial burden of proof. Goggins must decide whether there is probable cause to believe the crimes Lyon has been charged with were committed and that he committed them. If the judge rules that special prosecutor Todd Flood has cleared that hurdle, Lyon's case will move to Genesee Circuit Court for a jury trial. Goggins' order -- signed Wednesday, June 13 -- says Flood must provide written notice of any additional charges or changes in the charges against Lyon by July 3, that oral arguments will be heard July 11, and that the final arguments and a ruling on the bindover motion will be July 25. Flood has argued that Lyon had a duty to protect public health but failed to do so after he allegedly received notice of the first of two outbreaks of Legionnaires' disease in Genesee County. Prosecutors claim the outbreaks caused multiple deaths, including that of Robert Skidmore, whom Lyon is charged in relation to. Furthermore, Lyon allegedly participated in covering up the source of the surge of Legionnaires' cases by repeatedly attempting to prevent an independent researcher from looking into the cause of the outbreaks. Lyon's attorneys have denied the charges and presented witnesses including experts who have questioned whether Skidmore, who lived outside Flint, actually died of Legionnaires'. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- The Gerald R. Ford International Airport will receive $18.7 million from the Federal Aviation Administration for an infrastructure project, federal officials announced Wednesday. The money comes to the Grand Rapids airport as a part of $3.2 billion the U.S. Department of Transportation is investing in airports across the country. "If you want a strong transportation system, you have to invest in airport infrastructure," U.S. Department of Transportation Secretary Elaine Chao said in a statement. "Airports are the backbone of aviation. These communities are going to reap greater safety, efficiency, and economic dividends for years to come." The Grand Rapids airport is planning to use the grant to fund part of its $30.2 million apron replacement project, which began in March. "Our goal is to do this project with as minimal impact to the passengers and our airline partners as possible," airport President and CEO Jim Gill said in a statement in March. "We are due for an upgrade to our apron area and our staff has done a tremendous job of maintaining this pavement for years, but it is important to keep up on these repairs and excel in our operations." The work won't disrupt passengers at the airport, officials said. The apron is the concrete pad at the airport where planes are parked to load and unload them at the terminal. The apron will be replaced in sections, with two gates closed at a time. A total of 153,000 square yards of concrete will be replaced by the end of 2019. The project will also upgrade the airport's recovery system for de-icing materials, upgrade the stormwater drainage system at the site and improve underground utilities. Lights in the apron area will be replaced with LED fixtures. The investment is among the latest at the airport. In 2015 airport officials began a $45 million "Gateway Transformation Project" put towards improvements inside of the terminal. The first phase was completed in September 2017. The second phase will begin this fall. Updates included a consolidated security checkpoint; updates to the Great Hall; new retail and concessions marketplace; improvements to ticketing and updates in baggage screening and baggage claim. A separate $1.1 million project expanded a popular viewing park at the airport in 2016. As the airport continues to invest in its facility, it is pushing back against state regulators looking into the possible groundwater contamination from AFFF, a chemical-based firefighting foam. The airport's managers deny using the hazardous chemicals that are showing up in Cascade Township drinking water wells near the airport. However, the airport says it has sampled for PFAS at the former firefighting training area located on the airport's northeastern edge. Around that area, it dug five deep monitoring wells and taken 10 soil samples. UPDATE: Chicago Drive reopened shortly after 11 a.m. Thursday. WYOMING, MI -- A 26-year-old Jenison man was killed Thursday, June 14, after he crashed his motorcycle into the side of a semi-truck in Wyoming. Police have identified the motorcyclist as Bryce Nuiver. His family has been notified by the Wyoming Department of Public Safety. The two-vehicle crash occurred around 7:30 a.m. Thursday on I-196 Business (Chicago Drive) between Collingwood Avenue SW and Burlingame Avenue SW. Police said witnesses reported seeing the eastbound motorcycle traveling "at a high rate of speed, weaving in and out of traffic" before crashing into the side of a semi-truck turning out of a business on Chicago Drive. Officers attempted to revive the man but he was pronounced dead at the scene. He was wearing a helmet, police said. The driver of the semi-truck was not injured, though police said he was shaken up. The 0.8-mile stretch of Chicago Drive -- a four-lane road with a 45-mph posted speed limit -- is expected to be closed until late morning Thursday. Police ask drivers in the area to avoid the scene. The crash remains under investigation by the Wyoming Department of Public Safety. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- A developer has dramatically changed plans for what would have been the tallest building in Grand Rapids. Instead of a 42-story tower at 10 Ionia NW, the Hinman Company has now drafted plans for a 13-story building at the site, according to public filings with the city's Historic Preservation Commission. "We continue to be committed to developing a great project on the 10 Ionia site. Many factors impact the potential development of any property and 10 Ionia is no different," Hinman Company President Roger Hinman said in a statement. The Portage-based development company turned heads in 2016 when they submitted plans for a 418-foot-tall, $90 million tower, which would have become the tallest building in the city and among the tallest buildings in the state. Now the Hinman Company is proposing a 162-foot-tall, flatiron-shaped building at 10 Ionia NW -- almost the scale of the building that used to occupy the 11,000-square-foot lot that sits just east of Van Andel Arena, wedged between Ionia and Louis Street. The developer is proposing similar materials for the 13-story building as were originally proposed for the 42-story version: a combination of glass and concrete walls. As initially proposed, Hinman had envisioned a 140-room hotel in the first 10 floors and 255 market-rate apartments upstairs. A hotel is still planned for the building -- but the developer is no longer planning to build the apartments that were once proposed for the project. "After several years of planning and due diligence, the apartment portion of the 10 Ionia project is being removed from the building. With thousands of apartment units recently built, under construction, or planned, it was necessary to revisit this part of the project in response to market pressures," Hinman said in a statement. "We evaluated a reduction in apartment floors or alternate uses, but the size and shape of the site does not work well for office and we lost the benefit of cost efficiencies of providing a second set of infrastructure (elevators and building systems) when we reduced the number of apartment floors." Before being torn down in the late 1970s, an 11-story building used to occupy the site. Initially built as a shoe factory, the 19th-century brick and steel Rindge Building with a pentagonal base later was converted into a furniture exhibition building, according to the Grand Rapids Historical Commission. Later on, the nearby Morton House owned the building and used it as a parking garage. It's now a parking lot. The tallest building in the city are River House Condominiums (406 feet); Plaza Towers (345 feet); the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel (318 feet) and Bridgewater Place (272 feet), according to the city's planning department. GRAND RAPIDS, MI -- An event to help bolster the spirits of child patients at Spectrum Health DeVos Children's Hospital kicks off Wednesday with an anticipated array of flashing lights. "Project Night Lights" is intended to engage children by equipping them with flashlights so they can point them out the hospital windows. In response, local law enforcement and others are expected to show up outside the hospital, 100 Michigan St. NE to flash their overhead lights. Community members also can participate with flashlights. Project Night Lights is a collaborative event between Silent Observer, local police and first responders and Helen DeVos Children's Hospital. it's intended as a way to let child patients participate in some fun. At 8:30 p.m., hospital staff plan to make the sign atop the building blink. Project Night Lights is a recurring event and set for June 13, July 11, Aug. 8 and the second Wednesday of every month. It runs from 8:30-9 p.m. By Tanda Gmiter | MLive Don't Edit Photo courtesy of Jennifer Waters Don't Edit GRAND RAPIDS, MI - The 13th annual Bissell Blocktail Party rolled out the red carpet for pets and their people this week. The mega charity event benefited animal welfare groups in West Michigan and beyond. It featured delectable, gourmet fare, a silent auction, on-site drawings from ArtPrize winner Chris LaPorte - even a specially-created Blocktail IPA (I Prefer Adoption) People and pets embraced the summer-casual vibe, filling the lawn outside Paddock Place on Lake Drive SE. Here are a few photos of the pooches' red-carpet looks. Don't Edit Photo courtesy of Jennifer Waters Don't Edit Photo courtesy of Jennifer Waters Don't Edit Don't Edit Photo courtesy of Jennifer Waters Don't Edit Photo courtesy of Jennifer Waters Don't Edit Photo courtesy of Jennifer Waters Don't Edit Photo courtesy of Jennifer Waters Don't Edit Photo courtesy of Jennifer Waters Don't Edit Don't Edit Photo courtesy of Jennifer Waters Don't Edit Photo courtesy of Jennifer Waters Don't Edit Photo courtesy of Jennifer Waters Don't Edit Photo courtesy of Jennifer Waters Don't Edit Photo courtesy of Jennifer Waters Don't Edit Don't Edit Photo courtesy of Jennifer Waters Don't Edit MLive Don't Edit MLive Don't Edit MLive Don't Edit MLive Don't Edit Don't Edit MLive Don't Edit MLive Don't Edit MLive Don't Edit MLive Don't Edit MLive Don't Edit LANSING, MI - The budget lawmakers approved Tuesday includes language diverting state funding away from health care groups that also provide abortions, something critics say targets Planned Parenthood and Gov. Rick Snyder's office is scrutinizing. At issue is part of "boilerplate," language in the budget that directs departments more specifically on how to spend line-item appropriations. A newly-added section prohibits the Department of Health and Human Services from contracting for family planning and pregnancy prevention services with an entity that also provides abortions if there is an alternative organization in a given county that does not provide abortions. "Our office is reviewing options for how to handle boilerplate language we think is not enforceable under the state constitution," said Anna Heaton, spokesperson for Gov. Rick Snyder. She declined to say publicly which portion of the constitution the provision could run afoul of. Snyder, a Republican, has departed from many in his party on abortion issues. Early in his tenure he vetoed a bill on abortion insurance, and last year he vetoed a bill that would have allowed fundraising through a 'choose life' license plate. He didn't get Right to Life's endorsement in his first or second gubernatorial campaigns. Senate Appropriations Chair Dave Hildenbrand, R-Lowell, said the budget item reflected pro-life values. "This is an issue, a philosophical issue among members of the legislature who believe in life... and this is an opportunity to invest in organizations that will do more in terms of advancing the pro-life cause of protecting the unborn. And that's where that language came from," Hildenbrand said. He said the services would still be made available through a different organization. He acknowledged there was a possibility it could get line-item vetoed. That's an option Senate Minority Leader Jim Ananich, D-Flint, said he hoped the governor would pursue. "That was a big problem, there's no question about that. I mean the governor seems to have continuously not supported that concept, we took a bit of a risk that the governor would hopefully veto that," Ananich said. But that's not actually an option, according to Snyder's office. Heaton said the governor "cannot line item veto something that is in boilerplate." The state constitution allows the governor to veto "any distinct item or items appropriating moneys in any appropriation bill," nixing a small part and allowing the rest to become law. But the boilerplate language isn't a line item appropriating money, just a stipulation on how money can be used. Lori Carpentier, President & CEO of Planned Parenthood Advocates of Michigan, said in a statement Tuesday there is already existing law giving priority to organizations that do not provide abortions. "This is a targeted attack on the patients who choose Planned Parenthood for access to basic preventative health care like STI testing and treatment, cancer screenings and contraception. We agree with the Governor's office that this is unconstitutional and therefore should be considered unenforceable," Carpentier said. Right to Life of Michigan President Barbara Listing supports the change. She said in a statement Tuesday there is already a law giving priority to non-abortive facilities and it's not been enforced. "For 16 years the state law has been ignored. We're happy the Legislature is taking this opportunity to make sure our law is followed," she said. She doesn't agree that the language could be unconstitutional. "We think the governor has been given bad information. Our state's law is clear, and the budget simply requires MDHHS to follow the law," Listing said. The $56.8 billion budget passed the House and Senate on Tuesday. It heads next to Gov. Rick Snyder, who must sign it for it to become law. Flip through Michigan's newly proposed social studies standards - which help shape curriculum and guide teachers in K-12 classrooms across the state - and you'll see plenty of changes. Gone is the term "core democratic values," replaced simply with "core values." Climate change was stripped from a section detailing expectations for 6th grade geography, and instead was used as one possible example of a contemporary global issue that can be taught. And references to the LGBT community, American Indians, Latinos, immigrants and people with disabilities, were dropped from a portion of the standards where teachers are urged to discuss the accomplishments and setbacks of minority groups. New wording focuses on how the expansion of rights for some groups can be viewed as an infringement of the rights and freedoms of others. Two subject-matter experts who helped write the standards said some of the changes were pushed for by state Sen. Patrick Colbeck, R-Canton, and other conservative advocates he invited to participate in a focus group that reviewed the standards. One of those subject matter experts - Carol Bacak-Egbo, a special lecturer at Oakland University who specializes in elementary and middle school social studies education - says she no longer supports the standards in the wake of the changes. "We lost things near and dear to teachers that they had worked very hard to incorporate," she said, pointing specifically to the elimination of the term core democratic values. "That had become an important phrase in Michigan, and it meant something to kids and teachers." The changes to the standards were first reported Tuesday by Bridge Magazine. The new standards have prompted a backlash, with Democrats calling them "revisionist history." Others have launched a Facebook group urging residents to speak out against the standards at upcoming public meetings, and an online petition has been launched urging the State Board of Education to vote against the standards when they come before the elected-body for approval. To see the changes made to the standards, click here Colbeck, who's running for governor, has defended the proposed standards. He was invited by the Michigan Department of Education to participate in a focus group examining the standards after he and 17 other members of the state House and Senate sent a letter to the State Board of Education expressing concerns that the proposed standards weren't neutral. In a statement, Colbeck said he had a civil conversation with those who wrote the standards and the focus group that reviewed them, and that "after much debate and time," a consensus was reached that he and other members of the group were pleased with. Bacak-Egbo disputes that. "It's harmful when standards are not clear, when they're biased," she said. "That isn't going to help a teacher, and ultimately that's going to harm kids." Bridge reported that Colbeck invited several conservative advocates to sit on the focus group tasked with reviewing the standards. Conservative organizations with members on the group include the Thomas More Law Center, a nonprofit law firm based in Ann Arbor that focuses on Christian issues, as well as Citizens for Traditional Values, according to the proposed standards. Oakland Circuit Court Judge Michael Warren, who sits on the board of the group Patriot Week, also was a member of the focus group. The standards are currently up for public comment through June 30. MDE is also hosting "listen and learn" sessions about the standards on June 18 in Flint, June 19 in Saginaw, June 20 in Waterford and June 26 in Sault Ste. Marie. When asked about the department's stance on the standards, MDE spokesperson Bill Disessa said: "We're in the Public Comment process and continue to facilitate the development of the Social Studies standards. They remain in development at this time." The state board, which has authority to approve or turn down the recommendations, is next scheduled to meet in August. State Board of Education Co-President Casandra Ulbrich, D-Rochester Hills, said she would not vote in favor of the standards as they are currently written. The state board's other co-president, Richard Zeile, R-Dearborn, could not be reached for comment Wednesday. Other changes in the standards include scaling back references to the Ku Klux Klan and reducing the number of times the NAACP was mentioned in the context of the civil rights movement. Rebecca Baker-Bush, one of 14 subject-matter experts who assisted in writing the standards, said Colbeck and his colleagues were strong advocates for changing the standards to reflect what they felt was politically neutral language. Because the standards rewrite has been ongoing since 2015, she said she couldn't specifically recall who pushed for alternations of the KKK references or the conversations surrounding those changes. But, she added: "I think that push to leave that out probably came from him (Colbeck) or his colleagues." "I say that because the social studies leaders, the ones like myself who are consultants, who have been doing this for 20 years and who work with classroom teachers, I can't think of one us that would advocate for elimination of the KKK," said Baker-Bush, a social studies consultant at Ottawa Area ISD. Colbeck's statement, released in response to the Bridge Magazine story, states that Colbeck alone didn't have authority to remove references to the KKK or other civil rights movements. In his proposed changes to the standards, posted on his website, Colbeck says the KKK was founded as an "anti-Republican organization not an anti-black organization." "It just so happened that the majority of Southern blacks were in fact Republican due to the strong antislavery stance of Republicans," Colbeck's proposed revision says. Despite the controversy over the changes, Baker-Bush said she believes the proposed standards are clearer and, in many instances, more rigorous than the current standards and should be adopted by the state board. She said educators can still teach climate change and discuss the KKK or NAACP even if those terms were eliminated or scaled back, she said. "You have a lot of folks who have put - I cannot begin to tell you - how many hours, even nights and weekends, that we have spent on a lot of the wordings of these phrases," she said. What impact would the proposed standards have in the classroom? Standards are used as the basis of curriculum and lesson plans, but teachers may deviate from them slightly, said Wilson Warren, a professor of history at Western Michigan University who serves as member of the Michigan Council of History Education. He predicted that many history teachers, for example, would think it's "silly" to replace the term "constitutional democracy" with "constitutional republic." "They will go ahead and still teach democracy," he said. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is speaking before the Detroit Economic Club on Monday, June 18. The topic of his talk will be "America's Economic Revival." The event will begin at 11:30 a.m at Ford Field. Tickets are available for club members and their guests. Pompeo will be the first sitting U.S. secretary of state to address the club since 1987, when George Schultz was a speaker. Pompeo is in China today amid a trade dispute between China and the United States. On Friday, the White House plans to release a detailed list of its 25-percent tariffs on $50 billion in Chinese imported goods. Pompeo also was a central figure in this week's summit between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jung Un. On Thursday, Pompeo told reporters that sanctions against North Korea will be lift only after North Korea has achieved "complete denuclearization." JACKSON, MI - Blood lead levels for children younger than 6 are still a problem in Jackson County, and health officials are not relaxing their efforts to fix it. There's more work to be done, said Rhonda Rudolph, the Jackson County Health Department's Child Lead Poisoning Prevention Program health educator. "Lead is a pretty severe problem in Jackson County," Rudolph said. Exposure to lead at a young age can lead to anger issues, learning disabilities and neurological and physical problems. The Center for Disease Control considers elevated blood levels as anything greater than or equal to five micrograms of lead per deciliter. Children age 6 and younger had the fourth highest blood lead levels in the state, according to 2015 data from the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services. Jackson County had 5.1 percent of children age 6 and younger tested with elevated blood lead levels in 2015. Consumption of paint is the primary cause of elevated blood lead levels in children, Rudolph said. Toddlers are inclined to put their hands in their mouth, she said, and lead tastes sweet. Lead paint was banned from homes in 1978. However, 30.2 percent of Jackson County were built before 1950. A MDHHS report shows those houses have higher levels of lead paint. In total, 67.9 percent of Jackson County homes were built before lead paint was banned in 1978, according to MDHHS. Herbal remedies and toys imported to the U.S. are other sources of lead that children can be exposed to, Rudolph said. Increased testing for Jackson County children is a goal, Rudolph said. Of 8,977 children eligible to be tested in 2016, only 2,854 -- 31.7 percent were tested, she said. Of that percentage, 7.8 percent were found with blood lead levels higher than the CDC recommendation, Rudolph said. "Those are not good statistics in our books," she said. Children who could have elevated blood lead levels that aren't being tested is a concern, Rudolph said. "It's something there's no symptoms of," she said. "You have to do a lead test. We want to work with doctors to increase testing." Last year, the city of Jackson received $2.9 million from the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to help abate lead paint in city homes. It's using those funds for its Lead-Based Paint Hazard Control Program. Those in the program must meet its eligibility requirements. Those interested in seeing if they qualify can contact City of Jackson Grant Coordinator Michelle Pultz-Orthaus at 517-768-6436 or at mpultz@cityofjackson.org. "There are resources out there that we want to make people aware of," Rudolph said. "Just knowing there's someone there you can turn to to get the information and the resources to help you, that's a big comfort. That's what we really try to provide for the community. More information on lead poisoning is available online. BATTLE CREEK, MI -- The city of Battle Creek is distributing bottled water beginning Thursday, June 14, after a contaminant was identified in the city water system that could impact the health of infants a year and younger, according to a news release from the city. The water distribution comes after the City of Battle Creek announced on June 14 it found levels of manganese in the drinking water higher than the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency's acute health advisory level. The city will distribute one case of bottled water per day to each family with an infant one year or younger, at the following times and locations: Battle Creek City Hall, 10 N. Division Street, from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday Battle Creek Department of Public Works, 150 S. Kendall Street, 7:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday to Friday Battle Creek Police Department, 20 N. Division Street, 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days per week 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. seven days per week at city fire stations 1-6: -Fire Station 1, 195 E. Michigan Avenue -Fire Station 2, 145 N. Washington Avenue -Fire Station 3, 222 Cliff Street -Fire Station 4, 8 S. 20th Street -Fire Station 5, 1170 W. Michigan Avenue -Fire Station 6, 2401 Capital Avenue SW The levels of manganese were first found at a fire hydrant in the City of Springfield, which buys its water from Battle Creek. More testing was done, and elevated levels also were found at a hydrant in Battle Creek, the city said. Testing did not show elevated levels in Bedford, Emmett, and Pennfield townships, the city said. "As our customers, you have a right to know what has happened, what you should do, and what we are doing to correct this situation," the city said in a news release. "We routinely monitor your water for the presence of many regulated drinking water contaminants. Although manganese is not part of our required, routine testing, manganese samples were taken as part of an unregulated contaminant monitoring program required by the EPA," the city said. Testing results for manganese collected in Battle Creek were 0.98 parts per million (ppm), and in Springfield were 0.68 ppm. The health advisory level for children under 12 months old is 0.3 ppm for short-term exposure - one to 10 days. The health advisory level for children older than 12 months, and adults, is 1.0 ppm for short-term exposure, the city said. The city also tested the water where it comes out of the drinking water treatment plant - Verona Pumping Station - and did not find manganese. The city said some amount of manganese is needed for the human body to function, but too much can be harmful. Exposure to excess levels of manganese may occur from breathing air, particularly where manganese is used in manufacturing, and from drinking water and eating food. At high levels, it can cause damage to the brain, according to the Centers for Disease Controls. Exposure to high levels of manganese in air can cause lung irritation and reproductive effects, CDC said. At the levels of manganese found, the body of adults and children older than a year can remove excess manganese, according to the city, though infants' bodies may not be able to remove too much manganese. The city advises residents: Do not boil the water, as boiling water does not remove manganese, and may increase the amount. Infants under 12 months of age should only be given bottled water for anything they eat or drink, including for making juice, formula, purees, and cereals. Adults and children older than 12 months can use tap water for drinking. Adults and children of any age can continue to bathe and shower, brush their teeth, and wash clothes, food, and dishes in tap water. The city advises anyone with medical questions to contact a doctor. The city is investigating what happened and flushing fire hydrants to collect more samples. For more information about manganese and health, residents can contact the Calhoun County Public Health Department hotline at 269-969-6852. This hotline will provide general information and contact information, and allow callers to reach health department staff Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Residents can also call the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services at 800-648-6942, Monday through Friday, 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. The city also has set up a hotline, 269-966-3311, which will provide the information and connect callers with Department of Public Works staff, Monday through Friday, 7:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. MUSKEGON, MI - People with disabilities and civil rights advocates plan to gather Saturday for Muskegon's first Disability Pride Day. The pride event starts at noon until 3 p.m. on June 16 at Our Savior Lutheran Church, 1132 W. Southern Ave. Organizers say it will feature food, music and opportunities to learn more about the struggles and strengths of people living with disabilities. That includes an "open mic" dialogue session and speeches from local disability rights advocates, allies and elected officials. Organizers Darma and Elanor Canter, a mother-daughter team who both live with a disability, said the open mic will allow people with disabilities to lift their voices and share their stories. The event is supported by the Disability Justice League West Michigan, Disability Network West Michigan and Peer Action Alliance. Darma Canter said the gathering will be focused on building community. It could also help advocates devise new ways to fight for their rights. "Recent threats to Medicaid and Medicare and the Congressional attack on the Americans with Disabilities Act and our civil rights remind us that independence for people with disabilities is an ongoing struggle," Darma Canter said in a news release published by the Muskegon Lakeshore Chamber of Commerce. "We must be a visible force in the critical decisions being made at the local, state, and federal levels because our lives literally depend on it." Both Darma and Elanor Canter announced the pride event at Tuesday's Muskegon City Commission meeting. The commission passed a resolution recognizing Saturday as Disability Pride Day and offered its support for disability issues. However, the duo chided the city during public comment, saying Muskegon's economic and development growth has excluded people like them from working, living and playing downtown. "As I see you making great plans, I have concern that the history of respect for the Americans With Disabilities Act would lead me to believe you're not really ready to take advantage of the benefits that accessibility brings," Darma Canter said Tuesday. "If you're building a new beach community, make it accessible. "Civil rights are not a request for something special. Civil rights mean I get the same rights as everyone else. I encourage you to think about what the damage is when you exclude people, when you exclude customers." Levon Shirinyan: The Nakhichevan issue should be resolved, otherwise Armenia will remain in the eternal blockade (video) The circle around Armenia is constantly compressing. The army formed in Nakhichevan threatens us. The Armenian side should deal with its big brother in this issue, says political scientist Levon Shirinyan. "Russia and Turkey are the safeguard states of Nakhichevan. Now we are all allies with Russia and we try to equate those relations with the status of a slave. This issue should be resolved, otherwise Armenia will remain in the eternal blockade," says the political scientist. He sees two options for resolving the Nakhichevan issue. "The first solution is a military one, and we should be ready for it, and the second solution is to clarify the legal framework of Nakhichevan and present it on international platforms." Touching upon the visit of the OSCE Co-Chairs, Levon Shirinyan says that a tremendous thing has changed in Armenia and it continues to change, state building has started, and it is natural that the co-chairs should come and evaluate. "The Republic of Armenia does not get out of the world news networks, we have earned a civilized value due to our velvet revolution and we do not have the right to lose it. There has been a radical change in Armenia." The political scientist emphasizes that the Prime Minister of Armenia made his first visit to Stepanakert. He considers realistic to return Artsakh to the negotiating side. Political scientist welcomes release of some members of "Sasna Tsrer". "It's good that it happened before Nikol Pashinyan went to Russia. This means that Armenia is a free, independent country. " MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI - A 40-year-old man has pleaded no contest to prostituting a teen girl at a Muskegon area hotel. Mitchell James Hodges entered his plea on Tuesday, June 12. The specific charge is human trafficking of a minor for commercial sexual activity, which is a felony carrying a maximum sentence of 20 years. In return for his plea, the Muskegon County Prosecutor's office agreed to a sentence of seven years and to dismiss two other cases against Hodges for marijuana and methamphetamine possession and writing bad checks. If Muskegon County Circuit Judge William Marietti doesn't agree to the sentence, Hodges can withdraw his plea. Hodges is accused of prostituting the 15-year-old runaway at the Victory Inn in Roosevelt Park. Her plight came to the attention of authorities after she was able to get away from those who were allegedly prostituting her, according to the Muskegon County Prosecutor's office. Sisters Hailee Moffett, 18, and Hannah Moffett, 21, also face charges in the case, and are scheduled for trial in Marietti's court beginning July 10. Hailee Moffett is accused of taking some of the proceeds of the alleged prostitution and Hannah Moffett is accused of being involved in the prostitution of the minor girl. The investigation into the case involved multiple police agencies, including the Roosevelt Park and Norton Shores police departments, the Michigan State Police, FBI and Child Protective Services. MUSKEGON, MI - Being Miss Michigan has been "truly a dream come true" for current titleholder Heather Kendrick. But the 24-year-old will relinquish the title on Saturday, June 16, when she crowns Miss Michigan 2018. While this year has been "so rewarding," she's looking forward to watching the next woman's reign and transitioning to a volunteer role within the Miss Michigan Organization. Kendrick was crowned Miss Michigan on June 17, 2017, at the Frauenthal Center in Muskegon. "I've lived out my year the best that I could," Kendrick said. "This will always be a huge part of my story." She joked that she would run for reelection is she could because "this job is so cool." "To be a representative and a spokesperson for a state I love so much and to have that be my job has been wonderful," Kendrick said. "I don't want to let that go, but I'm so excited for the next Miss Michigan to have that experience." Kendrick's experience has included climbing to the top of the Mackinac Bridge, riding in the Detroit Thanksgiving Day Parade, climbing to the top of the Mackinac Bridge, being at the starting line for the UP 200 dog sled race in Marquette, interacting with about 10,000 students and competing in the Miss America pageant - to name a few. She logged over 50,000 miles of driving throughout the year. "I've just been able to meet so many people across our state from so many different walks of life," Kendrick said. "I've been able to see how diverse Michigan is and how beautiful it is and how great the people are." Being Miss Michigan gave Kendrick a chance to advocate for something close to her heart: "Keeping the Arts in Education: Advocating STEAM." (STEAM stands for "science, technology, engineering, arts and math.") That was the platform she brought to the table when she won Miss Washtenaw County and then Miss Michigan. Kendrick visited schools across the state performing her Miss Michigan talent of violin, speaking about STEAM and reading to students. After this week, she won't be able to say, 'I'm Miss Michigan,' anymore. "But I want to continue to be the Miss America that I would have wanted to be if I had been given the opportunity," Kendrick said. However, she did get to wear the Miss America crown, if only for a moment, when she won the drawing during dress rehearsal in Atlantic City in September. When it came to the live show, Kendrick missed the top 12. Kendrick walked away from the national pageant without a crown but with 50 new friends - one from each state and the District of Columbia. "There's something pretty special about meeting someone from every state and having a group of 50 girls experiencing the same thing you are," she said. Cara Mund, of North Dakota, was crowned Miss America 2018. She visited Michigan in March to speak at the Miss Michigan 2018 orientation. A unique aspect of Kendrick's reign is that the kept her full-time job as the director of an arts program at the University of Michigan. She is also an alumna of the university. Traditionally, the state and national titleholders put their lives on hold to perform the year-long job. But Kendrick thinks there will be more like her in the future. "I'm looking forward to having only one job," Kendrick said of her post-Miss Michigan plans. MUSKEGON, MI - A group of 23 teens was narrowed down to the top 12, but only one received the crown Wednesday, June 13. Maria Evola, a 15-year-old Macomb resident, was crowned Miss Michigan's Outstanding Teen 2018 at the Frauenthal Center for Performing Arts in downtown Muskegon. She was one of the 12 finalists in the pageant to reappear on stage to compete for the statewide title from the first night, the preliminaries, on Tuesday. Michigan's pageant week continues Thursday with the first preliminary round for the Miss Michigan contestants. The event kicks off at 7 p.m. Thursday at the Frauenthal Center in Muskegon. Taking first among the other competitors ages 13 through 17, Evola won the $1,000 grand prize scholarship in addition to the entry fee for the national Miss America Outstanding Teen 2018 competition in August. Alisha Gatchel, Mistress of Ceremonies and Miss Michigan's Outstanding Teen 2014, announced the four girls among the top five who received academic scholarships. Fourth runner-up and recipient of a $200 scholarship was Miss Oakland County's Outstanding Teen Aubrey Hammis. Third runner-up and recipient of a $300 scholarship was Miss Downriver's Outstanding Teen Sophia Causie. Second runner-up Miss Mid-Michigan's Outstanding Teen Larissa Hollingsworth was awarded $500. First runner-up Miss Washtenaw County's Outstanding Teen Madison McElvany received $700. Miss Sunset Coast's Outstanding Teen Alessandra Wilson received the Miss Congeniality Award from her peers, which is a $200 prize. The people's choice winners were Miss Monroe County's Outstanding Teen Elizabeth Wirth and Miss Lake Erie's Outstanding Teen Rylie Dewly. Overall interview winner was Miss Midland's Outstanding Teen Emma Scheibert. In the talent segment, Evola stunned the crowd with a dance routine to "How Do You Solve a Problem like Maria" from the theatrical classic "The Sound of Music." McElvany and Hammis also received recognition for their talent. During the evening gown portion, the girls answered questions written by fellow contestants. Questions included what phone app they would create if they could and if technology makes people feel lonely. Hammis received cheers and applause for her answer to the question, "If you were governor of our great state, what is something you'd like to change?" "I would like to change how much of our tax money goes into our roads, especially being a teenager getting ready to drive," Hammis said. The audience said goodbye to Miss Michigan's Outstanding Teen 2017 Katie Preston, who received a standing ovation as she took her final walk across the stage. Preston opened the pageant by singing "The Star-Spangled Banner" as she did at last year's Miss America pageant competition. She also serenaded the Miss Michigan Scholarship Pageant "princesses" before teen contestant winners were announced. To be eligible for Miss Michigan's Outstanding Teen 2018, contestants had to enter as an at large contestant or win a local competition. The 2018 Miss Michigan Scholarship Pageant begins with preliminary rounds at 7 p.m. on Thursday, June 14 and Friday, June 15. The finals are scheduled for 7 p.m. on Saturday, June 16. Top 12 Contestants (six through 12 are in no particular order): 1. Maria Evola, Miss Saginaw County's Outstanding Teen. 2. Madison McElvany, Miss Washtenaw County's Outstanding Teen. 3. Larissa Hollingsworth, Miss Mid-Michigan's Outstanding Teen 4. Sophia Causie, Miss Downriver's Outstanding Teen. 5. Aubrey Hammis, Miss Oakland County's Outstanding Teen 6. Alessandra Wilson, Miss Sunset Coast's Outstanding Teen. 7. Elizabeth Wirth, Miss Monroe County's Outstanding Teen. 8. Maria Liberty Fields, Miss Spirit of the State's Outstanding Teen. 9. Rylie Dewly, Miss Lake Erie's Outstanding Teen. 10. Emma Wright, Miss Bay County's Outstanding Teen. 11. Delany Lentz, Miss Allegan County's Outstanding Teen. 12. Emma Scheibert, Miss Midland's Outstanding Teen. A pair of Norwegian lawmakers say President Donald Trump's recent efforts to work toward North Korean denuclearization are enough to warrant a Nobel Peace Prize nomination for the 2019 award. According to The Hill, the two lawmakers, Christian Tybring-Gjedde and Per-Willy Amundsen made the nomination Wednesday. The two represnt Norway's right-leaning Progress Party, which advocates for limited immigration and shrinking the size of government. House Republicans in the U.S. have pushed the idea of Trump's nomination in recent months because of his work with North Korea leader Kim Jong Un. Trump met with Kim earlier this week and the two leaders agreed to the denuclearization of North Korea and the U.S. would provide security guarantees to the nation. Early Wednesday morning, Trump tweeted that there was no nuclear threat from North Korea following the summit. Just landed - a long trip, but everybody can now feel much safer than the day I took office. There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea. Meeting with Kim Jong Un was an interesting and very positive experience. North Korea has great potential for the future! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2018 Trump's nomination for the Nobel Peace Prize will be for next year's award as the nomination process for the 2018 award ended in January. Firefighters had to use a power saw - very carefully - after a young woman got her head stuck in a truck's oversize tailpipe at a Minnesota music festival last weekend. The strange incident happened at the Winstock Music Festival in Winsted, Minn., about 40 miles west of Minneapolis, the Associated Press reported. It's not known exactly how the woman got herself in that predicament. But it wasn't the first time she had stuck her head in the pipe that day, KARE-TV reported. The fire chief told the news station it was actually the second time the woman had put her head in the diesel truck's tailpipe that day. The first time, she was able to get it out unassisted. Someone at the festival took a short video of the rescue, which has been viewed more than 2.6 million times. The local sheriff's office said once she was freed from the pipe, she was cited for underage drinking and escorted off the festival grounds, the AP said. Pennridge School District contracting with family to drive student to and from school By By: Dr. Francis R. Souder, 85, formerly of Telford, died Wednesday, Oct. 17, 2007 in the skilled nursing unit of Peter Becker Community, Franconia Township. He and his wife Marion R. (Parker) Souder celebrated their 62nd wedding anniversary in July. Born in Souderton, he was a son of the late Elvin B. and Mary (Rittenhouse) Souder. A 1938 graduate of Souderton High School, he received his undergraduate degree in 1941 from the University of Pennsylvania where he was a member of the Phi Beta Kappa. Dr. Souder went on to receive his medical degree from Hahnemann Medical College in 1944 and completed his internship at Hahnemann Hospital from Oct. 1944 July, 1945. He served with the U.S. Navy Medical Corps for 30 months in San Diego and Long Beach, Calif. during WW II and was promoted to the rank of lieutenant prior to his discharge. He entered his second tour of duty during the Korean War where he served in Panama City, Fla. as the medical officer for the Panama City Naval Air Station and the Tyndal Air Force Base. Dr. Souder owned and operated his family practice on Main Street in Telford from 1947-1989. He served on the staff of Grand View Hospital, and as its president, and taught at the Grand View Hospital Nursing School. He was a member of the Pa. Medical Society, the Bucks County Medical Society, Diplomat American Academy of Family Practices, and served on the board of trustees at Grand View Hospital, Sellersville. He was a member of Trinity United Church of Christ in Telford, where he sang in the church choir. He was also a member of the MacCalla Lodge #596 in Souderton, the Raja Shrine, and Lehigh Consistory. In addition to his widow, he is survived by a son, Dr. Ronald L. Souder, and his wife Susan L. of Green Lane; a daughter, Susan J. Souder, and her husband Stephan Russo of New York, N.Y.; five grandchildren: Jennifer A. Souder of Philadelphia; Emily E. Souder of Philadelphia; Kathryn A. Souder of Washington, D.C.; Noah Russo of New York, N.Y., and Rebekah Russo of New York, N.Y., and two brothers: Attorney Elvin B. Souder of Souderton and Dr. Lawrence Souder of Souderton. Memorial services will be held on Saturday, Nov. 10 at 12 p.m. in Trinity United Church of Christ, 101 S. Main St., Telford, with calling hours following the service. Interment will be private in Trinity UCC Cemetery Telford. Memorial contributions may be made to Grand View Hospital, 700 Lawn Ave., Sellersville, Pa. 18960. Arrangements are by Sadler-Suess Funeral Home, Telford. Education Montgomery County Community College will present the spring installment of the interview/talk show program Issues and Insights April 20 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. in Science Center room 214, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The programs will be simulcast to the Colleges West Campus in South Hall room 216, 101 College Drive, Pottstown. Dr. Kolsky will offer a humorous presentation, Carrots, Sticks and Politics: A State of the Nation and the World Message. In this speech, he will provide his interpretation of domestic and international politics and then welcome questions from the audience for discussion. Issues and Insights, is free and open to the public. For information, contact Dr. Thomas Kolsky, professor of political science, at 215-641-6380 or tkolsky@mc3.edu. Montgomery County Community Colleges STEM Scholars Program will host a STEM Jam! open house April 25 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. in the Advanced Technology Center at the Colleges Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The drop-in event is designed for students interested in learning more about careers in science, technology, engineering and mathematics. Activities will include STEM program information and career advising, STEM speakers throughout the day from industry and academia, micro-helicopter and robotics competitive obstacle courses and demonstrations and static models of STEM student and faculty work. For more information about STEM Jam! or STEM programs at MCCC, contact William Brownlowe at wbrownlowe@mc3.edu or 215-641-6644, or Robin Zuhlke at 215-619-7440 or rzuhlke@mc3.edu. Temple Ambler, located at 580 Meetinghouse Road, presents the following events: International Club Global Bazaar April 15 from 5 to 8 p.m. The Ambler Campus International Club invites all students, faculty, staff and the community to celebrate a multitude of diverse cultures, which will be showcased at the organizations Global Bazaar. This family friendly event will highlight cultural traditions and celebrations in Asia, Europe, the Middle East, South American, North America and Africa through music, entertainment, food and informative displays developed and presented by students at the Ambler Campus. Young visitors will be provided with passports, which they may get stamped at each country they visit. Prizes will be awarded to world travelers who talk to cultural representatives, answer questions about the countries theyve visited and take part in fun-filled activities designed to help them learn about the rich diversity of cultures found throughout the world. Refreshments will be served. The event is free. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail tuc36466@temple.edu. EarthFest 2011 April 29 from 9:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. More than 75 exhibitors, including the Philadelphia Zoo, The Franklin Institute, the Academy of Natural Sciences, the Elmwood Park Zoo and the Insectarium, will take part in EarthFest 2011. School students of all ages are invited to attend and develop displays of their own. EarthFest partner the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society also offers its Kids Grow Expo, featuring the Junior Flower Show, as part of the event. For more information, call 267-468-8108 or e-mail duffyj@temple.edu. Annual Spring Plant Sale May 7 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. The plant sale an Ambler Campus tradition dating back to the early 1900s will feature woody plants and perennials in portable sizes, hardy trees, shrubs, and vines, native plants that are attractive to wildlife, herbs, and hanging baskets. There will also be numerous special plants for sale to highlight Amblers special anniversary year. Garden books and garden tools will also be available for sale. Students, staff, and volunteers from the Department of Landscape Architecture and Horticulture and the Ambler Arboretum Advisory Committee will be available to answer questions. All proceeds from the Spring Plant Sale will support the Ambler Arboretum Fund and the Pi Alpha Xi National Honor Society. Information: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary. June Homecoming/Louise Bush-Brown Garden Dedication June 5 from 12:30 to 2 p.m. (June Homecoming), Bright Hall Lounge; 2 p.m. (Garden Dedication), Ambler Campus Formal Perennial Gardens. Tickets June Homecoming: Participant $18 per person; Sustainer $25 per person; Benefactor $40 per person. The 2011 June Homecoming, sponsored by the School of Environmental Design Alumni Association, will include the Alumni Association annual meeting and luncheon. June Homecoming will be followed by the formal dedication of Temple University Amblers Formal Perennial Gardens as the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Gardens. During this 100th anniversary of the campus, Temple University Ambler and the Ambler Arboretum of the Temple University is honoring Louise Bush-Browns many contributions to the history of the campus by formally dedicating the gardens in her honor. During the program, campus Executive William Parshall will welcome guests, Ambler Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey will speak about the Bush-Browns and the history of the garden, and an official ribbon cutting will be held for the Louise Bush-Brown Formal Garden. Following the ribbon cutting, guests are invited to take a tour of the gardens, which will wend their way to the Campus Greenhouse for the School of Environmental Designs annual Plant Auction. Information (Garden Dedication): 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Information (June Homecoming): 215-482-0722. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary. Northview Garden Tour and Fundraiser for the Ambler Arboretum June 12 from noon to 5 p.m. Call for reservations. Tickets: $15 per person or $20 at the door. In addition to the gardens of the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University, Arboretum Director Jenny Rose Carey has a garden oasis all her own right in Ambler Northview. Visitors will have the opportunity to take self-guided tours throughout the many gardens, where garden experts will be available to answer questions about the various designs. The Ambler Keystone Chapter of the Womans National Farm and Garden Association will also provide tea and refreshments. All proceeds from the tours will support the Ambler Arboretum of Temple University. Information or to register: 267-468-8001 or judy.shatz@temple.edu. Learn more at www.ambler.temple.edu/anniversary. The Senior Adult Activities Center of Montgomery County, 536 George Street, Norristown, will hold the following events: SAAC Adult Day Care, an alternative to Nursing Home Care is available for information call 610-275-1960 Volunteers are needed for Meals on Wheels Program (call the number above) SAACs Fifth Avenue Boutique opens Monday through Friday from 10 a.m.-1:30 p.m. Exercise with Theresa will be held every Monday, Wednesday and Friday at 1 p.m. Dance class is held every Monday at 10 a.m. Tai Chi is held every Monday at 10 a.m. Yoga is held every Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. Line Dancing is held every Thursday at 10:30 a.m. Dancing with Joan is held every Wednesday at 10:30 a.m. Sculpture Class is held Wednesdays from 2 to 3:30 p.m. Why Should I Learn Spanish? will be held Wednesdays at 10:30 a.m. Generations On-Line computer classes for seniors will be held Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. 4 p.m. computers are available during those hours. Health Living will be held every Tuesday at 1 p.m. Boomer U will hold the following events. Boomer U is located at 45 Forest Avenue, Ambler. Registration & payment is required for all events: 215-619-8863. Pilates Class is held Wednesdays and Fridays at 9:30 a.m. First class is free; please bring a mat. For information call 610-291-5376. Blue Bell School of Dance, 921 Penllyn Blue Bell Pike, Blue Bell, hosts Argentine Tango Classes and a Milonga dance party every Friday evening. Lessons start at 8:30 p.m. followed by dancing at 9:30 p.m. Andrew Conway, master Argentine Tango dancer, instructor and performer and his partner Linda Chase will instruct. All levels welcome and no partner is needed. Refreshments will be served. Fee is $12 per person and includes lesson and dancing. Information: 215-634-1101 or www.amoretango.com. The Montgomery Hospital Medical Center will offer the following classes: Childbirth Education Class- all parents are invited to participate, including those who are delivering at other hospitals. For more information on maternity services or classes, call 610-270-2020. CPR and First Aid Courses are offered for beginners to experiences health care providers. Call 610-270-2313. The Ambler SAAC (Senior Adult Activities Center), located at 45 Forest Ave in Ambler will hold the following events: Tai Chi every Monday and Thursday at 11 a.m. Yoga is every Tuesday at 1 p.m. and Friday at 10:30 a.m. Strength and balance training every Wednesday at 10 a.m. Armchair Aerobics is held every Monday at 10 a.m. Gourmet Weight Wise every Thursday at 12:30. Fitness Center and Pool Room open daily 8 a.m.-4 p.m. The Diabetes Education Center will offer day and evening classes each month. Health insurance pays for diabetes education classes. Preregistration is required. Call 610-270-2301. For Kids & Families The Ambler Kiwanis Club will host its annual Easter Egg Hunt April 26 at 10 a.m. in Ambler Borough Park, located just off of the intersection of Hendricks Street and Valley Brook Road. Members of the Wissahickon Key Club will assist Kiwanians in hiding thousands of wrapped chocolate eggs in a designated area of the park. Also hidden will be plastic colored eggs, which are redeemed for prizes. Elementary school children are separated by age. Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation will hold its 21st annual Storybook Egg-Stravaganza April 15 fom 6 to 7:30 p.m. at the Upper Dublin Township Building. Toddlers and preschoolers love this annual event where photo opportunities with favorite friends abound! Treasures are collected from UDP&Rs assortment of lifesize cutouts of favorite cartoon characters from Disney, Sesame Street, Nickelodeon and other well-known animation. Children can have their picture taken with Bugsy OHare; bring your own camera. And dont forget a basket for goodies! $7 for UD residents; $12 for non-residents. Pre-register at 215-643-1600 ext. 3443. Splash Week is a free week-long program that teaches children and families basic swimming skills and water safety practices. All YMCA branches will host multiple classes each day from April 11 to 15. For more information, contact the Ambler Area YMCA at 215-628-9950. Healthy Kids Day is April 16 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The day is filled with fun, engaging and artistic activities that cultivate healthy living as part of the YMCAs larger efforts to help more kids and families become physically active. All activities are free and open to the community. For more information, contact the Ambler YMCA at 215-628-9950. No reservation is required. The Ambler Area YMCA has added several new programs for area youngsters. Classes are held late afternoons or evenings on various weekdays. For more information, visit philaymca.org or call 215-628-9950. Basic Beading: Ages: 10+. Wednesdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. This class will teach you the fundamentals of wiring and stringing along with how color can be used to create unique and vibrant beadwork design. You will create various jewelry including earrings, bracelets, charm pendants and much more! Supplies will be provided. Bringing your own jewelry pliers or tools would be a plus. Messin with the Masters: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 7 to 7:45 p.m. Learn about some of the worlds greatest artists. You will be inspired to create your own Starry Night with oil pastels and tempera paints, a tissue paper painted Monet garden, a Picasso head using scraps of paper, a Georgia OKeeffe clay flower bowl and a Rousseau jungle collage. Super Scientist: Ages: 5-7. Mondays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Well be concocting chemistry experiments such as making slime, mixing potions and having fun with magnet magic. Your budding little scientist will enhance his/her creative thinking and motor skills and to top it off will learn that science can be serious fun. Wacky Junk Art: Ages: 8-12. Thursdays 6 to 6:45 p.m. Why throw it away! Instead join us to make household junk into aliens from outer space, wacky specs, crazy hats, body masks or a recycled train. Globe Trotters: Ages: 4-6. Tuesdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Youre never too young to start thinking globally. Each week, we explore a new country through crafts, games, music, stories and even some taste-testing. A perfect introduction to our great big world! Crazy about Crafts: Ages: 5-7, Thursdays 4:30 to 5:15 p.m. Let your childs creative juices flow with our fun arts and crafts projects each week. Fine motor skills and creative thinking skills will be enhanced with this crafty class. Come out and join the Ambler Area YMCAs Teen and Junior Leaders Club. Participants are given the freedom to plan community service projects year round and truly make a difference in the lives of people in need. Those in Teen and Junior Leaders also attend leadership retreats all along the East Coast three times a year and meet other leaders who are doing the same great work in their respective areas. Dont miss out on this inspiring opportunity. Teen Leaders, ages 13-17, meet every Wednesday from 6 to 7:30 p.m. Junior Leaders, ages 10-12, will begin in the spring and will meet every Monday. For more information, contact Mike Miles, Teen Director, 215- 628-9950 x 1540 or mmiles@philaymca.org. Did you know that the new Ambler Area YMCA holds childrens birthday parties at its site for members and non members as well. The Ambler Y does all the work from start to finish and birthday parties include a personalized cake, ice cream, beverage and paper products. Parties are held on Saturday and Sunday afternoons and include two party hosts to lead activities, set-up, clean-up and assist with serving. You can have a Splash Party for children ages six to 12 in the new zero depth entry pool with water slide and spray fountains. Up to 25 children have exclusive use of the pool area with 30 minutes in the party room. Sports Parties are offered for kids ages four to 12 with age appropriate activities and games, and sports such as floor hockey, soccer, basketball or dodge ball. Children ages three to five years of age will enjoy parties in the Family Active Center with use of the Moon Bounce and organized activities, such as parachute play and songs. For information, 215-628-9950 ext. 1583. Community Events at the Ambler Y: -YAchievers YMCA Achievers is a developmentally based, extracurricular, educational and team mentoring program designed to help students in grades five through 12 prepare for fulfilled livelihoods in college and beyond. Participation is free and all students in this program receive a free YMCA membership. Registration for the 2009 program begins now. You do not need to be a YMCA member to utilize these special services. Call 215-628-9950 to register. Greater Norristown Art Leagues Childrens Weeklong Summer Art Camps will be held at 800 West Germantown Pike in East Norriton, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Monday through Friday throughout the summer. The cost per session is $125 per student for ages 6 and up. Jo Ann Cooksey Bono teaches an introduction to basic drawing skills and techniques from 10 a.m. until the lunch break each day. In the afternoon sessions, Mary Vogel Lozinak involves the students in hands on projects such as collage, papermaking, T-shirt printing, 3D design and sculpy clay. Fridays Graduation Day includes an art show, awards ceremony and reception for parents, siblings, grandparents and friends. All supplies are included. Students provide their own lunch. A refrigerator is available and the building is air-conditioned. This is the 15th year to run this successful program. Both instructors are professional artists with State Police and Child Abuse Clearances. To register, call Jo Ann at 610-279-1008, or register on-line at www.gnal.org. Health Dresher Physical Therapy is hosting an interactive seminar discussing its Golf Assessment Progam April 30 from 10 a.m. to noon at Dresher Physical Therapy, 1075 Virginia Drive, Suite 200, Fort Washington. Physical therapist Chris Miller, certified through the Titleist Performance Institute, will discuss why your body may be the most important piece of golf equipment you invest in and how this can drastically improve your game. $10 in advance; $15 at the door. Call 215-619-4545 to reserve your spot. The Chestnut Hill Center for Enrichment, Center on the Hill and Chestnut Hill Hospital will host a Senior Health and Resource Fair April 14 from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. at Chestnut Hill Presbyterian Church, 8855 Germantown Ave. The event is free. For more information, call 215-248-0180 or e-mail chseniors@cavtel.net. The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is hosting Help Yourself to Health, a new six-week workshop for older adults with ongoing health conditions such as arthritis, diabetes, high blood pressure, anxiety, heart disease and others. The free workshop will take place at the Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center, 45 Forest Ave. on six Thursdays, May 12 through June 16 from 9:30 a.m. to noon. Although there is no charge to participate, registration is required. To register, call 215-619-8863. The Ambler Senior Adult Activities Center is sponsoring an eight-week program called A Matter of Balance: Managing Concerns About Falls. Presented by the Montgomery County Health Department, this workshop will be held on Tuesdays, May 3 to June 21 from 10 a.m. to noon at the Ambler Center, 45 Forest Ave. If you pre-register by April 27, the fee is only $5! Registration at the first class is $10. (Checks should be payable to SAAC and will benefit our Meals on Wheels program that serves homebound seniors.) A workbook will be provided and refreshments will be served. Call 215-619-8863 to register or for more information. Fort Washington Wellness Center classes are ongoing. There are several offered during lunch or right after work, for your convenience: Boot Camp from noon to 1 p.m. on Monday; Zumba is MWF from 11 a.m. to noon and Friday at 4 p.m.; there are 25 cycling classes; Ashtanga and Vinyasana Yoga and Pilates; and a group Womens Strength Training class M-F from 10 to 11 a.m. Questions, call Cathy DeMarco at 215-641-1245. Following the success of other local area programs, Impact Sports and Upper Dublin Parks and Recreation are delighted to team up again to offer a spring program for the 2011 season! Upper Dublin area children ages 3-5 years old can attend a Sports Program featuring their favorite sports games; soccer, rugby, hockey, track and field, basketball, and more. The program will start on April 27 and run through June 1. Cost for the program is $85 for the six weeks. The classes will be running 12- 1 p.m.; 1- 2 p.m.; 2- 3 p.m. For more info or to register, call Upper Dublin Township on 215 643 1600 or visit their website a http://www.upperdublin.net. Spring Aquatic Programs UDHS Pool: -Summer is just around the corner Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool can help get you into shape! Programs begin in March; preregistration is required. Shallow Water Aerobics Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 8-8:45 p.m., $40R/$50NR. Adult Swim Instructions Two 5-week programs, Wednesday nights, 7-8 p.m., $50R/$60NR -Open Rec Swims are fun for the whole family! Come out on Fridays from 7-9 p.m. or Saturdays from 1-4 p.m. and enjoy use of the pool and diving area. Fridays are offered through June 17; Saturdays are offered March 12-May 21. -Join a growing group of adult lap swimmers and water walkers. Lanes are set aside evenings and weekends for use; lanes are shared. Monday Thursday from 7:30-9:30 p.m.; Fridays from 7-9 p.m. and Saturdays (March 12-May 21) from 1-4 p.m. -Private Swimming & Diving Lessons for ages 3-adult are offered at the UDHS Pool through a partnership with the Upper Dublin Aquatic Club (UDAC). Visit the UDAC website for more information, www.udac.us, and click the link to UDHS Private Lessons. -Looking for local programs for US Masters Swimming (adults) or Water Polo (all ages)? UDAC and UDSD are working together to develop programs that will be offered at the UDHS Pool. Add your name to Interest Lists by emailing slohoefer@upperdublin.net. emails will be sent about clinics and program start dates. Questions about Community Aquatic Programs at the UDHS Pool, group use of the pool or pool rental? Contact Susan Lohoefer, Facility & Community Affairs Manager at slohoefer@upperdublin.net or call 215-643-8800 x8994. SilverSneakers Fitness Program. The Healthyways SilverSneakers Fitness Program is a result-oriented program that enables older adults to take charge of their health. The program is an innovative blend of physical activity, healthy lifestyle and socially oriented programing. Members of the program are eligible for a free YMCA membership, with use of the pool and exercise equipment, along with customized classes designed for older adults who want to improve their strength, flexibility, balance and endurance. If you are a subscriber to Independence Blue Cross (Personal Choice 65 PPO) or Keystone 65 HMO, Bravo Health, or Health Options Programs (HOP), call the Ambler Area YMCA, 215-628-9950 or Hatboro Area YMCA, 215-674-4545. You can also visit www.silversneakers.com. Zumba Fitness offers Zumba dance/fitness classes at Academy of Dance and Music/BBAD Studio located at 1524 DeKalb Pike in Blue Bell (behind Sherwin Williams). Classes are offered three times a week: Tuesdays at 6 p.m., Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays at 8 a.m. For a free trial pass for your first class, email us at info@danceandmusic.biz or call 610-277-2557. For more info, visit our site at www.academyofdanceandmusic.org. Chestnut Hill Health Systems presents the following Health Education Programs: FITNESS CLASSES Golden Yoga: A Breathing, Stretching and Relaxation Class. Fridays, 2:30-3:30 p.m. Lea Auditorium, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. Registration for four classes at a time required. Golden Yoga is Classical Yoga, adapted by the SKY Foundation, to accommodate those who have difficulty getting up and down from the floor. The program includes postures, breathing, relaxation and meditation techniques, all performed while sitting in a chair and standing. Registration required. Call 215-247-3029. Cost: $20 for 4 classes per month. Tai Chi: Tuesdays & Thursdays, 8:30 9:30 a.m. Springfield Residence, 8601 Stenton Ave. Classes, for the novice or beginner/intermediate student, are designed to improve balance, power, posture, coordination, flexibility and mental focus. Slow, gentle movements are modified to most everyones abilities. For more information or to sign up for a free introductory class, call 215-882-2804. Cost: $8 per class/paid monthly. SUPPORT GROUPS Weight Loss Surgery Support Group: Fourth Wednesday of the month, 7-8 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. Join us for a monthly get-together where well share information for those interested in weight loss surgery, learn from guest speakers discussing current news on issues including lifestyle modification, nutrition and exercise and provide ongoing support for those who have completed surgery. Registration required. Call 215-753-2000. Breast Cancer Networking Group: Fourth Tuesday of the month 5:30 7 p.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave., Philadelphia. A free, confidential support group for women living with a diagnosis of breast cancer designed to provide a forum for sharing information, feelings and concerns associated with breast cancer. Facilitated by Tish Wakefield, LCSW, Oncology Social Worker. Registration required. To register or for more information, call 215-248-8047. New Moms Support Groups Tuesdays 10:30 a.m. 12 p.m.; contact Jeanine ORourke, MSW or 2:30 4 p.m.; contact Susan Schack, Ph.D Volunteer Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. The Center for Postpartum Depression at Chestnut Hill Hospital is pleased to offer two new support groups to support new moms. Both groups will be run by experienced mental health professionals who really get it when it comes to new motherhood and juggling relationships, extended family, work/family balance and self-care. If you are experiencing new mom challenges that often heighten anxiety and involve hormonally driven depression, join us for an informative and supportive forum to connect with other moms. Infants are welcome. $30 per session (flexible based on need). Registration is required. Call Dr. Schack, 646-265-2484, or Ms. ORourke, 215-206-2931. Man to Man Prostate Cancer Support Group Third Thursday of the month 8-9 a.m. Williams Conference Room, Chestnut Hill Hospital, 8835 Germantown Ave. A networking group for men diagnosed with prostate cancer designed to provide education, support and encouragement. Spouses and partners welcome. Harry M. Baer, MD, Chief, Urology Division, will host Ask the Doctor. Registration required. Call 215-248-8325. Contact the Senior Center by phone 215-248-0180 or email (chseniors@cavtel.net) with your questions about these programs or any of our on-going activities and classes. Holy Redeemer HomeCare and Hospice seeks compassionate and emotionally mature volunteers to provide support to local hospice patients and their families in Bucks, Montgomery and Philadelphia counties. Volunteers may also assist with pet therapy and administrative work within the hospice department and are requested to have daytime availability. Hospice patient care volunteers visit with patients in their homes or nursing facilities once a week for two to three hours. They provide emotional support and companionship to patients and family members, assist with errands or provide respite for caregivers. Bereavement volunteers support the families of hospice patients following the loss of a loved one, while administrative volunteers assist with typing, mailings and/or filing. Hospice care workers provide a great service to families and loved ones of hospice patients. Many volunteers also report a great deal of personal satisfaction as a result of their services. Patient care and bereavement volunteers complete an application and attend an 18-hour volunteer training program that covers the medical, psychological and spiritual aspects of hospice volunteering. Day and evening training programs are offered. To sign up for volunteer opportunities in Pennsylvania, contact Holy Redeemer Volunteer Coordinator Jean Francis at 215-698-3737 or email jfrancis@holyredeemer.com. Librarytalk Upper Dublin Public Library, 805 Loch Alsh Avenue, Ft. Washington, 215-628-8744 www.upperdublinlibrary.org APRIL CHILDRENS PROGRAMS: Storytimes: Please register in the library. o Wee Ones: 0 to 23 months Thursdays and Fridays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. o Tiny Tots: age 2. Wednesdays 10:30 to 10:50 a.m. and Fridays 11 to 11:20 a.m. o Jr. Book Lovers: ages 3 to 6. Tuesdays 10:30 to 11 a.m. o Bedtime Storytimes: 7 to 7:30 p.m. April 20 and 27. Wear your jammies, bring your teddy & hear Miss Barbara read bedtime stories! For ages 3 to 6. APRIL TEEN PROGRAMS: North Hills Library Teens April 28 from 4 to 6 p.m. Movie Matinee APRIL UDPL ADULT PROGRAMS: NEW! ESL Conversation Group. Tuesdays from 7 to 8 p.m. Interested in practicing your English in a safe and caring environment? Come to our conversation group and improve your skills! Please register with Kay Klocko at 215-628-8744 or kklocko@mclinc.org. One-on-One Computer Mentoring. Get personalized assistance from experienced computer volunteers! Sign-up for a one-hour session. Limit one session per month. Please register contact info above. Book Groups Please register with Kay Klocko 215-628-8744. o Daytimers: April 21 at 1:30 p.m. Tired of book groups where you all read the same book? Read any fiction or non-fiction book on this months theme: Explorers. Please register. Meetings: Annual Meeting of the Friends of UDPL: April 14 at 1 p.m. Board of Directors: April 20 at 7 p.m. Blue Bell Library www.wvpl.org Upcoming Events: The Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 650 Skippack Pike (Route 73) in Blue Bell, is diagonally across from the Blue Bell Inn. Call 215-643-1320 or visit their website at www.wvpl.org. For children and teens at Blue Bell: * Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian. * Mondays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages. * Wednesdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages. * Fridays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages. * Family Movies, new releases, second Saturdays of the month at 1:30 p.m. * May 14 Despicable Me * June 11 Alpha and Omega * Special Events * April watch for date of spring/Easter events * April 14 at 4:30 p.m. Junior Lego Club for children ages 3 through 5. Parents and caregivers need to stay with children. * April 14 at 7 p.m. Jeopardy for ages 11 to 18. Test your book and library knowledge for prizes. Sign up to be a contestant. No sign up to be in the audience. Snacks provided. * April 16 at 1 p.m. Adult Mystery Book Group discussing The Beekeepers Apprentice by Laurie King. * April 16 at 1:30 p.m. Childrens event for One Book, Every Young Child celebration. Story and craft for book Whose Shoes? * April 19 at 7 p.m. and April 26 at 1:30 p.m.- Adult book group discusses The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester. Group led by Adam Button. * April 30 through May 3 Friends book sale with about 10,000 items for sale for children, teens and adults. * May sign up for Science in the Summer * June sign up for Enrichment Programs for Elementary-Age children * June sign up for Summer Reading, all ages For adults at Blue Bell: * Daytime Book Discussion Group fourth Tuesday, Jan April at 1:30 p.m. * April 26 The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester * Night-time Book Discussion Group third Tuesday of each month at 7 p.m. o April 19 The Professor and the Madman by Simon Winchester * Art Series with Dr. Sheldon Weintraub, docent at The Barnes and speaker at local colleges o April 27 at 2 p.m. The Art of Looking at Art-Is She Nude or Is She Naked? *Mystery Book Discussion Group, third Saturday of the month at 1 p.m.; new mystery theme each month; www.wvpl.org/programs * Yoga on Mondays at 1:30 p.m. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop-in class. * Tai Chi on Mondays at 3 p.m. with Dr. Kurt Findeisen. $20 for eight classes; $5 per drop in class. * Philadelphia Museum of Art presents class on their Marc Chagall exhibit, April 13 at 2 p.m. * Giant Book Sale, April 29 May 3 o Starts with almost 10,000 items for children and adults! o Held during library hours. o Preview for members of the Friends of the Library, April 28 at 7 p.m. o Join the Friends and attend the preview sale. Modest fee to join. * Blooms at Blue Bell Gardening Series o May 11 at 1 p.m. Summer Bulbs by PA Horticultural Society * Knitting group Mondays and Wednesdays at 10 a.m. Work on your project or observe and learn. The groups continue year-round in the community room. * Socrates Cafe discussion group every Monday at 7 p.m. You pick the topic to discuss each week. No sign-up, nothing to read. * Bridge every Friday at 12:30 p.m. New players welcome. * Mah Jong every Wednesday at 1 p.m. New players welcome. *Chess every Wednesday at 7p.m. for adults and teens 14 and older. * Movie Matinee showing recent releases every Thursday at 2 p.m. April 14: Maos Last Dancer; April 21: Welcome to the Rileys; April 28: Conviction; May 5: Inception; May 12: Inside Job; May 19 The Kings Speech; May 26 The Fighter; June 2 Rabbit Hole; June 9 Black Swan; June 16 127 Hours * Ongoing like-new, year-round book sale for adults & children during library hours * Library opening at 10 a.m. Monday through Saturday! Ambler Library, a branch of the Wissahickon Valley Public Library, 209 Race St., 215-646-1072. www.wvpl.org. All the following events occur at the Ambler Library. * Story times with guitar music by Miss Michelle, the singing librarian. * Tuesdays at 10:30 a.m. for all ages. * Thursdays at 4:30 p.m. for all ages. * For adults: * Beading Group meets the first and third Monday of every month at 1 p.m. Work on your own projects or come to watch and learn. * Free Family History Lookup with Connie Briggs. Email Connie for an appointment at the Ambler Library. conniebriggs@comcast.net * Special Events: * April 14 at 1:30 p.m. Book Group discusses Skeletons at the Feast by Chris Bohjalian. * April 19 at 7 p.m. Travel to Paris with world traveler Harry Balin. Tea and scones at 6:30 p.m. * April 21 at 7 p.m. Art with Sara for children in fourth through seventh grades. *May 2 at 6:30 p.m. Discuss the movie Lone Star with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time. *May 10 Robert Capucci discusses Art into Fashion. Tea and scones served at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m. *May 12 at 1:30p.m. Book Group discusses The Imperfectionists by Tom Rachman. *May 17 Tour the gardens of Devon and Southwest England with Lois McMullen. Tea and Scones at 6:30 p.m. Program at 7 p.m. *June 13 at 6:30 p.m. Discuss the movie Blade Runner with Temple Professor Lisa Hawkins. Watch the movie ahead of time. Meetings and Lectures The Unisys Blue Bell Retiree Group will meet in the Church on the Mall in the Plymouth Meeting Mall April 14 at 1:30 p.m. Kathy Sacket Young, director/trainer with the North Penn YMCA, will speak on Keeping Fit in Retirement. For more information, contact Membership Committee Chairperson Jerry Feldscher at 610-275-3538 or President Al Rollin at 215-368-4833. The next FWBA meeting will be April 28 at the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Networking begins at 11:30 a.m.; meeting from noon to 1 p.m. Leon Singletary, Principal, First Contact HR and FWBA Executive Board, will present: Social Media: How to Use It To Get More Business. Lunch is provided courtesy of the Hilton Garden Inn Fort Washington. Members are welcome to bring a guest. An RSVP is requested by return email or 215-628-0313. Big Brothers Big Sisters Southeastern PA is hosting a information sessions over the next few weeks on how to become a Big Brother. The information sessions will take place: April 16 at noon, April 19 at 8 a.m. and April 28 at 6 p.m. All sessions will be held at the groups Norristown Office,t 530 DeKalb St., Norristown. For more information, call 610-277-2200. The North Penn Chapter of the Institute of Management Accountants (IMA) normally meets on the third Tuesday of each month from now until May. Meetings are held at the William Penn Inn on Route 202 and Sumneytown Pike, Upper Gwynedd, PA. Social hour starts at 5:30 p.m., dinner is served at 6:30 p.m., and the technical program begins at 7 p.m. Cost with reservation is $28 for members. Members without reservations and guests pay $30. Students with reservations pay $15. Reservations may be made by noon on the Monday preceding the meeting by phoning 215-371-1854 or emailing the reservation to northpennima@yahoo.com northpennima@yahoo.com. Information about the North Penn Chapter is available at http://northpenn.imanet.org/. LeTip, a professional organization of men and women who are dedicated to the highest standards of competence and service meets every Tuesday at Cedar Brook Country Club, 180 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell at 7 a.m. -meeting officially starts at 7:16 a.m. and ends at 8:31 a.m. Our purpose is the exchange of business tips, leads, and referrals. Each business category is represented by one member and conflicts of interest are disallowed. Guests are welcome to visit any of our breakfast meetings. Every third Thursday of month, Sunrise Assisted Living of Blue Bell (795 Penllyn Pike, Blue Bell, PA 19422, 215-619-2777) serves as a satellite site to 148th Legislative district PA congressman Mike Gerber from 10 a.m. to noon. Stop by for help needed with things such as disability placards and license plates, vehicle registration, utilities issues, birth/death certificates,property tax/rent rebates, etc. Notary services arranged by appointment. The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce is an action-oriented organization dedicated to promoting its members and the economic health of eastern Montgomery county. The Chamber is committed to serving as a catalyst by uniting business, community agencies, government and education to make our county a great place to live and work. For information, call 215-887-5122 or visit www.emccc.org. Do you have a fear of public speaking? Blue Bell Toastmasters Club can help. We meet from 7 to 9 p.m., on the second and fourth Tuesday at the Marriott Courtyard, located on Route 202, directly across from the Montgomeryville Mall. Learn how to improve communication and leadership skills in a friendly and supportive environment. Guests are welcome. Admission fee: $5. For more info, visit www.bbtoast.org. The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will hold the following meetings (for reservations to any of the following, email info@PennSuburban.org) -Breakfast News Network, 7:30-8:45 a.m. at Normandy Farm Hotel (1401 Morris Road, Blue Bell, PA 19422) $15 members, includes full buffet breakfast. Join us for a networking program at Normandy Farm Hotel every Thursday morning for breakfast, business news, informative speakers, and plenty of networking. The cost includes a full breakfast buffet. Copies of the business cards will be made available to those who would like them. The BNI, Fort Washington Chapter meets every Monday at The Hilton Garden Inn, 520 Pennsylvania Ave., Fort Washington for a networking meeting. Meetings are from 11:30 a.m. until 1 p.m. Visitors are welcome. The only cost to attend is the cost of your meal. For information or a reservation to attend, please call Luanne Cram at 215-947-7784, or visit our Internet site at: http://www.BNIDVR.Com and click on the menu item Find a Chapter. For the past seven years, people have enjoyed participating in WVWAs Adopt-a-Tree program. Individuals can support the Association in its reforestation efforts by purchasing native trees to be planted. Supporters can plant their adopted tree or have WVWA volunteers will plant it. Trees cost $30 each. If you would like to volunteer or purchase a tree(s), please contact: Bob Adams at Bob@wvwa.org or call: 215-646-8866 for more information. Check www.WVWA.org for directions and maps. Sustainable Upper Dublin, http://sustainableupperdublin.org, meets the first Thursday of each month at 6:30 p.m., at the Upper Dublin Township Building, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington, PA 19034. Please send any questions to suec@sustainableupperdublin.org or call 610-996-6316. To learn more about Sustainable Upper Dublin, view or join the discussion at http://googlegroups.com/group/sustainableupperdublin. Special Events The Mattie N. Dixon Community Cupboard will hold its first nutrition class April 19 at 10 a.m. at the Community Cupboard, 150 N. Main St., Ambler. Lynne Sinclair, a nutritionist from Abington Memorial Hospital specializing in diabetic nutrition, will conduct the class. Topics will include healthy eating, beneficial foods, recipes, making meals with every day foods, and how to use unfamiliar produce. A healthy snack will be provided.The class is is open to all residents in Montgomery County. The Historical Society of Fort Washington presents The History of Conshohocken April 19 at 8 p.m. at the Clifton House, 473 Bethlehem Pike, Fort Washington. Jack Coll will present an illustrated program on the history of the Borough of Conshohocken. Coll is a longtime resident of Conshohocken and a member of the Conshohocken Historical Society. He is co-author with his son, Brian, of the Arcadia Then and Now Series book Conshohocken. He has also done books Conshohocken and West Conshohocken Sports and Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Italian Feast. He has taken many photos for the Conshohocken Record and the Norristown Times Herald. This program is free. Refreshments will be served. For additional information, call 215-646-6065. Taste of the White House Soiree featuring former White House Chef Walter Scheib will take place April 29 at 6 p.m. at Manufacturers Golf & Country Club in Fort Washington to celebrate HealthLinks 10th anniversary and honor its founders, the Eugene Jackson Family. The evening will heat up with a Chef Meet & Greet, followed by a specially selected presidential menu. Gala tickets are $150 per person. Proceeds benefit HealthLink, a free clinic providing compassionate, quality medical and dental care to uninsured, working adults in Bucks and Montgomery counties who fall in between the health care cracks. Go to http://tasteofthewhitehouse.charityhappenings.org to make reservations online or lend support through sponsorship. For event information, call 267-699-0124 or email jmarushak@healthlinkmedical.org. The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association will hold an open house at the Evans-Mumbower Mill April 17 from 1 to 4 p.m. The Mill is at the corner of Swedesford and Township Line Roads in Upper Gwynedd. The open house is free but donations are welcome. For more information, call 215-646-8866 o email info@wvwa.org. The Eastern Montgomery County Chamber of Commerce will host Breakfast With Your County Commissioners and State Representatives April 21 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the Holiday Inn Fort Washington, 432 W. Pennasylvania Ave. Commissioners: James R. Matthews (Chairman), Joseph M. Hoeffel (Vice Chair), State Representatives: Todd Stephens (District 151) and Josh Shapiro (District 153). Register onlineat www.emccc.org. $10 for EMCCC member; $20 for non-members. Upper Dublins Districtwide Allied Art Show will be held April 27 from 5:30 to 9 p.m. in the Upper Dublin High School Athletic Complex. The Rev. Alfred Muli, chaplain at Fort Washington Estates, will be the featured speaker at the Kiwanis sponsored breakfast observing the National Day of Prayer May 5 at 7 a.m. at the William Penn Inn. The breakfast is open to the public ($15). Reservations can be made by calling 215-646-4356 or by emailing georgesaurman@Juno.com. The Upper Dublin Shade Tree Commission invites people to participate in its spring bare root planting events, sponsored in part by Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Friends of Robbins Park. On April 9, zix trees will be planted at the Evelyn B. Wright Park & Community Pool, 401 Logan Ave., North Hills, at 9 a.m., followed by the planting of 10 trees at Sheeleigh Park, Loch Alsh Avenue and Douglas Street, Ambler, at 10:15 a.m. On April 29, students from Upper Dublin High School will join the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society to plant 16 trees in Robbins Park, Butler Pike and Meetinghouse Road, Ambler, to help launch the societys Million Trees campaign. This event will occur in conjunction with Temple Amblers EarthFest. Experienced tree-tenders are sought to assist the students. For more information,contact Ron Ayres at 215-653-0421 or 215-483-4348. The Friends of the Wissahickon and the Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association are teaming up once again to clean the Wissahickon Creek from top to bottom April 30 from 9 a.m. to noon. This spring marks the 41st anniversary of Wissahickon Valley Watershed Associations annual Creek Clean Up, and the second year that FOW has teamed up with WVWA. Volunteers of all ages will clean the creek, the surrounding trails and the many tributaries of the Wissahickon Creek. Armed with bags, volunteers will be assigned to sections of the creek. Following the clean up, all volunteers are invited to WVWAs Talkin Trash picnic in Fort Washington State Park, with food provided by Whole Foods Market of North Wales. The pavilion is located on Mill Road in Flourtown. To help out in Montgomery County, all volunteers must be pre-assigned a section of the Wissahickon Creek to clean. Please contact Bob Adams, WVWA director of stewardship, at 215-646-8866 ext. 14 or bob@wvwa.org. To work with the Friends of the Wissahickon in Philadelphia, meet at the pavilion along Forbidden Drive, a short distance south of the intersection of Forbidden Drive and Northwestern Avenue. Limited parking is available along Northwestern Avenue and other nearby streets. Volunteers are encouraged to bike or carpool to the event. To participate, register at www.fow.org. Contact Kevin Groves with questions at 215-247-0417 ext. 105 or groves@fow.org. Montgomery County Community Colleges International Club invites the community to the second annual International Festival April 20 from 5 to 9 p.m. at the Central Campus, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The rain date is April 26. The International Club will transform the outside quad area into multicultural celebration with various performances by dancers, singers and musicians. Artists will share their artwork at various display tables. Activities include games, raffles, Easter egg decorating and henna tattoos. Students will have samples of international cuisine at tables representing different countries and will serve food from various local ethnic restaurants. Throughout the evening, volunteers will accept donations and will raffle gift baskets and prizes to raise funds for Habitat for Humanity. Donations of food, international clothes and prizes are needed. Volunteers, including artists and performers, are welcome. For more information or to sponsor an activity, contact Gillian Nel, International Club president, at gnel9277@students.mc3.edu or 267-974-0163. The Arts and Humanities Division at Montgomery County Community College is partnering with the Philadelphia Writers Conference to host Memoirs Matter: How Life Stories (Including Yours) Can Transform Your Relationship to Literature April 23 from 1 to 3 p.m. in Advanced Technology Center room 101, 340 DeKalb Pike, Blue Bell. The event is free and open to the public. In the first part of this two-hour seminar, professor and author Robert Waxler will explain how writing his two memoirs affected his life as well as his relationship to literature. In the second part, blogger and workshop leader Jerry Waxler will present a sequence of steps to help writers find their own story. For information, contact Dana Resente at dresente@mc3.edu. The Maple Glen Garden Club will hold its fourth annual Plant Sale on May 7 from 8 to 11 a.m. Perennials, shrubs, vegetables and native plants grown by the club members will be sold. The club uses the plant sale proceeds to fund community projects, a college scholarship and community plantings. The sale will be held in the 500 block of Coach Road, Horsham, as part of a neighborhood garage sale. Plants will be sold at bargain prices. For more information, email MapleGlenGardenClub@gmail.com. The Relay for Life Craft Show is looking for local crafters to participate in show, which will be May 21 from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. on the Wissahickon High School track, 521 Houston Road, Ambler. There is a $10 entry fee, and 20 percent of sales are donated to the American Cancer Society. Participants will receive a 6-foot table under a tent. For information, contact Joanne at joannescoles@comcast.net or Mindy at mcamsilver@comcast.net. Spring House Estates is hosting its annual book fair on April 18 from 4 to 7 p.m. and April 9 from 8:30 a.m. to 1 p.m. Included will be hardback and paperback used books. Spring House Estates is located at 728 Norristown Road, Lower Gwynedd. The PennSuburban Chamber of Commerce will present the Penn Suburban/Hatfield Joint Business Card Exchange April 20 from 5 to 7 p.m. at Univest Bank Lansdale Area Financial Service Center, 120 Forty Foot Road, Hatfield. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. Join Univest National Bank and Trust Co. for a spring-inspired Business Card Exchange at its newest office in the Hatfield Pointe Shopping Center. Come out and meet members of Univests executive management team while enjoying fine food and beverages. 13th Annual Community Reading Day Kick-off Breakfast Get Together April 26 from 8 to 9:30 a.m. at the North Wales Area Library, 233 Swartley St., North Wales. The event is free. To make reservations, visit PennSuburban.org/Events. For more information, contact the chamber office at 215-362-9200 or info@pennsuburban.org. Join presenting sponsor Verizon, chamber staff and fellow members for the Community Reading Day volunteer get together. The Community Reading Day program allows volunteers to read a designated book to second-grade students throughout 38 area public and private schools and present the book as a gift to each class. Even if you are not a volunteer, you are cordially invited to stop by to network, enjoy coffee and pastries. Ambler Mennonite Church is hosting a Spring Craft Show and Flea Market May 21 from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. Rain date will be May 28. The community is invited to shop the great craft booths, find some gifts and deals, as well as enjoy home baked goods and tasty lunch specials. Childrens activities are planned. All vendors are encouraged to contact the church at 215-643-4876 or AmblerMennonite@verizon.net. Advertising, signage, customer parking and a shuttle to auxiliary parking at nearby lots for vendors will be provided. 10 foot by 10 foot spaces can be rented for $5 each and tables for an additional $5 each. All proceeds from space and table rentals go toward school kits for children around the world. The church is located at the corner of East Mt. Pleasant Avenue and North Spring Garden Street, Ambler. The Wissahickon Valley Watershed Association presents The Life & Times of Aquatic Insects in the Wissahickon Creek April 16 from 1 to 3 p.m. Join WVWA for a hands-on program. RSVP required: www.wvwa.org or 215-646-8866. WVWA member fee: $5 per person / $15 per family. Non-WVWA member fee: $10 per person / $20 per family. The photography exhibition Natures Palette by photo-artist Judy Miller will run March 18 to May 19 at the Art in the Storefront gallery, 41 E. Butler Pike, Ambler. JPRN Networking For People in Transition & People Who Can Help Them Unemployment remains high. JPRN, the Jarrettown Professional Relationship Network can help. Are you trying to network your way to a new job? Do you have expertise or contacts that can help people in transition? Is your company or organization looking for people in the area? This is a free outreach program to support those seeking work, involve people with contacts and networking know how, and involve local companies. Meetings held monthly at Jarrettown United Methodist Church, Limekiln Pike. Pennsylvanias Low-Income Home Energy Assistance (LIHEAP) grant program is now open for the 2010-11 heating season. Grants are based on income, family size, type of heating fuel and region. Additional information, such as specific income limits, and applications for LIHEAP grants are available online via the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania Access to Social Services (COMPASS) website at www.compass.state.pa.us. Applications are available at most public officals district offices, county assistance offices, local utility companies and community service agencies, such as Area Agencies on Aging or community action agencies. Begin your holiday shopping at Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation! Entertainment books for 2011, Philadelphia North, are now on sale at $30 each. Regal/United Artists movie tickets are on sale for just $7.50 each, and tickets to the Adventure Aquarium, Baltimore Aquarium, and the Philadelphia Zoo are also available. Discounted ski vouchers to area mountains will be arriving in December; call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information. Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. RSVP of Montgomery County and the Wissahickon Valley Public Library have partnered again to offer the public their popular free mock interview sessions. The mock interviews are conducted by RSVP volunteers who are retired professionals, some of whom were in hiring positions themselves. Packets of information which include a sample employment application and interviewing tips with mock interview questions are available at the library to pick up prior to a scheduled mock interview or will be sent via email once the interview is scheduled. To schedule your interview, please contact Janis Glusman at RSVP 610-834-1040, ext. 16. The library is also offering a free resume review service. Bring in your current resume and the professional reference staff will assist you with hints and tips on capturing your work history accurately. Registration for Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation summer playgrounds, Camp B.I.G. and Small Folks, X-Zone, and sports camps has began. Register online at www.upperdublin.net/store, or at the UDP&R office, 801 Loch Alsh Avenue, Fort Washington. Call 215-643-1600 x3443 for more information. Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation and Danielles Espresso Cafe presents Mornings at Mondaug Bark Park April 16 and May 21 from 8:30 to 10:30 a.m. Meet fellow dog lovers. These events include complimentary coffee, treats for people and pups and raffles/giveaways. Upper Dublins Annual Spring Flea Market will be held June 4 from 8 a.m. to 1 p.m. Reserve a table, or come and shop. Tables are $15 for UD residents, $20 for non-residents. This successful event occurs rain or shine. Refreshments available. Call 215-643-1600 ext. 3443 to register for a table. Regal movie tickets available for purchase at Upper Dublin Township Parks & Recreation. Reduced rate: $7.50 per ticket. Some restrictions apply. Call 215-643-1600 x3443. Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation movie tickets $7.50 Regal Cinemas, United Artist & Edwards Cinemas on sale throughout the year Monday Friday from 9 a.m. 4 p.m. Whitpain Township Parks & Recreation Camp Sign-ups for Stony Creek Day Camp Stony Creek Tracers and Park n Tots. Register on-line at www.whitpaintownship.org OrCome to Township Building with check or Visa MasterCard Monday Friday from 9 a.m. 4 p.m. For additional information call 610.277-2400 ext. 374 Upper Dublin Parks & Recreation offers exciting new programs for the fall: -Returning favorites include UK Elite Petite Soccer, Tiny Dancers, Kiddie Tennis, Fun-nastics, Messy Playtime, Little Chefs, and more. Babysitters Training will be offered in November and December. Continuing Adult Fitness Classes include Cardio Circuit, Core & More, Yoga, Boxing, and Adult G.Y.M. For more information call 215-643-1600 x3443. Register for programs online at www.upperdublin.net/store. Music and Theater The community is invited to a Cantors Concert April 16 at 8 p.m. Congregation Beth Or, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen. Listen and hum-along to the Yiddish, pop tunes and classical music performed by Congregation Beth Ors own Cantor David Green and his special guest, Cantor Irvin Bell, from Temple Beth Israel in Deerfield Beach, Fla. The cantors will be accompanied by Mark Sobol and his Klezmer musicians. Tickets are $18 in advance and $25 at the door. RSVP with payment to Barb Murtha, 239 Welsh Road, Maple Glen, PA 19002, or call 215-646-5806 ext. 220. Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse will host the Jameson Sisters May 14. Doors open at 7:30 pm, performance at 8:00 pm. Gwynedd Friends Coffeehouse is located at the corner of Rte. 202 & Sumneytown Pike, Gwynedd. $5 suggested donation. Light refreshment available at a modest cost. For further information, call 215-393-9576 or visit gwyneddmeeting.org/coffeehouse.html. Celebrate patriotism through song with Gwynedd-Mercy Colleges choir, the Voices of Gwynedd, as it presents Hear America Singing April 15 at 8 p.m. The choir will perform song selections from all over the country, including Georgia on My Mind, New York State of Mind, and a medley including Philadelphia Freedom and Allentown. The performance will end with When the Saints Go Marching In to acknowledge the choirs upcoming tour in New Orleans. Hear America Singing will take place in the Julia Ball Auditorium, located in St. Bernard Hall. Parking is available in lots A, C and D. Admission is free. The Choristers will present Anton Dvoraks Stabat Mater April 16 at 7:30 p.m. at Upper Dublin Lutheran Church in Ambler. The choir will be accompanied by a 41-piece orchestra. Tickets are $20 for adults, $15 for senior citizens, $10 for students and children are free. Tickets will be sold in advance or at the door. For more information, call 215-542-7871 or visit TheChoristers.org Religious News The Staircase Gallery at Or Hadash: A Reconstructionist Congregation in Fort Washington will feature the work of Emily Ennuat-Lustine. The artist will be showing paintings and graphics inspired by her own personal spiritual journey and quest for meaning. Some of the works to be shown have been inspired by Biblical Psalms and writings. Her work has been shown at Abington Art Center, Cheltenham Arts Center and Old City Gallery of Jewish Art among others. The exhibition is open Friday evenings starting Feb. 18 after Shabbat services. Gallery hours are: Mondays through Thursdays 10-4:30, Fridays 10-3 and following Shabbat Services and Sundays 10-1. The synagogue is located at 190 Camp Hill Road in Fort Washington. For additional information contact the synagogue office at 215-283-0276. Reunions St. Matthews High School Conshohocken Class of 1961 is looking for classmates. For details, contact Greg Marincola at 215-646-2239, 215-740-1296 or gregcola@comcast.net. Olney High School Class of 1971 is Lloking for classmates for a 40th reunion Oct. 28. For details, contact Judy at ohsclassof71@yahoo.com or 215-870-7572. Abington High School Class of 1961 is seeking classmates for a 50-year reunion to be held Oct. 14-15, 2011.Visit the website, www.abington61.com, for details or call 215-947-1779. Overbrook High School class of January 1956 is having a 55 year reunion on May 22, 2011 at the Bala Golf Club in Philadelphia. For information please contact overbrookreunion56@comcast.net Germantown High School Class Of January 1961 is looking for classmates for 50th year reunion to take place in May of 2011. Please contact: 215-362-9148, 856-577-0659 or samdelcomo@comcast.net The June 1961 class of Germantown High School is holding their 50th reunion on May 15, which will be a brunch. For further details please contact Linda Dorfman Alten at lindaalten@yahoo.com or call 215-441-8411. Support New Life Presbyterian Church in Dresher, will host GriefShare, a special seminar and support group which will run on Monday evenings from 7 to 9 p.m., from March 7 through June 6. At each meeting there will be a DVD about the grief process, discussion and reference to a grief workbook. Preregistration is required to secure a place in the group and to purchase a GriefShare notebook (for a one-time fee of $15). The notebook goes along with the 13-week schedule covering such topics as: living with grief, the effects of grief, and stuck in grief. For more information or to register, call: Sandy Elder at 215-884-5149. PUPS (People Understanding Parkinsons) A self-help group for those adjusting to a new diagnosis or dealing with the early stages of Parkinsons Disease. Meets fourth Tuesday of the month from 1 to 2:30 p.m., at Abington Health Center, Schilling Campus, Willowood Building, 2510 Maryland Road, Suite 251, Willow Grove. For more information or to RSVP, contact Lorna at 215-542-2931. The North Penn Visiting Nurse Associations Meals on Wheels program is looking for volunteers to pack or deliver meals to the elderly and infirmed. Meals are packed and delivered mornings, Monday through Friday. You can volunteer for as many days per week or month as you would like. Packaging meals requires approximately 2-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves making sandwiches, packaging food into individual serving containers and packing coolers with the meals. Delivering meals requires approximately 1-1/2 hours of your time each day and involves loading coolers into your car and delivering a route of approximately 10 to 15 stops. The Meals on Wheels program is also in need of emergency, winter-weather volunteers to pack and deliver meals in bad weather. North Penn VNA is located at 51 Medical Campus Drive in Lansdale and delivers meals in the Lansdale, North Wales and Blue Bell areas. For more information or to volunteer, please call Bridget, North Penn VNA Meals on Wheels coordinator at 215-855-8296. Elkins Park Area CHADD (Children and Adults with Attention Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder) meets the first Tuesday of every month, 7- 8:30 p.m., at Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital in Elkins Park. For information on CHADD or ADHD, please see our website www.chadd.net/249 or call Claire Noyes at: 215-779-6656. Center for Loss and Bereavement, 3847 Skippack Pike, Skippack (610-222-4110) www.bereavementcenter.org Offers professional counseling for individuals, couples, children and families dealing with issues of loss and bereavement. Six-week adult support groups: Newly forming young adult grief support group every other Wednesday, 7 8:15 p.m. (free of charge); Monthly loss of child support second Mondays, 7-8:15 p.m.; Six-week young loss of spouse/partner Thursdays, 10-11:15 a.m.; Other groups scheduled as interest is shown for suicide loss support, adult loss of parent, motherless daughters, adult loss of sibling, coping with chronic illness and disability and mens loss of spouse. Nellos Corner Family Bereavement program offers peer grief support groups for ages 4 through teen and their caregivers Every other Tuesday or Wednesday (free of charge) Local chapter of Parents of Murdered Children also meets at the Center. Registration required. Call for further information. CHADD is a national organization for children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder, providing education, advocacy and support for individuals and their families with AD/HD. Einstein at Elkins Park Hospital, 60 Township Line Road, Elkins Park, PA 19027, will host children & adults with Attention-Deficit/ Hyperactivity Disorder on the First Tuesday of each month 7 8:30 p.m. Free, no childcare provided. The Jewish Federation of Greater Philadelphias Kehillah of Old York Road is sponsoring a free Caregiver Support Group for individuals who care for an elderly person with cognitive and/or physical impairments. The group meets at SarahCare Adult Day Care Center, 101 Washington Lane, Suite G-6, Jenkintown, Pa., on the first Wednesday of each month. Patty Rich, Two people were stabbed to death on Thursday at a mosque in South Africas Malmesbury in the Western Cape before the attacker was shot dead by police. (AhlulBayt News Agency) - Two people were stabbed to death on Thursday at a mosque in South Africas Malmesbury in the Western Cape before the attacker was shot dead by police. Attack at a mosque in Malmesbury leads to 3 deaths. Provincial detectives are currently combing the scene for clues, the South African police service said on its official Twitter feed. Police said a man entered the building during morning prayers. Police say an officer responding to the incident shot and killed the suspect. Three people including a police officer were injured. The Muslim Judicial Council said in a statement confirmed that two people have been killed whilst in Itikaaf and another regular musallee of the Masjied were injured. Western Cape police spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Andre Traut said detectives are currently combing the crime scene for clues. The suspect, believed to be in his thirties and armed with a knife, was still on the scene and charged at the police who tried to persuade him to hand himself over. He ignored the calls and tried to attack police. He was shot and killed in the process, said Traut. /257 Welcome to Morningstar.co.uk! You have been redirected here from Hemscott.com as we are merging our websites to provide you with a one-stop shop for all your investment research needs.To search for a security, type the name or ticker in the search box at the top of the page and select from the dropdown results.Registered Hemscott users can log in to Morningstar using the same login details. Similarly, if you are a Hemscott Premium user, you now have a Morningstar Premium account which you can access using the same login details. The Bahraini authorities arrested at least 6 citizens within 48 hours, after launching vast security campaign and raiding dozens of houses in several villages. (AhlulBayt News Agency) - The Bahraini authorities arrested at least 6 citizens within 48 hours, after launching vast security campaign and raiding dozens of houses in several villages. Photographer Hassan Kambar was arrested in a house raid on Tuesday (June 12, 2018) in Nuwaidrat village. Kambar is sentenced to over 120 years in jail over political cases. Eyewitnesses said that Kambar was transferred in an ambulance to an unknown place. The security authorities also launched a wide security campaign yesterday morning in Shakoura village, which led to the arrest of 3 citizens "Ammar Abdulmajid, Ahmad Al-Zaki and Bader Yaackoub". Ali Mortada Mahmoud, from Al-Ma'amir, was arrested from Bahrain International Airport while returning from India, where he pursues his university studies. Besides, Hussein Al-Aradi, from Samaheej, was arrested today (June 13, 2018) at dawn, after raiding his house. Al-Aradi was taken to an unknown place. /129 Narrow-moat Mattels (MAT) CEO Margo Georgiadis announced her resignation, leaving the firm after just 14 months at the helm. While we dont think the duration of her tenure was long enough to label it a success or failure, we believe it would have been nearly impossible to see meaningful improvement in the face of waning holiday season demand industrywide and the liquidation overhang of a key retailer (Toys R Us represented 9% of sales at Mattel in 2017). Moreover, we think the resignation has more to do with the business that Georgiadis inherited, rather than the business worsening beyond expectations. We suspect Georgiadis anticipated the business was on the upswing when she took the reins, rather than improving from inventory shipped ahead of demand. This made some performance appear better than reality, and we believe left her with a turnaround that was more difficult than was initially conveyed. In her absence, Ynon Kriez will be taking over as both CEO and Chairman of the board in April. Kriez previously led Market Studios, a global digital media and content network company that was acquired by Disney. His background also contains experience with Endemol Group, an independent television production company, and Fox Kids Europe. We think this deep network of digital and content connections will keep Mattel on its trajectory to building its power brands into connected 360 degree play experiences globally. Our thesis has been that top line opportunity for the toy companies stems from rising international penetration and content driven demand, arenas in which Kriez can help Mattel accelerate its exposure. We dont plan to alter our $21.50 fair value which includes first half 2018 sales declines of 4% and an operating margin of minus 12%, down 215 basis points from a 9% shortfall in 2017s first half. We maintain our Standard stewardship rating, as both the board and the C-suite have been reconstituted to include industry suitable placements over the last year. Morningstar Premium Members gain exclusive access to our full analyst reports, including fair value estimates, bull and bear breakdowns, and risk analyses. Not a Premium Member? Get this and other reports immediately when you try Morningstar Premium free for 14 days. This analyst blog is part of our coverage of the 2018 Morningstar Investment Conference. Financial advisors take it as a given that they'll calibrate their clients' portfolios for return and risk. This analyst blog is part of our coverage of the 2018 Morningstar Investment Conference. While U.S. municipal bonds are often thought of as constituents of a sleepy sector, the events and market moves of the last 18 months have riled up uncertainty and left many investors asking what lies ahead for their municipal bond allocations. Elizabeth Foos, Morningstar's lead on municipal bond fund coverage, hosted a discussion at the Morningstar Investment Conference around many of these themes, including the broad municipal bond outlook post tax-reform, headline-familiar names, and the nascent role of indexing within the space. Panelists included Jim Murphy, portfolio manager on Gold-rated T. Rowe Price Tax-Free High Yield fund; Melissa Haskell, director of fixed-income research North America at MFS; and Chris Alwine, a principal at Vanguard who spent a decade as head of the firm's municipal bond group. Implications of Tax Reform Legislation Once tax reform passed in late 2017, all three panelists described a glut of issuance that was rushed to market in anticipation of changes to the landscape. Ultimately, December delivered a deluge of supply accompanied by long hours in the office for municipal credit analysts tasked with wading through the resulting pool of options. Haskell estimated that the record 400 billion of issuance in 2017 would drop by roughly 25% in the coming year. Murphy pointed out that in January, the rates sell-off further hindered municipal performance, but broadly speaking, the market hasn't been terribly shaken. There was a bit of demand fall-off from banks and a bit of supply fall-off at the start of the year, but the market has traded pretty well since. Alwine added that many of the bonds brought to market were further out the curve and extended duration in portfolios. Even if these longer municipal securities were hedged to U.S. Treasuries, with rates rising at a clip, basis risk remained a very real concern for actively managed portfolios. Puerto Rico, Illinois, and Tobacco Within the pool of municipal securities, a number of specific bond sectors and names regularly surface as polarizing credits. One of those is bonds associated with Puerto Rico, which many investors shun given the island government's weak sources of cash flows and precarious financial position. Haskell's team owns Puerto Rico, but only insured bonds, having engaged in thorough due diligence on the underlying insurers, complete with sensitivity analysis, to reach a level of comfort that the bonds would eventually pay out. Murphy echoed Haskell in viewing some of Puerto Rico's insured bonds as attractive, depending on the strength of a bond's underlying insurer as well as the initial price level that the bond is introduced into the portfolio. Regardless of haircuts, if the bond was bought at a bargain price and appreciates modestly, there is return to claim. Haskell, Murphy, and Alwine all cited improvements in the outlook for Illinois GO debt and credits associated with the city of Chicago, but with healthy reservations. When it comes to these heavily politically dependent credits, all three panelists described monitoring a variety of factors, including: the existence of a unified government, the ability to raise cash flows through taxes, and a desire to move in a more fiscally responsible direction. Relative to a few years prior, the pressure to remedy the situation in Illinois has improved, and history isnt without examples of turnaround situations. Alwine points out that California once traded at wide spreads, but strong leadership and an improved economy turned that into a success story. Opinions around allocating to tobacco bonds often split market participants, and the panelists were no exception. Haskell and Murphy outlined softening fundamentals for the bonds, underpinned by lower rates of smoking and various policies, such as minimizing the nicotine content of cigarettes and the adoption of vaping. Neither view the sector with particular enthusiasm going forward, but while Alwine agrees with this analysis, he also mentions that it depends upon the price at which the securitized structures are acquired. Though these tobacco bonds will default eventually given deteriorating fundamentals, if the cash flows are reasonable for a period of time, the IRRs on the securities may remain attractive. Reasons for Optimism While the swift pace of challenges to the municipal markets have been fueled by new legislation, political pressures for fiscal reform, and an environment of rising rates, all three panelists emphasize that this also generates opportunity. For example, Alwine mentioned that this situation was impetus for the active municipal team at Vanguard to further develop better systems to track and to manage risk within municipals, and they have since employed these sharpened tools to provide a high-quality and diversified passive municipal vehicle--an offering that was once considered impossible given liquidity concerns and tracking requirements. Furthermore, stress in the municipal markets is necessary for active managers to put their research and discretion to work--a perspective shared by all three panelists. According to Haskell, the "opportunities are out there every day." The Bahraini authorities refrained from revealing the detention place of 2 Bahraini women who were arrested by the Special Forces on Thursday (May 17, 2018), after raiding their houses in Nuwaidrat. (AhlulBayt News Agency) - The Bahraini authorities refrained from revealing the detention place of 2 Bahraini women who were arrested by the Special Forces on Thursday (May 17, 2018), after raiding their houses in Nuwaidrat. Zakiya Al-Barbouri (28 years) and Fatima Dawoud Hassan (19 years) have been only allowed to call their families once since their 28 days of arrest. The Public Prosecution rejected a request by a lawyer to meet the 2 detainees at their detention place and ordered (on June 6, 2018) to arrest them 30 days pending investigations. The families of the detainees expressed their concern about the arrest conditions of their daughters and fear of them being subjected to torture. In Britain, Lord Paul Scriven raised a parliamentary question to the UK government on whether it is aware of the detainees' arrest reports or the party standing behind these measures. /129 WPP Revenue Flat in First Four Months WPP has announced a 3.4% fall in reported revenue to 4.8bn for the first four months of the year, the last period before the departure of founder and former CEO Sir Martin Sorrell. Like-for-like revenue to the end of April crept up by just 1.4%. Sorrell stepped down in April amid claims of possible misuse of company assets and 'personal misconduct'. Reports in the Washington Post at the weekend and Financial Times on Monday claimed that Sorrell's departure had been triggered by complaints that he had bullied junior employees and allegations that he paid for a sex worker using company funds. Sorrell, who signed a non-disclosure agreement when he stepped down, has 'strenuously' denied all claims. Yesterday, nearly a third of WPP's shareholders rejected the group's latest remuneration report, which includes the Board's decision to give Sorrell a long-term share award of up to 20 million over the next five years. Chairman Roberto Quarta (pictured) said that Sorrell's contract required him to be treated as having retired unless a definition of gross misconduct could be satisfied - which it could not, and on which the Board had 'clear legal advice'. In its AGM trading statement, WPP said constant currency revenue was up 2.7% at $6.6bn. In April, all sectors except data investment management (DIM) grew, with strong performance in the group's media investment management, public relations and public affairs, direct, digital and interactive, health and wellness and specialist communications businesses. Quarta added: 'For the remainder of 2018, the focus remains on improving revenue less pass-through costs growth and concentrating on meeting our operating margin objective, by managing absolute levels of costs and increasing our cost flexibility, in order to adjust our cost structure to significant market changes'. Web site: www.wpp.com . Saeed Jafari Kang performs research in fluid mechanicsand sleight-of-hand card tricks to improve his English communication skills. A PhD candidate in mechanical engineering at Michigan Technological University, Jafari Kang says his novel approach to language fluency originated in Reno, Nevada. "Now it makes more sense, right, about the card tricks?" he asks, smiling. Actually, his motivation was less about living in a gaming-industry hub and more about roommates who went to bed too early, says Jafari Kang, who works with Hassan Masoud, an assistant professor of mechanical engineering-engineering mechanics. Both came to Michigan Tech in 2017 from the University of Nevada-Reno. In Reno, with an Iranian advisor and Persian colleagues, there weren't opportunities to speak English during the day, Jafari Kang explains. "I was in the office until 9 or 10 at night," he says. "Americans go to sleep very earlyor at least my roommates did. When I came home they were already asleep. I didn't get to watch movies with them or talk to them." Luckily for this eager conversationalist, there's never a lack of folks to hang out with in a gambling town that never sleeps. But what to talk about? Jafari Kang chose a deck of cards for an icebreaker; maybe because it conjured childhood memories of the amateur magicians in his family. He remembers cousins who showed him a simple trick with two matchsticks. "I went home mad because I couldn't figure it out," he says. Turns out Jafari Kang's dad had practiced magic in his earlier days; he showed his son how to do the match trick. "I practiced and picked it up and when I started doing it for people they really loved it," he says. Another cousin showed the then-third-grader how to open the combination locks on briefcases. "That was fun." During his undergrad and master's studies, Jafari Kang put magic asideuntil those sleepy Reno roommates prompted him to take up card tricks in a quest for English conversation practice. A few years later, his repertoire is continually expanding. "Once you know a couple of tricks your brain can figure out other ones. You just need to practice," he says. If he becomes too reliant on a trick, he reveals the secret, which then compels him to find a new one. "If the audience knows the trick, they don't enjoy it," he says. Oh Ho Ho It's Magic: For a Reason Behind the fun and games is a serious commitment to be an effective communicator. "I need to improve my presentations, as faculty or in industry," says Jafari Kang. "This is very important in America, other than just knowing the theory and knowing the math. You need to communicate well. You need to present your results." Jafari Kang says academics for whom English is not the native language are often advised to avoid humor in presentations. "Another formula, another formula, some graphs, that's it," says Jafari Kang. "What's the point of a presentation if you're just showing something they don't understand?" He wants to connect with his audience. "Americans show you pictures of frogs or tell you about their kids. They get you prepared for the research. They get you listening to them." How "Fight Club" Made Him a Better Speaker Jafari Kang's PhD advisor didn't know about the magic performances until recently; he commented on his student's improved English and asked how he'd done it. Magic is the secret weapon, but the improvement isn't solely from card tricks. Jafari Kang says he's watched the TV series "How I Met Your Mother" about a million times. He can also rattle off most of the dialogue in the film "Fight Club." Knowing TV and movie quotes provides a conversational template of sorts, he says. "If you memorize the whole sentence, the whole quote, it's creating a structure in your mind. You can use the structure, then pick out and replace with other words." English Language Resources at Michigan Tech Jafari Kang began learning English at 25, after earning his master's and deciding to go abroad, specifically to become fluent in the world's most-used language for business, digital and academic communications. "It's really hard when you're older. You can't quickly pick up the words and memorize," he says. Michigan Tech English Language Institute (ELI) Director Heather Deering says there's been widespread debate since the 1960s related to whether second-language acquisition is easier for children, particularly in the areas of accent and translation. "When examining such a controversial topic, we also need to consider how languages are taught in a culture," she says. "When I was first introduced to Spanish in a classroom setting, teachers used the grammar-translation method and students were solely assessed by memorization skills. Now, we are starting to see more creative approaches in the form of bilingual schools, where students build connections between all K-12 concepts using two languages." The distractions and responsibilities that increase with age can make it more difficult for adults to focus on language learning, she says. And there's definitely a perception that English is hard to tackle. "Many of our ELI students have claimed that English is the toughest language they have ever learned," says Deering. Some of the reasons why: more idioms than you can shake a stick at and 13 verb tenses. The immensity of the English vocabulary, expanding through history and blended cultures, can also be daunting. "When I was learning Norwegian, I was struck by how few synonyms existed in that language," Deering says. "To understand the complexity in English, just go to thesaurus.com and type in any word you know. The word 'complicated' has five pages of synonym lists." Your first language determines how challenging it will be to pick up a second, says Deering. Languages that originate from the same family or employ similar writing systems, for example, may come easier. Michigan Tech Huskies are a Crazy Smart Audience Conversing in English comes easier for Jafari Kang in the welcoming atmosphere he's found in Houghton, Michigan. "I love this place. In this area, people are very nice to me," says Jafari Kang. "I mean, Reno was very diverse, but people here are nicer to each other. This is a college town. When you do magic for smart people, it's fun. They appreciate your hard work." He says Huskies can sometimes be outsmarted due to a general tendency to come up with multiple solutions to a problem. "They always think of your magic in the hardest way possiblebecause they overthink it," says Jafari Kang. "If you look at the matrix, there's just one possible way. But because they are very involved with mathematics, they think of 10 possible ways, and start with the hardest one." If at first a trick doesn't succeed, there's always the Plan B card deck. Pick a Card, Any Card: He'll Tell You What It Is "I'm still an amateur," says Jafari Kang, who encourages everyone to try performing magic, even though "the first couple of times, you might be really bad." He practices constantly, but still has his uh-oh moments. "Sometimes I just laugh it off. Sometimes I use Plan B: I keep one special deck in my pocket for messing up." He's not giving away any high-level trade secrets (after all, that would spoil the enjoyment). Suffice to say the Plan B card deck is "very expensive." English Spoken Here Not ready to pull a rabbit out of a hat? The English Language Institute at Michigan Tech offers multiple ways to strengthen speaking and writing skills for both academic English and everyday communication, including individualized tutoring sessions, weekly Tea Time discussions and a comprehensive curriculum. "Our Intensive English as a Second Language (IESL) students appreciate how well we prepare them for their STEM and business classes; in fact, most of our students earn the top grades in their academic courses and are successful in securing internships at Career Fair," says ELI Director Heather Deering. "In order to make the IESL program more affordable for students, we have cut our tuition in half." Learn more on the IESL website or contact Deering if you have questions. Follow the Institute on Facebook and keep up with activities on Instagram (@mtueli). Contact the Director Heather Deering, ELI Director Watch a Magic Performance Play Magic Performance, Norooz 2018 Celebration at Michigan Tech (By Saeed Jafari Kang) video Watch Jafari Kang's magic performance at the Michigan Tech Iranian community's celebration of the Persian New Year. Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, and is home to more than 7,000 students from 55 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, the University offers more than 125 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure. Valoree Gagnon, School of Forest Resources and Environmental Science instructor and research assistant professor of social sciences at Michigan Technological University, was selected as the 2018 University Diversity Award recipient. The Award recognizes the accomplishments and commitments of a Michigan Tech faculty or staff member who promotes diversity and inclusion through recruitment and retention efforts, teaching, research, multicultural programming, cultural competency, community outreach activities and other initiatives. Lorelle Meadows, dean of Pavlis Honors College and diversity council co-chair, was on the award review subcommittee that considered nominees applications. Meadows noted Gagnon was one of seven qualified faculty and staff nominees from across the University who are doing impressive things on campus to promote diversity. Meadows said the committee selected Gagnon because her work covers such a breadth of constituencies and interests on campus that I think that's why she stood out to us. She's an instructor in this area so she contributes her perspective in her teaching so she's touching students. She contributes through external partnerships that she works to build between the University and groups that are off campus. Specifically, she works with our local tribal communities, and she also has an interest in research and scholarship in this area, so she was very well rounded in terms of the way she contributes to the University. Meadows also said Gagnons contributions to diversity on campus were strongly evident in the letters of recommendation and the nomination that was presented to us. One of Gagnons nominees, Melissa Baird, assistant professor of social sciences wrote: in communities, on grants, in the classroomshe enhances our institutional excellence and broadens and strengthens the University's mission to increase and support diversity. Since 2008, she has worked to connect Keweenaw Bay Indian community members to the Michigan Tech community. Valoree Gagnon is the 2018 recipient of the University's Diversity Award. Whether through classes or community presentations, multi-agency interdisciplinary grants (e.g., NIH and NSF), or in meetings, she seeks opportunities to facilitate tribal and academic partnerships. And, Baird continued, she does this in a way that models what collaborative and engaged research practices look like. She demonstrates that these relationships take time, trust and humility. She knows that each community has something to learn and share, and that these collaborations will ultimately promote productive, long-term connections. A standout among many When Gagnon learned she was selected for the award, she was overwhelmed. I have so many people I need to nominate over the next several yearsthat's what I thought. Because of what I do, I see and know other people are doing similar kinds of things in very quiet and invisible ways. And I wouldn't be able to do this without them." She followed up by saying, I didn't even know there was an award. The award is fairly new. Gagnon is only the fourth recipient since it was established and first conferred in 2014. Gagnon said, the first person I will nominate is Miguel Levy, professor of physics, for what he has done for Indigenous Peoples Day Campaign. She noted Levy among the many who play a part in the work she does on and off campus. Gagnon acts as a liaison connecting people and campaigns for increasing diversity and being inclusive on campus. Without these people, Gagnon said, it wouldn't be possible for me to do the kinds of things that I am able to do herethat's students and faculty and also a lot of community members here in Houghton and Baraga counties and different students and teachers from secondary schools, too. So I'm just fortunate to be uniquely positioned, connected to all these people and ideas. Valoree Gagnon has been at Michigan Tech for 13 years. She came to campus as an undergraduate. "To me diversity is more than a to-do list. It's not just about inviting guest speakers that are diverse or having events to celebrate the inclusion of diverse peoples. It's more about how we integrate those lessons into just being who we are. You want others to know, this is the way it is at Michigan Tech. This is what you can expect from our community. Daily." Valoree Gagnon In reflecting on the Universitys efforts at promoting diversity and inclusion she says, I can see the changes over the last several years. I can see the growth. It's not perfect, but it's growing and strengthening, and I think Michigan Tech should be really proud of that. But of course, there's always room for growth and thatll take each of us promoting diversity and inclusion in our everyday encounters. I really believe it is no longer a question of should we but now a statement of we must." Through teaching, research and service, Gagnon is enacting excellence in diversity and inclusion on Michigan Techs campus and in the broader Copper Country region. Gagnon will receive a $2,500 award and be honored during the Faculty Awards Dinner in September. Michigan Technological University is a public research university founded in 1885 in Houghton, Michigan, and is home to more than 7,000 students from 55 countries around the world. Consistently ranked among the best universities in the country for return on investment, the University offers more than 125 undergraduate and graduate degree programs in science and technology, engineering, computing, forestry, business and economics, health professions, humanities, mathematics, social sciences, and the arts. The rural campus is situated just miles from Lake Superior in Michigan's Upper Peninsula, offering year-round opportunities for outdoor adventure. Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society articulated its rejection of policies driven by persecution and discrimination after revealing that more than 340 Bahraini religious scholars fell victim to Manamas clampdown on dissent. (AhlulBayt News Agency) - Al-Wefaq National Islamic Society articulated its rejection of policies driven by persecution and discrimination after revealing that more than 340 Bahraini religious scholars fell victim to Manamas clampdown on dissent. According to an Al-Wefaq statement, the kingdoms Shiite clerics are being subjected to arbitrary arrests, torture, harsh verdicts including the death penalty and citizenship revocations. Among those to be stripped of his nationality is Bahrains highest religious authority Sheikh Isa Qassim. The vast majority of senior religious figures being targeted by Manamas security forces are often prosecuted for their political views and their sermons. Al-Wefaqs own Secretary General Sheikh Ali Salman faces the death penalty in an espionage trial in addition to his existing years-long prison sentence. /129 Vous etes confrontes a une infestation par la puce, la punaise de lit ? Voici plusieurs actions qui sont a mettre en uvre pour faire [] Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Thursday pardoned or commuted prison terms of 537 convicts on the occasion of the Eid al-Fitr that marks the end of the holy month Ramadan. (AhlulBayt News Agency) - Leader of the Islamic Revolution Ayatollah Seyyed Ali Khamenei on Thursday pardoned or commuted prison terms of 537 convicts on the occasion of the Eid al-Fitr that marks the end of the holy month Ramadan. The pardon was granted at the request of the country's Judiciary Chief Ayatollah Sadeq Amoli Larijani for the inmates sentenced in Iran's Revolutionary Courts, the Judicial Organization of Armed Forces, and the State Discretionary Punishment Organization. Article 110 of the Islamic Republic Constitution grants the Supreme Leader the right to pardon or reduce the sentences of convicts upon a recommendation from the head of the judiciary. /257 SANAA, Yemen (AP) The Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen's exiled government captured a town south of the port city of Hodeida on Thursday as fierce fighting and airstrikes pounded the area on the second day of an offensive to capture the strategic harbor that is the main entry point for food in a country teetering on the brink of famine. A Saudi military spokesman said the forces were drawing closer to the Red Sea port in a campaign aimed at driving out Iranian-aligned Shiite rebels known as Houthis, who have held Hodeida since 2015, and breaking the civil war's long stalemate. International aid agencies and the United Nations have warned the assault could shut down the vital aid route for some 70 percent of Yemen's food, as well as the bulk of humanitarian aid and fuel supplies. Around two-thirds of Yemen's population of 27 million relies on aid and 8.4 million are already at risk of starving. The United Arab Emirates ambassador to U.N. agencies in Geneva maintained the Saudi-Emirati coalition had no choice but to act. "Should we leave the Houthis smuggling missiles?" Ambassador Obaid Salem al-Zaabi told a news conference. "This comes from this seaport. We already gave the United Nations the chance to operate from this seaport, and (the Houthis) refused." The ambassador's comments contradict the conclusions of a U.N. panel of experts that said it was unlikely the Houthis were using the port for smuggling arms. In a report in January, the panel cited the fact that ships coming into the port face random inspections, require U.N. approval and that no weapons have been seized since March 2017. The U.N. and Western nations have accused Iran of supplying the Houthis with weapons, from assault rifles to the ballistic missiles they have fired deep into Saudi Arabia, including at the capital, Riyadh. Over 150 ballistic missiles have been fired into the kingdom by the Houthis, according to Saudi officials. On Thursday, a senior UAE official said the Trump administration has rejected requests for military assistance in the coalition attack on Hodeida. The requests were for aerial satellite imagery, other surveillance and reconnaissance, and minesweeping, said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to publicly discuss the matter. The U.S. has not publicly opposed the assault but has urged the coalition to ensure that humanitarian aid deliveries to the port continue. The port remained open on Thursday, according to the Norwegian Refugee Council, which cited information from the U.N. There were "four vessels filled with food and fuel at berth" and another five vessels anchored nearby, it said. "People in the governorate have reported heavy airstrikes along coastal areas and roads in districts south of Hodeida," the council said. "No direct attacks have been reported within Hodeida city itself, despite the overhead presence of fighter jets." Late Thursday, Saudi Arabia's U.N. ambassador said there were two ships, each carrying 5,000 tons of food, ready to dock immediately at the port of Hodeida. Abdallah Al-Mouallimi said the ships from Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are part of coalition efforts "toward ensuring abundant humanitarian supplies" to Hodeida during the offensive. On Thursday, coalition troops took the town of Nakhila in Yemen's ad-Durayhimi district, some 20 kilometers (12 miles) south of Hodeida International Airport, according to Yemen's government-run SABA news agency. Col. Turki al-Malki, a Saudi military spokesman, said coalition forces were some six kilometers (three miles) from the airfield, in an interview with the Saudi-owned satellite news channel Al Arabiya. Meanwhile, Col. Aziz Rashed, the spokesman for an army unit allied with the Houthis, told a news conference in the capital, Sanaa, that the rebels foiled a naval attack by government forces backed by the Saudi-led coalition in waters off Hodeida. He said the rebels had countered "hostile naval warships" off the coasty of al-Olifika, to the south. The Saudi-led coalition launched the assault on Hodeida on Wednesday, raising warnings from aid agencies that Yemen's humanitarian disaster could deepen and that the offensive could set off prolonged street-by-street battles, inflicting heavy casualties. "Any closure of the port, even for a few days, will have a dramatic impact on the humanitarian operations in the country," the U.N. Humanitarian Coordinator for Yemen, Lise Grande, told The Associated Press Thursday. "There is no substitute for Hodeida. Everything depends on that port," she said. Late Thursday, Yemen's Foreign Minister Khaled Alyemany told a group of U.N. reporters in New York that military operations by the Saudi-led coalition are not taking place near the port but in an area close to the airport. The coalition's initial battle plan appears to involve a pincer movement. Some 2,000 troops who crossed the Red Sea from an Emirati naval base in the African nation of Eritrea were awaiting orders to move in from the west after Yemeni government forces seize Hodeida's port, Yemeni security officials said. Emirati forces with Yemeni government troops moved in from the south near Hodeida's airport, while others sought to cut off Houthi supply lines to the east, the officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity as they weren't authorized to brief journalists. Four Emirati soldiers were killed in Wednesday's assault, the United Arab Emirates' state-run news agency said, but gave no details of how they died. Al-Zaabi, the UAE ambassador in Geneva, said they died in the Hodeida campaign, without elaborating. Hodeida is some 150 kilometers (90 miles) southwest of Sanaa, Yemen's capital, which has been in Houthi hands since September 2014. The Saudi-led coalition entered the war in March 2015. The United Nations and other aid groups already had pulled their international staff from Hodeida ahead of the assault. In a press statement on Thursday after an emergency closed-door meeting, the U.N. Security Council again called for Hodeida and the port of Saleef to be kept open and reiterated support for a political solution to the three-year conflict. More than 10,000 people have been killed in Yemen's civil war, which has displaced 2 million others and helped spawn a cholera epidemic. Saudi-led airstrikes have killed large numbers of civilians and damaged vital infrastructure. The coalition has blocked most ports, letting supplies into Hodeida in coordination with the U.N. The air campaign and fighting have disrupted other supply lines, causing an economic crisis that makes food too expensive for many to afford. ___ Associated Press writers Jon Gambrell in Dubai, United Arab Emirates; Jamey Keaten in Geneva, Samy Magdy in Cairo, Matthew Lee in Washington and Edith M. Lederer at the United Nations contributed to this report. Copyright 2018 The Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. ORLANDO, Fla. -- Bob Ward, the former Isleworth millionaire twice convicted in the death of his wife, was sentenced to 30 years in jail Thursday afternoon. Ward was convicted of manslaughter in February Diane Ward was shot dead in Isleworth home in 2009 Bob Ward was 1st convicted in 2011 but verdict thrown out RELATED: Bob Ward attorneys to present 'shocking new evidence' at sentencing Ward has already spent six years and 95 days in jail for the death of his wife, Diane, in 2009. He was also ordered to pay $50 each day he serves in jail. Ward's daughter, Sarah, made a tearful plea on behalf of her father for a reduced sentence. "I can't wrap my mind around a man serving more time in prison," she told Judge Leticia J. Marques. "Sending my Dad back to prison is a death sentence. ... This is not the life my mom would have wanted." "Everyone says the system is fair, but it's not. I just hope and pray you let me have time served and let me go back to my family." - Bob Ward pleads with Judge before re-sentencing @MyNews13 Bailey Myers (@BaileyMyers_) June 14, 2018 In February, a jury found Ward guilty of manslaughter for killing his wife, Diane, in their Isleworth home in 2009. He was first convicted in 2011, but a judge threw out that verdict when it came to light that his lawyer didn't object when prosecutors presented evidence and asked questions pertaining to his right to remain silent. Ward's sentencing was delayed last month after defense attorneys said they found a suicide note from Diane Ward that could prove her husband's innocence. Ward claimed then and continued to say Thursday that his wife was dealing with depression. He and defense attorneys have argued that she had a gun, and when he tried to get it away from her, it went off, shooting her in the head. "It was just a tragic accident that she had clearly been preparing for." Sarah said. "In two trials Not one person who loved my mom has testified against my Dad." Ward's attorney says the note discovered recently may be grounds for another appeal to dismiss this case and try it again. In a message forwarded on Thursday, the senior adviser to Irans Leader Ali Akbar Velayati highlighted that Eid al-Fitr is the manifestation of unity and empathy among Islamic Ummah. (AhlulBayt News Agency) - In a message forwarded on Thursday, the senior adviser to Irans Leader Ali Akbar Velayati highlighted that Eid al-Fitr is the manifestation of unity and empathy among Islamic Ummah. In his message, he congratulated the advent of Eid al-Fitr to all the Muslims of the world. Velayati wished that all the pains and sufferings of Islamic Ummah, especially in Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Palestine and Gaza, which are created by the conspiracy and hostility of Islam and Muslims enemies would soon be alleviated. "Although their aim is to weaken and disintegrate the Islamic World, thanks to these bright and magnificent days and resistance, hostilities will be neutralized," he added. Eid al-Fitr, which is one of the main Muslim holidays, concludes the fasting month of Ramadan. Muslims in Asia and a number of Middle Eastern countries, including Iran, will celebrate the Eid-al-Fitr religious holiday on Friday and Saturday. /257 President called for integrity in the media against the psychological war of the enemies and said: Turbulence in the market has no economic reason and the media are at the forefront of fighting the enemies psychological war and we are able to overcome this war. (AhlulBayt News Agency) - President called for integrity in the media against the psychological war of the enemies and said: Turbulence in the market has no economic reason and the media are at the forefront of fighting the enemies psychological war and we are able to overcome this war. Speaking in a cordial meeting with the press and media late on Wednesday, President Hassan Rouhani said: The media have a heavier responsibility today and I hope that this meeting serves as a good start for collective cooperation in consolidation of national interests. He also said that he has no worries about the future of the country, adding: A concern that leads to firmer resolve, stronger decision and more powerful integrity for removing concerns is good. Slamming promotion of despair in the country, Dr Rouhani said: Despair is the end of everything and if surrendering is bad for a nation, despair means surrendering to enemies. Today, we are facing a new condition in the country, he said, adding: The recent figures of the Central Bank show that we have had 4.4 economic growth last year. He continued: We reached a positive economic growth from a negative one; why should we lose our hope to the ballot box?. Stating that net employment rate has been 12,000 in years before the 11th government took office, and this rate increased to 800,000 people last year, the President added: We used to import wheat and many of our needs, but it has been 3 years that we have had no need to import wheat. Despite that issue we are facing regarding the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) and one of the signatories has pulled out of the deal, but we are happy that the Islamic Republic has acted in a way that today, all countries, except a handful of countries, are condemning the US and praising Iran, and this is unprecedented in that past 40 years. The President also went on to say: We did not let war to be imposed on us and we did not bow to the enemy either. For the first time in the history of the United Nations, Irans right to enrichment has been acknowledged. Of course, the right to peaceful use of nuclear energy belongs to all countries but the UNSC has not given this right to any country so far and has acknowledged this right only for the Islamic Republic of Iran. Dr Rouhani went on to say: In diesel production, we have achieved self-sufficiency and in petrol production we will achieve self-sufficiency by the end of the year. He added: Despite all pressures, we have increased peoples access to the cyberspace,. We have never lost our hope and today, despite all heavy pressures, we are not unhopeful of the future of the country and the people, but rather we are hopeful of the future, he continued. The President continued: Today, our main problem is not economic, cultural and security, but the main problem is psychological war. The biggest grief for a nation is when foreign media are their reference, It is true that all governments of the United States have been the enemy of the Iranian nation since the victory of the Islamic Revolution, but enmity has a limit and framework. All US governments have been the enemy of the Iranian nation but the current President is worst and more evil, having more ominous plots than the other governments. He also went on to say: Figures show that the production of cars and gold coins, as well as foreign currency in the country have enjoyed a good growth compared to last year and the turbulence that we are witnessing in the market these days, stem from psychological war more than being based on reality. /257 National Geographic WILD is home to a big family of animal caretakers and rescuers. In these special episodes, check out how the Men of WILD are helping all kinds of creatures one case at a time. Fridays from 8:30pm AEDT. A civilian was killed when the Saudi-led coalition forces and its militias on Thursday continued to bomb several districts of Saada province using banned weapons, a military official said. (AhlulBayt News Agency) - A civilian was killed when the Saudi-led coalition forces and its militias on Thursday continued to bomb several districts of Saada province using banned weapons, a military official said. The Bombardment hit populated areas in Manabah border district, causing material damage to the citizens properties. Meanwhile, the Saudi-led coalition warplanes waged two air strikes on khadwan area of Kitaf district, using cluster bombs. Earlier, Saudi rockets and artillery shells hit Razih border district, injuring one civilian. /129 A civilian was killed when The House is considering more than 50 bills aimed at addressing the opioid crisis. Over two weeks, the House will vote on individual bills and several larger legislative packages, some with bipartisan support and some that are likely to be contentious. Continue > The United Arabs Emirates (UAE) has reportedly forced Yemens former president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, to come out in support of an Emirati-led offensive on the strategic port city of Hudaydah, which serves as the main conduit for humanitarian aid flow into the war-torn country. (AhlulBayt News Agency) - The United Arabs Emirates (UAE) has reportedly forced Yemens former president, Abd Rabbuh Mansur Hadi, to come out in support of an Emirati-led offensive on the strategic port city of Hudaydah, which serves as the main conduit for humanitarian aid flow into the war-torn country. Citing a well-informed source, the Middle East Eye reported that Abu Dhabi had initially intended to go for Hudaydah without the support of the former Yemeni president and get the credit for it, but later returned to the Hadi card as it failed to muster international support for the controversial military operation, which started on Wednesday. As international support diminished, suddenly the Saudis intervened and managed to arrange a meeting between UAE Foreign Minister Abdullah bin Zayed and Hadi, which took place in Riyadh on Monday, the source said. A day later, Hadi flew to Abu Dhabi to meet UAE Prime Minister Mohammed bin Zayed (MbZ), where the Yemeni ex-president acceded to the Emirati demands, the report said. The UAE found they need the card of Hadis legitimacy. Hadi had no choice but to accept. His hands were forced. On Wednesday, forces backed by the Saudi-led coalition launched an offensive against the Red Sea port city controlled by Yemens Houthi Ansarullah movement, which has taken state affairs in its hands since late 2014, when Hadi resigned as Yemeni president amid a political conflict and fled to Riyadh. The UAE military, a key party to the Saudi-led alliance waging war on Yemen, is leading the Hudaydah assault, which the UN has warned could unleash a humanitarian catastrophe and lead to some 250,000 deaths. According to the source, control of Hudaydahs port would be a great victory for the UAE, which has been seeking to control ports all along Yemens coast. With the aim of controlling the strategic waterways that lead up to the Suez Canal, the UAE has in recent years established a presence in several ports on the shores of the Horn of Africa across the strategic Bab el-Mandeb Strait, which connects the Red Sea to the Gulf of Aden. They (The Emiratis) tried to get [the Yemeni island of] Socotra. Hudaydah would have been another port they could have controlled, the source said. The source added that Hadi had effectively handed the Emiratis future control of Hudaydah by supporting the UAE-backed assault on the strategic city. The Saudi military campaign began in March 2015 with the aim of reinstalling the Riyadh-friendly government of Hadi and crushing the Houthi Ansarullah movement. In the course of the campaign, the Saudi regime and its allies managed to seize Aden from the Houthis. Hadi and the other former officials still loyal to him were supposed to be based in Aden, but the ex-president spends most of his time in the Saudi capital. The MEE report said ties between Hadi and Abu Dhabi have soured further in recent months amid a dispute over the UAEs military presence on Socotra Island, which Hadis government said was being colonized by the kingdom. In February 2017, Hadi angrily confronted the top Emirati diplomat in Abu Dhabi, accusing Abu Dhabi of behaving like an occupier in Yemen. The UAE had set a Tuesday deadline for the Yemeni Houthi Ansarullah movement to pull out of Hudaydah. The Houthi movement has pledged strong resistance in the face of the assault on Hudaydah, which is said to be the largest of its kind since the onset of the war in early 2015. On the first day of the operation, the Houthis and allied armed forces dealt a heavy blow to the aggressors, targeting a UAE warship with a missile off the coast of Hudaydah in a counter-attack. According to a report by Russias Sputnik news, emergency crews rushed to save the forces aboard the vessel as it was sinking. Hudaydahs assault came as aid groups warned on Wednesday that some 300,000 children risk death, injury and starvation as they are trapped in Hudaydah, which is the main route for food to reach most Yemenis, 8.4 million of whom are already on the verge of famine. Earlier in the day, the United Nations expressed deep concern over the assault by the Saudi-led coalition in Hudaydah as rights groups warned about the catastrophic repercussions of the offensive, which is considered the largest battle of the three-year war. The Saudi-led coalition claims that the Houthi Ansarullah movement is using Hudaydah for weapons delivery, an allegation rejected by the fighters. /257 By ANI NEW DELHI: Every year, on 14 June, countries around the world celebrate World Blood Donor Day. The day serves to thank those who selflessly donate blood and save a life. It is a noble act and one should donate blood at least once a year. Apart from the obvious benefits it has for the recipient, donating blood regularly, according to various reports, can reduce the chances of future heart attacks. Blood donation helps stimulate the production of new blood cells in the body of the donor thus helping a person stay healthy for a longer time. Regular blood donation also prevents the buildup of excess iron in the body. Despite such a huge population, there is a deficit of about 12 lakh units of blood in the country. "There is one person in need of blood every two seconds including cancer patients, various blood disorders, and accident cases. They either require blood or any of its components to be transfused regularly. Apart from this, there are pregnant women with complications, and those who have undergone surgery as well. Donated blood is often separated into its basic components: RBCs, plasma, and platelets for specific use as per patient requirements," said Dr M Udaya Kumar Maiya, Portea Medical. The shortage of blood and the fact that many people still do not choose to donate can be attributed to a lack of awareness about its benefits, especially for the donor. Educating people will encourage more people to come forward to donate blood on a regular basis. "There are more than 512 million eligible donors in India. Geographically, the stats are heavily lopsided with a few states like Maharashtra, Kerala, Delhi, and Punjab faring well while some under-developed states such as Chhattisgarh and Bihar face a severe deficit. The 1995 ban on blood donation against payment has sent a wave of disinterest among many poor donors who used to use it as a means of earning money," added Dr Ramananda Srikantiah Nadig. It's #WorldBloodDonorDay today! Every few seconds, someone, somewhere, needs blood. We thank all voluntary, unpaid blood donors for their life-saving donations. Be there for someone else. #GiveBlood. Share life. https://t.co/nOgyZ4jruj pic.twitter.com/NUVAv9mksZ WHO Sierra Leone (@WHOSierraLeone) June 14, 2018 Here are the conditions in which you can donate blood: 18 years of age In good health and do not have hypertension, diabetes or any other chronic ailment. Not underweight. Not HIV+ and do not carry any other infections (even cold or cough). Not under the influence of drugs, alcohol, etc. for at least 48 hours prior to donating blood. Not menstruating or pregnant The how and why of donating blood: While it is good to donate blood, there are few things that must be kept in mind while both donating blood. Here are some things one should do. Before: Make sure the camp where you go for donation maintains their safety and hygiene standards. Ensure that the vials and syringes used are sterilized and are not being reused. You should be above 18 years of age and preferably have a donor card that indicates your blood type. Your weight should not be below 45 kg. Make sure that you do not have any infections such as cold or flu at the time of donation. Recent illnesses like malaria, tuberculosis, chicken pox etc. need expert opinion and usually not allowed to donate blood. Those with chronic diseases such as diabetes and hypertension should be medically cleared. Obviously, people suffering from Hepatitis B and C and HIV cannot donate blood. Do not take any intoxicating drugs and alcohol within 48 hours prior to donating blood. Make sure all your vitals such as blood pressure are under check and in control. Pregnant women are not allowed to donate blood and those who are menstruating can do so only if they feel well and don't have any weakness and fatigue It is important to consume iron-rich foods few days before donation. Eat a healthy, low-fat meal four or more hours before you donate. Never donate blood on an empty stomach. After: Make sure you eat well (but not all too quickly) after donation. The body needs at least 24 hours to replenish the volume of blood given. It is a good idea to drink a fruit juice or consume a light snack such as fruits right after donation. Make sure to hydrate yourself well; water is the best choice. However, avoid caffeine. Do not smoke immediately after blood donation as this can leave you feeling lightheaded and dizzy. Also, avoid any heavy physical activity. By PTI NEW DELHI: Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today condemned the killing of Rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari in Srinagar and termed it an "act of cowardice". The veteran journalist and his PSO were shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside the newspaper's office in Press Enclave near Lal Chowk in Srinagar today. Expressing shock at the journalist's death, the home minister tweeted, "The killing of @RisingKashmir editor, Shujaat Bukhari is an act of cowardice. It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist. Extremely shocked & pained at his death. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family," he said on Twitter. The killing of @RisingKashmir editor, Shujaat Bukhari is an act of cowardice. It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist. Extremely shocked & pained at his death. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family. Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 14, 2018 Congress President Rahul Gandhi too expressed grief over the death of the journalist and said Bukhari was fearlessly fighting for peace in Jammu and Kashmir. "I'm anguished to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of @RisingKashmir. He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu & Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed (sic)," Gandhi said. Im anguished to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of @RisingKashmir. He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu & Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed. Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 14, 2018 BJP national General Secretary Ram Madhav also termed the senior journalist's killing a cowardly act by the terrorists. In a tweet, he said, "Shocked to hear about d attack on d Editor-in-Chief of Rising Kashmir Shujaat Bukhari in Srinagar. Reprehensible n condemnable cowardly act of d terrorists (sic)". My last DM exchange with #ShujaatBukhari. I cant believe the mulaqat we were going to fix will never take place now. Life is just too uncertain & often too unkind. pic.twitter.com/8yED2iZKzl Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) June 14, 2018 Leader of Opposition in the Rajya Sabha and former Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Ghulam Nabi Azad said "He (Bukhari) did extremely good work during the floods in 2014. He was a nice person. In his death we have not only lost a good journalist but also a brilliant social worker." Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah said, "Shocked beyond words. May Shujaat find place in Jannat & May his loved ones find strength at this difficult time." Abdullah also posted a screenshot of his last conversation with Bukhari on Twitter. Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad tweeted, "Deeply saddened to learn about the dastardly killing of @RisingKashmir editor #ShujaatBukhari. Such an attempt to suppress the sane voices by terrorists will never succeed." Deeply saddened to learn about the dastardly killing of @RisingKashmir editor #ShujaatBukhari. Such an attempt to suppress the sane voices by terrorists will never succeed. Ravi Shankar Prasad (@rsprasad) June 14, 2018 Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore called Bukhari's killing an attack on the freedom of press. "Assassination of #ShujaatBukhari is a brutal attack on freedom of press. A cowardly and deplorable act of terror. Our fearless media is one of the greatest strength of our democracy and we are committed to provide a safe and conducive working environment to media persons," he said on Twitter. This is a shameful act. Media is free in India. The state govt & the central govt are committed for the freedom of press in the country & the state: Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore, Union Minister on the killing of Editor of Rising Kashmir newspaper Shujaat Bukhari. pic.twitter.com/ROYpeSv1ok ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 The Editors Guild of India tweeted, "The Editors Guild of India unequivocally condemns the assassination of Rising Kashmir Editor Shujaat Bukhari. This is a grave attack on press freedom and democratic voices. We will be issuing a more detailed statement soon." Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says that the American, French, Turkish and Israeli troops present in his country are occupying forces. (AhlulBayt News Agency) - Syrian President Bashar al-Assad says that the American, French, Turkish and Israeli troops present in his country are occupying forces. Assad made the remarks on Wednesday during an interview with the al-Alam News Network, where he stressed that Syria's position is to support "any act of resistance, whether against terrorists or against occupying forces regardless of their nationality. Referring to the presence of fighters of the Lebanese resistance movement of Hezbollah in Syria, Assad said that "the battle is long and the need for these military forces will continue for a long time." He also stressed that there are no Iranian military bases in Syria, but Damascus will not hesitate to allow them if there is a need. Assad also noted that it is not yet decided how the situation in Syria's militant-held southwest will be resolved. "We are giving the political process a chance. If that doesn't succeed, we have no other option but to liberate it by force," he said. In an earlier interview with the Daily Mail, Assad accused the West of fueling the crisis in his country in an attempt to oust his government. We are fighting the terrorists, and those terrorists are supported by the British government, the French government, the Americans and their puppets whether in Europe or in our region, he said. The whole approach toward Syria in the West is, We have to change this government, we have to demonize this president, because they dont suit our policies anymore. Assad said. They tell lies, they talk about chemical weapons, they talk about the bad president killing the good people, freedom, peaceful demonstrations, he added. Iran has been offering military advisory support to Syria at the request of the Damascus government, enabling its army to speed up its gains on various fronts against the terror groups. Hezbollah forces have also been aiding the Syrian government clear areas bordering Lebanon of terrorist groups. Concerned over Syrian advances, the US and Israel, which support anti-Damascus terrorists, have called for Iranian advisors and Hezbollahs fighters to leave Syria. The Tel Aviv regime launches frequent attacks against targets inside Syria in what is widely viewed as an attempt to prop up the terrorist groups that have been suffering heavy defeats at the hands of Syrian soldiers. /257 By Express News Service NEW DELHI: Press Club of India, Indian Womens Press Corps, Press Association and Federation of Press Clubs of India and other media bodies condemned the assassination of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari in Kashmir. The Editors Guild of India said the Thursdays attack was a grave attack on press freedom and democratic voices. The Guild calls upon the government of Jammu and Kashmir to take urgent steps to bring to book the culprits and ensure safety and security for the media in the state, it said. Editors Guild of India strongly condemns the unprecedented decision of the I&B ministry to take NDTV India off the air for a day #NDTVBanned Editors Guild (@editorsguildind) November 4, 2016 The killing of Mr Bukhari is a new low in a rapidly deteriorating environment for media practitioners in Kashmir, in particular, and in the country in general. An attack on a journalist challenges the very foundations of a free press and vibrant democracy and more so in a state like Jammu and Kashmir that is going through militancy, it said. Indian Womens Press Corps, Press Association and Federation of Press Clubs of India jointly demanded from the authorities concerned that the dastardly forces responsible for the killing was brought to book at the earliest. The National Union of Journalists (India) said the incident was an attempt to stall fearless coverage of anti-national and anti-people activities. Press statements issued An attack on a journalist challenges the very foundations of a free press and vibrant democracy, and more so in a state like Jammu and Kashmir, says the Editors Guild of India. Forces inimical to restoring peace in Kashmir Valley have silenced a voice of reason, says Press Club of India We also demand to look into the security of the mediapersons, while covering different events in the, says National Union of Journalists (India) The rocketry units of the Yemen army and popular forces fired on Wednesday a ballistic missile, Badr 1, towards the King Faisal military city in Jizan province, said a military official. (AhlulBayt News Agency) - The rocketry units of the Yemen army and popular forces fired on Wednesday a ballistic missile, Badr 1, towards the King Faisal military city in Jizan province, said a military official. The missile hit the target accurately. On Friday, the army fired a number of ballistic missiles onto Saudi military bases in Najran province. The army in recent months stepped up missile attacks against vital and military bases in Saudi Arabia, which leads a military action to intervene in the internal affairs of the Yemeni people and for fighting against the army since 2015. /129 Milestone for Annual Bridge Run The Rhode Island Turnpike and Bridge Foundation will host the tenth edition of the Citizens Pell Bridge Run on Oct. 17. The event is a four-mile charity run/walk, with 100... Forum Addresses Local Housing Crisis Whats happening to housing in Newport? Why is it so unaffordable? These were among the questions posed at the Newport Democratic City Committees first of two public forums on Sept.... Save The Bay Signs Gateway Center Agreement Save The Bay has reached an agreement that will allow the local nonprofit to move its Exploration Center and Aquarium to the Gateway Transportation & Visitors Center. Save The Bays... City Council to Improve Sound for Hybrid Future The experience of trying to hear, no less record or understand, testimony and commentary at Newport City Hall chambers has been akin to attempting to decipher speech under water. At... Chief of Supreme revolutionary committee, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi commented on the meeting that brought together the US president Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore. (AhlulBayt News Agency) - Chief of Supreme revolutionary committee, Mohammed Ali al-Houthi commented on the meeting that brought together the US president Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore. In a series of tweets, he said that Trump was cheated twice the first trick when he thought that the Singapore summit achieved what was not expected with the agreement presented to N.Korea, admitting that N.Korea is equal to the US. He added that the agreement gave North Korean leader Kim Jong-un the legitimacy, and it did not include the freezing of plutonium and uranium programs, and there is no obligation to stop the tests. In another tweeted, he wrote about Iran, saying that the second trick, Trump was cheated when he spoke to Fox News, saying, I do not think the Iranians are looking at the Mediterranean Sea, towards Syria and Yemen. They have started withdrawing their men from Syria and Yemen because this statement shows false information about Yemen. He added that there are no Iranians in Yemen, even their diplomats, and Irans ambassador has left in 2016 and will not be any Iranian in battle . /129 Our County Editor Dave Hinton is editor of The News-Gazette's Our County section and former editor of the Rantoul Press. He can be reached at dhinton@news-gazette.com. Reporter Debra Pressey is a reporter covering health care at The News-Gazette. Her email is dpressey@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@DLPressey). Jerry Wiese of Rantoul, a Vietnam veteran Army combat medic, talks about some things he brought back from Vietnam at his home in Rantoul on Tuesday, Feb. 21, 2017. Reporter Noelle McGee is a Danville-based reporter at The News-Gazette. Her email is nmcgee@news-gazette.com, and you can follow her on Twitter (@n_mcgee). One of Editor & Publishers 10 That Do It Right 2021 Carson, Washington's Backwoods Brewing Company is coming to Portland with a pub opening in NW Portland's Pearl District in the former home of Pearl Tavern. Backwoods Brewing is a Washington-based brewery with a popular family friendly pub in Carson that focuses on pizza and NW ales. They plan to bring their vision of a pub to the corner of NW 11th & Everett Street.More from an announcement:We have a lot of visitors stop by our pub in Carson to experience the backwoods scenery, as well as the delicious food and beers we have to offer, said Jim Waters, owner of Backwoods Brewing, along with his wife, Debbie Waters. We look forward to bringing that same backwoods culture to Portland. Backwoods Brewing is about to enter its 7th year of business, and is ranked in the top 25 largest breweries in the state of WA, according to WA Beer Blog. However, there are still plenty of people who have yet to try their beer or visit the pub in Carson. Our hope is that a pub in the Pearl will make it easier for folks in the Portland metro area to experience the same Backwoods hospitality that so many have already found after a good hike out in the Columbia River Gorge, continued Waters.Backwoods Pearl location will boast their seasonal, special release and core brews, such as Logyard IPA, Copperline Amber and Blueberry Wheat. It will also feature local ciders and wines on tap, as well as a vast selection of spirits for craft cocktails.Like Backwoods Carson pub, the food menu will focus on sourcing local ingredients and producing as much hand-made goods as possible. We understand that this isnt Carson, and the selection in Portland is vastly larger in comparison, said Steve Waters, CEO of Backwoods Brewing. We will keep true to our priority of using top-notch local ingredients, and will aim for a menu that stays true to who we are at Backwoods: fun, delicious, and appealing to all ages.When asked whether he thinks Portlanders will enjoy Backwoods backcountry feel and homestyle hospitality, CEO Steve Waters replied, I think well really resonate with the Portland crowd. We learned a long while ago, through interactions with hikers, bikers, and campers we see in Carson, that theres a really broad appeal to our rustic style. Were finding out more every day that theres a little bit of Backwoods in everyone. Kurt Huffman, owner of ChefStable Group and part owner of Pearl Tavern, is happy to be passing the space on to such an exciting local brand. We love Backwoods and we couldnt feel better about who will be taking over this amazing space. Ryan [Magarian, fellow owner of Pearl Tavern] and I are already making plans to come have a beer and see what Backwoods has done with the space once they open.Magarian also recently posted on Facebook that he expects Backwoods new location to offer the neighborhood a super awesome place to enjoy each others company and some rad beverage and food to boot.Backwoods Brewing is excited to join some great breweries from the Northwest, such as Deschutes, Rogue and the newer Von Ebert brewery, all of which are located in the Pearl District. When asked about the increasing number of breweries in Portland, Kevin Waters, Brewmaster for Backwoods, commented, Good beer is good beer no matter what, and our corner of the Gorge is becoming well known as a mainstay on many tap lists in the Portland area as it is. Were excited to show everyone what were all about! Backwoods is aiming to open doors at the new location late June/early July. In the meantime, theyll be transforming the space to have that backwoods feel that so many people have come to know and love from their experience with the original pub in Carson. The Carson location will remain open and continue to serve its local customers, as well as the many visitors that come out after a hike or camping trip.When the new Pearl location does open, it will welcome all ages, and offer both lunch and dinner menus. Hours of operation will be 11:30 10 PM, Sunday through Thursday, and until 11 PM Fridays & Saturdays. About Backwoods Brewing Company - Backwoods Brewing is located in the heart of the Columbia Gorge, in the small town of Carson, WA. It was founded by the Waters family in 2012, as a single-barrel brewpub. They now operate on a 20-barrel system in their newer Stevenson facility, kegging, canning and bottling beer for the WA/OR markets. Their focus is on balanced beers, such as the flagship Logyard IPA. Backwoods works with local producers to source their hops, grain and yeast. The brewpub in Carson is open daily, from 11:30 AM - 9 PM, and welcomes all ages. The Game Was Almost Over. Then, Over the PA: 'Protect Yourselves' (Newser) Civil rights advocates see this as a tale of two voters. Crystal Mason, who is black, was sentenced to five years in prison for casting a ballot in Tarrant County, Texas, in 2016 while being a felon under supervision. Terri Lynn Rote, who is white, was sentenced to two years probation and a $750 fine for trying to vote for President Trump twice in Iowa. On Monday, the judge who sentenced Mason turned down her request for a new trial. Prison is a lot closer for her today, Masons lawyer told the New York Times. Mason, 43, had been sentenced to 60 months for tax fraud. She served part of her sentence and was released in 2016. She says she didnt know that being a felon meant she was ineligible to vote. Her name had been purged from the voter rolls, and she was given a provisional ballot, which should have alerted her to her ineligibility, the prosecutor said. story continues below The judge had the option of sentencing Mason to anything from probation to 20 years, reported the Dallas Morning News in March. Whether a felon can vote varies by state. For example, as the New York Times notes, in Vermont, a person convicted of murder retains the right to vote, even while in prison. But in Mississippi, a conviction for perjury is enough to void the right to vote. Mason told the Star-Telegram that she was originally sent to jail for inflating returns and took responsibility for her actions. I would never do that again. I was happy enough to come home and see my daughter graduate. My son is about to graduate. Why would I jeopardize that? Not to vote. ... I didn't even want to go vote. Mason's attorney is appealing the decision. Mason's case is juxtaposed with Rote's in an online petition calling for charges against Mason to be dropped. (Read more vote stories.) (Newser) Police in Nevada say two teenage suspects are claiming their friend died in a game of "modified Russian roulette." Relatives of 17-year-old Matthew Minkler say the teens weren't playing Russian rouletteand they were only pretending to be his friends. Minkler's body was found Friday in an abandoned house in Henderson, 16 miles north of Las Vegas, reports Fox News. Police went to the house based on information they received after Jaiden Caruso, 16, and Kody Harlan, 17, were arrested in a stolen Mercedes in Las Vegas earlier in the day. Police say Harlan told them he had "been present at a murder" and led them to the house, where Minkler's body had been dragged to a downstairs closet. story continues below Russian roulette involves "loading a single bullet into a revolver, spinning the cylinder, and then pulling the trigger," a police report states. Harlan told police that after Caruso brought out his revolver, he "never allowed the other participants to handle the firearm or pull the trigger themselves." "We know this wasn't Russian roulette," Minkler's mother, Jamie Shanklin, tells the Las Vegas Review-Journal. "My kid was shot in the chin, like they were shutting him up." Police say that after Minkler was shot, the other teens didn't call 911 or attempt to render aidand Caruso, who recorded videos of the aftermath of the shooting, used money from the teen's wallet to buy new shoes. Both teens have been charged as adults. Caruso is charged with murder with a deadly weapon and robbery, while Harlan faces charges including being an accessory to murder after the fact. (Read more Nevada stories.) (Newser) A company Elon Musk started that almost sounded like a joke has just landed a huge deal to build an underground transit system from downtown Chicago to O'Hare airport. The CEO of Tesla and SpaceX plans to build two tunnels from the shell of the never-completed transit station at Block 37 to the airport through his new Boring Company, reports the Chicago Sun-Times . Under the broad strokes of the plan, riders would pay $25 to zip through the tunnels to and from the airport in electric passenger cars, or "skates." In a fact sheet , the company says the trip would take 12 minutes, up to four times faster than any existing transportation. One huge factor: The project, which the company thinks it can do for less than $1 billion, is not supposed to use a penny of taxpayers' moneythe Boring Company will pay for it, then keep the money from fares and concessions. story continues below "We're taking a bet on a guy who doesn't like to failand his resources," Chicago Mayor Rahm Emanuel tells the Chicago Tribune, citing Musk's vision in getting Tesla and SpaceX off the ground. "Given his track record, we are taking his reputation and saying, 'This is a guy in two other transportation modes who has not failed.' That's what were doing." Deputy Mayor Robert Rivkin adds a nickname that seems to be catching on, based on headlines: "We're talking about a Tesla-in-a-tunnel," he says. No word on when the system is supposed to be operating. Musk is apparently already building a similar system in Los Angeles, and he envisions a bigger project of a supersonic "hyperloop" between DC and New York City. (Musk sold flamethrowers to raise money for the Boring Company, and they were a huge hit.) (Newser) The concept behind a bill that made its way to the US House of Representatives made at least one lawmaker "nauseous," and apparently others, too, because the group passed the bill Wednesday and sent it onto the Senate. The Fresno Bee reports on the CREEPER (Curbing Realistic Exploitative Electronic Pedophilic Robots) Act, which bans the importation and sale of anatomically correct child sex dolls and robots, objects that can typically be customized to resemble specific children. These dolls "normalize submissiveness and normalize sex between adults and minors," are "intrinsically related to abuse of minors," and lead to "the exploitation, objectification, abuse, and rape of minors," the bill states. Although some experts have said using such dolls might actually cut down on pedophilia, those who voted for the bill disagree. story continues below "Once an abuser tires of practicing on a doll, it's a small step to move on to a child," bill sponsor Rep. Dan Donovan says, while fellow House Republican Bob Goodlatte notes the child sex dolls "desensitize the user, causing him to engage in sicker and sicker behavior." A release from Donovan's office reports the UK seized 128 of the dolls, and 85% of the men who imported them were found to have child porn. Goodlatte notes the dolls not only can be made to look like a specific child, they can also be given certain facial expressions, like fear or sadness. More than 166,000 people have signed a petition in support of the ban; the UK and Australia have passed similar laws. "I am saddened that there are people in this world who would create realistic child sex dolls and distraught that there are people in this world who would buy them," Goodlatte says. (An "extreme" pedophile ran amok for decades.) (Newser) The Irish Constitution has a strict prohibition against potty mouth. The publication or utterance of blasphemous, seditious, or indecent matter is an offence which shall be punishable in accordance with law, says Article 40 of the countrys 1937 Constitution. And a 2009 Defamation Act made the act punishable with a $30,000 fine, according to the Washington Post. But that could change. The country is holding a referendum this fall to determine if the blasphemy passage should be deleted from the Constitution, reports the New York Times. The law is not enforced, although a constitutional law scholar said prosecution could occur in an egregious case, per the Times. And in fact, a few have run afoul of it, including Stephen Fry, an actor who was reported to the police after saying on TV, Why should I respect a capricious, mean-minded, stupid God who creates a world which is so full of injustice and pain? story continues below The investigation was eventually dropped, but it sparked outrage and drew attention to the 2009 law, which defines blasphemy as a matter that is grossly abusive or insulting in relation to matters held sacred by any religion, thereby causing outrage among a substantial number of the adherents of that religion, per the Irish Times. In countries where blasphemy is punished harshly, Irelands law is held up as admirable. We became a Western poster boy for Islamic states and their oppressive practices, Michael Nugent, a spokesman for an atheism advocacy group, told the New York Times. Its never a good look when Pakistan, where people are killed for blasphemy, is speaking approvingly of your laws. Voters will also weigh in on language regarding women. Critics would be happy to see a section deleted that says, The state shall, therefore, endeavour to ensure that mothers shall not be obliged by economic necessity to engage in labour to the neglect of their duties in the home. The passage is very patriarchal, said one critic. It never did women any good. (Read more Ireland stories.) (Newser) For a long time, scholars have thought that the Aztecs had frequent contact with groups in what's now the American Southwest. But a new chemical analysis of ancient turquoise artifacts just put a giant hole in that theory. It now appears that the Aztecs and another Mesoamerican civilization known as the Mixtecs mined their own turquoise, rather than trading for it with northerners, reports Ars Technica. Both civilizations, which lived in what's now central Mexico to Central America, used turquoise extensively in their cultures, explains a post at Phys.org. But because archaeologists have never found turquoise mines in the region, scientists had long concluded that the mineral must have come from the US Southwest. In the study in Science Advances, however, a team at Dickinson College says its analysis shows that the turquoise instead comes from Mesoamerica. story continues below "I saw the number pop up and I'm pretty sure I did a dance around the lab," geochemist Alyson Thibodeau tells the New York Times. "Not only do they have isotopic signatures that are absolutely consistent with the geology of Mesoamerica, but they are completely different from the isotopic signatures of the Southwestern turquoise deposits and artifacts that we have seen so far." The finding goes beyond where the groups got their gemstonesit calls into question the larger idea that the Aztecs and Mixtecs were regularly trading and otherwise in contact with cultures in the US Southwest before they were conquered in the 1500s. How to explain the lack of mines? Just because we haven't found them doesn't mean they didn't exist, says Thibodeau. (Another centuries-old Aztec mystery appears to have been solved earlier this year.) (Newser) A little over a week of Twitter silence and Roseanne Barr is back with a new defense of the tweet that triggered the cancellation of her hit ABC show. Maintaining the reference to Valerie Jarrett as "Muslim brotherhood & planet of the apes had a baby" wasn't racist, the comedian now says it was meant as a condemnation of anti-Semitism. Rod Serling, the Jewish creator of The Twilight Zone, "wrote Planet of The Apes. It was about anti-semitism. That is what my tweet referred tothe anti semitism of the Iran deal," Barr said in a Wednesday tweet, less than an hour after telling fans she'd "been using this time2 reflect &2 gain insight on what I said & how it was misunderstood." story continues below After sharing a 2009 Jewish Currents article describing Serling's "implicit message about interspecies respect and xenophobia" in 1968's The Planet of the Apes, Barr returned to the subject of anti-Semitism Thursday, saying she grew up in a house "filled with survivors of [concentration camps] Auschwitz and Belsen" and "am an advocate 4 them & for all oppressed ppl." In other tweets, she said she'd "developed a bit of palsy in my head and hands due to the stress I have lived thru." But she also said she'd been sleeping"without ambien too, thank G0D!!"planting trees, and singing, per Deadline. "[I'm] feeling a great deal of relief. I will begin to speak for myself in media soon," she added. (Read more Roseanne Barr stories.) (Newser) An FBI investigator who worked on probes into Hillary Clinton's emails and into Russian interference in the 2016 election told an FBI lawyer "we'll stop" Donald Trump from becoming president. Per the AP , the new inflammatory texts between Peter Strzok and FBI lawyer Lisa Page are among emerging details highlighted in the report by the Justice Department's inspector general, which is critical of former FBI director James Comey 's handling of the investigations. According to the report, Page texted Strzok in August 2016: "(Trump's) not ever going to become president, right? Right?!" Strzok responded: "No. No he won't. We'll stop it." The report says the watchdog "did not find documentary or testimonial evidence" that political bias directly affected parts of the probe, but it says Page's and Strzok's conduct "cast a cloud over the entire FBI investigation." story continues below Back in December, the Justice Department began to turn over to Congress other texts involving Strzok, who was removed from Robert Mueller's team over the derogatory comments about President Trump. At the time, the DOJ also said its record of messages sent to and from Strzok was incomplete because the FBI, for technical reasons, had been unable to retrieve about five months' worth of communications. As the Washington Post notes, Trump is very likely to use the new report in a bid to undermine the unrelated Mueller investigation into collusion with Russia during the 2016 election. (Read more Donald Trump stories.) (Newser) The University of Chicago is becoming the first major US research university to stop requiring American undergraduate applicants to submit ACT or SAT scores, reports the AP. The decision that school officials say is designed to help even the playing field for students from low-income or underrepresented communities has been made by some liberal arts colleges, but the University of Chicago is the first major research university to do so. The university also said Thursday that it will provide full-tuition aid for students whose families earn less than $125,000 and offer new scholarships to military veterans and children of veterans, police officers, and firefighters. The school will also let applicants submit a video introduction instead of requiring that they sit for an interview. story continues below Per CBS Chicago , the school also intends to offer mentorship programs to students from underrepresented communities The UChicago Empower Initiative levels the playing field, allowing first-generation and low-income students to use technology and other resources to present themselves as well as any other college applicant. We want students to understand the application does not define youyou define the application, James G. Nondorf, vice president and dean of Admissions at the university, said in a statement about the decision on Thursday. The university said rollout of the initiative will begin with the class of 2023. (Read more standardized testing stories.) (Newser) A Vermont librarian who sued consumer credit bureau giant Equifax following a massive 2017 breach of private data has been awarded $600. The largely symbolic suit by Jessamyn West was her way of showing people they have the power to arm themselves in the fight for data security, even when companies like Equifax and others go largely unpunished. In an interview with KrebsOnSecurity, West said she hoped her decision to take direct action against the company as an individual would inspire others to do the same. "A lot of people dont feel they have agency around privacy and technology in general," West told the site. "This case was about having your own agency when companies dont behave how theyre supposed to." story continues below West originally filed the suit in small claims court for $5,000, where she argued that the widely publicized September breach was an undue burden on her as she struggled to deal with her personal data security and that of her recently deceased mother. A judge instead awarded her $690, with the $90 going to court costs and the rest recognizing the cost of two years of identity theft protection. As the Daily Dot notes, the judgment isn't much for a giant corporation like Equifax, but lots of little suits could add up. In fact, one claimant wrote back in January about receiving $8,000 in a similar suit against Equifax. (Read more Equifax stories.) New Delhi: As the national capital region, engulfed in dust-filled air, struggles to breath, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal on Thursday ordered stoppage of all civil construction activities across Delhi and NCR till June 17 as a part of emergency measures. Owing to the dust cloud hanging over Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) for the last few days, the air quality has fallen below "severe" level for the third straight day on Thursday. Authorities warned that dusty conditions were likely to prevail till Sunday and advised people to avoid staying outdoors for long hours. Civic bodies, PWD and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have been directed to impose penalties on all road construction agencies for violating laid down norms for dust control measures, according to the L-G office. Baijal took to Twitter to inform that he has held an emergency meeting in view of the severe dust pollution in Delhi with Environment Minister Imran Hussain and the concerned officials. He said emergency measures like stoppage of all civil construction activities till June 17 have been taken and further monitoring would be done by agencies like NHAI, DMRC, MCDs, PWD and NBCC to ensure compliance. Also, in a statement, the L-G office stated that the municipal corporations, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and SDMs will strictly enforce prohibition on open burning of garbage, plastics and leaves in the national capital. Municipal Corporations and PWD will intensify mechanical road sweepings, sprinkling of non-potable water at central verges and roadsides and stop brooming activity on main roads," it stated. The L-G said that a massive afforestation drive would be conducted across Delhi from July 15 to September 15. "Massive afforestation drive from 15 July-15 September across Delhi will be undertaken. Residents' participation is welcome. Information about procurement of saplings, identified areas for plantation activities etc. can be obtained from Forest Deptt, GNCTD. Green Delhi our common goal," the L-G posted on Twitter. The meeting was attended by minister Imran Hussain, Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash, EPCA Chairman Bhure Lal, senior government officers and the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) director general and EPCA member Sunita Narain. Narain said that 'severe plus' category has been imposed for dust pollution under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect till Sunday. "That means shutting down of all civil construction activities till June 17. "We have been told by the MeT Department that rain is likely to take place on Saturday, which will mitigate this bad weather situation, we have enforced it till Sunday," she told PTI. The EPCA's action plan, termed GRAP, has formulated five categories. These are severe plus or emergency, severe, very poor, moderate to poor and moderate. Also Read | Delhi air quality drops below 'severe' level, to remain 'hazardous' over next three days The EPCA, a Supreme Court-appointed watchdog, had yesterday issued an advisory to chief secretaries of states in Delhi-NCR asking them to take "urgent steps" for controlling dust pollution. Narain said, in pursuant to the advisory, a meeting was taken up by the chief secretary in Haryana late last night and they have also decided to shut down construction activities for that period with immediate effect. However, there was no confirmation from the Haryana government's side. The air quality deteriorated because of dust storms in western India, particularly Rajasthan, which increased coarser particles in the air, the Central Pollution Control Board said. PM10 level (presence of particles with diameter less than 10mm) was beyond severe at 796 in Delhi-NCR and 830 in Delhi, leading to hazy conditions. According to the CPCB, the air quality index (AQI) -- a measurement of the concentration of toxic particulate matter in the air -- at several places in Delhi remained beyond the 500-mark, with East Delhi's Anand Vihar area recording a PM10 level of 929 and PM2.5 level of 301 this morning. An AQI between 0-50 is considered "Good", 51-100 "Satisfactory", 101-200 "Moderate", 201-300 "Poor", 301-400 "Very Poor", and 401-500 "Severe. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: Aam Aadmi Party, whose chief Arvind Kejriwal along with his cabinet colleagues is sitting on dharna inside Delhi Lt Governor Anil Baijalas office, has threatened to intensify their protest if their demands are not met by Sunday. aIf the strike by bureaucrats is not resolved by Sunday, then AAP leaders and workers would stage a dharna at the Prime Ministeras Office (PMO). On Thursday, party legislators and leaders will hold a candlelight march,a AAP leader Sanjay Singh said. On Wednesday, rebel BJP leader Yashwant Sinha joined AAP's protest march from CM house to Lt Governor's office. Apart from Sinha, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee also extended her support to Kejriwal. "Elected Chief Minister must get due respect. May I appeal to the government of India and the LG to resolve the problem immediately so that people do not suffer," Banerjee tweeted. Delhi Chief Minister Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia and two other ministers - Satyendar Jain and Gopal Rai a have been sitting on a dharna in the waiting area of Lt Governoras office for the last four days. On Monday, Kejriwal and team had gone to meet L-G Baijal with two key demands a action against IAS officers halting the work for the last four months and approval to a scheme for doorstep delivery of rations for the poor.A The Lt Governor, however, refused to accept their demands, saying that the officials were not staging any protest and were going to their works regularly. Since then, the AAP leadersA have been camping inside L-Gas office. BREAKING: DY CM @msisodia writes to LG Baijal. Again requests him to intervene & end the strike of IAS officers in Delhi. Says only PM & LG can get the officers to end strike & return to work. Reminds LG of repeated promises he made over months to get the babus to end strike. pic.twitter.com/UJeY65jCeu a Ankit Tyagi (@Ankit_Tyagi01) June 13, 2018 With no response coming from L-Gas office over their demands, Delhi Deputy CM Manish Sisodia on Wednesday began an indefinite hunger strike. He joined his colleague Satyender Jain who sat on a hunger strike in Tuesday. Meanwhile, the Opposition BJP lawmakers, along with sacked AAP MLA Kapil Mishra, mimicking Kejriwalas protest, sat on a dharna outside CMas office. BJP MLAs Vijender Gupta and Manjinder Singh Sirsa said that their protest would continue till their demands were met by the AAP government. aUntil the chief minister assures to provide water to the people, we will continue our sit-in,a Gupta, who is also the Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly, said, adding that their protest was against the anon-performancea of the Kejriwal government. New Delhi: India on Thursday rejected the United Nations report on alleged human rights violation in Kashmir and termed it fallacious, tendentious and motivated. It is fallacious, tendentious and motivated. We question the intent in bringing out the report. It is a selective compilation of largely unverified information, ANI quoted the External Affairs Ministry as saying. The United Nations on Thursday said that India and Pakistan had been using excessive force in both sides of Kashmir and killed many civilians since 2016. In responding to demonstrations that started in 2016, Indian security forces used excessive force that led to unlawful killings and a very high number of injuries, according to the report. Also Read | Delhi air quality drops below 'severe' level, to remain 'hazardous' over next three days This was the first UN report on human rights in the region. The UN also called for an international level inquiry into the alleged violation of human rights in Kashmir. In a statement, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad al-Hussein said that the Human Rights Council should investigate the alleged sites of mass graves in Kashmir Valley and Jammu region of India. The report also accused Indian armed forces of committing heinous crimes like killings of civilians, sexual violence and kidnapping in the Valley. In the report, the UN also urged Pakistan to use restraint and end its misuse of anti-terror legislation to persecute peaceful activists and quash dissent in Kashmir. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: An Army jawan, who was involved in the encounter of Hizbul Mujahideen chief Sameer Tiger, was reportedly abducted from Jammu and Kashmirs Pulwama district on Thursday. Aurangzeb, a resident of Poonch was part of 44 Rashtriya Rifles and abducted by militants while traveling back to his home on leave, according to an official statement from the Army. The vehicle he was traveling in was intercepted by militants near Kalampora. A search operation to find the jawan has been initiated by the Army. The abduction of the jawan came several weeks after dreaded Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Sameer Tiger was gunned down by security forces in a fierce encounter in Pulwama. Sameer Ahmad Bhat alias Sameer Tiger, an A++ category terrorist was killed in the encounter at the Drubgam village of Pulwama district in May this year. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Two militants were killed while an Army jawan martyred in an ongoing encounter in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday. "Two terrorists have been killed in an ongoing operation in Panar forest area of Bandipora district (in north Kashmir)," PTI quoted a defence spokesman in Srinagar as saying. During the encounter, a jawan was also hit by bullets and lost his life. The attack comes on a day when Home Minister Rajnath Singh is expected to take a decision on whether the Ramzan ceasefire in the Vally will be extended post-Eid. Also Read | Roads turn into rivers as heavy rains trigger flash floods in Imphal Valley However, the chances to extend the Ramazan ceasefire looks bleak because the Amarnath Yatra will begin within days, and Army would have to sanitise the corridors. Earlier on Wednesday, four BSF jawans had lost their life in ceasefire violation by Pakistan Rangers along the International Border (IB) in Ramgarh sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district. More details are awaited. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: A day after four Border Security Force (BSF) personnel were killed by militants, veteran journalist and Rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari and his PSO were shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside the newspaper's office in Srinagar, police officials said onA . Bukhari was shot as he was leaving his office in Press Enclave at Lal Chowk for an iftaar party, officials said, adding one of the personal security officers (PSO) guarding him was also killed, while another policeman and a civilian were injured. The condition of the two injured in the shooting, which comes a day ahead of Eid, is critical, they said. It was not immediately known how many gunmen attacked Bukhari, said the officials. Bukhari earlier worked with The Hindu newspaper as its Kashmir correspondent. He was instrumental in organising several conferences for peace in the Kashmir Valley. He was also part of the Track II process with Pakistan. He was given police protection since an attack on him in 2000. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti breaks down aShockeda by Bukhari's killing, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti broke down in tears as seen in a TV channel. The visuals showed her crying as she recalled her meeting with the renowned journalist a few days ago. "What can I say. Only a few days ago he had come to meet me," Mufti said, trying to hold back her tears. Strongly condemning the act, she wrote on Twitter: "Shocked & deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Shujaat Bukhari. The scourge of terror has reared its ugly head on the eve of Eid. I strongly condemn this act of mindless violence & pray for his soul to rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family". Shocked & deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Shujaat Bukhari. The scourge of terror has reared its ugly head on the eve of Eid. I strongly condemn this act of mindless violence & pray for his soul to rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family. a Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) June 14, 2018 Terrorism, she said, has hit a new low with Bukhari's killing, "that too on the eve of Eid".A A "We must unite against forces seeking to undermine our attempts to restore peace. Justice will be done," Mehbooba said. Apart from Mufti, several political leaders expressed shock over Bukharias killing Omar Abdullah: Shocked beyond words Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah is in complete shock at the killing of the renowned journalist. A "I'm in complete shock. Hearing the worst...Inna lilahi wa inna illahi rajiuun. Shocked beyond words. May Shujaat find place in Jannat & May his loved ones find strength at this difficult time," Omar tweeted. "Even in the last tweet he put out he was defending himself, his colleagues & his profession. He died in the line of duty doing what he did best & loved doing - journalism," he said. "Along with Shujaat, his security chap was also killed and another lies injured in hospital. Prayers and condolences for them and their families on this terrible night," he wrote. Tarigami: A brutal attempt by hawks to silence the messenger of peace CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami said it was a "brutal" attempt by hawks to silence the messenger of peace. He said it was an attack on freedom of press and needs to be condemned in the strongest possible words. Rahul Gandhi: He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in J-K Congress President Rahul Gandhi also took to Twitter to express his anguish over the killing of Bukhari in Srinagar and described him as a "brave heart" who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu and Kashmir. aI'm anguished to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of Rising Kashmir. He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu and Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed," he tweeted. Mamata Banerjee: With a few hours to go for Eid this is terrible aShocked and saddeneda by the news, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee tweeted: Saddened and shocked at the brutal killing of respected editor and senior journalist @bukharishujaat. With a few hours to go for Eid this is terrible". "No words are enough for this big tragedy," she added. For all the Latest India News, Download News Nation Android and iOS Mobile Apps. New Delhi: Right since the build-up to the Lok Sabha electoral battle of 2019 veered round to Modi versus the rest, doubts have existed over whether the much-touted Opposition unity would pass the acid test of who would be the leader of the challengers of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The question boils down to the level of acceptability of any individual in the face of many aspirants to the coveted chair vying with one another. The question came to the fore starkly when Congress president Rahul Gandhi held his first Iftaar get-together in the run-up to the Muslim festival of Eid on June 13. Speculation centred around how many and who of the prominent political bigwigs would be at the dinner. In the past, at other events co-hosted by Rahul with mother Sonia Gandhi, the attendance of big leaders had inspired hope but there always was Sonia to herd the Opposition flock together. This time around, however, Sonia Gandhi is away overseas and interest centred on how it would be with Rahuls main prop not in India. It was a revelation indeed that a whole galaxy of Opposition bigwigs kept away. These included Mamata Banerjee, Sharad Pawar, Mayawati, Akhilesh Yadav, among others. Out of 18 Opposition parties invited, only four were represented by their top leaders. Second string leaders represented the rest while the Samajwadi Party was unrepresented. Former president Pranab Mukherjee was conspicuous by his presence, but apparently, his attendance had a lot to do with his recent fraternizing with the RSS top brass at the Sanghs headquarters in Nagpur which had piqued Congress leaders no end. Also present was former Vice-President Hamid Ansari whose bias for the Congress and antipathy towards the BJP was never in doubt even when he was in office. The contrast with Sonia Gandhis Iftaar in 2015 was all too evident when most Opposition leaders were present, the most high-profile among them being Nitish Kumar who is now in Modis camp. Also Read | Pranab, Pratibha Patil, Manmohan attend Rahul's Iftar party Evidently, there are few takers among Opposition bigwigs for Rahuls leadership of a combined Opposition and that should worry the scion of the Nehru-Gandhi family, who is aspiring to the mantle of prime minister with active help from his mother. The cold reality is that while Sonia Gandhi has acquired a measure of acceptability, Rahuls poor leadership qualities and political acumen, his shallow understanding of national and international affairs and his poor level of maturity have attracted only the rank opportunists towards him. It is hardly a secret that even Congressmen are by and large unconvinced that he can lead a motley crowd of diverse political parties, but they stick to him in the hope of being rewarded if he is catapulted to the high office. While Maharashtra strongman Sharad Pawar had left the Congress to form his own party the Nationalist Congress Party some years ago on the dynastic question, Mamata, Mayawati and Akhilesh have serious reservations about Rahul as leader. Telangana chief minister K Chandrashekhar Rao too falls in the same category. Election after election in which Rahul has campaigned vigorously has shown that he is far from being a vote-catcher, in contrast to the almost magical charisma of Narendra Modi who mesmerises his audiences. Also Read | PM Modi's fitness video bizarre, ridiculous, says Rahul Gandhi Rahuls barbs too dont cut much ice and are often in poor taste. At the Iftaar dinner, to the delight of those like Sitaram Yechury of the CPM at his table, Rahul mocked at Prime Minister Modi for his fitness video, calling it bizarre. Some of the leaders had a good laugh while Pranab Mukherjee reportedly sat with a glum face. That the sheen has worn off in Modis case is a manifestation of an anti-establishment mood that is palpable but, as things stand, it would be no mean task for Rahul to rise to be a credible challenger to the Prime Minister. Bangalore: It is just an assembly seat election in Bangalores Jayanagar constituency, but its results hold tremendous significance to the 2019 Lok Sabha general elections, now less than a year away. The Congress-Janata Dal-Secular combine wrested the BJP stronghold of Jayanagar assembly that it held for over a decade, albeit with a narrow margin, taking the combines strength to 119, in what can be a pointer to the fate of the ruling party at the centre in the general elections. Yet another defeat coming as it does after the Gorakhpur, Phulpur and Kairana losses in Uttar Pradesh, the situation is alarming for its top leadership. For sure, the dynamics, the issues and the general mood in the national elections would be totally different and one cannot read too much into an assembly result and its import. But why the Jayanagar outcome Congress candidate Soumya Reddy wresting the seat from the BJP in its stronghold in the city is important is because it proves that the Congress and the JD-S combine will be a formidable opponent in Karnataka for the BJP. This puts a question mark over the BJPs ability to retain or better its 2014 performance in Karnataka, the only state in south where it has significant presence, as the new coalition partners have declared they will fight the Lok Sabha polls together, preventing a vote split that benefits the BJP. It had won 17 out of the 28 seats from its gateway to south India in 2014 general elections, fighting on its own. The Congress had nine and the JD-S two seats when they fought separately, allowing the BJP to walk away with the lions share. But this time around, it is not just in Karnataka, but across south India the BJP will be finding the going much tougher than it had earlier anticipated. The Modi-Shah relentless electoral machine would be driving into a huge road block in South India, as situation on the ground at present indicates. In 2014, the BJP won 21 of the total 130 seats in South India. Notwithstanding all its protestations, the BJP is a prisoner of perception in South as a Northern pro-Hindi and Hindutva party and as such will first have to battle this, as John Arokiaswamy, a perception strategist who worked for the Congress party in recent Karnataka assembly elections, asserts. In 2019 general elections, even in Karnataka the BJP will have to sweat it more. But the more important question, from the BJP perspective is, whether it can make up for possible losses in Karnataka from another neighbouring state? If we take the case of Tamil Nadu, at state with 39 Lok Sabha seats, the BJPs perceived role in the state politics and how it is seen as propping up a regime that upturned most of the major stands of Jayalalithaa on GST, on NEET could go well against it. In the last general elections, the BJP had a non-AIADMK, non-DMK alliance and won two seats one of its own and another for the then ally Pattali Makkal Katchi. But now, that alliance had broken down and the BJP is in search of new allies. Speculation is rife that the BJP could ally with the ruling AIADMK, but it is not the same party it was under Jayalalithaa and could prove to be a liability for the BJP. Since there is a strong perception that the BJP controlled the Tamil Nadu government, any party aligning with the BJP may risk suffering collateral damage. Not many analysts give the BJP any seats from Tamil Nadu and Puducherry. Instead, the BJP could be exploring post-poll allies during government formation. Tamil Nadu also presents an interesting phenomenon of two superstars Rajinikanth and Kamal Haasan -- taking on each other and possibly queering the pitch further. At present, it is their film business that is getting promoted by the political noises they are making. Sources close to Rajinikanth hint at the Thalaivar starting own party and aligning with the BJP. In 2014, even the great NAMO wave could do precious little to help the BJP. It could win just one seat in Tamil Nadu, courtesy the Congress candidate who cut into the AIADMK votes. Kerala continued to be a no-go areas then and could remain so even in 2019. In neighbouring Andhra Pradesh, the BJP won three seats with the help of its ally, Telugu Desam party when the AP was the combined state. Now, the BJP is taking on the TDP which has walked out of the NDA and could tie up with the YSR Congress party or with film star-turned politician Pawan Kalyan. In Andhra there are 25 seats up for grabs and in Telangana 17, making up for 42 in between them. TDP chief N Chandrababu Naidu, considered one of the most astute of political weather cocks in the nation, has switched sides, at the proverbial eleventh hour, so to speak. He was seen on the same dais as Sonia Gandhi, Rahul Gandhi, Mayawati, Akhilesh Yadav, Sitaram Yechury, HD Kumaraswamy and others and is part and parcel of the political grouping that wants to ensure straight BJP versus a common candidate in at least 400 seats of the total 544. In Andhra Pradesh, anti-BJP sentiments are also peaking because of its refusal to grant AP Special Status. In Telangana too, the BJP without any powerful ally does not have much prospects to speak of. Telangana Chief Minister KC Ramachandra Rao has also taken an anti-BJP stance, which is bad news for the BJP as far as its southern sojourn is concerned. South India can hardly be depended upon to make up for losses that the BJP may suffer in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar, where it performed well in the last general elections. The High Criminal Appeals Court yesterday upheld the death sentences issued against two Asian men who murdered their fellow national. The two Bangladeshi men were convicted of killing a fellow countryman following a dispute over BD50. The badly decomposed body of Bangladeshi national Haris Kanu Miah was found buried under cement and rocks at the under construction Al Louzy housing project in Hamad Town on August 3, 2014. They were sentenced to death, and an appeals court upheld it. But, the Cassation Court, Bahrains highest court, ordered a re-hearing for their appeals in a different appeals court which yesterday upheld their death sentences. Mr Miah was reported missing on June 16, 2014, and an investigation was launched into his disappearance which led to the arrest of the two convicted men; a 29-year-old labourer and a 26-year-old cleaner. The duo told prosecutors that Mr Miah had been sharing a room with them for three months and owed them money. A forensic report showed that the victim was tied up and gagged with a cloth and duct tape before beating him to death. The defendants didnt just kill the victim but also stole his mobile phone and wallet before stuffing his body in a suitcase and burying it on June 14, 2014. The body was discovered after a passer-by noticed a foul smell. A 35-year-old Indian pick-up driver told prosecutors earlier that he had given the convicts a lift on the day of the incident. They stopped me in Manama and asked me to drop them in Demistan, he said, in his statement to prosecutors. I gave them a lift and I noticed they had a suitcase, which was tied with a yellow rope covered with duct tape and cloth. I later identified them at a police station. Central Japan Railway Co., or JR Tokai, has increased the number of patrolling guards on Shinkansen high-speed trains in the wake of a knife rampage last weekend in which one passenger was killed and two others were injured, company president Shin Kaneko revealed on Wednesday. The company also plans to have more police officers on Shinkansen trains and introduce a smartphone-based system by August that enables simultaneous talks among crew members in the event of an emergency, Kaneko told a press conference. The company chief, however, took a negative stance on starting baggage inspections for Shinkansen passengers before boarding. "It's difficult to implement, because the convenience of the railway service could be sacrificed," Kaneko said. "We have no choice but to ensure security through other measures." The stabbing spree by a 22-year-old man occurred on a Tokaido Shinkansen train between Shin-Yokohama and Odawara Stations in Kanagawa Prefecture on Saturday night. A sense of alarm spread within the Japanese government after U.S. President Donald Trump Tuesday mentioned his wish to pull U.S. soldiers out of South Korea. The Trump remarks prompted Japanese Defense Ministry officials to rush to gather information about the president's true intentions and confirm the U.S. Defense Department's views. At a news conference following his closely watched summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore, Trump denied that his agreement with Kim included a reduction in the U.S. military capability in South Korea. He said, however: "At some point, I have to be honest...I want to get our soldiers out. I want to bring our soldiers back home." He added: "But that's not part of the equation right now. At some point, I hope it will be, but not right now." Speaking to reporters in Tokyo on Wednesday, Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera underscored the significance of U.S. forces in South Korea, as well as in Japan. The Nara prefectural government said Wednesday that it will make the use of Sento-kun, the official mascot of the western Japan prefecture, free of charge from August. The Nara government, which currently collects 3 pct fees from the use of the character, hopes that the charge-free measure will encourage many companies to use the Sento-kun character in their goods and services and, thus, promote the prefecture, known for a number of historical sites including World Heritage properties. The prefectural government has seen royalties from the use of the character declining along with its popularity. "We expect Sento-kun to become popular again and be used more widely," Nara Governor Shogo Arai told a press conference. "We wish recognition of our prefecture will rise." Sento-kun, a Buddha boy with deer horns, was created in 2008 and attracted public attention as the mascot for a 2010 festival to mark the 1,300th year since the transfer of Japan's ancient capital to Nara. "Sento" means relocation of the capital. Japan's Toyota Motor is stepping up its alliance with Southeast Asia's leading ride-hailing firm amid growing interest in such services worldwide. Toyota plans to invest 1 billion dollars in the Singapore-based company Grab. The carmaker is seeking new opportunities through self-driving technology. It also plans to send 2 senior executives to the company. Grab offers taxi and other car services in Singapore, Thailand and 6 other Southeast Asian countries through a smartphone app. The firm boasts an overwhelming market share in the region. The 2 companies formed their tie-up last August. - NHK One of the famed deer roaming in the western Japan city of Nara has been found with a paper dart lodged in its neck, local authorities said Wednesday, prompting police to launch an investigation. The roughly 4-year-old, 36 kilogram doe appears to have suffered only a minor injury and has been taken in by a deer protection group. It was found near the Kasuga Taisha Shrine in Nara Park with a piece of pencil lead wrapped in paper protruding from the left side of its neck, according to the Nara prefectural government. The city is home to around 1,500 deer, which roam freely in and around the park and are a major tourist draw. - Kyodo Japan's nuclear watchdog on Wednesday approved a plan to scrap a nuclear fuel reprocessing plant northeast of Tokyo over a 70-year period with the cost projected at 1 trillion yen ($9 billion). The facility in Tokaimura, Ibaraki Prefecture went into operation in 1977. It was Japan's first spent-fuel reprocessing plant built under the nation's nuclear fuel cycle policy, which aims to reprocess all spent nuclear fuel in order to reuse the extracted plutonium and uranium as reactor fuel in the resource-scarce country. But the policy has run into a dead end as the completion of a separate fuel reprocessing plant in Aomori Prefecture, built on the technological expertise of the Tokaimura plant, has been delayed by more than 20 years. The decommissioning cost will be shouldered by taxpayers as the Japan Atomic Energy Agency operating the Tokaimura plant, is backed by the state. Where to store the waste accumulated at the plant is undecided. - Kyodo China is buying more nuclear reactors and nuclear technology from Russia. * four more VVER-1200 units at Xudabao and Tianwan * cooperation in the CFR-600 fast reactor pilot project * supply of the RITEG (Radioisotope Thermoelectric Generator) parts for Chinas lunar exploration programme. The design of the Tianwan plant is based on Russias AES-91 project with a VVER-1000 reactor. The State Council gave its approval for the third phase of the Tianwan plant (units 5 and 6) both featuring Chinese-designed 1080 MWe ACPR1000 reactors on 16 December 2015. First safety-related concrete was poured for unit 5 later that month and for unit 6 in September 2016. Unit 5 is expected to enter commercial operation in December 2020 and unit 6 in October 2021. First EPR reactor starting The Taishan unit 1 nuclear power plant in Chinas Guangdong province has reached a sustained chain reaction for the first time. It will be the first EPR reactor to reach the commissioning milestone. The unit is expected to enter commercial operation later in 2018. Taishan 1 and 2 are the first two reactors based on the EPR design to be built in China. They form part of an EUR8.0 billion (USD9.5 billion) contract signed by Areva and China General Nuclear (CGN) in November 2007. The Taishan project 140 kilometers west of Hong Kong is owned by the Guangdong Taishan Nuclear Power Joint Venture Company Limited, a joint venture between EDF (30%) and CGN. Previously the US Air Force had plans to develop hypersonic missiles, hypersonic drones and hypersonic planes by the 2040s. However, Russia and China are deploying hypersonic missiles now, so the transition to a full range of more capable hypersonic weapons will be accelerated. The hypersonic missiles being introduced now and over the next few years have speeds of mach 5 to mach 20. This will be followed by more mature hypersonic weapons. Russias Kinzhal has a claimed range of more than 2,000 km (1,200 mi), Mach 10 speed, and an ability to perform evasive manoeuvres at every stage of the flight. Chinas HGV warhead, the DF-17, will be the first hypersonic glide weapon. Avangard (also called Objekt 4202, Yu-71 and Yu-74) is a hypersonic glide vehicle developed by the Russian Federation using a Scramjet engine, that can be carried as a MIRV payload by UR-100UTTKh, RS-26 Rubezh and RS-28 Sarmat superheavy ICBM and can deliver both nuclear and conventional payloads. Avangard reaches speed of Mach 20 and is capable of sharp high-speed evasive manoeuvres in flight. The US will be spending billions to have Lockheed and other develop hypersonic missiles and other weapons. Now to 2025 For the next 7 years, there will be relatively small numbers of hypersonic missiles introduced. The US will have high-velocity projectiles for all of its conventional naval and army guns. Those will be fired at mach 3 which would be double the speed of a conventional projectile but below hypervelocity mach 5 and faster. Materials, engines and other hypersonic related technologies will be improved. This will increase the speed and range of weapons. The first hypersonic drones will likely be created. This will enable reusable weapons. SpaceX should create the BFR rocket. This will be fully reusable and able to launch 150 tons into orbit. It is also being developed for Mach 25 hypersonic travel between any point on earth. This will transform access to space by lowering costs by over ten times while increasing launch capacity. The US and Europe are funding and developing the Reaction Engines Skylon spaceplane. Adapting the cooling and engine technology to a smaller fighter sized mach 5 military vehicle prototype could be possible by 2025. China and USA will be testing their first railgun weapons on Navy ships and on land. China already appears to have a test railgun on a ship and the US has been testing a railgun on land. Combat lasers will be deployed with power levels up to a few hundred kilowatts. Thousands of internet satellites will be deployed. 2025-2034 The speed and range of next-generation hypersonic weapons will be increased. The numbers of hypersonic weapons will be greatly increased. Hypersonic drones will be deployed. Offensive capabilities will be far superior to defensive systems. Megawatt combat lasers would be somewhat effective in defending against hypersonic weapons. The military will continue by developing more offensive systems. The best defence is a good offence. Mach 20 hypersonic missiles will be moving at 4 miles per second and Mach 25 missiles at 5 miles per second. This will make it difficult for even very high power lasers to defend. The SpaceX BFR is planning to have point to point flight schedules multiple times per day for the same vehicle. SpaceX COO Gwynne Shotwell has talked about flying ten times per day by 2030 with commercial point to point passenger travel. Tens of thousands of internet satellites will be deployed. 2035 and beyond Hypersonic drones and planes will depend upon the development of new engines. Aerojet Rocketdyne is developing turbine-based combined cycle engine. It is a three in one engine that will operate at low speed all the way through hypersonic speed. China also has an extensive hypersonic engine program. Spacex Launch can be used for hypersonic weapons that can hit anywhere on Earth in minutes Kinetic orbital strike (rods from god) is the hypothetical act of attacking a planetary surface with an inert projectile, where the destructive force comes from the kinetic energy of the projectile impacting at very high velocities. Then dropping several ton metal rods just allows has gravity to accelerate them to mach 10. They would have some directional control with some control fins and technology similar to JDAM bombs. This has far less development risk and complexity than developing hypersonic technology in the current projects. SpaceX BFR could deploy tens of thousands of metal rods and their orbital platforms and place them into position. Small rods or missiles that release a cluster of metal balls can be used to take down enemy missiles like ICBMs (particularly in the boost phase) and they can be used to fire downwards at any missile targeting the Rods from Gods platforms. Mach 30 accelerated weapons could strike anywhere on earth from orbit in about 30 seconds. 2035 and beyond will see the transition of new military planes having hypersonic engines. President General of Mdzough U Tiv, Edward Ujege has rubbished the call by the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali that states should susp... President General of Mdzough U Tiv, Edward Ujege has rubbished the call by the Minister of Defence, Mansur Dan-Ali that states should suspend the anti-open grazing law, following the continued crisis between herdsmen and farmers across the country. Dan-Ali had explained that the enactment of the law was responsible for the continued crisis between herdsmen and farmers across the country. Some states of the Federation enacted the Anti-Open Grazing Law as a panacea to the persistent crisis between herdsmen and farmers. States that have so far enacted the Anti-Open Grazing Law include, Benue, Abia and Nasarawa states, despite calls for its suspension. Following the enactment of the law, the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Associations have vowed to opposedthe law since there was no alternative yet for cattle rearers. However, speaking with DAILY POST, President General of Mdzough U Tiv, Edward Ujege described Ali-Mansur as an Illiterate who is not fit to occupy the position of a Minister. According to Ujege, That man is an Illiterate who is not qualified to be a Minister. He doesnt know how to respond to issues. He is not current with what is happening in the country. Out of the 36 states in the country, three-quarter is being ravaged by herdsmen, do those other people have the laws enacted in their state? For instance in Plateau, Nassarawa, Kaduna, Zamfara, Ondo and Enugu states where there are killings, do they have the law? That is why I said the man is an illiterate and not current with what is going on. If he is current with the constitution, he will understand that it empowers the National Assembly and the state governments to make laws for the benefit of people that are there. Mind you, we are not in a military rule that we are living by decrees but by constitutions and laws that are being made. And he should know that by repealing a law you have to go back to the people that made it, that is the reasons why I said he is an illiterate. We are not in a military regime and he doesnt know what is happening in the country. Mansur is not qualified to be in that position, he should resign. Ujege said the people of the state have turned to God as their source of defence since they have no money to buy arms. The Tiv elder statesman noted that people of the state will continue to ensure their defence until normalcy returns to the state. The Federal High Court, Abuja on Wednesday fixed June 21, to rule on a suit seeking the proscription of Fulani herdsmen as a terrorist org... The Federal High Court, Abuja on Wednesday fixed June 21, to rule on a suit seeking the proscription of Fulani herdsmen as a terrorist organisation. Justice Gabriel Kolawole fixed the date after listening to an ex-parte application filed by a Makurdi- based legal practitioner, Mr Matthew Nyiutsa. Nyiutsa is seeking the leave of court to compel President Muhammadu Buhari and the Attorney -General of the Federation (AGF) to move a court of competent jurisdiction to proscribe herdsmen as a terrorist group. He said that this was with particular reference to the herdsmen operating in Benue. Nyiutsa, who appeared in person, told the court that he was a victim of the continued attacks by Fulani herdsmen on communities in Benue which resulted in the death of more than 200 persons and the destruction of private and public properties. Properties such as residential houses, hospitals/clinics, churches, schools, bridges and markets worth billions of naira have been destroyed. The herdsmen have also caused grievous bodily injuries to several hundreds of people as well as take-over ancestral houses of displaced persons in Mbadwen, Uvir, Mbabai, Nyier and Mbayer/Yandev among others, he said. He submitted that the series of armed attacks particularly from Jan 1, to May, on inhabitants of communities in Guma, Logo, Makurdi, Gwer-East, Buruku, Tarka, Katsina-Ala and Ukum Local government Areas of Benue were acts of terrorism. This according to him is as defined under Section 1(3) of the Terrorism (Prevention) Act, 2011 as amended. Nyiutsa further submitted that his right to ventilate his predicament under Section 6 of the 1999 Constitution must be preserved and protected by the court. He urged the court to grant the application so that it could be heard on its merits. President Donald Trump turned 72 on Thursday, having returned to the fray of Washington politics after his gruelling trip to Singapore for the summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un.Trump in 2016 was the oldest person to assume the US presidency he was 70 then although Ronald Reagan was 73 when he was re-elected in 1984.Trumps health, both physical and mental, have been the subject of keen interest in America.He underwent an official physical in January and then White House physician Ronny Jackson described his health as excellent.When Trump was still a presidential candidate, his then personal doctor Harold Bornstein released a letter on Trumps behalf in December 2015 in which he described the businessmans health in grand hyperbole.It depicted Trumps blood pressure and laboratory results as astonishingly excellent, his physical strength and stamina as extraordinary, and said he would be the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency.Last month Bornstein told CNN that Trump had personally dictated the letter.Bornstein also said last month that a bodyguard visited his Park Avenue office last year and confiscated the presidents medical records.Bornstein said the raid took place on February 3, 2017, two days after The New York Times quoted the physician as saying he had prescribed Trump a hair growth medicine for years. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, has docked five persons before an Abuja High Court sitting at Maitama, following their alleged complicity in the fraudulent diversion of about $4 million of the Global Fund to Fight AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria in Nigeria.The defendants- Abimbola Abioye, Wuraola Adebayo, Zubairu Ibrahim, Faturiti Jacob and Azeez Aderemi- were arraigned before Justice Justice Olasumbo Goodluck on a six-count charge bordering on criminal conspiracy, forgery and embezzlement of a grant that was handed to Nigeria by the Geneva-based agency.Count one of the charge against them read: That you, Abimbola Abioye Alamu, whilst being the program officer at the Department of Health Planning, Research and Statistics, Federal ministry of Health, Mrs Adebayo Wuraola Adejoke, whilst being monitoring and evaluation Officer at the Department of Health Planning, Research and Statistics, Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Azeez Aderemi Najim, whilst being project coordinator, at the Department of Health Planning, Research and Statistics Federal Ministry of Health, Zubairu Kindi Ibrahim, whilst being Assistant project Accountant at the Department of Health Planning, Research and Statistics, Federal Ministry of Health, Faturoti Oladiti Jacob, whilst being training officer at the Department of Health Planning, Research and Statistics, Federal Ministry of Health, sometime between 2010 and 2014 in Abuja, within the jurisdiction of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, did conspire amongst ourselves to do an illegal act to wit: convert to yourselves the aggregate sum of N28,802,483.80 (Twenty Eight Million, Eight Hundred and Two Thousand, Four Hundred and Eighty Three Naira, Eighty Kobo) property of The Global Fund for the purpose of the implementation of its health improvement program in Nigeria and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 97 of the Penal Code Act, Cap. 532 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria (Abuja) 1990.However, the defendants pleaded not guilty to the charge and were granted bail to the tune of N1million each with one surety each in like sum.Aside seizing their international passports, the court stressed that the sureties must not be below grade level 12 and must be resident in Abuja.The case was adjourned till October 11 for trial.It will be recalled that The Global Fund had in March 2016 suspended payments to Nigerias AIDS agency over the diversion of about $3.8 million allegedly stolen by workers and consultants.The grant was also to ensure the establishment of a National Health Information System, a service that could have aided delivery of quality health care services in Nigeria.The Global Fund had in a petition it sent to rhe EFCC, alleged that during a recent routine check by the Office of the Inspector General, Global Fund, it was discovered that from 2010 to 2014, the suspects who are employees of Department of Planning, Research and Statistics (DPRS) Federal Ministry of Health conspired among themselves to receive and systematically embezzle the sum amount through the use of fictitious invoices, receipts of hotel stays, air flight tickets and other instruments to access and divert the fund for their own personal gains. The Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Ibrahim Gambari, has intervened in the face-off between the University of Ilorin, UNILORIN, and herdsmen who vowed not to relocate from the universitys land.Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Sulyman AbdulKareem, had, at a meeting with the herdsmen in February, told them enough is enough, stressing that the institution can no longer condone the destructive activities of their grazing cattle on its land, as this is becoming too costly for the institution to bear.However, Chairman, Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association in Kwara State, Alhaji Usman Adamu, asked the government to prevail on authorities of the university not to evict them from their settlement on the schools grounds.He contended that they had settled on the land before the university was established, hence it would be impossible for them to relocate.Speaking, yesterday, during the annualinteraction with newsmen in Ilorin, the Vice Chancellor revealed that the Emir intervened to save the day, by providing a parcel of land at a village, Opolo, in Ilorin South Local Government Area, for the herdsmen as settlement, to douse the brewing tension between the two camps.According to him, at that first meeting, I agreed to do the bidding agreed upon by my predecessors. The lucky thing is that after media reports, I got invited to the Emirs palace.I went there and I told the emir exactly what happened. I must thank him for the way he took everything.He said he thought we were taking care of everything on our own and not leaving anything for them to input.When we told him what we did, he said he had agreed to give a parcel of land in Opolo village, to these herdsmen and he will arrange what will be given to them.The last few times that we met the herdsmen, we thought they will live together, but they said that one group, out of the two, will have to migrate somewhere else, but the one that will stay will take the land offered by the emir.We pray, again, that they will not bring their cattle to the university land once they are located very close to the university: that is where we stand. Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has reacted to the demand by former governor of Edo state, Adams Oshiomhole ... Reno Omokri, a former aide to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan, has reacted to the demand by former governor of Edo state, Adams Oshiomhole that President Muhammadu Buhari should arrest former President Olusegun Obasanjo. Oshiomhole had stated that he would have arrested and prosecuted Obasanjo if he were President Buhari. On Twitter, Omokri on Wednesday, lambasted the former Labour leader. The ex-Presidential aide wrote: How can Oshiomhole ask Buhari, the man who borrowed 11 trillion in 3 years (more money than PDP borrowed in 16 years) to arrest Obasanjo. An Igbo interest group, Voice from the East, VEAST, yesterday described the President of Nigeria, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, as very corrupt leaders.The group, VEAST, who made the allegation in a release on the backdrop of the recent impasse between the duo, posited that Buhari accusing Obasanjo of corruption is like the pot calling the kettle black.According to the release signed by the Convener of VEAST, Comrade Kindness Jonah, Buhari is grandstanding by incriminating Obasanjo over the 16 billion dollars power project.Buhari accusing Obasanjo of corruption, when as it were, both are not free from the same accusation, Buhari is evidently more neck-deep than Obasanjo in the ocean of corruption, the group posits.The organisation also posits that accusing Obasanjo of corruption over the power project is a diversionary grandstanding by Buhari to shift the public eyes from the glaring woeful failure he is in governance in comparison to Obasanjo.Maintaining their stance that Buhari is as corrupt as Obasanjo, the group pointed out that in as much as misappropriating public funds is not good in any way, Buhari as a Petroleum Minister in 1978 allegedly misappropriated funds.Buhari as a Minister of Petroleum in 1978, was said to have vanished 2.8 billion Naira at a time Naira was more than Dollars which as at June 12, 2018 is about 496, 000 billion Naira. This money was stolen via HSBC Bank in London. The records are there until today, the organisation alleges.Still affirming that Buhari is not corrupt free, the organisation drew attention to the 25 billion dollars of October, 2017 missing in NNPC account with Baru as GMD and Buhari as the Minister of Petroleum.Since Buhari came on board as President, Nigeria has bled to coma in public loot far more than any other government in history, at least in Nigeria, the group also alleges.Talking about insecurity in the land, VEAST, pointed out that under Buhari, there has been a lot of bloodshed in Nigeria.In the area of bloodshed, Buharis regime has killed far more Nigerians than any other in history in the rulership of Nigeria, the group alleges.The group blamed Obasanjo and Jonathan of failing to restructure Nigeria which is what probably plunged Nigeria into chaos, socially, economically and otherwise.VEAST had expected Obasanjo who had it all, knew the nooks and crannies of Islamic expansionism right from his military days before the war, to have hatched a plan to nip the Islamic excesses of Sokoto caliphatan to bud, to wir, Buhari, the group accuses. Woodcliff Lake was not trying to keep out an Orthodox Jewish Congregation, the borough's attorney said Thursday, one day after the U.S. Attorney's Office filed a civil rights lawsuit against the town. Woodcliff Lake Borough Attorney Ron Dario declined to comment hours after the 17-page complaint was filed in U.S. District Court in New Jersey Wednesday, but sent an email statement to NJ Advance Media Thursday afternoon. "We have in the past and will continue to cooperate with any investigation into the borough's policies and procedures," Dario said. "We maintain that our borough is non discriminatory and welcoming for people of all faiths." The lawsuit alleges that Woodcliff Lake officials took steps to keep Valley Chabad from building on three separate sites over the course of eight years and denied a zoning application for the congregation to expand its current building on Overlook Drive. Dario said Thursday that the issue is not one of religious discrimination, it's strictly a matter of building size. "Valley Chabad continues to demand the construction of a 17,000 sq. foot facility with seating for 400 plus congregants, on a single family home plot," he said, adding the site is less than half the size required by zoning laws. "The fact that the zoning application required two dozen variances shows how ill-suited the property is for their proposed use." The borough attorney also denied that officials interfered with Valley Chabad's attempts to purchase land. The lawsuit alleges that between 2005 and 2013, the borough blocked the congregation's attempts by expressing interest in rezoning or acquiring the sites through eminent domain -- after Valley Chabad was under contract to purchase them. The borough eventually acquired two of the properties and rezoned the third, according to the complaint. "In fact, the borough has attempted to assist Valley Chabad by identifying other larger plots that can easily accommodate their needs," Dario said. "For reasons unknown to the borough, Valley Chabad has walked away from other projects and failed to entertain the idea of building on approved locations within the borough, which were in conformity with the borough's land use regulations." Valley Chabad filed its own federal lawsuit against the borough in Nov. 2016, which is in the discovery phase. "In essence they're both addressing the same issue, the fact that the Chabad's religious exercise has been burdened as a result of the borough's action," Roman Storzer, Valley Chabad's attorney said Wednesday. Strozer said between minimum lot size, setbacks and environmental restrictions "we're arguing there's no place where the Chabad could locate a house of worship." Dario said the borough just wants Valley Chabad to conform to the borough's regulations. "We are saddened by the response of the Valley Chabad in their choice to take this action against our quiet New Jersey town, comprised of hard working people of all faiths, that welcomed them into our community," he said. Allison Pries may be reached at apries@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @AllisonPries. Find NJ.com on Facebook. UPDATE: Pilots killed in N.J. plane crash were on Angel Flight to help sick patient The two men killed when a small plane crashed into a field in Burlington County on Wednesday morning have been identified by authorities. The plane's owner, Robert Winner, 69 of the Marlton section of Evesham, and co-pilot Timothy Scannevin, 71, of Southampton, died when the twin-engine Hawker Beechcraft 58 Baron went down in Springfield. Both were pronounced dead at the scene minutes after the crash was reported at 9:48 a.m. on the 1100 block of Smithville Jacksonville Road. No one else was aboard the plane and no one on the ground was injured. A firefighter from the Jacksonville fire company in Springfield said the plane went across two fields and into the woods. The plane took off from South Jersey Regional Airport in Lumberton bound for Barnstable Municipal Airport in Hyannis, Massachusetts, according to flight tracking service FlightAware. It was the only plane reported to be flying that route around the time of the crash. The aircraft reached 1,300 feet before descending a short time after takeoff, according to flight data. The National Transportation Safety Board is expected to release more information about the crash on Thursday. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Online retailer Amazon has announced plans for it's ninth massive fulfillment center in New Jersey, adding another 600 jobs for one of the state's largest employers. The new fulfillment center will open next year on commercial property in the 1100 block of East Pearl Street in Burlington. The "1-million square foot facility will support customer fulfillment and join our network of fulfillment centers across the state of New Jersey," Amazon spokeswoman Rachael Lighty said in a statement. The timeline for opening the Burlington fulfillment center has not yet been announced, Lighty said. Amazon first came to New Jersey in 2012 and has about 16,000 employees in facilities located in Avenel, Carteret, Cranbury, Edison, Florence, Logan and Robbinsville. The company announced in March plans to build a 650,000-square-foot fulfillment center in West Deptford. That facility will employ 1,000 people when it opens. Employees at the fulfillment centers will pick, pack and ship items at the distribution center to customers across the Northeast, Lighty said. As with other Amazon facilities, the Burlington site was chosen based on a variety of factors, Lighty said. "Some of those factors include a dedicated workforce who will raise the bar on being customer obsessed as well as great local support," Lighty said. "We've found both in Burlington." Lighty said Amazon looks "forward to building relationships and being a good employer and community neighbor for years to come." Full-time Amazon employees receive competitive wages, health insurance, 401(k) and company stock options that start on their first day of employment, Lighty said. The company also offers maternity and parental leave benefits for full-time employees, along with access to programs that pay for college courses, Lighty said. Anthony G. Attrino may be reached at tattrino@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @TonyAttrino. Find NJ.com on Facebook. The suspected shoplifter sought after a Deptford Township officer shot and killed another suspect was caught in Philadelphia on Wednesday. Raoul A. Gadson, 43, of Phlladelphia, fought with employees at Marshalls on Saturday as he and two others tried to shoplift more than $3,400 in merchandise from the store, authorities said. Raoul A. Gadson (Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office) As Deptford police arrived at the scene, Gadson ran off. The other two, LaShanda Anderson, 36, and Chanel Barnes, 38, ran for their SUV and began driving away, officials said. As officers ordered them to stop, Anderson struck one of them with the vehicle's open door. Prosecutors say Anderson then aimed the vehicle at the other officer in a deliberate attempt to run him down. The officer fired three shots, killing Anderson. Barnes was taken into custody at the scene, while Gadson remained at large until he was apprehended by members of the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office fugitive unit in Philly. Gadson will be held there until he can be extradited to New Jersey to face second-degree charges of robbery and assault. Barnes is due in court Thursday morning for a detention hearing on a charge of shoplifting. The prosecutor's office is investigating the shooting and will issue findings to the public once its review is complete. The Gloucester County NAACP issued a statement Wednesday expressing concern about the shooting and seeking to "assist in the investigative process and close the divide that police shootings often create among citizens of diverse backgrounds." Deptford officers do not wear body cameras, but investigators are seeking surveillance footage and speaking to talk to witnesses in an effort to piece together what happened. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us: nj.com/tips. Despite an extensive criminal record, an alleged shoplifter arrested during a fatal confrontation with a police officer was ordered released from custody during a detention hearing on Thursday. Chanel L. Barnes, 38, of Philadelphia, is accused of conspiring with two others to steal more than $3,400 in merchandise from a Marshalls in Deptford Township on Saturday afternoon. Marshalls personnel summoned police as the trio tried to leave the store with merchandise crammed into a suitcase. As police arrived, Barnes and LaShanda Anderson, 36, also of Philly, ran to their SUV and tried to flee. With Anderson at the wheel, the vehicle's open door struck one cop. Anderson allegedly attempted to run down a second officer, but he fired three shots at the vehicle, striking Anderson twice. She died at the scene and Barnes was arrested. Public defender Julius Hughes and assistant prosecutor Dianna Reed-Rolando, conference with Judge Robert Becker during the detention hearing for Chanel Barnes on Thursday, June 14, 2018. (Al Amrhein | For NJ Advance Media) The trio were known to Marshalls staff from prior shoplifting incidents, Assistant Prosecutor Diana Reed-Rolando said Thursday. "When they entered the store, they were pretty much watching them the entire time," she said. Security cameras in the store captured the theft, prosecutors said. The state sought Barnes' detention based on several factors, including her prior record, which consists of 14 prior disorderly persons convictions, six indictable convictions and two failures to appear. Those cases mainly involved retail thefts. She was sentenced last October to three years probation after pleading guilty to a third-degree theft charge in Essex County. Public defender Julius Hughes called the prosecutor's bid to detain his client "intellectually dishonest." "We all know the state has filed this motion because of the tragedy that occurred after this incident happened," he said. He argued that, despite her record, she is not a flight risk and poses no danger to others. LaShanda Anderson, 36, of Philadelphia, was shot to death after she allegedly tried to run down a police officer with her vehicle. (Facebook) "The person fatally injured in this matter was her friend," Hughes said. "As far as a danger to the community, the state is seeking to elevate this defendant's dangerousness by the tragic accident. I believe that to be improper, your honor. "This defendant has absolutely no violence in her history. She is not a danger to the public." The defendants were unarmed during the incident. Superior Court Judge Robert Becker Jr. responded that he didn't believe the defendant was being treated any differently than another other defendant facing a similar charge, and took issue with Hughes' characterization of the shooting. "I don't also buy your comment that the only reason the state brought this action to detain was because of what you call a tragic accident. This wasn't, as I understand it, a tragic accident. It was a tragic incident." Becker described Barnes' record as "abysmal." "She's a frequent flier with this state and other states involving shoplifting and retail theft," he said. Just the same, Becker concluded that the prosecution didn't make the case for detaining Barnes and ordered her released with a requirement that she report to court officials once a week. He also told her not to visit any Marshalls stores. In making his decision, the judge cited New Jersey bail reform, under which the state shifted from setting monetary bail to a risk-based system of determining if a defendant should be freed pending trial. "The state's concerns are very real," he said, but, "she has not had the opportunity to succeed under our release provisions as we now have them and I'm going to give her that opportunity." Dressed in green jail garb, Barnes stood quietly during the proceeding, consulting periodically with her public defender. She smiled following the judge's decision to release her. Barnes is scheduled to return to court July 26 for a pre-indictment conference. Raoul A. Gadson (Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office) The third accomplice, Raoul Gadson, 43, of Philadelphia, allegedly assaulted a store employee before running from the store. He was arrested in Philadelphia on Wednesday and will be extradited to New Jersey to face assault and robbery charges. The Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office is investigating the shooting. The county NAACP issued a statement Wednesday expressing concern about the shooting and asking the state Attorney General's Office to take part in the probe. Two attorneys appearing on behalf of the Gloucester County NAACP attended the hearing and consulted with Barnes. Speaking after the hearing, civil rights attorney Gregg Zeff said they are investigating the incident because this was a police-involved shooting of an unarmed person. "We're not taking sides at this point, but we'd like to know what happened here," he said. Deptford police do not have body cameras, so investigators are relying on witness statements and seeking security camera footage from the area. Prosecutors say a dispatcher told responding officers that one of the shoplifters was sought in connection with a prior homicide, but authorities have not provided details on that case. Dispatch communications from the call have not been released. Matt Gray may be reached at mgray@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @MattGraySJT. Find the South Jersey Times on Facebook. Have a tip? Tell us: nj.com/tips. JERSEY CITY -- A woman was shot on Thursday morning and a police officer was injured after being struck by the fleeing suspects' vehicle, officials said. The incident unfolded around 11 a.m. on Chestnut Street, a four block road near Dickinson High School. The woman was shot in the leg and an SUV fled the scene, a city spokeswoman said. Street Crimes officers spotted the Hyundai in the area and pulled the vehicle over. As an officer approached the SUV, the driver sped away and hit one of the cops, officials said. Police began to chase the vehicle and two suspects -- whose identities have not been released -- were taken into custody a short time later, officials said. The car had been reported stolen. Photos from the scene show the pursuit came to an end on Dey Street. The injured police officer was brought to Jersey City Medical Center to be treated for minor injuries. Additional information was not immediately available. Caitlin Mota may be reached at cmota@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitlin_mota. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook. JERSEY CITY -- A taxi driver who was robbed by two men and shot in Jersey City told police he had driven one of the men multiple times, leading to an arrest after the driver picked him out of a photo lineup, officials said. Isaiah Pickett, 18, of Storms Avenue near Monticello Avenue, is charged with robbery and conspiracy to commit armed robbery in the incident that began when the victim picked up his attackers on Olean Avenue on May 23, the complaint says. The driver said Pickett got into his front seat and he thought that strange but didn't mind because he had driven him "numerous" times. A second man got into the back seat, the complaint says. The men asked to be taken to the end of the block where the backseat passenger got out, came back with a bag and produced a gun. He said "Give me the money or I'll shoot you. I'm not playing," the complaint says. The driver tossed his money on the center console as he jumped out of the vehicle and ran. He said the men shot at him as he fled and he was struck in the arm and leg, the complaint says. Later, police showed a photo array to the driver and he identified Pickett as his regular customer and robber, the complaint says. It's not clear if the second man was identified. Pickett made his first appearance on the charges yesterday in Criminal Justice Reform Court in Jersey City via video link from Hudson County jail in Kearny. At the hearing, the state moved to detain him through the course of his prosecution. A detention hearing is set for Monday before Hudson County Superior Court Judge Paul DePascale in the Hudson County Administration Building in Jersey City. JERSEY CITY The feud between Jersey City and the staff of a Brooklyn-based newspaper escalated on Wednesday when police officers arrested one of its editors for disrupting the City Council meeting. The staff and supporters of the Indypendent started shouting from the audience when the council meeting began and did not stop when Council President Rolando Lavarro told them to knock it off. Instead, they started chanting "freedom of speech" as cops escorted Peter Rugh, an associate editor with the paper, out of the building. Officers took Rugh to the east district police station and later released him on a disorderly persons summons. The city confiscated the Indypendent's newspaper box at Five Corners in recent weeks along with hundreds of others citywide. "I told the police if they wanted to remove me they'd have to cuff me," Rugh told The Jersey Journal. "If they're going to take the news boxes and eliminate our ability to distribute the news, they might as well take one of our reporters as well." Rugh had been in front of City Hall before the meeting with the paper's editor in chief, John Tarleton, for a protest where the two said the confiscation of the newspaper boxes is an attack on the First Amendment and on the working-class and immigrant populations they say read their paper and other free publications. "We have a right to be here," Tarleton said. The U.S. Supreme Court has sided with publishers in cases where municipalities try to restrict newspaper boxes. Mayor Steve Fulop has said many of the boxes were not maintained properly. Fulop, who wants the council to pass an ordinance regulating news boxes, told The Jersey Journal the city took about 240 of them starting on May 25. "Anybody in Jersey City could attest to the fact that many of these have become trash receptacles and some of them are security risks," he said. "They're not maintained ... nobody comes and checks them." He added, "If we accidentally took one, you can come to us and we'll release them. We released 50 of them already." Tarleton and a spokeswoman for amNewYork, which had about 20 of its boxes taken, told The Jersey Journal the city has not responded to their requests for their boxes back. Asked to respond, Fulop said, "We've released 50 of them." Tarleton and Rugh have said the city's action is tantamount to theft. Fulop appeared outside City Hall Wednesday for an unrelated event occurring a few feet from the Indypendent's protest. He declined to speak to Rugh, who followed the mayor into City Hall shouting questions at him. This was an hour or so before the council meeting where Rugh was ejected. "Should I call the police for theft?" Rugh yelled at the mayor. Without turning to face him, Fulop said, "Yes." Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook. JERSEY CITY -- A 25-year-old Hoboken man is accused of sexually assaulting his stepbrother's daughter when she was just 8 years old in 2016, authorities said. The man, who lives in a Hoboken Housing Authority building, is charged with aggravated sexual assault in connection to an incident in which he put his hand behind the girls head and pulled it toward him during a sex act, a criminal complaint alleges. The court document states that when interviewed by the Hudson County Prosecutor's Office Special Victim's Unit on May 31, the girl also described another incident in which the man allegedly groped her when she was 9 years old. The defendant was arrested on June 8. He was also charged with endangering the welfare of a child and sexual assault by contact, the complaint says. Aggravated sexual assault is a crime of the first-degree and carries a possible sentence of 10 to 20 years in prison upon conviction. The Hoboken man made his first appearance on the charges on Friday in Criminal Justice Reform Court in Jersey City via video link from Hudson County jail in Kearny. At the hearing, the state moved to detain him through the course of his prosecution and a detention hearing was scheduled. His name was omitted from this report to protect the identity of the victim. JERSEY CITY So things start to get loopy at City Council meetings once they go beyond midnight. At the council's Wednesday night/Thursday morning session, the body's nine members sat for a nearly record nine hours, just over six hours of that on a single topic: the planned relocation of the Exchange Place monument to the 1940 Katyn massacre. But before the vote was called 6-3 in favor of moving the statue one block south to York Street the council watched as its president, Rolando Lavarro, ordered cops to escort three different public speakers who oppose the relocation out of the chambers; as one council regular told Lavarro to kiss his hirsute behind; as a group of people from the local NAACP performed an impromptu performance of civil rights song "Ain't Gonna Let Nobody Turn Me Around;" and as a Republican candidate for state Senate in New York attempted to read at least a partial list of the names of the victims of the Katyn massacre. There are over 20,000. "It was pure hell," said one bleary eyed participant who asked not to be identified. The Katyn monument relocation, which has angered the Polish community in Jersey City and beyond, was proposed to make way for a new park at Exchange Place. The statue, unveiled in 1991, commemorates the massacre of tens of thousands of Polish people by the Soviet secret police. Most of the 51 speakers who spent six hours lobbying the council starting at 7:47 p.m. on Wednesday and ending at 1:50 a.m. on Thursday argued that the city was erasing history in its bid to move the statue. Some shared stories of losing relatives in the massacre or their own horror stories about the Soviet secret police. Others blasted Mayor Steve Fulop, who initially made the decision to move the statue before consulting with the Polish community. Krystyna Piorkowska noted that the monument is the first that mentioned the guilt of the Soviet Union, which for decades denied ordering the killings. "And now having taken pride of place, you're going to renounce that, you're going to renege on that, just because some developers want to change the tone and tenor of your city," Piorkowska said to applause. She was one of many speakers who took a shot at real-estate firm Mack-Cali, whose president, Mike DeMarco, is also president of the Exchange Place business group that wants the statue moved so it can create a new park in its place. DeMarco in April called the statue "gruesome." Victoria Cambranes, who ran in 2017 for a council seat in New York City, said the statue represents "the polarity of good and evil in all mankind" and she issued a warning to members of the Polish community who support moving the monument. "We will not forget and we are coming for you next," Cambranes said. Only two speakers on Wednesday/Thursday said they support moving the statue. One, Krzysztof Nowak, is president of the committee that in the 1980s raised funds to create the statue and gift it to the city. Nowak was booed by the crowd. The second, Robert Margulies, is the committee's attorney. The council vote started at about 2 a.m. and lasted for 30 minutes as nearly all nine members gave comments explaining their vote. Council members Lavarro, Joyce Watterman, Daniel Rivera, Denise Ridley, Mira Prinz-Arey and Jermaine Robinson voted in favor. Rich Boggiano, Michael Yun and James Solomon voted against. Supporters of the move noted that when the statue was first gifted to the city, it was not intended to be placed at Exchange Place. They also expressed enthusiasm that the city's plan will lead to two new public parks, one at Exchange Place and one where the statue will go, at the foot of York Street. "For Jersey City to become the best mid-size city in the country, which I truly believe that it has the chance to be, we have to continue to fight the good fight, we have to continue to build up Jersey City," said Ward F Councilman Jermaine Robinson. "And to have not one but two new city parks down on the waterfront is very enticing." Boggiano tried early in the meeting, when it was still Wednesday, to postpone a final vote, which failed. During that discussion, he appeared to refer to either Mack-Cali, the Exchange Place Alliance or the city as a "political whorehouse." He declined to elaborate and demanded this newspaper not print his comments, which were recorded for broadcast on the municipal television channel. When Boggiano finally voted on moving the monument, he said, "I think it's one of the biggest disgraces this administration has pulled in five years." Two people Lavarro ordered removed from the chambers were Mike Kulowski and Maria Scariati, council regulars who Lavarro declared out of order. Police officers guarding the meeting approached both at the podium but neither ended up being ejected. When Kulowski left the podium it was about 1:20 a.m. at this point he said to Lavarro, "Why don't you kiss my hairy butt? And be careful it's very hairy. My butt is very hairy." The meeting came to a standstill about 10 minutes later when Slawek Platta, the unofficial leader of the group that wants the statue to remain at Exchange Place, started listing the names of Katyn victims, leading to objections from council members, one of whom had a 5:30 a.m. flight to catch. Lavarro, Rivera and Robinson said Platta was speaking off topic when he began listing the victims, while Platta repeatedly attempted to start rattling them off (he was reading from a stack about 50 pages high). There is no time limit for public comment during the public hearings of ordinances on second reading. "This cannot continue," said City Clerk Robert Byrne. "Sir, you waited until the last speaker to filibuster the council." "Now you're denying my right to speak," Platta said. The back-and-forth lasted for about 20 minutes until Lavarro ordered officers to remove Platta. Platta agreed to end his comments without listing the names of any Katyn victims. "I have not finished my question but I will respect Council President's directive and the threat of the police and I will stop talking over my objection," he said. About 200 people crowded inside the chambers for the meeting, waving Polish flags and cheering their supporters despite repeated attempts by Lavarro to keep things quiet. By 2:30 a.m., the audience had dwindled to about half that size and they greeted the final vote mostly with silence. One man said toward the council dais, "We'll vote you all out." Terrence T. McDonald may be reached at tmcdonald@jjournal.com. Follow him on Twitter @terrencemcd. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook. KEARNY -- Jersey City Mayor Steve Fulop is accused of shoving a cop at Kearny High School Tuesday night during the Hudson County Democratic Organization election, but police say he won't be charged. Kearny Mayor Al Santos said the incident occurred outside a voting booth in a room attached to the high school's cafeteria but Fulop has denied making contact with a police officer and called Santos' allegations "baseless" and "clearly just politics. Santos had supported Jersey City school board trustee Amy DeGise, who was elected HCDO chair Tuesday night, while Fulop supported Union City Mayor Brian Stack's bid to lead the organization. The New Jersey Globe was the first to the report the alleged confrontatsrion Multiple police officers were assigned to the room to make sure voting went smoothly and Fulop pushed an officer out of the way to get inside, Santos said, adding that committee people were required to leave the room after casting their votes, he added. U "It is disrespectful to push an officer, the rules were clear," said Santos, who works full-time as the clerk for the Hudson County freeholders board. In a statement, Kearny Police Chief George King said the department reviewed the allegations and "do not believe that the incident rises to the level of criminal behavior and no charges are pending." Santos said Wednesday the rookie officer is "due an apology." Through a spokeswoman, Fulop said he had no interaction with Kearny police and said the school should have video to prove it. "I have no idea what this baseless accusation is about, it is clearly just politics," the spokeswoman said. "The mayor didn't even interact with any police officers from Kearny as he was standing next to Jersey City Police Department officers the entire night that attest to the same." No one who was ineligible to vote was allowed in the voting area and it's unclear if an exception was made for Fulop's security detail. DeGise became the first woman elected to chair the organization in her stunning 452-360 victory. The results were a blow to Stack and Fulop, who announced two months ago they would not back Tom DeGise (Amy's father) for re-election at the Hudson County executive. Caitlin Mota may be reached at cmota@jjournal.com. Follow her on Twitter @caitlin_mota. Find The Jersey Journal on Facebook. JERSEY CITY -- Jersey City police officers responding to a dispute between a woman and a woman she was dating said they wound up on the receiving end of the couple's anger. Officers said that after responding to the Wright Avenue residence on May 31 they found Kristal Edwards, 26, carrying boxes of shoes and a backpack. They said the other woman, Jessica Gomera, 22, of the same address, ran downstairs saying "She got my keys," the criminal complaint says. Gomera said she and Edwards were in a dating relationship and Edwards tried to punch her. Although she blocked the blow, she said she suffered a cracked fingernail, scratches on her neck and her right pinky toe hurt from being stepped on, the complaint says. An officer said he asked Edwards for the keys and she motioned to her pocket, but she then blocked the officer's hand when he tried to retrieve them, pushed the officer and resisted arrest, the complaint says. While arresting Edwards, Gomera kicked an officer; and during the arrests, both women became violent, the complaint says. An officer said that while removing Gomera from the apartment, she ran into his personal space, pushed him and tried to block a door with her foot, the complaint says. Gomera was charged with aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer, obstructing a government function and resisting arrest. Edwards was charged with simple assault on Gomera, aggravated assault on a law enforcement officer and obstructing a government function. Delaware Valley Regional High School held its 2018 graduation on Wednesday. Flanked by applauding teachers, 194 capped-and-gowned seniors filed into Delaware Valley High School's Hutchins Gym. Because of rain, the ceremony was held indoors, with the overflow of well-wishers watching it on a screen in the auditorium. The Chamber Choir sang the national anthem and led the crowd in singing the alma mater. Principal Adrienne Olcott spoke to the crowd of beloved TV personality Fred Rogers (1928-2003), put on a Cardigan sweater, and endorsed his legacy of kindness, humility and acceptance. Superintendent Daria Wasserbach noted that most of the Class of '18 is 18 years old and its members are "true digital natives." She complimented them on their technical proficiency, but reminded them to also imbue their lives and careers with human values such as creativity, ethics and emotion. Class president Jessica Johnson began her speech with a Tennessee Williams quote: "The future is called 'perhaps,' which is the only possible thing to call the future. And the only important thing is not to allow that to scare you." She said she used that quote in her eighth-grade graduation speech at Holland Township School, but used it again to compare "what it meant to me then and what it means to me now... I chose that quote because I WAS scared." But having experienced and survived the ups and downs of high school, she now believes that "no matter how scary the future is or how hard parts of it turn out to be, as it becomes the present, everything is okay... The future might be a perhaps, but there's no doubt that it will be exactly what we need it to be." She thanked "the teachers that have taught us life lessons on top of that day's plans. The teachers that have revealed passions and talents that we didn't even know were there and propelled us into them." She reminded the faculty that "passion is the only thing that has the power to invoke a flame within a student, or a club member or a team player. That magic was always working in at least one kid in front of you, I promise you that." Jessica also thanked "the administration who holds this school together so well. I don't think I've ever heard of a vice principal (Adam Wright) who has bonded so much with kids who are in his office the most... And thank you to Mrs. Olcott, who has unconditionally shown an endless amount of kindness and recognition to every single one of us, even when we throw ketchup in the cafeteria. You all have aided us through every step of this preparation." She concluded, saying, "Here's to that mystery that lies before us. Here's to the joys that it might bring and the challenges that we might face. Here's to the courage that we may build up, and here's to the walls that we might break down. And at the end of it all, may we all be proud of who we have become. But may we always remember where we've come from." The graduates were called one by one by the principal and they were congratulated by the superintendent and school board president Ellen Gordon, then board members gave each graduate a white carnation. Graduating first in the class was Alexa MacKinnon. Jakub Vogel was second, and Aaron Reers was third. The other members of the Class of 2018 are: Margaret Affeld, Roxy Aguilar, Sara Aller, Lindsey Allshouse, Alexander Ambrose, Jeffrey Avery, Sarah Babcock, Nicholas Badolato, Rachel Baransky, Jaryd Bartman, Joseph Beljan, Antonea Berezny, Brandon Bernhardt, Nicolas Bonaguidi, Destiny Bonilla, Brandon Bratkovics, Jake Brinkman, Elizabeth Anne Brown, Daniel Bryant, Karl Burke, Mitchell Burns, Hayden Buxton, Rory Callahan, Conor Chabot, Matthew Chiarino, Patrick Chilmonik, Taylor Clapp, Elizabeth Cooper, Gavin Cortellesi, Nicholas Crivello, Alanna Crotty, Cameron D'Amica, Lucinda de Groot, Hannah Deckert, Noah DeLorenzo, Joseph DeSapio, Matthew DiGuardia, Dylan Doremus, Katja DuBarry, Connor Dworski, Clark Eggleston, Jillian Ethem, Olivia Farneski, Timothy Fenlon, Anthony Ferri, Fionnuala Fitzsimmons, Maya Forman, Michael Frey, Courtney Fuhri, Samantha Gaffney, Macey Giles, Nicholas Gilmore, Christopher Giordano, Christopher Giuliano, Robert Giuliano, Miles Glennon, Rowan Goeckeler, Hunter Groelly, Ryan Hall, Rikki Ham-Doerr, Rianna Ham-Doerr, Alex Hammerstone, Alexander Harris, Christin Heaps Jr., Christopher Henderson, Logan Hewitt, Molly Higgins, Koby Hille, Timothy Hoffman, Shanice Homeward, Douglas Huber, Jessica Johnson, Amber Jones, Tyler Jordan, Eli Kalfaian, Liam Kane, Sarah Kania, Sara Kapushinsky, Virginia Karmondi, Margarete Kelly, Joseph Kiernan, Amanda Kix, Zachary Kodjo, Ryan Kolvites, Jacob Konnecke, Leslie Kopitskie, Samuel Kratzer, Ian Kulik, Mia Kunzmann, Gregory Kutsop, Kyle LaChance, Zachary LaChance, Jessica Lane, Jaunise LaPaix, Samantha Leatherdale, Danield Leffler, Elise Leuenberger, Ethan Liebross, Kyle Lightner, Jeanne Lippincott, Erik Livingston, Isabelle LoSapio-Przystup, Emily Lubonty, Jessica Ludwig, Fiona Lynch, Tyler Machado, Anthony Maddalena, Samuel Mahler, Austin Makarick, Patrick Maxwell, Jason McCamy, Sophia McCarthy, Julianne McGinnis, Brigid McGovern, Justin Menard, Oliver Merritt, Jake Mickey, Christian Miller, Madison Miller, Peyton Mitchell, Linzee Mitchell, Kyle Monda, Kyle Mooney, Michele Motta, Tyler Natale, Sarah Nebel, Patrick Neighbour, Joshua Nilsen, Devon Novack, Mary Nugent, Michelle O'Toole, Amanda Obiedzinski, Rachel Orrico, Shelby Padover, Joseph Pandy, Anthony Papasavvas, Kasia Pasterkiewicz, Cole Patton, Nicholas Pearce, Jared Pershyn, Ryan Pilone, Elizabeth Preston, Katherine Pryor, Jenna Quigley, Brianna Quigley, Sarah Racile, Rebecca Reichert, Kayla Reinhart, Annaliese Rohrbaugh, Alicia Roman, Collin Romanowski, Ashley Roye, Jessica Ruby, Jackson Ruthe, Isabella Sauma, Rachael Scarinci, Allison Scheier, Graham Scher, Benjamin Seiff, Elizabeth Schoenagel, Benjamin Serino, Alexander Sinclair, Thomas Sjonell, Kelly Skillender, Aniya Smith, Joshua Snyder, Mia Soricelli, Emma Spadone, Scott Spota, Liam Stacy, Troy Stagg, Ellis Stanton, Molly Steinberg, Joseph St. Onge, Mason Szeplaki, Ryan Tallman, Tatiana Tomanek, Christina Tufaro, Samantha Tufaro, Caitlin Viespoli, Justin Wagner, Cordon Wagstaff, Selena Walck, Pierce Werrmann, Kathryn Williams, Claire Wolfson, Amanda Yannuzzi, Marissa Young, Alexzandra Zdepski, Nicholas Zehnbauer and Sarah Zengel. A man riding motorcycle was killed in a crash along Route 440 in Perth Amboy on Thursday morning. The crash took place on the ramp to State Street, State Police said. All lanes and the ramp remain closed as of 9:15 a.m. as police investigate. Fatal crash State Highway 440 NB at State St. ramp. One person deceased. Ramp closed. Expect delays in the area. No additional information available. #alert NJSP - State Police (@NJSP) June 14, 2018 To complicate matters in the area, there was also a crash on the nearby Outerbridge Crossing, which connects Perth Amboy to Staten Island, New York. That accident occurred on the New Jersey-bound side of the bridge. Jeff Goldman may be reached at jeff_goldman@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @JeffSGoldman. Find NJ.com on Facebook. A well-known real estate agent and another person were found dead inside his Long Branch home Tuesday night in what appears to be a murder-suicide. In a tweet Wednesday, the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office said it was investigating two people who were found dead in a home in Long Branch. BREAKING: The #mcponj is currently investigating 2 deceased occupants within a home in Long Branch. Prosecutor Christopher J. Gramiccioni & @LongBranchPD Chief Jason Roebuck wanted to ensure residents & others that this is an isolated incident and there is no further threat. Monmouth Prosecutor (@MonCoProsecutor) June 13, 2018 Long Branch police said they responded to a residence on Ocean Boulevard to check on the well-being of a person. Officers found two people dead inside the home. "The parties were known to each other, and there is no danger to the community," read a post from Long Branch police on Facebook. Last night officers responded to a call for service to check the well being of a person on Ocean Boulevard. They... Posted by Long Branch Police Department on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 Officials with the Monmouth County Prosecutor's Office could not offer any additional information about the investigation other than what's been said publicly. They said more information would be available once the medical examiner's report is concluded. A law enforcement source told NJ Advance Media that the incident appears to be a murder-suicide. On Wednesday, a quaint home a block away from the beach on Ocean Boulevard was blocked off by yellow police tape and two officers were standing on the sidewalk in front. The home had a for-sale sign out front. On social media, and in person, people were mourning Gerald "Jerry" Scarano, a real estate agent who was a regular at the city's council meetings. Property records show he owns the house. A neighbor, who only wished to be identified by his first name, said Scarano was a "very nice guy." "He'd help you with anything," the neighbor, Bob, said. "If you needed something, he would give it to you -- a tool, wheelbarrow. He'd say, 'We're neighbors, let's help each other out.'" Another neighbor, who did not want to give a name, said Scarano was a "sweetheart." "He was a very well-liked man, well-known," she said, adding that Scarano gifted her a poinsettia during Christmas time. Other coworkers took to social media to express their sadness. "Jerry was the constant heartbeat of our office," one employee wrote. "One of the first people in and last person to leave." 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 Tim Mullane will likely be the last human to ever set foot on the decommissioned ferry the Twin Capes. As vice president of operations at Virginia-based Coleen Marine, he will supervise the scheduled sinking of the vessel on Friday as it becomes part of an artificial reef -- the Del-Jersey-Land Inshore Artificial Reef -- in the Atlantic Ocean off the shorelines of New Jersey, Delaware and Maryland. Mullane confirmed the Twin Capes -- once part of the Cape May-Lewes Ferry fleet -- left Coleen Marine's shipyard in Norfolk early Wednesday evening, pulled by the tugboat Justin, for its last trip. "It's been stripped down and cleaned beyond the national standards (for vessels to be sunk as reefs)," Mullane said Thursday. The Twin Capes was purchased by Coleen Marine from the Delaware River and Bay Authority, the Cape May ferry's operator, for $200,000 after the vessel was declared as surplus and the authority could not find a buyer. Contributions from private and federal sources are paying for the work to prepare the ferry and its eventual sinking. Officials estimate that a million passengers traveled on the Twin Capes across the Delaware Bay during its thousands of sailings between Cape May and Lewes, Del. For the past 11 months the vessel has been at the Coleen Marine shipyard being prepped to become part of the reef. The Twin Capes first went into service in the mid-1970s. In the 1990s it was retrofitted with a new superstructure and new decks, lounges and shark-fin smokestacks. "The ferry was very well built," Mullane said, adding the retrofit was a "first class job." The ferry was so solidly constructed that it actually made more work for the Coleen Marine crew to strip it down to the steel shell, Mullane said. All furnishings, machinery, oil, fuel and "anything that can float" was removed. The ferry was heavily cleaned to be sure there was nothing still aboard that would nothing left that could contaminate the ocean waters. Once the Twin Capes is at the reef site, Mullane and his crew will board the ferry and begin the process of cutting holes in the hull above the water line. Then, valves will be opened to let water flow into the vessel, forcing it to slip below the water line and the sea flow in. As in many of the past 70-plus sinkings he has supervised, he will be the last of his crew to step off before the ferry begins to go under. It's expected the Twin Capes will sink stern first as it travels 130 feet down to its final resting place. The DRBA salvaged about $200,000 worth of items from the Twin Capes that can be used in other vessels in its fleet, officials said. The Delaware Department of natural Resources and Environmental Protection oversees the reef program which has been praised for the marine life it is supporting. The Twin Capes will join several other vessels in the reef including the destroyer USS Arthur W. Radford and the Zuni/Tamaroa. The reef which is comprised of about seven vessels, attracts a wide variety of marine life including tuna, shark and even seasonally, barracudas. The reef is located at a point 26 nautical miles due east of Indian River, Del., equal distances from Cape May, Lewes, Del., and Ocean City, Md. 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 Jackson woman was behind the wheel of a car that struck and killed a man in Lakewood on Christmas last year and kept driving, authorities alleged Wednesday. Sandra D. Brown, 46, is charged with leaving the scene of a fatal motor vehicle crash. Police arrested her on Monday. Sandra D. Brown Brown struck Roger Conover, 45, on Cedar Bridge Road just west of Martin Luther King Drive at about 7:40 p.m. on Dec. 25, the Ocean Count Prosecutor's Office said in a statement Conover, of Lakewood, died a short time later at a local hospital. The prosecutor's office said Wednesday that moments after the crash, Lakewood patrol officer Alexander Guzman found the car they believe hit Conover. The 1997 Nissan Maxima was parked on nearby John Street - just off Martin Luther King Drive - and had damage to the front driver side windshield and other indications it had just struck a pedestrian, the office said. Detectives suspected Brown a short time after that, and over time, the office said, the investigation connected her to the car and being the driver that night through forensic testing and interviews, including one with Brown. This month, the prosecutor's office charged Brown and prosecutor's Detective Brant Uricks contacted her again, and asked her to surrender herself to be charged. Brown would not turn herself in so the prosecutor's office asked the Ocean County Sheriffs Office to find her. They did, in Seaside Heights, and arrested her at about 6:30 a.m. Monday with help from the U.S. Marshals. Kevin Shea may be reached at kshea@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter@kevintshea. Find NJ.com on Facebook. New Jersey has agreed to pay $530,000 to settle two lawsuits which accused the state of allowing a former manager at the state Department of Children and Families to sexually harass two women he supervised. The $180,000 payout to Evelyn Nieves-Lalama of Clifton last month and the $350,000 settlement for Latrece Hagans of Paterson in April dismiss both cases without the state admitting any wrongdoing, according to the state documents. Both women, former caseworkers in the Passaic County office of the Division of Child Protection and Permanency, already had agreed to abandon the claims against their former DCPP manager, Reinaldo Gibbs of Matawan. They reached settlements with the state Attorney General's Office on the eve of their trials. "We are pleased to report that the parties have reached a resolution in this matter," according to a statement from Nieves-Lalama's attorneys, Stephen Bosin of River Edge and Omar A. Lopez of Montclair. "Ms. Nieves-Lalama looks forward to putting this behind her and moving forward with her life." According to her lawsuit, she repeatedly asked Gibbs to stop making suggestive comments and touching her and following her around the office. When she sought help, Nieves-Lalama said her immediate supervisor told her to "pray." Hagans's lawsuit, filed in 2015, alleged Gibbs made suggestive comments, and during a private meeting, he grabbed her breasts, lifted up her skirt and exposed his penis. The state hired Gibbs in 2013 and terminated him in 2015, according to a Department of Children and Families spokeswoman, who declined to disclose the circumstances of Gibbs' dismissal. The plaintiffs said the harassing behavior began in 2013. Cedric Ashley of Princeton, Gibbs' attorney, said his client has always maintained his innocence throughout what he described as a "two-year ordeal." "Justice has been served," Ashley said. The complete dismissal of the complaint against my client the day before trial speaks volumes as to the lack of merit of this complaint. Mr. Gibbs can now move forward with his life." The terms of the settlements are required to be made public because they include a government entity, funded by taxpayers. Sexual harassment cases and settlements involving private companies seldom receive public attention, largely because many employers require employees to handle any grievances in private arbitration, and they won't make a settlement offer unless the parties sign a non-disclosure agreement. Sparked by the #MeToo movement that began last fall, the state Senate last week passed a bill that would prohibit non-disclosure agreements in the future. Susan K. Livio may be reached at slivio@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter @SusanKLivio. Find NJ.com Politics on Facebook. A Milltown man has been charged in connection with Wednesday's robbery of a Somerset County bank, the Somerset County Prosecutor's Office announced Thursday afternoon. Jeffrey Wolfman Jeffrey Wolfman, 32, was arrested after the robbery at Peapack-Gladstone Bank in Bedminster. Witnesses told police they saw Wolfman on a nearby side street removing an outer layer of clothing. As he did so, they saw money dropping to the ground, according to the prosecutor's office. When police approached Wolfman, more cash dropped out of his clothes, it was stated in a news release. Wolfman had reportedly entered the bank and demanded money from a bank teller before fleeing on foot, according to the prosecutor's office. Wolfman was charged with second-degree robbery and is being held in Somerset County Jail awaiting a detention hearing. Gianluca D'Elia may be reached at gdelia@njadvancemedia.com. Follow him on Twitter @gianluca_delia. Find NJ.com on Facebook. Ruakaka tune-up for Australia-bound Hiflyer Te Aroha trainer Peter Lock is looking forward to the return of stable star Hiflyer when he tackles Saturdays Clansman Motel Bream Bay Bowl (1200m) at Ruakaka. The five-year-old son of Tavistock is likely to venture to Sydney after Saturdays resuming run, depending on post-race feedback from regular rider Johnathan Parkes, who will head north to ride the talented galloper. Hiflyer Photo: Race Images Palmerston North Were definitely going up on Saturday to use this as a stepping stone towards going to Australia, Lock said. Jonathan knows the horse better than anybody and I will have a chat with him after the race. If he thinks that he is forward enough to go to Australia, we will probably head over with him in the next fortnight. If he thinks that he needs another run or two then we will go back to plan B and have a good chat about what happens from there. A dual Group Three winner, Hiflyer will carry 61.5kgs in the Open Handicap but Lock believes conditions will suit. He trialled at Waipa in readiness for this on very heavy, testing ground and he went super. Even though 61.5kgs seems like a lot of weight, hes a Group Three winner and placed in a Group One race. When you stop and look at the field, and without running the others down, I think he is quite well off at the weights. Hes a horse that was still a little bit weak and immature last preparation and he has really furnished into a lovely horse now. He had a nice break and its the best condition he has come back in. I think he is quite forward. He is not 100 percent screwed down and talking with a lot of other good trainers that have campaigned horses in Australia, you have got to go on the way up. A model of consistency, with eight wins and a further eight placings from 20 starts, Lock is keen to see Hiflyer stretch his legs on a decent surface on Saturday. The track is rated a dead5 up there at the moment and its definitely going to be a far better track than anything well get down here [in Waikato]. Lock indicated that the Listed Civic Stakes (1350m) at Rosehill on June 30 could be an option for Hiflyer. The plan is to have two runs over there and to be home and go to the Hawkes Bay carnival in a nice fresh state. He goes very well fresh up. NZ Racing Desk Washington, D.C. - The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights (IACHR) is alarmed and deeply concerned about the continuing and increased violence in Nicaragua, which has already claimed the lives of 143 people and remains a serious human rights crisis that the Nicaraguan State urgently needs to deal with. Further, the IACHR strongly condemns the increased use of force by the State and the persisting attacks by parapolice actors and other armed third parties, which the State has an obligation to dismantle. The Commission once again urges the State of Nicaragua to immediately end repression of demonstrators and other opposition activists and to investigate and punish all acts of violence that may have taken place. The IACHR further condemns all humiliation and harassment practices, which it regards as a violation of human rights that all people are entitled to without discrimination. The Commission calls on the State to seek a peaceful, constitutional and democratic exit from the current crisis and welcomes the efforts made by the Nicaraguan Bishops Conference to restore national dialogue. The IACHR notes that the State needs to guarantee that all citizens can exercise their rights free from threats and violence, particularly in a context of demonstrations and social protests. The Inter-American Commission has repeatedly said that States must take measures not only to protect citizens from human rights violations committed by State agents but also to prevent and punish the acts of violence perpetrated by non-State groups or actors. In particular, the IACHR condemns the events that have occurred since June 2, 2018, the date of the Commissions last press release on violence in Nicaragua, which have worsened the human rights crisis in that country. According to information that is publicly known, on Saturday, June 2, as a result of clashes between demonstrators and police riot squads in the city of Masaya, at least one person died, an unknown number were injured and more than 30 were arrested. Also on June 2, there was a clash between a group of civilians holding a barricade and National Police officers, 28 kilometers south-east of Managua. Donald Ariel Lopez was killed in those events, and 22 other people were injured. Also on June 2, in Masaya, Junior Gaitan, 15, Donald Lopez, 27, Rigoberto Carballo, 28, and Eduardo Lopez, 37, were killed in the context of clashes between civilians and the National Police. On June 6, Jorge Zepeda Carrion in Masaya, Jose Leonel Casco Barrios in Chinandega, and Jose Maltes and Jaime Antonio Salinas in Granada were all killed, allegedly in the context of various clashes with armed groups. On June 6, the Commission received information about an act of arson against city government headquarters in Granada. Later, on June 8, 18 masked attackers carrying Molotov cocktails, mortars and other weapons allegedly entered Radio Nicaragua to burn and destroy its facilities and injured at least one person. On June 8, according to publicly available reports, there were several further incidents in other parts of the country. In Jinotega, in the early hours, Abraham Antonio Castro, 17, was killed with a firearm when an armed group shot indiscriminately at demonstrators. More than 20 other people were allegedly injured in the incident. In Altamira, Chris Montana died of a gunshot wound. In Masaya, Cristian Salvador Gutierrez Ortega died of gunshot wounds to his chest. On June 9, a group of people carrying guns allegedly kidnapped three members of the staff of the Jinotega Mayors Office: Jairo Antonio Suarez Zuniga, Javier Enrique Gonzalez Siles and Douglas Gomez Zamora. The Commission was informed on June 10, 2018, that riot-squad and parapolice vehicles allegedly attacked the barricade in Las Maderas, using even AK rifles, in an incident that allegedly left two people dead and seven injured. According to the information the Commission has had access to, the town of Las Maderas is under siege by police and parapolice groups. The State said that, on June 10, an unidentified group of people armed with firearms kidnapped Harold Rene Arroyo Altamirano, a member of the Agriculture Ministrys technical staff, who was released on June 12. The State further said that, also on June 10, a group of masked attackers used firearms, mortars and Molotov cocktails to attack the police delegation in the town of Sebaco for three hours, in events that left police officers Helen Mendoza and Santos Cosme Martinez Hernandez injured. The State also reported an attack on June 11 against the police delegation in the Pueblo Nuevo community, in the Mulukuku municipality, allegedly perpetrated by a criminal gang. The State further noted that Dixon Bismark Soza Henriquez and Carlos Zamora were killed in those events and that Captain Ramon Zavala and officers Leonardo Castillo and Martin Sanchez went missing. The Commission was also informed of the alleged kidnapping by 30 masked attackers on June 9 of Juan Ramon Mendez, head of the police delegation in the municipality of El Jicaral, and of junior detectives Pablo Reyes and Juan Jiron, who were all reportedly released the following day in Sebaco. On June 10, as reported by the State, masked attackers set fire to a building in Managua where several government institutionsincluding the Public Prosecutors Office, the Property Registration Authority and the Office for the Defense of Human Rightsprovide their services. Also on June 10, National Police officers Marcos Antonio Gonzalez Briceno and Jean Kerry Luna were shot while travelling on a motorbike in the department of Managua. Both were injured, and Gonzalez Briceno later died of his wounds. On the same day, Kener Joel Velasquez, 17, was allegedly kidnapped in the municipality of Masatepe, and he remains unaccounted for. The number of people killed and injured continues to increase in an alarming way. It is deeply concerning that, based on the information that is available to date, a total of 143 human lives have been lost in the context of the repression of protests, and the situation continues to get worse, said Commissioner Antonia Urrejola, the IACHRs Rapporteur for Nicaragua. The Nicaraguan State must take urgent measures to immediately end arbitrary attacks on the lives and personal integrity of all Nicaraguans, with no distinctions whatsoever, including their political views, she stressed. The State has an obligation to seek a peaceful solution for the countrys situation and to investigate and punish the people responsible for all acts of violence. The IACHRs Special Rapporteurship for Freedom of Expression has also received information about a string of attacks against media outlets and about acts of violence and threats against journalists working on the current political crisis. The State needs to investigate those events and to protect media and reporters who face a real and imminent risk of renewed attacks. The IACHR, based on its preliminary observations, again alerts about the continuing denial and obstruction of medical assistance for injured persons in public hospitals. The Special Rapporteurship on Economic, Social, Cultural and Environmental Rights (ESCER) continues to receive extremely worrying reports about the failure to guarantee and to protect the right to health, both in some hospitals and in actions allegedly carried out by parapolice forces that reportedly prevent humanitarian staff and ambulances from assisting the injured. The alleged occupation by such groups of the Santiago Regional Hospital in Jinotepe in the early hours of June 12during which attackers reportedly terrorized patients and health workers in order to prevent the provision of medical assistanceis especially worrying. In other cases, the injured are allegedly not receiving the medical treatment they need because they decline to go to healthcare centers for fear of being attacked. In particular, the IACHR had access to a statement by doctors at Bertha Calderon Roque Hospital, dated June 7, 2018, where those professionals express their commitment to continuing to assist the population and providing first aid to anyone who needs it, while they demand respect for the dignity and the lives of medical staff, paramedics, Medicine students and the population as a whole. We have further received information that members of the Red Cross were attacked in the city of Leon while they carried out their humanitarian tasks. Faced with these facts, the IACHR and ESCER both insist on the States obligations to provide emergency medical assistance, facilitate access to medical centers and humanitarian services for the injured without discriminating, and protecting its population from any restrictions by third parties of the right to health. The Commission rejects all forms of violence. In this context, based on the preliminary observations it carried out during its working visit to the country, the IACHR stresses that the Nicaraguan State has the obligation to dismantle the repressive structures, parapolice groups and other armed third-party structures that are operating in the country, who need to be investigated and brought to justice. The State also needs to restore its legitimate and proportionate use of force, within the constraints of the rule of law. The Commission insists in the recommendations it made in the Preliminary Observations of its visit to Nicaragua, including immediately ending repression of demonstrators and arbitrary arrests and ensuring respect for the lives, personal integrity and safety of all persons who exercise their public rights and liberties in a context of extreme repression. Paulo Abrao, Executive Secretary of the IACHR, said: At this time, the IACHR is finalizing the selection of members of the Interdisciplinary Group of Independent Experts (GIEI, by its Spanish acronym) for Nicaragua and continues to closely follow developments through its Monitoring Mechanism for Nicaragua. Abrao added: The Commission is finishing its final report on its working visit to Nicaragua, which is set to be put to the Permanent Council of the Organization of American States at the request of the General Assembly of the OAS. A principal, autonomous body of the Organization of American States (OAS), the IACHR derives its mandate from the OAS Charter and the American Convention on Human Rights. The Inter-American Commission has a mandate to promote respect for and to defend human rights in the region and acts as a consultative body to the OAS in this area. The Commission is composed of seven independent members who are elected in an individual capacity by the OAS General Assembly and who do not represent their countries of origin or residence. No. 128/18 Saucepan where foods are boiled at the female hot spring On Thursday May 24, I visited Semliki national park found in the districts of Bundibugyo, Kabarole and Ntoroko in Western Uganda. This is the place for the stone-hearted! The road cut on the edges of the Mountain Rwenzori ranges that runs from Kabarole and all through to Kasese will leave your heart in your mouth. You tremble as the driver, going at just 30kph, negotiates hairpin bends. For the tourists, this is beautiful scenery, nonetheless; especially the lush, green valleys and fresh air. To the faint-hearted, you will put your last prayers on auto-repeat, even naming the beneficiaries of your estate including sending your mobile money and ATM PINs to your next of kin; it is hair-raising, despite the road being all tarmac now. Some of those I was traveling with audibly held their breaths until the bends were done with. When we were finally out of danger and they could afford to mutter a word, it was to wonder how much government had spent on tarmacking this hell of a road. Cutting through this rock is not a joke, one said. But another was quick to contradict: By the way, road construction companies like these places because they reduce on their costs as they dont need to buy [stones]. Well, of the two, I did not know whom to believe. Soon we were in the national park, Semliki, on the floor of this western rift valley. It is part of the Kibale conservation area, spanning from Kyegegwa to Bundibugyo districts. This 220 square kilometer semi-tropical forest park that borders the Democratic Republic of Congo, is known for its rampant Albertine rift birds. Of the 1,041 bird species that have been recorded in Uganda, 450 are found in Semliki. Other than the birds, the park also has a host of other animals, butterflies, grasshoppers, name it. Owing to our late arrival at the park, we were unable to go birding, but I was able to visit the male and female hot springs famous from most secondary school geography lessons. They are indeed a wonder! Very hot water at about 97 degrees Celsius; oozing out of the earth surface brought back memories of geography, tectonic plates and activity. We were told the water is usually hotter than we found it, sometimes going up to 103 degrees Celsius. But whose report do you want to believe when it comes to why this water is this hot; geography, God or African folklore? Geographers say hot springs are formed when rain and snow seep below the earths surface as ground water, until hitting solid rocks and collecting in pools or aquifers. Magma heats this water, which then rises back up to the surface through cracks in the earths crust called vents, hence forming a hot spring. Religious people are convinced that hot springs are simply part of the greatness of Gods creations. God just willed that, let there be a hot spring and there it was! On the other hand, the Bamaga people of Bundibugyo, Kabarole and Ntoroko believe the springs are home to their ancestors. They are the ones who gave these springs sexes; calling the female one Nyasimbi and the male Bitete. Legend has it that Bitete, their ancestor, got swallowed up at this spot after he went missing. This is because it is here that they found his dog, spear and bark cloth. Shortly after him getting lost, even his wife Nyasimbi disappeared and her personal effects too were found near the now female hot springs. Actually to-date, the Bamaga still visit these places where they even have a shrine for sacrifice and petition against all sorts of things ranging from diseases, to luck and barrenness. Back to science, Harriet Nakyesa, a guide, said the water of the hot springs contains high quantities of minerals such as iron, zinc, sulphur and magnesium among others, which are highly medicinal. She said the difference between a male and female hot spring is that the latter is cracked and therefore water comes out in a zigzag manner, sprouting with a much higher velocity while the male hot spring has larger vents that allows water to gush out of the surface though not at a high velocity. The female hot springs is where saucepans are found. It is here that all sorts of food items are cooked. For example eggs, the commonly boiled item, are ready after 10 minutes; matoke and Irish potatoes take 25 to 30 minutes to cook, while meat takes one hour. My hungry group that had spent the whole day without eating thanks to the tight schedule, were able to help themselves to eggs, matoke and potatoes cooked in the springs. Visiting the Park Unlike the case with other parks and protected areas, Semliki national park is most popular to Ugandans, especially students thanks to Nyasimbi and Bitete. In fact on the day we visited, we found at least two buses that had brought students on a geography tour of the hot springs. According to Leslie Muhindo, the assistant guide in charge of tourism at the park, 500 to 600 students visit every month. In August 2015 they recorded the highest number of students visiting at 2,900 in one month. Eighty-five per cent of our visitors are Ugandans; it seems this park is not yet popular with foreigners maybe they dont know about it, Muhindo said. Students are charged Shs 1,500 as park entry and Shs 10,000 for every six students for nature walks including visiting the hot springs. Adults, on the other hand, are charged Shs 15,000 as park entry fees and Shs 10,000 for nature walks in the park. For foreigners who are not Ugandan residents, it costs $50, while $40 is charged to foreigners who are resident in Uganda. We encourage our people to come and visit these places. We are conserving them for them; so, they should enjoy them, Muhindo said. bakerbatte@observer.ug There are no big surprises in respect to budgetary allocations but it is clear every item you will put your hand on next financial year will likely be taxed, writes ALON MWESIGWA. Look around! Whatever you see or own, you may be required to pay tax for starting July 1, according to the highlights of the 2018/19 budget to be read by Finance minister Matia Kasaija today, June 14. The proposed levies are expected to raise Shs 769.5 billion while another Shs 272bn will come from new and revised administrative fees. From the social media wall you open every morning to the value of monetary transaction on your mobile phone, to a company that has been struggling to make profit for the past seven years, the tax hammer will likely not spare anybody. Some of the new tax measures According to the budget passed by parliament on June 1, Uganda Revenue Authority is expected to collect Shs 17 trillion in 2018/19, up from the Shs 15tn target the tax body had last financial year. The entire budget is Shs 32.5tn at least 11.6per cent up from the Shs 29tn of the 2017/18 financial year. Recurrent expenditure, which includes wages and salaries, interest payments will take 60% (Shs 19.4tn) while development expenditure will account for 40% (Shs 12.9tn) According to experts, some of the tax measures imposed like the Shs 200 daily social media fee will require the tax body to deploy special software to detect users in order to be able to collect this money. There must be a technology that enforces that by placing a surcharge when you access social media sites, said Paul Lakuma, a research fellow at Makerere University-based Economic Policy Research Centre. WHERE ARE THE TAXES? Kasaija will announce several new taxes perhaps more than ever seen in recent budgets. This demonstrates the governments desperate attempt to raise money from local sources meaning Ugandans are entering a financial year where much of their disposable income will be nipped off by the taxman. For long, the finance mandarins lamented about how a sizeable chunk of the economy was untaxable. Not anymore. This low domestic revenue is largely contributed to the structure of the economy with a large informal sector, said the parliamentary Budget Committee report. For the first time, government introduces a 0.5% levy on gross revenue of companies that have been making losses for the past seven years. In the eighth year, the company has to pay taxes. This is expected to generate Shs7bn. According to audit and financial services firm, PriceWaterhouseCoopers, this tax may turn out to be too high especially in industries that are highly capital-intensive like oil and gas and other public utility sectors. Each transaction made on mobile money will have the user paying 1% of the value to the taxman and this was expected to generate at least Shs115 bn. Kasaija told journalists last week that the tax measure had been passed in error and that it was a lot for people to pay. He is, however, expected to announce 0.5% on value of mobile money transaction when he reads the budget on Thursday. Regardless of the figure he reads, PWC gives an analysis of how the measure will work. The firm says it will mean that with effect from July 1, government will take 1 per cent (or 0.5% if the minister cuts it) of the value of your money every time you use your mobile money account. This means that when you receive money in your mobile money account, government will tax one per cent of it. When you deposit money on your mobile money account, government will take one per cent of it. The audit firm added: When you withdraw the same money from your mobile money account, government will again take another one per cent of the same money. This tax will always apply every time you use your mobile money account whether you are paying your childs school fees, paying your Yaka bills, or sending money to pay your parents medical bills in the village. This measure, according to several analysts, is likely going to kill the business with people expected to shy away from using mobile money services. This measure will drastically reduce the number of people transacting using mobile money. It will be cheaper, regardless of where you are, to use a bank to send and receive money than mobile money, said an employee at one of the telecom companies. PWC said this tax is designed in such way that it would continue when one puts money on their account until there is nothing left to tax. This proposed new tax of one per cent is different from the fee that mobile phone companies charge you for using their mobile money platform. It is a new tax that government is proposing to charge you for using your mobile money account. PWC says the tax is discriminatory since it does not apply to those who use the banks to transact their money. It will also have an impact on Ugandas majority poor families which are unbanked, and therefore, use these platforms to send and receive money. The tax on the value of transactions does not include the fees and charges one pays to use the platform the tax goes directly to government. On top of that, government has increased excise duty on mobile money and bank charges from 10% to 15% to generate Shs 45bn. This means the money you are charged to use both the bank and mobile money will have to increase effective July 1. Another key tax measure is the Shs 100 per litre of fuel bought to generate Shs 196.4bn. This will bring the tax per litre of fuel to Shs 1,300. Government says this money will be used for road maintenance. Another measure to highlight is the increase of motor vehicle registration from the current Shs 1.2m to Shs 1.3m. This will generate Shs 4bn for the government. For local firms dealing in export of semi-processed products, one will pay assorted taxes starting with July 1. For instance, the minister will impose an export levy of $0.4 per kilogramme on wheat bran, maize bran, rice bran, cotton seed cake and sunflower cake. WHICH SECTOR TAKES WHAT The first place goes to interest payments, underlining how much debt the country has accumulated, meaning it now has to spend heftily to pay the interest accruing. At least Shs 8.6tn (30%) of the budget has been set aside to pay interest on the huge public debt, more than six-fold what critical sectors like health Shs 1.7tn (5%) and agriculture Shs 873bn (3%) will receive this year. The countrys debt has grown to $10.24bn as at December 2017, up from $8.7bn as at December 2016. Ministry of works and transport has been allocated Shs 4.7tn, equating to 14.8% of the entire national resource envelope. The sector, however, experienced a cut of 1.5% compared to what it received in the ending financial year. Nonetheless, it still leads the pack in receiving the biggest chunk of budgetary allocations. Education ministry takes the third spot with at least Shs 2.7tn (9.6%) of the budget. The energy ministry comes fourth, being allocated Shs 2.6tn (8.7%). The budget committee notes with concern: The high interest payments constrain resources that would otherwise be utilised in the productive and social service sectors of the economy. Although the debt sustainability analyses indicate a low risk of debt distress for Uganda, the rate at which public debt stock is accumulating, points to increasing vulnerabilities to the country, said parliamentary committees report. amwesigwa@observer.ug President Museveni has asked the police and courts to desist from granting bond and bail to persons suspected murderers. Speaking after reading of the FY 2018/19 national budget today, Museveni said he has been provoked enough by killers and he does not want to continue conflicting with the two institutions. There are two things I am not going to accept anymore; police bonds and bail. I dont want to hear about them again. Somebody suspected of killing our people, you give him/her police bond? No way! This is not acceptable, Museveni said at Serena conference centre amid applause from participants. I have been very soft on these institutions [police and court] who are always stepping on us. Museveni added. President Yoweri Musevei says he doesn't want to hear police and courts granting bond and bail to murder suspects Any arrested person and taken to police may be released on police bond on guarantee that one will turn up whenever required while bail is the release of an accused person by court before completion of the case on the understanding that the released person will turn up for trial whenever requires. The accused is also required to give security in form of cash or other property while the police bond is free of charge. According to Museveni, fighting urban crime is not as complicated but laxity in security has created some gaps that need to be fixed. I know people are very angry, sad, worried; but I am sad, angry but confident that we are going to defeat these pigs. This [pig] is a biblical statement not from me and you should ask Jesus, Museveni said quoting Mathew 7:6 that Jesus said thou shall not put your pearls before pigs. He reiterated that pigs do not appreciate value and instead of giving them gold, they need earthworms. These [killers] are pigs. We have dealt with pigs before and actually these are smaller pigs to deal with. By the end of the day, all those who have been involved shall be exposed and we shall crash them, Museveni said. DEAD POLICE Museveni said the fallen Arua municipality MP Ibrahim Abiriga and his bodyguard would be rescued if there was vigilance by the whole community and quick response from the police. On Friday last week, the duo was shot dead as they approached Abirigas home in Kawanda, which the president referred to as a senseless killing. In the case of Abiriga, apparently these killers came, they lingered in the trading centre, they were seen before and actually some of the people talked to the police but it was all lax and did not follow up, he said. For the late AIGP Andrew Felix Kaweesi and body guard, Museveni said police did not swing into action to save them despite initial clues of suspected boda bodas in the area. He urged the public to report anything suspicious to their area political leaders like MPs and LC5 chairpersons who can quickly respond to wake-up the dead and sleepy police. He requested the speaker of parliament, Rebecca Kadaga, to accord him time next week to give an analysis of crime and what government is doing combat it. In a bid to improve security, Finance minister Matia Kasaija said the Safe City project involving installation of Close Circuit Television (CCTs) will be implemented. Kasaija said a Regional Forensic Referral Center (RFRCs), the Crime Record Management System (CRMS), and enhanced training of investigators will also be implemented to improve the capacity of the police to deal with crime. MEDIA WARNED Meanwhile, Museveni also lashed out at the media particularly Daily Monitor for mishandling reporting on the countrys debt referring to it as an evil newspaper. Red Pepper [newspaper] are just stupid. They are saying Uganda is indebted, we are borrowing too much and our children will die from paying debts yet our debt is 38 per cent far below 50 per cent where theres danger, Museveni said. That debt talk by Monitor; the paper of Aga Khan who is getting a lot of money here must stop otherwise I will do something about it. According to the 2018/19 budget speech, as at March 2018, the public debt stood at $10.53bn of which $7.18bn is external and $3.35bn domestic. The ratio of public debt to GDP now stands at 38.1 per cent in nominal terms. This is much lower than the threshold of 50 per cent beyond which public debt becomes unstainable, Kasaija said. He added: Our public debt is therefore sustainable over the short to medium term, even when we include the financing required for priority projects in the pipeline. nangonzi@observer.ug Gen Kale Kayihura The Uganda People's Defence Forces (UPDF) have said that former inspector general of police Gen Kale Kayihura is being questioned on a matter whose details cannot be divulged at this point. A statement issued by UPDF spokesperson Brig Richard Karemire confirms that Kayihura is now detained at Makindye Military Barracks and can be accessed by his immediate family as well as his lawyers. General Kayihura was arrested yesterday from his home in Kasagama, Lyantonde under the directive of the chief of defence forces Gen David Muhoozi. He was flown in a UPDF helicopter to Mbuya military headquarters and referred to Makindye last evening. Earlier today, the government chief whip Ruth Nankabirwa said that no one is above the law adding that the government is determined to end all forms of criminality in the country. Nankabirwa added that the government had stepped out of the comfort zone to end the business-as-usual approach in addressing crime. She added that Kayihura was summoned to respond to matters of criminality that arose during his tenure in office as inspector general of police although she said she could not break down specific charges against him. Nankabirwa said that government has discovered that a number of people are misusing the freedom that exists in the country. The Republic of Kazakhstans Washington Embassy has retained Britains Portland PR for media outreach efforts as well as to provide a spate of communication services to promote Kazakh culture in the U.S. According to Foreign Agents Registration Act documents filed in June, Portlands New York outpost will provide ongoing communications support to the oil-rich former Soviet Union states Embassy, through media counsel and support, social media strategies and digital campaigns, media training, event management and materials development, including providing media and research materials, press releases, op-eds and speeches. The contract, which went into effect at the end of May and expires in December, nets Portland $140,000. Kazakhstan recently engaged Portland to handle Kazakhstan president Nursultan Nazarbayevs January visit to the White House. Portland was founded in 2001 by Tim Allan, a deputy press secretary to former UK prime minister Tony Blair. Jessica Martin Invictus MD Strategies Corp., which bills itself as Canadas Cannabis Company, has hired Jessica Martin as VP-PR and regulatory affairs. As former Press Secretary and Senior Advisor to Ontario's Minister of Finance, Martin led the development and execution of Ontario's communications strategy for cannabis legalization. She has also served as spokesperson for Toronto Hydro and the Toronto Transit Commission. At Invictus, Martin will serve as spokesperson and senior communications lead on major projects and public disclosures. "Jessica's thorough understanding of the strict regulatory environment around cannabis legalization, combined with her extensive media network, will provide exceptional value for Invictus as we look to build our brand," said Invictus CEO Dan Kriznic. Founded in 2014, Vancouver-based Invictus says it's committed to providing patients and adult users with high-quality medical-grade cannabis. It has more than 250 acres of production capability. Jeff Youssef, Partner for Public Sector at Oliver Wyman, said privatization has several benefits for the Saudi economy, mainly: boosting the Kingdom's GDP growth, adding new jobs to the labor market and reducing government spending. In an interview with Al Arabiya, Youssef said the Saudi Arabian "privatization program" aims to increase the contribution of the private sector to GDP from 40% to 65% by 2030. The Kingdom also aims to create about 12,000 jobs and achieve non-oil revenues of about $10 billion. He said that the privatization program will boost GDP growth by at least 7% and will return many benefits if implemented properly. Al Arabiya is a leading pan-Arab television news channel broadcast in Modern Standard Arabic. The channel is based in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. Watch the full interview in Arabic here. President Tran Dai Quang (right) and Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman (Source: VNA) At a reception in Hanoi on June 13th for Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, President Quang urged leaders of the two ministries to actively instruct competent agencies to comprehensively and effectively implement defence cooperation contents, including delegation exchange and collaboration in personnel training, defence industry, information-technology, strategic research and UN peacekeeping operations. The partnership would help maintain peace and development in each country and the region as well, he said, asking the ministries to continue their mutual consultation mechanisms at regional and international forums. Noting with pleasure the enhancement and comprehensive development of the Vietnam-India comprehensive strategic partnership, President Quang stressed that Vietnam backs the Indian Governments Act East policy. The Vietnamese State, people and army highly appreciate good sentiments and great spiritual and material support from their Indian counterparts over the past time, he said. Recalling his state visit to India in March, the President said the two sides reached many important common perceptions in order to reinforce the comprehensive strategic partnership in the time ahead. The leader believed that the bilateral friendship and cooperation will be consolidated thanks to the high political resolve of senior leaders of the two countries along with mutual trust and will for cooperation and development, for the sake of their people, as well as peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and the world. In reply, Minister Sitharaman briefed the host about the outcomes of her talks with Vietnamese Defence Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich, during which the two sides emphasised the significance of maintaining and expanding bilateral cooperation in training personnel and developing IT and defence industry. India always treasures and wants to beef up the comprehensive strategic partnership with Vietnam, she said, adding that the two nations still boast substantial potential for stronger cooperation, especially in security-defence./. Photo taken on June 12, 2018 shows heads of marble dragons at the Subdistrict of Qinghe, Haidian, in Beijing, capital of China. Four heads of marble dragons, unearthed from a construction site, were returned to the Old Summer Palace, also called Yuanmingyuan on Tuesday. They were identified as relics of Yuanmingyuan by experts, thanks to the report from Du Zening, an ordinary citizen. (Xinhua/Luo Xiaoguang) 6 1 [ Editor: zyq ] Vendors sell crayfishes during a massive crayfish banquet in Xuyi, east China's Jiangsu Province, June 13, 2018. More than 50,000 residents and tourists took part in the feast here Wednesday. Crayfish-related industries in China saw robust growth last year as total output rocketed by 83.15 percent to 268.5 billion yuan (42 billion U.S. dollars) in 2017, said a report released Tuesday. A total of 1.13 million tonnes of crayfish were raised last year, with the provinces of Hubei, Anhui, Hunan, Jiangsu and Jiangxi as major producers. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) 9 1 [ Editor: zyq ] Chinese President Xi Jinping chairs the 18th Meeting of the Council of Heads of Member States of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) in Qingdao, east China's Shandong Province, June 10, 2018. Xi delivered a speech during the meeting. (Xinhua/Li Xueren) BEIJING, June 12 (Xinhua) -- The 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) summit has injected fresh impetus to the building of an SCO community with a shared future and ushered in a new era for cooperation among member states. In his speech at the summit, President Xi Jinping offered his insights on development, security, cooperation, civilization, and global governance, enriching the Shanghai Spirit and giving the SCO new historic missions. Xi spoke of the need to build up strength of unity and mutual trust, strengthen the foundation for shared peace and security, build a powerful engine to achieve common development and prosperity, forge closer ties through cultural and people-to-people exchanges, and expand partnership networks of international cooperation. These proposals are indeed in line with the national conditions of the member states and the interests of their peoples. The summit held in east China's port city of Qingdao marked the first gathering of leaders of all eight member states since India and Pakistan were admitted as full members last year. At the summit, member states stressed unity, coordination, and common development. They made "building a community with a shared future for humanity" a common concept in the Qingdao Declaration. This move demonstrated their recognition of the Chinese philosophy and firmly upheld the building of an SCO community with a shared future. At present, the world is faced with challenges such as hegemony, power politics, security threats, unilateralism, and trade protectionism. The SCO is confident in addressing the problems as member states deepen partnerships, prioritize cooperation on security, follow the trend of economic globalization and regional integration, enhance people-to-people connectivity and mutual learning in culture, and expand international exchanges and cooperation. In doing so, the SCO member states will be able to achieve lasting stability and common prosperity. Concrete initiatives have been made at the two-day summit, with 23 cooperative documents in diverse fields signed, more than any previous SCO summit. China announced plans to train 2,000 law enforcement officers for all parties in the next three years through China National Institute for SCO International Exchange and Judicial Cooperation and other platforms, set up a 30-billion-yuan (4.7 billion U.S. dollars) equivalent special lending facility within the framework of the SCO Inter-bank Consortium, and support building a demonstration area in Qingdao for China-SCO local economic and trade cooperation. Today, the SCO stands as a comprehensive regional cooperation organization that covers the largest area and population in the world. Its member states, namely, China, India, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Pakistan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan, account for about 20 percent of the global economy and 40 percent of its population. It has also become a significant organization in promoting world peace and development, and safeguarding fairness and justice in the world. Standing at a new historic starting point, the SCO will make greater contributions to the lofty cause of human progress. 3 1 [ Editor: Liu Jiaming ] 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. Graphic Packaging Acquires Assets of Paperboard Converter PFP, LLC PFP is an independent converter focused on the production of paperboard-based air filter frames, and operates two manufacturing facilities in Lebanon, Tennessee and Lancaster, Texas. June 14, 2018 - Graphic Packaging Holding Company on June 12 announced that its wholly owned subsidiary, Graphic Packaging International, LLC, has agreed to acquire substantially all the assets of PFP, LLC and its related entity PFP Dallas Converting, LLC. PFP is an independent converter focused on the production of paperboard-based air filter frames, and operates two manufacturing facilities in Lebanon, Tennessee and Lancaster, Texas. The business converted approximately 18 thousand tons of paperboard, primarily CUK, and generated strong EBITDA margins on an LTM basis. Synergies from the acquisition will be driven by the integration of additional CUK paperboard tons and cost efficiencies. "The PFP acquisition extends our leading position in the growing paperboard-based air filter frame market, which we established with the acquisition of Carton Craft in July 2017," said Graphic Packaging's President and CEO Michael Doss. "The transaction is consistent with our strategy to pursue acquisitions that allow us to increase our mill to converting plant integration levels into growing markets at compelling post-synergy EV/EBITDA multiples," Doss added. Graphic Packaging International, Inc., a subsidiary of Graphic Packaging Holding Company (NYSE: GPK), headquartered in Atlanta, Georgia, is a leading provider of packaging solutions for a wide variety of products to food, beverage and other consumer products companies. The Company is one of the largest producers of folding cartons and holds a leading market position in coated-unbleached kraft and coated-recycled board. To learn more about Graphic Packaging, please visit: www.graphicpkg.com. SOURCE: Graphic Packaging Holding Company Conversations about pay gaps and gendered sexual violence in the film industry were brought to light in the wake of last year's #MeToo movement, but there's clearly a long way to go. A recent study conducted by the Annenberg Inclusion Initiative at the University of Southern California found that, of all the Rotten Tomatoes reviews of the top 100 highest-grossing films in 2017, 77.8% were written by men, and only 22.2% were written by women. One of the many problems with the inadequate representation of critics is that films about women or people of color often get misunderstood or poorly rated by white male critics. Actress Brie Larson recently spoke out about her frustrations with the prevalence of white male film critics while accepting the Crystal Award for Excellence in Film at the Women in Film Los Angeles Crystal and Lucy Awards. Larson said, "Am I saying that I hate white dudes? No I'm not. But what I am saying is if you make a movie that is a love letter to a woman of color, there is an insanely low chance that a woman of color will have a chance to see your movie and review your movie." She added, "It really sucks that reviews matter, but reviews matter. We are expanding to make films that reflect the people who buy movie tickets... I do not need a 40 year-old white dude to tell me what didn't work for him about A Wrinkle in Time. It wasn't made for him." She said that the responsibility falls in part on publicists to include underrepresented critics on lists to see movies and attend press screenings. Larson also announced that Sundance and Toronto Film Festivals will allocate 20 percent of their, "top level press passes... to underrepresented critics." Image via BFA As part of the sideline events held on the occasion of the ongoing visit to Vietnam by Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, the Hanoi meeting gathered 16 Indian firms operating in the defence industry, as well as their host counterparts, to introduce their new research and opportunities for cooperation. Speaking at the opening ceremony, Major General Ho Quang Tuan, Deputy Head of the General Department of Defence Industry, said that the event is a contribution to the realisation of the two sides defence cooperation strategy that has been reached by the two countries leaders, thus promoting bilateral defence relations. It is also an opportunity for defence enterprises and agencies from the two Ministries of Defence to meet, exchange and strengthen their common trust and understanding for mutual cooperation and development. At the meeting, the two sides focused on discussing research cooperation, designing, manufacturing, and technology transfer, as well as the procurement of defence equipment, defence industry cooperation and human resource training. Vietnamese and Indian defence industry firms discuss their research to provide options and opportunities for cooperation. (Photo: NDO/Trung Hung) Major General Tuan expressed his hope that the meeting would open new business investment opportunities to further tighten the bilateral cooperation in the defence industry and contribute to enhancing and developing a comprehensive strategic partnership in line with the two countries' interests for peace, stability, cooperation and development in the region and throughout the world. Rajib Kumar Sen, Head of the Indian Department of Defence Production, said that the India-Vietnam defence relationship was built on the basis of a long time traditional friendship. The two countries' Defence Ministries have seen substantial and effective cooperation in recent years. Rajib Kumar Sen said that his government has paid due attention to the defence industry and has made huge investments in the sector. Many Indian enterprises have invested in this field. He said he hoped that the meeting would be an opportunity to connect the two countries' businesses in order to jointly explore and open new avenues for defence industry cooperation. Vietnam and India agreed to upgrade their relationship to a "comprehensive strategic partnership" during an official visit by the Prime Minister of India to Vietnam in September 2016. Earlier, the Joint Vision Statement on Vietnam-India Defence Relations for the 2015-2020 period was signed in May 2015, showing the continuous progress in the friendship and multi-faceted cooperation between the two sides and affirming that defence cooperation is an important pillar of the strategic partnership between the two countries. News and commentary on organized crime, street crime, white collar crime, cyber crime, sex crime, crime fiction, crime prevention, espionage and terrorism. Mazda, Hyundai Leave Iranian Market, Affecting Cars and Shipping 06/13/18 Source: Radio Farda A week after it was announced that French carmaker Peugeot-Citroen had left the Iranian market, Japan's Mazda and South Korean Hyundai have also suspended contracts with Iran, according to a member of the parliamentary Industries and Mines Commission. Satire pokes fun at situation of Iranian car market (by Iman Khaksar, Iranian daily Ghanoon) In an interview with the parliament-affiliated website, Valiyollah Maleki said June 12, "Mazda and Hyundai's interests in the U.S. market are much more than in Iran, and they will not sacrifice their profit for the sake of Iran." According to Maleki, Iranian car manufacturer Bahman Motors has replaced Mazda with China's Haval. Bahman Group is traditionally the Iranian company presenting Mazda's products. South Korea's Hyundai resumed cooperation with Iran after the ratification of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) or Tehran's nuclear deal with world powers, to manufacture its I10, I20, and Accent models in 2017. However, after U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to leave JCPOA, Hyundai also prepared itself to end cooperation with the Iranian company Kerman Khodro in the Special Economic Zone, Arg-i Jadid. French carmaker Peugeot-Citroen declared on June 4 that it would exit the Iranian market within two months. In recent weeks, many multinational corporations including Total, Maersk, General Electric, Honeywell, Boeing, Luk Oil, Reliance, and Siemens have officially announced they will end their presence in Iran to avoid being sanctioned by the United States. European oil refineries have also reduced the volume of crude oil they purchase from Iran. In an interview with Radio Farda, Paris-based Iranian economist Jamshid Assadi said that even if the European parties to JCPOA remain committed, EU companies will leave Iran to avoid the risk of being sanctioned by Washington. "Iran is currently in an unstable situation," Assadi said. "As tension between Iran and Israel is intensifying, the giant investors will keep away from Tehran." According to Assadi, foreign companies were taking a "wait and see" approach even before Trump's decision to drop JCPOA and were hesitating to invest in Iran. Local news outlet Asr-i Iran reported on June 12, "The price of cars in Iran has increased from 20 million to 400 million rials (roughly from $4,700 to $9,700 based on official rates) since foreign auto manufacturers, including Peugeot-Citroen and Hyundai, have announced their intentions to leave the Iranian market. South Korean media have reported that Hyundai Heavy Industries (HHI) is facing an increasingly uncertain outlook for its expanding business deals with Iranian companies amid the renewed U.S. sanctions against Iran. HHI, which has the world's largest shipyard, was supposed to deliver container ships to an Iranian shipping company starting in April but has yet to deliver a single vessel, reported the Korea Times on June 11. In December 2016, after JCPOA was implemented, HHI signed a deal with Iran's state-owned Islamic Republic of Iran Shipping Lines (IRISL) to build four 14,500 20-foot equivalent unit (TEU) container ships and six 49,000-ton tankers for petrochemical products. The contract was worth roughly $760 million. Under the deal, HHI built the four container ships while its affiliate, Hyundai Mipo Dockyard, built the tankers. The vessels were supposed to be delivered in the second quarter of this year. Despite a number of the ships now being finished, HHI has been unable to deliver the vessels to IRISL. "All we can do now is take a wait-and-see approach. Not a single ship has been delivered to IRISL. It is impossible for us to deliver the ships with U.S. sanctions back in position," an HHI official told the Korea Times. This is not the first time Hyundai Mipo Dockyard has been hit by Iranian sanctions. A decade ago, it signed a contract with IRISL to build 10 tankers and seven bulk carriers, but only one ship was delivered because of an earlier round of sanctions imposed on Iran. Nuclear Diplomacy With North Korea And Iran: Let The Comparisons Begin 06/14/18 By Paul Pillar (source: LobeLog) by Javad Takjou, Iranian daily Ghanoon North Korea and Iran represent significantly different nuclear-related challenges. The biggest difference is that North Korea has nuclear weapons while Iran doesn't and never has. If North Korea really were to become no longer a nuclear threat, as Donald Trump prematurely declared upon returning to Washington this week, this would mean Pyongyang dismantling an existing nuclear arsenal. With Iran, the task instead has been to close all possible pathways to development of an Iranian nuclear weapon and to ensure through comprehensive monitoring and inspection that Iran's nuclear program remains peaceful. Accomplishment of that task is what the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), otherwise known as the Iran nuclear deal, has been all about. There are other possibly relevant differences, such as the nature of the two regimes. Iran has a popularly elected president and parliament and, notwithstanding the less democratic aspects of its political system, has real politics in which policies and ideologies are contested both openly and within the regime. By contrast, North Korea is a family-ruled thugocracy that currently is the most totalitarian state in the world. It is difficult to assess the net effect of the internal political differences on nuclear diplomacy. Generally it is easier to strike a deal with a single dictator who calls all the shots than to bargain with representatives of a more divided regime with its own bureaucratic politics. Inducing a regime that possesses nuclear weapons to give up that arsenal, however, can pose a bigger challenge than ensuring that a non-nuclear-weapons state stays that way. A fair-minded observer who strips away the rhetoric and concentrates on the facts of each situation might be hesitant to use what has been done with Iran as a standard for assessing what is being done with North Korea, and vice versa. But Trump, through his own rhetoric and that of others who have been intent on destroying the JCPOA, has forfeited any such benefit of the doubt. By repeatedly asserting that a "better deal" was possible with Iran and claiming superior prowess in striking deals with anyone about anything, Trump not only permits but invites comparisons between what he accomplishes on North Korea and what his predecessor accomplished on Iran. The many attacks that he and others have made on the JCPOA, regardless of how untrue or invalid those attacks have been, provide standards for assessing whatever Trump does with North Korea. Initial Concessions Fairness also requires recognition that any significant progress toward making North Korea no longer a nuclear threat will take a long time, with the meeting in Singapore at best only a single step in any such process. But it is not too soon to start making comparisons. Indeed, one of the most frequently voiced attacks against the JCPOA has concerned the up-front sequencing of events in which each side made or implemented its initial concessions. Trump's own previous secretary of state joined in this attack when he asserted, "They [the Iranians] got the immediate lifting of the sanctions before they ever had to deliver on anything." That assertion is false. The first concessions of any sort during the diplomatic process that led to the JCPOA came with an interim agreement, the Joint Plan of Action, reached in 2013 when the final agreement was still many months of hard negotiations away. Under this preliminary accord, Iran had to blend down or convert to oxide all the uranium it had enriched beyond five percent, take most of its enrichment centrifuges offline, admit international inspectors for continuous monitoring of its most important nuclear facilities, and take several other steps to restrict its program. The small concessions it got in return were removal of some sanctions on its auto industry and the ability to buy spare parts for its decrepit civilian airliner fleet. The sequence of implementation of the final JCPOA was heavily skewed against Iran, which had to dispose of 98 percent of its enriched uranium, fill a nuclear reactor with concrete, and take almost all the other significant steps it was required to take under the agreement to close any possible pathway to a bomb-and have this all certified by international inspectors-before it got an ounce of additional sanctions relief. How does this compare with the picture of initial concessions in Trump's dealings with North Korea? As many commentators have noted after the Singapore meeting, Pyongyang hasn't conceded anything yet, let alone implemented a concession. In the short and sketchy joint statement, Kim Jong Un merely reaffirmed a vague commitment to denuclearization-however defined-that his regime had asserted many times before. The big up-front concession was by the United States. That concession was the meeting itself. Not only a meeting, but a meeting with all the flags and finery, the friendly pats and warm words, that went well beyond the bare minimum of summitry in symbolically bestowing legitimacy on Kim's thugocracy. The meeting, and Kim's treatment as an equal of the president of the United States, demonstrated the success of Kim's strategy of using rapid development of nuclear weapons and long-range missiles as a key to getting attention and getting such treatment. The current pause in North Korea's testing of weapons is not a concession. It is a mark of having arrived, and, as Kim himself has said, of his program's success. Note the contrast with the protocol aspects of negotiating the JCPOA. In the arduous diplomatic process that produced that agreement, the most intense interaction between high-level U.S. and Iranian officials consisted not of a cordial made-for-TV encounter but instead of shouting matches-during especially difficult points in the bargaining-behind closed doors between the U.S. secretary of state and the Iranian foreign minister. The closest thing to a summit meeting was a phone call between Barack Obama and Hassan Rouhani while the latter was in a car on his way to the airport after participating in the United Nations General Assembly. Non-Nuclear Issues After the Singapore meeting, Trump revealed another U.S. concession. He promised-evidently to the surprise of both South Korea and his own Department of Defense-to end joint U.S.-South Korean war games. This was significant partly for being unmatched by anything equivalent from North Korea. What Trump stated was a promise by Kim to disable a missile testing site says no more about North Korea's ability to continue to develop and test weapons than did an earlier staged-for-journalists explosion at a nuclear test site. The concession about war games also is significant in going beyond nuclear weapons or nuclear-related sanctions, which leads to another interesting comparison with the JCPOA. The enemies of that agreement have repeatedly castigated it for not addressing non-nuclear issues, including what is routinely labeled as Iran's "nefarious" international behavior. That castigation ignores how if each side had loaded up the agenda with its other grievances, the agenda would have become unworkable and no restriction on the Iranian nuclear program ever could have been negotiated. With a more expansive agenda, Iran surely would have included the issue of U.S. military activity in Iran's backyard. Such inclusion would have been at least as legitimate as the inclusion of many other grievances by any of the parties, given a history that has included U.S. warships shooting down a civilian Iranian airliner and U.S. Navy craft more recently entering Iranian territorial waters. But non-nuclear issues were not included in the JCPOA negotiations, and-unlike what Trump said he just did-the United States made no concessions to Iran restricting any U.S. military activities, including those in Iran's backyard. Meanwhile, back in Singapore-and notwithstanding all that criticism of the JCPOA about not addressing other Iranian activity-the joint statement from Trump and Kim gives no hint of addressing non-nuclear North Korean activity, beyond a joint commitment to recover POW/MIA remains. Nothing is said about ballistic missiles (and North Korean missiles, unlike Iranian ones, can reach U.S. territory or about North Korea's overseas assassinations, kidnapping of Japanese citizens, counterfeiting of U.S. currency, and other current or recent past North Korean actions that would warrant the adjective nefarious. So far, the comparison between the nuclear diplomacy with Iran and the current version with North Korea puts the former in a good light and makes the latter look disappointing. Those with an interest in curbing the dangers of proliferating nuclear weapons should hope that the North Korea picture will improve with time. But whether it does or not, the process has put into perspective how badly mistaken was the current administration's trashing of the JCPOA. About the author: Paul R. Pillar is Non-resident Senior Fellow at the Center for Security Studies of Georgetown University and an Associate Fellow of the Geneva Center for Security Policy. He retired in 2005 from a 28-year career in the U.S. intelligence community. His senior positions included National Intelligence Officer for the Near East and South Asia, Deputy Chief of the DCI Counterterrorist Center, and Executive Assistant to the Director of Central Intelligence. He is a Vietnam War veteran and a retired officer in the U.S. Army Reserve. Dr. Pillar's degrees are from Dartmouth College, Oxford University, and Princeton University. His books include Negotiating Peace (1983), Terrorism and U.S. Foreign Policy (2001), Intelligence and U.S. Foreign Policy (2011), and Why America Misunderstands the World (2016). Bill on restricting Iran ties to hurt Canada's interests: Tehran 06/14/18 Source: Press TV Iran has condemned the Canadian House of Commons' vote in favor of a draft law restricting ties with Tehran, rejecting the claims in the bill, which it says will be to Ottawa's detriment. Read related article (in Persian) by Iranian daily Ghanoon In a hostile move on Tuesday, the Commons approved the bill, introduced by Conservative MP Garnett Genuis, which called on the Canadian government to "immediately cease any and all negotiations or discussions with the Islamic Republic of Iran to restore diplomatic relations." The measure also accused Tehran of "sponsorship of terrorism around the world" and designated Iran's Islamic Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC) as a "listed terrorist entity" under the Canadian Criminal Code. Under Canadian law, a bill is required to through a voting process in the Senate after passing the House of Commons. Once the bill gets the approval of both chambers, it is given Royal Assent and becomes law. Responding to the move on Wednesday, Iran's Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif, who was returning from a visit to South Africa, denounced Canada's "misconceptions and illusions" about the Islamic Republic. "These polices will be to Canada's detriment and will not serve international peace and security," he said, calling on Western countries to adopt independent policies towards Iran. "Iran has always been on the front line of the fight against terrorism and without our country's efforts and support, the situation in the region would have been different," Zarif added. Additionally, Iran's Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi expressed dismay at the Canadian legislative body's pursuit of the anti-Iran motion. The measure, he said, is still in its initial stages, adding, however, that its "final approval will undoubtedly be a strategic and major mistake entailing destructive consequences." The bill shows that Canadian lawmakers lack precise information about Iran's clear and logical positions on fighting terrorism, Qassemi noted. He also stressed that the world's public opinion would never accept "delusional and wrong allegations" against the country. The spokesman further warned against the repercussions of passing the "injudicious and baseless" measure and expressed hope that the Canadian government would prevent it. In 2012, the administration of former Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper severed diplomatic ties with Iran, citing, among other pretexts, what it described as continued threats from Tehran to its ally, Israel. The House of Commons' move came while the government of current Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had been voicing willingness to resume ties with Iran almost since it took office in late 2015. Ottawa had said in late 2016 that it would act "in a speedy fashion" to normalize ties, and diplomats of the two countries have been in talks over the resumption of ties. Iranian Officials Vehemently Reject Netanyahu's Offer Of Help 06/14/18 Source: Radio Farda Officials of the Islamic Republic lambasted Israel on Monday, June 11, for launching a Persian website to "assist people and farmers of Iran to recycle water". Calling Israeli Prime Minister, Benjamin Netanyahu a "deceitful showman", Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman Bahram Qassemi said, "I don't know to what extent one should respond to the remarks of a deceitful showman." Coverage of Iran's Crisis by Roydad Emroz daily Earlier on Sunday, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had released a two-minute video in which he offered Israel's water expertise to Iran, which he said faces an environmental disaster due to persistent drought. "Today I'm going to make an unprecedented offer to Iran," Netanyahu said in the English-language video, which featured links to the State of Israel's Persian website with information about water shortage, and to a Persian-language Telegram Channel. More than 15,000 people watched the video immediately after it was released. Responding to the widely watched video, Qassemi said "This is not the first time that Netanyahu makes such irrelevant comments", adding, "The Israeli prime minister had better first stop the massacre of Palestinians and the crimes that he is committing on a daily basis." Responding to questions raised by reporters, Qassemi also insisted, "The Iranian nation, with such population and capability, is definitely able to resolve its own problems and do not need this jugglery." However, without any reference to "water mismanagement" the Islamic Republic establishment is accused of, Qassemi also did not elaborate on the reasons that have triggered recent water crisis in Iran and led to widespread protests in Provinces of Isfahan and Khuzestan. Qassemi was echoing earlier comments made by the head of Department of Environment (DOE) and Deputy President Isa Kalanatri. "Netanyahu is overstepping; Iran's environment is none of his business. He'd better look after his own business," Kalantari told pro-reform website Entekhab on Monday, insisting, "Netanyahu may do whatever he likes, but he'd rather clean up the mess he has created." However, the US educated and twice Minister of Agriculture (1989-2001), the 65-year old Kalantari preferred not to elaborate on the "mess" he was talking about. Previously, Kalantari has repeatedly warned that 50 million people "Will soon be forced to relocate under the pressure of water crisis in Iran". In his recent video addressed to the people of Iran, Netanyahu used Kalantari's remarks to enforce his argument, "Issa Kalantari, a former Iranian agriculture minister, said that 50 million Iranians could be forced out of their homes due to environmental damage. 50 million!" Going further, Netanyahu argued, "Millions of Iranian children are suffering from mismanagement, inefficiency, and the theft of vital resources by the Iranian regime." While admitting Israel's past challenges with shortage of water, Netanyahu told the Iranians, "Israel has the know-how to prevent environmental catastrophe in Iran. I want to share this information with the people of Iran." A long-lasting drought has repeatedly made headlines in Iran during past months. "In current situation of the water crisis, 70% of the Iranian population should leave the country," Kalantari has ominously predicted. A member of the influential Expediency Council, former deputy President Mostafa Hashemi Taba has gone further, saying, "If the problem of water is not addressed, the Islamic Republic will be wiped off along with Iran." Minister of Energy, Reza Ardakanian has also predicted that 334 cities with nearly 35 million people are going to suffer water crisis during summertime. One reason behind Iran's water crisis is ill-planned and haphazard construction of numerous dams in recent decades. In a June 7 article, Benjamin Walsh, a research analyst at Global Food and Water Crises Research Programme, argues that the bulk of the blame for Iran's water crisis falls on the Islamic regime and its Revolution Guards Corps (IRGC). Mismanagement, corruption and total rejection of responsibility by the state are the root problems for the looming catastrophe. "The role of the Iranian regime is an overlooked factor in the country's ongoing water crisis. It continues to silence critics of government policies that have contributed to the crisis", Walsh writes. OMV announces plan to pull out of Iran 06/14/18 Source: Press TV Austria's energy giant OMV says it plans to cease its operations in Iran amid growing signs that the United States is preparing to re-impose sanctions against the country. OMV Chief Executive Rainer Seele told Reuters that his company planned to conclude a seismic studies project in Iran but would not pursue projects further. OMV Chief Executive Rainer Seele. "Let's face it, you cannot simply carry on in Iran," he said. "US sanctions are a much bigger risk for OMV's business than any possible compensation that Europe ... could offer." Last month, US President Donald Trump said he would pull Washington out of a 2015 nuclear agreement with Iran. Trump also said he would launch mechanisms to re-impose what he described as the "highest level of sanctions" against Iran. The sanctions would include a universal ban on Iran over buying or acquiring US dollars as well as restrictions over purchases of crude oil from the country and investing in its oil sector projects. OMV started operations in Iran in 2001 as operator of the Mehr exploration block in the west of the country. It halted work in 2006 due to sanctions, but signed several basic agreements for new projects when the 2015 deal was reached, Reuters added further in its report. The Austrian energy group will now join several other major European companies that have announced they would abandon their Iran investment plans as a result of Trump's plans to re-impose sanctions against Iran. They include France's Total that had signed a deal with Iran to invest in a multi-billion project to develop a gas field in southern Iran. However, it has announced that it would pull out of the project. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey has arrived in Beijing, the Chinese capital to begin a 6-day official visit, 10th to 16th June, 2018. Madam Ayorkor Botchwey, who is in China at the invitation of her Chinese counterpart, Wang Yi, is being accompanied by the Chief Executive officer of the Ghana Investment Promotion Centre (GIPC), Mr. Yoofi Grant. Strengthening bilateral ties between Ghana and China is high on the radar as well as wooing investors to help translate Ghanas industrial transformation, which include the one district one factory agenda into reality. The Foreign minister, Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey was met on arrival at the Beijing International airport by Ghanas Ambassador to China, Mr. Edward Boateng and staff of the embassy and officials of Chinese foreign ministry. And as part of formalities, the minister exchanged pleasantries with representatives of China and later held a short meeting behind closed doors. The next day, which was Sunday, 10th June the Ghanaian delegation, visited one of the worlds leading Telecommunications giant, Huaweis office in Beijing. Officials of the company showcased their latest products and services including the smart city project and teleconferencing. After the tour, a meeting was held where the narrative of Huawei was sharedthat is from a humble beginning of 8,000 dollars to the present with a revenue base of 92 billion dollars in 2017. Huawei projects that by 2030 it will be a global household brand surpassing Apple and Samsung. Ghanas envoy to China, Mr. Edward Boateng lauded Huawei for supporting students from Ghana to come over to its headquarters in China to have their ICT skills sharpened. "Ghana has a youthful population who are highly educated and will be prudent if Huawei set up a chair at the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology, KNUST to train Ghanaian students in ICT to enable Ghana take advantage of the digital economy, said Ambassador Edward Boateng. He added that a report from the Brookings Institution indicates that the internet can transform developing economies, enabling businesses to access services, improve productivity and increase their competitiveness both domestically and in the global market. In January 2016, World Bank released its annual World Development Report, which unequivocally shows that Internet connectivity can boost economic growth across the developing world when accompanied by good Internet policies. Indeed, Huawei's Global Connectivity Index 2016 reveals that investing in ICT infrastructure correlates with economic dynamism, efficiency and productivity, a one-point increase in a nation's GCI rating correlates with a 2.3 percent increase in competitiveness, a 2.2 percent rise in innovation and 2.3 percent jump in productivity. The Chief Executive officer of GIPC, Mr. Yoofi Grant said the Internet has the power to be the great equalizer, providing access to communications, information and opportunity. Mr. Grant added that the vision of government of President Akufo-Addo is to make Ghana a preferred business destination in Africa and financial hub in West Africa. However, he stressed that without a strong ICT base these goals cannot be achieved. The Minister for Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Madam Shirley Ayorkor Botchwey told management of Huawei that 44 countries including Ghana have signed onto the continental Free Trade Agreement and this implies that Africa will have a market of over 1 billion. She stressed the free trade coupled with the youthful population boom on the continent means that Ghana with her political and economic stability will be the place to do business. She appealed to the management of the third largest telecommunication company after Apple and Samsung to establish one of its research and development centres in Ghana. Huawei has been in Ghana since 2006 and has played crucial role in Ghanas march towards improving telecommunication service including internet penetration. For instance the 4th generation project undertaken by MTN was done by Huawei as well as the national security project dubbed the Alpha. The phase one of the Alpha project, which also includes extending ICT to rural areas in Ghana at a cost of 176 million dollars was signed in 2012 and completed in 2017. The second phase of the Alpha project, which is estimated at 234 million dollars is expected to begin anytime soon if the agreement with the Chinese EximBank is finalized. Officials of Huawei say the completion of the Alpha project will go a long way to help in governments drive to digitize the economy. That is enhancing moves to reduce business transactions with cash. Source: Edward Nyarko Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video The President of the Republic, Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, has appointed George Mensah Okley as the Acting Managing Director of the Bulk Oil Storage and Transportation Company Ltd (BOST), subject to approval by the Council of State. Until his appointment, George Mensah Okley, a native of Nungua, served as the Director of Upstream Petroleum at the Ministry of Energy, from February 2017. Below is the new profile of the new BOST MD George Mensah Okley holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Chemical Engineering from the Kwame Nkrumah University of Science and Technology; a Masters Degree in Chemical Engineering from the University of Dortmund, with a focus on Fluid Separation Process, Process Modelling & Optimization, Process Control Design and Modelling of Dynamic Systems. He also holds a Masters Degree in Reservoir Evaluation and Management from the Heriot-Watt University, Edinburgh, Scotland, with a focus on oil field operation (petroleum economics, production and drilling), reservoir engineering, reservoir concepts, reservoir sedimentology, formation evaluation, well testing and production, reservoir simulation, rock mechanics with geophysics and modeling with management. In 2014, he undertook a professional course in petroleum engineering at the Imperial College, London; holds a certificate of completion in Well Surveillance Principles and Reservoir Management; holds a Certificate of Completion of Petrad course in Petroleum Economics; holds a Certificate of Completion of 8-weeks Petrad course in Petroleum Policy and Resource Management; and a Certificate of Completion in New Era in Oil, Gas and Power Value Creation (Project Economics). Mr. Okley worked as a Research Scientific Officer at the Ghana Atomic Energy Commission from 2005 to 2007. He worked as a Petroleum Engineer at the Ministry of Energy from 2008 to 2012; and served as Acting Head of Upstream of the Petroleum Division of the Ministry of Energy from 2013 to 2017. He has been involved in the monitoring of the implementation of the Offshore Cape Three Points (OCTP); a member of Government Negotiation Team that negotiated Petroleum Agreements with International Oil Companies; was the Ministrys representative on the Gas Power Infrastructure Committee for the implementation of OCTP gas project; and co-ordinated the development of the Gas Master Plan. He has a good understanding and experience in Ghanas Petroleum Regulations as member of the team that developed regulations; has strong Reservoir Engineering skills in Raven, Eclipse, TerraStation, Petrel, and Pansystem; and has extensive exposure in the Oil and Gas industry. He is a native of Nungua, in the Greater Accra Region, and is married with four (4) boys. 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 The Deputy Country Director, Office of Economic Growth ,USAID, Mr James Lykos, has appealed to parents to resist temptation of allowing children shoulder some of their familys financial burden. He said if children are put to work, they are opened to the dangers of life and risk having a gloom future. Mr Lykos made the appeal when he addressed a durbar of school children and stakeholders to mark the Worlds Day Against Child Labour in Cape Coast. The day has been set aside by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) to be observed worldwide to raise awareness and activism to prevent child labour in all forms. Speaking on the theme; "Resist child labour, Improve the Safety and Health of Young Workers towards achieving Sustainable Development Goal 8", Mr Lykos urged children to get good education and sacrifice a little in the short term, saying you can earn a lot in the long term as you start your careers. He said the National Action Plan for Elimination of Worst Forms of Child Labour in Ghana recognized the need for special efforts and attention in addressing the underlying problem, poverty. According to him, there are over 1.2 million child laborers in Ghana and that the largest employers of Child Labor are in the fishing, cocoa and small scale mining sectors. He added that as Ghana transitions into the "Ghana Beyond Aid" vision that is held by the president Nana Akufo Addo, the U. S government strongly support the vision, and by extension the importance of education and skills development as its cornerstones. He noted that USAID was forming community child protection committees in 14 fishing communities in the central region to protect children in households that may be vulnerable to child labour and trafficking recruiters. The Minister of Employment and Labour Relations, Mr Ignatius Baffour Awuah called on all stakeholders in the fight against child labour to commit themselves to create a more vigorous and sustained momentum in a battle against the social canker of child labour in the country. He said employers must be guided about the risk factors that young workers faced on work tasks, while encouraging them to exercise their rights and voice their concerns anytime they were confronted with the menace. Source: Sally Ngissah/ Correspondent/ Central Region 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 husband accused of cheating was 'caught' after becoming stuck inside his lover while they were having sex in a hotel room in Kenya, it has been reported. Guests at the hotel in Kitale town, Trans-Nzoia County, heard screams coming from one of the rooms and raised the alarm. On arrival police reportedly found the couple 'stuck together' and doctors had to be called in to free them. A husband accused of cheating was 'caught out' after becoming stuck inside his lover while they were having sex in a hotel room in Kenya, it has been reported. Photos used by local media purportedly showed the pair covered in a blanket and still locked together after being taken away from the hotel in a van. Nairobi News reports that the man was in Kitale for business and had left his wife at the home in Lodwar town. The wife later claimed that her husband had been having an affair with his landlady in Lodwar. Officers were called to the hotel and arrested the lovers, who were taken to a nearby police station, the reports say. According to local media, a large crowd gathered as news of the bizarre situation emerged. Police were forced to fire shots in the air to disperse the onlookers. Reports suggested that the wife had asked a witch doctor to help catch her husband out. A shaman was reportedly seen trying to separate the couple. It is not clear why exactly the couple became stuck together in this way, but they may have been the victims of a rare occurrence known as 'penis captivus'. This is when the muscles of the vagina clamp down on the penis much more firmly than usual. When the penis is in the vagina it becomes increasingly engorged, Dr John Dean, a UK-based sexual physician, told the BBC. He said: 'The muscles of the woman's pelvic floor contract rhythmically at orgasm. While those muscles contract the penis becomes stuck and further engorged.' Finally the vaginal muscles relax, the blood flows out of the penis and the man can withdraw. He said that over the years, several of his patients have discussed their experience of getting 'stuck' - more out of curiosity than because it was a problem, he added. The Kitale case is not the first of its kind reported in Kenya. In November 2016, a lover and his married mistress became stuck in the same way in the country's Kisii County after her husband asked a witch doctor to curse her genitals. The pair reportedly became locked together as they were having sex at the home of the cheating wife while her husband was away on a business trip. It was reported in local media and widely believed that the womans husband, suspecting she was cheating, had secretly given her a concoction prepared by a witch doctor. It was designed to have the effect of making the lovers inseparable and proving their guilt. However, others suggested a medical condition could have caused the incident. On the husbands instructions, local media reported, the pair were taken to the witch doctor, who separated them. In another Kenyan incident in 2012, a couple became locked together after a cuckolded husband visited a with doctor. it was reported locally that the pair were only freed after prayers and after the cheating man agreed to pay the husband about 140. Similar cases have been reported in Malawi, Zimbabwe and the Philippines - all concerning adulterous couples. VIDEO- Source: dailymail.co.uk 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 Dubbed the "coffee elite" of the Nordic region, Wayne's Coffee brand brings the fika coffee culture to Vietnamese via its first store in the Southeast Asian nation, at Viettel Complex, No. 285 Cach Mang Thang Tam Street, District 10, Ho Chi Minh City. The Wayne's Coffee project in Vietnam is co-developed by Arya Consumer JSC and Vietnam-Oman Investment Fund (VOI). As the first of Wayne's Coffee in Asia, the project did not coincidentally choose Vietnam - a country with a long history of diplomatic relations with Sweden, and having received profound support from Sweden for nearly half a century. Speaking at the inauguration, Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam, Pereric Hogberg, said that the diplomatic relations between Vietnam and Sweden have been tightened with the presence of a Swedish coffee brand, Wayne's Coffee. "I am very happy that Wayne's Coffee is open in Vietnam, where people love to drink coffee, he said, adding that Sweden is also in the top five countries in terms of coffee consumption. Enjoying coffee has come to the Swedish life in a very natural way, and we call it the "fika" style, the diplomat said. This is the first time the fika culture has been seen in Vietnam. Applying Wayne's Coffee standards in Sweden and internationally, Wayne's Coffee Vietnam uses certified organic coffee, qualified by KRAV standards with rigorous testing. Cakes and drinks are made by baristas from Sweden at the counter. It also offers Vietnamese coffee to meet the taste of local coffee-goers at VND29,000. Currently, Wayne's Coffee has over 140 stores in Sweden, England, Germany, Holland, Jordan and several Middle Eastern countries, such as Saudi Arabia and Oman. The Swedish tradition of fika has conquered consumers around the world thanks to the healthy meals and drinks, as well as its environmental friendliness in using disposable items, such as glasses, mugs, paper towels, and decanters. Swedish Ambassador to Vietnam, Pereric Hogberg (C) and CEO of Wayne's Coffee global, Mats Hornell (R) visit the Wayne's Coffee counter. Mats Hornell, CEO at Waynes Coffee global system, said that "fika" with its own identity still fits in with the modern trend. "Our mission is to serve healthier beverages from organic, environmentally-friendly recycled materials, which is also our responsibility to protect the environment," said Hornell. Nguyen Dinh Dung, CEO at Arya Consumer Vietnam, shared that the Swedish brand brings "European quality food and drinks but with a very Vietnamese price to local consumers, targeting to bring about positive changes in life that will help people to balance their lives and make the planet greener. Wayne's Coffee Vietnam uses certified organic coffee, ensuring the highest quality for consumers health benefits. As a strategic shareholder of the project, the VOI Fund has adopted the project with Arya Consumers JSC to continue its mission in Vietnam, focusing on contributing to society and creating added value for the country and its people. A VOI representative said that the goal of Wayne's Coffee Project is to bring Vietnamese people the experience of organic coffee with their new favourite corner to take time out of their busy everyday lives. A joint venture between the State General Reserve Fund of Oman (SGRF) and the State Capital Investment Corporation of Vietnam (SCIC), VOIs key investments are based on Vietnam's growth story, in key areas, such as electricity, toll roads, logistics, clean water, education, health care, agriculture, commodities and consumption. VOI has disbursed more than US$200 million in the last decade, becoming a typical investment fund from the Middle East into Vietnam. With its unique design concept, Wayne's Coffee has set the standard for modern European urban coffee. It is now one of the leading coffee brands in Scandinavia with over 140 stores around the world. A harmonious architecture design combining a European minimalist style with tropical Vietnamese nature to stimulate creativity and refresh energy. The concept of Wayne's Coffee began with the dream of having a new meeting place for everyone, a space that is urban but close to home to enjoy time together over great food and drinks. Cakes and drinks are made by baristas from Sweden directly at the counter. The Objective Media Forum has issued a statement slamming what it terms as unsubstantiated allegations against Sammy Awuku and his wife. The statement issued by the Forum which is aimed at protecting individuals working hard for the country said, we are strongly opposed to the growing trend of unsubstantiated allegations against, hard working young politicians who have worked so hard to build a strong reputation for themselves and the country. According to the statement, the allegations of Sammy Amukus wife grabbing contracts at the Ghana Free Zones Authority and the accompanying facts were distorted. The group however called on Sammy Awuku to disregard the claims and focus on delivering on his core mandate; adding "we believe Sammy Awuku is a strong and young brilliant politician whose exploits can be compared to globally celebrated politicians like Julius Malema, of South Africa. Read below the full statement The objective media forum wishes to express our utmost disgust at the frivolous allegations leveled against Sammy Awuku over claims that, his wife has grabbed juicy contracts. We are strongly opposed to the growing trend of unsubstantiated allegations against, hard working young politicians who have worked so hard to build a strong reputation for themselves and the country. In the case of Sammy Awuku, we were deeply scandalized at the allegations and wish to call on Ghanaians to desist from attacking the integrity of individuals for their own parochial interest. We have read and believe the story published by Ghana Palaver, was written with distorted facts in order to paint the young politician in a bad light. This is an attempt to also cast a slur on the Executive Secretary of the GFZA and mischievously discredit his manner of steering the affairs of the GFZA. We wish to also refer to the statement issued by the GFZA and state that, we are in support of the facts outlined in the statement. What is wrong if Sammy Awuku's wife won a contract? Did she not go through laid down procedures and was lawfully selected to offer her professional services? As stated by GFZA, management decision was taken to provide lunch for staff of the GFZA. Accordingly, a number of caterers were sourced who bid to provide the service and due process was followed in determining the four most competitive of caterers to provide the service on rotational bi-weekly basis. A Food Committee was constituted, made up of representatives of GFZA Staff Welfare Association who drew up a criteria for evaluating proposals received from the caterers and handled the entire process. JAESM Catering Services, of which Mrs. Mary Awuku is associated, did indeed put in a bid and ranked third after evaluation. Contracts were consequently signed in April, 2017 between the GFZA and the four catering services who ranked tops in the evaluation process. Suffice it to say that from April 2017 when the provision of lunch was instituted, JAESM Catering provided the said services for a total of four weeks based on the rotational timetable and served notice on the GFZA withdrawing their service beginning August, 2017. With that period, JAESM was paid a total amount of GHS15,764.00. The second fact as posited by the state agency said: Upon assumption of duty of the new management, the re-structuring and re-alignment of the GFZA was carried to fit the new strategic direction of the Authority. This included expansion and opening of regional offices in the Western and Ashanti Regions of the Country to cater for free zone enterprises in the western, middle and northern zones of the country. To this end, staff had to be recruited to taking care of staffing needs of the regional offices. Due process was followed and the bases of all appointments were the qualifications that were fit for purpose. We hereby request that the Palaver newspaper retracts the publication and renders an unqualified apology for the misleading publication. In conclusion, we believe Sammy Awuku is a strong and young brilliant politician whose exploits can be compared to globally celebrated politicians like Julius Malema, of South Africa. We call on him to focus on his core duty and ignore the distractions. 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 The National Democratic Congress (NDC) has extended heart felt felicitations to Muslims across the country for a successful Ramadan. In a statement signed the General Secretary, Mr. Johnson Asiedu Nketia, he says the party recognizes all Muslims who have allowed the teachings of Islam to put them through the period of, denial, abstinence, penitence, as well as self-sacrifice. "As the nation in general, and our Muslim brothers and sisters in particular, prepare to observe the Eid tomorrow, it is the wish of the NDC that the festive day will be observed in joyful solemnity; remembering the prayers and cries that were made to Allah," a part of the statement read. Ramadan is the ninth month of the Islamic calendar, and is observed by Muslims worldwide as a month of fasting to commemorate the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad according to Islamic belief. This annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month lasts 2930 days based on the visual sightings of the crescent moon, according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the hadiths. While fasting from dawn until sunset, Muslims refrain from consuming food, drinking liquids, smoking, and engaging in sexual relations. Muslims are also instructed to refrain from sinful behavior that may negate the reward of fasting, such as false speech (insulting, backbiting, cursing, lying, etc.) and fighting except in self-defense. Copy of The Statement below: It has been a month-long period of, intense fasting and prayers by all Muslims, and the National Democratic Congress (NDC), extends our heartfelt felicitations to all Muslims who allowed the teachings of Islam to put them through the period of, denial, abstinence, penitence, as well as self-sacrifice. We give immense thanks to Allah the Merciful and Most High, for seeing all our Muslim brothers and sisters through the sacrificial period of prayers and fasting, and we congratulate them for living by the tenets of the Holy Quran. As the nation in general, and our Muslim brothers and sisters in particular, prepare to observe the Eid tomorrow, it is the wish of the NDC that the festive day will be observed in joyful solemnity; remembering the prayers and cries that were made to Allah. May the peace and guidance of Allah be upon Mother Ghana now and always, and may this period of the Festival of Breaking Fast, pour more blessings upon our dear Country, Ghana. Johnson Asiedu-Nketiah (General Secretary, NDC). Thursday, June 14, 2018. Source: Isaac kwame Owusu/Peacefmonline.com/[email protected] Disclaimer : Opinions expressed here are those of the writers and do not reflect those of Peacefmonline.com. Peacefmonline.com accepts no responsibility legal or otherwise for their accuracy of content. Please report any inappropriate content to us, and we will evaluate it as a matter of priority. Featured Video A very shy British schoolgirl came on America's Got Talent stage looking like she couldn't sing to save her life, but when she opened her mouth and sang, the judges were so blown away that they hit the "golden buzzer", sending her straight to the quarterfinals. Courtney Hadwin, 13, from Hesleden, in County Durham, came on stage on Tuesday night and when judge Mel B asked how she was feeling, she said she felt "nervous". She looked it too, and Mel B tried to calm her down by asking what her best subject is in school and the girl said "Music". But the moment the girl started singing to Otis Redding's Hard to Handle, it was as though she had been replaced by someone else. The shy Courtney was gone, replaced with a very sure and confident performer who did not falter one bit and kept her audience entertained. By the time she was done singing, all four judges and the audience were on their feet. The teenager is no stranger to talent competitions, having narrowly missed out on the top prize on The Voice Kids UK last year. Her own grandfather describes her as "painfully shy". Watch her incredible performance in the video below. 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 During a working visit to Myanmar from June 8-12 of a Vietnamese military delegation led by Deputy Minister of National Defence Sen. Lieut. Gen. Tran Don, the two sides discussed measures to deepen their bilateral defence links on a par with the comprehensive cooperative partnership between the two nations. The visit aimed to review the defence cooperation between the two countries in the recent past, especially after the official visit to Vietnam in March 2017 by Commander-in-Chief of the Myanmar Armed Forces Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and the official visit to Myanmar by Vietnamese Minister of National Defence General Ngo Xuan Lich in October 2017. As part of their trip, the Vietnamese delegation paid courtesy visits to Senior General Min Aung Hlaing and Defence Minister of Myanmar Lieut. Gen. Sein Win, during which the Myanmar officers highlighted the high political trust between the two countries and their armies. They stressed that the defence links between Myanmar and Vietnam in a number of fields have borne fruit, especially in training, military medicine and the defence industry. The Vietnamese delegation also attended a ceremony to launch the telecoms service of the Viettel Military Industry and Telecoms Group in the Myanmar market (Mytel). The project is one of the highlights of the bilateral defence cooperation in recent times. At the ceremony and meetings with the Vietnamese delegates, Myanmars leaders agreed to create favourable conditions for Vietnam enterprises, including defence firms, to invest in Myanmar. During their stay, the Vietnamese delegation visited the Defence Services Academy of Myanmar, the Vietnamese Embassy and the defence attache office in Myanmar. Chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee Nguyen Duc Chung made the remark at a reception for the outgoing Ambassador of the Netherlands to Vietnam, Nienke Trooster, in Hanoi on June 13. He recognised the ambassadors important contributions to enhancing the friendship and multifaceted cooperation between the two countries, as well as between the Dutch localities and Hanoi over the past few years. Chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee Nguyen Duc Chung expressed his hope that in any new position, Trooster would continue serving as a bridge to develop the bilateral relations. While highlighting the bilateral cooperation prospects, Chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee Chung said Hanoi prioritises applying technologies from European countries, including the Netherlands, to carry out its development plan through to 2020. Apart from clean water and infrastructure development projects, Hanoi is partnering with the Netherlands Philips Lighting group to implement a project to light up the area around Hoan Kiem Lake, he said. In agriculture, an asparagus growing project in Phu Xuyen district using seeds from the Netherlands is reaping success, the chairman added. He took the occasion to invite the Dutch diplomat to attend a conference entitled Hanoi 2018 investment cooperation and development at the National Convention Centre on June 17. Ambassador Trooster described Hanoi as one of the most beautiful cities in Asia. Over the years, the two countries businesses have worked to promote the bilateral partnership in various fields, she said, adding that their cooperation potential remains huge. 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 JUNEAU, Alaska (AP) In a push to get Alaska voters to legalize marijuana, supporters suggested a tax on growers of $800 a pound though they knew it would be unworkable in the long run. The tax aimed to show that the industry was willing to pay its share, said Brandon Emmett, who was part of the successful 2014 legalization campaign. The hope was that once pot become legal, the industry, regulators and lawmakers would work together to revamp the figure, he said. So far as I can tell, we gambled poorly because thats not happening, he said, adding, And I think were runni... Bulk of Gov't grant expended on University of Guyana oil and gas programme By Kaieter News GEORGETOWN Petroleumworld 06 14 2018 A significant portion of the $100 M grant which the University of Guyana secured last year as part of Government's effort to help the institution establish an Oil and Gas programme, has been expended. Last year, the Ministry of Natural Resources, the Geology and Mines Commission (GGMC) and the University of Guyana (UG) signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) for a $100 million philanthropic education grant for the period 2017-2018. The grant provided the University of Guyana's, Faculty of Technology with much-needed equipment for its geology labs, curriculum development, training, outreach, and field research, all linked to the emerging oil and gas sector. It also provided specific allocations for all other faculties for student-centered enhancements at the university. Speaking about the programme, Vice Chancellor of UG Professor Ivelaw Griffith explained that this is one of the university's most significant grants, with the GGMC. Griffith said that it is an investment by the Government in the institution, in an area critical to the nation's economy. He said that the project is a result of UG long-standing relationship with GGMC. He highlighted the fact, that many of the commission's staff through scholarships has received their higher education at the institution. To date, 87% of the finances have been pumped into realising UG's oil and gas programme. Some $55M was used for equipment and supplies to the Faculty of Technology's laboratories, pursued by the GGMC, Some $10 M was expended on training; some $16M was for infrastructural projects through UG. | When Natural Resources Minister, Raphael Trotman, handed over the first tranche of the funds ($45M) to the Vice Chancellor last year, he noted the government views the initiative as an investment in education, and development. The minister noted that the project is significant since it represents a renewed and enhanced relationship with the Ministry and GGMC with the University of Guyana, even as the oil and gas sector develops. Additionally, Trotman said that similar efforts are also needed in the gold and diamond mining sectors as they will not be neglected in the period, post-2020 when oil production begins. ________________________ Twitter: @petroleumworld1 Petroleumworld.com Hit your target - Advertise with Us Story from Kaieter News kaieteurnewsonline.com 06 14 2018 Copyright 1999-2018 Petroleumworld or respective author or news agency. All rights reserved. We welcome the use of Petroleumworld (PW) stories by anyone provided it mentions Petroleumworld.com as the source. Other stories you have to get authorization by its authors. Internet web links to http://www.petroleumworld.com are appreciated. Petroleumworld welcomes your feedback and comments, share your thoughts on this article, your feedback is important to us! We invite all our readers to share with us their views and comments about this article. Write to editor@petroleumworld.com By using this link, you agree to allow PW to publish your comments on our letters page. Any question or suggestions, please write to: editor@petroleumworld.com Best Viewed with IE 5.01+ Windows NT 4.0, '95, '98,ME,XP, Vista, Windows 7,8,10 +/ 800x600 pixels Twitter: @petroleumworld1 November 13 - 15, 2018. Gubkin University, Moscow SPE Student Chapter Touchstone Exploration's very optimistic in Trinidad & Tobago economic environment -CEO By Rapheal John-Lal l PORT SPAIN Petroleumworld 06 14 2018 Touchstone Exploration's strong financial performance reflects its optimism in T&T's economic environment, CEO Paul Baay said yesterday. We have spent almost US$71 million in Trinidad and Tobago over the last seven years onshore. Our goal is to be the largest onshore producer here in Trinidad and Tobago, he said in an interview following the company's annual general meeting at the Hyatt Regency, Port-of-Spain. Touchstone, which is headquartered in Canada and listed on the London and Toronto Stock Exchanges, is one of the largest independent onshore oil producers in T&T. Commenting on the company's financial performance in the last fiscal year, Baay said: We had about US$4.5 million in cash flow this year. That is up by about $250,000 from the year before, so we have seen a huge improvement and when we look forward into the next year, we are looking at about US$14 million in 2018. He attributed the company's strong performance to their drilling activity. We have drilled wells that produced better than what we thought and with rising oil prices over the last year, the wells have come on much better than we had targeted and we have got the operating costs down. It is turning into a very profitable organisation, he said. Baay is optimistic about doing business in T&T and the future. It is going to be our most active time in seven years. Our programme is going to double from ten to 20 wells next year. We will go from a $4 million to about a $20 million capital budget next year, he said. Part of that is that there are world class oil and gas reserves onshore in Trinidad. ________________________ Twitter: @petroleumworld1 Petroleumworld.com Hit your target - Advertise with Us Trump, Iran head on over oil prices By Susan Heavey and Alex Lawler WASHINGTON/LONDON Petroleumworld 06 14 2018 U.S. President Donald Trump and Iran exchanged sharp words over oil prices on Wednesday, with Trump blaming OPEC for high oil prices and Tehran accusing him of stoking volatility after he withdrew last month from a global nuclear arms deal with Iran. Trump sparked the latest back-and-forth when he renewed his attack on OPEC in a tweet that said oil prices are too high and that the cartel was at it again. Oil prices have risen around 60 percent over the last year after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and some non-OPEC producers, including Russia, started reducing supplies in 2017. The cartel meets June 22-23 in Vienna, and producers are seen as likely to raise production, perhaps before the limits are due to sunset at year-end. Iran's OPEC governor, Hossein Kazempour Ardebili, fired back at Trump in a statement to Reuters. You cannot place sanctions on two OPEC founder members and still blame OPEC for oil price volatility, he said, referring to his country and Venezuela. This is business, Mr. President - we thought you knew it. The oil supply deal is set to continue through the end of 2018, but plans for its continuation were unclear. The calculus changed after Trump announced in May that Washington was pulling out of the 2015 deal that restricted Iran's nuclear program in exchange for the removal of sanctions. The U.S. move has pressured European and Asian clients to stop importing Iranian oil or doing business with the country. Saudi Arabia, Iran's rival and OPEC's largest producer, and Russia, the world's largest producer and a party to the deal, have already increased supply. Saudi Arabia supported Trump's decision to exit the Iran nuclear agreement. I think the Trump tweet makes the Saudis' job of getting compromise at the OPEC meeting tougher, said Joe McMonigle, senior energy policy analyst at Hedgeye Potomac Research in Washington. Saudi production rose to 10.03 million barrels per day (bpd in May, in line with deal quotas, according to OPEC data. Russia's production was 11.1 million barrels a day in the beginning of June, exceeding its quota, according to sources familiar with the matter. The price of Brent crude peaked in May at $80.50 a barrel, then pulled back, trading on Wednesday near $77 at barrel, partly in anticipation that the deal may end. U.S. crude traded Wednesday near $67 a barrel. Oil prices are too high, OPEC is at it again. Not good! Trump wrote in his post on Twitter after last raising the issue in April. The potential for OPEC to boost production has raised concerns about the cartel's limited spare capacity, which could fall to as low as 2 million bpd. This would make it harder to respond to a supply shock, such as in Venezuela, where output has declined to a 33-year-low due to an economic crisis. OPEC has the lowest spare capacity ever right now, said fund manager Pierre Andurand, in a tweeted response to Trump. There is going to be a real issue, he wrote, predicting prices above $150 per barrel within two years. In the United States, gasoline pump prices nationwide have risen to near $3 a gallon during the peak summer travel season, still less than the $4 a gallon during the 2007-2009 Great Recession. Gasoline demand has remained strong, rising to an estimated 9.9 million bpd as of last week, according to U.S. Energy Department data. Trump sent his tweet hours after returning to Washington from a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore. Separately, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in the U.S. House of Representatives was pushing legislation that would subject OPEC to U.S. antitrust law and fight what the group called artificial production controls. The measure would have to pass the full House and the U.S. Senate before Trump could sign it into law. Past presidents have not supported similar bills when they have been proposed. ________________________ Twitter: @petroleumworld1 Petroleumworld.com Hit your target - Advertise with Us Venezuela's shrinking PDVSA crude output nears 1mn b/d By Argus CARACAS Petroleumworld 06 14 2018 Venezuela has begun to proactively shut in oil production to cope with nearly replete terminal storage, further accelerating an output decline and bringing the Opec country closer to the psychological barrier of 1mn b/d. According to energy ministry official data communicated to Opec, Venezuela produced 1.533mn b/d of crude in May, up by 28,000 b/d from 1.505mn b/d in April. Average production cited by secondary sources published by Opec pegged Venezuela's May output at 1.392mn b/d, down by 42,500 b/d from 1.434mn b/d in April. Argus estimates May production at around 1.45mn b/d. State-owned PdV officials consulted by Argus privately dismissed the official tally showing an increase in Venezuela's output last month. Two PdV upstream executives say that May production averaged about 1.44mn b/d or 93,000 b/d less than the energy ministry's official figure of 1.533mn b/d. So far in June, the outlook for Venezuelan production is grimmer. Venezuela was producing about 1.5mn b/d at the start of May, including roughly about 800,000 b/d in the Orinoco oil belt and a combined 700,000 b/d in the company's eastern and western divisions. But output in early June has dropped to 1.1mn-1.2mn b/d, according to three PdV officials. "Eastern division land-based storage of 11mn bl is at full capacity, and western division storage capacity of almost 48mn bl will be filled to its operational capacity in a question of days," the western division executive said. It was not immediately clear where PdV is closing taps to manage the storage restrictions. An output decline to about 1.1mn b/d in June, the lowest monthly level in nearly 70 years, is "not unrealistic given current circumstance and restrictions on PdV's operations," the executive added. A senior energy ministry official, a frequent government critic, says the gaps with the official data in May are a "reflection of increasing presidential palace pressures" on energy minister and PdV chief executive Manuel Quevedo to reverse Venezuela's upstream decline. PdV management is inflating Venezuela's official data "to hide the truth of PdV's production debacle from President (Nicolas) Maduro, the country and oil markets," the ministry official said. The main driver behind Venezuela's sharper production decline in recent weeks is the cutoff of PdV's Dutch Caribbean logistical assets because of a set of debt-related liens imposed by ConocoPhillips early last month. The dispute has led to a backlog of up to 30mn bl of crude exports which would normally flow through the Dutch Caribbean corridor, often for transshipment onto larger vessels for long-haul destinations. PdV's local terminal and assets of a combined 61mn bl are "filled nearly to capacity," the ministry official added. Another PdV executive confirmed that storage is almost full. Another factor behind the latest decline is a cutback in activity by PdV and its foreign joint venture partners in the Orinoco oil belt, because of unpaid debt and fears of running afoul of US financial sanctions. A labor exodus at PdV has added to the toxic mix for Venezuela's upstream operations. Venezuela produced more than 3mn b/d of crude in the 1990s. ________________________ Twitter: @petroleumworld1 Petroleumworld.com Hit your target - Advertise with Us China and India want to counter OPEC buying more U.S. oil Indian govt official says discussing collaborating with China. Nations want to put pressure on OPEC to keep prices in control. By Debjit Chakraborty DELHI Petroleumworld 06 14 2018 Two of Asia's largest crude buyers are considering teaming up to buy U.S. supplies and counter OPEC's dominance in the world's biggest oil market. India and China are discussing ways to boost imports of U.S. crude to Asia, a move aimed at reducing their dependence on cargoes from members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries, according to an Indian government official. The two nations want to put pressure on OPEC producers to keep prices under control, he said in New Delhi on Wednesday, asking not to be identified because of internal policy. The potential collaboration between the two major oil buyers would present another challenge for OPEC, which is facing competition for market share in Asia from the flood of crude pumped in the Gulf of Mexico and shale fields of Texas. The group is also contending with internal differences: Saudi Arabia favors easing output curbs implemented last year after they succeeded in shrinking a global glut, while Iran , Iraq and Venezuela oppose boosting production. Diversification of supply sources will benefit both India and China by increasing competition among oil producers, said Abhishek Kumar, an analyst at Interfax Global Energy in London. Procuring oil at the cheapest price is vital for the two energy hungry Asian consumers. The output reductions by OPEC and allies including Russia helped oil rebound from the worst crash in a generation, weighing on the economies of consuming nations. Prices last month were further boosted to the highest level since 2014 after a U.S. decision to reimpose sanctions on Iran threatened to curb exports from the Islamic Republic and as economic turmoil in Venezuela hurt the Latin American nation's output. Indian oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan said last month that he had expressed concern about rising crude and its negative impact on consumers and the Asian nation's economy to Saudi energy minister Khalid Al-Falih. The trading unit of China's biggest refiner has cut supplies from OPEC's biggest producer in recent months, citing costly oil pricing by the Middle East nation. Oil Alliance The oil-buying alliance may initially be made up of India and China, with South Korea and Japan -- also major buyers -- joining the club later, the Indian government official said on Wednesday. While OPEC countries are still the dominant suppliers to Asia, almost all big importers in the region have increasingly turned to U.S. crude after a four-decade ban on American exports was lifted in late 2015. China's Ministry of Commerce didn't immediately reply to a fax seeking comment. Nobody responded to two calls made to South Korea's Ministry of Trade, Industry and Energy. Masato Sasaki, the director of Japan's Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry's oil and gas division, said he wasn't aware of the India-China talks or any request for his nation to join the potential alliance. Wang Yilin, the chairman of state-owned China National Petroleum Corp., the nation's biggest energy company, met with the chairman of refiner Indian Oil Corp. in Beijing and talked about deepening cooperation in oil and gas businesses, according to a post on the Chinese company's website on June 11. American President Donald Trump, meanwhile, on Wednesday renewed his Twitter assault on OPEC, pushing the case for oil to be lower a week before the cartel meets to discuss production policy. The U.S. is said to have lobbied Saudi Arabia and other members, arguing they need to raise output by 1 million barrels a day to keep prices in check. ________________________ Twitter: @petroleumworld1 Petroleumworld.com Hit your target - Advertise with Us Nga made the statement at the 28th Meeting of States Parties to UNCLOS which took place in New York from June 11-14. Vietnam will cooperate with other countries and international organisations to preserve and develop seas and islands sustainably for the future of human being, the ambassador said. Nga emphasised that Vietnam always advocates addressing disputes in the East Sea by peaceful measures and in line with international law, including UNCLOS. As a country located along the East Sea, Vietnam has paid special attention to protecting the marine environment and eco-system, and has been aware of adverse impacts of disputes on the sustainable preservation and use of seas and islands, she said. Vietnam welcomes efforts made by concerned parties to build the East Sea into the waters of peace, stability and sustainable development, Nga said, citing the kick-start of negotiations of the Code of Conduct in the East Sea (COC). She stressed that Vietnam calls on all member states to fully observe regulations of the convention, respect diplomatic and legal processes, promote sustainable use of seas and oceans, ensure security, and aviation and navigation safety and freedom in waters, and avoid unilateral activities, including the militarisation of occupied structures, that run counter to objectives of UNCLOS, and adversely impact the marine environment and resources as well as legal and legitimate rights and interests of the member states, and the building of codes of conduct. The ambassador reiterated Vietnams persistent stance on backing the fight against the illegal, unreported and unregulated (IUU) fishing, and spoke of Vietnams efforts to combat IUU fishing and promptly complete domestic procedures to become a member of the UN Fish Stocks Agreement (UNFSA) and the Agreement on Port State Measures to Prevent, Deter and Eliminate IUU Fishing (PSMA). The meeting brought together representatives from more than 100 member states of UNCLOS, the International Tribunal for the Law of the Sea, the International Seabed Authority, the Commission on the Limits of the Continental Shelf, and international and non-governmental organisations operating in the field of seas and oceans. The participants talked about challenges to maritime administration, and sea-related problems facing the state members such as marine pollution, overexploitation and sea level rise. They shared the view that UNCLOS should continue to be a comprehensive framework regulating all activities of littoral countries. PDVSA considering refining foreign crude oil in its Venezuela's CRP complex Carlos Garcia Rawlins/Reuters A general view of the PDVSA CRP refinery complex, Amuay unit which belongs to the Venezuelan state oil company in Paraguana, Venezuela. By Marianna Parraga HOUSTON Petroleumworld 06 14 2018 Venezuela is considering producing fuels from foreign crude oil for the first time, according to planning documents seen by Reuters, as the country struggles to meet its obligations despite having the world's largest crude reserves. State-run oil company PDVSA may process up to 57,000 barrels per day (bpd) of foreign crude in June at the country's largest refinery, according to a monthly refining plan which was viewed by Reuters on Wednesday. The output would help fulfill fuel contracts for Russian, Chinese and other customers and reduce purchases of fuels for domestic use, the documents showed. PDVSA did not respond to a request for comment. PDVSA has been falling short on fuel exports in recent years due to a lack of lighter crudes to refine, a shortage of spare parts, poor maintenance, and management upheaval at its domestic refining network. PDVSA also lost access in May to inventories produced in Curacao, where it operates the Isla refinery. Declining revenue resulting from falling oil production and exports have driven Venezuela into a severe economic recession, and led to a loss of skilled workers, and widespread food and medicine shortages. Some energy experts say further production declines could contribute to a global crude shortfall. U.S.-based ConocoPhillips ( COP.N ) last month seized some of PDVSA's assets in the Caribbean seeking payment for a $2 billion arbitration award, reducing PDVSA's ability to deliver fuel and crude exports to Asian customers and regional allies. Venezuela, an OPEC member country, has never before imported foreign crude oil for its domestic refineries, although it has blended African, Russian and U.S. crudes with its extra heavy oil to make exportable products. It also has purchased foreign oil for Caribbean refineries and to supply allies, including Cuba. DECADES-LOW OUTPUT In May, the country produced 1.53 million bpd of crude, according to numbers delivered to OPEC, but other sources put the figure at 1.39 million bpd, which would be the lowest monthly output since the 1950s. If PDVSA chooses to refine the imported crude, one of two scenarios outlined in documents showing its production, supply and contract requirements, the imports would alleviate a lack of domestic lighter crudes needed at the refineries, which have been running at about a third of their capacity. It could use Russian, Iranian or Angolan crudes, according to the documents. The larger processing of crude would increase our fuel availability. It would also decrease the requirements (to import) of vacuum gasoil and diesel, said one of the documents prepared in May. The alternative, not using imported crude, would mean the shortfall in fulfilling contracts to supply fuel would increase, the document showed. Most of these fuel contracts cover oil-for-loans with Chinese and Russian companies. As of June 13, two tankers holding Russian Urals crude were waiting in Venezuelan waters to discharge, according to Thomson Reuters vessel tracking data. One of the two, the Advantage Atom, is waiting near its Amuay refinery. Venezuela in January started routine imports of Urals crude to supply Cuban refineries, spending nearly $440 million on the purchases for its Caribbean ally. The Urals cargoes had been discharged in Curacao for transfer to Cuba, but since Conoco began seizing PDVSA's Caribbean assets, tankers arriving from Russia have been diverted to Venezuela's Paraguana Refining Center (CRP), which includes its Amuay and Cardon refineries. NOT ENOUGH FOR ALL To meet its domestic demands and PDVSA's fuel supply contracts, Venezuela would have to produce some 850,000 bpd of fuels, the documents show. Neither of the June alternatives show it getting close to that level. If PDVSA decides to process the foreign crude, it would produce 606,000 bpd, and less if it does not. From January through March, PDVSA's refineries supplied 78 percent of the 365,000 bpd of the fuels demanded by Venezuela's domestic market, which forced the company to import finished products including gasoline and diesel. Under the plan excluding foreign oil imports, PDVSA's domestic refineries this month would work at about 36 percent of their total capacity, or 473,000 bpd of Venezuelan crude, according to the documents, reflecting an acute lack of spare parts and delayed maintenance projects. On Wednesday, PDVSA's 310,000-bpd Cardon refinery restarted a vacuum distillation unit that was waiting for spare parts to be repaired. Last week, the 645,000-Amuay refinery restarted one of its crude distillation units. Those repairs are just some of the many still pending, according to the documents. At Venezuela's smallest refineries, Puerto la Cruz and El Palito, the lack of medium and light crudes has kept several distillation units out of service for months. The insufficient fuel production is affecting China's CNPC [CNPC.UL] and its subsidiaries the most as PDVSA would have to ship 258,000 bpd of fuel oil and jet fuel to these companies for repaying Chinese loans extended to the Venezuelan government in the last decade, but it typically delivers less than 100,000 bpd. Russia's Rosneft ( ROSN.MM ) this month is entitled to 80,000 bpd of fuel oil, jet fuel and natural gasoline under oil-for-loan contracts, while Cuba and members of Petrocaribe should receive at least 108,000 bpd, according to current contracts. ________________________ Twitter: @petroleumworld1 Petroleumworld.com Hit your target - Advertise with Us Accordingly, Microsoft has agreed to support its partners in deploying their solutions on the Microsoft Azure cloud computing platform. Seven Vietnamese partners participated in the signing of the MoU including AltTek Global, DiCentral, FPT IS, FSoft, Mobio, Pyramid Software & Consulting and Tinhvan Technologies JSC. These companies all have diverse solutions which are highly applicable in the areas of retail, finance, education and publishing. A representative from Microsoft said that 90% of the Top Fortune 500 companies have selected its cloud computing platform for their digital transformation process because the platform not only helps to improve business performance but also saves costs. Through the signing of the MoU, Microsoft partners can quickly introduce their business applications and solutions to corporate customers at a reasonable cost. Chief Technology Officer of FPT IS Phan Thanh Son said that the company is determined to pioneer in developing 4.0 technology solutions in Vietnam and is focusing on developing solutions on smart transportation and cities, a digital government, digital banking, smart medicals, smart hotels, and others. According to Son, the promotion of cooperation with global technology companies plays a crucial role in realising the FPTs long-term strategies. Of which, Microsoft is one of its most important partners, especially in the field of Cloud, Son noted. President of Microsoft Asia Pacific, Andrea Della Mattea, said that the signing ceremony reaffirms Microsoft's commitment to supporting the development of its partners ecosystems in Vietnam and the sustainable business development of its partners. Independence Health Group, the parent company of Independence Blue Cross, named Charles Pizzi its new chairman, effective July 1. Pizzi will replace Walter D'Allessio. Read more Independence Health Group, the corporate parent of Independence Blue Cross, named Charles Pizzi the board chairman, the health insurer was scheduled to announce Thursday. Pizzi replaces Walter D'Allessio, who had been in the position since 2005. The change will be effective July 1. During D'Allessio's tenure as chairman, Independence's revenue climbed to $16.4 billion last year from $10.6 billion in 2005, as the Center City company expanded outside its core Southeastern Pennsylvania market. The company says it serves customers in 29 states and Washington, D.C., up from seven states in 2005. "We are incredibly fortunate to have great board leadership. During his tenure, Walt has been a dedicated leader, trusted adviser, and true advocate for Independence, the Philadelphia region, and the millions of members we serve," Daniel J. Hilferty, president and chief executive of Independence. D'Allessio is a veteran real estate executive and currently a principal with NorthMarq Advisors LLC. Early in his career, he was an executive with the Philadelphia Redevelopment Authority and the Philadelphia Industrial Development Corp. Until February 2017, D'Allessio was chairman of Brandywine Realty Trust. He stepped down over what Brandywine described as a governance problem involving an initial failure to disclose that Brandywine had paid NorthMarq a $4.2 million brokerage commission when Independence leased part of Brandywine's former Philadelphia Stock Exchange Building. Pizzi is best known for his positions as president and chief executive of the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce from 1989 to 2002 and as president and chief executive of Tasty Baking Co. from 2002 to 2011, when the Philadelphia company was sold to Flowers Foods Inc. for $34.3 million. Both Pizzi and D'Allessio have been on the Independence board since 1991. Pizzi is also on the boards of Brandywine Realty Trust, Drexel University, Franklin Square Energy and Global Opportunity Funds, PHH Corp., Pennsylvania Real Estate Investment Trust, and WHYY. Unlike some Blue Cross Blue Shield companies, such as Horizon Blue Cross Blue Shield of New Jersey, Capital Blue Cross, and Highmark, Independence entities do not disclose director compensation on their state regulatory filings. Jessica Morgan, high on methamphetamines and the opioid pain medication Opana, sits in a holding cell after being booked for drug possession at the Campbell County Jail in Jacksboro, Tenn., earlier this spring. More than a decade ago, there were rarely more than 10 women in this jail. Now the population is routinely around 60. Read more When the Pennsbury School District held a meeting recently to update parents on its novel push to do something inside their schools about a crisis of drugs and despair that has overwhelmed their suburban Bucks County community, crusader Maureen Johnson was not surprised the room was packed with about 200 people all desperate for answers. "They see the death notices practically every week," said Johnson, who lost her own son Luke to a heroin overdose last year and who helped push Pennsbury where her son graduated from high school in 2013 to launch an innovative drug-intervention-and-awareness campaign. She said the recent news that a Pennsbury High senior had died from an apparent overdose had sent another round of shockwaves through the community which centered on the iconic post-World War II ranch houses and cul-de-sacs of Levittown promised an upwardly mobile American Dream, only to become an epicenter of a modern nightmare. A Pennsbury school board member who lost one son to heroin and another to suicide, Jacqueline Redner, told the Inquirer last year that her 28-year-old son's overdose had caused her to do some research and she discovered that about 100 of the 890 young men and women who'd graduated in his class a decade ago had since died, most from drugs or suicide. >> READ MORE: Teachers now lead mass-shooting drills, but it's not just up to educators to save lives | Perspective The gravest moral crisis facing America in a new millennium isn't the one you're watching on the TV news, the nightly soap opera about a president's twitchy Twitter fingers and politics-as-a-Russian-spy novel. Instead, it's the problem that doesn't even have a name. Or, arguably, it has too many names. Despair. Alienation. Depression. Isolation. Hopelessness. Last week, the growing problem of suicide took center stage the way that most issues get to center stage in a celebrity-obsessed land with a reality-show commander-in-chief when two famous people who seemed to have it all, the designer Kate Spade and the chef-turned-world-traveler Anthony Bourdain, took their own lives. As the more public figure, Bourdain's death hit especially hard, causing many to ask how a role model who seemed so full of life could choose to abruptly end it. It's a question that I've certainly asked myself, but there's a much more important one. Why do hundreds of everyday people in the American Heartland make these same grim choices every day. There's a growing body of evidence that confirms what most of us can feel in our bones. Earlier this month, the Centers for Disease Control said that suicides spiked upwards 25 percent from 1999 through 2016. With 45,000 fatalities last year, suicide is one of only three major causes of death that is rising in the United States. Another is drug overdoses, which rose by more than 21 percent in just one year, 2016 hardly a surprise to Philadelphia neighborhoods like Kensington that have been overrun by encampments of those laid low by addiction. Coupled with the steady toll of alcohol-related fatalities, sociologists have come up with a grim new term for all this: Deaths of despair. >> READ MORE: Nothing has stopped the wave of school shootings. Now districts are buying war-zone trauma kits And it's hard not to wonder about the other forms of fallout in a society where alienation runs inexplicably deep. Are the same factors causing people to kill themselves with handguns, or a needle, also behind the warped mind of mass killers like a 64-year-man who without any kind of warning or explanation turned his high-powered weaponry on a Las Vegas music festival and randomly murdered 58 people. Experts admit they're not sure if the same demons behind "deaths of despair" are what motivates mass killers. Indeed, while there's widespread agreement that these deaths are a growing social crisis, you'll find little agreement on what's causing it. The Princeton researchers who first promulgated the idea of "deaths of despair" did find higher morbidity rates in those economically Rust Belt areas of America where so many factories and coal mines have shuttered (yes, those same regions that voted overwhelmingly for our current president) but even they conceded financial distress is just one piece of the puzzle. And the other pieces are the kind of numbing 3 a.m. questions that our body politic is not at all equipped to handle. The collapse of clubs, churches, and other community organizations, the phenomenon that sociologist Robert Putnam famously called "bowling alone," The endless hours that we spend staring into a screen instead of interacting with flesh-and-blood humans, included a social network that manages to connect people and make us feel alone at the same time. The inevitable loss of religious faith in a high-tech world. The high rate of divorce and broken families. >> READ MORE: Pa. hospital admissions for heroin overdoses increase even as pain-med overdoses decline All of this, by the way, in a nation where the vultures of Big Pharma have free reign to peddle addictive painkillers as the answer to all of our problems, and where an insidious gun lobby places firearms in the hands of people much more likely to turn a handgun on themselves in despair than on a burglar. David Radley, chief scientist for the Commonwealth Fund, said there's a growing sense among experts that rising deaths of despair are "attributed to feelings of just hopelessness that aren't necessarily tied to the economy." His group recently noted that such fatalities have spiked more sharply in Pennsylvania nearly doubling in the last decade than elsewhere, with rampant opioid addiction the biggest factor. But experts have gotten a better handle on the statistics than on pinpointing the underlying causes, let alone what to do about it. "I think social media plays a big role," Maureen Johnson told me, noting how the internet has made it easier to buy drugs, or to bully and harass other people. But yet she acknowledges that other factors including what she thinks was a genetic predisposition to addiction played a role in the heroin death of her own son Luke, who had been in a Florida drug treatment program. The difficulty of defining the root causes of despair are one reason it's hard to coalesce around a solution but not the only reason. Our gridlocked and dysfunctional federal government doesn't help matters. In Washington this past week, a group of GOP lawmakers staged a media event where they held aloft 8-by-10 pictures of their constituents who've succumbed to drug overdoses, but their bills haven't gone anywhere yet, and a more ambitious proposal for an $100-billion war on opioids doesn't have a prayer in an era where the administration is fighting to roll back health care, not improve it. Likewise, studies showing lower suicide rates in jurisdictions that have stricter gun control have done shockingly little to advance the cause of gun control. But even though stricter laws would make it harder for depressed and suicidal people to get their hands on a gun, that's still addressing a symptom of despair and not the underlying problem. A D.C.-based non-profit called the Trust for America's Health recently released what it calls a National Resilience Strategy that calls for a systematic, evidence-based assault on rise in deaths of despair, rather than the piecemeal solutions that are debated and then not passed on Capitol Hill. >> READ MORE: Why are so many Americans killing themselves? But with America's crucial midterm elections on the horizon, I haven't heard many politicians talking about a National Resilience Strategy or "deaths of despair" amid the usual tried-and-true approaches of railing against high gas prices. Said Johnson: "They should be pouring billions into fighting this epidemic" as she imagined a vast network of community centers that could connect people now fighting despair and addiction alone. Without a national "War on Despair," Johnson has turned, like many, to smaller bore solutions, raising $20,000 so far for a start-up foundation she hopes will honor her son Luke's memory by promoting greater awareness about the toll from opioids in classrooms, and encouraging Pennsbury to launch the program that now works with the Caron Foundation on its aggressive program that places anti-drug staffers directly in the schools. In that sense, attacking deaths of despair may prove like climate change or other problems hanging over America's head with the real innovative solutions on the local level. But right now, the biggest obstacle to solving the moral crises that stem from hopelessness and alienation seems simply finding the courage to even talk about it. The United States is a country that's overcome civil war at home and fascism abroad, but we still haven't even found the right words to attack the great moral crisis of the 21st Century, the one that doesn't yet have a name. The four-party summit between Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, the United Arab Emirates (UAE) and Jordan took place shortly after a wave of protests broke out in Jordan. The demonstrations have shaken the capital city of Amman and other Jordanian cities since late May, aiming to oppose the draft income tax law and the increases in the prices of goods, as requested by the International Monetary Fund (IMF). Under the draft bill, the labour income tax hike is proposed to be at least 5%, while increases of 20-40% are suggested for corporate income tax. These are the latest measures in a series of economic reforms that Jordan has been implementing since the grant of an IMF loan of US$723 million to the Arab country over a three-year term starting from 2016. The draft law has not yet to be ratified by the Parliament of Jordan. Under pressure from the wave of protests, Jordanian Prime Minister Hani Mulki was forced to resign amid thousands of people gathering outside the PMs Office in Amman to protest the governments austerity measures. Jordans King Abdullah II appointed Omar al-Razzaz, former World Bank economist and the education minister in Mulkis government, to head a new government, in a move to alleviate the peoples anger over the economic policies of the outgoing government. The monarch asked the new cabinet to review the entire tax system and immediately begin a dialogue on the aforementioned draft income tax bill. It is a challenge for the head of government, as Jordan is currently in a state of massive public debt, forcing the government to apply austerity measures by raising taxes and cutting subsidies in exchange for the IMF loans. Amman said it would ask the IMF to give them more time to implement reform measures after the recent protests are at risk of pushing the country into turmoil. The IMF said that it would cooperate with the new Jordanian government to finalise the consideration of its loan programme for the Arab country as soon as possible. King Abdullah IIs call for a national dialogue, related to the draft bill that sparked protests, is seen as the right direction to put an end to the protestors anger and prevent things from becoming worse. International donors are also considering their support of Jordan, as the country is struggling with financial difficulties due to taking care of more than a million refugees from neighbouring Syria. The US$2.5 billion economic aid package offered by the neighbouring states is considered a timely gift. According to the joint statement, the aid will include deposits in Jordans Central Bank, guarantees for the World Bank, annual support for Jordans budget over five years, and finance development projects. The aid came as a result of the efforts made by the King of Saudi Arabia aiming to protect the Jordanian leader from suffering heavy criticism from the other Arab states. Having witnessed the Arab Spring storm sweep through the Gulf region and devastate a number of nations in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA) region, countries in the region do not want the tragedy to happen again. Over seven years has passed, but the consequences of the wave of protests overthrowing the regimes in Egypt, Libya, and Tunisia are still severely affecting countries in the region, pushing many previously prosperous countries into a prolonged crisis. The recent developments in Jordan, if not prevented, would likely push the country into serious turmoil. In the context that the Gulf states are facing a diplomatic crisis with Qatar, if another crisis occurs, it would be a factor that destabilises the region, threatening to bring about unpredictable consequences. School crossing guard Aiesha Burton presides over a cleaned-up corner at Kensington and Lehigh. But around Philadelphia, many kids face evidence of the opioid crisis, on the streets and in their homes. Read more As a pediatrician working in a community that has been called Philadelphia's epicenter of opioid addiction, I have been focused, of course, on how children are harmed by this crisis. But not so much on the newborns struggling through painful withdrawal, with their high-pitched cries and trembling. Nor the teens, whose developing brains are particularly vulnerable to addictions of all kinds. >>READ MORE: Babies addicted to opioids: A crisis crying for a count My days are spent worrying about children stuck in the middle. I think about the toddler, already in his third foster home, whom I have cared for since he was taken away as an infant from a mother unable to look after him. I think about a second grader who found his father dead from an overdose. Or the fourth grader who needs a doctor's note excusing his absences from school though his health is fine. He stayed home because he couldn't get his heroin-using mother out of bed, and didn't want to leave her alone. One day while driving to work, I stopped at the intersection of Clearfield and Front Streets, a particularly desolate corner of North Philadelphia. A school-crossing guard held up traffic to make sure several children, book bags strapped to their shoulders, could get across the street safely. Stumbling in the opposite direction was a glassy-eyed man, oblivious to the children gaping at him, and to the crossing guard's head-shaking disapproval. The psychological and medical effects of the opioid epidemic on children who live in such neighborhoods has not been a major focus at a time when we are just trying to keep people alive and into treatment. Who are the children who need help dealing with the fallout of addiction? How many are there? How can we best help them? A large report from Britain, "Hidden Harm," demonstrated that for every problem opioid user, an average of one child suffers some kind of adversity. A 2017 estimate in Philadelphia suggested that there are close to 70,000 heroin users and Hidden Harm's one-to-one impact doesn't even count the indirect exposures such as the one I saw at Clearfield and Front Streets. Nearly a third of children entering foster care in 2015 were placed there due at least in part to a parent's illicit drug use an increase of nearly 50 percent since 2005. In Pennsylvania, a staggering 55 percent of child-placement cases are drug-related. >>READ MORE: Love in the time of opioids: Adoption connects drug-exposed kids with new families As we have learned through the seminal Adverse Childhood Experiences study, children who grow up in households where parents use drugs (which often goes hand-in-hand with abuse or neglect), or who are placed in foster care, suffer lifelong health consequences. Such children are more than twice as likely to develop cancer as an adult, have a 70 percent higher risk of cardiovascular disease, and are 10 times more likely to misuse drugs themselves. The pathways to these outcomes originate in early childhood through toxic stress and its weathering effect on the developing brain and body. These are just a few of the medical costs of a childhood disrupted by this scourge. The psychological effects must be brought to light, child-by-child, family-by-family and block-by-block. Imagine being a child who must care for younger siblings as well as parents in addiction and then try to succeed in school. What can be done? Responding to this aspect of the opioid crisis requires a multi-level, child-centered approach that prioritizes the smallest victims. Effective treatment for parents will have major benefits for children and must be a priority of policy and practice. Including children in parental treatment, as well as considering the vital role of parents when considering criminal justice reform, must also be prioritized. The Mayor's Task Force to Combat the Opioid Epidemic, established in 2017, has 18 important measures outlined but it doesn't give nearly enough prominence to the plight of children. That must change. Medicaid the government health insurance program for just about all the families I care for is the lifeline linking people to treatment. We must fight back against any efforts to reduce it. Supporting organizations such as Prevention Point and New Kensington Community Development Corporation (NKCDC) can save lives, as can resources such as startyourrecovery.org, which finds treatment opportunities. "Too many children of parents struggling with opioids will start life with odds stacked against them. Their urgent needs must be met now," Marian Wright Edelman, president of the Children's Defense Fund, said recently. For 70,000 children in Philadelphia, this is that now. Daniel R. Taylor, D.O., is an associate professor at Drexel University College of Medicine and director of community pediatrics and child advocacy at St. Christopher's Hospital for Children. The views and opinions expressed in this article belong solely to the author, and not necessarily to the author's employer and its affiliates. NOTE: This article has been updated to reflect the announcement Friday that Baylor University researchers had inadvertently inflated their Pennsylvania data. Pennsylvania is one of a dozen states nationwide that have seen increases in parents choosing to not vaccinate their children against measles and other infectious diseases, according to a new study published this week.. The researchers fear growth in the anti-vaccine movement parents who believe, contrary to scientific evidence, that vaccines are more dangerous than the diseases they protect against could potentially present a public health threat. "This is a wake-up call," said Peter Hotez, a lead researcher and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine in Texas. "We really need to do a deeper dive now to figure out what's going on in the hot-spot areas and what's causing parents to not vaccinate their kids." The study by researchers from Baylor and the Texas Children's Hospital Center for Vaccine Development was published Tuesday in the journal PLOS Medicine. It analyzed the growth in non-medical exemptions opt-outs on the basis of religious, philosophical, or personal beliefs. They found that since 2009, 12 of the 18 states that allow such exemptions have seen increases in children not being vaccinated. Eight Idaho counties were among the 10 counties with the nation's highest exemption rates for kindergarten students in the 2016-17 school year, ranging from a high of nearly 27 percent to almost 15 percent. The two other highest counties were in Wisconsin and Utah. By comparison, Pennsylvania's highest non-medical exemption rates for kindergartners in 2015-16 were nearly 4.6 percent in Potter County, 4.4 percent in Armstrong County, and nearly 4 percent in Beaver County. Locally, Bucks County had the highest opt-out rates at 2.3 percent, Philadelphia had the lowest at less than 1 percent. In Pennsylvania, children can be exempted from vaccines based on religious grounds, but their parents or guardians are not required to furnish proof of a religious belief. "The department believes its data shows that the number of students obtaining exemptions is nominal and typically is less than 2 percent for each type of exemption available in Pennsylvania," namely religious or medical, said Nate Wardle, a state Health Department spokesman. In January, a national Blue Cross Blue Shield study found that the early childhood vaccination rate for commercially insured households in the Philadelphia area had improved from 2010 to 2016. According to the Blue Cross Blue Shield claims data, over 85 percent of all Philadelphia-area children had received the federally recommended seven-vaccine series. Nationally, 73.5 percent of the insurer's young members were up-to-date in their immunizations. Interestingly, the Blue Cross study did find a national increase in the rate of parents refusing to get their children vaccinated from 2.5 percent for children born in 2010 to 4.2 percent for youngsters born in 2013. The Philadelphia rate of parental refusal over the six-year study was 3.8 percent, higher than the national rate of 3.3 percent. Hotez said that while it is true vaccination rates nationally have not changed dramatically, there is still cause for concern about public health, particularly with measles, a highly contagious and potentially fatal disease. In recent years, measles outbreaks in Minnesota and California have resulted in hospitalizations of young children. Those at most increased risk, he said, are the non-vaccinated children's siblings under age 1 who are too young to be immunized. "Once you start getting vaccination rates below 95 percent, then you start getting concerned," Hotez said. "If it goes below 90 and 80 percent, then you get really concerned." Wardle said Pennsylvania has seen isolated measles outbreaks in the last few years, "but nothing widespread." Gloucester County authorities are investigating an officer-involved shooting Saturday at a strip mall in Deptford following an alleged shoplifting. One person was killed while allegedly trying to flee, a spokesman said Sunday. Read more The Gloucester County NAACP on Wednesday called on the New Jersey attorney general to take over the investigation into the fatal police shooting of a shoplifting suspect in a Deptford strip mall parking lot over the weekend. In a statement, the civil rights group said Deptford police and the county Prosecutor's Office should cede their inquiry into the death of LaShanda Anderson, saying an investigation by state prosecutors would "dispel any suspicions" of a cover-up. It said an independent probe was needed to engender confidence in "communities that historically have, according to many reliable studies, been treated differently and unfairly by law enforcement personnel." "All residents and visitors to Gloucester County must feel they have the right to live and visit here without fear of threat, violence or harm from anyone, including our police departments," said Loretta Winters, president of the Gloucester County NAACP. Peter Aseltine, a spokesman for Attorney General Gurbir S. Grewal, declined to comment Wednesday. Bernie Weisenfeld, a spokesman for the Prosecutor's Office did not respond to a message seeking comment. On Tuesday, the NAACP said it would conduct its own probe into the death of Anderson, 36, of Philadelphia, who was shot twice after she allegedly tried to run over two police officers in a parking lot of Deptford Crossing during an attempt to avoid an arrest on a charge of shoplifting. "It was just a normal, normal shoplifting. They happen every day. How did this one end up in a killing?" Winters asked Wednesday. The Prosecutor's Office is investigating the incident and whether the use of force was justified. The sergeant who shot Anderson has been placed on paid leave pending completion of an investigation into the shooting. Authorities say Anderson ignored commands to stop as she drove toward the officers in a rented SUV and one of them fired in self-defense. She was pronounced dead at the scene. >>READ MORE: Police fatally shoot shoplifting suspect as she drives SUV at them An alleged accomplice in the shoplifting scheme, Chanel Barnes, 27, of Philadelphia, was arrested and remains in the Salem County Jail, and faces a detention hearing Thursday. A second accomplice, Raoul Gadson, 43, also of Philadelphia, was captured Wednesday by the Prosecutor's Office's fugitive unit in Philadelphia, Weisenfeld said. Weisenfeld said Gadson will be held in Philadelphia pending extradition proceedings to face a first appearance hearing in Superior Court in Woodbury on assault and robbery charges. All three had extensive criminal records and a pattern of shoplifting arrests. Authorities said they tried to steal $3,443 in merchandise stuffed into a suitcase from a Marshalls store in the strip mall. The two officers who responded to the shoplifting report were told by a county dispatcher that one of the suspects was wanted for a previous homicide, Weisenfeld said. That turned out to be incorrect, he said. It was not clear how the wrong information was given or when the officers were alerted about the mistake, he said. Upon arrival, the officers saw Gadson struggling with a store loss prevention specialist who had recognized one of the suspects from a state police bulletin about a retail theft ring targeting the chain. The employee confronted the trio as they tried to leave the store. Gadson is charged with assaulting the employee, according to a criminal warrant. As Gadson ran off, the two women jumped into a rented Nissan Armada, authorities said. Anderson, who was driving, accelerated toward the officers and struck one, a patrol captain with 27 years on the force, with her open driver's-side door, prosecutors said. Witnesses said she then "accelerated straight at the [other] officer." The second officer, a sergeant and 17-year veteran, fired three shots at Anderson, causing the car to veer and narrowly miss him, prosecutors said. It is believed to be the first fatal police-involved shooting in Deptford. The department has 82 uniformed officers. Prosecutor Charles Fiore has promised that his office will conduct a "comprehensive and objective investigation" into the shooting. Under a state attorney general's directive, any deadly use of force by a municipal police officer is investigated by the county prosecutor and not the local police department, and then reviewed by the state. Unless the facts indicate the use of force was justified, the circumstances of the incident must be presented to a grand jury to determine whether charges are warranted, according to the directive. There is no video footage from the strip mall shooting because Deptford patrol cars are not equipped with dashboard cameras and the township's officers are not fitted with body cameras. As a consequence, some legal experts believe that may it difficult for investigators to determine whether the shooting falls within guidelines for using lethal force. Years ago, the Deptford Police Department had dashboard cameras and in 2006 a video recording played a crucial role in a case in which three officers were accused of using excessive force against a motorist. One officer was acquitted at trial and prosecutors later dropped charges against the two others. It was unclear when the department stopped using dashboard cameras. In 2014, Deptford successfully challenged a state law that required all local police departments to have dashboard cameras and two years later, a state board struck down the mandate. Since the weekend shooting, Police Chief William Hanstein has not responded to several messages seeking comment about the incident. Councilwoman Helen Gym speaks at the kickoff of the "Fair Workweek" campaign in February 2018. Read more Across the country, retail and fast-food employees have said that unpredictable work schedules, the kind churned out by computer programs, wreak havoc on their lives. They don't know how many hours they're going to get each week, so they don't know how much money they're going to make. Inconsistent hours make it impossible to plan for child care or classes or other part-time jobs. And often, they want to work more hours but can't get them. Advocates have branded the issue as the fight for a "fair workweek," and such cities as San Francisco, Seattle, and New York have all passed laws to tackle these issues. Now, lawmakers in Philadelphia, where the retail and hospitality industry is responsible for nearly one-fifth of jobs, have made the first step to do the same. >> READ MORE: The nationwide workers' fight against unpredictable hours has hit Philadelphia Councilwoman Helen Gym, along with three other Council members, is scheduled to introduce a bill Thursday that requires fast-food and retail employers to: Give at least two weeks' notice of schedules. Offer hours to existing employees when they become available instead of hiring new employees at a lower rate. Pay employees when shifts are canceled. The bill, which is similar to what other cities and states have passed, is another example of Philadelphia city government developing protections for local workers in the form of regulations on businesses. City Hall has seen mixed success: Council passed in 2015 a mandatory paid sick-leave bill and in 2014 a requirement that city contractors pay workers $12 an hour. In another example, the Greater Philadelphia Chamber of Commerce filed a lawsuit over Council's 2016 "wage equity" law that bars employers from asking about salary history, and its enforcement is still uncertain. In a statement, the Chamber said this legislation would ultimately hurt Philadelphians by lowering the number of jobs in the city. It criticized the bill's "one size fits all approach," saying that it would result in employers being less flexible with employees. At a City Council hearing in March on the issue, Chamber CEO Rob Wonderling decried what he said was "a very interesting pattern emerging in the city of Philadelphia" in which Council was making city government act as a human resources department for local companies. He urged Council to consider how it would impact small companies 85 percent of the chamber's members have fewer than 100 employees and not just the big-box retailers. >> READ MORE: Chamber files new suit, leaving city's wage equity law on hold Representatives from retail and food service associations, such as David French, senior vice president for government relations of the National Retail Federation, say laws like this don't reflect the fact that people choose these industries because of their flexibility. That doesn't square with the experience of Tori Price, who used to work at the Target at 12th and Chestnut to help support her mother and siblings. "There's no way to support a family of seven or do any financial planning when my hours range constantly from 20 to 35 hours per week," the 19-year-old West Philadelphian said in written testimony at the March hearing. She was called in to work that day so couldn't attend the hearing in person. "We have an eviction notice on our house, but I don't even know what rent I can afford, so how can I look for a new apartment?" Melissa Bova, vice president of government affairs for the Pennsylvania Restaurant and Lodging Association, said that a scheduling law would hurt a company's bottom line. Gym said the law would be good for business, too, pointing to research that showed that more consistent scheduling led to higher productivity and sales. That other cities have passed similar laws helps, she added, because national chains have had to adjust. "They're already doing this work in New York City and Seattle," Gym said. "There's no reason they can't do it here in Philadelphia." City Council is set to break for the summer in a few weeks. Gym spokeswoman Melissa McCleery said the councilwoman was introducing the bill now so it could be a top priority when Council reconvenes. People gathered near a Ferrari auctioned for sale at the Manheim Auction in Grantville Pa. The luxury cars were seized during a drug case.Tuesday, June 12, 2018. JOSE F. MORENO / Staff Photographer Read more A dealer from Miami in designer sneakers bit his lip and made the high bid on a cherry Ferrari. The chain smoker with the phone glued to his face grabbed an older model for $115,000, showing as much enthusiasm as if he'd gotten a good deal on a four-slice toaster. But no bidder at this auto auction in rural Dauphin County Tuesday morning exemplified the American dream quite like the young vaping magnate from York who kept nodding with a cocksure smile until the Rolls-Royce Wraith was his for $226,000. "Yeah, sure, it's intense but I own a lot of exotics," said Brandon Mueller, 33, founder of Ace of Vapes. "I had a number in mind. It was $230,000." The Manheim Keystone auction sits off a country road between fields of baby corn and a busy highway, 17 miles northeast of Harrisburg. The auction is usually home to acres of government surplus vehicles, like police cruisers or PennDot maintenance trucks, maybe a motorcycle or two and sometimes a school bus. Thanks to "Operation Carwash," a multimillion dollar fraud investigation by the Attorney General's office, this particular auction Tuesday had a certain buzz, particularly when Jason Heffner, from the AG's office, fired up a 553-horsepower Ferrari California by the french fry truck. Heffner's daily ride is a Ford Focus but he curbed any temptations. "I'll be driving this about two miles per hour at best," said Heffner, 45, who works in the AG's asset forfeiture department. The two Ferraris and the deep-black Rolls-Royce, along with a Camaro and a Mercedes, belonged to Rafael Levi, a Brooklyn man who pleaded guilty in March in connection with a fake license plate scheme that allowed customers to evade traffic tickets, tolls, and other fees. "Man, one minute you have it all and next thing you know you wake up and you've lost it all," observed Josh Padua, 21, of Harrisburg. Padua said he had come to gawk, not bid. "I'll keep it honest with you. I ain't up there. I ain't got that kind of money." The men "up there" examined potential acquisitions closely, looking for any clues and concerns before the auction began. The 2007 Ferrari 430 had just 9,800 miles but a careless owner could have done a lot of damage in 11 years. "Yes. Windshield with Daytona seats. No, yellow," the cigarette-smoking man said into his phone while circling the car. "The California is not Daytona seats." The man, a dealer from outside Philadelphia who declined to give his name, said he was talking to the guy who would "cut the check." He said he travels anywhere in the country for the right car. Most people who come to Manheim's massive auctions in Pennsylvania aren't looking for luxury. Some were filling up inventory for used car lots, others just looking for work rides. Government-owned vehicles, even with hundreds of thousands of miles on the odometer, are usually well maintained, they said. Still, one can dream, and snap photographs of the Rolls and Italian beauties. "I'm here for a truck," said Benito Vidro of Lancaster. "I can hardly afford my wife." Levi's toys also included three small but popular Honda Grom motorcycles, which each sold for about $3,000. People wanted to rub them. "Hey, yo, don't touch it," a security guard bellowed at a man who grabbed one of the bike's throttles. "It's running. Don't touch it." Joe Grace, a spokesman for the attorney general's office, said Levi's vehicles were forfeited, not seized by the government, as part of a plea agreement. "In this case, with these cars," Grace said, "the money is going toward restitution." The exotic-car auction was packed and loud. Twenty yards away, men in camouflage hats and overalls bid casually on pickups and maintenance vehicles, some a little dinged up and rusty. One blue Thunderbird stalled a few times before making it into the garage. When the Ferrari 430 came up, the smoking man, now on the phone for over an hour, paid $115,000 for the car he'd been eyeballing so hard outside. Bids came in live and online, jumping tens of thousands of dollars a second, and Sal Gioino, of Miami, would simply nod his head at the auctioneer, arms crossed, while scanning to see if anyone else would nod. Gioino's last gesture won the Ferrari California for $167,000. The car had just 893 miles. He was happy, for the most part. "I wanted that Rolls," Gioino said. Gioino said the California would be driven back to Miami on a flatbed and could be sold to a buyer anywhere in the United States. The Rolls-Royce, and all 12 of its cylinders, would be going just 40 miles south to York, where Mueller, the vape shop owner, said he would add it to his growing stable of luxury cars. "Well, I'll probably keep it for a little bit at least," Mueller said while waiting in line to pay for the Rolls. "I'll probably get rid of it in three or four months." Philadelphia has been ordered to disclose the details of the financial incentives offered to Amazon to locate its second headquarters here. Read more If Amazon decides to build its second headquarters in Philadelphia, it would not have to pay a proposed construction tax created to fund affordable housing. City Council wants to make that explicitly clear. Council today added an exemption for all Keystone Opportunity Zones from the proposed 1 percent tax on new construction. The three sites Philadelphia pitched Amazon, at the Schuylkill Yards and uCity Square sites in West Philadelphia and South Philadelphia's Navy Yard, are in Keystone Opportunity Zones. Those zones, designated by the state and typically vacant land in under-developed areas, already are exempt from most local and state taxes. A final vote on the construction tax is scheduled for next week. Whether the new tax would have applied to a Keystone Opportunity Zone seemed to fall into a gray area for some in the Kenney administration who requested the clarification, Council President Darrell L. Clarke said. "This issue of Amazon was of concern to some members of the administration," Clarke said. "With this amendment, it will clarify that the three sites selected by the administration for Amazon will be exempt from the construction tax because of their placement on KOZs." Mayor Kenney's office did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Last week, Commerce Director Harold Epps said the tax could affect Philadelphia's chances at Amazon's HQ2. "One of the reasons Amazon has fallen out of favor with Seattle is some of the policies Seattle has put in place, which they concluded were too much to fast," Epps said at the hearing last week. Seattle's City Council recently repealed a tax on big businesses, which Amazon had fought. That tax would have funded homeless services and affordable housing. In Philadelphia, KOZs are exempt from real estate taxes, the use and occupancy tax, the sales and use tax, and the business income and receipts tax. KOZs are still subject to the city's wage tax and the state income tax. If passed, the construction impact tax is expected to raise about $19 million for affordable housing at a time when the city is experiencing a dire shortage, proponents of the bill said. It would exempt nonprofits, hospitals, universities but apply to certain organizations that build affordable housing but are registered as LLCs in order to qualify for low-income housing tax credits. Habitat for Humanity and Project HOME, for example, could be on the hook for the tax on some affordable housing projects. "It's unfortunate that the state and Council have approved so many KOZs" (there are about 185 in the city), said Beth McConnell, policy director at the Philadelphia Association of Community Development Corporations. "And we'll be watching those more carefully moving forward. Some of them are prime real estate and may not need those deep levels of subsidies." Revenue would go into a Housing Trust Fund where it could be used to build affordable housing for people making 120 percent of the area median income, or $105,000 for a family of four. Funds could also go toward down payments, closing costs and home repairs. Councilwoman Maria Quinones-Sanchez, a sponsor of the bill, said that although it might seem like a "conflicting message," the city should provide incentives for Amazon and also address the city's affordable housing problem. "On the one hand we have a recognition that there's some high need," she said. "On the other hand, we're willing to roll out the red carpet for new folks, and I think that's why the construction tax, at this point, is even more important because when people see the public plan of what we gave to Amazon, if we win they, they need to feel that we were just as forthright and as focused on current needs." The City of Philadelphia and AFSCME District Council 47, the city's white-collar labor union, announced Wednesday that they have reached a tentative agreement on a new three-year contract. Mike Dunn, a spokesman for Mayor Kenney, said details would be forthcoming after the deal is ratified by the union's membership. The union posted on its Facebook page that the agreement is retroactive to July 1, 2017, through June 30, 2020, and guarantees pay increases in each year of the contract. "The tentative agreement retains the current DC 47 members in a defined pension plan," the union said. Kenney said in a statement: "I sincerely thank the leadership of District Council 47 and Locals 2186 and 2187 for their hard work and dedication to reaching this agreement, and look forward to ratification by the hard working members of the locals." A ratification meeting is set for next Wednesday. Last month, the city announced a new three-contract with the city's firefighters' union that included wage increases to members and required them to increase their pension contributions. WASHINGTON, June 13 (Xinhua) -- U.S. President Donald Trump said Wednesday that the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) was no longer a nuclear threat, following his summit with DPRK top leader Kim Jong Un. "There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea (the DPRK). Meeting with Kim Jong Un was an interesting and very positive experience," the U.S. president tweeted Wednesday morning after returning to Washington from Singapore, where he had held talks with Kim. The talks were the first of their kind between the sitting leaders of the two countries. Trump also said that the DPRK was no longer Washington's "biggest and most dangerous problem," envisioning "great potential" for Pyongyang's future. Trump and Kim held meetings on Singapore's resort island of Sentosa Tuesday, followed by a joint statement in which the United States was committed to providing security guarantees to the DPRK in exchange for Pyongyang's commitment to a complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. Trump also told a press conference in Singapore that he would stop U.S. joint annual military exercises with South Korea, which he called "provocative" and "expensive." The letter read something like a college rejection. "Despite our best efforts, and with much regret, we must inform you that we have been unable to locate your biological parents." Sent three days before Christmas in 2005, the letter was from a Florida-based firm that specializes in finding the biological parents of adopted children. It was addressed to Ms. Christi Bernlohr, a mother of four from York, Pa. The oldest of her four children is me just 13 at the time. I know that blow to my mother's search was one of many setbacks in her quest to fill a void a sinking feeling that existed since age 8 when her older brother, also adopted, joked that someone left her in a basket on the doorstep. My mother had a happy childhood, but she always desperately wanted to meet the woman who gave birth to her. As for her biological father, the adoption agency disclosed he didn't know she existed. That Christmastime letter came before years of begging the state for information as simple as her mother's birthday. It came before my stepfather ordered old yearbooks from every school district in York County 13 in all just to scan them for someone who might vaguely resemble his wife. And it came well before she took an at-home DNA matching test in 2016, a process that ended a 40-year saga in a way no one saw coming. My mother is a whip-smart, adventurous type. She is always wrestling into submission her thick curls. She's got a particularly strong central Pennsylvania accent that is most noticeable when she says words like bad and bath. Her fiery, never-quit spirit is somewhere between inspiring and intimidating. She is guarded, too. I didn't see her shed a tear for the first 16 years of my life. Save for a routine "love you" before bed, my mother isn't the type to verbalize how she feels. She always resented having to fill out those doctor's office medical history forms with "N/A" after "N/A." She dreaded when I'd come home from school to tell her I was assigned yet another family-tree project we couldn't really fill out. She hated being asked about her "heritage," whatever that actually means. >>READ MORE: Abandoned at birth, a Texas woman takes a DNA test and finds four Philly half-siblings And she always felt the only people who couldn't abandon her whom she couldn't lose were her children. And even if we did, she'd still maintain that biological connection. Her search for her birth parents began in earnest in 1984. My mother was 15, and she went to York County's children and youth services division, begging them to help. They wouldn't release information until she turned 18. So whenever she had time between working at McDonald's and learning to drive, she went to public libraries and scrolled through old newspapers preserved in microfilm, endlessly searching for a birth announcement that wasn't there. Over the next decade during multiple trips to the agency, non-identifying information slowly trickled out. Her mother was 19 when she gave birth. Her father was of Jewish descent. He had family from the eastern part of Pennsylvania. My parents hired the search firm OmniTrace in 2003, and the investigators warned that the search would be difficult because of Pennsylvania's laws related to adoptees: At the time, they couldn't get a copy of their own unredacted birth certificate. That law changed in 2016, and my mother applied to obtain hers as soon as she could. But before that arrived, she took a $199 23andMe DNA test to get a report about her genetic health risks. It yielded something unexpected: an ancestry database match with a paternal aunt in California. That aunt led my mother to a 69-year-old man named Jeff, who had no idea that he had a 47-year-old daughter living 2,600 miles away. After the match was confirmed, Jeff sent my mother a letter in fall 2016. "This has rocked me to my very core," he wrote. He also wrote of his disbelief, of the fact that he was happy to find out she was healthy, of his desire to one day communicate with her once he digested the feelings it took my mother more than 40 years to come to terms with herself. >>READ MORE: When a DNA test unites family members, not everyone is happy about it They met for the first time on May 19, 2017, in Jeff's living room in Southern California. My mother was so nervous she could hardly stand, but after Jeff hugged her, and they stared at each other disbelievingly, she regained composure enough to listen to Jeff's life story: his time living in Johnstown, Pa., what he was like as a Penn State student, who he thought her mother might be, choices he'd made over the years. He was accepting her. And that changed everything. My mother's thick hair is still curly. She is still formidable, and she still murders the word bad, but that's improved over the years. Though, these days, she says she feels whole in a way she didn't expect. My stepfather's noticed too. He senses a profound sense of inner peace in her the lingering restlessness that's no longer there. "To want something your entire life at a level that I wanted this information and then to find it out, when you finally get that answer, it's just pretty hard to explain," my mother told me recently. "Not even wanted to know. Had to know." The birth-certificate summary came in the mail last year, and right there in black and white next to the word mother was the name of a woman who still lives in York County. My mother wrote a letter. But her attempts to connect haven't been reciprocated. That blow is softened because of her relationship with Jeff, although she doesn't call him Dad. My grandfather, my mother's adoptive father, died in 2013. He was a brilliant and unrelentingly dry-humored patriarch who sacrificed everything he could for his four children and 11 grandchildren. I aspire to love the way he loved my grandmother, his wife of 55 years. In his eulogy, I said there was no one quite like him he's irreplaceable. And that is true. But now my mother has a second father, and a second family Jeff has two 20-something kids and a couple of sisters whom she never expected to find. They are more people who include her in group texts, whom she can send birthday gifts to, whom she can say "I love you" to. They're people who not only accept her, but embrace her. And more important, she has new biological connections people she can never lose. Chanel Barnes of Philadelphia looks backward during her Gloucester County Superior Court detention hearing in Woodbury, N.J., on Thursday, June 14, 2018. Barnes is accused of shoplifting from a Marshalls store in Deptford on Saturday, an incident that ended with a police officer fatally shooting LaShanda Anderson as the two allegedly attempted to flee in a car. Read more A Philadelphia woman arrested for shoplifting at a Deptford strip mall after a confrontation with police that left an alleged accomplice dead was ordered released from jail Friday by a judge who described her character as "abysmal," but said she posed no flight risk. Chanel Barnes, 27, was ordered not to visit any Marshalls stores while she awaits trial. She must also report weekly to court officials. Even as he freed her from behind bars, Superior Court Judge Robert Becker denounced Barnes as a "frequent flyer" because of her extensive criminal record and previous shoplifting arrests. "Her history and character are abysmal," he said. Wearing a dark green prison outfit, Barnes was led into the courtroom with her hands cuffed in front of her. She politely answered the judge's questions and smiled at a friend in the back of the courtroom. Dianna Rolando, an assistant Gloucester County Prosecutor, pointed to Barnes' criminal history in New Jersey and Pennsylvania and contended that she should remain jail. Barnes has been arrested seven times for shoplifting in incidents that typically resulted in a probationary sentence. Her records include two convictions for fleeing police. Early last year, she was charged with shoplifting and giving false identification to police. She was jailed for at least six months. At the time of her arrest, Barnes was on probation, the prosecutor said. "She still continues to commit crimes," Rolando said. Public defender Julius Hughes countered that the charges Barnes faced were third-degree offenses that did not merit detention. "This defendant has absolutely no violence in her history," he said. "She's only charged with shoplifting." Barnes was a passenger in a vehicle driven by LaShanda Anderson, 36, of Philadelphia, who was shot twice and killed after she allegedly tried to run over two police officers in a parking lot of Deptford Crossing. She had been trying to flee and avoid arrest on a shoplifting charge. Authorities say Anderson ignored commands to stop as she drove toward the officers in a rented SUV and one of them fired in self-defense. She was pronounced dead at the scene. A second accomplice, Raoul Gadson, 43, also of Philadelphia, fled the scene Saturday. He was captured in Philadelphia on Wednesday by the fugitive unit of the Gloucester County Prosecutor's Office. All three had extensive criminal records and prior arrests and convictions for a pattern of shoplifting. Authorities said they tried to steal $3,443 in merchandise stuffed into a suitcase from a Marshalls store in the strip mall. The prosecutor's office is investigating the incident and whether the use of force was justified. The sergeant who shot Anderson has been placed on paid leave pending completion of an investigation into the shooting. The NAACP has called for the state Attorney General's Office to take over the investigation. The civil rights group said it plans to conduct its own probe, too. A viewing for Anderson, the mother of three, will be held Sunday from 1 to 2 p.m., followed by services at Khadijah Alderman Funeral Service, 1924 W. Hunting Park Ave., Philadelphia. Interment will be at Friends Southwest Burial Grounds, 236 Powell Lane, Upper Darby. "Our family would like to thank everyone for all of the prayers, condolences, kind words and support during our time of bereavement," her mother, Gwen Rutledge posted on Facebook. "She was truly loved by many." The Women's Christian Temperance Union fountain shares the entrance to Promise Park with a memorial to the couple of dozen fighters from the town who served in World War I. Across the street is historic Pitman Grove, where the town's Methodist founders established the town of Pitman at a camp meeting in 1871. Long-broken pay phones dot the downtown area, and the avenues to the Grove squeeze between lopsided picket fences with chipped paint. Some things in town may never change, but much already has, including the once strictly prohibitionist stance on alcohol. A decade ago, when Pitman had significantly more vacant buildings and fewer businesses, the town voted by 2-1 against issuing liquor licenses. Since then, the celebrated yet decrepit Broadway Theater was renovated, bringing in strong weekend crowds and young entrepreneurs to serve them. Today, Pitman's hobby shops, board-game stores, and classical diners fight for space with a new wave of entrepreneurs serving craft beer, artisanal coffee, and foods that Pitman's founders never heard of, like Thai-inspired burgers. Seeking to keep the new activity going, Pitman again put alcohol to a vote in November 2016. This time, the vote was 2-1 in favor. The reopening of the Broadway 10 years ago, according to owner Peter Slack, attracted a few high-end restaurants downtown, followed by some millennial-owned enterprises like Broadway Bakery and the 0 Zone rolled ice cream parlor. Even just one liquor-licensed establishment in town, Slack hopes, will bring a fresh crowd to stroll South Broadway and spend money between drinks. "We're all here trying to bring back the downtown area, and the idea with the liquor license was to help along revitalizing that area," Slack said. "There is no reason somebody shouldn't be able to get a cocktail in Pitman." The borough has two microbreweries, which operate without liquor licenses and thus must close by 10 p.m. An establishment with a liquor license could remain open until 2 a.m. and serve beer, wine, and liquor. "A place like that would be a burst of energy for this town," Slack said. "People would have somewhere to go after shows at the theater." But nearly two years after the referendum, the Borough Council has failed to secure a bid on the license, which, to the chagrin of local restaurant owners, has a minimum price of $550,000. Mayor Russell Johnson said he is eager to open up a Pitman watering hole, not only to keep residents and dollars in town, but also to attract visitors and keep them there longer. He says there's nothing for visitors to do late at night, which means the town is losing business. "The theater draws a restaurant crowd. What it doesn't draw is the after crowd, because everything here is closed by 10:30, 11, so there's nothing here and they have nowhere to go," he said. Selling the liquor license "could help keep our tax rate low, and I hope it will give a huge jolt to the economy of Pitman." But Johnson, who has served as mayor for seven years, said the council will take its time to find a high bidder rather than rushing to take the first offer. The sale is a potentially massive source of revenue for the town of roughly 9,000 and Johnson says it's only selling one license for now, though by law it can sell up to three. "We decided we would rather go high with the price and take our time finding a bidder, rather than go low," Johnson said. Councilwoman Amy Rudley added that the council was obligated "to get a fair price for the taxpayer. You can always come lower, but you can't go higher." Not everyone is impressed by the council's patience, including the owner of one of the only two restaurants in Pitman that meets the requirement of a 75-seat capacity to place a bid. "No one is going to give them $550,000 in this little podunk town. This isn't funny anymore," said Anthony Asbury, who owns Sweet Lula's, named after his wife, and Coco's Cocino, named after his daughter. Both are BYOB. "This town has to work in harmony. After these theater shows now, people just go home, because it's dark. Can't we do better?" If he purchased the license, Asbury said, he would have to install a bar and buy liquor-license insurance, making the license even less affordable. While the 2016 referendum empowered but did not require the council to award a liquor license, Asbury believes it has an obligation to do so at a reasonable price because the move stands to benefit all of Pitman. "The vote was two years ago, and we still don't have a liquor license. How long does it take for [the council] to do what we ask?" Asbury asked. "This tide will lift all boats." John Fitzpatrick, a CPA who serves on Pitman's economic development committee, which is independent from but works with the Borough Council, said that the council looked to surrounding towns that they believed were comparable. Richwood "sold four [liquor licenses] at $700,000, so I think council was looking at that, but that would be a chain restaurant, like a Cheesecake Factory," he said. "I don't think downtown Pitman could afford all that. I think $250 to $350 [thousand] will probably get somebody." Meanwhile, residents like Kevin Reardon, 27, and Laurel Brown, 22, have to drive outside the borough, where there are several nearby bars to grab a drink. "Everyone goes to Carolina Blue on Lambs Road. A lot of people even think it's in Pitman," Brown said as her dog, Moose, licked ice cream off her spoon. Reardon said he hopes to eventually get a drink in Pitman. "It would be great for the town," he said. "But they have to make it reasonable for a small business here." From left to right, Gov. Wolf will face former state Sen. Scott Wagner in the Nov. 6 general election for governor while U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr. will face U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta in the race for U.S. Senate. Read more Republicans linking their campaigns for statewide office in Pennsylvania to President Trump's political fortunes will receive mixed messages at best from the latest Franklin & Marshall College Poll. The poll released Thursday shows Trump lagging in popularity across the state, even as his support bumped up among his most loyal backers. And the Republican nominees for governor and the U.S. Senate trail Democratic incumbents by double digits. Former state Sen. Scott Wagner of York County, the Republican nominee challenging Gov. Wolf's bid for a second term, started his campaign touting his strong support of Trump in 2016. U.S. Rep. Lou Barletta of Luzerne County, the Republican trying to defeat U.S. Sen. Bob Casey Jr.'s bid for a third term, was co-chairman of Trump's campaign in Pennsylvania and an early supporter. Thirty-five percent of the voters in the poll said Trump is doing an excellent or good job as president while 65 percent said he is doing a fair or poor job. That showed improvement from F&M's last poll in March, where 30 percent said Trump was doing an excellent or good job and 70 percent said he was doing a fair or poor job. Wagner and Barletta are likely to be defined by their relationships to Trump, since the poll shows they don't hold strong statewide name recognition with less than five months until the Nov. 6 general election. Nearly half of the voters in the poll 47 percent said they didn't know enough about Wagner to offer a favorable or unfavorable opinion about him while two out of three 66 percent said the same of Barletta. "They're going to define themselves as Trump supporters," predicted poll director G. Terry Madonna. "They're not going to run away and hide from the president." Wolf and Casey do not emerge as strong candidates in the poll so far. Forty-five percent of voters say Wolf, also from York County, is doing an excellent or good job as governor while 49 percent say he is doing a fair or poor job. For Casey, 42 percent say the Scranton native is doing an excellent or good job while 43 percent say he is doing a fair or poor job. Still, the Democrats hold healthy leads on the Republicans. Wolf led Wagner 48 percent to 29 percent, with 23 percent undecided. Casey leads Barletta 44 percent to 27 percent, with 28 percent undecided. Madonna cast the Casey-Barletta election as a "clear referendum on Trump" likely to draw national attention. "By and large, you've got one of the most staunchest critics of Trump opposing one of the president's biggest supporters," he said. Trump's most significant domestic accomplishment, congressional approval of tax cuts, does not seem to be registering as a victory for many Pennsylvania voters. Fifty-nine percent of those polled said they have not seen an increase in their household income due to the tax cuts while 33 percent said they had and 8 percent did not know. "Right now, you have to say the Democrats in our state have an advantage going into the midterm elections, with the emphasis on 'right now' because anything could change," Madonna said. The poll of 472 registered voters was conducted from June 4 to June 10 and has a sample error of +/- 6.5 percent. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette editorial cartoonist Rob Rogers at his drawing desk. Rogers has had the last week's worth of cartoons killed by his editor, an unusual occurrence in the world of editorial cartooning. Read more Longtime Pittsburgh Post-Gazette cartoonist Rob Rogers announced on Thursday afternoon that he has been fired by the newspaper, after a number of his recent political cartoons had been killed. "Sad to report this update: Today, after 25 years as the editorial cartoonist for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, I was fired," Rogers wrote on Twitter. Rogers, who did not immediately respond to a request for comment, said he went on vacation earlier this month after Keith Burris, the newspaper's editorial director, killed six of his cartoons in a row. Since Burris took over in March, Rogers has seen a total of`19 cartoons and ideas spiked, most involving criticism of President Trump. >>READ MORE: The 10 political cartoons the Post-Gazette didn't want its readers to see Burris and publisher John Robinson Block also did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Burris, who stoked controversy in January by writing a editorial defending Trump's criticism of immigrants from "shole countries," was made the editorial director by Block, who is a Trump supporter. Rogers told the Inquirer and Daily News last week that he had worked under Block for nearly 25 years without any problems until the past few months. Tracey DeAngelo, the Post-Gazette's chief marketing officer, told CNN's Jake Tapper in a statement earlier this month that the situation with Rogers' cartoons "has little to do with politics, ideology or Donald Trump. It has mostly to do with working together and the editing process." DeAngelo could not be immediately reached Thursday. Burris issued a brief statement last week to Pittsburgh CBS affiliate KDKA, in which he called the situation "a personnel matter which we are working hard to fix." He also said: "We have great respect for Rob and understand his importance to the community," While Rogers hasn't drawn any new cartoons for the Post-Gazette since June 5, he did pen a cartoon critical of Trump's summit with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un that was syndicated by Universal Press Syndicate. The very-public dispute between Rogers and his editors drew the attention of many readers, including Pittsburgh Mayor Bill Peduto, who was a frequent target of the cartoonist's work. "I get excited about the possibility of drawing another cartoon and afflicting the comfortable and speaking truth to power," Rogers said last week. "That's what I'm hoping they'll let me do. And if not, then I'll have to find another way to do it." Chinese President Xi Jinping has stressed the importance of independent innovation and reform during the second day of his inspection tour in Shandong. Xi Jinping calls for state-owned enterpriese to step up the transformation into modern corporations through reform in Yantai on June 13, 2018. [Photo: Xinhua] During his time in Yantai Wanhua Industrial Park, Xi Jinping hailed the enterprise' effort to foster innovation. "You have undergone an excellent course of development. It's tough but successful. The reason for your success, in my opinion, is the pursuit of independent innovation. Nothing is impossible. Spirit is needed anytime. As ancient patriotic poet Qu Yuan said 'the road ahead will be long and our climb will be steep.'" Xi Jinping also called for state-owned enterpriese to step up the transformation into modern corporations through reform. His trip also included a visit to a leading producer of drilling rigs. One of the company's products, Bluewhale I, was used last year in China's extraction of combustible ice, an oil equivalent. A truck at U-Haul Moving and Storage in Wilkes-Barre Twp., Pa. is overturned on Thursday, June 14, 2018, after a strong storm moved through the area on Wednesday night. A powerful storm pounded parts of Pennsylvania, damaging buildings, overturning cars and downing trees and power lines. (Christopher Dolan/The Citizens' Voice via AP) Read more The National Weather Service has confirmed that a tornado touched down in Wilkes-Barre on Wednesday. It has yet to give the twister a rating. The Weather Channel reported that despite multiple collapsed buildings, flipped cars and downed trees and power lines, only six people were injured in the storm. Red Cross spokesman Dave Skutnik said on Twitter that the injuries weren't serious, but called the damage in the Luzerne County township "horrific." A shopping center appeared to have sustained the greatest damage, according to local newspaper, the Times Leader. Photos from local news stations show both internal and external damage to the center. Other photos of the area show flipped vehicles and debris-strewn yards. Bruno Isles, an employee at the Panera in a hard-hit shopping center, told The Times Leader that the cafe "had tables and chairs flying through the windows." Wilkes- Barre Township police shared an aerial video to their facebook page showing damage. In the video, which was originally posted by Access Aerial, damaged buildings, flipped trucks and heaps of debris can be spotted. PPL Electric Utilities provides power for the area. As of early Thursday afternoon, their live outage map showed that about 1,000 customers around Wilkes-Barre were without power. Contrary to the popular notion that college students are coddled and carefree, the college campus can be a pretty desperate place. It's easy from the outside to envy the parties, the youth, and the freedom, but that Panglossian vision overlooks the mounting pressure on the average student. As the cost of a degree increases more rapidly than the rewards, all but the most privileged undergraduates are feeling the stress. Add in factors like housing and food insecurity, social pressures, mental-health issues, and safety concerns, and you have a fraught situation that is only getting worse. In the past academic year, Temple University endured seven student deaths: a mixture of murders, suicides, and drug overdoses. In February, a student organization opened an on-campus food pantry for students who could not afford to eat. The same week, there was a campuswide shelter-in-place drill, which the official email stressed was "different from a lockdown, which is used for a violent human threat of any kind, including an active-shooter scenario." The idea of feeling truly secure on any campus can seem absurd. >> READ MORE: Teachers now lead mass-shooting drills, but it's not just up to educators to save lives | Perspective I am an associate professor in Temple's English department, and I can tell you: The year was weird and sad from start to finish. Some days, I could get caught up grading papers or meeting with students, and forget the broader context of the year's miseries, but that doesn't mean they went away. The anxieties infect every aspect of campus life, making it harder not just for the teachers to do their jobs but for students to endure. The question for all of us is: Given the scope of our problems, how do we help young people to thrive instead of succumbing to the pressure? In April, an energetic and gregarious student came to my office, put her head in her hands, and said: "I don't know what to do. It's all just so hard." She didn't want to talk about it, but she wanted to sit in my office and cry for a minute. I felt powerless watching her. Some of the problems these students face are not solvable, not in the short term, and certainly not by me. In these situations, I think the best thing we can do is acknowledge the students' pain. The first instinct many professors have is to respond cynically to a complaint. You try to figure out what angle the students are working, rather than engaging with their humanity. I've often been guilty of rolling my eyes at the email about the dead grandmother the night before a paper is due, but every time one of us does this, it reduces us. It makes the world a crueler and more hostile place. It makes us part of the problem. When another student told me about his mother dying a situation complicated by the fact that he was his family's only English-speaking member I could not help him address his grief. But I could take time to listen to him, to be flexible on deadlines, to introduce him to our counseling services. He was grateful for the extensions on his assignments, but even more grateful that I had reckoned with him as an individual who was in pain. >> READ MORE: Nothing has stopped the wave of school shootings. Now districts are buying war-zone trauma kits In a strange way, helplessness can be comforting. It's easy to shrug and say, "There's nothing we can do." It doesn't make anything better, but it frees you from the responsibility for making change. My job is to do something, and to fight the feeling of powerlessness. It's a good lesson for all of us in positions of authority. Sure, some people abuse the system. Some are immature or overreacting. Some have brought their problems on themselves. But we are living in particularly distressing times, and when you have the opportunity to offer others the slightest relief, the moral thing is to listen to them and let them know their pain matters. The hardest thing about being a professor is not the grading, the emails, or the cellphones in class. It's being entrusted with the well-being of a roomful of complicated, unique strangers, and always feeling as if there is something more you should be doing. Tom McAllister is the author of the novels "How to Be Safe" and "The Young Widower's Handbook." He teaches at Temple University and lives in New Jersey. When we're old and sick and poor, we might be forced to keep warm by burning all the government reports that we ignored, warning us that Social Security and Medicare are running out of money; the latest such report was issued last week. According to the Social Security Administration, the Medicare trust fund will run dry in 2026 and Social Security funds in 2034. They will still be supported by payroll taxes, but those taxes will not cover full benefits, and recipients will likely experience severe benefit cuts if the funds aren't replenished. The implications are dire. Marketwatch.com put it best, saying that if the funds aren't replenished, "we will soon be facing rates of elderly poverty unseen since the Great Depression. Of the 18 million workers between ages 55 and 64 in 2012, 4.3 million were projected to be poor or near-poor when they turn 65. That grows to 20 million in 2035 and 25 million in 2050." This isn't a new warning. But since pensions are disappearing and Americans aren't saving enough money to cover their retirements, the consequences could be disastrous. The Harvard Business Review reports, "Among Americans between 40 and 45 years of age, the median retirement account balance is just $14,500 less than 4 percent of what the median-income worker will require in savings to meet his retirement needs." Increasingly, retirees are depending on Social Security in the absence of pensions, but also because wages have not kept pace with everyday living expenses, leaving workers less able to save enough for retirement. But the situation can be fixed. In a study based on 2011 figures, the American Association of Retired Persons proposed a dozen ways Social Security could be mended. Of all 12, the most efficient would be to lift the cap on income subject to the Social Security tax. Right now people stop paying the 6.2 percent Social Security tax on incomes above $128,700. That would fill 86 percent of the shortfall. Other suggestions like raising the retirement age to 68 would fill 18 percent of the shortfall; cutting benefits would fill less than 13 percent of the gap. Fixing Medicare, however, is a lot trickier. Medicare's hospital-care trust fund is sagging, in part because payroll taxes were lower than expected in 2017 and because President Trump's changes to the Affordable Care Act are raising hospital costs. In particular, his abandonment of the requirement that people get insurance or pay a fine means hospitals are going to be seeing more uninsured patients, for which paying and insured patients bear the burden. The administration has yet to rein in drug costs, another drain on Medicare, and Republicans did away with the ACA's requirement to reduce overall Medicare costs by deriding cost review boards as "death panels." The long cold winter of retirement will hit us all. How long and how cold depends on who takes leadership now on fixing these critical systems. Let's start with elected officials from aging states like Pennsylvania, where, according to the U.S. census, the senior population is growing so fast that by 2025, more than 1 in 5 of us will be 65 or older. President Xi Jinping, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee, visits the site of an imperial fort on Tuesday at Liugong Island in Weihai, Shandong province. Xi called for boosting maritime sectors during his tour in the province. Li Xueren / Xinhua Independence highlighted in ocean science President Xi Jinping has called for building up a strong maritime country, urging solid efforts to develop the marine economy. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, made the call on Tuesday during an inspection tour in Qingdao, where he chaired the 18th Shanghai Cooperation Organization Summit during the weekend. "Building up a strong maritime country is a long-cherished belief I hold," Xi said on Tuesday as he visited a pilot national laboratory of marine science and technology in Qingdao, Xinhua News Agency reported. Xi said developing the marine economy and conducting research in marine sciences are important parts of the nation's strategy of rejuvenation, adding that all-out efforts shall be made in this regard. Calling the marine economy promising, Xi stressed key technologies will be developed through the nation's independent effort. He encouraged researchers to contribute more to the country. At the laboratory, he learned more about major cutting-edge science, the independent research and development of high-end marine equipment and promotion of military-civilian integration. Guan Huashi, an academician at the Chinese Academy of Engineering, spoke with Xi about the research and development of medicine using biological resources from the sea. Xi said the marine economy and marine technology will be a key direction in the future. Many unexplored areas of study remain, leaving great potential for development, he added. Guan said his dream is to build China's "blue drugstore". Xi told Guan, "We share the same dream." China is pursuing coordinated land and marine development, a national strategy adopted by the 19th CPC National Congress. As a hub of the modern marine economy, Qingdao has 18 research institutes and 34 high-level research and development facilities for marine sciences and technologies. It also is home to nearly 33 percent of China's top professionals in these fields, said Zhang Jiangting, Party chief of Qingdao. At a residential community in Qingdao's Licang district, Xi was greeted by local residents at a community canteen. He talked with them, asked about the quality and price of food and learned about their livelihood. Xi also traveled to Liugong Island in Weihai, another coastal city in the province, where he visited the site of a Qing Dynasty (1644-1911) fort and the Museum of the First Sino-Japanese War (1894-95). Historical lessons should be remembered to encourage all Chinese people to strive for progress with determination, Xi said. Washington, D.C. U.S. Senator Mike Enzi, R-Wyo., returned from a week-long congressional delegation trip to Poland, Italy, Kuwait, Afghanistan, Kenya, Rwanda, Ethiopia and Spain. Enzi joined Senator Jim Inhofe, R-Okla., who led the trip, and Senators John Boozman, R-Ark., Shelley Moore Capito, R-W.Va., and Representative Tim Walberg, R-Mich. During the trip, the delegation met with U.S. troops, military officials and country leaders. Enzi meeting U.S. Army troops at Powidz Airport in Poland. Enzi meeting with U.S. Navy troops in Spain. "I appreciated the opportunity to meet with our troops serving so far from home and learn more about how they are working to protect our country and to review our readiness plans," Enzi said. "It was also a great experience to meet with foreign leaders and stakeholders to learn more about the issues in each region. I was moved by a unifying prayer breakfast in Kenya we were lucky enough to attend where the new president and opposition leader came together to reiterate their commitment to national unity and to ask each other for forgiveness after apologizing. This trip helped to provide a better understanding of the challenges our country and our allies face abroad." You watch him come down the hall, his uniform all intact, neat and sharp. He pats you on the head or gives you a playful swat on the backside, before he heads over to mom, to say goodbye. Sometimes, his good-byes are just for the day and he will be back at the end of his shift, or they are for months at a time because he has gone TDY overseas. Yes, we are the daughters of a soldier, a military man, whether it be Army, Navy, Marines, Air Force or Coast Guard and Reserves. We know the drill...Dad is going to be gone, help your mother, and don't get in trouble! Those were words that still to this day, echo in our heads. Being the children of someone in the military, was a prideful thing, but sometimes it was a hurtful thing as well. There were times news at the home front was good, that Dad would be home soon, and then the times when our friends would be told their Dad would not be coming home at all. If your Dad served, then so did you. There was the base camp...and the "house" camp. Not to be confused with "boot camp" but darn close. House camp was when Dad ruled the roost, like you were in boot camp. Make your bed every morning, (and yes, some of us could make it just like in basic and have a quarter bounce off it!! Or KP duty...okay every child at some time has to do the dishes, but in you grew up in a military family, it was KP. Courtesy Donna Kudabeh Army, William Parker Grant, Sr. deployed to London, England.(1953-1955) Going to work with your military Dad was exciting. This particular Dad was NCOIC of the paint shop. Not only did he paint airplanes, but there was always the occasional "Officer of star quality" that needed his car/truck painted! Yes, then we got to help. One daughter, talks about her Dad, and the things he would say, like "T.....s, Spectacles,Wallet and Watch, had to have all that when you left the house".. Donna Kudabeh reminisced. Waiting for your Dad to get home, whether for excitement, or punishment was sometimes a long wait. But wait we did. The days of waiting for Dad to step off that plane, or ship, still is there today. The wait is still great with anticipation and utter excitement. So while some of our Dads are gone to the permanent wild blue yonder, there are those who still come home to little ones that have grown by leaps and bounds, and Dads still treat them like they were younger! To all this Dads, that have served, or are still serving, these daughters wish you "Happy Fathers Day!" CHEYENNE WY: First Lady Carol Mead and the University of Wyoming Literacy Research Center and Clinic (LRCC) are seeking applications for the third annual Wyoming First Ladys Leaders in Literacy Award, which will be presented in November at the Wyoming Business Alliance Forum in Cheyenne. This award started in 2016. I have been impressed by the number and quality of nominations around the state, Mrs. Mead said. The LRCC Outreach Advisory Board and faculty look forward to reviewing this years nominees and recognizing the difference they make for people in Wyoming. Each year, the LRCC Outreach Advisory Board selects a winner based on a nomination process. The winner receives $4000 and a plaque recognizing the honor. This year, the award will be presented in November in Cheyenne. Nominations will be accepted through October 1, 2018. The mission of the LRCC is statewide engagement in literacy, said Dana Robertson, Executive Director of the LRCC. One of the ways we can accomplish this goal is to promote and recognize the many wonderful opportunities and programs available across the state that support the literacy practices of our children and adults. More information about the award and the nomination process, including criteria and a link to the online submission form, can be found on the LRCC website. Past nominees are encouraged to apply. LYANTONDE/MBARARA/KAMPALA Following the Monday night high level national security meeting that recommended the arrest of former Inspector General of Police Kale Kayihura, fresh details have emerged of how the top military leadership plotted to execute the arrest. Sources privy to the military plans have told PML Daily that the army leadership led by Chief of Defence Forces David Muhoozi resolved to carry out the arrest operation in a clandestine, dignified manner that would not embarrass the four-star General and attract public ridicule. It was at this time, sources added, that a military helicopter with 40 military officers of specialized training be dispatched to Kashagama Sub County in Lyantonde District where Kayihura has been staying on his farm and bring him to Kampala for questioning. The soldiers were to work under the instructions of the Deputy Chief of Defence Forces Maj. Gen. Wilson Mbadi. True to plan, the chopper landed in Kayihuras farm in Kashagama on Tuesday afternoon. However, sources said the former police chief was nowhere to be seen, adding that when they questioned workers at the farm, it was established that he had moved in the direction of Mbarara. Sources involved in the operation said Kayihura had been tipped off by his informers in the army of the impending arrest, allowing him time to flee. It is said at this time, security forces sent orders to check whether he was in Mbarara or was heading there. Consequently, sources added, the military directed the closure of all the western border points in anticipation that Kayihura would flee to a neighbouring country. Meanwhile, army operatives went to Court Yard Hotel in Lyantonde, which is located on the Lyantonde-Mbarara, and searched it, fearing that he would be holed up there since he always frequented it. however, they did not find him nor a trace of him having been there that day. Instead the hotel manager told the soldiers that Kayihura had last visited the place on Sunday. However, security sources add that road blocks were then staged on all roads from Lyantonde to Mbarara with the aim of arresting him. Highly placed security sources said after leaving his farm, Kayihura had instead been booked into Igongo Cultural Centre near Mbarara where he reportedly spent the Tuesday night, hence eluding security nets set up in Mbarara for him. On the morning of Wednesday, he reportedly left the hotel and moved towards the direction of Lyantonde. However, he was then intercepted at a road block near Lyantonde and ordered to cooperate with the soldiers to avoid embarrassment. He was then escorted back to Mbarara Army Barracks at Makenke where the military chopper was again sent to pick him up before bringing him to Kampala. Related Embed from Getty Images Two hotel housekeepers in Vermont were hospitalized Wednesday after they unknowingly ate marijuana edibles, according to a report by Fox News. Two employees at the Inn at Shelburne Farms fell ill this morning after ingesting something that came from outside of Shelburne Farms. They have been taken to the hospital and we hope they will make a full recovery soon. We are doing our best to be careful about protecting the privacy of our employees, the hotel said in a statement to the Burlington Free Press. The salted caramel chocolates which looked similar to the popular Whoppers malted milk balls candy were so potent that one of the two women was found lying in the driveway of the hotel. Shelburne police told the Burlington Free Press that the couple who left the candy in their room when they checked out would not be charged. Heated discussions on the historic summit between North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump among Chinese have yet to subside, and some Chinese have high expectations of business opportunities in North Korea once the Korean Peninsulaenjoys permanent peace. The Kim-Trump summit in Singapore on Tuesday has become one of the hottest topics on Chinese social media platform Sina Weibo, with the page "Kim-Trump summit" receiving more than 130 million views as of press time. Most Chinese netizens hailed the summit and hoped it would end tensions on the peninsula and bring stability and peace to the region. Others believe that the summit will soon lead to an opening-up and business opportunities in North Korea. "China and North Korea have mutual trust and friendly ties, which is our advantage over other countries' investors. Now is probably the right time to consider reentering North Korea," a businessman surnamed Zhang from Dandong, a city bordering North Korea in Northeast China's Liaoning Province, told the Global Times. Zhang used to have a seafood business in North Korea. But his delivery trucks were blocked following international sanctions against North Korea, which hurt his business in 2017. Aside from business, some Chinese are also eager to visit North Korea once the situation stabilizes. A Beijing resident surnamed Liu, 28, who visited Pyongyang in 2016, told the Global Times that "if North Korea becomes more open and allows greater independent travel, I will definitely go there again." North Korea bans independent travel for foreigners, and only allows tourist groups to visit selected locations. Official tour guides will accompany them at all times. Dampening optimism However, some analysts warned against being overly optimistic about North Korea's opening-up since there is still long way to go for North Korea to set up the legal and physical infrastructure for the opening-up, and it will take at least several years for North Korea to normalize ties with major economies like the US and Japan. Although the Kim-Trump summit shows the potential for future economic development, it is too early to have high expectations of business opportunities in North Korea, Cheng Xiaohe, an associate professor at the Renmin University of China's School of International Studies, told the Global Times on Wednesday. "The opening-up of North Korea requires a firm determination and concrete policies from the government and the establishment of formal diplomatic ties with other major economies, especially the US and Japan, and the lifting of all sanctions against North Korea. This will take at least 3-5 years," Cheng said. North Korea's infrastructure remains undeveloped. When Chinese people think of investing in North Korea, they should also consider the risks, Cheng said. "North Korea is not a place where you can get gold everywhere," Cheng said. Aside from external factors like sanctions, North Korea's laws, regulations and political system are not ready for a massive opening-up, Zheng Jiyong, director of the Shanghai-based Fudan University's Center for Korean Studies, told the Global Times on Wednesday. Nevertheless, experts still praised the outcome of Tuesday's Kim-Trump summit, saying that it brought a new start to resolving Korean Peninsula issues. Before Trump's press conference on Tuesday at the Capella Hotel in Singapore, the White House showed a video to journalists on a possible economic boom in North Korea following denuclearization. Trump also told media that he had discussed the potential of North Korea's economic development with Kim. Trump said, "Think of it from a real estate perspective. You have South Korea, you have China, and they [North Korea] own the land in the middle. How bad is that, right? It's great," according to a White House transcript. DES MOINES, Iowa The momentum for legalizing industrial hemp in America is building. Iowa supporters of the once-prevalent crop, though, have moved on from being eager about its possibilities to feeling anxious to get growing. Hemp got lumped in with its infamous sibling cannabis crop, marijuana, when it was made illegal to grow in the U.S. without a permit in 1970. But hemp doesnt get you stoned, since it contains negligible amounts of tetrahydrocannabinol, or THC. In the past five years, the plant has been making a quiet comeback in America. At least 35 states nationwide now allow some form of industrial hemp cultivation, and Republican U.S. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, of Kentucky, wants hemp federally de-scheduled meaning states could carry out changes without interference as part of the latest Farm Bill. But that massive, catch-all legislation is caught up in bureaucratic snags. A research and exploration bill for hemp passed the Iowa Senate unanimously this past legislative session, too, but talk in the House quieted after it was approved by a subcommittee. Some Iowa farmers such as 34-year-old Ethan Vorhes, who helps oversee land a few miles south of Charles City, are tired of waiting. He thinks the crop could stand as a companion to corn and soybeans in Iowas rotation. After all, tens of thousands of acres of hemp were raised here during World War II. Plus, the plant has uses in more than 25,000 products, from fibers, textiles, paper and construction materials to beauty products, food and beverages. It can serve as animal feed, which Vorhes said would raise the profile of his farms stock of cattle raised for kobe beef. Numerous studies are showing that hemp requires minimal amounts of pesticides and does little to impede soil health. Growing hemp can increase corn and soybean yields the following year by an average of six and four bushels per acre, according to the Iowa Hemp Association. "I want to be able to revolutionize a family farm," Vorhes said. "Hemp can help us change part of that situation in the field." Dramatic opportunities Hemp is no wonder crop, but it offers enough financial options to let individual farmers dream beyond their staples. Its expected to be a billion-dollar industry nationally by 2020, according to a report from the Brightfield Group, a Florida-based analytics firm. And for the past several years, entrepreneurs have been lining up for small-business loans to find their place on the business front porch. Theyve come from several states to people like Charles Wellso, a co-founder of Colorado-based Sanitas Peak Financial LLC who grew up in Cedar Rapids, for getting that start. "Rarely do you get an opportunity to build a national business," Wellso said. "Hemp is one of those things that offers people with ability to use hard work and talent to really make great returns. The opportunities are dramatic." For individuals, perhaps. For a state as a whole, maybe not so much. Iowa State University agricultural economist Chad Hart cautioned that hemps potential doesnt mean youd see marijuanas sibling running wild. He compared the billion-dollar hemp potential with the $40 billion national soybean market and the $60 billion that comes from corn. He concluded that farmers wont be moving to hemp in droves. Hart sees hemp as a larger-scale version of the switchgrass fad, considered a viable component for ethanol production around the turn of the century, but one that never became a must-have investment. Hemp has been legal in Kentucky since 2014, and the latest profit measurements from 2016 were around $5 million over 2,320 harvested acres. The issue, Hart said, isnt about production, but rather the marketing and the utilization. "Could farmers produce a lot of it (if hemp is legalized)? Yeah," he said. "But unless I have an active market demanding the product, just because I can doesnt mean I should. Thats the challenge." Legislative legs In Iowa, the pro-hemp bill stalled in the Iowa House of Representatives after making its way through a Ways and Means subcommittee in early April. Republican State Rep. Lee Hein, of Monticello, who chaired the subcommittee, said the lack of passage this year had to do more with time than anything else. The House was working on an amendment to address funding for two state initiatives: the Industrial Hemp Commodity Program, administered by the Iowa Department of Agriculture and Land Stewardship, and the Industrial Hemp Production Program, administered by a Board of Regents institution. He added that numerous discussions involving medical marijuana in the Legislature during the past several years have helped differentiate hemp from the overall cannabis discussion. "Theyre two separate issues," Hein said. Retiring Ways and Means chairman, Republican Guy Vander Linden, of Oskaloosa, said that broad bipartisan support for the Senate bill indicates that hemp approval could come as early as the 2019 legislative session depending the political makeup of both houses, of course. "A little diversification (in crops) may not hurt anybody, and the lobby made a pretty good case that this is something to consider," Vander Linden said. "So I think its got legs for down the road." For now, though, farmers waiting to enter the market are broadening their own horizons. Vorhes, for example, is attending a conference in New York in early June, on his birthday, and is contemplating transplanting parts of his operation where he can take advantage of the hemp culture now. "I dont think Iowa can wait but another year," Vorhes said. "Otherwise, you might start to see things take root somewhere else. ... It hurts every day that we wait." BISMARCK, N.D. U.S. and Canadian officials are negotiating an end to a 16-year legal battle over a Missouri River water project in North Dakota, though the state of Missouri also has a stake and isnt part of the discussions. Court documents filed in May show the Canadian province of Manitoba proposed a settlement in the dispute over the Northwest Area Water Supply project, and the U.S. Bureau of Reclamation countered with an alternative. "Manitoba, the Bureau and North Dakota are hopeful that within the next several weeks they will be able to agree to final settlement terms," Manitoba attorney Scott DuBoff wrote. NAWS aims to bring Missouri River water to tens of thousands of people in northwestern North Dakota, giving them a reliable source of quality water. Congress first authorized its construction in 1986, but its been tied up in the courts since Manitoba sued in 2002 over concerns about the possible transfer of harmful bacteria or other agents from the Missouri River Basin to the Hudson Bay Basin. U.S. District Judge Rosemary Collyer in Washington, D.C., ruled last August that the project complies with federal environmental law, clearing the way for completion of the $244 million water system. Manitoba appealed. Minot Public Works Director Dan Jonasson in March indicated during a public meeting that Manitoba wants a say in the design of a plant that will treat the river water. Tim Freije, NAWS project manager for North Dakotas State Water Commission, declined to say whats being discussed but said "if Manitoba is just looking for assurances that were building the project so it wont affect them, we dont have any problem with that." The Bureau of Reclamation and Manitobas provincial government both declined comment, citing ongoing litigation. Any settlement wont resolve Missouris claims. The state joined the lawsuit in 2009 over fears that NAWS would deplete the Missouri River water it needs for residents and its shipping and agriculture industries. Collyer said the state had no standing to sue the federal government and did not consider Missouris claim. The state has appealed and has no plans to try to settle. A combined $129 million in federal, state and local money has been spent so far on more than 225 miles of pipeline and other infrastructure, according to Freije. The system currently serves about 25,000 people, though the water comes not from the river but from Minots water treatment plant, which relies on groundwater. The projects goal is to provide river water to about 82,000 in the coming decades, though future state and federal funding isnt guaranteed. "If I had unlimited funds to work with, we could have it done in six to eight years," Freije said. "But we dont have unlimited funds." Name: Ken Olivier Age: 49 Occupation: Radiation oncologist Where we found him: Soccer game Did you come to Mayo from some far away, exotic locale?No. I grew up in a small farming town in MichiganCaledonia. About 5,000 population. My graduating class was like 200 kids. I was actually the Alumnus of the Year a couple of years ago, which was fun. What does the alumnus of the year get to do?I gave a brief talk and I was the grand pooba of the parade. I got to ride in a Corvette, which was awesome, but I didnt get to drive, which was a minus. What do you do as a radiation oncologist?I treat lung tumors and some specialty radiation stuff. Im a full professor, too, but I like to say that and $5 will get you a latte at Starbucks. It doesnt mean anything but that you stuck with it. "He persisted" is what that means. Wheres the last place you traveled?We went to D.C. for the March for Our Lives. Who is "we"?My wife and two boys, 16 and 14. We went because we thought it would be one of those moments in U.S. history that wed need to see. And I love D.C. You feel like youre on the pulse of a nation. There were 800,000 people there. It was unbelievable. Half were under the age of 21. It was very much a student-focused thing. And it wasnt just about school shootings. It was about routine gun violencekids coming home from school and getting shot walking home. That was pretty powerful. It moved Gloria and I more than the boys. Were parents. When children are talking about the death of their siblings, thats abstract for the boys. Thats not abstract for us. Im pretty optimistic in this generation. This generation will solve this craziness with guns. Favorite place to travel?Japans my favorite. Ive been three times for work. Two of the times, we brought family. I did one father-son trip with our younger son, Sam. Its an incredibly safe, clean society. And its such a beautiful countryside. Theyre very accepting and helpful. When we went anywhere on the subway, Gloria thought it was fun not to look at a map and instead walk up to someone on the street and say, "Were trying to get here" and every time theyll help you find where youre supposed to go. Where did you meet Gloria?We were both in training at Mayo. She was doing a post-doc and I was here for residency. We met at a wine tasting. Was it love at first sight?For me, yes. For her, it took a lot of persistence. Howd you propose?We went to northern Minnesota for a trip and I proposed on that trip. She knew [it was coming]. We were already making plans by then. We were in our thirties and wed already been planning a trip to Chile together with our parents. Why Chile?Thats where Gloria is from. So we have a cross-cultural family. It has been fun to really get into another culturenot just the American culture. I dont think theyre a ton different, to be honest, in many ways. The wine and fruit and approach to life is a bit different. Its a little slower paced. A little less focused on quick accomplishments. Biggest adventure?I have one coming up. [My son Nathan and I] are going to Africa in June. Were going to spend two days in Dubai, then go to Africa. Im working on ways to try to spread some educational opportunities to African radiation oncologists. ... Im going down to present some preliminary ideas for how to do that and to create collaborations with radiation oncologistsfor how we can work together. Im giving a similar talk in Argentina. I have some big ideas. Lets see if I can actualize them. Did you always want to be a physician?No. I think my mom nagged me to do it. She had me go to this physician group where docs talked to high school students. I think I came away with an overwhelming feeling that thats too much work. So you didnt dream of this career when you were growing up?I had no clue. I wasnt even close. I was speaking at Century [High School] recently, and I showed a pic of myself in 11th gradehow awkward I was. I was not picked to be "Most Likely to Succeed." I was not picked as "Future Alumnus of the Year." I got a D in physicsthe field Ive now published at least half of my papers in. My 11th grade physics teacher, at parent/teacher conferences, told my mom, "Science isnt really for Kenny." So I was telling these students, dont let other people define your vision for yourself and what youll accomplish. Powerful message.Youll have to persist. It takes persistence and a dedication to personal excellence. But there is no reason why you couldnt stop, change gears, and become something else. Your future is far from being written. A freight train loaded with imported vehicles arrives at the container terminal in Xi'an of northwest China's Shaanxi Province, June 13, 2018. Departed from Ghent, Belgium, the train took 16 days to transport a total of 160 Volvo vehicles, covering a distance of more than 10,000 kms. (Xinhua/Li Yibo) The resolution proposed by Christine Pelosi, a party activist and House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosis daughter bars the organization from accepting contributions from corporate political action committees tied to the oil, gas and coal industries. The executive committee voted unanimously to approve the motion. . . The DNC may consider a second resolution at a full board meeting in Chicago in August to ban contributions over $200 from individuals who work for the fossil fuel industry. Miller said the proposal which has not yet been submitted to the DNC will hopefully lead candidates to adopt similar policies. . . This is going to be the way that we ask people to make some clear choices, so voters know what theyre getting, Pelosi said. When you talk the talk and walk the walk, thats how youre going to inspire people. We need help learning how to watch a movie just as we do learning how to read a newspaper or a book. In its short history the art of film presents a wealth of riches. Its easy to enjoy a good movie, but appreciating the art requires an education. Titus Techera has arrived to lend us an eye in a series of movie podcasts that celebrated their first anniversary with Terry Teachout discussing Hitchcocks challenging Vertigo. Titus is in great company with Teachout in this podcast, but he contributes every bit as much to the discussion as Teachout himself. He is an incredibly astute viewer. The Vertigo podcast is accessible along with the others in Tituss series here and here. Tituss recent podcasts with Professor John Marini discussing John Ford are of particular interest to me. Ford was a profound student of American history in general and the Civil War in particular. Professor Marini credits Ford with the creation of the genre of the serious or epic Western as we have come to know it (as well as with the creation of the character John Wayne). He views the Western as a response to the Progressive critique of American history. In the first of Tituss two podcasts with Professor Marini they discuss The Searchers, John Fords thematic treatment of the sacred law of the family. American freedom out West and the nature-civilization conflict are treated in parallel in a story that blends comedy and tragedy with an eye to Homer. In the second of the Ford podcasts they discuss The Man Who Shot Liberty Valance: We talk about love and law, nature and progress, the desert and the railroad, and the rest of the symbols and structures that stand out in John Fords best movie. Professor Marini has written on the thematic premises of the Western: The implicit premise of the westernis that our fathers were in some respects better than we are: whatever they may have left us to live down, they also gave us something to live up to. The western restores our connection to the past by acknowledging the fullness or moral wholeness of the past. This could only be done by recognizing the possibility of true greatness of heroes in the past, and, of course, there cannot be heroes without villains. The greatest directors of western movies portrayed a world in which genuine heroes and therefore genuine villains were possible, where human and American virtues and vices contended in all seriousness and the heights and depths of human behaviorlike the American Revolution and the legacy of slaverycame into view in a way that was and is meaningful to the moral imagination. Professor Marini makes the case for Ford in these terms. One of the results of yesterdays primaries is that Nevadas leading pimp won the Republican nomination for a state legislative seat. Going from pimp to the state legislature just seems like progress on the learning curve if you ask me. Paging Mike Rowe! Talk about dirty jobs! First, we heard about Kim Jong Un bringing his own toilet with him to Singapore because it will deny determined sewer divers insights into to the supreme leaders stools. Did the Norks seriously think that wed be after some Kim Jong Twos? Now comes news from Nature magazine that Australian scientists are researching fecal transplants for Koala bears. Those scientists must be really fun to talk to at parties. Dont forget to bring some Olestra chips. New confirmation of cause-and-effect: California reduced sentences for minor crimes, and youll never believe what happened next! From the Los Angeles Times: Thefts Rise After California Reduces Criminal Penalties California voters decision to reduce penalties for drug and property crimes in 2014 contributed to a jump in car burglaries, shoplifting and other theft, researchers reported. Larcenies increased about 9 percent by 2016, or about 135 more thefts per 100,000 residents than if tougher penalties had remained, according to results of a study by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California released Tuesday. Thefts from motor vehicles accounted for about three-quarters of the increase. San Francisco alone recorded more than 30,000 auto burglaries last year, which authorities largely blamed on gangs. Shoplifting may be leveling off, researchers found, but there is no sign of a decline in thefts from vehicles. Proposition 47 lowered criminal sentences for drug possession, theft, shoplifting, identity theft, receiving stolen property, writing bad checks and check forgery from felonies that can bring prison terms to misdemeanors that often bring minimal jail sentences. . . The ballot measure led to the lowest arrest rate in state history in 2015 as experts said police frequently ignored crimes that brought minimal punishment. Fox Butterfield was unavailable for comment. Any accounting of the diplomacy between President Trump and Kim Jong Un should take into account not only what was agreed to in Singapore, but also what was agreed to before the summit. It should not take into account mere agreement to strive for denuclearization, prosperity, peace, love, and understanding. What did Trump get for the United States? The release of three American captives; the return of remains of missing Americans; the cessation, for now, of North Korean nuclear testing; and the destruction, complete or partial, of two (as I understand it) nuclear facilities. We should assume that the two facilities arent central to North Koreas program. The commitment to cease nuclear testing is inherently verifiable. We will know, without any help from North Korea, whether it has resumed testing. What did Kim get from the United States? The cessation, for now, of war games. And the prestige associated with getting to meet the American president on equal terms. Which side fared better? I consider the cessation of testing and the cessation of war games to be an even proposition. Absent the war games, we may not be able to improve our capacity to wage war against North Korea as much as we would like. Absent the testing, North Korea may not be able to improve its ability to wage nuclear war as much as it would like. Reasonable people can disagree as to whether Kims enhanced prestige is worth more to him than getting Americans and the remains of Americans back is to us. These are apples and oranges. But keep in mind that we too gain something just by virtue of the meetings. Trump knows more than he did before about the man with the power to launch a nuclear strike. How rational is Kim (quite rational, I suspect)? To what extent does he share the traditional paranoia of his family (not much, I suspect)? These are critical questions. Trump now has a better sense of the answers. Its also valuable to us that Kim now knows Trump better. Before he knew Trump at all, it was easy for Kim to fear he was dealing with a wild man a warmonger. Thanks to the meeting, its likely that Kim no longer regards him that way. Thus, the possibility of war due to miscalculation is probably reduced. For these reasons, those who are telling us some in good faith, some out of raw partisanship that Kim is the winner are wrong, in my view. Trump did just fine. And, most importantly, the U.S. and its allies in the Pacific are a little safer than they were before this dance commenced. Photo taken on June 6, 2017 shows the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao Bridge under construction. [Photo/Xinhua] MACAO -- Applications are now open for Macao-registered vehicles to run on the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macao (HKZM) Bridge, the special administrative region's government gazette said here on Wednesday. The SAR government said there will be 600 permits available for owners of Macao-registered private vehicles. Each permit is valid for one year and offers unlimited access to use the HKZM Bridge to travel to Hong Kong and back. Of the 600 permits, 300 are offered by application from individual keepers of vehicles, while another 300 are from companies that have registered a vehicle. Individual applicant must be Macao permanent resident and have a valid Macao driving license for light vehicles. They also must be either an employee with remunerated work in Hong Kong or have established a registered company in Hong Kong. Company-based applications must be from a company registered in Macao and holding a more than 50-percent of share in a subsidiary company in Hong Kong. Eligible individuals and companies must make an application no later than June 26, the gazette added. MUMBAI, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- GlobalSpace Technologies Limited (BSE: 540654), a fast growing new-age technology company, today announced the acquisition of 70.80% stake in Miljon Medi APP for an undisclosed sum. Miljon Medi APP is a health tech startup with B2B Digital Platform ('Platform') that connects generics pharmaceutical manufacturers to the entire pharma channel till retail chemist. The company claims to have some of the leading generics manufacturers already on the platform with an existing network of around 73 distributors and 9380 chemists as its active users. The company's vision is to enable quality and certified generics reach the last mile so as to benefit the patients. For GlobalSpace, it's a strategic acquisition that would further consolidate its vision of creating a truly integrated digital healthcare ecosystem. The company has thought leadership in building a digital platform for pharma sales force and doctors. Commenting on the transaction, Mr. Krishna Singh, MD, GlobalSpace, said, "This is a synergistic acquisition for us, we have already built an evolved digital platform for pharma distribution, including ERP, Mobile and Web app, it would provide the much-needed technical scalability and viability to Miljon Medi APP. Merging GlobalSpace's tech platform with Miljon's existing network would surely provide us the initial impetus to grow this platform to be India's largest Pharma channel network." About GlobalSpace Technologies: Founded in 2010, GlobalSpace Technologies is a BSE SME listed, fast growing technology company, working in the domain of cutting-edge technologies like cloud, big data, artificial intelligence, robotics and machine learning. The company has a domain expertise and thought leadership in healthcare technology where its products and solutions are used by over 25 leading pharma and healthcare companies. The company recently announced its Annual results for FY 17-18, total revenue for the year ended March 31, 2018 stood at Rs 29.2 crore, as compared to Rs 17.3 crore in the same period last year, a growth of 69%. Net Profit for FY18 stood at Rs 2.3 crore, as compared to Rs 1.03 crore in FY17, growth of 127%. About Miljon Medi APP: Miljon Medi APP LLP, founded in 2017, is the pharma marketing company, and Medi APP is the first and only digital B2B platform connecting all elements in the pharma distribution channel. It has tie ups with 9380 chemists and 73 distributors. Mr John Kuriakose, a pharma industry veteran, leads the company as its CEO. Mr John would continue to head Miljon post acquisition also. Media Contact : Jerry Jose [email protected] +91-9870011311 Concept Public Relations India Limited SOURCE GlobalSpace Technologies Limited UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe speaks during an interview with Xinhua News Agency at the United Nations headquarters in New York, on June 12, 2018. China is playing a great role in fighting AIDS, Michel Sidibe said Tuesday at the UN headquarters after his report on the latest progress of the agency's struggle against AIDS. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) UNITED NATIONS, June 12 -- China is playing a great role in fighting AIDS, UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe said Tuesday at the United Nations headquarters after his report on the latest progress of the agency's struggle against AIDS. At the halfway point to the 2020 fast-track commitments agreed by the General Assembly in 2016, the world is making strong progress toward ending the AIDS epidemic by 2030, the senior UN official said. China is making education the central work, making sure that sanitation, environment, sport and other issues are addressed, Sidibe said. China-Africa is a wonderful partnership. African health ministers are meeting to discuss what could be the new paradigm for reinforcing relevant service delivery system, the UN official said. Chinese have gone to Sierra Leone to help Africans deal with Ebola, he said, adding that China, a country with successful experience in "barefoot doctors", can play a critical role in training community health workers, he said. Xinhua News Agency, one of the leading media groups in the world, has been on the forefront sharing results, making people understand what needs to be addressed, and trying to mobilize, advocate and create space for social change, Sidibe said. UNAIDS and Xinhua have established a unique and amazing partnership, Sidibe said. UNAIDS signed an MOU with Xinhua in 2010 and unrolled joint media campaigns on fighting AIDS ever since. The UN agency has also strengthened ties with the Chinese government in combatting the epidemic in China and beyond. UNAIDS Executive Director Michel Sidibe speaks during an interview with Xinhua News Agency at the United Nations headquarters in New York, on June 12, 2018. China is playing a great role in fighting AIDS, Michel Sidibe said Tuesday at the UN headquarters after his report on the latest progress of the agency's struggle against AIDS. (Xinhua/Li Muzi) NEW DELHI, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Indulge in the vibrantly aromatic and distinctive Oak, Baked Apple and Cinnamon flavours The man with a heart of gold and a will of steel, dads are people you look up to no matter how tall you grow! Father's Day is about spending time with and appreciating the man who raised you. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/705840/Glenfiddich_18_YO_Fathers_Day.jpg ) When it comes to finding the perfect gift for dad, there's nothing better than bonding over the award winning Glenfiddich 18-Year-Old single malt whisky. Make this day a memorable one, by gifting him something he's sure to love. Prepared in small batches of no more than 150 casks, the Glenfiddich 18-Year-Old is a robust and full-bodied single malt whisky, yet remains remarkably soft, rounded and long lasting. Experience a classic rich Glenfiddich with luxurious dried fruit, candy peel and date flavours overlaid with elegant oak notes. The bottle is encased in a premium bitter chocolate coloured box, embossed with the instantly recognisable Glenfiddich gold stag and finished with luxurious gold foil detail. The stylish packaging celebrates the superior single malt it contains and makes an ideal gift for the whisky aficionado. Price: On request Availability: At all major liquor stores in the country About William Grant & Sons William Grant & Sons, Ltd. is an independent family-owned distiller headquartered in the United Kingdom and founded by William Grant in 1887. Today, the luxury spirits company is run by the fifth generation of his family and distils some of the world's leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world's favourite single malt Glenfiddich, The Balvenie range of handcrafted single malts and the world's third largest blended Scotch Grant's as well as other iconic spirits brands such as Hendrick's Gin, Sailor Jerry, Milagro Tequila and, most recently, Tullamore D.E.W Irish Whiskey. About Glenfiddich, India Glenfiddich is a single malt Whisky owned and produced by William Grant & Sons Distillers Limited. An independent family-owned distiller founded by William Grant in 1886 and still controlled by the fifth generation of the family. The Company distils some of the world's leading brands of Scotch whisky, including the world's favourite single malt Glenfiddich, the handcrafted range of The Balvenie single malts and one of the world's best loved blended Scotches, Grant's, as well as selected other spirits, including Hendrick's Gin, Sailor Jerry and, most recently, Tullamore Dew Irish Whisky. Click on http://www.williamgrant.com for more information on the Company and its brands. Media Contact: Prakriti Singh [email protected] +91-9811317976 PPR South Asia Ishita Roychaudhury [email protected] +91-9971036862 SOURCE Glenfiddich, India NEW DELHI, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- 20% Off on all Digital Marketing Services Regarded as the best SEO Company in India, Digitalberge has come a long way from where it all began. They serve their valued customers and clients with a host of digital marketing services like PPC Services India, ORM Services India and so on. They take immense pride in providing top-quality SEO Consultancy Services in Delhi. Not only that, they go an extra mile in assisting their clients in building their brand online by running social media campaign. Moreover, they give online reputation management services. These Digital Marketing Services include: SEO Consultancy Services (SEO consultancy services India ) ) Social Media Optimization (SMO Services India) Pay per Click (PPC Services India) Website Designing Development Online Reputation Management (ORM Services India) Digitalberge offers these services that will help one improve their brands visibility, customer loyalty, keywords ranking, revenue and authority of the website. The SEO (Search Engine Optimization) methods they rely on are personalized for all clients just to make sure that the client is capitalizing on each area in their niche. How is Digitalberge different? With more than a decade experience, the skilled and qualified SEO consultants are extremely professional in the field of digital marketing and SEO. They leave no stone unturned when it comes to providing GAP analysis report compared to their competitors. Here are some reasons why Digitalberge is different than the rest: 15 years of professional SEO expertise They carry out only White Hat SEO practices for websites as per Google's latest guidelines Their SEO and Digital Marketing Services are very affordable and result oriented They deliver page #1 ranking which pulls more traffic and brings more sales Better ROI The objective of Digitalberge is to deliver best SEO results to their clients so that they can get the most profitable clicks from Google. Their SEO (Search Engine Optimization) process consists of maintenance, tuning and continuous testing and monitoring. They are a complete media company providing host of other services as well. And their design and development wing deals with website designing and development, Mobile apps and shopify development. Digitalberge is a top-notch SEO company in India that has set a benchmark for themselves in providing Search Engine Marketing and digital consultancy to several businesses all around the world. Being a leading SEO service provider, they analyze the core requirements of one's business. Moreover, they keep it proportionate to the company's goals and visions, so as to produce impressive results. Media Contact: Bindu [email protected] +91-9958992928 DigitalBerge SOURCE Digitalberge PUNE, India and COLOGNE, Germany, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The new offerings provide both high fibre capacity and reduced deployment time Sterlite Tech (BSE: 532374) (NSE: STRTECH), a global technology leader in web-scale digital networks, unveiled a bouquet of all new 5G-enabling fronthaul and Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) network technologies on June 13 at ANGA COM 2018. (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/568301/Sterlite_Logo.jpg ) The global debut of the Airblown Micro cable, Micro cable - 4mm, Micro Bullet Series Cable and the Riser Cable highlights Sterlite Tech's continuous commitment to disruptive network designs, and innovative research and development. Built on its globally recognised manufacturing capabilities, Sterlite Tech's two new micro cables and airblown cable utilise existing and new duct systems to accommodate more fibres in a sub-duct network. This allows operators to implement high-density fibre counts within their existing cabling systems, delivering a dedicated optical fibre in a flexible, reliable and upgradeable manner. This technology enables operators to meet global demands for 5G networks and FTTx at reduced deployment time. The fourth technology - Riser Cable - is intended for FTTH in a vertical run shaft or inside buildings as it meets the industry standards for fire-resistance. "As 5G-enabled services such as the Internet of Things, Virtual and Augmented Reality and UHD/4K TV begin to grow, telecom operators and ISPs are looking for a fast and cost-effective way to significantly increase their fibre counts and enrich their fronthaul and last-mile networks to support these services," said Dr Badri Gomatam, Chief Technology Officer, Sterlite Tech. "This is no easy task; as the density of homes in urban areas increases, the current fibre architecture must evolve and advance to the point of consumption - with operators across North America and Europe looking for innovative fibre cable solutions to maximise their existing fibre counts for global demands." Officially launched by Joshua Streitz, Head - Supply Chain, Post Luxembourg, at ANGA COM, the innovative Airblown 2.6mm 24F Micro cable using 200 micron fibre technology can enhance airblown installation for Fibre-to-the-Point (FTTx) drop for deployments in congested areas and metro applications, supporting installation in micro trenches along roads and pavements. Designed to provide optimum balance of stiffness and flexibility, the cable can fit into limited 5/3.5mm ducts and reach longer blowing distances, compared to other blown cables available in the market. The 24F (4 x 6F) Micro cable - 4mm is the industry smallest multi-tube micro cable with easy drop and mid-span access - unveiled by Sean Pillans, Head of Power and Access Infrastructure, Liberty Global - is for use in airblown installations for FTTx feeder and drop and can be utilised for existing and new duct systems. Using compressed air in pre-installed micro ducts, the cable can accommodate more fibres in a given subduct and can be blown up to 2km for long distance links. As the smallest 288F (24 x 12F) micro cable with standard 12 fibres per loose tube on the market, 288F Micro Bullet Series Cable was presented by Phill Coppin, Head - Global Application Engineering, Sterlite Tech. It is the latest addition to Sterlite Tech's Bullet Series and is designed to re-engineer tube material for optimum cable packing efficiency - reducing approximately 10% of the cable weight and size, enabling upto 50% faster installation in a 14/18mm sub-duct. Georges Majerus, Senior Planner - Fibre Networks, LuxConnect, announced the indoor Riser Cable, which provides an easy deployment for riser applications in multi-storey buildings complying to the industry CPR fire performance standards with classification B2ca-s1, d1. This cable allows set fibres to be broken out at floor level without the need to access the entire cable. With enhanced features such as reduced sheath thickness and smaller loose tubes, the cables can be easily transported, managed and installed, significantly reducing deployment times. The cables, which leverage the latest industry standards and regulations, including ITU-T recommendations, also come in a range of sizes for different applications, providing greater flexibility and control within end blowing and mid blow scenarios for extended lengths. Sterlite Tech is showcasing the new cables at ANGA COM - Booth E8, Hall 7 - in Cologne, Germany, till June 14, alongside its full portfolio of smarter products, services and software that enable delivery of smarter digital networks. About Sterlite Technologies: Sterlite Technologies Ltd (BSE: 532374) (NSE: STRTECH), is a global technology leader that designs, builds and manages smarter digital networks. Sterlite Tech engages with customers in more than 100 countries, with a digital web-scale offering across products, services and software. The company has global scale manufacturing facilities in India, China and Brazil, and two Software Delivery Centres in India. Sterlite Tech is home to India's only Centre of Excellence for broadband research and Centre for Smarter Networks for next generation network applications. Projects undertaken by the company include intrusion-proof smarter data network for the Armed Forces, rural broadband for BharatNet, Smart Cities' development, and establishing high-speed Fibre-to-the-Home (FTTH) networks. For more details, visit http://www.sterlitetech.com Contacts: Corporate Communications Sumedha Mahorey Phone: +91-22-30450404 Email: [email protected] Investor Relations Vishal Aggarwal Phone: +91-20-30514000 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Sterlite Technologies Ltd Kim-Trump summit, trade frictions head agenda US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's first official visit to China on Thursday will focus on discussions over how to implement agreements achieved during the historic North Korea-US summit and to properly address ongoing China-US trade frictions, Chinese observers said on Wednesday. At the invitation of Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, the top US diplomat will visit China on Thursday. The two sides will exchange ideas on bilateral ties and major international and regional issues of mutual concern, with the US side briefing China about the US-North Korea leaders' meeting in Singapore, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said at a regular press conference on Wednesday. Through the event, China hopes the two sides could enhance mutual understanding, seek ways to properly handle and manage disputes, strengthen cooperation, and push bilateral ties forward along the right track, Geng noted. The visit would mark Pompeo's first formal visit to China since he took office in April, and take place closely following the historic North Korea-US leaders' summit on Tuesday. China's foreign ministry has not disclosed further specifics for the event as of press time, whereas the US official tweeted soon after the summit on Tuesday, revealing that his trip to Beijing is "to continue to build the dream to achieve the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula." During the summit held on Tuesday in Singapore's resort island of Sentosa, US President Donald Trump and his North Korean counterpart Kim Jong-un signed a joint statement where the two leaders agreed to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in exchange for security guarantees of North Korea, the Xinhua News Agency reported. The US-North Korea agreements are frameworks at best, waiting to be processed into tangible stages before implementation, Li Haidong, a professor at the China Foreign Affairs University's Institute of International Relations in Beijing, told the Global Times. As the US side increasingly recognizes the China-proposed "double suspension" and "dual track approach" as the best option to handle the Korean Peninsula issues and the irreplaceable role played by a cooperative China on the matter, it would be on the top of Pompeo's agenda to listen to China's opinion on how to transform the agreements into reality, Li added. Also, talks on properly addressing China-US trade friction will inevitably take place during Pompeo's stay in Beijing, Liu Weidong, a research fellow at Chinese Academy of Social Sciences, told the Global Times. It would be inconsistent with the upbeat momentum achieved on the Korean Peninsula issues and US seeking higher cooperation with China on the matter, if the US insists to slap such a heavy blow to China in the trade sector, Liu said. It is reasonable to expect a compromise tariff plan in possible form of a postponed date, a shrunken range or a discounted scale from the US side, Liu noted. The China-Israel Investment Summit, the largest national dedicated technological innovation investment event between the two countries, was held in Zhuhai for the first time last year. The 3 rd China-Israel Investment Summit attracted over 2,700 companies and more than 5,800 visitors from the two countries and led to the establishment of the National Israel-China Innovation Fund. At the event, agreements for 14 Sino-Israeli cooperation projects were signed while 2,653 discussions took place between companies, resulting in the signing of over 1,000 letters of intent valued at billions of US dollars. The summit drew widespread attention from the business communities in both countries. To continue growing the brand influence of the previous three editions of the summit, this year's edition, with the theme of "Cooperating on innovation, and intelligently creating a bright future for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area", has invited powerful guests from China's and Israel's political, academic and business circles as well as more than 2,000 guests who will gather to share their wisdom and discuss important topics including Sino-Israeli cooperation on technological innovation and furthering development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area under the "One Belt, One Road" initiative. This year's summit will include a series of branded events, including the opening ceremony, the main forum, several break-out sessions, guest dialogues and business-to-business matchmaking meetings, covering the gamut of industries in which the two countries excel and have a deep interest, including smart manufacturing, the digital economy, intellectual property, bio-medicine, smart cities, among others. Israeli companies in concert with some of China's leading hi-tech firms will also hold thematic roadshows, giving participants the opportunity to experience the world's latest technological innovations first hand. Zhuhai kicked off a corporate entrepreneurship program this year. At this new historic starting point, the 4th China-Israel Investment Summit, to be held again in Zhuhai, is expected to further expand cooperation in the areas of technology, commerce and trade between the city and Israel, driving entrepreneurship among the city's many businesses through technological innovation, while, at the same time, creating a new area of growth for the Zhuhai Special Zone. The 4th China-Israel Investment Summit is now open for registration. Companies and individuals can visit the summit's official website http://www.china-israel-investment.com, to view the registration details and register online. Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/705146/China_Israel_Investment_summit.jpg SOURCE Zhuhai Huafa Group DELHI, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The campus also offers courses in Journalism by ZIMA Zee Institute of Creative Art (ZICA) is inviting mass media graduates with attractive diploma programs in Animation, Visual Effects (VFX), and Graphic and Web Design at their Noida campus. ZICA is the India's first full-fledged Classical and Digital Animation Training Academy that trains youth in classical 2D and modern 3D animation. Over the last 17 years, ZICA has grown to become a novel institution that has nurtured a vast group of talented alumni. With a state-of-the-art infrastructure, the training provided to its students is practical and focused on creating a stimulating environment around them. ZICA also gives major priority to the principles of art and design as well as the basics of animation and computer based digital animation. With two schools i.e. ZICA - School of Animation and VFX and ZICA - School of Design already in smooth operation offering a plethora of creative courses, ZICA has emerged as a hub for students to channel their blue-sky thinking professionally. The Noida campus is also home to ZIMA, a renowned sister concern of ZICA. ZIMA is a twelve-year-old entity of Zee Media that extensively offers courses in TV, Print and Digital Journalism. The duration of the courses ranges between 3 to 12 months with an additional 3-month internship programme with the Zee Media Group. To further encourage the students, the group also offers education loans to aspirants who wish to make a career in the field of Journalism. Mr. Praveen Gadelli, Business Lead at Zee Learn Limited - Essel Group said, "ZICA is home to passionate students across the country who aim to be dignified professionals in the creative industry. The institute promulgates artistic and aesthetic skills whereby students receive abundant creative exposure with a blend of theory and practical sessions as part of its coursework. It has over 30 campuses in 15 major cities all over India and has become the preferred choice for students like its fellow media institute i.e. ZIMA, which has observed a growing trend in students pursuing mass communication related courses. Through ZIMA, we are extremely happy to be able to provide a platform to these aspiring and ambitious students. Our first batch of 30 students has successfully completed these courses and the intake for the second batch will commence from January 2019. The maximum intake has been from Delhi, Chandigarh, Dehradun, Ludhiana and Gurgaon and we expect the numbers to rise for the next term." ZICA and ZIMA aim to provide the right avenue for media graduates to bridge the skill gap and prepare them for the competitive world. A wide range of courses such as News Editing, News Reporting and Anchoring, TV News Camera and Artificial Intelligence in News Analytics and Digital Media provide hands-on experience to aspiring students in the dynamic field of Mass Media. About Zee Learn Zee Learn is a leading player in Core Education and is set to ride on the increasing demand for quality education and development. They help individuals realize their unique potential, youth vocational institutes and online ventures. Youth Vocational Education Purpose Zee Learn's stated purpose is to Improve Human Capital through quality education and development. We believe that each and every individual has a unique potential. We help individuals (children & youth) realize their unique potential through our school network, school innovations, youth vocational institutes and online ventures. Media Contact: Hesha Parekh [email protected] +91-9833113169 Sr. Account Executive Communicate India SOURCE Zee Institute of Creative Art (ZICA) -Noor Shaker, CEO & co-founder of GTN awarded for AI tech that will transform drug discovery to treat chronic diseases - Dhruv Ghulati, CEO & co-founder of Factmata awarded for solution using explainable AI to tackle online fake news, abusive content, hate speech and propaganda Following the 2018 CogX Awards earlier this week, Prime Minister Theresa May announced the final two UK Rising Star winners at an exclusive reception held at Number 10 Downing Street last night to showcase Britain as the best place in the world to run a tech company. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/706045/CognitionX.jpg ) The CogX UK Rising Star Awards shine a light on individuals who are building companies that are set to shape society through AI, with the two accolades going to: Noor Shaker , CEO and co-founder of GTN, for her work using deep learning and quantum physics to transform drug discovery and support the treatment of chronic diseases, with a focus on oncology. Noor recently closed a seed funding round of approximately $3 million , and has well-established partnerships with The Francis Crick Institute and the UK government's Medicines Discovery Catapult. Dhruv Ghulati , CEO and co-founder of Factmata, for his work using human-assisted AI to tackle fake news, abusive content, hate speech and propaganda on the internet; and score the credibility and quality of media information in almost real-time. Founded in January 2017 , Dhruv has already raised $1 million in seed funding from billionaire Mark Cuban , Twitter founder Biz Stone and Zynga founder Mark Pincus , among others. Prime Minister Theresa May said: "It's a great time to be in tech in the UK, and our modern Industrial Strategy will drive continued investment, ensuring the nation flourishes in the industries of the future and creating more high-paying jobs." Following the presentation by Prime Minister Theresa May, Dhruv Ghulati said: "Despite being only 10 months into our journey, this award is recognition that the UK tech sector wants us to succeed. I am hugely proud of my team for the strides they have made in launching our first AI products, and excited about continuing to tackle one of the major challenges of our time - online misinformation." 2018 CogX Rising Star Award winner Noor Shaker said: "AI has the potential to disrupt drug discovery through access to better medicines, addressing neglected areas such as orphan diseases and reducing the cost of developing medicines. We very much appreciate the recognition of GTN's efforts in that direction and we are very excited about the PM's agenda that recognises the challenges and rewards innovations in this field. We are also very happy to have a base in U.K. and in being part of a strong ecosystem that facilitates access to high quality talent, expertise and capital." The CogX Awards, held on Monday 11th June and hosted by CognitionX, celebrated the best in AI from around the world, and saw the winners joined by more than 300 guests at a gala dinner to raise awareness of the incredible work that is being done in the industry. CogX presented over 50 awards this year, including industry achievements across 18 different sectors and technical achievements across 16 different domains, as well as for contributions to research and academia, and outstanding leadership in ethics. The 2018 awards were held as part of the CogX AI Festival during London Tech Week. A festival of all things AI, CogX brought together 6,000+ people from technology, business, academia and the media across a packed two-day schedule including keynotes from Baroness Joanna Shields, Group CEO of BenevolentAI, and Jurgen Schmidhuber, the "father of AI". Following the hugely successful event, CognitionX co-founder and CEO Charlie Muirhead said: "Having so many AI and industry experts in one place really reinforced the challenges and opportunities that we're facing; AI is at a tipping point. Organisations need to define their strategy and start deployment, not in 10 years, but right now. This is why we've launched our AI advice platform to transform the way in which knowledge and expert advice is accessed. Web search has many merits, but organisations need advice specific to their needs across departments. Sometimes they may even have the expertise internally, but often end up turning to consultancies for this." "We have a unique opportunity to catalyse adoption of artificial intelligence in the UK," added Tabitha Goldstaub, co-founder of CognitionX. "Our platform helps to remove the barriers to deployment, by reducing the time it takes to make decisions and find the right AI services to use. As industry and government gain more confidence in implementing AI, we will see the technology adopted more often and more successfully. As long as the challenging ethical considerations are understood, AI is designed responsibly, and the benefits fairly distributed, this will lead to a brighter future for the country." About CognitionX: CognitionX is the AI Advice Platform that connects organisations with a global on-demand network of AI experts. The platform allows experts in AI from the around the world to share invaluable expertise with organisations of any size and sector who want to tap into that knowledge. Founded in 2015 by Charlie Muirhead and Tabitha Goldstaub, CognitionX's mission is to bring clarity to, and accelerate adoption of, AI across all organisations from global enterprises to startups, and help ensure a safe and responsible transition to an AI-driven society. Through its freemium model, CognitionX's expert network helps level the playing field, by making scarce AI expertise accessible to all, and provide a new way for experts to monetise their knowledge. https://cognitionx.com @cognition_x https://www.linkedin.com/company/cognitionx/ About GTN: GTN is a multidisciplinary, innovation-driven company, searching the astronomically large space of drug-like molecules with its unique patented technology, Generative Tensorial Networks. The software combines and builds upon techniques from machine learning and quantum physics to simulate, filter and search for molecules, discovering molecules entirely hidden from view. GTN has already demonstrated state-of-the-art prediction of molecular characterisation. This is a critical step in the hunt for new drugs outside of the crowded space being mined by more traditional methods. The team at GTN are currently running collaborations with global pharmaceutical companies, with a number of the ten largest pharmaceutical companies in their pipeline, and have strong partnerships with world-leading research bodies including the Francis Crick Institute. About Factmata: Factmata's mission is to protect people, advertisers, publishers and brands from damaging, deceptive or harmful content online. Factmata combines cutting edge AI with the knowledge from expert communities to build explainable algorithms to score subjective aspects of content such as argument bias. Factmata has just launched an alpha version of their community platform, Briefr, targeted at expert journalists and domain experts. The team's quality scoring technology is also being tested in commercial pilots with major ad tech giants including AppNexus, Sovrn and Comscore, major ad agencies and large social media platforms to be announced soon. They are backed by some of the leading investors in the world including Mark Cuban, Biz Stone, Mark Pincus, Craig Newmark, Larry Braitman and Sunil Paul, and have raised $1m to date. SOURCE CognitionX ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia, June 15, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- African Union and Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS call for immediate prioritisation of accessible health services tailored to the needs of children with or at risk of HIV Tomorrow on the International Day of the African Child, the Free To Shine campaign, led by the African Union (AU) and the Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA), is calling for the prioritisation of services to prevent, identify and treat HIV in children. Africa has achieved considerable success in the fight against HIV and AIDS. However, data in the new Free To Shine Africa Interactive Map highlights that children at risk of and infected with HIV have been left behind in Africa's progress and they need to be prioritised as a matter of urgency. OAFLA and the African Union are leading the Free To Shine campaign to provide continental leadership to address this issue. The call to action stems from data showing that the levels of care currently provided across African states will not be adequate to end childhood AIDS by 2030, a target that the African Union committed to in the Catalytic Framework to end AIDS, TB and Eliminate Malaria in Africa By 2030. Only one country (Algeria) out of 55 countries is on target to deliver adequate rates of antiretroviral therapy (ART) for children infected with HIV, and only three countries (Rwanda, South Africa and eSwatini) are on track to meet World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines on testing infants born to mothers with HIV within two months of birth. Despite encouraging rates of antiretroviral therapy provision for pregnant women with HIV, only six countries (Botswana, Namibia, eSwatini, Uganda, South Africa, Cape Verde) are on target to achieving a final mother-to-child transmission (MTCT) rate of less than 5% by 2020.[1] "We need to ensure that children who have or are at risk of HIV are not left behind. Not only must we protect the rights of every individual child in Africa, but we must also ensure Africa's continued and sustainable development. A foundation for achieving this is the health and wellbeing of all children, so that they can live active and fulfilling lives, making valuable contributions towards the future success of our nations," said Dr. Marie-Goretti Harakeye, the Head of Division for AIDS, TB, Malaria and Other Infectious Diseases at the African Union Commission. About the Free To Shine Campaign The Free To Shine campaign was launched in January 2018 and aims to help end childhood AIDS in Africa by 2030 and keep mothers healthy. To drive the changes required to achieve this goal, the Free To Shine campaign is working to: - Raise awareness of the HIV epidemic in children and the need to prioritise children and mothers; - Increase understanding of how to prevent HIV and AIDS in childhood by keeping mothers healthy; - Prioritise delivery of effective and sustainable HIV and AIDS health services to all who need them; - Highlight the need to remove barriers preventing women and mothers engaging with health services. To measure progress towards achieving this goal, Free To Shine campaign partner WHO has identified six measures of healthcare provision that are key to ending childhood AIDS and defined interim targets for each. 2020 Target No. of African States Achieved/On-Track (Total of 47 States Reported On) Key Indicators of Progress Estimated percentage of pregnant women living with HIV who received antiretrovirals for prevention of mother-to-child transmission. 95% 22 (47%) Final mother-to-child transmission rate including the breastfeeding period. <5% 6 (13%) Percentage of infants born to women living with HIV receiving a virological test within two months of birth i.e. early infant diagnosis. 90% 3 (6%) Estimated antiretroviral therapy coverage in children aged 0 to 14 years. 90% 1 (2%) Percentage of antenatal care (ANC) attendees tested for syphilis at first ANC visit. 95% 13 (28%) Percentage of antenatal care attendees positive for syphilis who received treatment. 95% 20 (43%) The complete data can be accessed via the Free To Shine Africa Interactive Map. The Importance of Prioritising Children in the Fight Against HIV and AIDS Children account for half of Africa's population of an estimated 1.2 billion people. Free To Shine campaign partner UNICEF says that almost 2 billion babies will be born in Africa within 35 years, and that by the middle of the century nearly 40% of the world's children will live in Africa.[2] Africa has made great progress in the overall fight against HIV and AIDS. Between 2010 and 2015, the largest reduction in new adult HIV infections and the greatest improvement in the proportion of HIV infected individuals being treated were achieved in Eastern and Southern Africa.[3] However, 21 of the 23 countries with the highest numbers of new HIV infections in children, adolescents and young women are in Africa, mostly south of the Sahara. Fifty per cent of children born with HIV will die before they are 2 years old if they do not receive treatment.[4] For more information about the Free To Shine campaign, please visit http://www.freetoshineafrica.org or follow us on Twitter at @Free_To_Shine and Facebook at @FreeToShineAfrica. About the 'Free To Shine' Campaign 'Free To Shine' is a campaign to help end childhood AIDS in Africa by 2030 and keep mothers healthy. Launched in January 2018 the campaign is led by OAFLA and the AU, with support from partners WHO, UNAIDS, Abbott, EGPAF, UNICEF, UNDP and AIDS Accountability International. About the Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS Established in 2002 the Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS (OAFLA) brings together African First Ladies and various partners committed to end AIDS as a public health threat by 2030. OAFLA provides continent wide leadership advocating for policy and social change, engaging in resource mobilisation efforts from the global, continental and national levels. Through First Ladies and other champions OAFLA drives action in the grassroots communities working with Africa's most vulnerable including women and children infected and affected by the AIDS epidemic who also bear the brunt of poverty and social marginalisation. For more information about OAFLA visit: http://www.oafla.org About the African Union The African Union spearheads Africa's development and integration in close collaboration with African Union Member States, the Regional Economic Communities and African citizens. AU Vision: to accelerate progress towards an integrated, prosperous and inclusive Africa, at peace with itself, playing a dynamic role in the continental and global arena, effectively driven by an accountable, efficient and responsive Commission. For more information about the African Union visit: http://www.au.int References: [1] World Health Organisation. HIV country profiles. 2016. Available: http://www.who.int/hiv/data/profiles/en/ [2] UNICEF. Generation 2030. 2014. Available: https://www.unicef.org/publications/index_74751.html [3] UNAIDS. Global AIDS Update. 2016. Available: http://www.unaids.org/sites/default/files/media_asset/global-AIDS-update-2016_en.pdf [4] UNAIDS. Start Free, Stay Free, AIDS Free. 2017. Available: https://reliefweb.int/sites/reliefweb.int/files/resources/JC2923_SFSFAF_2017progressreport_en.pdf SOURCE African Union and Organisation of African First Ladies Against HIV/AIDS Courtesy of HDNET MOVIESThe Police's Stewart Copeland will step out from behind his drum kit to host a weeklong series of rock documentaries on the HDNET MOVIES channel starting on Monday, July 16, which happens to be his 66th birthday. Classic Rock Week with Stewart Copeland will kick off with a screening of Everyone Stares: The Police Inside Out, a 2006 film focusing on Copeland's famous band that he directed and that features Super 8 footage he shot while touring with the group during its heyday. "It's something very near and dear to me," Copeland says of Everyone Stares. "In this picture, when you watch this film, your name is Stewart because the camera is right in the band." The series, which runs through Sunday, July 22, will kick off daily at 8 p.m. ET/5 p.m. PT, and will feature either two or three movies each day. In total, 19 films will be screened, including docs about the 1982 US Festival, Rod Stewart, The Doobie Brothers, Bad Company, Elton John, The Who, Bob Dylan, Les Paul, The Allman Brothers Band, Chicago, Eric Clapton, The Doors, The Rolling Stones, Rush, Lynyrd Skynyrd, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Pink Floyd and Roger Waters. While hosting the event, Copeland will share stories and thoughts about the various artists being profiled, including how The Allman Brothers inspired him to play guitar, his aborted collaboration with The Doors' Ray Manzarek and Robbie Krieger, and his brief feud with Rush. "We've got seven nights of amazing rock & roll documentary films from some of classic rock's most incredible legends," says Stewart, "and I can't wait to share these films with fans this summer, along with a few fun stories of my own." Here is the full schedule of Classic Rock Week with Stewart Copeland: Monday, July 16 8 p.m. ET -- Everyone Stares: The Police Inside Out 9:15 p.m. ET -- The US Generation: The 1982 US Festival 11:05 p.m. ET -- The Story of Rod Stewart Tuesday, July 17 8 p.m. ET -- The Doobie Brothers: Let the Music Play 9:50 p.m. ET -- Bad Company: The Official Authorized 40th Anniversary Doc 11:20 p.m. ET -- Elton John: Music Man Wednesday, July 18 8 p.m. ET -- Sensation: The Story of The Who's Tommy 9:25 p.m. ET -- No Direction Home: Bob Dylan 12:50 a.m. ET -- Les Paul: Chasing Sound Thursday, July 19 8 p.m. ET -- Allman Brothers: After the Crash 9:55 p.m. ET -- Chicago: The Terry Kath Experience 11:20 p.m. ET -- Eric Clapton: The 1970s Review Friday, July 20 8 p.m. ET -- The Doors: Mr. Mojo Risin' - The Story of L.A. Woman 9 p.m. ET -- The Rolling Stones: Crossfire Hurricane 10:55 p.m. ET -- Rush: The Rise of Kings 1968-1981 Saturday, July 21 8 p.m. ET -- Gone with the Wind: The Rise and Fall of Lynyrd Skynyrd 10:50 p.m. ET -- Stevie Ray Vaughan, 1984-1989: Lonestar Sunday, July 22 8 p.m. ET -- Pink Floyd: Story of Wish You Were Here 9:05 p.m. ET -- Roger Waters The Wall Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. At the worst time, I even thought about pasting cell-phone screen protector for passer-by on a flyover as a living, even that, I just have to stay in the mainland. Cheng Po-yu, a young lad from Chinas Taiwan, recently shared his story at the story-telling meeting of the 10th Straits Forum in Xiamen, Fujian province, the biggest non-official platform between Chinese mainland and Taiwan. Why is he so attached to the Chinese mainland? What attracts him in the mainland? In the words of Cheng, he fell in love with Beijing at first sight. By 2015, he joined the 7th Taiwan Strait Forum, an experience which gave him more confidence in the development of the mainland and finally made him determined to move to the mainland for more opportunities. You can feel the pace of development in a lot of cities of the mainland. Every time you come here, you feel the change. This is a place where you can sense you are moving forward along, he said. Everyone has encountered difficulties, either big or small, on their way to big development in careers, so did Cheng. When he first arrived in Chinese mainland, he had a rough start. Working for a company from Taiwan provided him with no welfare benefits or regular day-offs like other companies from the mainland, but his determination to work in the mainland never waived. Cheng said he was sure that by doing so, he would benefit greatly in his future development, thus he just needed to hang in there. Looking back on that experience, Cheng recalled that he even said to his friends that he wanted to stay even if he had to sell smartphone screen protector films on a flyover. "You can see that one can make a living even through pasting screen protectors, and I have confidence I can do that," he joked. In February, 29 mainland departments including the Taiwan Affairs Office of the State Council and the National Development and Reform Commission issued a total of 31 measures to promote cross-Strait economic and cultural exchanges and cooperation, which offers unprecedented advantages for residents in Taiwan to develop career in the Chinese mainland. Cheng said the measures give Taiwan residents a fair chance to start their career in the mainland and serves many local entrepreneurs. This preferential treatment enables young people who are already developing in the mainland to do what they really plan to do. For those who take a wait-and-see attitude, this can certainly strengthen their confidence to develop in mainland, Cheng noted. At the invitation of the Shougang Group Vstartup, Cheng later became the groups first employee from Taiwan, responsible for creating a platform for young people like him to work in the mainland. As the general manager of the HK, Macau and Taiwan division, his life has changed beyond expectations: he used to work behind the scenes, but now he completed thousands of large-scale lectures, frequently traveled across the Taiwan Strait and met friends throughout China. Cheng said the enterprises he served were scattered in 13 locations in Beijing, covering 50 teams from Taiwan with 200 people, which are mainly involved in creative culture, theater, service industry, sci-tech agriculture and e-commerce. Addressing the opening remarks of the 10th Straits Forum, Wang Yang, member of the Standing Committee of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese Peoples Political Consultative Conference (CPPCC), said that the two sides of the Taiwan Strait have close economic links and are highly complementary. The mainland is willing to give priority to sharing development opportunities of the mainland with Taiwan companies and vows to be fair to both Taiwan and mainland companies in related policies without distinction, in order to bring more benefits to people, Wang said. If you were looking for the Charlestown Democratic Town Committee website and ended up here, try this Got news tips, gossip, suggestions, complaints?E-mail us: progressivecharlestown@gmail.com We strive to avoid errors in our articles. Our correction policy can be found here Enveloped in mist like a fairy land, a building with a whole wall of green plants in Xian, west Chinas Shaanxi province, attracted the attention of netizens recently. The building soon went viral after a video clip was uploaded to a Chinese social media platform, showing the 10-storey building with an exterior staircase covered by a plethora of greenery. Since the video went viral, it's been determined that a total of 16,848 plant pots are on the wall, covering an area of 450 square meters, making it the largest vertical greening system in China. In addition, a fogging system is also installed for automatic irrigation. Inspired by the Internet and the Internet of Things, the innovative design is a redefinition of urban landscaping, said the designing company Greengine Ecology. According to the company, the fogging system can help reduce the surrounding dust and Particulate Matter 10, a kind of floating dust that can be inhaled by humans. In summer, it can also bring the temperature near the wall down by 5 to 10 degrees Celsius. Yan Tao, the general manager of Greengine Ecology, explained that they have executed remote control of the fogging system and can monitor the growth of the plants from the office. The application of this system in urban landscaping can not only save about 70% of current human labor, but also improve the survival rate of the plants without using excessive water, Yan said. Innovative Senior Solutions announces the launch of its new Senior Care Network employee assistance service for Georgia employers. According to the National Alliance for Caregiving and AARP, more than 65 million people in the US provide an average of 20 hours per week of care for an elderly, chronically ill, or disabled loved one, and 70% of employees who provide care suffer work-related issues. In response to this growing concern, Innovative Senior Solutions has developed a service to provide working family caregivers and employers in Georgia with resources to find quality in-home care providers. Innovative Senior Solutions acts as the preferred provider of senior care services. If an Innovative Senior Solutions office is not located near an employee, the Senior Care Network coordinates with a companys human resources team or existing Employee Assistance Program (EAP) to connect employees with high-quality, pre-vetted senior care providers throughout the state of Georgia, including: Care management providers Skilled and non-medical home care agencies Nursing homes and long-term care facilities Assisted living/retirement communities Adult day care centers Todays working caregivers and employers need help, says Innovative Senior Solutions CEO Eshonda Blue. Connecting employees to professional senior care providers reduces stress, improves work-life balance, and can enhance employee productivity by 50%. It allows employees to stay on the job, miss fewer work days, and remain focused at work because they know their loved ones are being well cared for. The Senior Care Network can help employers reduce costs associated with employees missing work or suffering from poor productivity because of caregiving responsibilities. According to an AARP MetLife Study, a full-time employee caring for a loved one costs an employer over $2,100 annually. But per the Society for Human Resource Management, every $1 spent on a senior care workplace solution, like the Senior Care Network, yields a return of $3 - $14 in productivity, retention, and reduced absenteeism. For more information about the Senior Care Network and for help calculating projected savings for your company, contact Innovative Senior Solutions at 866-928-3670 or visit http://innovativeseniorsolutions.com/senior-care-network/. About Innovative Senior Solutions Innovative Senior Solutions is headquartered in Americus, Georgia and was founded by registered nurses Eshonda Blue and Jessica Wright. Their mission is to improve the lives of seniors by ensuring each older adult has a perfect care experience with caring, compassionate, comforting, and kind care providers. Based on client and caregiver satisfaction ratings, Innovative Senior Solutions was named a 2018 Provider of Choice and a 2018 Employer of Choice by Home Care Pulse, an independent satisfaction measurement firm for the in-home care industry. In 2012, Innovative Senior Solutions received the Small Business of the Year award from the Americus-Sumter Chamber of Commerce for exceptional customer satisfaction, superior customer awareness, ethical business practices, business growth, and excellent business relationships. The company also received a Georgia Rock Star Honorable Mention in 2015 by the Georgia Department of Economic Development. In May 2018, Innovative Senior Solutions was named a Women in Business Champion by the Small Business Administration (SBA) of Georgia and received the Better Business Bureaus Integrity in the Community Award. Change or transfer ownership of timeshares located in California, Florida, Hawaii and Nevada. Brief overview of timeshare ownership change. This Tip Sheet by Deed and Record provides a brief overview of ownership change for timeshares located in California, Florida, Hawaii and Nevada. Ownership change is needed to add or remove a spouse as an owner, to make a trust the owner or to give away a timeshare. To replace a current owner of a timeshare with a new owner two events must happen. First a deed is prepared and submitted to the State for recording. Recording makes public who is the owner of the timeshare. Second a copy of the recorded deed is provided to the timeshare company. Copying the timeshare company allows the new owner access and relieves the prior owner of responsibility for maintenance fees. A deed is a document signed by the current owner that transfers ownership in real property to another person. The owner either grants or quit claims ownership. Grant has implied warranties of valid ownership and disclosure of loans and liens on the real property. Quit claim is the equivalent of as is. A quit claim does not promise valid ownership and does not provide disclosure of loans or liens outstanding. California, Hawaii and Nevada require the owners signature on the deed acknowledged by a notary. Florida in addition to the acknowledgement, requires the owners signature witnessed by two individuals. After the deed is prepared and the signature acknowledged the deed is recorded. In Florida, deeds are recorded by county with the countys courthouse. In California and Nevada deeds are recorded by county with a government entity whose sole function is to keep track of deeds, the recorders office. In Hawaii deeds are not recorded by county but with a statewide government agency called the Bureau of Conveyances. After the deed and been prepared and recorded, a copy of the recorded deed must be provided to the timeshare company to update their records of ownership. Timeshare companies may have additional documentation requirements, depending on the company. These companies also require a fee to update those records. Fees vary from $25 to $500. This Tip Sheet explains; how to replace a current owner of a timeshare with a new owner. Ownership change is needed to add or remove a spouse as an owner, to make a trust the owner or to gift a timeshare. States covered in this Tip Sheet are California, Florida, Hawaii and Nevada. This press release is provided by Mark W. Bidwell, an attorney in California. Office is at 4952 Warner Avenue, Suite 235, Huntington Beach, California 92649. Phone number is 714-846-2888. Mr. Bidwell markets through a website DeedandRecord.com. Everyone Counts Everyone Counts has been selected to provide online, telephone, and paper voting for California State Teachers Retirement System (CalSTRS) board elections. Active members vote to fill three positions on the Teachers' Retirement Board (Board), which acts as a fiduciary for its members. Secure technology, proven election protocol, and experience with high-profile elections were important considerations for CalSTRS when selecting an election partner. Being a San Diego-based company, we are excited to facilitate such an important election in our home state, said Everyone Counts Sales Director Midori Connolly. We recently introduced online voting to the 1.9 million members of the nations largest retirement system, with results certified by the California Secretary of State. We are honored to bring our extensive expertise in retirement system protocol to CalSTRS elections. The largest teacher pension fund in the United States, CalSTRS serves Californias 933,000 public school educators and their families from the states 1,700 school districts, county offices of education and community college districts. The first election Everyone Counts will deliver for CalSTRS will run October 1st through November 29th of 2019. In The Shadow Of God's Love: a collection of poems and stories about lifes joys, sorrows, heartrending trials, triumphs, and special times with God. In The Shadow Of God's Love is the creation of published author, Leelia Carolyn Cornell. Although Leelia has lived in the vicinity of her birthplace, Marion, Indiana, she has traveled extensively. She has visited all fifty States, five Canadian provinces, the Yukon Territory, and four continents. Her travels include a mission trip to Asia. Leelia has a heart for getting the Word of God to people in their native languages as well as supporting believers in countries where they are persecuted. She is a historian who has conducted a number of musical historical programs, many of which focused on Abraham Lincoln. Leelia was a regular contributor to Hoosier Heritage Magazine throughout its years of publication. She presently writes about an internationally award-winning youth circus in Peru, Indiana for White Tops, a professional circus magazine. She and her husband, Tom, are volunteers with the Peru Amateur Circus, which is fifteen miles from their home and one of the best youth programs in the country. She and Tom live on four and a half acres full of wildlife and trees, which they share with their Pembroke Welsh Corgi Joel. They have three children, seven granddaughters, and one living grandson. Leelia also teaches a Bible study on the Hebraic understanding of scripture. Do you hunger to have a deep, personal relationship with God. Do you long to know more of His character? Do you need to find more of His peace, love, and mercy? Do you want more strength to face the challenges and trials of life and emerge victorious? --Leelia Carolyn Cornell Published by Christian Faith Publishing, Leelia Carolyn Cornells new book is a collection of Christian poems and narratives. God is so awesome that it is impossible to confine Him to mere words. No two people relate the same way to God. God is fresh in His dealings with each individual, even though His character is constant and eternal. It is the same yesterday, today, and forever. The faithful glean insights into God from His Word as well as by the insights of others, which are inspired by the Holy Spirit. It is how people discover His Workings in the lives of mankind. These insights serve as beams of light on the path through life. The first part of In The Shadow Of God's Love attempts to capture a fragment of who God is in poetry and verse. The second part offers stories from the lives of author Leelia Carolyn Cornell and her ancestors. These stories proclaim God in everyday living. God is to be in every aspect of life. This book relates stories of lifes joys, sorrows, heartrending trials, triumphs, and special times with God, along with the mundane and funny happenings of daily life. There are also poems about Gods hand in the nature seen just outside of the authors backdoor. View a synopsis of In The Shadow Of God's Love on YouTube. Consumers can purchase In The Shadow Of God's Love at traditional brick & mortar bookstores, or online at Amazon.com, Apple iTunes store, or Barnes and Noble. For additional information or inquiries about In The Shadow Of God's Love, contact the Christian Faith Publishing media department at 866-554-0919. Omnivere, an ISO 27001-certified company, announced today the completion of a series of updates to its policies and procedures to better comply with the new data protection regulations that recently came into effect in the European Union. These updates provide for enhanced compliance with new regulations and provide better transparency to our business partners and clients as to our data privacy safeguards. The General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) is a new EU law governing personal privacy online. The regulation defines rules for what, how, when and for how long Personal Data can be collected and stored. In addition, it has provisions requiring that companies disclose what Personal Data it has collected and provide users with a way to have the data removed from a companys systems. Lastly, it requires that companies get consent before sharing data (including tracking data) with any third parties. The GDPR is a step forward in safeguarding personal online data privacy, said Omnivere CEO, Tony Caputo. As an ISO 27001-certified company, Omnivere has always held high standards for data protection, and these new regulations are a welcome development that strengthens our position as a leader in data risk management and eDiscovery. Omniveres GDPR compliance efforts come with an updated version of the Omnivere Privacy Policy and a new cookie preferences panel on their website. More changes may be forthcoming as an additional EU regulation, the ePrivacy Regulation, is expected to be implemented sometime in 2019. About Omnivere: Omnivere provides comprehensive eDiscovery and legal technology services for corporations and law firms who have legal and compliance risk exposure and who need secure, intelligent and timely-delivered solutions to manage their data. Delivered by a team of dedicated and responsive project managers who strive to build and maintain strong client relationships, our solutions reflect a commitment to innovation and data-driven problem solving. Elevate Staff App Elevate gives business owners and their staff the power of their front desk on any mobile device. WellnessLiving, a business management software provider for the wellness industry, today announced the release of their new mobile staff app, Elevate. Elevate was developed to give business owners and their staff the power of their front desk on any mobile device. The Elevate Staff App allows staff members to view their daily schedule, quickly mark client attendance for bookings, process purchases, sign contracts on the spot, and resolve any unpaid services. Giving staff members the freedom to perform administrative tasks and access their point-of-sale from their mobile devices streamlines their day-to-day activities and encourages them to build relationships with clients outside of the office. Elevates release is an exciting time for our company. The businesses we work with will become a lot more efficient now that they can access our software from their mobile devices, says Len Fridman, WellnessLiving's Co-Founder and CEO. Going forward, we plan on further expanding the apps functionality and capabilities to ensure that these businesses run as smoothly as possible. This app is free for businesses subscribed to WellnessLiving, and is available for download in the App Store and Google Play. Elevate is available for any businesses located in: the United States, Canada, United Kingdom, Australia, Egypt, South Africa, and the British Virgin Islands. About WellnessLiving WellnessLiving is an all-in-one business management software provider for the wellness industry. Their cloud-based software features real-time appointment and class scheduling, merchant processing, payroll, email and SMS marketing, client review management, rewards program, a mobile client app, and now a mobile staff app. WellnessLiving currently supports thousands of local businesses with over 4.2 million end-users. Their mission is to provide the wellness industry with the most comprehensive toolset available to better manage their existing clients while helping them grow their business. ### This industry is capable of truly amazing things, said publisher Brad Inman. Our sponsor lineup is filled with companies that come to help agents & brokers with all aspects of their business. In the end, everyones goal is to help real estate professionals be more valuable. Inman Group aannounced 16 additional companies that will be sponsoring Inman Connect in San Francisco, July 17 20, 2018. Inman Connect is a semi-annual event that attracts more than 4,000 of the top performers and leaders in real estate to network, deal make and learn whats next. Each speaker and presenter was specially chosen to inspire, challenge and motivate the attendees. And this years sponsors have come onboard with their strongest offerings for this select group of real estate professionals. This industry is capable of truly amazing things, said publisher Brad Inman. Our sponsor lineup is filled with companies that come to help agents and brokers with all aspects of their business. In the end, everyones goal is to help real estate professionals be more valuable to their clients and their communities. For more information on sponsorship and/or exhibitor opportunities at Inman Connect, please contact sales@inman.com. Sponsors will include: Titanium Sponsor Compass compass.com Compass is a real estate technology company with a powerful end-to-end platform that supports the entire real estate buying and selling workflow. They deliver an incomparable experience to both agents and their clients all in service of the Compass mission: to help everyone find their place in the world. Platinum Sponsors Real Estate Webmasters realestatewebmasters.com Real Estate Webmasters is the market-leading provider of cutting-edge online platforms and largest custom design house in the real estate space. Specializing in innovation, their technologies continuously evolve in response to the needs of thousands of agents who look to compete with the big search portals, while also maximizing their ROI by improving lead capturing, processing systems, and user experience. Zillow zillow.com Zillow Group houses a portfolio of the largest and most vibrant real estate and home-related brands on the Web and mobile. The companys brands focus on all stages of the home lifecycle. Zillow Group is committed to empowering consumers with unparalleled data, inspiration and knowledge around homes, and connecting them with the right local real estate professionals. Zillow Group works with thousands of real estate agents, lenders and rental professionals to help them maximize business opportunities. Bronze Sponsors Agentology agentology.com When real estate professionals buy leads online, their lack of instant response and follow up probably costs them a fortune. Top real estate agents and teams across the country use Agentology to turn their cold leads into warm appointments. Their 100% U.S. based team will respond to, follow up, and qualify leads within minutes, 24/7- 365. Cole Realty Resource coleinformation.com/real-estate/ Cole Realty Resource is a hyper-local prospecting solution offering real estate agents unlimited access to neighborhood contact information, including cell phones and emails. Powered by Cole Information, a company with a 70 year history in data technology, they also offer a suite of APIs focused on lead enhancement and appending partial leads or enriching databases. Donuts Inc. donuts.domains Donuts simplifies and connects a fragmented online world with domain names and related technologies that allow real estate professionals and businesses to build, market and own their digital identities. Donuts holds the worlds largest portfolio of 240 new domain extensions including .apartments, .business, .company, .live, .loans, .news and .rentals. In 2017, Donuts was named Number 1 in the Deloitte Fast 500 rankings. Hondros Education Group hondroseducationgroup.com Hondros Education Group is one of the premiere real estate, appraisal, mortgage, insurance, home inspection, and computer programming education providers in the nation. They offer online and live courses, comprehensive exam prep solutions, textbooks, webinars, instructor materials, technical support and so much more for students and partner companies alike. JetClosing jetclosing.com Real estate title companies are no longer all the same. JetClosing is a full-service title and escrow company that takes the process of closing a home into the 21st century. They have taken a black box process and replaced it with visibility for everyone involved. Real-time views into status, documents and contacts eliminate guesswork and uncertainty in every transaction, every time. LeadHax leadhax.com LeadHax is a simple and powerful digital self serve platform for real estate agents to easily advertise online on both desktop and mobile browsers. LeadHax creates ad campaigns for real estate agents and shows them to people located within a 15-mile radius of a specific location and are interested in real estate. LeadHax uses sophisticated targeting and data gathering processes to ensure the agents message is being displayed to the people that are likely to be the most interested. Matterport matterport.com Matterport is changing the face of real estate property marketing with it's all-in-one marketing tool that wins listings and engages buyers. Their end-to-end media platform allows anyone to quickly, easily, and affordably create immersive virtual experiences from real-world properties, viewable right from a desktop, mobile browser, or VR headset. Matterport provides 3D Immersive Tours, Unlimited Hi-Res Photography, Virtual Reality, Teaser Videos, Floor Plans, and more! Ogulo ogulo.com Ogulo offers an easy and affordable software solution for real estate agents and marketers to showcase their properties virtually. With Ogulo, everybody can create 3D virtual walkthroughs within minutes, pre-select the most interested clients and analyze their behavior during the virtual visit. Furthermore, Ogulo offers several other features including an online measurement tool, floorplans and affordable 3D homestaging visualizations. RealKey realkey.com RealKey is a transaction management platform for Mortgage and Real Estate professionals. Leveraging modern technology, intuitive design, and extensive industry experience, they have developed the simplest, most integrated, and accurate transaction management platform in the world. Their patented technology ensures that loan and real estate transactions are accurate, complete, and error free the first time, with no back-and-forth with underwriting, processing, transaction coordination, or compliance. RealKey closes more transactions in less time. restb.ai restb.ai is an artificial intelligence company that specializes in image recognition for real estate. Their turnkey solutions optimize SEO, organize content and refine search filters by automatically tagging property images with industry-specific information. RICOH Tours ricohtours.com Putting virtual tour creation in the hands of every real estate agent, no other service combines speed, affordability and ease-of-use like RICOH Tours. Users can create professional looking 360 tours in minutes. Once complete, tours can be linked to their listing website or shared on social media. Users get customer engagement metrics unavailable through other platforms. They can market themselves and their properties with interactive 360 tours. TORCHx torchx.com TORCHx provides best-in-class digital marketing solutions for real estate agents, teams, and brokers. Users can attract leads with a beautiful, branded website and lead generation campaigns, then make sure leads never fall through the cracks with our automated CRM solution. Unison unison.com Unison is the leading provider of real estate home ownership investments, modernizing home financing through long-term partnerships. The Unison HomeBuyer program helps purchasers buy the home they want by doubling or tripling their down payment overnight. This easy to use program can be used with conforming or jumbo loans, and is available in 22 states plus Washington D.C. Inman Connect San Francisco will take place at the Hilton San Francisco Union Square July 17-20, 2018. The best and the brightest in real estate and technology are expected to attend. For information on how to receive a press pass, please contact jennifer@inman.com. Ideum Wins an SEGD Global Design Award I am enormously proud of our team for winning this award again. In both years, they tackled emerging technologies, overcame technical hurdles, and designed exciting new experiential exhibits. At the 2018 Society for Graphic Design (SEGD) Conference in Minneapolis, MN, Ideum was honored with a Global Design Award in the Interactive Experience category. Ideum's entry, Exploring Pueblo Pottery, was an interactive experience created in collaboration with Acoma Pueblo artist Michelle Lowden. The project utilized cutting-edge 360 degree projection mapping technology to let users explore traditional Acoma pottery designs and learn about the detailed symbology and rich cultural heritage they embody. At the exhibit, visitors use a touch screen monitor to select from a range of Acoma motifs, which are then projected on the entire neck and body circumference of a large, four-foot olla, or water pot. Information about each of the designs is also presented, explaining their cultural and historical significance. Michelle Lowden worked closely with Ideum designers to help make animated transitions between designs as they appear on the pot. Michelle explains, "It was an honor to work on this experimental project with Ideum. While working with Ideum, they encouraged and trusted me with all design illustrations that I felt best represented Acoma Pueblo pottery. I hope this project helps open doors to connecting more indigenous art to contemporary mediums." To build the most compelling and dynamic experience possible, Ideum used state-of-the-art projectors and projection mapping software from Christie Digital systems. Christie's Pandora's Box was used to seamlessly blend the images created by 4 projectors arrayed around the pot's complexly curved surface. Out of 353 entries in 2018, only 37 projects, including Exploring Pueblo Pottery, were selected for an award. This marks the second consecutive year in which Ideum has won an SEGD award in the Interactive Experience category. In 2017, Ideum was honored with a Global Design Award for an interactive video wall exhibit that used motion tracking to make a fully-animated 3D prehistoric dinosaur scene come to life. Ideum developed that exhibit with the Fort Worth Museum of Science and History. "It was great to collaborate with Michelle on the Pueblo Pottery project and to bring her traditional designs into a new medium and present them in an entirely new way," noted Ideum Founder and Creative Director Jim Spadaccini. "I am enormously proud of our team for winning this award again. In both years, they tackled emerging technologies, overcame technical hurdles, and designed exciting new experiential exhibits." Ideum is currently working with New Mexico cultural and historical organizations to find a permanent home for this experimental installation. You can view Ideum's award entry on the SEGD 2018 awards site: https://segd.org/exploring-pueblo-pottery You can find photos of the exhibit at: https://www.flickr.com/photos/ideum/sets/72157688283898141/ A video of the installation is available at: https://youtu.be/inT7-iHyBQU About Ideum Ideum is an innovative digital design company based in Corrales, New Mexico. The firm focuses on creating the next generation of visitor experiences that blend the physical and digital realms. Ideum also has partnerships with Barco, Christie Digital, Crestron, LG, and others, allowing its creative work to have direct access to leading-edge equipment and specialized hardware expertise. Along with its Creative Services software group, Ideum has for the past decade designed and produced integrated and hardened large-scale multitouch tables and touch walls for museums, educational institutions, government agencies, and Fortune 500 companies. For more information, please visit http://www.ideum.com. About Michelle Lowden Michelle Lowden is the proud founder and owner of Milo Creations (http://www.milocreations.net), which specializes in hand-painted Pueblo jewelry. Michelle was born in the Pueblo of Acoma where she currently operates and resides. Michelle has been creating jewelry for nearly a decade. Her inspiration to reconnect traditional designs through a contemporary medium began with studying her culture's history of illustrious potters. Michelle has had the privilege to showcase her art from coast to coast. In the past year, the opportunity presented itself for Michelle to not only carry on her culture through art but also to connect with her community as a Cultural Liaison for Acoma Behavioral Health Services. Michelle hopes to build a stronger community and uplift youth by creating opportunities for healing through cultural resilience and food sovereignty. About the SEGD Global Design Awards Since 1987, the SEGD Global Design Awards (segd.org/global-design-awards/2018-awards) have set the standard of excellence for experiential graphic design, honoring design work that connects people to place by providing direction, content, and compelling experiences in public spaces. Dr. Lyle Leipziger of Great Neck has been named a top plastic surgeon in several prestigious consumer guides this year, including New York magazine's latest Best Doctors issue. This is the twentieth consecutive year he has achieved this recognition. Dr. Leipziger is chief of the Division of Plastic and Reconstructive Surgery at North Shore University Hospital and Long Island Jewish Medical Center. Board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery, Dr. Leipziger has extensive experience and expertise in cosmetic and reconstructive surgery of the face, breast and body. He sees patients at an elegant office located on Northern Boulevard in Great Neck. New York magazines Best Doctors issue is an annual guide that seeks to list the best physicians in the New York metro area. Those named in the highly competitive directory are selected based on a survey of their peers, taking into account professional qualifications, reputation, and skill in dealing with patients, according to the publisher. "Its an honor and a privilege to be among the physicians chosen for this guide," said Dr. Leipziger. It is especially gratifying to be named 20 years in a row, which I believe indicates that my staff and I are consistently achieving our goal of providing the highest quality of care. The New York magazine honor is Dr. Leipzigers third major recognition this year. Last month, he was named to "Super Doctors," a directory published by MSP Communications. The list came out in a special insert in The New York Times and appeared online. Potential candidates are evaluated based on various indicators of peer recognition and professional achievement, including hospital appointments, leadership positions, academic achievements, publications, and professional activities, according to the publisher. Earlier this year, Dr. Leipziger was listed in the 2018 edition of America's Top Doctors, which seeks to identify the best specialists in the country. Physicians who appear on the list are among the top one percent of specialists around the country, according to the publisher, Castle Connolly. The selection process, based on peer nominations, includes surveys of physicians and healthcare professionals who are asked to identify excellent doctors in every specialty in their region and nationwide. A physician-led research team carefully reviews the credentials of each doctor, according to Castle Connolly, which publishes the list on its website. Dr. Leipziger has impressive credentials, having trained at some of the finest medical institutions in the United States. After graduating Phi Beta Kappa from Johns Hopkins University, he went on to receive his medical degree from Cornell University Medical College. He completed his residency in plastic surgery at New York Hospital-Cornell Medical Center. Dr. Leipziger was then awarded a fellowship at The Johns Hopkins Medical Institutions. More information about Dr. Leipziger, as well as surgical and nonsurgical cosmetic procedures, is available at DrLeipziger.com. Alibaba ranks first on the list of most disruptive tech companies in the world, according to an annual KPMG report, Chinanews.com reported. Leaders of 800 global tech companies selected Alibaba as the company they worry about most, according to the report. Facebook, which ranks second on the list, got far fewer votes. Alibaba is gaining momentum in areas such as payments, logistics, finance, cloud computing, big data, and new retailing. KPMG's ranking for Alibaba is just right", commented Forbes Magazine. Alibaba is the first Chinese company to ever make the KPMG list. The report has truthfully reflected Alibabas rapid transformation from an e-commerce brand to a technology company over the past few years. The 2018 KPMG Report was divided into two parts; the first was released back in March, indicating that Shanghai will be the star of tomorrow and will go on to compete with Silicon Valley, while the second part analyzed the disruptive innovators in the technology industry. Falk Marques Group LLC, producer of the Womens Private Equity Summit and Womens Alternative Investment Summit, and publisher of Womens PE Briefs, has made two significant announcements that solidify the firms reputation as the dominant provider of conferences and content for women in private equity, venture capital, and other alternatives. For the 12th annual Womens Private Equity Summit in March 2019, Falk Marques Group will relocate its flagship conference from The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, CA to the Monarch Beach Resort in Dana Point, CA to accommodate the Summits extraordinary growth. Beth Falk, founder and president of Falk Marques Group, said moving the industrys largest and most respected conference to southern California is well timed. In 2017 Los Angeles surpassed New York as the top destination for institutional capital, according to research from CBRE, notes Falk. In September of 2019 Falk Marques Group will launch the Womens Leadership Unbound Summit, to be held at The Ritz-Carlton, Half Moon Bay, the ideal venue for this smaller retreat. The companys third conference is a two-day hands-on Summit for senior-level GPs and LPs in private equity women who are already in leadership positions and those who are poised to lead. Womens Leadership Unbound tackles the skills and strategies critical to leadership in private equity, providing an actionable roadmap tools, information, close connections, and smart next steps to enhance their value to their organizations and break through to the highest levels. Beth Falk says her firms organic growth is the result of not only the continued rise of women in the former boys club fields of private equity and venture capital but also the continued challenges women face in breaking through to the highest levels of power. When we launched the Womens Private Equity Summit in 2008, women were just starting to make headway in the field. We hosted 248 women at the first conference; at our 2018 conference, we welcomed 575 attendees, Falk notes. Now, with the Womens Private Equity Summit moving to Dana Point and Leadership Unbound launching in Half Moon Bay, the Womens Private Equity Summit will have a foot in both the Bay Area and SoCal where the action is for private equity and venture capital, concludes Falk. While women have made great strides in private equity and venture capital, their representation at the very top of the firm or organization has been limited. Women make up less than 18% of the private equity industry, with only 9% of those women holding senior executive roles. The challenges women face in advancing to top leadership positions is the impetus for launching the Womens Leadership Unbound Summit, says Falk. Rising to the highest level in private equity and venture capital means having the authority to make decisions and control the money. Falk Marques Group created Womens Leadership Unbound to help women gain that authority and control. With the expansion of the Womens Private Equity Summit and the addition of Womens Leadership Unbound, Falk Marques Group continues to fulfill its mission of helping women advance in private equity, venture capital, and other alternatives. The women who attend our Summits and read our weekly E-newsletter Womens PE Briefs are the change-makers who help women succeed, says Falk. Our mission is to be the company that helps to make change happen. Joy Logo Joy Cone Co., a 100% employee owned business, is celebrating their 100 year anniversary. In honor of their 100 years of baking excellence, they are donating $100,000 to St. Jude Childrens Research Hospital in 2018 to raise awareness and help support their life-saving mission: Finding cures. Saving children. As Joy Cone CEO/President David George says, At Joy Cone, we strive for the highest quality in all aspects of our business, from production to delivery. At St. Jude, quality is evident in the fact that treatments developed at the hospital have pushed overall childhood cancer survival rates from 20 percent when the hospital opened in 1962 to more than 80 percent today. St. Jude is leading the way the world understands, treats and defeats childhood cancer and other life-threatening diseases. It is the only National Cancer Institute-designated Comprehensive Cancer Center devoted solely to children. Joy Cone is honored to be a part of such a great cause, supporting St. Jude in its search for cures. Instead of receiving gifts for Joy Cones 100 year anniversary, they are giving them. 100 Year History of Joy Cone Co. Albert George, a Lebanese immigrant, along with other family members, purchased second-hand cone-baking machines and started the George & Thomas Cone Company in 1918. The company was successful as a regional business in the PA, OH, WV, and NY areas for over 20 years, until the cone plant suffered a devastating fire in 1943. Joe George (second generation) took over in 1964. Within a few years, Joe created the Joy brand and started selling in the retail sector. The addition of Dairy Queen, McDonalds, and the expansion of the retail business, propelled Joy Cone over the next several decades. In 1993, Joy Cone broadened the ownership of the company to include their employees by way of an ESOP (with the ESOP owning approximately 40% of Joy Cone). In 2000, Joy Cone opened up a Flagstaff, AZ plant. Also at that time, Joy became the largest producer of ice cream cones, active in the Retail and Food Service markets. In 2016, Joy Cone acquired the BoDeans Baking Group, putting the leaders of Industrial, Retail, and Food Service, under one roof. In addition, Joy Cone converted to a 100% Employee Owned Company, including all Joy and BoDeans employees. Joy Cones success is a direct result of their people. Fellow employees are viewed as being part of the Joy Cone family and they are all owners of the company. Family ties, attention to detail, and old-fashioned quality are the ingredients that make their cones, wafers, and cookies some of the best in the world. For more information, visit http://www.joycone.com and https://joyblog.joycone.com/. We saw AdSpruce as an opportunity to deliver clutter breaking creative keeping the online consumer experience in mind. Optimised for mobile ads that load quickly and do not suck up consumers data is the way forward, to keep the digital ecosystem open and consumers interacting with brands. AdSpruce, industry leaders for creative solutions for brands, Maxus, a leading global communications media agency and Nestle, one of the world's most iconic nutrition, health and wellness companies came together to create a mobile web campaign built on a mix of creative design and cutting-edge rich-media technologies to drive awareness for the new Nestle Pure Life identity. The concept of the campaign was to make Pakistans consumers aware of the new brand identity of Nestle Pure Life. Nestle and Maxus achieved this by utilising the creative technology AdSpruce has to offer. A 3D render of the Nestle Pure Life bottle with new design was created in-house by AdSpruce, then animated and placed into a Vertical Video ad spot and delivered through AdSpruces publisher network. We wanted to move beyond conventional digital creative in order to catch the eye of the consumer and bring the new packaging to light. AdSpruce gave us the option of creating a 3D image of the bottle that was mobile optimised to display easily across all type of mobile phones & bandwidths. This allowed us to tap consumers in an engaging way which is reflected in the results. Khurrum Zia, Business Executive Officer - Nestle Waters Pakistan Since the success of the campaign, more campaigns are expected to be created and delivered to users in Pakistan through AdSpruces platform which enables the creation of rich-media, video and HTML5 ad units and delivery to over 15,000 devices including legacy feature phone devices and tablets. Nestle Pakistan prides itself on being a consumer first company, even when seeking new solutions to market challenges. We saw AdSpruce as an opportunity to deliver clutter breaking creative keeping the online consumer experience in mind. Optimised for mobile ads that load quickly and do not suck up consumers data is the way forward, to keep the digital ecosystem open and consumers interacting with brands. We are planning to expand the success of Nestle Pure Life on AdSpruce to other brands as well. Samra Maqbool Head of Communication, Nestle Pakistan Nestle was able to reach more devices and more users via AdSpruces proprietary and powerful optimisation and delivery technology. The campaign was delivered through AdSpruces premium network of publisher partners in Pakistan, including, tune.pk, Daily Pakistan and Hassan Nisar. Sarwar Khan, MD Maxus said, AdSpruce provided us with a solution to go beyond traditional video and display and create a 3D ad that delivered seamlessly across all types of mobile devices. With the majority of online consumption coming from mobile, this was the ideal platform for a brand relaunch as it tapped local publishers and delivered great results. Ian Mullins, AdSpruce CEO said, AdSpruce is proud to be working with Maxus PK and Nestle on this campaign and future campaigns, as all three of us share the same vision to create and deliver great looking ads that engage users and drive awareness. By utilising AdSpruces creative and technological capabilities I believe that well be able to fulfil this vision for years to come. AdSpruces design team is full of creative talent including award-winning sound designers, filmmakers, graphic designers, 3D modellers and UX designers. Interactive HTML5 ads and eye-catching video and rich-media ads are created every day. For more information about AdSpruces brand solutions please visit http://www.adspruce.com ######################### END ######################### About AdSpruce AdSpruce provides software and services for publishers to maximize the value of their mobile inventory by getting advertisers videos watched, tracked and programmatically executed. Positioned at the intersection of programmatic advertising, mobile video and HTML5 dynamic creative, AdSpruce uses its in-house developed ad serving technology, audience data and user-friendly video formats to increase viewer ad engagement, brand performance and publisher revenues. The worlds leading brands already trust AdSpruce to target, track, measure and deliver performance at speed and scale across the mobile web. Differentiated by direct agency partnerships and proprietary rich-media programmatic technology and an ad serving platform that can deliver interactive video ads to more than twice as many mobile devices as its nearest competitor enables AdSpruce to connect with audiences that no other ad tech company can reach. From low bandwidth feature phones in emerging markets such as Vietnam, Indonesia, India and Brazil to 4G smartphones in New York, London and Singapore, AdSpruce delivers the highest possible video quality and beautiful rich-media advertising experiences. AdSpruce delivers the best-quality user experience on any device, anywhere. With the mobile web audiences more than twice as large as in-app audiences and growing faster (Morgan Stanley https://goo.gl/vv1e39) AdSpruce focuses on delivering the best possible ad experience across all mobile browsers, operating systems, screens and bandwidths. The technical challenges are significantly more complex than apps but AdSpruce pivoted out of Yamgo TV, a pioneer in streaming ad-funded content to feature phones in Asia. This 10-year track record in delivering video to phones places the company in a strong position to continuing delivering value to advertisers, publishers and most importantly users. InSight Telepsychiatry was dubbed one of the best organizations to work for in 2018 by Lynchburg Business Magazine. The winners of the annual contest were announced this month by the magazine. The contest calls for employees of Lynchburg-based organizations to nominate their companies, and winners are selected based on quality of their work environments, general company culture, training and development opportunities, tangible and intangible benefits, and employee satisfaction, among other things. InSight has a rare team culture where everyone I work with works hard, genuinely enjoys working with one another and, most importantly, is passionate about what we do, said lead practice liaison, Anne Marie Jones. InSights mission is to transform access to mental health care, and its evident that InSights team members are motivated by helping people access the services that they need. InSights headquarters is located in Marlton, NJ with satellite offices Lynchburg, VA and Washington, DC. Read the full article here: http://lynchburgbusinessmag.com/best-places-work-2018/ Appleton, Wisconsin Attorney Michael S. Siddall Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd., is proud to announce that senior partner Michael S. Siddall has earned recertification by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd., is proud to announce that senior partner Michael S. Siddall has earned recertification by the National Board of Trial Advocacy. He has been certified both as a Civil Trial Advocacy Specialist and a Civil Pre-trial Advocacy Specialist by the NBTA since 1982. NBTA certification is an independent review process that signifies to potential clients that the certified attorney meets a high standard of practice. The NBTA approves lawyers for certification based on experience, judicial and peer references, an exam, and a background check on any disciplinary matters related to the attorney. NBTA certification lasts for five years and requires the certified attorney to annually submit a disclosure of any misconduct. In order to be recertified, Siddall needed to pass a peer review, take continuing education courses and maintain a substantial involvement in his civil trial practice. Appleton, Wisconsin, attorney Michael S. Siddall joined Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd., in 1974 and served as the firms president for six years. He focuses his practice exclusively on personal injury cases, such as those involving vehicle accidents, product liability and dog bites. Siddall has been recognized as a top personal injury lawyer in the Fox Cities, the state of Wisconsin and nationally. He has been consistently named to the Super Lawyers list, placing him in the top five percent of Wisconsin lawyers. He has also received the highest possible national rating for legal ability and ethics by an international service. Recently, Attorney Siddall took on a nationally recognized insurance company and earned a jury verdict in excess of the policy limits on behalf of his client. Siddall serves as regional director and an executive committee member of the Wisconsin Association for Justice, the most prominent organization of personal injury trial lawyers in the state. He served two terms on the Board of Governors for the State Bar of Wisconsin and is a long-standing member of the Bench Bar Committee. About Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd.: Herrling Clark Law Firm, Ltd., provides legal representation for individuals and businesses throughout Northeast Wisconsin. Founded in 1959, the firm handles cases involving family law, personal injury, business law, and wills and trusts. Clients can visit one of the firms four offices in Appleton, Green Bay, New London, and Oshkosh. To schedule an initial consultation, call 920-739-7366 or visit https://www.herrlingclark.com. Shady Grove Fertility's UK Care Team We feel so fortunate to have found Dr. Levy. He is a wonderfully gifted doctor and so very calm and reassuring throughout the process. Shady Grove Fertility (SGF), the largest fertility center in the United States, will be hosting a complimentary patient seminar in the UK to discuss their renowned International Donor Egg Program. Shady Grove Fertility Founder and UK Program Director, Michael J. Levy, M.D. will outline the donor egg treatment process and discuss the specifics about this integrated program that allows patients to access exceptional services provided locally by multiple, local clinics and the donor egg registry available only at Shady Grove Fertility. Among the many benefits of SGFs program, couples and individuals choose a medically, genetically, and psychologically prescreened egg donor who is ready to cycle and donate, without the wait. SGFs donor process is anonymous but completely transparent, as the donor registry provides prospective donor egg recipients with a wealth of information about the donor, including, in many cases, adult photos. SGF, a pioneer in offering an IVF treatment financial guarantee for donor egg, makes treatment affordable through their exclusive Shared Donor Egg Program and Shared Risk 100% Refund Program for Donor Egg Treatment. With an IVF treatment guarantee, participants take home a baby or receive a 100% refund. Combined, these two programs offer patients up to six donor egg cycles for one flat fee at a 40 percent savings. Shady Grove Fertilitys Donor Egg Program provides patients with a highly effective treatment to overcome infertility, with a 60 percent clinical pregnancy rate per embryo transfer. Representatives from Shady Grove Fertility will be onsite in the UK to discuss the benefits, success rates, and financial affordability of the program. Attendees of the free seminar will learn about traveling abroad for treatment, with only two trips required. In addition, a former SGF patient will share her experience and journey to parenthood through this unique program. The event will take place on 30 June 2018 at 14:00 GMT at Grosvenor House JW Marriot Hotel. Register for the seminar to learn more. "We feel so fortunate to have found Dr. Levy. He is a wonderfully gifted doctor and so very calm and reassuring throughout the process. We are currently 5 months pregnant and have had such a positive experience with SGF," shares a Dr. Levy patient. About Shady Grove Fertility (SGF) SGF is a leading fertility and IVF center of excellence with 50,000 babies born and counting. With 29 locations throughout MD, PA, VA, D.C., and GA, we offer patients individualized care, accept most insurance plans, and make treatment affordable through innovative financial options, including treatment guarantees. More physicians refer their patients to SGF than any other center. Call 1-888-761-1967 or visit ShadyGroveFertility.com. The LIB staff was so warm and inviting and so appreciative of the food and beverages we prepared for them. The Popolo Catering staff arrived the first week in May to get set up and started prepping and cooking meals on the second day. More than 27,000 meals were prepared for staff and guests. The festival was held at San Antonio Lake in Bradley, California, an area known for hot spring and summer weather. The Popolo staff prepared, cooked and served three meals a day, even on the days when the temperatures soared into triple digits. The San Luis Obispo catering company also continued to cater weddings and other events during the festival. Approximately 30,000 visitors attended this years LIB festival and the energy expended by the LIB crew to keep things running smoothly required a lot of extra nutrition. Along with feeding three meals a day, Popolo Catering operated a commissary to provide the crew with extra snacks and beverages throughout their shifts. In preparation for the last day on June 7, Popolo Catering was proud to donate the remaining supply of food to the Prado Day Center Homeless Shelter in San Luis Obispo. This non-profit agency serves our beautiful community and is near and dear to our hearts, said Kathleen Castillo. Lightning in a Bottle, held over the Memorial Day weekend, is an eclectic mix of music, art, and culture featuring live music, performance art, guest speakers, workshops and cultural activities, camping and other activities. The family-friendly festival, which officially started in 2004, was staged at various venues in California. San Antonio Lake in Bradley, California has been the location since 2015. Tickets for Lightening in a Bottle 2019 are now on sale. About Popolo Catering Popolo Catering of San Luis Obispo is a family owned and operated events catering business managed by Leon and Kathleen Castillo. They have earned a reputation of excellence in the community. They provide catering for winery events, weddings, parties and a number of other events. Popolo focuses on providing fresh, made-from scratch, roasted, baked, and barbecued menu items that are a delicious and flavorful fusion and comfort foods, including Italian and Mexican food in addition to barbecue selections. The menu options are endless. Follow Popolo Caterings adventures at LIB on Facebook. Popolo Catering 1605 Calle Joaquin San Luis Obispo, CA 93405 (805) 543-9543 Press release is by San Luis Obispo SEO company Access Publishing, 806 9th Street, #2D, Paso Robles, CA 93446, (805) 226-9890. Tim D. Klubnikin, Esq. Tinnelly Law Group, PC, one of the top California HOA law firms, is proud to announce the addition of attorney Tim D. Klubnikin, Esq. to the firm. Mr. Klubnikin received his Juris Doctorate from Southwestern Law School. Graduating in less than 23 months, Mr. Klubnikin participated in the SCALE program, the nations oldest 2-year J.D. program. He was also a Witkin Award recipient for academic excellence and was a teaching assistant for a Civil Practice workshop. Since law school, he has tutored students for the California bar exam. The impressive speed and success with which Mr. Klubnikin accomplished his legal studies has carried over to his achievements during his legal career--the majority of which has been dedicated to the representation of HOAs across California including prominent high-rise condominium developments. Prior to joining the California HOA law firm, Mr. Klubnikin specialized in representing HOAs in the context of HOA maintenance, construction, and new development issues. Mr. Klubnikin's passion for teaching continues into his HOA practice, where he excels at informing and educating HOA boards and their community managers on the law governing their California common interest developments. "Tim is another strong addition to our growing team of talented attorneys, says Managing Shareholder, Steven J. Tinnelly, Esq. In addition to his wealth of experience in HOA matters, his extensive knowledge of HOA construction and new development issues provides a unique perspective on matters that many of our clients face. HOAs in California are growing in number, size and complexity. As a premiere HOA law firm, we understand the need to have a diverse team of exceptional attorneys who can add value to our clients in multiple ways and in a broad spectrum of issues. Tim is no exception. We are thrilled to have him on the team." About Tinnelly Law Group Tinnelly Law Group, PC is recognized by the community association industry as one of the top California HOA law firms. Since the firms founding in 1989, 100% of its efforts have been dedicated to representing HOAs and providing them with sensible and cost-effective solutions to their diverse legal problems. It counsels hundreds of HOAs throughout California through legal issues related to corporate governance, enforcement, maintenance, insurance, litigation and transactional matters. Tinnelly Law Group recently launched FindHOALaw, a robust resource for HOA law and legal information. Its substantial volume of content and easy-to-use interface help users better understand the unique body of law governing HOAs in California. Tinnelly Law Group also provides its clients with access to comprehensive assessment collection services through the use of its affiliate, Alterra Assessment Recovery. Tinnelly Law Group has offices in Orange County, San Diego, Riverside County, Los Angeles, and the San Francisco Bay Area. Member CAI and CACM. Illustrating The Operational Problem Todays heavy manual effort to modify one file at a time, every time the remote chart of accounts needs to be changed, is soon to be a thing of the past. Qvinci Software is in the process of adding a new patented feature to its already transformative suite of reporting, business intelligence, financial consolidation and workflow management solutions with the issuance of the U.S. patent entitled Methods and Apparatus for Providing Data Normalization, Scalability and Maintainability. The Normalizer can be found in U.S. Patent No. 9,858,624. According to company founder and inventor Charles Nagel, the Normalizer, when fully implemented, will be a one-of-a-kind solution that allows users to automatically modify any number of native charts of accounts in a plurality of remote accounting files, such as QuickBooks, to align with a desired pre-defined SCoA (standard chart of accounts). This feature will give users the ability to automatically update and modify one or many remote native charts of accounts from the centralized Qvinci portal. Nagel further added that todays heavy manual effort to modify one file at a time, every time the remote chart of accounts needs to be changed, is soon to be a thing of the past. We estimate that the time savings and efficiencies our customers will realize from automating this cumbersome manual process, especially when supporting franchises and multi-unit organizations, will more than pay for Qvincis nominal cost. William Murphy, Senior Editor of Insightful Accountant noted on Qvincis other capabilities, How could you possibly not be jumping up and down screaming at the top of your lungs, I want it, I want it now its like nothing you have ever seen before! Qvincis patented solutions are making a game-changing impact on accountants, franchises and multi-unit businesses of all sizes. ACCOUNTANTS: Read how accountants are using Qvinci to meaningfully reduce the cost of processing client files, while expanding their practices by providing the actionable financial insights todays decision-makers desire. Volpe Consulting and Accounting Services. FRANCHISES: Learn how franchises are using Qvinci to automate financial data collection and provide franchisees with easy-to-understand, actionable reporting and business intelligence that improves operational efficiencies and profitability. MaidPro. MULTI-UNITS: Multi-unit organizations, like non-profits, are adopting Qvincis easy to use reporting solution to facilitate data collection, consolidation and account mapping efforts. This allows them to quickly identify areas for operational improvement on both a consolidated and unit-level basis by analyzing business intelligence like KPIs, peer benchmarking, entity comparisons and more. Diocese of Syracuse. The technology behind Qvincis financial reporting platform was originally described in U.S. Patent No. 9,020,946 and U.S. Patent No. 9,483,799 as well as in a variety of other patent applications that are currently pending in the United States and worldwide. Standard Patent No. 2011353001 was next issued by the Australian Patent Office. Mexico followed by granting patents by virtue of Mexican patents MX/a/2013/005359 and MX/a/2013/011581. Many more to come. According to Qvinci CEO, Brad Adams, The Normalizer underscores Qvinci's continued execution of its mission to develop and patent best-in-class, near real-time, cloud-based financial data consolidation, reporting, business intelligence and workflow management solutions for the accounting, franchise and multi-unit business markets. Adams added that Qvinci is defined by a single word: Excellence. Excellence in the people we hire, the choices we make, the solutions we deliver and the support we provide. This translates into value and success for our customers. The Normalizer will be yet another example of excellence. The CCC Maker initiative has published The California Community College Makerspace Startup Guide Preparing Students for Jobs of the Future to share the planning process. The California Community College Makerspace Startup Guide reflects the methodology CCC Maker developed to support colleges in planning makerspaces that are student-centric and fit with their culture and ecosystem. The CCC Maker initiative has published The California Community College Makerspace Startup Guide Preparing Students for Jobs of the Future to share the planning process used to guide college teams through building makerspace communities that complement what college students are learning in the classroom to better prepare them for the innovation economy. The open-source guide is available online at the CCC Maker website. California Community Colleges embarked on journey to create makerspace communities affiliated with colleges in mid-2016 funded by a grant from the California Community College Chancellor's Office under the Doing What MATTERS for Jobs and the Economy framework. Sierra College is the administrator and fiscal agent. According to Dale Dougherty, CEO, Maker Media and chair of the CCC Maker Advisory Committee, community colleges are in the unique position to democratize making by giving students in the largest and most diverse education system in the country access to makerspaces. Students develop the ability to learn, adapt and change when they join a maker community, said Dougherty. As students create projects that reflect their interests and abilities, and share it with students from other disciplines such as art, engineering or business, it can change the nature of their lives. They gain a sense of agency to learn, earn and live a good life. The California Community College Makerspace Startup Guide is intended to help other colleges make these same opportunities available to their students. The $17 million grant provided from the California Community College Chancellor's Office has enabled colleges to plan and develop makerspace communities that reflect each colleges unique ecosystem, explained Carol Pepper-Kittredge, Statewide Project Director, CCC Maker and Associate Dean, Workforce Innovation, Sierra College. During the startup phase, we were not prescriptive, said Pepper-Kittredge. Rather than focusing on the physical space and tools, we developed a makerspace startup process that encouraged colleges to explore opportunities to create and connect by building community. The California Community College Makerspace Startup Guide reflects the methodology CCC Maker developed to support colleges in planning makerspaces that are student-centric and fit with their culture and ecosystem. The guide provides strategies to develop a makerspace implementation action plan by identifying community needs, mapping out ecosystems, analyzing findings and piloting student and faculty engagement. The CCC Maker initiative focused on four areas for implementation community, curriculum, internships and makerspace -- so the guide outlines how college makerspace plans can gain traction in these areas. The 80-page publication also shares the guiding principles that shaped the CCC Maker approach. The CCC Makerspace Startup Guide includes chapters on Institutional Self-Study, Ecosystem Mapping, Logic Modeling, Community Outreach, Internships, Makerspace Design and Facilitators. To share the CCC Maker startup process with the wider maker community, author Goli Mohammadi interviewed the CCC Maker Technical Assistance Providers, Deborah Bird and Salomon Davila, as well as the other members of the CCC Maker leadership team and Maker Ed, to consolidate the resources developed and capture what was learned during the planning phase. Of the 34 colleges that signed on to participate in the startup process, 28 developed detailed plans and 24 received CCC Maker implementation funding through May 2019. Those colleges just reported their third quarter results for the first nine months of implementation; the metrics are viewable on the CCC Maker website. The true measure of the CCC Maker initiatives success is student impact. California Community College makerspaces are affording students opportunities to discover their passion, develop their potential and recognize the valuable innovation skills and entrepreneurial mindset that they can contribute to Californias economy as they launch their careers. Kimberly Glaster, a Sacramento City College student, indicated that one of the greatest benefits that a makerspace offers to students is the opportunity to gain real world experience in a community environment. Students from all backgrounds can come to one location to work together as a team to create an idea or thought into something tangible, said Glaster. A college makerspace can serve as a central place on campus attracting students from a variety of disciplines, according to student Pouyan Kiani, Sacramento City College. A makerspace can act as a hub where students can grow intellectually by learning different skills and collaborating with other people, said Kiani. Most of these skills are not taught in classrooms, so the makerspace offers a unique dimension to a students education. Download the guide, check out other resources and learn more about the 24 California Community Colleges participating in the CCC Maker initiative at the CCC Maker website. About Sierra College The Sierra College District is rising to the needs of our community. Sierra College serves 3200 square miles of Northern CA with campuses in Roseville, Rocklin, Grass Valley, and Truckee. With approximately 125 degree and certificate programs, Sierra College is ranked first in Northern California (Sacramento north) for transfers to four year Universities, offers career/technical training, and classes for upgrading job skills. Sierra graduates can be found in businesses and industries throughout the region. Starvation or prison: that was the question. Choose the former, uncounted families could shuffle off their mortal coils within days; pick the latter, guileless peasants would face the calamity of eternal imprisonment. As harsh as it sounds, this dilemma, which was posed 40 years ago in a small village in China, raised the curtain on one of the largest rural reform campaigns in human history. In light of such a tough choice, 18 peasants from Xiaogang Village in Anhui Province made a historic decision. By signing a secret oath to subdivide the land owned by the Peoples Commune into family plots in 1978, the villagers defied Chinas then collective orthodoxy, embarking on an illegal experiment in what was later called the household contract responsibility system. It doesnt matter if I was put in jail or not, as long as we could produce more grain to feed the villagers, 77-year-old Yan Junchang, one of the original 18 villagers who signed the contract, told Xinhua. Their valor paid off. After the reform, Xiaogang embraced a harvest that was larger than the previous five years combined, while the villagers fear of being punished was dismissed, for their bold initiative was recognized by the government, guiding villages across China to eradicate poverty. Xiaogang Village has then been hailed as the "Cradle of China's Rural Reform." The household contract responsibility system entrusts the management and production of public owned farmland to individual households through long-term contracts, liberating and raising the productivity of rural areas. The courageous innovation also marked the beginning of Chinas four-decade rural reform, leading to an unprecedented poverty alleviation crusade. According to Chinas government report, from 1981 to 2012, more than 790 million Chinese have been lifted above the poverty line, which accounts for 71.82 percent of the worlds total, while the countrys extreme poverty is set to be eliminated by 2020. The 19th Wanshou Forum, initiated by the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, is an international brainstorm focusing on reform and modern state governance. (Zhu Lixin/ China Daily) Living in large cities, people tend to forget that poverty and hardship strikes the countryside. Its very important that [innovative] ways are found to reinvigorate life in rural areas, where its residents should have a real stake in the land they work, said Robert Griffiths, general secretary of the Communist Party of Britain. All roads lead to prosperity The entrance of Xiaogang Village. The region has been known as the "Cradle of China's Rural Reform" since 1978 when villagers risked to adopt a household contract responsibility system, which entrusted the management and production of public owned farmland to individual households through long-term contracts. Forty years on, the once deviant initiative is now dubbed the spirit of the all-round contract system, with its core value of adventure and innovation inspiring penurious rural areas like Xiaogang village to explore their own path of poverty alleviation. Located 325 kilometers from Xiaogang village, Huaxi Village in Jiangsu Province has acted in a diametrically opposite way towards poverty alleviation. Unlike the former which broke the shackles of collectiveness, Huaxi Village still preserves integration regarding the collective goals and income distribution system, while villagers can invest their money into a collective pool and share in the profits from any local businesses they contributed to. Unlike Xiaogang which featured agricultural economy, Huaxi experienced an industrial boost after the reform. This cooperative and collective mode is more effective to adjust the villages economic structure, helping us to move up the development ladder, Wu Xieen, secretary of Huaxi Village, told China Radio International. Sailing through controversies, Huaxi has shed doubts over its socialist-style collective ownership by accumulating wealth through the development of industries ranging from new energy and computer games to banking and marine transport. According to Xinhuas report, the villages current annual per capita income is over 15,000 U.S dollars, with each family having a villa and private cars. Villagers also enjoy subsidized health care, and the village welcomes over 2 million tourists every year. With a large population living in poverty and different situation of rural areas, China has appropriately opened up space for diversity in rural reform, which is better for the countrys poverty alleviation, said Su Wei, a professor at the Party School of the CPC Chongqing Municipal Committee. The memorial hall of the household contract responsibility system in Xiaogang Village. Diversity and innovation serve as the key words for Chinas rural reform. In Zhejiangs Tengtou village, industry and agriculture are perfectly combined. Possessing neither resource endowment nor industrial advantage, Tengtou shifted its focus to decorative flowers and plants, as well as environmental protection technologies. In 1993, the United Nations granted the Global 500 Award for Environmental Achievement to the village, generating a frenzy of eco-tourism in the region. Green economy has benefited the Tengtou greatly. According to statistics, Tengtou conducted business worth 30 million RMB in 2008 by providing plants and flowers for the Beijing Olympic Games, while in 2010, it provided 100,000 tree seedlings for the Shanghai Expo. The villages well-protected environment has also attracted visitors worldwide, making it the first village in China to sell tickets to visitors since 1999, with its annual tourism income now reaching 119 million RMB. The approach of openness and multiple forms of property are very important for developing countries to achieve modernization, and China has provided very important experience for their [future development], said John Batchtell, National Chair of the Communist Party USA. More than poverty alleviation Xiaogang Village. Despite Chinese authorities progress in poverty alleviation and the countrys ambition to eradicate extreme poverty by 2020, experts noted that more efforts should be made to tackle relative poverty, as well as improving living and working conditions in rural areas. Serving as the archetype of Chinas rural reform, Xiaogang Village has long since been lifted out of poverty, but the villagers have yet to taste the joy of being rich. According to statistics, the villagers annual income reached 16,169 RMB in 2016, which is way lower than in comparable villages such as Huaxi. To upgrade its economy, Xiaogang has utilized its fame to earn extra income. The village has established farmhouse restaurants and archives to attract tourists, arranging grape and cherry-picking tours to boost local agritainment. In addition to upgrading economic structure, Chinese authorities have also harnessed the power of advanced technologies and better infrastructure to eradicate poverty in villages like Xiaogang. According to Chinas Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, 90 percent of the countries poverty-stricken regions will have internet access by the end of 2018, while over 40 billion RMB has already been invested in the construction of broadband networks in the countries rural regions over the past two years, covering more than 130,000 administrative villages in 27 provinces and regions. The 19th Wanshou Forum, initiated by the International Department of the Central Committee of the Communist Party of China, is an international brainstorm focusing on reform and modern state governance. The Communist Party of China (CPC) has also pledged to win the battle against poverty with the Targeted-Poverty-Alleviation strategy. In 2013, Chinese President Xi Jinping visited Shibadong village in Hunan Province, where he proposed to take targeted measures in poverty alleviation for the first time. Xi stressed the importance of precision in the battle against poverty, saying that poverty alleviation should focus on targeted people and industries, and use the right tools to produce results. Poverty plagues so much of this world of ours, including the U.S., where there are people living in abject poverty. The fact that China is on the verge of solving it is really a tremendous achievement, the elimination of poverty is one of the most important details of Chinas opening and reform, said Batchtell. "With the release of magical mobile games this year, we wanted to create a power bank for gamers that is fun, functional and magical," said Reid Covington, co-founder, GGTR. Today, The CELLder Wand launches on crowdfunding site Kickstarter. Starting from $25 for the Super Early Owl price (Super Early Bird), The CELLder Wand is the worlds first extendable wand power bank. Created by the team at GGTR, the power bank is designed with gamers in mind. Click here for Kickstarter page With the release of magical mobile games this year, we wanted to create a power bank for gamers that is fun, functional and magical, said Reid Covington, co-founder, GGTR. With a 3,200 mAh lithium-ion battery, The CELLder Wand can portably charge any device and provides hours of charge time for gamers on the go. As well as its charging capabilities, the tip of The CELLder Wand also features a LED light bulb, allowing the wand to double up as a convenient flashlight. Lastly, it also has an extendable design so that it doesnt sacrifice convenience for aesthetic. The wand portion collapses completely into the handle, so that it takes up little more space than a traditional power bank of comparable capacity. Then, when you want to activate wizard mode, the telescoping portion of the wand is spring loaded so it automatically extends at the touch of a button. Right now, there is no other wand-shaped power bank on the market. But we feel that The CELLder Wand is more than just a convenient charging accessory its a symbol that unites witches and wizards in the real world in their passion they feel for the magical universe we all know and love. The CELLder Wand has been in development for more than a year and is currently in the final prototype phase. The power bank is scheduled to be shipped to backers in October, 2018. This is the third gamer-inspired phone accessory put forward by the GGTR team. Their first product Chargemander was released on Kickstarter in 2016 and raised more than $160,000 USD. The team also developed and released a line of battery packs, inspired by popular games. Were really excited about The CELLder Wand and this is a product that we are really passionate about it said Chase Larson, co-founder, GGTR. Its the wand that a master wandmaker would make if he had Mr. Weasleys passion for electronics. WAND SPECS Length 13 in. Material Polyurethane Core 3,200 mAh lithium ion Flexibility Surprisingly telescopic PRICING Super Early Owl: $25 USD Early Owl: $29 USD MSRP: $50 USD About GGTR GGTR is a tech startup with a mission to solve everyday problems in fun ways. Based in New York and Shanghai, the GGTR team is comprised of more than 12 employees. The companys other products include Chargemander, Gamer Power Bank Series and more recently, HyperCube. For more information regarding GGTR and its products, please visit http://www.gogotoro.com Contacts: Reid Covington Co-founder and CEO reid@gogotoro.com Claire Miles GGTR Communications claire@gogotoro.com Dance Brooklyn! A World Celebration We believe that the basis of all human existence should be to celebrate our different views. Less conflict would exist if we shared and learned more about one another. Platforms for cultural expression like Dance Brooklyn, is an example of what we need to create deeper community connections. In commitment to honoring the differences and commonalities of Brooklyns global community through arts and sciences, Purelements, an Evolution in Dance founders, Lakai Worrell and Kevin Joseph, issue Dance Brooklyn! A World Celebration as an expression of cultural enlightenment and unification in the borough. Dance Brooklyn!, formerly titled East New York in Motion, is set to return for its fourth annual year as a platform to create respect, understanding, and appreciation among people of various backgrounds in Brooklyn. Participating dance companies include Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Dance Theater, Something Positive, Ninja Ballet, Allure Latin Dance Company, Purelements, an Evolution in Dance, Darrah Carr Dance company member and TONY award winner, Trent Kowalik, plus a spoken word performance by poet Jaime Lee Lewis. The 2-hour event will feature modern, West African, Afro-Caribbean, salsa, contemporary and ballet x martial arts fusion dance performances. Purelements has love for the entire borough of Brooklyn! We believe that the basis of all human existence should be to celebrate our different views, not condemn or wage war on them. Less conflict would exist if we could share and learn more about one another -- and platforms for cultural expression like Dance Brooklyn!, is an example of what we need more of to create and sustain deeper connections in our communities Lakai Worrell, Co-Artistic Director, Purelements, an Evolution in Dance In an effort to eradicate negative stereotypes that exist about the community, Dance Brooklyn! Has evolved as a tool to inspire and strengthen the community connection. Purelements founders Worrell and Joseph ultimately present Dance Brooklyn! as a vehicle to assist in the positive restoration and transformation of Brooklyn communities and as a means to expand the vision of local politicians to understand the powerful impact of the arts in the community showcase the richness of all the boroughs pre-existent and new communities. The Brooklyn natives believe that showcasing high quality community arts presentations like this, at a professional performance venue like the historic Kings Theatre, will spark a movement toward increased support and funding toward cultural arts programs, companies and public platforms. They hope that people will leave the Dance Brooklyn! concert with a deeper understanding of dance companies in the city, their work to preserve their cultural legacy and a greater appreciation for cultural arts. Dance Brooklyn! A World Celebration will be held on on June 15th, 2018 at the Kings Theatre, located at 1027 Flatbush Avenue Brooklyn, NY 11226. Door open at 6pm. Show starts at 7pm. The show, supported by the New York City Council, is free to the community and open to all ages. To learn more about the event and to RSVP, visit bit.ly/PurelementsDanceBK (Note: RSVP is not required for admission). For press inquiries on Dance Brooklyn! A World Celebration press assets and media credentials to cover the event, please contact Jasu Sims at jasu@presstheory.com. To connect with Purelements, visit the Purelements Facebook fan page, follow the company on Twitter at @Purelements and on Instagram @Purelements. Follow the conversation online at #PurelementsDanceBK. ABOUT PURELEMENTS, AN EVOLUTION IN DANCE Purelements: an Evolution in Dance is a 501(c) (3) performing arts organization founded in 2006, by Kevin A. Joseph and Lakai Worrell. The mission of PE is to use multiple facets of the performing arts as educational tools to evolve and transform the individuals and communities it serves, and to present dynamic performances that are socially relevant and impactful. PEs mission unfolds through an art-in-education program, a performing arts program and its professional and pre-professional dance companies.To learn more about Purelements, visit purelements.org. ABOUT ASASE YAA CULTURAL ARTS DANCE THEATRE (AYCADT) Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Dance Theater, also known as Asase Yaa (Mother Earth), is a dynamic cultural arts institution centered on the whole African experience in America. Founded by Yao Ababio in 2001, AYAADT was created by accomplished dancers and musicians that brought bold but authentic productions showcasing the uniqueness of African dance to the American stage. AYCAF creates and nurtures pathways for heightened self-awareness and educational enlightenment for the children, adults, seniors, and families that it serves through four (4) core programs, including the Asase Yaa African American Dance Theater, Asase Yaa School of the Arts, Asase Yaa Childrens Arts Camp and Asase Yaa T.E.A.C.H. These programs are housed at the Asase Yaa Center for the Arts, which also hosts lectures, panel discussions, film screenings, book-signings, parties, and other events. To learn more about Asase Yaa Cultural Arts Foundation, visit asaseyaaent.org. ABOUT SOMETHING POSITIVE Something Positive, Inc. is a not-for-profit, arts and education organization dedicated to the art and culture of the African Diaspora and its cross-cultural influences through performance and education. Utilizing a unique blend of poetry, storytelling, theater, music and dance, Something Positive specializes in multimedia performance art presentations. To learn more about Something Positive, visit somethingpositiveinc.org. ABOUT ALLURE LATIN DANCE COMPANY Founded in New York City in June 2014, by artistic director and choreographer Tiffany Benson, Allure has always been guided by Performance with a Purpose: delivering top-tier results in a showcases, artistic expression, and providing educational opportunities in dance to people of all ages and abilities. Dedicated to presenting and teaching authentic New York Style on 2 Salsa, Allures instructors are quality dance professionals with many years of dance training and teaching experience, making them experts in their fields and leaders in the Latin dance community. To learn more about Allure Latin Dance, visit allurelatindance.com. ABOUT NINJA BALLET Shoko Tamai has traversed the world stage with unmatched distinction, power, beauty and elegance in the world of Ballet. She continues to dazzle the masses, evolve her profession and influence her art by combining Classical Ballet and Contemporary Dance with all-original and interpretive choreography in her theater performances. Hailing from Yamanashi, Japan, a small mountain town located in the far outskirts of Tokyo, Shoko has been a classically trained ballerina since the age of two and has since toured with The Central School of Ballet (London, UK), The American Academy of Ballet (NYC, USA), The Paris Opera (France) and The Madrid Ballet School (Spain). Her undying dedication to her art has led her to grace the globe, lighting up the stages of famed venues that include Londons Royal Opera House, Shakespeares Globe Theater, and The Theatre Royal in Glasgow. Shoko Tamai has competed from Hong Kong to New York and has the honor of being a Finalist in The World Ballet Competition and a Gold Medalist in the New York Ballet Competition (American Academy of Ballet). Shoko is a true pioneer in her own right as she distinguishes herself on-stage with her exquisite history and story-telling through expressive dance. To learn more about Shojotmai, visit shokotamai.biz Dr. Rod J. Rohrich Dallas plastic surgeon, Dr. Rohrich, was invited last month to speak at the Royal Australasian College of Surgery (RACS) 2018 Annual Scientific Congress (ASC) and to be the recipient of the prestigious BK Rank Lecture. Benjamin Keith Rank was a world renowned plastic surgeon known as the father of plastic surgery in Australia. Dr. Rohrich was also an honored speaker at the Scientific Congress, discussing topics on patient safety and how to attain consistency and excellence in plastic surgery. The RACS 2018 ASC took place in Sydney, Australia. During his lectures and workshops, Dr. Rohrich focused on rhinoplasty and facial rejuvenation. He described how humans age due to loss of fat in specific facial fat compartments. In the keynote BK Rank Lecture entitled "Fat Grafting: Efficacious but Safe - Where is the Evidence?" Dr. Rohrich discussed how evidence based medicine has helped make fat grafting safer and its use in reconstructive and cosmetic plastic surgery, especially in breast reconstruction. Dr. Rohrich further defined the role of fat grafting in facial and congenital reconstruction as well as its important role in facial rejuvenation. These techniques enable patients to use their own fat to reshape their face in a natural way in conjunction with a traditional deeper layer facelift including the superficial musculo aponeuroitc system (SMAS) facelift. In addition to his lecture series, Dr. Rohrich performed cadaver dissections, live, with other international plastic surgeons at the Plastic Surgery Facial Reconstruction and Cleft and Craniofacial Workshop Anatomy Dissection. Dr. Rohrich demonstrated the open rhinoplasty approach and how to perform it in a safe and reproducible manner. The Royal Australasian College of Surgery is the largest multi-disciplinary surgical meeting held in Australia and New Zealand. This international forum also provides attending Fellows with a valuable opportunity to share their experience, wisdom and opinions with their colleagues. Participants also have the opportunity to learn and experience first-hand the advances in surgical specialties via the various scientific programs that the RASC offers. Dr. Rohrich is a Dallas, Texas based plastic surgeon who is continuously recognized as one of the best plastic surgeons in America and globally. He is internationally recognized educator and skilled surgeon and is regarded as an expert in facial aging and rhinoplasty and for his exceptional and unique artistic skill in restoring youthfulness and a natural unoperated look to the human face and body. Dr. Rod J. Rohrich Dr. Rod Rohrich is board certified by the American Board of Plastic Surgery and has a global clinical practice at the Dallas Plastic Surgery Institute. He is a Distinguished Teaching Professor and the Founding Chairman of the Department of Plastic Surgery at the University of Texas Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas. He has served as the President of the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS)the largest society of board certified plastic surgeons in the world, the Association of Academic Chairmen of Plastic Surgery, as well as president of the Rhinoplasty Society. Dr. Rohrich was a member of the Board of Directors of the Plastic Surgery Research Council, the American Society for Aesthetic Plastic Surgery (ASAPS), Plastic Surgery Educational Foundation and the American Society of Maxillofacial Surgeons. He also served as the Chair of the Plastic Surgery Residency Review Committee of the ACGME which oversees all accredited Plastic Surgery training programs in the USA. Dr. Rohrich was also a Director of the American Board of Plastic Surgery (ABPS), chair of the ABPS Oral Exam Committee and President of the Dallas Society of Plastic Surgeons as well as the Texas Society of Plastic Surgeons. He is also a founding member of the Board of Governors of the National Endowment for Plastic Surgery. All healthcare professionals can contribute to the culture of spiritual care provided by their health care facility. HealthCare Chaplaincy Network (HCCN) and its affiliate, the Spiritual Care Association (SCA) have released their newest white paper on the integration of spiritual care for the role of a social worker in the medical field entitled Spiritual Care and Social Work: Integration into Practice. The white paper an evidence-based literature review provides social workers guidance in better understanding the importance of spirituality, how to integrate appropriate spiritual care into their clinical practice, and ways in which to work collaboratively with board certified chaplains. It seeks to offer a starting place for continued interprofessional dialogue around spirituality and spiritual care. The white paper itself is of significant value to healthcare. First it supports the role of social workers as spiritual care generalists with chaplains being the specialists in this field. It is also an invitation of all interdisciplinary team members, including social workers, to participate in the identification of and care of individuals with spiritual distress, said Rev. Eric J. Hall, President and CEO of HCCN and SCA. All healthcare professionals can contribute to the culture of spiritual care provided by their health care facility. Among the topics explored in this groundbreaking paper are: interprofessional collaboration; role overlap and role differentiation; social workers as spiritual care generalists; understanding spiritual distress; spiritual care interventions and therapeutic qualities, ethical guidelines in spiritual care; and opportunities for collaboration between social workers and professional chaplains. The paper notes that strong partnerships between social workers and chaplains are critical to the mutual goal to serve and meet the spiritual needs of patients and families. This white paper is the fourth produced by HCCN and SCA in an ongoing effort to introduce the value of spiritual care in a health care setting. The inaugural document, SPIRITUAL CARE: What It Means, Why It Matters in Health Care was released in October 2016. This was followed by Spiritual Care and Nursing: A Nurses Contribution and Practice in March 2017 and "Spiritual Care and Physicians: Understanding Spirituality in Medical Practice" in September 2017. View all white papers online: http://www.healthcarechaplaincy.org/white-papers. About HealthCare Chaplaincy Network HealthCare Chaplaincy Network, based in New York, is a global healthcare nonprofit organization that offers spiritual care information and resources, and professional chaplaincy services in hospitals other health care settings and online. Its mission is to advance the integration of spiritual care in health care through clinical practice, research and education in order to increase patient satisfaction and help people faced with illness and grief find comfort and meaning whoever they are, whatever they believe, wherever they are. For more information, visit http://www.healthcarechaplaincy.org or call 212-644-1111, and connect with us on Twitter and Facebook. About Spiritual Care Association HCCNs affiliate, the Spiritual Care Association, is the first multidisciplinary, international professional membership association for providers of spiritual care in health care that establishes evidence-based quality indicators, scope of practice, knowledge base, and testing to become a Board Certified or Credentialed Chaplain. Membership is open to chaplains and other health care professionals, clergy and organizations. For more information, visit http://www.spiritualcareassociation.org or call 212-644-1111, and connect with us on Twitter and Facebook. Media contact Molly Sabala msabala(at)healthcarechaplaincy.org The International Consortium of Minority Cybersecurity Professionals (ICMCP) Third Annual National Conference, The Diversity Game: Changing the Cybersecurity Workforce Landscape has added another reason to attend this prestigious event. The ICMCP Voice joins the second annual Cybersecurity Minority of the Year Awards elevating the national dialogue on attracting and developing minority cybersecurity practitioners. The ICMCP Voice competition, to be held at the Westin Buckhead Hotel in Atlanta, GA on Monday, September 17 during the National Conference, will provide a venue for chosen ICMCP members to compete for one-on-one interviews with Hiring Managers from one of three sponsoring companies. Participant Criteria 1. Must be a member of ICMCP; Not a member? Click here to join! 2. Must be a registrant for the ICMCP National Conference (September 18-19, 2018 at the Westin Buckhead Hotel). NOT registered? Click here to register! 3. Must be present on September 17, 2018. Process for Applying The deadline for participant applications to the ICMCP Voice is 5 pm EST on August 17, 2018! To register, click here and complete an online application! The National Conference will also launch the second annual Cybersecurity Minority of the Year Awards in the following categories: Minority-Owned Cybersecurity Company of the Year Minority CISO of the Year Minority Practitioner of the Year Minority Educator of the Year For award criteria and nomination forms, please visit https://conference.icmcp.org/2018-icmcp-awards.html or contact awards(at)icmcp(dot)org for more details. The award nomination deadline is 5 PM EST on Tuesday, July 31, 2018. ICMCP is the leading voice and destination for issues related to cybersecurity career and industry developments impacting minority cybersecurity professionals, says Aric K. Perminter, President at ICMCP. Whether you are pursuing a new career path, exploring professional development opportunities or searching to fill cybersecurity gaps within your company, the ICMCP National Conference is the place to make it happen! To view the full ICMCP National Conference program, visit https://conference.icmcp.org/. The ICMCP National Conference is sponsored by Lynx Technology Partners, ADP, Google, Bank of America, Symantec, Tenable, Wells Fargo, PwC, Shared Assessments, and Carnegie Mellon University Information Networking Institute. ### About ICMCP The International Consortium of Minority Cybersecurity Professionals (ICMCP) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. It began official operations in September 2014 and is organized exclusively for charitable purposes, to provide members with educational/technical scholarships, mentoring opportunities, professional development and networking opportunities. For more information or to become a sponsor, please visit https://icmcp.org, follow @ICMCP_ORG on Twitter or visit the ICMCP LinkedIn page. Lee Spirits Company, a leading distiller of gin and fine liqueurs, is pleased to announce four of its original products will be distributed throughout Texas starting in July, 2018. Now, Lee Spirits products are available in five states: Arizona, Colorado, Kansas, Oklahoma and Texas. Expanding our reach into Texas marks an exciting day for our brand, said Nick Lee, co-founder of Lee Spirits Company. Our goal when we founded our company in 2013 was to develop the nations finest gin and liqueurs and to place our products in retail outlets across the nation and globe. Today marks another step in that direction as Texas is the 10th largest economy in the world and by distributing there, we establish our offerings in a state that is responsible, in many ways, for driving our nations economy. Lee Spirits Dry Gin, Forbidden Fruit, Cream De Rose and Creme de Violette will be available in retail stores in Austin, Dallas, Houston, San Antonio and several other cities throughout Texas. Distributors who want more information about Lee Spirits Companys offerings, click here. Our team worked tirelessly to complete the deal with our Texas partners, said Ian Lee, co-founder of Lee Spirits Company. Texas marks the next step in our growth as a company. In addition, we are excited to launch our products in additional states in the upper Midwest and Eastern Seaboard by the end of 2018. Witnessing our brands planned-growth from small a southern Colorado distiller to a company pointed toward national and global distribution is a testament to hard work and dedication. About Lee Spirits: Lee Spirits Company is a Colorado-based distillery whose mission is to create the finest gin and liqueurs to empower spirit-lovers to make authentic pre-prohibition classic cocktails. In 2013, Lee Spirits Company founders and cousins Ian and Nick Lee had an idea to develop and manufacture the finest Gin in Colorado and the United States along with accompanying liqueurs that would fit into classic cocktail recipes exactly as originally written. To connect with Lee Spirits visit their website or social media page. Since its founding by parent company Buzz Franchise Brands in 2016, Pool Scouts has continued to shake up the pool maintenance and repair industry by bringing quality, consistency and an unparalleled level of customer service to every market it serves. The brands latest initiative has been its strategic growth plan, aiming to bring Pool Scouts quality services to even more customers nationwide. So far in 2018, the company has celebrated fifteen new territory signings including recent openings in Hilton Head, SC, Savannah, GA, Long Island, NY, Sugar Land, TX, Ft. Lauderdale, FL, St. Augustine, FL, Boca Raton, FL, McKinney, TX and Memphis, TN. Our team was working diligently on recruiting during the second half of 2017. Because of that, we were able to welcome more than a dozen new franchisees to the Pool Scouts family, said Timothy Holadia, Pool Scouts Director of Development. Weve established a solid foundation and know that this momentum will continue as we look to more than double our existing presence in the year ahead. While going from 15 to 30 franchise owners might seem like a lofty goal, Holadia and the rest of the leadership team at Pool Scouts feel confident that they can achieve this level of rapid growth for two reasons. The first is the sheer size of the pool industry, with 10 million Americans across the country that enjoy the luxury of having a pool in their own backyard. However, many markets in the U.S. are underserviced, with a large number of pools per capita and few professional pool maintenance services available. Pool Scouts aims to change this by opening locations in metropolitan areas that have a heavy pool presence including Atlanta, Phoenix, Los Angeles, San Diego and Boston. Weve made great strides opening in cities with a large number of residential pools, but there are still areas of the country where we need to get our feet on the ground, said Michael Wagner, President of Pool Scouts. We are looking for more business-minded entrepreneurs to join our team so we can continue expanding on a national scale. Pool Scouts low-cost franchise model is the second key factor that will fuel its growth. Pool Scouts prides itself on the flexible model, starting with the lowest franchise fee in the industry, $12,500, with a total initial all-in cost between $54,500-105,000. With a recurring revenue model, no need for a physical retail location, and a leadership team capable of running a 500-unit company, Pool Scouts has become a competitive force in franchising. As an emerging brand with only two years under its belt, Pool Scouts has also been able to earn national recognition through parent company Buzz Franchise Brands, giving the brand an even greater advantage to recruit franchisees into a system built upon credibility through high achievements. So far in 2018, Buzz Franchise Brands has been recognized by both the Inc. 500 and Inc. 5000 as a top workplace, as well as being listed among the publications fastest growing companies, bringing even more qualified individuals to our growing system, Wagner said. None of this would be possible without our hardworking franchisees and the technicians and office managers that support them systemwide. We see these accolades as a sign that we have a great team in place that will aim to continue delivering the best services for both our franchisees and our customers. Pool Scouts currently has locations across nine states, including Texas, New Jersey, North Carolina, South Carolina, Georgia, Tennessee, Florida, New York and Virginia. With a growing number of homeowners adding pools to their backyards, the companys growth proves that it continues to provide a vital service to communities and a premier business option for future franchisees. ABOUT POOL SCOUTS Virginia Beach, VA-based Pool Scouts is a premier pool service franchise focused on delivering a quality, consistent brand experience while providing pool cleaning, maintenance and minor repair services at residential and commercial properties. Technicians are trained in testing, monitoring, treating and servicing pools and can provide ongoing service as well as help at the beginning and end of the summer season. Growing from its first location in Virginia Beach, Pool Scouts offers a great opportunity as a low-cost franchise in the pool services industry with available territories across the United States. For more information or franchising opportunities, visit http://poolscoutsfranchise.com. ### Manchester Financial is a financial planning firm in Westlake Village, CA. Manchester Financial is proud to announce that Seth Catanese is now a licensed Investment Adviser Representative. The distinction requires passing FINRAs Series 65 exam. In addition to providing investment advice, investment advisers typically manage investment portfolios and offer financial planning services. The Investment Adviser Representative license offers unique advantages and allows us to best serve our clients, said Robert Katch, president of Manchester Financial. On behalf of the entire team, we want to congratulate Seth on his accomplishment, said Alan Hopkins, Chief Economic Strategist of Manchester Financial. Catanese received his Bachelor's and Masters in Business Administration from Pepperdine University. Previously, Catanese worked for Waddell and Reed where he assessed clients financial needs and worked closely with senior financial advisors to develop financial plans and investment strategies. He joined Manchester Financial in 2015. About Manchester Financial: Founded in 1990, Manchester Financial provides savvy financial planning and astute portfolio management. Focused on protecting and growing their clients lifestyles, they seek to always do what is right by meeting the unique needs of each client and consistently delivering superior results through their knowledge, experience and wisdom. Their goal is simple: to make sure that their clients decisions are Powered by Planning. Learn more at http://www.manchesterfinancial.com. Manchester Financial is a registered investment advisor. Information presented is for educational purposes only. It should not be considered specific investment advice, does not take into consideration your specific situation, and does not intent to make an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any securities or investment strategies. Investments involve risk and are not guaranteed. Consult with a qualified financial advisor and/or tax professional. John and Sean Coast to Coast Patriotic Gift Box John said, I have Down syndrome, but Down syndrome never holds me back. Two Entrepreneurs With Down Syndrome Collaborate on Joint Project: Johns Crazy Socks and Seanese Tees A pair of entrepreneurs, who happen to have Down syndrome, have each created a successful business and now they are teaming up for a joint project. John Cronin, who co-founded John's Crazy Socks is collaborating with Sean McElwee, who founded Seanese Tees. Sean is also a cast member of The Emmy Winning Docu-Series Born This Way on A&E. The duo collaborated to produce a special patriotic gift box for Independence Day called John and Sean Coast To Coast Patriotic Gift Box. The gift box features Fireworks Socks designed by John and This Land Was Made For Me Too T-Shirt designed by Sean of Seanese Tee's. Two dollars from the sale of each patriotic box will go to fund Down syndrome research. Sean said, I am so excited to work with John on this project I have a bunch of his socks and these socks totally rock. John said, I love the t-shirt that Sean designed. It goes so well with my firework socks. With John living on the east coast, and Sean on the west, they had the idea to create a coast to coast gift box. They boys are on a mission: they are going to send photos of themselves across the country and they want YOU to send them photos of where you are in the United States. Why collaborate? John and Sean demonstrate how people with differing abilities can contribute to society. They can create great products and run successful businesses. John said, I have Down syndrome, but Down syndrome never holds me back. Sean said, Together, John and I want to show the world what is possible. We will be donating $2 Dollars of this gift box to LuMind RDS Foundation, which conducts research on Down syndrome with an emphasis on the connection between Down syndrome and Alzheimers. Virtually all adults with Ds develop the neuropathology (amyloid beta plaques and tau tangles) consistent with Alzheimers by their 40s. At age 40, 10% already have Alzheimers dementia. Born This Way star Sean McElwee had an idea that sparked the creation of his t-shirt company, Seanese Tees. He was preparing to give a keynote speech at a Gigis Playhouse Gala when he told his mom he thought his speech was boring and wanted to make some changes. Sean shared his ideas, and as they sat down to re-write the PowerPoint presentation, Sean had an epiphany: Now we need shirts and hats and bags. When Sean wanted to start his business, his mom Sandra called a graphic artist friend who explained how to get a t-shirt business started. Three months later the first designs were on the Seanese website. Today Sean has 120 designs. In his first year of business Sean donated 10% of his profits to Down Syndrome non-profits. John started his business with his dad during his last year of high school, opening their online business in December 2016. They made a commitment to showing what is possible for people with differing abilities, giving back and offering socks people can love. John wanted to do meaningful work, so he turned to something he loved: wearing crazy socks. In their first year of business, they shipped over 42,000 orders to 44 countries and earned $1.7 million in revenue. They have moved to their own office/warehouse and now employ 35 people, 16 of whom have a differing ability. About Seanese Tees Sean is the President and Chief Creative Officer of Seanese. He comes up with the shirt ideas, phrases, and designs the shirts. Sandra, Seans mom is the Chief Dream Facilitator, helps with the website and accounting. Sean has final say on all designs. When Sean was little, his parents had to translate his speech because people had difficulty understanding him. They said I speak "Seanese," said Sean. Now I am putting my thoughts and sayings on shirts, so you can speak Seanese too! Sean wants the world to know that having Down syndrome isn't that big of a deal. Every baby should be celebrated, and nobody should cry because they had a baby with Down syndrome. Parents believe in your kids, they are amazing. Seans new donation program will provide free and low-cost baby onesies to new parent baskets. $1.00 from every item ordered goes towards my new Welcome Baby Onesie Mission. You can follow Seans journey at his website: https://seanese.com/. About Johns Crazy Socks Johns Crazy Socks was co-founded by the father son team of Mark and John Cronin. John says, we have a mission to spread happiness. They opened their online store on December 9, 2016 and have managed to grow the company rapidly. Mark X. Cronin says, We offer over 1,900 different socks that people can love: beautiful, colorful, fun and crazy socks that let people express their passions and personalities. We deliver the socks through fast and personal service and every package includes some candy and a thank you note from John. Giving back is important at Johns Crazy Socks so the company donates five percent of earnings to the Special Olympics and raises money for its charity partners through Awareness and Charity Socks. Johns Crazy Socks has garnered media attention from the BBC, Fox Business News, ABC News, Money Magazine, The Mighty and Fox-5NY and WABC-TV among other media outlets. To learn more about Johns Crazy Socks, please visit our website (https://johnscrazysocks.com/) or Facebook page. You can also contact us at service@johnscrazysocks.com or call 631-760-5625 and how you can order your John and Sean Coast to Coast Patriotic Gift Box! Smiles for Everyone! "Thank you so much for making my smile much brighter." Last week volunteers from many Smile Brands Inc. affiliated dental offices around Florida came together for a Day of Giving at Bright Now! Dental in Orlando, Florida. Fifty individuals from the Orlando community received free dental care, totaling over $40,000 in donated dentistry. Procedures provided include fillings, extractions, cleanings, and oral cancer screenings. "We saw 50 patients and they were all so very grateful, not only for the treatment they were receiving but for the compassion they felt from all the volunteers," said Ana Vazquez, Smile Brands Inc.'s Director of Market Operations for Central Florida, who attended the Day of Giving. "I am very proud to be part of such a wonderful team and organization!" Many patients expressed their sincerest gratitude for the care and compassion they received from the volunteer dentists and support staff. "Thank you so much for making my smile much brighter," said patient Stacey Hutton. Patient Paula Lamoreaux said she was "completely in awe of how selfless all the volunteers were who came today." Wanda Golden had not seen a dentist in over seven years. She heard about the clinic at the Coalition for the Homeless of Central Florida, and was very thankful for this event. When Dr. Alexander Duque took a look at Wanda's teeth, he noticed she needed much more work than a simple cleaning, filling or extraction. Dr. Duque invited Wanda to visit his office at a later date so he could do more extensive work free of charge. Wanda was so excited and overwhelmed by the generosity of his offer, she began to cry. Other providers who volunteered their time at the Orlando Day of Giving include Dr. Gregorio Aquino, Dr. Elodie Epane-Kamdem, Dr. Angel Rivera-Castro, and Dr. Gemma Velez. Dr. Rivera-Castro will also be providing extensive pro-bono work for another patient through Smiles for Everyone Foundation's Smile Makeover program. Since its inception, Smiles for Everyone Foundation has provided care for over 16,000 individuals in need and delivered over $12 million in donated dentistry. The Foundation will be back in Central Florida for another Day of Giving next year. Please visit the Foundations website and connect on Facebook, LinkedIn, Twitter and Instagram to learn about current and future programs. About Bright Now! Dental Bright Now! Dental provides general dentistry, childrens dentistry and, in select locations, specialty care services such as orthodontics, oral surgery, periodontics and endodontics at over 150 offices across Colorado, California, Washington, Oregon, Utah, Arizona, Florida, Virginia, Maryland, Pennsylvania, Ohio, and Indiana. Bright Now! Dentals Orlando office at Waterford Lakes is operated by Valley Forge Dental of Florida, P.A. (the Group). The Group is affiliated with Smile Brands Inc., one of the largest providers of business support services to dental groups in the United States. Smile Brands Inc. provides comprehensive business support services through exclusive long- term service agreements with affiliated dental groups, so dentists can spend more time caring for their patients and less time on the administrative, marketing and financial aspects of operating a dental practice. Smile Brands is a portfolio company of Gryphon Investors (Gryphon), a leading middle-market private equity firm based in San Francisco, CA. For more information, visit smilebrands.com. . About the Smiles For Everyone Foundation The Smiles for Everyone Foundation is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization with the mission of delivering smiles for everyone by providing free dental care for those in need, both at home in the U.S. and around the world. Since 2011, the Smiles for Everyone Foundation has delivered over 16,000 smiles and $12 million in donated dentistry. The foundation currently supports programs which provide free dental care to those in need in Cambodia, Ghana, Laos, Nicaragua, Paraguay, Thailand and the United States. For more information or to make a donation, visit http://www.smilesforeveryone.org. Contacts: Bright Now! Dental Jody Martin PR@smilebrands.com 714.427.1299 Smiles for Everyone Foundation Crystal Strait crystal.strait@smilesforeveryone.org China uses the Internet and hybrid sea rice to alleviate poverty Yuan Longping, the father of hybrid rice, will cooperate with Rural Taobao to spread sea rice to a wider audience in an e-commerce poverty alleviation scheme, reported thepaper.com on June 13, based on a message from Chinas e-commerce giant Alibaba. Yuan Longping (center) The sea rice team has created a road-map of pilot test fields of saline-alkali tolerant rice across six Chinese provinces, said Professor Yuan in June, adding that theyll work hard to realize a large-scale country-wide plantation in 2020, and lift poor farmers out of poverty. Yuan Longping is attempting to harvest 500 kilograms of hybrid rice per mu (667 square meters), said Jack Ma, founder of Alibaba Group, while the company plans to make the unit yield worth $1,000 with the help of the Internet. Both sides have materialized the spreading of Yuan rice, the first cooperative project, and are now ready to co-found research institutes. Saline and alkaline land, a major hindrance to the progress of alleviating poverty in Chinas villages, covers a total of 1.5 billion mu (100 million hectares) across the country, mainly in northern China as well as in coastal areas. About 200 million mu of the saline land in China can be used for sea rice plantation, and Yuan Longpings aim is to introduce hybrid sea rice to about 100 million mu of land within the next three years. Alibaba will integrate the resources to provide aid in standardization, branding, big data, logistics and finance to local produce, said Wang Jianxun, Vice President of Alibaba Group. Wang noted that this cooperation will work as a demonstration in reliving poverty by promoting agriculture, and cover a total of 800 poor counties. Now the hybrid rice project has landed in over 100 counties and provinces such as Henan, Guizhou, Hubei, Sichuan, Hunan and Anhui, benefiting 60 million rural people. Trusted Media Brands, a leader in brand-driven multi-platform media content, and home to iconic brands such as Taste of Home, Readers Digest, and The Family Handyman among others, today announced the appointment of Jason Sinclair to the new position of Vice President, Marketing for the company effective June 19, 2018. He will be based in the companys offices on Third Avenue in New York City, reporting to Zach Friedman, Chief Revenue Officer. Sinclair most recently served as Executive Director, Digital Marketing for Meredith Corp. where he was a strategic marketing leader for the Foundry, the companys state-of-the art digital lab and custom content studio within its Digital Advertising Group. One of the industrys most respected marketing leaders, Sinclair has held several key leadership roles at many of the nations premier digital and media companies including serving as Executive Director, Marketing for Time Inc., where he led travel marketing for Time Inc.s entire portfolio of brands including Travel + Leisure, Food & Wine, Coastal Living and Southern Living. Under his guidance, the team built and executed cross platform programs that drove branded and custom content revenue to the number one position amongst Time Inc.s many industry verticals. Jason is an incredibly savvy and strategic thinker who understands how to work across media channels to create innovative solutions for marketing partners, says Friedman, Chief Revenue Officer, Trusted Media Brands. His experience and leadership will bring tremendous value to our brands and our customers as we continue to build on our multi-channel growth initiatives. Friedman notes for example that Trusted Media Brands digital properties hit record performances for the month of April, reaching an audience of 55.6 million unique visitors (UVs), reflecting a 22 percent increase over the same period last year. Based on the comScore rankings, the Trusted Media Brands Digital network is among the top 25 out of over 1,600 digital lifestyle networks. According to the comScore reporting, four out of five consumers are now reaching the Trusted Media Brands Digital network through their mobile devices. As a passionate traveler, father, DIY blogger, and home chef, Im excited to help shape the digital transformation of so many storied brandsbrands my family loves, says Sinclair. Taste of Home is a staple in our busy household, guiding everything from hurried dinners to our re-creations of meals we discovered all over the world. Media partners are looking for opportunities and audiences like thislike me and my familyand Im eager to help Trusted Media Brands make that connection at scale. In addition to his most recent role, Sinclairs background and experience include leadership positions with top media companies including Conde Nast where he served as Director, Brand Marketing + Branded Content for their Lifestyle Collection of brands including Conde Nast Traveler & Architectural Digest. His work with these brands resulted in multiple awards and honors including the Largest Growth in Digital award and a Webby Award for video content. He also held senior leadership positions including Director of Strategy with Neverstop, an award-winning boutique creative agency, and Director of Digital Media & Innovation with Zoom Media, a global video network and experiential marketing agency, among others. About Trusted Media Brands Trusted Media Brands is a visionary, brand-driven multiplatform media company, home to iconic brands like Taste of Home, the worlds largest circulation food media brand; Readers Digest; The Family Handyman, Americas leading source for DIY; a suite of highly-targeted brands including Birds & Blooms, Country, Country Woman, Farm & Ranch Living and Reminisce; and digital properties which include the Taste Community and Haven Home Media. Trusted Media Brands reaches active consumers who genuinely connect with our blend of uplifting and enduring expertly-curated family, food, health, home improvement, finance and humor content digitally, via social media, magazines and books, and events and experiences. Founded in 1922 by DeWitt Wallace as The Readers Digest Association, one of the first user-generated content publishers, Trusted Media Brands is headquartered in New York City. For more information, http://www.TrustedMediaBrands.com Ouro Boar, a 13-piece Louisiana afrobeat group from Shreveport, will perform at Lakewood Brewing Company on July 21. The Shreveport-Bossier Roadshow is a way for us to meet and shake hands with visitors and potential visitors...and give away a lot of wonderful door prizes. -Chris Jay The Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau will host a pop-up event at Lakewood Brewing Company in Garland, Texas, 4-8 p.m., Saturday, July 21. The Shreveport-Bossier Roadshow will include door prizes, free food and drink for the first 50 guests to check-in after 4 p.m., and a live performance by 13-piece Louisiana afrobeat group, Ouro Boar. The Ouro Boar performance will begin at 6 p.m. Admission is free. Lakewood Brewing Company is located at 2302 Executive Drive in Garland. The purpose of the Shreveport-Bossier Roadshow is to say thank you to regional communities near Shreveport-Bossier for their continued support of Shreveport-Bossiers tourism and hospitality industry. Attendees can pick up copies of the 2018 Official Visitor's Guide to Shreveport-Bossier as well as Eat Here: A Food Lovers Guide to Shreveport-Bossier and other publications. Attendees can also sign up to be entered into a drawing for a summer getaway to Shreveport-Bossier. The drawing may also be entered online now through July 31 at http://www.Shreveport-Bossier.org/Summer. Similar events have been held in Tyler, Texas and Hot Springs, Arkansas. The Shreveport-Bossier Roadshow is a way for us to meet and shake hands with visitors and potential visitors, answer any questions that they may have about our area, and give away a lot of wonderful door prizes, said Chris Jay, public relations and social media manager for the Shreveport-Bossier Convention and Tourist Bureau. Lakewood Brewing Company has been an awesome partner in planning the event, and we cant thank them enough for allowing us to come visit. For more information on planning a trip to Shreveport-Bossier, call (800) 551-8682 or visit http://www.Shreveport-Bossier.org. For a list of upcoming events in Shreveport-Bossier, including festivals, concerts, craft beer events, and more, visit http://www.SBFunGuide.com. Dr. Angela Cotey, Dentist in Mt. Horeb, WI, Honored for Volunteer Work Ive met some of the most amazing, selfless people through these groups. Every time I volunteer, I get more out of the experience than I give. Its so rewarding. Dr. Angela Cotey, a well-respected dentist in Mt. Horeb, WI, has been featured in an international dental publication for her continuing commitment to charity and public service. Incisal Edge, a magazine available online and focused on the dental field, has highlighted Dr. Coteys many contributions to non-profits at home and on foreign soil. The piece, Youth Will Be Served, gives a stirring account of Dr. Coteys support of organizations including Before 16. A charity that helps place orphans from around the globe with loving families, Before 16 often encounters children who have lacked dental care. Consequently, they are in need of quality pediatric dentistry to relieve pain and save or restore their natural teeth. Dr. Coteys professional background as a dentist in Mt. Horeb, WI, allows her to help those living nearby and across the world receive the dental healthcare they deserve. Taking a hands-on role in this organization, she hosted and mentored an orphan who not only needed dental care but who is also interested in studying dentistry later in life. In addition to Before 16, Dr. Cotey has always been committed to service. Mission trips have led her to practice dental treatments on patients in Jamaica, Honduras, and Haiti. She has also worked with Touched Twice and More Smiles Wisconsin. Touched Twice provides dental and other services to those who could otherwise not afford it and More Smiles Wisconsin has a similar concept and is partnered with the Salvation Army. Dr. Cotey is passionate about her volunteer positions providing general and pediatric dentistry at home and abroad, Ive met some of the most amazing, selfless people through these groups. Every time I volunteer, I get more out of the experience than I give. Its so rewarding. Dr. Coteys practice is accepting patients of all ages seeking a dentist in Mt. Horeb, WI. Appointments can be made by calling 608-433-2102. About the Doctor Dr. Angela Cotey is a general dentist offering personalized dental care to patients in Mount Horeb, WI. Dr. Cotey and her entire team take pride in offering the latest advancements in dentistry and dental technology to ensure each patient enjoys a comfortable experience with long-lasting results. Dr. Cotey combines advanced dentistry with a fun and friendly style. She is a member of numerous professional organizations including the American Dental Association, the Wisconsin Dental Association, American Academy of Cosmetic Dentistry, Fellow in the Academy of General Dentistry and current President of the Wisconsin Dental Study Club and Madison Dental Progress Forum. To learn more about Dr. Cotey or the services she offers, please visit her website at http://www.villagesmilecare.com or call 608-433-2102 to schedule an appointment. Craigs generous gift will provide veterans and military families access to a world-class curriculum that will not only prepare them to succeed as elected officials, but also in a variety of professional settings outside of politics and in their individual commitments to public service. The University of San Francisco (USF) has received a gift of $200,000 from Craig Newmark, founder of craigslist and Craig Newmark Philanthropies, to create scholarships in its new program in public leadership. The Master of Arts in Public Leadership is designed to prepare students to run for elective office as well as for careers in legislative affairs, campaign management, advocacy and civic leadership. The program is focused on military veterans and their families, but it is open to anyone committed to learning the skills needed to serve the public good. The gift by Newmark, a longtime supporter of veterans causes, will create The Craig Newmark Scholarship for Veterans Civic Leadership. It will allow the program to support veterans and military families above and beyond G.I. Bill funding for students accepted into the program in the 2018-19 academic year, providing full tuition for up to ten student veterans. Funding this unique program aligns with my personal commitment to supporting veterans and military families, who sacrifice so much to protect us, said Newmark, whose donation represents the programs first major gift. Through this scholarship, we can help them continue their civic leadership beyond the military, both in and outside of government, where their values and leadership skills are sorely needed. The program is the result of a partnership between USF and the Veterans Campaign, a non-partisan organization whose mission is to encourage, mentor and prepare veterans for a "second service" in civic leadership. The military community is a valuable, yet largely untapped, source of civic and political leaders, said Seth Lynn, founder of Veterans Campaign and director of the new program. Craigs generous gift will provide veterans and military families access to a world-class curriculum that will not only prepare them to succeed as elected officials, but also in a variety of professional settings outside of politics and in their individual commitments to public service. Craig Newmark has been an incredible champion for our generation of Iraq and Afghanistan veterans, stated Senior Lecturer Hon. Patrick J. Murphy, the first Iraq veteran elected to Congress and former acting Secretary of the Army. Coming from a military family himself as the son of a World War II veteran, he understands how much our country will benefit from having more veterans assume civic leadership roles. The program includes eight online courses and five intensive in-person workshops, as well as a capstone course where students put what they have learned into practice. Students can complete the degree while working full-time, and qualified veterans can receive full tuition reimbursement through a combination of G.I. Bill and Yellow Ribbon Program funding. The Newmark Scholarships will provide additional financial aid for those veterans who are not eligible for the G.I. Bill. This is especially crucial for enlisted veterans, many of whom used their G.I. Bill to fund their undergraduate education. Students may enroll in the fall, spring, or summer, and can complete the degree in either one year (full-time) or two years (part-time). The university plans to enroll twenty students in the first year of the program. The priority deadline for Fall 2018 enrollment is July 1. More information can be found at https://www.veteranscampaign.org/usfca-home Applications are open now. About the University of San Francisco: The University of San Francisco is located in the heart of one of the worlds most innovative and diverse cities and is home to a vibrant academic community of students and faculty who achieve excellence in their fields. Its diverse student body enjoys direct access to faculty, small classes, and outstanding opportunities in the city itself. USF is San Franciscos first university, and its Jesuit Catholic mission helps ignite a students passion for social justice and a desire to Change the World From Here. For more information, visit usfca.edu About Veterans Campaign: Veterans Campaign, a 501(c)(3) nonprofit, is the only non-partisan, non-ideological organization whose mission is to encourage, mentor and prepare veterans for a "second service" in civic leadership. It is an educational organization, teaching veterans and transitioning service members about civic and political leadership. Veterans Campaigns goal is to demystify the process of running for office, and make it accessible to veterans who are interested in continuing their service as elected officials. About Craig Newmark Philanthropies: Craig Newmark Philanthropies was created by craigslist founder Craig Newmark to support, connect, and drive powerful civic engagement. The organization works to advance people and grassroots organizations that are getting stuff done in areas that include trustworthy journalism, voter protection, gender diversity in technology, and veterans and military families. The Civicom webinar will address the future of U. S. data protection in light of the GDPR and its potential impact on U.S. privacy legislation. Civicom Marketing Research Services, a leading global provider of market research solutions, will host a webinar on the convergence of the timing of the effective date of the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) in the EU with the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica scandal, and the influence of both on the potential for increased U.S. data protection. The webinar will be available in several time zones on June 20 to June 22, 2018. Market research services provider Civicom has consistently served clients based in the EU for years and is in compliance with GDPR. As a global provider of telephone and web-enabled market research solutions, Civicom will address one of the most pertinent issues that impacts consumers and businesses alike U.S. data privacy and its security. The timing of the GDPR implementation and the Facebook-Cambridge Analytica hearings raises the issue of whether the U.S. needs similar restrictive data protection regulations to be imposed on businesses that operate using U.S. consumer data. Civicom will delve into whether or not the same stringent requirements should be adopted in U.S. legislation and whether a demand for tighter data protection in the U.S. looms on the horizon. This is an issue that significantly impacts the handling of respondent data in market research studies, as well as the needs of every U.S. person. This webinar will address some of the history as well as the differences in how the EU and the U.S. view data protection. Entitled A Perfect Storm: Facebook and the GDPR - What The Future Portends for U.S. Legislation, Civicoms webinar will be presented by Rebecca West, Global Vice President and Chair of Civicoms GDPR Compliance Committee. The webinar will run on the following dates and times: WEDNESDAY, June 20, 2018 @ 1 PM ET / 12 PM CT / 11 AM MT / 6 PM BST THURSDAY, June 21, 2018 @ 9 PM ET / 8 PM CT / 7 PM MT FRIDAY, June 22, 2018 @ 9 AM SGT Click here to register for the webinar. About Civicom Marketing Research Services Civicom Marketing Research Services offers many options to enhance the research process for marketing research professionals. Civicom is the global leader in facilitating telephone and web-enabled IDIs and Focus Groups using Civicom CyberFacility. Civicom also offers Civicom Chatterbox, an asynchronous research platform for online communities and bulletin boards, plus the Civicom ThoughtLight Mobile Insights App, a mobile qualitative tool for collecting richer in-the-moment insights, offering geolocation plus offline accessibility for places where there is no data connection. Civicom ThoughtLight works with both iOS and Android and is a useful tool for shopper insights, audio diaries and patient journeys. Civicom operates in over 96 countries and offers extensive translation services for marketing researchers, as well as transcription services through TranscriptionWing, and market research respondent recruiting through CiviSelect. All of these services are available in Spanish, as well as English, and multiple other languages. Civicom Marketing Research Services continues to be at the forefront of innovation and new strategies in marketing research, actively participating in various conferences and networks that engage in developing new techniques with the latest technologies globally. Civicom is known among its clients for dedication to service quality and for the companys motto, Your Project Success Is Our Number One Priority. Civicom Marketing Research Services chooses to be as dynamic as it is innovative; always listening to and acting on clients ideas and requests as they see fit. This kind of relationship has paved the way for the development and roll-out of new services. To learn more, email Civicom at inquire(at)civi(dot)com or call +1-203-413-2423. It is a true accomplishment to be recognized on this list and further cements the incredible growth we have seen at Endurance. Endurance Vehicle Protection has been recognized by Crains Chicago Business as one of Chicagos Largest Privately Owned Companies. After spending twelve years in the vehicle service contract industry, protecting drivers cars when their manufacturers warranty has expired, Endurance has expanded exponentially, with one of the highest year-over-year revenue growth. A total of 369 companies from Chicago and surrounding suburbs made it onto Crain's Business' annual ranking of the area's largest privately held companies. As a group, these companies have combined revenues of an astounding $369 billion and are responsible for more than 179,000 full-time jobs in the Chicagoland area. Additionally, these companies employ more than 746,000 people globally and have an average revenue growth rate of 8.6 percent. Making the Crains list the Largest Privately Held Companies in Chicago is another milestone for us at Endurance. It is a true accomplishment to be recognized on this list and further cements the incredible growth we have seen at Endurance. This is a testament to the corporate culture that weve fostered over the years and the positive growth mindset we have, said Jordan Batt, Founder & CEO of Endurance. Crains Private 200 list is the most comprehensive list available of the largest companies available in the Chicagoland area that are privately owned. Endurance looks forward to future publications with optimism of surpassing its current ranking in years to come. The full list is featured here in alphabetical order, with the official ranking available as well. About Endurance: Founded in 2006, Endurance Warranty Services LLC strives to be the most customer-driven company in the industry and believes that protecting consumers from exorbitant repair bills is the key to their success. Endurance, the exclusive extended coverage provider of Cars.com, is the only company industry-wide that is both A+ rated by the Better Business Bureau and Gold-Certified by the Vehicle Protection Association. By delivering world-class customer service to every customer, current or future, Endurance continues to reign as the premier provider of vehicle protection in the nation. Visit us online at http://www.EnduranceWarranty.com About Crains Chicago Business: For 40 years, business leaders have relied on Crains as the go-to source for news and analysis about business in Chicago. More than a collection of products, Crains Chicago Business is a rich media environmentin print, online, mobile, video, live events and executive training. Crains Chicago Business is also the creator of the aspirational Fast 50 list, honoring companies throughout the Chicagoland area since 2007. The Crains Fast 50 feature has spotlighted local companies that have achieved impressive revenue gains over a five-year period in business, real estate, technology, health care, marketing, retail, logistics and more. As such, the project annually offers a reliable snapshot of the regions growth sectors. Determining the Fast 50 is a multistep process in which companies are subject to a rigorous financial inspection including: verifying the growth rates on the applications, 5-year change in revenue, and verifying the overall financials of figures listed by applicants. i2x, the leader in automated real-time communications analysis, today announced the launch of its speech technology research lab. The new i2x lab will address current challenges in data science, with a focus on natural speech recognition and speech technologies. The outputs from the lab will be used by sales and service professionals to improve conversion rates, increase customer satisfaction, and reduce onboarding time. The department will be led by Ilya Edrenkin, CTO of i2x and former head of speech technology at Yandex. As part of this announcement, i2x also welcomes Lutz Finger, Data Scientist in Residence at Cornell University and former director of data science at Snap Inc., and LinkedIn. Between 2013 and 2016, Finger was responsible for many of LinkedIn's data analytics initiatives, including the Economic Graph Challenge, a digital mapping of the global economy based on LinkedIns three billion global users. He teaches "Designing Data Products" at Cornell University in the US, advises Deutsche Bank and Postbank, and supports multiple data-centric companies. Finger will draw on his extensive experience in high-volume data analytics and machine learning to drive i2xs research both conceptually and strategically. The proliferation of consumer technology platforms, such as Apples Siri and Amazons Alexa, has made the complex field of speech recognition and processing more relevant than ever, with implications spanning a wide variety of enterprise applications.The aim of Edrenkin and Fingers research will be to further develop speech recognition and conversation analysis technology and work on overcoming existing barriers in machine learning. Learnings from the research will form the basis for future development of i2xs world-class AI platform for sales and service agents. "For the past two years, the i2x team has focused on creating a platform that improves human- to-human interaction through advanced speech recognition technology and machine learning, said Michael Brehm, founder and CEO of i2x. Thanks to the expertise of Mr. Edrenkin and Mr. Finger, we will gain a new depth in understanding of the power of AI for business, helping sales and support managers more easily track, measure, and improve agent performance through real-time feedback. i2x was founded in 2015 by Michael Brehm, tech entrepreneur and founder of Rebate Networks, a global e-commerce network with more than 10,000 employees. The i2x platform offers the most robust set of features for sales and service teams, focused on the specific needs of managers and agents. This includes real-time advice, instant after-call feedback, and support for multiple languages. Built on a fit-for-purpose ASR (automated speech recognition), using a high-volume data set from nearly 1 million transcribed phrases, i2x is designed specifically for the teleworker use case. Additionally, i2x gives users real-time feedback - so they never have to wait for a lost sale to assess, learn, and improve. About i2x i2x is augmenting human-to-human interaction for sales and customer support. Built on a fit-for-purpose speech recognition technology that harnesses the power of AI to analyze complex conversations, i2x users can assess, learn, and improve in real-time. With its unique ability to evaluate voice and speech patterns within a conversation, i2x helps sales and service professionals improve conversion rates, increase customer satisfaction, and reduce onboarding time. i2x was founded by technology entrepreneur Michael Brehm in 2015. The company currently has over 30 employees and is headquartered in Berlin, Germany. To learn more about i2x, visit https://i2x.ai/ or @i2x_ai on Twitter. Yampy's Coffee Crepes and Cocktails Steamboat Springs, Colorado We liked the idea of using Crimson Cup because they provided structure, but also the freedom to develop our own offerings. Columbus, Ohio coffee roaster Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea recently welcomed Yampys Coffee Crepes and Cocktails to the group of independent coffee shops, cafes and bakeries it supports in 36 states. The shop at 910 Yampa in Steamboat Springs, Colorado was one of 20 new independent coffee shops that opened in 2017 through Crimson Cups 7 Steps to Success coffee franchise alternative program. Were excited to welcome Michaela and Jenner Kosmis and their team to the Crimson Cup community, said Greg Ubert, founder and president. Helping small business owners develop unique concepts is a big part of our mission as a coffee roaster and coffee shop franchise alternative. The Kosmis learned how to open a coffee shop through Crimson Cups 7 Steps to Success coffee shop franchise alternative program. Based on Uberts Book, Seven Steps to Success in the Specialty Coffee Industry, the program has helped hundreds of independent coffee shops develop into thriving businesses over the past 27 years. We liked the idea of using Crimson Cup because they provided structure, but also the freedom to develop our own offerings, Michaela Kosmi said. Located across the street from the Yampa River, Yampys front-window view features ski jumps where many local skiers and national Olympians train for competition. The new coffee shop serves a full menu of hot, iced and frozen espresso drinks including mochas, lattes and cappuccinos as well as iced coffee and tea, cold-brewed coffee, hot chocolate, fruit smoothies and other custom drinks. Its brew bar offers Crimson Cup Nitro cold brew on tap as well as pour-over craft coffees prepared using French Press, AeroPress and Chemex brewing systems. In a unique twist, Yampys complements its coffee menu with an extensive selection of creative alcoholic cocktails. Sweet and savory artisanal crepes, breakfast sandwiches and pastries round out the menu. Ubert said that Crimson Cup supports independent coffee businesses like Yampys from concept through success. Company statistics show that over 85 percent of new businesses that open through Crimson Cups 7 Steps to Success coffee franchise alternative program are still in business five years after opening. We believe that our company only succeeds when our customers do, he said. As a result, Crimson Cup supports coffee shop owners at every step from scouting a great location and writing a coffee shop business plan to planning a menu, choosing equipment, hiring staff and providing comprehensive training. To support customers ongoing success, we supply award-winning wholesale coffee beans, coffee shop supplies, marketing support and ongoing training, he added. Our coffee-buying team travels more than 45,000 miles annually to bring back the finest coffee beans available to our customers, and our Innovation Lab team works every day to create new and better coffee drinks. About Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea Columbus, Ohio coffee roaster Crimson Cup Coffee & Tea is Roast magazines 2016 Macro Roaster of the Year. Since 1991, Crimson Cup has roasted sustainably sourced specialty and craft coffee in small batches, which it sells directly to consumers and as wholesale coffee beans. The company also teaches entrepreneurs to run successful coffee houses through its coffee franchise alternative program, which includes a coffee shop business plan. Crimson Cup coffee is available through a community of more than 350 independent coffee houses, grocers, college and universities, restaurants and food service operations across 36 states, Guam and Bangladesh, as well as the companys own Crimson Cup Coffee Houses. To learn more, visit crimsoncup.com. I am once again honored to be named a Top Patient-Rated Dentist for Atlanta. I am committed to upholding my reputation within the community and pursuing excellence with each patient I treat, says Dr. Suway. Dr. Wayne Suway is a seasoned dentist with the ability to provide both basic and advanced dental care to patients in the Atlanta, Marietta, Smyrna and Vinings area. Dr. Suway is most known for his renowned skill and expertise in dental implants, cosmetic dentistry and senior dentistry. He carries over 30 years of practice experience and has earned countless awards and credentials in his specialty field. In fact, Dr. Suway is a diplomat of the International Congress of Oral Implantology, an Associate Fellow of the American Academy of Implant Dentistry and has received the prestigious honor of a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry. The office of Wayne G. Suway, DDS, MAGD is located at 1820 The Exchange SE, #600 in Atlanta, GA 30339. Dr. Wayne Suways extensive training and experience are met with a high patient satisfaction rate. Recently, Find Local Doctors has recognized the number of favorable reviews and superior ratings from Dr. Suways patients, which were left across multiple credible online review sources. This allowed Find Local Doctors to award Dr. Wayne Suway with the honor of being a 2018 Top Patient-Rated Atlanta Dentist. Find Local Doctors is an established online directory that helps users easily locate qualified and reputable physicians and dentists in their area. The high accolades and five-star ratings that were given for Dr. Wayne Suway include consistent remarks about his compassionate nature, his pristine office environment and his state-of-the-art services in restorative dentistry. Dr. Suway is highly regarded for his ability to treat the aging adult with a full realm of dental services, which often includes replacing missing teeth with advanced solutions in implant dentistry. Dr. Suway uses state-of-the-art technology, such as the TRIOS Intraoral Scanner and 3D imaging to allow the most precise and successful placement of dental implants. He also offers bone grafting, dental implant repairs, All-on-4 implant dentures and much more. Patients love the convenience of getting start-to-finish dental implants in one location. I am once again honored to be named a Top Patient-Rated Dentist for Atlanta. I am committed to upholding my reputation within the community and pursuing excellence with each patient I treat," says Dr. Suway. More About Dr. Wayne G. Suway: Dr. Suway earned his Doctor of Dental Surgery from Emory University School of Dentistry and received his Bachelors degree from Bucknell University. Dr. Suway also completed a one-year program in implant dentistry under the American Academy of Implant Dentistry at the Medical College of Georgia. In 1999, Dr. Suway was recognized as a Master of the Academy of General Dentistry. Dr. Suway combines more than three decades of experience with extensive training and over 1,000 continuing education hours to provide patients with the highest quality of care possible. The office of Wayne G. Suway, DDS, MAGD offers general, restorative and cosmetic dental services as well as complete implant dentistry and advanced treatments for sleep apnea and TMJ. For more information on the services offered by Dr. Wayne G. Suway, visit http://www.doctorwaynesuway.com or contact his office in Atlanta directly at (770) 953-1752. Leading web and mobile bill payment solution doxo was recently honored as a Gold Stevie Award Winner. With over 3 million users on doxo and more than 45,000 payable billers, were providing users with a better bill paying experience, and billers with a way to get fast, free, direct payments that eliminate the long-term contracts and high integration costs of traditional payment solutions. Leading web and mobile bill payment solution doxo (http://www.doxo.com) has been honored as a Gold Stevie Award Winner, in the Company of the Year category for Computer Services in The 16th Annual American Business Awards this week. Nicknamed the Stevies for the Greek word meaning crowned, the 2018 awards were presented to winners at a gala ceremony at the Marriott Marquis Hotel in New York on Monday, June 11, 2018. The American Business Awards are among the U.S.A.s premier business awards programs, and all organizations operating in the United States are eligible to submit nominationsboth public and private, for-profit and non-profit, and large and small. doxo was nominated and then honored with a Gold Stevie in the Company of the Year category for Computer Services among the more than 3,700 nominations from organizations of all sizes and in virtually every industry submitted this year. More than 200 professionals worldwide participated in the judging process to select this years Stevie Award winners, and during the evaluation process, judges complimented doxos solution to securely pay all your bills with a single account as a clear need. Through being able to use any payment type and help with payment-tracking, reminders, and auto-pay, doxo has taken the task of paying your bills and made it better. Additionally, judges hailed doxos growth as clearly a very successful 2017 for this company. Were honored and delighted to have been singled out for a 2018 Gold Stevie Award for Company of the Year, for Computer Services, commented Steve Shivers, CEO and co-founder of doxo. With over 3 million users on doxo and more than 45,000 payable billers, were providing users with a better bill paying experience, and billers with a way to get fast, free, direct payments that eliminate the long-term contracts and high integration costs of traditional payment solutions. The nominations submitted for The 2018 American Business Awards were outstanding. The competition was intense, and those recognized as Stevie Award winners should be immensely proud of this accomplishment, said Michael Gallagher, president and founder of the Stevie Awards. Details about The American Business Awards and the list of 2018 Stevie winners are available at http://www.StevieAwards.com/ABA. doxo also provides turn-key bill payments capabilities to billers seeking to expand or replace existing online payment tools. Benefits include: A simple, mobile-friendly payment experience for the billers customers Faster payment receipt overall through direct electronic payments (3 to 5 day acceleration versus mail) Consolidated ACH, credit, or debit card payments, with more payment options to be added soon. Real-time visibility to pending payments and daily reconciliation data Fewer customer missed delivery dates and/or mail delivery issues Mobile field payment solutions for field agents and in-office payments Business flexibility, with simple no-minimum, non-exclusive, month to month agreement terms Through doxo, large businesses like Mountaineer Gas (https://www.doxo.com/info/mountaineergas), National Grid (https://www.doxo.com/info/nationalgrid), and Puget Sound Energy (https://www.doxo.com/info/pse), as well as many other regional and local service providers in finance, utilities, healthcare, telecom, banking, insurance and other sectors are getting fast, direct paymentsa process that also directly leads to a lower customer care incidence rate and cost per customer. For more information on doxo for business, visit http://www.doxo.com/business. About doxo Headquartered in Seattle, doxo makes it simple for consumers to manage and pay their bills in one place. To date, doxos over three million users across the country have added more than 45,000 payable billers to the doxo biller directory, making doxo the first crowd-sourced, customer-centered payment solution for the bills which comprise more than half of U.S. household spending. Doxo also recently announced a partnership to enable Coinstar customers to pay their bills in cash at more than 7,000 kiosk locations nationwide. Billers wishing to enroll in doxos payment network to receive cash payments made at Coinstar kiosks or learn more can visit http://marketing.doxobusiness.com/coinstar-for-billers. Founded in 2008, doxo is backed by leading venture investors including Mohr Davidow Ventures, Sigma Partners, and Bezos Expeditions. For more information about doxo visit http://www.doxo.com. About the Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in seven programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 10,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 60 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Sponsors of The 2018 American Business Awards include HCL America, John Hancock Financial Services and SoftPro. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com. For more information about doxo, please contact us at (206) 319-0097, Extension 3, or via press [at] doxo [dot] com. # # # The glass-bottomed bridge of Zhangjiajie City, in central Chinas Hunan Province, was awarded the Arthur G. Hayden Medal at the International Bridge Conference on June 12, Xinhua News reported. Sponsors of the conference noted that the bridge provides a solution to connect culture and nature, and demonstrates both innovation and imagination. The bridge is 430 meters long and 6 meters wide, with a glass-bottom walkway suspended 300 meters above the Zhangjiajie Grand Canyon at Wulingyuan Scenic and Historic Interest Area. It offers people the incredible feeling of walking in the air. Comprising of 99 panes of three-layer transparent glass, the bridge set many world records for design and construction. Other Chinese bridges including the Wuhu second Yangtze River highway bridge, Beipanjiang Bridge and the Yachihe Bridge all gained awards at the conference, along with Chinese bridge designer Xu Gongyi. More and more Chinese bridges have won global recognition in recent years, with growing innovative awareness and ability of Chinese bridge engineers, said Helena Russell, a judge at the event. Since 2003, the medal has been awarded annually to demonstrate innovation in special use bridges such as pedestrian, people-mover and non-traditional structures. DocLink can provide greater visibility, access and control of ANY documents from ANY department, making interactions with customers, vendors, partners and employees so much more effective. Companies can work smarter, not harder using DocLink. Altec, a leader in enterprise document management and process automation solutions, is in Vancouver, Canada today sponsoring the Encore Business Solutions Elevate 2018 conference. As a premiere Microsoft Dynamics partner in Canada, Encore is hosting this conference for Dynamics ERP users and administrators, providing multiple tracks of education and connection for attendees. Scott Hall, Altecs Northwest Sales Director, will be exhibiting at the conference, discussing and demonstrating how DocLink allows users to fully utilize and enhance their Dynamics environment to automate and streamline document-intensive processes, such as AP. DocLink is an essential tool that helps companies go digital by connecting their people, processes and data for competitive advantage. Hall comments, Going paperless is just the first step a company can take in making a digital transformation, but its an absolute necessity so that all documents can be easily accessible by anyone, anywhere, at any time. I am looking forward to the opportunity to share with Encore customers how DocLink can provide greater visibility, access and control of ANY documents from ANY department, making interactions with customers, vendors, partners and employees so much more effective. Companies can work smarter, not harder using DocLink. About Altec Altec is a leading provider of integrated document management and process automation solutions. Its flagship product, DocLink, helps companies connect people, processes and data providing them with the ability to store, search, retrieve and send any document securely. DocLink effectively eliminates the need for paper while automating processes that improve organizational efficiency and reduce costs associated with human errors. With thousands of customers globally, Altec enjoys collaborative partnerships with Sage, Microsoft, Acumatica, Intacct, Key2Act, SAP B1, AmTech, and Epicor that deliver flexible, comprehensive solutions to adapt to an ever-changing global market. Learn more at http://www.altec-inc.com. # # # Vitamin T is proud to announce that it has been named the recipient of a 2018 Comparably Award: Best CEOs for Women. Vitamin T is humbled by this recognition as it illustrates the company's desire to be a positive driver of workplace excellence. According to Jason Nazar, CEO of Comparably, 2018 is the year in which women across the country stood up and spoke out against gender discrimination, pay inequality, and harassment in the workplace." He further explained: Comparably's Best CEOs for Women awards recognize the leaders that female employees ranked as the best of the best. These CEOs create cultures that support and encourage women, and we hope they will motivate other leaders to do the same." Comparably provides data on careers, compensation, and culture, and it is internationally recognized for its monitoring services. In establishing its Leadership Awards, Comparably gathered data for participating employees between May 2017 and May 2018. Vitamin T is proud to be included among other first-rate companies that are doing their part to create an equal environment where women and men can showcase their talents and evolve to reach their potential. According to Susie Hall, Vitamin T president, Vitamin T is especially pleased to have won this recognition because it was based on actual employee input. It means a lot to know that we are creating the type of workplace where women can thrive." Comparably created a survey that asked employees pointed questions about workplace culture, salary, and more. Participants paid no fees to be part of the survey. Comparably required large companies with 500 or more employees to have at least 50 willing survey participants, while medium / small companies with less than 500 employees were required to have at least 15 willing survey participants. Answers to survey questions were given a numerical score and then compared to the scores of U.S. companies of similar size. In the end, Comparably compiled its results from a whopping 3 million ratings gathered from 30,000 companies spread throughout the United States. Other companies that have been recognized by Comparably for their positive work environments for women include Costco, T-Mobile, Google, Adobe, Home Depot, Amazon, Faithlife, SmartBug Media, VOX Network Solutions, and Wibbitz. For more information about Comparably, visit their website at: https://www.comparably.com/about-us. About Vitamin T Vitamin T is the talent agency for digital creatives. We personally meet each of our candidates face-to-face and conduct hands-on assessments and full portfolio reviews to ensure our talents skills are best in class. We provide subsidized medical, dental, and vision benefits, as well as a 401(k) plannot to mention free online training through Aquent Gymnasium. And because were local, youll always have highly qualified candidates as fast as humanly possible. To learn more, please visit: https://vitamintalent.com. Contact Details: Tim Donnelly, Media Contact Phone: 323.475.7372 Email: tdonnelly(at)vitamintalent.com Address: Vitamin T 5670 Wilshire Blvd #1000 Los Angeles, CA 90036 Web:https://vitamintalent.com Source: Vitamin T The National Life Group Foundation has donated $50,000 to Communities in Schools Dallas Region to support the agencys mission to help children stay in school. The money given to Communities in Schools Dallas Region will fund academic and support staff for at-risk students during the 2018-2019 academic school year. More than 63,000 students will have access to help on their campus because of the contribution. In addition to financial support through its Foundation, National Life has an annual giving tree in its Texas offices at the holidays so that company employees can give clothing and toys to vulnerable children identified by Communities in Schools Dallas Region. As the population of the Dallas area grows, so do the issues that students face, said Foundation President Beth Rusnock. Were impressed with the work CISDR does to help students, educators and families and are pleased to be able to support them with this donation. National Life Group has a campus in Addison, Texas. The National Life Group Foundation helps build healthy and vital communities by supporting organizations and initiatives that make a positive difference. June 13, 2018 Contact: Ross Sneyd, corporate communications, National Life Group, 802.229.3866. National Life Group is a trade name of National Life Insurance Company, Montpelier, Vt., Life Insurance Company of the Southwest, Addison, Texas, and their affiliates. Each company of National Life Group is solely responsible for its own financial condition and contractual obligations. Life Insurance Company of the Southwest is not an authorized insurer in New York and does not conduct insurance business in New York. Equity Services, Inc., Member FINRA/SIPC, is a Broker/Dealer and Registered Investment Adviser affiliate of National Life Insurance Company. All other entities are independent of Equity Services, Inc. National Life Group Foundation 1 National Life Drive Montpelier, Vermont 05604 TC95211(0417)3 OPM Asia will establish a world-class biomedical manufacturing and market development operation in Japan for the Asian territory, and under the terms of the engagement, Mr. Jennewine will serve as OPM Asias Executive Vice President of Sales and Marketing. His objective is to identify partnering opportunities with Asian medical technology manufacturers that will generate near-term profitable growth as well as establish OPMs 3D printed OsteoFab implantable devices and OXPEKK biomedical materials as technologies of choice in Japan and throughout Asia. Mr. Jennewine will begin by focusing on sales and marketing opportunities in Japan, China, Korea and Taiwan. Were very excited to have Curt Jennewine lead our commercial efforts in Asia, said Scott DeFelice, Chief Executive Officer of Oxford Performance Materials and OPM Asia. Curt has demonstrated an impressive 20-year track record of commercial success for leading medical technology companies, with over 12 of those years in Asia. Curt has strong existing relationships with OPM Asia target customers, and his fluency in Japanese will facilitate the quick and effective growth of our Japanese business. We established OPM Asia to enable a broad introduction of OPMs technology in Asia, and Curt has the perfect set of skills to accomplish that goal. Mr. Jennewine commented, The increasing conversion to OPMs PEKK-based products in the United States provides early Asian adopters with an outstanding opportunity to differentiate their portfolios and win share from their competitors. Research has shown that OPMs 3D printed OsteoFab implant surface technology provides strong osteoconductive as well as antibacterial characteristics. This technology offers significant, unique value to the patients, physicians and health care systems that adopt it. In the past Mr. Jennewine has held executive and leadership positions at companies such as Zimmer, Abbott, Acumed and Guidant. Mr. Jennewine earned his undergraduate degree at Duke University and his MBA at Northwesterns Kellogg School of Management. As previously announced in March, OPM was granted Accreditation of Foreign Medical Device Manufacturer status by the Japanese Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. OPM Asia is scheduled to establish its Japanese manufacturing facility in late 2018 with products commercially available to the Asian market in Q2, 2019. About OPM Asia OPM Asia is a partnership between Oxford Performance Materials, Inc. (OPM), a leader in advanced materials science and high performance additive manufacturing (HPAM), and Tokyo-based JSR Corporation (JSR), a leading materials supplier in a variety of technology driven markets. A recognized leader in advanced materials science, OPM was founded in 2000 to exploit and commercialize the worlds highest performing thermoplastics, with a focus on poly-ether-ketone-ketone (PEKK). OPM develops proprietary material, process, and application technologies and applies high performance additive manufacturing (HPAM) to produce fully functional, end-use structural parts. OPM Biomedical is a pioneer in personalized medicine, 3D printing OsteoFab cranial and facial implants as an OEM, and spinal implants and additional products on a contract manufacturing basis. OPM Biomedical is the first and only company to receive FDA 510(k) clearance to manufacture 3D printed patient-specific polymeric implants and has a total of four 510(k) clearances in its portfolio. The OPM Materials business unit develops proprietary OXPEKK thermoplastic products and other materials for biomedical, aerospace, defense, and industrial applications, including OXPEKK-SC and OXPEKK-LTS. For more information, please visit: http://www.oxfordpm.com Company Contact: Bernie Plishtin Oxford Performance Materials 860-656-9446 bplishtin(at)oxfordpm(dot)com "Our schools are critical to shaping young minds and building the next generation of leaders, and SIA is dedicated to working to enhance safety and security in these places of learning." Don Erickson, CEO, Security Industry Association The Security Industry Association (SIA) has announced that its upcoming GovSummit will feature an expanded, half-day format for the popular Secure Schools Roundtable on Thursday, June 28. This session will be held in cooperation with the Congressional School Safety Caucus and co-hosted with Secure Schools Alliance and the Partner Alliance for Safer Schools (PASS). Offering remarks at noon will be special guest Dr. Mick Zais, deputy secretary at the U.S. Department of Education, who serves as director of the Trump administrations newly established Federal Commission on School Safety. Tim Eckersley, senior vice president and president of the Americas at Allegion, will give opening remarks. Special guests attending the roundtable will also include student Jake Glacer of Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, a survivor of the Feb. 14 attack on the school in Parkland, Florida, and his father, Noel Glacer. The roundtable will provide an update of the latest policies, new grant programs and other resources at the federal level to assist schools seeking to bolster the safety and security of their facilities, featuring remarks by officials from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS) and other agencies. Also included will be a comparative analysis of state assistance programs, guidelines and standards presented by the Police Foundation, an overview of the PASS Safety and Security Guidelines for K-12 schools and information on the new NFPA 3000 standard for active shooter/hostile event response. The bipartisan Congressional School Safety Caucus was established in 2016 by Reps. Susan Brooks (R-Ind.) and Rick Larsen (D-Wash.) to support bipartisan solutions to help protect our nation s schools and college campuses through education on best practices, efforts to increase awareness of available solutions, strategies to meet funding challenges and legislation that promotes the adoption of effective school safety and security measures. Our schools are critical to shaping young minds and building the next generation of leaders, and SIA is dedicated to working to enhance safety and security in these places of learning, said Don Erickson, SIAs CEO. We look forward to this discussion featuring school safety experts on how government, industry and the education community can partner to keep our nations students, faculty and school staff safe and secure. This years SIA GovSummit the government security conference hosted annually by SIA will be held in Washington, D.C., on June 27 and 28. The Secure Schools Roundtable will take place on day 2 of the summit in Room HVC 201 at the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. SIA GovSummit brings together government security leaders and private industry technologists for top-quality information sharing and education on security topics affecting federal, state and even local agencies. During the homeland and national security-focused sessions on June 27, attendees will hear keynote remarks from Christopher Krebs, the presidents nominee for undersecretary of DHS National Protection and Programs Directorate, and Soraya Correa, chief procurement officer at DHS, and find specialized sessions on topics such as leveraging the cloud for video and other security applications, policies governing the use of unmanned aircraft systems (UAS) and counter-UAS technologies and real-time situational awareness for border surveillance and other perimeter security applications. To learn more and register, visit govsummit.securityindustry.org. This event is made possible thanks to the following sponsors and partners: Washington Sponsor United Technologies (Lenel and Interlogix); Lincoln Sponsor HID Global; Jefferson Sponsor Johnson Controls; dinner and reception sponsor Allegion; event sponsors AMAG Technology, American Fuel & Petrochemical Manufacturers, Ameristar Security, ASIS International, Axis Communications, BCDVideo, Calpipe Security Bollards, Chenega Security, Christie Digital Systems, Defense Forensics and Biometrics Agency, Gallagher, GSA Schedules Inc., Hanwha Techwin America, DHS Science & Technology, Identiv, Louroe Electronics, Marshalls, Milestone, Nasatka Security, Panasonic, Renova Technology and the Secure Schools Alliance; and industry partner ISC Security Events. Follow SIA GovSummit 2018 on social media using the hashtag #GovSummit18. About SIA SIA (securityindustry.org) is the leading trade association for global security solution providers, with more than 800 innovative member companies representing thousands of security leaders and experts who shape the future of the security industry. SIA protects and advances its members interests by advocating pro-industry policies and legislation at the federal and state levels, creating open industry standards that enable integration, advancing industry professionalism through education and training, opening global market opportunities and collaborating with other like-minded organizations. As a proud sponsor of ISC Events expos and conferences, SIA ensures its members have access to top-level buyers and influencers, as well as unparalleled learning and network opportunities. SIA also enhances the position of its members in the security marketplace through SIA Government Summit, which brings together private industry with government decision makers, and Securing New Ground, the security industrys top executive conference for peer-to-peer networking. Voyageurs National Park Quarter The United States Mint (Mint) joined the National Park Service today to launch the America the Beautiful Quarters Program coin honoring Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota. It is the third America the Beautiful Quarters coin issued in 2018 and the 43rd release in the series. This latest quarters reverse (tails) design depicts a common loon with a rock cliff in the background. Inscriptions are VOYAGEURS, MINNESOTA, 2018, and E PLURIBUS UNUM. The obverse (heads) design depicts the 1932 restored portrait of George Washington by John Flanagan. Inscriptions are UNITED STATES OF AMERICA, LIBERTY, IN GOD WE TRUST, and QUARTER DOLLAR. A digital image of the quarter is available here. In his remarks during the launch, Mint Director David J. Ryder said, Just as the loons yodels and wails are a distinctive and timeless sound of Northern Minnesotas wilderness and waterways, the Voyageurs quarter will echo the histories and cultures of the people who have been connected here through trade, industry, and recreation. Retired ornithology professor Leland Grim led a festive ceremony that featured musical performances by International Falls natives Gavia Yount and Darcy Sullivan. Boy Scouts of America Troop 150; Cub Scout Troop 145; Girl Scouts of America Troops 1150, 1151, 1153, and 1156; and Veterans of Foreign Wars Color Guard 2948 also participated in the ceremony. Guest speakers were Ida Rukavina, Regional Outreach Director for U.S. Senator Amy Klobuchar; Peter Makowski, Regional Outreach Director for U.S. Senator Tina Smith; Tom Whiteside, who represented U.S. Congressman Rick Nolan; and Park Superintendent Bob DeGross. The beauty and recreational opportunities of Voyageurs National Park in Minnesota make it a fantastic year-round destination for sightseeing, fishing, boating, and hiking, said Secretary of the Interior Ryan Zinke. The park's interconnected lakes, maze of water ways, 2.7 billion year-old exposed geological layers, campsites, and trails are examples of the many treasures and experiences available on America's vast network of public lands. The Mint bookended the coin launch with its customary public coin forum on the eve of the launch ceremony and a currency exchange for $10 rolls of Voyageurs National Park quarters the following day. Products containing the new quarter are available for purchase via the Mints online catalog. Public Law 110-456 authorized the 2009 launch of the America the Beautiful Quarters Program, a 12-year initiative that honors 56 national parks and other national sites. Each year until 2020, the public will see five different national sites depicted on the reverses of the America the Beautiful Quarters coins, with a final coin scheduled for release in 2021. The Mint is issuing these quarters according to the date each location was designated a national site. ADDITIONAL RESOURCES: Additional Contact Information Voyageurs National Park: Tawnya Schoewe, Chief of Interpretation (218) 283-6670 tawnya_schoewe@nps.gov United States Mint Connecting America through Coins The United Nations Foundation today announced a press fellowship to the opening of the UN General Assembly in New York. Selected journalists will have the opportunity to attend the largest annual gathering of heads of state and ministers at the 73rd General Assembly and will take part in exclusive briefings with experts and senior officials working to address pressing global issues and advance the Sustainable Development Goals. The fellowship will offer a stipend to cover travel costs. Programming will take place in New York City during the week of September 23. This years UN General Assembly will take place at a critical time, when challenges to peace, security and development are increasingly interconnected. More than 65 million people have fled their homes due to violence and disaster, while intensified conflicts in countries including Myanmar, Nigeria and Yemen mean 11 million more people faced severe food insecurity in 2017 than the year before. There are threats to global health, with new drug-resistant infections including gonorrhea, Ebola resurfacing in the Democratic Republic of Congo, and tuberculosis exacerbated by poverty in Venezuela. Meanwhile the effects of climate change exacerbate poverty, health and migration challenges, with extreme monsoons in South Asia leaving over 900,000 Rohingya refugees vulnerable to diseases like cholera. Linked challenges like climate change and displacement show that local problems can have global repercussions, and pose major threats to livelihoods and economies, said Rajesh Mirchandani, Chief Communications Officer at the UN Foundation. This fellowship offers journalists the chance to speak directly with leaders on the forefront of building resilience and helping countries deliver progress for their people and our planet. The UN Foundations press fellowship will offer direct access to experts in specially-convened briefings and at events. Additional events taking place during UN Week include the Nelson Mandela Peace Summit and high-level meetings on tuberculosis and peacekeeping. Journalists will also attend the one-day Social Good Summit. The fellowship is intended for journalists interested in the work of the United Nations to address global issues. We welcome applications from journalists filing across all platforms, both traditional and digital. Participants will receive a stipend to cover travel costs. The application can be found here. Application deadline: July 6, 2018. For more information, please contact Serena Jiwani at sjiwani(at)unfoundation(dot)org. About the United Nations Foundation The United Nations Foundation builds public-private partnerships to address the worlds most pressing problems, and broadens support for the United Nations through advocacy and public outreach. Through innovative campaigns and initiatives, the Foundation connects people, ideas, and resources to help the UN solve global problems. The Foundation was created in 1998 as a U.S. public charity by entrepreneur and philanthropist Ted Turner and now is supported by philanthropic, corporate, government, and individual donors. Learn more at: http://www.unfoundation.org. Tracy S. Brala has joined the University City Science Center as Vice President, Ecosystem Development. In this newly created role, Tracy will lead the expansion of Quorum as a significant and sustainable revenue stream for the Science Center. She will also be responsible for ensuring that Quorum and uCity Square are key participants in the regions innovation ecosystem. Tracy has overall responsibility for the Science Centers community engagement strategy and is charged with growing and extending the successful existing Quorum programming and operations, as well as creating new Quorum programming and ensuring the successful launch and implementation of Venture Cafe powered by Quorum. Tracy was most recently the Executive Director for Growth & Strategy for Xfinity services. She and her team were responsible for the creation and launch of several new Xfinity products including Xfinity WiFi Hotspots, the nations largest, fastest WiFi network. Tracys experience also includes a successful career at Campbells Soup Company and the founding of her own consulting company to help businesses grow through product and business development, branding, and marketing. Tracy has served as the President of the Villanova University Alumni Association Board of Directors, on the Villanova University Presidents Advisory Council and founded the Villanova University Alumni Diversity and Inclusion Task Force. She currently sits on the Anne Welsh McNulty Womens Leadership Institute Advisory Board and the Boy Scouts of America Cradle of Liberty Council Board Marketing Committee. Tracy holds a BS, Accounting from Villanova University and an MBA from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. About the Science Center Located in the heart of uCity Square, the Science Center is a mission-driven nonprofit organization that catalyzes and connects innovation to entrepreneurship and technology commercialization. For 50+ years, the Science Center has supported startups, research, and economic development in the life sciences, healthcare, physical sciences, and emerging technology sectors. As a result, graduate firms and current residents of the Science Centers incubator support one out of every 100 jobs in the Greater Philadelphia region and drive $13 billion in economic activity in the region annually. By providing resources and programming for any stage of a businesss lifecycle, the Science Center helps scientists, entrepreneurs and innovators take their concepts from idea to IPO and beyond. For more information about the Science Center, go to http://www.sciencecenter.org. Mobodexter Logo Paasmer has been consistently upgrading their software stack over the past couple of years based on feedback from their IoT developers and clients. Last year, Paasmer extended its reach and support beyond IoT into drone, robotics, and smart city applications. Earlier this year Paasmer made major updates to the Edge Analytics; Edge Machine Learning & Edge Artificial Intelligence software packages with the Paasmer 2.0 release. Today, Paasmer 2.1 launched with an upgraded Machine Learning Developer Kit and enhanced Paasmer Cloud GUI. These new enhancements make it easier for developers to build machine-learning applications on the Edge. Typically, historical data sets and related parameters are used to train machine-learning applications which can take time and be limited; however, by moving machine learning to the edge it allows for faster real-time insights and response to insights, less data transmitted over the network, and reduces bandwidth costs. Data visualization has also been updated in Paasmer Cloud GUI the new update allows developers to choose a different data configuration and presentation for each feed. The following presentation types have been added with the Paasmer 2.1 release: line chart, bar chart, circular gauge, vertical gauge, button and slider bar button. The biggest enhancement made to last years Paasmer 2.0 version was the addition of dockerized architecture on their Edge Software. To accompany the dockerized architecture, Paasmer 2.1 has added functionality to the GUI to manage devices. This new section makes it easier for developers to replace a broken or malfunctioning device without having to buy a new license for faster prototyping and more tests on multiple devices at a time. Shelby Cooper, Marketing Director for Paasmer by Mobodexter says, The new micro-services and enhanced features that launched with Paasmer 2.1 will help our clients have more flexibility, greater scalability, and save up to 75% on their cloud operational costs while improving their control over their data on Edge Devices. The Paasmer platform was already a powerful tool, but as it continues to adapt and add new features, such as the ones added with todays release, Paasmer will continue to push the boundaries of innovation. A pre-installed bundle option of the Paasmer software is available and compatible for all prominent Edge hardware platforms from Intel & ARM. These Paasmer Solution Development Kits can be ordered online here. PAASMER by Mobodexter Mobodexter provides a variety of Edge software products under the PAASMER brand. These products include PAASMER Edge Software, PAASMER IoT Cloud, and PAASMER IoT Blockchain. Ex-Intel veterans founded Mobodexter in 2013. Since its launch, Mobodexter has partnered with many clients from a wide variety of industries such as smart cities, drones, and artificial intelligence. Mobodexter and the PAASMER Platform are continuing to grow by adding new clients and projects. Visit http://www.mobodexter.com for the latest updates and for more information. The best place to start is to get accurate employer census data, first and foremost. The data needs to account for all full-time employees eligible for benefits. Employee Benefit Advisers Open Enrollment Readiness Benchmark (OERB) scores for March show that employers with first-quarter benefit start dates, which represent the preponderance of the employer community, are failing to keep abreast of numerous federal and state regulatory requirements. The March scores, which are based on self-reporting by more than 400 employers, show a low aggregate score of 28 out of 100 for all five open enrollment preparation tasks that the index computes and a composite score of 37 for overall enrollment readiness. With respect to reviewing compliance and eligibility issues, respondents score just 22 out of a possible 100. The Affordable Care Act and its requirements have meant regulatory compliance has become more complex for benefit advisers and their employer clients; they are a key element of a successful open enrollment. For employers, the risk of noncompliance is considerable, with the IRS assessing penalties on the order of hundreds of dollars per employee per violation. And because verifying who should and should not be receiving benefits is central to any compliance effort, failing to identify which employees are no longer eligible for coverage can also lead to inflated benefits costs. To apprise them of these risks, Every adviser needs to have a discussion with their clients about their responsibilities as an employer, notes Jack Kwicien, a managing partner at Daymark Advisors, a Baltimore-based consultancy that works with advisers. For advisers seeking to ensure that their clients remain compliant during their upcoming enrollment periods, The best place to start is to get accurate employer census data, says Scott Wenger, Editorial Director of SourceMedias Employee Benefits group, which includes EBA and Employee Benefit News. First and foremost, he says, the data needs to account for all full-time employees eligible for benefits. This means ensuring that no eligible employee has fallen through the cracks, but also that those that are no longer eligible arent slated to receive benefits. The OERB tallies employer self-assessments in 26 activities that need to be completed in four key stages for a successful open enrollment. No progress receives a score of zero, while completed tasks earn a score of 100. The open enrollment period, which most often takes place in the fall, is a critical time for employers as they look to engage their workforces in health and retirement planning, among other benefits. The Open Enrollment Readiness Benchmark, sponsored by ADP, is a data-based performance benchmark that gauges how prepared employers are for their annual employee benefits enrollment periods. Each month SourceMedia Research and EBA survey more than 400 screened HR and benefits executives at organizations of various sizes and across multiple industries. These professionals are asked to rate their completion levels for 26 activities from selecting health plans to reviewing enrollment metrics that take place during the four critical phases of open enrollment: benefit plan design, enrollment preparation, employee enrollment and post-enrollment analysis. Scores range from a low of zero to a high of 100 and reflect the degree to which an employer considers itself prepared for a particular activity. The activity scores are then averaged to determine scores for each of the four phases and an overall readiness score. A complete analysis of the most recent OERB data is available here. About Employee Benefit Adviser Employee Benefit Adviser (EBA) is the information resource for employee benefit advisers, brokers, agents and consultants, providing the current awareness and perspective they need to anticipate changes in the marketplace and optimally serve their clients. EBA delivers a broad range of critical content, including comparative market data, legal and regulatory updates, the latest products and services, and best practices in benefits delivery including health insurance, vision and dental insurance, and voluntary and retirement benefits. The benefits broker community relies on EBA to stay connected through its website comment forums, its social media communities and live events. About SourceMedia Research SourceMedia Research is a full-service B2B market research service that draws upon SourceMedias market expertise and proprietary database of engaged executives to develop information and insights for clients. SourceMedia Research provides research solutions for marketers, agencies and others targeting sectors such as banking, payments, mortgage, accounting, employee benefits and wealth management. About SourceMedia SourceMedia, an Observer Capital company, is an innovative, growing digital business information and performance media company serving senior-level professionals in the financial, technology and healthcare sectors. Brands include American Banker, PaymentsSource, The Bond Buyer, Financial Planning, Accounting Today, Mergers & Acquisitions, National Mortgage News, Employee Benefit News and Health Data Management. About ADP Powerful technology plus a human touch. Companies of all types and sizes around the world rely on ADPs cloud software and expert insights to help unlock the potential of their people. HR. Talent. Benefits. Payroll. Compliance. Working together to build a better workforce. For more information, visit http://www.adp.com. For more information, please contact: Dana Jackson dana.jackson@sourcemedia.com 212-803-8329 Scott Wenger mailto:scott.wenger@sourcemedia.com 212-803-8796 This year, Patek Philippe got a lot of buzz around the Nautilus perpetual calendar in white gold, the perpetual calendar in platinum with rose gold dial, and the Aquanaut Chronograph. Were you surprised by any of the reactions at Baselworld? We expected a good reaction on the chronograph Aquanaut, specifically with the black strap. But we were shocked by how many people accepted the orange strap from Patek Philippe, which is a little more conservative by nature. They said, Yeah, I would wear that orange strap on a weekend. They were really all in. What complications and styles is Patek Philippe currently focusing on? We happen to be making more travel time and world time watches, so that seems to be a theme that the Sterns want to examine and explore. For us, its a good way to have a very classic looking watch with a little more complication. We also feel like weve overlooked Calatravas, basic round watches, and perpetual calendars. So, we are making a point of talking about them. We make so many supercomplications and those tend to get the most headlines, but we skip over a whole segment of what people maybe can afford, whats a little more realistic. Those more basic models can also attract a younger clientele. What are you doing to reach them? Well, you need to be in a certain financial place in your life in order to spend a reasonable amount on watches. With last years Grand Exhibition in New York, we tried to target the 20-to-35-year-old category a little morejust to get people to understand who we are and learn about the brand, whether you can afford it or not. Just having brand awareness is important at that level. And then, if they get into watches, no matter where they start, hopefully we can become an aspirational purchase. Weve been looking at social media for about five years, and weve been really just dipping in our toe. But for the Grand Exhibition, we did a really targeted Instagram campaign, and the wave just grew empirically. You have to talk to young people where they get their information, and they are getting it from Instagrammaybe not Facebook, so much anymoreand some of the blogs. The trick is that when you go on Instagram, they focus on a few styles. The idea for us is that we are not just about the Millennials and steel. And that is what the young people on Instagram will repost. So, we have to figure out a way to talk about the breadth of the line without ignoring what the young people are actually interested in. Vintage watches have been particularly hot in recent years. Do retailers feel a sense of competitionare they challenged by the auction craze? There are two different things going on. You have the vintage world, which is the true auction scenario. Then, you have what are called pre-owned watches, and that is a whole different world. Its interesting because usually, its people who maybe cant afford to buy a new piece, and they will look at a pre-owned piece. Nautilus 5711 Patek Philippe The pre-owned market is more difficult sometimes because those are barely new pieces. People dont understand why a piece that was sold seven years ago is selling for more than retail, which happens with Patek because of the market values. The ref. 5711 is a great example: It costs $28,000, but you cant get one, so they are on the market for about $50,000 pre-owned. Are retailers expanding on pre-owned in their stores? About 20-to-30 percent of retailers have always had pre-owned. In most cases, they are taking watches back in trade to bring their customers up to another level, and this is how most of the collectors work. And some retailers have made a separate business out of pre-owned. There are no rules; its like the Wild West at this point. For us, its more of an affirmation that there is value in the brand. [From left]: ThunderCat COO Dave Schlosser, CFO Matt Smith, Solutions Architect Dave Swan with wife Jessica, and CEO Tom Deierlein ThunderCat Technology is proud to announce that is has recently been named the winner for Outstanding Corporate Citizen of the Year in the Small Business category. The Northern Virginia Chambers Outstanding Corporate Citizenship Awards honor individuals, businesses and non-profits for above-and-beyond business leadership, employee engagement, and corporate social responsibility (CSR). The Outstanding Corporate Citizen of the Year award is presented to a DC metro region business for outstanding contributions during the past year to employees and the community. To be selected, the company must be a longtime advocate for the community and have a longstanding reputation for above-and-beyond corporate social responsibility efforts. Special consideration is given to applicants that demonstrate collaboration, with other businesses, non-profits, or government, in their corporate social responsibility efforts. This award recognizes excellence in corporate social responsibility, particularly as it relates to the DC metro region. ThunderCat was one of fifteen nominees in the Small Business category. Tom Deierlein, CEO commented on the award; We recently celebrated our tenth anniversary. We have received a variety of awards for economic success. But this special recognition more accurately reflects who we are and how we try to make an impact. This isnt about one employee or a small group. Charity and volunteering is in our DNA. This is a reflection of our values and the character of those work here. By engaging with our community, it allows us to fulfill our purpose. The purpose of ThunderCat Technology is to make the United States a better and safer place for All Americans. We are very proud of our philanthropic efforts. As a Wounded Warrior, two of my primary focuses are helping the families of Wounded Warriors and other Vetrepreneurs. But that is just me, other employees have other passions and other causes they ask us to support and therefore we adopt. We also do more than simple donations we prefer to be engaged as volunteers in the causes we support. Over our history we have worked with a number of causes ranging from breast cancer to autism and non-profits both large and small. For more information on our approach to philanthropy and some of the organization we support visit here: http://www.thundercattech.com/about-us/philanthropy/. In the end we are simply decent people helping others who need help. We do it to make a difference, not for the accolades, but it is certainly nice to be recognized. About ThunderCat Technology Currently ranked #59 on the Solution Provider 500, the award winning ThunderCat Technology is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) that delivers technology products and services to government organizations, educational institutions, and commercial companies. Specifically, ThunderCat is a systems integrator that brings an innovative approach to solving customer problems in and around the datacenter by providing strategies for Data Storage, Networking, Cyber Security, and Cloud Transformations. A proven leader, ThunderCat Technology provides and optimizes technologies from best of breed manufacturers. Clients include DOD, HHS, DHS, VA, Treasury, FBI, State of Virginia, Hawaii Health Systems, and Avery Dennison. http://www.thundercattech.com. About the Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce The Northern Virginia Chamber of Commerce (Northern Virginia Chamber), The Voice of Business in Northern Virginia, is the preeminent Northern Virginia membership organization for businesses to grow through relationship building and partnership engagement throughout the Greater Washington region. 700 organizations and 500,000 employees strong, the Northern Virginia Chamber is the largest chamber of commerce in Northern Virginia and has been working hand-in-hand with regional businesses, government, and academia to build a robust and innovative business community for more than 90 years. To learn more about the Northern Virginia Chamber, please visit http://www.novachamber.org. The full list of winners can be found on http://www.novachamber.org/. "There is always a highly skilled mortgage originator behind the most successful real estate agents in the industry, said Daisy Lopez-Cid, NAHREP President. The superstars in the NAHREP Top 250 are some of the best mortgage originators youll find anywhere in the nation. The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals (NAHREP), in association with RADIAN, released its fourth annual Top 250 Latino Mortgage Originators Report recognizing the top producing Latino mortgage professionals across the United States. The report ranks individual originators based on both number and dollar volume of transactions. For the fourth consecutive year, Wells Fargo led the way as the company with the most honorees, followed by New American Funding and Equity Prime Mortgage. The Hispanic homeownership rate has increased for three consecutive years and access to affordable mortgage credit is essential for those gains to continue. While technology is improving the mortgage process, getting a mortgage remains one of the most stressful and complicated transactions most people encounter in a lifetime. A skillful mortgage originator can sometimes be the difference between a successful purchase transaction and a painful experience. NAHREP salutes the men and women among the Top 250 Latino Mortgage Originators for their hard work and contributions in assisting thousands of individuals to realize their dream of homeownership. "There is always a highly skilled mortgage originator behind the most successful real estate agents in the industry, said Daisy Lopez-Cid, NAHREP President. The superstars in the NAHREP Top 250 are some of the best mortgage originators youll find anywhere in the nation. The Top 250 Latino Mortgage Originators Report was compiled through a self-nomination process reflecting total transactions closed during the 2017 calendar year, then validated by NAHREP through the nominees respective companies. The report represents over $7.39 billion in combined sales volume in 2017. The 2018 Top 10 Latino Mortgage Originators in the U.S. are: 1. Elizabeth Hoeffer Irvine, Guild Mortgage, AZ 2. Alex Varela, PrimeLending, TX 3. Norma Guerrero-Cowes, DHI Mortgage, TX 4. Jorge Montoya, Guild Mortgage, NV 5. Carlos Larrazabal, Sandy Spring Bank, VA 6. David A. Medrano, University Federal Credit Union, TX 7. Armando SanMiguel, Ameris Bank, TN 8. Alfredo Madrid, Supreme Lending, OK 9. Manuel Corral, Golden Empire Mortgage, CA 10. Claudia Reyes, HomeSource Mortgage, TX Among non-depositories, New American Funding topped the list with 39 originators, followed by Equity Prime Mortgage with 12. The overall Top 250 report included representation from 62 companies across 26 states. While mortgage professionals are generally considered to be an aging demographic, only 7.3 percent of the Top 250 Mortgage Originators are over the age of 50. The honorees will be recognized at the 2018 NAHREP National Convention at LATTITUDE in San Diego in September. The convention will be preceded by the Elevate Mortgage Summit, a program designed to provide unique sales training for mortgage professionals featuring content developed for top producers. Some of the individuals on the Top Originators list will be featured at the summit. About NAHREP The National Association of Hispanic Real Estate Professionals, a nonprofit 501(c)6 trade association, is dedicated to advancing sustainable homeownership among Latinos by educating and empowering the real estate professionals who serve them. NAHREP is the premier trade organization for Hispanics and has more than 30,000 members in 48 states and 60 affiliate chapters. For more information, please visit http://www.NAHREP.org. Press Contact: Meghan Lucero NAHREP (619) 719-4807 mlucero@nahrep.org Labor & Employment Shareholder Kelly Dobbs Bunting of global law firm Greenberg Traurig, LLP will be speaking at the 35th Annual Carl A. Warns, Jr. and Edwin R. Render Labor & Employment Law Institute. The two-day event takes place June 28-29, at the Seelbach Hilton in Louisville, KY. Bunting will be a panelist for When Co-Counseling Goes Awry: The Ethical Dilemmas Associated with the Co-Counsel Relationship, June 28, at 4:30 p.m. Hosted by the University of Louisvilles Brandeis School of Law, the institute creates a platform for discussion between academics, government officials, and practitioners. The two-day continuing legal education event brings together local and regional labor and employment attorneys, human resource professionals, union representatives, and other workplace experts. Bunting is a member of Greenberg Traurigs Labor & Employment Practice and co-chair of the firms Labor & Employment Practices Workforce Compliance & Regulatory Enforcement Group. She handles a variety of employment litigation and counseling matters on behalf of employers around the world, including wage and hour class and collective actions; discrimination, harassment, wrongful termination, and whistleblower litigation; non-competition, non-solicitation, FCPA, and compliance issues; and L&E due diligence, employment, and secondment agreements. About Greenberg Traurigs Labor & Employment Practice Greenberg Traurigs Global Labor & Employment Practice serves clients from offices throughout the United States, Latin America, Europe, and Asia. Members of the practice have had numerous trial wins and are frequently called upon to handle complex, bet-the-company, and large high-stake cases, including class and collective actions. On the labor side, a leading group of lawyers regularly represents management with labor-relations matters. Labor & Employment team members assist clients with complex employment issues, and design practical, proactive strategies that can be readily implemented by todays human resources professionals. The practice has been recognized by Law360 as Practice Group of the Year for Labor & Employment (2011 and 2013), and has received a regional award from American Lawyer affiliate, Daily Report, for Litigation Department of the Year in Georgia (Labor & Employment 2015 and 2017). In addition, the practice is recognized by The Legal 500 United States in the areas of Labor and Employment Litigation, Labor-Management Relations, ERISA Litigation, and Trade Secrets Litigation. Visit Greenberg Traurigs Labor & Employment Blog for insights and analysis of the latest labor and employment developments, including legislation, regulations, cases, policies, and trends. About Greenberg Traurig, LLP Greenberg Traurig, LLP (GT) has more than 2,000 attorneys in 38 offices in the United States, Latin America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. GT has been recognized for its philanthropic giving, was named the largest firm in the U.S. by Law360 in 2017, and is among the Top 20 on the 2017 Am Law Global 100. Web: http://www.gtlaw.com Twitter: @GT_Law. The Chianti Classico Consortium (Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico) is thrilled to present the winner of the 2018 Chianti Classico Ambassador competition, the first of its kind in the US. On Tuesday, June 12, Michael Klinger was named Chianti Classico Ambassador 2018 upon the conclusion of an extensive competition, which involved a written exam, a blind tasting, and an interview before a panel of judges. The Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico is a voluntary association that was established in 1924 to promote and protect the wine known as Chianti Classico, originating from the region of the same name, identified by the historic Black Rooster (Gallo Nero) trademark. The competition was created in 2017 as part of the Consorzios effort to elevate understanding and perception of Chianti Classico wines around the world. It began with the election of three Canadian ambassadors in 2017, and is open to full-time wine professionals over the age of 21. Through this annual competition, the Consorzio aims to acknowledge and reward the most qualified candidates in every region where the competition is held, selected each year by the Consorzio. Please join us in congratulating Michael Klinger as Chianti Classicos first ambassador in the United States, said Consorzio Director Carlotta Gori. We are so grateful to all of the qualified professionals who participated in this competition for their commitment to studying and promoting the wines of Chianti Classico. An online exam of 18 multiple choice questions and seven written questions was held on May 14, 2018. The top five scoring candidates were admitted to the second and third round of exams, which occurred in Chicago on June 12, 2018, including a blind tasting and an interview before a panel of judges. The blind tasting consisted of four wines, and the candidates were required to recognize the main features of each wine and answer five questions about them. Following interviews before the panel of judges, Michael Klinger was awarded the title of Chianti Classico Ambassador USA 2018 in a closing ceremony. Klinger will be invited to a five-day tour in Chianti Classico at the Consortiums expense and will receive a stipend for training activities to be carried out in his market sector. The Chianti Classico Ambassadors undertake the responsibility to protect and promote the Gallo Nero brand and the Chianti Classico Consortium in their professional activities, using their experience to raise awareness and knowledge of Chianti Classico wines among trade and consumers around the world. For more information, please contact Josh Zoland of Colangelo & Partners or Silvia Fiorentini of the Chianti Classico Consortium. About the Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico: The Consorzio Vino Chianti Classico exists to protect, oversee, and valorize the Chianti Classico denomination. Since the Consortiums founding in 1924, the organization has changed its name and the design of its logo, but its trademark has always been the historic symbol of the Black Rooster. As one of the premier institutional organizations in the European Union in the grapegrowing and winemaking sector, the Consortium represents 96 percent of the DOCG production. The entire production chain is supervised by a public tracking system, which enables consumers all over the world to check the bottle theyve purchased via the Consortiums website. The Consortium also conducts research and development in the agronomic and enological fields, in collaboration with presitigous educational and research institutes. For more information, please visit http://www.chianticlassico.com. Natasha Owens & Ian Eskelin This new music will serve as a reminder that regardless of the heartache and circumstances, we can let go of the fear and regret that holds us back. There are better days ahead. On the heels of winning Inspirational Album of the Year at this years WE LOVE Christian Music Awards, Natasha Owens is back in the studio with two-time Dove Award Producer of the Year Ian Eskelin (Francesca Battistelli, Point of Grace, 7eventh Time Down) recording the follow up to her critically-acclaimed sophomore album, We Will Rise. In addition to preparing new music for release later this year, the powerhouse vocalist is hitting the road this summer, sharing the stage with some of Christian musics biggest names. "I'm so excited about the new music we're working on," says Owens. "And we're excited to be performing some of it live this summer before dropping a new album later this year." On her first album (2016s "No One But You"), Owens tackled themes of making it through a trial, inspired by the tragic loss of her father. On 2017s "We Will Rise," she gave us hope that there is healing and restoration ahead. Her upcoming third album focuses on what she has learned over the past few years while overcoming her own adversity and getting stronger with each day. Adds Owens, This new music will serve as a reminder that regardless of the heartache and circumstances, we can let go of the fear and regret that holds us back. There are better days ahead. Owens had extensive media coverage for her latest album with television appearances nationwide and an exclusive interview for Fox News Channels FOX411. She also appeared on HLNs Weekend Express in the aftermath of hurricane season, announcing that she would donate all proceeds from the retail sales of We Will Rise through the end of 2017. To date, Natasha Owens Ministries has donated over $50,000 to hurricane relief efforts. Natasha has toured with some of Christian musics bestselling artists, including Michael W. Smith, Jason Crabb and Matthew West. Most recently, Owens crossed the country with 7eventh Time Down, Audio Adrenaline, Greg Sikes and Austin French on the 2017 "God Is On The Move Tour. Upcoming Tour Dates: June 16 - Atlanta Fest at Six Flags Over Georgia - Atlanta, GA June 29-30 - Worship in the Adirondacks - Pottersville, NY (w/ For King & Country, Jeremy Camp, We Are Messengers and more) July 1 - Collins Center for the Arts - Orono, ME (w/ Jeremy Camp) July 2 - The House Of Hope - Latham, NY (w/ JJ Weeks & Austin French) July 3 - Calvary Chapel - North Kingstown, RI (w/ JJ Weeks Band & Austin French) July 5 - Hosanna Church - Oxford, ME (w/ JJ Weeks Band & Austin French) July 6-7 - River Rock Music Festival - Bethel, ME (w/ Danny Gokey, MercyMe, Mandisa, Matthew West and more) July 8 - Goodwill Church - Montgomery, NY (w/ Danny Gokey) July 9 - Christian Fellowship Center - New Bedford, MA (w/ Cloverton) Sept. 14-15 - River Rock Music Festival - Lexington, KY (w/ Bethel Music, For King & Country and more) Sept. 18 - Columbus Baptist Church - Columbus, NJ (w/ Ryan Stevenson and Tony Wolf) Sept. 19 - Woodstock Town Hall - Woodstock, VT (w/ Ryan Stevenson and Tony Wolf) Sept. 20 - Clarks Summit University - Clarks Summit, PA (w/ Ryan Stevenson and Tony Wolf) Sept. 21 - Open Arms Church - Rotterdam, NY (w/ Ryan Stevenson and Tony Wolf) Sept. 22 - Delta Lake Bible Conference Center - Rome, NY (w/ Ryan Stevenson and Tony Wolf) Check out Natashas Fox News Channel exclusive interview: http://video.foxnews.com/v/5535383117001/ Watch Natashas interview on HLNs Weekend Express: https://www.facebook.com/pg/WeekendExpressHLN/videos/ Watch Natasha discuss rising above In-Studio with CCM Magazine: https://youtu.be/DNTc8aHQ32I For more information, visit http://www.natashaowensmusic.com. No idea exactly what's happening on that front. No detailed discussion yet: Virat Kohli on Rahul Dravid being in line to be India head coach. Egypt's Ministry of Education on Wednesday issued a statement mourning the death of Gerges Saber, a secondary student who jumped from the 140-meter-high Cairo Tower on Monday. According to media reports, Saber, 19, missed a number of the highly stressful final secondary exams, which decide students' future courses of study at university. Speaking on Monday night at a ministry event shortly after the news of Saber's death became public, Education Minister Tarek Shawky said that the thanaweya amma exam system "has ruined us all." The minister's comments made on the night of Gerges Saber's death come in response to yearly increasing numbers of thanaweya amma students taking their own lives during the exam season. Saber's apparent suicide is the third such incident since exams started last week. In January 2017, the education ministry introduced the new booklet system, aimed at reducing errors in the correction process and eliminating exam leaks. The new system requires students to provide their answers on the test sheet itself rather than on a separate answer sheet, as per the previous system. Thus far however the step has proved insufficient. Shawky, a strong advocate of the need for a new system of high school education as part of the ongoing education reform initiative, argued on Monday that the way education is popularly understood in Egypt must change to avoid such tragedies in the future. "The importance placed upon chasing a quarter or half mark, or on getting certificates merely to enhance social status while completely ignoring the development of skills, the private tutoring lessons and cheating in and leaking of exams, are all attitudes that must change among Egyptians," the minister said, affirming that the system cannot afford to produce more certificate holders who lack skills. Shawky stressed that the country's interests are not being served by the attitude passed down to most Egyptians towards education. "People in our country know how to go around the education system, they know how to get marks and certificates, with cheating even encouraged by parents. The thanaweya amma has ruined us," Shawky said. The minister referred to the thousands of pounds per year spent by Egyptian parents on private tutoring for their children in an attempt to get them admitted to the countrys top universities, calling it a "pure squandering of the public's funds," as "there are not low-ranking or top universities." In April, Shawky had proposed a system of cumulative grading based on performance in the last three years thanaweya amma to replace the current one-time-test system. The minister said at the time that "it's completely illogical for one year of education to control a student's future." The decades old division of students into either science or humanities tracks is set to be replaced, according to the minister's new plan. "In the new system, every student will get what they deserve: students who don't understand their syllabus won't pass, students who can't read or write won't even reach the preparatory school stage," the minister had argued. However, the minister's proposal has received criticism from many parents and students, and is yet to be discussed by parliament. The minister responded to criticism saying "to those opposing the new system I ask just one question: is a certificate with no meaning all you want for your children?" "We dont want certificates that dont benefit the holder. Excellence means being the best at what you are capable of doing and of what you like doing. If you like music for instance, excellence would mean mastering music, not joining the faculty of medicine or engineering," the minister added. Shawky urged parents to assist the state efforts to reform education, for the sake of upcoming generations. Over the years, dozens of thanaweya amma students have taken their own lives during the course of the final exams, and after receiving undesired marks and under parental pressure to achieve. Last April, Egypt's Ministry of Health released the results of its latest study on the mental health of thanaweya amma students, indicating that nearly 30 percent of students suffer from psychological problems, with 21 percent experiencing suicidal thoughts. Search Keywords: Short link: According to Kerali, the World Banks analysis indicates that the Social Security and National Insurance Trust (SSNIT) is currently spending about 1% of GDP on providing pensions, which support about 0.4% of the population. This, he noted, does not include other pension spending in Ghana for retirees of some of the public services. 20% of Ghanas population will in future need old age support, this will require a proportionately higher expenditure. It is therefore critical to take a close look at what changes might be made now before workers join the system with the expectation of a pension upon retirement, he stated. He made these statements at the Pensions Reform Options Simulation Toolkit (PROST) training in Accra. Minister for Employment and Labour Relations, Ignatius Baffour Awuah also said Ghana was introducing some critical reforms to the pension regime in line with the countrys medium-term development objectives. Thanks for signing up for our daily insight on the African economy. We bring you daily editor picks from the best Business Insider news content so you can stay updated on the latest topics and conversations on the African market, leaders, careers and lifestyle. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! Two new ministers responsible for the country's security were sworn in on Thursday by Egypt's President Abdel-Fattah El-Sisi to be part of the new cabinet headed by PM Mostafa Madbouly. Mohamed Zaki, the former commander of the Republican Guard, was sworn in as defence minister to succeed Sedkyi Sobhy, and Mahmoud Tawfik, head of the country's National Security Agency, was sworn in as the new interior minister, replacing Magdy Abdel-Ghaffar. Zaki was appointed as the head of the Republican Guard in August 2012. He was promoted to lieutenant general in January 2017. Zaki is known for his pivotal role in the June 2013 uprising, which toppled former Islamist President Mohamed Morsi. The new defence minsiter was born in 1956. He served in the infantry and participated in the campaign to liberate Kuwait in 1991. Mahmoud Tawfik was born in August 1961 in Gizah governorate, and graduated from the Police Academy in 1981. Tawfik served in several departments within the ministry, mainly in national and state security departments. He later served as the deputy to the interior minister for national security, before being appointed in October 2017 as the chief of the National Security Agency. The new interior minister is known for his counter-terrorism initiatives and successful dismantling of many terrorist cells in recent years. Search Keywords: Short link: Images of a detention center for immigrant children show the conditions in which nearly 1,500 boys are being sheltered in Brownsville, Texas. A small group of reporters from outlets including MSNBC and The Washington Post were allowed to tour the facility on Wednesday. MSNBC correspondent Jacob Soboroff reported his observations and some pictures of the facility in a lengthy Twitter thread that evening. The Administration for Children and Families at the US Department of Health and Human Services shared the photos with Business Insider on Thursday. Casa Padre, which used to be a Walmart, is operated by Southwest Key, a firm that runs more than a dozen shelters in Texas housing unaccompanied immigrant children, the San Antonio Express-News reports. The organization is contracted by the Office of Refugee Resettlement, a division of HHS that manages minors suspected of crossing the US border illegally and oversees their transfer to family custody or foster care. While some children cross the border illegally without family members, the Trump administration has also implemented what it calls a "zero-tolerance" policy with regard to illegal border crossings by immigrant families. The policy calls for adults to be criminally prosecuted, causing them to lose custody of the children accompanying them. The policy has been deeply controversial and emotionally fraught. Miguel Nogueras, an assistant federal public defender, told CNN that roughly 500 children had been separated from their parents since May. Here are some photos of Casa Padre: Inside the facility, called Casa Padre, are painted murals of presidents that feature quotes, including one in English and Spanish of Trump saying, "Sometimes losing a battle you find a new way to win the war." Nearly every room in the facility houses five children, even though rooms were constructed to house four. Source: The average amount of time children spend at the facility is 49 days. Source: Casa Padre is licensed to house only older children, aged 10 to 17. Shelter staff estimated that 10% of the children currently housed at Casa Padre were separated from their parents at the border the remaining likely arrived in the US unaccompanied. Children were allowed to leave the complex for only two hours each day. Apart from that, they remain indoors, spending time on activities like watching the Disney animated film "Moana" and learning about US history. Source: Their artwork and drawings can be seen scattered throughout the facility, placed atop shelves and hanging above beds. The children are served food by shelter employees out of the part of the building that used to be a McDonald's. Source: They reportedly eat meals such as chicken, vegetables, fruit cups, burgers, and fries. Source: "This place is called a shelter, but effectively these kids are incarcerated," Soboroff said on MSNBC, pointing to photos he took during a tour supervised by HSS. Source: Unidentified children can be seen in the photos with barcodes attached to their wrists here's one boy having his scanned as he stands in line with a tray of food. One of the first things a shelter employee reportedly asked the visiting journalists to do was to smile at the kids because they would otherwise feel like animals locked up in a cage. Source: To accommodate the growing influx of children, Southwest Key is retrofitting some of its facilities with smaller rooms and appliances, such as bathrooms and sinks, the founder and executive Juan Sanchez said. Source: The arrest of 45-year-old Achegbulu Paul follows a recent incident in which a 17-year-old donated four pints of blood at a go and subsequently had to be rushed to the hospital, apparently because he had lost too much blood. The teenagers mother told police her son fell sick and looked like a corpse. Africafeeds.com reported that prior to his arrest, Achegbulu Paul paid about $5.50 per pint to donors and sold it for $19 to those in need of blood, making so much profit. Though the suspect is a trained lab technician, concerns have been raised about the likelihood of people who patronise his product being infected with some disease, because he did not subject the donors to any screening. In an interview with Joy News, he accused the Ministry of sabotaging a $55 million project in which the facility would benefit from 20,000 beds so as to line their pockets. He argued that the Health Ministry has not prioritised the project which was secured over five years ago. He said described the situation as sad since it can be said to be one of the many reasons for needless death. Tuesday was the second day I shed tears because some people paid with their lives for small things we have failed to fix as a country. When Joy News reported the death of a 70-year-old man who died because he did not get a bed after going around seven hospitals in the capital, I was upset, he said. He said that the Saudi Kuwait government donated over $55 million to build a modern-day Accident and Emergency Centre for KBTH. However, Dr Anyaah said that some officials at the Health Ministry are withdrawing from the account. READ ALSO: Two churches charged with illegal connection of power For almost six years, people are sitting down chopping from this account he said. He cited a document from the Foreign Affairs Ministry which was cautioning the Health Ministry of unduly withdrawing from a Kuwait government donation funds. A statement from Google announced that the artificial intelligence centre will be opened in Accra later this year. When opened, the centre will collaborate with local universities, research centres and policy makers to solve artificial intelligence problems. "Were committed to collaborating with local universities and research centers, as well as working with policy makers on the potential uses of AI in Africa," a statement from Google said. Head of Google, Sundar Pichai said the multinational technology company is "really looking forward" to opening the centre in Ghanas capital. Excited that we'll be opening a new center in Accra, Ghana - really looking forward to our research teams solving challenges with AI for Africa and beyond, he wrote on Twitter. Executive Director of STRANEK, Nii Tettey Tetteh, said the suit filed at the law courts is to seek interpretation on what qualifies to be considered for the citizenship of a Ghanaian. Speaking on Accra-based 3FM, he said what the NIA is trying to do is "unconstitutional, null and void". He said it will take only the courts to interpret articles 6 and 42 of the 1992 Constitution. The NIA per the National Identification Amendment Law, 2017 or Act 950 requires a Ghanaian passport, a birth certificate or two Ghanaian witnesses for the registration of citizens for the new cards. Earlier, the Minority in Parliament said these requirements will make it impossible for most Ghanaians to register because not too many people have a passport and also a biometric birth certificate. READ MORE: Minority boycott Ghana Card registration exercise They were arrested during a revenue mobilisation exercise undertaken by officials of the ECG, in collaboration with the police, including two churches in Kumasi to recover debts owed the company by consumers. READ MORE: ECG drags 425 defaulting customers to court The operation which was conducted by the Suame Service Centre of the company was in areas such as Kronum, Afrancho and Kwapra. Briefing the press, the Ashanti Regional Communications Manager of ECG, Erastus Kyere Baidoo, said all those arrested were people who were disconnected for non-payment but reconnected themselves illegally. He said the offenders were mainly residential users, enterprises and churches. According to him, all the 12 offenders owed collectively GH150,000. READ MORE: ECG busts three entertainment spots for illegal connections It said three people were killed and nine wounded in an "incident" that took place afterwards. It did not confirm reports that a shooting had taken place. Reports said those killed were shot dead in the clashes at Suruc in the Sanliurfa region, although rival sides gave starkly contrasting versions of events. The incident added to tensions ahead of the June 24 elections, where Erdogan will seek a second term as president and also a thumping majority in parliament. Both the Anadolu and Dogan news agencies said there was a shooting and video reports from the scene published by Dogan contained the sound of gunfire. The lawmaker escaped unharmed, the reports said, but the identity of all the victims was not immediately clear. There were conflicting reports about the circumstances of the killings, with pro-government media saying Yildiz and his supporters came under attack from opponents armed with knives and sticks. The state-run Anadolu described it as an attack against the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and added that among those killed was the MP's brother. It claimed that supporters of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) were among those involved in the attack. "I strongly condemn this hideous attack," Erdogan's spokesman Ibrahim Kalin wrote on Twitter. "The circumstances of the incident will be revealed and perpetrators brought to justice," he added. 'Sad events before polls' But unconfirmed reports on pro-Kurdish media blamed the MP's bodyguards for the attack, after he was met with hostility during the visit to the shopkeepers. "We are faced with very sad events with just days to go before June 24," said the HDP's co-leader Pervin Buldan. "We see that some are trying to incite the people with provocations," she added, condemning those behind the killings. Suruc, a mainly Kurdish town, was the scene of a bombing on July 20, 2015, blamed on so-called Islamic State (IS) jihadists that killed 34 people and wounded about 100. That bombing sparked huge tensions in Turkey at the time, with many Kurdish activists taking to the streets and accusing the government of not doing enough in the fight against IS. Turkey is entering what is expected to be a tense final week of campaigning ahead of the polls. Analysts are forecasting that the parliamentary and presidential elections will be tight, with Erdogan possibly forced into a run-off and with his ruling party at risk of losing its overall majority in parliament. One of the crucial questions will be whether the HDP is able to exceed the 10 percent threshold needed to win seats in parliament. If it does, the AKP's chances of winning an overall majority will be sharply reduced. Pompeo appeared with Wang in Beijing's Great Hall of the People for a brief press conference, where the two discussed the prospects for cooperation on ending Pyongyang's nuclear weapons programme. But while the two world powers have worked together to pressure Pyongyang, their relations have becomes faced increasing tensions on other issues. One particular sore spot has been the massive trade imbalances between the two countries, a bone of contention for Trump. "Our deficit with China is still too high," Pompeo warned, adding the issue was a key concern for the US president, who will decide Friday whether to impose tariffs on billions of dollars of Chinese imports. "We hope the US will meet the Chinese half way and use a win-win, instead of lose-lose approach," Wang said, imploring Washington to refrain from "creating further obstacles to our cooperation". The two sides also aired grievances over security issues, with Wang saying he had "expressed grave concerns" over recent US actions on Taiwan, which China sees as a breakaway province. Beijing has consistently opposed moves by the Trump administration to strengthen ties with the self-ruled island, which split from the mainland in 1949. Two days after the US opened a de facto embassy in Taipei, Wang said he had urged the US to "stop official exchanges and all military links with Taiwan". For his part, Pompeo said he had "reaffirmed our concern with respect to China's efforts to build and militarise outposts in the South China Sea, endangering the free flow of trade, and threatening the sovereignty of other nations and undermining regional stability". Beijing has transformed reefs and islets in the resource-rich region's waters into artificial islands capable of hosting military facilities. China had pledged it would not militarise the area, where it has overlapping claims with Vietnam and the Philippines, among others. But the US has accused Beijing of breaking that promise by deploying a range of military hardware including anti-ship missiles, surface-to-air missiles and electronic jammers across the region. "To this figure, we must add 250,000 Colombians who have returned. So more than a million people have entered the country from Venezuela in the last 16 months," according to a statement from the agency charged with registering these migrants. She won over would-be rebels with a pledge that the government would address their concerns about having a "meaningful vote" in the event of a no-deal scenario. But an amendment issued Thursday detailing what must happen if the withdrawal agreement or future relationship with the EU is deadlocked on January 21, 2019, failed to appease MPs. It would give them a vote on only a "neutral" motion confirming that they have considered an unamendable statement by a minister on the issue. The document drew instant rebuke from leading pro-Remain MPs from both May's ruling Conservative party and opposition ranks. "It is unacceptable in my view," leading pro-EU Tory Dominic Grieve told Britain's Press Association. "It totally negates the point of the amendment, which was to give MPs a say." He added that the final text of the amendment, which had been tabled in the House of Lords at the last possible moment, had been changed from wording which he believed had been earlier agreed. Shadow Brexit secretary Keir Starmer said the amendment was "not good enough". "Theresa May has gone back on her word and offered an amendment that takes the meaning out of the meaningful vote," he added. "Parliament cannot -- and should not -- accept it." But a spokesperson for the Department for Exiting the EU insisted it had "listened" to the rebels' concerns in the amendment and given MPs the chance to vote under several different scenarios. "But this remains hypothetical and the Government is confident we will agree a good deal with the EU which Parliament will support," it added in a statement. The row heightens the chance of a stinging defeat for May over the EU Withdrawal Bill in the coming weeks ahead of a crunch summit of European leaders in Brussels on June 28. A man stabbed two people to death and wounded two others in an attack Thursday at a mosque in South Africa before being shot dead by police, officers said. Police have surrounded the building in Malmesbury near Cape Town outside which a body lay under a tree and a penknife had been discarded nearby, said an AFP correspondent at the scene. The attacker's motive remains unclear. It comes just a month after a deadly stabbing at another South African mosque which police said had "elements of extremism" and left an Islamic leader dead. Police were alerted by early morning worshippers and arrived at Malmesbury's mosque to find two people had died of stab wounds, Western Cape police spokeswoman Noloyiso Rwexana, told AFP. "The suspect, believed to be in his thirties and armed with a knife, charged at the police who tried to persuade him to hand himself over," she said. "He ignored the calls and tried to attack police. He was shot dead." Rwexana said police are now "combing the scene for clues". Local media said the suspect was Somali, but police have not confirmed this. Zainab Bassa, the wife of 72-year-old Ismail Bassa who was killed in the attack, told AFP that her husband of more than 30 years was "slaughtered" as he prayed. "My husband talked to everybody, he loved kids, it's a great loss for me, as well as for the community, to pass away in a masjid, murdered, slaughtered," said Bassa, 59. "That was his second house -- you would always find him in the mosque. He left last night and said 'I'm going now, I'll buy you another Eid dress'." Two other people were wounded and are being treated in hospital. The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), which represents the Muslim community in South Africa, said it was "shocked to the core" over the incident, which came at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The MJC appealed to the community not to speculate about the attacker's motives and said its top leadership would travel to the area to assist the community. It comes a month after an attack at a mosque in the town of Verulam, on the outskirts of the eastern port city of Durban. Three unidentified assailants killed a mosque leader on May 10 by slitting his throat and injured two others after midday prayers. The assailants in that attack, who also set off a petrol bomb inside the mosque, escaped in a car and remain at large. Their motive remains unclear, but a police spokesman said at the time that the attack had "elements of extremism. It shows hatred towards the worshippers". The Verulam attack was a watershed moment for South Africa, where about 1.5 percent of the country's 55 million people are Muslim. Asked if Thursday's attack was the first of its kind in the region, police spokesman lieutenant colonel Andre Traut said: "I can't recall of another incident, but all possibilities are being investigated". "It's way too soon to speculate as to a possible motive -- or link with any other incident in the country," he told the eNCA broadcaster. Nick Piper, a director at the Signal Risk security consultancy, described both attacks as "very rudimentary". "Typically, if a transnational group was to conduct a coordinated, planned attack, it would be more sophisticated," he said. South Africa prides itself on religious tolerance and has been spared the extremist attacks that have dogged other countries on the African continent. Ebrahim Rasool, a senior official of the ruling African National Congress party, said that President Cyril Ramaphosa "expresses condolences to the families and the community". "(He) expresses his concern about this plague that is infiltrating the Muslim community of intolerance, killing and real conflict," said Rasool. Search Keywords: Short link: Trump's health, both physical and mental, have been the subject of keen interest in America. He underwent an official physical in January and then White House physician Ronny Jackson described his health as "excellent." When Trump was still a presidential candidate, his then personal doctor Harold Bornstein released a letter on Trump's behalf in December 2015 in which he described the businessman's health in grand hyperbole. It depicted Trumps blood pressure and laboratory results as "astonishingly excellent," his physical strength and stamina as "extraordinary," and said he would be "the healthiest individual ever elected to the presidency." Last month Bornstein told CNN that Trump had personally dictated the letter. Bornstein also said last month that a bodyguard visited his Park Avenue office last year and confiscated the president's medical records. The board of African Development Bank has approved a $15 million equity investment in Africa Food Security Fund (AFSF), to support enterprises in agri-business SMEs and enhance food security in Africa. AFSF aims to address the needs of least served operators in agricultural SMEs segment that are not targets of the larger private equity funds and commercial banks. According to the development bank, the Africa Food Security Fund (AFSF) will invest in potential high-growth Small and Medium Enterprises operating in the food and agriculture value chains across sub-Saharan Africa. Akinwumi Adesina, AfDB President, in his closing remarks at the Board session, reiterated the need to link all efforts on the project to the Technologies for Africa Agriculture Transformation (TAAT) program for productivity enhancement at the upstream level. Africa Food Security Fund focus country With a focus on Sub-Saharan Africa and relying on its presence in South Africa, Ghana and Mauritius, the Fund will invest in undeserved countries such as Senegal, Mali and Rwanda. It is envisaged that the Fund will create at least 20 direct jobs for each $1million invested, benefit over 14000 smallholder farmers with women taking at least 40% of jobs created. In addition to its investments, the Fund will provide post-investment support through a technical assistance facility to investee companies. Zebu Investment Partners will manage the fund because if its experience in food production and processing at the SME level. Investment policy The Funds investment policy entails the deployment of equity or quasi-equity instruments to provide expansion capital in the majority of cases with an average ticket size of $ 6 million to allow for follow-on investments without the need to seek additional external funding. Dangote Group and Globacom Limited, from Nigeria, have emerged among the most admired African brands, of African continent origin, by consumers in the 100 best brands in Africa in 2018. The 100 best brands in Africa themed Brand Africa: 100, the sixth edition organised by the South African based Brand Leadership Movement in collaboration with the Johannesburg Stock Exchange (JSE) was announced on Wednesday, June 13, 2018, in South Africa. The Brand Africa 100 was established in 2010, in recognition of the growth of African brands, which were beginning to challenge global brands in Africa or lead global brands in new categories such as telecommunications. The aim of Brand Africa is to identify, acknowledge and promote African and global brands that are catalysts for Africas growth, reputation and value. The Brand Africa 100 ranking is based on a survey among consumers 18 years and older, conducted in 23 countries across Africa. The countries, representing all African economic regions, collectively account for 75 per cent of the population and the 74 per cent of the GDP of Africa. Anthony Chiejina, Chief Corporate Communication Officer of the Dangote Group, said the management was not surprised at the ranking because the company has continuously deepened and delivered on its core values. The focus of the company, according to him, is to be a world-class enterprise that is passionate about the quality of life of the people and giving high returns to stakeholders. Thebe Ikalafeng, Founder and Chairman of Brand Africa and Brand Leadership said: African brands have an important role in helping to build the African brand." Also READ: Here are the 4 most expensive cities in Africa to eat These rankings are an important metric of the progress Africa is making in creating homegrown world-class brands that are changing the narrative on African completeness, image and reputation and contributing to its socio-economic transformation. The top 5 most admired African brands 1. Nigerias Dangote. 2. Nigeria's Globacom. 3. South Africas MTN. 4. South Africa's Shoprite. The celebrations that come with the end of Ramadan are always beautiful and colourful. Having fasted for a whole month, everyone would like to enjoy some gustatory exercise. Some of us would feel like eating everything that comes our way. Of course, the tongues that have starved for the sake of Allah in the holy month would like to roll down some delicacies on Eid day. In facts, some families would like to taste different dishes, drinks and relax as much as they want. After all, Eid-ul-Fitr is the festival of breaking of fast. However, Eid-ul-Fitr is not all about eating and filling the stomach with varieties of foods the stomach has not had in 30 days. We can eat and drink but this festival shouldn't be wrongly celebrated. Celebrations in Nigeria is often tinged with wastefulness, unlawful (haram) activities, excessive display of wealth and illicit intermingling between men and women. This is the culture of celebration and Eid festivals are no exceptions. The followings are some of the Un-Islamic things we do to celebrate Eid. Sounds and Alcohol It is a way of life to celebrate with music and drinks in this part of the world. In most cases, we believe a party or an event has not held if lewd (haram) songs and bottles are not invited to the occasion. As much as Islam wants us to rejoice, it is not permissible to rejoice the wrong way with obnoxious sounds (music) and alcohol both of which encourage illicit behaviors and unnecessary interactions between men and women. The way some Muslims celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr often suggests we are celebrating a freedom from the shackles of Ramadan. The shackles that stopped us from committing adultery, smoking and committing other sins. All these are not permissible in Islam and since Ramadan stopped us from engaging in these, we should not celebrate the end of the holy month with Allah's prohibitions. At-tabaruj Attending Eid prayer is compulsory for women and since it is a celebration day, it could be an opportunity for many women to display their sense of fashion. Ma sha Allah! Islam wants women to dress decently and appear nice in public but what Islam preaches against is At-tabaruj. At-tabaruj is common among women and it refers to unlawful and excessive display or exposure of their adornment in public. Some women are often tempted to expose their treasures and wear all their trinkets to Eid prayer thinking they are just trying to look good. This is discouraged in Islam as Allah cautioned women in the Qur'an not to display themselves immorally () like that of the days of Ignorance. (Q33vs33) A lot of things constitute Tabaruj in women fashion but that will be a topic for another day In sha Allah. Extravagance Eid-ul-Fitr is not a festival of food. It is not about having too much foods to eat and then throw away the remnants. Even though it is permissible to feast, Allah dislikes those who are extravagant in spending. In fact, it is not permissible for any Muslim to waste anything as cheap and readily available as water. It is always reasonable to exercise restraints in spending money and using resources. This is one of the positions of Islam on our wealth. Thou shall not be wasteful ! Special Prayers: There are so many innovations in Islam today. A lot of practices that were not introduced by Prophet Muhammad have become fashionable among the 21st century Muslims. So, it won't be surprising if someone says there is a special prayer to observe on Eid day apart from the Eid prayer. Watch out for innovation like this. There is no special prayer session recommended or confirmed by the prophet (SAW) on Eid-ul-Fitr day. It is either you stay in your house or have a good, quality time out with your family on this day. Again, there is no special or any special form of worship on Eid-ul-Fitr day. These are some of the prohibitions and innovations with which we celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr in Nigeria. It should be noted that these have no basis in Islam and anything that has no basis in Islam cannot be considered as acts of worship even though it appears like an act of worship. ALSO READ: Also, going beyond the boundaries of Allah isn't a proper way to celebrate or observe his commandment. It is like washing clothes with urine. Finally, Ramadan is leaving for good. Its lessons remain with us. In sha Allah following these lessons would guide us and make us better Muslims. Let us not slip back into sins only to wait for another Ramadan to cleanse us. Only Allah knows the last Ramadan everyone would witness. May Allah accept our Ibaadah. Ameen. The Call for Entry will close on 05 July 2018. The 60 post-school MTF students (20 for each region) will be selected from *13 African countries where MultiChoice operates - will have an exciting opportunity to hone their television and film production skills in the company of industry experts during the year-long programme that will begin on October 1, 2018. The loud chants of a mob seemed to have made them leave the location in silence. This marks hard times for officers who work in the police department which has seen criticism following many reports of abuse. Recently, the Inspector General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris ordered the men to desist from indiscriminate searches on individuals unless deemed necessary. But there have been more reports of harassment since the order was given. ALSO READ: SARS officers bite more than they can chew after slapping soldier Unpopular SARS nearly kill Lagosians shot at around Fela Shrine Some Lagosians are thankful for lives after surviving an attack allegedly launched by operatives of the Federal unit of the Special Anti Robbery Squad (FSARS). This was confirmed in an IG post shared on Tuesday, June 12, 2018. The victims were reportedly shot at around Fela Shrine as revealed in a short footage which showed damages done to a car by bullets believed to be fired by the policemen four days before the report. A voice heard in the clip expressed a feeling of shock while processing the attack by the officers. He gave the directive to the Commissioners of Police in charge of Edo, Delta and Bayelsa, the three states in the zone. The directive was contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Benin by DSP Emeka Iheanacho, the Zonal Police Public Relations Officer, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN). Iheanacho said Akintundes directive was to ensure a hitch-free Sallah celebration. The AIG has directed that emphasis should be placed on all link roads, major highways, city and worship centres, recreation centres, radio and television houses as well as government installation and properties, he said. He also said that the AIG was mindful of the volume of traffic that would be occasioned by the Sallah holiday and advised members of the public to co-operate with policemen deployed for traffic control duties. The AIG, he said, warned officers on Stop and Search operations as well as other crime prevention duties to be courteous, professional and avoid acts that may bring the Force into disrepute. He reminded members of the public that security remains a collective responsibility of all citizens. Leader of the chapter, Mr Ade Omole, stated this in a statement issued by the groups spokesman, Mr Jacob Ogunseye, on Wednesday in Abuja. He said that the conferment of national honours on Chief MKO Abiola, the acclaimed winner of June 12, 1993 presidential election and two others by the president, confirmed that he was a true democrat. Omole pointed out that by the decision, Buhari showed that he had the political will to take actions that would take the country to the promise land. According to him, the oppositions have been sent to the oblivion, and this is not the time to oppose but to join all and sundry to promote the country. He said that Buharis decision to honour the past leaders was not to open up old wounds but basically to correct the wrongs of the past. The groups leader added that the idea was welcomed and cherished by Nigerians in the United Kingdom. We are also confident that its acceptability across the country shows that the leadership is moving towards the right direction, he said. Buhari had at the investiture of the honours in Abuja on Tuesday said the decision to recognise and honour June 12 and its actors, was in national interest. According to him, it is aimed at settling national healing process and the reconciliation of the 25-year pestering wound caused by the annulment of the June 12 presidential election. The president had also pleaded with Nigerians across national divide to accept the decision in good faith. According to him, the President will not need to steal from Nigeria's coffers to run his campaign. Keyamo, who is the Director of Strategic Communications for the Buhari Campaign Organisation, said this in an interview with The Interview magazine. According to the Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Buhari will win the 2019 election so he can instil a new political culture. Keyamo said that the politics of money practised by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) needs to be wiped away. Herdsmen The lawyer also described reports accusing the President of supporting Fulani herdsmen as satanic and idiotic. He added that Buhari re-election will enable him put an end to insecurity in the country, and consolidate the war against corruption. You deserve 2nd term Also, the National Leader of the All Progressives' Congress (APC),Bola Tinubu, recently told President Buhari that he deserves to win re-election in 2019 because he has brought back hope to Nigerians. A Palestinian shot in clashes with Israeli occupation forces on the Gaza border succumbed to his wounds Thursday, the health ministry in the Hamas-run strip said. Ahmed al-Assi, 21, was shot east of Khan Yunis on June 8, a ministry statement said. It said he was wounded in the head and had been in critical condition. Since major border protests broke out on March 30, at least 130 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire. No Israelis have been killed. Palestinians are calling to return to the homes their families fled from in 1948 during the war surrounding the creation of Israel. Israel says any such return would mean the end of it as a Jewish state. *This story was edited by Ahram Online. Search Keywords: Short link: The Force spokesman, ACP Jimoh Moshood, in a statement in Abuja on Wednesday, said Idris directed Zonal AIGs and Commissioners of police in charge of zones and states commands to beef up security. Moshood said that they are also expected to beef up security at all Eid praying grounds and other venues of celebration throughout the Country. This operation will cover recreation centres, public places and critical infrastructure and public utilities,he said. He said that Federal Highway patrol Teams and Anti-Crime patrols have been deployed along major roads and Highways throughout the country. They are under strict instruction to be civil, polite and firm in carrying out their duties, he said. He said that police visibility patrols and surveillance would be maintained, raiding of criminal hideouts, black spots currently ongoing throughout the country. The spokesman said that this was aimed at removing criminal elements from the society, adding that it would be sustained all through the period of the celebration and beyond. The Nigeria Police Force is hereby imploring members of the public to cooperate with police personnel deployed in their localities. 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. Adikwu is one of the 22 suspects who have been arrested in connection to the incident and has been identified as the man that provided the gang with firearms for the operation. According to a report by The Punch, Adikwu led operatives of the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Teams (IRT) to arrest members of his gang in Kwara, Oyo and Kogi states. A source who spoke to Punch said two AK-47 rifles were recovered from the suspects and that they are also helping the police track down more suspects before they will be paraded to the media. "The fresh suspects belonged to the Michael Adikwu's gang, the dismissed policeman and an ex-convict. He actually led our men to the hideout of the men where they were arrested," the source said. Adikwu was attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) of the Kwara state command before he was dismissed in 2012 for aiding the escape of some robbery suspects. He was arraigned in court and spent about three years in prison before he made his way out in unclear circumstances. Why Adikwu killed police officers, others Adikwu has allegedly confessed to killing 22 people during the bloody robbery incident because he was bitter over how he was dismissed from the police force. According to confessions from other suspects, Adikwu led the attack on the police station to kill police officers. Fellow suspect, Ibikunle Ogunleye, aka Arrow, had previously told police officers that Adikwu led a team of four to the station and single-handedly killed all the nine officers that were victims of the attack. Ogunleyeis quoted to have said, "I was among the three people that entered the police station with Adikwu, but I didn't shoot or kill anyone. It was Adikwu that shot and killed all the policemen. He went from one office to the other, killing everyone. We only gave him cover." When he was paraded by the police on June 3, 2018, Ogunleye said Adikwu was loudly proclaiming his resentment for the force while the Offa robbery operation was going on. He said, "The dismissed police officer, Michael (Adikwu), was shouting that day that the Nigerian police dismissed him, that they collect job from his hand, that he'll do them shege. That was the language he used." ALSO READ: Offa robber killed 5 people because they threw stones at him and called him a thief Adikwu supplied guns for Offa robbery 37-year-old Ayoade Akinnibosun, who has been identified to be the man that coordinated the operation, also confessed that Adikwu provided the gang some of the firearms used for the robbery. He said, "That fateful day, it was me, this man sitting beside me here (Ogunleye), Adex, Stand Well Well, and Niyi; it was the five of us. I came to join them at Ajase then we took off with a Mercedes Benz to Offa. "On getting there I now positioned everybody; me I stood at that junction, that Total filling station there. On getting to that filling station, we now met that Michael, that dismissed police officer. On getting to meet Michael, Michael came down from one Audi, there was a Nissan parked in front of us, he now came out of that Audi and threw his hands we now saw him and parked at the back of that Nissan. He now came out and brought guns out of that Nissan, five AK-47s, and gave it to us. Then I shared it between the five of us inside our Benz." ALSO READ: Watch footage of Offa bank robbery that claimed over 30 lives According to Vanguard, the Governor said that he has credible intelligence report that the faction is arming youths for the purpose. Wike also called on security agencies to be vigilant and maintain order in the state. Speaking during a state wide broadcast, the governor alleged that the plot is to cause chaos in the following local governments: Abua/Odual, Akuku Toru, Asari Toru, Degema, Emohua, Ikwerre, Ogba/Egbema/Ndoni, Opobo and Tai Police, FG protecting murderer Wike, who named the factional chairman of the APC in Rivers, Ojukaye Flag-Amachree as one of the brains behind the plot, described him as a murderer. The Rivers state Governor also alleged that Flag-Amachree is being supported by the police and the Federal government. He said The arrowheads of this satanic plot, the State Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, Mr. Ojukaye Flag-Amachree, the former Commissioner of Agriculture, Mr. Emmanuel Chinda and the current Nigerias Ambassador to Netherlands, Ambassador Oji N. Ngofa are recruiting and arming political thugs with guns to be deployed on the eve of the election to create an atmosphere of insecurity create in these and other local government areas and scare voters to shun the polling stations. Mr. Ojukaye Flag-Amachree is a double murder suspect who has refused to submit himself to trial. Yet, this fugitive to justice recently emerged as a factional State chairman of his party against a court order and is now emboldened by the protection he is getting from the Police and the Federal Government to engage in subversive activities against the interest and people of Rivers State. In the light of the these dangerous threats from Ojukaye and co-travellers therefore, I wish to call on the security agencies, especially the Nigerian Police to live up to their primary responsibility of providing adequate security for the election and deal decisively with those who may attempt to disturb the peace, order and security of the State before, during and after the election. Riot act The Governor also told residents of the state that the security operatives have been instructed to deal decisively with anyone that seeks to disturb the peace of the state. Wike added that the security personnel will be held responsible if there is a breakdown of law and order in the state. While urging traditional rulers in the state to report any suspicious activity in their domain to relevant authorities, the Governor said that the LG elections will hold as scheduled. Community leaders and members of the public should be on the watch out and report suspicious characters and movements in their localities and neighbourhoods to the law enforcement agencies for immediate action. Also, the security agencies have definite instructions to strictly enforce the restrictions on human and vehicular movement on Election Day and arrest any person or group of persons that violate this order. All those who have no official business with conducting the election should therefore stay away from the polling units after casting their votes or risk arrest and prosecution. The governor stated that there is no legal stopping the conduct of the June 16, 2018 Local Government Elections. As things stand now, we have no other choice but to conduct the local government election and allow democracy to settle and thrive once again at the grassroots and drive the development of our communities. I can confirm to you that the election will take place as scheduled in all the 4442 units, 319 wards and 23 local government areas of the State as there is no legal obstacle significant enough to warrant otherwise. Let me therefore appeal to all registered voters to turn out in their numbers to vote for the candidates of their choice. This is a civic responsibility you must exercise in order to rekindle the touch of democracy, good governance and accountability in the local government system. I am very pleased with the information that 67 out of the 68 registered political parties have fielded candidates for the elections and are therefore participating. Governor Nyesom Wike recently alleged that the Federal Government is plotting to frame him up. The trial also involves Eni's chief executive, legal sources told Reuters. The long-running case on alleged corruption in Nigeria, revolves around the 2011 purchase by Eni and Shell of Nigeria's OPL-245 offshore oilfield for about $1.3 billion (974.3 million pounds). The local press refers to the case as the 'Malabu oil scam'. Malabu and Dan Etete Dan Etete was a former petroleum minister in Nigeria during the reign of late General Sani Abacha. In 1998, he formed Malabu Oil Limited and acquired OPL 245 just five days after incorporating the company with no employee. For the rich oil bloc, Etete only paid $2 million out of the $20 million legally required by the state. In 2011, Malabu Oil Limited sold OPL 245 to Shell and Eni for $1.3 billion. The deal was facilitated by JP Morgan Chase. ALSO READ:Nigeria sues JP Morgan over Malabu oil deal Malabu was sold to Shell and Eni for $1.3billion during the Goodluck Jonathan administration in 2011. Shell and Eni did not want to deal directly with Etete who had been convicted in France for his part in a separate money laundering scandal, so they wired the money to an account belonging to the federal government of Nigeria domiciled with JP Morgan bank, London. Malabu trial The Malabu trial in Italy commenced in May, with the next hearing slated for June 20. Shells appeal was aimed at reversing the trial to the preliminary hearing stage due to what the oil company said were procedural errors, but the court decided the appeal was inadmissible, Reuters writes. According to Reuters, Nine current and former executives or contractors, including Eni Chief Executive Claudio Descalzi, have been accused by Italian prosecutors of paying bribes to secure the license to explore OPL-245. OPL-245 is one of Nigerias richest oil wells with an estimated 9 billion barrels of oil. OPL-245 has never been commercially explored; no thanks to litigation. Shell and Eni have denied any wrongdoing. If found guilty, those on trial could face jail. This was disclosed by the Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Juctice, Abubakar Malami, after a meeting of the Federal Executive Council (FEC) on Wednesday, June 13, 2018. According to him, Nigeria is negotiating with the United States of America, United Kingdom, France and others for the repatriation of the sum. "I am happy to report that we are almost concluding the processes relating to the repatriation of additional $500 million," he said. The news of the repatriation comes six months after the federal government received the sum of $322.5 million from Switzerland as part of funds stolen by Abacha whose regime is noted for widespread corruption and human rights abuses. Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, revealed in April that the sum of $322,515,931.83 was received into a special account in the Central Bank of Nigeria on December 18, 2017. The suspects are Chukwujekwu Ezeugo, 27, principal suspect, from Enugu state and Emmanuel Adogah, 28 from Edo. The Commissioner of Police in the FCT, Mr Sadiq Bello made the disclosure while briefing newsmen on the arrest by operatives of the command on Thursday in Abuja. Bello said that the principal suspect, Ezeugo was arrested in Benin while the second principal suspect, Adogah was arrested in Abuja on June 11 by operatives of the command. The commissioner said that Ezeugo, who had been at large since the disappearance of Charity, confessed to have conspired with Adogah to murder her on May 9, 2016 at Kagini, Abuja. He said that Ezeugo also confessed to have given her excess alcohol before moving her from his house at Yaounde Street to Kagini, where she was butchered and packaged in two sacks and dumped by the bank in Ushafa, Bwari, Abuja. He further confessed that he killed her in order to take possession of her Acura ZDS Jeep and other property. Bello said the deceased car and some of her property had been recovered from him. He said that the second principal suspect, Adogah who was a habitual criminal equally confessed to have participated in the commission of the heinous crime. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Charitys former husband, Mr David Aiyedogbon had been accused of having a hand in the disappearance of the deceased. Speaking with newsmen, Aiyedogbon said that the arrest and subsequent confession by the suspects had vindicated him, adding that the deceased would surely get justice. In spite of the negative, wicked insinuations and blackmail in the social media, we were not deterred and today we know what happened to Charity. We have now confirmed that she is dead, it is our sincere belief that no person, no matter the motive or intention has any justification to kill another person, he said. He said that some of those who were accomplice in the case had been charged to court for criminal offences while civil suit was also pending in an Abuja High Court. David said that the deceased, who was 44, had four children. Also speaking, Ezeugo said that he was in a relationship with the deceased, adding that both of them had differences. He said that killing her was the work of the devil, and expressed regret about the act. Bello said the suspects would be arraigned in court on completion of investigation. In a related development, Bello said that the command had arrested five members of a notorious armed robbery gang, who specialised in robbing unsuspecting passengers in taxis in Abuja. The suspects are Ebuka Ejeanyido, 28, Chidebe Okocha, 36, Chukwuma Amichie, 30, Augustine Agbo, 32, and Chinedu Obi-25. He said that they were arrested during police investigation of the disappearance of Michael Sunday, who was reported missing by members of his family on May 27 after leaving his brother`s house in Apo, Abuja. The missing mans phone was traced to one of the suspects who led police detectives to arrest the other suspects. The suspects confessed that one of them, Chidebe Okocha used hammer to hit Sunday on the head when he tried to take control of their operational car from the driver. The suspects said they abandoned his body under Apo Bridge, he said. In a statement by their media advisers, Yusuph Olaniyonu and Turaki Hassan, the leaders of the chambers of the National Assembly called for sustained prayers for peace in the country. Saraki noted that in spite of Federal Government's appreciable efforts in combating the challenge of insecurity, it is imperative for Muslim faithful to utilize this period to pray fervently for peace and unity in the country. "We have just ended a month long fast thus paving way for the Eid-el-fitr celebrations. These two periods are such times that the Almighty Allah enjoined us to ask for his blessings. We should therefore seize the opportunity to pray for the country and its leaders," Saraki said. Eid-el-fitr is a time of love and goodwill. It gives us a message to love all and hate none. Despite numerous challenges in the country, 'hope is not lost. Only tolerance, stronger sense of patriotism and love for one another will help the country surmount her present socio-economic challenges," he added. On his part, Speaker Dogara enjoined them to sustain the lessons of Ramadan and replicate same in their daily lives for a better society. He also called on Muslims not to be carried away by only the pageantry of the Sallah celebration, but to use the occasion for sober reflection and extend gestures and hands of support to the needy in the society as well as to pray against the current security and economic situation of the country. The Speaker emphasized the importance of peace, unity and tolerance amongst the diverse people of the country for the envisaged growth and development to take place, noting that the heterogeneity of Nigeria should be a source of strength rather than conflict. "As you join the rest of the Ummah all over the world to celebrate this year's Eid el-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan, I enjoin you to replicate and demonstrate in your daily lives the lessons and virtues of sacrifice, forgiveness, piety, self-denial and genuine love towards one another which you learnt during the month- long fast". "This is indeed another moment of celebration and sober reflection. And apart from reflection, I urge you to also take out opportunity, cashing on the spirituality of this festive period to offer special prayers for the nation against the backdrop of the current security and economic situation and to lift up our people before God, especially the downtrodden - those Who struggle to make ends meet as well as the leadership of this country- from Mr. President, the Vice President, the Leadership of the National Assembly, the Governors down to Local Government Chairmen and councillors for God to grant us wisdom and give us understanding and for Him to open up doors of opportunity so that we will be able to meet the expectations of the people". Hon. Sule is a renowned Edo born multimillionaire businessman and father of fiery preacher, Apostle Johnson Suleiman. Sule is also the current APC leader in Auchi as well as the APC Deputy Leader, Etsako West in Edo State. His son, Apostle Suleiman often criticizes the APC and President Buhari from the pulpit and that's something that hasn't gone down well with Hon Sule. Why Hon Sule is publicly speaking out In a recent media chat with select journalists in Lagos, Sule disclosed why he's finally coming out publicly to give his son a final warning against the backdrop of his persistent and unrelenting criticism of the President Buhari led APC. Acknowledging and openly confessing his passionate love for his son, Hon. Sule categorically stated that he will no longer condone anyone who undermines the anti corruption crusade of President Buhari. "This is a man I love, respect and hold in high esteem for being a person of integrity over the years", Sule said. He added that "each time I hear people criticize my party, the (APC), my heart bleeds. Apostle Johnson Suleiman who's my biological son and a renowned preacher of the gospel, is seemingly becoming a consistent critic of the ruling party lately. "And I am seriously concerned about it as numerous well wishers are now urging me to call my son to order. "I hereby speak out to let Nigerians know that I have warned my son (Apostle Johnson Suleiman) to immediately leave politics for politicians and focus on his calling as a priest. "Being a retired army officer, President Buhari is my commander in chief and the overall leader of my party, the APC. Hence, I will do anything in my capacity as a stakeholder to support Mr. President for his noble repositioning of our dear country Nigeria. "Consequently, anybody who is not supporting the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari is an enemy of the nation." Sule said he decided to publicly speak out this time because his son had travelled abroad for his routine missionary work. He added that he just wants to let Nigerians and indeed the entire world know that his son has defied all their privately held discussions as father and son on the subject matter over time. Leaving politics for politicians Hon. Sule Imoudu also wondered why his son who is a philanthropist and clergy would be seen dabbling into politics every now and again. In January of 2017, Apostle Suleiman was a guest of the Department of State Security (DSS) for inciting and inflammatory comments against the state. Apostle Suleiman honored the DSS invitation on Monday, January 30, 2017 when he showed up at the agency's headquarters in Abuja. Ikubese is a presidential aspirant on the platform of the . Any government that is serious within six months will provide uninterrupted power supply, Ikubese declared on ChannelsTv flagship breakfast programme, , on Thursday, June 14, 2018. That is one of my manifestos, he said adding that this is possible if Nigerian Government decentralise power. The aspirant took a swipe on past administrations for failing to provide Nigerians stable electricity despite huge funding in the sector. Ikubese stressed further the importance of decentralising power, according to him, six months is even too long to achieve uninterrupted power supply in Nigeria if some processes are duly followed. President Buhari was lampooning former President Obasanjo that he spent $16billion and where is the light. If President Buhari himself spend $100billion with what is on the ground, we wont see light. We must decentralise power, he said. Ikubese highlighted some processes currently being followed but which he claimed would not solve the challenge of power supply in Nigeria. We have a provision that if you generate more than 10megawatts you must pass it into the national grid. We must take that off. Generate where you are, transmit irrespective of the megawatts that you generate. Six months is too long. ALSO READ: This is why Obasanjo and president are fighting again He also recalled that Nigerias Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola once made this statement of uninterrupted power supply achievable in Nigeria within six months. Remember that when the All Progressives Congress (APC) was an opposition party, Mr Raji Fashola mentioned that any government that is serious will solve the problem of power within six months. It is feasible, he was referring to gas turbine then. It is very simple and I am repeating it, within six months we have an uninterrupted power supply, that is what they use in Tanzania, in Egypt and Angola. Go to Port Harcourt refinery, that is what is been used. So why cant we do that? he asked. Similarly, another presidential hopeful under the ANN, Gbenga Olawepo-Hashim, has described Nigeria as near disaster under President Muhammadu Buhari. In October 2017, Maina had been recalled and promoted to head the Ministry of Interior's human resource department despite pending corruption charges against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). The president promptly ordered Maina's dismissal after his reinstatement became public knowledge and drew relentless public backlash. While speaking during an interview with The Interview Magazine, Keyamo said the controversy is a credit to the president's integrity and something to base his re-election campaign on. According to him, the president was not involved in the fraudulent process that reinstated Maina, and reacted promptly to the issue when it became public knowledge. He said, "People should not make silly comments in the public. The Head of Service, the Attorney general of the Federation, including the Minister of Internal affairs, they all appeared before the National Assembly. "They told us in graphic terms, how these memos were raised. And these memos moved from one office to the other. All of these memos from HoS to SGF, minister to AGF, all of these, was there one to the chief of staff to the president? "We should not be pessimistic or cynical for nothing. All of these memos that moved up and down, was there one to the president before the HoS was queried? "When there were reports that Maina had been recalled, it took the president less than 24 hours to order his sack. So, what is the criticisms; that the moment it became clear, it took less than 24 hours to sack him? "So, I will not want to dance to the tune of the opposition that will keep repeating a sing song hundred times and make people believe the sing song. "Maina cannot, by any stretch of imagination, be a point of criticism to the president. For me, the Maina saga is credit to the president. The Maina saga, I will use it to campaign. You will use it to criticise but I will use it to campaign. That is because the man reacted to issue of corruption and back-door handling of an issue when it came to his knowledge." ALSO READ: Tinubu says Buhari deserves a 2nd term for giving Nigerians hope again Buhari fit for re-election - Keyamo During the same interview, Keyamo said he cannot vouch for the people around the president, but that Buhari himself is a man of integrity who needs more time to instil a culture of leadership different from what Nigerians have been used to. He said, "Let's be honest, most young people of our generation grew up to know only the PDP system, which is and was only about money. Buhari did not need federal funds to clinch his re-election, his supporters would be happy to sell their possessions for his re-election" North Korea's Kim Jong Un understands that denuclearisation must happen "quickly", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday, warning there will be no sanctions relief for Pyongyang until the process is complete. Washington remained committed to the "complete, verifiable and irreversible" denuclearisation of North Korea, Pompeo added, after the joint statement from the historic US-North Korea summit in Singapore drew criticism for lack of detail on the key issue. "We believe that Kim Jong Un understands the urgency... that we must do this quickly," he said of the effort to have North Korea abandon its nuclear weapons. Washington's top diplomat was in Seoul to brief his South Korean and Japanese counterparts on Tuesday's historic talks -- the first between sitting leaders of the two countries -- after which a triumphant President Donald Trump said the world can "sleep well". "There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea," he tweeted Wednesday. Despite the US leader's positive tone, North Korea observers remain concerned that Kim provided no specific guarantees at the summit while notching up a huge publicity win. And there appeared to be concern in South Korea and Japan too. Trump said after meeting Kim that the US would halt its "provocative" joint military drills with South Korea as long as negotiations are ongoing with the North, an announcement that caught Seoul -- and apparently the Pentagon -- by surprise. The US and South Korea conduct massive annual military exercises to maintain readiness for operations on the peninsula, a source of irritation for Pyongyang, which considers them preparations for an invasion. South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha appeared to sidestep the issue at the joint press conference with Pompeo and her Japanese counterpart Taro Kono, saying the matter would be left to military authorities to discuss, and that the US-South Korea alliance remains "as robust as ever". Kono said Japan understood the pause in US-South Korea military drills to be contingent on North Korean steps towards denuclearisation. On Wednesday, the Japanese defence minister had described the exercises as "vital" to security in the region. Pyongyang has in the past linked its drive to acquire nuclear weapons and long-range missiles with the US military presence in the region, describing its weapons programmes as a deterrent. In an apparent bid to reassure the two allies, Pompeo stressed Thursday that close coordination with Seoul and Tokyo was "crucial" to the success of efforts to denuclearise North Korea. Pompeo, who said earlier that he hopes to see "major disarmament" of North Korea by 2020, is scheduled to fly to Beijing to meet his Chinese counterpart after his engagements in Seoul. The Singapore summit is being touted as a victory by the Trump administration, despite criticism that it was more style than substance and had set out no concrete plan for Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons. A bullish Trump said people "can now feel much safer than the day I took office", and defended his position on the military drills with South Korea. "We save a fortune by not doing war games, as long as we are negotiating in good faith -- which both sides are!" the US leader tweeted on Wednesday. His comments are in stark contrast to his threats to unleash "fire and fury" last year over Pyongyang's nuclear and long-range missile tests. The North, meanwhile, boasted of its ability to annihilate the United States. Whirlwind diplomatic efforts, kicked off earlier this year by the Winter Olympics, helped ease tensions and culminated with the Singapore summit, which is also being played up as a major victory by the Kim regime, which has long craved international legitimacy. Search Keywords: Short link: According to a report by TheCable, the former governor was presented with the card by the party's Ondo State chapter as he sealed his return to the party despite opposition from its national chairman, Mike Omotoso. Despite the party's stance on his return, Mimiko received his membership card to the cheers of his supporters. While addressing the party and his supporters at the Civic Centre in Ondo on Thursday, Mimiko said he returned because of the need to "catalyse a greater focus on the ideological content of the Nigerian political firmament", something he claims the PDP lacks. He said, "LP, and its few ideological soulmates among the legion of parties in the country today, provide the requisite platform for this type of deep ideological introspection. "Without doubt, this social democratic mantra, which LP and its soulmates represent, remains the best possible outlet for leading Nigeria into a new era of progressive governance. "We have also come with the conviction, consequent upon several years of practical involvement in the nations political process, that the need for ideologically focused political engagement is now more pressing than ever before. "Virtually all the existing political parties in Nigeria today belong to the right of the centre, ensconced as it were in a neo-liberal mental construct, the name or mantra they choose to enrobe themselves in, notwithstanding. "This is evident not in terms of the pretentious claims they make to ideological purity, but in the way and manner they have used power; including the extent to which they have mainstreamed the interest and welfare of the weak and poor in our society. "This ideological fluidity, within which the nation's extant democracy has evolved since 1999, deserves now to be fully interrogated, with a view to engendering a transition to a more ideologically defined system of engagement. "This will at once allow for a nuanced examination of the context and content of governance, provide the Nigerian people with real alternatives, and help the electorate in making informed decisions as to which individual or platform to invest with power; and how to hold such to account at all times." Why Mimiko quit the PDP Mimiko had written a letter of resignation to the PDP on Wednesday, June 13, noting that he was leaving for personal reasons. He wrote, "I hereby with utmost humility inform you of my decision to resign my membership of the PDP with effect from today, June 13, 2018 for some well thought-out personal reasons. "It was an honour working with the many prominent Nigerians with whom I shared the PDP platform for the entire period I was in there as a member. Accept please the assurance of my very high regards." LP chairman rejects Mimiko's return Omotoso told Mimiko that his return to the party will be resisted because he's only trying to use the party to salvage his political image. In a statement titled, "Once Bitten, Twice Shy - Nigerian Workers Reject Plans by Olusegun Mimiko To Return to Labour Party", Omotosho said the party will not forget Mimiko's previous betrayal. He said, "Nigerians would recall that Dr Mimiko abandoned the Labour Party for the People's Democratic Party a few days to Labour Party's October 2014 National Convention. "Such a treachery and betrayal of a party that gave the former governor succour in the darkest hour of his political career especially as manifest in his two term victory on the ticket of Labour Party is to say the least, cheap and callous. "It also revealed paucity of knowledge of the philosophy of the Labour Party as a peoples' rooted party and dearth of class consciousness on his part. "We urge all workers and indeed genuine lovers of popular democracy to ignore the political theatrics of people like the former Governor of Ondo State. He has shown Nigerian workers that he cannot be trusted. "The Labour Party is no longer a transit bus to strange political destinations particularly under the subterfuge of people like him." Dr Mike Omotosho, Chairman, Labour Party made this known while addressing newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja. Omotosho said the party has no candidate for the forthcoming Governorship election in Ekiti state. According to him, the NLC is fully aware of plans by Dr olusegun Mimiko to destabilize the current gains being made by workers to reclaim and repositions the Labour Party. It is very obvious that the sole purpose of Mimikos re-approach to Labour Party is to use the workers party to launder his sagging political image. Nigerians would recall that Mimiko abandoned the Labour Party for the Peoples Democratic Party a few days to Labour Partys October 2015 National Convention. Such a treachery and betrayal of a party that gave the former Governor succour in the darkest hour of his political career. Especially, as it manifests in his two term victory on the ticket of Labour Party is to say the least, cheap and callous. It also revealed paucity of knowledge of the philosophy of the Labour Party as a people rooted party and dearth of class consciousness on his part, he said. He said the Labour Party was an offspring of the working class family and was midwifed by the labour movement. He also said that the party was the political vehicle for Nigerian workers and the Nigerian poor. He added that the party was also founded on the cornerstone of ideological clarity and class consciousness to promote and defend the political cum socio-economic interest of the working people. There is no doubt that political journey persons like the former Governor of Ondo had in the past taken advantage of the leadership challenges in the Labour Party to satisfy their fantasies for political opportunism. The labour movement, in alliance with its civil society partners and other patriotic Nigerians, is poised to fully reclaim the Labour Party and restore it as a model political institution. That does not only epitomise the values of the working class family but also capable of contesting for power with members of a failed political class, with whom the former Governor dines and wines, he said. The chairman further said that the leadership of the congress would continues to work to rebuild the Labour Party, especially through the instrumentality of the Political Commission. He, however, urged all workers and indeed genuine lovers of popular democracy to ignore the political theatrics of people like the former Governor of Ondo state. He has shown Nigerian workers that he cannot be trusted. The Labour Party is no longer a transit bus to strange political destinations, particularly under the subterfuge of people like him. In the same vein, the Nigeria Labour Congress wishes to categorically disown and-condemn recent posturing and proclamations by some politicians in Ekiti State. That they are the candidates of the Labour Party in the forthcoming governorship elections in Ekiti State. The Labour Party has no candidate in the July 14, 2018 governorship election in Ekiti State. lNEC, workers and the Ekiti electorate should not allow themselves to be hoodwinked by the antics of political impostors, Omotosho said. Yemeni forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition launched an assault on Wednesday to retake the port city of Hodeida, which has been controlled by the Iran-backed Huthi rebels along with the capital Sanaa since 2014. The Huthis suffered 30 fatalities on Thursday in clashes near Hodeida airport south of the city, medical sources told AFP. Nine pro-government troops were killed in the same area, the medics said. Military sources said the deaths were caused by mines and snipers. The UAE, a driving force in the coalition, said four of its troops were killed on the first day of the offensive Wednesday including at least one navy officer. The Huthis earlier said they had struck a coalition ship off the coast of Hodeida with two missiles. Port remains open On Thursday, authorities at Hodeida port said the Red Sea lifeline remained open to shipping. "We still have seven ships in the port. The work in the port is normal. And we have five other ships standing by waiting outside to enter," port director Dawood Fadel told AFP. Two Saudi and UAE aid ships were in the waters off Hodeida, coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki told Saudi state media. Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, which intervened against the Huthis in 2015 with the goal of restoring Yemen's government to power, have pledged to ensure a continuous flow of aid to the Arab world's poorest nation. Abdullah al-Rabeeah, the head of Saudi Arabia's King Salman Aid and Relief Centre, in a press conference Wednesday night sought to allay the fears of the international community. "This coalition will start to operate an air and sea bridge, as well as land, to transport aid and medical supplies, food, shelter and fuel other basic necessities to Hodeida province," he told reporters. International aid groups have long warned against an offensive on Hodeida because the port serves as the entry point for 70 percent of Yemen's imports, as the country teeters on the brink of famine. "The attacks we have feared and warned against are no longer impending, but underway," the Norwegian Refugee Council's acting country director Christopher Mzembe said Thursday. "As airstrikes intensify and frontlines move closer to Hodeida city, so does the very real threat of harm to civilians in Hodeida," he said, urging the warring parties to return to political negotiations. According to the NRC, nearly 15 percent of Yemen's suspected cholera cases have occurred in Hodeida governorate. The international aid group warned of a "high risk of a second outbreak" should water supplies be disrupted. Catastrophe in making The UN Security Council has raised alarm over the military operation, which it says could cripple desperately needed deliveries of commercial goods and humanitarian aid to millions in the aid-dependent country. "The offensive against Hodeida risks triggering catastrophic consequences for all of Yemen," Russia's foreign ministry said in a statement on Thursday ahead of the Security Council meeting later in the day. The population may find itself "on the brink of death" if the fighting leads to a blockade of the port, it said. Moscow added that the assault would deal a major blow to the "prospects of a political settlement". Yemen's internationally recognised government earlier pronounced negotiations had failed to force the rebels from Hodeida, and a grace period for UN-led peace efforts was over. Aides to the Yemeni president, who has spent much of the war in exile in Riyadh, said he was preparing Thursday to visit the southern port city of Aden, where the government set up its base after it was ousted from Sanaa. "President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi will arrive to the interim capital of Aden in the coming hours ... from Saudi Arabia, along with a number of his advisors and senior officials," a senior Yemeni government source told AFP. Members of the lower house of parliament, where the ruling party has a large majority, adopted the bill by 452 votes for to 80 against and 27 abstentions. The bill now goes to the Senate for a final vote on Thursday. Analysts have compared the standoff between the centrist Macron and French railworkers with Margaret Thatcher's showdown with British miners in the 1980s. It is being closely watched as a sign of Macron's ability to face down France's unions, which have had success in pressuring previous governments to withdraw, or significantly water down, unpopular reforms. Train drivers particularly had resisted plans to deny job and pension guarantees to new rail recruits, as well as plans to turn the SNCF into a joint-stock company, which they see as a first step toward privatisation. The government argues the loss-making SNCF -- a bastion of the union movement -- needs to cut costs and improve flexibility before the EU passenger rail market opens up to competition. A poll showed voters largely on board with the changes, unswayed by 30 days of strikes since early April that have caused headaches for millions of travellers on two days out of every five. The SNCF has estimated the cost of the walkouts at 400 million euros ($470 million). Labour leaders refused to concede victory on Wednesday, announcing that the strikes would continue as planned until June 28. "This strike is far from over," Philippe Martinez of the hardline CGT, France's biggest public sector union, said. French 'stagnation' over? But the movement has been showing signs of fatigue, with the number of strikers steadily tapered off in recent weeks. An estimated 12.78 percent of workers walked off the job on Wednesday, down from around 34 percent in April. Union leaders can claim to have won several concessions, including job guarantees for existing staff if they take a position with a new operator arriving in France. The government has also pledged take on 35 billion euros of SNCF debt and to not sell off the newly created SNCF shares. In return, the unions have agreed to begin talks on a new collective labour agreement. Having refused to back down on the key elements of his plan, Macron may have cleared his path for equally tricky reforms to France's strained pension system and vast public sector. "For Emmanuel Macron and (Prime Minister) Edouard Philippe, this political victory against a fortress long deemed unassailable (the SNCF) changes everything," the rightwing Figaro newspaper wrote in an editorial Monday. The migrants were stranded on the NGO vessel Aquarius until Spain said the ship could land at its port of Valencia. It is expected to arrive there late on Saturday. French President Emmanuel Macron accused Italy's new populist government of "cynicism and irresponsibility" for closing its ports to the 629 migrants. Rome called his comments "unacceptable" and summoned France's ambassador on Wednesday. "Such statements are undermining relations between Italy and France," Italy's foreign ministry said in a statement. Macron later appealed for the two sides not to "give in to emotions that certain people are manipulating". In a speech in the western French town of Mouchamps, he insisted that France was "working hand in hand with Italy" to handle migration. Italy demands apology Italy's far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini had suggested that a planned meeting between the leaders of the two countries should be cancelled if France did not issue an "official apology". "If an official apology doesn't arrive, Prime Minister (Giuseppe) Conte would be right not to go to France," Salvini told reporters. A French presidential source said the country had not received any formal demand from Italy for an apology. Conte and Macron are due to hold talks on Friday ahead of a European summit. Late Wednesday Italian media citing sources said Conte was leaning toward postponing the meeting, rather than cancelling it. Their talks are meant to focus on the contentious issue of migration. The European Parliament's president on Wednesday said the contentious issue was threatening "the survival" of the 28-nation bloc. "The EU's own survival depends on the handling of migration," Antonio Tajani tweeted, calling it "the biggest challenge of our times." Italy's new Economy Minister Giovanni Tria meanwhile announced he was cancelling a meeting with his French counterpart Bruno le Maire in Paris. But the French economy ministry later said the ministers had "agreed that Mr Tria will come to Paris in the coming days". 'Axis of the willing' European Union member states are deeply divided over how to deal with asylum seekers. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on Wednesday hailed cooperation between the hardline interior ministers of Austria, Germany and Italy on the issue. "I think it marks very sensible cooperation that will contribute to reducing illegal migration to Europe," said Kurz, whose country assumes the EU's rotating presidency on July 1. "We believe an axis of the willing is needed to fight illegal migration." EU leaders in December set an end-June deadline for an overhaul of rules to create a permanent mechanism to deal with migrants. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday that the issue of migration was "a sort of decisive test for the future and cohesion of Europe." The International Organisation for Migration on Tuesday warned against the closing of EU borders. "I fear a major tragedy if states start refusing to accept rescued migrants," its director general William Lacy Swing said. 'A sign of generosity' Salvini has repeatedly accused fellow EU members of abandoning Italy as it struggles to cope with migrants making the perilous journey from Africa across the Mediterranean. The country has seen more than 700,000 migrants arrive on its shores since 2013. In Geneva, the head of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi, also Italian, said Wednesday Italy was "right" to say it could not accept all the migrants crossing the Mediterranean. Under EU rules, migrants must apply for asylum in the European nation where they first arrive. Speaking to the Senate Wednesday, Salvini accused France of only receiving 640 of the 9,816 migrants it had promised to take from Italy. He said that between January and May, France had sent 10,249 migrants back to Italy. He demanded that France move from "words to action and offer a sign of generosity" by taking more in. Salvini has accused charities that rescue migrants of working with human traffickers but said Italy would not stop rescuing migrant boats itself. An Italian coastguard ship carrying more than 900 migrants was allowed to dock in Sicily on Wednesday. "Closing ports, whoever does it, threatens rescue at sea, as we have seen in the case of the Aquarius, and therefore is not the right solution," UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi told reporters in Geneva. But he stressed that "the reason why Italy said it had closed ports is something we need to listen to". In a phone call with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Wednesday evening, "the president stressed that none of his comments were intended to offend Italy and the Italian people," Macron's office said in a statement. Italy had on Wednesday insisted that Macron apologise for accusing its populist new government of "cynicism and irresponsibility" for refusing to take in 629 migrants onboard the Aquarius rescue ship. A lunch meeting between the two leaders in Paris on Friday, which Rome had threatened to cancel over the row, will go ahead as planned, the statement added. Macron and Conte "confirmed the commitment of France and Italy to organising rescues within the rules on the humanitarian protection of people in danger," the statement said in reference to migrants making the dangerous Mediterranean crossing from Libya. "The president recalled that he has always defended the need for greater European solidarity with the Italian people," Macron's office said in comments that appeared designed to lower tensions between the two sides. "Italy and France must deepen their bilateral and European cooperation to implement an effective migration policy with countries of origin and transit," the statement said. It called for "better common European management of borders and a European solidarity mechanism for the handling of refugees". Before joining NATO in 1949, Norway allayed Russian fears by pledging not to open its territory to foreign combat troops so long as it was not attacked or threatened with attack. The stationing of US troops in Norway "contravenes the Norwegian decision from 1949... This makes Norway less predictable, can stoke tensions, incite an arms race and lead to a destabilisation of the situation in northern Europe," the embassy wrote. But the Pentagon said Russia had no grounds for concern. "Norwegian and Allied forces are training to defend Norway's territory, and pose no threat to Russia," Pentagon spokesman Eric Pahon said, adding that the US presence complied with Norway's policy on the stationing of foreign troops. The policy "does not preclude Allied exercises and training in Norway," he said in a statement. Oslo's announcement came after nine nations along NATO's eastern flank last week called for the alliance to bolster its presence in their region. Since last year, 330 US Marines have been deployed on rotation at Vaernes in the centre of Norway, despite loud protests from Russia. Oslo now wants to boost the troop numbers to 700 and station them further north at Setermoen, 420 kilometres (260 miles) from Russia. The US deployment agreement would also be extended from the current six-month renewable periods to five years. "The defence of Norway depends on the support of our NATO allies, as is the case in most other NATO countries," said Defence Minister Frank Bakke-Jensen in a statement. "For this support to work in times of crises and war, we are totally dependent on joint training and exercises in times of peace," he added. Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia had Friday called for NATO to discuss an increased military presence in their region at next month's leaders' summit in Brussels. The group said it was necessary to supplement NATO's current ground forces "with aerial and naval components." NATO beefed up defences in central and eastern Europe in response to growing fears about Russia, following Moscow's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Norway has insisted that it is respecting its 1949 commitment, noting that the troop presence is not permanent but rotational. But Moscow rejected that argument. "Even if the actual people are rotated, the stationing is continuous," it said. The case began in December when a businessman from the southwestern region of Andalucia, Alberto Gonzalez, renamed his dry-cured ham company with the contested name and logo. The name change received widespread attention after he gave an interview on Wednesday to conservative radio COPE. Gonzalez told the station that the name of his company comes from the union of the word "Pig" in English and "du mont" in French which means "from the mountain", and denied the logo was inspired by Puigdemont's shaggy Beatles-style mop and glasses. "He does not have the (intellectual) property over that hair cut, the logo does not reflect his appearance," he said. "If he sees himself reflected in the caricature of a pig that is more his problem then mine." Puigdemont's lawyer, Jaume Alonso Cuevillas, told Catalan television TV3 he had challenged the attempt to register the brand "Pig Demont" because it is "offensive" and is "phonetically similar to a surname that (Gonzalez) is not authorised to use". Aside from the ham, Gonzalez's company also sells a wine called "Rufian", which shares the surname of Gabriel Rufian, a member of Spain's parliament for the pro-independence party ERC. Puigdemont, who fled to Belgium last October, was detained in Germany in March after Spain issued a European arrest warrant against him. The Aquarius, which is run by SOS Mediterranee and MSF, is expected to arrive in Valencia at the weekend. "The detour of the Aquarius is clearly a symbol of the failure of the European Union and European governments with their contradictory policies," the head of MSF Spain, David Noguera, told AFP by telephone from Barcelona. "It is a very negative precedent. The truth is there is a question on the table as to whether this is a single event which is resolved quickly, or if we will no longer be allowed to dock in Italy and the blockage continues which would completely change rescue operations." The Aquarius rescued the migrants including 123 unaccompanied minors, 11 other children and several pregnant women, from inflatable boats and rafts off the coast of Libya and took them toward Italy, but the country's new far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini barred it from docking, saying it should go to Malta. Malta also refused to take the ship, saying it was Italy's responsibility since the rescue was overseen by the Italian coastguard. Salvini declared victory after the standoff over the fate of the hundred of migrants on board prompted Spain to agree to accept them. "That the Aquarius was diverted to Spain is not a victory for anyone, not for Salvini although he thinks so, and not for MSF or the European Union and especially not for the refugees," Noguera said. "Today a boat that should be rescuing people at sea will spend 10 days outside of the rescue zone, and that will cause more deaths, that is obvious." The 629 migrants on board the Aquarius come from 26 different countries -- 23 in Africa in addition to Afghanistan, Bangladesh and Pakistan, according to MSF Spain. Spain's new Prime Minister Pedro Sanchez, who toppled his conservative predecessor Mariano Rajoy in a no-confidence vote on June 1 after a corruption scandal, made his offer to accept the migrants after the left-wing mayors of Valencia and Barcelona both offered to take the boat in at their ports. Two young men who responded to the disturbance were captured and killed, said Mauricio Miranda, a village leader who survived the assault. "They severed his head, stuck it on a log, roasted it with the fire from a burning car and they left it at the market," said a witness, Narciso Cassimo, shaking with rage as he described the carnage, standing in front of a burnt-out shell that was once a house. Atanasio Nacir, the headteacher of the local primary school, and his deputy, Issufo Amade, raced towards the villagers who had come under attack as they slept. "They burned the first car," Nacir told AFP on Thursday. "We stopped and started watching. They burned another house. And that is when a lady screamed at us that 'you'd better get out because they are targeting men'," he said. Nacir and Amade then fled to the nearby town of Macomia where they and hundreds like them have sought refuge. 'Sound of a gunshot' Amade said that he saw three white men among the attackers after being woken by the screams of a neighbour whose husband had just been killed. "We went outside to try to find that lady... and then we heard the sound of a gunshot," said Amade. "The three men I saw were white and strong. They were carrying large backpacks. They started burning houses, went into my house, took the clothes, told my family to leave, and burned down the bathroom." Dozens of people have suffered similar fates this month in Mozambique's predominantly Muslim Cabo Delgado province in attacks blamed on radical jihadists. Locals and authorities call the group "Al-Shabaab", although it has no proven link to a notorious Somali group of the same name. The group, which conducted its first attack in October and is said by academics to want to impose sharia law in the region, has not published claims of responsibility or any demands. 'They burned everything' Naunde villagers attempted to repel the attackers with whatever weapons they could find but were struck down by gunfire. "We had machetes and arrows. We tried to react and they began to shoot us. So we had to run away," said Miranda, a village elder. The attackers torched 164 homes and four cars. Mounds of debris, charred wood and scattered possessions are all that remains of many of the homes and businesses that once speckled the white sandy ground. "In my house, they burned everything I had, my goats, my clothes, everything," said Cassimo. After laying waste to the village for two hours, the attackers destroyed the bridge that connects the village to the outside world to frustrate rescue efforts, and fled the area. More than half of Naunde's residents, who mainly work as fishermen and peasant farmers, have fled to the district capital Macomia. The village's only school has closed and nurses have fled the local clinic. Many of those who chose to stay behind are forced to sleep rough under palm trees while soldiers help to clear the area and begin the painstaking task of rebuilding. Lebanon's caretaker foreign minister escalated his row with the UN refugee agency UNHCR on Wednesday, accusing it at a news conference of working to stop refugees from returning to Syria. UNHCR has denied the accusation, saying it supports the return of refugees when it is safe for them to go back to Syria and helps those who choose to return with their documentation. "Their policy is to forbid the return," Foreign Minister Gebran Bassil said. "The Lebanese policy is to encourage the return. Forbid, encourage. Stop, facilitate. That's it," Bassil said during the news conference in the town of Arsal, where he spoke alongside Syrian refugees. "UNHCR does not forbid refugees from returning," Rula Amin, UNHCR's MENA region spokesperson sad in emailed comments to Reuters. "UNHCR's policy is clear on this matter: we respect people's free choices to return." "UNHCR is not the obstacle to the return, the obstacles lay elsewhere and in the complex situation on the ground," Amin said, adding that the UNHCR recognises the challenges Lebanon faces in hosting Syrian refugees. As Syrian forces and their allies retake more territory, Lebanon's president and other politicians have increasingly called for refugees to go back to "secure areas" before a deal is reached to end the war. The international view is that it would not be safe for them to return yet. The UN has registered about a million refugees in Lebanon - nearly a quarter of Lebanon's population. The Lebanese government, which puts the figure at 1.5 million, says it wants them to start going back to territory where fighting is over. Bassil said on Wednesday the burden of hosting Syrian refugees seven years into the conflict that drove them to flee had grown "unbearable", blaming the crisis for the collapse of the economy and emigration of Lebanese citizens. Last week, Bassil ordered a freeze on applications by the UN High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) for residency permits for its staff, saying it was intimidating refugees into staying in Lebanon. Some 19 UNHCR staff members are affected by the Lebanese residency permit freeze, UNHCR Lebanon representative, Mireille Girard, told Reuters on Tuesday, and the agency's spokesman in Geneva said it hopes the decision will be reversed. Bassil accuses UNHCR of discouraging refugees from going home by asking them questions about potential difficulties they face upon return, including possible military conscription, damage to housing and lack of UN support in parts of Syria. "I don't want to have disputes with them, but it's time to tell them enough," he said. The UNHCR favours the return of all refugees when it is safe for them to go home and speaks to refugees in all countries when they are preparing to return home to make sure it can give them enough support and protection, Girard said. "We understand, Lebanon cannot accommodate such a large population," UNHCR head Filippo Grandi said at a press conference in Geneva. "We say: 'Be patient, because returns will be limited by conditions in Syria'. And at the same time, we say to donor countries: 'You must do more for Lebanon. Not only regarding refugees, but also for the communities who are accommodating these people," Grandi said. Another senior UN official, the deputy special coordinator for Lebanon Philippe Lazzarini, said the UN shares Lebanon's view that refugees' stay in Lebanon should be temporary, but he said they need to be able to return safely. "The UN has and will continue to respect individual decisions of refugees to return home," he told Reuters. Search Keywords: Short link: Yemeni forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition launched the assault despite UN warnings of a "catastrophic humanitarian impact." The Red Sea port serves as the entry point for 70 percent of Yemen's imports as the country teeters on the brink of famine. Griffiths was in Amman following an intense round of shuttle diplomacy this week with Yemen's Huthi rebels, who control the port, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, whose forces are backing the Hodeida offensive. "We continue to use every opportunity to avoid military confrontation in Hodeida," said Griffiths. He called on all sides to "exercise restraint and to give peace a chance." Griffiths is also leading UN diplomatic efforts to resume political talks on ending the three-year conflict that has brought Yemen to its knees. The attack on Hodeida, however, could derail that effort. Griffiths is scheduled to brief the Security Council on a proposed roadmap for peace talks on Monday. Welcome to the Pulse Community! We will now be sending you a daily newsletter on news, entertainment and more. Also join us across all of our other channels - we love to be connected! Animal advocates are calling out the speculated inhumane trapping of hawks on private property. In a Facebook post, not-for-profit Oxford Bird Rescue alleged that the use of illegal gin traps on kahu (or, the Australasian harrier hawk) is more widespread than we ever imagined in Mid Canterbury. The sale and use of leg-hold traps, often called gin traps, are restricted in New Zealand under the Animal Welfare Act 1999. The traps were originally restricted because they inhumanely crunch down on the legs of its target. Oxford Bird Rescue representative Scott Bowden told RadioLIVE that despite this, there are still a lot of such traps being used. Mr Bowden described one incident where a hawk was found basically walking around on its stumps by the time a specialist got to the trap. Pretty horrific stuff, really, he told RadioLIVE. While Mr Bowden admits he doesnt mean to generalise any communities, he guesses that the people doing this are primarily those in poultry and sheep farming. New Zealands leading supplier of crop protection and animal health products Orion AgriScience is at Fieldays! Peter Westaway joins Rural Exchange to discuss why the company is at Fieldays 2018 and the biggest issues facing the agricultural sector today. Orion AgriScience aims to deliver practical and effective solutions to combat weed, disease and insect pests problems in crops and pasture. This article is brought to you by our friends at Orion Agriscience. Watch the full interview with Peter Westaway above. Rural Exchange with Hamish McKay, Sarah Perriam and Richard Loe, 5-7am Saturday and Sunday on RadioLIVE with Carters Tyre Service. Click here for all the ways to watch and listen. RadioLIVE. Housing Minister Phil Twyford has defended the Health Minister after a voicemail suggests he tried to gag DHB staff from talking about Middlemore Hospital. Newshub obtained a voicemail and emails which suggest Dr David Clark tried to gag senior DHB staff talking publicly about the state of embattled Middlemore Hospital. You're putting two and two together and getting five. In one case Dr Clark even appeared to promise a board member, who he'd sacked, another job if they stayed quiet. However, Dr Clark denies claims he tried to gag anyone. Mr Twford told RadioLIVEs Duncan Garner that Dr Clark is tackling the issues at Middlemore Hospital. Look, there is rot, mould and sewage in the walls of that hospital. And he is rolling his sleeves up, he is fixing the problems at Middlemore that we inherited. Garner counters Mr Twyford, asking if he even believes what he is saying. "I think you're making a mountain out of a molehill with this thing - there's no evidence of [intimidation] from what I heard. Theres nothing wrong with David Clark saying that hes not keen to have more commentary and discussion about the issue. David is the Health Minister. You're putting two and two together and getting five," Mr Twyford said. Meanwhile, National MP Judith Collins called the allegations very dodgy and should be investigated. I think David Clark needs to answer some questions. Lets not jump straight into sacking mode lets have a look and ask him to front up and be truthful to the public. Listen to the full interview with Phil Twyford and Judith Collins above. Drive with Ryan Bridge and Lisa Owen, 3pm - 6pm Weekdays and streaming live on'rova' channel 9 - available on Android and iPhone. RadioLIVE. Welcome to Railway Gazette. This site uses cookies. Read our policy. OK FRANCE: The consolidated version of the governments railway reform legislation was formally adopted by the Senat in a 245:83 vote on June 14, having been approved by the Assemblee Nationale 452:80 on the previous day. Ruling on Telegram blocking in Russia upheld RIA Novosti 10:59 14/06/2018 MOSCOW, June 14 (RAPSI, Nikolay Merkulov) The Moscow City Court on Thursday upheld a lower courts ruling to block Telegram messenger across Russia, RAPSI reported from the courtroom. The court dismissed the messengers appeal seeking to overturn the ruling on blocking because of of adversarial principles contravention. Moscows Tagansky District Court ordered restriction of access to Telegram in Russia on April 13. The court tasked Roskomnadzor with putting a stop to sending and receiving messages in Telegram until the messenger fulfills its obligations by providing deciphering keys. The ruling came into force immediately. Roskomnadzor started blocking the messenger on April 16. According to the Federal Law On Information, Information Technologies and the Protection of Information, organizers of information distribution on the Internet must submit information about users and their messages to the authorized governmental bodies conducting investigative activities and ensuring the state security. Defendant in case over hostage crisis in Russias Budyonnovsk sentenced to 14 years RIA Novosti, Alexander Zemlyanichenko 11:45 14/06/2018 MOSCOW, June 14 (RAPSI) The North Caucasus District Military Court has sentenced Badruddi Daudov, the defendant in a criminal case over the attack and taking hostages in Russias town of Budyonnovsk in 1995, to 14 years in a penal colony, the press-service of the court has told RAPSI. The defendant was found guilty of taking hostages, membership in a gang and terrorism. Daudov denied wrongdoing. According to the criminal case, in June 1995, Daudov participated in the attack under the leadership of notorious warlord Shamil Basayev. On June 14, 1995, a group of at least 160 gunmen led by Basayev attacked Budyonnovsk holding 1,586 people as hostages at a local hospital. The attack left 129 persons dead and 317 injured while the property damage was estimated at 95.6 billion rubles (about $1.6 billion at the current exchange rate). Overall, 30 members of the gang have been sentenced to terms varying from 11 to 15 years in prison. Proceedings against five members including Basayev were dropped due to their death. The federal and international wanted lists include 29 persons more. Russian Defense Ministrys official detained on corruption charges www.votermedia.org 12:59 14/06/2018 MOSCOW, June 14 (RAPSI) Moscows Basmanny District Court has ordered detention of the director of a branch of the Defense Ministrys government contract audit department Yury Yefimov as part of a corruption case, the courts spokesperson Yunona Tsareva has told RAPSI. The official stands charged with taking a bribe on a major scale. He will stay in detention until August 6. Yefimov was reportedly arrested in a Moscow restaurant when taking a bribe for assistance in price adjustment for contracts on chemical and biological security control system. Former high-ranking Russian investigator to stay in detention until September 19 RAPSI 13:40 14/06/2018 MOSCOW, June 14 (RAPSI) The Moscow City Court has extended detention of former high-ranking investigator General Denis Nikandrov, who is charged with corruption, until September 19, RAPSI correspondent reports from the courtroom. Former First Deputy Head of the Investigative Committees Moscow Directorate, General Denis Nikandrov will stay detained until June 19, while Alexander Lamonov, former Deputy of ex-chief of the Investigative Committees Internal Security Directorate Mikhail Maksimenko, will remain in jail until July 19. Nikandrov, former Deputy of ex-chief of the Investigative Committees Internal Security Directorate Mikhail Maksimenko, and his deputy investigator Alexander Lamonov were arrested and detained as part of a case over extortion of 8 million rubles (about $138,000 at the current exchange rate) that involved an alleged gang leader Zakhariy Kalashov. In addition, investigators believe that they extorted 10 million rubles (about $170,000) from a head of a large joint-stock company. The defendants denied their communications with Kalashov. On April 20, Maksimenko was found guilty of taking two bribes. The defendant was also fined 165 million rubles ($2.8 million). According to prosecutors, in 2016, Maksimenko and his accomplice received $500,000 bribe for help with one of criminal cases. He was also charged with taking $50,000 bribe in 2015 for organizing unlawful criminal prosecution of law enforcement officers in the interests of a bribe-giver. Shares of Summa seized by Moscow court as part of embezzlement case 14:59 14/06/2018 MOSCOW, June 14 (RAPSI) The Preobrazhensky District Court of Moscow has seized shares of Summa Group owned by Ziyavudin Magomedov, a defendant in a criminal case over fraud and embezzlement on an especially large scale, the press-service of the court has told RAPSI. The court ruled on the matter in April. Today, the Moscow City Court will review an appeal against this decision. On June 9, the Tverskoy District Court of Moscow seized property of Summa Group owner Ziyavudin Magomedov and his brother Magomed Magomedov as part of the 2.5-billion-ruble embezzlement case ($43.5 million). Overall, the seized property includes four cars, two apartments, shares in several companies and money located at bank accounts. It was noted that there were 28 court orders on the matter with 14 of them already being appealed. Earlier, the court extended detention for the businessmen and other defendant in the case, ex- CEO of Intex construction company Arthur Maksidov, until August 5. The Investigative Committee reported that Ziyavudin Magomedov was charged with large scale embezzlement and organization of a criminal gang, his brother Magomed was charged with illegal purchase, delivery, sale, storage, transportation or bearing of weapons, components and ammunition. Maksidov was also charged with embezzlement and organization of a criminal gang. According to investigators, the businessmen are involved in the organization of a gang, embezzlement of 2.5 billion rubles ($43.5 million) from the state budget and withdrawal of some of these assets abroad. Two more defendants in the case, who allegedly fled to the United Arab Emirates, were arrested in absentia and put on the international wanted list. 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 Modi wanted in India for an alleged Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank fraud arrived in London earlier this year on an Indian passport. India has been informed by the UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) that it can initiate extradition proceedings against Indian diamantaire Nirav Modi even though his exact whereabouts remain uncertain, a senior Indian official said on Thursday. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has begun the process of filing an extradition request for Modi, which will then have to be approved by the UK Home Office following which an extradition warrant can be issued. There is no confirmation about Nirav Modi's whereabouts. He could be in the UK or indeed left the UK since his last reported exit on a flight to Paris. We have now been advised by the CPS that we can proceed with an extradition request so that a warrant can be issued and he can be arrested on being traced, the official said. According to information available in the UK, Modi - wanted in India for an alleged Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud - arrived in London earlier this year on an Indian passport. The UK government was informed about the revocation of that particular passport via a formal Note Verbale from the Indian authorities on February 19, following which the UK Home Office indicated that the businessman had already entered the UK on that travel document but there was no record of him exiting the country. This gave rise to speculation in India that Modi may be hiding out in the UK. However, subsequently the Indian authorities became aware of multiple Indian passports being used by the diamond merchant, with his last documented exit from the UK at the end of March by air to Paris. It remains unclear exactly how many passports Modi has been travelling on in the last few months and strict data protection laws in the UK have prevented the British government from confirming if he has indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK or if he has sought to apply for political asylum. If he has ILR in the UK, he would have to be extradited. However, if that is not the case, he can be deported on the basis of illegally travelling to Britain using fraudulent travel documentation. We are pursuing both these lines, the senior Indian official said. If Modi does go ahead with a political asylum request in the UK, it is likely to delay any extradition proceedings at the very least. It is much harder to succeed in an asylum claim from a constitutional democracy like India. However, if there was evidence of an unfair trial, a person's claim might succeed, said Mark Symes, a senior immigration barrister who has represented another wealthy Indian national in the past who was refused asylum by the UK Home Office but won the claim before an independent judge on appeal. Generally speaking, a person needs to prove they face persecution rather than prosecution. So, a legitimate prosecution that leads to a lawful conviction following a fair trial could not give rise to a viable claim. However, if the charges were politically motivated or the trial was very unfair or excess punishment might result, the claim might succeed, he explains. A non-bailable warrant was issued against Modi and 10 other accused, including his family members, in the PNB fraud case following a chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) last month. The businessman is believed to have left India with his family around a month before the PNB filed its first complaint with the CBI at the beginning of this year. Since then there has been a flurry of media speculation over his whereabouts and the kind of passport he is travelling on. Most of these reports have either been officially denied or remain unsubstantiated. The UK Home Office has refused to comment on individual cases. Photograph: Nirav Modi/Facebook 'Such a serious threat -- to assassinate the prime minister of India, no less -- was not handed over to the Maharashtra Anti Terrorist Squad for investigation, but to the Pune crime branch.' 'So much for seriousness in tackling such a grave issue,' says N Suresh. Photograph: @narendramodi/Twitter So in the first of its kind political humour we have encountered in a long time, an e-mail is produced that is addressed to media organisations stating how they -- all 'Naxals' -- want to threaten Prime Minister Narendra D Modi with assassination 'Rajiv Gandhi style', an e-mail which was also copied to the police! The authorities in Maharashtra quickly pounced on five people -- including a lawyer, professor and editor -- who are directly connected with the Dalit cause. This is, after all, a Bharatiya Janata Party government. Apart from these five individuals, the e-mail named activists who had been arrested by the Maharashtra police during the previous Congress-Nationalist Congress Party government. It's no surprise that we are being served old wine in new bottle. The only difference being this government has coined a new term: 'Urban Maoists', thereby upgrading the 'Naxals' by a few notches in nomenclature. Worse, such a serious threat -- to assassinate the prime minister of India, no less -- was not handed over to the Maharashtra Anti Terrorist Squad for investigation, but to the Pune crime branch. So much for seriousness in tackling such a grave issue. The episode reeks of a conspiracy against the Dalit cause, leading one to believe that the Bhima-Koregaon riots issue raised by the community has boomeranged on them. Just see the way the Maharashtra home department, which reports to Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, failed to uphold law and order by not carrying out preventive arrests prior to the January riots in which Sambhaji Bhide and Milind Ekbote were named as prime accused. To strengthen the conspiracy angle, the prime witness in the riots case died soon after. While Bhide was never arrested, Ekbote was taken into custody for a few days and released on bail. The crusaders in the case have been termed 'Urban Maoists' -- the riots case has been forgotten. Some Dalit intellectuals and activists fear that evidence gathered in the Bhima-Koregaon riots case could disappear before the trial begins. In 2007, the Chhattisgarh government arrested Dr Binayak Sen, a paediatrician, public health specialist and vice president of the People's Union for Civil Liberties, accusing him and activists Arun Ferreira and Vernon Gonsalves of being Naxalites working against the government. The BJP has now gone further, alleging the alleged 'Urban Maoists' had admitted to hatching a conspiracy against the prime ministers. I feel it's a comedy of errors and here's why I think so. Activists who work in tribal areas don't have modern gadgets or mobile phones. According to the police, that is because those working in the so-called Naxal areas do not want to reveal their location. Secondly, Digital India is all very well, but the Internet connection in remote forest areas is either very weak or nonexistent, so it is impossible to use these communication devices in those parts of India. Let alone cell phone towers and fibre optic cables, to suggest that they are communicating with each other via e-mail from these areas is a travesty of fact. Despite criticising the Congress for ignoring remote areas during its rule, it is obvious that the BJP too has failed these Indians. Which is why fringe elements get away after indulging in violence like what occurred after the rally in Bhima-Koregaon on December 31, 2017. The tragedy though is that of Dalits, a scattered mass with a more scattered leadership which cannot remain united and cohesive. As a result, not one person has stood up to the Maharashtra government's muscling in on them. 'What Trump and Kim have demonstrated is that leaders need not remain prisoners of the status quo and they can, by showing the necessary will and courage, break out of the hang-ups and constrictions of the past and carve out a new pathway for themselves,' says B S Raghavan. IMAGE: Will Donald J Trump go down in US history as a great president? Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters I am hesitant to say it openly lest I be pounced upon and pulverised. I have a suspicion that the brisk, brusque, no-holds-barred, no-punches-pulled, all-stops-pulled, tit-for-tat, tweeting Donald J Trump will go down in US history as a great president. He has made utter nonsense of political correctness and gone hammer and tongs, and in unbridled language in public, against all things and all persons not coming up to his expectations. He doesn't care for office files or notes, precedents or advice of officialdom and banks on his intuition, instinct and gut feeling in coming to decisions. He blusters and bulldozes his way to his goal, brushing aside all opposition. Those were the qualities that he found worked for him in building his extensive business empire and he is bent on applying them to administration, governance and Statecraft as well. He is the first head of State who, in letter and spirit, more than lives up to the adages: Consistency is the virtue of an ass and Modesty is an over-rated virtue. He has done everything that old time practitioners of governance and diplomacy would expect to tear to tatters -- the US, its constitution, its institutions and its reputation, but nothing of the sort has happened. The US is still on its legs; its authority and influence still count; Trump is still welcome in respectable society. His constituency still wows him. All those traits were on full display in the handling of North Korea and Kim Jong Un in the period leading up to the Singapore Summit. There were no parallel in modern world history and the conduct of relations between nations to the venom-packed insults and ferocity of the threats hurled by Trump and Kim at each other. For the first time, Trump found his match in Kim and found himself thrown off his stride. With the result, right until the moment of announcement of the summit, it was unthinkable. And then the familiar Trump with the penchant to think the unthinkable and do the impossible took over. This is what the solid base of his admirers and supporters in the US must like about him: His breath-taking capacity to make quantum leaps in imagination. True, Richard M Nixon too pulled off a coup of sorts by taking US-China relations out of the deep rut into which it had fallen, but he carried it out in the traditional fashion following the staid, sober, standard operating procedures. Trump's big, bold leap into the future with reference to Kim and North Korea is fraught with shock and awe and bears the distinctive stamp of his personality in its own right. IMAGE: 'More important than the contents of the document that he and Kim signed is the very ceremony of both sitting alongside each other and signing an agreed document after all the messy brouhaha that preceded the event.' Photograph: KCNA via Reuters To my mind, more important than the contents of the document that he and Kim signed is the very ceremony of both sitting alongside each other and signing an agreed document after all the messy brouhaha that preceded the event. It has been a game-changer, at least in regard to the directions in which it set the course of world history. First, it has eliminated the last remaining vestige of the Cold War era, freeing the US from the fixated complex of regarding North Korea as an outcast. Second, it has given a thrust forward to the process of denuclearisation in a sensitive region which had all the makings of a tinder box ready to explode. Third, it holds the promise of bringing nearer the reunification of the two Koreas, a consummation devoutly wished by the Korean people on both sides of the artificial border, that will raise the level of their progress and prosperity to a hitherto unimagined height. Fourth, the world economy as a whole will stand to benefit immeasurably from the reduction of tensions and the resultant increased cooperation among the countries in terms of removal of barriers to trade and commerce. Fifth, by these means, the US has effectively diluted the role of China and made itself a dominant player. But, most important of all, what Trump and Kim have demonstrated is that leaders need not remain prisoners of the status quo and they can, by showing the necessary will and courage, break out of the hang-ups and constrictions of the past and carve out a new pathway for themselves. IMAGE: Chinese President Xi Jinping and Prime Minister Narendra D Modi at the Hubei Provincial Museum in Wuhan. Photograph: China Daily via Reuters On another scale and plane, India has the example of P V Narasimha Rao, to whose dismantling in 1991 of the crippling permit-licence-quota raj into which the country had trapped itself since Independence, the Indian people all owe the faster pace of economic growth and well-being since. One very much hoped that Narendra D Modi, who so impressively led the BJP to power in 2014 with an absolute majority of its own, and who displayed his capacity for dynamic, decisive, out-of-the-box thinking in a variety of ways beginning from his invitation to all SAARC heads of State for the swearing-in ceremony, would follow through with a spectacular entente cordiale with Pakistan and lasting border settlement with China. There was so much euphoria in his favour at the time and he had everything going for him. Just as it was only Nixon, with his known opposition for all that Communism stood for, who could have built bridges with Maoist China without people questioning his motives, it was only Modi, with his known passion for the nationalist sentiment and free market economy who could have got the country out of the impasse in its relations with Pakistan and China, without his motives being questioned. Similarly, drawing on the analogy of US President Franklin Delano Roosevelt who took charge at the time of Great Depression, but rescued the country from it with a number of revolutionary measures and economic devices, Modi too, in the first 100 days, could have pushed through with little opposition the long-pending Common Civil Code, abolition of Article 370, making Jammu and Kashmir truly an integral part of India, preventive legislation against illegal immigration and sweeping administrative reforms to attune the stubborn and heartless bureaucracy to the spirit of democracy and the needs of the people. Alas, he sadly drifted, squandered away his time and sorely missed the bus. He has made a feeble beginning with the informal summit at Wuhan with Chinese President Xi Jinping, but everything is proceeding at snail's pace. One hopes that the dramatic example set by Trump and Kim will perk him up. B S Raghavan -- a former member of the Indian Administrative Service -- was also the secretary of the National Integration Council during the time of Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri and Indira Gandhi, and worked closely with the freedom heroes. 'It is a concocted letter and we suspect the IB (Intelligence Bureau) to be behind this game.' 'All the investigation agencies should have quietly gone about finding more about this alleged plot to kill the prime minister.' 'Why are you leaking such a letter that reveals the plot to the press as well as to BJP spokespersons?' Photograph: Reuters Justice B G Kolse Patil, a retired judge of the Bombay high court, is co-founder of the Elgar Parishad that organised the December 31, 2017 event to commemorate 200 years of the Bhima-Koregaon battle in Pune. Justice Kolse Patil believes the Devendra Fadnavis government in Maharashtra and the Narendra D Modi government at the Centre are trying to frame the founders of the Elgar Parishad through the arrests of five activists on charges of being Maoists and hatching a controversy to assassinate the prime minister in a 'Rajiv Gandhi-type operation'. "Their main target was (Sudhir) Dhawale. Since they could not directly get at him, they played this charade of arresting the others and linked all of them as being Maoists and planning to kill Prime Minister Modi only to build a case against Dhawale," Justice Kolse Patil tells Rediff.com's Prasanna D Zore. "How can these innocent people plan to kill the prime minister?" he asks. Justice Kolse Patil alleges that the government is targeting him and retired Supreme Court Justice P B Sawant because they have been at the forefront of a movement that dissuades Dalits, Muslims and Adivasis from supporting Modi in the next general election. Why do you think the Maharashtra government arrested Sudhir Dhawale, Mahesh Raut, Rona Wilson, Shoma Sen, Surendra Gadling on charges that they are Maoists and were planning to assassinate the PM? Justice (retired) P B Sawant (of the Supreme Court) and I have been working against the Modi government from day one. We had also taken one Elgar Parishad in October 2015 at Shaniwarwada and announced that we want an RSS-mukt (free) Bharat. Justice Sawant and Justice (V R) Krishna Iyer did inquire about (the 2002) Gujarat riots and they had recommended Modi's prosecution for genocide. Our enmity is about 15 years old. Thereafter, the Elgar Parishad travelled throughout India, asking people, especially Dalits, Muslims and Adivasis, to pledge that they will never again vote for Modi or the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party). We have been telling them that this government is not for you. It is only meant to serve the capitalist lobby. In short, we are fighting moneywaad (crony capitalism) and manuwaad (casteism) forces. Therefore, these innocent people were arrested. In fact, only Dhawale was at the (Elgar) Parishad (organised at Pune's Shaniwarwada fort on December 31, 2017 to commemorate 200 years of the Bhima-Koregaon battle; following the Elgar Parishad, incidents of rioting were reported from different parts of Pune) and the rest (the other four who are arrested) have got nothing to do with it (the Elgar Parishad). Why did the government arrest the other four? They wanted to arrest Dhawale who was helped in his acquittal by Gadling (Advocate Surendra Gadling had fought Dhawale's case after his arrest in 2011 on charges of being a Maoist; Dhawale spent 40 months in prison before his release). He was not only acquitted (of all the charges), but the court also passed strictures against the government. Their main target was Dhawale. Since they could not directly get at him, they played this charade of arresting the others and charged all of them with being Maoists and hatching a plan to kill the PM only to build a case against Dhawale. How can these innocent people plan to kill the prime minister? Gadling, for that matter, has fought for the rights of the poor throughout his life. Now, through Dhawale, they want to defame Justice Sawant, me and the Elgar Parishad because we have been working against the Modi government. Justice Sawant has made many statements against manuwaad, moneywaad, Brahminical forces through his writings and public meetings. Their problem was how to defame Justice Sawant and so they have built this case against Dhawale through whom they want to suppress the voice of the Elgar Parishad. They claim that Dhawale took money from the Maoists to fund the Elgar Parishad. This is nonsense! MIT-WPU (MIT-World Peace University) had a function on the morning of January 1, 2018, where they felicitated renowned scientist Dr R A Mashelkar. We had our programme at night on December 31. They (MIT-WPU) told us that since they won't have enough time to decorate the ground after our function, they would decorate it on the morning of December 31, which we could use for our programme too that night, and the same would be used by them the next morning. Accordingly, they (MIT-WPU) paid all the expenses for our meeting for their convenience. When we take any public meeting we make use of only a few trucks and address the people from there. Why is the state government trying to implicate the Elgar Parishad as you allege? They are afraid of us. Not just us, but can you imagine that after the Justice Sawant and Justice Krishna Iyer report (on Narendra D Modi), the whole world refused a visa to Modi. Even today those reports are world famous and circulated throughout the world. Whatever trouble Modi had in the beginning it was only because of us, our team. They want to get back at us, but they can't because we have done nothing wrong or against Indian law. The state government is trying to intimidate and suppress us by such arrests, but they may still arrest us using any ruse. Have you gone through Rana Ayyub's book on Gujarat (The Gujarat Files)? They (Narendra D Modi's then government in Gujarat) used to make use of the law and order machinery to arrest people on false charges. They did whatever they wanted. So far they have not touched us, but they may do it (arrest Justice B G Kolse Patil and Justice P B Sawant on false charges). They are looking for ways to get us into this (Maoists link). Connecting the boys to a plot to kill the prime minister is utter nonsense. What are the gaps that you find in these arrests? How will the case against these five proceed in the days to come? That letter produced (by Public Prosecutor Ujjwala Pawar) involves Prakash Ambedkar, the BJP and whoever their opponents are, all at once. Are these Naxalites fools to write such letters? It is a concocted letter and we suspect the IB (Intelligence Bureau) to be behind this game. This is a plot, whose only purpose is to defame us. Justice Sawant has asked for a thorough probe into the matter. Will the State entertain such a demand? I don't believe any investigation agency can be trusted to conduct a free and fair probe in this country today. All institutions, including the bureaucracy, the IB etc, are dominated by the (people belonging to or affiliated to the) RSS. If you look at the 2014 (Lok Sabha) election, all heads of the various government departments and autonomous institutions like the accountant general (the comptroller and auditor general), the army chief, the head of the IB and police, all fought the election as BJP candidates or were given sinecures. The question is: What were these gentlemen doing throughout their lives? We have always maintained that the RSS ideology has penetrated each and every institution and political parties like the Congress and the BJP. So, I don't trust this government to conduct any free or impartial inquiry. Let them do anything that they want. We are prepared for the worst. What legal help is the Elgar Parishad offering the five people arrested? On Tuesday (June 12), we held a press conference in Mumbai and legal luminaries like Indira Jaising, Mihir Desai were there to help them. The Nagpur Bar Association has passed a resolution and petitioned this government (about these arrests). The question is: Will the government listen to any of our pleas? I don't think so because we have been creating awareness among the Dalits, Muslims and Adivasis how this government is working against them and they will never help them. The Act (the Unlawful Activities Prevention Act) under which they (the five people accused of being Maoists and charged with a conspiracy to assassinate Modi) are arrested doesn't permit bail. They can keep anybody, for anytime, in jail using such draconian laws. How will the case against these five people proceed in the days to come? They are now in police custody and when that gets over, they will be again produced in court. Is there any hope for these five people arrested on the charge of being Maoists? Yes, there is always hope. The courts are still there. The government will use all means to see that they remain in jail, but we have the courts. Does the letter produced by the public prosecutor have any evidentiary value in a court of law? The letter has no value at all. Zero. Under the Evidence Act for this letter to be taken on record they (the investigators) will have to show (produce) the sender and receiver as well as all other people connected to this letter. Otherwise, it doesn't satisfy the legal test. Also, why are you leaking such a letter that reveals the plot of killing our country's prime minister to the press as well as to BJP spokespersons? Actually, this letter should have been kept a secret. All the investigation agencies should have quietly gone about finding more about this alleged plot to kill the prime minister. If you are producing such a piece of evidence not only in the court but also to your own party spokespersons and the media, then what exactly is your strategy? This is being done with the only purpose of defaming and discrediting us. Nothing is going to come out of it. The Evidence Act will come into play only when the trial begins. Then there will be cross examination of this letter, but prima facie this letter will not be taken on record unless they find the sender and all other people associated with this letter. How long before the trial starts? 75 per cent of undertrials in Indian jails are Dalits, Muslims and Adivasis. Even if the punishment for their alleged crimes, once proved, is for one year after conviction, they spend almost 12 years inside jail as undertrials. I can understand criminals who are convicted facing punishment in jail for such long periods, but in India, Dalit, Muslim and Adivasi undertrials face long periods of incarceration. Keeping undertrials in jail for such a long period is in itself an offence, but no court in India takes cognisance of this issue. IMAGE: A thick blanket of dust and haze envelops the city skyline of New Delhi on Thursday. The air quality in Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region on Thursday remained in poor to hazardous category. Photograph: Manvender Vashist/PTI Photo Dust storms hit various parts of Uttar Pradesh, leaving 15 people dead and 28 injured, an official spokesman said on Thursday. "Fifteen people were killed in dust storm (since Wednesday). Six died in Sitapur, three each in Gonda and Kaushambi and one each in Faizabad, Hardoi and Chitrakoot," the spokesman said in Lucknow. Besides, 17 people were injured in Sitapur and 11 in Faizabad, he said. The weather department has warned that thunder squall is very likely at isolated places over the state on Friday, while rain and thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds are very likely at isolated places during the next two days. Meanwhile in New Delhi, air quality in the national capital remained severe for the third day on Thursday, prompting authorities to alert people to avoid staying outdoors and Delhis Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal to order halt in all civil construction activities across the city till Sunday. A thick blanket of haze has been enveloping Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) for the last few days. Referring to India Meteorological Department data, the environment ministry also said that the dusty condition will remain for the next two days. Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan also directed agencies to be on maximum alert and ensure all necessary measures to contain sources of dust. The 24-hour average concentration (rolling) of PM10 was 1,400 microgrammes per cubic metre (ug/m3), more than three times above the severe level, said Gufran Beig, a scientist at the Centre-run System of Air Quality and Weather Forecasting and Research institute (SAFAR). The severe level begins at 430 ug/m3. The pollution caused due to dust storm was expected to settle but the wind speed reduced yesterday (Wednesday), causing the dust that entered Delhi to get trapped in the atmosphere leading to prolonging of pollution, Beig said. According to the CPCB, the air quality index (AQI) - a measurement of the concentration of toxic particulate matter in the air - at several places in Delhi remained over 500. The PM10 level (presence of particles with diameter less than 10mm) was at 756 in Delhi-NCR and 785 in Delhi, leading to hazy conditions. IMAGE: Delhi Congress workers wear masks during a protest against Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal over the recent air-pollution, at Rajiv Chowk Metro Station in New Delhi on Thursday. Photograph: Arun Sharma/PTI Photo The PM2.5 level (presence of particles with diameter less than 2.5 mm) worsened and became severe from very poor level in the past 24 hours in Delhi-NCR at 268 and Delhi at 277. Today (Thursday) even the PM2.5 level has gone to severe from very poor. It happened because of the reduced wind speed has led to accumulation of smaller particles and increasing the PM2.5 level, Beig said. An AQI between 0-50 is considered good, 51-100 satisfactory, 101-200 moderate, 201-300 poor, 301-400 very poor, and 401-500 severe. Meanwhile the environment ministry said that the Task Force under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) met in Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) and recommended that construction activity-related enforcement measures under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) be brought into operation immediately. The ministry said that air quality of Delhi and NCR, which worsened on June 12-13 due to the incoming dust from Rajasthan, has shown a slight improvement today, with PM10 declining to 759 g/m3 at 4 pm from a peak of 823 g/m3 at 5 pm on Wednesday. In view of the seriousness of the situation, Union Environment Minister Harsh Vardhan has directed concerned agencies to be on maximum alert and to ensure all necessary measures to contain sources of dust and to check garbage burning. He also appealed to the people to avoid unnecessary exposure, given the prevailing situation, an official statement said. Baijal ordered stoppage of all civil construction activities across Delhi till Sunday as part of emergency measures that also include intensifying mechanical road sweeping. According to the L-G office, civic bodies, public works department and Delhi Pollution Control Committee have been directed to impose penalties on all road construction agencies for violating laid down norms for dust control measures. He said emergency measures like stoppage of all civil construction activities till 17th June have been taken and further monitoring would be done by agencies like National Highways Authority of India, Delhi Metro Rail Corporations, Municipal Corporations of Delhi, PWD and NBCC to ensure compliance. In a statement, the L-G office stated that the municipal corporations, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and SDMs will strictly enforce prohibition on open burning of garbage, plastics and leaves in the national capital. Municipal Corporations and PWD will intensify mechanical road sweepings, sprinkling of non-potable water at central verges and roadsides and stop brooming activity on main roads, it stated. The meeting was attended by minister Imran Hussain, Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash, EPCA Chairman Bhure Lal, senior government officers and the Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) director general and EPCA member Sunita Narain. The L-G said that a massive afforestation drive would be conducted across Delhi from July 15 to September 15. Narain said that 'severe plus' category has been imposed for dust pollution under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect till Sunday. That means shutting down of all civil construction activities till June 17. We have been told by the MeT Department that rain is likely to take place on Saturday, which will mitigate this bad weather situation, we have enforced it till Sunday, she told PTI. The EPCA's action plan, termed GRAP, has formulated five categories. These are severe plus or emergency, severe, very poor, moderate to poor and moderate. Low visibility due to dusty weather conditions led to cancellations of all flights to and from the Chandigarh International Airport on Thursday, while the Haryana pollution control Board advised against construction activities in NCR districts for the next two days. Dusty weather prevailed in most parts of Punjab and Haryana, and visibility levels dropped. The meteorological department said the situation would improve only by on Friday. A Chandigarh International Airport Limited official said, As a result of disruption due to bad weather, all flights from Chandigarh were cancelled today (Thursday). The weather department here said a ground-level dust storm in Rajasthan, with wind speeds up to 40 kmph, had led to a spike in the levels of coarse particles in the air in most parts of Haryana and Punjab, including Chandigarh, since Wednesday. Director of Chandigarh's MeT Department Surinder Paul told PTI that a western disturbance approaching the region was likely to clear the air. Meanwhile, the maximum temperatures registered a drop of 2-5C on Thursday. Thunderstorm with squall is likely at isolated places of Haryana and Punjab on June 15 and 16, the MeT department said. The Haryana State Pollution Control Board issued advisory that no construction activities should be carried out for the next two days in districts falling under NCR. It also advised that no hot mix plants and stone crushers be operated for the next two days in the districts. Delhi and NCR areas and other parts of Haryana have been experiencing a very severe air pollution due to dust storm with PM 2.5 level crossing even 500g/m3 and considerably higher PM 10 values. These dust storms have been attributed to storm and the winds coming from the regions of Rajasthan and beyond. Meteorological Department has informed that similar conditions will continue to prevail for next few days, the advisory stated. Taking cognisance of these facts, the Pollution Control Board has also issued an advisory to all deputy commissioners and municipal commissioners of NCR districts in Haryana to ensure frequent sprinkling of water to help settle the dust, to keep strict vigil on the garbage burning activities through deployment of special teams, increasing frequency of mechanised cleaning of roads and identifying road stretches with the high dust generation for addressing the issues. The board has also requested the Haryana health department to issue an advisory to the public on precautions to be taken during dusty weather conditions. Haryanas Environment Minister Vipul Goel said the HSPCB was monitoring the pollution level and would advise further necessary steps in consultation with the Supreme Court-mandated Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority and the Central Pollution Control Board. The air quality in parts of Punjab also took a hit today due to dust and hazy weather. An official of the Punjab Pollution Control Board pointed out that air quality index was alarmingly high in many cities of the state due to dust pollution. The air quality index level recorded in many cities of Punjab today was way above permissible limits. In Jalandhar, it was 425, in Ludhiana 488 and in Patiala it was 456. The official said children and aged people should take every precaution and avoid going out as the prevailing weather condition could adversely impact their health. A pall of haze also obscured the landscape in hills of Himachal due to dust storm in adjoining plains, but sharp showers in the evening cleared the mist in Shimla and adjoining areas. Scattered rains occurred at some places and Dharamsala was wettest with 42.6 mm rainfall, followed by Nehri (31 mm), Sundernagar (21 mm), Kufri, Rampur (6 mm each), Seobagh (5 mm), Bijahi, Bharmaur, Bhuntar and Manali (2 mm each). The local Met office has warned of thunderstorm and squall with gusty winds in mid and lower hills from June 15 to 17. It has forecast rain and thundershowers in mid and lower hills and rain and snow in higher hills for the next five days from June 15 onwards. Mercury dropped marginally in lower hills and Una recorded maximum temperature at 41.2Celsius. Bhuntar and Sundernagar recorded a high of 36.2 and 35.9 C respectively, followed by Nahan (33.7), Dharamsala (32.4), Solan (31.5), Palampur (31.1), Shimla (27.0), Manali (26.6), Kalpa (25.5) and Keylong (24.3). There was no significant change in minimum temperatures and Keylong recoded a low of 11.1C, followed by Kalpa and Manali (11.4 each), Bhuntar (18.4), Shimla (18.7), Palampur (21.5), Sundernagar (22.6), Solan (23.0), Dharamsala (23.2), Nahan (25.1) and Una (27.4). In relief to the Palaniswami government, the Madras high court on Thursday delivered a split verdict on the petitions challenging disqualification of 18 All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam legislators loyal to sidelined leader TTV Dinakaran. In the keenly-awaited judgment, Chief Justice Indira Banerjee upheld the September 18 order of Tamil Nadu assembly Speaker P Dhanapal disqualifying the MLAs, while Justice M Sundar disagreed with her and struck it down. The senior-most judge after her will hear the matter afresh, Justice Banerjee said. The split verdict has come as a big relief to the AIADMK government headed by Chief Minister K Palaniswami as any possible threat to its stability has been averted for now. The bench was passing orders on petitions filed by the 18 MLAs challenging their disqualification by the Speaker under the anti-defection law. The MLAs were disqualified after they had called on the governor on August 22 last year expressing their lack of confidence in the leadership of Palaniswami and seeking a change of guard. Photograph: @AamAadmiParty/Twitter The sit-in by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his ministers on Thursday received more political support including from Tamil actor Kamal Haasan and parties like the Rashtriya Janata Dal, Communist Party of India-Marxist and the Communist Party of India which accused the Bharatiya Janata Party-led central government of creating hurdles in the work of the Aam Aadmi Party government. Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan also sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve issues related to the sit-in. Meanwhile, Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has been working from home for the past three days as Kejriwal and his three ministerial colleagues continued their sit-in at his office, sources said on Thursday. Baijal has been holding meetings with officers at the camp office at his residence, which is just behind the L-G Secretariat where Kejriwal and his three ministers have been staging the sit-in since Monday evening. The sources said the L-G was going through files related to Delhi Police, Delhi Development Authority and other departments at his residence, but he did not receive any Delhi government files as the chief minister and his three ministers continued their protest. Delhi minister Imran Hussain, who is not taking part in the protest by the chief minister, on Thursday attended the meeting at the L-G's camp office. Kejriwal and his three cabinet colleagues -- Manish Sisodia, Gopal Rai and Satyendar Jain -- have held a sit-in the L-G's office since Monday evening over their demands, including a direction to officers to end their 'strike' and action against those who have struck work. They also want the L-G to approve the proposal for doorstep delivery of ration. CPI-M general secretary Sitaram Yechury alleged that the central government was using the office of the L-G to 'obstruct' the elected government in Delhi in discharging of its constitutional duties. '... This is despicable. The Centre must abandon this course of confrontation right away,' Yechury tweeted. Kerala CM Vijayan, in a letter to Modi, said such a situation in Delhi will not enhance the image of the country and will undermine the federal structure of governance mandated by the Constitution. He said there are disquieting reports that the Centre was actually providing patronage and protection to sabotage the work of an elected state government belonging to an opposition party. Haasan, who in February launched his own political party --- Makkal Needhi Maiam -- in Tamil Nadu at an event attended by Kejriwal, said that interference in the functioning of an elected government is 'unacceptable in a democracy'. 'Interference in the functioning of an elected government is unacceptable in a democracy. In fact what is happening in Delhi and in TN/Pondicherry are not too different. It is frustrating for people who want a change for the better,' he tweeted. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said that the 'dictatorial Centre' has made a 'mockery of democracy' in Delhi and Puduchery. In a Hindi tweet, Yadav said that interference in the functioning of elected governments through 'pawns of the Centre is bloodying the contexts and aspirations of the democracy'. Rebel Janata Dal-United leader Sharad Yadav also came out in support of Kejriwal, saying 'the elected government is not being allowed to work for one reason or the other'. 'It is not a good precedent being set that the elected government is not allowed to work. It may be mentioned that this is not a failure of the state government, but the people of Delhi are being neglected due to the unnecessary tussle between the LG and the state government,' he said in a statement. According to the statement, Yadav urged the central government to take 'initiative' to settle the issues of Delhi government once for all so that the people of Delhi 'feel comfortable'. The Delhi unit of Communist Party of India also strongly condemned the attitude of Lt Governor Anil Baijal 'by not meeting' the chief minister and his ministers who are sitting since Monday in the waiting hall of the LG Secretariat office. 'The CPI is of the view that no constitutional authority in Delhi can be an agent of any political party or its ideology and cannot bypass or neglect the elected government of Delhi,' the party said in a statement. On Wednesday, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress chief Mamata Banerjee said that elected chief minister must get due respect. '@ArvindKejriwal, CM of Delhi is sitting in a dharna in LG's office for the last few days in the capital city of the country (sic). 'Elected CM must get due respect. May I appeal to the Govt of India and @LtGovDelhi to resolve the problem immediately so that people do not suffer (sic).' Banerjee tweeted. Earlier, the Rashtriya Lok Dal too had supported Kejriwal on the issue. Meanwhile, in a counter move, an indefinite sit-in by BJP leaders at the Chief Minister's office in Delhi Secretariat continued on Thursday with all the five including rebel AAP legislator Kapil Mishra asserting it will go on till they 'expose' the Kejriwal government. , West Delhi MP Parvesh Verma, BJP MLAs -- Vijender Gupta, who is the Leader of Opposition in Delhi Assembly, Jagdish Pradhan and Manjinder Singh Sirsa -- and Mishra sat on dharna at the Chief Minister's office at around 12 noon on Wednesday. The are demanding an assurance from Kejriwal to help Delhiites overcome the water 'crisis'. After spending over 24 hours, Gupta complained of mosquitoes and got the toilets locked. 'Troubled by mosquitoes whole night. CM has also got the office toilet locked. Our dharna will continue till Kejriwal government is exposed,' he said. Gupta said that the AAP including Kejriwal were spreading "lies" that IAS officers in his government were not working. 'Even the sanitation workers are on duty at the Secretariat and you(Kejriwalji) are yourself on strike,' Gupta tweeted. A 13-year-old Dalit boy was allegedly beaten up by four Rajput men for wearing a 'mojdi', a type of ethnic leather shoes, police said on Thursday. The incident, which came to light after a video of it went viral on social media, occurred on Wednesday in Bahucharaji town of Gujarat's Mehsana district. Based on the minor's complaint on Thursday, an first information report was registered against the four men, said Bahucharaji police Sub Inspector R R Solanki. "It is alleged that these four Rajput youth, including one Bharatsinh Darbar, thrashed the victim for wearing a mojdi. We have booked them on charges of kidnapping, assault as well as under relevant sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act," Solanki informed. In his complaint, the minor boy, a resident of Vitthalapur village of Ahmedabad district, stated that the incident happened in Bahucharaji town on Wednesday. 'When I was sitting near the bus stop, a group of youths came to me and asked me my caste. When I said that I am a Dalit, they asked me why I was wearing mojdi despite being a Dalit. 'When I tried to save myself by claiming that I am a Rajput, they forcibly took me to a place and thrashed me,' his complaint stated. 'They slapped and punched me and beat me with a stick. They accused me of trying to be a Rajput by wearing such shoes. I somehow managed to escape and came home,' the complaint added. In the video, which was allegedly shot and circulated by one of the accused, the Dalit boy can be seen sobbing and pleading for mercy. While beating him, two of the accused can be heard in the video saying that one cannot become a Rajput by donning such footwear. The person who was shooting the video can be heard saying that he will send this video to Vitthalapur, the minor's place of residence, apparently to give a message to others. While begging for mercy, the victim can be heard saying that he is a Dalit and will never try to be a Rajput. This is the latest incident involving upper caste men allegedly attacking Dalits and OBCs for trivial reasons. Last month, a group of Rajputs clashed with Dalits in Dholka town in Ahmedabad district over a Dalit man's decision to add the suffix 'Sinh' to his name. 2 backward caste boys paraded naked for bathing in farmer's well Two minor boys from a backward community were allegedly beaten up and paraded naked in a village in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district for swimming in a well that belonged to a person of a different caste, police said on Thursday. The teenagers were paraded by two men, one of whom owned the well. Police have arrested the men, identified as Ishwar Joshi and Prahlad Lohar, in connection with the incident. The matter came to light when a video of the alleged assault and stripping of the boys went viral on the social media on June 10. The clip purportedly shows the two boys -- aged 15 and 16 -- being beaten up with a belt and paraded naked in Pahur village in Jamner taluka by the accused duo, a local police official said. The boys had gone for a swim in the well belonging to Joshi, a farmer, in Wakadi village around 3 pm on June 10. "While returning home after swimming, both the teenagers were caught by Joshi and his farm worker Prahlad Lohar," he said. Joshi and Lohar allegedly started abusing the duo, stripped them off their clothes and started beating them with a belt, the official said. According to the official, the cries of the boys to spare them fell on deaf ears. He said the boys were paraded naked in the village while one of the accused used his mobile phone to film the incident and circulate it on social media. The parents of the boys came to know about the incident after the video went viral, following which they approached the Pahur police. On the complaint of the father of one of the victims, Joshi and Lohar were booked under sections 323 (Punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), and 506 (Punishment for criminal intimidation) of the Indian Penal Code, said the officer. Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Keshav Pathond told PTI that Joshi and Lohar were also booked under the Atrocity Act, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and section 67 (B) of the Information and Technology Act. They were arrested on the night of June 10 and produced before local court on June 11, which sent them to judicial remand. Photograph: Jonathan Ernst/Reuters New York State on Thursday filed a lawsuit against the Donald J Trump Foundation and its board of directors, including President Donald Trump and his family members, alleging persistent 'illegal conduct' for more than a decade. President Trump reacted sharply to the lawsuit and asserted that he would 'not settle' the case, and accused the Opposition Democrats of continuing with their 'witch hunt' against him. The lawsuit alleges a pattern of persistent 'illegal conduct', occurring over more than a decade, that includes extensive unlawful political coordination with the Trump presidential campaign, repeated and willful self-dealing transactions to benefit Trump's personal and business interests, and violations of basic legal obligations for non-profit foundations. Simultaneously, New York State Attorney General Barbara D Underwood initiated a special proceeding to dissolve the Trump Foundation under court supervision and obtain restitution of $2.8 million and additional penalties. Trump took to Twitter to respond to the announcement of the lawsuit. 'The sleazy New York Democrats, and their now disgraced (and run out of town) A G Eric Schneiderman, are doing everything they can to sue me on a foundation that took in $18,800,000 and gave out to charity more money than it took in, $19,200,000. I won't settle this case!... '.. Schneiderman, who ran the Clinton campaign in New York, never had the guts to bring this ridiculous case, which lingered in their office for almost 2 years. Now he resigned his office in disgrace, and his disciples brought it when we would not settle,' he tweeted. Among other things, the lawsuit also seeks a ban from future service as a director of a New York not-for-profit of 10 years for Trump and one year for each of the foundation's other board members, Donald Trump Jr, Ivanka Trump, and Eric Trump. The petition alleges that the President used the foundation's charitable assets to pay off his legal obligations, to promote Trump hotels and other businesses, and to purchase personal items. In addition, at Trump's behest, the Trump Foundation illegally provided extensive support to his 2016 presidential campaign by using the charity's name and funds it raised from the public to promote his campaign for presidency, including in the days before the Iowa nominating caucuses, the lawsuit alleges. "As our investigation reveals, the Trump Foundation was little more than a checkbook for payments from Mr Trump or his businesses to nonprofits, regardless of their purpose or legality," said Underwood. "This is not how private foundations should function and my office intends to hold the foundation and its directors accountable for its misuse of charitable assets," he said. The Attorney General's investigation found that Trump Foundation raised in excess of $2.8 million in a manner designed to influence the 2016 presidential election at the direction and under the control of senior leadership of the Trump presidential campaign, his office alleged. The foundation raised the funds from the public at the nationally televised fundraiser Trump held in lieu of participating in the presidential primary debate in Des Moines, Iowa, on January 28, 2016, it alleged. "In violation of state and federal law, senior Trump campaign staff, including Campaign Manager Corey Lewandowski, dictated the timing, amounts, and recipients of grants by the Foundation to non-profits, as evidenced by communications between Campaign staff and Foundation representatives," it said. Trump, who returned from the historic summit with North Korea's Kim Jong Un in Singapore on Tuesday, accused the Democrats of making up a 'phony crime', 'Russian collusion' and 'fake news'. 'Now that I am back from Singapore, where we had a great result with respect to North Korea, the thought process must sadly go back to the Witch Hunt, always remembering that there was No Collusion and No Obstruction of the fabricated No Crime,' he said. 'So, the Democrats make up a phony crime, Collusion with the Russians, pay a fortune to make the crime sound real, illegally leak (Comey) classified information so that a Special Councel will be appointed, and then Collude to make this pile of garbage take on life in Fake News!' Trump said in another tweet. He also said that 'Fake News' is America's 'biggest enemy' as he singled out some US media outlets for trying to 'downplay' the 'deal' he struck with Kim at their historic summit. Trump, 72, renewed his attack on the media, hours after he addressed a lengthy press conference in Singapore, trying to sell the 'deal' he has struck with Kim, 34. He singled out NBC and CNN in his angry tweet. 'So funny to watch the Fake News, especially NBC and CNN,' Trump wrote. 'They are fighting hard to downplay the deal with North Korea. 500 days ago they would have 'begged' for this deal -- looked like war would break out. Our Country's biggest enemy is the Fake News so easily promulgated by fools!' he tweeted. Trump's angry tweet apparently came following a wave of attacks launched on Jim Acosta, CNN's chief White House correspondent. Trump officials had attacked Acosta for asking Kim and Trump questions during a signing ceremony at the Singapore nuclear summit. Brad Parscale, the Trump 2020 campaign manager, said Acosta's press credentials should be 'immediately' suspended, calling the journalist an 'absolute disgrace' on Twitter. Acosta had responded on Twitter to the suggestion that he have his press credentials revoked, tweeting, 'Dictatorships take away press credentials. Not democracies.' Trump frequently portrays the news media as one of his enemies, but rarely has he been this blunt about it, CNN commented. No modern American president has publicly spoken this way about the press, the network said while noting that former President Richard Nixon sometimes talked this way, but only in private. 'Trump relishes the fight. Time and time again, he seizes us-versus-them opportunities, casting the media as an opponent that must be defeated,' it said. Trump had instituted the so-called 'Fake News Awards' in January and the 'winners' included the New York Times and CNN. The Delhi CMs protests have forced people to take notice, transforming what would otherwise be routine Delhi matters into issues of national interest. IMAGE: In January 2014, Arvind Kejriwal, the chief of the Aam Aadmi Party, began a sit-in protest on the streets of Delhi demanding action against police personnel for alleged dereliction of duty. The protest continued for two days and this image of Kejriwal under a quilt became popular all over the world. Photograph: Kamal Kishore/PTI Photo Stretching out on a sofa in the lieutenant governors office or spending the night in the open on a bitterly cold January night, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal it seems is the politician who can never change his activist stripes. The Aam Aadmi Party chief, who has hunkered down for over 50 hours at Lt Governor Anil Baijal office with three of his colleagues to press for their demands, including a direction to IAS officers to end their four-month strike, zeroes in on the most unorthodox ways to make his point. Kejriwal, who has been chief minister for two stints, once from December 2013 to February 2014 and now from February 2015, began his first term, not in an office car but in his trademark, somewhat battered, blue Wagon R and insisting that he did not want security. In December 2013, during his 49-day stint, the RTI activist turned politician boarded the metro from Kaushambi Station, where he stayed at the time, to take oath as Delhi chief minister at a public event at Ramlila Maidan, underscoring that he was an aam aadmi politician, cut differently from the others. IMAGE: Aam Aadmi Party convenor Arvind Kejriwal restores the electricity connection of a resident of Tigri Colony (Khanpur) in New Delhi in October 2012. Before his entry into politics, Kejriwal had led a protest against the Delhi government on power tariff hike and asked people not to pay electricity bills. Photograph: PTI Photo The following month, in January 2014, he and members of his cabinet spent the night outside Rail Bhawan, close to the draughty greens of India Gate, to demand action against policemen who allegedly refused to cooperate with then Delhi law minister Somnath Bharti during a raid on a suspected drug and prostitution racket in South Delhi. Photographs of him huddled under a quilt in the cold were circulated widely, not just in India but elsewhere in the world. During the protest, he was seen doing his office work from the street side with files being brought to him. When the cold got too much and it started raining, Kejriwals wife Sunita insisted that he move. So he did, inside his trusted blue Wagon R. The deadlock was broken when then L-G Najeeb Jung urged him to call off the protest and sent over some hot parathas from his kitchen, opening the door for negotiations. IMAGE: On May 14, 2018, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal with Deputy CM Manish Sisodia and party workers sit on a dharna outside Lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal's House to discuss the acrimony over the issue of setting up of CCTV cameras in the city. Photograph: Kamal Kishore/PTI Photo In October 2012, just after he announced the formation of the Aam Aadmi Party, activist Kejriwal launched an agitation for water and electricity against the then Sheila Dikshit government for inflated power bills. Under the campaign, Kejriwal and his supporters clambered on an electricity pole to restore the power connection of a labourer, who claimed that he got a bill for Rs 15,000 and his connection was disconnected because he couldnt pay up. Kejriwal, who first came into the national limelight during the movement for a Lokpal bill, has often gone on a hunger strike in the past, notwithstanding his tenuous health. IMAGE: His latest protest has seen Kejriwal and his deputy along with two other ministers sitting on the sofa at the LG's house for three nights. Their demand is that the striking IAS officers go back to work Photograph: @SudhirBhardwaj/Twitter And now, in May 2018, Kejriwal, who once famously said that he was an anarchist, has chosen to sit on dharna at the lieutenant governors office, to demand that Baijal give him and his ministers a hearing. This time, his Health Minister Satyender Jain has embarked on an indefinite hunger strike. The AAP governments demands include a direction to IAS officers to end their strike and action against those who have struck work for four months. It has also asked the L-G to approve the proposal for doorstep delivery of rations. Sources said the chief minister, who is a diabetic, had to take insulin during the sit-in and get special food from home. Their demands may or not be met but the unconventional situation has certainly made people sit up and take notice, transforming what would otherwise be a routine Delhi matter into an issue of national interest. Days after a row erupted over his address at the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh headquarters, former president Pranab Mukherjee on Wednesday broke bread with Rahul Gandhi at an iftar party hosted by the Congress chief. IMAGE: Former president Pranab Mukherjee during the iftar party hosted by Congress president Rahul Gandhi. Photograph: PTI Photo Among the prominent personalities included Mukherjees predecessor Pratibha Patil and former prime minister Manmohan Singh, besides former vice president Hamid Ansari besides a host of opposition leaders. This is the first iftar hosted by Gandhi as Congress president. Among other leaders included Communist Party of India-Marxists Sitaram Yechury, Bahujan Samaj Partys Satish Chandra Misra, Trinamool Congresss Dinesh Trivedi and Dravida Munnetra Kazaghams Kanimozhi. IMAGE: Congress chief and Pranab were deep in conversation, however when Rahul spoke of PM Modi's fitness video, Pranab remained mum. Photograph: Kamal Singh/PTI Photo Breakaway Janata Dal-United leader Sharad Yadav, Janata Dal-Secular leader Danish Ali, Jharkhand Mukti Morchas Hemant Soren, Nationalist Congress Partys, and Rashtriya Janata Dals Manoj Jha. Good food, friendly faces and great conversation make for a memorable Iftar! We were honoured to have two former Presidents, Pranab Da and Smt Pratibha Patil ji join us, along with leaders from different political parties, the media, diplomats and many old and new friends, Gandhi said on Twitter after the iftar. Mukherjee was seen conversing with Gandhi and exchanging pleasantries with him and several other senior Congress leaders. IMAGE: Gandhi came along with Mukherjee and while the former president left after sometime, the Congress chief offered to drop him back but Mukherjee politely refused. Photograph: Kamal Singh/PTI Photo There was considerable disquiet in the Congress after Mukherjee accepted the invitation of the RSS to address its workers at its headquarters in Nagpur. After much consternation, the party however, later complimented him for his speech for showing the mirror of truth that carried lessons on pluralism and secularism to the Sangh. Gandhi came along with Mukherjee and while the former president left after sometime, the Congress chief offered to drop him back but Mukherjee politely refused. IMAGE: Former president Pratibha Patil, Communist Party of India-Marxist general secretary Sitaram Yechury, former vice-president Mohammad Hamid Ansari and others during the iftar party. Photograph: Kamal Singh/PTI Photo Besides pleasantries and photo ops, the short conversation at Gandhis table revolved around the prime ministers fitness video put out by him on Twitter on Wednesday morning. Gandhi described it as ridiculous and bizarre and asked Yechury to put out his own fitness video in return, as he poked fun at the prime minister. Earlier, leaders of some opposition parties met at a different location to discuss possibilities of a larger alliance. Kanimozhi later said, Everyone wants alliances but todays meeting was a courtesy meeting. IMAGE: CPI-M's Sitaram Yechury was one of the most prominent faces among the Opposition leaders who attended the party. Photograph: Kamal Singh/PTI Photo Also present at the iftar were a large gathering of diplomats, especially from the Islamic countries, including the Ambassador of Russia to India. United Progressive Alliance chairperson Sonia Gandhi was not present as she is currently abroad on a media check up. IMAGE: Former PM Manmohan Singh was also in attendance along with breakaway Janata Dal-United leader Sharad Yadav. Photograph: PTI Photo Top Congress leaders including many former chief ministers and governors and ex-central ministers were present. These included Ahmed Patel, Ghulam Nabi Azad, Mallikarjun Kharge, Ambika Soni, Janardan Dwivedi, Anand Sharma, Veerappa Moily, Jairam Ramesh, Mukul Wasnik, KV Thomas, Shivraj Chouhan, PJ Kurien and former chief ministers Bhupinder Singh Hooda, Prithviraj Chavan and Sheila Dikshit. IMAGE: Shujaat Bukhari in Lisbon. Photograph: Kind courtesy @bukharishujaat/Twitter Veteran journalist and Rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari and his two personal security officers were shot dead by terrorists outside the newspaper's office in the heart of Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital Srinagar on Thursday, police officials said. Bukhari, 53, who had worked as the state correspondent for national daily The Hindu for several years, was shot dead soon after he boarded his car from his office located at Press Enclave in the heart of the city centre -- Lal Chowk. Giving details, police said in a statement that terrorists on Thursday evening fired upon senior journalist and editor-in-chief of the daily, Rising Kashmir, Shujaat bukhari at Press Enclave. 'While Shujaat Bukhari was travelling in a car near Press Enclave, he was fired (upon) indiscriminately which resulted in instant death of Bhukari and a PSO who was with him. The other PSO who was shifted to the hospital in critical condition has succumbed to his injury,' the statement said. 'Preliminary investigation...indicates this as a terror attack. Police is investigating the case and condemn this gruesome terror act,' the statement said. The unidentified terrorists, believed to be three in number, were waiting as it is believed that they had the knowledge about the time Bukhari was to leave office. They fired indiscriminately on the vehicle carrying him and fled on a motorcycle along with a weapon of a PSO Abdul Hamid, who was also killed on the spot. Bukhari is survived by his wife and one son and a daughter. Rediff.com Photograph: Umar Ganie for IMAGE: Bukhari's car which was attacked by three bike-borne terrorists outside his office in Srinagar, as per intial reports. Another PSO, identified as Hameed, and a civilian were injured in the attack. The policeman later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The journalist was the brother of Bashrat Ahmed Bukhari, a minister in the Mehbooba Mufti government. An anguished Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti broke down while denouncing the 'mindless' killing of Bukhari as she recalled her meeting with the renowned journalist a few days ago. "What can I say. Only a few days ago he had come to meet me," an emotional Mufti said, struggling to hold back her tears. Several organisations of journalists also condemned the killing. Bukhari is the fourth journalist to be killed by terrorists in the nearly three-decade-long violence in Kashmir. In 1991, the editor of Alsafa, Mohammed Shaban Vakil, was killed by terrorists of Hizbul Muahideen. Former BBC correspondent Yussuf Jameel escaped with injuries when a bomb exploded in his office in 1995, but ANI cameramen Mushtaq Ali lost his life in the incident. IMAGE: Chief Minister of Jammu and Kashmir Mehbooba Mufti listens to relatives of Bukhari at the hospital on Thursday. Photograph: PTI Photo Later on January 31, 2003, Parvaz Mohammed Sultan, editor of NAFA, was shot dead by Hizbul Mujahideen at his Press Enclave office. Hours before he was killed, Bukhari distinguishable by his over six-foot tall frame and husky voice was steadfastly defending his work on microblogging site Twitter when he was accused by some Delhi-based journalists of 'biased' coverage. '...In #Kashmir we have done Journalism with pride and will continue to highlight what happens on ground,' he had said in the tweet. As the news of his cold-blooded killing spread, the social media reacted with surprise and disgust about the cowardly act as politicians, journalists and common people expressed their condolences and condemnation of the barbaric act. Expressing shock at the journalist's killing, Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh termed it an 'act of cowardice'. 'The killing of @RisingKashmir editor, Shujaat Bukhari is an act of cowardice. It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist,' the home minister tweeted. 'Extremely shocked & pained at his death. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family,' he said on Twitter. Congress president Rahul Gandhi too expressed grief over the death of the journalist and said Bukhari was fearlessly fighting for peace in Jammu and Kashmir. 'I'm anguished to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of @RisingKashmir. He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu & Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed (sic),' Gandhi said. Mufti said in a message that she was shocked and saddened by Bukhari's 'sudden demise'. 'The scourge of terror has reared its ugly head on the eve of Eid. I strongly condemn this act of mindless violence & pray for his soul to rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family,' the chief minister said on Twitter. Terrorism, she said, has hit a new low with Bukhari's killing, 'that too on the eve of Eid'. 'We must unite against forces seeking to undermine our attempts to restore peace. Justice will be done,' Mehbooba said. Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad termed him a close friend and lauded his role during the floods of 2014. "In him we have lost a fearless journalist and a great social worker," he said. Bharatiya Janata Party national general secretary Ram Madhav also termed the senior journalist's killing a cowardly act by the terrorists. In a tweet, he said, 'Shocked to hear about d attack on d Editor-in-Chief of Rising Kashmir Shujaat Bukhari in Srinagar. Reprehensible n condemnable cowardly act of d terrorists (sic)'. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference leader Omar Abdullah said, 'Shocked beyond words. May Shujaat find place in Jannat & May his loved ones find strength at this difficult time.' Abdullah also posted a screenshot of his last conversation with Bukhari on Twitter. Bukhari was instrumental in organising several conferences for peace in the Kashmir Valley. He was also part of the Track II process with Pakistan. Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad tweeted, 'Deeply saddened to learn about the dastardly killing of @RisingKashmir editor #ShujaatBukhari. Such an attempt to suppress the sane voices by terrorists will never succeed.' Union Minister of State for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore called Bukhari's killing an attack on the freedom of press. 'Assassination of #ShujaatBukhari is a brutal attack on freedom of press. A cowardly and deplorable act of terror. Our fearless media is one of the greatest strength of our democracy and we are committed to provide a safe and conducive working environment to media persons,' he said on Twitter. The Editors Guild of India tweeted, 'The Editors Guild of India unequivocally condemns the assassination of Rising Kashmir Editor Shujaat Bukhari. This is a grave attack on press freedom and democratic voices. We will be issuing a more detailed statement soon.' Later in a statement, it said, killing of Bukhari is a 'new low in a rapidly deteriorating environment' for media persons in Jammu and Kashmir and called upon the state government to ensure their safety and bring to book the culprits. It said an attack on a journalist challenges the very foundations of a free press and vibrant democracy and more so in a state like Jammu and Kashmir that is going through militancy. The Guild also called upon the state and central governments to enhance security for all journalists in Jammu and Kashmir. It said Bukhari was a voice of moderation and a courageous, big-hearted editor who mentored a large number of young journalists from Kashmir. 'Recent weeks have also seen threats of violence against many journalists in different parts of the country. The killing of Bukhari is a new low in a rapidly deteriorating environment for media practitioners in Kashmir, in particular, and in the country in general,' the Guild said in a release. It also called upon the Centre to take note of the developments and take necessary steps to ensure a situation where the media can discharge its duties without any fear of violence. The United Nations on Thursday released first-ever report on alleged human rights violation in Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir and demanded an international probe into it, evoking a sharp reaction from India which termed the document as 'fallacious and motivated'. New Delhi also lodged a strong protest with the United Nations, saying the government is 'deeply concerned that individual prejudices are being allowed to undermine the credibility of a UN institution'. 'The report violates India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Pakistan is in illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the Indian state through aggression,' the Ministry of External Affairs said in a strongly-worded statement. In its 49-page report, the UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights focused on both Jammu and Kashmir (consisting of the Kashmir Valley, the Jammu and Ladakh regions) and 'Pakistan-Administered Kashmir (Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan)'. Taking objection to the UN using terms like 'Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan' for PoK, the MEA said, 'The incorrect description of Indian territory in the report is mischievous, misleading and unacceptable. There are no entities such as 'Azad Jammu and Kashmir' and 'Gilgit-Baltistan.' 'We are deeply concerned that individual prejudices are being allowed to undermine the credibility of a UN institution,' the ministry added. The UN also asked Pakistan to end its 'misuse' of anti-terror legislation to persecute peaceful activists and quash dissent. 'Impunity for human rights violations and lack of access to justice are key human rights challenges in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir,' the report said. It said special laws which are in force in the state, such as the Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act, 1990 (AFSPA) and the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act, 1978 (PSA), have created structures that obstruct the normal course of law, impede accountability and jeopardize the right to remedy for victims of human rights violations. "Impunity for enforced or involuntary disappearances in Kashmir continues as there has been little movement towards credibly investigating complaints including into alleged sites of mass graves in the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region," it said. The report has given a detailed account of protests and incidents of alleged excesses by the security forces since 2016. The UN body said based on the findings in its report, a commission of inquiry should be established to conduct a comprehensive independent international investigation into allegations of human rights violations in Kashmir. It also asked India to set up an 'independent, impartial and credible investigations to probe all civilian killings which have occurred since July 2016 and incidents of excessive use of force by security forces including serious injuries caused by the use of the pellet-firing shotguns'. The UN body asked Pakistan to fully respect international human rights law obligations in 'Pakistan-Administered Kashmir'. It also asked Islamabad to end the misuse of anti-terror legislation to persecute those engaging in peaceful political and civil activities and expressions of dissent, and amend the anti-terrorism act to bring it in line with international human rights standards. The MEA called the report a selective compilation of largely unverified information and that it is 'overtly prejudiced' and seeks to build a false narrative. The MEA said terrorism was the most 'egregious violation' of human rights and yet the authors of the report have conveniently ignored the pattern of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan and territories under its illegal control. 'Cross-border terror and incitement is aimed at suppressing the will of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, disrupting its political and social fabric and undermining India's integrity,' it said. The MEA said it was disturbing that those behind the report have chosen to describe internationally designated and UN-proscribed terrorist entities as "armed groups" and terrorists as 'leaders'. 'This undermines the UN-led consensus on zero tolerance to terrorism. 'The motivated report deliberately ignores that fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution to every Indian citizen, including in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, are protected also by an independent judiciary, human rights commissions, free and vibrant media and an active civil society,' it said. The MEA said India's protest and views in the matter have been conveyed unequivocally to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. The Congress also supported the government's stand in dismissing the UN report, terming it a 'prejudiced attempt' by vested interests to hurt India's sovereignty and national interests. Condemning the UN report, the opposition party said it needs to be junked as it has not taken into account the ground realities in Kashmir and has encouraged terrorists by terming them militant groups. The report has been prepared without understanding the ground situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said and asked if the United Nations should overlook state-sponsored terrorism being exported on Indian soil by Pakistan. "Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inseparable part of India. We reject UN Human Rights Report as a prejudiced attempt by vested interests to hurt India's sovereignty and national interests," he said. "Congress party supports the government's stand in dismissing the report," he added. The UNHRC, the Congress leader said, prepared the report remotely with zero understanding of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. 'How does the report justify terrorism by self styled militants of JeM and Hizbul Mujahideen? Should the UN overlook the state sponsored terrorism being exported on Indian soil by Pakistan?' Surjewala asked on Twitter. Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel echoed him and said the report was mischievous and misleading. "We reject any such ploy to interfere in the internal affairs of India as Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Government deserves our full support to deal with the report." Addressing reporters at the All India Congress Committee headquarters, Congress leader and former Union minister Rajeev Shukla also condemned the report and said the Congress party supports the stand taken by the government of India on the issue. He also said terrorists cannot be termed militant groups fighting for their cause. "I feel the United Nations report has been prepared without visiting the ground and I do not consider it right. The Congress supports the stand taken by the government of India... terming terrorists as militant groups and encouraging them should be rejected and condemned," he said. The report is 'not right' and should be rejected outright, he said. Shukla also demanded strong action against terrorists operating in Jammu and Kashmir. "We reject and condemn this report, which is completely uncalled for," he added. Claude Arpi salutes Lieutenant General Zorawar Chand Bakshi, India's most decorated general, who passed into the ages recently. Illustration: Dominic Xavier/Rediff.com Last month, India lost its most decorated general. Lieutenant General Zorawar Chand Bakshi -- known as Zoru to Indian Army officers and his friends -- passed away at the age of 97. Very few noticed. There were no tweets from the prime minister or the defence minister. General Bakshi was born in 1921 in Gulyana town, Rawalpindi district, in today's Pakistan. Like several soldiers of his generation, he served in the British army; in this, he followed the footsteps of his father, Bahadur Bakshi Lal Chand Lau. During World War II, Zoru fought with the Baloch regiment against the Japanese in Burma; he covered himself with glory and his name was mentioned in dispatches for conducting successful ambushes against the enemy. Following the Partition of India, the family moved to India, and after briefly serving in the Punjab Boundary Force, a military force set up to restore peace on the Punjab border, he was commissioned into the 5th Gorkha Rifles (Frontier Force). During the 1947-1948 operations in Kashmir, he was already noticed as a great soldier; he was awarded the Vir Chakra. Later, he would fight two more wars against Pakistan and be awarded more decorations, including the Mahavir Chakra. It is because of the military mission he undertook to Tibet in 1949 that I got to know General Bakshi. At the end of the 1990s, while working on my book The Fate of Tibet, I had a burning question: Why did India not militarily intervene in Tibet in 1950? I was told by one of his colleagues from the Burma World War II days, "Why don't you meet Zoru Bakshi? He went there." Not only did he go to Lhasa, but he was awarded the MacGregor Memorial Medal, a decoration instituted in 1888 in memory of Sir Charles MacGregor, the founder of India's original secret service, the Khufiya Bureau, for his visit to Tibet. This most prestigious decoration is given to army personnel for exceptional feats of reconnaissance. General Bakshi was the first recipient (only 15 have received it so far). Here is Zoru's Tibetan adventure: In the summer of 1949, the Government of India, though not ready to get involved in a full-fledged military operation in Tibet, was still studying different options. But in order to have a proper assessment Delhi decided to send someone to survey the eventual routes. The information thus collected could be used to send troops and ammunition in the event of a 'political' decision to defend Tibet. The officer was also asked to check on the military preparedness of the Tibetan army. After some tussle with Army HQ, which was keen to send its own military intelligence officer (one Lieutenant Govil), the ministry of external affairs (and probably Jawaharlal Nehru himself as a minister), Major Zorawar Chand Bakshi was selected. The reason why Lieutenant Govil was not sent was probably a note from Lieutenant General Nathu Singh, the Eastern Command commander who was in favour of an armed intervention in Tibet: '(China'] recent activities, their declared policy towards liberation of Tibet, clearly indicate the writing on the wall. The Communist menace is gradually spreading towards the very borders of India,' General Nathu Singh wrote. But Nehru believed in non-violence. General Nathu Singh's independence of mind and his desire to send its own man (Lieutenant Govil) to scout Tibet, prompted the MEA to select someone who would directly report to the ministry. On September 3, 1949, Hareshwar Dayal, the political officer still thought that a 'party' would be sent for the purpose: 'This party should be as UNOBTRUSIVE as possible and should go as TREKKERS or as officers visiting Gyantse escorts.' Dayal did not want the 'party' to have an armed escort. The fact that this covert mission took place under the direction of K P S Menon, the foreign secretary, is proof that in the summer of 1949, the Government of India was still keeping all its options open. General Bakshi, who was a man of a few words, explained to me: "My mission was very simple. It was to see the routes in these areas. In the army, we always prepare for eventualities. The army does not decide to go anywhere, but should we be asked to go anywhere, we must know where the routes are. In fact, the army does not make any recommendation at all (that we should go for war or not). Nothing like we should go to Tibet." On his return, Zoru made his recommendations: 'Nothing was impossible, after all (the legendary British explorer Francis) Younghusband had done it 45 years earlier under much more compelling conditions. But it was a "political" choice.' One of the questions the then Major Bakshi had to study was: Should India send arms and ammunition to Tibet? On July 4, 1949, K P S Menon, the foreign secretary, had emphasised the need for the Indian mission to continue to supply arms and ammunition supply to Lhasa. Menon also suggested finding out 'other ways' to 'give our moral support to Tibet' and the strengthening of India's northern frontiers. Nehru himself wrote: 'We should certainly try to maintain and continue our friendly relations with the Tibetan government and give them such aid as we have been giving them in the past.' One year later, when the Chinese troops crossed the Yangtze and invaded the Land of Snows, Nehru's determination would disappear, but this is another story. It is more than a decade after meeting General Bakshi, that I came across his report, a fascinating document. The young major first looked at the 'strength, composition and location' of the Tibetan army: 'The Tibetan army is about 8,000 strong. There are approximately 10 battalions in it.' Major Bakshi explained that these battalions do not have a fixed strength, though 'normally' battalions have approximately 900 strong soldiers; further the battalions have 'no fixed scale of weapons and equipment.' They are equipped with rifles, brens and sten guns and a few 2-inches mortars. The report confirmed that some of the Tibetan soldiers and officers had been trained in firing by Indian Army instructors. Major Bakshi also mentioned the state of training and discipline: 'I have had a few opportunities of seeing the men of Kusung and Trapchi Regiments on parade in Lhasa. The standard of drill, with and without arms, is very poor.' 'I have no hesitation in saying that an IA (Indian Army) recruit, after two weeks training, is much smarter than the soldiers of the Tibetan Body Guard Regiment.' 'The Tibetan soldier,' he added, 'shows no pride in being a soldier. The standard of turnout and discipline is shocking. The soldier does not seem to wash himself and his clothes.' But Delhi was not ready to get involved in a conflict on the Tibetan plateau. The rest is history, a few months later India abandoned a weak and unprepared Tibet to its fate. It would then become clear for other 'non-aligned' nations that India was not in a position to play the high-moral role she pretended to play in world affairs. It remains sad that India did not pay official homage to one of its greater soldiers. Readers who want to know more about The Indian Presence in Tibet, 1947 to 1962, please click here. Watchdog urges caution for would-be observers to Cambodia's election Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 4 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Watchdog urges caution for would-be observers to Cambodia's election, 4 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2221cda.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-04 Then-president of the CNRP Sam Rainsy meets international observers for Cambodia's general election at his party headquarters in Phnom Penh, July 27, 2013. AP Photo An electoral watchdog in Cambodia has cautioned would-be international observers to think twice before accepting an invitation to participate in the country's upcoming general ballot, which is expected to be neither free nor fair amid a ban on the main opposition party. On Wednesday, the country's National Election Committee (NEC) issued a press release welcoming prospective observers to register for the July 29 vote by submitting an application between April 23 and July 25. The committee noted that only "international NGOs, international organizations and various countries that are invited and accredited" by the government or NEC will be eligible to take part in observation, and that they will be required to submit a report on their conclusions following the completion of the electoral process. Koul Panha, director of the Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel), told Reuters News Agency Wednesday that potential observers should be aware of the political situation in Cambodia before signing on to participate in July's ballot. "They should be more cautious in responding to the invitation," he said. "Many of them have standards on prerequisite principles for their engagement decision." The invitation follows the dissolution of the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) in November on allegations the party engaged in a plot to topple the government, and comes amid an ongoing crackdown on NGOs and the media actions widely seen as part of a bid by Prime Minister Hun Sen to ensure his ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) remains in power for another term. Earlier, Comfrel's coordinator for election observers Kan Savang told RFA's Khmer Service that his organization will wait until May 14 the registration deadline for political parties and candidates to decide whether it will take part in the election. He called on Cambodia's political leaders to "resume talks as soon as possible to create a favorable environment for a free and fair election," noting that donors such as the U.S. and EU had withdrawn electoral aid because they said the vote lacks legitimacy, absent the CNRP. "We are currently frustrated by the lack of funding and resources due to international sanctions," he added. Kan Savang's concerns were echoed by Sam Kuntheamy, executive director of the Neutral and Impartial Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (NICFEC), who told RFA his organization would also wait until after the registration deadline to decide whether to join the election. CPP spokesperson Sok Eysan on Wednesday said Cambodia's ballot is on track to proceed, whether or not NGO observers take part. "For those civil society organizations that are waiting to see if there is any negation between the ruling party and the opposition, I think they will have to wait forever," he said. "The idea of a possible negotiation is just wishful thinking it will never happen. Whether there are observers from the NGOs or not the election will surely proceed as planned." CNRM summoned Also on Wednesday, RFA obtained a copy of a summons sent by Phnom Penh Municipal Court prosecutor Sieng Sok to the six founders of the Cambodian National Rescue Movement (CNRM), which was established in January in response to the dissolution of the CNRP, and which the government has labelled illegal. Those summoned include former CNRP president and CNRM president Sam Rainsy, his wife CNRP lawmaker Tioulong Saumura, CNRP deputy president Eng Chhay Eang, and CNRP lawmakers Ho Vann, Tok Vanchan and Nuth Rumduol. All six people left Cambodia after the CNRP was banned and are living in self-imposed exile in France and the U.S. to avoid what are seen as politically motivated court cases. The summonses, dated March 30, are identical and accuse the six of "attempting to overthrow the legitimate government" and other crimes much like accusations made last year against the CNRP and its officials. In the document, the court demands that they appear from May 22-30 for questioning related to "forming the CNRM, inciting chaos in society, affecting national security, and attempting to overthrow the legitimate government of Cambodia." Ho Vann told RFA that he was not surprised by the summons, noting that any effort to "reinstate the CNRP and restore true democracy to Cambodia" is met with similar allegations from the government. "We strongly dismiss all allegations that we are traitors we have never committed any acts that warrant such accusations," he said. "We love our country. That's why we have formed this movement to rescue our nation and people." The Phnom Penh Post quoted Chhay Eang as saying he has no plans to honor the summons, calling Cambodia's justice system a "tool of Hun Sen," while Sam Rainsy suggested the document was "probably another expedient invention by a paranoid Hun Sen's CPP." Banned from visits Meanwhile, Am Sam Ath, the head of investigations for rights group Licadho, blasted Cambodia's government Wednesday for "violating the rights" of Meach Sovannara, the CNRP's former media director, after the General Department of Prisons (GDP) of the Ministry of Interior denied a request by CNRP lawmakers to meet with him. Meach Sovannara and 15 other CNRP members are serving a term of up to 20 years in Prey Sar Prison on insurrection charges for clashing with police over the closure of a protest site in the capital in 2014. On Tuesday, the GDP issued a letter stating that Meach Sovannara is "grounded for breaking the internal regulations of the prison," referring to accusations by Hun Sen that he was communicating with people outside of Prey Sar using a smart phone. Prison authorities found no cellphone during a subsequent search of Meach Sovannara's cell, but said he was using a television to send messages. Reported by RFA's Khmer Service. Translated by Nareth Muong. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Bangladesh plans to begin moving Rohingya refugees to remote island in June Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 5 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Bangladesh plans to begin moving Rohingya refugees to remote island in June, 5 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2221d03.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-05 Rohingya refugees collect bamboo at the Kutupalong refugee camp in southeastern Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar district, April 5, 2018. AFP The voluntary relocation of about 100,000 Rohingya refugees from crowded camps in southeastern Bangladesh to a recently formed sedimentary island at the mouth of the Meghna River could start by June, government officials said Thursday. The Bangladesh Navy has almost finished developing Bhashan Char, a low-lying and flood-prone island in southern Noakhali district in the Bay of Bengal. It is building shelters to accommodate refugees along with geographic features to protect them from cyclones and flooding, according to Bangladeshi officials. "The construction and development work on Bhashan Char has been going on fast. We hope we can start relocating the Rohingya by June," Habibul Kabir Chowdhury, chief of a Ministry of Disaster Management unit that handles Rohingya-related matters, told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina indicated Thursday that efforts to repatriate thousands of Rohingya refugees through a bilateral agreement struck with Myanmar late last year had made no real progress, her spokesman said. The construction work on Bhashan Char is part of a 23.12 billion taka (U.S. $280 million) plan announced by the government in November to move them from refugee camps in Cox's Bazar district, which borders Myanmar's Rakhine state. "The houses under construction on Bhashan Char will be much better in terms of facilities than the camps in Ukhia and Teknaf," Chowdhury said, referring to the two sub-districts of Cox's Bazar that have borne the brunt of the Rohingya refugee influx from Rakhine over the years. These include at least 670,000 Rohingya since August 2017, according to U.N. estimates. The Rohingya who go to Bhashan Char will not be sent there against their will, said Mohammad Abul Kalam, the government's commissioner in charge of refugee relief and repatriation. "We will not force anyone to go to Bhashan Char," he told BenarNews. "In line with international standards, no Rohingya will be relocated to Bhashan Char without their consent. But they will live in Bhashan Char with more facilities and safety." Thousands at risk of landslides, floods On Wednesday, Shah Kamal, the government's secretary of disaster management, briefed representatives of U.N. agencies about Bangladesh's efforts to accommodate 100,000 refugees on Bhashan Char island. He also talked about operations under way to move others to higher ground in Cox's Bazar to safeguard them from the potential threat of landslides and flooding, which monsoonal rains could unleash. So far, the government has relocated more than 11,000 Rohingya, who were living in extreme danger of landslides, floods, and cyclones, from hilly areas in Ukhia to safer ground adjacent to refugee camps, Chowdhury said. A joint report published in late January by the Asian Disaster Preparedness Center, the United Nations refugee agency (UNHCR) and the International Organization for Migration (IOM), stated about 102,000 refugees were at risk of being affected directly by landslides and floods in the Kutupalong refugee camp alone the largest of the camps in Cox's Bazar and its extension area. 440 buildings "We started the work to develop Bhashan Char in December last year. Hopefully, construction of the buildings and necessary infrastructures in the first phase of the project will be finished by the end of May," an official with the Bangladesh Navy tasked with making the island habitable told BenarNews on condition of anonymity. As many as 12,000 people were working to construct 440 buildings on the island, he said. "We have built structures to protect the entire island from the risks of flooding and tidal surge. We have also built cyclone shelters to save them from cyclones," he added. PM meets Amnesty director Meanwhile, in Dhaka on Thursday, Hasina met with Salil Shetty, the secretary-general of London-based Amnesty International, after he visited refugee camps in Cox's Bazar. In a statement form Amnesty, Shetty praised Bangladesh for its generosity in taking in thousands of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar. But he also called on Hasina's government to "uphold its commitment that Rohingya refugees are only returned [to Myanmar] in conditions that are safe, voluntary, and dignified." He was referring to the bilateral deal between Dhaka and Naypyidaw last November to repatriate hundreds of thousands of the refugees to Rakhine state. The bilateral deal called for the repatriation process to begin in late January, but the two countries have yet to repatriate any Rohingya. From a list of 8,000 refugees Bangladeshi authorities had handed over for verification by Myanmar, Naypyidaw had authorized only about 500 of them for re-entry, Kalam told BenarNews last week. "We have taken many initiatives, but no real progress is in sight," Hasina told Shetty during their meeting, according to her press secretary, Ihsanul Karim. About 1 million Rohingya are sheltering in southeastern Bangladesh after having fled from spasms of violence in Rakhine. Myanmar's military and security forces have been widely accused of committing atrocities against Rohingya civilians during a crackdown that followed attacks on army and police posts by Rohingya insurgents in late August. Myanmar officials have denied the allegations. Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Ethnic army tells villagers to flee isolated area of Myanmar's Kachin state before offensives Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 5 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Ethnic army tells villagers to flee isolated area of Myanmar's Kachin state before offensives, 5 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2221d24.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-05 A group of Kachin Independence Army soldiers take a break in northern Myanmar's Kachin state in an undated photo. RFA The Kachin Independence Army (KIA) will launch new offensives against the Myanmar military on April 10 in an isolated valley area of the Tanaing township gold and amber mining region in Kachin state, the ethnic armed group said on Thursday. The latest round of fighting between the two sides began early this year when government soldiers launched air strikes in Tanaing, an area controlled by the KIA, which relies on its natural resources as a source of income by levying a tax on mine operators. The KIA believes that Myanmar forces have been stepping up their attacks on rebel-held territory in hopes of gaining control of it before the next round of negotiations in the government's peace conference initiative in May. The KIA warned those who are working illegally in gold and amber mines in isolated Hukawng valley in northernmost Myanmar's Kachin state to leave the area before the attacks begin, according to a statement issued by the group. "The KIA doesn't want civilians to get hurt on account of the fighting," said Colonel Naw Bu, spokesman for the KIA and its political wing the Kachin Independence Organization (KIO). "That's why we issued an announcement telling them to leave the area where fighting between the KIA and government army could occur." The Myanmar army has not yet responded to the KIA's announcement about the upcoming offensive. State media reported previously that the ethnic militia had been conducted assaults on the regional military headquarters in Kachin since late January. The Myanmar military has accused the Kachin rebel group of illegally using the area's natural resources and taking money from mining businesses that should otherwise go to the state. In February, it asked the KIA to move the headquarters of its Battalion 14 and other outposts from the Tanaing region, where it believed the KIO was conducting illegal business. But Naw Bu said the KIA is not running illicit operations in the region. "The KIA has gold and amber mine companies that are operating with the government's permission," he told RFA's Myanmar Service. "In recent years, government army troops have taken up all the gold and amber mines and asked people to work there. There are always government army columns in the KIA's Battalion 14 area." The recent hostilities have forced thousands of miners and their families to flee the area or have trapped them inside war zones in the Tanaing region and in Sumprabung township where they have faced food and water shortages because blocked roadways have prevented them from leaving the area to get supplies. Rights groups have called on the Myanmar military to allow unfettered humanitarian access to civilians in need in Kachin state. 'Civil war will never end' Bordered by China and India, Kachin state has been rocked by a resurgence of conflict since 2011 when a 17-year bilateral cease-fire agreement between the two sides broke down. The clashes have left hundreds dead and more than 100,000 displaced. They also have stymied the government's efforts to bring warring ethnic militias to the negotiating table. Despite the hostilities, representatives from the Myanmar military held informal talks with KIA leaders on Feb. 1 in southwestern China's Yunnan province, but continued attacks have scuttled efforts to end the hostilities. "To end the civil war, we have to engage in political dialogue," Naw Bu said. "By trying to solve the political problems with weapons and fighting, the civil war will never end, and we will never have peace." The KIA is one of several militias with which the Myanmar government is trying to end decades of ethnic separatist civil wars and forge peace in the country through a series of peace negotiations launched in August 2016 by Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The KIO has not signed the government's nationwide cease-fire agreement that eight of the country's more than 20 ethnic armies inked in October 2015, with two more have joined since then. Reported by Aung Thein Kha for RFA's Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Six Vietnamese activists sentenced for 'subversion' in Hanoi trial Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 5 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Six Vietnamese activists sentenced for 'subversion' in Hanoi trial, 5 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2221d44.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-05 Prominent Vietnamese rights lawyer Nguyen Van Dai (C) stands in a courtroom during his trial with other political activists in Hanoi, April 5, 2018. AFP UPDATED at 9:45 A.M. EST on 2018-04-06 Judicial authorities in Hanoi handed down harsh jail sentences on Thursday to six Vietnamese activists found guilty of "subversion," earning the condemnation of rights groups who had called for the charges to be dropped. Prominent rights lawyer Nguyen Van Dai, his colleague Le Thu Ha, and citizen journalists Pham Van Troi, Nguyen Trung Ton, Truong Minh Duc, and Nguyen Bac Truyen, were tried for conducting activities aimed at overthrowing the state under Article 79 of Vietnam's Penal Code. The statute carries maximum sentences of life imprisonment or capital punishment for those who are convicted. The six were accused of affiliation with the Brotherhood for Democracy, a group founded by Dai in 2013 to defend human rights and promote democratic ideals in Vietnam. All have campaigned for victims of injustice, advocated for religious freedom, and supported political prisoners and their families. In all, the activists were sentenced to 66 years in jail and 17 years under house arrest. Dai was sentenced to 15 years in prison and five years of house arrest, while the others received prison terms ranging from seven to 12 years. Duc and Ton each received sentences of 12 years in jail and three years of house arrest. Truyen received an 11-year prison sentence and three years of house arrest. Ha, the only woman in the group, was sentenced to nine years in jail and two years of probation. And Troi received a seven-year sentence and one year of house arrest. After the trial, Dai's wife Vu Minh Hanh told RFA's Vietnamese Service that she strongly condemned the sentence. "They [prosecutors] could not present any specific evidence, only assumptions," she said by phone. "The lawyers and my husband had their own defense speeches and questions for the prosecutors, but they could not answer [the questions]," she said. "They could only assume and had no evidence. In the end, they handed down that sentence. This is an unjust and unfair sentence and goes against any justice.' Nguyen Thi Lanh, wife of Nguyen Trung Ton, told RFA that she saw no justice from the government of Vietnam during the trial. "They sentenced my husband to 12 years in prison and jailed others even though they are innocent," she said. "They only fought for the benefit of the people and for the development of our country." More than 12 detained More than a dozen people were detained before the trial, while others were blocked from entering the Hanoi People's Court, sources said. Activist Trinh Ba Phuong, who observed the trial from outside the courtroom, told RFA that his mother, brother, and others from Duong Noi village, about 14 kilometers (8.6 miles) southwest of Hanoi, had gathered at Thai Ha Church in the capital before heading to the courthouse along with protesters displaying placards. But they were followed and stopped by plainclothes police officers, he said. "This trial was supposed to be open to the public," Phuong told RFA. "We support the Brotherhood for Democracy so we came here to show our support." Police detained about 13 people who tried to attend the trial, including Phuong's mother and brother, but released all of them around 8 p.m. or 9 p.m. local time, he said. The United States issued a statement on Thursday saying that it was "deeply troubled" by the convictions and called on the Vietnamese government to release all prisoners of conscience immediately and allow people to freely express their views and assemble peacefully. "Individuals have the right to the fundamental freedoms of expression, association, and peaceful assembly, both online and offline," the statement said. "The United States is deeply concerned by the Vietnamese government's efforts to restrict these rights, through a disturbing trend of increased arrests, convictions, and harsh sentences of peaceful activists." The U.S. also urged Vietnam to ensure that its actions and laws are consistent with the human rights provisions in its constitution and with its international commitments. The European External Action Service (EEAS), the EU's diplomatic branch, also issued a statement on Thursday, saying that the convictions continue "a negative trend of prosecuting and sentencing human rights activists and bloggers in Vietnam" and pledged to keep working with authorities and other parties to improve the country's human rights situation. The six convicted activists "have peacefully advocated the promotion and protection of human rights as guaranteed by the Vietnamese Constitution, the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, and the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights," the EEAS statement said. "Their sentences are in direct breach of these international obligations, which Vietnam has itself signed up to, and which the European Union expects full respect for," it said. Rights groups weigh in Rights groups slammed the convictions and called on the government to end its crackdown on activists. "These sentences are utterly grotesque," said Daniel Bastard, head of the Asia-Pacific desk at Paris-based Reporters Without Borders (RSF), in a statement issued Thursday. "The only crime committed by these Brotherhood for Democracy members was posting articles calling for respect of human rights in Vietnam," he said. "The severity of the sentences has only one explanation it was meant to intimidate those who dare to raise issues in the public interest." RSF also urged European Union member states to veto a free trade agreement with Vietnam that was supposed to be approved this year and called on the United States in upcoming trade talks to ensure that Vietnamese authorities agree to concrete measures to respect press freedom. Brad Adams, Human Rights Watch's Asia director, told RFA by phone on Thursday that though Vietnam has made promises to its citizens and the international community that it will move towards becoming a more open society, the opposite is occurring. "Right now the Vietnamese Communist Party and government are cracking down on critics in a way we haven't seen in many, many years," he said. "The number of political cases in the country has increased substantially, but the interesting thing is that more and more people are still willing to challenge the authorities, so this tactic of the government isn't working to stop people calling for democracy," he said. Before the trial, London-based Amnesty International, which called on the government to drop the charges against the six activists, said that at least 97 prisoners of conscience are currently being held in Vietnam's prisons, where many are subjected to torture or other ill-treatment. But on Thursday, the government responded, saying there are no prisoners of conscience in the one-party communist country, and that the six convicted activists had violated the country's law and were tried accordingly. Reported by RFA's Vietnamese Service. Translated by Viet Ha. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. China: US lawmakers call for investigation of mass incarcerations, surveillance of Uyghurs in Xinjiang Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 5 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, China: US lawmakers call for investigation of mass incarcerations, surveillance of Uyghurs in Xinjiang, 5 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2221d6a.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-05 Police officers on duty in the vicinity of a center believed to be used for re-education in Korla city, Xinjiang, Nov. 2, 2017. AP Photo Two U.S. lawmakers have called on U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad to visit northwest China's Xinjiang region and gather information on senior officials responsible for the mass surveillance and detention of ethnic Uyghurs to determine whether Washington should level sanctions against them. In a letter dated April 3, U.S. Senator Marco Rubio and U.S. Representative Chris Smith, the chair and co-chair of the Congressional-Executive Commission on China, said Branstad should investigate the situation, as well as the detention of family members of six RFA Uyghur Service reporters, for possible implementation of the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. "We urge you to visit the XUAR (Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region), including the 'political education centers,' and to prioritize the situation in the XUAR in your interactions with Chinese government and Communist Party interlocutors, including the plight of the family members of these U.S.-based RFA journalists," the letter said. "Uyghurs and other ethnic minorities in the XUAR have been subjected to arbitrary arrest, egregious restrictions on religious practice and culture, and a digitized surveillance system so pervasive that every aspect of daily life is monitored through facial recognition cameras, mobile phone scans, DNA collection, and an extensive and intrusive police presence." Since April 2017, Uyghurs accused of harboring "strong religious views" and "politically incorrect" views have been jailed or detained in political "re-education camps" throughout Xinjiang, where members of the ethnic group have long complained of pervasive discrimination, religious repression, and cultural suppression under Chinese rule. China's central government authorities have not publicly acknowledged the existence of re-education camps in Xinjiang, and the number of inmates kept in each facility remains a closely guarded secret, but local officials in many parts of Xinjiang have in RFA telephone interviews forthrightly described sending significant numbers of Uyghurs to the camps and even described overcrowding in some facilities. Maya Wang of the New York-based Human Rights Watch told The Guardian in January that estimates of Xinjiang residents who had spent time in the camps went as high as 800,000, while at least one Uyghur exile group estimates that up to 1 million Uyghurs have been detained throughout the region since April 2017, and some Uyghur activists say nearly every Uyghur household has been affected by the campaign. Among those in custody are dozens of family members of RFA Uyghur Service reporters, whose detentions Rubio and Smith said serve to "intimidate the families of U.S. government employees and undermine some of the most effective reporting from within the XUAR." "We urge you to personally lead diplomatic efforts to prioritize these cases, seek clarity as to the whereabouts and well-being of these individuals, and press for their release. If there is no immediate resolution to these cases, we ask that the State Department consider denying visas to executives or administrative staff of Chinese state-run media operating in the United States." The lawmakers also called on the U.S. Embassy in Beijing to begin compiling "relevant information regarding specific XUAR officials responsible for the arbitrary mass detention and abuse of Uyghurs for possible sanctions under the Global Magnitsky Act." The Magnitsky Act enables U.S. officials to freeze any U.S. assets held by those sanctioned, and to bar them from entry into the United States. 'A powerful message' Nury Turkel, a Uyghur-American attorney and former president of the Washington-based Uyghur American Association (UAA) exile group, told RFA's Uyghur Service that the letter "demonstrates the growing interest of the U.S. Congress in the worsening human rights situation for Uyghur people in China." "Requesting our embassy in Beijing to collect information on the human rights abusers and to sanction them under the Global Magnitisky Act would send a powerful message to those Chinese officials orchestrating and implementing the cruel and degrading treatments that the Uyghur people have been subjected to," he said. "Ambassador Branstad should fulfill the promises that he made during his confirmation hearing, that he would work to improve the human rights situation in China." Since Xinjiang party chief Chen Quanguo was appointed to his post in August 2016, he has initiated unprecedented repressive measures against the Uyghur people and ideological purges against so-called "two-faced" Uyghur officials a term applied by the government to Uyghurs who do not willingly follow directives and exhibit signs of "disloyalty." China regularly conducts "strike hard" campaigns in Xinjiang, including police raids on Uyghur households, restrictions on Islamic practices, and curbs on the culture and language of the Uyghur people, including videos and other material. While China blames some Uyghurs for "terrorist" attacks, experts outside China say Beijing has exaggerated the threat from the Uyghurs and that repressive domestic policies are responsible for an upsurge in violence there that has left hundreds dead since 2009. Reported by RFA's Uyghur Service. Translated by RFA's Uyghur Service. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. 'We needed more time to verify people': Interview with Myanmar's Win Myat Aye Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 6 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, 'We needed more time to verify people': Interview with Myanmar's Win Myat Aye, 6 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2221d8a.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-06 Win Myat Aye (C), Myanmar's minister of social welfare, relief, and resettlement, in an undated photo. RFA Win Myat Aye, Myanmar's minister for social welfare, relief and resettlement, will visit Bangladesh on April 11-12 to meet with officials from Bangladesh's foreign affairs and home affairs ministries to discuss delays with the repatriation of Rohingya Muslim refugees who live in massive displacement camps in southeastern Bangladesh. Nearly 700,000 Rohingya poured out of northern Rakhine state during a brutal military crackdown that began late last August in response to deadly attacks by Muslim militants on police outposts. Though Myanmar and Bangladesh have signed agreements for the return of refugees who wish to voluntarily go back to Rakhine, Myanmar officials have "verified" only 500-some from an initial list of more than 8,000 supplied by Bangladeshi officials. Myanmar says that some refugees have not completed their repatriation application forms correctly. Win Myat Aye, who is in charge of the repatriation program, discussed his upcoming visit to Bangladesh, which may also include stops at refugee camps as he has requested, with reporter Thinn Thiri of RFA's Myanmar Service. What follows is an edited version of their conversation. RFA: What is the intention of Myanmar's top-level delegation's first trip to Bangladesh? Win Myat Aye: The intention is to discuss with Bangladeshi authorities the delay in refugee repatriation. RFA: Will you meet members of the Bangladeshi government or United Nations officials? Win Myat Aye: As far as I know, the Bangladeshi government has arranged for us to meet with the ministers of foreign affairs and home affairs. If they can arrange it, we will go to the refugee camps as well. RFA: What is the main reason for the delay of the refugee repatriations? Win Myat Aye: If the process goes according to the agreement between Bangladesh and Myanmar and if the refugees filled out the forms according to the agreement, it shouldn't be delayed. But it didn't turn out the way we expected it to. If the refugees had filled out the forms according to the agreement, the process would be faster than it is right now. We will talk about it when I am in Bangladesh. RFA: Will the Myanmar government work with U.N. agencies such as United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR) and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on the refugee issue? What agreement does the government have with these agencies? Win Myat Aye: In the agreement [with Bangladesh] we already talked about working together with the U.N. agencies on this issue when it is necessary. We have already talked about it with the UNHCR and UNDP as well. RFA: In February, Bangladesh sent Myanmar a list of 8,032 refugees who want to return home, and Myanmar authorities have approved 900 people, according to Myint Thu, permanent secretary of Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs. The number includes some 500 Muslims and about 400 Hindu refugees who also fled to Bangladesh from northern Rakhine and had been approved for return prior to the issuance of the list. What are you doing about the rest of the refugees in Bangladesh? Win Myat Aye: As I told you before, the forms they filled out were not according to the instructions in the agreement. That's why we needed more time to verify people. We sent a list of those whom we could verify to Bangladesh, but we haven't heard anything back yet. RFA: What results do you expect from your trip to Bangladesh, especially on the issue of refugee repatriation? Win Myat Aye: Bangladesh and Myanmar are neighbors, so the refugee issue is both countries' problem. People who lived in our country fled to Bangladesh. We have a responsibility to take them back, and both countries have agreed to the refugee repatriation. Bangladesh and Myanmar have to work together on this issue by maintaining a good relationship. We will have a good outcome because I am going to Bangladesh to discuss with Bangladeshi authorities about how we can have smooth cooperation. Reported by Thinn Thiri for RFA's Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Edited by Roseanne Gerin. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Vietnamese activists, journalists cry foul after being hit by Facebook's takedown policy Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 9 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Vietnamese activists, journalists cry foul after being hit by Facebook's takedown policy, 9 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2221daa.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-09 By Paul Eckert Sheryl Sandberg (R), COO of Facebook, speaks at the APEC CEO Summit, part of the broader Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) leaders' summit, in the central Vietnamese city of Danang, Nov. 10, 2017. AFP Dozens of Vietnamese civil society organizations, human rights activists and journalists hit out at Facebook on Monday, telling CEO Mark Zuckerberg in an open letter that his company was doing communist Hanoi's bidding by shuttering their accounts during a severe crackdown on dissent in the one-party state. "We urge you to reconsider your company's aggressive practices that could silence human rights activists and citizen journalists in Vietnam," wrote dozens of NGOs, activists and journalists in a letter addressed to Zuckerberg on the eve of his scheduled appearance before U.S. lawmakers in Washington. "We are a group of Vietnamese civil society members, human rights defenders, and independent media organizations affected by frequent account suspensions and content takedown," read the letter. Sixteen groups including the pro-democracy group Viet Tan, the Free Journalists Club, New Horizon Media, Viet Labor Movement, Good News For The Poor, Catholic Youth, and Saigon Broadcasting Television Network and about three dozen individuals wrote that they had enjoyed "fruitful" relations with Facebook when it came to addressing content removal and other issues. "Since last year, however, the frequency of takedown has increased and Facebook's assistance has been unhelpful in restoring accounts and content," said the letter. The issue came to a head on April 5, when judicial authorities in Hanoi handed down harsh jail sentences to six Vietnamese activists found guilty of "subversion," giving the activists a combined 66 years in jail and 17 years under house arrest. Facebook's takedown policies meant "many accounts and pages of high-profile citizen journalists were prevented from posting" before, during and after the closely watched trial, the letter said. "The takedowns and account suspensions have happened without the affected users being told the reasons for the violation or the specific content that is in violation," the activists wrote. "We find this lack of transparency concerning and unhelpful," they added. The activists pointed to an April 2017 meeting between Facebook's Head of Global Policy Management Monika Bickert and Vietnamese Minister of Information and Communications Truong Minh Tuan, which reportedly produced an agreement to coordinate in the monitoring and removal of content. "It would appear that after this high profile agreement to coordinate with a government that is known for suppressing expression online and jailing activists, the problem of account suspension and content takedown has only grown more acute," it said. A Reuters news agency account of that meeting a year ago carried a statement from a statement from the Vietnamese government's website that said:"Facebook will set up a separate channel to directly coordinate with Vietnam's communication and information ministry to prioritize requests from the ministry and other competent authorities in the country." The Vietnamese government has been trying to block the service since 2009, and Hanoi runs a cyber army of 10,000 called Force 47 to spread disinformation and silence critics, the activists said. "These state-sponsored trolls . . . have deftly exploited Facebook's community policies and purposefully disseminated patently fake news," wrote the activists. "There are online groups of government trolls coordinating mass reporting of activist accounts and celebrating their accomplishments when accounts and pages are taken down by Facebook," they added. "While we applaud Facebook's efforts to fight disinformation in open societies, your efforts are carried out with such a broad brush that it is hurting communities in closed and closing spaces, such as Vietnam," they wrote. There was no immediate reaction from Facebook or from Zuckerberg, who is slated to appear before a joint session of the Senate Commerce and Judiciary Committees on Tuesday, and the House of Representatives Energy and Commerce Committee on Wednesday. In Zuckerberg's prepared testimony to the Energy and Commerce Committee, released on Monday and published by the Washington Post, he did not address the takedown policies that were the focus of the Vietnamese activists' complaints, but acknowledged Facebook had focused on connecting people without consideration of the downsides of the powerful platform. "But it's clear now that we didn't do enough to prevent these tools from being used for harm as well. That goes for fake news, foreign interference in elections, and hate speech, as well as developers and data privacy," he said. "We didn't take a broad enough view of our responsibility, and that was a big mistake," added Zuckerberg. "So now we have to go through every part of our relationship with people and make sure we're taking a broad enough view of our responsibility," said the Facebook founder. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. China setting up 'grid' system to monitor ordinary people Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 10 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, China setting up 'grid' system to monitor ordinary people, 10 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2221dd4.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-10 Residents on neighborhood watch look for suspicious activities in a village near Korla, in China's Xinjiang region, Nov. 2, 2017. AP Photo The ruling Chinese Communist Party is developing a new system of social control that will allow it even closer control over its citizens' lives, RFA has learned. The system will carve up neighborhoods into a grid pattern with 15-20 households per square, and give each grid a dedicated monitor who will report back on residents' affairs to existing neighborhood committees. Neighborhood committees in China have long been tasked with monitoring the activities of ordinary people in a certain area, but the new grid management system will allow the ruling party to manage the daily lives of ordinary people even more closely, as well as giving indicators of possible dissent at an early stage. A copy of a directive sent out to neighborhood committees in recent weeks that was obtained by RFA set out the details of the new plan. "The basic task of the grid monitor will be to gain a full understanding of the situation within the grid," the document explains. They will need to fully understand the residents of their grid, including exactly who lives where, which organizations they belong to and the sort of lives they lead, it says. They will be asked to mediate in family conflicts and other disputes and to carry out "psychological intervention" when required. But grid monitors will also be expected to report back to neighborhood committees on "hidden dangers" in their grid, as well as all the aspects of residents' lives, political opinions and complaints, the document says. Last November, official media reported that some neighborhoods in the eastern province of Zhejiang are already recruiting grid staff, offering a salary of 5,000 yuan (U.S. $792) per month. A dangerous move But freedom of speech activists say the move is a dangerous one, and will end up with unprecedented levels of government involvement in people's private lives and daily interactions. "The divisions will be much smaller, and this will mean far more micromanaging [of people's lives]," Beijing-based political commentator Zha Jianguo told RFA. "This way, they will be able to get hold of information more quickly and exert much stricter controls," he said. According to China's Baidu, community grid workers are fully paid staff members who can be recruited from among government officials, community leaders, teachers, doctors, police officers, and other professionals. They are designed to enable the authorities to "step up inspections" so as to identify and deal with social tensions at an early stage, while also resolving conflicts and disputes, the search engine and knowledge site said. They are also designed to provide a window onto disadvantaged groups such as the elderly, disabled, left-behind children with parents in other cities, and "other special groups," it said. An online activist who goes by the nickname "Western Fighting Monk" said the concept of "grid administrator" has existed for a long time in China, but was generally only found in large cities. "I think we are likely seeing them far more among ordinary people, and so the neighborhood committees are starting to hire grid administrators," he said. "[In imperial China], there used to be one administrator per 10 households, and the Communist Party's method of putting a party committee in all companies traces its roots back to that time," he said. He added: "I think this shows that they are getting less and less able to control society; that's why they are doing this." "They will be thwarted' But online activist Xing Jian called on ordinary people to resist the move. "The moment any ordinary citizen wants to speak out about something, this will be reported back immediately by these grid monitors, and they will be thwarted," Xing said. He said the system represents an expansion of the existing "stability maintenance" system from targeting government critics, dissidents, rights lawyers, and activists, to everyone. "It will mean that many more ordinary citizens come to fear the stability maintenance system," Xing said. "It will only increase the tension between officials and the people and will do nothing to make people feel secure." "I think people will eventually rise up in opposition to them, if they are under this sort of long-term pressure from the stability maintenance regime," he said. The expansion of the "stability maintenance" system comes as President Xi Jinping begins an unlimited term in office. Reported by Qiao Long for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Criticized by activists, Facebook denies favoring Vietnam government in content policies Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 10 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Criticized by activists, Facebook denies favoring Vietnam government in content policies, 10 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2221de9.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-10 Facebook founder and CEO Mark Zuckerberg prepares to testify at a Senate Commerce, Science and Transportation Committee and Senate Judiciary Committee joint hearing in Washington, DC, April 10, 2018. AFP Facebook on Tuesday rebutted criticism from Vietnamese activists and journalists that the social media giant favored Hanoi's communist government in its content removal practices, and vowed to work with and protect civil society in the country. Facebook told RFA's Vietnamese Service that it took those complaints seriously and wanted to get a better understanding of concerns raised Monday in an open letter to CEO Mark Zuckerberg from dozens of Vietnamese civil society organizations, human rights activists and journalists. The Vietnamese organizations and individuals told Zuckerberg that Facebook's "frequent account suspensions and content takedown" was doing Hanoi's bidding by shuttering their accounts during a severe crackdown on dissent in the one-party state. The activists further said that a group of Vietnamese "state-sponsored trolls" amplified the effect of government censorship when Facebook acted on requests to remove content, and that the company was not transparent in explaining why accounts were suspended or posts were removed. "We urge you to reconsider your company's aggressive practices that could silence human rights activists and citizen journalists in Vietnam," wrote dozens of NGOs, activists and journalists in a letter addressed to Zuckerberg on the eve of his scheduled appearance before U.S. lawmakers in Washington. In response to the letter, a Facebook spokesperson told RFA the company was "committed to protecting the rights of the people who use Facebook, and to enabling people to express themselves freely and safely" while upholding content rules it refers to as "Community Standards." "We will remove content that violates these standards when we're made aware of it. There are also times when we may have to remove or restrict access to content because it violates a law in a particular country, even though it doesn't violate our Community Standards," the spokesperson said in an e-mailed comment. Addressing the activists' assertions about Facebook's relationship with Vietnam's government and transparency questions, the spokesman said: "We have a clear and consistent government request process, which is no different in Vietnam to the rest of the world, and we report the number of pieces of content we restrict for contravening local law in our Transparency Report." Monday's letter to a letter addressed to Zuckerberg, on the eve of his scheduled appearance before U.S. lawmakers in Washington, was signed by 16 groups including the pro-democracy group Viet Tan, the Free Journalists Club, New Horizon Media, Viet Labor Movement, Good News for the Poor, Catholic Youth, and Saigon Broadcasting Television Network and some three dozen individuals. The groups wrote that they had a "fruitful" working relationship with Facebook until 2017, and they speculated that the U.S. company had begun working more closely with Hanoi after an April 2017 meeting between a Facebook executive and Vietnam's information minister, which reportedly produced an agreement to coordinate in the monitoring and removal of content. But Facebook said the meeting did not change its government request process or content policies and that the firm challenges requests it deems to be unreasonable or too broad. Content treated as illegal in a country might be removed in that country alone, but remain on Facebook, it added. Reacting to Facebook's response, Duy Hoang, a spokesman for Viet Tan, told RFA: "Facebook's official response confirms the fears of many Vietnamese activists." "Facebook is saying that they do remove content at the request of the Hanoi government. This is content that does not violate the community standards. Also, we can infer that when content is taken down, the author doesn't know the specific reason, as Facebook doesn't publicize which content was removed because of government censorship requests," said Hoang. 'Morally wrong and terrible for their brand' But the spokesman added that the response to the open letter shows that "Facebook clearly knows that censorship is morally wrong and terrible for their brand." "We activists have an opportunity to help Facebook live up to their corporate social responsibility and their own stated mission of an open and connected world," he said. Hanoi-based activist La Viet Dung told RFA his fellow activists have struggled with account suspensions for what they believe are unclear reasons. "Most of those whose accounts blocked are the result of reports from the community of opinion-shapers or 'Force 47'," said La, referring to a notorious Vietnamese government-sponsored cyber army, set up to help the government censor unflattering reports about the country. "They are so quick in blocking. In my opinion, the blocking mechanism seems to favor the Vietnamese government without considering giving assistance to independent voices," he told RFA. "I myself, as well as others who post critical status updates, do not know why our posts are taken down or accounts are blocked for a while before being restored. Much information and photos cannot be posted," said Vietnamese lawyer Vo An Don, who signed Monday's open letter. Vo lost his ability to practice law in Vietnam over personal opinions he shared on social media. "Facebook needs to know that respecting and creating favorable conditions for independent voices is more important than supporting an authoritarian regime. Because when Facebook helps the independent voices, society will be changed for the better, and then more users will take to Facebook," said activist La. Vietnam, with a population of 92 million people, of which 55 million are estimated to be users of Facebook, has been consistently rated "not free" in the areas of internet and press freedom by Freedom House, a U.S.-based watchdog group. Reported by RFA's Vietnamese Service. Translated by An Nguyen. Written in English by Paul Eckert. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Report: Uyghurs in China forced to install surveillance app that leaves their data unsecured Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 10 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Report: Uyghurs in China forced to install surveillance app that leaves their data unsecured, 10 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2221e14.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-10 By Roseanne Gerin Residents pass by a security checkpoint with cameras in Xinjiang's Kashgar city, Nov. 5, 2017. AP Photo The surveillance application that authorities in northwestern China's volatile Xinjiang region are forcing Muslim Uyghurs to install on their mobile devices to track online activities and censor content lacks encryption to secure the transfer of collected data, according to a report by a group that supports global internet freedom technologies. The Open Technology Fund (OTF), a program under the auspices of U.S.-government funded Radio Free Asia, said in a recent report that the app sends the unsecured data to an outside central server operated by the Chinese government. Authorities began requiring citizens in Xinjiang to install the Android app known as Jingwang, or "clean internet" in Chinese, on their mobile devices last year in another move to fuel repression in the heavily surveilled Muslim-majority region. Local police have enforced the policy with spot-checks of mobile phones on the street. The app records each device's identifying information, scans the device's external storage for files it deems "dangerous," and transmits the information to the server without encryption, said OTF, which supported the investigation of Jingwang by third-party cybersecurity researchers. "This means all the data the app collects is transmitted to the unknown entity on the receiving end in a way that allows someone with a trivial amount of technical knowledge to intercept and potentially manipulate," OTC said in a blog post on Monday. "While the forced installation of this mobile app serves to monitor the activities of an entire population, the broad scope of the app combined with its lack of basic security only further harms those required to use it," the post said. Though the server scans the transmitted data for information the government disapproves of and prompts users to delete it, it is not yet clear what content is being targeted for deletion, said Omer Kanat, chairman of the executive board of the World Uyghur Congress based in Munich, Germany. "The fact that this makes all private data easily hackable by criminals further demonstrates that the government has little concern for its citizens," he said in a statement to RFA's Uyghur Service on Tuesday. "Uyghurs are once again the first targets of new repressive technology." Police continue to physically check Uyghurs' phones on the streets of Xinjiang to ensure they have installed the app, Kanat said. "This new technology means that Uyghurs have lost whatever privacy they might have had, making it extremely dangerous for them to express any dissent or dissatisfaction," he said. "This reminds everyone that they are constantly being monitored, and this 'automated repression' is truly something unprecedented, and again shows how Orwellian life has become for Uyghurs." Authorities in Xinjiang also use surveillance cameras and facial-recognition systems to monitor Uyghurs, and have recently expanded their activities by implementing a "big data" program, called the Integrated Joint Operations Platform (IJOP), designed to predict offenses, Human Rights Watch said in a report it issued in March. The system combines information from police reports, vehicle checkpoints, banking and health-care records, and technological collection systems into a single program for police reference, the report said. Since Xinjiang party chief Chen Quanguo was appointed to his post in August 2016, he has initiated unprecedented repressive measures against the Uyghur people and ideological purges against so-called "two-faced" Uyghur officials a term applied by the government to Uyghurs who do not willingly follow directives and exhibit signs of "disloyalty." China regularly conducts "strike hard" campaigns in Xinjiang, including police raids on Uyghur households, restrictions on Islamic practices, and curbs on the culture and language of the Uyghur people, including videos and other material. Additional reporting by Alim Seytoff for RFA's Uyghur Service. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. At Bangladesh refugee camp, Myanmar minister urges Rohingya to come back Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 11 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, At Bangladesh refugee camp, Myanmar minister urges Rohingya to come back, 11 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2221e34.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-11 Myanmar Social Welfare Minister Win Myat Aye speaks with Rohingya Minara Begum and her son Abdul Haque during his visit to the Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox's Bazar, April 11, 2018. BenarNews In an unprecedented interaction with Rohingya refugees in southeastern Bangladesh, a Myanmar government minister urged them to return to the country, a call rejected by Rohingya protesters who called him a collaborator in genocide. Under tight security, Myanmar Social Welfare Minister Win Myat Aye and his entourage visited a camp housing hundreds of thousands of people who had fled violence in his country's Rakhine state, and met separately with officials from the United Nations and other international groups. Nearby, Bangladeshi police used batons to disperse more than 200 protesters who gathered by the camp's main road. "I am very glad to meet you," Win Myat Aye told a group of about 30 men, women and children gathered in a pavilion under tight security. "First I would like to talk about our government. We are responsible to protect all the people living in our country. We will solve all the problems to have peace and stability. . . . Just cooperate with us, and return. In order to return, you should do so in a systematic fashion," he said, speaking in Burmese. Aye approached some of the refugees and assured them he was addressing their problems. Abdul Haque, 5, started crying as Win Myat Aye put his hand on the boy's head, causing his mother to cry as well. "The minister asked him about his father. His father, Yousuf, was slaughtered," Minara Begum told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. 'We sympathize with you' Aung Tun Thet, chief coordinator of the Myanmar government's Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development in Rakhine, told the group Myanmar "wants all the people to come back." In addressing the group, he used neither the term "Rohingya," an ethnicity not officially recognized in Myanmar, nor the derogatory term many there substitute for it, "Bengali." "We will start working to accept you as fast as possible. We understand you have many difficulties and we sympathize with you too. . . . Please, those who want to return home, work together with us. But we do not suggest you to come back by force. Please return by your own will," he said. Afterward, Win Myat Aye told reporters that the hour-long meeting with refugees had been a success and added, "The most important thing is to start the repatriation process as soon as possible." Some participants gave a different account of the interaction. "He told us that we have to go to the camps in Arakan. If so, why will we go there? We want to get back to our homes," Rohingya man Zahid Hossain told BenarNews, using another term for Rakhine state. Participant Taslima Begum claimed that the minister did not listen to them. "They only talked. They have not heard us. What is the sense of coming here?" she asked. 'Denier of genocide' Earlier, as Win Myat Aye and his entourage headed toward the pavilion to meet the Rohingya under police escort, a group of men, women and children suddenly appeared along the path. Some of the protesters unfurled a banner calling him a collaborator in and denier of genocide against Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state, and chanted calls for justice. Police tried to disperse them, but others, including children, joined the protest. "This man is one of the people responsible for our sufferings. He safely passed by us without listening to us. We do not want to see him here," protester Mohammad Idris told BenarNews. "They killed our brothers, fathers, children and husbands. Now, he has come to show us sympathy. We protest his visit," said another demonstrator, Mahmuda Begum. The situation turned tense as police shouted and snatched a mobile phone and refugees attacked the officer-in-charge of Ukhia police station, Abul Khayer. Other police, armed with batons, started striking protesters, forcing them to leave the area. Closed-door meeting Win Myat Aye and the dozen members of his entourage landed in Cox's Bazar around 10 a.m. after arriving in Bangladesh hours earlier. Police and Bangladesh's Rapid Action Battalion provided tight security on his trip to the Kutupalong camp in Ukhia, a sub-district of Cox's Bazar. All shops near the camp entrance were closed and police blocked areas to prohibit Rohingya from gathering. After arriving, Win Myat Aye and Aung Tun Thet met behind closed doors with officials from the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, International Organization for Migration and other stakeholders. Bangladesh's refugee relief and repatriation commissioner Mohammad Abul Kalam gave a presentation focusing on the challenges Bangladesh faces because of the influx of about 700,000 refugees since August 2017. At that time, members of the insurgent group Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) allegedly attacked Myanmar police and army posts, provoking a military crackdown on the Rohingya concentrated in the Rakhine state. Win Myat Aye did not say much during the meeting, which BenarNews attended, while Aung Tun Thet answered questions about Myanmar's plan for the refugees. Without using the term Rohingya, he said his country was not only focusing on return of the people, but was looking at ways to make their return "sustainable." Aung Tun Thet said the group came to Bangladesh to let refugees know what preparations are being made for their return, adding that returnees would be taken to a reception center and then relocated. He told the meeting that Myanmar as not setting up camps to house the Rohingya. He also spoke about what he said were misconceptions tied to Myanmar's national verification card (NVC), adding the returnees must accept an NVC as a first step before applying for citizenship. The Rohingya see the NVC as unnecessary, a Bangladeshi diplomat told BenarNews. "The displaced Myanmar nationals do not want to take the NVC; they demand citizenship as their forefathers had been Burmese citizens," Bangladesh Ambassador to Myanmar Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury told BenarNews after the meeting. Chowdhury said Win Myat Aye was scheduled to meet in Dhaka with Bangladesh's foreign and home ministers on Thursday. In November 2017, the two countries agreed to repatriate hundreds of thousands of Rohingya to Rakhine state. The deal called for the process to begin in late January, but the two countries have yet to repatriate any Rohingya. Earlier this year, Bangladesh authorities gave their counterparts a list of 8,000 Rohingya for verification by Myanmar. Only a few hundred had been authorized to return and none have started the process. Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Electoral watchdogs hit back at accusations of undermining Cambodia ballot Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 11 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Electoral watchdogs hit back at accusations of undermining Cambodia ballot, 11 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2221e5a.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-11 A Cambodian man votes during a Senate election in Kandal province, Feb. 25, 2018. AP Photo Two independent electoral watchdogs have hit back at accusations that they are seeking to disrupt an upcoming general ballot in Cambodia after expressing concerns over political tensions in the country and the lack of a viable opponent to Prime Minister Hun Sen's ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP). In an interview with RFA's Khmer Service last week, Koul Panha, executive director of the Committee on Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel), questioned the legitimacy of the July 29 election in the absence of the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP), which was dissolved by the Supreme Court in November after Hun Sen alleged that it was plotting to topple his government. Koul Panha said Comfrel would wait until the May 14 deadline for political parties to register before deciding whether it would participate as a monitor in the upcoming vote, and also urged would-be international observers to be aware of the political situation in Cambodia before accepting an invitation from the National Election Committee (NEC) the country's official electoral body to do the same. Over the weekend, government-aligned media outlets Swift News and Fresh News published letters to the editor by a "Pul Peanrin," accusing Koul Panha who fled Cambodia last year after authorities disbanded the "Situation Room" group of 40 NGOs led by Comfrel to monitor elections of colluding with foreigners to undermine the July vote. The letter also claimed that Koul Panha's recent appointment as chairman of the Bangkok-based regional electoral watchdog Asian Network for Free Elections (Anfrel) was a reward for his "role in disrupting past electoral processes," and warned that he would reestablish the Situation Room in Thailand "with the purpose of destroying the upcoming election." On Tuesday, Anfrel rejected Pul Peanrin's letter, saying in a statement that Swift News and Fresh News had published information "which inaccurately portrayed ANFREL activities, including allegations that ANFREL intends to influence the election and participate in the organization of a 'Situation Room.'" "ANFREL is not aware of the existence of, or involved in any activities related to such 'Situation Room,'" the statement said, adding that the group "denies any involvement in plans to undermine the Cambodian Elections on behalf of itself, its Board, or any of its member organizations." Anfrel noted that none of its staff members were interviewed to verify the information published by the two media outlets and welcomed requests for comment. Comfrel issued a statement Wednesday saying the organization "has no stance and has undertaken no activities to destroy a free and fair election, as alleged by certain local news media in recent days." "On the contrary, Comfrel has a mission and carries out activities in support of a democratic, free and fair election in Cambodia," the statement said. "Koul Panha . . . has stated that he strongly believes in the fight and advocacy for the 2018 election to be free and fair again, so that it reflects the will of the people." CPP mandate The government has regularly accused the Situation Room coalition of supporting the opposition after it criticized the NEC for lacking independence and highlighted irregularities in Cambodia's 2013 general elections and commune ballot in June last year. The group of NGOs was ordered to disband after the commune vote by Cambodia's Ministry of Interior for failing to "reflect neutrality." Hun Sen has accused the coalition of acting as a "command center for a 'color revolution' under the pretext of monitoring the elections" and vowed that it would never again operate on Cambodian soil. The latest allegations against Koul Panha come amid an ongoing crackdown on NGOs and the media actions widely seen as part of a bid by Hun Sen to ensure that the CPP remains in power for another term. Sam Rainsy, the former president of the CNRP, called on Cambodians over the weekend to refrain from voting in July if the banned party is refused the right to register for the election and put forth candidates. He also urged national and international monitors to "refrain from 'observing' an electoral farce with a foregone conclusion." The NEC on Monday hit out at calls from "certain individuals" to boycott the country's upcoming general ballot, threatening action against detractors who dissuade the public from voting. Later that day, Hun Sen claimed victory in "destroying the color revolution" in Cambodia and urged voters to turn out for the polls in July. Social researcher Meas Nee told RFA that statements from the prime minister and his government increasingly hint of CPP concerns over the possibility of a boycott by supporters of the CNRP, which received more than 3 million votes accounting for nearly half of the country's registered voters in 2013, and enjoyed similar success in last year's commune ballot. "We can't say yet whether the millions of voters who support the CNRP will come to vote or not," he said. "The CPP will still require a mandate for their new government." Reported by RFA's Khmer Service. Translated by Nareth Muong and Sarada Taing. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Myanmar court rejects motion to dismiss charges against Reuters reporters Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 11 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Myanmar court rejects motion to dismiss charges against Reuters reporters, 11 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2221e7a.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-11 Myanmar journalist Kyaw Soe Oo of Reuters news agency arrives for a hearing at a court in Yangon, April 11, 2018. RFA A Myanmar court on Wednesday refused to drop a case against two journalists from Reuters news agency accused of violating the country's Official Secrets Act for their work investigating violence against Rohingya Muslims by the military in Rakhine state a day after the country's army jailed soldiers for committing the murders the reporters had documented. Thet Oo Maung, also known as Wa Lone, 32, and Kyaw Soe Oo, 28, were formally charged on Jan. 10 with obtaining state secrets while reporting on a military crackdown on the Rohingya in northern Rakhine. They face up to 14 years in prison if found guilty. Police arrested the pair on Dec. 12 on the outskirts of Yangon shortly after they had dinner with two police officers who gave them documents about the violence which has driven nearly 700,000 Rohingya into neighboring Bangladesh since August 2017. At the time of their arrest, the two reporters were working on a story about the brutal murders of 10 Rohingya civilians from Inn Din village in Rakhine's Maungdaw township. The news agency later produced a gripping account of the killings. Although the Myanmar government had repeatedly rejected allegations of wanton killings, the country's military commander-in-chief's office announced on Tuesday that seven officers and soldiers of other ranks involved in the killing of those 10 Rohingya had been sentenced to 10 years in prison. The villagers were shot or hacked to death by soldiers and ethnic Rakhine Buddhist neighbors who dumped their bodies in a mass grave in early September. Their remains were discovered three months later. The extrajudicial killings were part of the military's crackdown on the Rohingya, who also bore the brunt of torture, rape and arson at the hands of soldiers during the crackdown in what United Nations officials have called a campaign of ethnic cleansing, if not genocide. Lawyers representing the journalists filed the motion for a dismissal in late March, arguing that there was insufficient evidence to support the charges and inconsistencies in witness testimony. Khin Maung Zaw, one of the lawyers representing the reporters, said the judge rejected the motion because eight of the 25 witnesses called in the case still need to testify. "There might be some important witnesses in these eight," he said. "That's why the judge said he was rejecting the case." But with the sentencing of the military officers and soldiers involved in the Inn Din incident, the reporters' families say they expected the court to drop the charges against them. "We have always expected their freedom, and everybody knows their case is not fair," said Wa Lone's wife Pan Ei. "I want authorities to release them as soon as possible. I am getting so tired of pretending to be OK with this situation when I see him." Military investigation A Myanmar military investigation team led Lieutenant General Aye Win of the army commander-in-chief's office interrogated 21 officers and other soldiers, three members of Myanmar Police Force (MPF), 13 members of a security force, six departmental personnel, and six residents of Inn Din village, about the killings, according to reports by military-run media agencies on Tuesday. In an extremely rare move in Myanmar, the team concluded that the murders of 10 Rohingya civilians, referred to as "Bengali terrorists," without legal arrest, were extrajudicial killings. Four army officers involved in the murders were dismissed from military service and sentenced to 10 years in a civilian prison with hard labor, while three others were demoted to private, dismissed, and sentenced to 10 years in jail, military-run media said. Authorities are taking legal action against the MPF members and civilians who were involved in the crime, the reports said. "The soldiers responsible for the Inn Din massacre were already sentenced to 10 years in jail," Wa Lone told the media after his hearing. "But we, who reported about it, are facing 14 years in jail. Is that fair?" "We report to unearth the truth, and we are being sued," he said. "Where is the truth for us? Where is democracy and freedom?" Kyaw Soe Oo repeated the sentiment, saying "The murderers were sentenced only to 10 year imprisonments. Is this democracy?" The two reporters are been held in Insein prison on the outskirts of Yangon while they attend court hearings. Their next court appearance is scheduled for April 20. 'They just did their jobs' Myanmar media professionals blasted the judge's decision, maintaining that the two reporters were framed by police. "We don't think reporters Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo committed what they are being charged with," said freelance journalist Myo. "They are journalists. They just did their jobs. It is not a crime." Nyein Chan Naing, regional officer of the European Pressphoto Agency, said the decision not to dismiss the charges is unfair. "The reporters didn't break into a police station and get the documents," he said. "The policemen handed them the documents. We can't say they violated the Official Secrets Act." Tharlon Zaung Htet, a member of Myanmar's Committee for the Protection of Journalists, agreed that the decision is unfair. "The commander-in-chief's office announced yesterday that the soldiers and officers who killed the 10 Muslims were sentenced to 10 years to jail," he said. That means it happened. The incident was true." "What the reporters wrote about that case wasn't incorrect," he said. "That's why we hoped they would be freed today," he said. 'Miscarriage of justice' New York-based PEN America called the judge's decision to continue prosecuting the journalists a "miscarriage of justice." "Myanmar's prosecutors are engaged in a politically motivated effort to punish the crime of journalism," Suzanne Nossel, the organization's chief executive officer, said in a statement issued on Wednesday. "Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were arrested in the course of compiling a rigorous, objective, and graphic expose of irrefutable brutality," she said. "Their arrest and imprisonment is a black mark on Myanmar's nascent democracy. Reflecting the country's refusal to reckon honestly with the crisis in Rakhine and denial of the essential role of the press in a free society. PEN America, which in February awarded Wa Lone and Kyaw Saw Oo its PEN/Barbey Freedom to Write Award designed to honor writers imprisoned for their work, called for the charges against the pair to be dropped and for them and others to be allowed to freely report in Rakhine state. On Feb. 8, Reuters published a report of the events that led to the killing of 10 Rohingya men, including two teenagers, from Inn Din village, whom it said were buried in a mass grave after being hacked to death or shot by Buddhist neighbors and soldiers. The report contained the bylines of Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo. The next day, the Myanmar government shrugged off the report, saying that the foreign media is "hurting our work" restoring stability to the region. The decision not to drop the charges against the reporters came the same day that Win Myat Aye, Myanmar's social welfare minister, met with a few dozen Rohingya refugees at Kutupalong displacement camp in southeastern Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar district. It was the first visit to the camps by a Myanmar cabinet member. Win Myat Aye told the refugees that their repatriation to Myanmar was a priority, while they in turn presented him with a list of demands regarding their voluntary return. His entourage was met by protesters, who unfurled a banner calling him a collaborator in and denier of genocide against Rohingya in Rakhine state, and chanted calls for justice. Police tried to disperse them, but others, including children, joined the protest. Myanmar and Bangladesh agreed in November to repatriate refugees who want to return to Rakhine, though the program has not yet gotten under way because of various delays. Reported by Aung Thein Kha and Thiri Min Zin for RFA's Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Rights groups slam China's televised 'confessions,' call for sanctions on state media Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 11 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Rights groups slam China's televised 'confessions,' call for sanctions on state media, 11 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2221e9a.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-11 Hong Kong bookseller Lam Wing-kei describes his October 2015 abduction by Chinese authorities and how his subsequent televised "confession" was scripted, edited, and filmed under the supervision of a director, at a news conference in Hong Kong, June 16, 2016. AFP An international rights monitor has called on the United States to use sanctions to target Chinese state media organizations that produce and air stage-managed, forced confessions from detainees, often through the use of torture and threats to loved ones. RSDL Monitor, a monitoring state-sponsored "disappearances" in China, called in a report supported by the rights group Safeguard Defenders for immediate action against state media that have produced and aired such videos. "China's televised confessions are routinely forced and extracted through threats, torture, and fear," RSDL Monitor said in a statement issued with the report. "Police routinely dictate and direct the confessions [and] there is strong evidence that in certain cases they are used as tools of propaganda for both domestic audiences and as part of China's foreign policy." "These confessions are made before trial and often even before formal arrest," the group said, adding that "every single interviewee for this study said their interrogators had forced them to confess." "Televised confessions represent such a transgression of rights that they are only practiced today by regimes such as North Korea and Iran," it said. "They deprive the suspect of due process; infringing on the right to a fair trial, the presumption of innocence, the right to remain silent, the right not to self-incriminate and the right to be protected against giving a forced confession and torture." Police regularly used threats (both towards the detainees as well as against their family members) and physical and mental torture to produce a state of fear in order to coerce the confession, the report said. The study of nearly 40 such "confessions" found that detainees had been denied access to family or lawyers, many were being held under "residential surveillance" in an unknown location, and some were unaware that the video would be broadcast on television. Hebei rights activist Liu Xing said he was forced to make a "confession" video after being detained during the July 2015 crackdown on more than 300 human rights lawyers and related activists. The authorities extracted the confession by threatening his fellow activists, he said. "This was the whole reason I pleaded guilty; they told me directly that they would . . . release the other people if they merited it, but that if I remained silent, they wouldn't," Liu told RFA on Wednesday. "I hadn't slept for 15 or 16 days, because they wouldn't let me sleep, and in the end they wore me down," he said. CCTV the chief culprit Rights lawyer Xie Yang, also a former detainee who "confessed" as part of the July 2015 crackdown, said he remains under surveillance by state security police, and declined to comment. "I can't answer your questions . . . I really can't," Xie said. "I have my reasons." The group identified China Central Television (CCTV), including CCTV1, CCTV4, CGTN and CCTV13 as the main channels responsible for airing video footage of forced confessions, and called for travel bans and asset freezes for top CCTV executives. In 2013, the European Union instituted similar sanctions against Iran's Press TV for similar broadcasts. Overseas representatives of such media should also be forced to register as agents of a foreign government under the Foreign Agents Registration Act in the United States and equivalent laws in other countries, it said. Ultimately, all high-ranking personnel in media owned or controlled by the ruling Chinese Communist Party should be subject to Magnitsky legislation, named after a torture victim in Russia, allowing domestic sanctions such as asset freezes against foreign officials who commit human rights violations. The report detailed an elaborate "staging" and production process behind the scenes of such confessional videos, carried out by highly skilled staff within state media, with the wording of each confession dictated by the authorities. In it, former detainees describe how the police took charge of the confession, dressing them in "costume," writing the confession "script" and forcing the detainee to memorize it. Detainees were then given direction on how to deliver their lines, including being ordered to weep in one case. Unsatisfactory performances would result in retake after retake, it said. "In many cases, media that broadcast these confessions were active participants in the process of making them, from using the police-provided script of questions, concealing the truth of the confession set-up, to producing a sophisticated news package with graphics," RSDL Monitor said. State media would also carry out interviews with police and commentators to underline the detainee's "guilt," in spite of the fact that many had never been charged with a crime. The report cites the testimony of human rights lawyer Wang Yu, who said she was forced into making her "confession" for fear of reprisals directed at her teenage son, Bao Zhuoxuan. "Her harsh treatment in custody had affected her memory so much that she could not remember the words the police told her to say," it said. "After making hours and hours of retakes over several weeks, they resorted to printing her lines on a computer in large font, like a teleprompter." Foreign nationals become victims In the end, the confession never aired, because the police and producers couldn't produce the desired effect, it said. Wang's husband Bao Longjun said he agreed with the substance of the report. "You're saying that a lot of people were forced into making confessions? Yes, that's definitely true," Bao said. "If you have no way of protecting your personal freedom and no rights protections to speak of, then of course you are going to be manipulated by the authorities." Some of the "confessions" are aired shortly after international criticism of the authorities, and are often aimed at denying reports that the detainee was illegally kidnapped, or has been tortured in custody. "Many of the confessions are delivered by human rights defenders, independent journalists, and Uyghurs, individuals that are typically seen as . . . critics or enemies of the [Chinese Communist Party]," it said. Last November, detained rights lawyer Jiang Tianyong pleaded guilty to "incitement to subvert state power" at the Intermediate People's Court in the provincial capital Changsha on Aug. 22, in a legal proceeding that was dismissed by his U.S.-based wife as a "show trial." The report also warned that the use of forced televised confessions is already spreading beyond China's borders, with some foreign nationals among the victims, and some privately owned media from outside mainland China taking part in the process. In February, Hong Kong-based bookseller Gui Minhai gave a videotaped "interview" that was posted to the website of Hong Kong's Oriental Daily News, in which he hit out at international concerns over his second disappearance. Gui, a Swedish passport holder, had earlier "disappeared" under murky circumstances from his holiday home in Pattaya, Thailand in October 2015, only to reappear in China "confessing" on video to a decade-old alleged drunk-driving offense. Detained Taiwan democracy activist and NGO worker Lee Ming-cheh "confessed" to charges of subversion at his trial in the central Chinese province of Hunan last September. His wife said his guilty plea wasn't freely made. In an online broadcast made by Yueyang Intermediate People's Court, Lee "confessed" to making online posts to WeChat, Facebook, and other online communities with intent to "maliciously discredit" the ruling Chinese Communist Party. Reported by Wong Lok-to for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Myanmar/Banglades: Rohingya refugees' "fear of returning home . . . will die down once UN agencies get involved": Interview Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 12 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Myanmar/Banglades: Rohingya refugees' "fear of returning home . . . will die down once UN agencies get involved": Interview, 12 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2221ec4.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-12 Myanmar Social Welfare Minister Win Myat Aye (seated 2nd L) talks to Rohingya refugees during his visit to the Kutupalong refugee camp in Ukhia subdistrict of southeastern Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar, April 11, 2018. AFP Win Myat Aye, Myanmar's minister of social welfare, relief, and resettlement, is visiting Bangladesh on April 11-12 to discuss the repatriation of some of the hundreds of thousands Rohingya refugees living in sprawling displacement camps. He is the first cabinet minister to travel to the camps and meet with the Rohingya, members of an ethnic group not officially recognized by Myanmar which considers them illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and subjects them to systematic discrimination. On Wednesday, Win Myat Aye spoke with a few dozen Rohingya who had fled Rakhine state during a brutal military crackdown that included killings, rape, torture, and arson. He is also meeting with representatives from the United Nations and Bangladeshi government officials to discuss delays in the repatriation program that the two countries agreed to in November and Myanmar's preparations for the return of the Rohingya. On Thursday, reporter Aung Thein Kha of RFA's Myanmar Service asked Myint Thu, permanent secretary of Myanmar's Ministry of Foreign Affairs, about Win Myat Aye's visit to southeastern Bangladesh's Cox's Bazar district where the camps are located. What follows is an edited version of their conversation. RFA: What do you know about Minister Win Myat Aye's visit to Bangladesh? Myint Thu: As far as we know, Bangladeshi authorities arranged for Win Myat Aye and his team to meet with United Nations agencies and refugee camp officials in Cox's Bazar. Win Myat Aye explained to them about the UEHRD [Union Enterprise for Humanitarian Assistance, Resettlement and Development in Rakhine, a Myanmar government initiative to rebuild infrastructure and the economy in tattered Rakhine state and to prepare for the return of Rohingya refugees] and the repatriation process. That was the aim of this visit as well. RFA: Did the refugees understand and accept what the minister said? Myint Thu: The minister met with refugee camp officials and village heads. We assume that they will share the information with the refugees. RFA: We heard that refugees are afraid to return home to Myanmar. What are you doing about this? Myint Thu: There are some people from interfaith organizations and women groups. They discussed this fear with the refugees. RFA: What guarantees of safety can you give the refugees once they return to Rakhine state? Myint Thu: Both countries [Myanmar and Bangladesh] have been working together on this issue, and Myanmar is going to sign memorandums of understanding with the UNHCR [U.N. refugee agency] and the UNDP [United Nations Development Programme] to work together on the repatriation process. I think their concerns, such as the fear of returning home and whether there will be enough security, will die down once the U.N. agencies get involved. RFA: The refugees say they don't want to live in internally displaced persons camps when they return to Rakhine state. What will the government do about this? Myint Thu: We have already announced that they have to stay only one or two days at the two repatriation centers in Taung Pyo Letwe and Nga Khu Ya villages. After that, they will be sent to a transit camp in Hla Pho Khaung village. We have been building new villages for these refugees, so they will have to stay at the transit camp only about a month. RFA: Did Bangladeshi authorities or refugees say anything about the use of the term "Rohingya?" Myint Thu: The Myanmar delegation said no one mentioned it. The delegation's visit was successful and useful in that it had a chance to explain what Myanmar is doing about the issue. RFA: What is the Myanmar delegation's schedule for the second day of its visit? Myint Thu: The delegation will meet officials from Bangladesh's foreign affairs and home affairs ministries. We believe that because of this trip, we will be able to work together more closely so that the repatriation process will speed up. RFA: One U.N. official said Myanmar is not ready to take the refugees back, but you said the country is ready to accept them. Why is this? Myint Thu: What the U.N. said is just an accusation, though we have been saying that we have been ready to receive refugees back since January. We often have taken international diplomats and U.N. officials to the repatriation centers and showed them what we are doing there and how we ready we are. Reported by Aung Thein Kha for RFA's Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Edited by Roseanne Gerin. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Hong Kong pro-democracy party denied permission to register as a company Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 17 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Hong Kong pro-democracy party denied permission to register as a company, 17 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2221ee4.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-17 Joshua Wong (R), former Occupy Central student leader and current secretary general of pro-democracy party Demosisto, applies for a judicial review of the authorities' refusal to register the party in Hong Kong, April 17, 2018. RFA A political party formed by the leaders of the 2014 pro-democracy Umbrella Movement in Hong Kong has stepped up its fight to win legal recognition after its application to register as a company was rejected. Former Occupy Central student leader and current secretary general of Demosisto Joshua Wong applied on Tuesday for a judicial review over the authorities' refusal to register the party. Wong is requesting that the city's High Court review the decision, after the group's application to the Companies Registry was rejected on the grounds that the party advocates self-determination for Hong Kong, which Beijing sees as akin to a pro-independence stance. "They dragged it out for nearly two years, so it's pretty clear that the Companies Registry had political issues to consider," Wong told reporters on Tuesday. "In the absence of any Hong Kong law on political parties, it is entirely reasonable for political groups to register as companies." "Demosisto isn't advocating armed revolution or any acts of violence, so why would it be turned down by the Companies Registry on political grounds? It beggars belief," he said. The rejection of the party's application comes after it was denied a bank account two years ago, making it very hard for the party to manage its finances properly, Wong said. "Hong Kong people deserve freedom of speech and deserve the right to express different political stances or opinions," he said. Chinese officials have repeatedly warned that advocates of independence for Hong Kong won't be tolerated in public life. Wong said the pro-independence Hong Kong National Party has also been refused permission to register as a company. "Last year, the pro-independence Hong Kong National Party was rejected by the Companies Registry, and this year Demosisto, which supports self-determination, was rejected when it tried to set up as a limited company," Wong said. "Maybe in future any party that espouses the principles of democracy and the rule of law, or any group that wants to end one-party rule [in China] will also be denied permission to register as a company, for overriding reasons of 'national security'?" he said. Demosisto initially had some success at the polls, with former Occupy Central student leader Nathan Law becoming the youngest ever candidate to be elected to the city's Legislative Council (LegCo) in September 2016. But last July, Law became one of six pro-democracy lawmakers to be stripped of their LegCo seats after China's parliament, the National People's Congress (NPC), ruled that oaths of allegiance must be "solemn and sincere." Last month, Demosisto's Agnes Chow was disqualified from running in a by-election to fill the seat vacated by law, because her political views were judged to be pro-independence. A blow to democracy The barring of certain candidates because of their political views sparked widespread criticism among barristers, rights groups and politicians, as well as former British and Hong Kong officials, who said the move was a blow to democracy and freedom of expression in the former British colony. An official who answered the phone at the Treasury on Tuesday said they were unable to comment on individual cases. But they said that any organization that clearly contravenes the principles of the city's mini-constitution, the Basic Law, would be disqualified from registering under the Companies Ordinance. Hong Kong's South China Morning Post newspaper reported last week that the head of a British parliamentary committee on China had traveled to Hong Kong to investigate the legal basis of election officials' decision to ban Chow from running in the election. Conservative MP Richard Graham, chairman of the All-Party Parliamentary China Group, told the paper that the delegation hoped to learn more about the legal basis of the ban on Chow. In February, the British Foreign Office said it was concerned over the debarring of Chow, citing Article 26 of the Basic Law, which states that: "Permanent residents of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region shall have the right to vote and the right to stand for election in accordance with law." Last August, a Hong Kong court jailed Wong, Law and former student leader Alex Chow for their part in the Occupy protests, after the city's department of justice said their original non-jail sentences were too lenient. They served several weeks in jail, but were later released on bail and their sentences quashed by the Court of Final Appeal, which ruled that tougher sentencing guidelines on public protest couldn't be retroactively applied. But the court warned that future sentences for those involved in mass public protests could be much tougher. Reported by Lam Kwok-lap for RFA's Cantonese Service, and by He Ping for the Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Tibetan farmland seized for new airport Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 17 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Tibetan farmland seized for new airport, 17 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2221f0a.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-17 A map showing the location of Lhatse county in Tibet's Shigatse prefecture. RFA Chinese authorities have seized farmland in southern Tibet to build an airport, displacing Tibetan villagers and offering far less in compensation than the land is worth, according to a Tibetan living in the area. The land, belonging to Yushang village in the Chusha municipality of Shigatse prefecture's Lhatse county, was targeted for development according to a plan announced in January by officials in the prefecture and the Tibet Autonomous Region, the source told RFA's Tibetan Service. "For Tibetans in Chusha, farming has been their main source of livelihood for many years, and is a tradition handed down to them by their ancestors," the source said, adding that, "The loss of so much land to Chinese development projects is having a negative impact on the daily life of the local people." "Now Chinese authorities are planning to build an airport on [Chusha's] farmland, and local Tibetans are being compensated at rates less than the land's market value," he said. Chinese projects have already been under way on vast stretches of land lying near Lhatse county, with new buildings being constructed, for more than a decade, the source said. "But there is now a promise of new airports and railway stations in all these areas, and these will form a hub of activities for tourists and transportation links in all directions," he said. China's construction of airports and other development projects in Tibet have done little to lift Tibetans out of poverty and serve mainly to consolidate China's presence on the Tibetan plateau, according to a researcher at the Dharamsala, India-based Tibet Policy Institute (TPI). "Tibetans who are the owners of the land draw little benefit from these," TIP researcher Rinzin Dorjee said in a 2016 paper, "China's Transport and Infrastructural Build-Up in Tibet." "Primarily, the infrastructure build-up in Tibet is unilaterally decided and imposed by Beijing without the consent [of] or consultation with the Tibetan people." Reported by Dolma for RFA's Tibetan Service. Translated by Dorjee Damdul. Written in English by Richard Finney. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Cambodia to deploy 100,000 security personnel, 'village guards' at polling stations for July ballot Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 18 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Cambodia to deploy 100,000 security personnel, 'village guards' at polling stations for July ballot, 18 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2221f2a.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-18 A Cambodian woman offers flowers to anti riot-policemen stationed in front of the Ministry of Defence in Phnom Penh amid disputed election results, Sept. 6, 2013. AFP Cambodia's government plans to deploy more than 100,000 security personnel and "village guards" at polling stations across the country during the upcoming general election, according to officials, drawing concerns from observers who suggested such a show of force would intimidate voters in a poll in which the ruling party is the only significant political group on the ballot. Last week, National Election Committee (NEC) secretary general Tep Nytha told reporters that 84,583 members of the security forces will be posted at various polling stations throughout the nation to provide "security protection services" during the July 29 ballot. The rollout represents a significant increase over that of the country's June 2017 commune elections, when 51,578 security personnel were deployed in groups that included more than 33,000 police, nearly 3,000 military police and more than 4,000 soldiers from the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces (RCAF). On Wednesday, the website of the General Commissariat of the National Police published a statement from its spokesman Kiet Chantharith saying in addition to the more than 80,000 security personnel announced by the NEC last week, the government plans to deploy more than 20,000 "village guards" to provide security during the election. At a training session on election-related laws, regulations and procedures, and code of conduct for security personnel, Kiet Chantharith said that all officers working to protect the ballot must "clearly understand their roles . . . so that the environment on Election Day will proceed smoothly, freely, fairly, and justly, and without intimidation or threat." Unnecessary deployment Kan Savang, of local electoral watchdog Committee on Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel), told RFA's Khmer Service Wednesday that such a large deployment of security personnel was unnecessary, noting that according to the country's election laws, only one armed guard is required outside of each polling station, with two unarmed guards posted inside the facility. He also questioned whether the so-called "village guards" a new addition for Cambodia's elections who are not officially part of the country's security forces would be adequately trained to protect the rights of voters. "As far as I understand, these village guards fall under the framework of the Ministry of the Interior, but they are just citizen volunteers from their villages or communes who are chosen by the local council to help monitor security," he said, adding that they "aren't provided with remuneration like public servants." "These village guards are different from police and RCAF, as they have not been trained on election-related code of conducts and ethics . . . We are concerned that if these village guards don't receive proper training or instruction from the NEC, it may cause voters to worry." Political analyst Hang Vitou said the addition of security forces and village guards to provide "security protection services" on Election Day shows that Prime Minister Hun Sen's ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) is afraid of losing power. He said that while the now-defunct opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) which was dissolved by the Supreme Court in November amid allegations that it was plotting to topple the government has called on its supporters to boycott the election, the party is incapable of disrupting the polls and the CPP "has nothing to fear." "I think that the government is afraid of . . . any unexpected event that might occur," he said, referring to the possibility of a boycott of or protests over the elections that are widely seen as neither free nor fair, absent the CNRP the CPP's only viable challenger. "I expect that the opposition supporters if they even participate will merely go to vote. The opposition appears incapable of doing anything that would disrupt or disturb the election." Pre-election crackdown Hun Sen has launched a crackdown on the CNRP, NGOs and the media in recent months that is widely seen as part of a bid to guarantee that the CPP remains in power following the July 29 general ballot. Both the U.S. and EU have withdrawn donor support for Cambodia's elections, citing government actions seen as limiting democracy in the country, including the banning of the CNRP and the arrest of its current president, Kem Sokha. Since the dissolution of the CNRP, Hun Sen has repeatedly referred to the party as seeking to establish a "color revolution" in Cambodia, a term commonly used to refer to the movements that developed in several countries of the former Soviet Union during the early 2000s and sometimes to those in the Middle East. Analysts have told RFA that statements from the prime minister and his government increasingly hint of CPP concerns over the possibility of an election boycott by supporters of the CNRP, which received more than 3 million votes accounting for nearly half of the country's registered voters in 2013, and enjoyed similar success in last year's commune ballot. Reported by RFA's Khmer Service. Translated by Sovannarith Keo. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Laos set to graduate from Least Developed Country status by 2024 Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 18 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Laos set to graduate from Least Developed Country status by 2024, 18 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2221f53.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-18 A Laotian farmer looks on from his rubber tree plantation near the town of Luang Nam Tha, in a file photo. AP Photo For the first time since it was identified by the United Nations as one of the world's Least Developing Countries (LDC), Laos has fulfilled the eligibility criteria to be removed from the list, and could see its status upgraded as early as 2024, according to the U.N.'s Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Last month, New York-based ECOSOC's Committee for Development Policy (CDP) announced that Laos had met two of three criteria Gross National Income (GNI) per capita and for the Human Assets Index (HAI) required to graduate from LDC status in its triennial assessment, held in 2018. The Economic Vulnerability Index (EVI), which measures resilience to shocks and stability, is still to be met. The CDP said that if Laos sustains its development gains and meets the criteria again in 2021, it will be "formally removed from the list of LDCs in 2024." "We welcome this significant achievement by the Government which is a demonstration of the steady progress, based on the right policy choices, which has been made towards the overarching goals of the 8th National Socio-Economic Development Plan," U.N. Resident Coordinator Kaarina Immonen said in a statement announcing the results of the CDP's assessment. "The United Nations remains committed to support Lao PDR in the process of graduation from LDC status and in achieving the Agenda 2030, towards a sustainable, equitable and prosperous future, leaving no one behind." The CDP found the GNI per capita of Laos, which was first included on the list of LDCs in 1971, had reached U.S. $1,996 in 2018, surpassing the threshold of U.S. $1,230 or more, while the HAI had reached 72.8, compared to a threshold of 66 or more. The EVI reached 33.7, close to the threshold of 32 or below. The announcement that Laos had met its eligibility requirements follows decades of promises by the ruling Communist Party leadership that its stewardship of the economy would see the country graduate from the list by 2020. Officials have softened the pledge of late, and in August last year, Lao vice minister of information, culture and tourism Savankhone Razmountry said his country aimed to achieve an upgrade from LDC status to a middle income country by 2030 through strengthening international economic partnerships, including the promotion of tourism. Savankhone told Asia News Network that Laos had set a goal of graduating from LDC status "during the period from 2025 to 2030" on the back of tourism, adding that the government planned to increase the number of foreign visitors from around 4 million to "6 or 7 million in the coming years." Most recently, in his April 13 address to the nation marking the Lao New Year, President Bounnhang Vorachit said that in 2018 the government would "strive to alleviate poverty and ensure the nation is moving towards graduation from Least Developed Country status by 2020 and becomes an upper-middle income country by 2030." 'On the graduation path' An official with the United Nations Development Programme's (UNDP) office in Laos recently told RFA's Lao Service that they expect Laos to pass its assessment in 2021 with flying colors. "We expect that Laos will also reach the EVI in 2021, as there is not much of a gap anymore of course provided there's no shock to the country happening, like a global economic meltdown or a natural disaster," said the official, who spoke on condition of anonymity. "But even in case that the EVI is not reached, but the other two are, Laos still stays on the graduation path, since only two out of three criteria must be met in two consecutive triennial reviews." An official with a poverty reduction fund based in northern Laos welcomed news of the fulfillment of eligibility requirements, saying that graduating from the list would be "good for the country's image," but cautioned that underlying issues of poverty remain unaddressed. "People are still poor and their living conditions have not improved much in some areas of the country, during certain times of the year, people still earn less than U.S. $0.12 per month," the official said. The official noted that "more than 70 percent of Laotians in the country's five northern provinces live below the poverty level," and warned that if Laos graduates from LDC status, it will receive less financial assistance from foreign donors, "which most people still rely on." According to a March 2018 assessment by the World Bank, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in Laos grew by an average of 7.8 percent over the last decade, with the use of the country's natural resources mostly hydropower potential, minerals and forests contributing around one-third of the growth. The Bank said that Laos has halved poverty, reduced hunger, and improved education and health outcomes in recent years, but continues to lag in other key areas most notably on child nutrition, with an estimated 44 percent of under-five children being stunted. Reported by Ounkeo Souksavanh for RFA's Lao Service. Translated by Max Avary and Bounchanh Mouangkham. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Myanmar NGO asks Kachin state chief minister to help rescue villagers displaced by war Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 18 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Myanmar NGO asks Kachin state chief minister to help rescue villagers displaced by war, 18 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2221f66.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-18 Kachin Independence Army (KIA) soldiers take a cigarette break as they move towards the frontline of fighting with the government army near Laiza in northern Myanmar's Kachin state, Oct. 14, 2016. AFP A Myanmar NGO has sent a letter to the head of the war-torn Kachin state government calling for the rescue of civilians trapped in a battle zone in Tanaing and Hpakant townships, as hostilities continue to rage between the national army and an ethnic militia. The Kachin Women's Peace Network (KWPN), which provides assistance to women displaced by war and raises awareness about the prevention of gender-based violence in refugee camps, submitted the request to Khat Aung, chief minister of Myanmar's northernmost state, on Tuesday. More than 2,000 ethnic Kachin villagers in the two townships have been homeless since April 11 after fleeing to nearby jungles to escape fighting between the military and Kachin Independence Army (KIA), said KWPN founder Nan Pu. "These people have been in the jungle for so many days, and we have lost contact with them," she told RFA's Myanmar Service. "Most of their phones have no battery power now, and some who still have phones are in out-of-service areas. That's why we are worried." One person was killed and two others wounded during a clash between government soldiers and the KIA on Tuesday night in Awng Lawt village, Nan Pu said. Myanmar troops surrounded the village with heavy weapons and prevented residents from entering the area, she said. "They were separated into three or four groups, and some of them were pregnant women and small children," Nan Pu said. "They couldn't walk any further, and the last we heard was that they were resting by a stream. They have no more food." "We want the government to ask the military to stop the offensive," she said, adding that Khat Aung has not yet responded to the KWPN's request. The KWPN has also worked with technical groups that support the ethnic militias' nationwide cease-fire team which holds negotiations with the national government's peace team in Myanmar's ongoing peace process. Other clashes near the villages of Sut Yang and Sut Ya have forced out villagers who are hiding in the jungle and are in need of humanitarian supplies, the online news service Democratic Voice of Burma reported on Monday, citing local relief committee organizers. Fighting began in the area on April 6 when KIA troops attacked an army camp near Tadar-nyinaung village in Hpakant township. Hakawng valley Earlier this month, the KIA warned gold and amber mine workers in Tanaing's isolated Hukawng valley to leave before it launched new attacks on the Myanmar army. Fighting between the two sides resumed in early January when government soldiers launched air strikes in Tanaing, an area controlled by the KIA, which relies on its natural resources as a source of income by levying a tax on mine operators. The KIA believes that Myanmar forces have been stepping up their attacks on rebel-held territory in hopes of gaining control of it before the next round of negotiations in the government's peace conference initiative. The KIA has engaged in skirmishes with the Myanmar army since 2011, when a 17-year bilateral cease-fire agreement between the two sides broke down. The KIA is one of several militias with which the Myanmar government is trying to end decades of ethnic separatist civil wars and forge peace in the country through a series of peace talks launched in August 2016 by Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), the KIA's political wing, has not signed the government's nationwide cease-fire agreement that eight of the country's more than 20 ethnic armies inked in October 2015, with two more having joined since then. Reported by Thet Su Aung for RFA's Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Myanmar rejects evidence presented in UN report on mass sexual violence against Rohingya Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 18 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Myanmar rejects evidence presented in UN report on mass sexual violence against Rohingya, 18 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2221f8a.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-18 Rohingya women, sheltered in a house at Kutupalang camp in southeastern Bangladesh, talk about the abuse they endured at the hands of Myanmar security forces during a crackdown in western Myanmar's Rakhine state, Jan. 27, 2017. dpa Myanmar rejects evidence gathered by human rights researchers that supports charges by the United Nations Security Council that its soldiers raped at least 300 Rohingya Muslim women and girls during a crackdown in Rakhine state last year, a government spokesman said on Wednesday. On Monday, U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres issued his annual report on conflict-related sexual violence and cited Myanmar's armed forces as one of 47 parties in 19 countries that committed such violence in armed conflict during 2017. About 700,000 Rohingya fled violence that included killings, rape, and arson, during the crackdown that began in northern Rakhine on Aug. 25 following deadly attacks on police outposts by a Muslim militant group. "The widespread threat and use of sexual violence was integral to this strategy, serving to humiliate, terrorize and collectively punish the Rohingya community, as a calculated tool to force them to flee their homelands and prevent their return," Guterres said in the report. Human rights activist and lawyer Razia Sultana told the Security Council meeting on sexual violence in conflict that her own research and interviews of Rohingya provided evidence that soldiers raped more than 300 women and girls in 17 villages in Rakhine state. Hau Do Suan, Myanmar's permanent representative to the U.N., rejected the accusations that the army used sexual violence as a strategy to force the Rohingya to flee their homes. He told the U.N. on Monday that the decision to list the military in the report was done based on unverified allegations despite attempts to interview alleged victims living in mass displacement camps in southeastern Bangladesh. Repeating what has been Myanmar's stock reaction to widely available evidence of atrocities in Rakhine, Hau Do Suan also expressed disappointment that Myanmar's request for proper investigations had been denied. He said that if there is concrete evidence of such crimes, the country will take action against perpetrators in accordance with the law without impunity. Myanmar government spokesman Zaw Htay repeated Hau Do Suan's assertion that Myanmar officials would launch an investigation and take action against perpetrators when presented with evidence and more information about charges related to the more than 300 rape cases. "It's a baseless accusation that sexual violence was used as a weapon to force them [the Rohingya] to flee their homes," he said. "Even an ordinary person can see that 300 rape cases in 17 villages is impossible." Zaw Htay told RFA's Myanmar Service that when a delegation from Maungdaw township the focal point of the crackdown along with neighboring Buithdaung and Rathedaung townships visited Bangladesh, its members heard many "stories" about attacks by the military. "OK, so let us know the details like who, where, and when these cases occurred," Zaw Htay said. "Then we'll launch an investigation." He also said when members of the Rakhine State Inquiry Commission visited Bangladesh last year, they could not see any of the victims, because they talked to them through a curtain. A team led by Win Myat Aye, Myanmar's minister of social welfare, relief, and resettlement, that met with Rohingya living in displacement camps in Bangladesh earlier this month did not "get any solid evidence" of sexual violations, he said. Rohingya residents, however, complained that the minister spoke without listening to them, while protesters unfurled a banner calling him a collaborator in and denier of genocide against Rohingya in Rakhine state and rejected the delegation's appeal for them to return to Myanmar. The U.N. report noted that "many women are reticent to return to locations still under the control of the forces that compelled them to flee, in particular in the absence of accountability, as noted by Rohingya refugees." No blind denial After some Rohingya said they were raped last year, authorities asked the women to file reports with local police, but they did not, Zaw Htay said. Then they told international media, including a reporter for The New York Times, different versions of their stories, saying that the military was gang-raping women to force them to leave, he said. "We are not blindly denying these stories," he said. "If the stories are found to be true, give us concrete evidence. These charges are not based on concrete evidence. The government has a zero-tolerance policy on such crimes." The army which has repeatedly rejected allegations of wanton killings and other atrocities against the Rohingya must abide by military and civilian law, and violators will be punished by both sides, he said. In a rare move, the Myanmar military said last week that an army investigation team had concluded that the murders of 10 Rohingya civilians without legal arrest during the crackdown in Rakhine were extrajudicial killings. Seven officers and soldiers of other ranks were found guilty of slaughtering the men and were sentenced to 10 years in prison. Myanmar will continue to work with international bodies on resolving the Rakhine crisis and repatriating Rohingya refugees who want to voluntarily return to the country, Zaw Htay said. But accusing the military of raping Rohingya women and girls won't bode well for the process, he said. "The government is looking for ways to solve the problem, and these accusations instead of helping resolve it will certainly complicate it," Zaw Htay said. "We accept that the international community should point out the rights violations, but the charges we are hearing now will exacerbate the situation." 'Security Council has failed us' At the U.N. session on Monday, Razia Sultana told the Security Council that it had failed to prevent the Rohingya refugee crisis and that it must refer sexual violence and other crimes against the Muslim group to the International Criminal Court (ICC) which prosecutes individuals for the international crimes of genocide, crimes against humanity, and war crimes. "Where I come from, women and girls have been gang-raped, tortured and killed by the Myanmar army, for no other reason than for being Rohingya," Sultana, a Rohingya lawyer, said during the open debate on preventing sexual violence in conflict "However, the international community, especially the Security Council, has failed us," she said. "This latest crisis should have been prevented if the warning signs since 2012 had not been ignored," she added, referring to communal violence between Muslims and Buddhists in Rakhine state six years ago that left more than 200 dead and displaced tens of thousands. Sultana also said the Security Council must refer the matter to the ICC without delay. Last week, an ICC prosecutor asked the tribunal's judges to rule on whether the body can exercise jurisdiction over the alleged deportation of the Rohingya people from Myanmar to Bangladesh. She raised the jurisdiction issue because Bangladesh is a member of the ICC, while Myanmar is not. Though the Myanmar government said the extension of jurisdiction is not in line with the ICC Charter and other international statutes to which the country is not a party, the pre-trial chamber agreed to hold a hearing on the issue during which Myanmar and other interested parties can state their views on the question of jurisdiction. Reported by Thiri Min Zin for RFA's Myanmar Service. Translated by Khin Maung Nyane. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. 'Several' suspected Rohingya insurgents in custody: Bangladesh official Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 18 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, 'Several' suspected Rohingya insurgents in custody: Bangladesh official, 18 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2221fb4.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-18 A Myanmar border guard watches over Bangladeshi territory from Maungdaw, Rakhine state, March 18, 2018. AFP Bangladesh authorities have arrested "several" suspected members of a Rohingya rebel group near the country's southeastern border with Myanmar, a senior Bangladeshi government official told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. The government source and a senior police officer spoke on condition of anonymity about Bangladeshi efforts to track whether Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army (ARSA) insurgents had infiltrated a massive population of Rohingya refugees from Myanmar who are sheltering in Cox's Bazar district. "We have arrested several ARSA members, including some of them [who were] shooting at the Myanmar security forces," said the government official, who declined to reveal how many suspected Rohingya rebels had been caught on Bangladeshi soil. To date, Bangladeshi authorities have never officially announced the arrests of any ARSA suspects. Meanwhile, a Rohingya community leader at the region's largest refugee camp told Benar that his team had captured 15 suspected ARSA members in January and February and turned them over to police. According to other Rohingya community leaders, police arrested a 26-year-old ARSA member carrying a sub-machine gun and ammunition at the Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox's Bazar on April 9. Abul Khair, a police officer assigned to the case, said police had questioned suspect Md. Shahed extensively and were investigating allegations that Shahed had been filmed with other men undergoing ARSA military training in a video posted on YouTube. "He is not an ordinary criminal. I do not know whether he belongs to ARSA or any other group," Khair told BenarNews. According to the policeman, the suspect claimed that one of his friends "gave him bullets to carry." 'Have not handed them over to Myanmar' Myanmar's government blamed ARSA insurgents for deadly coordinated attacks on army and police outposts in Rakhine state in August 2017. These provoked a brutal crackdown by government security forces that drove at least 687,000 Rohingya to seek shelter in neighboring Bangladesh, according to the latest estimates from the United Nations. The suspects who were caught had entered Bangladesh with the unprecedented influx of refugees from Myanmar, according to the government official. "No, we have not handed them over to Myanmar," he said, adding there was a risk with expelling the suspects back to Myanmar. "If we do so, the common refugees would also get worried about their return to Myanmar. Then the whole repatriation process would be in jeopardy," the official said, referring to a bilateral deal struck between Bangladesh and Myanmar last November to repatriate hundreds of thousands of Rohingya refugees to Rakhine state. But, he went on, "we must not allow ARSA or any militant group to harm Myanmar." The senior police officer, who is stationed in Cox's Bazar, echoed the official's concern. "[W]e will in no way allow ARSA to operate from Bangladesh soil. We have at least seven security agencies keeping a track on possible ARSA activities in the refugee camps," the officer told BenarNews. In November, Bangladeshi Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said authorities had launched security sweeps of the refugee camps, but these netted no suspects after Myanmar's government had handed Dhaka a list of hundreds of alleged ARSA insurgents believed to be hiding out in southeastern Bangladesh. In late October during the sweeps, Bangladesh's counter-terrorist Rapid Action Battalion arrested two Rohingya men with guns and bullets at the Kutupalong camp the largest of the refugee shelters but a RAB official said then that the suspects were likely not members of ARSA. Arrests of ARSA suspects Following Md. Shahed's arrest last week, Rohingya community leaders claimed in interviews with BenarNews that he had appeared in a recent online video that showed ARSA recruits being trained by the insurgent group's leader, Ataullah Abu Ammar Jununi. "In the YouTube video . . . Shahed is seen clad in a blue shirt," claimed Jafar Alam, a Rohingya leader at the Kutupalong camp who said he had helped Bangladeshi police nab Shahed. Alam is one of a few hundred Rohingya refugees who help patrol the sprawling and overcrowded refugee camps after dark to "help maintain law and order." "Shahed was carrying a knife when I found him wandering around at 4 a.m. He then tried to attack me. I raised an alarm, after which other camp residents came to my help and subdued him," Alam told BenarNews. Zahid Hossain, another community leader, confirmed that a Rohingya man suspected of being involved with militants was caught and handed over to police on April 9. "Shahed belongs to an armed group led by Abdul Hakim (alias Hakim Dakat), who was once an ARSA member," Hossain told BenarNews. Md. Selim, a fellow refugee leader, said his team had recently captured more than a dozen ARSA suspects and transferred them to police custody. "ARSA has been active in the camps. Between January and February, we the community people, in three separate efforts, caught 15 ARSA members and handed them over to the police," Selim said. Police rejected his claim. But, according to BenarNews interviews with more than 12 Rohingya community leaders in Cox's Bazar, ARSA members are heavily concentrated in the Balukhali refugee camp in the district. "ARSA has been divided into two factions: one is led by Ataullah while the other group is led by Abdul Hakim, who lives in the Teknaf sub-district of Cox's Bazar," one Rohingya leader told BenarNews on condition of anonymity. Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Myanmar lifts travel restrictions on Rohingyas with 'verification cards' Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 19 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Myanmar lifts travel restrictions on Rohingyas with 'verification cards', 19 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2221fd4.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-19 Myanmar police stand guard at an IDP camp in Sittwe, Rakhine state, September 1, 2017. AFP Myanmar has lifted travel restrictions on Rohingya Muslims who possess National Verification Cards (NVCs), a government minister said Thursday, adding that cardholders have a path to full citizenship "within five months." Minister of social welfare, relief and resettlement Win Myat Aye told reporters at the National Reconciliation and Peace Center in Yangon that Rohingya internally displaced persons (IDPs) who fled violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state are free to travel if they accept the NVC and fill out an associated immigration form. "We are working on ensuring NVC holders have freedom of movement," he said, although he acknowledged "problems" in providing refugees with the cards and said he was discussing how to "speed this process up" with relevant ministries. "When NVC holders want to travel, they just need to fill out Immigration Form No. 4 and submit it to immigration officials. After that, they can travel wherever they want." Rohingya refugees and IDPs see the NVC which Myanmar's government says they must accept before they can become citizens as unnecessary, and instead demand citizenship because they claim their forefathers were Myanmar nationals. Rohingya is an ethnicity not officially recognized in Myanmar. Win Myat Aye urged the refugees to accept the NVC, noting that anyone who holds the card "can apply for citizenship and can become a citizen within five months." "We already have many people who became citizens within five months," he added. Repatriation process Meanwhile, nearly 700,000 Rohingya refugees who fled the August 2017 violence in Rakhine state to southeastern Bangladesh remain in camps there despite a deal reached between Bangladesh and Myanmar in November to repatriate them. The deal called for the process to begin in late January, but the two countries have yet to repatriate any Rohingyas. Earlier this year, Bangladesh authorities gave their counterparts a list of 8,000 Rohingyas for verification by Myanmar. Only a few hundred had been authorized to return and none have started the process. Win Myat Aye noted that he had visited the Kutupalong refugee camp in Cox's Bazar last week to "see what was responsible for delaying the refugee repatriation process." "We saw the reasons, such as that forms were filled out incorrectly, making it difficult for Myanmar immigration officials to identify the refugees," he said. "I met with Bangladesh's foreign affairs and home affairs ministers to discuss further coordination with them to overcome the difficulties of the repatriation process." According to the RFA-affiliated BenarNews service, Win Myat Aye and his entourage visited Kutupalong on April 11 under tight security while Bangladeshi police used batons to disperse more than 200 protesters who gathered by the camp's main road. He called the visit during which he told refugees he was working to repatriate them as soon as possible a success, but participants in the meeting said there is no reason for them to return to Rakhine state if they will be forced to live in camps there, as the government has said. Rohingyas respond Thein Maung, an official at the Dar Paing Muslim Refugee Camp in the Rakhine state capital Sittwe, told RFA's Myanmar Service on Thursday that Rohingya IDPs would welcome an end to the travel restrictions "if they are really lifted." But he echoed grievances by other members of the ethnic group have voiced over citizenship restrictions, saying that they shouldn't require NVCs in the first place. "If our parents were holding National Registration Cards (NRC), we should have the same rights they had," he said, referring to documents which identify their holder as a citizen of Myanmar. Kyaw Hla Aung, a former lawmaker for Rakhine state and a Rohingya community leader in Sittwe, told RFA he also applauded an end to restrictions, but wondered whether the authorities would provide security for members of his ethnicity when they travel throughout the country, where they have faced discrimination and communal violence. "The most important thing is to have rule of law . . . We'll have to wait and see how the authorities manage," he said. Access to services Also on Thursday, Ursula Mueller, the deputy emergency relief coordinator in the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA), told reporters in New York that movement restrictions on Rohingyas in Rakhine state are limiting their access to critical services, following her recent visit to Myanmar. "There is a humanitarian crisis on both sides of the Bangladesh-Myanmar border that is affecting the world's largest group of stateless people," Mueller said. "The unfolding tragedy in the refugee camps in Cox's Bazar [Bangladesh] rightly captured the world's attention, but we cannot, and must not, forget the plight of over 400,000 Muslim people still living in Rakhine State who continue to face a life of hardship and marginalization due to movement restrictions," she added. These restrictions severely compromise their rights and obstruct their access to health, livelihoods, protection, education, and other essential services, she said. Mueller, who is also the U.N.'s assistant secretary general for humanitarian affairs, said that during an April 3 meeting with Myanmar's state counsellor and de facto head of state Aung San Suu Kyi the two had discussed "ending the violence, of stability and peace and reconciliation" in Rakhine state and other parts of the country. She also offered U.N. support to "address the humanitarian needs and the protection needs that are across the whole country, and advocated for access for humanitarian actors," she said. Reported by Aung Theinka and Thinn Thiri. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. China: Xinjiang authorities use 'burial management centers' to subvert Uyghur funeral traditions Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 19 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, China: Xinjiang authorities use 'burial management centers' to subvert Uyghur funeral traditions, 19 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2221ff4.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-19 A file photo shows a Muslim cemetery on the outskirts of Xinjiang's capital Urumqi. AP Photo Authorities in Hotan (in Chinese, Hetian) prefecture, in northwest China's Xinjiang region, are setting up "burial management centers" as part of what the Uyghur exile community say is a bid to control all aspects of life for members of their ethnic group even the act of dying. Recent posts on a social media channel used by the mostly-Muslim Uyghur community included a photo of a notice informing residents of the construction of a center in Keriye (Yutian) county's Arish township to conduct the burial of local residents. Officials from two different counties in Hotan told RFA's Uyghur Service that similar centers had been established in areas under their administration, although they were unsure of what they were being used for, and suggested authorities planned to build additional facilities throughout the prefecture. The head of Urchi township in Hotan's Qaraqash (Moyu) county said she had heard "about a month ago" that a burial management center had been constructed and would be "opening soon." "I only heard that it will be opening soon, but I don't know why it is opening or what they do there," she added. The ruling Communist Party secretary of No. 1 Village, in Guma (Pishan) county's Piyalma township, told RFA that a burial management center "opened in July 2017" within the county. When asked the reason why the center was built, the secretary said that it "[will help us comply with] the four different orders, in order to make it convenient for us" officials, without providing further details. Officials in Xinjiang routinely refer to four guidelines they are to follow when governing in the region strengthening propaganda according to the promotion of Chinese-style religion, encouraging residents to self-report and criticize their own behavior, opposing religious extremism, and expressing gratitude to the Communist Party. While the officials did not explain the specific function of the burial management centers, members of the Uyghur exile community with links to the area told RFA that authorities are using them to subvert Uyghur ethnic traditions and remove the religious context from funerary rites. Since April 2017, Uyghurs accused of harboring "strong religious views" and "politically incorrect" views have been jailed or detained in political re-education camps throughout Xinjiang, where members of the ethnic group have long complained of pervasive discrimination, religious repression, and cultural suppression under Chinese rule. Zumret, a Uyghur political analyst based in Norway, said that in addition to targeting for detention Uyghurs who assert their religious identity, Chinese authorities now seek to take control of the last private aspects of Uyghur lives by regulating their burial practices. "The Chinese have burial management centers from where corpses are sent for cremation before being buried, and this is the type of procedure the Chinese government wants the Uyghurs to adhere to," she said. According to Uyghur tradition, the dead must be cleansed by a member of the local community who is versed in religious knowledge before relatives say a final farewell. Bodies are then transported by "jinaze," a coffin-like carriage, to a nearby mosque for a closure prayer. Afterwards, an imam recites a sermon on the meaning of life and death, reminding the congregation that everyone eventually meets their creator, regardless of what they have done on earth. The body is then transported to a cemetery for burial, and a week later, the family holds a mourning ceremony which is attended by members of the community. "For us Uyghurs, it is extremely important because we believe that we must send our departed away with a pure mind on their final journey, and as Muslims, we recite Islamic prayers during the burial service to purify the body and soul," Zumret said. "The aim of the Chinese government is to suffocate us in every aspect of our daily life by restricting our cultural and religious traditions, which often leads people to rebel and that gives the authorities a legitimate reason to respond with deadly force." Dealing with camp effects Abdurahman Hesen, a Uyghur businessman who resides in Turkey, told RFA that the burial management centers are also being set up to deal with the effects the re-education camps have had on the local population. He said that the centers provide a convenient way for authorities to deal with the bodies of Uyghurs who have died under questionable circumstances while in the camps. "Having a burial management center in every village is a way to control the services for the dead, because when a person dies in detention or a prison, the authorities [usually] do not return the corpse to the family," Hesen said. "When the service is carried out by the government, the family doesn't know what took place or where the body was interred. In the future, we may not be able to find the graves of our fathers and grandfathers. This is completely unethical and unacceptable." Hesen said that the centers also arrange funerals in communities where most of the adult men who would normally assist with the ceremonies are in detention. "There are very few young people left, as the majority of them are being held in re-education camps and there aren't enough left to carry the bodies to the graveyard," he said. The Communist Party had never previously interfered in Uyghur funerals due to the sensitivity of the tradition, Hesen added, but by using the centers to take over burial services, authorities are now able to remove one more situation in which local religious leaders hold more influence over residents than the government. "By controlling the whole process, it prevents Uyghur religious figures from preaching on the meaning of life and death, heaven and hell, and thereby controls every aspect of Uyghur life, from birth to death," he said. Vast network China's central government authorities have not publicly acknowledged the existence of re-education camps in Xinjiang, and the number of inmates kept in each facility remains a closely guarded secret, but local officials in many parts of Xinjiang have in RFA telephone interviews forthrightly described sending significant numbers of Uyghurs to the camps and even described overcrowding in some facilities. Maya Wang of the New York-based Human Rights Watch told The Guardian in January that estimates of Xinjiang residents who had spent time in the camps went as high as 800,000, while at least one Uyghur exile group estimates that up to 1 million Uyghurs have been detained throughout the region since April 2017, and some activists say nearly every Uyghur household has been affected by the campaign. Prior reporting by RFA's Uyghur Service found that as arrests in Xinjiang increased around the sensitive 19th Communist Party Congress in Beijing in October, the region's re-education camps have been inundated by detainees, who are forced to endure cramped and squalid conditions in the facilities. Last month, authorities in Kashgar (Kashi) prefecture's Yopurgha (Yuepuhu) county told RFA that a 17-year-old Uyghur boy named Yaqupjan Naman, who was detained for "traveling overseas," had died of unknown causes at a local re-education camp. His father was not provided with the cause of the boy's death and was forced to bury his body under police supervision, the sources said. Reported by Shohret Hoshur for RFA's Uyghur Service. Translated by Alim Seytoff. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Myanmar police officer tells court Reuters journalists were set up Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 20 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Myanmar police officer tells court Reuters journalists were set up, 20 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2222015.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-20 Myanmar Police Captain Moe Yan Naing emerges from a courtroom in Yangon after giving testimony in the case of two Reuters reporters on trial for allegedly obtaining state secrets, April 20, 2018. RFA Myanmar police ordered the entrapment of two reporters for Reuters news agency on trial for allegedly possessing state secrets for their work investigating violence against Rohingya Muslims by the military in Rakhine state, a police officer said Friday during sworn testimony before the court. Police Brigadier General Tin Ko Ko ordered officers to set up reporters Thet Oo Maung, also known as Wa Lone, and Kyaw Soe Oo, Police Captain Moe Yan Naing told Yangon's Northern District Court. Police arrested the pair on Dec. 12 on the outskirts of Yangon shortly after they had dinner with two police officers who gave them documents about a military crackdown on Rohingya Muslims in northern Rakhine state. They were formally charged on Jan. 10 with obtaining state secrets and face up to 14 years in prison if found guilty. In December, police had identified Moe Yan Naing, who was serving in the paramilitary 8th Security Police Battalion outside Yangon, as one of two officers allegedly involved in the case. Moe Yan Naing said he met Wa Lone once on Nov. 23 at a teahouse to discuss police operations in Rakhine, but he was not among the officers when the two reporters were arrested. He also said he had never met with Kyaw Soe Oo. A witness for the prosecution, Moe Yan Naing told the court that Tin Ko Ko, who was in charge of the internal investigation, ordered Police Lance Corporal Naing Lin to set up a meeting with Wa Lone and give him documents from the battalion. Of the six policemen who were interrogated in the matter, only Moe Yan Naing and Police Sergeant Khin Maung Lin have been detained since Dec. 12 on charges of violating the British colonial-era Official Secrets Act and the Police Disciplinary Act. During the hearing, Moe Yan Naing said Tin Ko Ko had "disgraced the union government and made the union government misunderstood by the international community." "I am revealing the truth because police of any rank must maintain their own integrity," he told reporters after the court hearing. "It is true that they were set up." Moe Yan Naing had served at the Inn Din village regional police station in Rakhine's Maungdaw township where the crackdown took place. At the time of their arrest, the two reporters were working on a story about the brutal murders of 10 Rohingya civilians from Inn Din, and the news agency later produced a gripping account of the killings by soldiers and ethnic Rakhine Buddhist neighbors. Myanmar's military commander-in-chief's office announced last week that seven officers and soldiers of other ranks involved in the killing of the 10 Rohingya had been sentenced to 10 years in prison following an investigation of the incident. In the meantime, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo remain in detention in Yangon's Insein Prison until their next court hearing on April 25. 'Court finally heard truth' Stephen J. Adler, president and editor-in-chief of Reuters, called for the release of the journalists after the hearing. "Today the court finally heard the truth," he said in a statement. "One of the prosecution's own witnesses admitted that the police received orders to plant evidence and arrest Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo on false charges. This case cannot be squared with fairness or justice, and it's time to bring it to an end. We call for our journalists' immediate release." Lawyers for the two defendants and Myanmar journalists previously had told RFA that it was likely that police had entrapped the two reporters. "As police Captain Moe Yan Naing told the truth, it is very supportive for the reporters' freedom," said Thant Zaw, one of the attorneys representing the reporters, following Friday's hearing. Moe Yan Maing "took a risk" by telling the court about his detention and that Tin Ko Ko's actions destroyed the integrity of the Myanmar Police Force, he said. Lawyers representing the journalists filed a motion for a dismissal of the case in late March, arguing that there was insufficient evidence to support the charges and inconsistencies in witness testimony. The judge rejected the request because others had not yet testified. Myanmar Press Council member Myint Kyaw said whether Moe Yan Naing's testimony will be grounds for the dismissal of the case remains to be seen. "Police Captain Moe Yan Naing told the truth, and we welcome what he did," he said. "But we have to wait and see if the reporters can be freed now that someone has told the truth." Zayar Hlaing, editor of the investigative magazine Maw Kun, said Moe Yan Naing's words have an even greater impact on Myanmar society. "Both the army and police force are essential institutions in a country, but the police are closer to the people," he said. "The attitude of the police force will determine a country's rule of law and integrity." "A policeman spoke the truth, and it is good for society," he said. "The relevant authorities should pay attention to this until justice is served." Sein Win, director of the Myanmar Journalism Institute, expressed concern about Moe Yan Naing's safety. "I respect and appreciate Police Captain Moe Yan Naing for telling the truth," he said. "It shows that the military and security guards are used as part of a political agenda. He is brave, but I am worried for his safety." Reported by Aung Theinkha, Khin Khin Ei, and Thinn Thiri for RFA's Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. US urges China to 'end counterproductive policies' targeting Uyghurs in Xinjiang Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 20 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, US urges China to 'end counterproductive policies' targeting Uyghurs in Xinjiang, 20 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b222203a.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-20 Armed civilians patrol the area outside the bazaar in the seat of Hotan prefecture, Nov. 3, 2017. AP Photo The U.S. has called on China to "end their counterproductive policies" in the Xinjiang Uyghur Autonomous Region (XUAR) and urged Beijing to release the estimated hundreds of thousands of ethnic Uyghurs who are arbitrarily detained there in "political re-education camps" and jails. At a press briefing on Thursday, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters that Washington is "increasingly concerned about excessive restrictions on freedom of religion and freedom of beliefs in China," as well as the country's "efforts to pressure other governments into forcibly returning Uyghurs to China or to coerce family members." She also expressed alarm over "widespread detentions and the unprecedented levels of surveillance" in the XUAR, where Uyghurs accused of harboring "strong religious views" and "politically incorrect" views have been jailed or detained in political re-education camps throughout the region since April last year. China's central government authorities have not publicly acknowledged the existence of re-education camps in the XUAR, and the number of inmates kept in each facility remains a closely guarded secret, but local officials in many parts of the region have in RFA telephone interviews forthrightly described sending significant numbers of Uyghurs to the camps and even described overcrowding in some facilities. Among those in custody are dozens of family members of six RFA Uyghur Service reporters, and Nauert specifically referenced their cases Thursday, reassuring the journalists that the U.S. "will continue to raise our deep concerns with the Chinese government" on their behalf. "We call on China to end their counterproductive policies and . . . free all of those who have been arbitrarily detained" in the XUAR, she said. Nauert noted that Laura Stone, the acting deputy assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs, visited China earlier this week and expressed concerns over the mass detentions in the XUAR she said "paints a disturbing picture" of life in the region, where Uyghurs have long complained of pervasive discrimination, religious repression, and cultural suppression under Chinese rule. Official visit Speaking to reporters in Beijing on Wednesday, Stone urged Chinese authorities to employ a "more transparent and accountable system" in the XUAR, noting that while a clampdown on the flow of information coming out of the region had made it difficult to determine the number of people detained, it was "at the very least in the tens of thousands." Maya Wang of the New York-based Human Rights Watch told The Guardian in January that estimates of XUAR residents who had spent time in the camps went as high as 800,000, while at least one Uyghur exile group estimates that up to 1 million Uyghurs have been detained throughout the region since April 2017, and some Uyghur activists say nearly every Uyghur household has been affected by the campaign. Stone said that the U.S. is "troubled by the Chinese efforts to clamp down on the legitimate rights of Uyghurs" in the XUAR and pledged to "continue to . . . call for legitimate due process in the detention of [China's] citizens." Chinese Foreign Ministry spokeswoman Hua Chunying dismissed Stone's comments later that day, saying "people of all ethnicities in Xinjiang live and work in peace and contentment," and she urged the U.S. to "stop any form of interference in China's internal affairs or any unjustified criticisms." Stone and Nauert's comments are the latest to condemn China for its policies in the XUAR and follow a letter earlier this month published by the U.S. Congressional-Executive Commission on China (CECC), led by Senator Marco Rubio, which urged U.S. Ambassador to China Terry Branstad to visit the region with the aim of investigating claims of "mass surveillance and detention" of Uyghurs. In the April 3 letter, Rubio and U.S. Representative Chris Smith the co-chair of the CECC called the camp network in the XUAR "the largest mass incarceration of a minority population in the world today" and asked Branstad to determine whether Washington should level sanctions against those responsible for the policies under the Global Magnitsky Human Rights Accountability Act. 'Deteriorating rights situation' On Friday, Omer Kanat, chairman of the executive commission of the Munich-based World Uyghur Congress exile group, applauded the U.S. State Department for "bringing attention to the rapidly deteriorating human rights situation in East Turkestan," using the name preferred by many ethnic Uyghurs for their historic homeland. He also thanked U.S. officials for "highlighting the collective punishment of the family members of Uyghurs who bring these issues to light, such as the staff members of Radio Free Asia." "Acting deputy assistant secretary for East Asian and Pacific Affairs Laura Stone is correct to point out that the Chinese government lacks transparency and accountability," he said. "Uyghurs are being sent to camps in massive numbers, but the Chinese government is attempting to hide this obvious fact by refusing to address the issue and preventing government and non-government delegations and independent journalists from investigating the situation." He urged the U.S. to "push back against these falsehoods" and show Beijing that "the world is not ignoring the situation." "No country can afford to ignore what is happening in East Turkestan, as the most extreme of the human rights abuses perpetrated by the Chinese authorities the securitization of East Turkestan and mistreatment of Uyghurs is a disturbing sign of the direction in which the Chinese government is headed, and should affect its relations with the rest of the world," Kanat said. Rights report Also on Friday, the State Department issued its annual Country Reports on Human Rights Practices, in which it said official repression of the freedoms of speech, religion, movement, association, and assembly of Uyghurs in the XUAR and Tibetans in China's Tibet Autonomous Region (TAR) "worsened and were more severe than in other areas of the country" in 2017. Officials in the XUAR "imposed new regulations, increased severely repressive security measures, and subjected individuals engaged in peaceful expression of political and religious views to arbitrary arrest, detention harassment, and expedited judicial procedures without due process in the name of combatting terrorism and extremism," the report said. The State Department noted that many of the Uyghurs who disappeared in the XUAR in 2017 had been detained after returning home from studying abroad, that Uyghurs reported great difficulty in getting passports, and that they also faced restrictions on movement within the XUAR itself. "Uighurs and other religious minorities continued to be sentenced to long prison terms and in some cases executed without due process on charges of separatism and endangering state security," the report said. Since XUAR party chief Chen Quanguo was appointed to his post in August 2016, he has initiated unprecedented repressive measures against the Uyghur people and ideological purges against so-called "two-faced" Uyghur officials a term applied by the government to Uyghurs who do not willingly follow directives and exhibit signs of "disloyalty." China regularly conducts "strike hard" campaigns in the XUAR, including police raids on Uyghur households, restrictions on Islamic practices, and curbs on the culture and language of the Uyghur people, including videos and other material. While China blames some Uyghurs for "terrorist" attacks, experts outside China say Beijing has exaggerated the threat from the Uyghurs and that repressive domestic policies are responsible for an upsurge in violence there that has left hundreds dead since 2009. Reported by Alim Seytoff for RFA's Uyghur Service and Joshua Lipes. Translated by Alim Seytoff. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Myanmar's Human Rights Commission asks government to protect whistleblower policeman Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 23 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Myanmar's Human Rights Commission asks government to protect whistleblower policeman, 23 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b222205a.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-23 Myanmar Police Captain Moe Yan Naing (C) leaves court during the trial of two detained Reuters journalists in Yangon, April 20, 2018. AFP Myanmar's National Human Rights Commission said on Monday that it has asked the Ministry of Home Affairs to protect the rights of a detained police officer who testified on Friday that another police official had ordered the entrapment of two Reuters reporters investigating a military crackdown in Rakhine state. Police Captain Moe Yan Naing, who was serving in the the paramilitary 8th Security Police Battalion outside Yangon, told the city's Northern District Court on Friday that Police Brigadier General Tin Ko Ko ordered officers to set up reporters Thet Oo Maung, also known as Wa Lone, and Kyaw Soe Oo. Police arrested the pair on Dec. 12 on the outskirts of Yangon after they had dinner with two police officers who gave them classified documents about the crackdown on Rohingya Muslims in northern Rakhine state. They were detained by the Home Affairs Ministry for violating the colonial-era Official Secrets Act and formally charged on Jan. 10 with obtaining state secrets. They face up to 14 years in prison. The day after Moe Yan Naing's sworn testimony, authorities ordered his wife and three children to move out of a police housing complex. At a press conference in Mandalay following the eviction, the officer's wife asked the country's top leaders for justice for her husband and for protection for the family, which is now staying with Moe Yan Naing's father in Khin Oo township in Sagaing region. "They [top-level police] are treating my husband unfairly and unjustly," Moe Yan Naing's wife Tu Tu said. "What my husband said at court was true," she said. "Everybody in the 8th Security Police Battalion knows what he said is true, but they won't say anything if they are asked because they are afraid." In the meantime, Moe Yan Naing, one of two officers arrested on Dec. 12 for alleged involvement in the case, is being detained at the 8th Security Police Battalion, police spokesman Colonel Myo Thu Soe told RFA on Sunday. Since his arrest, Moe Yan Maing has been prevented from seeing his relatives. He faces charges for allegedly violating the British colonial-era Official Secrets Act and the Police Disciplinary Act. As a witness for the prosecution, Moe Yan Naing told the court on Friday that Tin Ko Ko, who was in charge of the internal investigation, ordered Police Lance Corporal Naing Lin to set up a meeting with Wa Lone and give him documents from the battalion. Moe Yan Naing said he himself met Wa Lone once on Nov. 23 at a teahouse to discuss police operations in Rakhine, but he was not among the officers when the two reporters were arrested. He also said he had never met with Kyaw Soe Oo. 'We can't interfere' Myanmar's independent human rights panel, consisting of 11 retired bureaucrats and academics, has taken up the issue of protecting Moe Yan Naing as a whistleblower. "According to the law, we can't interfere in a court case, but we have been thinking about how to help Police Captain Moe Yan Naing," said Yu Lwin Aung, a member of the Myanmar National Human Rights Commission. Based on a letter the commission received from Myanmar's Committee for the Protection of Journalists on Monday morning, the commission prepared a statement to submit to the Ministry of Home Affairs, saying that it is following the case, he said. "Though we can't interfere in the court case, nobody should be deprived of his or her human rights, such as the right to see family members and a lawyer, the right not to be subjected to torture, and the right not to lose one's health care," Yu Lwin Aung said. The commission will provide assistance to Moe Yan Naing to ensure that he is not deprived of his rights, he said. "We requested that the ministry protect the basic human rights of Police Captain Moe Yan Naing and his family members," he said. "It is possible that the ministry will pay a good deal of attention to it and work on it." Ye Htut, Myanmar's former information minister, noted the difference in the information from when the two reporters were arrested in December and the information that recently came out. "It is time for the government and the Ministry of Home Affairs to consider very carefully about how to handle this case," he said. "The grounds for the reporters' arrests have been doubtful since the beginning, and that doubt is growing stronger now because of the police captain's testimony," he said. "The Myanmar Police Force's action to evict Police Captain Moe Yan Naing's family is something that can cause people to lose their trust in the government and in the Home Affairs Ministry as well as harm the images of the government and the Myanmar Police Force." 'They can't hide it' Legal and media professionals, who have said from the beginning of the trial that Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo were set up by police, suggested that the case now be dropped. Attorney Kyi Myint told RFA's Myanmar Service that officials no longer can cover up the entrapment. "They can't hide it anymore," he said. "There are many implications in the country regarding this case after Police Captain Moe Yan Naing's testimony. It will be the same in the international community. In my opinion, [military] authorities should withdraw this case as soon as possible. If not, their situation will get worse." Attorney Thein Than Oo pointed out that Win Htein, a former lawmaker and spokesman for the ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party, said the arrests of the two reporters constituted entrapment. "And everybody learned what he said was correct after Police Captain Moe Yan Naing's testimony," he said. "In our country, we don't get justice for any case in which the Ministry of Home Affairs files as a plaintiff. We have to wait and see whether this case receives justice or not." At the time of their arrest, the two reporters were working on a story about the brutal murders of 10 Rohingya civilians from Inn Din, and the news agency later produced a gripping account of the killings by soldiers and ethnic Rakhine Buddhist neighbors. Myanmar's military commander-in-chief's office announced in April that seven officers and soldiers of other ranks involved in the killing of the 10 Rohingya had been sentenced to 10 years in prison following an investigation of the incident. In the meantime, Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo remain in detention in Yangon's Insein Prison until their next court hearing on Wednesday. Reported by Htet Arkar, Kyaw Zaw Win, Thinn Thiri, and Khin Khin Ei for RFA's Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Land, citizenship await them in Myanmar, Bangladeshi tribespeople told Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 24 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Land, citizenship await them in Myanmar, Bangladeshi tribespeople told, 24 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b222207a.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-24 Songro Mro, the widow of a man killed by a landmine along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border, explains why her family tried to enter Myanmar, April 13, 2018. BenarNews While hundreds of thousands of Rohingya Muslims refugees have poured into Bangladesh from Myanmar over the past year, a few hundred impoverished tribal people have migrated in the opposite direction, lured by promises of land and citizenship, villagers and officials said. Bangladesh officials say they have long been aware of a Myanmar government project to make Buddhists a majority in Rakhine, the rural state now largely abandoned by the Rohingya after a military crackdown caused close to 700,000 people to flee. Those efforts intensified after September 2017, the height of the refugee outflow, a Bangladesh Home Ministry official told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service, citing intelligence reports. "After eviction of the Rohingya people, economic activities in Rakhine virtually collapsed. So, Myanmar needs people to cultivate the land and implement the development projects," the official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. "So, they lure the Buddhists from Bangladesh," the official said. At least 35 families left a cluster of villages perched on ridges in remote Alikadam sub-district in the Chittagong Hill Tracts of southeastern Bangladesh, BenarNews learned in a visit to the region. "Since October last year, 35 families have left from our nearby villages and settled in Burma. Some of the family members informed us that they would get free food, land, cattle, houses and citizenship," Prenglung Mro, a resident of Raraipara village of Bandarban district, told BenarNews, standing outside his bamboo and wood house. The four tribal groups that live in the hills of southeastern Bangladesh number fewer than 500,000 people and embrace Buddhist, Hindu and animist beliefs. All are ethnically related to groups found across the border in Myanmar and northeastern India. Promises of a better life A hardscrabble existence in the nearly inaccessible villages of the region makes such promises alluring. Raraipara resident Limwai Mro told BenarNews that people in the area lend money to the Mro and other tribal people at exorbitant rates. "If I take 1,000 taka [U.S. $12], I have to return 2,000 taka in six months. Besides, we the poor people do not get fair price of our agricultural products such as turmeric, mango, pineapple, ginger," he said. "Many people have decided to go to Burma to evade the loans of the local money lenders. Again, the production of rice and other products has come down over the years," Limwai said. He said businesses and the government in Myanmar support new arrivals. "Everything is free there (in Rakhine)," he said. That lure proved deadly for one family last month. Songro Mro and her three children returned home after her husband died in a landmine blast in the border region on March 14. Her 8-year-old daughter also lost an eye. "One Mro man, Aung San, lured my husband to go to Burma as we had been having very bad days here. The paddy we have here was not enough to meet our growing demand for food and other necessities," Songro Mro said. She said Aung San, who had once lived in Alikadam, told Pawai Mro that the Myanmar government would provide for the family in Rakhine. "If we could reach Burma, we must live in a tent or temporary camps for two years. Then we will get a free house and land, and citizenship," said Songro Mro, who suffered shrapnel injuries to her face. "Poverty is here, but no violence. I was not interested in leaving Raraipara. But my husband was stubborn to go to Burma. We will never go to Burma again," she said. Bangladesh officials aware K.S. Hla, chairman of Bandarban Hill District Council, said people belonging to the Mro, Marma, Modok and Tripura tribes had left for Rakhine state "in recent months" from Alikadam and the nearby sub-districts of Thanchi and Naikhangchhari. He did not specify how many. "We have come to know that there has been some luring from the other side of the border," Hla told BenarNews at his office in Bandarban town. "Now, it has stopped. Our BGB and the BGP have been patrolling the border to stop such movement," Hla said, referring to the border forces of Bangladesh and Myanmar. Bangladesh Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal told BenarNews that he knew about tribal people departing from Bandarban district to Rakhine. "I cannot give you the exact number, but some of them have left for Myanmar. Some of them have come back, too, as they could not move there freely," Khan said. Bangladesh Ambassador to Myanmar Manjurul Karim Khan Chowdhury told BenarNews he was not sure why Bangladesh nationals would want to go to Myanmar. "There is no persecution of the Buddhists and other tribal people in Bangladesh. But we have to find out why they, though very small in number, have been crossing the border," he said. Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Myanmar political parties oppose easing travel restrictions on Rohingya Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 24 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Myanmar political parties oppose easing travel restrictions on Rohingya, 24 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b222209a.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-24 Members of the Union Solidarity and Development Party hold a press conference to express their opposition to the lifting of travel restrictions on Rohingya Muslims with National Verification Cards, in Yangon, April 24, 2018. RFA Myanmar's main opposition political party and members of some minor parties say they oppose the government's decision to grant freedom of travel to Rohingya Muslims who possess National Verification Cards (NVCs). Union Solidarity and Development Party (USDP) members told the media on Tuesday at party headquarters in Yangon that they will send a letter to President Myint Win expressing their disagreement with the decision which Win Myat Aye, Myanmar's social welfare minister, announced last week. He said that Rohingya who have lived in internally displaced persons (IDP) camps since fleeing violence in Myanmar's Rakhine state are free to travel if they accept the NVC and fill out an associated immigration form. Win Myat Aye also said that anyone who holds the card "can apply for citizenship and can become a citizen within five months." Besides denying the Rohingya citizenship, Myanmar also prevents them from traveling freely outside camps without permission and denies them access to education, employment, and health care. A military crackdown on Rohingya in the northern part of Rakhine state that began in late August following deadly attacks by a Muslim militant group left thousands dead and drove nearly 700,000 across the border to Bangladesh, where they live in squalor in sprawling refugee camps. Myanmar and Bangladesh have agreed to repatriate those who want to voluntarily return to Rakhine as long as they can prove prior residency. Ethnic Rakhine Buddhists, with whom the Muslims clashed in communal violence in 2012, fear that lifting the travel restrictions could invite further attacks by Rohingya militants. "If NVC holders can travel freely, it will be very dangerous for our country," said USDP spokesperson Nanda Hla Myint. "What we want to say today is that we will do something decisively together with other parties that have the same attitude as ours and are against allowing NVC cardholders to travel freely if authorities do permit such travel," he said. Nanda Hla Myint also said he will submit a proposal about the NVC issue at the national parliament. Rohingya refugees who have applied to return to Myanmar from camps in neighboring Bangladesh and IDPs in Myanmar see the NVCs as unnecessary and instead have demanded full citizenship because they claim their forefathers were Myanmar nationals. The government says the Rohingya, an ethnicity not officially recognized in Myanmar, must undergo a verification process in line with the 1982 Citizenship Law and accept NVCs before they can become citizens. Other parties weigh in The USDP is not the only political party whose members oppose the granting of travel rights to Rohingya with NVCs. Han Shwe vice chairman of the National Unity Party, pointed out that Myanmar's 2008 constitution says that only those who are citizens can have full citizens' rights, including the right to free movement around the country. "The constitution doesn't allow anybody who holds an NVC to travel freely around the country," he said. "The Rakhine problem occurred because of ARSA," he said, referring to the Muslim militant group Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army that claimed responsibility for attacks on police outposts on Aug. 25 that sparked the crackdown by the military. "That's why this issue should be handled very carefully," he said. Khin Maung Swe, chairman of National Democratic Force (NDF) party, took the NLD to task for allowing free travel for NVC holders. "It shouldn't allow NVC holders to travel freely," he said. If so, they will be like citizens, but they are not." Authorities must amend the country's Immigration Act to legally allow NVC holders to travel freely, he said, adding that he wasn't aware that the NLD made the decision to alleviate some international pressure on Myanmar. "It is not even a good sign; it is dangerous," he said. "The NDF doesn't like it." Thein Nyunt, chairman of the New National Democracy Party, said the right to move around freely should not apply to NVC holders. "They are not yet citizens," he said. "Giving citizens' rights to non-citizens is something the government shouldn't do. Our party doesn't agree with it because it is very dangerous for national security." Tun Aung Kyaw, Secretary of the Arakan Nations Party, which represents the interests of the ethnic Rakhine people in Rakhine state, urged the government to reconsider its decision. "Bengalis who really lived in Rakhine state can speak Burmese or the Rakhine language," he said, using a disparaging term for the Rohingya who are considered illegal immigrants from Bangladesh. "If authorities give them NVCs and allow them to travel freely, it's OK," he said. "But there are a lot of people who have entered Rakhine illegally, and if they are given NVCs and allowed to travel freely, it will be very dangerous. Please think about it very carefully." NLD's response An NLD spokesman defended the government's decision to allow cardholders to travel freely and stressed that officials will issue them only to those who are eligible to apply for them under the Citizenship Law. "The constitution says that every citizen must have equal rights," said NLD spokesman Myo Nyunt. "If we don't accept this point, it is like we are violating the constitution." He said the NLD expected there to be objections to the decision to allow NVC holders in turmoil-rocked Rakhine state to travel freely because "people have had this wrong way of thinking for generations." The government made the decision to let Rohingya with cards travel in accordance with the law and in the interest of the people, he said. Myanmar has come under heavy fire from the international community for its treatment of the Rohingya, especially during the brutal military crackdown when soldiers killed and raped Rohingya civilians and burned their villages. The United Nations and United States have said that the violence amounted to ethnic cleansing, though the government and army have denied that soldiers committed widespread atrocities. Myo Nyunt blamed western media for the buildup of pressure on Myanmar by the international community over the Rohingya crisis. "What I think is that the international pressure on Myanmar is in response to western media's influence on the international community, including U.N. agencies," he said. "I would expect that if the international media knew the news and information from both sides openly, we would have an impartial reaction from the international community to our country," he said. U.N. agencies and rights groups have called for assurances that the Rohingya who return to Rakhine state from Bangladesh will be safe from further attacks and given the same opportunities as citizens. "We always thoroughly consider the international community's suggestions, but we mainly have to think about the domestic situation," said Myo Nyunt. "Because this problem has occurred in Myanmar for generations, the most important thing we need is to see how people in Myanmar respond to this problem." "We will work to solve this problem based on people's responses and according to the law, bylaws, and regulations in Myanmar," he said. Reported by Thant Zin Oo, Thinn Thiri, and Khin Khin Ei for RFA's Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Sexist job ads rife in China as women lose out in labor market Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 24 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Sexist job ads rife in China as women lose out in labor market, 24 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b22220c3.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-24 A model having her body painted by an attendee at northeastern China's Shenyang Auto Show in Shenyang, Liaoning province, July 2, 2017. AFP Blatantly sexist recruitment advertising is rife in China, with many companies using sexist tropes with impunity in a labor market that routinely and systematically discriminates against women, rights groups said this week. "Sexual objectification of women treating women as a mere object of sexual desire is prevalent in Chinese job advertising," the New York-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) said in a recent report, citing job postings requiring women with a certain height, weight, voice, or facial type that have nothing to do with the skills needed to do the job. One job ad for train conductors in Hebei province required female applicants to be between 162 centimeters and 173 centimeters tall and have a bodyweight of below 65 kilograms, HRW said. Other recruitment posters used the perceived attractiveness of women at a given company as a draw for male applicants. "Tencent, Baidu, and Alibaba have repeatedly published recruitment ads boasting that there are 'beautiful girls' or 'goddesses' working for the companies," the report said. "A Tencent male employee is featured stating this is the primary reason he joined Tencent and a Baidu male employee saying it is one reason why he is 'so happy every day' at work," it said. Meanwhile, Alibaba posted a series of photos of young female employees late at night, describing them as "late night benefits," HRW said. Chinese women still face major barriers to finding work in the graduate labor market and fear getting pregnant if they have a job, out of concern their employer will fire them a common practice despite protection on paper offered by China's Labor Law. Recruitment ads specifying a requirement or preference for men are still common, and the proportion of women in the labor market has fallen by 2.5 percentage points in the past decade, HRW said. And in Hong Kong, the rights group China Labour Bulletin (CLB) said in a report this week that women often have to score much higher than men in college entrance examinations for certain majors, especially at institutions concerned with the military or police training. The practice often extends to majors with little relation to gender, such as languages and sciences, CLB said. "Explanations given by university administrators often amount to nothing more than paternalistic judgments about the roles women are best suited to," it said. A recent report by the World Economic Forum showed that China's gender parity ranking in 2017 fell for the ninth consecutive year, leaving China in 100th place out of 144, compared with 57th 10 years ago. 'Men only' ads According to HRW, 13 percent of job ads for civil service positions specified "men only," "men preferred," or "suitable for men." That proportion rose to 19 percent in 2018. None of the ads called for female applicants. In the Ministry of Public Security, 55 percent of jobs advertised in 2017 specified "men only," sometimes citing the need for "high intensity work" with frequent overtime. Job ads that don't exclude women sometimes require female applicants to be married with children, HRW found. "These job ads reflect traditional and deeply discriminatory views: that women are less physically, intellectually, and psychologically capable than men," the group said. There is a widespread assumption that women are the main carers for children, making them unsuited to a full-time career, or that they will likely leave a company when the time comes to have a family. Companies are also keen to avoid the costs associated with maternity leave, it said. While some women have successfully complained about gender discrimination in recruitment, companies are rarely punished, and fines, when they are handed out, have typically been only in the hundreds of dollars. U.S.-based rights activist Wang Xueli said China appears to be reversing the progress initially made towards gender equality in the early years of the ruling Chinese Communist Party. "I think we really have seen things regress in terms of employment discrimination in recent years in China," Wang told RFA. "Part of that may be that enterprises have more say in how they are run, but there is a lack of action by the government." "Jobs are usually labeled in terms of what a man is suited to do, and what a woman is suited to do," she said. "But there is no scientific basis for these labels in the vast majority of cases; it's just the result of long-running social attitudes." "But the key issue is that women have very little protection, because the majority of leadership and executive positions are held by men," Wang said. China has a set of laws stemming from the constitution that prohibit gender discrimination in the workplace, not least the 1994 Labour Law. But the vagueness of the laws and a lack of clear guidelines on their implementation has meant that many courts and arbitration committees refuse to hear employment discrimination cases, according to CLB. The group called for an equal opportunities commission to oversee the labor market, clearer guidelines from the top, and tougher penalties for organizations that break the rules. Reported by Wang Yun for RFA's Mandarin Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Hong Kong candidates opposed to one-party rule in China 'should be barred' Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 25 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Hong Kong candidates opposed to one-party rule in China 'should be barred', 25 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b22220e4.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-25 Wang Zhimin (C), Beijing's envoy to Hong Kong, speaks at the Legislative Council in Hong Kong, April 23, 2018. RFA Hong Kong and Chinese officials have once more sounded a warning note to anyone wishing to stand for election in the former British colony, with "no guarantees" that anyone calling for democracy in China won't be excluded from public life. "It is very difficult for the Chief Executive to foresee what will happen in the future and ensure or guarantee anything," Chief Executive Carrie Lam told journalists this week. "Is it right to talk about one-party dictatorship [in China]? As for the consequences of shouting such slogans, it is also difficult for me to answer here concretely or with assurance," she said. But she added: "I think it is a reasonable argument that we should also respect the fact that mainland China is a socialist society." Her comments came after Hong Kong's only delegate to the National People's Congress (NPC) standing committee, Tam Yiu-chung, suggested that people who call for an end to one-party rule in China should be barred from standing for election in Hong Kong. And on Wednesday, the former head of Beijing's Hong Kong and Macau Affairs Office, Wang Guangya, said calls for an end to one-party rule are illegal and unconstitutional. He also warned that those calling for an end to one-party rule could be prevented from standing for election to the city's Legislative Council (LegCo). "They probably shouldn't be allowed, because this view goes against our national constitution, and would be an illegal act," Wang told reporters. "It is laid down in the constitution that China is governed by the Chinese Communist Party." "As to whether we are a dictatorship, it's pretty clear what such slogans are driving at," he said. Last month, former student protest leader Agnes Chow, now a member of the fledgling political party Demosisto, was disqualified from running in an election, because her political views were judged to be pro-independence. The barring of certain candidates because of their political views sparked widespread criticism among barristers, rights groups and politicians, as well as among former British and Hong Kong officials, who said the move was a blow to democracy and freedom of expression in the former British colony. But an extension of the ban to include calls for a democratic China would make it much harder for pro-democracy politicians and rights activists who have made the demand in the past to stand for election, regardless of their views on independence. 'Irresponsible' comments Calls for an end to "one-party dictatorship" in China are often heard at the annual June 4 vigil to mark the 1989 Tiananmen massacre in Hong Kong. Democracy campaigner Joseph Cheng, a former political science professor at City University, said Tam's comments were "irresponsible," however. "Returning officers [who administer elections] aren't part of the judiciary or officials of the justice department," Cheng told RFA. "These deputies to the NPC have no concept of what the rule of law means," he said. "They are acting irresponsibly and trying to put invisible pressure on the people of Hong Kong," he said. "There is already enough forbidden speech that can rule you out of standing in elections." "What they are doing goes against the basic principles of human rights, and as such is unacceptable," Cheng said. Raymond Chan, a pro-democracy lawmaker for the People Power coalition, said he and other pan-democrats had boycotted a meeting with Beijing's Hong Kong envoy Wang Zhimin on Wednesday, choosing instead to demonstrate outside. "The last thing we need is to put on a show to maintain an atmosphere of harmony and reconciliation, so we chose to demonstrate outside," Chan said. "[Beijing] is just doing this for show, and because they are hoping for more support for their legislation in LegCo, not for a genuine dialogue with lawmakers," he said. Reported by Gao Feng for RFA's Mandarin Service and by Lam Kwok-lap for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Kachin CSOs call on UN to refer Myanmar to International Criminal Tribunal Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 25 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Kachin CSOs call on UN to refer Myanmar to International Criminal Tribunal, 25 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2222104.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-25 A Kachin family displaced by armed conflict sits in font of a temporary shelter near Lung Byeng village, Waimaw township, in northern Myanmar's Kachin state, Jan. 21, 2017. AFP Thirty-two ethnic Kachin civil society organizations urged the United Nations on Wednesday to refer the Myanmar military to the International Criminal Court for what they say are human rights violations against civilians and the denial of humanitarian assistance by soldiers in Kachin state. "Our people have been subject to numerous violations of international law, including executions, torture, forced displacement, forced labor, rape, and other forms of sexual violence, confiscations of property, arbitrary arrest and detention, and denial of humanitarian assistance," the Kachin groups said in a letter to the U.N. Security Council. "These types of human rights violations are not new to the Kachin people or to other ethnic groups in Burma," it said, using Myanmar's former name. "The Burma military has used these tactics to instill fear and control in their attempts to destroy our ethnic identity, destroy our religion, colonize our lands, and steal our natural resources." "Members of the United Nations Security Council must support a resolution referring Burma to the International Criminal Court," said the organizations, which included Kachin groups in Myanmar, other Asian countries, Europe, Canada, and Australia. The groups also said that the international community, including members of the Security Council, had failed in their duty to uphold international law. They also pointed out that the U.N. has documented crimes committed by the Myanmar army in Kachin and neighboring Shan state for decades. The groups urged the U.N. to proceed with the appointment of a special envoy to Myanmar and immediately send that person to Kachin state to negotiate free movement and humanitarian access, which have been denied by the Myanmar military. They also expressed a desire for China, India, the United States, and members of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) to mediate talks for a resolution of the prolonged civil war in the state. They suggested that an international or regional peacekeeping mission be appointed to Kachin state to enforce any repositioning of soldiers and to protect civilians. 'The last straw' The Myanmar military and Kachin Independence Army (KIA), an ethnic armed group, have engaged in skirmishes since 2011, when a 17-year bilateral cease-fire agreement between the two sides broke down. Over the years, the hostilities have displaced more than 90,000 people who have sought safety in Buddhist monasteries, Christian churches, or displaced persons camps in the state. A recent uptick in fighting in Hpakant and Tanaing townships have driven another 2,000 ethnic Kachin villagers from their homes and into nearby jungles this month. Earlier this week, KIA and Myanmar army soldiers clashed near Kasong village in Namti township, forcing about 2,000 civilians to take refuge in churches in Namti, Myanmar's Mizzima news outlet reported on Thursday. "The government hasn't paid any attention to Kachin region," a woman named Khonja who is a member of the Kachin Peace Network told RFA's Myanmar Service. "The new president hasn't done anything that he said he would do in his speech," she said, referring to President Myint Win's inauguration speech on March 30 during which pledged to implement democracy and human rights. "Neither any political party nor parliament has done anything for ethnic Kachins, so that the situation is that the Kachin people have to deal directly with the government army," she said. "That's why we have tried this method, asking the U.N. Security Council to refer Myanmar to the ICC as the last straw." A reference to the Rohingya In their letter to the Security Council, the Kachin groups pointed out that the U.N. has stated that atrocities committed by the military against Rohingya Muslims in Rakhine state in late 2016 and early 2017 amounted to ethnic cleansing and demonstrated elements of genocide. Thousands of Rohingya were killed in the crackdown and nearly 700,000 others fled to Bangladesh. Earlier this month, an ICC prosecutor asked the tribunal's judges to rule on whether the body can exercise jurisdiction over the alleged deportation of the Rohingya people from Myanmar to Bangladesh, a possible crime against humanity, She raised the jurisdiction issue because Bangladesh is a member of the ICC, while Myanmar is not. Though the Myanmar government said the extension of jurisdiction is not in line with the ICC Charter or other international statutes to which the country is not a party, the pre-trial chamber agreed to hold a hearing on the issue during which Myanmar and other interested parties could state their views on the question of jurisdiction. The KIA is one of several militias with which the Myanmar government is trying to end decades of ethnic separatist civil wars and forge peace in the country through a series of peace negotiations launched in August 2016 by Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), the KIA's political wing, has not signed the government's nationwide cease-fire agreement that eight of the country's more than 20 ethnic armies inked in October 2015, with two more having joined since then. The Myanmar military has accused the KIA of illegally using the area's natural resources and taking money from mining businesses that should otherwise go to the state, while the ethnic militia believes the government army has stepped up its attacks on rebel-held territory in hopes of gaining control before the next round of peace negotiations. Reported by Thiha Htun for RFA's Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Myanmar, Cambodia see further declines in press freedoms: Report Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 25 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Myanmar, Cambodia see further declines in press freedoms: Report, 25 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b222212a.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-25 Reported by Richard Finney Kyaw Min Swe, chief editor of Myanmar's The Voice newspaper, is taken to court after writing an article criticizing the country's powerful military, June 16, 2017. AP Despite two years of rule by a reform-minded political party, the National League for Democracy, the Southeast Asian country of Myanmar continues to see a drop in press freedoms, with a six-point drop in ranking over the last year in an annual survey released on Wednesday by media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF). Cambodia meanwhile dropped 10 places to 142 in RSF's 180-nation ranking this year, while China and Vietnam remained close to the bottom at 176 and 175 in rankings unchanged from last year, the group's 2018 World Press Freedom Index said. Also unchanged, with rankings close to or at the very bottom of the survey, were Laos at 170 and North Korea at 180. In formerly military-ruled Myanmar, "the government led by Aung San Suu Kyi has lost all credibility in regards to its obligation to defend the role of the media in a functioning democracy," RSF said in its report. After a four-point drop from 128 to 131 noted in last year's report, which cited frequent self-censorship in reporting on government figures and the country's powerful military, Myanmar saw further press-freedom violations this year resulting in a fall to 137, the rights group said. "The worst violations took place after the start of the Rohingya crisis in August 2017," RSF said. "The international community now knows that 'elements of genocide' and 'ethnic cleansing' occurred, to use the UN's terms. But proper reporting on this tragedy from within Myanmar is still impossible because the military continue to deny access." Set up by police Meanwhile, two Reuters journalists who were reporting on the crisis, and who were found in possession of documents describing military operations after being set up by the police, are currently on trial and face possible prison terms of up to 14 years. In Cambodia, moves against press freedoms by Prime Minister Hun Sen, including the closing of more than 30 independent media outlets, caused a 10-point drop in the country's ranking, from 132 to 142, RSF said in its report. "His suppression of independent voices, his increased dominance of the mass media and his meticulous control of social media are a disturbing echo of the methods used in China, which has invested millions of euros in Cambodia's pro-government media." China's methods have now formed a model of state-controlled news and information increasingly copied not only in Cambodia but also in Vietnam, which at a ranking of 175 is just one point above China in the RSF Index. "[Vietnam's] traditional media are completely controlled, but citizen-journalists defend the freedom to inform with great courage and the government's response has been merciless," the rights group says. "Bloggers used to be sentenced to two years in prison, but now those who blog about banned subjects such as corruption or environmental disasters can expect a 15-year jail term," according to the RSF report. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. NGOs urge Myanmar to free Reuters reporters, investigate their case Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 26 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, NGOs urge Myanmar to free Reuters reporters, investigate their case, 26 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b222214a.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-26 Reuters journalist Wa Lone talks to reporters as he leaves court in Yangon, April. 25, 2018. AP Photo More than 160 nongovernmental organizations on Thursday urged Myanmar's government to immediately release two Reuters journalists and set up a committee to investigate their case, following claims that the pair had been set up by police. In an open letter to President Win Myint, the 163 NGOs said authorities had no right to arrest reporters Thet Oo Maung, also known as Wa Lone, and Kyaw Soe Oo, who were taken into custody while investigating the murders of Rohingya Muslims by Myanmar's military during a crackdown in Rakhine state. Police arrested the pair of reporters on Dec. 12 on the outskirts of Yangon shortly after they had dinner with two police officers who gave them documents related to the crackdown. They were formally charged on Jan. 10 with obtaining state secrets and face up to 14 years in prison if found guilty. "We are calling for the immediate release of the detainees," said Thursday's letter, signed by groups including Community Response Action Group (COMREG), the Burmese Women's Union (BWU), Generation Wave, and the Association of Human Rights Defenders and Promoters (HRDP). COMREG spokesperson Thatoe also called on the president to launch a probe into their case, lest "trust in the judicial system . . . be damaged." He noted that Win Myint had once pledged to make the country's court system "more just, fair, and free from bias." The government should ensure that the reporters' families receive social security and that their rights are protected while they are detained, Thatoe said, adding that the letter's signatories would "closely monitor" the outcome of their case and would "increase our action if necessary." Thursday's letter also called on Win Myint to release Captain Moe Yan Naing, who was arrested in December after being identified as one of two policemen allegedly involved in the case and faces up to two years in jail and dismissal on police misconduct charges. A day after Moe Yan Naing's April 20 testimony in Yangon's Northern District Court that Police Brigadier General Tin Ko Ko ordered officers to set up the two reporters, authorities ordered his wife and three children to move out of a police housing complex. He has been denied visits from family members. The appeal for the release of the two Reuters reporters came a day after New York-based Asia Society announced that they had been named finalists for its 2018 Osborn Elliot Prize for Excellence in Journalism on Asia, citing the pair's coverage of the anti-Rohingya violence which it called "courageous and risk-taking in its real-time chronicling of mass atrocities." Press freedom ranking It also came a day after Paris-based media watchdog Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said Myanmar dropped six places to 137th out of 180 nations in its 2018 World Press Freedom Index, compared to its ranking a year ago. Following a four-point drop from 128th to 131st noted in last year's report, which cited frequent self-censorship in reporting on government figures and the country's powerful military, RSF knocked Myanmar down further this year, saying its government had "lost all credibility in regards to its obligation to defend the role of the media in a functioning democracy." On Thursday, local reporters told RFA's Myanmar Service that a lack of access to information is one of the greatest difficulties they face in the country while trying to do their jobs. "According to the media law that was released under former President Thein Sein [2011-2016], it was clearly written that journalists must have the right to information, and that ministry spokespersons must answer reporters' questions for the sake of the country and its citizens," Zaw Thet Htway of the Myanmar Press Union said. "In reality, very few government officials answer questions from the media. In particular, the Home Affairs Ministry, the military and the police force don't take phone or in-person interviews. It is very difficult to get them to speak, and I think that is why Myanmar's ranking in the press freedom index dropped." Kyaw Min Swe, chief editor of the Voice Weekly newspaper, said that the government's attitude toward the media has "changed," noting that an increasing number of journalists have been arrested and convicted since it took power in 2016 under the de facto leadership of Nobel laureate Aung San Suu Kyi. "Access to information is still difficult and state-owned media remains strong they get more information, earlier, about everything the government and military does," he said. "It is unfair not only in terms of right to information, but also for business. It also hurts press freedom indirectly. Myanmar dropped to 137th from 131st because of these points, I think." In this year's report, RSF noted that Myanmar's "worst violations took place after the start of the Rohingya crisis in August 2017," when nearly 700,000 refugees were forced to flee violence in Rakhine state to southeastern Bangladesh. "The international community now knows that 'elements of genocide' and 'ethnic cleansing' occurred, to use the U.N.'s terms. But proper reporting on this tragedy from within Myanmar is still impossible because the military continue to deny access." Reported by Kyaw Zaw Win and Khin Khin Ei for RFA's Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Rights groups call on ASEAN members to halt Cambodia's backslide on democracy Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 26 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Rights groups call on ASEAN members to halt Cambodia's backslide on democracy, 26 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b222216a.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-26 Members of Australia's Cambodian community protest against Cambodian Prime Minister Hun Sen during an ASEAN special summit in Sydney, March 17, 2018. AP Photo The governments of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN) must intervene to end Cambodia's ongoing slide from a democracy into a dictatorship, several human rights organizations said, as member states kicked off the 32nd ASEAN Summit in Singapore. In a letter addressed to Singapore's Minister for Foreign Affairs Vivian Balakrishnan issued late on Wednesday, seven Cambodian and international rights groups noted that nine of ASEAN's 10 members signed the 1991 Paris Peace Agreement ending Cambodia's civil war, obligating them to address "the severe deterioration in the state of human rights and democracy in Cambodia in recent months." Under the agreement, Cambodia is required to respect human rights, according to international standards, and adhere to "a system of liberal democracy on the basis of pluralism" through which all citizens enjoy a "full and fair opportunity to organize and participate in the electoral process." Since September last year, Cambodia's Supreme Court ruled to dissolve the main opposition Cambodia National Rescue Party (CNRP) amid claims by Prime Minister Hun Sen that it sought to topple his administration, authorities arrested the CNRP's President Kem Sokha on charges of "treason," and the government has launched a crackdown on NGOs and the independent media. Wednesday's letter, signed by groups including ASEAN Parliamentarians for Human Rights (APHR) and New York-based Human Rights Watch, said the actions by Cambodia's government had "effectively transformed the country into a one-party state" ahead of a July 29 general ballot that appears guaranteed to keep Hun Sen and his ruling Cambodian People's Party (CPP) in power. "These and previous actions by the Cambodian government are in disharmony with ASEAN's core principal to 'promote regional peace and stability through abiding respect for justice and the rule of law,' and should be seen as nothing less than a clear violation of the spirit and letter of the 1991 Paris Peace Agreement," the letter said. "We appeal therefore . . . to request for the reconvening of such a conference or one similar in nature that will outline concrete collective actions to reverse course in Cambodia, ahead of the elections in July." Election credibility The groups said that Cambodia's election "has no chance for legitimacy if present circumstances persist," and suggested that ASEAN members use all diplomatic channels to call on Phnom Penh to reverse course. Among the conditions the groups called necessary for credible elections to be held are the reinstatement of the CNRP, the immediate release of Kem Sokha and all political prisoners, allowing media outlets to operate free of violence and intimidation, and restoring the right to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. When the conditions are met, they said, domestic and international election observers should be granted free access to monitor all aspects of the electoral process, and a new election commission should be formed that includes members of the opposition. "The international community and the Cambodian people have invested a great deal in efforts to build a stable, democratic and prosperous Cambodia since 1991, and we urge the ASEAN community to stand by the Cambodian people to exercise their legitimate civil and political rights as important elections approach," the letter said. Also on the first day of the April 25-28 ASEAN Summit, APHR issued a letter to Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, urging leaders of ASEAN member states to address pressing regional human rights concerns, including by taking steps to reform and strengthen their group's human rights mechanisms. "As regional integration proceeds, it is imperative for ASEAN to ensure that a focus on human rights is included in all pillars and sectors of the organization," the letter read. "ASEAN must also strengthen the protection mandates of its human rights bodies, if it seeks to be seen as a credible and outward-looking regional bloc." APHR specifically raised what it termed "an unprecedented assault on independent civil society and the opposition in Cambodia," with the group's chairperson Charles Santiago lamenting that ASEAN "has largely stood by silently" as problems there and in other parts of the region have mounted. Parties react On Thursday, the Cambodia National Rescue Movement (CNRM), a group formed by exiled leaders of the CNRP in response to their party's dissolution, issued a statement applauding the call by the seven rights organizations for ASEAN governments to intervene in Cambodia's backsliding on democracy. "We hope the ASEAN governments will live up to their earlier commitments to uphold peace and stability in Asia," CNRP Vice President Mu Sochua said, adding that "it's of the utmost urgency that the entire region act for democracy and human rights in Cambodia." "July's elections are a breaking point for Cambodian democracy and stability in the region." Mu Sochua said that if Hun Sen heeds international calls to allow free and fair elections in July, he could restore power to the people of Cambodia, but if he maintains his current crackdown, the country will "continue its descent into dictatorship." "We must ensure these elections are free and fair, and the international community must play its part to hold Mr. Hun Sen and his regime accountable," she said. The CPP on Thursday dismissed concerns over human rights and democracy in Cambodia, with party spokesperson Sok Eysan saying the issues had been raised during the ASEAN Summit "for the political gains of the opposition party." International NGOs "do not understand the ASEAN Charter" regarding its principle of non-interference in the internal affairs of each member state, Sok Eysan said. "The idea that [our internal affairs] affect regional security is a one-sided opinion, and these groups only seek to frighten ASEAN members by raising this issue [during the summit]," he said. "I am of the opinion that the 10 ASEAN members are not naive enough to be moved by the instigation and lobbying of these biased NGOs." Last month, 45 countries signed a joint statement on the human rights situation in Cambodia, urging Hun Sen's government to reinstate the CNRP and allow the participation of all opposition parties in the July elections. Both the U.S. and EU have withdrawn donor support for Cambodia's elections, citing government actions seen as limiting democracy in the country, including the banning of the CNRP and the arrest of Kem Sokha. Reported by RFA's Khmer Service. Translated by Sovannarith Keo. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Thousands march in Brussels to protest mass detentions of Uyghurs Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 27 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Thousands march in Brussels to protest mass detentions of Uyghurs, 27 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b222218a.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-27 Uyghurs march in Brussels to call for an end to mass detentions of Uyghurs in China, April 27, 2018. RFA Nearly 2,000 ethnic Uyghurs living in exile from their homeland in China marched on Friday in Brussels, political seat of the European Union, to call attention to the plight of hundreds of thousands of Uyghurs held by Beijing in political re-education camps in northwest China's Xinjiang region. Protesters came from across Europe, Australia, Japan, and Turkey, while other protests were held on Friday in Washington D.C., Canada, Australia, and Japan. "This is only the beginning," Dolkun Isa, president of the Munich-based World Uyghur Congress, said in a statement after Friday's march. "This protest showcases the complete awakening and unity of the Uyghur people," Isa said. "We are here to call on the EU, the U.N., the U.S., and the international community to raise the case of the nearly one million Uyghurs extrajudicially detained by the Chinese authorities," he said. "We urge the European Union to act on behalf of the Uyghur people, [and] we are here to send a clear message to the Chinese government that no matter how it represses the Uyghur people, it can never break our spirit for freedom, democracy, and human rights." Also speaking after the march, former WUC president and respected leader Rebiya Kadeer said that Friday's protest had been brought together by "the tears of our people." "We are going to save our people in the camps," Kadeer said. "In the 21st century, there has been no other government but China that has locked up a million people in detention. Therefore, we will continue protests like this in the future," she said. Discrimination, repression Since April 2017, members of the mostly Muslim Uyghur ethnic group suspected of separatist views have been detained in camps throughout Xinjiang, where Uyghurs have long complained of pervasive discrimination, religious repression, and cultural suppression under Chinese rule. Central government authorities in China have not publicly acknowledged the existence of re-education camps in Xinjiang, and the number of inmates kept in each facility remains a closely guarded secret. However, officials in many parts of the region have described in RFA telephone interviews sending large numbers of Uyghurs to the camps and have even described overcrowding in some facilities. The United States has meanwhile called on China to "end their counterproductive policies" in Xinjiang and has urged Beijing to release the estimated hundreds of Uyghurs arbitrarily detained there. Speaking at a press briefing on April 20, U.S. State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert told reporters that Washington is "increasingly concerned about excessive restrictions on freedom of religion and freedom of beliefs in China," as well as the country's "efforts to pressure other governments into forcibly returning Uyghurs to China or to coerce family members." Since Xinjiang party chief Chen Quanguo was appointed to his post in August 2016, he has initiated unprecedented repressive measures against the Uyghur people and ideological purges against so-called "two-faced" Uyghur officials, a term applied by the government to Uyghurs who do not willingly follow directives and who exhibit signs of "disloyalty." China regularly conducts "strike hard" campaigns in Xinjiang, including police raids on Uyghur households, restrictions on Islamic practices, and curbs on the culture and language of the Uyghur people, including videos and other material. While China blames some Uyghurs for "terrorist" attacks, experts outside China say Beijing has exaggerated the threat and that repressive domestic policies are responsible for an upsurge in violence there that has left hundreds dead since 2009. Reported and translated by Alim Seytoff for RFA's Uyghur Service. Written in English by Richard Finney. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. UN Security Council visits Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 29 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, UN Security Council visits Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, 29 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b22221a24.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-29 Members of a U.N. Security Council delegation talk with Rohingya refugees during a visit to Tombru, in southeastern Bangladesh's Bandarban district, April 29, 2018. AFP A U.N. Security Council delegation paid an unprecedented visit Sunday to Rohingya refugee camps in Bangladesh, with diplomats saying they wanted to get a close look at a "still dire" situation affecting some 1 million people who had fled violence in Myanmar. But a delegate representing Russia, one of the council's five permanent members with power to veto resolutions by the world's top international peace and security body, said there was "no magic stick" for solving the cross-border humanitarian crisis. The 24-strong delegation representing all five permanent members and 10 non-permanent members of the council (UNSC) visited refugees camped out in a no-man's land along the Bangladesh-Myanmar border and later stopped by the sprawling Kutupalong refugee camp in southeastern Cox's Bazar district, where Rohingya staged a loud and emotional demonstration. The delegates were scheduled to travel to Myanmar from Dhaka on Monday for meetings with government officials and an expected tour of violence-scarred Rakhine state, the home of the stateless Rohingya. "Of course, we will discuss this situation, but we will try to find the best possible solutions. And it's very necessary for us to come and see everything . . . here in Bangladesh and in Myanmar," Dmitry Polyanskiy, the first deputy at Russia's mission to the United Nations, told a news conference at Kutupalong. "But there is no magic solution, there is no magic stick to solve all these issues." His country and China another veto-empowered council member have bilateral and military ties with Naypyidaw. "We are not looking away from this crisis. We are not closing our eyes. That's why we are here. Otherwise we would not have come," Polyanskiy said, according to a recording of the news conference. "The issue is still, for us, to promote bilateral ways to resolve this issue. We will try to convince both governments the government of Bangladesh and the government of Myanmar to engage in constructive negotiations. And here, we will have to do our best to discuss this issue and find solutions in the Security Council," he also said. Haito Wu, China's deputy representative to the U.N., was among the delegates. "This is a very complicated issue . . . we need to work together to address this issue," he told reporters, stressing that the violence in Rakhine first had to stop. Gustavo Meza-Cuadra, the Peruvian ambassador to the U.N., led the delegation. "We are here to learn more about the situation in order to see what we can do," he told reporters. "The situation is still dire and difficult [for] the refugees," he said. 'We want justice' As a convoy carrying the delegates rolled into the camp, hundreds of Rohingya refugees lined the road and held up signs, which bore messages including "welcome UNSC delegation" and "we want justice." The crowd broke into loud chants as the delegates got out. According to an account by Agence France-Presse some of the refugees broke down into tears as they told the ambassadors about cases of rape and murder allegedly committed on the Myanmar side of the border. Leaders from the refugee community also handed the delegation a 13-point list of demands for repatriation to Myanmar. According to a copy seen by BenarNews, these included a demand for "an international security presence in Arakan (Rakhine) to keep us safe"; full citizenship for their people and official recognition of their Rohingya ethnicity; the right of Rohingya to return to "our original land, village and family compound"; as well as to hold Myanmar military members and others accountable for abuses and crimes committed against Rohingya. In November, Myanmar and Bangladesh agreed on a bilateral deal to repatriate hundreds of thousands of Rohingya. But the process has not yet begun and U.N. officials have expressed misgivings on whether the climate is safe enough for the refugees to return to Rakhine. "We are standing here to demand justice as they (the Myanmar military) have killed our men and tortured our women so much, so we are compelled to seek justice for those abuses," Sajida Begum, a Rohingya refugee who was in the crowd Sunday, told Reuters. The Security Council, meanwhile, has yet to vote on an official resolution to exert international pressure on Myanmar, although the United Nations and United States another permanent UNSC member both branded a brutal military crackdown in Rakhine state that drove nearly 700,000 Rohingya to seek shelter in neighboring Bangladesh since last August as "ethnic cleansing." Last November, however, the council issued a statement condemning the violence in Rakhine. The lack of a UNSC resolution to bring sanctions or an arms embargo against Myanmar over its treatment of the Rohingya has drawn much criticism, including from New York-based Human Rights Watch. "The lack of a U.N. Security Council resolution has left the Myanmar government convinced that it has literally gotten away with mass murder," Kenneth Roth, the rights watchdog's executive director, told reporters in Yangon on Friday as he called on the United Nations to refer the Rohingya crisis the International Criminal Court. The delegation from the Security Council arrived in Cox's Bazar on Saturday evening and was due to meet with Bangladeshi Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina in Dhaka on Monday morning, before going to Myanmar. The UNSC delegates were scheduled to meet there with State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, a Nobel laureate who has been widely criticized over the crackdown in Rakhine against the stateless Rohingya. The council delegates were also expected to travel on to Rakhine to inspect conditions there. Government security forces have been accused of targeting Rohingya in mass atrocities, including killings, rape and the burning of their villages. Myanmar officials have denied the allegations and blamed Arakan Rohingya Salavation Army (ARSA) insurgents for provoking the crackdown by launching coordinated attacks on police and army outposts in Rakhine in late August. The visit to Myanmar will be very important, Yan Myo Thein, a political analyst told RFA's Myanmar Service. "Myanmar authorities can try to have [the international community's] trust and value again during this visit," he said. "The important thing is both the government and military need to meet the U.N. Security Council and take enough time to talk . . . about Myanmar issues. Also, it is important for Myanmar to allow the U.N. Security Council to meet any person or organization freely." Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Police detain Chinese activists marking 50th anniversary of Lin Zhao's death Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 30 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Police detain Chinese activists marking 50th anniversary of Lin Zhao's death, 30 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b22221d3.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-30 Flowers left by activists are shown at the grave of Lin Zhao in Suzhou, China, April 29, 2018. Minsheng Observers Website Authorities in the eastern Chinese city of Suzhou detained three activists near the grave of a political dissident executed during the Mao era at the weekend after they tried to mark the 50th anniversary of her death on Sunday. Some activists defied a police cordon around the grave of Lin Zhao to lay wreaths and flowers at the Lingyan Shan hillside cemetery, as activists converged upon the area. But others were detained, questioned, and escorted away from the area. Sunday marked the anniversary of Lin's execution for alleged counterrevolutionary crimes under the rule of late supreme leader Mao Zedong. Among those detained was pro-democracy activist Zhu Chengzhi, according to his associate Chen Yuhua. Chen said the authorities fear that the area could be flooded with people if anyone is allowed to approach Lin's grave without restriction. "Thousands of people would come from across China," Chen said. "They worry that too many people would go, and the thing the government fears the most is a crowd of pro-democracy activists all together in the same place." Some activists said they had hoped to lay wreaths on Saturday instead, but police had set up at least four roadblocks in the vicinity, and were checking cars moving around in the area. Someone had also cleared away trees and undergrowth from the area near the grave, they said. "There are police all around Lin Zhao's grave," Shanghai-based rights activist Zhu Jinan told RFA on Monday. "We put our flowers there but we weren't allowed to take photos or say anything, and they gave no reason for this . . . we just bowed in respect and came back down again." Zhu said police had also visited the activists at their guesthouse, where they insisted on searching their rooms. "They claimed it was a security check on the room . . . then they took three people, put them into a police car, and drove them back to Shanghai," he said. Sent back by police Tang Zhaoxing, an activist from the southeastern province of Fujian, said he had also traveled to Suzhou, hoping to mark the 50th anniversary of Lin's death, but was escorted from the area by police. "I have the utmost respect for Lin Zhao's story," Tang said. "She dared to stand up and call for democracy and the rule of law in China." "The government talks about the rule of law these days, but it's really a fascist country," said Tang, who was detained by police when he showed up at the site with flowers for Lin's grave. "They asked me whether anyone had organized it, and I said I didn't know, and that I was . . . there alone, of my own accord," he said. "The police told me to leave; they said I had to leave Suzhou, and they wouldn't be so nice to me if I came back the next day." The police bought Tang a train ticket and sent him back to Shanghai. Jiangsu resident Cheng Huaishan said a number of activists had been placed under close surveillance or house arrest to prevent them from going to Lin Zhao's grave. Cheng said one activist from the central province of Hunan was kept in handcuffs and interrogated for several hours. "He was interrogated six times, and I couldn't get in touch with him," he said. "His mobile number wasn't working." An officer who answered the phone at the Suzhou city police department said they were unable to take enquries, as Monday was the Labor Day public holiday in China. 'Class enemy' Lin Zhao, whose birth name was Peng Lingzhao, has long been a poignant symbol for Chinese dissidents and democracy activists, but she has since also become a focal point for the country's army of petitioners, ordinary people who pursue complaints against the ruling Chinese Communist Party through official channels. A writer who grew up near Nanjing, in the eastern province of Jiangsu, Lin was a star student at the prestigious Beijing University's Chinese language department in the 1950s, where she worked for the student poetry publication "Red Mansion." Lin was branded a "rightist" and a "class enemy" in 1957 for her criticism of then supreme leader Mao Zedong's Anti-Rightist Movement targeting intellectuals. She then went on to publicly defend army general Peng Dehuai's criticism of the Great Leap Forward (1958-1961), during which tens of millions are estimated to have starved to death. Initially detained on charges of conspiracy to overthrow the ruling Chinese Communist Party, Lin was later handed a 20-year jail term for "counterrevolution." She was subjected to brutal torture while in jail, but continued to write until her pen and paper were taken away in September 1964, after which she wrote poems and essays on the walls and bedding using a hairpin dipped in her own blood. She was executed by firing squad at Shanghai's Longhua Airport in 1968 at the age of 36 after her sentence was changed to the death penalty because she refused to plead guilty. She had previously written a message in her own blood, which read:"History will declare that I am innocent." Her mother and sister knew nothing of the execution until police visited the family two days later, demanding payment for the bullets used to kill her. Lin's treatment at the hands of the state was believed to have led to the suicide of both parents, at different times. She has a surviving sister who lives in the United States. Reported by Gao Feng for RFA's Mandarin Service, and by Wong Lok-to for the Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Myanmar: Thousands rally to urge rescue of civilians displaced by fighting in Kachin state Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 30 April 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Myanmar: Thousands rally to urge rescue of civilians displaced by fighting in Kachin state, 30 April 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b22221e6.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-04-30 Myanmar police prevent protesters from walking along a public road in Myitkyina, capital of northern Myanmar's Kachin state, April 30, 2018. Photo courtesy of Kachin Youth Movement UPDATED at 10:08 A.M. EST on 2018-05-01 About 5,000 people protested in the capital of northern Myanmar's Kachin state on Monday to demand that the government rescue displaced civilians trapped in forests amid fighting between the Myanmar military and an ethnic armed group. More than 3,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been driven from their homes by recent clashes in the long-running conflict between the national army and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). About 1,000 villagers in Injanyang township fled clashes that flared on April 24, heading to Tanphaye village on the outskirts of Myitkina where they are staying in nearby woods. The latest fighting comes on the heels of battles in Kachin's Tanaing and Hpakant townships that stranded 2,000 villagers with little food last week. Police stopped the protesters, who also urged the Myanmar army to end what they called indiscriminate shelling, as they walked along a public thoroughfare. "People have to adhere to about 10 criteria in order to have a peaceful assembly," said Kachin state Police Colonel Than Oo. "We had to stop them because they protested along a public road." About 200 Kachin youths erected a protest camp in the evening outside the No. 8 High School in Myitkyina, but they had to dismantle it after Khat Aung, the state's chief minister, did not grant permission to the students for the camp. "We applied for permission to protest and we got it, but someone who doesn't act in accordance with the law asked us to stop," said Sut Swai Htwe, the organizer of the protest camp. "Everybody knows who he is," she said. "Authorities say something and do another thing that's different from what they said. We will open our protest camp again, but we can't say where it will be." "As long as about 3,000 IDPs are not freed from where they are trapped, we will continue our protest and demand that authorities act according to the law and in a nonviolent manner," she said. Over the years, hostilities in the region, which lies between India and China, have displaced more than 90,000 people who have sought safety in Buddhist monasteries, Christian churches, or IDP camps in the state. Hindering the peace process Politicians from several parties weighed in on the uptick in fighting in Kachin state and its impact on the Myanmar government's peace initiative. The KIA is one of several ethnic militias with which the Myanmar government is trying to end decades of ethnic separatist civil wars and forge peace in the country through a series of negotiations launched in August 2016 by Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), the KIA's political wing, has not signed the government's nationwide cease-fire agreement that eight of the country's more than 20 ethnic armies inked in October 2015, with two more having joined since then. "We are worried about the current situation in Kachin state," said Naing Han Thar of the New Mon State Party. "They must not continue to fight while every party is trying for peace." Khun Okka, chairman of the Pa-Oh National Organization, cited two reasons for the continued fighting between the KIA and Myanmar military. The first reason is the government army has been clearing out KIA troops because all the business that flows from China must pass through KIA-controlled territory, he said. The second reason for the fighting is that the national army wants to cut off the KIA's money flow to prevent the militia from growing. "The government army might think it is easier to control the KIA when it becomes weaker," he said. The Myanmar military has accused the KIA of illegally using the region's natural resources and taking money from mining businesses that should otherwise go to the state, while the ethnic militia believes the government army has stepped up its attacks on rebel-held territory in hopes of gaining control before the next round of nationwide peace negotiations. Sai Nyunt Lwin, secretary of Shan Nationalities League for Democracy, said the fighting in Kachin is one of several crises in Myanmar that are hindering the peace process. "We have crises in Rakhine, northern Shan state, and Karen state," he said. "We have too many crises, and we shouldn't have fighting in Kachin state in this situation. On April 25, more than 30 Kachin civil society organizations urged the U.N. Security Council to refer the Myanmar military to the International Criminal Court for what they say are human rights violations against civilians and the denial of humanitarian assistance to people in need in Kachin state. Reported by Aung Theinkha, Thiri Min Zin, and Thinn Thiri for RFA's Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Slovakia may have assisted in Vietnam's alleged abduction of oil executive: Reports Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 1 May 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Slovakia may have assisted in Vietnam's alleged abduction of oil executive: Reports, 1 May 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2222213.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-05-01 Vietnamese former state oil executive Trinh Xuan Thanh (front R) listens to the verdict in his trial at Hanoi's People's Court, Jan. 22, 2018. AFP Slovakia may have inadvertently assisted Vietnam's secret police in spiriting away a former state oil executive who was allegedly kidnapped from Germany, according to media reports and sources, who say fallout from the incident has "cast a shadow" on a trade deal between Vietnam and the EU. Germany has accused Vietnam of kidnapping Trinh Xuan Thanh, the 52-year-old former head of PetroVietnam Construction (PVC), from a Berlin park on July 23 last year and taking him home by force to face charges of mismanagement and embezzlement. Thanh, who had been seeking asylum in Germany, was sentenced by a Vietnamese court to two terms of life in prison in January. Last week, Germany put on trial a Vietnamese-Czech man identified as Long N.H., 47, who prosecutors say rented a Volkswagen Multivan T5 in Czech Republic's capital Prague and drove it to Berlin, where armed men dragged Thanh and a female companion into the vehicle. They say Long returned the vehicle to Prague the same day. German media recently reported that Vietnam's Minister of Public Security To Lam met with Slovakia's former Interior Minister Robert Kalinak at the Borik Hotel in Slovakia's capital Bratislava on July 26, 2017 three days after Thanh's alleged kidnapping and that members of his delegation included suspects believed to have taken part in the abduction. The reports suggested that in facilitating the meeting, Slovakia may have aided Vietnamese secret police in absconding with Thanh, whether knowingly or not. In response to the reports, Slovakia's Interior Ministry issued a statement acknowledging the meeting and expressing concerns that the hour-long talks might have been a cover for something other than working purposes. The Interior Ministry said the Vietnamese delegation had faced "undisclosed scheduling changes" and that Slovakian officials "offered a government plane to fly them from Prague to Bratislava, and then Moscow," without providing details about who was aboard the flight. "If the information provided by the German authorities is confirmed, we will view that as a manifestation of gross unfairness on the part of the Vietnamese partner, as an abuse of our hospitality for other than friendly relations, and as a destabilisation of the well-functioning bilateral relations between the two countries," the ministry's statement said, adding that the meeting was prearranged. The ministry said it has been cooperating with German investigators and was also communicating with Vietnam to review passenger manifests for the flights in question. Le Trung Khoa, editor in chief of Germany-based thoibao.de an online Vietnamese newspaper that has been covering Thanh's case relayed further details of the one-hour meeting between Lam and Kalinak to RFA's Vietnamese Service, saying news of Slovakia's involvement in the abduction had "made the situation quite tense." "Police minister To Lam . . . had a brief meeting with Slovakia's interior minister his group consisted of 12 members, including high-ranking officials of the police ministry such as the deputy director of the ministry's intelligence department [General Duong Minh Hung], who the German government accuses of involvement in kidnapping Trinh Xuan Thanh," he said. "Minister To Lam asked Slovakia's interior minister to lend the Vietnamese delegation an airplane for their trip. [Kalinak] just resigned [in March] and he has said that he doesn't know if Trinh Xuan Thanh was on the airplane or not, but he suspects the plane may have had been used for 'an illegal purpose.'" Bilateral relations While Vietnam insists that Thanh returned home voluntarily to face embezzlement charges, Germany has condemned his alleged kidnapping as a "scandalous violation" of its sovereignty, and has expelled two Vietnamese diplomats and summoned the ambassador several times over the incident. Le Dang Doanh, an economist based in Vietnam's capital Hanoi and a member of the Committee for Development Policy under the United Nations' Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC), recently told RFA that Thanh's case has "cast a shadow" on the possibility of a free trade agreement (FTA) between Vietnam and the EU. "Vietnam and the EU enjoy good economic relations they don't compete with one another and some 20 percent of Vietnamese exports go to the EU, making it one of Vietnam's largest trade partners," he said. "For the long-term benefits of workers, I hope that both sides will eventually sign an FTA, but the reality is that it is very unlikely to be passed in the near future, as the two sides have a lot of difficulties to overcome." But Vu Quang Viet, an economist who formerly worked with the U.N., told RFA that Thanh's case was not significant enough to derail a major trade agreement. "Normally, the passage of a trade agreement does not depend on human rights issues," Viet said. "Most businessmen and governments see things that way human rights issues can delay passage for a period of time, but at some point, everything will return to normal," he said, noting that Vietnam's poor human rights record had done nothing to prevent the signing of the Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) trade agreement between Vietnam and 10 other nations in March this year. Reported by RFA's Vietnamese Service. Translated by Viet Ha. Written in English by Joshua Lipes. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. UN envoys want 'proper' probe of atrocities against Rohingya in Myanmar's Rakhine state Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 1 May 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, UN envoys want 'proper' probe of atrocities against Rohingya in Myanmar's Rakhine state, 1 May 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2222234.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-05-01 United Nations Security Council delegates arrive at Sittwe airport in western Myanmar's Rakhine state, May 1, 2018. AFP United Nations Security Council diplomats who visited northern Rakhine state on Tuesday called on Myanmar to conduct what they called a "proper" investigation into atrocities against the Rohingya during a military crackdown. Thousands of Rohingya were killed during the crackdown launched late last August in response to deadly attacks on police outposts by Muslim militants, while others say their communities endured torture, rape, and arson at the hands of security forces. Both the U.N. and United States have said that the campaign, which forced nearly 700,000 Rohingya to flee to safety in Bangladesh, amounted to ethnic cleansing. The U.N.'s 15 permanent envoys spent two days in Myanmar to assess the situation on the ground in Rakhine state amid a program to begin repatriating Rohingya refugees from Bangladesh. "[I]n order to have accountability there must be a proper investigation," Karen Pierce, Britain's ambassador to the U.N., told reporters during a news conference following the delegation's visit to Rakhine state. Myanmar can set up such a probe through an International Criminal Court (ICC) referral or by holding its own comprehensive inquiry, she said. An ICC prosecutor asked the international tribunal in April to rule on whether the court can exercise jurisdiction over the alleged deportation of the Rohingya from Myanmar to Bangladesh, even though Myanmar is not a member of the ICC. Myanmar and Bangladesh have signed an agreement for the voluntary return of refugees who are eligible for repatriation pending verification. The program was slated to begin in late January but has been beset by delays. 'We need to start on that' The U.N. and rights groups have asked Myanmar to guarantee the safety and basic rights of the Rohingya, who are considered illegal immigrants from Bangladesh and subject to systematic discrimination. Many have said they remain afraid to return. "It is very important to improve the security conditions for the return of the refugees [and] also improve cooperation with international organizations, particularly the United Nations," said Security Council President Gustavo Meza-Cuadra. "We also mentioned the importance of the investigations regarding what happened there before the refugees went to Bangladesh." Myanmar has yet to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the United Nations Development Programme and U.N. refugee agency (UNHCR) on working together on the repatriation of refugees. The agencies already have signed a separate similar agreement with Bangladesh. Maansour Ayyad Al-Otaibi, Kuwait's permanent representative at the U.N. and a member of the delegation, expressed confidence that the agreement would be signed, adding that the U.N. wants Myanmar and Bangladesh to speed up the repatriation process. Pierce said the delegation wants to help the Myanmar government with implementing the recommendations on Rakhine state issued by an earlier panel chaired by former U.N. chief Kofi Annan, as well as support the signing of the MoUs. That commission's report called for reviews of the country's 1982 Citizenship Law, which prevents the Rohingya from becoming citizens, an end to restrictions on the Muslim minority to prevent further violence in the region, and the closure of internally displaced persons camps in Rakhine state. "We believe if the MoUs can be signed quickly and U.N. agencies be given unconditional access, that will be the best thing to do for the scale of the problem the absolute scale of having to get . . . so many refugees back home in security and safety so they can practice their livelihoods over time," Pierce said. "Even if it takes a long time, we need to start on that." 'Their attitude will change' Tin Maung Swe, secretary of the Rakhine state government, told RFA's Myanmar Service that the delegation's perception of the crisis may have changed after its visit. "Because there was a planned meeting between the U.N. security team and local [Rakhine] ethnics, they learned that the truth is different from what they have heard," he said. "They got to know about what really happened in Rakhine state, and because they have seen and know the truth, we think their attitude will change at least a little." Aye Lwin, a Muslim representative on the Annan's advisory commission, met with the delegates in Rakhine state and urged them to ask the international community for support for Myanmar. "I told them that Myanmar needs positive help from the international community," he told RFA's Myanmar Service after the meeting. "We need to find a new way because we are facing many hardships when it comes to solving problems. "I told them that if the international community, including U.N. agencies, can give positive suggestions to Myanmar's policymakers, there will be some good results," said the Muslim leader and founder of the interfaith group Religions for Peace Myanmar. Aye Lwin also reminded the delegates that refugees living in makeshift shelters in Bangladesh as well as in Myanmar will face a major risk from floods and landslides during the fast-approaching monsoon season. "We all know that people from Bangladesh's refugee camps can't return home in the short term, so they need to be in the proper shelters during this season," he said. Aye Lwin also told the diplomats that the level of trust among the Rohingya and ethnic Rakhine Buddhists needed to be strengthened to implement the recommendations of the Annan commission because both communities remain suspicious of the other. An impartial judgment Nyo Aye, chairwoman of the activist organization Rakhine Women's Network, met with the diplomats for only 15 minutes to discuss the contentious relationship between Muslims and Buddhists in Rakhine state. "They asked us why we hate each other and how we can get along with each other again," she told RFA. "We replied that we [ethnic Rakhine] are always careful and still have a relationship with them [Muslims] in the region." "We told them that the hatred between us grew because of the international media as they spread false news" about the situation in Rakhine state, she said. Nyo Aye informed one delegate that some of the refugees the U.N. team saw in displacement camps in Bangladesh before visiting Myanmar were not all from Rakhine state, but were Bangladeshis who themselves live in the camps. She did not say how she knew the refugees were Bangladeshis. "I also told her that now that she had seen both the situations in Bangladesh and in Rakhine, I hope you can form an impartial judgment about them." On Monday, the 15 diplomats met with State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi, Senior General Min Aung Hlaing, commander-in-chief of the armed forces, and other government officials. Before they began their two-day visit to Myanmar, the delegation members spent three days in Bangladesh visiting refugee camps and meeting with Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. Reported by Min Thein Aung, Nay Rein Kyaw, and Wai Mar Tun for RFA's Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Workers in Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia call for better pay, benefits Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 1 May 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Workers in Myanmar, Laos, and Cambodia call for better pay, benefits, 1 May 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2222254.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-05-01 Workers march in Myanmar's Mandalay city to call for better pay, May 1, 2018. RFA Hundreds of workers took to the streets in Myanmar on Tuesday to call for a living wage, while in Laos marchers asked for social welfare benefits and better protection for citizens working abroad, sources said. Meanwhile, in Cambodia, workers gathered but were forbidden to march, sources in the country said. Around 700 workers marched in central Myanmar's Mandalay city on May 1 to demand higher pay and workers' rights, asking that a new minimum wage of 4,800 kyat (U.S. $3.6) per day proposed in March and approved by the country's National Assembly be formally announced. Protesters also called for stronger legal penalties to be imposed against business owners found guilty of exploiting or abusing workers. In a May Day speech, Myanmar President Win Myint said that the new wage called for by the country's National Committee for the Minimum Wage a Ministry of Labor group made up of labor representatives, workers, and employers would be confirmed within days. Speaking to RFA's Myanmar Service, though, workers and labor leaders urged immediate action. "According to the president's speech, the salaries of government workers have already been raised, and commodities will cost more," Min Thet Htway, a central executive committee member of the Central Workers' Union, said. "But we workers will be in trouble, starving and in debt," he said. "This is why we have spoken again and again about settling the minimum wage rate." Still not enough And even the new proposed wage may not be enough on which to live, Zarchi Win, a labor leader from the No. 1 Garment Factory, said. "Workers have asked that the minimum wage be set at 5,600 kyats [U.S. $4.2] per day, but the Minimum Wage Committee has now set it at 4,800 kyat," she said. "When the Committee made its announcement, factory owners stopped paying us the extra wages for skilled labor that we had been paid before, which means that all workers will be paid at the same rate." "But everything is getting more expensive, day by day," she said. "Although we have a civilian government now, nothing is changing for the workers, and we have even lost our rights," Ma Hla Hla, a worker at a seafood factory, said, adding, "Rents are being raised, and we can't support our parents anymore." Laws protecting workers from abuse by employers must now also be strengthened, added Tharr Gyi, an activist with the 88 Generation Open Society Group, calling existing protections "very weak." "There is no provision for jailing business owners if they are found guilty of crimes," he said. "And the fines imposed on them are just like pocket money for their kids, so they are not afraid to break the laws." Few have benefits Also on Tuesday, workers in Laos marched in a rally organized by the state-controlled Lao Federation of Trade Unions to thank the government for raising the minimum wage, now set at 1.1 million kip (U.S. $120) per month in a move announced today. Speaking to RFA, though, a factory worker in the capital Vientiane called the raise "good, but not enough." "We pay not only for our food but also for water, electricity, and rent, which are getting higher all the time. We need at least $240 a month," he said. Meanwhile, at least 60 percent of Lao workers are now uncovered by pension benefits or health care provided by their jobs, a member of the government-run trade union told RFA. "Many companies only pay a salary, and don't provide insurance coverage or health care," a worker in Xayaburi province said. "We'd like to have those benefits, too, for when we have to go to the hospital." "I receive only a salary," a truck driver for a private company in Laos's Khammouane province agreed. "I get no benefits at all." Security, restrictions Meanwhile, in Cambodia, workers celebrated Labor Day in the capital Phnom Penh under tight restrictions imposed by government authorities who allowed them to assemble but said they couldn't march. Workers were also banned from raising banners or setting up loudspeakers when the event began at 7:00 a.m., Cambodian Labor Confederation (CLC) president Ath Thun told RFA's Khmer Service, adding that his group has requested that a minimum wage, already set for factory workers, be extended to workers in the country's construction, tourism, and transport industries. A heavy security presence at the site had meanwhile frightened event participants, Soeung Senkarona, a spokesperson for the ADHOC rights group, told RFA. "Trade union representatives and workers wanted to march to present their petitions and express their feelings, but they couldn't act on their wishes." This had intimidated workers and trade union leaders and violated their rights to freedom of expression, he said. Reported by Khay Mani Win and Thinn Thiri and translated by Khet Mar for RFA's Myanmar Service. Also reported by RFA's Lao and Khmer Services with translations by Max Avary and Sovannarith Keo. Written in English by Richard Finney. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. China deletes Peppa Pig videos, citing harmful influence on younger generation Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 3 May 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, China deletes Peppa Pig videos, citing harmful influence on younger generation, 3 May 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2222269.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-05-03 A child reacts to Peppa Pig toys on display at the British Hamley's toy store in Beijing, May 2, 2018. AP Photo Chinese internet censors have begun deleting video featuring the animated pink Peppa Pig from online video sites, as the ruling Chinese Communist Party's official media denounced her as "counter-cultural" after her image was taken up in numerous memes by what the authorities see as an online counter-culture. Peppa Pig has been subject to takedowns on the Douyin video platform, while a keyword search and a hashtag of her name yielded no results. The move came as part of a drive to delete antisocial content from China's already tightly controlled internet, the Global Times newspaper, sister paper to party mouthpiece the People's Daily, reported. Peppa Pig only "broke" in China in 2015, but was quickly taken up by netizens as a perfect vehicle for memes. The Global Times described the meme-makers as "unruly slackers" who are "usually poorly educated with no stable job." "It takes a stretch of the imagination to link the seemingly innocent Peppa Pig with China's . . . subculture, but after going viral, the piglet has caused considerable domestic controversies," the paper said, warning of "negative influence" to the younger generation. Parents had complained that their children had become addicted to the show, and had begun "oinking and jumping into puddles" after watching it, the paper said, citing numerous media reports. Primary and high-school students vied with each other to find the best Peppa temporary tattoos, watches and other accessories, while adults have been spotted dressing up in full Peppa costumes and posting photos to social media. But the real concern for the administration of President Xi Jinping is the widespread enjoyment of "spoofing," and other forms of satire, according to the Global Times. A homegrown pig icon, Dudu Pig, has been offered to China's social media users instead. "It is not clear yet whether this domestic pig can quell subversive enthusiasm for Peppa Pig," the Global Times reported. Meanwhile, the People's Daily appeared not to have received the memo detailing the social harm that could be caused by Peppa. Its official account on the Sina Weibo social media platform featured a video demonstration on Tuesday, showing readers how to draw the cartoon character themselves. Commentators appeared somewhat surprised, as the paper had commented in an April 26 editorial that "dodgy entrepreneurs" were making money from the use of the copyrighted image of the cartoon pig. "Has the People's Daily account been hacked?" wrote user @tiebanshangdedalongxia, while @strive-by-life wrote: "I thought Peppa Pig had been banned?" Others couldn't resist a jibe at the party's official newspaper. "So the People's Daily is counter-cultural now?" wrote user @beijingtufa, while user @manweikengli quipped: "So this is the Subversive People's Daily now, haha!" Sharing suppressed An internet user based in the southern city of Guangzhou surnamed Liang said the government is trying to police every aspect of online speech in China now. "If something displeases those in authority, they will deliberately suppress interactive sharing platforms and have it deleted," Liang said. "The social media platforms have no choice, if they want to go on existing." "There's nothing they can do about it; they just have to keep their mouths shut," he said. A Hunan-based internet user surnamed Ou said his son watches Peppa Pig most days, but that the appeal appears to be spreading. "I see the image of Peppa Pig in various situations in my daily life," Ou said. "I think it is something to do with Winnie the Pooh . . . who was used by some people online to satirize Xi Jinping. Maybe the censoring of Peppa Pig has something to do with that." Winnie the Pooh was banned from China's internet last year, after netizens claimed a resemblance between the cuddly bear and Xi Jinping. An employee who answered the phone at China's powerful Cyberspace Administration in Beijing on Wednesday declined to comment. "You'll have to make further inquiries," the employee said. "I don't know." Calls to the State Administration of Radio, Film and Television were connected to a fax machine during office hours on Wednesday. Reported by Wong Lok-to for RFA's Cantonese Service. Translated and edited by Luisetta Mudie. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Hundreds in Myanmar's Kachin state call for rescue of civilians trapped by fighting Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 3 May 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Hundreds in Myanmar's Kachin state call for rescue of civilians trapped by fighting, 3 May 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2222294.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-05-03 Protesters rally in Myitkyina, capital of Myanmar's Kachin state, to call for rescue of civilians trapped by fighting, May 3, 2018. RFA Around 300 people renewed protests in Myitkyina, capital of northern Myanmar's Kachin state, on Thursday to demand that the government rescue displaced civilians trapped in forests amid fighting between the Myanmar military and an ethnic armed group. The protest followed a larger protest on Monday in which around 5,000 took part. Gathering on Thursday outside state government offices, protesters vowed to open a protest camp at the site despite a heavy police presence nearby and said they were set to meet and speak this evening with Kachin state's chief minister Khet Aung. "[He] told us to come and meet him," protest organizer Sut Swai Htwe told reporters at the rally site. "That's why we, five Kachin youth leaders and religious leaders have been waiting to see him since this morning." "But we haven't been able to meet him yet. We don't understand why." "We are protesting peacefully so that those who are trapped can be freed, but it seems that the police might crack down on us. But even if they do, we will not respond" he said. Offered a place for a protest camp at a remote site called Manaw Ground, a place far from the capital, protesters refused the location, saying they want to alert as many people as possible to the situation of the civilians driven into forests by the fighting, sources said. More than 3,000 internally displaced persons (IDPs) have recently been driven from their homes by clashes in the long-running conflict between the national army and the Kachin Independence Army (KIA). About 1,000 villagers in Injanyang township fled clashes that flared on April 24, heading to Tanphaye village on the outskirts of Myitkina where they are staying in nearby woods. The latest fighting comes on the heels of battles in Kachin's Tanaing and Hpakant townships that stranded 2,000 villagers with little food last week. Cease-fire holdout The KIA is one of several ethnic militias with which the Myanmar government is trying to end decades of ethnic separatist civil wars and forge peace in the country through a series of negotiations launched in August 2016 by Myanmar leader Aung San Suu Kyi. The Kachin Independence Organization (KIO), the KIA's political wing, has not signed the government's nationwide cease-fire agreement that eight of the country's more than 20 ethnic armies inked in October 2015, with two more having joined since then. The Myanmar military has meanwhile accused the KIA of illegally using the region's natural resources and taking money from mining businesses that should otherwise go to the state, while the ethnic militia believes the government army has stepped up its attacks on rebel-held territory in hopes of gaining control before the next round of nationwide peace negotiations. On April 25, more than 30 Kachin civil society organizations urged the U.N. Security Council to refer the Myanmar military to the International Criminal Court for what they say are human rights violations against civilians and the denial of humanitarian assistance to people in need in Kachin state. Meanwhile, U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar Yanghee Lee appealed for access to areas in Kachin state now cut off by government bombardments of civilian areas near the border with China, according to a Reuters report on May 1. "Innocent civilians are being killed and injured, and hundreds of families are now fleeing for their lives," Lee said in a statement. "Any willful impediment of relief supplies may amount to war crimes under international law," Lee said. Reported by Kyaw Thu for RFA's Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Richard Finney. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Media in some Asian nations worse off than a year ago on world Press Freedom Day Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 3 May 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Media in some Asian nations worse off than a year ago on world Press Freedom Day, 3 May 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b22222b4.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-05-03 Journalists stage a protest to demand the release of detained Reuters journalists Thet Oo Maung and Kyaw Soe Oo (pictured on posters in rear) in Pyay, south-central Myanmar's Bago region, Dec. 27, 2017. AFP Some countries in East and Southeast Asia have little to celebrate on this year's World Press Freedom Day, with the media worse off than they were a year ago as journalists face more instances of harassment, lawsuits, and even detention. On Wednesday, a civil society coalition led by PEN Myanmar issued a scorecard noting a significant lack of progress in making key reforms to secure free expression in Myanmar and backsliding in other areas, such as freedom of assembly, speech, and opinion. Concurrently, a national survey of more than 200 journalists conducted by Free Expression Myanmar found that media professionals believe that press freedom is in decline on account of the government and the military. Both reports noted an increase in legal threats against journalists, harassment and imprisonment of media professionals, reporting restrictions preventing journalists from entering conflict areas, and a lack of changes to media laws and institutions as reasons for the decline. "Working journalists believe that media freedom has declined over the past year, and that the government, including the military, has shown little willingness to reverse this trend" said Yin Yadanar Thein, program manager of free Expression Myanmar, in a statement. "We call on the government to develop a plan of action to increase media freedom in a holistic way, including changing laws as well as the behaviors of public officials," he said. Myanmar in its second year of civilian government rule under State Counselor Aung San Suu Kyi saw a decline in press freedom, with a six-point drop in ranking over the last year in an annual survey released in April by Paris-based press rights group Reporters Without Borders (RSF). "We expected very much for press freedom under civilian government, but it turned out the opposite of what we expected," said Lut Latt Soe, a joint secretary of the Myanmar Journalists Association and editor-in-chief of People's Age online journal. "We have more challenges and risks with digital platforms than before," she said. "But, the NLD government still has three years to go. If it can start working on media freedom, we can expect to have at least a little more media freedom." Eleven journalists were arrested last year in Myanmar, and 24 are currently facing lawsuits, with several on charges related to defamation, unlawful association, or violations of the country's Media Law. Arrests and detentions Two reporters from Reuters news agency, meanwhile, remain in detention while on trial on charges of obtaining state secrets while investigating the murders of Rohingya Muslims by the Myanmar military during a crackdown in Rakhine state. Thet Oo Maung, also known as Wa Lone, and Kyaw Soe Oo were taken into custody on Dec. 12 on the outskirts of Yangon shortly after they had dinner with two police officers who gave them documents related to the violent campaign. They were formally charged on Jan. 10 and face up to 14 years in prison if found guilty. On Wednesday, Amnesty International called on the Myanmar government to immediately and unconditionally release the detained journalists and ensure that media workers in the country are able to exercise their right to freedom of expression and carry out peaceful journalistic work, including sensitive investigations, without fear of reprisal or arrest. In June 2017, authorities arrested three journalists for unlawful association for covering an event hosted by an armed militia in northeastern Shan state, but released them in September after charges against them were dropped. That same month, the editor-in-chief and satire writer of The Voice Daily newspaper were arrested and later charged with defamation for an article that mocked a military-produced propaganda film. The armed forces dropped the charges in September. "Because of arrests, charges, and the sentencing of journalists in 2017 and the detentions of the Reuters reporters this year, Myanmar journalists are fearful, and this fear is spreading throughout their news offices," said Swe Win, editor-in-chief of the nonprofit independent Myanmar Now news service, who was charged with defamation after refusing to apologize for criticizing the extremist Buddhist monk Wirathu on Facebook. "Because of this fear, many reporters and media are exercising self-censorship and avoiding sensitive news," he said. "It hurts Myanmar's media freedom because people lose their right of having information. If people don't know true information, how can we build a democratic country?" More must be done Not everyone agrees with RSF's lower ranking of Myanmar in the group's latest World Press Freedom Index. Aung Hla Htun, Myanmar's deputy information minister, said the current media situation is much better than it was when he worked as a reporter, but that work still must be done in the area of press freedom when the country was ruled by military governments. "We have been abolishing and amending existing laws that counter press freedom and issuing new media laws," he told RFA's Myanmar Service. "We were working during a time when we didn't have press freedom for 60 years," he said. "We had to struggle to free ourselves from this situation." Aung Hla Htun went on to say that the Information Ministry and central government has not lost sight of journalists' needs. "I really believe that press freedom can raise our country's dignity, foster more trust between people and the government, and stop corruption," he said. "But having press freedom can't be done in a day." Myanmar writer and journalist Hane Latt expressed hope that the situation of the media in Myanmar would be better under new President Win Myint, the former speaker of the lower house of parliament who took office on March 30. "We now have a new president who knows the law and who talked about respect for the media in his first speech," he said. "He is the first president who mentioned the media in his [inauguration] speech. I hope our media world will change because he is a former political prisoner, a former house speaker who learned much about the people and the country through the parliament, and he has a law background." 'Harassment must end' Over the past year, reporters and editors from independent news organizations in Cambodia were imprisoned on trumped-up charges of espionage as Hun Sen, the world's longest-serving prime minister who has ruled the country since 1985, has cracked down on the media in the run-up to a general election in July. In September 2017, RFA closed its Phnom Penh bureau and ended in-country operations because the crackdown on independent media had made it impossible to continue operating in Cambodia, which fell 10 places to 142 on RSF's World Press Freedom Index. Independent English-language publication The Cambodia Daily was also forced to close and 15 radio stations were threatened with shutdowns unless they stopped broadcasting reports by U.S. government-funded RFA and Voice of America. Former RFA Khmer Service reporters Uon Chhin and Yeang Sothearin have been in detention since police took them into custody on "espionage" on Nov. 14, initially for allegedly running an unlicensed karaoke studio. They were later accused of setting up a studio for RFA and were formally charged with "illegally collecting information for a foreign source" under Article 445 of Cambodia's criminal code, and face jail terms of up to 15 years. A consortium of local, regional, and international press rights groups issued a united call in February for their immediate release, saying their lengthy pretrial imprisonment has violated Cambodia's constitutional right to freedom of expression. Awareness campaign In response to the current climate, the Cambodia Center for Human Rights (CCHR), an NGO that promotes democracy and respect for human rights throughout the country, launched a 30-day social-media campaign to raise awareness of how journalists and other media professional function as a watchdog on those in power. The theme is in keeping with the global theme of this year's World's Press Freedom Day, "Keeping Power in Check: Media, Justice, and the Rule of Law," which also highlights the role of the press in elections to ensure transparency, accountability, and the rule of law. "Press freedom is a crucial component of any healthy democracy," said Sorn Ramana, CCHR's protecting fundamental freedoms coordinator, in a statement. "The open exchange of information and ideas, including in relation to political and social issues, is key to ensuring transparency, justice, and the rule of law." "Moreover, the cultivation and protection of a free press is a key part of the government's obligations to protect the right to freedom of expression, as guaranteed under the Cambodian constitution and binding international human rights law," she said. "However, recent events have seen these obligations disregarded, as Cambodian media actors have come under relentless pressure amid a crackdown on critical voices." "The harassment of independent journalists and media outlets must end," she said. "Access to independent information and a free media is in everyone's interests, and vital to the future sustainable development of Cambodia." Prime Minister Hun Sen issued a message on Wednesday for World Press Freedom Day, which is held annually on May 3 to raise awareness about freedom of the press and to remind governments of their duty to uphold the right to freedom of expression under Article 19 of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights. "To ensure that there is justice and the rule of law, media are required to continue to strive to improve the knowledge, faithfulness in profession, and brevity in reporting the truth that reflects the reality of the society," he said. "Press freedom is better enjoyed in Cambodia than in some democratic countries in ASEAN," he said referring to the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), a regional grouping that promotes economic, political, and security cooperation among its 10 members. "There are more than 6,000 registered national and international reporters in Cambodia." The Cambodian government has a technical working group looking into drafting a law to regulate "fake news," similar to controversial legislation recently passed by Malaysia's parliament, The Phnom Penh Post reported on April 6. Though it contains vague definitions as to what constitutes "fake news," the Malaysian legislation gives the government broad powers to impose jail terms of up to six years and fines as high as U.S. $130,000 on those found guilty of creating or spreading inaccurate reports. "The news media under the control of a communist or an authoritarian regime always produces fake news and manipulation in order to propagate and promote the regime and its leaders in deceitful way while attacking the opposition," Kul Panha, head of the Committee for Free and Fair Elections in Cambodia (Comfrel), wrote on his Facebook page on Wednesday. "Such news media cannot provide true information that is critical of the regime and its rulers," he said. "Now, Hun Sen is considering a law against fake news. Actually, such a law should have been made to address his news media instead." Behind bars in China Meanwhile, the ruling Chinese Communist Party has 41 journalists behind bars as of November under the newly strengthened leadership of President Xi Jinping, New York-based Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) said in its annual report issued in December. In March, the party ditched a constitutional clause limiting presidential service to two terms in office, clearing the way for Xi to serve for an indefinite period. In its annual report in December, CPJ pointed also to the use of "medical neglect" to target writers and journalists in jail and detention centers, citing the death of Nobel peace laureate and writer Liu Xiaobo in hospital under prison supervision last July, following a diagnosis with late-stage liver cancer. Writer and journalist Yang Tongyan, who was better known by his pen name Yang Tianshui, died in November under similar circumstances, shortly after release on medical parole with a serious brain tumor, the CPJ said. And Huang Qi, founder and editor-in-chief of the Tianwang rights website, has been held for more than a year on "spying" charges with repeated delays and inadequate medical treatment for his kidney disease. Fourteen of the 41 imprisoned are Uyghurs in northwestern China's Xinjiang region, where authorities have extended their reach to include the relatives of six reporters from RFA's Uyghur Service who have been harassed or detained in re-education camps. On Wednesday, the Uyghur Human Rights Project (UHRP) called on the Chinese government to stop its intimidation of the RFA journalists, who have reported on excessive repression and incarceration of the mostly Muslim minority group, by targeting their family members. RFA has reported that hundreds of thousands of Uyghurs deemed "suspicious" by authorities have been forced into re-education camps in the Kashgar region where they receive political indoctrination in jail-like settings. "China's record on press freedom is abysmal," said UHRP director Omer Kanat in a statement. "The leading monitors of press freedom agree that China is one of the worst violators of the right to a free press within its borders." "What is particularly concerning about the cases of the RFA Uyghur journalists is that China is now attempting to export its repression overseas," he said. "The intimidation of the Uyghur journalists based in DC amounts to an attempt to restrict counter-narratives to the Chinese government propaganda that all is well in East Turkestan," he said, using the Uyghur name for Xinjiang. 'Punished for simple expression' Chinese authorities also maintain a firm grip on information control and dissemination by Tibetans who live in the Tibet Autonomous Region and in neighboring provinces. As elsewhere in China, those who violate censorship policy have increasingly been subject to surveillance and arrest over the past 18 months. "That is certainly the case in Tibet [with] more people being detained, punished, and even prosecuted, because of communications over WeChat," said Sarah Cook, a senior researcher at Freedom House, referring to a Chinese messaging app. China enacted a new Cybersecurity Law in June 2017 and other new regulations restricting online communications and the use of virtual private networks (VPNs) under which bloggers and social media users have been arrested or sentenced to prison for online comments critical of the government or in support of human rights. "There is no good explanation for why people would be punished for simple expression," said Michael Kozak, a senior advisor in the U.S. State Department's Bureau of Democracy, Human Rights and Labor. Tibetans, for instance, are not permitted to disseminate information that is sensitive to the Chinese government, said Dhondup Wangchen, a Tibetan filmmaker and former political prisoner, who jailed for six years for his role in producing the documentary film Leaving Fear Behind, which contains interviews with Tibetans describing the harsh conditions of their lives under Chinese rule. "One will be arrested and prosecuted if any information that is dispersed goes against the regime," he said. "Tibetans know the risk of being prosecuted if they are caught giving out information about Tibet to the outside world. I was sentenced to six years for giving out information." The crackdown on information dissemination has grown worse in the past decade, he said "It was easy to get details of news information within 24 hours from eastern Tibet in 2008 and the year after when self-immolations were taking place in Ngaba [(in Chinese, Aba) county in southwestern China's Sichuan Province] and in [northwestern China's] Qinghai province, said Lobsang Yeshi, a Tibetan monk from the Kirti monastery in Sichuan province who lives in exile in Dharamsala, India, referring to Tibetans setting themselves ablaze in protest against Chinese policies. "But lately it has become so hard to get exact information from the region," he said. "Nowadays, the information we receive on certain things are month old. It's all due to the Chinese clampdown." Meanwhile, despite China's increased efforts to suppress pro-democracy factions in Hong Kong, the former British colony rose three places to 70 in the latest RSF's World Press Freedom Index. Though violence against journalists has all but stopped, the Hong Kong media continues to be subject to growing interference by Chinese authorities, making it difficult for them to cover topics related to governance on the island or in mainland China, RSF said on its rankings website. But several independent online media have pushed back hard to resist Beijing's meddling. "The resistance is being led by a handful of independent online media such as Citizen News, the Initium, Hong Kong Free Press, and inMedia," RSF said. "After years of fighting, these new online outlets finally obtained official recognition by the authorities last year." 'A terrible situation' Not much changed over the past year in Vietnam, Laos and North Korea, which continued to fall close to or at the very bottom of RSF's annual press freedom ranking on account of severe restricted or nonexistent press freedom. In Vietnam, authorities routinely use catch-all articles of the criminal code punishable by long prison terms against bloggers and citizen-journalists critical of the one-party regime to stifle dissent. "As the media all take their orders from the Communist Party, the only sources of independently-reported information are bloggers and citizen-journalists, who are being subjected to ever-harsher forms of persecution including violence by plainclothes policemen," RSF said of Vietnam, which was ranked at 175 of 180 countries. "After hardliners got control of the party leadership, 2017 saw a marked increase in the level of terror, with many citizen-journalists either expelled or jailed in connection with their posts," the group said, citing two women bloggers, Tranh Thi Nga and Me Nam, who were sentenced to nine and 10 years in prison, respectively, in 2017. The Lao government, meanwhile, won't allow foreign new organizations, except those from fellow communist states China and Vietnam, to set up bureaus in the country. And the foreign journalists who do operate in Laos must submit the content of their reports to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs before publication, Daniel Bastard, Head of RSF's Asia-Pacific desk, told RFA's Lao Service in April that "The Lao government strictly controls the press," he said. "The government should allow foreign and independent reporters to establish offices in Laos without any government control," he said. Bounthone Chanthalavong-Wise, president of the Alliance for Democracy in Laos, told RFA that restrictions on the press also extend to others, such as ordinary citizens and workers who take to the internet to express their displeasure with the government. "Laotians don't have freedom to express themselves, to gather together and protest," he said, noting that three workers were arrested last year after they protested in front of the Lao embassy in Bangkok and posted comments critical of the Lao government on Facebook. In 2016, Bounthanh Thammavong, a Lao-Polish man, was sentenced by a Lao court to four years and nine months in jail for posting negative comments about the Lao government online. "There is no free press in Laos," Phil Robertson, deputy director of the Asia division at New York-based Human Rights Watch. "All TVs, radios and newspapers are strictly controlled by government, and Lao people turn to social media such as Facebook to express themselves." But many Laotians are warned at an early age not to be openly critical of the one-party government in speech or in writing. "Our parents keep teaching us not to speak against high-level [authorities]," said a young resident of Lao's capital Vientiane. "In other words, we are taught from our childhood until adulthood both at home and in schools not to express ourselves freely." Worst of the worst North Korean authorities have maintained their tight grip on the authoritarian country's repressive media environment, despite leader Kim Jong Un's summit with President Moon Jae-in of rival South Korea on April 27 and his expected meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump later this month or in early June. Authorities confine residents who have had contact with media outside the isolated nation to labor camps. "[I]t is not getting any better; it is a terrible situation," Bastard told RFA's Korean Service in April. Unlike Laos, North Korea has allowed only a few foreign news agencies to set up bureaus in the country. But Bastard noted that the country does not even guarantee freedom of the press for the outlets, including Agence France-Press, one of the three largest news organizations in the world, which has operated a bureau in Pyongyang since September 2016. "AFP mostly reports information that it receives from the North Korean government," he said. "It is very difficult to directly get any information from North Korean residents. They [reporters] have to be very careful about what they write what the Pyongyang office writes because if it really displeases North Korean authorities, then the bureau can be closed." Reported and translated by RFA's Myanmar, Khmer, Tibetan, Lao, and Korean Services. Written in English by Roseanne Gerin. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. North Korean officials trade meal coupons on the black market for cash Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 3 May 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, North Korean officials trade meal coupons on the black market for cash, 3 May 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b22222d5.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-05-03 A dish of cold buckwheat noodles is served at a restaurant in Pyongyang, June 16, 2017. AP North Korean party workers and other members of the country's elite given coupons for meals at high-end restaurants in Pyongyang are now offering them for sale on the black market, earning instant cash and driving prices up for less-privileged residents of the capital, North Korean sources say. Especially popular are coupons for meals at Pyongyang's Okryu-gwan restaurant, which serves a well-known cold noodle dish, one source living in the capital told RFA's Korean Service. "However, famous restaurants like this and the restaurant at the Koryo Hotel are not easy places for the general public to visit if they don't have the right family or social background," RFA's source said, speaking on condition of anonymity. Coupons for lunch at the Okryu-gwan, which serves an estimated 4,000-5,000 helpings of the restaurant's coveted signature dish each day, are distributed each month to party officials, factory managers, and others rewarded by the government for their work, the source said. "But these officials then sell their coupons to merchants on the black market, who offer them to the public at prices dozens of times higher than the national standard price," he said, adding that coupons for dishes valued at 300 North Korean won (U.S. $0.04) can be resold for 10,000 won (U.S. $1.25). Higher-ranking officials, who are often issued several coupons to distribute to lower-ranking workers not just for Okryu-gwan but for other famous restaurants often pocket these and sell them all, earning even more, the source said. "And because merchants on the black market are protected by the officials, they can openly sell meal coupons right outside the restaurants," he said. Gaming the system Also speaking to RFA, a second source in Pyongyang said that food supplies for the Koryo Hotel and high-end restaurants such as Okryu-gwan and Chongryu-gwan are provided by the state, enabling party officials in the capital to "take advantage of the system" and confiscate meal coupons for their own enrichment. "The [ruling Korean Workers' Party's] Central Committee says that these coupons for meals and beer demonstrate the state's care for its workers, and that people should therefore be loyal to the party, but the people openly laugh at this," he said. Meanwhile, ordinary workers recognized as "outstanding" in the performance of their duties now receive only about one coupon each year, he said. "And they say that people who buy meals on the black market with the money they earn on their own are smarter than those who wait for meal coupons to be distributed by the state," he said. Reported by Hyemin Son for RFA's Korean Service. Translated by Leejin Jun. Written in English by Richard Finney. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. At least 13 die in landslide at Hpakant jade mine in Myanmar Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 4 May 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, At least 13 die in landslide at Hpakant jade mine in Myanmar, 4 May 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b22222f6.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-05-04 Bodies of dead jade scavengers lie covered in a line in Hpakant following a slag heap collapse, May 4, 2018. Social Media At least 13 migrant workers were killed and eight injured by a collapsing slag heap on Friday as they scavenged jade remnants at a mine in Hpakant township in northern Myanmar's Kachin state, sources in Myanmar said. "The landslide occurred between 4:00 to 6:00 a.m.," Shwe Thein, ruling National League for Democracy (NLD) party chairman for Hpakant's Sitemu village told RFA's Myanmar Service. "The company allows outside workers to look for jade outside the company's regular working hours," he said. Eight workers were injured and sent to a hospital in Hpakant. Local authorities, civil society organization members, and NLD members meanwhile continue to search for survivors, sources said. Also speaking to RFA, local resident Zaw Moe Htet said that as many as 300,000 "outside workers" will gather in Hpakant during the rainy season to search for jade, which they can easily see on the banks of slag cast off from mining. "So they go to look for jade even in heavy rain, and then the landslides happen," he said. "Jade mining companies don't follow rules and regulations, and the authorities don't take action against them. That's why so many people are killed every year," he said. Myanmar's Hpakant region, where up to 90 percent of the world's jadeite is mined, has seen a significant number of deaths over the past few years from a string of deadly landslides where slag heaps have collapsed on scavengers, who search amid dangerous mountains of rubble and tailings in jade mines for pieces of the valuable gemstone left behind in mining operations. In November 2015, at least 115 migrant miners died when a 200-foot mountain of dirt and mine wste collapsed on a makeshift settlement of miners' huts. Hpakant, which lies about 400 miles (640 kilometers) north of Myanmar's capital Naypyidaw, is the center of the country's jade mining industry and produces some of the highest-quality jade in the world. Much of the gem is exported or smuggled to neighboring China, where demand for the precious stone is high. Reported by Zarni Htun and Nay Rein Kyaw for RFA's Myanmar Service. Translated by Khet Mar. Written in English by Richard Finney. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. Lao government launches new push against corruption Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 7 May 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, Lao government launches new push against corruption, 7 May 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2222316.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-05-07 Lao woman rides with her son after shopping at a morning market in Vientiane in a file photo. AP Lao government officials have launched a new push against corruption in the one-party communist state, with state inspection authorities stepping up investigations across the country and reporting in February that they had discovered up to U.S. $120,000 missing from state funds, sources in Laos said. As much as U.S. $850,000 was found missing from the budget of Xayaburi province alone, one local source told RFA's Lao Service. More than 100 people, including 86 government officials, have meanwhile been taken into custody and charged with fraud or embezzlement, according to official media. On April 26, Xayaburi's Provincial People's Court sentenced five ruling Party members and government officials to unspecified jail terms for corruption. Meanwhile, on May 2, a court in Oudomxay province handed down stiff penalties, unspecified in media reports, to 13 senior executives of 12 companies who had embezzled several hundreds of thousands of dollars from state funds, according to an April 26 report by the Thai newspaper The Nation. The companies had been involved in running fake or "ghost" construction projects, and had exaggerated the costs of repairs done to roads, schools, and hospitals damaged last year by landslides and floods, an official of the Oudomxay People's Court told the Lao newspaper the Vientiane Times on April 24. In a report released on Feb. 21, 2018, corruption watchdog Transparency International ranked Laos 135th out of 180 countries surveyed last year, dropping 12 places from 123rd place in a survey done the year before. Corruption still pervades all sectors of life in Laos, from illegal logging to deliberate cost overruns on construction projects to the paying of bribes to obtain government services in day-to-day life, sources say. Reported by RFA's Lao Service. Translated by Max Avary. Written in English by Richard Finney. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. OIC slams Myanmar for 'ethnic cleansing' of Rohingya Muslims Publisher Radio Free Asia Publication Date 7 May 2018 Cite as Radio Free Asia, OIC slams Myanmar for 'ethnic cleansing' of Rohingya Muslims, 7 May 2018, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2222334.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. 2018-05-07 OIC Secretary-General Yousef Al Othaimeen (second from left, front row), sits to the right of Bangladesh Foreign Minister A.H. Mahmud Ali during a meeting of the OIC Council of Foreign Ministers in Dhaka, April 6, 2018. Courtesy of the Bangladesh government's Press Information Department. In an unusually forceful statement, the world's top Islamic intergovernmental body condemned Myanmar's military for targeting Rohingya Muslims in "systematic" ethnic cleansing, and called on member-states to mobilize to exert pressure on Naypyidaw over this. The Organization of Islamic Cooperation's (OIC) Council of Foreign Ministers also agreed to form a special committee to handle allegations of human rights violations carried out against Myanmar's ethnic Rohingya minority, according to the so-called Dhaka Declaration issued at the end of a two-day meeting hosted by Bangladesh's government. "We express deep concern over the recent systematic brutal acts perpetrated by security forces against the Rohingya Muslim Community in Myanmar that has reached the level of ethnic cleansing, which constitute a serious and blatant violation of international law," the 57-member OIC said Sunday in its declaration from the Bangladeshi capital that touched on a wide range of international issues affecting the Muslim world. Among alleged atrocities committed against Rohinyga people in Myanmar's Rakhine state, the declaration pointed to the deliberate burning of Rohingya villages and places of worship that had helped drive hundreds of thousands of people across the border into Bangladesh. The declaration appeared to mark the first time that the OIC qualified the scale of alleged atrocities in Rakhine as "ethnic cleansing." Months ago, at the height an unprecedented exodus of Rohingya refugees to Bangladesh, both the United Nations and United States had described the situation in Rakhine in those stark words. The OIC foreign ministers also praised host nation Bangladesh for having taken in about 1 million Rohingya refugees at its southeastern doorstep. Since late August 2017 alone, according to latest figures from the U.N., around 687,000 Rohingya crossed into Bangladesh as they fled a brutal military crackdown that followed attacks carried out on police and army outposts in Rakhine by Arakan Rohingya Salvation Army rebels. In a speech to the council on Sunday, OIC Secretary General Yousef bin Ahmed Al-Othaimeen called for supporting Bangladesh in overcoming the "critical stage of this unprecedented tragedy unfolding on its borders." "We express our appreciation to the Member States who have taken immediate action and delivered humanitarian aid to the camps in Bangladesh and further call for more assistance from all the Member States to enable Bangladesh cope with the flow of forcibly displaced Rohingyas from Myanmar into its territories," the OIC declaration said. The OIC meeting in Dhaka took place after OIC delegates traveled to southeastern Cox's Bazar district on Friday to visit Kutupalong, the largest or refugee camps housing Rohingya in Bangladesh. International support sought In calling for strong International support to solve the cross-border humanitarian crisis, the declaration urged OIC states to stay engaged in U.N. efforts to address alleged rights violations that have taken place in Rakhine, and to support the full implementation of recommendations made last year by an advisory commission on Rakhine state headed by former U.N. chief Kofi Annan. Among other measures, the Annan Commission recommended that Myanmar finally grant citizenship to the stateless Rohingya minority. The OIC said its member states also agreed to set up an ad hoc ministerial committee to examine allegations of rights violations against the Rohingya. While they applauded the OIC's stated intention to reach out to the Rohingya, some Bangladeshi analysts cast doubt Monday on whether the world body could effectively pressure Myanmar, a Buddhist-majority country, over the issue. "OIC is not such an organization that can create pressure on Myanmar, but they can work with the U.N. and some other countries to raise a global voice on the Rohingya issue," Delwar Hossain, a professor of international relations at Dhaka University told BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. A top OIC official, meanwhile, acknowledged that the Muslim world's leading intergovernmental body had been slow to respond to the crisis affecting one of its most persecuted communities. The OIC regretted "not responding immediately" to the situation, the Al Jazeera news network quoted OIC Assistant Secretary-General Hesham Youseff as saying. "We will [now] play a strong role along with Bangladesh, the United Nations and the international community," he said Sunday. Reported by BenarNews, an RFA-affiliated online news service. Link to original story on RFA website Copyright notice: Copyright 2006, RFA. Reprinted with the permission of Radio Free Asia, 2025 M St. NW, Suite 300, Washington DC 20036. China: English translation of samples of summonses Publisher Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Publication Date 9 February 2018 Citation / Document Symbol CHN106016.E Related Document(s) Chine : information sur les traductions en anglais de specimens de citations a comparaitre Cite as Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, China: English translation of samples of summonses, 9 February 2018, CHN106016.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b226c0e4.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa Samples of police summonses, as obtained from manuals owned by an Associate Director of the Centre for Rights and Justice at the Chinese University of Hong Kong (CUHK), who was also a research assistant professor at CUHK's Faculty of Law, are available in Response to Information Request CHN104458 of October 2013. English translations of these samples are attached to this Response. The first sample is a "People's Court Summons," described in CHN104458 as a "court-issued subpoena [chuanpiao]" (Attachment 1). The second sample is a "Compelled Appearance Summons," described in CHN104458 as a "coercive summons [juchuan] issued by Public Security Bureaus" (Attachment 2). The third sample is an "Appearance Notice," described in CHN104458 as a "criminal summons [xingshi chuanhuan]" (Attachment 3). The fourth sample is a "Summons for Appearance," described in CHN104458 as a "public security summons [zhi'an chuanhuan]" (Attachment 4). This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Attachments China. N.d.a. "People's Court Summons." The Making of Criminal Court Documents: [Legal] Basis and Explanation. 2006. Beijing: People's Court Press. Extract provided by the Associate Director of the Centre for Rights and Justice at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Translated by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada. China. N.d.b. "Compelled Appearance Summons." The Making and Use of Criminal Law Documents by Public Security Authorities. 2006. Beijing: Chinese People's Public Security University Press. Extract provided by the Associate Director of the Centre for Rights and Justice at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Translated by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada. China. N.d.c. "Appearance Notice." The Making and Use of Criminal Law Documents by Public Security Authorities. 2006. Beijing: Chinese People's Public Security University Press. Extract provided by the Associate Director of the Centre for Rights and Justice at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Translated by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada. China. N.d.d. "Summons for Appearance." Making the New Versions of Administrative Law Documents for Public Security Authorities (with Model Documents). 2006. Beijing: Qun Zhong Publishing House. Extract provided by the Associate Director of the Centre for Rights and Justice at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Translated by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada. Gambia: Information on the treatment of members or supporters of the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) Party by authorities (January 2017-July 2017) Publisher Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Publication Date 31 July 2017 Citation / Document Symbol GMB105841.E Related Document(s) Gambie : information sur le traitement reserve par les autorites aux membres ou aux partisans du parti Alliance patriotique pour la reorientation et la construction (Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction - APRC) (janvier 2017-juillet 2017) Cite as Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Gambia: Information on the treatment of members or supporters of the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) Party by authorities (January 2017-July 2017), 31 July 2017, GMB105841.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2280424.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa Sources indicate that the Alliance for Patriotic Reorientation and Construction (APRC) was founded by Yahya Jammeh (The Gambia 25 Feb. 2016; The Point 10 Nov. 2016). Sources indicate that countries in the region entered Gambia in January 2017 to "oust longtime leader Yahya Jammeh" (Reuters 19 Jan. 2017) or to "compel Yahya Jammeh to relinquish power to his elected successor Adama Barrow" (AFP 5 June 2017). Media sources report that, according to the APRC, 51 APRC supporters were arrested on 19 February 2017 in Kafenda village (The Daily Observer 20 Feb. 2017; Reuters 20 Feb. 2017), "a Jammeh stronghold" (Reuters 20 Feb. 2017). The Reuters article further reports that, according to police, the APRC supporters were arrested for "insulting" supporters of the newly elected leader Adama Barrow who were returning from Barrow's inauguration celebration (Reuters 20 Feb. 2017). Similarly, the Daily Observer, the Gambia's "first newspaper which supports former President Yahya Jammeh and his APRC" (Jollof News 14 Jun. 2017), quotes the police's Public Relations Officer as stating that Barrow's supporters were provoked by one of the arrestees and were assaulted by another one who started "stoning them" (The Daily Observer 20 Feb. 2017). However, the Reuters article quotes the APRC spokesman as stating that the arrestees were "provoked" by Barrow's supporters who "'were calling [former President] Jammeh all sorts of names and saying he was a killer'" (Reuters 20 Feb. 2017). Similarly, the Daily Observer reports that, according to the APRC, Barrow's supporters started "insulting" the arrestees and Jammeh saying "'APRC are murderers'" (The Daily Observer 20 Feb. 2017). Sources indicate that 26 of the 51 individuals are believed to be juvenile (The Daily Observer 20 Feb. 2017; Reuters 20 Feb. 2017). A February 2017 article on the same event published in SMBC News, an online news network (SMBC News n.d), indicates that, according to police, 25 of the APRC supporters have been charged, four were released on bail and 19 were "committed to custody" (SMBC News 21 Feb. 2017). Without providing further detail, the February 2017 Reuters article states that the 26 juveniles were "released on bail" (Reuters 20 Feb. 2017). Sources report that the case involving "24 APRC supporters who attacked the coalition convoy at Kafenda" was withdrawn after Inspector S. Sanyang applied, "under section 68 of the Criminal Procedure Code," for the case to be withdrawn on humanitarian grounds (The Fatu Network 14 Mar. 2017; Foroyaa 19 Mar. 2017). The same sources indicate that the Magistrate approved Sanyang's application and discharged "all the accused persons" (The Fatu Network 14 Mar. 2017; Foroyaa 19 Mar. 2017). Sources report that on 7 April 2017, police arrested 24 APRC supporters and 2 supporters of the United Democratic Party (UDP) at Sibanor village in the Foni Bintang region (The Point 10 Apr. 2017; The Daily Observer 10 Apr. 2017). According to the same sources, the APRC supporters gathered at the compound of Modou Camara [Momodu Camara], the APRC candidate for the National Assembly for Foni Bintang (The Point 10 Apr. 2017; The Daily Observer 10 Apr. 2017), who was elected on 6 April 2017 (The Daily Observer 10 Apr. 2017). An April 2017 article from The Daily Observer quotes the police's Public Relations Officer as stating that "it is reported that jubilant fans of APRC in their numbers attack[ed] by chanting abusive and foul languages towards the opponents to an extent of stoning in the compounds believe[d] to [belong] to UDP supporters" (The Daily Observer 10 Apr. 2017). The same source quotes Modou Camara as stating that the APRC supporters started celebrating on 6 April 2017 and that the UDP supporters "blocked the way" the APRC supporters were using (The Daily Observer 10 Apr. 2017). Camara further stated that he reported the matter to the police and was told to continue the celebration (The Daily Observer 10 Apr. 2017). The article reports that, according to Camara, the APRC supporters took to the street again on 7 April 2017 to celebrate Camara's victory, and the UDP supporters again blocked the way they were using, which led to the conflict (The Daily Observer 10 Apr. 2017). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. According to sources, the 24 APRC supporters were charged with "assault causing actual bodily harm, prohibition of conduct conducive to the breach of the peace contrary to Section 9 of the Public Order Act and [wilful] damage to property," while the two UDP supporters were charged with "criminal trespass and prohibition of conduct conducive to the breach of the peace contrary to Section 9 of the Public Order Act" (The Point 10 Apr. 2017; The Daily Observer 10 Apr. 2017). Media sources reporting in May 2017 indicate that 8 "supporters" of former President Jammeh have been arrested (SMBC News 16 May 2017; Sunu Gambia 16 May 2017). A May 2017 SMBC News article explains that the 8 supporters were charged with "criminal trespass, common assault and prohibition of conduct conducive to breach of peace" and that at least two persons were "allegedly assaulted" by them (SMBC News 16 May 2017). A May 2017 article published by Sunu Gambia, a news site that informs and educates the public about events and issues in Gambia, similarly states that [the APRC supporters] are accused of unlawfully entering the premises of one Ebrima Janko Jatta in Bakau and intimidate[ing], insult[ing] and annoy[ing] him and the people within the premises. They are also accused of using serious abusive language to the inhabitants of Bakau Jatta Kunda and unlawfully assaulting Momodou Jawara and Mustapha Jawara by pushing them and conducting themselves in a manner that was likely to cause a breach of peace. (Sunu Gambia 16 May 2017) Sources indicate that a court granted a 5,000 Gambian Dalasis [approximately C$138] bail to the APRC supporters (SMBC News 16 May 2017; Sunu Gambia 16 May 2017). Agence France Presse reports that supporters of Yahya Jammeh "clashed" with West African forces in Kanilai while protesting over the presence of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) forces in the area on 2 June 2017 [1] (AFP 4 June 2017). A June 2017 article from SMBC News reports that, according to the MP for the Foni Kansala district, Musa Amul Nyassi, the military presence is intimidating the people of the region, who call for its withdrawal (SMBC News 3 June 2017a). According to information on the website of the National Assemby of the Republic of the Gambia, Nyassi is a member of the APRC (Gambia 2017). AFP states that, according to a local resident, 6 protesters were shot by forces of the ECOWAS mission in The Gambia (ECOMIG) (AFP 4 June 2017). A June 2017 article published by The Daily Observer states that more than 9 protesters were "allegedly" shot by ECOMIG forces (The Daily Observer 7 June 2017). AFP reports that one person died of gunshot wounds on 3 June 2017 (AFP 4 June 2017). The 3 June 2017 SMBC News article states the following: Tens of people marching in Kanilai burnt tires, blocked roads leading to [the] village and made their way into Jammeh's abandoned presidential compound pushing over security barricades and passing checkpoints. (SMBC News 3 June 2017a) Sources indicate that 13 people were arrested in Kanilai (The Daily Observer 5 June 2017; SMBC News 3 June 2017b). Another June 2017 SMBC News article states that at least 25 people were arrested following the incident and that 18 were granted bail of 500,000 Gambian Dalasis [approximately C$13,634], an amount that "most of them" were unable to pay (SMBC News 12 June 2017). The same article indicates that, according to an APRC militant, an opposition supporter was arrested by police officers over audio and video recordings he sent through WhatsApp "regarding an uproar in his southwestern region" (SMBC News 12 June 2017). The police are reportedly searching for a second man who was sending "reports" through the same platform (SMBC News 12 June 2017). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. Without providing further detail, a May 2017 SMBC News article states that there has been "clashes" between "government and opposition supporters since the ouster of Jammeh" and "[p]rosecutors have dropped charges against more than 26 opposition supporters this year in 'an effort to foster reconciliation and peace'" (SMBC News 16 May 2017). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request. Note [1] In June 2017, media sources reported that ECOWAS extended its military mission in The Gambia for 12 months (Reuters 5 June 2017; AFP 5 June 2017). References Agence France Presse (AFP). 5 June 2017. "West African Troops Extend Gambia Mission for a Year." [Accessed 11 July 2017] Agence France Presse (AFP). 4 June 2017. "One Dead After Gambian Protesters Clash With W. African Troops." [Accessed 11 July 2017] The Daily Observer. 7 June 2017. Momodou Jawo. "Haruna Jatta Laid to Rest." (Factiva) [Accessed 4 July 2017] The Daily Observer. 5 June 2017. Momodou Jawo. "Gambia: Kanilai Riot - 13 People Arrested." [Accessed 13 July 2017] The Daily Observer. 10 April 2017. Momodou Jawo. "Gambia: Post-Election Violence - 24 APRC, Two UDP Supporters Arrested At Sibanor." [Accessed 13 July 2017] The Daily Observer. 20 February 2017. Momodou Jawo. "Police Detain 51 APRC Supporters." [Accessed 13 July 2017] The Fatu Network. 14 March 2017. Fatu Camara and Lamin Sanyang. "APRC Kafenda Case Withdrawn on Humanitarian Grounds." [Accessed 13 July 2017] Foroyaa. 18 March 2017. Yankuba Jallow. "Kafenda Case Withdrawn." [Accessed 13 July 2017] Gambia. 2017. National Assembly of the Republic of The Gambia. "Hon. Musa Amul Nyassi." [Accessed 14 July 2017] Gambia. 25 February 2016. Office of the President. "APRC Holds Special National Congress." [Accessed 14 July 2017] Jollof News. 14 June 2017. "Gambia's Daily Observer Newspaper Shut Down." [Accessed 25 July 2017] The Point. 10 April 2017. "APRC, UDP Supporters Clash in Sibanor." [Accessed 13 July 2017] The Point. 10 November 2016. "President Jammeh Takes Nomination Turn at IEC Today." [Accessed 25 July 2017] Reuters. 5 June 2017. "West African Regional Bloc Extends Military Mission in Gambia." [Accessed 5 June 2017] Reuters. 20 February 2017. Lamin Jaheteh and Nelli Peyton. "Ex-President's Supporters Arrested as Tensions Flare in Gambia." [Accessed 13 July 2017] Reuters. 19 January 2017. "West African Leaders Plan to Mediate in Gambia on Friday: Gambia TV." [Accessed 24 July 2017] SMBC News. 12 June 2017. "Gambia: Opposition Supporter Arrested Over WhatsApp Reports." [Accessed 13 July 2017] SMBC News. 3 June 2017a. "Gambia: One Person Dead in Kanilai Protest." [Accessed 11 July 2017] SMBC News. 3 June 2017b. Sam Phatey. "Gambia's Kanilai Alkalo, Jammeh's Brother in Hiding." [Accessed 13 July 2017] SMBC News. 16 May 2017. Sam Phatey. "Gambia Charges 8 Opposition Supporters." [Accessed 13 July 2017] SMBC News. 21 February 2017. Sam Phatey. "Gambia Police: 25 APRC Supporters Charged, at Least 19 Remanded." [Accessed 13 July 2017] SMBC News. N.d. "About Us." [Accessed 13 July 2017] Sunu Gambia. 16 May 2017. "Ousman Rambo Jatta and 8 Jammeh Supporters Charged With Breach of Peace." [Accessed 13 July 2017] Additional Sources Consulted Internet sites, including: Amnesty International; ecoi.net; Factiva; Federation internationale des ligues des droits de l'homme; Freedom House; Human Rights Watch; The Independent; International Crisis Group; IRIN; The Standard; UN Office of the High Commissioner, Refworld; US Department of States. Morocco: The situation of people who abjure Islam (who apostatize), including their treatment by society and by the authorities; the repercussions of a fatwa of the High Council of Ulemas condemning apostates to death, including the reaction of the government (2016-April 2018) Publisher Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Publication Date 24 April 2018 Citation / Document Symbol MAR106102.FE Related Document(s) Maroc : information sur la situation des personnes qui abjurent l'islam (font acte d'apostasie), y compris le traitement qui leur est reserve par la societe et les autorites; information sur les repercussions d'une fatwa du Conseil superieur des oulemas [ulemas] condamnant les apostats a mort, y compris la reaction du gouvernement (2016-avril 2018) Cite as Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Morocco: The situation of people who abjure Islam (who apostatize), including their treatment by society and by the authorities; the repercussions of a fatwa of the High Council of Ulemas condemning apostates to death, including the reaction of the government (2016-April 2018), 24 April 2018, MAR106102.FE, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2281dd4.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa 1. Legislation Sources report that apostasy is not prohibited by law in Morocco (BBC 27 July 2017; La Croix 24 Feb. 2017; IHEU 28 Oct. 2016). According to sources, Morocco does not impose the death penalty against apostates under the provisions of its Penal Code (US May 2014 [updated 30 June 2015], 11; Islamologist 15 Apr. 2018). In an article published on 23 February 2017, the Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA), an Italian news agency, states that the Moroccan Ambassador to Rome, Hassan Abouyoub, declared at an ANSA forum that "[a]postasy has never been included in Morocco's criminal code and so Muslims who choose to convert to another faith have never risked the death penalty" (ANSA 23 Feb. 2017). However, in correspondence sent to the Research Directorate, the Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain (CEMB) stated that in Morocco, "[apostates] are put to death, through the use of Islamic jurisprudence" (CEMB 16 Apr. 2018). That same source stated that, since Morocco is an Islamic country, the input of religious bodies is considered when making changes to policies and laws (CEMB 16 Apr. 2018). For his part, the Moroccan Ambassador to Rome stated, according to ANSA, that "[i]n Morocco, the law is the constitutional monopoly of parliament" and "[t]he Higher Council of Ulema, the most important religious authority in the country, 'is a consultative body'" (ANSA 23 Feb. 2017). Articles 220 and 222 of the Moroccan Penal Code provide as follows: [translation] Article 220 Anyone who, through violence or threat, restrains or prevents one or several persons from worshiping or attending worship, is punishable by imprisonment for six months to three years and by a fine of 200 to 500 dirham [about $C28 to $C70]. Anyone who employs incitement to shake the faith of a Muslim or to convert them to another religion, by exploiting their weaknesses or needs, or by using educational or health institutions, asylum or orphanages for such purposes incurs the same sentence. In the case of conviction, the closure of the institution that served to commit the offence may be ordered, either definitively or for a duration that may not exceed three years. Article 222 Anyone who, commonly known to belong to the Muslim religion, violates the fast in a public place during Ramadan, without having one of the justifications allowed by that religion, is punishable by imprisonment for one to six months and by a fine of 12 to 120 dirham [about $C2 to$C17]. (Morocco 1962) 2. Fatwa Ordering the Death of Apostates According to sources, in 2013, the High Council of Ulemas published a fatwa declaring that Muslims who abandon their faith would receive the death penalty (IHEU 28 Oct. 2016; Middle East Online 18 Apr. 2013). For further information on the High Council of Ulemas and the issuance of this fatwa, consult Response to Information Request MAR104932 of August 2014. Sources report that in February 2017, the High Council of Ulemas retracted its ruling that apostacy is punishable by death (Christian Today 6 Feb. 2017; MWN 6 Feb. 2017; IHEU 28 Oct. 2016). Similarly, in correspondence sent to the Research Directorate, anIslamologist, who is a Ph.D candidate and who has been working on the issue of apostasy in the Muslim and Western worlds for the last five years, indicated that the High Council of Ulemas had "'theologically' reviewed the death penalty stated in Muslim legislation" (Islamologist 15 Apr. 2018). A February 2017 article published on the website of Morroco World News (MWN) reports that the High Council of Ulemas recently published a text titled "The Way of the Scholars [Sabil al-Oulemas]," in which apostasy is redefined as a political stand rather than a religious issue and that it aligned with "high treason" (MWN 6 Feb. 2017). However, the Moroccan news portal Yabiladi reports on 9 February 2017 that the High Council of Ulemas did not change its position on apostasy, and that a source within Rabita Mohamadia des oulemas [1] [translation] "highlights the absence of any notice or new fatwa on this issue," adding that it was instead "the opinion of five Ulemas within the Council" (Yabiladi 9 Feb. 2017). The Moroccan economic news portal Medias24 explains that the document that reports [translation] "the need to cancel the death penalty in the case of apostasy" was "an internal document of the High Council of Ulemas" and that, according to a source close to the High Council of Ulemas and the Ministry of Habous, "[f]or now, there has been no change, and this is not a fatwa of the Council" (Medias24 10 Feb. 2017). On the same topic, the Islamologist stated that [translation] "theseare only discussions between 'Ulemas.' The death penalty is, in any casenot applied and is not indicated in Moroccan penal legislation" (Islamologist 15 Apr. 2018). Similarly, the article published by Medias24 states that according to Mountassir Hamada, a writer and researcher at the Moroccan Centre for Maghreb Studies and Research (CNEM), the fatwa [translation] "was never applied in Morocco" (Medias24 10 Feb. 2017). 3. Treatment of Apostates by the Authorities The International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU) [2] states in a 2016 report on freedom of thought that the non-religious are shaping up to be a "seriously persecuted" group in Morocco, "since the campaign against fasting laws in 2009 [3], and the publication of a fatwa calling for the murder or execution of apostates" (IHEU 28 Oct. 2016). The same source states the following about Morocco: Government figures or state agencies "marginalize, harass, or incite hatred or violence" against the non-religious; The non-religious are barred from some government offices (including posts reserved for particular religions or sects); Religious instruction is mandatory in all or most state-funded schools with no secular or humanist alternative; "Systemic religious privilege" results in significant social discrimination; Prohibitive interreligious social control is in effect (including interreligious marriage bans); Expression of core humanist principles on democracy, freedom and human rights is severely restricted; "Discriminatory prominence" is given to religious bodies, traditions or leaders (IHEU 28 Oct. 2016). That same report states the following: While the new constitution guarantees for all "the free exercise of beliefs" (Article 3) and "the freedoms of thought, of opinion and of expression under all their forms" (Article 25), in practice there are significant limitations, such as persecution of the Baha'is since the 1960s, and more recently Christians, and Shiites, as well as the non-religious. Baha'ism is traditionally seen as a heretical deviation from Islam and its members are considered "apostates." These minorities are subject to harassment, investigations and detentions by authorities, interrupting and arresting them during their private religious meetings and rituals. (IHEU 28 Oct. 2016) The International Religious Freedom Report for 2016 of the United States (US) Department of State reports the following: The government reportedly arrested, detained, and questioned local Christians about their beliefs. []Some local Christians reported authorities pressured converts to renounce their faith. The government monitored, and in some cases restricted, religious activities of Muslims and non-Muslims. It continued to restrict the distribution of non-Islamic religious materials, as well as some Islamic materials it deemed inconsistent with the Maliki-Ashari school of Sunni Islam [majority rite in Morocco]. (US 15 Aug. 2017, 6) That same source reports that according to the National Federation of Amazigh Associations (Federation nationale des associations amazighes, FNAA), an Amazigh (Berber) rights group in Morocco, two Christians were arrested, detained and interrogated about their beliefs by the Royal Gendarmerie in Morocco; one stated that the police accused him of apostasy and said that they would reconvert him to Islam (US 15 Aug. 2017, 6). According to that same source, the two individuals submitted a complaint to the minister of justice, but as of the end of the year, no investigation had been opened (US 15 Aug. 2017, 6). IHEU reports also that some Christians had been arrested and accused of proselytizing, and that some Christian converts reported that authorities had pressured them to renounce their faith by informing their friends, relatives and employers of the conversion (IHEU 28 Oct. 2016). Sources state that some individuals were arrested and sentenced by the authorities for eating or smoking [in public] during Ramadan (US 15 Aug. 2017, 6; IHEU 28 Oct. 2016). According to IHEU, even if fasting laws are not strictly enforced, they continue to threaten the non-religious in Morocco (IHEU 28 Oct. 2016). The Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2016 of the US Department of State reports that in June 2016, the Ministry of Interior granted permission for a group of atheist and non-Muslim citizens to protest against an article in the penal code relating to fasting during Ramadan, and that the protest "was not dispersed" (US 3 Mar. 2017, 19). The Islamologist explained that the Moroccan Penal Code is, in his opinion, [translation] "intentionally" abstract in order to be able to limit (through prison sentences and fines) the actions of apostate advocates who "disturb" (Islamologist 15 Apr. 2018). An article published by the French news magazine Le Point states the following: [translation] "According to the Moroccan Penal Code, anyone who 'shakes the faith,' a term that is vague and subject to widespread interpretation, may be sent to prison" (Le Point 4 Jan. 2018). According to the Islamologist, [translation] "[a]s a general rule, if the apostate does not carry out activism and publicity, they will not be bothered. They may live their life as an apostate quietly and privately (they may consume alcohol and transgress all social prohibitions, but only in private)" (Islamologist 15 Apr. 2018). In his statement presented during the Universal Periodic Review of Morocco by the United Nations Human Rights Council in September, a representative of IHEU deplores the blasphemy laws that threaten apostates in Morocco and states that, "[i]n the past year, the government has reportedly arrested, detained and questioned local non-Muslims about their beliefs" (IHEU 21 Sept. 2017). 4. Treatment of Apostates by Society International Religious Freedom Report for 2016 reports the following incidents in Morocco: Two groups of people attacked two men, in Marrakech and in Rabat, for smoking in public during Ramadan; A woman posted a video online in which she identifies herself as a Christian and explained that, despite her not sharing the Muslim faith, she was no less Moroccanthis sparked a debate on the status of Christians; positive and negative comments were made and some encouraged her to leave the country; Moroccan Christians reported pressure from non-Christian family and friends to convert to Islam or renounce their Christian faith, that young Christians who still lived with their Muslim families hid their faith for fear of being expelled from their homes, and that the government did not respond to their complaints about the societal harassment they faced; Members of non-recognized religious minorities stated they practiced their faiths discretely for fear of societal harassment, "ostracism," ridicule, employment "discrimination" and violence by "extremists"; Members of the Bahai faith stated they were open about their faith with family, friends and neighbours, but feared extremist elements, leading them to ask for local police protection at their gatherings (US 15 Aug. 2017, 10). The IHEU reports that non-religious activists suffer from "stigmatisation" and that there have been "many cases of violence by family members, [] and general difficulties in educational, professional and social life" (IHEU 28 Oct. 2016). That same source adds that they receive little support and mostly rejection from local human rights groups (IHEU 28 Oct. 2016). Corroborating information could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. According to CEMB, [a]postates in Morocco are ostraci[z]ed by family and/or their community at the least and put to death at worst. [] If it were as minimal as not finding a job, housing or education, that would be something that we could work with to support them, however, in most of our Moroccan cases, they have to leave to stay alive. (CEMB 16 Apr. 2018) The Islamologist stated the following: [translation] The consequences of an act of apostasy in Morocco are primarily social. An apostate in Morocco may certainly be subject tosocial rejection or rejection from their close family. However, many apostates live their situation in hiding, out of fear of reprisals. [] That said, an apostate who remains discrete is, in the eyes of society, a Muslim. Therefore, they will not face difficulties. However, upon mentioning their apostasy, they automatically become a activist who could face some social difficulties: for example, rejection from their family, relatives, and friends, and even violence when recognized in the street. However, with respect to education, I do not think this can be included, because education in Morocco is open to everyone and religious membership is not questioned when enrolling in school; furthermore, school (primary, college, lycee) concerns an age group that has generally not had the opportunity to engage in activist activities. In all cases, there has never been discrimination in this sense. The same can be said about finding lodgingI do not think there has been discrimination in this sense because the owner, even in Morocco, is normally more attentive to the solvency of their renter than to their religiosity. (Islamologist 15 Apr. 2018) An article published by the Journal du Cameroun, a Cameroonian news website, states that, according to Agence France-Presse (AFP), in April 2017, a 46-year-old Moroccan man who converted to Christianity in 1994 was rejected by those around him when he posted on the Internet a video in which he spoke about his conversion, after having [translation] "lived his faith secretly up until a year and a half ago" (Journal du Cameroun 30 Apr. 2017). The man declared the following to the AFP: "[t]hose around me turned their backs to me, I was pushed to the side at work. My children were harassed at school" (Journal du Cameroun 30 Apr. 2017). According to that same source, [translation] "for Moroccans, who are automatically considered Muslim when they are not of the Jewish minority, apostasy is disapproved by society" (Journal du Cameroun 30 Apr. 2017). The same article reports the statements of another Moroccan, who converted to Christianity: [translation] "the lines are moving: 'arrests have almost stoppedthat is a big step! Acts of harassment have become rare and all that remains is society'" (Journal du Cameroun 30 Apr. 2017). According to the article, this convert [translation] "came out of hiding" and "lives his religion normally in a popular neighbourhood in full view of his Muslim neighbours" (Journal du Cameroun 30 Apr. 2017). This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request. Notes [1] Rabita Mohamadia des oulemas is an association that publicizes and disseminates Islamic Sharia, stimulates scientific and cultural life in Islamic studies, and reinforces cooperation between the Ulemas, intellectuals, associations, scientific agencies and cultural establishments (Morocco 9 Dec. 2015). [2] IHEU presents itself as "the global representative body of the humanist movement, uniting a diversity of non-religious organisations and individuals," an NGO founded in 1952 and headquartered in London, and with representation on various United Nations committees and other international bodies (IHEU N.d.). [3] In September 2009, a group called the Alternative Movement for Individual Freedoms (Mouvement alternatif pour les libertes individuelles, MALI) was [translation] "arrested for trying to hold a picnic in the woods to protest a law forbidding Muslims from eating publicly during Ramadan fasting hours" (Human Rights Watch 19 Sept. 2009). References Agenzia Nazionale Stampa Associata (ANSA). 23 February 2017. "Apostasy Not in Moroccan Criminal Code, Envoy Says." (Factiva) [Accessed 11 Apr. 2018] British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC). 27 July 2017. "Morocco Christians Decry 'Evangelising Incident'." (Factiva) [Accessed 11 Apr. 2018] Council of Ex-Muslims of Britain (CEMB). 16 April 2018. Correspondence sent to the Research Directorate by a representative. Christian Today. 6 February 2017. Joseph Hartropp. "Morocco Religious Authorities Rule Leaving Islam Is No Longer Punishable by Death." [Accessed 12 Apr. 2018] La Croix. 24 February 2017. Anne-Benedicte Hoffner. "Au Maroc, les apostats ne sont plus passibles de la peine de mort." [Accessed 10 Apr. 2018] Human Rights Watch. 19 September 2009. "Maroc. Quatre personnes arretees pour avoir tente d'organiser un pique-nique en guise de protestation contre une loi relative au jeune." [Accessed 23 Apr. 2018] International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU). 21 September 2017. Kacem El Ghazzali. Oral Statement. Universal Periodic Review of Morocco, United Nations Human Rights Council. [Accessed 11 Apr. 2018] International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU). 28 October 2016. "Morocco." The Freedom of Thought Report. [Accessed 12 Apr. 2018] International Humanist and Ethical Union (IHEU). N.d. "About IHEU." [Accessed 17 Apr. 2018] Islamologist. 15 April 2018. Correspondence sent to the Research Directorate. Journal du Cameroun. 30 April 2017. Agence France-Presse (AFP). "Au Maroc, les convertis au christianisme sortent de l'ombre." (Factiva) [Accessed 10 Apr. 2018] Morocco. 9 December 2015. Ministere des Habous et des Affaires islamiques. "Rabita Mohamadia des oulemas." [Accessed 16 Apr. 2018] Morocco. 1962. Dahir N 1-59-413 du 28 Joumada II 1382 (26 novembre 1962) portant approbation du texte du Code penal. [Accessed 17 Apr. 2018] Medias24. 10 February 2017. Mehdi Berrada. "Apostasie. Rien ne change pour le moment." [Accessed 12 Apr. 2018] Morocco World News (MWN). 6 February 2017. Ezzoubeir Jabrane. "Morocco's High Religious Committee Says Apostates Should Not Be Killed." [Accessed 12 Apr. 2018] Le Point. 4 January 2018. Thomas Mahler and Clement Petreault. "Islam, le calvaire des apostats." [Accessed 10 Apr. 2018] United States (US). 15 August 2017. Department of State. "Morocco." International Religious Freedom Report for 2016. [Accessed 11 Apr. 2018] United States (US). 3 March 2017. Department of State. "Morocco." Country Reports on Human Rights Practices for 2016. [Accessed 10 Apr. 2018] United States (US). May 2014 [updated on 30 June 2015]. Library of Congress. Laws Criminalizing Apostasy in Selected Jurisdiction. [Accessed 12 Apr. 2018] Yabiladi. 9 February 2017. Yassine Bernargane. "Desintox : le Conseil superieur des oulemas du Maroc n'a pas modifie sa position sur l'apostasie." [Accessed 11 Apr. 2018] Additional Sources Consulted Oral sources: Anthropologist, whose recherch concerns Islam and Maghreb; Association marocaine des droits humains; Director of social science studies, focussing on anthropology and Islam; Assistant professor of social sciences, whose research focusses on North Africa; Assistant professor of sociology, whose research focusses on gender, Islam and the Middle East; Professor of sociology, focussing on the development of religious identities and Africa. Internet sites, including: Amnesty International; Conseil des ex-musulmans du Maroc; ecoi.net; Federation internationale des ligues des droits de l'homme; Freedom House; Radio France internationale; United Nations Refworld. Turkey: Requirements and procedures to become a member of the Peoples' Democratic Party (Halklarn Demokratik Partisi, HDP); information on membership cards, including description and authorized issuing authority (2016-December 2017) Publisher Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Publication Date 20 December 2017 Citation / Document Symbol TUR106032.E Related Document(s) Turquie : information sur les exigences et la marche a suivre pour devenir membre du Parti democratique des peuples (Halklarn Demokratik Partisi - HDP); information sur la carte de membre, y compris une description de la carte et l'identite de l'autorite de delivrance autorisee (2016-decembre 2017) Cite as Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Turkey: Requirements and procedures to become a member of the Peoples' Democratic Party (Halklarn Demokratik Partisi, HDP); information on membership cards, including description and authorized issuing authority (2016-December 2017), 20 December 2017, TUR106032.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b22841a4.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa 1. Requirements and Procedures to Become a Member of the People's Democratic Party (Halklarn Demokratik Partisi, HDP) According to the Constitution of the People's Democratic Party (Halklarn Demokratik Partisi, HDP), approved on 22 June 2014, requirements for membership in the HDP are as follows: [translation] Article 4 Anyone who is over the age of 18 and is able to exercise civil and political rights and adheres to the constitution, program and principles of the party may become a member of the party. Article 5 Individuals who are deemed to provide special contributions to the party may be registered by the party organization as honorary members. Honorary members effectively enjoy all the rights and privileges of full members and are expected to fulfill the same responsibilities as full members. Principles and procedures regarding registration records of honorary members, the rights and responsibilities of honorary members along with their participation in the party's elected or non-elected committees are set out in the regulation drawn up by the party council. All procedures in relation to honorary members will be carried out by party organizations in accordance with the provisions of the regulation in question. Honorary members may not be appointed as consultant to party organs formed through a single direct election or to the Disciplinary Committee. Article 6 The lower and upper limit of the monthly membership fee to be paid by party members are TL 5 [C$ 2] and TL 250 [C$ 84], respectively. (HDP 22 June 2014) The HDP Constitution also provides the following information on becoming a member of the party: [translation] Article 7 Individuals wanting to become a member will submit their membership application to the party organization located in the district where they reside. Applications will be processed and finalized by the district party organization within one month. Applications will be deemed accepted if no decision is made within the one-month period. Any individual whose direct membership registration to the party or whose candidacy in general and mayoral elections is deemed beneficial to the party may be registered directly as a party member by the Party Council or the Central Executive Committee upon submitting an application. The names of any accepted applicants in this regard will be sent to the district party organization located in the city or district where they reside. After receiving the applications for membership, Provincial Executive Committees may accept them directly and forward any related documents to the district party organization located in the city or district where individual members reside. Denied applicants may appeal the decision to a higher organ within 15 days, and the decision of the higher organ in this regard will be final. Provincial and district party organizations will finalize membership applications and forward them to the higher organ as soon as possible. Applicants residing abroad will submit their application to the party representative in their country of residence, if any. Applications will be reviewed and finalized by the representative within one month. Accepted applicants will be registered as party members in the city or district where they last resided in Turkey. Other issues concerning membership will be governed by the Membership and Registration Regulation to be drawn up by the party council. Members of the party may not register as a member to more than one organization within the party, otherwise their membership registration filed prior to the most recent registration date will be deemed null and void. (HDP 22 June 2014) Information on the "Membership and Registration Regulation" could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. In correspondence with the Research Directorate, a representative of the HDP Foreign Affairs Commission in Ankara stated the following with regards to the requirements and procedures for becoming a member of the party: According to the Law on Political Parties in Turkey [which specifies] that every citizen in Turkey has the right to become a member of a political party. The judges, prosecutors, soldiers, officials and specialists from some of the specific working fields [do not have the] right to become a member of a political party. A citizen cannot be [a member of] more than one political party. If a citizen wants to change his/her membership for another political party, he/she needs to complete a resignation process. All the membership database of the parties are sent to the political parties department of the supreme court of appeals prosecutor's office. Membership procedures start by filling the application forms in the provincial chairmanships of the party. The filled forms are sent to the party headquarters and the forms registered in the online membership database of the party. If the citizen has no legal obligation and any current membership to another political party, the citizen's membership is registered with the prosecutor's office in the Supreme Court of Appeals. Principally members of the party should pay a monthly contribution. But our party cannot sanction its members if the members do not make a contribution. The payment issue is not a reason for revoking the membership. HDP defines the conditions in the party regulation for revoking the membership, [such as]: infamous crimes and opposition to the party's main principles (promoting democracy, open stand on violence against women, etc.). (HDP 16 Dec. 2017) The Representative added the following information with regards to membership in the HDP outside Turkey: According to the law, every citizen of Turkey has a right to [membership in] a political party. However, there is a legal gap regarding the membership procedure for Turkish citizens who live in other countries. So, HDP registered some of the citizens according to their hometown details and registered address in Turkey. The Grand National Assembly will work on amendment for the Political Parties Law. We hope that the legal gap on the registration for the citizens in other countries will be clarified. Probably a kind of "overseas membership" statute will be given to the party members who live abroad. (HDP 16 Dec. 2017) 2. Information on Membership Cards In correspondence with the Research Directorate, the Brussels-based HDP Representative in Europe stated that [t]he HDP's membership card systematically includes a picture and is only given to political and administrative responsible [persons] of the party, at a local and regional level, and to all the members who carry responsibilities inside the party. This means that we do not give a membership card to regular members of the party such [as] ordinary affiliated members. Those ordinary members who want to become a member of our party have to fill a form to get a membership [status], following this procedure they receive a receipt of their request from our party. Besides, these members can only get registered in the place they live (the membership forms are filled in the section they are from). Concerning the responsibility of our party in Europe and overseas our representation office in Brussels appoints, during elections time, observers on behalf of our party to oversee the good running of the elections procedures outside Turkey. Those observers receive a card from our party to this end (mushahit karti in Turkish). (HDP 28 Nov. 2017) The HDP Foreign Affairs Commission representative stated the following with regards to the issuance of membership cards: HDP Headquarters does not issue party ID cards except [for] members of the party assembly (about 200 people). Party assembly members use cards during their membership process as the member of the party assembly. However, some of provincial chairmanships have issued temporary ID cards on behalf of the provincial party administration in order to authorize some party members to organize local meetings and events in districts or towns and villages. (HDP 16 Dec. 2017) In subsequent correspondence, the same source provided the following clarification regarding the issuance of temporary ID cards: Some ID cards in local [administrations] can be printed in order to identify the official delegates for the provincial congress of the HDP or similar events These cards are valid for only the specified events. Generally the events and the dates are written on these ID cards. These kind of cards are not used as general ID cards. As I mentioned before, only the HDP executives have the right to use HDP ID cards for general use. If a member of the party executive resigns or ends their term, the party's ID card is taken without delay. (HDP 19 Dec. 2017) A sample of the membership application form, and a member of the Party Assembly identification card (both obverse and reverse), as provided by the representatives to the Research Directorate, are attached to this Response (Attachments 1, 2 and 3). This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request. References People's Democratic Party (HDP). 19 December 2017. Correspondence from a representative of the HDP's Foreign Affairs Commission to the Research Directorate. People's Democratic Party (HDP). 16 December 2017. Correspondence from a representative of the HDP's Foreign Affairs Commission to the Research Directorate. People's Democratic Party (HDP). 28 November 2017. Correspondence from the HDP Representative in Europe to the Research Directorate. People's Democratic Party (HDP). 22 June 2014. Halklarn Demokratik Partisi Tuzugu. Translated by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada [Accessed 24 Nov. 2017] Additional Sources Consulted Oral sources: People's Democratic Party Washington D.C. Office Internet sites, including: ecoi.net; UN Refworld Attachments People's Democratic Party (HDP). N.d. "Membership Application Form." Sent to the Research Directorate by a representative at HDP Europe, 28 November 2017. Translated by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada. People's Democratic Party (HDP). N.d. "Party Assembly Member Identification Card." Sent to the Research Directorate by a representative at HDP Europe, 28 November 2017. Translated by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada. People's Democratic Party (HDP). N.d. "Reverse of Identification Card." Sent to the Research Directorate by a representative of the HDP's Foreign Affairs branch, 16 December, 2017. Translated by the Translation Bureau, Public Services and Procurement Canada. Venezuela: Information on the meaning of the prefix "E" on a cedula de identidad (national identity card), including requirements and procedures to obtain the card; requirements and procedures for placement on the Listado de Miembros de Mesa (Polling Station Lists) (2010-June 2017) Publisher Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada Publication Date 14 July 2017 Citation / Document Symbol VEN105827.E Related Document(s) Venezuela : information sur la signification du prefixe E sur une cedula de identidad (carte d'identite nationale), y compris les exigences et la marche a suivre pour obtenir cette carte; les exigences et la marche a suivre pour faire partie de la Listado de Miembros de Mesa (liste du personnel des bureaux de scrutin) (2010-juin 2017) Cite as Canada: Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Venezuela: Information on the meaning of the prefix "E" on a cedula de identidad (national identity card), including requirements and procedures to obtain the card; requirements and procedures for placement on the Listado de Miembros de Mesa (Polling Station Lists) (2010-June 2017), 14 July 2017, VEN105827.E, available at: https://www.refworld.org/docid/5b2286294.html [accessed 16 October 2021] Disclaimer This is not a UNHCR publication. UNHCR is not responsible for, nor does it necessarily endorse, its content. Any views expressed are solely those of the author or publisher and do not necessarily reflect those of UNHCR, the United Nations or its Member States. Research Directorate, Immigration and Refugee Board of Canada, Ottawa 1. National Identity Card with the Prefix "E" Sources indicate that the prefix "E" on a national identity card means extranjero (foreigner) (lawyer 20 May 2017; Venezuela 19 May 2017). For further information on national identity cards, see Response to Information Request VEN104017 of March 2012. Sources indicate that the national identity card can be obtained by a foreigner with a migratory status, or a visa, of transeunte (temporary) or residente (permanent) (Venezuela 2006, Art. 8; lawyer 20 May 2017). According to the website of the Administrative Service of Identification, Migration and Immigration (Servicio Administrativo de Identificacion, Migracion y Extranjeria, SAIME), applicants need to go to a SAIME office in person, with the following documents: application form, their passport that is valid for at least 6 months and a photocopy that includes the applicant's information, photocopy of their visa, and a fee (Venezuela n.d.a). The same source adds that the validity of the national identity card will be the same as the validity of the temporary migrant visa (Venezuela n.d.a). 2. Polling Station Lists (Listado de Miembros de Mesa) The Organic Law on Electoral Processes (Ley Organica de Procesos Electorales) provides the following: [translation] Article 111.The National Electoral Council, through the mechanism that it sets out, shall select citizens entered in the Electoral Registry to carry out electoral service as members of the council. This service is mandatory under the terms of this law. To perform this service, the citizen selected must only know how to read and write. (Venezuela 2009) In correspondence with the Research Directorate, an official at the Venezuelan Embassy in Ottawa stated that the selection process for members of polling station staff is [translation] "completely random," and that any Venezuelan over the age of 18 who is registered with the National Electoral Council (Consejo Nacional Electoral, CNE) can be selected (Venezuela 19 May 2017). According to a lawyer from a law firm based in Maracaibo, there is no application process to become a member of the polling station staff (lawyer 20 May 2017). The website of the CNE states that those who are selected by lottery to serve on Polling Stations, carry out the execution and supervision of electoral processes in the area where they are allowed to vote, for one year starting on the date they are selected (Venezuela n.d.b). The same source adds that the draw is pulled from the latest list of the Electoral Registry, in the first three months of each year (Venezuela n.d.b). The lawyer stated that electoral service in polling stations is obligatory, except for disabled persons or people over the age of 65 (lawyer 20 May 2017). Those who do not fulfil electoral service duties can be fined (lawyer 20 May 2017). The Organic Law on Electoral Processes further provides the following: Article 27.The Electoral Registry is the database in which all citizens who may exercise the right to vote under the Republic's constitution and laws are registered. Registration in the Electoral Registry Article 29.The following may be registered in the Electoral Registry: Venezuelans over 18 years of age. Citizens who will turn 18 years of age in the interval between the voter registration cut-off date and up to and including the date of the election, provided that registration takes place before the voter registration cut-off date. Foreign nationals over 18 years of age who have resided in the country for more than 10 years. For the purposes of registration in the Electoral Registry, the only valid document required is the national identity card. The Electoral Registry will automatically incorporate the information from the civil registry. (Venezuela 2009) Further information on the civil registry could not be found among the sources consulted by the Research Directorate within the time constraints of this Response. This Response was prepared after researching publicly accessible information currently available to the Research Directorate within time constraints. This Response is not, and does not purport to be, conclusive as to the merit of any particular claim for refugee protection. Please find below the list of sources consulted in researching this Information Request. References Lawyer, Maracaibo. 20 May 2017. Correspondence with the Research Directorate. Venezuela. 19 May 2017. Embassy of Venezuela in Ottawa. Correspondence from an official to the Research Directorate. Venezuela. 2009. Ley Organica de Procesos Electorales. [Accessed 23 May 2017] Venezuela. 2006 (ammended 2014). Decreto con Rango, Valor y Fuerza de Ley Organica de Identificacion. [Accessed 19 May 2017] Venezuela. N.d.a. Ministerio del Poder Popular para Relaciones Interiores, Justicia y Paz, Servicio Administrativo de Identificacion, Migracion y Extranjeria (SAIME). "Cedulacion." [Accessed 19 May 2017] Venezuela. N.d.b. Consejo Nacional Electoral (CNE). "Servicio Electoral." [Accessed 13 May 2017] Additional Sources Consulted Oral sources: Law firm in Caracas; Venezuela Consejo Nacional Electoral, Servicio Administrativo de Identificacion, Migracion y Extranjeria. Internet sites, including: Venezuela Consejo Nacional Electoral, Embassy in Ottawa, Embassy in Washington, DC; US Department of State. A Place for All Conservatives to Speak Their Mind. ONE in four women dont attend potentially life-saving cervical screening appointments. As part of this weeks Cervical Screening Awareness Week, Rotherham MP Sarah Champion is supporting calls from Jos Cervical Cancer Trust to make it easier for people to attend the appointments. The charity wants to ensure every woman and person with a cervix have the opportunity to attend cervical screening, understand why the test is important and encourage action to make the test more accessible. Ms Champion tweeted: One in four women dont attend cervical screening. Im supporting @JoTrust to make sure every woman and person with a cervix is able to book and attend their smear test appointment: http://jostrust.org.uk/csaw #CSAW #SmearTestsSaveLives. A trust spokesperson said: There are many reasons which make it difficult for some women and people with a cervix to attend cervical screening, yet more and more are telling us that they are struggling to get an appointment. Launched this week, our new report, Computer Says No, looks at the growing issue of access to cervical screening across the UK, the problems and how they can be overcome. For some women, including those with a physical disability or who have experienced sexual violence, it can be particularly difficult to attend an appointment. The trust is calling for increased availability of appointments at GP practices and greater availability in sexual health services as well as the introduction of self-sampling. To read the full report and recommendations visit https://www.jostrust.org.uk/access. The spokesperson added: Help us reach as many people as possible to highlight how important cervical screening is in protecting against cervical cancer by joining the conversation on social media. "Together we can make sure everyone with a cervix knows #SmearTestsSaveLives and address the difficulties some people face. Use the hashtag #SmearTestsSaveLives to share with your loved ones the importance of smear tests in preventing cervical cancer and share your experiences. Other recommended ways to raise awareness are by holding a stall or fundraising event. For more information visit www.jostrust.org.uk. Image credit: De Beers Group The government of Botswana said it supports the move by De Beers to enter the synthetic diamond market despite criticism by the opposition parties.It was our decision [to enter the synthetic diamond market], Mineral resources permanent secretary Cornelius Dekop told Rough & Polished last week on the sidelines of the Botswana Resources Sector Conference.Botswana had a 15 percent stake in De Beers, while the rest was controlled by Anglo American.Meanwhile, the Southern Times reports that the countrys opposition parties were against the move....De Beers has entered into the synthetic diamonds market. What does that do? Botswana thinks it has rough diamonds and we are negotiating with De Beers. But De Beers says I dont need you, the Umbrella for Democratic Change (UDC) president Duma Boko was quoted as saying.I can go and penetrate the synthetic diamond market.He said De Beers decided to enter the synthetic diamond market as the worlds superpowers like China and Russia had become big consumers of synthetic diamonds.There is a challenge in the diamond market; the market is shifting from the original diamonds and because De Beers is involved in this they know about these trends. It is going to be difficult to market diamonds, Boko said.Independent diamond market analyst Paul Zimnisky told Rough & Polished last month that De Beers decision to launch Lightbox Jewelry was a strategic move out of necessity on behalf of the whole natural diamond industry.I dont see this as a move by De Beers to simply take a piece of the lab-created diamond market pie, but rather take control of the lab-created industry and steer it in a way that protects their natural diamond business, he said. Image credit: BlueR ock Diamonds BlueRock Diamonds has started work to repair the fault in the cone crusher within the crushing circuit, which has been affecting throughput at its Kareevlei diamond mine in South Africa.The cone crusher, when rectified, would allow for improved capacity as BlueRock enters its next phase of development.The company and an engineering consultant had been evaluating the crushing circuit and implementing changes to optimise mining performance as BlueRock looks to build production and commence open pit mining at its second kimberlite pipe, KV01."As reported, we have been looking to optimise performance of the crushing circuit as we look to build on our production profile at Kareevlei, said BlueRock chief executive Adam Waugh.The downtime is obviously frustrating, but with the problem identified we can now implement a solution that we believe will have a positive impact on overall performance once rectified."The company was expecting production to resume soon. Botswana chamber of mines said diamonds aggregation in the country has stabilised, although at levels that will have sufficient room for improvement. The aggregation, in which like-for-like diamonds from De Beers global production are mixed, moved to Botswana in August 2012 from London where the process took place for 80 years. Chamber chief executive Charles Siwawa, who addressed a mining conference in Gaborone last week, could not provide more details on aggregation. However, it was believed at the time of the establishment of De Beers aggregation in Botswana that about $6 billion worth of diamonds would flow through the country. Meanwhile, Siwawa said that diamonds in Botswana had maintained a steady performance. This, he said, had enabled renewed interest in some of the mines that are on care and maintenance. The Lerala diamond mine, which was mothballed mid-2017 after it failed to generate income under the ownership of now closed Australian miner Kimberley Diamond Company, was sold for $8.1 million in an online auction late last month. The mine, located in north-east Botswana, comprised of five diamondiferous kimberlite pipes, ranging from 0.16 ha to 2.35 ha. Mathew Nyaungwa, Editor in Chief of the African Bureau, Rough&Polished Diamonds and pearls that once belonged to French King Louis XVI's Queen Marie-Antoinette and have never been seen in public are to go on sale, AFP reported. Image credit: Wikipedia Sotheby's said the auction of more than 100 lots, all owned by the Bourbon-Parma family, will be held in Geneva on November 12. Marie Antoinette's diamond pendant with an exceptional natural pearl is expected to fetch up to $2 million (1.7 million euros). A necklace of more than 300 natural pearls has been valued at up to $300,000 (255,00 euros). When Louis, Marie Antoinette and their children tried to flee the French Revolution in March 1791, the royal jewels were smuggled out of the country into the trust of a confidant in Brussels. He sent them on to her nephew the Emperor of Austria who later gave them to Marie Antoinette's only surviving child Marie Therese of France. On October 16, 1793, Marie Antoinette was guillotined as the revolutionary Reign of Terror raged. The following month Louis XVI met a similar fate. Alex Shishlo, Editor of the Rough&Polished European Bureau in Brussels Image credit: The Court Jeweller Meghan Markle chose to wear Queen Marys Diamond Bandeau tiara for her wedding to Prince Harry on May 19, 2018. The tiara belongs to Queen Elizabeth II, who lent it to Meghan for her wedding day, says The Court Jeweller.The tiara dates back to 1932 and was made specially to nest a stunning brooch made of 10 large diamonds. The brooch itself was given to then Princess Mary in 1893 by the County of Lincoln on her marriage to Prince George, Duke of York. The tiara is made of platinum and diamonds and consists of 11 sections, which make it flexible.On her special occasion Meghan was expected to wear the Spencer tiara that belonged to the late Prince Harrys mother, Princess Diana. But instead Meghan chose the piece that had not been worn by any royal in decades.The bride decided to pair the tiara with a Cartier bracelet and earings in 14-karat white gold.For the wedding reception the Duchess of Sussex changed her sets for Cartier long earings and the large emerald-cut aquamarine ring that belonged to late Diana, according to The Court Jeweller. German prosecutors Wednesday imposed a 1 billion euros fine on Volkswagen AG (VKW.L,VLKAF.PK, VOW.BE) in connection with its emissions-cheating scandal. The company said it accepted the fine and it will not lodge an appeal against it. The fine consists of the maximum penalty as legally provided for of 5 million euros and the disgorgement of economic benefits in the amount of 995 million euros. The fine, the first imposed against Volkswagen in Europe, comes nearly three years after the German auto maker admitted to rigging nearly 11 million diesel vehicles to cheat on emissions tests. Dieselgate, as the scandal has been called, has cost Volkswagen tens of billions of dollars. Volkswagen said it admitted its responsibility for the diesel crisis and considers this as a further major step towards the latter being overcome. As a result of the administrative order imposing the fine, the active regulatory offence proceedings conducted against Volkswagen will be finally terminated. Volkswagen assumes that such termination of the proceedings will also have significant positive effects on further active administrative proceedings in Europe against the Volkswagen AG and its subsidiaries. The fine imposed Wednesday isn't included in the 26 billion euros that Volkswagen has provided for on its balance sheets to cover the costs of the diesel scandal. Analysts reportedly said that means Volkswagen is likely to take another charge against earnings, likely to be booked in the second quarter. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Anglo American Plc. (AAUKY.PK,AAL.L) announced Thursday that it has entered into a Heads of Agreement with Mitsubishi Corp. (MBC.L,MSBHY.PK) in relation to Mitsubishi's proposed acquisition of a 21.9% equity interest in Anglo American Quellaveco S.A. or AAQSA., for a total consideration of $600 million. The total consideration implies a valuation for 100% of Quellaveco of $2.74 billion. Mitsubishi already holds an 18.1% interest in AAQSA, which owns the Quellaveco copper project in Peru. Following closing of the proposed transaction, Mitsubishi's interest will increase to 40%, while Anglo American will retain 60%. Closing of the deal is expected in the third quarter, subject to a number of conditions, including required regulatory approvals, approval by Mitsubishi's Board, and approval to develop the Quellaveco project by Anglo American's Board. The total consideration of $600 million is comprised of $500 million upon closing of the deal, $50 million upon total ore treatment rates at Quellaveco reaching at least 150 thousand tonnes per day; and $50 million upon total ore treatment rates at Quellaveco reaching at least 180 thousand tonnes per day. The company said the consideration will be settled upon closing by way of a primary share subscription in AAQSA by MCQ Copper Ltd., a subsidiary of Mitsubishi, which will pre-fund a portion of Anglo American's share of the required capital expenditure for the development of Quellaveco. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Cryptocurrency exchange Binance plans to expand further after Malta by agreeing to develop a compliance base and open a cryptocurrency exchange in Channel Islands Jersey. Jersey is the biggest of the Channel Islands, between England and France. Digital Jersey is the independent organization that represents & promotes Jersey's digital industries. Digital Jersey's principal aim is to facilitate the growth of the digital sector, increasing its economic value to Jersey and to create more employment opportunities. Jersey was one of the first countries in the world to clarify the legal position of cryptocurrency exchanges back in 2015. The move by the world's largest cryptocurrency exchange is expected to create around 40 new jobs in the digital sector. Digital Jersey is working with Binance to establish training schemes covering a range of digital skills including blochchain's distributed ledger , artificial intelligence and regulatory compliance. Binance also plans to invest in new Jersey-based digital sector start-ups through Binance Labs. Meanwhile, Digital Jersey will also assist Binance in discussions on compliance with anti-money-laundering regulations, and to establish exchange licensing and local banking relationships. Hong Kong-based Binance set up an operational base in crypto-friendly "Blockchain island" Malta in March. It has already witnessed a growth in trading volumes in the past few months, with the user base surging to 9 million from just over 2 million in January. For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News Hyperloop Transportation Technologies Thursday said it has agreed a deal with Ukraine's Infrastructure Ministry to develop a commercial Hyperloop system in the country. The agreement was signed in the Ukraine capital of Kiev in line with the nation's National Transport Strategy of Ukraine 2030 initiative. In February of 2018, Ukraine's Transportation Minister, Volodymyr Omelyan, announced the nation would begin setting the stage for Hyperloop alongside Ukraine's National Academy of Sciences, state defense conglomerate Ukroboronprom, aerospace manufacturer Yuzhmash and several other industrial and scientific institutions. HyperloopTT will work directly with Ukraine's Ministry of Transportation to begin planning the construction of the first commercial Hyperloop system which will be built out in phases. "We have set a course to bring Ukraine's infrastructure into the 21st century," said Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Volodymyr Omelyan. "Hyperloop is a key component to our goals of creating a smart, and sustainable transportation infrastructure. We warmly welcome HyperloopTT to join us in this endeavor and are glad to have an agreement signed." For comments and feedback contact: editorial@rttnews.com Business News (Agencia CMA Latam) - The Brazilian Association of Truck Drivers (ABCAM) presented a proposal for a minimum tariff for road freight transport to the National Land Transport Agency (ANTT). The table keeps the charge per kilometer traveled, but unlike the current tariff, proposes the differentiation of the tariff by type of vehicle. According to the entity, the proposal intends to adapt the existing discrepancies between certain types of cargo, such as refrigerated and dangerous cargo, which are lower than the general cargo. "The minimum price proposed considers a minimum necessary so that the driver can survive without the fragility of the service provided and his working condition," said the chairman of Abcam, Jose da Fonseca Lopes. The proposition does not include the carrier's profit, which should be freely negotiated between the parties. The toll must already be paid by the contractor, according to the legislation. Taxes, insurance, daily expenses and meals are also not included. According to Lopes, in the proposition presented, the general cargo was, on average, 20% below the current tariff, but there was no abrupt reduction by type of vehicle, as occurred in the resolution already repealed. Fonseca also stressed that he does not intend to call for a new strike in case he does not have the approval of the minimum freight rate. "We do not want to bring more damage to the country." by Agencia CMA Latam For comments and feedback: editorial@rttnews.com Economic News What parts of the world are seeing the best (and worst) economic performances lately? Click here to check out our Econ Scorecard and find out! See up-to-the-moment rankings for the best and worst performers in GDP, unemployment rate, inflation and much more. US President Donald Trump walks with the DPRK's top leader Kim Jong-un at the Capella hotel on Sentosa island in Singapore on Tuesday. [Photo/Agencies] Editor's note: The Democratic People's Republic of Korea leader Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump held a path-breaking meeting, the first between the incumbent leaders of the two countries, in Singapore on Tuesday, and signed a joint statement on the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and peace process. Three experts share their views on the historic summit with China Daily's Pan Yixuan. Excerpts follow: A silver lining in the peace process Xie Guijuan, a professor of international politics at Yanbian University A normal US-DPRK relationship is the base on which Pyongyang and Washington can build mutual trust, in order to reach a consensus on the concrete actions to be taken for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The joint statement issued by the United States and the DPRK to end hostilities and provocative actions has raised hopes for permanent peace after several setbacks in the peninsula peace process. At the Third Plenary Meeting of the 7th Central Committee of the Workers' Party of Korea on April 20, Kim Jong-un announced the DPRK's focus was now on economic development, for which it requires peace on the peninsula and communication with the international community. And since its tough stance in the past could not resolve the DPRK nuclear issue, Washington might consider changing its hostile policy toward Pyongyang to reach a final solution. Although Trump pulled the US out of the Iran nuclear deal, he has shown determination to address the peninsula nuclear issue. As such, Trump should revisit the Joint Statement issued by the Six-Party Talks on Sept 19, 2005, that advocated mutual respect between the two countries and gradual normalization of US-DPRK relations. Besides, there were signs that the US and the DPRK had reached agreements on crucial issues before the Kim-Trump summit. Rodong Sinmun, the official newspaper of the DPRK, reported on June 11 that Kim would exchange views with Trump on "establishing new DPRK-US relations", and "building a permanent and durable peace-keeping mechanism on the Korean Peninsula". The two countries' joint statement for peace reflects their sincerity. Pyongyang has committed to complete denuclearization and Washington, in response, has agreed to halt joint military exercises with the Republic of Korea and improve bilateral relations with Pyongyang. Much time and efforts are needed to realize permanent peace on the peninsula, and the two countries should continue respecting each other's principal demandsthe US' demand for denuclearization and the DPRK's demand for securityand negotiate a road map to improve relations and restore permanent peace on the peninsula. Cautious optimism after summit Wang Junsheng, an associate researcher at the National Institute of International Strategy, Chinese Academy of Social Sciences The Trump-Kim meeting is a milestone in the peninsula peace process. Judging by the joint statement on complete denuclearization and new US-DPRK relations, the summit bore great fruits. The "comprehensive, in-depth, and sincere exchange of opinions" changed the hostile tone of US-DPRK relations, and showed that Trump and Kim are determined to peacefully resolve the disputes. What's more, the two countries vowed to make sincere efforts to continue the talks, saying high-level officials would later meet to devise a detailed plan for the implementation of the agreement. But Pyongyang and Washington accomplished only part of their goals. The DPRK may not completely denuclearize "very soon", as the US expects because it considers its nuclear program an important bargaining chip, and the US will not lift sanctions against the DPRK now because it believes it was because of the strict sanctions that Kim agreed to the summit. There are many uncertainties over future talks, too. Whether and how Pyongyang will completely denuclearize? Washington has insisted on "complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization" while Pyongyang has said it only accepted phased denuclearization for security and requires the US to ease sanctions in response. If Trump insists on complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization in the short term, it will become an obstacle to future negotiations. And if no progress is made on denuclearization, US politicians will criticize Trump for giving the DPRK "concessions". That in turn will prompt Trump to resume his tough policy toward Pyongyang. Still, the summit is a landmark in the peninsula peace process, and the world hopes the two countries will advance together on the peace road. More talks will facilitate denuclearization Wang Sheng, a researcher at the Co-Innovation Center for Korean Peninsula Studies and professor of International Politics at Jilin University The results of the US-DPRK summit were better than expected. The joint statement has raised the prospects for peace on the peninsula. The improvement in US-DPRK relations and Washington's security guarantee met Pyongyang's demand. And the DPRK agreed to complete denuclearization, meeting the US' principal demand. The US-DPRK agreement will ease the tensions on the peninsula and promote development in Northeast Asia. Trump even invited Kim to visit the US when they signed the joint statement, and at his news conference, he said more talks would be held between the US and the DPRK. Trump and Kim, in fact, expect bilateral communication to continue. And if they continue talking, more detailed agreements, permanent peace, and complete denuclearization of the peninsula will be gradually achieved. The US-DPRK summit is a good beginning for the peace process, and if the two countries hold more fruitful talks, more countries will join the peace process because the Korean Peninsula issue is not only complicated but also of great concern to many other countries. Ultimately, a multilateral mechanism and joint efforts of all parties concerned will be needed to establish permanent peace in the region. And China, which has always advocated peaceful resolution to the peninsula issue, will support the US and the DPRK to build mutual trust, reach more consensuses and make substantial progress in denuclearization and the peace process. As Foreign Minister Wang Yi said, China will continue to play a constructive role in bringing peace to the peninsula. The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has requested the Interpol to issue Red Corner Notice (RCN) against absconding diamentiare Nirav Modi in connection with its probe into the Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, agency sources said. An ED source said that the financial probe agency has written to the Interpol requesting to issue the RCN, a request to locate and provisionally arrest an individual pending extradition. It is issued by the General Secretariat at the request of a member country or an international tribunal based on a valid national arrest warrant. The agency's move comes in the wake of the charge sheet it filed against 23 people including Nirav Modi in a special court in Mumbai. A non-bailable warrant was issued against Nirav Modi and 10 other accused, including his family members, in the case related to the fraud, after taking cognisance of a charge sheet filed against them by the ED last month. The ED had last week moved the special court seeking warrants against the accused, and Special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). It has charged the accused under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the PMLA in the case. The charge sheet or the prosecution complaint -- running in about 12,000 pages -- names Nirav Modi, his sister Purvi Mehta, brother-in-law Maiank Mehta, brother Neeshal Modi, relative Nehal Modi, father Deepak Modi and 18 others. Nirav Modi's three firms -- Solar Exports, Stellar Diamonds and Diamonds R US -- which had fraudulently obtained Rs 6,498 crore through LoUs issued by the Mumbai's Brady House Branch of PNB were also named in the charge sheet. The charge sheet said the funds so obtained by these firms were partly utilised for payment to various overseas companies and also for offsetting earlier LoUs. The diamantaire left India with his family around a month before PNB filed its first complaint with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the fraud at the beginning of this year. A 'yatra' for return to 'lost homes' in Kashmir Almost three decades after being forcibly thrown out of Kashmir, the minuscule Kashmiri Pandit community could well be on its course to return to their homes in Kashmir. The community with the help of the Jammu and Kashmir government is organising a major Yatra this month on June 20th to visit one of the most revered temples in the valley. Kashmir is going to witness a major congregation of the displaced minority community of Kashmiri Pandits. Thousands of Kashmiri Pandits will pour in the valley on June 20th to celebrate Zayestha Asthami in the sacred temple of Mata Khir Bhawani in Tulmulla village of Kashmir. The members of the displaced community will undertake yatra from Delhi and Jammu to Srinagar on 18th June. The significant feature of this yatra is that the Jammu and Kashmir government is actively lending support to the yatra. The state government is providing free of cost to and fro transportation facilities to the pilgrims. It is for the first time in the last 28 years of turbulence in the valley, that the aggrieved community will be able to visit and assemble in such large numbers in Kashmir. 28 years ago, the community was forced to leave following the emergence of terrorism. The minority Hindu community were forced to migrate to Jammu, Delhi and other parts of the country. Since then the successive governments at the center and the state have been talking about the return of the community to their homes. But so far none of the plans has worked. The community now is seeing an opportunity of hope in the state government aided yatra. Kashmir Education, Culture and Science Society (KECSS), a Delhi-based organisation of the Kashmiri Pandits is the initiator of this community yatra and has been actively pursuing this with the state government. KECSS coordinator Satish Mahaldar says," In the twenty-eight years of our displacement from Kashmir, we were often given assurances by the successive governments that our return to our homes in Kashmir is possible. For various reasons this has not been possible so far until now. But, now with the help of the Jammu and Kashmir Government, our struggle for the return to our homes will now see the realization. On the auspicious day of Zysetha Asthami this year, a step in this direction is being taken." The community believes that there cannot be any other better auspicious day than the Zysetha Asthami and the place of Tulmulla temple from where a beginning could be made for the return to their homes in the valley. On June 20th, valley will witness a congregation of thousands of displaced Kashmiri Pandits who will worship and celebrate the darshan and puja at the revered temple. Says Satish Mahaldar, "This step of the state government is being considered as an important step to facilitate the return of Kashmiri Pandits who were forcibly uprooted in the first wave of terrorism that hit the valley in 1990. Since then the valley has seen much bloodshed and loss of life." Mata Khir Bhawani temple in Tullamulla has an aura of mysticism and a history to it. The mention of Khir Bhawani temple is found in Kalhana's Rajtarangini and Abu'l-Fazl ibn Mubaraks Aini-Akbari. Many great saints and seers from the country have visited the temple. Swami Vivekananda and Swami Rama Tiratha also visited here to have the darshan of the place. This temple is build on a spring that changes its colour with various hues of red, pink, orange, green, blue, white, etc. which was noted by Abul Fazal and Swami Vivekananda too. A black shade of the spring water is believed to be inauspicious. This temple is one of the most essential centers of faith of the Kashmiri Pandits in the valley. Even the Muslims revere this temple. The late Mufti Mohammad Sayed was a frequent visitor to this temple. He took a keen interest and helped in the development of the temple. The former Chief Ministers Farooq Abdullah and Omar Abdullah also visit this temple. The present Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti is also a regular visitor to this temple and last year took part in the puja celebrations. The community feels that this year the visit to the temple which is being aided by the state government shall provide an opportunity to the community to to be with their lost Muslim brothers who are equally in pain and have been suffering for the past 28 years. Says, Satish Mahaldar, "The evil forces of terror did us apart but our Kashmiri soul binds us together. Our Culture and language is the same which makes us inseparable. Zysetha Asthami is an occasion for the two communities to bond together again. And with the blessings of Mata Khir Bhawani, the return of the displaced Kashmiri Pandits to their homes shall, hereafter, begin." Senior journalist and Editor-in-Chief of English daily "Rising Kashmir" Shujat Bhukhari was on Thursday shot dead by militants outside his office here, police said. State police chief S.P.Vaid said that it was around 7.15 p.m., the Iftar time, that Bukhari came out of his office in Press Enclave and was boarding his car when he was attacked by militants. "Three motorcycle-borne militants came and fired at Bukhari and his guards. Bukhari and one guard were killed and another security guard critically injured," he said. The killing drew wide condemnation from politicians across India and media organisations. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said: "Shocked & deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Shujaat Bukhari. The scourge of terror has reared its ugly head on the eve of Eid. I strongly condemn this act of mindless violence & pray for his soul to rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family." Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in a tweet, recited the Muslim prayer on hearing about a Muslim's death, and said: "Shocked beyond words. May Shujaat find place in Jannat & May his loved ones find strength at this difficult time." Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh termed it an "act of cowardice". "The killing of @RisingKashmir editor, Shujaat Bukhari is an act of cowardice. It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist. Extremely shocked & pained at his death. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family," he said on his Twitter handle. The Congress said it was anguished, with party President Rahul Gandhi terming Bukhari "a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace". "He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu and Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed," Gandhi said in a tweet. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said: "Anguished beyond words. Security situation in J&K has hit its nadir. Demand the Centre to take swift action to nab the killers. They can silence us but not our thoughts." West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday expressed shock. "Saddened and shocked at the brutal killing of respected editor and senior journalist @bukharishujaat. With a few hours to go for Eid this is terrible," Banerjee tweeted. Several journalist bodies condemned the killing and demanded swift action against the forces responsible for his killing. Condemning what it called a "dastardly attack", the Editors Guild of India said that Bukhari was "a voice of moderation and a courageous, big-hearted editor who mentored a large cadre of young journalists from Kashmir". "The guild calls upon the government of Jammu and Kashmir to take urgent steps to bring to book the culprits and ensure safety and security for the media in the state," it said in a statement. It added that an attack on a journalist challenges the very foundations of a free press and vibrant democracy and more so in a state like Jammu and Kashmir that is going through militancy, and called upon the state and Central government to enhance security for all journalists in the state. "Recent weeks have also seen threats of violence against many journalists in different parts of the country," it added. The Press Club of India also "strongly condemned" the killing in the holy month of Ramadan and said that "forces inimical to restoring peace in Kashmir Valley had silenced a voice of reason, logic and peace". "Press Club of India deeply mourns the loss of Shujaat Bukhari's life and extends its condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of crisis," it said in a statement. It added that the "terror attack" showed that lives of journalists were not safe. "Press Club of India has time and again underlined the threat to the lives of journalists working under difficult and challenging circumstances and demanded protection for them," it said. The Indian Women's Press Corps, Press Association and Federation of Press Clubs of India also expressed "deep shock and outrage at the brazen murder" of Bukhari. They said that Bukhari was a respected journalist known for his wide range of analytical writings on Kashmir and that he continued to write actively despite the death threats issued to him. "His murder can only be viewed as yet another attempt to muzzle the media and the freedom of the press in the valley," a joint statement said. Bukhari started his career as a young reporter with Kashmir Times and moved to The Hindu in the 1990s. Later, he established his own English daily Rising Kashmir. Shi Yu/China Daily Poor United States! Listening to its president, government and countless media reports, it appears the entire world is now conspiring against it. Not just the "known rivals" such as Iran and Cuba. Not just "competitors" Russia and China. The White House is now snapping at even traditional allies like the European Union and Canada. So it is not surprising to see China being accused again of somethingonly the accusation this time is sinister and bizarre. The first salvo came on June 8, with BBC, among other media outlets, reporting it: "The US State Departmentissued an expanded health alert for China over concerns for the safety of US personnel in the country following reports of a series of mysterious acoustic incidents. A health alert was first issued for Guangzhou on May 23 after a US employee stationed in the southern Chinese city was diagnosed with a mild brain injury after complaining of unexplained sonic phenomena. The latest alert is countrywide. To make the insinuation at a chemical alert more dramatic, an unspecified number of US personnel stationed in China was ordered back to the United States for "further medical testing". Finger pointing at China did not end there. On the same day, The Washington Post ran a strange story that looked less like journalism and more like a hostile government or intelligence communique: "Chinese government hackers have compromised the computers of a Navy contractor, stealing massive amounts of highly sensitive data related to undersea warfareincluding secret plans to develop a supersonic anti-ship missile for use on US submarines by 2020, according to American officials. The breaches occurred in January and February, the officials said, speaking on the condition of anonymity to discuss an ongoing investigation. The hackers targeted a contractor who works for the Naval Undersea Warfare Center, a military organization headquartered in Newport, R.I. (Rhode Island), that conducts research and development for submarines and underwater weaponry. The officials did not identify the contractor." Why run the story if there is no proof, if everyone appears to be speaking on "condition of anonymity", and even the contractor cannot be identified? Unless the main purpose is to smear China, to portray it as a rough thuggish state at a time when the Chinese government is gaining more respect and support from across the world The US may claim to like competition, but the opposite seems true. Instead of competing with countries such as China, and trying to invent new political, economic and social approaches that would provide great benefits to a "shared future for humankind", the US is defending the old imperialist status quo, by vulgarly discrediting those that are working for humanity. And spying? How can the US government even mention the word "spying"? It is monitoring, surveying, infiltrating and manipulating almost every other country, including its allies, as shown by the Prism scandal exposed by former US National Security Agency contractor Edward Snowden. If US spying activities were considered news, the reports on them would fill a voluminous newspaper every day. The same goes for the chemical alert. Millions of people died as a result of the chemical weapons developed and used by the US, such as those during the Vietnam War. Perhaps the US should pay at least some attention to the victims of its own militarism, instead of inventing fake threats to itself. Logically, it is impossible to prove that something doesn't exist, even if it really doesn't, and if all accusations are based on rumors and lack basic facts. China should simply do what it is already doinggo forward and ignore the barking. The author is a novelist, filmmaker and investigative journalist. Two days ago, Samoa joined the rest of the world to commemorate the World Day against Child Labour. Driven by the local office of the International Labour Organisation (I.L.O.) and its partners in Samoa, the occasion was marked with a gathering at Tuanaimato where the work being done so far to address the issue was acknowledged. Among people acknowledged were two senior reporters from this newspaper, the late Ilia L. Likou, Chief Reporter Joyetter Luamanu and Quenjule Slaven, whose Community Outreach Programme has done wonders to help street vendors in Samoa. Without a doubt, it is gratifying to be acknowledged for the work that has been done so far. There are times when it is worth to pause and reflect on what has been achieved so that we can get an idea of how much more we have to do and whether we are making any progress at all. Which brings us to the question: Are we making any progress at all? In Samoa today, the truth is staring at us unblinkingly every single day. More and more young children are ending up on the streets begging and being abused as they hawk those cheap goods to try and make some money for their families. Many of them live a life of desperation and want. They are subjected to all forms of nasty treatment verbal and physical while at it too. These children should not be there. These children some of them as young as five should instead be at school, or at home being cared for and looked after. In a normal world, they should be protected from all harm and given the best opportunity to make something positive out of their lives. That is not happening in Samoa today for many of these street vendors. The mere fact their parents are sending them out, relying on the sympathy of members of the public to either buy or give them a tala or ten, is abuse. But should we blame the parents then for what is happening today? Are they such mean-spirited people that they wouldnt care at all about the welfare of their children? Where is the love? And what on earth is going on in Samoa today? Well we dont need to look further for an answer than an opinion piece penned by the Pacific Director of I.L.O. Donglin Li, which was published on this newspaper two days ago. The root causes of most child labour are linked to poverty and exclusion, he said. Poverty? Now you tell me, is there poverty in Samoa today? If there is, is that not why more and more children are becoming slaves in their own country as their families struggle to keep up with the menacing cost of living? Dont these childrens existence remind us about the reality of progressive Samoa today? Do we not live in a country where the number of high rises are growing while more and more people are turning to begging under those buildings and even on those flash roads? Go on; tell me it is not true? Tell me we are only exaggerating? Maybe merely trying to sell newspapers? Tell me, go on? Now let me tell you something, the truth is out there and we see it every day. For whatever reason, the future of Samoa are heading for a life of more poverty and want because of economic and social problems this country, especially the Government refuses to address. Many of us like to paint a flattering picture of the beautiful paradise Samoa is when the truth is that bubbling just beneath the surface is the reality those leaders dont want to know. It has everything to do with desperation, hardship, poverty and the worst one of them all is denial. Many of us like to pretend everything is okay when it is clearly not. Look again in the mirror Samoa. Its not just the Government thats getting into ridiculous debt. Talk to the average Samoan worker and youll find that they too are up to their neck with debt. They are making loans, to pay off loans to look for new loans. Is this relevant to what we are talking about today? Absolutely. When people are desperate, they will not know where to stop until they find that they have gone so far in they are stuck. In Samoa today, people are stuck in rut called hardship and poverty. It might not be that of food but the signs are obvious to see. Those children on the streets wouldnt have been there if their families did not see the need. Whats the solution? There are a few things we can do. Instead of the Government wasting money on useless projects, exotic trips to far ends of the world paid for by taxpayers, corruption, abuse of monies and resources and a very expensive public service, imagine if all those millions were allocated to some of these very poor families so they can make something good for themselves? Away from that, well leave you with an extract from Mr. Lis opinion piece. Children are the hope of our future, he writes. Let us all play our part to make our children labour free and a place where every child has a chance to go to school and be educated, so that they can achieve their full potential in decent work, when they come of age. Childhood is a time to grow. At this tender age, the body is developing and requires proper nutrition and exercise to grow. This is necessary to become productive adults. We need to ensure that every child has a full childhood and not one burdened by adult activities, such as employment and taking care of the family. Children must enjoy their childhood. Everyone has a responsibility to ensure this happens. It starts from the very top when the Government begins to acknowledge that weve got a serious problem on our hands. Then everyone including the villages, churches and individual families should do their part. Have a great Thursday Samoa, God bless! Re: Minister issues final warning to church Samoans are no different to the Jews...they assess the laws of Roman to find ways to prosecute Jesus. Same thing here...using the Lords name in vain to prove the change in the law, but nope Jesus didnt ask Samoa to make the faifeaus aofaalupega...the Samoans did, they placed them there and now they are getting tired of seeing faifeaus well off, Tialavea is now seeking to take the money from the church to meet their Revenue targets. Funny that? Do those Government officials including the Minister - pay their taxes? I hope the Minister is up to date with all his taxes for his businesses. Leai se mea a Faifeau e faia ae na o le kakalo ma faagogomagu. With the context of NZ and Samoan are different dear...there is nothing comparable...so please if you love it in NZ stay there but dont bring your faapalagi ways e fai ai fua le faasamoa. Ga ola mai a Samoa o foai le loku. It is indeed an old thing from where I come from, my poor Faifeau e laikiki loa peleki paid fees of children e le afford lakou makua. He even gives out his food, pigs, povis, money to the less fortunate auloku and if people need to go hospital, he gives them a ride and give them later on money to help with medical fees. So please, his law is for business purpose only. The Minister doesnt even view the loku as loku its all a business model to them. A.W. The Minister of Revenue, Tialavea Tionisio Hunt, has issued a stern warning to the business community, especially companies that sell liquor containing more than 40 percent alcohol. He has given them a deadline of 30 June 2018 to comply with the law. Customs Officers will be conducting site visits and seizing liquor with 40 percent on shelves of stores, bars, restaurants and hotels, he said. We have given the business community ample time to adjust to the law and the ending of this month we will act accordingly. This year, the Government took the extra step to try and curb alcohol-related incidents by increasing excise tax on liquor to 100 percent. The increase applies only to all locally manufactured liquor. The is to counter the concerns raised by the Ministry of Police that the incidents they respond to in the villages day in and day out are a result of people consuming locally made liquor," he said. Currently its $19.65 tax per liter, however with the proposed tax, it will increase the price to $38.60 for every bottle that has 40 percent alcohol volume. And also this Bill limits liquor to a 40 percent alcohol volume. Also there will be no more liquor bottles underneath 500 milliliters, explained Tialavea. Again the main reason behind the move to increase the taxes is to somehow eliminate the growing number of incidents. Most of the inmates incarcerated in jail, locally made liquor are the root of the problems. The Minister made it clear beer is not affected by the new excise taxes. Excise Tax Rates Amendment Bill (No.2) 2018 Samoa Explanatory Memorandum 1.0 object and reasons: 1.1. The Bill seeks to make amendments to the schedule of the Excise Tax Rates Act 1984 by replacing rates for tariffs for certain items with new tariff rates. 1.2. The object of the Bill: (a) is to increase the excise tax rates for locally produced spirits to 100 percent from the current excise tax rate charged following the governments revenue review completed in 2016; and (b) to limit the content for all alcohol to 40 percent. Clauses: Clause 1: - provides for the short title and commencement. Clause 2: - provides for the amendments in the Schedule. 2 Schedule: - provides for increased excise tax rates for local produces spirits to 100 percent and to limit the content for all alcohol to 40 percent. The Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Prime Minister and Cabinet, Agafili Shem Leo, has corrected a report about the nature of a Police investigation over monies allegedly missing from the Ministry. In an email to the Samoa Observer in response to a story titled Finance C.E.O. concerned by alleged misappropriation of Govt. funds, Agafili said this has nothing to do with the Immigration Department. The way the Ministry operates is that the collection is banked on a daily basis by our Corporate Services Division, Agafili wrote. The Immigration does not collect or bank the collections as your article implies. The missing amount is alleged to have been lost by the Accounts officer who was supposed to bank the collection for that day." When the matter was reported to me, the Ministry of Finance was notified and I immediately referred it to the police for an investigation. Agafili said they are awaiting the conclusion of the investigation by the Police to determine the next course of action. I confirm that the immigration division neither collects nor banks the monies that the Ministry collects from its revenue sources. This is nothing to do with immigration. The alleged missing amount is $17,135. This was confirmed by the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Finance, Lavea Tupaimatuna Lavea, who expressed concerns about the alleged misappropriation of Government funds at the M.P.M.C. and two other Ministries. During an interview with the Samoa Observer earlier this week, he confirmed three separate Police investigations including one into M.P.M.C. The other ministries are the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment (M.N.R.E.) and the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (M.W.T.I.). These irregularities have already been reported to the Ministry of Police for their investigation and appropriate action, he said. And yes it very much concerns us, the Internal Audit Officers carry out spot checks and that assists with Internal Controls, which in turn picks up on unaccounted Government funds." The Ministries have also reported these irregularities to our office as indicated under the law; the Ministries are obligated to report such incidents immediately." And that is why we are highly concerned because of the excessive effort we put in to investigate these matters; given these types of incidents puts a huge negative exposure on the Government when monies are unaccounted for." And more so weve had to expedite the investigation and pass on the matter to the appropriate authorities for their investigations and recovery of Government funds. The C.E.O. assured there are internal controls in place that alerts the M.O.F. on the status of the measures, and then there is a recommendation given to the Ministry in question on what are the next steps to take. A suspended Court officer, Mane Jr. Sua, has pleaded not guilty to a drug-related charge against him. His plea was entered by his lawyer, Sua Hellene Wallwork, on Tuesday at the District Court. District Court Judge, Alalatoa Rosella Viane Papalii presided. Your Honor, prosecution filed one charge against my client, therefore the plea to this one charge is not guilty, said Sua. Judge Alalatoa set the matter for hearing on 9 July 2018. Lawyer Vaisala Afoa, of the Attorney Generals Office, made an application to have the matter called together with a co-defendant Vili Matthes. Mane, the Court has noted down your not guilty plea through your lawyer, Judge Alalatoa said. Prosecution made an application to have your matter called together with your co-defendant, the Court has granted the application by prosecution." Your matter is set for hearing on 9th July, 2018 together with your co-defendant. The defendant is out on bail. He has been ordered to sign in at the Apia Police Station every Monday and surrender all his travel documents. The charges against Mr. Sua are in connection to the glass pipe used to smoke methamphetamine or ice that the Police confiscated from the Court compound in April. Sua was arrested and charged on 24th April while his co-defendant was arrested and charged the day after. They are both being charged with possession of utensils. Leading Seaman Saluluelanei Gray is particularly excited about sailing into Apia today onboard the Royal Australian Navy Ship HMAS Success, because shell have some very special people waiting for her on the wharf. Gray was born at the Motootua Hospital Upolu and moved to Australia with her parents in 1995, after they finished their studies at the Malua Theological College. After finishing school at the Penola Catholic College in Melbourne, Leading Seaman Gray joined the Navy as a Maritime Logistics Sailor. Her career has included operational deployments to the Middle East and representing Navy in Rugby Union. She says part of her heart has always remained in Samoa. I still have a lot of family in Samoa and I try to visit often, but thats not always easy with work commitments, Leading Seaman Gray said. It will be so nice to reconnect with family that I havent seen in years. Im also looking forward to sharing my culture and traditions with my friends onboard Success, and sharing my Navy life with my family here in Samoa, she said. This is not the first time Leading Seaman Gray has sailed into Apia, having visited more than a decade ago in HMAS Tobruk. This time around, her family will be waiting on the wharf when HMAS Success pulls alongside, with a very happy Leading Seaman Gray onboard. I am pretty excited, with the feeling of visiting my home and revisiting memories of growing up in Samoa, she said. Other than seeing my family, I am especially looking forward to enjoying an umu. HMAS Success is visiting Samoa as part of Indo-Pacific Endeavour 2018 a major maritime activity to strengthen partnerships and regional security in the Pacific. Success will spend four-days in Apia, conducting a range of activities with the Samoa Police Service and assisting with local community project. The ship will then set sail for Hawaii to participate in Exercise Rim of the Pacific (RIMPAC). Since the recent breakthrough in resuming banana exports to New Zealand, banana plantations are beginning to flourish again. This year the Ministry of Agriculture and Fisheries (M.A.F) introduced two varieties of banana species from South Africa for the purposes of growing for export. In collaboration with the newly formed Banana Growers Association, M.A.F. has taken steps to support and strengthen the banana industry during its nascent stages to meet the demands of a lucrative market in New Zealand. Inspection visits by M.A.F. were conducted in Savaii last week in a series of interventions to help support the banana growers who are farming the new varieties of bananas at this time. Speaking to the Samoa Observer, Crops A.C.E.O. for M.A.F., Moafanua Tolo Iosefa said the lessons learnt since the 60s and 70s serves to inform the way forward in building up the banana industry from the ground up. Bananas is one of the commodities we used to export in the 60s and 70s but because of the outbreak of the leaf disease, it completely destroyed the banana industry and from that time on only a few people/farmers and S.T.E.C. tried to maintain the exports of banana but then later on because of the expense of maintaining the banana plantations, everything came to a halt. Its very expensive to maintain a banana plantation up to the standard of export quality. Despite the initial challenges of growing and maintaining banana plantations for export, Moafanua says the economic benefits are worth the investment. Keep in mind that the banana market in New Zealand is quite large compared to taro because taro caters to just the Pacific people. If we manage to even get 5 percent of that then that is good bonus for us and thats the whole idea of this. Moafanua tells the Samoa Observer while inspecting a banana plantation in Falealupo that there is a strong collective effort by the members of the Banana Growers Association to grow the banana industry to the export level again. This banana plantation is owned by Seumanutafa Ekerei, a Savaiian farmer member of the Banana association and looking at them, they are looking very healthy. This land is newly cleared and so the fertility of the soil is very good. Charlie Ah Liki has been one of the members who is leading the revival and he has more than 10 acres targeting the export market and he is pushing the association of banana farmers. There are several ways M.A.F. is supporting the banana growers in Samoa, one being to strengthen the banana association to reach independence in the future. We bring in the banana and we are giving it to the farmers for very cheap, said Moafanua. We give them plants for $1 each but that money is going back into the banana association account because the intention of the Minister is to develop the association so whatever is paid goes back into the organization so that they can support the association in the future. I think one of the major challenges they are facing is the cost of chemicals and also the equipment needed for the maintenance of the crops. In its early stages, the Government is working with farmers who are able to start and maintain banana growing for export. In the past, quotas for export crops were mostly filled in Upolu before looking to Savaii, however this time, the Ministry under the direction of Minister Lopaoo Natanielu, intends to support ways to ensure equal opportunity for both islands. I think that the intention of this ministry is to try and have equal distribution amongst those that afford it, said Moafanua. We have to carefully look at the ability of the farmer to maintain the costs of the chemicals needed to maintain the banana plantation, its quite huge, expensive. So anyone who can afford it we will support both islands. The current Minister of our Ministry is a Savaii and he is pushing forward for equal opportunity for farmers in Savaii and Upolu, said Moafanua. Because the next lot of banana shipments for banana farmers, we will split into half between Savaii and Upolu. Yesterday, we visited Vaaiata and its good that the prison departments are trying to make it on their own. The Samoa Association of Manufacturers and Exporters (S.A.M.E) was part of an international exhibition of various goods and services by a Chinese business from Guandong, last week. It was a two-day event that took place at the Taumeasina Island Resort. The event aimed to draw interest from the S.A.M.E. members to be able to develop ongoing business relationships with their Chinese counterparts. This was according to the President of S.A.M.E., Tagaloa Eddie Wilson. He said S.A.M.E. has been a strong advocate for expanding and strengthening partnership between Samoa and its trade partners. With the support of the embassy and the number of our members, were able to travel to China to observe and experience developments in the clothing and garment industries, he said. The exchanging of ideas is a key element for Samoas manufacture export sector in a search for achieving world class standards in regard to various qualities insurance programme that we are undertaking, such as the food safety international standard, the international standards for the exports and as well as the administrative efficiency in other global competitiveness areas. Traditionally S.A.M.Es membership have been made up of predominantly businesses involved in processing products such as nonu, coconut, taro, cocoa and plants in which we called cultural innovation (such as handicrafts and etc.). Tagaloa added that more recently much of the growth of the private sector manufacturing exporter have come from garments, handicrafts and cultural innovative areas. The merging areas of Samoa rest in moving greater value at processing the needs of a very demanding consumer marketing and especially the merging products such as cocoa, organic coconut as well as exotic crops such as turmeric, vanilla and ava. In terms of trade our recent central bank of Samoa statistics of March 2018, Samoa export approximately 1 percent of this export to china which approximately $1 million tala and the figure was much higher. We are working with our Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade to look at bilateral trade to remove a tariff on imported products from Samoa, he added. Our imports from China is increasing and the latest statistics tells us on average of the last 12 months is about 10 percent of Samoas import which our average import throughout 800 million per year which is equivalent to $18 million tala. As part of a joint global campaign throughout 2018, the World Day Against Child Labour (W.D.A.C.L.) and the World Day for Safety and Health at Work (Safe Day) focussed on the need to end child labour and to improve the safety and health of young workers. All children have the right to be free from all forms of child labour and all workers have the right to safe and healthy workplaces. Globally, 541 million young workers (between the ages of 15 and 24) account for 15 per cent of the worlds labour force. They sustain up to 40 per cent more non-fatal occupational injuries than do adult workers (workers older than 24) and workplace hazards can even pose a threat to their lives. An estimated 152 million children (aged 5-17) around the world are in child labour, of whom 73 million perform work which is hazardous because of its nature or the circumstances in which it is carried out. Many factors contribute to hazardous child labour and the high rate of work-related injury and ill health among children and young workers. What is certain is that much more can and must be done. The campaign aims to accelerate action to achieve Sustainable Development Goal (S.D.G.) Target 8.8: protect labour rights and promote safe and secure working environments for all workers by 2030; and SDG Target 8.7: take immediate and effective measures to secure the prohibition and elimination of the worst forms of child labour and, by 2025, end child labour in all its forms. Reaching these goals requires renewed commitment and integrated approaches to eliminating child labour and promoting a culture of prevention on occupational safety and health, particularly for young workers. Young workers and children are especially vulnerable to workplace hazards. They are much less able than adults to assess risk and, because they are still growing, are more vulnerable to hazards. Of course, children should not perform types of work for which they have not reached the legal minimum age for the type of work concerned. However, children above the general minimum age for work and under 18, and young workers up to the age of 24, continue to develop physically and psycho-socially. Their stage of development, limited work experience, and lack of job skills together increase the risk that they face of suffering harm on the job. Moreover, young workers and children are the least able of all workers to speak. The campaign calls for coordinated action to Promote the universal ratification and application of key ILO Conventions on occupational safety and health (OSH) and on child labour, in particular: Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 1981 (No. 155); Safety and Health in Agriculture Convention, 2001 (No. 184), Promotional Framework for Occupational Safety and Health Convention, 2006 (No. 187); Minimum Age Convention, 1973 (No. 138); and Worst Forms of Child Labour Convention, 1999 (No. 182). Promote integrated strategies at all levels to end hazardous child labour and address the specific safety and health risks faced by young workers. Ensure quality education for all children and integrate occupational safety and health into general education and vocational training programmes. Strengthen the evidence base for improved policies and actions to eliminate hazardous child labour and improve the safety and health of young workers. Ensure that young workers gain access to trade union membership and are able to exercise their right to freedom of association, collective bargaining, and safety and health at work. Address the specific vulnerabilities of the youngest children and prevent their entry into child labour. Build stronger tripartite action to improve occupational safety and health for young workers and eliminate hazardous child labour, drawing on the experience of employers and workers organizations up in the face of danger at work. Consequently, workplace safety and health must be promoted for workers of all ages, and most urgently for those who suffer disproportionally because of their youth. Eliminating hazardous child labour and improving the safety and health of young workers will make it possible for the next generation to start their working lives as productive, fairly-remunerated workers capable of contributing to social justice and economic growth. It will also improve the safety and health of all workers and help secure the livelihoods of parents and family members, thereby helping prevent child labour. Children in child labour must be withdrawn from all forms of work for which they have not reached the minimum age, and ensured access to quality education. Hazardous child labour must be prioritized as part of an integrated approach to eradicating all child labour. More attention must be paid to the youngest children (5-11 year-olds) for whom progress has stalled and among whom hazardous work has increased since 2012. We will never end child labour while children continue to enter child labour in the first place. National lists of hazardous work that is prohibited for children should include work which is hazardous by its nature or because of the circumstances in which it is carried out. All children below the age of 18 and engaged in work designated as hazardous should be removed from that work. If the work is inherently hazardous or if there is general or ambient risk, the child should be removed from the workplace altogether. Otherwise, protecting a child above the legal minimum age for work may require re-assignment to other, non-hazardous work in the workplace. In either case, the child has the right to complete basic education and, where appropriate, to receive quality vocational education and training. With tripartite agreement, national authorities may authorise types of work listed as hazardous for those 16 years or older on condition that their health, safety and morals are fully protected and that they have received adequate instruction or vocational training in the relevant branch of activity. This enables young workers, for example, to learn occupations that require the use of potentially dangerous tools. However, personal protective equipment besides being the least preferred means of workplace protection is inappropriate for children: a small helmet cannot make underground mining acceptable for a child nor can a small hazmat suit permit a child to safely spray pesticides. In principle, similar provisions should apply to young workers aged 18-24, who, like all workers, have the right to refuse to perform work that presents immediate danger to their safety or health. Their engagement in permitted hazardous occupations should be subject to strict risk management, supervision and training. All young workers should, in any case, be protected by an integrated strategy that promotes a culture of prevention for their benefit and seeks to identify and eliminate occupational safety and health hazards or, using age-appropriate interventions, control the risks of identified hazards: Young workers should receive basic OSH training before being assigned to perform job tasks Young workers should be fully trained in their job tasks and provided appropriate on-the-job Supervision. The right of young workers to refuse to perform work that presents an imminent danger to their safety or health must be protected. The joint campaign to build a safe and healthy generation by eradicating child labour and ensuring safe and healthy work for youth will only succeed if we all play our part. Add your voice to the global movement to improve the safety and health of young workers and to end child labour. US President Donald Trump and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea's top leader Kim Jong-un sign documents in Singapore in this photo released on Tuesday by the DPRK's Korean Central News Agency. KCNA VIA REUTERS The just-concluded Singapore summit in which a sitting US president met face-to-face with the top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea for the first time was a major step toward the goal of a denuclearized Korean Peninsula. Whether the promises and consensus made during the meeting on Tuesday were more about headlines than substantive progress will depend on how the US, the DPRK and other stakeholders maintain the diplomatic momentum set in motion by the summit and whether they can produce some early results. The major tests are whether US President Donald Trump will halt the joint war games held with the Republic of Korea as promised, and how the sanctions will be addressed. In their joint statement, the DPRK and the United States said they are committed to establishing a new relationship, and that the DPRK will work toward denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, while the US will provide security guarantees to the DPRK. At the news conference after the summit, Trump said that his top aides would meet with DPRK officials next week for further nuclear talks. The immediate follow-up discussions are good to add meat to the bones of a joint statement which some critics lament lacks specifics. But as Abraham Denmark of the Wilson Center in Washington tweeted, "Where there is diplomacy there is hope." It's also laudable that Trump said he wants China's involvement in the signing of a peace treaty to replace the current armistice agreement that halted the 1950-53 Korean War. He did not specify when it will happen. But when it comes to his offer of stopping war games, there is actually a time element attached to it. Trump said, "We will be stopping the war games, which will save us a tremendous amount of money unless and until we see the future negotiation is not going along like it should. But we'll be saving a tremendous amount of money. Plus, I think it's (the military exercise) very provocative." The annual US-ROK military drills are carried out twice in spring and fall. The autumn military exercises are scheduled for August. Pyongyang has consistently denounced the drills as a dress rehearsal for an invasion. The springtime joint military drills were delayed and conducted in April to help create a favorable atmosphere for the Winter Olympics hosted by the ROK in February, to which the DPRK sent a delegation. However, the DPRK suspended high-level talks planned with the ROK in protest of the war games. It is true that Trump will have to steer clear of being swayed by different opinions from politicians and military officials in Washington and beyond, some of whom claimed they were caught off-guard by Trump's decision, and that the "routine and defensive" joint drills are part of the core of the US-ROK alliance. The US-DPRK statement said that the two sides recognize "mutual confidence building can promote the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula". Both Pyongyang and Washington could follow up with actions to increase confidence building. While the DPRK is expected, in Trump's words, to start the process of the denuclearization of Korean Peninsula "very, very quick", the US president will also have to deliver on his promise regarding security guarantees, with the halting of military drills being a concrete step. There also are concerns about economic sanctions. The negotiations following the summit must produce some early results or "wins" in order for all parties to place faith and political capital in the process, Victor Cha, a senior adviser and the Korea Chair at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and Sue Mi Terry, a senior fellow with the CSIS Korea Chair, said on Tuesday. They said that for the DPRK, early results in terms of the lifting of sanctions will be sought, as well as progress on defining a path to peaceful and normalized political relations. Earlier on Tuesday, Kim said he and Trump had "decided to leave the past behind. The world will see a major change". It is unclear what specifically is "the past" to leave behind, but it most probably includes the tensions and animosity between the two sides, and the confrontational rhetoric and behaviors that intensify the animosity. Trump on Tuesday said he has held off imposing new sanctions, and the current sanctions will remain in place and will come off when the DPRK's nuclear weapons "are no longer a factor". It is noteworthy that China has long proposed a "dual suspension" whereby the DPRK suspends its weapons tests, and the US and the ROK suspend their military drills, which is becoming closer to a reality. It now supports adjusting the sanctions according to how the DPRK behaves. "The relevant (United Nations) Security Council resolutions stipulate that we shall adjust sanction measures as may be needed in light of the DPRK's compliance, including suspending or lifting relevant sanction measures," Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a daily news briefing on Tuesday. Let's hope the US and the DPRK will continue to meet each other half way and ultimately reach the goals that they, as well as the international community, wish to see. The author is deputy editor-in-chief of China Daily USA. Prime Minister Tuilaepa Dr. Sailele Malielegaoi has offered Samoas congratulations to the University of the South Pacific (U.S.P.) for its 50th birthday being celebrated in Samoa this week. The Golden Jubilee brought lots of colour and joyful noise to the streets of Apia on Tuesday morning when former students and present students took part in a celebration parade. The parade featured Cabinet Ministers, Members of Parliament, heads of government bodies, business leaders and people from all walks of life whose lives were influenced by the University in one way or another. The celebrations kicked off on Monday at the University of the South Pacifics Alafua Campus. A key activity that attracted many students and staff was the elimination rounds of a debate series that took place in the C2 Lecture Room. Debate teams were organised according to their faculties, and the motions centered around ways in which the University has impacted its region in its half a century life-span. Debate 1 was on the motion: U.S.P. Has Lived up to its Ideals in the Last 50 Years, which was supported by Team PacTAFE; and opposed by Team FALE. Team PacTAFE members were Salvadeous Toleafoa, Ruta Phillips and Lili Elder while Team FALE members were Simeanamulu Fiti Laupua, Victory Tuala and Levaula Titimaea. The winner of this first debate was Team FALE. Debate 2 was on the motion: The USP Qualifications Are Relevant for Meeting U.S.P Nations Priorities, which was debated affirmatively by Team F.B.E., and opposed by Team F.S.T.E. Team F.B.E. members were Justin Schmidt, Magnolia Taulealo and Hairani Haini while Team F.S.T.E. were Seira Lio Tofete Carol Tuitoga and Tolofai Isaia. The winner of this debate was Team F.S.T.E. The finals were held yesterday. In front of the Government building on Tuesday, Prime Minister Tuilaepa said U.S.P. has played a pivotal role in the development of Samoa and the Pacific region. Since its inception, U.S.P. has shaped the Pacific region for the better and making itself a source of immense pride for the region, this has transformed its position from just an autonomous university in the region to its status as an excellent cultural education provider, research institution and development organization, he said. In the national accreditation of U.S.Ps programme, it is evident that the university has increased in its involvement as the vigor of its academic using international linkages research projects, assessments and outcomes. The celebration continues today with the graduation of Members of Parliament who studied a law course at U.S.P. The graduation will be held at the TATTE Building. In the meantime, here are some of the photos from the parade: A former Lecturer who planned to set up Samoas third university, Christopher Gounder, has died. The Samoa Observer understands that his death was among three suicide cases reported by the Police during the weekend. Gounder, who had revealed his plan to set up the The Oceania A+ Educational solution University in Police custody at Tafaigata, had been accused of attempting to murder his wife. Last weekend, the Samoa Observer was told that attempts to save his life after he had self-harmed were unsuccessful. In the Supreme Court, the matter involving Gounder came up before Chief Justice, His Honour Patu Tiavaasue Falefatu Sapolu. His lawyer, Tuisa Tasi Patea, told the Court his client had passed away. Prosecution lawyers were Fuifui Ioane and Rexona Titi of the Attorney Generals Office. Chief Justice Patu asked the prosecution if they have proof that the defendant had passed away. Ms. Ioane told the Court that they were informed by the Police that the defendant had passed, however there is no proof. C.J. Patu then adjourned the matter to next week Monday. This matter is adjourned to Monday next week for prosecution to provide a death certificate for the defendant to confirm that he had passed away, he said. Last year, Mr. Gounder revealed his plan to set up a third University in Samoa with the aim to promote quality education. Gounder is Indo-Fijian. In the meantime, the Samoa Police Service urges the public who are in similar situations, to seek help through the N.G.O. Faataua le Ola on Telephone 30609. We want to advise members of the public or individuals who are in similar situations that you are not alone, says the statement. If you are feeling depressed and is contemplating suicide, please call for help. Seek help from your friends, church ministers or family member. The former Member of Parliament of the Government of India, Sh. P.K. Bansal, who raised allegations of corruption against the Chief Executive Officer of the Ministry of Works, Transport and Infrastructure (M.W.T.I.), Afamasaga Sua Pou Onesemo, has an interesting past. The allegations he made in a letter to the Chairman of the Public Service Commission on 28 May 2018, in his capacity as the Executive Director of a company called Ascent Navals, have led to the suspension and a Police investigation against the C.E.O. But it has emerged that Mr. Bansal, who once held Indias Railway portfolio, resigned from his post amidst a cloud of controversy five years ago. According to a report on the Wall Street Journal, dated 10 May 2013, Mr. Bansal resigned after a relative was arrested by Indias Central Bureau of Investigation. Indias Railway Minister, Pawan Kumar Bansal, has resigned from his post following the arrest of one of his relatives by the Central Bureau of Investigation, the countrys federal investigator, the report by Wall Street Journal staff reads. Vijay Singla, the railway ministers nephew, was arrested May 3 for allegedly accepting a bribe to ensure a promotion for a senior railway official. Opposition parties, claiming Mr. Bansal knew about his relatives actions, had been calling for Mr. Bansal to step down this week. When Mr. Bansal alerted the Samoa Observer about the initial allegations against Afamasaga, he was asked why he was no longer a Member of Parliament. He did not respond to the question. This week, when the Samoa Observer sent him links of the articles from the Wall Street Journal and another one from the Washington Examiner where he is implicated, Mr. Bansal again refused to directly address the questions about his past. Thank you for the mail, he wrote back. Our Director General Capt. Suniel K Sharma is the person who submitted application to M.W.T.I. for becoming RO for Samoa and in response to that he faced these issues which he discussed with the board and then we wrote these to you for support and to the government departments to enquire on it. He did not elaborate. According to an article titled 2 Indian ministers resign in latest gov't scandals published by the Washington Examiner on 10 May 2013, Mr. Bansal quit after one of his relatives was accused of accepting a bribe in exchange for a plum appointment on the railway board. The story goes on to say that Mr. Bansal's relatives had enriched themselves by trading on their connections with the Minister. Federal investigators said they have arrested five people, including ministry official Mahesh Kumar, who allegedly paid 9 million rupees (US$166,000) to Bansal's nephew Vijay Singla to get a plum appointment to the railway board. Indian media reports say the money paid was part of a 100 million rupees (US$1.85 million) payoff to secure for Kumar the key position with control over awarding huge contracts to private parties for signal and telecom equipment. Mr. Bansal at the time declined to comment. But Bhakta Charan Das, a Congress party spokesman, told The Wall Street Journal that: Even though the CBI has not framed any charges against Mr. Bansal, he has quit as Congress wants to give a clear message that it will not tolerate any corruption charges. The Wall Street Journal went on to report that Mr. Bansal started his political career in 1976 aged 28, as the general secretary of the Chandigarh Youth Congress. A trained lawyer, with a degree in law from Punjab University, he served as the general secretary of the Punjab and Haryana High Court Bar Association in 1978. In 1982 Mr. Bansal became the President of the Punjab Youth Congress. From there he was appointed a member of the Rajya Sabha, Indias upper house of parliament, in 1984. He was elected to the Lok Sabha, Indias lower house of Parliament in 1991 as the member for Chandigarh, representing the Congress party. He was re-elected to the Lok Sabha for the fourth time in 2009 and has held several portfolios including two stints as parliamentary affairs minister. He has also served in the finance ministry. Mr. Bansal took over the reins of Indias railway ministry in October 2012. Indias railway network is the largest in Asia and Mr. Bansal became the first member of the Congress party in 17 years to take charge of the ministry. Mr. Bansal, who is married and has four children, had been under growing criticism from leaders of the opposition since allegations of corruption within his ministry, allegedly involving members of his extended family, emerged last week. Back in Samoa, Afamasaga strongly rejected the allegations made against him. During a previous interview with the Samoa Observer, Afamasaga not only denied the allegations in the letter, he counter-accused Mr. Bansal and Ascent Navals of being corrupt themselves. These allegations is due to their frustration from numerous visits to Samoa and offers to myself and the Ministry that I continued to deny, Afamasaga said. He even offered a proposal to Samoa Shipping Corporation, which was also denied. These people are so demanding and the approach of bribing officials that I never accepted. Had there been any offers accepted, I would have been hesitant to remove them from the selection process. Its never too late to learn something new. That is what Associate Minister for the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, Taefu Lemi Taefu, and his 17 Parliamentarian cohorts proved to those who attended their graduation from the University of the South Pacific with a Certificate in Law (civil). Taefu gave the graduand address on behalf of the foundation graduates and gave an entertaining account of what happens when a group of career politicians return to school with pre-conceived ideas and old habits, only to find themselves regress back into their former mindset as freshman university students. When an assignment was late, we thought that as politicians we would be given an exception, no way, Taefu said. As the semester was slowly coming to an end, somehow we heard that exams were open book exams so we organised our notes. A week before the exam we were told that in no uncertain terms that it was not the case. So the study week was more like the panic week. The Parliamentarians had experience in capacity building exercises and programmes but according to Taefu, nothing prepared them for the workload and intensity of the 12-month tertiary qualification in Civil law. A Parliamentarian is only a part time cohort yet we have attended so many capacity building programmes in Parliament and nothing was more constructive, more intensive, most demanding as the programme we have just completed. Taefu painted a picture of law makers at a very mature age being shaken out of their comfort zone with their new work and study schedule. He reflected on how humourous it was that unlike most conversations taking place among students before sitting an exam, his group of parliamentarian cohorts was discussing how they had forgotten to take their prescribed medication. Despite having very busy schedules as Members of Parliament, Taefu said they were treated just like any other law student. Who would think that you can put a politician at this level of their career? Who will think that they can write a 3000 word, six-page topic not once but twice per course for not one or two not three or four but six courses in a year, all of that on top of our normal parliamentary responsibilities. And who would think you could a politician given their age in the exam room and sit there and write continuously for three hours? The last time some of us did that was probably about 30 years ago. Our lecturers proved that they were supreme over politicians and thats how vigorous and how strict we were monitored. As a result we had to virtually write an assignment from everywhere some were written at international airports in between flights, some onboard during flights and inside hotel rooms. Many assignments were written elsewhere in the Pacific, in New Zealand and Australia, in Asia, in Africa, in Europe and America. Loau would email from South Africa to check on his assignment. Honourable Lopaoo from Rome and the list goes on. Anything not to lose any marks because it was difficult enough just to get one, he said to the laughter of the audience. While their collective systems were in shock at the extra study they got themselves into, Taefu said what was not surprising was how they thoroughly enjoyed every minute of the challenge in living out their old dreams of being courtroom lawyers. Thats how serious and challenging the programme was. Everybody on their first assignment was asked to apply the defensive principle to the circumstances in the new government of Grenada which was similar to the situation in Fiji experience a couple of years ago. It speaks a lot for the quality and the standard of the programme that anyone that studied and wrote that paper, I assure the professor of the programme that the cohort is now ready to provide legal counseling to Honourable Bainamarama should the unfortunate incident takes place again. Attributing to their collective success, Taefu said the bond between the 18 graduates was strengthened as they made a pledge to motivate and support each other to the finish line. To ensure that we can do the programme, we had a motto that its a must to pass that if one fails, the cohort fails. What we have done in completing this programme, is use our own ability to build and strengthen ourselves to legislate effectively and to take part actively in the work of Parliament. To be a supreme leader requires continual nurturing and fostering, to quote from the expert leaders are not born, they are made. And here we are in the process of making leaders. A Samoan book called Tofa Tatala Part 2 written by Faumuina Manu Samuelu was launched yesterday. The launch was held at the S.S.A.B. conference room. According to the author, the book will help not only the students and the teachers of every school, but also the matai of every village. If you know me, then you would know my education background and that I am a scientist and even when I was a teacher I had never in my life taught Samoan studies it was always biology and chemistry, he said. I have no knowledge whatsoever in Samoan studies so you might ask then why did I write a Samoan book? Every single day my home will be full of students who come to me for help in their internal assessments and you would think they need help in Science, but no its Samoan. This is the reason I had decided to write a Samoan book that will help not only the students and the teachers of both colleges and university, but also the village matais. It is a tool for the new and young matais who always come to my home seeking for help in terms of their Samoan speech in special occasions such as funerals, weddings and even in the gathering of matais. So for this reason I did some research, seeking and collecting information from different villages, chiefs of the country as well as from Tutuila and Manua. As for the students, they would come to me asking for their village faalupega and their genealogies. Not only that, but I read a book by Dr. Miles Monroe theres a quote in there that says; If you die, die empty. And to me, there is no use of me to collect the information and keep it to myself, I need to share the information and that is my challenge to everyone, you need to share information because it will help someone. Faumuina added not only this, but before his father passed away, he gave him a book that contains a lot of information that he did not understand. He said this book contained information that helped him with his writing as well. He said this book contains some of the important details that can help you out with your writing, said the author. It contains a lot of information but most of it, I did not understand so I tried my best to do a lot of research so I could understand by interviewing those who had the knowledge of whats important in this country. I needed their knowledge and what they already know because I needed evidence and confirmation to go ahead with this initiative. So this book is not my own opinion and thoughts, but the stories I collected from people of our own country as well as Tutuila and Manua. Asked about the challenges, Faumuina said there were a lot of challenges in putting together the book. One of them is that most of the chiefs of the villages that I went to didnt want to release the information and they just wanted to keep the information to themselves, he said. That caused me a lot of problems, but it didnt stop me, I kept asking them and sometimes I would give them some money and then they would give me the information that I needed. Because Samoan people are very conservative to give information about their own villages, they dont want the country to know about their sacred information or measina in regards to their village. Another challenge is I have to travel in between Savaii and Upolu as well as to American Samoa and Manua to get the information as most of the alagaupu is from Savaii. So in June 2011, I went to Aloau, Vatia, Tula and Manua in American Samoa to collect some information from them for three weeks. And every weekend I would go to Aleipata village and other villages to collect information from the chiefs. Moreover, he said financial backing and time management were the biggest challenges he faced. The other challenge is time management because I am a very busy person in my work and I dont have the time to put together the book, so I would work at night from midnight until the morning and then get ready for work, he said. I didnt have help, I did all the typing and the editing of the book as well and the last challenge is financial. I didnt have money to print the book. I had to negotiate with the printing people that I will pay them partly, so those are all the challenges but at the end of the day it all paid off. The book is sold at S.S.A.B. for $95. The University of the South Pacific (U.S.P.) is in the process of getting accreditation from the United States. This was confirmed to the Samoa Observer by the Universitys Pro Chancellor, Winston Thompson, who said the Vice Chancellor, Professor Rajesh Chandra, will head to San Francisco next month to hopefully get the university accredited to the American system. A team came down to assess the university in April and according to our feedback it was good, Mr. Thompson said. The university over the years has improved its facilities and its teaching capabilities and has aligned itself through the accreditations of the quality organizations of New Zealand and Australia. Also included in the plans of U.S.P. is their six-year strategic plan, which aims to further develop the university and its resources and the upgrading of all their campuses around the region. The university is in the process of developing its strategic six year plan for 2019-2024, the previous six-year plan has ended this year and during the six-year period we achieved all the targets set out and others we exceeded and some of it weve not quite reached, now going forward a bigger element to digital learning because thats the trend internationally going and make it easier and affordable for students. All our campuses are in the continuous mode of upgrade and Alafua Campus is looking extremely good. I was here in December for the graduation ceremony and six months later its looking good, bright, shiny and painted. We are trying to upgrade all our campuses, but we are going as fast as the available resources provided for these changes. Mr. Thompson also highlighted some of the challenges experienced by U.S.P. in trying to maintain high quality education. A main challenge faced by the university is the poor resources that are available to us as Pacific Island countries and the need to provide high quality education because its an expensive business. We have been fortunate to have development partners who have assisted us over the years, Australia and New Zealand in substantial ways has assisted us and others like Japan, United States, and United Kingdom, European Union, Government of India and the list is quite long. Without these inputs, we probably would have not been able to do this, the quality of jobs that we have in the university. Going forward, the challenges remain and probably increase because of the rapid changes in technology that is available, we have to provide more online access for all our students to make it accessible for those who are not able to afford to go to the physical facilities of the university. Fortunately, he said the provision of cables and internet across the Pacific is becoming more mainstream and more affordable and hopefully more people will make use of it. I dont think we would be able to achieve all digital and there will be a need for some face to face. There was one time it was all face to face and were moving to an online learning and the way it ends up, it will vary for different locations, in some places you got all the facilities for face to face and other places more remote have to be digital, Mr. Thompson said referring to the debate by Alafua Campus students on Wednesday based on the theme The University of the South Pacific can be more successful as a paperless university. Ieti Toomalatai is the winner for the Faletalimalo Siva Afi Challenge 2018. The 17-year-old from Matautu and Asau, Savaii, received the grand prize of $1,000 and a fire knife from the Siva Afi. Toomalatai represented the Sheraton Hotel in Apia and he went up against Walter Leota of Manumea Hotel, who received $600 in the finals on Tuesday night. In his interview with the Samoa Observer, he said becoming a fire knife dancer has always been his dream. I was shocked when they called out my name on Tuesday night as the winner, he said. I didnt expect it, as a matter of fact I didnt expect making it to the finals because I went up against some really good fire dancers such as Vaelaa Iloa, Alema Alema, Walter Leota and Lene Leota to name a few. These dancers are popular names when it comes to fire knife dancing and they have represented Samoa in some big competitions but I was able to make it through. Im very happy to have won this competition and I want to thank Leota Lene Leota for deciding to host this competition to showcase our talent. Toomalatai said he became a dancer at the age of six. My father, Miti Toomalatai was a well-known fire dancer as well, he said. It was from him that I learned how to do this and from the age of six he taught me how to dance, from then on it not only became a hobby but I was very passionate about it. I wanted to continue what my father had started and I wanted to be better than him, hence why I am very passionate about fire dancing. Toomalatai is an employee of Sheraton and last year he also entered the competition but unfortunately didnt make it to the final. Asked why he is not in school, Toomalatai said he has to look after his father. I was in school at Maluafou College, he said. However, my father became very ill with diabetes and it got to the point where both his legs were amputated because of the sickness. So I sacrificed my schooling to stay home and take care of him and because there is just two of us my younger sister and I. She cant care for him because shes young and there are certain things that she can only do for him and given our fathers condition, I know I had to make him my responsibility because he cant walk. So I stayed home, but at the moment I am working at the Sheraton Hotel in Apia from the morning until evening. I make sure that I care for him and also help with my sisters school so as a big brother and son, I am responsible for my family. It was a hard decision leaving school but I know it is something I have to do. I gave my prize to my father and I am happy because he is happy and given that he was well-known in fire dancing, he is very proud that I am able to continue his legacy. Owner of Siva Afi, Leota Lene Leota told the Samoa Observer that Ieti was outstanding during the Faletalimalo Challenge. He was really good during the show, said Leota. Last year, he didnt make it to the final but this year he came back stronger and thats the reason he won the competition. I am so proud of him and his achievement not only him but the competitors for this years challenge. All of them were outstanding and this is what I wanted, to showcase these young peoples talent and if you notice this years winner and first runner up is totally different from last years and thats how you know these young peoples talent is really improving. So we want to thank all the hotels who participated in this years Faletalimalo Challenge and looking forward to another round next year. Alaska Airlines, which continues to expand service out of San Diegos Lindbergh Field, will start flying nonstop to Spokane, Wash., this October, the company announced Thursday. Beginning Oct. 1, the new flight will be the only nonstop flight offered between the two cities. Were excited to add another connection between the Pacific Northwest and California with our new nonstop service between Spokane and San Diego, one of our key focus cities for growth, said John Kirby, vice president of capacity planning at Alaska Airlines. Alaska continues to emphasize our commitment to continued growth and investment throughout the West Coast. Last year, Southwest Airlines added seasonal service to Spokane during the summer months but the flights did not resume this summer. However, Southwest said it will offer Sunday-only nonstop service to Spokane this September only. It is possible the service it could resume in the fall of 2019. Advertisement The new flight will depart daily from San Diego at 5:40 p.m. and arrive in Spokane at 8:25 p.m. The return flight will leave Spokane at 7:10 a.m. and arrive at 9:55 a.m. Although Alaska trails Southwest in the number of flights coming through San Diego International Airport, it still has a robust presence, expecting to average 46 daily departures to 28 destinations from San Diego, including the most nonstop flights to Mexico and Hawaii. The Alaska Airlines flight will use Embraer 175 jets, which feature a three-class cabin. On this particular aircraft, every seat is along a window or the aisle, with no middle seats. Tickets went on sale Thursday, and a search of Alaska Airlines website shows one-way tickets for as low as $118. San Diego airport officials welcomed news of the additional route. The economic benefit from adding new routes to San Diego simply cant be overstated, said airport CEO Kim Becker. Bringing more people to the region means there are more people spending and investing money here. That helps create jobs and support jobs we already have. Business lori.weisberg@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-2251 Twitter: @loriweisberg San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer is proposing that short-term rentals marketed on online platforms like Airbnb be restricted to no more than two per host citywide, except in Mission Beach, where there would be no limits. Under a set of regulations that Faulconers office will publicly unveil Thursday morning, vacation rental hosts would be allowed to rent out their entire primary residence while they are not present for up to six months a year plus one additional home with no limitation on the number of days annually. Opinion: Airbnb-style rentals: Neighborhoods suffer under San Diego mayors plan The proposed regulations, which also call for an annual licensing fee and would impose three-night minimum stays in San Diegos coastal areas and downtown, represent Faulconers attempt to bring consensus to an issue that has divided the city for years. Advertisement The mayors office intervened late last year after a compromise plan that many expected would gain majority support on the council fell apart amid disagreements over exactly who would be allowed to rent out entire homes on a short-term basis. The council has held multiple hours-long hearings on the issue over the last three years but each time has struggled to reach agreement amid growing pressure to clamp down on vacation rentals in neighborhoods throughout the city. Although the City Attorneys Office has concluded that rentals for periods of less than 30 days are illegal under San Diegos municipal code, it is not being enforced. Faulconer, whose office has met over the past several months with multiple stakeholders on both sides of the debate, is hopeful his compromise plan will be favored by a majority of the council. This is a balanced approach that establishes clear rules of the road for short term rentals and protects neighborhood quality of life through increased oversight and enforcement, Faulconer said in a statement Wednesday. This is a fair compromise that allows the home-sharing economy and our neighborhoods to coexist and gives everyone clarity moving forward. Specific ordinance language has not yet been released, but the mayors office has set July 16 as the date for a full City Council hearing. Under his proposal, the licensing regulations would not become effective until Jan. 1, 2020, to give vacation rental hosts time to adjust to the new rules. The regulations also would have to pass muster with the California Coastal Commission, which has purview over the beach-area communities. The city has created a special page on its website with details on the proposal and an interactive map identifying the coastal and downtown areas where a three-night stay would be required. As part of Faulconers proposal, an annual licensing fee of $949 would be charged for each home rented out for less than 30 days to help generate revenues to hire up to 16 new code enforcement positions. That includes five such positions that were just approved in the citys new fiscal-year budget, explained Elyse Lowe, the mayors director of land use and economic development policy. While the annual fee would apply to all whole-home rentals citywide, including those in Mission Beach, there would be no restriction on the number of licenses issued in the popular beach community. In its decision to carve out Mission Beach as an exception, the mayors office argues that the community is a primary contributor to San Diegos tourism economy but has few hotels within Mission Beach proper, Lowe said. However, there are a number of hotels in the greater Mission Bay area. Noting that Mission Beach has a long history of vacation rentals, Lowe said an analysis of the communitys 2,400 property owners revealed that more than 1,000 own two or more units. In accordance with the Coastal Commissions approach of ensuring low-cost visitor accommodations, weve decided to be more permissive in Mission Beach so it is not exclusive to wealthier people, Lowe said. That does not sit well with Gary Wonacott, president of the Mission Beach Town Council, who said he was very disappointed that his community was excluded from any restrictions. I know there are some residents in Mission Beach who have maybe five or 10 rentals, but thats a real small minority to allow an ordinance of this type to go through with no limits, said Wonacutt, who was briefed on the proposal. Its almost like youre changing the zoning to commercial and making (Mission Beach) into a big hotel. Why not build more hotels in the commercial zones? Faulconers proposal does call for strict enforcement of regulations, including a three strikes policy that could include revocation of licenses for multiple violations of noise, nuisance and other rules governing the rentals. The latest attempt at a compromise plan comes as more cities are clamping down on rentals popularized by Airbnb, VRBO and other home-sharing platforms. Last month, the Los Angeles City Council backed a set of proposed rules that would allow residents to host nightly rentals only in their own homes. And the city of Boston just this week passed new regulations aimed at reining in short-term rentals by investors. The latest proposal is likely to face opposition from some council members, most notably those representing the citys beach communities who have pressed for rules limiting such rentals to primary residences only. Councilwoman Barbara Bry, whose district includes La Jolla, said Wednesday her position has not changed. I am still supportive of unlimited home sharing in your own home and up to 90 days a year whole-home rental of your primary residence, which is what San Francisco enacted and what other major cities are going to be doing because they realize the importance of preserving their housing stock, Bry said. Councilman Chris Cate, who has taken a more permissive approach to Airbnb-style rentals, said there was much to like about elements of Faulconers proposal but he was not prepared to say whether he can support it. From a starting point, this is a good position to be in as opposed to the Bry proposal where we couldnt have anyone participating who owned a home and doesnt live in the city, which is a de facto ban, said Cate. With this proposal, the mayor has an understanding of the amount of dollars that flow to the city from short-term rentals, which have been in the community for a number of years. Airbnb declined to comment Wednesday on Faulconers proposals, saying only that it supports fair and reasonable regulations that reflect the tremendous benefits short term rentals bring to San Diego and its host community. The Short-Term Vacation Rental Working Group, a coalition of town council and community leaders from across San Diego, had a mixed reaction to the proposal from the mayors office. La Jolla Town Council president Ann Kerr Bache, who heads the working group, said it favors limiting vacation rentals to primary residences only. Although the group appreciated the willingness of the mayors office to listen to its concerns, Kerr Bache called the proposal a giveaway to Airbnb. The city of San Diego conservatively estimates that there are 3,600 vacation rentals, including those where hosts rent out a room in their home. Last year, the city collected $19 million in transient occupancy taxes from all kinds of short-term rentals. Faulconers proposed rules would allow unlimited home sharing where the host is present and would not require the payment of a licensing fee. For homes with five or more bedrooms, a more costly, rigorous review would be required. In San Diego, residents in single-family neighborhoods have long complained that rotating cycles of vacationers disrupt their once-quiet streets and deplete the citys stock of long-term rental housing. On the flip side, vacation rental hosts say that platforms like Airbnb and HomeAway provide them extra revenue to help meet their financial obligations. In a move to address some council members concerns about the potential impact of short-term rentals on affordable housing, the mayors office hired an outside firm to determine whether there is such a connection. It concluded there was and recommends a nightly affordable housing fee of $2.76, Lowe said. __________________________________________ Proposed short-term rental regulations Up to two whole-home rentals per host, including primary residence Primary residence can be rented out for up to six months per year Secondary residence can be rented year-round for short-term stays Minimum three-night stay for whole-home rentals in coastal areas and downtown San Diego. Registration with the city required, along with annual $949 fee per rental Unlimited short-term rentals in Mission Beach Affordable housing fee of $2.76 per night. Business lori.weisberg@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-2251 Twitter: @loriweisberg CARDIFF Ceramics sale Clay + Craft holds a pop-up shop/samples-seconds sale from 10 a.m.-2 p.m. Saturday at The Guild (above Patagonia), 2185 San Elijo Ave. Owner/ceramist Nicole Novena offers her modern pottery for up to 75 percent off on samples and seconds. Her work has been commissioned for TV commercials as well as being used as restaurant and home decor. Visit www.clayandcraft.com. CARLSBAD Advertisement Emergency training Stop the Bleed: Mass Casualty Bystander Training will be from 7:30-10:30 a.m. June 22 by the Carlsbad Chamber of Commerce. Presentations will teach what to do during a mass-casualty incident and how to deal with its aftermath. Sgt. Mike Ernst, a responder in the Las Vegas shooting, will discuss Active Shooter Preparedness, and Dr. Sara Gilman will talk about psychological first aid. Held at the Carlsbad Safety Training Center, 5750 Orion Way. Cost is $20; reserve to www.carlsbad.org/event/stop-the-bleed-mass-casualty-bystander-training. ENCINITAS June sundowner mixer The Encinitas Chamber of Commerce hosts a June sundowner from 5:30-7:30 p.m. Tuesday at the Encinitas Historical Society, 390 West F St., co-hosted by Surfing Madonna. Free for members; nonmembers can attend free three times with the presentation of their business card. On-site parking available; enter via F Street to the school grounds. Call (760) 753-6041. OCEANSIDE China trip offered Citslinc International Inc. and the Oceanside Chamber of Commerce are partnering to offer a nine-day China trip from Oct. 13-21. An orientation meeting will be held from 5:30-7 p.m. Monday at the chamber, 928 N. Coast Highway. The trip will consist of deluxe tours in Beijing, Shanghai, Suzhou and Hangzhou, and an opportunity to network with Chinese business. Cost is $2,099 and includes round-trip international and Chinese domestic airfare, four- and-five-star hotels, three meals daily, fluent English-speaking guides and entrance fees for attractions. This trip is open to chamber members, business leaders and friends. Call (760) 722-1534, ext. 103, or email tracy@oceansidechamber.com. VISTA Solatube holds block party Solatube International is opening its doors with a free open house for friends and neighbors from 3-7 p.m. June 21, the longest day of the year. View world-class manufacturing sites, experience offices lit completely by daylight, see product demos, network and learn more about the innovative daylighting and ventilation systems. Enjoy music, pizza, specials, tours, brew and prizes. Register to lspector@solatube.com. Solatube International is at 2210 Oak Ridge Way. Call (760) 597-4451. Taste a bit of Vista The Vista Village Business Association hosts its annual Taste of Vista from 5-8 p.m. Wednesday. Sample more than 20 restaurants, a dozen breweries, live music and more along Main Street, Broadway, Indiana and Citrus. A shuttle will run to Cinepolis for more desserts and brews. Music from the Wildwood House Band and Ashley Hollander. Get tickets at TOV2018.eventbrite.com. Presale prices are $25 for tasting only, $45 for food and beverage; or $30 and $45 at the door. Visit vvba.org/event/taste-of-vista; call (760) 726-1122; email info@vistachamber.org. Please send items to laura.groch@sduniontribune.com at least 10 days before events. laura.groch@sduniontribune.com The third batch of female fighter jet pilots will soon begin their service with the People's Liberation Army (PLA) Air Force, after graduating from the PLA Air Force Harbin Flight Academy. A total of 38 female high school graduates were recruited for the pilot training program, after being selected from hundreds of thousands of applicants. All of them scored highly in the college entrance exam, and have passed the strict physical examination which includes more than 100 tests. Its a one-in-a-million pick, but it doesnt mean an end to your worries is the message female cadets were given following their recruitment. The program has an intense selection process that saw about two thirds of candidates eliminated by August last year. The cadets remind themselves, You have to forget about your gender if you want to improve your performance. A cadet named Wang Yan told Beijing Morning Post that she has to complete a 10-kilometer run, two 3-kilometer runs, two 1.5-kilometer runs and multiple 400-meter runs on a daily basis. In addition, she has to cover plenty of other physical training including parallel bars and practicing how to body-roll. Apart from physical training, the cadets also face complicated and intricate theoretical studies. They have to finish nearly 20 courses on aviation theory before they begin real flight training. The most difficult part about their training is that the requirements are the same for female and male cadets. Though the male cadets are physically stronger, the girls never back down, said Li Kui, one of the trainers at the academy. The female cadets have to fly seven hours and complete 20 take-offs and landings each day. But I have never seen them complaining, said a trainer named Zheng Qiang. The role of a fighter jet pilot is a high-risk job, as these female cadets have known since they first registered for the program, and they are aware of future challenges. My mother was worried about me when I first enrolled, saying it's not a suitable job for a girl, but she has now changed her mind and is proud of me, said Liu Yang, who will graduate soon. With only department heads in the audience, and with little discussion, the Escondido City Council on Wednesday approved a 2018-19 budget that calls for appropriations of just over $195 million for all operating funds, including $102 million for the general fund operating budget. There were no public speakers during the meeting and the normally outspoken Councilwoman Olga Diaz voted against the budget without explanation. She explained shortly after the meeting. I dont need to spend five minutes talking about my perspective because on the dais nothing I say or think is of any consequence to the rest of the people sitting up there with me, she said. When I tell them what the point is, they roll their eyes and they speak under their breath at me. Advertisement Diaz said she was the lone no vote the budget was approved 3-1, with Deputy Mayor John Masson absent because she thought the entire process was less than transparent. What is there to say about a document that purely summarizes rather than offering substantive detail, she said. The reason nobody comes and nobody speaks is because they have completely disengaged the public from any kind of ownership of the budget. During the meeting, Mayor Sam Abed clearly felt otherwise. He praised the council and city staff for presenting a balanced budget for the eighth year in a row and said he was surprised no member of the public wanted to speak. Its a balanced budget, he said. We spend as much as we make. Its boring, isnt it? Diaz is the lone liberal on the otherwise conservative council and often finds herself on the losing end of 4-1 votes. Abed and Diaz often clash publicly. The citys police and fire departments account for 66 percent of the general fund expenditures under the new budget with the public works department accounting for the next largest chunk at 10 percent. Sources of the citys income include sales tax revenues (38 percent), property tax revenues (26 percent), all other taxes (14 percent), charges for services (11 percent) and 11 percent from other sources. Expenditures include 42 percent of the general fund for police, 24 percent for fire, 10 percent for public works, and 12 percent for community services and development. The police budget reflects an increase of 4.9 percent and the fire budget reflects an increase of 3.3 percent over last years budget. Assistant Finance Director Joan Ryan highlighted a number of items in the public safety budget, including the funding of a community-oriented policing unit to address the complex issues of homelessness and a Grape Day Park crime prevention and design project, which recommends safety measures which could include lighting, fencing, access and security improvements. The council was told by Deputy City Manager Sheryl Bennett what it has known for years now, that the city is going to be facing significant burdens in the years ahead, mainly due to rising pension costs. The city is potentially facing a budget deficit of $10 million by fiscal year 2021-22, she said in a report. Abed sounded the same warning. I want to make sure the public understands that were facing bigger deficits because of the increased pensions and the cost of doing business, he said. We are going to face tougher challenges. jharry.jones@sduniontribune.com; 760/529-4931; Twitter: @jharryjones A new restaurant/bar named 7 Mile Kitchen opening today at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa is the latest piece of a major renovation project. Over the past year, the Sheraton and its sister property, Westin Carlsbad Resort & Spa, have swapped locations on the bluffs overlooking Legoland California. Both hotels have expanded and upgraded their amenities with the Westin slated for a grand reopening in July. The rebranded Sheraton location has undergone an extensive revamp this year with the renovation of 169 guest rooms and suites, a new lobby area and the construction of a new swimming pool. Patio seating near the pool at 7 Mile Kitchen, a new restaurant at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa. (Pam Kragen/San Diego Union-Tribune ) Advertisement The restaurant 7 Mile Kitchen, which had a soft opening last week and holds a grand opening tonight, overlooks the new pool just north of the resorts lobby. The 4,500-square-foot restaurant has indoor/outdoor seating and a poolside cocktail bar. It is named for Carlsbads seven miles of oceanfront property. The menu is overseen by chef Gil Manipon, whose recent culinary credits include two years at the Grove Steakhouse at Viejas Casino & Resort in Alpine and, before that, two years at the Twenty/20 Grill at what is now Westin Carlsbad. The restaurants speciality is Neopolitan-style wood-fired pizzas that are baked at 700 degrees in an imported Italian stone oven. The pizza dough is made with imported Caputo-00 soft white wheat flour from Naples, Italy. Manipon says this ultra-fine-ground flour gives pizzas the perfect Neapolitan-style thin, crispy crust. There is also a gluten-free crust available. The pizza sauce at 7 Mile is made with dehydrated San Marzano tomatoes, fresh herbs and Spanish olive oil. Pizza varieties include carbonara, wild mushroom, shrimp and pesto, Margherita and sausage. Neopolitan-style wood-fired pizza is the signature dish at 7 Mile Kitchen, a new restaurant at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa. (Casey Figlewicz ) The menu also features appetizers, entree salads, burgers and plated entrees such as steak frites, barbecue chicken, skillet lasagna and artichoke ravioli. Most pizzas and entrees are in the $10 to $16 price range. In keeping with the Italian theme, 7 Mile also has a gelato bar featuring some custom flavors created for the restaurant by EscoGelato in Escondido. The restaurant also serves an a la carte breakfast menu with egg, pancake, French toast and quiche dishes and a full coffee bar. House mixologist Steve George makes cocktails with fresh fruit, flowers and herbs at 7 Mile Kitchen, a new restaurant and bar at the Sheraton Carlsbad Resort & Spa. (Pam Kragen/San Diego Union-Tribune ) House mixologist Steve George has created a cocktail program suited to the bars outdoor location and proximity to the Flower Fields attraction. His cocktails spotlight locally grown fresh fruit, herbs and flowers, like the lavender blossom spritz and hibiscus sour. There are 10 mostly local beers on tap and 35 still and sparkling wines from California, Italy, Germany, Argentina, France and New Zealand. Happy hour, from 4 to 6 p.m. daily and all day Mondays, offers half-price deals on select burgers, pizzas, beers, wines and well drinks. 7 Mile Kitchen Where: 5420 Grand Pacific, Carlsbad Online: 7milekitchen.com pam.kragen@sduniontribune.com To borrow from The Whos Pete Townshend, the kind of guitar god celebrated in School of Rock, the kids are alright in this stage-musical adaptation of the 2003 hit film that starred Jack Black. In fact, the kids are by far the best thing about the Andrew Lloyd Webber-driven School of Rock The Musical, in which most of the adults are portrayed as uptight bores or just plain uptight. Not only are the fourth-grade characters more entertaining than even the Dewey Finn character amply filled by Black in the movie and by Rob Colletti onstage but the young actors playing them rock, especially those who end up performing in the shows climactic Battle of the Bands. The School of Rock musical is less than three years old and is making its San Diego debut, through Sunday, at the Civic Theatre downtown. It features 12 songs by Lloyd Webber (with lyrics by Glenn Slater) while retaining three from the Richard Linklater-directed film. Of the newbies, the catchiest is the playfully anarchic Stick It to the Man, and while none of the tunes really rises above the level of boilerplate guitar band, the musicianship, including that of the kids, is solid. As in the original film, the musicals story (penned by Julian Fellowes of staid Downton Abbey fame) finds slovenly slacker Dewey Finn booted from his band No Vacancy and crashing with nerdy schoolteacher pal Ned Schneebly (Matt Bittner) and Neds girlfriend Patty (Emily Borromeo), one of the aforementioned uptight adults. Advertisement Facing banishment for lack of paying rent, Dewey impersonates Ned to grab a job teaching at very proper Horace Green School. Its there, after a spree of anti-establishment antics in the classroom, that he discovers the musical talent of his pupils, and under his rowdy tutelage, theyre transformed from sedate classical players to rockers. The stars, playing their own instruments with panache, include guitarist Zach (Vincent Molden), drummer Freddy (Gilberto Moretti-Hamilton), bassist Katie (Theodora Silverman) and keyboardist Lawrence (Theo Mitchell-Penner). Colletti, a veteran of The Book of Mormon on Broadway, is in the daunting position of trying to walk and rock in Blacks formidable footsteps, but he and Lexie Dorsett Sharp as school principal (and closet rock fan) Rosalie Mullins are School of Rocks grown-ups to root for. Among the other young actors in the ensemble, Iara Nemirovsky shines as the domineering student Summer Hathaway, while Grier Burke belts out a crowd-pleasing, a capella Amazing Grace. The rock n roll of School of Rock is evocative of a time before iTunes and Spotify, a time of exhaustive guitar solos and gyrating hair bands. In that respect, this shows leitmotif feels nostalgic, even anachronistic, more so now than perhaps it did when the film was released 15 years ago. But as a soundscape for a feel-good story about underdogs determined to stick it to the man and have fun while doing so, School of Rock strikes all the right chords. School of Rock The Musical When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturday; 1 and 6 p.m. Sunday. Through Sunday, June 17. Where: San Diego Civic Theatre, 1100 Third Ave., downtown Tickets: About $55-$135 Phone: (619/858/760) 570-1100 Online: broadwaysd.com Coddon is a freelance writer. Behold, a new comic convention has arrived. InterGalactiCon bills itself as an experience that opens the door to an intimate universe for nerds, made by fans and for fans to Free Your Fandom. This inaugural smaller convention features guest speakers and exhibitors in a setting designed to allow everyone in attendance to interact with the speakers on the panels. Some of the featured guests include Claudia Christian, who played Commander Susan Ivanova in Babylon 5; Colin Cantwell, original concept artist modeler for all of the aircraft for the first Star Wars movie, A New Hope; Colin Ferguson and Niall Matter, who appeared on the science-fiction television series Eureka; Noah Fleder, a taekwondo martial artist and independent movie director and producer; and Ryan Schneider, chief brand officer at Insomniac Games. Fans can also get a look at exhibits for anime, comic book art, lightsaber demonstrations and more. InterGalactiCon: 3 to 11 p.m. Friday and 10 a.m. to 1 a.m. Saturday. Town and Country San Diego, 500 Hotel Circle North, Mission Valley. $50-$90 ($10 for children 12 and under). intergalacticonsd.com Some of the most graphic and terrifying videos of the mass shooting in Las Vegas were released by police Wednesday the sixth cache of items connected with the deadly massacre at a country music festival in October. In a video from a police officers body camera, scared and wounded people are triaged on a street and sidewalk. A man walks up to an officer and asks whether he can get an ambulance for a woman shot in the lungs. This guy was shot in the head here, the unidentified officer replies, pointing to a man by a tree. Were OK. Were OK, two women say, walking past the officer as he heads toward the man, navigating past people holding their wounds and each other. Advertisement Later in the video, a woman is taken from a pickup truck her limp body put into an ambulance crowded with other people. Shes DOA, a voice says. Other body camera videos detail police under fire from Stephen Paddock, the man shooting from his 32nd Floor suite at the Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino down at the Route 91 Harvest country music festival. Paddock killed 58 and wounded hundreds on Oct. 1 before killing himself. Im trying to get medical, an officer says moments after gunfire erupted and screams were heard. His camera is obscured partially by clothing. This is what well do, he starts to tell people, when another volley of gunfire begins a heavy, steady clacking sound. He ducks down. When the shooting stops, the officer moves to an area with tents where people are running. One man sprints, falls and rolls. He looks stunned. Then he gets up and takes off again. The officer asks someone to turn off any lights to make it harder for the gunman to see. Every single light, he yells. Moving along a wall, he keeps directing people to run to a safer location. The glow of flashing red and blue lights dances around the wall. Then they make a break for it. Are you hit? he asks the first person he sees. No. But the next person was. Is that a gunshot wound? he asks, leaning down. He again asks for lights to be turned down. So he cant see us, the officer says. They find another wounded person. A woman. Lets get her on a grate, he says. Did you get the shooter? a woman asks while hes trying to get the wounded woman on the makeshift stretcher. I dont know. Voices are raised as a man who says hes an off-duty police officer asks if he can help. Another is a firefighter. Off camera, a voice yells out, Does anybody need a tourniquet? More wounded. Theres a man with a spinal injury. The officer tries to figure out how to get a gate open to move people through it. In the background, people stagger and walk through the concert grounds sometimes directionless. The lights still havent been turned off. The officer asks someone again to try to get them dimmed. There hasnt been anymore gunfire from the Mandalay Bay, but at the moment nobody knows why. A tourniquet, the voice yells again. I have belts! he screams. A wounded man is loaded into a yellow wheelbarrow. The shaking hurts, he says as the officer hustles him over the bumpy terrain. It felt like a beanbag hit me really hard. They get to safety and the officer watches two other people wheel the man away. The officer turns around, and there are more. Theres a woman with a bullet wound in her head in the middle aisle there, a woman in a white dress and cowboy boots says, pointing. A video from a different body camera reveals an officer pinned behind a car and, in between gunfire, directing people to take cover behind the vehicle as well. The 28 videos released also include police cars racing to Mandalay Bay. One video shows officers clearing rooms inside the hotel directing guests to grab some clothes and leave while police attempt to secure the area. Many show officers trying to direct people to safety. The videos vary in length some are a few minutes and some longer than half an hour. Police have now released about 1,000 calls to 911 connected with the shooting along with witness statements, interviews with victims, traffic surveillance footage and body camera footage of police breaching the room where Paddock was ensconced. Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo has said a final report of findings related to the shooting will be released next month. Authorities have not pinned down a motive for Paddocks deadly attack. The 64-year-old was known as a heavy gambler, and Lombardo has suggested he had been on a losing streak before the shooting. Paddock began amassing an arsenal of weapons and ammunition a year before the shooting, and when search warrants were executed, his parked car at Mandalay Bay was found to contain explosives. Authorities believe Paddock acted alone. david.montero@latimes.com Twitter: @davemontero UPDATES: 6 p.m.: This article was updated with additional scenes captured on police videos. This article was originally published at 5:15 p.m. A fast-moving brush fire destroyed eight homes in the Utah tourist town of Moab, while more than 3,000 people in Colorado and Wyoming fled wildfires scorching the drought-stricken West on Wednesday. The blaze in Moab, known for its dramatic red rocks, started in a wooded area Tuesday night and quickly spread to homes over less than a square mile, Police Chief Jim Winder said. Crews were extinguishing embers Wednesday. Tim Clark and his girlfriend, Tina Saunders, grabbed their dogs, family photos and a laptop, evacuating with their Moab home in flames. Those houses just started going like dominoes, Clark told the Salt Lake Tribune. Bam! Bam! Bam! Bam! Advertisement Police said the early investigation has ruled out natural causes for the blaze that ignited near a creek that is frequently used as a walkway in a largely blue-collar neighborhood. It was not near the tourist-heavy areas in the town known for its proximity to Arches and Canyonlands national parks. Moab resident Shane Tangren told the newspaper that he arrived home from work Tuesday evening to find flames nearby. He was trying to protect the house hes lived in since he was 16 by wetting it down, but the wind shifted and sent the flames barreling right toward him. He fled. I sat there and watched it burn to the ground, Tangren, 55, told the newspaper. Everything photographs, birth certificates, memories its all gone. My first car that was a 1970 [Pontiac] GTO. Up in flames. I bought it when I was 15. In Colorados mountains, residents have evacuated more than 1,300 houses condos, apartments and pricey homes as flames threatened an area known for its ski resorts. Firefighters, with help from aircraft, got a quick jump on a fire near Silverthorne after it was reported Tuesday and have managed to keep it from spreading beyond about 90 acres in heavy timber, including trees killed by pine beetles. Summit Fire Chief Jeff Berino said Wednesday night that lightning did not play a role in the fire and that some type of human element is probably likely as a cause. My first car that was a 1970 [Pontiac] GTO. Up in flames. I bought it when I was 15. Shane Tangren, Moab resident Across the state, Colorados largest fire has burned about 43 square miles over nearly two weeks. Residents were allowed to return to about 180 homes no longer threatened at the northern edge of the fire Wednesday, but evacuees from more than 1,900 houses remained displaced. The blaze is about 13 miles north of Durango, in the Four Corners region, where Colorado, New Mexico, Arizona and Utah meet and which is in the middle of an exceptional drought. Much of the U.S. West is experiencing some level of drought. Colorado Gov. John Hickenlooper said the rapid response from emergency crews has helped prevent a repeat of devastating wildfires in 2012 and 2013. Years ago, he said, fire departments were hesitant to commit resources to fighting every fire, and launching a coordinated response to a major blaze could take up to two days. But better coordination has cut down on delays, he said, and the state reimburses local departments for initial response costs, in an attempt to control a blaze before it can spread. We learned a lot from the disasters, the fires we had in 2012 and 2013, Hickenlooper told reporters. Meanwhile, a wildfire in Wyomings Medicine Bow National Forest doubled in size over 24 hours, burning about 8 square miles. Nearly 400 seasonal and permanent homes have been evacuated near the Colorado border. The fire has destroyed some structures, but investigators have not said how many or what type. The situation was better in central Washington state, where authorities lifted evacuation orders or warnings for about 50 residents as crews work to contain a wildfire burning grass and brush. Officials said one small outbuilding was lost, but no injuries have been reported. Steve Kirk enjoys a good convention, both organizing them and attending, but hed grown weary of the larger ones with big crowds and lines that lasted for hours. He wasnt alone. Other comic book and science-fiction fans said theyd be interested in going to a convention that was a bit smaller with greater access to panelists and exhibitors. This week, Kirk and his team are bringing InterGalactiCon to San Diego. Ive traveled, Ive talked to people and tried to gather a good idea from other people about what would make a con more attractive to them. (InterGalactiCon is) speakers and artists and exhibitors, foundational elements of a fan con, but also workshops, events, contests and parties, he says of his inaugural convention at the Town & Country San Diego in Mission Valley Friday and Saturday. Kirk, 47, spent 17 years previously running the network and audio and visual operations for DEF CON, the long-running hacker convention, and also managed the global information technology groups for PlayStation Worldwide Studio. Today, he owns F7 Productions and is the founder of this weeks more intimate comic convention, and lives in Ramona. He took some time to talk about InterGalactiCon, his own fandom and creating a memorable experience for other fans. Q: Tell us about InterGalactiCon. Advertisement A: After leaving corporate life, I took some time off and started thinking about what I wanted to do going forward. I went down the path of, What do I enjoy doing? and realized that I missed running cons. After several ideas, I landed on the idea of running a comic con-type of event. There was a big market here in San Diego, many of whom could not go to San Diego Comic-Con International for various reasons, and the more I researched, the more I was getting feedback from fans saying they would love to see the type of show I was envisioning InterGalactiCon to be. Q: Why did you feel like San Diego could use another comics and science-fiction convention? A: Part of it was that no one else was doing this mid-tier type of convention. There are a number of smaller cons, which often focus on specific areas of the fan market. We found there was a great amount of demand for something more without being the size of San Diego Comic-Con, but still with broad content, accessibility to content, and also wanting to encapsulate it as more of an experience where it could be more interactive. Q: What didnt you like about larger, more traditional comic conventions? A: Personally for me, the older Ive gotten, the less tolerant Ive become of waiting in lines and, lets say, feeling disrespected as someone willing to give my money to a conference and its exhibitors. Ive had too many experiences where I may shell out hundreds or thousands of dollars (if you include travel to far-away states) only to be denied various experiences and basically paying a lot of money and only being able to see the exhibits hall. Younger fans tolerate it much better than me. However, as fans grows older, Ive also seen people who share my views. Nothing is universally good or bad, but why not look to offer a better experience? What I love about Ramona ... I grew up on farms and ranches, so Ramona offers me something thats very comfortable for me: I can have some space around me. Neighbors wave at you as you drive down the road, or theyll stop and talk to you at the mailbox. I lived down in urban San Diego the first few years I lived here, but I found I was close enough to work that when I was having a bad day at the office, by the time I got home, I was still having a bad day. After moving to Ramona, a switch flipped. I suddenly had left the office behind me and I could be home without that sense of burden. It was a distinct change of environment. Q: How did you want InterGalactiCon be different from a traditional convention? A: Ive heard many stories of fans who, for example, dont go to the bigger cons because theyre not comfortable with big crowds. Lots of fans are very introverted, shy, or have social anxiety. I understand this because Im one of them. Theyve told me theyd be much more likely to come to something like InterGalactiCon with great content and without the enormous crowds because theyd feel more comfortable. Q: What can people expect from the first year of this convention? A: I hope they have an experience that they remember. A great experience leaves you with lasting memories; maybe its being able to actually share stories with a celebrity guest. Maybe its a new person you meet who becomes a genuine friend for years to come. Maybe its a random interaction that sticks in your head, someone who shared a story that perhaps inspired you. Those are the things I hope people will experience. Q: What do you hope fans get from this experience? A: Lasting memories. Its about finding something or someone that inspires them. Twenty years ago, it was really tough being a nerd; you still had to hide that from many people. Its gotten much easier as geek has become popular, but it still takes courage to expose that very personal, very passionate side of yourself and do something with it. We have an amazing community here in San Diego, and if we can bring people together and strengthen that community, inspire others, thats the experience I hope they can take with them. Q: Why did you select the people who are appearing as panelists at the convention this year? A: I wanted people who genuinely looked to connect with their fans and I wanted talks and stories that people could connect with. The people we chose were real, genuine people with some inspiring stories. They had the ability to connect to people. Colin Cantwell, for example, designed the Death Star and its become iconic in our culture. His work has fundamentally impacted peoples lives for the last 40 years. Thats powerful! To meet the man who did that, whose name you maybe had never heard before, and be able to shake his hand and take a photo with him, thats huge to a Star Wars fan. Q: What comic book/movie/television show turned you into a science-fiction/fantasy super fan? A: What DIDNT? My mom bought me my first comic book from a local 7-11 in 1978: Shogun Warriors #17. I still have it, even though its in terrible condition. I got into video games around that same time, and computers, as well. I always enjoyed science-fiction television; the original Star Trek, or the original Battlestar Galactica. I remember being in third grade and wed argue at recess about which girl was the prettiest on Battlestar Galactica. I think these shows helped me see possibilities in terms of science and technology. The future. Q: When was the last time you participated in cosplay? A: I wouldnt classify myself as a cosplayer, especially having met so many who truly are. Im an amateur at best, but even as a kid dressing up as a pirate or a devil for Halloween, the details were important. In college, I have to admit I had a Star Trek officers uniform, which I proudly wore to the first con I ever went to, a Star Trek con. Obviously, theres never any chance of me escaping being Captain Kirk, so I fully embraced it. These days, Im much more a Star Wars fan, so I do keep a set of Jedi robes in my closet. Q: What is the best advice youve ever received? A: Listen. Listen to people, no matter who they are. Everyone brings something to the table, whether theyre the CEO or the guy in the mail room. Listen to the universe. Listen to yourself. Dont get such a big ego that you think you know it all. You dont. Q: What is one thing people would be surprised to find out about you? A: That Im a huge introvert. If you take the full-blown Myers-Briggs personality test, the introvert/extrovert scale goes from 32 to 0 to 32. Im a 31 on the introvert side. People hear me get up and talk in public, or with groups, or do all this press for InterGalactiCon, and then I tell them what a massive introvert I am and they are outright shocked and flabbergasted. Q: Please describe your ideal San Diego weekend. A: Meditating on the Ocean Beach cliffs at sunrise, hiking the hills near Poway, and a casual dinner with a nice wine in North Park or Little Italy. Email: lisa.deaderick@sduniontribune.com Twitter: @lisadeaderick The mystery behind the skull of an ancient man discovered in the eroding coastline of a remote Southern California island has been laid to rest along with the bones unearthed by researchers. But much of the story of the Native American who died 10,000 years ago will remain unknown. After more than a decade of study, the bones of the so-called Tuqan Man were recently returned to San Miguel Island and buried by the Santa Ynez Band of Chumash Indians that had claimed him as their own. We made it a priority to ensure that our ancestor was laid to rest with a proper burial, tribal Chairman Kenneth Kahn said. Protecting the final resting places of our ancestors is of paramount importance. Advertisement The skull was discovered during an archaeological survey by researchers from the University of Oregon in 2005. Because the remains were exposed and in jeopardy of being lost at sea as the shoreline eroded, the National Park Service consulted the Chumash tribe and decided to excavate them. The island 120 miles west of Los Angeles is one of the Channel Islands, also known as the North American Galapagos, where climate change is feared to be eating away at the beaches and sea cliffs and washing away cultural relics. Five of the isles form Channel Islands National Park. Testing of the Tuqan Man, as he was called according to the Chumash name for the island, took years. Ultimately, the testing couldnt determine if he was a Chumash ancestor. Analysis found the prehistoric remains to be Native American with a significant relationship to the culture found on the islands for more than 13,000 years, the Park Service said. The Chumash tribe was granted custody of Tuqan Man and reburied him in late May in a ceremony that included singing and burning of white sage. UPDATES: 3:15 p.m.: This article was updated with details throughout. This article originally published at 12 p.m. Michael Mike Schaefer, a controversial name from our political past, has returned to the San Diego political scene with a splash. In a primary election race still too close to call, Schaefer, 80, is in a precarious second place in District 4 of the California Board of Equalization, tentatively headed for a general election run-off with leader Joel Anderson in November. With thousands of provisional ballots yet to be counted in the five-county Southern California district of the statewide tax board, Schaefer has a slim lead over GOP candidate John F. Kelly, of Tustin, 17 percent to 16.4 percent of the vote. Schaefer thought he had lost the see-sawing race on the day after the election, even turning away a firm offering him its campaign services. This Monday, Schaefer called Kelly, introduced himself, and invited his opponent to visit. Kelly drove down on Tuesday. Advertisement I did a little domicile research and found he has a rich history of being a nomadic candidate, Kelly says. I went down to see if he really lived in San Diego. Schaefer greeted him at his rented condo on Mentone Street in Point Loma. Hes a likable guy, Kelly adds. He rattled off the celebrities he knows. At his age, he probably knew Methuselah. Schaefer is a colorful character and a perennial (unsuccessful) office seeker. Since serving on the San Diego City Council from 1965-1971, he has campaigned for district attorney in San Diego and San Francisco, Congress, state attorney general, San Diego mayor, L.A. City Council, previously for the state Board of Equalization, and several Nevada offices, including secretary of state and state controller. He even lived part-time in Baltimore, Md., from 2005 to 2011, where he ran for the U.S. Senate, unabashedly capitalizing on the name I.D. of unrelated two-term Maryland Gov. William Donald Schaefer. My name was a household word, Schaefer tells me. More recently, he moved to Palm Springs, where he jumped into the 2015 mayoral race. Schaefer, an attorney by training, has had his share of legal woes. In 1970, he was indicted (and later acquitted) in a Yellow Cab bribery scandal with five other San Diego officials. He also had brushes with the law for operating substandard L.A. apartment units and was jailed for spousal abuse in 1993. So given his checkered past, to what does Schaefer, who recently moved back to San Diego and registered to vote here on Feb. 2, attribute his second place showing out of seven candidates in the June primary? He credits his recent campaign for mayor of Palm Springs, which heightened his name identity in Riverside County, the posting of 1,000 campaign signs, his mailer and the creative election bio he wrote for his June primary performance. In 200 words, he managed to drop the names of The Beatles, Rolling Stones, Dr. Seuss, Dr. Salk, Bob Hope, boxer Archie Moore, LL Cool J, Debbie Reynolds, being a classmate of Frank Zappa, and more. Kelly has a colorful political history, too. At age 26, he was a Tustin city councilman and decided to run for Congress. The L.A. Times reported that, at the opening of his 1988 campaign headquarters, he borrowed an elephant from the Santa Ana Zoo, trucked it to Tustin and offered visitors free rides. While together Tuesday, the two opponents posed together for a photo. I call us the Avis candidates, one of us is No. 2, says Schaefer. Election poll worker Kesia Estrada hangs the American flag correctly on the wall as she helps set up the polling station at the Colina del Sol recreation center on June 5 for San Diegos primary election. (John Gibbins / San Diego Union-Tribune ) Flag Day: Craig Caldwell is an unofficial member of the flag fashion police. When he bikes around town, he often notices the American flag being flown incorrectly. Thursday is Flag Day our flag was adopted on June 14, 1777 so he wants people know how to properly fly Old Glory. Caldwell isnt the only one concerned about flag etiquette. The military.com website offers a how-to video on proper U.S. flag display: free of obstructions such as tree branches and wires, higher than any other flags on display with it and in the center position if there are multiple flags. The flag needs to be taken down at dusk or illuminated at night. If hung vertically down a wall, the blue field of stars should be on the viewers left. Coincidentally, June 14 is also President Donald Trumps 72nd birthday. Actor/comedian Jimmy O. Yang on April 30, 2018 at the Life of the Party world premiere at an AMC theater in Opelika, Ala. Yang is also a book author, magazine writer and a chicken wing aficionado. (Getty Images for Warner Bros. ) Wing and Yang: Two San Diego eateries made it into Bon Appetits first celebrity roundup of Favorite Neighborhood Restaurants. The gourmet magazine invited stand-up comedian Jimmy O. Yang, a regular character on HBOs Silicon Valley series, to chip in, along with 79 other actors, athletes, authors, chefs, and other VIPs. Yang, who graduated from UC San Diego, mentioned frequenting two cheap college spots across the street from each other: Dirty Birds for the best wings and Trujillos for carne asada burritos, California style stuffed with French fries. (The restaurants are at 6499 and 6450 El Cajon Blvd.) One of my dreams is to wrap those wings inside a burrito. Id quit acting if I could open a chicken-wing burrito version of Trujillos in L.A., noted Yang. Dont tell my agent. Valerie Garza, who works at Dirty Birds, recalls waiting on Yang as recently as last summer when he stopped by while in town for Comic-Con. She hasnt noticed an uptick in business since last weeks Bon Appetit mention but, then again, summer vacation has begun. diane.bell@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1518 Twitter: @dianebellSD Facebook: dianebell.news U.S. military drills with the Republic of Korea (ROK) and Washington's troop presence there are "vital" for regional security, Japan said Wednesday, raising concerns after U.S. President Donald Trump said the drills would be halted. "The drills and the U.S. military stationed in South Korea (ROK) play a vital role in East Asia's security," Japan's Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said when asked about Trump's surprise announcement. "I hope to share this recognition between Japan and the US, or among Japan, (the) U.S. and South Korea (ROK)," he told reporters. Trump stunned observers Tuesday, after meeting Kim Jong Un, leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), by saying the regular joint military exercises between the US and the ROK would be halted as Washington fleshes out a deal with Pyongyang. "We will be stopping the war games, which will save us a tremendous amount of money, unless and until we see the future negotiation is not going along like it should," Trump said. "Plus, I think it's very provocative," he added, saying further that "at some point" he wanted to withdraw U.S. troops from the South, without suggesting a timeline. Onodera said Japan's policy remained unchanged after the Trump-Kim summit. "There is no change in our policy of putting pressure" on Pyongyang, he said, adding that Japan wanted concrete action from the North over its nuclear and missile ambitions, as well as on the issue of Japanese abducted by Pyongyang decades ago. Their names were never released to the public, but the 20 people who died during San Diegos hepatitis A outbreak were remembered Wednesday night in a moving candlelight service in Sherman Heights. It boils down to how a community treats its lowest members, memorial organizer Jack Fitzgerald said about the victims of the outbreak, which hit downtowns homeless population the hardest. Were praying to show them dignity and acknowledging their full personhood and humanity. About 30 people attended the 6:30 p.m. memorial on Commercial Street below the Interstate 5 bridge, where many homeless people regularly congregate. Most at the memorial had come from Our Our Lady of Guadalupe Church, where Fitzgerald works as social outreach coordinator. Advertisement 1 / 13 Jack FitzGerald, who is the social outreach coordinator for Our Lady of Guadalupe, lights twenty candles as he and around thirty other people hold a memorial service for the twenty victims of the hepatitis A outbreak. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 2 / 13 Yusef Miller prays with two homeless women after he asked them if they would like to join him and around thirty other people as they hold a memorial service for the twenty victims of the hepatitis A outbreak. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 3 / 13 Yusef Miller, center, who is with the Council on American-Islamic Relations, holds flowers as he and other people prepare to place them in a fence. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 4 / 13 SAN DIEGO, June 13, 2018 | People place flowers in a fence. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 5 / 13 Margie Carroll, left, and other people place flowers in a fence. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 6 / 13 Jack FitzGerald lights twenty candles during a memorial service for the twenty victims of the hepatitis A outbreak. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 7 / 13 Father John Auther, with Our Lady of Guadalupe, speaks as he looks at flowers placed in a fence. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 8 / 13 Yusef Miller speaks during a memorial service for the twenty victims of the hepatitis A outbreak. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 9 / 13 Andres Banuelos, right, and Michael Razon, both 8, stand near the cart that belongs to a homeless person during a memorial service for the twenty victims of the hepatitis A outbreak. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 10 / 13 Around thirty people hold a memorial service for the twenty victims of the hepatitis A outbreak. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 11 / 13 People, many of them homeless, walk past a group holding a memorial service for the twenty victims of the hepatitis A outbreak. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 12 / 13 Maria Samaniego, front, and others walk back to Our Lady of Guadalupe church after a memorial service for the twenty victims of the hepatitis A outbreak. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) 13 / 13 Flowers remain in a fence after a memorial service for the twenty victims of the hepatitis A outbreak. (Hayne Palmour IV / San Diego Union-Tribune) Fitzgerald said it was symbolic that officials had never released the names of the 20 people who died in the outbreak, because it showed how they were treated without dignity. In place of names, people at the memorial read what little they knew about each victim, then prayed for them. The first victim was a 58-year-old man who died on February 25 (2017), one person said, reading from a script. We remember you tonight, the group said in unison. The readings continued until each person was recognized. Hepatitis A is spread through fecal matter, and many who were infected were homeless people without access to toilets or places to properly wash their hands. Besides the 20 who died, 588 people were infected during the outbreak, which was first detected in March 2017 but was traced back to late 2016. Although the county installed portable toilets and hand-washing stations to curb the epidemics spread, a report released by the county Board of Supervisors last month faulted local governments response. Many people at the memorial also faulted the city and county for not responding fast enough. Father John Auther of Our Lady of Guadalupe said its obvious from the smell of urine on the street that the area still is neglected. Id like to challenge the mayor and City Council to come here and pray and take a deep breath, he said. Yusef Miller, the community outreach liaison for the local chapter of the Council on American-Islamic Relations, also noted the smell. What we smell here is injustice, he said. What we see here is injustice. The end to injustice begins with us. Sherman Heights resident David Gonzalez said he hoped the lives lost in the epidemic would be a catalyst for change. If we can put in a little time, itll help our city leaders to make a change so they wont wait until 20 people have died and theyre embarrassed so they do something, he said. The church organized the community group Fair Share San Diego in response to the citys opening of the Storage Connect Center, which will provide storage bins for 500 homeless people to store their belongings. Members of the group have said they oppose the center because of its location next to the churchs Our Ladys School and because it would continue to concentrate homeless people in their neighborhood. The memorial was timed to be held on the same day as the opening of the citys new Storage Connect Center, about a block away from the ceremony. The center was a breaking point for some Sherman Heights and nearby Logan Heights residents, who argued that their neighborhoods already had taken on many services for homeless people, and it was time for other communities to do their fair share. While city officials have said the new center will benefit homeless people because it will give them a place to safely store their property, Auther and Fitzgerald said it also may exasperate health problems in the neighborhood by making the homeless population more concentrated. The memorial service included readings from the Good Samaritan parable and a relevant quote from St. Pope John Paul: Human persons are willed by God; they are imprinted with Gods image. Their dignity does not come from the work they do, but from the persons they are. 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 Call him a pimp. A brothel owner. A businessman. Now call him the Republican nominee for a Nevada state Assembly seat. It was Dennis Hofs second shot at the seat held by Republican James Oscarson. The last time he tried, he ran as a Libertarian. But when Donald Trump was elected president in 2016, Hof saw an opportunity. He won handily Tuesday night, defeating Oscarson and getting a concession from the incumbent via text message at 11:21 p.m. Advertisement Congratulations, Oscarsons text read. Thank you, Hof replied. The unofficial vote tallies from the Nevada Secretary of States office Wednesday showed Hof winning 42.8% to 36.5% a margin of fewer than 500 votes. Hof, who has billed himself as the Trump from Pahrump, nabbed the endorsement of Nye Countys Republicans. He attacked Oscarson with billboards and online ads that called him a serial tax hiker and portrayed him in unflattering cartoon images. One likened Oscarson to a monkey. Oscarson didnt take it lying down, however. His campaign noted Hof had been accused of sexual assault and tried to further impugn his moral character by pointing out that he was the author of The Art of the Pimp. Hofs bid for the seat drew national attention due to his outsized reality television persona, culled from an HBO series that took place in one of several brothels he operates in Nye and Lyon counties. Laura Billman, Oscarsons spokeswoman, said they felt they had been running behind the entire race. When the unofficial Nye County numbers came in 2,372 votes for Hof and 1,465 for Oscarson Billman said they knew the numbers couldnt be made up in Clark and Lincoln counties. Nye County voters dont like incumbents, she said. Nevadans also went to the polls Tuesday to help decide who will take over the governors seat, now occupied by Republican Brian Sandoval. Fellow Republican Adam Laxalt, the state attorney general, easily advanced to the November showdown. Laxalt will face Steve Sisolak, who defeated a fellow Clark County commissioner, Chris Giunchigliani, for the Democratic nomination. In the race for U.S. Senate, Democratic Rep. Jacky Rosen and incumbent Republican Dean Heller both easily won their parties nominations. Clark County Sheriff Joe Lombardo who gained a national profile overseeing the police response to the Las Vegas shooting that left 58 people dead on Oct. 1 declared victory after winning nearly three-quarters of the vote. Nevada was one of five states that held primaries Tuesday bringing the total to 21 so far heading into the midterm election. Democrats are aiming to flip enough congressional seats to seize control of the House of Representatives. And following the #MeToo movement, a record number of women have been running for office. Hofs bid comes as a petition drive is underway in Nye and Lyon counties to eliminate their brothels. Activists in the two counties, which have 40% of the states brothels, have until Friday to gather enough signatures to qualify for the November ballot. Some have said the petitions are aimed at Hof. In February, the Nye County sheriff shut down the the Hof-owned Love Ranch near the town of Pahrump over building code violations. At the Bob Ruud Community Center in Pahrump, voter traffic was heavy as people sought the shadiest path possible to cast their ballots. Temperatures hit 106. Brett Chunley, 45, wore sunglasses and repeatedly wiped his brow outside after casting his vote for Oscarson. He said there was no way hed vote for Hof. He was an embarrassment before he ran for office, Chunley said. Hes even more of one now. He said Hof was ridiculous, noting hed at one point endorsed Hillary Clinton with his Hookers for Hillary campaign. And now he says hes a conservative Republican? Please. Nevada State Assembly District 36, which primarily covers deeply red Nye County, also includes portions of Lincoln County and a small part of Clark County, for a total population of about 67,000. Jim Raubolt, a 55-year-old electrician, said he couldnt bring himself to vote for Hof or Oscarson and instead voted for Joseph Bradley, the third GOP candidate, who largely slid under the radar while the other two engaged in their high-profile battle. Bradley picked up 20.7% of the vote. But Raubolt said if Hof won the nomination, he would vote for the pimp in November. The Democrats keep electing knuckleheads, he said. Sean Hunt, sitting in the back of his white pickup, was distributing white T-shirts that read, Protect Nye County freedom. He said he voted for Hof. I did it to piss people off, he said. Its the same reason I voted for Trump. I knew it would drive liberals crazy. Nye County went for Trump handily in 2016, giving him 68% of the vote though Nevada overall went for Clinton. Hof will face a Democrat, Lesia Romanov, in the general election. At the Nye County Republican Party headquarters Tuesday night, two cardboard cutouts of Trump and Ronald Reagan were propped against a wall. A man at the front door was watching conspiracy theorist and far-right agitator Alex Jones on his computer as Republicans filtered in and waited for Hof and other candidates to arrive. Hof walked in around 7:45 p.m. wearing an American flag T-shirt, blue jeans and red socks. He was presented with a sign painted in red, white and blue that read, Dennis Hof, the Trump of Pahrump. He posed for pictures with it and got a round of applause from the approximately 100 people in the room. Former madam and reality TV personality Heidi Fleiss was in attendance, wearing a T-shirt that read Vote Hof. When it was clear Hof had an insurmountable lead, champagne was brought out. Corks were popped. Pictures were taken. Nye County Republican Central Committee Chairman Joe Burdzinski stood before a crowd of about two dozen and looked at Hof. You won, he said. Hof said he couldnt have without appearances by Grover Norquist and Roger Stone. This is American history, Hof said. I feel like right won over might and another RINO (Republican in Name Only) got fired. @davemontero david.montero@latimes.com UPDATES: 11:44 a.m. June 13: This story was updated with final but unofficial results. 12:10 a.m. June 13: The story was updated with Oscarsons concession and additional details. 10:35 p.m.: The story was updated with staff reporting on primary races in Nevada. The story was originally published at 7:40 p.m. Candidates and political committees spent nearly $16 million while running for Californias 49th District, a whopping price tag driven by the costs of campaigning for a seat that straddles two of the countrys most expensive media markets. At least $15.83 million was spent in the primary to succeed Rep. Darrell Issa, R-Vista, a figure that includes financial data through May 16 will certainly grow after candidates and outside committees publicly report what they put into the race in the final weeks before polls opened on June 5. According to OpenSecrets.org, a website that tracks and compiles political spending across the country, this was the nations second-most expensive race in the midterm season so far, with only the campaign for Montanas sole House seat costing more. In all, the 16 candidates and outside political groups spent just under $100 for each of the 161,699 votes cast. The cost per vote will drop over time, as some outstanding ballots are still being counted. Advertisement The amount of money spent and wasted was staggering. We were careful in our targeting and projections and are very happy with the result, said David Gilliard, the campaign consultant for Board of Equalization Member Diane Harkey, R-Dana Point, who finished first in the primary. Inland, where Rep. Duncan Hunter ran for re-election in the 50th District, campaign and political organizations spent a much more modest $2.55 million. Unlike the neighboring 49th, nearly all of the money in the 50th came directly from the campaigns rather than from political action committees. While the 49th was an expensive race, money by no means determined a win. The two best-funded candidates failed to finish in the top two and advance to the general election. Some $4.23 million was spent supporting Democrat Sara Jacobs, a former non-profit executive who finished third. Outside political groups put $2.42 million behind her, while Jacobs, the granddaughter of Qualcomms billionaire co-founder Irwin Jacobs, put $2.1 million of her own money into the race. Irwin Jacobs gave $1.25 million to a super-PAC that, in turn, spent $2.36 million on Sara Jacobs candidacy. She received 15.9 percent of the electorate at a cost about $164.67 for every vote, a price-tag second only to Democrat Paul Kerr. Kerr, a real estate magnate who ran an almost entirely self-financed campaign, spent just over $4 million to finish seventh in the top-two primary, with a total of 7,012 votes or about $549.61 spent per supporter. Between contributions and loans from his own pocket, he put $5.11 million into his candidacy and received 4.6 percent of the vote. While a large amount of money, its not record-setting; Kathaleen Wall, a Republican running for a seat in Texas, put $6.02 million of her own money into her campaign. Harkey, the frontrunner, raised about $537,000 for her own campaign, including $100,000 she loaned from her own resources. Another organization, the conservative American Future Fund Political Action Committee, spent about $756,000 backing her candidacy. In all, it cost $28.89 for every vote cast in her favor, putting her in the middle of the pack of the five major GOP candidates by cost. She received 25.4 percent of the vote. The runner-up, Democrat Mike Levin of San Juan Capistrano, spent about $1.45 million and received another $271,674 in outside support. Nearly all of the external money came from Bill Bloomfield, a major California donor who gives to candidates on both sides of the aisle and a long-time friend of Levins. In all, it cost about $64.77 per vote cast in Levins favor, making his campaign the second most-efficient of the four Democrats running. He received 17.5 percent of the vote. We were careful in our targeting and projections and are very happy with the result, Gilliard said. He added that he expects the general election to be one of the most expensive in the country, and said hes confident that Harkey can raise enough money needed for a strong and complete campaign. Spending in the 50th District between the three Democrats, three Republicans and one independent running was much more meager, costing about $18.75 per vote. Besides $950 spent against Hunter, there was no outside spending. In the 50th, Hunters campaign spent $1.17 million, including over $600,000 in legal services and fees related to a campaign finance scandal. In all, it cost Hunter about $20.84 per vote, a figure that would have been about half as much if it werent for the legal expenses. He placed first with a commanding 47.7 percent of the vote. Gilliard, who is also a consultant for Hunter, said that campaign money wont be any sort of problem for his re-election campaign. Based on the numbers from the primary I doubt national Democrats will invest heavily in [District] 50. Yes I believe Duncan will be able to raise the money we need to meet the budget and get his message out, Gilliard said. The runner-up, Democrat Ammar Campa-Najjar of Jamul, spent $643,627. It cost about $32.38 per vote. He sat in second with 17.5 percent of the vote, about a 4.6 percentage point advantage over El Cajon Mayor Bill wells, a Republican in third place. Wells entered the race late and spent $36,633, or about $2.25 per vote. In an indication of how far to the right the district leans, Wells received seven votes more than Democrat Josh Butner who spent $485,496, or about $32.51 per vote. The outcome shows that a dollar stretches a lot further for Republican candidates in one of the most conservative districts in California. Facing an uphill financial battle, Campa-Najjar said support beyond what he can raise on his own for his campaign will be crucial for him to win. He said he has spoken with some deep pockets, including the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee as well as Tom Steyer, a billionaire who spends heavily on progressive causes. He said hes also planning to speak with Rep. Steny Hoyer, D-Md, a member of Democratic party leadership and the longest-serving member of that party in the House. This is a seat that folks in Washington want to see flipped, Campa-Najjar said. And my case to them is that this is the first time the Hunter name has gotten more votes against him than for him, and an indictment can happen any day. And that would change the course of the race and we need to be ready before that happens. A full financial picture is not yet available since campaigns have only publicly reported how much they have spent through May 16. A more complete account is expected in campaign finance reports that are due to the Federal Election Commission on July 15. An analysis by OpenSecrets of the 2016 election cycle found that an average of $1.5 million was spent on winning House candidates, with about $1.3 million of that money coming from the campaign itself, while the rest is spent by outside groups. An analysis by the Brookings Institution, however, found that the average House winner in 2012 spent $1.6 million. Twitter: @jptstewart joshua.stewart@sduniontribune.com (619) 293-1841 San Diego police are preparing for a new statewide effort to reduce racial profiling by conducting officer training sessions, adding new data-collection software and amending Police Department policies. The efforts come more than two years after a San Diego State study of traffic stops found racial disparities in how San Diego police handle traffic stops, particularly vehicle searches. State law requires large police departments on July 1 to start collecting more rigorous data about officer interactions with the public in an effort to study racial profiling trends and find ways to curb the practice. The law, Assembly Bill 953, requires San Diego police to sharply expand which kinds of interactions they document and what elements of each interaction they need to record and submit to their superiors and state officials. Advertisement Officers have been attending mandatory training sessions this spring and the department recently decided to use a data collection system created by the San Diego County Sheriffs Department. Two groups of officers, the gang unit and the neighborhood policing unit, have begun collecting the required data as pilot projects to help the department work out any kinks before July 1. All officers will start collecting the required data on June 27 so that the entire department is fully prepared when the new law kicks in four days later, Police Chief David Nisleit told the City Councils public safety committee on Wednesday. Nisleit said it will be a significant shift for officers because they will be required to collect as many as 60 pieces of data from each interaction, many more than previously required under the departments policies. The department is planning to collect more consistent and rigorous data on race. New data that must be collected include gender, age, sexual orientation, the duration of the stop, ability to speak English and whether the person is disabled in any way. Collection of some of that data is required because the goals of the state law go beyond curbing racial profiling to include reducing other potential kinds of officer discrimination and bias. The department must also expand which interactions get documented beyond just traffic stops, which it has collected data on since 2000. State laws requires data collection for pedestrian stops, bicycle stops and many interactions when officers respond to calls for service. And all data must be submitted by the end of an officers shift, except in rare circumstances. Lt. Jeffrey Jordon, who is spearheading the new data collection effort, told the council committee that department officials are upbeat that the results will help improve officer training and build trust with residents skeptical of local police. Our department believes the collected data has wide-ranging benefits that will lead to increased transparency and an open dialogue with community members that will strengthen our relationships, he said. The local chapter of the American Civil Liberties Union has criticized San Diego police for allowing officers to under-report traffic stops and for not focusing enough on racial profiling. Lt. Jordon said the department will strive to avoid any skewing or under-reporting of data. There will be no massaging or manipulating the data -- you cant learn from manipulated data, he said. The data is going to tell us what we need to take a look at, what we need to learn from and what changes need to be made and how were going to go about doing that. The SDSU study showed that race and ethnicity isnt a significant factor in determining who police pull over, but that blacks and Hispanics are more likely to be searched and questioned in the field after being stopped. Christie Hill, the local ACLU chapters senior policy strategist, urged the council committee on Wednesday to make available to the public all of the data collected under the new requirements. Chief Nisleit said he plans to make such data available either monthly or quarterly. I want everyone to have the ability to analyze it themselves -- independent study basically, not authored by the city of San Diego, he said. Availability of the data is one reason the city chose the Sheriffs data-collection system over one provided by the state Justice Department, which would not allow local access and analysis of the information, Jordon said. While the state law requires collection of the data to begin July 1, departments arent required to begin submitting the data to the state until next April. Councilwoman Barbara Bry of La Jolla praised Chief Nisleit for his handling of the new requirements. What Ive been most impressed about over the last few months, chief, is your openness to doing things in new ways and your embrace of it and your understanding that it will lead to better neighborhood policing and safer communities, she said. david.garrick@sduniontribune.com (619) 269-8906 Twitter:@UTDavidGarrick San Diego police and Crime Stoppers on Thursday released a photo of a suspect believed to have sneaked into a Clairemont home and hauled off a small safe containing money and documents last month. The heist happened about 1:30 p.m. May 21 , when a man in a sweatshirt and jeans busted into the rear window of a home on Mt. Everest Boulevard, in a residential neighborhood a few blocks south of Balboa Avenue, according to authorities. The thief made off with the safe, the contents of which included the victims passport. Authorities released this photo of a man suspected in a May 21 burglary at a Clairemont home. (Photo courtesy Crime Stoppers ) Advertisement Authorities described the suspect as a Latino man 20 to 25 years old, about 5-feet, 9-inches tall with a medium build. Anyone with information about his identity or location was asked to call the police departments Northern Division at (858) 552-1733. Crime Stoppers is offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information that leads to an arrest. Anonymous tips can be made by calling (888) 580-8477. Go to www.sdcrimestoppers.org for more information about sending tips online. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com (760) 529-4945 Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT A heavily disguised, pistol-wielding thief robbed a Hillcrest credit union office Thursday, stashing his loot in an oversize plastic soda cup before fleeing. The robber who was wearing gloves, sunglasses, a knit cap, a gray hooded jacket with the cowl pulled over his head and a rubber Halloween-style mask confronted a teller at the Mission Federal branch on West Washington Street near Front Street at about 9:30 a.m., according to the FBI. The bandit pulled a silver handgun and pointed it at the clerk while demanding money, the agency reported. When the employee handed over an undisclosed amount of cash, the robber stuffed it into a 7-Eleven Big Gulp cup he was carrying, then repeated the process with a second teller. He then walked out of the building and ran off to the west. Advertisement In addition to the rest of his identity-concealing garb, the roughly 6-feet, 200-pound thief was wearing dark pants and white running shoes. The dark-gray beanie he had on bore a San Diego State University logo, and his mask depicted the face of a pale, wrinkled old man, officials said. Authorities are looking for a 21-year-old inmate firefighter who disappeared from a fire camp in Boulevard, state prisons officials announced Wednesday. Marco Calderon was last seen 10:30 p.m. Tuesday in his bunk at McCain Valley Conservation Camp, according to the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation. He was reported missing 90 minutes later, the department said. Calderon, a minimum-security inmate, was sent to prison from Los Angeles County to serve a five-year sentence for second-degree robbery. Hes been in state custody since September, and moved to the fire camp last month. Advertisement The departments agents are looking to find and arrest Calderon. State and local law enforcement agencies were notified of Calderons disappearance and are helping in the search. Calderon is Latino, stands 5 feet, 10 inches tall, and weighs 223 pounds. He has long brown hair and brown eyes. Anyone who spots Calderon is asked to call 911. People who may know where to find Calderon were asked to contact the Sierra Conservation Camp Watch Commander at (209) 984-5291, ext.5439, or McCain Valley Conservation Camp at (619) 766-4393. teri.figueroa@sduniontribune.com (760) 529-4945 Twitter: @TeriFigueroaUT Tension is mounting in National City as family and community members continue to call for transparency while police investigate the case of a 40-year-old man who died this week after being arrested and restrained by officers in May. Earl L. McNeils death sparked outrage after loved ones and activists said police officials refused to provide details about the incident that preceded his death. He died Monday. On Wednesday, protesters rallied at police headquarters and at National Citys City Hall, calling for video of McNeils interaction with police to be released to the family and then to the public. He made our family. He was the life of the party, said McNeils cousin, Makisha McNeil at the protest. We dont understand how could this just happen to us. You never know when this could happen to a member of your family. Advertisement National City police Chief Manuel Rodriguez said his department is conducting an investigation and review of the incident. The county District Attorneys Office, the FBI and the U.S. Department of Justice are also monitoring the case. The chief previously said the other agencies were already investigating the incident. People want to know what happened to Mr. McNeil, and so do we, Rodriguez said in a statement. I am hopeful the San Diego County Medical Examiners report will provide the answers to what happened to Mr. McNeils medical condition. According to police, McNeil had gone to the National City police station shortly before 5:30 a.m. on May 26 and used a telephone outside the station to contact dispatchers. He told them he was high, that a warrant had been issued for his arrest and that he wanted to kill Jesus, police said. Police responding to the call found McNeil to be agitated, making irrational statements and acting paranoid, and arrested him on suspicion of being under the influence of a controlled substance, the department said. When he became combative, he was placed in the Wrap, a type of restraint, and taken to county jail, where he began to display signs of medical distress, police said. He stopped breathing while being checked out by paramedics and was taken to a hospital. Last week, McNeils family members, joined by some community activists, held a news conference and told reporters they were trying to get answers from police about what had happened to McNeil before he was hospitalized. According to family members, a detective told Makisha McNeil, that her cousin spat on multiple officers. She said McNeil suffered from bipolar disorder. Department officials said police contacted an out-of-state family member of McNeils when he was admitted to the hospital and met with a second family member four days after the incident. Chief Manuel Rodriguez has also offered to meet with the family at their convenience. The McNeil family has chosen not to meet with the Police Chief without the presence of their attorney, the departments statement said. About two dozen people participated in Wednesdays protest at police headquarters and City Hall. Azikiwe Franklin, 38, a southeastern San Diego resident, said he believes police should make public the video recorded by the officers body-worn cameras. I think they need to release it now, he said. I think theyre trying to sabotage the evidence, he said of the Police Departments response to the incident. I believe that theyre trying to sweep stuff under the rug. Franklin had a megaphone and a sign that read, Justice 4 Earl McNeil. He remained on the corner of National City Boulevard and 12th Street well after the rest of the protesters left. Of the incident, Franklin said: I dont see no threat somebody coming in needing help. Why is he coming out brain damaged? Why is that? The police chief said reports that the Police Department planned to let family members see video of officer interactions with McNeil were inaccurate. This is an ongoing investigation and as (a) result we will not be sharing video, Rodriguez said. Staff writer David Hernandez contributed to this report. Twitter: @karenkucher (619) 293-1350 karen.kucher@sduniontribune.com Allegations of sexual harassment on the part of the owner of Tapioca Express outlets in Chula Vista and National City has prompted the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission to file suit against the Asian-themed fast-food chain, the federal agency announced today. According to the commission, the proprietor of the two San Diego-area shops repeatedly wrapped his arms around female employees, pressed up against them and made inappropriate comments about their bodies. Some of the alleged victims quit their jobs due to the escalating sexual harassment, according to an EEOC news release that did not identify the accused businessman. The commission filed suit in U.S. District Court in San Diego against South El Monte-based Tapioca Express Inc. and two related companies Edeleen Inc. and Erivera Enterprise after trying in vain to reach a settlement through a conciliation process, according to the government agency. Advertisement The lawsuit charges the defendants with failing to prevent and correct the alleged harassment despite numerous complaints, seeks monetary damages for the women purportedly subjected to the demeaning behavior and calls for injunctive relief intended to prevent and correct such discrimination. Sex harassment remains a persistent problem which requires all employers to ensure accountability, training and leadership to promote a workplace free of harassment, said Anna Park, regional attorney for the EEOCs Los Angeles-area office. According its website, Tapioca Express specializes in milk tea and other popular snacks from Asia, with stores in California, Nevada and Washington. Twitter: @LAWinkley (619) 293-1546 lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com The local comedy community is grieving after one of their own was found dead near Crystal Pier in Pacific Beach on Tuesday. James Alfred Wolpert, 26, worked at The Comedy Palace, a comedy club in Kearny Mesa, according to his Facebook page. Dozens of friends, many also involved in the comedy scene, flocked to the site to share memories and mourn his loss. Many spoke of his infectious laugh. He was such a sweet soul, always beaming that big grin and that Mickey Mouse laugh exploded out like a bolt of joyous lightning, wrote Jesse Egan. I cant even imagine the Comedy Palace without our Jimmy. Advertisement Others wrote about his warmth and charm. He was celebrated as a great comedian, and an even better person. Jimmy Wolpert was one of the sweetest and most genuine human beings in the San Diego comedy scene, Russell Brock wrote. Police said a couple walking along the beach spotted his body in the surf about 2 a.m. Tuesday. They called for help and started CPR. Lifeguards and police took over, but Wolpert could not be resuscitated and died about 2:40 a.m. Police said Tuesday it appeared that Wolpert had drowned. The Medical Examiners Office did not provide a suspected cause of death. Twitter: @LAWinkley (619) 293-1546 lyndsay.winkley@sduniontribune.com Helen Fricker is worried. She says cities throughout the world, including San Diego, could be affected by the climate change thats unfolding in the Antarctica. Fricker studies such change as a glaciologist at UC San Diegos Scripps Institution of Oceanography, which is located 8,600 miles from the majestic ice floes of Antarctica. She outlined her concerns in a perspective piece published Wednesday in the journal Nature. Advertisement Fricker, who is travelling in Australia, discussed her concerns in an email interview with the Union-Tribune. Helen Fricker, a glaciologist at UC San Diegos Scripps Institution of Oceanography, takes a look at what the Antarctic might be like in 50 years. (Courtesy of Scripps Institution of Oceanography ) Q: Climate change is one of the most polarizing political issues in the country. How do you personally get people to set that aside and think about the sort of changes that are happening in the Antarctic? A: I make it about the actual science -- what we see in several independent data records that are all showing the same thing. And then I tell them how it will impact their lives. Q: Can you think of a particular moment where you broke through with someone who didnt appear to be ready to listen? How did you engage their attention? A: I cant really think of anyone that I have truly broken through with. We did invite a local prominent climate denialist to Scripps a couple of years ago. We showed him ice core records and satellite records. At the end of the meeting, he told us that he believed that we actually believe it ourselves and that we were not making it all up to fund our research programs. That felt like a breakthrough! Q: In your Nature perspective, you talk about what the Antarctic may be like by the year 2070. What worries you most, and why does it worry you? Were trying to get people in San Diego to understand your concerns. A: For San Diego, what worries me most is how quickly sea level will rise so that it actually impacts our lives. Think about what happens when we have extreme high tides -- for example flooding in Mission Valley, Ocean Beach, the San Diego River. This will happen more often in the coming years. Antarcticas ice sheet stores enough water to raise global sea level by 180 feet, and it is losing more ice to the ocean as each year passes. That water will end up on our shores. Q: You have long used satellites in your research. Can you give us a sense of how the evolution of satellites has changed your ability to understand whats going on in the Antarctic? Is the picture, so to speak, far sharper than it once was? A: We really couldnt do this without satellites because Antarctica is a vast continent, and also remote and harsh to work in. Satellites have allowed key events in Antarcticas recent history to be studied since the 1970s including the collapse of Antarctic Peninsula ice shelves and the loss of land ice from West Antarctica. The satellite record is now long enough that signatures are emerging of the atmospheric and oceanic processes that are causing it to change. Extending the satellite record further through continued monitoring will allow us to isolate those processes so that we can predict Antarcticas future behavior and sea-level contribution. Photo taken on Jan. 5, 2010 shows crevasses near grounding line of Pine Island Glacier, Antarctica. The frozen continent has lost three trillion tons of ice since 1992, according to a study published June 13. (IAN JOUGHIN / AFP/Getty Images ) Q: How confident are you about the predictions youre making about the future of the Antarctic? A: We are confident. As we observe the system for longer, we see more and more changes of the type we feared could happen as the climate warms. Q: A person can feel overwhelmed by the sort of things youre saying. I suspect many dont feel as they can individually do much to change things. What do you say to people to make them understand that they can, in fact, make a difference? A: Try not to be overwhelmed. Dont tune out the climate change news. Do something. Listen. Read. Learn. Vote. Everyone counts. Q: Im asking questions that make it sound like the future of the Antarctic is very, very grim. Is there reason for hope? Do you feel hope? A: The next few years will be a pivotal period for decision making with regard to Antarctica. Depending on what is decided, we could be looking at significant and irreversible changes over the next 50 years. clifford.kapono@sduniontribune.com Members of Congress and immigration activists blocked the entrance to the U.S. Customs and Border Protection headquarters Wednesday, protesting the Trump administrations policy of separating families at the border. Ten House members, including Reps. Judy Chu (D-Monterey Park ), Jimmy Gomez (D-Los Angeles), John Lewis (D-Ga.), Joseph Crowley (D-N.Y.) and Luis V. Gutierrez (D-Ill.), wore white armbands to signify their intention to be arrested in an act of civil disobedience. For the record: After publication of this article, a spokesperson for Rep. Pramila Jayapal said that her account of women being held in detention without clean drinking water involved conditions she heard about, not those that she saw personally during her visit to a federal detention center. The representatives sought to draw attention to a policy many of them called immoral and inhumane. Rep. Pramila Jayapal (D-Wash.) said the issue had not received the congressional scrutiny it deserved. I cannot think of an act that is more cruel and more inhumane than to rip a child from the arms of a mother, Gutierrez told a crowd of about 200 people at Freedom Plaza. The event was organized by activist groups including the Center for Popular Democracy. Advertisement The latest from Washington Jayapal said that on Saturday, she visited migrant mothers being held in a federal detention center south of Seattle. What I saw was outrageous, inhumane, cruel, unethical, she said, describing frigid holding cells where women are held for days without clean drinking water. They were told they were going to take showers or be photographed, and when they came back, their children were no longer there. In many cases they were standing in a room right next to them. They could hear them screaming for them. Spurred on by Lewis command to get in a little good trouble, the crowd flooded the intersection of 14th Street and Pennsylvania Avenue, walking against traffic toward the Ronald Reagan Building and International Trade Center, which houses the headquarters of the Border Patrol agency. Gomez, who said he had never been arrested in an act of civil disobedience, said he was there not only to protest the federal policy, but to stand up for residents of his district who didnt go to work, school or health appointments out of fear that they or their relatives would be taken away. Half an hour into the sit-in, however, organizers got word that neither Customs and Border Patrol officers nor Washington police would arrest them. The thinning protest rallied again and advanced toward the White House. The law says that families can apply to asylum, that they should have a hearing, said Chu, marching behind a banner. This policy of Trumps is to not even allow them to have a hearing on their asylum claims. Thats not right. Thats going against the rule of law. Near the White House, protesters linked arms in a circle in the middle of a busy intersection, once again seeking arrest. But police officers soon rerouted traffic and, again, it became clear that arrest would evade them. Gutierrez insisted they had made their point, nonetheless. We have won today, he declared. We will magnify this issue. Fawcett is a special correspondent. @ElizaFawcett A long-awaited review of the FBIs actions during the 2016 campaign concludes former FBI Director James B. Comey and others mishandled the bureaus investigation into Hillary Clintons emails and improperly shared information about that investigation with the public. The report, released Thursday by Justice Department Inspector General Michael E. Horowitz, said Comey acted improperly but was not motivated by political bias. It does not question his decision not to pursue a criminal case against Clinton. But it harshly criticized the FBI and Justice Departments handling of the matter. The report also revealed new text exchanges between top agents involved in the investigation that reflect antipathy toward Donald Trump and a desire to keep him from winning the 2016 election. Trumps allies quickly seized on those texts as evidence for his claim that people within the FBI have conspired against him. Advertisement White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the report reaffirms Trumps suspicions about Director Comey. The text messages the report unveiled illustrated the political bias the president has been talking about, she said. The report also documents harm caused by leaks, fear of potential leaks and a culture of unauthorized media contacts by FBI agents and officials. Ironically, however, given Trumps fury over leaks and concerns over politics at the FBI, the report suggests that the leaks and the bias the text messages reflected may have ultimately done more damage to Clinton, in part by delaying the FBI from reopening its investigation into her emails until the final days of the campaign, when the action was most harmful to her. The focus of the report was on how the FBI went about investigating Clintons use of a private email server while secretary of State. The practice violated government protocol and left classified information at risk of exposure. Clinton was accused by political opponents of recklessly endangering national security and trying to conceal her communications from disclosure under open records laws. The Justice Departments handling of the investigation was attacked by Democrats and Republicans. Trumps allies complained that the department, and Comey in particular, failed to pursue what they perceived to be blatant law breaking by Clinton. Democrats were enraged that Comey disregarded procedure by publicly sharing details about the email investigation in a manner that inflicted considerable political damage on Clinton. The report offered no assessment of how the FBIs actions ultimately affected the outcome of the election, but allies of Clinton and Trump used it to bolster their case that their candidate was gravely harmed by the agency. The investigators called the manner in which Comey disclosed the FBIs findings on Clintons email, at a news conference in July of the election year, extraordinary and insubordinate. We found none of his reasons to be a persuasive basis for deviating from well-established Department policies in a way intentionally designed to avoid supervision by Department leadership over his actions, the report stated. While we did not find that these decisions were the result of political bias on Comeys part, we nevertheless concluded that by departing so clearly and dramatically from FBI and department norms, the decisions negatively impacted the perception of the FBI and the department as fair administrators of justice, Horowitz wrote in the reports conclusions. Comey should have worked in coordination with then-Atty. Gen. Loretta Lynch, the report said. Comey decided not to work closely with Lynch following disclosure that she had met with former President Bill Clinton at an airport in Phoenix while the investigation was going on. The report found that while there is no evidence Lynch and Clinton engaged in inappropriate discussions at that meeting, we also found that Lynchs failure to recognize the appearance problem created by former President Clintons visit and to take action to cut the visit short was an error in judgment. Read the latest from Washington In interviews with investigators, Comey described the predicament he was in as a 500 year flood for the FBI, leaving him facing a confluence of events in which following department protocol threatened to do more lasting damage to the agency than proceeding as he did. Lynchs credibility had been undermined, and he did not want to give the public a reason to suspect the FBIs refusal to prosecute Clinton was politically motivated, he said. Comey stuck by his decisions in an op-ed published in the New York Times shortly after the reports release. Nothing in the inspector generals report makes me think we did the wrong thing, he wrote. He argued the reports most important conclusion was that the FBI made the right call in declining to press for criminal charges against Clinton. He noted the report resoundingly demonstrates that there was no prosecutable case against Mrs. Clinton, as we had concluded. Although that probably will not stop some from continuing to claim the opposite is true, this independent assessment will be useful to thoughtful people and an important contribution to the historical record. Horowitz said Comey and his colleagues compounded the problems caused by his initial news conference when he revealed in October, shortly before the election, that a cache of Clintons emails had been found on a laptop computer owned by former Rep. Anthony Weiner, who was married at the time to Clintons aide Huma Abedin. The FBI was reopening the investigation, Comey said. Clinton and her aides have said ever since that Comeys announcement might have cost her the election by slowing her momentum in the final days of the race and sowing doubts about her in the minds of voters who were on the fence. The report reveals that Comey acted in part because he worried incessantly that leaks within the FBI would lead to the media learning about the reopening of the investigation. If he did not announce that publicly, he feared, the public might see the FBI as concealing information to help Clinton. The investigators expressed alarm at the amount of confidential information that flowed to the media from FBI officials unauthorized to share it. One chart revealed the number of phone calls a sampling of unnamed reporters had exchanged with FBI agents and other officials in the bureau. In one case, a reporter appeared to have had more than 110 phone conversations with 18 different officials who were not authorized to speak to the news media. We have profound concern about the volume and extent of unauthorized media contacts, the report said. Trump has been eagerly anticipating the report, which he correctly predicted would be highly critical of Comey and the FBI. His eagerness has persisted even though the report suggests that the FBIs actions hurt Clintons campaign and therefore helped him win in 2016. The presidents allies seized on a new text message the report unearthed between special agents involved in the investigation, who expressed a desire to stop Trump from getting elected. Investigators wrote that they were deeply troubled by that exchange and that the agents brought discredit to themselves and sowed doubt about the FBIs investigation. The exchange that most concerned investigators was between agents Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, who were involved in a romantic relationship. At one point Page texted: [Trumps] not ever going to become president, right? Right?! Strzok, who was playing a lead role in the separate investigation into Russian interference in the election, which had begun during the summer of 2016, responded: No. No he wont. Well stop it. The report noted that Strzok and Page exchanged messages critical of several other political figures in both parties. Their exchanges on agency phones, and those of three other FBI officials involved in the Clinton investigation, had damaged the FBIs reputation as a neutral fact finder and showed a gross lack of professionalism, the report said. It recommended the FBI consider taking administrative action against the employees. The investigators concluded that Strzoks bias against Trump may have motivated him to focus the agencys resources on the Russia investigation in late September 2016 when agents became aware that thousands of emails linked to Clinton had turned up on Weiners laptop. It was not until Oct. 28 that the FBI announced publicly that those emails had been found. The FBI closed the investigation again a few days later, on Nov. 6, finding that none of the emails on Weiners computer were new and relevant to its investigation. The FBIs inaction had potentially far-reaching consequences, the report said, referring to the failure to act on those emails earlier in the fall. The report said investigators found all the reasons agents cited for not moving faster, including being tied down with the Russia investigation, unpersuasive. FBI Director Christopher A. Wray said at a news conference that those agents will be held accountable. But he emphasized that the report involved a small group of people over a narrow time frame and did not find that the investigation into Clinton was tainted by political bias. Nothing in this report impugns the integrity of the workforce as a whole or the FBI as an institution, Wray said. Trump has been publicly feuding with Comey, the former FBI director, since firing him in May 2017. At a time the president is pressuring law enforcement to end its investigation into Russian collusion during the campaign, a report that tarnishes the FBIs credibility provides useful ammunition for Trump. Trump, who turned 72 Thursday, predicted days ago that the findings would be a welcome birthday present. Each side could pick evidence from parts of the 500-page document to build their cases. Atty. Gen. Jeff Sessions responded to the report by expressing confidence that the FBI would learn from past mistakes. He also left open the possibility that a special counsel could still be appointed to look further into the conduct of the FBI and the Justice Department during the 2016 campaign and immediately after the election. Rep. Darrell Issa (R-Vista), a longtime Clinton nemesis, said the report shows how the FBI became infected with politics and continuously disregarded rules and procedures to the detriment of Donald Trump and benefit of Hillary Clinton. Rep. Adam B. Schiff (D-Burbank) had the opposite takeaway. Like many Democrats, he said the report clearly revealed how the actions of the FBI and DoJ in the run up to the 2016 election benefited Donald Trumps candidacy and harmed that of Hillary Clinton. Strzoks attorney Aitan Goelman called the report critically flawed in its bizarre conclusion that political bias by his client may have delayed the reopening of the FBI investigation into Clinton emails. He argued the finding was undermined by other findings in the report, which suggest Strzok responded appropriately to the discovery of the emails. In one final bit of irony, the report noted that Comey and other officials had used personal emails improperly to conduct FBI business even as they were investigating Clintons email practices. The revelation moved Clinton to retweet that news with a concise reaction: But my emails. More stories from Evan Halper evan.halper@latimes.com Follow me: @evanhalper UPDATES: 3:50 p.m.: This article was updated with information on a news conference by FBI Director Christopher Wray, a tweet by Hillary Clinton and additional reaction. 12:30 p.m.: This article was updated with additional detail from the inspector generals report and reaction. 11:20 a.m.: This article was updated with language from the inspector generals report and additional details. This article was originally published at 8 a.m. In his sun-splashed home in the Hollywood Hills, Antonio Villaraigosa has been busy writing thank-you notes. A week after the former Los Angeles mayors loss in the California governors race, he has penned more than 100 and has many more to go. Hes talked with longtime friends including Hillary Clinton and dined with allies such as philanthropist Eli Broad, who contributed more than $3.5 million in support of Villaraigosas bid. What he hasnt been doing, Villaraigosa said, is second-guessing campaign tactics that led to a distant third-place finish in the June 5 primary, including a bruising defeat on his home turf to fellow Democrat Gavin Newsom. It was probably his final run for political office. Ive never been a guy that looks back, Villaraigosa said as he glanced at stacks of blank greeting cards on his dining room table, an expansive view of the Los Angeles skyline visible in the background. I have no regrets. I left it all on the field. Advertisement Villaraigosa, 65, has wanted to be governor for at least a decade. He decided against a 2010 run, he said, because as mayor of Los Angeles, he didnt want to leave the city as it recovered from a recession. When he broached a 2018 campaign, Villaraigosa said his allies, donors and advisors urged him not to do it. Virtually all my friends thought I was insane, he said, pointing to his lucrative post-mayoral career in the private sector after a humble upbringing and previous work as a labor organizer and elected official. They saw I was finally making a few dollars. Almost everybody thought it was too risky, I had too much to overcome. Those closest to him cited several reasons to turn back: He left office and the public eye in 2013 after eight years as mayor, had never run for statewide office, and wasnt well known outside Los Angeles. He previously served as speaker of the state Assembly, leaving the statehouse in 2000. Antonio Villaraigosa refused to criticize fellow Democrat Gavin Newsom, whom he endorsed in his concession speech. (Kent Nishimura / Los Angeles Times ) But once he decided to do it, he said his supporters backed him because they had seen him come from behind before and emerge victorious, notably in the 2005 mayors race. They generously supported his bid, donating to his campaign and an independent expenditure committee for a combined $32 million spent boosting Villaraigosa. How Villaraigosa lost the governors race despite tens of millions of dollars spent to boost his bid>> A number of them said, You never cease to amaze me. You always seem to pull it through. Lets go for it, Villaraigosa said. But no one was excited about it and almost everybody, the vast majority of their input was, I dont think you should do this. Its too hard. Villaraigosa said he thinks the greatest challenge he faced was being out of elected office for several years. Theres no question that five years is a long time when running statewide, he said. Its particularly true for up north people didnt know me at all, they didnt know my work all the stuff I did as speaker and mayor. He also said President Trumps decision to endorse John Cox was a game-changer in the race, enabling the Republican businessman to consolidate the GOP vote to place second in the top-two primary behind Newsom, advancing him to the general election in November. Villaraigosa added that the volume of news coming out of the Trump administration seemed to eclipse coverage of the governors race. Follow California politics by signing up for our email newsletter But he declined to weigh in on the criticism of decisions made by his campaign and the independent-expenditure committee funded by wealthy charter-school supporters that backed his bid. Prognosticators blamed Villaraigosas loss on his late entry in the race, the at-times dizzying messaging from his campaign and the independent group, and a lack of investment in turning out Latino voters. Everyone knows I like the horses. I used to joke with [my staff] that the race is important, the length of the race is important, the track is important, the trainer is important and the jockey is important, but you need a horse, Villaraigosa said. Win or lose, you put it on the horse. He refused to criticize Newsom, whom he endorsed in his concession speech. Villaraigosa said he tried to call the lieutenant governor on election night, but the men have yet to speak and are expected to meet in coming days. Villaraigosa did push back at criticism over his decision to work for Herbalife after leaving the mayors office. His rivals, notably Newsom, seized on Villaraigosas association with the company, saying the multilevel marketing company preys on communities of color and lower-income families. Herbalife may have been an attack point, but that was just an attack point they were always going to have one, Villaraigosa said. If they hadnt had that one, they would have had the bank, referring to his work for Banc of California. Villaraigosa did not definitively rule out running for office again, but strongly implied he would not. He pledged to remain involved in policy matters close to his heart. Im not thinking about elected office. I had my run, Villaraigosa said. Im thinking about the issues I raised. I said from the beginning the biggest challenge facing the state and the country is the challenge of economic justice, a challenge of an economy thats not working for way too many people, not just the poor but the middle class. He also said he was concerned about the future of the Democratic Party. I think our party needs to find its soul, he said. Mid-interview, Villaraigosa received a text from one of his daughters asking how his morning was going. Im blessed, he told the handful of people at his house. He said that explains how he wants to spend the next several weeks before seeking a new job: Helping his staffers find employment. Planning a long-delayed honeymoon with the woman he married just before launching his gubernatorial campaign. And finishing those stacks of thank-you notes. Times staff writer Phil Willon contributed to this report. Coverage of California politics seema.mehta@latimes.com For the latest on national and California politics, follow @LATSeema on Twitter. Houston, we have a legal problem. A Tennessee woman is suing NASA out of fear that the agency will try to confiscate a vial of moon dust she inherited. Laura Cicco claims in a federal lawsuit that astronaut Neil Armstrong gave her parents the moon dust as a gift nearly 50 years ago. Cicco says the vial is authentic, despite experts questions about the material. Advertisement Tennessee resident Laura Cicco has filed a lawsuit against NASA over the ownership of a vial of moon dust given to her parents by Neil Armstrong. (Courtesy of Laura Cicco ) Lunar material is excluded from a 2012 law stating that astronauts retain ownership of artifacts they bring home from space missions. Cicco, who was 10 when her father, Tom Murray, handed her the vial, at the time didnt understand its significance. I wasnt really excited about it, she recalled, according to the BBC. Decades later she rediscovered the vial and had its contents tested. Neil Armstrong, the first man to walk on the moon. (NASA/AP ) Cicco says she should be able to keep the vial. There is no law against private persons owning lunar material, it reads. Lunar material is not contraband. It is not illegal to own or possess. Still, the government could claim possession of the vial. Joseph Gutheinz, a former senior special agent of NASAs Inspector General, said lunar rocks and materials belong to the United States government. Neil Armstrong wouldnt have had the authority to give the moon rock away, he said. A Nevada teen who cops say died while playing Russian roulette was actually targeted by two so-called friends with a grudge, his mother claims. The two teens have been charged as adults in connection with the shooting death of 17-year-old Las Vegas resident Matthew Minkler. Minkler was with the suspects in a house in Henderson when the gun went off June 9, according to a probable cause report obtained by the Las Vegas Review-Journal. Kody Harlan, 17, and 16-year-old Jaiden Caruso allegedly ran from the house after the shot went off but returned later to clean up the scene, according to the Review-Journal. Detectives found the words F--- Matt spray-painted onto the closet door, according to the newspaper. Advertisement We know this wasnt Russian roulette, Matthews mother, Jamie Shanklin, told the newspaper. My kid was shot in the chin, like they were shutting him up. Authorities found Minklers body after Harlan led police on a car chase in a stolen Mercedes and was arrested. Harlan reportedly said he had been involved with a murder earlier in the day. Teens Jaiden Caruso (left) and Kody Harlan have been charged as adults. (Henderson Police Department ) Minklers wallet was found inside the stolen car, according to cops. Caruso purchased new shoes with $300 from Matthews wallet, according to the newspaper. He cared more about his shoes, Shanklin told the newspaper. Investigators found several videos from the scene of the shooting when they searched a suspects cell phone. They also believe there were other teens at the scene of the shooting. Thats one of the most concerning things about this whole case, Henderson Police Officer Scott Williams told the Review-Journal on Wednesday. Why have these kids not told their parents? Having them come forward is not only helpful for us, but these kids witnessed this traumatic event. They need counseling to get that off their chests. Caruso is accused of murder with a deadly weapon and robbery, while Harlan faces a charge of accessory to murder, according to the Review-Journal. With News Wire Services BEIJING, June 13 (Xinhua) -- A Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesperson said Wednesday that the meeting between the leaders of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the United States had important and positive historic significance. "A good beginning is half done," spokesperson Geng Shuang told a press briefing when responding to a question about the Kim-Trump summit on Tuesday. Geng said the meeting yielded positive achievements, which were important progress in promoting denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the political settlement process. "China greatly appreciates the political decisions made by the two leaders, welcomes and supports the achievements of the meeting, and applauds the efforts made by relevant parties to make the meeting a success," Geng said. "After long-term hostility and confrontation between the DPRK and the U.S., it is of important and positive significance for the leaders of the two countries to sit down together for talks on equal footing. "The results of the DPRK-U.S. summit are a correct and important step to achieve denuclearization, end the hostility and confrontation, and pursue lasting peace and prosperity on the peninsula. "The issues concerning the Korean Peninsula are both unique and complex. It is hard to solve them overnight." He called on parties concerned to have persistence, be patient and make unremitting efforts. "We wish and support the two sides to implement the consensus reached by the two leaders, promote follow-up consultations, further consolidate and expand the achievements, and make the political settlement of the peninsula issue a sustainable and irreversible process," Geng said. "As a neighbor of the peninsula and an important party to the Korean Peninsula affairs, China stands ready to work with other relevant parties toward denuclearization and the establishment of a peace mechanism on the peninsula, and make positive efforts and contributions to the lasting stability on the Korean Peninsula." In 2002, Stanford undergraduate Elizabeth Holmes undertook research into using frequent blood testing to monitor individuals health that was so promising her professors encouraged her to form a company around the idea and seek funding, according to a 2005 story in The Daily Deal. That story noted that it didnt take long for the then-21-year-old Holmes to line up millions in venture capital funding for a company she dubbed Theranos, an amalgam of the words therapy and diagnosis. Also in 2002, Gov. Gray Davis signed a bill that approved placing before voters a $9.95 billion bond as a down-payment on what was billed as a 700-mile high-speed rail network linking Northern and Southern California. After various delays and related new legislation, the measure finally reached the ballot in November 2008, when voters narrowly approved Proposition 1A after being promised the main segment linking San Francisco and Los Angeles would cost $33 billion. This year, Theranos collapse has Holmes well on her way to being remembered as one of the greatest charlatans to emerge from the world of business, and Californias bullet train project lumbers ahead despite having no prospects for adequate funding to complete an initial segment with a chance of attracting riders. Instead, the first segment of the now $77 billion project is expected to end in a rural almond orchard a half-hour from the nearest population center. But even though dire problems with the California High-Speed Rail Authority have been apparent for much longer than with Theranos, the authority is treated like a disappointment not a pariah. Given how the parallels between the two entities go far beyond their 2002 origin stories, this doesnt make sense. Advertisement The first parallel has to do with how each has been characterized by dishonesty from the start. In Theranos case, theres no evidence that Holmes original claim of having come up with an advanced blood-testing procedure so powerful it would revolutionize health care was ever even close to true. But this bogus claim was catnip to investors, as The New York Times wrote last month: Her beguiling concept was that by a simple pinprick drawing only a drop or two of blood Theranos could dispense with the hypodermic needle, which she likened to a gruesome medieval torture, and perform a full range of blood tests in walk-in clinics and, ultimately, peoples homes. In the bullet trains case, the dishonest catnip was the confident assertion made by Gov. Arnold Schwarzenegger and other supporters of Proposition 1A that it would be easy to come up with the additional billions of dollars needed to complete the S.F.-L.A. route. Yet the rail authority knew in real time that this wasnt true. It was supposed to release a business plan by Oct. 1, 2008 five weeks before the November 2008 election that would in theory reassure voters that the projects finances were solid. Instead, blaming the delayed adoption of a state budget, the authority said in late October that it couldnt release the business plan until just after the election. When the business plan was finally released, the authority itself identified the problem that has haunted the project ever since: In the spring of 2008, the authority issued a Request for Expressions of Interest as an effort to gauge private sector interest in participating in [a joint funding] arrangement for the high-speed train project. Interest was strong, especially among construction firms, system and equipment providers, financial institutions and operators. Most private firms responding made it clear that they would need both financial and political commitments from state officials that government would share the risks to their participation. What does financial and political commitments from state officials to share the risks mean? It means the state would have to promise investors that if the project didnt live up to revenue or ridership forecasts, subsidies would be provided. Such subsidies were explicitly banned in Proposition 1A. But instead of sharing this wisdom before 53 percent of state voters approved the ballot measure, the rail authority kept this fact to itself. Nearly 10 years later, with no investors in sight, this hiding of the truth isnt a footnote. Its the bullet trains shameful original sin. But both Theranos and the California High-Speed Rail Authority were only getting started. Both subsequently engaged in years of grossly misleading spin to keep attention from being paid to the core falsehoods of their endeavors. As the Securities and Exchange Commission detailed earlier this year, Holmes and another Theranos executive routinely told potential investors that ... ... Theranoss products were deployed by the U.S. Department of Defense on the battlefield in Afghanistan and on medevac helicopters and that the company would generate more than $100 million in revenue in 2014. In truth, Theranoss technology was never deployed by the U.S. Department of Defense and generated a little more than $100,000 in revenue from operations in 2014. Bullet-train officials also responded to their skeptics with empty claims. The most obvious example came in 2014, when the rail authority was coming off months of bad news, most notably a court ruling that it didnt have a viable business plan. That July, in a story featured prominently in the San Jose Mercury News and other papers in the Bay Area News Group, the authority claimed that it didnt just have one or two potential investors it had plenty. The headline: California bullet train: Interest from private investors revives shaky funding plan. There was just one Pacific Ocean-sized problem with this claim: The authority identified companies that were much more accurately seen as potential contractors like VINCI Concessions, a giant French transportation company than as potential investors. Yes, VINCI helps arrange financing. But no, its not partnering in any project without financial and political commitments limiting its risk just as the 2008 business plan predicted. Instead, its eager to make billions of dollars helping build Californias project just what one would expect from a company known for its global role in building privatized, government-backed infrastructure. You know, projects with government-backed revenue guarantees. Surprise, surprise four years after the Mercury News report, no private investors have emerged. The Theranos-bullet train parallels could go much further starting with both endeavors hiding behind high-profile supporters (George Shultz and Rupert Murdoch in the former case; Govs. Schwarzenegger and Jerry Brown in the latter) and dismissing critics as dubiously motivated individuals who were sexist or declinists, respectively. But space is finite. So Ill conclude by getting to the ridiculous contrast in how these similarly godawful scandals have been treated. Theranos rode high until October 2015, when a single skeptical Wall Street Journal story triggered its unraveling by pointing out the falsity of many of its claimed scientific and commercial successes. This led to Holmes being fined $500,000 and banned from serving as an officer or director of a public company for 10 years in a settlement with the Securities and Exchange Commission announced in March. Once compared to Steve Jobs, Holmes now reportedly faces a criminal investigation and finds herself the subject of a Vanity Fair profile that looked at the enormity of her lies and concluded she has sociopathic tendencies. No such opprobrium awaits Govs. Schwarzenegger and Brown, longtime bullet-train board chairman Dan Richard and all the others who propped up a doomed-from-the-beginning project that is likely to be remembered as the worst public sector boondoggle in U.S. history. This will be explained away, of course, by those who say corporate executives have explicit rules on transparency and disclosure that they need to honor at risk of consequential, stinging penalties but government officials dont. Yet thats not really an explanation at all. It only demands another question. Why? Why is it OK to hide huge problems from taxpayers but not shareholders? And, no, its good enough for government work is not an acceptable answer. Reed, who chairs the board of the San Diego Declinists, is deputy editor of the editorial and opinion section. Email: chris.reed@sduniontribune.com. Twitter: @chrisreed99. Column archive: sdut.us/chrisreed. Twitter: @sdutIdeas Facebook: San Diego Union-Tribune Ideas & Opinion When the Cross-Border Express, the pedestrian bridge linking San Diego to Tijuanas airport, opened in late 2015, it quickly became a powerful, tangible sign of San Diegos evolving relationship with Tijuana, a symbol of the ways that the two cities have become a single integrated metropolitan area, much like Minneapolis-St. Paul or Dallas-Fort. Worth. The only difference, of course, is that San Diego and Tijuana are separated not just by a few miles, but by an international boundary too. I lived in both San Diego and Tijuana during most of the 1990s and remember feeling back then that the cities were even further apart in their day-to-day life than they were on the map. San Diego was a beautiful, well-developed, if slightly insular city. Tijuana was rough, poor and often violent, though also highly entrepreneurial. Overall the two cities couldnt have been more different. Then again, much can change in 20 years. In this period, Tijuana reinvented itself. Its economy shifted from piece-work to advanced manufacturing, a solid middle class emerged, and it laid the groundwork for an incipient technology industry. At the same time, the wine country in the Guadalupe Valley became a magnet for tourists from north of the border, and Tijuanas culinary scene took off, from taco stands and food carts to craft breweries and high-end restaurants. And the citys music scene exploded, from the symphony and the opera to electronica and alternative rock, building on the citys hybrid identity at the border. Advertisement San Diego changed too. Once content to be a beautiful beachside community, city leaders yearned to make it one of Americas great cities, anchored by top-notch educational institutions, a flourishing arts scene, and a modern economy driven by technological innovation. The absence of a true international airport made this hard. So too did the regions smaller size compared to the Los Angeles and Bay Areas. Somewhere along the way, city leaders on both sides of the border began to notice each other and see their complementarities rather than just the differences. After all, the two economies were already growing closer together, with similar industries in each city, and both now had flourishing cultural scenes and respected research facilities. There had always been a few visionaries, like Chuck Nathanson of San Diego Dialogue, and businessman and philanthropist Malin Burnham, who had seen this potential, but over the last decade, this awareness began to spread. The Smart Border Coalition, Tijuana Innovadora, the San Diego Association of Governments, universities on both sides of the border and a number of civic organizations played key roles in building the connective tissue that began to tie the two cities together. The San Diego Chamber of Commerce and the Tijuana Economic Development Council began a series of visits to Washington, D.C., and Mexico City to highlight these connections and advocate for efficient border policies that would make the border less of an obstacle to engagement. We dont talk about two cities; we talk about one region, San Diego Mayor Kevin Faulconer told me when I interviewed him for my book Vanishing Frontiers about the ties between the two cities. What started as a pragmatic business arrangement between the two big cities across the border a shared airport that resolved a concrete problem for San Diego and brought benefits to Tijuana and a bit of planning around border crossings has led to a mutual discovery that the cities had more in common than anyone realized. Relationships and new avenues for collaboration began to be built between universities, museums, innovation clusters, environmental activists and education professionals. Today San Diego and Tijuana are leading the way in showing how twin cities separated by a border can work together. Together they constitute the largest single metropolitan region that spans an international boundary anywhere in the world. In Washington, politicians talk about building a wall across the southern border, but San Diego and Tijuana have decided instead to build bridges so that they can become a single metro region with a shared future. And, of course, that one very real bridge across the border fence linking San Diego to the Tijuana airport remains a visible reminder of what the two cities can achieve together when their leaders put their minds to it. Its a lesson that our national political leaders in Washington, D.C., and Mexico City would be wise to learn from. Selee is president of the Migration Policy Institute and author of Vanishing Frontiers: The Forces Driving Mexico and the United States Together. The University of California, San Diego graduate is the former executive vice president of the Woodrow Wilson Center and founding director of its Mexico Institute. Dont bend the rules for Airbnb-style business owners Re Faulconer proposes rules for citys short-term rentals (June 14): I am very disappointed Mayor Kevin Faulconer has decided on what I consider to be an illegal proposal. On the other hand, citizens are required to obtain building permits, observe zoning laws, etc. Faulconer says that it is a fair compromise that allows a home-sharing economy. Allowing owners to rent a non-owner-occupied residence is not home-sharing. It is a business in a residential area. Los Angeles City Council approved only primary residences to be rented on a night-to-night basis and is limited to 120 days a year. I am further disappointed that the city attorneys office is not enforcing the municipal code. Advertisement Virginia Hatt San Diego What a feckless proposal by the mayor. Its time to recall him before he can do any further damage to this city. Gary Burcham San Diego Good news/bad news for Mission Beach in todays paper. On Page 1, I read Mission Beach would be exempt from Kevin Faulconers new rules for short-term rentals. On page 3, I read the Antarctic ice sheets are melting faster than expected, leaving low-lying communities less time to prepare. Maybe thats why Faulconer exempted Mission Beach its a consolation gift from the city before your home disappears into the Pacific. We have about a decade to cut greenhouse gas emissions to avert the worst consequences of climate change. A price on carbon would do that. Ten years will go by quickly. Laura Schumacher Bay Park I hope that all of the elected officials get the opportunity to live next to a short-term vacation rental. Its a revolving door where you never know who you are living next from one weekend to the next. And who bears the cost of additional security in condos? The homeowners association. There are problems leasing and selling property around STVRs because no one wants to live around them. They create parking problems, noise, rule violations, and who has to deal with this? Not the city. All it wants is the money. Build hotels dont destroy neighborhoods. Charmaine Todd Del Mar Heights 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. SEOUL, June 14 (Xinhua) -- South Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) agreed Thursday to restore military communications lines along the eastern and western areas after holding military talks, according to local media. General-level military officers from the two sides held talks on military affairs, the first of its kind in over 10 years, at Tongilgak, a DPRK building in the truce village of Panmunjom that straddles the divided Koreas. The last general-level military dialogue between Seoul and Pyongyang was held in December 2007. During the talks, the two sides exchanged opinions about a pilot demilitarization of the Joint Security Area (JSA) in Panmunjom to ease military tensions across the heavily armed inter-Korean border. 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. President Trump held a press conference after meeting with Kim Jong Un on Tuesday afternoon, revealing more information other than the US-DPRK (Democratic People's Republic of Korea) Statement. He vowed to end war games, which is generally interpreted that he is to suspend the US-ROK (Republic of Korea) joint military exercise, and this has always been one of the DPRKs major demands. Trump also said he would like to bring the US troops stationed in the ROK back home although it isnt a topic for discussion right now. If the United States stopped joint military exercises with the ROK, it would be a major step toward peace on the Korean Peninsula. Then the Korean Peninsula would basically realize Chinas proposal of double suspension, which means that the DPRK suspends its nuclear and missile activities, meanwhile the US and the ROK suspend their joint military exercises. It would promote thedual-track approachto denuclearize the Korean Peninsula andestablish apermanentpeaceful mechanism. In this way, the situation on the Korean Peninsula would open a new chapter. The military activities on the Korean Peninsula would cool down as a whole with the United States reducing its military involvement and eventually withdrawing its troops. Thus the Peninsula would completely walk out of the left shadows of the cold war. If this would become a stable direction of the Korean Peninsulas political development, the whole region would benefit from it. Once the DPRK nuclear issue was thoroughly solved, things would naturally go in the above-mentioned direction. If the "threat from the DPRK" no longer existed, why would the US and the ROK continue the large-scale military exercise and why would Washington keep its troops in the ROK? These fundamental issues will soon follow. Both the public opinions in the United States and the ROK doubt thatthe DPRKwont actively implement the agreements, but most of the resistance to the peace process on the Korean Peninsula probably comes from the United States, the ROK, and even Japan. Soon after the meeting between Trump andKim Jong Un, Western media doubted that Trump had gotten nothing from the meeting while the DPRK had won more. Such public opinions probably continue in the United States, the ROK and other western countries. The American society has been hostile to the DPRK for a long time. American senates and opinion leaders who oppose Trump can find numerous reasons to object to the Trump administration's interaction with and even some "concession" to the DPRK. These forces will contain Trump and force him to be more cautious when pushing the implementation of the agreement with Kim Jong Un. Pro-US forces in the ROK have always been regarding the United States Forces Korea (USFK) as the cornerstone of the ROKs national security and are willing to continue the US-ROK joint military exercise as a link to strengthen the US-ROK relations. As the peninsula situation softens, the US will reduce its military presence and activity in the region, which, however, may not be what those people want to see. Japan has a mixed feeling towards the ease of the situation on the Korean Peninsula. Tokyo hopes to see the US adopting a hard-line policy in northeast Asia because that way, the US has to rely more on Japan, thus enhancing Japan's strategic presence. Previously, Trump's main rival was Pyongyang, but in the future, objection against him on the DPRK issue may very likely come from within the US. Having dealt with Pyongyang for some time, the Trump administration has more practical understanding and thoughts, but those forces within the US that take no responsibility are more than happy to stir up trouble. They give much more priority to making a fool of Trump over safeguarding America's long-term interests. When the US-DPRK consultation mechanism begins to operate, they will be Trump's "new enemy" on the DPRK issue. Trump and Kim Jong Un are faced with the opportunity to create history. It will be equally remarkable if the former can achieve the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and the latter can make the DPRK prosperous. However, extraordinary achievement calls for extraordinary efforts, and Trump should be especially familiar with that. Disclaimer:The article is an editorial of the Global Times and is translated from Chinese into English and edited by the China Military online. The information, ideas or opinions appearing in this article are those of the author and do not reflect the views of eng.chinamil.com.cn. Chinamil.com.cn does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same. If the article carries photographs or images, we do not vouch for their authenticity. The document the two leaders signed did not include details of how and when North Korea would denuclearize, nor did it spell out exactly what "security guarantees" the United States would provide to North Korea. Kim agreed Tuesday "to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula" during the summit, while Trump unexpectedly said he was suspending military drills with South Korea. Trump on Wednesday said "We save a fortune by not doing war games, as long as we are negotiating in good faith -- which both sides are!" "Just landed -- a long trip, but everybody can now feel much safer than the day I took office," Trump wrote on Twitter. "Meeting with Kim Jong-un was an interesting and very positive experience. North Korea has great potential for the future!" U.S. President Donald Trump declared Wednesday, "There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea," as he returned home from a summit in Singapore with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. No Specifics Critics pointed to the lack of specifics in the agreement while questioning whether Trump gave up too much while securing too little in return during his several hours of talks with Kim in what was the first meeting between a sitting U.S. president and a North Korean leader. Trump has defended the agreement as a major step in dealing with the threat of nuclear-armed North Korea and said he believed Kim's government would start the process of living up to the agreement right away. "Before taking office people were assuming that we were going to War with North Korea," he tweeted Wednesday. "President Obama said that North Korea was our biggest and most dangerous problem. No longer -- sleep well tonight!" Former U.S. ambassador Bill Richardson told VOA he is concerned about no verification of what the North Koreans will do about missile technology in North Korea, no detail of nuclear reduction, the peace treaty and human rights. North Korea's official news agency on Wednesday quoted Kim as saying it is "urgent" that both North Korea and the United States "make a bold decision on halting irritating and hostile military actions against each other," while mentioning Trump's pledge to halt the military exercises. Respond in Kind Kim said if the United States takes "genuine measures for building trust," he would take "additional goodwill measures of next stage commensurate with them." No details of what those steps would be were given. The report also mentioned that Kim invited Trump to Pyongyang while Trump invited him to Washington and said both accepted the other's invitation as "another important occasion for improved relations." The agreement calls for the two countries to jointly work on efforts to build a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula, to establish new U.S.-North Korea relations and to recover the remains of prisoners of war and military members missing in action. The two sides promised to hold follow-up negotiations. "We're going to denuke North Korea," Trump told VOA contributor Greta Van Susteren, adding that U.S. troops stationed in South Korea will remain in place, but announcing one concession long-sought by North Korea was included in the document signed earlier in the day. "We are going to get out of the war games that cost so much money," he said referring to the U.S. participation in joint military exercises with South Korea. At his news conference, Trump said the war games were expensive, provocative and inappropriate. A Pentagon spokesman said Defense Secretary Jim Mattis was "not surprised" by Trump's concession ending the military exercises and had been consulted, including discussions with Trump and Secretary of State Mike Pompeo. "We welcome the outcomes," the defense spokesman said. "We support them." Optimistic Tone Trump struck an optimistic tone about his talks with Kim. "My meeting with Chairman Kim was honest, direct and productive. We got to know each other well in a very confined period of time," he said. The U.S. leader stressed that existing U.S. sanctions will remain in place until North Korean nuclear weapons "are no longer a factor." On human rights, Trump said Tuesday's meetings only very briefly touched on the topic but that the two sides would discuss it more in the future. When asked about thousands of people imprisoned in labor camps, Trump said he thinks he has helped them because things in North Korea will change. "I think they are one of the great winners today," he said. He cited American college student Otto Warmbier, who was arrested by North Korean authorities in 2016 and died a year ago after being repatriated to the United States with severe brain damage. "Otto did not die in vain. He had a lot to do with us being here today," Trump said. Hours earlier as he sat alongside Kim at the signing ceremony, Trump said the two leaders "have developed a special bond" and that after their several hours of talks Tuesday and the signing of the agreement, he thinks the U.S. relationship with North Korea "will be very different than in the past." White House Invite Trump said he would "absolutely" invite Kim to visit the White House and is open to visiting Pyongyang, as well. "Today, we had a historic meeting and decided to leave the past behind," Kim said, speaking through a translator. "The world will see a major change." Kim at one point told Trump that many people around the world would see their meeting as a kind of fantasy, as if it the event was a "science fiction movie." They first met Tuesday for about 40 minutes alone, except for their translators, before bringing in delegations from their respective sides for a working lunch. They walked outside together after the lunch, stopping briefly to look at the U.S. president's special limousine. On Flag Day, we take a look at a Supreme Court decision issued 75 years ago that school children were not required to salute the American flag. Weekly Newsletter The best of The Saturday Evening Post in your inbox! Join In 1942, America was in peril. It was immersed in a war for survival and faced powerful enemies to the east and west. It had already suffered a sneak attack at Pearl Harbor and faced a long, bloody road to victory. For many, it was a time to demonstrate their patriotism and support for their country. The West Virginia Board of Education chose to do so by enacting a rule that required children to salute the flag. Students who failed to salute would be subject to disciplinary action, which included the possibility of being expelled or sent to reform school. The parents could be prosecuted for contributing to juvenile delinquency. Subscribe and get unlimited access to our online magazine archive. Subscribe Today At the time, Germany was sending thousands of Jehovahs Witnesses to concentration camps for refusing to salute the Nazi flag. Jehovahs Witnesses were forbidden by their religion to salute flags, which they consider a form of idolatry. Walter Barnette was a Jehovahs Witness in West Virginia who instructed his two daughters not to salute the flag or recite the pledge of allegiance. The girls were duly expelled, and Barnette took the matter to court, asserting that the salute violated the principles of freedom of religion and of speech. The case eventually made its way to the Supreme Court. Three years earlier, the Court had ruled that a Pennsylvania school board had the right to require Jehovahs Witnesses to salute the flag. These enforced demonstrations, one justice argued, were a means of creating national unity. On June 14, 1943, the justices reversed this earlier decision. Justice Robert Jackson wrote, Freedom to differ is not limited to things that do not matter much. The test of its substance is the right to differ as to things that touch the heart of the existing order. The Post editors applauded the decision. They recognized that the freedom to express ones patriotism was one of the things America was fighting to defend. As the Constitution Center recently noted about the ruling, Patriotism and free speech still collide now and then. Such debates remind us that individual expression can be criticized and yet still protected by the First Amendment. -From a July 10, 1943, editorial in The Saturday Evening Post: Score for Freedom No. 2 The Supreme Court happened to select Flag Day to hand down the opinion that it had been wrong in an earlier decision in a Jehovahs Witnesses flag-salute case. The court, in reversing itself, declared that state statutes calling for salutes to the flag by school children were in violation of the Bill of Rights unless they took account of the religious convictions of minorities. In Justice Jacksons words: If there is a fixed star in our constitutional constellation, it is that no official, high or petty, can prescribe what shall be orthodox in politics, nationalism, religion or other matter of opinion, or force citizens to confess by word of mouth their faith therein. The principles of Jehovahs Witnesses can be pretty annoying to the majority of citizens. They insist on propagating their beliefs at the most inconvenient times and places, and they make no concessions to the sensibilities of the majority. To our way of thinking, this makes all the more impressive the action of the court, taken in time of war, when hysteria can so easily be directed toward eccentric minorities, to protect the elementary rights of unpopular individuals. The majesty of the flag will not suffer because it has been permitted to remain the symbol of a willing loyalty. While the honest convictions of American citizens are protected by judicial authority from the zeal of well-meaning but often impatient officialdom, the flag, which symbolizes our hard-won privileges, waves more proudly than before over the land of the free. Love of country is not in danger. It springs, to quote Justice Douglas, from willing hearts and free minds. Featured image: Wikimedia Commons Pune, India -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/14/2018 -- High Purity Alumina Market Overview High Purity Alumina fined usage in various end use industries such as transportation, aerospace, household appliances, medical, and others. The market is projected to witness noteworthy growth due to their superior properties combined with excellent usage in various end use industries specifically in aerospace, automotive, electrical & electronics, and others. Based on type segment, 4N is estimated to register strong growth followed by 5N due to their low production cost and easier availability of smelter grade alumina. Among the application segment, LED accounted to hold the largest market share due to their energy efficient operation along with increasing penetration of LED sector in automotive sector. Furthermore, increasing automotive sector base in developing countries along with burgeoning need for high quality high purity alumina is estimated to fuel the growth of the market over the estimated period. Geographically, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest market share for High Purity Alumina in 2016, followed by Europe which is further trailed by North America. In North America the high purity alumina market is projected to above average growth over the assessment period due to the substantial growth of medical & pharmaceutical sector in this region. Asia Pacific is estimated to witness tremendous growth over the forecast period in high purity alumina market due to rising application of abrasives in machinery and metal fabrication industries. In Asia Pacific, the demand for High Purity Alumina is expected to raise in various countries such as Japan, Indonesia, South Korea, Taiwan, India, China, and the Philippines owing to increasing population along with shifting of manufacturing facilities for most of the matured market players in this region. In Europe, High Purity Alumina Market is estimated to register moderate growth due to shifting consumer preference towards the High Purity Alumina based products along with high adoption rate in electrical & electronics, aerospace, and automotive specifically in France, Belgium, UK, Italy, Germany, Poland, Spain, and Russia. In addition, various countries of Latin America and the Middle East & Africa are estimated to witness steady growth in High Purity Alumina on account of rising disposable income along with sales of High Purity Alumina based product specifically in Chile, Guatemala, Peru, Argentina, Brazil, Mexico, and Venezuela along with expanding transportation manufacturing hubs and electronics sector specifically in Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Israel, UAE, Qatar, and Turkey. Get Sample of Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/1951 Industry/ Innovation/ Related News: February 2018- Sasol Chemicals Inorganics announced to complete their alumina capacity expansion by approximately 15,000 tons per annum. This expansion will help company to strengthen their position across the globe. October 2017- Altech Chemicals announced to raise USD 20 million for the capacity expansion of their high purity alumina plant from 4000 tpa to 4500 tpa. This expansion will help company to meet the increasing demand for high purity alumina across the globe. May 2017- Showa Denko Aluminium Co. Ltd., a part of SDK announced to raise their high purity aluminum foil capacity in China. With this capacity expansion the company will strengthen their position across the globe. May 2017- Hill End Gold (HEG) signed an agreement to acquire high purity alumina project from pure alumina limited. This strategic move will help company to strengthen their position among high purity alumina market players. Competitive Landscape The High Purity Alumina report has analysed the level of competition among the key operating players in High Purity Alumina Market as well as sector growth and market scenario. The global high purity alumina market comprises of broad range of suppliers operating in the market which includes large scale and medium scale manufacturers. The prominent players of High Purity Alumina and large level producers which has strong hold in the market have shifted their focus towards growth association specifically by Asia Pacific as moderate level and high level suppliers belongs to this province specifically from South Korea, Australia, China, India, the Philippines, Taiwan, Malaysia, Japan, and Thailand. Moreover, the key operating players of high purity alumina are observed to follow numerous strategic plans to improve their product portfolio such as distribution agreements, strategic acquisition, joint ventures, product launches, and mergers, and exclusive agreements. Main operating players in this market are anticipated to enhance their production capacity of High Purity Alumina to meet the growing demand for high purity alumina worldwide. Access Complete Report @ https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/high-purity-alumina-market-1951 New York, NY -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/14/2018 -- The latest report, Maternity Support Product market enables stakeholders to gain insights into their potential consumers to construct more effective marketing strategies for the forecast period, 2018 to 2025. With an exclusive coverage of the top vendors, the study enables business owners to know more about the local market and locate potential consumers. Download Sample Brochure of Maternity Support Product Market spread across 102 pages, profiling 5+ companies and supported with Tables & Figures is now available at https://www.marketexpertz.com/sample-enquiry-form/11844 Market Segment on the basis of Top Manufacturers - Destination Maternity Corporation, ITA-MED, JoJo Maman Bebe, Reitsman (Canada), Spanx. 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From a business standpoint, the industry has been thoroughly examined across various countries located in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and others. The size of the industry for the forecast period 2018 - 2025 is evaluated on the basis of current sales figures and past financial report can be used to forecast the future sales. About MarketExpertz: Planning to invest in market intelligence products or offerings on the web? Then marketexpertz has just the thing for you - reports from over 500 prominent publishers and updates on our collection daily to empower companies and individuals catch-up with the vital insights on industries operating across different geography, trends, share, size and growth rate. There's more to what we offer to our customers. With marketexpertz you have the choice to tap into the specialized services without any additional charges. Contact US: 40 Wall St. 28th floor New York City NY 10005 United States sales@marketexpertz.com +1-800-819-3052 Phoenix, AZ -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/14/2018 -- Winifred Adams, host of Making Life Brighter Radio, sits down with famed electric guitarist, Se Hwang Kim of South Korea. Se Hwang Kim is best known for his KPOP stardom and respected the world over for his electrifying style on guitar. As the 1st ever KPOP artist inducted into the ROCK WALK OF FAME on Hollywood Blvd, Se Hwang Kim has gone on to influence generations and countries with his music. Moving over 1.2 million people during the change of government in South Korea, Kim played for change! And change he influenced. Don't miss this special episode of MAKING LIFE BRIGHTER RADIO with Se Hwang Kim, Electric Guitar, ROCK GOD! This Thursday June 14, 2018 at 10am PST/ 1PM EST on the Health and Wellness Channel on VoiceAmerica.com. Featuring Experts in their field and those 'Making Our Lives Brighter." Catch it live or check out the archive and special outtake on http://www.makinglifebrighter.com https://www.voiceamerica.com/show/2366/making-life-brighter http://english.yonhapnews.co.kr/culturesports/2014/03/13/10/0701000000AEN20140313007000315F.html http://m.entertain.naver.com/read?oid=003&aid=0005856036 https://youtu.be/fxwUsBFleiI http://www.etoday.co.kr/news/section/newsview.php?idxno=1314961 Listeners can download the current versions of the VoiceAmerica Talk Radio App at: Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.airkast.VA_MASTER&hl=en iTunes: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/voiceamerica-talk-radio-network/id412135954?mt=8# Kindle: http://www.amazon.com/AirKast-Inc-Voice-America/dp/B00IGH8WPO About VoiceAmerica/World Talk Radio LLC World Talk Radio, LLC is the world leader in online media broadcasting and the largest producer and distributor of live internet based talk radio and TV, delivering over 1,000 hours of programming weekly on its VoiceAmerica Network (http://www.voiceamerica.com) as well as live and on-demand video content on VoiceAmerica.TV (http://www.voiceamerica.tv). Featuring more than 200 hosts broadcasting to seven niche community based channels: its flagship VoiceAmerica Variety Channel, VoiceAmerica Empowerment, VoiceAmerica Health & Wellness Channel, VoiceAmerica Business Channel, VoiceAmerica Sports, Influencers Channel, and VoiceAmerica Kids Channel. VoiceAmerica TV offers targeted and exclusive video programming channels. VoiceAmerica /World Talk Radio, LLC is one of the pioneers in internet broadcasting, producing and syndicating online audio and video, offering an innovative, effective and comprehensive digital broadcast platform. Digital Publishing through its MANY years of broadcast and media experience along with our seasoned staff of Executive Producers, Production and Host Services Group, VoiceAmerica /World Talk Radio, LLC provides an internet radio and video platform for new, emerging and veteran media personalities to expand and monetize their business and brand in an online digital medium. Fountainville, PA -- (SBWIRE) -- 06/14/2018 -- While most people know that it's essential to drink enough water throughout the day, it's even more important to make sure enough water is consumed during the summer. One of the easiest ways someone can avoid feeling dehydrated is by consuming the right amount of water each day. Drinking water helps people stay energized, hydrated, and it can even help them feel less hungry. For most people, the taste of tap of water can be off-putting. Running to the food store for bottled water and the frustration of waiting for a filtration system to purify the water can be very annoying. Fortunately, Eagles Peak is here to help. As the top supplier of home water delivery in Montgomery County, Eagles Peak has helped keep people of all ages stay hydrated all summer long. Eagles Peak has always been dedicated to helping as many people as possible avoid dehydration during the summer. Businesses and residential customers alike can take advantage of Eagles Peak's crisp, clean water. With many different options, sizes, and quantities, Eagles Peak is sure to have something for everyone. With options like 5-gallon spring water, 1-gallon distilled water, 16 oz. bottles and half-gallon glass bottles, there are many different ways for residents across the Greater Philadelphia Area and South Jersey to help combat the summer heat from beginning to end. Now that summer has just about arrived, homeowners and business owners can stay stocked with delicious, clean, crisp water from Eagles Peak, the go-to supplier of water cooler dispensers in Philadelphia. Interested parties can find more information on their website at http://eaglespeak.com/. About Eagles Peak Eagles Peak, located in Fountainville, PA, provides people throughout Pennsylvania and New Jersey with pure water that's from carefully selected springs in the mountains of Pennsylvania. Naturally occurring minerals lend the water it's crisp and refreshing taste. As well as water products, this company also offers coffee products and services. Being located just outside of Doylestown, PA allows Eagles Peak to maintain a low carbon footprint and high quality control. For more information, visit http://eaglespeak.com/. Astronomers using the Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array (ALMA) have uncovered evidence that three infant planets are forming in the protoplanetary disk around HD 163296, a young star located approximately 398 light-years away in the constellation Sagittarius. Protoplanetary disks are the gas- and dust-filled planet factories that encircle young stars. The rings and gaps in these disks provide intriguing circumstantial evidence for the presence of protoplanets. Other phenomena, however, could also account for these tantalizing features. But now, using a novel technique that identifies unusual patterns in the flow of gas within planet-forming disks around young stars, two independent teams of astronomers have confirmed distinct, telltale hallmarks of newly formed planets orbiting an infant star. Measuring the flow of gas within a protoplanetary disk gives us much more certainty that planets are present around a young star. This technique offers a promising new direction to understand how planetary systems form, said Dr. Christophe Pinte, an astronomer at Monash University, Australia, and the Institut de Planetologie et dAstrophysique de Grenoble, France, and leader of one of the two teams. To make their respective discoveries, each team analyzed ALMA observations of HD 163296, a 4-million-year-old star with a mass of two solar masses. We looked at the localized, small-scale motion of gas in the stars protoplanetary disk, explained University of Michigan astronomer Dr. Richard Teague, leader of the second team. This entirely new approach could uncover some of the youngest planets in our Milky Way Galaxy, all thanks to the high-resolution images from ALMA. Rather than focusing on the dust within the disk, which was clearly imaged in earlier ALMA observations, the astronomers instead studied carbon monoxide gas spread throughout the disk. Molecules of carbon monoxide emit a very distinctive millimeter-wavelength light that ALMA can observe in great detail. Subtle changes in the wavelength of this light due to the Doppler effect reveal the motions of the gas in the disk. Dr. Teague and co-authors identified two Jupiter-mass planets located approximately 83 AU (astronomical units) and 137 AU from the star. Dr. Pintes team identified a planet of two Jupiter masses at about 260 AU from the star. The researchers used variations on the same technique, which looks for anomalies in the flow of gas as evidenced by the shifting wavelengths of the carbon monoxide emission that indicate the gas is interacting with a massive object. The technique used by Dr. Teagues team, which derived averaged variations in the flow of the gas as small as a few percent, revealed the impact of multiple planets on the gas motions nearer to the star. The technique used by Dr. Pinte and colleagues, which more directly measured the flow of the gas, is better suited to studying the outer portion of the disk. It allowed the scientists to more accurately locate the third planet, but is restricted to larger deviations of the flow, greater than about 10%. In both cases, the authors identified areas where the flow of the gas did not match its surroundings a bit like eddies around a rock in a river. By carefully analyzing this motion, they could clearly see the influence of planetary bodies. The astronomers reported their results and analysis in a pair of papers in the Astrophysical Journal Letters. _____ Richard Teague et al. 2018. A Kinematical Detection of Two Embedded Jupiter Mass Planets in HD 163296. ApJL, in press; arXiv: 1805.10290 C. Pinte et al. 2018. Kinematic evidence for an embedded protoplanet in a circumstellar disc. ApJL, in press; arXiv: 1805.10293 The oldest example of a tick wrapped in spider silk has been found, preserved in Burmese amber. It dates from the Cretaceous period, about 99 million years ago. The newly-reported specimen is a flattened, pear-shaped piece of amber with dimensions of 14 x 11 mm. It originated from the private collection of German collector Patrick Muller, and is described in the journal Cretaceous Research by Dr. Jason Dunlop of the Museum fur Naturkunde in Berlin, Professor Paul Selden from the University of Kansas and the Natural History Museum, London, and their colleagues. Its a show of behavior, really. Ticks already are known from the Burmese amber but its unusual to find one wrapped in spider silk, Professor Selden said. Were not sure if the spider wrapped it in order to eat it later or if it was to get it out of the way and stop it from wriggling and destroying its web. Thats something spiders do. This is the first time this kind of interaction between ticks and spiders has been documented in the fossil record. Ticks are seldom found in Burmese amber, though the few that have been discovered were proved to be among the oldest tick specimens known to science, Professor Selden said. Theyre rare because ticks dont crawl around on tree trunks. Amber is tree resin, so it tends to capture things that crawl around on bark or the base of the tree. But ticks tend to be on long grass or bushes, waiting for passing animals to brush up against them, though some of them can be on birds or squirrels, or maybe a little crawling dinosaur. The team took pains to ensure the ancient tick was indeed bound in spider silk, rather than fungal filaments that sometimes can grow around a dead tick. We think this was spider silk because of the angles that the threads make, Professor Selden said. Also we show a picture of a tick that started to decay and the fungus on that tick grows from its orifices from the inside to the outside. Whereas these threads are wrapped around externally and not concentrated at the orifices. The researchers are unable to determine the species of spider that wrapped the tick because families of spiders known to catch ticks today lack a convincing Mesozoic fossil record. We dont know what kind of spider this was, Professor Selden said. A spiders web is stretched between twigs to catch prey that flies or bumps or crawls into it. As prey gets stuck, it adheres to the web and starts to struggle. Maybe some things can escape after some struggle, so the spider rushes to it out from hiding and wraps it in swaths of silk to immobilize it, to stop it escaping or destroying the web. This prevents prey from hitting back tinging or biting once its wrapped in silk it cant move, and then the spider can bite it and inject gastric fluid to eat it or venom to subdue it as well. _____ Jason A. Dunlop et al. 2018. A Burmese amber tick wrapped in spider silk. Cretaceous Research 90: 136-141; doi: 10.1016/j.cretres.2018.04.013 The ruling Minjoo Party won a sweeping victory in local elections held on Wednesday, taking 14 out of 17 major districts. The main opposition Liberty Korea Party only held on to Daegu and North Gyeongsang Province, its political stronghold, while independent Won Hee-ryong took Jeju Island. Minjoo's resounding victory is a tremendous boost to President Moon Jae-in pursuing sometimes contentious policies, while the opposition leadership, still reeling from the collapse of the Park Geun-hye administration, is in for another shakeup. Incumbent Mayor Park Won-soon celebrates his victory in local elections with his wife in Seoul on Wednesday. Incumbent Mayor Park Won-soon won another term in Seoul, while Minjoo candidate Lee Jae-myung won the race for Gyeonggi Province governor despite an adultery scandal hanging over his head. Ruling party candidates won even in wealthy districts of Seoul and parts of northern Gyeonggi Province close to North Korea, which traditionally favored the most conservative candidates. Park took 52.8 percent of the votes compared to rival Kim Moon-soo's 23.3 percent. The Bareun Mirae Party's candidate, the once popular IT tycoon Ahn Cheol-soo, came third with 19.55 percent. Park is the first Seoul mayor to win three terms in a row. Lee won 56.4 percent in Gyeonggi Province despite being accused of an affair with actress Kim Bu-sun, which puts him in pole position for the next presidential election. Minjoo candidate Lee Jae-myung celebrates his victory in local elections with his wife in Gyeonggi Province on Wednesday. Minjoo candidate Kim Kyoung-soo, who was accused of playing a role in an opinion-rigging scandal, also managed to win the race for South Gyeongsang Province with 52.8 percent, beating the LKP's Kim Tae-ho, who took 42.96 percent, and becoming the first non-conservative governor of the region. The Minjoo Party also came in first in 152 districts choosing mayors, county and ward chiefs, while the LKP won in only 53 districts. Yoon-a of Girls' Generation will hold an event to meet with her fans in Bangkok, Thailand next month. All 3,800 tickets were instantly sold out when they became available last Saturday. Yoon-a has enjoyed great success not only as a member of the hugely popular girl band but also as a solo musician and actress. The Thailand event on July 7 is a part of her Asian tour, which kicked off in Seoul last month. She will also visit Hong Kong as well as Osaka and Tokyo in Japan. Meanwhile, Yoon-a is joining a new film project in a starring role. The disaster film deals with a chaotic city trapped in a mysterious and deadly toxic gas cloud. Singapore, the host city of the historic U.S.-North Korea summit on Tuesday, could be the biggest winner of the high-stakes diplomatic event. According to Singaporean Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, the city state footed a bill of 20 million Singaporean dollars by hosting the summit but has already broken even. Some 4,000 people, including 2,500 reporters from around the world, came to Singapore for the summit, and the money they spent on accommodation, food and other expenses translate into direct proceeds for Singapore. The Singaporean government earned 3.15 million dollars from selling commemorative coin alone. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is making the rounds of Seoul and Beijing to brief them on the historic U.S.-North Korea summit in Singapore on Tuesday. In a joint statement, U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un pledged to implement their agreement through follow-up negotiations between Pompeo and a senior North Korean official. Pompeo arrived in Seoul on Wednesday evening and paid a courtesy visit to President Moon Jae-in at Cheong Wa Dae on Thursday morning before meeting with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha. Kang and Pompeo then sat down with their Japanese counterpart Taro Kono, who also arrived here Wednesday. Home Just In Nepal Army personnel defuse IED planted on Damak Mayors vehicle Jhapa, June 14 A Nepal Army bomb disposal squad has defused an improvised explosive devise installed on the vehicle of Damak Municipality Chief, Romnath Oli, in Damak of Jhapa on Thursday morning. The Mayor has been staying at Prime Minister KP Sharma Olis residence in Damak. According to the Mayor, the suspicious object kept inside a carton box was found on the roof of Scorpio jeep belonging to the Municipality office. He had informed police after seeing the object. The security personnel inside the residence had taken the box safely at 8:00 pm last night and disposed it this morning, informed the Area Police Office in Damak. Police are searching for the attackers. Home Just In Nepali Congress warns of leaving House if either Speaker or Deputy doesnt resign Kathmandu, June 14 The main opposition party Nepali Congress has warned of leaving the Federal Parliament if either the Speaker or the Deputy Speaker does not resign. The constitution has it that the two top officials of the House of Representatives must belong to different parties. Earlier, the balance was maintained as Speaker Krishna Bahadur Mahara represented then CPN-Maoist Centre whereas the Deputy Speaker Shiva Maya Tumbahamphe represented then CPN-UML. However, the two parties later merged into the Nepal Communist Party. Following the merger, the Congress has been demanding that one of them resign. The ruling NCP, however, argues that no one should resign as both of them have already left their parties after getting elected to the parliamentary positions. Speaking at the House of Representatives meeting today, Congress lawmaker Minendra Rijal warned against misinterpreting the constitution to meet party interests. He warned that the party would leave Parliament and go to the people if the demand was not heeded. In its latest weekly newsletter Alphaliner highlighted that the $6.27bn has to be completed by 30 June this year and still needs to be cleared by China's Ministry of Commerce (MOFCOM), and the requirements of the US Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States (CFIUS). Failure for the deal to be approved by the Chinese authorities would seem unlikely, failure to gain CFIUS approval could also affect the closing of the deal. Obtaining CFIUS approval appears to be the trickier of the two hurdles, and CO- SCO has not provided any official clarification on the status of its negotiations with the committee so far, Alphaliner said. While Cosco reportedly proposed to divest or carve out the OOCL-owned Long Beach Container Terminal (LBCT) to help ease US national security concerns, no details of any such plan have been made public until today. Read more: Cosco Shipping to acquire OOIL for $6.3bn Cosco Shipping releases additional information on OOIL takeover If either of the two conditions is not met by 30 June Cosco could walk away from the deal without penalty. However, even if CFIUS approval is not given by the deadline it does not mean the acquisition is dead in the water. Any delay in securing the approvals may not necessarily doom the deal, as both COSCO and OOIL could mutually agree to extend the deadline beyond the proposed Long Stop Date of 30 June 2018, Alphaliner said. A Michigan-based glass fabricating company has passed over a competing site in Kentucky to instead expand its current facilities in Oakland Countys Highland Township. The move has resulted in a state-backed grant for the company, all the while creating more jobs and millions in capital investment from the glass fabricator. The family-owned Midwest Glass Fabricators, Inc. has announced plans to build an expansion onto its Highland Township facilities, complete with new equipment. The project is expected to create 62 jobs and generate $4.7 million in total capital investment. Because of this decision, the company will receive a $186,000 Michigan Business Development Program performance-based grant from the Michigan Strategic Fund, as announced by the Michigan Economic Development Corporation. Highland Township has also offered incentives for the companys growth: A 50 percent tax abatement in support of the project. "This expansion is the next phase in our development as a company," owner and chief operating officer Pat Iaquinto said in a statement. "Our investment in Michigan will continue to grow as will our commitment to serve our partners with locally sourced products that meet their needs." The expansion comes as the company experiences increased demand for its fabricated glass products and custom metal fabrication services. The 53,000 sq. ft. addition to its already 50,000 sq. ft. facility will allow the company to build a glass laminating line for safety and security glass. Midwest Glass Fabricators was founded in 1989. "Adding laminate to our line-up of products is a step towards providing safety to buildings nationwide at an affordable price without compromising security," said Midwest Glass owner and chief executive officer Jim Iaquinto. "Building an addition to our existing plant will allow us to bring in local R&D and help establish Michigan as a leader in the arena of safeguarding the public." Got a development news story to share? Email MJ Galbraith here or send him a tweet @mikegalbraith. Civil engineering, architectural, survey, and environmental services firm Wightman has welcomed five professionals to its team in its Allegan, Benton Harbor, and Portage offices.It also has hired Sarah Proceviat as Management Consultant, Director of Environmental Services. She will be responsible for development and management of the strategic direction of the companys environmental testing, risk assessment, compliance, and permitting services. She will oversee daily operations of the department consistent with organizational goals and cultivate business relationships with new and existing clients.Through her academic and work experiences, Proceviat has developed the ability to merge environmental sustainability with industry and infrastructure development and operations to ensure the requirements and intent of both are well understood and respected, Wightman says. Her experiences have taught her success is proven when partnerships between sectors have been fostered.Proceviat has 15 years of environmental-related managerial experience. She comes to Wightman from Forbes Bros. Ltd. where she was Director of Environmental Services for their Canada and U.S.A. Operations. Among her responsibilities there was the daily fulfillment of FBLs environmental contractual obligations, providing environmental services to client groups, and the establishment and management of working relationship with governmental authorities.Trevor Bailey of Vicksburg joins the Wightman Portage office as a survey crew member. He has experience in the construction and maintenance trades. He recently graduated from Western Michigan University with a bachelors degree in Geography with a GIS concentration and a minor in Earth Science.Griffin Dekker of Holland has been hired as a survey crew member based in the Wightman Allegan office. He worked as a survey field intern for two summers and was a member in the Burt and Mullet Chapter of the National Society of Professional Surveyors. He will graduate this spring from Ferris State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Surveying Engineering.Paul Harvey of Kalamazoo returns to Wightman as he joins the Portage office as an engineer-in-training. He worked for the company the past two summers as a survey department intern and as an inspector in the engineering department. Harvey recently graduated from Western Michigan University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.Sheila Miller of St. Joseph joins Wightman as an accountant based in the Benton Harbor office. She has more than 25 years of accounting and administrative experience, including 14 years with Wightman as its office manager before her most recent position with Abonmarche Consultants as an accounting assistant. She attended Grand Valley State University where she studied accounting, business, and finance.Patrick Schwyn of St. Joseph returns to Wightman as an engineer-in-training based in the Portage office. He worked for Wightman the past five summers, two as a survey crew member and three as a construction inspector. Schwyn recently graduated from Michigan State University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Civil Engineering.Wightman has been serving Southwest Michigan and Northern Indiana since 1946 with offices in Benton Harbor, Portage, and Allegan.Source: Wightman Editor's note: This story is part of Southwest Michigan Second Wave's On the Ground Edison series.A dramatic increase in immigration enforcement, tightening of national immigration policies, and heated immigration rhetoric effects not only undocumented immigrants, their families, and communities, but any foreign-born person living in the United States, and most especially Latinx people, regardless of their citizenship status.Since so much media and governmental attention has been paid to Latinx in regards to immigration, particularly to Mexicans, many Latinx feel overly-scrutinized and uncomfortable in public, says Nelly Fuentes-Donnachello, founder of Movimiento Cosecha Kzoo, a nonviolent movement fighting for permanent protection, dignity, and respect for the 11-million-undocumented immigrants in the United States.Its not just the fear of ICE (Homeland Securitys Immigration Control Enforcement) that is affecting immigrants, its the fear of just people in general, says Fuentes-Donnachello. Its the fear of being brown in this country. It doesnt matter if you have papers or not, you automatically might be labeled as one of the undocumented immigrants that come here and steal jobs.Fuentes-Donnacello says that Kalamazoo residents may not have an accurate perception of how the current immigration climate is affecting immigrants in the area.People have a very (unclear) idea of what is happening in regards to immigration in Kalamazoo, says Fuentes-Donnachello. This is not Grand Rapids right? We pride ourselves to be a blue dot in a sea of red. The reality is, this is happening here, in our little neck of the woods. People are disappearing from their houses. Grandmas are being taken and not returning.Awareness is slowly increasing about the toll the current immigration climate is taking on communities, particularly those like Edison, which has nearly 19 percent Lantinx residents. Local residents may wonder how they can help make life less stressful for their immigrant and Latinx neighbors.Participating in protests, writing letters, and signing petitions that support compassionate immigration policies are all meaningful activities, say representatives of Welcoming Michigan. Anna Hill, staff attorney, and Meagan Roche, West Michigan Communities Coordinator, Welcoming Michigan, both with Michigan Immigration Rights Center, and Fuentes-Donnachello, have some suggestions for helping make Kalamazoo more welcoming to immigrants:The Kalamazoo County Identification Card was initiated after years of planning on May 3, 2018, to help recognize all Kalamazoo County residents and enable them to connect with public safety, civic, and community services, according to the Kalamazoo County website.The Kalamazoo County I.D. enables immigrants, homeless, and other disenfranchised residents to have an acceptable form of identification so they may utilize public and private services.Without a form of identification, a person is not recognized as a member of the community and not afforded the same opportunities as other community members, states the website. Having a form of credible identification enables people to become fully participating members of the community.According to Roche, who uses her own Kalamazoo County I.D. to cash checks and apply for credit cards, use of the card by more county residents helps legitimize the I.D. and de-stigmatize its use for those who must rely upon it as the only form of proper identification.More information about applying for the card can be found here Some local support groups are Movimiento Cosecha Kzoo, El Concilio (formerly the Hispanic American Council) and Justice For Our Neighbors, an immigration safe haven and legal support organization sponsored by the United Methodist Church. These organizations work closely with immigrants, providing legal and social services. Movimento Cosecho Kzoo is currently forming a Rapid Response Team, much like the ones that exist in other cities, including Grand Rapids, to assist undocumented immigrants and their families in the aftermath of detainment.Contact these organizations to see how you can help:Get to know your Latinx neighbors by attending one of the many annual local festivals, such as Dia de Los Muertos (Day of the Dead), sponsored by El Concilio, or the Hispanic Heritage Fiesta on Sept. 15, sponsored by Despierta Kalamazoo, Have some food, enjoy the music and the vibrant culture, and make a few friends.Theresa Coty O'Neil is a Kalamazoo area freelance writer. Her articles have appeared in many local publications and her short stories have been published in Alaska Quarterly Review and West Branch, among others. She is the Project Editor for On the Ground Edison.Southwest Michigan Second Waves On the Ground Edison series amplifies the voices of Edison Neighborhood residents. Over three months, Second Wave journalists will be embedded in the Edison Neighborhood to explore topics of importance to residents, business owners, and other members of the community. To reach the editor of this series, Theresa Coty-ONeil, please email her here or contact Second Wave managing editor Kathy Jennings here The On the Ground program is made possible by funding from a coalition of funders found here. Press Release June 14, 2018 Dispatch from Crame No. 325: Sen. Leila M. de Lima's statement on the slow death of press freedom under Duterte 6/14/18 The freedom of the press can be destroyed in so many ways. During the Marcos dictatorship, it was dealt one forceful blow, as all media establishments were padlocked in one day upon the declaration of Martial Law. Today, it is being done slowly but surely, but it is still destruction of press freedom nevertheless. In the case of a major news outfit, breaking the will of this EDSA newspaper icon was achieved through a personal assault conducted by none other than the President using all the powers of his office. Duterte threatened criminal cases against the owners of the paper and succeeded in taming what always was a newspaper that bannered press freedom since EDSA. Its erstwhile fire in the belly in reporting the news seems to be gone. I just hope that it does not turn into just another Duterte mouthpiece. I find disturbing a recent tweet by a known reporter about the bosses of a "leading online news website" ordering its reporters to, among others, stop coverage of Duterte-critical comments, from Sen. Trillanes and me. This is not only a mere change in editorial policy, this is already suppression of press freedom by the State as coursed through a threatened management and editorial board. By achieving what Marcos could only achieve by declaring Martial Law, Duterte has already surpassed the great dictator. He no longer needs to declare martial law to padlock the press and start controlling the media. He has accomplished this even without using force, but just the threat of it. There are still some holdouts, but it is only a matter of time before they too get into Duterte's crosshairs and shot like ducks in a field. For Duterte, the beginning of his third year in office will be an open season of hunting down dissenters and a free media, as his popularity starts to diminish and the people realize that he has nothing but fake promises and a demented vision for the nation. Hopefully, the awakening of the people will coincide with the press's realization why they have always been considered the Fourth Estate, and that eventually they will regain that same fire in the belly that restored a free press to the country in 1986. Press Release June 14, 2018 Drilon urges gov't to review appeasement policy towards China Senate Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon urged the Duterte administration to review its policy of appeasement on China, saying such a policy does not translate into better economic and trade relations with China. "I think the government should review the policy of appeasement and accommodation on China," Drilon said in a news conference on Thursday. The Philippines, under Duterte, has adopted a policy of appeasement on China in order that the Philippine economy can benefit from China's economic progress, he noted. It is a different approach from the Vietnamese government, which has been very aggressive in asserting its rights over the South China Sea, he added. However, records show that the Philippines is lagging behind Vietnam in terms of direct investment from China. Citing records, Drilon said in terms of foreign direct investment coming from China in 2017, the Philippines got a measly US$ 31 million, while Chinese direct investment to Vietnam was at a whopping US$2.170 billion. This is despite Vietnam's aggressiveness and confrontational approach towards China over the issue of South China Sea, Drilon stressed. Philippines's FDIs from China is far below FDIs it received from Japan amounting to US$600 million and from the United States amounting to US$160 million in 2017, he added. Drilon also expressed dismay at lower bilateral trade between the Philippines and China as compared with Vietnam and China. In 2017, bilateral trade between the Philippines and China was US$21.94 billion, while those of Vietnam and China was amounted to US$71.85 billion. "Therefore, this indicates that the appeasement of China does not necessarily result in better economic relations with China," Drilon stressed. "That indicates the non-connection between the policy of appeasement and economic benefits, as shown in Vietnam's policy of confrontation which yielded more positive results," he emphasized. "There is empirical evidence that such appeasement does not necessarily result in better investment in our country. Here, it's not getting any better; it's getting worse," Drilon lamented, citing the landing of a Chinese military aircraft in Davao that sparked controversy. "You have a Chinese military plane in Davao landing and the AFP (Armed Force of the Philippines) and the secretary of DND (Department of National Defense) not even knowing about it? Isn't that alarming? That is why we should be more assertive," Drilon said. In terms of Chinese tourist arrival to the Philippines, it was recorded at 968,447 only in 2017. In contrast, the Chinese tourist arrival in Vietnam in 2017 was 4 million. "I am citing Vietnam, because the policy of Vietnam in terms of its relation with China is a complete opposite of our foreign policy thrust. And yet, they have four times more Chinese tourists; they have received more investment from China than what went to the Philippines," he added. The minority leader also supports calls to file a protest against Chinese coast guards who allegedly harassed Filipino fishermen. "This is more than just a bullying of our fishermen; this has implications on the recognized right of our country in that part of the South China Sea," Drilon said. The senator also said he did not believe the claim made by Secretary of Foreign Affairs Alan Peter Cayetano that he has sent 100 protests against China, as he expressed support to growing calls for the secretary to bare them the public. "What is wrong with informing our people with how our government is protecting our sovereignty? There's nothing wrong with that. The principle of transparency is enshrined in our Constitution," he said. Press Release June 14, 2018 HONTIVEROS TO DUTERTE: SAVE LIVES, SIGN THE MENTAL HEALTH LAW Akbayan Senator Risa Hontiveros on Thursday called on President Rodrigo Duterte to sign the Mental Health Bill into law, saying that the measure will save lives. The Senator made the appeal amid the growing number of suicides in the country, particularly among young Filipinos, and recently, the tragic deaths of Anthony Bourdain and Kate Spade. "Let's have a policy that actually saves lives. So many Filipinos need this measure. So many of our countrymen and women from all walks of life suffer in silence and need our help. It's about time we answered the call," Hontiveros said. The Mental Health Bill, which was authored by Hontiveros, passed the Senate in May of 2017. The House of Representatives passed its own version of the measure in 2017. The bill's final version was ratified by the Senate in February of this year and awaits the President's signature. Hontiveros said that figures revealed that depression is the most common mental health problem worldwide, with over 300 million people suffering from it. Estimates peg the lost productivity due to depression to amount to 1 trillion US dollars per year. In 2015, suicide was the leading cause of death in the world among 15 to 29 year olds. "In 2012 alone it was found that as many as seven (7) Filipinos committed suicide daily. The Global School-Based Student Health Survey (GSHS) of 2015 reported that 17% of high school students in the Philippines aged 13-15 said they had attempted suicide at least once. Twelve percent said they had seriously considered attempting suicide, while 11% said they have made plans on how they would commit suicide," Hontiveros said. In need of facilities and capacity building Hontiveros said that the country currently has 60 psychiatric healthcare facilities. The National Center for Mental Health, the nation's largest government hospital providing mental health care services, has a current bed capacity of 4,200. Only about 7% of all public and private hospitals have a psychiatric unit or ward, and there currently the country operates with a ratio of only two mental health workers per 100,000 people. "The figures speak for themselves. But more than the numbers are the lives that need help right now. Mental health struggles can be found in all walks of life and at any age. And for far too long, the State has not had a dedicated system in place to address this need. Many of our mental health statistics are grossly underreported, and that's because of the stigma and the fear that surrounds the very real issue of mental health," Hontiveros stressed "People shouldn't have to be afraid to come out in the open and seek help. And this is our opportunity to step up and respond. Not only to help those who struggle now, but to protect the mental health of all Filipinos in the future," Hontiveros said. Press Release June 14, 2018 Hibla Goes Big, Back-to Back Launches in Madrid and Washington DC Senator Loren Legarda today expressed her support for the back-to-back launches of the Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Travelling Exhibition at the Philippine Embassies in Madrid, Spain and Washington D.C., USA. Legarda said that these exhibits are offshoots of the National Museum's Hibla ng Lahing Filipino: The Artistry of Philippine Textiles gallery, which is her brainchild. The inaugural launch of Hibla Travelling Exhibition was held in London in October 2017. "We have a very rich weaving heritage which we are able to show through the Hibla gallery and the weaving lectures and demonstrations at the National Museum, but we also want to bring it to a wider audience and to Filipinos living abroad," she said. The Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Travelling Exhibition in Madrid, Spain titled, "Pina-Seda: Pineapple and Silk Cloth from the Tropics" was organized by the National Museum of the Philippines, the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, the Local Governments of Kalibo, Aklan and Lumban, Laguna, in partnership with the Philippine Embassy in Madrid, Spain and the Real Fabrica de Tapices. Meanwhile, the Exhibition in Washington, DC was organized by the National Museum of the Philippines, the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, the Local Governments of Kalibo, Aklan and Lumban, Laguna, in partnership with the Philippine Embassy in Washington DC. Lectures, weaving and embroidery demonstrations and workshops by Anna India Dela Cruz and Nelia Rogano, pina-seda weavers from Kalibo, Aklan, and Marilyn Tobias and Magdalena Rosales, pina-seda embroiderers from Lumban, Laguna were held in Madrid, Spain. On the other hand, the exhibit in Washington featured weavers Ursulita Dela Cruz and Rhodora Sulangi from Kalibo, Aklan; and embroiderers Lilian Teresita Valle and Joan Monedo from Lumban, Laguna. "The Hibla gallery mounted at the National Museum, the weaving lectures and demonstrations, and these Hibla travelling exhibits are efforts to celebrate indigenous artistry through textiles, provide more Filipinos the opportunity to discover priceless information about our heritage, and bring the challenge of nurturing our weaving traditions into the global scene, bring it to a wider audience," said Legarda. Exhibition viewing for the Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Travelling Exhibition in Madrid, Spain is housed at the Real Fabrica de Tapices, and will run from May 24 to June 21, 2018. The Hiblaexhibit in Washington DC is located at the Chancery Annex of the Philippine Embassy, Bataan Street cor. 1600 Massachusetts Avenue, Washington, DC, and will run from June 11 to July 16, 2018. About Hibla Textile Gallery The Hibla ng Lahing Filipino: The Artistry of Philippine Textiles at the National Museum of Anthropology in Manila is the country's first permanent textile gallery. It is a project spearheaded by Senator Loren Legarda. During the soft opening of the gallery in March 2012, the National Museum also launched the Senator Loren Legarda Lecture Series on Philippine Traditional Textiles and Indigenous Knowledge, which explored the aesthetics, material culture and processes of ethnic identity along with skills and information-generation through fabric. It later evolved into interactive lectures and demonstrations featuring weavers and embroiderers from different parts of the country. In July 2017, the National Museum launched the first Hibla regional gallery, the Hibla Iloko at the National Museum Ilocos Regional Museum Complex in Vigan, Ilocos Sur, which was also supported by Senator Legarda. In October 2017, the first Hibla ng Lahing Filipino Travelling Exhibition was held at the Philippine Embassy in London, United Kingdom in October 2017. It had a subsequent launch in Lisbon, Portugal in March 2018. "We will have more Hibla travelling exhibitions and more Hibla regional galleries will soon be organized in the country, and we hope that someday we will have not only galleries, but one whole Hibla Museum. Through these, we hope to promote greater support for cultural enterprises and creative industries of our indigenous peoples and deeper appreciation of our heritage," said Legarda. Press Release June 14, 2018 Speech of Senator Loren Legarda Sikat Pinoy National Arts and Crafts Fair 2018 June 14, 2018 | Mega Trade Halls, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City In 2008, I shepherded the enactment of Republic Act 9501 or the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSME) Act as we recognized that MSMEs play a vital role in employment generation and economic growth. As the principal sponsor and author of the MSME Law, I believe that our progress and development as a nation should be pursued with the end goal that everyone in the society should all benefit from such economic gains. Progress should not be measured alone by the infrastructure built by the government, such as the highways, airports, ports, flyovers, among others. Nor should it be measured as well by the numerous towering buildings, shopping centers and malls built in the metropolis. Because in the midst of this rapid pace of urbanization that is taking place all around us, the challenge lies in ensuring that those in the grassroots of the society also and actually benefit from the government's efforts to provide basic services as well as improve the welfare and well-being of our people. It has since been my aim to promote MSMEs so that our people will not have to rely only on available job opportunities and instead aim to become entrepreneurs -- be their own boss and be the architect of their own destiny. I therefore welcome you all to this 4-day National Arts and Crafts Fair which serves as a platform for our local entrepreneurs to showcase their products and promote their business undertakings. I encourage you to go around and learn for yourselves the success stories behind each of the 188 local enterprises and businesses featured in this fair. I am also particularly pleased to know that we have several booths that likewise feature products and crafts from different indigenous people (IP) communities. Their living traditions are representations of our past and national heritage. These are building blocks that complete our distinct Filipino identity. I likewise acknowledge the fact we have local entrepreneurs coming from all regions, except Region 13. This convergence taking place right here, right now is proof that despite our differences, amidst cultural diversity, our being Filipino is what binds us together. I would also like to take this time to extend my appreciation to the Department of Trade and Industry for being a staunch partner in implementing the MSME Law through trade fairs like this. DTI holds the key to knowing the needs of MSMEs, promoting and supporting entrepreneurship, and ensuring their continuing viability and growth, as mandated by law. As reported by the DTI, MSMEs in 2016 accounted for 99.57% of the total business enterprises operating in the Philippines. In the same year, MSMEs generated a total of 4,879,179 jobs, which indicated that MSMEs contributed almost 63.3% of the total jobs generated by all types of business establishments that year.[1] With these statistics, the vital role of MSMEs in economic growth and poverty alleviation cannot be overemphasized. MSMEs have a huge potential in actually becoming the main driver of our economic development and, given sufficient attention and support, this sector will no doubt accelerate socio-economic empowerment of various sectors in the society, including women, youth, and the indigenous communities. We have just celebrated the 120th year of our independence. As I joined the rest of the country in commemorating this turning point in our lives as a country and as a people, I have emphasized that the greatest challenge that we continue to face is that we are still bound by the shackles of poverty and inequality, despite the freedoms we enjoy. As a legislator, I acknowledge the valuable contribution of the MSMEs in boosting the country's development and in helping bail our people out of the poverty trap. Allocating government support for the promotion of MSMEs will encourage people to engage in self-generated sources of livelihood, provide jobs to others so that people will no longer have any reason to beg in the streets. Hence, I call for massive information dissemination so that those in the grassroots would know that the government does have the resources and mechanisms which, in turn, will redound to their benefit and well-being. I also urge the DTI and other government agencies to take advantage of the NACF and treat this as an opportunity to look deeper into the needs of our local entrepreneurs and indigenous communities so we can subsequently provide the exact kind of assistance that they need. Let us continue to expand the scope of our assistance, especially those in areas with high poverty incidence, for us to identify those who are not capable of joining trade fairs and those who have skills and indigenous resources but are unable to register or acquire the usual permits, so that we can open up more opportunities for them. Moreover, let us also be considerably lenient in terms of the requirements and processes in giving people access to these programs. Perhaps we can consider looking into the possibility of relaxing the complex application process and burdensome collateral requirements, considering that most of the beneficiaries of MSME programs come from the rural areas. They also have to devote their time, effort, and money just to avail of the assistance intended for them. Let us not further hinder them from having access to the assistance and opportunities due them. Meanwhile, as we empower the country's poorest through MSME programs, let us not forget that our aim is also to enhance the value of our local and indigenous products and crafts. We must also enhance the competitiveness of rural enterprises as we face the realities of modernization. Let us elevate their standards to being world-class, ngunit may tatak Pilipino. As we continue to move forward to attain socio-economic development, the repercussions brought about by modernization are inevitable. If we are not mindful, foreign influence in our daily lives, for example, will not only threaten the survival of the marginalized indigenous communities. It will actually threaten the very foundation of our existence and identity as a people. In closing, I wish to reiterate my support for the MSMEs sector, for the protection the rights of our IPs, and the promotion of our culture, heritage, artistry and craftsmanship. Our measure of growth should not end in economic gains alone, but also in making sure that these will become inclusive and sustainable. To the local entrepreneurs, and to our brothers and sisters from the different IP communities, never lose the fire inside you in fighting for your rights and pursuing your dreams. Continue to pass these on to the next generations and generously share to the world our rich culture and heritage as Filipinos. To the rest, who are here to support this year's Sikat Pinoy National Arts and Crafts Fair, immerse yourselves in the overwhelming creativity and talents of the Filipino people. Be engrossed with the intricate designs and mastery of their arts and crafts that exemplify our rich and exuberant culture and living traditions. Enjoy your visit and go home not only with your hearts full of pride in being Filipino, but also with your shopping bags full of products na gawang Pilipino. Thank you very much and good day to all of you! ________________________________________ [1] https://www.dti.gov.ph/businesses/msmes/msme-resources/msme-statistics Press Release June 14, 2018 Legarda: Bolster MSMEs Assistance to Address Poverty and Revitalize Filipino Culture Senator Loren Legarda today urged the Department of Trade and Industries (DTI) and other government agencies to bolster assistance provided to local entrepreneurs and indigenous communities in the grassroots to ensure that everyone benefits from the government's efforts to alleviate poverty, promote economic growth, and revitalize Filipino culture. "Let us continue to expand the scope of our assistance, especially those in areas with high poverty incidence, for us to identify those who are not capable of joining trade fairs and those who have skills and indigenous resources but are unable to register or acquire the usual permits, so that we can open up more opportunities for them," Legarda said. "Ensure that those in the grassroots of the society also and actually benefit from the government's efforts to provide basic services as well as improve the welfare and well-being of our people, while promoting the country's culture, heritage, artistry and craftsmanship," Legarda added. Legarda made the statement during the launch of the 4-day National Arts and Crafts Fair spearheaded by the Department of Trade and Industry - Bureau of Domestic Trade Promotion (DTI - BDTP), in coordination with the Department's regional and provincial offices, and supported by the Office of Senator Legarda at the Mega Trade Hall SM Megamall on June 14, 2018 (Thursday). The Senator also encouraged the DTI to make use of the NACF trade fair to further look into the limitations and needs of the local entrepreneurs to adequately provide the assistance they needed for the development of their skills and businesses. "NACF can be an opportunity to look deeper into the needs of our local entrepreneurs and indigenous communities so that we can subsequently provide the exact kind of assistance that they need," Legarda said. As reported by the DTI in 2016, micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) accounted for 99.57% of the total business enterprises operating in the Philippines and created a total of 4,879,179 jobs or 63.3% of the total jobs generated by all types of business establishments that year.[1] Given these statistics, Legarda emphasized the vital role of the MSMEs in economic growth and poverty alleviation efforts of the government. "MSMEs have a huge potential in actually becoming the main driver of our economic development and, given sufficient attention and support, this sector will no doubt accelerate socio-economic empowerment of various sectors in the society, including women, youth, and the indigenous communities," Legarda stressed. Meanwhile, Legarda calls for information dissemination to raise awareness on the existing programs of the government that our local entrepreneurs can avail of to assist their businesses. She also noted that the complicated process of accessing such assistance should be addressed so that the beneficiaries will receive the assistance they deserve without having to be burdened with the arduous application process and requirements. "I call for massive information dissemination so that those in the grassroots would know that the government does have the resources and mechanisms which, in turn, will redound to their benefit and well-being," Legarda said. "Moreover, let us consider looking into the possibility of relaxing the complex application process and burdensome collateral requirements, considering that most of the beneficiaries of MSME programs come from the rural areas. They also have to devote their time, effort, and money just to avail of the assistance intended for them. Let us not further hinder them from having access to the assistance and opportunities due them," Legarda concluded. The National Arts and Crafts fair, a joint 4-day trade event of the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) and DTI Regional and Provincial Offices, with support of the Office of Senator Loren Legarda, will be open for free to the visiting public from June 14 to 17 at the Mega Trade Halls 1-3, Mega B, SM Megamall, Mandaluyong City. ________________________________________ [1] https://www.dti.gov.ph/businesses/msmes/msme-resources/msme-statistics The trend is up for New Zealand's primary industry exports but the risks are growing, rendering biosecurity a leading priority, says the Ministry for Primary Industries. Primary industry exports are forecast to have grown 11.8 percent in the year ending June 2018 to $42.6 billion, $1 billion more than forecast, according to MPI's latest Situation and Outlook. Meat and wool, dairy, and forestry are the main sources of change in the forecast from last year, MPI said. The meat and wool forecast is $940 million higher for 2018 as red meat prices have risen at a higher than anticipated pace this season. Meal and wool exports are expected to reach $9.39 billion in the year to June 30, it said. The dairy sector forecast decreased $690 million due to lower whole milk powder prices and less butter being exported than anticipated. Dairy exports were likely $16.6 billion. Continued high demand for logs to China has driven prices higher than forecast a year ago and resulted in an upward revision for the forestry sector of $480 million with forestry exports tipped to reach $6.35 billion. The forecast for 2019 has also been revised up over the past year by $820 million and overall annual export growth is expected to range between 1.2 percent-to-2.6 percent between 2019 and 2022, with primary sector exports forecast to exceed $46 billion by the end of the outlook period, it said. Given its massive economic importance - contributing around 11 percent of economic growth between primary production and processing - it's vital it be protected. "The size of New Zealands biosecurity challenge is increasing, as recent incursions such as Mycoplasma bovis, myrtle rust, and the oyster parasite Bonamia ostreae serve to remind us ... we need to improve the biosecurity system, which is under increasing pressure," said Agriculture Minister Damien O'Connor. His comments were echoed by KPMG in its recently released Agribusiness Agenda 2018. A strong biosecurity system continues to be ranked the leading priority in its 2018 Agribusiness Agenda Priorities Survey - hitting a new record priority score of 9.62 on a scale of 1 out of 10. KPMG uses an online survey tool and received responses from around 60 industry leaders. According to KPMG, the "industry needs to step up and take ownership of its biosecurity exposures." Farmers must provide staff with biosecurity awareness training so they can spot risk factors. Processors need to present a united front in only purchasing correctly documented stock. "Mycoplasma bovis has highlighted the risk associated with implementing rules and then not enforcing them," it said. Biosecurity New Zealand, which forms part of MPI, is about to launch a massive public awareness campaign around biosecurity after polling showed that only 2 percent of New Zealanders surveyed think that biosecurity has a "personal impact" on their lives, Biosecurity NZ head Roger Smith said this week. (BusinessDesk) Comments from our readers No comments yet Add your comment: Your name: Your email: Not displayed to the public Comment: Comments to Sharechat go through an approval process. Comments which are defamatory, abusive or in some way deemed inappropriate will not be approved. 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Related News: FreshLeaf: Cannabis on course to be 'medicine of the masses' 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 The Whakatane District Council and Bay of Plenty Regional Council gave Creswell New Zealand a green light to increase its water bottling capacity by 1,825 percent, a move that could create as many as 237 new jobs. Creswell NZ, which is wholly owned by Chinese bottled water supplier Nongfu Spring Co, applied to buy freehold and leasehold interest in 6.2 hectares of land at Otakiri, near Whakatane. Earlier this week the government granted overseas investment permission, contingent on water permits and other resource consents from the Bay of Plenty Regional Council and Whakatane District Council. The two councils said that - based on qualified expert evidence - "the actual and potential adverse effects of the applications are either demonstrably minor or can be suitably avoided, remedied or mitigated by the imposition of consent conditions." Under the terms of the consent, Creswell can now upgrade its existing water bottling line from 8,000 bottles of water per hour to 10,000 and build two new high-speed bottling lines that will each produce 72,000 bottles per hour, a potential bottling capacity of 154,000 per hour. It now has consent to use 5,000 square meters of water a day or 58 litres a second versus the current 1,358 square meters a day or 15.7 litres a second. The bottled water will be predominantly trucked to the Port of Tauranga with 184 truck movements to and from the site each day versus the current eight. The councils said they received submissions from Maori groups but said they were not persuaded that the proposal to take water for water bottling purposes will have an adverse cultural effect of such significance that the applications should be declined. The upgrade is expected to cost $42.5 million and will create 32 jobs in the first two years and 60 once the plant is fully operational. According to the councils, there will be flow-on effects as employees spend their wages and as Creswell buys goods and services required to support the water bottling operation such as road haulage operators and other service providers and the potential establishment of an inland container terminal in Kawerau. Those flow-one effects are likely to create an additional 85 jobs with "potentially up to 237 FTEs in total attributable to the expanded operation," the councils said, adding that Kawerau and Te Teko are "among the most deprived places in New Zealand in a socio-economic sense" and it is undeniable that the additional direct and indirect employment resulting from the proposal would be highly beneficial in that context. Among other things, the conditions of consent state that final site development, building and landscape construction plans must be submitted to the Whakatane District Council, to certify that the works are in general accordance with the information submitted with the application. A final Road Upgrade Plan also need to be submitted to the Whakatane District Council as does a staff travel plan. It also indicated that in the event of any archaeological site or kiwi being uncovered during the earthworks, activities in the vicinity of the discovery will stop, and the consent holder will immediately inform Ngati Tuwharetoa ki Kawerau, Ngati Awa and Ngati Rangitihi, Heritage New Zealand, the Whakatane District Council and the police (where relevant) of the find. (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. 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Related News: FreshLeaf: Cannabis on course to be 'medicine of the masses' 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 Li Dong Xie, the Auckland builder jailed for breaches of the Insolvency Act, has left little online trace of his illegal ventures which the Crown says deprived hard done-by creditors. Xie was bankrupted in July 2010 for failing to pay back debts incurred in the course of running his building business, New Town Home Construction Ltd, which last filed a return in September 2014 and has since been deregistered. He was listed as shareholder and director. Official Assignee Ross van der Schyff said in a statement that Xie "showed a reckless disregard for his obligations as a bankrupt, which had been made clear to him by the Official Assignee." The NZ Herald cited court documents that showed Xie gambled $20.5 million at SkyCity Casino between December 2010 and August 2015, funds which would have repaid creditors who were seeking retribution. Xie was arrested at Auckland Airport for offences including running a business for five years while a bankrupt, generating about $1.5 million in earnings which he gambled away through slot machines at SkyCity Casino. He tried to board a flight to China despite having been told he couldn't leave the country without the Official Assignee's consent, according to the government's insolvency website. Xie had pled guilty to 10 charges under the Insolvency Act The charges included concealing property, gambling, acting as the director of a company without the consent of the OA, obtaining credit, attempting to obtain credit, obtaining property on credit, failing to file a statement of affairs, and attempting to leave New Zealand without the consent of the OA. The government has allowed closer scrutiny of transactions involving foreign entities while tightening entry criteria. It also recently began a new snapshot of home ownership transfers involving overseas parties. Lasts week Stats NZ released figures showing that in the first quarter, just over 3 percent of home transfers were to people who didnt hold New Zealand citizenship or resident visas, Stats NZ said today. The proportion of homes transferred to overseas people rose to 3.3 percent in the March quarter, from 2.9 percent in the December 2017 quarter, it 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: FreshLeaf: Cannabis on course to be 'medicine of the masses' 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 PGG Wrightson reaffirmed its forecast for annual earnings, saying weaker performance from its Australian and South American businesses would be offset by better trading in New Zealand. Operating earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation is expected to be between $65 million to $70 million in the year ending June 30, up from $64.5 million last year and in line with its February forecast, the Christchurch-based company said today. "Overall, the agricultural sector in New Zealand remains robust and is having a profitable year with solid production and good prices," chief executive Ian Glasson said in a statement. "PGWs Australian and South American businesses have faced tough conditions, with both regions being too dry to meet their sales targets. Despite these headwinds we continue to expect an increase in overall operating ebitda for PGW this year, with PGW sharing in the broader prosperity in the NZ agriculture sector, highlighting the resilience of its diversified business model. In February, the company said 2018 net profit would be about 20 percent lower than last year's $46.3 million, due to one-time gains from property sales in 2017. Today, Glasson said net profit after tax from normal trading was forecast to be about 25 percent lower, reflecting the lack of significant property sales which added $8.7 million to earnings last year, an expected loss on currency hedges, and costs associated with potential Holidays Act remediation. The recent dip in the value of the New Zealand dollar means our export currency hedges are likely to mark-to-market as an unrealised loss, Glasson said. There are also non-trading items outside operating ebitda that have the potential to impact reported npat in FY2018. For example, as is the case with many large NZ employers, PGW is continuing to work through a process to quantify the cost of historical liabilities under the Holidays Act 2003." Glasson said the recent Mycoplasma bovis outbreak in New Zealand is having little effect on the company's financial performance to date, and it is working closely with its customers to monitor the impact on the broader sector. In October, Wrightson hired Credit Suisse (Australia) and First NZ Capital to run a strategic review of the business, looking at the firm's capital structure and shareholding structure and identifying the best route to pursue growth. Today, Glasson said the review was "progressing well" and the company hopes to comment further on outcomes from this work later in the year. Its shares last traded at 70 cents, having increased 23 percent over the past 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: FreshLeaf: Cannabis on course to be 'medicine of the masses' 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 China reaffirmed commitment to N. Korea sanctions: Pompeo Beijing, June 14 (AFP) Jun 14, 2018 China has reaffirmed its commitment to UN sanctions against North Korea until full denuclearisation of the regime is achieved, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said after meeting Chinese officials on Thursday. Beijing suggested following Tuesday's historic summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un that the UN Security Council could consider easing sanctions if Pyongyang fulfilled its obligations. Speaking to reporters after talks with Foreign Minister Wang Yi in Beijing, Pompeo said "China has reaffirmed its commitment to honouring the UN Security Council resolutions." The resolutions "have mechanisms for relief contained in them and we agreed that at the appropriate time that those would be considered," Pompeo said. But, he added, "we have made very clear that the sanctions and the economic relief that North Korea will receive will only happen after the full denuclearisation, the complete denuclearisation of North Korea." Beijing is Pyongyang's sole major ally and main trading partner, but it has backed the UN sanctions. Despite tensions, the Cold War-era allies have sought to mend ties recently, and Kim borrowed an Air China plane to travel to the landmark summit in Singapore. For his part, Wang said China has a "firm commitment" to denuclearisation but that North Korea's "legitimate" concerns must be addressed. Wang said the denuclearisation process would be worked out "through more detailed and specific consultations going forward" and "China stands ready to play a constructive role in that process". Solar Novus Today Has Been Integrated With Novus Light Technologies Today Visit Novus Light Technologies Today to see all the cutting-edge stories and products that you have come to enjoy on Solar Novus Today. In addition, you will find more information on related light-based technologies. Get the latest solar and renewable energy news delivered right to your inbox. Sign up for the Green Technologies newsletter CLICK HERE TO SUBSCRIBE TO OUR GREEN TECHNOLOGIES NEWSLETTER Trump downplays abuses by Kim Jong Un's regime Washington, June 14 (AFP) Jun 14, 2018 US President Donald Trump downplayed abuses by Kim Jong Un's regime in an interview following his summit with the North Korean leader, saying that other countries had also done "bad things." "A lot of other people (have) done some really bad things. I mean, I could go through a lot of nations where a lotta bad things were done," Trump said in an interview with Fox News. He praised Kim as "a very smart guy" and "a great negotiator," saying that "I think we understand each other." According to Trump's own State Department, Kim's regime holds between 80,000 and 120,000 political prisoners in forced labor camps, facing torture and forced starvation. As well as abuses at home, Kim is also suspected of ordering the assassination of his brother at a Malaysian airport last year. Trump and Kim met in Singapore on Tuesday -- an unprecedented encounter that saw the leader of the world's most powerful democracy shake hands with the third generation scion of a dynastic dictatorship, standing as equals in front of their nations' flags. Critics have charged the summit legitimized Kim and said the summit was more about headlines than substantive progress. Trump also had kind words for Chinese President Xi Jinping in the interview, describing him as "an incredible guy" and noting that he is "essentially president for life. That's pretty good." How is Vietnam preparing for AI in human resources? VietNamNet Bridge - Data, algorithms and a good workforce are the three prerequisites that will determine the quality of AI products, according to experts. Vietnamese students need to learn more math There are nearly 300 universities and junior colleges which provide training in information technology (IT). Of these, HCMC National University every year produces 2,000 IT engineers as estimated by Vu Hai Quan, vice president of the school, and head of AILab. Vietnam has 30,000 IT majors who graduate each year. Despite the high number of graduates, concerns still exist. Unfortunately, the high number of graduates is not associated with the high quality of graduates, Quan said. Ho Tu Bao, head of John von Neumann Institute, a leading expert in AI, said the workforce in IT and AI has increased rapidly in recent years, but Vietnam still lacks good specialists. At big workshops on AI, there are very few reports by Vietnamese in Vietnam. There are only reports by overseas Vietnamese, Bao said. There are nearly 300 universities and junior colleges which provide training in information technology (IT). Of these, HCMC National University every year produces 2,000 IT engineers. What worries Quan the most is that the number of students undergoing intensive training in IT has been decreasing in the last five years. Students tend to finish school and find jobs rather than continuing to study in-depth at school. Even IT lecturers do extra jobs for money. This may bring high risk, because schools will lack lecturers with enthusiasm and knowledge, he said. The same problem is occurring at the Hanoi University of Natural Sciences. Nguyen Thi Minh Huyen, vice dean of Math & Informatics, said her faculty receives a lot of orders in AI from enterprises that lack a well trained labor force to implement projects. Students now dont want to spend much time on studying, but just want to find jobs, she explained. Many students take jobs when they are in third year. They dont have time to study to have good foundation for AI research, she said. Tran Viet Hung, founder of GotIt!, said that in order to specialize in AI, university graduates need further training, because we a gap exists between their abilities and businesses requirements. Asked how to increase the number of IT engineers and improve their qualifications, Bao mentioned Seattle, which has many large technology firms. The city needs 3,500 IT officers a year, while local schools can produce only 300 new graduates each year. As a result, businesses have to seek staff from other localities. However, the universities there do not intend to increase the number of students they train. Bao said that Vietnam must not try to produce as many IT workers as possible, either, and should not ignore training quality, which must be improved. Regarding the training curricula, Bao said in theoretical training, Vietnamese students need to learn more math, because the requirements in data processing will increase. RELATED NEWS Vietnam schools not among top Asian universities Vietnam faces shortage of university professors Mai Thanh N. Korea's Kim knows denuclearisation must be 'quick': Pompeo Seoul, June 14 (AFP) Jun 14, 2018 North Korea's Kim Jong Un understands that denuclearisation must happen "quickly", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday, warning there will be no sanctions relief for Pyongyang until the process is complete. Washington remained committed to the "complete, verifiable and irreversible" denuclearisation of North Korea, Pompeo added, after the joint statement from the historic US-North Korea summit in Singapore drew criticism for lack of detail on the key issue. "We believe that Kim Jong Un understands the urgency... that we must do this quickly," he said of the effort to have North Korea abandon its nuclear weapons. Washington's top diplomat was in Seoul to brief his South Korean and Japanese counterparts on Tuesday's historic talks -- the first between sitting leaders of the two countries -- after which a triumphant President Donald Trump said the world can "sleep well". "There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea," he tweeted Wednesday. Despite the US leader's positive tone, North Korea observers remain concerned that Kim provided no specific guarantees at the summit while notching up a huge publicity win. And there appeared to be concern in South Korea and Japan too. Trump said after meeting Kim that the US would halt its "provocative" joint military drills with South Korea as long as negotiations are ongoing with the North, an announcement that caught Seoul -- and apparently the Pentagon -- by surprise. The US and South Korea conduct massive annual military exercises to maintain readiness for operations on the peninsula, a source of irritation for Pyongyang, which considers them preparations for an invasion. South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha appeared to sidestep the issue at the joint press conference with Pompeo and her Japanese counterpart Taro Kono, saying the matter would be left to military authorities to discuss, and that the US-South Korea alliance remains "as robust as ever". Kono said Japan understood the pause in US-South Korea military drills to be contingent on North Korean steps towards denuclearisation. On Wednesday, the Japanese defence minister had described the exercises as "vital" to security in the region. Pyongyang has in the past linked its drive to acquire nuclear weapons and long-range missiles with the US military presence in the region, describing its weapons programmes as a deterrent. - 'Save a fortune' - In an apparent bid to reassure the two allies, Pompeo stressed Thursday that close coordination with Seoul and Tokyo was "crucial" to the success of efforts to denuclearise North Korea. Pompeo, who said earlier that he hopes to see "major disarmament" of North Korea by 2020, is scheduled to fly to Beijing to meet his Chinese counterpart after his engagements in Seoul. The Singapore summit is being touted as a victory by the Trump administration, despite criticism that it was more style than substance and had set out no concrete plan for Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons. A bullish Trump said people "can now feel much safer than the day I took office", and defended his position on the military drills with South Korea. "We save a fortune by not doing war games, as long as we are negotiating in good faith -- which both sides are!" the US leader tweeted on Wednesday. His comments are in stark contrast to his threats to unleash "fire and fury" last year over Pyongyang's nuclear and long-range missile tests. The North, meanwhile, boasted of its ability to annihilate the United States. Whirlwind diplomatic efforts, kicked off earlier this year by the Winter Olympics, helped ease tensions and culminated with the Singapore summit, which is also being played up as a major victory by the Kim regime, which has long craved international legitimacy. Air strikes target Yemen rebel positions in port offensive Al Jah, Yemen, June 14 (AFP) Jun 14, 2018 Air strikes by a Saudi-led coalition targeted areas around Yemen's rebel-held port of Hodeida on Thursday, the insurgents said, as an offensive to retake the vital aid gateway entered its second day. Hodeida remained open and processing ships despite the offensive, port authorities said. The Iran-backed Huthi rebels who control the Red Sea port city -- home to 600,000 people -- reported "two enemy air strikes on the (Hodeida) area" via their news outlet Al-Masirah. The coalition could not immediately be reached for comment, but the previous day coalition sources told AFP that 18 air strikes had been carried out on Huthi positions around Hodeida. Yemeni government forces and their Saudi and Emirati allies began an offensive aimed at retaking Hodeida from the Huthis on Wednesday, pressing toward the airport south of the city. The UAE, a driving force in the coalition, said four of its troops were killed on the first day of the offensive. It did not state when or where the soldiers were killed, but said at least one was a navy officer. On Wednesday, the Huthi rebels said they had targeted a coalition ship off the coast of Hodeida with two missiles, with their outlet Al-Masirah claiming a direct hit. On shore, the offensive has reached the outskirts of Hodeida airport which is in rebel hands. "The forces managed to liberate new strategic areas in Al Duraihimi district and areas adjacent to Hodeida airport after penetrating the Huthi militia's frontlines," the state-run Saudi Press Agency reported Thursday. The offensive is controversial because the port serves as the entry point for 70 percent of Yemen's imports, as the country teeters on the brink of famine. On Thursday, authorities at the port said it remained open to ships. "We still have seven ships in the port. The work in the port is normal. And we have five other ships standing by waiting outside to enter," port director Dawood Fadel told AFP. Two Saudi and UAE aid ships were in the waters off Hodeida, coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki told Saudi state media. Saudi Arabia, which intervened against the Iran-backed Huthis in 2015 with the goal of restoring Yemen's government to power, has pledged to ensure a continuous flow of aid to its neighbour. N. Korea's Kim knows denuclearisation must be 'quick': Pompeo Seoul, June 14 (AFP) Jun 14, 2018 Kim Jong Un understands that denuclearisation must happen "quickly", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday, warning there will be no sanctions relief for Pyongyang until the process is finished. Washington remained committed to the "complete, verifiable and irreversible" denuclearisation of North Korea, Pompeo added, after the historic US-North Korea summit in Singapore drew criticism for its vague wording on plans for Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons. "We believe that Kim Jong Un understands the urgency... that we must do this quickly," he said of the effort to have North Korea abandon its atomic arsenal. Washington's top diplomat was in Seoul to brief his South Korean and Japanese counterparts after President Donald Trump's post-summit comments sparked confusion and concern in Tokyo and Seoul. But Pompeo insisted at a joint press conference with the two countries' foreign ministers that there was no daylight among the allies on how to achieve the denuclearisation of North Korea. Contrasting the Trump policy with previous US administrations, Pompeo said: "In the past, they were providing economic and financial relief before... complete denuclearisation had taken place." "That is not going to happen, President Trump made that clear." Pompeo's comments came after North Korean state media reported Wednesday that Trump had not only offered to stop military exercises during dialogue, but also lift sanctions imposed on Pyongyang. Trump said after his meeting with Kim -- the first between sitting US and North Korean leaders -- that Washington would halt its joint military exercises with South Korea, an announcement that caught Seoul -- and apparently the Pentagon -- by surprise. The US and South Korea conduct several large drills every year to maintain readiness for operations on the peninsula, a source of irritation for Pyongyang, which considers them preparations for an invasion. - 'Frank' discussions - South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha appeared to sidestep the issue at the joint press conference, saying the matter would be left to military authorities to discuss, and that the US-South Korea alliance remained "as robust as ever". Earlier, South Korean President Moon Jae-in acknowledged that "there may be very conflicting views" about the summit, but it had still helped mitigate fears of a nuclear war. "In this way I believe it was very successful." He later said Seoul would carefully consider the future of the drills "if North Korea faithfully implements denuclearisation measures and sincere dialogue continues", according to his office. While it is not directly involved, Japan also considers the exercises vital. The "deterrence based on them (plays) an essential role for security in northeast Asia", Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said after the "frank" trilateral talks Thursday. Kono said Japan understood the pause in the drills to be contingent on North Korean steps towards denuclearisation, adding that "no security guarantees have been given yet". Pompeo said the suspension of the exercises depended on productive negotiations in "good faith". Trump had raised eyebrows Tuesday by describing his own country's drills on the Korean peninsula as "provocative", a term used by the North for the exercises. Pyongyang describes its nuclear weapons and long-range missiles as a shield against US aggression, and has in the past linked denuclearisation to the removal of US forces from the peninsula. Pompeo later left Seoul for China, arriving late afternoon local time in Beijing where he is scheduled to meet President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. - 'Sleep well tonight!' - Despite some concerns among allies and analysts, the Trump administration continues to tout the summit as a success, and Pompeo said earlier that he hopes to see "major disarmament" of North Korea by 2020. A bullish Trump declared the nuclear threat from North Korea no longer exists, and tweeted Wednesday that people "can now feel much safer than the day I took office" and can "sleep well tonight!" The US leader also defended his decision on the military drills with South Korea: "We save a fortune by not doing war games, as long as we are negotiating in good faith -- which both sides are!" The president's latest comments are in stark contrast to his threats to unleash "fire and fury" last year in response to Pyongyang's nuclear and long-range missile tests. The North retaliated by boasting it could annihilate the United States. After months of tensions which saw Trump and Kim trade personal insults, whirlwind diplomatic efforts were launched earlier this year, catalysed by the Winter Olympics in South Korea. The remarkable de-escalation saw Kim reach out to Trump, conduct a historic summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, and visit Xi in Beijing -- his first trip abroad as leader. In the latest step to ease cross-border tensions, the two Koreas held their highest-level military talks in over a decade on Thursday at the truce village of Panmunjom in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the two countries. The reclusive regime in Pyongyang has long craved international legitimacy, and has played up the summit as a major victory for Kim, with state media calling it the "meeting of the century". 'Still risks' that N.Korean peace won't happen: Pompeo Beijing, June 14 (AFP) Jun 14, 2018 US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned Thursday that there are "still risks" that could derail efforts to bring peace to the Korean peninsula following Donald Trump's summit with North Korea's leader. "We truly believe that we have a path forward after so many years that can bring peace," Pompeo told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi as he briefed officials in Beijing about the landmark talks. "There are still risks that we won't achieve that but I truly do believe that the world set the conditions properly" at the summit, he said, after Trump said his deal with Kim Jong Un had ended the North Korean nuclear threat. Pompeo said he appreciated everything done by China, North Korea's sole major ally, to prepare the ground for Tuesday's summit. Trump repeatedly urged Beijing to enforce UN sanctions on North Korea to pressure the reclusive country, whose economy relies heavily on China to survive. "There is still more work to be done by China and the United States," Pompeo said. Wang said the summit "moved the peninsula's nuclear issue into the right track of peace and negotiation in line with all parties including the US and China as well as the hopes of international society". "It helps to promote and realise the denuclearisation of the peninsula and helps to provide the peninsula and the region real and lasting peace," Wang added. Turning to US-China relations, Wang said "cooperation far outweighs differences and competition" between the world's two largest economies. His comments come as weeks of negotiations between Beijing and Washington show no signs of a breakthrough, with Trump due Friday to decide on whether to impose tariffs on billions of dollars worth of Chinese imports. UK jet expert held over 'Chinese plot for military secrets' London, June 14 (AFP) Jun 14, 2018 British police confirmed Thursday they had arrested a man under the Official Secrets Act amid reports of a feared Chinese plot against F-35B stealth fighter jets. Bryn Jones, 73, a former Rolls-Royce chief combustion technologist, was arrested after the security services received intelligence that classified information may have been passed to Beijing, The Sun newspaper reported. British plane engines manufacturer Rolls-Royce, based in Derby, central England, carried out top-secret work on the take-off and vertical landing system for the F-35B Lightning II supersonic jet, being built by US defence firm Lockheed Martin. A spokeswoman for London's Metropolitan Police told AFP that they had made an arrest in Derbyshire on Tuesday as part of an investigation under the Official Secrets Act. British police do not confirm the identity of suspects who have not been charged with an offence. "The man, who is in his 70s and worked within private industry, was taken to a police station in Derbyshire," the spokeswoman said. "He was released under investigation later that evening. "Police officers executed a search warrant at an address in the West Midlands, which is now complete. A search at an address in Derbyshire is ongoing. "We are not prepared to discuss further at this stage given the nature of the investigation." Jones lists himself on the LinkedIn professional social network as a visiting professor at the Aeronautical University of Xian in central China. His page says he worked for Rolls-Royce from 1968 to 2003. The Sun pictured plain-clothes officers at his home near Derby and said police removed boxes. Jones declined to comment when contacted at his home by the Press Association news agency. Contacted by AFP, Rolls-Royce said they could not comment on an ongoing police investigation. Proponents of the F-35 tout its speed, close air-support capabilities, airborne agility and a massive array of sensors giving pilots unparallelled access to information. Nine international partners including Britain, Canada and Turkey are helping pay for the jet's development and are buying hundreds more of the planes. The F35-B has short take-off and vertical landing capabilities and Britain received delivery of its first four jets last week. A replacement for the Harrier G9 and the Tornado GR4, it is intended to be Britain's primary strike attack aircraft over the next three decades. rjm/dt/bp LOCKHEED MARTIN LINKEDIN CORPORATION Pompeo warns North Korea peace efforts still face 'risks' Beijing, June 14 (AFP) Jun 14, 2018 US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned Thursday that peace efforts with North Korea could still fall apart and insisted that sanctions must be maintained on Pyongyang until it dismantles its nuclear arsenal. Pompeo made the remarks during a regional tour to brief South Korean, Japanese and Chinese officials about President Donald Trump's historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore. The Trump administration has drawn criticism over the vague wording of a summit statement regarding denuclearisation and concerns among allies about the US president's decision to stop war games. Washington remained committed to the "complete, verifiable and irreversible" denuclearisation of North Korea, Pompeo said in Seoul after talks with the Japanese and South Korean foreign ministers. "We believe that Kim Jong Un understands the urgency... that we must do this quickly," he said of the effort to have North Korea abandon its atomic arsenal. In Beijing, Pompeo said China "reaffirmed its commitment" to United Nations sanctions after the foreign ministry suggested earlier this week that the UN Security Council could consider easing the economic punishment against its Cold War-era ally. "We truly believe that we have a path forward after so many years that can bring peace," Pompeo told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi, before he met with President Xi Jinping. But, he warned, "there are still risks that we won't achieve" that goal and more work needs to be done. Any reduction in tensions on its doorstep is welcome for China, North Korea's closest ally, which accounts for around 90 percent of Pyongyang's trade. Pompeo, speaking alongside Wang, said the UN resolutions have mechanisms for sanctions relief "and we agreed that at the appropriate time that those would be considered." But, he added, "we have made very clear that the sanctions and the economic relief that North Korea will receive will only happen after the full denuclearisation, the complete denuclearisation of North Korea." For his part, Wang said China has a "firm commitment" to denuclearisation but that North Korea's "legitimate" concerns must be addressed. Wang said the denuclearisation process would be worked out "through more detailed and specific consultations going forward" and "China stands ready to play a constructive role in that process". Earlier, Pompeo insisted at a joint press conference with the South Korea and Japanese foreign ministers that there was no daylight among the allies on how to achieve denuclearisation and sanctions would remain in place. Pompeo's comments came after North Korean state media reported Wednesday that Trump had not only offered to stop military exercises during dialogue, but also lift sanctions imposed on Pyongyang, causing concern in Tokyo and Seoul. Trump said after his meeting with Kim -- the first between sitting US and North Korean leaders -- that Washington would halt its joint military exercises with South Korea, an announcement that caught Seoul, and apparently the Pentagon, by surprise. The US and South Korea conduct several large drills every year to maintain readiness for operations on the peninsula, a source of anger for Pyongyang, which considers them preparations for an invasion. - 'Frank' discussions - South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha appeared to sidestep the issue at the joint press conference, saying the matter would be left to military authorities to discuss, and that the US-South Korea alliance remained "as robust as ever". Earlier, South Korean President Moon Jae-in acknowledged that "there may be very conflicting views" about the summit, but it had still helped mitigate fears of a nuclear war. "In this way I believe it was very successful." He later said Seoul would carefully consider the future of the drills "if North Korea faithfully implements denuclearisation measures and sincere dialogue continues", according to his office. While it is not directly involved, Japan also considers the exercises vital. The "deterrence based on them (plays) an essential role for security in northeast Asia", Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said after the "frank" trilateral talks. Kono said Japan understood the pause in the drills to be contingent on North Korean steps towards denuclearisation, adding that "no security guarantees have been given yet". Pompeo said the suspension of the exercises depended on productive negotiations in "good faith". Trump had raised eyebrows Tuesday by describing his own country's drills on the Korean peninsula as "provocative", a term used by the North for the exercises. Pyongyang describes its nuclear weapons and long-range missiles as a shield against US aggression, and has in the past linked denuclearisation to the removal of US forces from the peninsula. North Korea's propaganda machine embraced the summit, with state television airing footage Thursday, describing Kim as a "prominent world leader" who is universally revered. - 'Sleep well tonight!' - Despite some concerns among allies and analysts, the Trump administration continues to tout the summit as a success, and Pompeo said earlier that he hopes to see "major disarmament" of North Korea by 2020. A bullish Trump declared the nuclear threat from North Korea no longer exists, and tweeted Wednesday that people "can now feel much safer than the day I took office" and can "sleep well tonight!" The president's latest comments are in stark contrast to his threats to unleash "fire and fury" last year in response to Pyongyang's nuclear and long-range missile tests. The North retaliated by boasting it could annihilate the United States. In the latest step to ease cross-border friction, the two Koreas held their highest-level military talks in over a decade on Thursday in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the two countries. Pompeo warns North Korea peace efforts still face 'risks' Beijing, June 14 (AFP) Jun 14, 2018 US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo warned Thursday that peace efforts with North Korea still faced "risks" and insisted that sanctions must be maintained on Pyongyang until it dismantles its nuclear arsenal. Pompeo made the remarks during a regional tour to brief South Korean, Japanese and Chinese officials about President Donald Trump's historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore. The Trump administration has drawn criticism over the vague wording of a summit statement regarding denuclearisation and concerns among allies about the US president's decision to stop war games. Washington remained committed to the "complete, verifiable and irreversible" denuclearisation of North Korea, Pompeo said in Seoul after talks with the Japanese and South Korean foreign ministers. "We believe that Kim Jong Un understands the urgency... that we must do this quickly," he said of the effort to have North Korea abandon its atomic arsenal. In Beijing, Pompeo said China "reaffirmed its commitment" to United Nations sanctions after the foreign ministry suggested earlier this week that the UN Security Council could consider easing the economic punishment against its Cold War-era ally. "We truly believe that we have a path forward after so many years that can bring peace," Pompeo told Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi before talks with President Xi Jinping. But, he warned, "there are still risks that we won't achieve" that goal and more work needs to be done. Any reduction in tensions on its doorstep is welcome for China, North Korea's closest ally, which accounts for around 90 percent of Pyongyang's trade. Pompeo, speaking alongside Wang, said the UN resolutions have mechanisms for sanctions relief "and we agreed that at the appropriate time that those would be considered". But, he added, "we have made very clear that the sanctions and the economic relief that North Korea will receive will only happen after the full denuclearisation, the complete denuclearisation of North Korea." For his part, Wang said China has a "firm commitment" to denuclearisation but that North Korea's "legitimate" concerns must be addressed. Wang said the denuclearisation process would be worked out "through more detailed and specific consultations going forward" and "China stands ready to play a constructive role in that process". Before holding closed-door talks with Pompeo, Xi said the Singapore summit had been "successful". Earlier, Pompeo insisted at a joint press conference with the South Korea and Japanese foreign ministers that there was no daylight among the allies on how to achieve denuclearisation and sanctions would remain in place. Pompeo's comments came after North Korean state media reported Wednesday that Trump had not only offered to stop military exercises during dialogue, but also lift sanctions imposed on Pyongyang, causing concern in Tokyo and Seoul. Trump said after the first meeting between sitting US and North Korean leaders that Washington would halt its joint military exercises with South Korea, catching Seoul, and apparently the Pentagon, by surprise. The US and South Korea conduct several large drills every year to maintain readiness for operations on the peninsula, a source of anger for Pyongyang, which considers them preparations for an invasion. - 'Frank' discussions - South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha appeared to sidestep the issue at the joint press conference, saying the matter would be left to military authorities to discuss, and that the US-South Korea alliance remained "as robust as ever". Earlier, South Korean President Moon Jae-in acknowledged that "there may be very conflicting views" about the summit, but it had still helped mitigate fears of a nuclear war. "In this way I believe it was very successful." He later said Seoul would carefully consider the future of the drills "if North Korea faithfully implements denuclearisation measures and sincere dialogue continues", according to his office. While it is not directly involved, Japan also considers the exercises vital. The "deterrence based on them (plays) an essential role for security in northeast Asia", Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said after the "frank" trilateral talks. Kono said Japan understood the pause in the drills to be contingent on North Korean steps towards denuclearisation, adding that "no security guarantees have been given yet". Pompeo said the suspension of the exercises depended on productive negotiations in "good faith". Trump had raised eyebrows Tuesday by describing his own country's drills on the Korean peninsula as "provocative", a term used by the North for the exercises. Pyongyang describes its nuclear weapons and long-range missiles as a shield against US aggression, and has in the past linked denuclearisation to the removal of US forces from the peninsula. North Korea's propaganda machine embraced the summit, with state television airing footage Thursday, describing Kim as a "prominent world leader" who is universally revered. - 'Sleep well tonight!' - Despite some concerns among allies and analysts, the Trump administration continues to tout the summit as a success, and Pompeo said earlier that he hopes to see "major disarmament" of North Korea by 2020. A bullish Trump declared the nuclear threat from North Korea no longer exists, and tweeted Wednesday that people "can now feel much safer than the day I took office" and can "sleep well tonight!" The president's latest comments are in stark contrast to his threats to unleash "fire and fury" last year in response to Pyongyang's nuclear and long-range missile tests. The North retaliated by boasting it could annihilate the United States. In the latest step to ease cross-border friction, the two Koreas held their highest-level military talks in over a decade on Thursday in the Demilitarized Zone that divides the two countries. Major military exercises 'suspended indefinitely' on Korean peninsula: US official Washington, June 14 (AFP) Jun 14, 2018 Large military drills between the United States and South Korea have been "suspended indefinitely," a senior US official told AFP on Thursday. President Donald Trump on Tuesday said the US will halt "war games" with its security ally Seoul, but he did not make clear when the freeze on the "provocative" exercises would kick in. "Major military exercises have been suspended indefinitely on the Korean peninsula," the official said. America has about 28,500 troops based in South Korea and they routinely train with their local counterparts. Ulchi Freedom Guardian, which ordinarily starts in August, is a two-week drill based on a computerized command-and-control exercise. Pyongyang considers it a highly provocative rehearsal for invasion. Following last year's drills, the North fired ballistic missiles over Japan, triggering global alarm and a furious response from Tokyo. The Pentagon did not immediately comment. Putin invites Kim to Russia, praises Trump summit Moscow, June 14 (AFP) Jun 14, 2018 President Vladimir Putin on Thursday conveyed to a senior North Korean official an invitation for Kim Jong Un to visit Russia as he praised the results of his summit with Donald Trump. Hosting Kim Yong Nam, North Korea's ceremonial head of state, Putin said the historic summit with the US president was "without doubt just the first step towards a full-blown settlement". "Thanks to this meeting a possible negative scenario has been cast aside," Putin said. "Certainly it creates conditions for further forward movement and decreases general tensions around the Korean peninsula," he added. Trump and Kim made history on Tuesday holding a summit in Singapore. It was an unprecedented encounter that saw the leader of the world's most powerful democracy shake hands with the third-generation scion of a dynastic dictatorship. But critics said the Kim and Trump summit was more style than substance, producing a document short on specifics about the key issue of Pyongyang's atomic weapons. Putin said he would be happy to welcome Kim to Russia, suggesting they meet during an economic forum in the far eastern port city of Vladivostok this September. The youthful North Korean leader has never visited Russia, unlike his father, Kim Jong-Il, who travelled to the country in his armoured train in 2011 for talks with Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's president at the time. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov became the first ever Russian official to meet Kim when he travelled to Pyongyang in late May. The two countries share a short land border and have a history of long-standing ties. Britain begins W.Africa deployment in support of France Paris, June 14 (AFP) Jun 14, 2018 The first troops from a 100-member British contingent to be deployed alongside French counter-terrorism forces in West Africa have arrived in the region along with heavy-lift helicopters, the French military said Thursday. "The first troops from the British Chinook deployment, which will comprise three heavy transport helicopters and will be deployed in Gao ( northern Mali) have arrived," armed forces spokesman Colonel Patrik Steiger said. The advance party from a contingent that will be in place by the end of the summer arrived in Niamey, the capital of Niger, Mali's neighbour to the east, Steiger added. In January, Prime Minister Theresa May promised French President Emmanuel Macron that Britain would step up its support for France's Barkhane mission, which has been pursuing jihadist groups across the arid Sahel region since 2014. May said that although Britain was preparing to leave the EU, "this does not mean that the UK is leaving Europe," stressing Britain's commitment to its cooperation with France in the area of defence. Until now Britain's contribution to France's operations in the Sahel region had been limited to the regular use of a C-17 troop transporter. Steiger said the US-made Chinook helicopters, which can carry about 40 troops, would be "very useful" for the mobility of the Barkhane force. In 2013, the French military intervened in Mali to help rout Islamic extremists linked to Al-Qaeda from the country's desert north. Within days French-backed forces had recaptured all of northern Mali's towns but the jihadists have continued to carry out attacks from their rear bases in the desert, while stepping up their operations in neighbouring countries. Moscow slams Norway plans to double US troop presence Oslo, June 14 (AFP) Jun 14, 2018 Moscow on Thursday criticised Norway's plans to ask Washington to double the number of US troops stationed in the Scandinavian country and deploy them nearer the border with Russia. The plans "cause us serious concern," Russia's embassy in Norway wrote on its Facebook page. Before joining NATO in 1949, Norway allayed Russian fears by pledging not to open its territory to foreign combat troops so long as it was not attacked or threatened with attack. The stationing of US troops in Norway "contravenes the Norwegian decision from 1949... This makes Norway less predictable, can stoke tensions, incite an arms race and lead to a destabilisation of the situation in northern Europe," the embassy wrote. Oslo's announcement came after nine nations along NATO's eastern flank last week called for the alliance to bolster its presence in their region. Since last year, 330 US Marines have been deployed on rotation at Vaernes in the centre of Norway, despite loud protests from Russia. Oslo now wants to boost the troop numbers to 700 and station them further north at Setermoen, 420 kilometres (260 miles) from Russia. The US deployment agreement would also be extended from the current six-month renewable periods to five years. "The defence of Norway depends on the support of our NATO allies, as is the case in most other NATO countries," said Defence Minister Frank Bakke-Jensen in a statement. "For this support to work in times of crises and war, we are totally dependent on joint training and exercises in times of peace," he added. Bulgaria, Czech Republic, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, Romania and Slovakia had Friday called for NATO to discuss an increased military presence in their region at next month's leaders' summit in Brussels. The group said it was necessary to supplement NATO's current ground forces "with aerial and naval components." NATO beefed up defences in central and eastern Europe in response to growing fears about Russia, following Moscow's annexation of Crimea in 2014. Norway has insisted that it is respecting its 1949 commitment, noting that the troop presence is not permanent but rotational. But Moscow rejected that argument. "Even if the actual people are rotated, the stationing is continuous," it said. Russia also expressed "concern" that the "plans were agreed in Oslo without any real bilateral political dialogue." po/je US air strike in Libya kills Qaeda operative: military Washington, June 14 (AFP) Jun 14, 2018 The US military has conducted an air strike in Libya targeting an Al-Qaeda affiliate, killing one "terrorist," the US military said Thursday. The Wednesday strike took place approximately 50 miles (80 kilometers) southeast of the town of Bani Walid, US Africa Command (AFRICOM) said in a statement. "In coordination with the Libyan Government of National Accord, US forces conducted a precision air strike against Al-Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb (AQIM)... killing one terrorist," the statement read, adding that no civilians had been killed in the action. AFRICOM said it was the second US strike against AQIM in Libya. The first, on March 24, resulted in the death of Musa Abu Dawud, a high-ranking AQIM official, officials said. Libya has been gripped by chaos since a NATO-backed uprising toppled and killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi in 2011, with rival administrations and multiple militias vying for control of the oil-rich country. Jihadists and people-traffickers have taken advantage of the chaos to gain a foothold in the North African country. On June 6, AFRICOM said it had killed four members of an Islamic State jihadist group affiliate, also near Bani Walid. The town, on the edge of the desert, is a transit point for migrants aiming to reach Europe by boat from the coast further north. Former Afghan President Hamid Karzai 'We Failed Miserably' In an interview with SPIEGEL ONLINE, former Afghan President Hamid Karzai discusses the failure of the U.S. intervention in Afghanistan, the future of the war and why he would be willing to work with the Trump administration. English13/06/2018 SRNA News Roundup /I/ - June 13, 2018 REPUBLIKA SRPSKA TREBINJE The Republika Srpska Minister of Industry, Energy and Mining, Petar Djokic, said last night in Trebinje that there is room to reduce the price of fuel in Republika Srpska. MRKONJIC GRAD The 26th anniversary of the killing of 20 Mrkonjc Grad police officers in Sebezi will be marked today when a memorial service will be held and wreaths will be laid in the Mrkonjic Grad Police Administration building. BOSNIA & HERZEGOVINA BANJALUKA If a reform of European asylum system fails, one of possible options is to build provisional reception capacities in countries bordering the EU, including BiH, which are on the migrant routes, a source from European institutions told the Nezavisne Novine daily. SARAJEVO The Council of Ministers is expected to review on Monday, June 18, a report on migrations in connection with the increased influx of migrants into BiH. SARAJEVO - Sixteen persons are serving their prison terms in prisons in BiH for terrorism, and one person is in prison for illegal formation of and joining foreign para-military or para-police units. SERBIA BELGRADE The Ambassador of the Russian Federation to Serbia, Alexander Chepurin, has said at a solemn reception in Belgrade on the occasion of Russia Day that Russia will always support Serbia in the most complex issues. BELGRADE, PARIS Serbian Defense Minister Aleksandar Vulin has said in Paris that Serbia can brag about its defense industry and can compete with much more developed countries not only in the production of ammunition but of complex battle systems, which is reserved for the strongest armies only. BELGRADE The Serbian Government proposed to representatives of the International Monetary Fund /IMF/ an increase of salaries in public sector of 8%-10%, reports Blic. BELGRADE Retired Serbian Army General Vladimir Lazarevic claims that on April 9, 1999, NATO attempted a land invasion of Kossovo and Metohija, but that it was stopped, stressing that the operation was designed by the Pentagon. REGION SKOPLJE Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev has said that an agreement between Athens and Skoplje on changing the name of the Former Yugoslav Republic into the Republic of Northern Macedonia will maintain the Macedonian ethnic and cultural identity, which means that the language will still be called Macedonian and people Macedonians. /end/sg According to speakers at the Cereals Event on Wednesday (13 June), the outlook may be almost as uncertain as it was at the time of the Brexit vote, but there are also plenty of opportunities ahead. We are going to see things evolve over the next five years that we havent even dreamed about, said Allan Wilkinson, head of agriculture at HSBC. The opportunities are immense. However, it is vital that farmers engage with MPs and get involved in shaping future policy, added Minette Batters, president of the NFU. Food security has to be taken more seriously Michael Gove is a big hitting politician and he can really make a difference, but we need a new deal. According to Peter Kendall, chairman of AHDB, the arable industry is enjoying a honeymoon period before Brexit, with access to support payments and EU markets, and reasonable grain prices. Now is therefore the time to act and prepare for future change by coming together, sharing knowledge, and being ambitious. All possible outcomes of Brexit are going to change our business environment, explained Martin Grantley-Smith, AHDB Cereals & Oilseeds strategy director. To prepare for that, farmers need to understand their business and costs of production, and have access to the right information to make good decisions. AHDB is making it easier for farmers to access that information through its demonstration farm network, but according to Oxfordshire farmer James Price its also important to actively seek it out and to build closer links to shorten the supply chain. We cant expect the answers to be given to us, we have to go out and find them. Host farmer Robert Law is focusing on reducing risk within his business, and said its important to produce budgets based on income without a future single payment. His farm manager, David Hurst, agreed. Weve got to be ready to react get your ducks in a row for when the opportunity comes. Direct payments have stifled innovation and there are probably a lot of lazy businesses out there. With so many external changes going on which farmers cant control its vital that they act to improve profitability now, warned Jeremy Moody, secretary and adviser to the Central Association of Agricultural Valuers. Why defer being better? By the time we reach the mid 2020s there will be other changes to be paralysed by. A more recent publication of this set of statistics is available. Latest publication: Index of turnover in industry 2021, August Published: 14 June 2018 Turnover in manufacturing grew by 5.8 per cent in the first quarter According to Statistics Finland, turnover in manufacturing in the January to March period was 5.8 per cent higher than in the corresponding period of the year before. Domestic sales grew by 1.5 per cent and export turnover by 8.8 per cent from one year ago. Three months' year-on-year change in turnover in manufacturing (C) sub-industries (TOL 2008) Turnover went up from the corresponding period of the previous year in all manufacturing (C) sub-industries . Growth was strongest in the chemical industry, 7.0 per cent, in the metal industry, 6.8 per cent and in the electrical and electronics industry, 6.3 per cent. Turnover growth was slowest in the textile, clothing and leather industry, 2.0 per cent from one year ago. Three months' year-on-year change in turnover in main industrial categories (TOL 2008) The turnover of all other main categories of manufacturing industries also increased year-on-year. Turnover growth was strongest in the industry of electricity, gas, steam and air conditioning supply, 12.8 per cent. Turnover in mining and quarrying grew by 11.1 per cent and in water supply, sewerage, waste management and remediation activities by 5.2 per cent from one year ago. The index of turnover in industry describes enterprises whose main industry is manufacturing. The calculation of the indices is based on the Tax Administrations self-assessed tax data which are supplemented with data obtained with Statistics Finlands sales inquiry. The monthly turnovers of manufacturing enterprises can vary considerably, especially in the metal industries. The variation is mainly due to invoicing practices. The final invoice for major machinery deliveries and projects may be recorded in the sales of one month, even if the delivery had required the work of several months or years. Source: Index of turnover in industry 2018, March, Statistics Finland Inquiries: Maija Sappinen 029 551 3348, Kirsi-Maaria Manninen 029 551 2681, myynti.teollisuus@stat.fi Director in charge: Mari Yla-Jarkko Publication in pdf-format (359.5 kB) Updated 14.6.2018 Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Index of turnover in industry [e-publication]. ISSN=1798-596X. March 2018. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 16.10.2021]. Access method: http://www.stat.fi/til/tlv/2018/03/tlv_2018_03_2018-06-14_tie_001_en.html A more recent publication of this set of statistics is available. Latest publication: Statistics on road traffic accidents 2021, August Published: 14 June 2018 Road traffic accidents claimed 19 lives in May According to preliminary data of Statistics Finland, 469 accidents involving personal injury happened in road traffic in May. In them, 19 persons were killed and 541 persons injured. The number of persons killed was seven lower and that of persons injured 54 higher than in May 2017. Persons killed in road traffic accidents 1/1985 - 5/2018. Deaths in the past 12 months by month Of the persons who were killed, 12 travelled by passenger car and six by motorcycle. Cyclists killed in road traffic accidents numbered one. Among those who died, 15 were men and four were women. A total of 1,490 road traffic accidents involving personal injury happened in January to May period. In them, 76 persons were killed and 1,885 persons injured. The number of persons killed was 15 lower and that of persons injured 115 lower than in the corresponding period of 2017. Of the persons who were killed, 55 travelled by passenger car, one by van, one by moped, eight by motorcycle and one by lorry. Pedestrians killed numbered six and cyclists one. In addition, three other road users were killed. Source: Transport and Tourism: Statistics on road traffic accidents. Statistics Finland Inquiries: Irmeli Segerholm 029 551 3219, Matti Kokkonen 029 551 3770, liikenne.matkailu@stat.fi Director in charge: Mari Yla-Jarkko Publication in pdf-format (190.9 kB) Updated 14.6.2018 Referencing instructions: Official Statistics of Finland (OSF): Statistics on road traffic accidents [e-publication]. ISSN=2342-3846. May 2018. Helsinki: Statistics Finland [referred: 16.10.2021]. 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Less scared, more confident in nature The project has attracted the attention of researchers from Sweden who are curious to see if the activity has any deeper implications on childrens relation with nature. A study into it has recently been published in the journal Frontiers in Psychology and is co-written by centre researchers Stephan Barthel and Matteo Giusti together with colleagues from University of Gavle and the Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences. Sophie Belton, a Master's student from the Stockholm Resilience Centre, was also a co-author of the study. Link to publication Request publication Based on interviews and observations of the children while helping the salamanders the researchers found that the project helps create a more meaningful connection with nature which remains years after the children take part in the project. Barthel and his colleagues conducted the interviews and the observations in 2015 but followed up in 2017 with the same children. The researchers found strong indications that the children not only developed sympathy for salamanders but also increased their concern and care for nature. That remained as the children grew older. Well, its like Im less scared and feel moreconfident in nature, one child said. Its fun to feel that you have actually done something important. Something that is actually good for the environment, something that makes a difference, said another. Improving education programmes Their study, Barthel argues, has implications for the design of education programmes that aim to connect children with nature. As the children crawl, walk and run around and explore the features of the environment around them, they overcome different challenges, build environmental sensitivity and personal competence. The researchers found that the children highly valued being given the opportunity to participate or be included in an important real-world project. This was confirmed by the teacher in charge who reported that the children appreciated connecting with living organisms during authentic situations. 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. Not many years ago, your average well-informed cigar smoker probably had never heard of Aganorsa tobacco. Today, theres a good chance they have and, if they havent, theyve almost certainly smoked Aganorsa tobacco, which is widely used by many of the largest cigar makers. Aganorsa S.A. started in 1997 when Cuban-born American businessman Eduardo Fernandez began purchasing land in Nicaragua to grow tobacco, including fields once owned by Ncaraguan dictator Anastasio Somoza. Prior to the Sandinista revolution, Somoza was part owner of the Joya de Nicaragua factory (dictators dont pick their lands because they arent some of the finest available). Fernandez, who quickly began expanding his growing operations, staffed his fields with Cuban agronomists. Fernandez soon began expanding to cigar making with the purchase of Tropical Tobacco and later by establishing, with Jose Pepin Garcia, El Rey de los Habanos in Miami and another facility in Nicaragua. (The two split ways acrimoniously in 2010 with a lawsuit that ended in a settlement.) Today, Fernandez runs the Tabacos Valle de Jalapa S.A. (TABSA) (Nicaragua), and Casa Fernandez Miami (USA) factories where he makes cigars for his Casa Fernanedez brands and others, including Illusione and Warped (which is co-owned by Fernandezs son, Max). While Aganorsa tobacco is still supplied to numerous cigar makers in Nicaragua and elsewhere, the brand remains closely associated with Casa Fernandez, which uses the tobaccos almost exclusively. Earlier this year, Casa Fernandez was officially moved under the Aganorsa Leaf banner. The Casa Fernandez Miami Aganorsa Leaf Corojo is a Nicaraguan puro made in Miami with an Aganorsa Corojo wrapper around Aganorsa binder and filler. The cigar comes in three sizes: Robusto (5 x 52), Toro (6.5 x 52), and Torpedo (6.25 x 52). The Robusto features a slightly mottled Colorado brown wrapper. The slightly rounded, box-pressed cigar features two bands (one denoting Casa Fernandez Miami and another advertising Aganorsa Leaf), plus a black ribbon around the foot. The primary band was changed along the way to make Miami more prominent. Once lit, the cigar features cafe-au-lait, bread, cashew, and light oak. It has only the slightest wood spice (though pepper is prominent when retro-haled), but it is a medium- to full-bodied smoke with excellent balance. The flavors coat the palate creating a long, velvety finish. The flavors are consistent throughout, with a slight increase in strength towards the final third. Construction was excellent on all three Robustos I smoked, with an easy draw, even burn, and sturdy ash. Ive largely been impressed by Casa Fernandez cigars, but Ill admit to being a bit confused by the line. At times, its challenging to discern the differences between their various offerings. For example, what appears to be the exact same Casa Fernandez Corojo has also been made in Nicaragua, but that cigar is still sold on some websites side-by-side with the Miami. Perhaps the new Aganorsa Leaf branding will soon clear up these differences. The Casa Fernandez Miami Corojo Robusto retails for $110 for box of 15, but the truth is you can find it for quite a bit less. For the $60 I paid for the box (perhaps that confusion I spoke of creates a buying opportunity), it is a real bargain. This Miami-made Nicaraguan puro is the type of cigar most appreciated by veteran fans of Nicaraguan smokes. With enjoyable flavors and excellent balance, the Casa Fernandez Miami Corojo Robusto earns a rating of four stogies out of five. [To read more StogieGuys.com cigar reviews, please click here.] Patrick S photo credit: Stogie Guys There is general agreement in Libya, the UN and among key Western and Arab nations that national presidential and parliamentary elections will be held on December 10th and the new officials will form a national government. In the meantime, the GNA (Government of National Accord) and HoR (House of Representatives), the two existing governments in Libya have agreed to increase their cooperation (already functional enough) to improve the operation of the National Oil Company and the Central Bank of Libya. One matter to be settled here is about the Audit Bureau (created to audit financial institutions for evidence of corruption) and disagreements over procedure and the extent of the Audit Bureau power to summon bank officials for interrogation and access to the bank databases and logs. This came to a head in April when the auditors went public about being blocked by judges who sided with the banks. This sort of thing appears to be another sign of widespread corruption that survives in part because of the two competing national government. Shutting down the illegal economy is a great idea but no one knows how to make it happen. The Militia Muddle The hundreds of militias and private armies operating with little supervision throughout the country are being forced to choose sides. In the past many of them, especially the ones that were Islamic and from western Libya, unified behind what was left of the GNA in Tripoli in an effort to survive. That has not worked because more Libyans want a national government and many Islamic militias lost their most radical members to ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant), which is still trying to establish a base area in Libya. Less radical members joined AQIM (Al Qaeda in the Islamic Maghreb) but most remained with more moderate groups like the Moslem Brotherhood. Thus the formerly Islamic radical militias gradually became more moderate and willing to compromise. ISIL is trying, without much success, to carry out attacks that will prevent elections and the formation of a unified national government. Meanwhile, in eastern Libya, the LNA (Libyan National Army) continues to defeat or absorb defiant militias, especially ones that are religion based or outright Islamic terrorists. While many Western nations consider the LNA, or at least some of its commanders, to be war criminals the fact is that pro-GNA faction leaders are no better and often a lot worse. The Arab nations that have long supported the LNA and its creator Khalifa Hiftar and understand this and the fact that Hiftar is simply a more effective military leader. After living in the U.S. for over a decade, Hiftar knows first-hand what works. Hiftar works for the rival Libyan HoR government in Tobruk. Most Libyans, having little or no personal experience of a much less corrupt and more productive Western economy, just want someone to make all the chaos and pain go away. There is no easy way to make that happen. A first step would be to form a united government. That is still a work in progress but at least progress is being made. Hiftar is also popular in Libya (and with other Moslem governments in the region) for his steadfast and effective opposition to Islamic terrorists and Islamic radicalism in general. While there is still militia and Islamic terrorist violence in Libya there is much less of it compared to past years. The oil facilities are now well guarded and the LNA and militias throughout the country have much reduced the power of Islamic terrorists and Islamic conservatives in general. Dead End Derna Currently, the main effort for LNA is dealing with the few remaining independent, some of them Islamic radical, militias in Derna (200 kilometers east of Benghazi). This is the only eastern coastal city not under LNA control but has been under siege by the LNA since mid-2017. In early 2017 LNA forces from further east chased the ISIL and other Islamic terrorist remnants (of other clearance operations) to Derna. Some ISIL men managed to establish a presence in Derna and use that to carry out bombings and other terror attacks on the coastal areas (where most of the people are). That led to LNA blockading Derna in mid-2017. Derna remains a problem as this city is about the same size (100,000 population) as the former ISIL capital Sirte. Earlier ISIL failures in Derna were the result of stubborn local militias who disliked outsiders in general. Hiftar was not popular with some of the Derna militias, especially those composed of Islamic conservatives and these groups were not cooperative. Now they are all under attack by Hiftar forces and being forced to cooperate or die. The LNA is using airstrikes and artillery to speed up the process. The UN opposes the LNA tactics because it cuts many civilians off from essential supplies and causes more civilian casualties. The LNA points out that the Islamic terrorists control who gets what when supplies get through the current blockade and that civilians in Derna have not done well with the years of chaos in the city. Many UN member quietly disagree with the UN assessment and provide the LNA military aid for the Derna battle. One of the recent contributors is France, which provided an unarmed recon aircraft (a twin-engine Beechcraft 350 packed with cameras and other sensors). The Beechcraft is based in Marj (eastern Libya near the Egyptian border. The French supplied Beechcraft can be seen parked next to AT-802U manned aircraft and Chinese UAVs (similar to the American Predator) also used for surveillance as well as missile attack. The Marj base improvements and many of the aircraft there were provided by the UAE (United Arab Emirates), which is a long-time supporter of Hiftar and the LNA. Hiftar visited the UAE early in 2018 to discuss military aid and then showed up in Egypt for discussions on what could be done to improve security along the Libyan-Egyptian border. Egypt and UAE have always been the primary supporters of the LNA and Hiftar. The LNA controlled Marj airbase in eastern Libya has played a major role in keeping Libyan based Islamic terrorists away from Egypt. This material support from Egypt and the UAE is increasing and encouraging European nations, like France, to help as well. The UAE is also spending a lot of money to help get pro-Hiftar candidates elected when the December national elections take place on. The Lost Wages Of Sin ISIL and AQIM are running short of cash and capabilities because the two Libyan governments, Italy and a few other foreign supporters have managed to cut the flow of illegal migrants in half. The Islamic terror groups provided security for the movement of illegal migrants through Libya to the coast and then on boats that take them to Europe. This is big business and generated enough cash for the Islamic terrorists to bribe local militias and government officials to make it possible to continue the people smuggling. With much less cash available the Islamic terror groups are unable to buy as many weapons or cooperation from other militias. Thus weakened ISIL and AQIM were no longer to maintain themselves on the coast, except in or near places like Derna where LNA control was weakest. But now Derna is under attack by LNA forces and that means fewer areas where groups like ISIL and AQIM can operate without constant fear of being attacked. Meanwhile, the smuggler gangs have moved as much of their operations as possible to neighboring Tunisia. That is not an ideal location as Tunisia has a stable government and close ties to European nations that are trying to shut down the people smugglers. The people smuggler gangs are still operating because people are still willing and able to pay their fees. June 2, 2018: In the northeast (150 kilometers south of Benghazi), ISIL gunmen attacked a checkpoint outside the coastal city of Ajdabiya. The attack was repulsed but one civilian was killed and five wounded. May 31, 2018: In the south (Sabha, 770 kilometers south of Tripoli) an LNA base 30 kilometers from Sabha was attacked by remnants of Benghazi Islamic terror groups. The attack was repulsed. The main concern of the LAN forces down there is the continued fighting between rival tribes, which have left over 30 dead this month alone. Belgasim Al Abaj, an LNA general arrived in mid-April to negotiate a lasting peace deal. Abaj is a Zuwai and the Tebus in general respect the LNA. One reason for this respect is that the LNA has established a track record of negotiating peace deals in several tribal conflicts by establishing good relations with the major tribes (Magharba, Baraasa, Hasa, Obaidat, Zuwai and Zintan) and getting these larger tribes to make peace with their smaller rivals. Some of these peace deals are only temporary until Libya is united and no longer in danger of massive social and financial collapse. But that is enough. The UN backed GNA foreign minister met with his counterparts from Niger, Chad and Sudan in Chad to sign an agreement to improve border security. The rival HoR and the LNA actually control most of the borders in question so making the deal work depends on the formation of a united national Libyan government after the December elections. May 28, 2018: In France, a peace conference led to both Libyan governments agreeing to hold elections on December 10th to determine the composition of one national government. Islamic conservatives tried to prevent LNA commander Khalifa Hiftar from attending this conference. That effort failed because the other Libyans realized that Hiftar was part of the solution and the Islamic conservatives are not. Algeria, Egypt and Tunisia agreed to back Hiftar as well. May 24, 2018: In the eastern city of Benghazi a car bomb went off near a major hotel leaving six people dead. May 22, 2018: In the northeast (150 kilometers south of Benghazi), an ISIL suicide car bomber attacked a checkpoint outside the coastal city of Ajdabiya and killed two soldiers and wounded two others. Elsewhere in the area ISIL attacked another checkpoint and kidnapped a policeman. 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 13, 2018: In the southwest (500 kilometers from the capital) the Algerian army held military exercises just across the border. The exercises included live firing of artillery and other weapons. This sort of thing was meant to remind the larger militias in Libya that venturing across the border is a very bad idea. May 8, 2018: In the east, outside the oil loading port of Ras Lanuf an ISIL suicide bomber attacked a checkpoint killing two people and wounding four. ISIL has made a number of unsuccessful efforts to damage oil production facilities. May 7, 2018: In the east LNA began an offensive to clear Islamic terror groups from the city of Derna. A month later there have been nearly a hundred deaths there, most of them hostile militiamen. The month of battles near the Red Sea port of Hodeida brought Yemeni and coalition forces to with 15 kilometers of the port a few days ago. The final assault began yesterday and some coalition forces are now six kilometers from the port area and even closer to the Hodeida airport. An amphibious attack on the port facilities was apparently defeated but in the meantime, ground forces are using their ample air support to blast their way through any rebel defenses. The Rebels and their Iranian backers are pleading with the UN to impose a ceasefire but that wont happen because Iran and the rebels have frequently sabotaged UN sponsored peace talks and there is little enthusiasm for trusting the rebels or their Iranian sponsors. The coalition insists that this is the quickest way to end the way because Hodeida is the major source of weapons and military equipment smuggled into Yemen. With Hodeida no longer available to the rebels most of the Iranian material support will be gone and the shaky morale of the rebel coalition will cause more factions to switch sides and more Shia fighters to quit. Meanwhile, coalition airstrikes have been hitting all the Shia rebel forces they can locate. The assault on the city was well publicized and leaflets were dropped on residential areas in the way warning civilians to leave if they could. Everyone knows that the Shia rebels deliberately station their forces and supplies of ammo and equipment in residential areas to discourage air strikes. When civilians get killed the Shia and their Iranian backers can use the photos of dead civilians to accuse the coalition of atrocities. Often that works but this time the coalition has warned civilians to clear out because the Shia rebels will be hit no matter where they are. The main advance is up the coast with other forces coming from the inland side of the port. The inland advance has already cut the main roads to the rebel occupied capital Saana, 140 kilometers from the port. Hodeida is the largest and most developed Red Sea port in Yemen and the major conduit for food and other aid coming to rebel controlled northern Yemen. In effect, more than half the population of Yemen depend on foreign aid (especially food and medicine) coming in via Hodeida. Hidden among all these supplies are weapons and military equipment provided by Iran for the Shia rebels. Among those weapons are anti-ship missiles and components for ballistic missiles (which are assembled in northern Yemen and fired into Saudi Arabia.) The Saudis point out that the Iranian anti-ship missiles have been used more frequently at commercial shipping, which now has to stay farther out to sea to avoid being hit. Some 15 percent of global maritime cargo moves past Hodeida, most of it going to or from the Suez Canal. Before the war, some 70 percent of Yemeni imports arrived via Hodeida. The rebels have a choice between withdrawing forces from the port area and minimizing damage to cargo handling equipment and facilities, or fighting it out there and decreasing the flow of essential foreign aid to their own families as well as many non-Shia Yemenis in Shia controlled territory. In that case, the Shia will blame the coalition for the damage and that is often the Shia idea of a victory. Taking the port from the rebels is not the hard part, clearing the rebels away from the vicinity of the port and the main roads out of the port is a larger problem. Unless the rebels are kept least 30 kilometers from the port (to prevent mortar and rocket fire on the port area) and tight security established in the port area (to prevent bomb attacks) the foreign shipping companies will not continue visiting Hodeida. Ever since early 2017, the UN has urged the Shia rebels to peacefully give up control of the Red Sea port of Hodeida but the rebels have refused to seriously consider this. Even proposals that Hodeida be turned over to a neutral third party are turned down. This is not a matter of trust, its a matter of survival for the rebels. In part, this is because of the smuggling. The rebels have prevented UN personnel from inspecting aid shipments (for weapons and other contraband) and the government claims the rebels have been seizing aid shipments and preventing UN personnel from verifying that the aid is going to civilians. As long as the rebels hold onto Hodeida and Iran still has powerful allies in the UN (mainly Russia and China, who can veto some measures) the smuggling can continue as can the use of food to control civilian populations that are hostile to the rebels. That food tactic has backfired and turned many civilians against the rebels. The government and coalition forces are now concentrating on taking Hodeida and other Red Sea coast areas held by the Shia rebels. This works but it was slow going and increased casualties among government and coalition forces. Some weapons are smuggled in via government controlled ports, like Aden. This involves more risk, and more bribes, to get trucks carrying aid or commercial goods, along with illegal weapons, to rebel controlled territory. Taking Hodeida wont stop the smuggling, which is able to get ballistic missile components and other Iranian weapons into rebel controlled areas. Enough of this stuff is intercepted to make it clear that Iran is sending weapons meant to hit targets inside Saudi Arabia or take down Saudi warplanes operating over Yemen. These advanced weapons are getting through in large part because Yemen has always been smuggler friendly. With Iranian help (cash and diplomacy) the smuggled weapons kept the war going. This was also helped by the fact that Qatar and Oman had always been active in using Yemeni smuggling networks. June 13, 2018: The final assault to take Hodeida began and on the first day at least 250 rebels were killed by airstrikes and ground fighting. In addition, 140 rebels were captured. The rebels responded with an Iranian Badr-1 ballistic missile fired at the Saudi city of Jizan, which is near the Yemen border. Saudi anti-missile defenses destroyed the Iranian missile. So far at least 120 ballistic missiles (most of them Iranian) have been fired into Saudi Arabia by the Shia rebels. A UAE ship supporting the ground forces advancing on Hodeida was hit by a Shia missile and set afire. The Shia rebels said they had thwarted a coalition effort to land troops near the port, apparently an effort to seize the port area quickly and avoid damage to port facilities. June 12, 2018: In the southeast (Hadramawt province) soldiers raided an AQAP (Al Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula) camp and seized 28 recently assembled bombs, two explosive vests and a large supply of bomb components as well as ammunition. Other evidence indicated that the bombs were to be used for attacks on the largest city in the province; the port of Mukalla June 11, 2018: The UN began evacuating its personnel from Hodeida. Some other foreign aid workers remained. Some of the 600,000 civilians in the city are leaving as well. The civilians were warned by the coalition to leave if they lived near major targets (port area, airport, known rebel facilities.) June 9, 2018: In the north Shia rebels fired a ballistic missile at the Saudi city of Jizan, which is near the Yemen border. Most of these missiles are intercepted by Saudi anti-missile missiles but this one landed close enough to a residential to kill three civilians. Further south on the outskirts of Hodeida the rebels were suffering heavy casualties (at least fifty dead today) trying to slow the army and coalition advance on the port. In the southwest (Taiz province) an army colonel and his bodyguards were attacked by gunmen in Taiz city. The colonel was killed and four bodyguards wounded. The city is still being cleared of Shia rebels even though the entire city is now under government control. June 7, 2018: The U.S. revealed that so far in 2018 there have been 28 attacks by American UAVs in Yemen. Many of the attacks are not announced in any detail. In the last three months, the frequency of attacks has declined (to one or two a month). As in 2017 (when there were 131 attacks) the ones in 2018 have been mainly against AQAP and ISIL (Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant) camps and key personnel in central Yemen (especially Baida province). This greatly reduces Islamic terrorist capabilities in Baida, which had long been an Islamic terrorist stronghold. East of Baida province are Shabwa and Hadramawt provinces. The later stretches from the sea to the Saudi border and is largely desert. Along with Baida these two provinces once hosted most of AQAP personnel and base areas. But since early 2017 AQAP has been under heavy attack by the Americans and the Arab coalition and responded by shifting more of their terror attacks to the government and Arab coalition forces. AQAP took credit for 273 attacks in 2017 and in the first six months of that year, some 75 percent of these attacks were against the Shia rebels. But in the second half of 2017 half, the attacks were against fellow Sunnis (government and coalition forces). In 2018 the remaining AQAP are mainly fighting for survival against government and coalition forces. June 5, 2018: In the north Shia rebels fired another Iranian Burkan-2 ballistic missile deep into Saudi territory (Medina province). A Saudi Patriot anti-missile missile intercepted it. The Burkan-2 was aimed at a Saudi oil refinery on the Red Sea coast at Yanbu, which is over 1,000 kilometers from rebel territory in northern Yemen. June 4, 2018: The UN again offered the Shia rebels a way to avoid a major government offensive to capture Hodeida. The UN officials pointed out that a determined attack would take the port and kill a lot of rebels and civilians. This fighting would interrupt aid shipments and probably damage the port facilities. The rebels could avoid all these losses by placing the port under UN control and withdrawing their forces. The rebels debated this among themselves for over a day and then refused the UN offer. Two days before the final assault began the coalition gave the rebels one last chance to give up the city and that was refused as well. May 28, 2018: Saudi Arabia revealed that in late May it had arrested nine Filipinos (along with two Saudis and a Yemeni) and accused them of threatening state security. This apparently refers to support for an Islamic terror group. Foreign workers in Saudi Arabia are sometimes found to have been radicalized by locals who are secretly working for banned Islamic terrorist organizations. Most Yemeni foreign workers are gone from Saudi Arabia, a process that began in the 1990s (over loyalty issues) and concluded in 2013 when the Saudis decided to force unemployed Saudis to take jobs foreign workers (especially Yemenis) performed. Many of the Yemenis who remain in Saudi Arabia are illegal and some are working for AQAP or ISIL May 26, 2018: In the north Shia rebels launched a UAV armed with explosives and sent it towards Abha airport across the Saudi border in Asir province. Saudi air defenses shot down the UAV and the components indicated it was made in Iran. May 25, 2018: Two Saudi border guards were killed by Shia rebels firing from the Yemeni side of the border, May 24, 2018: In the north Shia rebels fired a ballistic missile at the Saudi city of Jizan, which is near the Yemen border. The missile was intercepted. Sudan announced that its military forces will continue to participate in the Saudi-led coalition fighting Iran backed Shia rebels in Yemen. Sudan has about 3,000 soldiers in Yemen as well as several jet fighters. May 23, 2018: Iran indicated that it was willing to negotiate a peace deal on Yemen. This turned out to be nothing new as Iranian terms included allowing Iranian support for the Shia tribes (who are now supplying most of the rebels) to continue. May 22, 2018: In the west, a UAE warship operating near the Red Sea port of Hodeida spotted small speedboats heading out towards the commercial shipping lanes. The boats apparently belonged Shia rebels and seeking large commercial ships to attack. The UAE warship fired on the speedboats, sinking two of them while the other two escaped towards Hodeida, May 21, 2018: In the north Shia rebels fired a ballistic missile at the Saudi city of Jizan, which is near the Yemen border. The ballistic missile was intercepted by Saudi anti-missile missiles. May 19, 2018: In the north, two more rebel ballistic missiles were fired into Saudi Arabia. One was shot down by Saudi Patriot anti-missile missiles after it crossed the border headed for the city of Khamis Mushait in Asir province. The second one landed harmlessly in the empty desert. Come Together: Streaming in Professional Music Production Weve all done it at least once. Even Ive done it, and thats saying a lot. Stream songs from a music service, that is. Even for old-guard music listeners like me, who insist on owning most of the music they consume, theres always one or two songs that deserve a listen before we buy. A decade ago, the idea of streaming music didnt really find traction because not everyone was connectedsmartphones were just reaching critical massand metered cell phone data costs meant streaming songs could become very pricey. Jump ahead to 2018, and apparently a lot of us stream, enough so that Spotify was able to pull off a fairly unique public listing on the New York Stock Exchange on my birthday in early April. Spotify, as almost everyone knows, took the anti-iTunes approach, streaming songs with enough success that Apple has now had to answer back with Apple Music, or risk playing its last song with iTunes downloads, which have shrunk 25 percent year over year for the past 2 years. The company continues to perform, saying as recently as early April that it expects to turn a profit in 2021, around which time it will have also doubled both its user base and its paying subscribers. But consumer music services arent the only space that streaming has impacted music; musicians and producers are using it to collaborate and create as well. Is there a principal role for streaming in the orchestra of music production? In this second of four 2018 articles on various niche streaming verticals, were going to explore the use of streaming in music production. After all, if delivery by streaming is growing, it stands to reason that overall music production itself is also growing, presenting an opportunity to use low-latency streams to connect musicians across the world. Well Do It My Way The idea of remotely connected musicians all jamming together in low-latency unison is not, in and of itself, a new idea. After all, both videoconferencing and remote feeds for radio station mobile DJ vans were using ISDN lines back in the early 1990s to push digital video and audio feeds around the U.S. and, with enough money changing hands, even across the pond to Europe. What has changed in the last few years has been the advent of low-latency, multichannel audio. It used to be enough to have a musician join via Skype, watching one or several other bandmates in the studio in the sky while recording to a local hard drive or digital audio workstation (DAW). The downside of this approach was more than just the limitation of having timing be a bit off between musicians. Often, the local recordings were done on incompatible DAWs or even basic audio formatsthink AAC versus MP3 versus Broadcast WAV (BWAV) filesand sometimes one musician might accidentally record at 44.1 kHz instead of the more widely used professional 48 kHz sample rate. An even more fundamental limitation, though, is the need to synchronize each track independently. In a remote recording environment, theres not even a basic synchronized click track, which means that assembling an after-the-fact mixdown of multiple tracks into a basic surround-sound or stereo mix can be a rather frustrating experience. Without a live recording engineer to master each input, as would be done in a live studio collaboration or even in a single performance venue, the record-and-forward approach meant that final mixes often required musicians to be available days or even weeks later to rerecord even the smallest of gaffes. Is there a better way? Working the Kinks Out of LoLa The answer to the question above is yes, and a relative newcomer to the low-latency audio streaming space may hold the answer. LoLa, a staccato play on the phrase low latency, is a transmission system geared toward network musical performances and interaction that was jointly developed by the Italian Research and Academic Network (GARR) and Trieste, the Italian Conservatorio di Musica Giuseppe Tartini. LoLa version 1.5 shipped in late November 2017, offering full support for Windows 10 at both 44.1 kHz and 48 kHz. Its roots, though, hark back to 2005, when the New World Symphony Orchestra from Miami conducted a transoceanic viola master class accompanied by GARR. At the time, there were a number of competing audio transmission solutions, from Paris-based EtherSound to Silicon Valley-based NetworkSound to Sydney-based Dante. But each of these focused their extremely low-latency effortsin many cases, each solution was able to deliver 64 channels of uncompressed audio at word-clock speeds, including redundant pathsat a local area network (LAN) level using standard Fast Ethernet or Gigabit Ethernet. In other words, only educational institutions with Internet2 connections, like Stanford or MIT or national laboratories, could participate. What the LoLa approach has done, though, is to allow synchronization across multiple sites. Its still very much a work in progress, with the LoLa project team only recently settling on a specific USB3 camera to be used at each location, but the kinks are being ironed out and the concept is catching on across Europe and in academic, performance, and pedagogy training facilities across the world. As for the cost of the solution, LoLas site mentions that its available for free for all academic and education nonprofit uses but the site also warns that in order to use LoLa you need a very specific hardware (we will also give you all the needed info) and a good and stable network connection. What does LoLa define as a good network connection? The recommendation is at least 1 Gigabit clean path between locations, which should be noted isnt exactly a commercially viable approach at this point. And then theres the need to use a very specific hardware list, although the LoLa team states we will also give you all the needed info and does qualify its recommendation for a Gigabit network by noting that LoLa is also usable at lower speeds, but we suggest at least 100 Megabit given the use of Motion JPEG imagery for very-low-latency delivery. How much traction has LoLa seen over the past few years? A Google Map (go2sm.com/lola) shows a surprising number of installations: Talk to Me Barani Subbiah, founder of NetworkSound and one of the first engineers hired by the inventors of EthernetRobert Metcalfe, David Boggs, Charles Thacker, and Butler Lampson at a company that became known as 3Com, discussed both the LoLa concept and his earlier MediaNet concept during a recent conversation at the 2018 National Association of Broadcasters (NAB) show in Las Vegas. Lower latency is definitely a key to real-time collaboration between musicians, said Subbiah, whose NetworkSound company has created single-word-clock precision hardware for musicians across multiple cities to collaborate with one another. But equally important is synchronization of the hardware devices, said Subbiah, which are used by each musician to send their own instruments signal and receive feedback from other musicians. This feedback can entail being able to hear the sound from other musicians instruments during the live streams synchronized across the different locations. To do this requires not just sending streams from an instruments output, but also some form of in-network stream mixing on the flyor, at the very least, a summing of all the instruments signals, not unlike the way a traditional electric guitars monophonic pickup sums all six strings. On top of that, there is also the need to include talk-back capabilities between bandmates situated in various locations, so they can give each other feedback. Its possible, with enough channels, to even allow this talk-back capability to occur during live recording sessions without it being picked up as part of the actual instrumental recording. Subbiah knows a thing or two about the need to synchronize. While at 3Com, Subbiah was tasked with creating the Les Paul digital guitar by Henry Juszkiewicz, CEO of Gibson Guitar. Please enable JavaScript to view the comments powered by Disqus. Related Articles #football KFA trying to confirm reports of Son Heung-min's COVID-19 infection The South Korean football governing body said Saturday it is trying to verify reports that the men's national team captain Son Heung-min had tested positive for COVID-19 during his... Kay Lenore Glassburn, age 67 of Fullerton, NE and former Sidney resident, passed away Saturday, June 2, 2018 at the Fullerton Care and Rehabilitation, formerly Golden Living, in Fullerton. Memorial services will be held at 2:00 P.M.., Monday, June 18th in the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church with Pastor Dave Hall officiating. Inurnment will follow in the Greenwood Cemetery. Friends may stop at the Gehrig-Stitt Chapel to sign Kay's register book and leave condolences for the family. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Kay's name to the donor's choice. You may view Kay's Book of Memories, leave condolences, photos and stories at http://www.gehrigstittchapel.com. Gehrig-Stitt Chapel & Cremation Service, LLC is in charge of Kay's care and funeral arrangements. Kay Lenore Glassburn, the daughter of Herbert Ross Jr. and Pauline Adele (Kerk) Glassburn, was born on December 30, 1950 in Sidney, NE. The family lived in the Lodgepole, Sunol and Sidney area. Kay graduated from Lodgepole High School with the Class of 1969. She attended and graduated with a degree in music from Chadron State College in 1973. Kay was involved in 4-H and Choral groups while in High School. After graduating college, she taught American Youth Symphony and Chorus in Clearwater, NE. She returned to Nursing School in Scottsbluff graduating in 1981 and went to work as a traveling nurse and held various positions in Nebraska and Colorado. Kay is survived by (1) sister-in-law: Trudi Glassburn, (2) nieces: Rebekah Harrington and Lindsey Syverson and (1) nephew: Ross Glassburn and numerous extended family members. Kay was preceded in death by her parents: Herbert and Pauline Glassburn: and (1) brother: Larry Glassburn. Summer storms caused a number of problems on the Costa del Sol and inland on Monday morning. The unusual weather, more typical of autumn than summer, is due to what is referred to in Spain as a 'Dana', a pocket of cold air trapped at high altitude. The Spanish met office Aemet issued yellow and amber weather warnings for storms and heavy rain until Monday evening in many parts of the province of Malaga. So far the worst of the weather has been felt in the towns of Humilladero, Mollina and Antequera in the north of the province where a downpour at around 10.30am on Monday caused flash floods. The heavy rain forced the closure of several roads in the area. The weather brought better news for the area's reservoirs as significant rainfall has been measured at Guadalteba and Guadalhorce. Ten flights due to land at Malaga airport were diverted on Monday, six to Seville and four to Granada. 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 ... Cryptocurrency owners suffer losses as Bitcoin drops to its lowest in three months. Widespread panic continues to affect its value right after the Coinrail hack. A Prime Target For Hackers As the cryptocurrency mining craze continues, hackers appear to have set their eyes on a new target to exploit. Even though experts continue to claim that virtual currency is secure and a feasible investment, the number of cyber attacks proves otherwise. Most people note that South Korea is fast becoming a hotspot for investing in cryptocurrencies. Therefore, it is now the prime target of online criminals who want to make a quick buck. To prevent further attacks, the company confirms that it will temporarily freeze its remaining assets until investigations are over. Moreover, it plans to revisit its security measures to determine its weaknesses. A Big Impact On The Market According to financial analysts, the Coinrail hack is responsible for the significant depreciation of Bitcoin, which is now listed below $7,000. Threats of future attacks presumably prompted traders to sell off what they own at a loss. It seems like the trend will likely continue until authorities and cryptocurrency exchange firms can come up with stronger security methods. The company did not release further details regarding the total value stolen from the heist, but sources were able to gather the data. The hackers took $5.8 million in Dent tokens, over $1.1 million Tron, $13.8 million from Aston X, and $19.5 million in NPXS tokens. It remains to be seen how Coinrail will approach their clients regarding compensation. Experts want to remind investors that cryptocurrency trading needs to be regulated. There are no set rules and procedures to follow in an event of a hack wherein owners are left with nothing. Another alternative is to keep crypto tokens in a private wallet (some offer an optional hardware device to gain access). Other Hacking Incidents The Coinrail attack marks the second time a South Korean company was victimized by hackers. Late last year, Youbit, another cryptocurrency exchange filed for bankruptcy after its Bitcoin reserves were stolen. Authorities even suspected that North Korea was involved. However, nothing substantial was found that could prove the speculation. Other sources want to redirect investigators to closely monitor the most recent activities of these crypto trading businesses. Youbit reportedly signed up for a cyber-insurance policy just before it was hacked. There is a real possibility that some of these attacks might be an inside job to collect insurance money. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. While Amazon enjoys the success of is products like the Echo and Kindle, a watchdog group exposes the poor working conditions of its Chinese workers. Profit Over People These days, the tech industry thrives as long as consumers get the product with the quality they pay for. Meanwhile, manufacturers likewise make a profit if the labor is cheap but meets the standard they require. While both sides get what they want, no one pays attention to the plight of the workers who make everything possible. Thankfully, China Labor Watch, a New York-based watchdog group reveals more about what goes on behind the scenes. So far, rumors suggest that Jeff Bezos is doing what Apple did before to earn more revenue at the expense of the average Chinese laborer. A Lengthy Research And Investigation To paint a clear picture of what production line workers go through in order to fulfill Amazon's manufacturing orders, the group spent nine months investigating the ins and outs of the work environment. Industry experts are already aware that most tech companies opt to take their business to China due to the cheaper cost of labor. The online retailer outsources their manufacturing needs to Hon Hai Precision Industry Co., popularly known as Foxconn. The factory acts as the assembly line for products such as the Kindle tablets, Kindle e-book readers, the Echo, Echo Dot, and more. The data collected reveal that employees are underpaid and work in very stressful conditions. The Results Are In Based on their observations, the average Foxconn worker does not receive adequate safety training. Even the accommodations provided for the staff do not have fire-safety measures such as fire extinguishers. Most of the employees are just temporary staff and are above the number mandated by Chinese law. Furthermore, even though everyone is already overworked, they are still required to clock in early and must arrive at their workstations at least 10 minutes before the shift starts. To make matters worse, even though the Chinese labor law sets the overtime limit to 36 hours each month, the company requires its workers to render more than 100 hours instead. Awareness And Action Amazon claims that its audit back in March only discovered problems with regarding temporary employees and overtime. The company confirms that it got in touch with Foxconn to report its findings and request to have the issues resolved. A few years back, the same Chinese company drew media attention when employees attempted suicide due to the work conditions in the factories. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Apple's iPhone X ranked as the world's best-selling smartphone in the first quarter of this year, meaning January to March, but the Samsung Galaxy S9 Plus snatched this title in April. The Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus are the company's latest flagship smartphones, boasting top-notch specs, premium designs, and advanced features all around. Galaxy S9 Plus Dethrones iPhone X In Global Sales The Galaxy S9 Plus apparently proved to be a massive hit in April, ranking as the top-selling smartphone and outperforming even the hugely popular iPhone X. In fact, Apple's flagship slipped to the third position as the Galaxy S9 took the second place. Counterpoint Research reports that the Samsung Galaxy S9 and Galaxy S9 Plus grabbed a 2.6 percent global market share each, with sales performances especially good in North America and the Asia-Pacific region. The iPhone X, meanwhile, seized a 2.3 percent market share in April. "According to the latest research from Counterpoint's Market Pulse, Samsung's Galaxy S9 series became the best seller globally, pushing Apple's iPhone X to the third spot," notes the report. "The sales of Galaxy S9 series improved, driven by performance in APAC and NAM." Samsung's flagship smartphone from last year, the Galaxy S8, is apparently still going strong worldwide, managing to seize the last position in the top 10 best-selling smartphones globally. The market research firm notes that the Galaxy S8's performance is mainly due to bundle deals and price cuts, which makes sense. Apple Still Dominates The Top 10 Nevertheless, despite handing over the crown to Samsung, Apple still has three smartphones in the top 5: the iPhone X on third place, the iPhone 8 Plus on fourth, and the iPhone 8 on fifth. The iPhone 8 Plus grabbed the same 2.3 percent market share as the iPhone X, while the iPhone 8 seized 2.2 percent of global sales. Moreover, Apple also took the seventh and ninth positions with iPhone 6 and iPhone 7, respectively. It means that half of the top 10 best-selling smartphones are iPhones. Meanwhile, Xiaomi manages to sneak two handsets into the top 10 for the first time, with its Redmi 5A and Redmi 5 Plus/ Note 5 taking the sixth and eighth spots, respectively. Its performance is likely due to strong sales in India and China. Samsung's smartphone sales, meanwhile, are expected to continue strong and get a notable boost later this summer when the Galaxy Note 9 makes its official debut. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Microsoft users might notice something different when they visit the company's forum community. There will be several changes coming to the Community Participation Center. Support Forum Changes Forum owner and moderator Michelle Mad posted a new announcement on the company's answers section on June 11. The moderator revealed that users would be unable to interact with Microsoft personnel on several different forums starting in July. While she added that Microsoft staff members will still patrol the old software forums, the staff members would only intervene when dealing with disciplinary issues. Mad also wrote that the software company is encouraging their users to continue to ask questions. Microsoft hopes that the forum users would continue to use the affected forums. They believe that the users would assist each other by answering questions without Microsoft employees moderating the discussions. No More Forum Updates These new forum policies would affect several Microsoft software programs including Windows OS 7, 8.1, and 8.1 RT. Also, users will find that moderators will stop answering questions regarding both the antivirus software Microsoft Security Essentials and Internet Explorer 10, the 2012 update of Microsoft's web browser. All Microsoft Office 2010 and Microsoft Office 2013 users will also be expected to be impacted. Users of four different Microsoft Surface devices will have to look elsewhere for answers. They would not receive help from Microsoft personnel who provided support for older models of the Surface Pro, Surface Pro 2, Surface RT, and Surface 2. Both the Microsoft Band and Zune topics would be locked. Zune users will have the opportunity to browse the section, Microsoft Band users were recommended to bring their questions to the Microsoft Band 2 topic. Microsoft Projects It has been reported that the software company is developing a subscription-based streaming service for video games. Phil Spencer, Microsoft's Executive President of Gaming, announced at the E3 Conference that Microsoft's cloud engineers are working on the way to develop a streaming service that would allow players to play console games on Xboxes, mobile phones, and PCs. The service could be like Sony's PlayStation Now, which for $20 a month allow its users to play classic video game titles from the network's data cloud. On June 4, Microsoft announced that it would acquire website building company GitHub for $7.5 billion in company stock. GitHub has over 28 million developers that use their services to build their web projects and that there was over 85 million coding warehouse on the platform. It is expected that Nat Friedman, Microsoft Corporate Vice President, would take over GitHub after the transaction is complete. GitHub's current Chief Executive Officer and co-founder, Chris Wanstrath, is expected to have a new role at the technology company. Tech Times contacted Microsoft for a comment on this story. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Google is finally making its artificial intelligence-powered translator usable even when there's no internet connection. Until now it was only possible to download Google Translate's dictionaries for offline use, not the app's fancy schmancy AI-based powers. Google Makes AI-Based Translator Available Offline The offline dictionaries just don't cut it sometimes. It can get too literal, for one, and it doesn't take into account all the fine-grained nuances of a foreign language. The AI-based translator can, though it's not perfect. When it comes to Spanish and French, it works pretty well, but throw it some Chinese and Russian, probably two of the most complicated languages, and it starts to misstep. Even still, it's a pretty useful tool for getting around, say, a country whose people doesn't speak your native language. It's sufficient enough to help tourists ask for directions, translate menu items, and decipher other basic blocks of text. Here's Google describing how its AI-based translations work: "The neural system translates whole sentences at a time, rather than piece by piece. It uses broader context to help determine the most relevant translation, which it then rearranges and adjusts to sound more like a real person speaking with proper grammar. This makes translated paragraphs and articles a lot smoother and easier to read." How To Download Offline Translations To give the translator a go, open the Google Translate app on Android or iOS. Those who've used it before should see a banner on the home screen that'll enable them to update offline files. Otherwise, go to the offline translation settings and tap the arrow symbol next to a language to download it as a package. It'll then be available for either online or offline use. Google Translate AI Translations Rollout Google is initially rolling out 59 languages, including English, German, Hindi, and many others, but it's easy to imagine it'll add more down the line. Each language weighs in at around 35 to 45 MB, so users should make sure there's plenty of storage on their device if they're planning to download a handful of translations. Mid-tier phones, or phones with low specs in general, should be able to use this feature Google says it wants users in all markets to have access to it. Nearly everyone should receive the update by June 13, according to Google, and by June 15, it should be fully available. How's your experience with Google's AI-based translations so far? As always, feel free to sound off in the comments section below! 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Sony has blocked Fortnite cross-play and progression between PlayStation 4 and Nintendo Switch, and fans of the Epic Games' smash hit are livid. PS4 'Fortnite' Accounts Blocked On Nintendo Switch Fortnite fans were ecstatic to learn that they would be able to play the incredibly successful and popular Epic Games' title on Nintendo Switch consoles. However, they weren't so happy to find out about their inability to use a Fortnite account on Nintendo Switch if the account has already been used on the PS4. That's right. If Fortnite players have played the Epic Games battle royale title even once on a PlayStation 4 console, their account will be locked to that system. "This Fortnite account is associated with a platform which does not allow it to operate on Switch," reads the error message when players try to log in with their PS4 Epic Games account. "Neither the Fortnite website nor Epic Customer Service are able to change this. To play Fortnite on Switch, please create a new account." This means that all their progress, skins, and purchases cannot be shared between both consoles. This is a two-way issue: players cannot use their Switch Fortnite accounts on PlayStation 4 consoles as well. Sony Under Fire For Blocking Cross-Play With Nintendo Switch Several fans from the Fortnite community took to online forums such as Reddit and Resetera to express their anger over Sony's decision to block Fornite cross-play with the Nintendo Switch. "Sony has lost almost all of my interest in their ecosystem," wrote one user. "What a shame that they are doing things like this even when they are the clear market leaders." "I'm honestly avoiding their platform altogether now," another user commented. "I'll drop in for an exclusive every now and then but the vast majority of my money is now going to Microsoft and Nintendo." Sony's console-exclusivity strategy might have backfired this time around. Prohibiting Fortnite cross-play with other consoles has only led players to contemplate whether they should switch to Xbox to play the multiplayer shooter, as pointed out by Kinda Funny's Greg Miller on Twitter. The company is no stranger to blocking cross-play with rival consoles. In March, it was revealed that Sony was not allowing cross-play between PS4 and Xbox One. Sony has previously refused cross-play for Rocket League and Minecraft as well, even though it was on Xbox One, PC, and Nintendo Switch. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A video shows a park trainer putting lipstick on a beluga whale to make it prettier for visitors. She kisses and rides the animal, too. The incident happened at the Sun Asia Ocean World marine park located in Dalian city in north-eastern China's Liaoning Province. The park has since taken the video down from its website and apologized to the people who were condemning the act. The park assured that its staff would undergo animal protection training to increase their awareness on proper handling of animals. Nevertheless, PETA Asia issued a statement critical of the park's practices. Making The Beluga Whale Prettier In the video, the trainer is telling the beluga whale that it is getting "prettier and prettier" while she continuously applies the lipstick on the beluga whale. The woman is even seen laughing as she daubs the lipstick on the whale's mouth. Beluga whales are already classified as endangered species. They are mostly found in the Arctic and sub-Arctic regions but the Chinese marine park has four beluga whales in its keeping. Reports said these four beluga whales were well taken care of and remain healthy. The park, however, did not escape the criticism from PETA Asia. PETA Asia Releases Statement PETA Asia said the incident showed that Sun Asia Ocean World is not well-informed about how whales in captivity should be handled. The group encourages the park to instead send the whales to sanctuaries that are more fitted to care for them. The group highlighted that marine mammals are in fact suffering when park visitors touch them and trainers ride on them. Being in captivity already puts the animals in misery. In this case, the potential harmful lipstick ingredients added to the beluga's agony. PETA Asia also put the spotlight on the fact that while visitors were delighted seeing the animals in marine parks and they went home with pleasant memories, the experience is the opposite for the animals. Most captive whales die earlier than their counterparts who are living in their natural habitat. Beluga whales also navigate the oceans using their sonar waves, a capability deprived from them while inside the aquarium, where they are compelled to swim in endless circles. PETA Asia noted that lipstick may contain ingredients harmful to animals. The statement also mentioned how rats, mice, and rabbits are being used during trials of cosmetics products. "Don't forget that there's no reason why anyone should put lipstick on a beluga whale-or any other animal for that matter," the statement reads. Toxic Metals In Lipstick In 2013, a study conducted by researchers at UC Berkeley's School of Public Health found that 32 lipstick brands and lip glosses contained traces of harmful metal compositions. The brands, commonly bought in drug stores and malls, were found to contain lead, cadmium, chromium, and aluminum. Some of the brands even contained chemical levels that could already cause health concerns. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Milorad "Michael" Trkulja is getting ready to sue Google. The Melbourne, Australia native claims that the technology company has ruined his reputation. Google Image Results On June 12, the High Court of Australia ruled that Trkulja could take legal action against Google. Trkulja will probably sue the technology company for defamation. In 2004, he was shot in the back by an anonymous gunman in his hometown. He soon discovered when he looked up his name, Google put him amongst unpleasant company. Images of Trkulja were associated with members of the Australian criminal underworld. He assumed that the pictures were from the shooting, but he started to put in phrases such as "Melbourne underworld criminals," Trkulja found himself in the same company with Australian crime boss Tony Mokbel. Trkulja strongly denied that he was connected to the Australian mob scene. He admitted to Australian television that the only connection that he had was from his former lawyer. Trkulja's former lawyer represented Mick Gatto, a businessman that has alleged ties with the Australian underworld. The Legal Battles In 2012, Trkulja faced off against Google for defamation in the Victorian Supreme Court after Google and Google Australia did not remove his image. He received the first victory in a lengthy courtroom battle and was awarded over AU$200,000 ($151,704 US Dollars). Trkulja next challenged the technology company in 2013 with another defamation lawsuit. This suit dealt with search phrases such as "is a former hit man," "criminal," and "underworld." All three options brought up his name and image once again. However, Google took the case to the Victorian Court of Appeals and overturned the Victorian Supreme Court's decision. The Victorian Court of Appeals believed that Trkulja's claim had no chance of successfully proving defamation. Google tried to stop the High Court from overturning the Victorian Court of Appeals decision. They stated that the search results did not defame Trkulja and that the technology company was entitled to immunity. However, the High Court disagreed with Google and sided with Trkulja. "I will sue Google ... and I will sue them till they stop. I want to them to block my pictures. I'm not a criminal, I've never been involved, and I will make sure these people are not going to ruin my family - I have grandchildren," said Trkulja to The Guardian. Google Lawsuits The technology company is facing several different lawsuits. European consumer rights organization, Noyb, filed four separate lawsuits against Google and Facebook. Noyb's legal team claims that the companies breached the General Data Protection Regulation law by forcing users into giving consent for them to collect and share their data. On May 21, Google representatives faced off against citizens' group Google You Owe Us. The group represents 4.4 million iPhone users in the United Kingdom. They believed that during June 1, 2011, and Feb. 1, 2012, the technology company illegally took their data. A former Google employee, Arne Wilberg, sued the company for allegedly discriminating against job applicants who were Asian and Caucasian men. In his legal suit, the former YouTube recruiter revealed that Google favored hiring Hispanic, African American, and females to work at the company. He also noted that he was reprimanded when he refused to comply with their requests. Tech Times has reached out to Google for a comment on this story. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The Wonder Woman sequel's title has been revealed along with other spoilers released by the director, Patty Jenkins. Jenkins shared a tweet that contained a picture of a character who would be returning for the sequel that was presumed to be dead. Wonder Woman 1984 At the end of the 2017 summer film, the titular character, Diana Prince (Gal Gadot), mourned the death of her love, Captain Steve Trevor (Chris Pine), after he sacrificed himself by hijacking a plane that was carrying a deadly form of mustard gas and detonating it. Trevor's death, though devastating, renewed Prince's faith in humanity and led her to fight on the world's behalf. However, it looks like Trevor may not be gone after all. Jenkins shared a photo of the "deceased" Captain in the second film which will be set decades after the first film's events. Jenkins has not revealed if this version of Trevor is real, a figment of Prince's imagination, or possibly a descendant of Trevors'. Another picture, that was shared by Gadot, showed the actress as Prince staring at televisions displaying retro pop culture. DC Universe The second film will feature Prince conflicting with the Cold War during the 1980's and another foe, Dr. Barbara Ann Minerva / Cheetah. Comedian and Bridesmaids actress, Kristen Wiig has been cast as the villain Cheetah and Kingsman: The Golden Circle actor, Pedro Pascal, will also star in the film as an unknown character. There hasn't been any confirmation yet if the other characters from the first Wonder Woman film will appear in the sequel. Wonder Woman 1984 is scheduled to be released on Nov. 1, 2019. The film's predecessor met widespread acclaim with many critics calling it the best film from the DC extended universe. Following the 2017 film, Gadot reprised her role as Prince in the DC film, Justice League, that also starred: Ben Affleck as Bruce Wayne/Batman and Henry Cavill as Clark Kent/Superman. Justice League followed the events of Batman v. Superman: Dawn of the Justice League, and featured the superheroes joining forces to stop the alien military officer, Steppenwolf (Ciaran Hinds). The film also starred Jason Momoa as Arthur Curry/Aquaman, Ezra Miller as Barry Allen/The Flash, and Ray Fisher as Victor Stone/Cyborg. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Walt Disney Pictures released the first look into its latest live-adaptation film, Tim Burton's Dumbo. The film will star Michael Keaton and Colin Farrell. Enter The World of 'Dumbo' The one-minute and 20-second teaser transported fans into Dumbo's world. They were instantly greeted with a weather vane that had two elephants on it. It was overlooking a town where a traveling circus was set up. As the trailer progressed, viewers heard an unidentified female vocalist singing "Baby Mine," a song that was featured in the 1941 animated film. Probably the significant scenes in the teaser trailer include the first appearance of Holt Farrier (Farrell), a former circus star whose life was altered during his experience during a war, and his two children, Milly and Joe (Nico Parker and Finley Hobbins). They find the title star under a hay barrel. After they discover Dumbo, the film instantly transports the viewer inside the circus, where they see a conductor leading an orchestra and dancers performing. The Adventure Begins Viewers also meet Farrier's coworkers including French trapeze artist Colette Marchant (Eva Green) fly across the Big Top. Another emotional moment of the trailer was the Farrier family comforting young Dumbo after his mother is taken away by an unknown driver. The trailer provides glimpses of the movie's new characters including the entrepreneur V.A. Vandemere (Keaton) and ringmaster Max Medici (Danny DeVito). The trailer also capitalizes on some of the elements from the 1941 animated film. There are the infamous pink elephants, which were the original hallucinations of the titular character. The final moments of the teaser involve the first moment that Dumbo uses his signature ears and flies across the circus. Dumbo is scheduled to hit theatres on March 29, 2019. Disney News Several Disney characters are set to return to the Kingdom Hearts universe. Square Enix released gameplay to Kingdom Hearts III, the next chapter of the popular video game franchise. Fans saw Sora, Donald Duck, and Goofy reunite in two different realms. They first faced off against the monstrous Rock Titan from Disney's Hercules. The trio also went into the Toy Story universe as they helped Woody and Buzz Lightyear defend their world against the Heartless. During CinemaCon in April, Disney presented the press with first looks of three live-action adaptions of classic animated films. In addition to Dumbo, they previewed the Guy Richie-directed Aladdin, where they saw the titular character (Mena Massoud) being chased around Agrabah by the Sultans' guards. They also previewed the live-action adaptation of The Lion King. The voice cast of the film includes Donald Glover, Beyonce, John Oliver, and James Earl Jones, who will reprise his role as Mufasa. Earlier this year, it was reported that Google Maps gave Disney theme park fans virtual access to all 11 Disney theme parks. It will allow families to take a virtual tour of any theme park. The feature also let them go on any attraction of their choice virtually. Watch the trailer below: 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Body image issues aren't exclusive to women men deal with them too, which probably explains why more and more men in recent years have turned to plastic surgery in an attempt to improve their looks. According to the American Society of Plastic Surgeons, more than 1.3 million cosmetic procedures were performed on men in 2017 alone, and between 2000 to 2017, the number of plastic surgeries performed on them increased 29 percent. Lorelei Grunwaldt, a plastic surgeon in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, says more and more men are visiting her office to speak openly about their bodily insecurities. Men Have Body Images Issues Too "When I explain the wide range of surgeries and procedures available to help them achieve their goals, I can see the look of relief on their faces." A cosmetic procedure on just one area of the body can yield positive effects on self-image, according to Grunwaldt. The Most Popular Cosmetic Procedures Among Men Among the procedures performed among men, liposuction and tummy tucks seem to be among the most popular, increasing 23 percent and 12 percent over the past five years, respectively. Breast reductions still top out both, though, increasing to about 30 percent in the same period. Some of the procedures are less invasive. Older men, for example, are opting for more anti-aging procedures. Nearly 100,000 men underwent filler injections in 2017 alone, up 99 percent since 2000. Why? American Society of Plastic Surgeons president Jeffrey Janis argues it's because men want to look their best even as they age. "[M]ore often, men just want to look as young as they feel. That's where a board-certified plastic surgeon can help." Plastic Surgery Stigma Janis thinks the stigma around plastic surgery is diminishing, making it less daunting to men and much more acceptable even just to talk about this time around. "Men were a little bit more reluctant to talk about it. Now, that's no longer the case." While there's nothing wrong with opting for cosmetic procedures to boost one's perceived self-image and confidence, Janis says customers must be vigilant when planning to undergo this journey. To ensure that safety and ethical standards are maintained, he advises customers to approach board-certified plastic surgeons only, especially those who have years of experience and the capacity to accommodate different kinds of patients by giving them personalized approaches. "Choosing a board-certified plastic surgeon is critical to your safety, your comfort, and your happiness." 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Universal Basic Income advocates Simon Lewis and Mark Maslin believe that humans can still mitigate the effects of increasing production and consumption. In their book Human Planet, scientists Lewis and Marlin wrote that the presently human-dominated era called Anthropocene impacted the Earth in ways that are difficult to reverse. They argued that one way to mitigate Earth's deterioration is to give every citizen a compensation that will cover their subsistence needs. Under a universal basic income society, citizens are not obligated to work, although small-scale trials showed that most people would still work even if they are given financial payments. Lewis and Marlin said that the principles of universal basic income will break the connection between production and consumption. "With UBI we could all think long-term, well beyond the next payday. We could care for ourselves, others, and the wider world, as living in the Anthropocene demands," Lewis and Maslin wrote in an article published in The Guardian. Curbing Environmental Damages Through Half-Earth Lewis and Maslin presented another potential solution to repair environmental damages. The idea called Half-Earth pertains to allocating half the resources of the planet to human consumption. The other half shall be preserved and restored. In the process called rewilding, natural processes of healing and restoration are allowed to take place. Lewis and Maslin said that as soon as humans in the Anthropocene period acknowledge that they are a part of nature, the process of rewilding shall follow through. Experiment On Universal Basic Income The local government of Stockton in California is trying out a social experiment on universal basic income that will start in 2019. The program will give $500 a month to 100 residents. Mayor Michael Tubbs said they are seeking for a financial support from Chris Hughes, Facebook co-founder, who said he wanted to expand the program nationally. Supporters of universal basic income, especially those from Silicon Valley, said automation and artificial intelligence will eventually put people out of work. "Work does have some value and some dignity," Tubbs said in an interview. "But I don't think working 14 hours and not being able to pay your bills, or working two jobs and not being able - there's nothing inherently dignified about that." To make universal basic income possible, companies should be run largely by machines. Robot-to-worker ratios in factories around the world are increasing rapidly. In Korea, there are 4.78 robots for every 100 workers while Japan has 3.14. This amounts to a global average of 0.66 robots per 100 employees. Success Stories Of Universal Basic Income Alaska has been implementing its own version of universal basic income in a program called Permanent Fund Dividend. Since its implementation in 1982, spending and saving have consistently increased by the time the dividends are distributed to the citizens. Poverty rates among Native Americans decreased from 25 percent to 19 percent in 1990. In Alaska, the amount given to the citizens vary because funds from the Alaska Permanent Fund move based on market fluctuations. A village in Namibia also benefitted in a program called Basic Income Grant Coalition, where every resident is given a monthly income. Since its implementation in 2008, the village has reported lower crime and poverty rates. The population of malnourished children also dropped to 10 percent, and more people met their average earned income outside the program. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Researchers have discovered that the dwarf planet Ceres has a surprisingly high amount of organic matter sitting in spots on its icy rock surface. Brown University astronomers have conducted a new study that looks into how much organic material is available on Ceres. Their analysis shows there is far more organics on the dwarf planet than early discoveries show. The method employed could also open up new insight on how astronomers study extraterrestrial organic material. "What this paper shows is that you can get really different results depending upon the type of organic material you use to compare with and interpret the Ceres data," study lead Hannah Kaplan of Southwest Research Institute says. Details of the study are published in the Geophysical Research Letters. Finding Organic Molecules On Ceres Astronomers first found organic material lurking in the Ernutet Crater region on Ceres' northern hemisphere in 2017. Organic material is made of carbon-based compounds that are essential to life. All living things on Earth are made up of organic molecules. However, finding organics on Ceres does not mean that life exists or existed there. There are chemical reactions that can lead to carbon-based compounds without creating biological material. Ceres is particularly intriguing for astronomers because it is also abundant in icy water. Water is also an element that is essential to life, at least to life as humans know it. Early Discovery Using the Visible and Infrared instrument on NASA's Dawn orbiter, which flew into orbit in 2015, astronomers discovered the existence of organic molecules on Ceres. By looking at which waves of light from the sun were reflected or absorbed by the surface of the planet, scientists were able to determine what compounds were present. Using this method, they were able to detect a wavelength that corresponds to organic molecules on the floor of Ernutet Crater. To find out how much organic material was available, they plotted the reflectance of organic material on Earth and compared it with their findings on Ceres. The initial discovery was around 6 to 10 percent of the signal was organic matter. The team at Brown University says there is much more than that. New Method Of Studying Extraterrestrial Organics Instead of using Earth rocks, the team from Brown used meteorites. Meteorites, which used to be part of asteroids that had broken off, contain carbonaceous chondrite. There is a significant amount of organic matter found on meteorites. However, organic matter on meteorites have a different reflectance from Earth organics. The researchers believe it may be more appropriate to use organic matter from meteorites to compare with organic material found on Ceres. "What we find is that if we model the Ceres data using extraterrestrial organics, which may be a more appropriate analog than those found on Earth, then we need a lot more organic matter on Ceres to explain the strength of the spectral absorption that we see there," Kaplan says. They estimate that as much as 40 to 50 percent of the signal they are getting from Ceres could comprise organic matter. Where Did The Organic Material Come From? The researchers offer two hypotheses for the origin of organic material on the dwarf planet. One, it could have been made internally and then transported to the surface. The other hypothesis is it could have come from an impact with an organic-rich comet or asteroid. If organic matter came to Ceres by impact, the researchers believe the object of impact would more likely be a comet since comets are more abundant in organics than asteroids. Heat made from such an impact, however, could have reduced the amount of organic material available. If the organic matter was made internally, it raises the question of why the material is concentrated in the northern hemisphere. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Religious people apparently live longer than atheists, according to a new study that was carried out by a team from Ohio State University. This is not the first time that religious belief has been connected to longer lives, as a 2016 study claimed that people who go to church at least once per week have a 33 percent lower risk for death. What could be the reason behind the connection? Longer Life: One Of The Benefits Of Religion, Study Says Religious people, on average, live four years longer than atheists, according to the new study that was published in the Social Psychological and Personality Science journal. The increase in lifespan, specifically 3.82 years, was found from the analysis of over 1,000 obituaries from across 42 states. The figure was also calculated after considering the sex and marital status of the deceased, which are two factors that strongly affect the number of years of a person's life. "Religious affiliation had nearly as strong an effect on longevity as gender does, which is a matter of years of life," said Laura Wallace, the study's lead author and a Ohio State University doctoral student of psychology. A further analysis of about 500 obituaries from Iowa's Des Moines Register revealed that religion contributed an additional 6.48 years to a person's life. This suggested that living in more religious areas may strengthen the connection between religion and a longer life. Why Do Religious People Live Longer Than Atheists? Religious people may point to the power of prayer for the reason behind longer lives, but there actually are scientific explanations that explain the connection. Previous studies have shown that people who exhibit volunteerism and participate in social organizations tend to live longer. However, their contribution to the longer lives of religious people only accounted for less than one year. Other possible factors that help religious people live longer include peer pressure to live healthier lifestyles, abstinence from unhealthy habits such as drinking and drugs, and stress-reduction activities such as meditation, yoga, and of course, prayer. Other Ways To Live Longer Various studies have shown that religion is not the only way for people to live longer. Sleeping in on weekends to make up for the missed sleep from the rest of the week may combat the negative effects of sleep deprivation and help people live longer. Drinking alcohol has also been linked to a reduced risk of early death, but the risks may outweigh the benefits. Parents have also been shown to live longer compared to childless people, with the longevity increase attributed to parents taking on healthier behaviors as they raise their children. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. A new study presents two possible future scenarios that could happen in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean over the course of the next 50 years. The study explored two possibilities where one involved neglecting the increasing greenhouse gas emissions at present and another where appropriate actions were taken to restrain the emissions and the destructive human activities in the continent. The imagined scenarios were presented by a team of international authors comprised of experts in biology, oceanography, glaciology, geophysics, climate science, and policy. The Bleak Scenario In the first scenario, the authors assumed that Antarctica was continuously neglected and exposed to the impacts of global warming, ocean acidification, infiltration of destructive species, and vicious human activities. In this situation, Antarctica would experience a collapse of its major ice shelves, leading to an extreme sea level rise. By 2070, the continent would lose about a quarter of its entire sea ice. Penguins, seabirds, and seals would see a decline in alarming rate. The melted ice could trigger an irreversible rise in global sea levels. The United States could acquire an estimated $1 trillion worth of damages. At this point, the average Earth temperature would reach 3.5 degrees Celsius. In comparison, the United Nations described a 2-degree temperature rise as already "catastrophic." As for the Southern Ocean, the rise in temperature would create more scattered icebergs that could eventually kill the fishing industry in the region. "Continued high greenhouse gas emissions risk committing us to changes in Antarctica that will have long-term and far-reaching consequences for Earth and humanity," said Steve Rintoul, lead author for the study and a senior scientist at Australia's CSIRO. The Optimistic Scenario In the second scenario, the authors assumed that all concerned parties have implemented policies that would control greenhouse gas emissions that affect the continent. In this situation, the Antarctic ecosystems were well-preserved, global warming was kept in safe levels, and tourism and fishing in the region were conducted sustainably. By 2070, Antarctica would maintain its current condition. Its ice shelves would remain preserved, and sea level rising would be kept at tolerable levels. The study, published in Nature on June 13, suggested that people could shape Antarctica's future at present. "If we take action now, to limit greenhouse gas emissions, Antarctic environments will remain much as we have come to know them over the past 200 years," said Steven Chown, coauthor of the study and professor from Monash University in Melbourne. On the other hand, if people do not take action, the worsening conditions in Antarctica could bring irreparable damage to the rest of the world, Chown warned. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Researchers found an interesting trend in intelligence scores. Since the 1970s there has been a drop in the general IQ test scores. Bernt Bratsberg and Ole Rogeberg, from Ragnar Frisch Center for Economic Research in Norway, conducted the study published in the journal PNAS. Flynn Effect Experts have observed an intelligence boom throughout the 20th century a phenomenon called Flynn effect. The increase and changes in the intelligence quotient of the population were rapid. On average, the measured intelligence increased by about three points per decade. Several theories offered possible explanations for the apparent brightening of the human mind, which include improved health care, better nutrition, and education. The findings of the new study, however, showed a reversal of this trend. For their study, the researchers analyzed the IQ test results of young men who entered Norway's' national service between the years 1970 and 2009. Based on the results of 730,000 tests, the researchers observed that, on average, the scores dropped seven points per generation. Worrying Results Although the findings do not provide conclusive proof that people are getting dumber, experts said that the findings of the study are still worrying. "This is the most convincing evidence yet of a reversal of the Flynn effect," said Stuart Ritchie from the University of Edinburgh, who was not involved in the study. "If you assume their model is correct, the results are impressive, and pretty worrying." Environmental Factors It appears that environmental factors play an important part in the drop in IQ scores. The researchers observed that the IQ score decline occurred among actual families, such as between brothers and son. This suggests that the decline is not due to family factors but to environmental factors. Lifestyle changes such as modifications in the education system, children playing video games more and reading less, could be responsible for this. "The trends are not due to a changing composition of families, and that there is at most a minor role for explanations involving genes (e.g., immigration and dysgenic fertility) and environmental factors largely fixed within families (e.g., parental education, socialization effects of low-ability parents, and family size)," the researchers wrote in their study. "Their influence is negligible compared with other environmental factors. Earlier studies also came up with similar results. A study conducted by researchers in Britain found that IQ score is falling by 2. 5 to 4.3 points per decade since the end of World War II. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. The family of the late physicist Stephen Hawking revealed that the iconic scientist's voice would travel through space during a Westminster Abbey ceremony. Commemorating Stephen Hawking's Life Thousands of mourners are expected to descend onto Westminster Abbey in the United Kingdom on Friday, June 15 to pay their final respects to the A Brief History of Time author. During the service of Thanksgiving, Hawking's family will release a special message from the physicist to outer space. The message will be accompanied by original music from Blade Runner and Chariots of Fire composer Vangelis. Hawking's daughter, Lucy, stated that the message would be delivered to a black hole in the 1A 0620-00 binary star system. She disclosed that the black hole was near an orange dwarf star. It was also noted that the star system is 3,300 light years away from the Monoceros constellation. The Service Of Thanksgiving About 1,000 members of the public are expected to attend the celebration. This was after Hawking's family and the Stephen Hawking Foundation invited people to attend this extraordinary event. They received over 25,000 inquiries from more than 100 countries. It is expected that actor Benedict Cumberbatch, who portrayed Hawking in a BBC drama, and British astronaut Team Peake will participate in the service. Hawking's ashes will be entombed between two other science icons, Sir Isaac Newton and Charles Darwin. Guests will receive their copy of the message and composition at the ceremony. "It is a message of peace and hope, about unity and the need for us to live together in harmony on this planet," said Lucy to BBC News. Celebrating Hawking's Legacy Book publisher John Murray revealed on May 16 that it would posthumously publish Hawking's final book in October. The publication is tentatively titled Brief Answers to the Big Question: Stephen Hawking. It is expected that portions of Hawking's last title would be split by two non-profit foundations, the Stephen Hawking Foundation and the Motor Neuron Disease Association. Amazon is expected to release the book on October 16. Nate D. Sanders Auctions acquired a book that Hawking signed while he was a researcher at the University of Cambridge's Institute of Theoretical Astronomy. The book that Hawking signed was the first edition of Brian Bracegirdle's The Archaeology of the Industrial Revolution. It was a gift for an outgoing staff member. Nate D. Sanders Auctions placed the starting bid at $28,000. On March 20, crowds lined the streets of Cambridge, England to pay homage to Hawking as invited mourners paid their respects to the scientist at the University Church Great St. Mary. Tesla CEO Elon Musk, Queen co-founder Dr. Brian May, and actors Eddie Redmayne and Felicity Jones were among the celebrity guests who attended the service. Redmayne, Hawking's oldest son Robert, and Britain's Astronomer Royal Martin Rees played roles at the funeral service. Tech Times reached out to the Stephen Hawking Foundation for a comment on the story 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Simon Stevens, the Chief Executive for the National Health Service in England, has accused several technology companies of several significant allegations. Stevens Speaks Out The government official spoke out about how the NHS in England is forced to deal with young people's mental health problems without the backing of several social media and technology outlets. He singled out both Facebook and Google during his presentation at the NHS Confederation annual conference in Manchester, England. He forewarned attendees that the governmental organization could face a "double epidemic" of mental health and obesity regarding the United Kingdom's kids. Stevens noted that social media and technology companies should be doing more to protect their youngest users from issues such as abuse, addictive behavior, and mental health problems. Building A Better Network Stevens noted that it is up to the technology companies and social media networks to participate in finding solutions. He also suggested that schools should even get involved with contributing to the dialogue when it comes to cyberbullying and mental health problems. Stevens also indicated that they needed to investigate the factors that are causing UK kids to face these problems. "This cannot be a conversation that is simply left to the NHS to pick up the pieces for an epidemic of mental health challenge for our young people, induced by many other actors across our economy," said Stevens to the Guardian. Social Media And Health The California Department of Public Health released a report that the state was dealing with an increase of cases regarding sexually transmitted diseases. One staff member noted that social media played a significant role in helping people find sex partners. Other factors that could have led to the rise in infection rates could have been the lack of education, decreased condom usage, and fewer clinics that specialize in sexually transmitted diseases. A group of researchers presented their work regarding how women use social media to a British Psychological Society conference. They found that women tend to be unsatisfied with their bodies if they spent over an hour a day on social media. One researcher noted that insecure girls and women might use social media to make them feel better about themselves. Another indicated that females who use social media could be suffering from anxiety, depression, or might have an eating disorder. University of Queensland scientists suggested that taking temporary breaks from Facebook could be better for your health. They found that people who briefly considered a five-day break from the social media network had lower cortisol levels; however, they were unsatisfied with their life without Facebook. They felt lost without having access to their friends and wanted to get back on the platform. Tech Times reached out to the National Health Service for a comment on this story. 2021 TECHTIMES.com All rights reserved. Do not reproduce without permission. Susan Heavey & Alex Lawler WASHINGTON/LONDON: US President Donald Trump and Iran exchanged sharp words over oil prices on Wednesday, with Trump blaming OPEC for high oil prices and Tehran accusing him of stoking volatility after he withdrew last month from a global nuclear arms deal with Iran. Trump sparked the latest back-and-forth when he renewed his attack on OPEC in a tweet that said oil prices are too high and that the cartel was at it again. Oil prices have risen by around 60 percent over the last year after the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries and some non-OPEC producers including Russia started reducing supplies in 2017. The cartel meets June 22-23 in Vienna, and producers are seen as likely to raise production, perhaps before the limits are due to sunset at year-end. Irans OPEC governor, Hossein Kazempour Ardebili, fired back quickly at Trumps words. You cannot place sanctions on two OPEC founder members and still blame OPEC for oil price volatility, he said in a statement to Reuters, referring to itself and Venezuela. The oil supply deal is set to continue through the end of 2018, but plans for its continuation were unclear. The calculus changed after Trump announced in May that the United States was pulling out of the 2015 deal that restricted Irans nuclear program in exchange for the removal of sanctions. The U.S. move has put pressure on European and Asian clients to stop importing Iranian oil or doing business with the country. Saudi Arabia, Irans rival and the largest producer in OPEC, and Russia, the worlds largest producer and a party to the deal, have already increased supply. Saudi production rose to 10.03 million bpd in May, in line with deal quotas, according to OPEC data. Russias production was 11.1 million barrels a day in the beginning of June, exceeding its quota, according to sources familiar with the matter. The price of Brent crude peaked in May at $80.50 a barrel, then pulled back, trading on Wednesday near $76 at barrel, partly in anticipation that the deal may end. Oil prices are too high, OPEC is at it again. Not good! Trump wrote in a post on Twitter on Wednesday after last raising the issue in April. The potential for OPEC to boost production has raised concerns about the cartels limited spare capacity, which could fall to as low as 2 million bpd. This would make it harder to respond to a supply shock, such as out of Venezuela, where output has declined to a 33-year-low due to an economic crisis. OPEC has the lowest spare capacity ever right now, said fund manager Pierre Andurand, in a tweeted response to Trump. There is going to be a real issue, he wrote, predicting prices above $150 per barrel within two years. In the United States, gasoline pump prices nationwide have risen to near $3 a gallon during peak summer travel season, still less than the $4 a gallon during the 2007-2009 Great Recession. Gasoline demand has remained strong, rising to an estimated 9.9 million bpd as of last week, according to U.S. Energy Department data. Trump sent out his tweet hours after returning to Washington from a summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore and it was not immediately clear what prompted his comment.Reuters Sound design and audio post company Wave Studios has now moved into its new outpost in New York. Heading up the sound design and engineering department is Aaron Reynolds, an original member of Waves founding team in 1999. During his career he has been awarded by the BTA Craft awards, D&AD, Creative Circle, MASA, NYF and the Cannes Lions. He has worked with agencies including Wieden & Kennedy, BBH, Adam & Eve DDB, AMV BBDO and Grey and on campaigns for brands such as Audi, Nike, Sony and Budweiser. Reynolds said: The creation of Wave New York is a dream come true for me and something we have been talking about for some time. I am very excited to be at the heart of this new chapter in the Wave story. I am already really proud of the team and the space we have built in New York, and looking forward to all the adventures that lie ahead. Joining Reynolds are Senior Audio Engineer and Sound Designer, Chris Afzal and Executive Producer, Vicky Ferraro. New York sound designer and engineer Chris Afzal has worked at New Yorks Sound Lounge where he worked with agencies including Droga 5, Merkley, and BBH. More recently he worked at Gramercy Park Studios NY, the creative services arm of Hogarth, where he spent the last two years heading up their audio department. He has also had stints at J. Walter Thompson and Charlex. Vicky Ferraro brings over 20 years of advertising production experience to her role as Executive Producer of Wave New York including roles at Sound Lounge and Hogarth, where she led their creative services arm, Gramercy Park Studios New York. Two sound design and mixing suites have been built that will be supported by producers and technicians. New kit will include two Dolby certified mixing suites, running Avid S6 desks. The team shall also be using Nuendo in a Pro Tools community. Share this story Purchases made via links on our site may earn us an affiliate commission CONVENT, La. (AP) A major oil company is taking steps to honor once-forgotten slaves buried on its land west of New Orleans in an area where sugar plantations once abounded, an effort that some hope will grow into a larger movement to recognize and protect such cemeteries around the country. The Shell Oil Company marked, blocked off and spruced up the tracts near its Convent refinery west of New Orleans and held dedication ceremonies in March, about five years after archaeologists confirmed the presence of slave burial grounds in 2013. The company also has been working with the nearby River Road African American Museum to arrange commemorative events and accommodate visitors. It's the latest example of the South's decades-long path to acknowledging unsavory aspects of its history. For Kathe Hambrick, the director of the River Road museum, the work is the culmination of years of efforts to ensure that Shell honored and remembered those buried on what used to be the Monroe and Bruslie sugar plantations, just two of many plantations that once abounded along the road. Hambrick said there are likely hundreds more such graveyards between New Orleans and Baton Rouge. +6 Bill before Louisiana legislature aims to preserve, protect slave burial sites A month after the dedication of two cemeteries in Ascension Parish that contain as many as 1,000 unmarked slave graves, the Legislature is tak Some of the restored plantations are themselves undergoing a rediscovery, moving away from their romanticized "Gone With the Wind" portrayals of the past to offer a more realistic look at the South's history of human bondage. One, the Whitney Plantation in the town of Wallace, opened in 2015 as a full-fledged museum with an unvarnished look at the cruelties of slavery. "We ought to work together to figure out how ... to evaluate the things that we want to preserve, protect and teach about in terms of how this country was really developed," said A.P. Tureaud Jr., the son of a revered New Orleans civil rights lawyer who counts slaves and slaveowners among his ancestors. Tureaud, who traveled from his current home in New York to attend March dedication ceremonies for the Monroe and Bruslie sites, has joined with Hambrick in an effort to give slave gravesites federal protection. The two have brought their idea to the attention of U.S. Rep. Cedric Richmond, whose district includes most of New Orleans. Vincent deForest, a civil rights activist who helped preserve two slave cemeteries in Washington, D.C., said he and others are urging the Congressional Black Caucus to get involved. DeForest would like to see the National Parks Service undertake a study to identify ways to preserve such sites in every state. +16 A matter of respect: Woman maps hidden graveyards of slaves who once tilled La. fields Debbie Martin has spent the past six months slogging through overgrown wooded areas near sugar cane fields in West Baton Rouge Parish something her parents warned her against as a child. "We were always told, 'Stay out of the woods because there are cemeteries in there, she said. "We thought they just told us that to keep us out." "The wholeness of the living is diminished when the ancestors are not honored," deForest said, quoting one of his favorite epitaphs. Sandra Arnold, a fellow at the Center for the Study of Slavery and Justice at Brown University, is leading a project to compile a database of slave burial grounds, but notes there is a dearth of records. "It's as if their humanity is erased," Arnold said. Thurston Hahn, an archaeologist with Baton Rouge-based Coastal Environments Inc., said it's reasonable to believe many of the slave graveyards along the River Road have been farmed over or covered by levees or petrochemical plants. "The problem with the slave cemeteries we just do not know where they are," he said. Top stories in Baton Rouge in your inbox Twice daily we'll send you the day's biggest headlines. Sign up today. e-mail address * Sign Up It's a problem researchers working farther south, in the Louisiana city of Thibodaux, can relate to. Anthropologists and geophysics experts from Tulane University are among those using radar and soil samples in hopes of discovering the burial sites of dozens of African-American victims of Reconstruction-era racial violence that came to be known as the Thibodaux Massacre. The descendants of massacre victims and Confederate plantation owners have formed a committee to honor the victims of that violence and, if possible, find a mass grave. If a grave is eventually discovered, they want any remains exhumed and reburied on consecrated ground. No such grave has yet been discovered. The Monroe and Bruslie sites were found during land surveys commissioned by Shell as it prepared for a construction project that has since been abandoned for economic reasons not related to the cemetery discoveries. +3 Slave cemetery dedication Saturday at Shell refinery in Ascension drawing national media interest Shells public unveiling of two plantation cemeteries, where as many as 1,000 enslaved people were buried in Ascension Parish, has attracted w Ground-penetrating radar and the careful scraping away of topsoil exposed variations of color and texture in the dirt, indicating the presence of graves, Hahn said. The remains of the slaves were not uncovered and the number of graves could only be estimated. "We don't want to disturb them at all," Hahn said. "We are just looking for a shaft that the gravedigger dug to put the burial in." Hugues Bourgogne, general manager of the Convent refinery, said Shell wants to honor and respect those buried at the sites. In addition to protecting, preserving and marking the cemeteries, Shell has installed iron benches where visitors can sit, reflect and pay their respects. Visitation opportunities are limited, however. One day a year will be set aside for planned activities at the sites and Shell will work with descendants and other interested groups to arrange safe access at other times, he said. Malaika Favorite, an artist and lifelong area resident, says she knows she has ancestors who were enslaved and buried at plantations, but hasn't been able to isolate the burial sites. Now she feels a little closer to doing that. "Just making this step with the graves here is a step forward," she said. "And we need more of that." ___ Associated Press writers Stacey Plaisance and Janet McConnaughey contributed to this report. With the jack stands still firmly in place, a pedestrian walks by as a construction worker uses a man lift to bring down trash from an upper floor as work continues at the new library construction site downtown on North Blvd. Thursday May 10, 2018, in Baton Rouge, La. LIVINGSTON In a case that tested the limits of Louisiana's "stand your ground" laws, a Walker man found guilty of attempted manslaughter in the 2015 shooting of a home invader was sentenced Thursday to three years in prison. Aaron Neames, 27, had been found guilty in the shooting case in May. He was sentenced on Thursday by 21st Judicial District Judge Bob Morrison. +2 In 'stand your ground' case, Walker man convicted after disarming, shooting home invader LIVINGSTON A 27-year-old Walker man was found guilty of attempted manslaughter Thursday in a trial that challenged jurors to consider the re At trial, the prosecution argued Neames went too far in shooting home invader Benjamin Jarreau, 19, of Gonzales, pursuing vigilante retribution after the man was already disarmed and out of the house. The defense attorney maintained that Neames was justified in shooting the man, who only moments earlier had held three people hostage inside the house with a gun. In issuing the sentence, Morrison noted Neames did not initiate the whole fiasco. But Morrison said he was concerned by Neames conduct, which could have endangered others in the trailer park. The only thing I find to be of some comfort, if there is any to be had in this case, is that some small child wasnt killed in the cross fire in the barrage of bullets that were aimed at the initial perpetrator, Morrison said. Morrison added that Jarreau has been offered a plea deal to serve three years in prison, and he felt it would be unfair to gives Neames any more time than Jarreau. Authorities said that on March 1, 2015, Jarreau committed an armed robbery at Neames trailer at 26200 Walker South Road. Jarreau, who was strung out on drugs, drove up from Ascension Parish with a stolen car and gun intending to steal from Neames in order to repay a drug debt. Neames was not home at the time, but three other people were inside the trailer. Jarreau held the three at rifle-point, terrorizing them further by shooting the gun into a sofa while they waited for Neames to return, according to police reports. 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 When Neames walked in the door, Jarreau shot the rifle at the homeowner's feet. But Neames was able to pull the gun from Jarreau. Neames pistol-whipped him in the head and demanded Jarreau leave the house, Livingston Parish Assistant District Attorney Zach Daniels said at trial. According to Daniels, Jarreau left and got into his car. Neames followed him outside and shot into the car six times, striking Jarreau in the elbow and arm. Jarreau faces charges of home invasion, false imprisonment with a dangerous weapon and attempted armed robbery. At trial, Daniels charged that Neames shot at Jarreau, because he was upset the man stole his stuff. Neames attorney, Ed Atebara, contended Jarreau continued to threaten the trailer park and intended to back his car into Neames trailer. In a sentencing memorandum filed June 6, Atebara, argued his client should get the minimum sentence, because he was acting in self-defense. Mr. Neames was acting on adrenaline and instinct, not calculated thought, and even so, showed restraint in not simply killing Mr. Jarreau, which if done inside the residence, would have resulted in no trial or accusation from Mr. Neames, or at least none that would stick, the defense attorney wrote. He added, Mr. Neames should not be held to have the training and professional judgment of a police officer or infantryman he has no formal training, and no prior experience in this kind of encounter. Daniels did not offer any comments to the court about the sentence. He did not respond to a phone message seeking comment Thursday afternoon. At trial, Morrison instructed the jury that use of force or violence can be justified to prevent a forcible offense against a person or others, if the force is reasonable and appears necessary to prevent the offense. In such cases, if a person is in a place he or she has a right to be, the person may stand their ground and meet force with force, he said. The jury voted 10-2 in favor of convicting Neames of the attempted manslaughter count. They rejected an attempted murder charge also brought by the state. In February, Neames was arrested for possession of a pound of marijuana. That case remains open. A Baton Rouge man accused of hitting and killing a 12-year-old boy in 2017 during a high-speed police chase was sentenced Tuesday to 32 years A state trooper accused of claiming overtime for hours he spent at home offered an impassioned defense Thursday of his career in law enforcement, calling his recent arrest "crazy" and accusing the Louisiana State Police of applying double standards in the discipline of troopers. The trooper, Daryl J. Thomas, who became one of the most prolific ticket writers and highest-paid public employees in the state, exhorted the Louisiana State Police Commission to grant him paid leave during his indefinite suspension, saying he has no other means of subsisting and covering his mounting legal fees. Thomas said he has been a "pariah in the community" since his arrest in April on counts of theft and filing false public records, adding his home in Jefferson Parish has gone into foreclosure. He was paid $240,000 in 2016 including $147,000 in overtime thanks in large part to the Local Agency Compensated Enforcement, or LACE, a traffic-ticket program funded by district attorneys around the state. Report: Suspended trooper, paid $240K last year, spent hours at home during shifts Seven years ago, WVUE-TV raised questions about the huge amount of overtime pay Louisiana State Police Trooper Daryl Thomas was raking in. But "I'm really in a bad spot," Thomas said during an unusual and at times rambling monologue. "I couldn't even find a job if I wanted to right now. My picture has been on the news. Everybody knows who I am, and I have three felony charges pending against me." "The news reports said, 'This trooper made more than the vice president.' Well, I don't know where that money is or where that money went," he said. "As soon as they put me on suspension and I wasn't able to supplement my income with overtime, I tanked." The commission denied the trooper's request but, after meeting in executive session, allowed Thomas to continue receiving annual leave and any compensatory time he is owed from the state. The commission, which acts as a civil service board for State Police, said it also may reconsider Thomas' compensation as the criminal proceedings and a related administrative inquiry move forward. +6 4 State Police troopers accused of claiming bogus hours, writing fraudulent tickets The Louisiana State Police on Monday arrested four troopers two current and two former following a major payroll-fraud investigation, accu The vote followed a remarkable public address in which Thomas, speaking against the advice of his attorney, portrayed himself as a workaholic given to carelessness and excessive "errors" in his paperwork. He vehemently denied claiming time for extra-duty hours he did not, in fact, work. "Sometimes that stuff starts getting so monotonous you're going to miss some things, and clearly I missed some things," he said. "My stats speak for themselves, so for them to charge me with theft is crazy." 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 an interview, Thomas suggested that State Police brass only decided to arrest him because of the high-profile, WVUE-TV investigation that on multiple occasions caught him at his Harvey home during hours he claimed to be writing speeding tickets along Interstate 10. Thomas insists he was completing paperwork during those instances, and that any other inconsistencies were due to "errors." "There's never been a time that I claimed money that I didn't go out there and earn it I've always been out there," he said. "None of my rank has ever had a problem with any of my work product, and they check my work product." Thomas said it was unfair that State Police disciplined but did not arrest the group of troopers who in 2016 took an infamous "side trip" to Las Vegas and the Grand Canyon as they drove to a law enforcement conference in San Diego. Two of the troopers involved in that scandal were demoted and two others received disciplinary letters. The group has maintained that Mike Edmonson, the longtime former State Police superintendent, approved the troopers' pricey overnight stays and the overtime they claimed driving across the country. "That's payroll fraud," Thomas told The Advocate. . Thomas, who worked for State Police for more than 23 years, alleged in the interview that the agency enforces an unwritten, illegal quota system in which troopers are required to issue at least two traffic tickets per hour or be removed from working extra-duty LACE shifts. "They'll never admit it," he said, "but it's true." Maj. Doug Cain, a State Police spokesman, denied that the agency has any kind of ticket quota. But he added that State Police have performance expectations that troopers work and account for their hours through activity. Cain declined to comment on Thomas other allegations, citing the ongoing investigation. Thomas' arrest followed a months-long WVUE-TV investigation that alleged Thomas and other troopers were abusing the LACE program and committing payroll fraud by submitting bogus time sheets and falsifying time stamps on tickets. The station documented one day in which Thomas claimed to have worked 16 hours when WVUE's undercover cameras observed him at his home in Harvey for much of that shift. Two days after that, Thomas again claimed to have worked a 16-hour day even though he was at home for at least six of those hours. Thomas was among four current and former troopers arrested following State Police's own investigation of the LACE program. The agency suspended that program last year but continued it earlier this year after instituting a number of changes. In this July 26, 2016 file photo, former Attorney General Eric Holder speaks during the second day of the Democratic National Convention in Philadelphia. The National Redistricting Foundation, a nonprofit affiliate of the National Democratic Redistricting Committee, which is chaired by Holder, has launched a legal campaign to create majority-minority congressional districts in three Southern states. The lawsuit claims that the current maps discriminate against black voters. They filed separate federal lawsuits Wednesday, June 13, 2018, in Alabama, Georgia and Louisiana, challenging congressional maps state lawmakers in each state approved in 2011. From left, Rep. Ray Garofalo, R-Chalmette, Rep. Phillip DeVillier, R-Eunice, and a smiling House Speaker Taylor Barras, R-New Iberia, during legislative action in the House Chamber at the State Capitol, Thursday, May 17, 2018. Theres yet another special session beginning June 18, and no one should be happy about that. There is some good news, though, and hope for su An extensive report today in Bloomberg examines President Donald Trump's tariffs and how they might affect a wide variety of Louisiana businesses: Calvin Duncan poses for a photo with two stacks of legal paperwork filed under "Notification of Direct Appeal Decision" and Non-unanimous Jury Verdict issues" in his Central Business District office in New Orleans, La., Friday, Feb. 23, 2018. Duncan is a former Angola inmate who is pushing the United States Supreme Court, through repeated petitions on behalf of inmates convicted on non-unanimous jury counts, to overturn the state's unusual law allowing murder convictions of a 10 to 2 jury serious felony cases. Four decades of Spanish rule left a lasting impact on New Orleans' culture, law and people, an influence still apparent today. Now, more than Hands-down, U.S. Sen. John Kennedy has emerged as Congresss most prolific quipster. Surely some Louisianan voters have tired of the Vanderbilt, University of Virginia and Oxford-trained lawyers folksy sayings by now please, can we retire the bit about drinking weed killer? but theyve been all the rage in the year and a half since he headed to Washington. DC journalists have even compiled lists of Kennedys most memorable lines: A Supreme Court justice should be a cross between Socrates and Dirty Harry. A controversial federal contract makes it look like were giving Lindsay Lohan the keys to the mini-bar. And then there was the memorable one-liner about how our country was founded by geniuses, but its being run by idiots. Sen. John Kennedy: John Bel Edwards should resign; governor's office says that's 'absurd' As the Louisiana Legislature heads into its third special session of the year, U.S. Sen. John Kennedy says he thinks Gov. John Bel Edwards sho Hes still got some competition back home, though. Tuesday, after news broke that Kennedy had gone on talk radio and issued a preposterous call for Gov. John Bel Edwards to resign, the reaction was swift and noisy. Perhaps the catchiest response came on Twitter from Karen St. Germain, Edwards commissioner of the Office of Motor Vehicles and a former Democratic state representative from Plaquemine. Wow, St. Germain wrote. I knew he was always off his rocker but the rocker just fell off the porch. Touche, Commissioner St. Germain. Kennedy couldnt have said it better himself. And you know, hes pretty good at this. Eddie Jordan, the former U.S. attorney and district attorney for New Orleans, is under investigation after he was accused of trying to slip illegal drugs to a jail inmate during a court appearance Thursday. Officials said the longtime prosecutor, who is now a private attorney, tried to pass an envelope containing drugs to a client in Criminal District Court. The envelope contained marijuana and prescription pills, according to a law enforcement source. Courtroom deputies quickly spotted the handoff, the Sheriff's Office said. Jordan was in court to represent Nicholas McKnight, according to a court docket. McKnight, 22, has an open charge for possession of a firearm by a felon and was set to have a motions hearing. Jordan, who denies wrongdoing, has not been jailed. It was not immediately clear whether authorities sought his arrest. In a telephone interview Thursday afternoon, Jordan strenuously denied any involvement with drugs or contraband. Jordan said he had left Criminal District Court for a hearing in Jefferson Parish and planned to make a statement later to the Sheriff's Office. "I have engaged in no illegal activity, have no knowledge of any drugs in the courtroom," he said. "Im carrying out my responsibilities as a defense attorney. Im representing my clients. Ive done nothing wrong." Jordan also questioned why the Sheriff's Office chose to announce the investigation in a press release. "I will talk to the sheriff and tell him exactly what happened, and Im sure youll get a leak as to what that is," he said. Jordan's arrest would be a stunning humiliation for the attorney, who rose from a middle-class upbringing in Pontchartrain Park to the highest echelons of local law enforcement. He drew praise as an anti-corruption crusader from 1994 to 2001 in the U.S. Attorneys Office, where his most notable success was convicting former four-term governor Edwin Edwards of extorting kickbacks for casino licenses. 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 indictment represents a landmark in not only our initiative committed to the eradication of public corruption in Louisiana, but also serves as a landmark in this state's history," Jordan said when a grand jury charged Edwards. Jordan parlayed his fame from that prosecution into an election victory to succeed Harry Connick Sr. as the Orleans Parish district attorney in 2003. Jordans time as DA, however, was marred by controversies over the offices low acceptance rate of felony prosecutions, his poor relationship with the New Orleans Police Department and a racial discrimination lawsuit over his firing of dozens of white employees when he took office. At one point, Jordan announced that he was dropping charges against the suspect in the murder of five teenagers in Central City because of a missing witness, only to reverse course when police announced that they were able to find the witness hours later. Then-Mayor Ray Nagin said the episode was one in a "disturbing pattern" where Jordan's office failed to coordinate with other agencies. Jordan's lowest mark may have come in October 2007, when a suspect in an armed robbery and the deadly shooting of a police officer fled to Jordan's house in Algiers. The suspect happened to be a friend of Jordan's girlfriend. Jordan resigned under pressure later that month. Since then he has kept a low profile, although he was back in the news in 2015 when the same girlfriend was arrested on allegations that she slapped him. The investigation into Jordan is part of a continuing effort by the Orleans Parish Sheriffs Office to stem the flow of contraband into the jail. In March, a onetime murder convict who was freed after decades in prison was arrested and accused of trying to slip drugs into the jail. Investigators said Earl Truvia, who was working as a paralegal and investigator for a defense attorney, tried to slip the pharmaceutical painkillers tramadol, hydrocodone and gabapentin into the lockup under his jacket. Truvia was booked on introducing contraband into a penal institution, a felony that carries a maximum five-year sentence, and other counts. The defense attorney for indicted former federal narcotics agent Chad Scott has launched a counterattack on the U.S. Justice Department, accusing federal prosecutors of "framing" the longtime lawman and hiding evidence that points to Scott's innocence. The attorney, Matthew Coman, asked a federal judge this week to throw out the charges against Scott, arguing in a pair of explosive court filings that the Justice Department has repeatedly concealed information about a witness in an effort to falsely paint Scott as a rogue agent. A second motion seeks to compel the government to turn over additional details about the charges against Scott ahead of his October trial. In the new filings, Coman alleged that the lead investigator in the case, Special Agent Michael Gannon of the Drug Enforcement Administration, was told months ago about an informant who contradicted the government's "star witness" against Scott. But the Justice Department failed to disclose that information to the defense, Coman added, and also withheld the informant's statements from a grand jury that added new charges against Scott earlier this year. The feds even denied the informant's existence during a court hearing last month, said Coman, a former federal prosecutor. "The government has actively conspired to conceal this exculpatory information," Coman wrote. If such conduct were to have been "undertaken by anyone but the government," he added, "it would be considered criminal in and of itself." The government's actions amount to prosecutorial misconduct serious enough to warrant the case's dismissal, Coman argues. Accusing the Justice Department of framing a defendant is exceedingly uncommon, said Arthur "Buddy" Lemann III, a veteran defense attorney who has closely followed Scotts case but has not been involved in the proceedings. Coman's allegations, while not yet proven, "could be very serious," Lemann said. "It's not something one hears often in federal practice." Coman alleges that one of his own investigators interviewed a DEA agent, Mark Lusco, and Susan Nave, a former assistant special agent in charge of the DEA's New Orleans field division. Both said that a jailhouse informant contacted Lusco late last year, saying he had information that contradicted much of the government's case against Scott. Specifically, Coman charges, the informant told Lusco that Frederick Brown, a longtime drug trafficker, said he knew and did business with an alleged drug dealer named Jorge Perralta. Brown, one of the main witnesses against Scott, had told the federal government he did not know Perralta but that Scott coerced him to say otherwise and thus commit perjury to build the case against Perralta. Lusco immediately recognized the statements were exculpatory, and he notified his superiors, including Nave, Coman wrote in the court filings. Nave, in turn, told Gannon about the witness in several phone calls, Coman added, and she said she believes she followed up with Gannon via email and in person. "Agent Gannon replied to ASAC Nave by 'rolling his eyes,' " the motion says. Gannon contacted Lusco and asked him if he had debriefed the informant or documented any of the information in any reports, Coman alleges. Lusco told him he hadn't. Investigators then worked to make sure that the information was never put into any reports to avoid creating a "paper trail," Coman argues. He says they also never put it before the grand jury that handed up a superseding indictment against Scott. 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 "To allow this abuse to continue unabated does an injustice to Agent Scott and the entire federal criminal justice system," Coman's motion concludes. Scott faces 11 counts in all, including perjury, obstruction of justice, falsifying government records and theft. Five of those counts stem from Perralta's 2016 federal drug trial, a proceeding that resulted in his conviction in a massive drug-trafficking conspiracy that involved more than 10 kilograms of heroin. But Perralta and a co-defendant walked free even though a jury found them guilty after the Justice Department dismissed the charges against them in the wake of the allegations against Scott. If the charges against Scott are not dismissed, Coman asked U.S. District Judge Jane Triche Milazzo to reconsider a magistrates ruling last month that denied Coman's request for more information about the charges. Coman had asked U.S. Magistrate Daniel Knowles III to order the government to issue a so-called bill of particulars. He argued that the indictment against Scott failed to outline the specific crimes Scott is alleged to have committed as the leader of a DEA task force known for making high-profile drug busts along the Interstate 12 corridor. Coman has complained that the government has left him in the dark about the charges against Scott, and that the entire case is built on the word of convicted criminals and "crooked" cops. Two former members of Scott's DEA task force have pleaded guilty to federal drug charges in the case. A third member, former Hammond Police Officer Rodney Gemar, faces six counts, including conspiracy and theft of evidence. On some of the counts, Coman argued, the Justice Department has essentially said to him, "When you worked there, you did bad things." Federal prosecutors, for their part, have argued that the Justice Department has provided extensive "discovery" of relevant documents and that Scott is not entitled to see their entire playbook before his trial. Coman, in his most recent motions, argues that new evidence such as the unnamed jailhouse informant has emerged that Knowles did not have when he issued his ruling. "How many times will the government be allowed to lie about concealing exculpatory evidence in order to carry out their frame-up of a highly decorated agent?" Coman writes. Coman's filings are the latest twist in an ongoing 30-month investigation into the drug task force, which has been accused of shaking down federal suspects, stealing thousands of dollars in cash during federal raids and selling narcotics through their own informants. The fallout from the secretive inquiry has affected dozens of federal drug cases in southeast Louisiana, in part because federal authorities considered the testimony of the indicted agents to be tainted. Milazzo has scheduled a July 12 hearing on Coman's motions. Monday 05 September, 2016 Reliable information reaching Biafra writers desk has it that the life of Nnamdi Kanu, the leader of the Indi... Ganges Part 14: Shocking Conclusion I climbed up on a large flat boulder figuring it to be the safest vantage point and took a position directly across from where the river was gushing from the... Ganges Part 11: The Last Leg I awoke at 4:30 a.m. with a terrible pain in my stomach. When I got up to go to the bathroom, I realized my back hurt worse than my stomach.... Passersby cheered and cars honked as the couple in wedding clothes posed for pictures on the iconic Paulista Avenue of Brazils bustling economic hub Sao Paulo. Husband and wife Ademir Avelino, 52, and Glaucia Sudan, 45, laughed and waved, enjoying the attention. They're used to it. The Brazilian husband and wife have the unusual hobby of traveling around the world pretending they've just got hitched again. Read also: Stardust-themed wedding new trend for 2018 After posing in full wedding garb from Europe to the Middle East and Australia, they returned to do it all over in their native city just ahead of Brazil's version of Valentine's Day on Tuesday. The obsession started after they didn't get any pictures at their actual wedding in Sao Paulo in 2014. They've made up for lost time. "Now it's become a hobby: wherever we go, we put a day aside for a shoot," Sudan said. The pair, both business consultants, post their adventures on Facebook and Instagram, under the title "Getting married there", or "Casando por ai" in Portuguese, to encourage others to do the same. Sumatran coffee is said to be the most popular single origin coffee at Starbucks. In fact, the Sumatra blend is not only popular among Starbucks customers. Howard Schultz, the founder of Starbucks, is also a fan of Sumatran coffee. In a letter announcing his resignation, Schultz wrote, I write to you today enjoying a french press of my favorite coffee, aged Sumatra, and [I am] feeling so many emotions. Here comes the question: What made the founder of the worlds largest coffee chain fall in love with Sumatran coffee? Surip Mawardi, an agronomist at the Starbucks Farmer Support Center, told The Jakarta Post that Sumatran coffee has several specific characters, namely full-bodied, complex flavor and a long aftertaste, that makes it loved by many. These characteristics are down to two factors: geographical conditions and people. Read also: In search of Indonesia's best-quality coffee Surip said Sumatra has fertile volcanic soil and high rainfall. Although Java has volcanic soil, rainfall is considerably lower than in Sumatra. In regard to the people, Surip mentioned that Sumatran farmers have a unique way of processing coffee. Known as semi-washed, the coffee is wet-hulled, resulting in a complex flavor. Coffee from other countries usually uses full-washed processing, said Surip, explaining why Sumatran coffee has a one of a kind flavor. (kes) A London museum is bringing together Frida Kahlo's clothes, paintings and objects to explore the adverse life story behind one of the 20th century's most celebrated female artists. "Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up", which runs from Saturday until November 4 at the Victoria and Albert Museum, showcases more than 200 items from the Blue House, Kahlo's base in Mexico City, where she died in 1954 aged 47. The house-turned-studio, where she was born, grew up, lived and worked, also served as a refuge for the exiled Soviet revolutionary Leon Trotsky, with whom she had an affair. "A counter-cultural and feminist symbol, this show offers a powerful insight into how Frida Kahlo constructed her own identity," said the exhibition's co-curator Claire Wilcox. The exhibition brings together dresses, jewellery, letters, paintings, family photos, medical corsets, the make-up she used to emphasise her monobrow, medicines, and her false leg. The leg has a red boot, a few pieces of Chinese embroidery and even a bell on it "to make it even more obvious," Mexican co-curator Circe Henestrosa told AFP. "Why would it be an ugly leg if she was an artist?" she said. - Blighted by ill health - Kahlo's health problems were devastating, but the painter knew how to make a virtue out of adversity. The daughter of a German photographer and a Mexican mother of indigenous and Spanish descent, she suffered from polio as a child which resulted in her right leg being shorter than the left. It was eventually amputated the year before her death. Aged 18, a bus she was travelling home from school on was hit by a tram. Kahlo was impaled on a handrail, her spine broke in three places, several bones were fractured and her sexual organs were badly damaged, rendering her unable to have children. Read also: Design Museum in London wins coveted European Museum of the Year Award Her dreams of going to medical school were dashed, but she turned to painting in her long convalescence, with the help of a special easel with which she could paint self-portraits from her bed, using a mirror. "It was the start of a great artistic career, but also the start of her physical deterioration," said Henestrosa, who in 2012 organised an exhibition of Kahlo's clothes at the Blue House. - 'Good to be different' - Henestrosa has a family connection to Kahlo. Her aunt was part of the painter's intellectual circle and brought her brightly-coloured Mexican indigenous blouses and dresses from Oaxaca in the south. Kahlo wanted to show her Mexican values and portray herself as "very Mexican" in an era immediately after the 1910 to 1920 Mexican Revolution, in which the country sought to reinforce its indigenous identity. Furthermore, "she was a communist and it made her seem more like one of the people", said Henestrosa. But her politics do not fully explain her style of dressing. "She started to wear long skirts to hide her leg and it was the first time she started to establish a relationship between her body and her clothing," the curator said, noting that the indigenous outfits draw attention to the torso. "That's what we wanted to show in this exhibition: Frida the person, Frida the woman, someone who liked perfume, was incredibly feminine and did not let her disability define her," said Henestrosa. "A dark-skinned, disabled Mexican artist who served as a model for young girls: it's very good to be different." Two senior editors of French celebrity magazine Closer returned to court Wednesday to appeal hefty fines for printing photographs of Prince William's wife Kate sunbathing topless in 2012. Two photographers, suspected of taking the offending shots, are also appealing fines in a case that sparked a scandal in Britain a year after the second-in-line to the British throne married his long-term girlfriend Kate Middleton. Closer published the grainy snaps of the couple by a pool -- Kate wearing only bikini bottoms -- while on holiday at a chateau in the Luberon region of southeastern France in September 2012. The magazine's editor Laurence Pieau and publisher Ernesto Mauri were both found guilty of breach of privacy in September 2017 and fined 45,000 euros ($53,000) each. Photographers Cyril Moreau and Dominique Jacovides, who deny taking the long-lens shots, were also each ordered to pay 5,000-euro fines, with another 5,000 euros payable if they reoffended. The magazine had to pay out 100,000 euros in damages after the royal couple filed a claim for 1.5 million euros over what they said was a "serious breach of privacy". Read also: Royal newlyweds attend Queen's birthday parade William and Kate also obtained an injunction preventing further use of the images. During the trial, Closer's lawyers argued that the pictures were in the public interest and conveyed a "positive image" of the royals. But in a letter read out in court in May last year, William said the case had brought back painful memories of the paparazzi hounding his mother, princess Diana, who was killed in a Paris car crash in 1997 while being chased by photographers. Closer's lawyer Paul-Albert Iweins appealed the ruling, arguing that the fines were "exaggerated for a simple privacy case". The photographers' lawyer Francois Blisten told AFP ahead of Wednesday's hearing in Versailles, west of Paris, that he would argue for the pair to be acquitted due to insufficient evidence. Newfoundland's premier on Wednesday invited US President Donald Trump to a hit Broadway musical, hoping its story of Canadians taking in stranded travelers after 9/11 would lead him to soften his stance on Canada. In a Twitter message, Newfoundland Premier Dwight Ball said the province and the United States "have enjoyed a history of rising tides lifting all boats." "Please join me to a showing of 'Come From Away' to discuss the virtues of a positive relationship. The tickets are offered at your leisure & hopefully are tariff free," he added. The award-winning musical recounts the true story of how the small town of Gander, Newfoundland welcomed nearly 7,000 stranded airline passengers after the September 11, 2001 attacks on the US forced 38 planes to land in the Canadian province. Read also: Nobel for Trump? Odds slashed after summit but awards committee may be wary The Gander airport is the closet point between Europe and the United States, and a preferred emergency landing spot for medical or aircraft mechanical problems. The townsfolk's simple hospitality drew worldwide accolades. Residents donated clothes and toiletries to the weary travelers who could not access their luggage for security reasons, took them moose hunting and sightseeing, and entertained them with music. Prime Minister Justin Trudeau had extended a similar invitation to Trump and members of his administration last year. Daughter Ivanka Trump attended in his place with Trudeau. Canada-US relations hit a low this past week over tariffs on steel and aluminum, and Trump's personal attacks on Trudeau after the Group of Seven summit. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Carole Landry (Agence France-Presse) United Nations, US Thu, June 14, 2018 09:30 1220 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e913b4c 2 World UN,Gaza,Israel,Palestine,Hamas,UN-resolution,US Free The UN General Assembly on Wednesday adopted by a strong majority of 120 countries an Arab-backed resolution condemning Israel for Palestinian deaths in Gaza and rejected a US bid to blame Hamas for the violence. The resolution deplores Israel's use of "excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate force" against Palestinian civilians and calls for protection measures for Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. At least 129 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire during protests near the border with Gaza that began at the end of March. No Israelis have died. Presented by Algeria and Turkey on behalf of Arab and Muslim countries, the measure won a decisive 120 votes in the 193-member assembly, with 8 votes against and 45 abstentions. US Ambassador Nikki Haley dismissed the resolution as "one-sided" and accused Arab countries of trying to score political points at home by seeking to condemn Israel at the United Nations. "For some, attacking Israel is their favorite political sport. That's why we are here today," Haley told the assembly. An amendment presented by the United States that condemned Hamas for "inciting violence" along the border with Gaza failed to garner the two-third majority needed for adoption. Arab countries backing the measure turned to the General Assembly after the United States used its veto in the Security Council to block the resolution on June 1. Unlike the Security Council, resolutions adopted by the assembly are non-binding and there is no veto. UN chief to propose protection The resolution tasks UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres with the drafting of proposals for an "international protection mechanism" for the Palestinians in Gaza and the West Bank. These could range from setting up an observer mission to a full-blown peacekeeping force, but action on any option would require backing from the Security Council, where the United States has veto power. "We are asking for a simple thing," Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour told the assembly. "We want our civilian population to be protected." Turkey's Ambassador Feridun Hadi Sinirlioglu defended the resolution, saying it was "about taking sides with international law" and showing the Palestinians that the world "does care about their suffering." Taking the podium, Israeli Ambassador Danny Danon assailed the measure as an "attempt to take away our basic right to self-defense." He warned ambassadors that by supporting the resolution "you are empowering Hamas." France was among 12 EU countries that backed the resolution, but Britain abstained along with Italy, Poland and 13 other EU member-states. Russia and China voted in favor. Australia, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, the Solomon Islands and Togo joined the United States and Israel in voting against the resolution. The US amendment condemning Hamas received 62 votes in favor, with 58 against and 42 abstentions. The United States sought to challenge the ruling requiring a two-thirds majority for approval but that was defeated in a separate vote. "We had more countries on the right side than the wrong side," Haley said in a statement, The General Assembly last held a similarly contentious vote on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in December, when it rejected President Donald Trump's decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel's capital and move the US embassy there. Haley had warned at the time that Washington was "taking names" of countries that supported the resolution. That vote was 128 to 9, with 35 abstentions. Backed by Arab countries, the Palestinians had lobbied to win as many votes on the Gaza resolution as those cast in support of the measure condemning the US decision on Jerusalem. Israel and Hamas have fought three wars in Gaza and the United Nations has warned that a fourth conflict could be easily ignited. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Callistasia Anggun Wijaya (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 14, 2018 12:58 1220 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e919f83 2 City reclamation,Jakarta-Bay,anies-baswedan,Agung-Sedayu,Islet-C-and-D,islet-d Free The Jakarta administrations decision to form a special agency that would manage reclamation activities in the Jakarta Bay, was promptly met with criticism for contradicting Jakarta Governor Anies Baswedans promise to stop the multimillion dollar project. Anies issued on June 4 Gubernatorial Regulation No. 58/2018 on the establishment of a coordination body to manage the reclamation project in North Jakartas coastal area. The agency, which was formed in accordance with Presidential Decree No. 52/1995 on the reclamation of North Jakartas coastal area, is in charge of coordinating, planning, implementing and monitoring the project. Led by the city secretary, the agency will also be responsible for managing reclaimed islets and giving recommendations about the project to the governor. Agency members include, among others, heads of the Jakarta Development Planning Board (Bappeda), the Jakarta Spatial Planning Agency and the Investment and One-Stop Integrated Service Agency. Last Thursday, after leading an operation to seal 932 buildings that lacked construction permits (IMB) on Islet D, Anies said the special agency should be formed to comply with Presidential Decree No. 52/1995 and related Jakarta regulations. The presidential decree instructed the administration to form special bodies to control and run the reclamation project. We will comply with prevailing regulations, Anies said. The Save Jakarta Bay Coalition (KSTJ) has slammed Anies for forming the agency. The way we see it, the city administration formed the agency to continue the reclamation project. The sealing of buildings on Islet D meant nothing as we believe the city administration will legalize the buildings through the agency, said KSTJ member Tigor Hutapea, who is also deputy head of the Peoples Coalition for Fish- eries Justice (KIARA). Tigor claimed that Presidential Decree No. 52/1995 instructed the establishment of special agencies to pave the way for reclamation activities. In 2009, the city administration under former Jakarta governor Fauzi Bowo formed a temporary agency to manage the reclamation project. The team was disbanded by former governor Djarot Saiful Hidayat in 2017, citing concerns that the agency was ineffective. KSJT criticized Anies, who promised to stop the project as part of his campaign platform, for creating a similar agency. The newly issued regulation states that the move to dismiss the previous body had affected the management of the reclamation project, and so an ad hoc agency was needed to accelerate the endeavour as regulated by the presidential decree. Tigor went on to say that Anies move to seal illegal buildings on Islet D did not prove his commitment to stopping reclamation activities as the previous administration had done the very same thing twice. Then-Jakarta governor Basuki Ahok Tjahaja Purnama sealed the buildings in 2014 and 2016, yet they and their supporting facilities remained intact. The coalition urged Anies to demolish the buildings on Islet D and rehabilitate the area, which had been damaged by the reclamation project. City Council member Jhonny Simanjuntak from the Indonesia Democratic Party of Struggle (PDI-P) faction echoed the statement, saying, The regulation shows Anies inconsistency in fulfilling his promise to stop the reclamation. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 14, 2018 11:00 1220 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e916d69 4 National Densus-88,terrorism,Blitar,East-Java Free Members of the National Police's Densus 88 counterterrorism squad arrested three residents suspected of being connected with terrorist networks in Talun district, Blitar regency, East Java, on Wednesday night. The three residents were identified only by the initials NH, SZ, and AN. Densus 88 members also raided a house owned by Nanang, a fertilizer businessman, which was being rented by NH, a general practictioner. "[NH] had a three-year lease, but was very reclusive," Bajang neighborhood head Mislan said as quoted by kompas.com. Mislan added that he was suspicious about what was going on in the house as previously he had been questioned by military and police officers about who was renting it. "A week before this incident, people from the Koramil [Subdistrict Military Command] and the police came asking about the people renting the house and whether they were there or not," he said. Talun subdistrict head Imam Harimiadi also said he had been questioned by the military and police about the house. "We don't know what they do every day, because the door is closed," he said. "They held an event once, but it was very exclusive, not for the general public. Not just anyone could come in." (kmt) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Karina M. Tehusijarana (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 14, 2018 19:11 1220 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e923b79 1 National earthquake Free Two days before Idul Fitri, residents of Sumenep regency on Madura island, East Java, were surprised by a 4.8 magnitude earthquake that left dozens of houses damaged. The Meteorology, Climatology and Geophysics Agency (BMKG) recorded the earthquake at 8:06 p.m. on Wednesday, with an epicenter about 6 kilometers northeast of Sumenep at a depth of 12 km. The National Disaster Mitigation Agency (BNPB) reported that the earthquake was felt for five seconds. Residents, many of whom were performing tarawih (evening Ramadhan prayers), scrambled out of their houses and other buildings in panic. According to the the BNPB the quake was felt in the Bulaan, Batu Putih Laok, Bantelan, and Sergeng villages of Batu Putih district and also in the Dasuk Timur village of Dasuk district. The quake resulted in six injuries, heavy damage to 25 houses and two mosques, and light damage to 52 houses, one mosque, one madrasah and one pesantren (islamic boarding school). The losses are estimated to reach hundreds of millions of rupiah. The Sumenep regency Regional Disaster Mitigation Agency (BPBD) together with military, police, search and rescue, Red Cross and volunteer personnel are continuing to conduct data collection and emergency management. (swd) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Suherdjoko (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 14, 2018 15:16 1220 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e91ec90 1 Business Batang-Semarang-toll-road,bridge,Kali-Kuto,exodus,Idul-Fitri-2018 Free Public Works and Housing Minister Basuki Hadimuljono inaugurated on Wednesday the Kali Kuto Bridge for temporary operations, completing the construction of the Batang-Semarang functional highway in Central Java. The bridge was built above the Kuto River bordering Batang and Kendal regencies in Central Java. The bridge will be closed after the Idul Fitri holiday as further construction will resume. The bridge will be fully operational on Oct. 5. We are only opening one lane for now, but we will open two if there is a queue, Basuki said. Central Java Police chief Insp. Gen. Condro Kirono said travelers could now drive directly from Batang to Semarang without exiting the highway until June 7. However, Condro said from June 8 to 24, travelers could only use the bridge to travel from Semarang to Batang to ease congestion and reduce possibilities of accidents along the highway. During the launch on Wednesday, minister Basuki drove a 12-wheeler truck across the bridge, followed by around 15 cars, in an effort to show that the government had ensured the safety of the construction following several bridge and highway collapses in several regions in the past two months. Bambang Rianto, operation director II of state-owned construction company Waskita Karya, said the 100-meter section of the bridge directly above the river could withstand up to 16 tons, adding that the steel beams would be replaced with concrete after the holiday. (nor/gda) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Adel Zaanoun (Agence France-Presse) Gaza City, Palestinian Territories Thu, June 14, 2018 12:03 1220 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e91809b 2 World Gaza-strip,Idul-Fitri,celebration,politics Free Hani al-Laham sits down to a family dinner after a long day of fasting, but he has little to celebrate as the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan approaches. Despite Laham having a monthly salary of 1,700 shekels ($475), tied to a job in the security services, the Palestinian government has repeatedly failed to pay him. He is one of nearly 60,000 Palestinians in Gaza on the payroll of the internationally-recognised administration based in the West Bank. More than a decade ago the Palestinian Authority (PA) ordered its employees in the enclave to stay at home, over a dispute with Gaza rulers Hamas, promising to continue paying their salaries. But now the money has been cut back. "This is a disaster, Gaza is collapsing," said Laham, whose financial woes have seen the family evicted from their rented home in Khan Yunis in the southern Gaza Strip. They have now moved to a homemade shack on the coast near Gaza City, but even that meagre existence is threatened. The local municipality is trying to demolish their temporary home, claiming it was built without the necessary permits. "If they give me back my salary, I will rent an apartment. I am tired of this life," the 55-year-old told AFP. Last week Laham finally received a small sum of money, ahead of the Eid al-Fitr Muslim festival marking the end of Ramadan, but it doesn't cover the family's basic needs. "Where should we go? Burn ourselves?" his wife Noor, 33, asked. - West Bank protest - The family's situation -- and that of thousands of other Gazans -- is one of the idiosyncrasies of the bitter intra-Palestinian conflict. The Islamist Hamas movement seized control of Gaza in 2007, after a near civil war with the PA which is led by president Mahmud Abbas. Hamas argued it had won 2006 parliamentary elections and been deprived of the right to rule after the international community refused to accept the result. The Gaza takeover was deemed a coup by Abbas, who eventually told his employees not to go to work until Hamas ceded power. The salaries of staff including judges, doctors and ministry workers continued to be paid while they waited for bickering politicians to allow them to return to jobs. But years later they are stuck, with Israel imposing a blockade on Gaza that has crippled the economy and no realistic employment opportunities under Hamas. Recently, facing financial shortfalls and seeking to isolate Hamas, Abbas sought to make cuts to the Gaza salaries. Last year they were reduced by 30 percent, while in March the PA paid nothing at all -- without explanation. The following month Abbas promised the salaries would be paid within a few days, but nothing happened. Finally 50 percent of one month's salary was paid on June 5, ahead of Eid which will likely be celebrated Friday. The Ramallah government has said the lack of payment is a "technical" issue, but it has long had budgetary problems. Critics also argue that by cutting salaries the PA is seeking to sow discord among Gaza's two million residents, and make life difficult for Hamas. Hundreds of Palestinians in the West Bank took to the streets of Ramallah on Sunday and Wednesday to demand that salaries be paid in Gaza, a rare show of opposition in the city where Abbas's government is based. The latter protest had been banned by the Palestinian administration and security forces dispersed demonstrators with tear gas and sound grenades. The United Nations warned last month that Gaza could be on the brink of war, after at least 129 Palestinians were killed by Israeli fire in border protests. Hamas, which has strongly backed the demonstrations, has fought three wars with Israel since 2008. - A 'humiliating life' - The salary cuts have also affected Gazans' health. Sabara Abu Ali, 67, has kidney failure but can no longer afford the necessary care after her income was stopped. "I get dialysis three times a week," at Gaza City's Shifa Hospital, she said. "I don't even have the 30 shekels I need for transport each day." "How could you desert us Abu Mazen?" she asked, using Abbas's Arabic nickname. Yasser, an employee of the health ministry, said even if he were to receive his full salary, his debts are such that once the bank takes its loan repayment and electricity and telephone bills are paid he would have only 75 shekels left. "I have debts to the supermarket, the greengrocer, the pharmacy, university fees for my daughter and school fees for my youngest," he said. Yasser said his financial situation led his wife to desert him, taking the children and returning to her family home. "Suicide is better than this humiliating life," he said. Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 14, 2018 12:04 1220 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e918e11 1 Business jusuf-kalla,Tokyo,visit,investment,commitment Free Vice President Jusuf Kalla has said a number of Japanese companies and banks have expressed interest in investing in Indonesia. The interest was expressed on the sidelines of the International Conference on The Future of Asia held from June 10 to 13 in Tokyo. Almost all companies expressed a desire to increase their investments, from banking to manufacturing industries, Kalla said, as quoted by tempo.co on Wednesday. During the conference, Kalla met with, among others, representatives of MUFG Bank Ltd and Marubeni Corporation as well as Japan-Indonesia Association chairman Yasuo Fukuda. Kalla said he told Japanese businesspeople that the automotive industry invested significant funds in Indonesia and claimed that several companies wanted to invest in this sector. The banking industry was also attractive to Japanese investors, said Kalla. Japanese interest in the Indonesian banking sector has been shown by the plans of major Japanese lenders to acquire two Indonesian banks. Last year, Sumitomo Mitsui Banking Corporation announced it would raise its stake to a majority in PT Bank Tabungan Pensiunan Negara Tbk (BTPN). Japans Mitsubishi UFJ Financial Group has also announced its plan to buy 73.8 percent of Bank Danamons shares. Many potential Japanese investors also inquired about infrastructure projects under development by the government, said Kalla, adding that these investors also asked what investment was needed by the country. Japanese companies are currently involved in several major projects in Indonesia, including the mass rapid transit (MRT) project in Jakarta, the Patimban Port project in West Java and the Jakarta-Surabaya high-speed train project. (ris/bbn). Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 14, 2018 14:55 1220 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e91e74c 1 National IdulFitri,remission Free The Law and Human Rights Ministry has reduced prison sentences for 80,430 Muslim prisoners across Indonesia in commemoration of Idul Fitri this year. A total of 446 of the inmates received immediate release while the remainder will continue their reduced prison sentences. According to a 2018 ministerial decree, convicts may receive reduced sentences, also known as "special remission", during the biggest religious holiday of their respective religions. The amount that is reduced varies, ranging from 15 days to two months. Convicts will immediately be released if their remission is more than their remaining sentence. Indonesia currently has 250,000 inmates in detention centers, whereas the maximum capacity is 124,000 according to Sri Puguh Budi Utami, the ministry's correctional affairs director general. These remissions will reduce overcrowding in the prisons and reduce state spending as prisoners are released earlier, she said as reported by tribunnews.com on Wednesday. The reduced sentences are reportedly able to save as much as Rp 32 billion (US$ 2.2 million) in budget for meals alone. Puguh added that early release might encourage convicts to become better members of society. (nor/swd) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin K. Ali and Khurram Shahzad (Agence France-Presse) Lahore and Islamabad Thu, June 14, 2018 11:02 1220 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e916f0d 2 World Pakistan,law,human-rights Free A Pakistani law student has emerged as a women's rights crusader after she was stabbed 23 times in a busy street only to see her alleged attacker walk free, igniting outrage across the deeply patriarchal country. Khadija Siddiqui, 23, survived the frenzied attack in broad daylight outside her sister's school on a busy thoroughfare in the teeming eastern city of Lahore, Pakistan's cultural capital, in May 2016. Her sister was also injured as she tried to defend her, and the brazen attack only ended when her driver managed to pull the assailant off and rush Siddiqui to hospital, where she was admitted to intensive care with her neck slashed, her arms wounded, and a deep injury to her back. Siddiqui named her attacker as Shah Hussain, a classmate whom she had rejected romantically. He was convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison in July 2017. But Hussain, the son of a prominent Lahori lawyer, appealed the decision -- and in a shock judgement released on June 4, the Lahore High Court acquitted him on all charges. The decision was greeted with an uproar in Pakistan, where hundreds of women are murdered and attacked by men each year, with many struggling to get justice in a sluggish court system that advocates say is often slanted against them. "I was shocked," Siddiqui, who spent three weeks in hospital after the attack and whose back still pains her, told AFP. "But unfortunately it was true." Siddiqui's long struggle to put her attacker behind bars had already drawn attention from women's rights campaigners, but when Hussain walked free it unleashed a wave of anger. "I am heart broken, speechless, shattered after hearing what our judiciary system did to you @khadeeeej751 - But do not give up , keep fighting, and we shall overcome this together," tweeted actress Urwa Hocane. Hamza Ali Abbasi, another TV personality and activist, commented: "We must all unite & be Khadija's voice & leave no stone unturned to get her justice against this barbarian! #WeAreWithKhadija". The hashtag was trending in Pakistan within hours of the acquittal. The reaction intensified when the court's judgement was released, with critics accusing it of "victim-blaming" after it poked holes in Siddiqui's credibility. The judgement questioned why she did not name Hussain as her attacker immediately, despite testimony saying she had fallen unconscious; and noted that at one point prior to the assault she had written a letter proposing marriage to him. The outcry was so great that Pakistan's Supreme Court has now taken up the case and will hold hearings later in the summer, it announced Wednesday. Hashmi, Hussain's father, has told AFP that his child is innocent. "My son is a brilliant student," he said. "How can he be a criminal?" - 'Prejudice against women' - Siddiqui's case highlights how Pakistan's judicial system fails women, says Hina Jilani, a leading lawyer and human rights activist. The young law student is lucky in that she received high-profile support and it came to the Supreme Court's attention, Jilani says -- but that is rare. "There is a prejudice against women," she argues. Pakistan is deeply conservative, and violence against women remained "pervasive and intractable" in 2017, according a yearly report by the country's Human Rights Commission. It documented thousands of reported violent incidents including rapes, assaults, sexual harassment, acid attacks, murders, and even four examples of "stove burning" -- understood to be when a woman is taken into a kitchen, covered in kerosene and set alight; then the perpetrators claim she was burned by the stove. The real figures, the commission said, are likely to be much higher. Many cases of violence against women are not reported to authorities. In rural areas such cases often bypass the formal justice system and are dealt with by village "jirgas" or councils, often in a manner that is punitive for women. But even for those cases which do enter the court system, the conviction rate is "below one percent", says Rabeea Hadi, an activist with the Aurat Foundation, a women's rights watchdog. In cases of domestic violence and sexual abuse, it is "almost zero", adds Anbreen Ajaib, the executive director of another women's rights group, Bedari. Siddiqui says women, including herself, are often pressured to drop their cases, and can face blackmail and harassment. But she is determined to see hers through, and says the attention it has received has prompted many women to contact her to say they, too, are encouraged to stand up for themselves. "I have been told by the prosecutors... that I'm probably the first woman who is fighting so hard to get justice," she told AFP, sounding calm and confident. "It has proved that if women fight, they can turn things around, so they should never give up... they should not tolerate injustice, violence and blackmail." Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 14, 2018 17:35 1220 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e9212d5 1 National pantura,mudik,exodus,Idul-Fitri-2018 Free Javas northern coast (Pantura) highway has been unusually quiet this Idul Fitri holiday period, with travelers choosing to use the newly opened toll roads to return to their hometowns for holiday festivities. "The Java northern coast highway has been quite empty," Central Java police chief Insp. Gen. Condro Kirono said on Wednesday as quoted by kompas.com. "It's been quiet even though in some locations there are still markets and intersections." Motorists typically pack the Pantura highway every Idul Fitri mudik (homebound exodus) season, but Condro said that people were opting for the Trans-Java toll road because it was smoother and faster. "They're curious because besides the newly-operational toll roads, there are several segments that are opened specifically for mudik," he said. "Meanwhile on the Pantura highway there are a lot of intersections, markets and other things that could potentially hold up their journey." Rozy Aldilasa, one of the travelers who chose to stick to the Pantura route, backed up Condro's observations. Rozy left Cibubur, East Jakarta, with his wife and parents at 9 a.m. on Tuesday and reached his hometown of Pekalongan, Central Java, at 7 p.m. the same day. "It took 10 hours and just one gas tank refill," he said. "Praise God, it was faster, because the roads were less crowded." He said that two years ago the approximately 364 kilometer journey took 14 hours. (kmt/swd) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin News Desk (The Jakarta Post) Jakarta Thu, June 14, 2018 21:13 1219 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e9255ca 1 National migrant-workers,Malaysia Free Jember regent Faida flew to Malaysia on Monday night to retrieve the body of a deceased Indonesian migrant worker, identified as Amintyas Wahyudi, from Kuala Lumpur Hospital. All the outstanding hospital fees have been paid for, she said as reported by tribunnews.com. The deceased allegedly owed RM7,000 (US$1,755) in medical bills to the hospital. The Manpower Ministry paid RM1,500 and the Jember Administration paid the remaining RM5,500. The deceased had been kept in the hospital for more than 14 days as his family could not afford to pay off the medical debt. Faida reportedly flew to Malaysia because she had grown impatient with the process of returning the body. Learning from this incident, we urge Jember residents who work abroad to register themselves with the Immigration Office. Bad things can happen at any time but it can be easily resolved if you are documented," she said, implying that Amintyas was working in Malaysia illegally. Amintyas, who came from Klompangan village in Jember, East Java, allegedly died from a viral infection. His body has been received by his family. (nor/swd) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Charles Bouessel (Agence France-Presse) Bangui, Central African Republic Thu, June 14, 2018 10:39 1220 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e916357 2 World rape-survivor,sex-assault,Congo,war,war-crime Free "They tied up my younger sister, whipped her and raped her," says Ghislain Bertrand Bouanga, recalling the day when former Congolese rebel leader Jean-Pierre Bemba's brutal militia raided his home. "She has been disabled ever since. Her arms don't work because they tied her up so tightly. She spent a year in hospital, she was bleeding because of the rape." Bouanga's sister is a victim of a five-month rampage of rape, murder and looting in the Central African Republic carried out by Bemba's private army in 2002 and 2003. His mother and two other sisters were killed. Bemba had sent his militia, the Congolese Liberation Movement (MLC) -- a rebel force that he later transformed into a political organisation -- into the Democratic Republic of Congo's northern neighbour to quash a coup against then president Ange-Felix Patasse. On Friday, he won an appeal against a conviction for war crimes handed down by the International Criminal Court in The Hague, which had sentenced him to a 18 years in jail. Judges ruled Bemba, who in 2003 became a vice president in DRC's transitional government, could not be held criminally liable for crimes committed by his troops. The trial was the first before the ICC to focus on sexual violence as a weapon of war and the sentence that it had handed down in 2016 was unprecedented. - Abuses remain unpunished - "When Bemba's troops arrived at our home, near the site of Begoua school, they raped my daughter," said Marie, not her real name, in a trembling voice, her fingers scrabbling compulsively at her arm. "I started to weep and others arrived and raped me. When my husband intervened they killed him." But she harbours no anger against the ICC or Bemba himself. She blames the troops for the atrocities. "It's the fault of the troops and the commander in Bangui [the CAR capital] and not of Bemba, he never came," agreed Josephine, not her real name, who was raped by the militia. The ICC's appeal judges on Friday declared that Bemba, who was in the DRC at the time of the atrocities, had "limited... ability to investigate and punish crimes" by his men. "If (Bemba) knows what has happened, all he has to do is compensate us for the rapes and looting," said another rape victim, "Nelly". The ICC on Wednesday said it had launched a one-million-euro ($1.18-million) fund to provide "physical and psychological rehabilitation, as well as material support" for victims and their families. "You are not forgotten. The harms you have suffered are recognized and urgently call for a meaningful response," it said. It has also appealed for voluntary contributions. Despite the legal wrangling over Bemba and the move to provide aid, the abuses remain unpunished. "Spending dozens and dozens of millions of dollars on the ICC case to achieve this result... it does nothing to change the fate of the victims" said Bernadette Sayo, the founder of an NGO called Ocodefad, set up in 2004 to support victims of the MLC, dubbed locally the "Banyamulenge". "We will ask the government to immediately withdraw from the ICC. The Central African Republic is no longer fooled." For Bouanga, scarred by what happened to his sisters and mother, the ICC decision will favour today's warlords enjoying impunity in a country where the state controls only small areas of territory. "They kill, they rape, they do everything in our country and then we will say that they are not guilty," he said. "The ICC is worthless." Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin Arya Dipa (The Jakarta Post) Bandung Thu, June 14, 2018 19:46 1220 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e92410c 1 National Ahmad-Heryawan,West-Java,Deddy-Mizwar,#RegionalElections,pilkada,2018-regional-election Free Prosperous Justice Party politician, Ahmad Heryawan retired as West Java Governor on Wednesday after serving for 10 years from 2008-2018. I want to teach, and farm, joked Heryawan at his farewell ceremony in the provincial administration building Gedung Sate in Bandung, West Java. Heryawan also thanked the West Java councilors and the regency and muncipal administrations for supporting his development programs throughout his two terms. Over that time he built, among other things, hundreds of classrooms, Jatigede Reservoir and West Java International Airport and received an unqualified opinion for seven years in a row from the Supreme Audit Agency. However, during Heryawans tenure, West Java also became one of the most religiously intolerant provinces in Indonesia according to the Setara Institute and the Wahid Institute, with multiple rights violations cases against Christians and Ahmadis. In 2010 Ahmad said, as quoted by kompas.com, that Ahmadis were deviant according to the Indonesian Ulemas Council's (MUI) edict and that they should leave Ahmadiyah and "join other Muslims". His deputy, Deddy Mizwar, had left his position earlier to campaign for the gubernatorial position in the upcoming election so the regional secretary, Iwa Karniwa, became the acting governor. (nor) Share this article Whatsapp Facebook Twitter Linkedin (Agence France-Presse) Manila Thu, June 14, 2018 14:32 1220 a7124a1e87885b91d244660f9e91d9ba 2 SE Asia Australia,sex-abuse,child-sex-offenders,Philippines Free An Australian man has been sentenced to life in a Philippine prison as part of a notorious child sexual abuse case in which prosecutors say he chained the victims like dogs. Peter Scully still faces another trial and dozens more charges, including allegations he made child pornography and murdered a young girl. The Philippines has become a key hub for a billion-dollar, global child cybersex industry, police have warned, with operators helped by widespread poverty. Scully was convicted Wednesday of trafficking and rape by a court in the southern Philippines, three years after he was arrested there and accused of sexually abusing and filming girls including an 18-month-old baby. The Cagayan de Oro court sentenced Scully and his Filipina partner to life in prison without parole and imposed a fine of five million pesos ($93,700) for trafficking Filipina girls then aged ten and 12, the regional prosecutor said. "This is a big victory for us. This sends a very strong signal to traffickers that this government is serious in pursuing and prosecuting these cases," Merlynn Uy, officer-in-charge of the regional prosecutor's office, told AFP. "These girls were lured into his apartment and they said that they were chained on the neck, like dogs on a leash." Scully was also found guilty of rape, which carries a minimum of six years behind bars. He was arrested in 2015 in Malaybalay, another southern Philippine city, after fleeing from Australia in 2011. He had come to the Philippines to escape fraud charges in his home country. He then set up a cybersex business, filming teenage girls from impoverished families as he had sex with them or used sex toys, investigators said. The videos were allegedly sold to customers in Germany, the United States and Brazil. Most of the people who pay to view these types of sex videos are abroad, with potentially thousands of children being abused, often with their parents' consent, authorities said. Scully faces another trial for a second batch of 60 charges including the rape of an 18-month-old baby girl and the rape and murder of a 12-year-old girl. It is not clear when those proceedings will start. The social welfare department said Scully's victims remained in government custody. "The children have been traumatised. We provide them therapy to help them prepare for a normal life," regional social welfare director Nestor Ramos told AFP. Australia's foreign affairs department told AFP it was providing consular assistance to Scully but declined to comment further citing "privacy obligations". Every year, thousands of people flock to Borobudur Temple in Magelang, Central Java, to celebrate Waisak (Buddha's Day of Enlightenment). During the celebration, both Buddhists and non-Buddhists usually observe the rituals, which include releasing thousands of lanterns. In addition to the Waisak celebration in Borobudur Temple, Agoda.com has shared some other places in Asia where people create paper lanterns and release them during special festivals. Here are the four places across Asia where you can enjoy lantern festivals, as compiled by kompas.com. Hoi An, Vietnam A post shared by The Lantern Fest (@lanternfest) on Feb 2, 2018 at 5:03pm PST In the old town of Hoi An, Vietnam, a lantern festival is held every full moon, giving visitors plenty of opportunity to catch this spectacle. During the celebration, all the lights in the ancient city are turned off, showcasing the beauty of colorful lanterns floating in the sky. Singapore In Singapore, the Mid-Autumn Festival is synonymous with moon cake and lanterns. The former is a food staple during the festival and it comes in various flavors, varying from the classic red bean or lotus seed paste to durian. As for the lanterns, they can usually be found in every corner of Chinatown. They come in different shapes and colors, showcasing the artists creativity. Read also: Thousands of lanterns light up Singkawang for Chinese New Year Seoul, South Korea A post shared by Damien (@glokduk) on Nov 15, 2017 at 1:01am PST Seoul Lantern Festival is held every November in Cheonggyecheon district, Seoul. The annual festival showcases hundreds of giant lanterns made by local artists. Tourists are also welcome to write their wishes and release the lanterns. Nagasaki, Japan Originally, Nagasaki Lantern Festival was part of the celebrations for Chinese New Year, which was commemorated by ethnic Chinese people living in Nagasaki, Japan. However, in 1990, the celebration was transformed into Nagasaki Lantern Festival. Located in Nagasaki Chinatown, the area is usually decorated with more than 15,000 lanterns. In addition to the lanterns, the festival also features several activities, including fireworks, lion dance and Chinese acrobatics. (jes/kes) Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2018 11:00 pm Members of the Montgomery County Board spent no small amount of time at their Tuesday, June 12, meeting in discussion with an attorney from Edwardsville who wants the county to file a lawsuit on prescription opioids. Thomas J. Lech of Goldenberg Heller & Antagnoli, P.C., attorneys in Edwardsville said he is part of a consortium of ten law firms filing individual actions on behalf of counties against drug manufacturers and distributors. Lech told board members that according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), Montgomery County has double the average amount of opioid prescriptions. "Drug manufacturers and drug distributors are not doing what they are federally mandated to do," Lech said, which is to report unusual opioid prescriptions. County action would begin with a resolution declaring opioid prescription abuse a "nuisance," then the law firm would gather data and file a suit for a 25 percent contingency fee. The board will seek advice from local law enforcement and the state's attorney before making a decision on the suit. Board member Earlene Robinson, who is also a member of the 708 board, reported that eight applicants asked for taxpayer-approved 708 funding this fiscal year. All eight were approved, but the amount is still up in the air pending collection after tax bills go out. The applicants are FAYCO, TASC, SAAD, UCAN, Continuing Recovery Center, Montgomery County Health Department, Litchfield School District and Panhandle School District. "You have no idea of the need," Blackburn said. One applicant, who submitted two weeks late, was denied. Wearing another hat as the board rep to CEFS, Blackburn reported that local clients received over $493,000 in LIHEAP utility help over the past winter and over $93,000 in reconnect assistance. She also reminded that June 21 is free public transportation day. At the recommendation of Road and Bridge Committee Chairman Gene Miles, the board approved up to $25,000 for design and engineering work and up to $1,200 for load rating work with Hurst Rosche Engineers in Hillsboro for a bridge on Phillips Trail in Raymond Township that will replace a pipe. The board also approved $150,000 in funding for construction; 80 percent of that will come from the township bridge fund, 10 percent from Raymond Township, and 10 percent from the county. Miles also received board permission to spend $3,000 from the county road and bridge fund to replace a 24-inch pipe on Niemanville Trail. "We are going to continue to look into this," Finance Committee Chair Megan Beeler said about quotes for earthquake insurance to cover county buildings. She also reported pictometry from the most recent flyover is now on the GIS website. At Finance Committee recommendation, the board conveyed trustee deeds to Michael D. Johnson and Rebecca P. Johnson for a property in Butler Grove Township, and to Ken Wilbur, Janice Lock and J.D. Wilbur for a property in Nokomis Township. "We have 15 dogs and eight cats," HWE Chairman Connie Beck reported on population at animal control. Committee vice-chair Chuck Graden gave the full report. Building and Grounds Committee Chairman Bob Sneed asked for and received board approval for a $5,000 expense for Smart Watt to perform a detailed energy audit which his committee hopes will lead to substantial energy savings after a performance contract with the company. The board also approved a contract with National Maintenance and Cleaning in Litchfield through November 2019 to clean the Montgomery County Courthouse for $19 an hour. During the report of the Economic Development Committee, Chairman Glenn Savage asked for and received board approval to loan $49,999 to a "company in Nokomis for improvement of automotive service" through the county revolving loan fund. Prior to the loan, the fund had a balance of $163,426. "We are at an 18-year low on unemployment," Savage reported, referencing companies who are having difficulty filling open positions. He also told board members to expect someone from the Illinois EPA to be at the July meeting for an update on the Eagle Zinc cleanup process, and he reported that a box trailer that had been parked on Green Diamond Bike Trail property has been moved. "Mayor (Ron) Seaton deserves credit for that," he added. At the recommendation of the EMA/Ambulance Committee, the board spent $15,953 from a $20,000 grant to buy a sophisticated drone with a night flight kit. The cost also includes training and two-year licenses for 15 pilots. There will be ongoing insurance and training expenses, EMA director Greg Nimmo said. The Litchfield Fire Department drone proved beyond its value in the emergency response to the Borgic Farms fire, Bergen pointed out. The board also approved a re-negotiated ambulance contract with the city of Litchfield, pending Montgomery County State's Attorney approval. Personnel Committee Chairman Kirby Furness said the county will likely have to come up with a new health insurance plan after Litchfield Family Practice gave notice that it will drop Health Alliance beginning Sept. 1. He is working with insurance agents on the problem. After a short closed session, the board also approved a three-year union contract with telecommunicators, the cook, secretary and custodian in Local 773. Board members approved Chairman Evan Young's reappointment of Ken Aumann, Dick James and Mike Rappe to the Board of Review, and of Ron Deabenderfer to the Revolving Loan Fund Board. Near the beginning of the meeting, County Clerk Sandy Leitheiser thanked Deabenderfer for proofreading board minutes for the past several months. VAC Superintendent asked board members to "explore the legality of doing on the county level what we have been waiting on the state to do" on legislation that would give the surviving spouse of a veteran with a service-connected disability the same property tax adjustment the veteran gets, and to pro-rate such exemptions across tax years, as is done on senior citizen exemptions. Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2018 11:00 pm Local residents know that Hillsboro has some unique and inspired signature dishes, and the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce is giving everyone a chance to see for themselves. The chamber is hosting the first-ever Taste of Hillsboro this Saturday, June 16, from 4 to 6 p.m. at the Lincoln Plaza in downtown Hillsboro. Adult wristbands are $2 each to try all the delicious savory and sweet samples Hillsboro has to offer. Children ages ten and under are admitted for free. Organizers have confirmed several local businesses that will be serving up their best dishes including Black Rabbit Coffee, Sage on Sage, Stretch's Honey, Cozy Cafe, Lomas del Sol, Whiskey Throttle, Sweet Addictions, Creekstone Kettleworks in Raymond and the Moonlight Y. In addition, the Beef Producers will be grilling up meat from Paris Frozen Foods to sample, and although the Opera House Brewing Company will not have any samples of beer yet, they will be on hand to sell T-shirts. For more information about the inaugural event, contact the Hillsboro Chamber of Commerce at 217-532-3711. Jun 13 2018 7:38 pm Agudath Israel of America, a national Orthodox Jewish organization, welcomes todays announcement by Attorney General Jeff Sessions regarding the Place to Worship Initiative. Through the Initiative, the Department of Justice, in conjunction with the U.S. Attorneys Offices, will take steps that will go far in strengthening the awareness of the religious protections afforded by the Religious Land Use and Institutionalized Persons Act (RLUIPA). Agudath Israel was pleased to play an active role on Capitol Hill in crafting and successfully promoting RLUIPA and, since its passage, in litigating cases involving its application. We also greet with enthusiasm the Departments announcement that it has filed a lawsuit today against the Borough of Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, in which it alleges that the borough and its zoning board violated RLUIPA when it denied zoning approval to Valley Chabad to build a synagogue on its property and proceeded to take steps to keep the congregation from building a house of worship anywhere else in the borough. Among the most formidable obstacles to the free exercise of religion today relates to the limitations imposed upon synagogues and other houses of worship by local zoning and land use laws. In recent years, we have seen several jurisdictions attempt to block the building, buying, renovation and rental of facilities for organized worship and for other religious activities, leading to much public discord in local courthouses and city halls. More ominously, restrictions on places to worship and other religious entities have been sought and utilized in some cases as a discriminatory means of keeping some religious groups from moving in and settling in specific towns and neighborhoods. This is particularly true in regard to the Orthodox Jewish community, whose Sabbath laws require synagogues to be within walking distance of its adherents, and therefore within, or close to, residential areas. The knowledge that if you zone out Orthodox synagogues, you zone out Orthodox Jews has been an ugly reality that our families and communities have had to face. The Departments plans for increasing RLUIPA awareness through hosting community outreach events and informational webinars, educating municipal officials and religious organizations, providing additional training and resources for federal prosecutors, and creating a new RLUIPA web page and tool kit, will all contribute to a better understanding of the rights enjoyed by religiously-observant Americans and ultimately to the better safeguarding of those rights. And the Departments action in bringing the Valley Chabad lawsuit shows that it is serious in backing up words with action when the law is not being followed. For those who were present in West London on June 14, 2017, its a day they will never forget. Residents awoke to the smell of fire and the sound of helicopters, while exhausted, blackened firefighters laboured in the streets surrounding a burning tower block. Questions rapidly emerged about how Grenfell Tower, a local landmark for many a vertical village had become a deathtrap In the hours and days that followed, uncertainty about the number of casualties and the cause of the fire endured. Social media platforms such as Twitter became a place where survivors, civilians, journalists and aid organisations shared the latest updates about the cause of the blaze, its progress and its aftermath. Combined with the fact that many of those who lived in Grenfell Tower were Muslim, their role and the role of British Muslims more broadly became a focal point of the online debate surrounding the tragedy. In the four days days after the fire, 44,000 tweets with the keywords Grenfell and Muslims flooded the social media platform. We decided to analyse these tweets, to see how Muslims were perceived and portrayed in the wake of the Grenfell Tower fire. A helping hand Our initial search of the tweets revealed that, during the first hours of the fire, there were tweets discussing the possibility of the fire being a terror attack. Some speculated that Muslims had set the fire as an attack during Ramadan. But there was also a substantial number of tweets depicting Muslims as heroes during the fire, because they were awake during Ramadan to raise the alarm, and knocked on doors to get residents to safety, while the stay put advice was still being given by the emergency services. We wanted to go deeper into the data, to find out how certain messages were spread, and identify the key influencers who shaped the debate. We purchased the data from a third party data provider , and analysed the text using a specialised platform with machine learning capabilities, called discovertext. We wanted to see how much the fake news stories about the Grenfell fire being a terror attack actually influenced the debate online. So, we sampled the top 5% of tweets by influence that is, how widely the tweet was spread and analysed them on discovertext. We then compared this with a random 5% sample of tweets. Joseph Downing, Richard Dron. , Author provided Once ranked by influence, the conspiracy theories all but disappeared from the debate. Instead, the most influential tweets were those about how helpful the Muslim population was, both during and after the fire. A full 74% of the most influential tweets spread messages about how Muslims, awake to close their Ramadan fasts, played a crucial role in spreading awareness of the fire and evacuating residents from the building. Joseph Downing, Richard Dron. , Author provided discovertext also allowed us to export the data, to generate comprehensive maps of the social network. The complete overview was made up of 812 intersecting networks; the boundaries are blurred, as messages pass between the different topics of discussion surrounding the fire grouped by colour in the graphic. Richard Dron. , Author provided Fighting fake news We found we could examine not just how individual messages were spread, but also how they were refuted and contested. For example, one story concocted by fake news and conspiracy site InfoWars aggregated comments and tweets to claim that Muslims celebrate London tower fire. The story was shared 730 times. But in the post truth era of Trump and Brexit, we were also interested to know how misleading information was challenged on social media. Grenfell was completely unlike the 2016 US presidential race where fake news was widely spread and believed by users. Instead, misinformation was refuted by users, who shared stories from mainstream media to highlight the positive contributions of Muslims in the wake of the fire. Richard Dron. , Author provided The Express, This graph shows how the InfoWars story spread, but also how it was challenged by users tweeting back articles from The Daily Mail The Independent and The Telegraph , which pointed out how the local Muslim community helped at the height of the unfolding disaster. Clearly, fake news is not innately persuasive in all contexts instead, it can trigger far more nuanced and complex processes on the social media platforms where it is spread. At a time when news coverage relating to Muslims is dominated by concerns about terrorism, Grenfell is a rare instance where people looked past religious and ethnic differences, to recognise the humanitarian contributions of this community, amid tragedy and disaster. Clearly, fake news is not innately persuasive in all contexts instead, it can trigger far more nuanced and complex processes on the social media platforms where it is spread. At a time when news coverage relating to Muslims is dominated by concerns about terrorism, Grenfell is a rare instance where people looked past religious and ethnic differences, to recognise the humanitarian contributions of this community, amid tragedy and disaster. A London doctor has revealed how he was one of the first to treat survivors and victims of Grenfell Tower, one year on from the tragedy that claimed 72 lives. Dr Philip Lee, an Elderly Care and Acute Medicine Physician at a West London teaching hospital, was summoned out of bed at 3.39am and called into work where he immediately set about treating survivors of the blaze. Lee recounted on Twitter how the night unfolded, before paying tribute both to the firefighters who were battling to bring residents out alive and the Grenfell residents themselves, who showed quiet dignity in the face of unimaginable horror. Trigger warning: (#Grenfell) "Wake up, your phone keeps buzzing." 14th of June, 2017. 3:39 AM I sat up, I was not on call, I looked at my phone. Two missed calls and a text from NHS-NoReply I dialed the given number and punched in the code, rubbing my eyes. Philip Lee (@drphiliplee1) June 13, 2018 He went on to describe the disorientation that faced him both before and after he arrived at the hospital: "What is it?" "Major incident, fire in West London apparently." I replied. Heading out of bed to the shower as my wife headed to the kitchen, turning on the TV on the way. The tepid water woke me up, it was a hot, humid night. "How bad is it?" I shouted. Philip Lee (@drphiliplee1) June 13, 2018 "Bad. Really bad. Go." I grabbed the coffee she handed me and jumped in the car. I caught a glimpse of BBC news on the way out. Growing up in Hong Kong I've seen high rise fires. This was nothing like what I've seen before. Philip Lee (@drphiliplee1) June 13, 2018 4:20 AM The streets were empty, the occasional couplet of fire engines and police rush past me. Inside the hospital, there was no chaos, no shouting, the emergency dept consultants were in, I joined my colleagues at the briefing. At that point, we had 40 consultants in. Philip Lee (@drphiliplee1) June 13, 2018 We had medical consultants clearing the wards of patients ready for discharge, resus was busy and filled with sick patients. I was assigned to the urgent care centre, to help treat P3 patients. I joined my colleagues there, as patients streamed in. Philip Lee (@drphiliplee1) June 13, 2018 Seeing and treating injuries and smoke inhalation that day, hearing the stories of escape, the frightened looks, the quiet dignity of the residents, was harrowing. But nothing compared to the horrors they've witnessed. Philip Lee (@drphiliplee1) June 13, 2018 Lee, who was born in Hong Kong and has worked as a physician for 14 years, went on to describe the bravery of the firefighters and police officers on the scene, and how unprecedented the situation they were facing was: Injured fire crew were brought in, after treatment, their first question was "Can I head back out?" One firefighter kept saying, "The whole thing went up, it's not supposed to do that. It's not supposed to do that." Their bravery was humbling. Philip Lee (@drphiliplee1) June 13, 2018 One police officer later told me he had to use a riot shield to protect firefighters running into the building from burning debris, and falling people. We had little experience on this volume of smoke inhalation in London. Critical care beds were quickly cleared. Philip Lee (@drphiliplee1) June 13, 2018 The 15-tweet thread shed light on the vital actions of those that were tasked with treating victims and the survivors something that may have been forgotten over the past year. Patients with smoke inhalation can deteriorate quickly, going from a P3 (walking wounded) to P1 (immediate) within moments. We had to react quickly, gathering available supplies of steroids, nebulisers, deciding who could go home, who needed to stay. Philip Lee (@drphiliplee1) June 13, 2018 One thing that stuck with me that day, the smell. A terrible, sweet, burnt smell that was everywhere, on the patients, on our clothes, on the wards. I still can see that night if I smell a bonfire. Philip Lee (@drphiliplee1) June 13, 2018 Lee went on to reveal that the tower his patients had escaped from was visible from his hospital ward, and that the full scale of the tragedy was still very unclear in the hours and days afterwards as he attempted to process what he had witnessed. I remember at 2pm, I sat in the ward office, The first time I sat down and rested til then. I had eaten half a sandwich, and I dozed off for 10 minutes, Grenfell visible from our window, still smouldering. I wondered how many more were inside, how many more were coming. Philip Lee (@drphiliplee1) June 13, 2018 Three and a half hours, we were stood down. I remember driving home in silence, the smell still on me, I wanted to cry, for the survivors, for those who died in that most terrible way, but there were no tears. Just a deep, silent sadness. Philip Lee (@drphiliplee1) June 13, 2018 He ended the thread by explaining how he is still suffering the effects of that night, months afterwards. That was our third major incident that year, it would not be our last. Then we slipped into a harsh winter. Some months later, I remember walking home from the station, I had my headphones on, listening to a Spotify recommend playlist. Philip Lee (@drphiliplee1) June 13, 2018 A song came on, at the time I didn't know what it was, and a line went: "Good-bye today I'd ask you to be true Cause the hardest part of this is leaving you" The stories I heard came flooding back, how they died going back for loved ones, to save others. Philip Lee (@drphiliplee1) June 13, 2018 His closing tweet was a tribute to the victims, and a plea to ensure that an incident of the same nature is never repeated: I burst into tears, weeping on the side of a street on the other side of London. People passed, looking uncomprehendingly, as I sobbed. For all the victims For all the survivors I'm sorry, we did our best, I promise Next time, we'll be even more ready#GrenfellTowerFire Philip Lee (@drphiliplee1) June 13, 2018 Twitter users were quick to react to Lees recount, offering their thanks and assuring him that he had no reason to feel guilty about the events that he witnessed: Amazing work. And thank you for sharing Ciara Nic Sheain (@Ciara87C) June 13, 2018 Heroes Every single one of you Every single medical worker. Every single fire fighter. Every single police officer. Every single person who tried to help. Thank you RadioactiveFM Claire (@ClairesOnAir) June 14, 2018 Your tweet moved me to tears. Thank you for responding to the call and to all emergency personnel who did so much that night, and every day. Judith H #FBPE (@judithh2478) June 14, 2018 The fire, which broke out on the fourth floor of Grenfell Tower in Notting Hills Lancaster West Estate, raged for over 24 hours before finally being extinguished just after 1am on Thursday 15th June. It claimed 72 lives. The oldest victim was 84-year-old Sheila, whilst the youngest, Logan Gomes, was stillborn at seven months just hours after the tragedy. His parents Marcio and Andreia and sisters Megan and Luana survived the fire. An official inquiry was opened on 14th September 2017. There has been a pause in proceedings today, to mark the one year anniversary of the disaster. Image credit: By ChiralJon (Grenfell Tower) CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons I bet Pakistan hasnt been on your bucket list this year, or the years past. Maybe it is not something that seems as easy to reach, pretty or safe compared to other holiday spots. However, I have 5 reasons why Pakistan is a beautiful and amazing place to visit. Not only will you experience something that no European place can give you, but you will learn a lot about yourself and be surprised how much a developing country actually has to offer. 1. It is full of history and culture India local laws and customs Pakistan,and Bangladesh were one country named India or Hindustan. The partition of India took place once the British Empire, aka British Raj, dissolved in 1947. The Punjab province of Pakistan is very much like India with its foods, languages and culture, especially as Lahore has the main border gates between the two countries. However, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, also known as KPK, offers a completely different atmosphere. Both are amazing, welcoming and loving but very different. Make sure to check theto ensure you dont unintentionally disrespect that culture or group of people by doing something that seems normal in England! 2. The food If you think you have tried a curry, think again. You are going to where it all originally comes from and the guys in the street cook it the best! Be prepared for the spice unless you tell them to tone it down a bit and a chicken korma here is not the same chicken korma there. Here we have it creamy and sweet, but originally it is really spicy and hot. So, watch out but trust me, the food is amazing! Try everything from the street foods to the posh high-end restaurants or hotel buffets. And if youre daring enough to go in the July heat (hitting 40+ degrees) be sure to try the Pakistani MANGOS! They are simply THE BEST you will ever find in this world. They are soft, sweet and juicy. Yum. 3. The scenery Have you heard of Hunza Valley? Or Swabi Valley? North of Pakistan is where a glimpse of health insurance and take your pick on where to explore! heaven is seen, and it is utterly breath taking. Coming away from the hot cities full of people and traffic these valleys and villages in the north are a completely different world. So serene, so surreal. I cant say any more than that; let your imagination run wild (or Google it and take a look at what I am talking about!) You dont need to go all the way there for your nature fix either you can experience similar beauty all around the northern areas of Pakistan. Plan your journey, arrange yourand take your pick on where to explore! 4. Jaw-dropping architecture Turkey FCO crime pages No matter what city you go to or where you decide to explore, the architecture will show itself off in all corners of the country. Each museum, mosque or government building has this grand style of design. Unlikefor example, where most local mosques architecture seems to imitate the Blue Mosque in Istanbul, Pakistani mosques are all unique and vary in design. The Faisal mosque in Islamabad lacks the typical dome feature usually associated with these buildings, however it is the biggest one in the country with huge courtyards and a marble interior. The Badshahi mosque in Lahore boasts design from the Mughal era and is the second largest in the country. Please do check local laws and customs when entering places of worship and also be aware of thieves! Check theon the website for more information on how to keep safe. 5. The budget visa Okay, so flying there and obtaining themight be a little harsh on the pocket, but when you are actually there, everything is peanuts. British currency is very strong in Pakistan and 1 can get you, depending on where you are, a meal. Going to the street bazaars and the markets are way better on the bank account compared to the shiny new shopping centres. They have a lot of American franchise shops and restaurants there such as Hard Rock Cafe, Pizza Hut and KFC so you wont feel completely alien either, but the pricing will be like England. However, buying your gifts and souvenirs will be something not to bother budgeting for and there are even hotels that start from 300 rupees a night (equivalent to 2). Even better, there are some AirBnb places to rent, so keep your options open when you plan your stay. I would recommend exchanging your money in Pakistan for better rates! I have been to Pakistan numerous times and I enjoy the hustle and bustle, the language, culture and atmosphere, but I would highly recommended going as a responsible, mixed gender group. Some areas dont allow women to leave the house without a man, although other areas are more modern and liberal. Lastly, most people in Pakistan speak English! So, all is not so alien in Pakistan, and there are elements of comfort and familiarity when you are there. FCO website Pakistan is a lovely country with amazing people, but unfortunately it is prone to terrorist attacks and bomb blasts. The best way to educate yourself on the dos and donts of the country is by visiting theand I recommended doing further research on the area you plan to go. Taking out travel insurance will be one of the main things to do if you plan to go to Pakistan and also make sure it covers you for everything you think may be necessary. So, have you got what it takes to travel out of your comfort zone? In order to provide no entrant with an unfair advantage, Student Travel Writer 2018 competition entries are edited for grammar only - stylistic choices and headlines are solely the work of the writer in question and not of The National Student's editorial staff. It dawned on me however, that a true journey of discovery is not so much about exploring new lands, but new perspectives...Its main route from Moscow through Nizhniy Novgorod, Omsk, Krasnoyarsk, and Irkutsk to Vladivostok runs through eight time zones and is 9288.8 kilometres (5771.8 miles) in length. After months of reflecting on my experience, I dare say it is not only a journey across the vastness of Russia, but also a journey of self-discovery.Although the Trans-Siberian Railway was originally built primarily for practical reasons - as a means of transporting goods within Russia - it became something much more than merely a train carrying various wares. Siberia, associated mainly with extremely cold winters, is also distinguished by the beauty of the local nature. The Trans-Siberian Railway offers the inhabitants of small towns along the railway line a way to communicate with the rest of Russia, a no small feat, considering its the largest country in the world. It is a local symbol of hope, and perhaps an example of a shared cultural identity.From the plains of Mongolia to the snow-capped peaks of Siberia the Trans-Siberian Railway has a lot to offer, but not only to aficionados of mesmerising views. Life on board the Trans-Siberian Railway is an important aspect of the journey to consider as well youll spend your time eating, reading, perhaps even dreaming of having a hot shower or a homemade meal. As the saying goes. Its not about the destination, its about the journey. Travelling on the Trans-Siberian Railway is all slowing down a little bit to simply enjoy the moment and become more open to what life, with all its unpredictability, has in store for you. Its a wonderful way to get to know the world around you and learn something new about yourself.Travelling across Russia on board the Trans-Siberian Railways is first and foremost a challenge to overcome oneself. You spend 24 hours a day with your own thoughts, sometimes with no privacy, hygiene, shower and a lack of space. After six months of pondering on my journey, I reached the conclusion that it was a different form of travel. A travel deep into the unknown and unexplored areas of your inner self. What can I say, it was tough, but what doesnt kill us makes us stronger. If you feel ready to explore not only Russia, but yourself, exchange your pounds for roubles and set off on one of the most beautiful life journeys you can ever make a journey into the unknown. travellers Travelling travelling travelling alone tackles a lack of outward focus by presenting simple daily tasks. This focuses the mind on the present and stops us from having too much thinking time. Crucial decisions like where to eat, sleep, and how to get from A to B, appeal to human instinct - unlike the clutter of decisions that are presented to us in day-to-day life. The National Student's Assistant Travel Editor Caitlin told us her solo trip to Lisbon during a stressful time at University helped her feel mentally and emotionally free." On her return, she felt clearer and more positive" about the direction of her studies. "Travelling solo gives you the time you need to be outside of your own head. It offers real clarity," she said. Riding solo also improves your sense of self. Making such simple decisions proves that you can solve problems, however small they may be, and reduces your reliance on others for strength and happiness. Matthew Bowker, a psychoanalytic theorist says humans use groups as identity markers to define ourselves, which means using others to fill out our identities, rather than relying on something internal, something that comes from within. Travelling enhances the ability to know that youre going to survive, that youre going to be okay if youre not supported by this group. This proves our independence and capability to take life head on and create our own happiness. How liberating!Recent graduate Poppy agreed that Being alone while you travel means you have to make your own fun and not rely on others which helps you to be happier and less socially anxious in your everyday life, following her trip abroad. This view was shared by The National Student's Advice Editor Becca, who moved to the Czech Republic on her own for a year abroad. She said, Traveling solo helped increase my confidence and build my self-esteem. I stopped doubting myself as much and started to trust my ability to handle situations. Even when things went wrong and unexpected situations arose I learned that I was able to cope and adapt to the changes. Beccas travel aided her ability to tackle her own issues with mental health, and promote her own self-growth, I stopped feeling so lonely and depressed and was able to handle my depression better. The more I challenged myself and succeeded, the better my mental health became. I started to feel more confident and capable."Solo travelers often comment on the sense of reality they gained from their trips. Intrepid explorer Bella said, Its great to make friends along the way, but at the end of the day you are at your own mercy, and you can take whichever path you desire, whenever you like. Its REAL life. And we should all do it more - we would live longer,". Life is simplified to the present moment whenalone and presents a fresh start to meet new people in new places. Making these connections is intrinsic to happiness by triggering oxytocin and serotonin release also known as the happy hormones. Solitary travel makes you more likely to reach out to new people that you meet, hence why single people have stronger social networks than those who are married. Our minor interactions that frequently go unnoticed, whether a greeting or small talk, make all the difference in promoting a sense of belonging to a larger community. So dont be discouraged,alone is an enriching and rewarding, albeit challenging, experience which should not be missed! Get to know yourself and the world around you. 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 His latest ongoing solo series is set to release in September. Source: Marvel Comics Last December Iceman writer Sina Grace took to Twitter to announce that the solo X-Men series would be coming to an end after 11 issues. This week Grace has better news with the announcement of the return of Iceman. This time he'll team up with Bishop to save the Morlocks. It's good timing too, because someone is hunting the Morlocks for sport. And it's up to Bobby Drake to prevent another potential Mutant Massacre. But who's behind this horrific hunt? You wouldn't believe it if we told you! Guest-starring Bishop, get ready for more ICEMAN! Iceman #1 by Sina Grace and artist Nathan Stockman is set to release September 12. The LAPD is also investigating Morgan over elder abuse. Source: Uncle Rich's Rumour Rag Stan Lee has filed a restraining order against his manager Keya Morgan, after Morgan's arrest earlier this week on charges of filing a false police report. Morgan is a long-time associate of Lee, who took over his business dealings in recent years and has led to a series of bizarre stories involving Lee including having his blood stolen, suing his former company, and being accused of sexual abuse. Now the Los Angeles Police Department are investigating Morgan for reports of elder abuse against Lee. The filing accuses Morgan of taking advantage of Lee's impaired hearing, vision and judgment, moving Lee from his longtime family home and preventing family and associates from contacting him. Lee has also been appointed a legal guardian in Tom Lallas, a friend and lawyer of his and is currently with his daughter JC Lee and lawyer Kirk Schenck. Southern Pines, NC (28387) Today Mainly sunny to start, then a few afternoon clouds. Slight chance of a rain shower. High around 85F. Winds W at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Mostly clear. Low 48F. Winds NNW at 5 to 10 mph. Posted Tuesday, May 22, 2018 4:15 am Washington State Sen. John Braun, R-Centralia, is calling for a special legislative session to address school safety following the May 18 shooting in Santa Fe, Texas, a release from the lawmakers office stated last week. Braun said as both a lawmaker and parent he wanted the Legislature to continue building on work from the 2018 session to better protect students, offering a statement in the release. My heart goes out to the victims and grieving members of the Santa Fe community, Braun stated in the release. Their loss is unimaginable and yet another example of reprehensible terror in our school system. Braun stated that although no legislative action would outright stop gun violence in schools, lawmakers could take steps to reduce the risk of deadly violence in schools, adding that mental illness was often the underlying cause. Violence in American schools frequently results in Republicans and Democrats arguing instead of working together to solve the problem, Braun stated in the release, though he noted there were areas for bipartisan agreement within state government. He mentioned some proposals such as his own advocacy for putting $500 million in state bonding authority before voters to expand mental health services, as well as ideas from others such as limiting access to certain types of guns by individuals under age 21 or by creating anonymous tip lines where safety concerns could be reported to the proper officials. We can and should build on this years bipartisan work led by Sen. (Steve) OBan, (R-Tacoma) working with Senate Democrats, which resulted in a workgroup with diverse experiences to develop strategies to identify and intervene against potential perpetrators of mass shootings, Braun stated in the release. Although the reports were not due until December, he called for the group to meet more frequently in order to have recommendations by August, allowing for a special session to occur before school starts for the 2018-2019 school year. The Reflector Meanwhile Jeremy's not a healthy chap - still reeling from his severe sea sickness and experiencing what sounds like a fairly gruesome UTI... However, they refuse to have come so far and not give this search their all. We're hoping for better conditions than yesterday, but regardless they will be out on the water tomorrow. We will keep you updated. We're very proud of the boys. Keep at it. Stay safe. #SearchForMH370 A rare 30-minute footage of John Fogerty's interview on Countdown in 1985 has recently surfaced on YouTube. Interviewed by Adam Curry just before his time in MTV, Fogerty was asked if it was true that he gave up on music business. Fogerty responds, I had to draw away from the limelight at that point because of various legal and kind of financial and involvement that came along with the success of Creedence. "But I really had to go back and working on my music privately. I was in a situation where I was sort of forced to do it that way. So I accepted the challenge and climbing up the mountain from the bottom," Fogerty continued. Halfway through the interview, Curry asked Fogerty why he did not play any psychedelic or underground music at the time he was working in San Francisco during the flower power era. Fogerty replied saying that he never really liked that kind of music as it seemed very transient. He had more interest in rhythm and blues musicians such as Otis Redding, Booker T. & the M.G's and James Brown "Psychedelic was always sort of this watered-down middle class skinny little white boys trying to sound heavy and be laid back. And I just couldn't identify with it. Most of the time, they just put me to sleep!" You can watch the full length video above. Video credit goes to Reelin' In The Years Productions Held on June 6, 2018, on McGill Universitys downtown campus under a big tent, the Goodman Cancer Research Gala this year brought together more than 800 guests and raised $3,002,906, setting a new record in its 10-year history in support of the McGill University Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre (GCRC). With a goal to double the number of lung cancer survivors in the next decade, the GCRC concurrently launched the Lung Cancer Network, a project to unite basic and clinician scientists and clinicians in Montreal, provincially, nationally and internationally to accelerate research outcomes and, ultimately, to find cures. We are privileged to have at McGill an internationally renowned cancer centre where the best scientists in the field are working to decode the disease, says Principal and Vice-Chancellor Suzanne Fortier. By collaborating, the opportunities for discovery are multiplied, and we can begin imagining, as Morris and Rosalind Goodman did, a future that is cancer-free. Also announced was the creation of the McGill University Rosalind Goodman Chair in Lung Cancer Research. Dr. Logan Walsh, GCRC scientist and recruit from Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center in New York, was named the inaugural chair holder. Research is complex, but our objectives are quite simple, explains Morag Park, Director of the Goodman Cancer Research Centre. We want to save lives. In the last 10 years, weve gained new mechanistic insights into multiple hard-to-treat cancers, including pancreatic, breast and colorectal, as well as melanoma, which has opened doors to new treatment options. Lung cancer strikes more people than breast, prostate and colon cancer combined, and is not only associated with smoking. This disease is not going away. The Lung Cancer Network will facilitate collaboration among basic and clinician scientists, clinicians and patients to: better understand the disease type, particularly in the non-smoking population; improve prevention, diagnosis and treatments for lung cancer; and become one of the premier lung oncology networks, with local, national and international partnerships. My late wife Rosalind, who lost her battle to lung cancer in 2014, was the visionary behind all we have done, says Morris Goodman, Co-founder of The Gala. She would be so proud to see what has been accomplished through scientific advancements and the building of unique partnerships between all those who are committed to finding a cure. We are so fortunate as Montrealers to have this world-class research centre as a resource to all in our community. The more than $3 million donated by the Montreal and broader philanthropic community during this years Gala fundraising included $250,000 from The Gewurz Family, through a generous gift to the Montreal General Hospital Foundation. Prime Minister of Canada Justin Trudeau conveyed his support of the GCRCs work in a video message at the start of the evening, as did Quebecs Minister of Health and Social Services, Dr. Gaetan Barrette, who was present at the event. The 2018 Gala marked the 10th anniversary of the Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre. Since its inception, the Gala has raised more than $10 million for cancer research, galvanizing philanthropists in the Montreal community and beyond. The Rosalind and Morris Goodman Cancer Research Centre (GCRC), located within McGill Universitys Life Sciences Complex, is a state-of-the-art hub for ground-breaking cancer research that attracts and retains top scientists from around the world. Originally established in 1978 as the McGill Cancer Centre, the GCRC leads scientific advances that enable it to investigate cancer at a genomic, cellular and molecular level, and to understand how cancer progresses, spreads and resists therapies. www.mcgillgcrcgala.com www.mcgillgcrc.com McGill University AB President Donald Trumps trade adviser Peter Navarro expressed regret Tuesday for having said there is a special place in hell for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Let me correct a mistake I made, Navarro said at a Wall Street Journal conference, according to video provided by the Journals CFO Network. In conveying that message I used language that was inappropriate. Trump was furious after Trudeau had said at the end of a contentious economic summit in Quebec that he wouldnt let Canada be pushed around in trade relations with the United States. Appearing on Fox News Sunday, Navarro said: Theres a special place in hell for any foreign leader that engages in bad faith diplomacy with President Donald J. Trump. The United States has alienated Canada and other allies by imposing tariffs on steel and aluminum imports, arguing that they pose a threat to U.S. national security. The move has been roundly criticized by Canada and the European Union, leading to heightened tensions at last weeks summit of the Group of Seven wealthy democracies just before Trump left for Singapore and a meeting with North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un. Trumps top economic adviser, Larry Kudlow, suggested that Trump saw Trudeau as trying to weaken his hand before the summit with Kim. Kudlow said the president wont let a Canadian prime minister push him around. Kim must not see American weakness. Kudlow later suffered a very mild heart attack, the White House said Monday, but was in good condition. On Tuesday, Trump kept up the attack on Trudeau. At a news conference after his meeting with Kim, the president said the Canadian leader must not have realized that Trump had televisions on Air Force One, allowing him to monitor Trudeaus news conference at the end of the G-7 summit. Thats going to cost a lot of money for the people of Canada; he learned, Trump said wagging his finger. You cant do that. A spokeswoman for Trudeau, Eleanore Catenaro, declined to comment on Navarros acknowledgement of a mistake. Bruce Heyman, a former U.S. ambassador to Canada, said: Navarro himself crossed a line, basically telling a leader of a foreign nation that he needs to go to hell. I dont care how mad, how angry you are, you dont treat the head of state of another country like that unless you are getting ready for a military engagement of some kind. Heyman waged a campaign on Twitter to persuade Navarro to apologize by saying he was contacting U.S. politicians about his remarks. (AP) With rising anti-Semitic incidents around the country and in particular rising hate crimes across New York State, last February, Governor Andrew Cuomo announced that he would appropriate $25 million for security for yeshivas and other nonpublic schools. The Securing Communities Against Hate Crimes Grant Program provides grants to help strengthen security measures and help prevent crimes or attacks against these facilities because of their ideology, beliefs or mission. At an event on Wednesday morning in Magen David Yeshiva in Brooklyn, Governor Cuomo announced the release of the first round of grant awards. 61 yeshivas and other community facilities in Brooklyn were awarded a combined total of more than $5 million. Agudath Israel of America applauds the Governor who has made the security of our students a top priority. Increased security funding has been and continues to be a major legislative agenda item for the Jewish community, and Agudath Israel has been in the forefront in advocating for increased funding for yeshivos over the past few years. Agudath Israel attendees, Mr. Ami Bazov, Coordinator of Yeshiva Services and Rabbi Shai Markowitz, Director of the Lefkowitz Leadership Initiative, commended Governor Cuomos strong statements against anti-Semitism and the importance of ensuring all students are safe in school. Rabbi Chaim Dovid Zwiebel, Agudath Israels Executive Vice President, noted that, the Governors unwavering stance on anti-Semitism has distinguished him as a friend of our community. He has put his office and prestige behind a tangible proposal to protect religious institutions. Those institutions will now be able to reap the fruits of this initiative in the form of more secure facilities and greater protection for yeshiva and other nonpublic students throughout the state. We are truly grateful for his leadership. We are living in dangerous times and our institutions need to do everything they can to keep the children safe. This special allocation will go a long way in helping them secure their facilities. (YWN World Headquarters NYC) The United States will not ease sanctions against North Korea until it denuclearizes, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday, as he reassured key Asian allies that President Donald Trump had not backed down on Pyongyangs weapons program. Pompeo, meeting in Seoul with top South Korean and Japanese diplomats, put a more sober spin on Trumps summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un after the presidents comments fueled unease in Washington, Tokyo and Seoul. He said Trumps curious claim that the Norths nuclear threat was over was issued with eyes wide open, and brushed off a North Korean state media report suggesting Trump would grant concessions even before the North fully rids itself of nuclear weapons. Were going to get denuclearization, Pompeo said in the South Korean capital. Only then will there be relief from the sanctions. Diverging from the president, Harry Harris, Trumps choice to become ambassador to South Korea, said the U.S. must continue to worry about the nuclear threat from North Korea. However, Harris, the former commander of U.S. forces in the Pacific, endorsed Trumps plan to pause major military exercises with the South, saying the U.S. is in a dramatically different place from where it was a year ago. Pompeo emphasized that the drills, which North Korea claims to be preparation for a northward invasion, could still be resumed if the mercurial Kim stops negotiating in good faith. The words of reassurance from Pompeo came as diplomacy continued at an intense pace after Tuesdays summit in Singapore, the first between a sitting American president and North Koreas leader in six decades of hostility. In the village of Panmunjom along the North-South border, the rival Koreas on Thursday held their first high-level military talks since 2007, focused on reducing tensions across their heavily fortified border. Pompeo flew from Seoul to Chinas capital, Beijing, later Thursday for a meeting with President Xi Jinping, whose country is believed to wield considerable influence with North Korea as its chief ally and economic lifeline. I also want to thank China and President Xi for his role in helping bring North Korea to the negotiating table, Pompeo told reporters. Pompeo thanked Beijing for its continuing efforts to help achieve the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization of North Korea. He said both sides had agreed that sanctions would not be eased until thats achieved. Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi described the Singapore summit as having great historic significance with the potential to lead to enduring peace. Wang said the U.S. should continue to work through China. Pompeo said there was still a risk that denuclearization might not be achieved and there was more work to be done by Beijing and Washington. Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang reiterated Chinas support for a political settlement, while also pointing to an eventual lifting of U.N. Security Council economic sanctions. We believe that the sanctions themselves are not the end, Geng said. China has been praised by Trump for ramping up economic pressure on the North, which the U.S. believes helped coax Kim to the negotiating table. For its part, Beijing has broadly welcomed Trumps diplomacy with Kim. The summit in Singapore marked a reduction in tensions a sea change from last fall, when North Korea was conducting nuclear and missile tests, and Trump and Kim were trading threats and insults that stoked fears of war. Kim is now promising to work toward a denuclearized Korean Peninsula, and state media heralded the meeting as victorious, with photos of Kim standing side-by-side with Trump splashed across newspapers in Pyongyang. On Thursday, North Koreans finally got a glimpse of video of Trump and Kim together, as official Korean Central Television broadcast the first footage of Kims trip to Singapore. Yet there were persistent questions about whether Trump had given away too much in return for too little. Trumps announcement minutes after the summits conclusion that he would halt the provocative joint military drills were a shock to South Korea and caught much of the U.S. military off guard, too. Pyongyang has long sought an end to the exercises it considers rehearsals for an invasion, but U.S. treaty allies Japan and South Korea view them as critical elements of their own national security. So Pompeo had some explaining to do as he traveled to Seoul to brief the allies on what transpired in Singapore. In public, at least, South Koreas leader cast the summits outcome as positive during a short meeting with Pompeo at the Blue House, South Koreas presidential palace. President Moon Jae-in, an avowed supporter of engagement with North Korea, called it a truly historic feat that had moved us from the era of hostility towards the era of dialogue, of peace and prosperity. Still, there were signs as Pompeo met later with the top Japanese and South Korean diplomats that concerns about the freeze had not been fully resolved. South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha told reporters afterward that the military drills issue was not discussed in depth. This is a matter that military officials from South Korea and the United States will have to discuss further and coordinate, Kang said. The U.S. has stationed combat troops in South Korea since the end of the Korean War and has used them in a variety of drills. The next scheduled major exercise, involving tens of thousands of troops, normally would be held in August. With the Trump-Kim summit concluded, the baton was being passed to lower-level U.S. and North Korean officials, who Pompeo said would likely resume meeting as early as the next week to hash out details of a disarmament deal, sure to be a complex and contentious process. He said the U.S. was hopeful North Korea would take major disarmament steps before the end of Trumps first term in office, which concludes in January 2021. (AP) (PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE) Dozens of participants took part in a Kites for Peace event in Los Angeles on Monday. The event was to raise awareness for the latest wave of terror in the south of Israel using flammable kites, and to create the first of what is hoped will be similar events around the world. The event took place in Balaboa Park, a local LA park with several dozen children and their parents preparing and flying the kites together in a unique display of love and support for the residents of Gaza border communities and the IDF soldiers protecting them. The project, called Kites for Peace, was the initiative of World Bnei Akiva (WBA) emissaries in LA, Eli and Shani Skaist. During the evening, the mostly elementary school children, learned about the complicated political situation in Israel due to the burning of agricultural fields by incendiary devices sent into the southern communities from Gaza, by way of kites. Participants wrote greetings and messages to the residents of Gaza border communities and IDF soldiers on their kites which were then flown on a small aircraft. This has been such a heartwarming event, said the Skaist couple. The enormous physical distance between us and those who lives in the Gaza border communities is a difficult distance to bridge. Our hearts are with Israel and we felt that we had to do something to help. So we decided to call on Los Angeles residents to come out and identify with the residents of Israel. We were thrilled with the response from the community here, members of whom were more than happy to come and participate and to work together to create a process calling for unity and peace, while creating a special tribute to the residents of the south and our wonderful soldiers. We are all praying that the kites flown by the children of Los Angeles yesterday will be an important reminder to everyone that the kite is an innocent toy, light years away from the destruction it has caused in Israel. Initiatives such as the ones we saw yesterday in Los Angeles are a source of strength for all of us, said Roi Abecassis, Director of World Bnei Akiva. Our emissaries have taken on an important and painful cause. In the name of World Bnei Akiva, I call on our branches all over the world, and indeed on youth movements in general to continue this incredible initiative, and to call upon Jewish communities worldwide to support the people of Israel in this difficult time, he concluded. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem/ Photo Credit: World Bnei Akiva) (PHOTOS IN EXTENDED ARTICLE) Jack Nasielski, 92, from Edison, New Jersey, landed in Ben-Gurion Airport on Tuesday, 29 Sivan, on a Nefesh BNefesh group Aliyah flight, in cooperation with Israels Ministry of Aliyah & Integration, the Jewish Agency, Keren Kayemeth LeIsrael and JNF-USA, together with another 27 new Israeli citizens. For Jack, this is yet another chapter in his eventful life. Born in Dessau, Germany, Nasielski, a Holocaust survivor, fled the Nazis as a child through Poland, and eventually was captured and shipped to four different camps including Auschwitz and Blachhamer where he was finally liberated in 1945. Jack is fulfilling his Aliyah dream almost 71 years to the day since he arrived in New York on a boat as a post-war European immigrant. For almost 20 years now, Jack has lived in Edison, New Jersey, following his daughter Lilly and her husband Bruce. Now he is following his children again as they all make Aliyah to Rehovot this summer to join Lilly and Bruces four children and Jacks many grandchildren and great-grandchildren who already live in Israel. Israel is the Jewish homeland. No one can persecute you for being a Jew in your own country, explained 92-year-old Shoah and Auschwitz survivor Jack Nasielski upon joining his children, grandchildren and great grandchildren in Israel. Today I am proud to be an Israeli and a real Jew. Israel is my new home and I love it. (YWN Israel Desk Jerusalem/Photo Credit: NBN) Courtesy of Piazza Family(STATE COLLEGE, Pa.) -- A former Penn State fraternity brother has entered the first guilty plea in connection with the death of pledge Tim Piazza, who died after falling down fraternity house stairs during an alcohol-fueled hazing ritual, prosecutors said. Ryan Burke, who was accused of forcing Piazza to drink from a bottle of vodka the night of his fall, pleaded guilty Wednesday to four counts of hazing and five counts relating to unlawful acts involving liquor, the Pennsylvania Attorney General's office said. Burke, now 21, admitted to his role in the hazing and will be sentenced on July 31, according to prosecutors. "This is a tragedy and he is anxious to make amends," Burke's attorney Philip Masorti said Wednesday, according to the Bridgewater Courier News. "There are too few words to describe a loss so great. This young man understands that." Piazza family attorney Tom Kline told ABC News, "We are pleased to see one individual accept responsibility and encourage others to follow in his steps." Pennsylvania Attorney General Josh Shapiro added that his "office is committed to seeking justice on behalf of Tim Piazza and his family and holding every responsible individual accountable for their actions, consistent with the law and the evidence in this case. Twenty-five others face charges in the case which stemmed from Piazza's February 2017 death. On the night of Feb. 2, 2017, after taking part in a hazing ritual known as the Gauntlet, a heavily intoxicated Piazza was heard falling down the stairs at the Beta Theta Pi house, and later found lying face down at the bottom. Fraternity members carried him upstairs and put him on a couch, where they dumped water on his face and slapped him in an apparent attempt to wake him, to no avail, according to a grand jury report which cited evidence including surveillance video, witness testimony and phone records. When one pledge tried to intervene, insisting they get Piazza some help, the pledge was shoved into a wall and was told that the brothers had it under control, according to the grand jury report. As the night went on, Piazza, a 19-year-old sophomore, tried over and over to stand on his own, falling each time and eventually going still, according to the grand jury report. No one called 911 until the next morning, when his breathing was labored and his skin had turned gray. Prosecutors have claimed the brothers waited to get Piazza help in an attempt to cover up their drinking and "coordinate a story." Piazza died on Feb. 4 of traumatic brain injuries. Beta Theta Pi has since been barred from Penn State. Since Piazza's death, his parents Jim and Evelyn Piazza have channeled their grief into fighting for the safety of future college students. "We believe that there needs to be stiffer criminal penalties against hazing, Jim Piazza told ABC News last year. "Nobody is trying to kill Greek life -- were just trying to make it safer." "We're both of the mindset -- Tim would not want us to fade away and just continually grieve," he added. "Trying to make a difference for others, I think, is somewhat therapeutic." Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Challenges: Dixons Carphone boss Alex Baldock The recently installed chief executive of Dixons Carphone, Alex Baldock, must have had better days. When he took over ten weeks ago the main commercial concerns were doldrums in the smartphone market and the threat from online electronics and white goods sales from digital champions Amazon, AO and Argos. As an import from digitally astute Shop Direct, among Baldocks first actions was to start a review of all of Dixons IT systems and online services, including security levels. It was as a result of this exercise that a hack of financial and personal data, involving an astonishing 5.9m customers globally, emerged. Learning from past corporate IT failings, notably at TSB, Baldock is taking full responsibility for the mess by apologising profusely to customers. Having discussed matters with payment processors, he believes that the 5.8m customers using chip-and-pin to pay for goods, whether in shops or online, should be largely protected because of the security built into the systems. Another 105,000 customers, perhaps Americans who were shopping with Dixons Carphone at airports, are more vulnerable. The Dixons hack does not appear to have been the result of computer geeks playing silly games or seeking to extract a ransom. All the indications are that the motive is fraud, although thus far no cases have emerged. The group is engaged in a massive communications exercise designed to reassure customers and alert them to possible swindles. None of this is very helpful to Baldock, who was brought in to try to halt a share price slide of 35 per cent against a rising market in the past year. But it underlines why retailers are potentially doomed if they dont have the best-in-class online shopping experience and security. Having polished up in-store service and advice under the leadership of predecessor Seb James, no one now wants to see Dixons Carphone join Maplin, Comet, Zavvi et al on the scrapheap of history. Next leavers The WPP detox is just starting in the wake of the companys AGM. Chairman Roberto Quarta may have survived the effort to dislodge him over a lack of openness over laffaire Sorrell, but soon after a new chief executive is inaugurated then shareholders will move on to demand Quartas scalp. In the interim, pay chairman Sir John Hood (veteran of the Helge Lund pay scandal at BG) should be packing his bags after a whopping 30 per cent of investors failed to back the companys remuneration report. Hood seems to think running a pay panel is a licence to print money for directors. As for Sorrell, he is ruined goods. A handful of shareholders felt that he has been harshly treated and would have liked to hear a glowing tribute. But angry WPP board members are determined that he should not be allowed to rise Lazarus-like on the back of business connections nurtured at WPP. Numbers crunched BY the standards of Britains feeble audit regulator, the Financial Reporting Council, the fine of 10million imposed on PwC for signing off the accounts of BHS before it was sold to former bankrupt Dominic Chappell must be considered a triumph. It was delivered within two years and is bigger than anything in the past. It is amazing the difference it makes if a regulator is being pushed hard by a Commons select committee and the subject of a review by former mandarin Sir John Kingman. Given that PwCs fee for the BHS audit was 355,000, it has been treated rather harshly. The penalty was cut to 6.5million because of the co-operation of the firm with the inquiry. Similarly, the 500,000 fine, cut to 325,000, for audit partner Steve Denison together with a 15-year ban also looks harsh. Up to a point, Lord Copper. The PwC audit of BHS was a fraction of the work which the auditor did for Philip Greens empire. As for Denison, no one could argue that a 15-year ban from his profession is a light escape. But the fine is equivalent to just half the average annual earnings of a PwC partner. The real victim is the loss of trust in auditing. PwC may have escaped censure for its audit of Tesco but, like KPMG, its reputation is in tatters. The bell tolls for the oligopoly of the Big Four audit firms. No sir: Lloyds chief Antonio Horta Osorio is said to be angling for a knighthood Nothing in the Queen's birthday honours for pearly toothed Lloyds chief Antonio Horta-Osorio, who yearns for a double tap on the shoulders. Rascally Antonio, 54, should be advised the honours committee bods are a priggish bunch with memories as long as elephants'. Gongless Jonathan Fry, 80, former chairman of British oil firm Burmah Castrol, blames his lack of knighthood on a conversation he once had with the Queen, to whom he'd mentioned he held a royal warrant. When she asked what for, he replied: 'I supply your lubricants, ma'am.' HM was not amused. Sage ex-Bank of England governor Lord King invites Country Life to his Kent home for a tour around his new library, which he's built to house his proud collection of 10,000 books. Owlish Merv, 70, says he spends lots of his time in there 'reading and thinking, writing and talking.' When not watching Love Island, presumably. Former WPP boss Sir Martin Sorrell, who departed amid squalid allegations that he used company funds to pay for a prostitute, had one dogged defender at the firm's lively AGM yesterday. The elderly shareholder criticised chairman Roberto 'No' Quarta, 69, for not opening with a tribute to Sorrell, 73, whom he said had been forced out over 'immaterial issues'. No word on who the fellow was. Perhaps it was Sir Martin's much-quoted 'friend' who's been doing his bidding recently. Whoever replaces outgoing BT boss Gavin Patterson, 50, will be taking up a poisoned chalice, but there is one minor perk to look forward to. BT's St Paul's office retains an executive lift, so there's no awkward chit-chat with the serfs in the morning. Sulky fashion designer and businesswoman Stella McCartney endured a slobbering interview yesterday with oddball BBC arts editor Will Gompertz, discussing, inter alia, her new environmentally friendly store, her commitment to employing women as well as creating Meghan Markle's wedding gown. Now 46, is impeccably connected Stella ripe for a damehood? Her father Paul had to wait until he was 54 for his 'K', due to his 1980 drug bust in Japan for marijuana possession. Payments processing firm Adyen has seen its share price almost double TRADE TRIUMPH Payments processing firm Adyen saw its share price almost double as it started trading on the Dutch stock exchange. The company, whose technology is used by Facebook, Netflix and eBay, was initially valued at 6.25billion, but by the end of the day it was worth more than 12billion. CASH CONVERTER Wealth manager Charles Stanley has reported a 30 per cent jump in profits to 11.4million for the year to March 31. Annual results showed total funds under management edged 0.8 per cent lower to 23.8billion. DATA CRASH Britains competition watchdog has raised concerns over a proposed merger between data firm Nielsen and Ebiquitys marketing analysis business. The Competition and Markets Authority has given the two firms until June 20 to offer a solution or face an in-depth probe. The CMA said competition may be significantly reduced if the merger went ahead as planned. SLOW DOWN Industrial production in the eurozone fell by 0.9 per cent in April providing further evidence that the single currency blocs economy is slowing after a brief recovery. The figures came as the DIW economic institute slashed its growth forecasts for Germany from 2.4 per cent to 1.9 per cent for this year and from 1.9 per cent to 1.7 per cent for next year. RIG DEAL Oil services firm Ades says it is expecting full-year results to be in line with expectations. It has just bought three Saudi-based offshore rigs from Nabors Industries, which will start bringing in revenue immediately. METAL MINER Platinum miner Tharisa has bought a 26.8 per cent stake in Karo Holdings for 3.39million, giving it access to an area covering around 23,903 hectares in the Great Dyke hills area of Zimbabwe. NEW SHARES Oil and gas company Upland Resources is selling 120m new shares at 2.5p each. The cash raised will be used to fund its Wick well in the North Sea as well as ventures in Malaysia and Africa. STAFF STRUGGLES Half of businesses are struggling to find suitably qualified staff, leading many to recruit candidates who can be trained on the job, a study by recruiters Robert Half claims. ENERGY FUND Solar power investment firm Next Energy Solar Fund says net asset value has increased from 479million to 605million. WPP continued to pay Sir Martin Sorrell tens of millions of pounds to stop the former chief executive from 'throwing his toys out of the pram', the group's chairman has claimed. In an extraordinary admission, Roberto Quarta said the board felt it could cut the ad tycoon's pay by only 22million in 2016 despite investor uproar over 70million he had been handed the previous year. This was partly because Sorrell's benefits had been capped at 200,000 and his spousal travel allowance reduced, the chairman added while on the sidelines at the firm's AGM yesterday. WPP chairman Roberto Quarta said the board felt it could only cut Sir Martin Sorrell's pay by 22m in 2016 despite investor uproar over 70m he had been handed the previous year As a result, Sorrell trousered 48million a figure that still made him the FTSE 100's best-paid boss. 'We wanted to ensure that Martin would not throw his toys out of the pram, so to speak,' Quarta said. 'Now you can well imagine it's the end of 2016, company performance is stellar trying to have conversations with a chief executive who has already agreed to a reduction in remuneration and spousal travel. To then have him agree we should also change terms and conditions of his contract you can understand that was something we were working on.' Yesterday Quarta also revealed WPP tried to negotiate a non-compete deal with Sorrell to stop him taking his talents elsewhere if he left but failed to agree on changes to his contract before he quit in April under a cloud of misconduct allegations. The 72-year-old has since gone on to launch a new company, S4 Capital. Sorrell has claimed his new venture is a 'peanut' compared to 15billion WPP, but he was still warned he could face legal action if he acted on secret information from his time at WPP. Quarta said: 'We are entitled to challenge any individual who may breach a confidentiality agreement, and Martin would be no different. 'He has a lot of knowledge and that knowledge has a lifespan. We are watching to see what Martin will do.' Quarta's comments came at as shareholders vented their fury at a 20million exit package set to be paid to Sorrell. More than a quarter of investors rebelled against the lucrative payout at the AGM in London. It followed complaints by advisory services about a lack of transparency around the tycoon's departure. Ryanair is opening a new base in Britain in an apparent U-turn after warning that Brexit would be a disaster for the UK and the countrys airline industry. The budget airline said it will start flying out of Southend in April, which sent shares in the airports owner, Stobart, soaring. In March, Ryanair boss Michael OLeary threatened to ground planes in a bid to force voters to rethink their position on leaving the EU. UK base: Ryanair said it will start flying out of Southend in April, which sent shares in the airports owner, Stobart, soaring He told an audience of airline leaders: Its only when you get to that stage youre going to persuade the average British voter that you were lied to in the entire Brexit debate. But Southend will become its 14th UK base, creating 750 jobs, with Ryanair operating 13 routes to eight countries from the Essex airport, with destinations including Barcelona, Corfu, Milan and Venice. Stobart Group was up 11.2 per cent, or 26.5p, at 263p. But Ryanair chief commercial officer David OBrien insisted the company was still as gloomy as ever about Brexit. He said: Dont confuse this great news as some sort of vote of confidence in the future of UK aviation its a vote of confidence in Southend Airport. Investors in Unilever could be forced to sell their shares as the group's chief finance boss confirmed it is 'extremely unlikely' to remain in the FTSE 100 index. The move comes after the consumer goods giant announced plans to call time on its Anglo-Dutch structure and shift its headquarters to the Netherlands. Speaking at a conference, Graeme Pitkethly, Unilever's chief finance officer, said the group was 'engaging extensively' with the FTSE Russell, which is the FTSE's governing body, over plans to simplify its business. On the move: Unilever is unlikely to stay in the FTSE 100 index With no headquarters in the UK, however, it is unlikely that the company with meet the eligibility requirements for a FTSE 100 listed company. 'From this it is clear that it is extremely unlikely that the 'New NV' shares after simplification will be included in the FTSE UK series,' Mr Pitkethly said. He added: 'Consequently our weighting in the pan-European indices will be increased.' Unilever's shares would still be traded on the London Stock Exchange, but no longer be listed on the main benchmark index. The decision to remove Unilever from the FTSE 100 index is yet to be confirmed and the group has to send out official documents to shareholders about the proposed changes. It is possible Unilever could be removed from the FTSE 100 index by the end of the year. Unilever's share price is down 3.58 per cent or 148.5p to 4,001p. Taking a dip: Unilever's share price is down 3.58 per cent or 148.50p to 4,001.50p In March, Unilever announced plans to move its headquarters from London to Rotterdam. Investors are yet to vote on the move, but the company's chief executive, Paul Polman, has encouraged them to vote in favour of the proposal at an extraordinary meeting expected to be held in the third quarter. Unilever's announcement to move its headquarters was seen as a major blow to the UK Government as it battles to uphold the country's status as a stronghold for business after Brexit. The company's strategy changes were ramped up after it fended off a $143billion hostile takeover bid from US food giant Kraft in February last year. Later in the year, Kraft announced it was no longer interested in making a further bid for the group. Rolls-Royce boss Warren East slammed the firms financial performance as abysmal as he axed 4,600 jobs in a bid to save 400million per year. Middle managers and office staff are being axed in the engineers biggest round of job cuts in almost two decades. About 3,000 jobs are expected to go in the UK, about 13 per cent of its total staff, with its headquarters in Derby the worst affected. It comes on top of 2,000 marine division roles and 800 managers chopped since East took over in 2015 and set about trying to turn around the business. Rolls-Royce boss Warren East has struggled to streamline the company since he took the controls in 2015 Consultancy firm Alvarez & Marsal has been helping Rolls decide where to make the cuts, which employs more than 55,000 people worldwide. East said that rather than leaving it understaffed, the job cuts will strip out duplication of roles and speed up decision-making in a bid to ensure that the company is more competitive. Asked if he would be happy with the shape of the company after this round of cuts, he added: I think broadly the shape of the company will be right its always a very competitive business. We need to keep our eyes on being competitive on a continuous basis, and one of the challenges we have here is we have been concentrating on developing technology, on modernising our facility, on scaling up volume production. For many years we probably havent been paying much attention to making ourselves competitive as a business. Its a big correction to not paying attention to the business side of it for quite a long time. This is a pivotal moment in our history. East, 56, who was paid 2.3million last year, has been trying to double the number of airplane engines that Rolls produces, as well as generate up to 1billion cash even as he has cut staff. He is also planning on slimming the company down from five to three core divisions civil aerospace, defence and power systems. However, he has been beset by problems, including having to pay a record 671million fine in 2017 over historic allegations it paid bribes to win export contracts. Ongoing problems with its flagship Trent 1000 engines, which is in service with airlines around the world, has forced it to divert engineers and resources. Justifying the latest round of cuts, East said there should be six to seven layers of management between the chief executive and the shop floor, rather than up to 11, as at present. He added: We are a roughly 15billion turnover business ,and in 2017 we generated 273million cash. That is approximately 2 per cent. Thats abysmal. Last year Rolls announced 150million of investment in its facilities in Derby. Previous commitments with unions will be honoured but most of the staff affected by this round of cuts are not unionised and some face compulsory redundancies. Steve Turner, assistant general secretary for aerospace at Unite union, warned of the potential economic impact on communities in Derby and elsewhere dependent on jobs at the engineer. He added: There is a real danger that Rolls-Royce will cut too deep and too fast with these jobs cuts, which could ultimately damage the smooth running of the company and see vital skills and experience lost. Recent comments by RBS chairman Howard Davies may have left its small business customers scratching their heads. Why? Because he hinted that the banking giant was closing branches in order to force them elsewhere. This may sound bizarre, but he blamed branch-cutting decisions on its competition responsibilities linked to its government bailout during the financial crisis, suggesting customers would be less inclined to switch banks if branches were open. At present, a number of 'challenger' banks are battling for a war chest that RBS has had to make available as part of the same conditions. This is Money explains what's going on. Big hint: RBS chairman Howard Davies said: 'It would be difficult for customers to transfer or get them to transfer if their branches were still open' What the chairman said... Last month, shareholders at its annual general meeting pressed the bank on its responsibility to customers amid plans to shut 162 branches in England and Wales. Mr Davies said: 'We must - or else we may be fined - transfer a proportion of our small business customers from the branches which are currently branded RBS but would have been Williams & Glyn. 'It is not possible for us to keep all our branches open if we are forced to transfer customers, which is what we are forced to do indeed. 'It would be difficult for customers to transfer or get them to transfer if their branches were still open.' Williams & Glyn failure and the SME fund The statement suggests RBS is being forced to close branches in order to force business customers elsewhere or face major fines. RBS, now 62 per cent taxpayer owned after a recent shares sell off, is having to hand out 775million to its rivals to increase competition in the small business current account sector after it failed to spin off the Williams & Glyn brand. This plan, an European Union penalty after its 2008 bailout, failed over a seven-year period and cost it 1.5billion. Williams & Glyn - an old brand, defunct in 1985 - would have been split away from RBS and revived, much like TSB was from Lloyds, to become a separate brand and sold off to a competitor. However, it was plagued with problems and finally canned last summer. The 162 branches in question would have been under the Williams & Glyn brand. As a result of its failure, the payout to rivals was the alternative. Howard Davies: The RBS chairman says the bank will be fined unless it transfers a number of its SME customers Battle for the money by 'challengers' RBS, along with Barclays, Lloyds and HSBC, make-up a huge 80 per cent of the small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) current account market. Firms tend to stick with their bank and rarely switch, often seeing it as inconvenient or not worthwhile. The idea of the 775million fund is to increase competition in the SME current account market and none of these big banking boys can go after the treasure chest. However, the fund - officially known as the RBS Alternative Remedies Package -has not been without controversy. Small challengers are allowed to battle for the money but some have voiced concerns about the size of those who can go for the cash. Applicants must have less than 350billion in UK assets. Santander just about qualifies to go after the cash, despite being a huge high street banking giant which already has 10 per cent of the small business market. One challenger bank boss told This is Money that it seemed these goalposts were set to allow the Spanish bank to qualify. Santander had previously failed to buy Williams & Glyn. Others after the money include Clydesdale and Yorkshire, Metro Bank, Starling Bank and TSB. Just over half the tranche of cash will be in the form of 15 small grants which challengers will be given, the rest is what banks can bid for, with only three being able to get a slice of the 325million pie. Santander: The banking giant qualifies to apply for the tranche of cash available to stimulate SME current account competition Nationwide Building Society has put its hat in the ring for cash but not the main tranche. Joe Garner, chief executive of Britains biggest mutual, said it would be the first time in its 172 year history it would offer small business current accounts, if the big is successful. It already offers business savings accounts and has considered expanding into the sector previously, but deemed the costs of entry too expensive. Mr Garner believes the second tier of cash available, which includes packages of up to 50million, would be enough for Nationwide to step into SME banking. The idea is the cash will be used to incentivise 220,000 what would have been Williams & Glyn customers to leave RBS for new pastures. Furthermore, challengers were left frustrated by the length of it time took the Government to finally get a committee together to award the cash. The fund was given the green light in 2017, but the independent committee was only finally cobbled together last month. 'Opportunity to transform business banking' Craig Donaldson, chief executive at Metro Bank, told This is Money: 'It is imperative that the funds from the RBS Alternative Remedies Package are used to help break up the monopoly of the big five banks, by those who truly wish to challenge the status quo and provide businesses with a superior level of service that's long overdue. 'This is a once in a generation opportunity to transform the business banking landscape and make a difference to SMEs up and down the country, who have for years been underserved, underinvested in and underwhelmed by their banking providers.' Mr Donaldson's labels them the 'big five banks' to include Santander with the other big banking names. Paul Pester, the TSB boss, also consistently says the big five banks, clubbing Santander into the mix. Challengers which technically includes Santander are likely to bid for the cash over the summer. It may stimulate competition, but it also appears, given Mr Davies' comments, that it has helped shrink the British branch network to boot, unless those awarded the cash use it in part to open branches and many SME owners value having a branch nearby, rather than having to do all of their banking online. Additionally, if Santander is awarding the big pot, expect there to be much grumbling among the smaller challengers. National Savings and Investments has dealt savers a punishing blow, slashing the amount they can stash in its popular Guaranteed Growth Bonds from 1million to just 10,000 per person. The treasury-backed savings provider has kept the rates on the one and three-year fixed rate accounts the same at 1.5 and 1.9 per cent, respectively. The generous deposit limit and the backing of the Government made the accounts a popular option for looking to squirrel away large amounts. The cut hits both wealthy savers and those looking for a safe place for lifetime savings. While existing accounts wont be affected, savers looking to open a new account may be better off looking elsewhere with far higher rates available from other providers. Blow to savers: NS&I has dropped its maximum deposit limit from 1million to just 10,000 The provider, which has 25 million customers, says the reason for its change to deposit limits is to help meet its targets. Jill Waters, retail director at NS&I, said: 'Guaranteed Growth Bonds and Guaranteed Income Bonds have been on sale since 1 December 2017 and have proven extremely popular. 'We are pleased to have given savers over six months to invest larger amounts, but these changes to the investment limit will allow us to manage demand in order to achieve our net financing target for 2018-19, while continuing to deliver positive value to taxpayers.' Where can you find the best saving rates? While rates are still disappointingly low, currently savers can find accounts paying far higher returns than NS&I is offering on This is Moneys independent best-buy savings tables. The best rates are currently offered by challenger banks but they all come with Financial Services Compensation Scheme protection on deposits up to 85,000. Last week saw challenger bank Atom launch a 2.05 per cent one-year fix, the highest rate glimpsed by savers since April 2016. MORE TOP SAVINGS DEALS Of course, NS&I only offer one and three-year fixed rates but savers can find different terms on the open market. Again Gatehouse and Atom Bank offer the top rates for savers committing their cash for two years at 2.13 and 2.15. On the longest term, five years you can currently earn as much as 2.68 per cent, again from Gatehouse Bank, followed by Secure Trust and Vanquis Bank. Alternatively easy-access accounts currently pay up to 1.3 per cent from french-owned RCI Bank For more top-paying accounts, jump to our independent best-buy savings tables A 10,000 deposit with Atom Bank would earn 55 more than the same amount held with NS&I's equivalent one-year Guaranteed Growth Bond. The account can be opened with just 50 and it allows monthly interest of 2.03 per cent APR. For savers put off by the fact that Atom Bank requires you to manage your account by mobile phone app, the best alternative would be Gatehouse Bank at 2 per cent or OakNorth Bank at 1.87 per cent. Those preferring to lock cash away for three years can currently earn up to 2.31 per cent or 2.33 per cent with a Sharia compliant bank. On a 10,000 deposit thats worth 220 each year, compared to 195 paid by NS&I. French-owned RCI Bank offers the 2.31 per cent rate across a three-year term. It is covered by the French equivalent of the FSCS scheme, the French Deposit Protection Scheme up to 100,000. Gatehouse Bank is Sharia-compliant and therefore offers an expected profit rather than guaranteed interest but its rate is slightly higher than RCI at 2.33 per cent. You can learn more about how Sharia Banks work by reading our guide which explains the other differences. What about wealthier savers? Those with a larger amount to save will need to spread their cash between multiple banks to ensure their cash is protected in full. If you are lucky to have a full 1million that means 12 different accounts. The top 12 accounts in This is Money's savings tables all pay rates of 1.8 per cent or higher on a one-year fix - beating NS&I by at least 0.3 percentage points. The average rate from merging the lot is 1.86 per cent, which on 1million would earn 18,600 in interest in a year, before tax. Remember though you must check whether institutions you choose are part of the same banking group and therefore share the same banking licence - for example, savings with BM Solutions and Halifax both sit under the Lloyds Banking Group licence and are therefore jointly covered up to the 85,000 FSCS limit. Safest savings providers: Savings Champion has reviewed the ratings on the top comparable accounts to NS&I's Guaranteed Growth Bond for those who don't want to split their pot Can you deposit large sums with one bank? There is no failsafe way to do this unfortunately. There are no guarantees on your cash over 85,000 unless you spread it between banks. But if you are considering stashing a large sum with one bank, there are precautions you can take to see how sage your money will be. Anna Bowes, director of independent savings advice site Savings Champion, explains: 'Many people will not have the time or patience to split their money, so will probably leave it with their trusted high street provider. 'If this is likely, you can turn to the ratings agencies, such as Moodys and Fitch, to get a better indication of the banks financial health, although it is no guarantee of the future security of your cash. The ratings agencies themselves are keen to point out that these ratings are just their opinions of the relative credit risk of fixed income obligations.' Three-year bonds compared: Savings Champion reveals the best accounts from banks with top ratings from ratings agencies Moody's and Fitch Such ratings reflect both the likelihood of the bank defaulting and any financial loss suffered in this event. It's also worth bearing in mind that if you decide to use a provider with a minimum A rating and leave all your savings with them, you could miss out on thousands of pounds if you dont also consider the rate on offer. For example, if you deposit 500,000 into a 12-month fixed rate bond with Santander you would earn just 0.5 per cent or 2,500 in gross interest over 12 months. But if you choose a more competitive rate with Close Brothers, you could earn 1.8 per cent or 9,000 gross over 12 months. For those happy to consider a Sharia account, there is one A-rated provider - Al Rayan - offering slightly better rates. For example, over 12 months the expected profit rate is 1.85 per cent gross or 1.86 per cent EPR, so on 500,000 your return could be 9,300 before tax. However, it is important to understand that rather than a fixed rate of interest, the return is an expected profit rate, so is not guaranteed. Rolls-Royce has announced it is set to axe up to 4,600 jobs over the next two years as the engineering giant attempts to slash 400million in annual costs. The group said the bulk of these job cuts would impact the UK workforce and would be made over the next two years, with around 1,500 expected by the end of 2018. Rolls said the overhaul will impact support functions and management, including within engineering, as its historic site at Derby is expected to be hit the hardest. This comes after the engineering firm announced it was refocusing its business on civil aerospace, defence and power systems. Rolls-Royce has announced it is set to axe up to 4,600 jobs over the next two years as the company attempts to slash 400million in annual costs The group, which employs 50,000 people in 50 countries, is also expected to announce how it will make a return on the investment made in recent years and the expected drivers of cash flow beyond its medium-term horizon. The restructuring will cost it around 500 million including redundancy costs over the next three years, but will see it save 400 million every year by the end of 2020. The job cuts are a part of Rolls-Royce's brutal overhaul to rein in costs. Rolls insisted it would honour a previous pledge not to impose compulsory redundancies on union-represented staff, including at its sites in Derby, Hucknall and Annesley. Warren East, chief executive of Rolls, said: 'We have made progress in improving our day-to-day operations and strengthening our leadership, and are now turning to reduce the complexity that often slows us down and leads to duplication of effort. 'It is never an easy decision to reduce our workforce, but we must create a commercial organisation that is as world-leading as our technologies.' The company has 55,000 employees worldwide of which 26,000 are in the UK, with 15,700 of those in Derby. On Friday company boss Warren East (pictured) is set to speak to investors Previous job cuts under Warren East, who joined in 2015, have led to a net reduction of just over 600 people. This is the largest reduction in its headcount since 2001 when the company announced plans to reduce 5,000 jobs, plus 1,000 contractors, which at the time was around 12% of the workforce. Unite assistant general secretary Steve Turner said: 'This announcement will be deeply unsettling for Rolls-Royce workers and their families and could have a dire economic impact on local communities reliant on Roll-Royce jobs. 'There is a real danger that Rolls-Royce will cut too deep and too fast with these jobs cuts, which could ultimately damage the smooth running of the company and see vital skills and experience lost. 'Unite will be offering our members maximum support through this process and seeking assurances on no compulsory redundancies from Rolls-Royce for Unite members affected by this announcement. 'Over the coming days Unite will be working with Rolls-Royce, relevant agencies and other employers to find people affected alternative employment and to retain skills in the aerospace sector.' Hardest hit will be the engineering giant's base in Derby where most of its white-collar staff are located. Rolls has been based in Derby since 1906 Rolls-Royce said earlier this week that a compressor issue that had grounded Boeing planes had been found in a different type of engine. It is understood that upcoming job cuts at the company are not connected to the issue of a costly compressor problem. Britain's best known engineering company was hit by a problem with a compressor in the Trent 1000 package C engine that is not lasting as long as expected, grounding planes, forcing inspections and angering airline clients. The engine powers Boeing's 787 Dreamliner jet. On Monday it said it had now found the same issue on a 'small number of high life Package B engines', requiring a one-off inspection of the B fleet and sending its shares down 1 percent. The news, which will not affect Rolls' full-year free cash flow target, comes as the group embarks on the latest stage of a major restructuring programme under Chief Executive Warren East that is designed to boost profitability. MBABANE Its E420 000 for this years SwaziBank Schools Choral Music Competition. This sees the annual sponsorship which is the highest in the choral genre grow by E20 000 as it was at E400 000 in 2017. Confirming the sponsorship was SwaziBank Managing Director Zakhele Lukhele. He announced the sponsorship yesterday morning at the banks boardroom in Mbabane. We are here today to officially kick start the 14th edition of this annual competition. The bank continues to have confidence in the competition hence the consistent sponsorship and support, said Lukhele. He said they have observed in the previous years the growth in the competition as more schools participate. He said the amount announced excludes financial support provided by the bank towards other costs of the competition such as branding, promotional merchandise and events management. Lukhele said they were looking forward to the start of the competition this weekend as it is scheduled for June 16, and they hope it will be a success until the day of the main finale. We look forward to a very competitive competition as we have noticed in recent years that more schools are joining. I would like to reaffirm the continuation of the sponsorship going into the future, he said. SITEKI A government vehicle burst into flames after it was mistakenly filled with diesel instead of petrol. This happened at the Central Transport Authority (CTA) Siteki Depot, yesterday afternoon. The vehicle, a Toyota Hilux whose value is estimated at over E100 000, was registered under His Majestys Correctional Services (HMCS). CTA employees responsible for filling up government vehicles allegedly committed the error by filling the vehicle with the wrong fuel, said a witness. They immediately realised the mistake and they resolved to drain the diesel from the fuel tank, said the witness. And after draining the diesel, the witness said, the CTA employees refuelled the vehicle with petrol and then ordered the driver to start the engine. As the driver was starting the engine, the vehicle burst into flames and a loud bang reverberated around the area, witnesses alleged. Firefighters were then called to the scene but by the time they arrived, the vehicle was already burnt. Unhurt The driver of the vehicle, who is a warder, managed to escape unhurt and the CTA workers who were standing in front of the vehicle when it started burning, were also not injured. The driver later told this reporter that he was from Bhalekane Correctional facility to collect containers of sour milk (emasi). His journey took him to Siteki where he had to refuel the vehicle before heading back to Matsapha Correctional facility. The driver said he was aware that the vehicle had a petrol engine and he blamed the CTA employees for filling it up with the wrong type of fuel. They alleged that they usually confuse the fuel pumps, thus they filled the vehicle with the wrong fuel, he stated. An official at the depot confirmed that the vehicle was filled with diesel instead of petrol. But he could not explain how the fuel attendants had allegedly committed the error. Meanwhile, another government vehicle which was found parked next to the fuel pumps was alleged to have also been filled with the wrong fuel. Some CTA workers said the vehicle, which is used by Siphofaneni police, was filled with petrol instead of diesel. The plan was that the petrol should be drained but after what happened, everybody is scared, said a CTA employee. Chief Police Information and Communications Officer Superintendent Khulani Mamba, said nobody was injured when the vehicle burst into flames. He said firefighters managed to put out the fire before it could spread to nearby vehicles and other structures within the depot. Attempts to get a comment from HMCs Public Relations Officer, Superintendent Gugulethu Dlamini, were unsuccessful as her mobile phone rang unanswered when called yesterday evening. Euphoria Intros White-Label Cloud PBX for Resellers By Paula Bernier - Executive Editor, TMC South Africas Euphoria Telecom is appealing to resellers with a new offering called Seraphere. Its a full-featured, white-label cloud PBX platform. And it enables users to select the broadband carrier of their choice. The company introduced Seraphere at the 2018 Cloud Conference this week in South Africas Gauteng province. Euphoria Telecom plans to launch the new service in global markets later this year. The U.K. will get it first. Seraphere was designed to simplify migration to the cloud. Euphoria Telecom says the service is easy to configure and manage. And it doesnt require heavy upfront costs or specialists to manage Seraphere. Because its white labeled, resellers delivering Seraphere can rebrand and package the offering as they like. They can also do their own billing. Other Euphoria solutions include The Express Cloud PBX, which the company describes as a general purpose solution; The Enterprise Cloud PBX, with provides small and medium enterprises with the functionality, scalability, reliability and security they need; and The Integrator Cloud PBX, which provides reduced call rates, an auto-dialer, integration into Salesforce, and more. Euphoria does not constrain resellers to low margins, instead honours mutually beneficial partnerships, Euphoria Telecom CEO George Golding once said. Resellers are entitled [to] a significant portion of the revenue generated from the resale of Euphorias product. Eight-year-old Euphoria Telecom offers proprietary cloud PBX communication services for businesses in South Africa. The company has more than 600 business customers. That includes Altech Isis, Galaxy and Co, Groupon, Net1 Applied Technologies, Caturra Coffee, Steyn City, Cell C Franchise, Xeon Logistics, Affinity Health, Romans Pizza, Rosetta Coffee, Truth Coffee, Accounting Professional Training, Cosoft, Auto Prism, Grant Thornton Financial Services, Bach Accountants, Habitat for Humanity, BEEE Exchange Advisors, and many others. Please enable JavaScript to view the Edited by Maurice Nagle KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A 13-year-old boy is recovering in the hospital after someone shot him as he was standing at the front door of his home Wednesday night. It happened near 56th and Wayne around 10:30 p.m. KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Several people visiting Kansas City did not receive a warm welcome. Some guests at a local hotel woke up to find their belongings stolen and their car windows smashed. We may see a sign that says, "park at your own risk," but many of us ignore it. Q&A from the Rethink Ed conference in Kansas City, Missouri, hosted on by the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation . . . Asked a diverse group of attendees a very important question. More uplifting commentary whilst local schools remain mired in provisional accreditation and political leaders seem mostly concerned with power plays and bidding on lucrative contracts connected to the industry.Here's a nicer view . . .You decide . . . Resolution 180367: "Expressing the Mayors and Councils support for the Mayors Committee for People with Disabilities call for the new KCI terminal to be the most accessible airport in the world." - The current airport waiting game gives way to rising costs just like critics of the project warned. - Expect minority hiring controversy to plague the project from start to finish. Here's a look at City Hall warm fuzzies touting friendly skies for all Kansas City travelers . . .This a nice and welcomed sentiment that our blog community hopes local government can achieve.Meanwhile . . .Developing . . . Police trying to identify man who they say stole cigars, fired gun at store manager's feet INDEPENDENCE, Mo. - Detectives are trying to identify a man who they say stole cigars and fired a gun at a 7-Eleven store manager's feet. Independence police said the aggravated assault happened at the 7-Eleven at 11001 E. 23rd Street. A customer told the store manager the man pictured above hid cigars and left without paying for them. The #TBT robbery reads like something out of the wild west . . . However spy cam footage gives local authorities a lead on their investigation. Take a look: TODAY CITY HALL FUNDS CORDISH WITH MILLIONS WORTH OF SUBSIDY FOR APARTMENTS THAT MOST KANSAS CITY RESIDENTS CAN'T AFFORD!!! There is now a city ordinance number, 180447, to grant Cordish Companies 100% abatement for 25 years . . . Well simply have to watch the City once again appropriate good funds that could be used to create newer and better reading programs, job placement programs, mental health access and more for the rest of us. Not only that, but they have placed an accelerated effective date clause on the ordinance using Section 503 of the City of Kansas City Charter. This means that the ordinance will go into effect without giving us any more voice to issue. Its the equivalent of having your Mom tell you because I said so when you asked why you couldnt stay up late at night and we feel is a blatant misuse of our Citys charter. 12th & Oak Agenda: Mayor & Council will secure $17.5-million worth of KCMO taxpayer funding for a luxury apartment parking garage and work toward an endless array of downtown corporate welfare.Accordingly . . .Even the most skillful local consultants blush at the high rents as real-life affordable housing no longer exists within or around the loop.Nevertheless . . .as critics fear Four, Five & Six Light on the horizon with help from taxpayers.A statement from the Coalition for Kansas City Economic Development Reform on this giveaway and more . . .You decide . . . Kansas City Newsworthy Conversation Northeast Newscast Episode 54 - a conversation with Mark Morales, Sheffield Neighborhood Association President This week on Kansas City's Northeast Newscast, managing editor Paul Thompson meets Sheffield Neighborhood Association President Mark Morales to talk about his engagement in the community, what businesses he'd like to see in the neighborhood, the ideal Sheffield neighbor, what the neighborhood association has going on this summer, and what Sheffield can improve upon moving forward. Development Hype Down By The River Luxury apartments brings new attitude, people to KC riverfront KANSAS CITY, Mo. - Union Berkley Riverfront is open, bringing 400 luxury apartments alongside the riverfront. Flaherty & Collins Properties said it's the first time people are living on the riverfront in 135 years. Kansas Gamer Court Date Report Two Swatting Defendants Make First Appearance In Federal Court Two defendants allegedly involved in the swatting incident that led to the death of a Wichita man in December made their first appearance Wednesday in federal court. Casey Viner, 18 and Shane Gaskill, 19, were each released on a $10,000 bond. The restrictions on the bond include not playing any online video games. School Cash Denied City Council denies KC Public Schools seeking tax boost from downtown developer KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- In Wednesday's city council meeting, the superintendent of Kansas City Public Schools (KCPS) asked for more money from downtown developer, Cordish, to fund schools in the city. The answer to the superintendent's request was no, but according to some people the no didn't come from Cordish. High School Tragedy Continues For second time in 6 months, tragedy for J.C. Harmon sports community after teen dies in wreck Friends and family are mourning the loss of a 16-year-old who died Tuesday in a motorcycle wreck near 10th Street and Rosedale Drive. Kaiden Colston, 16, was identified as the teen killed in the wreck. He was a student at J.C. Harmon High School. Authorities say his motorcycle struck a utility pole. More Perfect Village Complaints Big Homes, Small Lots: New Rules For Tearing Down Old Houses In Prairie Village New guidelines will make it harder to build big homes on small lots in Prairie Village as the Johnson County suburb tries to get ahead of the "teardown" trend that's pitted newcomers against residents who like the charm of older houses. The Home Team Stays Losing The Royals offense sputters as the Reds score a bunch of runs, so you can guess that outcome Quick! What happens when five of your nine hitters have a career on base percentage of under .310, three of whom have an on base percentage under .295? If your answer is "that lineup would struggle to score runs," then you would be correct. We remember better times despite being confronted with a reality check:News closer to home tonight . . .And this is thefor tonight . . . THE DOWNTOWN KANSAS CITY PARKING TICKET CRACKDOWN IS UNDERWAY!!! DRIVERS AREN'T HAPPY WITH COSTLY FEES!!! QUESTIONS ABOUT THE POLICY ALREADY CONFRONT POLICE!!! "Parking enforcement has increased city-wide, particularly downtown . . . That's where majority of towing is happening right now. Whether a car is towed depends on a host of factors: how long it's been there, neighborhood complaints, if it's stolen, etc." "The issue is not with writing tickets or towing. I have observed unfair,inconsistent and unequal enforcement of parking and towing downtown. It seems to vary day to day, hour by hour, location by location and officer by officer. We need a better solution for residents." IS THE DOWNTOWN PARKING CRACKDOWN FAIR OR JUST ANOTHER EXAMPLE OF POLICE ORDERED TO PROTECT THE INVESTMENTS OF DOWNTOWN DEVELOPERS?!? Our blog community wasto blog the warning . . .For their part, KCPD has been forthright in their view of increased parking enforcement.Their latest tweet today:To which concerned downtown denizens have replied:And so we pose the question to our. . .You decide . . . Emirates SkyCargo, the freight division of Emirates, has signed an agreement with Cainiao Smart Logistics Network (Cainiao), the logistics arm of the Alibaba Group, to jointly facilitate the delivery of cross-border parcels as Cainiao looks to expand its global logistics infrastructure with Dubai as a hub. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) was signed by Nabil Sultan, Emirates divisional senior vice president, Cargo and Xiaodong Guan, general manager of Cainiao Global Business at Cainiaos global headquarters in Hangzhou, reported Emirates news agency Wam. It is a landmark agreement for both Emirates SkyCargo and Cainiao to leverage each others strengths in cross-border e-commerce trade and airline cargo operation. It will also support Cainiaos broader efforts to offer enhanced customer experience. Cainiao recently unveiled plans to develop six global hubs in six cities around the globe. Dubai is one of them. Under the terms of the MoU, Emirates SkyCargo and Cainiao will work closely to manage e-Commerce shipments in the Middle East and other neighbouring regions through Dubai. Further details of the tie-up will be announced progressively as they are developed by the two parties. E-commerce is one of the strongest growth areas for the air cargo industry globally. Emirates SkyCargo has been exploring opportunities to collaborate with players in order to offer value-added services over and above cargo capacity between airports, using the strategic advantages of Dubai as a hub. "We are delighted to be entering into this agreement with Cainiao. The MoU that we have signed today is the first step in what will be a deep and fruitful relationship between Emirates SkyCargo and one of the biggest players in the global e-commerce supply chain," said Nabil Sultan. With Emirates SkyCargos network spread, frequency of flights including close to 50 weekly flights from China, our state-of-the-art hub facilities and the strategic location of Dubai which allows it to serve as an effective logistics hub for the region, we are confident that we will be a strong partner for Cainiao to bring an enhanced experience to their customers in the Middle East and neighbouring regions." "As a key gateway that links Asia and Europe, Dubai is well positioned to help us achieve our goal of 72-hour global delivery. The MoU with Emirates SkyCargo is another milestone to reach this goal," said Xiaodong Guan. "We have a strong commitment to Dubai and the neighbouring markets. This fits well with our broader strategy." Emirates SkyCargo offers cargo capacity to over 155 global destinations on a modern all-widebody fleet of 267 aircraft including 14 freighters- 13 Boeing 777-Fs and one B747 F. Emirates operates two state of the art Emirates SkyCentral cargo terminals in Dubai to manage cargo from passenger as well as freighter aircraft. Emirates SkyCargo has developed a number of transportation solutions targeted at specific industry verticals. As a technology company, Cainiao leverages cutting edge big-data technology and open collaboration to build a global infrastructure that links all the logistics elements to improve delivery efficiency and customer experience for all players along the supply chain. Cainiaos vision is to deliver anywhere in China within 24 hours, and across the globe within 72 hours. In an emergency meeting on Wednesday, the United Nations General Assembly adopted an Arab-sponsored resolution calling for greater protection for Palestinians, and deploring any use of "excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate" force by the Israeli military against Palestinian civilians, particularly in Gaza. The emergency session of the 193-member Assembly, came about following weeks of violence along the border of the Gaza Strip the Palestinian enclave blockaded by Israel where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians participated in "The Great March of Return" protests, beginning at the end of March, reported state news agency Wam. More than 120 Palestinian civilians were reportedly killed by Israeli forces while participating in the protests against Israels years-long blockade. The resolution was adopted by a vote of 120 in favour, 8 against, with 45 abstentions. Assembly President Miroslav Lajcak convened the meeting, following a formal request from Algeria and Turkey, in their respective capacities as Chair of the Arab Group and Chair of the Summit of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation. Unlike a resolution on Palestinian civilian protection that was vetoed by the US in the UN Security Council on 1st June, Wednesdays identical resolution in the Assembly was not subject to the same rules as exist in the Council. Introducing the amendment before voting, the US Ambassador to the UN, Nikki Haley, said that "the nature of this resolution clearly demonstrates that politics is driving the day." "It is totally one-sided. It makes not one mention of Hamas, who routinely initiates violence in Gaza. Such one-sided resolutions at the UN do nothing to advance peace between Israel and the Palestinians," she said. Also prior to voting, the Permanent Observer of the State of Palestine to the UN, Riyad Mansour, said that "our decision to approach to the Assembly was prompted by the Security Councils failure to act due to the veto cast on 1st June by a permanent member." "We therefore firmly reject the bad-faith attempt to insert an amendment that would radically unbalance the text and shift the Assembly's focus away from the core objective of protecting civilians and upholding international law," he said. The text adopted "deplores the use of any excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate force by the Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians in the Occupied Palestinian Territory, including East Jerusalem, and particularly in the Gaza Strip, including the use of live ammunition against civilian protesters, including children, as well as medical personnel and journalists, and expresses its grave concern at the loss of innocent lives." It also "demands that Israel, the occupying Power, refrain from such actions and fully abide by its legal obligations and responsibilities" under the fourth Geneva Convention on protecting civilians in times of war, said the Wam report. It also requests that the Secretary-General, within 60 days, present his "proposals on ways and means for ensuring the safety, protection and well-being of the Palestinian civilian population under Israeli occupation, including "recommendations regarding an international protection mechanism," it added. Indian engineering and construction major Larsen & Toubro (L&T) said one of its key subsidiaries, L&T Hydrocarbon Engineering (LTHE), has been ranked second in the Middle Easts Top 30 EPC (engineering, procurement and construction) contractors list for 2018. With a total revenue of over $17 billion last year, L&T is one of Indias global conglomerates engaged in technology, engineering, construction, manufacturing and financial services and operating in over 30 countries worldwide. In addition to India, LTHE, the firms oil and gas arm, is involved in many prestigious international projects in UAE, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Qatar, Tanzania, Oman, and Malaysia, said a statement from L&T. One of the key projects that led to LTHEs ranking in the Oil and Gas Magazine Middle Easts list was the field development EPC contract with Abu Dhabi's Al Dhafra Petroleum Operation Company, worth over $342 million, signed earlier this year. The scope of the contract includes the commissioning of flow lines and gathering facilities and pipelines to transfer crude oil and gas from the Haliba oilfield to a processing facility at Asab. In Saudi Arabia, the company was recently awarded the work for three gas production deck modules by Saudi Aramco as part of a consortium with Subsea 7. The consortium has four ongoing projects in the kingdom. In Kuwait, the L&T unit had signed a deal worth $262 million with Kuwait Oil Company last year to build a crude oil transit pipeline from North Kuwait to Ahmadi, with a Q3 2020 completion date. LTHEs facility in Sohar, which is the first of its kind in Oman, comprises of a Modular Fabrication Yard LLC (a joint venture of L&T and the Zubair Corporation, Oman) and a manufacturing complex for Heavy Engineering, said the statement from the Indian engineering giant. The facility possesses the capability to fabricate and load out a range of complex structures for Oil & Gas industry like large offshore Process Platforms, Jack up drill Rigs, SPAR/TLP & Modular Process Plants, it added. An Indian multinational, L&T is engaged in technology, engineering, construction, manufacturing and financial services with over $17 billion in revenue. It operates in over 30 countries worldwide.-TradeArabia News Service The combination of the summer season and the upcoming Eid Al Fitr holidays make this a perfect time to travel to Turkey. With long summer days of 10 hours sunshine and average temperatures of 28 degrees, Turkey provides tourists with a plethora of activities and sites to visit. This holiday season, the top three holiday spots to visit this Eid that combine indoor and outdoor activities that will be fun for families include: Bursas Unesco World Heritage sites With a total of eight Unesco World Heritage sites, Bursa is filled with history, natural beauty and modern conveniences. The 700-year-old village of Cumalkzk is a well-preserved example of early Ottoman rural life. The village is located to the east of Bursa on the Uludag mountain. Known as a Waqf village, Cumalkzk is the most complete remnant of the system that has maintained its character over the centuries, and represents a significant insight into Ottoman social infrastructure. Kulliyes, which are complexes of buildings centred on a mosque and managed by a single institution to help fund regional rulers at the time, portray a true impression of Ottoman architecture. Along with a mosque, the kulliyes in Cumalkzk usually include a school, Turkish bath and various social compounds. In Cumalkzk, the Orhan Gazi kulliye is the most famous of the many kulliyes that include the Yldrm, Muradiye, Hudavendigar, and Yesil kulliyes are scattered around the Bursas city centre. Cumalkzk is also renowned for its early morning breakfasts. Many of the villages homeowners have opened rustic courtyard eateries that serve traditional village-style breakfasts, usually made up of locally procured eggs, vegetables, meats and cheese and pastries. Istanbuls amazing museums Istanbul is a historic city with a heritage of culture that goes back millenniums. From beautiful palaces to mosques and museums, there is an overabundance of sites to visit. Highly recommended on the list of museums to see is the Archaeology Museum, locally known as the Arkeoloji Muzesi. This is considered a real hidden gem in Istanbul, with a rich collection of ancient artefacts and relics. The museum is family friendly and houses a kids section with a life-size model of the Trojan Horse. Other top attractions include Alexander the Greats sarcophagus, constructed of Pentelic marble in the form of a Greek temple. Carvings along the sides of the sarcophagus depict some of Alexanders most famous battle and hunting scenes. And the oldest surviving peace treaty, set in stone and silver in 1259 BC and signed by the legendary Egyptian Pharaoh Ramesses the Great and Hittite Great King Hattusili. Other museums that should not be missed are the Turkey Modern Museum of contemporary art, the Military Museum, locally known as the Askeri Muzesi located in the Harbiye district in Istanbul, and the Museum of Turkish and Islamic Arts that is located inside the Ibrahim Pasha Palace in the historic Sultanahmet district. Outdoor adventure and beach life in Marmaris The port city of Marmaris is located south-west of Turkey along the shoreline of the Turkish Riviera on the Mediterranean. Marmaris is known for its fine white sand beaches and scenic mountains. Icmeler Beach, one of the best known beaches in Marmaris, is attractive for its shallow clear water, which makes it a perfect family destination. Scuba diving and snorkelling trips are also extremely popular in Marmaris due to its untouched and extensive marine life. A vast range of other watersport activities are available, as well as awe-inspiring views of the nearby mountains. For a day of outdoor adventure, a trip into the Marmaris mountains is much advised. With many picturesque hiking trails through portraits of natural fauna and flora, visitors can enjoy breathtaking waterfall lagoons, quaint water streams and beautiful sunsets over into the sea. - TradeArabia News Service Celebrating its first summer season this year, Kuwait Citys Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya invites guests to bring loved ones together this Eid al-Fitr to enjoy the luxury of spending time together. Gathering around the dining table, the traditional centre of Eid celebrations, promises to be an exceptional experience this year set against the backdrop of panoramic views over Kuwait City on the 21st floor of the hotel. Preparations are well underway for a delectable Eid Brunch where East meets West, as executive chef Sebastian Spriveri and his talented team prepare a feast of flavours. From zingy Asian bites to moreish pizzas fresh from wood-fired ovens, traditional Arabic dishes, Turkish pide, Moroccan tagine and a range of delicious Kuwaiti sweets, the extensive range of cuisines available offers something to please every palate. Family fun need not stop once the dining is done; theres plenty more to see and do in Kuwait, for parents and little ones too. A visit to the newly opened Shaikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre is a must, situated just a short drive from the Hotel, where no less than four museums offer the chance to dive into the worlds of Science and Technology, Natural History, Arabic Islamic Science, and Space. For shopping addicts, options abound from the bustling Souq Mubarakiya where many a bargain can be found, to the splendid mall The Avenues with its bright open spaces that are home to covetable brands and fantastic family experiences. Didier Jardin, general manager at Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya, said: We are delighted to celebrate our first Eid al-Fitr with our guests and invite them to join the special festivities at our property, which makes an ideal family getaway for both local residents and overseas visitors. With so much to see and do in Kuwait City, guests will enjoy a truly enriching Eid experience complemented by the care and comfort of our legendary hospitality and our teams warm and welcoming service. We look forward to creating cherished memories for them, as they spend quality time with their loved ones at this special time of year. To make the most of the opportunity to spend more time in each others company, Four Seasons Hotel Kuwait at Burj Alshaya is offering a Family Getaway package. Guests will receive 50 per cent off a second room for children aged 18 years and under, or a complimentary Superior Room when booking a suite, complete with a special room set-up and surprises for the kids. Eid celebrations can continue into July and August with the Summer Escape package, offering guests 20 per cent off the Room Rate when staying for at least two consecutive nights. Signature Four Seasons service and amenities are included, as well as access to the hotels luxurious indoor and outdoor pools. - TradeArabia News Service Online Blockchain (OBC) Takes Crypto to Brazil Crypto has gone south of the equator. Online Blockchain plc, a blockchain company in the UK, is launching, in partnership with ADVFN Brazil, Brazio??a cryptocurrency that will pave the way for the blockchain revolution to reach South America. Brazil is one of ADVFNs biggest audiences and an exciting market into which to introduce crypto coins, as users are proactive in seeking alternative financial services. Estimates indicate that 30% of Brazilian households have no access to banking/financial services. Brazio is the tool to change this, by enabling the people of Brazil to create their own financial infrastructure with a fair, self-governing, decentralised network. It operates on Proof of Work, which means that any Brazilian with a computer can mine the coin at a 0% mining fee. Anyone with a PC or smartphone, and an internet connection can transact with Brazio. In fact, Brazio was designed to work optimally on personal computers, empowering individuals over financial institutions. Brazio is a secure digital currency, providing the people of Brazil with a doorway into the cryptocurrency revolution. With all the robust features of a secure and fast blockchain, Brazio provides anonymous and virtually instant transactions, with a third party cannot interfere with, take control of or impose fees on. The token allows users to send and receive payments anonymously and safely, as the Brazio system does not store any users personal information. It also supports a high volume of transactions within the network, a feature intentionally designed to accommodate Brazils large population and booming financial activity. Brazio is a cryptocurrency, designed with the interests of the people of Brazil at heart. By using Brazio, you are transacting on a secure, discrete blockchain, that cannot be censored or restricted by any government or malicious party. Brazio is easy to use, and transactions are both low in fees and virtually instant says the developing team. For more information on related topics, visit the following channels: Search News Archive : Fast Travel News Promotion Via Search, Social Media + Email Follow Us On : CREATIVE ESCAPES: JOIN PHOTOGRAPHY HOLIDAYS AND UNLEASH YOUR CREATIVITY Industry: Events Creative Escapes offers a unique and one of a kind holiday experience that combines the relaxation of a luxury vacation with a photography training program. (TRAVPR.COM) UNITED KINGDOM - June 13th, 2018 - Shelton Street, London - The human soul is always in search of something new and creative to help express us an individual. One of the best ways people can portray their art is through the lens of a camera. While many of the younger generations take up their mobile phones and take selfies or landscape photos that are severely filtered before posting them on social media, this is a far cry from the experience of an actual photographer. Creative Escapes offers a unique and one of a kind holiday experience that combines the relaxation of a luxury vacation with a photography training program. "The goal of Creative Escapes is to provide a hands-on experience with non-techy tutorials with a one-on-one guided demo that will make any photography novice into a Bailey in just a few days." Explains one of the staff at Creative Escapes. These amazing photography holidays has earned a lot of praise from different publications such as The Guardian who named this as one of the "Top Ten Photography Holidays", "Six Best Hands on Holidays" as said by the Independent on Sunday, as well as being called the "Best Photo Breaks" by The Sunday Telegraph. Creative Escapes has been gathering praises and awards since 2007, and they have only just started. There are different holiday destinations that range from the secluded deserts of the Sahara to the mountains of California. There is a destination that is perfect for everyones ideal holiday and picturesque destination. As the Wall Street Journal once said: "There tailor-made trips give visitors an insiders perspective of the countries they are touring with local experts guiding them." While the local tour guides know all the best spots for shopping, dining, and drinking the expert photography tutors know the best places for the most gorgeous and jaw-dropping photographs in the area. The small groups of eight people can learn the best techniques from their tutors who all have different, but equally amazing experience in the field of photography. Study under the guidance of renowned photographers like Marcus Doyle who specializes in fine art landscape photography or Rebecca Westcott a food and lifestyle photographer or Matt Burgess, a documentary photographer, and so many other experienced photographers with different specializations. All techniques taught by tutors and learned by students are low-tech but very professional. You will be amazed at the outcome of every shot you take; they will look award-winning photographers worthy of praise and recognition. No matter where you go, whether its during the Holi Festival in India or in the calming seaside paradise of Costa Rica you will surely bring home fond memories that will forever be remembered in photographs. Book your first photography holiday with Creative Escapes today and get to experience traveling and photography is a totally different and more memorable way. Check out the different destinations to see which one fits with your skill set and holiday expectations. For those who have already traveled with Creative Escapes, dont worry there are more adventures in store that will challenge your photography skills once more! ### Please contact the person or company listed above for information regarding the content of this press release. TravPR.com are not the issuers of this press release and are not responsible for the accuracy of the content. Share Release : CONTACT INFORMATION Name: Creative Escapes Company: Creative Escapes Phone: 02071111293 Email: creveepes@reliable-mail.com Web: PRESS RELEASE TAGS Cultural tour operator, Tia Stephanie Tours develops Colombia package that dovetails with ProColombia's latest tourism campaign (TRAVPR.COM) UNITED STATES - June 14th, 2018 - Tia Stephanie Tours, a pioneer in the development of cultural music and dance journeys to Colombia, recently announced the addition of Rhythms of Colombia to their current offerings to the South American country. The new tour coincides with the nations latest tourism campaign, Colombia: Land of Sabrosura. In short, without a direct English translation, sabrosura can be described as positive vibrations and happiness which can be seen in the Colombian people. The influential music of Colombia will without question hit you with feelings of sabrosura. Colombias vibrant and diverse music is largely responsible for the countrys appeal and distinctiveness. Musics influence on travel and cultural understandings is the motive behind the initiative lead by ProColombia, the national tourism board. "Music is more than a collection of sounds. For the people of Colombia, our diverse sounds communicate the stories of our culture and our people. Music and dance are essential to who we are and how we see the world, says Vice President of Tourism, ProColombia, Julian Guerrero Orozco. Through our latest tourism campaign and with the support of partners such as Tia Stephanie Tours, we want to welcome our international travelers and share Colombia's story through our beautiful and inspiring rhythms with the world, adds Orozco. Tia Stephanie Tours has been pioneering these Music and Dance tours and we are so excited that now even ProColombia believes that music is so important in the arena of travel and global understanding. It is one of the most important cultural expressions of Colombia, says Founder & Owner of Tia Stephanie Tours, Stephanie Schneiderman. The combined efforts between ProColombia and Tia Stephanie Tours will give participants the opportunity to enjoy a truly educational and engaging travel experience while gaining valuable insight into the most important expressions of Colombian culture, Schneiderman adds. Journeys handcrafted by Schneiderman, offer three opportunities this year for travelers to feel the lively beats of Colombia and discover the countrys culture, history, and people through sound: NEW! Rhythms of Colombia Petronio Alvarez Music Festival Dance Colombia From the marimba rhythms on the Pacific Coast, to the upbeat cumbia and vallenato rhythms of the Caribbean coast in Cartagena - From dance lessons in Cali where travelers from across the globe escape to dance with top instructors, to stops in Barranquilla, the hometown of international superstar Shakira, where the group will visit the Piez Descalzos Foundation that was established by the famed star. And, from dancing the night away under the tropical breezes and moonlit nights to attending music festivals such as the renowned Petronio Alvarez - each tour offers unique and unforgettable cultural experiences from coast to coast. About the Tours NEW! Rhythms of Colombia: Pacific to Caribbean In collaboration with Jacob Edgar, popular music producer, music researcher and founder of the international record label and concert booking agency, Cumbancha, Tia Stephanie Tours will present the wide-ranging rhythms of Colombia soon. Dates: to come Destinations: Cali, Pacific Coast, Barranquilla/Cartagena on the Caribbean Coast and the Islands of San Andres and Providencia Highlights include: Traveling from the Pacific to the Caribbean to learn about and sway to Colombias rhythms Learning about the ways in which music is an integral cultural expression and historic legacy in Colombia Gatherings with Colombias leading regional, national and international musicians Listening to the rhythmic sounds of the marimba de palma chonta instrument from Pacific Colombia Hearing songs from the Grammy Award-winning folkloric cumbia group Gaiteros de San Jacinto Learning some salsa, champeta and mapale dance moves Visiting San Basilio Palenque, a singular Afro-Caribbean Community near Cartagena Visiting Barranquilla, hometown of Shakira and Carlos Vives Hearing the rhythms of the classic and contemporary vallenato genre from the countrys Caribbean region Traveling to the Islands of San Andres and Providencia to hear island and reggae Music More information and itinerary: http://tiastephanietours.com/tour/rhythms-of-colombia/ Petronio Alvarez Music Festival Now in its 22nd year, the renowned Petronio Alvarez Music Festival allows festival-goers to become immersed in the mesmerizing rhythms of Pacific Colombia. Dates: August 16th-24th 2018 (7 nights) Destinations: Cali and Cartagena Highlights include: Traveling to Cali to explore the vibrant capital of Valle de Cauca Enjoying a salsa dance class and immersion in the salsa dancing of Cali Participating in workshops held by musicians in the Petronio Alvarez Festival Attending the Festival del Pacifico Petronio Alvarez to sway to the rhythms of Pacific Colombia Touring the colonial city, Cartagena, to learn about what life was like in the Colonial Period Exploring Cartagenas oldest neighborhoods Traveling to San Basilio Palenque to learn about the first free slave community of the Americas from leaders in the community Visiting the stunning Gold Museums in Cartagena & Cali to learn about the early ancestors prior to the arrival of the Spaniards Relaxing in the clear waters of the Islas del Rosario More information and Itinerary: http://tiastephanietours.com/tour/afro-colombia-and-the-petronio-alvarez-music-festival/ Dance Colombia Dates: Anytime, on demand (8 days, 7 nights) Destinations: Cali & Cartagena Highlights include: Attending the Delirio Dance & Music extravaganza to learn about this history of Colombia through its music and dance. Taking salsa dance classes in Cali to learn how to dance to this popular and infectious rhythm. People come from all over the world to learn how to salsa dance in Cali. Touring Cali to visit its museums and markets. The Gold Museum is delightful. Well also enjoy the delicious cuisine from the Valle de Cauca and Pacific Coast regions. Going to dance clubs at night to practice our dance steps. Similar to Dancing with the Stars, visitors will see our progression and improvement! Touring the charming walled city of Cartagena, visiting its neighborhoods, learning of its history and enjoying the highlights, museums, and restaurants of the ever more popular destination on the Caribbean coast. Visiting the Islands of Rosario off the coast of Cartagena by boat. Visitors will enjoy the white sandy beaches, blue water and shore birds on these islands! More information: http://tiastephanietours.com/tour/dance-colombia/ About Tia Stephanie Tours Tia Stephanie Tours is a boutique travel operator, based in Ann Arbor, MI, specializing in cultural tourism to Colombia. Since 2006, the company has offered independent itineraries and group tours for curious travelers, affinity organizations, museums and university alumni associations. In April 2015, TST's Day of the Dead in Michoacan tour was selected as a National Geographic Trip of a Lifetime. The company has also been featured in the New York Times, Los Angeles Times, Travel + Leisure, as well as all of the major travel trade press. Founder Stephanie Schneiderman is a Conde Nast Traveler Top Travel Specialist for Mexico. ### A memorable Eid celebration awaits you at Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai with two fabulous promotions to choose from. (TRAVPR.COM) UNITED ARAB EMIRATES - June 14th, 2018 - A memorable Eid celebration awaits you at Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai with two fabulous promotions to choose from. Feast on a sumptuous Eid brunch buffet featuring a wide selection of international and Arabic delicacies including ouzi at the magnificent Loumi Restaurant from 12 noon to 4pm on the first two days of Eid. Prices start from AED 199 per adult, AED 99 per child ages between 5 to 12 years old and children below 5 years dine for free. One person dines free on group bookings of minimum 10 people. Those craving Italian flavours can head to Da Vincis to indulge in Chefs special menu featuring a variety of Eid specialties and a choice of Italian delights from 12noon to 11.30pm daily from 16th to 30th June 2018. Terms & Conditions: Offers cannot be combined with any other offers or discounts Prior reservation is required For bookings, please call 04 702 8888 or email dining.mahd@millenniumhotels.com Prices are inclusive of 10% municipality fees & 10% service charge Prices are subject to 5% Value Added Tax Mr Simon Moore, General Manager of Millennium Airport Hotel Dubai, said, Eid al Fitr is one of the most joyous and biggest celebrations in the Arab world. There is no better way to celebrate Eid than to gather with friends and family over a lavish spread of traditional Arabic delicacies along with the festive flavours from around the world. We have created fabulous offers to make your festivities extra special. For media contact: Hina Bakht Managing Director EVOPS Marketing & PR Mob: 00971 50 6975146 Tel: 00971 4 566 7355 Hina.bakht@evops-pr.com www.evops-pr.com Millennium Hotels and Resorts, Middle East and Africa Millennium Hotels and Resorts is a dynamic, global hotel company, which owns, asset manages and operates over 130 hotels worldwide. With almost 40,000 rooms and a portfolio of brands; including The Biltmore, Grand Millennium, Millennium, Millennium Place, M Hotel, Copthorne, Agarwood, Kingsgate, Millennium Executive Apartments and Studio M, that serve different market segments, representing quality and value in every class. Currently operating 32 hotels in the Middle East and Africa, the Group has an extensive expansion strategy in place, with 40 hotels in the pipeline. Each property in the region is unique, catering to the varying tastes and needs of the international business and leisure traveller but with a consistent promise to provide a first class service and a rewarding experience for guests. Millennium Hotels and Resorts is committed to differentiating itself by embracing the true spirit of diverse traditions, with a sincere respect to historical heritage and local culture. With the motto More than Meets the Eye, Millennium Hotels and Resorts is committed to a customer-centric philosophy and complete guest satisfaction. For more information, please visit www.millenniumhotels.com ### editorial@tribune.com Manav Mander Tribune News Service Ludhiana, June 14 Ludhiana, once dubbed as Manchester of India, is also looking for opportunities beyond brick-and-mortar businesses. The vendors of global brands such as Walmart, Gap, Nautica, Nike, Reebok and Polo are now creating their own online platforms to tap the international market directly. Spencer Knitwears, the company that catered to the niche market segment for over 25 years, is now determined to go online. Sonia Thapar, one of the directors in the company, says her son has already started online trade from Australia. She is also planning to go online soon. It is no longer necessary for businesswomen like Thapar to be well versed in information technology (IT) to start online shops. They can always hire technical experts. At present, we are focusing more on silhouette, cuts, colours and fabrics and getting ready for the online market. Since we are not acquainted with IT, so we will plan to hire a team for the same, said Thapar. Companies like Monte Carlo went online six years ago and currently sells through its own and e-commerce sites. Monte Carlo Vice President-Marketing Pankaj Kumar says that the online market will mature after a couple of years. The major advantage for online selling is that the consumers cannot have the touch and feel experience and sometimes due to this factor the companies are able to clear their stock which gets stuck in the retail market. Old product is re-finished and sold online, he said. Kazaro International that deals in women wear is soon going online. The online business is the demand of present times and there is no harm in making business online, Kazaro International Managing Director Sanjay Kapoor said. It just needs extra planning for a warehouse and an IT team to start business online. I am also preparing for the same and focus will be on designing, display and photography before launching my own website, he said. Kapoor initially plans to increase his business by 10% and after demand picks up, he could expand his online presence by 20%. Not only the garment industry but also other industries are making their presence felt in the global marketplace through internet and mobile apps. Ludhiana-based Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) are trying to create their own brands in the online market. Hosiery, knitwear, clothing, cycle and cycle parts and auto-parts are selling their products online. Avon Cycles is selling its products through their own website besides having presence on the e-commerce portals such as Amazon and Flipkart. We have more than 50 models available for online purchase. India is consistently and continually adding internet users and online retail will continue to grow in the years to come, said Rishi Pahwa, Joint MD, Avon Cycles Ltd. Oxus Retail Pvt Ltd has 10-15% of its business online and it is getting good response from the market. Looking beyond brick-and-mortar stores Not only the garment industry, but other industries are also making their presence felt in the global marketplace through internet and mobile apps. Monte Carlo VP Pankaj Kumar says the online market will mature in a couple of years. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Mohali, June 14 All 32 flights, including three international, arriving at and departing from the Chandigarh international airport were cancelled on Thursday due to poor visibility caused by dusty weather. As a result, 4,000 passengers were stranded. People had to face huge inconvenience as many of them had to take connecting flights. I had to board a connecting flight to London from Delhi, but I missed it, rued a passenger. A rush of passengers was seen at the airport since morning as people kept enquiring in the hope that the weather situation might improve. They were also seen queued up for getting a refund for the tickets. The families of Jaswinder Kaur of Patiala and Amit of Dharamsala were seen dejected outside the airport. They said they had to go to Delhi, but now they had nowhere to go as there was no prior information regarding the flight cancellation. Deepesh Joshi, public relations officer of the airport, said, The visibility should be 2,500 metres or above. On Thursday, it was 1,000 metres only. The Met Department informed us following which the flights were cancelled. The Air India Express flight operated from Delhi to Sharjah at 5.30 pm. All passengers from Chandigarh for Sharjah were shifted to Delhi to board the flight. Officials said Air India transported the passengers from Chandigarh to Delhi through luxury buses to get connecting flights to Sharjah, Dubai and Bangkok. Other flight operators refunded the ticket amount to about 4,000 passengers headed for Delhi, Mumbai, Pune, Hyderabad, Leh, Srinagar and other destinations. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Chandigarh, June 14 A Head Constable was injured after a motorcyclist hit him while he was on duty at the Sector 14/15 light point on Wednesday. According to the police, Head Constable Rattan Kumar of the traffic wing was on duty when he saw a motorcyclist jumping the red light. The cop signalled the motorcyclist to stop. However, the motorcyclist, Sandeep Kumar, hit the cop, leaving him injured. The injured cop was rushed to Government Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector 16. The police said the accused was arrested and a case under Sections 279 (rash driving), 332 (voluntarily causing hurt to deter a public servant from his duty) and 353 (assault or criminal force to deter a public servant from the discharge of his duty) of the IPC and Section 179 of the Motor Vehicles Act has been registered against the accused at the Sector 11 police station. ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Tribune News Service Mohali, June 13 The local police have arrested five persons, allegedly members of the Sampat Nehra gang, for illegally confining and attempting to kill a cab driver in Sector 71 here on Monday. One of the accused is a Naik in the Army. Three pistols and two cars, including an i20, used in the crime have also been recovered from the accused. The accused have been identified as Ramandeep Singh, alias Bhau, of Ferozepur, Shubhnavdeep Singh, alias Shubh, of Amritsar, Jaspreet Singh, alias Jassu, and Gurvinder Singh, alias Guri, both of Ambala, and Dinesh Kumar of Churu, Rajasthan, who is posted as a Naik in Jaipur. Two .315 bore pistols, 10 live cartridges, one .32 bore pistol with six live cartridges and a sword have also been recovered from them. A 25-year-old cab driver, Varinder Kumar, was on his motorcycle when he was hit by a car on Monday. He got unconscious and woke up in a farmhouse where he was attacked with a sharp weapon. However, the CIA staff of the Mohali police reached the spot, rescued the victim and rushed him to the Civil Hospital in Phase 6. According to the victim, originally from Muktsar, a few months ago, he received a call from an unidentified person, who warned him that he should stop contacting a Hoshiarpur-based girl and argued with him. The police have also confirmed this to be the motive behind the crime. The accused have admitted to being involved in the carjacking incident in Panchkula on Sunday. A Verna car was taken away at gunpoint in Sector 21 from Baltana resident Ravinder Sharma. The car has also been recovered. They also admitted to snatching Rs 60,000 at gunpoint on Monday from a petrol pump at Saneta village. The accused claimed they were now planning to kidnap a man from Sector 7, Panchkula. Will seek production warrants of Nehra SSP Kuldeep Chahal said they would seek production warrants of Sampat Nehra. Once his police remand ends in Panchkula, we will seek his warrants. He said Naik Dinesh Kumar was known to Nehra as they both belonged to the same village in Churu district of Rajasthan. . ROBINSINGH@TRIBUNE.COM Tribune News Service Chandigarh, June 13 Two bodies were found from different parts of the city on Wednesday morning. The police have ruled out foul play in both incidents. Sources said the police received information around 5.30 am that a body was lying near Gate No. 1 of the Police Lines in Sector 26. The police reached the spot after which the body was shifted to the mortuary of Government Multi-Specialty Hospital, Sector 16. The police said the victim had been identified as Mahesh (35), a native of Gonda in Uttar Pradesh. He worked as a rehri-puller at the Grain Market in Sector 26. The police have ruled out any foul play in his death. There were no injury marks on the body, said a police official. The police have initiated inquest proceedings in the matter at the Sector 26 police station. Another call of a body lying near the motor market in Mani Majra was received around 11 am. The police said an unknown person, aged around 45, was found dead. The body was shifted to a mortuary. The police said the victim seemed to be a vagabond. The police have initiated an investigation at the Mani Majra police station. Jagtar Singh Jagtar Singh Senior journalist Several questions related to Operation Bluestar remain unanswered. These include the total number of men, women and children who were killed during the storming of the Golden Temple complex in the first week of June in 1984. The tremors of this unprecedented army action, ostensibly targeted at Sikh militants commanded by Sant Jarnail Singh Bhindranwale holed up in this most sacred shrine of the Sikhs, continue to be felt even after 34 years not only in India but also in countries like the UK and Canada. These questions are back in focus following a court order in the UK to the British government to declassify the documents relating to Operation Bluestar. A part of the tranche that was de-classified earlier had for the first time revealed that India in February 1984 had sought British consultancy for this action. Sikh radicals are active in the UK where large-scale protests against the arrest of Jaggi Johal by Punjab police in the case of killing of Hindu leaders in the state were recently witnessed. India cold-shouldered Canada Prime Minister Justin Trudeau early this year as he was perceived to be pandering to the Sikh radical political discourse there. It was the deadly politics of Operation Bluestar that not only consumed Bhindranwale but also took the lives of Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, retired Army Chief General AS Vaidya in Pune and then Punjab Chief Minister Beant Singh in Chandigarh in 1995. That politics is still to witness closure. It is for this reason that certain questions must be answered and that is possible only in case the entire record is declassified. Five-time Chief Minister of Punjab Parkash Singh Badal continues to be in a denial mode on the nine secret meetings between Akalis and the government. But his party stalwart Gurcharan Singh Tohra went on record years later on a meeting held on May 26, 1984 in Delhi that was also attended by Surjit Singh Barnala. Those present from the Centre included cabinet ministers PV Narasimha Rao, Pranab Mukherjee and Shiv Shankar. The government representatives told the Akalis to wait after four hours of deliberations as the Prime Minister was to be consulted. They returned and said, "Very sorry. Madam does not agree." Earlier, Badal was airlifted to Delhi on March 28 for secret consultations. It is the record of this meeting that would reveal the real reason for the storming of Golden Temple eight days later. The Akalis were one dimension and the other was Bhindranwale. He was not averse to talks and he had disclosed his mind during the one-hour long one-on-one interaction with this journalist at Akal Takht on May 25, 1984. An interlocutor met him on May 28 and the entire conversation was tape-recorded. The recording was sent to the Prime Minister. This was followed by yet another round. All such details must be revealed as Bhindranwale had only been pressing for the implementation of the Anandpur Sahib resolution that was one of the demands on which the Akali Dal had launched Dharamyudh Morcha on August 4, 1982. Bhindranwale had never unequivocally raised the demand for Khalistan and this was the product of Operation Bluestar. Yet another aspect associated with Bhindranwale is the perception of his being an instrument created by the then ruling Congress. Even a section of the Akalis used to attack him for this during that period and he had been rebutting this allegation. In case he was so, there might be some hint in the official papers. It is an issue on which the alliance could cash upon in elections in case the allegation is proved. The country was hit by this violent political discourse rooted in Punjab for about 15 years in which thousands of people were killed. Notably, the Akali Dal-BJP alliance in its common minimum programme for the 1997 election had promised: "We will set up a special commission of inquiry, headed by a retired judge, to expose the Congress hand behind the violence in Punjab." Badal backtracked after coming into power, saying it would reopen old wounds. But the wounds still need closure. Going by the CMP, it was the Congress that instigated violence and the symbol of that militant struggle was Bhindranwale. It was Badal as the Akali Dal patriarch who gave the green signal to the Shiromani Gurdwara Parbandhak Committee to raise a memorial in the Golden Temple complex to commemorate Bhindranwale and his associates who died in that battle. The number of deaths, both civilian and military, in Operation Bluestar continues to be a part of the speculative domain. The estimates vary from a few hundred (493) as mentioned in the White Paper issued by the Centre in July 1984 to a few thousand. This is a huge gap. The facts must come out. Then there is another unanswered question as this attack coincided with the martyrdom anniversary of the Fifth Sikh Master, Guru Arjan Dev, when the number of devotees in the Golden Temple is much higher than normal. The first instalment of British papers debunk the official version that Khalistan was going to be declared and that would have created a situation like the one in 1971 when East Pakistan turned Bangladesh. This was the first such action post 1947 against "own people" in which tanks and artillery guns were used and an entire state was brought under 72-hour curfew during which even bullock carts did not move. Were there no other options? These are some questions that need answers. pardeepdhull@gmail.com Houston, June 14 An Indian-American woman, Dhivya Suryadevara, has been named the Chief Finance Officer of the US largest automaker, General Motors. Dhivya Suryadevara, currently the vice-president of corporate finance, will succeed Chuck Stevens, the GMs present CFO, on September 1, the company said in a statement. Chennai-born Suryadevara, 39, has been GMs vice-president of corporate finance since July 2017. She will report to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mary Barra, 56, who has been head of the automaker since 2014. Barra and Suryadevara are the first women in their respective positions in the auto industry, as no other major global automaker has a female CEO, nor a CEO and CFO who are both female. GM will join a very short list of S&P 500 companies, including Hershey Co. and American Water Works Co., with women serving as CEO and CFO. Suryadevara earned her bachelors and masters degrees in commerce from the University of Madras in Chennai, India She moved to the US at the age of 22 to persue her MBA from Harvard University. She is a chartered financial analyst and accountant, and worked at UBS and PricewaterhouseCoopers before joining the Detroit-based GM in 2005 at the age of 25. Dhivyas experience and leadership in several key roles throughout our financial operations positions her well to build on the strong business results weve delivered over the last several years, Barra said in a statement. Stevens, 58, has been CFO at the largest US automaker since January 2014 and will retire in March next year as a more than 40-year veteran of the company. He will remain with the company as an adviser until his retirement, the statement said. Stevens began at the Buick division in 1978 and, like Barra, was educated at General Motors Institute, which became Kettering University. He had a key role in GM establishing its joint venture in China with SAIC Motor Corp. and was a crucial player in GM selling its long-struggling Opel business to French automaker PSA Group. PTI sanjiv@tribunemail.com In a small but significant step to contain the menace of NRI grooms abandoning their brides soon after the wedding, compulsory registration within seven days of the marriage ceremony and updating of the marital status on their passports has been proposed. Giving teeth to the norm is the sword of revoking the passport for failing to register the marriage. Inundated by complaints related to holiday marriages and moved by the sorry plight of deserted young women, at times even mothers with infants, the Centre had instituted an inter-ministerial panel to examine the issue. It is estimated that this appalling use-and-approach by the much sought-after NRI predators disguised as grooms has left behind over 20,000 deserted brides in Punjab alone. The womens quest for justice as they chase the elusive cheats has taken a major socio-legal dimension; almost every village and town has to deal with at least one victim of polygamous suitors. Not surprisingly, Punjab was the first state to make the registration of NRI marriages mandatory. The panel also covers a procedural loophole the deserters have been taking advantage of. When an abandoned bride lodges a complaint with the police, the embassy concerned is informed and it sends a summons notice. But the groom hoodwinks the law by moving to a new place or providing an incorrect address. Now, the Ministry of External Affairs will put up the summons on its website and such notices will be deemed to have been served. The panel is still studying the other tricky issue of bringing the grooms to book by attaching their property. Women, weakened by callous husbands and subsequent dependence on their parents for financial doles, will now be able to draw strength from the new amendments in the passport and marriage laws. However, unfortunately, for their fellow-sisters married earlier, the legal battle for justice remains an uphill task. Liaison with foreign governments seems the best option to book the husbands of these hapless and dumped women a difficult and complicated recourse, more so if the groom happens to be an Indian-origin foreign national. editorial@tribune.com Sushil Manav Tribune News Service Chandigarh, June 14 With a view to reviving the dying art forms of Haryana, the state government is contemplating a tie-up between the Khadi Village Industries Board (KVIB) and the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP). Formal documents could be signed soon, it is learnt. Sources said the tie-up is one of the several steps being considered for reviving vanishing art forms by giving impetus to the KVIB, which remained almost defunct for long before the present BJP government appointed Gargi Kakkar as its chairperson. At a meeting chaired by Additional Chief Secretary, Industries, Devender Singh, on Wednesday, it was also proposed to introduce training and workshops of artisans and plan a marketing strategy so that dying art forms of the state could be revived. Nishita Banerjee and Nilanjana Sen, both Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattars Good Governance Associates from Jhajjar and Kurukshetra districts, respectively, who have worked on the project for revival of KVIB for the revival of fading art forms, were also present. We both jointly took up the project last year and have been working on it for nearly eight months. We noticed that the KVIB, which provides loans for setting up of village industries, also has the mandate to provide training to artisans. However, this was not being done in the state, Nishita said. There are several traditional art forms of Haryana, like Tille Ki Jutti and brass utensils of Jagadhri which are fast dying for want of training and lack of market. We submitted our findings to the government and Wednesdays meeting was a step in the direction of revival of KVIB, she said. Nilanjana said the two of them also visited the National Institute of Design (NID), Kurukshetra, and were trying to see what kind of arrangement could be made with them. She said NID was already working with the Gujarat Khadi Village Industries Board in that state. Since the boards capacity is not sufficient in terms of human resources, alliances with entities like the UNDP or NID can go a long way in improving its functioning and reviving the fading art forms, she added. editorial@tribune.com Mukesh Tandon Tribune News Service Panipat, June 14 The state-level dharna against enhancement dues by members of the All-Haryana Sectors Welfare Association (AHSWA) at the HUDA office complex in Sector 18 entered its 17th day on Thursday. The members from Rewari and Panipat sat on hunger strike. Meanwhile, HUDA has collected Rs 137.76 crore as enhancement dues till Wednesday. According to sources in HUDA, residents of HUDA sectors have deposited Rs 137,76,85,838 under the one-time settlement scheme for enhancement dues. While the department got the least amount in Kurukshetra district, the maximum amount was deposited in Gurugram-2. The state-level protest against enhancement continued at the HUDA office complex and the protesters from various districts came here and sat on hunger strike according to their turn. Yashbir Malik, convener of Haryana Sectors Confederation, said, We have been fighting for our rights for the past two months and 17 days. The government had given enhancement notices of around Rs 17,000 crore to 53 sectors in various districts, but the government did not serve enhancement notices to 135 sectors after we had started the protest, he claimed. Malik claimed the people who had deposited the amount are only those who had outstanding dues in their accounts. Now, they have taken the benefit of one-time settlement. The HUDA officials are trying to befool the people by saying that Rs 137.76 crore has been deposited so that more people would deposit the amount, he alleged. Members of the state co-ordination committee would gather at Panipat on June 17 to make the strategy for the Jail Bharo Andolan on June 20 in Jind. More than 20,000 people would gather there against the government and would readily go to jail for their rights, Malik maintained. J Ganeshan, Chief Administrator, HUDA, said the people are depositing their enhancement outstanding amount under the one-time settlement scheme. The government has given option to the people to deposit their enhancement amount under one-time scheme till July 15 with 40 per cent discount. If they want to recalculate the dues, it would be done after July 15, the Chief Administrator said. Amount deposited District Amount (in Rs) Ambala 3,00,48,391 Bahadurgarh 5,44,34,951 Bhiwani 1,11,521 Faridabad 11,47,17,381\ Fatehabad 66,15,375 Gurugram 10119992 Gurugram-2 87,07,25,103 Hansi 35,40,839 Hisar 1,35,75,206 Jhajjar 34,86,837 Jind 78,79,946 Karnal 17,450,322 Kurukshetra 9,298 Narnaul 11,41,331 Palwal 23,54,024 Panchkula 14,10,16,500 Panipat 1,50,06,112 Rewari 1,40,48,600 Rohtak 4,56,47,698 Sirsa 10,57,418 Sonepat 2,46,98,99 rchopra@tribunemail.com Tribune News Service Solan, June 14 Six armed men assaulted the nephew of former Doon Congress MLA Ramkumar Chaudhary at Baddi in this district on Wednesday night. Sohan Singh Kundlas was attacked at Dawat Chowk as he was returning home around 11.30. He, along with his three friends, suffered injuries. Locals rushed them to the Community Health Centre, where their condition is said to be stable. The miscreants allegedly attacked them without any provocation and also damaged their two cars. Police are investigating the incident that has shocked the family as this is the second such attack on the Chaudhary family in recent days. The former MLAs cousin was murdered in Baddi in May. Chaudhary alleged that the armed men also fired in the air, adding that the law and order situation in the area was deteriorating by each passing day. editorial@tribune.com Dipender Manta Tribune News Service Mandi, June 14 The Balh Bachao Sangharash Samiti has opposed the proposed airport at Balh valley in Mandi district. The villagers have demanded that the proposed airport be shifted to another place, as the people of Balh valley are not ready to give their ancestral land for the project It may come as a big jolt to Chief Minister Jai Ram Thakur, who has been working hard to set up an international airport in Mandi district to give a boost to the tourism sector. A few days ago, the Chief Minister had said most probably the airport would be finalised at Balh as the land was adequate for the proposed 5-km long runway between Nagchala to Nerchowk. He also appealed to the public to be ready to sacrifice their land for his dream project. Today, a group of villagers under the banner of Balh Bachao Sangharash Samiti met Balh MLA Inder Singh Gandhi at his residence and urged him to convince the Chief Minister to shift the proposal of the airport to another place. Joginder Walia, spokesperson of the samiti, said out of the total 3,500 bighas, 3,019 bighas would be private land and 5,000 families would be displaced. Citing an example, he said the Chandigarh-Manali four-laning had affected them because of the poor response of the state government, which failed to implement the Land Acquisition Act 2013 to compensate and rehabilitate the affected families. There are two other sites such as Nerdhangu and Mangarh available in Mandi district, where the state government can construct an airport and there will be less displacement of people, he remarked. Walia said, We met Balh MLA Inder Singh Gandhi over the issue and apprised him of the apprehension of the people, who will be displaced from the region. He assured us that he will take up the matter with the Chief Minister. Last month, officials of the Airports Authority of India had conducted a survey of four sites in Mandi district for the feasibility of an airport. Soon, they will submit their report to the state government and any decision will be taken after that. Thakurs dream project A few days ago, the Chief Minister had said, most probably the site for the airport would be finalised at Balh, as the land was adequate for the proposed 5-km long runway between Nagchala to Nerchowk. He also appealed to the public to be ready to sacrifice their land for his dream project rchopra@tribunemail.com Tribune News Service Srinagar, June 14 Two militants and a soldier were killed on Thursday in an encounter in north Kashmirs Bandipora district, Army said. The fierce gunfight broke in the morning at Panar forest in Bandipora, 60 km from here, where a massive anti-militancy operation has been going on since June 9. In the ongoing operation, two terrorists were killed and an army soldier was martyred, Srinagar-based defence spokesman Col Rajesh Kalia said. The operation is still in progress. The identities of the slain militants and the soldier could not be established immediately. The Army has been carrying out massive combing operations in a dense forest area at Panar from Saturday to trace out a group of militants who were hiding in the area after infiltrating into the Indian territory recently. During the past six days, security forces and militants have exchanged fire on at least six occasions. But each time the militants managed to give security forces the slip in the forest area. The Army, however, maintained a tight cordon around the forest to ensure that militants did not escape. The first contact with the militants was established on Saturday evening when a patrol party of the Army was fired upon by the militants. This was retaliated and the exchange of fire lasted for a brief time. amansharma@tribunemail.com Srinagar, June 14 The bullet-riddled body of an Army jawan was recovered from Pulwama district hours after he was abducted by militants on his way home for Eid celebrations, police said on Thursday. Aurangzeb, who was buddy of a company commander, was abducted by militants at Kalampora in Pulwama this morning when he was on his way home in Rajouri district for Eid celebrations. His body was found by a team of police and Army at Gussu village, 10 km away from Kalampora, in Pulwama district. He was shot in his head and neck, police said. Aurangzeb belonged to 4 Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry and was posted at the 44 Rashtriya Rifles camp at Shadimarg in Shopian, they said. At about 9 am, Army men from the unit stopped a car asking the driver to drop Aurangzeb in Shopian, officials said, recounting what had happened. Militants stopped the vehicle as it approached Kalampora and abducted the jawan. Reacting to the development, former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah tweeted, Another piece of terrible news to add to an already horrible day. May Aurangzeb rest in peace. Allah Jannat naseeb karay (sic). During the day, veteran journalist and Rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari and his two personal security officers (PSOs) were shot dead by terrorists outside the newspapers office in the heart of Jammu and Kashmirs summer capital. PTI editorial@tribune.com Ajay Banerjee Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 14 A series of developments, being termed as positives, will be literally weighed against the number of terrorist incidents in the past one month in Kashmir when a final call is taken to continue with the ongoing Ramzan ceasefire or not. The month-long cessation of operations by the Army and the security forces was announced on May 16 and is set to end as Ramzan culminates with Eid on June 16. Sources in the security set-up said a political call would be taken after taking a holistic view of the situation. The Modi government will have to decide on the basis of various inputs, said the sources. The killing of journalist Shujaat Bukhari in Kashmir on Thursday evening can impact the decision. The Army, CRPF, J&K Police and Intelligence agencies have given their inputs with figures of terror attacks since May 16. Five security men, including two Army personnel, were killed during this period. There have been 22 grenade attacks, 11 incidents of weapon-snatching, three bank robberies and two incidents of improvised explosive devices blasts. Eight terrorists too have been killed since May 16. These are only the figures of the Valley. The number of terrorists killed along the Line of Control is greater. After the operations were stopped, the number of stone-throwing incidents have come down drastically. At the funeral of a slain policeman, slogans were raised against terrorists and Pakistan. This is in a sharp contrast to the stripping and killing of a DSP-rank policeman, Ayub Pandith, in Srinagar last year On the education front, schools and colleges have functioned well since May 16. Political activity has also kicked off with local leaders going to villages and meeting people. Locals are happy at the development as there are no sudden gunfights on the streets. Among a few stone-throwing incidents in the Valley, one was instigated by Zakir Musa, a man whom security agencies suspect to be following a radical ideology similar to terrorist organisations in West Asia. His supporters clashed with followers of Mirwaiz Umar Farooq after Friday prayers. Another incident occurred when a local resident was crushed under a CRPF vehicle. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Ludhiana, June 14 Tuberculosis patients will finally heave a sigh of relief as the Health Department has made it compulsory for chemists to sell anti-TB drugs. After the Government of India (GOI) made it mandatory for doctors and chemists to upload data of tuberculosis (TB) patients on a web portal, many chemists stopped selling medicines, which made things difficult for those, who were undergoing private treatment. Later, patients started rushing to the Civil Hospital to get TB medicines. Now, the Health Department has made it compulsory for all chemists to sell anti-TB medicines. The Health Department has also come to the rescue of doctors and chemists, who are finding it difficult to update data online. The department will be holding training for chemists on Tuesday and Friday from 9 am to 10 am at the Civil Surgeon office. The training programme will be of one month. Civil Surgeon, Dr Parwinder Pal Singh Sidhu, said the Government of India had planned to eradicate TB by 2020. The enrolment of patients was initiated on the Nikshay portal so that they could be followed up to ensure the compliance related to consumption of anti-TB drugs. Doctors, testing laboratories and chemists are the authorities to make entries on the portal related to basic information about patients. The process will control drug resistance in TB patients. Chemists can inform the district TB officer regarding details of patients, he added. Strict action will be taken against doctors and chemists if they are not updating patients information or not selling medicines as the TB is a notified disease, he said. amansharma@tribunemail.com Yash Goyal Jaipur, June 14 Gaelle Chouteau, a French national who was reportedly missing since June 1 from Rajasthans Pushkar, was on Thursday evening traced to an organic farm house at Sare-Khurd village under Bhiwadi, about 100 km from Alwar. The 20-year-old French tourist, who was last seen in a CCTV footage at Pushkar where she stayed on May 30 and 31, was found safe and secure at the farm house under Chaupanki police station, IGP (Ajmer Range) Malini Agarwal told The Tribune. She had come to Satya-Jyoti Organic Farm House on June 1 afternoon by boarding a bus via Jaipur and alighted at Daruhera where a person from the farm house received her, Bhiwadi Additional SP Pushpendra Singh Solanki said. Through emails, she had come in contact with the organic farm which is linked to the World Organisation of Organic Farmers. She had also sent text to her parents on WhatsApp informing about her visit, but they did not see it and informed the French Embassy, Solanki said. She also complained to her parents that why they did not see her WhatsApp text and why did they report her missing to the Embassy, Solanki said. The French Embassy was duly informed and the tourist also talked to them and her parents over phone. Rajasthan Police have circulated the CCTV footage and a picture of Gaelle Chouteau to major cities in Rajasthan, especially bus depots and railway stations. On Wednesday, The Tribune had reported that French Ambassador to India, Alexandre Ziegler, tweeted for help to trace Gaelle Chouteau. rchopra@tribunemail.com Patna, June 14 A woman and her daughter were allegedly gang-raped by nearly a dozen youths in Bihars Gaya district, police said on Thursday. The police have detained 20 youths and are interrogating them to identify the main accused, Gaya Senior Superintendent of Police Rajeev Mishra told the media. The incident took place on Wednesday night near Sondiha village. The youths forcibly stopped a local doctor travelling with his wife and daughter. The doctors hands and legs were tied and he was left in a nearby field while his wife and daughter were gang-raped, the police said. IANS shalender@tribune.com Shahira Naim Tribune News Service Lucknow, June 13 Former UP Chief Minister Akhilesh Yadav on Wednesday smelled a BJP conspiracy to malign him in reports of damage to the bungalow vacated by him here, drawing a sharp retort from the ruling party that slammed him for using a language that showed his frustration. Stung by a letter written by Governor Ram Naik to Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath about the damage at the bungalow on 4, Vikramaditya Marg, the SP chief convened a press conference here to vent his ire at the ruling party and did not spare the Governor in his outburst. Armed with two taps, he said: If the government can prove that I took out taps from the bungalows bathroom, I am willing to replace them. Complying with the SC order, Akhilesh had last week vacated the bungalow, allotted to him as a former CM. Since then, a concerted campaign has started that he has left the place vandalised and badly damaged, removing floor tiles, bathroom fittings et al. He admits to having removed the equipment of his personal gym that he had set up as it was his personal property and would be using it in his new house. Accusing the BJP of leaving no stone unturned to malign his image by releasing photography angles of the damage, Akhilesh said it would, however, not cover the electoral losses that the saffron party had recently suffered. Its a conspiracy of the BJP after its humiliating defeat in byelections in Gorakhpur, Phulpur, Kairana and Noorpur. It is rattled after these repeated defeats, he said. Referring to Governor Ram Naik asking Yogi to investigate the charges of damage to the bungalow, Akhilesh said he was a nice person but at times the RSS infiltrated his soul. He is a good person but he is not following the Constitution. He does not have the Constitution in his soul but there is the RSS, he said. He said if the government had any inventory of the well-maintained bungalow he recently vacated and if any item was found missing as per the written inventory, he was ready to pay for it. Cabinet minister Siddharth Nath Singh accused the ex-CM of using badly chosen language against the Governor. pardeepdhull@gmail.com Aditi Tandon Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 14 A cautious Congress did not extend the Iftar invitation to the Pakistan High Commissioner to India this time, even as the rest of the neighbourhood was represented. In all 48 diplomatic representatives of various countries attended the Iftar party which Congress president Rahul Gandhi hosted last evening at a local luxury hotel here. The attendance of diplomats was the highest ever at any Iftar ever hosted by the party, sources said. Invitations were not sent to Pakistan and Israel. The Palestinian Ambassador was very much there. Asked why the Pakistan High Commissioner was left out of the guest list, a senior Congress leader said, The Congress was careful with the invitations. Since India has not resumed the dialogue process with Pakistan, we did not invite them. Also, only yesterday morning four BSF personnel were killed in unprovoked firing by Pakistan in the Samba sector. The Congress may also have been careful about the Pakistan invitation after PM Narendra Modi talked of a private dinner attended by former PM Manmohan Singh and former Pakistan Foreign Secretary during the Gujarat Assembly elections. The Iftar former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi had hosted in 2015 had been attended by then Pakistan High Commissioner to India Abdul Basit. Rahul treaded the territory carefully lest the ruling BJP launched an offensive on the Congress on this issue. Yesterdays Iftar was Rahuls first as Congress chief. The party also did not invite its suspended leader Mani Shankar Aiyar who had famously gone to Pakistan and told a gathering there to help the Congress dislodge PM Modi. Among the diplomats who came were the High Commissioner of UK, the Ambassador of Russia, the Charge de Affairs of China, France, Switzerland and Sweden, Minister Political from the US, High Commissioner of South Africa, Ambassadors of Mexico, Sudan, Angola, Somalia. The Bangladesh High Commissioner and the Bhutanese Ambassador were there, so were the representatives of Central Asian countries, including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan. A total of 62 diplomats were invited but 48 attended. Deputy Leader of Congress in Rajya Sabha Anand Sharma was in-charge of invitations to the diplomatic corps. shalender@tribune.com Vibha Sharma Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 13 Former President Pranab Mukherjees address was one that could not have been made at any platform other than that of the Sangh and he did not even once mention the word minority, RSS mouthpiece Organiser has said in its latest issue, covering and analysing the June 7 event that continues to make political waves. The mouthpiece said the invitation to Pranab and its acceptance by him came as a shock only to those who could not see developments in national life beyond politics. The need to maintain plurality, as Mukherjee had stressed while addressing the Tritiya Sangh Shiksha Varg event, was exactly what the RSS had been promoting for years, said Organiser editor Prafulla Ketkar. In one of the columns, political analyst Sandeep Singh pointed out that Mukherjee concluded his speech with Vande Mataram an anathema to the Congress and the Islamists in this country. This was a speech about the nation, nationalism and patriotism in the context of India that is Bharat. The speech did not even once mention the word minority. It has been ages since one heard someone from the Congress background talking about all Indians as being equal. The speech talked about India and its plurality, diversity and unity, he said. As per Ketkar, while many connotations were derived and analysis would continue for days to come, the real message of the former Presidents Nagpur visit was more national than political. rchopra@tribunemail.com Vibha Sharma Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 14 With the Assembly polls in Rajasthan just months away, the BJP on Wednesday started building its election strategy to retain the state, which of late, gave it embarrassing bypoll defeats. Apart from various mass contact and reach-out plans, the party will depend upon its time-tested formula--strengthening the grassroots through panna pramukhs. The party also chalked out plans for Andhra Pradesh, where it recently lost its ally--the TDP. Meanwhile, sources said party chief Amit Shah and Chief Minister Vasundhara Raje also discussed the contentious issue of a new Rajasthan BJP chief, a post that has been lying vacant for two months. Overcoming their differences, apparently at the behest of the RSS, the two also met separately after the core group meeting of the state to discuss the names. The post has been lying vacant ever since Ashok Parnami resigned on April 18 amid differences between Shah and Raje on his successor. While Shah is backing union minister Gajendra Singh Shekhawat, Raje wants the post to be given to either of the two ministersShrichand Kriplani or Arun Chaturvediin her cabinet. Sources say Shahs choice continues to be the top runner even as the leadership is also considering a Brahmin to send a good message to other communities. Differences between Shah and Raje over the issue reached such a level that the RSS had to intervene. Raje argued that if Shekhawata Rajputis made the state chief, other castes, especially Jats, would not vote for the BJP. Sources said the senior functionary of the RSS suggested to Shah and Raje that the matter should not be stretched as delaying it any further would only harm the party. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 14 The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to stay the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (Mains) examination scheduled for June 18, saying Judges are not and cannot be experts in all fields. A Vacation Bench headed by Justice UU Lalit, which set aside the Allahabad HCs March 30 order for re-evaluation of answer sheets of the preliminary test, said judges must exercise restraint in interfering with the opinion of experts. The verdict comes a day after the top court refused to quash Combined Legal Aptitude Test (CLAT)-2018 and ordered applying normalisation formula to compensate 4,690 candidates who were adversely affected by technical glitches in the May 13 test for admission to 19 national law universities. When there are conflicting views, then the court must bow down to the opinion of the experts. Judges are not and cannot be experts in all fields and, therefore, they must exercise great restraint and should not overstep their jurisdiction to upset the opinion of the experts, said the Bench, which also included Justice Deepak Gupta. The Bench said, ...the high court overstepped its jurisdiction by giving the directions, which amounted to setting aside the decision of experts in the field. The Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) had invited applications for 677 posts of upper-subordinate services in February 2017 and the preliminary examination was conducted in September 2017. amansharma@tribunemail.com Kathmandu, June 14 A bomb has exploded at the office of a major hydropower project being constructed with Indian assistance in Nepal, the second such incident at the facility in over a month. An unidentified group exploded an improvised explosive device in the office of Arun III hydropower in Tumlingtar, nearly 500 km from here, yesterday. The explosion did not cause any serious damage and no one was injured in the incident, according to the police. Security arrangements have been intensified following the incident, he said. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the blast. On April 29, a CPN Maoist faction had exploded a bomb at the office of the project weeks before its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A Project Development Agreement (PDA) for Arun III was signed with India's state-owned Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) on November 25, 2014 in the presence of the then Prime Minister Sushil Koirala and visiting Indian Prime Minister Modi. - PTI rchopra@tribunemail.com Vibha Sharma Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 14 As severe pollution continues to choke Delhi and neighbouring areas, some relief is expected around Saturday (June 16) when thunderstorms with gusty winds and a change in wind direction could blow away the dust looming over the region. In fact, the entire Northwest region appears headed for turbulent times from June 16 with thunderstorms and squalls expected over many places. Meanwhile, civil construction activities have been stopped in Delhi till June 17 following severe dust pollution. The IMD on Thursday said thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds and lightning are likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and east Uttar Pradesh on June 16. Duststorms/thunderstorms are also expected over isolated places over west Uttar Pradesh on the day. The same is expected for the next couple of days. The official forecaster has predicted thunderstorms accompanied by squall at isolated places over Himachal Pradesh and Uttarakhand. Thunderstorms accompanied by gusty winds and lightning are also likely at isolated places over Jammu and Kashmir, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh on June 17. June 18 may also see thunderstorm accompanied by gusty winds and lightning at some places over Jammu and Kashmir, Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Punjab, Haryana, Chandigarh, Delhi and Uttar Pradesh. Meanwhile, isolated to scattered rain is likely over the northern plains between June 19 and 21, it added. A sudden haze has covered Delhi and the NCR since Tuesday with air quality plummeting into the severely polluted category. The IMD has blamed unusual duststorms and wind direction for these high pollution levels during this time of the year. Rajasthan is facing extremely dry weather conditions, with high temperatures and wind speeds. According to the IMD, the wind direction in Delhi since June 10 has changed to the west and northwest and then since June 12 to west and southwest, due to which hot air, along with dust from Rajasthan, has started moving into Delhi. The current surface winds in Delhi are in the range of 5-6 m/sec and wind direction is west to Southwest, which is likely to continue over the next three days. Therefore, it is expected that dusty conditions will prevail in Delhi over the next three days, it added. Meanwhile, major construction agencies, municipal corporations and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have been alerted to ensure water sprinkling as required. The Environment Ministry has also asked the Delhi Chief Secretary to issue appropriate instructions to the agencies concerned. On Wednesday, the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) convened an urgent meeting of the Task Force regarding implementation of the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) and issued necessary directions to contain local dust sources. The Task Force also recommended that the public should avoid prolonged exposure, it said. sanjiv@tribunemail.com Chennai, June 14 In a huge relief to the AIADMK government, the Madras High Court on Thursday gave a split verdict on petitions challenging the disqualification of 18 MLAs loyal to sidelined party leader TTV Dhinakaran, a ruling that would maintain status quo in the corridors of power in Tamil Nadu. A Division Bench of Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M Sundar delivered divergent verdicts on whether the MLAs deserved to be disqualified under the anti-defection law for seeking the removal of Chief Minister K Palaniswami. The court ruled that the seniormost judge after the CJ would now pick a judge to hear the matter afresh. The verdict came as a massive relief for the Palaniswami government as restoration of the MLAs membership could have brought it perilously close to losing majority in the event of their joining hands with the DMK-Congress-IUML alliance, which has 98 MLAs in the 234-member House. PTI rchopra@tribunemail.com Smita Sharma New Delhi, June 14 The revised pact on return of illegal immigrants has become a cause of serious friction in the India-UK ties. The Theresa May government in London is upset with New Delhi unwilling to sign the agreement. This even though the draft was initialled by Minister of State for Home Kiren Rijiju earlier this year and approved by the Indian cabinet prior to PM Modis London visit for the Commonwealth Summit. Indian official sources told The Tribune that the government now wanted the bill to be along the lines of a similar agreement signed with France during President Macrons visit this year. We think it is not a reasonable pact and so we are looking at the French agreements terms and conditions, said an Indian official. The British call it unfair and suggest India is playing hardball to imply No Returns without liberalised visas. It is the fundamental duty of states to take back their citizens. We need effective mechanisms for it, said a UK official. Revised Bill After the existing agreement ended in 2014, the revised MoU seeks to ensure return of persons who have no lawful basis to be in the territory of the other party after verification of nationality to its satisfaction and also provides information to police about known criminals, including sex offenders on both sides. The agreement says if an individual is proved 100 per cent as Indian by authorities on both sides, then deportation must happen within 15 days; and within 70 days for individuals who require local administration ascertaining such cases. The nationals set to return are issued emergency certificates to fly. Validity of emergency travel documents has been increased from three months to six months. The UK claims that estimated at 70,000-100,000, Indians form the largest component of illegal immigrants with 70 to 75 per cent of these belonging to Punjab. Nigerians and Pakistanis follow at around 30,000-40,000 illegal immigrants and Bangladesh, Ghana, and China follow the list. Of these, the UK already has a similar pact signed with all-mentioned countries except for India and Bangladesh with which negotiations are in an advanced state. These illegal immigrants have either entered without official documents or have overstayed their visas or working without legal permits. India refutes these numbers while the UK says it has some 2,000 travel document requests pending each year with the Indian High Commission in London for return of officially identified individuals, of which only half the requests are approved. India says that in the past 10 years some 5,000 nationals have been deported and objects to return timelines set in the pact. Post-2008 Indian Passport Issuing Authority has captured biometric data of passport applicants while the UK Missions too began collecting biometric information for visa issuance, which makes data easier to be compared by both sides. Agreement with France The Migration and Mobility Partnership agreement signed with France focuses on two aspects--mobility between tourists, students and academics on both sides with liberalised visa regime. It seeks to enhance the number of Indian students to France to 10,000 from 6,000 each year and the number of tourists to a million each year by 2020. The second aspect deals with re-admission procedures, documents required by nationals and how to expedite the process. However, it mentions no specific duration or timeframe for return of illegals unlike in the UK agreement. There is a commitment to return illegal migrants in a regular manner at the earliest possible. Once nationality is ascertained, it seeks to return nationals immediately since establishing a timeframe might be unrealistic, said a French diplomat. UK officials say the number of illegal Indian immigrants in France cannot be compared to that of Britain. They say suggested timelines are reasonable since states like Punjab already respond to identity requests in 17 days. Sources claim domestic reasons, including Punjab politics, is behind the Modi governments changed stance. UK officials also underline the need for demonstrable improvement on returns for more liberal visas. How can you have a liberal visa regime without effective control of abuse? Indian student visas are up by 30%, tourist visas up by 27%. Indian nationals get more than 50% of UK work visas. We are not asking you to take back citizens on a blanket basis, said a British diplomat. India-UK logjam over returns Bill *UK wants Indians, with identity ascertained 100%, returned in 15 days *Illegals, with no biometric data and required local ascertaining, returned in 70 days *India wants No Time Frame for Returns; calls such commitment unreasonable *UK says 70,000-100,000 illegal Indian immigrants; India refutes these numbers as exaggerated *UK claims 2,000 travel document requests with Indian High Commission every year *Only 1,000 approved *India says only 5,000 deportation in 10 years *UK says demonstrate improvement on Returns for Liberal Visas *India wants visas liberalised as part of Returns bill like France MoU rchopra@tribunemail.com Tribune News Service New Delhi, June 14 In a first, the UN body OHCHR (UN Human Rights office of The High Commissioner) published a report on human rights situation on both sides of Kashmir and slammed both India and Pakistan. The 49-page reportthe first ever issued by the UN on the human rights situation in Indian-Administered and Pakistan-Administered Kashmirdetails human rights violations and abuses on both sides of the Line of Control, and highlights a situation of chronic impunity for violations committed by security forces, says the report. The report asks both sides to adhere to the ceasefire agreement, and asks India to repeal AFSPA and release political prisoners, among others. It also recommends, Fully respect the right of self-determination of the people of Kashmir as protected under international law. In response to a question on the Report, the official spokesperson said: India rejects the report. It is fallacious, tendentious and motivated. We question the intent in bringing out such a report. It is a selective compilation of largely unverified information. It is overtly prejudiced and seeks to build a false narrative. The report violates Indias sovereignty and territorial integrity. The entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Pakistan is in illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the Indian state through aggression. We have repeatedly called upon Pakistan to vacate the occupied territories. The incorrect description of Indian territory in the report is mischievous, misleading and unacceptable. There are no entities such as Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. Terrorism is the most egregious violation of human rights. Yet the authors have conveniently ignored the pattern of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan and territories under its illegal control. Cross-border terror and incitement is aimed at suppressing the will of the people of Jammu and Kashmir, disrupting its political and social fabric and undermining Indias integrity. It is disturbing that those behind this report have chosen to describe internationally designated and UN-proscribed terrorist entities as armed groups and terrorists as leaders. This undermines the UN-led consensus on zero tolerance to terrorism. The motivated report deliberately ignores that fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution to every Indian citizen, including in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, are protected also by an independent judiciary, human rights commissions, free and vibrant media and an active civil society. Our protest and views in the matter have been conveyed unequivocally to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights. We are deeply concerned that individual prejudices are being allowed to undermine the credibility of a UN institution. Such malicious reports cannot undermine the will of the people and the Government of India to take all measures necessary to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country from cross-border terrorism. editorial@tribune.com Praful Chander Nagpal Fazilka, June 13 A case of an organised theft of water from non-perennial southern canal by affluent farmers has come to the fore in the district. A number of pipes laid from the canal to the fields in an illegal manner has been seized. Official sources said rich farmers of villages in the politically influential Jalalabad constituency had allegedly been stealing water for many years in connivance with officials of the Irrigation Department. A police team, led by Khui Khera SHO and SDO, Irrigation, Pawan Bishnoi, seized pipes and motors from different locations. Those booked included Hari Chand and Mahinder Kumar, who reportedly owed allegiance to the Akali Dal. They have been booked under Section 379 IPC, Section 70 of the Canals Act and Section 3 of the Punjab Prevention of Damage to Property Act. The remaining six farmers are yet to be identified. Bishnoi said the department had issued challans to 19 farmers and police action against them was yet to be taken. The sources said some farmers from villages located at the tail end of the canal, led by former MLA Mohinder Kumar Rinwa, had informed Deputy Commissioner Isha Kalia about the water theft, following which action was taken. At Shajrana village, it was found that some farmers had installed motors and laid pipes many feet below the land, between the canal and their fields. Sidharth Rinwa of Bareka village and Hardip Dhaka of Khanpur village, whose land is located at the tail end of the canal, said at least 18 villages had been facing scarcity of water due to the theft. The illegal activity was going on at Shajrana, Singhpura, Chahlanwali and Tahliwala Bodla villages for the last about one decade. Some villagers alleged that farmers had been selling water after stealing it. Amar Kumar Siag of Lakhewali village alleged that they had been raising the matter for long, but the police failed to act against the accused. Fazilka DSP Narinder Singh said eight farmers had been booked and action would be taken against them after getting report from the Irrigation Department. When contacted, Superintending Engineer, Irrigation, HS Chahal said he had directed the officials concerned to take stern action against those responsible for the theft. Protest against illegal supply Muktsar: Some farmers of Kuraiwala village in Gidderbaha Assembly segment on Wednesday lodged a protest alleging that a farmer during the previous SAD-BJP regime had laid a pipeline illegally and was still getting the water supply to his fields through it, which was affecting their fields. They further accused the officials of the Soil Conservation Department of having a nexus with the farmer. TNS sanjiv@tribunemail.com GS Paul Tribune News Service Amritsar, June 14 Akal Takht on Thursday excommunicated New Zealand-based Harnek Singh Neki for derogatory remarks on Sikh Gurus and for distorting Gurbani while hosting a radio talk show. The hukamnama (edict) by the five Sikh high priests was pronounced by Giani Gurbachan Singh. The Jathedar directed the Sikhs to initiate legal proceedings to scrap Nekis project Radio Virsa for running a relentless propaganda against the Gurus. Speaking to The Tribune on the phone 12,000 km away, an unruffled Neki invited the Akal Takht chief to his show for an open discussion on the origin of Sikhism and its principles. I do not acknowledge the authority of the Akal Takht Jathedar or the SGPC. Both have lost their credibility. I never saw myself as part of the community governed by them. I challenge the Akal Takht Jathedar or any SGPC representative to a debate on my show on Sikh ethics and principles. Let the listeners decide for themselves. Mocking the clergy, he said the Taksali Sant Samaj and SGPC representatives had approached the New Zealand High Commissioner in New Delhi to demand that his radio licence be cancelled, little knowing that in New Zealand, it is not required to run a small radio channel as Radio Virsa which I run in collaboration with a group of Sikhs settled there. Jathedar Gurbachan Singh stressed that Neki was given three chances to appear before Akal Takht but he did not respond. He has been distorting Gurbani and using objectionable language for the Sikh Gurus on his radio shows. The Sikh community must sever social, political and religious ties with him. Neki was first summoned by the Akal Takht on May 16 and asked to respond to the allegations in writing within 10 days. Thereafter, he was called on June 1 and for the third time within the next one week. Parallel Jathedar Dhyan Singh Mand too had excommunicated Neki on May 30 on the same charges. editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Chandigarh, June 14 More than a year after an Amritsar court directed the Centre and the state government to award a compensation of Rs 4 lakh each to 40 Sikhs confined in a Jodhpur jail, the Union of India has countered the allegations of poor facilities in prison, claiming they were even served desi ghee against entitlement. In a regular second appeal before the High Court through advocate Arun Gosain, the Union of India, among other things, asserted the court had wrongly held that the plaintiffs, confined for four to five years after Operation Bluestar three decades ago, were denied basic facilities during detention. Elaborating, it said the plaintiffs were not entitled to meals with desi ghee. But on their demand, the SGPC and other Sikh organisations were permitted to provide them desi ghee, sugar and other eatables. This was in addition to other facilities provided under the jail manual. The appeal was placed before Justice Ajay Tewaris Bench on June 1. The High Court has not issued a notice on the appeal but only on an application for condoning the 286-day delay in filing the appeal. The notice came after Additional Solicitor-General of India Satya Pal Jain, along with advocates Dheeraj Jain, Gosain, and other advocates appeared before the Bench. The appeal claimed the facts mentioned in the District Court judgment, were totally wrong. There was a war-like situation and 1,592 persons were rounded up from the Golden Temple complex and the plaintiffs are among 433 persons collected from inside the Golden Temple complex during Operation Bluestar, it said. Alleging false implication, one of the plaintiff-victims had alleged he was physically hurt, kept thirsty, hungry and tortured mentally. The suit for damages for illegal detention, malicious prosecution and torture was initially dismissed on July 30, 2011. But the appellate court reversed the judgment and awarded compensation. Must be given their due: Takht Amritsar: Akal Takht Jathedar Giani Gurbachan Singh, taking note of the Centres plea against compensation to 40 Sikhs arrested during Operation Bluestar, said they must be given their due. These Sikhs spent precious years of their life behind bars for the sake of the community. They should be compensated and the Centre must review its decision, he said. TNS editorial@tribune.com Deepkamal Kaur Tribune News Service Jalandhar, June 13 The orders of a local court to auction the official residence of the Deputy Commissioner to pay Rs 7 crore to an 80-year-old farmer for the acquisition of his property by Jalandhar Improvement Trust has come as a shock for the local administration. The court of Civil Judge Senior Division Rashmi Sharma had issued the orders for the sale of property by June 13, but most officials were unaware of any such order. The matter pertained to an application for execution filed by Ajit Singh of Reru village, whose 60 kanal had been acquired by the trust in 1990. The land was acquired for developing transport nagar, near Amritsar bypass. The matter remained in litigation for nearly 28 years. The elderly villager kept waiting outside the DC residence even on Wednesday for the execution of the court orders, but to no avail. As a quick remedial measure by the administration that was sleeping on the issue for the past two months since the orders were passed, an application for seeking exemption from auction was moved by the Executive Engineer (XEN), PWD, Ginder Singh on Wednesday. The XEN and tehsildar KS Bhullar said in their petition they had sought exemption from the court on the basis of the fact that the Jalandhar Improvement Trust was an autonomous body. As per the complainant, the compensation was to be paid to him by the trust. So, it cannot be recovered by auction of the state governments property whether it was Deputy Commissioners residence or any other, they pleaded. The officers have urged that the orders for the auction of DCs residence must be quashed and compensation must be given to the complainant by auctioning the properties of the trust and not that of the state government. There is no lapse on part of the DC office, they said. The petition will be taken up by the court on Thursday. Basant Garg, officiating chairman, JIT, said: There is a bunch of seven cases where enhancement of award has been ordered. We will make payment in all cases. We were not aware of the court orders in this particular case, but we will make the payment as soon as we can. 28-year wait editorial@tribune.com Tribune News Service Amritsar, June 13 Welcoming the UK tribunals order regarding declassification of documents related to Britains role in the 1984 Army operation at the Golden Temple, the SGPC on Wednesday demanded that the Indian Government should follow the suit. The SGPC is already fighting a legal battle in the Delhi High Court, claiming Rs 1,000 crore damages from the Centre. The case is still pending. SGPC president Gobind Singh Longowal said: We welcome the UK tribunals decision. We want that the Indian government must also reveal official documents related to Operation Bluestar. The world should know about nefarious designs of the forces that were behind the unpardonable act, which had shaken the entire Sikh community. Echoing similar views, former Jathedar of Takht Sri Damdama Sahib Giani Kewal Singh said the Supreme Court should take cognisance of the UK development and direct the Indian government to follow it. Takht meet today Amritsar: The five Sikh high priests will hold a meeting at the Akal Takht secretariat on Thursday. They may take stern action against New Zealand-based radio jockey Harnek Singh Neki. Akal Takht has already announced that Neki may be excommunicated from the panth, as he has allegedly been broadcasting distorted Gurbani and using objectionable language against Sikh Gurus on his radio programme. He was summoned twice by Akal Takht, but he didnt respond. TNS editorial@tribune.com Balwant Garg Tribune News Service Faridkot, June 14 After arresting more than 12 Sacha Sauda dera followers in the three-year-old sacrilege case, the plan of the special investigation team (SIT) of the police to pacify the Sikh radical leaders on protest in Bargari has landed in another difficulty. Besides the arrest of the sacrilege culprits, the protesters are demanding from the state government to prosecute all police officials who were responsible for the killing of two Sikh protesters at Behbal Kalan on September 14, 2015. The names of many senior police officials are said to be in the conundrum. In an FIR, registered at the Bajakhana police station on September 14, 2015, the names of many police officers who were present at the police firing spot on September 14 are broadly mentioned. Now, proceeding against its own officers to mollify the radical protesters is a difficult option for the SIT. Many senior and junior police officials of Faridkot, Ludhiana and Fazilka districts are nervous over their name finding mention in the FIR. This FIR was registered on the complaint of Amarjit Singh Kular, the Bajakhana SHO. In the FIR, registered under Section 307, 435, 332, 333, 353, 283, 186, 148 and 149 of the IPC, 25, 27, 54 and 59 of the Arms Act and 3 and 4 of the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act, the SHO had accused a large number of unknown persons for attacking a police party with kirpans and stones at a blockade at Behbal Kalan village. Claiming that the police opened firing in self-defence, the SHO had narrated the sequence of events and mentioned the names of many police officers who were present at that time. The officers include the then Moga SSP, Fazilka SP (Investigation), Jalalabad DSP, Ludhiana (West) ADCP, Shahnewal DSP and five police inspectors. Besides probing the sacrilege incidents, prosecuting the real culprit of the Behbal Kalan firing, which killed two innocent Sikhs, is a challenge for the government, said Dal Khalsa spokesman Kanwarpal Singh, participating in the dharna at Bargari on Thursday. It is highly regretful that the political willingness of previous and present government to prosecute the guilty police officers who ordered unprovoked firing on the protesting sangat at Behbal Kalan is totally missing. Rather, both governments were trying to shield the states instrument, he said. editorial@tribune.com Divya Sharma Tribune News Service Amritsar, June 13 Compared to last year, government schools in the border belt fared poorly in the Class X Punjab School Education Board (PSEB) examinations. One reason for this is the check on mass copying that had been the practice over the years in Amritsar, Tarn Taran and Gurdaspur districts. Teachers, however, point out other reasons as well. Last year, Gurdaspur had topped the state with a pass percentage of 86.97 followed by Amritsar (83.95 per cent) and Tarn Taran (80.62 per cent). This year, Gurdaspur slumped to 16th rank with a pass percentage of 59.96 and Amritsar to 19th rank with a pass percentage of 54.86. Tarn Taran is at the bottom; 22nd rank with a pass percentage of 33.34. In all, 14 schools of Amritsar district fared poorly. In some schools, none of the students cleared the examinations. And these schools are located in rural areas. Two Amritsar-based schools one in Sharifpura and the other in Ram Bagh have zero per cent result in spite of having a good infrastructure. Ram Bagh school Principal Arbinder Kaur points to the no-detention policy for poor academic level of students, while officiating Principal of the Sharifpura school Kanta Devi feels students were not ready for changes. She said, Students did not take their examinations seriously as they thought they will be able to cheat. Government teacher Ashwani Awasthi said, The poor performance did not surprise me as students did not get books in time. The students are used to cheating. Hence, they did not take studies seriously. Amritsar Deputy District Education Officer (DEO) Rekha Mahajan said, There has been a lapse, as a result of which results have been affected. In Tarn Taran, the performance has been the worst. Only 33.34 per cent of students cleared Class X. Dramatic scenes were witnessed during the examinations with Education Secretary Krishan Kumar conducting surprise inspections followed by sudden change of centres. Balkar Singh Valtoha, general secretary, Government School Teachers Union, said: Students are used to mass copying. They did not take anti-cheating steps seriously. Students claim that cheating is their right. This is not the first time when a strict anti-cheating policy affected the results of the district. Government High School in Bhusse village is among several schools that performed poorly. Not a single student out of 26 cleared the examinations. School headmaster Paramjit Bhatti blames it on shortage of teachers. Tarn Taran DEO Nirmal Singh said, Several posts of teacher are lying vacant. In certain blocks, there is a shortage of mathematics and English teachers. The situation is no different in Gurdaspur, but it is better in terms of pass percentage. Gurdaspur DEO Rakesh Bala said, Gurdaspur has not performed badly. Having said that, the district faces shortage of teachers. Inputs from Gurbaxpuri from Tarn Taran editorial@tribune.com Balwant Garg Tribune News Service Faridkot, June 13 Continuing its investigation in a sacrilege case, the SIT raided the house of Mohinder Pal Bittu, a state committee member of Dera Sacha Sauda, at Kotkapura on Wednesday. Bittu is in police custody. The SIT recovered 28 used cartridges of a revolver and a book on the life of a Sikh Guru. RS Khatra, DIG, and SIT head, claimed the religious book was lying in a shoe rack. The SIT members also searched the house of Sukhjinder Singh, alias Sunny Kanda, another dera follower, besides raiding the shopping mall of the dera at Kotkapura. However, nothing objectionable was found. Kanda was arrested on June 8. Khatra said: We cant divulge more details since the CBI is probing these cases. Meanwhile, Sikh hardliners asked the CM to come out with the progress of the investigation in sacrilege cases. editorial@tribune.com Ravi Dhaliwal Tribune News Service Pathankot, June 13 Two defence counsels on Wednesday sought a stay in proceedings in the Kathua gang rape and murder case till the age of one of the accused is ascertained. Defence lawyers Ankur Sharma and Chandan Sharma earlier moved an application asking District and Sessions Judge Dr Tejwinder Singh to declare accused Parvesh Kumar, alias Mannu, a juvenile. The judge has already directed the J&K SSP (crime branch) to get the accused medically examined from the Jammu medical college to determine his exact age. Reacting to the application of the defence lawyers, the judge asked Special Public Prosecutors (SPP) Santokh Singh Basra and JK Chopra to file their reply on Thursday. Basra had asked the court to try Parvesh Kumar as a major. He said the prosecution would challenge the defence application on Thursday on the plea that the trial in no case can be stayed because the Supreme Court has ordered that the proceedings should be held on a day-to-day basis. Today, the cross-examination of prosecution witness head constable Sham Lal was held by the defence counsels. SPP Basra has already concluded his examination-in-chief of Sham Lal. Meanwhile, SPP Chopra has moved an application to the Punjab ADGP (crime), IG (Border) and the Pathankot SSP asking for security. However, SSP Vivek Sheel Soni contended that providing security is the responsibility of the J&K Police. The Supreme Court has ordered that the J&K Government should provide adequate security to the advocates, accused, witnesses and family members of the minor girl. To this, Chopra said if the Punjab Police could provide security to the judge, then it should provide security to him too keeping in view the sensitivity of the case. Dr Tejwinder Singh has also sought that his security be enhanced following which the IG, RAW, and the IB would be deciding his request on June 15 at a meeting to be held among senior officers of these agencies. editorial@tribune.com Dehradun, June 14 Army Jawan Manvendra Singh of Rudraprayag attained martyrdom while fighting terrorists in Bandipora district of Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday morning. While the body of the martyr is expected to reach his native Kabiltha village of Ukhimath in Rudraprayag late in the evening, a pall of gloom has descended in the state. Uttarakhand Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat offered heartfelt condolences to the bereaved family. While conveying his sympathies, the CM assured all possible support to the martyrs family. Brave sons of Uttarakhand have always been at the forefront to sacrifice their life to protect their motherland, the CM said. Two militants and an Army jawan died in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmirs Bandipora district on Thursday. TNS pardeepdhull@gmail.com United Nations, June 14 The UN General Assembly has adopted by a strong majority of 120 countries an Arab-backed resolution condemning Israel for Palestinian deaths in Gaza and rejected a US bid to put the blame on Hamas. At least 129 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire during protests near the border with Gaza that began at the end of March. No Israelis have died. The resolution put forward by Algeria and Turkey on behalf of Arab and Muslim countries won 120 votes in the 193-member assembly on Wednesday, with 8 votes against and 45 abstentions. An amendment presented by the United States condemning Hamas for inciting violence along the border with Gaza failed to garner the two-third majority needed for adoption. Addressing the assembly, US Ambassador Nikki Haley dismissed the resolution as biased against Israel and accused Arab countries of trying to score political points at home by seeking to condemn Israel at the United Nations. For some, attacking Israel is their favourite political sport. Thats why we are here today, said Haley. I wish everyone supporting this one-sided resolution would put as much energy into encouraging President Abbas to the negotiating table, she said. The resolution deplored Israels use of excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate force against Palestinian civilians and called for protection measures for Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. AFP pardeepdhull@gmail.com Damascus, June 14 Syrian President Bashar al-Assad has said that talks led by Moscow on the future of the south of the country were ongoing, but warned that Israel and the United States were preventing a negotiated settlement. In an interview with Irans Al-Alam television channel broadcast late yesterday, Assad said that after regime forces captured Ghouta from rebels in April, it was suggested that we should move south. We were faced with two options... reconciliation or liberation by force. At this point, the Russians suggested the possibility of giving reconciliation an opportunity, he said. Up till now, there are no concrete results for a simple reason which is Israeli and American interference; for they put pressure on the terrorists in that area in order to prevent reaching any compromise or peaceful resolution, he added. Russia called late last month for urgent negotiations with the US and Jordan on the south, and President Vladimir Putin has discussed Syria with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. Its a prized region for nearly all stakeholders in Syrias war due to its strategic geographical position: the south borders Jordan and the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights, but also lies close to Damascus. Typically bitterly divided over Syria, most of the powers involved seem to agree on a government comeback in the southern provinces of Daraa and Quneitra, 70 percent of which is controlled by rebel groups. The Islamic State group has a limited presence in the region. Assad said that contacts are still ongoing between the Russians, the Americans, and the Israelis. Asked about the possibility of a settlement that included Iran leaving the south, Assad said: The Syrian-Iranian relationship is a strategic one not subject to a deal in the south or in the north... it is not subject to the price tags of the international bazaar. The government has regained control of much of Syria with Russian backing and a win in the south would cap a string of victories this year. Regime forces recaptured Ghouta after a ferocious offensive that displaced tens of thousands. AFP pardeepdhull@gmail.com Seoul, June 14 The rival Koreas were holding rare high-level military talks on Thursday to discuss reducing tensions across their heavily fortified border. Its possible North Korean officials during the talks at the border village of Panmunjom will seek a firm commitment from the South on stopping its military drills with the United States. US President Donald Trump said after his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday that the allies should stop the war games during nuclear negotiations in good faith. South Koreas presidential office has said its trying to discern Trumps meaning and intent, but also that the allies should explore various ways to further facilitate dialogue with the North. Seouls Defence Ministry said the military talks would focus on carrying out agreements from a summit between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in in which they vowed to take steps to reduce military tensions and eliminate the danger of war. The discussions are the first general-level talks between the militaries since December 2007. We will invest our best efforts to bring in a new era of peace on the Korean Peninsula, South Korean Maj. Gen. Kim Do-gyun told reporters before the talks. At a building on the northern side of Panmunjom, the South Korean officials were greeted by a North Korean delegation led by Lt. Gen. An Ik San, who joked that he was very jealous of the major general who he thought was probably the first Korean soldier to cross the military demarcation line that bisects the Koreas by foot and while wearing a uniform. Kim Do-gyun told An that he was honoured to meet him and expressed hope for a meaningful breakthrough in the talks. An didnt get his history right - top North Korean military official Hwang Pyong So, in uniform, stepped into the southern side of Panmunjom on August 2015 for talks with South Korean government officials. The Korean military officials may discuss holding military talks on a regular basis and establishing a hotline between their top military officials. They may also discuss efforts to recover the remains of soldiers missing and presumed dead from the 1950-53 Korean War. Moon met Kim Jong Un in April and again in May as Pyongyang made a diplomatic push following a provocative run of nuclear and missile tests in 2017. The Koreas have agreed to various sets of peace talks, including planned discussions to set up reunions between war-separated families and to field combined teams at the Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, in August. The Korean Peninsula remains technically at war, because the 1950-53 conflict ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. Annual military drills between Washington and Seoul have long been a major source of contention between the Koreas. North Korea, which sees the exercises as invasion rehearsals, last month broke off a high-level meeting with Seoul over South Koreas participation in a two-week military exercise with the United States. A second summit between Kim and Moon, in late May, put the senior-level talks between the Koreas back on track. Still, North Koreas state media continued its criticism of allied military exercises, demanding Washington days later stop the acts of threatening its dialogue partner by force. Since the 1970s, the United States and South Korea have held a major summertime exercise called Ulchi Freedom Guardian that involves tens of thousands of troops. Choi Hyunsoo, spokeswoman of South Koreas Defense Ministry, told reporters today that the allies were closely coordinating and holding discussions on the drills, which usually begin in August. She didnt elaborate on what was being discussed. Critics say the allies would be sending a bad signal to North Korea if they stop the drills before the North takes concrete steps toward denuclearisation. There are lingering doubts on whether Kim would ever agree to fully relinquish the weapons he may see as his strongest guarantee of survival. AP vermaajay1968@gmail.com Seoul/Beijing, June 14 Tough sanctions will remain on North Korea until its complete denuclearisation, the US secretary of state said on Thursday, apparently contradicting the Norths view that the process agreed at this weeks summit would be phased and reciprocal. US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un issued a joint statement after their Singapore meeting that reaffirmed the Norths commitment to work toward complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula, while Trump committed to provide security guarantees. Trump later told a news conference he would end joint US-South Korean military exercises. President Trump has been incredibly clear about the sequencing of denuclearisation and relief from the sanctions, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters after meeting South Koreas president and Japans foreign minister in Seoul. We are going to get complete denuclearisation; only then will there be relief from the sanctions, he said. North Korean state media reported on Wednesday Kim and Trump had recognised the principle of step-by-step and simultaneous action to achieve peace and denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula. The summit statement provided no details on when North Korea would give up its nuclear weapons programme or how the dismantling might be verified. Sceptics of how much the meeting achieved pointed to the North Korean leaderships long-held view that nuclear weapons are a bulwark against what it fears are US plans to overthrow it and unite the Korean peninsula. However, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said the world, through the summit, had escaped the threat of war, echoing Trumps upbeat assessment of his meeting with Kim. Pompeo insisted North Korea was committed to giving up its nuclear arsenal but said it would be a process, not an easy one. Kim understood getting rid of his nuclear arsenal needed to be done quickly and there would only be relief from stringent UN sanctions on North Korea after its complete denuclearisation, Pompeo said. Speaking in Beijing, Pompeo said China, Japan and South Korea all acknowledged a corner had been turned on the Korean peninsula issue, but that all three had also acknowledged sanctions remain in place until denuclearisation is complete. Meanwhile, large military drills between the US and South Korea have been suspended indefinitely, a US official said. Major military exercises have been suspended indefinitely on the Korean peninsula, the official said. Agencies vermaajay1968@gmail.com ADEN, June 14 Arab warplanes and warships pounded Houthi positions in Yemens Hodeidah for a second day on Thursday, as a Saudi-led alliance tried to seize the main port in the largest battle of a war that has created the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. Two residents contacted by Reuters said Apache attack helicopters were conducting intensive strikes on a strip of coastal territory near the citys airport. Reuters The domain turkeytelegraph.com may be for sale. Please click here to inquire Sat., Oct. 16, 6-10 p.m. Locals Bar 609 Douglas St., Pawnee Central Illinois No Cover Live Music Follow Fun DMC to Pawnee, IL for an evening under the stars. Based out of Springfield, IL, Fun DMC is one of the most unique live experiences in the Midwest. With their signature brand of live mashups and interactive crowd participation moments, you will never forget your first Fun DMC show...or the one after that or the one after that. In their own words, "all of your favorite songs in a way you've never heard them before." Show begins at 6:00 P.M. mash-up /maSHp/ noun, informal - a mixture or fusion of disparate elements 217-646-8013 Dozens of women work busily, their hands forming balls of dough before stuffing them with date paste and molding them into small pillows, while the air around them burbles with the sound of their chatter and gradually fills with the warm, sweet scent of baking The women are refugees from Syria, Iraq, Yemen, Sudan and Somalia, as well as local Jordanians, and they have gathered to make maamoul a traditional shortbread pastry that is consumed across the Arab world during Eid celebrations to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan. Jordan is host to nearly 750,000 registered refugees, the overwhelming majority from the seven-year conflict in neighbouring Syria, but with significant populations also from Iraq, Yemen and Sudan. The women have come together at a community centre in the Jordanian capital Amman, run by UNHCR- the UN Refugee Agency and its partner the Jordanian Hashemite Fund for Human Development (Johud). The newly-opened centre aims to foster ties between refugees of different nationalities and the local community on this occasion through their shared love of food. When I came here I felt a sense of belonging. I felt that the cultures and traditions we inherited from our grandparent are still going strong, explained Iraqi refugee Kawthar. Instead of feeling we all come from different places, like Jordan or Iraq or Syria, it makes us feel we're all Arabs. This is alone gives us a sense of belonging and unity. Sudanese refugee sisters Zainab Abdallah (left in red) and Nuha (right) make an Arabic sweet for Eid at Princess Basma Centre for Social Development in Amman, Jordan. UNHCR/Annie Sakkab A group of refugee women from Iraq, Yemen, Syria and Sudan as well as Jordanian residents make ma'moul, an Arabic sweet for Eiid. The sweets will be distributed to needy families, refugees and Jordanians, in Amman, Jordan. UNHCR/Annie Sakkab Najwa Al Bedour (centre), Director of Princess Basma Centre for Social Development, interacts with refugee and Jordanian cooks preparing ma'moul, in Amman, Jordan. UNHCR/Annie Sakkab Syrian refugee Ghania Hamweh, from Homs, plays with her son Abdul Hadi at their home in Al Hussain refugee urban camp in Jordan. She received sweets made by refugees and their Jordanian hosts in Amman, Jordan. UNHCR/Annie Sakkab Syrian refugee Ghania Hamweh plays with her son Abdul Hadi at their home in Al Hussain refugee urban camp in Jordan. Ghania has three children who suffer from brain paralysis and epilepsy. She received two packages of the sweets. UNHCR/Annie Sakkab UNHCR refugee volunteers delivered ma'moul to needy families in Amman, Jordan. UNHCR/Annie Sakkab The sentiment is echoed by Mervat, a 37-year-old Jordanian who lives near the centre. It's a tradition to make sweets at the end of Ramadan. We've got to know our refugee sisters, and we've learned how each country makes these sweets for Eid. After several hours of work, some three thousand golden-baked maamoul have emerged from two portable gas-fired ovens set up in the centres reception area, and are cooling in neat rows. They will then be dusted with sugar and packaged in plastic-wrapped baskets tied with ribbon, ready to be distributed to needy refugee and local families from the neighbourhood. "We've got to know our refugee sisters, and we've learned how each country makes these sweets for Eid. Among the recipients to be paid a visit by the centres volunteers is Syrian refugee Ghania, a 47-year-old mother of six who fled Homs in 2012. She works as a house cleaner to support her children, three of whom have disabilities. She described the daily struggle she faces to keep her family afloat, which she feels even more keenly at the end of Ramadan a time of celebration. This particular Ramadan has been very difficult for us financially. I have to work in so many houses, just so I can afford to pay the rent, or pay for electricity and water. Im working so hard just to secure basic things. Amidst such hardship, a few packages of maamoul to share among the family at Eid will do nothing to change their fortunes, but it is a welcome gesture nevertheless, and one that recalls happier times. It reminds me of my life in Syria, Ghania said. I was very comfortable. I remember how we all used to get together me, my daughters and my sisters-in-law to make these sweets. So when I saw them coming in with this symbolic gesture, I felt happy. When Mbareka fled the violence of the Western Sahara War with her family as a young girl in 1975, she could never have imagined that she would become a grandmother while in exile. Now in her mid-fifties, she lives in Smara refugee camp one of five camps hosting refugees from Western Sahara in the remote desert of south-western Algeria. The small family comprises her husband Ali Mohammed, now old and weak, her daughter Ghaitna and her husband, and their young son Abdullahi, aged two. The family is split between a mud-brick house and a traditional tent that was provided eight years ago by UNHCR, the UN Refugee Agency. The lifespan of the tents is four years, but while UNHCR used to provide around 3,000 new tents per year to residents of the camp, this year it is distributing just 1,000 due to funding cuts. We do everything in here, Mbareka said, sitting cross-legged on the red carpeted floor of the long, shady tent. Sleep, eat, drink tea, receive guests. They are part of our culture. If you offered an old person here a villa or a tent, we will choose the tent. The tents are suited to the harsh desert environment that the refugees must cope with, better able than the mud huts to cope with the strong winds and heavy rains of winter and fierce heat of summer. But life in the camp is hard. Mbareka spends time every day making repairs to the old tent, and the evidence is visible in her calloused hands. It is not traditionally a job for the older generation, but the young women in the camps are not as familiar with this essential skill. But some places are too worn to even use a needle, the matriarch explains. Every day is a challenge, and we will have this challenge until we go back. Shelter is not the only challenge facing families here. For water storage, Mbarekas family is using a tank in which algae grows, significantly affecting water quality. She would prefer to have a cement tank, but these are expensive for private purchase, and UNHCR can only provide a small number every year due to funding constraints. The food assistance they receive cannot be stretched to last the whole month, so the family does what it can to fill the gap. They have no livestock, and cannot afford to buy meat more than once every month or two. Without a fridge, what little they have quickly spoils. Every day is a challenge, and we will have this challenge until we go back home said Mbareka. Despite their situation, Mbareka like most Sahrawi is resilient. She finds the positives, even in her protracted exile in an inhospitable environment. She appreciates the calm of the desert, and cherishes the good relations she has with her neighbours. We have a very stable atmosphere. After more than 40 years, the Sahrawi people are still waiting for a political solution to their situation. Most Sahrawi refugees were born in the camps, never having known their homeland. Mbareka is one of those who remembers life before exile. I miss the air, and the earth, she said. She recalls the long, arduous journey by foot as her family made its way to Algeria to seek what they thought would be only a temporary refuge before their eventual return. At one point, I couldnt walk anymore, so my mother lifted me up and put me on the goats that we were traveling with, and the goats had to carry me. Describing her hopes and fears, Mbareka said simply: I hope to go home before I die, and I fear for my daughter, my son-in-law, and for Abdullahi that they will stay here and grow old. My fear is the same as everyones here, that we will stay here and be forgotten. For those staying in shelters, health should be the least of their worries Escuintla, June 14 (UNI) Its only six in the morning, but 25-year-old Maria is already up after another sleepless night in the Jose Marti shelter in Escuintla. While she wakes up her children; four-year-old twins and a one-year-old baby, she tidies their small space and worries about the future that awaits them now that her home and her crops have been completely destroyed. These same worries keep her lying awake at night on the mattress she shares with her husband and children, just a short distance away from the mattresses of families in similar situations. This too keeps Maria awake; ''I am so worried my children are going to get sick. There are many children in the shelter with bad coughs and now mine have started coughing too,'' she said. There are currently 750 people staying in the shelter. The temperature in Escuintla has risen to almost 30 degrees and humidity hovers between 60 and 80 per cent, increasing the risk of contracting diseases, and obliging those responsible for the shelters to ensure that special attention is paid to keeping everything as hygienic as possible, a WHO American Region report on Thursday said. The Pan American Health Organization and World Health Organizations (PAHO/WHO) office in Guatemala, has carried out evaluation and coordination assessments to assist the victims of the Fuego Volcano in Escuintla. These were led by the Country Representative, Dr Oscar Barreneche, who visited the affected area during the first 48 hours of the disaster, in order to assess the situation and enable PAHO/WHO to immediately concentrate response efforts on preventative measures and treatment for those at the shelters. The Organisation distributed family hygiene kits, water analysis equipment, and sterile items for the management of burns victims in the Roosevelt and San Juan de Dios hospitals in Guatemala City, which are the specialist centers for the treatment of serious burns. Dr Barreneche also carried out field visits, technical meetings with Dr Maria Isabel Pedroza, Escuintlas Health Director, and coordinated with other health network partners in order to better organise and contribute to health response efforts. The health network is led by the Ministry of Public Health and Social Assistances Risk Management Unit and is co-managed by PAHO/WHO. The network brings together other United Nations agencies in Guatemala, Non-Government Organizations, and humanitarian assistance agencies, which meet to share information and discuss ways to ensure health care in the areas impacted. ''The coordination has enabled us to provide more effective assistance,'' said Barreneche. ''We have brought over disaster expert, Lorenzo Barraza, from Panama, who has helped develop our response plan, and the water testing equipment that we have donated will really help to mitigate our primary concern, which is to ensure that those staying in shelters remain in good health.'' ''The situation presents us with a real challenge, though, and there is still a lot more to be done,'' he added. ''In order to maintain conditions in the shelters, we have to focus on water, hygiene, vector control, vaccinating children and ensuring coordination between health sectors.'' ''The people staying in shelters have already lost so much their homes, their loved ones, their crops. We want to ensure that health care is not an additional worry for them.'' The days in the Escuintla refuge pass slowly for Maria and her children. She has still not been able to meet up with her family but she knows they are alive and staying at another shelter. And while she thinks about how to rebuild her life after the tragedy, PAHO/WHO works to ensure that whatever happens, the health of Maria and her children to not add to her worries. UNI XC-BM SV 0935 Blockchain Hackathon Event Poised to Elevate UWs Technology Profile The University of Wyoming will host a groundbreaking event this fall that will showcase its commitment to blockchain technology. The WyoHackathon 2018: Breakin Through will take place Sept. 7-9 at War Memorial Fieldhouse. The event aligns with the efforts of both UW and the state of Wyoming to incorporate and use new technology to add value to the states economy and educational system. Named sponsors so far include ConsenSys, Microsoft and ShapeShift. The Wyoming Blockchain Coalition, a volunteer organization, will coordinate the event. Its believed to be the first of its kind in the state. In March, Gov. Matt Mead signed five blockchain-related bills into law as the state has assumed a leadership role in the sector. Officials say about 200 new companies have registered in Wyoming with names that indicate their involvement in blockchain. We are excited to host this groundbreaking event at the University of Wyoming, UW President Laurie Nichols says. This emerging technology has great promise to boost the states economy, and our faculty and students are immersed in the exploration of its potential. The hackathon will shine a bright light on these efforts and those of people from across the country. Blockchain is a breakthrough of database technology for storing information, including cryptocurrency, and the concept already has made its way into UW classrooms. The Department of Computer Science has featured it in curriculum, as Professor of Practice Mike Borowczak taught a course wherein students built an Ethereum-based voting platform during the spring 2018 semester. The College of Business and the College of Law also are teaching the subject to enrolled students. The UW Foundation now accepts bitcoin donations, and UW is one of the first universities to do so. Organizers hope for 300 developers to participate in the event, and all sponsorship proceeds from the hackathon will go to support the event and UW. The College of Engineering and Applied Science is proud to support this event as it emphasizes some of the core themes of our recently released strategic plan, Dean Michael Pishko says. The hackathon, and other events like it, will bolster our colleges culture of entrepreneurship, help us guide Wyomings economic development and foster innovative growth. In conjunction with the hackathon, UW also will host a parallel event focused on the regions K-12 students. Wyoming Superintendent of Public Instruction Jillian Balow is credited with the idea, and the Wyoming Department of Education will work with the Department of Computer Science to administer the K-12 event. Several esteemed blockchain pioneers will travel to Laramie for the hackathon, including Joe Lubin, founder of ConsenSys and co-founder of Ethereum; Patrick Byrne, founder and CEO of Overstock.com; Erik Voorhees, founder and CEO of ShapeShift; and Caitlin Long, the co-founder of the Wyoming Blockchain Coalition and a UW alumna. Some educational events will be open to the public. More information will be available in the coming months, and a registration website for hackathon participants will be released soon. For inquiries, contact Long or Rob Jennings at the Wyoming Blockchain Coalition at contact@wyomingblockchain.io or (307) 459-5422. Kazakhstan Journalism Students Visit UW Nine students from al-Farabi National Kazakh University's journalism master's degree program are learning more about international journalism while they visit the University of Wyoming. In the center is Cindy Price Schultz, head of the UW Department of Communication and Journalism. The women are at UW through the end of the week. (UW Photo) Although they are nearly 6,000 miles apart, Kazakhstan and Laramie have some things in common, according to nine masters degree students who are visiting the University of Wyoming this week. I like the nature of Wyoming, Makpal Ualikyzy says. It is similar to Kazakhstan because Almaty is located in the center of the mountains. The weather, the landscape are similar. Students from al-Farabi National Kazakh Universitys (KazNU) journalism program are learning more about news and reporting in the United States from UWs Department of Communication and Journalism. They are at UW as part of their requirements to travel internationally to learn about another countrys media. It is obligatory that we pass a summer internship abroad for masters students, and we decided to choose the United States, especially the University of Wyoming, Ualikyzy says. My specialty is international journalism, so I want to get knowledge and experience and compare that with our Kazakhstan experience. The visit is part of a cooperation agreement between UWs Department of Communication and Journalism and National Kazakh University that was signed in 2012. Emeritus professor of journalism Mike Brown started the exchange and has taught classes at KazNU. It has been a very productive relationship for both universities. We have had three joint journal publications so far with the two programs, Brown says. Ive really enjoyed the students. They are very smart and curious, so we are planning to continue the relationship. The department and KazNU have been coordinating classes so a potential student exchange or joint degree program could emerge. The National Kazakh University is going through a curricular change. They are moving away from the Soviet system to a Western style, where you have a bachelors, masters and Ph.D., Brown says. As part of that effort, they revised their masters program to match our curriculum. So, as we establish a stronger sense of cooperation with them, it will be easy for us to exchange students. The vice dean of the journalism faculty for KazNU, Karlyga Myssayeva, will be at UW to work more on the plan in August. Until then, student Gaukhar Jakupbayeva says she is glad she traveled to the United States. I came to get more experience with international journalism and learn more about digital journalism, she says. This is a great honor for us, and I look forward to having more knowledge about my profession. Another student has enjoyed her visit so far. I have read a lot about Wyoming and wanted to see it, Sabira Koilybayeva says. I like the air and that its windy. The people are really friendly. Part of the support for the visit came from the 4-Mile Fund, an endowment connected to the Department of Communication and Journalism that was created by Brown and his family. Brown says the fund is dedicated to providing additional support for the departments graduate student program, which in this case includes the exchange students from Kazakhstan. For more information about the agreement between the department and National Kazakh University, email Department Head Cindy Price Schultz at cprice@uwyo.edu. Journal of Tuberculosis Research Vol.06 No.02(2018), Article ID:85265,13 pages 10.4236/jtr.2018.62013 First Nationwide Survey of the Prevalence of TB/HIV Co-Infection in Ghana Kennedy K. Addo1*, William K. Ampofo2, Richard Owusu1, Christian Bonsu1, Naomi Nartey1, Gloria I. Mensah1, Samuel O. Addo1, Kofi Bonney2, Justice Kumi3, Adukwei Hesse4, Nii A. Addo5, Frank A. Bonsu6 Abstract Full-Text PDF Full-Text HTML Full-Text ePUB Linked References How to Cite this Article 1Department of Bacteriology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Accra, Ghana 2Department of Virology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Accra, Ghana 3Department of Clinical Pathology, Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Accra, Ghana 4Executive Health Care and Consult, Accra, Ghana 5National AIDS/STI Control Programme, Accra, Ghana 6National Tuberculosis Control Programme, Accra, Ghana Copyright 2018 by authors and Scientific Research Publishing Inc. This work is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution International License (CC BY 4.0). http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/4.0/ Received: April 5, 2018; Accepted: June 11, 2018; Published: June 14, 2018 ABSTRACT Background: To better understand the extent of the magnitude of tuberculosis (TB) and Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) co-infection in Ghana, a baseline study was conducted to establish the national prevalence of the dual infection. The study aimed to determine the most prevalent HIV serotype (HIV-1 or HIV-2) in TB patients (new and old cases); genotype mycobacterial species causing TB/HIV co-infection and determine their drug susceptibility patterns. Methods: Sputum and dried blood samples were collected from 503 TB patients from 67 health facilities nationwide between December 2007 and November 2008. All samples were processed for mycobacterial and HIV testing using conventional and molecular methods. Results: A total of 517 paired sputum samples were received from 517 patients. A total 503 patients [335 (66.6%) males; 168 (33.4%) females] had at least one culture positive sample. Majority (93.0%) of the patients were new cases while 7.0% were old cases. All 503 TB isolates were Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex. Of 503 blood samples, 74 were positive for HIV (14.7%), comprising 71 (14.1%) and 3 (0.6%) for HIV-1 and HIV-1 & 2 respectively; none was positive for HIV-2 alone. The seroprevalence of HIV in newly diagnosed TB patients and those already on treatment, was 69/468 (14.7%) and 5/35 (14.3%) respectively (p > 0.05). Differentiation of isolates from TB/HIV co-infected patients showed that 70/74 (94.6%) were Mycobacterium tuberculosis while 4/74 (5.4%) were Mycobacterium africanum. Monoresistance to isoniazid and rifampicin were 4/74 (5.4%) and 1/74 (1.4%) respectively; resistance to both drugs (multi-drug resistant-MDR) was not observed. Sixty nine (93.2%) isolates were susceptible to both drugs. Conclusion: The prevalence of HIV infection in TB patients was 14.7%. TB/HIV was common among the sexually active age group (25 - 34 years). Majority of the TB isolates were M. tuberculosis which were susceptible to both isoniazid and rifampicin. HIV-1 was the common serotype infecting TB patients in Ghana. Keywords: TB/HIV, Co-Infection, Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex, Drug Resistance, Ghana 1. Introduction The syndemic relationship between tuberculosis (TB) and human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection has contributed to high morbidity and mortality worldwide [1] . The World Health Organization (WHO) Africa region is the hardest hit where about 74% of the estimated 1.2 million TB patients co-infected with HIV occurred in 2014 [2] . For many years, efforts to tackle TB and HIV have been largely independent of each other, despite their overlapping epidemiology. The risk of progression from latent to active TB is increased by infection with HIV [3] . Likewise, TB is the most important opportunistic disease that increases progression to acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) and the number one killer in HIV-positive individuals [4] [5] . Thus effective TB control can contribute to better HIV/AIDS control by reducing the TB burden in people with HIV as well as providing an entry point to HIV prevention and care for people with TB [6] . The HIV prevalence in the general population in Ghana was 1.47% in 2014 which is an indication of a downward trend over a fifteen-year period from 2.3% in 2000 [7] . Studies in Africa and Asia have reported high HIV prevalence in TB patients than are observed in the general population [8] . Routine programme data from TB/HIV sites showed that in 2005, 40 percent of TB patients who were tested for HIV were HIV-positive and in 2006 these went down to 33 percent [9] [10] . Ghana is a high burden TB/HIV country [11] , however very few studies have reported on the prevalence of TB/HIV co-infection in Ghana [12] [13] [14] . These previous studies were single hospital-based in the two big cities in GhanaAccra and Kumasi. There was the need to conduct a nationwide study to establish the national prevalence of this dual infection. This study was therefore conducted to determine the prevalence of HIV in TB patients in Ghana. 2. Materials and Methods 2.1. Study Design The study was cross-sectional in accordance with WHO Guidelines for HIV surveillance among TB patients [15] . 2.2. Study Population and Sampling Strategy All TB patients diagnosed within the study period between December 2007 and November 2008 in selected health facilities were eligible for participation. Using a list of all health facilities in the country, the number of registered TB patients in the treatment centres per year was noted. A cumulative population list was then compiled from which participating facilities were selected from all the ten regions of Ghana. Thirty clusters consisting of 67 health facilities were selected and grouped into northern and southern sectors (Table 1). Selection of study participants was done using the consecutive sampling method to minimize bias. Hence, every patient who met the eligibility criteria was selected and after obtaining his/her informed consent was interviewed using a structured questionnaire. 2.3. Sample Size Calculation The minimum sample size was calculated using the formula: N = PQ/(E/Z)2 [15] where N = the minimum sample size required; P = the maximum expected prevalence rate; Q = 100 - P; E = the margin of sampling error tolerated; Z = the centile of the standard normal If the confidence level is chosen at 95% then Z = 1.96 With the expected HIV prevalence rate among TB patients (P) at 30% Q will be 100 - 30 = 70; and margin of error at 5%, the minimum sample size was: N = 30 70 / ( 5 / 1.96 ) 2 = 2100 / 6.51 = 323 To allow for losses, a 60% adjustment was included: 323 60% = 194 (These losses included patients diagnosed as having TB who did not return to the centres and from whom it was not possible to obtain 2 sputum samples, patients whose cultures were contaminated or did not grow and patients who refused HIV testing after counselling). Maximum Sample Size = 323 + 194 = 517 2.4. Sample Collection and Transport For each eligible patient, an equal volume of 1% Cetylpyridinium Chloride (CPC) was added to two sputum samples for homogenization and decontamination on transit and to maintain the viability of the bacilli if present. Blood was collected onto blood spot collection card to prepare dried blood spot according to the study specific protocol [16] . All the samples were stored at 4C and transported within one week to Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research (NMIMR) TB Laboratory for analysis. 2.5. Mycobacterial Identification and Drug Susceptibility Testing (DST) Preliminary identification was made by the detection of acid fast bacilli (AFBs) in sputum samples by smear examination, using the Ziehl-Neelsen (ZN) staining technique. Subsequently, sputum samples were processed according to WHO guidelines [17] . Briefly, decontaminated sputum samples were centrifuged at 3000 g for 15 minutes and the supernatant discarded. The sediments obtained Table 1. Selected health facilities (N = 67) and number of isolates obtained (N = 503). were reconstituted with sterile phosphate buffer saline (PBS) and about 2 - 3 drops inoculated onto two slopes of Lowenstein-Jensen (LJ) media; one containing glycerol, the other containing 0.5% sodium pyruvate. The inoculated tubes were incubated at 37C and monitored weekly for a maximum of 8 weeks for growth and subsequent isolation of mycobacterial species. Final identification of the species were based on acid fastness, colony morphology and ability to grow on LJ media containing 500 mg/ml p-nitrobenzoic acid (PNB) [18] . Line probe assay (LPA) was done to differentiate and determine isoniazid and rifampicin susceptibility profile of mycobacterial isolates from TB/HIV patients using Geno Type MTBC and Geno Type MTBDR plus (Hain Lifescience, Nehren Germany) respectively according to manufacturers instructions [19] . 2.6. HIV Testing All patients were offered pre and post counselling for HIV test according to national guidelines [6] . Initial screening for HIV was done by eluting blood from filter paper and testing with First Response anti-HIV 1 & 2 (Premier Medical Corporation, India). This test simultaneously detects and indicates specific antibodies against HIV-1 and HIV-2. Next, all HIV reactive samples were subjected to a line immunoblot assay, the Inno-Lia Score HIV-I & II (Innogenetics, Belgium) to confirm the presence of HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies. Quality control of the HIV test was performed by random testing of 10% of HIV non-reactives from the rapid assay on the line immunoblot assay. 2.7. Data Management and Analysis Raw data on-site were double entered into a data entry fileMicrosoft Office Excel 2003 (Microsoft Excel, Palisade Corp, Newfield, NY, USA). Missing values, inconsistencies and outlier values were checked and corrected where necessary. Analysis of the data was done using Statistical Package for Social Sciences (SPSS) version 15.0 software for windows (SPSS Inc., Chicago, IL, USA). The threshold for statistical significance was p 0.05. 2.8. Ethical Considerations The study was approved by the Scientific and Technical Committee and the Institutional Review Board of Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research, Federal Wide Assurance 00001824 (NMIMR-IRB CPN 022/02-03). All patients involved in the study gave their informed consent prior to participation. 3. Results Sixty seven health facilities from the northern and southern sectors of Ghana were involved in the study (Table 1). A total of 517 paired positive sputum samples were received from 517 patients. Out of this, a total of 503 TB patients [335 (66.6%) males and 168 (33.4%) females] had at least one culture positive sample (Table 1). Most patients, 136 (27.0%) were within the age group 25 - 34 years (p < 0.001). There were more new cases 468/503 (93.0%) than old cases 35/503 (7.0%) (p < 0.001). Majority (73.6%), 370 out of 503 were employed in the informal sector (p < 0.001). The difference in HIV seroprevalence rates between males, 36/335 (10.75%) and females, 38/168 (22.6%) was statistically significant (p < 0.05). The seroprevalence of HIV in newly diagnosed TB patients and those already on treatment, was 69/468 (14.7%) and 5/35 (14.3%) respectively (p > 0.05) (Table 2). Out of the 503 dried blood spots tested for HIV, 74 (14.7%) were seropositive. This comprises 71 (14.1%) HIV-1 and 3 (0.6%) HIV-1 & 2. None of the samples were positive for HIV-2 infection alone (Table 3). All the 503 isolates were Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex (MTBC) based on phenotypic identification. The LPA run for all 74 isolates from TB/HIV co-infected patients showed that 70 (94.6%) were Mycobacterium tuberculosis while the remaining 4 (6%) were Mycobacterium africanum (Table 4). Monoresistance to isoniazid and rifampicin were 4 (5.4%) and 1 (1%) respectively. However, resistance to both drugs (multi-drug resistant-MDR) was not observed. Sixty nine (93%) isolates were susceptible to both drugs (Figure 1). Table 2. Socio-demographic characteristics of patients whose culture were positive (N = 503). aPulmonary TB patients in the selected diagnostic centres who have never been treated for TB or have been treated for a period less than one month. bAll patients who have been previously treated for TB for a period more than one month. cJobs performed outside the formal structures that govern taxes, workplace regulations and social protection schemes. dJobs performed within formal structures that govern taxes, workplace regulations and social protection schemes. eNot engaged in any gainful occupation. fSomeone who attends an educational institution and not engaged in any gainful occupation. Table 3. HIV seroprevalence in 503 TB patients. aFirst Responsea rapid discriminatory assay for HIV-1 and HIV-2 antibodies. bInno-Liaa line immunoblot assay used to confirm the presence of HIV antibodies in reactive HIV samples from initial rapid screening. Table 4. Differentiation of MTBC isolates (N = 74) from TB/HIV co-infected participants using GenoType MTBC Assay. Figure 1. Drug Susceptibility Test (DST) profile of isolates (N = 74) obtained from the TB/HIV co-infected participants. INH RES: isolates that are resistant to isoniazid. RIF RES: isolates that are resistant to rifampicin. SUS: isolates that are susceptible to both isoniazid and rifampicin. 4. Discussion TB/HIV co-infection is of great public health concern worldwide. This study sought to provide baseline data to inform health policies and actions to address this deadly disease duo in Ghana. Testing for HIV antibodies in TB patients as used in this study seemed an appropriate strategy to determine the burden of TB/HIV. While screening HIV-positive individuals for TB infection may be another option, HIV patients already burdened with stigmatisation may be unwilling to undertake a TB test as well. This assertion corroborates a report [15] showing that TB patients are more likely to accept HIV testing than HIV patients testing for TB. HIV prevalence in TB patients can be used as an indicator of the degree of spread of HIV in the general population. This information is also important for the provision of comprehensive HIV/AIDS care and support. HIV infection rates of up to 48% have been reported among newly diagnosed TB cases in Ghana [20] , but the burden of TB among HIV-infected individuals in Ghana is barely acknowledged. Consistent with the global trend, more males (66.6%) than females (33.4%) were diagnosed with TB in this study [1] . The reasons for gender disparity with regards to TB infection is not well understood though it is believed that some cultural and biological factors may play a role [21] . Majority 70/74 (94.6%) of the TB/HIV co-infected patients were infected with M. tuberculosis which is very similar to what other studies have reported in Ghana [22] [23] . On the contrary, the number of M. africanum (5.4%) isolates was relatively low. Almost 93% of isolates obtained from TB patients were susceptible to both isoniazid and rifampicin. This result may be due to the fact that majority of the patients were new cases and as such had not taken any anti-TB drug before. The overall TB/HIV co-infection prevalence was 14.7% which was consistent with the 14.8% reported earlier in Ghana [9] . However, it was relatively lower than previous rates of 23.2%, 16.8 % and 46.2% respectively reported in Ghana [12] [13] [14] as well as the average rate for Africa (32%) [24] . These previous studies from Ghana were conducted in a very limited number of sites and the study population may not exactly reflect the general population. In Ghana infection with HIV-1 is most common, accounting for over 90% with very few cases of mixed infection of both HIV-1 and HIV-2 reported [25] . Hence it was not surprising to find similar results in this present study. There is an indication that there has been a steady change in the prevalence of TB/HIV co-infection over the last decade. This change in co-infection prevalence might be the result of improvements in public awareness, better treatment regimens and a general decline in HIV prevalence in Ghana [7] . Conversely, TB prevalence in Ghana is reported to be about three times higher than the estimates from WHO prior to the conduct of a TB prevalence survey in 2013 [2] . This suggests that many people are at an increased risk of HIV infection which necessitates a continuous collaborative plan for TB and HIV control activities to ensure comprehensive care for TB/HIV patients. Some possible limitations in this study were that while TB patients will benefit from this study by knowing their HIV status and thus access treatment and care for both diseases, the same cannot be said for HIV patients who may be harbouring TB since the study focused on TB infected persons and not HIV infected persons. That notwithstanding, the results have been useful in strengthening the implementation of the joint TB/HIV strategy in Ghana. It has also been a vital biological marker of the HIV/AIDS epidemic in Ghana and indicating the impact on TB infection. Funds for the molecular testing part of the study became available in 2017 hence the delay in the publication of the findings. 5. Conclusion The prevalence of TB/HIV co-infection was 14.7%, and co-infection was more common in the sexually active age group of 25 - 34 years. Majority of these TB/HIV co-infected patients were infected with M. tuberculosis which were susceptible to both isoniazid and rifampicin. HIV-1 was the most common HIV strain infecting these patients. Further research is needed to monitor the trend and level of interaction between TB and HIV in Ghana. Acknowledgements We are thankful to the laboratory technologists of all the laboratories visited for sample collection and transportation. We also acknowledge the Global Fund against HIV/AIDS, TB & Malaria and the Ghana Health Service for their financial support. The molecular analysis and publication was funded by DELTAS Africa Initiative [Afrique OneASPIRE/DEL-15-008]. Afrique OneASPIRE is funded by a consortium of donors including the African Academy of Sciences (AAS), Alliance for Accelerating Excellence in Science in Africa (AESA), the New Partnership for Africas Development Planning and Coordinating (NEPAD) Agency, the Wellcome Trust [107753/A/15/Z] and the UK government. Competing Interest Authors declared that they have no competing interests. Authors Contribution KKA and WKA came out with the study design and supervised the laboratory work. KKA contributed to the writing and editing of the manuscript. RO, CB and NN conducted the conventional TB laboratory work. JK and KB performed the HIV testing. SOA performed the molecular laboratory work, contributed to the manuscript writing and data analysis. GIM assisted with the proposal writing and data analysis. AH edited the study protocols. NAA and FAB contributed to the study implementation by providing reagents and equipment. All authors read and approved the final manuscript before submission. Cite this paper Addo, K.K., Ampofo, W.K., Owusu, R., Bonsu, C., Nartey, N., Mensah, G.I., Addo, S.O., Bonney, K., Kumi, J., Hesse, A., Addo, N.A. and Bonsu, F.A. (2018) First Nationwide Survey of the Prevalence of TB/HIV Co-Infection in Ghana. Journal of Tuberculosis Research, 6, 135-147. https://doi.org/10.4236/jtr.2018.62013 References 1. Kwan, C.K. and Ernst, J.D. (2011) HIV and Tuberculosis: A Deadly Human Syndemic. Clinical Microbiology Reviews, 24, 351-376. https://doi.org/10.1128/CMR.00042-10 2. World Health Organization (2015) Global Tuberculosis Report 2015, Geneva, Switzerland. http://apps.who.int/iris/bitstream/handle/10665/191102/9789241565059_eng.pdf;jsessionid= A143550A79731FB650109B3FF068D215?sequence=1 3. Selwyn, P.A., Hartel, D., Lewis, V.A., Schoenbaum, E.E., Vermund, S.H., Klein, R.S., et al. (1989) A Prospective Study of the Risk of Tuberculosis among Intravenous Drug Users with Human Immunodeficiency Virus Infection. 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(2014) Delivering TB/HIV Services in Ghana: A Comparative Study of Service Delivery Models. Trans Royal Society Tropical Medicine Hygiene, 108, 560-567. https://doi.org/10.1093/trstmh/tru110 21. Esmael, A., Tsegaye, G., Wubie, M. and Endris, M. (2013) Tuberculosis and Human Immune Deficiency Virus Co-Infection in Debre Markos Referral Hospital in Northwest Ethiopia: A Five Years Retrospective Study. Journal of AIDS Clinical Research, 4, 263. https://doi.org/10.4172/2155-6113.1000263 22. Addo, K.K., Owusu-Darko, K., Yeboah-Manu, D., Caulley, P., Minamikawa, M., Bonsu, F., et al. (2007) Mycobacterial Species Causing Pulmonary Tuberculosis at the Korle Bu Teaching Hospital, Accra. Ghana Medical Journal, 41, 52-57. 23. Yeboah-Manu, D., Asante-Poku, A., Bodmer, T., Stucki, D., Koram, K., Bonsu, F., et al. (2011) Genotypic Diversity and Drug Susceptibility Patterns among M. tuberculosis Complex Isolates from South-Western Ghana. PLoS ONE, 6, e21906. 24. Gray, J.M. and Cohn, D.L. (2013) Tuberculosis and HIV Co-Infection. Seminars in Respiratory and Critical Care Medicine, 34, 32-43. https://doi.org/10.1055/s-0032-1333469 25. Ghana: UNAIDS/WHO (2004) Epidemiological Fact Sheet on HIV/AIDS and Sexually Transmitted Infections. http://data.unaids.org/publications/fact-sheets01/ghana_en.pdf List of Abbreviations AFB: Acid fast bacilli AIDS: acquired immune deficiency syndrome A-LYS: Alcalic lysis Anti-TB: Anti-tuberculosis CPC: Cetylpyridinium Chloride DOTS: Directly Observed Treatment Short course DST: Drug susceptibility testing HIV: Human Immunodeficiency Virus LJ: Lowenstein-Jensen LPA: Line probe assay MDR: Multi-drug resistance MTBC: Mycobacterium tuberculosis complex NMIMR: Noguchi Memorial Institute for Medical Research TB: Tuberculosis PBS: Phosphate buffer saline PCR: Polymerase chain reaction PNB: Para-Nitrobenzoic acid WHO: World Health Organization ZN: Ziehl-Neelsen UW Chooses Dean for College of Business David Sprott A longtime faculty member and administrator in the Carson College of Business at Washington State University has been selected as the dean of the University of Wyomings College of Business. David Sprott, currently the Boeing/Scott and Linda Carson Chair, professor of marketing and senior associate dean for faculty and international affairs at Washington State, will begin his new role at UW Aug. 15. We are excited to have a scholar and administrator of Dr. Sprotts caliber agree to lead this very important academic college at the University of Wyoming, Provost Kate Miller says. He has a proven track record at Washington State that fits very well with what we aim to accomplish in the UW College of Business. For over 20 years, Sprott has been on the faculty at Washington State, where he rose from untenured assistant professor in the Department of Marketing to associate professor and full professor while holding two endowed professorships. He has been part of the leadership team at the Carson College of Business since 2007. Before becoming senior associate dean for faculty and international affairs in 2014, he served in various associate dean roles leading graduate, international and professional programs, and served as acting dean of the College of Business in 2007. The College of Business at the University of Wyoming is poised to significantly expand its impact within the state, across the region and around the globe, Sprott says. I am honored to join a great team at UW to advance business education and scholarship for the benefit of the students, faculty, staff, alums and the entire Wyoming business community. Sprott, who also is on the faculty of the University of St. Gallen in Switzerland, has led college-wide initiatives at Washington State focused on graduate, international and revenue-generating programs, as well as faculty affairs and research. The revenue-generating programs introduced during his tenure have generated significant monetary resources for the college and the university. The colleges online masters degree programs and international undergraduate programs have received consistent national recognition. As a researcher, Sprott has focused various aspects of consumer decision making related to retailing, branding, social influence and marketing public policy. Cited over 5,000 times, his research has been published in the fields top journals and has been conducted in partnership with national and international universities, firms and collaborators. Sprott holds a Ph.D. in business administration from the University of South Carolina, and he received his bachelors and masters degrees from Kent State University. FINEST KIND CLINIC AND FISHMARKET.... Discussing medicine, culture, and the joys of cooking Pansit. In May 2018, the government issued Decree No. 81/2018/ND-CP (Decree 81) relaxing regulations on sales promotion activities. Decree 81 replaced Decree No. 37/2006/ND-CP, and will be in effect from 15 July 2018. Firms that carry out commercial promotion activities, such as direct promotions, or promotions through distributors and companies fall under the scope of Decree 81. Changes in regulations Discount Cap The maximum discount rate for promoted goods and services, during concentrated promotions, has been increased from 50 percent to 100 percent. Concentrated promotions are promotions during the holiday period or occasions as prescribed by the government during which sale promotions are organized by central and provincial authorities. Holidays include nine Vietnamese public holidays as well as the 30 days leading up to the Tet New Year holiday. Value restriction is not applicable for sales promotions on: Goods and services that are implementing the price stabilization policy of the State; Fresh and raw products; and Items and services sold in case of bankruptcy, dissolution, or change of production or business location. Duration of promotion The total period during which discounts can be offered has been increased from 90 days to 120 days, excluding the sales promotion activities during concentrated promotions. Administrative procedures Firms conducting sales promotion activities in Vietnam are required to register and notify the Department of Industry and Trade. Once they receive the approval, they are allowed to conduct the sale promotion activity. This is a major administrative hurdle, as firms are required to reach out to all the provinces and cities for conducting nationwide sales promotions. In Decree 81, the government has reduced the number of days a firm had to notify the authorities in advance about a sales promotion activity from seven to three working days. In addition, the deadline for the authorities to review and respond has been reduced from seven to five working days. Under Decree 81, the notification requirement is removed in case: The total value of the promotional goods/services is less than VND 100 million; and Businesses are conducting sales promotions through e-commerce platforms and online promotional websites. Ending promotions Under Decree 81, businesses can end promotions before the registered period in case: Force majeure; Goods and services are not available or completely sold; and A winner is announced and verified by authorities, in case of providing services along with lucky draw schemes. Promotion by contest forms and games of chance The time limit for announcing the prizes has been increased from 20 to 45 days from the end of the promotional duration. Online platforms Promotions being conducted through online platforms have to follow the same rules on promotions. Owners of the online platforms need to ensure that the information provided on their platforms is in accordance with the advertisements, promotions, and e-commerce regulations. Consumers and traders According to Decree 81, sale promotion activities need to be conducted in a lawful and transparent manner and should not harm the consumers, traders, or firms interests and rights. Traders involved in promotions which include prizes need to ensure favorable conditions for customers and settle any complaints with respect to their programs. Traders are also required to guarantee the quality of their promoted goods and services. In addition, traders are not allowed to compare their goods and services with other traders, nor ask consumers to exchange, reject, or give up goods or services of other traders to avail their promotion schemes. Restrictions Businesses that have not registered for multi-level marketing activities are not allowed to conduct multi-level sales promotion activities. They can conduct programs in accordance with the legal regulations on the management of multi-level marketing activities. Sale promotions cannot be conducted for products such as alcohol, lotteries, cigarettes, milk products replacing breast milk, and medications. However, in the case of medications, sales promotions granted to pharmaceutical distributors are exempted. Traders can also use money in promotions, in place of goods or services, under certain conditions. The increase in discount cap and the promotion period will allow businesses to increase their sales promotion offers, allowing them to sell their excess inventory and recover their costs. In addition, consumers will also benefit from the increase in competition between traders, and see an increase in product choices. A car is examined at a registration centre in HCM City.-VNA/VNS Photo Vice secretary of the ministrys office, Nguyen Thi Kieu Nguyet, said that public administrative services are now provided by State agencies which have the authority to grant licences, permits and certificates. Currently, there are about 490 administrative procedures and about 250 types of licences in the transport sector, Nguyet said, adding that agencies under the transport ministry are reviewing and selecting some administrative services to transfer to private certificators, Giao Thong (Transport) newspaper reported on Monday. Vice Director of the Directorate for Roads of Vietnam, Phan Thi Thu Hien, supported the plan, suggesting that administrative procedures should be classified into three groups: those entirely provided by State agencies, those partly provided by private certificators and those entirely provided by private agencies. She called for a clear criterion to select qualified companies or organisations who could provide administrative services. Deputy Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Vietnam Nguyen Van Hao said that the most important criterion in the selection of private certificators is to ensure security and safety. Head of Inland Waterway Traffic Hoang Hong Giang said that the waterway traffic sector deals with about 300,000 procedures per year, most of which relate to training and granting permits to enter or depart from ports. As each procedure is priced at VND70,000 (US$3), the yearly revenue from administrative procedures totals around VND21 billion ($920,000), Giang said, adding that few companies are interested in providing such services across 63 cities and provinces nationwide to gain such an amount each year. The private sector could take over stages like receiving, delivering or checking applications which are currently completed by State agencies, Giang said. Vice head of Vietnam Register Dang Viet Ha said that in recent years, the Vietnam Register - a State body with functions and jurisdictions on the organisation and performance of technical supervision and certification for quality and safety of means of transport had some administrative procedures completed by private companies. Its worth noting that companies care about profit. If they cannot get profit, there is high possibility for wrongdoings to happen, Ha said. Le Van Dai, director of a vocational training centre under Hanoi-based No2 Automobile Transport Company told Giao Thong Newspaper that private companies could help with driver training, but driving licences must be granted by State bodies because no-one should be a judge in his own case. Nguyen Tien Minh, Director General of Vu Linh Automobile Joint Stock Company said that it would increase competitiveness if two or three certificators can evaluate the quality of new vehicles instead of just one as currently. Companies would have more options to choose service providers, he said. Minh added that few companies are interested in offering services relating to vehicles emissions because of the high investment required, but it could still lure investors if there was a favourable legal climate. Bancassurance is expected to help banks in diversifying their profits Photo: Le Toan Graph: Huy Pham As Vietnamese banks look to expand their business beyond the usual credit activities, shaking hands with insurance firms seems to be a good option. The practice, called bancassurance, involves a bank distributing insurance products to its own network of customers and sometimes even developing a joint financial product with the insurer. The banks earn a commission every time their customers sign an insurance contract, adding to their income. According to SSI Research, Techcombank is currently the king of bancassurance in Vietnam, taking up 23.1 per cent of the market share for this distribution channel. The 2017 annual report of the bank shows that its annual premium equivalent for bancassurance products reached VND649 billion ($28.5 million), up by 44 per cent from 2016. CEO Nguyen Le Quoc Anh recently said that he hoped to earn at least VND10 trillion ($440 million) of premiums from the exclusive 15-year partnership with Manulife Vietnam, displaying the banks confidence in its bancassurance business. Similarly, bancassurance is forecast to add VND1.4 trillion ($61.6 million) to the annual non-interest earnings of VPBank between 2018 and 2020. VNDirect Securities pointed out in their latest research paper that VPBank has already earned VND900 billion ($39.6 million) of initial premiums from its exclusive contract with AIA, signed just last October. Other banks are also receiving upbeat forecasts for their bancassurance activities. Vietcombank, for example, is expected to carry out its first exclusive bancassurance deal in 2019. Viet Capital Securities believed that the state-owned banking giant will collect VND11.4 trillion ($502 million) of initial premiums from the contract, 18 per cent of which will be recorded in 2019 alone. In addition to that amount of money, Vietcombank will also collect other fees from its bancassurance deal. We heard that the bank is seeking help from an independent advisor on this matter, wrote analysts of the brokerage. Industry experts held that bancassurance will soon grow in popularity in Vietnam, as it is a win-win situation for both banks and insurers. On the one hand, banks can diversify their sources of income, reducing the heavy reliance on lending and the risks of bad debts. On the other hand, insurers can penetrate the vast customer database of financial institutions and expand beyond the traditional agency distribution model. Reports show that the contributions of bancassurance sales in Vietnam jumped from just 1 per cent in 2013 to over 10 per cent of all insurance distribution channels in 2017. This is a much smaller amount than in other Asian markets such as Thailand, Indonesia, Singapore, and Hong Kong, where bancassurance contributes between 30 and 50 per cent of the overall insurance distribution. Jude Gomes, chief partnership distribution officer of Manulife Vietnam, told VIR that he expects bancassurance to take up 40 per cent of all distribution channels for insurers in the near future. Gomes said that as the relationship between banks and insurers matures, the market will see significant improvements in the way banks and insurers collaborate, from addressing challenges of infrastructure and customised propositions to building capabilities and up-skilling the banks workforce to moving forward together in the long term. Bancassurance is all about the alignment of visions and values, management focus, and a co-ordinated approach with long-term commitment, exhibited by both the bank and the insurer. Manulife Vietnam always makes sure to choose a bank partner with an aligning vision and long-term goals supported by committed management, said Gomes. CEO of AIA Vietnam, Wayne Besant, told VIR that he is also very optimistic about the future of bancassurance in Vietnam. The insurer has so far signed eight contracts with Vietnam-based banks. He revealed that the annual premium equivalent for its bancassurance has sky-rocketed by 300 per cent in the year-to-date. We believe that our partnerships with banks will grow even stronger in the coming years, along with the rising popularity of bancassurance in general, said the CEO. Bidding activities for medicine and medical equipment have increased in the last two weeks as a new government policy for transparent bidding, which aims to lower drug prices, has taken effect.- VNA/VNS Photo Phuong Vy Many of the bids, which are worth a total of thousands of billion of Vietnamese dong, occurred in the past two weeks after the department selected the slate of potential pharmaceutical suppliers. The bidding stages, including the hiring of consultants and preparation of bidding documents as well as financial arrangements, have also been completed, according to the department. Last week, Thong Nhat Hospital in Tan Binh District announced that it would invite bids for three packages to buy medicine and medical equipment, including a bid package for generic drugs worth VND600 billion (US$26.29 million). This attracted the attention of many pharmaceutical suppliers. The other two bid packages include 309 kinds of special brand drugs (or the equivalent), with a total bidding package value of VND260 billion (11 million). Cho Ray Hospital last week also invited bids for two packages to buy medical equipment, of which the bid security payment was already VND600 million ($26,000). Bidders have also been interested in three bidding packages from the HCM City Oncology Hospital to buy radioactive substances and marking compounds and other medical equipment with total value of VND82 billion ($3.5 million). Severe competition Winning the bids can be highly profitable as the annual procurement value has reached thousands of billion of Vietnamese ong, experts said. However, there is severe competition among contractors. A representative of Minh Chau Health Co., Ltd, a major pharmaceutical company in HCM City, said: Contractors must increase their capacity in terms of quality, service delivery, and, of course, price competition to be able to win the bid. At a recent bidding event for generic drugs by District 2 Hospital, 140 contractors submitted bids. For a package of VND142 billion (medium-sized package), this was considered a very high number, according to the hospital. The hospital also invited bids for two other packages, including one to purchase special drugs and one to buy traditional medicine and herbs, with total bidding value of more than VND45 billion. The three packages at District 2 Hospital have attracted more than 30 tenders, including major contractors in Vietnam and around the world such as Domesco, Bidiphar, Agimexpharm, Pymepharco, USS Pharma, Zuellig, Yteco and Ben Thanh. Bui Manh Con, director of An Binh Hospital, said that 121 contractors had submitted bids worth a total of VN80 billion for one package. During a tender event, a representative of the contractor, Mekong Company, said it had already participated in many bid packages. All of the packages have rigorous standards. Contractors must ensure many criteria, including GSP (Good Storage Practice), GDP (Good Distribution Practice) and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), he said. To win the bid, contractors have to prove their capability and experience, including the number of contracts they have signed, experience in production and business, and financial capacity of contractors. We have tried to offer the most competitive price, said the company representative. Three levels According to the Health Ministry, drug bidding is being conducted at three levels in the country: national, provincial and hospital. Vietnam Social Security (VSS) is the State agency in charge of organising bidding. The ministry said this year it would open national centralised bidding for 30 of the most commonly used drugs. It will also extend the list of drugs eligible to be bid at the provincial level. In addition, the ministry will negotiate prices of eight types of highly used patented medicine. Speaking at a recent meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Vuong Dinh Hue, said that centralised drug bidding would be a vital solution to reduce drug prices. Extending the list of biddable drugs would not only be economically beneficial but also a humanitarian imperative, especially to ensure that the poor can buy drugs without worry about price hikes, he said. Hue asked the Health Ministry to conduct open, transparent and competitive bidding on medical equipment and other supplies at some Health Ministry hospitals. The solar farm will have a capacity of 50MW The VND1.44 trillion ($63.1 million) solar project, which has the designed capacity of 50MW, will cover 60 hectares of water and 0.6 hectares of land. The plant will help increase the capacity of the national grid and meet the increasing demand for electricity in the province. It is expected to be put into operation in 2019. Earlier on April 3, Binh Dinh Fujiwara JSC held the ground-breaking ceremony of the Binh Dinh Fujiwara solar and wind power project located in Nhon Hoi Economic Zone, Quy Nhon city. The 100MW Binh Dinh Fujiwara solar and wind power project has a total investment of $63 million and will be developed on 60ha in Nhon Hoi EZ in two phases. This is the third renewable energy and the first large solar power project of Binh Dinh. The project progress is divided into two stages. Stage 1, from May 2017 to February 2019, will complete and put into operation the solar power plant (50MW); Stage 2, from February 2019 to February 2020, will complete and put into operation the wind power plant (50 MW). The project will supply electricity for Nhon Hoi EZ and the national electricity grid, while simultaneously creating a new image for luring investment into the renewable sector of Binh Dinh. Crimean leader Sergei Aksyonov at an event on Mar 16 in Simferopol marking the fourth anniversary of Crimea voting to leave Ukraine and join Russia. (Photo: AFP/Max Vetrov) "The whole of Crimea is without electricity. The power supply will be restored within three hours. Please remain calm," Crimea's pro-Kremlin leader Sergei Aksyonov wrote on Facebook. He added the blackout was the result of an incident at a power station in Russia's southern Krasnodar region. "Due to strong voltage surges, the emergency system switched on and disconnected the line," Aksyonov said. The Russian energy ministry on Wednesday issued a statement saying power in Crimea will be reestablished "shortly". AFP journalists in Simferopol, the capital of Crimea, and in the port city of Sevastopol said there was no electricity in the two cities. Crimea was almost wholly dependent on electricity from Ukraine at the time of its annexation by Russia in March 2014, that saw a military operation followed by a referendum not recognised by Kiev and the West. Ukraine stopped supplying energy to Crimea in late 2015, leaving the region reliant on an underwater cable running from Russia and inhabitants facing frequent problems. In July 2017, abnormally high temperatures in Russia's Krasnodar region led to electricity cuts that brought Crimea to a standstill, with traffic lights not working and trolleybuses stuck. The Toyota automotive plant in Vinh Phuc province. Source: toyotavinhphuc.info Most recently, Toyota Vietnam proposed the Vinh Phuc Peoples Committee to rent 9.1ha of land in Phuc Yen city to expand its automobile manufacturing plant, raising its annual capacity from the current 50,000 to 90,000 units by 2023. Accordingly, the total capital for this expansion is about $40 million. Toyotas move is supposed to be the result of Decree No.116/2017/ND-CP, which introduced many strict conditions and regulations about importing cars, which came into effect early this year. Not only Toyota, but Ford and Hyundai are also planning to expand production scale in Vietnam due to the decree. According to the Vietnamese government, Decree 116 aims to boost the development of the countrys automobile manufacturing industry and enhance the standards of imported cars across a variety of metrics. In addition, the high standards stipulated in the Decree also contribute to improving the localisation rates of car makers doing business in the country. However, the decree also made Toyota and other car manufacturers temporarily halt production in Indonesia due to difficulties in exporting cars to Vietnam. According to the Indonesian Association of Automotive Manufacturers, the new regulation temporarily halted the production of 9,337 vehicles which were meant to be exported to Vietnam. Newswire thejakartapost.com quoted the Indonesian Trade Ministrys director general for International Trade Oke Nurwan saying that the new Vietnamese regulation could significantly affect Indonesian exports of completely build-up (CBU) vehicles to the country. With the new regulation, in addition to business licences, car exporters and manufacturers must have Vehicle Type Aproval (VTA) certification issued by authorities in the exporting countries. Furthermore, government bodies will randomly inspect one or two cars of each imported batch. Accordingly, the levels of air emissions, quality, as well as engine security will be inspected. Indonesia remains one of the three largest CBU exporters to Vietnam, next to China and Thailand, and holds 13.12 per cent of the car export market share. On February 22, the general secretary of the Association of Indonesian Automotive Industries Kukuh Kumarasaid that Decree 116 has increased export expenses. The inspections could last for one or two months, during which the rest of the batch also need to stay at the ports and exporters have to pay storage charges. Oke also added that Indonesia stood to lose $85 million in vehicle exports to Vietnam under the decree in December 2017-March 2018. Maybe the decrees strict conditions have made it more desirable for car manufacturers like Toyota and Hyundai to expand their manufacturing facilities in Vietnam to save export costs. Previously, Korean car manufacturer Hyundai in March made a deal with the northern province of Ninh Binh to construct its second Vietnamese automotive plant in the province. While expanding business scale in Vietnam, Hyundai expects to increase its localisation ratio to 40 per cent to export vehicles to Southeast Asia. First Vice-President of the European Commission Frans Timmermans speaks during a debate on the future of Europe. (Photo: AFP/Frederick Florin) The EU agreed on Wednesday (Jun 13) to launch hearings later this month into fears Poland is breaching the independence of its courts, officials said, as Warsaw moved closer to possible unprecedented sanctions. The European Commission, the EU's executive arm, said it had asked the 28 member states to hold a formal hearing after Poland's rightwing government had failed to allay its concerns. "Most of the member states supported the request by the commission," a spokesperson for Bulgaria, which holds the bloc's six-month rotating presidency, told AFP. The official said ambassadors from the EU countries agreed Wednesday the first of several hearings will take place on Jun 26 when European affairs ministers meet in Luxembourg. Brussels in December triggered so-called article seven proceedings against Poland over "systemic threats" to the rule of law, which could eventually see Warsaw's EU voting rights suspended. European Commission Vice President Frans Timmermans said his dialogue with Polish authorities, which began two years ago, had yielded some progress recently. But legislative changes adopted in Warsaw since April in a bid to solve the row "are not sufficient to eliminate the clear risk of a serious breach of the rule of law," Timmermans told the European Parliament. Poland's rightwing Law and Justice (PiS) government began making changes to the judiciary after coming to power in late 2015. It says the reforms are needed to combat corruption and overhaul the judicial system still haunted by the communist era. 'POLITICAL CONTROL' With the lower courts already undermined, "it is now the Polish Supreme Court which is at risk of coming under political control," warned Timmermans, the commission's pointman on Poland. Around a third of Poland's supreme court judges risk being fired or forced to retire next month under the reforms, he said. Timmermans added that "last week the Commission therefore asked the Council to organise a formal hearing of Poland" in line with article seven of the EU treaty. Polish foreign minister Jacek Czaputowicz later told Poland's PAP news agency: "We'll see what we'll do next - we're ready to defend our position." The article seven proceedings could much further down the line lead to the never-before-used "nuclear option", in which Poland's EU voting rights are suspended. Hungary has already said it would veto such a step against its key ally but Brussels is hoping the proceedings will have significant symbolic power. Three former Polish presidents, including anti-communist icon Lech Walesa, earlier on Wednesday urged the EU to defend the rule of law in their country, ahead of the decisions on the Supreme Court. The row underlines growing east-west tensions within the European Union, with former Soviet bloc states like Poland and Hungary refusing to toe the Brussels line on several thorny issues including judicial and media independence as well as immigration Timmermans said that he will continue pressing Poland to reverse course on its court reforms during a visit to Warsaw on Monday. Italy's Economy Minister Giovanni Tria (right) and Agriculture Minister Gian Marco Centinaio pictured during the swearing-in ceremony for the new government at Quirinale Palace in Rome on Jun 1, 2018. (Photo: AFP/Alberto PIZZOLI) "The minister #GiovanniTria has cancelled his meeting with the French Minister of the Economy and Finance (Bruno) #LeMaire," his ministry said on Twitter. The tweet confirmed that Tria's meeting with German Economy Minister Olaf Scholz scheduled for Thursday would go ahead in Berlin. "The trip was cancelled at the Italians' request and we regret it," Le Maire responded, adding that he had "many important subjects to discuss with Mr Tria" ahead of an EU summit at the end of June. "We hope this meeting will be able to take place very quickly," he said in a ministry statement. Tria's decision comes after Rome demanded an official apology from France over its comments on Italy's treatment of the Aquarius vessel that was left in limbo in the Mediterranean after saving 629 people off Libya. Frence President Emmanuel Macron had blasted Italy for its "cynicism and irresponsibility" in refusing to allow the migrant ship carrying 629 migrants to dock at its ports. Interior Minister Matteo Salvini said Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte - who is due to meet Macron in Paris on Friday - "would be right not to go to France" should such an apology not arrive. Hundreds of thousands of migrants make the dangerous journey across the Mediterranean from Africa to reach the European Union. (Photo: AFP/Lauren King) Italy's new economy minister shelved a meeting with his French counterpart in Paris as their countries traded barbs over the treatment of more than 600 migrants rescued off the Libyan coast at the weekend. The migrants were stranded on the NGO vessel Aquarius until Spain said the ship could land at its port of Valencia. It is expected to arrive there late on Saturday. French President Emmanuel Macron accused Italy's new populist government of "cynicism and irresponsibility" for closing its ports to the 629 migrants. Rome called his comments "unacceptable" and summoned France's ambassador on Wednesday. "Such statements are undermining relations between Italy and France," Italy's foreign ministry said in a statement. Macron later appealed for the two sides not to "give in to emotions that certain people are manipulating". In a speech in the western French town of Mouchamps, he insisted that France was "working hand in hand with Italy" to handle migration. ITALY DEMANDS APOLOGY Italy's far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini had suggested that a planned meeting between the leaders of the two countries should be cancelled if France did not issue an "official apology". "If an official apology doesn't arrive, Prime Minister (Giuseppe) Conte would be right not to go to France," Salvini told reporters. A French presidential source said the country had not received any formal demand from Italy for an apology. Conte and Macron are due to hold talks on Friday ahead of a European summit. Late Wednesday Italian media citing sources said Conte was leaning toward postponing the meeting, rather than cancelling it. Their talks are meant to focus on the contentious issue of migration. Some rescued migrants were transferred from the NGO-chartered ship Aquarius to an Italian coastguard vessel. (Photo: AFP/Karpov) The European Parliament's president on Wednesday said the contentious issue was threatening "the survival" of the 28-nation bloc. "The EU's own survival depends on the handling of migration," Antonio Tajani tweeted, calling it "the biggest challenge of our times." Italy's new Economy Minister Giovanni Tria meanwhile announced he was cancelling a meeting with his French counterpart Bruno le Maire in Paris. But the French economy ministry later said the ministers had "agreed that Mr Tria will come to Paris in the coming days". 'AXIS OF THE WILLING' European Union member states are deeply divided over how to deal with asylum seekers. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on Wednesday hailed cooperation between the hardline interior ministers of Austria, Germany and Italy on the issue. "I think it marks very sensible cooperation that will contribute to reducing illegal migration to Europe," said Kurz, whose country assumes the EU's rotating presidency on Jul 1. "We believe an axis of the willing is needed to fight illegal migration." EU leaders in December set an end-June deadline for an overhaul of rules to create a permanent mechanism to deal with migrants. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday that the issue of migration was "a sort of decisive test for the future and cohesion of Europe." This handout picture from Medecins Sans Frontiers shows rescued migrants onboard an Italian coastguard ship following their transfer from the French NGO's ship Aquarius. (Photo: AFP/Karpov) The International Organisation for Migration on Tuesday warned against the closing of EU borders. "I fear a major tragedy if states start refusing to accept rescued migrants," its director general William Lacy Swing said. 'A SIGN OF GENEROSITY' Salvini has repeatedly accused fellow EU members of abandoning Italy as it struggles to cope with migrants making the perilous journey from Africa across the Mediterranean. The country has seen more than 700,000 migrants arrive on its shores since 2013. In Geneva, the head of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi, also Italian, said Wednesday Italy was "right" to say it could not accept all the migrants crossing the Mediterranean. Under EU rules, migrants must apply for asylum in the European nation where they first arrive. Speaking to the Senate Wednesday, Salvini accused France of only receiving 640 of the 9,816 migrants it had promised to take from Italy. He said that between January and May, France had sent 10,249 migrants back to Italy. He demanded that France move from "words to action and offer a sign of generosity" by taking more in. Salvini has accused charities that rescue migrants of working with human traffickers but said Italy would not stop rescuing migrant boats itself. An Italian coastguard ship carrying more than 900 migrants was allowed to dock in Sicily on Wednesday. "Closing ports, whoever does it, threatens rescue at sea, as we have seen in the case of the Aquarius, and therefore is not the right solution," UN High Commissioner for Refugees Filippo Grandi told reporters in Geneva. But he stressed that "the reason why Italy said it had closed ports is something we need to listen to". Meanwhile, the German NGO Sea Watch said it would take on board the 40 migrants rescued by the US Navy Tuesday off the coast Libya, where 12 other migrants died, but only if Italy agreed to open its ports to NGO vessels. Quang Tri Province will allocate a part of its provincial budget, exploit its build and transfer form land fund, and call for investors to participate in the establishment of the airport. The Peoples Committee of Quang Tri asked the Ministry of Transport (MoT) for permission to conduct a study and file a proposal for investment projects to build the airport through a cooperative agreement between the public and private sectors. The chairman of the committee, Nguyen Duc Chinh, also wanted the MoT to allow the locality to update some tasks in the detailed planning dossier of Quang Tri Airport, particularly the forecast of transport demand and divergent investment period in line with planning on the transportation and traffic development of Viet Nams aviation sector. These serve as the basis for the call for investors to participate in the project and determine the route and suitable time for investment in accordance with plans to operate Quang Tri Airport after 2020. Quang Tri Province will allocate a part of its provincial budget, exploit its build and transfer form, and call for investors to participate in the establishment of the airport, Chinh said. According to Decision No. 236/QD-TTg of the Prime Minister approving the adjustment of planning on air transport in the 2020-30 period, Quang Tri is one of 28 domestic airports which will be put into operation between 2020 and 2030. The airport will span an area of 312ha. Quang Tri Airport is located in Gio Quang Commune, Gio Linh District, in a relatively untouched area of forest trees and without residential areas and cultivated fields. The airport is about 93km from Dong Hoi National Highway 1 and 88km away from Phu Bai International Airport in Thua Thien - Hue Province. The major investment promotion conference will take hold in Soc Trang city Early this week, Deputy Chairman of the Soc Trang Peoples Committee Ngo Hung chaired the press conference on Soc Trangs upcoming 2018 investment promotion and startup launch conference. Accordingly, the event will take place on June 19 in the city of Soc Trang, attracting an estimated 500 participants, including representatives of diverse government agencies, foreign diplomatic organisations, domestic organisations working in finance-credit and investment and trade promotion, business associations, as well as domestic and foreign investors. Significantly, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc will also address the conference. According to the Organising Committee, the event aims to increase exposure of the provinces socioeconomic achievements, potential, advantages, and investment incentive policies, while calling for investment from home and abroad, striving for fast and sustainable development. The occasion also provides a platform for government and provincial leaders to directly meet investors and businesses wishing to invest in the province. In the upcoming conference, Soc Trang will prioritise calling investment into 83 projects in fields the province has distinct advantages in. In the framework of the conference, provincial leaders will approve the investment proposals of several projects and will host the launching ceremonies of several major projects. Besides, the event will hail the launching of the provincial startup movement as well the establishment of Soc Trang's startup community. According to deputy director of the Soc Trang Department of Planning and Investment Pham Tien Hai, the province has approved the provision of investment certificates and proposals and memoranda of understanding (MoUs) on investment cooperation for 47 projects valued at a total of VND122.8 trillion ($5.45 billion). This includes VND22.646 trillion ($1 billion) of committed investment certificates and proposals and VND100.234 trillion ($4.45 billion) on committed MoUs. Due to the time limit, the conference will only see investment certificates and proposals given to 11 projects valued at $143 million in total registered capital and 13 MoUs valued at $1.66 billion, while six projects will receive credit contracts worth VND420 billion ($18.6 million). In the upcoming conference, Soc Trang will prioritise calling investment into 83 projects in diverse fields the province has distinct advantages in, such as renewable energy, high-tech agriculture, building infrastructure in the provinces industrial zones and industrial clusters, construction, trade and services, tourism, transport, and building markets and supermarkets. The fresh investment will accelerate Grabs next phase of growth to build Southeast Asias leading online-to-offline (O2O) mobile platform As part of the agreement, Grab and Toyota will strengthen and expand their existing collaboration in the area of connected cars, to drive the adoption of new mobility solutions across Southeast Asia. The transaction is subject to the satisfaction of certain closing conditions. This investment by Toyota is the largest-ever by an automotive manufacturer in the global ride-hailing sector, and brings Grab closer to achieving its vision of becoming a one-stop mobility platform in Southeast Asia. Grab plans to work with partners to create a more efficient transport network that will ease traffic congestion in Southeast Asias megacities, make mobility accessible for all and provide driver-partners with increased income opportunities for them to move up the economic ladder. As the leading mobile O2O platform in Southeast Asia, this investment allows Grab to further expand its range of O2O services, such as GrabFood and GrabPay, deeper into the region. Grab operates in 217 cities across eight Southeast Asian countries and offers users safe and affordable transport, food and package delivery, mobile payments and financial services through its Grab mobile app. Ming Maa, president of Grab, said that, As a global leader in the automotive industry, Toyotas investment in Grab is based on their conviction in our leadership in driving the adoption of new mobility solutions and expanding O2O mobile services, such as GrabFood and GrabPay, in the region." "Grab is the first Southeast Asian technology startup to have achieved run rate revenues of over US$1 billion across an installed mobile base of over 100 million users. Our rapid user and revenue growth is a testament to our ability to hyper-localise, efficiently execute and provide the highest efficiency platform in a region as diverse as Southeast Asia. We are honored to be supported by industry leaders including Toyota, Uber, Didi and SoftBank, he said. Shigeki Tomoyama, Toyota executive vice president and president of Toyotas in-house Connected Car Company, said that, I am delighted that we are strengthening our collaboration, which utilizes Toyotas connected technologies, with Grab, Southeast Asias leading ride-hailing company. Going forward, together with Grab, we will develop services that are more attractive, safe and secure for our customers in Southeast Asia. Grab will work with Toyota on how connected car services on the Toyota Mobility Service Platform (MSPF) - such as user-based insurance, financing program and predictive maintenance - could enrich the Grab experience for drivers on the Grab platform. Grab and Toyota will roll-out connected car services, such as telematics-based insurance, which may reduce the cost of insurance premiums for safer Grab drivers. To deepen the strategic collaboration, one Toyota executive will be appointed to Grabs board of directors and a dedicated Toyota team member will be seconded to Grab as an executive officer. Vinfast and Thailand's leading auto parts manufacturer will boost the localisation rate of Vietnam's very own car brand On June 11, Vinfast signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to set up a joint venture with Aapico Hitech Plc., one of Thailands leading auto parts manufacturers with a market cap of $400 million, to set up a press shop and assembly operations in Vinfasts Supplier Park in Haiphong. The purpose of the joint venture is to supply BIW (Body in White) parts for the first two models of Vinfast vehiclesa Sedan and a SUVto be produced by the third quarter of 2019. Covering an area of 9.1 hectares in Vinfasts Supplier Park, the project has the total investment of $60 million, with 51 per cent holding of Aapico and 49 per cent of Vinfast. "We invest in a joint venture to cooperate with Aapico Hitech in the first project in manufacturing automotive parts and accessories in Vietnam. With this partnership, we believe that there will be more domestic and foreign companies joining the Vietnamese automotive supplier industry. This is an important step in creating a synchronous ecosystem for the Vietnamese automobile manufacturing industry, said Nguyen Viet Quang, vice president cum CEO of Vingroup. "This is an important step in creating a synchronous ecosystem for the Vietnamese automobile manufacturing industry, said Nguyen Viet Quang, vice president cum CEO of Vingroup. While Vinfast will provide the premises, invest $20 million to build the plant, and create the best possible conditions for the factory operation, Aapico will be responsible for the overall management of the project, including technology and know-how, plant layout design, and equipment sizing. In addition, Aapico will also produce and provide all the jigs and dies for Vinfast vehicles, which will have a total estimated value of $85 million. Vinfast, in turn, would then supply jigs and dies to the joint venture company to produce the BIW parts for Vinfast vehicles. This joint venture is the largest project ever undertaken by Aapico and would also be the groups second largest overseas investment after investing $100 million into Sakthi Automotive Group to acquire 25.1 per cent of its global operations in June 2017. Aapico presently has manufacturing operations globally, including India, Europe, the US, Mexico, China, and now Vietnam. This project has provided a truly significant stepping stone for Aapico to enter Vietnam, and we are confident that this is only the first step to greater things in the future for both of our companies, said Yeap Swee Chuan, president cum CEO of Aapico Hitech Plc. Vinfast is a subsidiary of Vingroup, one of the largest and most dynamic business conglomerates in Vietnam with a market cap of over VND327 trillion (over $ 14 billion). In 2017, Vingroup recorded a revenue of approximately VND90 trillion ($3.9 billion). While it launched the Vinfast Automotive Manufacturing Project on September 2, 2017 in Haiphong, with the goal of building a world-class Vietnamese car brand, Vinfast Supplier Park is intended to increase the localisation rate of products as well as create a sustainable automobile manufacturing eco-system. 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. This communique was not signed by the United States of America We, the Leaders of the G7, have come together in Charlevoix, Quebec, Canada on June 89, 2018, guided by our shared values of freedom, democracy, the rule of law and respect for human rights and our commitment to promote a rules-based international order. As advanced economies and leading democracies, we share a fundamental commitment to investing in our citizens and meeting their needs and to responding to global challenges. We collectively affirm our strong determination to achieve a clean environment, clean air and clean water. We are resolved to work together in creating a healthy, prosperous, sustainable and fair future for all. Investing in Growth that Works for Everyone We share the responsibility of working together to stimulate sustainable economic growth that benefits everyone and, in particular, those most at risk of being left behind. We welcome the contribution of technological change and global integration to global economic recovery and increased job creation. The global economic outlook continues to improve, but too few citizens have benefited from that economic growth. While resilience against risk has improved among emerging market economies, recent market movements remind us of potential vulnerabilities. We will continue monitoring market developments and using all policy tools to support strong, sustainable, balanced and inclusive growth that generates widespread prosperity. We reaffirm our existing exchange rate commitments. We commit to promoting smart, sustainable and high-quality investments, such as in infrastructure, to boost growth and productivity and create quality jobs. Economic growth is fundamental to raising living standards. We also recognize that economic output alone is insufficient for measuring success and acknowledge the importance of monitoring other societal and economic indicators that measure prosperity and well-being. We are committed to removing the barriers that keep our citizens, including women and marginalized individuals, from participating fully in the global economy. We endorse the Charlevoix Commitment on Equality and Economic Growth, which reinforces our commitment to eradicate poverty, advance gender equality, foster income equality, ensure better access to financial resources and create decent work and quality of life for all. In order to ensure that everyone pays their fair share, we will exchange approaches and support international efforts to deliver fair, progressive, effective and efficient tax systems. We will continue to fight tax evasion and avoidance by promoting the global implementation of international standards and addressing base erosion and profit shifting. The impacts of the digitalization of the economy on the international tax system remain key outstanding issues. We welcome the OECD interim report analyzing the impact of digitalization of the economy on the international tax system. We are committed to work together to seek a consensus-based solution by 2020. We acknowledge that free, fair and mutually beneficial trade and investment, while creating reciprocal benefits, are key engines for growth and job creation. We recommit to the conclusions on trade of the Hamburg G20 Summit, in particular, we underline the crucial role of a rules-based international trading system and continue to fight protectionism. We note the importance of bilateral, regional and plurilateral agreements being open, transparent, inclusive and WTO-consistent, and commit to working to ensure they complement the multilateral trade agreements. We commit to modernize the WTO to make it more fair as soon as possible. We strive to reduce tariff barriers, non-tariff barriers and subsidies. We will work together to enforce existing international rules and develop new rules where needed to foster a truly level playing field, addressing in particular non-market oriented policies and practices, and inadequate protection of intellectual property rights, such as forced technology transfer or cyber-enabled theft. We call for the start of negotiations this year to develop stronger international rules on market-distorting industrial subsidies and trade-distorting actions by state-owned enterprises. We also call on all members of the Global Forum on Steel Excess Capacity to fully and promptly implement its recommendations. We stress the urgent need to avoid excess capacity in other sectors such as aluminum and high technology. We call on the International Working Group on Export Credits to develop a new set of guidelines for government-supported export credits, as soon as possible in 2019. To support growth and equal participation that benefits everyone, and ensure our citizens lead healthy and productive lives, we commit to supporting strong, sustainable health systems that promote access to quality and affordable healthcare and to bringing greater attention to mental health. We support efforts to promote and protect womens and adolescents health and well-being through evidence-based healthcare and health information. We recognize the World Health Organizations vital role in health emergencies, including through the Contingency Fund for Emergencies and the World Banks Pandemic Emergency Financing Facility, and emphasize their need for further development and continued and sustainable financing. We recommit to support our 76 partners to strengthen their implementation of the International Health Regulations, including through their development of costed national action plans and the use of diverse sources of financing and multi-stakeholder resources. We will prioritize and coordinate our global efforts to fight against antimicrobial resistance, in a one health approach. We will accelerate our efforts to end tuberculosis, and its resistant forms. We reconfirm our resolve to work with partners to eradicate polio and effectively manage the post-polio transition. We affirm our support for a successful replenishment of the Global Fund in 2019. Public finance, including official development assistance and domestic resource mobilization, is necessary to work towards the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals of the 2030 Agenda, but alone is insufficient to support the economic growth and sustainable development necessary to lift all populations from poverty. As a result, we have committed to the Charlevoix Commitment on Innovative Financing for Development to promote economic growth in developing economies and foster greater equality of opportunity within and between countries. We will continue to invest in quality infrastructure with open access. Given rising debt levels in low income countries and the importance of debt sustainability, we call for greater debt transparency not only from low income debtor countries, but also emerging sovereign lenders and private creditors. We support the ongoing work of the Paris Club, as the principal international forum for restructuring official bilateral debt, towards the broader inclusion of emerging creditors. We recognize the value in development and humanitarian assistance that promotes greater equality of opportunity, and gender equality, and prioritizes the most vulnerable, and will continue to work to develop innovative financing models to ensure that no one is left behind. Preparing for Jobs of the Future We are resolved to ensure that all workers have access to the skills and education necessary to adapt and prosper in the new world of work brought by innovation through emerging technologies. We will promote innovation through a culture of lifelong learning among current and future generations of workers. We will expand market-driven training and education, particularly for girls and women in the science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM) fields. We recognize the need to remove barriers to womens leadership and equal opportunity to participate in all aspects of the labour market, including by eliminating violence, discrimination and harassment within and beyond the workplace. We will explore innovative new approaches to apprenticeship and vocational learning, as well as opportunities to engage employers and improve access to workplace training. We highlight the importance of working towards making social protection more effective and efficient and creating quality work environments for workers, including those in non-standard forms of work. Expanding communication and collaboration between governments and businesses, social partners, educational institutions and other relevant stakeholders will be essential for preparing workers to adapt and thrive in the new world of work. To realize the benefits of artificial intelligence (AI), we endorse the Charlevoix Common Vision for the Future of Artificial Intelligence. We recognize that a human-centric approach to AI has the potential to introduce new sources of economic growth, bring significant benefits to our societies and help address some of our most pressing challenges. Advancing Gender Equality and Womens Empowerment We recognize that gender equality is fundamental for the fulfillment of human rights and is a social and economic imperative. However, gender inequality persists despite decades of international commitments to eliminate these differences. We will continue to work to remove barriers to womens participation and decision-making in social, economic and political spheres as well as increase the opportunities for all to participate equally in all aspects of the labour market. Our path forward will promote womens full economic participation through working to reduce the gender wage gap, supporting women business leaders and entrepreneurs and recognizing the value of unpaid care work. Equal access to quality education is vital to achieve the empowerment and equal opportunity of girls and women, especially in developing contexts and countries struggling with conflict. Through the Charlevoix Declaration on Quality Education for Girls, Adolescent Girls and Women in Developing Countries, we demonstrate our commitment to increase opportunities for at least 12 years of safe and quality education for all and to dismantle the barriers to girls and womens quality education, particularly in emergencies and in conflict-affected and fragile states. We recognize that marginalized girls, such as those with a disability, face additional barriers in attaining access to education. Advancing gender equality and ending violence against girls and women benefits all and is a shared responsibility in which everyone, including men and boys, has a critical role to play. We endorse the Charlevoix Commitment to End Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, Abuse and Harassment in Digital Contexts, and are resolved to end all forms of sexual and gender-based violence. We strive for a future where individuals human rights are equally protected both offline and online; and where everyone has equal opportunity to participate in political, social, economic and cultural endeavors. Building a More Peaceful and Secure World We share a responsibility to build a more peaceful and secure world, recognizing that respect for human rights, the rule of law and equality of opportunity are necessary for lasting security and to enable economic growth that works for everyone. The global security threats we face are complex and evolving and we commit to working together to counter terrorism. We welcome the outcome of the international conference on the fight against terrorist financing, held in Paris April 25-26, 2018. Foreign terrorist fighters must be held accountable for their actions. We are committed to addressing the use of the internet for terrorist purposes, including as a tool for recruitment, training, propaganda and financing, and by working with partners such as the Global Internet Forum to Counter Terrorism. We underscore the importance of taking concrete measures to eradicate trafficking in persons, forced labour, child labour and all forms of slavery, including modern slavery. Recognizing that countries that are more equal are also more stable, more peaceful and more democratic, we are resolved to strengthen the implementation of the Women, Peace and Security (WPS) agenda. Gender-sensitive measures that include womens participation and perspectives to prevent and eradicate terrorism are vital to effective and sustainable results, protection from sexual and gender-based violence, and preventing other human rights abuses and violations. We commit to take concerted action in responding to foreign actors who seek to undermine our democratic societies and institutions, our electoral processes, our sovereignty and our security as outlined in the Charlevoix Commitment on Defending Democracy from Foreign Threats. We recognize that such threats, particularly those originating from state actors, are not just threats to G7 nations, but to international peace and security and the rules-based international order. We call on others to join us in addressing these growing threats by increasing the resilience and security of our institutions, economies and societies, and by taking concerted action to identify and hold to account those who would do us harm. We continue to call on North Korea to completely, verifiably and irreversibly dismantle all of its weapons of mass destruction (WMD) and ballistic missiles as well as its related programs and facilities. We acknowledge recent developments, including North Koreas announcement of a moratorium on nuclear testing and ballistic missile launches, a commitment to denuclearization made in the April 27 Panmunjom Declaration assuming full implementation and the apparent closure of the Punggye-ri nuclear test site on May 24; but we reiterate the importance of full denuclearization. The dismantlement of all of its WMD and ballistic missiles will lead to a more positive future for all people on the Korean Peninsula and a chance of prosperity for the people of North Korea, who have suffered for too long. However, more must be done and we call on all states to maintain strong pressure, including through the full implementation of relevant UNSCRs, to urge North Korea to change its course and take decisive and irreversible steps. In this context, we once again call upon North Korea to respect the human rights of its people and resolve the abductions issue immediately We urge Russia to cease its destabilizing behaviour to undermine democratic systems and its support of the Syrian regime. We condemn the attack using a military-grade nerve agent in Salisbury, United Kingdom. We share and agree with the United Kingdoms assessment that it is highly likely that the Russian Federation was responsible for the attack, and that there is no plausible alternative explanation. We urge Russia to live up to its international obligations, as well as its responsibilities as a permanent member of the UN Security Council, to uphold international peace and security. Notwithstanding, we will continue to engage with Russia on addressing regional crises and global challenges, where it is in our interests. We reiterate our condemnation of the illegal annexation of Crimea and reaffirm our enduring support for Ukrainian sovereignty, independence and territorial integrity within its internationally-recognized borders. We maintain our commitment to assisting Ukraine in implementing its ambitious and necessary reform agenda. We recall that the continuation of sanctions is clearly linked to Russias failure to demonstrate complete implementation of its commitments in the Minsk Agreements and respect for Ukraines sovereignty and we fully support the efforts within the Normandy Format and of the Organization for Security and Cooperation in Europe for a solution to the conflict in Eastern Ukraine. Should its actions so require, we also stand ready to take further restrictive measures in order to increase costs on Russia. We remain committed to support Russian civil society and to engage and invest in people-to-people contact. We strongly condemn the murderous brutality of Daesh and its oppression of civilian populations under its control. As an international community, we remain committed to the eradication of Daesh and its hateful ideology. In Syria, we also condemn the repeated and morally reprehensible use of chemical weapons by the Syrian regime and by Daesh. We call on the supporters of the regime to ensure compliance with its obligation to declare and dismantle remaining chemical weapons. We deplore the fact that Syria assumed the presidency of the Conference on Disarmament in May, given its consistent and flagrant disregard of international non-proliferation norms and agreements. We reaffirm our collective commitment to the Chemical Weapons Convention and call on all states to support the upcoming Organisation for the Prohibition of Chemical Weapons (OPCW) Special Conference of States Parties and to work together to strengthen the ability of the OPCW to promote the implementation of the Convention. We call upon those who have yet to do so to join the International Partnership Against Impunity for the Use of Chemical Weapons. We call for credible, inclusive and non-sectarian governance in Syria, facilitated by free and fair elections held to the highest international standards of transparency and accountability, with all Syrians, including members of the diaspora, eligible to participate. We remain concerned about the situation in the East and South China Seas and reiterate our strong opposition to any unilateral actions that could escalate tensions and undermine regional stability and the international rules-based order. We urge all parties to pursue demilitarization of disputed features. We are committed to taking a strong stance against human rights abuse, human trafficking and corruption across the globe, especially as it impacts vulnerable populations, and we call upon the international community to take strong action against these abuses all over the world. We welcome the recent commitments made by Myanmar and we pledge to coordinate efforts to build lasting peace and support democratic transition in Myanmar, particularly in the context of the ongoing Rohingya crisis, to allow safe and unhindered humanitarian access and the safe, voluntary and dignified return of refugees and displaced people. We are deeply concerned about the lack of respect for human rights and basic democratic principles in Venezuela, as well as the spiraling economic crisis and its humanitarian repercussions. We express our concern at the continuous deterioration of the situation in Yemen and renew our call for all parties to fully comply with international humanitarian law and human rights law. Recognizing the threat Irans ballistic missile program poses to international peace and security, we call upon Iran to refrain from launches of ballistic missiles and all other activities which are inconsistent with UNSCR 2231 including all annexes and destabilizing for the region, and cease proliferation of missile technology. We are committed to permanently ensuring that Irans nuclear program remains peaceful, in line with its international obligations and commitments to never seek, develop or acquire a nuclear weapon. We condemn all financial support of terrorism including terrorist groups sponsored by Iran. We also call upon Iran to play a constructive role by contributing to efforts to counter terrorism and achieve political solutions, reconciliation and peace in the region. We remain concerned about the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, especially in the light of recent events. We support the resumption without delay of substantive peace talks between Israelis and Palestinians aimed at achieving a negotiated solution that ensures the peace and security for both parties. We stress the importance of addressing as soon as possible the dire and deteriorating humanitarian and security situation in the Gaza strip. Africas security, stability, and sustainable development are high priorities for us, and we reiterate our support for African-led initiatives, including at a regional level. We reiterate our commitment to work in partnership with the African continent, supporting the African Union Agenda 2063 in order to realize Africas potential. We will promote African capabilities to better prevent, respond to, and manage crisis and conflicts; and to strengthen democratic institutions. We reiterate our commitment to the stabilization, unity and democracy of Libya, which is key for the stability of the Mediterranean region and of Europe. We support the efforts of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General Salame in pursuing an inclusive political process founded on his Action Plan and we encourage all Libyan and regional actors to uphold their constructive engagement as outlined in the June 6, 2018 statement of the President of the Security Council on Libya. We support the efforts of the Presidency Council for Libya and the Libyan Government of National Accord to consolidate State institutions. Working Together on Climate Change, Oceans and Clean Energy A healthy planet and sustainable economic growth are mutually beneficial, and therefore, we are pursuing global efforts towards a sustainable and resilient future that creates jobs for our citizens. We firmly support the broad participation and leadership of young people, girls and women in promoting sustainable development. We collectively affirm our strong determination to achieve a clean environment, clean air, clean water and healthy soil. We commit to ongoing action to strengthen our collective energy security and demonstrate leadership in ensuring that our energy systems continue to drive sustainable economic growth. We recognise that each country may chart its own path to achieving a low-emission future. We look forward to adopting a common set of guidelines at UNFCCC COP 24. Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the European Union reaffirm their strong commitment to implement the Paris Agreement, through ambitious climate action; in particular through reducing emissions while stimulating innovation, enhancing adaptive capacity, strengthening and financing resilience and reducing vulnerability; as well as ensuring a just transition, including increasing efforts to mobilize climate finance from a wide variety of sources. We discussed the key role of energy transitions through the development of market based clean energy technologies and the importance of carbon pricing, technology collaboration and innovation to continue advancing economic growth and protect the environment as part of sustainable, resilient and low-carbon energy systems; as well as financing adaptive capacity. We reaffirm the commitment that we have made to our citizens to reduce air and water pollution and our greenhouse gas emissions to reach a global carbon-neutral economy over the course of the second half of the century. We welcome the adoption by the UN General Assembly of a resolution titled Towards a Global Pact for the Environment and look forward to the presentation of a report by the Secretary General in the next General Assembly. Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, the United Kingdom and the European Union will promote the fight against climate change through collaborative partnerships and work with all relevant partners, in particular all levels of government; local, Indigenous, remote coastal and small island communities; as well as with the private sector, international organizations and civil society to identify and assess policy gaps, needs and best practices. We recognize the contribution of the One Planet conferences to this collective effort. The United States believes sustainable economic growth and development depends on universal access to affordable and reliable energy resources. It commits to ongoing action to strengthen the worlds collective energy security, including through policies that facilitates open, diverse, transparent, liquid and secure global markets for all energy sources. The United States will continue to promote energy security and economic growth in a manner that improves the health of the worlds oceans and environment, while increasing public-private investments in energy infrastructure and technology that advances the ability of countries to produce, transport, and use all available energy sources based on each countrys national circumstances. The United States will endeavour to work closely with other countries to help them access and use fossil fuels more cleanly and efficiently and help deploy renewable and other clean energy sources, given the importance of energy access and security in their Nationally Determined Contributions. The United States believes in the key role of energy transitions through the development of market-based clean energy technologies and the importance of technology collaboration and innovation to continue advancing economic growth and protect the environment as part of sustainable, resilient, and clean energy systems. The United States reiterates its commitment to advancing sustainable economic growth, and underscores the importance of continued action to reduce air and water pollution. Recognizing that healthy oceans and seas directly support the livelihoods, food security and economic prosperity of billions of people, we met with the heads of state or government of the Argentina, Bangladesh, Haiti, Jamaica, Kenya, Marshall Islands, Norway, Rwanda (Chair of the African Union), Senegal, Seychelles, South Africa, Vietnam, and the heads of the United Nations, the IMF, the World Bank and the OECD, to discuss concrete actions to protect the health of marine environments and ensure a sustainable use of marine resources as part of a renewed agenda to increase global biodiversity protection. We endorse the Charlevoix Blueprint for Healthy Oceans, Seas and Resilient Coastal Communities, and will improve oceans knowledge, promote sustainable oceans and fisheries, support resilient coasts and coastal communities and address ocean plastic waste and marine litter. Recognizing that plastics play an important role in our economy and daily lives but that the current approach to producing, using, managing and disposing of plastics and poses a significant threat to the marine environment, to livelihoods and potentially to human health, we the Leaders of Canada, France, Germany, Italy, the United Kingdom and the European Union endorse the Ocean Plastics Charter. Conclusion We share the responsibility of working together to stimulate sustainable economic growth that benefits everyone, in particular, those most at risk of being left behind. We would like to thank our citizens, civil society, the Gender Equality Advisory Council, the Formal G7 Engagement Groups and other partners for their meaningful input to Canadas presidency. We welcome the offer of the President of France to host our next Summit in 2019 and his pledge to continue G7 leadership on our common agenda. Bill and Camille Cosby. Photo: Gilbert Carrasquillo/WireImage It seems that felony sex charges may be too much for Camille Cosby. The 74-year-old wife of convicted rapist Bill Cosby has reportedly moved out of their suburban Philadelphia home. The news comes two months after a guilty verdict landed the former TV dad under house arrest. According to Radar Online, Bill Cosby is now living in his mansion alone. Camille Cosby is believed to be living in one of the couples homes in Massachusetts with a chef, house manager, and personal driver. There is also an Olympic-sized swimming pool, and a parade of friends have reportedly been visiting to support her as she decides whether or not to file for divorce. Word is, Camille sold her husbands private jet (at the time he was convicted, Cosby claimed he didnt own a private jet). Other high-dollar assets in the estate include the couples homes and Cosbys legendary car collection, but a potential divorce between the two could get messy, as Cosby faces mounting legal bills. During Cosbys trial in the spring, Camille accompanied her husband only once to the Montgomery County Courthouse, smiling for the news media. And after her husband was convicted of three counts of felony sexual assault for drugging and raping former Temple University employee Andrea Constand in the same home Camille has vacated, she compared the verdict to mob justice. Related Stories 35 Bill Cosby Accusers Tell Their Stories In her first and only comment about her husbands conviction, Camille said, The overall media, with their frenzied, relentless demonization of him and unquestioning acceptance of accusers allegations without any attendant proof, have superseded the Fifth and Fourteenth Amendments, which guarantee due process and equal protection, and thereby eliminated the possibility of a fair trial and unbiased jury. She added, Bill Cosby was labeled as guilty because the media and accusers said so period. In the lead-up to the trial, more than 60 women came forward claiming that Cosby drugged and sexually assaulted them over the past 40 years. In addition to awaiting sentencing for the rape, Cosby also faces several civil suits in California courts, including a defamation suit by model Janice Dickinson. He will be arraigned in September, and is expected to get at least some prison time for his crimes, though he continues to deny all allegations. His legal team has already announced publicly that they would file an appeal. Ted Sarandos and Cindy Holland attend the premiere of Netflixs 13 Reasons Why. Photo: David Crotty/Patrick McMullan via Getty Image All this week, were publishing a series of pieces to accompany our New York cover story going behind the scenes of Netflix. Before they were partners, Netflix chief content officer Ted Sarandos and original content VP Cindy Holland were (friendly) rivals. In the late 1990s, Cindy and I were the only two people in the world buying DVDs for online video services, Sarandos says. I was doing DVD-by-mail for Netflix and Cindy for Kozmo.com. Kozmo didnt last; Netflix became, well, Netflix. Holland and Sarandos would end up transforming Netflix into the one of the most prolific producers of television programming in the mediums history. Theyve created their own culture, says producer Ryan Murphy, whos got two shows in the works at Netflix and next month begins a $300 million overall deal at the company. And a lot of that culture, I think, is a hybrid of Teds showmanship and Cindys beautifully modulated creativity. As part of my deep dive into Netflixs binge factory, I sat down with Sarandos and Holland to talk about the origin story of their working relationship and how its evolved as the company has grown. So after Kozmo shut down, Cindy went over to Mutual Films Company. How did you then end up finally working together? Ted Sarandos: This is total happenstance, but back in the day I used to get a lot of DVDs handed to me. People would see me out, or at a party, and filmmakers would submit independent stuff. Someone handed me a DVD that was a documentary about Kozmo. And in the video I see Cindy sitting in at one of the meetings at Kozmo. It jarred my memory, like, Oh, I wonder what Cindys up to? I called her and said, Hey, I wonder if you still want to talk about coming to Netflix, blah blah blah. We were literally sitting 50 yards apart. She was sitting in an office 35 steps probably from where I was, and were talking on the cell phone, shes describing where she was at Mutual Films, and I said, No, thats where I am! (Laughs.) Cindy Holland: Where? Raleigh Studios. Where? This building! Im right next door! That literally is L.A. Story. TS: One-hundred percent. And the rest is history. We shared that office for a long time. It was just the two of us in L.A. CH: We both worked together on buying DVDs from the studios, negotiating revenue share and deals. On the side, we were always finding cool projects, documentaries, foreign films, little indie films that we would then put on DVD. That was one of the things we really appreciated about each other when we first met that love of independent films and documentaries and foreign films. Hey, did you ever see this one or that one? At some point, you made the call to move Netflix from DVDs into streaming. What spurred you to make that leap? CH: At the end of 2010, we were having conversations about what the five-year plan would be in the licensing TV from existing networks business, because thats what I was overseeing at the time. We predicted there would be a time when a number of them would want to stop licensing to us because they wanted to preserve the content for their own, over-the-top [service]. TS: If we believed our own narrative, which was that TV would evolve to entirely be direct to consumer and on the internet, then the networks as they exist today would be direct to consumer on the internet. They wanted to keep their programming, not sell it to us. There was no evidence of it at the time; it was just a gut feeling. CH: Amazon was spending money, Hulu had already been spending money. Pricing on second-run TV [syndication] was climbing rapidly, particularly for the top shows. We started looking at it, and we could see that the economics in second-run TV were heating up to the point where it might make sense for us to do first-run TV, because your economics would be a wash. Once you decided to jump into streaming, how did Cindy end up running that division? At the time, it was seen as sort of a niche; DVDs were the heart of Netflix, and Cindy was key to that business. TS: When we started doing original programming, it was a pretty small subset of the total spend, original versus licensed goods. I think we had a $10 million budget our first year for streaming [before House of Cards]. Cindy had already had this incredible reputation for her taste and her ability. [She can] read a script fast and immediately dissect it in her head whats broken and how to fix it and all those things. Im not a disciplined reader. I can tell you quickly that somethings broken, but Im not so fast as to tell you why. So I was always blown away by the skill, which I didnt even know at the time was one of your first jobs in Hollywood covering scripts! CH: Its a hidden talent. I had to dust it off! TS: When it came down to, We have to hire a head of original programming, Cindy said, I want to do that. But at the time, it was in addition to the licensing. And I said, We need to focus, so I really want to double down on specialization. If youre willing to walk away from the other thing to do this thing, even though its just a test. Cindy said, I am willing to do that. It was a pretty big professional bet for her to already be running one of the largest TV-buying organizations in the world at this time, and then making that switch over to do this thing that may or may not work out. Whats your daily interaction like these days? How do you lean on each other, and what do you take from each other in your relationship? CH: Weve either shared an office or had offices next to each other for 16 years, so we spend a lot of time together, and we still do. We both travel a lot, so not quite as much, but we have an unofficial routine: Were generally both here early in the morning, well talk about whatevers going on just to touch base, but its not formal. Ted, do you still go to a lot of pitch meetings for new projects? TS: A couple. CH: Well both go to the more high-profile ones, but weve also been clear with all the sellers in town that neither one of us has to be in a room for a project to get green-lit and happen here. TS: Thats what enables the speed to market. I feel like were more engaged in the fire drill of a show versus the day-to-day running of a show. When something breaks or is perceived to be pretty high-risk one way or the other, thats when we go there, and thats why its great when we have shorthand. You guys move fast, but do you ever take a minute to reflect on how much Netflix has accomplished in seven years, and how big youve become? TS: I try not to. Being here as long as I have, every two years it feels like a completely new thing were doing, from the DVD-by-mail, domestic-only business to streaming to international to movies to international original series. Its a constant new thing. The scope, scale, reach, and impact year on year keeps growing to a point where Im glad I never stopped and said, Mission accomplished, because theres always the next thing. It doesnt give you that much time to do a victory lap. Were still in a rapidly growing business. CH: We work well together because neither one of us is ever satisfied. We have a company full of people who are never satisfied. We do try to stop and celebrate milestone things, like the ending of a show or a particularly successful one, but were in this for the long haul, and were focused far into the future at this point. Five years from now, will we not recognize Netflix? TS: Remember, when we started this, Blockbuster was as big a beast as we could imagine. That was an $8 billion company when we started, and we thought, Oh, if we could only get there! When we started doing originals, I would have never, ever bet that we would have three series up for best series at the Emmys that weve had the last two years. The speed in which we were able to do this is one of those things where if I did stop and think about it, Id have to stop longer and think about it, so I dont want to do it. CH: Its probably going to be better and bigger than my imagination. You mentioned Blockbuster. Isnt their demise a cautionary tale about how companies so big can get arrogant and fail? CH: As long as we are a merry little band of outsiders, or as long as we continue to feel like were the Little Engine That Could, its less feasible that that happens to us. We just dont have that mind-set. TS: Somebody told me this morning, the town has a way of putting you in a bubble that removes you from the public and their tastes. You have to be so careful not to let that happen to yourself. Feminist fans of Black Mirror may soon have a show focused specifically on the horrors of being a woman. Before Carmen Maria Machados debut story collection, Her Body and Other Parties, even hit shelves last fall, her publisher, Graywolf, pressed the button on a fourth reprint. Shed already been nominated for a National Book Award by then, and her queer, feminist horror stories arrived in the midst of an explosive conversation about gender, abuse, and the way womens stories had been silenced for decades. Hollywood sensed the books potential, and Machado spoke with dozens of interested parties. After a competitive series of pitches from producers, writers, and directors, Machado chose Imagine Television to develop the book, with writer Gina Welch (of Feud and The Terror) attached. Theyre pitching the project as an anthology series a sort of feminist Black Mirror. Samie Kim Falvey, the president of Imagine Television, told Vulture in an email that Machados stories capture the intense, unspoken psychology of inhabiting a womans body today. The series, she predicted, will undoubtedly be a force in the conversation about gender. Foxx. Photo: Roy Rochlin/Getty Images Last week, a woman in Las Vegas filed a police report accusing Jamie Foxx of sexual assault. According to TMZ, the woman claims that, at a party in 2002, Foxx allegedly struck her in the face with his penis when she refused to perform oral sex on him. Foxx has issued a statement calling her accusation absurd, and saying he plans to file a police report against the woman for filing a false police report. In addition, a lawyer for Foxx now tells BuzzFeed News that while Foxx maintains his innocence, even if the womans accusations were true, it wouldnt be considered sexual assault. The lawyer says that Nevada state law defines sexual assault as involving sexual penetration i.e. forcible rape. According to the Las Vegas Defense Group, the accusation against Foxx would be considered the lesser crime of open and gross lewdness. Police are investigating the alleged incident, though law enforcement tells TMZ that the statute of limitations has expired. Carmen Maria Machados critically acclaimed debut collection of short stories, Her Body and Other Parties, was published just two days before news broke that Harvey Weinstein had been preying on Hollywood starlets for decades and getting away with it. As the world began to pay attention to womens stories of abuse, her queer, liminal stories held a flickering candle to the subtle forms of cruelty that continue to go undiscussed. In one, an epidemic turns women invisible, and nobody cares. In another, a woman who gets bariatric surgery is haunted by the ghost of what the doctor cuts away. Anyone who grew up with a copy of Alvin Schwartzs 1984 collection of scary childrens tales, In A Dark, Dark Room and Other Scary Stories, will recognize the kicker of The Husband Stitch: a womans head falls off when her husband unties the green ribbon around her neck. In Machados telling, the husband is not a bad man. Its a case of murder by microaggression a thoughtless gesture with devastating consequences. It is impossible to know how Machados stories would have been received in another era, but in this one, they have reverberated among readers with the prophetic force of a soothsayers divinations. The way she arcs so gracefully from gothic romance to comedy to horror, feels true to me of how we live our lives, the author Karen Russell, a fan, told me in an email. A life story is multi-genre, and in the course of a day your love story might turn into a horror story, or vice versa. Machados knack for capturing the mundane horrors of female existence has brought her attention from the New York Times, which included her in a feature on literatures New Vanguard, praising her depictions of everyday misogyny, and from dozens of Hollywood producers. This spring, Imagine Television optioned her work, with Gina Welch, a writer on Feud and The Terror, pitching it around as an anthology series, a sort of feminist Black Mirror. Samie Kim Falvey, the president of Imagine Television, told me in an email that Machados stories capture the intense, unspoken psychology of inhabiting a womans body today. The series, she predicted, will undoubtedly be a force in the conversation about gender. Given the murky misogyny that pervades her stories, it seems fitting that Machado has also become known for authoring one of the more ambiguous and divisive footnotes in the ever-expanding files of #MeToo. The controversy began last month. Machado was on her way to a writers festival in Australia when she saw that another writer there, Zinzi Clemmons, had accused the author Junot Diaz of forcibly kissing her when she was a graduate student. The author Monica Byrne followed, recounting a story of how Diaz had violently shouted rape in her face. Machado had her own Diaz story, and in a state of jet-lagged exhaustion, she shared it with her more than 20,000 Twitter followers. Five years ago, at a Q&A at the University of Iowa, shed asked the Pulitzer Prize winner a question that enraged him, she wrote, noting that there was a recording of the exchange. What really struck me was how quickly his veneer of progressivism and geniality fell away; how easily he slid into bullying and misogyny when the endless waves of praise and adoration ceased for a second, she wrote. It wasnt just their interaction that upset her. His books are regressive and sexist, she declared. The thread concluded with an ominous prediction. The #MeToo stories are just starting. The next morning, Machado woke up to an inbox bursting with requests for comment. She didnt respond to them. A few weeks later, we met for dinner at a tapas place near Union Square. The 31-year-old author arrived in a fluster, having walked through the rain from Penn Station, strands of her dark brown hair escaping the constraints of her tight bun. Machado has the presence of an opera diva: high-strung, glamorous, with curves reminiscent of her cartoon idol Ursula. In an essay in Guernica about the power and danger of women who take up space, she wrote that she liked to imagine herself as a queen out of a fantasy novel. I am draped in red silk and sit in a large baroque throne, crowned with a grandiose headdress dripping gemstones that tick tick tick like Yahtzee dice when I turn my head. My feet rest on snoozing bears. I am so fat I can only leave the throne on a palanquin borne aloft by twenty men. I am so fat it takes the air out of the room. I am so fat no advisor tells me no. At the dinner, she removed her canary-yellow blazer to reveal a quote on her bicep from the author Kelly Link: She didnt look back, but stepped off the edge of the known world. Related Stories Junot Diaz Responds to Allegations of Sexual Misconduct and Verbal Abuse Wed first met back in March, when we spent a day touring an abandoned cemetery in Philadelphia and reading each others tarot cards. Wed talked about intuition, trauma, and her next book a speculative memoir about her abusive ex-girlfriend. We talked about the dusty trove of Americana from which she draws inspiration: urban legends, Law & Order episodes, pornography. Now, we had to talk about Diaz. Nearly every article about the Diaz accusations had characterized the incident as verbal abuse, a description that sparked outrage in some quarters of the internet, where people were quick to point out that whatever took place between Diaz and Machado, abuse wasnt the word for it. I wanted to ask her about the recording of the Q&A, which Id listened to the night before. But Machado, for her part, said she found the whole conversation exhausting, enraging, and too depressing to engage in any further. I have a lot of feelings about it, but theyre more like feelings Id yell at a friend at 2 a.m., she said. After a sip of the house red, she changed her mind. I will say this, she began. What I think is so interesting about Diaz, specifically, is that his work is so overtly misogynist and has always been that way. The women in his books are reduced to tits and ass, she continued, and yet people talk about Junot Diaz as if hes this saint of progressivism. Sure, she added, Diazs condescending behavior at the Q&A didnt rise to the level of abuse. But does that mean the two things were completely unrelated, she asked? What level of delusional do you have to be to think so? True to form, the fabulist of weird Americana summoned a metaphor from Dudley Do-Right. The problem is that people talk about misogyny like its a grand, sinister thing of Snidely Whiplash tying Nell Fenwick to the tracks, she said. In reality, misogyny is really boring in its presentation, and it barely makes a sound, but it does so much. Its so sinister in that way. The sexism that Machado recalls from her own childhood in the suburbs of Allentown, Pennsylvania, was neither grand nor sinister. Her mother, a midwestern farm girl, was a homemaker. Her father, the child of Cuban and Austrian immigrants, worked as a chemical engineer. At family parties, after dinner, the women tidied in the kitchen while the men gathered outside to talk and smoke cigars. Once, in high school, she marched out to the porch and demanded one. Someone offered her a drag, and then the men stared on silently as she coughed. No one ordered her back into the kitchen; their silence said everything she needed to know about their attitude. It was condescending, she said. It was always, Oh, theres Carmen doing that weird thing she does. She would never dispute that she was weird. She had a loud laugh and an imagination that wandered into strange, disturbing places. The first story she ever wrote was about a turkey that got lost in the big city and tried to find his way back home to the farm. Success comes at the steepest price. The saga concludes with an image of the hero trussed and roasted on a Thanksgiving platter. His last words: I wish I did not come here. She was 5 when she wrote this. Some of the most stringent gender boundaries Machado encountered as a teenager were self-imposed. It was Machado, not her parents, who came up with the idea that she ought to save her virginity for marriage. In an essay in the Los Angeles Review of Books, she recounts buying a guide to remaining sexually pure after a fellow freshman found her in an empty classroom and made her touch him. She blamed herself for the incident: This is what happens, I reasoned, when you flirt. In high school, she fell in with a gang of evangelicals, who were more conservative than her Methodist parents. She left the fold when she went to college at American University, in Washington, D.C. Later, when she told her parents she was bisexual, they were pretty chill. (Last summer, the family celebrated Machados marriage to her wife.) In 2010, she started graduate school at the prestigious writers workshop at the University of Iowa. Her thesis adviser, the fantasist Kevin Brockmeier, told me that Machado was astonishingly productive in the workshop she took with him: Shed vanish for a weekend and return with 50 new pages of writing. Two of the stories she wrote for his class ended up in Her Body and Other Parties: Real Women Have Bodies, in which women disappear into the seams of prom dresses, and Especially Heinous: 272 Views of Law & Order: SVU think an episode-by-episode recap of televisions rapiest show written by Angela Carter on acid. Her imagination, Brockmeier wrote in email, moved with an extraordinary complexity, yet the eccentricity of its course seemed natural somehow, even compulsory, like a pendulum on a planet with multiple suns. By the time she met Diaz, a few months after she graduated from Iowa, shed begun to radicalize as a feminist. I had a super-tightened awareness, a heightened level of anger, and an increased sensitivity to male bullshit, she said. It was in this frame of mind that she encountered Diazs second collection of stories, This Is How You Lose Her. The book, a finalist for the National Book Award, chronicles the loves and losses of a Dominican guy named Yunior, who grows up in New Jersey and becomes a writer living in Greater Boston, just like Diaz. Yunior compulsively cheats on his girlfriends and his fiancee, and he characterizes these women in a way that some readers found misogynistic. (In 2012, Diaz told the Atlantic that sometimes people usually women lambaste him at his readings and public appearances. Theres plenty of people out there who are like, Fuck you. You are endorsing this shit. Your portrayal of women is fucked up, he told the interviewer. It happens all the time.) Machado was one of those readers. In an essay in the Buenos Aires Review, she described Yunior as a terrible narcissist who saw his girlfriends as an amalgamation of significant body parts, sex acts, and nagging, sulking, or rage. At the Q&A she tweeted about in May, Machado asked the author if it had been difficult to write a character with a borderline sociopathic disregard for everyone he fucks. At some point in their careers, many fiction writers face questions about the moral leanings of their characters. Nabokov, for example, famously corrected an interviewer who argued that there was something touching about Humbert Humbert; his protagonist was a vain and cruel wretch who manages to appear touching, the writer said. In response to Machados question, Diaz argued that Yunior was actually quite hard on himself, and cares about the women he hurts; why else would he spend the whole book obsessively bear[ing] witness to all the bad things hes ever done to them? What Im troubled by, he told Machado, is how readily you accept the primary narrative. Machado found this response supremely condescending, but the experience sharpened something for her, she said. It was a really crystallizing moment, she told me. As she saw it, Diazs work was part of a broader patriarchal culture that, in its most egregious form, facilitates rape, and the fact that so many critics celebrated it as progressive, and even anti-sexist, at once revealed the scope of the problem and made it worse. The interaction with Diaz also perversely inspired her most famous short story. Soon after their meeting, with the conversation still ringing in her mind, she began work on The Husband Stitch, perhaps the most clear-cut expression of her perspective on benevolent sexism, as she sometimes refers to it. The piece is a virtuoso exploration of the ways in which womens experiences are never trusted or believed. In 2014, Kent Wolf of the Friedrich Agency, reached out to her after reading one of her humor pieces (HOW TO ALMOST PROBABLY NOT DIE OF RABIES). Selling story collections is never easy, as he told me in an email, and here Carmen had these genre-bending, unapologetically weird, fiercely queer, dark and smart narratives to make it even harder. After some 30 rejections, her collection found a home at the independent press Graywolf. The book is now in its seventh printing, and has won seven awards, including the National Book Critics Circles John Leonard Prize and the Lambda Literary Award for Lesbian Fiction; she was also the finalist for more than a dozen others, including the National Book Award. Machados tweets about Diaz have found a more mixed reception. Shed first criticized him in April, suggesting on Twitter that an essay hed written for The New Yorker about his own #MeToo experience had failed to properly address the experiences of women hed hurt. (Machado, among others, wondered whether the essay was a preemptive move by Diaz to stem an anticipated wave of #MeToo accusations.) After she, Clemmons, and Byrne shared their stories about Diaz, the Pulitzer Prize Board, where Diaz was chairman, and MIT, where he is a professor, both launched investigations into the allegations against him. (As of now, theyre unresolved.) The Boston Review, where Diaz is the fiction editor, also examined the accusations against Diaz and decided to continue their editorial relationship with the writer; last week, three editors resigned in protest of this decision. Coco Fusco, a Cuban-American artist who signed an open letter opposing the media treatment of Diaz, told me in an email that she found Machados tweets about him to be inappropriate. Diazs behavior toward Machado, she wrote, clearly didnt meet the legal standard of sexual misconduct. The fact that a man disagrees with a woman about a work of fiction does not make him a misogynist, she wrote. Artists are not obligated to agree with their critics. When artists produce challenging and edgy material it is bound to unsettle some but that is the role of art. She added that audience members can harbor desires to steal the spotlight a charge that others have made against Machado and the other women who have accused Diaz of misogyny. Last week, someone released audio of their exchange through an anonymous Twitter account, framing it as evidence that Machado had lied. While Machado had described Diaz as enraged, some pointed out that he sounded calm during their back and forth. (Wheres the rage? Wheres the misogynistic rant? When will she apologize?) Through his agent, Nicole Aragi, Diaz declined to comment on the recording; Aragi noted, though, that she had listened to the audio and was glad that the public will soon hear this exchange for themselves. The exchanges starts around the 33-minute mark: At the tapas restaurant, I asked Machado whether she thought that enraged was the right word to describe Diazs behavior. She said she did. I told her Id played it for some of my colleagues who thought Diaz sounded perfectly polite; didactic, but appropriately so, for a lecture. Stop lecturing! she said. Thats whats so fucking weird. The level of condescension. She took a sip of wine and a deep breath. It still makes me mad to think about it. She told me that the intent of the tweets was to offer a signal boost to Zinzi Clemmons. Machado had wanted Clemmons to know that she believed her story, and to share context she thought to be important. It wasnt about me, she said. Im not a victim of Junot Diaz. Im a female writer who had a weird interaction with him. Machado was on a highway somewhere in the middle of Texas, driving cross country to a residency in New Mexico to finish her next book, when she saw the tweets that linked to the recording. This makes me feel crazy, she texted me. She pulled into a parking lot and started to cry. Then she listened to the audio for herself. Her impression of the conversation had not changed over the years. You are entitled to quibble about tone, she tweeted from the parking lot. But to say that what I said happened didnt happen is straight-up not true. If you think so, you probably arent the best at reading subtext. The whole saga reminded me of a passage from The Husband Stitch, in which the narrator, as a little girl, sees the bloody stumps of toes mixed in among the potatoes at the supermarket. Like Machado, the fictional girl had seen something shed found disturbing and wanted to talk about it. But once she returned home, her father quashed her experience, pointing out, triumphantly, that if there really were toes, why did no one else see them? As a grown woman, the narrator explained, I would have said to my father that there are true things in this world only observed by a single set of eyes. As a girl, I consented to his account of the story. Machados fiction is richest when it delves into those internal, haunting moments that mark a womans life. As Russell put it, her work shows how the violence migrates inward, from the wider culture into womens private minds and bodies. Its wonderful that we have these stories in the era of MeToo, when there is a need and an appetite for the truths that only fiction can tell, Russell added. Machados tweets on Diaz were not as nuanced nor as subtle as her published writing, but in essence, she was attempting to do on Twitter what she does in her fiction unearth the misogyny hidden in plain sight. But by wading into real life and naming a real person, she helped provoke an entirely different set of reactions and fears and consequences than those inspired by her fiction. When people talk about the problems of #MeToo, or the fear that the movement has gone too far, they invariably circle around one point: the fact that theres a difference, as Matt Damon once put it, between patting someone on the butt and rape, and that conflating the two is wrong and even dangerous. Sure, what Weinstein did was egregious and he should be punished accordingly, but should Aziz Ansaris reputation also be ruined just because he couldnt tell his date wasnt into him? What is #MeToo, really? Machado thought aloud, over a duck egg balanced atop a tower of crisp potatoes. What does it mean at its core? Is it about power? Is it about gender? Who decides? Shes thinking about these questions as she writes her next book, which will also explore the thornier regions of #MeToo, but has nothing to do with Diaz, or any man. In March, she wrote a long Facebook post about her abusive ex-girlfriend and the anguish shed felt about not naming her sooner. This relationship will be the subject of her untitled speculative memoir, forthcoming from Graywolf next year. There is no council saying, This is the meaning of #MeToo, she continued. Theres no magic council of women in really long robes. So how did she define this moment that were in? Its about previously unspoken elements of sexual harassment, rape, and power being brought to light, she concluded. But what comes after? God, what should we do with them? she said with a laugh. Clearly, men who have committed crimes should be held accountable, but for all the rest, she imagined a sort of fantastical body-swap experiment. If all things were equal, if it was fair, men would get to experience what we get to experience. In terms of having their art utterly devalued at every turn. In terms of not being taken seriously. Obviously, she added dryly, I dont think that will happen. We fell into a hungry silence as the waiter set down a hunk of bone glistening with marrow. It was the perfect dish for a diva of darkness: slightly macabre but inviting, hidden and complex. Machado delicately excavated the creamy interior with a long silver spoon. She took a bite of toast and fluttered her eyes, savoring it. Delicious, she said. Queen Sugar No Haven In My Shadow Season 3 Episode 4 Editors Rating 4 stars * * * * Previous Next A scene from Queen Sugar. Photo: OWN Ernest Bordelons spirit is felt throughout this seasons fourth episode, No Haven in My Shadow. This week, the Bordelon clan must tackle irrevocable differences, uncomfortable truths, and leaps of faith as they pay tribute to the familys patriarch. When we left the Bordelons, Darla had just returned to town. What could her return to St. Josephine mean for Blue and Ralph Angel? Darla is back to stay and everything has changed. Her mere presence has emotionally paralyzed Ralph Angel. How do we do this? he asks. What does co-parenting look like when there are so many things left unsaid that need to be addressed? Ralph Angel is hesitant to give Darla an inch in terms of her relationship with Blue. Well figure it out, is the one thing Darla and Ralph Angel can seem to agree on, but without talking to each other past the surface level, it may be hard to accomplish. In the end, Ralph Angel allows Darla to accompany Blue on a field trip, crossing out his name for hers. Progress. At the church, Violet is dealing with her churchgoing frenemy Ms. Effie. Ms. Effie, despite Violets continuous donations to the church in order to use their kitchen, seems hell-bent on settling an unspoken score. On the bright side, Hollywood offers to buy Violet a delivery truck. [At] this point in my life, I dont want to owe nobody nothing, she tells him. Violets ex-husband rubbed everything he did for her in her face. Violet accepts the truck after all, but not after some long thought. Charley delves deeper into the Landry and Boudreaux families and their clan is a rabbit hole of secrets and dirty dealings. Relatedly, the Landrys are forcing many farmers off their land, including Prosper, a longtime Bordelon family friend. When Charley confronts Jacob Boudreaux, he claims its the doing of the EPA, allegedly because of damage done to the land due to the recent hurricanes. There is supposedly mercury in the land that needs to be tested, but nothing with the Landrys is ever straightforward. Youre part of this too, now, Jacob reminds Charley. That she is. Elsewhere, Davis and Micah are spending quality time together. After their trip to the arcade, Davis shares that he and Ernest had a special relationship he was a father-in-law that took on the role as father for Davis. The impromptu heart-to-heart is a segue into a shocking truth Davis shares with Micah: he fathered a child while married to Charley. The child, 13-year-old Tia, will shortly be in the picture because her mother has died and Davis has stepped up to be publicly involved in his other childs life. Micah knew that his parents marriage was not perfect, but discovering a sibling not much younger than him rocks whatever mythology he had formed about his fathers virtues. At the Bordelon farm, Remy is hosting agricultural students and Nova has agreed to speak to them. Remy is shaping his students to join the less than 2 percent of black farmers in America a dismal number that is the result of many factors. Afterwards, Nova shares a story with Remy about Ernest enduring the indignity of quotidian racism during a family fishing trip. There is a long history of black Americans having to remove themselves from public spaces due to external threats from white racism, and the Bordelons are not unlike many black families who have to twist themselves under the confines of white supremacy. In the end, the family is brought together for the bonfire to honor Ernests life. Each Bordelon throws a message for Ernest into the fire, and hopes it reaches heaven. Sophia Bush. Photo: Cindy Ord/Getty Images for SiriusXM Allegations of impropriety on the set of One Tree Hill first emerged last year, and now Sophia Bush has gone public with her own details about what she experienced on set. Bush spoke out about her experiences on Sirius XMs Andy Cohen Live, including the time she actually had to smack the shows creator when he grabbed her. My moms like a crazy Italian lady from New Jersey, she told Cohen, The first time Mark Schwahn grabbed my ass I hit him in front of six other producers and I hit him fucking hard. And he came back to L.A. and I was told years later by one of the then writers who became an EP that he came back being like, That fucking entitled bitch who does she think she is, and this very sweet man named Mike who I love and who is like a ride or die for me was like, Maybe you just shouldnt touch the girls, and, ya know, Mark gave him the option of shut up and keep your job or get out. The star also spoke about the tough choice actors face in working with toxic creators, Because this is what people dont understand, they go, Oh well why dont you just leave? First of all, why am I supposed to suffer and kill my own career because somebody else cant keep their dick in their pants? Second of all, there is a whole crew that people dont know about. The actress went on to point out that this is what makes projects like Roseanne particularly frustrating, Its the reason I am angry about Roseanne being hired back to TV at all. Two hundred people lost their jobs because she is a psychotic racist. There are people who have families, there are cameramen who are wondering how theyre going to pay their kids school tuition now. Listen to the full clip below: Stan Lee and Keya Morgan in April 2018. Photo: Jesse Grant/Getty Images for Disney In a grim set of developments, the man Stan Lee described as the primary manager of his affairs and business has been hit with a restraining order by Lee, and is now being investigated for elder abuse. Keya Morgan was one of the primary figures in The Hollywood Reporters investigative piece from earlier this year about the dark, messy battle for Lees estate that has allegedly been roiling among family members and associates. In a recent Twitter post, Lee was clear about his connection to Morgan, saying My only partner and business manager is @KeyaMorgan, not all the other people making false claims. A few days after that, Morgan was arrested on suspicion of filing a false police report, and released on $20,000 bail. Then this afternoon, Lee filed for the restraining order, which was granted on a temporary basis. (A request for a permanent order will be decided in court on July 6.) News of the Los Angeles Police Department investigation into Morgans alleged elder abuse came after that order went through, according to THR. The government of Norway has approved approximately 400 additional US Marines to be posted to Norway, according to the country's Ministry of Defense. Currently there are approximately 300 US Marines in Norway for a rotational presence for training and exercise. The additional Marines would increase the number of US Marines to 700 for a period of up to five years. The new contingent of US Marines will be located at Setermoen in Troms, according to the Defense Ministry. In January 2017, a limited rotational force of approximately 300 Marines were sent to Vaernes amid rising tensions with Russia following the annexation of Crimea in 2014. Pentagon spokesman Eric Pahon said the Department of Defense welcomed the Norwegian announcement, saying the rotational training allows US Marines to "take part in world-class winter and mountain warfare training," which he said would "strengthen the US military's bond with the Norwegian military, and build readiness to respond in times of crisis." "We are grateful to our Norwegian hosts for allowing us to use Vaernes as a rotational training facility," he added. Norway shares a 122-mile border with Russia and the new location at Setermoen will bring US Marines about 250 miles from that border. Russian officials have previously protested Norway's decision to host US Marines, with one politician saying that the move would cause Norway to be targeted by the Russian military. The US military also uses facilities within Norwegian underground caves to "pre-position" tanks and other heavy weaponry that could be used in the event of a crisis between NATO and Russia. "In times of crisis and war Norway will rely on US and other allied military reinforcements. This is at the core of Norwegian security policy and is further emphasized by our NATO-membership," Norwegian Minister of Defence Frank Bakke-Jensen said in a statement provided to CNN "The United States Marine Corps and Norway have a long-standing and successful relationship that we look forward to strengthening. We will continue the dialogue with the US and the USMC, aiming for mutual agreement in the near future on the continuation of the rotational training and exercise activity," he added. "The initiative has proven that training and conducting exercises together with allies has had a positive impact on the operational capability of our own forces." Donald Trump has ended the nuclear threat from North Korea! According to Donald Trump, that is. "Just landed - a long trip, but everybody can now feel much safer than the day I took office," Trump tweeted. "There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea. Meeting with Kim Jong Un was an interesting and very positive experience. North Korea has great potential for the future!" He followed that one up with this: "Before taking office people were assuming that we were going to War with North Korea. President Obama said that North Korea was our biggest and most dangerous problem. No longer - sleep well tonight!"" Sounds good! Problem solved! Nailed it! 10 out of 10! Wait, what's that you say? There are no concrete promises about North Korea's de-nuclearization plans in the future? And North Korea has reneged on two past agreements -- in 1994 and 2005 -- not dissimilar to this one? Hmmm. Actually, not "hmmm." This fake-it-until-you-make-it strategy is pure Trump. And not just in politics: It's a defining element of his life. There's a moment in the 2016 "Frontline" documentary on Trump and Hillary Clinton -- a must-watch if you haven't already -- in which a former associate of Trump is describing how the real estate magnate handled bad news and bad deals. Paraphrasing, the associate said: "He'll just declare victory and move on. It's what he does." That approach to life is how Trump has weathered -- and even prospered! -- amid three bankruptcies and as many marriages. He acts like he won, like he knew this was happening all along, like he meant it to happen. He creates a reality that may, but often does not, comport with actual reality, and then sells that created reality as hard as he possibly can. The narrative Trump is always selling -- regardless of whether he is flacking some deal he made as a private citizen or talking up the Singapore summit -- is of total victory. And not just that, but victory that others couldn't achieve. Historic victories. The biggest. Record-setting. Trump's "Art of the Deal" is a testament to this idea. And this quote from that book really stands out: "The final key to the way I promote is bravado. I play to people's fantasies. People may not always think big themselves, but they can still get very excited by those who do. That's why a little hyperbole never hurts. People want to believe that something is the biggest and the greatest and the most spectacular. I call it truthful hyperbole. It's an innocent form of exaggeration, and a very effective form of promotion." Trump himself even acknowledged his own tendencies toward exaggeration and, well, faking it, during his Singapore summit press conference. "I mean, I may stand before you in six months and say, 'Hey, I was wrong,'" Trump said in response to his boasting about the effectiveness of the deal in its initial aftermath. Then he added: "I don't know that I'll ever admit that, but I'll find some kind of an excuse." CORRECT! It is possible that Trump's boasting that he has ended the North Korean nuclear threat ends up being right? Sure! After all, there are negotiations ongoing -- and Trump has made clear that denuclearization is the only option if North Korea wants to live peaceably and join the world community. Does Trump know something we don't know about the chances of that denuclearization happening? And does that superior knowledge inform his tweets? Almost certainly not. In fact, if past is prologue, then definitely not. The boasting, the exaggeration, the faking it is all part and parcel of what Trump views as a self-created reality. If he talks about how the North Korean nuclear threat has disappeared, he sets that as a narrative. And once that narrative sets in, even the North Koreans will struggle to dispute it. Of course, Trump is facing a unique foil in the case of Kim. Because like Trump, Kim has made a brand out of serial exaggeration and outlandish claims. (Reports in North Korea have Kim learning to drive by age 3.) If anything, Kim is more well-versed in wishing "facts" about himself and his existence into life than even Trump. Rarely has Trump dealt with someone who not only plays his exaggeration game, but may be even better at it. A man serving time for attempted murder is now looking at a more serious charge after an inmate stabbing Elmore County, corrections officials said. Alabama Department of Corrections officials said they plan to charge Michael Williams, 18, in the stabbing that happened Saturday at Staton Correctional Facility in Elmore County. Authorities said Barry Tyrone Reynolds, 60, was found in a prison dorm around 2:30 a.m. with a stab wound from a makeshift weapon. He was pronounced dead in the infirmary about 25 minutes later. Reynolds was serving five years for a drug distribution charge out of Mobile County. Williams was sentenced to 25 years in 2017 for attempted murder in Mobile County. Authorities are still investigating what led to the stabbing. A Lauderdale County businessman is being fined by the Alabama Department of Environmental Management for illegally dumping debris. ADEM officials said in 2017 three complaints were filed against Ronnie Gist of Gist Excavating for illegally dumping demolition debris from the University of North Alabama throughout Lauderdale County. Gist did not want to speak with WAAY 31 on camera, but he did provide letters from ADEM and showed us pictures of the sites he cleaned up. Gist said he's been in business for more than 25 years and has never been fined or in trouble with ADEM. According to ADEM officials, Gist is accused of dumping demolition debris at three locations along County Roads 8, 23, and 24. Gist said he didn't think he was doing anything wrong since one of the dumpsites was on his personal property. Gist said when he got the letters from ADEM asking him to clean up the sites, he did. He even showed WAAY 31 pictures of one of the sites he cleaned up. He also showed landfill receipts where he had taken the debris after he removed it from the dumpsites. Gist said he is confused by this $15,000 dollar civil penalty because he thought everything was taken care of after he cleaned up the sites. According to the order by ADEM, they say Gist is being fined because he did not comply with the standards for proper waste disposal. Gist said he plans to appeal the fine. Gist also said he hasn't gotten a letter from ADEM about his current $15,000 fine. AUBURN, Ala. (AP) An Alabama cabinet plant has abruptly closed, laying off 445 people. The Opelika-Auburn News reports Masterbrand Cabinets announced the closure of its Auburn plant Tuesday, citing market conditions and a change in consumer tastes. The closure came without any prior public notice and was announced to employees at 10 a.m. The company, based in Jasper, Indiana, confirmed the closure and said it would assist the affected employees in their search to find new jobs. Mayor Bill Ham said he was shocked to hear the news when City Manager Jim Buston informed him that the plant was closing. Everybody at the city of Auburn was totally taken by surprise, Ham said. I had no idea . I dont know of anybody in the city that had any idea this was coming. Auburn has a long relationship with MasterBrand Cabinets and Ham said officials were surprised that no one with the company contacted the city for support before closing. Were still going to reach out and do everything we can to help these people find employment, but with a little coordinated effort I think we could have been very helpful, Ham said. MasterBrands corporate office, in a statement, said theyre closing the Auburn plant in order to improve operational efficiencies while addressing these market changes Products manufactured in the Auburn facility will be produced at other MasterBrand U.S. manufacturing locations, the statement said. MasterBrand Cabinets is committed to assisting the 445 associates through the transition. The company will provide additional compensation, coordination with all state and local agencies to help find new employment, and resources from our Employee Assistance Program. Additionally, we encourage all of our associates to apply for opportunities at our other manufacturing facilities; those offered positions may qualify for relocation assistance as well. One woman lamented the lack of notice that could have allowed the city the opportunity to prepare for the shock to workers and have services already on hand to help. Shameful and deplorable, Barbara Sisson wrote on Facebook. This is NOT how business should be handled. Auburn could have been proactive setting up job fairs and helping people get prepared. MasterBrand has no compassion for their employees or their families. Gov. Kay Ivey also expressed support and promised state help for the displaced workers. Alabama will do all that it can to help these workers find new jobs and get the support they need in the interim, Ivey shared in an email to the newspaper. The Alabama Department of Labor and Alabama Department of Commerce have already alerted their teams of the situation and stand ready to help. School may be out, but students safety is never out of the minds of parents and grandparents across the Tennessee Valley. Thats why a Jackson County commissioner is asking for the community to donate money so Jackson County schools can hire more resource officers. WAAY 31 talked with parents and grandparents about the new plan to fund those resource officers, and learned what they think about it. I think its a great idea, because, like I said, our kids need safety. And the way the world is turning right now, we need the safety," said Kathy Murphree. Murphree has nine grandchildren--all of whom are either attending or will attend a school in Jackson County. If its not your kids, its your neighbors kids. I mean, its your towns kids. Theyve got to be protected," Murphree said. "And whatever it takes, everybody needs to come together as a family and do that. Thats why Murphree supports Jackson County Commissioner Jason Venables plan to get parents and grandparents, like herself, to donate money to help fund at least three more school resource officers. Venable says when the county sends out bills to solid waste customers, hed like to include a form to request donations, which is something Murphree says she would definitely consider. Our childrens safety needs to be put on top priority. Thats what our childrens safety needs to be, and if that means people out there need to donate, they need to donate so we can get that safety in," she said. And Murphree isnt the only one who feels that way. For the protection of the children and the schools, because this stuff has got to stop," Shirley Gant said. "This killing and stuff has got to stop. Parents and grandparents say after the recent school shootings across the nation, they dont want their worst nightmare to come true. What if someone was to come in, you know, like the Florida shooting that we had, I dont want none of that to happen to any of these kids here. None of them. These are our kids. Someones got to look out for them. We need that SRO, Murphree said. Parents say theyre hopeful enough people will donate. We raise money for everything else, and this, like I said, should take top priority. So, theres no reason why, if everybody would donate just a little bitthats all we askjust a little bit, then youd have enough," Murphree said. You can do anything if you set your heart to do it. So, yes, I think we can raise it," Gant added. Commissioner Venable is hoping the Jackson County Commission will vote to approve his request by June 25th so the donation form can make it into the bills that will be mailed on July 1st. Venable says hes hoping to raise at least $100,000 each year to pay for one officers salary as well as a car and uniform. The owner of a gas station in Gurley told WAAY 31 it doesn't bother him knowing someone etched a racist symbol into the wall of the bathroom inside the station. If you go into the combined male and female bathroom of the Vulcan gas station along Highway 72 you'll see the Jewish Star of David. Its x'd out and right next to it there are the letters KKK, which stands for the white supremacist group Ku Klux Klan. "There's too much hatred in the world today and that just makes it worse," said Donna Saint of Gurley. Steven Mann of north Alabama said the graffiti is not an indictment on the people of gurley and the surrounding area. "I don't think it reflects the values that we have here in north alabama. I think there's some random individuals that are not happy with life and they have ideas in their head that the general public doesn't share," said Mann. The Gurley Police Department told WAAY 31 they looked into it and told the gas station owner about the problem, but they can't legally make the station cover it up and it would be impossible to tell who did it. WAAY 31 was only able to talk to the owner of the gas station over the phone. When asked about the racist symbol he said, "it doesn't bother me." Mann told WAAY 31 the KKK etching is offensive. but he's not a fan of the Star of David graffiti either. "I wouldn't want any graffiti in there and I wouldn't want anything that offended anyone particularly," said Mann. Saint just wants the markings gone before people start thinking it represents the nature of the people from Gurley. "They need to remove it and whoever put it on the wall shouldn't of put it there," said Saint. The Gurley Police told WAAY 31 the KKK graffiti has probably been in the bathroom a long time, but this is the first time they've heard of it. The owner of the station said they would look into covering it up, but they didn't give a specific time frame for when they would. NEW YORK (AP) How many people died in Puerto Rico from Hurricane Maria? Its a question that has been debated since the powerful storm slammed into the island and devastated the U.S. territory last year. Its also raised questions about how officials go about the challenging task of counting deaths and deciding what criteria to use. Someone who is killed by a storm-toppled tree, yes. But someone electrocuted by downed power lines many days later? No government agency has a good handle on counting disaster deaths, said George Haddow, a former official with the Federal Emergency Management Agency who teaches disaster operations at Tulane University in New Orleans. Everybody counts it differently, Haddow said. Two bills were introduced in Congress this week in an attempt to establish a new standard for counting deaths after a natural disaster. Death tolls are important. They influence public perception about the scope of a disaster and often determine what federal resources are allocated for response, said U.S. Rep. Nydia M. Velazquez, D-NY, in a statement. She introduced the House version of the bill. Some basics about counting disaster deaths and why its an issue now: HOW ARE HURRICANE-RELATED DEATHS COUNTED? Disaster deaths tend to be placed in two categories, direct and indirect. For a hurricane, direct deaths include people who drown in a storm surge or flooding, are hit by flying debris or crushed in a wind-toppled building. Indirect deaths include heart attacks, house fires, electrocutions from downed power lines, car accidents and others fatalities that are less clearly tied to the elements. The National Hurricane Center, when it gives hurricane tallies, only reports direct deaths. But some experts disagree with that. If youre looking at people who died from the fact that their dialysis equipment didnt work or their respirators didnt work because of power failures, and they wouldnt have died otherwise, I think those deaths could and should be counted, said Kathleen Tierney, former director of the University of Colorados Natural Hazards Center. WHERE DO DEATH REPORTS COME FROM? Death certificates are the primary source of official death statistics in the United States, but those can take time and dont always include the circumstances of a death. Reports from police and emergency managers can also count as official information. To try to get a broader picture, some researchers have surveyed storm survivors, funeral home directors, and hospitals or other health care facilities. Different methodologies are going to yield different numbers, said Tierney. WHAT HAPPENED IN PUERTO RICO? Hurricane Maria hit in September 2017 and caused extensive damage, leaving the entire island of 3.3 million people without power. The official death toll stands at 64 although authorities believe more died. In December, Puerto Ricos governor ordered a review, and in February he announced a team at George Washington University would lead the review and provide an estimated range of deaths. That estimate is still pending. A judge last week ordered Puerto Rico to release more information, including all death certificates issued after the hurricane. 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, wrote Judge Lauracelis Roques. ARE THERE OTHER ESTIMATES? Since the storm, a number of academic researchers and news organizations have made their own attempts to estimate the toll. Doing an exact count is all but impossible. Instead, they tried to estimate how many deaths occurred beyond what is usually seen in the same time period in the past. They believe that these excess deaths reflect direct and indirect hurricane-related deaths. Several offered an estimate of around 1,000 more deaths than usual in the months after the storm, and a Harvard study published last month suggested the number could be as high as 4,600 or more. Last week, Puerto Ricos Health Department offered its own estimate: It said there were 1,397 more deaths from September to December in 2017 than in the same period in 2016. Tuesday, authorities released the death totals for 2013-2017. Taking into account the newly released data, there were 1,427 more deaths than the average for the same four-month period in the previous four years. (CNN)A number of American states and metropolitan "hot spots" are vulnerable to outbreaks of vaccine-preventable disease, new research suggests. The reason? Children whose parents opted out of vaccination. The risk of outbreaks is rising in 12 of the 18 states that permit nonmedical exemptions from childhood vaccinations, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal PLOS Medicine. Those states are Arkansas, Arizona, Idaho, Maine, Minnesota, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Texas and Utah. Over the past decade, these states have seen a rise in the number of nonmedical vaccine exemptions represented by children entering kindergarten without their shots, said Dr. Peter Hotez, a co-author of the study and dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at the Baylor College of Medicine in Houston. Vaccines Fast Facts "This is a wake-up call," he said. Certain "hot spot" metropolitan regions also show a high proportion of nonmedical exemptions and so may be especially susceptible to outbreaks: Seattle and Spokane, Washington; Portland, Oregon; Phoenix; Salt Lake City and Provo, Utah; Houston, Fort Worth, Plano and Austin, Texas; Troy, Warren and Detroit, Michigan; Kansas City, Missouri; and Pittsburgh. High numbers of unimmunized children living in large cities with busy international airports may contribute to the risk of a swift spread of disease, according to Hotez and his co-authors. Measles outbreaks in the US are usually started by people when they become sick while traveling to or from a country where the virus is endemic. The scientists also identified a few smaller counties in Idaho, Wisconsin and Utah with troublingly high exemption rates. Overall, Idaho has eight of the top 10 counties with the highest rates of non-medical vaccine exemptions. The low end of this range is nearly 15% of the kindergarten population having a non-medical vaccine exemption in Morgan, Utah, to 27% in Camas, Idaho. Other top 10 counties include Bonner, Valley, Custer, Idaho, Boise, Kootenai and Boundary, Idaho and Bayfield, Wisconsin. 'An autism dad' and his fight "I'm a vaccine scientist, but I'm also an autism dad trying to fight this antivaccine movement at a very personal level," Hotez said. Antivaccine advocates often argue that autism is caused by vaccines, yet this theory has been debunked. Minnesota measles outbreak exceeds last year's nationwide numbers Hotez and his colleagues found an increase since 2009 in the number of children enrolling in kindergarten with vaccine exemptions for "philosophical" or other nonmedical reasons in 12 of the 18 states that allow them. The study does not explore the reasons why only some of these states have rising rates. States where a higher percentage of parents exercised their right to a nonmedical vaccine exemption showed lower coverage rates of the MMR vaccine in particular, the study finds. (The MMR vaccine, which is given to children in two doses at 12 to 15 months old and 4 to 6 years old, protects against the measles, mumps and rubella.) Dr. Sanjay Gupta: Benefits of vaccines are a matter of fact "We had a terrible measles outbreak in Minnesota last year," Hotez noted, adding that vaccination coverage in 90% to 95% of all children is needed to protect against highly infectious diseases. "Marin County, California, and Orange County, California, have very strong antivaccine sentiments," he said. In fact, the state had lenient vaccine laws that allowed for philosophical exemptions prior to a 2014-15 measles outbreak in Anaheim, a city located in Orange County. Subsequently, in 2015, California voted into law a regulation against such nonmedical exemptions, which were seen as a contributing factor in the outbreak. Between 2016 and 2017, the number of kindergarteners with nonmedical exemptions dropped to the lowest rate the state has seen in over a decade, Hotez said. California wasn't included in the new study "because they already closed that door." His concerns extend beyond America's borders. "I'm worried this European/American style antivaccine movement is going to move into the global south," Hotez said. "What we're seeing in Europe right now -- with horrific measles outbreaks across Europe -- could also begin in the US as well," he said. He noted that with more than 10,000 cases of measles in Ukraine this year and higher-than-usual rates in Romania, Italy, Greece and Germany, 2018 will top last year's total of 20,000 measles cases across Europe. Measles tripled in Europe in 2017, European CDC reports "Starting in 2000, we put in place GAVI, the Global Alliance for Vaccines and Immunization. That's been an incredibly successful organization," Hotez said. "It's done a terrific job of lowering deaths from childhood infectious diseases like measles. GAVI has brought down measles deaths by 90%, from over 600,000 to over 70,000. I worry we're going to start eroding those gains." Possible solutions The new study is a "good contribution" to the field, said Saad B. Omer, a professor of global health and epidemiology & pediatrics at Emory University. Omer, who was not involved in the research, said one strength of the work is that the researchers conducted an in-depth analysis of individual states with nonmedical exemptions, which had never been done. Omer's own research has shown that states with philosophical exemptions had both higher rates of refusal and higher rates of disease; his study focused on rates of whooping cough. "Clusters of refusal overlap clusters of outbreaks," he said. Mumps outbreaks linked to waning vaccine protection, study says However, "if it's difficult to obtain an exemption, then you have lower rates of refusal and lower rates of disease," he said. "We established that framework and established that data." In another study, he and his colleagues showed that rates of vaccine exemption were rising faster in states that allowed exemptions for philosophical beliefs. "More recently, at a national level, we saw a plateauing of vaccine exemption rates," Omer said. The new study is important, then, because it looks at the states where this general national trend may not be happening. "The good news is that the policy option that is more viable for most states" -- essentially, making it less convenient for parents to not vaccinate their children -- "has actual impact on rates of refusal," Omer said. In Washington state, he noted, a law requires parents to be counseled by a physician about vaccinations before they can receive an exemption for their children for nonmedical reasons. Just by adding that law, he said, Washington saw an approximately 42% reduction in the rate of exemptions. In California, before the regulation against non-medical exemptions became law as a result of the Anaheim measles outbreak, there was a tightening of vaccination exemption requirements that helped reduce refusals, he noted. Such incremental changes could have positive effects across the country, Omer says. Washington (CNN) As he flew back from the historic North Korea summit, a euphoric President Donald Trump worked the phones, calling key lawmakers to tell them what happened inside his meeting with Kim Jong Un -- which Trump deemed a success. But he also made less celebratory calls -- to his lawyers -- to discuss what he faces next: a potential showdown with Robert Mueller over his willingness to answer the special counsel's questions about the Russia investigation. The President's legal team is already assembled in Washington, eager to sit down with their client to game out the next major move in anticipation of a meeting with the special counsel either later this week or next week. Trump doesn't rule out pardoning Manafort, Cohen They are involved in a high-stakes confrontation with Mueller -- one that could eventually result in a subpoena of the President. Their legal jockeying comes as Trump is increasingly lashing out against the special counsel, and midterm elections that could upend the balance of power in Washington draw nearer. "We want to close this deal as much as we can, and we want to see what he thinks is important because we really haven't had a chance to have a relaxed conversation with him in a few weeks," Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani told CNN in a phone interview. "The most important thing we need right now is his input," Giuliani said, adding that the legal team hopes this will happen by Thursday. While the President still entertains the possibility of sitting down with Mueller, most of his legal team remains skeptical, according to multiple sources with knowledge. Mueller wants judge to lock down documents shared with Russian company "I think he would like to testify in a situation in which we tell him it's fair and he's going to be received objectively," Giuliani said. "I think he still wants to carve out a way in which he can testify, and I think it is our job to figure out a way we can do that." If the President refuses an interview with Mueller's office, prosecutors could then use a grand jury to subpoena him to testify under oath. Some of his attorneys are betting that Mueller, who may not want to prolong the investigation, will not want to issue a subpoena to compel the President's testimony, especially while talks are ongoing. As one source with knowledge put it, "They may not want to subpoena him, and Trump's lawyers don't want the President to sit for an interview, so they're in a bit of a limbo." Trump's lawyers, according to multiple sources, don't want to put him in a situation where he could -- even unwittingly -- perjure himself. Giuliani has even publicly said that the President shouldn't testify because "our recollections keep changing." Trump could also sit for an interview and decline to answer questions -- but that would present political challenges. His legal team understands that it would be politically unpalatable for a president to plead his fifth amendment right not to incriminate himself, especially since the President himself said in 2016, "The mob takes the fifth. If you're innocent, why are you taking the fifth amendment?" The risk of a subpoena At this point, Trump's attorneys are only guessing about Mueller's intent regarding any subpoena for the President. "It really depends on how he does the subpoena. The narrower the subpoena, the better chance it's successful," Giuliani said. "The broader the subpoena, the less it will be. We'd rather negotiate something with him (Mueller) then we're all in control of it, rather than a court, but I don't know if we can do that. We're going to see, we're going to try." If negotiations do break down, "this issue is where the rubber meets the road," said a source with knowledge. "If Trump says no to a subpoena, this drags on nine to 15 months." That's clearly not what the President wants, and Trump's attorneys are banking on the fact that, as one source said, "Mueller is a practical guy." Kellyanne Conway's husband defends Mueller's investigation The relationship between the two sides suffered a real setback after Mueller sent the case to Manhattan federal prosecutors, who carried out the raid on the office and home of Michael Cohen, Trump's personal attorney, in April. One source called it a "game changer," not only for the Trump lawyers, but also for the President himself, who was angered by the treatment of his attorney and publicly called it a "disgrace." Mueller's team, for their part, have opted not to respond directly to Trump's continued public attacks. Team Trump is continuing to hone its legal arguments against compelled testimony, first asserting in a January memo to the special counsel that the President can't obstruct justice or be subpoenaed because the Constitution entitles him to end the investigation if he were so inclined. In addition, Giuliani has previously said that Mueller told Trump's lawyers he believes he cannot indict a sitting president. As a result, Trump's lawyers don't see a need for his testimony. Manafort's lawyers say Mueller's new charges are based on 'thinnest of evidence' His attorneys argue they have provided all the contemporaneous documents and testimony Mueller could possibly need from people involved, except for Trump. They point to their cooperation in providing tens of thousands of pages of documents and testimony by other witnesses and to their waiver of executive privilege as they allowed current and former advisers to speak with the special counsel. Trump does not keep his own notes and does not email, according to multiple sources. Trump's attorneys argue that because he is the President, he can only be called upon to testify in extreme circumstances. For his part, Mueller has told the President's attorneys that he needs to interview Trump to determine his intent during his interactions with his associates regarding the investigation. Meghan Markle made an appearance in northwest England, this morning (Thursday). But she was not alone. The new Duchess was alongside one of the most important members of the royal family: The Queen. This is the first royal trip without her husband, Prince Harry, by her side. With her famous lime green ensemble and matching hat, the Queen her new granddaughter-in-law were seen stepping of the royal train in Runcorn after spending the in Cheshire, 200 miles from London. The two spent the night aboard. Sources tell People that the train is a favorite way to travel for the Queen, along with other senior royals. It allows the then to work and relax while en route. The Duchess of Sussex wore a nice beige pencil dress with a cape top by Givenchy, who also designed her famous wedding dress. This is the first occasion the Queen has taken the addition to the royal family on an official visit. The two have a busy schedule ahead of them today. The pair already traveled to an opening for the Mersey Gateway Bridge, where they met architects, planners and community representatives. They also watched performance by local school children before Queen Elizabeth formally opens the new architecture. The Storyhouse in nearby Chester will be their second stop. The two royals will meet a Syrian settlement group, then watch by the Fallen Angels dance company, catching a song from their current production A Light Night Music. The royals will also meet actors from the production of Swallows and Amazons and primary school kids will perform songs. Her Majesty will also unveil a plaque to mark the official opening of Storyhouse. Their outing will end after having lunch with locals at Chester Town Hall, who were brought together by the council. The outing is seen as the Queens way of helping immerse Meghan into public royal engagements. It is the way of the royal familyall part of the training and getting used to being in public life and under public scrutiny, Elizabeths former press secretary, Charles Anson, tells PEOPLE. Showing people the ropes is a high priority for the Queen. A young man in North Central Florida is battling through one of the deadliest forms of cancer. The disease has no known cure. Brandon Gordon, 22, is diagnosed with NUT midline carcinoma. Only 20 to 30 cases are diagnosed every year. Patients are usually only given a couple months to live but this young man says he's pushing through to live his life in its entirety "I thought it was just a sickness, I usually get over sicknesses, Brandon Gordon said. It started with what he thought was just a sinus infection but his coughing continued through the month of April. Brandons doctors eventually diagnosed him with NUT midline carcinoma, one of the rarest forms of cancer. "I've always been very over analytical and in my mind type of person so to add on the fact that something so random and so unbelievable to happen really kicks it into overdrive, he said. Tumors have started to form on his spine and lungs. Through his chemotherapy and radiation treatments, Brandon remains determined to fight. "I'm just too young. I just have too much more to do. I want to be around forever for my parents. he said. Every day is like a rollercoaster but it's one Brandon isn't riding alone. "I really think that he's gonna be a walking testament to being one of the survivors of this disease, Todd Gordon, Brandons father said. They say theyve been getting lots of prayers and support from family and friends. Words of wisdom and words of good wishes, it's huge, Brandon said. There's something special in Brandon's big green eyes. "He's just a strong person, his dad said. A strong person with a vision of: "A healthy life with a family, Brandon said. Brandon and his father say they are extremely grateful for every ounce of support they've been getting, it's what's helping them through their journey. If you or anyone you know would like to donate to Brandons GoFundMe page, you can find it attached to this article. If you have an event you'd like to list on the site, submit it now! Submit By Rosemarie Steele, Paducah Arts Alliance Jun. 13, 2018 | 10:03 PM | PADUCAH, KY Kimball is the current chair of PAA and a member of the visual arts faculty at McCracken County High School, where he teaches alongside his wife, Shand Stamper. In addition to their careers as art educators, Kimball and Stamper make one-of-a-kind, hand crafted ceramics and jewelry, which can be found at Ochre, their co-op shop in the historic Coca Cola building at 3121 Broadway. Kimball specializes in functional pottery, creating original designs in tableware handcrafted from locally dug Kentucky clays. The appeal of the porcelain producing city Jingdezhen and its international ceramics center has long been of interest to him. I have patiently waited for the timing to be right (over 18 years) to visit Jingdezhen, China, said Kimball. I am really looking forward to sharing Paducahs vision and love of folk craft with the porcelain capital of the world as well as bringing that centuries old tradition back to our homePaducah, Kentucky. Experiential learning is the core mission of The Pottery Workshop Jingdezhen, an international ceramics center focusing on the development and enrichment of ceramics in China and abroad. While in Jingdezhen, Kimball is being immersed in learning traditional Chinese ceramics techniques with local masters and experiencing life in Jingdezhen. James Chen, of the Jingdezhen Ceramic Institute, has been sharing the Chinese culture with his Kentucky guest. He recently facilitated bringing a television crew to interview Kimball. This opportunity is worth recording as the friendship and cooperation between our cities continues, said Chen. "The CVB is delighted to facilitate these types of experiences for our local artisans through our participation in the UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN), said Mary Hammond, executive director of the Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau, local UCCN focal point. Our designation generates new opportunities for global collaboration and exchange. Paducah has worked with Jingdezhen since their joining of the network in 2015, and Mitchs residency solidifies a valuable relationship with this like-minded city on the other side of the world. Follow along with some of the highlights of Kimballs pottery workshop on PAAs Facebook page at facebook.com/paducahartsalliance. For more information about his experience, Kimball can be reached via email at mitch@mitchkimball.com. The Paducah Arts Alliance (PAA) was established in 2008 with the purpose of providing cross-cultural educational experiences between the Paducah-area arts community and visiting national/international visual/performing artists. PAA initiated an Artist-in-Residence Program with funds provided by the City of Paducah. Since January 2009, PAA has hosted more than 50 visiting American and international artists from 14 states and 7 countries. Over the past five years, resident artists have conducted nearly 60 events, which include workshops, lectures, exhibitions, performances and installations. The Paducah Arts Alliance is a 501c3 organization. For more information on the Paducah Arts Alliance, please visit paducahartsalliance.com. The Paducah Convention & Visitors Bureau (CVB) is the official destination marketing organization (DMO) of Paducah McCracken County. The CVB exists to create new economic opportunities through destination marketing, management and tourism development. As the local UNESCO Creative Cities Network (UCCN) focal point, the CVB facilitates Paducahs UNESCO Creative City program, promoting the citys inspiring creative culture to raise its profile globally. After years of coordinating an artist in residence program that brings visiting artists from across the globe to Paducah, Kentucky, Paducah Arts Alliance (PAA) member Mitch Kimball has reversed his role. Kimball is currently participating in a month-long residency that began on June 1 at The Pottery Workshop in Jingdezhen, China, a mutual UNESCO Creative City of Crafts and Folk Art. Bill Clinton "on the mend" after hospitalized with infection Blues Music's "Big Dog" Set For Hot August Blues Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 25, 2018 | AURORA By West Kentucky Star Staff May. 25, 2018 | 11:02 AM | AURORA Long known as one of Blues Music's most prolific road-warriors, Albert Castiglia (pronounced cas-STEEL-ya) is now bringing his road show to the Kenlake Hot August Blues Festival, at Aurora, Kentucky, Friday evening, August 24th. Albert Castiglias history is as colorful as his home town of Miami, Florida. He got a big break after meeting Chicago Blues Legend Junior Wells in 1996, and became Juniors lead guitar player before Wells died in 1998. After Wells passed, he toured with Atlanta based Blues vocalist, Sandra Hall. Returning to South Florida after launching his solo career releasing his first CD, Burn (2002), a self-release, collaborating with his long time friend, Graham Wood Drout. Drouts songs became the perfect vehicle for Castiglias soulful vocals. In 2006, he released A Stones Throw, his second album and first release for Blues Leaf Record. Castiglia and Drout also released a live CD together, titled Bittersweet Sessions, in 2005.His 2008 CD, These are the Days contained five original Castiglia songs, including a tribute to his mentor Junior Wells, Godfather of the Blues. The cover songs from These are the Days paid tribute to a wide range of styles and artists. These are the Days earned him a Blues Music Award nomination for Song of the Year for his original, Bad Year Blues. Castiglia was nominated again by the Illinois Blues Blast Awards and walked away a winner for Song of the Year for Bad Year Blues, as well as being nominated for the Sean Costello Rising Star Award. Up All Night is an apt title for Albert Castiglias seventh album: nobody sleeps when this man is in town. After 27 years of house-rocking studio albums and smack-in-the-mouth live shows, the Florida bandleader is the acknowledged master of red-raw, sweat-and-hair blues that gives it to you straight. Now, the visceral riffs and bruised soul of Up All Night make everything else sound like a lullaby. Id describe the musical vibe of this new album, says Castiglia simply, as heavy. Released in 2017 on Ruf Records, Up All Night finds Castiglia in a creative swagger after last years acclaimed Big Dog. What wasnt broke then hasnt been fixed now, with the bluesman once again recording at Dockside Studios, Louisiana, and capturing a warts-and-all mix alongside producer Mike Zito. I figured since the Big Dog session went so well there, why change studios? he reasons. Ill probably record there for the rest of my life. Dockside might be home-turf, but any notion of a comfort zone was dispelled by an edgy new lineup who pushed their bandleader to the wire. Putting my new band together was a pivotal moment and this recent incarnation has really upped my game, says Castiglia. My drummer, Brian Menendez, is very dynamic and gives me that extra spark. Hes along the lines of a Ginger Baker or Mitch Mitchell. Jimmy Pritchard is my bass player and hes solid as a rock. His tone is fat and hes right on time. When I hear him, I think of Bill Wyman or Calvin Fuzz Jones. Its a power trio with no boundaries or restrictions. Its a pretty amazing sound to me and its reflective in Up All Night. Up All Night is what happens when fist-tight chemistry meets a songwriter firing on all cylinders. Flying out of the blocks and bottling ten songs on the first day, Castiglia shook the Dockside walls with the most powerful songs of his career. Theres the stinging Hoodoo On Me. The strutting garage-band vibe and scream-it-back chorus of Three Legged Dog. The punchy call-and-response bar-room brawler that is Knocked Down Loaded. That song was written with my frequent collaborator, Graham Wood Drout, says Castiglia, and it brings me back to when I was a young musician and felt like I was ten feet tall and bulletproof. Now, Blues fans are looking forward to this road warrior bringing his road-tested rocking blues to Kenlake's Hot August Blues Festival! The Kenlake Hot August Blues Festival is set for Thursday through Saturday, August 23-25 at Kenlake State Park in Aurora, Kentucky. Discount tickets are available at KenlakeBlues.com. Charities which will benefit from this year's Hot August Blues Festival include The Shriners, who will be operating festival shuttles with all tips and proceeds going to the Shriners' Childrens' Hospitals, and the Knights of Columbus. Corporate sponsors for the festival include Peppers Automotive Group, Lee;s Heating and Air, Kenlake Marina, Universal Windows Direct, Audibel Hearing Center, Beacon Dragway, Aurora Electrical and Storage, Abernathy's Harley Davidson, Cellar Door Wine and Spirits, Griffin Plumbing and Piping, Bunch Auction and Realty, Kenlake State Resort Park, Murray-Calloway Transit, Strickland's Seafood Restaurant, Harper Guitars, State Representative Candidate Desiree Owen and ExporeKentuckyLake.com. 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 Charged with Endangerment of Child Advertisement By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 14, 2018 | SYMSONIA By West Kentucky Star Staff Jun. 14, 2018 | 10:04 AM | SYMSONIA Two people face felony endangerment charges, after a Graves County deputy responded to a home to check on a young child. Graves County Sheriff Dewayne Redmon said a deputy went to check on a four-year-old child at a home in Symsonia on Wednesday after being contacted by the child's father, who told them his wife had been arrested in Ballard County, and his daughter had been left at the home. As the deputy arrived, the grandfather was there to pick up the child, who was alone outside the home. Deputies found 21-year-old Brandon Kyle Daniels of Castalian Springs, TN, asleep inside. A deputy was able to awaken Daniels after several attempts, and said Daniels appeared to be under the influence and could not remember who was supposed to be in the home with him. Daniels told deputies that the child's mother, 26-year-old Brittany Graves, of Westmoreland, TN, had left the child with him, and he was not aware that the child had gotten out of the home. He was arrested on a charge of 1st degree wanton endangerment. During a search of Daniels at the jail, deputies reportedly found a plastic baggie of meth. He was additionally charged with 1st degree promoting contraband and possession of a controlled substance and drug paraphernalia. Graves was also arrested and charged with 1st degree wanton endangerment. Williamson, WV (25661) Today Cloudy and damp with rain this morning...then becoming partly cloudy. High 63F. Winds WNW at 10 to 15 mph. Chance of rain 80%.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Low around 45F. Winds WNW at 5 to 10 mph. Close Get email notifications on Lisa Neff daily! Your notification has been saved. There was a problem saving your notification. Whenever Lisa Neff posts new content, you'll get an email delivered to your inbox with a link. Email notifications are only sent once a day, and only if there are new matching items. 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! Special counsel Robert Mueller's office is asking federal Judge Dabney Friedrich for an order that would lock down documents shared with the Russian company Concord Management and Consulting, because of the potential for the information to be shared with foreign nationals and intelligence officials still working to sow discord in the US. Prosecutors must turn over millions of pieces of data to the alleged Russian troll farm-backer in the coming months because the company has pleaded not guilty to a conspiracy charge Mueller filed in February and is preparing for a trial. "Public or unauthorized disclosure of this case's discovery would result in the release of information that would assist foreign intelligence services, particularly those of the Russian Federation, and other foreign actors in future operations against the United States," prosecutors wrote in the court request Tuesday. Protective orders on discovery as cases progress to trial are fairly typical -- especially in high-profile cases like this one, which arose out of Mueller's investigation into Russian influence during the 2016 US election. But Concord's and Mueller's teams haven't agreed on the terms of the protective order. Prosecutors want to bar Concord's team from sharing the documents with 13 Russian co-defendants and two Russian companies that allegedly conspired to spread pro-Trump propaganda on social media. Prosecutors also seek restrictions on sharing the data with other foreigners, such as lawyers outside the US. If shared too widely, the prosecutors warn, the data could help foreign intelligence services and tip off people and groups that "continue to engage in interference operations like those charges in the present indictment." If the data were to be physically sent outside of US law offices, "foreign individuals may try [to] use that avenue as a way to obtain sensitive materials as part of an intelligence collection effort," the prosecutors added. They're particularly concerned about the information that could be shared with Yevgeny Prigozhin, a Russia-based oligarch known as "Putin's chef," before he appears in the US court. Prigozhin is charged as a co-defendant in the case and also faces financial sanctions in the US but -- like 12 others named in the indictment and two companies, the Internet Research Agency and Concord Catering -- he is still technically a fugitive in the case. Because he is thought to be in Russia, Prigozhin may never face the charges in court here. In the filing Tuesday, Mueller's team alludes to the steps it took to bring the troll farm charges, and that investigators have used cooperating witnesses to build the case. They've uncovered "techniques used by foreign parties to mask their true identities while conducting operations online; the relationships of charged and uncharged parties to other uncharged foreign entities and governments" and the identities of others who have not been charged with a crime. Among the two terabytes of information they've collected in the case are thousands of documents that reveal the personal details of US citizens whose identities were allegedly stolen to open fake bank accounts, and other US citizens who were "unwittingly recruited" by the propagandists to attend Russian-organized political rallies in the US. "If statements of these individuals were indiscriminately released, the result would be unnecessary embarrassment to these individuals who believed they were communicating about US political activities with other US persons," prosecutors wrote. In all, prosecutors seek a court order barring the sharing of case documents outside of Concord Management, witnesses and their attorneys. They've also suggested the use of a "firewall" federal attorney as an intermediary during the discovery process. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters traveling with him in Seoul that he was "confident" North Korea understood there will be in-depth verification of the dismantling of its nuclear program. Pompeo also pushed back on criticism that the joint statement issued after the Tuesday summit between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un failed to include the terms "verifiable" and "irreversible" -- two conditions Pompeo and other US officials have repeatedly said are necessary for any deal. Questioned about the absence of those terms, Pompeo told a reporter "you're just wrong about that" and said it was understood "in the minds of everyone concerned." And he rejected widespread criticism of Trump's announcement that the US is suspending military exercises with South Korea and Japan -- a long-sought North Korean and Chinese goal that took the Seoul, Tokyo, US military officials and lawmakers by surprise. "A lot has been made of the fact that the word 'verifiable' didn't appear in the agreement," Pompeo said of the joint statement. "Let me assure you that 'complete' encompasses 'verifiable' in the minds of everyone concerned. One can't completely denuclearize without validating, authenticating -- you pick the word. The President is committed to that." "It's in the statement. It's in the statement," Pompeo insisted as he briefed reporters in Seoul. "You're just wrong about that." The joint statement says that "President Trump committed to provide security guarantees to the DPRK, and Chairman Kim Jong Un reaffirmed his firm and unwavering commitment to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula." Asked how "verifiable" and "irreversible" appeared in the statement, given that the words aren't there, Pompeo said, "I suppose you could argue semantics, but let me assure you that it's in the document." And then he added that, "I find that question insulting and ridiculous and frankly ludicrous," adding that "one ought not play games with serious matters like this." Speaking of the North Koreans, Pompeo said he was "confident they understand that there will be in-depth verification." The top US diplomat was in South Korea to brief officials on the summit before traveling to China, where he will offer further briefings on the summit and regional issues with leaders there. Pompeo defended Trump's cancellation of military exercises, saying the commitment is they will be suspended as long as there are "productive, good-faith negotiations" ongoing. Critics decried the move as offering up front a major concession. The military exercises are central to the security of US allies and crucial to maintaining the readiness and interoperability of forces. And the retreat of US military power in Asia is a long-held goal of Beijing, which is becoming increasingly assertive in the region. Pompeo said the President he made clear the suspension would only last while good-faith talks were ongoing. "He made very clear that the condition precedent for the exercises not to proceed was a productive, good-faith negotiations being ongoing and at the point it's concluded that they're not, the President's commitment to not have those joint exercises take place will no longer be in effect," Pompeo said. It's about "setting the right conditions for moving forward with those talks," he said, declining to comment on why the President called them "provocative" -- a term North Korea uses -- or whether he or Trump consulted with US Forces Korea, the Pentagon, or the South Koreans on whether and how to take the step. Pompeo also said he was very confident that "sometime in the next week or so we will begin the engagement" with North Korea, though he didn't know the timing or how meetings would be structured. While the President is in charge, Pompeo said he will be the one "driving this process forward." Pompeo noted that "not all of that work" between the two negotiating teams "appeared in the final document," but there were "lots of other places where there were understandings reached. We couldn't reduce them to writing" and that this is where the teams will begin their work. While he wouldn't go into specific timelines, he said "absolutely" the administration wants major steps in the next two years. "Yes, we're hopeful that we can achieve [major nuclear disarmament] in the next, what is it, two and a half years." "The modalities are beginning to develop," Pompeo said, but said, "there will be a great deal of work to do." After Trump claimed yesterday that North Korea has destroyed test sites, Pompeo said, "I can only answer that we do have a reasonably good understanding of what took place there, but I don't want to get into the intelligence assessment." He added that the US has spent "a reasonable amount of time developing our understanding of what took place there," but added that "it's always the case that our strong preference would be to have experts on the ground when these types of things take place. We can gain a much more thorough understanding of what actually occurred and what may not have." A piece of Utica has made its way back home, thanks to the hobby of a firefighter from Michigan. The 1926 O.J. Childs firetruck pictured above arrived in Utica on Thursday after being restored in Michigan. The truck was originally built in Utica in the area of the old Charlestown Mall. Jeff Goodar of Michigan restored old firetrucks. When he saw a listing for a Childs truck for sale in Florida, he knew that despite its condition, it was something special. Tires were rotted badly, engine didn't run. We didn't want to turn it over, Goodar said. The gas had all oxidized. Paint was faded, rusted, a lot of the appliances were missing. We just started stripping and cleaning and painting and it ended up where it is today. The firetruck was display at the Oneida County History Center Thursday afternoon. The truck will visit several local departments over the next few days before leaving town. Today is June 14th and that means it's Flag Day! The U.S. Army was founded on June 14th 1775, when the Continental Congress authorized the enlistment of riflemen to serve the United Colonies for one year. The June 14th date is when Congress adopted "The American Continental Army" after reaching a consensus position in the committee of the whole, and it translated into Flag Day. We had some visitors earlier this week from Mrs. Luszak's Kindergarten class from Stokes Elementary in Rome and they gave us their own tribute to the flag. Take a look and listen. ILION If you have a childs safety seat that you want to make sure is safe for your child, you can stop by the village of Ilion today to have it checked out. From 11 a.m. to 3 p.m., parents and caregivers can bring childrens car seats to the Village of Ilion Municipal Building, located at 49 Morgan Street, to get inspected by a National Child Passenger Safety Certified technician. No appointments are necessary. Those who will be attending the safety seat check are asked to enter the Municipal Building parking lot using the one-way entrance on First Street, next to the Ilion Police Department, across from the post office. Ilion police officers will be on-hand where the safety seat inspections will occur. If you have questions or youd like to make an appointment with a CPS technician on a different date, you can call Ilion police at 315-894-9911. UTICA, N.Y.--Sun broke through Wednesday's cloudy weather just long enough to allow for a demonstration of community and police unity. For the second year in a row, Bridging the GAP held a police and community walk through Cornhill. Utica Police Department officers strolled with Utica residents, talking about the issues and barriers to trust. "Having trust in your community and having trust in your police officers, just having trust in one another, just as human beings," Monalisa Fermin-Fennell, a founding member of Bridging the GAP said. The group was founded in 2016 after several high-profile instances of police-community violence occurred nationwide. "This is a very good opportunity for the community to embrace the relationship and work on improving it together, as opposed to hearing it from someone else," James Paul, a community member participating in the walk said. The goal is to form a connection that is mutually beneficial. "Hopefully, with us trying to come together along with the community, they can see that, you know, it's safe for them to speak with us," Michael Washington, an investigator with UPD said. "If you want to stay safe in your community, you have to know the police officers around," Champ Walton, a young community member said. "All we can keep doing is trying to fight for more positivity in our community and this is just one way of trying to fight for that," Fermin-Fennell said. WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Purdue University lost the bid to manage the Los Alamos National Laboratory. As News 18 previously reported, President Mitch Daniels and the Board of Trustees confirmed Purdue's bid in April. The Nuclear Security Administration awarded the Los Alamos contract to Triad National Security. The top research and nuclear weapons facility will continue to run in New Mexico. The team running the lab includes University of California, Texas A and M and Battelle. Purdue University was a top finalist. "I think it would have been an emblem of excellence," said Daniels. "And I think people will nationally notice that Purdue was a finalist for this. And I hope that we caught the attention of a few new people." Daniels said he's disappointed the university wasn't picked. "I think it was worth a try," said Daniels. "It would have meant a lot of opportunities for our faculty. A lot of opportunities for our students in physics and in nuclear engineering and perhaps other areas." If Purdue would have been picked to run Los Alamos, it would have brought in $2.5 billion to the university over a ten year period. INDIANAPOLIS (AP) About 20 percent of Indiana's registered voters cast ballots in last month's midterm primary. That's according to the Indiana Secretary of State's office, which released figures Thursday for the May 8 Republican or Democratic primaries. It's a significant increase over the 2014 midterm primary turnout, but a shade under 2010's turnout, which was 21 percent. One factor likely boosting interest this year at least on the Republican side was a contested GOP Senate race won by former state lawmaker Mike Braun. He beat U.S. Reps. Todd Rokita and Luke Messer and now faces Democratic Sen. Joe Donnelly in November. The state report shows the highest turnout was 57 percent in Jay County. The lowest was in Vanderburgh County, where 10 percent voted. LEBANON, Ind. (AP) A man charged with murder in the fatal shooting of a central Indiana sheriff's deputy wants his trial moved. Attorneys for 21-year-old Anthony Baumgardt of Lebanon have filed for a change of venue from Boone County. Baumgardt is charged in the March 2 shooting of Jacob Pickett, who was chasing of Baumgardt with his police dog. The 34-year-old Boone County deputy died three days later. The motion was filed June 7. Prosecutors have 10 days to respond to it. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty in the case. A trial date has not been set. 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 First yellowcake from seawater for US team 14 June 2018 Share Researchers have successfully used acrylic fibres to extract uranium from seawater in a trial conductd at Pacific Northwest National Laboratory (PNNL). The team say the technology, which uses inexpensive material, could be competitive with the costs of land-based uranium mining. Yellowcake produced from uranium captured from seawater using LCW's modified yarn (Image: LCW) The material was developed by Idaho-based clean energy company LCW Supercritical Technologies with early support from PNNL through the US Department of Energy's Office of Nuclear Energy. Uranium in seawater is adsorbed onto a molecule that is chemically bound to the surface of the polymer fibre. The adsorbent properties are reversible, meaning that the uranium can be easily released and processed into yellowcake, and the polymer is durable and reusable. Three separate month-long tests were carried out using seawater from Sequim Bay, next to PNNL's Marine Sciences Laboratory. Seawater was pumped through about a kilogram of fibre in conditions mimicking the open ocean. The uranium was then extracted, producing in total about five grams of uranium. PNNL researcher Gary Gill described the achievement as a significant milestone, showing that the approach could eventually provide a commercially attractive option. "It might not sound like much, but it can really add up," he said. Chien Wai, president of LCW, said the adsorbent material was inexpensive and could even be produced using waste yarn. The fibres also have the potential to be used in environmental clean-up and to extract other metals from seawater, such as vanadium. LCW is now applying for further funding for a uranium extraction field demonstration, to be led by PNNL, in the Gulf of Mexico. The material performs much better in warmer water and extraction rates in the Gulf are expected to be three to five times higher, which would improve the economics further. Seawater contains naturally occurring uranium at a concentration of about 0.003 parts per million. Although this concentration is very low - the average abundance of uranium in the Earth's crust is about 2.7 parts per million and ore grades are many times greater than that - the oceans are estimated to contain some 4 billion tonnes of the metal. The total uranium resources in land-based ores recoverable at costs of up to USD130 per kilogram stands at around 3.7 million tonnes, so the oceans could be an important resource of uranium if it can be recovered economically. Research groups in China and Japan are also actively studying methods to extract uranium from seawater. China National Nuclear Corporation's Beijing Research Institute of Chemical Engineering and Metallurgy in 2017 signed an agreement with Saudi Arabia's King Abdulaziz City for Science and Technology to collaborate in research on extracting uranium from seawater, with Saudi and Chinese researchers to conduct a two-year investigation. Researched and written by World Nuclear News Related topics Hayden Paddon feared another accident at last weekends Rally Italia Sardegna could have had long-term consequences for his career. The Kiwi started the dirt road encounter three weeks after a rally-ending 15G crash at the previous round in Portugal, which aggravated a lower back injury and hospitalised him for a night. Paddon received the all-clear to compete in Sardinia, where he is now based, but admitted his injury was a concern throughout the four-day island event. I had to do a lot pre-event rehabilitation and obviously there was a lot of concern if I had another impact, the consequences could be quite big for my future. There was a little bit of that in the back of my mind that I couldnt afford to do that again, he told wrc.com. Friday was tough, I was very fatigued. I had to take it easy for two weeks after Portugal and it was touch and go whether I was going to do this rally or not, so it was good to get here and get a clean finish. Paddon worked closely with the FIAs medical team after his crash and the 31-year-olds efforts were rewarded with fourth place in his Hyundai i20. Wet and muddy conditions in the opening leg disadvantaged him from a low start position and set the tone for the weekend. After Portugal, for two or three days it was doubtful I was even going to be here so it was nice to take good points for the team and get a finish under the belt. It takes a little bit of pressure off, he added. Paddon flies to New Zealand to tackle Rally South Canterbury in a Hyundai i20 AP4+ car on 23 June before returning to tackle Rally Estonia on 13 - 15 July as a warm-up for the next WRC round in Finland two weeks later. There are some areas we want to work on with the car and I need to up the pace a little. Ive always been struggling with the front end. We know what the answer is and we have a test and the rally in Estonia so I believe well be working on some of those areas, he said. Gallery VIDEO More News Ambition Board to spearhead 56m digital connectivity upgrade across North Wales This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jun 14th, 2018 The North Wales Economic Ambition Board is spearheading a 56m project that will revolutionise and enhance digital connectivity across the region. The North Wales Digital Connectivity programme is one of eight forming the North Wales Growth Bid and wider Vision for better infrastructure to support public and private sector growth. Led by the Board which is made up of the six councils, the North Wales and Mersey Dee Business Council, colleges and universities it is focused on bringing the area in line with other parts of the country and giving businesses a level playing field. Four of the six counties in North Wales rank in the bottom 25% of UK Local Authority areas for superfast (>30Mbps) broadband coverage Gwynedd, Denbighshire, Anglesey and Conwy. Colin Everett, Chief Executive of Flintshire County Council, says they have developed a strategy identifying key challenges spatially and by sector. North Wales has lagged behind the rest of the UK for many years in terms of coverage and capacity, said Mr Everett. With the emergence of commercially available fibreoptic technology towards the end of the 20th century, the widening of the digital divide now has the potential to increase even further, which is why this programme is so important. He added: Businesses consulted as part of the wider Growth Vision have cited digital connectivity as the single most important aspect of it, so its crucial we begin to make inroads and deliver better infrastructure, to support industry and attract new business into the region. There are action plans with affordable gigabit services and ultrafast full-fibre broadband top of the agenda, supported by the Welsh Government. Other interventions include: Full Fibre passive infrastructure: Building a comprehensive access duct network, and ensuring backhaul provision to facilitate end-user access to advanced full fibre services provided at the identified key sites. With appropriate planning of duct infrastructure, this will support the key manufacturing and energy sectors. Public sector anchor tenancy: By creating a local commercial demand, connectivity at public sector buildings can support extension of core networks to private sector premises. Policy support: Local authorities can consider how their policies may have an impact on network operators and introduce measures to minimise barriers to development of digital infrastructure. Market intelligence: Providing network operators and service providers with up to date, quality local information on current and forecast demand, e.g. new housing developments or commercial inward investment will highlight telecoms opportunities in good time. Affordable gigabit services: Gigabit bandwidth services to suit all budgets; including contended ultrafast full fibre broadband suitable for microenterprises and SMEs not needing the more expensive traditional leased line service typically used by larger organisations. At a Board forum held at Bangor University in April, Wrexhams Head of Housing and Economy Steve Bayley pointed to the wider consequences if the issues are not resolved. Most of North Wales falls into that lowest quartile of the UK, which has to be addressed, said Mr Bayley. Demand has grown over the past few years and we are all part of that, with households using social media, live streaming, laptops, phones and more on a daily basis. We need this boost, current businesses especially, and its about future proofing and supporting them so they can remain competitive and at the forefront of industry, without these obstacles. They need the technology and the speeds a better infrastructure will bring, so this is a vital part of the Growth Vision for the region. For more information, visit www.northwaleseab.co.uk Brymbo gypsy & traveller site LDP proposal question prompts council apology and pre-determination denial This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jun 14th, 2018 Wrexham Council have been accused of pre-determining the outcome of controversial plans to allocate land in Brymbo for a gypsy and traveller site. Questions asked of Wrexham Council have been made in relation to the ongoing Deposit Local Development Plan (LDP 2) consultation process which is currently underway. The LDP 2 makes provision for 8525 new homes up until 2028 (including a 10% contingency allowance) to deliver a requirement for 7750 homes; and estimates 4,200 new jobs could be created in Wrexham under the plan. Over 3,000 representations have already been submitted in response to the consultation process, a number which is expected to grow when it closes at the end of July. One of the more controversial proposals featured in the LDP is the location of three gypsy and traveller sites in Brymbo, Llay and Hanmer, with a number of residents raising concerns over the suitability of the sites. Rare public question being asked Carys Edwards speaking about proposed gypsy and traveller site in Brymbo. Told this is similar Q to one raised in 2010 if true, 8 years should mean answer is comprehensive! Wrexham.com (@wrexham) June 12, 2018 A public question was posed by Brymbo resident Carys Edwards at Tuesdays executive board seeking clarification over the ownership of the proposed gypsy and traveller site at the former sewerage works at Coed Y Felin Road Road, St Marys Church. She also queried whether a decision for the site had been pre-determined after it had emerged that Wrexham Council had approached Dwr Cymru, who also own a section of the land. Public Q says WCBC have approached Dwr Cymru to secure access rights over land. Claim is alternative sites should be considered for a gypsy and traveller site and could be seen as pre determining the outcome. Wrexham.com (@wrexham) June 12, 2018 Ms Edwards said: Further to the recent discovery that Wrexham County Borough Council does not own the entire site being proposed within the deposit Local Development Plan and despite this being questioned back in 2010, officers have confirmed that an approach has been made by the council to Dwr Cymru with a view to securing access rights over land in their ownership. Wrexham Council had stated as part of the site assessment criteria, that sites being considered had to be entirely within council ownership and therefore this suggests a failure in the selection process. As a result should alternative sites now be considered for a gypsy and traveller site and could it not be viewed that this approach by the council to Dwr Cymru during consultation has pre-determined the outcome leaving this open to challenge? WCBC Officer says now is not point in process & will be covered in Autumn by cllrs, apologises that welsh water access shown in error, adds access does not affect viability and can be accessed by WCBC land Wrexham.com (@wrexham) June 12, 2018 However Wrexham Councils Head of Environment and Planning, Lawrence Isted, said the councils approach to Dwr Cymru was to simply clarify Welsh Waters position and that the vast majority of the site is in council ownership. He said: Im sorry that Welsh Waters access was shown in error of being in council ownership, but approaching them to clarify their position on this matter did not pre-determine any decision on the future allocation of this site as the access does not affect its viability either way. It can potentially be accessed from their access as they have agreed or from council own land. In any event the board will consider all material planning considerations and the representations that have been received before taking their decision in the autumn. Supplementary Q on the LDP allowed by Council Leader, public questioner says WCBC did a deal with a third party landowner & asks why if that is appropriate there why not elsewhere. Officer says that is not right, and all issues will be considered by cllrs in Autumn. Wrexham.com (@wrexham) June 12, 2018 In a supplementary question allowed by Council Leader Mark Pritchard, Ms Edwards added: As you know Brymbo residents have engaged with a highways consultant and his view access does not meet the guidelines in TAN 18 (the WAG planning advice on highway junctions). The crux of the matter for our residents is not on individual access, but the fact that during consultation the council have attempted to circumvent the site selection process by doing a deal with a third party landowner in order to address a clear constraint which could result in the Brymbo site being removed from the LDP. If it was appropriate for such an approach to be made to Welsh Water, why is it not appropriate for similar approaches to third parties now to be considered in relation to other sites which have been omitted at Stage 3 of the selection process? Mr Isted said: I dont think right to characterise this as some sort of deal. All we have done is to clarify WW position vis-a-vis their access and the vast majority of the site is in council ownership and can be developed with their access or without their access. All the issues you have raised about considering other sites will be considered by the members when it comes to them taking their final decision in the autumn. Speaking after the meeting Cllr Paul Rogers, who represents the Brymbo ward, said: I welcome the admission by Wrexham Council that they do not own the entire area of land proposed for a gypsy and travller site. There are legitimate concerns about the deliverability and viability of a gypsy and traveller site at this location. The council do not own the land entirely adds to the constraints. Residents are understandably concerned that there has been an approach by the council to Welsh Water and were right to challenge this. Earlier this month Wrexham.com reported that the deadline for responses to the LDP consultation had been extended to July 16th due to some of the required documentation being unavailable to the public from the start of the public process. A report on the LDP and outcomes of the consultation will be presented to councillors in the autumn. Wrexham company delivers heritage railway water tank to Llangollen Railway This article is old - Published: Thursday, Jun 14th, 2018 A traditional style of water tank, as used in the steam era, has been delivered by Barnett Engineering of Rhosllanerchrugog to the Llangollen Railways Corwen station project. The cylindrical water tank sitting on top of a column is designed to hold 2,000 gallons of water for rapid delivery to replenish the tanks of a steam locomotive. Standing seven metres high, the completed facility weighs in at five tonnes and incorporates a modern gate value delivery system. It will draw water from a borehole sited next to the railway at Corwen. The structure itself has been built to modern standards using fabrication and welding methods to meet current regulatory requirements. Managing Director, Steve Barnett, explained: When we were asked to construct this steam-age item of equipment we thought it a little unusual, but the job was accepted as a challenge. However, it proved well within our capacity to design and manufacture and the completed job is now ready for delivery to Corwen where it will be installed at the new station site. Installation of the water tank was made possible thanks to the help donations from supporters, who helped raised 17,000 A Llangollen Railway spokesman said: In a slick two-hour operation, the complete assembly of water tank and its supporting column was off-loaded, pulled erect and lifted on to the base of a previously prepared foundation plinth. With the access stairs and swivel water delivery arm attached, this new item of infrastructure forms an impressive feature at the Corwen station site. A trial filling of water must await the construction of a sump and drain away, once the borehole water supply is connected. Installation of this new item of heritage railway equipment has only been possible through the generous support of members and supporters who have raised 17,000 in donations as a major contribution to the project to provide a water supply for locomotives at the new terminus. Work to complete the station and its facilities continues with the next stage concentrating on building the platform 1 wall during the summer. An opening of the Corwen station in 2019 remains dependent on the acquisition of resources in terms of materials, manpower and finance and continued support is necessary if we are to achieve that aim. The right-wing conservative government in Austria is closing seven mosques and deporting up to 60 Turkish imams. The measure is a fundamental attack on the freedom of religion and expression and serves to stir up anti-Islamic and xenophobic sentiments. Chancellor Sebastian Kurz (Austrian Peoples Party, OVP), his deputy Heinz-Christian Strache (Austrian Freedom Party, FPO) as well as two other ministers announced the measures in person on Friday in Vienna at a press conference. The government of Kurzs right-wing conservative OVP and the far-right FPO justified the closure of the mosques with violations of Austrias Islam Act. They do not want parallel societies and radicalizing tendencies in Austria, Kurz explained. The government's action shows that it has now completely adopted the far-right programme of the FPO. Their reasoning is reminiscent of the propaganda used to persecute Jews and other minorities 80 years ago, following the Anschluss (annexation) of Austria to Nazi Germany. The basis of the measures is the so-called Islam Act. The Muslim clerics are accused of violating the ban on foreign financing. The government is focusing on the Turkish-Islamic Union for Cultural and Social Cooperation in Austria (ATIB), an umbrella organization that represents over 60 Islamic associations in Austria with more than 100,000 members. It belongs to the Turkish religious authority Diyanet and thus stands under the control of the Turkish government. The supposed reason for the charge against the association is that it does not work towards integration and builds parallel societies. The undemocratic nature of this accusation is shown by a comparison with the Catholic Church, which is dependent on a foreign power (the Vatican) to a much greater degree than is the case with ATIB with regard to Turkey. The same accusation could even be levelled against Jewish communities that have relations with the Israeli government. With the imams, their families are also to be taken into custody. In two cases, it is already clear that imams are to be expelled and five others have been denied a residence permit. The authorities are currently examining 60 of the 260 imams in Austria. They could lose their residence permits and must then leave the country together with their relatives, affecting a total of 150 people. Already in April, the Austrian government had announced an examination of the mosques, after children in a Viennese mosque had re-enacted the Battle of Gallipoli from the First World War. In this battle, which saw 350,000 dead and wounded, the Turkish army repulsed an invasion attempt by the Entente Powers. It is therefore still commemorated in Turkey as the Day of the Fallen. The absurdity of the allegation against the mosque is illustrated by a glimpse at Australia and New Zealand, where the anniversary of the same battle is commemorated each year as ANZAC Day and even glorified in elementary schools. Both countries had suffered high losses as allies of the British invaders. The Turkish government has sharply criticized the action against ATIB and spoke of a crusade against Muslims. The Muslim religious community IGGO also criticized the Austrian government and announced it was launching a legal action. With the attacks on Muslims, the governments right-wing course has reached a new stage. The government is making it clear that the closure of the mosques and the expulsion of the imams was just the beginning. Chancellor Kurz has threatened that there will be zero tolerance, and even mooted the dissolution of ATIB. Vice-Chancellor Strache (FPO) said, We are just beginning. Kurz and Strache have been ruling since last December. The crackdown on Muslims is part of a systematic attack on refugees and migrants. During the election campaign last year, they demanded harsher immigration controls, the swift removal of rejected asylum seekers, and taking up the fight against radical Islam. Kurz has recently announced that he will make the payment of social benefits dependent on language skills. We have to create a system that has one goal in particular, to combat immigration into our social system, he declared. Strache added, If you immigrate to Austria, you cannot collect the full minimum income payment from the first day. In future, the full amount of the minimum income should only be paid to those who have obtained an Austrian school certificate or equivalent German language skills and can demonstrate they are participating in integration services, such as a course on so-called Austrian values. Kurz explained, German becomes the key to access the full minimum income. In this way, the attacks on migrants also serve to prepare social cuts for all. The Austrian government, which will take over the presidency of the EU from July, is also endeavouring to further seal off the EU's external borders. If things go according to Kurz, the EU border agency Frontex should intervene more quickly and receive more staff and money. The so-called Islam Act was introduced by Kurz in 2015, when he worked in the Ministry of the Interior, together with the Austrian Social Democratic Party (SPO) coalition partner. It is therefore hardly surprising that not only FPO-affiliated right-wing circles welcome the measures. Spiegel Online hailed the attack on Muslims as a step against the enemies of democracy and freedom. SPO federal manager Max Lercher even tried to claim the attacks on Muslims for the Social Democrats. The SPO had reported incidents in the mosques to the then OVP-led Interior Ministry in October 2017, he said. According to Lercher, the closure of the mosques was the first smart measure of this government. The party founded by the former Pabloite Peter Pilz is also completely on the FPO line. It regards the measure as a first step, however, it does not tackle the problem of radicalization at its root, according to Alma Zadic, a National Council member of the Pilz list. Peter Pilz had long demanded the dissolution of ATIB, but the then OVP Minister of the Interior Wolfgang Sobotka had not met this demand, complained Zadic. As the four-day United Auto Workers Constitutional Convention draws to a close, both Detroit daily newspapers reported Wednesday that federal prosecutors have concluded that the corruption scandal engulfing the organization did not just involve individual union officials, but the UAW as a whole. In his remarks during the convention, outgoing UAW President Dennis Williams attempted to distance the top leadership of the UAW from the illegal scheme, which involved UAW negotiators and other union officials receiving more than $1.5 million in bribes from Fiat Chrysler to sign company-friendly labor agreements in 2009, 2011 and 2015. However, as the Detroit News wrote, Federal prosecutors labelled the United Auto Workers and Fiat Chrysler Automobiles NV as co-conspirators in a widening corruption scandal, an allegation at odds with claims the labor union and automaker were victimized by rogue employees. The assessment is based on the plea deal signed last month by Michael Brown, FCAs Director for Employee Relations from 2009 to 2016, who admitted to concealing illegal company payoffs to the UAW. The prosecutors statement that FCA executives conspired with one another, with FCA, with officials at the UAW, and with the UAW, to violate the Labor Management Relations Act, was the first time, the Detroit News reported, that FCA and the union have been identified separately from individuals in the case. As the World Socialist Web Site reported last month, in his plea deal Brown acknowledged that the illegal payments were political gifts to the UAW. Their purpose was to grease the skids in order to obtain benefits, advantages and concessions in the negotiation, implementation and administration of the collective bargaining agreements between FCA and the UAW. This explosive news was not even mentioned at the convention, which concludes today. Instead, the UAW voted to give its executives a massive wage increase. The salary for the UAW president will rise from $153,000 to $199,000, a $46,000 (30 percent) increase. The pay for the UAW secretary-treasurer will rise from $153,000 to $185,000, a $32,000 (21 percent) increase. UAW vice presidents will see their pay rise from $137,000 to $165,000, a $28,000 (20 percent) increase. In addition, the small army of international servicing reps, which include many family relatives of top UAW executives, will get a $6,000 pay raise, from $105,000 to $111,000. Rank-and-file autoworkers responded with disgust and anger. Todays announcement comes as no surprise to any UAW member, a Fiat Chrysler worker at the Jeep Assembly Plant in Toledo, Ohio told the WSWS Autoworker Newsletter. It just reaffirms what weve known for years: that the International UAW has sold our futures to the highest bidder. Every contract should be voided, every lawsuit settled, and every worker should walk out on strike. The payments from FCA executives included hundreds of thousands of dollars in reimbursements to the UAWs Solidarity House headquarters to cover the salaries and benefits of members of the UAW International Staff and their friends, families and allies who were hired for no-work jobs at the UAW-Chrysler National Training Center in Detroit, according to the plea deal. Brown and other FCA executives also authorized a 7% administrative fee that was added to the monthly demand by the UAW for reimbursement of salaries and benefits. Although the UAW did not, in fact, incur legitimate costs or provide legitimate services to the NTC, the plea agreement stated, these inflated fees were another gift to the UAW. The nepotism is not limited to the UAW-Chrysler training center. According the Detroit News report, so many relatives work at the UAW-GM Center for Human Resources in Detroit that some dub the facility the Center for Hidden Relatives. In exchange for these gifts, the UAW signed and enforced sellout deals, including the one imposed during Obamas 2009 bankruptcy restructuring of General Motors and Chrysler, which were responsible for a historic reversal in the conditions of autoworkers and the American working class as a whole. Annual raises and cost of living increases were eliminated, long-standing shop floor protections and rights were ripped up, newly hired second-tier workers were paid half the wages for the same work, and the companies were given a green light to create a disposable workforce of part-time temporary employees who pay union dues but have no rights. Autoworkers rebelled in 2015, with FCA workers rejecting the UAW-backed contract by a two-to-one margin in the first defeat of a national contract in three decades. The union only pushed through a refurbished second deal, and similar deals at GM and Ford, through a combination of threats, intimidation and narrow ratification votes amid widespread charges of outright vote-rigging. During the convention, Williams once again made the absurd claim that the bribery scheme was limited to a few bad apples that betrayed our trust, and that the payoffs had no impact on the outcome of the 2015 negotiations. Williams also claimed, Our leadership team had no knowledge of the misconduct until prosecutors informed them. This strains all credulity since Williams served as the unions secretary-treasureroverseeing all expenditures and revenuefrom June 2010 until he was appointed union president in June 2014. He was also no doubt briefed by his predecessor, Bob King, who, federal prosecutors say confronted UAW Vice President General Holiefield and FCA executive Alphons Iacobelli over the scheme in 2011. The bureaucratic proceedings at the UAWs 37th quadrennial constitutional convention displayed the imperviousness of the UAW to the concerns of rank-and-file workers. The vote for the pay raises took place immediately after the chairman ruled out of order an amendment that would have exempted low-paid second tier and temporary part-time workers from the 25 percent dues increase imposed at the last convention. Instead, the delegates approved the continual deduction of two-and-a-half-hours pay a month for union dues, claiming this was necessary because labor is under attack. In a cynical move, a motion was passed for dues to return to two-hours per month if the strike fund rose to $850 million or above. The union executives have full power to keep the fund below that target through its repeatedly approved deductions from the fund to pay for administrative needs. Not a shred of opposition was permitted at the convention, even from the union bureaucracys loyal oppositionists. Delegates were given clickers and horns to drown out the comments of anyone who raised the slightest criticism from the convention floor. A motion to establish one man, one vote to allow members to elect the president and top leadership did not even come to the floor, and Williams handpicked successor, Region 5 Director Gary Jones was coronated with little or no opposition. Meantime there was ample time for parties with lush meals, liquor and cigars. The scandal has revealed the real character of the UAW. It is a corporatist syndicate whose executives share in the exploitation of the working class and derive their income and business opportunities by suppressing the resistance of the working class to ever greater exploitation. The Turnbull government is working intensively with the opposition Labor Party to rapidly push through parliament two massive foreign interference bills that constitute a far-reaching threat to basic legal and democratic rights. While narrowing the scope of the legislation, the government has made central features of the bills even more draconian, with the help of amendments already agreed, or being negotiated, with Labor. In an extraordinary rush, the government is demanding that the two huge bills, which have a combined 145 pages, together with more than 150 just-released and often complex amendments, be passed in a single two-week sitting of parliament, starting next week. The Espionage and Foreign Interference (EFI) Bill and the Foreign Influence Transparency Scheme (FITS) Bill contain unprecedented provisions criminalising political activity linked to overseas political organisations. These could be used to outlaw opposition to Australian involvement in any US-led military intervention, particularly a confrontation with China. The push for fast-track approval is taking place against a backdrop of a mounting scare campaign, fuelled by accusations of Chinese business and political subversion directed against Australia. In the past two days alone, the government has signaled it will bar Huawei, the worlds largest maker of telecommunications equipment, from selling equipment to Australias proposed 5G wireless Internet network. It has also blocked Huawei from supplying an underwater communications cable from Australia to the neighbouring Pacific nation of Solomon Islands. The government has reportedly acted on national security concerns raised by the countrys intelligence agencies about Huaweis alleged links to the Chinese government. Sources within the military-security apparatus told the Australian Financial Review today that Canberras thinking was similar to that in Washington, where punitive actions have been taken against Huawei and another Chinese telecommunications company, ZTE. While seeking to demonise China and any business or political figure linked to it, the anti-China offensive is a vehicle for a bipartisan front to introduce laws that will hand vast powers to the government and the security agencies to crack down on anti-war and other political dissent. The two bills are part of a foreign interference package of anti-democratic laws that Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull personally introduced last December. Late last week, Attorney-General Christian Porter wrote to Andrew Hastie, the governments chairman of the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Intelligence and Security, proposing 98 amendments to the FITS Bill, on top of the 59 amendments that the committee had just recommended in a 400-page report on the EFI Bill. In his letter, Porter thanked Hastie, as well as the committees deputy chair, Labor MP Anthony Byrne, and Labors shadow attorney-general Mark Dreyfus, for a dedicated intensity of effort in the last 10 days. He hailed them for a model of bipartisan communication and negotiation to finalise the EFI Bill amendments. Porter attached the long list of proposed government amendments to the FITS Bill, which seek to focus the scope of the planned foreign influence registration scheme in order to protect corporate interests. Exemptions from compulsory registration will cover most business lobbyists, transnational corporations, media companies and book publishers, as well as the Catholic Church and professional industry bodies. Some of the amendments are specifically designed to target companies with alleged shareholder or directorship links to a foreign government, especially Chinas. One security source told the media this was the China clause. Turnbull refused to rule out Huawei, a private company, being compelled to register as a foreign agent. Other amendments target membership of, or other connections to, a foreign political organisation. There will also be an arbitrary new power for the government to issue transparency notices to order any entity or person to place themselves on the public register. No procedural fairness will be required in issuing notices, and people named will have no right to sue for defamation. Anyone who fails to register or comply with the detailed registration requirements faces up to seven years jail. The amendments will extend this criminal punishment regime to those who recklessly, that is, unintentionally, fail to register. Likewise, the recommended amendments to the EFI Billwhich are still to be draftedmore clearly focus its criminal offences on individuals and organisations accused of working on behalf of a foreign principal or a foreign international organisation. These offences carry penalties of up to life imprisonment. During the parliamentary committees dedicated intensity of effort, its Labor members joined hands with the government members to reject calls to provide a public interest defence for the array of offences, which include the new crime of foreign interference. As an example of how far these laws would go, the committee unanimously brushed aside the concerns expressed in one submission that the new offence of advocating mutiny could have the effect of criminalising any peaceful advocacy by civilians against Australian involvement in wars or warlike activity. Opposition is emerging to this assault on democratic rights. Two peak environmental organisations, the World Wide Fund for Nature and the Australian Conservation Foundation, warned in a joint statement they could still be charged with espionage for giving evidence to global institutions about shortfalls in Australias record on the environment or threats to endangered species. Amnesty International said the threat of prosecution still looms over charities, including Amnesty, who hold the Australian government to account on its human rights record. One of its Australian directors, Claire ORourke, expressed grave concerns about Labors support for the governments dangerous lurch towards authoritarianism. The media establishment, however, now that the government has allayed most corporate concerns about being caught in the foreign interference web, is ramping up its demand for the swift passage of the bills. The June 9 editorial in the Australian, Rupert Murdochs flagship, declared: At a tense time of strategic, national security and diplomatic challenges, the Turnbull government is correct to push ahead with two new espionage and foreign-interference bills Bipartisanship will be vital. A political brawl over the matter would be taken as a disastrous sign of weakness by any foreign power seeking to influence Australias domestic affairs. Despite some attempts by Turnbull and Porter to deny that the bills specifically target China, the editorial insisted: Chinese interference in Australia has reached a point where the integrity of national institutions needs better protections. It cited testimony by John Garnaut, a former prime ministerial adviser, to the US House Armed Services Committee that China brazenly had sought to manipulate Australian society to tilt the political and strategic landscape to its advantage. This reference underscores the intense pressure being applied by the US government and military-intelligence establishment for the rapid passage of the bills as part of Australias commitment to be on the frontline of any conflict with China, Australian capitalisms largest export market. The editorial endorsed an assertion by the newspapers editor-at-large Paul Kelly that the legislation will be a declaration that Australia has the psychological determination, national capability and political unity required to defend itself against unprecedented threats to our democracy and decision-making. This quote provides a flavour of the drive underway to whip up nationalist and patriotic sentiment for two related purposes: to try to shore up the political establishment in the face of widespread popular hostility and prepare for war against China. The author also recommends: Julian Assange named as threat: Australian foreign interference bills seek to protect US secrets [9 June 2018] US demands swift passage of Australian foreign interference bills [8 June 2018] This is the final part of a three-part series on the Basque separatist group ETA (Euskadi Ta AskatasunaBasque Homeland and Freedom) announcing its dissolution. Part one was posted on June 12 and Part two on June 13. ETA: The practical application of Jean-Paul Sartres call for action Drawing on its existentialist and other ideological influences, ETA (Euskadi Ta AskatasunaBasque Homeland and Freedom) was formed as a clandestine action group in 1958. It defined its objectives as Euskadi, a free Basque Country, through a Basque state like other states in the world, and Askatasuna (freedom), free people in the Basque Country, which also included Alava and Navarre in Spain and three French Basque provinces. The resort to arms was viewed as the only way to liberate the Basque Country from Spanish occupation. The ETA newsletter, Zutik (Arise), declared in nihilistic terms, Violence is necessary. A contagious violence, destructive, which would help our struggle, the good struggle, the struggle that the Israelis, Congolese and Algerians have taught us. Individual terror attacks were the essence of ETAs demoralised spiral of action-reaction-action perspective. The amorphous masses were to be cajoled into rebellion by action. The Theoretical Bases of the Revolutionary War (1965) declared: 1. ETA, or the masses led by ETA, carry out a provocative action against the system. 2. The apparatus of state repression hits the masses. 3. In the face of repression, the masses react in two opposite and complementary ways: with panic and with rebellion. It is the right time for ETA to give a backlash that will decrease the first and increase the second. ETAs first confirmed assassinations occurred in 1968, targeting high-ranking members of the Franco regime. They took place just as the 19681975 revolutionary upsurge of the working class erupted. After the fall of the Francoist dictatorship and the transition to democracy, ETA continued its terror campaign, adding Popular Party (PP) and Socialist Party (PSOE) politicians to its hit-list. By the late 1980s, frustrated by the stabilisation of Spanish imperialism made possible by Stalinism and social democracy, ETA turned on civilians in what they called the socialization of suffering. Their deadliest attack was the 1987 Hipercor shopping centre bomb atrocity, which killed 21 people and injured 45 in a working-class neighbourhood in Barcelona. After the end of the fascist dictatorship, successive Spanish governments continued to use the Basque region as a testing ground for undemocratic measures, aimed at suppressing domestic political unrest. The PSOE, first elected in 1982, created the anti-terrorist Groups of Liberation (GAL) murder squad, which assassinated 23 people, mainly ETA members, but also innocent bystanders. By 1992, most of ETAs leadership had been arrested and tortured. ETAs indiscriminate bombings, pro-capitalist regional policies and lack of any genuinely progressive social programme led to its isolation. Support haemorrhaged following the September 11, 2001 attack on New York and the 2004 Madrid bombings. The PP government and its PSOE successor pushed through draconian legislationunder the banner of the War on Terrorsuch as the Political Parties Law, under which Batasuna [Unitya Basque nationalist party] was banned. In 2011, ETA announced a definitive cessation of its armed activity and in the following years attempted to negotiate, unsuccessfully, with the Spanish government on the future of its imprisoned members. ETAs armed struggle was justified by various pseudo-left groups as a legitimate expression of the right of nations to self-determination. They invoked Lenin and Trotsky only to justify their own hostility to socialist revolution. Lenin did not uphold the defence of the right to self-determination as some timeless principle, but with a definite historic objective in mindcombating nationalist influences over the working class and oppressed masses and striking down ethnic and linguistic barriers to the unity of the working-class characteristic of regimes with a belated capitalist development. In the advanced capitalist countries of Western Europe and the United States, Lenin explained, progressive bourgeois national movements came to an end long ago. Neither did Lenin champion regional separatism. In the Balkans, he insisted, self-determination meant uniting the regions population in a federated republic that would tear down the economically irrational boundaries of the petty states manipulated by imperialism. Like Lenin, Trotsky opposed the forcible retention of peoples in one nation and any suppression of their democratic rights. He defended the right to self-determination, up to and including the formation of separate states, but it was not the role of Marxists to advocate their creation. Rather Trotsky saw this negative defence of self-determination as a means of championing the voluntary and democratic unity of the working class and the greatest advantages for economy and culture. In The National Question in Catalonia (1931), Trotsky criticised the economic and political dismemberment of Spain, or in other words, the transformation of the Iberian Peninsula into a sort of Balkanic Peninsula, with independent states, divided by customs barriers, and with independent armies conducting independent Hispanic wars. He added, Are the workers and peasants of the various parties of Spain interested in the economic dismemberment of Spain? In no case. That is why, to identify the decisive struggle for the right to self-determination with propaganda for separatism, means to accomplish a fatal work. Our program is for Hispanic Federation with the indispensable maintenance of economic unity. We have no intention of imposing this program upon the oppressed nationalities of the peninsula with the aid of the arms of the bourgeoisie. In this sense, we are sincerely for the right to self-determination. If Catalonia separates, the Communist minority of Catalonia, as well as of Spain, will have to conduct a struggle for Federation. Since Trotskys time, there have been far-reaching transformations in the world. The masses of Asia and Africa have passed through the rise of bourgeois national movements and the experience of decolonization. This historic episode provides conclusive proof that the oppressed people of the world cannot achieve liberation through the establishment of new national states under the leadership of the national bourgeoisieproving the correctness of Trotskys Theory of Permanent Revolution. The dissolution of the Soviet Union also led to the proliferation of nationalist and separatist movements demanding the creation of new states, encouraged by the US and European imperialist powers in pursuit of their own geo-strategic goals, most tragically in Yugoslavia in the early 1990s. However, it was not only political considerations that underlay the intensification of communalist agitation. The development of globalization, the International Committee of the Fourth International (ICFI) explained, provided an objective impulse for a new type of nationalist movement, seeking the dismemberment of existing states. Globally mobile capital has given smaller territories the ability to link themselves directly to the world market. Hong Kong, Singapore and Taiwan have become the new models of development. A small coastal enclave, possessing adequate transportation links, infrastructure and a supply of cheap labor may prove a more attractive base for multinational capital than a larger country with a less productive hinterland. The ICFI insisted that it was necessary, in the interests of the international unity of the working class, to oppose the revived calls for separatism, which seek to divide up existing states for the benefit of local business layers in the wealthier regions. For the pseudo-left, the lessons of the end of ETA mean quite the opposite. They have set about intensifying the promotion of Basque and Catalan nationalism. Revolutionary Left (Izquierda Revolucionaria), the Spanish affiliate of the Committee for a Workers International, claims, The end of ETA must serve to strengthen and organize the revolutionary mass struggle in Euskal Herria [Basque Country]. The Basque Radical Left has shown that it has behind it the strength, the support, and the will of hundreds of thousands to defend a consistent left alternative. The Revolutionary Left sows illusions in figures such as Basque bourgeois politician Arnaldo Otegi, claiming such people have a great responsibility: to promote the mass movement, in a unitary way and with a clear anti-capitalist programme. This is a fraud. The experience with Syriza in Greece shows that such politicians have no intention of carrying out an anti-capitalist programme. Rather, the Basque nationalists are seeking a better deal with Madrid at the immediate expense of their supposed compatriots in the Catalan separatist movementand by signalling their willingness to stand by as Madrid strengthens the repressive powers of the state for use against the entire Spanish working-class. The end of ETA and the integration of the Basque pseudo-left in the state apparatus is a strategic experience of the international working class. The separatist organisations have demonstrated the absolute impossibility of the working class making any progress if it is strangled by nationalism and accepts a pro-capitalist perspective. Above all, the critical question is building a Spanish section of the ICFI that will explain to workers that the growing social and political struggles are part of an unfolding global process, posing to workers in every country the task of taking power and building a workers state pursuing socialist policies. Concluded Ken Loach is one of the worlds most respected film directors. His career began at the BBC in 1963 and consists of a body of work demonstrating socialist convictions and a deeply felt sympathy for the working class. Notable works include Up the Junction, Cathy Come Home, Kes, Days of Hope and A Question of Leadership. He dealt with the Spanish Civil War in Land And Freedom and the struggle against Britains oppression of Ireland in The Wind That Shakes The Barleyfor which he won the Palme dOr at the Cannes Film Festival in 2006. He won a second Palme dOr for I, Daniel Blake in 2016. The persecution of Julian Assange must end. To force him to remain in the Ecuadorian Embassy for fear of extradition to the USA is clearly political. He is right to be fearful. In the current febrile atmosphere people in the US have called for his execution. He has defended the publics right to know what is done in their name when others who now attack him have run for cover. It is time that Julian Assange is free to leave without fear. The Sandinista Front for National Liberation (FSLN) government in Nicaragua has renewed its murderous crackdown against demonstrators, as protests calling for an end to the repression and the resignation of President Daniel Ortega and his ruling clique continue to grow. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights reported last week that at least 127 have been killed in the repression. This toll has risen as the National Police and pro-government armed groups continue to shoot demonstrators and lay siege to entire towns and sectors of the capital, Managua. As the social explosion takes on unforeseen dimensions, and with the economy virtually grinding to a halt, Washington has sent a special envoy to push for a faster political settlement. This marks a new stage in the US intervention in the Nicaraguan political crisis, which began April 18 when protests against pension cuts and increases in social security contributions dictated by the IMF were immediately and violently suppressed. After the massacre of up to 15 demonstrators at a May 30 Mothers Day demonstration joined by hundreds of thousands, the protests have continued across the country, but have increasingly taken the form of street barricades erected and manned by students, workers and peasants to prevent government forces from entering their towns and neighborhoods. As the repression escalated over the weekend, the barricades multiplied. According to Alliance leaders, they reached a peak this Sunday with 125 blockades affecting 70 percent of the countrys thoroughfares and stopping the movement of 6,000 trailer trucks. On Monday, the Associations of Freight Carriers of Nicaragua ordered the suspension of all services in and out of the country due to the roadblocks and the danger faced by truckers from the repression. On Friday, the Wall Street credit agency Standard & Poors changed its assessment of the economy from stable to negative, reporting drops in consumption and investment due to the political impasse. The demonstrations are also having a regional impact, underscoring the importance of the geographic position and power of the Nicaraguan working class. The largest employer organizations in Costa Rica have reported that the street barricades are affecting 44 percent of Costa Ricas industrial exports, which are sent overland through Nicaragua. A public education worker in Jinotega told the World Socialist Web Site that the Sandinista Youth carried out an assault on roadblocks erected in her town by students, housewives and workers over the weekend. They go with full force to kill and the police protects them. The anti-riot officials are with the Sandinistas. There were shootings all through Friday night, she said. There were at least 20 protesters injured and a 12-year-old killed. She was able to identify some of the men shooting at demonstrators from pickup trucks by the Simon Bolivar School as employees of the mayors office. Asked about the impact of the protests on workers, she noted, People work for one or two hours and then they close down. The food is running out, she said, half-jokingly adding, My mother is going to have to kill all of her chickens now. The growing mass movement against the government has remained subordinated to the National Dialogue between the FSLN, Washington, and the countrys top business associations. The student and peasant leaders have led the efforts to prevent the protests from spiraling out of the ruling classs control, while workers and youth are increasingly expressing opposition against all capitalist political parties and state institutions. Prior to this incident, a CID Gallup poll published on May 29 showed that nearly 70 percent of those surveyed support the demonstrations and the demand for Ortegas resignation. While the support for the FSLN has plummeted to all-time lows, a majority of respondents indicated that they do not back any political party. The presidents favorable rating shifted from 71 percent in January to 29 percent in May, while similar majorities also have negative perceptions of the COSEP business organization, the army and the police. Last week, leaders of the April 19 Student Movement, which has remained at the helm of the protests across the main cities of the country, travelled to Washington to meet with US senators, Organization of the American State (OAS) officials, the head of USAID and other top representatives of US imperialism to discuss the crisis and receive new marching orders in support of the National Dialogue. On Thursday, the Catholic Church, which is mediating the talks, gave a new and undisclosed proposal to Ortega, who requested 48 hours to ponder it. However, he has not given an official response and instead unleashed a renewed offensive by the National Police and pro-government armed groups to clear the roadblocks with rubber bullets and live ammunition. Then, on Monday, the US Embassy released a statement announcing that a special US envoy took part in the talks between the FSLN government and the opposition, with the approval of the US Senate Foreign Relations Committee and the State Department. On June 7, the State Department announced visa restrictions on a handful of unnamed Nicaraguan officials charged with undermining human rights and democratic values. Then, Tuesday afternoon, the Nicaraguan news website Confidencial reported that it had received a draft of a Senate bill requesting financial sanctions against Nicaraguan officials. Presumably to be announced soon, the bill targets officials deemed by the Trump administration to be responsible for significant acts of violence or serious human rights violations, undermining the democratic process or institutions and corruption. These measures are intended to secure US control over the outcome of the discussions, while providing a cover for support for the violent suppression of the protests. As the numbers of demonstrators killed escalated last week, the only specific act condemned by the US government was the burning of the pro-government Radio Nicaragua by protesters on Friday. Meanwhile, the Nica Act, a bill including broad restrictions on Nicaraguan credit access from international institutions, remains shelved in the US Senate. The US envoy, Caleb McCarry, is a top official for Latin America in the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. He was the director of the CIA-linked Center for Democracy in Guatemala in the late 1980s, charged with providing a democratic veil for the US-backed military dictatorships and death squads that terrorized and killed hundreds of thousands in the region. He also directed the Centers mission in Nicaragua prior to the 1990 elections, when it set up an office in Managua to coordinate voting registration by the terrorist Contra forces and to channel foreign support to the opposition led by Violeta Chamorro. According to anonymous sources present at the meetings this weekend who spoke with La Prensa, it was Ortega himself who requested, through the Nicaraguan embassy in the US, that McCarry join the talks. McCarry had met Ortega last year to discuss the Nica Act, after which it was indefinitely shelved. These developments demonstrate that, in spite of the continued pressure, Ortega and the FSLN leadership have gained a measure of support from the dominant and staunchly right-wing sectors in Washington. The same elements that participated in the bloody US counterrevolutionary operations during the 1980s are now backing Ortegas repression. Beyond perfunctory condemnations of the state violence by Trump administration officials, the State Department continues to appeal to Ortega to put an end to the protests and arrange a political settlement with the opposition through the National Dialogue. There is little doubt that Ortega, along with the more nakedly pro-imperialist factions of the national bourgeoisie, has guaranteed compliance with US military and economic concerns about Nicaraguas growing ties with US rivals, chiefly Russia and China. The representative of the Peasant Anti-Canal Movement in the National Dialogue, Medardo Mairena, communicated to his followers on Monday that Ortega had agreed during the weekend meetings to convoke snap elections, while insisting that he will remain in power until they take place. FSLN leaders told Confidencial that they are proposing elections sometime in 2019. All of these talks are being carried out behind the backs of the workers, peasants and youth dying on the streets. It is apparent that a consensus is being reachedin spite of differences over the weeks and months that Ortega will stay in power and promises of impunity for his murderous cliqueto rapidly restore political conditions in which the Nicaraguan ruling class and foreign capital can resume their escalation of the exploitation of the working class, including through social austerity measures and further repression. Beyond the pension cuts that triggered the protests, social anger has been driven by deepening social inequality. A growing concentration of wealth at the top has been accompanied by plummeting levels of social assistance to the poorest sectors and the slashing of benefits for public sector workers. This has accelerated dramatically after Venezuelan aid virtually stopped. Compared to 2012, when Venezuela donated $345 million in housing and productive investments and $209 million in social assistance, the respective figures for 2017 were $26 million and $4.7 million. The total Venezuelan aid in 2012 amounted to seven times the total foreign aid expected for Nicaragua this year. This massive fall in social assistance, along with the further pro-business austerity measures demanded by the IMF, have brought enormous economic pressures on the majority of impoverished households in the country. A 2017 World Bank study found that 39 percent of Nicaraguans live under the poverty line of $4 per day. The bulk of those who have risen above the meager $4 threshold during the last decade, whether from social assistance or faster economic growth, fell into the vulnerable category of $4 to $10 per day, comprising 45 percent of Nicaraguans. Primary elections in five US states Tuesday chose the Democratic and Republican nominees for three US Senate seats, four governorships and 25 seats in the House of Representatives. The results confirmed the main political trends in the two corporate-controlled parties, with both parties moving further to the right. The Republican Party is embracing candidates who echo the fascistic demagogy of the Trump White House, particularly directed against immigrants. The Democratic Party continues to select candidates drawn to an extraordinary extent from the national security apparatusex-CIA, military intelligence and combat commanders, as well as civilian national security officials. More people voted in Democratic primaries than in Republican primaries, but turnout was light in all five states: Maine, Virginia, South Carolina, North Dakota and Nevada. Only Virginia is among the larger states in terms of population, ranking 12th, with 8.4 million people, about as many as the other four states combined. The most important result in the Democratic primaries was the selection of three more candidates for Congress with military-intelligence backgrounds in competitive seatsthose now held by Republicans that are considered vulnerable if there is a shift to the Democratic Party in the November election. This brings the total to 20, about one-third of the nominees selected so far to contest competitive seats. A career in the military-intelligence apparatus is by far the largest occupational category for such nominees, more than state and local government, the legal profession or the corporate and business hierarchy. Abigail Spanberger, who worked for nearly nine years as a CIA undercover operative, mainly in Europeshe speaks French, Spanish, German and some Italianwon the Democratic nomination in the Seventh Congressional District of Virginia, which includes the northern suburbs of Richmond and extends north through rural areas almost to the Washington, D.C., suburbs. Spanberger defeated another candidate with a national-security background, former Marine Corps fighter pilot Daniel Ward, by a margin of 72 percent to 28 percent. The two candidates raised nearly equal sums of money, more than $750,000 eachlarge sums for a congressional racebut Spanberger had the most support in the party apparatus and gushing coverage in both the local and national press. According to her campaign web site, Spanberger was an operations officer for the CIA. The site states, She traveled and lived abroad collecting intelligence, managing assets, and overseeing high-profile programs in service to the United States. She applied to join the CIA in 2002, began work in 2006 after a protracted vetting process, and left the agency in 2014 to return to the Richmond area and become involved in Democratic Party activities. She will face incumbent Republican David Brat, an ultra-right college economics professor who first won the seat in 2014 after upsetting the House majority leader, Eric Cantor, in the Republican primary. Brats campaigns have largely focused on demonizing immigrants and demanding more severe repressive measures, including Trumps border wall. The people of the Seventh Congressional District will thus have a choice, in the candidates of the major establishment parties, between an ultra-rightist who specializes in anti-immigrant demagogy and a former operative for the most reactionary and murderous organization on the planet, responsible for torture, widespread violations of democratic rights and the deaths of millions of people. In the Second District of Virginia, which includes Norfolk and its huge Navy complex, Elaine Luria, a former Navy commander, won the Democratic nomination to face incumbent Republican Scott Taylor. Luria, a first-time candidate after ending a career that included commanding nuclear-powered warships, had the backing of the party establishment and a huge financial edge against one Democratic rival. Two other military-intelligence candidates in Virginia lost their bids for the Democratic nomination in the Tenth Congressional District, to challenge incumbent Republican Barbara Comstock. Alison Friedman, an official in the Obama State Department, was aided by her personal wealth (she is an heir to the Levi Strauss fortune and gave $1 million to her own campaign) but finished second. Daniel Helmer, a combat veteran from Iraq and Afghanistan with significant backing from former military brass, finished fourth. The race was won by a local Democratic officeholder, State Senator Jennifer Wexton. Another ex-military candidate was leading in the race for the Democratic nomination in the Second District of Maine, which includes the northern two-thirds of the state. Jared Golden enlisted in the Marines and did tours of duty in Afghanistan in 2004 and Iraq in 2005-2006. He later returned to Afghanistan as a civilian (nominally a schoolteacher) before moving to the staff of Senator Susan Collins of Maine, a Republican. Golden began his own political career as a Democratic candidate in 2014, winning a seat in the state legislature. In the congressional primary, he was leading his main challenger, Lucas St. Clair, heir to the Burts Bees cosmetics fortune, by about nine percentage points. This election is being held under a new electoral system in which the lowest-ranking candidates will be eliminated and their votes redistributed based on second preferences of their supporters. The Democrats selected another military-intelligence candidate for governor of South Carolina in an uphill race for a seat held by the Republicans for the past 15 years. James Smith is a member of the South Carolina state legislature, but his background is in the military, including eight years as a judge advocate general, or military prosecutor. After 9/11, he resigned his commission and reenlisted and went through basic training to become a combat infantryman. This led to a one-year tour of duty in Afghanistan, which, his web site boasts, makes him one of a small number of public officials nationwide who have served the United States in combat. Smiths military service shaped his outlook on civic service. On the Republican side, two results demonstrated the partys headlong rush to the right. State legislator Katie Arrington defeated incumbent Representative Mark Sanford in the First District of South Carolina after a campaign focused on her denunciations of Sanfords occasional criticisms of Trumps crudest and most vulgar comments. Arrington told her victory rally, We are the party of Donald J. Trump, while Trump tweeted his enthusiastic support. In Virginia, former Trump campaign manager Corey Stewart won the Republican nomination for US Senate, to face the heavily favored incumbent Tim Kaine, who was Hillary Clintons running mate in 2016. Stewart called Trump the greatest president of the last 100 years. He narrowly defeated a state legislator, Nick Freitas, who campaigned as a libertarian critic of Trump from an even more right-wing perspective, calling for even greater cuts in public spending for social services and even bigger tax cuts for the wealthy. Only one electoral result in Tuesdays voting actually determined the winner of an office, rather than selecting a nominee of one of the two big business parties. That was a special election in the 1st State Senate district of Wisconsin, in the area around Green Bay. The Republican incumbent stepped down to take an appointed position in state government and the Democratic Party won the seat, although Trump carried the district by 17 points in 2016. This was the 25th Republican-held seat in a state legislature captured by the Democrats since Trump took office, compared to only five Democratic seats captured by Republicans. This is only a pale indication of the mounting hostility to the Trump administration among working people, which can find no politically progressive expression within the framework of the corporate-controlled two-party system. The author also recommends: The CIA Democrats [7 March 2018] The 16th annual direct line event with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which took place last Thursday, June 7, under conditions of an ongoing imperialist encirclement and war provocations against Russia, was a testimony to the extraordinary alienation of the ruling oligarchy from the countrys population, and to growing social and political discontent. In a sign of increasing nervousness within the Kremlin, this direct line, unlike previous ones, included no audience and journalists in the room from which Putin received and answered calls. Instead, the studio was equipped with screens and operators sitting behind them who were receiving video recordings, texts and other messages. Only select messages and questions were answered by Putin. The event was broadcast live on the countrys major television channels and several radio stations. The US-led imperialist encirclement of Russia and the danger of world war, a major and very real concern for the Russian population, were, along with the social crisis, the major theme of the direct line. In an attempt to present himself as the voice of reason in opposition to the aggressive and unpredictable policies of US president Donald Trump, Putin argued for every country to advance its own interests without resorting to egotistical political methods. He further said, Russia is regarded as a threat, because they perceive Russia as a rival. I believe that this is an erroneous policy, because one should not try and contain anyone, including Russia, but foster cooperation, which would produce a beneficial effect for the global economy. To the question Will there be a World War Three? Putin responded by quoting Albert Einstein, who once said that while he didnt know what weapons might be used to wage a third world war, World War IV will be fought with sticks and stones. Putin then added: World War Three could put an end to civilization as we know it. Understanding this should prevent us from extreme and very dangerous actions in the international arena that could threaten modern civilization. Meanwhile, Putin evidently avoided denouncing the imperialist powers and their blatant provocations and aggression. When asked about the Skripal case, an obviously staged provocation aimed at providing the pretext for a military build-up and confrontation with Russia, he only said that were dealing with something other than a military-grade agent. As long as Russia was not part of the investigation, he added, it is difficult for us [the Russian government] to comment on anything. Having emerged out of the destruction of the Soviet state, and the restoration of capitalism in Russia, which was carried out hand-in-glove with the very governments and bourgeoisies that are now threatening to militarily attack and carve up the country, the Russian oligarchy is closely tied to the imperialist powers. Finding itself increasingly encircled and pressured, the Kremlin has been feverishly working to find a rapprochement with imperialism by making limited concessions both in foreign policy and by undertaking steps to further open up Russia to foreign investors. As tensions between the United States and the EU are growing, the Kremlin is trying to exploit these inter-imperialist divisions to establish alliances with the major imperialist powers of Europe. The Kremlin is also appealing to far-right forces throughout Europe, including the National Front in France and the far-right government in Austria. In these maneuvers, the Russian oligarchy is driven not least of all by growing social discontent at home, expressions of which dominated the direct line with Putin. Putins general evaluation of the situation in the country, which, in his words, was moving in the absolute right direction and was marked by consistent economic growth stood in stark contrast to the issues raised by people in their questions: the rapidly rising prices for public utilities, petrol and other products of mass consumption, the degradation of health care, education and the environment, the miserable wages of the majority of the population against the background of huge profits for the oligarchs, the lack of control over public officials and omnipresent corruption, as well as the plans of the government to increase the retirement age and raise taxes. According to official statistics, the real income of Russians has declined by a total of some 11 percent over the past four years relative to their 2013 levels, before the crisis triggered by the Western sanctions and decline in oil prices began. Despite the Kremlin propaganda about a united people, Putin clearly showed in his answers which social interests he defends. He rejected the introduction of a progressive income tax and the nationalization of oil and other raw material resources companies. Nor did Putin offer any concrete plans for the financial realization of his May Decrees, which promised an improvement of the social situation. When asked about the raising of the retirement age, something that prime minister Medvedev recently indicated was actively being prepared, Putin refused to provide an assessment of the governments proposal in this regard, and instead made general remarks about how the welfare of the elderly had to be taken care of. In this way, he implicitly signaled his approval of plans that will lead to a significant decline in the living standards of tens of millions of people. Another major topic was the sharp rise in petrol prices: Between March 8 and June 8, the average price for one litre of petrol rose from 41,18 rubles (0.66 cents) to 45,28 rubles (0.72). In some regions it has surpassed 50 rubles (about 80 cents). Putin said that this was the result of incorrect, to put it mildly, regulation and added that the necessary measures to reverse this process would be put in place. At the same time, he emphasized that the interests of the biggest oil companies, which are responsible for the recent price hike, were not to be touched. Most questions that were raised in the direct line already troubled the population at the beginning of Putins time in power, some 20 years ago. Since then, social inequality has continued to rise, and the situation in the key sectors of the economy, the conditions of basic infrastructure and in the social sphere have further deteriorated. Thus, the Nezavisimaya Gazeta recently cited the following numbers with regard to health care: Since 2000, the number of hospitals in Russia has declined by about 300 to 350 per year. In the past 16 years, their number has been reduced by a factor of five. Especially within the framework of the restructuring and optimization of the health care system, clinics in small towns in the countryside and villages are being shut down. The number of polyclinics has also significantly declined: of 21,300 only 18,600 remain. The number of pediatricians in Russia has declined from 72,000 to 58,000 between 2000 and 2016, and between 2005 and 2014, the number of outpatient hospitals has declined by 2.4 times in the countryside, thus dramatically worsening the access to medical aid for children there. At the same time, the government spares no money when it comes to supporting the oligarchs, banks and major businesses. The Russian Central Bank has recently spent 2,62 trillion rubles ($41.2 billion) to readjust three private banking groups. The Vneshekonombank, a state enterprise with special status, which is directly led by the government, has received over 1 trillion rubles ($15.92 billion) from the state budget between 2016 and 2017, channelled through the Central Bank. By contrast, the latest social initiatives of the president to improve the demographic situation are estimated to cost some 80 billion rubles ($1.27 billion) per year. The new Western sanctions against the Russian government and oligarchs that are connected with it will lead to new assaults by the Kremlin on the rights and living standards of the working class. The government has already announced that it will help the major business empires of the oligarchs that are being sanctioned, particularly Oleg Deripaska, who controls much of the aluminium industry, and Viktor Vekselberg, who is now the richest individual in Russia. Currently, the creation of two off-shore havens in Russia is being discussed, one on the island Russii near Vladivostok, in the Far East, and the other one on the island Oktiabrskii in the Kaliningrad oblast. The government is also rapidly preparing a bill which will allow the major companies to not disclose information about deals they are preparing. It would also allow companies that are considered vital to the functioning of the economy to muddle their property structure so as to avoid sanctions. L. Francis Cissna, the Director of the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS), announced this week the creation of a new office that will be focused on identifying American citizens who cheated in their naturalization application. The ultimate goal of the office is to seek to remove the citizenship rights of such immigrants in civil court proceedings, while also prosecuting them on the charge of criminal fraud. Presented as a straightforward and innocuous initiative, the move marks yet another step in ongoing and relentless attack against immigrants, and more broadly on citizenship rights in the United States. Details about the powers, the budget and the general scope of the new office are as yet sketchy. In an interview to the Associated Press earlier this week, Cissna stated that the Los Angeles-based office will soon start hiring lawyers and immigration officers. The new hires will initially be tasked with looking closely at the files of citizens suspected to have assumed a new identity in order to avoid deportation, and who eventually succeeded in acquiring permanent residency and naturalization. There were no specifics given about the numbers of immigrants who fell within the purview of this new initiative, or for that matter, costs associated with such an effort. The US government has pursued charges against naturalized citizens who have acquired citizenship under false pretenses in the past. However, as Cissna admitted, this has been done more sporadically, and on a case-by-case basis. In fact, the US government had not even paid attention to supposed fraud of this nature until a decade ago, when a border officer detected about 200 people had used different identities to get green cards and citizenship after they were previously issued deportation orders. In the years since, the Department of Justice has filed 305 civil denaturalization cases. These numbers, one would think, are not high enough to justify the expense or the efforts currently being instituted by the Trump administration. However, there are other kinds of numbers that are being presented as more pertinent. Two years ago, an internal report for the USCIS claimed that there were 315,000 fingerprint records of immigrants who had been deported or had criminal convictions, that had not been uploaded to the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) database that checks immigrants identities. The report further claimed that 800 of these immigrants had acquired citizenship under a different name. Even if this were to be true, it would still represent a minuscule fraction of the total number of naturalized citizens in the country. In his interview, Cissna stated, The people who are going to be targeted by thisthey know full well who they are because they were ordered removed under a different identity and they intentionally lied about it when they applied for citizenship later on. It may be some time before we get to their case, but well get to them. He tried to soften the threat by insisting that that his agency was not concerned about those whose applications had minor discrepancies. However, that is hardly a reassurance given the escalating and bipartisan anti-immigrant offensive that has gained new impetus under the Trump administration. In February 2018, a few months after Cissnas appointment as Director, USCIS removed the term nation of immigrants from its mission statement and replaced it with a statement that highlighted the law enforcement aspects of the agencys functions. While the change was explained as a small correction that merelyand more correctlyreflected the agencys primary commitment to the American people and our values, it was in fact a more ominous sign of the times. Prior to the change, Cissna had already put in place several measures that made a complex immigration system even more arduous for working class applicants. This includes increased security checks for foreign workers applying for visas, higher threshold for asylum applications and a more complicated process for Green Card application. The establishment of a new office of this sort under the aegis of the USCIS marks the first time any US administration has attempted to address claims of citizenship fraud on a concerted and coordinated basis. Ironically, prior to the last decade, prosecutions pertaining to denaturalization followed through by the US government were focused primarily on Nazi war criminals who had lied on their applications. Now the US government is targeting immigrants in ways that would have been familiar to the functionaries of the Third Reich and that had been declared to be inhumane and illegal in the Nuremberg trials over 70 years ago. Though it is being presented as a simple administrative measure to facilitate already established legal guidelines, Cissnas announcement should be seen and understood for the warning it really represents. Coming as it does, on the heels of a sustained attack on immigrantsfirst on the basis of their being undocumented and now supposedly because of suspect documentationthis is yet another dangerous sign of the ongoing attack on citizenship rights and the destruction of democratic norms. LOOGOOTEE, Ind. (WTHI) - The Indiana Department of Education is investigating a local school's ISTEP testing. On Thursday, News 10 learned there was a reported breach at Loogootee Schools for the ISTEP test. That means some students may need to retake the test. Superintendent Chip Mehaffey told in a statement that last month, a parent reported students may have had access to some math test questions. From there, the Indiana Department of Education investigated. Mehaffey said that investigation uncovered an administrator printed three winter 2017 test questions from the parent portal. The administrator gave those questions to math teachers who may have used them for spring 2018 review. Part of the statement says: "We are firm in our belief that there was no ill intent by the administrator." As a result of the breach, some test scores have been invalidated. All of this means some students will have to retake the math portion of the ISTEP + test once school begins in August. See the full statement here. TERE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - Education leaders in Indiana made a stop in Terre Haute on Thursday to discuss pressing issues. The Commission for Higher Education held its monthly meeting at Indiana State University. The commission travels to universities around the state. At Thursday's meeting, members met with ISU President Dr. Deborah Curtis. They also discussed higher education issues with ISU graduates. The commission makes recommendations on how to fund higher education programs to the state. On Thursday, members released its college readiness report. To see the report, click here. SEELYVILLE, Ind. (WTHI) - Two hundred new jobs could be coming to Vigo county but people in one town say they are disappointed. Instead of moving to Seelyville, Saturn Petcare plans to use the old Pfizer building in southern Vigo County. The Seelyville Town Council approved a ten-year tax abatement for Saturn Petcare as part of a package to get the company to fill the former Kellogg's Snack Plant. Officials say the deal fell apart because Kellogg's and Saturn could not meet on a purchase agreement. Now Saturn Petcare has plans to fill a different vacant Vigo county property. The county council preliminarily approved a ten-year tax abatement to get Saturn in the former Pfizer building. Now a committee will discuss the proposal before the council makes a final decision. Council President Aaron Loudermilk says, "That is a good property and it would be nice for us to be able to get a tenant in there that is productive and is providing jobs for the community." In Seelyville, residents say they are disappointed with the news. Tracie Taylor says, "Unfortunately, this area, we don't have a lot of new growth and with all the diminishing of the jobs like Sony DADC, we haven't had a lot of new industry in here so I hate to see us lose that because the eastside needs jobs." Rodney Bryan, drives by plant each day, says, "We've lost a lot, you know, metal industry going out years ago and all that, we've lost a lot of jobs." The tax abatement for Kellogg's is expired so the company will have to pay full taxes on the property. TERRE HAUTE, Ind. (WTHI) - A historic part of downtown Terre Haute is getting a new purpose. Thursday afternoon, Indiana Landmarks announced that the First Financial Corporation, the parent company of First Financial Bank, has donated the former First Financial main office to Indiana Landmarks. The building at 643 Wabash Avenue has been around since 1903. The building is listed in the National Register of Historic Places. CANDLES is an acronym for Children of Auschwitz Nazi Deadly Lab Experiments Survivors. CANDLES, Inc. was founded in 1984 as a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization by Eva Mozes Kor with help from her twin sister, Miriam Mozes Zieger, to launch an effort to locate other surviving Mengele twins. As a result of their efforts, Eva and Miriam were able to locate 122 individual Mengele twins living in ten countries and four continents. The search for more twins continues to this day. The brand new CANDLES sign. @evamozeskor A post shared by CANDLES Holocaust Museum (@candlesmuseum) on May 29, 2018 at 7:26am PDT The building will remain an integral part of history in the community. The building will be restored, with the intention of making it the new home of the CANDLES Holocaust Museum and Education Center. On behalf of our board of directors and shareholders, First Financial is pleased to help preserve a building known to generations of people in this area, First Financials CEO and President Norman L. Lowery said. As our main office headquarters for 60 years, it represents a significant part of the banks history of service to the community. In addition to donating the building, First Financial is also donating $110,000 to help Indiana Landmarks to start the renovation process. In the next six months, Indiana Landmarks will stabilize the structure, including replacing the roof. Indiana Landmarks intends to pass ownership to CANDLES while retaining a protective covenant on the building in perpetuity. Indiana Landmarks told News 10 this project may push the $2 million mark to complete. CANDLES is growing and wanted more space for offices, exhibits, and public programs. CANDLES and Indiana Landmarks approached First Financial about the donation of the building in 2016. We look forward to working with Indiana Landmarks in transforming 643 Wabash Avenue into a vibrant place for the community to gather and learn. In addition to being closer to our partner, Indiana State University, CANDLES will increase the synergy among museums and other arts and culture organizations that already call downtown Terre Haute their home, said CANDLES Executive Director Dorothy Chambers. First Financial completed construction on its current headquarters at 6th and Wabash in June 1988. After that, the Terre Haute Chamber of Commerce occupied 643 Wabash. The Chamber shared the structure with other tenantsWabash Valley Community Foundation, Terre Haute Economic Development Corp., Terre Haute Convention & Visitors Bureau and Indiana Landmarks Western Regional Office. STROH, Ind. (AP) Indiana State Police say skeletal human remains recovered in April from a field in northeastern Indiana have been identified as those of a woman missing since 2012. Police announced Wednesday that DNA testing and an anthropological exam were conducted to help confirm the identity of the remains found in rural LaGrange County. Police say Tiffany A. Huffman was reported missing after last being seen in the nearby town of Stroh. Cause of death hasnt been determined, but police say foul play isnt suspected. Police say a property owner spotted the remains about 35 miles (56 kilometers) north of Fort Wayne. They say the level of decomposition made immediate identification of the person impossible. A forensic anthropology team from the University of Indianapolis assisted with the recovery of the remains. An operation to recapture the northwestern Yemeni port city of Hodeidah got underway at dawn Wednesday, potentially putting a quarter of a million people at risk. The Saudi-led coalition launched ground attacks on the city's airport and other neighborhoods in the southeastern part of the city, with air and naval support, General Mohsen Al Khosrof of the Yemeni National Army (YNA) told CNN. The YNA and the coalition are fighting on behalf of the internationally recognized government, which is trying to squash an insurgency by Iran-backed Houthi rebels. A UAE military ship has been attacked by Houthi rebels and is currently on fire in the Red Sea off the coast of Hodeidah, according to two senior Yemeni-Houthi military commanders. UAE state media has also reported that four Emirati soldiers had died fighting in Yemen, though the article did not specify whether their deaths are related to the attack on the ship. Last week, the UN said that in a worst-case scenario as many as 250,000 people could be killed in an offensive against Hodeidah. "I am extremely concerned about military escalation in #Hodeida & their humanitarian & political impact. We're in contact with parties to avoid further escalation. We call on them to exercise restraint & engage with political efforts to spare Hodeida a military confrontation," the office of the UN's Yemen envoy Martin Griffiths said in a tweet on Monday. The city, which is currently under rebel control, is considered a lifeline for the country's war-ravaged population. About 90% of food, fuel and medicines consumed in Yemen is imported, with 70% of that coming through Hodeidah, according to the UN. "Taking over Hodeidah could be called an act of madness in every meaning of the word because Hodeidah is (a) city full of civilians and it holds the main artery for all Yemenis, in the North and in the South," Sanaa resident Aly Al-Mahdy said. Another resident in the capital, Nouran Mohammed, said that it would "result in a humanitarian disaster." Recapturing the port would deprive the Houthis of access to the Red Sea, possibly ending the virtual stalemate between the rebels and the government. The Houthis control parts of northern Yemen, including Hodeidah and the Yemeni capital, while the government controls much of the south. "The liberation of the port of Hodeidah is a turning point in our struggle to take back Yemen from the militias that hijacked it to carry out foreign agendas," the government said in a statement on Wednesday. The United Arab Emirates, which is part of the coalition, on Wednesday called on the international community to pressure the Houthis to abandon the port, and said it remains open for shipping. "The international community must pressure the Houthis to evacuate Hodeida & leave the port intact. Their use of land & sea mines shows a cruel & callous disregard for Yemeni lives," the UAE's Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash said in a tweet. In a statement, Emirati Minister of State Reem Al Hashimy said the coalition has prepared a "large-scale and comprehensive surge plan for the rapid delivery of humanitarian aid." Saudi Arabia's ambassador to the US, Khalid bin Salman, tweeted that the offensive was "critical in light of the growing threat that the Iranian backed Houthi militia poses to the maritime security of the red sea." In a series of tweets on Wednesday, he added: "The Houthi's continued obstruction with regards to Hodeidah is due to their use of the port to raise revenues through looting, extortion, and illegal taxation imposed on commercial ships to finance and sustain their military aggression against Yemen and neighboring countries." Thousands of people have died in Yemen's war. In 2015, Houthi rebels took over large swaths of territory prompting a coalition intervention. The conflict has spiraled into what the UN has dubbed "the world's worst humanitarian crisis." On Monday, the UN Security Council held an emergency meeting on Hodeidah after the UAE asked the United Kingdom to tell aid agencies to leave the port city. The aid agencies were told to evacuate by Tuesday night. Speaking ahead of Monday's emergency meeting called by the UK, Karen Pierce, Britain's ambassador to the UN, said: "The important thing is that (Hodeidah) is kept open and it is kept functioning because it is the major route in for these commercial supplies." UN Humanitarian Chief Mark Lowcock also warned about the potential consequences of an operation. "Seven million people are completely reliant every month on food and other assistance from humanitarian organizations so Hodeidah is absolutely central to the preserving of life," Lowcock said at a press briefing on Monday. "If for any period, Hodeidah were not to operate effectively, the consequences in humanitarian terms would be catastrophic." However, the United States, which previously stood against the offensive, appears to have offered tacit agreement. Officials issued a statement Monday that Yemen analyst Adam Baron described as a "yellow light" for the Yemen offensive. "I have spoken with Emirati leaders and made clear our desire to address their security concerns while preserving the free flow of humanitarian aid and life-saving commercial imports," said US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in a press statement Monday. Will the Houthis withdraw? The offensive risks plunging the country into further violence as the coalition tries to wrest control of the strategic city from the rebels. A coalition takeover would tip the conflict in favor of Saudi Arabia and its allies. "This offensive represents a huge escalation in the conflict ... a lot of it depends on how Hodeidah falls. If the Houthis dig in, this could be a bloody street battle comparable to Aleppo," Baron, the analyst, said. But "there is the opportunity for a Houthi withdrawal and for the coalition to force a Houthi retreat," Baron added. "This is something that could be extremely high-risk and could cause a lot of humanitarian disruption ... there's a reason why you're seeing so much opposition in some quarters." A rescue ship stranded in the Mediterranean Sea since Sunday is on its way to Spain, where the government has agreed to accept the 630 people on board. A source close to the Spanish government told CNN that the migrants on board the Aquarius would be given a 15-day permit to stay, during which they would be able to start the process of seeking asylum. Left to drift for two days in the waters between the Italian and Maltese coasts, the Aquarius search-and-rescue vessel has become the latest symbol of the migration crisis in the Mediterranean. It all started with a single tweet of just 16 characters and escalated into a diplomatic hot potato that has pitted Europe's countries against one another. How did we get here? The Aquarius rescued 630 people while on patrol off the coast of Libya over the weekend, the ship's operators SOS M-diterran-e and Doctors Without Borders (MSF) said. With more than 120 unaccompanied minors and six pregnant women on board, the ship was then directed to travel north in search of a safe harbor by the Italian Maritime Rescue Coordination Center (IMRCC). The vessel's journey came to an abrupt halt when the Italian Coast Guard told Aquarius to hold its position, the aid groups said. Matteo Salvini, Italy's new hardline interior minister and leader of the anti-immigration League party, refused to allow it to dock, tweeting the hashtag #chiudiamoiporti ("Close the doors"). He also suggested preventing a second foreign-flagged search-and-rescue vessel, Sea Watch 3, operated by a group of German volunteers and currently positioned off the coast of Libya, from docking. On Tuesday morning, a US Navy ship recovered 40 survivors and 12 bodies from a shipwreck off the Libyan Coast. Several of the migrants died before they could be rescued by the USNS Trenton, according to a US official and Sea Watch, a non-governmental organization that conducts rescue operations in the Mediterranean. The USis awaiting word as to whether it could transport the survivors to Italy. Italy has been accused of operating a "double standard" on the issue after an Italian Coast Guard boat carrying 937 rescued migrants was allowed to dock in Catania, Sicily on Wednesday. "It is unacceptable that people who have literally been picked out of the water, who have seen their friends drowning, still do not get a place of safety," Johannes Bayer, the Sea-Watch chairman, said in a statement Wednesday. "This is a damning indictment of the European Union's policy on immigration. A dispute about the distribution of asylum seekers must not be carried out at the expense of people in maritime distress," Bayer added. What is happening now? Italy dispatched two ships to assist the overcrowded Aquarius on Tuesday afternoon as it began its four-day voyage to Spain after the country's newly assembled government stepped up and offered to take in the survivors. Around 250 people were transferred to the Italian Navy's Orione and a further 274 to the Coast Guard vessel Dattilo, SOS M-diterran-e said. The Aquarius now has just 106 survivors on board, according to MSF. All three ships are en route to Valencia, Spain -- a roughly 800-mile journey that is likely to encounter bad weather, according to Jana Ciernioch, spokeswoman from SOS M-diterran-e. William Lacy Swing, the director general of the United Nations Migration Agency (IOM), tweeted that while he was glad that Spain had stepped forward to defuse the crisis, "I fear a major tragedy if states start refusing to accept rescued migrants as was threatened." France criticized the Italy for rejecting the Aquarius on Tuesday, Reuters reported. French government spokesman Benjamin Griveaux quoted President Emmanuel Macron as saying there was "a degree of cynicism and irresponsibility in the Italian government's behavior," the news agency reported. The French remarks drew an angry response from Rome. The source close to the Spanish government told CNN that, during the process of claiming asylum, they would get the same rights in Spain as Spanish nationals, until their application is processed. That could take up to two years, the source said. Why did Italy refuse to help? The Mediterranean remains the world's deadliest migration route and Italy has handled what it considers to be its fair share of migrants trying to reach Europe by boat. The new populist government, refused to grant the survivors entry, demanding that other European nations help deal with the issue. During Italy's recent election, Salvini had seized on anti-immigration sentiment in the country and pledged to deport 500,000 migrants. While his rhetoric has softened slightly since he took office, he declared that Italy "cannot be Europe's refugee camp" during a recent visit to Sicily. But data from the International Organization for Migration (IOM) shows Italy has actually seen a decline of around 77% in sea arrivals in the past year. That drop appears to be a result of a 2017 deal between Italy and Libya in which the southern European country pledged to bolster Libya's coast guard so it could spot departing migrant boats and house migrants attempting the crossing. Instead, the number of migrants now landing on Spanish shores has escalated. So far, in 2018, that figure has grown drastically from the same period last year. In the first week of June, 561 migrants arrived in Spain by sea routes. Correction: This article has been updated to clarify that the US Navy carried out the operation that rescued 40 people on Tuesday off the coast of Libya. LOWNDES COUNTY, Miss. (WTVA) - A Columbus man is accused of soliciting a girl for nude images and underwear. Jonquil Ball was arrested and charged the enticement of a child to produce visual depiction of sexual conduct. The Lowndes County Sheriff's Department says officers were contacted by detectives with the Dade City (FL) Police Department. They advised about a suspect in Lowndes County soliciting an underage female online for nude pictures, videos and used undergarments. Officers say he intended to sell them online. A cold front passing through our area overnight will bring into our area some of the coolest temperatures of the season so far. We will see most of the highs this weekend only in the upper 60s to lower 70s. While overnight lows will drop off down into the 40s Saturday night. Radar Temperatures Severe Weather WEST POINT, Miss. (WTVA) - West Point police say they are seeing a rash of burglaries in the community. The last two happened less than 24 hours ago. Today, June 13, police received at least two calls reporting burglaries. It is believed the burglaries happened during the night. One burglary was at a home, the other was a car. Both happened less than a mile apart. Since the spring, the city has seen nearly 50 burglaries. "That just the burglaries, not the other crimes like sexual assaults, aggravated assault and so on," said Investigator Rameriez Ivy. "That's how it's rolling on us. By the time we begin one case, we're being called to another." Ivy says patrol officers will be enforcing the city's curfew. People under the age of 17 are not allowed to be out from 10 p.m. to 6 a.m. on Sunday through Thursday. On Friday and Saturday, they are not allowed out from midnight to 6 a.m. Police believe juveniles are likely the culprits of these crimes. (RNN) Officials in Idaho have confirmed a child has the plague, the first human case of the illness since 1992 in the state. The child is from Elmore County, near Boise. In a blog post on Tuesday, the Idaho Department of Health and Welfare said: The case serves as a reminder to recreationists in southern Idaho that plague is dangerous to people and pets, but with proper awareness, precautions, and prompt treatment when needed, plague should not discourage you from enjoying the Idaho outdoors. The disease is most typically transmitted to humans from fleas who have bitten infected rodents. It is most notable for causing the Black Death in Europe in the 1300s, killing between 30 and 60 percent of the entire population of the continent at the time. Now, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, modern antibiotics are effective in treating plague. If not treated properly, though, it can lead to serious illness and death, according to the agency. CDC statistics state that an average of seven human cases are reported every year in the United States. According to the most recent data, there were no deaths from plague in 2016, but four in 2015. There were 16 cases reported that year, the second-most since 2000. The Idaho health department said plague was found in the state in 2015 and 2016 in squirrels. It said it was also possible the child contracted the illness during a recent trip to Oregon. A state health official told the Idaho Statesman newspaper that the public is advised to wear insect repellant, long pants and socks when visiting plague affected areas. According to the CDC, symptoms can include fever, headache, chills, extreme weakness and, depending on the type of plague, skin discoloration, swollen and painful lymph nodes, or pneumonia. Copyright 2018 Raycom News Network. All rights reserved. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - Family members for the Florida State fraternity pledge, Andrew Coffey, who died of alcohol poisoning, have come to settlement agreements in his hazing death lawsuit. The lawyer for the family says a settlement was reached with 13 of the 15 defendants named in the lawsuit and the settlement amount is confidential. Coffey died after an off campus house party hosted by Pi Kappa Phi fraternity members. TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WTXL) - The family of the fraternity pledge who died from alcohol poisoning in November has filed a civil suit against the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity as well as 12 frat brothers. David W. Bianchi sent out this statement on behalf of the family: "Today we filed suit on behalf of the family of Andrew Coffey who was the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity pledge who died from alcohol poisoning on November 3, 2017 at Florida State University." The family is suing for damages in excess $15,000. The lawsuit claims that the nine fraternity leaders indicted in Coffey's death, Brett Birmingham, Christopher Hamlin, Luke Kluttz, Anthony Oppenheimer, Anthony Petagine, Kyle Bauer, Clayton Muehlstein, Connor Ravelo and John Ray, were negligent in their handling of the incident. The lawsuit asserts also that the chapter adviser for Beta Eta chapter, and two others, who owned the frat house, were also negligent and allowed the dangerous activities to take place. According to the civil suit, all parties, to include Pi Kappa Phi itself, failed to enforce anti-hazing and alcohol abuse policies. MIDWAY, Fl. (WTXL) -- An area of disturbed weather over the Yucatan Peninsula has low potential to develop within the next five days. The National Hurricane Center has designated that this disturbance has a 10% chance to become a tropical depression within the next five days with a 0% chance within the next two days. The system is forecast to move into the southern Gulf of Mexico. It is NOT expected to be a threat to the Big Bend or South Georgia. You can catch the forecast on ABC 27 News starting at 5:00 each weekday morning, as well as ABC 27 News at Noon. First Alert Chief Meteorologist Casanova Nurse has your forecast at 5:00, 5:30, 6:00, and 11:00 this evening. Remember to follow WTXL First Alert on Social Media. Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/WTXLFirstAlert/ Twitter: http://twitter.com/WTXLFirstAlert GENEVA, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The average Swiss person will, for the first time, spend more than 10,000 Swiss francs (10,159 U.S. dollars) on health care in 2018 and again in 2019, an economic research institute said Wednesday. KOF Swiss Economic Institute, part of the science and technology institute ETH Zurich, said this is due to the growing economy, given that, the more people earn, the more they spend on their health. It also bases its calculations on the growing proportion of old people in the Swiss population. It said that growing expenses related to health care in Switzerland are a major concern for price regulators. Although growth in Swiss health care spending slowed slightly last year, it is likely to accelerate to 3.8 percent this year to almost 87 billion Swiss francs (88.3 billion U.S. dollars), KOF said in its twice-yearly health care expenditure forecast. This equates to 10,131 Swiss francs (10,290 U.S. dollars) for each inhabitant. "In 2019, nominal wage growth is likely to accelerate, while the elderly population continues to increase," the report said. "On the other hand, additional -- albeit modest -- cost savings are expected to come from the measures taken to shift health care more from inpatient to outpatient treatment," said KOF. As a result, health care expenditure is likely to rise by 3.9 percent, the think tank said. This would result in a total of more than 90 billion Swiss francs, or 10,429 francs per person in the country. Overall, outpatient treatment is expected to grow faster than inpatient care over the coming years and, given the increasing number of people requiring care, the field of long-term care is likely to expand further, KOF said. The growing economic significance of health care is also reflected in the levels of consumer spending. "While health care accounted for only 10 percent of a representative basket of goods purchased by households back in 1993, now -- 25 years on -- it accounts for 15 percent," said KOF. The proportion of people working in health care has also grown over this period and now stands at 7.1 percent, said the report. BUJUMBURA, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Unidentified persons Tuesday night blasted a grenade in a house in Cibitoke province, northwestern Burundi, killing one person and injuring six others, a local official told Xinhua on Wednesday. At 7:49 p.m. local time, unknown people broke into a house at Murwi village in Murwi district, exploding a grenade in the dining room where the house occupants were eating their dinner, said Salvator Niyobuhungiro, adviser of the Murwi district administrator. A 13-year-old girl died on the spot and six others were injured, said Niyobuhungiro. According to him, five persons were seriously injured and were evacuated to hospital. When people came to rescue the victims, the attackers had already run away, Niyobuhungiro added. Three suspects have been arrested for further investigations, he said, adding that land conflicts are suspected to be at the origin of the grenade explosion. Another grenade attack happened Tuesday night at a neighborhood in northern Bujumbura, capital city of Burundi, but did not cause casualties, spokesman of the security ministry Pierre Nkurikiye said Wednesday. TBILISI, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Georgian Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili Wednesday announced resignation in Tbilisi. At a special briefing held at the governmental administration in the capital, Giorgi Kvirikashvili announced his decision to resign, hinting it was due to the "differences of opinion" with the ruling party's chairman Bidzina Ivanishvili. "Yesterday there was a meeting of the ruling political party, during which different points of view have been outlined between me and the ruling team, specifically concerning the economic policy pursued by the government under my leadership," said Kvirikashvili, adding that in recent months his opinion differed from the party chairman's opinion on a number of fundamental issues. "I think today is the time for the chairman of the party to take the opportunity to lead his team on the basis of his views," said Giorgi Kvirikashvili. Former Georgian Prime Minister Bidzina Ivanishvili has returned as the leader of the ruling Georgian Dream party in recent month. He founded the ruling Georgian Dream party in 2012 to oppose Mikheil Saakashvili's United National Movement party in Georgia's parliamentary elections of 2012. BERLIN, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Clouds are gathering over Germany economy as growth begins to slow, a study published on Wednesday by the German Institute for Economic Research (DIW) warns. In the study, DIW downgraded its earlier forecasts for the rate of gross domestic product (GDP) expansion in 2018 and 2019 significantly from 2.2 percent to 1.9 percent and 2.4 percent to 1.7 percent respectively. The Berlin-based institute hereby reacted to what it perceived as growing insecurity experienced by German firms in the face of a swelling trade conflict between Europe and the U.S. and the heightened risk of a new sovereign debt crisis in the eurozone. "The trade conflict with the U.S. and concern over certain members of the euro-area, in particular Italy, are worrying companies and causing more restraint with regards to investment," a statement by DIW expert Ferdinand Fichtner read. As a consequence, Germany was likely to fall short of the official 2.2 percent GDP growth rate recorded in 2017 during the coming two years. Speaking to Xinhua, Malte Rieth, expert for international markets at DIW pointed out, "Foreign trade effects already had a dampening effect on the German economy at the beginning of the year and would now also pose a major risk if the trade conflict with the U.S. escalates." The deterioration of German growth prospects was further reinforced by an unexpectedly weak expansion of GDP measured during the first quarter of 2018. The quarterly halving of GDP to 0.3 percent was largely attributed to an unusually severe flu season and widespread industrial action. Nevertheless, the DIW expert emphasized that Germany's "strong economic momentum" remained intact for the foreseeable future. Rising employment and wages meant that private domestic consumption would continue to support a continued, albeit weaker, expansion in the country. According to official estimates, the number of Germans in work will rise by 800,000 to reach the record level of 45.1 million in 2018. At the same time, the number of unemployed is predicted to fall by a further 300,000 to the unprecedented low of 2.2 million. The Berlin-based institute noted that a promised increase in government transfers, for example in the form of higher child benefits, would provide an additional boost to GDP growth of around 0.3 percentage points. DIW further expects German fiscal authorities to be able to achieve continued record budget surpluses. The excess of government revenue over expenditure was anticipated to amount to a total 49.4 billion euros in 2018 and 46.3 billion euros in 2019. DIW president Marcel Fratzscher cautioned, however, that this windfall owed "more to luck, than to good policy" as the government still benefited from an extremely low international interest-rate environment. As a consequence, Fratzscher advised policymakers to invest available surplus funds wisely by channelling resources towards education, innovation and infrastructure. Bar Sinister said: I suspect once Trump is gone 100% of his policies will be reversed. After all, he's only going to be around for another 2.5 years at best. PGS must be really pleased, He got support from CC's number one moron. Click to expand... If Trump's gamble pays off and IMO he will get most of the concessions he is looking for Ivanka will be the first female POTUS How U.S. tariffs on cars could hit CanadiansDonald Trump's weapon of choice in the trade standoff between Canada and the U.S. has, up to this point, been tariffs. The president has most recently put the crosshairs on vehicles, and should Canada be slapped with more tariffs, workers and consumers could be the biggest losers. Last week, as he was en route to Singapore from the G7 summit, Trump threatened to impose tariffs of 25 per cent on Canadian cars. It was part of his pushback against Prime Minister Justin Trudeau's assertion that Canada wouldn't be "pushed around."Those threats have yet to materialize into formal duties on cars, but this week Republican Congressman Kevin Cramer warned Canada that the president isn't playing around and Canada should brace itself for auto tariffs.The U.S. introduced tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminum at the beginning of June after an amnesty period tied to the NAFTA talks expired. Canada is preparing to impose dollar-for-dollar tariffs on July 1 in retaliation.Autos have been a sticking point for the trade deal negotiations, with the U.S. asking for new directives on rules of origin, and quotas for American content in vehicles.Duties imposed by the U.S. may be intended to force Canadian trade negotiators to step on the gas pedal to move NAFTA negotiations forward, but experts say the tariffs would cause more long-term damage.Unemployment and job loss"Certainly job loss is the most immediate likely result," said Brian Murphy, vice-president of research for Canadian Black Book, an automotive sector price analysis tool.Large tariffs on Canadian cars would increase prices, he explained. That, in turn, would cause market demand to drop as people struggle to afford new vehicles. Manufacturers would have to cut costs and jobs would begin to evaporate.Tariffs on cars would "destroy the Canadian auto industry," Keith Head, a trade economist specializing in the auto sector, said on Sunday.Analysis done at the University of British Columbia showed failure to sign a new NAFTA would cause a 30 to 40 per cent decline in the car industry in Canada not including any tariffs on top.Around 80 per cent of cars made in Canada are exported, with the majority flowing across the southern border. With U.S. customers providing the main market for Canadian cars, he attributed the president's move as an attempt to "ratchet up the pain" to push negotiators back to the table for NAFTA.In the global market, car production has been streamlined, so many cars are manufactured exclusively in one country, then exported. If tariffs limit access to supplies of certain vehicles, the entire industry could be thrown into flux as certain cars surge in price or go missing from the market.The majority of cars produced in Canada, including vehicles by Chrysler, Ford, General Motors, Honda and Toyota, are manufactured in Ontario however, many of the parts used to build the vehicles are made in the U.S.Head said jobs would likely shift to plants in the U.S., leaving thousands in Canada out of work."The Canadian worker would be the biggest loser."Canada's vehicle manufacturing industry employs about 125,000 people, according to Statistics Canada. About 70 per cent of those jobs are in automotive parts manufacturing.Dramatic price increaseThe average price of a vehicle in the United States is around $35,000 US. If tariffs are introduced at 25 per cent as Trump suggested it would add $8,000 to the price tag of a new car."It impacts the price of the vehicles substantially," Anil Goyal, the U.S. executive vice-president of operations at Black Book, said.Goyal explained the price would increase for both Canadian and U.S. car buyers, as tariffs upset the steady flow of supply and demand."That has an impact on the whole industry overall and the economy as well."David Adams, president of Global Automakers of Canada, said it's likely the Canadian dollar would plummet, driving prices even higher."That whole apple cart kind of gets upset," Goyal agreed.If tariffs come in at around five per cent, it could be manageable, Murphy said.At 25 per cent? No way."It's just such a big number," he said. "The vast majority of that is going to have to get passed along [to consumers]."Used or new?While new cars will be hardest hit, "unusual things" will happen with used cars as well, Murphy predicted.Black Book Canada's analysis shows up to 350,000 used cars initially sold here are moved across the border to be bought by U.S. customers each year."Vehicles that were passing the border tariff-free if all of a sudden there's a tariff on those used vehicles, the shipment of those will stop," he said.That would cause used car prices in Canada to drop because the market is oversaturated, but the long-term effects would actually result in Canadians buying up those used cars because new vehicles would have become too expensive.Family feudWhile some White House officials are brushing the tariffs off as a small dispute between two countries so interconnected they may as well be family, the Canadian auto sector is starting to sweat."Nobody wins in a trade war," Adams said, adding he hopes negotiators will return to the NAFTA table quickly."Closely monitoring is all you can do at this point."Over the past five years, Canada's automotive industry has enjoyed steady growth, with about 2.4 million vehicles produced every year. The U.S. imports more than five million vehicles each year, because their demand is higher than domestic manufacturing can meet.That has been the norm, but it's hard to predict the market shifts going forward.Thanks to the U.S. president, "the point that the teeter-totter rocks on is moving back and forth," Murphy said.Goods and services between the U.S. and Canada totalled $674 billion US last year, with vehicles being among the top imports and exports between the two nations, according to data from the United States government.A combined $107 billion worth of vehicles are traded across the border each year. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 03:23:16|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close WASHINGTON, June 13 (Xinhua) -- An international team of scientists has discovered that the world's ice shelves may be being destabilized by forces from above and below, according to a study published Wednesday in the journal Science Advances. The researchers found that warm ocean water flowing in channels beneath Antarctic ice shelves was thinning the ice from below so much that the ice in the channels is cracking. Then, surface meltwater could flow into these fractures, further destabilizing the ice shelf and increasing the chances that substantial pieces will break away. Led by Christine Dow, a professor of Canada's University of Waterloo, the researchers described this mechanism in a major ice break up, or calving, event in 2016 at Antarctica's Nansen Ice Shelf. The researchers, including those from U.S. University of Texas Institute for Geophysics (UTIG), also found fractures associated with channels underneath ice shelves in nearly every major outlet of Antarctic ice to the ocean as well as on Greenland's largest ice shelf in the Arctic. Ice shelves, which are floating extensions of continental glaciers, slow down the flow of ice into the ocean and help control the rate of sea level rise. As atmospheric temperatures are expected to rise in the coming decades and centuries, more surface meltwater will be available on fractured ice shelves, which could result in many more catastrophic ice loss events, according to the study. "We're beginning to understand how the retreat of Antarctica's sensitive glaciers probably begins in a warming climate," said Donald Blankenship, a UTIG senior research scientist and co-author of the new study. "It's interesting and, of course, troubling that the impacts of ocean and atmosphere melting can combine to accelerate the loss of important ice shelves." In the case of the calving event on the Nansen Ice Shelf, researchers discovered a spectacular river of surface meltwater pouring into a massive rift in the ice shelf in 2014. Some in the scientific community thought the river could have a stabilizing effect on the ice shelf by removing water that might otherwise form into melt ponds. However, a different and more worrying story emerged when two large icebergs broke off at the fracture. The research team used radar surveys and satellite imagery to link the calving event to the channels melted into the bottom of the ice shelf and the impact of the surface melt. The research represents a collaboration between researchers from Canada, the United States and the Republic of Korea, using multiple datasets collected by both airborne and satellite platforms. A Palestinian vendor sells sweets at a market ahead of the Eid al-Fitr in Gaza City, on June 11, 2018. Muslims around the world prepare for the Eid al-Fitr which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan. (Xinhua photo) GAZA, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Ahead of Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr, markets in the poverty-stricken Palestinian Gaza Strip looked overcrowded, but only few shoppers were really buying. Local markets in Gaza witnessed a good turnout, with commercial activity reaching its peak days ahead of Eid al-Fitr, a three-day festival that Muslims worldwide celebrate the end of Ramadan, the holy month of fasting. But the economy in Gaza is suffering recession due to 11-year Israeli blockade. Muslims around the world prepare for this special holiday by buying desserts, pancakes and new clothes as well as exchanging family visits and offering gifts for family members and children. However, celebrating the feast in Gaza has totally changed after Israel imposed blockade on the seaside enclave since 2007, when Islamic Hamas movement seized control of the strip after routing Palestinian Authority's forces. The blockade has pushed Gaza's two million populations deeper into poverty as economists in Gaza point out that extreme poverty hit 53 percent in 2017 compared with 37 percent in 2011. The coastal enclave has also been suffering from a political division that was caused by Hamas violent takeover of Gaza. "The conditions in Gaza are very difficult...we can barely manage living," Nuha Awad, a mother in her 50s, told Xinhua. Due to dire conditions, the lady, whose husband has been jobless for years, only bought a few things for her kids for the feast. "I hope the world would show some mercy, we are really suffering here," she added as she left the old market in Gaza city. It is not only difficult for those who have no jobs. Even those who work are also complaining of lack of money and high prices of goods. Nour Abu-Alnada, 22-year-old, works as a street seller for 15 hours a day and can only earn 15 Shekels (less than 4 U.S. dollars) per day. "This is not even enough to meet my daily needs," the young man complained. He also said that salary cuts in government employees' salaries, which reached 50 percent of salaries and have been ongoing for more than one year, made things even worse. "We are suffering from a slow death," Abu-Alnada added. According to the Palestinian Central Bureau of Statistics, unemployment in Gaza Strip reached 43.9 percent compared with 17.9 percent in the West Bank. The failing economic conditions have had a worse impact on Gaza merchants who had to lower goods prices to attract shoppers. Most Gaza traders have refrained from buying more goods ahead of the feast this year in light of the ongoing economic deterioration. "Shoppers visit the market in large numbers, but they don't buy much," owner of cloths shop in Omar al-Mukhtar market in Gaza city, Amjad Abu Lwaik, told Xinhua. "I know many traders and importers who preferred not to buy new goods lest they should not be able to sell them," he added as his eyes rolled in search for customers. "The selling movement has declined by 70 percent compared to the past few years," the seller said. Maher al-Tabaa, media official in the Gaza Commerce Chamber, said the Gaza Strip is going through the worst economic conditions this year. "All economic indicators show that the economic situation in Gaza is disastrous," he said, adding that unemployment rates in the Gaza Strip exceeded 49 percent during the first quarter of this year. Al-Tabaa also revealed that food insecurity rate in the Gaza Strip reached 72 percent. HOUSTON, June 13 (Xinhua) -- More than 20 students from 14 high schools across the Greater Houston region visited the Chinese Consulate General in Houston on Wednesday and held a roundtable discussion with the diplomats. The students participated in the Open Day event of the Chinese Consulate General in Houston. After being updated by diplomats about China-U.S. relations in fields of trade, science and technology, as well as social and cultural dialogue, the students raised some questions on Chinese education and international affairs. Treyton Zanutto, 17, from Austin High School, told Xinhua that China is "a very mysterious place" for him, and he thinks China "has a very interesting and fascinating culture". "I want to learn more about it. It's very fascinating," he said. The discussion with Chinese diplomats is also part of the Young Leaders Institute: China, which was organized by the Asia Society Texas Center in Houston, the fourth largest city in the United States. The Young Leaders Institute: China, which kicked off on Monday, is a week-long program intended to prepare Houston high school students for leadership in a globally interconnected city and world. Kathryn Aing, a student from CyFair Senior High School, said she wants to be a diplomat or an international lawyer in the future. "I think this generation, a lot of people want to go work in China, and they want to go work internationally, because they know the globalization is very good," she said. For 2018, Asia Society Texas Center is offering three different sessions, focusing on China, India and Middle East, respectively. This is the second time that the Chinese Consulate General in Houston organizes its Open Day activity with the Asia Society, a non-profit organization that focuses on making the world know more about Asia. JOHANNESBURG, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The South African Reserve Bank (SARB) on Wednesday released the designs of the commemorative banknotes of the late President Nelson Mandela ahead of its official release, after the designs surfaced on social media. Mandela, if alive, would have turned 100 years old on July 18, 2018. SARB intended to launch several denominations of the local currency in commemoration of his birth centenary next month. The commemorative banknotes will cover R10, R20, R50, R100, R200 and a R5 coin. SARB said in a statement that they had some test packs of the commemorative banknotes to make adequate preparations in relation to issues such as adaptions of cash processing and cash dispensing machines, ticketing machines. "While these test packs were governed by strict confidentiality provisions, it has come to the SARB's attention that certain breaches have occurred, and as a result some of the designs have been circulating on social media." SARB decided to release the designs "to avoid confusion." The SARB will release more detailed security features at a later stage. Mandela was the country's first democratically elected President in 1994 and he passed on in 2013. HELSINKI, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Veteran French politician Laurent Fabius, who chaired the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference (COP21) in Paris, said here Wednesday that he was concerned about the attainment of the Paris Agreement goals. Addressing a climate summit arranged by the Finnish public think tank Sitra, Fabius said the upcoming choice of some South Asian countries to build new coal burning plants, or not, is among the crucial developments in the near future. Whether oil producers will keep exploiting fossil resources or switch to cleaner sources will be decisive as well. He also mentioned future agricultural methods and carbon pricing in Europe were key factors. Fabius said the U.S. announcement to pull out of the Paris Agreement sent "a very bad signal" to the rest of the world. The Paris Agreement needs a workable program that is to be accepted in a meeting in Poland late this year, "but talks have been difficult, particularly regarding public financing," he said. About 80 percent of the global energy mix still relies on fossil fuels, he reminded. "We are in a race against time, and there is not a moment to lose." Opening the event, Finnish President Sauli Niinisto highlighted Finnish efforts to reduce black carbon emissions in the Arctic. Black carbon accelerates the melting of the sea ice and thus accelerates climate change. "Unlike the long-term impact of carbon dioxide, black carbon has immediate effects. Saving the Arctic is essential in saving the globe," said Niinisto. As the current chair of the Arctic Council, Finland is working toward a summit of heads of state of the eight Arctic Council members. "A firm high-level commitment to (cutting)black carbon emissions in the Arctic would be welcome news for the environment. And it would also benefit peace, a sense of community and trust," Niinisto said. The Finnish president acknowledged that success is not guaranteed, "but the potential rewards are high." By Qiu Junzhou, Yang Shilong NEW YORK, June 12 (Xinhua) -- New York City's plan to cancel the entrance test to its specialized high schools has sparked an uproar from local Asian American community. TO TEST OR NOT TO TEST? Hundreds of parents and students, mostly from Asian American communities, gathered before the City Council in downtown Manhattan on Saturday, bearing signs calling "Keep the Test." "The Test" refers to the Specialized High School Admissions Test (SHSAT), required for application to New York's eight specialized public high schools. These high schools, including Bronx High School of Science, Brooklyn Technical High School and Stuyvesant High School, provide training for high performing students and are extremely competitive. New York mayor Bill de Blasio announced in an article on Chalkbeat, a non-profit education media outlet, "We need to scrap the SHSAT and start over." He called the existence of a single standardized test to determine success "unbelievably backward." A more center argument to his plan and the core of debate is what he called the disproportionate racial composition of these high schools. According to the New York Department of Education, only 10 percent of students who score well enough to gain admission to the schools are African Americans or Latino/Hispanic for the 2017-18 school year, while Asian Americans take up 62 percent. "That makes no sense," said de Blasio at a town hall in North Brooklyn in October 2017, singling out Stuyvesant High School, who had only 3.5 percent African American and Latino students in the 17-18 school year. The mayor has submitted bill no.A10427A to the State Assembly on April 20, 2018, proposing to reform the education system in a three-year period. Starting 2021, seats will be reserved for students based on their rank in their school and citywide, and the remaining seats will be given to students randomly selected as long as they hold an average GPA of 3.7. Should this bill be passed, students will no longer be able to "test in" to specialized high schools. This is a bolt from the blue for Asian students, who take up 62 percent of the current student population. To them, the administration is essentially saying, "we're going give more seats to other people - so we're going to take yours." NYC Schools Chancellor Richard Carranza justified this bill, saying on Fox 5 New York, "I just don't buy into the narrative that any one ethnic group owns admission to these schools." INSULTED, SIDELINED The mayor's statement provoked a direct response from Congresswoman Grace Meng, who fired back in a statement, "I am insulted, and these comments are false." "It's straightforward racist, based on my opinion. The argument is because there are too many Asians in these schools," said Angela, mother of two kids who are studying in Stuyvesant High School, in an interview with Xinhua. "You can't punish the excellent people who work hard," said Angela who took part in Saturday's protest. "There is so much that is disheartening about that sentence. It pits minority groups in our city against one another," commented Boaz Weinstein, a graduate of Stuyvesant High School on his piece on the New York Times. "What's so troubling about City Hall's narrative around this topic is that they are discounting the fact that Asian Americans are also people of color, minorities and immigrants," said Assembly member Ron Kim on a statement to the Brooklyn Daily Eagle. Larry Cary, president of the Brooklyn Tech Alumni Foundation, said on local television, "These are kids who do well on a test... don't do the kinds of things that middle class or upper-middle class kids can do in order to get into a school." He emphasized. "The SHSAT is a single-plank bridge for Asian American kids," said Lilian Chen, an Asian American parent. "Now it's being hacked down by 'political correctness'." BETTER WAY OUT? Tom Allon, president and CEO of City & State, the New York news organization, and also alumni and former teacher at Stuyvesant Highs School, does not support canceling the test. However, he does support adding a writing component to the test for more comprehensive criteria. A study by Sean P. Corcoran and Christine Baker-Smith at New York University Steinhardt found that reserving seats for students in the top percentage of their middle schools is most effective among six alternate admissions rules to specialized high schools. However, they also found that this would lower academic levels of the incoming class, proving an argument that is often cited by critics of the reform policies. Sonia Epstein, former alumnus from Stuyvesant high school, states frankly in her piece on the New York Daily News, "Without the test, Stuyvesant won't work." She believes that students will struggle to "play catch up" on the schools' "sink or swim" ethos, and this would undermine the fundamentals of specialized high schools. "To diversify specialized schools, change has to come from every direction. We need long-term improvement of primary schools, and accessible, affordable SHSAT prep citywide," said Epstein. "I think the test is not the problem, it's a symptom of inadequate education that's provided to predominantly black and Hispanic children in the City of New York," Said Cary. Allon also proposes increasing the size of the pie by increasing the number of specialized high schools and making more resources available for students citywide. Currently, the bill has not held any public hearings. It has completed the second reading and has been referred to the rules committee, before the third reading and finally passage if no opposition. However, concerns from various sources have reached sponsors of the bill, such as New York State legislators Michael Montesano and David Weprin, who have announced their retraction of sponsorship. (Zhang Mocheng also contributed to the story) Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 06:14:04|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Liu Zhenmin, UN Under-Secretary-General for Economic and Social Affairs, said Wednesday that China's Belt and Road Initiative and the United Nations' 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development have similar vision and principles. "While the Belt and Road Initiative and the 2030 Agenda are different in their nature and scope, they share in many respects a similar vision and a set of basic principles," said Liu. "Both of them serve the purposes and principles of the Charter of the United Nations. Both of them aim to promote win-win cooperation, shared development and prosperity, peace and cooperation, openness and inclusiveness, and mutual understanding and trust." More specifically, the five priority areas as defined in the Belt and Road Initiative -- connectivity in policy, facilities, trade, finance and among peoples -- are extensively and intrinsically linked with the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) of the 2030 Agenda, Liu told a high-level symposium on the Belt and Road Initiative and 2030 Agenda. Together, such connectivity can effectively advance achievement of the goals of the 2030 Agenda, he said. Connectivity, including infrastructure investment, can play a crucial role in promoting productivity and sustainable economic growth. Infrastructure investment is important for eradicating poverty. Infrastructure investment is also a crucial catalyst to accelerate the achievement of gender equality and empowerment of women and girls, he said. "Sustainable infrastructure is a cornerstone for achieving sustainable consumption and production patterns, and for combating climate change. More importantly, increased connectivity among peoples across countries and regions can promote dialogue and understanding among all civilizations, leading to a sustaining peace worldwide." The Belt and Road Initiative has provided a new open and inclusive platform for international development cooperation, which can make a great contribution to the achievement of the SDGs, he said. UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has encouraged the UN system to cooperate with the countries engaged in the Belt and Road Initiative in order to achieve the SDGs, he noted. A broad range of joint activities, including capacity development projects, have been launched to assist the countries along the Belt and Road routes, he added. Chinese President Xi Jinping made it clear that jointly building the Belt and Road is to push forward the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, he said. Guterres stated that the Belt and Road Initiative could become an important part of the global efforts in the implementation of the 2030 Agenda, he said. "Given the ambition of the 2030 Agenda, for a successful implementation, we need concrete cooperation actions as reflected in the Belt and Road Initiative and other international development cooperation platforms." FRANKFURT, June 13 (Xinhua) -- German auto manufacturer Volkswagen AG announced Wednesday to accept 1 billion euro (1.18 billion U.S. dollars)fine issued by local public prosecutor in the context of the diesel gate scandal, to terminate proceeding in Germany. The Braunschweig public prosecutor issued Wednesday an administrative order against Volkswagen, which provides for a fine of 1 billion euro in total, consisting of the maximum penalty as legally provided for of 5 million euros and the disgorgement of economic benefits in the amount of 995 million euros. In the period from mid-2007 until 2015, 10.7 million Volkswagen vehicles in total with the diesel engines of the types EA 288, in the United States and in Canada, and EA 189, worldwide, were placed on the market with an impermissible software function, according to the results obtained by the prosecutor. "Volkswagen AG accepted the fine and it will not lodge an appeal against it," told a statement released by the auto giant. By doing so, Volkswagen admitted its responsibility for the diesel crisis, considering this as a further major step towards the further overcome of the crisis. As a result of the administrative order imposing the fine, the active regulatory offence proceedings conducted against Volkswagen will be finally terminated. Volkswagen assumes that such termination of the proceedings will also have significant positive effects on further active administrative proceedings against Volkswagen deeply involved in diesel gate in Europe. (1 euro = 1.18 U.S. dollars) Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 06:19:08|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close CHICAGO, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Chicago Board of Trade (CBOT) agricultural commodities settled lower on Wednesday, with soybean futures plunging 18 cents amid renewed trade tensions between China and the United States. A U.S. media report that the Trump Administration is moving to place 50 billion U.S. dollars of tariffs on Chinese goods pushed CBOT agricultural futures lower overnight. The most active corn contract for July delivery fell 1.5 cents, or 0.4 percent to close at 3.76 dollars per bushel. July wheat delivery dropped 18 cents, or 3.37 percent to close at 5.165 dollars per bushel. July soybean delivery plunged 18 cents, or 1.89 percent to close at 9.36 dollars per bushel. Politico, a Washington media source, indicated late Tuesday that U.S. President Donald Trump could slap China with tariffs as early as Friday. Politico said that such a move would surely inflame trade tensions and spark an almost immediate retaliation from China. The report rattled Chicago grains markets on Wednesday, as grain futures have been whipsawed by fears of a renewed trade tension between the world's top two economies and by worsening trade ties between the U.S. and its traditional allies Mexico, Canada and the European Union. Market watchers are also bearish after the U.S. Department of Agriculture on Tuesday raised its estimate of U.S. wheat production for the 2018-2019 marketing year that started on June 1 to 1.827 billion bushels from the prior month's forecast of 1.821 billion bushels. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 07:09:15|Editor: ZD Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, June 13 (Xinhua) -- UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres on Wednesday called for an end to discrimination against albinos. "Albinism is a genetic condition that affects people throughout the world, regardless of race, ethnicity or gender. Yet, tragically, people with albinism continue to suffer widespread discrimination, stigma and social exclusion," said Guterres in a message on the International Albinism Awareness Day. "Very many, including children and women, are extremely vulnerable, isolated and subject to abuse and violence," he said. The 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development promises to leave no one behind, he said, adding that the International Albinism Awareness Day is an opportunity to declare solidarity with people with albinism and strive together so those who are often left furthest behind are able to live free from discrimination and fear, and empowered to enjoy their full human rights. He said much more can be done globally to raise awareness about the plight of people with albinism. The UN General Assembly designated June 13 as the International Albinism Awareness Day in 2014. The Ministry of Culture and the hundreds of dedicated French genealogy enthusiasts here have created something quite remarkable in the Grand Memorial website. It is the central research point for the military documentation on all who served France during World War I. It is not yet finished but is very impressive already. It is a central search facility with links to each department's military recruitment lists for men of an age to have participated. It also links to the recruitment lists from colonies, held on the Archives nationales d'Outre-mer website and to the death registrations made by the army on the Memoire des Hommes website of the Service Historique de la Defense (SHD). The site is in French but the search page has an English version. The results of a search are presented in a list that shows: Surname Forenames Date - of recruitment or of birth, which is the only messy thing on the site Place, showing the department first, then the town The type of document Click on a name and you are taken directly to the image. The French penchant for statistics is in evidence in the column to the side, which gives a summary of the details concerning the names in your search result. This is handy for genealogical statisticians, we suppose, and is rather cool. It shows how many of the results give the place or the date of recruitment, how many the place or date of birth. We like knowing how many were of a particular profession (four of those named Mordel were farmers, one was a baker, etc.) and how many could read or write or count (we must all say a prayer of thanks for universal education at this point). A map shows which departments are covered and the status of their military recruitment registers being indexed and online. Dark blue indicates that the registers are online, indexed and included on the Grand Memorial website Orange (pink?) indicates that the registers are online on the website of that Departmental Archives and are indexed but are not included on the Grand Memorial website Light blue/grey indicates that the registers are online on the website of that Departmental Archives but are not yet indexed or included on the Grand Memorial website Yellow indicates that the registers have been digitized but are not online or indexed nor are they included on the Grand Memorial website; they may be viewed only on site at the Departmental Archives As can be seen, about half of the country's recruitment registers are included on the Grand Memorial website, which we find to be really quite impressive. Key Geographical Notes for Researchers of World War I Combatants On that same page are some points general to such research that bear repeating: The map does not include anything on people from the departments of Alsace and Lorraine (Haut-Rhin, Bas-Rhin and Moselle) because they were not, at that time, a part of France. More, what the site does not say, is that the people of those departments were, from 1871 to 1918, German citizens. Any men conscripted served in the German Army. The records concerning those men were held in Berlin and were all destroyed in the bombing of Berlin during World War II. Thus, it is not possible to find a military record for a man from that region during that time. There will be no military recruitment registers for departments that did not yet exist: Essonne, Hauts-de-Seine, Seine-Saint-Denis, Val-de-Marne and Yvelines. The recruitment registers for the departments that existed then but that do not now exist, Seine and Seine-et-Oise, are to be found in the Departmental Archives of Yvelines. As concerns registers held by the Archives nationales d'Outre-mer, those of Algeria and French Polynesia are almost all online. It is pointed out that thes registers concern only those persons who held French nationality at the time of recruitment. The registers for non-nationals are held at the SHD. For recruitment registers from Morocco, they cover only French nationals born in France or Algeria and living in Morocco when they turned twenty years old; the registers cover only the years 1913 to 1921. The recruitment registers of Moroccans are also held at the SHD at Pau. For those researching an ancestor who fought for France in that conflict, this website would most definitely be the place to begin. And now, permit us, please, to present a trailer of "The Burying Party", a film about Wilfred Owen, the British poet who died fighting in France, and in which Sid plays Siegfried Sassoon to perfection. The Burying Party Official Trailer from Sine Wave Media on Vimeo. 2018 Anne Morddel French Genealogy Mourners carry the body of Razan al-Najjar during her funeral in the southern Gaza Strip City of Khan Yunis, on June 2, 2018. (Xinhua/Khaled Omar) UNITED NATIONS, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The UN General Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution that urges protection of Palestinian civilians. The Arab-backed resolution was passed by a vote of 120-8 with 45 abstentions. It reiterates the need to take steps "to ensure the safety and well-being of civilians and ensure their protection, as well as to ensure accountability for all violations," in the context of recent escalation of conflict between the Palestinians and Israel. The text deplores "the use of any excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate force by the Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians." Initially sponsored by Algeria, Turkey and the Palestinians, the resolution got sponsorship from many more countries announced shortly before the vote. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 07:33:44|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close Wan Gang (R front), vice chairman of the National Committee of the Chinese People's Political Consultative Conference, meets with Valerie Pecresse, president of the regional council of Ile de France, in Beijing, capital of China, June 13, 2018. (Xinhua/Ding Lin) SAN FRANCISCO, June 13 (Xinhua) -- San Francisco city of the U.S. west state of California will have the first African-American mayor after the last candidate who could have challenged her, former California Senator Mark Leno, conceded a tightly-fought mayoral race Wednesday. "I called Supervisor London Breed this morning to congratulate her on her victory and to wish her every success -- personally and professionally -- in her new job as mayor of San Francisco," Leno said at a news conference near City Hall. Leno called Breed, the sitting president of the Board of Supervisors of San Francisco "a remarkable young woman." Leno trailed Breed by 1,861 votes with more to be counted when he announced his decision earlier in the day. As of Tuesday, Breed won 111,446 votes, or 50.42 percent of the total, while Leno had received 109,585 votes, or 49.58 percent, according to San Francisco election officials. Breed briefly served as interim mayor of San Francisco after former Mayor Ed Lee's sudden death in December last year. Lee was the first Chinese American mayor who had served the city for many years. Breed will serve the remainder of Lee's term, which runs through January 2020. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 07:44:42|Editor: mmm Video Player Close A man enters a blood donation mobile truck to donate blood in Sanaa, Yemen, on June 13, 2018. The local authorities called on Yemeni people to donate blood as hospitals may face shortage in blood due to the escalating fight in the port city of Hodeidah. Coalition forces led by Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates began on Wednesday morning an all-out offensive to liberate Hodeidah from Iranian-allied Shiite Houthi rebels. (Xinhua/Mohammed Mohammed) Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 07:42:11|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close Vendors sell crayfishes during a massive crayfish banquet in Xuyi, east China's Jiangsu Province, June 13, 2018. More than 50,000 residents and tourists took part in the feast here Wednesday. Crayfish-related industries in China saw robust growth last year as total output rocketed by 83.15 percent to 268.5 billion yuan (42 billion U.S. dollars) in 2017, said a report released Tuesday. A total of 1.13 million tonnes of crayfish were raised last year, with the provinces of Hubei, Anhui, Hunan, Jiangsu and Jiangxi as major producers. (Xinhua/Li Xiang) WELLINGTON, June 14 (Xinhua) -- A helicopter carrying five people crashed on Thursday morning in the central part of north island in New Zealand, officials said. The Civil Aviation Authority said the helicopter crashed just before 9 a.m. local time about 35 km northeast of Waiouru. Five people on board have been flown to hospital by rescue helicopters. The condition of the rescued remains unknown as the Transport Accident Investigation Commission is investigating the incident. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 09:24:35|Editor: ZD Video Player Close DAMASCUS, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview aired late Wednesday that Israel is hindering the reach of a settlement for the situation in southern Syria. In an interview with the Iranian Al-Alam TV and released by Syrian state news agency SANA, Assad said that so far there are no actual results of the efforts exerted to reach a deal with the rebels due to the U.S.-Israeli pressure on the militant groups. He said that there was a chance for reconciliation, but the "Americans and Israelis prevented it." The rebel-held areas in the southern provinces of Daraa and Qunaitera will be facing two options: either a settlement based on an agreement with the armed groups or a military showdown, the Syrian president said. Earlier reports said that the Israelis want the withdraw of Iranian forces from southern Syria to accept the agreement, which will see the return of the Syrian army to the rebel-held areas in Daraa, near Jordan, and Qunaitera, on the border with the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. But Assad made it clear that the presence of the Iranian military experts and forces are not for negotiation. He said the Iranian-Syrian relations are strategic and not subject to any settlement in the south, adding that the Israelis are trying to provoke and embarrass Iran through their demands. Assad's remarks came as a Russian-mediated agreement was said to have been discussed with Israel and the United States to settle the situation in southern Syria without battles, akin to what happened in other areas in the war-torn country. The agreement was about evacuating the rebels, who refuse to reconcile with the government, to rebel-held areas in northern Syria, while the militants who want to stay must hand over their weapons and embark on a reconciliation process with the government. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 09:39:38|Editor: ZD Video Player Close BRASILIA, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The Southern Common Market (Mercosur) trade bloc and the European Union (EU) could have a free trade agreement ready to be signed before Brazil's presidential elections in October, Brazilian Foreign Minister Aloysio Nunes said on Wednesday. Negotiations are making headway, with the two blocs having resolved many disagreements, Nunes told a congressional hearing at the Chamber of Deputies. "We are overcoming the obstacles little by little," Nunes told lawmakers. "We had a series of technical rounds and concluded last week a new round of negotiation. I hope we can close (a deal) this year as elections will be take placing soon in Europe and Brazil," said Nunes. Among the issues, the two sides have yet to agree on the rules regulating the automotive sector and intellectual property rights, particularly the pharmaceutical patents. Rules regulating sugar and meat exports, especially in the wake of Brazil's meatpacking scandal, are also under review. The Mercosur-EU deal has been 18 years in the making due to significant economic gaps between European and South American nations and the protective policies in some European countries, said Nunes. Mercosur groups Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay. It has suspended Venezuela indefinitely. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 10:04:49|Editor: ZD Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, June 13 (Xinhua) -- UN General Assembly(UNGA) on Wednesday adopted a resolution that urges protection of the Palestinian civilians, after rejecting a U.S. demand to add a condemnation of attacks on Israel by Hamas. The Arab-backed resolution passed by a vote of 120-8 with 45 abstentions. It reiterates the need to take steps "to ensure the safety and well-being of civilians and ensure their protection, as well as to ensure accountability for all violations," in the context of recent escalation of conflict between the Palestinians and Israel. Also, it deplores "the use of any excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate force by the Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians." Initially sponsored by Algeria, Turkey and the Palestinians, the resolution got sponsorship from more countries shortly before its vote. The General Assembly resolution expresses strong political will of the international community, though, unlike a Security Council resolution, is not legally binding. Prior to the vote, the General Assembly cast ballots on the U.S.-drafted amendment aiming to condemn Hamas, which won a simple majority but fell short of two thirds of the votes required for its passage. The amendment condemns Hamas for "repeatedly firing rockets into Israel" and "inciting violence along the boundary fence, thereby putting civilians at risk." Making a case for the amendment, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said the resolution was "one-sided," and held Hamas, which controls Gaza, "completely unaccountable" and blamed everything on Israel. The Gaza-Israel border saw an escalation of violence after the Palestinians launched the "Great March of Return" protests in late March. The campaign, lasting through mid-May, demanded the Palestinian refugees' right to return home. Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian permanent observer to the UN, said before the General Assembly that 129 Palestinian protesters were killed, including 16 children, and 13,000 more injured in clashes with Israeli forces. Earlier, a Kuwait-drafted resolution on the same topic and with almost identical text, was vetoed by the United States though wining 10 votes in favor in the 15-member council. Wednesday's vote was held during the General Assembly's 10th Emergency Special Session entitled "Illegal Israeli action in occupied east Jerusalem and the rest occupied Palestinian territory." UNGA President Miroslav Lajcak convened the meeting following a request from the ambassadors of Algeria and Turkey in their respective capacities as chair of the Arab group and chair of the Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The session followed a series of Security Council and General Assembly meetings regarding the Israeli decision to build Har Homa, a 6,500 unit housing project, in the Jabal Abu Ghneim area of east Jerusalem. MALE, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The Criminal Court of the Maldives on Wednesday sentenced former President Maumoon Abdul Gayoom to 19 months in prison after he was found guilty of obstructing justice, local media reported. Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and Justice Ali Hameed were also sentenced to jail. The three were charged for allegedly refusing to hand over their mobile phones for a police investigation. Gayoom was taken into custody from his home in capital Male in February on charges of plotting to overthrow the government. His son in law was also arrested with him. SEOUL, June 14 (Xinhua) -- South Korea and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) on Thursday started general-level military talks at the border village of Panmunjom to ease military tensions, according to local media reports. The inter-Korean dialogue between general-level military officers, the first of its kind in over 10 years, kicked off at about 10 a.m. local time (0100 GMT) in Tongilgak, a DPRK building inside the Panmunjom that straddles the divided Koreas. The last general-grade military dialogue between the two sides was held in December 2007. The five-member South Korean delegation was led by Maj. Gen. Kim Do-gyun, a senior-level official of the defense ministry in charge of inter-Korean military affairs. The DPRK side, composed of five delegates, was headed by Lt. Gen. An Ik-san. The chief South Korean delegate told reporters before heading for Panmunjom that he will discuss with his DPRK counterpart issues on the easing of inter-Korean military tensions and the schedule for inter-Korean talks between defense ministers. Other issues on the dialogue agenda would possibly be the restoration of the inter-Korean military communications channel, the regularly-held military talks between the two sides and the establishment of hotline between defense ministers. The inter-Korean military talks came after top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump held the historic summit in Singapore Tuesday. SEOUL, June 14 (Xinhua) -- South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said Thursday that South Korea-U.S. war games are an issue to be decided through consultations between military authorities of the two allies. Kang made the remarks during a joint press conference in Seoul after holding a meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono. The top South Korean diplomat said the joint military exercises between Seoul and Washington are a matter between the allies and an issue to be decided between the military authorities after consultations. The comment came after U.S. President Donald Trump told a press conference in Singapore Tuesday after holding a historic summit with top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un that he would halt the U.S.-South Korea war games as it is inappropriate to have such provocative military drills during a dialogue period. Pompeo said at the press conference that Washington, Seoul and Tokyo agreed to continue efforts for complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. VIENTIANE, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The China Railway Guangzhou Engineering Group (CREC Guangzhou) has broken through a second tunnel along the China-Laos railway, securing steady progress in the construction of the railway project. The CREC Guangzhou, a Chinese company which is in charge of the second section construction of the railway project, told Xinhua that the Ban Naven Tunnel was broken through on Tuesday. The Ban Naven Tunnel is located in the country's northern town of Muangxay, Oudomxay Province. The geological conditions of the 567-meter-long tunnel are very complicated with silty clay, sandstone and mudstone, thus posing challenges to the construction. Since June 6, 2017, the CREC Guangzhou has assigned outstanding staff to the hilly tropical area and applied advanced technology and equipment in the construction of the tunnel. The China-Laos railway is one of interconnectivity projects under the framework of the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative. Construction of the railway began in December 2016 and is expected to open to traffic in December 2021. The China-Laos railway has a length over 414 km, linking Mohan-Boten border gate in northern Laos and capital Vientiane. Operating speed on the railway is designed at 160 km per hour. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 12:20:09|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close RIO DE JANEIRO, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Flu has claimed at least 446 lives in Brazil so far this year, more than twice the figure of the same period in 2017, Brazil's Health Ministry said on Wednesday. This year's overall flu cases stood at 2,700, according to the ministry. The rise in flu deaths coincided with a lower-than-expected vaccination coverage in the country, despite health authorities' warnings. The government has launched a vaccination campaign in April to immunize 54.4 million people against influenza. The main targeting groups included children, the elderly, pregnant women and indigenous populations. The ministry said only 42.6 million people had been vaccinated. "Our strategy today is to focus especially on children under five, in daycare centers and schools," said Brazil's Health Minister Gilberto Occhi, adding that efforts would be made to increase vaccination in the targeting groups. Health officials are concerned as the winter season approaches, a time when flu cases usually peak. NEW DELHI, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The quality of air in India's Delhi and surrounding areas has worsened during the past 24 hours. Hazy condition even continues to prevail due to the incoming dusty storms from the western state of Rajasthan which is facing extremely dry weather conditions with high temperatures and wind speeds. The "severe" condition of air quality forced the country's Ministry of Environment to appeal to the people to avoid prolonged outdoor exposure. The ministry also cautioned that the current dusty conditions are likely to continue over the next three days in the Indian capital and its surrounding areas. The air quality is being equated to what was witnessed in winter, even as the "PM10" levels shot up to over eight times than the safe standards. The government authorities in Delhi and surrounding states have jointly issued directions to the concerned authorities to carry out sprinkling of water to bring down the dust in the air over the next couple of days. "Major construction agencies, municipal corporations and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have been alerted to ensure water sprinkling, as required," said a statement issued by the Ministry of Environment. It further said that the high pollution levels witnessed presently in the Indian capital are "unusual" and primarily due to dust storms from Rajasthan. The wind direction in Delhi since Sunday has changed to West and North West and then since Tuesday to West and South West, due to which hot air, along with dust from Rajasthan has started moving into Delhi. SEOUL, June 14 (Xinhua) -- South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha said Thursday that joint military exercises between South Korea and the United States, which have been conducted twice a year, are an issue to be determined through consultations between military authorities of the two countries. Kang made the remarks during a televised joint press conference in Seoul after holding a trilateral meeting with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono. Her comment came after U.S. President Donald Trump told a press conference after holding a historic summit with top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) Kim Jong Un in Singapore Tuesday that he will halt the U.S. war games with South Korea. Trump said it would be inappropriate to have such "provocative" war games as he and the DPRK leader reached a comprehensive deal. Kim and Trump signed a joint statement after the first DPRK-U.S. summit, agreeing to complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula in return for security assurances. The leaders also agreed to set up new bilateral ties, ending hostile relations that had lasted for decades. Kang said she understood what President Trump said as his willingness to strengthen the dialogue momentum with the DPRK that has just emerged following the DPRK-U.S. summit and the inter-Korean summits. The South Korean diplomat said the annual South Korea-U.S. military drills are a matter between the two allies and an issue to be decided through consultations between the military authorities. The Blue House of South Korea said Wednesday that it needs to get clarity about what exact meaning and intention Trump's comment about the war games had at the current stage. However, it noted that while Pyongyang and Washington proceed with an earnest dialogue on denuclearizing the peninsula and establishing bilateral relations, it needs to come up with various ways to further forward such dialogue more smoothly. It indicated the possible suspension of the upcoming South Korea-U.S. joint military drills if denuclearization talks go smoothly. The joint annual South Korea-U.S. military exercises have been carried out twice in spring and fall each. This year's springtime war games were conducted in April as it was delayed for the South Korea-hosted Winter Olympics. The autumn military drills are scheduled for August this year. MOSCOW, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Russian scientists are developing a new space laser cannon that could shoot down potentially harmful space debris, according to local media reports. The powerful "laser cannon" will be based on a three-meter optical telescope, which was first designed to monitor space for satellites and space junk, according to Russian TV network RT. The space trash destroyer will rid the space debris by piercing each junk with its laser beam until the object evaporates by the energy heat. The new technology is currently under development by researchers at Scientific and Industrial Corporation "Precision Instrument Systems," a subsidiary of Roscosmos, the Russian space agency. NASA estimated in 2013 that there were more that 500,000 pieces of space junk "the size of a marble or larger" orbiting around the Earth. They all travel at speeds up to 17,500 meters per hour, fast enough for a relatively small piece of orbital debris to damage a satellite or a spacecraft. The rising number of space debris increased the potential danger to all space vehicles, especially to the International Space Station, space shuttles and other spacecraft with humans aboard. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 13:25:20|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close An Afghan security force member searches a vehicle at a security checkpoint in Ghazni province, Afghanistan, June 15, 2018. A senior al-Qaida leader was killed following an operation in Afghanistan's eastern province of Ghazni overnight, the command of Afghan special forces said Thursday. (Xinhua/Sayed Monizadah) KABUL, June 14 (Xinhua) -- A senior al-Qaida leader was killed following an operation in Afghanistan's eastern province of Ghazni overnight, the command of Afghan special forces said Thursday. "A senior al-Qaida leader was killed following an operation launched by Afghan Special Operations Forces in Gelan district, Ghazni province on Wednesday night," Operational Coordination Group Afghanistan said in a statement. The statement neither details the operation nor releases information about the identity of the killed. The province, 125 km south of Afghan capital city Kabul, has been the scene of heavy clashes between security forces and militants within the past several months. A temporary unilateral seven-day ceasefire by the Afghan government with Taliban militants went into effect on Tuesday before end of Ramadan and the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday, but the Taliban outfit continued attacks on government forces. The Afghan government in its ceasefire has excluded al-Qaida and the hardliner Islamic State (IS), saying the security forces would continue to chase the said groups' insurgents in the war-battered country. SEOUL, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Commitment by Kim Jong Un, top leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK), to denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula is an important step to peace and stability in the region, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday. "(Kim's) public commitment to completing denuclearization is an important step toward bringing a lasting peace and stability to Northeast Asia and indeed to the entire world," Pompeo said during a press conference in Seoul after a trilateral meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono. Pompeo arrived in South Korea on Wednesday evening after accompanying U.S. President Donald Trump to the historic summit with top DPRK leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore on Tuesday. Kim and Trump agreed to complete denuclearization of the peninsula in return for security guarantees. The U.S. secretary of state said the trilateral cooperation between Seoul, Tokyo and Washington is crucial to effectiveness regarding the efforts to denuclearize the peninsula, saying the Singapore summit was "a turning point" in the U.S.-DPRK relationship. Pompeo said the denuclearization will be a "process" and not an easy one as President Trump mentioned, vowing to closely cooperate with South Korea and Japan which would be critical to the success. The United States, South Korea and Japan will remain committed to achieving complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization, Pompeo said, adding that the DPRK leader indicated it in Singapore to share that vision. "The agreement signed (by Kim and Trump in Singapore) was very clear. This will be the complete denuclearization." Meanwhile, the South Korean foreign minister said the joint military exercises between Seoul and Washington would be decided through consultations between military authorities of the two countries. Her comments came after Trump told a press conference after his summit with the DPRK leader that he will halt the U.S. war games with South Korea which have been conducted twice a year. Trump said it would be inappropriate to have such "provocative" war games as he and the DPRK leader reached a comprehensive deal. Kim and Trump signed a joint statement after the first DPRK-U.S. summit, agreeing to establish new bilateral ties. It indicated the end of their hostile relations that had lasted for decades. The South Korean top diplomat said the annual South Korea-U.S. military drills are a matter between the two allies and an issue to be decided through consultations between the military authorities. The Blue House of South Korea said Wednesday that it needs to get clarity about what exact meaning and intention Trump's comment about the war games had at the current stage. However, it noted that while Pyongyang and Washington proceed with an earnest dialogue on denuclearizing the peninsula and establishing bilateral relations, it needs to come up with various ways to further forward such dialogue more smoothly. It indicated the possible suspension of the upcoming South Korea-U.S. joint military drills if denuclearization talks go smoothly. The joint annual South Korea-U.S. military exercises have been carried out twice in spring and fall each. This year's springtime war games were conducted in April as it was delayed for the South Korea-hosted Winter Olympics. The autumn military drills are scheduled for August this year. CANBERRA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Australia's Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull has shown support to a proposal from Citizenship and Multicultural Affairs Minister Alan Tudge for mandatory English language tests for all new permanent residents. Tudge, Turnbull and other senior ministers are concerned that by 2021, more than 1 million people in Australia could have little or no English skills. "It is plainly in everybody's interests that ideally everyone should have English language skills," Turnbull told reporters in Canberra on Thursday. Tudge will table in parliament the idea of a stricter English language test as part of a larger move to address social integration issues, with some 200,000 new permanent residents entering Australia every year. The minister will express the government's concern over "more social fragmentation" due to poor English language skills, in a speech to Sydney Institute on Thursday. "It has been suggested that basic conversational English capability should be required before receiving permanent residency," Tudge said in his speech, a copy of which was obtained by The Australian newspaper. The Labor opposition had expressed concern about a previous proposal from the government, currently blocked in the Senate, which would have required all people applying for Australian citizenship to pass an IELTS Level Six test - the same level as is required for university admission. "We understand that there've been some concerns raised about the level of the English test and we're looking at that to make it more like a conversational English at a primary school level being the initial goal," Turnbull said on Thursday. WINNIPEG, Manitoba, June 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The North West Company Inc. (TSX:NWC) (North West) today announced voting results for the election of directors at its annual general and special meeting of shareholders held today, June 13, 2018, in Winnipeg (the Meeting). Each of the nominees listed in the management information circular dated April 11, 2018 was elected as a director of North West at the Meeting. A total of 24,281,680 common shares representing 49.87% of all of North Wests issued and outstanding shares were voted in connection with the Meeting. Shareholders approved all items of business before the Meeting, including the election of directors as follows: Nominee Votes For % of Votes For Votes Withheld % of Votes Withheld H. Sanford Riley 22,922,469 94.40% 1,359,211 5.60% Brock Bulbuck 23,877,270 98.33% 404,410 1.67% Deepak Chopra 24,203,340 99.68% 78,340 0.32% Frank J. Coleman 23,048,273 94.92% 1,233,407 5.08% Wendy F. Evans 23,044,355 94.90% 1,237,325 5.10% Stewart Glendinning 23,793,995 97.99% 487,685 2.01% Edward S. Kennedy 22,939,088 94.47% 1,342,592 5.53% Robert J. Kennedy 22,984,614 94.66% 1,297,066 5.34% Annalisa King 24,224,090 99.76% 57,590 0.24% Violet (Vi) A.M. Konkle 24,222,504 99.76% 59,176 0.24% Eric L. Stefanson 23,192,318 95.51% 1,089,362 4.49% Victor Tootoo 24,201,356 99.67% 80,324 0.33% In addition, North West reports that: 1. a special resolution amending North Wests articles to increase the maximum size of the board of directors from twelve to thirteen directors, was passed by a special majority of the votes represented at the Meeting; 2. an ordinary resolution approving the appointment of PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP as North Wests auditors for the 2018 fiscal year was passed by a majority of the votes represented at the Meeting; 3. an advisory resolution accepting North Wests boards approach to executive compensation was passed by a majority of the votes represented at the Meeting; 4. an ordinary resolution approving North Wests First Amended and Restated Performance Share Unit Plan providing for the issuance of up to 860,000 common shares was passed by a majority of the votes represented at the Meeting. Details of the voting results on all matters considered at the Meeting are available in North Wests report of voting results, which is available under North Wests profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. ABOUT THE NORTH WEST COMPANY INC. The North West Company Inc., through its subsidiaries, is a leading retailer of food and everyday products and services to rural communities and urban neighbourhoods in Canada, Alaska, the South Pacific and the Caribbean. North West operates 237 stores under the trading names Northern, NorthMart, Giant Tiger, Alaska Commercial Company, Cost-U-Less and RiteWay Food Markets and has annualized sales of approximately CDN$2.0 billion. The common shares of North West trade on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol NWC. CONTACT Edward Kennedy, President and Chief Executive Officer, The North West Company Inc. Phone 204-934-1482; fax 204-934-1317; email ekennedy@northwest.ca John King, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, The North West Company Inc. Phone 204-934-1397; fax 204-934-1317; email: jking@northwest.ca Amanda Sutton, Vice President, Legal and Corporate Secretary, The North West Company Inc. Phone 204-934-1756; fax 204-934-1317; email: asutton@northwest.ca or visit on-line at www.northwest.ca MOSCOW, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Russia's latest BMD-4M airborne assault vehicles, Rakushka armored personnel carriers and Sprut-SD howitzers will be showcased for the first time in the Slavic Brotherhood 2018 international military exercises in June, the Russian Defense Ministry said Wednesday. According to the ministry, the new military hardware will be involved in the Russian-Serbian-Belarusian tactical drill near Novorossiysk. The drills will be held from June 18 to 28 at Rayevsky practice range in the Krasnodar Region in southern Russia. The Russian forces, including units of frontline and army aviation of the Air Force and Air Defense troops of the Southern Military District, will participate in the exercise. The military exercise was first announced in August 2016 when delegations of Russia, Serbia and Belarus met in Belgrade to discuss military cooperation. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 15:55:51|Editor: ZX Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, June 13 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Security Council should consider steps to loosen sanctions against the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) after the historic summit between its top leader Kim Jong Un and U.S. President Donald Trump, a Russian envoy said Wednesday. "I think that it is only natural that we should be thinking about steps in that direction," Vassily Nebenzia, Russian ambassador to the world body, told reporters when asked whether it was time to discuss "loosening sanctions" against Pyongyang. "Inevitably there is progress on the track," he said, adding that the process was "a two-way street." After the first-ever meeting between sitting leaders of the DPRK and the United States on Tuesday in Singapore, Kim and Trump signed a joint statement, promising to work towards the "complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula." Trump said during a press conference after the summit that the Untied States would stop holding military exercises with South Korea unless "future negotiation is not going along like it should." CAPE TOWN, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Two worshippers were killed when an unidentified assailant attacked a mosque in Malmesbury in Western Cape Province, South Africa early Thursday. Police rushed to the scene and found two worshippers stabbed to death, provincial police spokesperson Andre Traut said. The attacker was shot dead at the scene by police, Traut said. Witnesses described the attacker as a foreigner in his 30s. This was the second attack on a mosque in the country since May this year. On May 10, three knife-wielding attackers stormed a mosque in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal Province, killing one worshipper and seriously wounding two others. The suspects, reportedly from Egypt, escaped from the scene before setting the mosque on fire. No arrest has been made so far. The motivation for the killing is still unknown. Religious organizations said there is no doubt that the knife attacks had been orchestrated by "terrorists." But authorities said they need evidence to link the attacks with terrorism. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 16:05:54|Editor: ZX Video Player Close CHENGDU, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Southwest China's Sichuan Province will do more to restore the wild population of Dabry's sturgeon, an endemic and endangered species. This year, Sichuan has released 50 adult sturgeon and more than 85,000 fry into the the Yangtze, according to staff at the province's bureau of aquatic products. The province plans to release hundreds of adult sturgeon and tens of thousands of fry in 2019 and 2020 in a bid to restore the population. A monitoring network will review the effects of the plan. The province will improve genetic research and management of the species and crack down on illegal fishing. The Yangtze sturgeon lost its natural ability to breed in 2000 due to dam construction, overfishing, and crowded rivers. It was classified as critically endangered by the International Union for Conservation of Nature in 2010. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 16:10:54|Editor: ZX Video Player Close GUANGZHOU, June 14 (Xinhua) -- A Uganda-China mining industrial park will begin operation in October in the East African country, serving as an example of production capacity cooperation between China and Africa. "China's experience in industrial development and pollution management will be implemented into the park's operation, prioritizing environmental protection," said Lyu Weidong, chairman of Guangzhou DongSong Energy Group Co. Ltd., investor and builder of the park. "Some areas in China developed the economy at the cost of the environment. We've learned from our mistakes and now implement green development at the very beginning, even if it means a significant hike in investment," Lyu said. With a total investment of 620 million U.S. dollars, the park in Uganda's Tororo District consists of plants that process minerals, manufacture phosphate fertilizer or steel, or smelt tin. It also has a brick factory and a slag grinding plant, both of which use steel slag, and a sewage treatment plant which provides water circulation for the whole park. Meanwhile, the redundant gas and heat will also be recycled. "It is a complete industrial chain, which not only increases the added value of resource products, but also prevents harm to the natural environment," Lyu said. Some African countries have been actively building industrial parks and special economic zones to create new drives for economic and social development, longing for China's experience and investments. In Ogun-Guangdong Free Trade Zone, a park located in Nigeria's Ogun State, 26 companies in its 2.24-square-km startup area generated a combined output value of 1.5 billion yuan (234 million U.S. dollars) in 2017 and have hired nearly 5,000 local employees, according to Zhu Layi, president of Guangdong New South Group Co. Ltd., operator of the zone. Star companies in the park include Goodwin Ceramic, the largest ceramics manufacturer in Africa with a daily output of 120,000 square meters of ceramics, and Hewang Packaging & Printing FZE, the largest carton box factory in Nigeria with a daily output of 600,000 pieces. Both companies are built with Chinese investment. National Bureau of Statistics data shows that in the first quarter of the year, the trade volume between China and Africa increased by 12.4 percent year on year. China's investment in Africa has totalled over 100 billion dollars and the country has built more than 20 economic zones in the continent, with more planned, according to Huo Jiangtao, assistant dean of the Institute for African Studies at Guangdong University of Foreign Studies. China attaches great importance to infrastructure and the business environment before building economic zones. "Attracting foreign investment and promoting local employment are also high on its agenda," Huo said. "Many Africans believe that these experiences are worth learning." Teferi Melesse Desta, Consul General at the Consulate General of Ethiopia in Guangzhou who is responsible for investment affairs, has been visiting companies and industrial parks in the Pearl River Delta region. "The number of Chinese companies investing in Ethiopia is increasing. With these new industrial parks, cooperation between China and Africa will be further expanded," he said. "Chinese companies focus on social responsibilities and international market rules when investing and building industrial parks in Africa," Huo said. "China has brought tangible changes and benefits to the African society through improving local infrastructure, building schools and hospitals, and offering training courses," she said. Looking into the future, Chinese entrepreneurs believe there is great potential for China-Africa industrial cooperation since the African market is full of opportunities. Lyu Weidong said DongSong plans to launch energy development projects in Cameroon and Mozambique within three years. New South Group also plans to build 10 industrial parks and 10 medical centers in Africa in the next five years. To foster increased cooperation, the China Council for the Promotion of International Trade (CCPIT) Guangdong Committee announced earlier this month that it is working to establish the Africa Guangdong Association of Commerce. "We'll guide the industrial cooperation between Guangdong and African countries, help bridge governmental and private resources, and enhance mutual understanding between China and Africa," said Lin Tao, chairman of the CCPIT Guangdong Committee. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 16:15:56|Editor: ZX Video Player Close DAMASCUS, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Syrian President Bashar al-Assad said in an interview aired late Wednesday that Israel is hindering the settlement of the situation in southern Syria. In an interview with the Iranian Al-Alam TV and released by the Syrian state news agency SANA, Assad said that so far there are no actual results of the efforts exerted to reach a deal with the rebels due to the U.S.-Israeli pressure on the militant groups. He said that there was a chance for reconciliation, but the "Americans and Israelis prevented it." Assad's remarks shed light on the facts amid the emerging rumors and conflicting reports on the Russian-backed agreement with the United States and Israel. The rebel-held areas in the southern provinces of Daraa and Quneitra will be facing two options: either a settlement based on an agreement with the armed groups or a military showdown, the Syrian president said. Earlier reports said that the Israelis want the withdrawal of Iranian forces from southern Syria to accept the agreement, which will see the return of the Syrian army to the rebel-held areas in Daraa, near Jordan, and Quneitra, on the border with the Israeli-occupied Golan Heights. But Assad made it clear that the presence of the Iranian military experts and forces are not for negotiation. He said the Iranian-Syrian relations are strategic and not subject to any settlement in the south, adding that the Israelis are trying to provoke and embarrass Iran through their demands. Assad's remarks came as a Russian-mediated agreement was said to have been discussed with Israel and the United States to settle the situation in southern Syria without battles, akin to what happened in other areas in the war-torn country. The agreement was about evacuating the rebels, who refuse to reconcile with the government, to rebel-held areas in northern Syria, while the militants who want to stay must hand over their weapons and embark on a reconciliation process with the government. The talks about the southern front came after the Syrian army secured the vicinity of the capital Damascus from the rebels and also the entire central province of Homs. After these achievements that have included the withdrawal of rebels, the army made the southern front the next target for either a wide-scale military operation or a reconciliation. In his interview, Assad said contacts are ongoing between the Russians, Americans and the Israelis about the situation in southern Syria, adding that no one is contacting with "terrorists" because "they do what they are told." As for the Lebanese Hezbollah group, which is supported by Iran, Assad said that the battle is long and ongoing and so is the tripartite alliance between Iran, Syria and Hezbollah. "Hezbollah is a key factor in this war, and the war is long and our need for these military forces will last for a long time," Assad said, answering the question whether his administration has asked Hezbollah to leave Syria. Meanwhile, the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitor group has released several reports about the military reinforcements that are being sent to southern Syria as a prelude for a military action should the negotiations fail. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 16:21:00|Editor: ZX Video Player Close CANBERRA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Ice melt has caused sea levels to rise by 8 mm since 1992, according to leading scientists on Thursday. Australian scientists from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) teamed up with international researchers to study the Antarctic and concluded that the 8-mm rise in sea levels corresponded to approximately 3 trillion tonnes of ice melt. Their research was published in the scientific journal Nature on Thursday. Using 24 different satellite-based estimates, the group demonstrated a tripling of ice-loss in western Antarctica between 1992 and 2017. Lead author and senior scientist, CSIRO Oceanographer Steve Rintoul, expressed concerns over the Antarctic ice sheet, commenting that "the largest mass loss is observed where relatively warm ocean waters are melting floating ice shelves from below." "As the ice shelves thin and weaken, they provide less resistance to ice flow from the continent to the sea," Rintoul said. "A critical question for the future is how ocean-driven melting of Antarctic ice shelves will change as the earth warms." "Continued high greenhouse gas emissions risk committing us to changes in Antarctica that will have long-term and far-reaching consequences for Earth and humanity." The study is part of a special collection of articles on Antarctica that includes Australian research on the role of the Southern Ocean in sea-level rise. It explores how Antarctica and the Southern Ocean will change over the next 50 years, and how those changes will impact the rest of the globe. Two scenarios are considered: one in which greenhouse gas emissions remain unchecked, and one in which strong action is taken to limit emissions and to manage increased human use of Antarctica. If the high emissions continue, major ice shelves will collapse by 2070, according to the report, which also suggests sea level rise would accelerate to rates not seen in 20,000 years. Furthermore, ocean acidification and over-fishing will alter Southern Ocean ecosystems, and a failure to manage increased human pressures will degrade the Antarctic environment, the report indicates. Duanne White, associate professor at the University of Canberra, commended the paper as "a thorough assessment of the current state of knowledge of Antarctic ice loss." Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 16:26:01|Editor: ZX Video Player Close AMMAN, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Jordan's economy is expected to improve following some 3 billion U.S. dollars aid pledged by the Gulf states, analysts said. On Wednesday, Qatar announced that it would provide 10,000 jobs for Jordanians in the Gulf state, in addition to a package of investments in infrastructure projects in Jordan valued at 500 million dollars. Earlier this week, Saudi Arabia, Kuwait and the UAE pledged 2.5 billion dollars to support Jordan's economy, which is suffering slow growth due to regional turmoil and presence of large numbers of Syrian refugees. The aid includes a deposit at the Central Bank of Jordan, guarantees to be presented to the World Bank in favor of Jordan, budget support for five years, and funding of projects by development funds from the three countries. "The Gulf aid comes at a very important time when unemployment in Jordan is at its highest level in decades and cost of living is on the rise," economist Hosam Ayesh told Xinhua. According to the latest figures, unemployment rate reached 18.4 percent in the end of the first quarter of 2018. "Jordan was in dire need of aid amidst rising public debt that currently stands at about 96 percent of the GDP," Ayesh said. In Jordan, which hosts some 1.3 million Syrian refugees, economic growth stands at about 2 percent annually, way below the population growth of around 5 percent. "The economic growth is not enough to create jobs as we have around 80,000 university graduates every year ... The Gulf aid will reduce pressure on Jordan and most of it should be allocated for investing in capital expenditure," said Ayesh. Economist Wajdi Makhamreh also agreed, saying "we need to implement development projects that create jobs for young Jordanians ... we do not to borrow any more as the debt service is very high." "The aid shows a strong message of support from the Gulf to the kingdom and to its role in regional stability and security," he said. The aid by the Gulf countries comes following days of protests by Jordanians across the kingdom in rejection of the income tax draft bill and the government's economic policies, which forced the former Prime Minister Hani Mulki and his cabinet to resign. Then, King Abdullah II of Jordan tasked Omar Razzaz, former education minister, with forming a new government, which succeeded in defusing tensions in the country. SAN FRANCISCO, June 13 (Xinhua) -- San Francisco is joining a national effort to support two Congressional bills to award Chinese American World War II veterans with the Congressional Gold Medal. The city's board of supervisors unanimously passed a resolution late Tuesday, calling on the U.S. Congress to expeditiously pass the two bills. The bills, which were introduced to the House of Representatives and the Senate in May 2017, have been stalled at respective committees ever since. Copies of the resolution will be transmitted to the members of the U.S. House of Representatives from the San Francisco Bay Area and the U.S. Senators from California with a request to take all necessary actions to achieve the objectives of the resolution. Norman Yee, a supervisor of the city and author of the resolution, said it's time to honor those Chinese Americans who served the United States because most of them, now in their 90s, may not be able to live to witness the ceremony of recognition. More than 13,000 Chinese Americans served in all branches of the Army Ground Forces and Army Air Forces by the end of World War II, though the total population of Chinese Americans living in the United States was under 120,000, according to the resolution. Nearly 25 percent of enlisted Chinese Americans served in the U.S. Army Air Force and many were assigned to the 14th Air Service Group, which was composed of primarily Chinese Americans based in the China-Burma-India (CBI) Theater. In the CBI Theater, they provided effective communications, supplies, transportation and technical support to advance the war efforts. Despite their valor and heroism, the Chinese American soldiers faced institutional racism and prejudice, especially as The Chinese Exclusion Act of 1882 continued to restrict Chinese immigration to the United States till 1943. "Many struggles lay ahead, they (Chinese Americans) had answered the call to service and, in so doing, a great Chinese American generation had staked a big claim to a legitimate share of the American Dream," said Doug Chan, vice president of the Chinese Historical Society of America. Earlier this year, the Congress awarded the Congressional Gold Medal, the highest civilian honor in the United States, to Filipino and Filipino American soldiers who fought in World War II to memorialize their service and sacrifice. "I believe it's only right to bestow this same recognition upon those Chinese citizens and Chinese American soldiers who also made such enormous sacrifices," said Jackie Speier, a Congresswoman and a co-sponsor of the House bill, in a letter to support the resolution on Tuesday. "Time is running out. We must recognize these individuals while they are with us, and the memory of their enormous sacrifices alive once they pass," said Speier. by Eric J. Lyman ROME, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Italy's hardline stance against migrant arrivals is starting to divide the European Union (EU) into two camps. The country made worldwide headlines starting Sunday when it refused to allow the non-governmental rescue ship Aquarius and its 629 migrants and refugees on board to land in an Italian port. The vessel floated at sea with fuel and supplies running low before Spain allowed it to dock. The policy is in line with promises by Italy's Interior Minister Matteo Salvini, head of the nationalist and anti-migrant party League, a ruling coalition partner. Salvini recently told reporters that Italy would not become "Europe's refugee camp" and that migrants already in the country should "get ready to pack (their) bags." The remarks have revealed a divide within the EU. Hungary, Slovakia and Austria have voiced support for Italy's tough policies against migrant arrivals, while Salvini's German counterpart Horst Seehofer has said Germany and Austria should work together at the interior ministry level in the areas of security, antiterrorism and immigration. But Seehofer's views are at odds with those of German Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is opposed to turning refugees away at the border. French President Emmanuel Macron blasted Italy for turning away Aquarius. "If the French coast had been the boat's closest shore it would have been allowed to dock," he said. The French stance sparked a diplomatic row with Italy: Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte demanded an apology and when Macron refused, Conte threatened to cancel a summit between the two leaders. "This country cannot accept hypocritical lessons from countries that have long preferred to turn their heads away on the immigration issue," Conte said. Italy's recent moves were also widely criticized by the media in Spain and some northern European countries. Then on Wednesday, Italy allowed Diciotti, an Italian Coast Guard vessel carrying more than 900 migrants from at least six different African countries, to dock in Sicily -- the difference being that the Diciotti is an Italian vessel that began its rescue operation before the standoff over Aquarius. The fate of the more than 40 migrants reported to be aboard the U.S. Navy ship Trenton, based in Naples, Italy, remains unclear. "Nobody knows what will happen next," Francesca Curi, director of a program on social and legal practices in the reception and integration of migrants at the University of Bologna, told Xinhua. "Obviously, Salvini is playing to the base support of the League. But if he follows through with his threats it will be very serious." Giuseppe De Arcangelis, a professor of international economics at the La Sapienza University of Rome, said the problem is compounded because the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, is too weak to require states to fall in line. "With each country taking its own path, the next few weeks will be key," De Arcangelis said in an interview. "Unless something changes we will have a disaster on the horizon." TOKYO, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Juniper Networks (NYSE:JNPR), an industry leader in automated, scalable and secure networks, today announced that it has captured multiple top honors at Interop Tokyo 2018 for the 12th straight year. The recognition reflects the companys consistent commitment toward delivering innovative and industry-leading networking technology while simplifying the complexities of networking. Maintaining its award winning-streak at the influential trade show, Juniper triumphed in the following categories this year: Best of Show Grand Prix Award (Network Infrastructure): Juniper Networks MX10008 Universal Chassis Juniper Networks MX10008 Universal Chassis Best of Show Grand Prix Award (Cloud Computing): Contrail Enterprise Multicloud by Juniper Networks Contrail Enterprise Multicloud by Juniper Networks Best of Show Runners-Up Award (Security): Juniper Networks ATP Appliance Juniper Networks ATP Appliance Best of Show Special Award (Security): Juniper Networks SRX4600 Services Gateway Continuing Junipers proud tradition of receiving consecutive Best of Show awards at Interop Tokyo since 2007, a prominent judging panel of industry experts and executives selected Junipers products as award winners from among hundreds of nominations across the industry. Recent Juniper award-winners have included the QFX10008, QFX5110 and the MX10003. As one of the largest network computing trade shows in Asia, Interop Tokyo is renowned for being a top global business technology event, showcasing the very latest in cutting-edge networking products, solutions and services from vendors across the world. This year, Interop Tokyo 2018 attracted more than 140,000 attendees (including co-located events) and featured major keynote addresses and full-fledged conference programs, as well as an associated expo area for showcases by vendors. Product Highlights: Juniper Networks MX10008 Universal Chassis The MX10008 completes Junipers universal chassis portfolio that also includes the PTX and QFX chassis and continues service-scale innovation to usher in the next era of carrier, enterprise and cloud networking. Customers now can have a singular chassis to accommodate a variety of line cards and software for different use-cases, enabling customers to do more with less while simplifying network design and reducing OPEX. In addition, the MX10008 also brings industry-leading and space-saving scale for edge routers at 19.2 Tbps, while also improving per-slot economics for service scale at ~0.6 watts per gigabit. Contrail Enterprise Multicloud by Juniper Networks Contrail Enterprise Multicloud is the only multicloud-ready orchestration and analytics platform, for any cloud and any workload, across multivendor environments. Integrating both overlay and underlay management into an open platform, Contrail Enterprise Multicloud streamlines workflows and improves end-to-end visibility. Featuring end-to-end policy and control capability, Contrail Enterprise Multicloud enables users to have a single tool for orchestration across overlay and fabric management, bare metal servers, virtual machines, containers and networking devices, private and public clouds and security management. Based on open interfaces and standard protocols, Contrail Enterprise Multicloud can be inserted into diverse networking environments to avoid unnecessary vendor lock-in, all while enabling a clear path toward a secure and automated multicloud. Juniper Networks Advanced Threat Prevention (ATP) Appliance The ATP Appliance provides comprehensive on-premise protection against a sophisticated ever-changing threat landscape. Utilizing advanced machine learning and behavioral analysis, the ATP Appliance identifies existing and unknown advanced threats in near real-time. With an open API architecture, the ATP Appliance integrates with third-party security devices for seamless, automatic threat mitigation. The ATP Appliance is available in both physical (all-in-one or distributed mode deployment) and virtual (distributed mode only) form factors. Juniper Networks SRX4600 Services Gateway The high-performance SRX4600 next-generation firewall offers fast, scalable protection across the enterprise private cloud, campus networks, cloud service providers and telcos alike With integrated malware prevention and a full suite of next-generation services, the SRX4600 is optimized to provide consistent and seamless protection across diverse environments As the center point of defense, the SRX4600 offers unprecedented command over your entire security infrastructure, allowing for single pane of glass management through Junos Space Security Director Supporting Quote We are delighted to once again continue Juniper Networks proud tradition of capturing multiple prestigious awards at Interop Tokyo, across the Network Infrastructure, Cloud Computing and Security categories. Its a major honor to be consecutively recognized every year since 2007 by the esteemed panel, and a strong testament to our commitment of continually challenging the complexities across networking all while consistently engineering industry-leading products and solutions for our customers. - Mike Marcellin, SVP and chief marketing officer, Juniper Networks Additional Resources: Follow Juniper Networks online: Facebook | Twitter | LinkedIn Juniper Blogs and Community: J-Net Juniper 1on1 app: Keep up with all things Juniper from your smartphone. Download the app from iTunes and Google Play store today. About Juniper Networks Juniper Networks simplifies the complexities of networking with products, solutions and services in the cloud era to transform the way we connect, work and live. We remove the traditional constraints of networking to enable our customers and partners to deliver automated, scalable and secure networks that connect the world. Additional information can be found at Juniper Networks (www.juniper.net) or connect with Juniper on Twitter, LinkedIn and Facebook. Juniper Networks, the Juniper Networks logo, Juniper and Junos are registered trademarks of Juniper Networks, Inc. and/or its affiliates in the United States and other countries. Other names may be trademarks of their respective owners. Media Relations: Juniper Networks Kenneth Chew +65 6511 3529 kchew@juniper.net ULAN BATOR, June 14 (Xinhua) -- An annual multinational peacekeeping exercise, code-named Khaan Quest 2018, kicked off at Five Hills Training Area near the Mongolian capital on Thursday. This year's Khaan Quest is scheduled to take place from June 14 to June 28. Nowadays, keeping peace in the world is not one nation's obligation; it requires joint efforts from all humanity, Khaltmaa Battulga, president of Mongolia and commander-in-chief of the Mongolian Armed Forces (MAF), said at the opening ceremony of the military exercise. "Taking this opportunity, I would like to enunciate that Mongolia is ready to maintain its peace-loving foreign policy, cooperate with other nations, and establish cordial relationships," he said. A total of 1,400 military personnel from 26 countries, including Mongolia, the United States, China, Russia, Germany, Bhutan and Qatar are participating in the military exercise hosted by the MAF. It is the first time for Bhutan and Qatar to take part in the drill. The Khaan Quest 2018 will consist of a command post exercise and a field training exercise focusing on peacekeeping and stability operations. Individual events include checkpoint control, combat casualty care, water patrolling and civilian protection. "I have no doubt that through these trainings, Mongolia, the United States and multinational forces will enhance peacekeeping operation capabilities, develop common tactics and techniques, and deepen mutual relationships," said Peter Mondelli, a colonel of the United States. "Khaan Quest is one of the major opportunities for international military personal to cooperate and exchange experiences," he said. The peacekeeping exercise was launched in 2003 by the MAF in cooperation with the then U.S. Pacific Command and a United Nations peace support fund. It expanded to a multinational drill in 2006. SARI PUL, Afghanistan, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Four army soldiers and seven Taliban militants were killed after militants attacked a security checkpoint in Afghanistan's northern province of Sari Pul overnight, a local official said Thursday. "Taliban militants attacked an army checkpoint in Balghali area on outskirts of provincial capital Sari Pul Wednesday night and the army forces responded to attackers," Zabihullah Amani, provincial government spokesman, told Xinhua. The fighting lasted for more than five hours and three soldiers and nine Taliban were also wounded, he added. A temporary unilateral seven-day ceasefire by the Afghan government with Taliban militants went into effect on Tuesday before the end of Ramadan and the Eid-ul-Fitr holiday, but the Taliban outfit continued attacks on government forces. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 17:01:12|Editor: mym Video Player Close PANAMA CITY, June 13 (Xinhua) -- In just 12 months, the newly established diplomatic ties between China and Panama have seen progress "in all spheres," Chinese Ambassador to Panama Wei Qiang has said. Wei made the remarks during an interview with Xinhua upon the first anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries. Over the past year, China and Panama have regularly exchanged greetings and congratulatory messages on key dates, using the opportunity to underscore their friendship. The ambassador recalled that in November, Panamanian President Juan Carlos Varela was the first Latin American head of state to visit China shortly after the 19th National Congress of the Communist Party of China. "The two countries outlined a detailed plan to foster ties and reached important agreements on cooperation," said Wei. Since then, China and Panama have made "significant progress covering areas such as trade, investment and finance, maritime transport and civil aviation, agriculture, infrastructure, quality control and tourism," he said. The two countries also signed a memorandum of understanding to promote the China-proposed Belt and Road Initiative, making Panama the first Latin American country to sign such a document, said the ambassador. He said that Panama has expressed willingness to play a key role in expanding the initiative -- which originally envisioned developing a modern-day Silk Road to bolster trade between Asia, the Middle East, Africa and Europe -- to Latin America. "Feasibility studies are already underway for the construction of a rail line connecting Panama City with the west coast province of Chiriqui, to facilitate cargo shipments," said Wei. In the field of trade and economy, officials expect to begin negotiations on a free trade agreement as soon as the feasibility studies are completed, he said. Meanwhile, quality control agencies in the two countries have stepped up cooperation to facilitate the flow of goods, especially Panamanian fish and coffee imports to the Chinese market. More than 40 Chinese companies are currently operating in Panama, taking advantage of the Central American country's ideal location for accessing neighboring markets in the region and the Caribbean, said Wei. "Chinese companies in Panama are investing in a range of areas, including ports, bridge and highway construction, energy, retail sales and automobiles, while financial cooperation is on the rise with the arrival of several Chinese financial institutions," he said. The two countries are also increasing cultural exchanges, with Panama's first Confucius Institute preparing to offer Chinese language classes in the coming days, and more Panamanian students than ever before studying in China. "Thanks to the launch of a direct flight between Panama City and Beijing, and reciprocal measures to ease the visa application process, exchanges between the two countries have rapidly grown, and an increasing number of Chinese tourists is choosing to travel to Panama," the ambassador said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 17:21:16|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close JERUSALEM, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Israel rejected a United Nations (UN) resolution condemning Israel's violence against Palestinians in Gaza, and blamed Hamas and the Palestinian president on Thursday for the crisis in Gaza. On Wednesday, the UN General Assembly endorsed a resolution condemning Israel's "use of any excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate force" against Palestinians in Gaza. The resolution won 120 votes in the 193-member assembly, with eight votes against. The vote came after Israeli forces stationed near the fence between Israel and Gaza have killed at least 122 Palestinians and injured hundreds during protests that began on March 30. No Israeli was killed. The resolution also urged Israel to lift the harsh economic sanctions and the 12-year crippling blockade. U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley voted against the motion, and denounced it as "morally bankrupt." The Israeli Prime Minister's Office released a statement commending Haley for her "strong statement exposing the hypocrisy of the UN's bias against Israel." It also praised U.S. President Donald Trump's administration for its "steadfast support for Israel at the UN." The office also accused Hamas, the Palestinian Islamist movement that runs Gaza, of the violence in Gaza. The loss of life and suffering are the result of the violent riots over the last few weeks, the statement read, adding "rather than improving the lives of the people of Gaza, Hamas is using the Palestinian population as human shields in its unremitting terror war against Israel." Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas was accused of worsening the humanitarian crisis in the besieged enclave. "Abbas has only made the humanitarian situation in Gaza worse by reducing payments of salaries to Gaza and refusing to pay for electricity provided to Gaza," according to the statement. "The people of Gaza are not our enemy. Hamas is," the statement said. According to the office, Trump's son-in-law and special advisor Jared Kushner and the Middle East envoy, Jason Greenblatt, will arrive in the region next week to discuss "ways to advance peace between Israelis and Palestinians and between Israel and the broader Arab world." Kushner and Greenblatt are reportedly to visit Saudi Arabia and Egypt. "We should also work to take advantage of the many positive changes occurring in the region to advance a genuine and durable peace," the office's statement said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 17:31:19|Editor: Li Xia Video Player Close BEIJING, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Chinese authorities are seeking to narrow the urban-rural digital gap with the help of the Internet as part of government efforts to fight poverty. China will encourage the role of the Internet and big data in poverty reduction and continue to develop rural e-commerce and Internet-based healthcare, according to a plan jointly released by regulators including the Office of the Central Cyberspace Affairs Commission and the National Development and Reform Commission. The plan listed 21 major tasks, including expanding Internet access in rural areas, piloting e-commerce projects and encouraging more Internet companies to take part in poverty alleviation efforts. A cooperation mechanism between east and west China will be established to carry out projects in areas including online education training and long-distance healthcare, according to the plan. China will also improve its big data platform for poverty relief to encourage cross-region and cross-department cooperation in the area. By the end of 2017, 30.46 million people in China were categorized as poor. The government is aiming to eradicate poverty by 2020. SEOUL, June 14 (Xinhua) -- South Korean President Moon Jae-in said Thursday that he will carefully review the U.S.-South Korea joint military exercises if talks between the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) and the United States continue. Moon made the remarks during a National Security Council (NSC) meeting of the presidential Blue House to assess the DPRK-U.S. summit and discuss response measures of the South Korean government. The meeting was attended by major security and foreign affairs officials, including foreign and defense ministers, spy agency chief, and national security advisor. After holding the historic summit with DPRK top leader Kim Jong Un, U.S. President Donald Trump said in Singapore Tuesday that he would halt the U.S.-South Korea war games as it is inappropriate to stage such "provocative" drills in the dialogue period. Moon said that if the DPRK sincerely puts denuclearization into action, and if earnest talks between Pyongyang and Washington continue to eliminate hostile relations, he would carefully review the joint annual military drills between Seoul and Washington. Under such conditions, South Korea needs to flexibly change its military pressure in accordance with the Panmunjom Declaration, in which Moon and Kim agreed to build mutual trust after holding the third-ever inter-Korean summit on April 27 at the truce village of Panmunjom. The joint annual U.S.-South Korea military exercises have been carried out twice in spring and fall each. This year's springtime war games were conducted in April as it was delayed for the South Korea-hosted Winter Olympics. The autumn military drills are scheduled for August this year. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 17:51:23|Editor: ZX Video Player Close People visit the Southeast Asia pavilion at the 5th China-South Asia Expo (CSA Expo) in Kunming, capital of southwest China's Yunnan Province, June 14, 2018. The 5th CSA Expo and the 25th China Kunming import and export fair kicked off here on Thursday. (Xinhua/Zhou Lei) KUNMING, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The fifth China-South Asia Expo opened Thursday in southwest China's Yunnan Province, themed "Integrating into the Belt and Road Initiative, Promoting Win-Win Cooperation." More than 3,800 companies from 87 countries and regions are attending the week-long exposition, with over 40 percent attending enterprises from overseas. The exposition features 19 exhibition halls with around 8,500 booths covering an area of 190,000 square meters. Featured expo halls focus on fields including advanced manufacturing, food and consumer goods, health products, and medicine as well as agricultural products. Exhibition zones will also be established specifically for Afghanistan, the country of honor, and Myanmar, the guest country. A series of events will also be held simultaneously with the expo, including the 25th China Kunming Import and Export Commodities Fair and the 13th China-South Asia Business Forum. Yunnan is a border province in southwest China and a gateway to Southeast Asia and South Asia. As the Belt and Road Initiative progresses, Yunnan is building itself into a frontier in China's new round of opening up, according to the expo organizer. HARARE, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Zimbabwean President Emmerson Mnangagwa on Thursday filed his nomination papers to contest as the ruling party's presidential candidate in elections set for July 30. His papers were filed by his election agent and justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi who immediately declared that the ruling party ZANU-PF was ready for the polls. Mnangagwa becomes the party's first presidential candidate after former president Robert Mugabe resigned in November last year amid a military intervention, which ended his 37 years' stay in power. "We send our papers Wednesday as the law allows us to submit our papers a day before for scrutiny and when we came in today (Thursday) our papers were in order and it was announced that we had filed our papers successfully," Ziyambi told reporters. Mnangagwa's main challenger, 40-year-old leader of the opposition MDC Alliance, Nelson Chamisa, also filed his papers with the Nomination Court. His papers were filed by his election agent Jameson Timba. Three other presidential candidates including former Zimbabwean vice president and leader of the opposition National People's Party Joice Mujuru also filed their nomination papers. The nomination courts are sitting countrywide Thursday to receive papers of candidates that will contest in the presidential, National Assembly and council elections. ULAN BATOR, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The Fifth International Conference of the Ulan Bator Dialogue on Northeast Asian Security kicked off here Thursday in Mongolia's capital city. Speaking at the opening of the conference, Mongolian Foreign Minister Damdin Tsogtbaatar said the main topics are ways to strengthen the recent positive developments and exchange views on short- and long-term prospects of the security environment in the region. The dialogue has brought together more than 150 representatives from China, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea, South Korea, Japan, Russia, the United States, India, Germany and France as well as the United Nations, the European Union, the International Committee of the Red Cross and the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation. The participants are discussing the Northeast Asian security environment towards 2025 from different perspectives, covering the areas of environment, energy and humanitarian assistance. "The dialogue will contribute to mutual understanding, which is good for the future scenario of bringing more peace and trust to the region," said Ruan Zongze, executive vice president at the China Institute of International Studies. Alexander Vorontsov, head of the Korean and Mongolian Studies Department at the Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, agreed with Ruan by saying that the event helps to improve mutual understanding among different countries. The international conference has two plenary sessions -- "Perspectives on Fostering Regional Cooperation through Mutual Trust and Understanding: Challenges and Opportunities" and "Northeast Asian Security Environment Towards 2025." Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 18:26:28|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BEIJING, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The 8th ministerial meeting of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum (CASCF) will be held on July 10 in Beijing, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang announced Thursday. Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, foreign ministers and representatives from Arab countries and secretary general of the Arab League will attend the meeting. The meeting will conduct comprehensive and in-depth discussions on consolidating the traditional friendship between China and Arab countries, advancing the construction of the Belt and Road, jointly promoting a new type of international relations and "a community of shared future for mankind," and strengthening the China-Arab Cooperation Forum, as well as on other international and regional issues of common concern. English French Press release Bone Therapeutics announces results of Annual General Meeting Company reshapes and strengthens its Board of Directors with focus on improving governance and diversity Additional Extraordinary Shareholders Meeting to be conducted in July Gosselies, Belgium, 14 June 2018, 7am CEST - BONE THERAPEUTICS (Euronext Brussels and Paris: BOTHE), the bone cell therapy company addressing high unmet medical needs in orthopaedics and bone diseases, today announces the results of its Annual General Meeting (AGM) held at the Company's headquarters in Gosselies. At the AGM, held on 13 June 2018, the appointment of Jean Stephenne as Chairman of the Company's Board of Directors and the appointments of Claudia D'Augusta, Dirk Dembski (representative of Marc Alexander Initiative & Advisory GmbH) and Jean-Paul Prieels as Independent Directors were approved. In addition, Jean-Luc Vandebroek, Chief Financial Officer, was nominated to the Board as an Executive Director. After a successful tenure during which they have helped transform a promising spin-off into a mature listed biotech company with a clinically advanced pipeline, Chris Buyse, Paul Magrez and Thierry Francois have announced their resignation from the Board. To maintain an agile structure, the Board of Directors has decided to limit the number of Directors to nine. The changes in board composition are part of an ongoing reshaping exercise, which aims to further enhance the Board's effectiveness with an increased attention to diversity in both gender and expertise. The new board composition will allow the Company to be optimally prepared for future challenges. Jean Stephenne, Chairman of the Board of Directors of Bone Therapeutics, commented: "I would like to personally thank Chris, Paul and Thierry for their invaluable guidance to Bone Therapeutics over the past eight years during which time the Company has, with their support and strategic counsel, developed into a successful public company." "I would also like to take this opportunity to welcome our new board members. We expect their strong experience and expertise to significantly benefit the Company as we continue the development of our proprietary bone cell therapy programs. As Bone Therapeutics advances its products towards commercialisation, we will continue to focus on the strength and diversity of the Board and will seek to recruit individuals who can provide the highest quality of governance and stewardship going forward." As the shareholders present at the subsequent Extraordinary Shareholders Meeting did not represent the required quorum of 50% of the share capital, an additional Extraordinary General Shareholders meeting will be conducted on Monday 9 July 2018. About Bone Therapeutics Bone Therapeutics is a leading cell therapy company addressing high unmet needs in orthopaedics and bone diseases. Based in Gosselies, Belgium, the Company has a broad, diversified portfolio of bone cell therapy products in clinical development across a number of disease areas targeting markets with large unmet medical needs and limited innovation. Bone Therapeutics' technology is based on a unique, proprietary approach to bone regeneration, which turns undifferentiated stem cells into "osteoblastic", or bone-forming cells. These cells can be administered via a minimally invasive procedure, avoiding the need for invasive surgery. The Company's primary clinical focus is ALLOB, an allogeneic "off-the-shelf" cell therapy product derived from stem cells of healthy donors, which is in Phase II studies for the treatment of delayed-union fractures and spinal fusion. The Company also has an autologous bone cell therapy product, PREOB, obtained from patient's own bone marrow and currently in Phase III development for osteonecrosis of the hip. Bone Therapeutics' cell therapy products are manufactured to the highest GMP standards and are protected by a rich IP estate covering nine patent families. Further information is available at: www.bonetherapeutics.com. Contacts Bone Therapeutics SA Thomas Lienard, Chief Executive Officer Jean-Luc Vandebroek, Chief Financial Officer Tel: +32 (0) 71 12 10 00 investorrelations@bonetherapeutics.com For Belgium and International Media Enquiries: Consilium Strategic Communications Amber Fennell, Jessica Hodgson, Hendrik Thys and Lindsey Neville Tel: +44 (0) 20 3709 5701 bonetherapeutics@consilium-comms.com For French Media and Investor Enquiries: NewCap Investor Relations & Financial Communications Pierre Laurent, Louis-Victor Delouvrier and Nicolas Merigeau Tel: + 33 (0)1 44 71 94 94 bone@newcap.eu For US Media and Investor Enquiries Westwicke Partners John Woolford Tel: + 1 443 213 0506 john.woolford@westwicke.com Certain statements, beliefs and opinions in this press release are forward-looking, which reflect the Company or, as appropriate, the Company directors` current expectations and projections about future events. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve a number of risks, uncertainties and assumptions that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from those expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These risks, uncertainties and assumptions could adversely affect the outcome and financial effects of the plans and events described herein. A multitude of factors including, but not limited to, changes in demand, competition and technology, can cause actual events, performance or results to differ significantly from any anticipated development. Forward looking statements contained in this press release regarding past trends or activities should not be taken as a representation that such trends or activities will continue in the future. As a result, the Company expressly disclaims any obligation or undertaking to release any update or revisions to any forward-looking statements in this press release as a result of any change in expectations or any change in events, conditions, assumptions or circumstances on which these forward-looking statements are based. Neither the Company nor its advisers or representatives nor any of its subsidiary undertakings or any such person`s officers or employees guarantees that the assumptions underlying such forward-looking statements are free from errors nor does either accept any responsibility for the future accuracy of the forward-looking statements contained in this press release or the actual occurrence of the forecasted developments. You should not place undue reliance on forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 18:41:32|Editor: ZX Video Player Close SHANGHAI, June 14 (Xinhua) -- China will continue to push opening-up in the capital market to better serve the country's economic development and broader opening-up strategy, a central bank official said Thursday. "China will further open up some non-convertible items under the capital account, and those already convertible will see tradings more liberalized," said Pan Gongsheng, deputy head of the People's Bank of China, at a forum in Shanghai. Two-way openness will be promoted in the financial market, with increasing product supplies such as China Depositary Receipts, Panda bonds and commodity futures, according to Pan, who also heads the State Administration of Foreign Exchange. Rules on qualified institutional investors will be further improved and the scope of connectivity programs will be widened, Pan said, adding China would support domestic financial institutions to better engage in the international market. Regulators will debate whether to allow Chinese institutions to enter offshore RMB markets as well as whether to permit securities and futures firms to conduct cross-border businesses. The remarks followed a central bank announcement Tuesday to ease restrictions on foreign institutional investors in a step to further open its financial market. Regulators decided to scrap a rule that limited the amount of funds a Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (QFII) could take out of the mainland every month at 20 percent of its mainland assets as of the end of the previous year. The requirements for a three-month capital lock-up period for QFII and RMB Qualified Foreign Institutional Investor (RQFII) redemptions will be removed, according to the new rules effective immediately. At the forum, Pan also promised to allow the market to play a decisive role in the exchange rate formation mechanism and push for global use of the RMB. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 18:41:32|Editor: ZX Video Player Close NANJING, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Xiang Junbo, former chairman of China Insurance Regulatory Commission (CIRC), stood trial on bribery charges Thursday at a court in Changzhou, east China's Jiangsu Province. The prosecutors said that between 2005 and 2017, Xiang, taking advantage of the power of his posts as senior official of the People's Bank of China, the Agricultural Bank of China, and then CIRC, offered to illegally help some organizations and individuals with project contracting, case handling, loan issuance, qualification reviews, and personnel promotion. In return, he accepted money or gifts worth over 19.4 million yuan (3.03 million U.S. dollars) directly or through his associate Yang Guang, whom the indictment described as a "person of specific relation." During the trial, prosecutors presented evidence which Xiang and his defense attorneys examined. Both sides have fully expressed their opinions, according to the court. In his final statement, Xiang pleaded guilty and expressed repentance. More than 60 people, including national and local lawmakers, political advisors, journalists, and members of the public, attended the trial. The court ruling will be announced at a later date. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 18:51:35|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close CAIRO, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The Arab Parliament welcomed on Thursday the recent resolution adopted by the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA) to protect the Palestinian people against Israeli assaults. "The Arab Parliament welcomes the UNGA resolution issued Wednesday regarding providing protection for the Palestinian people and condemning the Israeli crimes against them," said Arab Parliament Speaker Mashaal bin Fahm al-Salami in a statement Thursday. The Arab-backed resolution won 120 votes in the 193-member assembly, with eight votes against and 45 abstentions. "We thank all Arab, Islamic and friendly states that voted for the resolution and we call for the implementation of this resolution and all other UN resolutions related to Palestine," Salami added. The UNGA also rejected a U.S. demand to add a condemnation of attacks on Israel by the Gaza-based Islamic Hamas movement. The resolution was passed during the General Assembly's 10th Emergency Special Session entitled "Illegal Israeli action in occupied East Jerusalem and the rest occupied Palestinian territory." Being Israel's strongest ally, Washington has recently vetoed a similar Kuwait-drafted resolution submitted to the UN Security Council (UNSC) although it won 10 votes in the 15-member council. UNGA resolutions express strong political will of the international community but they are not legally binding, unlike UNSC resolutions. At least 127 unarmed Palestinian protesters have been killed, including 16 children, and 13,000 more injured by Israeli forces since late March, when the Palestinians started marches near the Gaza-Israel borders demanding the right of return for some 750,000 refugees. The confrontation was aggravated by the U.S. embassy move to Jerusalem in May, after President Donald Trump declared the disputed holy city as Israel's capital in December 2017. The decades-long Israeli-Palestinian conflict has been going on since the Western-backed creation of Israel by occupying Palestinian territories in 1948. The international community blames Israel for the deadlock of the peace process with the Palestinians due to its settlement expansion policy on occupied Palestinian territories. The Palestinians seek to establish an independent state with East Jerusalem as its capital city in the light of the UN-proposed two-state solution based on the pre-1967 borders. THE HAGUE, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The Hague-based Europol announced on Thursday that a French coder who helped extort British company has been arrested in Thailand, a case highlighting the importance of international cooperation in fighting cybercrimes. Europol said the 25-year-old French national was an accomplice in the cyber attack against a British-based company that took place in May 2017 during which a large amount of customer data was compromised. An organisation called Rex Mundi claimed responsibility for the cyber attack and a French-speaking person who identified himself as one of its members called the victim company and demanded ransom to be paid in Bitcoin. The British police, the French police and Europol immediately started an intense international cooperation. "Within an hour, Europol's 24/7 Operational Center was able to link the available information to a French national. Five people were arrested in June 2017 by the French authorities. The main suspect admitted his involvement in the blackmail but hired the services of a hacker on the dark web to carry out the cyber-attack," said Europol in its press release, adding "The French National Police arrested two hackers in France in October 2017 and a final accomplice, also a French national with coding skills, was recently apprehended in Thailand." "This case illustrates that cyber-related extortion remains a common tactic among cybercriminals, as identified in the IOCTA 2017 9 (Europol's Internet Organised Crime Threat Assessment)," said the European Union's agency for law enforcement, stressing that international cooperation was key to success in bringing cybercriminals to justice. According to the IOCTA 2017, for such financially motivated extortion attempts, cyber attacks are typically directed at medium-sized or large enterprises, with payment almost exclusively demanded in Bitcoins. PARIS, June 14 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron spoke with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte about the Aquarius migrant boat that had raised tension between Europe's main powers, his office said on Thursday. "The French president emphasized that he never said anything meant to offend Italy and the Italian people," the Elysee said. The conversation came after Macron accused Italian government of "cynicism" and "irresponsibility" after it refused to take in hundreds of migrants, most of them sub-Saharan Africans who were picked up off the Libyan coast over the weekend. "Italy and France need to deepen their bilateral and European cooperation to conduct effective migration policy with countries of origin and transit, through better common European border management and via a European solidarity mechanism to take in refugees," the Elysee added after the two leaders spoke by phone on Wednesday evening. Macron and Conte also vowed to respect international maritime laws related to humanitarian aid of stranded migrants. During the phone call, they also confirmed they would meet in Paris for a working lunch on Friday to discuss new initiatives to handle migration crisis. Last Sunday, Italy and Malta refused to let the rescue ship Aquarius reach their ports, stranding hundreds of migrants in the central Mediterranean for days. Operated by the charity SOS Mediterranee, the Aquarius carried 629 migrants and refugees on board. Earlier this week, French Prime Minister Edouard Philippe expressed France's readiness to help Spain which accepted to receive the stranded migrants following Italy and Malta position. ISTANBUL, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Turkish police on Thursday detained 18 suspected Islamic State (IS) militants in the cities of Istanbul and Izmir, local media reported. According to the state-run Anadolu Agency, Turkey's intelligence and counter-terrorism units launched simultaneous operations in four districts in the western city of Izmir and detained 10 suspected militants. Anadolu said the detainees were believed to be providing financial support to the IS and helping it recruit members. Eight more suspects were arrested in Istanbul in simultaneous operations in 14 locations, the Hurriyet daily said, adding three others were still being sought. The suspects nabbed in Istanbul were thought to be trained to carry out suicide bombing attacks and they had traveled to and from conflict zones in Syria, the daily said. Turkey, which has called for presidential and parliamentary elections on June 24, has come under a spate of deadly attacks over the years that were blamed on the IS. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 19:26:44|Editor: ZX Video Player Close LONDON, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The English version of Death Notice, a popular Chinese crime fiction by contemporary writer Zhou Haohui, was published in Britain Thursday. The crime thriller has been sold more than 1.2 million copies in China. The translated story, set in southwestern Chinese city of Chengdu, follows an elite police squad as they hunt a vengeful killer who sends death notices to and then executes criminals the law cannot reach. Its British publisher, Head of Zeus, introduced the book on its website as "a hi-octane, hi-concept, cat-and-mouse thriller that adds an exhilarating new gear to the police procedural". Nicolas Cheetham, publisher of Head of Zeus, told Xinhua that he was struck by the book's "exemplary plotting and pace", and the final twist in particular is brilliantly done. He believed that good stories, helped by good translation, can transcend national borders and win the hearts of global readers. "Certainly that is so for science fiction and crime fiction," he suggested, "the most important thing about a translation is that it shouldn't read like a translation. So you need, first and foremost, a good translator." The translator Zac Haluza, currently lives in Shanghai, is a freelance translator and writer from the United States. Head of Zeus is building a list of the best genre fiction from around the world, including historical fiction, science fiction, romance, and crime fiction. "Chinese fiction is a particular focus," Cheetham told Xinhua, noting that they had published Liu Cixin's Three-Body trilogy to huge success, with 400,000 copies sold to date, and they have books coming from a selection of China's best science fiction writers. "Given the success of Chinese science fiction in our market, it is not surprising that we started looking for the best in Chinese crime fiction," he added. A leading contemporary master of suspense in China, Zhou Haohui is the author of more than ten novels exploring the intersection of human nature, criminal motive, and the art of detection. Zhou's works have been translated into French, English, Korean, and Japanese, and many have been adapted for film and television. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 19:26:45|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close GAZA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian medics said that the Israeli army had shot dead 128 Palestinians since the beginning of the rallies on March 30 after a young man from southern Gaza Strip died Thursday of his wounds. Ashraf al-Qedra, the health ministry spokesman in Gaza, told reporters that Ahmad al-Aassi, 21 years old, from the city of Khan Younis, who was shot in the head and critically wounded last Friday, died earlier Thursday in the hospital. He said that death toll since March 30 has grown up to 128 killed and around 14,000 injured; around half of them were shot by live ammunition, many still in critical condition. On March 30, the Palestinians formed the highest commission of the "Great March of Return" and had organized rallies, protests and demonstrations in five separate locations in eastern Gaza Strip, close to the border with Israel. The rallies aimed to stress the Palestinian refugees' right of return and to lift an Israeli blockade, which had been imposed on the Gaza Strip since the summer of 2007. Meanwhile, the Palestinian Health Ministry condemned in a press statement Israel's decision to ban the shipment of Helium gas to the Gaza Strip, which is used for filling balloons carrying Molotov cocktails that cause large fires in Israeli agricultural field. The statement said that banning Helium would negatively influence the health sector in the Gaza Strip, which is suffering from a severe deterioration due to the lack of medicines and medical equipment. "The decision has a serious impact on the lives of patients in Gaza hospitals, especially those who need magnetic resonance services, numbering more than 3,000 patients monthly," said the statement. Syrians walk past a sweetshop showcasing special sweet ahead the upcoming Eid al-Fitr feast in the Midan neighborhood in the capital Damascus on June 12, 2018. (Xinhua/Ammar Safarjalani) DAMASCUS, June 14 (Xinhua) -- For the first time in seven years, Samar Qasab, a mother of two, could prepare for the Eid al-Fitr feast without fear of mortar shells or unexpected explosions as the feast comes at a time when the entire Damascus city is far from war. Walking with her son and daughter in Hamra street in the heart of Damascus, Qasab told Xinhua that the goods are expensive and "not her taste," but she was still happy. "This is the first Eid al-Fitr we receive without war in Damascus. Even though the goods and clothes are overpriced, we are finally blessed with peace in the city," she said. Qasab said walking freely and fearlessly is a priceless feeling missed in the capital for a long time. She said life during the wartime in Damascus was dangerous as the mortar shells were fired by the rebels, rattling people in the area almost every day. "Now, I appreciate every peaceful moment, whether walking on the streets or staying at home," she said. The most important thing, she said, is that "I can now have my kids enjoy the celebrations of Eid without fear as in previous years we mainly chose to pay indoor visits to relatives." In Hamra and other popular marketplaces where people usually go shopping for new clothes on the Eid occasion, a large number of people are window shoppers, as the prices this year are high and no new models are showcased amid reports of fraud carried out by some merchants. The government-run Tishreen newspaper said in a special report Wednesday that there are fake foreign brands in the markets and there is no legal import of foreign goods, mainly the European ones. It said that some clothes and shoes are sold as foreign brands while in fact there are made in Syria. However, there are more people on the streets than previous years due to enhanced security situation. Basima Fatouh, a university student, told Xinhua that the most important thing this year is the return of peace and security to the capital. "Of course we have other problems such as high prices and hard economic situation for the middle-class people, but peace and security are more important, and I think people are celebrating it," she said. When roaming in Damascus, it is noticed that people are more likely to buy special Eid al-Fitr sweets from popular marketplaces, such as al-Midan neighborhood, the main destination for sweet shoppers. The Jazmatiyeh souk in al-Midan is jam-packed with people nowadays. Sweetshops are festooned with lights and banners, welcoming visitors and wishing them well on the Eid al-Fitr occasion. "The good thing here is that they offer several kinds of sweets, which is affordable by a large number of shoppers and I am happy today to be prepared for the Eid al-Fitr amid such a peaceful atmosphere," Maher Awad, a carpenter said. As a sign of improved security, the government started removing a considerable number of checkpoints, which were initially aimed to maintain safety in the capital but were complained about by people as they sometimes cause traffic jams. Three additional checkpoints were removed on Wednesday in the neighborhoods of Adawi, Khatib, and Baghdad Street, a day after another four checkpoints were removed from Dummar area. Last month, the government removed 10 checkpoints after the end of the military operations in Damascus and its countryside for the first time in seven years. HELSINKI, June 14 (Xinhua) -- A higher price for carbon was one of the solutions offered to speed up environmental efforts at a high-profile Finnish climate summit held here Wednesday. Some 500 elite representatives of municipalities, industries and universities gathered in the white marble Finlandia hall in central Helsinki, discussing the need for change and possible solutions. Veteran French politician Laurent Fabius, who chaired the 2015 United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, assessed the current situation in the fight against climate change, and mentioned future agricultural methods and carbon pricing in Europe as crucial factors, among others. Fabius said the world "suffered a major setback" after the U.S. withdrawal from the Paris Agreement, which "sent a very bad signal" to other countries. The solution involving carbon pricing was also mentioned by other speakers including Jorma Ollila, former CEO of Nokia and current CEO of steel giant Outokumpu, who said there has not been "a strong enough price signal" that high carbon emissions from production would be bad for business. NORDIC PERFORMANCE The discussions reflected the view that while governments create the framework, citizens and businesses put ideas into practice. Kristin Skogen Lund, director general of the Confederation of Norwegian Enterprise, Finland's major employers' organization and the leading business lobby, assured that businesses will join the efforts "once they realize there is profit available." Ollila said that currently only 7 percent of Finnish industrial companies have a strategy that involves climate change matters, but on account of a joint Nordic electricity system, energy efficiency in Finland is at a good level. He also mentioned the steel industry has developed low carbon solutions that are "miles ahead" of those of many other countries. Outi Honkatukia, the chief Finnish negotiator for climate change, said Finland was the first country in the world to have a carbon tax, and "everyone must do more for the cause, and do it faster." Ollila suggested that Nordic countries should go alone as a group on carbon issues and not await European Union decisions "as that would mean a ten-year delay." He said he would rather favor carbon trade than taxation, "But if the funds from the tax would be used attractively, people would accept it." CIRCULAR ECONOMY Circular economy was one of the leading themes of the summit organized by the Finnish public think tank Sitra, the Finnish Climate Change Panel and the Finnish Institute for International Affairs. Anne Berner, Finnish minister for communications and transport, said circular economy is part of our daily lives already, and "We behave differently from the generations before us." Ollila told the gathering that in the Outokumpu Tornio steel plant, 85 percent of raw material are recycled. Representatives of Finnish cities reviewed the environmental aspects in their public image. Minna Arve, mayor of Turku, said people would choose where they live in the future on the basis of the environmental record of the cities. "They would choose a place that matches their values," she said. Turku, some 180 km west of Helsinki, has recently declared that it will become a carbon neutral city by 2029. English French Trappes - June 14, 2018 - 07:00am (CET) EGIDE GROUP Announces the appointment of its Vice President of Worldwide Sales The Egide Group (ISIN: FR0000072373 - Reuters: EGID.PA - Bloomberg: GID) today announced the appointment of Mr. Vincent COURTY as Vice President of Worldwide Sales, effective immediately. Joining the company, Mr. Vincent COURTY will work from the Trappes, France, office. In his position, Mr. COURTY will report directly to Jim COLLINS, CEO of the Egide Group, and will have responsibility for the overall management of sales of the Egide products worldwide to deliver profitable growth. In this role, Mr. COURTY will also be responsible to integrate the Egide sales process in Europe, North America and Asia, in order to achieve the group's sales goals. Jim COLLINS, CEO of the EGIDE Group declares: "We are delighted to have attracted Vincent to assist in our expansion plan and his experience will help drive our business forward while expanding our global marketing presence. Vincent will be a key member of our leadership team. His market expertise, industry connections, and ability to build customer relationships will help us in our development in all our key markets." *** Biography Mr. Vincent COURTY https://www.linkedin.com/in/vincent-courty/ Graduate Electronics Engineer - ESME Sudria He began his career in 1990 as EMEA Sales and Marketing Engineer at Thales Electron Devices, subsidiary of Thales, before being appointed in 1995 Worldwide Sales and Marketing Director of Thales CEPE, manufacturer of high stability crystal components and sub-systems (since acquired by C-MAC). In 2000, he joined Keithley Instruments, an American manufacturer, leader in Electrical Test and Measurement equipment for High-Tech industries, as General Manager South Europe. In 2009, he became Managing Director of Acal BFI France, subsidiary of DiscoverIE Group plc (UK), specialist distributor of electronics and photonics solutions. *** To find out more about Egide: www.egide-group. com About Egide Egide is a group with an international dimension, specialized in the manufacture of hermetic packages for sensitive electronic components. It operates in cutting edge markets with strong technology barriers to entry in all critical industry segments (Thermal imaging, Optronics, High-Frequency, Power Units.). Egide is the only pure player in this market niche with manufacturing facilities in France and the United States. Egide renews its certification as an innovative company for Innovation-focused mutual funds (FCPI) on May 14, 2018 ISO 9001:2015 and ISO 14001:2004 certified quality and environmental management systems Egide is listed on Euronext Paris(TM)- Segment C - ISIN: FR0000072373 - Reuters: EGID.PA - Bloomberg: GID Egide shares are eligible for the French tax incentivized PEA-PME and FCPI investment vehicles. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni (C), Chinese Deputy Ambassador to Uganda Chu Maoming (4th L), Chairperson of Tian Tang Group Zhang Zhigang (3rd L) are seen during the ground breaking of Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park in Mbale, Uganda, March 9, 2018. Yoweri Museveni on Friday launched an industrial park jointly developed by Chinese investors in the African country's eastern district of Mbale. (Xinhua/Joseph Kiggundu) MBALE, Uganda, June 14 (Xinhua) -- By developing more industrial parks in Uganda, Chinese investors are helping to boost economic growth and provide jobs to rural young people, local leaders told Xinhua. The Mbale industrial park, now under construction in eastern Uganda, has inspired optimism among young people in local and neighboring areas. The park is over 600 acres (2.4 square km) in size and will host over 50 companies, creating 15,000 jobs when completed. "I'm hoping if these industries set off, I will get some formal or informal work and save enough money to get back to school," Michael Wakida, a school dropout, told Xinhua. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni (R) unveils a plaque during the ground breaking of Sino-Uganda Mbale Industrial Park in Mbale, Uganda, March 9, 2018. (Xinhua/Zhang Gaiping) Wakida now makes shoes from used tires at a makeshift shade not far from the planned park, on the foot of Mount Elgon. Local leaders are confident that the park is going to boost development and reduce youth unemployment. John Musira, chairperson of Manafwa district, has been on benchmarking tours to China before. "My observation is that China's economic growth hinges on industrialization. I believe they (Chinese investors) will bring with them the same ideas and standards in building this industrial park," Musira told Xinhua. "Besides the manufacturing work that will be done here, they will also lead to higher demands for our other products like food and coffee beverages," he said. "We plan to make the industrial park a center of manufacturing in Uganda, and the products will be exported to the rest of Africa and even the world," said Paul Zhang, chairperson of Tian Tang Group in Uganda, the Chinese investor. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni (C) displays a packet of mangoes from Ho and Mu Food Industry at Liaoshen Industrial Park in Kapeeka town, Nakaseke District, Central Region of Uganda, Feb. 13, 2018. While inspecting a Chinese-built industrial park here on Tuesday, Yoweri Museveni expressed his gratitude to the Chinese people for continuously supporting African countries' pursuit for economic independence. (Xinhua/Zhang Gaiping) "When completed, we believe the park will create more than 15,000 jobs for local people," said Zhang. Hundreds of kilometers away in central Uganda, another Chinese-built industrial park in Nakaseke district has already taken shape. The Liaoshen industrial park is expected to accommodate 80 firms and employ up to 16,000 people by 2025. Chinese investors will spend about 600 million U.S. dollars in the park before it goes into full operation, according to Chinese embassy figures. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni poses for a group photo with employees of Ho and Mu Food Industry at Liaoshen Industrial Park in Kapeeka town, Nakaseke District, Central Region of Uganda, Feb. 13, 2018. While inspecting a Chinese-built industrial park here on Tuesday, Yoweri Museveni expressed his gratitude to the Chinese people for continuously supporting African countries' pursuit for economic independence. (Xinhua/Zhang Gaiping) At present, three factories are in operation there, covering fruit processing, maize storage and milling, and ceramics. China ranks first in terms of foreign direct investment in Uganda. More Chinese-invested industrial parks are expected in the country, on top of the four currently in place. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 19:46:51|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BEIJING, June 14 (Xinhua) -- China's fiscal revenue rose 9.7 percent year on year to 1.76 trillion yuan (275 billion U.S. dollars) in May, official data showed Thursday. The growth retreated from the 11-percent gain in April, according to the Ministry of Finance website. The central government collected 865 billion yuan in fiscal revenue, up 8.8 percent year on year, while local governments saw fiscal revenue expand 10.6 percent to 898.1 billion yuan. In the first five months of the year, fiscal revenue went up 12.2 percent year on year to 8.7 trillion yuan, the data showed. Fiscal spending during the period rose 8.1 percent to 8.3 trillion yuan, accounting for 39.4 percent of the planned budget for the year. With the economy on firm footing and fiscal revenue increasing, China lowered its fiscal deficit target to 2.6 percent of GDP for 2018, down by 0.4 percentage points compared with 2017, the first drop since 2013. The government deficit is projected to be 2.38 trillion yuan, with a central government deficit of 1.55 trillion yuan and a local government deficit of 0.83 trillion yuan Despite a lower deficit-to-GDP ratio, China has raised the budget for this year's general public expenditure by 7.6 percent to 21 trillion yuan, higher than a 6.1 percent rise in budget revenue. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 19:51:53|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BEIJING, June 14 (Xinhua) -- China supports dialogue that brings the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue onto the right track for a peaceful settlement, State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi said before his talks with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Beijing Thursday. Wang said the meeting between the leaders of the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) had important historic significance. The meeting brought the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue onto the right track of dialogue and peaceful settlement, which accords with the common interests of parties concerned, as well as the common expectation of international community, and helps to promote the goal of denuclearization, peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula, Wang said. China appreciates the unremitting efforts of the United States, Wang said. "I am willing to listen to the introduction from U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo and have an in-depth exchange of views with the U.S. side to promote the political settlement of the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue," Wang said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 19:51:53|Editor: ZX Video Player Close AMMAN, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Jordanian Prime Minister Omar Razzaz and members of his new cabinet were sworn in on Thursday. Razzaz was appointed after former Prime Minister Hani Mulki resigned early June following nationwide protests in rejection of the economic policies and the income tax draft law. Rajai Muasher was sworn in as deputy prime minister and minister of state, Hala Zawati as energy minister, Ezzeddine Kanakrieh as finance minister, and Samir Mubaidin as interior minister. Ayman Safadi was appointed as minister of foreign affairs, Jumana Ghneimat as minister of state for media affairs, and Mary Kawar as minister of planning and international cooperation. In addition to Razzaz, there are 28 ministers in the new cabinet, seven of whom are women. During his consultations with lawmakers, political parties and professional associations over the past few days, Razzaz stressed that the new government will not be a totally technocrat one. In the Letter of Designation to Razzaz, Jordan's King Abdullah II said that the new government is tasked with leading a revival that harnesses the potential of Jordanians and ensures them quality services, a lean and efficient government system, and a social safety system that protects the vulnerable within a fair tax environment. The king instructed the government to immediately launch a dialogue in coordination with the parliament and the participation of parties, unions and various civil society institutions to come up with a new income tax law, which the king described as indispensable and an entry point into an era of growth and justice. Following his designation, Razzaz said the government would withdraw the income tax draft law and start a dialogue about the bill. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 20:01:56|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close People try to climb on the roof of train carriages as they head to their homes to celebrate Eid al-Fitr from Dhaka, Bangladesh, on June 14, 2018. As the Eid al-Fitr festival knocking at the door, the long distance bus stations, ferry terminals and train stations in Bangladesh capital Dhaka see overflowing with tens of thousands of home-bound passengers. (Xinhua) by Naim-Ul-Karim DHAKA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- With one of the largest religious festivals Eid-ul-Fitr knocking at the door, traffic has begun to build up on major roads out of Bangladesh capital Dhaka. On Thursday in Dhaka, the long distance bus stations, ferry terminals and train stations were seen overflowing with tens of thousands of home-bound passengers. The Eid holidaymakers seemed to ignore the hazards of journey to celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr, the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan, with their loved ones. The Muslim majority in Bangladesh will celebrate Eid-ul-Fitr on or around June 16 based on the sighting of the new moon. Dhaka's normally busy streets saw less traffic on Thursday although road leading to dozens of shopping malls and terminals were clogged with vehicles. Many residents have actually started their journey home days earlier to avoid the mad rush. While passengers crowded ferry, train and bus terminals, other city residents who had their own cars or hired vehicles were making their last-minute shopping and business transactions before their long road trip home. Like previous years, sufferings of home-goers reportedly worsened with long tailbacks on all highways connecting Dhaka because of a heavy rush of outbound buses. Photographs of several ferries, trains and buses published in newspapers Thursday showed lots of people risking their lives by clinging perilously on the rails of ferries and trains. According to some estimates, about one-third of Dhaka's some 20 million residents usually leave the capital city twice in a year on Eid-ul-Fitr and Eid-ul-Adha, the feast of sacrifice. In the wake of the two major terror attacks that occurred in Bangladesh during Ramadan and Eid in 2016, tight security measures were noticed in parts of Dhaka to ensure the safety of the home-goers and especially Eid prayer venues. Dhaka Metropolitan Police Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia told journalists Thursday that there are so far no threats of militant attacks during Eid-ul-Fitr. Before the wounds of the July 1 deadly terror attack during 2016 Ramadan at a Spanish restaurant in Dhaka, that left 22 people, including 18 foreigners and two police officers dead, had even begun to heal, Bangladesh suffered a fresh blow a few days later, when terrorists attacked Muslims' Eid prayers. At least four people were killed, including two police officers and one of the attackers, after several explosions and gunfire took place at the entrance of the country's largest Sholakia Eid prayer venue in Kishoreganj district, some 117 km northeast of Dhaka, on the morning of July 7, 2016. PARIS, June 14 (Xinhua) -- French President Emmanuel Macron's reform to revamp the debt-ridden National Society of French Railways (SNCF) was definitively endorsed on Thursday after winning the majority's support at the country's two houses of parliament. Earlier in the day, 245 senators gave the green light to the government to implement the new railway pact while 82 votes against. On Wednesday, the National Assembly, the lower house of parliament, endorsed SNCF reform with a total of 452 out of 563 lawmakers backed the bill. As part of Macron's reforms drive to revive the economy, the government targets to open domestic rail passenger services to create dynamism in the sector in addition to new recruitment rules to create "a more efficient and unified" rail operator. Besides, it proposed to scrap the preferential terms of rail workers, including retirement on full pension at 52, a decade earlier than other French employees. Facing a showdown with trade unions that staged rolling strikes, it offered to absorb 35 billion euros of the SNCF's debt load of 46 billion euros with 25 billion euros by 2020 and 10 billion euros by 2022. SNCF is France's national state-owned railway company. It operates the country's national railway traffic, including the TGV, France's high-speed rail network. PARIS, June 14 (Xinhua) -- A man was detained and placed into police custody as part of an investigation into the terror attacks on Charlie Hebdo and a Kosher supermarket in 2015 in Paris, local news channel reported on Thursday. The 37-year-old suspect was arrested on June 12 in Paris suburbs. He is suspected of having provided logistical assistance to Amedy Coulibaly and helping him obtain weapons, BFMTV said. His custody could last up to 96 hours, according to the report. Coulibaly killed four hostages at the Hyper Cacher supermarket in January 2015 before he was shot dead by security forces. He had pledged allegiance to Islamic State and had links to two men who attacked the offices of Charlie Hebdo magazine, killing 12 people. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 20:17:00|Editor: ZX Video Player Close BEIJING, June 14 (Xinhua) -- President Xi Jinping has sent a congratulatory letter to mark the 80th anniversary of the China Welfare Institute. Xi, also general secretary of the Communist Party of China Central Committee and chairman of the Central Military Commission, urged the institute to unite the people working for women's and children's affairs and provide services for nurturing a new generation of capable young people who have good moral and intellectual grounding and are well-prepared to join the socialist cause. RABAT, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Morocco has sent a humanitarian aid to Guinea-Bissau, local media reported on Thursday. According to the Moroccan daily Le Matin, this humanitarian aid consists of important basic foodstuffs. This humanitarian donation aims to help local people during the month of Ramadan and Eid al-Fitr, the same source said. This initiative is in line with Morocco's solidarity with friendly countries, the source saying, adding that it is also a part of the humanitarian support of Morocco to Guinea-Bissau and the strengthening of "long-standing relations of friendship, fraternity and solidarity with this country of West Africa." The relations between the two countries witnessed a particular impetus with the historic visit made by King Mohammed VI in May 2015 to Guinea-Bissau. After the visit, Morocco set up a military field hospital in Guinea-Bissau. This facility offers services in various specialities. BRUSSELS, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The European Commission, the European Union (EU)'s executive arm, on Thursday proposed allotting 123 billion euros (about 145 billion U.S. dollars) for the bloc's external action in the next long-term budget (2021-2027), a hike of 30 percent compared to the current one. Speaking at a press conference alongside three commissioners, EU foreign policy chief Federica Mogherini depicted the proposal "first and foremost" as a "political statement." "The world and our citizens need and demand a strong EU in the fields of global affairs and in our region," she said. According to a Commission press release giving details of the proposal, the increased budget will be "more flexible and effective to address today's global challenges." Of the total fund, Neighborhood, Development and International Cooperation Instrument gets the lion's share with 89.2 billion euros. Some 14.5 billion euros are earmarked to "support EU candidate countries and potential candidates on their path towards fulfilling the EU accession criteria", and 11 billion euros are assigned for humanitarian aid. The EU's current multi-year budget (2014-2020) earmarked 94.5 billion euros for the bloc's external action. The external action budget is "the EU's main tool to support its partner countries in their political and economic transformations towards sustainable development, stability, consolidation of democracy, socio-economic development and the eradication of poverty," the press release noted. 14 June 2018 Mothercare plc ("the Company") ANNUAL REPORT AND FINANCIAL STATEMENTS NOTICE OF ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND GENERAL MEETING DIRECTORATE CHANGES Annual Report and Notices of Meetings In accordance with the requirements of Rule 6.3.5R of the Disclosure and Transparency Rules ("DTR") of the UK Financial Services Authority, the Company will today publish the following documents on its website, www.mothercareplc.com: The Annual Report and Accounts for the year ended 24 March 2018; Notice of Annual General Meeting of the Company which is to be held at 11.00am on Thursday 19 July 2018 at the Company's office at Cherry Tree Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD24 6SH; and Notice of General Meeting of the Company which is to be held at 11.00am on Thursday 12 July 2018 at the Company's office at Cherry Tree Road, Watford, Hertfordshire, WD24 6SH. In accordance with LR 9.6.1R and LR 9.6.3R copies of these documents will shortly be available for inspection via the National Storage Mechanism located at www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/nsm. The General Meeting has been convened pursuant to section 656(1) of the Companies Act 2006. In circumstances where the value of the Companys net assets is less than half of its called up share capital (categorised as a Serious Loss of Capital) the Directors are required, pursuant to section 656 of the Companies Act 2006, to convene a general meeting of the Company for the purpose of allowing shareholders to consider whether any, and, if so what, steps should be taken to deal with the situation. The Board would therefore like to ensure that this matter is addressed accordingly. Directorate Changes Mothercare plc (the Company) announces that Richard Rivers and Lee Ginsberg will step down as Non-Executive Directors with effect from the conclusion of the Companys Annual General Meeting due to be held on 19 July 2018. Richard Rivers would be entering his 11th year and is not standing for re-election. The Company will commence a search for a Senior Independent Non-Executive Director to replace Richard post the completion of the fundraising. Lee Ginsberg has taken on new roles outside of the Company and feels this could impact his commitment to support Mothercare. Lee will not be standing for re-election. He will be succeeded by Nick Wharton, Non-Executive Director, as Chair of the Audit and Risk Committee. Commenting on the changes, Clive Whiley, Chairman of Mothercare, said: "I would like to thank both Richard and Lee for their contributions to Mothercare over the past decade and wish them both well. I am delighted that Nick Wharton has taken on the role of Audit and Risk Committee Chair. This notification is made pursuant to Listing Rule 9.6.11. Enquiries: MHP Communications Tim Rowntree / Simon Hockridge 020 3128 8778 /8742 ANKARA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Turkey has proposed the joint production of S-500 anti-ballistic missile systems with Russia, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said late Wednesday. During an televised interview with broadcaster 24 TV, Erdogan said he already made an offer on joint production to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. "Russia has given us a loan for the S-400 on very reasonable terms. In the second and third stages, we will proceed to joint production. Maybe we will co-produce S-500," he said. Erdogan slammed NATO allies over their unwillingness to sell arms to his country, noting Turkey was determined to deploy the S-400 missile systems within its territory despite of opposition from the United States. Turkey and Russia inked an agreement worth 2.5 billion U.S. dollars on the purchase of two S-400 surface-to-air defense systems, prompting NATO allies to warn Turkey of unspecified consequences. The first S-400 system is expected to be delivered in early 2019. The S-500s are reportedly still under development and believed to be deployed by 2020 as a supplement with a longer range to the existing S-400 surface-to-air missiles. RIGA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- New legislative proposals that have been put before the Latvian parliament would oblige all loan providers -- including credit institutions and nonbank lenders -- to check their clients' loan-worthiness more thoroughly to make sure they can pay off their loans, local media reported Thursday. According to a statement to the media issued by Latvia's ruling center-right Unity party, the amendments to the Credit Institutions Law and the Consumer Rights Protection Law would restrict reckless lending. All the information necessary to determine each client's loan-worthiness, like the source and size of income, outstanding debts and payment discipline, would be available at Kreditinformacijas Birojs, a company of Creditinfo Group. The new regulation would also oblige credit institutions and nonbank lenders to provide the necessary data to Kreditinformacijas Birojs. According to information provided by the Latvian consumer rights authority, all inspections that were carried out in 2017 revealed various violations on the part of loan providers. In a number of cases, loans had been provided to borrowers who could not afford them and some loans had been granted based on the borrowers' undeclared income, representatives of the Consumer Rights Protection Center said. The opposition Latvian Association of Regions has also submitted draft amendments that would put caps on the interest charged on consumer loans. These amendments to the Consumer Rights Protection Law are intended to ensure a more responsible provision of payday loans, which are seen as a factor fueling Latvia's shadow economy, as many debt-ridden employees would rather receive their wages under the table than turn them over to debt collectors. KAMPALA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The Ugandan military has arrested the country's former police chief and four senior officers over alleged murder of a police spokesperson last year, local media reported Thursday. Kale Kayihura, former Inspector General of Police (IGP), and close associates were arrested for alleged involvement in the assassination of former Assistant Inspector General of Police, Andrew Felix Kaweesi, who doubled as director of human resource development and police spokesperson in March 2017, according to the state-owned daily New Vision. Kayihura's arrested associates include Jonathan Baroza, his former personal assistant; Herbert Muhangi, the former commander of police flying squad; Ndahura Amooti, former head of crime intelligence and Richard Ndabwoine, former cyber intelligence chief. "Security sources revealed that the arrest of Kayihura and his colleagues is in connection with the assassination of former police spokesperson. All the suspects are expected to be charged before the military court martial," said the paper. Kaweesi was shot dead by unknown gunmen, together with his bodyguard and driver in Kulambiro, a suburb of the capital Kampala, while heading to work on March 17, 2017. Kayihura who is still a serving army officer of the Uganda People's Defense Forces has been staying at his Kashagama farm after handing over IGP office to his former deputy on March 15. Ugandan President Yoweri Museveni sacked Kayihura and Henry Tumukunde as police chief and security minister respectively in a surprise reshuffle in March. The sacking came after media reports of poor working relationship over a power struggle that led to an increase in murders and insecurity in the East African country. Since his dismissal, some of Kayihura's close aides have been arrested over allegations of collusion to kidnap the former bodyguard of Rwanda's President Paul Kagame in Kampala and forceful deportation of refugees. MOSCOW, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The Russian Government has proposed raising the retirement age of citizens despite public sentiments to the contrary. The government proposes to gradually extend the age of retirement to 65 from 60 for men and to 63 from 55 for women from 2019, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said at a government meeting Thursday broadcast live by the Russia-24 TV channel. He said the government proposes to introduce a transition period from 2019 in order to reach step-by-step the retirement age of 65 for men in 2028 and 63 for women in 2034. But women working for 40 years and men for 45 years will be allowed to retire two years earlier than the generally established retirement age. However, Russia's independent market research company ROMIR published the results of a poll on Thursday, showing that 92 percent of the respondents did not support raising the retirement age. More than half of the 1,500 people aged 18 years or older polled in cities and rural areas said men should retire at 60 and women at 55. Also on Thursday, the Russian Labor Confederation, the country's second largest trade union, published a petition on the Internet, demanding to keep the current retirement age. The petition had been signed by nearly 200,000 people by Thursday afternoon. KECSKEMET, Hungary, June 14 (Xinhua) -- A court in Kecskemet in central Hungary gave sentences of 25 years in prison for the four main human smugglers involved in the death of 71 migrants in a refrigerated truck discovered in Austria in August 2015, here on Thursday. The 71 victims from Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan, including 59 men, eight women and four children, died in the concealed compartment that the smugglers had refused to open in this drama that had shaken world public opinion. The prosecution had sought indefinite life imprisonment for three of the accused, including network leader masoor Wahoo, a 31-year-end Afghan, one of his lieutenants and the truck driver, both Bulgarians. Simple life imprisonment had been required against a third Bulgarian. The other 10 defendants were sentenced to between 3 and 12 years of imprisonment following a trial that began in June 2017. The main accused were also expulsed from Hungary after the purge of their sentence. The main defendant for an indefinite period while the others for ten years. The four main defendants received financial fines, respectively (291,000 euros, 24,700 euros, 3,095 euros and 928 euros). The victims, who wanted to go to Germany, had been shipped to southern Hungary, not far from the Serbian border, on Aug. 26, 2015. Piled on 22 square meters, with less than 30 cubic meters of air to breathe, they had succumbed in less than three hours. The truck was discovered the next day abandoned with its macabre loading the side of an Austrian motorway near Parndorf, on the Hungarian border. Accused of "homicides with aggravating circumstance of particular cruelty" during this trial which started in June 2017 in Kecskemet, the main suspects implicated all assured to have not known that the passengers agonized, in spite of overwhelming evidence. "An homicide is an homicide even if it is caused by the lack of action. The defendants could have on many occasion stopped and let air in the truck and make sure the passengers were alive, but they chose not to act. It is possible to kill with inaction as well," said the judge Janos Jadi after reading the verdict. Earlier this week, in his plaidoyer, the prosecutor Gabor Schmidt said that it was a "frightening indifference and limitless greed" that have guided the suspects: in full wave of migration, illegal transport network, billed up to "3,500 euros" per person. An aggravating circumstance was the fact that the suspects have repeated their inhuman action just a day after the tragedy, placing 67 migrants in a similar, closed truck with no ventilation system. They were transported to Austria and luckily they have survived by a close shot, as they had to kick the door of the truck out from the inside to get fresh air. While all are accused of human trafficking and torture, four including the Afghan have also been charged with "homicide with particular cruelty" and face life imprisonment. "While we know that killing the migrants was not the objective of the suspects, we also know that they knew that the victims were crying for their life, yet they did not open the door of the truck to let them breathe, and their action led to the very painful death of these people," the prosecutor underlined. Among the aggravating causes, the prosecution listed that the smuggling was carried out continuously, to earn money, by physically and psychologically harming the victims, who had many women and children among them. The bodies of the victims could all but one be identified. The majority of them were returned to their relatives who did not attend the trial, the others were buried in Vienna. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 21:47:20|Editor: ZX Video Player Close HARBIN, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The 29th China Harbin International Economy and Trade Fair opened Thursday in northeast China's Heilongjiang Province, featuring cooperation and exchange between China and Russia at local levels. Fifteen delegations from Russia will attend the trade fair and hold discussions with their Chinese counterparts in fields of trade, tourism, culture, and sports. The organizers set up an exhibition section for timber cooperation between China and Russia for the first time. The five-day trade fair will cover an exhibition area of 86,000 square meters, attracting companies in the electro-mechanical, biomass energy, organic food, e-commerce, and large-scale equipment industries. This year's fair has attracted more than 1,300 companies, including nearly 500 foreign companies from 31 countries and regions. First held in 1990, the trade fair has become an important platform for regional cooperation in Northeast Asia. by Lyu Tianran, Zhang Gaiping and Ronald Ssekandi KAMPALA, June 13 (Xinhua) -- Bridging over a swamp fully covered with green weeds, the 1,450-meter-long Nambigirwa bridge in southern Uganda is one of the longest bridges in East Africa. The bridge is part of the Chinese company-built Kampala-Entebbe expressway that links the Ugandan capital Kampala and the country's main gateway Entebbe International Airport. The whole expressway project consists of a four-lane dual carriageway with the length of 49.56-kilometers, bridges, major interchanges, underpasses and toll plazas. The construction of the project started in 2012. China Communications Construction Company Limited (CCCC), the constructor, handed over a 4.1-kilometer-long reconstruction section on Nov. 12, 2017 and a 37.21-kilometer-long toll section on May 18, 2018. Currently, the expressway is capable of being open to traffic and is in trial operation. Funded by the concessional loan from China, the expressway is expected to alleviate problems in terms of travel time and comfort, and to enable people to do business more efficiently, according to Edward Katumba-Wamala, Ugandan Minister of State for Works. Over the years, travelers passing through the Entebbe airport have increased hugely, and the number of the travelers is likely to increase with time, Wamala told Xinhua. On the other hand, the traffic volume in Uganda has been increasing over the years and roads that were made for the traffic of the 1970s can no longer accommodate the traffic of today, he said. One of the pains people are facing when travelling to and from the airport is that at times they would miss flights because of using a narrow road, Wamala said. Designed and built with Chinese standard specifications, the expressway brings in experience and technology for future road projects in Uganda, said Li Jincheng, project manager. In order to deliver the project on time with high quality, the Chinese company deploys sufficient staff and equipment to the project, attaches great importance to the project management and works closely with Ugandan side, said Li. During the implementation of the project, the Chinese company is also committed to localization, cultivating Ugandan employees through trainings and skill transfer, he said. According to him, the project employed around 2,000 locals at its peak and the ratio of local employees to Chinese employees is about 10:1 throughout the constructing process. The expressway has been highly anticipated by locals. "Along the old road, there are several places that you may get caught in traffic jams. When you are on the new expressway, you will not get traffic jams," said Michael Mpungu, driver of a private company. "It used to take about two hours from the airport to Kampala, because of a lot of traffic jams ... Now when you use the new one, it takes 30 to 40 minutes," said Herbert Tumusiime, a driver of the expressway project. "Many people are asking me about the road, they are eager to use it," he said. The road, which meets the need of Uganda, is an example of China-Uganda and China-Africa infrastructure cooperation, said Zheng Zhuqiang, Chinese ambassador to Uganda, adding that the two countries have great potential for infrastructure cooperation. LUSAKA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Zambian President Edgar Lungu on Thursday left for Kenya on what his office said was a private visit. Presidential spokesperson Amos Chanda told reporters at the Kenneth Kaunda International Airport that Lungu has gone to Kenya at the invitation of his counterpart, Uhuru Kenyatta. He said Lungu will hold private talks with Kenyatta and will return over the weekend. Meanwhile, the spokesperson said it was unfair for civil society organizations to call on Lungu to take action on a report released by the Financial Intelligence Center on the loss of millions of funds through tax evasion, money laundering, fraud and corruption. He said it was unfair for the organizations to call on Lungu to take action when he has not been availed with the report and has just been reading about it on social media. On Tuesday, 11 civil society organizations called on Lungu to come up with a roadmap on ending continued abuse of public resources following the release of a report by the Financial Intelligence Center, which revealed glaring abuse of resources. According to the latest report, Zambia incurred losses in 2017 linked to financial crimes such as corruption and tax evasion, amounting to 4.5 billion Zambian Kwacha (about 450 million U.S. dollars). Palestinian protesters carry a wounded person during clashes with Israeli troops near the Gaza-Israel border, east of Khan Younis, southern Gaza Strip, on May 25, 2018. (Xinhua/Khaled Omar) UNITED NATIONS, June 13 (Xinhua) -- UN General Assembly(UNGA) on Wednesday adopted a resolution that urges protection of the Palestinian civilians, after rejecting a U.S. demand to add a condemnation of attacks on Israel by Hamas. The Arab-backed resolution passed by a vote of 120-8 with 45 abstentions. It reiterates the need to take steps "to ensure the safety and well-being of civilians and ensure their protection, as well as to ensure accountability for all violations," in the context of recent escalation of conflict between the Palestinians and Israel. Also, it deplores "the use of any excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate force by the Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians." Initially sponsored by Algeria, Turkey and the Palestinians, the resolution got sponsorship from more countries shortly before its vote. The General Assembly resolution expresses strong political will of the international community, though, unlike a Security Council resolution, is not legally binding. Prior to the vote, the General Assembly cast ballots on the U.S.-drafted amendment aiming to condemn Hamas, which won a simple majority but fell short of two thirds of the votes required for its passage. The amendment condemns Hamas for "repeatedly firing rockets into Israel" and "inciting violence along the boundary fence, thereby putting civilians at risk." Making a case for the amendment, U.S. Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley said the resolution was "one-sided," and held Hamas, which controls Gaza, "completely unaccountable" and blamed everything on Israel. The Gaza-Israel border saw an escalation of violence after the Palestinians launched the "Great March of Return" protests in late March. The campaign, lasting through mid-May, demanded the Palestinian refugees' right to return home. Riyad Mansour, the Palestinian permanent observer to the UN, said before the General Assembly that 129 Palestinian protesters were killed, including 16 children, and 13,000 more injured in clashes with Israeli forces. Earlier, a Kuwait-drafted resolution on the same topic and with almost identical text, was vetoed by the United States though wining 10 votes in favor in the 15-member council. Wednesday's vote was held during the General Assembly's 10th Emergency Special Session entitled "Illegal Israeli action in occupied east Jerusalem and the rest occupied Palestinian territory." UNGA President Miroslav Lajcak convened the meeting following a request from the ambassadors of Algeria and Turkey in their respective capacities as chair of the Arab group and chair of the Summit of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation. The session followed a series of Security Council and General Assembly meetings regarding the Israeli decision to build Har Homa, a 6,500 unit housing project, in the Jabal Abu Ghneim area of east Jerusalem. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 22:02:23|Editor: ZX Video Player Close QINGDAO, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Filmmakers from China and Pakistan announced Thursday that they will jointly produce a movie on international trade cooperation along the China-Pakistan Economic Corridor. The movie named "The Journey" will tell stories of Chinese businesses participating in the construction of the corridor in response to the Belt and Road Initiative, said Wang Haiping, director of the scriptwriting committee of the China Television Artists Association. "The intimate friendship of the people from the two countries will be highlighted in the movie," he said at the ongoing first Shanghai Cooperation Organization (SCO) film festival in Qingdao, Shandong Province. Wang, also scriptwriter of the movie, said the movie will be based on real life stories. Chinese and Pakistani parties will cooperate in scriptwriting, shooting, post-production, and screening of the movie, according to Wang. Shooting is expected to start in early 2019. As a major cultural exchange activity following the recent SCO summit in Qingdao, a five-day SCO film festival has attracted films produced in the past two years by 12 countries, including 23 vying for the film awards and 55 slated for screening. English French Paris, June 14, 2018 - Atos, a global leader in digital transformation today announces that it has been ranked amongst the top 5 global players in Managed Security Services (MSS) in terms of 2017 market share revenue, according to the latest Gartner report [1]. Atos has consistently grown its market share in MSS and expanded its MSS revenue by more than 10% from 2016 to 2017, exceeding the overall market growth. With a global team of over 5,000 security specialists and a worldwide network of 14 Security Operation Centers (SOCs), Atos offers an end-to-end security partnership. Atos integrates the best technologies and offers a full portfolio of advanced security products and solutions, helping clients turn risk into business value. As a trusted partner, Atos develops, operates and maintains cutting-edge digital solutions that combine computing power, security and systems integration in the fields of identity and access management, data encryption, IoT security, ultra-secure mobile communications. Atos' solutions support clients in meeting access and control requirements that European and global regulations demand. "We feel this result reflects the expertise of our strong team of security experts" said Chris Moret, Senior Vice President Cybersecurity at Atos. "We provide continuous protection in a rapidly changing world, managing more than 100 million security events every hour. Additionally, our managed security services portfolio is in constant evolution against future threats." Security is also at the heart of the new partnership between Atos and Google Cloud. The expanded Atos solution will complement Google Cloud's advanced and comprehensive set of security features with a multilayered defense approach delivering enhanced security to customers. Atos' integration capabilities will also help Google's European customers comply with global data government rules. Furthermore, Atos' Prescriptive SOC prevents breaches from happening by leveraging big data and supercomputing capabilities and automating security responses. Atos recently signed a deal with the Commonwealth of Virginia to protect its technology infrastructure with next generation cybersecurity solutions. Gartner clients can access the Gartner Market Share: Managed Security Services, Worldwide, 2017, report, here To learn more about Atos' full suite of Managed Security Services, visit here [1] - Gartner, Market Share: Managed Security Services, Worldwide, 2017, by Sid Deshpande, published on 23rd May, 2018 Disclaimer Gartner does not endorse any vendor, product or service depicted in its research publications, and does not advise technology users to select only those vendors with the highest ratings or other designation. Gartner research publications consist of the opinions of Gartner's research organization and should not be construed as statements of fact. Gartner disclaims all warranties, expressed or implied, with respect to this research, including any warranties of merchantability or fitness for a particular purpose. *** About Atos Atos is a global leader in digital transformation with approximately 100,000 employees in 73 countries and annual revenue of around 12 billion. European number one in Big Data, Cybersecurity, High Performance Computing and Digital Workplace, the Group provides Cloud services, Infrastructure & Data Management, Business & Platform solutions, as well as transactional services through Worldline, the European leader in the payment industry. With its cutting-edge technologies, digital expertise and industry knowledge, Atos supports the digital transformation of its clients across various business sectors: Defense, Financial Services, Health, Manufacturing, Media, Energy & Utilities, Public sector, Retail, Telecommunications and Transportation. The Group is the Worldwide Information Technology Partner for the Olympic & Paralympic Games and operates under the brands Atos, Atos Consulting, Atos Worldgrid, Bull, Canopy, Unify and Worldline. Atos SE (Societas Europaea) is listed on the CAC40 Paris stock index. Press contact: Lucie Duchateau | lucie.duchateau@atos.net | + 33 7 62 85 35 10 | @Lucie_Duchateau Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 22:07:24|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close RAMALLAH, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas Thursday said that the United Nations (UN) vote is a victory to the Palestinian rights and international justice and law. Abbas said in an official statement published by the official Palestinian news agency (WAFA) that he sent his thanks and gratitude to the states that voted in favor of the UN resolution. A total of 120 states, members of the UN General Assembly, voted in favor of the resolution on providing international protection to the Palestinians in the Palestinian territories, mainly in the Gaza Strip. Eight members, including Israel and the United States, voted against the resolution and 45 members sustained. The resolution condemned the Israeli use of excessive power against Palestinian civilians, and demanded UN Secretary General to recommend establishing a mechanism to provide international protection to the Palestinians. Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs Riyad al-Maliki said that the UN Secretary-General has to submit a proposal within 60 days to carry out practical mechanisms to implement the resolution. "The resolution affirms the need to ensure protection to the Palestinians, as well as the creation of executive mechanisms for this resolution. What is required now is to continue pressure on the United States and Israel and follow up with the Secretary-General," he told Palestine Television. Meanwhile, Hamas movement said in an emailed press statement that it welcomed the results of the UN vote "which was for the sake and the interest of our people." "The results of the vote are so important because it backs the Palestinian rights," said the statement, adding "the vote isolated the United States and the state of the occupation and showed the world how the United States is fully biased to the Israeli occupation." On March 30, the Palestinians started rallies, protests and demonstrations in five separate locations in eastern Gaza Strip, close to the border with Israel. Ashraf al-Qedra, the health ministry spokesperson in Gaza, told reporters that the death toll since March 30 has grown to 128 and around 14,000 were injured. Around half of them were shot by live ammunition, and many of them are still in critical condition. BRUSSELS, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The European Union (EU) on Thursday announced the sanctions against six human smugglers in a statement. The six individuals, four of Libyan nationality and two of Eritrean nationality, will subject to a travel ban and an asset freeze. They are key figures in human trafficking and migrant smuggling activities in and around Libya. The EU's decision follows the sanctions against these people adopted by the United Nations on June 7. It is the first time that the UN imposes sanctions against human traffickers. The decision by the UN Security Council committee was the result of coordinated efforts of several EU members states, according to the statement. (File photo)Russian S-400 missile air defence systems drive during the military parade to commemorate the 75th anniversary of the battle of Stalingrad in World War Two, in the city of Volgograd, Russia, February 2, 2018. (Reuters photo) ANKARA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Turkey has proposed the joint production of S-500 anti-ballistic missile systems with Russia, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said late Wednesday. During an televised interview with broadcaster 24 TV, Erdogan said he already made an offer on joint production to his Russian counterpart Vladimir Putin. "Russia has given us a loan for the S-400 on very reasonable terms. In the second and third stages, we will proceed to joint production. Maybe we will co-produce S-500," he said. Erdogan slammed NATO allies over their unwillingness to sell arms to his country, noting Turkey was determined to deploy the S-400 missile systems within its territory despite of opposition from the United States. Turkey and Russia inked an agreement worth 2.5 billion U.S. dollars on the purchase of two S-400 surface-to-air defense systems, prompting NATO allies to warn Turkey of unspecified consequences. The first S-400 system is expected to be delivered in early 2019. The S-500s are reportedly still under development and believed to be deployed by 2020 as a supplement with a longer range to the existing S-400 surface-to-air missiles. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 22:17:28|Editor: ZX Video Player Close KUNMING, June 14 (Xinhua) -- A senior Party official called for efforts to enhance solidarity among ethnic groups and harmony in the religious circle during an inspection to southwest China's Yunnan Province from Monday to Thursday. Visiting the provincial capital Kunming, Diqing Tibetan Autonomous Prefecture, and Dehong Dai and Jingpo Autonomous Prefecture, You Quan, head of the United Front Work Department of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, underscored the efforts to consolidate a strong sense of community for the Chinese nation and exchanges among different ethnic groups. Stressing the importance of poverty alleviation in areas inhabited by ethnic minority groups, You instructed local governments and people to make full use of preferential policies and develop industries that suit local conditions. Meeting Tibetan Buddhist religious leaders, You urged them to carry on the patriotic tradition, work for the unity of the nation and solidarity among ethnic groups, and keep their religion away from overseas influence. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 22:22:28|Editor: Shi Yinglun Video Player Close JERUSALEM, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended on Thursday Germany for approving large drones deal, saying it will boost bilateral relations and Israel's defense industry. Netanyahu said that the German parliament approved the one-billion-euro deal on Wednesday following a green light from the German government. Under the deal, Germany would lease Israeli drones over a period of nine years. "This is a great contribution to the Israeli security industry and to the Israeli economy," Netanyahu said in a statement released on his behalf. "The giant deal is an expression of the strategic partnership between Germany and Israel and attests to the potential of Israeli industry to contribute to countries such as Germany," he said. He also thanked German Chancellor Angela Merkel for her involvement in the issue and said had discussed it with her in their previous meetings, including their last meeting last week in Berlin. According to Israeli media, the drones are Heron type, a medium-altitude unmanned aerial vehicle manufactured by the Israel Aerospace Industry. BERLIN, June 14 (Xinhua) -- German federal prosecutors on Thursday charged a Tunisian of producing biological weapons after police discovered highly toxic substance in his apartment in Cologne. The Federal Prosecutor General at the Federal Court of Justice said on its official website that an arrest warrant has been issued on Wednesday, adding that the 29-year-old Tunisian national Sief Allah H. is "strongly suspected of intentionally producing biological weapons". In addition, the man was initially suspected of preparing a serious state-damaging act of violence. The accused was provisionally arrested on Wednesday in Cologne, and his home searched. According to the arrest warrant which listed the charges against the suspect, as of mid-May 2018, the suspect began to procure equipment and substances necessary for the extraction of ricin, including 1,000 castor seeds and an electric coffee grinder on the Internet. At the beginning of June 2018, the defendant successfully produced ricin, which is considered as one of the deadliest poisons in the world. The prosecutor's office said it has not been clarified whether the Tunisian wanted to commit an Islamist-motivated attack in Germany, therefore, there is currently no acute suspicion for preparation of a serious state-damaging violence. It added, there are no indications of involvement of the accused in a terrorist organization, nor of a planned attack. The suspect was said to have arrived in Germany in November 2016. CAPE TOWN, June 14 (Xinhua) -- South Africa's Parliament on Thursday invited the public to influence discussions on the controversial National Minimum Wage (NMW) Bill and related legislation. The National Assembly, the lower house of Parliament, has approved the bill, which is now going to the National Council of Provinces (NCOP), or upper house of Parliament, for approval. All South Africans should make use of the opportunity to influence discussions on the NMW Bill and related legislation, the NOCP's Select Committee on Economic and Business Development said. "The National Minimum Wage Bill will have a long-lasting impact on the lives of the poor," Committee Chairperson Mandla Rayi said. With the NMW Bill, the current administration is seeking to protect those vulnerable workers whose suffering is not remunerated fairly in the workplace, said Rayi. Issues around the introduction of a national minimum wage have been under consideration since an announcement was made during the 2014 State of the Nation Address by the then president Jacob Zuma. Parliament had since set in motion the legislative processes to see the realization of a national minimum wage. The other pieces of legislation under consideration by the committee are the Labor Laws Amendment Bill, the Basic Conditions of Employment Amendment Bill and the Labor Relations Amendment Bill. The committee will hold public hearings on June 19. The South African government is pushing the NMW, which sets 3,500 rand (about 269 U.S. dollars) per month or 20 rand per hour for over 6 million working people. But opponents say the working class can not make both ends meet with the meager NMW requirements. Trade unions have lambasted the NMW as "slavery wage." In May, massive protests against the NMW took place across the country, and trade unions have threatened to stage more protests if the NMW is not raised to "living wage." The government insists that the NMW was informed by the real world considerations and not some idealistic desires. The NMW Bill, once approved by the NOCP, will go to the president who will sign it into law. JUBA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- South Sudan on Thursday commemorated the World Blood Donor Day with calls for increased investment in blood transfusion services across the conflict-torn East African nation. Health Minister Riek Gai Kok said the world's youngest nation currently has poor and inadequate health infrastructure to roll out a nationwide blood transfusion program but efforts are being made to improve the situation. Kok said though there are no official statistics on deaths caused by blood shortage, many people continue to die due to lack of blood transfusion services since there is only one blood bank in the country. "When fighting broke out in 2013, it was a real disaster because we lost so many people due to lack of blood. I am appealing to the development partners to help us roll out blood transfusion services across the country because blood is essential for humanity," he said. The event established in 2004 is marked every June 14 to raise awareness about safe blood donation and appreciate blood donors for their voluntary and life-saving sharing of blood. Evans Liyosi, World Health Organization (WHO) Representative in South Sudan, said inadequate blood transfusion services across the conflict-torn nation poses a major public health challenge. Liyosi appealed to development partners to assist South Sudan to expand its blood transfusion infrastructure in order to reduce deaths caused by blood shortage especially among children and pregnant women. "Lack of blood is a big challenge especially in areas far from Juba. My appeal is that let's help the ministry of health to save lives," he said. South Sudan currently operates one blood bank in the capital Juba and it has managed to store nearly 2,000 liters of blood since its opening two years ago, but many health facilities in the countryside continue to face acute blood transfusion crisis. "We consider lack of blood in South Sudan's hospitals as an emergency. We appeal to the humanitarian agencies and government institutions to support the national blood bank so that it can provide services across the country," said John Lobor, head of South Sudan's Red Cross. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 22:57:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close RIYADH, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Saudi air forces intercepted on Thursday a ballistic missile fired at border city Khamis Mushait from Yemen, Al Arabiya local news reported. The incident took place one day after another missile was intercepted by the forces before hitting southern city Jazan. Three civilians from Jazan were killed last week in a projectile attack. Saudi Arabia has been accusing Iran of supporting Houthi rebels in Yemen by supplying them with weapons and missiles, causing instability in the war-torn country. The Saudi-led coalition involved in a war in Yemen announced on Wednesday an operation to liberate Red Sea port city of Hodeidah from Iranian-allied Shiite Houthi rebels. Aid agencies warned that such adventure could cost the lives of 400,000 civilians. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 23:12:37|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close BERLIN, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Nearly 95 percent of the earth's seabed has not yet been explored, a circumstance which means that the depths of our oceans are still less well known to scientists than earth's moon. A team of German engineers now wants to help robots conquer deep-sea exploration as well. Researchers at the Karlsruhe-based Fraunhofer Institute of Optronics, System Technologies and Image Exploitation (IOSB) are currently presenting a peculiar set of underwater drones to visitors at the CeBIT technology trade fair in Hannover. Some observers have likened the machinery on display to a family of ducklings. The team of responsible engineers, which calls itself the "Arggonauts", has developed a fully-automated system for deep-sea exploration which hinges on the cooperation between an inflatable catamaran, dubbed "water strider" and a handful of smaller "great diver" vessels. Assuming the role of the responsible guardian, the "water strider" pulls the "great divers" out to sea, where the diving drones are then released to travel thousands of meters below the water surface to map the seabed and produce high quality images of any creatures that they encounter. Once the exploratory tasks are complete, the 2-and-a-half-meter long diving drones resurface and are carefully collected by the mothership and before being dragged back to shore. The "Arggonauts", which are led by Gunnar Brink of the IOSB, have already won some early praise for their innovation and were recently named among a small group of finalists in the Shell Ocean Discovery XPrize. The international competition is intended to promote better understanding of the earth's deep seas with the winning project receiving 4 million U.S. dollars in prize money. As exemplified by James Cameron's "Deepsea Challenger" mission, in which the large submarine driven by the Hollywood director to a depth of 10,898 meters cost 10 million U.S. dollars just to build, traditional human deep-sea exploration is anything but cheap. In comparison, the automated family constituted by the "water strider" and its faithful "great divers" offers considerable more bang for buck. In order to clinch the Ocean Discovery XPrize sponsored by Shell, the "Arggonauts" will have to demonstrate the practical use of their technology by exploring at least 250 square kilometres of unchartered seabed territory at a depth of 4,000 meters within 24 hours. The Karlsruhe-based researchers are confident that, ultra-sound technology, four special cameras and an LED flash system installed on their "great divers" will do the trick. The IOSB engineers have emphasized, however, that they are not just interested in the prize money offered by Shell but want to advance the progress of automated technology and protect the natural environment as their overriding goals. The ocean seabed is of growing interest to resource-extracting companies as a source of valuable minerals, raising urgent questions over how such commercial activity can be conducted with minimal disruption to marine life. The German environmental agency (UBA) recently warned that an underwater mining boom poses a serious threat to deep-sea animals and plants. The "Arggonauts" hope that their mapping and imaging solutions can help prevent irreparable damage to one of the least-explored environments on the planet. Dublin, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Nitric Oxide Therapy Systems Market Size, Market Share, Application Analysis, Regional Outlook, Growth Trends, Key Players, Competitive Strategies and Forecasts, 2018 To 2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global nitric oxide therapy systems market is expected to expand at a CAGR of 5.19% from 2017 to 2025. Durability and lightweight are the meritorious features that increase the demand for portable nitric oxide therapy systems. Relatively low cost, versatility and easy fabrication of the auxiliary holding devices with the main ventilation unit makes fixed nitric oxide therapy systems a lucrative option in the ambulatory care and hospitals. Hospitals and clinics widely utilize the nitric oxide inhalation therapy in the neonate and intensive care unit to address ailments related to pulmonary disorders and increasing demand for pediatric cardiopulmonary bypass surgery procedures for treating cardiopulmonary ailments. Homecare settings finds huge application of nitric oxide therapy systems for the rehabilitation of geriatric patients suffering with acute respiratory distress syndrome. North America is the market leader in nitric oxide therapy systems due to the rising prevalence of acute respiratory distress syndrome in the adult population and the presence of key players actively engaged in the manufacturing of nitric oxide therapy systems. Asia Pacific will dominate the market in the near future on account of the rising prevalence of neonate pulmonary hypertension. Competitive market formed due to the emergence of local providers of nitric oxide therapy systems contribute to the growth of Asia Pacific market. Key Market Movements: Rising prevalence of neonatal pulmonary hypertension and acute respiratory distress syndrome Recent technical advancements in the manufacturing of nitric oxide therapy systems will contribute to its market growth Supportive regulatory environment for nitric oxide therapy systems Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1. Preface 1.1. Report Scope and Description 1.2. Research Methodology Chapter 2. Executive Summary 2.1. Global Nitric Oxide Therapy Systems Market Portraiture 2.1.1. Global Nitric Oxide Therapy Systems Market, by Type, 2016 2.1.2. Global Nitric Oxide Therapy Systems Market, by End Users, 2016 2.1.3. Global Nitric Oxide Therapy Systems Market, by Geography, 2016 Chapter 3. Nitric Oxide Therapy Systems Market: Dynamics and Future Outlook 3.1. Market Overview 3.2. Drivers 3.3. Challenges 3.4. Opportunities 3.5. Porter's Five Forces Analysis 3.6. Attractive Investment Proposition, by Geography 3.7. Top 3 Countries: Global Nitric Oxide Therapy Systems Market, 2015-2025 (US$ Mn) 3.8. Competitive Landscape: Global Nitric Oxide Therapy Systems Market, by Key Players, 2015-2025 (US$ Mn) Chapter 4. Global Nitric Oxide Therapy Systems Market, by Type, 2015 - 2025 (US$ Mn) 4.1. Overview 4.2. Portable Nitric Oxide Therapy Systems 4.3. Fixed Nitric Oxide Therapy Systems Chapter 5. Global Nitric Oxide Therapy Systems Market, by End Users, 2015 - 2025 (US$ Mn) 5.1. Overview 5.2. Hospitals 5.3. Homecare Settings 5.4. Clinics Chapter 6. Global Nitric Oxide Therapy Systems Market, by Geography, 2015 - 2025 (US$ Mn) Chapter 7. Company Profiles Bellerophon Therapeutics BOC Healthcare Dan Hammer Health Ltd. EKU Elektronik GmbH GeNO, LLC International Biomedical SLE Mallinckrodt Pharmaceuticals Praxair, Inc. Vapotherm For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/8gz3x6/global_nitric?w=12 Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-14 23:12:37|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close SHENZHEN, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The Supreme People's Court (SPC) first circuit court on Wednesday and Thursday conducted an open retrial of the criminal case involving Gu Chujun, former chairman of refrigerator maker Guangdong Kelon Electrical Holdings. A collegiate bench with Pei Xianding, chief of the SPC first circuit court, as the presiding judge heard the case. The Supreme People's Procuratorate designated prosecutors for the retrial. Gu and six other defendants in the original case, as well as their lawyers attended the proceeding. Gu was arrested in 2005. In 2009, a final court ruling by Guangdong Higher People's Court sentenced Gu to 10 years in prison for falsely reporting registered capital, falsifying and withholding information, and embezzlement. He was also fined 6.8 million yuan (1.06 million U.S. dollars). In September 2012, after serving his term in prison, Gu filed a petition to the SPC. The SPC, after a review, announced a decision to retry the case in December 2017. During the court investigation phase of the retrial, the bench conducted a comprehensive hearing of the facts alleged in the original ruling and organized cross-examinations by the procuratorial and defense sides about the disputed evidence as well as new evidence submitted by the two sides or acquired by the court. The court also asked witnesses and experts to appear in court to give testimony or opinions. During court debate, the two sides have fully expressed their opinions, according to a court statement. Gu, other defendants and their counsels insisted on acquittals. The prosecutors said Gu and others indeed falsely reported registered capital, but the act was of relatively small social harms and was not a crime. They insisted that Kelon made false sales at the end of 2002, 2003 and 2004, leading to false information in their annual reports, though they said there are no sufficient evidence to show that this has seriously harmed shareholders' interest, hence Gu and others should be acquitted of charges. The prosecutors said the original ruling on one count of embezzlement involving 290 million yuan was supported by proper evidence and appropriate. Another count of embezzlement involving 63 million yuan has factual basis but the original ruling applied the wrong law, the prosecutors said, adding Gu and others should be acquitted of this charge as no evidence shows that they personally benefited from the case. The court statement said the rights of all parties have been fully protected and the bench also worked to ensure the court order despite fierce exchanges of opinions between the two sides. Families of the defendants as well as national lawmakers, political advisors, scholars and representatives of related units attended the retrial. Information about the proceeding was made public on the SPC's Weibo account. The court ruling will be announced at a later date. ALGIERS, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Algerian Foreign Minister Abdelkader Messahel vowed Thursday to solve the case of the murder of a Chinese citizen in Algiers following the Chinese embassy's representation on the matter. The minister expressed his shock and grief to Chinese Ambassador to Algeria Yang Guangyu, while asking Yang to convey the condolences of the Algerian government to the family of the deceased, the Chinese embassy said in a statement on its website. A Chinese citizen was robbed and killed on Sunday by several knife-wielding criminals in broad daylight in the region of Dalbeda in Algiers. On Wednesday, Yang met with Algerian Foreign Ministry's General Director Mohamed Bensabri, who is in charge of foreigners' affair in Algeria, to discuss the case. Yang expressed serious concern to the Algerian side over the murder, adding that the crime is appalling and has caused great shock and indignation among the Chinese citizens in Algeria. The Chinese envoy also urged Algeria to attach greater importance to the safety of the Chinese citizens in Algeria and take strong measures to protect them. Several provinces in Algeria recently have witnessed cases of armed robberies and burglaries against Chinese companies and personnel, resulting in varying degrees of personal injures and property damages. The Chinese embassy on Tuesday issued a statement on its website, alerting Chinese citizens in the North African country to take further safety precautions following the fatal robbery. LAGOS, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Police have stepped up security measures across Nigeria in preparation for this year's Eid-el-Fitr celebration, when large number of travelers are expected to visit and worship centers and parks. Nigeria's Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris confirmed on Thursday that security measures are being taken after the government declared Friday, June 15, and Monday June 18 as public holiday to celebrate the 2018 Eid-El Fitr, the end of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan. The police chief, in a statement reaching Xinhua ordered massive deployment of personnel throughout the country for the celebration. The personnel are also expected to beef up security at all Eid praying grounds and other venues of celebration throughout the country, he added, noting that this operation will cover recreation centers, public places and critical infrastructure and public utilities. According to him, federal highway patrol teams and anti-crime patrols have been deployed along major roads and highways throughout the country, noting that they are under strict instruction to be civil, polite and firm in carrying out their duties. Idris said police visibility patrols and surveillance would be maintained, raiding of criminal hideouts, black spots currently ongoing throughout the country. In some strategic cities like Lagos, Nigeria's economic hub, the police has embarked on a "show of force" to demonstrate its crime-fighting ability. Two helicopters being operated by the state's Rapid Response Squad were also deployed during the exercise. Edgal Imohimi, the Commissioner of Police in the state, while addressing policemen from various divisions, said the exercise was meant to assure residents of the readiness of the police to provide adequate security. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-15 00:02:51|Editor: huaxia Video Player Close BERLIN, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Borussia Monchengladbach have extended the contract with Michael Cuisance ahead of schedule, the "Foals" announced in an official statement on Thursday. The 18-year-old midfielder extended his running contract, stipulated until June 2022, for another to stay with Monchengladbach until summer 2023. "Michael was one of the greatest surprises of the last season, in which he immediately established himself in the Bundesliga. We are happy that he signed a long-term contract," Monchengladbach's sporting director Max Eberl said. Cuisance joined the "Foals" from French outfit AS Nancy in July 2017. He had made 24 appearances and provided two goals in the season 2017-2018. Borussia Monchengladbach completed the Bundesliga season 2017-2018 on the 9th place of the standings. Enditem ZAGREB, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The Croatian parliament adopted on Thursday a special law to speed up building of a floating liquefied natural gas (LNG) terminal on the island Krk in northern Adriatic. The law nicknamed "Lex LNG" was passed by 77 "yes" votes, while 25 representatives voted against it. Most of the opposition members left the parliament before voting because they disagree with the government's decision to put the bill in the fast track procedure. The Law on the Terminal for Liquefied Natural Gas regulates solutions for property and legal relations at the site for the terminal, issuing concessions for the coastal belt in order to construct the terminal and concession fees and defining the allowance for supply security, Croatian news agency Hina reported. The investor in the project is the state-owned company LNG Hrvatska. The terminal's initial annual capacity is planned at 2.6 billion cubic meters. The government claims that the LNG project is of strategic importance for Croatia. The European Union who wants to diversify sources of supply has decided to finance about a third of the cost, which stood at 104.1 million euros (121 million U.S. dollars). The total value of the project is approximately 383 million euros. According to the plan, the terminal should be operational in early 2020. The geo-strategic importance of the project could be more obvious than its economic significance. The terminal would supply not only Croatia but other European countries which depend on Russian energy imports. On June 6, Russian Ambassador to Croatia Anvar Azimov told Croatian reporters that Moscow didn't have a problem with the terminal on Krk, but emphasized that gas from Russia would always be cheaper. Croatia is importing 60 percent of its gas needs from Russia. The law has prompted a heated debate in Croatia. Local authorities and environmental organizations oppose the building of the terminal, arguing that a floating terminal in the northern Adriatic could have a negative impact on nature and Croatian tourism. "We will ask the constitutional court to assess whether this law is lawful," Marija Mileta from Green Action told Xinhua on Thursday. Mileta argues that the environmental study provided by LNG Hrvatska wasn't done well and that the fast track procedure of lawmaking was illegal. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-15 00:17:55|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close HONG KONG, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The Legislative Council (LegCo) of China's Hong Kong Special Administrative Region (HKSAR) on Thursday finished the third reading of the Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (XRL) co-location bill. After the bill has been given three readings, it becomes a piece of enacted law. The bill would take effect after it is signed by the chief executive of HKSAR and promulgated in the Gazette of HKSAR government. The Guangzhou-Shenzhen-Hong Kong Express Rail Link (Co-location) Ordinance will be gazetted on June 22. When the bill comes into effect, the co-location arrangement will be implemented at the West Kowloon Station of HKSAR, which allows passengers go through the customs, immigration and quarantine procedures of both Hong Kong and the Chinese mainland successively in one place. Carrie Lam, chief executive of HKSAR, welcomed the passage of the XRL co-location bill by the Legislative Council, saying it signifies a big step towards the target of the commissioning of the Hong Kong Section of XRL in September this year. "The passage of the bill marks the basic completion of the three-step process of the co-location arrangement at the XRL West Kowloon Station. It provides a sound legal basis for the co-location arrangement, maximizing the transport, economic and social benefits of the XRL,"she said. Chan Fan, Secretary for Transport and Housing of the HKSAR government, said the co-location arrangement that will be implemented in the new station is the only way to suit passengers' convenience. In order to fully exploit the transport, social and economic benefits of the XRL and maximize convenience to passengers, the government of HKSAR in July, 2017 announced to implement the co-location arrangement at the cross-border railway station in West Kowloon Station. To implement the co-location arrangement, the Chinese mainland and the HKSAR need to first reach a cooperation arrangement, which will be endorsed by the Standing Committee of the National People's Congress. Following the congress endorsement, the HKSAR needs to implement it through the enactment of local legislation. According to the law of HKSAR, three readings are required for getting through the local legislation. Construction works of the Hong Kong Section of the XRL that started in 2010 are now roughly 99 percent completed. The 26-km Hong Kong section of the XRL links up Hong Kong with the mega high-speed rail network of the Chinese mainland. The trial run of the Hong Kong Section of XRL has been held on April 1. The project is expected to commission in the third quarter of this year. KAMPALA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Uganda's finance minister on Thursday said the government will add 783 Megawatt (MW) on the national grip in the next two years to address the power deficit that is stalling the country's industrialization. Matia Kasaija, minister of finance, while reading the country's 2018/19 national budget said the additional 783MW will be generated on completion of the 600MW Karuma Power Plant and 183MW Isimba Power Plants. The construction of the plants is financed by China. Uganda's current power generation and installed capacity is estimated at 930MW, according to government figures. "It is now critical to invest in the power transmission and distribution network to supply power to industries and other consumers," said Kasaija. "The energy mix will also be further diversified to scale up provision of renewable energy such as solar to off-grid areas," he added. The minister said priority will be given to expansion of the transmission and distribution networks to industrial zones and rural centers to support the industrialization in the next financial year, which starts next month. "Other interventions in the energy sector will include the promotion of efficient utilization of energy, and enforcing actions against vandalism and illegal connections," said Kasaija. President Yoweri Museveni said the availability of electricity will attract investors into the country. "When the cost of electricity is low, you attract investors. Low cost of electricity, transport, low cost of money will improve the economy further and attract investments," said Museveni. Inadequate, inconsistent and expensive power is one of the major bottlenecks hindering Uganda's fast economic development, according to experts. Ugandan manufacturers and other big businesses have complained about the high cost of electricity in the country, which they say makes their products uncompetitive in the region. According to government figures, it is estimated that 1,131MW will be required to meet the national electricity demand by 2020. Uganda wants to pull down the cost of electricity to five U.S. cents from the current 11 cents. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-15 00:42:58|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close Egyptian President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi (front, C) and new cabinet members pose for a group photo in Cairo, Egypt, on June 14, 2018. The Egyptian new cabinet under Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli was sworn in on Thursday with newly appointed defense and interior ministers, the Egyptian state TV reported. New Defense Minister Mohamed Zaki and Interior Minister Mahmoud Tawfik replaced their predecessors, Sedqi Sobhi and Magdy Abdel-Ghaffar respectively, in the new government, whose ministers took the official oath before President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi. (Xinhua/MENA) CAIRO, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The Egyptian new cabinet under Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouli was sworn in on Thursday with newly appointed defense and interior ministers, the Egyptian state TV reported. General Mohamed Zaki, who led the republican guard since August 2012, became the new defense minister in place of Sedqi Sobhi, who had been serving the post since President Abdel-Fattah al-Sisi was first elected in 2014. Mahmoud Tawfik, the head of the National Security department since October 2017, was chosen to succeed Magdy Abdel-Ghaffar at the Interior Ministry. Abdel-Ghaffar, a veteran security official, was appointed in 2015. The major reshuffle in the security portfolios came while Egypt has been battling against militants who were behind terrorists attacks, which killed hundreds of security personnel and civilians across the country. Egypt launched a major military operation in February against the terrorists mainly based in Sinai Peninsula and the Western Desert, near the Libyan border. During the massive campaign, nearly 286 militants, and 37 security men have been killed. The new 33-member cabinet is led by Prime Minister Madbouli, who also serves as housing minister. It includes eight women and 12 new members. The large-scale cabinet reshuffle included ministers of finance, trade and industry, health, agriculture, environment, communications, sports, civil aviation, local development and public enterprise. Mohamed Ma'it, deputy finance minister in the outgoing cabinet, was promoted to minister, replacing Amr el-Garhy, who oversaw the recent economic reform and austerity measures that helped in securing Egypt's three-year 12 billion U.S. dollars International Monetary Fund (IMF) loan. In a press statement following the swearing in cermony, Ma'it said he will proceed with the economic reforms that aim at expanding social protection networks, improving standards of living and securing more job opportunities to reduce unemployment rates to the lowest possible level, which in turn could help achieve the desirable sustainable development goals. Amr Nassar, the newly-appointed Trade and Industry minister, served as the deputy director of the International Association of Public Transport for the Middle East and North Africa region for three rounds, from 2008 to 2014. He was the Secretary-General of the Export Council for Engineering Industries, and also a board member at the MCV international group for manufacturing commercial vehicles, which is considered among the world's top bus manufacturers. "The key changes show that the new government will have a different vision and I am optimistic about it," lawmaker Ahmed Helmi al-Sherif told Xinhua following the reshuffle. "The massive reshuffle is like new blood running in the nation's veins," he added. Egypt's most recent cabinet reshuffle took place in January. It was partial and it involved the four ministers of culture, tourism, local development and public enterprise. The former cabinet, led by former Prime Minister Sherif Ismail, resigned on June 5, days after Sisi was inaugurated for a second term. PARIS, June 14 (Xinhua) -- French security forces foiled a possible terrorist attack after arresting two individuals suspected of plotting assaults, local media reported on Thursday. Aged 21 an 23 years, the two presumed terrorist suspects were detained last Saturday in Seine-Et-Marne, east of Paris. They were spotted by police "after mentioning several times a project of attack in their exchanges", and one of them would have sought to obtain a weapon, the local broadcaster reported. They were indicted, on Tuesday, for "criminal terrorist criminal conspiracy", it said. Citing a source close to the investigation, it added the two friends, unknown for intelligence services, seemed "quite determined" to act. "Their project remains unclear at this stage, but there are indications that they plan to target homosexuals," it said. According to the report, police found a knife, firing device and propaganda of the Islamist State at their home. A wave of attacks, claimed by the Islamic State, had broken several times the calm at home with the bloodiest in Paris where a series of explosives and shootings left 130 victims in November of 2015. In October 2017, French President Emmanuel Macron signed anti-terrorism law which he said was necessary to muscle security at home to combat high terrorism menace. The bill enshrines emergency security rules into ordinary law that allow police will have more power to search, arrest without judge approval and restrict people movements and gathering. ARUSHA, Tanzania, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Thirteen people died and 50 others were injured after a bus they were travelling on overturned in south-western Tanzania's region of Mbeya, police said Thursday. Mbeya Regional Police Commander, Mussa Taibu said the driver and 12 soldiers of the Tanzania National Service were among those who died in the tragic accident. He said that the accident happened at around 3 p.m. (local time) in Igodima area, about four kilometres from Mbeya City center. The bus, which had 63 people on board, was heading to Mbeya from western Tanzania's region of Tabora. The official said that the injured people were rushed to the Mbeya Zonal Referral Hospital. According to the regional police chief, the bus which involved in the accident was among the three buses which were hired by the Tanzania National Service to transport soldiers from Tabora to Mbeya-based Itende training camp. Taibu said reckless driving was one of the causes of the accident, as the driver failed to negotiate sharp corners in the area due to over speeding. Mbeya Regional Commissioner, Amos Makalla, tasked the Tanzania police force to take action for all people who contributed to the accident, as preliminary investigation shows that the bus was road unworthy. He said: "It was the first time for the bus to travel the Tabora-Mbeya road, the situation that shows that the driver was unaware of the road." Makalla said: "It seems that the bus was not inspected before starting the journey, that's why I am tasking police force to work on it." The accident came barely few days when ten people were killed and 28 others seriously injured after a bus they were traveling on hit a cargo train in western Tanzania's region of Kigoma. Reports have it that reckless driving and poor road infrastructures as among the major factors fueling road accidents in east African countries including Tanzania. Dublin, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The "Global Gift Cards Market Size, Market Share, Application Analysis, Regional Outlook, Growth Trends, Key Players, Competitive Strategies and Forecasts, 2018 To 2026" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The global gift cards market is expected to hit US$ 750 Bn by 2026. Gift cards have emerged as an effective way to wish someone on festive occasions or thank someone in appreciation of their work. It facilitates the recipient to make purchase of their choice. Gift cards are prepaid payment card containing a specific amount of money and render the same role as that of paper gift cards. Earlier, the use of gift cards were mostly limited to North America and Europe. However, with growing consumer awareness, its use has expanded beyond its traditional markets and are now popular in regions such as Asia Pacific and Latin America. Countries such as China and India have witnessed a boom in the gift cards market in recent years owing to growing consumer awareness and purchase options. Starbucks was one of the notable brands revolutionizing the concept of gift cards in the U.S. and its popularity has increased manifold over the years. One of the most prominent factors contributing to the market growth is increasing demand for gift cards in the corporate sector. Corporate houses, in recognition of an employee's contribution to the firm, are presenting gift cards. This trend has become widely prevalent in recent times thus influencing the market growth positively. Another prominent factor aiding the market growth is the advent of e-commerce. E-commerce websites such as Amazon, Alibaba, eBay and Flipkart among others offer customers gift cards. With growing penetration of internet and smartphones, people are in a better position to access e-commerce portals than ever before, a factor complimenting the gift cards market growth. Moreover, the fact that giving cash as a gift is considered socially inappropriate is further complimenting the market growth for gift cards. Furthermore, as gift cards enable the recipient to purchase any product of his/her choice, therefore its adoption is increasing by the day. In recent years, there has been a growing confidence and trust among consumers regarding mobile retail and payment applications as far as gift cards are concerned. Moreover, traceable gift cards have become popular in the recent past which allow merchants to acquire an array of important data. Furthermore, virtual gift cards as a result of its low cost when compared to plastic gift cards, have become popular in recent years. In addition, reloadable gift cards are expected to offer significant growth opportunities for the gift cards market to further flourish. Key Trends Open loop gift cards growing in popularity. Issuers of gift cards are focusing on expansion of their participating merchant network Growing trend of traceable gift cards Mobile apps increasingly being used to store gift cards E-gifting gaining in prominence Gift cards emerging as a popular gifting option for festive occasions and birthdays Key Topics Covered: Chapter 1 Preface Chapter 2 Executive Summary Chapter 3 Market Dynamics Chapter 4 Global Gift Cards Market Analysis, By Type, 2016 - 2026 Chapter 5 Global Gift Cards Market Analysis, By Merchant Type, 2016 - 2026 Chapter 6 North America Gift Cards Market Analysis, 2016 - 2026 Chapter 7 Europe Gift Cards Market Analysis, 2016 - 2026 Chapter 8 Asia Pacific Gift Cards Market Analysis, 2016 - 2026 Chapter 9 Rest of the World (RoW) Gift Cards Market Analysis, 2016 - 2026 Chapter 10 Company Profiles National Gift Card Corp. Blackhawk Network Holdings, Inc. InComm Holdings, Inc. QwikCilver Solutions Private Limited Edge Loyalty Systems Pty Ltd. First Data Corporation Worldpay, Inc. TransGate Solutions Buyatab Online, Inc. For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/pjtg59/global_gift_cards?w=12 ADDIS ABABA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Ethiopia's northern Tigray regional state on Thursday announced it has pardoned 2,111 detainees. The pardons will mean the detainees would be free people in the coming few days. The statement didn't mention the identity of the prisoners or the charges they were imprisoned for. The regional ruling party, Tigray People Liberation Front (TPLF), said the pardons are timed to coincide with the Tigray martyrs' day held annually on June 22, reported local media outlet Radio Fana. The Tigray martyrs day commemorates a bloody air attack on marketgoers in Hawzen city, Tigray regional state on June 22, 1988 by forces of ex-Ethiopian President Mengistu Hailemariam. The air attack on the city controlled at the time by TPLF was one of the most gruesome episodes of the Ethiopia civil war from 1975 to 1991. The civil war ended in May 28, 1991 when a rebel coalition Ethiopian People Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF), dominated by TPLF, captured Ethiopia's capital Addis Ababa ending Hailemariam's reign. TRIPOLI, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Libya's UN-backed Prime Minister Fayez Serraj condemned the armed attack on oil crescent region that took place on Thursday. The prime minister's information office said in a statement that no order or instructions were issued "to any force to move towards the region." "What happened is outside of legitimacy of the Government of National Accord," the statement said. "This irresponsible escalation pushes the country into a civil war that the Libyans strive to avoid," the statement added, warning those involved in the attack of "the consequences of their actions." Ibrahim Jathran, former chief of the Oil Installation Guards, who was expelled by the army in 2016, and the militant group called Benghazi Defense Brigades on Thursday launched an attack on the oil crescent region and clashed with the army forces securing the area. The attack caused losses of 240 thousand barrels of oil, and evacuation of all government employees, according to the state-owned National Oil Corporation. The oil crescent region is located some 500 km east of the capital Tripoli. It contains the country's largest oil ports. On September 2016, the army took control of the oil crescent region and expelled Jathran's forces, who closed major oil ports and cost the country billions of U.S. dollars of losses. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-15 01:58:13|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close GENEVA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The 49th edition of Art Basel opened to the public on Thursday with Chinese artists also making a show in the thousands of artworks displayed by galleries from 35 countries and regions. Held at the Messe Basel exhibition hall, the event will run through June 17 in the northwest Switzerland city on the Rhine River that is renowned for its art world. The commercial exhibits of Art Basel are considered the world's premier fair. The nearby Basel Art Museum or the Kunstmuseum, as it is often known, with its more traditional works has special opening times during the exhibition as it features parallel shows at other museums in the city. It is reported that 6 galleries are making their Basel debut this year, including White Space Beijing, Los Angeles' Freedman Fitzpatrick, and New York's Essex Street Gallery. Last year more than 95,000 visitors came to this medieval Swiss city for Art Basel. Art Basel brings the international art world together, with 290 of the world's leading galleries showing the works of over 4,000 artists. Among the Chinese artists displayed is Yu Hong from Beijing's Long March Space with his 2017 work -- Old Man Yu Gong Is Still Moving Away Mountains. ARTnews said that Art Basel main sector is titled Galleries and that "by some measures, the participants in this section are the most significant galleries in the world for modern and contemporary art". Swissinfo, the website of the national broadcaster reported, "Art Basel and its circus is mainly about the arts market: a perfect setting for packaged artworks, buyers and sellers, whereas artists are just supporting actors, at best." MOGADISHU, June 14 (Xinhua) -- At least 53 people were killed and some 229,000 others affected by tropical cyclone Sagar that caused heavy rains and flooding in Somaliland and Puntland in northern Somalia in May, the UN humanitarian agency said on Thursday. Citing estimates from local disaster management authorities in the two regional states, the UN Office for Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) said 50 people were killed in Somaliland while three lost their lives in Puntland. "The subsequent floods and strong winds exacted a heavy toll on infrastructure and farmland, leaving many people dead and thousands of others displaced. Basic infrastructure, including water sources and communication equipment, collapsed in many areas," OCHA said in its latest Flash Update. The latest update comes after a powerful tropical cyclone with winds in excess of 120 km/per hour and an entire year's worth of rain which landed in Somalia on May 19 left in its path a trail of destruction, with thousands of people still counting their losses. According to the UN, the cyclone Sagar tore through the coastal north of the country, destroying homes and livelihoods in its wake. The UN humanitarian agency said communities in the coastal areas of Somaliland and major portions of Awdal district, as well as some coastal communities in Puntland are still reeling from the impact of Sagar. The UN agency said the cyclone affected nearly 168,000 people in the five worst-hit districts of Somaliland - Baki, Lughaya and Zaylac in the Awdal region, and Berbera in Woqooyi Galbee. According to OCHA some 60,800 people along coastal areas were affected by the flooding and heavy rains in Puntland. The UN humanitarian agency will be releasing about 3.5 million U.S. dollars for response to the impact of the cyclone for Somaliland communities affected. "The funds will be used for emergency rehabilitation of prioritized communal infrastructure (schools, water points, hospitals, nutrition centres), for support to integrated emergency response teams, and integrated response activities focusing on shelter and livelihoods support," said OCHA. NICOSIA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- A group of 61 Syrian refugees arrived in Cyprus aboard a small boat overnight, the authorities said on Thursday. Sources said the authorities had information that more refugees are waiting for a boat to make the sea crossing as the weather in the eastern Mediterranean gets settled in summer months. Cypriot police said that they sent a launch out at sea to escort the boat to port after it was picked up on radar several nautical miles off the northwestern coast of the island before midnight on Wednesday. The refugees were led to a base of the Marine Police at Kato Pyrgos village and were later transported to a refugee center near the capital Nicosia. Police said that there were 61 people aboard the vessel, including seven minors and a young woman who said that she would join her husband who arrived in Cyprus in the same way last year. The majority of the men on board were under the age of 40. When the police approached the refugee vessel, a 49-year-old man jumped from the boat and tried to swim away. He was picked out of the sea and based on evidence provided by refugees, he was arrested on suspicion that he was the trafficker who charged 2.000 dollars each person to bring them from the southern Turkish port of Mersin to Cyprus. A court remanded him in custody pending further investigation. Nicos Cleanthous, the community leader of Kato Pyrgos where the refugees were originally received, has said he has been informed that in the next few days more vessels with Syrian refugees will arrive in Cyprus. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-15 02:13:15|Editor: Yurou Video Player Close Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, who is also director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, meets with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in Beijing, capital of China, June 14, 2018. (Xinhua/Yin Bogu) BEIJING, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Yang Jiechi, a member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee, met with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday in Beijing. Yang, also director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee, said a healthy and stable development of China-U.S. relations is in the fundamental interests of both peoples. He expressed hope that the United States will work with China to expand practical cooperation in various fields, properly handle differences and promote the bilateral ties for bigger progress. Pompeo said the United States adheres to the one-China policy, and stands ready to enhance cooperation with China in order to make bilateral relations more fruitful. They also exchanged views on the Korean Peninsula issue. Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi held talks with Pompeo on Thursday. Wang said China and the United States have wide and important common interests. He called on the United States to work with China to implement the important consensus reached by their leaders and promote a healthy development of bilateral ties. Wang called on both sides to constantly inject impetus into their cooperation, and settle the trade issues properly with a win-win approach. He said the two countries should be aware that common interests as well as dialogue and cooperation remain the mainstream of the China-U.S. relationship, and both sides should respect each other's core interests and major concerns, adding that he hopes the United States will firmly adhere to the one-China principle and handle Taiwan-related issues properly. The meeting between the leaders of the United States and the Democratic People's Republic of Korea (DPRK) has important historic significance, as it brought the Korean Peninsula nuclear issue onto the right track of dialogue and peaceful settlement, Wang said. China will continue its constructive role in the political settlement of the Peninsula nuclear issue, he said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-15 02:13:15|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The UN Security Council on Thursday unanimously adopted a resolution to extend the mandate of the UN Assistance Mission for Iraq, or UNAMI, for another 10 months. Under Resolution 2421, the mandate of the political mission, which expires on July 31, is renewed until May 31, 2019. Established in 2003 by UNSC Resolution 1500 at the request of the Iraqi government, UNAMI is entrusted with the mandate to advise and assist the Iraqi government on a number of issues. This includes advancing inclusive political dialogue and national reconciliation, assisting in the electoral process and in the planning for a national census, facilitating regional dialogue between Iraq and its neighbours, and promoting the protection of human rights and judicial and legal reforms. Thursday's text has incorporated a number of new elements. Advancing inclusive political dialogue and national reconciliation has been made top priority. Also, new text has been added to note UNAMI' s responsibility to support an investigative team to collect, store and preserve evidence in Iraq of acts that may amount to war crimes, crimes against humanity, and genocide committed by ISIS. The role of UNAMI has been expanded before, by the adoption of Resolution 1770 in 2007. KIEV, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The International Cultural and Educational Forum "Silk Road 2018: Ukraine-China" kicked off on Thursday, bringing together hundreds of participants. Professors, students and scholars from 11 Chinese universities and 46 Ukrainian higher educational establishments participated in the two-day event, which features a number of discussions on bilateral cultural and educational cooperation. The forum is aimed at promoting the Silk Road spirit and jointly building the Belt and Road Initiative by China and Ukraine, according to its organizers. The event was organized by the Ukrainian Education and Science Ministry, Ukrainian Culture Ministry and Ukrainian Information Policy Ministry, in cooperation with the Ukrainian-Chinese Centre of Culture and Education. While addressing the opening ceremony of the forum, Ukraine's Deputy Education and Science Minister Yuriy Rashkevych said cooperation between China and Ukraine in educational and cultural sectors is flourishing. Currently, universities from both sides have more than 70 partnership agreements, under which they conduct student exchanges and jointly implement scientific and cultural projects, enhancing the friendship and cooperation between the two peoples, Rashkevych said. "I hope this forum will establish new contacts and will bring new agreements and new joint projects," Rashkevych said. His words were echoed by Volodymyr Isaenko, the president of the National Aviation University (NAU) of Ukraine, who voiced intent to create new links between the NAU and Chinese universities. "The development of cooperation between the leading universities of Ukraine and the People's Republic of China will contribute to further strengthening the friendship between our countries in the educational and information field and in other areas," Isaenko said. Apart from professional and student discussions, the forum features a presentation of Chinese universities' admission programs for Ukrainian students. Li Bin, the deputy head of international cooperation and exchanges department at Municipal Education Commission in Chongqing, southwest China, described the event as a good platform for Chinese universities to attract students from Ukraine. "We hope that more and more Ukrainian students will come to Chongqing after this forum," Li said. Seventeen-year-old Alexandra Borilyuk from Kiev may become one of those students. At the forum, she took brochures with the presentation of Chongqing University of Science and Technology and Chongqing Technology and Business University. "I want to examine information about the universities. I am considering studying in China, and I need to know which university offers the best conditions," Borilyuk said. The International Cultural and Educational Forum "Silk Road 2018: Ukraine-China" is the second major gathering of the representatives of Chinese and Ukrainian universities in less than a year. On June 23, 2017, presidents and chancellors of 11 Chinese and 25 Ukrainian universities held a roundtable in Kiev to discuss cooperation in higher education between the two countries. NICOSIA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- A banking era came to an end with the ironing out of last details of a deal under which Hellenic Bank, Cyprus's third largest lender, will acquire the operations of the Cyprus Cooperative Bank(CCB), banking sources said on Thursday. Cypriot President Nicos Anastasiades called to his office the leaders of the four biggest trade unions to brief them on the details of decisions aimed at safeguarding the interests of CCB's 2,500 employees. His spokesman said that about 900 of them, mostly aging employees, will be offered "generous" terms for voluntary retirement, while the rest will either stay with the CCB or be absorbed by Hellenic Bank. Trade unionists said after the meeting that the details for securing the rights of employees are part of the deal. They said they were satisfied by what they heard, but further negotiations will be needed between trade unions and the bankers. The deal expected to be officially signed and announced any hour, signals the end of a banking era that is going back to 1909, when small scale farmers and businessmen set up the first Cooperative Credit Society. They pooled together their savings so as to get rid of loan mongers by giving loans to the farmers though their credit society. The practice caught up and within about 50 years there were 350 cooperative credit societies operating at village level. The owners were their depositors and loan owners, who had to buy some shares before getting a loan. A Cooperative Central Bank was set up in 1925 to manage the funds of 24 existing local societies. The Cooperative Movement, as it became to be known, flourished between 1960 and 1980, when small village branches in 350 communities started operating on the lines of small banks and additionally operated village cooperative stores. The Cooperative Movement became the second largest lender, representing about 42 percent of deposits. However, local branches lacked expertise and central management, resulting in bad decisions. On top of that, corruption in the form of loans without enough security by officials of strong societies led a big crunch just before the economic crisis that led to the 2013 bail-out of Cyprus by the Eurogroup and the International Monetary Fund. In 2012 the government became the owner of Cooperative Central Bank when it injected 1.8 billion euros in a move to save the deposits of tens of thousands of small depositors. Under the directions of the troika, the team of technocrats who represented the European Commission, the European Central Bank and the International Monetary Fund in the bailout negotiations, cooperative credit societies were grouped into 18 large branches. The Cooperative Central Bank was renamed into Cyprus Cooperative Bank to avoid confusion with the Cyprus Central Bank. A run on cooperative societies deposits six months ago caused by rumors of an imminent collapse prompted the government to make a "deposit" of 2.5 billion euros into the Cyprus Cooperative Bank in April, by actually depositing 250 million euros and issuing bonds for the equivalent of 2.25 billion euros which were given to the lender. In exchange, the government became the owner of the Bank's non-performing loans, (the "bad bank") estimated at about 6.5 billion euros. At the same time the government issued an invitation for the expression of interest in acquiring the good part of the Cyprus Cooperative Bank. Hellenic Bank was the successful bidder and is now negotiating the final details of the deal. No details of the agreement were announced, but according to press reports, Hellenic Bank will inject about 150 million euros in new capital into the Cyprus Cooperative Bank, down from an original estimate of between 450 million euros and 550 million euros. The government also issued new bonds worth about 5 billion euros, which is the difference between the Bank's current deposits and the amount of loans being serviced. Reports suggested that the only outstanding issue before the deal becomes official is an announcement by Hellenic Bank as to which of its own shareholders will take part in the increase of the Cyprus Cooperative Bank capital and become its new owners. TRIPOLI, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) condemned Thursday the terrorist attack on Libyan oil crescent region. "UNSMIL condemns the attack on the Libyan oil ports of Ras Lanuf and Es Sider on Thursday. This dangerous escalation in Oil Crescent area puts Libya's economy in jeopardy and risks igniting a widespread confrontation," said the mission. "Calm must be restored immediately. The unity of Libya must come first," the mission added. Totally five Libyan army soldiers were killed when a terrorist group called Benghazi Defense Brigades, allied with Ibrahim Jathran, a wanted ex-chief of oil installation guards, launched an attack earlier on Thursday and clashed with the army forces there. The attack led to a loss of 240 thousand barrels of oil, and all government employees were evacuated, according to the state-owned National Oil Corporation. The oil crescent region is located some 500 km east of the capital Tripoli, which contains the country's largest oil ports. The army's information department earlier said that "Benghazi Defense Brigades tried to penetrate into the oil crescent region and ignite an oil reservoir in Veba oil field of al-Harouge oil company." The army forces defeated and expelled the militants. The air force targeted those fleeing. In a televised statement, Jathran confirmed that the attack is a "battle to lift the injustice of the people of the oil crescent, not for a personal, tribal, regional, or partisan purpose." On September 2016, the army took control of the oil crescent region and expelled Jathran's forces, who closed major oil ports, making the country lose billions of U.S. dollars. The UN-backed Libyan prime minister, Fayez Serraj, condemned the terrorist attack, calling it an "irresponsible escalation pushes the country into civil war that the Libyan strive to avoid." SAN DIEGO, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Envision Solar International, Inc. (OTCQB:EVSI) (Envision Solar, or the Company), the leading renewably energized EV charging, outdoor media and energy security products company, announced the latest delivery of EV ARC products to the California Department of Parks and Recreation. The EV ARC products are providing both public and fleet charging at Granite Bay Main Beach and Anza-Borrego Desert State Park. Both locations are in remote areas where significant costs and challenges would be faced when installing traditional, utility grid-connected installations. The California Department of Parks and Recreation chose EV ARC products because of their ease of installation and the 100% emissions-free driving delivered by the units using clean solar energy. The EV ARC products will allow park users, employees, and fleet vehicles to plug in and drive on sunshine in remote locations and/or where circuit deficiencies exist. The agency also appreciates the fact that while the EV ARC units provide a permanent EV charging solution they can also be moved if necessary to optimize usage. The California Department of Parks and Recreation is using our products to cost-effectively deliver EV charging in locations that might otherwise never have been able to offer that service, said Envision Solar CEO, Desmond Wheatley. We are delighted to continue to expand our business with them and look forward to enabling more clean, green and impact-free charging infrastructure for them in the future. With over 340 miles of coastline, 970 miles of lake and river frontage, 15,000 campsites, and 4,500 miles of trails, the State Park System provides wonderful recreational, educational, and inspirational opportunities for over 67 million visitors a year. As the number of EVs on Californias roads grows, there will be an increasing requirement for the unique benefits offered by the EV ARC off-grid charging solution in these locations. Envision Solar considers Parks and Recreation agencies in California and across the US as likely areas of continued future growth. Invented and manufactured in California, the EV ARC fits inside a parking space without reducing available parking and generates enough clean solar electricity to power up to 225 miles of EV driving in a day. The systems solar electrical generation is enhanced by EnvisionTrak which causes the array to follow the sun, generating up to 25% more electricity than a fixed array. The energy is stored in the EV ARC products energy storage for charging day or night, and to provide emergency power during grid failure. The EV ARC product is a permanent solution but because it requires no trenching, foundations or installation work of any kind, it is deployed in minutes and can be moved to a new location with ease. EV ARC products are manufactured in the companys San Diego facility by combat veterans, individuals with disabilities, and other minority demographics and highly talented, mission-driven team members. About Envision Solar International, Inc. Envision Solar, www.envisionsolar.com, is a sustainable technology innovation company whose unique and patented products include the EV ARC and the Solar Tree with EnvisionTrak patented solar tracking, SunCharge solar Electric Vehicle Charging, ARC technology energy storage, and EnvisionMedia solar advertising displays. Based in San Diego, the company produces Made in America products. Envision Solar is listed on the OTC Bulletin Board under the symbol [EVSI]. For more information visit www.envisionsolar.com or call (858) 799-4583. Forward-Looking Statements This Press Release may contain forward-looking statements regarding future events or our expected future results that are subject to inherent risks and uncertainties. All statements in this report other than statements of historical facts are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are generally accompanied by terms or phrases such as estimate, project, predict, believe, expect, anticipate, target, plan, intend, seek, goal, will, should, may, or other words and similar expressions that convey the uncertainty of future events or results. Statements contemplating or making assumptions regarding actual or potential sales, market size, and demand, prospective business contracts, customer orders, trends or operating results also constitute forward-looking statements. Our actual results may differ substantially from those indicated in forwarding-looking statements because our business is subject to significant economic, competitive, regulatory, business and industry risks which are difficult to predict and many of which are beyond our control. Our operating results, financial condition, and business performance may be adversely affected by a general decline in the economy, unavailability of capital or financing for our prospective customers to purchase products and services from us, competition, changes in regulations, a decline in the demand for solar energy, a lack of profitability, a decline in our stock price, and other risks. We may not have adequate capital, financing or cash flow to sustain our business or implement our business plans. Current results and trends are not necessarily indicative of future results that we may achieve. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-15 03:23:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations and humanitarian partners are rushing to provide life-saving assistance in the Yemeni port city of Hudaydah, after forces backed by the Saudi-led military coalition started an assault on it, said a UN spokesman on Thursday. Dozens of UN staff are in the city helping to deliver food, water and health services, spokesman Farhan Haq quoted UN humanitarian coordinator for Yemen Lise Grande as saying. Agencies have pre-positioned 63,000 metric tonnes of food, tens of thousands of emergency kits, nutrition supplies, water and fuel. Medical teams have been dispatched and humanitarian service points established, according to the spokesman. On Wednesday, even as the city was being shelled and bombarded, a UN-contracted vessel off-loaded thousands of metric tonnes of food, he quoted Grande as saying. Two more vessels are making preparations to do the same. On Thursday, partners are distributing emergency boxes with food and hygiene supplies to people which have been displaced by the fighting south of the city, according to Grande. Forces loyal to President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, with the backing of the Saudi-led coalition, launched an offensive on Hudaydah on Wednesday in a bid to capture the key port from the hands of Houthi rebels. A prolonged siege of the city will have catastrophic humanitarian consequences as Hudaydah is the single most important point of entry for imports of food, fuel and medicine. More than 22 million people in the war-torn country are in need of humanitarian assistance and over 70 percent of them live in proximity to Hudaydah and Saleef, another Red Sea port. Many of the estimated 600,000 citizens in Hudaydah are dependent on assistance to survive. The UN Security Council was holding closed-door consultations on the situation over Hudaydah on Thursday. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-15 03:28:34|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close GENEVA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- United Nations Special Envoy for Syria, Staffan de Mistura, said here Thursday he wants to restart work in the coming weeks on the constitutional process for Syria that has been torn apart by war for seven years. He told reporters that he had invited Russian, Turkish and Iranian officials to meet in Geneva early next week after a series of talks with officials involved, including the UN Secretary-General. De Mistura said that Russia, Turkey and Iran were the co-sponsors of the Sochi meeting in May that produced "the final statement on a constitutional commission", which called for its establishment "with UN facilitation in Geneva". The UN envoy said he also expects to meet on June 25 with U.S., Saudi, British, French, German and Jordanian officials. De Mistura said he wants to meet them "in the context of efforts to facilitate the establishment of a constitutional committee" and that there has been some movement in this direction. "I don't expect -- let's be frank -- a major breakthrough," said de Mistura. "But I am confident that progress is possible and there is something moving in that direction and we need to capitalize on it," He noted, "As we proceed methodically and carefully in the task of facilitating the establishment of a Syrian-owned and Syrian-led constitutional committee, we recall that this is a key building block of a revitalized political process." After his last round of Syrian peace talks in Geneva in December, de Mistura said they ended because they had not yielded the intended results, which he described as a "missed golden opportunity". BERLIN, June 14 (Xinhua) -- German police in several federal states searched apartments of and interrogated 29 suspects who are accused of leaving hate speech on the Internet on Thursday, the third nationwide "Action Day to Combat Hate Mailing". According to a statement posted by the Federal Criminal Police Office (BKA), 20 police stations in about 10 federal states were in action. The suspects are accused of having posted hate comments on the Internet, such as the public call for crimes, anti-Semitic verbal abuse or xenophobic incitement. The BKA warned in the statement that the "simple mouse click" to spread hate on the Internet can have serious consequences for the perpetrators: incitement in social networks or online forums is punishable by imprisonment of up to five years. Since the refugee crisis, hate speech against refugees or xenophobic incitement are on the rise in Germany. In January this year, Network Enforcement Act that envisaged the speedy removal of hate comments on the Internet came into force, which according to the BKA, is "as important as the prosecution of perpetrators". The BKA said, "Action Day to Combat Hate Mailing" emphasizes that the "Internet is not a law-free area", calling on the public to report to the police if they encounter hate and verbal violence on the internet and in social networks. ABUJA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Acute diarrhea has killed six persons in Nigeria's central state of Niger, health officials confirmed on Thursday. The outbreak has affected 43 people across three local government areas of the state, among whom were the dead, according to Yahaya Na'uzo, head of the Niger State Primary Health Care Development Agency. Na'uzo identified Bida, Gbako, and Katcha as areas so far affected by the outbreak. He said the government has intensified measures to control the outbreak. Diarrhea is a condition in which feces are discharged from the bowels frequently and in a liquid form. The upsurge of acute diarrhea cases could be an aftermath of flooding experienced by residents in some parts of Nigeria following heavy rainfall in the last few days, local health experts said. Funto Olayode, a medical doctor, said with or without vomiting, acute diarrhea is usually caused by a bacterial disease transmitted through ingestion of food or water contaminated with infective feces. Olayode said the boiling of water from unsafe sources before drinking, and always ensuring that foods and water are covered all the time could prevent the diarrhea infection. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-15 03:43:37|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Security Council on Thursday asked the key Red Sea ports of Hudaydah and Saleef in Yemen to remain open, after forces backed by a Saudi-led military coalition started an assault on Hudaydah, the lifeline for the war-torn country. "They (members of the Security Council) were united in their deep concerns about the risks to the humanitarian situation, and reiterated their call for the ports of Hudaydah and Saleef to be kept open," Russian ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia, who is president of the council for June, told reporters. The Security Council members continue to follow the developments closely, he said after closed-door consultations of the council. Forces loyal to Yemeni President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, with the backing of the Saudi-led coalition, launched an offensive on Hudaydah on Wednesday in a bid to capture the key port from the hands of Houthi rebels. A prolonged siege of the city will have catastrophic humanitarian consequences as Hudaydah is the single most important point of entry for imports of food, fuel, medicine and other vital supplies. More than 22 million people in the war-torn country are in need of humanitarian assistance and over 70 percent of them live in proximity to Hudaydah and Saleef. The members of the Security Council urged all sides to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, said Nebenzia. They also expressed their support for the mediation efforts of Martin Griffiths, the UN special envoy for Yemen. British ambassador to the United Nations Karen Pierce, whose delegation requested the emergency meeting of the Security Council, said that Griffiths was trying to negotiate a retreat of the Houthi rebels from Hudaydah. "If it is possible for him still to do that, we should back his efforts in doing so," Pierce told reporters before walking into Thursday's consultations. The Russian ambassador said the council members believe that a political solution is the only way to end the conflict in Yemen. Griffiths is expected to brief the Security Council on Monday on the latest developments in Yemen, said the Russian ambassador. HARARE, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Fifteen presidential candidates including President Emmerson Mnangagwa had by close of business Thursday filed their nomination papers to contest in Zimbabwe's July 30 elections. Several more presidential candidates were still expected to register with the Nomination Court which sat well into Thursday night. Nomination court officer Japhet Murenje announced the list of 15 successful candidates and said more will be announced when they finish processing the papers. Among the 15 presidential candidates are Mnangagwa's main challenger Nelson Chamisa, the 40-year-old leader of the main opposition MDC Alliance. Other notables are former Zimbabwe vice president and leader of the opposition National People's Party Joice Mujuru, leader of the splinter MDC-T Thokozani Khupe and former cabinet minister in former President Robert Mugabe's government Nkosana Moyo. Leader of the National Constitutional Assembly and constitutional law expert Lovemore Madhuku also filed his papers. Famous stone sculpturer, Brian Taurai Mteki also filed his papers to stand as an independent while several others are little known candidates. The number of presidential aspirants is arguably one of the biggest in Zimbabwe's history but is a drastic reduction from the more than 100 political parties that the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission had said exist as many failed to register. Mnangagwa's papers were filed by his election agent and justice minister Ziyambi Ziyambi who immediately declared that the ruling party was ready for the polls. Mnangagwa becomes the first presidential candidate for the ruling party after former President Robert Mugabe resigned in November last year amid a military intervention, which ended his 37 years of stay in power. Ziyambi said the high number of candidates wishing to contest the presidential poll was a sign of the opening up of the democratic space in Zimbabwe. "I think we have opened up the democratic space and everyone is excited. They feel that they can enter the race and contest which is good. In any democracy you should allow people to freely express themselves and contest," he told reporters after filing Mnangagwa's papers. The nomination courts sat countrywide Thursday to receive papers of candidates that will contest in the presidential, National Assembly and council elections. KAMPALA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The Ugandan military on Thursday said it is questioning the country's former police chief on a matter that can not be disclosed at the moment. Brig. Richard Karemire, the military spokesperson in a statement issued here said that Gen. Kale Kayihura, former Inspector General of Police (IGP) is being held at Makindye Military Barracks in the capital, Kampala. "The General was indeed flown to Kampala from his farm in Kashagama - Lyantonde district and is being questioned on a matter the details of which cannot at this point be divulged," said Karemire. "He is currently at Makindye Military Barracks and accessible by his immediate family as well as his lawyers," he said. Karemire said the public will be informed about any other developments regarding the matter. The state-owned daily New Vision reported on Thursday that the military arrested Kayihura and his close associates for alleged involvement in the assassination of former Assistant IGP, Andrew Felix Kaweesi, who doubled as director of human resource development and police spokesperson in March 2017. Kayihura's arrested associates include Jonathan Baroza, his former personal assistant; Herbert Muhangi, the former commander of police flying squad; Ndahura Amooti, former head of crime intelligence and Richard Ndabwoine, former cyber intelligence chief. Kaweesi was shot dead by unknown gunmen, together with his bodyguard and driver in Kulambiro, a suburb of the capital Kampala. BRUSSELS, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The European Union appreciates China's continued and active participation in the Iran nuclear deal, and the two parties are working to cooperate and to preserve economic relations with Iran, an EU spokesperson told Xinhua via email on Thursday. The spokesperson was asked over the EU's attitude towards China's support of the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA), commonly known as the Iran nuclear deal. China is a party to the JCPOA, which is a multilateral agreement endorsed by a Resolution of the United Nations Security Council, to which China is a permanent member, said the spokesperson. "China's continued and active participation in the JCPOA is therefore crucial and appreciated, not only by the EU, but by the international community at large. The EU commends China's significant efforts in leading the Arak modernization project," the spokesperson said. When asked about any cooperation between EU and China in safeguarding the deal, the spokesperson said: "As the lifting of nuclear-related sanctions is aimed at the normalization of trade and economic relations with Iran, legitimate business must continue." "In this respect, the EU and China are already working on avenues to cooperate and to preserve economic relations with Iran. European and Chinese businesses are acting in good faith, and based on commitments made by the international community, as endorsed by the UN Security Council," The spokesperson said. "EU and Chinese experts cooperate within JCPOA working groups, be it on economic measures or on civil nuclear cooperation, to adopt measures conducive to the preservation of the nuclear deal. To this end, EU and Chinese experts participated in experts meetings in Tehran on 7 June 2018," according to the spokesperson. ADDIS ABABA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The Ethiopia Ministry of Foreign Affairs (MoFA) announced on Thursday Djiboutian President Ismail Omar Guelleh has pardoned 45 Ethiopians serving time in Djiboutian prisons for various offences. In a press statement, the Spokesperson Office of MoFA, said the Ethiopians who were serving prison sentences in Djiboutian prisons ranging from one year to ten years were pardoned as a goodwill gesture during Eid al-Fitr Islamic holiday which will be celebrated later this week. The ministry further said the 45 pardoned Ethiopians are expected to be released from Djiboutian prisons in the coming few days and be repatriated to Ethiopia shortly after that. MoFA's statement failed to disclose the reason the pardoned Ethiopians were jailed in Djibouti. However, it is estimated thousands of Ethiopians are trafficked to Djibouti every year on transit to reach the Arabian Peninsula. Many of the Ethiopians are subsequently arrested for illegal entry spending months and in some cases years in Djiboutian prisons. On Tuesday, MoFA announced it had repatriated 361 Ethiopians from Djibouti who were stranded in the country after failing to cross the Arabian Peninsula because of the civil war in Yemen. LUSAKA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The Zambian government on Thursday launched a strategy aimed at enabling the country to respond effectively to market opportunities offered by the U.S. government, through the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA) initiative. The National Response Strategy to the AGOA has been developed by the Ministry of Commerce, Trade and Industry with the support from the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Southern Africa Trade and Investment Hub as part of efforts to enhance the utilization of trade preferences under the initiative. The strategy will run from 2018 to 2025 in order to synchronize it with the expiry date of the current extension period of AGOA Christopher Yaluma, Minister of Commerce, Trade and Industry, said during the launch of the strategy that despite the market preference opportunities provided by AGOA, Zambia has failed to take advantage of the offer due to a number of challenges. "The strategy has been developed to address the challenges that Zambia has faced to effectively utilize preferences offered under AGOA. The strategy also comes with a work plan to assist policy makers and the private sector in taking advantage of opportunities offered by the AGOA initiative, while consolidating export capacities at the regional level," he said. He said the strategy has been developed to make businesses take advantage of the opportunities provided by the AGOA initiative, adding that the initiative had the potential to increase trade relations with the United States. According to him, despite AGOA providing preferential treatment covering over 6,400 product lines, including 700 agricultural products, from eligible sub-Saharan African countries, Zambia only imported goods worth 32,000 U.S. dollars in 2016. The strategy has also outlined bottlenecks on the under-utilization of the AGOA initiative such as weak institutional support, non-traditional barriers, lack of awareness, inadequate production skills and lack of technology as well as competitive abilities. According to him, the strategy further provides a prioritized roadmap for developing export competitiveness for Zambia under the AGOA trade preference program. The Zambian minister said the ministry will embark on awareness projects such as the holding of roadshows to raise awareness on the opportunities provided by AGOA. Daniel Foote, U.S. Ambassador to Zambia, said his government requested all AGOA-eligible countries to come up with national strategies following the failure by many countries to take advantage of the AGOA initiative. 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: Man Group Plc (b) Owner or controller of interests and short positions disclosed, if different from 1(a): N/A (c) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Informa plc (d) If an exempt fund manager connected with an offeror/offeree, state this and specify identity of offeror/offeree: N/A (e) Date position held/dealing undertaken: 13th 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? YES / NO / N/A If YES, specify which: UBM plc 2. POSITIONS OF THE PERSON MAKING THE DISCLOSURE (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: 0.1p ordinary Interests Short positions Number % Number % (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: 0 0 0 0 (2) Cash-settled derivatives: 13,314,751 1.6159 283,368 0.0344 (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell: 0 0 0 0 TOTAL: 13,314,751 1.6159 283,368 0.0344 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 (GBP) 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a short position 11,179 8.2242 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a short position 9,581 8.2251 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a short position 1,259 8.2189 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a short position 4,677 8.2318 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a short position 1,823 8.2448 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a short position 9,776 8.2258 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a short position 15,119 8.2346 0.1p ordinary CFD Increasing a long position 18,960 8.2113 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 28,971 8.2480 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 18,482 8.2480 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 69,795 8.2372 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 44,524 8.2372 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 10,912 8.1980 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 17,103 8.1980 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 23,366 8.2372 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 9,246 8.1980 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 5,726 8.1980 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 37,729 8.2372 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 9,699 8.2480 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 15,660 8.2480 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 1,116 8.1980 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 1,809 8.1980 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 4,559 8.2372 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 7,384 8.2372 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 1,891 8.2480 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 3,063 8.2480 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 7,850 8.2480 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 12,675 8.2480 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 7,483 8.1980 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 4,634 8.1980 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 30,541 8.2372 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 18,916 8.2372 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 4,898 8.2372 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 3,033 8.2372 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 1,200 8.1980 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 743 8.1980 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 1,258 8.2480 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 2,032 8.2480 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 2,799 8.2480 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 1,731 8.2480 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 1,652 8.1980 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 1,022 8.1980 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 4,173 8.2372 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 6,747 8.2372 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 7,034 8.2480 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 4,349 8.2480 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 2,568 8.1980 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 4,152 8.1980 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 16,951 8.2372 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 10,482 8.2372 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 1,828 8.2372 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 7,731 8.2372 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 468 8.2480 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 757 8.2480 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 2,055 8.2480 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 3,208 8.2480 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 1,131 8.2372 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 4,955 8.2372 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 1,894 8.1980 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 447 8.1980 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 1,214 8.1980 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 277 8.1980 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 1,773 8.2480 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 1,047 8.1980 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 4,276 8.2372 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 18,800 8.2274 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a short position 1,800 8.2285 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 4,200 8.2274 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a short position 400 8.2285 0.1p ordinary CFD Reducing a long position 11,800 8.2274 (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? YES/ NO Date of disclosure: 14th June 2018 Contact name: James Carr Telephone number: 02071447242 Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service and must also be emailed to the Takeover Panel at monitoring@disclosure.org.uk. The Panels Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Codes disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129. The Code can be viewed on the Panels website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk. WASHINGTON, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Ex-FBI Director James Comey deviated from norms of the agency and the Department of Justice (DOJ) in handling the probe of Hillary Clinton's use of private email server, according to an internal report released on Thursday. The report, conducted by Inspector General Michael Horowitz, also concluded that Comey's decisions during the 2016 U.S. presidential election race were not driven by political bias to help either side. The highly-anticipated report found that Comey was insubordinate when making some key decisions with regard to the probe of Clinton's email use while she was secretary of state, including his public announcement in July 2016 that there would be no charges against Clinton. The former FBI chief was accused of violating DOJ policy by revealing days before the election that the agency was examining new materials possible relevant to the Clinton probe, a decision that, as Clinton has argued, contributed to her loss in the race. In addition, the report was highly critical of two FBI staff members who exchanged highly charged political messages, finding that their texts created the appearance of bias and cast cloud over the FBI. "While we did not find that these decisions were the result of political bias on Comey's part, we nevertheless concluded that by departing so clearly and dramatically from FBI and department norms, the decisions negatively impacted the perception of the FBI and the department," the report read. In response to the report, Comey tweeted that he respects the Inspector General's office and the "conclusions are reasonable," even though he disagreed with some of them. He said that "people of good faith" can see the "unprecedented situation differently." Comey was fired by President Donald Trump in May 2017, which led to the appointment of special counsel Robert Mueller, who is looking into whether the president obstructed justice in the Russia probe, among other things. Trump has repeatedly criticized Comey for his handling of the Clinton probe and also targeted the FBI and the DOJ, which analysts say were intended to undermine the Mueller probe. At the White House briefing Thursday, press secretary Sarah Sanders said the report is reaffirming Trump's suspicions about the "political bias among some of the members of the FBI." File Photo: People inspect the ruins of a destroyed building hit by airstrikes in Sanaa, Yemen, on June 6, 2018. Saudi-led coalition launched a series of airstrikes on the Yemeni capital on June 5, hours after UN special envoy Martin Griffiths left the rebel-held Sanaa following three days of talks. (Xinhua/Mohammed Mohammed) UNITED NATIONS, June 14 (Xinhua) -- The United Nations Security Council on Thursday asked the key Red Sea ports of Hudaydah and Saleef in Yemen to remain open, after forces backed by a Saudi-led military coalition started an assault on Hudaydah, the lifeline for the war-torn country. "They (members of the Security Council) were united in their deep concerns about the risks to the humanitarian situation, and reiterated their call for the ports of Hudaydah and Saleef to be kept open," Russian ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia, who is president of the council for June, told reporters. The Security Council members continue to follow the developments closely, he said after closed-door consultations of the council. Forces loyal to Yemeni President Abdrabbuh Mansur Hadi, with the backing of the Saudi-led coalition, launched an offensive on Hudaydah on Wednesday in a bid to capture the key port from the hands of Houthi rebels. A prolonged siege of the city will have catastrophic humanitarian consequences as Hudaydah is the single most important point of entry for imports of food, fuel, medicine and other vital supplies. More than 22 million people in the war-torn country are in need of humanitarian assistance and over 70 percent of them live in proximity to Hudaydah and Saleef. The members of the Security Council urged all sides to the conflict to uphold their obligations under international humanitarian law, said Nebenzia. They also expressed their support for the mediation efforts of Martin Griffiths, the UN special envoy for Yemen. British ambassador to the United Nations Karen Pierce, whose delegation requested the emergency meeting of the Security Council, said that Griffiths was trying to negotiate a retreat of the Houthi rebels from Hudaydah. "If it is possible for him still to do that, we should back his efforts in doing so," Pierce told reporters before walking into Thursday's consultations. The Russian ambassador said the council members believe that a political solution is the only way to end the conflict in Yemen. Griffiths is expected to brief the Security Council on Monday on the latest developments in Yemen, said the Russian ambassador. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-15 04:13:43|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close BARILOCHE, Argentina, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Energy ministers from G20 countries met here on Thursday to discuss transitioning to renewable energy and other alternative green energy. The gathering in Argentina's southwestern city of Bariloche is part of the fourth ministerial meeting of the G20 group of developed and emerging economies, which Argentina currently chairs. Ministers of energy and natural resources, as well as experts from international organizations such as OPEC and the OECD, are to discuss ways to promote energy efficiency, industry transparency and technology in the sector, as well as alternative sources of energy. Argentine Energy and Mining Minister Juan Jose Aranguren, along with Canada's minister of natural resources, James Gordon Carr, were to hold a press conference on the deliberations later in the day. The G20 envoys were also scheduled to tour INVAP, Argentina's state-run company specializing in designing and building equipment for nuclear, oil, chemical and aerospace industries. A press conference is also scheduled after the meeting concludes Friday afternoon, with Aranguren, Thorsten Herdan, Germany's director general of energy policy, and Yoji Muto, Japan's minister of economy, trade and industry. The Group of 20 accounts for 77 percent of the world's energy consumption and more than 80 percent of the world's renewable energy capacity, as well as 85 percent of global GDP, two-thirds of the world's population and 75 percent of global trade. NAIROBI, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Kenya's National Treasury is working with the private sector to invest in the development of 200 oil wells to facilitate the flow of 60,000-80,000 barrels of oil daily from the fields of Turkana in the northwest region, a government official said Thursday. Treasury Cabinet Secretary Henry Rotich said the government was also preparing to set up a national wealth fund to manage the resources from the sale of oil to the international markets. "Work is on-going for the development of the Upstream facilities which include drilling of over 200 production wells and the installation of the necessary oil drilling facilities to allow the flow of 60,000-80,000 barrels of oil per day," Rotich said while presenting this year's fiscal budget for the year 2018/2019 before Parliament. Kenya is using the Early Oil Pilot Scheme (EOPS), which will soon be followed by the Full Field Development phase, to establish itself as a crude oil exporter in the region and provide valuable information for future exploration and development. Under the Early Oil Pilot Scheme which was launched on June 3, 2,000 barrels of oil per day will be transported to Mombasa by road for eventual shipment. The EOPS is being undertaken by the Kenya government and the Kenya Joint Venture Partners comprising Tullow Oil, Africa Oil and Total Oil who own the Blocks 10BB and 13T. The 2018/2019 fiscal plan, with about 30 billion U.S. dollar budget, the largest ever single budget presentation by the Kenyan government, seeks to heap funds into roads, highways, airports, air strips for smaller county government headquarters and to develop industrial parks. Rotich said following the launch of the early oil pilot scheme, the East African nation stood a better chance of diversifying its sources of government revenue. "We are working with our private sector partners to develop the necessary infrastructure to evacuate and achieve early monetization of our crude oil resources," he told the lawmakers. He said the government is also working on the development of the proposed 821km crude oil pipeline from Lokichar oil fields in northwest Kenya to Lamu in the coastal region and the export facilities at Lamu. "As this is a commercially viable project, we plan to deliver it on a project finance basis without recourse to public debt. The government will, however, invest as a shareholder in the integrated project and will provide public sector facilitation as necessary," said Rotich. The East African nation struck oil in 2012 and has so far confirmed approximately 750 million barrels, according to energy ministry. Kenya is currently under taking the EOPS before full field oil production commences in 2021. Experts say the discovery of oil in Kenya in 2012 appears to have changed the economic fortunes of the country, which has relied on services and exports of agricultural commodities to grow. Rotich said the government has completed writing the laws to govern the setting up of a national wealth fund to manage the proceeds of the oil. The law is currently awaiting a cabinet approval. He said he allocated 1.15 billion dollars for the development of highways, ports and air strips in three regions of Isiolo in North Eastern region, Kitale in Western Kenya and Migori in Western Kenya, Rotich told parliament. Rotich said the government has also set aside some 5 million dollars to start off the country's mining sector on the path to growth, Rotich said. "The early oil pilot scheme has set off. We have a way to diversify our economy," Rotich said. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-15 04:38:47|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close AMMAN, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Jordan's cabinet on Thursday withdrew the controversial income tax draft law from the Lower House following nationwide protests over the bill, state-run Petra news agency reported. During the first session of the new government, headed by Prime Minister Omar Razzaz, the cabinet said it will launch national dialogue about the law, adding that it will take into account the overall tax burden. Razzaz said the withdrawal of the draft is in the country's interest as it did not go through deep studies and discussions, adding that the law will focus on combating tax evasion. He added that Jordan is also committed to the fiscal reforms and will take the social economic conditions into account. After he was assigned by Jordanian King Abdullah II to form a new government, Razzaz pledged to withdraw the law. The income tax draft law should not be studied in isolation from other taxes, he said. Protests over the law led to the resignation of former Prime Minister Hani Mulki amidst nationwide protests demanding the withdrawal of the law and the sacking of the government. The law, which seeks to increase income tax on individuals and several economic sectors, triggered massive nationwide protests over the past days. Tens of thousands of Jordanians joined the protests, demanding the withdrawal of the law, which is part of reforms under a deal between Jordan and the International Monetary Fund (IMF). The controversial bill focuses on three aspects: improving tax collection, curbing tax evasion and boosting tax revenues, which are expected to increase by 300 million dinars (422.2 million U.S. dollars) annually. The proposed law seeks to increase the number of income tax payers from 4.5 percent to 10 percent. BUCHAREST, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Moldova launched a "My Library" campaign on Thursday to promote and ensure sustainable and modern development of public libraries, so that they can be closer to the community. The event was organized by the ministry of education, culture and research, in partnership with the Novateca program and the National Children's Library "Ion Creanga", according to news reaching here from Chisinau, the capital of Moldova. Minister of education, culture and research Monica Babuc said at the launch event that thanks to Novateca Program, a seven-year national program supported by the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and USAID, libraries from Moldova had received new computers, while staff benefited from training. Director of the Novateca program, Evan Tracz, said that the goal of the campaign was to promote innovation at public libraries in Moldova. In recent years, 1,070 libraries adhered to the Novateca network, receiving modern equipment, including computers, tablets, robotics sets and others. At the same time, over 1,500 librarians received training at 38 national and regional training centers. Novateca is a network of more than 1,000 public libraries in Moldova, providing the public with 21st-century technology tools, digital literacy learning resources, and community services that address local needs. More than 450,000 library visitors have learned general Internet skills, and some 260,000 have used Novateca library resources to access government information and services online, according to Novateca. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-15 04:43:48|Editor: Mu Xuequan Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Strong winds and torrential monsoon rains are threatening the health and safety of thousands of children in Rohingya refugee camps and makeshift settlements in the Cox's Bar region camps in southernmost Bangladesh, a UN spokesman said on Thursday. About "200,000 Rohingya refugees -- over 50 percent children -- are currently exposed to the dual-dangers of flooding and landslides, with 25,000 at highest risk," Deputy UN spokesman Farhan Haq told reporters, citing the UN Children's Fund (UNICEF). "Rehabilitation efforts are underway to fix the almost 900 shelters, 15 water points, over 200 latrines, two UNICEF-supported health facilities and two food distribution sites which have been damaged or destroyed in the camps," he said. "Several learning centers and Child and Women Friendly Spaces run by UNICEF and its partners have been temporarily closed because of the bad weather," Haq said. "The arrival of the monsoon rain also increases health risks within the camps, particularly water borne diseases such as acute watery diarrhea and cholera." For months now, UN agencies and their partners have been warning of the threat posed by the monsoon season, which runs from June to September. Some 700,000 Rohingya refugees have fled their homes in Myanmar's northern Rakhine State into the Cox's Bazar region of Bangladesh, 670,000 of them since last August alone, mainly in the sprawling, hilly Kutupalong camp. TRIPOLI, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Libya's state-owned National Oil Corporation (NOC) declared Thursday a state of force majeure at Es Sider and Ras Lanuf oil ports, hours after an extremist armed group attacked the two sites. NOC confirmed that an armed militia attacked both terminals, led by Ibrahim Jathran, a wanted ex-chief of oil installation guards, resulting in their closure. NOC evacuated all employees as a precautionary measure. "We will work with local and governmental partners to restore order and full production capacity as soon as possible," said NOC Chairman Mustafa Sanalla, adding that those "who attempt to capture Libyan and NOC's oil installations, block production, or attempt to make NOC a bargaining chip, must be brought to justice." Five Libyan army soldiers were killed when an extremist group, called Benghazi Defense Brigades, allied with Ibrahim Jathran, launched an attack earlier on Thursday and clashed with the army forces there. NOC said the attack caused losses of 240,000 barrels of oil. The oil crescent region is located some 500 km east of the capital Tripoli, containing the country's largest oil ports. The army's information department said earlier that "Benghazi Defense Brigades tried to infiltrate into the oil crescent region and ignite an oil reservoir in Veba oil field of al-Harouge oil company, before our forces defeated and expelled them." In a televised statement, Jathran confirmed that the attack is a "battle to lift the injustice of the people of the oil crescent, not for a personal, tribal, regional, or partisan purpose." In September 2016, the army took control of the oil crescent region and expelled Jathran's forces, who closed major oil ports, leading the country lose billions of U.S. dollars. The UN-backed Prime Minister, Fayez Serraj, condemned the terrorist attack, calling it an "irresponsible escalation that pushes the country into a civil war that the Libyans strive to avoid." The UN Mission in Libya also condemned the attack, warning that "this dangerous escalation puts Libya's economy in jeopardy and risks igniting a widespread confrontation." SOFIA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Bulgarian President Rumen Radev on Thursday underlined the importance of firm guarantees from Macedonia that a treaty signed between the two countries would remain in full force if Macedonia changes its name to the Republic of North Macedonia under a name row solution with Greece. Radev made the remarks at a joint press conference with his Macedonian counterpart Gjorge Ivanov, who was on an official visit to Bulgaria. Bulgaria needed firm guarantees that the Treaty of Friendship, Good-neighbourliness and Cooperation, signed between Macedonia and Bulgaria in 2017, would remain fully in force when the country had the Republic of North Macedonia as a neighbour, said Radev. A day earlier, Bulgaria's deputy prime minister and foreign minister Ekaterina Zaharieva expressed the same concern over the name change. According to Zaharieva, the friendship treaty between Bulgaria and Macedonia provided enough guarantees that there would be no territorial claims with the name "Republic of North Macedonia". Ivanov said Macedonia's strategic goals should not come at the cost of signing detrimental agreements to his country, expressing hope for rationality and a mutual solution, instead of an ultimatum against Macedonia. He hoped that the friendship, cooperation and trust with Bulgaria would continue regardless of the agreement's outcome. The Macedonian president on Wednesday called the agreement reached Tuesday on the name dispute with Greece as "harmful" for Macedonia, and declared that he would not sign it. Under the deal between the governments of Greece and Macedonia on Tuesday, the name "Republic of North Macedonia" was to be used for the FYROM, but the deal was blocked in both countries, because of the internal political disputes over the name change. LONDON, June 14 (Xinhua) -- More than 200 survivors were allowed back inside Grenfell Tower in London on Thursday to help them comprehend the scale of the disaster as the British capital marked the first anniversary of the deadly fire. Mental health therapists, police and ambulance crews accompanied residents who wanted to return to their flats. They had asked to see where loved ones perished, collect mementos or "say goodbye" to their former home. A total of 223 people escaped the blaze a year ago, while 72 were killed. About 5,000 people are estimated to have taken part in a silent walk in London in memory of those killed in the deadly fire. Firefighters laid down their helmets and formed a guard of honor as the marchers, who were carrying banners and wearing green, passed by. Details of the visits emerged Thursday as the lead National Health Service (NHS) mental and community health trust for Grenfell said it was preparing to offer help to victims for another five years. Former residents, often supported by friends, were given protective suits and breathing masks as they were led up the stairs. Some went as high as the 23rd floor. Items that could be saved were decontaminated before being returned to their owners. Local authorities said its outreach teams had contacted 6,821 people affected by the disaster. Almost 1,700 identified as having an urgent health need have been screened for post-traumatic stress disorder, of whom 720 had started to receive treatment. FORM 8.5 (EPT/NON-RI) PUBLIC OPENING POSITION DISCLOSURE/DEALING DISCLOSURE BY AN EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER WITHOUT RECOGNISED INTERMEDIARY (RI) STATUS (OR WHERE RI STATUS IS NOT APPLICABLE) Rule 8.5 of the Takeover Code (the Code) 1. KEY INFORMATION (a) Name of exempt principal trader: HSBC Securities (South Africa) (Pty) Limited (b) Name of offeror/offeree in relation to whose relevant securities this form relates: Use a separate form for each offeror/offeree Sibanye Gold Ltd (c) Name of the party to the offer with which exempt principal trader is connected: Sibanye Gold Ltd (d) Date position held/dealing undertaken: For an opening position disclosure, state the latest practicable date prior to the disclosure 13-June-2018 (e) In addition to the company in 1(b) above, is the exempt principal trader making disclosures in respect of any other party to the offer? If it is a cash offer or possible cash offer, state N/A YES - Lonmin plc. 2. POSITIONS OF THE EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER If there are positions or rights to subscribe to disclose in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(b), copy table 2(a) or (b) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security. (a) Interests and short positions in the relevant securities of the offeror or offeree to which the disclosure relates following the dealing (if any) Class of relevant security: Interests Short positions Number % Number % (1) Relevant securities owned and/or controlled: (2) Cash-settled derivatives: 387,487 0.017 6,213,558 0.274 (3) Stock-settled derivatives (including options) and agreements to purchase/sell: TOTAL: 387,487 0.017 6,213,558 0.274 All interests and all short positions should be disclosed. Details of any open stock-settled derivative positions (including traded options), or agreements to purchase or sell relevant securities, should be given on a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions). (b) Rights to subscribe for new securities (including directors and other employee options) Class of relevant security in relation to which subscription right exists: Details, including nature of the rights concerned and relevant percentages: 3. DEALINGS (IF ANY) BY THE EXEMPT PRINCIPAL TRADER Where there have been dealings in more than one class of relevant securities of the offeror or offeree named in 1(b), copy table 3(a), (b), (c) or (d) (as appropriate) for each additional class of relevant security dealt in. The currency of all prices and other monetary amounts should be stated. (a) Purchases and sales Class of relevant security Purchases/ sales Total number of securities Highest price per unit paid/received (ZAR) Lowest price per unit paid/received (ZAR) (b) Cash-settled derivative transactions Class of relevant security Product description e.g. CFD Nature of dealing e.g. opening/closing a long/short position, increasing/reducing a long/short position Number of reference securities Price per unit (ZAR) Ordinary Shares Swap Increasing a Long Position 308,689 853.030 c Ordinary Shares Swap Reducing a Long Position 204,741 853.010 c (c) Stock-settled derivative transactions (including options) (i) Writing, selling, purchasing or varying Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Writing, purchasing, selling, varying etc. Number of securities to which option relates Exercise price per unit Type e.g. American, European etc. Expiry date Option money paid/ received per unit (ii) Exercise Class of relevant security Product description e.g. call option Exercising/ exercised against Number of securities Exercise price per unit (d) Other dealings (including subscribing for new securities) Class of relevant security Nature of dealing e.g. subscription, conversion Details Price per unit (if applicable) 4. OTHER INFORMATION (a) Indemnity and other dealing arrangements Details of any indemnity or option arrangement, or any agreement or understanding, formal or informal, relating to relevant securities which may be an inducement to deal or refrain from dealing entered into by the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any party to the offer or any person acting in concert with a party to the offer: Irrevocable commitments and letters of intent should not be included. If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state none (b) Agreements, arrangements or understandings relating to options or derivatives Details of any agreement, arrangement or understanding, formal or informal, between the exempt principal trader making the disclosure and any other person relating to: (i) the voting rights of any relevant securities under any option; or (ii) the voting rights or future acquisition or disposal of any relevant securities to which any derivative is referenced: If there are no such agreements, arrangements or understandings, state none (c) Attachments Is a Supplemental Form 8 (Open Positions) attached? No Date of disclosure: 14 June 2018 Contact name: Sukant Roy Telephone number: 0207 088 2000 Public disclosures under Rule 8 of the Code must be made to a Regulatory Information Service. The Panels Market Surveillance Unit is available for consultation in relation to the Codes disclosure requirements on +44 (0)20 7638 0129. The Code can be viewed on the Panels website at www.thetakeoverpanel.org.uk. PARIS, June 14 (Xinhua) -- France on Thursday firmly denounced "extremist elements' offensive" in Libya where they rocked oil ports in northern region of Ras Lanuf and Es Sidra, government official said. "The oil resources of Libya belong to the Libyan people. They must remain under the control of the National Oil Corporation (NOC) and their exploitation must be for the benefit of all Libyans," Agnes von der Muhll, the foreign ministry's spokesperson said. "France is determined that a lasting political solution will be found in Libya through the organization of national, presidential and legislative elections," she added, stressing that "who obstruct this process will be held to account." DUBLIN, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Heir to the British throne Prince Charles and his wife Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, are on a two-day visit in Ireland, reported local media RTE on Thursday. The royal couple arrived in Ireland on Thursday morning and paid a visit to the country's southern city of Cork under the company of the Irish Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Simon Coveney, said the report. According to the report, Charles and his wife Camilla chose Cork as their first leg of the two-day visit in Ireland because it was a city once visited by Queen Elizabeth II in 2011. The couple first visited the famous English Market in Cork where they were warmly received by the city major Tony Fitzgerald and local residents. They also attended a grand reception at Cork City Hall during which they and 150 invited local celebrities observed a minute's silence for the victims of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, a fire in an apartment building in London that claimed many lives a year ago. Charles and Camilla also visited University College Cork before their visits to the National Maritime College of Ireland and the Naval Service Headquarters in Cork Harbour. On Thursday night, the couple attended a banquet held in their honour at Crawford Art Gallery in the city. They will leave Cork on Friday for Kerry, a county in Ireland's southwest region, said the report. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-15 06:49:08|Editor: Chengcheng Video Player Close HAVANA, June 14 (Xinhua) -- Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel highlighted the role of foreign investment as the "most practicable" way to promote economic development, local media reported on Thursday. State-run television showed Diaz-Canel chairing a meeting to review government programs designed to attract foreign capital and measures to spur greater economic growth in the Caribbean nation. The meeting gathered the heads of state agencies involved in attracting foreign investment, which was downplayed in 1990s in Cuba as a factor for growth, but later prioritized by Raul Castro as vital to the economy. Diaz-Canel also called for diversifying exports to sustain economic growth. According to figures released by the Minister of Foreign Investment and Trade Rodrigo Malmierca, Cuba needs to attract 2.5 billion U.S. dollars a year in foreign capital to maintain a sustainable growth. Foreign investment is seen not only as a source of capital, but also of know-how and the high technology Cuba's aging industrial infrastructure badly needs. Source: Xinhua| 2018-06-15 06:54:10|Editor: Xiang Bo Video Player Close UNITED NATIONS, June 14 (Xinhua) -- UN Special Adviser on the Prevention of Genocide Adama Dieng expressed grave concern over the potentially disastrous impact on civilians of the military offensive against the Yemeni port of Hudaydah. The offensive was launched on Wednesday by pro-government forces backed by Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE), against Houthi fighters who have been holding the port. Dieng said Yemen is considered to be the world's worst humanitarian crisis, with 10.4 million people at risk of famine He stressed Hudaydah is the entry point for 70 percent of humanitarian aid, and that some 600,000 civilians are living in and around the port. Closing the port "for any length of time" could have a "disastrous impact" on the ability of humanitarian agencies to deliver assistance to a population that desperately needs it, he warned. particularly, Dieng pointed out the first test of a Security Council resolution against starvation as a warfare method is taking place in Yemen, referring to Resolution 2417 adopted on May 24. "The Yemeni port of Hudaydah is a lifeline for the delivery of aid and the Coalition's air strikes can kill many more people over time through famine and hunger when damaging such civilian infrastructure," he said. Dieng expressed full support to the call by the Secretary-General's Special Envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, for all parties to the conflict to exercise restraint and to find a political solution to the conflict, stressing that there can be no military solution. The special adviser called for accountability for alleged violations of international humanitarian and human rights law committed during the conflict in Yemen. Also on Thursday, the Security Council asked the ports of Hudaydah and Saleef, also in Yemen, to remain open, despite the military action. "They (The members of the Security Council) were united in their deep concerns about the risks to the humanitarian situation, and reiterated their call for the ports of Hudaydah and Saleef to be kept open," Russian ambassador to the United Nations Vassily Nebenzia, who is president of the council for June, said. The Security Council has recently been in consultations on the situation over Hudaydah. Security of energy supplies is among central Europes biggest challenges, and gas supply routes must be diversified, Peter Szijjarto, Hungarys foreign minister, said in Belgrade after talks with Aleksandar Antic and Temenuzhka Petkova, Serbias and Bulgarias respective energy ministers. Szijjarto noted that central Europe has no gas supplies coming from the south at present. It would make sense to improve energy security by ensuring supplies from this direction, he added. One possible scenario is a gas pipeline through Bulgaria and Serbia, the precondition for which is the completion of the second pipeline of Turkish Stream by Gazprom. The first pipeline of Turkish Stream will serve Turkeys internal gas demand and the second will supply enough gas to fulfil the demand of central Europe, Szijjarto said. The second pipeline of Turkish Stream is planned to be built by Gazprom to Bulgaria by the end of 2019 and Bulgarians will need to develop their internal network by building 400 kms of new pipelines and compressors. This is expected to be completed by 2022 and Serbia is also expected to develop its network by then, he said. Internal network development in Bulgaria and Serbia and Hungarian infrastructural development will enable gas to be received on a new southern transport route to central Europe, including to Hungary, by 2022, he added. Szijjarto also held talks with Serbian counterpart Ivica Dacic and President Aleksandar Vucic. The talks focused on political issues, primarily on Serbias European integration. Szijjarto told the Serbian politicians that Hungary supports EU enlargement and believes that Serbias European integration has outstanding significance for the stability of the entire region. Hungary has proposed opening all chapters of accession talks with Serbia this year because speeding up Serbias integration will be beneficial to the stability of the Western Balkans and Hungarys security, he said. I confirmed that we do not accept double standards in the EU and oppose setting conditions to Serbia that are different from the ones set to other member countries or candidate countries, he added. Szijjarto and Dacic agreed that energy stability and developing infrastructure links are key tasks for the near future, the Serbian foreign ministry said. Szijjarto expressed satisfaction over the situation of ethnic Hungarians in Serbia. They also discussed current international affairs, with special regard to the migration pressure affecting the region. According to a statement by the Serbian presidents office, Vucic and Szijjarto emphasised that bilateral relations were at an all-time high thanks to the openness and dedication to cooperation by the government of Hungarian Prime Minister Viktor Orban. Vucic said he was committed to further developing friendly relations and expressed his gratitude for the support that Hungary granted to Serbias European integration. MTI Photo: KKM At a special session of the municipal assembly, representatives asked Budapest Mayor Istvan Tarlos to negotiate with the government on providing supplemental central funding for the renovation of Chain Bridge, the Castle Hill Tunnel and Clark Adam Square. In a unanimous vote, the assembly backed the proposal to speed up the renovation project. In April, the assembly decided that the first phase would involve the renovation of the bridge and the tram, road and pedestrian underpass on the Pest side with the 16.4 billion forint (EUR 51.2m) cost paid from the municipalitys 2018 budget. The assembly also planned for a second phase to renovate the tunnel and Clark Adam Square on the Buda side, to be paid for from the municipalitys 2022-2024 budget. If central supplemental funding is approved, the renovation would begin in 2019 and all parts of the project would be completed by 2021-2022. Prior to the session, the opposition Socialist Party called on Tarlos to drum up the resources necessary for speeding up the planned renovation of the capitals iconic Chain Bridge so that the project takes place over 2.5 years instead of five as originally planned. Socialist representative Csaba Horvath told a press conference that Budapest residents pay 20 billion forints (EUR 62.5m) in taxes each day, and the mayor should seek a quarter of this amount from the government in order to accelerate the renovation project. Marta V. Naszalyi, an opposition Parbeszed party representative, said at a separate press briefing that it was worth examining whether the bridge should be eventually be restricted to pedestrians and cyclists. MTI Photo: Balogh Zoltan ORLANDO, Fla., June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- World Housing Solution Inc. (WHS), Florida Hospital Nicholson Center and the Puerto Rico Department of Health today announce the distribution of portable medical units provided by Clinics on Wheels an all-new division of WHS to Puerto Rico to aid those affected by Hurricane Maria. Engineered by WHS, these custom, first-of-its-kind solar powered medical clinics include Florida Hospital Nicholson Centers Mobile Med Solution, a high-definition video conferencing tool giving patients access to remote medical expertise and immediate treatment. These three custom-designed and revolutionary mobile clinics serve as a general medical clinic with x-ray, an OB-GYN/pediatric clinic, and a dentists office. The clinics are easily transported by medium duty pick-up trucks and equipped with some of WHS leading, military-grade designs and features, including the integration of Elastic Grid which features a solar/batteries/generator power system. The units also incorporate extensive insulation, leveling capabilities, and hurricane resistance. As a result of the collaboration with Florida Hospital Nicholson Center, Clinics on Wheels telehealth capabilities allow seamless doctor-to-doctor and doctor-to-patient communication, connecting each clinic back to the main hospital in San Juan. The video feed provides high-quality imagery that is easily transmitted to phones, tablets or computers. If a clinic encounters a complex case, multiple on-call physicians can be conferenced in to assist. Because of this, patients can start different treatment options without having to wait for a second appointment with another doctor. We originally created our telemedicine technology to provide revolutionary remote medical training across the globe. The fact that we can now work with World Housing Solution to bring this technology to help thousands of Americans get the healthcare they need is fantastic, said Scott Bond, administrator of the Florida Hospital Nicholson Center. The Mobile Med Solution has the usability of FaceTime with operating room quality, allowing seamless communication between hospitals and clinics. Puerto Rico is in need of an easy-to-use health solution, and we look forward to making that happen through accessibility and connectivity. Through funding from FEMA and purchased by the Department of Health of Puerto Rico, Clinics on Wheels is sending the three facilities to the island of Vieques, in the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. All three clinics will be long-enduring and feature the revolutionary Sherwin-Williams Paint Shield the first EPA-registered microbicidal paint that kills greater than 99.9 percent of Staph (Staphylococcus aureus), MRSA (Methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus), E. coli (Escherichia coli), VRE (Vancomycin-resistant Enterococcus faecalis) and Enterobacter aerogenes on painted surfaces within two hours of exposure, and continues to kill 90 percent of bacteria for up to four years when the integrity of the surface is maintained. As a company founded on providing safe, sustainable, and reliable structures, and expeditionary solutions for the military and those in need, such as our fellow Americans affected by Hurricane Maria, this new branch - Clinics on Wheels - creates a new way to provide quality medical facilities and services to victims in disaster-stricken areas, said Ron Ben-Zeev, CEO of World Housing Solution. Those affected and hurt by natural or man-made disasters are often wounded or exposed to diseases and infections and seldom have access to high level medical care we wanted to help solve that problem. To learn more about Clinics on Wheels, engineered by World Housing Solution, Inc. visit: http://www.clinicsonwheels.com/ To learn more about World Housing Solution and Florida Hospital Nicholson Center, visit https://www.worldhousingsolution.com/ and https://www.nicholsoncenter.com/. About Clinics on Wheels Clinics on Wheels, engineered by World Housing Solution Inc., is a natural progression in their ever-growing product line of innovative, sustainable, and energy efficient structures that are made to help a world in crisis. The portable clinics are easily stored, deployed and towed and are capable of running off the grid with Elastic Grid, making them the ideal solution for areas stricken by disaster and in need of medical facilities. About World Housing Solution Established in 2010, World Housing Solution is a manufacturing company based in Orlando, Florida that creates composite structures for the U.S. Military, using rapidly deployable panel solutions (RDPs). The company provides environmentally friendly structures that are long-lasting, easy to assemble, and affordable. About Florida Hospital Nicholson Center Florida Hospital Nicholson Center is a high-tech training and education institute focusing on disseminating leading-edge surgical knowledge and techniques for the global community. For over a decade, the center has trained more than 50,000 physicians from around the world, utilizing state-of-the-art surgical suites and labs, plus advanced medical simulation robotics and learning centers. The facility allows medical professionals to acquire and advance their skills in a highly collaborative surgical learning environment. Media Contacts: Jaclyn Bertrand Uproar PR for World Housing Solution jbertrand@uproarpr.com Courtney Calderon Uproar PR for Florida Hospital Nicholson Center ccalderon@uproarpr.com VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RavenQuest BioMed Inc. (CSE:RQB) (the Company or RavenQuest) is pleased to announce that it has entered into a letter of intent with 1090252 B.C. Ltd. (Elephant Extracts or Elephant) in pursuit of a transaction involving the acquisition of 51% of the outstanding share capital of Elephant Extracts. Elephant Extracts is a license applicant under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR), as well as a distributor of cannabis products and accessories. The Health Canada application for Elephant Extracts includes a 10,000 square foot production facility, which will be classified as a micro-cultivator license upon passing of the Cannabis Act in Canada. RavenQuest CEO, George Robinson, commented, We are very excited to welcome Trevor Hinds and his team at Elephant Extracts into the RavenQuest family. Elephants vast extraction knowledge is a wonderful complement for RavenQuests revolutionary and science-based grow methodology, producing a powerful combination. RavenQuest is committed to helping micro-cultivators come into the legalized space across the country, Robinson continued. We expect this will be the first of many micro-cultivators to work with RavenQuest. Our services division, which has helped several LPs become licensed, brings an expertise which is unmatched in the cannabis space. Our experience in this highly regulated space brings precisely what is needed by the many micro-cultivators who wish to properly transition into the legalized space. Trevor Hinds, President & CEO of Elephant, noted, RavenQuest has shown a clear and distinct interest in the role of the micro-cultivator as we move toward legalization. We are very appreciative of RavenQuests recognition of the micro-cultivators value and are even more excited to join an organization with such clear leadership in the science of the cannabis plant. Under the terms of the transaction, RavenQuest will acquire a controlling interest (51%) in Elephant Extracts. This interest can be redeemed by Elephant Extracts at any time after it receives a license to produce under the ACMPR, and in consideration RavenQuest will be granted an ongoing royalty of 15% of the gross revenue from production at the facility developed by Elephant Extracts. Completion of the transaction with Elephant Extracts is subject to completion of due diligence, the negotiation of definitive documentation, and the receipt of any required regulatory approvals. About RavenQuest BioMed Inc. RavenQuest BioMed Inc. is a diversified publicly traded cannabis company with divisions focused upon cannabis production, management services & consulting and specialized research & development. On Behalf of the Board of Directors of RAVENQUEST BIOMED INC. "George Robinson" Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact: Mathieu McDonald, Corporate Communications 604-484-1230 Neither Canadian Stock Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Stock Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this press release, which has been prepared by management. Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements All statements in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, are "forward-looking information" with respect to the Company within the meaning of applicable securities laws, including statements with respect to completion of the acquisition of Elephant Extracts. The Company provides forward-looking statements for the purpose of conveying information about current expectations and plans relating to the future and readers are cautioned that such statements may not be appropriate for other purposes. By its nature, this information is subject to inherent risks and uncertainties that may be general or specific and which give rise to the possibility that expectations, forecasts, predictions, projections or conclusions will not prove to be accurate, that assumptions may not be correct and that objectives, strategic goals and priorities will not be achieved. These risks and uncertainties include but are not limited to those identified and reported in the Companys public filings under the Companys SEDAR profile at www.sedar.com. Although the Company has attempted to identify important factors that could cause actual actions, events or results to differ materially from those described in forward-looking information, there may be other factors that cause actions, events or results not to be as anticipated, estimated or intended. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise unless required by law. DEMOCRATIC CANDIDATE Matt Morgan talks to William Charaf Tuesday at a campaign event at the Elk & Hound Restaurant. Morgan is waging a write-in campaign to win the August primary and appear on the ballot against Jack Bergman to represent Michigan's First Congressional District. By RICHARD JENKINS [email protected] IRONWOOD - Gogebic County Democrats gathered Tuesday night to meet with a pair of candidates seeking the party's nomination for state and national offices representing the area, especially Matt Morgan, who is looking to be the Democrat challenging Rep. Jack Bergman, R-Watersmeet, representing Michigan's First Congressional District. Morgan took a few minutes to meet with the Daily Globe prior to addressing the gathered Democrats. He said he decided to run for Congress in response to the 2016 election. "The simple answer is because I love my kid... This has been a long time in the making, but in our continuing pursuit to bring only the best of firearms, 2nd Amendment and defence related news to our readers, we are very excited to announce the next step in our evolution as a company. As of 2020, Minuteman Review is now the proud owner and operator of Your Defence News, a website with a long history of breaking huge news stories and investigative journalism. We hope you are equally as excited as us. This means that now the teams of Minuteman can combine with the firepower of Your Defence News to stay at the absolute forefront for our readers. Keep an eye. Big things are coming soon. We couldn't be more excited. In the meanwhile, here are some of our most popular posts and categories to keep you busy. Happy shootin' my friends! Buying Guides: Firearms Firearm Accessories Ammunition Gun Safes Scopes & Optics Hunting Air Rifles Best AR-15 Best AR 15 Scope Best Hunting Rifle Best Gun Safe Best AK 47 Best AR 10 Best Glock Triggers Best Glock Best Home Defense Shotgun Vancouver, British Columbia, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EVITRADE Health Systems Corp. (CSE: EVA, OTCQB: AXHLF) (the Company) announces that it has signed the Definitive Agreement with Cantech Molecular Research Inc. (Cantech). On the heels of our Letter of Intent with Cantech, we are pleased that EVITRADE has reached final terms on the Definitive Agreement said CK Cheung, CEO of Evitrade. We are thrilled to have the world-class talents of Malcolm Lamont and his associates of Cantech on board with us. Malcolms history and cutting-edge research into systems within plant science and genetics with large international plant seed supply and breeding firms will help put Evitrade at the top of the industry for the creation of superior breeding protocols and bench-marks in plant genetics. Among the many progressive capabilities EVA will gain with the Cantech acquisition is the ability to produce true homozygotic plants with a highly select and consistent set of traits. These can be used for a multitude of purposes such as: Plants with tailored CBD/THC combinations for a given illness but more importantly our plants will allow repeatability and consistency for the marketplace. As Canada turns to enact legislation to legalize adult-use and improve laws for medical cannabis use, the possibilities for this technology are abundant. Management continues to strive to seek optimal business and commercialization strategies for the Company; This, with the continued relationship with Haywood Securities as financial advisor, has the Company planning forward for a bright future. EVITRADE Health Systems Corporation (formerly Auxellence Health Corporation) Email info@evahealthsystems.com Website http://www.evahealthsystems.com CSE Micro-site: http://thecse.com/en/listings/technology/evitrade-health-systems-corp US OTC Markets: http://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/AXHLF/news About EVITRADE Health (CSE: EVA, OTCQB: AXHLF) EVITRADE (formerly Auxellence Health Corp.), was founded in 2013 to provide online digital healthcare services for resolving common health problems. The current markets are weight-loss, high blood pressure, high blood glucose and heart arrhythmia. Disclaimers Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking statements based on assumptions and judgments of management regarding future events or results. Such statements are subject to a variety of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual events or results to differ materially from those reflected in the forward looking statements. The company disclaims any intention or obligation to revise or update such statements. 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 and other disclosure filings with Canadian securities regulators and on the OTC Markets website which is posted on www.sedar.com , http://thecse.com/en/listings/technology/evitrade-health-systems-corp , and http://www.otcmarkets.com/stock/AXHLF/filings . This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities described herein and accordingly undue reliance should not be put on such. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange (CSE or CNSX Markets), nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release does not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy any of the securities 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. 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... What former President Pranab Mukherjee said last week was not exactly new for a long-time activist of the Indian National Congress, whose last address as head of state was pretty much on the same lines. But it is where he said it that made news, and rightly so. Mukherjee's address to Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) workers at its headquarters in Nagpur was akin to former deputy prime minister and senior BJP leader Lal Krishna Advani visiting the mausoleum of Mohammad Ali Jinnah, the founder of Pakistan, at Karachi in 2005. It was also a bit like US President Richard Nixon visiting Moscow in 1972 to end the Cold War with the now-collapsed Soviet Union. Mukherjee said in Nagpur pretty much what he said in his last speech as President as he spoke up for pluralism, inclusivity and constitutional patriotism. It was almost like reading out the Riot Act, albeit in a positive spirit, to the RSS known for Muslim-baiting in some form or other. We can get into intellectual hairsplitting on whether RSS espousing "Sanatana Dharma" is in effect "true" secularism or not but the fact is that the average RSS thinker and some of the MPs and MLAs of its electoral extension, Prime Minister Narendra Modi's Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), are essentially regressing too often and too abrasively into India's glorious past, carefully eschewing the contributions of Mughals or Christians in shaping Indian values and only occasionally remembering heroes of the Northeast or southern India. India's "composite culture" in which "conquest, immigration and conversion" resulting in "adaptability and accommodation" is what sets the ground for it as a modern republic. The Constitution, rather than ancient notions of a motherland, is the current touchstone for India's nationhood. Understandably, the Congress, Mukherjee's alma mater that no longer matters for him in a political sense taunted him for the speech, but it is pertinent to wonder if forgetting some of the wounds of the past is as important for Congress as for BJP and RSS -- and thus for India as a whole. Like Advani's Karachi visit, Mukherjee's speech at Nagpur was one of reconciliation. But I do believe there is another side to the story, and another reconciliation, that is needed. Congress has been accused by the RSS and the BJP of appeasing Muslims. Often that stems from a poor understanding of modern democracy in which pro-active measures to include minorities and affirmative action to help underprivileged groups are part of constitutionally justifiable measures. Can Mukherjee perhaps visit Aligarh Muslim University -- which is the counterpoint to Nagpur in the debate on Indian nationalism -- and say a few things that can strengthen his case? AMU was pulled into a controversy recently after BJP leaders raised questions about the presence of a Jinnah portrait in AMU's Union Hall. Ironically, is notable that BJP in its official website records Advani's visit to the Jinnah mausoleum along with his remark that Jinnah was actually a secularist. The BJP leader in fact paid his "respectful homage" to the founder of Pakistan at the mausoleum. Jinnah, strangely enough, is more of an untouchable for the Congress than the BJP not only because he controversially led a "direct action" call that caused riots in 1946 but also because the Pakistani leader was a contemporary rival of Jawaharlal Nehru. One recent book by a former Newsweek journalist, Nisid Hajari, talks of a "mutual dislike" between Jinnah and Nehru and says both leaders should share the blame for India's partition. He says "history ought to be examined, and re-examined, threadbare, before nations have the capacity to move on." Somebody of the stature of Pranab Mukherjee must now call the bluff on both Congress and the BJP so that younger Indian (and hopefully Pakistani) citizens revisit history and debate genuine ideas that will take their countries forward. A visit by Pranab Babu to AMU to say a thing or two about both Nehru and Jinnah -- both positive and negative -- may well be in order. Both Congress and the BJP need some enlightened history lessons so that they stop pointing to each other to justify their own flaws and blind spots. (Madhavan Narayanan is a senior journalist who has covered politics, diplomacy, business, technology and other subjects in a long career that has spanned organisations including Reuters, Business Standard and Hindustan Times. He is currently an independent columnist, editor and commentator. He is listed among the top 200 Indian influencers on Twitter. He tweets as @madversity) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL.) New Delhi: Bigg Boss contestant Armaan Kohli's name is known to be synonym with controversies. The actor has landed himself in trouble several times in the past because of his bad temper. The 'Jaani Dushman' actor has been making headlines once again, all for the wrong reasons. Recently, the actor's live-in partner and model Neeru Randhawa filed a police complaint against him in Santacruz police station for physically assaulting her. Following the complaint, a manhunt was launched against the actor, who had gone missing after the filing of the complaint against him. On Wednesday, reports had surfaced that Armaan, 46, was arrested by the Mumbai Police after he reportedly stepped out from his friend's farmhouse, where he had been hiding all these while, to buy a SIM card. But now the latest report suggests that Armaan's girlfriend Neetu has withdrawn the complaint against him. However, the case against the actor will proceed as stipulated as an FIR can be withdrawn only with the court's approval. A Bollywoodlife.com report suggests that the Bandra court has rejected the bail plea of the actor and has sent him to judicial custody till June 26. The duo had been living together since 2015. Neeru had also shared Armaan's text messages to cops which the actor had sent to her after she filed a complaint against him. The report claimed that apparently, Armaan had requested Neeru to return and also promised to marry her right away. As per the complainant, she was in a relationship with Kohli for past three years and had been living with him in a flat in the suburb. The duo had an argument over some monetary issue at their residence and during the altercation, he allegedly pushed the woman and she fell from the stairs. The accused then pulled her hair and banged her head on the floor, a police officer said citing the complaint. She suffered head and knee injuries in the incident and was admitted to a hospital by her driver, reports suggest. The wound was so deep that the actress had to undergo a surgery. Talking about the physical assault, Neeru had told Bombay Times, "I manage Armaans villa in Goa, which is often rented out, and had made a booking for a client. However, the client had made the payment to the villa staff and when Armaan asked me about the money, I told him that I will ask the staff to transfer it. Suddenly, he started verbally abusing me. Before I realised what was happening, he caught me by my hair and banged my head against the floor. I begged him to allow me to go to the hospital, promising that I wouldnt approach the police. The wound was so deep that I had to undergo a surgery. The doctor told me that the scar would be visible even after the surgery, as the assault has damaged my skin tissues." "Upon being informed about the incident, we went to the hospital and recorded the statement of the woman. Based on the statement, we booked him under sections 323 (punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace) and 506 (punishment for criminal intimidation) and other relevant sections of the IPC," said Shantanu Pawar, senior police inspector, Santacruz. Kohli garnered limelight after he appeared in the seventh season of super-hit reality show 'Bigg Boss' hosted by Bollywood superstar Salman Khan. Soon after the show, Kohli bagged the role of an antagonist in Salman-starrer 'Prem Ratan Dhan Payo', a film directed by Sooraj Barjatya in 2015. Son of filmmaker Rajkumar Kohli, Armaan began his acting career as a child artiste and later went on to do films like 'Virodhi', 'Dushman Zamana', 'Anaam', 'Koyal', 'Kohra', 'Dushmani', 'Jaani Dushman: Ek Anokhi Kahani' etc to name a few as the lead actor. He made headlines during 'Bigg Boss 7' over his relationship with co-contestant Tanishaa Mukerji, daughter of veteran actress Tanuja. Armaan and Tanishaa were in a relationship for a brief period but headed for splitsville soon. New Delhi: It's not only Salman Khan who is ready to entice his fans with the perfect Eid gift'Race 3' releasing this June 15 but even Shah Rukh Khan knows how to give a grand Eidi to his fan army. SRK released the Eid special teaser of his ambitious project 'Zero'. And guess what? The Eid special 'Zero' teaser has got Salman Khan and Shah Rukh Khan dancing together on the big screens after ages. You will be smitten by so much star presence in one frame and we blame you not. Also, we noticed Katrina Kaif's face SRK's t-shirt he is wearing in the song. Such details, we don't miss! Watch the teaser here: Salman appears in a guest role and possibly this is the special song featuring the two. SRK-Sallu Bhai fans are going to love it and watch it on loop for sure. The desi dance moves are killer! The first teaser of 'Zero' was released on January 1, 2018, giving us a sneak-peek into what the film is likely to be. It has been helmed by Aanand L Rai and is set to release on December 21, 2018. The movie stars SRK, Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif in the lead roles. Now, we are waiting for this one! New Delhi: Maruti Suzuki India Limited on Thursday said that targets to help set up skill training and enhancement centres at its over 400 vendors by 2020. These skill training facilities, christened DOJO centres, are training grounds for fresh workmen and re-skilling for existing workforce. DOJO centres replicate exact working conditions as inside a shop floor, so that the worker feels at ease when he joins work after his training, Maruti said in a statement. The word DOJO means a place of the way in Japanese. In other words, DOJO is a place to train in martial arts. In manufacturing parlance, a DOJO centre serves as a workshop that helps in skilling, re-skilling and right skilling workers. These centres help to acclimatize professionals and thoroughly preparing them, especially new workforce before they join work on the shop floor at manufacturing plants. The company will help with the concept, while its vendor partners make the investment towards setting up of the skill training and enhancement facility. A new worker is trained for up to 2-weeks before joining the shop floor. An assessment test is conducted at the end of the training, and only qualified workers are sent to the shop floor, Maruti said. Commenting on the initiative, A K Tomer, Executive Director (Corporate Planning), Maruti Suzuki said, By 2020, our over 400 tier-I partners will have DOJO centres. This effort is to bring global quality standards and complement the Make in India initiative. New Delhi: The auspicious occasion of Eid-ul-Fitr marks the end of the Islamic holy month of Ramzan or Ramadan. Muslims across the globe celebrate the festival of Eid with full gusto and spirit. Eid-ul-Fitr, also known as Eid-al-Fitr is the first and only day in the month of Shawwal during which Muslims are not permitted to fast. The day of Eid falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal depending upon the sighting of the moon the previous night. The fasting ends and people look forward to Eid celebrations the day after. On the day of Eid al-Fitr, Muslims offer a particular salat (Islamic prayer) consisting of two rakats (units) which is usually offered in an open field or large hall. The Eid timings vary depending upon the moon sighting. According to Khaleejtimes.com, the prayer timings for Eid-al-Fitr in the UAE are: Abu Dhabi: 5.50am Al Ain: 5.57am Western Region: 6.02am Sharjah: 5.44am The report attributes the timings as announced by Awqaf. Al Hamriya, Al Madam and Maleha: 5.44 am Al Al Dhaid city and Al Bataeh: 5.43 am Eastern Region cities and suburbs: 5.41 am Ramzan or Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and holds a great significance for the Muslim community across the globe. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims observe fasts for 30 days marking it as a gesture to revere the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad according to Islamic belief. According to many beliefs, this annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month lasts for about 2930 days (usually a month) based on the visual sighting of the crescent moon, according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the hadiths. Ramadan word has Arabic root ramida or ar-ramad, which means scorching heat or dryness. It is believed that the holy book of Quran was written during this month. Thus, the people practise fasting in this month to purify their souls and seek forgiveness from the Almighty Allah. Thus, people celebrate the festival lavishly by wearing new clothes, offering Namaz, eating together after sunset and greeting 'Ramazan Mubarak' which completes on the day of Eid! Here's wishing our readers 'Eid Mubarak!' PUEBLO, CO. , June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. (OTC PINK: CGRW) A Liaison and Consultant providing turnkey solutions to licensed growers -- CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. announces NuGro Industries, Inc., Land Owner and Developer of the Colorado Buffalo Ranch Facility, has purchased an additional Olympia Steel Building, (https://www.olympiabuildings.com), for the installation of a new State-of-the-Art Post-Harvest Handling Facility. Delmar Janovec, CEO, stated, "With the Buffalo Ranch Facility Phase I & II now operating at full capacity, the need for a standalone building dedicated to drying, curing, processing, and packaging has become increasingly apparent. The licensed Grower, Category One Botanicals, LLC, has outperformed original projections and with all six climate-controlled Ranger Greenhouses operational, the Fall harvest alone is being conservatively estimated to exceed 900 pounds. This increase in product volume will stretch the limits of the current 400 sq. ft. Drying Room, so a 1,600 sq. ft. climate-controlled facility has been designed to meet current production as well as the future needs as Phase III, IV, & V infrastructure is built-out and in production. Dr. John P. Janovec, COO, added, During the last 12 months, Licensed Grower Category One Botanicals has made great strides in dialing in the Colorado Buffalo Ranch Cultivation Facility & Protocols. Their whole Flower products produced organically under sunshine combined with soil-based methods in state-of-the-art greenhouse environments have caught the eye of a growing list of buyers. To meet the demand, production and harvest cycles in the Ranger Greenhouses will be perpetual beginning in June through late April of the following calendar year. During this time all greenhouse grow areas will be operating at full capacity. While the high-volume cultivation methods are streamlined and efficient, the drying and curing processes have met frequent bottlenecks primarily due to space constraints of the current drying room. The addition of a state-of-the-art Post-Harvest Handling Facility will provide the space required to keep up with production volume and product demands. Rod Clawson, Managing Principle of Category One Botanicals, LLC, the licensed Grower, further commented, I am pleased by the decision to add a drying, processing, and packaging facility to the Colorado Buffalo Ranch Facilities. It is a reasonable, logical next step in the development of one of the best organic grows in the State of Colorado, and it is another important milestone of the collaboration between the Land Owner and Developer, NuGro Industries, Inc., CannaGrow Holdings, Inc., the Manager of the Properties for the owner, and Category One Botanicals, LLC, the Licensed Grower. CannaGrow Holdings, Inc., the Liaison and Representative for NuGro Industries, will continue in its capacity of providing oversight as the Facilities Manager, working with the State/County Agencies and Category One Botanicals, LLC, the Licensed Grower for the facilities. The completion of this project will now provide the company the basis to begin generating revenues from Licensed Growers subleasing the Turnkey facilities being built to the specifications of CannaGrow COO, Dr. John P. Janovec, and Consultant, Jason Wells. About CannaGrow Holdings, Inc.: CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. has entered the Medical/Recreational Cannabis Industry as a Lessor, Liaison, and Consultant to licensed Growers providing them with turnkey Growing Facilities in the State of Colorado. The Company intends to expand this business model within this industry as business opportunities evolve whereby providing for the highest return to its shareholders. CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. does not and will not, until Federal law allows, grow, harvest, distribute or sell marijuana or any substance that violate the laws of the United States of America. CannaGrow Holdings, Inc. encourages the public to read the above information in conjunction with its year-end statement for December 31, 2017, and the quarterly statements filed in calendar year 2018, at: www.otcmarkets.com. The information contained in this press release may include forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements usually contain the words "may," "could," "possibly," "feel," "estimate," "anticipate," "believe," "expect," or similar expressions that involve risks and uncertainties. These risks and uncertainties include the Company's uncertain profitability, need for significant capital, uncertainty concerning market acceptance of its services, competition, limited service facilities, dependence on technological developments and protection of its intellectual property. The Company's actual results could differ materially from those discussed herein. The auspicious festival of Eid-ul-Fitr or Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated widely by Muslims across the globe. This holy day is celebrated by breaking the 30-day long fast with a grand celebration. Eid-ul-Fitr is the first and only day in the month of Shawwal during which Muslims are not permitted to fast. Eid holds a great significance for Muslims who eagerly wait for the festival after keeping Rozas for good 29-30 days during Ramzan. However, confusion over Eid celebration day continues as it purely depends upon the sighting of the moon. This year, it will be either Friday (June 15) or Saturday (June 16). As per a report in Aljazeera.com, the International Astronomical Centre says that the first day of Eid in Saudi Arabia is expected to be Friday. However, there has been no official confirmation of the same. As per the report, the moon is expected to rise as follows: Rabat: 49 minutes after sunset Djibouti and Tunisia: 45 minutes after sunset Beirut, Doha, Damascus, Manama and Abu Dhabi: 41 minutes after sunset Baghdad, Kuwait and Muscat: 40 minutes after sunset Mogadishu, Khartoum, Tripoli and Algeria: 46 Minutes after sunset Sanaa: 44 minutes after sunset Cairo: 43 minutes after sunset Riyadh, Amman and Jerusalem: 42 minutes after sunset The day of Eid falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal depending upon the sighting of the moon the previous night. The fasting ends and people look forward to Eid celebrations the day after. On the day of Eid al-Fitr, Muslims offer a particular salat (Islamic prayer) consisting of two rakats (units) which is usually offered in an open field or large hall. New Delhi: The auspicious festival of Eid-ul-Fitr or Eid-Al-Fitr is widely celebrated by Muslims around the globe. The festival marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated by breaking the 30-day long fast with a grand celebration. Eid-ul-Fitr is the first and only day in the month of Shawwal during which Muslims are not permitted to fast. The celebrations of the festival depend purely upon the sighting of the moon. There is often much confusion owing to the celebrations as the moon sighting timings are different in each country. For India, the confusion has finally come to an end. News agency ANI took to Twitter and shared that the moon has not been sighted in any part of India on Thursday (June 14). Thus, the nation will celebrate Eid on June 16, 2018. The Tweet said- Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid announced that Eid will be celebrated on June 16 (Saturday), as there was no sight of moon anywhere across the country today. Shahi Imam of Jama Masjid announced that Eid will be celebrated on June 16 (Saturday), as there was no sight of moon anywhere across the country today. ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 Ramzan or Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and holds a great significance for the Muslim community across the globe. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims observe fasts for 30 days marking it as a gesture to revere the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad according to Islamic belief. According to many beliefs, this annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month lasts for about 2930 days (usually a month) based on the visual sighting of the crescent moon, according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the hadiths. Ramadan word has Arabic root ramida or ar-ramad, which means scorching heat or dryness. It is believed that the holy book of Quran was written during this month. Thus, the people practise fasting in this month to purify their souls and seek forgiveness from the Almighty Allah. Here's wishing our readers 'Eid Mubarak!' New Delhi: The auspicious festival of Eid-ul-Fitr or Eid-al-Fitr is knocking at the door marking the end of 30-day of fasts during the Islamic holy month of Ramzan or Ramadan. Muslims across the globe celebrate the festival of Eid with full gusto and spirit. Eid-ul-Fitr is the first and only day in the month of Shawwal during which Muslims are not permitted to fast. Eid holds a great significance for Muslims who eagerly wait for the festival after keeping Rozas for good 29-30 days during Ramzan. However, confusion over Eid celebration day continues as it purely depends upon the sighting of the moon. This year, it will be either Friday (June 15) or Saturday (June 16). So, the confusion looms over when the countrymen will celebrate Eid. After a month of fasting, at the sighting of the crescent moon, the holy month of Ramazan concludes and Eid is celebrated the next day. Now suspense over it will continue till this very evening as only if the moon is sighted tonight will the festival of Eid be celebrated tomorrow in the country. However, the Eid timings vary depending upon the moon sighting in different countries. Like in Mumbai, people observed roza a day later than those in Delhi, so depending upon the moon sighting they will celebrate Eid. Ramzan or Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and holds a great significance for the Muslim community across the globe. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims observe fasts for 30 days marking it as a gesture to revere the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad according to Islamic belief. According to many beliefs, this annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month lasts for about 2930 days (usually a month) based on the visual sighting of the crescent moon, according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the hadiths. Ramadan word has Arabic root ramida or ar-ramad, which means scorching heat or dryness. It is believed that the holy book of Quran was written during this month. Thus, the people practise fasting in this month to purify their souls and seek forgiveness from the Almighty Allah. Local authorities and mosques will announce the Eid-ul-Fitr timings in advance after checking with other states and countries as well. Keep reading this space for all updates on Eid-al-Fitr. Eid Mubarak to our readers in advance! The holy festival of Eid-ul-Fitr, also known as Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of Ramadan and is celebrated widely by Muslims around the globe. This auspicious day is celebrated by breaking the 30-day long fast with a grand celebration. Eid-ul-Fitr is the first and only day in the month of Shawwal during which Muslims are not permitted to fast. The celebrations of the festival depend purely upon the sighting of the moon. As per a report in khaleejtimes.com, The International Astronomy Center has announced moon sighting in UAE. This means that Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on Friday in UAE. The report says that the crescent of Shawwal moon has been observed in Jebel Hafeet, Al Ain. However, the report says that the final decision with regards to celebrations will be announced by the moon-sighting committee after the Maghrib prayer (offered at the sunset). Eid holds a great significance for Muslims who eagerly wait for the festival after keeping Rozas for good 29-30 days during Ramzan. The day of Eid falls on the first day of the month of Shawwal depending upon the sighting of the moon the previous night. The fasting ends and people look forward to Eid celebrations the day after. On the day of Eid al-Fitr, Muslims offer a particular salat (Islamic prayer) consisting of two rakats (units) which is usually offered in an open field or large hall. New Delhi: The auspicious occasion of Eid-al-Fitr or Eid-ul-Fitr is almost here and Muslims across the globe are eagerly waiting for the celebrations to begin. Eid marks the end of 30 days of fasting (Roza) during the Islamic holy month of Ramzan or Ramadan. Eid holds a great significance for Muslims who eagerly wait for the festival after keeping Rozas for good 29-30 days during Ramzan. However, confusion over Eid celebration day continues as it purely depends upon the sighting of the moon. This year, it will be either Friday (June 15) or Saturday (June 16). According to Timesofindia.com, the crescent moon will be seen in Hyderabad on June 14 (Thursday) but only with the help of telescope and binoculurs. It's on June 15 (Friday) that it will be visible to the naked eye, as per astrophysical calculations. If the moon is sighted on June 15 in India then Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated on June 16 (Saturday). However, in Saudi Arabia, it is most likely to be on June 15 (Friday). There are chances that in Lakshadweep and Kerala, the moon will be seen on June 14 reportedly. Eid-ul-Fitr is the first and only day in the month of Shawwal during which Muslims are not permitted to fast. The Eid timings vary depending upon the moon sighting in different countries. The TOI report mentions that the crescent moon will be seen with the naked eye on June 14 only in Africa and America. Also, chances are that it might be visible in Saudi as well on the same date. The official moon sighting authorities and committee in Hyderabad, Telangana and Andhra Pradesh will decide on June 14 whether the Eid is on Friday or Saturday. Ramzan or Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and holds a great significance for the Muslim community across the globe. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims observe fasts for 30 days marking it as a gesture to revere the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad according to Islamic belief. According to many beliefs, this annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month lasts for about 2930 days (usually a month) based on the visual sighting of the crescent moon, according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the hadiths. Ramadan word has Arabic root ramida or ar-ramad, which means scorching heat or dryness. It is believed that the holy book of Quran was written during this month. Thus, the people practise fasting in this month to purify their souls and seek forgiveness from the Almighty Allah. Local authorities and mosques will announce the Eid-ul-Fitr timings in advance after checking with other states and countries as well. Keep reading this space for all updates on Eid-al-Fitr. Here's wishing our readers 'Eid Mubarak'! New Delhi: Muslims across the globe are eagerly awaiting to usher in the Eid celebrations. Eid-ul-Fitr or Eid-al-Fitr marks the end of the 30 days period of fasting (Rozas) during the Islamic holy month of Ramzan or Ramadan. Eid-ul-Fitr is the first and only day in the month of Shawwal during which Muslims are not permitted to fast. Eid holds a great significance for Muslims who eagerly wait for the festival after keeping Rozas for good 29-30 days during Ramzan. However, confusion over Eid celebration day continues as it purely depends upon the sighting of the moon. This year, it will be either Friday (June 15) or Saturday (June 16). According to Geo.tv, in Pakistan, Eid is likely to be on June 16 (Saturday). Quoting the Metrological Department of Pakistan, the report states that there is very less chance of the crescent moon being sighted today and Eid-ul-Fitr is expected to be celebrated on Saturday (June 16). The official committee is set to meet today in the evening for the sighting of the Shawwal moon in Karachi. A formal announcement will be made only after checking information gathered on moon sighting with other parts of the world. The Islamic holy month of Ramzan or Ramadan commenced in Pakistan on May 17, 2018 (Thursday). Ramzan or Ramadan falls on the ninth month of the Islamic calendar and holds a great significance for the Muslim community across the globe. During the holy month of Ramadan, Muslims observe fasts for 30 days marking it as a gesture to revere the first revelation of the Quran to Muhammad according to Islamic belief. According to many beliefs, this annual observance is regarded as one of the Five Pillars of Islam. The month lasts for about 2930 days (usually a month) based on the visual sighting of the crescent moon, according to numerous biographical accounts compiled in the hadiths. Ramadan word has Arabic root ramida or ar-ramad, which means scorching heat or dryness. It is believed that the holy book of Quran was written during this month. Thus, the people practise fasting in this month to purify their souls and seek forgiveness from the Almighty Allah. Keep reading this space for all updates on Eid-al-Fitr. Here's wishing everyone Eid Mubarak! JAIPUR: Rape accused self-styled godman Daati Maharaj has said that his disciple, who has filed a police complaint against him, was like his daughter. Daati Maharaj has also assured that he will fully cooperate with the authorities in the investigation. The godman also stated that he would not blame the complainant even if he is executed for the crime. "I won't put any allegations on that girl because she was my daughter and will continue to be that. Even if I am hanged, I won't put allegations on her. If I have done anything wrong, then the legal authorities will look into that. I will fully cooperate with the investigation," he told ANI. "I will fully cooperate in the investigation," says, self-styled godman Daati Maharaj, on rape case against him. pic.twitter.com/2wvymjl4KA ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 Daati Maharaj has landed in trouble after one of his female disciples accused him and his close aides of raping her for many years. She alleged that Daati Maharaj and his aides raped her inside ''Shani Dham'' two years ago. The victim also alleged that she was raped repeatedly at Gurukul Ashwasan in Rajasthan's Bal Gram. Crime Branch of the Delhi Police on Wednesday recorded the statement of the victim and initiated the process to issue a Lookout Circular against the self-styled godman. He has been restricted from leaving the country untill the probe against him is over. The woman registered a case in Fatehpur Beri police station on Sunday. It was later transferred to the District Investigation Unit (DIU). Daati Maharaj has been booked under Indian Penal Code, sections - 376, 377, 354 and 34. At the time of filing the complaint, the woman said that she didn't lodge a case earlier as she felt intimidated by the self-styled godman. NEW DELHI: An old letter written by 2008 Malegaon blast case accused Lt Col Shrikant Prasad Purohit has now come to fore in which he had revealed the 'barbaric and inhuman' treatment given to him while he was in the custody of the Maharashtra Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS). The former Army officer was arrested by the Maharashtra ATS team nearly nine years back in connection with his alleged role in the 2008 Malegaon blast case, which was later handed over to the National Investigating Agency (NIA). Purohit had written this letter to the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) in December 2013 from the Navi Mumbai jail in which he had narrated his ordeal since he was arrested. In the 24-page long letter, Lt Col Purohit claimed that he was badly beaten, tortured and forced to own up a crime which he never committed. Purohit also accused the ATS and Army officers of torturing him following his arrest in the case and even named six officers for torturing him. Lt Col Purohit was finally granted bail in the 2008 Malegaon blast case in August last year by the Supreme Court. The apex court had granted him bail, setting aside the Bombay High Court order dismissing his bail plea. During a hearing on August 17, last year, Col Purohit had told the apex court had told the Supreme Court that he had been languishing in jail for nine years after being caught in a political crossfire. The claims made by him were duly investigated by the NHRC and the officers named in his letter also responded to the allegations made by him. A political activist named Neeraj Gunde had written to the PMO seeking a detailed probe into the matter. He has also sought PMs time to apprise him about the matter. At least seven people died in a bomb blast on September 29, 2008, at Malegaon, a communally-sensitive textile town in Nashik district of north Maharashtra. A special MCOCA court had earlier ruled that the ATS had wrongly applied this law against Sadhvi Pragya Thakur, Purohit and nine others. New Delhi: A day after air quality in the city reached hazardous levels, Delhi residents woke up to yet another dusty morning on Thursday. Morning readings from most air quality monitoring stations across NCR showed that PM 2.5 levels remained in either the poor or hazardous categories. In several places, however, levels went beyond the severe - which is the maximum pollution level. As per AQICN's collated data, RK Puram and the area around Sonia Vihar water treatment plant were the worst with readings maxed out at 999 at around 0200 hours on Thursday. Other areas like DTU (892), Satyawati College (812), Rohini (787) and DITE Okhla (741) also had air quality in the hazardous levels but combined figures brought the overall category down to 'poor'. Delhi: Air Quality Index at RK Puram, Mandir Marg, Dwarka, Punjabi Bagh, & ITO remain in 'Hazardous' category pic.twitter.com/YeQkRm63gg ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 It is reported that the current conditions are likely to last till Friday with the Environment Ministry blaming dust storms from Rajasthan for choking Delhi and NCR. On Wednesday, major construction agencies, municipal corporations and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) were instructed to ensure water sprinkling around the city. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) also convened an urgent meeting of the Task Force regarding the implementation of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) today and issued necessary directions to contain local dust sources. (With inputs from PTI) Goa: Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar on Thursday returned to India from the United States of America (USA), where he was under treatment for the last two and half months. Parrikar landed at Mumbai's Chhatrapati Shivaji International Airport and will fly to Goa. He had been suffering from a pancreatic ailment since March 2018 and had gone to the US for treatment. A senior official at the Goa Chief Minister's Office (CMO) had on Wednesday said that Parrikar would arrive in Panaji on Thursday. Before leaving Goa, Parrikar had formed a cabinet advisory committee to guide the state administration on governance and other issues, in his absence. He was monitoring the affairs of the state from the US. The tenure of the committee comprising Sudin Dhavalikar of the Maharashtrawadi Gomantak Party, Francis D'Souza of the BJP and Vijai Sardesai of the Goa Forward Party expires on June 30. The official said Parrikar is likely to chair a cabinet meeting on June 15 to decide the dates for the upcoming monsoon session of the Legislative Assembly. According to sources, all ministers have been directed to attend the meeting. Of the 11 members in the state cabinet, two are currently not in Goa. While Power Minister Pandurang Madkaikar remains hospitalized in Mumbai after suffering brain stroke, Urban Development Minister Francis D'Souza is in Portugal on vacation. The Congress had alleged that the state administration has collapsed in absence of Parrikar who holds a host of portfolios including home, finance, personnel, and general administration. Parrikar was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai on February 15 for pancreatitis and was discharged on February 22. He returned to Goa the same day and presented the Budget in the Assembly, but the session was truncated to only four days owing to his illness. He was admitted to the Goa Medical College and Hospital on February 25 after he complained of dehydration and was discharged four days later. The chief minister went to Mumbai again on March 5 for his further check up from where he was referred to the USA. (With agency inputs) English Latvian 1. Reports of Management Board, Council and statement of Sworn auditor, approval of Annual reports for the year 2017. 1) To get acquainted with the reports of the Management Board, the Council and the Audit Committee of joint stock company Latvijas balzams and the statement of the sworn auditor. 2) To approve joint stock companys Latvijas balzams annual report for the year 2017 and corporate governance report for the year 2017. Voting results: decision is taken with the required majority of votes. 2. Distribution of profit for the year 2017. 1) To approve the profit of joint stock company Latvijas balzams for the year 2017 in the amount of 8 624 423 EUR. 2) The profit of joint stock company Latvijas balzams for the year 2017 in the amount of 8 624 423 EUR leave undistributed and use to strengthen competitiveness of joint stock company Latvijas balzams. Voting results: decision is taken with the required majority of votes. 3. Election of auditor for the audit of Annual reports for the year 2018 and determination of the remuneration for auditor. 1) To elect audit company PricewaterhouseCoopers SIA (reg.No 40003142793, legal address: Kr.Valdemara street 21-21, Riga, LV-1010) as the sworn auditor for the audit of annual reports of joint stock company Latvijas balzams for the year 2018. 2) To determine 24 500 EUR, VAT not included, as the remuneration for auditor for the audit of annual reports for the year 2018. 3) To assign the Management Board of joint stock company Latvijas balzams to conclude the agreement with the elected auditor for the audit of annual reports for the year 2018 of joint stock company Latvijas balzams. Voting results: decision is taken with the required majority of votes. Riga, 14 June, 2018 Joint stock company Latvijas balzams Chairman of the Management Board Intars Geidans New Delhi: India today expressed its "deep dismay" over a Maldivian court sentencing the island nation's former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and the chief justice of its Supreme Court too long prison terms without a "fair trial". The Ministry of External Affairs said the development casts a doubt on the Maldivian government's commitment to uphold the rule of law and will raise questions on the credibility of the presidential elections in that country, slated for September. According to Maldivian media reports, Gayoom, 80, and Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed were handed similar prison terms of one year, seven months and six days by a court which found them guilty of obstructing justice. In a statement, the MEA said India reiterated its "advice" to the Maldivian government to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by immediately releasing political prisoners, including Gayoom and the chief justice. Since the beginning of the political crisis in the Maldives, the ministry said, India has repeatedly urged the Maldivian government to allow all institutions, including its Supreme Court and Parliament, to function in an independent manner and permit genuine political dialogue between all political parties. "This has also been the demand of the international community at large. It is, therefore, with deep dismay that we learned that the former president of the Maldives, as well as the chief justice of the Supreme Court, are being sentenced to long prison terms without fair trial," it said in a statement. "This casts doubt on the commitment of the Government of the Maldives to uphold the rule of law and will also call into question the credibility of the entire process of Presidential elections in September this year," the MEA said. It said India believes that a democratic, stable and prosperous Maldives is in the interests of all its neighbours in the Indian Ocean. "It reiterates its advice to the Government of the Maldives to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by immediately releasing political prisoners including former President Gayoom and Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and creating the necessary conditions for the participation of all political forces in the Presidential Elections," the ministry said. Ties between India and Maldives nosedived after Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen declared an emergency on February 5, following an order by the Supreme Court to release a group of Opposition leaders who had been convicted in widely-criticised trials. On February 21, India reacted strongly over the extension of emergency by a month. The emergency was lifted 45 days later. In February, Maldives declined India's invitation to participate in the eight-day mega naval exercise - Milan - from March 6-13. NEW DELHI: India on Thursday rejected the UN report alleging human rights violations in Kashmir. Calling it fallacious, tendentious and motivated, New Delhi questioned the intent behind bringing out a report with selective compilation of largely unverified information. Earlier today, the United Nations released the first of its kind report on alleged human rights violations in both "Indian-administered and Pakistan-administered Kashmir" and sought an international inquiry into these abuses. In a strong reaction, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the report is "overtly prejudiced" and seeks to build a "false narrative". The report violates India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Pakistan is in illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the Indian state through aggression. We have repeatedly called upon Pakistan to vacate the occupied territories. The incorrect description of Indian territory in the report is mischievous, misleading and unacceptable. There are no entities such as 'Azad Jammu and Kashmir' and 'Gilgit-Baltistan,' said MEA. Highlighting cross-border terrorism from across the border, the ministry said that the authors of the report have conveniently ignored the pattern of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan and territories under its illegal control. Such malicious reports cannot undermine the will of the people and the Government of India to take all measures necessary to protect the sovereignty and territorial integrity of the country from cross border terrorism, it added. In its report, the global human rights watch body asserted an "urgent need" to address the past and ongoing human rights violations and that "any resolution to the political situation in Kashmir should entail a commitment to ending the cycles of violence and accountability for past and current human rights violations". The report also asked Pakistan to end its "misuse" of anti-terror legislation to persecute peaceful activists and quash dissent. The report also talked about killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani by the Indian forces which triggered unprecedented protests in the Valley during this period. There has been documented evidence of these groups committing a wide range of human rights abuses, including kidnappings and killings of civilians and sexual violence, it added. "Despite the Government of Pakistan's assertions of denial of any support to these groups, experts believe that Pakistan's military continues to support their operations across the Line of Control in Indian-Administered Kashmir," the report said. New Delhi: It is either Diwali or vehicular pollution or stubble burning in Punjab and Haryana or dust storms in Rajasthan. The reasons may be galore but effective solutions continue to remain rare as the city once again goes under a heavy blanket of dust and pollution. For close to three days now, Delhi and adjoining areas have witnessed desert-like conditions with a thick layer of dust settling on vehicles, inside homes and penetrating into lungs. While the numerous monitoring stations across Delhi showed PM 2.5 levels in the 'hazardous' level on Wednesday, many of them maxed out at 'severe' a day later. Little wonder then that Delhi-ites once again braced for what has now become a regular and sustained threat of living in the world's most polluted city - according to World Health Organisation (WHO). #DelhiPollution is literally choking me now ???????? Souvik Maity (@souvik_maity2) June 13, 2018 Can feel the dust going down my wind pipe #DelhiStorm #DelhiPollution #delhiweather there is no way to escape it.Feels like born in the wrong era when India is a developing world.Dont know how many years more it will take India to become a developed Country.#pollution Arpita (@ArpitaRTU) June 13, 2018 I am now officially and literally breathing dust here in Delhi, the national capital of the Incredible India. #DelhiPollution #climatecrisis #emergency Rinsit Vashum (@VashumRinsit) June 13, 2018 Did Trump and kim Jong un nuke each other with no one in Delhi knowing about it?#DelhiPollution pic.twitter.com/mRzuiUuQxk shashank rawat (@Just_Shashank) June 13, 2018 The Environment Ministry has clearly blamed duststorms in western India for the prevailing conditions in Delhi. The Ministry has also said that the existing conditions are likely to prevail till Friday. New Delhi: Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal on Thursday received support from Tamil actor Kamal Haasan, CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury and Rashtriya Janata Dal (RJD) leader Tejashwi Yadav over the 4th-day camping at the office of Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal. CPM general secretary Sitaram Yechury alleged that the central government was using the office of the L-G to "obstruct" the elected government in Delhi in discharging of its constitutional duties. "... This is despicable. The Centre must abandon this course of confrontation right away," Yechury tweeted. BJP central government is using the office of the LG to obstruct the elected state government in Delhi to discharge its constitutional duties. This is despicable. The Centre must abandon this course of confrontation right away. Sitaram Yechury (@SitaramYechury) June 14, 2018 Haasan, who launched his own political party -- Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) -- tweeted "interference in the functioning of an elected government is "unacceptable in a democracy". Interference in the functioning of an elected government is unacceptable in a democracy. In fact what is happening in Delhi and in TN/Pondicherry are not too different. It is frustrating for people who want a change for the better. @ArvindKejriwal Kamal Haasan (@ikamalhaasan) June 14, 2018 Tejashwi Yadav, in a Hindi tweet said that the "dictatorial Centre" has made a "mockery of democracy" in Delhi and Puduchery. Tejashwi Yadav (@yadavtejashwi) June 14, 2018 Rebel JD (U) leader Sharad Yadav also came out in support of Kejriwal, saying "the elected government is not being allowed to work for one reason or the other." "It is not a good precedent being set that the elected government is not allowed to work. It may be mentioned that this is not a failure of the state government, but the people of Delhi are being neglected due to the unnecessary tussle between the LG and the state government," he said in a statement. The Delhi unit of Communist Party of India (CPI) also strongly condemned the attitude of Lt Governor Anil Baijal "by not meeting" the chief minister and his ministers who are sitting since Monday in the waiting hall of the LG Secretariat office. "The CPI is of the view that no constitutional authority in Delhi can be an agent of any political party or its ideology and cannot bypass or neglect the elected government of Delhi," the party said in a statement. West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Wednesday appealed to Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government at the Centre to resolve the issue immediately. Pointing that the Delhi Chief Minister has been sitting on dharna at the Lieutenant Governors office for a few days, the Trinamool Congress has backed the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) chief, saying an elected CM must get due respect. Taking to microblogging site Twitter, the West Bengal Chief Minister said that the government of India and Lieutenant Governor of Delhi must immediately resolve the problem so that people of the national capital do not suffer. . @ArvindKejriwal, CM of Delhi is sitting in a dharna in LGs office for the last few days in the capital city of the country. Elected CM must get due respect. May I appeal to the Govt of India and @LtGovDelhi to resolve the problem immediately so that people do not suffer Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 13, 2018 Kejriwal and his three cabinet colleagues - Manish Sisodia, Gopal Rai and Satyendar Jain - have held a sit-in the L-G's office since Monday evening over their demands, including a direction to officers to end their "strike" and action against those who have struck work. They also want the L-G to approve the proposal for doorstep delivery of ration. (With agency inputs) Congress president Rahul Gandhi on Thursday attacked Prime Minister Narendra Modi-led NDA government at the Centre over worsening of ties with the Maldives. Blaming the central government, the Congress chief said that the foreign policy of the country had become one about photo ops and no agenda meetings. Claiming that the Maldives was cancelling work visa of Indian nationals, the Gandhi scion tweeted, Maldives, once one of our closest allies & beneficiary of massive aid, is cancelling Indian work visas & putting up Not Hiring Indians signs. This happens when foreign policy becomes about photo ops & "no agenda meetings" instead of strategic intent. Maldives, once one of our closest allies & beneficiary of massive aid, is cancelling Indian work visas & putting up Not Hiring Indians signs. This happens when foreign policy becomes about photo ops & "no agenda meetings" instead of strategic intent. https://t.co/rk1csSLTT1 Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 14, 2018 Ties between India and Maldives had nosedived after Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen declared emergency on February 5, following an order by the Supreme Court to release a group of Opposition leaders who had been convicted in widely-criticised trials. While India reacted strongly over the extension of emergency by a month, the island nation declined India's invitation to participate in the eight-day mega naval exercise - Milan - from March 6-13. According to a report in The Hindu, which was shared by Rahul Gandhi along with his tweet, since the differences over the issue emerged between the two nations, the Maldives immigration authority withdrew thousands of work permits given to Indian nationals. The report further says that several companies in the Island nation have clearly stated that they cannot hire Indian professionals as getting a work permit for them was not possible. The Hindu report adds that the Indian embassy in the Maldives has refused to help Indians who are seeking jobs in the island nation. The ties between India and the Maldives had started to worsen in 2015 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi decided to cancel a visit to Male over political upheaval in the country. Twenty-year-old French woman Gaelle Chouteau, who had been missing for nearly two weeks, has been found alive in a village in Rajasthan, reported news agency ANI. The woman had gone missing while on her way from Ajmer to Jaipur. She was last seen on June 1. The French woman was last seen at a bus stand in Pushkar. The police had launched an investigation into the case. CCTV footage from the hotel where she stayed was checked by the cops. The Rajathan Police was informed about her disappearance by the French embassy. The French embassy had sent an email to the police department. "On information about the girl's disappearance from an official of French embassy through email on Tuesday, we collected CCTV footage from the hotel," SHO of Pushkar police station in Ajmer, Mahaveer Sharma told news agency PTI. He added, "She is seen going towards the bus stand but nothing could be established further." According to the police official, three teams were sent to Ajmer, Jaipur as well as Jodhpur, from where she arrived in Pushkar in May. RAIPUR: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be on a day-long visit to Chhattisgarh on Thursday where he will dedicate the modernised and expanded Bhilai steel plant to the nation. ''PM Modi will visit Chhattisgarh tomorrow. At Bhilai in @DurgDist, PM will dedicate the modernized and expanded Bhilai Steel Plant, to the nation. He will also take part in programmes in Naya Raipur - the upcoming capital city of the state,'' the PMO said in a tweet. PM @narendramodi will visit Chhattisgarh tomorrow. At Bhilai in @DurgDist, PM will dedicate the modernized and expanded Bhilai Steel Plant, to the nation. PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 13, 2018 ''The modernization includes installation of cutting-edge technologies for improvement in productivity, yield, quality, cost competitiveness, energy efficiency and environmental protection,'' the PMO said in another tweet. This will be Modi's second visit to the poll-bound state in the last two months. The Prime Minister will inaugurate Integrated Command and Control Centre at Naya Raipur. Thereafter, in Bhilai, he will inaugurate Raipur-Jagdalpur air service, lay the foundation stone for the new building of Indian Institute of Technology (IIT), Bhilai, besides dedicating to the nation the expanded and modernised Bhilai Steel Plant (BSP) of SAIL. During the same event, PM @narendramodi will lay the foundation stone for the permanent campus of IIT Bhilai. He will unveil a plaque to mark the commencement of phase-2 of BharatNet. BharatNet project envisages connecting Gram Panchayats with underground optical fibre network. PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 13, 2018 Modi will also address a public meeting at Jayanti Stadium in Bhilai. "He will arrive at Swami Vivekananda Airport in Raipur by a special aircraft of Indian Air Force at10.40 am on Thursday," a government official had said earlier. Soon after reaching here, he will proceed to Naya Raipur by road and dedicate to the nation Naya Raipur smart city's Integrated Command and Control Centre, he said. Before arriving in Bhilai, the Prime Minister will visit Naya Raipur Smart City, where he will inaugurate the Integrated Command and Control Centre for the city. @RaipurDist PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 13, 2018 The Prime Minister will inaugurate air services between Jagdalpur and Raipur. He will also distribute laptops, certificates and cheques etc to beneficiaries under various schemes. He will also address a public meeting. PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 13, 2018 Through this centre, water supply, power supply, sanitation, traffic movement, integrated building management, city connectivity and internet infrastructure (data centre) and monitoring of complete Naya Raipur will be carried out, he added. The Command and Control Centre will be managed through GIS platform, where the residents can register their complaints regarding service dysfunction through helpline numbers, he added. Subsequently, he will proceed to Bhilai by IAF helicopter, where he will dedicate the expanded and modernised project of Bhilai Steel Plant, the official said. In Bhilai, he will address a public meeting at Jayanti stadium. Meanwhile, he will lay the foundation stone for the new building of the Indian Institute of Technology-Bhilai and inaugurate air connectivity between Raipur and Jagdalpur under the Centre's 'Udaan' scheme, he said. "With the launch of this air-connectivity, Bastar will be put into the country's aviation map," the official said. On the occasion, the PM will distribute laptops under Suchna Kranti Yojana scheme to five students apart from distribution of citations, cheques and materials to select beneficiaries under Pradhan Mantri Matri Vandana Yojana, Standup and Mudra Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Ujjawala Scheme, Mukhya Mantri Aabadi Patta Vitaran Yojana. Chief Minister Raman Singh, Union Minister of Steel Chaudhary Birender Singh will also address the gathering on the occasion, he said. The PM will then return to Swami Vivekananda Airport Raipurby helicopter at2.20 pm and leave for New Delhi by a special IAF plane at2.25 pm. Massive security arrangements have been made in the capital and Bhilai for the PM's visit. Modi's visit assumes significance for the ruling BJP which is eyeing to retain power for the fourth consecutive term in the Assembly polls due by this year end in the state. (With PTI inputs) New Delhi: Congress president Rahul Gandhi's much-publicised Iftar party held on Wednesday has grabbed headlines not because of the guest-list, but for wrong reasons. The Congress leader has courted a controversy for wearing a skull cap offered to him by a Muslim supporter and immediately removing it in just a few seconds. The entire incident was caught on camera and the visuals of Rahul Gandhi obliging his Muslim supporter by agreeing to wear the skull cap offered by him and then immediately removing it was widely shared on the social media. The Gandhi scion was sitting with top Congress leaders including former President Pranab Mukherjee when a Congress supporter from the community came forward and offered him the skull cap. Rahul, with a smile on his face, shook hands with him and wore the skull cap, but removed it within ten seconds. This was reportedly not well received by the Muslim community members present there. Latching on to the opportunity to attack Rahul Gandhi, the ruling BJP said that the Congress president's Iftar party was just an eyewash and an attempt to appease Muslims for pure political gains. It also termed it as a photo-op and a publicity stunt. ''Congress hosts Iftar for political engineering, but we want to give dignity to Muslims,'' Union Minister and BJP leader Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi said. PM Shri @narendramodi Jis Govt has made Muslim women an equal partner of development of the country & has taken several major reformist decisions to protect their social-constitutional & economic rights. #Iftaar pic.twitter.com/wOL1nSuto1 Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi (@naqvimukhtar) June 13, 2018 Interestingly, this was Rahul Gandhi's first Iftar party since he took over as Congress chief last year. The Iftar party was attended by the whos who of Congress and top opposition leaders. The dinner saw the presence of former presidents Pranab Mukherjee and Pratibha Patil and vice-president Hamid Ansari. Congress leaders like Randeep Singh Surjewala, Anand Sharma, Ghulam Nabi Azad, and prominent actress Nafisa Ali also attended the get-together at a five-star hotel in New Delhi. The Congress President took to Twitter later and tweeted, "Good food, friendly faces and great conversation make for a memorable Iftar! We were honoured to have two former Presidents, Pranab Da & Smt Pratibha Patil ji join us, along with leaders from different political parties, the media, diplomats and many old & new friends." Good food, friendly faces and great conversation make for a memorable Iftar! We were honoured to have two former Presidents, Pranab Da & Smt Pratibha Patil ji join us, along with leaders from different political parties, the media, diplomats and many old & new friends. pic.twitter.com/TM0AfORXQa Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 13, 2018 Opposition leaders like DP Tripathy (NCP), Danish Ali (JD(S)), Manoj Jha (RJD), Dinesh Trivedi (TMC), Satish Chandra Mishra (BSP), Kanimozhi (DMK) and Sitaram Yechury (CPI-M) also graced the occasion. However, UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi missed the party owing to her ongoing treatment abroad. Rahul Gandhi had on Wednesday triggered a controversy by ending his press conference in Mumbai within 2.5 minutes which left the mediapersons in a state of shock as they had waited for hours to meet him. NEW DELHI: Home Ministry is expected to hold a high-level meeting on Thursday to review Center's decision to suspend anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan. The meeting will be chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and attended by MoS PMO Dr Jitendra Singh, MoS Home Hansraj Ahir, Director General of Paramilitary Forces, NSA Ajit Doval, IB Chief and other top officials. During the meeting, the Home Ministry will review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the arrangements for the annual Amarnath Yatra. "This (announcement of the ceasefire) will be reviewed by Home Ministry and other concerned departments. Further course of action will be decided after the month of Ramzan," BJP general secretary Ram Madhav told ANI. Madhav said that the Centre's decision to suspend the anti-terror operations in J&K was taken in a good spirit and as a goodwill gesture during the holy month of Ramzan, however, the same was not reciprocated by the separatists and terrorists. "Ramzan is a holy month for Muslims, so Indian Government had decided to announce the suspension of operations during this period as a goodwill gesture. We also wanted that the same to be reciprocated, but there was no change in actions of separatists and terrorists," Madhav said. The Union Home Ministry had last month announced that the security personnel would halt operations against terrorists in Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan. The Centre, however, clarified that the security forces retain the right to strike, if attacked or if civilians are found to be in danger. However, there has been no let-up in ceasefire violations along the Line of Control and sporadic incidents of terrorists attacking the security forces and civilians continue. At least four Border Security Force (BSF) personnel lost their lives and three others sustained injuries in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Chambliyal sector of Samba in the wee hours of Wednesday. In a similar incident, a group of unidentified terrorists fired an Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) at a police station in Pulwama. The grenade landed outside Lassipora police station here, following which the guard on duty retaliated with aerial firing. On Tuesday, two police personnel were killed and three others injured in a terrorist attack in Pulwama. (With ANI inputs) Senior journalist and Rising Kashmir editor-in-chief Shujaat Bukhari was on Thursday shot dead in Srinagar by unidentified assailants. According to reports, Bukharis personal security officer also got critically injured in the attack. Bukhari was attacked by armed assailants in Press Colony near Lal Chawk in Srinagar, following which he was rushed to a nearby hospital where he succumbed to his injuries. His personal security officer also died in the attack. According to officials, Bukhari, who was in his 50s, was leaving his office for an iftar party when he was shot. While one of the personal security officers guarding him was killed, another policeman and a civilian were injured in the attack. Shafat Mir, an employee of Rising Kashmir, told Zee News that there were four assailants who carried out the attack in the crowded area of Srinagar. "We are not sure as to how the attackers came. They might have not used any vehicle as the place is very crowded. It is a busy street and remains always crowded, and since it was probably the last day of Ramzan, the place was bustling with Eid shoppers," said Shafat. Recalling the experience of working under the veteran journalist, he added, "He has left us shocked and numb. He was always available for us. As a human being he was simply great, and in profession he was more a mentor." The condition of the two injured in the shooting, which comes a day ahead of Eid, is critical. Bukhari, who earlier worked with The Hindu newspaper as its Kashmir correspondent, was instrumental in organising several conferences for peace in the Kashmir Valley. He was also part of the Track II process with Pakistan. This was not the first attempt of the life of the veteran Kashmiri journalist. Shujaat Bukhari was earlier attacked in 2000, following which he was given police protection. inna lilahi wa inna illahi rajiuun. Shocked beyond words. May Shujaat find place in Jannat & May his loved ones find strength at this difficult time. Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) June 14, 2018 Earlier when reports of the attack on the veteran journalist came in, former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said that he was in "complete shock". After the confirmation of Bukhari's death, the former chief minister expressed his grief saying he was "shocked beyond words". As the report of Bukhari's death came in, Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti condemned the "act of mindless violence". She said, "Shocked and deeply saddened by sudden demise of Shujaat Bukhari. The scourge of terror has reared its ugly head on the eve of Eid. Strongly condemn this act of mindless violence and pray for his soul to rest in peace. Deepest condolences to his family. She also rushed to meet the family of the veteran journalist. Recalling that Bukhari met her just a few days back, Mufti said his death was "upsetting". Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh termed the killing of Bukhari as "an act of cowardice". He tweeted, The killing of @RisingKashmir editor, Shujaat Bukhari is an act of cowardice. It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist. Extremely shocked & pained at his death. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family." Congress president Rahul Gandhi also expressed at the killing saying, "Im anguished to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of @RisingKashmir. He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu & Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed." Santa Monica, CA, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gopher Protocol Inc. (OTCQB: GOPH ) ("Gopher"), a company specializing in the creation of Internet of Things (IoT) and Artificial Intelligence enabled mobile technologies, is pleased to announce that its partially owned subsidiary, Gopher Protocol Costa Rica, S.R.L. has entered into a Letter of Intent to acquire TOKENIZE-IT S.A. pursuant to which Gopher will issue 20 million shares of common stock to TOKENIZE-IT. TOKENIZE-IT is a software developer and technology company which owns a portfolio of blockchain technologies focused on providing technology and services to third parties for the purchase of converting income producing assets and cash flow streams into tokens that can be traded as well as the tokenization of financial sovereign instruments. These blockchain utility tokens are not dependent on a single blockchain technology, they can be created on multiple blockchains. In parallel with the closing of the TOKENIZE-IT transaction as contemplated by the Letter of Intent, TOKENIZE-IT will enter into a joint venture agreement with GBT Technologies, S.A. (GBT) to access token and cryptocurrency trading through a fully licensed and Central Bank regulated Currency Exchange in Costa Rica. It is the goal of TOKENIZE-IT to further enhance its product offerings by providing multiple abilities to enhance liquidity and positive exposure to its tokens by listing them on GBT's exchange platform. As a result of the joint venture, TOKENIZE-IT will issue equity securities to GBT representing a 50% interest in TOKENIZE-IT and assign 20 million shares of Gopher to GBT. With Mauricio Lara spear-heading TOKENIZE-IT and Pablo Gonzalez directing GBT Technologies, we are certain that only a powerful outcome will come from this joint venture as they both have vast experience in the blockchain space from an operability standpoint but also from a legal, banking and public markets point of view, having been speakers in multiple conferences and a reference point in many Latin American markets, stated Mansour Khatib, CEO of Gopher. Just yesterday at MoneConf in Dublin, the CEO of Circle Internet Financial, Inc. stated that 'We Are at the Beginning of Tokenization of Everything' (https://cointelegraph.com/news/circle-ceo-at-moneyconf-dublin-we-are-at-the-beginning-of-tokenization-of-everything). I believe Gopher is entering the industry at the right time equipped with the right technology and personnel, added Mr. Khatib. The intent of these corporate actions is to increase the technology and reach of Gopher further into the financial services arena. If Gopher is successful in creating its own communication network, it is a logical progression for these networks to also carry financial transactions, in both cryptocurrency, and Fiat Currency. No assurance can be given that a definitive agreement will be entered into, that the appropriate governing bodies including Gophers board of directors will approve such transactions, that the proposed transactions contemplated above will be consummated, or that TOKENIZE-IT will be able to obtain adequate funds needed to fund its business plan. Corporate Site: http://gopherprotocol.com Press page/ press kit: http://gopherprotocol.com/?page_id=228 Consumer and product website for Guardian Patch: http://www.guardianpatch.com/. About Guardian Pet Tracker http://www.guardianpettracker.com/ The Guardian Pet Tracker (Sphere Internal name - the "Sphere") system is a derivative technology of Gopher's Guardian Patch technology. The Sphere is designed to provide its users with local tracking capability using a re-chargeable/replaceable battery source. Gopher intends to release pre-production units in limited test in the near future. GOPH disclosure: More info: SEC link /technology abstract: Forward-Looking Statements Certain statements contained in this press release may constitute "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements provide current expectations of future events based on certain assumptions and include any statement that does not directly relate to any historical or current fact. Actual results may differ materially from those indicated by such forward-looking statements as a result of various important factors as disclosed in our filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission located at their website (http://www.sec.gov). In addition to these factors, actual future performance, outcomes, and results may differ materially because of more general factors including (without limitation) general industry and market conditions and growth rates, economic conditions, governmental and public policy changes, the Companys ability to raise capital on acceptable terms, if at all, the Companys successful development of its products and the integration into its existing products and the commercial acceptance of the Companys products. The forward-looking statements included in this press release represent the Company's views as of the date of this press release and these views could change. However, while the Company may elect to update these forward-looking statements at some point in the future, the Company specifically disclaims any obligation to do so. These forward-looking statements should not be relied upon as representing the Company's views as of any date subsequent to the date of the press release. The mother of Indian Army jawan Aurangzeb, who has allegedly been abducted by terrorists, has appealed for the release of her son. Making the appeal to the kidnappers, Aurangzebs mother said, Allah ke liye usey chhod do, uske saath Eid manana chahti hun main (please leave my son, I want to celebrate Eid with him). The appeal from the soldiers mother came after he was allegedly kidnapped by terrorists from Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir. The kidnapped jawan was going home after completing his duty when he was intercepted by a group of heavily-armed terrorists who took him away at the gunpoint. Aurangzebs family has had the history of serving Indian armed forces. While his father retired from the Indian Army, his uncle had died in the line of duty fighting terrorists in 2004. The jawans brother is also an Indian Army soldier. Aurangzeb, who was a part of the Army team that killed Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Sameer Tiger in Pulwama district in May, was travelling onboard a bus and headed towards his home when he was abducted. Following this, the Jammu and Kashmir Police initiated a formal investigation into the matter and the 23 Rashtriya Rifles, with which the jawan was attached, was duly informed. Sameer Ahmad Bhat alias Sameer Tiger, who was the local Hizbul Mujahideen commander, was killed in the encounter at the Drubgam village of Pulwama district in May. He was an A++ category terrorist and wanted in connection with several terrorist attacks in the area. His killing was part of the Indian Army's all-out offensive against the Pakistan-backed terrorists active in the Kashmir Valley. Bhat's killing was seen as a major breakthrough for Army and a huge setback to the Hizbul Mujahideen. Bhopal: A woman who was arrested for allegedly creating ruckus at Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's function on Wednesday has claimed that she was forced to undergo a pregnancy test in jail in front of men. The woman was among the nine who were arrested when they intruded into the CM's programme at Lal Parade Ground in Bhopal demanding that Chouhan fulfil his promise that women police aspirants would get a relaxation in height criteria. The nine women were released on Thursday. Speaking to PTI, the woman, on condition of anonymity, alleged that all the nine arrested women were forced to undergo a pregnancy test in jail in front of men. "We were forced to take a pregnancy test in front of men," the woman said. Her allegation was, however, refuted by Central Jail superintendent Dinesh Nargawe who said that the women were made to undergo urine test, including for pregnancy, as stipulated by the prison manual. He denied that the women were made to take the test in front of men. "There is no question of women undergoing the test in front of men. It is absolutely false," Nargawe said. "In October, MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had announced that he would relax the height criteria for women police aspirants by two centimetres," the 26-year-old woman said. She said that the group of women had been protesting at the Yadgaar-e-Shahjehani Park for the past three days and had gone to the CM's function to demand the implementation of the height relaxation promise. The women were arrested on Wednesday under section 151 (arrest to prevent the commission of cognisable offences) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and a Sub Divisional Magistrate's court had sent them to jail. The opposition Congress, meanwhile, hit out at the state government. "What can be more shameful that the niece (women) who had gone to meet their Mama, (maternal uncle, a reference to Chouhan) in the darkness of night against rules were sent to jail.. After their release today these spinsters nieces have alleged that they underwent pregnancy test in front of the men.. Shameful," state Congress spokesperson Narendra Saluja tweeted. The nine women met MP Congress chief Kamal Nath in the evening today and sought his help. Agra: With Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan just a few days away, Vodafone India said that it will relay live streaming of Mecca Sharif to enhance the spiritual experience of viewers. The company has set up huge LED screens at various locations in Agra and Deoband relaying Live streaming of Mecca Sharif via Vodafone Play App on June 14 and June 15. Vodafone has also invited residents to visit the Vodafone booth near the screens to share their prayers which will be displayed on the LED screen visible to all. Residents can also send their 10 second video wishes via Whatsapp on +91-9720123200 (Agra) and +91-7617404477 (Deoband) which will be streamed on the said screens. Dilip Kumar Ganta, Business Head - UP West & Uttarakhand, Vodafone India said, Vodafone wishes all the residents of UP West a blessed Ramzan. Customers who have the Vodafone Play App can view Mecca Sharif streamed LIVE on their handset. For the benefit of all residents, Vodafone will facilitate LIVE views of Mecca Sharif shrine on giant LED screens that will be put up at various locations in Agra and Deoband. In a first of its kind initiative, residents can visit the Vodafone booth set up near the LED screens and share their dua. Seeing their Dua put up on the screen alongside the LIVE views of Mecca Sharif will make the moment spiritually and emotionally memorable for Rozedaars. For the convenience and service of Rozedaars, we are also keeping select retail MBOs in major cities open till 2 am, he added. Shopian: An Army jawan involved in the encounter of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Sameer Tiger was allegedly kidnapped from the Shopian district of Jammu and Kashmir. According to reports, the jawan has been identified as Aurangzeb and is a resident of Poonch. A photograph, said to be that of the abducted soldier, was released by news agencies but later retracted. According to news agency ANI, Army clarified that they had shared wrong photograph of Aurangzeb. The jawan was reportedly kidnapped from the Pulwama district. The kidnapped jawan was going home after completing his duty when he was intercepted by a group of heavily-armed terrorists who took him away at the gunpoint. He was travelling onboard a bus and headed towards his home when he was abducted. The J&K Police has begun a formal investigation into the matter and the 23 Rashtriya Rifles, with which the jawan was attached, has been duly informed. His kidnapping comes several weeks after two dreaded Hizbul Mujahideen terrorists, including Sameer Tiger, were gunned down in a fierce encounter in Pulwama. Sameer Ahmad Bhat alias Sameer Tiger, who was the local Hizbul Mujahideen commander, was killed in the encounter at the Drubgam village of Pulwama district in May. He was an A++ category terrorist and wanted in connection with several terrorist attacks in the area. His killing was part of the Indian Army's all-out offensive against the Pakistan-backed terrorists active in the Kashmir Valley. The Narendra Modi government at the Centre had earlier given a go-ahead to the Army and the other security agencies to eliminate terrorists active in J&K. Bhat's killing was seen as a major breakthrough for Army and a huge setback to the Hizbul Mujahideen. The anti-terror operations targeting Pakistan-backed A list terrorists began shortly after the encounter of local Hizbul Mujahideen posterboy Burhan Wani, whose killing had triggered a massive protest in the Kashmir Valley. SRINAGAR: Two anti-terror operations are currently underway in Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama and Bandipora districts on Thursday morning. At least two terrorists were gunned down in the incidents. Security forces are combing the surrounding regions to neutralise any other terorrists holed up in the area. The first incident took place in Bandipora's Panar forest as the Army launched a massive hunt for terrorists hiding in the dense forest area. One army jawan, who sustained a bullet injury during the cross-firing, has also succumbed to death, said reports. The joint operation by the CRPF and the Rashtriya Rifles is still on and a massive combing and search operation has been launched to nab the remaining terrorists. In the second incident, terrorists opened fire at a joint check point of Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and the police near Gangoo village in South Kashmir's Pulwama on Thursday morning. This too is an ongoing operation. The Home Ministry will review Centre's decision to suspend anti-terror operations in J&K during the holy month of Ramzan later on Thursday. The high-level meeting will be chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and attended by MoS PMO Dr Jitendra Singh, MoS Home Hansraj Ahir, Director General of Paramilitary Forces, NSA Ajit Doval, IB Chief and other top officials. "This (announcement of the ceasefire) will be reviewed by Home Ministry and other concerned departments. Further course of action will be decided after the month of Ramzan," BJP general secretary Ram Madhav told ANI. On Wednesday morning, four Border Security Force (BSF) personnel lost their lives while three were injured after Pakistan Rangers violated the ceasefire once again in Chambliyal sector of Jammu and Kashmir's Samba district. The ceasefire took place along the International Borders in Jammu and Kashmir. Last month, both India and Pakistan had mutually decided to respect ceasefire pact of 2003 and take sincere measures to improve the existing situation to ensure peace and avoidance of hardships to the civilians along the borders. A ceasefire was also initiated on May 16 with the Centre directed security forces in Jammu and Kashmir to follow what it called "non-initiation of combat operations" during the holy month of Ramzan. Meanwhile, the BSF and the Pakistan Rangers held a flag meeting to maintain peace and tranquility on the international border in Jammu and Kashmir, an official statement said on Thursday. The meeting was held on Wednesday evening at the Octroi border outpost. Jammu: In a major anti-terror operation in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district, the security forces on Thursday killed at least two terrorists and launched a massive hunt for others hiding in the dense forest area. One army jawan, who sustained a bullet injury during the cross-firing, has also succumbed to death, said reports. Jammu & Kashmir: One army personnel dead and two terrorists killed during an ongoing operation in Bandipora's Panar forest area. pic.twitter.com/d2hmUfqqyr ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 According to reports, the security forces began the operation following a tip-off regarding the presence of some terrorists in the dense Panar forest area adjoining the Bandipora district. The joint operation by the CRPF and the Rashtriya Rifles is still on and a massive combing and search operation has been launched to nab the remaining terrorists. #Visuals Jammu & Kashmir: One army personnel dead and two terrorists killed during an ongoing operation in Bandipora's Panar forest area. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/cYByGzFn6X ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 The identity of the slain terrorists could not be ascertained since the encounter is still underway, an officer said. The operation comes a day after at least four Border Security Force (BSF) personnel lost their lives and three others sustained injuries in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan in Chambliyal sector of Samba in the wee hours of Wednesday. In a similar incident, a group of unidentified terrorists fired an Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) at a police station in Pulwama. The grenade landed outside Lassipora police station here, following which the guard on duty retaliated with aerial firing. On Tuesday, two police personnel were killed and three others injured in a terrorist attack in Pulwama. Meanwhile, the Home Ministry is expected to hold a high-level meeting on Thursday to review Center's decision to suspend anti-terror operations in Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan. The meeting will be chaired by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh and attended by MoS PMO Dr Jitendra Singh, MoS Home Hansraj Ahir, Director General of Paramilitary Forces, NSA Ajit Doval, IB Chief and other top officials. During the meeting, the Home Ministry will review the security situation in Jammu and Kashmir and the arrangements for the annual Amarnath Yatra. Kolkata: The Indian Coast Guard has launched a massive rescue operation after a devastating fire broke out at the merchant vessel SSL Kolkata on Wednesday night. According to ANI, 11 out of 22 crew members onboard the merchant vessel have been rescued so far. 11 out of 22 crew members of Merchant Vessel SSL KOLKATA were rescued after the vessel caught fire last night. Indian Coast Guard ship Rajkiran from Haldia & Coast Dornier arrived in area earlier today. Rescue operation for remaining crew underway. pic.twitter.com/AkuoRlfEE8 ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 Efforts are on in full swing to rescue other crew members onboard the vessel. #WATCH Merchant Vessel SSL KOLKATA caught fire last night; 11 out of 22 crew members rescued by Indian Coast Guard ship Rajkiran from Haldia, rescue operation for remaining crew members underway pic.twitter.com/FS6KccSSQA ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 Meanwhile, Coast Guard ship 'Rajkiran' from Haldia and 'Coast Dornier' have also arrived in the area to help in the rescue operation. However, it is still unknown as to what caused the fire on the merchant vessel. Earlier this year, the Indian Coast Guard (ICG) had evacuated 26 crew members of an oil tanker after a major fire broke out on it, off the coast of Kandla. The MT Genessa oil tanker, which was anchored about 15 nautical miles off Deendayal Port in Kandla, was reportedly carrying at least 30,000 tonnes of high-speed Diesel. Two members sustained burn injuries due to the incident. The ICG used tugs and rigs to fight out the blaze by pooling resources from Reliance, Adani, and Essar companies. Also, they sent their boats to help in assisting rescue operations. New Delhi: The upcoming foldable device from Samsung would be the most expensive phone from the company's stable, as per several media reports. The phone will reportedly be priced at 2 million Won, (approximately Rs 1.25 lakh) After working for foldable displays for years, the South Korean giant may launch it at the Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona next year, reports added. In 2016, Samsung reportedly filed a patent with the Korean Intellectual Property Office for a smartphone that can be folded in half. Touted to be called the Galaxy X, the front of the smartphone will sport traditional Samsung home button in between a back button on the right and a menu button on the left, media reports said. With 20.5 percent market share, Samsung led the global smartphone sales in the first quarter of 2018 but suffered a dip in its sales globally from the same quarter last year, Gartner said on Tuesday. Samsung had 20.8 percent market share in the first quarter of 2017. In Q1 2018, it was followed by Apple, Huawei, Xiaomi and OPPO respectively. Samsung's smartphone growth rate will remain under pressure through 2018, with Chinese brand's growing dominance and expansion into Europe and Latin America markets, according to Gartner. Samsung is challenged to raise the average selling price (ASP) of its smartphones, while facing increasing competition from Chinese brands that are taking more market share, the research indicated. Mumbai: The Bombay High Court today directed actor Armaan Kohli to submit an affidavit "expressing regret and remorse" for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend and assure it he will not repeat such behaviour in future. A bench of justices R M Savant and Revati Mohite-Dere was hearing a plea filed by Kohli seeking that the FIR registered against him in the matter be quashed. As per the plea, Kohli and his girlfriend arrived at a settlement in the matter and she consented to the FIR being quashed. Kohli also paid monetary compensation to her, according to the plea. Kohli's father, film director Rajkumar Kohli, and his girlfriend were present in the courtroom today. His counsel Satish Maneshinde told the court that the actor had only pushed the woman on the stairs, as a result of which she had sustained injuries. However, she told the court she didn't fall down the stairs. At this, the bench said the records showed that this was not the first time Kohli had been accused of assault. "It doesn't matter whether she has been given compensation or not. She is saying she did not fall down the stairs," the bench said. The judges said that courts can't mechanically quash matters just because the parties come and ask for it. "We have to think of the society also. This isn't the first time he has been accused of something like this. So, the least we expect is an affidavit expressing remorse and regret from him, and an assurance that he will not repeat this in future," the bench said. Kohli was arrested by the police from Lonavala in the neighbouring Pune district earlier this week and booked under IPC section 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means). The metropolitan magistrate in Mumbai rejected Kohli's bail yesterday and he was remanded to judicial custody. JAIPUR: The Shree Rajput Karni Sena, which was up in the arms against the makers of controversial Bollywood movie Padmaavat last year, has now threatened to chop off Rajasthan Education Minister Kiran Maheshwari's nose and ears for allegedly equating Rajputs with "rats". The Rajput outfit has also demanded an immediate apology from the minister while launching a barrage of verbal attacks against her. Maheshwari, who is a Cabinet-rank Minister of Higher, Technical & Sanskrit Education and Science & Technology Departments, has denied referring to the community. Latching on to the opportunity, the Congress too slammed the minister for her statements. Maheshwari had landed in troubled waters for saying, ''there are people like rainy rats who come out of their holes during election time." The BJP MLA from Rajsamand made these remarks on Monday during a press briefing while responding to a question that the Sarv Rajput Samaj Sangharsh Samiti had started a campaign against the BJP ahead of the upcoming assembly polls. Responding to that, the Karni Sena held a meeting on Tuesday during which it warned the minister to apologise or face dire consequences, adding that she should have remembered the Deepika Padukone incident during the "Padmaavat controversy" before making such remark. "BJP has come strong in Rajasthan with the help of the Rajput community. Maheshwari had won the last assembly elections with the help of these 'rats' and hence we will teach her a lesson in the coming elections,'' the outfit said. "There are 40,000 Rajput voters in her constituency (Rajsamand). She should apologise immediately. Also, the state government should issue a statement," Karni Sena's state chief Mahipal Makrana said in a video that went viral soon. @kiranmaheshwari shame of you , sitting in rajasthan and targetting rajputs. this behavior is like you hv lost you mind. https://t.co/vn7RF0zBB0 Shree Rajput Karni Sena (@KarniSenaDelhi) June 13, 2018 He added that although they hold women in high regard, they will not tolerate women insulting the community. Maheshwari later denied using any offensive language against the Rajputs and sought to clarify that her statements against the Congress were twisted to incite the community. Congress' Rajasthan chief Sachin Pilot too condemned the incident and said that Maheshwari should apologise to the entire Rajput community. (With IANS inputs) Providence Resources P.l.c. Results of AGM Dublin and London - June 14, 2018 - Providence Resources P.l.c. (PVR LN, PRP ID), the Irish based Oil & Gas Exploration Company, announces that, at the company's Annual General Meeting held earlier today in Dublin, all ordinary and special resolutions were duly passed. The full text of each resolution was included in the notice of the meeting circulated to shareholders. The Company also presented shareholders with an extensive update on its exploration & appraisal portfolio offshore Ireland, including details of the Barryroe Farm-out transaction which is scheduled to close in the next quarter, subject to government consent, as well updates on Providence's extensive exploration portfolio off the west coast of Ireland. A copy of the AGM presentation is available at providenceresources.com. Tony O'Reilly, Chief Executive Officer commented: "The past 18 months have been an extremely busy time for Providence with a number of important milestones achieved including the agreement of 4 farm-out transactions. These farm-outs have enhanced our financial resources and have allowed us to put in place a forward plan of drilling activity for 2019 and beyond. Looking ahead, we have the portfolio, partners, people and financial resources in place to continue to advance our portfolio through exploration & appraisal drilling for the benefit of all our shareholders. Providence remains a leader in drilling offshore Ireland." INVESTOR ENQUIRIES Providence Resources P.l.c. Tel: +353 1 219 4074 Tony O'Reilly, Chief Executive Officer Cenkos Securities plc Tel: +44 131 220 9771 Neil McDonald/Derrick Lee J&E Davy Tel: +353 1 679 6363 Anthony Farrell Mirabaud Securities Limited Tel: +44 203 167 7221 Peter Krens MEDIA ENQUIRIES Powerscourt Tel: +44 207 250 1446 Peter Ogden Murray Consultants Tel: +353 1 498 0300 Pauline McAlester Tampa: A gigantic dust storm brewing in Mars could spell the death for Opportunity NASA's oldest rover on the planet. The intensifying storm has blocked out the sun, making it difficult for the rover to recharge it's batteries. This unprecedented unusually severe dust storm, first detected on May 30, has covered a quarter of the planet of the Red Planet, the US space agency said at a press conference yesterday. The storm is one of the most intense ever observed on the Red Planet. As of June 10, it covered more than 15.8 million square miles (41 million square kilometers) about the area of North America and Russia combined. It has blocked out so much sunlight, it has effectively turned day into night for Opportunity, which is located near the center of the storm, inside Mars' Perseverance Valley, said NASA. Opportunity rover's batteries are so low that all subsystems are off, except a mission clock, programmed to wake the computer for a periodic check of power levels. If the clock also goes offline, then the rover wont know what time it is when it charges back to life. NASA has declared a "spacecraft emergency" due to the low levels of power. The storm can last a few weeks or a few months. In 2003, Nasa has launched the twin rovers Opportunity and Spirit to study the Red Planet. They landed on Mars in 2004. While the Spirit hasnt worked for years, Opportunity kept exploring the planet for the last 15 years, well beyond its expected mission lifetime of 90 days. Opportunity was last located in a spot called Perseverance Valley three days ago and "has fallen asleep and is waiting out the storm," said John Callas, Opportunity project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. "We are concerned but we are hopeful that the storm will clear and the rover will be able to communicate with us." "In this point we are in a waiting mode. We are listening every day for possible signals from the rover," he said, likening the atmosphere among colleagues to having a loved one lying in a coma. But Callas is hopeful Opportunity will not fully shut down because the approaching Martian summer means temperatures should not dip below the rover's minimal operating temperature, -55 degrees Celsius (-167 Fahrenheit). The coldest NASA expects it to get is -36 C (-60 F). NASA's larger and newer Curiosity rover is on the other side of the planet, where the sky has already begun to darken from the storm. However, NASA is not as worried about Curiosity, which landed in 2012, because it is nuclear-powered, not reliant on the Sun. With agency inputs New Delhi: Internet sensation Sanjeev Shrivastava, who is better known as the 'dancing uncle' on social media finally met his iconGovinda in Mumbai. After enthralling the audiences with his viral dance videos, the professor from Bhopal had a chance of meeting the veteran star on 'Dance Deewane' sets. Recently, dancing uncle had the privilege of sharing the stage with the legendary star and he did make the most of it. The two danced like no one is watching and these pictures are solid proof of the fun they had. Check it out: (Pic Courtesy: Yogen Shah) The dancing uncle was accompanied by his wife on the show, who also was seen in the viral videos. 'Dance Deewane' show has dhak-dhak girl Madhuri Dixit Nene as one of the three judges besides choreographer Tushar Kalia and filmmaker Shashank Khaitan. The EC Engineer cum professor danced on superstar Govinda's song 'Aap Ke Aa Jane Se' from the 1987 film 'Khudgarz'. It starred Govinda and Neelam Kothari in the lead roles. Netizens praised him and his dancing videos were splashed all across the social media platforms. His dance moves in the video which was probably taken at a wedding generated a lot of buzz online inviting several reactions from celebrities in Bollywood. He even met superstar Salman Khan recently on 'Dus Ka Dum' show. Kathmandu: A bomb has exploded at the office of a major hydropower project being constructed with Indian assistance in Nepal, the second such incident at the facility in over a month. An unidentified group exploded an improvised explosive device in the office of Arun III hydropower in Tumlingtar, nearly 500 km from. The explosion did not cause any serious damage and no one was injured in the incident, according to the police. Security arrangements have been intensified following the incident, he said. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the blast. On April 29, a CPN Maoist faction had exploded a bomb at the office of the project weeks before its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A Project Development Agreement (PDA) for Arun III was signed with India's state-owned Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) on November 25, 2014 in the presence of the then Prime Minister Sushil Koirala and visiting Indian Prime Minister Modi. The historic meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un took place in Singapore. Now the world is trying to understand how to react to this all Read original article at 112.ua The media, politicians, experts, diplomats - all are still discussing the meeting between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un, which was held in Singapore. At the meeting, a document was signed, immediately described by the US president as "very important and sufficiently comprehensive." "We decided to leave the past behind, the world will see major changes," Kim Jong-un said after the meeting. At the same time, both Kim and Trump stressed the friendly nature of the meeting several times. "We have learned a lot about each other and about our countries, all our relations with North Korea and the Korean Peninsula will now be completely different," Trump said. The US president also called Kim "a very talented person who loves his country." The meeting is already over. Now let's see how the world appreciated what happened in Singapore. "The abyss of charm and not a word about progress" 112 Agency So initially characterized the meeting Reuters agency. In fact, there was indeed enough charm. Trump tried to joke with photographers. Although Kim, judging by the expression on his face, didnt appreciate Trump's joke. In general, Reuters spoke about the final document. Which, in the opinion of many people, was not concrete. For example, Robert Kelly, a political science professor at Busan University, is not impressed by the uncertainty and limited coverage of the agreement. "It's depressing ...", Kelly wrote on Twitter. Bonus Fake Kim Jong-un on the streets of Singapore on the eve of the summit. Many people reacted very emotionally. Open source On June 7, Ukraines parliament finally adopted a long-awaited law that paves the way for the establishment of an anticorruption court. Members of the parliament had only one hour to evaluate the draft before voting, and the final text was released on June 13. Ukrainians have been waiting for four long years for justice. None of our high-profile crooks are behind bars. Plus, Ukraine needs the next IMF tranche of $2 billion to avoid default, and everything depends on the new law. Read the original article at Atlantic Council. Open source On June 14, Ukrainians pay tribute to the deceased airborne troops. 40 soldiers of the 25th Airborne Brigade of Ukraines Armed Forces lost their lives when Russian militants downed IL-76 transport aircraft over Luhansk airport. In small hours of June 14, 2014, the transport was about to land at Luhansk airport, besieged by the enemy. The militants used a man-portable missile launcher, which killed all aboard, including the mentioned 40 airborne troops and nine crew members. This became the most serious combat loss of the Ukrainian Army since the beginning of the armed conflict in Donbas in April 2014. The reason of the tragedy is poor management and ignorance of the operations commanding officer. Major General Viktor Nazarov who gave the order to bring the troops there faced the trial. In March 2017, the judges sentenced him to seven years behind the bars. Nazarov denies his guilt and appeals against the decision. Ukraine's assault airborne forces proved themselves as valiant and fearless soldiers on the battlefield; they took heavy casualties during the early stages of Donbas conflict - and still completed tough missions during the conflict's most significant battles that took place in 2014 and later on. Since 2014, Ukrainian paratroopers have been marking August 2 not just as their professional holiday, but also as a day of memory for their fallen comrades who perished during the ongoing armed conflict on Donbas. A local citizen suffered in the result of the shelling of the village by pro-Russian militants in Donetsk region as the press service of the local police reported. According to the information, the militants shelled Vodiane village, Volnovakha region yesterday at 18:00. Soon after this, the 71-year-old local citizen appealed to the police and reported that his house was damaged after the attack as the shrapnel affected the roof and walls. At the moment of the attack, he was inside the house and received a shrapnel wound of the back. However, the pensioner refused from the medical service. The law enforcers specified that Vodiane is in a few hundred meters from the militants positions. Due to the constant attacks, almost all citizens evacuated only nine houses are residential at the moment. The shelling was qualified as the terrorist act by the local police department. As we reported since Tuesday morning, pro-Kremlin mercenaries attacked Ukrainian positions in Donbas 32 times. One Ukrainian soldier deceased in combat over the mentioned period; another two soldiers sustained injuries, their lives are beyond danger. Over the said period, the Ukrainian forces also inflicted casualties on the enemy troops; five men deceased, while another four were wounded. A hostile APC was destroyed, too. Read the original text at 112.ua. Open source June 11, head of the State Property Fund (SPF) of Ukraine Vitaliy Trubarov said: "There is no way back, SPF has signed 22 orders on the privatization of large privatization facilities. This is the first large list of such enterprises for the last 10 years. Soon we will announce a competition on the selection of advisers." And we must honestly admit: due to the weak hryvnia and in accordance with the new Law on Privatization, the participation of investors, especially foreign ones, looks very attractive. Both external and internal investors today carefully study the enterprises subjected to denationalization, since such unique opportunities to invest in terms of a weak hryvnia are very rare. Especially in a country with a huge European territory, a powerful production potential, and a dynamic consumer market. Therefore, until the end of this year, the authorities expect to obtain 0,1 billion USD from the sale of state property. That is why the SPF of Ukraine has issued 22 orders so quickly and decided to privatize specific large enterprises from the list of large-scale privatization objects. I also have no doubt that the Fund has no illusions that if it is very difficult to attract long investment money to Ukrainian companies with private capital from countries with high-quality economies, the same investments could easily come to the privatized enterprises. The statistics of the previous years convincingly confirms that this is not so easy. For example, in 2017, revenues to the state budget were planned at 0,65 billion USD, but they received only 130 million USD In 2016, the volume of proceeds from privatization amounted to 7,3 million USD. And in the current year 2018, the leadership of the State Property Fund has been working on the solution of various organizational problems for too long. So, only this week they began the process of holding competitions for the selection of advisors for the sale of 22 large-scale privatization enterprises. The SPF plans to announce the contests before July 1, and currently, the specialists of the Foundation are preparing the contest conditions for the work of advisers. However, there are some positive developments too. The heads of these departments, I think, perfectly understand that although the crisis is not the best time for carrying out a large-scale process of denationalization, especially for reforming markets and the economy of Ukraine as a whole. But without launching the process of effective denationalization, it will be increasingly difficult to implement various economic programs. Moreover, the value of assets will continue to fall and the number of problems with borrowing and attracting long investment money into the real sector of the economy will increase. Therefore, international auditing company Ernst & Young, the adviser on the privatization of PJSC "Centrenergo," has already begun searching for a potential buyer for 78.2% shareholding of this issue. Market participants believe that in 2018, PJSC "Centrenergo" will become the first object of large-scale privatization, which will be acquired by a strategic foreign investor. By this time, all the necessary audits have already been carried out at the enterprise, including financial and environmental audits, the formation of terms of sale and the initial cost of this shareholding is being completed too. Not only the management of the State Property Fund checks potential investors, but they also carefully investigate the current economic situation in Ukraine. Therefore, it is important for us to quickly and effectively create an investment-friendly environment for the strategists and for the international direct investments in large state-owned enterprises subject to privatization. Of course, Verkhovna Rada and the presidential administration need to take the right political decisions in order to adapt to the new conjuncture in world markets. But even when we realize this new reality, how should we act in the conditions of a systemic restriction of the Ukrainian markets (and these restrictions are not only financial)? That is why the adoption of decisions on privatization for each object from the list of 22 enterprises should be the next step after the approval of the list of objects of large privatization. And, of course, all domestic and foreign investors are now expecting that Groysmans Cabinet of Ministers would adopt a specific set of financial and economic benchmarks. There should be a clear understanding of the actions of the authorities, and how they can influence the effectiveness of the process of large-scale privatization before the end of 2018. After all, as the head of the State Property Fund of Ukraine Vitaliy Trubarov noted, the list of divestments for this year includes PJSC "Centrenergo," a number of other heat power plants, United Mining and Chemical Company, coal company Krasnolymanska, Azovmash, Turboatom, Electrotyazhmash, Sumykhimprom, Odesa Port Plant, Zaporizhia Titanium and Magnesium Plant, Ukragroleasing, Agrarian Fund, State Food and Grain Corporation, and even 100% of President-Hotel shares. Many leading analysts and experts have no doubt that the weakening of hryvnia will still continue, and this will also facilitate the successful large-scale privatization of large enterprises. But how strong will be the decline of our national currency in relation, for example, to the US dollar by the end of this year? As you know, in the state budget for 2018, the rate was set at 29.3 UAH / USD. In turn, for the sake of justice, we must admit that without large-scale privatization and improvement of practically the entire legislative and regulatory framework, we will not be able to carry out technical re-equipment of the Ukrainian enterprises of the real sector of the economy and do not change the investment climate in the country for the better. Everything is interrelated in this system. This column does not necessarily reflect the opinion of the editorial board or 112.International and its owners. English French Press release highlights: The exploration drill holes published were completed north of current resources (See March 20 th , 2018 press release) and north of the Larder-Lake-Cadillac Break. , 2018 press release) and north of the Larder-Lake-Cadillac Break. Hole OB-17-78 published aimed the vertical and lateral extension of the deepest drill hole completed on the Vintage Zone (OB-17-49), which intersected 6.9 g/t Au over 4 m in a sulphides rich Banded Iron Formation ( 10% pyrite and 10% pyrrhotite ). (See figure 1 and figure 2) and ). (See figure 1 and figure 2) Hole OB-17-78 intersected multiple gold values including 3.2 g/t Au over 1.5 meters 95 meters down-dip and 50 meters east of hole OB-17-49. Results from 7 drill holes completed south of the Larder-Lake-Cadillac Break are pending; 4 holes were completed on the F Zone, located west of current resources area 3 short holes were completed in vertical extension of the enrichment vector defined in the heart of current resources on 36E area (See figure 2 and figure 3) ROUYN-NORANDA, Quebec, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Radisson Mining Resources Inc. (TSX-V:RDS) (OTC:RMRDF) (Radisson or the Company") is pleased to announce final results from the 6 000 meters exploration drilling program completed on the Vintage Zone of OBrien gold project. The project is located along the Larder-Lake-Cadillac Break (L-L-C) halfway between Rouyn-Noranda and Val-dOr, two renowned mining towns in the province of Quebec, Canada. The 2 exploration drill holes published targeted the vertical and lateral extension of the widest and deepest intercept published to date on the Vintage Zone located north of the L-L-C. Multiple gold intersects in association with quartz-carbonate veins and veinlets with pyrite and pyrrhotite mineralisation, hosted in Cadillac graywacke and polymictic conglomerate were identified. Veins and veinlets are generally concordant, and sometimes discordant to local deformation. Mario Bouchard, President and CEO commented: Results obtained from the exploration program completed on the Vintage Zone continues to highlight the strong exploration potential lying north of the Larder-Lake-Cadillac Break at the OBrien gold project. We should note that the bulk of current resources at OBrien are located a few meters south of the L-L-C, in the Piche volcanic group. Our team is currently building a litho-structural model in order to establish new drilling targets on the Vintage Zone, F Zone and OBrien West, a sector that hasnt been explored recently. The overall project being open at depth, drilling targets have also been established below the 500 m level in down-dip of current resources on 36E and Kewagama areas. Drilling results summary on the Vintage Zone Drill hole From To Length Grade (g/t) Interpreted zone (m) (m) (m) Au OB-17-75 492.5 493.2 0.7 5.4 Cadillac Conglomerate OB-17-78 498.6 505.0 6.4 1.8 Cadillac Graywacke Including 498.6 499.8 1.2 2.2 Cadillac Graywacke and 502.8 505.5 2.2 3.4 Cadillac Graywacke OB-17-78 530.0 532.4 2.4 2.3 Cadillac Graywacke OB-17-78 729.4 730.9 1.5 3.2 Cadillac Graywacke Note; Results are presented as down hole width; true width are estimated between 55 to 70% of down hole thickness. Vintage zone exploration program The Vintage zone is a parallel zone of the OBrien project located approximately 85 meters north of the Cadillac Break in the Cadillac Group of meta-sediments comprising sequence of polymictic conglomerate, banded iron formation (BIF) and Graywacke. A few mineralized zones intercepted on Vintage were included in the latest resource estimate. In parallel, the bulk of current resources on 36E and Kewagama zones are located in the Piche Group, south of the Cadillac Break. Due to their proximity all zones could eventually be accessed via same mining infrastructures. Drilling results obtained up to date, allowed Radisson to denote that the Vintage zone remains open at depth and laterally. The ongoing review of historical and recent holes will be used to complete the litho-structural model of the area. All drill cores in this campaign are NQ in size. Assays were completed on sawn half-cores, with the second half kept for future reference. The samples were analyzed using standard fire assay procedures with Atomic Absorption (AA) finish at ALS Laboratory Ltd, in Val-dOr, Quebec. Samples yielding a grade higher than 5 g/t were analyzed a second time by fire assay with gravimetric finish at the same laboratory. Samples containing visible gold were analyzed with metallic sieve procedure. Standard reference materials and blank samples were inserted prior to shipment for quality assurance and quality control (QA/QC) program. Qualified Person Catherine Jalbert, P. Geo, acts as a Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 and has reviewed and approved the technical information in this press release. About Radisson Mining Resources Inc. Radisson is a Quebec-based mineral exploration company. The OBrien project, cut by the regional Cadillac Break, is Radissons flagship asset. The project hosts the former OBrien Mine, considered to have been the Abitibi Greenstone Belts highest-grade gold producer during its production (1,197,147 metric tons at 15.25 g/t Au for 587,121 ounces of gold from 1926 to 1957; InnovExplo, April 2015). For more information on Radisson, visit our website at www.radissonmining.com or contact: Hubert Parent-Bouchard Corporate Development 819-763-9969 hpbouchard@radissonmining.com Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements: This press release may contain certain forward-looking information. All statements included herein, including the scheduled Closing date, but other than statements of historical fact, is forward-looking information and such information involves various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such information will prove to be accurate, and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. A description of assumptions used to develop such forward-looking information and a description of risk factors that may cause actual results to differ materially from forward looking information can be found in Radissons disclosure documents on the SEDAR website at www.sedar.com. An image (Fig. 1) accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/deaf47b5-2712-4bce-ba04-2e79463e3c97 An image (Fig. 2) accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/cf2fa92c-f5c8-4b20-b785-a81af97f62a7 An image (Fig. 3) accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/31e5533d-ef2b-477b-86ac-09338b14ab8d U.S. President described Ukraine as one of the most corrupt states in the world U.S. leader Donald Trump called Crimea 'part of Russia', because 'everyone speaks Russian there'. BuzzFeed News reported that with reference to their own sources. According to the outlet, Trump said this at the dinner, which took place after the official part of the G7 summit. Alberto Nardelli, the European editor of the outlet confirmed that on Twitter. Trump also asked the G7 leaders why would they support Ukraine, since it was 'one of the most corrupt countries of the world', he said. The White House has so far provided no comments on the incident. Previously, Trump said he upheld Russia's return to G8, while the G7 leaders opposed the idea. Earlier U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May said that Russia would not be invited to return to the G7 countries until it stops interfering in the affairs of other countries. As it was reported, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko thanked the leaders of the G-7 countries for their support of Ukraine. According to him, the results of the summit confirmed that Ukraine is "among the key priorities of the free world." According to Trump, he would ask Putin to do things that are good for the world Open source U.S. President Donald Trump claimed that if Russian President Vladimir Putin were at the G7 summit, they would be able to discuss the situations in Syria and Ukraine as FoxNews reported. You know, we spend probably 25 percent of our time talking about Russia and I said wouldn't it be better if they were here, Trump said, adding that he does not stand for Russia, but for the US. Trump also said that if Putin were at the G7 summit, they would be able to discuss the situations in Syria and Ukraine. I will tell you, as an example, if he were at that meeting I could ask him to do things that are good for the world, that are good for the country, that are good for him, Trump said. Earlier U.K. Prime Minister Theresa May said that Russia would not be invited to return to the G7 countries until it stops interfering in the affairs of other countries. As it was reported, President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko thanked the leaders of the G-7 countries for their support of Ukraine. According to him, the results of the summit confirmed that Ukraine is "among the key priorities of the free world." As Gjorge Ivanov, the President of Macedonia, believes, the agreement comprises too many concessions to Greece Open source Gjorge Ivanov, the President of Macedonia, stated that he would not sign the agreement with Greece on the renaming of the country, as Radio Free Europe reported. According to him, the agreement on the renaming of Macedonia comprises too many concessions to Greece. This pernicious agreement, which is unique for the humans history, is inappropriate and unacceptable for me, it violates the Constitution, laws and damages the state institutions. I will not legalize the political individual initiative of the government, Ivanov said. Zoran Zaev, the PM of Macedonia, and Nikola Dimitrov, the Foreign Minister, came to the President in the morning to inform about the agreement. Yet, the meeting lasted only two minutes. Earlier, Athens and Skopje agreed that the Republic of Macedonia will be renamed as the Republic of North Macedonia. The solution of this argument will give an impetus for Macedonias aspirations of EU and NATO membership. Since Yugoslavia broke up in the early 1990s, Macedonia is having arguments with Greece concerning its name. In Greece, the neighbor state is called Skopje (the name of Macedonias capital) or the Former Yugoslavian Republic of Macedonia. Macedonias Parliament adopted a resolution on joining NATO in 1993, but the state is still at the level of the talks with the Alliance. Greece was blocking Macedonias talks with EU and NATO due to the argument in terms of the name. Open source Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Lyudmyla Denysova insists on the early visit of Ukrainian political prisoner Oleg Sentsov due to the critical state of his health as 112 Ukraine reported. We insist on our visit to Oleg Sentsov as soon as possible as his state is critical. We are assured that he is almost not starving and in a normal state but we can confirm or belie this only when we see him personally. So, we continue to insist on the early visit of Oleg Sentsov, she said. Also, she reported on the end of the negotiation in the office of Russias Commissioner for Human Rights. Preliminary, we did not confirm the roadmap offered by them, she said. According to ombudswoman, the Russian side offered to visit Omsk on June 16. Ukrainian Dmytro Shtyblikov is captivated there. The issue of the visit of Oleg Sentsov is open. We insist on the early visit to Labytnangi (Tymen Oblast) where Oleg is captivated but Russia offers the possible date of the visit after June 22. It does not suit us at all. We will continue to insist to go there in the nearest days, Denysova said. Ombudswoman Denysova went to Russia for meeting with the Ukrainian political prisoners. 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 daily. Russian moviemaker Askold Kurov noted that the Ukrainian political prisoner feels good. The Serbian Radical Party, which is in opposition to the acting government and the second largest party in the parliament, is planning to put for voting the recognition of the occupied Crimean peninsula Russian territory. Leader of the party Seselj Aleksandar announced such plans, reports Izvestia. According Seselj, at the moment there are no obstacles for the Serbian parliament, government or president to admit the results of a referendum held on the peninsula in 2014. Representatives of the party addressed with this statement the President Aleksandar Vucic, Prime Minister Ana Brnabic and the Foreign Ministry Ivica Dacic during a session of parliament on 7 June. "Russia has always been a key partner for Serbia. It is a fact confirmed by the history. Moscow supports Belgrade regarding Kosovo and Metohija. However Serbia in fact does not recognize the territorial integrity of the Russian Federation. We want Belgrade to refuse from the hypocritical policy and officially recognize Crimea an integral part of Russia," the head of the party said. He specified that the issue is scheduled to be put to the vote in September. Radicals are planning to prepare a resolution in which their positions will be detailed during summer. As it was reported earlier, Crimea was annexed by Russia by way of the illegal referendum that was held at the peninsula in March 2014. Earlier the Russian militaries that stayed there without any marking conquered all strategic military objects and building of the force and state bodies. The results of the referendum were not recognized by Ukraine and the world society. The number of the European and world countries, including Ukraine imposed the economic sanctions against Russia. The trade will also provide a sharing of achievements results regarding on prevention and transmission of poultry diseases, particularly the bird flu Ukraine and China on June 7 signed a memorandum on the promotion of mutual trade of poultry, according to the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection. Related: In what sectors should Chinese or American invest to get profit in Ukraine? "Volodymyr Lapa, Head of the Consumer Protection Service signed a memorandum of understanding between the General Customs Office of the People's Republic of China and the State Service of Ukraine for Food Safety and Consumer Protection on cooperation and assistance in mutual poultry trade between Ukraine and China," reads the message. Lapa also stated that the memorandum will facilitate the development and strengthening of cooperation and expansion of the two-way trade, expansion of imported and exported types of goods between Ukraine and China. Yesterday's report says that China has started to evaluate the System of Public Control of Ukraine over the production of sweet cherry. Yury Holyk, the Council of the Dnipropetrovsk Governor reported that the high school 6 in Zhovti Vody will be a landmark of the city. Schools in Dnipropetrovsk region are now under intense maintenance. Yuriy Holyk, the Adviser of the Dnipro region Governor posted this on Facebook, informing the society about the current steps taken in this area. According to him, reconstruction works are going at full speed, and the Dnipro Regional State Administration will initiate the reconstruction of the school stadium. 'The school is one of more than 30 facilities that are being reconstructed. The brightest school of Ukraine,' Holyk said. Related: Ukraine to attract $185 million from KfW for infrastructure projects Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration Also, the Council thanked the taxpayers of Dnipro region. 'Everything we build is for the taxes you paid and allocated funds provided by the President, which has already shown the success and cost-efficiency,' the Council summarized. As it was reported earlier, the Dnipro Regional State Administration reconstructs 34 schools at the same time. 'This is without taking into account several schools, the decision on financing of which is not approved by the expertise at the moment. It means that in one month 34 schools will turn out in 37 or 38. The reconstruction is being undertaken through the region, starting from the hub and large schools,' he explained. Dnipropetrovsk Regional State Administration 'Reconstruction of every school is to make them coldproof, to change windows and install a new roof, refresh interior and exterior,' the Adviser of the Governor said. 'Schools are being disassembled and vice versa, making them an appropriate and comfy place for studying,' according to Holyk. Along with these 34 schools, the Dnipro Regional State Administration is planning to refresh dozens of other schools, the Adviser said. The country can benefit if it offers modern infrastructure solutions; Hyperloop's technologies may be implemented in Ukraine in 5-10 years, - Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelyan Open source Ukraine's ministry of infrastructure and Hyperloop Transportation Technologies signed the memorandum on cooperation. The ministry's press service reported this on Thursday evening. 'Firstly, we will be jointly developing the technology; secondly, we agreed on the joint search of investors for this project. It should be commercially successful, instead of being another fancy idea, which is well funded by the government. It should be an absolutely transparent business model, which generates the income', Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelyan said as quoted by his agency's press service. According to him, the Ukrainian technologies may be used worldwide. 'In the world where countries and companies compete in speed and convenience of logistics, Ukraine may appear a winner, if it offers modern infrastructure solutions and becomes the bridge to connect Europe and Asia', Omelyan said. Liga.net news agency also quoted Omelyan who said that Hyperloop's technologies may be implemented in Ukraine in the period from five to ten years. A proposed mode of passenger and/or freight transportation Hyperloop first used to describe an open-source vactrain design released by a joint team from Tesla and SpaceX. Elon Musk's version of the concept, first publicly mentioned in 2012, incorporates reduced-pressure tubes in which pressurized capsules ride on air bearings driven by linear induction motors and air compressors. A number of routes have been proposed for Hyperloop systems that meet the approximate distance conditions for which a Hyperloop is hypothesized to provide improved transport times. Route proposals range from speculation described in company releases to business cases to signed agreements. Zhebrivsky also reported on the planned meeting with Ukraines President Petro Poroshenko Open source Former Head of Donetsk Regional Civil-Military Administration Pavlo Zhebrivsky offered two nominees for the post of the governor of Donetsk regions. He reported this at the press conference in Kramatorsk as 62.ua reported. I have provided two suitable candidates to the president, Zhebrivsky claimed. He emphasized that the main aim of the future governor is the development of Ukraine in the region. I want him to create here Ukraine. As Donetsk region is a place where the sun of Ukraine comes up. According to Ukrinform, Zhebrivsky also reported on the planned meeting with Ukraines President Petro Poroshenko at which it will become known which post Zhebrivsky is going to occupy. He also said that the resignation is his conscious decision. Nobody prepared my resignation. It is my conscious decision and the president understood and supported me, Zhebrivsky said. He added that he will work in the sphere that Ukraine needs and it will be a decision of the president. I remain to be in the presidents team, ex-Donetsk Head concluded. As we reported Pavlo Zhebrivsky asked President Poroshenko to accept his resignation letter on June 11. Later the president signed the order on his dismissal. Pavlo Zhebrivsky was appointed Head of Donetsk Region Civil-Military Administration on June 11, 2015. It was re-organized from the Donetsk Regional State Administration since March 5, 2015. It is situated in Kramatorsk. Mass media reported that Yuriy Hrymchak, the Deputy Minister of Temporarily Occupied Territories and IDPs, will be Zhebrivskys successor, however, he does not confirm this information. According to this law, the new court should be created during a year The law #2447-VII on Supreme Anti-corruption court (SACC) has come into force in Ukraine. Yesterday it was published at the official parliamentarian newspaper Holos Ukrayiny. The law obliges to form the Anti-corruption court within a year that should consist of at least 35 judges, 10 of which are representatives of the Appeal Chamber. The document offers the president to submit the draft law on the creation of the new court to the Verkhovna Rada. During the month after the appointment of 35 judges, the senior of them should call a meeting at which they will determine the date of the beginning of the courts work and solve the organizational matters. The Supreme Qualification Commission of Judges of Ukraine (SQCJU) will select the judges of the SACC with the help of six members of the International Experts Council. So, it is necessary to create this council first. The members of the International Experts Council will be appointed by the SQCJU choosing among the nominees offered by the international organization with which Ukraine cooperates in the prevention of corruption sphere. When there are at least 12 nominees, the SQCJU will choose the members of the International Experts Council at the open session. Both foreigners and citizens of Ukraine can become the international experts. The requirements are flawless business reputation, high moral character and working experience abroad starting from 5 years in the execution of the procedural management, maintenance of the prosecution in the court or corruption proceedings. The members of the International Experts Council will be appointed for two years without a right to occupy such position again. They will be paid from the state budget during the participation in the selection of the judges. The sum equals the salary of the Supreme Court judge or $5, 000 in 2018. If a person leaves abroad he has compensated the expenses for the accommodation and relocation. When six International Experts Council members will be selected, it is possible to switch to the selection of the judges for the SACC. The SQCJU will announce the selection of the nominees, everybody interested files the documents, then the SQCJU checks them and allows the nominee to the selection testing and then the person is checked for the corruption. Those who passed this stage have a special training and pass the selection testing. On the result of the SQCJU, the official list of the nominees is published. During this period of time, the International Experts Council gathers and analyses the information about the nominees provided by the SQCJU. Three international experts can initiate the special joint session if there are doubts on the correspondence of the nominees for the post. Also, the preliminary interview with the nominees can take place in the presence of six members of the Social Council before the joint session. Questionable nominee can become a SACC judge if he will be supported by at least nine SQCJU representatives and at least three international experts during the joint session. The SACC judges should have the working experience as a judge starting from five years and as advocate seven years or scientific activity at least seven years. Also, such judge should have knowledge and skills for the execution of the proceeding in the corruption cases. The former workers of the law enforcement bodies, the National Anti-Corruption Bureau, National Agency for Prevention of Corruption, Anti-monopoly committee, Accounting Chamber of Ukraine, Fiscal Service, State Service of Financial Monitoring, the SQCJU, the Supreme Justice Council cannot become the judges of the SACC. The SACC judges should be protected, while the members of the family can be protected on the request. The changes in the Criminal Proceeding Code provided by the law will come into force when the SACC starts to work. Particularly, the issue is about the jurisdiction of the court. As we reported Petro Poroshenko has signed the law 'On Supreme Anti-Corruption court'. We recall, on June 7, the Verkhovna Rada of Ukraine voted for the law on the establishment of the Supreme Anti-Corruption Court. The decision was supported by 315 deputies. The Verkhovna Rada supported in the first reading the presidential bill number 7440 on the Anti-Corruption Court on March 1. Since that day, the head of state has called upon the people's deputies to speed up the work on the adoption of the full document. TORONTO, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hiku Brands Company Ltd. (Hiku) (CSE:HIKU) and WeedMD Inc. (TSX-V:WMD) (OTC:WDDMF) (FSE:4WE) (WeedMD) are pleased to announce that WeedMD has obtained an interim order from the Ontario Superior Court of Justice authorizing the holding of an annual and special meeting (the WeedMD Meeting) of WeedMD shareholders (WeedMD Shareholders) to consider the previously announced merger (the Merger Transaction or the Arrangement) between Hiku and WeedMD. As described in the joint Hiku and WeedMD press release dated April 19, 2018, WeedMD will be seeking WeedMD Shareholder approval for the Arrangement under the Business Corporations Act (Ontario) (the Arrangement Resolution). The WeedMD Meeting to consider the Arrangement Resolution will be held on Wednesday, July 11, 2018 at 10:00 a.m. (Toronto time) at Fogler, Rubinoff LLP, located at TD Centre North Tower, Suite 3000, 77 King Street, Toronto, Ontario. WeedMD Shareholders of record as of the close of business on May 23, 2018 (the Record Date) are eligible to vote at the WeedMD Meeting. The information circular with respect to the WeedMD Meeting is in the process of being mailed out to the WeedMD Shareholders and will also be available under WeedMDs profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. About Hiku Brands Hiku is focused on building a portfolio of engaging cannabis brands, unsurpassed retail experiences and handcrafted cannabis production. With a national retail footprint led by Tokyo Smoke, craft cannabis production through DOJAs ACMPR (defined below) licensed grow, and Van der Pops female-focused educational platforms, Hiku houses an industry-leading portfolio that aims to set the bar for cannabis brands in Canada. Hikus wholly-owned subsidiary, DOJA Cannabis Ltd., is a federally licensed to cultivate and sell cannabis pursuant to the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations (ACMPR), owning two production facilities in the heart of British Columbias Okanagan Valley. Hikus wholly-owned subsidiary, Tokyo Smoke has been conditionally awarded one of four master retail licenses in Manitoba. Hiku also operates a network of retail stores selling coffee, clothing and curated accessories, across British Columbia, Alberta and Ontario. About WeedMD WeedMD Inc. is the publicly-traded parent company of WeedMD Rx Inc., a federally-licensed producer and distributor of medical cannabis and oils under the ACMPR. The Company operates a 26,000 sq. ft. indoor facility in Aylmer, Ontario, and a second cultivation site at its greenhouse facility located in Strathroy, Ontario, representing 610,000 sq. ft. or 14 acres under glass. WeedMD has entered into supply agreements in addition to strategic relationships with established cannabis brands. WeedMD is focused on providing medical cannabis to the seniors' markets in Canada through its proprietary seniors care program. It is dedicated to educating healthcare practitioners and furthering public understanding of the role that medical cannabis plays including as it pertains to regulatory requirements, indications and potential side effects. For Further Information, Please Contact: Will Stewart Hiku Vice President of Corporate Communications and Public Affairs 416-899-9422 wstewart@hiku.com Keith Merker WeedMD CFO 519-706-4900 keith@weedmd.com Cautionary Statement on Forward-Looking Information This news release contains forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of Hiku and WeedMD to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements. These forward-looking statements include, but are not limited to, statements relating to our expectations with respect to: the timing and outcome of the Transaction; the anticipated benefits of the Transaction to the parties and their respective security holders; impact of the Transaction and anticipated growth of the combined entity, including planned capacity; and the anticipated timing of the WeedMD Meeting. Often, but not always, forward-looking statements can be identified by the use of words such as plans, expects or does not expect, is expected, estimates, intends, anticipates or does not anticipate, or believes, or variations of such words and phrases or state that certain actions, events or results may, could, would, might or will be taken, occur or be achieved. In respect of the forward-looking statements and information concerning the anticipated benefits and completion of the Transaction and the anticipated timing for completion of the Transaction, Hiku and WeedMD have provided such statements and information in reliance on certain assumptions that they believe are reasonable at this time, including assumptions as to the time required to prepare and mail security holder meeting materials; the ability of the parties to receive, in a timely manner and on satisfactory terms, the necessary regulatory, court and shareholders approvals; the ability of the parties to satisfy, in a timely manner, the other conditions to the closing of the Transaction; and other expectations and assumptions concerning the Transaction. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will occur, or that it will occur on the terms and conditions contemplated in this news release. The Transaction could be modified, restructured or terminated. Accordingly, readers should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements and information contained in this press release. Since forward-looking statements and information address future events and conditions, by their very nature they involve inherent risks and uncertainties. Actual results could differ materially from those currently anticipated due to a number of factors and risks. Readers are cautioned that the foregoing list of factors is not exhaustive. Additional information on other factors that could affect the operations or financial results of the parties are included in reports on file with applicable securities regulatory authorities. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this release and, accordingly, are subject to change after such date. Hiku and WeedMD do not assume any obligation to update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf, except as required by applicable law. None of the TSX Venture Exchange (TSXV) or the Canadian Securities Exchange and their Regulation Services Providers accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Completion of the Transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance. The Transaction cannot close until the required WeedMD Shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the Transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular to be prepared in connection with the Transaction, any information released or received with respect to the Transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of WeedMD and Hiku should be considered highly speculative. The TSXV has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents 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 The UN General Assembly has elected Ukraine to the United Nations Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC) for the period of 2019-2021. This was reported by the press service of the Permanent Mission of Ukraine to the United Nations. "Membership in ECOSOC will contribute to the implementation of the best international practices in the field of socio-economic reforms in Ukraine. We also plan to use the potential of the UN more actively to address urgent humanitarian problems," the Permanent Representative of Ukraine to the UN Volodymyr Yelchenko said after the election. ECOSOC is one of the six key UN bodies responsible for coordinating the activities of United Nations and its specialized agencies in the economic and social spheres. It consists of 54 UN member states. The last time Ukraine was elected to ECOSOC in 2010-2012. As it was reported earlier, Ukraine filed the memorandum on the financing of the terrorism and racial discrimination to the UN International Court. The President of Ukraine Petro Poroshenko emphasized that the filing of this memorandum is the important stage in the proving that Russia will be responsible for all criminal actions. The president emphasized that the whole world "is convicting Russia to recognize the unlawfulness of its actions and withdraw from the occupied territories of Donbas and Crimea." Open source Ukrainian Parliament Commissioner for Human Rights Lyudmyla Denysova intends to visit Ukrainian political prisoners in Russia Roman Sushchenko and Mykola Karpyuk today on June 14 as 112 Ukraine reported. Really, on Saturday we will be in Omsk, visiting Roman Shtyblikov along with Russian Commissioner for Human Right Moskalkova. But today we negotiation on the basis of the consular agreements to visit Roman Sushchenko and Karpyuk who are at Vladimir Central. We hold the necessary procedures with our Embassy to Russia, yesterday the note for giving us such possibility was sent. We work on this direction, she said. As it was reported earlier, Verkhovna Rada passed the document, in which it turned to the international partners due to the illegal verdict in the case of the political prisoner. The Verkhovna Rada demanded that Russia immediately stop the deliberate violation of human rights and freedoms, cancel the illegal decision in the case of Roman Sushchenko and see to it that he returns to Ukraine without impediment. Roman Sushchenko, the Ukrainian reporter, was detained in Moscow in September 2016. The Russian prosecutors charged him with espionage in favor of the Ukrainian military intelligence. They also accused him of an attempt to clear up the possibility of a new attack on Mariupol by the DNR terrorists. Recently, the Russian court sentenced him to 12 years in the high-security penal colony. Hyundai Merchant Marine, APL and Evergreen will participate. A premium container service between China and Australia is being launched by Hyundai Merchant Marine, APL and Evergreen. The first sailing for the new service will be on Aug. 17 from Ningbo and will operate five 4,600-TEU ships with the following rotation: Ningbo-Shanghai-Yantian-Sydney-Melbourne-Brisbane-Ningbo. HMM is calling the service the A1X or Australia No.1 Express, while APL is calling it the China Australia 6 service. Evergreen and APL will deploy three vessels, while HMM said it will supply two of the ships. HMM said that previously it had provided the service through a slot purchase from Maersk, MSC, ONE and Hamburg Sud. At the same time, MOL has left the carriers group. Hyundai Merchant Marine (HMM) will join the New York Shipping Exchange (NYSHEX), according to a filing made with the the Federal Maritime Commission that will not become effective until July 23. In the same filing NYSHEX revealed Japans MOL has left the exchange. MOL recently combined its container liner business with that of NYK and K Line to form Ocean Network Express or ONE. HMM becomes one of the carriers that are eligible to serve on the board of NYSHEX. The other NYSHEX carrier members are CMA CGM, Hapag-Lloyd, Maersk, COSCO Shipping/OOCL and Maersk. The current NYSHEX board members consists of four members, two representatives from the carriers of CMA CGM and Hapag-Lloyd and two representatives from the shippers Electrolux and Nestle. NYSHEX was created to solve the problem of shippers booking space on ships and then not showing up with cargo and carriers overbooking ships (because they anticipate a certain amount of cargo not showing up) and then having to roll cargo to subsequent voyages or other ships if more containers arrive than were forecast. The exchange offers a digital contracting technology that enables shippers and NVOCCs (acting as shippers) to search for ocean rates and services and enter into binding service contracts with carriers up to six months in advance Other shipper members of the exchange include companies such as General Electric, Restoration Hardware, Damco, Flexport and Hecny Group. YEREVAN, JUNE 14, ARMENPRESS. The U.N. General Assembly condemned Israel on Wednesday for excessive use of force against Palestinian civilians and asked U.N. chief Antonio Guterres to recommend an international protection mechanism for occupied Palestinian territory, Reuters reports. The General Assembly adopted a resolution with 120 votes in favor, eight against and 45 abstentions. It was put forward in the General Assembly by Algeria, Turkey and the Palestinians after the United States vetoed a similar resolution in the 15-member U.N. Security Council earlier this month. The General Assembly text condemned the firing of rockets from Gaza into Israeli civilian areas, but did not mention Hamas, the group that controls Gaza. General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding but carry political weight. The nature of this resolution clearly demonstrates that politics is driving the day. It is totally one-sided. It makes not one mention of the Hamas terrorists who routinely initiate the violence in Gaza, U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told the General Assembly before the vote. The United States failed in a bid to amend the resolution with a paragraph that would have condemned violence by Hamas. By supporting this resolution you are colluding with a terrorist organization, by supporting this resolution you are empowering Hamas, Israels U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon told the General Assembly before the vote. Australia, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Solomon Islands and Togo joined Israel and the United States in voting against the resolution. More than 120 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza border protests since March 30. The largest number of deaths occurred on May 14, the day the United States moved its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. Amid international condemnation of its use of lethal force, Israel said many of the dead were militants and that the Israeli army was repelling attacks on the border fence between Israel and Gaza. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, JUNE 14, ARMENPRESS. The third session of the four-day sitting of the Armenian parliament kicked off with 89 MPs in attendance. Earlier on June 13, lawmakers debated the 2017 state budget performance report, which will be put for voting today. The lawmakers had also debated the 2017 report of the national TV and radio commission. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, JUNE 14, ARMENPRESS. The parliament of Armenia voted to approve the 2017 state budget performance report. 65 MPs voted in favor and 23 MPs voted against. Speaker of Parliament Ara Babloyan told lawmakers that at the recommendation of the government an extraordinary sitting will be held on June 19. 1 trillion 210 billion dram was planned in revenues, the adjusted plan increased it to 1 trillion 320 billion while factually 1 trillion 237 billion was ensured. Spending was planned at 1 trillion 360 billion drams, the adjusted plan put the number at 1 trillion 561 billion and factually 1 trillion 504 billion drams was ensured. The deficit was planned to be 150 billion drams, then 240 by the adjusted plan and it factually amounted to 267 billion drams. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, JUNE 14, ARMENPRESS. US President Trump, in an interview with Fox News' Bret Baier, said that despite his call to bring back U.S. troops from South Korea, a military drawdown from the region is not being discussed as part of talks with North Korea's Kim Jong Un, Fox News reports. I would love to get the military out as soon as we can because it costs a lot of money and a lot of money for us, Trump told Baier aboard Air Force One on Tuesday. I would like to get them home. I would like to, but it is not on the table right now. At the appropriate time, it will be. The U.S., which currently has 28,500 troops stationed in South Korea, has maintained a combat force on the peninsula since the end of the 1950-53 war and has used them in a variety of large-scale drills designed to sharpen skills and test troops' ability to operate effectively with their South Korean partners. Trump, following his historic Singapore summit with Kim, said the U.S. would end such military drills on the peninsula. "We will be stopping the war games, which will save us a tremendous amount of money, unless and until we see the future negotiation is not going along like it should," Trump said in Singapore. "But we'll be saving a tremendous amount of money. Plus, I think it's very provocative." The South Korean government, which views the presence of U.S. troops and the military exercises as important to regional security, seemed to express nervousness about Trumps remarks. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan MOSCOW, JUNE 14, ARMENPRESS. A bust of Soviet military commander, Hero of USSR Hamazasp Babadzhanian, the Chief Marshal of the Soviet Armored Troops was inaugurated today in the Central Museum of the Great Patriotic War of Moscow. Armenias Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, accompanied by his spouse Anna Hakobyan, gave the bust to the museum on behalf of Armenia. The inauguration was attended by Armenias Ambassador to Russia Vartan Toghanyan, representatives of the local Armenian community and cultural figures. Alexander Shkolnik, director of the museum, greeted the Armenian PM and the guests and noted that the bust of the prominent Armenian military figure will have its worthy place in the museum. The contribution of the Armenian people in the Great Patriotic War will remain in history forever. Hundreds of thousands of men and women of the Armenian nation had fought in the frontline during the years of the war, seventy thousand of them have received different awards. Their names, materials about them can be found in our museum. Months ago the bust of Marshal Baghramyan, hero of the Great Patriotic War, was given to us, and today we are proud to display the bust of another hero, Shkolnik said, thanking the sculptors and designers of the bust. The Armenian PM noted that the Great Patriotic War was a hard trial for all peoples of Soviet countries, including the Armenian people. Numerous Armenians didnt return from the battles, including the grandfather of the Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, whose name he bears. It is a great honor for me to give the bust of hero Hamazasp Babadzhanian on behalf of the Republic of Armenia to the museum. Hamazasp Babadzhanian is known for his [heroism], he fought in battles, liberating cities and villages. His heroic deeds went down in the Armenian history eternally. It is our duty to preserve and convey the memory of this great work to the younger generations, the Armenian PM said. He said that the ceremony proves that Armenia and Russia value their heroes and memories about them. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan YEREVAN, JUNE 14, ARMENPRESS. The Co-Chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stephane Visconti of France, and Andrew Schofer of the United States of America, together with the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk, met with Armenian Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan, and President Armen Sarkissian during an introductory visit to Yerevan on 12-14 June, the OSCE office said. The Co-Chairs and the Armenian officials reviewed the status of negotiations and discussed next steps to move the process forward, including a ministerial meeting in the near future. They also exchanged views on the current situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border and the line of contact, underscoring the importance of maintaining a constructive environment. The Co-Chairs reiterated their commitment to helping the sides find a peaceful solution to the conflict based on the core principles of the Helsinki Final Act, including the non-use or threat of force, territorial integrity, and the equal rights and self-determination of peoples. Armenian officials expressed their support for the work of the OSCE Minsk Group and Personal Representative and their willingness to continue working productively under the auspices of the Co-Chairs. Edited and translated by Stepan Kocharyan Outlines plan to optimize shareholder value Urges shareholders to reject the dissident resolutions by voting today on the BLUE proxy as recommended by the Board For assistance voting contact Kingsdale Advisors at 1-866-229-8214 or contactus@kingsdaleadvisors.com TORONTO, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alexandria Minerals Corporations (TSX-V:AZX) (OTCQB:ALXDF) (Frankfurt:A9D) (AZX or the Company) today filed its management information circular for the special meeting (the Meeting) of shareholders scheduled for July 24, 2018. At the Meeting, shareholders will be asked to consider a self-interested proposal, put forward by the terminated CEO Eric Owens, to take control of the Company with his own slate of handpicked director nominees. Alexandrias Board of Directors strongly recommends that shareholders reject Mr. Owens proposals and vote only on the BLUE proxy card. In conjunction with the proxy filing, Alexandria is mailing a letter to shareholders outlining their plan to optimize value for all shareholders. The letter also addresses the circumstances surrounding Mr. Owens unauthorized financing scheme that led to his termination as CEO of the Company. Shareholders are urged to vote the BLUE proxy form or BLUE voting instruction form no later than 11:00 A.M. (Toronto Time) on Friday, July 20, 2018 or at least 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays) prior to the time of any adjournment or postponement of the Meeting. If you have questions or need help voting, contact Kingsdale Advisors at 1-866-229-8214 or at contactus@kingsdaleadvisors.com. The full circular is available at the Company's issuer profile at www.sedar.com. A copy of the letter to shareholders is also included below. Dear Fellow Shareholder of Alexandria Minerals Corporation: The value of your investment in Alexandria is at risk. An unwarranted proxy fight has been initiated by disgruntled, terminated Chief Executive Officer, Eric Owens, as a retaliation mechanism. Owens was terminated for cause after an investigation, led by a Special Committee of independent directors of your Board, uncovered evidence previously hidden from the Board that Owens had engaged in an unauthorized financing scheme and accepted investors funds into his personal lawyers trust account. These funds were illicitly obtained, on false pretenses, without the Boards approval and solicited to a limited network of investors selected by Owens, including his friends and family. Now, the disgruntled, former CEO, together with certain other shareholders holding an approximate 5% stake in Alexandria, has launched an expensive and time-consuming proxy fight to take over significant control of your Company, by replacing a majority of the independent directors of the Board with his own slate of handpicked nominees to pursue his self-serving agenda. Not only is this a waste of resources, the distraction of this fight has hindered the strategic process that was underway in an effort to create value for all shareholders. Owens is Putting Your Investment in Alexandria at Risk 1. Owens was terminated for cause for unauthorized financing scheme In February, Owens was terminated for cause as CEO for engaging in unauthorized efforts to solicit investors in an alternative financing proposed by management without proper approval of the Board to do so. This proposed financing was considered and rejected by the Board, following receipt of advice from its financial and legal advisors and advice from the financial advisors to the Special Committee. An independent investigation into Owens' conduct revealed the following facts: Repeated insubordination of the independent members of your Board: Owens failed to present a formal proposal to the Board, was aware that his actions required Board approval and continued to pursue the financing and communications with investors after the Board expressly instructed Owens to stop soliciting subscriptions. Acting contrary to the best interests of shareholders: Owens unauthorized financing put prospective future shareholders ahead of current shareholders by significantly diluting their ownership at a price that was well below the Companys share price. Refusal to co-operate with investigation: Despite repeated requests directed at Owens and his personal legal counsel, Owens refused to meet with and provide information to the Board and the Special Committees investigators. Self-interested business dealings: Owens solicited funds from a limited network of investors including his friends and family. Owens himself intended to invest in the financing at a time when he possessed material non-public information about a strategic transaction under consideration by Alexandria. 2. Owens has depleted Alexandrias resources by spending $9.2 million of shareholders' money on a failed drilling program To date, Owens has spent approximately $9.2 million of Alexandria shareholders' money on an unsuccessful and ill-directed 2017 drilling program at the Company's Orenada Project, which the Board recently learned was flawed and did not increase Alexandrias resource estimates as Owens predicted. Owens previously communicated to the market that the original resource could contain a much larger medium to high-grade gold 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. If Owens remains on the Board and his dissident slate is elected he plans to spend more of your money to re-start the failed program. 3. Despite holding only a 5% stake in Alexandria Owens is seeking control over your company Despite having only an approximate 5% stake in your Company, Owens, together with a group of certain other shareholders, is seeking to replace a majority of the independent directors with his own slate of nominees, in order to pursue his opportunistic and self-interested agenda. Shareholders are urged to carefully review the sections entitled "Reasons to Vote for Alexandria's Nominees" and "Reasons to Reject Owens' Dissident Slate". Alexandria has a New Corporate Direction to Optimize Shareholder Value 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 Board has been working diligently to address and undo the damage Owens has caused. Alexandria's new corporate direction , moving forward, includes: Fund the Company through available, non-dilutive funding opportunities: The Special Committee of the Board, appointed in December 2017 to review strategic opportunities, has been selecting and reviewing the possibilities to monetize non-core assets on a favourable basis and has received many expressions of interest to acquire some of these assets. Hire new management: Your new Board will work diligently to hire new management with experience, proven expertise and skills to leverage the many opportunities available to the Company with focus on its core asset. Prioritize and focus on Alexandria's core asset: Alexandria plans to focus on its core asset straddling the Cadillac Break, which would include reviewing all of the targets within Alexandrias ground and prioritizing those targets demonstrated to have the size and grade potential to host significant mineralization. A Board you can trust: Over the past few months, the Board has engaged in an extensive search to identify additional candidates to enhance the Board of Directors. As a result of these efforts, management is nominating one highly qualified candidate, Mark Ashcroft, to the Board to replace Owens (see nominee biography under the section entitled "Reasons to Vote for Alexandria's Nominees" for complete details). This additional nominee, along with the five incumbent directors: Peter Gundy, Walter Henry, Gary O'Connor Robert Geis and Priya Patil, possess the relevant experience, industry knowledge and external credibility required to properly govern Alexandria and oversee our business. You must ensure that we have a Board in place that will provide strong oversight and act in the best interests of Alexandria and all of its shareholders. Removal of Owens as Director: A vote for Alexandria's nominees is a vote to remove Owens from your Board. If Owens could not be trusted as your CEO, why should he be trusted to remain on your Board and control the direction of your Company? Your Vote Can Save Your Investment Alexandria's nominees have a clear strategy and are committed to optimizing shareholder value. We urge you to stop Owens and to avoid turning over control of Alexandria's direction to its handpicked slate of nominees. Owens has already proven to you that he cannot create shareholder value. The Board unanimously recommends that you vote only your BLUE form of proxy or VIF FOR the Alexandria Nominees for election to the Board. Regardless of the number of Alexandria shares that you own, you should take immediate action and cast your vote today or no later than 11:00 A.M. (Toronto Time) on Friday, July 20, 2018 or at least 48 hours (excluding Saturdays, Sundays and statutory holidays) prior to the time of any adjournment or postponement of the Meeting. If you have any questions or need help voting, please call Kingsdale Advisors by telephone at 1-866-229- 8214, toll-free in North America or call collect at 416-867-2272 outside of North America or by e-mail at contactus@kingsdaleadvisors.com. Only you have the power to prevent Owens from taking control of your Company. We thank you for your continued support. Sincerely, Peter Gundy Chairman of the Board Advisors Kingsdale Advisors is acting as strategic shareholder and communications advisor and Bennett Jones LLP is acting as legal advisor to 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 YEREVAN, 14 JUNE, ARMENPRESS. The Central Bank of Armenia informs Armenpress that today, 14 june, USD exchange rate up by 0.05 drams to 482.73 drams. EUR exchange rate up by 3.20 drams to 570.83 drams. Russian Ruble exchange rate up by 0.09 drams to 7.76 drams. GBP exchange rate up by 4.27 drams to 648.26 drams. The Central Bank has set the following prices for precious metals. Gold price down by 36.72 drams to 20116.41 drams. Silver price up by 0.81 drams to 262.37 drams. Platinum price down by 107.18 drams to 13968.12 drams. YEREVAN, JUNE 14, ARMENPRESS. As a result of the operational and investigative measures carried out by the National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia, a case of drug smuggling and trafficking committed by a group of persons was disclosed, ARMENPRESS was informed from the press service of the National Security Service of the Republic of Armenia. In particular, it was found out that an Iranian citizen entered Armenia from Meghri checkpoint on June 7, 2018, took a taxi and headed to a section of Armenia-Iran border where his accomplice was waiting for him having crossed the border. He handed drugs of particularly large amount to the other Iranian citizen - about 4 kg of opium and about 6 kg of heroin. Afterwards, the drugs were taken to Goris city for realization, but the criminal was arrested on the way by NSS officers. On the same day an Armenian citizen who arrived to the mentioned place to take the drugs was also arrested. The price of the confiscated drugs can reach to 920 thousand USD in the black market. A criminal case has been initiated. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan YEREVAN, JUNE 14, ARMENPRESS. The active moves of Azerbaijani military equipment and troops at different parts of Artsakh-Azerbaijan contact line are worrisome also for the reason that it happened when the OSCE Minsk Group Co-chairs were in the region, ARMENPRESS reports Security Council Secretary of Armenia Armen Grigoryan told the reporters on June 14. He noted that they are constantly following the situation and keep in regular touch with the leaderships of the Defense Ministries of Armenia and Artsakh and command staff of the Defense Army. The Defense Army fully conducts its duties and ensures the security on the border, Grigoryan said. We are concerned by the move of the troops also for the reason that it happened when the Minsk group Co-chairs were in the region, the official said. The Defense Ministry of Artsakh informed on June 12 that during the recent days active moves and mobilization of Azerbaijani troops and military equipment could be noted in different sections of Artsakh-Azerbaijan contact line. In the recent period the Azerbaijani side demonstrates evident activity in the information field that is manifested by the spread of various sorts of misinformation and abundance in propagandistic footages. With the main goal to present the achievements of their armed forces properly to the domestic and external audiences, official Baku first started to circulate ungrounded information about the alleged liberation of 11 thousand hectares in section of Nakhichevan, and then posted on the internet the footage of using POLONEZ multiple launch rocket system and Israeli-made LORA long-range artillery system. Parallel to this informational propaganda active moves and mobilization of Azerbaijani troops and military equipment can be noted in different sections of Artsakh-Azerbaijan contact line in the recent days. Defense Army front line units watchfully follow the activities of the adversary and take necessary actions stemming from the situation, reads the June 12 statement of the Defense Ministry of Artsakh. Edited and translated by Tigran Sirekanyan Dividend-paying companies such as Credit Corp Group and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group can help grow your portfolio income through their sizeable dividend payouts. Great dividend payers create a safe bet to increase investors portfolio value as payouts provide steady income and cushion against market risks Dividends play an important role in compounding returns in the long run and end up forming a sizeable part of investment returns. Below are more huge dividend-paying stocks that continues to add value to my portfolio holdings. Credit Corp Group Limited (ASX:CCP) Credit Corp Group Limited provides debt purchase and collection, and consumer lending services. The company provides employment to 1016 people and has a market cap of AUD A$873.55M, putting it in the small-cap category. CCP has a good dividend yield of 3.39% and their payout ratio stands at 49.16% , with analysts expecting this ratio in three years to be 49.90%. The companys DPS has increased from AU$0.15 to AU$0.62 over the last 10 years. It should comfort existing and potential future shareholders to know that CCP hasnt missed a payment during this time. Interested in Credit Corp Group? Find out more here. ASX:CCP Historical Dividend Yield Jun 14th 18 Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited (ASX:ANZ) Australia and New Zealand Banking Group Limited, together with its subsidiaries, provides various banking and financial products and services to individual and business customers. Founded in 1835, and currently run by Shayne Elliott, the company size now stands at 39,540 people and with the companys market cap sitting at AUD A$75.62B, it falls under the large-cap stocks category. ANZ has a substantial dividend yield of 6.07% and has a payout ratio of 63.00% , with analysts expecting this ratio in three years to be 71.85%. While theres been some level of instability in the yield, ANZ has overall increased DPS over a 10 year period from AU$1.36 to AU$1.60. Australia and New Zealand Banking Groups earnings per share growth of 25.23% over the past 12 months outpaced the au banks industrys average growth rate of 8.48%. Dig deeper into Australia and New Zealand Banking Group here. Story continues ASX:ANZ Historical Dividend Yield Jun 14th 18 Commonwealth Bank of Australia (ASX:CBA) Commonwealth Bank of Australia provides integrated financial services in Australia, New Zealand, and internationally. Formed in 1911, and now run by Matthew Comyn, the company provides employment to 42,959 people and has a market cap of AUD A$119.79B, putting it in the large-cap group. CBA has an appealing dividend yield of 6.31% and the company has a payout ratio of 74.50% , and analysts are expecting a 77.11% payout ratio in the next three years. Dividends per share have increased during the past 10 years, but there have been a couple hiccups. However, they have historically always picked up again. Dig deeper into Commonwealth Bank of Australia here. ASX:CBA Historical Dividend Yield Jun 14th 18 For more solid dividend paying companies to add to your portfolio, explore this interactive list of top dividend payers. 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. Argentine lawmakers Thursday backed a bill legalizing abortion during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, a historic step for Pope Francis's Catholic homeland, although the measure must still pass through the Senate. Thousands of abortion rights activists cheered and hugged outside the Congress as the lower house Chamber of Deputies passed the bill by 129 votes to 125. The bill will now go before the Senate, where it was thought likely to face an uphill battle to become law. However, in the hours following Thursday's vote, former president and now senator Cristina Kirchner's center-left Front for Victory bloc removed a major obstacle to the bill by saying it would vote in favor. The issue has divided Argentine society: while Argentina became the first Latin American country to legalize same-sex marriage in 2010, it remains strongly influenced by the Catholic Church and by the pope, who was formerly the archbishop of Buenos Aires. "It's the time of women's rights," said Silvia Lospennato, a member of President Mauricio Macri's center-right Cambiemos (Let's Change) coalition. Argentina's bishops lamented the result, saying: "As Argentines, this decision hurts us." President Mauricio Macri, who made it clear from the outset that he was "in favor of life," described the debate as "historic" and said it showed "we have been able to resolve our differences with respect." Lawmakers wrangled through more than 22 hours of emotionally charged debate. Nearly all 257 members spoke before the vote was taken, as activists on both sides of the divide kept vigil in the streets outside. It was unclear up to the last minute if the measure would be approved or defeated. As many as 30 lawmakers were undecided before the debate began on Wednesday, and one lawmaker abstained from voting. When the result was announced, legislators who voted in favor leapt to their feet and hugged their neighbors, while opponents slumped in their seats. "A woman is not entitled to an abortion, she has the right to health. The unborn child is biologically and scientifically a human being," said Sebastian Bragagnolo, from the governing Cambiemos coalition who opposed the measure. - Street celebrations - In the streets outside the Congress abortion rights activists wildly cheered and danced, while many anti-abortion demonstrators hugged each other and wept. "The mobilization has been decisive and what happens in the Senate will depend a lot on continuing to mobilize public support," Teresa Giani, 48, told AFP. "I think it is very good that they are legislating for the problems of women," said Ines Rivas, 62. When women become lawmakers and enter Congress "they defend the rights of women," she said. "Argentines are religious, and they will continue to be," said Micaela Gonzalez, a 21-year old university student. "Catholics have abortions, but with this law now they will be able to so safely." As in most Latin American countries, abortion is illegal in Argentina, except in cases of rape or when the life or health of the woman is at risk. The bill, if passed by the Senate, would decriminalize abortion during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, and beyond that in cases where the infant would not survive after birth. - Religious convictions - Many lawmakers had said they would put their religious convictions aside to support the measure. The Catholic Church campaigned fiercely against the bill, and the pope sent a letter to Argentine bishops calling on them to "defend life and justice." Argentina's Episcopal Conference said the Senate would now have "an opportunity to look for new and creative solutions so that no woman has to go for an abortion." However, in the hours after the vote, both government and opposition blocs in the Senate predicted it would be approved. Miguel Angel Pichetto, a Peronist opposition leader in the Senate, said the vote had created "an unstoppable effect, and I am confident the law will be approved." "The Senate has to take into account citizens' demand and legislate for realities, abortion is not a question of faith but of public health," said the head of the Senate's ruling Cambrimos bloc, Luis Naidenoff. Analyst Sol Prieto described the vote as "a setback" for the Church. "Abortion has been decriminalized in Ireland, and now it's the turn of Argentina," he said. "I would not be surprised if the Church focuses more on issues of poverty reduction and less on issues of morality." Argentina overcame strong Church opposition to legalize gay marriage eight years ago, but the issue of abortion had never before been discussed in Congress. According to official health ministry statistics, more than 17 percent of the 245 recorded deaths of pregnant women and girls in 2016 were due to abortion. Abortion rights activists in Buenos Aires celebrate after the lower chamber of Argentina's Congress approved a bill legalizing abortion - a measure that still needs Senate approval to become law Abortion rights activists celebrated wildly outside of Congress when news came that the measure was approved Argentine lawmakers react after approving a bill to legalize abortion in this picture released by the national news agency Telam Yemen's rebel chief urged his forces to fight on against pro-government troops pressing a Saudi-backed offensive to retake the key aid hub of Hodeida, as the UN called for the Red sea port to be kept open. Heavy fighting left 39 people dead on Thursday, a day after the Saudi-led coalition launched an assault to recapture the city controlled by the Iran-allied Huthi rebels. Military sources said coalition gunships pounded rebel positions as fighting raged several kilometres (miles) from Hodeida airport, south of the city. Rebel leader Abdel Malek Al-Houthi urged troops to "confront the forces of tyranny", warning they would recapture areas taken by pro-government forces by "bringing huge numbers (of fighters) to the battle", according to the rebels' Al-Masirah TV. "The western coast will turn into a big swamp for the invaders," he added. The clashes came as the UN Security Council met for urgent talks on the military operation and called for the port, held by the rebels along with the capital Sanaa since 2014, to be "kept open". The Huthis suffered 30 fatalities on Thursday in the clashes, medical sources told AFP. Nine pro-government troops were killed in the same area, the medics said. Military sources said the deaths were caused by mines and snipers. An AFP correspondent south of Hodeida airport saw ambulances evacuating dead and wounded government loyalist fighters as reinforcements headed towards the front line. The United Arab Emirates, a driving force in the coalition, said four of its troops were killed on the first day of the offensive. The Huthis' television channel earlier said they had struck a coalition ship off the coast of Hodeida with two missiles. There was no independent confirmation of the report. - Port remains open - The United Nations has warned against an offensive on Hodeida because the port serves as the entry point for 70 percent of Yemen's imports, with the country already teetering on the brink of famine after three years of war. On Thursday, authorities said the Red Sea lifeline remained open to shipping. "We still have seven ships in the port. The work in the port is normal. And we have five other ships standing by waiting outside to enter," port director Dawood Fadel told AFP. Yemen's Foreign Minister Khaled Alyemany said that government forces were holding off on advancing on the port for now, and "are not planning to destroy the infrastructure". "We are in an area close to the airport, but not to the sea port. The sea port is totally out of operations, today," he told reporters on Thursday. Two Saudi and UAE aid ships were in the waters off Hodeida, coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki told Saudi state media. Riyadh and Abu Dhabi, which intervened against the Huthis in 2015 with the goal of restoring Yemen's government to power, have pledged to ensure a continuous flow of aid to the Arab world's poorest nation. Abdullah al-Rabeeah, the head of Saudi Arabia's King Salman Aid and Relief Centre, pledged an air, sea and land bridge would be opened "to transport aid and medical supplies, food, shelter and fuel other basic necessities". Capturing Hodeida would be the biggest victory for the Saudi-led coalition since the start of its costly intervention. International aid groups cautioned the threat of a major humanitarian catastrophe was growing as fighting drew closer to Hodeida, with the UN estimating some 600,000 people live in and around the city. "As air strikes intensify and front lines move closer to Hodeida city, so does the very real threat of harm to civilians in Hodeida," said the Norwegian Refugee Council's acting country director Christopher Mzembe. The group warned of a "high risk" of a fresh cholera outbreak around Hodeida should water supplies be disrupted. - 'Situation must change' - During a closed-door meeting, members of the Security Council expressed their "deep concern about the risks to the humanitarian situation" and called for Hodeida port to remain open, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia, who holds the council presidency, said. But the council brushed aside a call by Sweden, a non-permanent member, for a freeze to the military operation to allow time for talks on a rebel withdrawal from the Red Sea port. Yemen's internationally recognised government earlier said negotiations had failed to force the rebels from Hodeida, and a grace period for UN-led peace efforts was over. Nevertheless, the UN envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, has continued to hold talks on keeping Hodeida open and has urged all sides to exercise restraint. But UAE Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash insisted in a statement that "it is clear that for the UN-led political process to succeed, the situation on the ground must change". Yemen's Saudi-backed President Abedrabbo Mansour Hadi, who has spent much of the war in exile in Riyadh, on Thursday visited the southern port city of Aden, where the government set up its base after being ousted from Sanaa. State-run Saba news agency said the aim of Hadi's first public visit to the country in more than a year was to "supervise" the military operations in Hodeida province. More than 22 million people in Yemen are in need of aid, including 8.4 million who are at risk of starvation, according to the United Nations, which considers Yemen to be the world's worst humanitarian crisis. burs/wd/ia/aph/qan The Saudi-led coalition launched an assault on Wednesday to recapture the key aid hub of Hodeida controlled by the Iran-allied Huthi rebels Map of Yemen locating the port of Hodeida, which governmental forces are trying to retake from Huthi rebels. The UN has warned against an offensive on Hodeida because the port serves as the entry point for 70 percent of Yemen's imports, with the country already teetering on the brink of famine after three years of war A column of Yemeni pro-government forces and armoured vehicles arrives in Al-Duraihimi district, south of Hodeida airport, on June 13, 2018 Survivors of London's Grenfell Tower fire disaster joined relatives of the dead on Thursday in poignant tributes to the 71 killed in the residential block inferno one year ago. In a church service near the charred shell of the tower, grieving families, many in tears, clutched white roses and images of their loved ones lost in Britain's deadliest domestic fire since World War II. The names of the dead were read out and candles lit in their memory. Many mourners were dressed in green, the adopted colour of the tragedy. As Britain held a national minute's silence at midday (1100 GMT), members of parliament stood in the House of Commons with their heads bowed. Queen Elizabeth II, wearing a green outfit, stood alongside her grandson Prince Harry's wife Meghan on a visit to Cheshire, northwest England. Graham Tomlin, the Bishop of Kensington who was among the service leaders at St. Helen's Church in North Kensington, west London, said the memorial was a chance for people to mourn together. "People are still grieving, are still recovering. A lot of people are dealing with their memories. They seek justice, they seek some answers," he told AFP. "But there is positivity as well, as this community is extremely resilient. "It will take time for people to heal. We will never forget the people who died." Jane Lanyero, a member of the African Women's Care group, told AFP: "It brings all the memories back... There is hope but also frustration. So little has been done for the victims." The Kensington and Chelsea local authority said that of the 203 families needing rehousing, 83 were in permanent homes, 52 in temporary housing and 68 in emergency accommodation, mainly hotels. - Tearful procession - Overnight, dozens of tearful survivors of joined relatives on an emotional walk through the area. The procession ended in the shadow of the burnt-out block just before 12:54am, the time the London Fire Brigade received the first emergency call. One by one, relatives announced the names of the deceased, before pinning their pictures at the "wall of truth" -- a section of the fencing around the tower featuring messages and candles. The crowd then marked an eerie silence for 72 seconds -- in memory of each of the people who perished, along with a stillborn baby. "I saw everything from the start of that night and I couldn't sleep for three weeks," recalled Farhiya Abdi, 42, a mother-of-two who was among the first to arrive at Grenfell from her nearby home as the fire spread. "When I closed my eyes I would hear the screaming for help, see the children's faces at the window again. I saw people jump to their death," she said at an earlier remembrance event on a nearby street. Organisers unveiled banners and t-shirts emblazoned with slogans demanding justice. Nearly everybody wore a green scarf, while the tower was illuminated in green, as was Prime Minister Theresa May's Downing Street office. -'Time hasn't done anything' - "Today, one year on from the Grenfell tragedy, our thoughts are with the survivors and the bereaved," May said. She paid tribute to those who lost their lives and to the "courage and strength" of the survivors and their loved ones, adding: "The dignity they have shown is humbling." In an interview with Grenfell Speaks, a social media news channel, May admitted that the immediate official response to the fire "wasn't good enough". "I don't know why it took so long," she said. The local community is still traumatised by the tragedy. "I thought time would've healed us but time hasn't done anything," said Chris Imafidon, 50, who knew six different families bereaved by the blaze through an education charity he works for. Among the attendees were former tower residents Marcio and Andreia Gomes, whose son was stillborn hours after the fire, and local firefighters who responded that night. A silent walk was to be held -- similar to the ones that take place on the 14th of every month -- while banners in memory of the victims have been unfurled over the top four floors of the tower. The fire started through a faulty fridge in the kitchen of a fourth-floor flat in the 24-storey tower. Residents blame the fire's spread on cladding installed during a recent refurbishment, while the fire service has come under the spotlight over its advice for residents to stay put. Relatives of those who died recently provided heart-rending testimony about their loved ones' final moments at the beginning of a public inquiry into the fire, reminding Britons of the shocking scale of the tragedy. London's Grenfell Tower, where 71 people were killed in a fire a year ago, was illuminated in green Messages of condolence can be seen near Grenfell tower Relatives of the victims pinned their pictures at the "wall of truth", a section of the fencing around the tower featuring messages and candles The crowd cheered wildly when a passing London Underground train sounded its horn, before the driver emerged from his cabin to unfurl a green flag Organisers unveiled banners and t-shirts emblazoned with slogans demanding justice, one of several such events taking place The fire's spread through the tower has been blamed on cladding installed during a refurbishment Sri Lankan captain Dinesh Chandimal battled to hold his team's innings together as they reached 157 for five after opting to bat first on the opening day of the second Test against the West Indies at the Darren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia on Thursday. Chandimal was unbeaten on 53 at the interval in partnership with wicketkeeper-batsman Niroshan Dickwella. As in the first session, fast bowler Shannon Gabriel remained a persistent threat and lifted his haul in the innings to three when he had Roshen Silva offering West Indies captain Jason Holder his third catch of the innings at third slip. Before Silva's demise though, Holder had got amongst the wickets by removing Kusal Mendis for 45 via an excellent running catch by wicketkeeper Shane Dowrich from a miscued pull. Mendis, whose second innings century was the lone bright batting spot for the Sri Lankans from the 226-run defeat in the first Test in Trinidad, put on 67 with Chandimal. Miguel Cummins, the only seamer yet to take a wicket during the first two sessions, should have accounted for Chandimal when he was on 14 but Devon Smith spilled a regulation catch at first slip. In the first session, Gabriel claimed the wickets of debutant opener Mahela Udawatte and returning middle-order batsman Dhananjaya De Silva while new ball partner Kemar Roach accounted for Kusal Perera in his second spell. Playing his first Test 10 years after his one-day international debut, which was also against the West Indies in the Caribbean, Udawatte endured the misfortune of repeating the experience of a decade ago in being dismissed for a duck. Gabriel took the outside edge of his bat to the second delivery he faced for Holder to take a superb diving catch at third slip. De Silva, who arrived in the Caribbean only last week due to the death of his father two weeks ago and therefore missed the first Test, suffered an elbow injury when he was struck on the arm by the fearsome Gabriel with the ball ricocheting onto the stumps. Scans revealed bad bruising but no fracture. Mendis joined Kusal Perera and the pair counter-attacked briefly with Perera striking Holder for three consecutive fours. Such aggression could not last though and Holder again showed a safe pair of hands in the slip cordon to account for Perera for 32 off the first ball Roach bowled coming back into the attack. Sri Lanka made four changes to their line-up from the first Test with two of the alterations forced by the return home of former captain Angelo Mathews for personal reasons while fast-medium bowler Lahiru Gamage is also on his way back to Colombo after sustaining a fractured finger batting on the final day of the opening Test. Off-spinning all-rounder Dilruwan Perera and experienced left-arm spinner Rangana Herath were dropped from the side that suffered a first Test match defeat to the West Indies in ten years. Sri Lanka's selectors had indicated before the start of the series though that three senior players ?- Herath, Mathews and seamer Suranga Lakmal -? were unlikely to feature in all three matches Spinner Akila Dananjaya, who took eight wickets on debut in Bangladesh last February, is also back in the team. That's out: Mahela Udawatte of Sri Lanka is dismissed by Shannon Gabriel VALLEY COTTAGE, New York, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NMP or N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone is a hygroscopic, highly polar compound with great thermal and chemical stability. It is slowly oxidised by air and easily purified by fractional distillation. NMP is used for many applications, and is highly prevalent in the industry as it is biodegradable and recyclable. A new research report by Future Market Insights projects the market scenario of NMP for the years ahead. According to this comprehensive research report titled N-Methyl Pyrrolidone (NMP) Market: Global Industry Analysis 2013 2017 and Opportunity Assessment 2018 2028, the global NMP market is expected to reach a value of over US$ 1,200 Mn by the end of 2028, growing at a CAGR of 4.6% during the forecast period. Request a Sample Report with Table of Contents and Figures: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-625 N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone Market: Snapshot With the rise in demand for NMP in the global market, many companies are adopting the strategy of innovating their product offerings. There are various companies moving strong in the market, and are forced to come up with innovative products in order to compete efficiently in the market. Innovation and sustainability initiatives are anticipated to be major factors responsible for competiveness. Consumers do not mind paying a premium for green chemistry and environmental preservation initiatives. This, along with more stringent regulatory constraints, may further increase the importance of innovation in this market. Regional expansion is another strategic move undertaken by top manufacturers to efficiently cater to consumer demands. Manufacturers are also expanding their production plants in different regions with improved capacity levels. These moves also serve as a driver for the global NMP market, boosting product supply and demand. 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-625 Some of the key players in the market include companies such as LyondellBasell Industries Holdings, Ashland, Eastman Chemical Company, Mitsubishi Chemical Corporation, Hefei TNJ Chemical Industry Co., Ltd, Shandong Qingyun Changxin Chemical Science-Tech Co., Ltd, Zhejiang Realsun Chemical Co., Ltd, Puyang,, Guangming Chemicals Co., Ltd, Abtonsmart Chemicals (Group) Co., Ltd, Balaji Amines, Binzhou Yuneng Chemical Co., Ltd, Binzhou City Zhanhua District Ruian Chemical Co., Ltd. All these companies play a crucial role in influencing the dynamics of the global NMP market. NMP Market Anticipated to Face Growth Restrictions in North America and Europe Due to New Regulatory Framework According to the market analysis for the years 2018-2028, China is expected to record the highest consumption of NMP in excess of 120,000 MT by the end of 2028. However, in terms of growth rate, the SEA & Pacific region is expected to witness good growth during the forecast period. North America also holds a lucrative position with a high market value estimated by the end of 2028. View Report Preview at N-Methyl-2-Pyrrolidone (NMP) Market By Application - Petrochemical, processing, Paints & Coatings, Industrial Cleaners, Electronics, Agrochemicals, Pharmaceutical, Others: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/global-n-methyl-2-pyrrolidone-market The report also highlights the fact that the application of NMP in industrial cleaners and paints or coatings will decline exceptionally in Europe and North America, due to a stringent regulatory framework. In Europe, the use of NMP in consumer products is expected to decline owing to its entry in Annex VI of the CLP Regulation including Repr. 1B H360D with a specific concentration level (SCL) of 5% (current consumer product limit). If this is applied, it will confine the use of NMP in consumer applications to less than 0.3% and would thereby prohibit NMP from being used in such products as NMP would have no functionality at this level in the current consumer applications. Browse More: Chemicals & Materials Market Insights More from FMIs Chemicals & Materials Market Intelligence: Sulphur Bentonite Market Segmentation By Application - Oilseeds, Cereals and Crops, Fruits and Vegetables, Others (Lawns, turf, trees and others): https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sulphur-bentonite-market Metal & Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Market Segmentation By Metal Nanoparticles Titanium, Silicon, Aluminium, Iron, Gold, Copper, Silver, Magnesium, Platinum, Zinc, Others (Nickel, Lead, Tin); By Metal Oxide Nanoparticles Titanium Oxide, Bismuth Oxide, Zinc Oxide, Magnesium Oxide, Aluminium Oxide, Iron Oxide, Copper Oxide, Tungsten Oxide, Other (Magnese oxide, cerium oxide, indium tin oxide): https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/metal-and-metal-oxide-nanoparticles-market Renewable Methanol Market Segmentation By Primary Source - Biomass, Municipal Waste and Industrial Waste, By End-Use Application - Formaldehyde, MTBE, Gasoline, Dimethyl Ether, Solvents and Others: https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/renewable-methanol-market ABOUT US: Future Market Insights ( FMI ) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends. CONTACT: Lan spent years trapped between two identities: the male gender assigned to her at birth and the woman she was inside -- a living "torture" in a China not yet ready to fully embrace transgenders. The Shanghai native, who asked that her full name be withheld, misled friends and family with a macho facade but eventually, depressed by her identity crisis, underwent gender-reassignment surgery in 2015. "I was always between those two voices," said Lan, 31, looking prim in a blue blouse and shoulder-length auburn hair. "I was lonely, helpless and in despair. Now I'm living my dream." Long pressured to deny their identities, Chinese transgenders are quietly asserting themselves, with advocacy groups forming and doctors reporting increasing gender-reassignment surgeries. Surgeon Zhao Yede performed 20-30 operations annually two decades ago. He now does around 200 per year, crediting a burgeoning online trans community with bringing people forward. "What's clear is (patients) are getting younger. We used to see people at 26, 27, or 30. Now we see more and more 20-year-olds," he told AFP. Transgenderism's place in China has long been something of a paradox. Ancient depictions of cross-dressing abound, and men typically played female roles onstage. Today, a few transgenders have become minor celebrities, and the lack of strident religiosity in Chinese culture minimises overt persecution. - Down and out - But Chinese transgenders say they remain deeply misunderstood, subject to abuse from relatives and routine discrimination. China's trans population is unknown, but estimates say up to 0.6 percent of Americans identify as trans. That percentage in China would equal more than eight million people. A survey by the non-profit Beijing LGBT Center last year found nearly 62 percent of Chinese transgenders suffer depression, nearly half contemplated suicide and 13 percent attempted it. A 2017 UNDP report said that among China's LGBTs "trans people face the highest levels of discrimination, especially within the family, schools and workplaces". Chinese society prizes male heirs and continuing the family line, and transgenders, particularly vulnerable youths, often suffer physical and emotional abuse at home, said Zhuo Huichen, a transgender woman. Authorities typically dismiss such abuse as family squabbling, taking no action, said Zhuo, who co-founded the Guangzhou-based Trans Center in 2016, one of China's first trans-led NGOs. "Some cases we see are horrible. Parents may even want to kill their children," said Zhuo, 25. Even Zhuo, wearing make-up and with her long hair flowing from a cat-eared cap that says "beautiful" on it, hasn't told her parents she is transitioning to female. The centre is seeing increasing numbers of transgenders seeking help, and steady reports of suicides. "Many are minors. It's a serious problem," she said. Post-surgery, Chinese trans can change their gender on government IDs but face major obstacles revising diplomas and academic records, often resulting in denial of jobs or further schooling. Trans unemployment is three times the average, the Beijing LGBT Centre's survey said. Marginalised, some may drift into sex work. A transgender man known as "Mr. C", who was assigned female at birth but has transitioned, was fired by a health-care company in southwestern China in 2015 over his gender identity. But Mr. C, who withholds his real name to shield his parents, won a lawsuit last year accusing the employer of violating his rights, a ruling hailed by trans people. "I think legal protections will get better. But we have a long way to go," he told AFP. The rising trans profile comes at a fraught time, however, with the ruling Communist Party increasingly accused of quashing rights and anything deemed contrary to "party morals," and some trans fear a backlash. LGBT events are often shut down, and even hip hop music and tattoos were banned from television earlier this year as unwholesome. - Glimmers of hope - But trans activists see glimmers of hope, and Zhuo vows "we will keep pushing". Last year, government guidelines began referring to "gender-reassignment" instead of "sex-change" surgery -- which transgenders dislike -- and no longer call transgenderism a "disease". Shanghai Pride, the city's low-key LGBT festival now in its 10th year, held its first major trans forum on June 2. Many apprehensive attendees wore stickers of a camera with a red line through it to discourage photos. But the event, complete with an impromptu "fashion show", went ahead unimpeded by authorities. "I never thought I'd see that happen," said Lan. She has been more fortunate than most. Initially shocked by her coming-out, Lan's father has been supportive, accompanying her to Thailand for her $18,000 surgery and painful five-week recovery. A trained accountant, she still worries that having "male" on past records threatens future job prospects. But in a happy surprise, Lan and her male former best friend recently fell in love. They plan to wed and have a child through a surrogate mother. Lan's future in-laws don't know her past, a secret the couple intends to keep. "We (trans) are stepping forward, especially the younger generation. But we have to take it slow," she said. Long pressured to deny their identities, transgender people in China are quietly asserting themselves A few transgender people in China have become minor celebrities, and the lack of strident religiosity in the country minimises overt persecution Chinese transgenders say they remain deeply misunderstood, subject to abuse from relatives and routine discrimination Trans people can change their gender on Chinese government IDs but face major obstacles revising diplomas and academic records, often resulting in denial of jobs or further schooling As of last year, Chinese government guidelines no longer call transgenderism a "disease" At the start of his trial last June, Samsoor Lahoo flashed a boyish smile at the cameras as he entered the packed Hungarian courtroom in handcuffs to face charges over the gruesome deaths of 71 migrants rammed into a truck in 2015. The Afghan, 31, was accused of running a ruthless trafficking ring, which made a fortune from stripping refugees of their savings and smuggling them toward western Europe with a blatant disregard for human safety or dignity. Despite 59,000 pages of evidence detailing his gang's activities, Lahoo had held up a sign in the Pashto language reading "I am neither a killer, nor an oppressor" in the court in the town of Kecskemet. But a year on, he remained stoney-faced as the judge handed him a 25-year jail term on Thursday for knowingly leaving the migrants to die a slow and excruciating death by suffocation in an abandoned refrigerated truck on an Austrian motorway in August 2015. Fifty-nine men, eight women and four children -- all from Syria, Afghanistan and Iraq -- were locked inside a hermetically sealed poultry lorry near the Serbian-Hungarian border. Shortly after departure, the migrants banged and shouted that they were running out of air. Lahoo ordered the driver to ignore their screams. "If they die ... drop them off in a forest in Germany," he was quoted as saying in released transcripts of intercepted mobile phone conversations. The bodies were discovered in an advanced state of decomposition on August 27, 2015, more than 24 hours after the migrants had been abandoned. Among the sea of limbs was a baby girl, not even a year old. Lahoo, who rejected the charges against him and 13 other accomplices, remained mostly tight-lipped throughout the trial. He told the court in a final statement that he "had not wanted anyone's death". - Strict hierarchy - Lahoo arrived as an asylum-seeker in Hungary in 2013 and was granted protection status. Well-versed in English, Arabic, Pashto, Serbian and Hungarian, he allegedly launched his gang in February 2015. According to prosecutors, business started to pick up after a Tunisian approached Lahoo about organising "regular transports" of migrants between Hungary and Germany. Amid escalating violence in the Middle East, hundreds of thousands of people landed on European shores in the summer of 2015 -- welcome fodder for human traffickers. From June that year, Lahoo's gang began ferrying migrants from Serbia to Austria or Germany on a daily basis, "often in closed, dark and airless vans unsuitable for passenger transport, in crowded, inhuman, excruciating conditions," according to the charge sheet. The operation soon flourished expanding to use dozens of vehicles, employ accomplices in key transit countries on the Balkan migrant trail and develop meticulous logistics. The well-oiled network is thought to have transported more than 1,100 people at the height of Europe's migration crisis in 2015. Lahoo pocketed between 1,000 euros ($1,100) and 1,500 euros per person, netting "at least 300,000 euros", according to the charge sheet. As business boomed, he set up a strict hierarchy with designated people in charge of finance, transport and the acquisition of vehicles with valid papers. At the bottom of the ladder were the mostly Bulgarian drivers who received between 500 euros and 2,000 euros per trip and ran the biggest risk of getting caught. Several drivers were arrested by German police near the Austrian border in 2015. Unconcerned, Lahoo decided to use refrigerated trucks -- considered less obvious than vans -- to move increasingly large numbers of people in ever-worsening conditions. Up to 81 migrants were squashed into spaces measuring barely 17 square metres (180 square feet) according to investigators. A day after the death truck discovery, the gang is said to have loaded another 67 migrants into a refrigerated lorry and again driven to Austria. "This time the migrants managed to kick the door open, thus no one had died," according to prosecutors. Afghan Samsoor Lahoo was found guilty of knowingly letting the 71 migrants die a slow and painful death by suffocation in the back of an abandoned truck In this file photo taken on August 27, 2015 forensic investigators work on a refrigerated truck parked along a highway near Neusiedl am See, Austria, after the bodies of 71 migrants where found suffocated in the lorry. The four main suspects involved in the gruesome deaths of 71 migrants in a truck on in 2015 were sentenced to 25 years in jail on June 14, 2018, in a case that sparked international revulsion. The trial took place in Kecskemt, Hungary, which took over the proceedings from Vienna after it emerged that the migrants had suffocated in Hungary. At the start of his trial last June, Samsoor Lahoo held up a Pashto language sign reading "I am neither a killer, nor an oppressor" Security was tight at Thursday's ruling in the southern Hungarian town of Kecskemet Police investigating a three-decade-old murder that mystified France said Thursday they had finally identified a four-year-old girl whose mutilated body was found by a motorway and arrested her parents on suspicion of killing her. The little girl's body, bearing the signs of horrific abuse including burns from an iron and human bite marks, was found in August 1987 in a ditch alongside the A10 motorway in central France. Investigators at the time said they were dealing with a suspected case of cannibalism in which "flesh had been removed". The bite marks on her body were likely those of a woman, according to forensic experts. The grisly murder sparked what was France's biggest ever investigation at the time, with the girl's photograph posted in public places and an alert sent to more than 30 countries, but it was declared unsolved in 1997. It remained a cold case until the 2016 arrest of her brother in an assault probe allowed police to identify her through DNA -- eventually leading to the arrest of their parents, prosecutors in the central city of Blois said. - 'Martyr of the A10' - The girl, in the absence of a name, was dubbed "the little martyr of the A10". Posters appealing for information noted that she was 95 centimetres tall (three feet) with curly brown hair and brown eyes. Police visited 65,000 schools as part of the huge effort to identify her, speaking to 6,000 doctors and school assistants in the vain hope of tracking down her family. It was her brother's arrest two years ago, when his DNA was entered into a national database, that alerted investigators to a match with material found on her clothes and the blanket she was wrapped in. This allowed them to track down her parents, a couple of Moroccan origin now in their sixties. Records showed they had stopped claiming family welfare payouts for one of their seven children, with a source close to the investigation saying the mother had said the child was in Morocco. The parents, who separated in 2010, were detained Tuesday in the central city of Orleans on suspicion of murder, child abuse and preventing the lawful burial of a body. They were due to appear before a judge on Thursday, with a view to being charged. A source close to the investigation said the girl's father was claiming she died at the hands of the mother. Etienne Daures, the prosecutor in the original case, said he hoped "to be able to give a name" to the girl, who was buried in a cemetery in the town of Suevres near to where her body was found. To this day people regularly replace the flowers on her grave, where the unnamed tombstone reads: "Here rests an angel." To this day people regularly replace the flowers on her grave, where the unnamed tombstone reads: "Here rests an angel" Records showed the parents had stopped claiming family welfare payouts for one of their seven children Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pledged for the first time that he would immediately lift the almost two-year state of emergency in place since the 2016 failed coup if he is re-elected in this month's polls. Erdogan declared the state of emergency five days after the July 15, 2016 failed bid to oust him from power. An unprecedented purge that has seen some 55,000 arrested has taken place under the measure. The state of emergency has become a campaign issue in the June 24 presidential and parliamentary elections, with the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and Iyi (Good) Party vowing to end it. "After June 24, if I am given the right to continue in office, our first step will be, God willing, to lift the state of emergency," Erdogan said in an interview with 24 TV late Wednesday. His comments came after CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu vowed that its candidate for the presidency Muharrem Ince would lift the state of emergency within 48 hours if elected. Ince tweeted on Thursday: "After the elections I will take the oath and as I take office we will immediately lift the emergency." Erdogan had on June 8 said "there could be the question of lifting" the state of emergency after the election but this is the first time he has made such a clear pledge. The emergency has been criticised by activists who say the measure has been used against all opponents of Erdogan and not just plotters in the coup, which Turkey says was masterminded by US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen. Gulen denies the charge. Leftist and Kurdish activists have found themselves behind bars including the former head of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Selahattin Demirtas who is running against Erdogan in the elections. Erdogan indicated that lifting the state of emergency would not necessarily mean an end to the crackdown. "Lifting the state of emergency does not mean completely eliminating it or returning back to as we were," he added. "If we see terrorism, we will again take the strictest measures," he said. Analysts are forecasting that the parliamentary and presidential elections will be tight, with Erdogan possibly set to be pushed into a run-off and with his ruling party at risk of losing its overall majority. The state of emergency has become a campaign issue in the June 24 presidential and parliamentary elections The former head of China's insurance regulator pleaded guilty to accepting 19 million yuan ($3 million) in bribes at his trial in eastern Jiangsu province on Thursday, state media said. Xiang Junbo, 61, admitted to taking bribes directly and through an associate and "showed repentance" at Changzhou Intermediate People's Court, the state-run Xinhua news agency reported. The court has not yet issued its verdict. The most senior financial regulator to be targeted in President Xi Jinping's ongoing corruption crackdown, Xiang was accused of taking advantage of his official positions from 2005 to 2017. He allegedly provided assistance in project contracting, approvals, loan issuance, and other tasks in exchange for compensation. Xiang was appointed to the top job at the regulatory commission in 2011, following stints as deputy governor of the central bank and head of the state-owned Agricultural Bank of China. He was put under investigation in April last year by the Communist Party's anti-corruption watchdog for suspected "serious disciplinary violations", a phrase that usually refers to graft. He was removed from his position immediately after the probe began. Xiang's time as head of the insurance regulator marked a period of rapid growth for the industry as he pushed for the liberalisation of investment rules, which allowed Chinese insurers to invest more of their assets at home and abroad. But this led to regulatory headaches after several high-profile cases in which insurance companies used their financial holdings to fund risky acquisitions in real estate and unlisted equities. The China Insurance Regulatory Commission and the China Banking Regulatory Commission were replaced by a banking and insurance regulatory commission after a major restructuring of government agencies in March. Xiang's guilty plea comes a month after the former high-flying head of troubled Anbang Insurance Group, Wu Xiaohui, was sentenced to 18 years in prison for defrauding the company of more than $10 billion. Wu was toppled as Anbang's head last year and China's insurance regulator announced an unprecedented takeover of the conglomerate in February, as the government moves to prevent heavily indebted large private companies from collapsing and posing a risk to the financial system. Xiang Junbo, 61, is most senior financial regulator to be targeted in President Xi Jinping's ongoing crackdown on corruption Prime Minister Justin Trudeau faced a political challenge to his marijuana legalization bill Wednesday as a fight brewed over whether Canadians should be allowed to grow marijuana at home. After several months of study, the Senate proposed a ban on home cultivation as well as on branded pot swag as part of a series of proposed amendments to his government's bill legalizing recreational use of the weed. Trudeau's ruling Liberals rejected those and about a dozen other amendments outright, with his health minister rising to defend home-grown pot. "Canadians are allowed to make beer at home, or wine," Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor said. "It is already possible for Canadians to grow cannabis for medical purposes and we absolutely believe the legislation should be consistent when it comes to recreational cannabis." The government, she said, would follow its expert panel's recommendation to allow at-home cultivation of up to four pot plants for personal use. As for the proposed advertising restrictions, she said the bill already contains limits such as a requirement for plain packaging. Legalizing weed was a 2015 campaign promise of Trudeau, who has admitted having smoked a joint with friends "five or six times." "We have spent months and indeed years talking with experts, reflecting on the best path forward on the legalization of cannabis because the current system doesn't work," Trudeau said Wednesday. "We need to move forward," he said, adding that delays in passing the bill play into the hands of organized crime groups that profit from the illicit market. The prime minister accused Tory senators of "playing games, to slow down (the bill's passing), to interfere with the will of the House, with the commitment made by a duly-elected government in an election campaign." An initial July 1 target was set for ending the pot prohibition that dates back to 1923. Despite setbacks, Trudeau has insisted Canada would become the first member of the Group of Seven nations to legalize the production, sale and consumption of the psychoactive drug late this summer. Over the coming days, the House of Commons will debate the bill before it is sent back to the Senate, at which point the upper chamber will have to decide whether to stand firm or accept the government's will. Statistics Canada has estimated that the market will be worth Can$5.7 billion ($4.5 billion US), based on last year's consumption data. Canada's parliament is debating the government's bill to legalize the recreational use of marijuana A firebrand Buddhist monk was sentenced to six months in jail by a Sri Lankan court Thursday for intimidating a woman whose cartoonist husband has been missing since his abduction by the military. The court in Homagama, near the capital Colombo, also fined Galagodaatte Gnanasara 1,500 rupees ($10) and ordered him to pay 50,000 rupees in compensation to Sandya Eknaligoda for abusing her in January 2016. He was found guilty on two counts of intimidation and given six months for each offence, both sentences to be served concurrently. This is the first time Gnanasara has been put behind bars although he has faced several previous cases on charges of hate crimes against minority Muslims in Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka. The saffron-robed monk tried to deliver a statement as the sentence was read out before a packed courtroom, but was stopped short by the judge. But outside the courthouse he remained defiant. "I have done my duty by my country," Gnanasara said as police led him to a prison bus. "I do not regret what I did." A spokesman for his Buddhist Force said it had already filed an appeal. Gnanasara was found guilty of criminally intimidating Eknaligoda during a hearing at the same court on the abduction of her cartoonist husband Prageeth, who went missing in January 2010. He had been there to voice his support for the military officers accused of abducting Prageeth, whose cartoons lampooned former strongman president Mahinda Rajapakse. In ugly scenes inside the courthouse, he accused Eknaligoda and her husband of supporting Tamil extremists and bringing the military into disrepute. He faces a separate contempt hearing at the Colombo High Court over the incident. - 'Hope in judiciary' - Eknaligoda's perseverance in campaigning to find out what happened to her husband earned her an "International Women of Courage" award last year from US First Lady Melania Trump. After the verdict Eknaligoda said she was pleased with the outcome and hoped the punishment would deter others. "I am happy this turned out like this. Some people thought that the monk will get off lightly with a suspended sentence, but it did not happen," she told AFP. "We can still have hope in the judiciary." Amnesty International welcomed the decision and described it as a victory for rights defenders in Sri Lanka. "A clear message has gone out to those who seek to intimidate, threaten and silence people seeking justice," said Amnesty's deputy director for South Asia, Omar Waraich. US ambassador Atul Keshap posted on Twitter after the verdict that Eknaligoda was "an eminently worthy and brave-hearted" recipient of the award for courage. Last year, Gnanasara spent a month on the run as police pursued him in connection with a string of attacks against Muslims. He later surrendered and was granted bail. The BBS has denied allegations it was behind riots against Muslims in 2017 and 2014 that left four people dead. Gnanasara maintains close ties with Wirathu, an extremist monk based in Myanmar, whose hate speech has stoked religious tensions in the country. Wirathu visited Sri Lanka as a guest of Gnanasara shortly after the 2014 violence in Sri Lanka's tourist resort of Aluthgama. Gnanasara was found guilty of criminally intimidating Sandya Eknaligoda when she attended a hearing on the abduction of her cartoonist husband Greece's top court on Thursday rejected Malta's request for the extradition of a Russian alleged whistleblower in a corruption and murder scandal, a court source said. The Supreme Court said Malta's arguments were "vague" and noted that Maria Efimova, a 36-year-old ex-staffer at Pilatus Bank, has claimed her life would be at risk if she was extradited. Efimova is widely believed to have been a key source of Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was killed by a car bomb last October as she lifted the lid on widespread corruption in her homeland. After the killing, her sons called for Malta's Prime Minister Joseph Muscat to resign, alleging he was overseeing a mafia state. Pilatus Bank has accused Efimova of embezzling 5,000 euros ($5,900) After initially fleeing to Crete, Efimova surrendered to police in Athens in March and then released the following month. She has denied claims by the Maltese government that she is a Russian spy. Maria Efimova, a Russian alleged whistleblower wanted in Malta,is widely believed to have been a key source of Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was killed by a car bomb last October as she lifted the lid on widespread corruption in her homeland. Greece's main opposition New Democracy party on Thursday called a censure vote against the government in a bid to block a name deal with Macedonia seen as "harmful" to Greek interests. "This is the last straw," New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis told parliament in calling the vote. "We will not divide the Greeks in order to unite the (Macedonians)." Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras -- whose government is expected to defeat the motion -- called it a "gift" from the opposition. "The censure motion is welcome, it's a very valuable gift," said Tsipras, who earlier this week agreed with Macedonian counterpart Zoran Zaev to rename Greece's northern neighbour the Republic of North Macedonia. The vote will be held over the weekend, likely on Saturday night, delaying reported plans for the Tsipras-Zaev agreement to be signed at the Prespes Lakes, on the border between Greece and Macedonia. Tsipras said he was looking forward to debating in parliament what compromises past Greek governments had come close to making, in their own negotiations with Skopje over the past 27 years. "It's a first-rate opportunity to talk in detail about who gave away what, and when," the PM said. Greece has long objected to its northern neighbour being called Macedonia because it has its own northern province of the same name, which in ancient times was the cradle of Alexander the Great's empire -- a source of intense pride to modern-day Greeks. "I have an obligation to the Greek people to try to prevent the future of our homeland being mortgaged under a deal harmful to national interests," Mitsotakis said. Although Tsipras' nationalist coalition partner the Independent Greeks party is strongly opposed to the Macedonia deal, they have stressed they do not intend to abandon him. "I do not feel this government has lost the confidence of parliament," Tsipras told state TV ERT on Wednesday. The Independent Greeks "will not bring down the government," he said. He said the deal "benefits (Greece) and the region...with this agreement, we cancel out any attempt to usurp our history." Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev has also hailed the move, which was announced on Tuesday, calling it a "historic solution". It still needs to be approved by Macedonia's parliament and pass a referendum there as well as being ratified by the Greek parliament, a process that will take months. Macedonia hopes that resolving the bitter dispute will help clear the way for it to join the European Union and NATO. European Council president Donald Tusk and NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg issued a joint statement on Wednesday voicing the hope that "this unique opportunity to relaunch the wider Western Balkan region's European and Euro-Atlantic integration will not be wasted". A 20-article document is to be signed by the foreign ministers of Greece and Macedonia stating that Macedonia's constitution must be revised within the year for the deal to go ahead. -- North Macedonia, 'No chance' -- Opponents to the compromise have called for a protest on central Syntagma Square in Athens on Friday and Saturday. Much of the criticism in Greece has focused on the government's acceptance that the neighbouring country's language and ethnicity will be called "Macedonian". The acceptance of the Macedonian language and nationality is an unacceptable national retreat," said Mitsotakis, arguing that the hard-fought deal would fail in practise. "There is no chance that those speaking a 'Macedonian' language will be called 'North Macedonians'," he said. In Macedonia, the nationalist VMRO-DPMNE party called the deal a "capitulation" and President Gjorge Ivanov said he would refuse to sign the text. Ivanov can veto the Macedonian parliament's decision only once, and has no power to veto a referendum. Skopje hopes to secure a date to begin accession talks at an EU summit in late June and an invitation to join NATO in mid-July. Protestors wave flags outside parliament in Skopje on June 13 against the proposed new name for the country. Greece's main opposition party is also opposed to the 'North Macedonia' name deal to end a nearly three-decade row between the neighbours Leader of Greece's main opposition New Democracy party Kyriakos Mitsotakis speaks in parliament in Athens on June 14 to back a censure vote against the government in a bid to block a proposed name deal with Macedonia Leader of Greece's main opposition New Democracy party Kyriakos Mitsotakis gestures in parliament ahead of a weekend censure vote against the government in a bid to block a proposed name deal with Macedonia Italy's far-right interior minister Matteo Salvini has suggested that hundreds of migrants aboard a rescue convoy heading for Spain were on a "cruise", as an NGO condemned their plight as a symbol of the failure of the EU. The Aquarius boat, accompanied by two Italian vessels, is making its way across the Mediterranean to Valencia after Italy and Malta refused to allow it to dock at their ports over the weekend. But on Thursday, huge waves and strong winds forced the convoy, carrying 629 rescued migrants, to take a detour along the coast of the Italian island of Sardinia. Asked by a journalist on Thursday whether the ship would arrive in Spain, Salvini said: "Of course, it's not as if they can now decide where to start and finish the cruise." "It seems to me that their arrival is expected Saturday without problems," he added. French charity SOS Mediterranee said Thursday that the Italian coast guard vessel guiding the Aquarius ship had decided to divert the convoy north along the east coast of Sardinia to bypass four-metre (13-feet) high waves and winds of 35 knots (65 km/h). The move was to "protect itself from the otherwise unbearable bad weather for the people on board, who are exhausted, suffering from shock and seasickness," the NGO said on Twitter. The Aquarius received fresh supplies via an Italian coast guard boat from Sardinia, the organisation later told AFP. - Symbol of failure - Doctors without Borders (MSF) coordinator Aloys Vimard, who is on board the boat, tweeted: "Most people are inside lying on floor including pregnant women, breastfeeding mothers, babies, burns patients, people who almost drowned." The majority of the migrants are from Africa, while several others come from Afghanistan, Pakistan and Bangladesh, according to MSF. The head of the Spanish branch of MSF David Noguera condemned the EU for a lack of coordination. "The detour of the Aquarius is clearly a symbol of the failure of the European Union and European governments with their contradictory policies," he told AFP by telephone from Barcelona. "It is a very negative precedent. The truth is there is a question on the table as to whether this is a single event which is resolved quickly, or if we will no longer be allowed to dock in Italy and the blockage continues which would completely change rescue operations." The plight of the Aquarius has again highlighted the failure of EU member states to work together to deal with the influx of migrant arrivals since 2015. But the French foreign ministry on Thursday said it was ready to welcome migrants aboard the Aquarius who "meet the criteria for asylum" after they arrive in Spain. Salvini has vowed to stop foreign boats carrying migrants from arriving in Italy, a policy that has also affected a US military ship. The Trenton rescued 40 migrants off the coast of Libya on Tuesday and was still waiting for instructions on where it could dock on Thursday, the US Navy said. It added that during the rescue operation "the crew initially observed approximately 12 bodies in the water that appeared to be unresponsive," but said that they "prioritised recovering those who needed immediate help". - 'Isolated and vulnerable' - As well as tension between Malta and Italy over who was responsible for helping the Aquarius rescue ship, another row erupted this week when French President Emmanuel Macron accused the Italian government of "cynicism and irresponsibility". Italy's new economy minister shelved a meeting with his French counterpart in Paris on Wednesday as a result of the dispute. However, Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte said Thursday he believed the row had been resolved after a phone conservation with Macron and the pair are set to meet Friday in Paris for talks. On Thursday Pope Francis called for "assistance from the entire international community" to help "isolated and vulnerable" migrants. "In order to acknowledge and respond to the current migration situation, the assistance of the entire international community is needed, since its transnational dimension exceeds the capacities and resources of many States," said Francis in a message to participants at a conference on international migration at the Vatican. The contentious issue of how to deal with migrants is expected to dominate an EU summit at the end of June. This handout picture from French NGO Doctors Without Borders (MSF) and SOS Mediterranee shows migrants onboard an Italian coastguard ship Bergen 14 June 2018: The following primary insider have sold shares in Sbanken ASA today: Thomas Tjstheim (Deputy board member, employee representative) has sold 403 shares at NOK 85.50 per share. Total holding after the transaction is 1 100 shares. Contact details, Investor RelationsBrede Selseng, Head of IR Skandiabanken ASA, +47 971 62 171Henning Nordgulen, CFO, Skandiabanken ASA, +47 952 65 990 German Chancellor Angela Merkel faced a tense showdown Thursday within her divided conservative camp over the flashpoint issue of immigration that could threaten her political future. Merkel was confronted with an open rebellion by her hardline Interior Minister Horst Seehofer, long a fierce critic of her liberal stance on refugees who wants to toughen border controls. After late-night talks between them failed to resolve the dispute, a parliamentary session Thursday was suspended to allow the rival camps -- Merkel's CDU and its traditional sister party from Bavaria, Seehofer's CSU -- to each huddle for strategy talks. Seehofer has demanded as part of his new "migration master plan" that German border police be given the right to turn back all asylum-seekers without valid identity papers and those who are already registered elsewhere in the European Union. Merkel rejects the idea, fearing it would be seen in the EU as Germany going it alone and hurt already over-burdened frontline Mediterranean countries such as Italy and Greece. Currently migrants from these categories are initially admitted into Germany, where their situation is assessed in a bureaucratic process, with some later sent back to their first EU port of call or their country of origin. Merkel pledged to seek a negotiated response on the issue from the EU, which holds its next summit on June 28-29, and to pursue bilateral deals with transit countries such as Italy and Austria. "I see illegal migration as one of the major challenges of the European Union and therefore believe that we should not act unilaterally, or without consultation, and not at the expense of third parties," she said. But the CSU was adamant that Germany "can't wait for another EU summit", with its Bavarian state premier Markus Soeder declaring that "we must think about the local population, not just the rest of Europe". The CSU's Alexander Dobrindt insisted Seehofer has the authority to order police to turn back the migrants -- a potential act of open defiance that would force Merkel to fire him, sparking coalition chaos. Dobrindt said the CSU party leadership would meet on Monday to make a final decision, appearing to set Merkel an ultimatum to relent or face a make-or-break government crisis. - 'Litmus test' - Merkel, the longest-serving EU leader, had Wednesday called immigration "a litmus test for the future of Europe" -- but the issue has once again turned into a test of Merkel's own grip on power at home. The top-selling Bild daily argued that "if no agreement is reached, Angela Merkel must face a vote of confidence and every lawmaker must decide ... Keep going with Merkel's way or face an adventure called fresh elections." The opposition Greens party voiced "deep concern about a real government crisis" which put Germany "at a crossroads, to choose humanity, solidarity and the rule of law, or say goodbye to all these values". Seehofer has long fumed at Merkel's decision to open German borders in mid-2015 to a mass influx of over one million asylum seekers, although the government has sharply restricted entries since. At the height of the crisis, tens of thousands of people fleeing war and misery in Syria, Iraq, Afghanistan and other countries crossed the Austrian border into Germany per day in the Alpine state. The mass arrivals, together with some high-profile crimes committed by migrants since, sparked the rise of the far-right AfD party, which entered parliament last year, upending German politics. - 'Run out of trust' - Merkel's CDU and the more conservative CSU have for decades been sister parties that form a single parliamentary faction. But the emotional immigration issue has opened a rift between them that is deepening as the CSU faces an electoral threat by the AfD in a state poll in October. In the tense stand-off, an unnamed CSU lawmaker threatened that the party could end its seven-decade-old parliamentary unity with the CDU, reported the regional Augsburger Allgemeine daily. Seehofer, in sharp contrast to Merkel, has voiced open sympathies for right-wing populist governments that are tough on immigration, from Hungary to Austria and Italy. On Wednesday Seehofer boycotted Merkel's "integration summit" of volunteers and agencies that support refugees, saying he objected to the presence of a critical journalist there. The same day he met Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz, who announced at a joint press conference that the interior ministers in Vienna, Rome and Berlin had formed an "axis of the willing" to combat illegal immigration. German Chancellor Angela Merkel is facing a rebellion from her hardline interior minister, who demands border police be given the right to refuse migrants in certain cases A Malaysian badminton player has been heavily fined for smoking during a tournament, officials said, the latest untoward incident to hit the sport in the country. Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin was fined 50 percent of his monthly allowance for lighting up in his hotel room at last month's Thomas Cup in Bangkok, where Malaysia crashed out in the quarter-finals. Malaysian players are forbidden from gambling or smoking. He also had to pay the hotel's fine of 3,000 baht ($90) for violating its no-smoking rules, Malaysian reports said. Iskandar, who is 50th in the men's singles world rankings, was brought before the Badminton Association of Malaysia's (BAM) disciplinary committee on June 1. "The committee sanctioned Iskandar Zulkarnain a one-time 50 percent fine of his monthly allowance," the committee said in a statement on Wednesday, without revealing the fine's amount. The statement added that all players will now undergo nicotine testing "from time to time", warning of severe repercussions for anyone who tests positive. Iskandar's punishment comes a month after two players were hit with decades-long bans for match-fixing and corruption. Zulfadli Zulkiffli, a former world junior champion who was banned for 20 years, has since appealed the decision. Iskandar Zulkarnain Zainuddin was brought before the Badminton Association of Malaysia's (BAM) disciplinary committee A proposed deal to resolve a 27-year name row with Macedonia has kicked up a political storm in Greece, with the government under fire over a compromise the main opposition party has rejected as a "national retreat". The conservative New Democracy party is expected to file a censure motion against Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras's government after it agreed to the tiny Balkan nation being renamed the Republic of North Macedonia. Greece has long objected to its northern neighbour being called Macedonia because it has its own northern province of the same name, which in ancient times was the cradle of Alexander the Great's empire -- a source of intense pride to modern day Greeks. Tsipras is to brief parliament on Friday on the agreement he brokered with his Macedonian counterpart Zoran Zaev after months of intensive talks between diplomats. "This is an agreement that benefits (Greece) and the region," Tsipras said late Thursday in a televised interview on state TV ERT. "With this agreement, we cancel out any attempt to usurp our history." Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev has also hailed the deal, which was announced on Tuesday, calling it a "historic solution". The agreement still needs to be approved by Macedonia's parliament and pass a referendum there, as well as being ratified by the Greek parliament, a process that will take months. Macedonia hopes that resolving the bitter dispute will help clear the way for it to join the European Union and NATO. European Council president Donald Tusk and NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg issued a joint statement on Wednesday voicing the hope that "this unique opportunity to relaunch the wider Western Balkan region's European and Euro-Atlantic integration will not be wasted". The 20-article document is to be signed by the foreign ministers of Greece and Macedonia, probably in the Prespes Lakes district on the border between the two countries. The document states that Macedonia's constitution must be revised within the year for the deal to go ahead. Opponents to the compromise have called for a protest on central Syntagma Square in Athens on Friday and Saturday. Much of the criticism in Greece has focused on the government's acceptance that the neighbouring country's language and ethnicity will be called "Macedonian". "The acceptance of the Macedonian language and nationality is an unacceptable national retreat," said New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis. In Macedonia, the nationalist VMRO-DPMNE party has also rejected the deal and President Gjorge Ivanov said he would refuse to sign the text. Ivanov can veto the Macedonian parliament's decision only once, and has no power to veto a referendum. Skopje hopes to secure a date to begin accession talks at an EU summit in late June, and an invitation to join NATO in mid-July. Greek demonstrators at a protest in Athens earlier this year urging the government not to compromise in the name row with Macedonia President Vladimir Putin on Thursday conveyed to a senior North Korean official an invitation for Kim Jong Un to visit Russia as he praised the results of his summit with Donald Trump. Hosting Kim Yong Nam, North Korea's ceremonial head of state, Putin said the historic summit with the US president was "without doubt just the first step towards a full-blown settlement". "Thanks to this meeting a possible negative scenario has been cast aside," Putin said. "Certainly it creates conditions for further forward movement and decreases general tensions around the Korean peninsula," he added. Trump and Kim made history on Tuesday holding a summit in Singapore. It was an unprecedented encounter that saw the leader of the world's most powerful democracy shake hands with the third-generation scion of a dynastic dictatorship. But critics said the Kim and Trump summit was more style than substance, producing a document short on specifics about the key issue of Pyongyang's atomic weapons. Putin said he would be happy to welcome Kim to Russia, suggesting they meet during an economic forum in the far eastern port city of Vladivostok this September. The youthful North Korean leader has never visited Russia, unlike his father, Kim Jong-Il, who travelled to the country in his armoured train in 2011 for talks with Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's president at the time. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov became the first ever Russian official to meet Kim when he travelled to Pyongyang in late May. The two countries share a short land border and have a history of long-standing ties. President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with Kim Yong Nam, North Korea's ceremonial head of state, at the Kremlin after inviting leader Kim Jong Un to visit Russia The day M.M. traded his books for mortars and joined the masses in protesting against Nicaragua's president, he knew he would have to leave home. "If I go to my house I'm a dead man," he says from the Managua campus of Nicaragua's national university, now occupied by hundreds of students organizing against leftist leader Daniel Ortega. "My father is a Sandinista; he's a fan of that ideology. We have broken all contact," the 25-year-old says, referencing Ortega's party which took power in 1979 in the guerrilla uprising that ousted US-backed dictator Anastasio Somoza. "We are many here at the university; we are safer here than on the street," M.M. says, a black bandana masking the exhaustion evident in his voice. For six weeks and counting M.M., who uses a pseudonym for security reasons, has lived at the National Autonomous University of Nicaragua (UNAN), one of several student protest camps in Managua where empty bottles, old food and used mortar rounds litter the grounds. As the tropical Central American country's muggy rainy season gets underway, the approximately 450 students living there have built plastic tarp tents that shelter beds built from wood pallets, thin sleeping pads and hammocks strung between lush trees, while some find refuge in class buildings. By about 9:00 a.m. many are still sleeping following a chaotic night that saw Nicaragua's capital plunged once again into violence, with gunfire and mortar blasts echoing throughout. But M.M. is awake, sipping instant coffee and guarding one of the several padlocked entry gates to prevent anyone loyal to Ortega from infiltrating. - 'Law of the jungle' - The student recalls when Managua's streets were alive with people sharing meals, going for walks, shopping, or frequenting clubs that now mostly stay closed. Since April 18 when small protests against pension reform erupted into vehement, student-led calls for Ortega's ouster, he doesn't recognize his home city. "It's a complete desert," he says of Managua, where a virtual curfew is in place when the sun sets around 6:00 p.m. due to armed paramilitary gangs roving the streets and launching indiscriminate attacks. The capital essentially lives under "the law of the jungle; the law of the strongest," M.M. says. - 'Sham' negotiations - But his country is living "a historic moment," he emphasizes, appearing to teeter on the brink of utter chaos as Ortega shows few signs of loosening his fist despite the unrest, which has killed at least 152 people. M.M. scoffs at the prospect of what he calls "sham" negotiations, which the country's Catholic clergy hopes to move towards reviving at a roundtable on Friday with government and activist representatives. "This government does not want to negotiate; they don't want peace," he says, as a raven nearby picks at a spilled portion of rice and beans, some of the provisions students get from donors supporting their cause. The president and his supporters "talk about peace -- what they deal are bullets," M.M. says, striking a tone of finality. "They've practically destroyed the country. They destroyed in 40 days what it cost us to recover" over decades, he says. Ortega, 72, took power as leader of a communist junta installed following the revolution. Re-elected in 2007, he is now serving his third consecutive term due to end in 2022. - 'Rebuild history' - Many of those opposing him demand moving up the next presidential vote, but M.M. says that's a losing battle. "Daniel Ortega is never going to expedite the election," he says. "You may not admire him, but recognize, he's a good political strategist." "I think we're going to the point...where it will be necessary to take up arms, and if possible overthrow the government." He, like many Nicaraguans, doesn't have a particular political alternative in mind: "We're fighting for a just cause. We aren't fighting for any political party." "We are fighting because we are fed up with Ortega." The other students begin to rise, wiping bleary eyes and stumbling to gather at a central tent to scramble some eggs on a hot plate. One young woman holds up a handful of bullet shells, which the students say paramilitary forces have fired into the campus-turned-bunker attempting to force students out. But they will not relent, M.M. vows. Not until the students can "rebuild history," he says. "To create a party with new bases that are not so distorted." "To move this country forward." Students with homemade mortars stand guard behind makeshift shields and barricades at Nicaragua's Autonomous National University (UNAN) in Managua, occupied by anti-government activists for over a month A student sleeps in a hammock after a night of clashes with members of the Sandinista youth and police A homemade mortar lies on a table next to students' provisions Students clean a bathroom at the National University (UNAN), occupied by protesters for over a month A man rides a bicycle through a barricade at the National University (UNAN) in Managua, which students have taken over to protest Daniel Ortega's government The attackers lured the victims from their homes in the dead of night by shouting "thief", gunning down those who ventured out to intervene, decapitating them and setting one of their heads ablaze. Survivors of the attack that struck a normally quiet corner of north Mozambique described the panic after 20 men armed with guns, machetes and knives stormed Naunde village. Two young men who responded to the disturbance were captured and killed, said Mauricio Miranda, a village leader who survived the assault. "They severed his head, stuck it on a log, roasted it with the fire from a burning car and they left it at the market," said a witness, Narciso Cassimo, shaking with rage as he described the carnage, standing in front of a burnt-out shell that was once a house. Atanasio Nacir, the headteacher of the local primary school, and his deputy, Issufo Amade, raced towards the villagers who had come under attack as they slept. "They burned the first car," Nacir told AFP on Thursday. "We stopped and started watching. They burned another house. And that is when a lady screamed at us that 'you'd better get out because they are targeting men'," he said. Nacir and Amade then fled to the nearby town of Macomia where they and hundreds like them have sought refuge. - 'Sound of a gunshot' - Amade said that he saw three white men among the attackers after being woken by the screams of a neighbour whose husband had just been killed. "We went outside to try to find that lady... and then we heard the sound of a gunshot," said Amade. "The three men I saw were white and strong. They were carrying large backpacks. They started burning houses, went into my house, took the clothes, told my family to leave, and burned down the bathroom." Dozens of people have suffered similar fates this month in Mozambique's predominantly Muslim Cabo Delgado province in attacks blamed on radical jihadists. Locals and authorities call the group "Al-Shabaab", although it has no proven link to a notorious Somali group of the same name. The group, which conducted its first attack in October and is said by academics to want to impose sharia law in the region, has not published claims of responsibility or any demands. - 'They burned everything' - Naunde villagers attempted to repel the attackers with whatever weapons they could find but were struck down by gunfire. "We had machetes and arrows. We tried to react and they began to shoot us. So we had to run away," said Miranda, a village elder. The attackers torched 164 homes and four cars. Mounds of debris, charred wood and scattered possessions are all that remains of many of the homes and businesses that once speckled the white sandy ground. "In my house, they burned everything I had, my goats, my clothes, everything," said Cassimo. After laying waste to the village for two hours, the attackers destroyed the bridge that connects the village to the outside world to frustrate rescue efforts, and fled the area. More than half of Naunde's residents, who mainly work as fishermen and peasant farmers, have fled to the district capital Macomia. The village's only school has closed and nurses have fled the local clinic. Many of those who chose to stay behind are forced to sleep rough under palm trees while soldiers help to clear the area and begin the painstaking task of rebuilding. Two days after Naunde was attacked, the village of Namaluco, which is just 20 kilometres (12 miles) away, was besieged in the same way and five villagers were killed, raising fears of more attacks. The assailants came at night, slaying villagers and burning their homes. Mozambican soldiers are rebuilding the structures to provide shelter Food, blankets and building materials are being brought to the stricken village -- 164 homes were destroyed and hundreds of people were displaced Spanish fashion group Puig said Thursday it had bought a majority stake in Belgian fashion brand Dries Van Noten, a rare independent luxury goods label, for an undisclosed amount. Puig, a Barcelona-based, family-owned group that specialises in perfumes and cosmetics, said in a statement it had become the "majority shareholder" of Dries Van Noten, which has been wholly owned by the 60-year-old Belgian designer by the same name since he launched the firm in 1986. Puig already owns the labels Jean Paul Gaultier, Carolina Herrera, Nina Ricci and Paco Rabanne. Van Noten, described by the New York Times in 2005 as "one of fashion's most cerebral designers", will maintain a minority stake in the brand, and stay on as the it's creative director and president, the statement added. He is considered to be one of Belgium's most brilliant fashion designers, alongside Martin Margiela, Ann Demeulemeester and Raf Simons. Van Noten presented his 100th fashion show last year. Dries Van Noten does not publish its turnover but Puig described it as "one of the most successful independent fashion houses". Dries Van Noten will stay on as creative director Shannon Gabriel's raw pace once again unsettled Sri Lanka's top order as they reached 79 for three at lunch after opting to bat first on the opening day of the second Test against the West Indies at the Darren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia on Thursday. Gabriel claimed the wickets of debutant opener Mahela Udawatte and returning middle-order batsman Dhananjaya De Silva while new ball partner Kemar Roach accounted for Kusal Perera in his second spell of the morning. Trailing in the three-match series after losing the first Test in Trinidad by 226 runs, the Sri Lankans will be looking to first Test century-maker Kusal Mendis and captain Dinesh Chandimal to lead them out of trouble in the afternoon session. Playing his first Test 10 years after his one-day international debut, which was also against the West Indies in the Caribbean, Udawatte endured the misfortune of repeating the experience of a decade ago in being dismissed for a duck. Gabriel took the outside edge of his bat to the second delivery he faced for West Indies captain Jason Holder to take a superb catch at third slip. De Silva, who arrived in the Caribbean only last week due to the death of his father two weeks ago and therefore missed the first Test, sustained a potentially serious elbow injury when he was struck on the arm by the fearsome Gabriel with the ball ricocheting onto the stumps. Mendis, whose second innings 102 at the Queen's Park Oval retained a modicum of pride for the Sri Lankan batsmen in the first Test, joined Kusal Perera and the pair counter-attacked briefly with Perera striking Holder for three consecutive fours. Such aggression could not last though and Holder again showed a safe pair of hands in the slip cordon to account for Perera for 32 off the first ball Roach bowled coming back into the attack. Sri Lanka made four changes to their line-up from the first Test with two of the alterations forced by the return home of former captain Angelo Mathews for personal reasons while fast-medium bowler Lahiru Gamage is also on his way back to Colombo after sustaining a fractured finger batting on the final day of the opening Test. Off-spinning all-rounder Dilruwan Perera and experienced left-arm spinner Rangana Herath were dropped from the side that suffered a first Test match defeat to the West Indies in ten years. Sri Lanka's selectors had indicated before the start of the series though that three senior players -? Herath, Mathews and seamer Suranga Lakmal ?- were unlikely to feature in all three matches Spinner Akila Dananjaya, who took eight wickets on debut in Bangladesh last February, is also back in the team. That's out: Mahela Udawatte of Sri Lanka is dismissed by Shannon Gabriel AUSTIN, Texas, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Bravatek Solutions, Inc. (OTCPink:BVTK) (Bravatek or the Company) announced today that it has submitted a range of products and services to i3 Integrative Creative Solutions, LLC (i3ICS) to be added to the U.S. General Services Administration (GSA) IT Schedule 70 contract. i3ICS is a successful reseller and partner with Bravatek on selling products into the federal government. The submissions are expected to be approved in less than three weeks. Inclusion in the contract vehicle should enable Bravatek and HelpComm, Inc. (HelpComm), its wholly owned subsidiary, to partner with U.S. government agencies to deliver their technology, projects and services on budget and on schedule. IT Schedule 70 is the largest acquisition vehicle by federal government agencies. The schedule provides direct access to products, services and solutions from certified industry partners at pre-negotiated rates. Customers should soon be able to identify providers like i3ICS, Bravatek and its subsidiary HelpComm to procure products and services, giving agencies centralized and streamlined access to IT providers that have been vetted by the government. Bravatek and HelpComm have submitted the following products and services for inclusion on the Schedule 70 contract vehicle through i3ICS: Bravatek/DarkPulse Technologies Joint Ventures patented products and applied technology (Erebus monitoring system and UHSS), as well as Bravateks developed and distributed software products and capabilities: The recently announced Erebus system uses new and/or existing fiber systems to provide the rapid, accurate measurement and monitoring of temperatures, strains and stresses for applications required by both the private and public sectors. Ultra-High Sensitivity Sensors: The UHSS technology enables detection of trace amounts of explosives, chemical warfare agents (CWAs) and illicit drugs the "Holy Grail" of global security. This technology involves using an ion detector and unique chemistry including proton affinity, chemical functionality and chemical structure of the reaction dopant to improve selectivity and detection limits. BVTK capabilities and software products, including Tuitio, Bravateks recently announced, fully tested, patented, field-proven cybersecurity product that protects consumers against cyber-attacks; and Ecrypt One, Bravateks patent-pending, enterprise cyber email solution. HelpComm: Telecom Civil Construction Services: Project management services, design build services, utility services, conduit installations for utility power and telco access, site development, tower foundations, site and ground maintenance services. Tower RF Construction Services: Installation of wireless infrastructure, new site build, MOD overlay installations, small cell, DAS installations, WiFi installations, fiber, coax, microwave, antenna, cabinets, ground structure, shelters, maintenance, testing and turn-up of customers equipment. Fiber, Coax and Copper Construction Services: Installation of fiber, coax and copper communication cabling installations for ISP, OSP, structured wiring, equipment cabinets, vaults and directional boring. Electrical Construction Services: Installations of utility meter centers, vaults, transformers, electrical panels, surge protection equipment, conduit and wiring for AC and DC voltage wiring, installation for communication power plants, battery installations, communication equipment, installation of grounding rings and lightning protection systems. Dr. Thomas A. Cellucci, Chairman and CEO of Bravatek, commented: The GSA IT Schedule 70 is the governments go-to source for IT and related acquisitions. Our team has worked tirelessly with our partner i3ICS to demonstrate our performance, pricing and financial stability. We are delighted to soon have the opportunity to provide products and services to government agencies with i3ICS that utilize the GSA Schedule. About Bravatek Solutions, Inc. Bravatek Solutions, Inc. is a high technology security solutions portfolio provider that assists corporate entities, governments and individuals protect their organizations against both physical and cyber-attacks through its offering of the most technically advanced, cost-effective and reliable software, tools and systems. For more information, visit www.bravatek.com Safe Harbor 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, that are intended to be covered by the "safe harbor" created by those sections. Forward-looking statements, which are based on certain assumptions and describe our future plans, strategies and expectations, can generally be identified by the use of forward-looking terms such as "believe," "expect," "may," "will," "should," "could," "seek," "intend," "plan," "goal," "estimate," "anticipate" or other comparable terms. All statements other than statements of historical facts included in this news release regarding our strategies, prospects, financial condition, operations, costs, plans and objectives are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are neither historical facts nor assurances of future performance. Instead, they are based only on our current beliefs, expectations and assumptions regarding the future of our business, future plans and strategies, projections, anticipated events and trends, the economy and other future conditions. Because forward-looking statements relate to the future, they are subject to inherent uncertainties, risks and changes in circumstances that are difficult to predict and many of which are outside of our control. Our actual results and financial condition may differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. Therefore, you should not rely on any of these forward-looking statements. Important factors that could cause our actual results and financial condition to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements include, among others, the following: our ability to successfully develop and market our products and services; the acceptance of our products and services by customers; our continued ability to pay operating costs and ability to meet demand for our products and services; the amount and nature of competition from other security and telecom products and services; the effects of changes in the cybersecurity and telecom markets; our ability to successfully develop new products and services; our success establishing and maintaining collaborative, strategic alliance agreements, licensing and supplier arrangements; our ability to comply with applicable regulations; and the other risks and uncertainties described in our prior filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. We undertake no obligation to publicly update any forward-looking statement, whether written or oral, that may be made from time to time, whether as a result of new information, future developments or otherwise. Media contact: Bravatek Solutions, Inc. info@bravatek.com 1.866.490.8590 A Somali man stabbed two worshippers to death and wounded two others in a rampage at a mosque in South Africa on Thursday before being shot dead by police, officers said. Police quickly surrounded the building in Malmesbury near Cape Town outside which a body lay under a tree and a penknife was discarded nearby, according to an AFP correspondent at the scene. The motive of the attacker, who police said was Somali, remains unclear. It comes just a month after a deadly stabbing at another South African mosque which police said had "elements of extremism" and left an Islamic leader dead. Police were alerted by early morning worshippers and arrived at Malmesbury's mosque to find two people had died of stab wounds, Western Cape police spokeswoman Noloyiso Rwexana, told AFP. "The suspect, believed to be in his thirties and armed with a knife, charged at the police who tried to persuade him to hand himself over," she said. The man, who was seen at the Mosque for the first time on Wednesday according to police, "ignored the calls and tried to attack police. He was shot dead". Forensics officers are now conducting a finger-tip search of the area and the elite Hawks investigative unit has been drafted in to lead the inquiry. - 'Murdered, slaughtered' - Zainab Bassa, the wife of 72-year-old Ismail Bassa who was killed in the attack, told AFP that her husband of more than 30 years was "slaughtered" as he prayed. "My husband talked to everybody, he loved kids, it's a great loss for me, as well as for the community, to pass away in a masjid, murdered, slaughtered," said Bassa, 59. "That was his second house -- you would always find him in the mosque. He left last night and said 'I'm going now, I'll buy you another Eid dress'." The other victim was a member of South Africa's Somali community, according to police. Two other people were wounded and are being treated in hospital. The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), which represents the Muslim community in South Africa, said it was "shocked to the core" over the incident, which came at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The MJC appealed to the community not to speculate about the attacker's motives and said its top leadership would travel to the area to assist the community. It comes a month after an attack at a mosque in the town of Verulam, on the outskirts of the eastern port city of Durban. Three unidentified assailants killed a mosque leader on May 10 by slitting his throat and injured two others after midday prayers. The assailants in that attack, who also set off a petrol bomb inside the mosque, escaped in a car and remain at large. - 'Intolerance, killing and real conflict' - Their motive remains unclear, but a police spokesman said at the time that the attack had "elements of extremism. It shows hatred towards the worshippers". The Verulam attack was a watershed moment for South Africa, where about 1.5 percent of the country's 55 million people are Muslim. Asked if Thursday's attack was the first of its kind in the region, police spokesman lieutenant colonel Andre Traut said: "I can't recall of another incident, but all possibilities are being investigated". "It's way too soon to speculate as to a possible motive -- or link with any other incident in the country," he told the eNCA broadcaster. Nick Piper, a director at the Signal Risk security consultancy, described both attacks as "very rudimentary". "Typically, if a transnational group was to conduct a coordinated, planned attack, it would be more sophisticated," he said. South Africa prides itself on religious tolerance and has been spared the extremist attacks that have dogged other countries on the African continent. Ebrahim Rasool, a senior official of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, said that President Cyril Ramaphosa "expresses condolences to the families and the community". "(He) expresses his concern about this plague that is infiltrating the Muslim community of intolerance, killing and real conflict," said Rasool. The motive for the attack, in the town of Malmesbury near Cape Town, remained unclear A quintet of New York congressional representatives are urging President Donald Trump's administration to reconsider the tariffs on Canadian paper used by many newspapers, including The Citizen. U.S. Reps. John Faso, Brian Higgins, John Katko, Sean Patrick Maloney and Elise Stefanik signed a letter to Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and Rhonda Schmidtlein, chair of the International Trade Commission, opposing the tariffs on Canadian newsprint. The Commerce Department imposed preliminary duties on uncoated groundwood paper from Canada. The paper is used by many media outlets, including The Citizen, to print newspapers. The tariffs can be up to 32 percent on Canadian paper and are already impacting newspapers. The price of paper has increased as much as 30 percent from some suppliers. The Commerce Department took action in response to a claim made by Norpac, a paper producer in the northwestern U.S., that Canadian producers were exporting paper below fair market value. Commerce launched an investigation and its preliminary findings were that Canadian producers received several government subsidies. As the agency is concluding its investigation, the New York members of Congress urged it to reconsider the tariffs. "The petitioner's claim that the decline in demand for U.S. newsprint is a result of imported Canadian newsprint rings hollow in light of the reality of an industry trying to adapt to a changing market in a digital age," the representatives wrote. They continued, "As an industry that is already confronting a decline in newspaper circulation, readership and print advertising due to increased internet competition, an affirmative final determination from the International Trade Commission has the potential to destabilize the industry and accelerate the decline of print news media." Several media and publishing organizations oppose the tariffs. The News Media Alliance has spoken out against the duties. Stop Tariffs on Printers & Publishers, a group representing printers, paper suppliers and other firms, also highlighted the impact of the tariffs. The International Trade Commission's final determination is expected later this year. Online producer Robert Harding can be reached at (315) 282-2220 or robert.harding@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @robertharding. Love 0 Funny 1 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 A leading women's group is taking sides in the 24th Congressional District's Democratic primary. The National Organization for Women announced Thursday that it has endorsed Dana Balter over Juanita Perez Williams in the 24th district race. Linda Berg, political director of the National Organization for Women, wrote a letter to Balter's campaign informing them of the endorsement. "We look forward to working with (Balter) to achieve full equality for women and girls," Berg wrote. The National Organization for Women was founded in 1966 and advocates for women's rights. The group has chapters in every state and the District of Columbia. NOW has long been politically active. In 2016, the group endorsed Democratic candidate Colleen Deacon in the 24th district race. Deacon, a Syracuse Democrat, lost to U.S. Rep. John Katko in the general election. Balter and Perez Williams, both Syracuse Democrats, are seeking the Democratic nomination to challenge Katko, R-Camillus, in this year's election. Balter, an activist and Syracuse University visiting assistant teaching professor, is the designated Democratic candidate in the race. She was endorsed by each of the district's four county Democratic committees. She also has the support of several progressive groups, including the national Indivisible movement, Democracy for America and Our Revolution. Perez Williams was a late entrant, but has received several endorsements of her own. The political action committees for the Congressional Black Caucus and Congressional Hispanic Caucus have endorsed her campaign. This week, she won the support of VoteVets, a national veterans organization that typically endorses Democratic veterans in congressional races. The Democratic primary is Tuesday, June 26. The winner will have the Democratic line against Katko in the general election. Balter already has two minor party endorsements: the Women's Equality and Working Families party lines. Love 4 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Vice President Mike Pence will visit central New York next week to support U.S. Rep. John Katko's re-election campaign. The fundraiser is scheduled for Tuesday in Syracuse. Pence will headline the event. The location and pricing levels haven't been disclosed, but reports indicate the private function will be held at a Syracuse-area hotel. Katko, R-Camillus, is running for a third term in Congress. He was first elected in 2014 and won re-election two years ago by more than 20 points. Pence, through his political action committee and appearances at other events, has helped raise money for Katko's re-election bid. Pence's PAC, the Great America Committee, has donated $5,400 to Katko for Congress, according to Federal Election Commission records. On Wednesday, Pence headlined a fundraiser at the Trump International Hotel in Washington to support Protect the House, a joint fundraising committee that provides funding to Republicans in key districts. Politico reported that the D.C. event raised more than $3.2 million for Protect the House. Katko's campaign will receive a portion of those funds. Prior to the fundraiser, Katko has received $52,474.18 from Protect the House, FEC records show. Pence's appearance in central New York won't be the first time prominent Republicans have visited the region to support Katko's campaign. In 2016, House Speaker Paul Ryan headlined a Syracuse fundraiser for Katko. Ryan's predecessor, former Speaker John Boehner, also visited central New York to attend fundraisers for the Camillus Republican. Katko has been a strong fundraiser during his three campaigns for Congress. As of April 1, he had more than $1.24 million in the bank. For now, Katko's Democratic opponent hasn't been decided. There are two Democrats in the race: Dana Balter, an activist and Syracuse University visiting assistant teaching professor, and Juanita Perez Williams, a Navy veteran, ex-state Department of Labor regional director and former Syracuse mayoral candidate. The Democratic primary is Tuesday, June 26. The winner will face Katko in the general election. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 1 Sad 0 Angry 7 The White House has indicated President Donald Trump will sign legislation introduced by U.S. Rep. John Katko to crack down on synthetic drugs, according to a statement of administration policy released Wednesday. Katko's bill, the Stop the Importation and Trafficking of Synthetic Analogues Act, would establish a new schedule under the Controlled Substances Act for synthetic compounds. The measure would also add 13 fentanyl compounds to Schedule A, the new schedule that would be created. In the statement of administration policy, the Trump administration said Katko's legislation would "strengthen the ability of federal law enforcement to defend our borders against criminals who ship drugs onto our soil." Statements of administration policy are typically issued to indicate whether the president's advisers would recommend whether he should sign or veto bills advancing in Congress. The statement regarding Katko's bill concludes with a sentence revealing that the president's advisers would recommend Trump sign the legislation. Katko, R-Camillus, introduced the bill in June 2017. One month later, the House Judiciary Committee signed off on the measure, which allowed it to advance in the chamber. Entering 2018, the legislation has been one of Katko's top priorities. He invited Teresa Woolson to attend Trump's State of the Union address in January. Woolson's son drowned in Lake Ontario after using synthetic drugs. The legislation has received support from law enforcement officers, including central New York leaders. Syracuse Police Chief Frank Fowler traveled to Washington in February to testify in support of Katko's bill. In a statement released earlier this year, Katko said his measure would "help stop the unlawful importation and distribution of synthetic drugs and give our law enforcement the tools they need to keep our community safe." The House is expected to consider Katko's bill, which has 75 cosponsors representing both parties, on Friday. If the House passes the legislation, it must be approved by the Senate before it heads to the White House for Trump's review. Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 1 Like most pet parents, youre probably gearing up to hit the road with your pooch for a summer getaway or even a day trip. Before you do, be sure to take the necessary measures to ensure your pet is happy and safe in his travels. Secure Your Pet One of the most important but overlooked precautions to take when taking a road trip with your pet is securing them in your vehicle. The rest of the family buckles up, so why is Rover allowed to travel free range? The same dangers us humans face when not secured apply to our pets. Further, a free-range pet can be a big distraction to the driver. Methods to use include a pet seat belt, travel kennel, pet car seat, and vehicle pet barriers. Heads Out Window is a No-Go Most dogs love riding with their heads out the window. We want our dogs to enjoy the ride so much that we dont always consider the risks versus rewards. Allowing our dogs to stick their heads out the window is incredibly dangerous. Not only could they potentially fall or jump out, but they can also get injured by flying stones, dust, bugs, and other flying objects. Also, too much persistent wind in the face can seriously hurt your pets eyes and ears. Dont Leave them Alone Dont leave your pet alone in the car - particularly in the hot weather. The temperature inside a car can skyrocket in a very short period of time - making it very dangerous for your pet. Leaving the windows cracked does not help. In addition, an unattended pet can be a target for pet thieves. Yes to Hydration, No to Big Meals Car rides tend to make us all a bit dehydrated. But for dogs, they seem to get dehydrated even more. The panting and excitement seems to add to their need to wet their whistles. Be sure to bring some clean, fresh water along with you so your pooch can sip a bit from time to time. Since car rides do have the potential to upset pets stomachs, dont overdo it - as too much water at one time may cause a rumbly in the tumbly. Same goes for food. Its best to keep food intake to a minimum for the same reasons. Frequent Pit Stops Wherever your travels take you, make sure you allow for ample time to stop along the way to allow your pet to take potty breaks and stretch his legs. Make sure youre stopping in a safe spot, away from traffic. Most thruway travel centers have designated dog potty areas. Also, be sure to bring poop bags to pick up after your pooch. About TripsWithPets: TripsWithPets is the premier online pet friendly travel guide -- featuring online reservations at over 30,000 pet friendly hotels & accommodations across the U.S. and Canada. Visit our site to explore pet friendly destinations like Morrisville, NC, Hollywood, FL and thousands more! When planning a trip, pet parents go to TripsWithPets for detailed, up-to-date information on hotel pet policies and pet amenities. TripsWithPets also features airline & car rental pet policies, pet friendly activities, a user-friendly search-by-route option, as well as pet travel tips. Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Those cracking open a Labatt Blue on Seneca Lake this summer could find a familiar image on the can. The Finger Lake will be one of several New York summer water destinations to be featured on limited-edition Labatt Blue and Labatt Blue Light cans. Others include the Thousand Islands, Lake George and the Buffalo River. The cans will be available in all locations that sell 18-packs of Labatt Blue or Labatt Blue Light. The "Loving New York" cans are the result of a partnership between Labatt USA and Riverkeeper, a nonprofit environmental organization dedicated to the protection of the Hudson River and its tributaries. Labatt USA, which is headquartered in Buffalo and imports Labatt beer from Canada, is also making a $10,000 investment to support Riverkeeper's efforts. It is part of a larger investment of more than $100,000 with Great Lakes waterkeeper groups. "Clean water is essential to public health and our quality of life here in New York," Riverkeeper President Paul Gallay said in a news release. "We are grateful that Labatt USA is partnering with us to safeguard our water resources, and their investment will undoubtedly make a long-lasting impact in the communities we serve." Love 2 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 When news broke last week that the federal prosecutors seized email and phone records of a reporter during an investigation of information leaks, I knew I had a future column topic. I was deeply troubled about five years ago when we learned that the Obama administration employed such tactics investigating leaks, and given President Trump's antipathy for the news media as well as his willingness to wade into Justice Department matters, I was fully expecting to hear about something like this taking place during his tenure, as well. So as I saw the headline and some of the first responses from press freedom advocates, I figured I had a straight-forward message to share with our readers: This case is the latest troubling example of why we need much more robust federal shield laws to protect journalists. Jeremy Boyer: Give #WithoutNews some thought this year Anyone who has ever visited Washington will likely attest to the amazing array of riveting museums operating there, and that includes a facili But then I started reading articles about the case, and realized that another disturbing issue was also at play. The reporter whose records were seized, according to her current employer, the New York Times, had an "extended personal relationship" with a target in the leak probe. That target, a Senate Intelligence Committee aide, worked at the same time the reporter was breaking stories on issues related to the committee. At those times, she was employed by several different media organizations, including McClatchy Co., The Huffington Post, BuzzFeed News and Politico. Read through the work of this reporter, Ali Watkins, 26, as well as the court documents related to the source, James Wolfe, 57, and it's clear she had a blatant conflict of interest with her reporting. And information has since surfaced that she's been less than forthcoming with her employers about the situation. That included Watkins' failure to disclose to her current employer, the New York Times, that she had received official communication in February that her records had been seized. And that tidbit kind of brought the story full circle for me. As a journalist, Watkins must have realized the significance of this seizure of her records. It raises major press freedom and constitutional law questions. Yet, presumable because of her personal conflict, she kept that information from her colleagues at one of the world's most influential news media organizations. Jeremy Boyer: Trial raises tough questions about transparency Earlier this month, this newspaper published a series of stories on an Auburn Correctional Facility inmate's civil confinement trial. The proc The Times said this week that it is now investigating Watkins' work history. She's no longer in the relationship with the former aide and she now covers federal law enforcement, but the newspaper has an obligation to do a thorough review because her credibility is in doubt. I'm glad to hear that is happening, and I hope similar steps are taken at all the media organizations where she worked. If Watkins is found to be in clear violation of journalism ethics, she shouldn't be working in this field. But even if that happens, it shouldn't erase the concerns that the records seizure raises. Prosecutors have plenty of other ways, including going through the records of the federal employees they are purporting to investigate, to pursue alleged leakers. This story should create a renewed push to improve federal shield laws. Shield laws make it much more difficult for the government, which can have a propensity to want to conceal negative information from the public, to force reporters to disclose whistleblowers who might request anonymity for personal and job security reasons. Such laws can also drastically limit the government's ability to seize reporter's confidential records. During this extraordinary time in which the president has labeled the free press an "enemy" of the nation (he actually did it again Wednesday), we've heard plenty of rhetoric from Congress about how they don't agree with Trump's disregard for the First Amendment. In fact, the statements supporting the importance of an independent press have been one of the few examples bipartisanship I've seen in Washington these past 18 months. But lofty statements in support of the First Amendment aren't enough. We need a congress that will take concrete action to further protect the free press. We also need a free press that's going to continue to hold itself accountable when we see shoddy or unethical work within our own ranks. Executive editor Jeremy Boyers column appears Thursdays in The Citizen and he can be reached at (315) 282-2231 or jeremy.boyer@lee.net. Follow him on Twitter @CitizenBoyer Love 0 Funny 0 Wow 0 Sad 0 Angry 0 Catch the latest in Opinion Get opinion pieces, letters and editorials sent directly to your inbox weekly! Sign up! * I understand and agree that registration on or use of this site constitutes agreement to its user agreement and privacy policy. SAN FRANCISCO, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- InsideView, the leader in Targeting Intelligence, is honored to announce that InsideView Apex has been named the Best Sales & Marketing Intelligence Solution of 2018 as part of the annual SIIA CODiE Awards. CODiE Award recipients are the companies producing the most innovative business technology products across the country, and around the world. This is InsideViews second recognition as Best Sales & Marketing Intelligence Solution. InsideView Sales won the category in 2013. InsideView Apex takes everything weve learned about sales and marketing intelligence in the past ten years and elevates it to strategic, board-level insight so companies can make the tough decisions, said Umberto Milletti, CEO of InsideView. InsideView has now won its second CODiE in this category, this time with a brand-new product. Thats a testimony to our teams innovation, hard work, and dedication to industry leadership. Were incredibly honored to be recognized. InsideView Apex is a go-to-market (GTM) decision engine that empowers business-to-business companies to drive rapid market growth. InsideView Apex brings together data from a companys customer relationship management (CRM) system or other systems, with external market data, then uses machine learning to discover and visualize market opportunities. The platform uses artificial intelligence (AI) to uncover look-alike accounts that match the characteristics of a companys existing customers or ideal prospects. Business leaders can use InsideView Apex to discover and size their target market, explore new markets and segments, uncover new target accounts that match their ideal customers, accelerate revenue, and measure their progress as they grow. For more information about InsideView Apex, go to insideview.com/apex or view a video about InsideView Apex at https://vimeo.com/insideviewcrm/apex The 2018 CODiE Award winners are the most innovative, high-impact products in the market. We are happy to recognize these products and the power they have to transform the future of how we do business, said Ken Wasch, president of SIIA. The Software & Information Industry Association (SIIA), the principal trade association for the software and digital content industries, announced the full slate of CODiE winners during a special Award Ceremony in San Francisco on June 12. The SIIA CODiE Awards are the industry's only peer-reviewed awards program. The first-round review of all nominees is conducted by software and business technology experts with considerable industry expertise, including members of the industry, analysts, media, bloggers, bankers and investors. The scores from the expert judge review determine the finalists. SIIA members then vote on the finalist products, and the scores from both rounds are tabulated to select the winners. 51 awards were given this year for products and services deployed specifically for B2B software, information and media companies, including the all new Best Overall Business Technology Product, awarded to the product with the highest scores of both rounds of judging. More information about the Awards is available at: siia.net/CODiE. The full list of winners and details about the winning products can be found at http://www.siia.net/codie/2018-Winners About the SIIA CODiE Awards The SIIA CODiE Awards is the only peer-reviewed program to showcase business and education technologys finest products and services. Since 1986, thousands of products, services and solutions have been recognized for achieving excellence. For more information, visit siia.net/CODiE. About InsideView InsideView helps B2B companies drive rapid growth with the only platform that empowers business leaders to quickly and confidently make go-to-market decisions. As the market shifts from volume-based to targeted sales and marketing strategies, businesses turn to InsideView to help them identify new market opportunities, align sales and marketing execution, and optimize performance. InsideView's Targeting Intelligence platform, built using artificial intelligence (AI), delivers the industry's most relevant, reliable data trusted by the worlds leading B2B companies. For more information, visit InsideView at www.InsideView.com, twitter, or read the InsideView blog. Stormy Daniels has so far raised almost $580,000 through a crowdfunding campaign to cover legal costs in her ongoing lawsuitwhich has now become three lawsuitsagainst Donald Trump and his personal lawyer Michael Cohen. But an Orange County, California, lawyer who formerly worked with Michael Avenatti, who is now Daniels attorney, says that crowdsourced money should belong to him. In May, Jason Franka former associate at the law firm Eagan Avenattiwon a lawsuit in which he alleged that the firm, which was the run by Avenatti, stiffed him out of $4.85 million in fees, according to a report in the Los Angeles Times. On Monday, Frankwho declined to comment for the Times reportfiled documents with federal bankruptcy judge Catherine Bauer, asking her to force Avenatti to hand over his legal fees from 54 separate cases to him. The Daniels case was one of those, according to a report by KTLA TV News. As a result, Frank claims that the cash raised on Daniels crowdfunding page, on the legal crowdsourcing site CrowdJustice.org, should rightfully go to him, not Avenatti. Avenatti has also stated, on his Twitter account, that the CrowdJustice campaign is the primary source of funding for Daniels case. Be clear: the only source of outside funds for the legal fight we are waging is the http://crowdjustice.org site and Ms. Daniels personal funds, Avenatii wrote on April 30. No PACs, no political party, no special interests, no fat cat donors. The haters need to come up with a new conspiracy theory. Based on Avenatti's claim in the April 30 tweet, losing the crowdsourced funding would clearly have a devastating affect on Daniels ongoing cases against Trump and Cohen. Avenatti scoffed at Franks claims, telling the Times that he represents Daniels through his new law firm, Avenatti & Associates, which has no legal connection to Eagan Avanetti, the lawyer said. Because the two firms are not linked and Eagan Avenatti has never represented Daniels, Frank has no legal claim on the crowdfunded cash, Avenatti said. As of Thursday, June 14, 16,609 people had donated a total of $578,228 to Daniels legal defense, an average pledge of approximately $35 per donor. I am attempting to speak honestly and openly to the American people about my relationship with now President Donald Trump and the intimidation and tactics used against me, Daniels says in her pitch for donations on the CrowdJustice page. Frank reportedly worked at the Eagan Avenatti firm from 2009 to 2016. The firm had a long run of successes, winning more than $400 million in judgments and lawsuit settlements, according to a CNN report. But the law firm was forced into bankruptcy last year over a small debt of about $28,000 owed to a man in Florida who says that he performed some type of fact-gathering services for the firm. The reasons why his claim caused Eagan Avenatti to go into an involuntary Chapter 11 bankruptcy remain largely unclear. But when Eagan Avenatti emerged from the bankruptcy earlier this year, Frank was the firms single largest creditor. Photo via Showtime Network screen capture Just three days after the FCC abolished Obama-era net neutrality rules guaranteeing that internet service providers treat all data equally, one of the United States' largest ISPs made a seemingly benevolent gesturesaying it would finally put a halt to its decade old-practice of data throttling. Throttling refers to the practice of an ISP deliberately slowing data transmission speeds for certain users, or for certain online sites. Comcast started throttling data for heavy internet users in 2008, at the height of the torrenting phenomenon when internet users regularly deployed apps, such as BitTorrent and others, to upload and download mostly illegal data, such as copyright-violating music and video files. The move also comes after states began the process of imposing their own net neutrality rules, with Washington becoming the first to put its own net neutrality legislation into effect, as AVN.com reported on Wednesday. The California state senate also recently approved a bill that would create a net neutrality framework in that state, which has the worlds fifth-largest economy. Comcast did not specify whether its latest move to end throttling was connected to the state net neutrality moves, but the company did say that it may re-impose a throttling system in the future, according to the tech news site ZD Net. Throttling could be a a particular problem for porn consumers, who regularly stream or download large video files. It certainly was a problem in the peak torrenting era when, according to one study, 14 percent of all files shared using the app were porn. In fact, porn users continued to be heavy torrenters, according to a 2014 survey by the site TorrentFreak, which found that 35 percent of all files on the torrenting site Pirate Bay were porn of one form or another. After Comcast was exposed for targeting BitTorrent users specifically in 2007, the internet giant put an application agnostic system in place, designed to throttle data of heavy internet users without any attention paid to which applications they used, or the source of the data they were downloading, according to an Ars Technica report. Comcast said in a statement that it was able to ditch its throttling system because advances in network technology now allowed it to handle its network traffic. But Comcast is also keeping data caps in place, meaning that users on data capped plans will have to pay extra for exceeding their capseven though Comcast no has no problems processing that extra data. Ars Technica reporters said that they questioned Comcast as to why the company continued to slap users with fees for going over their caps when the overages apparently cost the company nothing. But by Thursday afternoon, the ISP had not yet offered an explanation. Photo by Mike Mozart / Wikimedia Commons MONTREALKenna James makes her Pure Taboo debut in director Bree Mills' new release Mixed Signals, out today on PureTaboo.com. James stars as the stepdaughter of Mindi Mink (in a non-sex role), who introduces her nerdy son Jake Adams to the young blonde. Adams, a virgin who is uncomfortable around beautiful women, mistakes James' touchy-feely friendliness for something more, and makes a move on her when the chance presents itself. "What was THAT?" Kenna cries at Adams in the scene, to which he answers, "I thought that was what you wanted!" "You obviously don't know what you're doing," James tells him. "And while it's gross that you're like my brother, I supposed I could help you out." Mills commented that she feels Mixed Signals "demonstrates a common theme where a woman's friendliness towards a man can easily be misconstrued and taken advantage of. I wanted to show both sides of the characters' personalities and intentions in a powerful and realistic way." The trailer and full Mixed Signals scene can be found here. For more on James and Adams, visit their respective Pure Taboo cast pages: Kenna James, Jake Adams. Vancouver, British Columbia, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Future Farm Technologies Inc. (the Company or Future Farm) (CSE: FFT) (OTCQX: FFRMF) is excited to announce that the build out of its cultivation and extraction operation in Attleboro, Massachusetts has entered the next phase of development with the procurement of bids from general contractors. Future Farm is also pleased to announce that it has completed the demolition of the interior of its Providence, Rhode Island building, which allows for the build-out of a cultivation facility to commence in earnest. The building is located in an M-1 zone, which legally permits the cultivation of cannabis by right. As previously announced, the Company intends to lease this property to a local, licensed cultivator who will use the property as a licensed medical marijuana cultivation space, providing wholesale cannabis to Rhode Islands state-sanctioned dispensaries. Future Farm has already received a Letter of Intent to lease the property from a provisionally licensed cultivator and lease negotiations are currently underway. Due to their geographic proximity to each other, Future Farm and its Rhode Island lessee have carefully curated these tandem efforts to maximize efficiencies and secure competitive pricing from vendors and suppliers. Chief project manager Derek Ross has accepted bids from four general contractors who are competing strongly to work on these high profile projects. The bids each represent local contractors, laborers and craftsmen. "Southeastern Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island are traditionally underserved areas in the New England cannabis ecosystem, says Mr. Ross. We are now positioned to make a significant contribution to a part of the country struggling to keep up with supply demands, especially as Massachusetts progresses towards adult use and Rhode Island contemplates licensing twelve additional dispensaries, potentially leaving both states very unprepared from a supply perspective. We expect to change that landscape in a few short months." With the bids now in hand, Future Farm and its Rhode Island lessee will be carefully vetting each candidate. Future Farm expects to break ground in Attleboro by the first week in July. For further information, contact William Gildea, Director, at (888) 387-3761. On behalf of the Board, Future Farm Technologies Inc. William Gildea, Chairman & CEO About Future Farm Technologies Inc. Future Farm is a Canadian company with holdings throughout North America including California, Massachusetts, Florida, Maine, Puerto Rico and Newfoundland. The Companys mission is to advance sustainable agriculture through production of wholesale and retail cannabis products, including hemp. As a leader in its field, Future Farm is committed to using only the highest quality processes and products. Towards this goal, the Company acquires or partners with licensed-cannabis operators, and acquires or develops leading technologies in cannabis production, breeding, genetics, and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). Future Farms scalable, indoor CEA systems utilize minimal land, water and energy resources. The Company holds an exclusive, worldwide license to use a patented vertical farming technology that, when compared to traditional plant production methods, generates yields up to 10 times greater per square foot of land. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws. An Asheville man has incurred $850,000 in fines because of rentals he operates in the city. Raleigh may be thinking about imposing the same types of fines against its residents who offer short-term property rentals under Airbnb or other outlets.The Citizen-Times reports Reid Thompson has flouted Asheville's short-term rental ban. Despite the growing fines, Thompson doesn't plan to close his doors.Thompson told Citizen-Times.The city is suing Thompson to make him pay.Since 2015, Asheville has enforced a strict ban against short-term rentals like Airbnb. The city fines offenders $500 each day they rent each property.Raleigh soon could see similar enforcement policies. For the past few years, the Raleigh City Council has struggled with a growing demand for short-term rentals near downtown, where affordable hotel space is scarce. Technically, short-term residential rentals are banned in Raleigh, but enforcement has been lax while the city figures out how to regulate the practice.In June 2017, a short-term residential rental task force - formed by the Raleigh City Council - came up with a series of ordinances to regulate the industry. But in November that plan fell apart when the council failed to approve the recommendations.Now the city may adopt the Asheville model, which prohibits short-term rentals in most areas of the city unless property owners obtain a special permit. Homestays, where property owners rent one or two guest rooms, are still allowed.Brent Woodcox, special counsel to Republicans at the General Assembly, points to public statements and social media activity of City Council members such as Stef Mendell and David Cox as evidence of what to expect next in the short-term rental debate.Woodcox, who is the founder of Share Raleigh , a short term rental advocacy group, said.Mendell and Cox didn't respond to a request for comment.Woodcox said this would create a huge burden on homeowners who are trying to exercise their property rights.Woodcox said.Ideally, Woodcox wants the city to adopt the recommendations put forth last year by the short-term rental task force. Only three members voted to approve the recommendations: Raleigh Mayor Nancy McFarlane, and former council members Mary-Ann Baldwin and Bonner Gaylord.Woodcox said. Contact: Brock Letchworth Brock Letchworth bletchworth@greenvillenc.gov GREENVILLE, NC Get ready to groove with us at the 5th Annual Carroll Dashiell Greenville Grooves Music Festival on Friday, June 29 from 5 pm to 8 pm at Five Points Plaza in Uptown Greenville come rain or shine!Greenville is on the African American Music Trail of Eastern North Carolina and hosts this free annual music festival each year to celebrate African-American Music Appreciation Month first established in 1979 by President Jimmy Carter. Greenville Grooves continues to draw a wonderfully diverse crowd of music lovers of all ages to the heart of Uptown Greenville for an evening of jams, dancing, food, and good company!This year's concert features the return of the Carroll Dashiell Motown R&B Classic Show playing Contemporary, Motown, and R&B hits sure to get the crowd on their feet and grooving! Dashiell is a world-renowned musician and bandleader, a professor at East Carolina University's School of Music, as well as the founder and director of the Dr. Billy Taylor Jazz Festival at ECU which honors his mentor's legacy each year. Dashiell is also the music director of African American Music Series with brings in a special guest artist to play with the CVD Band at Emerge Gallery & Art Center on the second Friday of every month from September through May.Festival attendees can also enjoy additional performances from local step teams, The Elite Vocal Choir, bounce houses, games, and art activities provided by Emerge Gallery & Art Center. The Greenville Museum of Art will showcase their exhibition "To the Core" presented by NC CIVIL designed to take viewers on a journey through the history, identity, culture, and expression of the West Greenville community. The full exhibit will be on display from June 22 - September 2, 2018, at the Greenville Museum of Art.Several City of Greenville departments will also be on hand offering educational information and activities including Greenville Recreation & Parks, Greenville Fire/Rescue, Greenville Police, and Greenville Public Works.Street eats and sweet treats will be available for purchase from the following food trucks: Tula's Fish & Chips, Williams Catering, Carl's Jamerican Hotdogs, and Kona Ice.Greenville Grooves is organized by the City of Greenville, Uptown Greenville and the Greenville-Pitt County Convention and Visitor's Bureau. Coastal Beverage and FRESH 97.9 sponsored the event.Sign up to volunteer at Greenville Grooves here: http://signup.com/go/szuyTMw 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. Contact: White House White House Press Office I wanted to thank President Trump. I think we had a very open and direct discussion this afternoon. We always have this kind of discussion.And I think, on trade, there is a critical a path, but there is a way to progress altogether. We had a very direct and open discussion. And I saw the willingness on all the sides to find agreements and have a win-win approach for our people, our workers, and our middle classes.We will have, this evening, a group discussion on North Korea - and you will have a very important meeting in Singapore - on Syria, on Iran, obviously. But I want to say that sometimes we disagree, but we always speak and share, I think, common concerns and common values. And we share the willingness to deliver and get results together.So I wanted to thank you for that, once again.Well, I want to thank you, too, Emmanuel. We've had, really, a very good relationship, very special. A lot of people wrote a couple of things that weren't quite true. A little bit accurate, perhaps. We have a little test every once in a while when it comes to trade.The United States has had a very big trade deficit for many years with the European Union, and we're working it out. And Emmanuel has been very helpful in that regard. And something is going to happen, and I think it will be very positive.We also had a very positive meeting a little while ago on NAFTA. So this is turning out to be an interesting day. But we had a very, very good meeting on NAFTA with Justin and his representatives.But I want to thank you. It was very helpful today.I also want to congratulate you, because I'm reading what's going on in France. You've got great courage. You're doing the right thing. Nothing is easy. But what you're doing is the right thing. And it's a wonderful country. It's a special country. And you have a special President, that I can tell you.Thank you very much.(Inaudible) discuss Russia?We haven't brought that up. It hasn't been brought up. PHOENIX, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Uptick Newswire recently welcomed CEO Salvador Rosillo of Hemp Americana, Inc. (OTC Pink:HMPQ) (the Company) back to the Stock Day podcast, where he discussed some company updates with the shows host. Hemp Americana recently purchased land in Augusta, Maine that used to house an organic garlic farm. The land has been laying fallow for years, and provides an ideal blank slate to begin growing large quantities of industrial hemp. The company plans to utilize the full 10 acres of the property to its fullest potential, constructing greenhouses and planting thousands of seeds. In addition to growing the hemp plant itself, Hemp Americana is looking into producing multiple products using what they grow. The company recently purchased a 245 liter volume carbon dioxide extractor machine that has been set up and ready to operate in their warehouse; product manufacture is set to begin shortly. CBD oils and powdered isolates are slated to be the flagship product for Hemp Americana. Hemp Americana trades on OTC Pink under the ticker symbol HMPQ. They are currently trading at 1.2 cents per share, a price point that Stock Day host Everett Jolly believes to be very undervalued. To hear more about Hemp Americanas new farming ventures, company licensing, and investment information, follow the link below to the full interview on Uptick Newswires website. https://upticknewswire.com/featured-interview-ceo-salvador-rosillo-of-hempamericana-inc-otcpink-hmpq-4/ About Hemp Americana, Inc. HempAmericana, Inc. researches, develops and sells products made of industrial hemp. The Company also carries other non hemp based products but intends to focus primarily on the potential for hemp. At this time the Company's main product is its brand of hemp based rolling papers known as "Rolling Thunders" that are to be used for the smoking of tobacco and other legal substances. In essence anything that can be made with plastic can be made with industrial hemp and HempAmericana plans to fill the growing need and demand for hemp based products within the United States. The company also intends to explore other possible business avenues relating to the legal use of the Cannabis plant. For more information, visit the companys website at www.hempamericana.com Contact Information Hemp Americana, Inc. Salvador Rosillo CEO 866-921-2912 78 Reade St. Suite 4FW New York, NY 10007 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/ 14 June 2018 Serabi Gold Plc ("Serabi" or the "Company") AGM Statement Serabi Gold plc (AIM:SRB, TSX:SBI), the Brazilian focused gold mining and development company, advises that at 3:30 pm today (UK time), it will be holding its Annual General Meeting. The following is the text of the statement that will be made by Mr. Mike Hodgson, the Chief Executive of the Company. Highlights of the statement are: Gold production is on budget and the Company remains on target to achieving its full year guidance of approximately 40,000 ounces of gold. Regional and mine site exploration programmes are underway with drill rigs operating at both Palito and Sao Chico, an airborne electromagnetic geophysical survey planned for July 2018 and crews mobilised to commence surface geophysical and geochemical surveys. The Company is continuing the work to secure the necessary permits and completion of studies required in advance of the development of the Coringa project. "It has been a very exciting 12 months for Serabi. We have acquired the neighbouring Coringa gold deposit, completed a successful funding and commenced a significant mine-site and regional exploration campaign. Meanwhile, we have continued to enjoy a successful year of gold production. "As I noted in the operational update for the first quarter of 2018, gold production from our Palito and Sao Chico Mines continues to be good. As we approach the middle of the year, we are well positioned to be on budget for the period to June 2018, putting us on target to achieving our full year guidance of approximately 40,000 ounces of gold. "Mining and development on both orebodies continues to progress. At Sao Chico, we have now reached the minus three metre level, some 250 vertical metres from surface, and the main vein continues to show excellent widths and grades. Deep underground drilling, testing the orebody to depths of 350 metres below surface, is now underway. "At Palito, six of the 25 veins that comprise the mineral resource and reserve are now being worked, which offers optionality in both development and production. The mine is now quite diverse, and we are mining depths as low as the minus 50 metre level on the G3 vein, whilst still developing the upper levels such as the 250 metre level on the Senna vein. "Whilst the Senna vein is a regular, wider structure that may offer the potential for some mechanisation of the mining process at some time in the future, our focus on narrow vein mining continues. We have just taken delivery of a new mini scoop and two mini jumbos, that allows us to mine the smallest development galleries possible. I have just returned from site and after one month's operation, the quality of reducing the gallery widths, and the speed at which we can now advance is clear to see. Whilst we are still in the early days and the evaluation stage, the results so far are excellent. "The plant continues to perform very well, treating ores from both the Palito and Sao Chico orebodies. The past 12 months has been a year of optimisation, with the Company installing a new detoxification plant, upgrading the crushing circuit and completing a new on-site laboratory. With Palito being a narrow vein, high grade orebody, the focus is always on maintaining quality and minimising dilution, which is the rationale behind smaller mining equipment. However, we can go further, and over the past 12 months we have been undertaking ore-sorting test-work, which can separate out, post crushing, waste rock from ore using either optical and/or X-Ray scanning. This saves on processing costs, but also liberates essential capacity in what remains a plant limited operation. This is an important development for Serabi as we feel we have significant growth opportunities in and around the Palito and Sao Chico orebodies. Liberating plant capacity will allow some of this mine site exploration success to be converted to production with minimal plant expansion capex. "Following the successful funding in early 2018, Serabi commenced a mine site and regional exploration programme. Due to the focus on production, very little exploration has been carried out since 2012. However, we now have drill rigs operating at both Palito and Sao Chico. We will soon be mobilising crews to commence surface geophysical and geochemical surveys, following up on anomalies and, in July 2018, undertaking an airborne electromagnetic geophysical survey over some 20,000 hectares of our tenements. This will no doubt generate a substantial number of new targets for follow up exploration work. "The other main highlight of 2017 was acquiring Coringa, an asset that we have been looking at for many years. We certainly see it as a Palito 'look-a-like' and feel we are very well placed to put the project into production at the earliest possible moment. Both of the previous owners undertook considerable work at Coringa and we feel we have acquired an asset at a great price which we can further enhance and demonstrate to the market what a good acquisition this is. We are currently working hard on permitting and concluding necessary studies. "The gold price has clearly been favourable over recent months, particularly in Brazilian Real terms, and with the majority of our costs denominated in Reais we have been enjoying a much better economic climate than 12 months ago. "With the operation in steady state, our strategy for the rest of the year is well set out. We hope to receive approvals to develop Coringa in the coming months, as well as beginning to see the exploration campaigns in and around Palito and Sao Chico bear fruit. Our ambitions are to see Serabi as a 100,000 ounce per annum producer within two years. We have often been described as a success in Brazil, albeit a modest story with modest production. However, we feel the organic growth and bringing Coringa on stream will begin to change this and I believe that Serabi will benefit from having greater critical mass and being able to attract wider investor support. "Before closing I would like to acknowledge, again, the support, long term loyalty and commitment of our major shareholder, Fratelli Investments. I would also like to welcome our new cornerstone investor Greenstone Resources, who along with Fratelli, look forward to helping us build a significant Brazilian focused gold mining company. Finally, and by no means least, I would like to thank our other new and existing shareholders, our loyal, experienced management team and our workforce in Brazil. People are proud to work for Serabi and that says it all." Enquiries: Serabi Gold plc Michael Hodgson Tel: +44 (0)20 7246 6830 Chief Executive Mobile: +44 (0)7799 473621 Clive Line Tel: +44 (0)20 7246 6830 Finance Director Mobile: +44 (0)7710 151692 Email: contact@serabigold.com Website: www.serabigold.com Beaumont Cornish Limited Nominated Adviser Roland Cornish Tel: +44 (0)20 7628 3396 Michael Cornish Tel: +44 (0)20 7628 3396 Peel Hunt LLP UK Broker Ross Allister Tel: +44 (0)20 7418 9000 James Bavister Tel: +44 (0)20 7418 9000 Blytheweigh Public Relations Tim Blythe Tel: +44 (0)20 7138 3204 Camilla Horsfall Tel: +44 (0)20 7138 3224 Copies of this release are available from the Company's website at www.serabigold.com Forward-looking statements This press release contains forward-looking statements. All statements, other than of historical fact, that address activities, events or developments that the Company believes, expects or anticipates will or may occur in the future (including, without limitation, statements regarding the estimation of mineral resources, exploration results, potential mineralization, potential mineral resources and mineral reserves) are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are often identifiable by the use of words such as "anticipate", "believe", "plan", may", "could", "would", "might" or "will", "estimates", "expect", "intend", "budget", "scheduled", "forecasts" and similar expressions or variations (including negative variations) of such words and phrases. Forward-looking statements are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties, that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those discussed in the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results or events to differ materially from current expectations include, among other things, without limitation, failure to establish estimated mineral resources, the possibility that future exploration results will not be consistent with the Company's expectations, the price of gold and other risks identified in the Company's most recent annual information form filed with the Canadian securities regulatory authorities on SEDAR.com. Any forward-looking statement speaks only as of the date on which it is made and, except as may be required by applicable securities laws, the Company disclaims any intent or obligation to update any forward-looking statement. Qualified Persons Statement The information contained within this announcement has been reviewed and verified by Michael Hodgson, CEO of the Company. Mr Hodgson is an Economic Geologist by training with 30 years' experience in the mining industry. He holds a BSc (Hons) Geology, University of London, a MSc Mining Geology, University of Leicester and is a Fellow of the Institute of Materials, Minerals and Mining and a Chartered Engineer of the Engineering Council of UK, recognizing him as both a Qualified Person for the purposes of Canadian National Instrument 43-101 and by the AIM Guidance Note on Mining and Oil & Gas Companies dated June 2009. NY Federal Judge Stops Pizza Delivery Man's Deportation You know that prank when you send a pizza to someone who didn't order one? Well, it was no joke to Pablo Villavicencio when he went to deliver a pizza and got nabbed for deportation. It's not exactly the same as the pizza prank, but it definitely messed up his day. Fortunately for the Long Island resident, his story caught the attention of the media, lawmakers, and a judge who stayed his case. Everybody pretty much said, "Are you friggin' kidding me?" No Identification Villavicencio, an undocumented alien from Ecuador, was delivering a pizza to an Army base in Brooklyn. A guard asked him for proper identification, and after this, that, the other, he's in custody. His lawyer argued that officials detained him after an apparent ethnic profiling. Judge Alison Nathan said he will stay in the United States at least until a hearing on July 20. It was just in time. Villavicencio said agents were coming to deport him when he got the news. His wife and two children hope he will be home soon. The pizza man is a long way from home, however. He remains in a New Jersey detention center, and the President hasn't pardoned any immigrants lately. Thanks, America In interviews with the Daily News, Villavicencio and his wife thanked everyone who supported him. "I'm happy that I will be able to have that right, like any other person in this country, to have a hearing and be able to see a judge," he said. Sandra Chica, an American citizen, said it has been difficult for their family. They have two daughters, ages 3 and 2. "This really has been hard on them, but today they are happy," she said. "They just want to see their dad." Related Resources: Boston, MA, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Skyword, the leading content marketing software and services company, announced Skyword360, the next generation of its content marketing platform, at their Forward 2018 conference. The newly redesigned platform now includes end-to-end capabilities to manage and execute content strategies and operations across the entire enterprise. Now with enterprise-wide visibility and planning functionality, Skyword360 enables marketing leaders and teams to coordinate content strategies across multiple audiences, campaigns, channels, divisions, and regions. With this unified approach, enterprises can create unique customer experiences that differentiate their brand and drive measurable results. Today, CMOs know they cant harass their customers into buying from them. Instead brands must create experiences that their customers want or need. And to do this, they need to create contentbrilliantly, consistently, and everywhere their customers want to spend their time, said Tom Gerace, CEO of Skyword. But most companies lack the operational model and infrastructure to make this effective, Gerace continued. Weve reimagined the Skyword Platform and created Skyword360 to power a unified content-centric model for creating exceptional customer experiences. Skyword360 Certification Skyword also announced its newly launched certification program through which customers can become Skyword360 Champions as part of Skyword Universitys training and education initiatives. To ensure marketers success, Skyword has developed a certification program where they can ensure that their teams have mastered the technology through a series of training modules and tests. Skyword customers can use this to train existing team members and, when they need to hire for their content teams, recruit Skyword Champions to their organizations. Overview of Platform The new platform includes a redesigned user interface to easily navigate from an enterprise view of content strategy to more in-depth views of individual channels. Key elements of the platform include: Strategize Within Skyword360 marketers can document their content strategy and communicate it in a way that is clear and easily accessible to internal and external teams. Marketers can record their audience or persona insights and map out how their audiences typically interact with their brand throughout the buyers journey. They will also be able to create content assignments for specific stages and personas and easily see content that has been created for each. Plan In the planning section of Skyword360, marketing leaders can view content that is being created across personas, stages, campaigns, channels, divisions, and regions. Views are easily filterable, and users can share and save views of the planner for increased ease of use. Team members across the enterprise can drill down to see the status of individual pieces of content and, based on permissions, can access completed content for reuse or translation. Create With Skyword360, marketers can capture story ideas from internal and external team members, harnessing the collective brain power of organizations and beyond. If accepted, ideas can be assigned easily to content creators, whether they are internal team members or members of the Skyword freelance community. With customizable content templates and workflows, content, including social media posts, articles, e-books, images, videos, case studies, and infographics, can be created, reviewed, and edited. Keywords, tagging, and metadata can be applied within the platform so that content can be found easily, both internally and externally. Skyword360 is translated into 14 languages, and payments to freelancers can be made through the platform in any currency. Activate Marketers can preview and publish their content right from the platform across multiple channels, including their social accounts, website content management systems, and email campaigns. Collect Skyword360s digital asset manager provides a single repository to easily leverage assets that may otherwise be scattered across multiple locations and ensures brand consistency across the enterprise. With a DAM that is integrated into the content marketing system they already use, marketers are able to work within a one-stop shop thats scalable to the growth of their content operations. Personalize With Skyword360, marketers can create personalized experiences for their customers and prospects by providing personalized recommendations both on their websites and through email and newsletters. Optimize Skyword360 empowers marketers to measure and share the performance of all of their content through customizable dashboards, email performance snapshots, and robust reporting and analytics. Founded in 2010, Skyword is a leading content marketing software and services company whose customers have created and published more than one million original stories as articles, videos, images, infographics, podcasts, and animations on the Skyword Platform. These stories have earned Skyword customers more than two billion visits organically, and Skyword has paid its freelance creatives more than $30 million on behalf of its customers. About Skyword Skyword liberates brands from ineffective marketing practices and inspires them to create deeper connections with their audiences. Skyword360 makes it easy to produce, optimize, manage, and promote content at any scale to create personalized, lasting relationships. Skyword also provides access to a community of thousands of freelance writers and videographers, an editorial team, and program managers who help move clients content marketing programs to new levels of creative excellence. The book Storynomics, authored by CEO Tom Gerace and globally recognized story expert Robert McKee, guides marketers through this approach. Skyword is a privately held company headquartered in Boston, MA. The companys technology center is located in Pittsburgh, PA. Current investors include Rho Acceleration, Cox Media Group, Allen & Company, Progress Ventures, and American Public Media Group. Skywords customers include Abbott Laboratories, ADP, AutoTrader, GE Health, Glenmede, Groupon, HortonWorks, HP, Lahey Health, IBM, and other leading B2B and B2C brands. Attachments Yahoo! JAPAN Yahoo! JAPAN The latest episode of 99 Percent Invisible is about the the 1940 Emeco 10-06 Navy Chair, made of bent aluminum and strong enough to withstand a torpedo blast. The chair was made to be relatively utilitarian, with an arched top and three slats coming down the back to meet a crossbar. A curved "butt divot" is one of its most distinctive elements. To show off the durability of his creation, Dinges took it up to the eighth floor of a hotel in Chicago, where the Navy was examining submissions, and threw it out of the window. It bounced, but didn't bend or break. And so the Navy gave its inventor the contract, and he, in turn, opened a factory and called his new business the Electrical Machine and Equipment Company, or: Emeco. Look, we're not all maple syrup lollipops and free healthcare up here. According to the CBC, a naturalized Canadian citizen was held against his will, without charge, for 10 months while immigration officials attempted to verify his identity. 47-year old Nigerian-born Olajide Ogunye moved to Canada with his family in the 1990s and, in 1996, he became a Canadian Citizen. But that didn't matter to the Canadian Border Services Agency. During a sweep of his neighborhood (which, I have to admit, I had no idea that the CBSA did), Ogunye was told to produce evidence of his citizenship. So he did: His Ontario Health card and Canadian Citizenship card. But here's the thing: despite his producing two pieces of government identification the gold standard for get-out-of-my-face-I'm-a-citizen, the CBSA refused to believe that Ogunye was who he claimed to be. So, without charge, they took him into custody so that he could be properly identified. From the CBC: According to Ogunye's statement of claim, the officers ran his fingerprints, which they said matched the identity of a man named Oluwafemi Kayode Johnson, a failed refugee claimant who had been deported from Canada to Nigeria in the 1990s. Ogunye says he was told the CBSA believed he was actually Johnson, who had returned to Canada illegally and assumed Ogunye's identity. Those fingerprints, according to court documents, were never produced by the CBSA to Ogunye. This shit went on for EIGHT MONTHS. Despite having not committed any crime, Ogunye was remanded to two different mixed medium/maximum security prisons. As both prisons were pretty much in constant lockdown, Ogunye claimed that he was unable to contact any of his family members to let them know what had become of him. Additionally, because he obviously wasn't able to show up for work, he lost his job as a result of his incarceration. Eventually, Ogunye was released. In response to complaints that they had held a Canadian citizen for six months with no charge, the CBSA stated that they had made every attempt to contact members of Ogunye's identity. This is true but those attempts to make contact didn't begin until six months after they'd thrown Ogunye in the clink. The CBSA then tried to cover their ass by stating that Ogunye had been convicted of several crimes in the past and as such, they had an issue with his credibility. You know what? Fuck that. What a man did in the past doesn't give my government the right to lock him up for six months, without charge, because they were concerned that he might be lying to them. The CBSA violated his Charter rights. Ogunye is suing the Canadian government for $10 million. I hope he gets every last cent. Image via Flickr, courtesy of Jumilla When Yeonmi Park was just 13 years old, after suffering inhumanely under the North Korean regime, she and her family escaped to China (and eventually to South Korea). She is now 24 years old and has become a vocal advocate for human rights in the country she once fled from. In this New York Times video, this brave young defector describes the terrible conditions for people in her home country and asks Trump to hold its dictator Kim Jong-un accountable for these human rights violations. You may remember Park from a few years ago when she told her story at the One Young World Summit 2014 in Dublin, Ireland: If her story interests you, give her powerful and inspiring 2016 memoir, In Order To Live, A North Korean Girl's Journey To Freedom, a read: News / National by Staff reporter Proponents of the Ndebele King have remained adamant not to give up on their push to install Lobengula's heir despite government condemning the act as unconstitutional.Home Affairs minister Obert Mpofu recently told Southern News that as a minister in charge of culture and heritage, he would not tolerate people who jump the gun when the Constitution is clear about the issue of traditional leaders.Mpofu also pointed out that the idea of installing the King was being supported by very few traditional leaders in the Matabeleland region."There are very few chiefs supporting the idea. It's some traditional leaders, not most of them. In fact, in the whole Matabeleland North, there is no chief who supports the idea. I have a list of those who support the idea," Mpofu said.Early this year, the High court dismissed the urgent application by lawyer Dumisani Dube on behalf of South Africa-based self-imposed Ndebele crown prince Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo, ruling that it was illegal to install a king under the Zimbabwe Constitution.However, the chief executive officer of the Royal Crown Trust (Crown Council) Effie Ncube told Southern News this week that the minister was offside on his assertions as they were not going to give up."We are not at all changing our position that the Constitution does not prohibit any people establishing an office of a traditional leader of their choice as an expression of their cultural beliefs," Ncube said."On the contrary, the Constitution recognises the diversity of cultural beliefs. Yes, such beliefs may be politically inconvenient to some, but they are not illegal in anyway."Ncube added: "A Ndebele chief who opposes the installation of a King would be opposed to the Ndebele culture he has a constitutional obligation to protect. I can state without fear of contradiction that the minister cannot cite a single chief of good standing who will oppose his people's choice."Asked if ever they were making any engagements with government over the issue, Ncube said everything was taking shape."I wish to take this opportunity to assure our people that their King is going to take office very soon."A lot is being done to clear the hurdles. The choice of who will be King has not changed as no one except the people can do that," he said.With regards to disagreements over who is supposed to be the real Ndebele King, Ncube said that was a sign of democracy."Disagreements on who should be King are healthy and democratic. We are happy that the 0,1 percent who disagrees with the people's choice, that ... Bulelani Lobengula Khumalo, have conducted themselves with respect and dignity."After the court blocked Bulelani's coronation, lawyer Dube took aim at the courts which he accused of missing the point as its findings were "improper.""In my view the court's finding was improper because there is nowhere in our statute that is Traditional leaders Act and the Constitution of Zimbabwe which prohibits the installation of a king by the chiefs who are empowered by both the Traditional leaders Act to revive customs, culture and heritage of Ndebele people, a position supported by the Constitution on the role and duties of Chiefs in sections 281 and 282," he said."More so, sections 63 on the rights to culture is clear and as such there is nothing unconstitutional by the act of coronating a king by the chiefs who are the custodians of our traditional practices, customs, heritage and culture," he said. News / National by Staff reporter THE government's decision on whether to increase surtax for imported second-hand vehicles will only be made after consultations with motor industry stakeholders, an official has said.Speaking at the official launch of the Zimbabwe Motor Industry Development Policy (ZMIDP) yesterday in Harare, Industry, Commerce and Enterprise Development acting permanent secretary AngelicaKaturuza said the decision will not be done in isolation as there are certain obligations that should be taken into consideration since Zimbabwe is a member of Sadc and the World Trade Organisation."I cannot say offhand what level we may reduce surtax by or increase by, but as part of the implementation matrix we intend to look at the market, issues at hand and look at them holistically. And, together with concerned stakeholders, we will come up with a level of surtax but I cannot say offhand by how much will the surtax be," she said.Local motor vehicle dealerships have over the years blamed the decline in sales of their brand new vehicles on imported second-hand cars.Imported second-hand vehicles are chewing an average of $454,77 million in foreign currency annually, while Zimstat reported that from 2006 to 2016 those vehicles cost$5 002 471 434 in forex."You cannot import a second-hand vehicle into Kenya, which is over eight years and that is the direction we should be looking at to say we need to set a cap not to allow old vehicles into the country," Standards Association of Zimbabwe director-general Eve Gadzikwa said.There were concerns by the officials that they were little or inspections of second-hand vehicles prompting the ZMIDP set to December 2019 to begin inspections on these vehicles. However, local motor industry players want them brought forward to the end of this year.Industry, Commerce and Enterprise Development minister, Mike Bimha, who officiated at the event said the inspections needed laboratories and testing equipment and this is why they were using Bureau Veritas.He said a number of African countries have banned the use of second-hand vehicles for a number of reasons such as health hazards."Poor countries were just receiving them without any assessment but you then have this problem of saying if you ban second hand vehicles what do you have to offer as an alternative?" Bimha said."Because, at the end of the day, you also have consumers who are saying a car is no longer a luxury, 'I need to have a car now if you cannot produce a car let me import one'. And what we are saying is that we would want to make cars for our people, these small cars that would meet international quality standards and that will also be affordable. If we today can make quality and affordable cars no one would really want to try and put together the much needed foreign currency to be able to get a car." News / National by Staff reporter The Nomination Court will today sit across selected venues in the country's 10 provinces to accept names of presidential, parliamentary and council candidates for the forthcoming watershed national elections.This comes as the High Court has ordered a rerun of MDC primary elections to choose its council representative in Mabvuku's ward 21 following a successful challenge by losing candidate, Blessing Nhende, who pointed irregularities in the opposition party's internal poll.It is not clear whether the MDC would be able to have the rerun in time to meet the sitting of the Nomination Court in Harare.According to the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) there will be 10 national Nomination Courts for the National Assembly candidates, meaning a sitting in each province.In Bulawayo, the Nomination Court will be at the Magistrates' Court, Tredgold Building.Matabeleland North will have nine venues in Nkayi, Lupane Tsholotsho and Umguza, while Midlands will have 14 venues across the province, which will cover Mvuma, Nembudziya, Gokwe and Zvishavane.In Masvingo, there will be nine venues as well covering Chivi, Chiredzi, Masvingo and Gutu.A presidential candidate will have to fork out$1 000 to register with the Nomination Court. Aspiring MPs are required to pay $50 each while those seeking to occupy Senate, are supposed to pay $10.Those vying to be councillors are not required to pay anything. As part of the regulations, all presidential candidates are required to produce proof that they are Zimbabwean citizens and above the age of 40 and should be nominated by 10 eligible voters from every province among other requirements.Those seeking to be in the House of Assembly and Local Government have to be above the age of 21.Candidates are also asked to include in their papers, a copy of their identity card, three colour passport sized photos and a signed copy of the code of conduct.The Nomination Court is sitting following the conclusion of shambolic and disastrous primary elections by both Zanu PF and the main faction of the MDC which have raised serious prospects of sabotage by disgruntled losing candidates.While Zanu PF has finalised its list of candidates, the MDC Alliance, a conglomeration of the MDC and fringe opposition parties, is battling to have consensus following confusion on allocation of seats among the partners.The MDC led by the Alliance's presidential candidate Nelson Chamisa is also trying to heal an ugly rift between the old guard and new blood which resulted in mindless bloodletting during the poorly-organised internal elections held recently.The looming national elections have generated a lot of interest among both ordinary Zimbabweans and ambitious politicians alike that a number of opposition leaders are set to contest President Emmerson Mnangagwa in the presidential plebiscite next month. News / National by Staff reporter THERE was drama at Harare magistrates' court yesterday morning when a city man was stopped from wedding his secret lover after his official wife resurfaced.It emerged that the man was customarily married, prompting the marriage department to stop the process.Regional Chida, 32, a policeman, was yesterday stopped to tie the knot with Pamela Kanjedzana, 45, who is a self-confessed sangoma.All hell broke loose when Chida's wife Chipo Kapere, 28, told the authorities that she and her husband are blessed with two children aged one and four.Kapere believes Pamela had used juju on her husband coercing him to agree to secretly register their marriage.However, Kapere claims she is customarily married to Chida and is currently staying at Thomlinson Depot.According to a close family member who refused to be named, Chida and Pamela are currently staying together."Some reports say that Chida approached Pamela seeking spiritual guidance but after that incident the two fell in love."Maybe she used juju on him because the woman (Pamela) is older than Chida."The two are currently staying in Waterfalls at Pamela's place, mufesi akatoroorwa," said a close a family member.In her defence, Pamela said she has been in love with Chida for more than 10 years old and blessed with a child, who is 10 years old."We have a child who is 10 years old and I am the first wife."He is my man and we should be granted the permission to continue exchanging our marital vows," she said.After the submissions, marriage department declined the marriage. News / National by Simbarashe Sithole Norton legislator, Temba Mliswa, has urged president Emmerson Mnangagwa to act against corruption."President ED has to be seen to be acting against corruption & the newly formed department created for that purpose is a good move," said Mliswa via Twitter.He said the new dispensation should address corruption to avoid abuse of money."As long as we don't address corruption money inflows will continue to be abused. We look forward to the new dispensation promise to address this."He further warned Ministers who have set abused government facilities in setting up companies to be careful."Govt Ministrsaa that have set up companies through Govt as a means to make money should be wary.They remove the private players to make room for themselves. Government business should be privatised.Telecel &Zim Airays takeovers were uncalled for&the use of proxies is known," Mliswa tweeted. Opinion / Columnist Just a month before the 2013 elections, SADC leaders advised both Zanu PF and MDC leaders to postpone the elections to allow democratic reforms to be implemented. This was unwelcome advice because each party wanted to keep up the facade that the elections were free, fair and credible. In the end both parties ignored SADC leaders and, as we now know, Zanu PF went on to rig the elections, just as SADC leaders had predicted.This year it is Professor Jonathan Moyo, Zanu PF's former Minister of Education and the party's chief political strategist who is ringing the alarm bells that Zanu PF is rigging the elections. SADC leaders' warning against Zanu PF rigging the elections was a stink bomb compared to Moyo's nuclear bomb, whilst the SADC warning was not widely known and was easily dismissed as speculation because it lacked detail the same cannot be said of Professor's warning."In 2013 the Maputo Summit, in June 2013, before the elections, the Maputo Summit was all about having the elections postponed the SADC summit. I went there," Dr Ibbo Mandaza of SAPE explained to Violet Gonda in an interview in April 2017."I was there at the Summit and Mugabe pretended to agree to a postponement of the elections."If you recall, the postponement was based on the need to reform at least electoral laws, and after that Summit, Morgan Tsvangirai, Tendai Biti, Welshman Ncube, all of them were called to a separate meeting by the Heads of State of SADC in the absence of Mugabe, that same evening. And they were told; I was sitting there outside the room with Mac Maharaj; they were told if you go into elections next month, you are going to lose; the elections are done'."Not many Zimbabweans understood what the democratic reforms agreed at the onset of the GNU were about, much less that Morgan Tsvangirai and his MDC friends had failed to implement the reforms. So, it was little wonder that very few Zimbabweans had fully appreciated the seriousness of SADC leaders warning of the folly of holding the elections without first implementing the reforms.When Zanu PF went on to blatantly rig the July 2013 elections, the dire consequences of that rigged elections have forced many Zimbabweans to pay attention to problem and to appreciate the futility of participating in rigged elections. And so, Professor Moyo's warning that Zanu PF is rigging this year's elections is seed falling on fertile ground!Many people have been complaining about ZEC's performance and have expressed their doubts that the commission will deliver free, fair and credible elections, for example. Professor Moyo has provided even more detail to substantiate these fears."ZEC run by Govt to run elections is not set up in terms of the Constitution. Most of its full-time staff are former or current Army, CIO & ZRP. ALL of TECHNICAL staff is 100% from security organs & ALL polling officers are civil servants!" wrote Professor Moyo in his opinion article in Zimeye."On the back of the Nov coup, and the fact that Zimbabwe is under military rule, it's unreasonable to expect a Govt run ZEC to run free, fair & credible elections. With securocrats managing its TECHNICAL operations, ZEC is a rigging tool!"Govt has seconded to ZEC a team of Chinese BVR & cyber experts from the People's Liberation Army linked to a top Chinese university. Their remit is to manipulate the voters roll through shadowy & virtual polling stations & fake voters!Chinese team seeks to manipulate the BVR system & create virtual polling stations to guarantee victory for Mnangagwa, whose appeasement strategy of disinformation would be used by UK govt to justify declaring the poll free, fair & credible!"No one can dismiss what Professor Moyo is saying as mere speculation because as Zanu PF's chief strategist, he certainly knew Zanu PF's vote rigging tactics. President Mnangagwa, for 37 years Mugabe's Chief Enforcer, as Moyo call him; executed most of the regime's vote rigging schemes, the ruthlessly carried out the politically motivated harassment, beatings, and even murders and the looted to raise the cash to bankroll all the party activities. The tyrant turned to Professor Moyo to provide the intellectual finesse to the vote rigging schemes, etc."Some 11 days after BVR closed for 2018 poll & a day before sitting of Nomination Court, ZEC continues to deny the opposition access to the roll, yet it has given Zanu PF hard copies," concluded Professor Moyo."ZEC has always done this & I can confirm it under oath.""Mnangagwa has already rigged the elections" read the headlines of Professor Jonathan Moyo's article. The only logical reason why MDC politicians and the rest in the opposition camp are participating in these flawed and illegal elections is greed."The worst aspect for me about the failure to agree a coalition was that both MDCs couldn't now do the obvious withdraw from the elections," confessed David Coltart, a former MDC Minister during the GNU."The electoral process was so flawed, so illegal, that the only logical step was to withdraw, which would compel SADC to hold Zanu PF to account. But such was the distrust between the MDC-T and MDC-N that neither could withdraw for fear that the other would remain in the elections, winning seats and giving the process credibility."Coltart was commending on why he and his MDC friends contested the 2013 elections. Three of the leading MDC factions have since merged to form the MDC Alliance; there was never any talk of boycotting the elections even then proof greed trumps reason with this lot.MDC leaders lost all political credibility in 2013 when the failed to implement even one democratic reform in five years of the GNU and then went on to participate in the 2013 elections, ignoring SADC leaders' express warning not to. Still, if they had any trace of credibility left then it has all been completely wiped away by participating in this year's elections regardless of all the warnings and evidence Zanu PF is rigging the elections.None of the international community observers, in Zimbabwe right now for this express purpose, can in all honest, ignored the mountain of evidence of blatant vote rigging and judge these flawed and illegal elections free, fair and credible.The only logical outcome of these elections is declaring the whole process null and void and get the country to revisit and implement all the democratic reforms agreed at the onset of the 2008 GNU. The sooner the nation can finally deal implement the reforms and end the scourge of rigged elections, the sooner we can focus on the difficult task of rebuilding after decades of death and destruction! WINNIPEG, Manitoba, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Kane Biotech Inc. (TSX-V:KNE) (OTCQB:KNBIF), (the Corporation or Kane Biotech) is pleased to announce that it will present at The MicroCap Conference being held in Toronto on June 21, 2018. Mark Ahrens-Townsend, President & CEO of Kane Biotech, will be giving a presentation and meeting with investors attending the conference. Event: The MicroCap Conference Date: Thursday, June 21, 2018 Time: 11:30 AM to 11:55 AM Local Time Location: Sheraton Centre, Toronto, Canada Investors interested in meeting with Kane Biotech should contact Tirth Patel, VP Investor Relations at tpatel@edisongroup.com. About Kane Biotech Inc. Kane Biotech is a biotechnology company engaged in the research, development and commercialization of technologies and products that prevent and remove microbial biofilms. The Corporation has a portfolio of biotechnologies, intellectual property (75 patents and patents pending, trade secrets and trademarks) and products developed by the Corporations own biofilm research expertise and acquired from leading research institutions. StrixNB, DispersinB, Aledex, bluestem, AloSera, coactiv+ and Kane are trademarks of Kane Biotech Inc. The Corporation is listed on the TSX Venture Exchange under the symbol "KNE" and on the OTCQB Venture Market under the symbol KNBIF. For more information, please visit www.kanebiotech.com or contact: Mark Ahrens-Townsend President & CEO Kane Biotech Inc. +1 (204) 477-7592 ir@kanebiotech.com Tirth Patel Vice President - Investor Relations Edison Advisors +1 (646) 653-7035 tpatel@edisongroup.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. Opinion / Columnist The MDC Alliance election manifesto which was released last week can aptly be summed up as old wine in a new bottle.Reading the MDC-T election manifesto of 2008 and its predecessor 2013 JUICE (Jobs, Upliftment, Infrastructure, Capital and Environment) and this year's policy document, SMART (Sustainable and Modern Agenda for Real Transformation), it is like paging through the same book with a similar narrative.Like its predecessors, this year's manifesto is anchored on familiar pillars, namely governance, economy, infrastructure, social agenda and international relations.What the MDC has simply done is to reproduce the both the 2008 and 2013 election manifestos with absolute no changes, only the covers and titles have been altered.A legion of MDC supporters had waited for the release of this uninspiring election manifesto, which definitely lacks new ideas.It is a pie in the sky like its predecessors and Chamisa is trying to sell these decidedly old and unwinning ideas in 2018.MDC Alliance seems not to comprehend that things have changed, which need new and modern solutions and not their outdated policies they failed to implement during the subsistence of the Government National Unity they were part off.Chamisa and company want to try third time lucky, selling to the electorate a dummy again.He thinks it is a gullible audience he is dealing with.Tendai Biti has been quoted countless times in media saying the MDC Alliance wants to grow the economy by 10 percent per annum, but this is not a new phenomenon.In their last losing manifesto, JUICE, they made similar projections, the only alteration made in SMART is the time frame they want to miraculously achieve this arduous goal of creating a $100 billion economy.In their last election policy document, they were projecting to attain it by 2040, but they have in SMART document reduced the period to 10 years (2028).SMART talks about not appointing more than 15 ministers. There is nothing new about it since this was also captured in both their previous manifestos. This provision was also in the National Constitutional Assembly draft constitution crafted together with MDC to counter the late Chief Justice Godfrey Chidyausiku-led commission's draft constitution to replace the Lancaster House independence document.Their social cluster, just like in the past, is somewhat ambitious with unattainable goals.On education, just like in the previous policy documents, they promise free primary education and availing grants for tertiary students.Question is, who will foot the bill?They have come up with a similar health care policy to that in JUICE, now called Chamisa Care they copied the idea from former USA President Barrack Obama's so-called Obamacare. This is how SMART they are, bereft of originality.Chamisa wants to provide free health services to people who above the age of 65. Is it achievable and later on sustainable? Maybe the only thing new in this year's manifesto are the fantasy bullet trains and spaghetti roads.BBC Hardtalk anchor Stephen Suckur succinctly described Chamisa's policies on bullet trains as Alice-in-Wonderland.The electorate will scrutinise SMART on its feasibility and originality, which test the latter has failed already. Sections of their manifesto are plagiarised from the South African constitution.Chamisa has merely modified his predecessor, the late Mr Morgan Tsvangirai's policies.SMART is a replica of its predecessors and lacks innovation, creativity, feasibility and originality.MDC wants to sell us a dummy again. Opinion / Columnist Enos Denhere is an active entrepreneur and seeking support from Corporate World/individuals to attend Africa Investment Trade Global Summit in USA as from 24-27 June 2018 and looking Business/Investment Institutes to partner to do business in Zimbabwe and Africa .Email enosdenhere@gmail.com . Call/App 00263773894975 THE Chinese bamboo is an amazing tree. Its seed stays underground for five years without germinating, but when it does, it grows 50 feet in one week. What is important is not how long it delays but how fast it grows. Don't give up on your dreams on Africa no matter how long it stays underground. It's a matter of time, you need the staying power. The Chinese bamboo seed lies underground waiting for the right time to shoot out. Africa, once dubbed the black continent, has started emitting light. No situation is permanent. Africa needs the citizens to focus on future generations. Who is going to stand up and say I am ready to rebuild Africa?Previously, Africa had been failing to realise economic growth, this was mainly caused by inaccessibility to information by Africans who are supposed to effectively take part in their economies. Now an average African can access vital economic information through the increased use of technology in economic and business affairs. This has closed the gap between the African economies and the rest of the world.Ten years ago, it was almost impossible for an ordinary African to communicate with the rest of the world. These ordinary citizens are now empowered and have become the driver of the economy. Without a doubt such massive economic participation by ordinary citizens is a guarantee of a massive economic turnaround in Africa.His Excellency Paul Kagame, the President of Rwanda, once said: "In Africa today, we recognise that trade and investments and not aid are major pillars of development."Ordinary Africans have for long been seen as people in need of donations. This was mainly because of passive economic participation. However, people in Africa are now active in the economy; they are now entrepreneurs instead of charity cases. This, therefore, rightfully supports and explains what Kagame meant when he said the above. The way to go is to believe in our capability and strategies for economic growth. Before laying the foundation, the first key to unlock is to believe.Old Mutual group chief executive Julian Roberts said: "We wouldn't be investing as much in the rest of Africa if we didn't believe that Africa is going to be a success story in the next few decades."It's true Africa will face economic difficulties here and there, but like every other economy in the world, it will recover and still grow."I have investments in 21 countries and despite the dwindling commodity prices and all the concerns being raised, my investments in Africa have not dwindled," said Tony Elumelu, chairman of Heirs Holdings. Opinion / Columnist "The international community is determined to endorse any half-way decent election devoid of endemic bloodshed. Any poll not characterised by electoral fraud so blatant that one's eyes cannot be averted will be regarded as passing muster by most international observers," wrote Derek Matyszak of Institute for Security Studies (ISS) in Daily Maverick.Soon after the November coup, most people would have agreed with you on the first point, i.e. that most countries, especially the British, would have rubber stamped these elections as being free and fair as long as there was none of the wanton violence. The last three months have seen many nation hardening their position; President Mnangagwa promised to hold free, fair and credible elections and they now want the head of John the Baptist is a silver platter, nothing less!There are three reasons why Zanu PF is not going to get away with yet another rigged elections, not now:1) Most people were certainly impressed by President Mnangagwa's pro-business stance - a breath of fresh air after the decades of the interminable anti-west gable from Mugabe. However, after the first three months to became clear that none of the would be foreign investors were impressed by Mnangagwa's "Zimbabwe is open for business!" carrion call. Investor were shrewd enough to see that Zimbabwe was still being ruled by ruthless thugs, or be it under different management. Investors do NOT do business with thugs.With all hope of this junta reviving the economy fast disappearing like morning mist under the hot African sun, the international community too lost confidence in the junta. They knew rubber stamping another Zanu PF rigged elections was not going to solve Zimbabwe's endemic problem of bad governance. Making sure the country had free and fair elections was the only way out.So, if President Mnangagwa could not deliver free and fair election it was high time the international community put its foot down and make sure the country had someone who will implement the reforms and hold free elections.2) Since February and March, the Americans have stepped up the pressure on the junta to hold free and fair elections a departure from the nod, nod and wink, wink approach that the British were advancing. After the fall out with the Americans over Iran, few western countries had an appetite to risk another confrontation with the Americans over Zimbabwe.When President Mnangagwa stubbornly refused to implement even one meaningful reforms, he unwittingly, confirmed that he is just, indeed, just another despot masquerading as a democrat. His broad smile and colourful scarf were just a mask to fool the naive and gullible!3) Although many Zimbabweans had welcome the ouster of Robert Mugabe, the prospect of having Grace Mugabe as the next president frighten the daylight out of most Zimbabwe. The people were so pleased to know Grace would never rule the country they hugged the coup putsch as heroes.However, in the next few months the penny has dropped; people have slowly realised that the junta was selling them a dummy. The junta was not going to deliver the economic miracle since the regime was doing nothing to address the economic problems of corruption, mismanagement, etc.More and more Zimbabweans have been calling for free and fair elections than ever before because they now realise that country will never get out of the political and economic hell-hole Zanu PF has landed the nation in. Evidence of how Zanu PF is rigging these elections is mounting and it will take a brave soul to endorse these elections as free, fair and credible when they are clearly not. How Tom Brady Proposed To Gisele Bundchen Trending News: Gisele Bundchen Made Tom Brady Get Up When He Proposed To Her Long Story Short Tom Brady might be the GOAT, but he's also a liar (in a good way). Long Story As the story goes, Tom Brady proposed to Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bundchen on a private plane surrounded by white roses, champagne, and her parents. The story is a great one and super romantic. It's also not true. In a new interview with Vogue, Bundchen answered 73 question. In her responses, she revealed the truth about how Brady proposed. When he proposed to me, he made up this whole story [about] how my apartment was flooding, and I ran over to fix the situation, Bundchen told Vogue in the video. When I got there, the whole apartment had candles and rose petals everywhere, and then he went down on his knees to propose, and Im like, Get up!' Why did she tell him to get up? No, it wasn't because he was breaking the NFL's no-kneeling policy, it was Because he just had surgery and had three staph infections, Bundchen said. And I was like What are you doing? Hes like, I gotta go on my knees, and Im like, No, no, no! Get up, please!' How jarring. Watch the video below (this answer starts at the 6:07 mark). Own The Conversation Ask The Big Question Thinking about getting down on that knee? Here's how to propose. Drop This Fact Tom Brady likes to eat on a "flexitarian" diet, meaning he only occasionally eats meat. (Reuters) - Canadian National Railway Co said on Thursday it plans to invest around C$210 million in Quebec this year to expand its railway network across the province. The investment is part of the company's C$3.4 billion capital program in 2018. Last week, Canada's largest railway operator said it would invest around C$130 million in Manitoba, C$340 in British Columbia and around C$320 million in Alberta as it looks to expand its networks across the provinces. (This story corrects headline and paragraph 1 to C$210 from C$200) (Reporting by Laharee Chatterjee in Bengaluru; Editing by Shounak Dasgupta) Kim Jong Un North Korea factory Reuters/KCNA North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reportedly wants to follow a "Vietnam-like" opening of the country's economy. Some analysts doubt that's possible given the country's troubled economic past and nature of the Kim regime. It's also unclear if and when the US will lift sanctions on Pyongyang, which has gone back on vows to denuclearize before. Could North Korea's economy, the most isolated in the world, ever follow in the footsteps of Vietnam's? Even as Pyongyang warms up to the leader of the free world, some analysts doubt it. Seoul-based Maeil Business Newspaper reported Kim Jong Un said during a private summit with South Korea that he saw a "Vietnam-like" opening of the country, probably referring to Hanoi in 1986. Vietnam's ruling communist party dropped collectivism to pursue a "socialist-oriented market economy," under which the country's GDP growth increased by an average of 3% per year over the next decade. But the chances of North Korea successfully emulating the Vietnam model are "slim," according to a team of economists at Capital Economics led by Gareth Leather. They think even if the economy is opened up, foreign investors are likely to be very cautious as they remember previous financial ventures in North Korea. A few examples: Korean companies that invested in the Mount Kumgang tourist region and the Kaesong industrial complex saw their assets frozen after bilateral relations soured. And a joint venture by Chinese mining company Xiyang to build a mine in North Korea was terminated less than a year after production began. On top of that, experts say it's unlikely the North Korean dictator would allow his regime to shift in the way they sometimes do when an economy opens. One potential reason Kim sees Vietnam as a model, according to Leather, is that their ruling party achieved economic development while maintaining a firm grip on power. But this isn't always the case. Story continues "There are examples of other countries in Asia, most notably Korea and Taiwan, where development and the opening of the economy to the outside world have played an important role behind the emergence of democratic movements," he said. Video: Trump Will End Joint Military Exercises With South Korea For more news videos visit Yahoo View. There are a number of factors that Pyongyang could capitalize on through open borders, including its geographical position next to major economies like China and Japan and access to natural resources. The country sits on rich, largely untapped reserves of zinc, iron and some rare-earth metals often used in electronics. But it's unclear if or when US sanctions against North Korea could be lifted. Economic penalties the US imposes on Pyongyang relate to proliferation and human rights violations, issues North Korea has gone back on with the US in previous agreements. An agreement signed by President Donald Trump and Kim early Tuesday said North Korea will "work toward complete denuclearization," but it did not provide details on when or how. The president later told reporters he'd halt US-South Korea joint military drills, which stunned both Seoul and Washington. US officials in South Korea had "received no updated guidance on the execution or cessation of training exercises," the Associated Press reports. Trump said the two leaders touched on certain human rights abuses, but did not offer any further details, and the subject was absent from the statement and opening remarks. A White House spokesperson did not respond to a request for comment. "As expected, the historic meeting between President Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jung Un produced photo ops and statements of goodwill, but is only the first step in a long road of negotiations," said Chris Zaccarelli of Independent Advisor Alliance, a Charlotte-based firm. "The lack of specifics from the meeting including a lack of timelines leave little to trade on and so the impact on markets from the summit has been negligible." NOW WATCH: Trump pitched peace to Kim Jong Un with this Hollywood-style video starring Kim as the leading man See Also: SEE ALSO: 21 photos of North Korea that Kim Jong Un wouldn't want you to see Alberta's recent return to the positive side of the ledger in interprovincial migration after years of losses is getting more pronounced, according to the latest population figures from Statistics Canada. Alberta had a net interprovincial migration gain of 1,862 in the first three months of this year, with 15,203 out-migrants compared with 17,065 people arriving from other provinces. The statistics reveal that 1,304 of that net gain came from Saskatchewan and 605 from Newfoundland and Labrador. The turning point came in the third quarter of 2017, with 743 more people arriving than leaving for other provinces, the federal agency says. In the second quarter of 2017, there had still been 4,914 more out-migrants than interprovincial newcomers. Many factors to Alberta's growth An associate professor of economics says there are a lot of sectors and factors that are pointing upward. "So manufacturing activities up, export, oil production, wages, employment, and so on, are all on the rise, and now we're also seeing that in terms of migration," said Trevor Tombe of the University of Calgary. But it's a challenge to figure out exactly who is coming and who is going. "Different people are in different circumstances and it's really not possible for us to know who these individuals are, what their characteristics are. I couldn't begin to tell you, maybe they're all retired people moving to B.C.," he said with a laugh. Alberta's position, he said, is not the same as its neighbours. "It's also worth noting that this is in contrast with the two other major oil producing provinces of Saskatchewan and Newfoundland and Labrador. They're both seen increasing net outflows," Tombe said. "Saskatchewan as well, in the first quarter of 2018, was the second largest net outflow, and the first largest net outflow was the third quarter of 2017. So Saskatchewan is still seeing large and growing numbers leaving relative to coming. Same with Newfoundland." Story continues 'Good place to invest' David Bowker moved to Alberta in early 2018 from Ontario after purchasing a roofing business. He says he chose Alberta for many reasons, including the economy. "I thought it was a good place to invest. I know the economy is down right now, but I think it's in a swing where it's going to start coming up so things are a little cheaper to purchase at the moment." More than 10K immigrants arrived in first 3 months Nationally, Canada's population growth rate was 0.3 per cent in the first quarter of this year. Both Alberta and Ontario surpassed the national rate slightly, posting gains of 0.4 per cent. The population of Nunavut grew by 0.7 per cent. Alberta had 6,753 more births than deaths in the first quarter there were 13,799 births and 7,046 deaths. And in the first three months of 2018, a total of 10,627 immigrants arrived in Alberta. - MORE ALBERTA NEWS | WestJet flight makes emergency landing in Calgary - MORE ALBERTA NEWS | Snowboarder Mark McMorris chosen as Stampede Parade marshal By Anne Marie Roantree and Sijia Jiang HONG KONG (Reuters) - Investors wiped about $3 billion off embattled Chinese telecommunications giant ZTE Corp's market value as it resumed trade on Wednesday after agreeing to pay up to $1.4 billion in penalties to the U.S. government. China's No. 2 telecommunications equipment maker was crippled when the United States imposed a seven-year supplier ban on the company in April after it broke an agreement to discipline executives who conspired to evade U.S. sanctions on Iran and North Korea. The ban, which has prevented ZTE from buying the U.S. components it relies on to make smartphones and other devices, will not be lifted until ZTE pays a fine and places $400 million more in an escrow account in a U.S.-approved bank. It was also ordered to radically overhaul its management. "While the nightmare is now over, ZTE will likely have to deal with many changes," Jeffries said in a research report, adding that it expects significant near-term selling pressure on the company's shares. Confirming details of the U.S. deal, ZTE said late on Tuesday it would replace its board of directors and that of its import-export subsidiary ZTE Kangxun within 30 days of the June 8 order being signed by the United States. All members of its leadership at or above the senior vice president level would be removed within the 30-day period, with a commitment that they would not be re-hired, along with any executives or officers tied to the wrongdoing, it said. The U.S. commerce department can exercise discretion in granting exceptions. According to a Reuters estimate based on company filings and a source with knowledge of the matter, that could result in about 40 senior executives being replaced including its 14-person board, based on its current management structure. ZTE has more than a dozen senior vice presidents, which is a level below executive vice president, said the company source who declined to be identified as they were not authorized to speak to the media. As part of the U.S. order, the Commerce Department also will select a monitor, known as a special compliance coordinator, within 30 days to report on compliance by ZTE and its affiliates worldwide for 10 years. The coordinator will have a staff of at least six employees funded by ZTE. "The compliance monitor will be on the same level as ZTE's CEO and board on compliance matters. The new governance structure will pose challenges for the company's management in the future," Zhongtai Securities said in a note. SHARES PLUNGE The Hong Kong-listed shares of ZTE slid as much as 41 percent to HK$14.98, their lowest in a year, following a two-month trading suspension. Its Shenzhen shares fell by their 10 percent limit to 28.18 yuan after it confirmed details of the agreement publicized by the U.S. government on Monday. Hong Kong's benchmark Hang Seng index was down 0.6 percent by the midday break. During its trading halt, fund managers cut their valuations of ZTE shares, with some lowering valuations of its A-shares to 20.04 yuan per share, or a 36 percent discount to the closing level on April 16. ZTE also said in filings on Tuesday that it would work to resume operations as soon as possible after the ban gets lifted, and would republish its first-quarter financial results after assessing the impact of the ban and the settlement agreement. Jeffries said it expected ZTE to pay its penalty in a few days and resume operations next week. The case has become a focus of bargaining talks as Washington and Beijing look to avert a trade war. U.S. lawmakers have attacked Washington's agreement with ZTE and plan legislation to roll it back, citing intelligence warnings that ZTE poses a national security threat. ZTE, with a market value of about $20 billion before its shares were suspended in April, is the world's No.4 telecom equipment maker after Huawei Technologies [HWT.UL], Ericsson and Nokia. (Additional reporting by Donny Kwok; Editing by Stephen Coates) At long last, Montreal to compensate businesses hurt by public construction projects Montreal merchants will qualify for up to $30,000 a year in compensation for disruptions caused by city construction projects, under a new plan unveiled Wednesday by Mayor Valerie Plante. The city is setting aside a total of $25 million, retroactive from Jan. 1, 2016 through to the end of 2021, to help those businesses affected by municipal work sites that prevent customers from easily accessing their restaurants and stores. "When businesses do well, the whole community does well," Plante said while announcing the plan in the Plateau-Mont-Royal borough. The business-assistance plan is part of Montreal's economic development strategy for 2018-2022. That strategy includes $360 million over the next four years to bolster the city's economy, including a planned $74 million for investments in local businesses. Plante first promised a construction compensation package during last fall's municipal election campaign. She said Montreal is now the only city in Canada to offer such a program. "It is a very positive and strong move in telling merchants, 'We want you to stay alive, of course, and keep your business up while we are doing construction that will benefit you in the long term,'" she said. The business-assistance plan released Wednesday includes provisions to improve the image of commercial arteries, strengthening relationships with merchants' associations, financially supporting some startup businesses and aiding initiatives that temporarily occupy vacant space. It's an extensive plan, Plante told reporters, that includes creating a "special status" for commercial arteries where the city will, for example, ensure the streets are cleaner and rethink snow-removal practices. There will also be a "nightlife policy," she said, that will support businesses while working to strike a balance with surrounding residents. Merchants still face high taxes Not included in the plan are changes to the taxes businesses have to pay. And even though the city promises help is coming on that front, some argue the matter is urgent. Story continues In the lead up to Wednesday's announcement, the advisory committee to the city's commercial development plan had made 23 recommendations on how Montreal can help support businesses. Those recommendations included lightening merchants' tax burdens and making more services for businesses available online. Desjardins CEO Guy Cormier headed that advisory committee. The Urban Development Institute of Quebec (UDI), a non-profit organization that represents the province's real estate industry, urged Plante to follow through on his recommendation to cut taxes. "The tax question was swept under the rug despite the recommendations of Guy Cormier," the UDI said in a tweet. "Yet, Montreal merchants are the most taxed in the country." The opposition party at city hall also criticized the plan's failure to reduce business taxes. Ensemble Montreal added that merchants will only be eligible for financial compensation after submitting audited financial statements proving they have suffered losses. "An action plan involves concrete measures," Lionel Perez, interim leader of Ensemble Montreal, said in a statement. "At the moment, however, merchants still do not know when they will be able to receive the promised amounts." Welcome relief, but distrust lingers Downtown merchants, many of them beleaguered by seemingly unending construction projects, gave Plante's compensation package a mixed review. Road and sidewalk construction has long been an issue of contention for business owners across the city as, they say, blocking parking and entrances slashes revenues because customers can't easily access their store or restaurant. There are numerous cases of businesses closing, leaving owners deeply in debt. Khalid Benthami's Le Marrakech Store, located on St-Denis Street, has been in business for nearly two decades. The recent construction near his shop meant "there were no customers coming here" for an entire year, he said. While his business survived, he said many others did not. Merchants asked the city for support, but nothing was done, he said. Construction finally finished in October, but the customer flow still hasn't returned eight months later. The city's plan to offer merchants up to $30,000 in compensation will help, Benthami said, but it won't bring back all the closed stores. Overall, he said he doesn't trust Plante's announcement considering previous calls for help were ignored by the city. "I don't think they will do something," Benthami said. "I don't trust what they announced." But Mike Parente, director of the St-Hubert Plaza merchants' association, praised the announcement. "It's been a long time coming," said Parente. "Merchants will be happy with the announcement. We're happy with the announcement considering that we have some major infrastructure work that's going to be on our street starting this fall." The offered $30,000 reimbursement will be enough for some merchants, Parente said, but not for everybody. The city has to start somewhere, he said, but "we're hoping that the city readjusts to comfort and help the merchants in all ways possible." President Donald Trumps repeated attacks on the special counsel investigating Russias interference in the 2016 election may be taking hold not only among Republicans but Democrats and independents as well, according to a poll released Wednesday. The Politico/Morning Consult poll found Special Counsel Robert Muellers favorability among Democrats and independents took a slight dive over the last 11 months. Twenty-four percent of Democrats registered an unfavorable score for Mueller, while 33 percent of independents also viewed Mueller in a negative light. Last July, Muellers approval ratings among both Democrats and independents were higher. The former FBI director received a positive 28 percent rating among independents, and 32 percent from Democrats. Trending: Sunlight Boosted Memory in Mice Overall, a record 53 percent of the polls respondents shared an unfavorable reaction to Mueller, a 26-point jump since Politico/Morning Consult first started polling the special counsels favorable and unfavorable rating among registered voters. Still, 50 percent of Democrats view Muller favorably and approve of his work. To date, the investigation has handed down 18 indictments and resulted in five guilty pleas, including from three members of Trumps 2016 campaign. But, as Trump continues to label Muellers investigation as a witch hunt led by 13 angry Democrats, more voters now believe the probe to be handled unfairly. In the latest poll, 40 percent of voters, compared to 34 percent in February, question the probes integrity and fairness. Don't miss: Jared Kushner Visiting Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt to Push Middle East Peace Plan The poll did not draw a direct correlation to the presidents attacks on the probe, but the results did come as Trump, on a near daily basis, has attacked the integrity of the investigation together with his recently hired attorney Rudy Giuliani. Prior to departing for the Group of 7 summit and then on to Singapore for his meeting with North Koreas Kim Jong Un, Trump took a shot at the probe by saying he wont be talking about it for a while as he traveled the globe. Story continues I am heading for Canada and the G-7 for talks that will mostly center on the long time unfair trade practiced against the United States. From there I go to Singapore and talks with North Korea on Denuclearization. Wont be talking about the Russian Witch Hunt Hoax for a while! Trump tweeted Friday. Most popular: Mike Pence Will Be Greeted By a 'Big Gay Dance Party' in Ohio Trump has also issued cries against the deep state that he has accused of plotting to derail his presidency, while calling for the FBI and Justice Department to investigate his political foes, like former FBI director James Comey. The Obama Administration is now accused of trying to give Iran secret access to the financial system of the United States. This is totally illegal. Perhaps we could get the 13 Angry Democrats to divert some of their energy to this matter (as Comey would call it). Investigate! Trump said Thursday. The poll was conducted from June 7 to 10, and the results were based on the responses from 1,994 registered voters. The margin of error was plus-minus 2 percentage points. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Skippack, PA, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- North Bay Resources Inc. (NBRI) Issues Update on Tulameen Platinum Project SKIPPACK, PA., June 14, 2018 North Bay Resources Inc. (OTC: NBRI) (North Bay or the Company) is pleased to announce that the Company will be initiating its 2018 exploration season at its 100% owned Tulameen Platinum Project in southeastern British Columbia on June 20, 2018. This work is intended to build upon the positive results from our 2016 exploration program that focused on a large deposit of commercial-grade olivine identified in the PGM mineralized areas of the property. In addition, the Company reports that it has recently expanded the size of property with the staking of 2 additional claims adjacent to the northwest and southwest quadrants of the property. The claim in the northwest quadrant expands the known olivine resource, and the other claim is believed to host a new PGM occurrence. The Tulameen Platinum Project is located below Grasshopper Mountain along a 4.5 km stretch of the Tulameen River and Britton Creek, near the village of Tulameen and approximately 22 km west-northwest on a straight line from Princeton, BC. Including the newly-staked claims, the property now covers a total of 1,968 acres (797 hectares). During the late 1800s, the Tulameen District was the most important producer of platinum in North America. The Tulameen Platinum Project covers a sizeable part of the dunite core of the Tulameen Ultramafic Complex that hosts platinum, palladium, iridium, rhodium and osmium mineralization, and which is often accompanied by chromite and magnetite. It is this part of the dunite core that has been eroded by the Tulameen River over time and resulted in the release of most of the 20,000 ounces platinum that had been historically mined by placer operations along the Tulameen River and its tributaries. It is thus our belief that the Companys Tulameen Platinum Project property hosts the lode source of most of the historical placer platinum production in the Tulameen District. Olivine, CO2 Sequestration, and the Carbon Credit Market In addition to the well-established evidence of extensive Platinum Group Metals (PGM) mineralization on the property, the Company notes that the ground covered by the Tulameen Platinum Project is also known to host an estimated 15 million tonne drill-delineated historical resource of olivine. An industrial mineral, olivine is a magnesium iron silicate that is also known as peridot and chrysolite. As documented in MINFILE 092HNE189 and BC Assessment Report 27009, the resource estimate for the olivine deposit was initially compiled in 1989 by Dia Met Minerals Ltd., the company led by Charles Fipke that discovered the first diamond mine in North America. In 2016, and as documented in assessment report 36194 (http://www.northbayresources.com/Tulameen_2016.pdf), the olivine loss-on-ignition (LOI) at the Grasshopper Mountain ridge zone on the Tulameen Platinum claims was tested and assessed for the first time and was found to be lower than expected (considering historic assessments), being in the range of 1.86% to 3.16% (2.54% average). The lower the LOI, the higher the commercial grade of the resource. The results of the 2016 survey indicate that extensive dunite rock areas having a less than 3.5% LOI exist on the Company's claims. At the same time the above 3.5% LOI olivine rock (dunite) can also be subjected to a beneficiation process which could also result in the production of commercial olivine. Olivine is used in foundries, refractories, sand blasting, soil conditioning and heat storage units, and sells for $50 to $100 per ton, depending on the grade. More importantly, and of great interest to the Company, the olivine mineralization derived from the dunites is known to also have potential application as raw feed for mineral CO2 sequestration to help moderate global warming by slowing the growth of carbon emissions in the atmosphere through a natural process called mineral carbonation. In the global carbon market, each ton of carbon sequestered is called a carbon credit. Using sequestration, companies can generate these credits, which are then sold or traded by companies to offset the carbon dioxide (CO2) emissions of other companies with high emissions and subject to the carbon tax in the absence of any comparable offsets. It is also interesting to note that the mineral carbonation process of olivine itself generates heat, which if harnessed can be a potential source of green energy that can be utilized in the mining process, and thereby reduce or even eliminate the overall carbon footprint of the project. The Company notes that as of April 1, 2018, British Columbia's carbon tax rate is $35 per tonne of carbon dioxide equivalent emissions. The tax rate will increase each year by $5 per tonne until it reaches $50 per tonne in 2021. Upon approval of the Companys application for a mineral carbonation protocol at the Tulameen Platinum Project, the Company would then qualify to sell carbon credits directly to the B.C. Ministry of Environments Climate Action Secretariat. It is currently estimated that one tonne of olivine can sequester 0.4 tonnes of CO2, which given a potential deposit size of at least 15 million tonnes, the monetary value of the available carbon credits from the Companys olivine deposit could generate significant revenue by 2021 from the carbon credits alone. This does not include the commercial grade olivine and PGM by-products that can be mined and sold to industrial buyers. The current plan then is to mine the commercial grade olivine and the PGM by-products for sale to industrial buyers, with the tailings used for CO2 sequestration and monetization by way of carbon offset credits. Phytomining During the aforementioned 2016 exploration program, the Company also assessed the viability of establishing a phytomining operation on the claims near Grasshopper Mountain which have elevated nickel content. Bio-harvesting of metals from high biomass crops grown on soil substrates associated with sub-economic mineralization is termed phytomining, or nickel farming. The biomass is ashed and metals are leached from it. The part of the mountain covered by the company's claims feature flat surfaces adequate to growing crops. Four vegetation samples from a cliff area featuring slightly altered dunite rocks assaying up to 2,140 ppm (0.214%) nickel were then analyzed for nickel content. While none of these plants collected were found to be "hyper-accumulator" plants, test results showed nickel values of up to 15.15 ppm in the plant samples. The Company believes that planting and harvesting of well-known hyper-accumulator plants (Alyssum & others) would increase the nickel yield in each plant and could be used for phytomining purposes on the property, but a separate study on the economics of such undertaking has to be completed before reaching a production decision. In general, phytomining employing these hyper-accumulator species of plants can produce over 100 kg nickel per hectare, which at present day nickel price translates to about $1,000 USD per hectare annually from simple harvesting activities. About North Bay Resources Inc. North Bay Resources Inc. (OTC: NBRI) is a junior mining company with current operations in British Columbia, Canada. The Company holds 100% ownership of a multitude of significant mining properties. These include two gold-platinum placers, the Fraser River Project and the Monte Cristo, and lode projects such as the advanced-stage Mt. Washington project on Vancouver Island, the Coronation Gold project in the historic Slocan Mining district, and the Tulameen Platinum Project near Princeton, BC. In addition to its many precious metal projects, the Company also owns additional prospective projects that host strategic mineral resources such as Vanadium, Crystalline Flake Graphite, Olivine, and Rare Earth Elements (REE). The Companys mission is to build a portfolio of viable mining prospects throughout the world and developing them through subsidiaries and JV partners to their full economic potential. North Bay's business plan is based on the Generative Business Model, which is designed to leverage its properties into near-term revenue streams even during the earliest stages of exploration and development. This provides shareholders with multiple opportunities to profit from discoveries while preserving capital and minimizing the risk involved in exploration and development. Additional information on the Companys many properties and ongoing projects is available at the Company website at http://www.northbayresources.com. SAFE HARBOR FOR FORWARD LOOKING STATEMENTS This press release may contain certain forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities and Exchange Act of 1934, as amended, which are intended to be covered by the safe harbors created thereby. Investors are cautioned that all forward-looking statements involve risks and uncertainties. Although North Bay Resources Inc. believes that the assumptions underlying the forward-looking statements contained herein are reasonable, any assumption could be inaccurate, and therefore, there can be no assurance that the forward-looking statements included in this press release will prove to be accurate. In light of the significant uncertainties inherent in the forward-looking statements included herein, the inclusion should not be regarded as a representation by North Bay Resources Inc. or any other person that the objective and plans of North Bay Resources Inc. will be achieved. Contact: Perry Leopold, CEO North Bay Resources Inc. 215-661-1100 http://www.northbayresources.com The Senate has proposed dozens of changes to the cannabis bill that passed through the House of Commons by the Trudeau Liberals. Photo from Getty Images. The federal government is rejecting several Senate changes to its cannabis legalization bill, setting the stage for a possible showdown between the Senate and the House of Commons. The Senate has proposed 46 amendments to The Cannabis Act, and while the government is accepting some of them, it is passing on several major ones. According to the House's order paper, the changes the government plans to reject include: - Affirming the provinces' right to ban home cultivation of marijuana. - Banning branded promotional items such as T-shirts and hats that display logos of marijuana producers. - Establishing a public registry of all cannabis companies' directors, officers, controlling parent corporations or trusts, and their directors, members and shareholders. The House still has to debate and vote on the plan in the coming days. Then C-45 will return to the Senate, where senators will have to decide whether to give up their fight to make these changes. While precedent suggests the Senate will go along with what the elected House of Commons decides, some senators have suggested they might not be prepared to back down this time. Home cultivation a hot topic Quebec, Manitoba and Nunavut all want to forbid their citizens from growing recreational marijuana at home, even once cannabis is legalized federally. The Senate has suggested that the federal government affirm the provinces' right to do so in the Cannabis Act. In its response rejecting the home cultivation amendment, the government says it "respectfully disagrees" because provinces and territories already have the power to restrict personal cultivation. It said "it is critically important to permit personal cultivation in order to support the government's objective of displacing the illegal market." "One of the strong recommendations by experts was that we ensure personal cultivation of four plants at home," said Prime Minister Justin Trudeau Wednesday morning. Story continues "We understand there are questions and concerns about this, and we understand also that it will be important to study the impacts of what we're doing and whether there can be changes made in three years, but we need to move forward on better protecting our communities." Beer and wine at home Health Minister Ginette Petitpas Taylor pointed to other controlled substances that can be made or grown at home. "Canadians are allowed to make beer at home or wine, and some can even grow tobacco," she said. "It is already possible for Canadians to grow cannabis for medical purposes, and we absolutely believe that the legislation should be consistent when it comes to recreational cannabis." The whole issue revolves around the prospect of future court challenges. In March, while appearing before a Senate committee, Justice Minister Jody Wilson Raybould said the federal government wouldn't stop provinces from banning homegrown pot but if a citizen decided to take the province or territory to court over the issue, the feds wouldn't be silent. "This is federal legislation and we fundamentally support our legislation and it would be incumbent upon us to defend it," she told the committee. It's not just the Senate that's worked up over this issue. Provincial ministers from Quebec and Manitoba put out a joint statement on Thursday supporting the Senate's amendment on home cultivation and insisting on "respect" from the federal government. "Ottawa has an opportunity to dispel the confusion surrounding this matter and to prevent Canadians from needless and costly legal challenges by accepting the amendment proposed by the Senate," reads the statement from Quebec's Canadian Relations Minister Jean-Marc Fournier and Manitoba Justice Minister Heather Stefanson. Branded pot swag The Senate also voted in favour of banning the distribution of branded "swag" by pot companies, such as T-shirts, hats and phone cases that display a company logo. Conservative Sen. Judith Seidman argued that allowing such merchandise was a "loophole that gives cannabis companies a back door to advertise marijuana." She said she was particularly concerned about the impact on young Canadians. Critics questioned whether such a restriction would actually be enforceable, or whether it was an unnecessary constraint on freedom of expression. The government argues the act already includes comprehensive restrictions surrounding promotional items. Investor registry The bid to have cannabis companies publicly register their investors was meant to keep organized crime out of the fledgling recreational market. The amendment, proposed by Conservative Sen. Claude Carignan, was inspired by fears that criminal gangs would use offshore tax havens to cash in on legal cannabis. In rejecting this amendment, the government says the legislation already gives it expanded powers to require security clearances. It also notes the Senate's suggestion "would present significant operational challenges and privacy concerns." Senate response It remains to be seen how the increasingly unpredictable Senate will respond to the rejection of the amendments. The home cultivation amendment is a particular source of concern for several senators. Some feel it's important to respect the provinces' will on the issue, while others say there are too many uncertainties around the impact of home cultivation. If the Senate digs in its heels, it could further delay the Liberal government's plans for legalization. Federal officials have said that after the bill gets through Parliament and receives royal assent, there will still be a period of eight to 12 weeks to give provinces time to prepare for the actual sale of recreational marijuana. It's up to Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and his cabinet to choose the precise date that legalization would kick in. By Tom Perry BEIRUT (Reuters) - A top Syrian Kurdish politician said he hopes President Bashar al-Assad is serious about negotiating with Kurdish-led forces and he signaled a readiness for talks without conditions. Aldar Xelil, one of the most influential figures in Syrian Kurdish politics, said there had been no steps yet toward negotiations mooted by Assad last month, but that any agreement between the sides would be "a historic turning point". "We don't know the extent of their seriousness or preparation for this, but we hope these statements reflect serious intentions," Xelil told Reuters in a telephone Direct negotiations between Kurdish groups that control much of northern Syria and Damascus would reshape the seven-year-old conflict and - if successful - hold out the prospect of a deal between two sides which together hold most of the country. Such talks would also complicate U.S. policy in Syria, which today rests largely on a military alliance with the YPG, the main Kurdish militia. U.S. forces have deployed in areas held by Kurdish-led militias during the fight against Islamic State. Unlike rebels who have fought Assad, the YPG and YPG-led Syrian Democratic Forces (SDF) have mostly avoided conflict with Damascus. Instead, they have focused on Islamic State and guarding their autonomy. The areas controlled by Kurdish-led forces include oil, farmland and water resources critical to the economy. Assad said last month the state was opening "doors for negotiations" with the SDF, but if these failed it would resort to force to recapture areas where some 2,000 U.S. forces are stationed. He also pledged that U.S. troops would leave. Xelil, co-chair of the Movement for a Democratic Society, which groups a number of parties, said Assad's threat of force was regrettable and "all efforts must be focused on how to develop the peaceful option". He said any negotiations should aim to achieve a decentralized "democratic Syria that encompasses ... the Kurdish people and other groups", and not governed by one group. But he added, "We don't want get ahead of things and propose matters so they become like conditions...The most important thing is accepting the principle of negotiations." WASHINGTON WILL "NOT FORGO THE TURKS" The main Kurdish parties have been left out of U.N.-led diplomacy on Syria, in line with the wishes of Turkey, a NATO member that views the YPG as part of the outlawed Kurdistan Workers' Party (PKK) and a national security threat. Turkish forces backed by Syrian militias attacked the Kurdish Afrin region of northwestern Syria earlier this year, driving the YPG out of the area. Pointing to a shared interest in countering Turkish forces, Xelil said Afrin could be an issue for discussion in any negotiations with Damascus. The government could "be an influential party in this equation, particularly given that they still represent the Syrian seat at the United Nations". Xelil also said the Afrin assault led to the postponement of the final phase of a three-stage election being held in northern Syria to deepen its autonomy through elected institutions. No decision has been made on when it will be held. Turkey had been threatening to widen the Afrin offensive to the city of Manbij, which is controlled by SDF-allied fighters backed by the United States. U.S. support for the SDF and YPG has been a major point of contention between Turkey and the United States. But earlier this month, Turkey and the United States endorsed a "roadmap" for Manbij to address Turkish concerns there. The YPG subsequently announced a withdrawal of military advisers from the city. Xelil was critical of the United States over the agreement, but also described the outcome as a "reasonable" compromise. "America should have taken a decisive position towards Turkey...Our reading of matters makes us see that the Americans will not forgo the Turks and sacrifice their old ties with them for the sake of our areas," he said. Xelil said he could not tell how the U.S. role in Syria would evolve, reflecting uncertainty over U.S. objectives since President Donald Trump said earlier this year that he wanted to pull out forces as quickly as possible. "Will they withdraw or will they remain? Will they have a role in the solution in Syria?...These are all matters I don't want to judge at present. We must wait until after the battles with Daesh (Islamic State) finish." (Writing by Tom Perry; Editing by Mark Heinrich) No two nations are closer together politically, economically and militarily than the U.S. and Canada. Over the past 150 years, the two sides have relied on each other and stood united through thick and thin. During the Second World War, the U.S. joined Canada and the Allied forces to defeat the Axis powers. When 9/11 happened, Gander, N.L., opened its doors to thousands of strangers, many of them Americans. While hunting down Osama bin Laden in Afghanistan, Canadian troops fought alongside U.S. soldiers. But for the first time in recent memory, the U.S. and Canada appear to be straying away from their long-held friendship. On Saturday, in response to U.S. sanctions on Canadian steel and aluminum imports, Prime Minister Justin Trudeau said Canadians will not be pushed around and the imports were kind of insulting. This triggered a fiery response from U.S. President Donald Trump, who called Trudeau very dishonest and weak on the same day. PM Justin Trudeau of Canada acted so meek and mild during our @G7 meetings only to give a news conference after I left saying that, US Tariffs were kind of insulting and he will not be pushed around. Very dishonest & weak. Our Tariffs are in response to his of 270% on dairy! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 9, 2018 Trump aides slammed Trudeau on U.S. Sunday talk shows. U.S. adviser Peter Navarro said there is a special place in hell for foreign leaders like Trudeau, which he has since apologized for. U.S. economic adviser Larry Kudlow said Trudeau kind of stabbed us in the back with his comments. The leaders are engaged in a heated battle over tariffs and trade that sees no end in sight. (Illustration by @illustratingnk/Instagram) Canada does not believe that ad hominem attacks are a particularly appropriate or useful way to conduct our relations with other countries, Foreign Affairs Minister Chrystia Freeland responded. Other world leaders, including U.S. politicians such as John McCain, were quick to dismiss the attacks from the Trump administration. Story continues Thats going to cost a lot of money for the people of Canada, Trump told reporters Tuesday in Singapore. With NAFTA negotiations on uncertain ground, who should be responsible for toning down the fiery rhetoric between these two countries? Let us know what you think by voting in the poll above and sharing your thoughts in the comment section below. SOUTH JORDAN, Utah, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- AdvancedMD, the pioneer of Rhythm, a unified cloud platform of smart clinical, billing and patient applications that automate tasks for all roles in the practice and patients, announced that it has been certified as a great workplace by the independent analysts at Great Place to Work. AdvancedMD earned this credential based on extensive ratings provided by its employees in anonymous surveys. AdvancedMD employees gave Great Pride, Great Atmosphere and Great Challenges ratings of at least 90 percent in the survey. Great Bosses, Great Communications, and Great Rewards were also highly rated by the companys employees. A summary of these ratings can be found at http://reviews.greatplacetowork.com/advancedmd-inc. Our core values are to be Flexible, Insightful and Trusted for our clients and for each other which makes AdvancedMD a great place to work, said Raul Villar, AdvancedMD CEO. Our employees own our vision of becoming the technology heartbeat of healthcare for providers, patients and payers resulting in a healthier world. We applaud AdvancedMD for seeking certification and releasing its employees feedback, said Kim Peters, Executive Vice President of Great Place to Works Certification Program. These ratings measure its capacity to earn its own employees trust and create a great workplace critical metrics that anyone considering working for or doing business with AdvancedMD should take into account as an indicator of high performance. About AdvancedMD AdvancedMD revolutionized medical office software in 1999 with the introduction of the industrys first true cloud solution. Today, the company continues to lead MedTech innovation with Rhythm, a complete cloud suite of smart applications that work in unison, accelerating collaborative workflow for every role of the practice. With Rhythm, staff members are empowered to thrive in the online age of healthcare and value-based reimbursement with essential clinical, financial, patient engagement and reputation management applications that are unified and available anytime, anywhere on any device. AdvancedMD strives to be the technology heartbeat of healthcare for providers, patients and payers for a healthier world. Visit www.advancedmd.com. About Great Place to Work Great Place to Work is the global authority on high-trust, high-performance workplace cultures. Through proprietary assessment tools, advisory services, and certification programs, including Best Workplaces lists and workplace reviews, Great Place to Work provides the benchmarks, framework, and expertise needed to create, sustain, and recognize outstanding workplace cultures. In the United States, Great Place to Work produces the annual Fortune 100 Best Companies to Work For list and a series of Great Place to Work Best Workplaces lists including lists for Millennials, Women, Diversity, Small and Medium Companies and over a half dozen different industry lists. Follow Great Place to Work online at www.greatplacetowork.com and on Twitter at @GPTW_US. Media contacts: Jim Elliot Chief Marketing Officer (801) 984-9500 jelliot@advancedmd.com A photo accompanying this announcement is available at: http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/064258c2-5c5b-4122-8c9c-361d9bcd4c45 The next 48 hours are expected to be some of the most critical in the ongoing civil unrest in Nicaragua against President Daniel Ortega. While the country is bracing for a one-day national strike, word has come from a group of Nicaraguas Roman Catholic Bishops that they are set to resume a new round of mediation talks between protesters and Ortega. Following an attempt to make changes to the countrys social security system, a series of anti-government protests erupted and spread across the country. Following a heavy-handed response from the government, the protests started to turn violent. The Roman Catholic bishops attempted to arrange a round of mediation between the protesters and the government. On May 23, the mediation talks broke down after the government officials refused to discuss a 40 point agenda by the protesters. Since the mediation broke down, the situation in Nicaragua has escalated. A series of blockades across most of the main arteries in the country has severely impacted travel within Nicaragua. This has essentially crippled the countrys transportation system and has impacted shipping goods as well as workers coming to work, including businesses and factories serving premium cigar industry. On Monday, Nicaraguas Association of Freight Carriers (ATN) announced it was suspending all national and international shipments because of the blockades. With the blockades persisting, this has created a panic for food and gasoline across the country, resulting in shortages. Earlier this week, there have been reported instances of protesters seeking weapons for fear the government may execute the military to break up the protests. On June 8th, the Bishops again met with Ortega, offering a proposal that would establish a framework for mediation. Ortega said he would take two days to think it over. When he had not responded after five days, the Higher Council of Private Enterprise (known as Cosep) and Civic Alliance for Justice and Democracy called for a national strike. It is expected to take place on June 14, 2018. With the national labor strike looming, the Bishops said today that a new round of talks will begin this Friday and its expected more will be disclosed on the proposal. We will be making known the proposal that we presented to the president and the letter he has sent us with his concerns, which we will submit to debate in order to seek a consensus, in a statement by the bishops. The violence from the protests is said to have resulted in 146 deaths. While many businesses in Nicaragua are being affected, and one of those businesses is the premium cigar industry. The blockades have impacted the ability to ship products and obtain supplies as well as preventing some factory workers from coming to work. This comes at a time when the cigar industry is entering one of its busiest seasons in the U.S. market. The IPCPR Trade Show and Convention is scheduled in Las Vegas beginning July 13th. Currently, many companies are attempting to ramp up production and are preparing to ship products out to fulfill orders. The situation could become more complicated in the U.S. market as there is a possibility for a strike by United Parcel Service on August 1st. The Statement by the Bishops Appears Below along with a rough translation: Conferencia Episcopal de Nicaragua Los Obispos de la Conferencia Episcopal de Nicaragua, les deseamos a todos los nicaraguenses, gracia y paz de parte de Dios Nuestro Padre. A la vez queremos informarles que el dia de ayer martes, hemos recibido, la respuesta del Presidente de la Republica, a las propuestas, que recogiendo el sentimiento de diversos sectores de la sociedad y de la inmensa mayoria del pueblo nicaraguense, le presentamos en el encuentro que sostuvimos el pasado jueves 07 del corriente. Por lo tanto, estamos convocando a la Mesa Plenaria del Dialogo Nacional, para el proximo viernes 15 de junio, a las 10:00 A.M., en el Seminario Nuestra Senora de Fatima. En dicha mesa, estaremos dando a conocer a la comunidad nacional e internacional, la propuesta que presentamos al Senor Presidente y la carta que el nos ha enviado con su planteamiento, lo que someteremos a debate para buscar un consenso que responda a los anhelos de justicia, democratizacion y paz del pueblo. Agradecemos a los nicaraguenses que confian en la mediacion que estamos realizando y a la comunidad internacional que nos ha respaldado en esta labor, que hacemos como pastores del pueblo de Dios, a nosotros encomendado, y al cual acompanamos en sus tristezas sufrimientos, esperanzas y anhelos por construir un pais en paz, justicia y libertad. Pedimos al pueblo fiel que continue orando por nosotros y por toda nuestra Patria. En nuestra Sede, a los trece dias del mes de Junio del 2018, ano del Senor. Episcopal Conference of Nicaragua The Bishops of the Episcopal Conference of Nicaragua, we wish all the nicaraguans, grace and peace of God our father. At the same time we would like to inform you that yesterday, on Tuesday, we received the answer from the president of the Republic, to the proposals, which collected the feeling of various sectors of society and the vast majority of the nicaraguan people, we present to you in the I find that we had last Thursday 07 We are therefore calling for the plenary of the national dialogue, for next Friday, 15 June, at 10:00 a. M., at the seminar our lady of Fatima. At that table, we will be making known to the national and international community, the proposal that we present to the president and the letter he has sent us with his approach, which we will submit to the debate to seek a consensus that responds to the desires of justice , democratization and peace of the people. We are grateful to the nicaraguans who trust the mediation that we are doing and to the international community that has supported us in this work, which we do as pastors of the people of God, to whom we are entrusted, and to whom we live in their sorrows suffering, hopes and desires To build a country in peace, justice and freedom. We ask the faithful people to continue to pray for us and for our entire homeland. At our headquarters, at 2018 days of June 2018, the year of the Lord Photo Credit: Cigar Coop Earlier this year, RoMa Craft Tobac unveiled a new installment under its CRAFT brand, the CRAFT 2018. CRAFT serves as the companys limited edition brand. It was back in 2013 when CRAFT 2013 made its debut. While there was a second installment in the series made in 2014 called WitchCraft, that cigar was made for the California MegaHerf. As a result, for all practical purposes, the CRAFT 2018 is the first CRAFT cigar RoMa Craft Tobac retailers have seen in nearly five years. Today we take a closer look at the CRAFT 2018 release. CRAFT is a series that embodies much of the philosophy of RoMa Craft Tobac it brings together many of the tobaccos it uses in its blends, showcases the craftsmanship of its factory Nica Sueno, and pays homage to the country where the cigars are made. The CRAFT 2018 continues down this path. Without further ado, lets break down the CRAFT 2018 and see what this cigar brings to the table. SPECIFICATIONS Blend Profile The blend of the CRAFT 2018 consists of eight tobaccos from six different regions of four different countries. The filler of the blend is built around the components that are used for the RoMa Craft Tobac Neanderthal (Pennsylvania Broadleaf Double Ligero GRS-1, Nicaragua, and Dominican tobaccos). A thick Ecuadorian Habano Ligero leaf is used as the binder. CRAFT 2018 actually uses two wrappers. The inner wrapper is an Ecuadorian Connecticut Dark Candela wrapper. A second wrapper of Pennsylvania Broadleaf is then used to skirt the Candela wrapper at a certain point allowing portions of the candela wrapper to be exposed most notably on the footer and some striping accents near the cap. Wrapper: Pennsylvania Broadleaf / Ecuadorian Connecticut Dark Candela Binder: Ecuadorian Habano Ligero Filler: Pennsylvania Broadleaf Double Ligero GRS-1, Nicaraguan, Dominican Criollo Country of Origin: Nicaragua (Nica Sueno) Vitolas Available Officially the vitola for the CRAFT 2018 is called La Campana de Panama Soberana, a unique 5 x 60 figurado. Its the same shape used on the CRAFT 2013 and WitchCraft releases. The name La Campana de Panama Soberana comes from the church bells in the neighborhood of Panama Soberana in Esteli, Nicaragua the city where the Nica Sueno factory is located Looking at the cigar, it sort of resembles a bell or a trumpet with its unorthodox shape. The unique thing about this shape is that there are no cigar molds used during the construction process. CRAFT 2018 comes packaged in ten-count boxes. There were 2,000 boxes produced for a total of 20,000 CRAFT 2018 cigars. Appearance The Pennsylvania Broadleaf wrapper on the CRAFT 2018 has a dark espresso bean color to it, while the candela portion has an olive green color. As mentioned, the Broadleaf rests on top of the Candela wrapper, those exposing a stripe near the cap and the candela portion on the footer. The candela also covers the CRAFT 2018s footer. There are some visible wrapper seams as well as few visible veins. The figurado had a gentle taper from the cap to the footer. While this wasnt a very firm cigar, it was far from a soft and spongy cigar either. There is no band used on the CRAFT 2018 (consistent with the other CRAFT releases). The cigar doesnt use a cellophane, but a plastic sheet that is wrapped around the cigar with the cap and footer remaining exposed. PERFORMANCE Pre-Light Experience After using a straight cut to clip the cap of the CRAFT 2018, it was time to move on to the pre-light draw phase. The dry draw was simple, as it delivered notes of coffee and touches of classic wood. I still considered this to be a satisfactory pre-light draw. At this point, I was ready to light up the RoMa Craft Tobacco CRAFT 2018 and see what this cigar would deliver. Tasting Notes The CRAFT 2018 began with notes of grass and cream along with a slight pepper and citrus note. Given that the footer was candela, this was not surprising. Much like the Black Works Studio Green Hornet, the CRAFT 2018 essentially gives you a shot of candela to start. The retro-hale had a very mild pepper note with a subtle sweetness. As the CRAFT 2018 moves into the Broadleaf portion, some coffee and additional black pepper notes emerged. The candela profile doesnt go away, but fades into the background. The coffee notes take control early on with the notes of pepper, grass, and citrus notes remaining in the background. There was now a stronger black pepper note on the retro-hale. As the CRAFT 2018 moved through the first third the coffee notes remained in the forefront. The black pepper notes had another slight increase, but still very much were a background note. At this point, the candela profile broke down as the grass and citrus notes morphed into more of a mineral note which remained in the background. There also were some occasional dark chocolate notes present. During the second third, a flavor that I can best describe as a soy sauce flavor emerged. I use this analogy because this flavor had both savory and salty qualities to it. This soy sauce note started in the background, but by the second third, it moved into the forefront, joining the coffee notes. Meanwhile, the mineral and pepper notes remained secondary, and the dark chocolate notes dissipated. The coffee and soy sauce notes alternated in intensity. I was surprised how these two disparate flavors worked well together. Toward the last third, these two notes remained primary, but I found the coffee flavor to play less of a role. Meanwhile notes of mineral and black pepper contributied some additional flavor. This is the way the CRAFT 2018 came to a close. The resulting nub was slightly soft to the touch and cool in temperature. Burn I did find the burn of the CRAFT 2018 needed some TLC, but overall, it still performed well. There was some jaggedness on the burn line, but the cigar was never in danger of tunneling or canoeing. The resulting ash was slightly loose, but again it didnt prove to be burdensome. This was an ash that pretty much had a salt and pepper color scheme. The burn rate and burn temperature were both ideal. Draw The draw of the CRAFT 2018 performed excellently. While sometimes I like a little more resistance on the draw, this wasnt too tight nor too loose. The CRAFT 2018 also delivered a nice amount of smoke production something I also like. Strength and Body Bottom line, if you like a cigar that progresses in strength and body, the CRAFT 2018 is the cigar for you. This cigar started out mild in both strength and body as I smoked through the candela section. Once the CRAFT 2018 entered the Broadleaf wrapped section the CRAFT 2018 progressed into the medium range. By the second half, the CRAFT 2018 was pretty much in medium to full territory. Throughout the smoking experience, I found the CRAFT 2018 to maintain an excellent balance of strength versus body. OVERALL ASSESSMENT Final Thoughts Ive smoked all of the CRAFT series cigars by RoMa Craft Tobac and one thing I can attest to is that each the shape of the cigar affects how the blend smokes. All of the cigars have also been extremely enjoyable, but when it comes to the CRAFT 2018, I have found this one to be my favorite installment of the series thus far. The nice bonus is the candela shot at the beginning. It was just enough candela for me and it smoothly transitioned to the Broadleaf portion of the smoke. Finding the CRAFT 2018 may be a little tough, but I would recommend contacting your RoMa Craft Tobac authorized retailer and see if he has it in stock. Its a cigar Id most likely recommend to a more experienced cigar enthusiast, but I certainly would not discourage a novice from trying. As for myself, while it is a pricier cigar at $15.00, it still garners box worthy consideration. Summary Key Flavors: Coffee, Pepper, Grass, Dark Chocolate, Black Pepper, Mineral, Savory/Salty Note (described as Soy Sauce) Burn: Very Good Draw: Very Good Complexity: High Strength: Mild > progresses to Medium to Full by midpoint Body: Mild > progresses to Medium to Full by midpoint Finish: Very Good Rating Value: Box Worthy Consideration Score: 92 References News: Price: $15.00 Source: RoMa Craft Tobac / Purchased Brand Reference: Photo Credits: Cigar Coop, except where noted THURSDAY, June 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Flavorings used in e-cigarettes harm blood vessel cells in a way that could trigger future heart damage, a new study suggests. Five flavorings tested in the lab damaged the heart-protective functions of endothelial cells, which line the inside of blood vessels and the heart, said study author Jessica Fetterman. She's an assistant professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine. The flavorings -- menthol (mint), acetylpyridine (burnt flavor), vanillin (vanilla), cinnamaldehyde (cinnamon) and eugenol (clove) -- blocked the ability of the cells to produce a gas called nitric oxide, Fetterman said. "These cells make this gas when they are healthy and happy. It's a really heart-protective factor that does a lot of positive things, like preventing blood clots from forming and inhibiting inflammation," Fetterman said. "We found in the cells we treated with these flavoring additives, they no longer produced this gas." Increased inflammation and reduced nitric oxide are some of the first changes to occur along the path to heart disease, heart attacks and stroke, Fetterman said. American Vaping Association president Gregory Conley scoffed at the findings. "Nothing in this study will change the conclusions of respected organizations like Cancer Research UK and the Royal College of Physicians, both of which agree that the potential risks of vaping are unlikely to exceed even 5 percent that of smoking," said Conley, who leads the nonprofit vaping advocacy group. But this isn't the first study to link e-cigarette flavorings with potential health hazards. In May, a study presented at the American Thoracic Society's annual meeting found that cinnamaldehyde (cinnamon) flavoring appears to inhibit a key mechanism of the lungs' antibacterial defense mechanism. For the latest study, Fetterman and her colleagues exposed endothelial cells to nine different flavorings commonly used in e-cigarettes and flavored tobacco products, such as little cigars and hookah pipes. All nine chemicals caused cell death at the highest levels tested. The other flavors tested were diacetyl (butter), dimethylpyrazine (strawberry), isoamyl acetate (banana) and eucalyptol (spicy cooling). But even the lowest levels of vanilla, cinnamon, clove and burnt flavor impaired nitric oxide production and boosted an inflammatory chemical called interleukin-6, suggesting that endothelial cells are particularly sensitive to those flavors. Menthol also reduced nitric oxide at low doses, but increased IL-6 only at higher concentrations. Dr. Satjit Bhusri is a cardiologist with Lenox Hill Hospital in New York City. He said, "This is an excellent study that certainly shows a direct relationship of inflammation and injury to blood vessels as a result of additives in e-cigarettes." But Conley noted that such a lab study cannot prove that e-cigarettes are causing direct harm to vapers. "No matter how the FDA-funded authors try to spin it, applying flavorings to cells in a petri dish is low-level science that can in no way justify the alarmist rhetoric used to promote this study," Conley said. Fetterman agreed, and said that the next step will be to directly examine e-cigarette users. "One of our biggest remaining questions is how much of these flavoring additives get into the blood after a person uses an e-cigarette. That's something we don't really know," Fetterman said. The only long-range data on exposure to flavorings involves menthol, which has been available in traditional cigarettes for decades. Research has shown that smokers of menthol cigarettes receive a "physiologically relevant" dose of the flavor in their bloodstream when they light up, indicating that damage to endothelial cells could be occurring, Fetterman explained. These results provide further evidence that e-cigarettes are not necessarily a benign way to help quit smoking, said Dr. Benjamin Hirsh, director of preventive cardiology at Northwell Health's Sandra Atlas Bass Heart Hospital in Manhasset, N.Y. "In the case of e-cigarettes, substituting one harmful habit for another may not provide dramatic reduction in risk," Hirsh said. The new study was published online June 14 in the journal Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology. More information Find out more about e-cigarettes from the U.S. National Institutes of Health. WEDNESDAY, June 13, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Men and women with type 2 diabetes may face a significantly higher risk of developing Parkinson's disease later in life, new British research suggests. The finding of a link followed the tracking of Parkinson's diagnoses among millions of diabetic and non-diabetic patients who use the National Health Service in England. Study author Dr. Thomas Warner said that, after accounting for conditions that might mimic Parkinson's, the research showed that those with type 2 diabetes had a 32 percent greater risk of later developing the progressively debilitating neurological disorder. Escalated risk was even more dramatic among younger diabetes patients, aged 25 to 44, who were found to face a fourfold greater likelihood of eventually developing Parkinson's, according to the report. And adults with diabetes who had already developed diabetes-related health complications -- including damage to the retina, kidneys or nerves -- faced a 49 percent hike in their Parkinson's risk. Nevertheless, Warner stressed, "it is vital to realize that, overall, the majority of diabetic patients do not develop Parkinson's disease." Although the study could not prove a cause-and-effect relationship, Warner cited two possible reasons for a link between the two diseases. First, he said, there could be "shared genetic predisposition to develop [both] type 2 diabetes and Parkinson's." And then "there may be shared pathways in leading to development of diabetes and Parkinson's," he added. While the exact nature of such a connection remains unclear, Warner suggested it might involve the insulin production and glucose control problems that characterize diabetes. "Unlike most tissues in the body, brain cells are almost totally reliant on glucose as a source of energy," Warner noted. "So if there is a problem in how insulin controls the use of glucose by cells, this may affect certain groups of brain cells selectively." Warner is a professor of clinical neurology with the University College London Institute of Neurology, as well as the Queen Square Brain Bank for Neurological Disorder, both in London. He and his colleagues published their findings online June 13 in the journal Neurology. For their study, the investigators used data from the English "Hospital Episode Statistics" database to identify 2 million British patients newly diagnosed with diabetes from 1999 through 2011. This group was then stacked up against 6 million British patients who had initially sought care during the same time frame for non-diabetes related issues, such as sprains, varicose veins, appendectomies or hip replacements. The researchers found that just over 14,000 of the 2 million in the diabetes group were later diagnosed with Parkinson's, compared with about 21,000 of the 6 million others. That translated into a more than 30 percent greater risk for Parkinson's among those with diabetes, the researchers said. Among diabetic patients 25 to 44 years old, 58 of over 130,700 people developed Parkinson's, compared with 280 out of nearly 2.6 million similarly aged non-diabetics. That translated into a fourfold greater Parkinson's risk among those with diabetes, the researchers said. Drug regimens and smoking histories were not considered in the current analysis; nor were patients seeking diabetes care outside a hospital setting. Dr. Michael Okun, medical director of the National Parkinson's Foundation, called the findings "not surprising, as the collective evidence from multiple studies has been converging on the idea of some link or association between Parkinson's and diabetes." According to Okun, "There are many potential explanations for a link between the two diseases, but in younger patients, genetics likely plays a key role. In older patients, the degenerative process itself may disrupt brain-driven endocrine pathways, including those related to insulin and to sugar management." Okun, who also serves as the chair of neurology at the University of Florida in Gainesville, said, "At this point the mechanisms are unknown, and will require careful research." He said it's "important to stress that although diabetes drugs are currently candidates to treat or prevent Parkinson's disease, we are not recommending this approach until more compelling data is available." More information There's more on the root causes of Parkinson's at The Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. THURSDAY, June 14, 2018 (HealthDay News) -- Doctors can't yet predict if someone exposed to the flu will become sick. But such predictions may be getting closer to reality, new research hints. Researchers at Stanford University School of Medicine say they've identified a "biomarker" that indicates a person's susceptibility to flu viruses. "We've been after this for about four years," said study senior author Purvesh Khatri, an associate professor of medicine and of biomedical data science. "To our knowledge, it's the first biomarker that shows susceptibility to influenza, across multiple strains," Khatri said in a university news release. A blood-based gene called KLRD1 reveals the presence of a type of immune cell believed crucial for halting flu infection in the early stages, the study authors said. The higher the levels of this cell in someone's blood, the less susceptible they are to the flu, the investigators said. Khatri noted that the link between KLRD1 levels and influenza susceptibility is only an association, and doesn't prove cause and effect. The next step is to find the mechanism that may be at work. "It will be crucial to understand the role of natural killer cells' protection so that we can potentially leverage that in designing better flu vaccines," he said. "Since we see that natural killer cells are protective across different strains, maybe that would be a path to a universal flu vaccine." The ability to identify people at highest risk for flu infection could be very useful in certain situations, the researchers said. "If, for example, there's a flu epidemic going on, and Tamiflu supplies are limited, this data could help identify who should be [preventively] treated first," Khatri said. The study was published online June 14 in the journal Genome Medicine. More information The American Academy of Family Physicians offers flu prevention tips. LONDON, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- CryptoMillionsLotto, a cryptocurrency lottery offering players the chance to win life-changing jackpots and investors to earn regular dividends as a part of an established lottery business, is delighted to announce that its ICO pre-sale will be live on Monday, June 18. CryptoMillionsLotto is offering an initial 25% discount on its CML Tokens; Security tokens which bear quarterly dividends based on revenues. The 25% discount will run from June 18, 2018, through June 25, 2018, and then starting June 25, 2018, through July 2, 2018, CML tokens will be sold at a 15% discount. The minimum investment is USD $1,000 with many specials for higher buy-ins. Purchasers will also receive free shares in its publicly listed parent company. For more details on the pre-sale, please visit https://cryptomillionslotto.io/pre-sale. We are very excited to be launching our ICO and confident that our unique offer combining tokens and equity ownership will be well received. As we have filed with the SEC under Regulation D, US Accredited Investors are welcome. This is a unique opportunity for people to own a real piece of the lottery, both fiat, and crypto, said Sulim Malook, founder of CryptoMillionsLotto. "After serving as General Counsel to one of the largest lotteries in the world during a period of great change, product innovation, and regulatory challenges, Im excited to advise a company that will introduce new and innovative products," said Daymon Ruttenberg, Advisor to CryptoMillionsLotto. "This is the right time to introduce a crypto lottery and the right team to do it." Michael Jones, former Director of the Illinois Lottery, added, Having created the structure for the first lotto that produced a mega lottery prize, Im pleased to serve on the Advisory Board of a fascinating company developing bold new ideas, marrying one of the world's oldest games with the world's newest technologies and financial instruments. CryptoMillionsLotto offers prizes comparable to State and National lotteries in the US and Europe, surpassing all existing cryptocurrency lotteries combined. It is not constrained by borders and open to players from all around the world as long as online gambling is not prohibited in their jurisdictions. CryptoMillionsLotto will be selling 25,000,000 ERC20 Ethereum tokens priced at USD 2.50 to launch. Its crowdsale starts on 18 June and extends through to 30 July. Token buyers will also receive free publicly traded shares in its parent company. For more information, please visit www.cryptomillionslotto.io Contact: Veronica Welch veronica@cwrpartners.com 508-643-8000 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram New York, June 14, 2018The Committee to Protect Journalists will honor journalists from Sudan, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Vietnam with its 2018 International Press Freedom Awards. The journalists have faced legal action, physical attacks, threats, and arrests in retaliation for their work. CPJ is also honoring Philippine journalist Maria Ressa, founder and chief executive officer of the news website Rappler, with the Gwen Ifill Press Freedom Award. CPJs 2018 IPFA awardees are: Amal Khalifa Idris Habbani, a freelance journalist and contributor to the Sudanese news outlet Al-Taghyeer, who during her decade-long career in Sudan has faced physical attacks, imprisonment, and threats by the authorities in connection with her coverage of protests and official wrongdoing. Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh, one of Vietnams most prominent independent bloggers, who is best known by her penname, Mother Mushroom. She has been imprisoned since 2016 on charges connected to her coverage of sensitive issues censored by the state-controlled media, including official land-grabbing, environmental degradation, and police brutality. Luz Mely Reyes, a Venezuelan investigative reporter and co-founder of the independent news website Efecto Cocuyo, who has covered politics in Venezuela for more than 25 years amid increasingly dangerous and repressive conditions for journalists. Anastasiya (Nastya) Stanko, a journalist and TV presenter who is a member of the Stop censorship movement, an anti-censorship group made up of journalists and media organizations in Ukraine. A co-founder of the independent media channel Hromadske, in 2014 she covered the Russian annexation of Crimea and was taken hostage in eastern Ukraine. At a time when journalism is being vilified, mocked, and undermined by so many political leaders, CPJ is recognizing some of the worlds most courageous and dedicated reporters for their contribution to informing their communities and the world, said CPJ Executive Director Joel Simon. These journalists put their lives and liberty on the line every day just to do their job. There can be no greater affirmation that journalism matters. CPJs Gwen Ifill Press Freedom Award will be presented to Maria Ressa, who in 2012 founded Rappler, a Philippine news website renowned for its unflinching coverage of President Rodrigo Dutertes controversial policies and actions. Ressa has been a celebrated journalist in Asia for more than 30 years, most of them as CNNs bureau chief in Manila, then Jakarta. Maria is the pioneering leader of an inventive organization that aggressively reports news in the Philippines and constantly innovates to keep audiences engaged, said CPJ Board Chair Kathleen Carroll. Her bravery in the face of personal and professional attacks is inspiring. We are proud to present her with this award. Winners will be honored at CPJs annual award and benefit dinner. This years dinner will be chaired by Meher Tatna, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. The evening will be hosted by veteran CBS journalist and 60 Minutes correspondent Bill Whitaker. The event is at the Grand Hyatt New York in New York City on November 20, 2018. For information on how to purchase tables, call Buckley Hall Events at (914) 579-1000 or CPJs Development Office at (212) 300-9021, or email CPJdinner@buckleyhallevents.com. Note to Editors: CPJ International Press Freedom Award winners are available for interviews, upon request, prior to the awards dinner on November 20, 2018. Media accreditation for coverage of the awards dinner will begin on November 6, 2018. ### CPJ is an independent, nonprofit organization that works to safeguard press freedom worldwide. Media contacts: Bebe Santa-Wood Communications Associate press@cpj.org 212-300-9032 Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram Berlin, June 14, 2018The Committee to Protect Journalists today called on authorities in Vojvodina, the northern province of Serbia, to take all necessary measures to locate Stefan Cvetkovic, a prominent freelance journalist who went missing last night, according to local news reports. The car used by Cvetkovic, which belonged to his father, was found parked with the doors open and the engine and lights on in a street in the Vojvodinan town of Bela Crkva, Serbian newspaper Blic reported. Quoting witnesses, the Belgrade-based Beta news agency said that the journalist`s watch was found with the band broken next to the car. His known mobile phones were turned off, the agency said after trying to reach the journalist. A statement by local police, quoted by Blic, said that an intense search was under way to locate the journalist. The Serbian Interior Ministry said that several dozen members of the special police along with search dogs, as well as two helicopters, have been deployed to find the missing journalist, regional news site Balkan Insight reported. We are extremely concerned for Stefan Cvetkovic and hold Serbian authorities responsible for his safe return, said CPJ European Union Representative Tom Gibson in Brussels. Cvetkovic was investigating the murder of Kosovo Serb politician Oliver Ivanovic, who was assassinated in January in a drive-by shooting in North Mitrovica, Kosovo, according to Balkan Insight. Balkan Insight reported that Cvetkovic, during a February press conference, showed photos of individuals allegedly involved in the murder and said that the assassination cost 40,000 euros (US$46,500). Cvetkovic has been subject of death threats, attacks, and legal action in the past. In 2007, he received two anonymous phone calls from an unidentified number when he was editor-in-chief of the independent radio-television station TNT in the city of Bela Crkva, CPJ reported. In 2008, he was attacked by an individual while having dinner in a restaurant in Bela Crkva. Cvetkovic said the attack was related to a past report aired on his TV station, the Vienna-based South East Europe Media Organisation (SEEMO) reported. In 2015, unknown perpetrators destroyed his car, according to another report by SEEMO. According to Balkan Insight, Cvetkovic in March 2017 was sentenced to two years and three months in prison, after officials from Serbias governing Progressive Party filed complaints; the ruling was annulled by the High Court in the Serbian town of Pancevo in April 2018. Share this: Twitter Facebook WhatsApp LinkedIn Email Telegram Journalist arrested A court on June 11 ordered Berzan Gunes, a reporter for the pro-Kurdish Mezopotamya news agency, to be arrested pending trial, his employer reported. The indictment accused Gunes of making propaganda for a [terrorist] organisation and presented as evidence the journalists social media posts, going back to 2014, according to the report. The posts included news stories about Turkish military activity in the Syrian cities of Kobane and Afrin, and a report by the journalist Robert Fisk. Prosecutors claimed in the indictment that Gunes could not be found to testify during an investigation into him. The journalists lawyer denied that claim and said his client offered testimony when he was called, according to reports. Detention period extended A lawyer for Ece Sevim Ozturk, the chief editor of Cagdas Ses, a pro-opposition CHP (Republican Peoples Party) news website, said on June 13 that prosecutors extended Ozturks detention period for another week, the independent news website Bianet reported. Police detained Ozturk in Istanbul on June 8. Authorities have not provided a reason for her arrest, according to her lawyers. Ozturk was detained shortly after the ultranationalist news website Odatv and pro-government daily Yeni Safak accused her of being involved with the so-called FETO group, which the government blames for the failed attempted coup in 2016, Cagdas Ses reported. In a statement released today, the journalists lawyers said she was not questioned during her first week in custody, Cagdas Ses reported. The lawyers added that Ozturk reported on the failed coup using available sources such as court documents, and has practiced nothing but journalism. Ozturk, who has 65,000 Twitter followers, reports on allegations about the failed coup attempt. Turkey bans Periscope A court ruled that access to Twitters live video sharing platform, Periscope, is to be blocked in Turkey due to copyright violation, the Globe Post reported on June 12. The court found in favour of a local communication and production company named Periskop (Periscope in Turkish) which filed a complaint against the platform. Journalists in court An Izmir court sentenced Umit Zileli, Nagehan Alc and Rasim Ozan Kutahyal to 105 days in prison, commuted to fines, for speaking about torture in Diyarbakr prison during the eighties, according to columns Zileli and Alci published about the case. The court found that all three journalists insulted the memory of Esat Oktay Yldran, a former prison warden, when they spoke about the case on the pro-government Beyaz TV in recent years, according to reports. The reports did not specify how much the fines are. that all three journalists insulted the memory of Esat Oktay Yldran, a former prison warden, when they spoke about the case on the pro-government Beyaz TV in recent years, according to reports. The reports did not specify how much the fines are. A Diyarbakr court today accepted an indictment accusing seven journalists of making propaganda for a [terrorist] organisation or making targets of those who have assigned to combat terrorism, over news reports they shared on social media, the Mezopotamya news agency reported. The defendants face up to three years in prison if found guilty. The trial is based on a complaint filed by General Musa Citil, a regional gendarmerie commander during clashes in the Sur district of Diyarbakr in 2016, who was previously acquitted of charges of killing killing 13 civilians in the 1990s. Omer Celik, former news editor for DIHA, Cagdas Kaplan, Hamza Gunduz, Selman Cicek and A. Vahap Tas, former reporters for DIHA, Inan Kzlkaya, former responsible news editor for Ozgur Gundem, and Kemal Sancl, former publisher of Ozgur Gundem, were charged with making targets of those assigned to combat terrorism after sharing the reports on social media, and Cicek faces an additional charge of making propaganda over his social media activity. The official Anatolia Agency has filed a criminal complaint against Enver Aysever, seeking 5,000 Turkish lira (US$1,075) damages from the journalist for violating personal rights via press after Aysever accused the agency of playing tricks while reporting at a TV debate he attended, the online newspaper T24 reported on June 11. The 10th Meeting of Global Alliance to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GAELF) was held in New Delhi, India. It was inaugurated by Union Minister of Health and Family Welfare J P Nadda. This is second time India hosted meeting of GAELF. Earlier in 2002, India had hosted second meeting of GAELF. Key Facts The 10th meeting recognized that India has highest burden of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) and there is need of taking leadership role to Eliminate lymphatic filariasis. It provided insight of larger global programme and enable them join discussion and contribute to solutions. On this occasion, GAELF awards was presented to 11 countries- Cambodia, Egypt, Maldives, Cook Islands, Niue, Marshall Islands, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Tonga, Togo and Vanuatu, for successfully interrupting the transmission. Moreover, Indias Accelerated Plan for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) 2018 was also released. Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) LF is commonly known as Elephantiasis. It is one of oldest and most debilitating neglected trophical disease, which is currently endemic in 73 countries of the world, including India. LF disease is caused mainly by Wuchereria Bancrofti and spread by Culex mosquito. This mosquito grows in dirty accumulated water. The disease affects the poorest population in society, particularly those living in areas with poor sanitation, water and hygiene. LF does not kill affected people, but may cause permanent disfigurement, reduced productivity and social stigma. Global Alliance to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis (GAELF) GAELF is alliance of partners from 72 LF endemic national country programmes, NGOs, private sectors, academic and research institutes and international development agencies that assists WHOs Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis. It was formed in 2001, since then it is being held biennially. Renowned social activist and founder of Sulabh International, Dr Bindeshwar Pathak (75) was honoured with the Japans prestigious Nikkei Asia Prize for his contribution to Asias development. He was presented with this award at 23rd Nikkei Asia Prize ceremony held in Tokyo, Japan under Culture and Community category for his significant work in tackling poor hygiene and discrimination. He was among three who were conferred with this award. Other two awardees are Chinese environmentalist Ma Jun who was awarded business innovation prize for using power of internet to promote cleaner industry and Vietnamese doctor Nguyen Thanh Liem who won science and technology prize in recognition of his work advancing health care for children. Nikkei Asia Prize Nikkei Inc. is one of largest media corporations in Japan. It has been presenting Nikkei Asia Prize since 1996 to honour people in Asia who have made significant contributions in one of three areas: Economic and Business Innovation, Science, Technology and Environment and Culture and Community. Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and Infosys Chairman Narayan Murti are among few Indians who have won this prize in the past. Dr Bindeshwar Pathak He had founded Sulabh International in 1970. It is an NGO that works to promote human rights, environmental sanitation among other social services. It has built two-pit pour-flush ecological compost toilets (Sulabh toilets) which are low-cost environment-friendly toilet throughout India, contributing to better sanitation, safety for rural women and freedom from manual labour of removing human waste. He also had invented technology for producing biogas from human waste to be used for cooking or lamp fuel in 1977. The United States State Department has approved sale of six AH-64E Apache attack helicopters along with support equioments to India. The Apache choppers are one of the most advanced multi-role combat helicopters which have advanced weapons systems and night-fighting features, manufactured by Boeing. Key Facts The total estimated cost of the deal is $930 million. The proposed sale also includes 180 Hellfire Longbow air-to-surface anti-armor missiles, 90 R-3 Hellfire II air-to-surface missiles, 200 Stinger air-to-air missiles; rockets, 30 mm cannons and ammunition. It also includes simulators, communication equipment, spare and repair parts, training, engineering and other support. The prime contractors for the support sale will be Lockheed Martin, Longbow, Raytheon General Electric and Boeing. Significance The sale of Apache attack helicopters will strengthen Indias ability to defend its homeland and deter regional threats. It will increase in Indias defensive capability to counter ground-armored threats and modernise its armed forces. India will have no difficulty absorbing the helicopters and support equipment into its armed forces. Moreover, sale of these attack helicopters from US to India will not alter the basic military balance in the region. HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Erdene Resource Development Corp. (TSX:ERD) ("Erdene" or "Company") is pleased to announce that it has launched a secondary listing of its common shares on the Mongolian Stock Exchange (MSE) and closed the associated offering of 4,000,000 common shares to Mongolian residents (Mongolia Offering). The Companys common shares issued under the Mongolia Offering will commence trading under the symbol ERDN on the MSE on or about June 19, 2018, as the first cross-listed and currently only precious metals exploration and development company listed on the MSE. The Government of Mongolia has long expressed interest in having international investors list their mining and exploration projects on the MSE as a means to develop its capital market while providing shared benefits to local investors, said Peter Akerley, President and CEO of Erdene. Our listing is the result of two years of active collaboration with the Government of Mongolia to develop the necessary framework to accommodate cross listing of companies that are listed on international exchanges. Today we have added a significant number of new Mongolian shareholders to Erdene by way of our offering in Mongolia and MSE listing. The high level of investor and public interest in this offering has only strengthened our belief in the important role the local capital markets have in financing mineral exploration and development opportunities. We would like to welcome Erdene on the Mongolian Stock Exchange as the first cross-listed company in Mongolia, said Altai Khangai, the CEO of the MSE. This opens tremendous opportunity for the Company to connect with its stakeholders in the country. Mr. Sumiyabazar Dolgorsuren, Mongolias Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry, added: Erdene Resource Development is the first to cross list its shares in Mongolia, and we are grateful that mining companies are looking to be transparent and open to the Mongolian public. Offering Terms Pursuant to the Mongolia Offering, Erdene has sold 4,000,000 common shares at a price of $0.34 (or 640 Mongolian Tugrik) per share for gross proceeds of $1,375,604 (based on todays Tugrik/CAD rate of 1861) under a prospectus prepared pursuant to Mongolian laws. The Company paid a cash commission of 7% of the gross proceeds to the underwriters of the Mongolia Offering. The Mongolia Offering was oversubscribed by 66%, however, the Company limited the issuance to 4 million shares, which were distributed to subscribers pro-rata. The shares issued under the Mongolia Offering are expected to commence trading on the MSE on or about June 19, 2018. Under current Mongolian regulations, the shares listed on the MSE may only be traded through the facilities of the MSE until de-listed or until cross-border trades are permitted by Mongolian authorities. In addition, all shares issued pursuant to the Mongolia Offering are subject to a four-month hold period in Canada from the closing date of the Mongolia Offering. Proceeds of the Mongolia Offering will be used to advance the Company's Bayan Khundii and Altan Nar gold projects, and to further explore and develop the Companys other gold properties in southwest Mongolia, as well as for general corporate purposes. About Erdene Erdene Resource Development Corp. is a Canada-based resource company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of base and precious metals in underexplored and highly prospective Mongolia. The Company has interests in four exploration licenses and a mining license in southwest Mongolia, where exploration success has led to the discovery and definition of several prospects and deposits including: Bayan Khundii the Companys flagship and newly discovered, high-grade, near-surface gold project; Altan Nar an extensive, high-grade, near-surface, gold-polymetallic project located 16 kilometres northwest of Bayan Khundii; Altan Arrow an early-stage, high-grade gold-silver project 3.5 kilometres north of Bayan Khundii; Ulaan a recently acquired copper-gold porphyry prospect adjacent to Bayan Khundii; Khuvyn Khar an early-stage, copper-silver porphyry project; Nomin Tal a narrow, high-grade copper-gold discovery; and Zuun Mod a large molybdenum-copper porphyry deposit. In addition to the above projects, Erdene has an Alliance with Teck Resources Limited on regional copper-gold exploration in the prospective Trans Altai region of southwest Mongolia. The Bayan Khundii and Altan Nar licenses have a 2% net smelter returns royalty (NSR Royalty) in favour of Sandstorm Gold Ltd. with a buy-back option to reduce the NSR Royalty to 1%. For further information on the Company, please visit www.erdene.com. After giving effect to the Mongolia Offering, Erdene has 161,682,041 issued and outstanding common shares and a fully diluted position of 183,141,320 common shares. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information regarding Erdene contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements may include estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, guidance or other statements that are not statements of fact. Although Erdene believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Erdene cautions that actual performance will be affected by many factors, most of which are beyond its control, and that future events and results may vary substantially from what Erdene currently foresees. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration results, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The information contained herein is stated as of the current date and is subject to change after that date. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. NO REGULATORY AUTHORITY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENTS OF THIS RELEASE Sri Lanka: Cabinet approves reducing price of kerosene despite loss of Rs. 5.7 million a day to the government June 14,2018 | Source: Colombo Page The Cabinet has given approval yesterday to reduce the price of kerosene to Rs. 70 from Rs. 101 per liter. The kerosene price was increased by 57 rupees from Rs. 44 per liter during the recent revision of fuel prices on May 10. This decision has been taken as a relief measure for low income families and the fishing community. On several occasions fishermen asked for a fair price for kerosene which is used to power their fishing boats. The Ministry of Fisheries said that after discussions with the President and the Prime Minister, the kerosene price was reduced to provide relief to the fishermen. Kerosene price was heavily subsidized to benefit the low income families that do not have electricity and the fishermen community. However, it has been revealed that some bus and lorry owners and some industrialists are taking advantage of the subsidy using kerosene as fuel, State Minister of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources Development Dilip Wedaarachchi says. Meanwhile the Ministry of Finance says the producing a liter of kerosene costs Rs. 100 and the government incurs a loss of Rs. 30 from every liter of kerosene at the reduced price. The government will incur a loss of Rs. 5,715,000 per day due to the subsidized price, the Finance Ministry says. However, the fisher community says the government reducing the kerosene price is a great relief for the fishermen. Myanmar: Experts object to firms plans to mine sand in Tanintharyi Region by THIHA KO KOTHOMPSON CHAU June 14,2018 | Source: Myanmar Times A local company plans to extract 5 million cubic metres of sand over five years in sensitive coastal areas in Tanintharyi Region without legally-required environmental assessments. Experts warn that the proposed sand mining will be highly damaging to a nearby pearl farm, biodiversity and fisheries and livelihoods of local communities. The issue highlights some of the problems companies face when pursuing development plans in the frontier economy. Two official documents seen by The Myanmar Times reveal that Kyaw KS Development Trading Co Ltd, registered as a local company in Yangon Region, is seeking approval to extract 5 million cubic metres over five years in Tanintharyi Region, claiming that there will be no environmental damage. There was no mention of environmental assessments. Notice No. KDTC-Sea Sand 42/2018 from Kyaw KS, dated May 25 and signed by township administrator Tin Myo Aung, argues that the site of the sandbanks is 13 miles away from A Lae Man Island, where the locals live, and it does not affect the local fishing sites, and that the extraction will attract investments for the regional government and residents. The letter suggested a ground survey and examinations to be conducted to check if there is overlap between the mining area and fishery sites. Aung Thein Hlaing, township administrator at Kawthaung District, wrote to the District General Administration Department on May 28 that The ground survey was conducted with district, township, and villages officials and responsible persons from the company, on February 24, 2018. It was decided after a meeting that as the mining project avoided the local fishing areas, there will be no objections. There will be no objection if Kyaw KS Development Trading follows the procedures and instructions from the Ministry of Mines/ regional government. The letter also revealed that Kyaw KS, under the name Shwe Phone Aung Kyaw Company, has sold 12,000 acres of sea sand from Ohne Taw Kan Village, in 1998, to Malaysia and Singapore for their Land Reclamation Project. The company has now partnered up with Singapore Delta Gold Pte Ltd to undertake the proposal mining activities, with no environmental damage, using dredger vessels and shipping bus, to extract the planned volume. However, the information claimed in the documents is at odds with what experts and environmental specialists told The Myanmar Times. EIA is required by law According to Annex 1 of the Myanmar Environmental Impact Assessment Procedures, sand mining projects extracting more than 50,000 cubic metres per annum requires an Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA). Given that Kyaw KS plans to extract 5 million over 5 years, it is legally required to undertake an EIA prior to any activities. But so far, no evidence suggests that the company has done so. It does not appear that Kyaw KS have commissioned any assessment by a qualified company. All that appears to have happened to date is that Kyaw KS has met local stakeholders, organised by the township, to reassure them that nothing bad will happen as a result of their operations, Vicky Bowman, director of Yangon-based Myanmar Centre for Responsible Business (MCRB), commented. An EIA should include assessments of the topography and biodiversity of the seabed area, and an assessment of surrounding sensitive areas which might be affected, and how to mitigate any negative impact. This is particularly important as the islands to the west of the proposed sand-mining area have high conservation value due to corals and marine biodiversity, she explained. It is also unclear how the company has progressed to this stage of seeking township approval and whether this was an unsolicited proposal. While many countries allow marine aggregate extraction, they do this systematically. Prospecting rights for marine aggregates, which are more certain than for onshore mining, are awarded by a commercial tender process. This ensures that qualified companies are selected transparently, and that a fair market value is obtained by the state for the rights to exploit the resource. Impact on livelihoods Governments which manage their marine resources effectively also use a black box on board the boat to monitor the area and volume of the extraction. Over the last decade, it has been common to see sand being smuggled, mainly to Singapore, from other countries like Cambodia or Vietnam due to illegal underreporting of extraction volume or value. Vietnam-based newspaper Tuoi Tre reported last year that Vietnams sand is being sold to foreign buyers at dirt cheap prices: more than ten businesses across Vietnam seem to have sold the sand at an average price of only US$1 per cubic metre, and in some cases, as low as $0.01 per cubic metre. By evading taxes, the companies are effectively robbing the country of its resources. That is one reason why some of these countries have banned it. How will the Tanintharyi Region government ensure that it does not miss out on revenue due to the people of Tanintharyi? Ms Bowman went on. Indeed, it is worrying that the 2015-2016 EITI report said that while regional governments may collect mineral taxes from gravel and sand producers, in practice, there is no taxes collected from extractive industries at sub-national level. Sand-mining is a part of the extractives sector in which much more revenue transparency is needed. Marc Goichot, WWFs water resources specialist, told The Myanmar Times that sand mining, despite its negative impacts on the planet, is a relatively new subject to decision-makers in Myanmar. Kyaw KSs proposal is a large volume and he strongly suggested an EIA to be conducted and that the risks to the people living in the area, to nature and other economic sectors should be well-assessed. The coastal dunes act as a natural buffer that protection of people and their assets. Sand mining is understood to weaken those natural protections and thus increase exposure of coastal communities to the negative impacts of natural disasters like cyclones, Mr Goichot noted. In addition, because this project needs an EIA by law, it is deemed to have significant potential negative environmental or social impacts and therefore also requires approval of the Myanmar Investment Commission even though it is a local company. If the value of the investment is under $5 million, this could be approved at the level of the Tanintharyi Region MIC, according to the new Investment Law. But the documents made no mention of the involvement of MIC. Threat to fisheries and biodiversity Frank Momberg, Myanmar Programme Director at Fauna & Flora International (FFI), highlighted four highly damaging consequences for the environment and local industries. First of all, the proposed sand mining concession is partly overlapping with the proposed Langgan Marine Protected Area and is located just east of the already gazetted Langgan Locally Managed Marine Area, both harbouring the most diverse and intact coral reefs of Myeik Archipelago. Sand mining can cause serious turbidity and sedimentation in the coral area leading to their destruction. Secondly, the proposed sand mining area itself is close to an important nursery ground for Indian mackerel. Increased turbidity and sedimentation can affect the nursery ground for this economically important fish as well as the nursery ground for devil rays, which are endangered and are on the IUCN Red List. Thirdly, the proposed area is also close to an economically important pearl farm which depends on excellent water quality, which will be seriously undermined by increased turbidity caused by the sand mining activities. Lastly, the area is close to (west of) globally important mudflats for threatened shore birds. Sedimentation of sand in the mudflats can change the substrate and feeding habitat of the globally threatened shore birds. Even if the direct overlap of the concession with key biodiversity areas is limited, the damage will still be serve owing to ocean currents the impact of increased turbidity and sedimentation, reaching far beyond the actual concession area. In summary, the proposed sand mining operation has a very high environmental, social and economic impact that cannot be mitigated and should therefore be cancelled, the expert said. From a marine biological science perspective, the proposal will heavily affect the fishery industry, according to Robert Howard, FFI Myanmar Marine Programme Manager. Biodiverse rich marine habitats such as coral reefs and seagrass beds, which are in close vicinity to this proposed project, are particularly sensitive to sand mining. Excessive sediment resulting from the mining process can smother corals inhibiting light needed for photosynthesis and increased in sediments can also clog canals and feeding structures of reef sponges. A rise in sedimentation is also known to increase pathogen virulence and in the Myeik Archipelago an increase in disease has already been reported for those reefs near to the Tanintharyi River catchment. Sand mining will only compound this issue, he said. Both the seagrasses and coral reefs are critically important ecosystems as food sources, shelter, breeding and nursery grounds and further degradation will heavily impact biodiversity and many of the commercially sort after marine species, Mr Howard observed. A local company has proposed to mine the sand from Bokpyin township. Currently, the government does not allow this. This proposal will be presented to the regional Hluttaw and we will discuss at the legislature whether to greenlight the request, U Kaung San Oo, secretary of Tanintharyi Region government, responded to enquiries from this newspaper. U Tin Htun, regional MP representing the Bokpyin constituency, said that he did not support the plan. I heard that this area is designated for gold minerals. The person in charge should look at and scrutinise this proposal carefully, he commented. No contact details of the company are available online. The Myanmar Times visited the companys address provided by its registration at the Directorate of Investment and Company Administration, but there was no one at the office. The spokesperson of the Union Minister office of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Conservation cannot be reached by press time. Gujarat: Coast Guard rescues 7 from mid-sea off Gujarat coast June 14,2018 | Source: Deccan Herald The Coast Guard early on Wednesday rescued seven people from a tugboat off Porbandar coast caught in the Arabian Sea near the Gujarat coast. According to the information available, seven fishermen aboard a tugboat 'Jalraak' were stuck mid-sea the engine of their tugboat failed. On receiving a distress call, the Coast Guard immediately sent in its attack ship 'Shoor' for rescue and using Advanced Light Helicopter 'Chetak' rescued seven people by lifting them amid strong winds from the high seas. The operation is learnt to have taken place between 1 am and 6 am on Wednesday. All the seven rescued people have been referred to a local hospital of Porbandar, sources said. A four-member bench said that the decision had been taken in light of observations of the Ministry of Interior which had expressed its reservations because of the party's links with the banned JuD leader Saeed. (Photo:File) Islamabad: Pakistan's Election Commission on Wednesday rejected for a second time an application by the Milli Muslim League, an offshoot of Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa, to register it as a political party, just weeks before the general elections. The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) was asked by the Islamabad High Court (IHC) to review its decision of last year through which it rejected MML's registration bid. A four-member bench of the commission, chaired by its Sindh member Abdul Ghaffar Soomro, on Wednesday decided against allowing the MML to be registered as a political party. In its short order, the bench said that the decision had been taken in light of observations of the Ministry of Interior which had expressed its reservations because of the party's links with the banned JuD leader Saeed. The interior ministry had opposed enlisting of the MML as a political party, arguing that it is an offshoot of the banned JuD. The MML, however, denied that it had any links with the JuD or that its chief, Saifuddin Khalid, had relations with Saeed. It said that former ruling Pakistan Muslims League-Nawaz and its leadership was behind the rejection of the application by ECP. The first rejection of MML's application by the election commission was set aside by the Islamabad High Court earlier this year. In May, MML President Saifullah Khalid had said that the basic law of the country gives the people the right to take part in the political process and the ECP cannot deny them this fundamental right. "Despite all odds MML candidates will contest from all constituencies in the upcoming general elections," he had said. The MML was launched last August to contest the July 25 elections. Saeed was already campaigning for the MML since the month of May. In April, the US designated the MML as a foreign terrorist organisation, saying the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) members make up MML's leadership and the so-called party openly displays Saeed's likeness in its election banners and literature. The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, including six Americans. The US Department of the Treasury has designated Saeed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and the US, since 2012, has offered a USD 10 million reward for information that brings Saeed to justice. The state of emergency has become a campaign issue in the June 24 presidential and parliamentary elections, with the opposition Republican People's Party and Iyi (Good) Party vowing to end it. (Photo: File/AP) Ankara: Turkey's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pledged for the first time that he would immediately lift the almost two-year state of emergency in place since the 2016 failed coup if he is re-elected in the June polls. Erdogan declared the state of emergency five days after the July 15, 2016, failed bid to oust him from power. An unprecedented purge that has seen some 55,000 arrested has taken place under the measure. The state of emergency has become a campaign issue in the June 24 presidential and parliamentary elections, with the opposition Republican People's Party (CHP) and Iyi (Good) Party vowing to end it. "After June 24, if I am given the right to continue in office, our first step will be, God willing, to lift the state of emergency," Erdogan said in an interview with 24 TV late on Wednesday. His comments came after CHP leader Kemal Kilicdaroglu vowed that their candidate for the presidency, Muharrem Ince would lift the state of emergency within 48 hours if elected. Ince tweeted on Thursday: "After the elections I will take the oath and as I take office we will immediately lift the emergency." Erdogan had on June 8 said "there could be the question of lifting" the state of emergency after the election but this is the first time he has made such a clear pledge. The emergency has been criticised by activists who say the measure has been used against all opponents of Erdogan and not just plotters in the coup, which Turkey says was masterminded by US-based preacher Fethullah Gulen. Gulen denies the charge. Leftist and Kurdish activists have found themselves behind bars including the former head of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) Selahattin Demirtas who is running against Erdogan in the elections. Erdogan indicated that lifting the state of emergency would not necessarily mean an end to the crackdown. "Lifting the state of emergency does not mean completely eliminating it or returning back to as we were," he added. "If we see terrorism, we will again take the strictest measures," he said. Analysts are forecasting that the parliamentary and presidential elections will be tight, with Erdogan possibly set to be pushed into a run-off and with his ruling party at risk of losing its overall majority. BOSTON, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Podium Data, Inc., creator of the Podium Data Marketplace today announced its recent recognition in The Forrester Wave: Big Data Fabric, Q2 2018. The Forrester report states that Podium offers a viable big data fabric platform, and notes that its data lake [platform] focuses primarily on Hadoop to support data preparation and data management capabilities for business users and data analysts to deliver actionable insights quickly. Our pioneering approach to next-generation data management is enabling the rapid adoption of big data by large enterprises in production at scale, said Paul Barth, CEO of Podium Data. Podium customers are migrating significant workloads to well-managed data marketplaces, which provide data agility for analysts while reducing data costs and complexity. The research reveals that a gap between business expectations and the challenges of supporting technologies in a big data platform has become the primary motivation to innovate with big data fabric architecture. Forrester notes that Enterprise Architecture (EA) professionals are realizing that big data fabric can help them increase agility and minimize complexity. Increase Agility Forrester: Big data fabric creates a semantic layer that accelerates the delivery of data and insights by automating key processes increasing agility while engaging business users and analysts in the data preparation process. Podiums Data Marketplace: Generates a consolidated catalog of all data, allowing users to traverse and explore federated data environments, uncovering data insights, quickly and easily. Podiums data catalog provides one place for users to find and understand data, regardless of where it lives. Minimize Complexity Forrester: Big data fabric focuses on automating the process of ingestion, curation, and integration of big data sources to enable the analytics and insights that are critical to business success. Podiums Data Marketplace: Engineered with Intelligent Data Identification (IDI) features that go beyond standard ingest practices, Podium fully automates data onboarding, including deep data analysis, profiling, and conversion of JSON, XML and mainframe data to business-ready datasets. Furthermore, IDI enables real-time detection, reporting and alerting of PII and duplicate data; only possible through an integrated metadata catalog. New Release of Podium Additionally, Podiums latest release of its data marketplace platform is now generally available. This big data fabric platform has a spectrum of new features, most notable is support for Microsofts Azure Data Lake and Azure Storage Blobs. Combined with Podiums existing support for Google and Amazons cloud platforms, these new capabilities give organizations powerful tools to catalog, prepare, and protect enterprise data assets as they are natively generated or migrated to the cloud. About Podium Data Podium Data is radically simplifying and accelerating the way companies manage, prepare and deliver business-ready data the lifeblood of the modern enterprise. The Podium Data Marketplace is a turnkey big data management platform that goes beyond data lakes to give business analysts self-service, on-demand access to trusted data while ensuring quality and control. More information is available at www.podiumdata.com and follow us on Twitter at @PodiumData. Media Contact Glen Zimmerman gzimmerman@podiumdata.com Ukraine signs memorandum with Hyperloop Omelyan said an R&D-center and datacenter could be created in Ukraine in the near future. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Ukraine to see Hyperloop trains within five years minister Omelyan seeks to use Hyperloop technology to provide for the delivery of goods from China to the EU countries. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Swedish court suspends Stockholm Arbitration award in UA-RU gas transit dispute Gazprom says the latest decision deprives Naftogaz of Ukraine of any grounds for seizing Gazprom's foreign assets. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Naftogaz to challenge decision of Swedish court on Stockholm Arbitration Naftogaz said the decision is temporary. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Deficit of Ukraine's foreign trade in goods 1.5 times up in Jan-April 2018 Exports of goods to the EU countries grew by 26.6%. If you see a spelling error on our site, select it and press Ctrl+Enter Seattle Quickly Repeals Misguided Jobs Tax Charles Hughes, E21 Seattle made waves in May when the City Council unanimously passed a tax that would impose a substantial business head tax amounting to about $275 per employee at companies with more than $20 million in receipts. That tax was a substantial step back from the higher initial proposal, a tax of $500 per fulltime employee per year. The tax's passage sparked backlash from companies and residents alike, and this week the City Council reconvened to repeal the ordinance in a 72 vote. Read more here.... The U.S. Treasury Department has announced new sanctions against three Russian individuals and five entities. They were designated under Executive Order 13694, Blocking the Property of Certain Persons Engaging in Significant Malicious Cyber-Enabled Activities as amended, and Section 224 of the Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act, known as CAATSA. One of the designated entities is controlled by and has provided material and technological support to Russias Federal Security Service, the FSB, while two others have provided the FSB with material and technological support. Treasurys Office of Foreign Assets Control also designated several entities and individuals for being owned or controlled by, or acting for or on behalf of, the three entities that have enabled the FSB. The United States is engaged in an ongoing effort to counter malicious actors working at the behest of the Russian Federation and its military and intelligence units to increase Russias offensive cyber capabilities, said Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin in a statement on June 11. The entities designated today have directly contributed to improving Russias cyber and underwater capabilities through their work with the FSB and therefore jeopardize the safety and security of the United States and our allies. The FSB itself was previously designated under CAATSA Section 224 for engaging in activities that undermine the cybersecurity of individuals and entities on behalf of the Russian government. The United States, Secretary Mnuchin wrote, is committed to aggressively targeting any entity or individual working at the direction of the FSB whose work threatens the United States and will continue to utilize our sanctions authorities, including those provided under CAATSA, to counter the constantly evolving threats emanating from Russia. Johns Creek, GA, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sirrus Corp. (Sirrus or the Company) (OTC PINK: SRUP), an emerging cybersecurity solutions provider, today announced it has begun to conduct a full system upgrade and security hardening of all cluster computers used in their modeling and simulations. This leading multinational professional services company is involved in the design and engineering of high-performance buildings, major infrastructure projects, including fire simulation, which requires large amounts of computing power. The client company employs more than 13,000 people in more than 34 countries, including more than 1,000 in 10 offices across the United States. Sparrow Marcioni, Sirrus Corp. CEO, commented, We are very pleased that one of our largest and most established current clients has chosen to expand their scope of business with us, and entrusted our team with critically important security upgrade work for their cluster computers across the US. These major security upgrades will further protect their confidential data from many of the current and future network hacks that have devastated thousands of systems around the world, including the recent Eternal Blue and WannaCry exploits. We look forward to quickly and completely finishing this important work that will enable our client to continue designing and engineering some of worlds most recognizable man-made structures. About Sirrus Corp. Sirrus Corp. (OTC PINK: SRUP) provides security technology products and services to assist companies with protecting their assets and information. The Company is primarily focused on providing cybersecurity services to healthcare companies in the United States, which are required to be in compliance with government regulations such as the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act (HIPAA). Additional information regarding Sirrus Corp. and Sirrus Security can be found at www.sirrussecurity.com . Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements This press release by Sirrus Corp. (Sirrus) may contain forward-looking statements within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements can be identified by words such as expects, plan, believes, will, achieve, anticipate, would, should, subject to, or words of similar meaning, and by the fact that they do not relate strictly to historical or current facts. Although Sirrus management believes that such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it cannot guarantee that such expectations are, or will be, correct. These forward-looking statements involve a number of risks and uncertainties, which could cause the Company's future results to differ materially from those anticipated. Potential risks and uncertainties include, among others, general economic conditions and conditions affecting the industries in which the Company operates; the uncertainty of regulatory requirements and approvals; and the ability to obtain necessary financing on acceptable terms or at all. Known risks and uncertainties include those identified from time to time in the reports filed by Sirrus Corp. with the SEC. Sirrus assumes no obligation to update publicly any forward-looking statements contained in this press release. Photo by "EuroBelarus" information service Photo by "EuroBelarus" information service In Babruysk, wheelchair users are fighting discrimination. How to behave with people in wheelchairs? Do we need to help them? And how to do it properly? They talk themselves what we are ashamed to ask them about. The spine has been broken, but not the life. After Belarus joined the UN Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities, in a number of cities of the country the campaign "Agenda 50" has been launched, which helps to implement in practice the provisions of the document in local communities. In Babruysk, all of three projects contribute to this goal; one of them is called Spytaj miane ("Ask me"). Its goal is to change the attitude of Babruysk residents towards wheelchair users. Under the project, primarily, educational work is planned: across central streets of the city, banners were hung with photos of wheelchair users playing sports, driving cars, living active life. Booklets with information on how to behave with a wheelchair user can be found in government offices, schools, public transport. But no booklets will replace living meetings with people who do - honestly and with humor - talk about how to deal with them. One of such sessions was visited by a correspondent of the "EuroBelarus" Information Service. Every session has a full house. Photo by the "EuroBelarus" Information Service. - People lack knowledge about wheelchair users. I myself has faced such an attitude when sometimes people think if your legs do not function, neither functions your head, says one of the project organizers Liliya Lamanosava, chairman of the Babruysk Joint Organization PA Republican Association of Wheelchair Users. Therefore, the project is an opportunity to tell everyone that people in wheelchairs are the same as everybody else. They live, work, acquire homes and families and face all the problems that other people do. But sometimes the society simply does not perceive them adequately. - We want to be treated as equals; we want to be perceived not as disabled, but first of all - as people. The spine has been broken, but not the life, says Liliya. Liliya Lamanosava. Photo by the "EuroBelarus" Information Service. The woman confesses that previously, she did not know either how to interact with people in wheelchairs. And she got to know it only when she became one of them. And for Maryja Kapustsina, head of the Day care department for people with disabilities of the Territorial social services center (TSSC) of Pershamayski district of Babruysk, the project implemented by her together with Liliya became in a sense a way of family reunification. A second cousin of Maryja was injured in his youth, and he became a wheelchair user. - Since then, we did not communicate. I do not know why. I thought, "How to talk to him now? Would it be normal?" He, for his part, was not sure, whether he would be understood and accepted in his new state. And we accidentally met on a tour for people in wheelchairs and got acquainted all over again, says Maryja. Maryja Kapustsina. Photo by the "EuroBelarus" Information Service. They work, they travel, they love The first part of the session was dedicated to the wheelchair users stories about their ways of living with disabilities. They voiced their stories, and did it with such sincerity and humour that any awkwardness at present, if any, disappeared by itself. - I "was broken" at the age of 21, says Kanstantsin. But I had no depression at all. I began to pull myself out, to go out, joined the wheelchair association, and began to look for a job. In 2006, I bought a car, now Im travelling across Europe - I can not sit at home. Kanstantsin. Photo by the "EuroBelarus" Information Service. Pavel was injured 3.5 years ago. Now he calls himself a "house husband", but he doesnt sit still at home: he educates and takes care of the three children, plays sports. Pavel. Photo by the "EuroBelarus" Information Service. Siarhey, Maryja's brother, got married and became a father already as a wheelchair user. Siarhey and Liliya Lamanosavas husband Jacau. Photo by the "EuroBelarus" Information Service. Volha was injured in 25 years. 1.5 years after she got divorced with her husband. But the woman did cross herself off; she began to look for employment. In social networks she met her future chief - Aliaxandar Makarcuk who is completely paralyzed himself and manages his computer using voice programs. He has his own educational online project for people with disabilities; he has also established a recruit company, which he invited Volha to. By the way, she moved to Babruysk by the occasion: the woman met a loved one there who is also a wheelchair user. Volha. Photo by the "EuroBelarus" Information Service. A story of love after being injured happened to Liliya Lamanosava and her husband Jacau, as well. They married when both of them were wheelchairs users. The couple lives independently; they work, drive a car. What is permissible and what is not So, how to behave when you meet a person in a wheelchair? The session participants told about this on the example of their own stories. According to them, often a help without warning, even with the best intentions, ends up with the fall of a wheelchair. So, the first and the most important rule is to ask questions. Here again, you need not apply not to an accompanying person, but directly to the wheelchair user. You dont have to touch the wheelchair and, if any, the table conjugated with it - it's a part of one's personal space, he or she can take it as a violation of personal boundaries. Its also inadmissible to roll a wheel of a wheelchair by the leg and to stroke the head of a wheelchair user with the words of sympathy - it would seem indecent to bother with such manifestations of regret even an ordinary person on the street, yet it happens. The instructors story was complemented by personal stories of the wheelchair users. Photo by the "EuroBelarus" Information Service. Yet, what you really need is to relax. - If a person in a wheelchair sees your discomfort, he or she begins to feel it, too, shares these seemingly truisms Maryja Kapustsina. For yourself and for future generations The sessions of the project "Spytaj miane" turned out to be popular among Babruysk residents. The first session was attended by 68 people, the second one - by 50, the third one - also by over 60. The organizers confess that they themselves did not expect this. Among those present, the majority were representatives of social and medical institutions. Someone came thanks to the professional interest, and someone is planning to transfer the acquired knowledge to his/her children. A community of valueologists. Photo by the "EuroBelarus" Information Service. - In healthcare organizations, we meet people with disabilities, and sometimes we feel ourselves uncomfortable thinking about how not to hurt them as we would want to build a relationship on equal terms, confesses an instructor-valeologist of the Babruysk central hospital Sviatlana Aharodnik. - It is very necessary for the new generations who, at times, do not know the basic rules of etiquette, shares her impressions from the session still a young woman herself, an instructor-valeologist of the Babruysk maternity hospital Uladzislava Abuzarava-Dabrynskaya. Our future depends on the younger generation. What we give them, what we invest in them, that is what we acquire in the end. One of the billboards that have appeared in the streets of Babruysk under the project "Spytaj miane. Photo by the "EuroBelarus" Information Service. *** The material was prepared in the framework of the international project "Rights of People with Disabilities: agenda for Belarus (Agenda 50)". The campaign "Agenda 50" is being implemented with the support of the European Union in partnership with the Fundacja TUS (Poland) and the PA "European House" (Denmark). Office for the Rights of People with Disabilities, International Consortium "EuroBelarus" and Center for European Transformation participate in the campaign implementation in Belarus. First Vice President of the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development (EBRD) Jurgen Rigterink believes that Ukraine is an important area of investment for the EBRD and a powerful platform for the implementation of major projects. "I've been EBRD first vice president for just nine weeks, and the fact that I am currently on a visit to Ukraine speaks about the importance of your country in our project portfolio. For us, Ukraine is not only an investment area, but also an important platform for cooperation in a number of projects that we are implementing jointly with other international partners," Rigterink said at a meeting with Ukrainian Prime Minister Volodymyr Groysman in Kyiv on Thursday. Groysman, in turn, noted that cooperation between Ukraine and the EBRD has the potential for growth. "The bank is one of the largest investors in the Ukrainian economy, and now we are talking about strengthening cooperation and increasing its effectiveness," he said. Rigterink also recalled that the EBRD is now processing a five-year work plan in Ukraine, which includes, among other things, increased funding and in-depth cooperation in specific areas - primarily the work of government banks and the development of the energy sector. According to Groysman, the Ukrainian government is interested in further cooperation with the EBRD on modernization of the gas transit system, as well as in raising funds to increase natural gas production and develop green energy. "We are now at the point where the economy will grow and investments will increase. I feel it and I see it. This is the scenario I'm programmed to. The situation as a whole is getting stabilized, and this is a very good signal. Even despite the fact that we are entering the electoral period, the government is ready to ensure a forward movement," he said. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Glance Technologies Inc. (CSE:GET.CN) (OTCQB:GLNNF) (FKT:GJT) (Glance or the Company) thanks shareholders for their support, input and participation throughout the recent proxy contest. Glance shareholders have reaffirmed their support for four highly qualified incumbent directors and have elected a new board member, Steve Cadigan. Glance looks forward to further engagement with its shareholders as it seeks to achieve its long term goals. As we look to the future, our foundation is solid, we have great people in place, and we are well positioned to execute on our strategy, said Desmond Griffin, CEO of Glance. We are focused on the intersection of mobile payments, mobile marketing and loyalty rewards, and blockchain. We see enormous potential in these sectors and look forward to the value that we can create for our shareholders as we continue to innovate in this space. About Steve Cadigan Mr. Cadigan is the founder of Cadigan Talent Ventures LLC, a human resources advisory firm based in Californias Silicon Valley. With more than 25 years of leadership and executive experience in global human resources, Mr. Cadigan has practiced human resources in the US, Canada and Asia-Pacific with a variety of technology companies. Through leading worldwide human resources efforts for more than 60 M&A transactions at three global organizations since 1998, Mr. Cadigan has cultivated a deep understanding of business cycles, patterns, high growth, and the key elements required to forge an organizations sustainability. Prior to launching his own firm, Mr. Cadigan served as Vice President Talent at LinkedIn Corporation (LinkedIn) of Sunnyvale, California (2009 through 2012). During this period LinkedIn grew from a private firm of 400 employees, through an initial public offering and into the powerhouse that it is recognized as today. The ground breaking work Mr. Cadigan did at LinkedIn as the executive responsible for culture, leadership, talent and organizational development is widely seen as the textbook example of how a company can leverage its culture to scale profitably in record time. Before LinkedIn, Mr. Cadigan served as VP of Human Resources for Electronic Arts of Redwood City, California (2008-2009) and PMC Sierra of Vancouver (2004-2008). In early 2017, Mr. Cadigan co-founded ISDI Digital University to help address the growing digital divide. ISDI offers a Masters Degree in Internet Business (MIB) and is the first of its kind in the United States. About Glance Technologies Inc. Glance Technologies owns and operates Glance Pay, a streamlined payment system that revolutionizes how smartphone users choose where to shop, order goods and services, make payments, access digital receipts, redeem digital deals, earn great rewards and interact with merchants. Glance offers targeted in-app marketing, geo targeted digital coupons, customer feedback, in-merchant messaging and custom rewards programs. The Glance Pay mobile payment system consists of proprietary technology, which includes user apps available for free downloads in IOS (Apple) and Android formats, merchant manager apps, a large scale technology hosting environment with sophisticated anti-fraud technology and lightning fast payment processing. Glance has also recently purchased a blockchain solution and is working on a rewards-based cryptocurrency. For more information about Glance, please go to www.glance.tech . For more information, contact: Investor Relations 1-866-258-1249 investors@glancepay.com Paola Ashton VP Business Development 604-839-0337 Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Forward-Looking Statements This press release contains forward-looking information or forward-looking statements (collectively forward-looking information) within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking information is typically identified by words such as: create, may, believe, thinks, expect, exploring, expand, could, anticipate, intend, estimate, plan, pursue, potentially, projected, should, will and similar expressions, or are those, which, by their nature, refer to future events. These forward-looking statements, which involve risks and uncertainties, relate to, among other things, the development of a rewards-based cryptocurrency. Although Glance considers these forward-looking statements to be reasonable based on information currently available to it, they may prove to be incorrect, and the forward-looking statements in this release are subject to numerous risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause future results to differ materially from those expressed or implied in such forward-looking statements. Such risk factors include, among other things, risks related to Glances ability to develop a rewards-based cryptocurrency. Forward-looking information and forward-looking statements are in addition based on various estimates, forecasts and projects as well as expectations, beliefs and assumptions, including, without limitation, that Glance will be able to develop a rewards-based cryptocurrency. For additional information with respect to these and other factors and assumptions underlying the forward looking statements in this press release, see the section entitled Risk Factors in the most recent Prospectus and Annual Information Form of Glance, which may be accessed through Glances profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. Glance cautions investors that any forward-looking information provided by Glance is not a guarantee of future results or performance, and that actual results may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Undue reliance should not be placed on such forward-looking information, as there can be no assurance that the plans, intentions or expectations upon which they are based will occur. National joint-stock company Naftogaz Ukrainy hopes that Sweden's Svea Court of Appeals would annul its order to suspend the enforcement of the award of the Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce after the company submits its own counter-evidence, the press service of the company has reported. "The court made the decision without calling Naftogaz to court, and respectively, it did not take into account explanations and arguments that Naftogaz Ukrainy would have presented if the court notified the company about the availability of the petition filed by Gazprom and about the hearing of the petition by the court. The decision is temporary. The company would soon submits its detailed explanations and counter-arguments and expects that taking them into account, the court would annul the decision to suspend [the enforcement]," the press service said. The press service said that the order of the court of appeals means the temporary suspension of Naftogaz's steps in the procedure of collecting $2.6 billion from Gazprom. The decision does not annul the awards of the Arbitral Tribunal and does not allow Gazprom to demand to return $2.1 billion taken as compensation to Naftogaz under a decision of the arbitrator. As reported, Sweden's Svea Court of Appeals on June 13, 2018 satisfied a petition of Russia's Gazprom and issued an order to suspend the execution of the award of the Arbitration Institute of the Stockholm Chamber of Commerce issued on February 28, 2018 in the lawsuit between Gazprom and Naftogaz Ukrainy for the gas transit contract. Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has signed a decree awarding Head of Donetsk Regional State Administration Pavlo Zhebrivsky with the Order of Prince Yaroslav the Wise (Fifth Class), the press service of the head of state has reported. According to the decree posted on the president's website late on Wednesday, June 13, Zhebrivsky was awarded for his significant personal contribution to state building and a longstanding conscientious service to the Ukrainian people. Four wounded in 33 enemy attacks on Ukrainian positions in Donbas Russian-backed militants have fired 33 times on the positions of the Joint Forces Operation (JFO) in Donbas over the past 24 hours, wounding four Ukrainian servicemen, the JFO press center has reported. "The situation in the area of the Joint Forces Operation remained difficult and controlled over the past day. Russian occupation troops violated the ceasefire 33 times, including 11 times with 122mm artillery, 120mm and 82mm mortars," reads a report as of 07:00 on Thursday, June 14, which was published on the Facebook page of the JFO. According to Ukrainian intelligence, five militants were wounded and one was killed. The Ukrainian diaspora in the United States has declared a one-day hunger strike in solidarity with Ukrainian filmmaker Oleh Sentsov, who was illegally convicted in Russia and who has been on hunger strike for 31 days, the Ukrainian service of the Voice of America has reported. "The Ukrainian diaspora is holding a one-day hunger strike as a sign of solidarity with Oleh Sentsov, who has already been on hunger strike for 31 days. The initiative was put forward by the Ukrainian Congress Committee of America and supported by other organizations - not only in the U.S., but also around the world," the Voice of America wrote on Twitter. Over 90% of wounded Ukrainian servicemen return to service thanks to NATO standards, which are being introduced into Ukrainian military medicine, Ukrainian President Petro Poroshenko has said. "Ukraine has paid a big price for the destruction of the army and military medicine in previous years. We are now building it according to NATO standards. Up to 93% of wounded fighters, after getting high-quality medical care [...] are returning to the ranks," he said in Kyiv on Thursday at a meeting with medical workers on the eve of their professional holiday. He noted that, according to international experts, these are the best indicators in the world among the countries that took part in hostilities. KYIV. June 14 (Interfax-Ukraine) Representatives of mass media, lawyers and owners of remote-piloted vehicles believe that the temporary rules for the use of airspace in Ukraine restricting flights of drones weighing under 2 kg introduced by the State Aviation Service is unconstitutional. They announced their objections at a press conference at Interfax-Ukraine on Thursday. Lawyer of the Institute of Mass Media Al Safarov said that the interference of the state in the implementation of freedom of speech should not exceed the level required in democratic society. "One cannot hold a person criminally accountable for filming some things using drones with the purpose of revealing a corruption scheme as the highest punishment in society," he said. Safarov also said that the temporary rules for the use of airspace in Ukraine published by the State Aviation Service was passed in way that it is impossible to appeal it under administrative procedure seeking to declare it not meeting the Constitution and legislation of Ukraine, as it was approved not in line with the procedure prescribed by the law. The conference participants also condemned the rules of piloting drones in cities and towns, as they are contrary to good sense both in their application and the punishment selected for violation of the rules. "The situation appears when the application of the rules and the punishment for violation of these rules could be used not with the purpose of ensuring security, but with the purpose of stopping, for example, anti-corruption investigations," Safarov said. Lawyer, air intelligence officer, ATO fighter Masi Nayyem (brother of MP Mustafa Nayyem) also said that the rules violate rights of Ukrainians. "These rules have not yet been submitted to the Justice Ministry, while according to the current procedure they cannot be registered by the Justice Ministry, as they violate Article 34 of the Constitution of Ukraine and Article 10 of the Convention for the Protection of Human Rights [and Fundamental Freedoms] If the minister really decides that the rules should be registered, we will challenge these actions in courts," Nayyem said. Chairman of the Ukrainian Federation of Drone Owners Taras Troyak said that he plans to participate in the profile discussion regarding the rules with participation of Infrastructure Minister Volodymyr Omelyan next week. He also said that the rules passed by the State Aviation Service are tougher than European ones. "What I find disturbing is that I cannot fly higher than 50 meters. No European country has such a limit. They have the limit of 120 meters. Moreover, for flying higher than 50 meters I have to receive a permit 10 days before the expected flight, predicting the weather and specifying the time," he said. He also said that these requirements are hard to fulfill, especially for the police, as the use of drones for them is also not allowed without a permit. In 2018, Ukraine has an interesting situation with the market of daily rent of apartments. On the one hand: - Visa-free regime with Europe - Many foreign tourists, especially from Germany and Turkey - The recently defeated Champions League - Low, by European standards, the cost of daily rent - Ski resorts, castles, nature, Black and Azov Sea provide a sufficient flow of tourists. The state tries to prevent people from doing this business (see Law No. 5473 of 30.11.2016), but it is still under consideration and was met with disapproval from the landlords. On the other hand the landlords are not ready to work "in a European way." What does it mean? It means not to sit on the phone, answering the same questions, but turn on online booking system, regularly fill out the reservation calendar - spend less time and earn more money. In 2018, the landlords, unfortunately, still refer to the daily rent as a hobby: - They don't know how to work with the employment calendar - they answer the same questions about the employment of the apartment; - They don't understand how to work with online booking system, why do you need it if client can just call - the landlords works as a telephone operators; - They don't set up your ad, do not set surcharges for guests, on holidays or New Year, do not set up discounts; - They don't synchronize the calendar of employment if they use several booking sites for their apartments - double booking, loss of time, negative experience; This list can be continued indefinitely, but there is another type of landlords. They will spend half an hour of their time and adjust all possible discounts, surcharges, synchronization of the employment calendar, write a quality description, connect instant booking. According to our statistics, landlords like that receive more than 70% of all bookings on our site. We hope that professional landlords will become more and the market of daily rent will come close to European standards. Vlasne.ua is one of the few daily rental services that is able to help and offers a full-fledged online booking. We synchronize our database of objects with several channel-managers, services that transmit data on employment and changes in prices for the object immediately into all sales channels. We protect the interests of all participants in booking, both landlords and tourists. The situation when the owner took an advance payment, and then disappeared with money is excluded. Similarly, the situation is excluded when the tourist booked a week in the "hot" season, and then canceled the reservation and the owner lost their money. Excluded the problem with cheating reviews - reviews can only leave the tourist who booked an apartment on our site. For loyal customers, there is a loyalty program. At the same time, it gives significant bonuses to both tourists and landlords. To book an apartment in Kyiv it is enough to send one or several requests to the owners of the apartment you like. When landlords will approve your request - you can proceed to payment. In addition, you can choose apartments with instant reservations and pay for the reservation immediately, without waiting for the approval of the owner. In any case, the owner will be able to withdraw the amount prepaid by the tourist only after the tourist has successfully settled into the apartment and passes the payment code to him. Thus, we protect our tourists from scammers and unreliable owners. Iran and Venezuela could lose around 30 percent of their oil production next year due to sanctions re-imposed by the United States, according to the International Energy Agency (IEA). In its first detailed forecast for 2019, the IEA said Venezuelan and Iranian oil production will fall by a combined 1.5 million barrels per day by the end of next year; however, extra oil output from OPEC and non-OPEC countries such as Saudi Arabia and Russia could compensate for the lost supply. Iranian output could drop by about 900,000 barrels a day, or about 23 percent, and Venezuela could witness an output fall by 550,000 barrels a day, or 40 percent. Venezuelan production has already collapsed to the lowest in decades as the result of an economic crisis and its negative effect on oil infrastructure. No judgement was made as to which countries will cut back purchases, the IEA said. Following the decision of U.S. President Donald Trump to leave the nuclear deal with Iran, many international companies, including European companies, have started to reduce purchases of Iranian oil and pull out from oil and gas projects in Iran. The Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries will meet next week and discuss whether to restore production it halted last year. Even if the Iran-Venezuela supply gap is plugged, the market will be finely balanced next year and vulnerable to prices rising higher in the event of further disruption, the Paris-based agency said. It is possible that the very small number of countries with spare capacity beyond what can be activated quickly will have to go the extra mile. Washington and Iran exchanged sharp words over oil prices on Wednesday, with Trump blaming OPEC for high oil prices and Tehran accusing him of stoking volatility after he withdrew last month from the nuclear deal. Trump sparked the latest back-and-forth when he renewed his attack on OPEC in a tweet that said oil prices are too high and that the cartel was at it again. Oil prices have risen around 60 percent over the past year after OPEC and some non-OPEC producers, including Russia, started reducing supplies in 2017. The cartel meets June 22-23 in Vienna, and producers are seen as likely to raise production, perhaps before the limits are due to sunset at year-end. Saudi Arabia says it is ready to temper prices by raising supply. Irans OPEC governor, Hossein Kazempour Ardebili, fired back at Trump in a statement to Reuters. You cannot place sanctions on two OPEC founder members and still blame OPEC for oil price volatility, he said, referring to his country and Venezuela. This is business, Mr. President -- we thought you knew it. The Islamic Republics parliament (Majles) has drafted a double emergency motion to declare general amnesty and judicial immunity for diaspora Iranians. Meanwhile, the motion has also called for restricting death penalty across the country. The motion, signed by more than seventy MPs, has been delivered to the parliaments board of directors, a member of Majles Judicial and Legal Commission, Mohammad Javad Fathee told Etimad Online pro-reform website on Wednesday, June 13. Since the legislators are authorized to define a crime, they have also the authority to demand amnesty for people convicted of particular crimes, Fathee argued, adding, Therefore, the new motion has proposed a general amnesty for all the people charged or convicted of political and security related crimes. However, according to Fathee, the new motion has excluded people charged and convicted of physical sabotage actions deplored by all the nations across the world, including espionage, setting fire to banks and damaging public properties. Crimes, such as espionage and setting fire to banks are so deplorable that people charged with such offenses are usually forced to commit suicide under mental and psychological pressures, Fathee maintained. However, avoiding any reference to Iranian dual nationals currently behind bars in the Islamic Republic, Fathee did not elaborate on the reasons and the timing for the new motion 39 years after the Islamic Revolution in the country. Many western countries have warned their Iranian dual citizens to stay away from their homeland, lest they be arrested. Currently, an unknown number of Iranians with dual citizenship are sentenced to long prison terms, charged with espionage for the so-called enemies of the state. If the new motion does not extend the amnesty to alleged cases of espionage, dual citizens would be reluctant to return to Iran. Following the United States withdrawal from the nuclear deal, Iran is under diplomatic and financial pressures, which could be the driving force behind the proposed amnesty. Such a move can both put Iran under a better light internationally and also might entice diaspora compatriots to make investments in the country. As a matter of fact, Fathee has insisted that the new motion Will hopefully reduce the international pressure on Tehran concerning the fate of Iranians with dual citizenship who are currently kept mainly in Tehrans notorious prison, Evin. As a legislator, Fathee insists, We should give the green light to the six-seven million Iranians living overseas. Iranian diaspora enjoys having significant assets and expertise that people inside Iran have been so far deprived of. But Iran is among the countries with highest number of executions, which have included political opponents. Internal and international civil rights activists say that human rights in Iran have been systematically violated during almost four decades of theocracy to the extent that the UN has assigned a special rapporteur to monitor the human rights situation in the country. Most of the political, ethnic rights activists detained in Iran are generally convicted of vaguely defined charges, including action against national security and anti-system propaganda. In the new double emergency motion, according Fathee, political and ethnic rights activists will be pardoned. The double emergency motion, if passed by the parliament, requires the Guardian Councils (GC) ratification to become a law. GC is totally dominated by ultra-conservative elements with its most influential members directly appointed by the Islamic Republics Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to Fathee, the new double emergency motion is expected to be tabled next week in majlis (Islamic Consultative Meanwhile, the motion has also called for restricting death penalty across the country. The motion, signed by more than seventy MPs, has been delivered to the parliaments board of directors, a member of Majles Judicial and Legal Commission, Mohammad Javad Fathee told Etimad Online pro-reform website on Wednesday, June 13. Since the legislators are authorized to define a crime, they have also the authority to demand amnesty for people convicted of particular crimes, Fathee argued, adding, Therefore, the new motion has proposed a general amnesty for all the people charged or convicted of political and security related crimes. However, according to Fathee, the new motion has excluded people charged and convicted of physical sabotage actions deplored by all the nations across the world, including espionage, setting fire to banks and damaging public properties. Crimes, such as espionage and setting fire to banks are so deplorable that people charged with such offenses are usually forced to commit suicide under mental and psychological pressures, Fathee maintained. However, avoiding any reference to Iranian dual nationals currently behind bars in the Islamic Republic, Fathee did not elaborate on the reasons and the timing for the new motion 39 years after the Islamic Revolution in the country. Many western countries have warned their Iranian dual citizens to stay away from their homeland, lest they be arrested. Currently, an unknown number of Iranians with dual citizenship are sentenced to long prison terms, charged with espionage for the so-called enemies of the state. If the new motion does not extend the amnesty to alleged cases of espionage, dual citizens would be reluctant to return to Iran. Following the United States withdrawal from the nuclear deal, Iran is under diplomatic and financial pressures, which could be the driving force behind the proposed amnesty. Such a move can both put Iran under a better light internationally and also might entice diaspora compatriots to make investments in the country. As a matter of fact, Fathee has insisted that the new motion Will hopefully reduce the international pressure on Tehran concerning the fate of Iranians with dual citizenship who are currently kept mainly in Tehrans notorious prison, Evin. As a legislator, Fathee insists, We should give the green light to the six-seven million Iranians living overseas. Iranian diaspora enjoys having significant assets and expertise that people inside Iran have been so far deprived of. But Iran is among the countries with highest number of executions, which have included political opponents. Internal and international civil rights activists say that human rights in Iran has been systematically violated during almost four decades of theocracy to the extent that the UN has assigned a special rapporteur to monitor the human rights situation in the country. Most of the political, ethnic rights activists detained in Iran are generally convicted of vaguely defined charges, including action against national security and anti-system propaganda. In the new double emergency motion, according Fathee, political and ethnic rights activists will be pardoned. The double emergency motion, if passed by the parliament, requires the Guardian Councils (GC) ratification to become a law. GC is totally dominated by ultra-conservative elements with its most influential members directly appointed by the Islamic Republics Supreme Leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. According to Fathee, the new double emergency motion is expected to be tabled next week in majlis (Islamic Consultative Assembly). By RFE/RL's Radio Farda The United States says it is deeply concerned by reports that prominent Iranian human rights lawyer Nasrin Sotoudeh has been arrested in Tehran and calls for her immediate release. Sotoudeh has spent the past several years harassed by the Iranian regime and has been routinely placed behind bars for daring to defend the rights of those in Iran, State Department spokeswoman Heather Nauert said in a June 14 statement. We applaud Ms. Sotoudehs bravery and her fight for the long-suffering victims of the regime," she added. Nauert called on Iranian authorities to release her immediately, along with the hundreds of others who are currently imprisoned simply for expressing their views and desires for a better life. There was not immediate comment from Iranian authorities. Sotoudeh's husband, Reza Khandan, wrote on Facebook that security forces appeared at the couple's home on June 13 and took his wife to a court at Tehran's Evin prison. Khandan told RFE/RLs Radio Farda that security forces said they were taking Sotoudeh away over a prison sentence issued in the past, adding that his wife didnt know anything about the case. The London-based human rights group Amnesty International also condemned Sotoudehs detention, calling it an "outrageous attack on a brave and prolific human rights defender." The 55-year-old human rights lawyer has been pressured and jailed in the past for taking up sensitive cases. The mother of two was arrested in 2010 and sentenced to six years in prison on a number of charges, including acting against Iran's national security. She was released in 2013 after serving three years. In 2012, the European Parliament gave its most prestigious award, the Sakharov Prize for Freedom of Thought, to Sotoudeh and acclaimed Iranian filmmaker Jafar Panahi. With reporting by AFP and AP Philadelphia, PA, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Over the last two decades, large-scale outbreaks of infectious diseases have resulted in high levels of morbidity, mortality, and overall economic burden for affected regions. As complex networks become increasingly popular tools of study, researchers are applying network theory to the field of epidemiology. Due to the plethora of disease-related data available from various media outlets, an individuals behavioral response to and communication of an epidemic depends on the pattern of information flow in a separate yet related network. As a result, mathematical models of humans reactions to disease outbreaks are important tools in epidemiological analysis. In an article publishing today in the SIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics, Mengfeng Sun, Michael Small, Shui Shan Lee, and Xinchu Fu employ a concrete interplay model in quenched multiplex networks to study the connection between adaptive human behavior and epidemic spread. They base their modelwhich illustrates these factors as separate layers in the networkson a standard susceptible-infected-susceptible model. Its generality makes it applicable to a wide range of public health scenarios. Members of an affected population typically base their behavioral responses on information gleaned from mass and social media, physical encounters in their social and spatial neighborhoods, and general observations. Traditionally, infectious disease models have treated human behaviors as constant, implying that they do not fluctuate according to disease incidence or a characteristic timescale, Sun and Fu said. However, the development of modern technology offers a great convenience for the communication of human behaviors, including face-to-face conversations, email exchanges, phone calls, and other types of interactions in a variety of network forums. Humans adopt preventative measures based on these direct or indirect relations, both to protect themselves from infection and reduce the risk of further disease transmission. Such measures include limitation or elimination of time spent outside the home, increased attention to hand-washing and personal hygiene, and limited contact with neighbors and other citizens. Prior studies involving complex interplay models have classified awareness into three categories: local awareness, global awareness, and contact awareness. However, Sun et al. classify it into two alternative categories: (i) adaptive behaviors stemming from awareness and (ii) behavioral information transmission (the spread of awareness itself). Our work is within the framework of network-based models, and we use a more accurate network configurationquenched multiplex networksto model the transmission of an infection, Sun and Fu said. This configuration involves the interplay of epidemic spread, information transmission, and behavioral dynamics. The authors configure these multiplex networks into two layers. One layer accounts for recurring physical contacts, such as coworkers, family members, friends, classmates, and neighbors; interaction with these groups can spread infection. The second pertains to virtual contacts acquaintances on Facebook, Twitter, or other online social networking platforms; communication with this group is not physical and thus cannot actively spread infection. When people become aware of an epidemic, adaptive behavior and behavioral information transmission occur concurrently, with transmission spurring continued adaptation. For the purposes of their model, Sun et al. focus on adaptive behaviors effect on infection rate. Individuals disease-related communication steadily modifies behavior until it reaches an optimal protective state. Such behavior is a result of the spread of information pertaining to the epidemic, rather than the epidemic itself. It tends to be consistent or herd-like, as people communicate protective behaviors with their neighbors more frequently when an epidemic manifests in order to protect themselves. A higher adaptive strength correlates with a lower risk of infection. By taking account of multiple dynamic processes simultaneously, our model not only accurately describes the actual spread of epidemics in complex networks but also characterizes the interactions between the transmission of some epidemics (like the common cold, seasonal influenza, dengue fever, Zika, etc.) and the corresponding human behaviors, Sun and Fu said. We also find that behavioral control for some individuals enhances the speed with which the epidemic tends to become stable and the speed of collective synchronization, and also significantly reduces the value of the highest peak of the infections prevalence. This suggests that our epidemic control strategy from the perspective of behavioral control is very valid. To test their model, the authors apply it to an outbreak of severe acute respiratory syndrome (SARS), a contagious and dangerous respiratory illness. Because no vaccines currently exist for SARS, public health measures are primarily responsible for its control. Sun et al. focus on two types of minor preventative measures from the most recent outbreak: transmission precautions (i.e., use of protective equipmentlike glovesand attention to personal and environmental hygiene) and contact precautions (minimization of time spent in public spaces). An individuals decision to adopt these measures depends on the outbreaks severity. The authors create a mathematical model that includes SARS transmission, behavioral evolution, and regulation of public institutions. Every individual in an affected area is assigned one of four possible states: susceptible, asymptomatic, symptomatic, or recovered. The analysis suggests that a rapid behavioral response, a combination of public health measures, and the regulation of public institutions for certain key individuals (those with more connections) can effectively curb the outbreak of SARS by decreasing cumulative infections and deaths and reducing the reproductive number, Sun and Lee said. Preventative behaviors were especially effective during the epidemics early stages, and achievement of the optimal preventative state for all individuals led to rapid containment. Ultimately, both pharmaceutical and nonpharmaceutical measures were responsible for total control. Because manufacturers cannot immediately make vaccines or targeted drugs available at the onset of an epidemic, governments, public health authorities, and/or mass media typically advise the population on the appropriate measures for optimal self-protection and reduced susceptibility or infectivity. Citizens increased awareness of adaptive behaviors power gives researchers and doctors time to make vaccines and treatments available. The numerical results show that individual adaptive behaviors triggered by the emergence of an epidemic can slow down the spread of the infection, lower the final epidemic size, and in some cases can prevent the infection from becoming widespread, Small said. These results provide us with an alternative idea on understanding why some infections do not cause major outbreaks or reach the epidemic threshold in the absence of immunization policy or territory-wide quarantine and isolation measures. Sun et al. hope to incorporate realistic data about human behaviors to formulate more practical and applicable models. They plan to specifically investigate the effects of drastic control measuressuch as isolation, vaccination, and treatmentand the impact of the time delay between when individuals become aware of an outbreak and when they modify their behaviors. Until then, their current model identifies several methods through which individuals can protect themselves and their neighbors from emerging epidemics. Source article: Sun, M., Small, M., Lee, S.S., & Fu, X. (2018). An Exploration and Simulation of Epidemic Spread and its Control in Multiplex Networks. SIAM Journal on Applied Mathematics. About the authors: Mengfeng Sun is currently a doctoral candidate in the Department of Mathematics at Shanghai University. His research interests include Conley index theory, dynamical systems, nonlinear reaction-diffusion equations, synchronization and control of complex systems, mathematical biology, and complex networks. Michael Small is an applied mathematician working in the areas of complex systems and nonlinear dynamical systems. He is the CSIRO-UWA Chair of Complex Engineering Systems at the University of Western Australia, where his work focuses on applications to complex systems that arise in engineering, epidemiology, and social dynamics. Shui Shan Lee is a researcher in infectious disease epidemiology and emerging infections at the Chinese University of Hong Kong. Xinchu Fu is an applied mathematician at Shanghai University. He works in the areas of dynamical systems and mathematical epidemiology, and is the group head of a National Natural Science Foundation of China-funded key project on mathematical analysis of propagation dynamics in complex networks. Attachment Baku, Azerbaijan, June 14 Trend: The travel time from the Red bridge checkpoint in Georgian-Azerbaijani border to the Sarpi checkpoint in the Georgian-Turkish border will be reduced to four hours, said the Head of the Road Department of the Ministry of Regional Development and Infrastructure of Georgia Irakli Karseladze, Sputnik Georgia reports. The large-scale infrastructure projects have been planned in the country, Karseladze briefed representatives of the diplomatic corps. "The total length of the corridor and travel time will be reduced. While it takes seven to eight hours to cover the section from the Red Bridge to Sarpi, after the completion of the work the time will decrease to 4-4.5 hours. The speed of movement on a number of sections of the road will increase by 80-100 percent -- actually double," Karseladze said. He noted that in the near future the Ministry plans to announce a tender for construction work on the Ricot Pass, which connects western and eastern Georgia. Also, changes are planned on the section of the Kvesheti-Kobi road, which will be part of the Mtskheta Stepantsminda Lars highway of international importance. This road leads to the Kazbegi-Upper Lars customs and border check point on the Georgian-Russian border. It is planned to construct a road with a length of more than 50 kilometers, which will have 96 bridges and 53 tunnels, at the Ricot Pass. As for Kvesheti-Kobi, it is planned to build a road with a length of 22.7 kilometers, which will have six bridges and five tunnels. One of the tunnels with a length of nine kilometers will be the longest tunnel in Georgia. About $2 billion in total will be spent for implementation of these projects. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 14 Trend: The visit of Armenian President Armen Sargsyan to the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, including the Kalbajar region, is a provocation and serves to aggravate the existing situation, the head of the press service of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Hikmet Hajiyev told Trend June 14. He noted that it proves once again that the talks of the Armenian leadership about peace or cooperation are nothing but hypocrisy and an attempt to deceive the international community. "The Armenian leadership on the day of visit of co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group by its provocative and destructive steps, including unsubstantiated claims for the participation of the separatist regime in the negotiations clearly shows that Armenia is not interested in resolving the conflict through negotiations, demonstrates that it is pursuing a policy of annexation of Azerbaijani territories by maintaining the status quo and military aggression. This policy, which continues to be pursued by the Armenian leadership, seriously threatens regional peace and security. We reiterate that Armenia is fully responsible for the current situation," Hajiyev said. 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 14 Trend: Over the past 24 hours, Armenias armed forces have 82 times violated the ceasefire along the line of contact between Azerbaijani and Armenian troops, the Azerbaijani Defense Ministry said June 14. 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 14 By Leman Zeynalova - Trend: The OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs reiterated their commitment to helping find a peaceful solution to the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, according to a press statement by the co-chairs posted on the OSCE website June 14 following their visit to Armenia. The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group (Igor Popov of Russia, Stephane Visconti of France, and Andrew Schofer of the US) together with Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office Andrzej Kasprzyk, met with Armenias Foreign Minister Zohrab Mnatsakanyan, Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, Defense Minister Davit Tonoyan and President Armen Sarkissian during an introductory visit to Yerevan on June 12-14, reads the statement. The co-chairs and the Armenian officials reviewed the status of negotiations and discussed next steps to move the [conflict settlement] process forward, including a ministerial meeting in the near future, says the statement. They also exchanged views on the current situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border and the line of contact, underscoring the importance of maintaining a constructive environment. In their statement, the co-chairs reiterated their commitment to helping the sides find a peaceful solution to the conflict based on the core principles of the Helsinki Final Act, including the non-use or threat of force, territorial integrity, and the equal rights and self-determination of peoples. 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. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Lyaman_Zeyn Baku, Azerbaijan, June 14 Trend: TANAP as part of the "Southern Gas Corridor" is a project that leads to new experiences, by creating the formats of Azerbaijan's cooperation along the Eurasian axis, editor-in-chief of the "Baki Kheber" newspaper Aydin Guliyev told Trend. He noted that, unlike other countries of the region, Azerbaijan is pursuing a more active and fruitful policy, by creating bilateral and multilateral formats of cooperation. "There is no other country in our region, except Azerbaijan, which would act as the initiator or creator of advanced bilateral formats of cooperation, and Azerbaijan has paved the way for trilateral and even four-sided formats in the region on the basis of bilateral cooperation. Azerbaijani diplomacy, President Ilham Aliyev personally, by the example of the Southern Gas Corridor and TANAP, show unparalleled results by transforming bilateral and trilateral formats into seven and ten-sided formats of cooperation. Today, seven countries are taking part in the Southern Gas Corridor project, in the near future 10 more countries and even more at a later stage, will participate in this project," Guliyev said. He noted that the construction of such a qualitatively new and expanded cooperation along the Eurasian axis was achieved by Azerbaijan for the first time due to two important factors. "The first factor is the full refusal of the President of Azerbaijan to use energy resources as a means of political pressure in cooperation with other countries. The second factor is a balanced approach to all neighboring countries, which act in a normal way in the name of general development and security both in the region and at the scale of the continent," Guliyev added. He noted that, with regards to implementation of researches on energy security of Eurasia, the role of President Ilham Aliyev will be especially highly evaluated because of these two factors. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 14 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: Turkey has become a regional energy hub with the opening of the Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP), Necdet Unuvar, head of the Turkey-Azerbaijan inter-parliamentary friendship group, told Trend. He noted that TANAP is one of the most strategic projects in the region. Eskisehir city, which hosted the opening of TANAP, witnessed the biggest historic event, he said, adding that TANAP has no alternative. A ceremony to launch TANAP took place June 12 in the Turkish city of Eskisehir. TANAP, together with Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP), is a part of the Southern Gas Corridor, which provides for the transportation of gas from the Azerbaijani field Shah Deniz to Europe. The initial capacity of TANAP is expected to be 16 billion cubic meters of gas per year. About six billion cubic meters will be supplied to Turkey, and the rest to Europe. After completion of the TAP, the gas will reach Europe in early 2020. The share distribution in TANAP is as follows: Southern Gas Corridor CJSC - 51 percent, SOCAR Turkey Enerji - 7 percent, Botas - 30 percent, and BP - 12 percent. 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 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. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, June 15 Trend: Azerbaijan marks the National Salvation Day on June 15. Azerbaijan gained independence in October 1991. The first years of the country's independence were characterized by the crisis within the country and in the government. Chaos took over all the spheres of social life. The situation in the army worsened and the number of deserters increased. Armenian aggression was increasing day after day. Azerbaijan was facing the crisis of power. Separate groups and individuals were fighting for control. After coming to power on May 14, 1992, the Azerbaijani Popular Front Party showed a complete inability to run the country with its ill-determined management. There was a real threat of a civil war in Azerbaijan in the summer of 1993. In these difficult times, Azerbaijan's outstanding son Heydar Aliyev accepted the persistent invitation of the people and came to Baku June 9. He succeeded to prevent the civil war in Azerbaijan in a very short time. On June 15, 1993, he was elected chairman of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan and this date entered the country's history as the National Salvation Day. With the insistence of the people, in June 1997, Azerbaijani Parliament declared June 15 as a holiday. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 14 By Elchin Mehdiyev - Trend: Azerbaijans ruling New Azerbaijan Party held an event dedicated to the National Salvation Day - June 15. Azerbaijans deputy prime minister, Deputy Chairman and Executive Secretary of the party Ali Ahmadov noted in his opening speech that this day, which marks the return of the national leader Heydar Aliyev, opened new pages in the history of Azerbaijan and put an end to the troubled days. Azerbaijan regained its independence but faced troubling processes that were threatening the countrys future, he said. Those who were in power that time failed to ensure stability in the country, instability prevailed in the country, the economy was regressing, unsuccessful foreign policy created a threat of Azerbaijans isolation, as a result of the Armenian aggression Azerbaijan lost its lands. There was a crisis in all spheres. Naturally, the Azerbaijani people were worrying about these processes, they understood that only Heydar Aliyev could save the country from this situation and invited him to Baku on June 9. Heydar Aliyev returned to Baku on June 9 and was elected chairman of the parliament on June 15. Thus, Azerbaijan started taking steps to ensure stability, and first of all this stability was restored, further loss of the countrys territories was prevented, the economic recession was stopped, and so everything that the people expected was implemented with the return of Heydar Aliyev. Azerbaijan returned to normal life and serious reforms started in all spheres. Ali Ahmadov stressed that after Heydar Aliyevs return, the strategy that led to Azerbaijans current development started to be implemented. Under the leadership of President Ilham Aliyev, Azerbaijan continued successful development, Ahmadov added. Azerbaijan has become a strong country, it has a strong army, and I think that the Azerbaijani people will live even better. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 14 By Elchin Mehdiyev - Trend: The visit of Armenian President Armen Sarkisyan to Azerbaijans occupied lands on June 13 is illegal, Deputy Chairman and Executive Secretary of Azerbaijans ruling New Azerbaijan Party Ali Ahmadov said June 14. He noted that this issue should cause concern of the OSCE Minsk Group, as well as all states that put efforts and make statements for the liberation of the occupied Azerbaijani lands. Otherwise, it will be difficult to find solutions to the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, he said. 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. PEMBROKE, Bermuda, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Sompo International Holdings Ltd., a Bermuda-based specialty provider of property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, announced today that the companys European Specialty platform has introduced a new Transaction Risk insurance line of business, expanding its Professional Lines insurance offerings in Europe. This new business targets parties on either side of a merger or acquisition transaction, providing coverage against losses arising from Warranties and Indemnities (W&I) breaches and other risks. The program targets public and private companies domiciled or conducting their core business throughout Europe. Primary and excess attachments are available for buyer-side W&I, seller-side W&I, seller-induced buyer-side W&I and tax liability insurance for European tax risks related to M&A transactions. Mr. Thomas Mannsdorfer, Executive Vice President and Head of European Specialty Underwriting at Sompo International, commented, Since the launch of Sompo Internationals European platform in March, weve focused on delivering market-leading management liability, professional indemnity, financial institutions and cyber liability products to clients across Europe. Our new M&A products expand these capabilities, further strengthening our ability to help companies manage the broad range of risks associated with their fiduciary and contractual responsibilities. Mr. Richard Allen, Executive Vice President, Head of Professional Lines, London Market & Europe Insurance, added, Backed by Sompo Internationals A+ rated underwriting capacity and with the flexibility to service accounts through both our London based and new European entities, the introduction of these additional professional lines products complement our growing portfolio. Thomas in-depth knowledge in this area along with new underwriting talent recruited to our European Specialty team will enhance Sompo Internationals presence in this important market. About Sompo International Sompo International Holdings, Ltd. is a global specialty provider of property and casualty insurance and reinsurance, headquartered in Bermuda. Through its operating subsidiaries, Sompo International writes agriculture, professional lines, property, marine and energy, and casualty and other specialty lines of insurance and catastrophe, property, casualty, professional lines, weather risk and specialty lines of reinsurance. Sompo International companies are wholly owned subsidiaries of Sompo Holdings, Inc., whose core business encompasses one of the largest property and casualty insurance groups in the Japanese domestic market. We maintain excellent financial strength as evidenced by the ratings of A+ (Superior) from A.M. Best (XV size category) and A+ (Strong) from Standard and Poors on our principal operating subsidiaries. Sompo Internationals headquarters are located at Waterloo House, 100 Pitts Bay Road, Pembroke HM 08, Bermuda and its mailing address is Sompo International, Suite No. 784, No. 48 Par-la-Ville Road, Hamilton HM 11, Bermuda. For more information about Sompo International, please visit www.sompo-intl.com. Contact Investor Relations Phone: +1 441 278 0988 Email: investorrelations@sompo-intl.com Baku, Azerbaijan, June 14 Trend: Spokesman of Azerbaijans Foreign Ministry Hikmet Hajiyev has released a statement in connection with the distribution of a document by the Permanent Mission of Armenia at the UN in May on behalf of the separatist regime created in Azerbaijans occupied territories. The Permanent Mission of Armenia at the UN took similar steps earlier as well, Hajiyev said. "In this matter, the Permanent Mission of Armenia at the UN chose a way of falsification and deception of the UN member states," he said. "A document on behalf of the separatist regime was attached to the letter of the Permanent Mission of Armenia at the UN." He noted that the Armenian media make this look like as a document of the separatist regime in the UN. "In fact, this is a lie and nonsense," Hajiyev said. In connection with this, on June 7, the Permanent Mission of Azerbaijan at the UN sent a letter to the UN General Secretariat, he noted. On the same day, the chairman of the UN Security Council distributed a letter among the members of the Security Council, and then it was published as an official document, Hajiyev said. "The letter emphasizes that the Nagorno-Karabakh region is an integral part of Azerbaijan, stresses the inadmissibility of seizing the territory by using force, and demands immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the occupying forces from the occupied territories," he noted. "The letter also says that Armenia constantly evades responsibility by ignoring the position of the international community." The letter also refers to the legal decision made in 2015 by the European Court of Human Rights on the Chiragov and Others v. Armenia case, Hajiyev added. "Once again, it was stressed that Armenia by its occupation and annexation policy will never achieve its goal, Nagorno-Karabakh is an integral part of Azerbaijan, and Armenia has no other way but to withdraw its troops from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan," Hajiyev said. The letter also emphasizes that Yerevan must stop attempts to mislead its people and the international community and must fulfill its obligations to resolve the conflict, he added. "It was noted in the letter that only in this case the long-awaited peace and stability will be established in the region," Hajiyev said. 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 14 Trend: Military products manufactured at the facilities of Azerbaijans Defense Industry Ministry have been showcased at the Eurosatory 2018 international defense and security industry exhibition in Paris, the ministry said in a message June 14. The Azerbaijani delegation headed by Defense Industry Minister Yaver Jamalov is on a visit to France. The exhibition, which started June 11, features 270 items of products of the Defense Industry Ministry. The products of the ministry represented at the exhibition for the first time are viewed with great interest, particularly the 14.5 mm NST sniper rifle, the 81 mm mortar, the remote-controlled combat module equipped with 12.7 mm guns, the Tufan national armored vehicle, Gurza patrol vehicle, as well as Istiglal, Vashag and Yalguzag sniper rifles. As part of the visit, a delegation headed by Jamalov visited the stands of Turkish Havelsan and Cukurova companies, the Israeli Aeronautics company, the French Rokcell company, the German Diehl company and the Serbian Yugoimport-SDPR company. Meetings were organized with representatives of leading companies participating in the exhibition. During the meeting, the minister continues discussions on supporting the candidacy of Baku for holding the World Expo 2025. As part of the exhibition, the ministrys delegation widely informs about the third international defense exhibition ADEX 2018 to be held in Azerbaijan September 25-27. The Eurosatory 2018 international defense and security industry exhibition will end June 15. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 14 Trend: The capital of Azerbaijan has been chosen as a host city of the Global ATM Summit of CANSO (Civil Air Navigation Services Organization) in 2020, the press service of Azerbaijan Airlines CJSC said in a statement. The candidacy of Baku was unanimously chosen at a meeting of the Executive Committee (consists of the leaders of the FAA (USA), air navigation systems of Canada, Germany, the Czech Republic, Argentina, civil aviation administrations of Singapore, Tanzania, the United Kingdom and Saudi Arabia) in Bangkok. Over 70 countries voted for the candidacy of Baku during the CANSO general meeting. The annual Global ATM Summit is one of the most prestigious events in the field of civil aviation. Over 250 participants from more than 100 countries take part at the summit. Due to its scale this event is often compared with the Olympic games in the field of aviation. Such a large-scale and important summit in the history of Azerbaijan's civil aviation will be held for the first time in Baku. CANSO's decision to entrust the holding of the international summit of great importance in Baku is a clear indicator of Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyevs constant attention and care to the civil aviation, as well as the successes achieved in this sphere. The main focus of the event by 2020 will be approval of the revised CANSO: Fit for the Future of ATM program, which defines the strategic direction of the global organization of global air traffic in the future. In recent years, the summit was held in Dublin (2014), Durban (2015), Vancouver (2016) and Copenhagen (2017). This year the summit was held in Bangkok, and in 2019 it will be held in Geneva. CANSO covers a total of more than 85 percent of world air traffic and brings together the worlds air navigation service providers, regulators and executive bodies of aviation authorities from all over the world, as well as leading manufacturers of aviation industry in order to shape the future for secure and seamless airspace. Today CANSO has over 164 members from all over the world. Azerbaijan is member of the organization since 2005. The structural subdivision of CJSC Azerbaijan Airlines - Azeraeronavigation (AZANS) is one of the key air traffic control departments linking Europe and Asia. Annually over 90,000 transit flights are carried out over the territory of the Republic of Azerbaijan. Favorable geographical location of Azerbaijan also allowed to open the Airspace Supervision & Efficiency Center (ASEC), the only one in the former Soviet Union, in the territory of the country. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 14 By Elchin Mehdiyev - Trend: In the coming years, compulsory medical insurance will be implemented throughout Azerbaijan, Deputy Prime Minister of Azerbaijan Ali Ahmadov told reporters on June 14. He noted that the use of compulsory health insurance as a test project in Yevlakh, Mingachevir and Agdash was successful. Ahmadov said new bills as well as changes to the laws related to compulsory health insurance will be presented to the parliament in autumn. "After the adoption of these documents, the use of compulsory health insurance will be possible throughout the territory of Azerbaijan," Ahmadov said. As for insurance contributions, the Deputy Prime Minister said employed citizens of Azerbaijan will be charged a certain percentage of wages, and unemployed citizens and entrepreneurs will pay contributions in the prescribed amount. "However, representatives of a number of categories, for example, pensioners, children and disabled people will be exempt from contributions for compulsory health insurance. The state will take over these obligations," said Ahmadov. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 14 Trend: Azerbaijan should pay special attention to food safety, Melek Cakmak, Head of the UN Food and Agricultural Organization's (FAO) Partnership and Liaison Office, said during the meeting with chairman of Azerbaijans State Customs Committee, Lieutenant-General of the Customs Service Safar Mehdiyev, the Customs Committee said in a message June 14. At the meeting, the sides discussed activity of the FAO in Azerbaijan, including cooperation between the State Customs Committee and the FAO, application of international best practices in the country and other issues. Mehdiyev expressed satisfaction with the relations between Azerbaijans Customs Service and the FAO. Mehdiyev expressed confidence that these relations will develop in the future. Mehdiyev especially noted the ongoing projects on the development of agriculture and food safety. He added that veterinary, sanitary and phytosanitary control is carried out at the customs border. Mehdiyev expressed hope that mutually beneficial cooperation between Azerbaijans Customs Service and the FAO will further contribute to strengthening the control over the safety and quality of food products in Azerbaijan. In turn, Cakmak noted the high level of relations between the FAO and Azerbaijans Customs Service. She spoke about the projects and programs implemented in Azerbaijan by her office. She stressed that it is important to pay special attention not only to increasing yields in agriculture, but also to food safety. At the meeting, the sides exchanged views on issues of mutual interest. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 14 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: The rail service between Turkeys Van and Irans Tabriz cities will be launched on June 18, the Turkish media quoted the countrys Minister of Transport, Maritime Affairs and Communications Ahmet Arslan as saying. He added that the first train will arrive from Tabriz on June 18, and it will head back the next morning. The Van-Tabriz rail connection also promises to boost tourism in the region, according to the minister. Previously, the talks between the two countries were held to resume rail service and the sides reached agreements on the development of relations in the railway sector. It should be noted that the Ankara-Tehran and Van-Tabriz rail services were suspended in 2015. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, June 14 By Fikret Dolukhanov Trend: The international rating agency S&P Global Ratings confirmed the long-term and short-term credit ratings of the issuer of the Uzbek Orient Finance PJSCB at the level of B-/B with the stable forecast on June 13, 2018, S&P Global Ratings stated in its press release. Confirmation of the ratings reflects our view that there is a slight decrease in the risk of negative intervention on the part of the regulator, as the Orient Finance PJSCB has improved the capital adequacy ratio and stabilized the open currency position in accordance with the regulator's requirements, the agency noted. The increase in indicators is due to the fact that the bank has reflected in its financial statements the entire amount of revenue for 2017 in the regulatory capital article. In addition, the rate of the national currency (Uzbek soum) has gradually grown since February 2018, which contributed to a certain reduction in the divergence of assets and liabilities denominated in foreign currency. This discrepancy was due to a sharp depreciation of the national currency (by 48 percent) on September 5, 2017, when the government decided to liberalize the exchange rate. The stable outlook on the bank's ratings reflects our expectations that, despite the limited market share, the volatility of the resource base and the difficult operating environment, Orient Finance will maintain key customers and high profitability in the next 12 months, S&P Global Ratings noted. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov Baku, Azerbaijan, June 14 By Ali Mustafayev Trend: The operators of Kazakhstans Kuryk port will build a universal transshipment terminal, in order to increase the volume of cargo transportation through the port, the director of DARYN Partners Nurzhan Marabaev told Trend. "The universal transshipment terminal will be able to transport about 3 million tons of containers, general and bulk cargo. The commissioning of these terminal is scheduled for 2022," Marabayev said. He also added that, in addition to the universal terminal, the Kuryk port includes several transshipment terminals, including a ferry complex and a liquid cargo terminal. The capacity of the terminal for liquid cargo will amount to 2.9 million tons. The port will also house a transport and logistics center, a production complex, as well as a site for small and medium-sized businesses. "The ferry complex has already been commissioned in December 2016 and has been operating since March 2017. For incomplete 2017 the port of Kuryk transshipped nearly 1.5 million tons of cargo. The total capacity of the ferry complex will amount to 10 million tons by 2030," Marabayev said. He also stressed that the production complex of the Kuryk port will mainly aim at servicing oil and gas projects in the Kazakhstan sector of the Caspian Sea, carrying out ship repair, production of caissons and metal structures. Director of DARYN Partners also said that presently the port holds the construction of a transport and logistics center, which will ensure the functionality and efficiency of reloading its terminals. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @Ali_Mustafayev Baku, Azerbaijan, June 14 By Huseyn Veliyev - Trend: Sumgayit Technology Park (STP) has delivered a large batch of cables to Tajikistan, STP told Trend June 14. The products were delivered as part of the reconstruction work in the Roghun hydroelectric power station. The company shipped two types of cables: control cables and low voltage cables (up to 1 kV). Earlier, STP delivered the first batch of power cables in Tajikistan according to the agreement with "Tajikgidroenergoproekt" JSC on the reconstruction of the "Ravshan" substation. Currently, the high-voltage cables, designed for 220 kW, 330 kW and 500 kW are manufactured at the facilities of STP. The Technopark is the largest enterprise implementing new infrastructure projects in the power industry of Azerbaijan. STP produces electric power and mechanical engineering products based on modern technologies, in particular, it has launched production of a wide range of different types of cables, transformers, high-voltage equipment, hydraulic turbines, water pumps, electric motors, pipes, and technical gases. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @h_veliyev Baku, Azerbaijan, June 14 By Fikret Dolukhanov Trend: Uzbek Ipak Yuli joint-stock investment commercial bank started the procedure of registration of principal membership in MasterCard International, the bank stated on June 14. The bank has already signed the necessary agreement and is currently collecting documents for registration of the principal membership. The registration procedures will be completed in the near future. The principal membership in MasterCard International will allow the bank's customers to use a single service account for three payment systems Visa, UnionPay and MasterCard. All ATMs of the bank will operate both Visa and MasterCard cards, and partner banks will be able to use the processing services of Ipak Yuli through the MasterCard system. In 2006, the Ipak Yuli bank became an associate member of the Visa International system, and in 2008 received principal membership in the Visa International and Chinese UnionPay. MasterCard Worldwide and MasterCard Incorporated are international payment systems with over 22,000 member financial institutions in 210 countries. MasterCard is the second largest payment system in terms of the number of issued bank cards and payment points. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @FDolukhanov Boston, MA, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Reputation Institute (RI), the worlds leading provider of reputation measurement, monitoring and management services, today announced the companys annual US Pharma RepTrak rankings. Based on more than 2,608 individual ratings of pharmaceutical companies during the first quarter of 2018, the survey quantifies the emotional bond stakeholders have with pharma companies in the US, and how these connections drive supportive behavior such as the willingness to purchase a companys products, recommend the brand, invest in or work for a company. The top 10 companies in RIs 2018 US Pharma RepTrak are: 1. Sanofi [NYSE: SNY] 2. Genentech 3. Celgene [NASDAQ: CELG] 4. AbbVie [NYSE: ABBV] 5. Biogen [NASDAQ: BIIB] 6. Bayer [ETR: BAYN] 7. Gilead [NASDAQ: GILD] 8. Allergan [NYSE: AGN] 9. Novo Nordisk [NYSE: NVO] 10. McKesson [NYSE: MCK] Observations of Reputation Disruption in 2018 The 2018 US Pharma RepTrak results reveal that national and industry reputations are under stress, with pharmaceutical companies following the broader national trends with a -3.7 point decline in reputation score compared to 2017. There is a significant erosion of trust in the pharmaceutical industry, with scores in Benefit of the Doubt and Trust to Do the Right Thing declining by 13 percent and 14 percent respectively year-over-year. Negative media coverage of the industry is a strong contributor to the reputation decline. Among industry challenges, low familiarity within the general public hurts the pharmaceutical industrys ability to communicate with their stakeholders and convey what they are about and doing. Within the pharmaceutical industry, 62 percent are challenged by low familiarity within the public perceptions. Likewise, 60 percent of respondents are either unsure or unconvinced as to whether pharma companies are exhibiting good governance. Many pharmaceutical companies are succeeding in areas the public has less concern for financial performance and failing in areas the public values most governance. The study results reveal an opportunity for pharmaceutical companies to improve their reputation and increase stakeholder support, said Ivan Rocabado, Reputation Institute Vice President and Consulting Director for North America. Increasing familiarity of the corporate brand of pharma companies among the general public ties directly to a lift in Trust and Benefit of the Doubt resulting in greater support. Insights from the study highlight many opportunities for improving reputation within the pharma industry. The study results reveal that the top companies with the best reputations and broadest stakeholder support are distinguishing themselves by driving high scores in ethical governance, openness and transparency, and supporting good causes. Companies cant just focus on financial performance, explains Meghan Burke, Reputation Institute Research Analyst. In particular, pharmaceutical companies need to lead with ethics, prioritize governance, be authentic and seize their narrative to enhance their reputation. Learn More and Get Your Companys Pulse Score On an annual basis, RI measures the reputation of thousands of companies using the RepTrak framework, including measures of the most highly regarded and familiar multinational companies in 15 countries including Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Germany, India, Italy, Japan, Mexico, Russia, South Korea, Spain, the United Kingdom and the United States. To access the full list of the most reputable companies in the US please visit: https://www.reputationinstitute.com/us-pharma-reptrak-2018 To get your companys 2018 score and learn how you can improve your ranking and grow your stakeholder support, just ask us at: https://www.reputationinstitute.com/about/Contact-Us About Reputation Institute Reputation Institute powers the worlds most reputable companies. By tracking and analyzing stakeholder perceptions, we unleash the power of reputation intelligence to enable leaders to build better companies. Our RepTrak model analyzes the reputations of companies and is best known as the Forbes-published RepTrak 100. Underlying the model is the RepTrak methodology, the global gold standard for measuring reputation. Learn more at: http://www.reputationinstitute.com Baku, Azerbaijan, June 14 By Azad Hasanli - Trend: Non-bank credit organizations (NBCOs) of Azerbaijan may receive a new source of financing of loans after the corresponding law is adopted, Executive Director of the Azerbaijan Micro-Finance Association (AMFA) Zhala Hajiyeva told Trend June 14. She said the new law on NBCOs, which is being developed, may help the NBCOs obtain loans directly from the Central Bank of Azerbaijan (CBA). The possibility of direct lending to NBCOs was discussed by the CBA and AMFA two years ago. However, the talks yielded no results. "The main problem is that the NBCOs should open correspondent accounts in the CBA to receive loans from the bank," she noted. The current legislation doesnt allow the NBCOs to open correspondent accounts in other financial institutions, so they cannot take loans from the CBA. We want to add the possibility of opening correspondent accounts in the new law and achieve progress in the negotiations. After two devaluations, problems with search for lending funds arose in the Azerbaijani micro-finance market. On the one hand, the share of bad loans increased and NBCOs could not repay the loans in the same amount to issue new loans. On the other hand, attraction of funds from foreign investors proved to be unprofitable for NBCOs due to the changes in the manat rate against the dollar. At the same time, the micro-finance market participants could purchase limited loans from the banks because of the high interest rate on them. As a result, market participants are actively searching for new sources of financing. Besides the negotiations with the CBA, AMFA held various negotiations with potential foreign investors. Some market participants discussed the possibility of creating new funds to expand lending. At the same time, negotiations were conducted with the European Bank for Reconstruction and Development and other international financial organizations. (1.7 manats = $1 on June 14) --- Follow the author on Twitter: @AzadHasanli Baku, Azerbaijan, June 14 By Rufiz Hafizoglu - Trend: Russia and Qatar are the most popular destinations for Turkish citizens to travel for business purposes through the Turkish Employment Agency (ISKUR), the agency told Trend. In particular, in May 2018, through ISKUR, Qatar was visited by 207 citizens of Turkey, and Russia by 139 citizens of Turkey, the agency said. ISKUR noted that, 499 Turkish citizens visited Qatar through ISKUR in the first five months of 2018 (January-May), which is 178.77 percent more than in the same period of 2017. "At the end of five months of 2018, through ISKUR, Russia was visited by 1,166 people, which is 18.06 percent less compared to the same period in 2017," the agency said. ISKUR noted that, in May 2018, 1,693 people traveled to foreign countries through this agency for business purposes. "At the end of January-May this year, the number of Turkish citizens who visited foreign countries through the Employment Agency, amounted to 9 780 people," ISKUR stated. In May 2018, the number of unemployed people in Turkey amounted to 2,561 million people, 49 percent of whom are women, and 51 percent - are men. --- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, June 14 By Rufiz Hafizoglu Trend: As many as 104,760 Turkish citizens were provided with workplaces in Turkey in May 2018, the Turkish Employment Agency (ISKUR) told Trend on June 14. Out of the total number of the employed 33 percent are women and 67 percent - men, according to ISKUR. During the first five months of 2018, the number of Turkish citizens provided with jobs amounted to 439,019 people, with 67 percent of being men and 33 percent women. "A total of 2.561 million people were registered as unemployed in Turkey in May 2018," ISKUR said. Forty-nine percent of them are women and 51 percent are men. -- Follow the author on Twitter: @rhafizoglu Baku, Azerbaijan, June 14 By Leman Zeynalova Trend: The Southern Gas Corridor project, which envisages transportation of Azerbaijani gas to Europe, will enhance the resilience of Europe's energy markets, the US State Department told Trend. "The project will enhance the resilience of Europe's energy markets and reduce its reliance on a single source of gas imports," said the State Department. The US State Department believes that the Southern Gas Corridor is vital to Europe's energy security because it will supply Europe with an entirely new source of gas which will transit to Europe via an entirely new route. 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 next stage will be commissioning of the TANAP gas pipeline, through which the gas will enter the territory of Turkey and further Europe. The launching ceremony of TANAP will take place on June 12 in Turkish Eskisehir. 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 14 By Maksim Tsurkov Trend: The launch of the Southern Gas Corridor (SGC) is a happy moment for Azerbaijan and the EU, Denis Daniilidis, first adviser to the head of the EU Delegation to Azerbaijan, told Trend June 14. He said that June 12 was a very important day, because the ceremony to launch TANAP took place in Turkeys Eskisehir city. The ceremony was held with participation of presidents of several countries, including Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev, Daniilidis said. The SGC has become a reality. The next step will be the launch of the Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). Everything will take place in accordance with the plan, nothing has changed for us. I think those who had any doubts about the implementation of the SGC had to reconsider their views on June 12. He noted that the launch of TANAP is a clear signal of the parties commitment to working together to implement the SGC, which will bring the Azerbaijani gas to the European market in two years. Id like to congratulate Azerbaijan and those who got this far-sighted idea, he said. I believe that more integrative projects in such spheres as transportation will become the next step in the development of relations, because Azerbaijan intends to play a big role as a transportation hub. We started a strategic dialogue between the EU and Azerbaijan on the transportation sector, which is very important. The SGC is already here, it is a reality, it is something that unites the EU and Azerbaijan. We need to try to implement more projects that unite peoples and our commercial interests. He noted that the EU and Azerbaijan are strategic energy partners. There is a memorandum of understanding on energy partnership, and at the moment we are in talks on a new agreement that will be more ambitious and comprehensive than the previous one, because it will cover more spheres, Daniilidis added. Azerbaijan, as a country, has changed greatly in recent years, and the EU has also changed. So, lets be optimistic about the new agreement, which I hope will ensure stronger integration among our peoples, companies and administrations. The official opening ceremony of the SGC was held at the Sangachal terminal, Baku, May 29. The SGC, worth over $40 billion, is considered as one of the priority energy projects for the EU, which strives for diversification of gas sources. The project envisages the transportation of gas from the Caspian region to the European countries through Georgia and Turkey. At an initial stage, the gas to be produced in the Stage 2 of development of Azerbaijan's Shah Deniz field is considered as the main source for the Southern Gas Corridor projects. Other sources can also connect to this project at a later stage. As part of the Shah Deniz Stage 2, the gas will be exported to Turkey and European markets via the South Caucasus Pipeline, Trans-Anatolian Natural Gas Pipeline (TANAP) and Trans-Adriatic Pipeline (TAP). --- Follow the author on Twitter: @MTsurkovTrend Baku, Azerbaijan, June 14 Trend: It is planned to open the "Silk Road" International University of Tourism in Samarkand in 2018-2019 academic year, the press service of the State Committee for Tourism Development announced, the Uzbek media reported. The initiative to open the University by joint efforts of the Shanghai Cooperation Organization member states was put forward by President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoyev on June 10 at the SCO summit in Qingdao. "The best specialists in the field of tourism and students from all our countries could teach and study here," the head of state noted. Initially, 100 people, mainly citizens of Uzbekistan, will study at the University. In the future, students from the SCO states will be admitted for study, the State Tourism Committee noted. Ashgabat, Turkmenistan, June 14 By Huseyn Hasanov - Trend: Begench Gundogdyev was appointed Minister of Defense of Turkmenistan, the decree of the president of the country says. Gundogdyev was relieved of his post as the Commander of the Border Troops. He was replaced in this position by Shadurdy Durdyev, former Deputy Minister of Defense. By another decree of the head of state, Secretary of the State Security Council of Turkmenistan Yaylym Berdiyev was appointed the Minister of National Security. Prior to that, he served as Minister of Defense. In turn, Dovrangeldy Bairamov was relieved of the post of Minister of National Security of Turkmenistan for serious shortcomings in work and demoted in military rank from colonel to major. Turkmenistan has been following the status of neutrality and defense sufficiency since 1995 and is not a member of any military-political blocs. Turkmenistan borders on land with Kazakhstan, Iran, Russia, Uzbekistan, and Afghanistan, and on the Caspian Sea with Azerbaijan, Russia, Kazakhstan and Iran. Tehran, Iran, June 14 By Kamyar Eghbalnejad - Trend: Nader Pasande, the director of Iran's Ports & Maritime Organization in maritime affairs, said natural resources of the Caspian Sea could bring about a golden opportunity for the nations of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to improve their economy. Iran and Azerbaijan can have a closer interaction and benefit from the natural resources of the Caspian Sea, Pasande told the Trend news agency. The largest inland sea in the world is replete with natural resources and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) could benefit from them if it joins the high seas, he added. He further urged the CIS countries to use the untapped potential of the sea and enjoy steady economic growth. The Caspian Sea is the largest enclosed body of water by area and is variously classified as the world's largest lake or a full-fledged sea. Back in May, Iran announced it planned to form a joint oil company with Azerbaijan in what could prepare both to cooperate over the exploration and development of hydrocarbon reserves in the Caspian Sea and elsewhere. The announcement over the formation of the company was made by Amir Hossein Zamaninia, Irans deputy petroleum minister for international affairs and trading. Zamaninia told Trend that the company will be formed within the framework of a deal recently signed between the two parties. In April 2018, during a visit of Irans President Hassan Rouhani to Azerbaijan, the two countries signed "The Memorandum of Understanding on "Joint Development of Relevant Blocks in the Caspian Sea." Tehran, Iran, June 14 By A. Shirazi - Trend: Iran Standard and Quality Inspection Company (ISQI) has signed an agreement with Applus+ IDIADA, a leading company specializing in providing design, engineering, testing and homologation services to the automotive industry worldwide, the director of ISQI announced. Negotiations with Applus+ IDIADA were held with the support of Institute of Standards and Industrial Research of Iran, Ashkan Golpayegani said, according to IRNA news agency on June 14. The talks finally led to an agreement between the two sides whereby Applus+ IDIADA will provide consultancy, training and engineering services to Iran, based on the latest standards of technical and scientific progress in the EU. According to the terms of the agreement, ISQI and Applus+ IDIADA will jointly cooperate to hold educational workshops for car manufacturers in Iran based on the latest European car industry regulations, he added. Golpayegani said the two sides also agreed to cooperate in the areas of crash safety test, quality and service, and in maintaining high industry standards. Those vehicles that successfully pass tests at ISQI center could receive e-Mark certification, he noted. In Europe, vehicle certification system consists of the following two common parts: I. EU certification (referred to as EC), the e-Mark: e-Mark is based on EU Directive and is a safety certification mark which the European Commission require that member states apply it on motor vehicle, parts and systems. Applus+ IDIADA is a multinational company providing design, engineering, testing and homologation services to the automotive industry. It has over 1800 employees in 23 countries. The company was first established in 1971 as IDIADA or Institut d'Investigacio Aplicada de l'Automobil (Institute for Applied Automotive Research). Tehran, Iran, June 14 By A. Shirazi - Trend: The director of National Iranian Gas Company (NIGC) and the Iranian deputy oil minister Hamid Reza Araqi said the country has for the first time managed to attract $2 billion foreign investment through build-operate-transfer (BOT) contracts. Our gas exports to Baghdad and Basra as well as the completion of the 6th national gas trunkline (IGAT-6) are among the projects financed through BOT contracts, Araqi said, according to SHANA news agency. These projects will help bring back the governments capital to the country, he added. Through employing BOT contracts at National Iranian Gas Company, $2 billion capital has been invested in the country for the first time ever. Araqi said the government will continue to use pipes to export gas to neighboring countries. But for far away countries, we plan to achieve the technology for Mini-LNG plants, he further added. The Sixth Iran Gas Trunkline (IGAT-6)a major component of the national gas gridwill go on stream by the end of the current fiscal year that ends in March 2019. Upon completion, IGAT-6 pipeline project will raise gas supply by 50-60 million cubic meters daily. Some 100 kilometers of the 56-inch diameter pipeline are still under construction. Oil Minister Bijan Namdar Zangeneh said that Iran is on pace to boost gas production to 1 billion cubic meters a day by March 2019, roughly the same time that all South Pars phases are planned to be up and running. The gas field, whose development has been divided into 28 phases, is located in the Persian Gulf straddling the maritime border between Iran and Qatar. It covers an area of 9,700 square kilometers, of which 3,700 square kilometers belongs to Iran. It is estimated that the Iranian section of the field contains 14 trillion cubic meters of gas and 18 billion barrels of condensates in place. Company to lease a proprietary membrane dehydration module for deployment in project PASO ROBLES, Calif., June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GLOBE NEWSWIRE Via OTC PR Wire Greenbelt Resources Corporation (OTC:GRCO) (Greenbelt), the developer of a sustainable ECOsystem model that transforms waste into revenue generating bioproducts, today announced that it has signed a Letter of Intent (LOI) with a waste-to-bioproducts company located in New York. The New York company plans to utilize Greenbelts proprietary patent-pending membrane dehydration technology in its waste-to-bioproducts project through a lease arrangement. Similar to Greenbelts ECOsystem model, the project, located in New York, uses cutting edge technology to convert food production wastes into various biobased products such as bioethanol and high protein animal feed additive. However, the project does not currently include ethanol dehydration capability. Adding a Greenbelt dehydration module will provide the project with the ethanol dehydration capability need to produce biofuel. After extensive research, we found that Greenbelts technology is the most cost-effective on the market for our bioethanol projects, said the companys managing member, Their energy efficient zeolite membrane dehydration module will enable us to remove the water from the ethanol produced by the system in even higher concentrations of water than are feasible with molecular sieves, a unique benefit of Greenbelts technology. We look forward to working with the Greenbelt team. We are pleased that our newest client has selected our technology as their choice to perform the dehydration step for their own waste to bioproducts projects, said Greenbelt CEO Darren Eng. We respect the model they adopted for the unique conversion technology they deploy and the types of projects they will be pursuing. We also welcome the leasing model of payment if it helps our clients to deploy projects more rapidly. We look forward to a long and rewarding relationship. About Greenbelt Resources Greenbelt Resources Corporation is an award-winning provider of sustainable energy production systems focused on delivering modular solutions that enable the localized processing of locally generated waste into locally consumed products. Greenbelt designs, develops and implements technology that makes the production of advanced biofuel reliable, practical and efficient. Controlled by proprietary automated controls, Greenbelts small-scale, end-to-end modular systems convert food, beverage and other cellulosic wastes into commercially viable advanced biofuels (bio-ethanol), animal feed, fertilizer and filtered water. For more information visit www.greenbeltresources.com. Forward-Looking Statements & Safe Harbor This document includes certain statements, predictions and projections that may be considered forward-looking statements under securities law. These statements involve a number of important risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially including, but not limited to, the supply and demand for biofuels, our ability to remain technologically competitive and other economic, competitive and technological factors involving the Company's operations, markets, services, products and prices. Contact: Darren Eng, CEO Greenbelt Resources Corporation 888-995-GRCO (4726 x 101) darren@greenbeltresources.com Last year, top diplomats from Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan, Turkmenistan and Kazakhstan agreed on details of a convention on the legal status of the Caspian Sea. The Caspian Sea is the largest enclosed body of water on Earth by area and is variously classed as the worlds largest lake or a full-fledged sea. Subscribe to Trend in Google News! The role of free trade zones in improving exports and increasing the efficiency of ports in preparing the ground for international multimodal companies in exports among the five Caspian Sea littoral states will be among the major topics to be discussed at the conference, Rezvani said. Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qasemi on Thursday strongly condemned Saudi attacks on Al Hudaydah in Yemen, saying the crisis in the country has no military solution, IRNA reported. Continued resort to intimidation and suppression in Yemen goes nowhere, Qasemi said. He strongly condemned Saudi air and sea attacks on Al Hudaydah Port in Yemen, which has exacerbated the situation, while expressing concern over current conditions faced by civilians in the war-torn country. 'We have always underlined that crisis in Yemen has no military solution and the aggressors should put an end to their atrocities,' he said. Such deplorable crimes have dashed political hopes and will only complicate the situation, he said. Saudi led coalition has launched ground attacks to seize Al Hudaydah Port, the fourth-largest city in Yemen. Baku, Azerbaijan, June 14 Trend: Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei has declared an amnesty on the eve of Eid al-Fitr in the country. Eid al-Fitr, also called Feast of Breaking the Fast, is an important religious holiday celebrated by Muslims worldwide. Khamenei has pardoned or commuted prison terms of 537 convicts sentenced by various Iranian courts, the supreme leader's office said on June 14. The head of Irans judiciary Sadiq Amoli Larijani on the occasion of Eid al-Fitr appealed to the Supreme Leader with a letter in which he asked for pardon and reduced sentences of some convicts of military, civil and revolutionary courts. The supreme leader in turn, signed a relevant decree. Iran's Constitution grants him the right to pardon or reduce the sentences of convicts upon the recommendation of the judiciary chief. Amnesties and reduced prison terms are granted mainly on occasions marking religious and national festivals in Iran. The UN Support Mission in Libya (UNSMIL) condemned Thursday the terrorist attack on Libyan oil crescent region, Xinhua reported. "UNSMIL condemns the attack on the Libyan oil ports of Ras Lanuf and Es Sider on Thursday. This dangerous escalation in Oil Crescent area puts Libya's economy in jeopardy and risks igniting a widespread confrontation," said the mission. "Calm must be restored immediately. The unity of Libya must come first," the mission added. Totally five Libyan army soldiers were killed when a terrorist group called Benghazi Defense Brigades, allied with Ibrahim Jathran, a wanted ex-chief of oil installation guards, launched an attack earlier on Thursday and clashed with the army forces there. The attack led to a loss of 240 thousand barrels of oil, and all government employees were evacuated, according to the state-owned National Oil Corporation. The oil crescent region is located some 500 km east of the capital Tripoli, which contains the country's largest oil ports. The army's information department earlier said that "Benghazi Defense Brigades tried to penetrate into the oil crescent region and ignite an oil reservoir in Veba oil field of al-Harouge oil company." The army forces defeated and expelled the militants. The air force targeted those fleeing. In a televised statement, Jathran confirmed that the attack is a "battle to lift the injustice of the people of the oil crescent, not for a personal, tribal, regional, or partisan purpose." On September 2016, the army took control of the oil crescent region and expelled Jathran's forces, who closed major oil ports, making the country lose billions of U.S. dollars. The UN-backed Libyan prime minister, Fayez Serraj, condemned the terrorist attack, calling it an "irresponsible escalation pushes the country into civil war that the Libyan strive to avoid." China is deploying various classes of missiles to contested areas of the Spratly Islands region in the South China Sea, the Washington Free Beacon media outlet citing Pentagon officials, according to Sputnik. "China is continuing its gradual deployment of military equipment to its Spratly Islands outposts in the disputed South China Sea. These deployments involve the delivery of military jamming equipment as well as advanced anti-ship and anti-aircraft missile systems to the outposts," a Pentagon official told the Washington Free Beacon media outlet. According to the media, YJ-12B anti-ship cruise missiles with a 340-mile range, as well as HQ-9A or HQ-9B long-range surface-to-air missiles with a 184-mile range will be deployed, the officials said. The Asia-Pacific region has several territorial disputes in the South China and East China seas that involve Brunei China, Japan, Malaysia, the Philippines, Taiwan, and Vietnam. China considers the Spratly archipelago as its territory, despite the Hague-based Permanent Court of Arbitration ruling, which said there was no legal basis for China's maritime claims. The arbitration proceeding was initiated by the Philippines in January 2013. In May, US Defense Secretary James Mattis said that despite Chinese President Xi Jinpings pledge not to militarize the Spratly Islands, Beijing had moved weapons there. In turn, Beijing said that it had the sovereign right to send troops to any part of its territory, and any attempt to criticize these efforts would be considered an effort to interfere in China's internal affairs. British Prime Minister Theresa May has survived another key Brexit vote but faces pressure from Conservative MPs over giving the parliament a greater say in the final deal to leave the European Union. The House of Commons voted 325 to 298 on Wednesday to reject the proposed amendment by the House of Lords to the to the EU Withdrawal Bill that will sever legal ties with the EU. However, Mays pro-European lawmakers warned that they could yet rebel if she backtracks on promises to give parliament a greater say in the final withdrawal deal. It was the second win for May after she persuaded rebels in her Conservative party to reject the Lords amendment. May defused a rebellion in the parliament on Tuesday over her Brexit plans after she was forced to compromise and hand lawmakers greater control over Britains exit from the EU. Before the vote, May held talks with more than 14 Tory rebels in her Commons office that lasted 11 hours, giving them personal assurances that she would agree to the broad thrust of their proposals. The proposed amendment would have allowed the parliament to block the government from leaving the EU with no deal. Downing Street said it will publish a compromise amendment on Thursday. Meanwhile, Brexit campaigners are still concerned that the concession may enable the EU to force Britain into retaining the closest possible ties with the bloc by weakening the governments hand in the talks. Pro-EU lawmakers, however, described it as a signal that the government was moving towards ruling out a hardline no deal Brexit. A Brexit department spokesman said Tuesday, We have not, and will not, agree to the House of Commons binding the governments hands in the negotiation. The British government has faced fierce criticism both at home and by the EU for its lack of clarity on its Brexit strategy. Britains Brexit department set out its proposed compromise with pro-European Union lawmakers on Thursday, outlining three scenarios under which a vote in parliament on its European union exit deal would be triggered, Reuters reported. This ensures that in all circumstances parliament can hold government to account, while also allowing government to deliver on the will of the British people as expressed in the referendum, a Brexit department spokesman said. We have included three situations which would trigger a vote in both Houses: a) should parliament reject the governments deal with the EU, b) that no agreement can be reached, or, c) there is no deal agreed by the 21 January 2019. The UN General Assembly on Wednesday adopted a resolution that urges protection of Palestinian civilians. The Arab-backed resolution was passed by a vote of 120-8 with 45 abstentions. It reiterates the need to take steps "to ensure the safety and well-being of civilians and ensure their protection, as well as to ensure accountability for all violations," in the context of recent escalation of conflict between the Palestinians and Israel. The text deplores "the use of any excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate force by the Israeli forces against Palestinian civilians." Initially sponsored by Algeria, Turkey and the Palestinians, the resolution got sponsorship from many more countries announced shortly before the vote. Israels Pluristem Therapeutics Inc, a developer of placenta-based stem cell products, said that it had positive results from a mid-stage study of its therapy to treat leg pain known as intermittent claudication, Reuters reports. Pluristem said its PLX-PAD treatment reduced incidence of revascularization and improved patients mobility. IC - muscle pain and weakness brought on by exercise - is usually associated with early-stage peripheral artery disease and if not treated can progress to critical limb ischemia (CLI), where patients are at risk of leg amputation and death. The Phase II study was designed to evaluate the safety, efficacy and optimal dosing regimen for PLX-PAD cells in patients with IC. Enrollment took place at 28 clinical sites in the United States, Germany, South Korea and Israel. The studys results also validate the design of Pluralisms advanced Phase III trial for CLI, the company said. German lawmakers approved a $600 million military deal to lease several Heron TP drones manufactured by Israel Aerospace Industries (IAI), part of a deal with Israel estimated at roughly a billion dollars, The Jerusalem Post reports. IAI confirmed the agreement was signed with Airbus to lease the companys Heron TP Medium Altitude Long Endurance (MALE) RPASs (remotely piloted air vehicle system) to Germanys Federal Ministry of Defence pending approval of the German federal budget, which is expected in the second half of 2018. Under the nine-year deal, Airbus DS Airborne Solutions GmbH will serve as the prime contractor responsible for managing all aspects of the project, including operational support and maintenance throughout the term of the agreement. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu commended the German government and parliament for approving the deal, stating that he discussed it with German Chancellor Merkel during his meeting with her in Berlin last week. "This is a great contribution to the Israeli security industry and to the Israeli economy. The giant deal is an expression of the strategic partnership between Germany and Israel and attests to the potential of Israeli industry to contribute to countries such as Germany, Netanyahu said. According to reports in Hebrew media, details of the deal include a payment of approximately 720 million to IAI for the leasing of the drones and another 180 billion to be transferred directly to the government of Israel for the use of airports and other infrastructures that belong to the Air Force. The drones will serve as a stop-gap measure for the German army before a European-based system is introduced. MUNICH, Germany and SAN JOSE, Calif., June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- OneSpin Solutions, provider of innovative formal verification solutions for highly reliable, digital integrated circuits (ICs), today named formal verification training, consulting and services company Axiomise and Truechip, a leading provider of verification IP (VIP) products and services, to its Spinnaker Certified Service Partners Program. With a focus on leading-edge products and technology, the Spinnaker Program ensures a broad range of service expertise to meet a variety of verification needs. Under terms of the program, Axiomise and Truechip can use OneSpins formal verification solutions in their customer engagements with the full support of OneSpins technical staff. Were delighted to welcome Axiomise and Truechip into our growing Spinnaker Program, remarks Dr. Raik Brinkmann, OneSpin Solutions president and chief executive officer (CEO). Both have a proven track record, along with highly qualified verification experts who will leverage OneSpin tools. Truechip and Axiomise are recognized verification experts often called upon to manage and support large chip design and verification projects. Truechip specializes in verification IP to accelerate chip design, lowering cost and risks associated with application specific IC (ASIC), field programmable gate array (FPGA) and system-on-chip (SoC) design. Axiomise serves the semiconductor industry in the use of formal verification and is dedicated to enabling formal for all semiconductor design and verification through training, consulting and services. A white paper co-authored by Axiomise and OneSpin on using formal tools for good design hygiene is available at: http://bit.ly/2kZzuI5. The only way to make formal mainstream for all design verification is to enable and empower designers and verification engineers, notes Dr. Ashish Darbari, CEO of Axiomise. Formal verification training and services will ensure designers and verification engineers are able to apply formal in a predictable way to achieve high-quality sign-off. Partnering with OneSpin is a step forward to make this a reality. We work with leading semiconductor companies and have scores of customers across the globe, and possess a comprehensive portfolio of Verification IP, both simulation and formal, that are known for their quality, reliability and performance, says Nitin Kishore, Truechips CEO. Our Philosophy of P3 -- Prompt Support, Perfect Integration and Proven Solution -- distinguishes us from others. This partnership will strengthen our formal verification IP portfolio for benefitting common customers. Spinnaker inaugural partners include AEDVICES Consulting, Boost Valley, Contemporary Verification Consultants (CVC), Methods2Business, Oski Technology, Paradigm Works, SyoSil and Test and Verification Solutions (TVS), all trained and certified to offer services using the OneSpin 360 EC or the 360 DV Product Families. To learn more about the Spinnaker Certified Service Partners Program, go to: https://bit.ly/2GqOKWR. 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 Azrieli Group Ltd., managed by CEO Arnon Toren, has begun negotiations for setting up the first store in Israel of electronics giant Apple in a shopping mall to be opened in the new Sarona Azrieli tower. No deal has been signed yet as far as is known and there is no certainty that one will take place, Globes reports. There are currently two official importers in Israel selling Apple's products: iDigital, control of which was acquired by SKY Fund for NIS 110 million. iDigital imports Apple's iPhone and iPad devices and Mac computers. iDigital, which currently has 14 branches, was the sole authorized importer of Apple products in Israel up until recently, when iStore became an official marketer. In additional to the two official importers, official marketers also operate in Israel, including the mobile phone companies and others. Apple is one of the world's best-known, largest, and most profitable makers of electronic and digital consumer products. The company, which is managed by CEO Tim Cook, the successor of Steve Jobs, whose name is identified with Apple more than any other, has a $945 billion market cap. Apple has a number of leading international brands, headed by the iPhone. The company operates stores in key location in major cities that are focuses of global attraction. The stores all conform to the same concept, contain several floors with a great deal of space, and include laboratory services. Apple currently has a development center in Herzliya but has refrained up until now from establishing an official store in Israel. In 2001, the company announced a plan to establish and operate a chain of retail stores and had opened 25 of them in the US by the end of 2017. Apple currently operates stores in many other countries, including Australia, China, France, Germany, the UK, Spain, Japan, the Netherlands, Mexico, and Turkey. The difference in service between Apple's stores lies in their visibility. The Sarona Azrieli tower is the largest tower in Israel; the 61-storey tower is 255 meters high. This office tower also has 10,000 square meters of commercial space on three floors. It is located near the three older Azrieli towers. Azrieli is about to construct another tower in the vicinity. Construction of the Sarona Azrieli tower, which is located in the Sarona compound on the historic site of the Knights Templar in Tel Aviv, was completed in 2017. Companies renting space in the office tower include Facebook Israel, international company Amazon, ironSource, Dropbox, Citibank, international research firm Nielsen, Regus International, electrical company OPC, Ladbrokes, SimilarWeb, LABS, and many others. Azrieli said, "As a matter of policy, the Azrieli group does not confirm or deny media reports about the company's internal actions." Japan's government is looking at the Russian port city of Vladivostok to host a meeting between its Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Kim Jong-un of North Korea, Kyodo reported. The historic summit may take place in September on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum (EEF), government sources told Japans Kyodo news agency. Russia invited Kim to the forum after Abe confirmed his attendance as early as last year. The EEF serves as a platform for the discussion of key issues in the world economy, regional integration, industrial and technological development. Previous year, the event included business dialogues with delegations from China, Japan, South Korea, India, and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN). This year, the forum will take place on September 11-13. Recently, Japanese Prime Minister said that Japan supports the signing of a document after the North Korea-US summit, and considers it a step towards comprehensive resolution of different issues. Earlier, Trump held a historic meeting with Kim Jong-un in Singapore. After the summit, the sides signed a final document, which included the agreement to establish new bilateral relations, as well as the decision to join efforts to "build a lasting and stable peace regime on the Korean Peninsula." Russian President Vladimir Putin has confirmed that he invites North Korean leader Kim Jong Un to visit Russia. According to the president, it could be a separate meeting or a meeting timed to the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September, TASS reports. "I want to confirm and want to extend our invitation to the leader of North Korea, Comrade Kim Jong Un, to pay a visit to Russia," Putin said as he met with President of the Presidium of the Supreme People's Assembly (legislature) of North Korea Kim Yong-nam. "Alternatively, this could be done within the framework of the Eastern Economic Forum in Vladivostok in September of this year. It can also be arranged separately," he added. Moscow and Washington are exploring the opportunity of a meeting between US and Russian Presidents Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin, Richard Hooker, Special Assistant to the President and Senior Director for Europe and Russia in US National Security Council, told TASS. "I think that both sides are exploring an opportunity to meet, yes. I don't think any decisions have been made, or details have been worked out, but I believe both sides are exploring an opportunity to try to do that," he said, answering the question whether Washington is preparing for a possible meeting of the two leaders. According to him, Austria is considered as one of possible venues for the summit. "I am sure this is an option under consideration, but no decision has been made," he said. Last week, Wall Street Journal reported citing sources that Putin is considering the opportunity of organizing his meeting with Trump in Vienna and discussed this issue with Austrias Chancellor Sebastian Kurtz. According to the publication, during his visit to Austria earlier this month Putin allegedly spoke with the Chancellor about the possibility of organizing a summit in Vienna this summer. According to the newspaper, Kurtz told the Russian leader that he would contact Trump about this matter. Later a representative of the White House confirmed that Vienna informed the US administration about its readiness to host the summit. On March 20, Putin and Trump had a telephone conversation. According to the Kremlin press service, the heads of US and Russian foreign ministries were instructed to work out the details of the meeting between the two leaders. Moreover, later it became known that Trump not only talked about the possibility of a meeting, but also invited Putin to Washington for this purpose. At the end of May, aide of the Russian President Yuri Ushakov said that the opportunity of organizing a meeting between Putin and Trump in the coming months, before the summit of G20 in November, has not been discussed yet. On June 10, Putin confirmed that he was ready to meet with Trump as soon as the US was ready for it. Strategic Plan 2017-2025 A Transformative Transition to Preeminence Download the Strategic Plan Message From M. Katherine Banks I am pleased to present the strategic plan for the Texas A&M University College of Engineering. This document reflects the goals and principles that will guide our organization through the year 2025. The plan is the result of engagement with our stakeholders that began with an analysis of our strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats. Key focus areas were identified and several town hall meetings were held to establish goals and strategies. I appreciate the contributions of many stakeholders who helped create this dynamic document. The dynamism of this document will be strengthened through the sustained interaction with our students, faculty, staff, former students and industry partners. The College of Engineering is at the mid-point of a critical period of growth and improvement with the launch of the 25 by 25 transformational education and enrollment growth initiative in 2013. Through 25 by 25 and initiatives guided by the colleges last strategic plan, the college has elevated its academic programs, provided access to engineering education for more qualified students, enhanced and expanded its teaching and research facilities, recruited prestigious academic scholars and professors of practice, and been recognized nationally for its research expertise. Moving forward, the main challenge is to prepare engineers, researchers and engineering educators to succeed in a diverse, globalized economy with a knowledge base that is growing exponentially. While it is a daunting task to educate engineers to succeed throughout their professional lives (that may span over four decades), it is incumbent upon us to educate our students to be lifelong learners; pursue research opportunities to positively impact our quality of life and the economies of the state of Texas and nation at large; and engage in service and outreach activities to share our knowledge base and shape the national agenda. Our overarching goal is to be ranked as the number one engineering program among public institutions in the United States. The strategic plan presented here is a road map to achieve the College of Engineering goals by 2025. M. Katherine Banks, Ph.D., P.E. Texas A&M University President (as of June 1, 2021) Vice Chancellor of Engineering and National Laboratories, The Texas A&M University System University Distinguished Professor Former Dean of Engineering, Texas A&M University (through May 31, 2021) Former Director, Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (through May 31, 2021) VISION To define and lead transformative innovation in engineering education, research and service. MISSION To educate students who are well-grounded in engineering fundamentals for them to succeed in a multi-disciplinary global environment, to be lifelong learners and to conduct research and transform the results into knowledge base, products, and services to benefit society. We actively develop each member of the engineering program and leverage our resources for the betterment of the state, nation and world. STRATEGIC AREAS 1. ELEVATE UNDERGRADUATE EDUCATION Providing the highest quality undergraduate education is a cornerstone of the mission of Texas A&M University and the College of Engineering. It is a priority to provide engineering undergraduates with an education that is well grounded in engineering fundamentals and advanced knowledge to prepare students to meet the complex technical challenges of society for today and tomorrow. Goal #1: Provide undergraduate students with an excellent engineering education Strategies to provide an excellent engineering education include: Map the delivery of engineering education to the current learning modalities of the students. Provide students with state-of-the art facilities for engineering education. Expand opportunities for students to engage in ENGR [ x ] (e.g., leadership, global experience, volunteerism, innovation and entrepreneurship, etc.) to match their passion. (e.g., leadership, global experience, volunteerism, innovation and entrepreneurship, etc.) to match their passion. Deliver a comprehensive honors program with intellectual challenges that inspire students to expand their horizons. Goal #2: To be nationally recognized for engineering education and innovation Strategies to establish leadership in engineering education and innovation include: Providing high-impact, cost effective engineering education that prepares students to be engineering leaders for the 21st century. Expand opportunities for global experiences. Develop and adapt innovative pedagogies and institutional technologies to maximize educational impact on students. Enhance resources (facilities, faculty and staff) to meet the growing demand for an engineering education. Goal #3: Cultivate and graduate a high-achieving undergraduate student population that will succeed in a diverse global professional environment. Strategies to bring about a diverse student population include: Provide an inclusive environment, inside and outside of the classroom, that values diversity of thought and experiences. Expand outreach and recruiting programs to diverse populations to increase interest and broad participation in an engineering education. Enhance programs and opportunities, starting with the first year in the college and sophomore year in the disciplines, which foster student communities of common interest and experiences. Goal #4: Foster an Environment Focused on Student Success Strategies to establish an environment focused on student success include: Increase access to resources (e.g., peer mentors, study groups, living learning communities, etc.) that foster student success. Integrate classes to provide engineering examples and hands-on-experiences to motivate the learning of concepts. Employ programs and student organizations to enhance student integration into the College of Engineering and foster life-long learning and a strong sense of belonging to engineering. 2. ELEVATE GRADUATE PROGRAMS Education, mentoring, and development of graduate students is crucial to the success of the research and education missions of the College of Engineering. In order to recruit, retain, and graduate students who will make a difference, it is imperative that the College of Engineering offers an environment that is rich with preeminent faculty, state-of-the-art curriculum, and state-of-the-art research facilities. Goal #1: Enhance recruitment of top graduate students The ability to recruit top graduate students is key to advancing research productivity and reputation. Strategies to recruit the highest quality graduate students include: Make early offers to PhD students to improve chances of acceptance. Increase availability of internal fellowships to fund the first year of study for PhD students. Assist current and prospective PhD students in preparing competitive applications for federal fellowships. Engage industries to determine unmet workforce needs to align the graduate curriculum. Enhance adaptability to changes in graduate student recruitment channels (e.g., institutions, regions, countries that have provided strong pipelines are likely to change over time). Continue efforts to build relationships/pipelines with institutions known to graduate talented undergraduates but lack strong graduate programs. Goal #2: Recruit, foster, and graduate a graduate student population that will succeed in a diverse global professional environment. Strategies to bring about a diverse graduate student population include: Provide an environment (in the classroom and lab, as well as outside of the classroom and lab) that embraces diversity of thought and experiences. Expand opportunities for creating communities among graduate students. Enhance the outreach and recruiting programs to include diverse undergraduate student populations to increase interest and broaden participation in our graduate programs. Provide the financial support necessary for students to excel in research. Expand efforts for internship experiences with leading industry and national laboratory partners. Foster an academic culture to promote innovation and entrepreneurship. Goal #3: Prepare students for thriving research careers in academia and industry Strategies to prepare students for thriving research careers include: Increase opportunities for students to practice the skills needed for thriving research careers. Expand professional development programs to increase awareness about different career paths. Increase assistance and guidance for pursuing careers in academia and industry. 3. ELEVATE FACULTY REPUTATION AND VISIBILITY Faculty are the intellectual capital of a university. It is a high priority for the College of Engineering that faculty of the highest reputation are recruited, retained and developed. Reputed faculty attract highly qualified and motivated students and research opportunities to the university. Goal #1: Pivot to Preeminence Strategies to recruit, retain, and develop faculty who are or have the potential to be global leaders in their respective fields include: Periodically identify strategic areas for investment to recruit, retain and develop faculty. Recruit highly qualified PhD graduates from top schools and our undergraduate students after they graduate from leading graduate schools. Hire senior faculty in strategic areas and hire faculty clusters around them to build globally competitive research teams. Raise endowments to retain high-performing faculty and take advantage of system-wide and statewide opportunities such as the Chancellors Research Initiative and Governors University Research Initiative. Establish effective mentoring programs to retain faculty. Expand the partner placement program through enhanced bridge funding and tap into the local ecosystem to enhance the success rate in recruiting. Establish a leadership program to develop faculty leaders. Establish large-scale teaching and research facilities to recruit and retain faculty. Incentivize faculty to participate in the Intergovernmental Personnel Act (IPA) programs to serve as program managers at federal funding agencies. Increase the number of IPAs to 5-10 percent of our faculty. Goal #2: Increase program rankings to top 10 and increase the number of National Academy of Engineering memberships and University Distinguished Professors to 10 percent of the faculty Strategies to elevate faculty visibility include: Expect and incentivize faculty to publish in high impact research venues, including digital media. Promote faculty success stories in prominent public mediums and through social media. Proactively nominate faculty to national level awards, society fellowships and academy memberships. Establish a mechanism for identifying, nominating and facilitating the nomination of faculty for prominent external awards. Encourage and facilitate faculty appointments at federal funding and policymaking agencies and position faculty to deliver testimonies before state and federal legislative bodies. Host a national/international level thought leadership event each year on campus. Every year, every department, in their own way, should be a national leader in the conversation. Develop think tanks that generate position papers on new technologies. Goal #3: Build a community of a diverse group of faculty that will inspire, educate, and mentor future graduates so that they may succeed in a diverse global professional environment. Strategies to achieve a diverse faculty include: Proactive targeted recruitment of underrepresented minority and women faculty. Aggressively pursue partner placement efforts to attract faculty to Texas A&M University. Foster a strong mentorship program and promote cluster-hiring practices to retain faculty. Establish an environment that is welcoming of all faculty to develop and succeed. 4. ENHANCE STAFF DEVELOPMENT Staff development includes the activities and programs that help to ensure staff members continually enhance the skills and competencies necessary to accomplish institutional and divisional goals and purposes. Staff development has at its core a mechanism to enable individuals the opportunity to grow personally and professionally and develop competencies and personal qualities that will provide the potential for better performance and satisfaction on the job. Goal #1: Promote an organizational environment that values development, diversity and growth opportunities for all employees. Strategies to promote staff development, diversity, and growth include: Elevate the importance of staff development opportunities to department heads. Incentivize training. Provide career paths inclusive of development plans to include benchmarks. Goal #2: Foster development opportunities that enhance knowledge, develop skills and enrich the organization. Strategies to promote development opportunities include: Create and foster a mentoring program by functional group. Leverage technology to provide specialized training and a wide spectrum of courses. Utilize development plan and/or performance evaluation to define the relationship of assigned tasks with organizational goals and assign associated development opportunities. Goal #3: Provide individuals and the organization with the resources to respond efficiently and effectively to current and future demands for service. Strategies to enable staff to respond to demands in a dynamic environment include: Provide centrally funded earmarks for development and incentives. Develop curriculum for certification programs and/or role specific trainings. Utilize various methods to advertise development opportunities. Establish unique learning opportunities and avenues suitable to staff workload and environment. Goal #4: Impart ongoing leadership and support to the organizations succession efforts. Strategies to put in place a robust succession plan include: Develop leadership training/executive leadership program that is unique to the College of Engineering. Expand mentor programs for staff and staff managers to include supervisory and strategic alignment aspects Continually monitor staff development programs and adjust focus areas based on input and/or strategic initiatives 5. ELEVATE DEVELOPMENT ACTIVITIES Raising funds from private sources, including foundations, is a high priority for the college. Typical sources include former students who wish to give back as a legacy gift to their alma mater; former students and friends of engineering who wish to make a donation to support their passion; and private foundations and corporations who disburse funds to promote a specific program or cause. Typically, funds are received as endowment gifts, pass through gifts and estate gifts. Goal #1: Support the education of 50 percent of undergraduate students through scholarships Strategies to raise funds to support undergraduate student scholarships include: Train faculty and staff leadership in development and stewardship of current scholarships. Connect scholarship recipients with donors. Recognize scholarship donors at department and college functions and in traditional and social media. Launch a $20 million campaign to raise funds to recruit, retain and graduate first generation students (FGEn). Goal #2: Support recruitment and retention of graduate students Strategies to raise scholarship and fellowship funds to recruit and retain highly competitive graduate students, particularly domestic students to achieve a diverse graduate student body include: Launch a $50 million campaign to recruit and retain domestic graduate students. Strategically approach a donor base that is supportive of graduate studies. Goal #3: Support 60 percent of faculty through fellowships, professorships and chairs To recruit and retain outstanding faculty, it is necessary to offer a named title along with discretionary funds. The level of discretionary funds varies with the faculty rank. Typically, funds to support faculty is in the form of endowments. Strategies to raise endowments include: Hold periodic development events in the metropolitan areas and engage donors at sports events. Connect faculty who hold endowments with donors. Communicate the benefit of donating faculty endowments to corporate donors. Proactively pursue estate/planned gifts. Goal #4: Promote the built environment to elevate excellence in education and research State of the art infrastructure is essential to reach preeminence in educating students and conducting research. Strategies to raise funds to build and maintain state of the art infrastructure include: Highlight success stories in traditional and social media. Communicate the benefits of naming opportunities to donors. Advise corporate donors of benefits that include name recognition with prospective employees and users of their products. Educate students about philanthropy. Goal #5: Big ideas to attract large donations Launch student centric programs to recruit, educate, and graduate first generation (FGEn) and women students in engineering. Engineering living and learning communities ENGR [x] 6. ENHANCE RESEARCH AND SCHOLARSHIP The main goal for the college is to create research opportunities for faculty and students and promote the products of research to make a maximum impact upon society. The College of Engineering recognizes that the future of engineering research is multidisciplinary with multiple investigators and warranting establishment of large-scale user facilities. Goal #1: To be ranked #1 in research expenditures Strategies to reach #1 ranking in research expenditures include: Improve success rates with research proposals through targeted submissions, mock reviews and forming winning teams. Retool faculty research portfolios and establish collaborations through engagement with national laboratories, federal funding agencies and national policymaking bodies. Establish a state of the art built environment for collaborative research to address multidisciplinary challenges. Provide financial and logistical support to faculty leading large-scale proposal efforts. Provide seed funding to spur research in multi-disciplinary emerging areas. Enhance the exposure of Texas A&M Engineering research by providing travel support for graduate students to present their work at conferences and workshops and assist doctoral students to pursue academic careers. Goal #2: Enhance ability to create and define research directions To enable faculty to set the national research agenda and to influence the future research directions for federal funding agencies. Strategies to create and define future research directions are: Continue to rely on an effective governmental representative to help connect faculty with research opportunities and ensure that the college has the ear of legislators at both state and national levels. Encourage placement of PhD graduates in governmental laboratories where they can be in a position to identify and shape directions for new research. Resource mid-career faculty to retool and pursue newer research areas. Goal #3: Enhance research infrastructure and scholarship The College of Engineering recognizes that the establishment of large-scale research user facilities is required to promote multidisciplinary research. Promotion of the dissemination of research results in high quality venues is essential to maximize the impact. Strategies to achieve these goals include: Establish state of the art core facilities in areas of strategic importance (e.g. materials characterization facility, soft-material research center, autonomy and smart manufacturing). Recognize faculty contributions and impact in multi-principal investigator research grants during tenure and promotion and annual review considerations. Assemble a list of high quality journals in each research area with an expectation that faculty would publish in those publications. Goal #4: Enhance and promote multidisciplinary research and collaboration The College of Engineering recognizes that the skill sets required to address future research problems that are highly multidisciplinary do not rest with one or two researchers, but will require a team of researchers. Promotion of multidisciplinary and multi-investigator research is a priority for the college. Strategies to promote multidisciplinary research include: Organize networking events to promote collaborations and multidisciplinary research. Encourage and incentivize junior faculty to become involved in multidisciplinary collaborations from an early stage in their careers. Adapt tenure and promotion and annual review policies to recognize and reward multidisciplinary research. Provide technical and communication assistance to faculty who are leading large multidisciplinary research proposals. Goal #5: Enhance engagement in entrepreneurship The College of Engineering recognizes that successful faculty, student, and staff entrepreneurs will maximize their research impact in a short time, create wealth and create jobs. The goal is to have at least 10 percent of faculty be successful entrepreneurs. Strategies to promote an entrepreneurial culture and increase the number of successful entrepreneurs in the college include: Recognize and credit the impact of entrepreneurship and technology commercialization activities/products in the annual review and tenure and promotion considerations. Continue efforts to develop and foster an ecosystem for an entrepreneurship culture to succeed. Expand opportunities for PIs and graduate students to become involved in these activities. Goal #6: Ensure adaptability to changes in research opportunities Research opportunities track the state of the technology, socioeconomic conditions in a society and status of the national security. These broad variables affect the research direction and opportunities. Faculty must be adaptable to pursue opportunities where they exist (federal funding agencies, industry, international sources, state agencies) and type of research opportunities (basic, applied, product development, technology commercialization). Strategies to make faculty adaptable to changes in the research opportunity landscape include: Continue efforts to establish and maintain a presence at national level forums that shape federal funding directions. Increase efforts to develop industry partnerships and funding sources. Engage at the highest levels of leadership between the College of Engineering and industry. Intellectual Property (IP) issues should be resolved to provide a welcoming environment for industries and alternative research delivery mechanisms such as consortia should be pursued. Assist faculty to reorient their research and communication skills to successfully engage with industry. Establish communication platforms to seek input from industry partners on their research needs. 7. SERVE CONSTITUENTS THROUGH ACTIVE ENGAGEMENT Increase engagement with our key constituents (industry partners, students, faculty/staff, donors, employers, workforce, state and federal organizations and the public) by building and implementing tools that serve the needs of our constituents. These tools will allow the college to develop key solutions to address the ideas and opportunities put forward by the constituency. Goal #1: Develop a media outreach strategy (social and traditional) to engage constituents in conversations about mutually beneficial needs and opportunities. Strategies to engage constituents through social and traditional media include: Develop a data-driven system to provide analytics on all constituent groups. Increase the number of town hall meetings (physical and virtual) to enable our constituents to provide feedback on opportunities. Develop a methodology to collect data from our constituents for analysis. Goal #2: Drive interaction between our constituents and the college to assist in the refinement and development of new programming opportunities. Strategies to engage constituents to create new programming opportunities include: Facilitate increased interaction between students and employers by creating additional internships, co-ops and research engagements. Increase outreach to industry partners for applied Increase the number of workforce development opportunities available in the state of Texas. Goal #3: Adapt our programs to facilitate the modification and improvement of our offerings to align with the changing needs of our constituents. Strategies to align our programs to meet the needs of our constituents include: Develop a systematic approach to assimilating constituent analysis and integrate into program planning and development. Increase agility by reducing the lead-time to program implementation. Measure success of implementations and cycle feedback data into the development loop. Goal #4: Expand our geographic reach to increase engagement and brand recognition of Texas A&M Engineering. Strategies to increase our reach and brand recognition include: Develop a comprehensive market analysis of program development, modification and delivery. Develop a long-range branding campaign to ensure increased recognition. Increase the number of courses and programs delivered through distance learning technologies. ACKNOWLEDGEMENT This strategic plan was developed over a period of one year through engagement with faculty and staff. Department heads conducted SWOT analysis (strengths, weakness, opportunity, and threat) in their respective units to identify focus areas and priorities. Inputs from department heads were integrated to determine focus areas that are a priority to the college. Over a dozen town hall meetings were conducted with faculty and staff to establish goals and strategies to achieve those goals. Participation of faculty and staff at large are acknowledged. Feedback was provided by the executive committee of the College of Engineering Advisory Council (EAC). Several individuals facilitated discussions at the town hall meetings and assisted with writing of this document. A list of facilitators in alphabetical order is listed below. Facilitators: Abinajm, N., Acker, A., Anand, N.K., Anderson, S., Autenrieth, R. A., Banks, M.K., Bowersox, R., Crawford, J., Enjeti, P., Girimaji, S., Green, P., Guiseppi-Elie, A., Hassan, Y., Hill, D.A., Hurtado, J., Jacobs, T., Karaman, I., Langari, R.L., Lawley, C., Lawley, M.A., Lagoudas, D., Martell, M., Mireles, H., Mitchell, M., Karim, N., Palsole, S., Pierson, E., Polycarpou, A., Reddy, A.L.N., Roberts, J., Searcy, S., Slaydon, D., Taylor, V., Weichold, M. W., Wright, T., Ugaz, V. In-Person Visits The College of Engineering hosts a daily engineering info session and tour of the Zachry Engineering Education Complex at 1:30 p.m. Registration is required. Please note that all guests of the Zachry building will be expected to uphold the Aggie core values of respect and selfless service by following Texas A&M University health and safety guidelines. All tour offerings will be subject to change in accordance with university health and safety guidelines. Register for the info session and tour Interactive Virtual Sessions Every week, we host virtual general engineering informationals, including a questions and answers session with our engineering student ambassadors. These sessions provide an excellent opportunity for you to ask questions and get to know us. The following options are available: Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. CST Register for Virtual Information Session Visit with a Department The following departments host information sessions for prospective undergraduate students. Please note which options are virtual and which are in person. Aerospace engineering: Tuesdays, 7:30 p.m. CST (virtual) Biomedical engineering: Mondays, 10:30 a.m. CST (virtual) | Fridays, 3:30 p.m. CST (in person) Civil and environmental engineering: Mondays, 11:30 a.m. CST (in person) | Fridays, 3 p.m. (in person) Electrical and computer Engineering: Fridays, 3:30 p.m. CST (virtual) Register for a Department Informational Virtual Tours View our virtual Zachry Engineering Education Complex tour above. For more information about this state-of-the-art building, visit the Zachry website. To register for a virtual Texas A&M University campus visit and for more information about the university, visit the Texas A&M visitors page. Interactive Virtual Sessions: Engineering Academies The Texas A&M Engineering Academies are also offering virtual information sessions. Students admitted to an engineering academy are coenrolled in the College of Engineering and a partner community college. This means students can stay close to home and save money over the first two years of college. Unlike traditional transfer programs, admitted students are Texas A&M College of Engineering students from day one. Applications are accepted through June 30 each year. However, students are encouraged to apply by the April 1 priority deadline. Register for a Virtual Information Session with an Academy Industry Partnership Opportunities Whether you are looking to partner with students or faculty or need other industry-related assistance, the Engineering Program of The Texas A&M University System can help. Industry can connect to student programs, either as a potential sponsor of student research programs or through various student internships and recruitment programs. The College of Engineering through its affiliation with the Texas A&M Engineering Experiment Station (TEES), also connects industry with continuing education and research resources. Interact with Industry Mingle with industry professionals and look good doing it! We offer multiple opportunities for your professional development and interaction with our former students throughout the year. Polish yourself as a candidate for jobs, internships and other opportunities. Participate in these programs and make your resume stand out from the rest! By Tomoyuki Tachikawa, KYODO NEWS - Jun 15, 2018 - 08:30 | World, All Chinese President Xi Jinping on Thursday embraced the recent U.S.-North Korea summit as an "important first step" toward resolving the issue of Pyongyang's nuclear arsenal and supported a "gradual" approach to its settlement. He made the comments in talks with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo in the Chinese capital. It was Xi's first public statement since U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un held a summit in Singapore on Tuesday. Xi told Pompeo that the latest U.S.-North Korea summit "is an important first step in the process of political resolution of the nuclear issue on the Korean Peninsula," China's Xinhua News Agency reported. The Chinese president was also quoted as saying that the peninsula issue is so "complex" that its resolution "will inevitably be a gradual process." The remarks are thought to suggest that Xi favors an approach in which North Korea would receive rewards in return for every step it takes toward dismantling its nuclear program. Earlier in the day, Pompeo said he and Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi agreed that sanctions against North Korea will be lifted only after Pyongyang achieves complete denuclearization, although his Chinese counterpart kept mum on the issue. (Pompeo, left, and Wang, right) "We have made very clear the sanctions and economic relief that North Korea would receive would only happen after the full denuclearization," Pompeo said at a joint press conference with Wang. But Wang did not clearly mention China's position on the sanctions, saying only, "We would work out through more detailed and specific consultations." Their remarks underscored that Washington and Beijing remain at odds over when and how to ease or lift the sanctions against Pyongyang, which had developed and tested ballistic missiles and nuclear weapons in defiance of international warnings. The United States has called on North Korea to take concrete action to abandon all its nuclear weapons, saying tough sanctions imposed on the country will only be lifted when it attains "complete denuclearization." China, North Korea's main economic lifeline, has repeatedly said sanctions "are not an end in themselves," indicating that it believes they should be eased, depending on the progress of nuclear disarmament. In a joint statement, signed Tuesday by Trump and Kim, Pyongyang committed to "complete denuclearization" and Washington pledged to provide it with security guarantees. The document, however, did not specify the timing and conditions to ease the international sanctions including Beijing's strict trade restrictions against Pyongyang, which are believed to have dealt a crucial blow to North Korea's economy. North Korea's state media reported Wednesday that Trump and Kim affirmed "step-by-step and simultaneous action" toward nuclear disarmament, a phrase taken as suggesting Pyongyang would win concessions for every step it implements in the process. Pompeo and Wang, meanwhile, reached an agreement that their two countries will work together to realize denuclearization on the Korean Peninsula. Calling the first-ever U.S.-North Korea summit "successful" and "historic," Wang, who doubles as state councilor, said, "All the parties including China, the DPRK and the United States all agree that goal." DPRK is the acronym of North Korea's official name, the Democratic People's Republic of Korea. Relations between China and North Korea have improved markedly since Kim visited Beijing in March, on his first foreign trip since becoming the supreme leader in the wake of the death of his father Kim Jong Il in 2011, and met with Xi. The two leaders met again for two days in the northeastern Chinese city of Dalian in early May, just about a month before the Washington-Pyongyang summit. With speculation growing that North Korea made some deals with China ahead of negotiations with the United States, Trump had expressed frustration over Kim's approach to Xi, saying he detected a shift in Pyongyang's tone following their May 7-8 summit in China. As for recent Sino-U.S. trade tensions, Pompeo urged China to make efforts to reduce what he called its "too high" surplus, emphasizing that bilateral trade should become "more balanced, more reciprocal and more fair." Wang said, "We have two options. One is cooperation and win-win outcome and the second is confrontation and lose-lose scenario. China opts for the first one." "We hope the United States will make a wise choice," he added. Earlier in the day, the U.S. secretary of state held talks in Seoul with South Korean President Moon Jae In and with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts. KYODO NEWS - Jun 14, 2018 - 17:08 | All, Japan The Japanese government will step up efforts to tackle child abuse after the recent death of a 5-year-old girl who had written "forgive me" in a notebook in begging her parents to stop abusing her, the top government spokesman said Thursday. "A tragedy like this should never happen again. We will take thorough countermeasures against child abuse," Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said, adding the government is expected to hold a meeting of Cabinet ministers Friday to discuss the matter. The death of Yua Funato of Tokyo in March has drawn public attention since details of her abuse by her mother and stepfather came to light after their arrest earlier this month on suspicion of neglect resulting in death. (Photo of Yua kept by her greatgrandmother) According to investigators, Yua was given only a cup of soup for breakfast and a little bit of rice, over which miso soup was poured, for lunch and dinner, as her parents demanded she stay slim "like a model." She weighed only 12 kilograms when she died, compared with the average weight for her age of 20 kg. The police found at Yua's home in Meguro Ward a notebook and memos written by her in hiragana letters, filled with pleas to her parents to stop abusing her. "Please forgive me forgive me," "I have played like a fool. Playing is like being a fool. I will stop it. I promise I will never ever do it again," the memos read. 5-yr-old girl dies from neglect despite pleas for abuse to stop Many child abuse authorities failing to share information with police The police also found a piece of card with about 10 rules for the girl written on it, such as "Study," "Brush my teeth," and "Wash the bathtub at four," in hiragana. The police believe Yua's parents wrote them. She was forced by her parents to wake up at 4 a.m. every day to measure her weight and practice writing hiragana, according to the police. Her parents had not taken Yua to a hospital even though she was ill. Her 25-year-old mother Yuri Funato allegedly told investigators, "I thought it would put me in a bad position." The police believe the couple abandoned the girl because they were afraid their abuse of her would be discovered by child welfare centers or the police. In the end, her 33-year-old stepfather Yudai Funato made an emergency call on March 2, saying, "Our daughter has not eaten for a few days and vomited, and her heart doesn't seem to be beating." Yua was wearing a diaper when she was taken to a hospital, where she was pronounced dead. Her mother explained at the time it was because Yua was "bedridden," indicating she was too debilitated to go to the bathroom by herself. Yua also sustained bruises around her eyes and over her body.) The abuse inflicted on her apparently got worse after the family moved to Tokyo from Kagawa Prefecture in January. While in Kagawa, the stepfather had been referred to prosecutors twice on suspicion of abusing the child on several occasions, but both cases against him were dropped. Information on the alleged child abuse was passed on to a Tokyo child welfare center from Kagawa, and an official visited the family's home on Feb. 9 but was denied an opportunity to see the child by her mother. This information was not shared with the police. CALGARY, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The period from 2006 to 2016 was a remarkable decade for Canadas oil and gas industry. Periods of rapid growth followed by sharp contractions transformed not only the industry, but also its workforce, according to the latest report released today by PetroLMI, a division of Energy Safety Canada. During the 10-year period, the workforce employed directly by Canadas oil and gas industry expanded by 15 per cent, or 25,000 workers, to almost 190,000. A demographic analysis by PetroLMI has found the industry made some strides in becoming more diverse. Representation among immigrants and non-permanent residents, visible minorities and Indigenous Peoples increased over the period. The oil and gas industrys workforce grew older and became more educated. Meanwhile, the proportional representation of young workers declined by more than half and the share of women and persons with disabilities working in the industry remained relatively unchanged. Canadas oil and gas industry has made some strides in diversifying its workforce but there is both an opportunity and a need for further improvement overall, said Carol Howes, Vice President of Communications and PetroLMI for Energy Safety Canada. According to the report Diversifying Canadas Oil and Gas Workforce: A Decade in Review, by 2016, 17 per cent of oil and gas workers were 55 or older, up considerably from 10 per cent in 2006. The share of young workers, those under 25, declined from 15 per cent to 7 per cent of the workforce. Not unlike Canadas total workforce, oil and gas workers were also more educated. The proportion of workers without a high school diploma was cut in half to 8 per cent, while workers with a university degree increased from 19 to 26 per cent. Meanwhile, immigrants and non-permanent residents made up 16 per cent of the workforce and visible minorities 13 per cent, up from 12 per cent and 7 per cent, respectively. By 2016 the oil and gas industrys share of women was little changed at 22 per cent, representing one-fifth of the workforce. More than half of the women working in Canadas oil and gas industry are employed in occupations related to business, finance and administration. These roles tended to be impacted by merger and acquisition activities, particularly in the exploration and production sector, said Howes. The percentage of women in the pipeline and oil and gas services sectors increased slightly during the same period. While the growth of workforce representation of Indigenous Peoples grew relatively slowly during the 10-year period, from 5.6 to 6.3 per cent, it remained proportionately higher than other trade-intensive industries and the total Canadian workforce. The report reviews the changing demographics of the oil and gas industrys three sub-sectors exploration and production, oil and gas services and pipeline and compares them to the total Canadian workforce and other trade-intensive workforces. It also examines oil and gas company diversity and inclusion efforts in recent years. With the last in, first out youth workforce declining and the grey wave of baby boomers heading towards retirement, Canadas oil and gas industry will be challenged to replace its workforce should a significant rebound in hiring occur. During the most recent downturn, many younger, less experienced workers were let go. Several employers interviewed for this report expressed concern about reversing these losses over the longer term, said Howes. There have already been skill shortages in oil and gas services a sector that lost many young workers in the last three years. Going forward the industry will need to refocus on improving the overall work environment and culture to continue to attract and retain the best talent. Supporting information: In 2016, immigrants and non-permanent residents made up 16 per cent of the workforce, up from 12 per cent in 2006. Across Canada workforce representation was 25 per cent in 2016. The proportion of visible minorities in the oil and gas workforce nearly doubled, from 7 per cent in 2006 to 13 per cent in 2016. Across Canada, workforce representation was 21 per cent. Indigenous Peoples accounted for 6.3 per cent of the oil and gas workforce in 2016, up from 5.6 per cent in 2006. Across Canada, Indigenous Peoples accounted for 3.9 per cent of the workforce. In 2016, 17 per cent of industrys workforce was over 55, up from 10 per cent in 2006. Over the same period, workers 24 and under decreased from 15 per cent to 7 per cent. Women made up one-fifth of the oil and gas workforce in 2016, or 22 per cent, relatively unchanged from 2006 at 21 per cent. Womens representation was in line with other trade-intensive industries such as construction and agriculture. Women made up 34 per cent of the pipeline workforce, 25 per cent of the exploration and production workforce and 17 per cent of the oil and gas services workforce. Nine per cent of women and 10 per cent of men were in management occupations across the industry in 2016. In 2016, persons with disabilities accounted for 10.6 per cent of the oil and gas workforce, relatively unchanged from 10.4 per cent in 2006. PetroLMIs reports are available at CareersinOilandGas.com. This report is funded by the Government of Canadas Sectoral Initiatives Program. The Petroleum Labour Market Information (PetroLMI) Division of Energy Safety Canada is a leading resource for labour market information and trends in the Canadian oil and gas industry. PetroLMI specializes in providing labour market data, analysis and insights, as well as occupation profiles and other resources for workforce and career planning. For all media inquiries: Breanne O'Reilly Email: breanne.oreilly@energysafetycanada.com Phone: 403.516.8050 KYODO NEWS - Jun 14, 2018 - 22:19 | World, All South Korean President Moon Jae In met with U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo on Thursday and praised the first-ever U.S.-North Korea summit this week for freeing the world from fears of war. "The most important achievement of the summit is that not only Americans, Japanese and Koreans but also people in the whole world are now free from the threats of war, nuclear weapons and long-range missiles," Moon said in the meeting in Seoul. [Pool photo] Moon said the unprecedented summit, held Tuesday in Singapore between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, was "truly a historic feat" and moved the world toward an era of peace and prosperity. Moon was also quoted by his office as telling Pompeo that skepticism from some experts fails to acknowledge the reality that most of the South Korean public welcomes the outcome of the summit. Pompeo praised Moon's efforts, saying a successful summit between Moon and Kim earlier this year served as a great stepping stone for the first summit between a sitting U.S. president and a North Korean leader. At Tuesday's summit, Kim committed to "complete" denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, while Trump pledged to provide security guarantees to Pyongyang. Besides North Korea's denuclearization, attention has been paid to how South Korea would assess Trump's abrupt announcement after the summit that he will be suspending "war games" with South Korea for as long as North Korea continues denuclearization talks in a sincere manner. [Pool photo] On Wednesday, Kim Eui Kyeom, a spokesman of Moon's office, said there was still a need to figure out what Trump actually meant by his comments at his solo post-summit press conference. During Moon's meeting with Pompeo, both sides exchanged opinions on South Korea's joint military drills with the United States, the presidential office said, without providing details. North Korea has long demanded that the United States and South Korea stop conducting joint military exercises, which it regards as a rehearsal for invasion. "Under the circumstances that we are negotiating a very comprehensive, complete deal, I think it's inappropriate to be having war games," Trump said at his press conference. Pompeo arrived Wednesday in Seoul to meet Moon, as well as his South Korean and Japanese counterparts, to brief them on the outcome of the summit. Later in the day he flew to Beijing to provide a similar briefing to the Chinese leadership. KYODO NEWS - Jun 14, 2018 - 21:58 | All, Japan Two men arrested earlier this week in connection with the death of a 29-year-old nurse are suspected of following her from a building housing a gym that she went to before they kidnapped her in a nearby parking lot, investigative sources said Thursday. Security camera footage shows two men forcing their way into the car of Mayuko Uchiyama and driving off in the late afternoon on May 26 in Hamamatsu, Shizuoka Prefecture. Her car was found in Kuwana, Mie Prefecture, about 100 kilometers northwest of Hamamatsu, and her body was found buried in Fujieda in Shizuoka on Saturday. Mitsuru Suzuki, 42, and Motoki Ito, 28, both arrested on suspicion of illegally confining Uchiyama, have told investigators they became acquainted with each other through an internet message board, which included a post for "profitable" work, and met in person for the first time on the day of the attack. They have told police they were not acquainted with the victim. 2 men arrested in connection with woman's body abandoned on mountain Suzuki turned himself in at a police station in Nagoya on Monday, and both have admitted to abducting Uchiyama but denied burying her body. A separate security camera captured the two with another man, leading the police to suspect at least three were involved in the attack. Authorities began looking for Uchiyama after her family reported her missing two days after the kidnapping. There have been murders and other serious crimes committed by people who solicited accomplices online, but authorities have struggled to take countermeasures, particularly with the evolution of the dark web, which provides a space for untraceable online activities. In a 2007 murder in Nagoya, 31-year-old Rie Isogai was abducted and killed by three men who were only acquainted through a website. One was given a death sentence, while the other two were given life terms. (Parking lot where the victim was kidnapped) KYODO NEWS - Jun 14, 2018 - 11:40 | All, World While hailing the summit between the U.S. and North Korean leaders as a meaningful step toward the denuclearization of the North, Japan has grown uneasy over U.S. President Donald Trump's abrupt promise to halt U.S.-South Korea military drills. For U.S. allies Japan and South Korea, military exercises conducted with the United States have been perceived as sending out deterrent messages to the region and serving as a tool to pressure North Korea into giving up its nuclear and missile ambitions. But in what can be seen as a concession to North Korea, Trump said at a press conference after the summit on Tuesday in Singapore, "We will be stopping the war games (with Seoul), which will save us a tremendous amount of money, unless and until we see the future negotiation is not going along like it should." Trump also echoed North Korea's view that the exercises are "provocative" and even touched on his hope to see an eventual scaling back of the U.S. troop presence in South Korea, which remains technically at war with the North since the 1950-1953 Korean War ended in an armistice, not a peace treaty. "Frankly speaking, I'm stunned (by Trump's remarks about suspending the U.S.-South Korea military exercises). This is going to affect Japan's security significantly. We must confirm his intentions," Masahisa Sato, senior vice foreign minister, said on a television program late Tuesday. Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said Wednesday Japan is not in a position to comment on the military drills of other countries, but added, "The U.S.-South Korean exercises and U.S. forces in South Korea play significant roles for the security of East Asia." He also indicated that he had not expected the issue of U.S. forces in South Korea to be on the agenda during the Trump-Kim meeting, saying he had heard that the issue would not be raised from his U.S. counterpart Jim Mattis in a recent bilateral meeting. "The unpredictable Mr. Trump has created a stir on a matter we had not expected," a Japanese Defense Ministry source said. North Korea has traditionally linked its pursuit of nuclear weapons to what it calls "hostile" U.S. policy, referring to the 28,500 American troops stationed in South Korea and the provision of "nuclear umbrella" defense to Seoul in line with their bilateral alliance. The U.S. forces in South Korea and the South Korean military have stood together for more than 60 years maintaining the armistice signed after the Korean War, in which the U.S.-led United Nations forces fought alongside South Korea against a North Korean invasion supported by China and the Soviet Union. In the event of an emergency on the Korean Peninsula, the South Korean military would effectively operate as part of U.S. forces, which would take control of military operations. To improve their readiness, they conduct joint exercises, large and small, a few dozen times every year. The joint exercises have also been used as a bargaining chip between the United States and North Korea. When the United States reached a landmark nuclear agreement with North Korea in 1994, the United States and South Korea halted Team Spirit, their then major annual exercise, which Pyongyang contended was a rehearsal for invading North Korea. Pyongyang at that time promised to freeze its nuclear program in return for aid, but the accord later collapsed when Washington accused Pyongyang of secretly enriching uranium. While it is not clear whether Trump was referring to the halt of all military exercises with South Korea or only major ones, a senior Japanese Self-Defense Forces member expressed concerns that the absence of exercises could directly affect the two militaries' ability to fight in actual warfare. A senior U.S. military official, meanwhile, has told U.S. media that military training can be carried out in Japan, if not South Korea, and that nuclear-capable bombers may frequently fly to Japan in that case. During the press conference Tuesday, Trump also expressed hope that the Korean War "will soon end." The formal end of the war may make it difficult to justify the need to maintain the U.S. military presence in South Korea, and its reduction would certainly affect the operations of the 50,000 U.S. troops stationed in Japan, also tasked with playing key roles during contingencies on the Korean Peninsula. Some Japanese security experts were critical of the outcome of the landmark summit, with Yoji Koda, a retired vice admiral of Japan's Maritime Self-Defense Force, saying Trump appears to have won too little and given away too much through his talks with Kim. North Korea's promise on denuclearization was vague in contrast with the U.S. push to achieve "complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization," while Trump's remarks on U.S.-South Korea military exercises and the U.S. forces stationed in South Korea were degrading enough to upset his own country's people in service, Koda said. "Mr. Trump described the exercises as costing too much money and threatening to North Korea...These words must have been intolerable for service members. The president may have made the remarks as a result of being carried away by the elevated mood (of the historic event), but still they are the words of a president and cannot be discounted," Koda said at a symposium organized by Japanese think tank Genron NPO on Wednesday. KYODO NEWS - Jun 14, 2018 - 23:05 | World, All The Japanese government is looking to arrange a summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in September after Kim showed his readiness during his meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump this week, a government source said Thursday. Abe and Kim could meet in the Russian Far East city of Vladivostok on the sidelines of an annual economic forum, in which Kim could take part. Abe has also expressed willingness to attend the event. During the historic summit with Trump in Singapore on Tuesday, Kim said there were possibilities for him to meet with Abe and he is "open" to doing so, according to the source. With the remarks, Tokyo is expected to launch full-fledged preparations to arrange the first Japan-North Korea summit since 2004, in an attempt to settle the issue of Japanese nationals abducted by Pyongyang in the 1970s and 1980s. On Thursday, Japanese and North Korean officials made informal contact at a security forum in Ulan Bator, the Japanese Foreign Ministry said. Fumio Shimizu, deputy director general at the Foreign Ministry's Asian and Oceanian Affairs Bureau, conveyed to the North Korean side Japan's position on the abduction issue during the brief exchange on the sidelines of the two-day gathering through Friday, the ministry said. If a summit is realized, the source said, Abe would tell Kim that Japan is ready to normalize bilateral ties and provide economic support to North Korea on condition that Pyongyang resolves comprehensively the outstanding issues of concern including its nuclear and missile development and abductions. Japan would also pledge to overcome the countries' "unfortunate past," the source said, referring to the Japanese occupation of Korean Peninsula between 1910 and 1945. Although the Trump-Kim summit was focused on denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, the U.S. president brought up the Japanese abduction issue at Abe's request and conveyed Japan's stance, which is based on a joint declaration issued in Pyongyang in 2002, according to the source. Kim did not repeat his country's long-held position that the abduction issue has been resolved, Koichi Hagiuda, a lawmaker close to Abe, told reporters on Wednesday after meeting with the prime minister. Trump briefed Abe over the phone about the summit. "Taking the opportunity of the U.S.-North Korean summit, Japan is determined to face North Korea directly and resolve the issue," Abe said during a meeting with a group representing abductees' families in his office Thursday afternoon. During the meeting, Shigeo Iizuka, who heads the group, asked Abe not to rush into a summit, saying, "I believe it is still early for the prime minister to go (to North Korea) and negotiate various matters, while nothing is decided." (Abe meets with Shigeo Iizuka, center, and Sakie Yokota, the mother of Megumi Yokota, who was abducted in 1977 at age 13) Abe did not mention a schedule for Japan's negotiation plan, according to a participant. Japanese and North Korean leaders have not met for 14 years, since Prime Minister Junichiro Koizumi held talks with Kim Jong Il, the current North Korean leader's father, in Pyongyang. Koizumi visited North Korea twice -- in 2002 and 2004. Japan officially lists 17 of its citizens as having been kidnapped by North Korean agents and suspects the North's involvement in many more disappearances of Japanese nationals. Of the 17, five were repatriated in 2002 following Koizumi's first talks with Kim in Pyongyang. North Korea claims eight of the abductees have died and the other four never entered the country. More on North Korea: Kim Jong Un promises "complete" denuclearization with Trump Japan PM Abe expresses hope for resolution of N. Korea threats, abduction Call of the Wild: Tribal communities of Gavi and their Makka Doctor NEW YORK, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As BNP Paribas continues to evolve its platform in the region and build on the significant growth to date, as well as reinforce its commitment to clients, it is pleased to announce the appointments of several executive members: Jean-Yves Fillion: CEO of BNP Paribas USA and CEO of CIB Americas becomes Chairman of CIB Americas and continues to serve as CEO of BNP Paribas USA, BNP Paribas' intermediate holding company that oversees the banks wholesale and retail activities including Bank of the West and First Hawaiian. In these two roles, Mr. Fillion is responsible for the banks regional corporate strategy and will sponsor the banks relationships with the regions most important clients and external stakeholders. Mr. Fillion has been with BNP Paribas for 33 years, 26 of which he has spent in the United States between Chicago, Los Angeles and New York. Bob Hawley: Deputy CEO CIB Americas becomes CEO of CIB Americas. Reporting to Jean-Yves Fillion regionally and to Yann Gerardin, Head of Corporate and Institutional Banking, globally, Mr. Hawley will continue to serve as Head of the Institutional Platform Americas (which includes Global Markets, Securities Services, and Financial Institutions Client Coverage) and Head of Global Markets Americas. Mr. Hawley will also be responsible for the Brazilian CIB platform. He has been with BNP Paribas since 1997 in increasing roles within CIB in Tokyo, Hong Kong, London and New York. Pierre Veyres: is appointed Deputy Head of CIB Americas and Head of the Corporate Platform Americas, (which includes Corporate Coverage, Financing Solutions, Credit and Portfolio Management, and Advisory). Reporting to Bob Hawley, Mr. Veyres will be responsible for leading the Groups strategy to grow the corporate franchise and will be a member of the CIB Americas Executive Committee. He will oversee the CIB platforms in Hispanic LATAM and Canada. Mr. Veyres joins the Americas team from APAC, where he has served as the CEO of the BNP Paribas Singapore branch as well as the Head of Territory for Singapore and Head of CIB Southeast Asia since October 2013. Philippe Ricard: appointed COO CIB Americas. Mr. Ricard, whos been in the region since 2017, is replacing Bruno dIlliers, who is moving to a new role with the Bank in Paris. In his capacity as COO, CIB Americas, Mr. Ricard will report to Bob Hawley. Mr. Ricard will continue to serve as COO of BNP Paribas USA for which he reports to Mr. Fillion. Since joining the Group in 1989, Mr. Ricard has held a wide range of leadership positions across BNP Paribas key regions and businesses, most recently as Global Head of Asset and Fund Services within BNP Paribas Securities Services. Sonja Volpe: Country Head of Canada. Ms. Volpe brings over 17 years of experience covering Canadian financial institutions and public sector clients. She first joined BNP Paribas in 2015 as Head of Financial Institutions Coverage in Canada and has been instrumental in developing the banks institutional client franchise in the region. She will continue to drive the banks business growth as well as further develop Canada as an operational platform in the region. With over 800 employees in offices in Montreal and Toronto, Canada plays an important role in the Americas. Thales Gabay: appointed Head of ALM Treasury CIB Americas. Mr. Gabay is replacing Jonathan Light who is retiring. Mr. Gabay most recently served as Head of ALMT for APAC, following a successful tenure as Head of ALMT for the Latin America region. Amanda Rajkumar: appointed Head of Human Resources for BNP Paribas USA and CIB Americas. Ms. Rajkumar brings with her over 25 years experience in Human Resources within the investment banking arena. She joined BNP Paribas in May 2009 as Head of HR for BNP Paribas Securities Services in the UK, and most recently, she was responsible for Global Markets and Financial Institutions Coverage Human Resources in London and previous to that headed Global Fixed Income Human Resources for 5 years. Emmanuelle Bury: appointed Chief Conduct and Control Officer (CCCO) for BNP Paribas USA and CIB Americas. Ms. Bury comes from BNP Paribas Paris where she was the Global COO for the ALM Treasury Group. She will be joining the CIB Americas Executive Committee and will ensure that all Conduct & Control matters are well incorporated into the governance and working principles of all business lines. All appointments are effective in June except: Sonja Volpe, effective July 1; Philippe Ricard, effective August 1; and Pierre Veyres, effective September 1. Yann Gerardin, Head of Corporate and Institutional Banking, said: BNP Paribas has experienced solid growth over the past few years, and now, backed by the Banks commitment to invest substantial capital and resources in our Americas platform we are poised to elevate our business to the next level. A key factor in our success remains our continued focus on our clients: supporting their needs globally and providing them with strategic guidance. To support this mission we are investing in our leadership, which includes these appointments. Jean-Yves Fillion, CEO of BNP Paribas USA & Chairman of CIB Americas, said of the appointments: BNP Paribas is at a pivotal moment for the Americas platform. As the competitive landscape evolves, our business is well-positioned to continue our strong progress toward becoming one of the top European banks in the region. We have a tremendous opportunity in front of us in both our wholesale and retail businesses as a unified region with a global offering that differentiates the bank in the marketplace. I am excited for what the bank will achieve in the years ahead. PRESS CONTACTS Ilias Catsaros +1 917 254 6365 ilias.catsaros@us.bnpparibas.com Mylene Benmoussa +1 646 322 5221 mylene.benmoussa@us.bnpparibas.com About BNP Paribas in the USA BNP Paribas has built a strong and diversified presence in the United States to support its client base. The bank employs over 16,000 people and has had a presence in the USA since the late 1800s. Bank of the West and First Hawaiian Bank (together BancWest, part of Retail Banking & Services) serve nearly 2.5 million individuals and businesses through a network of more than 650 branches and business centers. Large corporate and institutional clients are serviced by BNP Paribas Corporate & Institutional Banking franchise that has a presence in the main US cities, in addition to a global reach through a network of offices in EMEA and APAC. The bank also offers asset management services through BNP Paribas Asset Management (part of Retail Banking & Services) as well as Real Estate and Fleet Services through partnerships. www.usa.bnpparibas. About BNP Paribas BNP Paribas is a leading bank in Europe with an international reach. It has a presence in 73 countries, with more than 196,000 employees, including more than 149,000 in Europe. The Group has key positions in its three main activities: Domestic Markets and International Financial Services (whose retail banking networks and financial services are covered by Retail Banking & Services) and Corporate & Institutional Banking, which serves two client franchises: corporate clients and institutional investors. The Group helps all its clients (individuals, community associations, entrepreneurs, SMEs, corporate and institutional clients) to realize their projects through solutions spanning financing, investment, savings and protection insurance. In Europe, the Group has four domestic markets (Belgium, France, Italy and Luxembourg) and BNP Paribas Personal Finance is the European leader in consumer lending. BNP Paribas is rolling out its integrated retail banking model in Mediterranean countries, in Turkey, in Eastern Europe and a large network in the western part of the United States. In its Corporate & Institutional Banking and International Financial Services activities, BNP Paribas also enjoys top positions in Europe, a strong presence in the Americas as well as a solid and fast-growing business in Asia-Pacific. Description Recharge your energy, connect with your own creative energy and cultivate creative confidence in this full-day intensive workshop designed for adults from all walks of life. Using improvisation games and exercises, we will learn how to shift into a creative mindset and develop and communicate ideas that grow into fully-realized scenes and stories. The techniques for making this shift produce a group atmosphere of support, engagement and most importantly, fun. You will discover your own creative brilliance and learn techniques for taking this into daily life. Studies show that creativity training translates into improved communication in families and on work teams, better problem-solving skills and enhanced resilience to stress which helps with thinking and acting under pressure. This workshop is an antidote to burn-out, an ideal way to reset for the summer and keep going on any creative path. TRAINER: Jude Treder-Wolff is a Licensend Clinical Social Worker, Certified Group Psychotherapist and Certified Practitioner of Applied Improvisation, a trainer/consultant who designs and facilitates creativity and arts-based workshops, classes and seminars and writer/performer. She has provided training to staff of organizations on Long Island, New York city, and around the country for the last 25 years, including UC-Berkeley, SUNY-Buffalo Institute for Addiction Studies, New York Public Library, BOCES, among many others, and offers ongoing training using Applied Improvisation and storytellling at Lifestage, Inc. in Smithtown. She is host/creator of (mostly) TRUE THINGS, a game wrapped in a storytelling show that features true stories - with a twist - told by people from all walks of life,ages and backgrounds. She is active in the NYC storytelling scene, and will be appearing in the June 14 performance of Mortified at Littlefield in NYC and RISK! at Caveat in NYC on June 28. Complete information about these and other upcoming performances is available at www.judetreder-wolff.com Middlefield Canadian Income PCC (the "Company") and Middlefield Canadian Income - GBP PC (the "Cell") Results of General Meetings The Company on behalf of the Cell hereby announces that at the Cell Annual General Meeting held on Thursday, 14 June, 2018 at 12.00 p.m., all the resolutions relating to both the ordinary business and the special business, as set out in the notice of meeting dated 19 April, 2018, were duly passed on a poll and voting was as set out in the table below. Votes in favour* % of votes cast in favour Votes against* % of votes cast against % of issued shares voting** Votes withheld* % of issued shares withheld ** No. shares % No. shares % % No. shares % Special Resolution 1 40,360,483 99.94 23,800 0.06 37.92 3,000 0.00 Special Resolution 2 40,360,483 99.94 23,800 0.06 37.92 3,000 0.00 Ordinary Resolution 1 39,539,810 97.96 823,672 2.04 37.91 23,800 0.02 Ordinary Resolution 2 39,537,178 97.94 830,104 2.06 37.91 20,000 0.01 Ordinary Resolution 3 40,365,783 100.00 1,500 0.00 37.91 20,000 0.01 Ordinary Resolution 4 40,328,551 99.87 53,800 0.13 37.92 4,932 0.00 Ordinary Resolution 5 40,363,483 99.95 20,000 0.05 37.92 3,800 0.00 Ordinary Resolution 6 40,323,251 99.84 64,032 0.16 37.92 0 0.00 * The "in favour" and "against" votes, where appropriate, include those votes giving the Chairman discretion. **Total number of shares with voting rights in issue amounted to 106,487,250 redeemable preference shares and 2 management shares. The Company for itself and on behalf of the Cell hereby gives notification that at the Company and Cell Meeting held on Thursday, 14 June, 2018 at 12.30 p.m., all the ordinary resolutions, as set out in the notice of meeting dated 19 April, 2018, were duly passed on a poll and voting was as set out in the table below. Votes in favour* % of votes in favour Votes against* % of votes against % of issued shares voting** Votes withheld* % of issued shares withheld** No. shares % No. shares % % No. shares % Resolution 1 37,167,657 92.07 3,193,341 7.93 37.90 8,732 0.00 Resolution 2 40,135,789 99.44 225,209 0.56 37.90 8,732 0.00 Resolution 3 31,846,470 90.86 3,193,341 9.14 32.90 5,329,919 5.00 Resolution 4 37,161,217 92.06 3,199,781 7.94 37.90 8,732 0.00 Resolution 5 31,084,150 76.97 9,276,848 23.03 37.90 8,732 0.00 * The "in favour" and "against" votes, where appropriate; include those votes giving the Chairman discretion. **Total number of shares with voting rights in issue of the Cell amounted to 106,487,250 redeemable preference shares of the Cell and 2 management shares of the Cell. The Company hereby gives notification that at the Company Annual General Meeting held on Thursday, 14 June, 2018 at 12.45 p.m., all the ordinary resolutions, as set out in the notice of meeting dated 19 April, 2018, were duly passed on a poll and voting was as set out in the table below. Votes in favour* % of votes in favour Votes against* % of votes against % of issued shares voting** Votes withheld* % of issued shares withheld** No. shares % No. shares % % No. shares % Resolution 1 2 100 0 0 100 0 0 Resolution 2 2 100 0 0 100 0 0 Resolution 3 2 100 0 0 100 0 0 Resolution 4 2 100 0 0 100 0 0 Resolution 5 2 100 0 0 100 0 0 Resolution 6 2 100 0 0 100 0 0 * The "in favour" and "against" votes, where appropriate; include those votes giving the Chairman discretion. **Total number of shares with voting rights in issue of the Company amounted to 2 management shares. The Board would like to thank the Company's and the Cell's shareholders for their continued support. Terms used and not defined in this announcement bear the meaning given to them in the notices of the meetings dated 19 April, 2018. In accordance with FCA listing rule 9.6.2, a copy of the resolutions has been submitted to the National Storage Mechanism. All of these documents will shortly be made available for inspection at www.morningstar.co.uk/uk/nsm. These results will also shortly be available for inspection on the Company's website. For further information please contact: JTC Fund Solutions (Guernsey) Limited +44 (0) 1481 702 400 Dean Orrico Director +1 203 709 4016 Shares of ArcelorMittal MT have shot up around 69% over a year. The company has also outperformed its industry's gain of roughly 43% over the same time frame. ArcelorMittal, a Zacks Rank #2 (Buy) stock, has a market cap of roughly $34.6 billion and average volume of shares traded in the last three months is around 2,959.8K. Lets take a look into the factors that are driving this steel behemoth. Driving Factors Solid earnings performance, upbeat outlook and the companys internal initiatives have contributed to a rally in ArcelorMittals shares. ArcelorMittal is also gaining from its efforts to reduce debt, lower costs, expand capacity and improve efficiency. ArcelorMittal saw its profits rise roughly 19% year over year in first-quarter 2018, helped by a spike in steel prices. Revenues also climbed by double digits year over year in the quarter on the back of higher average steel selling prices and increased steel shipments. ArcelorMittal, in its first-quarter call, said that market conditions are favorable and demand environment remains positive along with healthy steel spreads. The company continues to expect global apparent steel consumption to grow in the range of 1.5-2.5% in 2018. ArcelorMittal remains focused on implementing strategic measures under its Action 2020 plan to drive profitability. The plan is a strategic roadmap for each of the companys key segments, which targets a structural EBITDA improvement of about $3 billion. The program contributed $0.6 billion to EBITDA in 2017 with cumulative benefit of $1.5 billion. The company also remains on track with its cost-reduction actions under the program and is focused on deleveraging its balance sheet. Sustained commitment to reduce debt is leading to lower net interest expenses. ArcelorMittal is also expanding its global portfolio of automotive steels by launching a new generation of advanced high strength steels, in line with the Action 2020 program. The company has also announced a three-year investment program of roughly $1 billion at its Mexican operations, which is geared toward improving the quality and efficiency of operations. It will allow ArcelorMittal Mexico to produce 2.5 million tons of flat rolled steel that will be supplied to customers of domestic non-auto and general industry. ArcelorMittal, last month, also received the approval of the European Commission (EC) for its planned acquisition of Ilva S.p.A, marking a major milestone and a key step toward the deal closure. The ECs approval followed the conclusion of its Phase II probe into the proposed buyout of Ilva. The merger clearance has been granted on the basis that ArcelorMittal has committed to dispose of assets in Romania, Macedonia, Italy, Luxembourg, Belgium and Czech Republic. ArcelorMittal believes that Ilva will prove to be a good investment without compromising the strength of its balance sheet. It will provide an opportunity to expand leadership and product offering in Italy, the second-largest steel producing and consuming market in Europe. Story continues ArcelorMittal Price and Consensus ArcelorMittal Price and Consensus | ArcelorMittal Quote Other Stocks to Consider Other top-ranked stocks worth considering in the basic materials space include Westlake Chemical Corporation WLK, Celanese Corporation CE and FMC Corp. FMC, each carrying a Zacks Rank #1 (Strong Buy). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank stocks here. Westlake Chemical has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 12.2%. Its shares have rallied roughly 80% over a year. Celanese has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 8.9%. Its shares have rallied roughly 28% over a year. FMC has an expected long-term earnings growth rate of 14.3%. The companys shares have gained around 19% in a year. 5 Medical Stocks to Buy Now Zacks names 5 companies poised to ride a medical breakthrough that is targeting cures for leukemia, AIDS, muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, and other conditions. New products in this field are already generating substantial revenue and even more wondrous treatments are in the pipeline. Early investors could realize exceptional profits. Click here to see the 5 stocks >> 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 Celanese Corporation (CE) : Free Stock Analysis Report FMC Corporation (FMC) : Free Stock Analysis Report Westlake Chemical Corporation (WLK) : Free Stock Analysis Report ArcelorMittal (MT) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research June 14 (Reuters) - Liver cancer treatment firm Sirtex Medical Ltd said on Thursday its board has recommended an offer from China's CDH Investments to buy the firm for A$1.87 billion ($1.41 billion). The deal will result in the termination of an agreement to sell itself to Varian Medical Systems Inc, it said in a statement. CDH and its partner, China Grand Pharmaceutical and Healthcare Holdings Ltd, had offered to pay A$33.60 per share in cash in May. ($1 = 1.3226 Australian dollars) (Reporting by Aaron Saldanha in Bengaluru; Editing by Muralikumar Anantharaman) Investing.com Bitcoin's tumble continued Wednesday as the popular crypto neared a crucial test of its four-month low amid ongoing selling pressure. Bitcoin fell 4.51% to $6,240 on the Bitfinex exchange, but had traded as low as $6,107.9 just above its more than four-month low of $6,000 seen in February. Some crypto observers said that bitcoin's fall to near $6,000 would prove a crucial test of investor appetite for the crypto, warning that a plunge beyond this price level could turn ugly, sending bitcoin sharply lower. "We keep going down, and were testing new lows. Sixty-two-fifty is the next point. If it goes under that, were going to test 5,900," Ran Neu-Ner, host of CNBC Africas Crypto Trader told CNBC on Tuesday. Demand for cryptocurrencies including bitcoin is fading quickly as the sharp downturns trigger fresh waves selling of pressure, wiping billions from the crypto market. With no new inflows, cryptos could struggle to regain upward momentum. The total market cap of cryptocurrencies fell to about $268 billion, at the time of writing, from $282 billion on Tuesday. Other large-cap cryptos followed bitcoin's sharp move lower. Ripple XRP fell 6.37% to $0.51811 on the Poloniex exchange, while Ethereum fell 3.66% to $471.09 Bitcoin Cash fell 4.64% to $827.16, while Litecoin fell 7.16% to $92.21. Related Articles SEC Investing In America Discussion: Live Comments On ICO Regulations 5 Percent of Monero in Circulation Was Mined Through Malware, Research Finds Cryptocurrency tether used to boost bitcoin prices, study finds WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Canadian Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland said after talks with members of the U.S. Senate Foreign Relations Committee on Wednesday that U.S. trade actions against Canada are illegal under World Trade Organization rules. Freeland said while Canada believes the U.S. use of a national security rationale to impose tariffs on Canadian steel and aluminium imports is absurd, it is confident common sense will ultimately prevail. (Reporting by Susan Cornwell; Writing by Mohammad Zargham) Consumer genetic-testing services are wrestling with a new threat to users' privacy: detectives hauling a dragnet through their DNA. In April, investigators arrested a suspect in the decades-old case of the Golden State Killer after sifting through online genetic data. The arrest has set off one of the most vigorous recent debates about privacy in the digital age. A growing number of services say they can use a simple swab of a consumer's genetic material to find long-lost family members or detect early warning signs of disease--and millions of users have eagerly shared their samples. But there has been little public discussion of where that data is stored, how it will be used beyond its initial applications and who can access it. To help track down the alleged Golden State Killer, investigators matched DNA from a crime scene to genetic data belonging to the suspect's relatives that was posted on an open-source genealogy website. Those methods have raised questions about how the growing and often public repository of consumers' most intimate data could be used by authorities."We all want a serial killer caught," said CeCe Moore, a genetic genealogist who often appears on television shows such as "Dr. Oz" and "Finding Your Roots." "But what other applications could it be used for that maybe we would not be so in favor of?" Questions about how personal data should be handled and how it might be abused are being asked more often and more urgently. Inc. has been trying to reassure users that they have control over how their data is shared. Last month, a woman in Oregon said an Inc. Echo device recorded a private conversation and shared it with one of her husband's contacts. From payment apps to smart thermostats to personal digital assistants, software and devices are collecting more data about consumers than ever. For online DNA services, the privacy issues have become entangled with guilt and innocence. Story continues With more and more Americans logging on to genealogy websites, the services have become vast repositories of DNA--and a potential trove for law enforcement agencies attempting to resolve languishing investigations. In some cases, investigators have combed through genetic material without informing the hosting companies. In the Golden State Killer case, police uploaded crime-scene data to GEDmatch.com to search for family members of the suspected murderer and rapist. Two hobbyists who run the site, a publicly searchable platform that lets users post raw genetic-data files to try to find distant relatives, said that the authorities never contacted them. "Criminal court cases thus far have treated DNA data like a fingerprint," said Jennifer Lynch, a senior attorney with the Electronic Frontier Foundation, adding that judges haven't found genetic information to be protected under the Fourth Amendment, which bars unreasonable search and seizure. "There are no meaningful protections. And we need them." In criminal cases, DNA evidence is sometimes misused or misinterpreted. But the implications of such DNA dragnets could extend beyond murder cases. Following the California arrest, some members of the genealogy community raised the possibility that, for example, police might use genetic data pulled from the web to track down women who had illegal abortions, as they did in the case of an abandoned fetus in Georgia this year. "The police are just going ahead and doing this without any oversight," said Debbie Kennett, a British genealogist who has authored several books on the subject. Kennett argues that users should have a right to determine how their DNA data is used. Investigators say that despite the availability of much more genetic information online, tracking suspects using DNA is still costly and labor-intensive. In the Golden State probe--even in GEDmatch's database of a million people--the closest familial matches to the suspect were third cousins, said Paul Holes, a cold-case detective who helped crack the case. "That is a . huge undertaking," Holes said. "It took us four months of genealogy work to eventually find the two top people that fit our offenders profile." Holes said the amount of quality DNA needed to run the same tests many genealogy sites perform is often hard to come by when dealing with what is left behind at a crime scene. Such tests are also more extensive and expensive than those tests crime labs perform. Parabon NanoLabs, a Virginia-based forensic DNA company, told Bloomberg that it charges law enforcement officers about $5,000 to run such a test. "Its not something youre going to do on a burglary or a petty theft," said Holes. "It is going to be on your major, major homicide cases because it is so manpower-intensive. It is tough, tough work." The tension between consumers' expectations of digital privacy and the needs of law enforcement has swelled as more people adopt technology that can suck up ever-more-personal information, often without users being aware that it's happening. In 2016, Inc. refused a request from the Federal Bureau of Investigation to unlock an iPhone recovered from one of the perpetrators of a mass shooting that killed 14 people in San Bernardino, California. The company said investigators were asking to create a back door that could be exploited by hackers, a move that could tarnish its closely guarded reputation for security. "The United States government has demanded that Apple take an unprecedented step which threatens the security of our customers," Chief Executive Officer Tim Cook said in a statement at the time. "We oppose this order, which has implications far beyond the legal case at hand." Some of the largest genetic-testing companies have staked out positions similar to the stand taken by Apple, promising to safeguard consumer information from investigators. "We treat law enforcement inquiries, such as a valid subpoena or court order, very seriously," 23andMe Inc.'s privacy chief, Kate Black, said in an interview. "23andMe policies prohibit our voluntary cooperation with law enforcement in order to protect our customers privacy. To date, we have successfully challenged the law enforcement requests weve received." Police searches aren't the only privacy threat to such data. Large-scale hacking incidents at Inc., & Co. and Inc. have also shaken consumers. DNA sites aren't immune to such intrusions: Israel-based MyHeritage said last week that 92 million accounts were compromised. Ultimately, in the Apple case, investigators found their own way into the disputed iPhone, spending $900,000 on a tool to crack it. In the case of DNA sites, no extraordinary measures may be necessary, as such services as GEDmatch, MyHeritage and Family Tree DNA allow investigators to view voluntarily posted data, including files from services like 23andMe and Ancestry that don't permit users to upload material from other sources. The only things now governing how police might use consumer genealogical databases are the terms of service. How a DNA Detective Thawed a Cold Case CeCe Moore is revered as a pioneer in using DNA to help adoptees locate their birth parents. In one episode of the television show "Finding Your Roots," she found evidence that rapper LL Cool J's mother was adopted, and she introduced him to his biological grandmother. She's now turning her talents to catching killers. To help find a suspect in a long-dormant Washington murder investigation, Moore was able to use DNA evidence she found online to connect with a relative of the killer almost immediately. Moore said GEDmatch revealed two people that appeared to be second cousins of the killer, whose DNA police believe they discovered at the crime scene. The cousins, though, weren't from the same branch of the family tree, so Moore needed to identify the missing link connecting them. Moore reconstructed the cousins' family trees, digging through census records, newspaper archives and social media for a common ancestor. An obituary she found late one weekend night revealed that the two trees had converged in a marriage. It turned out that the wedded couple had several daughters and one son. The son seemed to be the only person with the right mix of DNA for a match. Moore forwarded the suspect's name to police. "When Im researching, you kind of get to know the family, to get a sense of them," she said. "I felt very bad knowing [these people] were going to find out their brother likely murdered a young couple." A Snohomish County, Washington, Sheriffs Office spokesperson said that investigators have found genealogy sites to be great tools and are looking at using them in as many as 30 additional cases. For one family, the moment brought closure after three decades. For another, it was the beginning of a nightmare they had probably never imagined. "When I found that obituary, it was a very heavy moment," Moore said. "I think I probably cried." Amid the privacy debate, genealogy sites are already giving rise to a new breed of criminal investigators. A few weeks before the Golden State Killer case made headlines, a nonprofit group called the DNA Doe Project that works with local police departments used GEDmatch to identify a 1981 Ohio murder victim who had previously been known only as the Buckskin Girl. DNA Doe crowdfunds many of its cases. Last month, on the heels of the Golden State Killer arrest, it decided to try crowdsourcing data, too. In a recent case known as the "Belle in the Well," an unidentified victim appeared to mainly have DNA matches on GEDmatch in a three-state area surrounding Cabell County, West Virginia. On Facebook, DNA Doe encouraged people who live in those regions to upload their raw DNA file to GEDmatch. The Utah Cold Case Coalition has put out a similar call for citizens to donate their DNA info to solve murders. The American Civil Liberties Union has cautioned against sharing such information. "All of these companies should make clear that the genetic material they collect from users is not available to serve as legal proof and that law enforcement cannot use their services to test prisoners and arrested individuals or to conduct investigations," wrote the ACLU's Vera Eidelman in an op-ed in the Washington Post. "Otherwise, the public may have to choose between accessing the benefits of genetic science and maintaining its privacy rights." Moore, the genetic genealogist, had long thought she might use her knack for tracking down birth parents to hunt for murderers. But she wasn't sure the close-knit genealogy community would approve. "That all changed when the Golden State Killer case got so much publicity and such positive reaction," Moore said. She signed on as the head of genetic genealogy for Parabon NanoLabs. Parabon had also read the case as a green light and asked GEDmatch for permission to start digging through its data for leads in dozens of cold cases. It didn't take long to get a hit: On May 18, police arrested a suspect in a 1987 Washington double murder after Moore sniffed out new leads on GEDmatch. Nevertheless, others in the field fear what may be coming. "There is actually no control over genealogists who are doing this type of search," said Kennett, the U.K. genealogist. "CeCe Moore is really, really good, but once the floodgates are open, theres a potential for genealogists who are not ethical to cause a lot of harm." See original article on Fortune.com More from Fortune.com Eversource Energy ES has reaffirmed its original offer to acquire Connecticut Water Service, Inc. CTWS at $63.50 per share in cash or Eversource shares. Eversources earlier offer was rejected by management of Connecticut Water Service, citing that it was inferior to the offer made by SJW Group SJW. (Read more: :Connecticut Water Loyal to SJW Group, Rejects Eversource Bid) Development Post Rejection Since the rejection of the Eversource offer, the merger agreement between Connecticut Water Service and SJW Group has been amended. This amendment includes a new go-shop provision that will allow Connecticut Water Service to explore offers of an alternative merger, acquisition or other strategic transaction. Per the amendment, Connecticut Water Service is permitted to review and negotiate any alternative proposals received from third parties until 11:59 p.m. Eastern time on Jul 14, 2018. (Read more: Connecticut Water Amends Merger Covenant, Open to New Offer) Fresh Opportunity for Eversource Amendment in the merger agreement provided a fresh opportunity to Eversource Energy. Eversource utilized the same by affirming its bid to acquire Connecticut Water Service. Connecticut Water Services closing share price on Jun 13, 2018 was $64.59, higher than Eversources offer of $63.50, making the offer unimpressive. It is quite unlikely that Connecticut Water Services shareholders or management of the company will agree to the offer made by Eversource Energy. Eversource Energy is banking on termination of the agreement between Connecticut Water Service and SJW Group, which will result in extra savings for Connecticut Water Service, making the offer attractive. The only advantage Eversource Energy has over others is that its existing water operations are in close proximity of Connecticut Water Services existing service territories. The acquisition of Connecticut Water would have further expanded its service territories and operations in the Northeast and provided superior services to customers. Merger and Acquisition in the Water Space The final outcome is still unclear and it is yet to know which company will have the last laugh on Connecticut Water Service acquisition deal. As the story unfolds, one can notice that the water utility industry offers excellent growth opportunities, resulting in rising interest in this space, shown by companies that were earlier focused primarily on other businesses. American Water Works Company AWK is very active in making acquisitions and expanding its market reach through the same.The company could be a potential candidate to make an offer to acquire Connecticut Water Service. The acquisition of Connecticut Water Service could further expand the existing operation of the company in the Northeast states. Price Movement & Zacks Rank Eversource Energy currently has a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Story continues In a years time, shares of Eversource have lost 14.7%, wider than its industrys decline of 9.7%. 5 Medical Stocks to Buy Now Zacks names 5 companies poised to ride a medical breakthrough that is targeting cures for leukemia, AIDS, muscular dystrophy, hemophilia, and other conditions. New products in this field are already generating substantial revenue and even more wondrous treatments are in the pipeline. Early investors could realize exceptional profits. Click here to see the 5 stocks >> 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 American Water Works (AWK) : Free Stock Analysis Report SJW Corporation (SJW) : Free Stock Analysis Report Eversource Energy (ES) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research The Net Neutrality laws, which were repealed by the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) on Dec 14, 2017, finally received the death knell on Jun 11. The newly constructed FCC under Trump administration with Ajit Pai at the helm rescinded the Obama-era open-Internet rules. Notably, the rules had altered the dynamics of the Internet Service Providers (ISP) industry. Following the abandonment of Net Neutrality, the regulators sole concern will be transparency of ISP practices by ensuring that consumers can buy service plans best suited to them. Further, large and SMB (small and medium business) enterprises can avail instant technical information for product innovation. The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) will be in charge of overseeing ISP practices for the protection of consumers online privacy. Proponents of Net Neutrality The champions of Net Neutrality argued that strong regulatory measures are required to ensure free availability of Internet to everyone. If ISPs are allowed to practice paid prioritization, a method through which content developers strike deals with ISPs for fast and smooth transmission of their data traffic, then only a handful of large web-based content and application developers will benefit. This will have a negative impact on start-ups resulting in less innovation and competition. General consumers will also be affected since established content and application developers will ultimately raise their price to recoup the extra charge they pay to the ISPs. Opponents of Net Neutrality Meanwhile, Net Neutrality adversaries argued that market equilibrium is achieved when marginal utility equalizes marginal cost. If multi-media application generates more demand than simple text message, users need to pay accordingly. If an application requires more bandwidth consumption, then the users should pay more for that. In the last 20 years, private sector has invested a mammoth $1.5 trillion to install communications network throughout the United States. This enormous expenditure took place primarily due to not-so-stringent rules implemented by the regulator. Due to this exponential deployment of telecom network, the web-based applications and solutions developers are flourishing. Who Will Gain as U.S. Bids Adieu to Net Neutrality? There is little doubt that the ISP industry will be the major beneficiary after United States officially dismantling Net Neutrality. Leading ISPs including AT&T Inc. T, Verizon Communications Inc. VZ, Comcast Corp. CMCSA and Charter Communications Inc. CHTR strongly criticized Net Neutrality rules. All four stocks carry a Zacks Rank #3 (Hold). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. The chart below shows price performance of major ISPs in the last three months. Story continues Who Will Lose as Net Neutrality is Revoked? Implementation of Net Neutrality was a huge positive for several web-based application and content developers. Consequently, Internet-based tech giants and content developers will be major losers after the FCC revoked Net Neutrality rules. Netflix Inc., Google of Alphabet Inc., Amazon.com Inc., Hulu, Facebook Inc. and Twitter Inc. are a few of the companies in the same league. Bottom Line Telecommunications is a necessary utility. Net Neutrality may discourage large investments in the telecom sector but will cut down the cost of online access for end-users since content providers will no longer need to pay extra fees. However, it is to be seen how the government manages a trade-off between the two. More Stock News: This Is Bigger than the iPhone! It could become the mother of all technological revolutions. Apple sold a mere 1 billion iPhones in 10 years but a new breakthrough is expected to generate more than 27 billion devices in just 3 years, creating a $1.7 trillion market. Zacks has just released a Special Report that spotlights this fast-emerging phenomenon and 6 tickers for taking advantage of it. If you don't buy now, you may kick yourself in 2020. Click here for the 6 trades >> Want the latest recommendations from Zacks Investment Research? Today, you can download 7 Best Stocks for the Next 30 Days. Click to get this free report AT&T Inc. (T) : Free Stock Analysis Report Verizon Communications Inc. (VZ) : Free Stock Analysis Report Comcast Corporation (CMCSA) : Free Stock Analysis Report Charter Communications, Inc. (CHTR) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Zacks Investment Research CLEARWATER, Fla., June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On Wednesday, June 20th, area non-profits their staff, board members and volunteers are invited to attend the bi-monthly Charity Coalition Luncheon at the historic Fort Harrison. The event begins with networking at 11:30am and there is no cost to attend. Founded in 2014, the Tampa Bay Charity Coalition brings together non-profits from all sectors to network, share resources and opportunities for collaboration. In addition to networking and a buffet lunch prepared by award-winning chefs, the program will highlight a local charity and provide a mini-workshop on a non-profit bugbear event planning and production. Unsuccessful events are caused by just one thing, said Dylan Pires, the Community Affairs Director for the Church of Scientology, host of the Coalition. That one thing is lack of complete planning. Attendees will be taken through basic event planning and will walk away with a checklist they can use to help their organizations hold successful fundraisers, volunteer recognition events or annual meetings. Scientology Founder L. Ron Hubbard wrote that 80 percent of an event is the preparation and with non-profits needing to continually raise funds, get volunteers on board and boost their organizations profile, knowing what that preparation consists of, and doing those actions, will result in success for a group of any size. Complimentary valet parking is available for luncheon guests. Guests are encouraged to bring business cards to share with other attendees. For more information about the luncheon, please contact Dylan Pires at 727-467-6860. About the Fort Harrison Religious Retreat: Since its construction in 1927, the Fort Harrison has been the home to many charitable events and community organizations. The Fort Harrisons current owner, the Church of Scientology, has hosted over 500 community events there since its top-to-bottom restoration in 2009. The Scientology religion was founded by humanitarian and philosopher, L. Ron Hubbard and incorporated in 1954. It has since expanded to more than 11,000 churches, missions and affiliated groups in 167 nations. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/e861a6ac-1cd5-4fa3-bc2c-a01153f10d9d Goldman Sachs (GS) CEO Lloyd Blankfein says he spends 98% of his time thinking about 2% worst contingencies. What are those 2% contingencies hes thinking about today? Oh my goodness, Im worried about, you know, anything having to do with cyber, Blankfein told Yahoo Finance. Im worried about the impact of rate rises, whether that happens in a controlled way, and what the impact of higher rates are to asset valuations and therefore peoples portfolios and the reaction to that. I worry about financing, to some extent financing the countries in southern Europe. I worry about Brexit and the impact on the EU and other countries that might be distressed there. I worry about macro and geopolitical events in general. And so theres no lack of projects at Goldman Sachs and the risk management sphere. Even as these risks are on his mind, Blankfein nevertheless sees the economy continuing to grow. Presently, the U.S. economy is at or near full employment, housing prices have more than recovered from the housing crash, and consumer and business optimism are at record highs. Some economists warn the U.S. is due for a recession. I predict that the business cycle hasnt been repealed, Blankfein said. Were, at some point, due for a recession. But there is nothing that looks like its going to be tomorrow. In the near term, the data indicates that its a pretty benign environment, he added. Story continues In the long term, my core business, my job at Goldman Sachs, is to think about all the things that could go wrong, he said. I could spend two days of telling you the things Im worried about. But my base case is that the near-term looks kind of benign. And in fact, kind of positive relative to the other periods in which Ive worked. Blankfein spoke to Yahoo Finance at the firms third-annual Analyst Impact Fund, a contest where analysts from around the world compete for the chance to pitch the senior partnership committee to earn grants for nonprofits in their communities. Julia La Roche is a finance reporter at Yahoo Finance. Follow her on Twitter. Arm holdings, founded in Cambridge, was recently sold to Japan's Softbank The man who helped set up Britain's largest technology company has warned that artificial intelligence is so advanced that we have arrived at a time in history where evolution is coming to an end. Arm founder Hermann Hauser, who has been dubbed "the godfather of venture capital" after investing in more than 100 tech startups, said that it was critical that businesses and governments started shaping how artificial intelligence will affect society. We are quite bad at defining problems, so having a common way of working out among ourselves what our goals are as humanity is the key problem for next 20 to 30 years, he said during the Cogx conference in London. Humanity has a new partner in intelligent machines and the key thing for us to get right is how to co-evolve with them, he added. Hauser alluded to Max Tegmarks critically acclaimed 2017 novel Life 3.0 and suggested society had evolved from an organic being, to designing our own software through education and culture. The next stage, where society designs its own hardware using machine learning-fuelled gene therapies to eradicate disease, is just around the corner, he suggested. Hauser said that gene therapies would be the most useful and valuable application for artificial intelligence and that health was the area for investors and businesses to watch. It is the only trillion dollar opportunity I know for artificial intelligence, he said. At a glance | The Fourth Industrial Revolution Arm creates the equipment that powers technology and artificial intelligence, manufacturing the chips that are currently used in iPhones, computers and driverless cars. It was sold for 24bn to Japan's Softbank in 2016. Softbank announced last week that it will cede control of Arm's Chinese operations and the unit will be run as a joint venture with Chinese partners. Hausers sentiments surrounding ethical AI are echoed by the company he helped form. Since the sale the company has installed an ethics committee to discuss and take a position on artificial intelligence. It hopes that this will help engineers design products that mitigate potential misuse in the future, in both its own company and their customers' operations. Story continues Technology intelligence - newsletter promo - EOA Carolyn Herzog, General Counsel at Arm told the Telegraph that a range of employees on legal, marketing and data science teams had come to the conclusion that artificial intelligence should be a force for the common good" but to ensure this "we should proceed cautiously. Arm engineers will discuss ethics with customers about how to develop technology with privacy by design when they license their intellectual property to them. AI should be like the internet, which we can use across borders and across companies and countries to enhance our lives but that means we need to design with privacy and ethics in mind, she said. By Stephen Nellis June 12 (Reuters) - Qualcomm Inc has no plans to abandon its efforts to create processors for data centers, the company's president, who oversees the chip division, said. Qualcomm, the largest maker of chips in mobile phones, last year launched chips that use technology from Softbank Group Corp's ARM Holdings to power the workhorse computer servers behind cloud-based services such as social networks. Qualcomm's push to enter the data center market puts it in direct competition with Intel Corp, which dominates data centers and now draws half of its revenue from servers and other "data centric" chips. But in May, Bloomberg reported that Qualcomm was exploring whether to sell or shut down the server chip unit. Qualcomm President Cristiano Amon told Reuters on Monday that the chipmaker is making staff reductions in the unit but intends to keep operating it, albeit with a narrower focus on large internet companies in the United States and China. "We are not looking at strategic options. We are not selling. We are still focused on it," Amon told Reuters. San Diego-based Qualcomm declined to say whether it had considered selling the server chip unit at some point in the past. The company instead pointed to an April earnings call in which Chief Executive Officer Steve Mollenkopf said Qualcomm was considering cost-cutting options in areas that are not central to Qualcomm's business, which overwhelmingly comes from selling chips and licensing technology for mobile phones. Amon told Reuters that the server chip business will be rolled into Qualcom's Qualcomm CDMA Technologies unit, which designs and sells mobile phone chips, to gain cost efficiencies. Amon said the restructured server chip unit will focus on large cloud computing players. He would not name U.S. targets, but said the company is hoping to sell to Chinese internet giants such as Alibaba Group Holding Ltd, Tencent Holdings Ltd and Baidu Inc through a joint venture in China. Large internet companies tend to write much of their own internal software and can customize it for Qualcomm's chips. That means they will not struggle like smaller players to adapt off-the-shelf data center software that is overwhelmingly written to run on Intel's so-called x86 chips. "It's very clear to us that the ARM opportunity is focused on a few players where you don't have the software x86 barrier to entry," Amon said. (Reporting by Stephen Nellis Editing by Leslie Adler) CLEARWATER, Fla., June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- On the 12th of June, the Clearwater Community Volunteer Center hosted various members of the non-profit community for a monthly networking luncheon. Organized with the intention of creating new connections between the community activist groups, guests enjoyed a complimentary lunch buffet, followed by a talk on networking by veteran volunteer Doyle Mills. Doyle Mills has spent several decades volunteering with different humanitarian programs even meeting Pope John Paul II in the course of his endeavors. It is now one of his passions to help charities and their volunteers to increase their networking skills. The guests applied what they learned by making new contacts, informing others of their programs and goals to bring new partnerships into the nonprofit fold. The Clearwater Community Volunteer Center was established to increase nonprofits influence in the community, said Michael Soltero, manager of the center. Each of them impacts their own area of influence and by uniting efforts toward the improvement of todays society, we can make the difference. Its as humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard once said, 'The community that pulls together can make a better society for all.' The next luncheon will be held on the 31st of July at 11:30 a.m. with new nonprofits being invited to encourage more connections. There is no cost to attend. For more information about the Clearwater Community Volunteers Center or to have your non-profits event there, please call Michael Soltero at the Clearwater Community Volunteer Center at (727) 316-5309. About the Clearwater Community Volunteers: The Clearwater Community Volunteers have over 25 years of community service under their belt with over 150,000 families and children helped since their founding in 1992. Newly sponsored by the Church of Scientology, they stay true to their reputation of helping others with their new center located on the corner of Fort Harrison Ave and Drew St in downtown Clearwater which facilitates the growth of nonprofits by serving as a free event venue & meeting space. Michael Soltero (727) 467-6860 A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/f0477f87-8bd1-47c9-ad49-a9d33a6ce807 We continue to focus on what we can control. -- Tim Gitzel, president and CEO, Cameco Corp. Gitzel's quote above from Cameco's (NYSE: CCJ) recent quarterly earnings release pretty much sums up what's happening at the uranium mining giant. As a nuclear fuel pure-play, Cameco was among the worst-hit companies when the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear disaster in Japan brought the construction of nuclear reactors worldwide to a grinding halt. Japan shuttered all of its more than 50 reactors, nations across the globe mothballed projects, demand and prices of uranium slumped, and the uranium industry is still trying to find its feet. Remarkably, if you didn't know the backstory and looked at Cameco's operational performance over the years (see chart below), you'd never believe that the company -- and the industry -- were almost written off seven years ago. Cameco remained profitable through the downturn only until 2016, when impairment charges pushed its bottom line into the red. Yet, Cameco's operating cash flow for the trailing 12 months was at multiyear highs. Four nuclear reactors on a yellow field against the blue sky. The starting of nuclear reactors worldwide is a positive sign for Cameco. Image source: Getty Images. So, where exactly is Cameco headed, and where could it be five years from now? 2018 should be a strong year for Cameco Cameco shares have had a solid run-up so far this year, piling on nearly 27% as of this writing, thanks to impressive operational numbers despite the depressed end markets. It's not a fluke, but what matters is whether the Canada-based uranium miner's good run can continue. That's when things get interesting. CCJ Revenue (TTM) Chart CCJ Revenue (TTM) data by YCharts. In its first quarter, Cameco reported 12% higher year-over year-revenue and earned a net profit of 5 million Canadian dollars compared with a loss of CA$18 million in the year-ago quarter. The bulk of the profit growth came from two sources: a one-time gain on the restructuring of a joint venture and higher average realized prices. The second part is where all of the action lies. Story continues You see, uranium deliveries at preset prices under long-term contracts have been the savior for Cameco so far as nearly 40% of the company's sales are contracted, while the remaining are spot-price driven. That explains Cameco's high realized sales prices and revenues despite spot uranium prices hovering at multiyear lows of $21 to $23 per pound in the past six months. For perspective, spot uranium was trading above $50 a pound until mid-2012. Cameco still has some contracts running, which is why its fiscal 2018 guidance looks encouraging. Metric 2017 Actual 2018 Outlook Sales volume (pounds) 33.6 million 32 million-33 million Average realized price $46.8 per pound $46.3 per pound Revenue $2.16 million $1.8 million-$1.93 million Direct administration expenses $151 million $120 million-$130 million Cash from operations $596 million Similar to 2017 All figures are in Canadian dollars. Data source: Cameco financials. Two numbers from the above table that warrant attention are administration costs and cash flows, as they also hold the key to the company's growth even as it awaits an industry turnaround. Cameco's long-term growth strategy As the world's second-largest uranium producer, Cameco knows the uranium market in and out. Last quarter, Gitzel reflected how the "market remains quiet," thanks to a continuous flow of a mix of positive and negative news worldwide. Gitzel is only "cautiously optimistic," and management is doing what it should do best given the uncertainties: focus on internal efficiencies. Cameco adopted a broad-based four-pronged strategy: Redirect key resources to profitable assets. Align production and inventory with end market conditions. Extend long-term contracts for better revenue visibility. Maintain a strong balance sheet, sustain an investment-grade rating on debt, and maximize cash flows. In a bold move late last year, Cameco suspended operations at key mines McArthur River and Key Lake. So, in fiscal 2018, the miner expects to produce only around 9.2 million pounds of uranium and fulfill the rest of its sales commitments by drawing down inventory and buying uranium at spot prices to resell. It's a shrewd business move that's not only cost effective, but also frees up cash as inventory eases. Meanwhile, Cameco also cut its dividend by nearly 80% last November to prevent further cash burn. Cameco's efforts are paying off, as is evidenced by the lower administration costs and the surge in its operating cash flows. The miner expects fiscal 2018 to be just as strong, yet the stock is trading at only 6.7 times cash flow. That looks dirt-cheap, but there are risks. The challenges ahead There's only so much Cameco can do to lower costs, and growth will be hard to come by if buyers (nuclear utilities) don't jump back into the market soon. For now, Cameco has annual delivery commitments of around 22 million pounds of uranium for only five years. It's therefore imperative that demand picks up before Cameco's sales run dry. Meanwhile, there's hope that the ongoing production curtailments at Cameco and Kazatomprom -- the world's largest uranium producer -- should help balance demand and supply in the near future and boost uranium prices. With several nuclear reactors coming online globally, a price recovery is inevitable. The big question is, when? There are too many moving parts, and a recovery could take longer than you and I expect. Foolish takeaway For investors in Cameco, it'll likely be a bumpy ride. Cameco is a well-run company with the backing of a management team that's more proactive than reactive, and that's likely to keep the stock humming in the coming years. In between, watch out for uranium prices. Even the slightest signs of a recovery could mean solid returns for Cameco investors five years from now. More From The Motley Fool Neha Chamaria has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has no position in any of the stocks mentioned. The Motley Fool has a disclosure policy. Kinder Morgan (KMI) reported earnings 30 days ago. What's next for the stock? We take a look at earnings estimates for some clues. For Immediate Release Chicago, IL June 14, 2018 Today, Zacks Equity Research discusses the Industry: Hotels, Part 3, including Loews L, Red Lion Hotels Corp. RLH, China Lodging Group, Ltd. HTHT and Wyndham Destinations, Inc. WYND. Industry: Hotels, Part 3 Link: https://www.zacks.com/commentary/167413/will-slump-in-us-tourism-decelerating-revpar-hurt-hotels Though the hotel industry performed well in 2017 and the first quarter of 2018, there are a number of threats that remain. Unfavorable government policies, uncertainty in certain markets and RevPAR pressure pose challenges for industry players. These issues could potentially offset the groups positive growth prospects in the near-to-mid-term. Decline in U.S. Tourism a Major Concern Travel and tourism has witnessed a decline in the past few years. At the recent annual NYU International Hospitality Industry Investment Conference, Jonathan Tisch, Chairman and CEO of Loews and Chairman Emeritus of the U.S. Travel Association, said travel and tourism is an $8 trillion market and represents approximately 10% of global GDP. He further said that that the sector is likely to grow by $3.5 trillion over the next decade. Despite the growth in the global tourism, the U.S. share of the market has declined roughly 13% over the past few years. International visitors have declined 7.4 million over that time period. The Trump administrations restrictive policies on immigration and tourist visas appear to have played a role. The slowdown in U.S.-bound air travel bookings ever since the Trump administration came into office also point in that direction. Also, online searches by prospective travelers to the United States have declined. Continuous efforts to impose a travel ban targeting predominantly Muslim nations, along with the ban on a broad range of electronic devices in the cabins of U.S.-bound aircraft from certain countries and talks of expanding the same threaten travel demand to and from the United States. Story continues While the U.S. tourism industry remains very strong, the change at the margin is less robust than could potentially have been without these restrictive policies, which is a net negative for many industry players. Decelerating RevPar Growth & Rising Costs Though, per the recent estimates by PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC), RevPar in 2018 is estimated to increase to 3% from 2.9% in 2017, the rate of growth has declined sharply over the past few years. Most of the hotel companies in the United States have been witnessing slowing revenue per available room (RevPAR) trends of late because of continued muted international visitation. Moreover, continued increase in supply of hotels in the domestic market is limiting room rents, thereby hurting RevPAR. With an improvement in the economy and drop in unemployment levels, industry players will struggle to control their largest operating expense labor costs. Rising salaries, wages and benefits, as well as increased staffing levels will add to their labor costs. Uncertainty in a Few International Markets In spite of immense growth potential, industry players are still apprehensive of several macroeconomic issues like the social/political impact of Brexit and decelerating growth in certain parts of Asia. Though Trumps stringent policies might make travelers opt for Europe and Asia, instead of the United States, these regions have their own share of concerns. Notably, a sluggish economy and oversupply in Brazil are weighing on demand in the Latin American region and limiting overall sales. In fact, a weak Latin American economy, aggravated by political turmoil resulted in softer tourism numbers in 2015, 2016 and 2017. This is not expected to change much in 2018. Continued uncertainty in Africa and macroeconomic factors in Venezuela are likely to limit revenues of hotel industry players. In Europe, economic/political conditions are expected to be challenging after U.K.s exit from the 28-member economic bloc. Business in Europe is clouded by economic uncertainties in the Northern region and deflation in the Eurozone. Terror assaults in key European cities like London, Paris, Zurich and Brussels have also affected tourism. Challenging market dynamics in France is a potent headwind. Additionally, concerns of further terror attacks and violence against foreign tourists are increasingly hurting trade in many African countries such as Kenya and Nigeria. Meanwhile, in the Middle East, political unrest, lower government spending, new hotel supply and a tough oil market continue to hurt tourism and RevPAR trends. Any respite from these headwinds in the region is not expected in the near term. Most of the leading hotel companies have considerable presence in the above-mentioned markets and are thus vulnerable to adverse economic conditions in these regions. Stocks to Avoid Players in the space that induce our cautious-to-bearish outlook are Red Lion Hotels Corp, China Lodging Group, Ltd. and Wyndham Destinations, Inc. Red Lion Hotels carries a Zacks Rank #4 (Sell), whereas China Lodging Group and Wyndham Destinations have a Zacks Rank #5 (Strong Sell). You can see the complete list of todays Zacks #1 Rank (Strong Buy) stocks here. Strong Stocks that Should Be in the News Many are little publicized and fly under the Wall Street radar. They're virtually unknown to the general public. Yet today's 220 Zacks Rank #1 "Strong Buys" were generated by the stock-picking system that has nearly tripled the market from 1988 through 2015. Its average gain has been a stellar +26% per year. See these high-potential stocks free >>. Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/zacksresearch Join us on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/home.php#/pages/Zacks-Investment-Research/57553657748?ref=ts Zacks Investment Research is under common control with affiliated entities (including a broker-dealer and an investment adviser), which may engage in transactions involving the foregoing securities for the clients of such affiliates. Media Contact Zacks Investment Research 800-767-3771 ext. 9339 support@zacks.com https://www.zacks.com/ Past performance is no guarantee of future results. Inherent in any investment is the potential for loss. This material is being provided for informational purposes only and nothing herein constitutes investment, legal, accounting or tax advice, or a recommendation to buy, sell or hold a security. No recommendation or advice is being given as to whether any investment is suitable for a particular investor. It should not be assumed that any investments in securities, companies, sectors or markets identified and described were or will be profitable. All information is current as of the date of herein and is subject to change without notice. Any views or opinions expressed may not reflect those of the firm as a whole. Zacks Investment Research does not engage in investment banking, market making or asset management activities of any securities. These returns are from hypothetical portfolios consisting of stocks with Zacks Rank = 1 that were rebalanced monthly with zero transaction costs. These are not the returns of actual portfolios of stocks. The S&P 500 is an unmanaged index. Visit https://www.zacks.com/performance for information about the performance numbers displayed in this press release. 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 Red Lion Hotels Corporation (RLH) : Free Stock Analysis Report China Lodging Group, Limited (HTHT) : Free Stock Analysis Report Loews Corporation (L) : Free Stock Analysis Report Wyndham Worldwide Corp (WYND) : Free Stock Analysis Report To read this article on Zacks.com click here. Ambassador Cornelius Zimmermann, a German career diplomat, is now serving as NATOs senior civilian representative in Afghanistan. In an interview with Radio Free Afghanistan, he says the transatlantic alliance is committed to Afghanistan until it succeeds in creating peace and lasting stability in the country. RFE/RL: Ambassador Zimmerman, thank you very much for your time. NATO welcomed Afghan President Ashraf Ghanis latest ceasefire announcement with the Taliban. Are you hopeful that the militants will cease fighting? Cornelius Zimmermann: NATO, namely our Secretary General, welcomed the recent announcement of President Ghani to offer a unilateral ceasefire. I think thats bold. Its a courageous step. Its far-sighted, and it builds on the offer made by Ghani in February, an offer of unconditional talks to the Taliban. The onus is clearly on the Taliban to take up that offer. NATO is closely cooperating with Afghan security forces, helping them to increase the military pressure on the Taliban. The Taliban will be well advised to take up the offer to go to the negotiating table. There is no better deal for them, and this the only way they can legitimately integrate themselves into Afghan society and politics. RFE/RL: So the question is why have the Taliban not yet accepted the generous peace proposal offered by Ghani in February? Zimmerman: What we know is that there are discussions, there are talking ongoing, informal talks. And that shows that at least parts of the Taliban are reflecting. I think thats a reason for optimism, and lets not forget that this country is marked by almost four decades of conflict, so it certainly takes a while to move from the war mode to the peace mode. We have to work on that mindset, and I think combining the fighting approach with the talk approach with the offer to have unconditional talks at the negotiating table is a step in the right direction. RFE/RL: You know there has been a blame game going on between Kabul and Islamabad. Do you see any real progress in the relationship between Afghanistan and Pakistan? Zimmerman: What is making me hopeful is that there is an intensification of dialogue. Diplomatic activities with talks and finally with the successful conclusion of an Afghan-Pakistani action plan designed to build trust and confidence between the two countries, and I think thats exactly what we need. Your question is absolutely legitimate. In the end, we will judge both countries by deeds and not only by words, so that needs to be followed up. And let me assure you that NATO as a political organization is not only interested in the security sector of Afghanistan but that we are closely monitoring and following the political process. So we encourage Afghanistan and Pakistan to find a good arrangement which will allow Afghanistan to move to a better future. I think we will need a constructive engagement with Pakistan to achieve that objective. RFE/RL: Lets talk about the role of other regional stakeholders in Afghanistan. What are NATO countries doing to persuade Iran, Pakistan, and Russia to refrain from covertly backing the Taliban? Zimmerman: Youve certainly noted that our NATO foreign ministers during their spring meeting this year issued a statement. And in this statement, they reassured [Afghanistan] of the continued military and financial military support for its security forces. They also pointed to the fact that in order to bring about a peaceful solution in this country, there is a need to engage Afghanistans neighbors constructively. They singled out Pakistan, calling and encouraging Pakistan to cease giving safe havens to insurgents, and they underlined the need ... that Pakistan should become part of the solution and that a stable and prosperous future of Afghanistan is also in the very interest of the Pakistani people. RFE/RL: Lastly, you know that ordinary Afghans are very much concerned about the security situation in the country. For example, mosques are being bombed, schools are being attacked, the Interior Ministry in Kabul came under attack, and the Ulema council meeting in Kabul was attacked just recently. Given all this, do you see a light at the end of the tunnel for Afghans? Do you see peace and stability on the horizon for ordinary Afghans? Zimmerman: The security situation in Afghanistan remains a challenge. But I dont know if you had a chance to listen to General Nicholson, who is my closest military partner. In his assessment, the Afghan security forces are getting better day by day and the Taliban are more and more on the defensive. So I think theres reason in that respect. I would just like to give you a personal detail. So far, more than 5 million Afghans have registered [to vote] despite a certain security risk. Why do they do that? Because they believe that participation in the democratic process is worthwhile. So it shows the Afghan people are standing united in defending their own country. And I think these are two good indications which give reason for a better future of this country. Defense ministers today at the NATO headquarters discussed the situation in Afghanistan for more than two hours, and I take away from that meeting that there is unanimity around that table, unanimity in continuing the support for Afghanistan. [Afghan Defense] Minister Tariq Shah Bahrami was present. He got a very strong backing and a lot of praise for what he is doing in reforming and professionalizing the Afghan security forces. So you have that commitment of the alliance, and I am sure the upcoming NATO summit will reaffirm that NATO stands by you, and by you I mean by the people of Afghanistan. Our conditions-based approach basically means nothing less than we stay until we have accomplished our mission, and thats creating peace and lasting stability in your country. Marks Third Strategic Battery Material in Companys Portfolio TORONTO, June 12, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- NextSource Materials Inc. (TSX:NEXT) (OTCQB:NSRCF) (NextSource or the Company) announces that its long held,100%-owned Sagar Property in the Romanet Horst/Labrador Trough region of Quebec, Canada has received renewed attention due to it hosting significant cobalt mineralization. This development provides NextSource with the advantageous position of having now a third strategic battery material in its portfolio, adding to its advanced graphite and vanadium assets in Madagascar. Graphite and cobalt, along with lithium and nickel are regarded as the four pillars of battery technology. In addition, vanadium and flake graphite are the essential raw materials in Vanadium Redox Flow Batteries, which are now regarded by industry analysts as the leading battery technology for large-scale energy storage systems. Large-scale energy storage systems are capable of providing megawatt hour storage a capability that is critical as the world transitions from fossil fuels to renewable energy and the accompanying need to harness intermittent renewable energy. NDAs Signed with Multiple Parties Several international parties have recently approached NextSource and expressed strong interest in the Sagar Property based exclusively on its cobalt. Non-Disclosure Agreements have been executed and due diligence has been initiated with each. While the cobalt opportunity is a serendipitous development, the advancement of the Molo graphite project in Madagascar remains managements priority. Over the coming weeks, management will evaluate the various options available to the Company and will determine the best option to potentially monetize this opportunity for its shareholders. Cobalt Abundant Within IOCG Mineralization Prior to NextSource concentrating all of its exploration efforts in Madagascar in late 2007, the Company was focused on a comprehensive exploration program at its Sagar property in early 2007 that identified Iron-Oxide-Copper-Gold (IOCG) mineralization. While discovering gold and copper mineralization at Sagar, NextSource unintentionally discovered significant showings of cobalt. As gold and copper was the priority during the Companys exploration program at that time, cobalt mineralization was never specifically targeted, nor was it included in the NI 43-101 Technical Study that was completed on the property. Upon recent re-review of the drill core, grab samples and XRF results, the Sagar property has the potential to host significant mineralization of cobalt, which appears to be ubiquitous on the property. An analogue to the Sagar propertys cobalt mineralization can be found in the Idaho Cobalt Belt, which has been identified as multistage hydrothermal mineralization in a magmatic-related IOCG system. The Iron Creek Cobalt Project, recently acquired by First Cobalt Corp. in their corporate acquisition of US Cobalt Inc., is found within the Idaho Cobalt Belt and has a non-compliant NI 43-101 estimate of 1.3M tons grading 0.59% cobalt (Co) and 0.3% copper (Cu).Prior to its acquisition of US Cobalt Inc., First Cobalt Corp. consolidated a number of brownfield and greenfield properties to form a cobalt camp in the aptly-named town of Cobalt, Ontario. With the above as context, NextSources Sagar property is as large (175 km2) as the amalgamated First Cobalt land position in Ontario, with grab samples containing up to 0.81% Co. The lab that analyzed the samples was Activation Laboratories Ltd. in Abitibi, Quebec. QUALIFIED PERSONS Mr. Craig Scherba, P.Geo., President and CEO, is the qualified person who reviewed and approved the technical information provided in this press release. ABOUT NEXTSOURCE MATERIALS INC. NextSource Materials Inc. is a mine development company based in Toronto, Canada, that is developing its 100%-owned Molo Graphite Project in southern Madagascar. The Molo Graphite Project is a feasibility-stage project and ranks as one of the largest-known and highest quality flake graphite deposits in the world and the only project with SuperFlake graphite. For further information contact: +1.416.364.4911 Brent Nykoliation, Senior Vice President, Corporate Development at brent@nextsourcematerials.com or Craig Scherba, President and CEO at craig@nextsourcematerials.com Safe Harbour: This press release contains statements that may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable Canadian securities legislation. Readers are cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are related to the information contained in this press release and the Companys corporate presentation, which refers to the results of the cobalt exploration data, updated 2017 Feasibility Study, the results of the previous 2015 Molo Feasibility Study, funding of the development of the Molo Project, implementation and commencement of the build-out of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the Molo Project, commencement of production at the Molo Project, commencement of procurement for mine infrastructure, the procurement of equipment to construct a mine, value engineering, any and all product test results and product analysis, and the permit application. These are based on current expectations, estimates and assumptions that involve a number of risks, which could cause actual results to vary and in some instances to differ materially from those anticipated by the Company and described in the forward-looking statements contained in this press release. No assurance can be given that any of the events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur or, if any of them do so, what benefits the Company will derive there from. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligation to update publicly or to revise any of the forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. CHICAGO, June 12, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Workstorm, provider of enterprise-grade workplace collaboration technology, today announced the availability of an all-in-one platform enabling secure, efficient and seamless communication across enterprise ecosystems. Founded by Chicago entrepreneur Raj Fernando, Workstorm is headquartered in the Chicago Loop and backed by private investors. Workstorms collaboration platform improves workflow efficiency, as well as colleague and stakeholder communication, all within a secure online environment. Complete with messaging, file sharing, video conferencing and more, the platform enables businesses to get more done in less time and drive broad user adoption. Were not solving for the communication preferences of software developers, says Fernando, chairman and CEO, Workstorm. Our leadership and development teams have decades of experience in the enterprise sector developing products that serve front- and back-office teams and understand the critical importance of intellectual property protection, data security, compliance and confidentiality. Our goal is to facilitate the exchange of ideas, protect your data and improve your current workflow. Workstorm provides enterprise customers with a customizable platform that integrates with existing technologies, including email. Offering an unprecedented level of control, Workstorm enables customers to establish internal and external communications permissions, as well as security and authentication requirements. Currently available in a limited beta, Workstorm will be publicly available in late 2018. Prior to Workstorm, Fernando served as the founder and CEO of Chopper Trading, a technology-based trading firm headquartered in Chicago and one of the largest participants in the capital markets. In 2015, Fernando sold Chopper Trading to industry leader DRW. An expert in financial technology and security, Fernando has worked with many government agencies on cyber and market issues and has served on the boards of the American Security Project, Foreign Policy Leadership Committee at the Brookings Institution and Chicago Council on Global Affairs. About Workstorm LLC Workstorm LLC provides enterprise-grade workplace collaboration technology. Built by professionals for professionals, the companys integrated, customizable collaboration platform combines workflow efficiency with data security. Workstorm was founded in 2015 to address the double-digit market growth in enterprise collaboration, a segment with a projected market opportunity of nearly $60 billion by 2023. Privately held and headquartered in Chicago, Workstorm has a dedicated team of Chicago-based employees, backed by a global network of developers, contractors and advisors. For more information, visit Workstorm.com or follow us on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. SAN DIEGO, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Via OTC PR Wire GreenBox POS, LLC the ("Company"), (USOTC:GRBX) is pleased to announce that QuickCard, the company's latest Blockchain payment and E-Wallet technology development has now passed all deployment criteria, including release criteria and compliance requirements. This robust, world class technology, is now available for most platforms, and will gradually replace existing installations of GreenBox payment technology and be the only available payment infrastructure for new clients moving forward. The company's flagship product, taking full advantage of Blockchain benefits like security, privacy, reliability and extendibility, is also the first system to offer instant settlement capabilities and an end-to-end, natively-integrated product suite. GreenBox existing and new clients have lined up to be among the first to adopt the new technology, and full-scale installations are now ongoing. The company already sees a dramatic improvement to earning quality and predictability, and expects this trend to persist. GreenBox's success in securing robust commitments pipeline to deploy the new technology created opportunities in several new business verticals for the company. As a result, updated gross revenues projections reflecting that for the next 18 months have more than doubled. About GreenBox POS, LLC: GreenBox POS ("GRBX") is a hardware and software technology company that builds customized payment solutions to different industries. GRBX is based in California with offices in Seattle, WA; Las Vegas, NV; Vancouver, BC, Canada; and HQ in San Diego, CA. The company develops individual disruptive applications integrated in an end-to-end suite of financial products, supporting multiple industries and with an emphasis on Blockchain secured ledger technology. The company was awarded 5 provisional patents for its technology. GreenBox POS develops the following main products: POS (Point of Sale software and hardware solutions); DEL (delivery app, APIs to POS and PAY); PAY (payment app, providing financial APIs to all other components); KIOSK (deposit, cash and E-wallet management). All products, services and custom hardware are available now from GRBX. Forward-Looking Statements Disclaimer: This press release contains forward-looking statements within the meaning of Section 27A of the Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and Section 21E of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by the following words: "anticipate," "believe," "continue," "could," "estimate," "expect," "intend," "may," "ongoing," "plan," "potential," "predict," "project," "should," "will," "would," or the negative of these terms or other comparable terminology, although not all forward-looking statements contain these words. Forward-looking statements are not a guarantee of future performance or results and will not necessarily be accurate indications of the times at, or by, which such performance or results will be achieved. Forward-looking statements are based on information available at the time the statements are made and involve known and unknown risks, uncertainty and other factors that may cause our results, levels of activity, performance or achievements to be materially different from the information expressed or implied by the forward-looking statements in this press release. This press release should be considered in light of all filings of the Company that are contained in the Edgar Archives of the Securities and Exchange Commission at www.sec.gov. Public Relations and Media Contact: GreenBox POS, LLC www.GreenBoxPOS.com 619-930-5500 Office Info@GreenBoxPOS.com Calgary, Canada, June 13, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Hexagons Positioning Intelligence division has successfully deployed TerraStar X Global Navigation Satellite System (GNSS) correction technology, which enables instant lane-level accuracy, ideal for autonomous automotive planning programs. In partnership with Ligado Networks, we have demonstrated delivery of TerraStar X technology over both satellite and cellular networks to position vehicles with 5-centimetre (2-inch) accuracy in under a minute. Combining TerraStar X technology with multiple delivery channels is a significant step towards the future of Autonomous X, where cars, UAVs, industrial vehicles, trains, and more will operate safely, securely, reliably, and efficiently. TerraStar X technology is a breakthrough in GNSS. Built on the latest Precise Point Positioning (PPP) algorithms, it leverages the existing Hexagon capabilities in ground network infrastructure, correction data generation, and data packaging for delivery. By eliminating convergence time while providing high accuracy global positioning, TerraStar X will form the future of Hexagons correction services for safety of life applications and Autonomous X. When combined with automotive-grade GNSS receivers available through Hexagon Positioning Intelligence, this technology allows automotive customers to evaluate positioning performance in real-time using data delivered over the cellular network or the L-band frequency using Ligados SkyTerra satellite in North America. "Ligados expertise in satellite delivery and proactive involvement in this project enabled rapid deployment of our TerraStar X correction technology over the test area," said Sara Masterson, Positioning Services Segment Manager with Hexagons Positioning Intelligence division. "Their unique spot-beam technology enables efficient delivery of the higher bandwidth correction data required for this application and adds a delivery method providing continental scale coverage. Hexagon has been providing highly reliable, precise GNSS corrections under VERIPOS, TerraStar, Oceanix, and SmartNet brands for over 20 years. Our GNSS correction services empower world-leading companies within precision agriculture, survey, marine, oil and gas, automotive, transportation, and emerging applications. We operate the worlds largest reference station network, consisting of over 4500 stations, with continuous quality monitoring and best in class support. Hexagon is uniquely positioned to offer end to end solutions from correction data generation through to GNSS positioning solutions in the vehicle, said Brian Deobald, Vice President, Strategic Product and Ecosystem Development, Ligado Networks. We are excited to partner with Hexagon on this opportunity to demonstrate the delivery of TerraStar X technology, using high throughput, cost-efficient satellite connectivity to enable superior performance and reliability for autonomous driving applications. Trial networks for customer evaluation are currently available in California, Arizona, and Michigan over satellite or cellular network, and in Germany using cellular delivery. The infrastructure is scalable, enabling timely geographic expansion to accommodate automotive development programs globally. Commercial solutions designed uniquely for the automotive market will be available in 2019. For more information, please visit: www.hexagonpositioning.com/correction-services ### About Hexagons Positioning Intelligence Division Hexagons Positioning Intelligence division is a global technology leader, pioneering end-to-end solutions for assured positioning for land, sea, and air. Our solutions power intelligent positioning ecosystems in vital industries and safety-of-life applications, enabling the advancement of the Autonomous X (cars, UAVs, industrial vehicles, trains, vessels, and more). The division includes leading brands NovAtel and VERIPOS. Learn more at hexagonpositioning.com. About Ligado Networks Making connections is Ligados core mission. Our vision is to modernize American infrastructure by connecting the Industrial Internet of Things. With our current state-of-the-art satellite technology and plans to deploy Custom Private Networks for the businesses that keep this country running, were paving the way for future innovations. Attachments Hamilton, Bermuda (June 14, 2018) Archer Limited announces that Pampa Energy S.A. has awarded Archer's wholly owned subsidiary DLS Archer Ltd. a 3 year contract, commencing August 1st of this year, for the provision of land drilling services for DLS Archer Rig 165 in the Vaca Muerta region of Argentina. In addition to the firm contract term, two additional three-year extension options are available. DLS Archer Rig 165 recently came off contract with another client, and has been working in the Vaca Muerta region the last three years. "The exciting shale play of Vaca Muerta is attracting considerable client interest and demand for high specification drilling rigs. DLS Archer holds a leading position within the unconventional shale play in Argentina, both in terms of operational performance, drilling assets and HSE performance. The increased client demand and our strong reputation in the region have resulted in the new contract with Pampa Energy. As part of the contract with Pampa Energy, the land drilling rig will be upgraded from 5000 PSI to 7500 PSI and retrofitted with a walking system to further enhance its operational capabilities and efficiency, and will be one of only three rigs in the area with these capabilities." said Greg Helmen, VP Land Drilling. For additional information please contact: Dag Skindlo, CFO and EVP Strategy Mobile: +47 98226624 dag.skindlo@archerwell.com This information is subject to the disclosure requirements pursuant to section 5-12 of the Norwegian Securities Trading Act. English Finnish VMP PLC COMPANY RELEASE JUNE 14, 2018, AT 4.00 P.M. EET The public offering of VMP Plc has been oversubscribed and the subscription period for the public offering is discontinued NOT FOR RELEASE, PUBLICATION OR DISTRIBUTION, DIRECTLY OR INDIRECTLY, IN OR INTO THE UNITED STATES, CANADA, NEW ZEALAND, AUSTRALIA, JAPAN, HONG KONG, SINGAPORE OR SOUTH AFRICA OR ANY OTHER JURISDICTION IN WHICH THE DISTRIBUTION OR RELEASE WOULD BE UNLAWFUL. The public offering of shares in VMP Plc (VMP or the Company) has been oversubscribed, and the Companys Board of Directors has decided to discontinue the subscription period for the public offering in accordance with the terms and conditions of the initial public offering today, June 14, 2018, at 4:00 p.m. EET. The institutional and personnel offering continue in accordance with the terms and conditions of the initial public offering. The final number of shares offered in the initial public offering and the final subscription price is expected to be announced on or about June 18, 2018. Additional information Juha Pesola, CEO, tel. +358 (0)40 307 5105, juha.pesola@vmp.fi Jarmo Korhonen, CFO, tel. +358 (0)40 510 9336, jarmo.korhonen@vmp.fi Liisa Harjula, Chairman of the Board of Directors, tel. +358 (0)40 506 2295, liisa.harjula@sentica.fi Certified Adviser: Danske Bank A/S, Finland Branch, tel. +358 (0)10 546 7934 VMP in brief VMP is a Finnish HR services company with a comprehensive offering of staffing, recruiting and organisational development and self employment services. VMP is one of the leading HR services companies in Finland as measured by revenue. With its comprehensive services offering VMP aims to meet the changing needs of both employees and employers and is a holistic HR partner to its clients. In 2017, VMPs revenue amounted to EUR 109.5 million and EBITDA was EUR 9.3 million corresponding to an 8.5 per cent EBITDA margin. Important information The information contained herein is not for publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, Japan, Hong Kong, Singapore or South Africa. The information contained herein does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States, nor may the securities be offered or sold in the United States absent registration or an exemption from registration as provided in the U.S. Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and the rules and regulations thereunder. VMP Plc (the "Company") does not intend to register any portion of the contemplated offering in the United States or to conduct a public offering of securities in the United States. The issue, exercise and/or sale of securities in the initial public offering are subject to specific legal or regulatory restrictions in certain states. The Company and Danske Bank A/S, Finland Branch assume no responsibility in the event there is a violation by any person of such restrictions. The information contained herein shall not constitute an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy, nor shall there be any sale or offer of the securities referred to herein in any jurisdiction in which such offer, solicitation or sale would be unlawful prior to registration, exemption from registration or qualification under the securities laws of any such jurisdiction. Investors must neither accept any offer for, nor acquire, any securities referred to in this release, unless they do so on the basis of the information contained in the prospectus published or offering circular distributed by the Company. The Company has not authorized any offer to the public of securities in any Member State of the European Economic Area. With respect to each Member State of the European Economic Area other than Finland, and which has implemented the Prospectus Directive (each, a "Relevant Member State"), no action has been undertaken or will be undertaken to make an offer to the public of securities requiring publication of a prospectus in any Relevant Member State. As a result, the securities may only be offered in Relevant Member States (a) to any legal entity which is a qualified investor as defined in the Prospectus Directive; or (b) in any other circumstances falling within Article 3(2) of the Prospectus Directive. For the purposes of this paragraph, the expression an "offer of securities to the public" means the communication in any form and by any means of sufficient information on the terms of the offer and the securities to be offered so as to enable an investor to decide to exercise, purchase or subscribe the securities, as the same may be varied by any measure implementing the Prospectus Directive in that Relevant Member State and the expression "Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2003/71/EC (and amendments thereto, including the 2010 PD Amending Directive, to the extent implemented in the Relevant Member State), and includes any relevant implementing measure in the Relevant Member State and the expression "2010 PD Amending Directive" means Directive 2010/73/EU. This communication is directed only at (i) persons who are outside the United Kingdom or (ii) persons who have professional experience in matters relating to investments falling within Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (the "Order") and (iii) high net worth entities, and other persons to whom it may lawfully be communicated, falling within Article 49(2) of the Order (all such persons together being referred to as "Relevant Persons"). Any investment activity to which this communication relates will only be available to and will only be engaged with, Relevant Persons. Any person who is not a Relevant Person should not act or rely on this document or any of its contents. VMP is a Finnish HR services company with a comprehensive offering of Staffing Services, Recruitment Services, Organizational Development Services and Self-employment Services. VMPs mission is to help both people and companies succeed in the changing world of work. VMP serves customers in Finland, Sweden and Estonia and it has recruitment points in Estonia and Romania. VMP group operates under VMP Varamiespalvelu, Staffplus, Personnel, Romana Management, Eezy and Alina brands. THIS NEWS RELEASE IS INTENDED FOR DISTRIBUTION IN CANADA ONLY AND IS NOT AUTHORIZED FOR DISTRIBUTION TO UNITED STATES NEWSWIRE SERVICES OR FOR DISSEMINATION IN THE UNITED STATES. TORONTO, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- RosCan Minerals Corporation (RosCan or the Company) (TSX-V:ROS) is pleased to announce that it has entered into an agreement with Clarus Securities Inc. (the Agent), whereby the Agent will act on behalf of the Company to raise, on a best efforts agency basis, up to C$3,000,000 (the Offering) of units of the Company (the Units), to be priced at C$0.06 per Unit. Each Unit is comprised of one common share in the capital of the Company (Common Share) and one Common Share purchase warrant (Warrant), with each Warrant entitling the holder to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $0.12 for 24 months following the closing of the Offering. The net proceeds of the Offering will be used by the Company for exploration and development of the Companys mineral properties and for general corporate purposes. The Offering is scheduled to close on or about July 5, 2018 and is subject to certain conditions including, but not limited to, the receipt of all necessary approvals of the TSX Venture Exchange. The securities to be issued under this Offering will be offered by way of private placement exemptions in all the provinces of Canada. The Units to be issued under this Offering will also be offered offshore, including in the United Kingdom pursuant to applicable exemptions and in the United States on a private placement basis pursuant to exemptions from the registration requirements of the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended. The securities referred to in this news release have not been, nor will they be, registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold within the United States or to, or for the account or benefit of, U.S. persons absent U.S. registration or an applicable exemption from the U.S. registration requirements. This release does not constitute an offer for sale of, nor a solicitation for offers to buy, any securities in the United States. Any public offering of securities in the United States must be made by means of a prospectus containing detailed information about the issuer and its management, as well as financial statements. ABOUT ROSCAN RosCan Minerals Corporation is a Canadian gold exploration company focussed on West Africa. The Company has assembled a significant land position of 100%-owned permits in an area of large gold deposits for its Kandiole Project in west Mali. RosCan is also exploring the gold potential of the early exploration stage Dormaa Project in Ghana, in which RosCan can earn a 50% interest through an option agreement with Pelangio Exploration Inc. For further information, please contact: Greg Isenor President and Chief Executive Officer Tel: (902) 832-5555 or (416) 293-8437 Email: info@roscan.ca Forward Looking Statements This news release contains forward-looking information which is not comprised of historical facts. Forward-looking information is characterized by words such as plan, expect, project, intend, believe, anticipate, estimate and other similar words, or statements that certain events or conditions may or will occur. Forward-looking information involves risks, uncertainties and other factors that could cause actual events, results, and opportunities to differ materially from those expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from such forward-looking information include, but are not limited to, changes in the state of equity and debt markets, fluctuations in commodity prices, delays in obtaining required regulatory or governmental approvals, and other risks involved in the mineral exploration and development industry, including those risks set out in the Companys managements discussion and analysis as filed under the Companys profile at www.sedar.com. Forward-looking information in this news release is based on the opinions and assumptions of management considered reasonable as of the date hereof, including that all necessary governmental and regulatory approvals will be received as and when expected. Although the Company believes that the assumptions and factors used in preparing the forward-looking information in this news release are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on such information. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, other than as 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. Bunuel wrote: In each of the last five years, Company K donated p percent of its annual profits to a certain scholarship fund. Did Company K donate more than $10,000 to the scholarship fund last year? (1) Two years ago, Company K had annual profits of $3 million and donated $15,000 to the scholarship fund (2) Last year, Company K had annual profits of $2.5 million Statement One Alone: Statement Two Alone: Statements One and Two Together: We are given that in each of the last five years, Company K donated p percent of its annual profits to a certain scholarship fund. We need to determine whether company K donated more than 10,000 dollars to the scholarship fund last year.Two years ago, Company K had annual profits of $3 million and donated $15,000 to the scholarship fund.Using the information in statement one, we can determine a value for p.3,000,000(p/100) = 15,0003,000,000p = 1,500,000p = 0.5Thus, in each of the last 5 years, company K donated 0.5% of its profits. However, since we dont know the profit made last year, we cant answer the question. Statement one alone is not sufficient. We can eliminate answer choices A and D.Last year, Company K had annual profits of $2.5 million.Since we do not have a value for p, statement two alone is not sufficient to answer the question. We can eliminate answer choice B.Using the information in statements one and two, we can determine that last year company K donated 0.5 percent of their 2.5 million dollar profit, or $12,500, which is more than $10,000. The two statements together are sufficient.Answer: C_________________ Los Angeles County Sheriff(LOS ANGELES) -- A taco helped saved a family of six and put a man behind bars on Sunday in Industry, California, authorities said. The family was heading back from a day at a waterpark when they pulled over to get carne asada tacos before the ride home, a statement on the Los Angeles County Sheriffs Department Facebook page said. Juan Rodriguez, rding a bike, approached the family while they were eating their tacos and began to intimidate and terrorize both parents and their four children, the statement read. "He began flashing a gun, that was concealed in his waist band, showed them a badge and told them he was an undercover cop," the statement continued. The mother knew something wasnt right. So what did she do? She offered him a taco. She offered to get him napkins from the taco truck. As she walked away, the man kept showing his gun and went through the mothers purse. Once at the taco truck, the mother saw the line of people waiting to order and told them what was going on. She asked them not look back towards her familys van and asked them to please call 911 or help her, the statement read. As police responded, Rodriguez allegedly threw his gun into the family's van and tried to climb inside, the sheriff's department said. Rodriguez faces several felony charges, including child endangerment, impersonating a peace officer, and outstanding warrants, according to the statement. None of the family members were injured. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Washington, DC, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The worlds leading experts will discuss the most critical questions about national and homeland security at the ninth annual Aspen Security Forum, presented by the Aspen Institutes Homeland Security Program. The Forum will take place July 18-21, 2018 in Aspen, CO. The full agenda is available now at http://aspensecurityforum.org/agenda. Featured speakers include: Kirstjen Nielsen, United States Secretary of Homeland Security, Daniel Coats, Director of National Intelligence, Rod Rosenstein, Deputy Attorney General, United States Department of Justice, and Christopher Wray, Director, Federal Bureau of Investigation. Anchors, reporters, and analysts from NBC News and MSNBC, the official media partner of the 2018 Aspen Security Forum, will drive discussion throughout the week. Conversations will address North Korea, the threat of nuclear war, Chinas global influence, multinational alliances, such as NATO and the EU, great power conflict, cyber security, and more. All sessions will be streamed live at https://aspensecurityforum.org/media/live-video/ and available to view after at http://aspensecurityforum.org/media/video-library/. Join the conversation on social media at #AspenSecurity. Follow the Security Forum on Twitter @AspenSecurity. Sponsors for the 2018 Aspen Security Forum are Amazon Web Services, American Airlines, Battelle, Deloitte, Lockheed Martin, Microsoft, MITRE, and Symantec. Editors Note: A limited number of press passes are still available. Please apply for credentials at http://aspensecurityforum.org/press/ The Aspen Institute is an educational and policy studies organization based in Washington, DC. Its mission is to foster leadership based on enduring values and to provide a nonpartisan venue for dealing with critical issues. The Institute is based in Washington, DC; Aspen, Colorado; and on the Wye River on Maryland's Eastern Shore. It also has offices in New York City and an international network of partners. For more information, visit www.aspeninstitute.org. ### DENVER, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As on-farm solar becomes more competitive with retail electricity, solar panels may be a common sight across U.S. farm fields and livestock operations. Lower costs, along with federal tax credits, state incentives and a stronger ag economy, could entice more farmers to install on-farm solar generation in the decade ahead. As sure as the sun rises, the price of solar will fall, said Taylor Gunn, CoBank lead economist. The U.S. farm economy is currently at the bottom of a business cycle, which has slowed the adoption of on-farm solar generation. But when markets reverse, we expect interest in on-farm solar to increase. A new report from CoBanks Knowledge Exchange Division predicts that solar energy use will accelerate among ag producers when the cost of installing and operating distributed solar energy systems is the same or less than commercial electricity rates. This rate convergence is known as grid parity. Grid parity is based on the levelized cost of energy (LCOE), which calculates the cost of building and operating a solar generation system. In most states, grid parity for on-farm solar will likely occur by 2025 to 2030, and could happen even sooner in areas with strong solar resources, Gunn said. Incentives drive use CoBank experts expect federal and state incentives to continue to drive solar adoption as well. The federal Investment Tax Credit (ITC) now provides solar system owners a tax credit equal to 30 percent of the cost of the system. The credit drops to 26 percent in 2020, 22 percent in 2021 and 10 percent from 2022 forward. When installing solar energy systems, farmers also may be able to take advantage of the federal Rural Energy for America Program (REAP), which provides guaranteed loan financing and grants to agricultural producers and rural small businesses for renewable energy systems or energy efficiency improvements. In addition, most states have net metering policies, whereby local utilities compensate owners for the kilowatt-hours (kWh) of energy the solar system produces above the owners needs. Currently, 38 states have mandatory compensation rules, although states differ in compensation rates and system size limits. For example, in Minnesota, systems below 40 kilowatts (kW) in size are compensated at the utilitys full retail rate. State-level net metering policies will continue to spur growth of on-farm solar, Gunn said. Who gains from solar Agriculture is an energy-intensive business, and livestock production is at the top of the user list. Dairy and livestock farmers pay hefty electric bills that average $12,000 to $13,000 annuallypowering feed equipment, ventilation, lighting, heating systems, and milk pumps and coolers. The total energy that U.S. dairy, poultry and swine producers purchased in 2017 could support 1.1 million single-family homes for a full year. This level of energy consumption makes these producers prime candidates for solar energy adoption, especially since their needs are year-round, added Gunn. They have the most to gain from the increasing competitiveness of solar energy. Future recoveries in the hog, dairy and poultry sector will signal a strong growth period for on-farm solar generation. Electric utilities to respond Electric co-ops have a long history of demand-side managementcontrolling members loads during times of peak demand in exchange for more attractive rates. Providing competitive energy rates for agricultural producers through demand response does help electric cooperatives reduce the risk of losing sales to on-farm solar generation, said Gunn. But even these rates could face competition from on-farm solar by 2030. For a brief video synopsis of Load Defection Among Agricultural Producers click here. The full report is available at CoBank.com. About CoBank CoBank is a $133 billion cooperative bank serving vital industries across rural America. The bank provides loans, leases, export financing and other financial services to agribusinesses and rural power, water and communications providers in all 50 states. The bank also provides wholesale loans and other financial services to affiliated Farm Credit associations serving more than 70,000 farmers, ranchers and other rural borrowers in 23 states around the country. CoBank is a member of the Farm Credit System, a nationwide network of banks and retail lending associations chartered to support the borrowing needs of U.S. agriculture, rural infrastructure and rural communities. Headquartered outside Denver, Colorado, CoBank serves customers from regional banking centers across the U.S. and also maintains an international representative office in Singapore. For more information about CoBank, visit the bank's website at CoBank.com On June 2, the 2018 edition of the Cal Poly Classic Sale brought alumni and supporters to the Central Coast where the sale averaged an impressive $4,784.38. About every ten years, the Cal Poly Dairy Science Program hosts the sale in San Luis Obispo, Calif. Cal Poly Dairy Science seniors Caitlin Lopes and Matt Ruby were co-chairs of the sale that included over 50 lots of genomic and show-quality Holsteins and Jerseys. Their responsibilities included getting consignments, organizing committees, and overseeing all aspects of the sale. Along with the guidance of Dairy Science faculty members Leanne Berning and Rich Silacci, the sale was a success. Being a co-chair of the Cal Poly Classic really encompassed and capped off my experience at Cal Poly. Not only was it a legacy event for me, being that my dad Scott Ruby co-chaired the 1993 Classic Sale, but also this sale created new buzz and excitement around our Dairy Science Program out here on the West Coast, said Matt Ruby, co-chair of the sale. A talented group of students chaired committees including silent auction, publicity, finance, and cattle housing, among others. Sale chairs and other students put in countless hours organizing a sale preview and then the sale on June 1 and 2. My favorite part of the sale process was the final product. In the end, our facilities, catalog, event planning, and cattle selection were all top of the mark, especially for a university sale, said Ruby. The sale preview and social on Friday evening featured local wines and cheeses as well as a silent auction. Those involved felt accomplished after seeing the project come full circle since the planning began last fall. The funds raised from this event will go toward student programs such as traveling for dairy judging and Dairy Challenge contests, projects at the Cal Poly Dairy, and other training programs to give students not only the in-classroom education, but hands-on experience to develop in their personal and professional dairy careers, said Caitlin Lopes, sale co-chair. The high seller of the sale was Lot 5J, JX Faria Brothers Klay SLO {3}-P-ET, bringing $70,000. SLO-P was consigned by Faria Brothers Dairy of Texas and is the No. 12 GJPI heifer in the breed at +209 GJPI and the No. 1 Polled Jersey in the breed. The second high seller at $9,600 was Lot 1, Dinas Doorman Divine-ET. The weekend concluded with the annual Cal Poly Dairy Science banquet where students were recognized for their accomplishments throughout the year. Getting to host the Cal Poly Classic was one of the most rewarding experiences I have been able to be a part of. This event came together because of a group of students who are incredibly passionate about the dairy industry and once they set their mind to something, their potential is unlimited, said Lopes. Elise Regusci grew up on her family's farm in Modesto, Calif. Regusci attends Cal Poly University, majoring in dairy science with an agricultural communication minor. On campus, she is the Los Lecheros Dairy Club Ag Council representative and a member of the Cal Poly dairy judging team. Regusci was the 2016 Brown Swiss Youth Ambassador and was the 2017 Hoard's Dairyman summer editorial intern. World leader in Progressive Web Apps for ecommerce accelerates to help retailers and brands improve customer experience, drive mobile revenue Meet Mobify at eTail Europe London June 19 VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Mobify, the world leader in Progressive Web Apps (PWAs) for ecommerce, is accelerating its operations across Europe, the Middle East, and Africa with the appointment of David Ogidi as Director of EMEA Sales. Ogidi brings more than two decades of experience establishing and expanding leading digital experience, SaaS, and enterprise software companies through highly successful direct and channel sales programs in the region. He joins Mobify as the company's digital experience platform continues to drive revenue for retailers and brands. The Mobify Platform harnesses the power of innovative technologies such as PWAs for faster, more app-like experiences in the mobile browser, as well as Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) for fast initial page loads that prevent customer drop-off. As Director of EMEA Sales, Ogidi reports to Darren Horne, Vice President of Sales at Mobify, and is based in London. "David has deep market and regional experience and a proven track record with strategic retail accounts," said Mobify CEO Igor Faletski. "Mobify customers are enjoying tremendous success -- from a UK department store with a 20% boost in mobile conversions and a 20-year old brand enjoying a 30% revenue lift, to an international multi-channel retailer seeing a 33% increase in revenue. We're delighted to have David onboard to further expand our reach, strengthen our channel strategy, and accelerate customer adoption for Mobify." Prior to joining Mobify, Ogidi was Vice President, International Business Development at Paris- and New York-based ContentSquare, the digital experience insights platform used by ecommerce brands to optimize performance and conversions. There he expanded operations across EMEA and established key customer and partner relationships. He was European Sales Director for over 4 years as European Sales and two years as country manager for the UK at RichRelevance, establishing European operations and multi-million revenue growth for the global leader in omni-channel personalization. Ogidi previously held European sales, marketing, and business development positions with business software companies including SQRIBE Technologies, Metastorm, Interwoven, and MapInfo. Mobify is accelerating momentum by addressing one of retail's most pressing concerns: how to capitalize on mobile as the #1 source of digital growth. Mobify is the proven Digital Experience Platform for building customer-first shopping experiences with modern web and app technologies. With Mobify, customers are growing mobile revenue as much as 36% year-over-year. Attend eTail Europe 2018 and learn How Debenhams Is Increasing Mobile Revenue With An App-Like Experience On The Mobile Web with Paula Hassett, Director of Digital Customer Experience and Operations, Debenhams and Drew Lau, Vice President of Product Management, Mobify. The session will be held at 12:15 p.m. on Tues., June 19, at the Queen Elizabeth II Conference Centre, London. About Mobify Mobify is a digital experience platform for building modern, customer-first shopping experiences through Progressive Web Apps (PWA), Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP), and native apps. Working as a seamless extension of ecommerce and IT teams, Mobify and its network of partners use the Mobify Platform to help retailers and brands drive immediate revenue with a friction-free shopping experience thats up to 43% faster than previous generation mobile sites. The platform-as-a-service (PaaS) enables leading global brands to embrace a superior PWA experience on mobile, and then extend it across desktop, tablet, and other digital touchpoints. Mobify's customers include digital innovators like Lancome, Debenhams, Crabtree & Evelyn, Lilly Pulitzer, Payless Shoe Source, Carnival Cruise Line, US AutoParts, Hobbycraft, and PureFormulas. Mobify is a registered trademark of Mobify. All other trademarks are the property of their respective owners. A photo accompanying this announcement is available at http://www.globenewswire.com/NewsRoom/AttachmentNg/c4a352fa-732d-48d9-bbdf-ea873b227836 Betsy Kosheff betsy@mobify.com 413-232-7057 CLEARWATER, Fla., June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- The Citizens Commission on Human Rights of Florida (CCHR), a mental health watchdog group co-founded by the Church of Scientology in 1969, announced the showing of the popular documentary, Dead Wrong, in their downtown facility. The full-screen showing will be presented on demand to visitors at no charge. The theme of Dead Wrong is that children are being put at risk by the use of psychiatric medications which have no valid scientific basis of use. Documented instances of children dying as a result of psychiatric medication are included on the CCHR site (www.cchr.org). According to the National Institute of Health (NIH), We do not have an independent, valid test for ADHD, and there is no data to indicate that ADHD is due to a brain malfunction. (NIH Consensus statement) [1] A major danger is that childhood behaviors can be diagnosed as mental disorders for various reasons including Federal reimbursements. Parents who feel their children are being forced into taking prescription mental drugs are advised by CCHR to follow these steps: Demand to see the lab test, brain scan, blood test or X-ray that proves the child has a mental disorder. If drugs are recommended for a child, print the international drug warnings for the doctor or psychiatrist. (Practitioners may sometimes get their data on drug safety from sales reps.) If the psychiatrist or doctor claims evidence of a disorder, parents may forward the claim information to CCHR for review. Be aware of non-drug, non-harmful methods for treating childhood issues. Parents have a right to another opinion, and data on alternatives. Following are the number of children currently on psychiatric drugs in the United States: 0-1 Years 274,804 babies on psychiatric drugs 2-3 Years 370,778 toddlers on psychiatric drugs 4-5 Years 500,948 kindergarteners on psychiatric drugs 6-12 Years 4,130,340 schoolkids on psychiatric drugs 13-17 Years 3,617,593 youths on psychiatric drugs Diagnosis for these prescriptions is not done by medical test, but a checklist of behaviors according to the viewpoint of the observer. The epidemic of child drugging in the U.S. is not in the interests of these children or their parents, said Diane Stein, President of CCHR Florida. False diagnoses must be resisted if we are to hope for competent future generations. To find out the date of the next showing of Dead Wrong, call CCHR in Clearwater at (727) 442-8820 or visit http://www.cchrflorida.org/events/ About CCHR: Initially established by the Church of Scientology and renowned psychiatrist Dr. Thomas Szasz in 1969, CCHRs mission is to eradicate abuses committed under the guise of mental health and enact patient and consumer protections. It was L. Ron Hubbard, the founder of Scientology, who brought the terror of psychiatric imprisonment to the notice of the world. In March 1969, he said, Thousands and thousands are seized without process of law, every week, over the free world tortured, castrated, killed. All in the name of mental health. For more information visit, www.cchrflorida.org Sources: [1] Parents: Get the FactsKnow Your Rights https://www.cchrint.org/issues/childmentaldisorders/ Media Contact: Diane Stein President, CCHR Florida 727-442-8820 diane@cchrflorida.org www.cchrflorida.org English French BROSSARD, Quebec, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- DIAGNOS Inc. (DIAGNOS, the Corporation or we) (TSX Venture:ADK) (OTCQB:DGNOF), a leader in early detection of critical health issues through the use of its FLAIRE platform based on Artificial Intelligence (AI), announces today the signing of an agreement with Momentum Public Relations Inc. (Momentum) with the objective of raising DIAGNOS profile among targeted institutional and private investors. DIAGNOS is also providing an update on current financing activities. Investor relation firm Momentum The agreement with Momentum started June 1, 2018 for an initial term of nine months. The compensation for the initial term is comprised of a fee of $60,000 and 500,000 stock options. Stock options vest at 50% per year, commencing with the first anniversary of the grant. The exercise price of the stock options has been established at $0.08 per common share. The expiry date to which the options can be exercised has been fixed to June 14, 2023. Max Gagne, president of Momentum, stated: "We are extremely proud to include DIAGNOS to our roster of carefully selected clients. They are leaders in utilizing the power of Artificial Intelligence to detect important health issues. We believe this type of early detection and monitoring will be utilized internationally. It is easily implemented, reduces preventable health complications along with their associated costs. DIAGNOS has been a pioneer in the sector and is well positioned to be a dominant global player." About Momentum Momentum PR assists public companies in distributing their messaging to target audiences within the North American investment community. Through a national network of institutional investors, analysts and financial media relationships, the team may communicate the clients value drivers, growth potential and development vision clearly and efficiently. The experienced team of communications specialists work closely with senior management to build campaign objectives and market activity while executing on a long term investor relations strategy and respond to immediate changes. Additional information about Momentum is available at www.momentumpr.com. Financing update DIAGNOS announces the closing of a first tranche of 5 units (each a Unit) for gross proceeds of $250,000 in connection with the private placement of units initially announced on May 28, 2018. Each Unit consists of: One Secured, Convertible and Redeemable Debenture (Debenture), 3-year term, 10% annual interest, principal of $50,000 per Debenture, and 200,000 stock warrants (each a Warrant) entitling the holder to purchase one common share (Share) per Warrant at a price of $0.15 per Share, for a period of 18 months from the date of issuance. At the sole option of the holder of the Debenture, the principal amount of the Debentures may be converted at any time during the 3-year term, in whole or in part, into Shares of the Corporation at a price of $0.10 per Share. Any accrued interest on the Debenture principal, at time of conversion by the holder, is immediately payable in cash. If, at any time after the first anniversary of the Debenture and until maturity, the volume weighted average price of the Shares on the TSX Venture Exchange is equal to or higher than $0.18 for 20 consecutive trading days, the Debentures shall be redeemable, in whole or in part, at the sole option of the Corporation, into Shares of the Corporation at a price of $0.10 per Share. Any accrued interest on the principal, at time of redemption, will be immediately payable in cash. Final closing of the private placement of units is expected to occur on, or before, June 22, 2018. The proceeds of the private placement of units will be used to continue developing new geographical markets and to fund operating and product development expenses. In connection with the private placement of units, a commission in the form of cash of $3,000 and grant of 12,000 stock warrants (each, a Finder Warrant) is payable to Trump Securities, LLC (Trump). Each Finder Warrant entitles Trump to purchase one Share per Warrant at a price of $0.15 per Share, for a period of 60 months from the date of issuance. The Debentures are sold in Canada on a prospectus-exempt basis and the common shares underlying the Debentures and stock warrants are subject to a statutory four-month hold period. DIAGNOS is also announcing the closing of a private placement - shares of 1,600,000 units (each a Share-Unit), issued at $0.075 per Share-Unit, for gross proceeds of $120,000. Each Share-Unit consists of; one common share (Share), and one share warrant (Share-Warrant) entitling the holder to purchase one Share per Share-Warrant at a price of $0.10 per Share, for a period of 18 months from the date of issuance of the Share-Warrant. The proceeds of the private placement - shares will be used to fund marketing and administrative expenses. Shares issued as part of the private placement shares, as well as the underlying Shares to be issued upon exercise of the Share-Warrants, are subject to a statutory four-month hold period from the date of issuance. The private placement of units as well as the private placement - shares are subject to receipt of all required regulatory approvals, including the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange, as well as the execution of formal documentation. All monies quoted in this press release shall be stated and paid in lawful money of Canada. About DIAGNOS DIAGNOS is a publicly-traded Canadian corporation with a mission of early detection of critical health issues through the use of its Artificial Intelligence (AI) tool CARA (Computer Assisted Retina Analysis). CARA is a tele-ophthalmology platform that integrates with existing equipment (hardware and software) and processes at the point of care (POC). CARAs Artificial Intelligence image enhancement algorithms make standard retinal images sharper, clearer and easier to read. CARA is accessible securely over the internet, and is compatible with all recognized image formats and brands of fundus cameras, and is EMR compatible. CARA is a cost-effective tool for screening large numbers of patients in real-time and has been cleared for commercialization by several regulatory authorities such as Health Canada, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the European Union. Additional information about DIAGNOS is available at www.diagnos.com and www.sedar.com. For further information, please contact: Mr. Andre Larente, President Mr. Josh Falle DIAGNOS Inc. Momentum PR Tel: 450-678-8882 ext. 224 Tel: 514-416-4656 alarente@diagnos.ca josh@momentumpr.com This news release contains forward-looking information. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in these statements. DIAGNOS disclaims any intention or obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is expressly qualified by this cautionary statement. 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. George Soros gave Ivanka's husband's business a $250 million credit line in 2015 per WSJ. Soros is also an investor in Jared's business. 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 SALT LAKE CITY, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- GPS Capital Markets, a leading corporate FX brokerage, today announced that Brent Bailey, Chief Information Officer, was recognized by Utah Business magazine as CXO of the Year, an honor recognizing Utahs top C-level talent. The CXO of the Year awards are given to senior executives for outstanding performance in their roles. The selected CXOs, who are from small, medium, large, public, private and government agencies, demonstrate the importance of providing strong financial leadership, visionary innovation as well as social responsibility to Utah businesses. Our firms growth is directly tied to the intellectual capital of our team members, said Al Manbeian, Founder and Managing Partner of GPS Capital Markets. Brent has been a key contributor to GPS growth and success. He is a great asset to the Company. "I am honored to be recognized as a CXO of the year by Utah Business. It gives me something to show for the trust my wife and GPS have put in me to go out and work hard to chase a dream. Not all days are award winners so when one comes, you smile big and soak it in. Thank you, Utah Business! said Brent Bailey, CIO of GPS Capital Markets. Brent Bailey has been with GPS Capital Markets since the founding in 2002. As Chief Information Officer, Brent oversees the Development and Technology teams helping GPS management bring their vision for the Company to life. Bailey was honored today at an awards banquet at Salt Lake Citys Grand America Hotel and is featured in the magazines June issue. About GPS Capital Markets Headquartered in Salt Lake City, Utah, GPS Capital Markets, Inc. provides corporate foreign exchange services that help companies manage their foreign currency risks and execute foreign currency transactions. Founded in 2002, GPS brings together a senior management team rich in international banking experience from the world's leading financial institutions. GPS has several offices throughout the United States, as well as in Australia, Canada, and the United Kingdom. It combines competitive exchange rates with a host of tailored international financial solutions for its clients. Learn more at gpsfx.com. Press Contact Lindsey Wing GPS Capital Markets 801-979-6114 lwing@gpsfx.com Jalalian, who has been held in Khoi Prison in West Azerbaijan Province since 2008, is suffering from many medical problems, including an eye disease, kidney infection, lung infection, high blood pressure (hypertension), oral candidiasis (oral thrush), and severe damage to the teeth. She has been applying to see dentists and doctors, but the prison authorities have not acted on these requests. In her letter, Jalalian wrote: Im writing this letter to those who value the rights of others and work for it As a political prisoner, I dont have any rights, therefore, I have always endured my pains. I [do] this because, if I apply for treatment, I would not receive any answers like [for] my teeth pain. This government is [a] hypocrite and a liar. They never took me to the doctor, but made a medical case for me and published their fake documents in their media mentioning my name, Zainab Jalalian, has gone to the doctor. This is a mere lie. Wasnt torturing and keeping me in an individual cell for all these years and prohibiting any visits and telephone calls enough? As a social and political activist Jalalian worked to empower women by providing educational and social services in Iraq and Iran. On the occasion of International Womens Day, before she was arrested, Jalalian visited a girls school in Kamiaran, Iran, to give a speech about womens rights. This mistreatment of Jalalian is disgusting, but it is something seen all too often under the Iranian Regime. They mistreat political prisoners in the most heinous of ways because they dared to question the rule of the mullahs and, in the Regimes view, that is the worst crime that can be committed. The Regime will not change their treatment of political prisoners and so the only legitimate option is for regime change, something that the people of Iran are desperate for and something that will be a key topic of discussion at the Free Iran Gathering in Paris on June 30. In it, he outlines how the Regime wants to preserve the flawed deal through any means necessary, whilst Iranian Resistance groups, like the Peoples Mujahedin Organisation of Iran (MEK), and the Iranian people want the deal to fail in order to bring about regime change in Iran. MEK supports scrapped trade deals When the US withdrew from the nuclear deal on May 8, a move that was greatly supported by the MEK, European companies had to decide between trading with Iran and risking heavy US sanctions or cutting ties altogether. Many companies have righty chosen to cut their ties with the terrorist regime, which is the right thing to do for their business and also for the Iranian people. The reason is that by cutting the amount of money that the Regime gets, it will reduce the amount that they can spend on having their suppressive security forces silence the Iranian people for protesting the Regime or joining the MEK. Regimes begs and threats The Regime has attempted to salvage the deal, with Iranian Foreign Affairs Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif and Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei pleading with the European Union to make up for Irans losses by increasing their trade with Iran. But at the same time, the Regime has started work on a new centrifuge-assembly centre at Natanz one of the many secret nuclear sites that the MEK exposed to the West in 2002 and ordered the increased enrichment of uranium. This was designed to threaten Europe into complying with Regime demands rather than work in the best interests of the Iranian people or regional and international peace. Flawed Deal The JCPOA was flawed from the start, giving favourable conditions to the mullahs, but not much to anyone else. In fact, it gave the mullahs 150 billion USD from frozen accounts right off the bat, which was spent on destabilizing the Middle East, supporting terrorism, and targeting MEK members and supporters, rather than anything that could help the people. Domestic violence The Regimes crimes against their own people are infamous, whether theyre cracking down on dissidents and public protests or kidnapping dual nationals. Iran is currently being taken over by the peoples uprising, which was organised by the MEK and participated in by people from all walks of life. The Regime has brutally cracked down on the Iranian protesters, killing 50 in the streets, arresting over 8,000, and even torturing some to death in prison. This violent suppression of the peoples human rights has been condemned by human rights organizations, international governments, and the MEK, but the Regime has not stopped. Despite the brutality, the Iranian people have not stopped either. They are continuously out in the streets calling for regime change with the encouragement of the MEK. A silent Europe Despite this terrible situation, Europe has failed to cut ties with the Regime and seems intent on placing trade deals above human lives. Both Stevenson, the MEK, and the leader of the Iranian Resistance, Maryam Rajavi, have called on the EU to acknowledge the situation and join the US by withdrawing from the nuclear deal. Stevenson urges the EU to back the Iranian people and the MEK rather than the Regime, by abandoning a deeply flawed deal. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Benchmark Metals Inc. (formerly, Crystal Exploration Inc., the Company or Benchmark) (TSX-V:BNCH) (OTC:CYRTD) Further to the Companys prior announcements on March 22, May 9, and June 7, 2018, Benchmark is pleased to report that it has received final acceptance from the TSX Venture Exchange of its option and joint venture letter agreement (the OJVA) with PPM Phoenix Precious Metals Corp. (PPM) for the Companys option to acquire from PPM up to a 75% interest in the Lawyers Property, B.C. (the Lawyers Property) over three years. The Company will proceed to close its non-brokered unit offering for gross proceeds of $3.21 million (the Unit Offering) to fund the initial phase of exploration work on the Lawyers Property and general working capital purposes. Property Option Pursuant to the OJVA, the Company has paid to PPM a sum of $200,000 (which is credited towards the Companys earn-in requirements below) and has issued to PPM the first instalment of 1.0 million common shares. The Company will have a period of one year to incur $2.0 million in exploration expenditures on the Lawyers Property (including the $200,000 advanced to PPM above) and must incur a total of $5.0 million by June 6, 2021 to acquire its first 51% interest in the project. The Company may acquire an additional 9% interest (for a total interest of 60%) by issuing to PPM an additional 2.0 million common shares, and incurring a further $2.5 million in exploration or development expenditures by June 6, 2021, and the Company may further acquire an additional 15% (for a total interest of 75%) in the Lawyers Property by issuing to PPM an additional 1.0 million common shares, and incurring a further $1.5 million in exploration or development expenditures by June 6, 2021. Upon the Company earning its largest interest in the Property, the parties will either enter into a joint venture agreement for the further exploration and development of the Property, or, if the Company has acquired a 75% interest, then PPM may elect to sell its 25% interest in the Property to the Company, based on either an independent valuation, or a formula set out in the OJVA based on the Companys market capitalization. The Company will be the operator of the Lawyers Property. The terms of the joint venture agreement will include provisions for the dilution of a partys interest, in the event the party does not contribute its proportionate cost share to the further exploration and development of the Lawyers Property. The interest of any party diluted to 5% or less will be automatically converted into a 2.5% net smelter returns royalty (the NSR), with the other party having the right to buy-down one-half of the NSR for $1 million. The Company has also issued 94,444 common shares to an arms length finder in connection with the acquisition of the Lawyers Property option, and may pay a further $90,000 to the finder, in cash or shares, upon completion of the first years minimum required exploration work of $2.0 million. The finder may elect to be paid the finders fee in cash or common shares of the Company. If payable in shares, then the common shares will be issued as a deemed price per share equal to the five (5) trading day volume weighted average closing price immediately preceding the date of such election, provided that in any event the issue price for the common shares cannot be less than $0.16875 per share. Financing Pursuant to the Unit Offering, the Company issued 17,833,318 units (the Units) at an offering price of $0.18 per Unit, to raise gross proceeds of $3.21 million (the Offering). Each Unit consists of one (1) common share of the Company, and one (1) share purchase warrant (the Warrants) to acquire one additional common share at an exercise price of $0.36 per share until June 8, 2020. In the event that the common shares of the Company trade at a closing price greater than $0.42 per share for a period of 10 consecutive days, then the Company may deliver a notice to the Warrant holders that they must exercise their Warrants within the next 30 days, or the Warrants will expire. The net proceeds from the Offering will be used to fund exploration expenditures on the Lawyers Property over the next 12 months, as well as to provide the Company with working capital for general and administrative expenses. Certain arms length finders received $182,267 in fees, and were also issued a total of 552,595 Warrants in connection with the Offering. All securities issued will be subject to resale restrictions until becoming free-trading on October 9, 2018. About Benchmark Metals Inc. Benchmark is a Canadian gold, silver and diamond exploration company with its common shares listed for trading on the TSX Venture Exchange in Canada, the OTCQB Venture Market in the United States and the Frankfurt Stock Exchange in Germany. Benchmark is managed by proven resource sector professionals, who have a track record of advancing exploration projects from grassroots scenarios through to production. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS s/ John Williamson John Williamson, Chief Executive Officer For further information, please contact: Jim Greig, President jimg@benchmarkmetals.com Tel: (604) 260-6977 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 CERTAIN STATEMENTS MADE AND INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN MAY CONSTITUTE FORWARD-LOOKING INFORMATION AND FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS WITHIN THE MEANING OF APPLICABLE CANADIAN AND UNITED STATES SECURITIES LEGISLATION. THESE STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION ARE BASED ON FACTS CURRENTLY AVAILABLE TO THE COMPANY AND THERE IS NO ASSURANCE THAT ACTUAL RESULTS WILL MEET MANAGEMENTS EXPECTATIONS. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION MAY BE IDENTIFIED BY SUCH TERMS AS ANTICIPATES, BELIEVES, TARGETS, ESTIMATES, PLANS, EXPECTS, MAY, WILL, COULD OR WOULD. FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION CONTAINED HEREIN ARE BASED ON CERTAIN FACTORS AND ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING, AMONG OTHER THINGS, THE ESTIMATION OF MINERAL RESOURCES AND RESERVES, THE REALIZATION OF RESOURCE AND RESERVE ESTIMATES, METAL PRICES, TAXATION, THE ESTIMATION, TIMING AND AMOUNT OF FUTURE EXPLORATION AND DEVELOPMENT, CAPITAL AND OPERATING COSTS, THE AVAILABILITY OF FINANCING, THE RECEIPT OF REGULATORY APPROVALS, ENVIRONMENTAL RISKS, TITLE DISPUTES AND OTHER MATTERS. WHILE THE COMPANY CONSIDERS ITS ASSUMPTIONS TO BE REASONABLE AS OF THE DATE HEREOF, FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS AND INFORMATION ARE NOT GUARANTEES OF FUTURE PERFORMANCE AND READERS SHOULD NOT PLACE UNDUE IMPORTANCE ON SUCH STATEMENTS AS ACTUAL EVENTS AND RESULTS MAY DIFFER MATERIALLY FROM THOSE DESCRIBED HEREIN. THE COMPANY DOES NOT UNDERTAKE TO UPDATE ANY FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS OR INFORMATION EXCEPT AS MAY BE REQUIRED BY APPLICABLE SECURITIES LAWS. TORONTO, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Gran Colombia Gold Corp.s (TSX:GCM) Annual Meeting of Shareholders was held on Thursday, June 14, 2018. The detailed results of the votes for each matter to be acted upon are set out below: Item Description of matter Outcome Voted Voted (%) Fixing the number of directors at seven. Approved 4,782,581 For 8,643 Against 99.82% 0.18% The election of the following individuals as directors of the Corporation to hold office until the next annual meeting of the Corporation or until their successors are appointed or elected: Miguel de la Campa Approved 4,786,186 For 5,038 Withheld 99.89% 0.11% Serafino Iacono Approved 4,785,653 For 5,571 Withheld 99.88% 0.12% De Lyle Bloomquist Approved 4,719,235 For 71,989 Withheld 98.50% 1.50% Monica De Greiff Approved 4,773,733 For 17,491 Withheld 99.63% 0.37% Hernan Juan Jose Martinez Torres Approved 4,786,186 For 5,038 Withheld 99.89% 0.11% Robert Metcalfe Approved 4,786,208 For 5,016 Withheld 99.90% 0.10% Jaime Perez Branger Approved 4,595,465 For 195,759 Withheld 95.91% 4.09% Appointing KPMG LLP as auditors of the Corporation at a remuneration to be fixed by the directors. Approved 5,603,571 For 2,960 Withheld 99.95% 0.05% About Gran Colombia Gold Corp. Gran Colombia is a Canadian-based gold and silver exploration, development and production company with its primary focus in Colombia. Gran Colombia is currently the largest underground gold and silver producer in Colombia with several underground mines in operation at its Segovia and Marmato Operations. Gran Colombia is continuing to focus on exploration, expansion and modernization activities at its high-grade Segovia Operations. Additional information on Gran Colombia can be found on its website at www.grancolombiagold.com and by reviewing its profile on SEDAR at www.sedar.com. For Further Information, Contact: Mike Davies Chief Financial Officer (416) 360-4653 investorrelations@grancolombiagold.com VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ten Peaks Coffee Company Inc. (TSX:TPK) (Ten Peaks) today announced the declaration of a cash dividend of $0.0625 per share for the quarter ended June 30, 2018. The dividend will be an eligible dividend for Canadian income tax purposes, and will be paid on July 16, 2018 to shareholders of record at the close of business on June 29, 2018. Company Profile Ten Peaks is a publicly traded company that owns all of the interests of the Swiss Water Decaffeinated Coffee Company Inc. (SWDCC), a premium green coffee decaffeinator located in Burnaby, BC. It also owns and operates Seaforth Supply Chain Solutions Inc. (Seaforth), a green coffee handling and storage business located in Metro Vancouver. About SWDCC SWDCC employs the proprietary SWISS WATER Process to decaffeinate green coffee without the use of chemicals, leveraging science-based systems and controls to produce coffee that is 99.9% caffeine free. The SWISS WATER Process is a 100% chemical free water process for coffee decaffeination, as well as the worlds only consumer-branded decaffeination process. It is certified organic by the Organic Crop Improvement Association. SWISS WATER Process decaffeinated green coffees are sold to many of North Americas leading specialty roaster retailers, specialty coffee importers and commercial coffee roasters. SWDCC also sells coffees internationally through regional distributors. About Seaforth Seaforth provides a complete range of green coffee handling and storage services, including devanning coffee received from origin; inspecting, weighing and sampling coffees; and storing, handling and preparing green coffee for outbound shipments. Seaforths warehouse and handling operation is certified organic by Ecocert Canada. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Rebel Capital Inc. ("Rebel") (TSXV:RBL.P), a capital pool company pursuant to Policy 2.4 of the TSX Venture Exchange (the "TSXV"), is pleased to announce it has entered into a binding amended letter of intent dated June 14, 2018 (the "Letter of Intent") with Spektra Drilling Canada Inc. ("Spektra"), a corporation existing under the laws of Canada. The Letter of Intent outlines the terms and conditions pursuant to which Rebel will acquire all of the securities of Spektra (the "Transaction") pursuant to a definitive agreement (the "Agreement"). Upon completion of the Transaction, Rebel will continue on with the business of Spektra, with Spektra as its wholly-owned subsidiary (Rebel, after the Transaction, being referred to herein as the "Resulting Issuer"). Upon completion of the Transaction, it is anticipated that the Resulting Issuer will be listed as a Tier 2 Industrial issuer on the TSXV. The Transaction is subject to requisite regulatory approval, including the approval of the TSXV and a number of additional closing conditions, including completion of the Offering (as defined herein) for gross proceeds of no less than C$6 million. The Proposed Transaction Pre-Closing Capitalization of Rebel As of the date hereof, the following Rebel securities are issued and outstanding: (i) 4,660,000 common shares in the capital of Rebel ("Rebel Shares"); (ii) 200,000 stock options ("Rebel Options") exercisable into Rebel Shares at an exercise price of C$0.10 per Rebel Share; and (iii) 200,000 common share purchase warrants ("Rebel Warrants") exercisable into Rebel Shares at an exercise price of C$0.10 per Rebel Share. Pre-Closing Capitalization of Spektra As of the date hereof, 8,641,476 common shares in the capital of Spektra (the "Spektra Shares") are issued and outstanding. Further details with respect to the capitalization of Spektra after giving effect to the Offering and the Share Split will be provided by way of a subsequent news release. Terms of the Transaction Following the satisfaction of the conditions to the Transaction, including the Share Split (as defined herein) and the completion of the Offering, Rebel will acquire all of the Spektra Shares through the issuance of common shares in the capital of the Resulting Issuer ("Resulting Issuer Shares") on a 1-for-1 basis. The terms of the Transaction will also provide that each issued and outstanding Spektra Warrant (as defined herein) and Spektra Compensation Option (as defined herein) will be exchanged for a warrant or compensation option, as applicable, of Rebel on equivalent terms after having given effect to the Transaction. The Transaction is not a Non Arm's Length Qualifying Transaction pursuant to Policy 2.4 of the TSXV and, as such, Rebel is not required to obtain shareholder approval for the Transaction. However, Rebel intends to hold a special meeting of shareholders to approve certain matters ancillary to the Transaction, including the Name Change (as defined herein), the Continuance (as defined herein) and the election of five new board members of Rebel ("New Board Members") who will replace the existing board members and be the directors of the Resulting Issuer upon the closing of the Transaction. The proposed New Board Members are expected to be Kerem Usenmez, Agah Levent Okay, Stephen Jakob, Priya Patil and John Ryan. Conditions to the Transaction Prior to the completion of the Transaction: Spektra will complete a private placement financing (the " Offering ") for minimum gross proceeds of not less than C$6 million. The Offering will be comprised of up to 30,000,000 subscription receipts of Spektra (" Subscription Receipts ") to be issued at a price of C$0.20 per Subscription Receipt. ") for minimum gross proceeds of not less than C$6 million. The Offering will be comprised of up to 30,000,000 subscription receipts of Spektra (" ") to be issued at a price of C$0.20 per Subscription Receipt. Completion by Rebel of a due diligence review of Spektra, the results of which are satisfactory to Rebel. Rebel will effect a name change (the " Name Change ") pursuant to which Rebel will change its name to "Spektra Drilling Inc." or such other name as Spektra may direct in writing. ") pursuant to which Rebel will change its name to "Spektra Drilling Inc." or such other name as Spektra may direct in writing. Rebel will continue (the " Continuance ") as a corporation governed under the laws of the Province of Ontario. ") as a corporation governed under the laws of the Province of Ontario. Spektra will complete a split (the " Share Split ") of the outstanding common shares in the capital of Spektra (the " Spektra Shares ") on a 1:3.49 basis, subject to certain adjustments. ") of the outstanding common shares in the capital of Spektra (the " ") on a 1:3.49 basis, subject to certain adjustments. All requisite regulatory approvals relating to the Transaction, including, without limitation, TSXV approval, will have been obtained. The Offering As a condition to the closing of the Transaction, Spektra shall complete a private placement financing of Subscription Receipts to be issued at a price of C$0.20 per Subscription Receipt for gross proceeds of no less than C$6,000,000. Eight Capital (the "Agent") has been engaged to act as the lead agent in connection with the Offering. The gross proceeds of the Offering, less certain deductions to be agreed upon, will be held in escrow pending satisfaction of all the escrow release conditions, including the waiver or satisfaction of all conditions precedent to completion of the Transaction, receipt of all regulatory and third party approvals, and no material adverse effect occurring in relation to Spektra or Rebel (the "Escrow Release Conditions"). Upon satisfaction of all of the Escrow Release Conditions, each Subscription Receipt issued pursuant to the Offering will be exchanged for one unit of Spektra (a "Unit") for no additional consideration, with each Unit being comprised of one Spektra Share and one common share purchase warrant of Spektra (each, a "Spektra Warrant"). Each Spektra Warrant shall be exercisable for one Spektra Share at a price of C$0.30 for a period of 60 months commencing upon the satisfaction of all of the Escrow Release Conditions. Upon closing of the Transaction, the Spektra Shares underlying the Subscription Receipts will be exchanged for Resulting Issuer Shares and the Spektra Warrants will be exchanged for warrants exercisable for Resulting Issuer Shares on equivalent terms after having given effect to the Transaction. In connection with the Offering, the Agent will be paid a cash commission equal to 7% of the gross proceeds of the Offering and will receive broker warrants (the "Spektra Compensation Options") entitling the Agent to subscribe for the number of Units as is equal to 7% of the aggregate number of Subscription Receipts sold pursuant to the Offering. Each Spektra Compensation Option shall be exercisable into Units at a price of C$0.20 for a period of 36 months commencing upon the satisfaction of all of the Escrow Release Conditions. It is expected that the proceeds of the Offering will be used for corporate development, working capital, and payment of liabilities. Proposed Management and Directors of the Resulting Issuer Subject to TSXV approval, on completion of the Transaction, it is currently anticipated that the board of directors of the Resulting Issuer will consist of the following five directors and the management of the Resulting Issuer will consist of Kerem Usenmez and Mario Miranda. Kerem Usenmez, Chief Executive Officer and Director Mr. Usenmez has over 18 years of technical, management and business experiences with drilling, mining and consulting companies. He holds a Masters in Engineering Geology & Geotechnical Studies, a Bachelors of Geological Engineering from Dokuz Eylul University, in addition to studying Modular M.Sc. in Applied Geophysics from Laurentian University, and is a Licensed Engineer in Manitoba and Ontario. He has worked in projects in Turkey, Uruguay, Guyana, Chile, Peru, Mexico, Sudan, Manitoba, Ontario, Quebec, Northern Labrador, New Brunswick and Newfoundland. Mario Miranda, Chief Financial Officer and Corporate Secretary Mr. Miranda has over 20 years of experiences in financial planning, M&A and financing for public companies. He holds the CPA, CA designation, a Bachelor in Economics from Concordia, Masters in Public Accounting from McGill, and a Masters in Finance from Queens University. Previously Mr. Miranda worked with Kinross, Pacific Stratus Energy, Coalcorp Mining, Lake Shore Gold, International Nickel, Alexandria, and Alturas Mining, and he is the current CFO of Alexandria Minerals Corp. and Alturas Minerals Corp. Agah Levent Okay, Director Mr. Okay is the founder of Spektra Jeotek A.S. (the parent company of Spektra) and has over 35 years of experience in the drilling industry, managing operations, drill companies, and geotechnical studies. Mr. Okay holds a B.Sc. in Geological Engineering from METU in Turkey, and previously worked as General Manager for Tekar Drilling before founding Spektra Jeotek A.S. in 1985. Stephen Jakob, Director Mr. Jakob is a founder of Osprey Capital Partners and Former Partner at Gordon Capital, with experience in investment banking. He is a former board member of West Red Lake Gold. He holds an HBA from the Ivey School of Business, and has taught business and management classes at University of Western Ontario. Priya Patil, Director Ms. Patil has over 20 years of senior executive leadership experience in building, leading, operating and streamlining financial service businesses relating to public capital markets and private institutional financing as an investment banker and finance attorney. She was most recently the Head of Global Diversified Industries at the Toronto Stock Exchange. In this role, she primarily advised corporate boards and management teams as well as pension funds, sovereign wealth funds, and private equity funds on IPO strategies for their investee companies. Prior to joining the TSX, she was a founding partner and managing director at PI Financial (Eastern Canada) where she established and led the eastern Canadian expansion and as the Managing Director and Head of Investment Banking at Loewen, Ondaatje, McCutcheon Limited. John Ryan, Director John A. Ryan CPA, CGA has over 35 years of corporate and financial management experience. Mr. Ryan is President of Spruce Ridge Resources Ltd. and CFO of Jourdan Resources Corp. and Sokoman Iron Corp. He also serves as a Director of other public and private companies. Sponsorship Sponsorship of a qualifying transaction of a capital pool company is required by the TSXV unless exempt in accordance with TSXV policies. The parties will be seeking a waiver of any requirement for a sponsor, but in the event a waiver is not available, the parties will update the markets accordingly. About Spektra Spektra was incorporated under the laws of Canada on October 11, 2011. Spektra Jeotek A.S., a corporation incorporated under the laws of Turkey is currently the sole shareholder of Spektra and, after giving effect to the Offering, is expected to be the only shareholder holding more than 10% of the outstanding Resulting Issuer Shares. Spektra is one of the leading drilling services companies primarily providing diamond drilling services to the mining industry. The Company maintains its operations and offices in Ontario, Quebec, New Brunswick, Mexico and Peru. It also has operations and offices through its parent affiliate in Europe, Africa, and West Asia. Spektra provides surface and underground coring, directional, reverse circulation, and geotechnical drilling services. Headquartered in Toronto, Spektra has operational offices in Val dOr, Quebec; Reno, Nevada; Hermosillo, Sonora, Mexico; Santiago, Chile; and Lima, Peru. The table below sets out certain selected unaudited financial information regarding Spektra for the year ended December 31, 2017. The selected information was prepared in accordance with International Financial Reporting Standards. All figures are in Canadian dollars. Balance Sheet As at December 31, 2017 (unaudited) Current Assets $10,758,843 Non-Current Assets $14,345,738 Total Assets $25,104,581 Current Liabilities $2,428,219 Non-Current Liabilities $10,144,377 Total Liabilities $12,572,596 Shareholders Equity $12,531,985 Total Liabilities and Equity $25,104,581 Statement of Comprehensive Income For the year ended December 31, 2017 (unaudited) Sales $13,272,968 Gross Profit $3,660,339 Net Profit/(Loss) $1,569,641 About Rebel Rebel is incorporated under the provisions of the Business Corporations Act (British Columbia) with its registered and head office in Vancouver, British Columbia. Rebel is a "reporting issuer" in the provinces of Ontario, British Columbia and Alberta. The Rebel Shares are listed for trading on the TSXV under the symbol "RBL.P". General All information contained in this news release with respect to Rebel and Spektra was supplied by the parties respectively, for inclusion herein, and each party and its directors and officers have relied on the other party for any information concerning the other party. Rebel will issue additional press releases related to the Transaction, officers and directors of the Resulting Issuer and other material information as it becomes available. For further information regarding the Transaction, please contact: Mihalis Belantis, CEO (403) 701-7299 mb@1821capital.com Neither the 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. Completion of the transaction is subject to a number of conditions, including but not limited to, TSXV acceptance and if applicable pursuant to TSXV requirements, majority of the minority shareholder approval. Where applicable, the transaction cannot close until the required shareholder approval is obtained. There can be no assurance that the transaction will be completed as proposed or at all. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the management information circular or filing statement to be prepared in connection with the transaction, any information released or received with respect to the transaction may not be accurate or complete and should not be relied upon. Trading in the securities of a capital pool company should be considered highly speculative. The TSX Venture Exchange Inc. has in no way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Disclaimer for Forward-Looking Information This press release contains forward-looking statements and forward-looking information that are based on the beliefs of management and reflect Rebel's current expectations. When used in this press release, the words "estimate", "project", "belief", "anticipate", "intend", "expect", "plan", "predict", "may" or "should" and the negative of these words or such variations thereon or comparable terminology are intended to identify forward-looking statements and information. The forward-looking statements and information in this press release include information relating to the business plans, operations and affairs of Rebel, the Offering, the Transaction (including TSXV approval, approval of the Name Change and the Continuance by Rebel shareholders and approval of the Share Split by the Spektra shareholders) and the board of directors and management of the Resulting Issuer upon completion of the Transaction. Such statements and information reflect the current view of Rebel. Risks and uncertainties that may cause actual results to differ materially from those contemplated in those forward-looking statements and information. By their nature, forward-looking statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause our actual results, performance or achievements, or other future events, to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. Such factors include, among others, the following risks: there is no assurance that the Offering will be completed or as to the actual proceeds to be raised in connection with the Offering or as to the offering price to be realized, and in particular, the amount raised may be significantly less than the amounts indicated if investors are not prepared to invest; post-closing of the Transaction, the Resulting Issuer may require additional financing from time to time in order to continue its operations and such financing may not be available when the Resulting Issuer needs it; new laws or regulations could adversely affect the Resulting Issuer's business and results of operations; the stock markets have experienced volatility that often has been unrelated to the performance of companies, and these fluctuations may adversely affect the price of shares in the capital of the Resulting Issuer, regardless of its operating performance; there is no assurance that Spektra shareholders will approve the Share Split or that the TSXV will approve the Transaction. Further, approval of the TSXV may be conditional upon amendments to the Agreement. There are a number of important factors that could cause Rebel's and the Resulting Issuer's actual results to differ materially from those indicated or implied by forward-looking statements and information. Such factors include, among others: currency fluctuations; limited business history of Rebel; disruptions or changes in the credit or security markets; results of operation activities and development of expansion facilities; facility expansion cost overruns or unanticipated costs and expenses; fluctuations in the Resulting Issuer's product prices, and general market and industry conditions. Rebel cautions that the foregoing list of material factors is not exhaustive. When relying on Rebel's forward-looking statements and information to make decisions, investors and others should carefully consider the foregoing factors and other uncertainties and potential events. Rebel has assumed that the material factors referred to in the previous paragraph will not cause such forward-looking statements and information to differ materially from actual results or events. However, the list of these factors is not exhaustive and is subject to change and there can be no assurance that such assumptions will reflect the actual outcome of such items or factors. The forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as of the date of this news release and Rebel will update or revise publicly any of the included forward-looking statements as expressly required by Canadian securities law. VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- EnviroLeach Technologies Inc. (the "Company" or "EnviroLeach") (CSE:ETI) (OTCQB:EVLLF) (Frankfurt:7N2.F) announced today announced today that it held its Annual General Meeting. All the resolutions proposed to the shareholders detailed in the Notice of Annual General Meeting of EnviroLeach Technologies Inc. dated May 11, 2018 were duly passed. Resolutions which were passed included: The number of directors was set at five (5), The following five (5) incumbent directors were re-elected for the coming year: Jack Kiland, Duane Nelson, Greg Pendura, Kenneth C McNaughton, Court J Anderson, The re-appointment of K.R. Margetson Ltd., Chartered Accountants as the auditor of EnviroLeach, The revision to the corporate stock option plan. About EnviroLeach Technologies Inc. EnviroLeach Technologies Inc. has developed a unique, cyanide free, cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to the toxic methods currently used in the hydrometallurgical extraction of precious metals for the mining and Electronic Waste (E-Waste) sectors. The patent-pending EnviroLeach Process is safe, eco-friendly, and provides comparable leach kinetics to that of cyanide or acid based lixiviants on most ores, concentrates, tailings and E-Waste. The company is actively pursuing strategic relationships in both sectors. Contact Information: EnviroLeach Technologies Inc. Duane Nelson President & CEO info@enviroleach.com Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SAN DIEGO, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Ziyen Inc., a Scottish-American energy company recently enjoyed the distinct honor of meeting with the Lord Provost of Aberdeen, Scotland. During the meeting, the two parties discussed global strategy and specifically the vital importance of facilitating the collaboration between two critical oil hubs - Houston and Aberdeen. Lord Provost provided insight into Ziyen Inc.s position in the oil and gas market and also offered encouragement for Ziyens strategic path to ultimately list onto the U.S. Stock Exchange. Alastair Caithness, CEO, Ziyen said, Meeting the Lord Provost and learning about his role as Vice-President of the World Energy Cities Partnership (WECP) was incredibly valuable for Ziyen Inc. As a strong supporter of stimulating the business economy in my native Scotland, where we operate our Scottish Software Marketing Division, Barney Crockett encourages the same mission which is to expand business and investment opportunities and build valuable partnerships within energy hubs across the planet. The oil price crash from more than $100 per barrel to as low as $27 has been extremely difficult for the Granite City, but it is fantastic to see Aberdeen being led by a Lord Provost who understands the importance of Aberdeen occupying the International stage and driving investment into North East, Scotland. For information on investing in Ziyen, please visit the company website at www.ziyen.com, or for a copy of the latest company overview, please email support@ziyen.com About Ziyen Inc.: Founded in 2016, Ziyen Inc. is a Scottish-American company focused on delivering 100% Energy Independence to the USA. Initially launched as a software company providing information on oil and gas related procurement contracts, Ziyen Inc. diversified in 2017, instating Ziyen Energy Division with intent to produce oil in the U.S. with advanced extraction methods and technology implemented and guided by career experts in the oil and gas industry. In 2017 Ziyen acquired the mineral rights to its first oil field in Indiana, and now has thirteen oil assets. The U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) recently qualified Ziyen Inc. in November 2017 for our second round of funding, with a pre-IPO share price of $1.50. More information may be found in its Offering Circular filed with the SEC, or on their website www.ziyen.com. Forward Looking Statements: Certain statements in this press release including, but not limited to, statements related to anticipated commencement of commercial production, targeted pricing, performance goals, and statements that otherwise relate to future periods are forward-looking statements. These statements involve risks and uncertainties, which are described in more detail in the Companys periodic reports filed with the SEC- specifically the most recent reports which identify important risk factors that could cause actual results to differ from those contained in the forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are made and based on information available to the company on the date of this press release. Ziyen Inc. assumes no obligation to update the information in this press release. Contact: Josh Berg Berg Capital Markets josh@bergcapitalmarkets.com Dean Holter, Esq. Berg Capital Markets dean@bergcapitalmarkets.com Black Candidates Eliminated from L.A. Community College District Board Appointment The Los Angeles Community College District (LACCD) will be without an African American on its Board of trustees for the next two-and-half years after a unanimous vote by the Boards current trustees to appoint David Vela to fill the vacancy left when Sydney Kamlager-Dove was elected to the California Assembly. Vela will serve out the remainder of Kamlager-Doves term representing Seat 3 and will be the fourth Latino and sixth male on the Board. Velas appointment comes after he previously ran for election to the LACCD Board unsuccessfully. He also ran and lost his bid for a seat in the California State Assembly and was recently voted off the Montebello School Board. Vela was nominated by Trustee Ernie Moreno. Black students comprise 12 percent of the LACCD student body, the largest number of Black students in any system of higher education in the State, said Dallas Fowler, former L.A. City Commissioner and one of several African American candidates who applied for the seat. Fowlers application was supported by Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti, Inglewood Mayor James Butts and L.A. Unified School Board Member Dr. George McKenna, III. ADVERTISEMENT I had an opportunity to discuss this seat with Senate President pro Tempore Emeritus Kevin de Leon a few months back and he said to me that it would be a miscarriage of leadership for the trustees to leave the board without any African American representation. Well its certainly looks as though that worst case scenario has come to pass. Professor and Chair of Pan-African Studies at California State University, Los Angeles Dr. Melina Abdullah also applied to be appointed to the seat. I was considered for appointment to LA Community College Board, with several other well-qualified Black candidates, including Valerie Lynne Shaw, with whom I am very close and have been in constant communication with throughout this process, added Dr. Abdullah. Community leaders filled the room and spoke powerfully for me. There was also tremendous support for Valerie from Black political leadership. No one could assail either of our qualifications, endorsements or community support. We decided that it was best to both stay in consideration because of the process which would allow the trustees to choose from among the candidates without the divided vote phenomenon that can happen in an election. Our effort was to ensure that someone Blackand especially a Black womansucceeded Kamlager-Dove as Trustee. In addition to the two of us, there were at least three other Black candidates that were far more qualified than the person selected by the Board. This was clearly a predetermined game wherein the will of the communitywho refused to elect Vela twice in his previous election bidsdid not matter. Abdullah was supported by 8th District Councilmember Harris-Dawson along with students, faculty, and staff. Shaw, former president of the Los Angeles Board of Public Works where she served for 17 years, under three mayors through five election cycles was supported by a throng of Black elected officials including Senator Holly Mitchell and Assemblymember Kamlager-Dove as well as the LACCD Black Faculty and Staff Association. The appointment action taken by the LACCD on Friday was a total affront to the African American community and all women in general, said Shaw. In 2018, to have a seven-member governing board that consists of no African Americans and only one woman is an absolute travesty and is totally unacceptable. ADVERTISEMENT Fowler added, Each trustee knows the importance of having African American representation on its Board. There were several well qualified African American candidates that applied and presented. Beyond the remaining trustees lack of any real effort to agree on a qualified African American candidate, they also overlooked a diverse mix of exceptionally well-qualified women candidates overall. There were 26 applicantsthe majority of them submitted by women. The Board is now down to only one woman serving. We still have real work to do in Los Angeles to bring gender parity in our elected and appointed leadership. This was a slap in the face to the Black community, summed up Dr. Abdullah. The question now becomes, what will we do? There is still one long-shotDavid Vela is not officially on the Board until he is sworn in. The community could pressure him to step aside. Thats what I told him when he attempted to greet me after his appointment. Regardless, Black folks and folks who care about Black folks must have long memories on this one. We must remember what each of these folks did as they attempt to climb political ladders and we must participate in LACCD as a community voice since we will have no representation on the Board. Through its nine colleges, the LACCD offers educational opportunities to over 134,887 students in 40 cities and communities covering an area of more than 882 square miles. Business Opportunities Abound in Zambia, Says Ambassador If youre exploring international business ventures, add the Republic of Zambia to your list. Located in south-central Africa, the country offers a wealth of investment opportunities. During a recent visit to the Los Angeles Sentinel, Dr. Ngosa Simbyakula, Zambian ambassador to the United States, outlined the possibilities for economic success in Zambia. Were a small country, but truly making an impact. There are many opportunities especially in the area of energy, agriculture, construction and tourism, said Simbyakula. African Americans who are in business for themselves would benefit from looking at opportunities in Zambia as well. ADVERTISEMENT Unlike many African nations, Zambia has enjoyed decades of governing solidity, which the ambassador cited as an advantage for American businesses. Zambia has been very stable politically for the last 54 years. Thats why you dont hear bad news [about the country)]. Thats one of our key strengths our stability and very conducive business environment, he noted. There is a great opportunity for economic development. Zambian Robert Sichinga, Jr., a Los Angeles resident for the past 22 years, explained that the Zambian government provides ample assistance to potential investors through the countrys multi-facility economic zones. The dedicated areas feature the necessary infrastructure that allows companies to quickly start functioning as a business. You can actually get your company registered, literally, in 24 hours. The government has made it as easy as it can for anybody to come in and set up shop, said Sichinga, who also serves as an extension of the office of the ambassador through his position as honorary consul and chief of post for the Republic of Zambia in California. Companies are allowed to externalize their profits as well. We dont require that they hold their profits in-country, which is pretty lucrative for a company. Sichinga added that the business tax brackets are similar to the U.S. Also, additional incentives are available in certain industries. ADVERTISEMENT If a company wants to set up a manufacturing plant or an agriculture or tourism businesses, because those are high-value areas so to speak, the government makes it easier to come in and invest, he said. Los Angeles connection to Zambia actually goes back to 1968 when then-Councilman Tom Bradley sponsored a motion to make Lusaka, the capital of Zambia, one of L.A.s Sister Cities. Lusaka was the first and only African city represented in the program. Many Zambian natives are making a name in L.A. as well. Actor Akende Munalula appeared in Tyler Perrys Boo 2 and USC Cinematic Arts 2018 graduate Kasuba Mukuka plans a film about Zambia. Kutula By Africana, a Zambian-owned retailer and design house at 4438 W. Slauson Blvd., produced some of the costumes for the movie, Black Panther. In light of these ties, Ambassador Simbyakula hopes Black Angelenos will pursue business opportunities in Zambia and also include the country in their vacation plans. We want the people of L.A. and Lusaka [to] exchange cultural visits, especially African Americans. We have the Victoria Falls, one of the seven natural wonders in the world, said Simbyakula. Come and visit your ancestral home! To learn more about doing business in Zambia, visit zambianembassy.org. Congressional Black Caucus seeks to decriminalize marijuana Members of the Congressional Black Caucus are calling for decriminalizing marijuana use. The group wants the federal government to get out of the prohibition business when it comes to the drug, a position it says is supported by an overwhelming majority of the 48-member caucus. The lawmakers say black communities have been disproportionately policed and convicted for drug offenses. The group says it supports reforms that would reduce the number of black people in prison. ADVERTISEMENT Among the reforms they seek is removal of marijuana from the class of the most dangerous drugs, which they say will allow the needed research to take place on marijuana use. Rep. Cedric Richmond, D-La., and the CBCs chairman, says the war on drugs has been a war on black and brown communities. Dorothy Cotton, Civil Rights Pioneer and MLK Colleague, Dies Dorothy Cotton, who worked closely with the Rev. Martin Luther King Jr., taught nonviolence to demonstrators before marches and sometimes calmed tensions by singing church hymns, has died. She was 88. Cotton died Sunday afternoon at the Kendal at Ithaca retirement community in New York, said Jared Harrison, a close friend who was at her bedside. Harrison said she had battled illnesses recently but didnt specify a cause of death. Cotton was among a small number of women in leadership positions at the Southern Christian Leadership Conference during the civil rights era, and she led the Atlanta-based civil rights groups Citizenship Education Program. ADVERTISEMENT She had a beautiful voice, and when things got tense, Dorothy was the one who would start up a song to relieve the tension, said Xernona Clayton, who was Kings office manager in Atlanta and organized protest marches and fundraisers. She had such a calming influence in her personality, Clayton added. She had a personality that would lend itself to people listening to her. Cotton became one of Kings closest colleagues and worked at the SCLC for more than a decade. Cotton also commanded respect from her male counterparts within the group, said Bernard Lafayette Jr., a longtime civil rights leader who is now chairman of the SCLCs national board. When King and others ventured to parts of the Deep South that had a reputation for violence against Blacks, Cotton was fearless, Lafayette recalled in an interview. She was very courageous, Lafayette said. She never hesitated. ADVERTISEMENT A key focus of Cottons work was voter education, and teaching people how to read ballots, how to vote and the importance of voting, said Edwina Moss of Cleveland, Ohio, who was civil rights leader Andrew Youngs administrative assistant. She worked a lot in Mississippi, Alabama, Georgia, just all over, everywhere where there was a need, Moss said. It was extremely important work; it was probably the core foundation of the organization. Cotton remained active in civil rights and education after Kings death, later serving as an administrator at Cornell University in Ithaca, New York. During a commemoration of Kings death in 1993, Cotton said that people need to take responsibility for carrying on the mission of racial equality. Rosa Parks didnt wait to see what everybody else was doing. She just did it, Cotton said of the woman who inspired the Montgomery, Alabama, bus boycotts by refusing to give her seat to a white man. We should ask ourselves what were doing. It starts with ourselves, our families and our churches. Cotton was born in Goldsboro, North Carolina. She and her three sisters were raised by her father after her mother died when she was very young, according to Cottons online biography at the Dorothy Cotton Institute. She attended Shaw University in Raleigh before earning a bachelors degree in English and library science at Virginia State College in 1955. She earned a masters degree in speech therapy from Boston University in 1960. She met King when he preached at the church she attended in Petersburg, Virginia, and was invited shortly thereafter to join the staff at the SCLC. Harrison, who worked with Cotton at Cornell while she served as director of student activities, said a small private burial and larger public memorial were being planned in Ithaca but details hadnt been finalized. Ex-NAACP head, once known as Rachel Dolezal, denies fraud 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 Spokanes NAACP president when it was revealed in 2015 that she was born to White parents. ADVERTISEMENT The welfare fraud case started in March 2017 when a Washington state investigator received information that Diallo had written a book. The investigator reviewed Diallos 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. ADVERTISEMENT 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. Family of Teen Killed By Portland Police Officer Sue City The family of an Oregon teenager who was shot and killed by a Portland police officer last year has filed a lawsuit against the city. The lawsuit filed in federal court Tuesday claims police acted with excessive force when Officer Andrew Hearst shot 17-year-old Quanice Hayes three times in February 2017. The suit claims the city has failed to properly train officers and has a history of discriminatory policing against young African American men and boys. ADVERTISEMENT Officers stopped Hayes while responding to a report of an armed robbery. Hearst fired on Hayes after he appeared to reach toward his waistband, police said. The suit claims officers were shouting contradictory commands at Hayes. The city attorneys office declined to comment. A grand jury declined to indict Hearst last year. Gamma Zeta Boule Foundation Hosts LAMP Mentor Awards Luncheon The Gamma Zeta Boule Foundation (GZBF) hosted its annual LAMP Mentor Program luncheon on June 3, 2018 at the University Club of Pasadena, honoring the LAMP Mentor Class of 2018 before a packed house of family members, friends and supporters. More than $30,000 in scholarships was awarded to seven deserving students. Dr. Henry Shannon, Superintendent/President of Chaffey College, the keynote speaker, provided an inspiring message on the importance of mentoring youth to prepare them for success. Roland Bynum, respected educator and popular weekend host at KJLH 102.3 FM Radio Free was the Master of Ceremonies. Chris Holden, Assemblymember for California Assembly District 41, Anthony Portantino, California State Senator, 25th District, Terry Tornek, Mayor of Pasadena and Tyron Hampton, Pasadena City Councilmember for District 1 were among the many elected officials who made a special appearance at the reception before the luncheon and presented the students with proclamations and certificates. ADVERTISEMENT Alena DeVaughn, a senior at Marshall Fundamental High School in Pasadena was the recipient of the Taryn Lisa Johnson Scholarship. This special scholarship is awarded to a deserving young lady each year to assist with college expenses. Ms. Franklin will be attending Stanford University. The six male honorees, Maasai Moore, Darius Sorrells, Corey ORane-Ealy, Nicholas Turner, Louis Preston, and James Wilcox, local San Gabriel Valley and Los Angeles area high school students, are graduates of the award-winning GZBF LAMP Mentor Program. They will be attending such schools as University of California, Merced, Santa Clara University, Biola University and Pasadena City College. The LAMP Mentor Program is a ten-month curriculum that lasts from September to June and focuses on soft-skill training with an emphasis on Leadership, Achievement, Management and Professionalism (LAMP). Successful completion of the program allows the students to compete for the awards. The program is available to male high school students (grades nine through twelve) who want to attend and graduate from the college or university of their choice. There is no cost to the students or their parents. For additional information about the LAMP Mentor Program, please visit www.gammazetaboule.org Greater Ebenezer Celebrates 68th Church Anniversary Celebration is in the air at Greater Ebenezer Missionary Baptist Church as the ministry gets set to will observe their 68th Church Anniversary. The milestone event is set for Sunday, June 24, at the 8 a.m., 11 a.m., and 4 p.m., worship services. The theme is A Blessed Church: One Body in Christ, Working together in Faith and Love. The scripture references are I Corinthians 12:12-18 and I John 4:6-8. We anticipate a marvelous worship experience and invite the greater Los Angeles community to come and share with us on this momentous occasion, said Pastor DeNon A. Porter. ADVERTISEMENT The 8 a.m. theme speaker will be Brother Naseer Sims, a member of the Junior Ushers ministry. The 11 a.m. theme speaker will be Deacon Carl Charles, past chairman of the Deacon Board and current member of the Deacon and Trustee ministries. The 4 p.m. service will feature Pastor Darryl Beard and Mount Carmel Holy Assembly Baptist Church. We have longstanding relationship with Pastor Porter and Pastor Emeritus Solomon Drake, said Beard, who will deliver the sermon. I am a member of Greater Ebenezer and I always look forward to returning to my home church. The theme speaker will be Sister Seminolia Lamar, director of the Children and Youth Choir. Since its founding, Greater Ebenezer has had three spiritual leaders Pastor Alzo W. Lott (1950 1982), Pastor Solomon L. Drake, pastor emeritus (1982 2016), and Pastor Porter (2016 present). Pastor Porter added, Come in unity and come in praise for 68 years of preaching, teaching, and standing on the promises of God. God has blessed Greater Ebenezer with over 40 ministries to spread Gods word, share Gods word, and minister Gods word. Greater Ebenezer is located at 5300 S. Denker Ave., in Los Angeles. To learn more, gembcla.org. History Behind Juneteenth In todays modern world of cell phones, computers and the internet, it is easy to take for granted the sheer ease and expedience at the reach of our fingertips. Information, no matter how obscure, has never been easier to attain and the speed at which said information is attained is immediate. As products of todays instant gratification society, many of us have become smug and complacent by the very technology that makes our lives so convenient, making it almost too easy to forget a time in which information could not be received nor sent with the rapidity of todays gizmos and gadgetry. In the not too distant past, information took many days, weeks and even months to be sent and received. Case in point, 150 years ago our ancestors did not have the privilege or convenience of the entirety of human knowledge at their disposal. As the Civil War came to an end in the spring of 1865, its conclusion should have put an end to centuries of slavery in this country. However, instant freedom didnt happen for everyone. Many slave owners, particularly in Texas, intentionally refrained from sharing the news that their slaves were free until after the harvest season was over, so as to not infringe on their beloved profit margins. However, the arrival of Union General Gordon Granger and his army in Galveston that June finally represented real emancipation for the nearly 250,000 slaves within Texas borders. Upon receiving the life changing news, jubilant celebrations broke out amongst the newly freed slaves, and thus what became known as Juneteenth came into existence. Granger read General Order No. 3, which declared: ADVERTISEMENT The people of Texas are informed that, in accordance with a proclamation from the Executive of the United States, all slaves are free. This involves an absolute equality of personal rights and rights of property between former masters and slaves, and the connection heretofore existing between them becomes that between employer and hired labor. The freedmen are advised to remain quietly at their present homes and work for wages. They are informed that they will not be allowed to collect at military posts and that they will not be supported in idleness either there or elsewhere. Headquarters District of Texas, Galveston, June 19, 1865 Nearly two and a half years before Grangers announcement, President Abraham Lincoln issued the Emancipation Proclamation on January 1, 1863, which put into law that all enslaved people in the Confederate States Shall be then, thenceforward, and forever free, at least on paper. In actuality, the Emancipation Proclamation did not immediately free any slaves because the application of its policies were only valid in places under Confederate control and were effectively null and void in any of the slave-holding border states and contested areas that were already under Union control. As Northern soldiers made their way down into the Confederate controlled South, many slaves fled to the apparent safety within Union borders. In Texas, slavery remained relatively unaffected because Civil War fighting did not bleed over as the state experienced no large-scale fighting. Many slave owners from outside Texas viewed it as a safe-haven for their livelihoods and opted to move there with their slaves. Juneteenth (June 19th) has since become a holiday commemorating the day in which General Granger arrived at Galveston, Texas and marked the effective end of slavery throughout the continuous United States. In 1979, Texas became the first state to make Juneteenth an official holiday, and today most states have followed suit and maintain Juneteenth observances. In the coming years, Juneteenth celebrations have become widespread amongst Black communities all over the United States. TORONTO, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Tergar Canada (TC) is privileged to officially host the first Canadian tour of the 7th Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche. The visit began with a warm welcome upon his arrival at Torontos Pearson International Airport on June 14. Mingyur Rinpoche will bestow teachings and share his wisdom on meditation before proceeding to Montreal, Quebec. Born in 1975 in the Himalayan border regions between Tibet and Nepal, son of the renowned meditation master Tulku Urgyen Rinpoche, Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche is a much-loved and accomplished Tibetan Buddhist meditation teacher. With a rare ability to present the ancient wisdom of Tibet in a fresh, engaging manner, Rinpoche's profound teachings and playful sense of humor have endeared him to students around the world. His first book, The Joy of Living: Unlocking the Secret and Science of Happiness, debuted on the New York Times bestseller list and has been translated into over twenty languages. Dubbed the happiest man in the world in 2002 following his participation in a study of brain activity at the University of Wisconsin-Madison, scientists found that advanced meditation increases mental happiness. At the request of His Holiness the 14th Dalai Lama, Mingyur Rinpoche, along with other long-term meditators, participated in this ground-breaking research which made a key contribution to the explosion in the science of meditation and mindfulness and its current popularity. Mingyur Rinpoche continues to be involved in and contributes actively to the vibrant dialogue between Western science and Buddhism. He is an advisor to the Mind and Life Institute and participates as a research subject in the ongoing studies of the neural and physiological effects of meditation. Yongey Mingyur Rinpoche will give teachings on the Triple Empowerment of the Three Wrathful Protection Deities, Meditation and a Loving Heart Living with Awareness, Compassion, and Wisdom and, Meditation & the Joy of Living. SCHEDULE OF EVENTS L.A. City Committee Approved $700 Million Redevelopment Project in South L.A. With Broad Community Support On June 5, 2018 the Los Angeles City Planning and Land Use Management (PLUM) Committee approved a $700 million plan to renovate the historic Crenshaw Baldwin Hills Plaza in South Los Angeles. The proposed project will include approximately 961 new housing units, a 400-room hotel, and new restaurant and retail space. The proposed project is one of the largest private investment in South Los Angeles in several decades. Approximately 200 residents of neighborhoods surrounding the project, numerous community based organizations, neighborhood councils, labor unions and local businesses attended the meeting to voice their support of the project. The passion and commitment to South Los Angeles by our community runs deep, said Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson. ADVERTISEMENT This community has been waiting on this development for 10 or 12 years and it will provide the kind of investment that South Los Angeles deserves. L.A. Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson amended the Master Plan Development Agreement to allocate 10% of the rental units to low-income families and a 10% of the for sale units for workforce housing. Additionally, Councilman Harris-Dawson also included a revision that requires the developer commit to fulfill 30% of the jobs in the construction and operation of the plaza from the immediate local community. The councilmember committed to working with the developer and community-based organizations to exceed that commitment. I am in favor of this project because the local hiring requirements will create employment opportunities for the people who are normally never considered for work, said Skipp Townsend. It is estimated that the redevelopment project will generate thousands of new jobs in a community facing a 12% unemployment rate, while also helping to sustain several Black and minority-owned businesses in the plaza, including a Buffalo Wild Wings franchise; Mexicano; Post and Beam and Total Woman Gym. I am excited the committee approved the developers agreement because I am an African American small business owner that employs dozens of women directly from the community, said Shauna Robinson, owner of Total Woman Gym. Without the approval of this project I am concerned about the viability of the mall, and the loss of services and jobs for the community. The Master Plan Development Agreement will now move to full council for approval. L.A. City Council President Herb Wesson and Councilmember Marqueece Harris-Dawson Celebrate South L.A. Gay Pride On Friday, June 8, Los Angeles City Council President Herb Wesson and 8th District Councilmember Marqueece Harris Dawson held their 2nd Annual Our Pride Celebration in honor of June as Gay Pride Month. Held at the Baldwin Hills Crenshaw Mall, the event was attended by hundreds of Black lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender South L.A. residents. This years honorees included Panamanian transgender icon Ebony Lane and Jewel Thais-Williams, owner of the legendary Catch One Club and Village Health Foundation. The event was emceed by well-known Black LGBT advocate and media commentator Jasmyne Cannick. ADVERTISEMENT L.A. Mayor Eric Garcetti and LAPDs New Police Chief, Michel Moore Tour South L.A. Last week, Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti chose Los Angeles Police Department Assistant Chief Michel Moore as the departments new chief to replace retiring officer Charlie Beck. Moore has been with the department since 1981. However, Sunday, June 10, was the first time he stepped out with Garcetti to tour the city of South L.A. after being chosen as the new LAPD chief. Stop Number One: Dulans Soul Food Kitchen Whats a tour without food? One thing that makes South L.A. a unique community is the food combined with its richness of Black culture. Dulans Soul Food Kitchen, one of the first Black-owned private catering companies, is known to be one the perfect places to have a southern style meal while basking in Black culture. So of course Garcetti and Moore had to make this restaurant their first stop. ADVERTISEMENT While there, the two met the owner of the restaurant, Greg Dulan, as well as Rev. John E. Cager III, pastor of Ward AME Church in Los Angeles and president of the Los Angeles Council of Religious Leaders and Southern California AME Ministerial Alliance; program manager of the Cecil Murray Center for Community Engagement, Rev. Najuma Smith-Pollard; and Councilman Marqueece Harris-Dawson to address the current community climate between residents of color and LAPD among other topics. I believe [Moore] understands the departments history with the African American community and the high expectations for making our neighborhoods safe, while also improving relations with the community, said Harris-Dawson. He has demonstrated respect for South Los Angeles, and he wants to continue to transform the department to do the same. I shared with him the importance of supporting and expanding community based policing, such as the Community Safety Partnership, which is saving lives in the Harvard Park neighborhood. Cager stated Moore has the opportunity to shape LAPD into the model of a 21st Century agency. Our prayer is that he will transform policing in South Los Angeles so that LAPD is no longer viewed as an army of occupation and is instead seen as the protectors and servants of all of L.A.s citizens, he said. Dulan stated, How often does the mayor and the new chief of police stop by your restaurant. I spoke with Michel Moore, and he is a genuine man of God who wants to focus on improving relations between the police department and the community. The way they ate, I know they will be back. I like the new chief and I think he is an excellent choice and I look forward to working with him in any way that I can. Stop Number Two: Avalon Carver Community Center ADVERTISEMENT Los Angeles County has one of the largest homeless population counts in the nation. Since Garcetti came into office in 2013, he made the homelessness crisis a primary focus on his agenda. So it was no surprise when the mayor arranged for Moore and himself to have a public discussion with residents at the Home At Last Community Development Corporation (housed by the Avalon Carver Community Center); a non-profit organization that provides complimentary social work services to at-risk youth in South Los Angeles. During the discussion which took place at Home At Lasts youth shelter, residents had the opportunity to voice their concerns and ask both Garcetti and Moore questions. You dont judge a city just on its mountain peakswe have to look at where we still have valleys. We have to talk to young people who still have hopes but cant find a place to live. Folks that are in tents around all the neighborhoods of our city and figure out how public safety is something that is really a partnership, responsibility of all of us, said Garcetti. I chose Michel Moore to be our next police chief because he was the person who could implement that next chapter. Not only of LAPDs history but also of our citys history and for me that starts in South L.A. Home At Last Administrative Director, Gina Dapremont, who attended the discussion had this to say about the event. I was very impressed with the appearance. The fact that the mayor and the new police chief took the time to come out and first hand observe and take note to the actual participants in the program, and address the needs and desires, said Dapremont. She goes on to say that she plans to work with Moore and Garcetti in the future to determine ways in which they can better assist the organization. Councilman Curren Price who was also at the discussion shared his thoughts on Garcettis pick for LAPD chief. It is imperative that the new LAPD chief spend time in diverse communities like South Los Angeles, said Councilman Curren Price. The next chief of police must be out there making a genuine effort to gain the publics trust and strengthening relationships with our residents. I have a lot of respect for Michel Moores decades-long experience and I look forward to working with the chief closely and learning more about his vision and goals for the future. Final Stop: Exclusive L.A. Sentinel Interview Garcetti and Moore made their final stop with a behind the scenes exclusive interview with Los Angeles Sentinel Managing Editor Brandon Brooks at the Avalon Carver Community Center. During the interview, Moore stated that the goal of coming to South L.A. Sunday was to show by both his words and actions, how important this part of the community is to him as a police chief and Angeleno. Los Angeles is made up of so many rich communities and so many of those communities have history and not all that history with the police has been good, said Moore. I am committed to working in each of those communities, by being a police chief who listens and hears and does everything possible to address the concerns and grievances that communities may have and also to represent my officers. The men and women of this department are great and tremendous people who come to work each day to do good work and to do service and make sacrifice. Moore continued, the interview by saying he gets to take the messages he heard from the discussion on Sunday back to his fellow officers. Moving forward, Moore plans to bring a different tone to his department and the city by deepening community trust and providing officers with better resources. I intend to continue amplifying our engagement and presence in the houses of faith, on the street, our efforts to have coffee with a copso that we are visible, we are accessible and we are responsive, said Moore. He continued the interview by stating that he expects that same from LAPD and he knows that the men and women on the force are ready to make a change. Lawsuit Filed to Block Obama Presidential Center in Chicago Days before the Chicago Plan Commission approved plans for the Obama Presidential Center, a federal lawsuit was filed to block the proposed $500 million facility that will be built in Jackson Park. The 500-acre park is located in Chicagos predominately Black Woodlawn and South Shore neighborhoods, where former First Lady Michelle Obama, rapper Kanye West and some of the nations most prominent Blacks once lived. On Thursday, May 17, the Chicago Plan Commission unanimously approved the blueprints for the Obama Presidential Center, despite emotional appeals from protestors who are concerned that the library will eventually drive up rents in the neighborhoods and force out longtime, low-income residents. The plans now go before the citys 50-member city council. While those plans are expected to pass that stage, the Obama Foundation faces a lawsuit that may be its biggest hurdle yet. The lawsuit was filed on Monday, May 14 by Protect Our Parks, a nonprofit organization that seeks a court order to bar the Park District and the City from approving the building of the Presidential Center and from conveying any interest in or control of the Jackson Park site to the Foundation. ADVERTISEMENT In its complaint, Protect Our Parks accuses the Chicago Park District of an institutional bait and switch. The organization said the park district transferred public land to the Obama Foundation to house an official federal Obama Federal Library. But that purpose changed when Obama decided his center will not be his official library. Instead, the federal National Records and Archives Administration will run it in another location. In the lawsuit, Protect Our Parks called Chicagos plan to lease public park space an illegal land grab. The organization also said the transfer of park land to a non-governmental private entity violates the park district code. In addition, Protect Our Parks said the park district and the city will receive only token rent for the land and the Park District Act law does not authorize the Park District itself to transfer valuable public trust land for virtually no compensatory return. Protect Our Parks says that city officials are prohibited by law from turning over public park land to a non-governmental private entity for private use. At a meeting Thursday, May 17, the commission was expected to take up a resolution authorizing a long-term ground lease for 19.3 acres in Jackson Park from the city to the Obama Foundation. In March 2015, Chicagos city council approved an ordinance for Chicago Park District land in Jackson Park to be transferred to the city of Chicago to lease to the Obama Foundation. Protect Our Parks lawsuit may force planning officials to rewrite the ordinance. Protect Our Parks is being represented by Roth Fioretti; Robert Fioretti is a former Chicago alderman who challenged Mayor Rahm Emanuel in 2015 before endorsing Emanuel in the run-off. More recently, Fioretti was defeated in a March Democratic primary bid for Cook County Board president. ADVERTISEMENT In an emailed statement, Emanuels mayoral spokesman Grant Klinzman said, The Obama Presidential Center is a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to invest hundreds of millions of dollars that will create good jobs on the South Side, bring our communities together and honor the legacy of Chicagos favorite son and daughter. While some choose to stand in the way of progress for the South Side, we are focused on making progress in every community in Chicago. But later that day, Emanuel at an event called the lawsuit frivolous and said that the notion that somehow this is not a presidential library, because the actual papers will be in New York to me not only is frivolous, but means the people that filed this dont understand the 21st century, he added. The good news is, the presidential papers will be in two places but there will be only one library, here in Chicago. Emanuel said that the papers will be digitized. Juanita Irizarry, executive director of Friends of the Parks, also released a statement, saying officials with the group welcome the Obama Center to the South Side but disagree with the choice to locate it on public parkland, rather than vacant land across the street from Washington Park. While we are not involved with this lawsuit in any way, it is an indication of the fact the Friends of the Parks is not alone in our concern about Chicagos parks being seen as sites for real estate development, Irizarry said. Plans have not gone smoothly for the library since President Barack Obama announced that Jackson Park will be the location of his library in 2016. Residents in Woodlawn and South shore have held numerous protests demanding that the Obama Foundation sign a community benefits agreement as concerns of neighborhood gentrification and rising rents continue to grow. Despite their concerns, Obama has said that a community benefits agreement is not necessary, because his library is an automatic benefit to the neighborhoods. Linxs Awards GLAAACC $120,000 Scholarship For Local Students As a part of its commitment to making long-term investments in the community it serves, LAX Integrated Express Solutions (LINXS) will award $120,000.00 to the Greater Los Angeles African American Chamber of Commerce (GLAAACC) for its Education Fund and Foundation Scholarship program. In April, the Los Angeles City Council unanimously approved a 30-year $4.9 billion contract to LINXS, an eight-member business consortium, to design, build, finance, operate and maintain the Automated People Mover (APM) train system at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX). LINXS fully integrated team is comprised of Flour, Balfour Beatty, ACS Infrastructure Development, Dragados USA, HOCHTIEFF PPP Solutions, Flatiron, Bombardier Transportation, HDR and HNTB. According to officials, the APM system is set to be operational in 2023. We are passionate about opening doors and investing in the local community. The Automated People Mover affords us a once-in-a-generation opportunity for lasting economic and community benefits, said Sophia Cavalli, LINXS Inclusivity Manager. This includes supporting the next generation of entrepreneurs and leaders youth engagement is a priority for us. ADVERTISEMENT For nearly two decades, GLAAACC Education Fund and Foundation (Ed Fund) has awarded scholarships to deserving college-bound high school seniors from Crenshaw, Dorsey, Washington Preparatory and Jordan High Schools. To date, GLAAACCs Ed Fund has presented more than $500,000 to over 100 minority students from underserved communities. GLAAACC is proud to be a beneficiary of LINXS investment in the community and partner with them to support the business leaders and entrepreneurs of tomorrow said GLAAACC Chairman Gene Hale. GLAAACC is all about empowering minority businesses and providing them with the tools they need to succeed. It all starts with a good education. This is also possible because of the efforts of Debra Flint the CEO of LAWA who insisted on contractors working with local community organizations to develop constructive partnerships, said Hale. Kudos also goes to GLAAACC vice chair Jamarah Harris Hayner who played a role in helping to secure this amazing scholarship grant. To ensure they are equipped to manage their funds, students receiving a scholarship from GLAAACC are required to attend a financial literacy class facilitated by a certified wealth management company. This includes learning the basics of time management, credit management and how to balance a check book. ADVERTISEMENT The generous donation from LINXS will have a lasting impact on our scholarship program, said GLAAACC Ed Fund Chairman David Ford. Each dollar is an investment in the future of our community. The return on that investment will be a diverse population of future business leaders fully equipped to meet any challenge. LINXS will officially present the first check to GLAAACC Ed Fund at the 19th Annual Scholarship Reception on June 20 at the Microsoft campus in Playa Vista. Supervisor Mark Ridley Thomas will be on hand to acknowledge the participants at the Scholarship reception. For more information on GLAAACC, visit glaaacc.org or call (323) 292-1297. Local Krump Dancers Hit National Stage Los Angeles dance duo, BDASH & KONKRETE, spoke to the Los Angeles Sentinel Newspaper about their experience as contestants in season 2 of NBCS World of Dance. The duo was featured Tuesday June 5th showcasing their dance style called krumping. Krumping is a street dance popularized for its free, expressive, and energetic movement. LOS ANGELES SENTINEL NEWSPAPER: How did you two begin your dancing career? BDASH: Well I started dancing when I was seventeen. When I saw the movie Rize, it inspired me to start krump dancing. Thats how I started this whole journey. ADVERTISEMENT KONKRETE: Ive been dancing since I was a senior in high school, but I found krump at the age of sixteen. I saw the movie Rize too. I also watched the movie You Got Served that inspired me. LAS: Whats something about krumping thats appealing to you two? BDASH: I like how krump is more aggressive. Thats what got my attention. The style looks hard and serious. KONKRETE: For me, I love energy. I had a lot of energy at school. I was always considered a dancer but krumping is different. The energy is amazing. LAS: What is the creative process behind creating your movements? BDASH: We trust each other because we know we have the same styles. We understand each others movement. We rarely take out any moves or ideas. Everything we do comes from scratch. Its our work ethic. We do not save routines like other crews. ADVERTISEMENT KONKRETE: We brainstorm first before we come up with all the moves. Then we progress to different sections. We try to put the songs in different parts. You dont want to make up a bunch of stuff that doesnt match. Its all about finding the moment. LAS: From your own personal experience, what has been the biggest struggle in obtaining success? BDASH: Its hard to be a professional dancer all the time. You may have to experience being jobless for a long time. That struggle alone could cause someone to give up. You must see the bigger picture in the end. Thats the main reason to have goals because if not, dancing will swallow you up. KONKRETE: My biggest struggle is maintaining my dream while also being a father. Its easy to give up. We went from free styling to doing choreography. We laugh at it now, but all the work goes a long way. As a father, I want to teach my son to never give up. LAS: What words of advice would you give to aspiring dancers? BDASH: Practice. Allow time to pass but dont wait. You must have some type of foundation. If you dont have foundation, you will give up. Also, dont try to get into many aspirations. Focus on a couple and everything else will fall in place. KONKRETE-We both live off this one slogan: Be ready for no reason. We hold that close to us. You have to love what you do. I love dancing. I dont do it because I want to have a job. I love the art behind it. I refuse to let the industry tell me what Im supposed to do. To follow their journey, watch World Of Dance on NBC every Tuesday. Check local listings for time. Michael Eric Dyson to Preach at Holman UMC The Rev. Dr. Michael Eric Dyson delivers another hard-hitting message with his new book, What Truth Sounds Like: Robert F. Kennedy, James Baldwin and Our Unfinished Conversation About Race in America. His latest work recounts a historic 1963 meeting between then-U.S. Attorney General Kennedy, novelist Baldwin and other Black activists and artists deeply involved in the civil rights movement and shows how issues discussed 55 years ago still remain unresolved. The powerful preacher, scholar, and national political commentator appears in Los Angeles this weekend to expound on the topic of race and hopes to inspire believers and nonbelievers alike to take action. ADVERTISEMENT On Saturday, June 16, at 4 p.m., Dyson will speak at Nate Holden Performing Arts Center as part of Conversations with Tavis Smiley. Pastor Kelvin Sauls and Holman United Methodist Church will host the celebrated writer and political commentator on Sunday, June 17, at 8 a.m. and 11 a.m. Also, Dyson will sign copies of his book following each worship service. In an interview with the L.A. Sentinel, Dyson urged believers to take a greater role in improving race relations. Jesus is a justice warrior and Jesus has committed to transforming our American culture, insisted Dyson. The church has to step up and be responsible for fighting on the front lines for what is right. Our role and responsibility is not simply to sing songs in the church, but to serve outside the boundaries of the sanctuary as well. Expanding on the background of What the Truth Sounds Like, Dyson explained that the meeting between Baldwin and Kennedy occurred as a result of Kennedys desire to understand the reason for the rage that was brewing then in Black America, especially in urban centers. Baldwin invited his friends to attend, including playwright Lorraine Hansberry, actress Lena Horne, entertainer Harry Belafonte and Jerome Smith, a heralded Freedom Rider who had been viciously beaten many times for attempting to integrate interstate bus lines. Kennedy was expecting it would be a nice conversation where they would express gratitude for all of the things that his brother (President John F. Kennedy) had done and it turned out to be quite different than that. Kennedy got an earful of the heartbreak, trauma, rage and anger of Black America, said Dyson. ADVERTISEMENT Initially angered by the comments, Kennedy later calmed down and compiled with Baldwin and his friends request that he speak about race as a moral issue and not just a political one. Kennedy encouraged his brother to do the same. He also began to rethink race and became an advocate for racial justice in America as an American politician, Dyson said. Reflecting on the current increase in racial tensions, Dyson noted, Today, we have a president trying to tell Black athletes that they are disrespecting the flag, when the real issue is social justice, economic inequality and the degree to which racism continues to infect American society and young, unarmed Black people are being murdered at astonishing and alarming rates in our society. To learn more about Dysons visit, call Holman UMC at (323) 731-7285. Mother Still Grieves, Police Still Search Nine Months after Slaying of Local Rapper The mother of a 34-year-old rapper who was slain in Los Angeles seven months ago, is still grieving, she said, even as two suspects have been arrested and subsequently released. Kim Maxwell Harris, 63, lost her son Iyayi Amayo, a local talent in San Luis Obispo known as Da Cali Kid, November 9 after what police concluded was some type of altercation left him with a fatal stab wound. She and her family hope to keep Iyayis memory alive through his music and through the type of love he spread when he was alive. Iyayi was so kind, Maxwell Harris told the Sentinel recently. His name means faith [in Nigerian]. ADVERTISEMENT The local performer attended school in the Westchester and Windsor Hills areas of Los Angeles before finishing high school in San Luis. There, he joined a rap group called Danjarus Syndicate, before forming Public Defendaz in 2006. His younger brother Victor Pulido remembered the glory days. When he did his first show, he brought me on the stage with him, Pulido told the L.A. Times last year. Pulido is working on some of Iyayis final music, which is included on a posthumous EP, L805 (805 being the San Luis Obispo area code, where Iyayi enjoyed most of his fame). The rapper has opened for major acts like Ice Cube, E40, Slick Rick and Two Chainz. If they came to the coast, we were rocking their shows, fellow rapper and group member Andre Baker told the Times. On stage, Amayos energy was explosive. Amayo was always moving and interacting with fans. There was not a stale moment. According to news reports, Iyayi was stabbed in the wee hours of the morning November 9, 2017 on West 42nd Street and Walton Avenue in Vermont Square. Detectives think Amayo, 34, was involved in a dispute with other people before he was killed. At the time they said they were focusing on several people but were and still are looking for additional witnesses, said Los Angeles Police Det. Chris Barling. ADVERTISEMENT Other fellow band members described Iyayis passion for music as infectious. Studio sessions would last until dawn, said Cassidy Wright. He was like a jazz artist, hed just start vibing out to whatever ideas or instrumentals were thrown out. He delivered a fly message that connected with the people. He was very open minded and had an infectious happiness about him, Wright told the Times. Maxwell Harris remains proud of her sons fame and the impact he had on all those who knew him. More than 200 people attended his funeral, she told the Sentinel. To see that was just being with Iyayi was like being with a movie star. Maxwell Harris goes to group therapy now to get her through, she said. Im a part of Mothers of Murdered Children, a club I never wanted to join, she told the Sentinel. Im going to miss him, said friend Oris Martin III said. I just hope they find the person who left him out in the world so cold. Pres. Trump Commutes Sentence for Alice Johnson, a Drug Offender Championed by Kim Kardashian 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. Thats according to two White House officials who say Trump commuted the 63-year old Johnsons 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. ADVERTISEMENT 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. Smithsonian Exhibit Highlights Mega Star Oprah Winfrey One of the most recognizable openings in television history blares on a video screen: Im Oprah Winfrey, and welcome to The Oprah Winfrey Show! The crowd goes wild. At the center of it all, a dancing young Oprah. This moment, televised more than 30 years ago, is now part of a yearlong exhibition that opened Friday at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture. Watching Oprah: The Oprah Winfrey Show and American Culture chronicles the social events in the United States from Winfreys birth in 1954 through her childhood and her rise in media to her time as the nations first self-made black woman billionaire. ADVERTISEMENT Winfrey toured the exhibit on Wednesday and told CBS This Morning that she was honored by the exhibit and the response to it. I do believe that we had a big impact on the culture, and I continue to feel that from people every day, she said. The television personality has donated $21 million to the museum. But museum director Lonnie Bunch said the donation did not influence the creation of the showcase. This is not a show for Oprah or by Oprah, he said. This is a show about other issues using the lens of Oprah. Among the first objects that visitors see is a yellowed pennant from the 1963 March on Washington, and the diploma of Carlotta Walls, one of the nine black students who integrated Central High School in Little Rock, Arkansas, in 1957. This exhibition is really an opportunity to explore the cultural impact of The Oprah Winfrey Show, said exhibitions curator Kathleen Kendricks. This is a chance to really put Oprah in this broader context of African-American history and culture and unpack her popularity and significance. On her walkthrough, Winfrey watched one of the exhibits televisions displays showing the Supremes singing and dancing on The Ed Sullivan Show. It was the first time I realized you could be a beautiful black woman on television, she said. ADVERTISEMENT Winfreys headshot pops out of magazine covers stretching across the wall: Fortune, EBONY, Mediaweek, National Review, Newsweek. Her first name is used as a verb, along with new words like Oprahfication and Oprahliferative. HARPO Productions, Inc., which Winfrey founded in 1986, provided many items for the exhibit from her personal life and career. A diary is opened to September 8, 1986, where Winfrey said, Exactly 8 hours before the national 1st show. I keep wondering how my life will change. Throughout the gallery, Winfreys personal effects _ evening gowns, designer clothing and shoes, her drinking glass, the Golden Globe she was awarded earlier this year _ are juxtaposed alongside video clips from The Oprah Winfrey Show. There are also blue cue cards, green room photos with celebrity guests, and keys from a vehicle that was a prize in Winfreys famous You get a car! giveaway. Winfreys highly popular daytime talk show aired for 25 years and 4,561 episodes, ending in 2011. Winfrey discussed topics ranging from sexual orientation, body image, health, and, as featured in the museum, the idea of woman empowerment, especially for women of color. In many ways, we realize that this is a fascinating story, not just about an individual, but about a change in our culture, about the changing notions of the power in media in the role of race, Bunch said SASKATOON, Saskatchewan, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- UEX Corporation (TSX:UEX) (OTC:UEXCF) (FRANKFURT:UXO) (UEX or the Company) reports the results of its Annual General Meeting of Shareholders (the AGM or the Meeting) held on June 13, 2018 in Saskatoon, SK. Shareholders voted in favour of all items of business, including the election of each director nominee. A total of 135,871,474 votes were cast or represented by proxy at the AGM, representing 39.05% of the outstanding common shares as of the record date. The following is a tabulation of the votes submitted by proxy: Directors Tabulation of Votes in Favour Tabulation of Votes Withheld Suraj P. Ahuja 134,455,609 (98.98%) 1,390,894 (1.02%) Mark P. Eaton 134,579,211 (99.07%) 1,267,292 (0.93%) Roger Lemaitre 134,635,861 (99.11%) 1,210,642 (0.89%) Emmet McGrath 134,588,840 (99.07%) 1,257,663 (0.93%) Catherine Stretch 134,504,838 (99.01%) 1,341,665 (0.99%) Graham C. Thody 134,533,690 (99.03%) 1,312,813 (0.97%) KPMG LLP was reappointed as auditor of the Company. At the Board of Directors meeting following the AGM, Mr. Graham Thody was reappointed Chairman of the Board and Mr. Suraj Ahuja was re-appointed as Lead Director. Mr. Roger Lemaitre was reappointed President, Chief Executive Officer, Ms. Laurie Thomas was re-appointed as Vice President Corporate Relations and Ms. Evelyn Abbott was appointed as Chief Financial Officer. Mr. Bernard Poznanski of Koffman Kalef LLP was re-appointed as Corporate Secretary of the Company. On behalf of the Board of Directors of UEX "Roger Lemaitre" Roger Lemaitre President & CEO UEX Corporation Phone: 306-979-3849 Website: www.uex-corporation.com Success On The Way, Ask Dr. Jeanette: The Doors Are Open! Now! For many years Ive prayed for release of prisoners, the innocent and the unjustly incarcerated. You remember marijuana sentenced- prisoners found guilty and now those charges for which they were found guilty are dropped and no longer crimes! President Trump commuted the life sentence of Alice Marie Johnsonin federal prisonmore than 20 years for first-time non-violent drug conviction. Trump granted Johnson clemency after TVs Kim Kardashian West lobbied for her release during a White House visit. Trump moves more quickly to exercise his pardon power than recent presidents [last three White House predecessors had not issued any pardons or commutations at this point in their presidencies. Unlike other presidential actions, the presidents power to pardon is almost unchecked. WBFO News NPR News: All things Considered [AYESHA RASCOE] * Richard Rosario imprisoned for 20 years [a Bronx murder over a dozen witnesses swear he could not have committedfreed Wednesday Authorities admitted-no fair trial. [Daily News] *Nearly two decades after wrongfully convicted of rape and murder, four Navy veterans the Norfolk Four are pardoned by Virginia Gov. Terry McAuliffe. * After 20 years on death row Lorriston Cornwall is released from prison in Antigua-sentenced to 1996 death for murder of former girlfriend. Antigua had carried the mandatory death penalty for murder, which has since been found to violate fundamental human rights. Cornwalls death sentenceset aside by High Court in 2015, with six other prisoners who had also been given the mandatory death sentence. [The Death Penalty Project] *Albert Woodfox released from jail after 43 years in solitary confinement USs longest-standing solitary confinement prisoner set free in Louisiana [a form of captivity widely denounced as torturein isolation in a six-by-nine-foot cell for 43 years, 23 hours a day. His one hour daily break, allowed him out to go to the exercise yard, but was shackled and kept alone. [accused of 1972 murder of a prison guard]. The prisoners release came after the state of Louisiana agreed to drop its threat to subject him to a third trial. Always professing his innocence; now 69 years old released from West Feliciana parish detention center; finally escaped a form of captivity [widely been denounced] as torture, depriving him of all meaningful human contact for more than four decades.I would not let them drive me insane. Last November James Dennis, a judge with the federal fifth circuit appeals court, described the conditions of Woodfoxs confinement. For the vast majority of his life, Woodfox spent 23 hours/day every waking hour in a cramped cell in crushing solitude without a valid conviction, Woodfox, one of the Angola 3: three prisoners held in Louisianas notorious Angola prison, and subscribed to the Black Panther movement and campaigned against segregation within the institution in the 1970s. [The Guardian] Teach the Children. Jeanette Grattan Parker, Superintendent/Founder Todays Fresh Start Charter School www.todaysfreshstart.org Will You Marry Me? Inquiring Minds Want to Know. ADVERTISEMENT Texas Family Honors Man Dragged to His Death 20 Years Ago Relatives of a Black Texas man who was dragged to his death 20 years ago by three White men in a pickup truck have dedicated a bench in his honor. James Byrd Jr. was 49 years old when he was killed on June 7, 1998, in Jasper, which is about 115 miles (185 kilometers) northeast of Houston. Byrds family gathered Thursday at the Jasper County Courthouse to memorialize him with the bench, then spent the day in a park named after him, the Beaumont Enterprise reported. ADVERTISEMENT His daughter, Renee Byrd Mullins, said she hopes to remind the community that hate is a learned response. The bench outside the courthouse where two of the men were convicted in Byrds killing is engraved with the words, Be the change you want to see in the world. Lawrence Brewer was executed for Byrds killing in 2011. John King is on death row and Shawn Berry is serving a life sentence. Newton County Sheriff Billy Rowles said Thursday that the Byrd family helped maintain the peace in Jasper after Byrds death. Jasper is still healing, but the town is stronger than 20 years ago, he said. It is our hope that your death will bring some good, said Louvon Harris in the tribute to brother. Youre still alive in our hearts every day. W.E.B. DU BOIS PROVOCATIVE VIEWS ON POLITICS, VOTING, AND NOT VOTING On October 20, 1956 W.E.B. Du Bois delivered an eloquent indictment of U.S. politics while explaining to The Nation magazine readers why he would not vote in the upcoming presidential election. He condemned Democrats and Republicans for their indifferent positions on the influence of corporate wealth, racial inequality, arms proliferation and unaffordable health care. Sound familiar? Du Bois views were also well timed because they came the week before Californias presidential primary. Todays column consists of excerpts from the 1956 article in which he argues that fundamentally, the Democratic and Republican parties are indistinguishable, offering compelling reasons for arriving at that conclusion. Since I was twenty-one, I have, in theory, followed a plan, i.e., voting for a third party even when its chances were hopeless, if the main parties were unsatisfactory; or, in absence of a third choice, voting for the lesser of two evils. My action, however, was limited by the candidates attitude toward Negroes. ADVERTISEMENT In 1956, I shall not go to the polls. I believe that democracy has, so far, disappeared in the United States, that no two evils exist: There is but one evil party with two names which will be elected despite all I can do or say. There is no third party. On the Presidential ballot in a few states, a Socialist party will appear. If a voter advocates a real third party movement, he may be accused of seeking to overthrow this government by force and violence. He will be called Communist and will be that because it advocates such things as government ownership of the means of production; government in business; the limitation of private profit; social medicine, government housing and federal aid to education; the total abolition of race bias; and, the welfare state. Any American who advocates these things today stands in danger of losing his job, surrendering his social status and perhaps landing in jail. The present administration is carrying on the greatest preparation for war in the history of mankind, despite the unbearable weight of our taxation resting mainly and deliberately on the poor. This Administration is dominated and directed by wealth and for the accumulation of wealth. We turn over the national resources to private profit and have few funds left for education, health or housing. Our crime, especially juvenile crime, is increasing. Its increase is perfectly logical; for a generation, we have been teaching our youth to kill, to destroy, steal and rape in war; what can we expect in peace? We let men take wealth which is not theirs; if the seizure is legal we call it high profits and the profiteers help decide what is legal. If the theft is illegal, they can fight it out in court with excellent chances to win if they receive accolades from the right newspapers. Negroes hope to muster 400,000 votes in 1956. Where will they cast them? What have the Republicans done to enforce the education decision of the Supreme Court? What they advertise as fair employment was exactly nothing; what has the Administration done to rescue Negro workers, the most impoverished group in the nation, half of whom receive less than half the median wage of the nation, while the nation sends billions abroad to protect oil investments and help employ slave labor in the Union of South African and Southern Rhodesia? And will the party of Talmadge, Eastland and Ellender do better than the Republicans if the Negroes return them to office? Is the refusal to vote in this phony election a counsel of despair? No. It is dogged hope. It is hope that if 25 million voters refrain from voting in 1956 on their own accord, not based on a sly wink from Khrushchev, this might make the American people ask how much longer this dumb farce can proceed without even a whimper of protest. Yet, if we protest, off the nation goes to Russia and China. Fifty-five American ministers and philanthropists are asking the Soviet Union to face manfully the doubts and promptings of their conscience. Cannot these do-gooders face their own consciences? Can they not see that American culture is rotting away our honesty, our human sympathy, our literature? Our manners are gone and the one thing we want is to be rich.to show off. Success is measured by income. University education is for income, not culture, and is partially supported by private industry. We are not training poets or musicians, but atomic engineers. Business is built on successful lying called advertising. We want money in vast amounts, no matter how we get it. So we get it, and what then? ADVERTISEMENT Is the answer the election of 1956? I will be no party to it and that also will make little difference. (Most) will take a large part and bravely march to the polls, and that also will make no difference. Stop running to Russia and giving Chinese advice when we cannot decently rule ourselves. Stop yelling about a democracy we do not have. Yet, there is still nothing to replace real democracy. Drop the chains, then, that bind our brains. Drive the money-changers from the seats of the Cabinet and the halls of Congress. Call back some faint spirit of Jefferson and Lincoln and when again we hold a fair election on real issues, lets vote, and not till then. Is this possible? [email protected] When it comes to the vote, were fighting a second Civil War The talk shows are filled with the latest rumor about WikiLeaks and Russian interference in our elections. What was done still remains a mystery. But Republican tricky leaks the systematic efforts to suppress the vote are an established fact, and a far greater threat to free elections. The facts are not in dispute. A recent report by the United Nations special rapporteur on extreme poverty notes that in addition to suffering the most extreme inequality in the industrial world, the U.S. ranks among the lowest for voter participation. Voter registration levels, for example, are 64 percent in the U.S., compared with 91 percent in Canada and the United Kingdom and 99 percent in Japan. This isnt an accident. As The New York Times reports, conservatives have openly stated for years that they do better when fewer people vote. In the South under segregation, the power structure used any number of tricks poll taxes, and special quizzes, intimidation and just plain murder to keep blacks from voting. Now, Republicans are clear that they must suppress the vote if they are to keep power. As professor Donald Jones stated at a Florida hearing of the National Commission for Voter Justice, When it comes to the vote, we are in the Second Civil War. ADVERTISEMENT The National Commission for Voter Justice was launched by RainbowPush early this year to undertake a 2-year mission of documenting the status of voting rights in the U.S., educating the public about ongoing threats and inspiring reforms to reaffirm the right to vote. The NCVJ has held hearings in four states Michigan, Georgia, South Carolina and Florida and produced research from six states. The NCVJ found that systematic efforts are underway to make voting more difficult in state after state. Voter purging and voter caging is being conducted on a much larger scale since 2016 than is popularly recognized. In Georgia in 2017, 320,000 voters who had been purged from the voter rolls had to file a lawsuit to regain the right to vote. In Florida, black voters are being purged after being labeled inactive, by not responding to a mail request for confirmation of address. The Interstate Crosscheck System, invented by Republican attorneys, is used by 27 states and is estimated to lead to the wrongful purging of hundreds of thousands of voters. States also work to make voting harder. They limit the days of early voting, reduce the number of polling places, leading to long lines and frustrated voters, and relocate polling places to distant communities. Georgia is notorious for moving polling sites from black communities to inaccessible locations with poor advance notice. Ex-felons who have served their sentence are still disenfranchised in Florida and other states; student face more and more barriers designed to keep them from voting. Republican state legislators have pushed to pass voter ID laws across the country; 34 states now enforce these laws. Eleven percent of U.S. citizens 21 million people lack a governmental issued photo ID, the ACLU reports. One in four African-Americans lacks this form of ID. The Government Accountability Office found that strict photo ID laws reduce turnout by 2 to 3 percent. Open voter suppression laws had a far greater effect on the 2016 election than whatever the Russians did. Wisconsins right-wing Gov. Scott Walker had previously signed into law new voter ID requirements, some of which a Federal District Court had found discriminated against minority voters. Conservative judges at the appellate level upheld the law. ADVERTISEMENT Republicans openly bragged that this would make the difference in the election. The result, by the states own records, was that 300,000 eligible voters lacked the proper ID. African-American turnout was down dramatically and Hillary Clinton lost the key state by only 22,700 votes. We should take steps to ensure that no foreign power can interfere with our elections, but we should also act boldly to ensure that the right to vote is not undermined by zealous partisans at home. Voter registration should be automatic. Voting should be facilitated, not made harder. Early voting days should be extended; polling booths easily available; hours extended. No one should have to wait for hours in a line to cast a vote. In the end, we should amend the Constitution to specifically establish the right to vote. This basic democratic value is now contested. We have public officials openly bragging about their schemes to suppress the right to vote. There is no greater threat to a democracy. Now it is up to patriots to defend the most basic right of all. Google says it will no longer permit its artificial intelligence, or AI technology to be used in any activities involving weapons. The companys chief executive officer, Sundar Pichai, announced the decision in an internet post. He wrote that the new policy was one of several newly-launched principles aimed at guiding the companys AI work in the future. The principles are a set of ethical guidelines covering the companys development and sale of AI technology and tools. Google says it will no longer design or launch AI for weapons or other technologies whose main purpose is to cause harm to people. It will also not permit its AI technology to be used for surveillance activities that violate internationally accepted norms. We believe these principles are the right foundation for our company and the future development of AI, Pichai wrote. The principles were announced after more than 4,000 Google employees signed a document calling for the company to cancel an AI agreement with the U.S. Department of Defense. That agreement, known as Project Maven, involves the use of Googles AI technology to examine drone images for the U.S. military. A Google official recently told employees Project Maven would not be extended after it ends next year. Google is expected to discuss with military officials how to complete the project without violating its new principles. Kirk Hanson is director of the Markkula Center for Applied Ethics at Santa Clara University in California. The center examines how ethics can be used to guide technology development. He told VOA the opposition by Google employees to the U.S. military agreement was based on fears that AI technology could lead to the creation of autonomous weapons. If you have artificial intelligence which identifies targets and automatically launches weapons, you have what is known as an autonomous weapon -- there is no human decision to launch the weapon. Hanson said other companies could also face pressure from employees or the public if their AI technology is used to develolp autonomous weapons. Just as with driverless vehicles, autonomous weapon systems may not be as safe as their supporters promise. We should be more concerned about how an autonomous weapon might make a mistake. Is that artificial intelligence targeting system as good as we think it is? And until we have trust that those systems will not make mistakes, we're going to have a lot of doubts about the use of artificial intelligence. Hanson says even though Project Maven does not directly use Google AI to power autonomous weapons, AI systems do help with military targeting. If you have better targeting, presumably that's a good thing. But the critics say if you have better targeting, it raises your level of confidence in the targeting, which may lead you to then apply independent autonomous decision making by machine, which will launch the weapons. A top Department of Defense official was asked about the use of autonomous weapons during an event last year at the Center for Strategic and International Studies in Washington. Air Force Gen. Paul J. Selva, vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, said such systems should never be used to replace human commanders. Google chief Pichai said the company does not plan to stop providing AI technology for all military uses. He said Google will still seek government projects in areas such as military training, internet security and search and rescue. Im Bryan Lynn. Bryan Lynn wrote this story for VOA Learning English, based on information from Google, and reports from the Associated Press and VOA News reporter Michelle Quinn. Kelly Jean Kelly was the editor. We want to hear from you. Write to us in the Comments section, and visit our Facebook page. ______________________________________________________________ Quiz Quiz - Google Bans Its AI Technology for Weapons Work Start the Quiz to find out Start Quiz _____________________________________________________________ Words in This Story artificial intelligence n. ability of a machine to reproduce human behavior principle n. a rule or belief that influences behavior and which is based on what a person thinks is right ethical adj. following accepted rules of behavior: morally right and good surveillance n. intelligence gathering autonomous adj. taking part in an activity separately from other things doubt n. a feeling of not being sure about something presumably adv. very likely confidence n. a feeling of being sure of your ability to do things well apply v. use something in a particular situation 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. 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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. The NYPD's use of a sound cannon against nonviolent protesters can indeed be considered excessive force, a federal appeals panel affirmed yesterday in a first-of-its-kind ruling. The opinion, issued by the 2nd Circuits Chief Judge Robert Katzmann, Judge John Walker, and Judge Rosemary Pooler, affirms a lower court finding by Judge Robert Sweet from last year that found that the NYPDs Long Range Acoustic Device, or LRAD, is indeed a form of force, and the kind that could be used excessively. The lawsuit was brought by six journalists and protesters who attended a demonstration in Midtown in 2014, and named the police department, the City, and the officers involved. But before the lawsuit could proceed, the two officers actually involved, Lieutenant John MacGuire and Officer Mike Poletto, appealed the ruling, arguing that they were entitled to qualified immunity. The officers had argued that they could not be held liable because at the time they deployed the LRAD, there was not clear case law notifying officers that the right against excessive force applies to nonviolent protesters. The court did not find this argument persuasive. That is like saying police officers who run over people crossing the street illegally can claim immunity simply because we have never addressed a Fourteenth Amendment claim involving jaywalkers, it wrote in its opinion. LRADs were first brought into service in the U.S. Navy as a sound weapon and communication device following the attack on the U.S.S. Cole. The NYPD bought its first LRADs on the eve of the 2004 Republican National Convention, and has used them ever since, primarily for communicating with large crowds, as during Occupy Wall Street and the protests against the police killing of Kimani Gray in East Flatbush in 2013. But while the LRAD can be used as a super-charged megaphone, it can also function as a crowd-control weapon used to clear spaces, emitting piercing sounds up to 137 decibels, well over the thresholds known to cause pain and even lasting damage in humans. One man who attended that protest, which was against the Eric Garner grand jury ruling, found himself in the LRAD's cone of sound when the NYPD used it. It's like being inches from a car alarm going off, except a car alarm goes off after maybe 10 seconds, he told us. It was definitely one of the loudest noises I've ever heard, but I wouldn't say it was immediately pain inducing. But for the next six days, I was feeling pain," he said. "It was like an earache. Any loud noises made it worse. The officers had also argued that the protesters had no constitutional protection against the use of LRADs because at the time there wasnt any clear case law against police use of the sonic weapon, and besides, since LRADs function solely by sound they are not "an instrument of force. The court didnt buy those arguments either. Novel technology, the court wrote, does not entitle an officer to qualified immunity. And LRADs can be a form of force. Even though sound waves are a novel method for deploying force the effect of an LRADs area denial function is familiar: pain and incapacitation, the court wrote. The bottom line, Judge Katzmann wrote in his ruling, is that When engaging with non-violent protesters who had not been ordered to disperse, no reasonable officer would have believed that the use of such dangerous force was a permissible means of moving protesters to the sidewalks. Whatever legitimate interest the officers had in clearing the street, the use of sound capable of causing pain and hearing loss in the manner alleged in the complaint was not rationally related to this end. The ruling doesnt mean that LRADs cant be used. The court said it remains open to their use as a communication tool, and even, in some circumstances, perhaps, as a crowd dispersal tool. But when police use LRADs as a form of force, that force must be reasonable. Gideon Oliver, one of the lawyers representing the plaintiffs in the lawsuit, said yesterdays ruling is significant because its the first ruling of its kind governing police use of sound weapons. Its one thing to have a district judges opinion, but other district court judges can feel free to disagree, Oliver said. A 2nd circuit opinion, a precendential opinion, is binding on the lower courts. And because its a circuit court decision, it has much stronger potential to be influential in other circuits around the country. The case is now remanded back down to Judge Sweets district court, where, barring a settlement, discovery will begin shortly. In addition to monetary damages related to their injuries, the plaintiffs in the suit are asking for an injunction that would prevent the NYPD from using LRADs without conducting research and coming up with coherent, publicly available guidelines for their use. You can read the appeals courts full opinion here. Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull will deliver a national apology to child sex abuse victims as part of the governments response to a long-running inquiry that heard allegations against government and private institutions and prominent individuals in five years of hearings. The apology, to be delivered on Oct. 22 after public consultations, was announced yesterday as Turnbull outlined his governments formal reaction to the Royal Commission into Institutional Responses to Child Sexual Abuse. Its inquiry ended in December after taking evidence from leaders such as Vatican Cardinal George Pell, who is charged with committing historical sex abuses himself and was accused of failing to protect children. Turnbulls government will adopt 104 of the 122 recommendations the royal commission made to it, including establishing a national office for child safety and joining a redress payments program. The 18 other recommendations remain under consideration. Its been harrowing work, Turnbull told a news conference in Canberra. Now that weve uncovered the shocking truth, we must do everything in our power to honor the bravery of the thousands of people who came forward. The royal commission, Australias highest form of investigation, heard more than 8,000 harrowing personal stories alleging sexual abuse. Taking evidence at 57 public hearings across the country, it heard of alleged abuse in various institutions including schools, sport and hobby groups, and religious organizations. Pell, Australias most senior Catholic official, gave evidence to the inquiry on three separate occasions. A counsel to the royal commission said in final submissions that Pell and other Catholic officials had failed to exercise proper care for children in Victoria state by not acting on information about alleged sexual abuse by priests an allegation Pell strenuously denied. As a result of a separate Victorian police investigation, Pell is to face trial on charges of sexual abuse. Pope Francis finance adviser, Pell is the most senior Vatican official to be charged in the Catholic Church sex abuse crisis. Pell has pleaded not guilty to the charges, the details and number of which have not been made public. Turnbull said yesterday the national office for child safety would come into effect July 1, as would a national redress program involving the federal and state governments to provide payments to victims. Federal Social Services Minister Dan Tehan said the maximum possible payment to each victim would be 150,000 Australian dollars (USD113,000), lower than recommended, though the average payment would be higher than the royal commission had recommended. Turnbull said the commission had revealed shocking abuse of children. It revealed that for too long the reporting of this abuse was met with indifference and denial by the very adults and institutions who were supposed to protect them, Turnbull said. The royal commission also made a number of recommendations directed toward the Vatican, including that any child abuse disclosed during Catholic confession should be reported to police. It also recommended that the Australian Catholic Church should seek permission from the Vatican to introduce voluntary celibacy for the clergy. Australia is now seeking to harmonize laws across its states and territories to act on the royal commissions recommendations. Already, the state of South Australia has said that from October, church confessions will no longer be exempt from laws concerning the mandatory reporting of child sex abuse. Trevor Marshallsea, Sydney, AP The Chief Executive, Chui Sai On, said the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge (HKZMB) was an example of the countrys advanced capability in building key, large-scale, infrastructure. During a visit on Tuesday to the Bridge, Chui also said it would contribute to the effort of pressing ahead with the development of the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macau Greater Bay Area. The bridge, as the first infrastructure project developed jointly by the Hong Kong, Zhuhai and Macau authorities under the One country, two systems principle, would also facilitate sustainable socio-economic development in the three places, he said. During the visit, Chui was briefed by officials of the Hong Kong-Zhuhai-Macau Bridge Authority on the challenges of building the Bridge. He was also briefed about how the Bridge would be able to withstand the typhoons that frequently affect the area; how the bridge accommodates the flow of the water channels below it; and how its builders had addressed environmental issues. The visit started from a toll plaza at the Zhuhai boundary crossing facilities, and ended at an artificial island located immediately to the west of the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region boundary. During the car journey eastward in the direction of Hong Kong, Chui had a chance to see the part of the Bridge that spans the Qingzhou Channel known as the Qingzhou Channel Bridge, according to a government statement. The steel towers of that part of the project are designed to resemble the shapes of traditional Chinese knots. During his journey Chui also passed over another artificial island of the Bridge, connected to the westernmost one via an undersea tunnel. A man accused of masturbating while staring at subway riders on the A and R lines has been arrested. And the police credit "many" Crime Stoppers tips leading them to the suspect. Investigators believe that Roberto Remedios, 62, is responsible for at least three public lewdness incidents in the past few months. The first was on April 26th: According to the NYPD, at 10 p.m. on a northbound R train near 53rd Street in Sunset Park, a man "sat across from a 24-year-old victim and proceeded to masturbate as he starred at her." He then fled. Then, on May 17th, around 2 p.m. on an R train at Canal Street station, police say the suspect "masturbated his penis over his pants in front of the victim, a 26-year-old female," before the victim left the train at Prince Street. Less than two weeks after the second incident, on May 26th, on a northbound A train heading into Manhattan from Liberty Avenue and 104 Street Station in Queens, "an unidentified male masturbated his penis over his pants in front of the victim, a 19-year-old female," police say. The victim left the train while the suspect stayed on the train. Victims from the first and second incidents shared photographs of the suspect (including one where he's holding a Spider-Man backpack), which likely spurred tipsters to contact Crime Stoppers (1-800-577-TIPS (8477) or for Spanish, 1-888-57-PISTA (74782). Remedios was reportedly arrested outside his Bronx home and is expected in Manhattan Criminal Court today. Remember: If you see or experience sexual misconduct in the subway (this includes seeing a masturbator, being groped, being grinded on, etc.), you can report it to the MTA and police on this website. There's also a place for you to upload photos and/or video. Don't let the perverts win. The first edition of Encounter in Macau Arts and Cultural Festival between China and Portuguese- speaking Countries will be held in July, and will feature activities such as a film festival. The festival features 23 screenings of 24 films in three sections, namely Films in Chinese, Films in Portuguese and Images, Macau, as well as a series of related talks and post- screening sessions. It opens with the film Wrath of Silence, the latest production by emerging Chinese Director Xin Yukun, and closes with the first feature film Aniki Bobo and the first short documentary Douro, Faina Fluvial by Portuguese film master Manoel de Oliveira. According to a statement issued by the Cultural Affairs Bureau, the organizer of the event, the program also includes three modern Chinese films and nine recent productions shot in Portuguese- speaking countries; such as Portugal, Brazil, Cape Verde, Mozambique, Guinea-Bissau and other countries in Southern Africa. It will also screen nine films in Chinese and Portuguese shot in Macau between 1923 and 2015. Another highlight of the program is the China and Portuguese-speaking Countries Gala Performance, which will be held on July 6 at the Macao Cultural Centres Grand Auditorium. It will feature the Gansu Performing Arts Troupe as well as various artists and groups from eight Portuguese-speaking countries, such as the Portuguese ensemble Galandum Galundaina. Carson Block, a short-seller who runs Muddy Waters, said hes wagering against Chinese tutoring company TAL Education Group. The firms ADRs plunged on the news. Its a real business but its profits are fraudulent, Block said on Bloomberg TV yesterday. It is a real business with real students and learning centers. Its just not able to grow nearly as profitably as its been portraying. A spokesperson for Beijing-based TAL, which has a market cap of about USD23 billion, didnt respond to requests for comment after business hours in China. Blocks activist investment firm has in the past wagered against Chinese companies, many of which he claims engage in fraudulent behavior. Forestry company Sino-Forest Corp. lost more than two-thirds of its market value in two days after Block first criticized it in 2011, and was subsequently delisted. TAL began fraudulently creating profits as early as fiscal year 2016, by penciling in more favorable numbers along with engaging in more sophisticated asset parking transactions, according to a report on Muddy Waterss website. Two transactions inflated the companys pre-tax profits by up to $153.2 million, or 28.4 percent, between fiscal years 2016 and 2018, the report said. Between 2016 and 2017, TAL fraudulently overstated its operating profit by at least 21 percent, pre-tax profit by at least 39 percent and net income by at least 43 percent, it said. Most important, Block told Bloomberg TV, is the shareholder registry for TAL. When you look at the shareholder registries you see that TAL has been lying about investments and how it made these investments and that really goes to the heart of what theyre doing, Block said. TALs American depositary receipts dropped 12 percent at 12:19 p.m. They had rallied about 154 percent last year, and this year the ADRs are up about 54 percent through Tuesday. The educational service company has 2.3 million students in 42 cities across China, according to its website. Block has said that fraudulent Chinese companies pose a risk to U.S. markets as the firms draw capital back to their home country. He said China can list fraudulent companies in the U.S. with impunity and they operate at the behest of the government, which doesnt follow the same rules as many other countries when it comes to issues such as intellectual property theft. TAL was a mixed bag for hedge funds in the first quarter. Thirty-six funds bought the stock, including Coatue Management and Point72 Asset Management, while 28 sold at least some of their stake, according to data compiled by Bloomberg News. Some of Blocks calls on Western companies have missed the mark. His 2013 take on U.S. cell-phone antenna operator American Tower Corp., in which he said shares may drop 40 percent, failed to shake the company. Since then American Tower has rallied nearly 97 percent. Bloomberg Dear Editor, People are generally nice if youre nice (Anthony Bourdain in an interview with Money Magazine) Writer, travel raconteur and celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain passed on 8 June, having left behind inspiration, acceptance, and a sense of lively enlightenment to his simple yet effective message when engaging people outside of his own culture. All of this, despite the contradiction of his suicide, was to pursue life curiously, with intensity in love, respect and disdain for malarkey from dominant paradigms. He was a true rebel. The outpouring of love, yet shock and disbelief, that has over taken traditional media and social media has extended across the globe, which exemplifies his own outreach through life to better understand the world through uncompromising, unfettered conversation, rarely treating any guest or host as less than his equal, so long as they had humanity in their heart. Through his two long running travel shows, No Reservations and Parts Unknown, he has set the tone on how modern travel shows should be run, honest, bare, with depth and openness towards his hosts and ensuring a platform for those that are underrepresented and underappreciated to tell their story without judgement. Those stories were often elicited over meals which provided an authentic humanizing peek into worlds that both he and his audience would have likely never encountered. When you went on the journey with him, you learned, you listened, you grew a little each time, or you got the hell out of the way. Tony tended to abhor trends or movements that put either politics and philosophy before the human experience such as this quote he had given to Playboy Magazine concerning vegetarians: They make for bad travelers and bad guests. The notion that before you even set out to Thailand, you say, Im not interested, or youre unwilling to try things that people take so personally and are so proud of and so generous with, I dont understand that, and I think its rude. Youre at Grandmas house, you eat what Grandma serves you. Its in this spirit that perhaps the message he was trying to convey was to be open to everyones experience, and to put others before yourself. A clear clash with egocentric trends in todays travel and lifestyle media which seem to accentuate, if not elevate, exoticism of place or experience to serve the self rather than the people you are with. Though with balance, he did acknowledge the importance of self-indulgence. In 2011, Bourdain visited Macau, admitting in the opening of this No Reservations episode that he personally knew very little of our little enclave, but would spend much of the episode exploring the indulgences and human connections Macau has to offer. Yet by the end of the episode, in tribute to simple delights, such as the humble pork chop bun, he would proclaim that In the end, its all about me. Luke Lienau Central Macau Bird Rides Inc. and other scooter startups have drawn fire from pedestrian advocates, politicians and annoyed citizens. Now they have a new nemesis: personal-injury lawyers. In recent months, people hurt riding (or hit by) scooters in San Francisco and Los Angeles have been calling legal firms to file claims. Smelling opportunity, firms have even carved out dedicated spots on their websites urging people to file scooter-related claims. Our thought when we first saw them flying around Santa Monica and haphazardly abandoned on city sidewalks: This is an accident waiting to happen, blared McGee Lerer & Associates. Los Angeles abounds with personal-injury lawyers on the hunt for cases. Lawyers will be lawyers when theres the potential for some money to be made, says John Perlstein, a 25-year veteran who litigates accident claims referred to him by other attorneys. Most of them are trying to keep the doors open and hope for a million-dollar case to come their way. There are no records so far of lawsuits being filed against Bird or its rival Lime, but lawyers say its just a matter of time. The scooters began appearing in many parts of the U.S. last year. They can be unlocked with a smartphone for a buck, cost 15 cents a minute to rent and reach 15 miles an hour. The machines have proved popularand polarizing. The companies see them as a logical next step to the transportation revolution started by Uber and Lyft. Foes consider the scooters an annoying fad among tourists and tech workers, who zip around imperiling themselves and others. Investors, who have poured hundreds of millions of dollars into scooter startups, expect the machines to become a lasting feature of the urban landscape. Both Bird and Lime are in the process of raising large investment rounds to fuel their expansion. Though the scooter revolution is on hold in San Francisco while operators apply for permits, the machines are expected to re-appear within weeks as the city conducts a pilot program. They continue to weave through the traffic in Santa Monica and other cities. Accidents happen. Catherine Lerer, one half of McGee Lerers husband-and- wife legal team, says she got the first scooter-related call about five months ago. A 16-year-old boy had been injured falling from a Bird scooter, and the family wanted to make a claim. The phone has been ringing ever since. Many of the mishaps involve young riders who broke a collar bone or an arm in a single- rider accident, when the brakes locked or they lost control of the scooter, Lerer says. Los Angeles lawyers expect there to be more scooter incidents in LA, where the automobile famously rules, than in San Francisco, where cyclists, runners and cars compete for lane space. Local drivers arent as used to sharing the road and also tend to drive more aggressively, says Robin Saghian, a personal injury lawyer with Omega Law Group in Beverly Hills. In addition, scooter riders can be more reckless crossing intersections at fast speeds, which increases the chance of an accident, he says. Were getting about 2 to 5 calls a week and its getting more common, Saghian says. The inquiries about scooter-related accidents, including by pedestrians who get hit by a scooter, have jumped since his firm posted a blog about the issue on its website in April. The McGee Lerer lawyers say theyve heard of accidents involving single scooter crashes due to malfunctioning tires or brakes, road hazards, as well as pedestrians hurt tripping over scooters left on paths. Theyve seen children riding the scooters, people riding tandem without helmets, riders zipping along sidewalks and scooters left abandoned in the middle of sidewalks. California requires riders to wear helmets, have a drivers license and refrain from carrying passengers, riding on sidewalks or leaving scooters on their sides. Santa Monica will soon vote on a pilot program to rein in scooter rental companies like Bird, according to the Los Angeles Times. The proposals would cap the number of scooters and apply tougher penalties for rule breaking. A rental company could lose its permit if it endangers public health or safety. Earlier this year, after a local woman collided with a motor vehicle and wound up in hospital, Bird began asking riders to wear helmets, supply a drivers license and prove that theyre at least 18 years old. Its not clear how strictly these rules are enforced. Lime asks users to wear head protection, too, and was offering riders a free helmet if they have an account balance of USD10 or more. Bird also specifies that riders agree to use the scooters at their own risk and limits its own liability to $100. Perlstein says a waiver wont bar claims for gross negligence. He also says Bird may be an easy target because as a startup its unlikely to have an in-house legal team willing to fight protracted lawsuits. Like Uber and Lyft, the scooter company may be more willing to settle before a lawsuit is filed, he says. Bird, which is based in Santa Monica, declined to comment. San Mateo-based Lime says it hasnt been sued and is unaware of incidents involving people using its scooters. Lawyers say winning damages wont be simple. Pedestrians who claim they were injured dodging a scooter on the sidewalk typically have no one to sue because the riders are long gone. Riders hit by cars probably have the strongest cases. I have been turning away a lot of callers because I need to have an insurance company to go after, Lerer says. She expects the number of accidents to increase, particularly on college campuses and heavily touristed precincts. Its like the plague, Lerer says. Its spreading so fast.Anousha Sakoui, Edvard Pettersson, Bloomberg When people think about antiques, probably one of the first images to cross their minds is that of auctions and collectible products known worldwide. In Macau there is a tradition of antique shops and there still remain several small antique shops. There have also been some instances of antique lovers opening antique shops for non-profit purposes, such as promoting Chinese culture. Paul Ieng, owner of an antique shop called Iengs Antique Collection, Macau, located at Rua do Guimaraes, wanted his shop to mean far more than just business. While introducing his own collection, Ieng said this is not a business. I am a retiree. Regarding collecting antiques, I have had a plan ever since 20 to 30 years ago, said Ieng. I had plans to collect antiques as a way of spending my days after retirement. Ieng expects his shop, which opened in 2013, to be a meeting point for antique lovers, and a source of accurate information for aficionados of antique collecting. Ieng has been dealing with Chinese antiques for over 30 years. Throughout this period, Ieng spent a lot of his time learning from national Chinese antique experts and participating in different Chinese antique conferences and academic courses worldwide. According to Ieng, he has been losing money on a daily basis as his shop cannot even provide him with a basic income. There is no business to be talked about regarding my shop, said Ieng, explaining that he opened the shop out of his personal interest in antiques, followed by his aim of promoting Chinese culture. If you like antiques, you should put effort into research, and you should put effort into researching [] Chinese culture, said Ieng. According to Ieng, his shop has not seen many customers yet, as it has not been open for long. There are not too many people who truly like antiques. There are more people with ideas for business, Ieng told the Times, further explaining that nowadays, the whole market is like this. But we are absolutely not [for business purposes]. When questioned about the type of antiques people favor the most, Ieng told the Times that it depends on each individuals knowledge. Ieng then emphasized that his shop is mainly about research. When talking about the overall antiques industry, Ieng noted that in the market concerning China, the majority of industry participants offer fake items. Among all kinds of antiques, Iengs personal favorite antiques are the ones made of porcelain. Furthermore, Ieng said that in mainland China, there are a lot of young antique lovers who are interested in researching antiques. The large majority of non-Chinese visitors at his own shop come from Southeast Asia. Actually, regardless of race, people like [ancient] Chinese porcelains and Chinese culture, Ieng remarked. Tong, prior to his retirement, worked in architecture and construction. Tongs interest in antiques was piqued by his previous job. When I was working on engineering projects, the main customers were Portuguese. They like [antiques] quite a lot, said Tong, further explaining that he became fond of antiques after he started choosing antique gifts to offer his former customers. Currently, in Iengs shop, somewhere between 400 and 500 antiques items are on display. Ieng purchased most of his antiques in Europe and America, in his early years. Most of them come from the United Kingdom and France, disclosed Ieng, adding, I started buying them in the 80s. According to Ieng, customers from Macau generally go for items which are comparatively smaller due to space restrictions Qing vase sells for record USD 69.5 m An 18th-century Qing Dynasty vase sold for a record price last week, making it the highest ever price paid at auction for a Chinese antiquity. The vase went for a total of USD69.5 million, raised to $85.9 million after a 20 percent buyers premium from the auction house, Bainbridges, and Britains consumer tax are taken into account. The piece dates from the period of Emperor Qianlong, who expanded Chinas western frontier during his rule and is remembered for being a great patron of the arts. Association: few tourists buying antiques Choi Chon Ieng, member of the Macau Antiques and Porcelain Association, told the Times that members of this association mainly consist of antique lovers and antique amateurs between 30 and 70 years old. According to Choi, in the past ten years, not too many tourists came to Macau looking to buy antiques. Instead, tourists have bought items mainly related to Chinese painting and calligraphy. Australia announced yesterday it will help fund a new telecommunications cable stretching from Sydney to the Solomon Islands, squeezing out a bid by Huawei Technologies Co., as it tussles with China to retain its diplomatic influence in the South Pacific. A high-speed undersea cable will stretch from Australias east coast via Port Moresby in Papua New Guinea and on to Honiara, and then link remote provinces in the Solomons, Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said. The Solomon Islands government had initially considered allowing Huawei to build the cable, though reconsidered the Chinese companys involvement due to Australian concerns, the nations Prime Minister Rick Houenipwela told reporters this month. Australia in 2012 banned Huawei from bidding for contracts to help build its own national broadband network, citing security concerns. As part of its global bid for influence, China has stepped up diplomatic and economic engagement in the Pacific signing at least USD1.8 billion in aid and loans since 2006, according to Sydney-based think tank the Lowy Institute. Thats triggered concern in Australia, which remains the largest donor to the region, with Foreign Minister Julie Bishop saying earlier this month we regard the Pacific as our part of the world and we want to continue to be the partner of choice for nations in the Pacific. Our concern is ensuring that Australian aid provides the support for economic and social development in the Pacific and thats why were building this cable, Turnbull told reporters in Canberra yesterday after a meeting with Houenipwela. Funding will come from Australias aid budget, Turnbull said, declining to give a total cost. Huawei in August 2017 denied a media report that it had provided political donations to the Solomon Islands government as part of its bid for the cable project. Huawei hasnt given up on winning new projects in Australia. It is bidding to help construct Telstra Corp.s 5G cell phone network, and also on a AUD120 million ($91 million) contract to build a communications system for Perths metropolitan rail system. Jason Scott, Bloomberg A Saudi-led coalition backing Yemens exiled government began an assault yesterday morning on Yemens port city of Hodeida, a crucial battle in the 3-year-old conflict that aid agencies warned could push the Arab worlds poorest country into further chaos. Iranian-aligned Shiite rebels known as Houthis and their allies for years have held the Red Sea port, crucial to food supplies in a nation on the brink of famine after years of war. The battle for Hodeida, if the Houthis dont withdraw, also may mark the first major street-to-street urban fighting for the Saudi-led coalition, which can be deadly for both combatants and civilians alike. Before dawn yesterday, convoys of vehicles appeared to be heading toward the rebel-held city, according to videos posted on social media. The sound of heavy, sustained gunfire clearly could be heard in the background. Saudi-owned satellite news channels and later state media announced the battle had begun, citing military sources. They also reported coalition airstrikes and shelling by naval ships. The initial battle plan appeared to involve a pincer movement. Some 2,000 troops who crossed the Red Sea from an Emirati naval base in the African nation of Eritrea landed west of the city with plans to seize Hodeidas port, Yemeni security officials said. Emirati forces with Yemeni troops moved in from the south near Hodeidas airport, while others sought to cut off Houthi supply lines to the east, the officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity as they werent authorized to brief journalists. Yemens exiled government has exhausted all peaceful and political means to remove the Houthi militia from the port of Hodeida, it said in a statement. Liberation of the port of Hodeida is a milestone in our struggle to regain Yemen from the militias. The Houthi-run Al Masirah satellite news channel later acknowledged the offensive, claiming rebel forces hit a Saudi coalition ship near Hodeida with two missiles. Houthi forces have fired missiles at ships previously. The targeted ship was carrying troops prepared for a landing on the coast of Hodeida, the channel said. The Saudi-led coalition did not immediately acknowledge the incident. The U.S. Navys 5th Fleet, whose area of responsibility includes the Red Sea, referred questions to the Pentagon, which did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Forces loyal to Yemens exiled government and irregular fighters led by Emirati troops had neared Hodeida in recent days. The port is some 150 kilometers (90 miles) southwest of Sanaa, Yemens capital held by the Houthis since they swept into the city in September 2014. The Saudi-led coalition entered the war in March 2015 and has received logistical support from the U.S. Emirati Minister of State for Foreign Affairs Anwar Gargash earlier told French newspaper Le Figaro the deadline for a withdrawal from Hodeida by the Houthis expired early yesterday morning. The United Nations and other aid groups already had pulled their international staff from Hodeida ahead of the rumored assault. Over 10,000 people have been killed in Yemens civil war, which has displaced 2 million more and helped spawn a cholera epidemic. The Saudi-led coalition has been criticized for its airstrikes killing civilians. Meanwhile, the U.N. and Western nations say Iran has supplied the Houthis with weapons from assault rifles up to the ballistic missiles they have fired deep into Saudi Arabia, including at the capital, Riyadh. Before the war, over 70 percent of Yemens food and fuel imports came through Hodeida, accounting for over 40 percent of the nations customs income. The port remains crucial for incoming aid, food and medicine for a nation driven to the brink of famine by the conflict and a Saudi-led blockade. A Saudi-led airstrike in 2015 destroyed cranes at Hodeida. The United Nations in January shipped in mobile cranes to help unload ships there. The U.N. says some 600,000 people live in and around Hodeida, and as many as 250,000 people may lose everything even their lives in the assault. Already, Yemeni security officials said some were fleeing the fighting. We have had more than 30 airstrikes within 30 minutes this morning around the city. Some civilians are entrapped, others forced from their homes, said Jolien Veldwijk, the acting country director of the aid group CARE International, which works in Hodeida. We thought it could not get any worse, but unfortunately we were wrong. U.N. Secretary-General Antonio Guterres had said that U.N. envoy Martin Griffiths was in intense negotiations in an attempt to avoid a military confrontation. However, Griffiths recent appointment as envoy and his push for new negotiations may have encouraged the Saudi-led coalition to strengthen its hand ahead of any peace talks with the Houthis. The attack also comes as Washington has been focused on President Donald Trumps recent summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. A statement from Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Monday he spoke with Emirati officials and made clear our desire to address their security concerns while preserving the free flow of humanitarian aid and life-saving commercial imports. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis on Monday acknowledged the U.S. continues to provide support to the Saudi-led coalition. Its providing any intel, or anything we can give to show no-fire areas where there are civilians, where theres mosques, hospitals, that sort of thing [and] aerial refueling, so nobody feels like Ive got to drop the bomb and get back now, he said. It wasnt immediately clear what specific American support the coalition was receiving yesterday. Jon Gambrell, Dubai, AP The University of Macau (UM) and Zhejiang University (ZU) recently signed an agreement on collaboration in the field of life sciences. Under the agreement, both parties will leverage their unique strengths and carry out mutually beneficial long-term collaboration in training high-calibre medical professionals. They will also cooperate in applying for major projects in China and Macau, developing innovative products, and promoting the development of medical technologies and the medical industries in Macau and Zhejiang. A delegation from UM, led by Rector Yonghua Song, recently visited Zhejiang University to sign the agreement. According to the agreement, UMs Faculty of Health Sciences (FHS) and Zhejiang Universitys School of Medicine will jointly launch a bachelor of science dual degree program and a dual degree program in medicine so as to provide an attractive new option for students from the two areas. Moreover, ZUs School of Medicine will select some students to participate in the summer exchange activities at UM. UMs FHS and ZUs School of Medicine will launch a joint postgraduate training program and establish a collaborative center for innovation in medicine. Other members of the ZU delegation included Li Min, director of the Hong Kong, Macau and Taiwan Affairs Office, and the deputy director, Fang Gang. A day after their historic summit, Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un returned to their respective strongholds yesterday but to far different receptions. In Pyongyang, the North Korean autocrat woke up to state medias enthusiastic claims of a victorious meeting with the U.S. president; photos of him standing side-by-side with Trump on the world stage were splashed across newspapers. Trump, meanwhile, faced questions about whether he gave away too much in return for far too little when he bestowed a new legitimacy on Kims rule and agreed, at Pyongyangs request, to end war games with Seoul that the allies had long portrayed as crucial to Asian safety. As the top U.S. diplomat jetted to South Korea for follow-up talks yesterday, much of Asia was still trying to process the whirlwind events of the day before. There was, at times, a surreal quality to the carefully staged, five-hour meeting of two men whod been threatening each other with nuclear war and insulting each others mental and physical attributes just months before. Trump repeatedly praised Kims negotiating skills and their new relationship and expressed hope for a bright new future for Kims impoverished nation. But there were worries, especially in Tokyo and Seoul, which both have huge U.S. military presences, about Trump agreeing to halt U.S. military exercises with South Korea, which the North has long claimed were invasion preparations. That concession to Kim appeared to catch the Pentagon and officials in Seoul off guard, and some South Koreans were alarmed. The United States is our ally, so the joint military drills are still necessary to maintain our relationship with the U.S., said Lee Jae Sung, from Incheon. I think they will be continued for a while. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo left Singapore yesterday on his way to Seoul, where he planned to meet privately in the evening with Gen. Vincent Brooks, commander of U.S. Forces Korea. Pompeo will meet President Moon Jae-in to discuss the summit. Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono is also heading to Seoul and is due to meet with Pompeo and his South Korean counterpart. Pompeo, the former CIA director, then plans to fly to Beijing to update the Chinese government on the talks. On the issue the world has been most fixated on North Koreas pursuit of a nuclear arsenal meant to target the entire U.S. mainland Trump and Kim signed a joint statement that contained a repeat of past vows to work toward a denuclearized Korean Peninsula. The details of how and when the North would denuclearize appear yet to be determined, as are the nature of the unspecified protections Trump is pledging to Kim and his government. Despite the confusion and disappointment among some, the summit managed to, for a time at least, reset a relationship that has long been characterized by bloodshed and threats. In agreeing to the summit, Trump risked granting Kim his long-sought recognition on the world stage in hopes of ending the Norths nuclear program. North Korea is believed to possess more than 50 nuclear warheads, with its atomic program spread across more than 100 sites constructed over decades to evade international inspections. Trump insisted that strong verification of denuclearization would be included in a final agreement, saying it was a detail his team would begin sorting out with the North Koreans next week. Moon has championed engagement with the North, and the agreements language on North Koreas nuclear program was similar to what the leaders of North and South Korea came up with at their own summit in April. Trump and Kim referred back to the so-called Panmunjom Declaration, which contained a weak commitment to denuclearization but no specifics on how to achieve it. As Trump acknowledged that denuclearization would not be accomplished overnight, the North suggested Wednesday that Trump had moved away from his demand for complete denuclearization before U.S. sanctions on the long-isolated country are removed. The state-run Korean Central News Agency said the two leaders shared recognition to the effect that it is important to abide by the principle of step-by- step and simultaneous action in achieving peace, stability and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. KCNA also reported that Trump had expressed his intention to lift sanctions over a period of goodwill dialogue between the two countries. The White House declined to comment on the North Korean characterization of the deal. Instead, officials merely pointed to the text of the joint Trump-Kim statement, and left it at that. The Singapore agreement does not detail plans for North Korea to demolish a missile engine testing site, a concession Trump said hed won, or Trumps promise to end military exercises in the South while negotiations between the U.S. and the North continue. Trump cast that decision as a cost-saving measure, but also called the exercises inappropriate while talks continue. While progress on the nuclear question was murky, the leaders spent the public portions of their five hours together expressing optimism and making a show of their new relationship. Trump declared he and Kim had developed a very special bond, and seemed to delight in giving Kim a glimpse of the presidential limousine. Kim, for his part, said the leaders had decided to leave the past behind and promised, The world will see a major change. The U.S. has stationed combat troops in South Korea since the end of the Korean War in the 1950s and has used them in a variety of drills. The next scheduled major exercise, involving tens of thousands of troops, normally is held in August. The Pentagon said Tuesday it was consulting with the White House and others, but was silent on whether the August exercise would proceed. Mattis chief spokeswoman, Dana W. White, told reporters he was in full alignment with Trump. In Japan, the prospect of canceled U.S.-South Korean drills was met with concern. The U.S.-South Korea joint exercises and U.S. forces in South Korea play significant roles for the security in East Asia, Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera told reporters Wednesday. He said he planned to continue sharing the view with Washington and Seoul. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga said Japan wants to get further explanations from the U.S. and South Korea on the issue. He declined to comment further. In South Korea, the liberal Kyunghyang Shinmun newspaper said Trump and Kim have started a march of peace to end nearly seven decades of hostility and pave the way for permanent peace and prosperity on the peninsula. The conservative Chosun Ilbo, the countrys biggest paper, was decidedly more critical, denouncing Trump for offering the end of military drills while failing to convince the North to commit to verifiably giving up its nukes for good. It called the summit dumbfounding and nonsensical, and said it will allow North Korea to permanently maintain its nuclear weapons program. Adam Schreck, Foster Klug, AP 4 hours ago Are You Prepared for a Major Medical Crisis? Here's How a Crisis Can Affect You Financially My mom contracted pancreatic cancer when she was just 55 years old. Thankfully, eight years later, she still plays a mean game of pickleball good luck if you get stuck on a court with her. Here's why we count ourselves so lucky she's still with us: Pancreatic cancer patients have a five-year survival rate of 10%, according to the Pancreatic Cancer Action Network. Read Article Eight members of the FDNY were reportedly suspended for participating in a drunken firefighter-on-firefighter brawl outside a Bronx bar over the weekend. Sources tell NBC New York that seven firefighters and one lieutenantmembers of Engine 68, Ladder 49, Ladder 44 and Rescue 3were hit with 30 day suspensions without pay over the incident, which allegedly began when one firefighter called another the n-word at Billy's Bar, near Yankee Stadium. On Thursday, the fire department released a statement saying they'd launched an investigation and "since obtained disturbing video that we have shared with the citys Department of Investigation." A DOI spokesperson could not confirm that an investigation had been initiated. "Everyone and anyone who engaged in this outrageous behavior will be held accountable," Fire Commissioner Daniel Nigro said last week. Video (above) posted to Instagram shows the aftermath of the clash, in which a group of visibly plastered off-duty firemen are confronted by NYPD officers, one of whom appears to get shoved by a firefighter. "They've been doing that all daythey just had a big fight right here," the cameraman shouts in the video. "America, man. They wanna lock me and you up for one argument, but they can do whatever they want." A source told the Daily News that the fight went down during a celebration for firefighter Matthew Murphy of Rescue 3, who'd been awarded both the Vincent J. Kane Medal and the Brummer Medal earlier in the day. "They were drinking since 11 a.m.," the source said. "They show up at the bar after the medal ceremony and they got out of hand. The ladder and engine guys were fighting with the Rescue 3 guys." Bouncers at the bar reportedly had to use mace on at least one firefighter. No arrests were made at the scene. On Thursday, the NYPD said in a statement, "There are no formal complaints on file and the NYPD is currently looking into the incident. Furthermore, responding officers arrived on scene and dispersed the crowd. Officers did not report hearing any slurs or encountering anyone with injuries." Abortion, which Argentine lawmakers on Thursday voted to legalise, is banned in some 20 countries worldwide, while others have highly restrictive laws in place. Here is a snapshot of the global situation: Total ban Predominantly Catholic Malta is the only European Union country to totally ban abortion, imposing jail terms of between 18 months and three years if the law is broken. Abortion is also banned in Andorra, the Vatican and San Marino, which are in Europe but not the EU. Globally there are total bans in Congo-Brazzaville, Democratic Republic of Congo, Dominican Republic, Egypt, El Salvador, Gabon, Guinea-Bissau, Haiti, Honduras, Laos, Madagascar, Mauritania, Nicaragua, Philippines, Palau, Senegal and Suriname. In El Salvador the internationally criticised criminalisation of those found to have terminated pregnancies has led to women being sentenced to jail terms of up to 30 years. Restricted Many countries allow abortions in cases where the mother's life is deemed to be in danger. A partial list includes: Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Guatemala, Iraq, Ivory Coast, Lebanon, Myanmar, Paraguay, South Sudan, Syria, Uganda, Venezuela, West Bank/Gaza and Yemen. In Argentina abortion is currently illegal except in cases of rape or when the life or health of the woman is at risk. Legislation that will decriminalize it during the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, and beyond that in cases where the foetus suffers from conditions not compatible with life outside the womb, will now go before the Senate. In Brazil the law only allows terminations in cases of rape, risk to the life of the mother or if the foetus is missing part or all of the brain. Last September Chile lifted a strict ban, which had been in force for decades, when then president Michelle Bachelet signed into law legislation to decriminalise abortion in certain cases, including on health issues. On May 22 a decades-old abortion ban went to South Korea's supreme court. Pressure for change Women from Europe and North America benefit from the most liberal legislation, with some notable exceptions. Unlike the rest of the United Kingdom, abortion is also illegal in the province of Northern Ireland except when the mother's life is in danger. On June 7 Britain's Supreme Court said it would have declared Northern Ireland's abortion laws incompatible with human rights legislation if not for a procedural technicality in what pro-choice campaigners hailed as a victory. In late May, more than 66 percent of voters in traditionally Catholic Ireland voted by a landslide to ditch its strict abortion laws, where abortion is only allowed if a mother's life in at risk, in a referendum. New legislation is now being drawn up. In EU member Poland, which has one of the most restrictive abortion laws in the bloc, a new bill submitted my ultra-conservatives would restrict abortion even further. The bill unleashed mass demonstrations across the country. In the United States abortion was legalised nationwide in 1973, but this has been under pressure since Donald Trump became president, with some Republicans seeking restrictions. The US state of Iowa in early May signed into law a ban on abortions once a foetal heartbeat is detected, which occurs as early as six weeks into a pregnancy. The Midwestern state now has the strictest legislation on abortion in the US. (Sources: Guttmacher Institute, World Health Organization, Center for Reproductive Rights, AFP) Explore further Abortion bans around the world 2018 AFP Excessive administrative tasks divert physicians' time and focus away from patient care, the American College of Physicians (ACP) told a panel of members of Congress this afternoon. William Fox, MD, FACP, an internist at Fox and Brantley Internal Medicine in Charlottesville, Virginia, presented ACP's ideas for how to address the burdensome administrative tasks physicians face to the second Red Tape Relief Initiative roundtable, convened by the U.S. House of Representatives Ways and Means Committee. "Reducing red tape and administrative burdens that stymie a physician's ability to prioritize patient care is a longstanding goal of ACP, and I want to thank the House Ways and Means Committee for giving ACP a seat at the table to address these issues today," said Dr. Fox. "We are encouraged that Congress's approach to ridding our healthcare system of red tape will aim to address physician burn-outwhich is increasingly impacting physicians across the country." ACP launched its Patients Before Paperwork initiative in 2015 that focuses on reinvigorating the patient-physician relationship by challenging administrative burdens physicians face in their practices so that they can spend more time on patient care. ACP also published "Putting Patients First by Reducing Administrative Tasks in Health Care: A Position Paper of the American College of Physicians" in 2017, which provides a comprehensive framework for identifying and evaluating administrative tasks and outlines detailed recommendations to reduce excessive administrative tasks across the health care system. "Patients are physicians' number one priority, but it can be difficult to put them first when we're often faced with large amounts of paperwork and other costly administrative burdens. Today's roundtable was a great opportunity to discuss how we can continue focusing on improving the quality of care and ensuring patients are receiving timely and appropriate treatment," said Dr. Fox. "ACP is looking forward to working with Congress and the administration to take concrete steps to help physicians and other medical professionals reduce administrative burdens, and we hope constructive conversations like the one that took place today will ultimately lead to meaningful policy changes that will improve the patient-physician relationship." Explore further Primary care physicians report top administrative hassles More information: Shari M. Erickson et al. Putting Patients First by Reducing Administrative Tasks in Health Care: A Position Paper of the American College of Physicians, Annals of Internal Medicine (2017). Journal information: Annals of Internal Medicine Shari M. Erickson et al. Putting Patients First by Reducing Administrative Tasks in Health Care: A Position Paper of the American College of Physicians,(2017). DOI: 10.7326/M16-2697 (HealthDay)African-Americans are less likely than whites to be treated with statins or to receive a statin at guideline-recommended intensity, according to a study published online June 13 in JAMA Cardiology. Michael G. Nanna, M.D., from the Duke University Medical Center in Durham, N.C., and colleagues examined differences in statin use between white and African-American patients using the 2015 Patient and Provider Assessment of Lipid Management (PALM) Registry. Overall, 5,689 patients in the PALM Registry were eligible to receive statin therapy. The researchers found that compared with whites, African-Americans were less likely to be treated with a statin (70.6 versus 74.8 percent). Among those treated, the likelihood of receiving a statin at guideline-recommended intensity was lower for African-American versus white individuals (33.3 versus 43.9 percent; relative risk, 1.07 after adjustment for demographic and clinical factors). For patients receiving treatment, the median low-density lipoprotein cholesterol levels were higher among African-Americans than white individuals (97 versus 85 mg/dL). Compared with white individuals, African-Americans were less likely to believe that statins were safe or effective and were less likely to trust their clinician. After adjustment for demographic, clinical, and clinician factors; socioeconomic status; and patient beliefs, the group differences in statin undertreatment were not significant. "Demographic, clinical, socioeconomic, belief-related, and clinician differences contributed to observed differences and represent potential targets for intervention," the authors write. Several authors disclosed financial ties to pharmaceutical companies, including Sanofi and Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, both of which partially funded the PALM Registry. Explore further Guidelines differ on recommendations of statin treatment for African-Americans Copyright 2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Dyslexic children learning both a language that is pronounced as written, like Spanish, and a second language in which the same letter can have several sounds, such as English, are less affected by this alteration when reading or writing in the latter language. The authors a new study say that this is less a cure than a reduction of some of the symptoms. Dyslexia or dsxyliea? Anyone without a reading disorder could read the first word without any problem. But someone with a reading disorder would likely perceive something similar to the second word. Dyslexia is a deficit of reading ability that hinders learning and affects up to 10 percent of the population. It is partly genetic, and its diagnosis is made in children between ages eight and nine, although the symptoms appear earlier. Today, the only way to treat this disorder is through early training adapted to the patient's age and symptoms. Now, however, research developed by the University of Bangor (Wales) and the Basque Centre on Cognition, Brain and Language (BCBL) of San Sebastian has shown that some combinations of bilingualism, transmitted from very early ages, can reduce symptoms. The main goal here was to verify if bilingualism acquired by children who learn to read in English and Welsh at the same time could benefit those suffering from dyslexia assessed in the English language. "And the answer is yes," says Marie Lallier, a BCBL scientist and one of the authors of the study, published in Scientific Studies of Reading. The study subjects were chosen for a fundamental reason: Welsh is among the so-called transparent languages, which means that letters are always pronounced the same way, as in Spanish and Basque. However, English, like French, is in the opaque category, because the same letter can have several sounds when read. These new findings, for the first time, reveal a clear and unequivocal difference between the symptoms shown by bilingual and monolingual dyslexic persons. And its importance lies in the fact that a transfer between languages has been proven in the case of people who speak two languages. "Bilingual people can rely on the resources they use in one language to help process the other language, and that is important because it can be very helpful for adults with language difficulties," stresses Lallier. The experts proposed a hypothesis: If a child learns a transparent language along with an opaque one, the former will contribute to "decoding or acquiring the reading of the more complex of the two (that is, the opaque one)." And the results were conclusive. "The English reading and writing deficit of dyslexic people who had learned to speak Welsh and English was less pronounced than among those who had acquired only one opaque language (English). It was a significant and quite clear difference," as Lallier explains. The researchers worked with 60 people of between 18 and 40, divided into four groups: The first group comprised 15 adults with English monolingual dyslexia, and the second group comprised 15 bilingual dyslexics in Welsh and English. The other two, also containing 15 members each, were so-called control groups, composed of monolingual and bilingual non-dyslexics used for comparing the results. All participants received the same stimuli in English to see if dyslexics trained to read in both languages had less severe symptoms in reading and phonological processes than those who did not know Welsh. "Everyone had dyslexia, but we showed that bilinguals suffered less severe problems in English than exclusive English speakers." A second language does not cure dyslexia And how does this bilingualism influence schoolchildren, who are potentially the hardest hit by the effects of dyslexia? Lallier specifies that this study has only been tested on adults, but says, "These English-speaking bilingual people had fewer difficulties with literacy in English and overcame certain disorders with less difficulty than children who hadn't learned Welsh. You cannot say that a second language cures dyslexia, because the adults in the study still suffer from it; it's simply that some of the symptoms have decreased. Generally speaking, it's good to fight against it, but there are different types of bilingualismsome learn a second language from birth, others at age six. That's why it can't be said yet that it's good for all cases." The authors maintain that bilingual persons affected by this disorder should always receive support and re-education from speech therapists and specialized personnel. Explore further Spoken languages affect reading strategies and cognitive foundations of literacy More information: Marie Lallier et al, Learning to Read Bilingually Modulates the Manifestations of Dyslexia in Adults, Scientific Studies of Reading (2018). Marie Lallier et al, Learning to Read Bilingually Modulates the Manifestations of Dyslexia in Adults,(2018). DOI: 10.1080/10888438.2018.1447942 1. Fill in your name or an alias. Do not leave blank or use the name 'guest' or 'anonymous'. 2. No Nivul Peh. Profanity will be deleted. Infections with bacteria resistant to carbapenems, a group of highly effective antibiotics, pose a significant threat to patients and healthcare systems in all EU/EEA countries, warns ECDC in a Rapid Risk Assessment. Resistance to carbapenems has been reported with increasing frequency and geographical spread since the beginning of the 1990s. The global rise of carbapenem resistance in a certain family of bacteria called Enterobacteriaceae, or carbapenem-resistant Enterobactericaeae (CRE), represents a threat to healthcare delivery and patient safety. "We should be very concerned about the rise in carbapenem resistance in the EU/EEA as there are very few options for the treatment of patients with CRE infections" says Dominique Monnet, Head of ECDC's Antimicrobial Resistance and Healthcare-Associated Infections Programme. "In recent years, the proportions of carbapenem resistance in Klebsiella pneumoniae - a type of Enterobacteriaceaerapidly increased to high levels in Greece, Italy and Romania. The same could happen to other EU/EEA countries if appropriate measures are not taken. But the spread of CRE can likely be controlled in most countries through the implementation of appropriate prevention and control measures in hospitals and other healthcare settings." CRE are often a cause of urinary tract infections and bloodstream infections in hospital settings. Such infections are associated with prolonged hospital stays, high treatment costs, treatment failures and high mortality, primarily due to delays in the administration of effective treatment and the limited availability of treatment options. Data from the European Antimicrobial Resistance Surveillance Network (EARS-Net) for 2016 show large differences in the national percentages of carbapenem resistant bloodstream infections caused by Klebsiella pneumonia, ranging from 0% to as high as 67%, depending on the country. Although prevalence is still low in most European countries, Romania, Italy and Greece, with 31%, 34% and 67%, respectively, are among the countries reporting the highest prevalences worldwide. In general, if the frequency of resistance to an antibiotic is high, it cannot be recommended for empiric treatment anymore due to the risk of failure. In case of CRE infection, there is no good antibiotic alternative for empiric treatment that does not carry serious side effects or other complications. Introduction of CRE into low-prevalence EU/EEA countries can happen when patients are transferred from an EU Member State with a high level of CRE, or from other countries or regions of the world with high reported levels of CRE, e.g. countries in the eastern and southern Mediterranean regions, the Indian subcontinent and south-east Asia. Timely and appropriate laboratory investigation and reporting is essential to avoid delays in appropriate treatment and in the implementation of appropriate infection control measures. Strict adherence to infection control measures and implementation of comprehensive antimicrobial stewardship programmes are key to prevent and control the emergence and spread of CRE, as highlighted in the ECDC rapid risk assessment. Explore further Efforts needed to stop the spread of carbapenem-resistant Acinetobacter baumannii Provided by European Centre for Disease Prevention and Control (ECDC) Nearly 80 million Americansone out of every four peopleare infected with human papillomavirus (HPV). And of those millions, more than 31,000 will be diagnosed with an HPV-related cancer this year. Despite those staggering figures and the availability of a vaccine to prevent the infections that cause these cancers, HPV vaccination remains low in the U.S. Case Comprehensive Cancer Center has partnered with 69 other National Cancer Institute (NCI)-designated cancer centers to issue a statement urging increased HPV vaccination and screening to eliminate HPV-related cancers, starting with cervical cancer. "I'm really proud of Cleveland's city-wide effort in screening and prevention," said Stanton L. Gerson, MD, Director of the Case Comprehensive Cancer Center. "There's been a longstanding interest in improving the rates of HPV vaccination, and we've negotiated and interacted with our two affiliate hospitals who have both almost tripled their rate of vaccinations of 11-year-old boys and girls for HPV over the past five years." Case Comprehensive Cancer Center's affiliate hospitals have been heavily involved in on-the-ground efforts to increase HPV vaccinations throughout the city. "Over the past five years, our community outreach team has been educating parents, grandparents and children on the importance of cancer prevention at back-to-school events sponsored by the City of Cleveland," said Kim Bell, Cleveland Clinic Taussig Cancer Institute Administrator, who is leading efforts to increase vaccine uptake in Cleveland. "Providers are improving their conversations and parents are listening to the benefits this vaccine has for their child, and in turn we've seen an increase in vaccination rates and awareness." NCI-designated cancer centers recognize insufficient vaccination as a public health threat and are calling upon the nations' physicians, parents and young adults to take advantage of this rare opportunity to eliminate several types of cancer in men and women. "We have worked to greatly improve HPV vaccination rates for the past five years, but we can and need to do better," said Andrew Hertz, MD, Vice President of the UH Rainbow Primary Care Institute, who is also at the forefront of increasing vaccinations in Cleveland. "Preventing cancer through vaccination is an intervention that should be universal. As child advocates, our clinicians and staff educate parents every day of the importance of early HPV vaccination." HPV vaccination rates remain significantly lower than other recommended adolescent vaccines in the U.S. According to the CDC, less than 50 percent of girls and 38 percent of boys completed the recommended vaccine series. Research shows there are a number of barriers to overcome in order to improve vaccination rates. Physicians need to strongly recommend HPV vaccine to patients, and parents must understand that this vaccine protects against several types of cancer in both men and women. HPV causes multiple cancers including cervical, anal, oropharyngeal (middle throat) and other genital cancers. HPV experts from the nation's top cancer centers, along with partners from the NCI, CDC, and the American Cancer Society, are holding meetings to discuss a path forward to eliminating cancers caused by HPV, including ways to reduce barriers to vaccination, as well as share education, training and intervention strategies to improve vaccination rates. This is the third year that all NCI-designated cancer centers have come together to issue a national call to action. All 70 cancer centers unanimously share the goal of sending a powerful message to parents, adolescents and health care providers about the importance of HPV vaccination for the elimination of HPV-related cancers. Explore further Parents ranked cancer prevention as number one provider reason for HPV vaccination This scanning electron micrograph image depicts RSV particles, colored blue. Credit: NIAID The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has launched a clinical trial of an investigational vaccine designed to protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The Phase 1 study will enroll a small group of healthy adult volunteers to examine the safety of an experimental intranasal vaccine and its ability to induce an immune response. The study is being conducted at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, one of the NIAID-funded Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Units (VTEUs). RSV, a common virus, typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms that resolve within two weeks. However, the virus can cause severe symptoms, especially among infants and young children. Each year, an estimated 57,000 children under the age of five years are hospitalized in the United States due to RSV infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Globally, RSV is estimated to cause up to 200,000 deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia among children under the age of 1 year. Almost all children in the United States are infected with RSV at least once by the age of 2, and most will experience repeated infections over their lifetimes. Additionally, people 65 years or older, adults with chronic heart or lung disease, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of severe RSV infection. Each year in the United States, RSV leads to an average of 14,000 deaths among adults older than 65 years, according to the CDC. Currently, no specific treatments or vaccines are available for RSV. "RSV infection is a significant cause of illness and disease among the most vulnerable populations," said NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. "A vaccine to prevent disease from this pervasive and sometimes deadly virus is urgently needed." Led by principal investigator David Bernstein, M.D., of the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, the study is testing an experimental vaccine called SeVRSV. The vaccine candidate was developed by researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and manufactured by Children's GMP LLC, of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. SeVRSV contains a modified mouse virus (Sendai virus) designed to carry RSV genetic material that will express RSV fusion protein in the vaccine recipient to stimulate RSV-specific antibodies and T-cells. The Sendai virus vaccine platform has been well-tolerated to date in human clinical trials of vaccines for other infectious diseases, including HIV. SeVRSV performed well in previous preclinical and animal studies. The study will enroll up to 25 healthy, non-pregnant volunteers between 18 and 45 years. After receiving an initial screening exam, at least 16 volunteers will be given a single intranasal dose of the experimental vaccine (0.22 milliliters in each nostril) and four or more will receive a placebo, in the form of saline nose drops. After vaccination, all volunteers will be observed for at least 30 minutes. Afterwards, volunteers will report for five clinic visits over 29 days. During these visits, volunteers will be examined for any adverse reactions, and blood samples and nasal washes will be collected to check for RSV-specific antibodies. The volunteers will return at two and six months after vaccination. Explore further H7N9 influenza vaccine clinical trials begin Spider silk guarantees that special pharmaceutical substances can make it to the centre of immune cells and achieve their maximal effect. Together with the company AMSilk, researchers from the University of Bayreuth, the LMU in Munich, and the Universities of Genf and Freiburg in Switzerland have developed transport particles from artificial spider silk that are capable of significantly increasing the efficiency of immunotherapies for cancer and tuberculosis. They can also be employed in preventive vaccinations against infectious diseases or for vaccine storage in the tropics. The scientists have published their findings in the journal Biomaterials. "The biotechnologically produced spider silk biopolymers we used to craft new transport particles in the laboratory are non-toxic, do not elicit any immune reactions, and exhibit no other damaging effects to the body," explained Prof. Dr. Thomas Scheibel, Chair of Biomaterials at the University of Bayreuth. The team of researchers from Germany and Switzerland made use of these advantages of spider silk to overcome an obstacle that has stood in the way of some immunotherapeutic methods. To enable the human immune system to take action against cancer or tuberculosis once they are present, it is necessary to stimulate certain immune cells known as T-lymphocytes. To this end, a small protein molecule a peptide must be placed in the cell. The usual method of injecting this substance into the bloodstream is not particularly efficient. The reason is that a large portion of the peptide is broken down in the body before it ever reaches the immune cells. However, if it is packed in spider silk, it is able to reach its destination safely. The scientists emphasize that there is still a long road ahead before the findings are applied in clinical practice. "A number of additional tests will be needed before the substance transporter is actually able to be used to treat serious illnesses. Nonetheless, our research findings to date represent a promising step in this direction," Scheibel said. Additional adjuvants that currently facilitate certain immunotherapies may then no longer be needed. New prospects for preventive medicine This also opens up a range of possible applications in preventive medicine, since the new transport particles are equally effective at accurately delivering vaccines to the B-lymphocytes. These immune cells trigger the production of anti-bodies that are capable of recognizing pathogens from infectious diseases and render them harmless. In many countries, such as those in the tropical regions of Africa, storing vaccines is still a major problem. The reason is that when vaccines are exposed to high air temperatures, their effectiveness decreases. However, the transporters made of spider silk exhibited impressive durability in the laboratory. They even withstand temperatures of over 100 degrees Celsius for several hours and are able to protect the vaccines from the effects of temperature and light. Spider silk will thus be able to contribute to ensuring that the storage of vaccines in the tropics e.g. in the scope of large-scale prevention programmes does not fail due to unfavorable climate conditions. Scientists recently succeeded in extending the medical applications of the substance transporters in an important way. In the past, they were only suited for packing small particles. However, the team at the University of Bayreuth also employed them for holding larger antigens, such as entire proteins, and release them in a controlled manner. This study was published in ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering. Both of the new studies followed a basic scientific idea currently gaining more and more prevalence in biomedicine and other branches of science: nature is becoming a model for innovations aimed at bringing a high degree of benefit to humans. Scheibel aptly summarized the point: "This approach has a name that is a succinct expression of what has made our research such a success: 'bio-inspiration'." Explore further A new kind of vaccine based on spider silk More information: Sushma Kumari et al. Recombinant Spider Silk Hydrogels for Sustained Release of Biologicals, ACS Biomaterials Science & Engineering (2018). Sushma Kumari et al. Recombinant Spider Silk Hydrogels for Sustained Release of Biologicals,(2018). DOI: 10.1021/acsbiomaterials.8b00382 Matthias Lucke et al. Engineered hybrid spider silk particles as delivery system for peptide vaccines, Biomaterials (2018). DOI: 10.1016/j.biomaterials.2018.04.008 Journal information: Biomaterials In a comprehensive and pioneering study led by Professor Thomas Elbert, Dr. Anke Koebach (middle) and Dr. Martina Ruf-Leuschner investigated the effects of female genital mutilation on the body and mind of the affected women. Credit: University of Konstanz Female genital mutilation (FGM) has been officially recognised as a human rights violation by the United Nations since 1992. Still, efforts to prevent the mutilation of newborns and young girls often meet with little success. Female genital mutilation comes in various degrees of severity, ranging from a cut to the clitoris or its removal (FGM I), through circumcision (FGM II) to the sewing together of the outer labia (FGM III). In the most extreme cases, labia that have grown together as a result of FGM are ripped apart violently during sexual intercourse or childbirth and are then sewn back together (infibulation). In a pioneering, comprehensive study led by the University of Konstanz neuropsychologist Professor Thomas Elbert, Dr. Anke Kobach and Dr. Martina Ruf-Leuschner examined the impact that FGM has on the victims' body and mind. The study was carried out in the Somali Region of Ethiopia among the Somali, Amhara and Oromo people, all cultures that practice FGM at varying levels of severity. The results indicate that the affected women experience FGM as both a physical and mental injury, a so-called traumatic event. They inevitably grow more vulnerable to psychological disorders brought on by trauma such as post-traumatic stress disorder or depression. These consequences are particularly grave in women subjected to the most invasive forms of FGM (type II/III). Nearly 20 percent of young women with an average age of 32 suffer from post-traumatic stress disorders. Individuals who were also exposed to other threats to their lives and physical well-being were found to suffer from particularly severe forms of trauma. This also affects their bodies' ability to cope with stress. The University of Konstanz's Clinical Psychology and Clinical Neuropsychology working group was able to document this by examining the density of the stress hormone cortisol in the subjects' hair. In women who had been subjected to severe forms of FGM, cortisol rates were increased. Cortisol density was also found to be higher than usual in women who had had FGM I performed on them when they were infants. As Anke Kobach states: "Even if the women cannot remember the procedure itself, they carry those memories in their biological systems for the rest of their lives". Cortisol can increase the release of oxygen, glucose and other nutrients, while also repressing acute stress responses via adrenaline and noradrenaline. At the same time, it inhibits intestinal activity as well as inflammatory and immune responses. This, in turn, can lead to excess weight, muscle and tissue weakness as well as altered brain development. "These results should not only give the medical personnel supporting FGM pause for thought", says Thomas Elbert. Explore further New reconstructive surgery for female genital mutilation More information: Anke Kobach et al, Psychopathological sequelae of female genital mutilation and their neuroendocrinological associations, BMC Psychiatry (2018). Anke Kobach et al, Psychopathological sequelae of female genital mutilation and their neuroendocrinological associations,(2018). DOI: 10.1186/s12888-018-1757-0 Credit: CC0 Public Domain Flavor additives used in electronic cigarettes and related tobacco products could impair blood vessel function and may be an early indicator of heart damage, according to new laboratory research in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, an American Heart Association journal. The health effects of "combustible" tobacco products including traditional cigarettes and hookah are well-established, but the potential dangers of e-cigarettes have not yet been extensively studied. E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat a liquidincluding tobacco-derived nicotine, flavoring and other additivesand produce an aerosol that is inhaled. Nine chemical flavoringsmenthol (mint), acetylpyridine (burnt flavor), vanillin (vanilla), cinnamaldehyde (cinnamon), eugenol (clove), diacetyl (butter), dimethylpyrazine (strawberry), isoamyl acetate (banana) and eucalyptol (spicy cooling) - which are widely used in e-cigarettes, hookah, little cigars and cigarillos were tested for their short-term effects on endothelial cells, the cells which line the blood vessels and the inside of the heart. Researchers found all nine flavors were dangerous to cells in the laboratory at the highest levels tested and all the flavorings impaired nitric oxide production in endothelial cells in culture (outside of the body). Several of the flavoringsmenthol, clove, vanillin, cinnamon and burnt flavoringresulted in higher levels of an inflammatory marker and lower levels of nitric oxide, a molecule that inhibits inflammation and clotting, and regulates vessels' ability to widen in response to greater blood flow. "Increased inflammation and a loss of nitric oxide are some of the first changes to occur leading up to cardiovascular disease and events like heart attacks and stroke, so they are considered early predictors of heart disease," said lead study author Jessica L. Fetterman, Ph.D., assistant professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine in Massachusetts. "Our findings suggest that these flavoring additives may have serious health consequences." Endothelial cells were collected from volunteers (nine non-smokers/non-e-cigarette users; six non-menthol and six menthol cigarette smokers) and tested in the lab. Researchers found that both groups of smokers had a similar deficit in nitric oxide production when stimulated by a chemical called A23187. Nonsmokers' cells that were treated with menthol or a clove flavoring also had impaired nitric oxide production, suggesting those flavorings cause damage like that found in active smokers. The team also exposed commercially-available human aortic endothelial cells to the flavorings. Burnt flavor, vanilla, cinnamon and clove flavors impaired nitric oxide production and boosted an inflammatory chemical called interleukin-6 (IL-6) at all concentrations tested, suggesting the endothelium is particularly sensitive to these flavors. Menthol applied to the cells increased IL-6 at high concentrations and reduced nitric oxide even at low doses. In smokers, scientists don't see differences in heart disease between menthol and non-menthol usersprobably because cigarette smoke is overwhelmingly toxic, Fetterman said. "But menthol is certainly not a benign player, based upon our work." At the highest levels tested, all nine chemicals caused cell death, while at lower levels cinnamon, clove, strawberry, banana and spicy cooling flavor did. Dimethylpyrazine/strawberry flavor had that effect even at very low levels, suggesting endothelial cells are especially sensitive to it. Vanillin and eugenol also increased oxidative stress in the cells. Three flavorings were tested when heated, to mimic what happens in e-cigarettes. Nitric oxide production was impaired with vanillin and eugenol, but not with menthol. "Our work and prior research have provided evidence that flavorings induce toxicity in the lung and cardiovascular systems. Flavorings are also a driver of youth tobacco use and sustained tobacco use among smokers," Fetterman said. A key strength of the new research was that it directly tested effects of just the flavorings, at levels likely to be reached in the body. Limitations include the fact that testing did not heat all the flavorings or include other chemicals used in e-cigarettes. Also, the study gauged just the flavorings' short-term effects and captured these with cells outside the body, not inside. "We still don't know what concentrations of the flavorings make it inside the body," Fetterman said. Most adult e-cigarette users are current or former combustible cigarette smokers who may use e-cigarettes as an aid in smoking cessation or as a harm-reduction tool. In addition, e-cigarette use by youth is rising rapidly with 37 percent of high schoolers reporting they have had an e-cigarette in 2015. Flavored tobacco products are a major driver of experimentation among youth. The American Heart Association cautions against the use of e-cigarettes, stating that e-cigarettes containing nicotine are tobacco products that should be subject to all laws that apply to these products. The Association also calls for strong new regulations to prevent access, sales and marketing of e-cigarettes to youth, and for more research into the product's health impact. Provided by American Heart Association (HealthDay)The U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's 2014 ruling to reschedule hydrocodone combination products coincided with an increase in illicit trading of opioids through online illicit markets (cryptomarkets), according to a study published online June 13 in The BMJ. James Martin, Ph.D., from Swinburne University in Melbourne, Australia, and colleagues examined the effect of the U.S. Drug Enforcement Administration's 2014 ruling to reschedule hydrocodone combination products on the trade in opioids through cryptomarkets. Data were examined from 31 of the world's largest cryptomarkets. The researchers found that after the schedule change there was an increase in the sale of prescription opioids through U.S. cryptomarkets, with no statistically significant changes in prescription sedative, prescription steroid, prescription stimulant, or illicit opioid sales. Sales of opioids through U.S. cryptomarkets represented 13.7 percent of all drug sales in July 2016, compared with a modelled estimate of 6.7 percent of all sales had the new schedule not been introduced. This corresponded to a yearly increase of 4 percent in the amount of trade that prescription opioids represent in the U.S. market; for comparable products or prescription opioids sold outside of the United States, there was no corresponding change. The change was first seen for sales, then later for product availability. "The scheduling change in hydrocodone combination products coincided with a statistically significant, sustained increase in illicit trading of opioids through online U.S. cryptomarkets," the authors write. Explore further US painkiller restriction linked to 'significant' increase in illicit online drug trading Copyright 2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved. (HealthDay)Workers without paid sick leave are three times more likely to have incomes below the poverty line, two new studies find. Compared to adults who have the employee benefit, those without paid sick leave are also more likely to have difficulty affording food. They're also more likely to use welfare assistance, the researchers said. "Paid sick leave benefits serve as a structural mechanism for preventing working families from becoming the working poor," said study co-author LeaAnne DeRigne, an associate professor at Florida Atlantic University. "Given the public investments made in welfare, food stamps and other social services, mandating paid sick leave is a clear policy lever for reducing the need for these services among millions of individuals nationally," DeRigne said in a university news release. Nearly one-third of all workers in the United States don't get paid sick leave. Only seven states mandate it, the researchers said. They used data from the 2015 National Health Interview Survey to see how lack of paid sick leave affects income and the need for welfare services. Not only were these workers more likely to live in poverty, they also were nearly 1.5 times more likely to get income support from state and county welfare services. In addition, they were almost 1.4 times more likely to receive food stamps (now called the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program.) Greater medical expenses, lack of preventive care and missed wages likely explain the need for these social services, the researchers said. "Numerous studies have shown the negative effects lack of paid sick leave has on society, but this is the first time a direct correlation has been observed between the absence of these benefits and the incidence of poverty," said Patricia Stoddard Dare, co-author of the studies. "This adds to the growing body of evidence that paid sick leave is a key factor in health care affordability and economic security," said Dare, an associate professor of social work at Cleveland State University. The studies were published recently in the journal Social Work in Health Care and in the American Journal of Orthopsychiatry . Explore further Lack of paid sick leave increases poverty More information: For more on paid sick leave, visit the For more on paid sick leave, visit the U.S. Department of Labor Copyright 2018 HealthDay. All rights reserved. Between 2010 and 2016, there was a 124 per cent increase in the number of Maori students in health professional programmes at the University of Otago, New Zealand. Credit: University of Otago There has been a significant increase in diversity of students entering the University of Otago's health professional programmes in recent years, especially among Maori and Pacific students and those from rural areas. Between 2010 and 2016, there was a 124 per cent increase in the number of Maori students and 121 per cent increase in Pacific students in health professional programmes, more pronounced in medicine and dentistry (increases of 179 and 133 per cent respectively). Over the same period the number of students from rural areas increased from 19.2 to 22.5 per cent, research published in the latest issue of the New Zealand Medical Journal today shows. One of the researchers, Pro-Vice-Chancellor of the Division of Health Sciences, Professor Peter Crampton, says good progress has been made in increasing the diversity of the health professional student cohort at the University of Otago. However, he is disappointed there has been little change in the overall socioeconomic profile of health professional students. The research shows a large proportion of students came from socioeconomically advantaged areas and only 3.4 per cent of students had attended secondary schools with a socioeconomic decile of less than 4. The University has however, already looked to address this issue and will in future be including two further categories in its health professional programmes admissions criteriathose of low socioeconomic groups and refugees. "It is hoped that in future these two categories will lead to increasing participation in health professional programmes by students from these demographic groups," Professor Crampton says. The huge increase in Maori and Pacific student numbers has been driven by specific strategies aimed at achieving increased engagement with these communities and investment in structures and processes for supporting academic attainment. In 2012, the University's Division of Health Sciences implemented a policy designed to ensure all of its health professional programmes produced graduates that would be equipped to meet the needs of today's society. The Mirror on Society selection policy was developed to ensure the student intake was diverse so that, as much as possible, it would reflect the ethnic and socioeconomic realities of the communities which students would go on to serve. Professor Crampton says the benefits to society of having a sociodemographically diverse health workforce are well documented and based, in part, on the observation that the sociodemographic characteristics of health professional students influence future career choices in terms of where they practice and populations served. The research also shows the number of female students has continued to increase, up from 59.6 per cent to 61.3 per cent. When compared with the New Zealand population, Professor Crampton says females are overrepresented at the University of Otago in general, and professional health programmes in particular. A challenge in the future will be to consider the implications of, and policy responses to, the increasing feminisation of some health professional student cohorts. For some professional groups, such as medicine and dentistry, feminisation represents a complete reversal of historical gender patterns. Looking to the future, Professor Crampton says other challenges could include, for example, the consideration of the role of selection policies in promoting the participation of students with disabilities and in increasing gender diversity. Explore further Most new training programs are failing to widen diversity in medicine If not for copyright protections, this image would have been a cartoon drawing featuring a certain man in a red and white striped sweater hidden somewhere in the crowd. If you had been able to find him, you would have specific neurons in your brain to thank. Credit: Creative Commons/CC0 From looking for Waldo to finding your cellphone on a cluttered kitchen table, we are continuously engaged in visual searches. How does the brain do this? How do we know where to look? How do we know when we've found what we are looking for? For the first time, neuroscientists from Caltech have found neurons in the human brain that respond when our targets are spotted. The research involved a collaboration with scientists at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Los Angeles, where the data were collected, and West Virginia University. Writing in the latest issue of the journal Current Biology, the team describes how they recorded the activity of individual visual-targeting neurons in patients with electrodes implanted in their brains for epilepsy treatment. Piggybacking on this unique clinical setup, the researchers had patients search for target images within other picturessimilar to how someone looks for Waldo in the Where's Waldo? books. While they were recording neural activity, they also tracked the patients' eye movements, so they could tell exactly which part of the image the patients were looking at. When the patient found the target objects, neurons were activated in two areas of the brain: the medial temporal lobe, a region known to be involved in memory and object recognition, and the medial frontal cortex, a region known to be involved in control and decision-making. "This was the first discovery of cells in the human brain that respond just when you look at a visual target," explains the study's lead author, Shuo Wang (Ph.D. '14), who was a graduate student in Caltech's Computation & Neural Systems program and subsequently a postdoctoral fellow at Caltech when the experiments were done. He is now an assistant professor at West Virginia University. While a few studies had previously found such neurons in the temporal cortex of monkeys, the experiment had never been done in a human subject. The researchers also found that the neurons in the medial temporal lobe responded about 200 milliseconds later than those in the medial frontal cortex. "This difference supports the hypothesis that the frontal cortex first detects that a target has been found, and then feeds that signal down to the medial temporal lobe," says Ueli Rutishauser (Ph.D. '08), the senior author on the study in whose laboratory at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center the data were collected. "This points us to specific circuits in the brain involved in the processes required for visual search." The same team of authors had previously found cells in the medial temporal lobe that encode specific object categories, such as faces, and the present findings add to that prior work. "We found two distinct populations of neurons in the medial temporal lobe. One population, which we already knew about, recognizes objects in terms of their appearancefor instance, whether something is a face or not," says paper co-author Ralph Adolphs (Ph.D. '93), Caltech's Bren Professor of Psychology, Neuroscience, and Biology; the Allen V. C. Davis and Lenabelle Davis Leadership Chair; and director of the Caltech Brain Imaging Center." A second population, first discovered in this experiment, recognizes objects not in terms of their appearance, but in terms of their goal-directed relevance: whether this was something we were searching for or not, regardless of how it looks." The scientists say these findings are just the beginning of important work to explain how all these different brain regions work together. A particular strength of the study, they say, was the ability to record target neurons in both the medial temporal lobe and the medial frontal cortex, and the question now is exactly how these brain regions communicate with one another during a visual search task. Impairments in this circuit may underlie some of the attentional impairments that are seen in disorders such as schizophrenia. An additional co-author on the paper, "Encoding of target detection during visual search by single neurons in the human brain," is Adam Mamelak, a neurosurgeon at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and longtime collaborator with the team. Explore further Researchers identify human brain processes critical to short-term memory The UK cannabis street market is dominated by very high potency varieties of drug. Credit: University of York Researchers at the University of York have shown that there has been a 118% rise in those aged over 40 presenting to specialist drug treatment services citing cannabis as their primary health concern. Cannabis continues to be the most popular illicit drug in the UK, but the numbers of people using it has been in steady decline over the past decade, from two million to 1.4 million. It is thought that it is mainly the drug of choice for young men, who later develop health problems. York researchers, however, highlight that this may no longer be the case, with a sharp increase in cannabis users over the age of 40 and a 95% increase in women, across all age groups, presenting to treatment centres, compared to a 72% increase in men over the past ten years. The researchers say that it is possible that a combination of tobacco use and high potency cannabis could have contributed to the rise in the number of users over the age of 40 developing health problems, such as respiratory and cardio vascular diseases. It is currently unknown, however, what factors are contributing to the increase in women, across the age spectrum, presenting with cannabis-related health problems. High potency Ian Hamilton, from the University of York's Department of Health Sciences, said: "Research earlier this year showed that the UK street market for cannabis is increasingly dominated by very high potency varieties of drug. In some cases resin can be nearly three times stronger than drugs on the street in 2005. "Long-term cannabis users, who are aged 40 or older, therefore, have been used to lower potency cannabis in the past, which can now no longer be sourced. Turning to higher potency cannabis could increase the likelihood of them developing health problems. "If we also consider that cannabis users are often also smokers, and this age group will have been smoking for longer than younger drug users, then we can start to see how this rise in cannabis-related health issues has occurred. "Add to this the fact that drug-users over the age of 40 may have dependent family members and other significant financial responsibilities, we can see that there might be more urgency for this age-group to seek medical help compared to some younger cannabis users." New approach The data, which was collected between 2005/6 and 2015/16, suggests that there needs to be a new approach to treating middle aged and older people that are presenting to health services in increasing numbers. Researchers also argue that treatment services need to adapt new ways of supporting women in seeking help for treatment, such as recognising and offering means of overcoming the challenges of childcare. Ian Hamilton said: "The most significant step forward to supporting cannabis users over the age of 40 is offering smoking cessation advice, which traditionally specialist drug treatment services haven't done as it is generally seen as a lesser problem compared to other drugs. "The combination of tobacco and cannabis use, however, exacerbates health issues, and if we can tackle both ends of the addictive behaviour smoking and cannabis use then we have a better chance of reducing drug-related health problems overall." Explore further Study adds to evidence that high strength cannabis is associated with an increased risk of becoming dependent More information: Ian Hamilton et al. Rising numbers of older and female cannabis users seeking treatment in England and Wales, Drugs: Education, Prevention and Policy (2018). Ian Hamilton et al. Rising numbers of older and female cannabis users seeking treatment in England and Wales,(2018). DOI: 10.1080/09687637.2018.1478948 Researchers analysed the effect of restrictions on opioid painkillers prescriptions in the U.S. Credit: Swinburne University of Technology A new study led by Swinburne shows trading of prescription opioids through the darknet has increased in the wake of tighter regulation by the US government for this category of legal pharmaceutical products prescribed by doctors. In the study published by the BMJ and conducted by Swinburne, University of Kent, Universite de Montreal and University of Manchester, researchers analysed the effects of the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) 2014 restriction in how hydrocodone combination products (HCP) were prescribed by doctors. "Hydrocodone was the most popularly prescribed opioid painkiller in the United States, and its use, along with oxycodone, has been implicated as one of the major drivers of the US opioid crisis," says lead researcher at Swinburne, Associate Professor in Criminology, Dr. James Martin. "In order to combat misuse, in October 2014, the DEA moved painkillers containing hydrocodone from Schedule III to the more restrictive Schedule II category, making the drug significantly harder to obtain from medical professionals." An increase in illicit trading Professor Judith Aldridge from the University of Manchester says, "While these changes have been shown to reduce the available supply of these medications through legitimate channels, what is less well understood is whether users may seek out illicit supplies via illegal markets in response." "Our study used data obtained from 31 of the world's largest so-called 'darknet' drug markets in operation up until last year. We were therefore able to identify some of the unanticipated consequences of restricting drug supplies in a context of high consumer demand," says Dr. Jack Cunliffe, Lecturer at the University of Kent. The study found that after the introduction of the DEA's regulations, illicit trading of these substances increased by around 4 percentage points a year, meaning the amount of trade that prescription opioids represent in the US doubled over the study period. There were no significant changes to other categories of pharmaceutical drugs, including stimulants such as modafinil, or sedatives such as Diazepam and Xanax. "We found that in the period immediately following DEA's new regulations there was a rise in the proportion of US cryptomarket drug trade attributable to prescription opioids," says Dr. Martin. "Our study provides solid empirical evidence that restricting the legal supply of hydrocodone in the US was correlated with a significant, sustained increase in people sourcing illicit opioids from the black market, in this case anonymous drug marketplaces on the darknet." Solving the opioid crisis Dr. Martin says the opioid crisis is the biggest public health emergency currently facing the US. "Our research indicates that in order to effectively tackle this health problem, other policy responses, such as demand and harm reduction, are necessary, rather focusing on supply reduction alone." Dr. David Decary-Hetu at Universite of Montreal in Canada also urges people not to interpret this study as a suggestion that the darknet is fuelling the US opioid crisis. "We would argue against this interpretation; our research indicates that trading of illicit opioids on the darknet is demand-driven, meaning that darknet drug traders are responding to existing demand for illicit opioids, rather than creating the demand in the first place," says Dr. Decary-Hetu. Explore further US painkiller restriction linked to 'significant' increase in illicit online drug trading More information: James Martin et al. Effect of restricting the legal supply of prescription opioids on buying through online illicit marketplaces: interrupted time series analysis, BMJ (2018). Journal information: British Medical Journal (BMJ) James Martin et al. Effect of restricting the legal supply of prescription opioids on buying through online illicit marketplaces: interrupted time series analysis,(2018). DOI: 10.1136/bmj.k2270 Parents ranked cancer prevention as the most compelling reason health care providers can give for recommending the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine, according to a survey led by University of North Carolina Lineberger Comprehensive Cancer Center researchers. The findings, published in the journal Cancer Epidemiology, Biomarkers and Prevention, offer guidance as to what doctors and other health care providers should be emphasizing to parents when discussing vaccination for their children against HPV, a sexually transmitted virus that can cause oral, head and neck, genital and cervical cancers. "Parents confirmed the advice from the CDC and other professional organizations, which is cancer prevention is the most important reason for HPV vaccination," said UNC Lineberger's Melissa B. Gilkey, Ph.D., assistant professor in the UNC Gillings School of Global Public Health. "Providers report giving a wide variety of reasons to vaccinate, but this study suggests what parents really want to hear about is cancer prevention. This was true even for parents who had relatively low confidence in adolescent vaccination." The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention estimates 41,000 people are diagnosed with HPV-associated cancer in the United States each year. HPV vaccination could prevent most HPV-linked cancers, which include cancers of the throat, the cervix, and genitals. However, just 43 percent of adolescents were up-to-date on the HPV vaccine in the United States in 2016, according to the CDC. Studies have shown that a provider's recommendation is highly influential. "Research has shown that a provider's recommendation is the single most important factor in whether parents decide to get their kids vaccinated," Gilkey said. "Public health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, are leading large-scale campaigns to improve provider communication about HPV vaccination. We're working to understand what the most powerful messages are to inform those ongoing interventions." The researchers drew their findings from a survey of 1,177 adults in the United States with children between the ages 11 and 17. The parents were asked to rank, from best to worst, a list of reasons a doctor commonly use to encourage parents to consider vaccinating their child against HPV. Parents said cancer prevention was the most persuasive reason for HPV vaccination. The prevention of a common infection, the vaccine's lasting benefits and its safety also scored high. Reasons that received low rankings included "it is a scientific breakthrough," and "I got it for my own child." When the researchers compared the responses from parents who had low confidence in adolescent vaccines at the outset, they found these parents ranked messages very similarly to parents who had high confidence. "This should give providers confidence that leading with the idea of cancer prevention doesn't have to be targeted toward a particular type of parent," Gilkey said. "Cancer prevention is likely to be your best bet no matter who you're talking to." Explore further Parents see cancer prevention potential as best reason for HPV vaccination Credit: CC0 Public Domain The world-first discovery of a key metabolic hormone found in the venom and gut of Australia's iconic platypus will now be investigated for its potential to treat type 2 diabetes, in new research led by the University of Adelaide. In a collaboration between the University of Adelaide, Flinders University, Monash University, SAHMRI and the Royal Adelaide Hospital, funding from Medvet Science is supporting a study to investigate whether the platypus hormone could be more effective and sustained in action than current medication. The discovery stems from the sequencing of the platypus genome in 2008. Project leader Professor Frank Grutzner, from the University of Adelaide, was a member of that team and is considered an authority on monotreme genetics. The metabolic hormone is known as glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1), and is normally secreted in the gut of both humans and animals, stimulating the release of insulin to lower blood glucose. A modified form of GLP-1, exenatide, is widely used for diabetes treatment. "One of the most amazing discoveries of the platypus genome project was the massive loss of genes important for digestion and metabolic control these animals basically lack a functional stomach," Professor Grutzner says. "More recently we discovered that monotreme GLP-1 has changed radically in these animals, due to its dual function in both the gut and venom." Numerous research groups worldwide are investigating different forms of GLP-1 for their effects on metabolic diseases, including diabetes. "We have privileged access to these amazing animals," says Professor Grutzner. "Male platypuses produce venom during the breeding season, and can deliver the venom from their hind spurs. We were surprised to see GLP-1 present in venom and think that this may have led to a more effective hormone. "We already know that their GLP-1 works differently, and is more resistant to the rapid degradation normally seen in humans. Maybe this iconic Australian animal holds the answer to a more effective and safer management option for metabolic diseases including diabetes." The effects of platypus-derived GLP-1 are now being explored in detail thanks to a $200,000 grant from Medvet Science, the medical research support and commercialisation arm of the Central Adelaide Local Health Network. Medvet Science works on behalf of several hospitals in Adelaide to commercialise medical inventions. "This discovery has the potential to produce significant benefits for human health by bringing industry, leading academic researchers and clinical expertise together," said Medvet Science's Managing Director and CEO, Mr Greg Johansen. "This is the first step towards testing the clinical relevance of platypus GLP-1. We believe it's a project with great commercial potential and an example of the world-class research being conducted right here in South Australia," Mr Johansen said. Explore further Platypus venom could hold key to diabetes treatment Applied In Vitro Toxicology provides the latest peer-reviewed research on the application of alternative in vitro testing methods for predicting adverse effects in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and personal care industries. Credit: Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers Integrated approaches that avoid the use of animals to assess the toxicity of inhaled materials may include a computational model to screen for chemical reactivity, a human tissue-based assay to predict the absorption of a chemical into the respiratory tract, and other types of advanced systems based on in vitro and in vivo respiratory biology. A comprehensive review of the progress and ongoing efforts in this fascinating field is the focus of a new special issue on Inhalation Toxicity Testing published in Applied In Vitro Toxicology. The issue is available free on the Applied In Vitro Toxicology website. The special issue on Inhalation Toxicity Testing is led by Guest Editor Amy Clippinger, Ph.D., Director of the PETA International Science Consortium Ltd. "The articles in this special issue describe research to develop and apply human-relevant in silico and in vitro approaches that incorporate cutting-edge science and don't use animals," says Dr. Clippinger. In the article "Profiling Acute Oral and Inhalation Toxicity Data Using a Computational Workflow to Screen for Facile Chemical Reactivity," Dan Wilson, Ph.D., and coauthors from The Dow Chemical Company (Midland, MI) describe the computational approaches they are developing to screen for inhalation toxicity based on classes of chemically reactive compounds. Wiebke Hoffmann, The European Union Reference Laboratory for Alternatives to Animal Testing (Ispra, Italy) and colleagues from University of Vienna (Austria), University of Lausanne (Geneva, Switzerland), Douglas Connect (Basel, Switzerland), and Epithelix Sarl (Geneva) describe their ability to study pulmonary absorption in vitro in the article entitled "Establishment of a Human 3-D Tissue-Based Assay for Upper Respiratory Tract Absorption ." In "Prevalidation of an Acute Inhalation Toxicity Test Using the EpiAirway In Vitro Human Airway Model," George Jackson et al., MatTek Corp. (Ashland, MA) present the results of prevalidation studies using EpiAirway tissues, which are exposed to test chemicals for 3 hours before being assessed for tissue viability. Also included in the special issue is the Roundtable Discussion "Nonanimal Approaches to Assessing the Toxicity of Inhaled Substances: Current Progress and Future Promise." Dr. Clippinger leads the expert participants from industry, academia, government agencies, and non-profit organizations in a lively discussion on topics including the breadth of nonanimal approaches, their advantages and limitations versus animal inhalation tests, and how to move forward. "I am pleased with this special issue of Applied In Vitro Toxicology as it focuses on an area of great importance for risk assessment, which has been a challenge to address using in vitro methods. This issue does a wonderful job demonstrating how in vitro methods can be successfully used to understand inhalation toxicology," says Jim McKim, Ph.D., Editor-in-Chief of Applied In Vitro Toxicology and Founder and CEO, IonTox, LLC. Explore further Experts debate the advantages of using stem cells for predictive toxicology screening More information: Dan Wilson et al, Profiling Acute Oral and Inhalation Toxicity Data Using a Computational Workflow to Screen for Facile Chemical Reactivity, Applied In Vitro Toxicology (2018). Dan Wilson et al, Profiling Acute Oral and Inhalation Toxicity Data Using a Computational Workflow to Screen for Facile Chemical Reactivity,(2018). DOI: 10.1089/aivt.2017.0041 Dear Len and Rosie,My 78-year-old father died last year in Connecticut. His wife, my stepmother, inherited everything under his will, even though Father always said that my brothers and I would get his money when he died. Of course, she is also the executrix of his estate. My father was married to her for over 20 years and cared for her at home until the day he died. When we buried him, her family praised him at the funeral for taking care of her for so long. The problem is that she has Alzheimers disease and now lives in a rest home. She is entirely incompetent, and could not even recognize my father in the last year of his life. Her son served as my fathers executor, because of her disability. She is actually very wealthy, and does not need the money given to her by my father. She owns two houses, a vacation home, and a six-figure brokerage account. I have seen her will, and she gives nothing to me or my brothers. Joanne Marie Kirkpatrick Sales passed on Easter, April 1, 2018 on her favorite holiday. She was born in Sanitarium, California on May 23, 1934, daughter of Clyde Kirkpatrick and Lorraine Elizabeth Ballentine. She attended Saint Helena schools, making lifelong friends, graduating from High School in 1952 and continuing on to San Francisco State College. In 1955 Joanne began working as a secretary for Judge Louis D. Vasconi in his insurance business. September 22, 1957 she married John M. Sales and began a new career. Her daughter Jennifer Anne was born in 1959 and her son James Michael followed in 1962. During the adolescence of her children Joanne worked part time and served as a board member and Treasurer of the St. Helena chapter of the American Red Cross. Joanne enjoyed serving on various election boards continuously until finally retiring in 2014. Councilmember Kenneth Leary said the plan might seem easy to sell because hotels and tourists would pay the added tax, not local residents, making it a pass through tax. But how much good would it really do, Leary asked. The money in this valley is in the wine and the lodging and the tourism, said Leary, and theyre asking for a 1 percent pass through, but [theyre] not looking at their bottom lines and how much they can contribute to developing houses. Leary said the Napa Valley as a whole needs to have a deeper conversation about the problems of housing than just passing a 1 percent tax. Its easy to jump on the bandwagon because it says were doing something, Leary added, but in reality were not going to see houses built for a while with this tax revenue. Leary and other council members noted that American Canyon is already planning to build more workforce housing through the Watson Ranch project which could add 1,250 residential units and the Broadway Specific Plan, which could add another 1,200 homes, apartments and condos. Well have houses built in American Canyon before that TOT does anything, Leary said. Considering that there are two negative grand jury reports for NVUSD in less than 2 weeks, said Brauning, it is apparent that there are serious problems with mismanagement at the top levels of the school district. Superintendent Patrick Sweeney responded by saying Brauning doesnt try to hide the fact that he is opposed to public funding for municipal, county or other public agency infrastructure, no matter how important the need. That is his right, Sweeney continued, and we would never object to his expressing his opinion. However, we do object to his use of innuendo and hyperbole rather than facts in his attempts to discredit public agencies. Sweeney reiterated that the districts written responses to the grand jury will directly address the findings with which we agree or disagree, and the steps we already had taken or plan to take in response to recommendations. But we would like to point out that the report released on June 7, regarding financial challenges, is in no way critical of management and in fact helps convey to the community the enormity of the issue of lack of funding for public schools. Constructive feedback and public oversight are valuable. But unfounded opinion and misstatements do not serve the public interest. The 31-year-old foundation said that it has given more than $19 million to charitable causes while keeping expenses minimal, and that Trump and his companies have contributed more than $8 million. It already announced its intention to dissolve more than a year ago, the charity added in a statement. "This is politics at its very worst," the statement said, noting that the former New York attorney general who began the investigation, Democrat Eric Schneiderman, was a vocal Trump opponent. Schneiderman resigned last month after he was accused of physically abusing women he dated; he denied the allegations. Trump's tweets also pointed to Schneiderman's resignation. "Schneiderman, who ran the Clinton campaign in New York, never had the guts to bring this ridiculous case, which lingered in their office for almost 2 years. Now he resigned his office in disgrace, and his disciples brought it when we would not settle," Trump said. Schneiderman started investigating the charity and ordered it to stop fundraising in New York in 2016, after The Washington Post reported that the foundation's spending personally benefited the presidential candidate. A consensus seems to be emerging in much of Washington that President Donald Trump gave away too much and got too little in his summit meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore this week. Granting the Hermit Kingdom's brutal dictator a photo op with the leader of the free world, promising to suspend large-scale U.S.-South Korean military exercises, offering to find a way to guarantee North Korea's security and virtually ignoring the country's horrible human rights record - all while getting little out of Kim other than the usual vague, nonbinding promise to denuclearize - might seem a long way from the art of the deal. Critics' warnings about not celebrating prematurely or awarding the Nobel Peace Prize just yet are warranted. But unlike the case with his demeaning treatment of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau just days before, in this one, there may be a method to Trump's madness. There is at least reason to hope for a successful arms-control and broader detente process. The recent letter from Pastor Morris Curry bothered me (Here's what we have to look forward to under Democrats, June 12). He railed against the Democrats and Planned Parenthood. The problem is that the Christian Right supports the Republicans. The very people who insist that every fetus must be born vote for the party that is against funding the programs that support poor women and childrenfood stamps, affordable health care, Medicaid, Planned Parenthood, free public education, etc. Their argument presupposes that all women have abortions for selfish reasons. The truth is most women who have abortions are poor and/or desperate. Women are forced out of the workplace by pregnancies and the cost of child care is so prohibitive that they cant return. Planned Parenthood counsels women on their choices, including adoption. Have you noticed that most foes of abortion are men? They cant get pregnant and cant identify with what it is to be poor and pregnant. I hope the Pastor's church provides free child care so poor women can work and support themselves and their children, that it provides food and housing for them when necessary and health care. Then there was the news of May 27, about Ivanka being granted another couple of trademarks for her product line sold in China. Did you barely manage a second glance when you saw that four days later her father agreed to rescue Chinese telecom giant ZTE? (Saving crucial jobs in China!) Fantastic. Youre on your way to complete insensibility. How about developments on May 31? The president tweeted, Not that it matters but I never fired James Comey because of Russia! The Corrupt Mainstream Media loves to keep pushing that narrative, but they know it is not true! This, after a nationally-televised interview with NBCs Lester Holt barely more than a year before, on May 11, 2017, in which he said he did indeed fire Comey because of the Russia investigation. Does this one get little more than a shrug from you? No big deal here, just another public admission of lying, playing us all for fools, brazenly expecting to get away with that and, as he likes to say, so much more? Terrific. There you go. The doorway to oblivion. In 1978 Jack Daniels and Winston Wilson launched an innovative wine company with headquarters in St. Helena. Their concept was to provide small family-owned wineries many of whom were unable to afford a dedicated sales and marketing team access to important retailers, restaurants and private collectors throughout the United States. The idea took hold and helped fuel some of what are now the worlds most highly sought-after wine brands, including Hungarys Royal Tokaji, Italys Biondi-Santi, Frances Domaine de la Romanee-Conti and Napa Valleys own Schramsberg. Our focus has always been helping bring together our iconic family-owned wine producers with those that might best appreciate their quality, craftsmanship and limited quantities, Daniels said. We are honored to represent some of the finest wines from around the world, and we wanted to celebrate our 40-year anniversary by sharing our portfolio partners with clients around the country. To commemorate the milestone the Wilson Daniel team conducted a five-city tour in early June that began in St. Helena and was followed by events in Los Angeles, Houston, Chicago and New York City. Building icons Daniels business partner, Winston Win Wilson Jr., died in 2006. Three years earlier the two had sold Wilson Daniels Ltd. to another family business, Youngs Holdings Inc., owned by the Underwood family. And although Daniels stepped away from the company for a few years after the sale, by 2012 hed returned. The economy was challenging and the focus had shifted, so I was asked to come back in and help get things back on track, he said. After steadying the ship, still under the ownership of the Underwoods, in 2015 Daniels once again handed the reins over, this time to Rocco Lombardo, who is now president. Rocco has continued the tradition of quality leadership at Wilson Daniels, said Chris Underwood, CEO of Youngs Holdings. Our goal remains to deliver tremendous value to our industry partners and customers, building on what Jack and Win created. Napa Valley and beyond By the early 1970s both Daniels and Wilson had become enamored with wine and had found their way to the Napa Valley. When they met, Daniels was working for Donn Chappellet as a national sales manager and Wilson was working for Cuvaison but they both became aware of a distinct opportunity. We were seeing a real need for smaller brands to have someone out in the market who knew how to represent their unique wines but also who understood the value of protecting and enhancing what they inherently had integrity and no compromise when it came to quality. Initially Wilson Daniels focused only on wines from the Napa Valley, including both of their earlier employers, Chappellet and Cuvaison, but also Heitz, St. Clement and Wente. One year later they added what for many in the wine world have become prized jewels wines from Frances Domaine de la Romanee-Conti, including Echezeaux. Pouring gold Guests for the anniversary event gathered in the small courtyard at the Wilson Daniels building, located just south of downtown. Theyd come to commune and congratulate, but they also came to taste wine. Weve never served Echezeaux at a tasting like this before, Daniels said, but we felt like this was the year to share all the wines from our entire collection. The day was hot 97 degrees but the gathering seemed undeterred, spurred on by the dizzying array of wines being served. On very rare occasions (only three times before) I have had the great fortune to taste Echezeaux and its one of those experiences that caused me to rethink my reliance on Cabernet Sauvignon as the key to better understanding the profound relationship between wine and time. At the event the 2008 Echezeaux was served. Drinking a 10-year-old Pinot Noir from the Cote de Nuits subregion of Burgundy, France, is something of infanticide. However, even so, the young wine showed a complexity of fruit, from red cherry to black current, the aromas lifting from the glass in a wispy aromatic cloud of violet, oak and earth. Although the wine was delicious and certainly special (only around 24 cases of the wine was imported to the United States, according to the Wine Spectator), those fortunate enough to taste this wine again in 10, 20 or more years will likely be rewarded greatly for their willpower. Local connections Each of the wines at the event was poured by the winemakers or winery owners themselves, one of them being Napa Valley native Hugh Davies of Schramsberg. Weve been with Wilson Daniels for 22 years, Davies said. We have a real connection with the team, and our partnership works well to help foster strong relationships with our extended wholesale network. Davies went on to explain the importance of working with another family-owned business. My father started with Wilson Daniels a long time ago, and we are still working with them, now under the ownership of the Underwood family, Davies said. The wholesale markets have changed, but what has not changed is the need to build strong connections. Having a collection of family-owned wineries represented by another family-owned business has made a real difference in what has become a super-competitive marketplace. One complication faced by many small brands centers on the challenges of limited resources time, personnel, money that hinder the access to a sales force large enough to present wines to accounts and customers spread across the country. But, as Davies explains it, Wilson Daniels is the equivalent of having a collection of ships that have been gathered together into a larger and stronger fleet, able to share resources with boots on the ground, leveraging the collection of strong wine brands and trained staff to wow and delight potential customers. I think Wilson Daniels is not only compelling for iconic wine brands but also as a place for people who are passionate about what they do every day to come together our winery partners, my colleagues, our trade partners, said Kimberly Bowden, a senior brand manager at Wilson Daniels. Our winery partners all have unique stories, and Wilson Daniels provides a platform to share them. Focused on core values As the future of wine sales becomes increasingly competitive, the company intends to keep focused on what Daniels refers to as their core values: integrity, quality and service. As a part of those efforts, Youngs has recently launched Wilson Daniels Wholesale, which amounts to a specialized wine distributor within their broader network, bypassing the need to work with what are often-unresponsive and behemoth wine-distributing companies such as Southern Glazers Wine and Spirits (in 36 states) and Republic National Distributing Co. (in 22 states). The ability to work with Wilson Daniels Wholesale allows us to have a stronger voice in the marketplace, Daniels said. Because the biggest distributors have such large books (lists of wine) and because they often serve the largest wine producers on the planet (Gallo, Constellation, etc.), they often find it difficult to service smaller brands. But we now have a more focused option. As Wilson Daniels grows, they expect to remain focused on the ingredients that have made them successful in the past. Our emphasis is on family and luxury, and we focus on brands that have a clear understanding of their unique terroir (place), are of exceptional quality and fill a complementary role within our portfolio, Daniels said. The world of wine continues to be competitive and the smaller brands can get lost in what has become an increasingly consolidated wholesale marketplace, and so Wilson Daniels will continue to be a critical partner for such special producers, now and in the future. Family Network company is one of theleading cable TV and internet providers in Armenia. The company is now investing heavily in the sphere of telecommunication and plans TV provision (also catch-up function) and high-speed internet already via a fiber-optic network. Armenian News-NEWS.am talked to Gevorg Yengibaryan, co-founder and CEO of Family Network about the achievements and future ambitious projects of the company. Mr. Yengibaryan would you tell us about Family Networks story and its achievements? In 2006, I left for New York,the center of technology development,by Work and Travel project where at each turn one could see the world's largest players with innovative and other products not yet presented in our country. The cable TV developed in the USA with giant steps and provided such a variety of services about which we were not even aware in Armenia. Thus, I set a goal to found a cable TV company in Armenia and upon my return I took some practical steps towards the achievement of my goal. After a while we my two friends and I founded together Nor Nork CableService company. It was a rather difficult path: initially not having stable financial meanswe tried to do everything ourselves, thus having an opportunity to save money, butalso to learn the process completely: we installed the antennas at the roofs of the buildings ourselves, talked to residents in order to understand what they needed to offer them relevant services. Thus, we were responsible both for technical and administrative work for two years and we used our garage as an office, and we have still kept it as it was before. As a result of a long-lasting patient and hard work in 2009 we were completely ready to enter the market, and since 2010 we have had subscribers who, by the way, are still with us. I think our success formula was that we did the work of an entire week in a day. In 2011 we chose a simple and memorable, symbolic name for us, i.e. MY TV, as, apart from the work duties,the whole team behaved like it was their own company demonstrating great love and high sense of responsibility. In 2016 we expanded our activity and the scope of services: high-speed internet and high-quality digital channels: our consumers were already whole families. Since 1 January 2017 our brand name is Family Network. And where is Family Network available today? Our coverage is large enough, it includes 43 percent of Yerevan, including Nor Nork, Kentron, Erebuni, Nork-Marash administrative districts, Noragavit, as well as Kharberd, Ayntap, Marmarashen, Nor Kyuri, Jrahovit, Mrgavet communities of the Ararat region, Arinj, Jrvezh, Dzoraghbyur, Balahovit, Nor Gyugh, Kotayk communities and Abovyan city of the Kotayk region. We plan also to include Gegharkunik, Vayots Dzor, Syunik and Tavush regions in the near future. We have projects to enter new markets by all the directions of our activity and full package of services by the end of the year. There are a lot of alternatives today in the market. Why should one choose your offer? The main advantage of our services is that our subscribers can watch different channels on three various TVs by one package at home at the same time. Besides, taking into consideration the international experience of the sphere we plan to use cutting edge innovations connected with the television due to the overdeveloped technical solutions. The fiber-optic cable network will reach the subscriber's house by the so-called optic to home model creating a cutting edge network of unlimited and high-speed internet. What are you working on now? Would you tell us about your upcoming plans and news? We will implement a big investment project this year. We already represent two leading large Russian companies in Armenia. One of them is an investor of the fiber optic cable network, the other one is a workshop of cable television. It's also very important to follow the development trends of the latest digital technologies and regularly present the most innovative solutions and offers to our clients. We should not be satisfied with the recorded results; otherwise, in case of stagnation any company will weaken and lose its place and position occupied in the market, especially in our sphere that grows day by day. One thing is for sure: mastering the art of little steps, i.e. of strategy, we plan to expand our team and this will enable us to offer cutting edge, convenient and accessible services to our subscribers staying loyal to our adopted principles and working style. What is the formula of success of Family Network company or what are the principles that the company is guided by? We are a big family: our subscribers and the staff.Firstly, we know all our subscribers, we talk to them once or twice each month, and this enables us to get offers from them, be aware of problems and complaints. And as I have already said every achievement is first of all the team effort. Despite the work, each member of the team supports the other members, and if 1+1 equals to 2, in our case it is always more than 2 by its recorded result. If for many the business principles differ from the life principles, in our case it is not so. All principles that we keep in life, we keep also in business. Bali earthquake kills 3 people Expert: War and defeat should be a shock shock that will stimulate the formation of a new elite US authorities offer compensation to relatives of those killed in impact of drone in Kabul Erdogan and Merkel quarrel over forms of government Russia, US and Israel agree to hold meeting of heads of Security Councils 65-year-old man killed in Armenias Tavush province Armenia reports 1,863 COVID-19 new cases ISIS claims responsibility for Afghan mosque bombing Quake hits Kuril Islands Japanese PM allows possibility of preemptive strikes on enemy bases Armenia launches case of attack on military posts by Azerbaijani army and attempt to murder 6 Karabakh soldiers Ruben Vardanyan: I'm involved in politics, but I'm not seeking power, I'm ready to lose it all in Russia and Armenia Karabakh Defense Army: News spread on social networks about shelling near Harav village inaccurate Ilham Aliyev blames Iranians and Armenians for alleged collapse of mosques in Nagorno-Karabakh Karabakh Ombudsman: Azerbaijani Armed Forces fired a few gunshots in sector of military posts near Harav village Armenia Deputy PM Suren Papikyan discusses North-South Energy Corridor with Russian counterpart Armenia PM proposes to strengthen trilateral mechanisms to investigate incidents and adhere to ceasefire Russian academician: Erdogan understands that direct confrontation with Russia may be fatal Opposition 'Armenia' alliance issues statement Bill Clinton recovering from infection in hospital US to lift curbs for vaccinated foreign travelers starting November 8 Karabakh President spokesperson: Situation on Artsakh-Azerbaijan line of contact stable, not counting provocation Iran MFA responds to Aliyev's allegations Opposition 'Armenia' faction receives leaders of Karabakh's parliamentary factions Armenia Parliament Deputy Speaker receives leaders of Karabakh legislature's factions Taliban announce creation of Supreme Court in Afghanistan Armenia ex-defense minister Davit Tonoyan to not be released Armenia Justice Ministry: Officials aren't mandated to get COVID-19 vaccine because they can't be relieved of posts Voytolovsky: Any escalation of conflict in Nagorno-Karabakh will require direct involvement of peacekeepers Digest: Latest on Azerbaijani fire near Artsakh border, more on injured soldier's health condition Armenia Ombudsman: Azerbaijanis deliberately set 8,000 ha of grass of Yeraskh villager on fire with gunshots Yerevan Investigation Department of Armenia Investigative Committee has new head Russian academician: Yerevan has never recognized Artsakh and has not addressed Russia for assistance Lavrov: Armenia's leadership is interested in plan to open Russian schools Karabakh FM pays working visit to Russian Federation, holds meetings Voytolovsky describes consequences of deterioration of Russian-Turkish relations for Yerevan and Baku Pashinyan: Armenia ready to hand over minefield maps to Azerbaijan in exchange for captives Artsakh State Minister: Only one of 6 soldiers wounded yesterday is in severe condition (PHOTOS) Ambassador: Russia is, in practice, the only country that stood by Armenia's side last year Lukashenko calls on Armenia, Azerbaijan not to turn CIS into platform for clarifying separate matters Armenia premier: Many not only do not believe in but also do not want peace, stability in region Armenia MOD: Azerbaijan fires at Yeraskh, resident's barn and haystacks burning Karabakh MFA: Azerbaijan policy is terrorism Armenia PM: Yerevan-Baku peace talks must resume under OSCE Minsk Group auspices Artsakh ombudsman: Recorded incident another proof that Azerbaijan theses on peaceful coexistence are false Russian Orthodox Church to establish diocese in Armenia Armenia PM: South Caucasus is on threshold of major transformations Armenia's Pashinyan: Russia and its president played a crucial role in stopping 44-day war in Karabakh Armenian and Belarusian FMs touch upon bilateral cooperation agenda in detail Putin: Russia peacekeepers are guarantors of ceasefire in Karabakh Armenia MFA highlights undertaking necessary steps through mediation of Russian peacekeepers Pashinyan: Armenia ready to start border delimitation, demarcation with Azerbaijan Karabakh prosecutor's office: Provocative actions from Azerbaijan outpost only 400m away had started Wednesday Azerbaijan uses drone yesterday, Artsakhs President spokesperson says Night passes calmly in Harav, Norshen villages of Karabakh after Azerbaijan shooting PAUL Armenia will be located at a historical building in Yerevan: details of the long-awaited project have been released Armenia ombudsman: There were Azerbaijan attacks also at Harav village, some other Artsakh civilian settlements 1,765 new cases of COVID-19 confirmed in Armenia Artsakh MOD: Azerbaijan armed forces opened fire on Defense Army sanitary vehicle Part of downtown Paris is named after Armenia PM: Armenia highly values development, deepening of friendly relations with Austria Monumentwatch.org: Azerbaijani roads, endangered Armenian cultural heritage Newspaper: Imprisoned Armenia community leaders will remain in prison even if re-elected Newspaper: Russia peacekeepers concerned about rate of emigration from Artsakh Karabakh state minister: Wounded soldiers surgeries went successfully FM: There will be no large-scale war as long as Russian peacekeepers are in Artsakh Karabakh defense army: Armenian side has no positional, territorial losses Artsakh State Minister: Situation has stabilized along entire line of contact (PHOTOS) 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 The tiny island-state of Singapore in Southeast Asia not only hosted the historic meeting between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday, but the wealthy country also racked up a 20 million-Singapore-dollar ($15 million) bill, CNBC reported. "It is a cost we are willing to pay," Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong told local press on Sunday. The summit would prove to be a positive for Singapore, Lee said, in terms of the country's reputation, standing and "how people look at us." The money spent by the city-state went in part toward catering to the needs of over 2,500 journalists covering the event, who were set up in a building usually for the country's annual Formula 1 race. About 300 public officers staffed the center around the clock over three days. Singaporean funds also went toward paying for the North Koreans' luxury hotel stay, according to a government official. For a start, visitor arrivals for about five days spanning the summit were expected to have increased by thousands, as government delegates and security entourages also arrived alongside Trump, Kim and the throngs of journalists. Every tourist to Singapore contributes about $1,500 in overall tourism receipts for an average of 3.5 days, Lim noted. Armenias Investigative Committee (IC) reports that it has launched a criminal case regarding last months food poisoning of eighty employees of Hayastani Hogher (Lands of Armenia), a company owned by Argentine-Armenian businessman Eduardo Eurnekian. The IC says that test results of food provided by the company to workers in the vineyards for lunch showed traces of Staphylococcus aureus- a common bacterium also called golden staph. The IC says that 247 company employees ate sandwiches supplied by Alvina Melkonyan, a private contractor. The workers also ate cherries supplied by Melkonyan and water supplied by the private contractor Vazgen Ghukasyan. Over eighty employees were hospitalized after complaining of upset stomachs and nausea. The sandwiches, cherries and water were tested to ascertain the source of the problem. The cherries and water tested clean. No one has yet been charged with Article 277 of the Criminal Code (Violating Sanitation and Epidemic Regulations). The investigation continues. by Jackie Pearson Spearman Community Fund Gives $9,000 in Grants AND Reaches $5,000 Goal on Jail & Bail Fundraiser!! On Wednesday, May 9, 2018, the Spearman Community Fund (SCF) advisors hosted representatives from 8 local charitable organizations for brunch at the Hansford County Annex meeting room. Eric Cudd, Grant Coordinator for SCF, presented $9,000 in grants, as follows: $750 to Big Brother & Big Sisters Wheatheart Satellite representatives, Stephanie Brock and Terri Harper, $500 to The Stationmasters House Museum representative, Tex Kopke, $1,200 to the Ministerial Alliance fbo the Spearman Foodbank representatives, Cecil Biggers and Trent Tenaro, $1,250 to Spearman ISD representatives, Kristen Shieldknight and Kristi Ramon, $500 to OLoughlin Center representatives, Patty Schnell and Keilee Goodheart, $2,000 to City of Spearman representative, Suzanne Bellsnyder, $2,000 to Hansford County Hospital District representative, Jonathan Bailey, and $800 to Spearman Swim Club representatives, Chris Womble and Kyla Ortiz. Over 3 years, the SCF has given $16,000 in grants. As the endowed fund increases, the amount available for grants will increase as well. After the grant presentations, the advisors scurried back to the Chamber of Commerce office to host the first Jail & Bail fundraiser in Spearman in many years. For one week, anyone who suspected that they might be arrested once or even twice could purchase Get-out-of-Jail free cards for $25 each and avoid having to pay the $50 Bail Fee. Several people took advantage of the bargain price, but sale of those cards ended on Tuesday. The Jail & Bail event kicked-off at 10:00 on Wednesday, May 9th, when Police Chief, Lance Swan, showed-up to find out WHO (?) would be arrested first. It wasnt long before Sheriff Tim Glass and his deputies appeared, ready to help the cause! The enthusiasm grew as the arrested criminals paid their bail and then purchased warrants for their friends and co-workers. HCHD employees pooled resources to purchase warrants for key administrators and executive staff. Some of those administrators had prepared by purchasing Get-out-of-Jail free cards, but some were vulnerable! Three were arrested at the same time, and Sheriff Glass hauled them in, where they spent some time in the pens, calling their friends to bail them out. We appreciate the Hansford County Sheriffs Department and the Spearman Police Department for their participation. It would not have been the same without your help! During lunch, we served hotdogs & chips provided by Golden Spread Sales and homemade cookies, brownies and deluxe Rice Krispy treats to the volunteers, officers and criminals. When all was said and done, the event had raised just over $5,000 for the Spearman Community Fund; and as far as we know, everyone who participated enjoyed a great time, just ask Byron Potter, who stayed in jail longer than anyone! We are so grateful for the use of the Hansford Co. Annex meeting room for the grant presentations, for the use of Spearman Chamber of Commerce office space for the Jail & Bail event and to Cayla Maestas and Cheryl Nelson for helping with paperwork. We appreciate Green Country, Golden Spread Sales Co. and Farm Supply for selling Get-out-of-Jail free cards. Thank you to Equity for delivering the panels we used to make the pens. Thanks to Allsups for donating 10 cases of water to help us hydrate the workers and the criminals. We are grateful that we had the opportunity to use High Plains Observer, Hansford Reporter Statesman, KXDJ-FM and KEYE-AM to help us share publicity for this event. Ernie Bowen carved-out time on Wednesday, May 9, to take snapshots and provide live feed on FB before he left town for the state track meet. Thanks, Ernie! We also want to send a special thank-you to Christina Williams, our Amarillo volunteer, who loves Spearman and SCF. Christina helps us with our FB page, and we appreciate her effort to help make this event a success. Russian President Vladimir Putin met on Thursday with North Korean Parliament Head Kim Yong-nam and noted that the meeting between the US and North Korean leaders is the first step towards a full resolution, Sputnik reported. Russia intends to promote a resolution of the North Korea situation using peaceful means, Putin said, adding that the meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un has reduced the general level of tension on the Korean Peninsula, and has disposed of the prospect of a major military conflict. "We also welcome and value the results of the meeting of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and US President Mr. Trump which took place very recently, on June 12," Putin said at a meeting with Kim Yong-nam, the President of the Presidium of North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly. According to Putin, Russia believes that this is "only a first step" towards a complete resolution to the issue in the region. "This step was taken thanks to the goodwill of both leaders. Without a doubt, this creates conditions for further progress and lowers the level of tension on the Korean Peninsula," Putin said. North Korean official also handed a written message to Russian President Vladimir Putin from North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Funding for innovative research and development to be focus of SIU workshop by Christi Mathis CARBONDALE, Ill. Do you have a great idea for something that would enhance agriculture, rural health care, rural communities or the environment? Government funding is available for innovative research and development focusing on those topics. Learn more about a program that helps people convert a concept into a proven, commercialized product at a June 28 informational workshop at Southern Illinois University Carbondale. The Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program workshop is set for 9 a.m. to noon at the Dunn Richmond Economic Development Center, located at 1740 Innovation Drive in Carbondale. SBIR Program created to stimulate innovation with seed capital The goal of the SBIR program is to stimulate technological innovation and it works by providing seed capital for early stage research and development of products or processes that could have commercial potential. The program is designed to increase commercialization of private sector innovations. Entrepreneurs and businesses seeking the funding will participate in a highly competitive proposal process. Provides grant to cover cost of R&D The program provides recipients with numerous benefits, including funding to cover the costs of research and development so entrepreneurs dont have to give up equity in their company or sacrifice the rights to their intellectual property. The funding isnt a loan, though; no repayment is required. Successful applicants can even apply for additional funding to continue development of their technology. The workshop will provide details about the program, how to apply and what is entailed. Wide range of beneficiaries Innovators, entrepreneurs, small businesses and people with novel ideas for business startups will all likely find the workshop worthwhile. Organizers say that anyone with good ideas and solid research for a commercial product which could benefit the country is welcome to attend the free event. Register now Although there is no cost to attend, pre-registration is required. Sign up for the SBIR Program workshop online by June 25. For more information, email Susan Odum at sodum@illinois.edu. Event co-sponsors include SIU, the Illinois Small Business Development Center at SIU, SBIR: Americas Seed Fund, the University of Illinois Extension College of Agricultural, Consumer and Environmental Sciences and the United States Department of Agriculture. Street Machine Trophy Holly Pierre, a senior in SIU Carbondales nationally recognized automotive technology program, holds the student-designed 2018 Best Integration and Use of Technology Award trophy. The trophy will be presented Sunday at the General Tire Street Machine Nationals in Du Quoin. Pierre is from Port Au Prince, Haiti. (Photo by Russell Bailey) Students hit the road at this weekends Street Machine Nationals by Pete Rosenbery CARBONDALE, Ill. High performance street machines, hot rods and trucks will be on display at the General Tire Street Machine Nationals, and students with Southern Illinois University Carbondales nationally recognized automotive technology program will be there to get a hands-on experience and immerse themselves in the atmosphere. The fervor and dedication that participants feel toward their machines will be evident and contagious, Michael Behrmann, Department of Automotive Technology chair, said. A big piece is to see the creativity of people who enjoy cars and trucks and what they can come up with, he said. To be able to see the passion that somebody has to put the time, the effort and the funds in to building something they have dreamt of for years. Hot Rod Hospital on the grounds For a third year, SIU students will host a Hot Rod Hospital, where they lend a hand in making repairs or loan tools and equipment to event participants who need to make quick adjustments to their vehicles. The program offers opportunities for both hands-on experience and community engagement, Behrmann said. In the case of a parts breakdown, participants can go to a local auto parts store and get repair help from students. We are there to help the community and the participants, many who travel thousands of miles bringing their cars to this amazing show, Behrmann said. If they have issues, if there is a breakdown, we want to make sure we are there to assist them. Focusing on technology, students will judge submissions This is the sixth year students will develop, judge and present the Best Integration and Use of Technology Award since the three-day show returned to Southern Illinois and the Du Quoin State Fairgrounds in 2013. The award goes to the participant who judges believe integrates technology when building and fabricating different components on the vehicle. Power, performance and some of the nations leading muscle cars will be among the more than 2,500 vehicles featured at the 35th annual event. Organizers expect more than 24,000 people will visit the fairgrounds for the show which opens Friday. Students design and fabricate the unique trophy Each year, students assemble a judging team, develop a plan and put into action their processes to evaluate thousands of show vehicles over one weekend. Students from the College of Engineering will also participate this year. The trophy is a made out of a combination of engine and transmissions parts and features a piston, valves and several gears. Holly Pierre, a senior in automotive technology from Port Au Prince, Haiti, cannot wait to go to event on Sunday. There was not much opportunity to see classic modified high-performance cars in Haiti, he said. Its going to be my first time going there. I have not had chance before because Im always busy. It will be very cool experience for me, he said. Pierre, who will graduate in May 2019, wants to be a field service engineer when he graduates. Field service engineers help dealership technicians diagnose and fix vehicles brought in for repairs. Students interact with car enthusiasts and industry professionals About 20 students, including some who are returning to campus from summer internships, faculty and staff will be available during the weekend, Behrmann said. Erika Ruud, a senior from St. Charles, Illinois, is majoring in automotive technology and pursuing a minor in education. She hopes to work a few years in the automotive industry and then teach automotive technology in high school or college. I love classic car shows, said Ruud, who became hooked watching NASCAR and racing slot cars with her father. Thats what I love most in the industry. Im excited to be able to go. Ruud, who along with other female students is restarting the Women in Automotive Technology club, a registered student organization, began as a theater major at DePaul University but was not happy. She opted for a career in the automotive industry and attended Elgin Community College before transferring to SIU Carbondale. She will graduate in December 2019. Hot rods and classic cars offer different career opportunities for students Students also see another segment within the automotive industry and the potential for job opportunities, Behrmann said. Students also gain experience with their own communication skill sets. Different automotive-related vendors and manufacturers will also be present. This is a huge industry with various different parts and components within the industry, he said. The car enthusiasts and truck enthusiasts is another segment of our industry and I hope they can experience the passion that the participants have and that can help fuel their own passion for a career. Student-built and designed vehicles on display Behrmann said another feature in the automotive technology and engineering programs will be on display this weekend. The vehicles include: 1966 Chevy Nova Super Sport SAE Formula race car An electric cart the students designed and built that features regenerative braking and lithium batteries. Event is not just for muscle car and truck enthusiasts Whether you have a passion for cars or trucks or not, it is an amazing show to go and see the creativity, Behrmann said. We have an amazing arts and crafts culture here in Southern Illinois. There are amazing arts and crafts and exhibitors who use the vehicle as the medium. Please call your State Representative and State Senator and tell them to vote against legislation repealing the Parental Notice of Abortion ... A great deal has changed where pop culture and superheroes are concerned. Since the release of The Incredibles 14 years ago, the world of caped heroes with extraordinary powers was thought to be the purview of nerds and overgrown adolescents. The Marvel Films juggernaut hadnt begun, and not everyone knew that Tony Stark was Iron Man, Captain America was a man out of time, and that you simply dont make Bruce Banner angry. The mainstream success of the superhero film has changed the landscape of American escapist fare for good and ill. Would anyone care to revisit Pixars superhero family, a vehicle through which they extolled and parodied the genre at the same time? I thought that the sell-by date for these characters had long ago passed Disney even acknowledges this in a clever prologue that has their main voice talent admitting that, yes, 14 years is a long time but having seen Incredibles 2, Im willing to admit my hunch was wrong. While not groundbreaking (and at times covering much of the same ground as the first film under the watchful eye of series creator Brad Bird), the movie is a welcome excuse to check in on the Parrs once more. Picking up not too long after the first film ended, the Incredibles find themselves in a world in which superheroes have been outlawed. Seen as being more trouble than theyre fiscally worth, costumed crusaders around the world have retired or have been working underground. However, industrialist Winston Deaver (voiced by Bob Odenkirk) plans to get the law changed by bringing some of the heroes out of the shadows and highlighting all of the good they do. He approaches Mr. Incredible (Craig T. Nelson), his wife Elastigirl (Holly Hunter) and their ally Frozone (Samuel L. Jackson) to follow his lead, but wants the female of the group to be the first to step into the spotlight. That means her husband has to hold down the fort and mind to the kids, a task hes less than thrilled with.The children in question are, of course, teen mistress of invisibility Violet (Sarah Vowell), speedster Dash (Huck Milner) and toddler Jack-Jack (Eli Fucile), who can do a myriad of things. With mom and dad forced to reluctantly switch places and assume new roles, the films theme of having to adapt as life changes is front and center. This leads us to many amusing moments, most of them surrounding Mr. Incredible, who finds himself stymied when forced to help his son with his math homework or faced with the mercurial nature of his teenaged daughter. His sleep-deprived meltdown is a highlight, and kudos to Nelson for giving comedic voice to the parental angst that so many of us have dealt with.There are no surprises where the story is concerned, but Birds eye makes the film worth watching. The colors pop here and the superheroics are truly spectacular. The scenes vary in regards to their visual intent and composition sunlit action, noir-tinged moments, dazzling strobe-light sequences and other pieces of eye candy keep you engaged even when the story lags. Incredibles 2 is the most visually dynamic film Ive seen this year, and while its story is a bit pedestrian, it consistently provides one astounding sight after another.Contact Chuck Koplinski at ckoplinski@usd116.org. EVIL AMAZON profits from slave wage labor in Chinas sweat shop factories Amazon has found itself in a world of controversy lately after a report detailing the results of a nine-month investigation confirmed that the e-commerce giant is profiting off the backs of Chinese factory workers that are forced to work in poor conditions. The report, which was released by the New York-based China Labor Watch, offers a behind-the-scenes look at how Amazon is able to sell devices like Echo speakers and Kindle e-readers for as little as $40. Specifically, the investigation found that workers were required to work more than 100 hours of overtime each month, which is in violation of existing Chinese labor laws that limit overtime to just 36 hours a month. Additionally, employees do not receive adequate safety training, staff dormitories arent equipped with fire extinguishers and lack adequate fire-safety precautions, and workers are required to show up for work 10 minutes before their shifts are scheduled to begin and they do not get compensated for this time. All workers are subject to long hours and low wages, the report explained. As wages are low, workers must rely on overtime hours to earn enough to maintain a decent standard of living. In response, Amazon stated that they would work with Foxconn Hengyang (the company that manufactures products for Amazon) in order to correct the problem. (Related: Amazon was charged with 4,000 counts of selling illegal pesticides.) We immediately requested a corrective action plan from Foxconn Hengyang detailing their plan to remediate the issues identified, and we are conducting regular assessments to monitor for implementation and compliance with our Supplier Code of Conduct, Amazon said. We are committed to ensuring that these issues are resolved. While we have no reason to believe that Amazon will not follow through with this pledge, its also hard to believe that any action would have been taken to correct the problem in the first place if this investigation was never conducted. (Related: Amazon has quietly decided to start photographing your home each time they make a delivery.) Amazons questionable treatment of employees This isnt the first time that Amazon has made headlines for poor working conditions and the questionable ways in which they treat their employees. In April of this year, the e-commerce giant came under fire for allegedly intimidating workers to the point where they felt as though they had to urinate in bottles just to avoid getting fired for taking bathroom breaks. An author by the name of James Bloodworth decided to go undercover at an Amazon fulfillment center in the United Kingdom in order to gain information about how the company operates for a book that he planned on writing. Bloodworth said in an interview with The Sun that staff had to move around the entire warehouse to find the necessary items that were to be shipped out, and as such, the bathrooms were usually too far away to take a quick trip. Instead, Bloodworth explained, many of the employees carried around a toilet bottle, which they used to relieve themselves in to avoid getting penalized for taking long breaks. (Related: For more stories like these visit Whistleblower.news). For those of us who worked on the top floor, the closest toilets were down four flights of stairs, he explained to The Sun. People just peed in bottles because they lived in fear of being disciplined over idle time and losing their jobs just because they needed the loo. The undercover investigation sparked a wave of controversy, which ultimately compelled Shona Ghosh of Business Insider UK to take an even more in-depth look into Amazons questionable practices. Among several other things, Ghoshs report indicated that some workers have been penalized by Amazon for being sick, which is obviously something that is beyond their control. One pregnant employee received warning points for getting sick while on the job, and another employee was reprimanded for also getting sick even though they had a note from their doctor. Read Humanitarian.news for more stories on human rights. Sources include: Bloomberg.com TechTimes.com FACT CHECK: Daily Caller claims lack of vaccines is causing a return of polio to Venezuela but so far the grand total is just ONE patient Venezuelas crumbling socialized healthcare system has been making headlines as the government has struggled to dole out the funds being demanded for vaccines. Propagandists are already inciting outrage, claiming that low vaccination rates in the South American nation will lead to epidemics of disease. In a recent piece that smacks of pro-vaccine fake news, The Daily Caller claimed that a lack of vaccines was causing polio to return in Venezuela, but is that really true? A single child from the Venezuelan state of Delta Amacuro has displayed one symptom of polio, according to reports. More importantly, however, is the fact that this alleged case of polio has not been officially confirmed, according to a statement from the World Health Organization. [A]n acute flaccid paralysis case is currently being investigated, the WHO told CNN. Final results are expected over the coming weeks. Acute flaccid paralysis is caused by a number of different causalities, poliovirus being just one of them, the WHO explained in their statement. Acute flaccid paralysis is a common symptom of polio; its described as the sudden onset of weakness or loss of mobility in any part of the body in children under age 15. But, as the WHO contends, until lab testing is completed and the results are in its too early to know if this child has polio or another condition. In other words, all these vaccine-happy media outlets are jumping the gun, inciting fear and outrage for no reason. The notion that this child has been afflicted with a not-yet-determined illness because they werent vaccinated is fear-mongering at its finest. The Daily Caller, it seems, is pushing pro-vaccine fake news just like the corporate-run media. Other diseases can look like polio Not long ago, there were fears that polio had returned to the United States, too. Recall the great polio scare of 2014 and 2015, when dozens of children were afflicted with mysterious and sudden paralysis. It was ultimately determined that while the illness was similar to polio and was part of the same viral family, the affected children did not have polio. In 2014, multiple children came down with polio-like symptoms in the state of California. Dr. Keith Van Haren, a pediatric neurologist at Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital Stanford, wrote a report on five of the cases. All five children had received the polio vaccine. Beyond the fact that the alleged case of polio in Venezuela could be anything but, its also important to look at the cold, hard truth about polio vaccinations. Polio vaccines as a source of disease While the mainstream media is reluctant to report on the truth about the polio vaccine, it turns out that the polio vaccine can be even more dangerous than the actual disease. In 2017, it was revealed that polio vaccinations were causing more paralysis than wild polio. Mutant strains of the disease spread by vaccination led over 20 children to experience paralysis last year while just six children were infected with wild polio. No nation showcases the potential harms of polio vaccines like Syria. In 2017, dozens of children were harmed. World Health Organization representative Elizabeth Hoff reported, As of 18 August 2017, 33 children under the age of five have been paralyzed. But, as usual, the response from global health organizations was to deepen their efforts at vaccinating more children. Raul Andino, a professor of microbiology at the University of California at San Francisco conducted research which explains how and why vaccine-derived polio causes disease. The virus is capable of replicating and mutating fairly quickly in the human intestinal tract, within just a month or two of vaccination. As the virus starts circulating in the community, it acquires further mutations that make it basically indistinguishable from the wild-type virus. Its polio in terms of virulence and in terms of how the virus spreads, Andino said. In areas with poor sanitation, this means vaccine-derived polio can spread with ease. Even if the child affected in Venezuela does have polio, there is a substantial chance that its actually vaccine-derived polio. Past numbers show that more children get vaccine-derived polio than wild polio. Furthermore, Venezuela is under extreme duress and basic health supplies are hard to find. Discover more truth about inoculations at Vaccines.news. Sources for this article include: DailyCaller.com NPR.org The Curve Inn hosts the Showtime Shane Fundraiser from 2 to 8pm on Sunday, June 17 for the daughters and family of Shane M. Shomidie. Here comes the ides of June on Friday along with Fathers Day on Sunday and a plain-old Saturday sandwiched in between, all filled with glorious and wonderful live music to share. Lets go straight to Sunday when the Curve Inn hosts a tribute to Shane Shomidie on Fathers Day from 2 to 8 p.m. in the form of a benefit for his daughters, Lola and Baelynn, ages 3 and 9. We lost Shane, the son of Springfield musician Micky Shomidie, in a tragic accident on the Sangamon River, and now Shanes friends and family come together to make music, share stories, and aid the Shomidie children (check with INB to donate to the Shane M. Shomidie Family Trust). Bands donating their time include Rockhouse, Girl-A-Thon, Hurricane Ruth, Off the Wall and Lick Creek, plus a House of Nasty reunion and a tribute to Shane by Meezy Killafield and Pytch Wyte. There will also be a live and silent auction, a 50/50 drawing and a memorial run, all for this event which is officially called the Showtime Shane Fundraiser after Shanes professional performance name. Micky described Shane as always reaching for the stars and not afraid to make sacrifices in order to achieve his life goals and dreams. That sounds a bit like someone we all know, Micky. Shane, a nationally-acclaimed, professional martial arts competitor and member of the National Guard, was also a performer, songwriter and musician. His recently-recorded album, currently receiving its final production touches, will be released in the coming months. It is titled The Reincarnation. Our condolences to the Shomidie family, and may Shane live on in our lives forever.Its the second Thursday of the month and that means a Music at the Museum date with host Chris Vallillo. Junes offering is a northern Minnesota duo called Pushing Chain who fancy themselves as a Folky-Tonk hybrid, bringing together old-style country with a folk twist, all performed on guitar and fiddle. Chris also hosts the Hickory Ridge monthly concert series at the Dickson Mounds Museum near Lewiston. This Saturday features old-time blues fingerpicking stylist Andy Cohen, who I can vouch for as an amazing conduit of the style most familiar to us, exemplified by artists such as Rev. Gary Davis and Mississippi John Hurt. Andy made the rounds in meeting and performing with the last generation of great blues players most notably Honeyboy Edwards in his later years.On Friday Bar None hosts a diverse set of original bands, melding Wolf Crick Boys, Los Injectors and Chris Sorenson Project into a one-night-only extravaganza of gargantuan proportions. Saturday night is alright at Bar None when Go! Tsunami does a CD release party for their latest, A Day at the Beach, with Whiskey Shadows, special musical guests from Champaign. Outside in the BoS Centers plaza area, Springfield welcomes a full-scale, old-school concert with Gin Blossoms and opening acts Tonic and Vertical Horizon.On Sunday in Fathers Day activities concerning fathers and sons, Tom Beverly and Tom Beverly (appearing as the musical group Chatham Road) roll into 3Sixteen in Chatham. Rockin Johnny Burgin continues his Springfield tour with a show outside at Boones Saloon from 4 to 7. I get to accompany Johnny on bass, and well feature my son Owen Irwin on electric guitar and my son John playing piano and singing his own tunes, as well. Jimmy Riemer keeps on his college summer fun tour with an afternoon performance at Danenberger Family Vineyards, and my money says his dad will be there in the audience to cheer him on.Happy Fathers Day, and happy everyday to everyone! Ripple Brad Garlinghouse Bitcoin It might be an overstatement to say that Brad Garlinghouse has been on a bitcoin-bashing tour he is, after all, a bitcoin investor himself but its undeniable that the Ripple CEO has used the recent market downturn as an opportunity to throw shade at the flagship cryptocurrency. The latest jab came this week in Boston, where speaking at the 2018 Stifel Cross Sector Insight Conference Garlinghouse told a packed house that bitcoin is controlled by China. Ill tell you another story that is underreported, but worth paying attention to. Bitcoin is really controlled by China. There are four miners in China that control over 50% of Bitcoin, he said, according to financial publication TheStreet. How do we know that China wont intervene? How many countries want to use a Chinese-controlled currency? Its just not going to happen. Bitcoin is not the panacea we thought it would be, he added, echoing his remark from earlier this month that bitcoin is unlikely to become the global currency that many including Jack Dorsey and Steve Wozniak hope that it will be. Elsewhere in his comments this week, Garlinghouse struck down the idea that blockchain technology in and of itself is enough to disrupt banks and render them obsolete. Blockchain will not disrupt banks, he said, though it will play an important role in the way our system works. Its a short-sighted view. That latter remark is not surprising, given that San Francisco-based Ripples business model is built primarily on using distributed ledger technology (DLT) to help financial institutions to make cross-border transactions more efficiently. The company is the primary backer of XRP often colloquially referred to as Ripple, given the close association between the asset and the firm and it has partnered with several high-profile financial services businesses such as Western Union and MoneyGram to pilot the use of XRP in their payment flows. Story continues At present, XRP ranks as the worlds third-largest cryptocurrency with a circulating market cap of $21.2 billion. The majority of XRP tokens issued or not are controlled by Ripple. Featured image from Flickr/Christopher Michel The post Bitcoin Is Controlled by China, Wont Disrupt Banks: Ripple CEO Brad Garlinghouse appeared first on CCN. cloud mining A mysterious startup based out of Estonia has filed with the US Securities and Exchange Commission to inform the agency that it intends to raise nearly $200 million through an initial coin offering (ICO). According to public documents filed earlier this month, the firm NewTech Myning OU hopes to raise as much as $180 million by selling GoWeb tokens through Simple Agreements for Future Tokens (SAFT). Token prices are fixed at $3, and investors can purchase as little as one token. The document indicates that NewTech Myning was formed in 2018 as a limited liability company (LLC) and that it is based out of Tallinn, Estonia. The sale was filed under Regulation D, indicating that the company is seeking an exemption from standard securities registration requirements. NewTech Myning OU said that they are exempt from registration under Rule 506(c), which means that only accredited investors can contribute to the offering. The documents reveal little else about the company, but the GoWeb website indicates that the tokens will entitle their owners to a set amount of computing power from the firms cloud mining data center. The website further states that GoWeb was formed in 2014, though if true it has operated largely under-the-radar. Notably, Rainer Osanik, who in the filing is listed as NewTech Mynings CEO, does not appear among the team members listed on the GoWeb website. If GoWeb successfully reaches its hard cap, it could rank as one of the 10 most lucrative token sales in 2018. According to data from CoinSchedule, ICOs have raised just under $10 billion in 2018, though just eight projects have raised $100 million or more (not including EOS, whose $4 billion ICO began in 2017). However, it remains to be seen whether this little-known startup will be able to attract this level of capital. Featured Image from Shutterstock. The post Mysterious Estonian Mining Firm Files to Hold $180 Million ICO appeared first on CCN. Im a part of the first group of journalists to go into the shelter for detained child migrants in Brownsville Texas since the zero tolerance separation policy was announced. 1000+ boys here. Going in right now. More tonight w @chrislhayes on @allinwithchris @MSNBC. #inners pic.twitter.com/NeLlaDdSKv Jacob Soboroff (@jacobsoboroff) June 13, 2018 Reply Thread Link Starting to get some handout photos from our tour with @HHSGov. Heres the Trump mural I mentioned to @chrislhayes inside the shelter for incarcerated child migrants. Also their beds and the towels they shower with. pic.twitter.com/EPEQ1VGAAF Jacob Soboroff (@jacobsoboroff) June 14, 2018 jesus. jesus. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Holy shit. Reply Parent Thread Link i'm gonna hurl Reply Parent Thread Link Holy shit this is heartbreaking and incredibly bleak. Reply Parent Thread Link cruel and so evil. it's heartbreaking what these kids and families are being put through Reply Parent Thread Link This is fucking chilling - literally imprisoning hundreds of kids. And that mural, christ. Reply Parent Thread Link I was reading this and I felt so hopeless. I don't even know what to say. Children should not be raised like that. Reply Parent Thread Link they say detention center, my Jew ass says concentration camp. Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Jfc. This is pure evil Reply Parent Thread Link That little keebler goblin was almost gleeful while talking about this. Can't wait for this whole admin to burn in hell. Reply Thread Link Reps. Gutierrez, Crowley, Lewis, Jayapal, Green, walked from Customs and Border Patrol to (near) the White House to protest. Those are Reps. Gutierrez, Crowley, Lewis, Jayapal, Green, to name a few theyve walked from Customs and Border Patrol to (near) the White House to protest the administration separating children from their parents at the border. pic.twitter.com/i8z3OaGdF7 DJ Judd (@juddzeez) June 13, 2018 There was a march in Washington today, but we all need to be in the streets over this.Reps. Gutierrez, Crowley, Lewis, Jayapal, Green, walked from Customs and Border Patrol to (near) the White House to protest. Reply Parent Thread Link Look if anyone wants to [redacted] Jeff Sessions and Donald Trump, I will provide an alibi. Reply Thread Link Same. I'm an excellent liar. Reply Parent Thread Link Trump administration launches denaturalization effort to strip citizenship from those suspected of irregularities: https://t.co/Uh1kMJ5kZ1 pic.twitter.com/DNwss7ZNdU Slate (@Slate) June 13, 2018 Even naturalized citizens aren't safe. Reply Thread Link I wonder if this is even legal. Reply Parent Thread Link Nah, we never stopped. Just waiting in the wings for the perfect time to royally fuck over anyone not deemed a white elite. A culmination of laws that have amped up since the Patriot Act and the decline of basic civil rights. (Not that it didn't happen before, but it's much more visible on a wider scale since social media and the internet consumption age limits governmental messaging.) Reply Parent Thread Link holy shit, this can't be real. Reply Parent Thread Link jfc as if this isn't going to be used to bully/intimidate ppl from "undesirable" ethnic groups watch as the trump admin tries to do away with birthright citizenship too Edited at 2018-06-14 03:37 am (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Hes doing this because he doesnt want melania to wipe him out in the divorce Reply Parent Thread Link That's what countries do when they want to ethnically cleanse a population Reply Parent Thread Link This is so infuriating. Reply Thread Link It's so upsetting. Reply Parent Thread Link How Pro-Life to rip a nursing child from their mother. What's really fucked up is that these people don't view immigrant children as human - they're (depending on the circumstance) "anchor babies" or murderers/rapists/terrorists in the making, they are leeches taking milk and clothes away from someone else's child, etc. It's a fight where we are already cut off at the knees. Reply Parent Thread Link Its disgusting what is happening to these families and should be illegal. Not to mention how they lost the location of some of the children already. Abuse is inevitable. Then there was Marco Antonio Munoz who committed suicide after being separated from his wife and son. And now the DOJ is saying domestic violence shouldn't be considered a reason for asylum. Reply Thread Link #MAGA Infant ripped from mother's arms while she was breastfeeding the baby at border detention center; mother handcuffed for resisting https://t.co/vhbsGKrWLo Kasie Hunt (@kasie) 13 June 2018 Taking cues from his buddy Joe Arpaio Lets call this what it is a human rights abuse being committed by the United States government. Congress cannot let this go on. We need to take immediate action to stop the Trump Administration from indiscriminately breaking up families at the border. https://t.co/l52JPyoh2D Kamala Harris (@KamalaHarris) 13 June 2018 Taking cues from his buddy Joe Arpaio Reply Thread Link My eyes are on 2018 and 2020. I just have no idea what else we can do other than work our asses off to get better people elected and end all of this. If dump truck wins in 2020 though... Edited at 2018-06-14 02:49 am (UTC) Reply Thread Link Do you have any dirty on separating California being on the ballot on Nov? It's so dumb I want to laugh at it but at the same time Americans clearly make poor choices. Reply Parent Thread Link It could be our Brexit! Nah, I mean, Southern California would be fucked. San Diego doesnt have the economic power to carry it. Who fucking knows though. Im done trying to pretend people give a fuck about anything. Reply Parent Thread Link It's sooo dumb. I don't think it'll happen. Reply Parent Thread Link It's not going to happen. Californians have a very strong sense of identity. Not as strong as Texans, but still. Not to mention, I don't know how "Southern California" could possibly sustain itself without LA County. The state really needs each other as a whole. Edited at 2018-06-14 03:59 am (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link lmao ofc fucking tim draper is behind it Reply Parent Thread Link Will do! Reply Parent Thread Link I'm in CA so lmao obviously one of my senators is on board and I'm sure Kamala Harris is too. But I'm going to call my Representative to tell him that I am appalled by this administration's treatment of immigrants and want him to sponsor legislation to limit ICE's authority and to protect immigrants. eta: clicked the link and yep Kamala is one of the co-sponsers. So gonna get on my Rep's ass to take some action! Edited at 2018-06-14 04:15 am (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Link DiFi hustling this election year, damn! Reply Parent Thread Link WTF AMERICA.Yall need to be rioting in the streets over this....its appalling Reply Thread Link Mte Reply Parent Thread Link Our national protest day for this is tomorrow! Idk about other places but the SF baby area has protests everywhere tomorrow. Reply Parent Thread Link Everything about this is making me feel so sick to my stomach. It feels like we've learned nothing from the Japanese interment camps. Fuck. I went looking to see if there were any protests being planned but I didn't see anything after a cursory google search. Reply Thread Link If you are furious and heartbroken that our government, in our name, is ripping families apart: we take to the streets this Thursday, June 14. Go to https://t.co/KEgCeTPFDH to find a protest near you. #FamiliesBelongTogether pic.twitter.com/yvGS3pZfVU Ben Wikler (@benwikler) June 13, 2018 my first time embedding a tweet so hopefully this works Reply Parent Thread Link I think the problem is our current government learned too much from the internment camps. Reply Parent Thread Link Jfc, some gringos really are worse than what I thought Reply Thread Link During an interview with Andy Cohen, Sophia Bushspoke about the allegations made against One Tree Hill creator Mark Schwahn. She also addressed rumors that she left Chicago P.D. due the behavior of her co-star.-Look, my mom is a crazy Italian lady from New Jersey, the first time Mark Schwahn grabbed my ass I hit him in front of six other producers, and I hit him fcking hard,-He came back to LA and I was told years later by one of the then writers who became an EP, that he came back being like that fcking entitled bch! Who does she think she is? and this very sweet man Mike who I love and is like a ride or die for me was like Maybe you shouldnt touch the girls. -It was very clear to him to stay away from me. You heard comments you knew about things he said to people, we knew about the late night texts. We knew when he was super obsessed with one girl on our show that he would try to bang down her hotel room door in the middle of the night,She had to be moved, her rooms were moved. And then her boyfriend came and stayed with her the next month and literally, like, it almost came to fisticuffs between the two of them.-On why she did not leave the show due to Marks actions:First of all, why am I supposed to suffer and kill my own career because someone cant keep their dick in their pants? Second of all, there is a whole crew of people dont know about, Its the reason I am angry about Roseanne being hired back to TV at all, 200 people lost their jobs because she is a psychotic racist.- Cohen asked: There were rumors that you left because of your costars poor behavior. Is that true? Is that why you left?(Its rumored she left Chicago PD due to the agressive behavior/harassment/sexual harassment of co-star Jason Beghe):-"It's a complicated question to answer only because 99.9 percent of the people who are on that show are my family, And they are people who I would go to war for and they are people who I will protect and have chosen to protect very specifically and who I love very, very much."-"To have encountered two really terrible people over the course of my career is kind of a cakewalk," fuck off chad Reply Thread Link He looks like a douche, I mean a Chad. Reply Thread Link An actual 80's high school movie villain come to life. Reply Parent Thread Link its nuts to me that she was only 22 when she married him. idk why I always thought she was much older also I give her major props for continuing to work with him after what he did. I guess she didnt have much choice but I dont know if I could do it especially because their characters had just started dating as they were getting divorced Reply Thread Link ikr and i feel like a lot of scenes post-their characters' break up was written in a way where they could easily have been talking to each other as themselves, esp since they revovled around a love triangle and he cheated on her irl. it must have been super weird/hard to do Reply Parent Thread Link I always thought that seemed awkward, too. Now I wonder if it was on purpose since Mark was apparently a huge ass. Reply Parent Thread Link I feel like 22-year-olds looked a lot older ten years ago. Now everybody just looks like a glorified high school kid. Reply Parent Thread Link the season 3 finale was definitely not acting for her, you can see it so clearly. sad. Reply Parent Thread Link i'm pretty sure mark put them back together in the show because it would make her uncomfortable. he's such a fucking trash person. Reply Parent Thread Link he's just...such a Chad Reply Thread Link the fact that he felt the need to release his own statement is so very CHAD-like. she didn't really do him that dirty Reply Thread Link this is literally boggling my mind...all this press is making teenage me scream and freak out... Reply Thread Link Chad by name, Chad by nature. Reply Thread Link fuck this comment is killing me Reply Parent Thread Link lmafoooooo Reply Parent Thread Link this is too good, you need to go home Reply Parent Thread Link loool Reply Parent Thread Link BRAVA Reply Parent Thread Link lol Reply Parent Thread Link lmao byeeeee Reply Parent Thread Link bahahaha bookmarking this Reply Parent Thread Link LOOOOL Reply Parent Thread Link Lmaooo so right on point Reply Parent Thread Link Lmfaaaaoooo Reply Parent Thread Link Lmaooo Reply Parent Thread Link lol mte Reply Parent Thread Link Lol irl Reply Parent Thread Link Bookmarking this for comment of the year Reply Parent Thread Link lmao accurate Reply Parent Thread Link lmfao Reply Parent Thread Link lol so this guy is still just as obnoxious 13 years later Reply Thread Link he has a very happy family life with his wife and children. He has completely moved on and doesnt feel the need to engage in this type of behavior. But getting together with underage girls is the type of behavior he'd engage in apparently. But getting together with underage girls is the type of behavior he'd engage in apparently. Reply Thread Link Chad conducts himself in a completely professional manner Didn't he start dating a OTH extra who was still in high school right after his divorce from Bush? Reply Thread Link i seem to vaguely remember this and i was never into either of them or the show Reply Parent Thread Link Yes. And he took her to her prom too if I recall. Also he cheated on her eventually and married someone else who was an extra maybe? This part Im a bit hazy on. But as I understand it, hes a known serial cheater that everyone has mentioned before not just Sophia. Busy Philips has said some shady stuff about him too I think. Reply Parent Thread Link he didn't take her to prom as her school banned him lol, but he did allegedly cheat on kenzie with a woman from another show he was on. (nicky whelan) Edited at 2018-06-14 04:03 pm (UTC) Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Busy Philips has said some shady stuff about him too I think Lol I remember when Katie Holmes had to make out with his character on Dawson's Creek, there was a scene where she had to giggle with him on the bed, and there was a gag reel on YouTube that showed her looking soooo pissed off and sick as soon as they yelled cut. It was hilarious how fast her expression changed once the take was over, she clearly hated him Reply Parent Thread Link yes and he proposed to her before his and sophias divorce was even finalized Reply Parent Thread Link There was clearly overlap between those two relationships, by the way. Reply Parent Thread Link He cheated on Sophia with numerous extras. Reply Parent Thread Link Ehh, I don't think he had to come out so strong but I get that he doesn't want it brought up again; they've both moved on and does it REALLY matter why they got married/divorced after all this time?? Reply Thread Link "Chad conducts himself in a completely professional manner and would never marry for any reason but love" maybe it's the pain meds but this sounds so funny to me Reply Thread Link can i have some? Reply Parent Thread Link I laughed too. Reply Parent Thread Link "apparently that's not his actual star" someone explain that to me? Reply Thread Link Ohhhh. Well, I admire her for doing it anyway, tbh. I can understand how seeing your Dad's name with it would upset you--even if it was another Michael Jackson. <3 She's still a sweet person for doing it. I would've done the same, honestly. Reply Parent Thread Link I mean, if there's a different Michael Jackson on the walk of fame, then maybe. But the picture clearly shows "Michael Jackson" on the star? Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Lmao bravery that she cleaned the star, what a hero Reply Thread Link Alexandria Lowell @EpixAndroidv2 Not to mention today is #VictoryDay, aka the 13th anniversary of her dad's acquittal. This smells like a publicity stunt to me. People tag those stars on Hollywood Blvd. all the time. Literally every day. It's not unusual to see graffiti there. Yeah, she cleaned it off and put it all over social media. Coincidentally:This smells like a publicity stunt to me. People tag those stars on Hollywood Blvd. all the time. Literally every day. It's not unusual to see graffiti there. Reply Parent Thread Link mte, my eyes rolled so far back, i only read the comments to see something like this Reply Parent Thread Link Wow, the bravery and strength! Reply Thread Link I really dont give a fuck about defacing a pedophiles star OP Reply Thread Link I mean...on one hand, I agree. On the other hand, I feel like if she doesn't believe it happened, and she has a different image in her mind of the man he was, I feel for her. So for me, it has nothing to do with him. It has to do with her and how much that would suck. Reply Parent Thread Link me neither. i wonder if paris would turn a corner on this aspect of her dad as she gets older. Reply Parent Thread Link I doubt it. Legally, he wasn't found guilty and denied it, and he settled out of courts so it would end, and had it put in the settlement that he was NOT admitting guilt. It's her Dad, and she thinks of him as an angel, so I really don't think she's ever going to believe he actually did it. Regardless of what we all think about him, again, it's just sad for her and I feel for her. Reply Parent Thread Link Same. Seeing the "people are garbage" bit made me think of him rather than whoever defaced the star. Reply Parent Thread Link http://projects.latimes.com/hollywood/star-walk/michael-jackson-radio/ this is NOT her dad's star. it is another man names michael jackson who worked in radio Reply Parent Thread Link What did they write down tho? Pedo? Reply Thread Link I didn't see any pictures of it before she'd wiped some of it away, so I'm not sure. :( Reply Parent Thread Link Btw the eyebrows in your icon legit had me cackling. <3 Reply Parent Thread Link Hahahaha, ty, lace front bb forever an icon <3 Reply Parent Thread Link Even if that one was for a different person, I'm sure they meant to deface HIS star bc I doubt anyone would be motivated to tag the star of Michael Jackson, British radio commentator. Reply Thread Link I don't disagree that MJ was gross. I'm just saying - if you disconnect for a second from him, and focus on his daughter as a human being with feelings (who doesn't believe any of it), it's sad for her. That's my point. It's not about him any more, he's dead. He doesn't care about some piece of rock with his name carved on it. That's just how I feel about it, but you're entitled to your thoughts. <3 Reply Parent Thread Link Well his victims, who are still living, might have some thoughts. Reply Parent Thread Link I mean yeah I understand why shed clean it off, but I also understand why someone would deface a star of a pedophile. I dont think thats disgusting at all Reply Parent Thread Link I think its disgusting how much MJ harmed several children so severely and yet his victims are still judged and shamed. This? Eh. Reply Thread Link the saddest thing they've seen all week? have they watched the news?? Reply Thread Link MTE, i guess kids being taken away from their parents is no biggie? Reply Parent Thread Link seriously, like that story about the converted defunct Wal-Mart where the boys are housed was truly upsetting a rich celeb cleaning her rich celeb father's star is not sad lol Reply Parent Thread Expand Link Mte. Idk why people feel so sorry for her. The amount of privilege she has doesnt warrant it at all. Reply Parent Thread Link Isnt the hall of fame committee or whatever tasked with cleaning them up? Anyway, his real Star should be destroyed tbh. Too bad Michael didnt survive to witness the me too movement but his death probably prevented more abuse. Reply Thread Link Its insane to me how many ppl STILL worship him after his pedophile past smdh i can never wrap my head around that i didnt even like most of his music Reply Thread Link only feel bad for the other michael jackson who gets his star of fame mistaken for a pedo by the same name. Reply Thread Link mte The people screaming about how dare somebody deface the star of an icon are making me rme Reply Parent Thread Link Lol for real Reply Parent Thread Link lmao mte Reply Parent Thread Link Seriously lol poor guy Reply Parent Thread Link lmao mfte Reply Parent Thread Link For some reason, I read Paris Hilton and was extremely confused as to what Paris Hilton did this time to deserve community service Reply Thread Link paris hilton has dONE her dues! missy knows how to clean walls, sidewalks, et al. Reply Parent Thread Link aw so sweet of princess paris <3 rip adult baby legend <3 Reply Thread Link i'm glad ontd has come back arnd to sanity on mj. his delusional LSA stans... Reply Thread Link Some people truly think that because he wasn't found guilty, he's innocent. Like, I get their mindset if it's ONE situation. But the amount of people who came forward with really detailed accounts? And then the reason most of the cases were thrown out was because of the time frame. Like, even the COURTS basically shamed the victims! "You waited too long. Nope." So, I'm definitely anti MJ. I just feel for his daughter, because that's a tough spot to be in. If you're raised by someone who treats you like a princess and gives you unconditional love, and you're surrounded by people who are on his side, you're not going to see things the way we all do. So I feel for her just as a human. I'm glad she kind of shrugged it off. Although, as someone earlier commented, it's a little suspect that this was on the anniversary of his acquittal... hmm. Reply Parent Thread Link the era of his court case was ontd at the height of insanity tbh i was a lurker then but i remember seeing ppl go absolutely mental trying to find ways to defend him, all those "he has the heart of a child.... he never had a childhood...." defenses. omg Reply Parent Thread Link Adult baby!!!!! Reply Parent Thread Link The Es Sider oil export terminal in Libya was shut down and loadings at another one, Ras Lanuf, were suspended today after clashes between the Libyan national Army and the Benghazi Defense Brigades, Reuters reports, citing local sources. At least one oil storage tank in Ras Lanuf has been set on fire, but oilfields have not been affected by the clashes yet, the sources said. According to one of them, from the military, the first attack was launched by the BDBan Islamist group and long-standing foe of the LNAas it attempted to take control of the Oil Crescent and move on to Benghazi, which has been under the control of Khalifa Haftars LNA since last year. The LNA took control over the Oil Crescent, including the four export terminals, back in 2016 after a prolonged blockade by the Petroleum Facilities Guard. It then transferred control of the area to the National Oil Corporation. Libya has the biggest crude oil reserves in Africa, but the country has had a hard time getting back on its feet after the toppling of Muammar Gaddafi and getting its oil industry back on track. Because of the frequent production outages, Libya has become a major oil price swing factor, and this state of affairs is set to continue in the absence of any sign that the political chaos is about to end anytime soon. Related: Chinas Oil Demand Could Take A Big Hit The latest outage was in May, when a militant group attacked the pipeline feeding crude from the Waha oil field to Es Sider, costing the field operators around 80,000 bpd in lost production. This was the second attack on this pipeline in five months. Waha produces 300,000 bpd, on par with Libyas largest field, El Sharara, which has also been the target of several attacks. To date, Libyas oil production is still relatively stable at about 1 million barrels daily, with field and pipeline outages proving brief for the time being. Still, as many of these have happened at fields that produce a substantial portion of the national total, they have had an immediate effect on prices. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Plastics and petrochemicals are the future of Big Oil - there is hardly any question about that if by future we mean the distant future. There is still no consensus and there wont be any time soon - about when exactly peak oil demand will descend upon the oil industry, but most forecasters seem to give the industry another few decades of drawing the bulk of their income from selling fuels. After that, it will be plastics and petrochemicals. Big Oil is already preparing, and its not alone. The worlds biggest oil company in terms of reserves, Saudi Aramco, has been very active in seeking refining and petrochemicals projects to invest in as part of its efforts to secure long-term demand for its crude and maximize its value as well. The latest news is a deal between Aramco and a California startup that will allow the Saudi company to use the startups oxidative coupling of methane technology in its petrochemicals operations. This technology may sound impressive but it is in fact an alternative to the traditional way of converting gas into ethylene, the main raw material for plastics. This alternative, according to the California company, Siluria, can increase the portion of crude oil converted into chemical feedstocks to 40-80 percent per barrel from the current 15-25 percent, while the rest is made into fuel. Aramco and Siluria announced their deal in a joint statement without going into financial details. However, the signal is loud and clear: Aramco is doubling down on its refining and plastics bet made amid the latest oil price crisis. Related: U.S. Solar Growth Undeterred By Solar Panel Tariffs The companys vice president for downstream operations, Abdulaziz Al-Judaimi, provided some figures in a recent interview with Reuters. Aramco, which produces around 10 million bpd of crude oil, aims to increase its refining capacity from 5 million bpd now to 8 million bpd-10 million bpd, and to double its petrochemicals production by 2030, Al-Judaimi said. Our strategy is very simple. We want to be at 8 to 10 million barrels per day of participated (refining) capacity ... (and) we are going forward by trying to be a top leader in chemicals by 2040, he said. The Saudi company is committing billions of dollars to new petrochemical projects, including a US$44-billion refinery and petrochemical complex in India and a US$7-billion investment in another complex in Malaysia, and is in negotiations with companies for more partnerships in this segment. Indeed, focusing on plastics and petrochemicals is the only way forward for oil companies if were talking about their core business, excluding a shift to renewable energy. Its the only way, but a threat awaits oil companies who take that path: the fight against single-use plastics. Related: Is This The Most Contentious OPEC Meeting Yet? The worlds plastics problem is so grave that it has spurred a renewed push against single-use plastic products in Europe that resulted in a ban of single-use cutlery, plates, and straws. And Europe is not alone in this push: earlier this month, India announced its own plans to phase out all single-use plastic products by 2022. Not everyone is concerned with the war on plastics. Shells downstream head, John Abbot, for example, recently told the FT the plastics bans are not a problem for oil companies. Even if all single-use plastics are banned globally, the impact of this on petrochemicals demand will be a decline of 3-4 percent. Indeed, plastics and petrochemicals are the future of the oil industry, and Aramco is betting on the right horse. By Irina Slav for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Automakers are looking for states to support electric vehicle sales and charging infrastructure development regardless of what President Donald Trump and EPA Administrator Scott Pruitt end up deciding to do about federal rules on fuel economy and emissions. A trade group representing U.S. and foreign automakers has sent letters to governors of nine states that follow Californias zero emission vehicle program. The Alliance of Automobile Manufacturers would like to see these states Connecticut, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, Oregon, Rhode Island and Vermont take steps to increase EV sales that would include investing in the infrastructure and offering attractive incentives such as tax credits for purchasing the vehicles. Theyd also like to see fleets play a significant role, with automakers asking states and local governments to purchase more ZEVs for their fleets. Major automakers had approached the Trump administration last year asking that the Obama administrations late decision to formalize the second phase of fuel economy and emissions targets be put on hold. Theyd expressed concerns that the 46.8 miles per gallon target was not going to be accomplished by 2025 and would need more time for adoption. EPA chief Pruitt indicated that the targets would be gutted and that Californias ZEV targets wouldnt not be taken seriously. That led to 17 states, including California, suing the EPA to reinstate the targets and protect Californias ZEV mandate. Automakers were upset that the Trump administrations stance would quite costly through litigation and new legislation passed by large states representing sizable auto sales. Global carmakers see ZEVs especially electric vehicles to be inevitable over the next decade. The U.S. may be softening the mandates adopted under the Obama administration, but mandates are increasing for EV sales in China and much of Europe. Related: IEA: Oil Prices Could Rise Further As Shale Cant Fill The Gap General Motors, BMW, Daimler, Nissan, and other companies, want to see the huge investments theyve made in EVs and hydrogen fuel cell vehicles pay off. They do expect governments to play their part in bridging the wide gap between skeptical car shoppers and early adopters of the new technology. Several states are making commitments to backing the technology. New York will be investing $4.2 million to deploy high-speed EV charging stations along a state highway. Several states are setting up structures for public utilities to make their own investments in EV charging networks. Seven states have agreed to work with automakers on an education campaign to inform the public about the availability of EV models, benefits gained, and available purchasing incentives. The U.S. Department of Energy reports that there are 58 ZEV models available in the U.S. 21 battery electric, 34 plug-in hybrids, and three fuel-cell vehicles. Sales continue to be small, with hybrids and ZEVs accounting for only 3.2 percent of new sales last year in the U.S. Automakers are also growing weary with Trumps aggressive stance on proposed tariffs for importing vehicles. LMC Automotive predicts that if Trumps proposed 25 percent tariff on imported were to be put in place, it may cost the U.S. auto industry 1 million annual vehicle sales. That number would double to 2 mission sales of the entire tariff spike were to be passed on to consumers. Companies such as Ford, GM, Tesla, Daimler, BMW, and Nissan, are setting goals for selling EVs in the booming China market and in other key markets in Europe and North America. Tensions between countries such as China and U.S. may disrupt their joint ventures and vehicle distribution strategies. Tariffs imposed by the Trump administration to aluminum and steel are already pushing up their costs for GM, according to CEO Mary Barra. The White House had imposed a 25 percent tariff on imported aluminum and steel. The Trump administration is also exploring the idea of imposing a 25 percent tariff on vehicles that are exported to the U.S. from the European Union as well as Mexico, Canada, and China. Barra is concerned that cost increases will impact affordability of the vehicles and consumer appeal. GM would need to be price competitive to maintain its role in global new vehicle sales. Related: Chinas Surprising Move To Cut Solar Subsidies Automakers are working on reducing lithium-ion battery costs, extending EV range after being charged, and working with utilities and governments on building out the charging infrastructure. Government incentives play a large role across the world in making all of this a reality. With the Trump administration pulling support away from fuel economy and emissions targets, automakers are looking for other markets to fill some of that void. That will include foreign markets and working closely with state and local governments to make incentives available for EV purchases and charging. The U.S., especially California, had been the dominant EV market for several years. Thats been transitioning over to China, with Europe playing as important role as the U.S. By Jon LeSage for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: Now that the much-anticipated meeting between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore fades from the news cycle, giving way to a myriad of analysis from seemingly all corners, Iran is giving its take on the historic meeting of the two leaders. Iranian Foreign Ministry Spokesman Bahram Qassemi said in press conference that Iran wants peace and stability on the Korean peninsula. Iran welcomes any steps toward peace in the welfare of the people. But given the past record of the U.S. and President Donald Trump who has violated international treaties, especially the 2015 nuclear deal, Iran remains deeply pessimistic about Trumps intentions. North Korea should act with caution. The nature of the U.S. government is not such that one can be optimistic about it. Irans comments over the summit between Trump and Kim come as the commencement of renewed U.S. sanctions against the Islamic Republic nears, which could remove as much as 500,000 barrels of Iranian oil per day, perhaps more, from world markets. Moreover, there is a ticking clock involved that Tehran has to worry about. On May 8, Trumps executive order over Irans nuclear development started a 180-day countdown timer for the White House to re-impose all of the sanctions on Iran that were relaxed under the Obama-era deal reached in 2015. Searching for allies Since May 8, Tehran first turned to the EU for help to nix the impact of any renewed U.S. sanctions imposed unilaterally by Washington. However, with many EU members either unwilling or unable to risk backlash from Washington, Iran then turned to OPEC for help, asking the 14-member oil producing cartel to support it against what Irans Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh called illegal, unilateral and extraterritorial sanctions, a reference to U.S. interference. Related: Oil Prices Rebound On Crude, Gasoline Inventory Draws The problem for Iran in seeking help from a unified OPEC is arch-rival and de facto OPEC leader Saudi Arabia who, along with the U.S., is trying to minimize Irans influence in the region. Any help from OPEC over U.S. sanctions, therefore, is off the table. North Korea hails historic summit Moreover, Irans words of advice for Pyongyang seem to have been muted in North Korea, which has hailed the Trump-Kim meeting as a win for the Kim regime, but also praising Trump in the process. "Thanks to the fixed decision and will of the top leaders of the two countries to put an end to the extreme hostile relations between the DPRK [North Korea] and the US -- which lingered for the longest period on the earth in terms of acute confrontation -- and to open up a new future for the sake of the interests of the peoples of the two countries and global peace and security, the first DPRK-US summit was held," North Korean media said in a television broadcast after the summit. After giving a detailed account of the Singapore meeting, North Korean state-run media outlet Rodong Sinmun said the summit met with success amid enthusiastic support and welcome of the whole world come to be a great event of weighty significance in further promoting the historic trend toward reconciliation and peace, stability and prosperity being created in the Korean Peninsula and the region and in making a radical switch over in the most hostile DPRK-U.S. relations, as required by the developing times. In its first report on the summit, the official KCNA news agency said on Wednesday that the apparent breakthrough in relations to Kim's "proactive peace-loving measures" earlier in the year. The news agency also applauded Trump's willingness to negotiate despite longstanding hostility between the two countries. Irans quandary However, while more work remains to be done to see that any initial agreement between Trump and Kim will be furthered, Iran will have a more difficult time appeasing Trump. On June 12, the same day as the summit in Singapore, Trump said that hed soon like a real deal with Iran. He added, "I hope that, at the appropriate time, after the sanctions kick in and they are brutal what we've put on Iran I hope that they're going to come back and negotiate a real deal because I'd love to be able to do that but right now it's too soon to do that. Also, in another part of the geopolitical triangle between the U.S., Iran and North Korea, it remains to be seen if the U.S. will press North Korea over its alleged military ties with Iran, a potential sticking point for further negotiations between Washington and Pyongyang. Related: Can Saudi Arabia Prevent The Next Oil Shock? In August, Kim Yong Nam, chairman of the Supreme Assembly of North Korea, spent 10 days in Iran meeting with both Iranian President Hassan Rouhani and top officials to further ties. However, media in the U.S. also said the meeting could have been a cover for the two sides strengthening military cooperation. The meeting between Iran and North Korea was also likely an attempt by Pyongyang to ease the impact of U.S.-led sanctions by increasing bilateral trade and assistance between the two fledgling nuclear powers. Now that the lifting of U.S. sanctions from North Korea is a possibility, this dynamic could also isolate Iran further as it seeks allies anywhere it can to battle American hegemony. Enter U.S. oil Another outcome of the Trump-Kim meeting is the possibility of U.S. crude oil exports to North Korea. Part of U.S.-led sanctions against North Korea over its nuclear development include fuel imports, intended to hit the countrys economic growth and potentially make it want to give up its nuclear plans for sanctions relief a strategy that may be unfolding. While U.S. oil shipments to North Korea could arguably be a long way off, just the possibility could help insure a sustained pivot between the two historic adversaries. By Tim Daiss for Oilprice.com More Top Reads From Oilprice.com: A bipartisan effort by state lawmakers recently passed legislation expanding existing River Edge Redevelopment Zone (RERZ) tax credits that were previously set to expire. The measure simultaneously created the Illinois Historic Preservation Tax Credit, granting state income tax credits to encourage preservation of historic buildings statewide. If Gov. Bruce Rauner signs it into law, the legislation would give those who restore historic buildings credits on their Illinois income tax. Previously, state preservation tax credits were restricted to the RERZ communities of Aurora, East St. Louis, Elgin, Peoria and Rockford. The state Historic Preservation Tax Credit allows taxpayers statewide to apply for an income tax credit of 25 percent of rehab costs, up to a maximum of $3 million, for impending historic preservation projects. The applications would be reviewed by the Historic Preservation Division of the Illinois Department of Natural Resources, which would then allocate the $15 million available annually to selected preservation projects. The preservation tax credit program will be in effect from Jan. 1, 2019, through Dec. 31, 2023. While federal historic preservation income tax credits have long been available, this is the first program that authorizes credits on state income tax. Sponsored by Sen. Steve Stadelman, D-Rockford, and Rep. Jehan Gordon-Booth, D-Peoria, the bill passed in the Illinois House 101-11 on May 31, and was sent to the Senate, which unanimously approved the measure 51-0 on the same day. While arguing for the bill on the House floor, Booth explained the need to expand income tax credits statewide. In order to find creative opportunities to put more investment in our communities, we need to maintain our competitive edge, she said. We are looking to get more buildings back on the tax rolls in our communities. If we are going to be serious about turning the state around, we have to be serious about creating an environment where people can be successful and build a family. Landmarks Illinois, a nonprofit organization advocating for historic preservation, lobbied for the measure when it was introduced in February. In an interview, Bonnie McDonald, president & CEO of Landmarks Illinois, described the efforts to lobby lawmakers to endorse historic preservation legislation. We have been working with members of the General Assembly for nine years to talk about the return on investments to the state from developments that focus on historic buildings, she said. The way that we talked about this bill was to use it as a job creation tool because the work on historic buildings is very labor-intensive. Anybody who has worked on a historic house knows that it can be laborious, and thats why its good for the state of Illinois because it puts more people to work, per-capita and per-dollar than new construction. This is because new construction is material-intensive, meaning it takes a lot of material to construct a building, but not much labor. McDonald said the bill improves an areas property-tax value, and stimuates redevelopment for neighboring buildings. As often, these buildings are vacant or theyre under-performing in the property tax structure. What this bill does is increases the property tax value locally, and it also has an impact on neighboring properties, she said. You often see that when one of these properties goes forward in construction, it starts a domino effect with reinvestment in neighboring properties. McDonald said that the bill will pave the way for other historic preservation inquiries down the road. It can be very difficult to get the finances and capital together, she said. Hopefully, this bill helps future projects because it will demonstrate that theres a market for this property and its use. It makes it easier for other projects to get capital as well. Upon the bills passing, Rockford Mayor Tom McNamara praised the decision to create the statewide tax credits, as well as the extension and improvement of the RERZ program. The River Edge tax credit has truly spurred a rebirth of our downtown, which has helped inspire a renewed sense of pride for our residents, he said. Peoria Mayor Jim Ardis echoed the celebratory sentiments. Bringing jobs and economic opportunity to Peoria will always be one of my top priorities, Ardis said. I want to thank Rep. Gordon-Booth on her continued leadership on this issue. This legislation will help streamline the processes for businesses to take advantage of important economic resources to help Peoria grow. Alex Camp is a masters degree graduate in Public Affairs Reporting from University of Illinois Springfield. He is currently a freelance journalist. Contact him at acamp4@uis.edu. Image grabbed from RVTM video MANILA, Philippines President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the Philippine National Police (PNP) to make sure that the members of the Kalipunan ng Damayang Mahihirap (KADAMAY) will not occupy the vacant housing units of the National Housing Authority (NHA) in Rodriguez, Rizal. The President also ordered the NHA to explain why the said housing units are still unoccupied by soldiers and police and when will beneficiaries transfer to the units. Yesterday, Kadamay members stormed the government housing units in San Isidro, Rodriguez, Rizal. Presidential Spokesperson Secretary Harry Roque said if Kadamay members will insist on the illegal occupation of government housing units, they will definitely face charges under the law. They will have to deal with the full extent of the law. The rule of the president is to implement the law, he will implement the law, Roque said, Rosalie Coz The post Duterte orders PNP to keep Kadamay out of govt housing in Rodriguez, Rizal appeared first on UNTV News. | Holotype specimen of A. zhoui STM33-5, Tianyu Museum of Nature, Shandong Province, China. a, Main slab A. b, Counterpart slab B. c, Restoration. Credit: Nature (2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0210-3 A team of researchers from China and the U.S. has identified a new ancient mammal ancestor recently found in a part of China. In their paper published in the journal Nature, the group describes the creature, which they have named Ambolestes zhoui, and where it fits in the ancestral tree. The well-preserved (and nearly complete) skeleton was unearthed in Yixian County in a northern part of the Inner Mongolia Autonomous Regionit has since been dated to approximately 126 million years ago, and has been identified as eutherian (a group that includes placentals but not marsupials and monotremes). The team reports that it had two physical features that are not found in modern mammals: an ectotympanic and hyoid apparatus. The first is a bony ring used to hold the eardrum in place. The second is a U-shaped bone that supports the tongue. The researchers note that the remains are part of a large collection of ancient vertebrates uncovered in the area over the past 20 yearsapproximately 120 species from the area have thus far been identified. Most of those, they note, have been dated to the Early Cretaceous Jehol. Therian mammals, they add, are rare finds in the area. Testing of the remains has included use of both CT scans and 3-D technology as a means of identification and reconstruction of original features. The results are remarkably detailed images of bones and teeth with accompanying labeling and explanatory details. The researchers report also that the mammal remains were those of a creature of placental lineage, but which had features consistent with marsupials. These findings indicate that Asia may not be the place of origin for marsupials. They note also that prior research has suggested that the placental and marsupial mammal divergence likely occurred during the Jurassic period. The point out that the oldest known metatherians were those found in North America and dated to approximately 110 million years ago. The researchers also used their paper to announce the establishment of a new database that will hold lineage information surrounding early mammals. Explore further Discovery of a 160-million-year-old fossil represents a new milestone in early mammal evolution More information: Shundong Bi et al. An Early Cretaceous eutherian and the placentalmarsupial dichotomy, Nature (2018). Shundong Bi et al. An Early Cretaceous eutherian and the placentalmarsupial dichotomy,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41586-018-0210-3 Abstract Molecular estimates of the divergence of placental and marsupial mammals and their broader clades (Eutheria and Metatheria, respectively) fall primarily in the Jurassic period. Supporting these estimates, Juramaiathe oldest purported eutherianis from the early Late Jurassic (160 million years ago) of northeastern China. Sinodelphysthe oldest purported metatherianis from the same geographic area but is 35 million years younger, from the Jehol biota. Here we report a new Jehol eutherian, Ambolestes zhoui, with a nearly complete skeleton that preserves anatomical details that are unknown from contemporaneous mammals, including the ectotympanic and hyoid apparatus. This new fossil demonstrates that Sinodelphys is a eutherian, and that postcranial differences between Sinodelphys and the Jehol eutherian Eomaiapreviously thought to indicate separate invasions of a scansorial niche by eutherians and metatheriansare instead variations among the early members of the placental lineage. The oldest known metatherians are now not from eastern Asia but are 110 million years old from western North America, which produces a 50-million-year ghost lineage for Metatheria. Journal information: Nature 2018 Phys.org An artists impression of what an active galactic nucleus might look like at close quarters. The accretion disk produces the brilliant light in the centre. The broad-line region is just above the accretion disk and lost in the glare. Dust clouds are being driven upwards by the intense radiation. Credit: Peter Z. Harrington Researchers at the University of California, Santa Cruz (UCSC), believe clouds of dust, rather than twin black holes, can explain the features found in active galactic nuclei (AGNs). The team publish their results today (14 June) in a paper in Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society. Many large galaxies have an AGN, a small bright central region powered by matter spiralling into a supermassive black hole. When these black holes are vigorously swallowing matter, they are surrounded by hot, rapidly-moving gas known as the "broad-line region" (so-called because the spectral lines from this region are broadened by the rapid motion of the gas). The emission from this gas is one of the best sources of information about the mass of the central black hole and how it is growing. The nature of this gas is however poorly understood; in particular there is less emission than expected from gas moving at certain velocities. The breakdown of simple models has led some astrophysicists to think that many AGNs might have not one but two black holes in them. The new analysis is led by Martin Gaskell, a research associate in astronomy and astrophysics at UCSC. Rather than invoking two black holes, it explains much of the apparent complexity and variability of the emissions from the broad-line region as the results of small clouds of dust that can partially obscure the innermost regions of AGNs. Gaskell comments: "We've shown that a lot of mysterious properties of active galactic nuclei can be explained by these small dusty clouds causing changes in what we see." Co-author Peter Harrington, a UCSC graduate student who began work on the project as an undergraduate, explained that gas spiralling towards a galaxy's central black hole forms a flat "accretion disk," and the superheated gas in the accretion disk emits intense thermal radiation. Some of that light is "reprocessed" (absorbed and re-emitted) by hydrogen and other gases swirling above the accretion disk in the broad-line region. Above and beyond this is a region of dust. "Once the dust crosses a certain threshold it is subjected to the strong radiation from the accretion disk," said Harrington. The authors believe this radiation is so intense that it blows the dust away from the disk, resulting in a clumpy outflow of dust clouds starting at the outer edge of the broad-line region. The effect of the dust clouds on the light emitted is to make the light coming from behind them look fainter and redder, just as the earth's atmosphere makes the sun look fainter and redder at sunset. Gaskell and Harrington developed a computer code to model the effects of these dust clouds on observations of the broad-line region. The two scientists also show that by including dust clouds in their model, it can replicate many features of emission from the broad-line region that have long puzzled astrophysicists. Rather than the gas having a changing, asymmetrical distribution that is hard to explain, the gas is simply in a uniform, symmetric, turbulent disk around the black hole. The apparent asymmetries and changes are due to dust clouds passing in front of the broad-line region and making the regions behind them look fainter and redder. "We think it is a much more natural explanation of the asymmetries and changes than other more exotic theories, such as binary black holes, that have been invoked to explain them," Gaskell said. "Our explanation lets us retain the simplicity of the standard AGN model of matter spiralling onto a single black hole." Explore further the geometry of nuclear black hole accretion disks More information: C Martin Gaskell et al. Partial dust obscuration in active galactic nuclei as a cause of broad-line profile and lag variability, and apparent accretion disc inhomogeneities, Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society (2018). Journal information: Monthly Notices of the Royal Astronomical Society C Martin Gaskell et al. Partial dust obscuration in active galactic nuclei as a cause of broad-line profile and lag variability, and apparent accretion disc inhomogeneities,(2018). DOI: 10.1093/mnras/sty848 Lobster boats anchored off Cutler, Maine. Credit: Malin Pinsky/Rutgers University-New Brunswick Climate change is forcing fish species to shift their habitats faster than the world's system for allocating fish stocks, exacerbating international fisheries conflicts, according to a study led by a Rutgers University-New Brunswick researcher. The study, published online in the journal Science today, showed for the first time that new fisheries are likely to appear in more than 70 countries all over the world as a result of climate change. History has shown that newly shared fisheries often spark conflict among nations. Conflict leads to overfishing, which reduces the food, profit and employment fisheries can provide, and can also fracture international relations in other areas beyond fisheries. A future with lower greenhouse gas emissions, like the targets under the 2015 Paris climate agreement, would reduce the potential for conflict, the study says. "Most people may not understand that the right to harvest particular species of fish is often decided by national and regional fisheries management bodies," said Malin Pinsky, an assistant professor of ecology, evolution and natural resources in Rutgers-New Brunswick's School of Environmental and Biological Sciences. "Those bodies have made the rules based on the notion that particular fish species live in particular waters and don't move much. Well, they're moving now because climate change is warming ocean temperatures." In a recent study, Pinsky and Rutgers postdoctoral associate James Morley reported that many commercially important fish species could move their ranges hundreds of miles northward in search of colder water. This movement has already begun, and the results have been highly disruptive for fisheries. "Consider flounder, which have already shifted their range 250 miles farther north," Pinsky said. "Federal fisheries rules have allocated many of those fish to fishers in North Carolina, and now they have to steam hundreds of extra miles to catch their flounder." Rutgers University-New Brunswick Assistant Professor Malin Pinsky with a summer flounder. Credit: Jennifer Hoey Pinsky and his co-authors cite other examples of the disruption of fisheries causing international disputes, including the "mackerel war" between Iceland and the European Union (EU). Under rules agreed to by EU member nations, fishers harvest a certain number of mackerel each year. But by 2007, those mackerel had begun to move to colder waters near Iceland, which is not an EU member. Iceland began fishing the sudden abundance of mackerel, but could not agree with the EU on sustainable fishing limits. The dispute became a trade war and is still ongoing. Lobster fishers from the United States and Canada have also come into conflict over the lobster fishery, which is also moving north from New England to the Canadian Maritime Provinces. Given climate change, the movement of fish to new ranges is inevitable, but the conflicts over fish stocks are not, the study says. Governing bodies such as the one overseeing the EU's fisheries might negotiate with neighboring fisheries organizations to take account of old fisheries moving out and new ones moving in. Pinsky and his co-authors suggest, for example, that governments might allow the trading of fishing permits or quotas across international boundaries. "We need international agreements for the collaborative monitoring and sharing of fisheries as they move, much as the Antarctic conservation agreement has begun to do," he said. The Antarctic management body known as CCAMLR cooperates closely with neighboring fisheries managers to share information about shared fisheries, including those that will continue to move. The alternative to such agreements is grim, including overfishing and conflicts over fisheries that can spill over into international tensions over trade, borders and sovereignty. "We have a chance to avoid conflict over fisheries that could escalate international tensions, threaten our food supply, and reduce profit and employment worldwide," Pinsky said. "Avoiding fisheries conflicts and overfishing ultimately provides more fish, more food and more jobs for everyone." Explore further Climate change to shift many fish species north, disrupting fisheries More information: M.L. Pinsky at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ el al., "Preparing ocean governance for species on the move," Science (2018). Journal information: Science M.L. Pinsky at Rutgers University in New Brunswick, NJ el al., "Preparing ocean governance for species on the move,"(2018). science.sciencemag.org/cgi/doi 1126/science.aat2360 Victoria is introducing legislation to require young criminal offenders to wear electronic tracking devices. Credit: Shutterstock Last week, the Victorian government announced a new surveillance monitoring scheme directed at young criminal offenders aged 16 and older. Under the legislation to be introduced later this year, the Youth Parole Board will be given the power to decide if offenders should be required to wear an electronic monitoring device and undergo regular drug and alcohol testing after serving their sentences. While elements of this proposal would be new for Australia, various jurisdictions have used electronic monitoring over the years. Matt Black and Russell Smith reviewed the use of electronic monitoring schemes across the country in 2003. Western Australia introduced tracking devices for young people in 2004. Across Australia, intensive surveillance systems are increasingly being seen as a way to manage risk. New South Wales is currently testing in-vehicle telematics surveillance apps for all young drivers (18- to 25-year-olds), who are deemed at higher risk of accidents or committing driving offences. Families and Children Minister Jenny Mikakos claims the Victorian monitoring measure is needed to ensure high-risk young offenders comply with their parole conditions. The scheme could be expanded if it proves successful. Lack of evidence and exorbitant costs While there is little Australian research into the efficacy of electronic monitoring of young people (or post-release offenders generally), the Jill Dando Institute in the UK has conducted a recent systematic review of research in various countries around the world. Some aspects of the Victorian proposal align with the international evidence on likelihood of success. The review shows electronic monitoring can increase the likelihood of repeat offenders being caught, serve as a constant reminder to offenders of their parole status and conditions, and reduce peer pressure by limiting access to the people and places that might contribute to repeat offending. In addition, the review found that several behavioural changes brought by electronic monitoring might contribute to a reduction in crime. These include offenders being able to remain at home with family support (rather than being incarcerated), participate in treatment programs, abstain from drug and alcohol use, and even secure a job and regular source of income. However, the review found that electronic monitoring works best with just one category of offenders: sex offenders. When extended to broader "high-risk" offenders of all ages, there was no significant positive effect compared to non-monitoring. The review also highlights the crucial importance of getting the implementation right. At this stage, little is known about how the Victorian electronic monitoring proposal would be implemented. The right technology is vital. So, too, is the need to ensure strong data management and integration, which is problematic in Victoria. There also needs to be strong communication between a number of relevant agencies (an issue in Victoria), and detailed planning and program administration protocols prior to implementation (unknown at this stage). The final issue is financial. The Victorian government has indicated an investment of A$2.1 million for an estimated 20 to 30 people in the initial trial phase of the program. This means at least $70,000 per person at the outset. No doubt some of this money will be allocated to set-up costs for the monitoring system and wouldn't need to be spent again in the future. But it's still a considerable expense, and raises questions about whether the money could be better spent on other youth offender initiatives, such as drug/alcohol treatment, training and employment programs. Election-year politics This "get tough" approach to young criminal offenders comes during an election year in Victoria, when "law and order" issues tend to dominate debate. But evidence-based research of what does and does not work is being pushed aside in this case. So, too, are the negative effects that can arise from these policies. Rather than focus on which party is toughest on crime, a more progressive approach on "law and order" issues is needed. A permanent mechanism for reviewing criminal justice policies and procedures is one idea. I'd suggest an independent Criminal Justice Commission that evaluates policy initiatives in the run-up to each election and conducts five-year reviews of criminal justice policies. Too bureaucratic? Too academic? Australia already has a similar system for evaluating economic policy (the pre-election budget analysis) and five-year defence strategic reviews. To its credit, Victoria Police tried to implement something like this with its "Blue Paper", but that was quietly shelved. In any case, we need a systematic review of the criminal justice system rather than an agency review. We can only hope that between now and the November state election there will be some effort to develop progressive criminal justice policies directed at holistic crime prevention rather than a focus on more intensive surveillance. The idea that more surveillance can solve recidivism is misguided. It might be better at catching breaches of parole, but for what purpose? Certainly not for helping a young offender understand the effects of their behaviours, the harms they have caused, and the need to find assistance and a path to a different future. Explore further Netflix and Facebook helping to reduce youth crime This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. Ecotoxicologist Cecilia Berg feeds the frogs in her laboratory at Uppsala University's Department of Environmental Toxicology, one of the few laboratories worldwide that performs life-cycle testing of chemicals on frogs. Credit: Margareta Mattsson In a new study, researchers from Sweden and Britain have investigated how the endocrine-disrupting substance linuron affects reproduction in the West African clawed frog, Xenopus tropicalis. The scientists found that linuron, which is used as a pesticicide, impaired the males' fertility, and that tadpoles developed ovaries instead of testicles to a greater extent, which caused a female-biased sex ratio. The results are published in the journal Scientific Reports. Worldwide, animal and plant diversity is decreasing, and amphibians are among the animals disappearing most rapidly. It is estimated that nearly 40 percent of all known amphibian species are endangered. The main cause is changes in their habitat, but pollution, diseases and climate change are also contributing to the extinction. Farmers use a huge variety of pesticides and herbicides. These chemicals then leach into nearby ponds where frogs lay their eggs. Some of these substances have hormone-disrupting effects and are known as endocrine-disrupting chemicals, or EDCs. Known EDCs include bisphenol A, DDT and polychlorinated biphenyls (PCBs). With scientists from Scotland, England and Umea, researchers at Uppsala University's Department of Environmental Toxicology have studied how one of these endocrine-disrupting pesticides, linuron, affects the life cycle of the West African clawed frog, Xenopus tropicalis. After exposing tadpoles to a concentration similar to that measured in the natural environment, and through comparison with control groups and a control substance, researchers found that the tadpoles developed ovaries to a greater extent than testicles. The researchers also demonstrated the shift in the male-to-female sex ratio toward an increased proportion of females by analysing gene expression in tadpoles. Once the frogs reached adulthood, the researchers showed that male fertility had been impaired and that certain gender-specific features had become more like females'. The researchers believe that the likely explanation for these observations is that the pesticide inhibits the functioning of testosterone in the body. "The results show that pesticides with this mechanism of action can cause permanent damage, such as reduced fertility in frogs exposed at the tadpole stage. This supports previous research showing that endocrine-disrupting substances in the environment may negatively impact amphibians. The substance linuron isn't approved for use in Sweden, but it's used in other parts of the EU and in North America," says Cecilia Berg, ecotoxicologist and project leader. The study was conducted at Uppsala University's Department of Environmental Toxicology in one of the few laboratories worldwide that performs life-cycle testing of chemicals on frogs. By using the West African clawed frog as a model organism, Berg's research group has developed a test system to study how chemicals affect the reproductive system of amphibians and other animals. The results emphasise the importance of studying the entire life cycle to investigate how pesticides and other environmental pollutants affect the amphibians' reproductive capacity. "The results of the study are important, since they contribute knowledge that risk assessment authorities in the EU can use as a basis for assessing the health and environmental risks of pesticides. The European Commission is currently taking several measures to improve pesticide risk assessment. A new report from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), for instance, points to the need to assess the risks of pesticide use to amphibianssomething that isn't being done today," Berg says. Explore further Sterility in frogs caused by environmental pharmaceutical progestogens More information: F. Orton et al, Exposure to an anti-androgenic herbicide negatively impacts reproductive physiology and fertility in Xenopus tropicalis, Scientific Reports (2018). Journal information: Scientific Reports F. Orton et al, Exposure to an anti-androgenic herbicide negatively impacts reproductive physiology and fertility in Xenopus tropicalis,(2018). DOI: 10.1038/s41598-018-27161-2 Under the Paris climate deal struck in December 2015, the EU pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, and make renewable energy account for 27 percent of energy use The EU agreed Thursday to raise its consumption target from wind, solar and other renewable energy sources, aiming for 32 percent by 2030 rather than the previous 27 percent. But environmentalists said the provisional deal between the 28 European Union countries, the European Parliament and the European Commission, the EU's executive arm, was not ambitious enough to fight climate change. EU climate and energy commissioner Mighuel Arias Canete said: "I am particularly pleased with the new European target of 32 percent." Canete said "this new ambition will help us meet our Paris (climate) agreement goals," create jobs, give investors certainty as well as lower energy bills and energy imports. Under the Paris climate deal struck in December 2015, the EU pledged to cut greenhouse gas emissions by 40 percent by 2030, compared to 1990 levels, and make renewable energy account for 27 percent of energy use. Under the deal that the European Parliament and member states must still give final approval, at least 14 percent of fuel for transport must come from renewables by 2030. It stipulates that first generation biofuel must be capped at 2020 levels and in no case exceed seven percent of final consumption of road and rail transport. It said the share of advanced biofuels and biogas must be at least one percent in 2025 and at least 3.5 percent in 2030. But it said palm oil, cited as a cause of deforestation, will be phased out. The environmental group Greenpeace said the deal could lead to millions more solar panels on European rooftops as it makes it easier for citizens to take part in the energy transition. "But the renewables target of 32 percent is far too low and allows power companies to cling onto fossil fuels and false solutions," Greenpeace's Sebastian Mang said in a statement. Explore further EU on track to meet 2020 target for renewable energy: report 2018 AFP Facebook has been hit hard by a huge scandal over user data privacy News consumption is increasingly shifting from social media like Facebook to messaging applications like WhatsApp, according to a study published Thursday which also found high levels of international public concern about fake news online. The Reuters Institute report, which covers 37 countries in five continents, found that the use of social media for news fell by six percentage points in the United States compared to last year. "Almost all the decline is due to a decrease in the discovery, posting and sharing of news in Facebook," said lead author Nic Newman, a founding member of the BBC News website. Facebook suffered its worst public relations disaster in its history when a huge data privacy breach was revealed earlier this year. The scandal saw many users around the world opt to move away from Facebook, and to spend more time on other apps like WhatsApp and Instagramwhich are also owned by Facebook. The 2018 Digital News Report found that WhatsApp is now used for news by around half of the sample in Malaysia (54 percent) and Brazil (48 percent) and by around a third in Spain (36 percent) and Turkey (30 percent). The report, based on a YouGov survey of over 74,000 online news consumers, found Instagram had also taken off in Asia and South America, while Snapchat progressed in Europe and the United States. The report also revealed that the average level of trust in the news has remained relatively stable at 44 percenta slight increase from 43 percent last year. However, only 23 percent said they trusted the news they find in social media. Real or fake? More than half (54 percent) agreed or strongly agreed that they were concerned about what is real and fake on the Internet. The rate was highest in Brazil at 85 percent and lowest in the Netherlands at 30 percent. The survey found that a majority of respondents believed publishers and platforms have the biggest responsibility to fix the problem of fake and unreliable news. Some 60 percent of respondents in Europe, 63 percent in Asia and 41 percent in the United States believed that their governments should do more to stop "fake news". The report also found that podcasts are becoming an increasingly popular way of accessing news, with 33 percent of respondents in the United States and 18 percent in Britain making use of them. It found that in Britain, Germany and the United States, around half of those polled who have voice-activated digital assistants like Amazon Echo and Google Home use them to receive news. Explore further Social networks extend gains as news sources in US: survey 2018 AFP The large telescope in Greenland, near Thule airbase. Credit: CfA Greenland can now brag about hosting a large, operational radio telescope, with a dish measuring 12 metres in diameter. The Greenland Telescope was installed in 2017 and it is now a part of a global network of telescopes, including the large ALMA observatory (Atacama Large Millimeter/submillimeter Array) in Chile. It is located on the northwest coast at the US Thule airbase, and is part of an ambitious project, the Event Horizon Telescope (EHT), to study black holes. Black holes are areas of space where the concentration of matter is so high that gravity is incredibly strong. So strong, in fact, that no light can escape when it ventures too close. Galaxy M87 contains a gigantic black hole The EHT project will generate images of two large black holes: One in the middle of our own galaxy, the Milky Way, and another, bigger black hole, in the centre of nearby galaxy M87. Other telescopes in Chile and Hawaii will point in the same direction, and data will be pooled from all of the telescopes in the EHT project to produce the images. "The EHT essentially turns the entire globe into one giant radio telescope, and the farther apart radio dishes in the array are, the sharper the images the EHT can make," says EHT project leader, Sheperd Doeleman from the Harvard-Smithsonian Center for Astrophysics, USA. "The Greenland Telescope will help us obtain the best possible image of a supermassive black hole outside our galaxy," he says. In fact, without the Greenland Telescope, astronomers would not be able to image the M87 galaxy black hole. Telescope sees the shadow of a black hole Black holes are not easy to observe, as they do not shine. Instead, astronomers try to catch a glimpse of the shadow they cast, says Marianne Vestergaard, associate professor at the Niels Bohr Institute at the University of Copenhagen, Denmark. "We hope to see the shadow of the black hole. There will be a glow of light from gas and plasma around the black hole from material that is about to be engulfed. But since the black hole does not shine, its silhouette will appear dark surrounded by light," she says. Data from telescopes in Chile, Hawaii, and Greenland, will be combined to produce an image of a black hole. Credit: ASIAA Such an image would be excellent evidence for the existence of black holes, should anyone still be in doubt, which is unlikely after the gravitational waves caused by two merging black holes were detected in 2016. Scientists also want to study the jets of material ejected from the holesthe so-called radio-jets, says Vestergaard. For example, they would like to know how and where the jets are formed in relation to the black hole. Vestergaard studies black holes, but is not directly involved with the ETH project. The first image of a black hole is on the way The Greenland Telescope is now fully operational and collecting data, but there are plans to move it further inland, away from the relatively moist air on the coast, and up high on to the summit of the ice sheet where the air is drier. "Moving the telescope up to the ice sheet where it can be of most use, is absolutely desirable," says Vestergaard. Greenlandic students visit the telescope, which will also be used for teaching. Credit: CfA "On top of the ice sheet, you are about three kilometres above sea level. The shorter distance the signal has to go through the atmosphere, the less it is absorbed," she says. The project has several years to run in order to collect enough data to create sharp images. But astronomers are already beginning to analyse the preliminary data, and it could be just a few months before they produce the first, albeit fuzzy, images of a black hole. Explore further Image: Black hole bounty captured in the center of the Milky Way This story is republished courtesy of ScienceNordic, the trusted source for English-language science news from the Nordic countries. Read the original story here. Credit: CC0 Public Domain A team of scientists lead by prof. Stein Aerts (VIB-KU Leuven) is the first to map the gene expression of each individual brain cell during aging in fruit flies. Their resulting "cell atlas" provides unprecedented insights into the workings of the brain as it ages. Published today in the scientific journal Cell, the atlas is heralded as an important first step in the development of techniques that can contribute to a better understanding of human disease development. The brain of a fruit fly consists of some 100,000 cells, and although that makes it much smaller than the human brain, it contains hundreds of different types of neurons and other cells forming a complex network, much like the human brain. "To truly understand the workings of the brain, even for organisms as small as the fruit fly, we need to zoom in on each and every individual cell," explains prof. Stein Aerts (VIB-KU Leuven). "All organs and tissues are composed of many different cells that communicate with each other to perform their specific functions. Although they share the same DNA, they all express a distinct set of genes, and to understand what is really going on, we need to know which cells are doing what and when." Working with fruit flies as model organisms, the scientists took the challenge head on, immediately starting with the most complex organ of allthe brain. Kristofer Davie, one of the many researchers involved in this team effort, says that this was no easy task: "There are about 15,000 genes and roughly 100,000 cells in the fly brain. So a quick calculation shows we are looking at more than a billion data points to analyze and map over time." The only way to mine this enormous amount of data is with a little help from artificial intelligence. The team used machine-learning methods to accurately predict the age of a cell, based on information gathered from brain cells of flies at different ages. Similar to the human brain, the fly brain has distinct cells responsible for sleep, memory, smell, etc. The researchers catalogued more than 80 different cell type clusters, and interestingly, also found that not all of them age in the same way. Mapping gene expression in thousands of cells is an arduous job, so what drove the team on their mission? "Cells constantly change their role: as they age, in response to changes in the environment, upon disease," explains Stein Aerts. "The holy grail is to assess the molecular state of a patient's tissues and cells in real time, allowing for early diagnosis of any disease and effective, personalized treatments. But to get there we need to develop both the models and the tools to understand the dynamics of cellular changes." The map of the aging fly brain is thus first and foremost an important technological feat. Aerts' team is the first in the world to map the brain of an entire organism at this level of detail. Developing biomedical applications will require more work, and by definition collaboration. That is why Aerts is part of a large pan-European consortium, called LifeTime, which aims to revolutionize healthcare by tracking and understanding cellular changes during disease. "We have made all of our fly brain data freely available on a unique online analysis platform, where other scientists can deposit their data as well," says Aerts. Together with international colleagues who use single-cell technology to study different organs of the fruit fly, he founded the Fly Cell Atlas consortium. "It is a really exciting time for biomedical research. By looking at gene expression at single-cell resolution, we are uncovering so much information we can barely keep up." Explore further Grainyhead, a master regulator that controls DNA access More information: A single-cell transcriptome atlas of the ageing Drosophila brain, Davie et al., Cell 2018. Journal information: Cell A single-cell transcriptome atlas of the ageing Drosophila brain, Davie et al.,2018. Jason Spyres was driving last week when the email arrived: Your Stanford application has been updated. Its an improbable story that began in 2001, when a suspicious clerk at a United Parcel Service outlet alerted her supervisor: This package doesnt look right, and the woman who dropped it off was nervous. California cops forwarded the package to Decatur police, who found 38 pounds of marijuana wrapped in electrical tape. Spyres, then 19, was the intended recipient. His mother was the sender. She got probation and is now a social worker. Her son got a 30-year sentence. After 14 years in prison, Spyres, now 36, was put on work release in 2016, then paroled. Spyres has a gift for numbers and math. He aced what college courses were offered via correspondence classes during his prison stint. After his release, he enrolled at Illinois Central College in Peoria, where he maintained a 4.0 GPA while managing a bar that serves pizza but is more video gambling emporium than watering hole. He thought big and dreamed bigger, applying to a bevy of elite colleges: Harvard, Dartmouth, Columbia, to name a few. One after another, they said no. There was no, no, no, no I got real good at taking it in stride, Spyres says. University of Illinois granted admission, Spyres says, but with a catch: Because he was on parole when he applied for admission, he would be on academic probation before he enrolled in his first class and would have to answer yes if asked by graduate schools whether hed ever been on academic probation. That didnt seem fair. I sold pot 17 years ago and havent done a thing wrong since, he says. Stanford University didnt say yes and didnt say no, instead placing Spyres on a wait list and asking him to update his application in 500 characters or less. He sent a link to a recent column I wrote (From pot to prison to politics, April 12) as well as a link to a clip of Grayson Kash Jackson, Libertarian Party candidate for governor, addressing the press among other things, Spyres is director of field operations for the third-party candidate. Spyres didnt stop there. A recruiter from Stanford was scheduled to appear last month at a Chicago Marriott along with representatives from Georgetown, Harvard, Duke and the University of Pennsylvania to meet prospective students. Spyres drove north. You cant just tell people you want something, Spyres says. You have to show them. Fearful of getting stuck in traffic, Spyres says he arrived three hours early. He spotted a woman from the Stanford admissions office in the lobby, working on her laptop. She had inquired about a missing transcript when he first applied, Spyres says, and he recognized her from an online photograph. He walked up and introduced himself. She looked up, horrified she saw some homeless-looking guy in a hoodie, Spyres recalls. Im not going to say she was terrified, but I could tell I shocked her. She said Why are you here? I said, Youre the reason Im here. The conversation lasted between 20 and 30 minutes, Spyres remembers. He says that he told the admissions officer that he was grateful simply for being placed on a wait list. They chatted about Jackson and his time in prison. Three weeks later, the email arrived. Spyres pulled over at a gas station near Peoria to read it. Im looking at it on my phone: Congratulations, he recalls. Im like, Yeah! I jumped out of my car. Im running around the parking lot at Caseys, running up to people I never met and will never see again, yelling, I got into Stanford! Spyres is one step ahead of most undergraduates in at least one respect. Already, he has accumulated six figures in debt -- $268,000 in unpaid fines and late-payment fees stemming from his pot conviction before attending his first class. But Spyres isnt sweating tuition. Stanford is generous when it comes to financial aid, and for a guy who says he didnt make $25,000 last year, the award likely will be ample. Spyres figures an on-campus job will be enough to make ends meet. Macon County states attorney Jay Scott, who prosecuted Spyres nearly 20 years ago, doesnt answer yes or no when asked, if he had the chance, whether he would fight clemency, as he did during a 2010 hearing when he testified against Spyres, who was denied early release. Hindsights always 20-20, Scott observes. I cant answer that. I believe the sentence he received was appropriate at the time. Scott says that Spyres once sent him a letter apologizing for misdeeds. I hope he succeeds in life, says the prosecutor whos spent 31 years sending people to jail. We do see success stories, people who turn their lives around. We dont want to send people away forever. Contact Bruce Rushton at brushton@illinoistimes.com. Kaspersky Lab faces accusations of working hand in hand with the Kremlin Russian cybersecurity giant Kaspersky Lab said it has decided to put a halt to its work with several European anti-cybercrime initiatives, following a move in the European Parliament to ban its antivirus software. The move follows major accusations against the firm, including from the United States, of working hand in hand with the Kremlin. "Kaspersky Lab has taken the difficult decision to temporarily halt our numerous collaborative European cybercrime-fighting initiatives, including those with Europol," the Moscow-based security firm said in a statement Wednesday. The statement came as the European Parliament issued a report demanding a ban on "malicious" programmes and devices, and singling out Kaspersky Lab. In its statement, Kaspersky responded: "Although this report has no legislative power it demonstrates a distinct lack of respect for the company which has been a firm friend of Europe in the fight against cybercrime." It also said it was halting its NoMoreRansom project, which it described as having "helped many organisations and users to decrypt files on their devices, saving them from financial losses". Kaspersky said the European Parliament's move "encourages cybercrime in Europe", adding that it hoped to resume its collaboration with European cybercrime-fighting initiatives soon. The United States Department of Homeland Security in September last year ordered US agencies using Kaspersky products to remove and replace them with other approved software within 90 days. In May, the Dutch government also said it would progressively halt its use of the Russian antivirus programme. Kaspersky rejects accusations of working with the Kremlin, and in May announced a decision to move its core infrastructure and operations to Switzerland. Some 400 million computers around the world are fitted with Kaspersky Lab's antivirus products. Explore further Kaspersky to transfer infrastructure out of Russia 2018 AFP Last week it was revealed that at least 136 wedge-tailed eagles have been intentionally poisoned in East Gippsland, with concerns that more are yet to be found. In the past five years I have used satellite tracking devices to research wedge-tailed eagles' movements across Australia, and I've never encountered raptor deaths on this scale. It's been suggested that the birds were killed to protect lambs. Tragically, not only was this illegal cull unnecessary evidence suggests that eagles do not often kill livestock but it could also have ecological consequences right across Australia. Juvenile birds There are two main categories of wedge-tailed eagles, based on their age class: sedentary breeding adults, which stay in a home range with nest sites; and highly nomadic juvenile birds that can cover huge distances. There are usually fewer adult birds in one place, because they are territorial. The very high number of birds affected make it likely that they were largely juveniles. There is currently no accurate data on how many wedge-tailed eagles are in Australia, but this single culling event could have serious effects on future generations' breeding capacity. Sites of persecution can have impacts to eagle populations if they become "ecological sinks". These are places that draw birds in from a wide area, perhaps because of an unnaturally abundant food source, and then result in birds dying. If these ongoing "mortality black holes" cause hundreds of birds to die in relatively short periods of time, this can start impacting the population. Do eagles kill lambs? The wedge-tailed eagle is a powerful predator that kills a variety of mammals. Anecdotal observations by landowners describe birds attacking live lambs and even half-grown sheep. There are also cases in the literature of them working in tandem to hunt larger prey such as kangaroos behaviour that has been widely documented for large eagle species. However, evidence gathered during extensive research in Australia has shown that in most cases, eagles seen feeding on lamb or sheep carcasses are "cleaning up" after other predators like foxes and crows, which were actually the direct cause of death. There are no documented cases of wedge-tailed eagles causing significant economic impacts to the sheep industry. But even if they did, there are other options besides culling. Carcasses placed near livestock would provide easier alternative food sources, for example. Shepherds can effectively guard flocks and protect lambs. Finally, given that wedge-tailed eagles are protected, it may be appropriate for the government to pay compensation for livestock losses. It must also be emphasised that eagles prey on a range of other species that are considered to be agricultural pests, such as overabundant native kangaroos, cockatoos, and feral species like rabbits and foxes. Some eagles live, and some die. Such is life on this amazing, arid continent. Death itself is a normal ecological phenomenon, but unnatural deaths on such a large scale can have disastrous consequences for long-lived raptors like the wedge-tailed eagle. We must as a community respect the critical role that predators play in the landscape. Explore further Blood, sweat and tears in raptor research This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. Credit: CC0 Public Domain DNA is often referred to as the blueprint for life, however scientists have for the first time discovered a microbe that uses two different translations of the DNA code at random. This unexpected finding breaks what was thought to be a universal rule, since the proteins from this microbe cannot be fully predicted from the DNA sequence. Researchers from the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath and the Max-Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Gottingen, Germany have published their findings in the journal Current Biology. All organisms receive genetic information from their parents which tell the cells how to make proteinsthe molecules that do the chemistry in our bodies. This genetic information comprises DNA molecules made up of a sequence of four chemical bases represented by the letters A, T, C and G; the genetic code dictates to the cell which sequence of amino acids to join together to form each protein given the underlying sequence in the DNA. In a similar way that "dot dot dot" in morse code translates as S, so too the genetic code is read in blocks of three bases (codons) to translate to one amino acid. It was originally thought that any given codon always results in the same amino acidjust as dot dot dot always means S in morse code. GGA in the DNA for example translates as the amino acid glycine. However a collaboration between Dr. Stefanie Muhlhausen and Professor Laurence Hurst at the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath, and Martin Kollmar and colleagues at the Max-Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Gottingen, Germany have now described the firstand unexpectedexception to this rule in a natural code. The group examined an unusual group of yeasts in which some species have evolved an unusual non-universal code. While humans (and just about everything else) translate the codon CTG as the amino acid leucine, some of the species of yeast instead translate this as the amino acid serine whilst others translate it as alanine. This is odd enough in itself. But the team was even more surprised to find one species, Ascoidea asiatica, randomly translated this codon as serine or leucine. Every time this codon is translated the cell tosses a chemical coin: heads for leucine, tails it's serine. Laurence Hurst, Professor of Evolutionary Genetics and Director of the Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath, said: "This is the first time we've seen this in any species. Dr Martin Kollmar and Dr Stefanie Muhlhausen from the Max-Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Gottingen (Germany) explain how a strange yeast randomly translates DNA in two different ways. Credit: Max-Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry, Gottingen "We were surprised to find that about 50 per cent of the time that CTG is translated as serine, the remainder of the time it is leucine. "The last rule of genetics codes, that translation is deterministic, has been broken. This makes this genome uniqueyou cannot work out the proteins if you know the DNA." To understand how this happenshow this coin-toss mechanism is physically manifestedthe team investigated molecules called tRNAswhich act as translators that recognise the codons and bring together the amino acids to make a protein chain. Dr. Martin Kollmar, from the Max-Planck Institute for Biophysical Chemistry in Gottingen said: "We found that Ascoidea asiatica, is unusual in having two sorts of tRNAs for CTGone which bridges with leucine and one which bridges with serine. "So when CTG comes to be translated, it randomly picks one of the two tRNAs and hence randomly picks between serine and leucine." Dr. Stefanie Muhlhausen from The Milner Centre for Evolution at the University of Bath added: "Swapping a serine for leucine could cause serious problems in a protein as they have quite different propertiesserine is often found on the surface of the protein whereas leucine is hydrophobic and often buried inside the protein. "We looked at how this strange yeast copes with this randomness and found that A. asiatica has evolved to use the CTG codon very rarely and especially avoids key parts of proteins." The researchers estimate that the random encoding is 100 million years old, but other closely related species evolved to lose this potentially problematic trait. Dr. Martin Kollmar said: "It's unclear why A. asiatica should have retained this stochastic encoding for so long. Perhaps there are rare occasions when this sort of randomness can be beneficial." Explore further Reading the genetic code depends on context Ancient alchemists tried to turn lead and other common metals into gold and platinum. Modern chemists in Paul Chirik's lab at Princeton are transforming reactions that have depended on environmentally unfriendly precious metals, finding cheaper and greener alternatives to replace platinum, rhodium and other precious metals in drug production and other reactions. They have found a revolutionary approach that uses cobalt and methanol to produce an epilepsy drug that previously required rhodium and dichloromethane, a toxic solvent. Their new reaction works faster and more cheaply, and it likely has a much smaller environmental impact, said Chirik, the Edwards S. Sanford Professor of Chemistry. "This highlights an important principle in green chemistrythat the more environmental solution can also be the preferred one chemically," he said. The research was published in the journal Science on May 25. "Pharmaceutical discovery and process involve all sorts of exotic elements," Chirik said. "We started this program maybe 10 years ago, and it was really motivated by cost. Metals like rhodium and platinum are really expensive, but as the work has evolved, we realized that there's a lot more to it than simply pricing. ... There are huge environmental concerns, if you think about digging up platinum out of the ground. Typically, you have to go about a mile deep and move 10 tons of earth. That has a massive carbon dioxide footprint." Chirik and his research team partnered with chemists from Merck & Co., Inc., to find more environmentally friendly ways to create the materials needed for modern drug chemistry. The collaboration has been enabled by the National Science Foundation's Grant Opportunities for Academic Liaison with Industry (GOALI) program. One tricky aspect is that many molecules have right- and left-handed forms that react differently, with sometimes dangerous consequences. The Food and Drug Administration has strict requirements to make sure medications have only one "hand" at a time, known as single-enantiomer drugs. "Chemists are challenged to discover methods to synthesize only one hand of drug molecules rather than synthesize both and then separate," said Chirik. "Metal catalysts, historically based on precious metals like rhodium, have been tasked with solving this challenge. Our paper demonstrates that a more Earth-abundant metal, cobalt, can be used to synthesize the epilepsy medication Keppra as just one hand." Five years ago, researchers in Chirik's lab demonstrated that cobalt could make single-enantiomer organic molecules, but only using relatively simple and not medicinally active compoundsand using toxic solvents. "We were inspired to push our demonstration of principle into real-world examples and demonstrate that cobalt could outperform precious metals and work under more environmentally compatible conditions," he said. They found that their new cobalt-based technique is faster and more selective than the patented rhodium approach. "Our paper demonstrates a rare case where an Earth-abundant transition metal can surpass the performance of a precious metal in the synthesis of single-enantiomer drugs," he said. "What we're starting to transition to is that the Earth-abundant catalysts not only replace the precious metal ones, but they offer distinct advantages, whether it's new chemistry that no one's ever seen before or it's improved reactivity or reduced environmental footprint." Not only are base metals cheaper and much environmentally friendlier than rare metals, but the new technique operates in methanol, which is much greener than the chlorinated solvents that rhodium requires. "The manufacture of drug molecules, because of their complexity, is one of the most wasteful processes in the chemical industry," said Chirik. "The majority of the waste generated is from the solvent used to conduct the reaction. The patented route to the drug relies on dichloromethane, one of the least environmentally friendly organic solvents. Our work demonstrates that Earth-abundant catalysts not only operate in methanol, a green solvent, but also perform optimally in this medium. "This is a transformative breakthrough for Earth-abundant metal catalysts, as these historically have not been as robust as precious metals. Our work demonstrates that both the metal and the solvent medium can be more environmentally compatible." Methanol is a common solvent for one-handed chemistry using precious metals, but this is the first time it has been shown to be useful in a cobalt system, noted Max Friedfeld, the first author on the paper and a former graduate student in Chirik's lab. Cobalt's affinity for green solvents came as a surprise, said Chirik. "For a decade, catalysts based on Earth-abundant metals like iron and cobalt required very dry and pure conditions, meaning the catalysts themselves were very fragile. By operating in methanol, not only is the environmental profile of the reaction improved, but the catalysts are much easier to use and handle. This means that cobalt should be able to compete or even outperform precious metals in many applications that extend beyond hydrogenation." The collaboration with Merck was key to making these discoveries, noted the researchers. Chirik said: "This is a great example of an academic-industrial collaboration and highlights how the very fundamentalhow do electrons flow differently in cobalt versus rhodium?can inform the appliedhow to make an important medicine in a more sustainable way. I think it is safe to say that we would not have discovered this breakthrough had the two groups at Merck and Princeton acted on their own." The key was volume, said Michael Shevlin, an associate principal scientist at the Catalysis Laboratory in the Department of Process Research & Development at Merck & Co., Inc., and a co-author on the paper. "Instead of trying just a few experiments to test a hypothesis, we can quickly set up large arrays of experiments that cover orders of magnitude more chemical space," Shevlin said. "The synergy is tremendous; scientists like Max Friedfeld and [co-author and graduate student] Aaron Zhong can conduct hundreds of experiments in our lab, and then take the most interesting results back to Princeton to study in detail. What they learn there then informs the next round of experimentation here." Chirik's lab focuses on "homogenous catalysis," the term for reactions using materials that have been dissolved in industrial solvents. "Homogenous catalysis is usually the realm of these precious metals, the ones at the bottom of the periodic table," Chirik said. "Because of their position on the periodic table, they tend to go by very predictable electron changestwo at a timeand that's why you can make jewelry out of these elements, because they don't oxidize, they don't interact with oxygen. So when you go to the Earth-abundant elements, usually the ones on the first row of the periodic table, the electronic structurehow the electrons move in the elementchanges, and so you start getting one-electron chemistry, and that's why you see things like rust for these elements. Chirik's approach proposes a radical shift for the whole field, said Vy Dong, a chemistry professor at the University of California-Irvine who was not involved in the research. "Traditional chemistry happens through what they call two-electron oxidations, and Paul's happens through one-electron oxidation," she said. "That doesn't sound like a big difference, but that's a dramatic difference for a chemist. That's what we care abouthow things work at the level of electrons and atoms. When you're talking about a pathway that happens via half of the electrons that you'd normally expect, it's a big deal. ... That's why this work is really exciting. You can imagine, once we break free from that mold, you can start to apply it to other things, too." "We're working in an area of the periodic table where people haven't, for a long time, so there's a huge wealth of new fundamental chemistry," said Chirik. "By learning how to control this electron flow, the world is open to us." Explore further Cobalt discovery replaces precious metals as industrial catalyst More information: Max R. Friedfeld et al, Cobalt-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of enamides enabled by single-electron reduction, Science (2018). Journal information: Science Max R. Friedfeld et al, Cobalt-catalyzed asymmetric hydrogenation of enamides enabled by single-electron reduction,(2018). DOI: 10.1126/science.aar6117 On May 19, NASA's Terra satellite showed a few very powerful thunderstorms (yellow) northwest of the center where cloud top temperatures were as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 62.2 Celsius). Credit: NASA/NRL Tropical Depression 08W formed around the same time as Tropical Storm 07W, and both are in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean basin. While 07W formed to the northeast of Taiwan, 08W formed to Taiwan's southwest. NASA's Terra satellite captured an infrared image of the 08W that revealed a concentrated area of strong storms as it neared Taiwan. On June 14 at 11 a.m. EDT (1500 UTC), 08W's center was located near 23.0 degrees north latitude and 120.9 degrees east longitude, about 158 nautical miles south-southwest of Taipei, Taiwan. 08W was moving to the northeast at 14.5 mph (12 knots/22.2 kph) and maintained maximum sustained winds near 29 mph (25 knots/46 kph). At 9:55 a.m. EDT (1355 UTC) on May 19, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer or MODIS instrument that flies aboard NASA's Terra satellite gathered infrared data on 08W as it approached Taiwan's southwestern coast. Infrared data provides temperature information. MODIS revealed a few very powerful thunderstorms around the center where cloud top temperatures were as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 62.2 Celsius). NASA research has shown that cloud tops with temperatures that cold were high in the troposphere and have the ability to generate heavy rain. The Central Weather Bureau of Taiwan issued an Extremely Heavy Rain Advisory is in effect from tonight, June 14, through Friday morning June 15 for Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, Pingtung County, Hengchun Peninsula, Taitung County, Lanyu and Ludao Islands. A Heavy Rain Advisory or Extremely Heavy Rain Advisory is in effect from tonight, June 14, through Friday morning June 15 for Taichung City Mountain Area, Nantou County, Yunlin County, Chiayi City, Chiayi County, Yilan County, Hualien County and Penghu County. Strong Wind Advisory is in effect from tonight, June 14, through Friday night, June 15 for the Lienchung County including the Keelung North Coast, New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Hsinchu City, Hsinchu County, Miaoli County, Taichung City, Changhua County, Yunlin County, Chiayi County, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, Pingtung County, Hengchun Peninsula, Yilan County, Hualien County, Taitung County, Lanyu and Ludao Islands, Penghu County, Kinmen Area and the Matsu Area. A Strong Wind Advisory (over land) in effect from tonight June 14, through Friday night, June 15 for Kinmen County that includes Keelung North Coast, New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Hsinchu City, Hsinchu County, Miaoli County, Taichung City, Changhua County, Yunlin County, Chiayi County, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, Pingtung County, Hengchun Peninsula, Yilan County, Hualien County, Taitung County, Lanyu and Ludao Islands, Penghu County, Kinmen Area and Matsu Area. 08W is forecast to move in a northeasterly direction and exit Taiwan on June 15 and move toward Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan. Explore further NASA looks at Typhoon Nepartak over Taiwan in visible and infrared light People are more fearful of scorpions than spiders, a UCR study shows. Credit: University of California - Riverside "I hate spiders." "How do you work with them?" "I'd rather scoop maggots off a corpse than deal with a spider." Those are some of the typical responses Rick Vetter hears when he tells people about his work as an arachnologist at the University of California, Riverside. "It doesn't matter if I say they're beneficial, many people just want them dead," said Vetter, a retired research associate who spent 32 years in UCR's entomology department. "Even some of the entomologists I've worked with are incredibly afraid of spiders." Spiders and snakes reign supreme in the world of animal phobias, but the evolutionary reason for spider fear isn't well understood. Some psychologists believe it has an innate foundation, since humans may be genetically programmed to fear animals that can cause them harm. But such visceral reactions to spiders have always intrigued Vetter, who said most of the long-legged arthropods are "easily squishable" and few are harmful to humans. Even those that bite often leave nothing more than a pinprick at first, with more severe symptoms developing hours or days later. The danger of spiders pales in comparison to another member of the arachnid family: scorpions, whose venomous stings cause immediate searing pain, severe reactions, and sometimes death. "In terms of innate fear, scorpions would be a much better candidate for aversive reaction than spiders. But as an arachnologist, I rarely hear about peoples' fear of scorpions," Vetter said. "Nor do scorpions enjoy the same monster-like status in popular culture." With this in mind, Vetter and colleagues from five universities across the U.S. set out to study fear of spiders and scorpions among 800 students in Green Bay, Wisconsin; Cookeville, Tennessee; Athens, Georgia; Tucson, Arizona; and Riverside. The Wisconsin site is the only location devoid of scorpions, while the Arizona location is the only one to host a potentially deadly scorpion, Centruroides sculpturatus, commonly known as the Arizona Bark Scorpion. The researchers used the well-known "Fear of Spiders" questionnaire, which they adapted to measure fear of scorpions. The participants were asked to agree or disagree with statements, such as, "If I saw a spider now, I would leave the room," and "Spiders are one of my worst fears." The scientists predicted spider fear would be higher than scorpion fear overall, with students in Arizona being the most fearful of scorpions, and those in Wisconsin the least fearful. Published today in the non-peer reviewed "Musings" section of American Entomologist, the results surprised them: respondents from all locations reported being more fearful of scorpions than spiders. "The results from our survey blew our predictions to smithereens," Vetter said. "Not only were people more afraid of scorpions than spiders at all universities, but scorpion fears in Wisconsin were equal to or higher than scorpion fears in Arizona. That fact that students in scorpion-free Wisconsin registered such high fear scores is mind boggling." Vetter said it's possible that exposure to arachnids leads to habituation and therefore lower scores, which might also explain why scorpion fear was low among Arizona students. "Are high scorpion fear scores in Wisconsin due to fear of the unknown and the unfamiliar?" said Vetter, who said the paper's inconclusive findings open the door for psychology researchers to explore scorpion fear, which is much less studied than spider fear. "By adding scorpions to the research mix, psychologists might be able to get a better understanding of arachnid fear in humans," he said. Explore further Entomologist explains why you shouldn't kill spiders in your home More information: Richard S Vetter et al. Spider Fear Versus Scorpion Fear in Undergraduate Students at Five American Universities, American Entomologist (2018). Richard S Vetter et al. Spider Fear Versus Scorpion Fear in Undergraduate Students at Five American Universities,(2018). DOI: 10.1093/ae/tmy030 The shipping industry has been slow to prepare adequate cybersecurity. Credit: Alexandersonscc/pixabay, CC BY-SA The 50,000 ships sailing the sea at any one time have joined an ever-expanding list of objects that can be hacked. Cybersecurity experts recently displayed how easy it was to break into a ship's navigational equipment. This comes only a few years after researchers showed that they could fool the GPS of a super-yacht into altering course. Once upon a time objects such as cars, toasters and tugboats only did what they were originally designed to do. Today the problem is that they all also talk to the internet. The story so far Stories about maritime cybersecurity are only going to proliferate. The maritime industry has been slow to realise that ships, just like everything else, are now part of cyberspace. The International Maritime Organisation (IMO), the UN body charged with regulating maritime space, has been late and somewhat slow in considering appropriate regulation when it comes to cybersecurity. In 2014, the IMO consulted their membership on what maritime cybersecurity guidelines should look like. Two years later they issued their interim cybersecurity risk management guidelines, which are broad and not particularly maritime specific. And now, unsurprisingly, ships are being hacked. Complexity of the maritime industry There are several core issues that make cybersecurity for the maritime industry particularly challenging to address. First, there are many different classes of vessel, all of which operate in very different environments. These vessels tend to have different computer systems built into them. Significantly, many of these systems are built to last over 30 years. In other words, many ships run outdated and unsupported operating systems, which are often the ones most prone to cyber-attacks. Second, the users of these maritime computer systems are constantly in flux. Ship crews are highly dynamic, often changing at short notice. As a result, crew members are often using systems they are unfamiliar with, increasing the potential for cybersecurity incidents relating to human error. Further, the maintenance of onboard systems, including navigational ones, is often contracted to a variety of third parties. It is perfectly possible that a ship's crew have little understanding of how onboard systems interact with each other. A.P. Moller-Maersks entire fleet was delayed due to a cyber-attack in 2017. Credit: Wikimedia/Nils Jepsen, CC BY A third complexity is the linkage between onboard and terrestrial systems. Many maritime companies stay in constant communication with their vessels. The cybersecurity of the ship is also dependent, then, on the cybersecurity of the land-based infrastructure that makes this possible. The implications of such dependencies was made clear in 2017 when a cyber-attack on the systems of A.P. Moller-Maersk resulted in cargo delays across their entire fleet. This is particularly challenging for the IMO who can govern the likes of port regulations, but have very little control over the wider systems and processes of maritime operators. Steps in the right direction In 2017, the IMO amended two of their general security management codes to explicitly include cybersecurity. The International Ship and Port Facility Security Code (ISPS) and International Security Management Code (ISM) detail how port and ship operators should conduct risk management processes. Making cybersecurity an integral part of these processes should ensure that operators are at least conscious of cyber-risks. Hopefully, this is the start of a more holistic approach to maritime cybersecurity regulation. The knowledge gained from these new cyber-risk assessments may enable the IMO to develop a broader set of cybersecurity regulations. There is a lot of low-hanging fruit to be picked, for example by harmonising some equipment requirements with existing cybersecurity standards adopted by other sectors. Turning the ship around The maritime industry is undoubtedly behind other transportation sectors, such as aerospace, in cybersecurity terms. There also seems to be a lack of urgency to get the house in order. After all, the cyber-specific amendments to the ISM and ISPS don't come into force until January 1 2021, and they only represent the beginning of a journey. So the maritime industry seems particularly ill-equipped to deal with future challenges, such as the cybersecurity of fully autonomous vessels. On the positive side, the slow and steady approach to development of cybersecurity regulations at least provides the opportunity to learn from other sectors and fully understand maritime cybersecurity risks, rather than make hasty ill-informed decisions. Development of robust maritime cybersecurity regulations is going to be a very slow, and possibly painful, process. But, the ship has started turning. Explore further New cybersecurity framework profile to ensure safe transfer of hazardous liquids at ports This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article. The crab spider spins out tens of fine silk fibers for its aerial dispersal. A triangular sheet of fibers is observed at the moment of the takeoff. Credit: Moonsung Cho, Technical University of Berlin. Spiders take flight on the smallest of breezes by first sensing the wind, and then spinning out dozens of nanoscale fibers up to seven meters long, according to a study publishing June 14 in the open-access journal PLOS Biology by Moonsung Cho, Ingo Rechenberg, Peter Neubauer, and Christoph Fahrenson at the Technische Universitat in Berlin. The study provides an unprecedentedly detailed look at the "ballooning" behavior that allows certain spiders to travel on the wind for hundreds of kilometers. Many kinds of spiders engage in ballooning, either to disperse from their birth site, to search for food or mates, or to find new sites for colonization. While most ballooning spiders are juveniles or small adults, under 3 millimeters in length, some larger adults also balloon. Although the behavior has been studied before, these authors are the first to make detailed measurements of both the sensing behavior and the silk fibers that are used to catch the wind. Through a combination of field observations and wind tunnel experiments, they found that large crab spiders (Xysticus species), about 5 mm long and weighing up to 25 milligrams, actively evaluated wind conditions by repeatedly raising one or both front legs and orienting to the wind direction. At wind speeds under 3.0 m/sec (7 mph), with relatively light updrafts, the spiders spun out multiple ballooning silks averaging 3 meters long, before releasing themselves from a separate silk line anchoring them to the blade of grass from which they launched. A single spider released up to 60 fibers, most of them as thin as 200 nanometers. These fibers differed from a drag line, which has been known as a ballooning line, and were produced by a separate silk gland. The authors concluded that ballooning spiders actively sense wind characteristics and launch only when the wind speed and updraft are within relatively narrow ranges, increasing the odds of a productive flight. According to the fluid dynamic calculations the authors performed using their wind tunnel data, the spider relies on updrafts that form in the light winds into which they launch, further ensuring a successful flight. "The pre-flight behaviors we observed suggest that crab spiders are evaluating meteorological conditions before their takeoff," Cho said. "Ballooning is likely not just a random launch into the wind, but one that occurs when conditions most favor a productive journey." More information: Cho M, Neubauer P, Fahrenson C, Rechenberg I (2018) An observational study of ballooning in large spiders: Nanoscale multifibers enable large spiders' soaring flight. PLoS Biol 16(6): e2004405. Journal information: PLoS Biology Cho M, Neubauer P, Fahrenson C, Rechenberg I (2018) An observational study of ballooning in large spiders: Nanoscale multifibers enable large spiders' soaring flight.16(6): e2004405. doi.org/10.1371/journal.pbio.2004405 University of South Australia researcher Dr Marnie Winter. A small microfluidic device that can separate maternal and fetal cells is being developed to detect genetic abnormalities in early pregnancy through non-invasive blood tests. The spiral-shaped plastic device is a little bigger than a matchbox and has been adapted from one initially developed to isolate tumour cells from the blood of cancer patients. Biomedical engineers Dr. Marnie Winter and Professor Benjamin Thierry from the University of South Australia's Future Industries Institute and the ARC Centre of Excellence in Convergent Bio-Nano Science and Technology are leading a team of researchers who used the microfluidic technology to isolate fetal cells for the first time. The special design of the microfluidic device allows large volumes of blood to be screened, paving the way for an efficient, cheap and quick method of separating fetal cells from maternal blood cells. "We are separating the cells based on the size the fetal cells are actually larger than the surrounding maternal white blood cells," Dr. Winter said. "Then we can stain the cells for particular markers that the fetal cells express but the maternal cells don't and detect abnormalities from there." The technology breakthrough has been published in Advanced Materials Technologies. The device also incorporates lab-on-a-chip (LOC) technology, which integrates laboratory functions on a chip ranging in size from a few millimetres to a few square centimetres. The UniSA researchers are working in collaboration with Dr. Majid Warkiani from the University of Technology Sydney and specialists from the Women's and Children's Hospital, SA Pathology and Repromed in South Australia. "From about five weeks into the pregnancy, fetal cells originating from the placenta can be found in a mother's bloodstream," Dr. Winter said. "Using modern microfluidic technology, we can now isolate these extremely rare cells (about one in a million) from the mother's white blood cells and collect them for genetic analysis. "We are hopeful that this device could result in a new, non-invasive prenatal diagnostic test able to detect a wide range of genetic abnormalities in early pregnancy from a simple blood sample." Non-invasive prenatal tests based on capturing fragments of fetal DNA are currently available for detecting some genetic abnormalities such as Down syndrome, Edwards syndrome (trisomy 18) and Patau syndrome (trisomy 13). "These tests have revolutionised prenatal care, but they can only detect a small subset of genetic conditions and are not always accurate," Dr. Winter said. "We're hopeful we would be able to detect those sorts of abnormalities too but our test would be able to give you a greater insight into the types of genetic disorders present. "We're interested in the more complex single gene disorders such as heart conditions and other quite serious genetic abnormalities." The research team in Adelaide is recruiting patients to get more blood samples to further develop the technology. Dr. Winter said although a commercial product was still likely to be several years away, the technology could one day be routinely used in pregnancies as a first screening stage to flag abnormalities for further testing. She said this would lead to more women being tested and abnormalities potentially being detected earlier in the pregnancy. "We want to have an integrated technique where basically you could put the blood sample in and you get the result out that's our ultimate goal," Dr. Winter said. Professor Thierry, who leads UniSA's Bioengineering Group, said there was significant scope to further develop the lab-on-a-chip concept. "We are collaborating with industry partners to translate this technology in routine clinical prenatal diagnostics and make it available in the future to screen low and medium-risk pregnancies," he said. Explore further Prenatal test finds one cell in a million More information: Shasha Duan et al. A Highly Stretchable, Sensitive, and Transparent Strain Sensor Based on Binary Hybrid Network Consisting of Hierarchical Multiscale Metal Nanowires, Advanced Materials Technologies (2018). Shasha Duan et al. A Highly Stretchable, Sensitive, and Transparent Strain Sensor Based on Binary Hybrid Network Consisting of Hierarchical Multiscale Metal Nanowires,(2018). DOI: 10.1002/admt.201800020 Provided by The Lead A notification released on May 31st 2018 by Chinas National Development and Reform Commission (NDRC), Ministry of Finance, and National Energy Administration (NEA) provides new regulation for PV industry in China, which may influence various types of PV projects. EnergyTrend, a division of TrendForce, estimates that the new regulation will likely slash the domestic PV demand in China to 29~35GW. Consequently, the demand in global PV industry will see negative growth for the first time, decreasing to less than 100GW. The new policy imposes considerable pressure to the supply chain, and the prices have begun to drop. The notification has lowered the national PV feed-in tariff (FiT) for the quota of 2018. Particularly, there is no change to the FiT for PV Poverty Alleviation Power Plant. The notification also provides guidelines for various types of PV projects. The quota for 2018s DG systems will be about 10G, while the quota for ground-mounted power plants will be suspended in 2018. Consequently, China's PV demand is estimated to drop significantly by 40% to 31.6 GW compared with 2017. China will remain the world's largest solar market, however, due to the tightening policies in China, the global PV demand is expected to set back in 2018. EnergyTrend estimates that the global PV demand will decline by 5~8% to 92~95GW in 2018 compared with 2017, and will not return to above 100GW until 2019 when more new markets emerge. In addition, as suppliers have already planned capacity expansion, the oversupply in PV industry will be more severe due to the shrinking Chinese market. As the result, the supply chain will see continuous price decline this year. EnergyTrend further notes that, the oversupply caused by the new policy will not only lower the prices, but also make module suppliers seek overseas markets. This will in turn reduce the average prices of PV modules in the global market, weakening USs protection of domestic suppliers by Section 201. The tariff listed in Section 201 will be reduced to 25% in 2019. At that time, the imported modules will have lower prices than those traded in the U.S. market even with the 25% tariff, which will make the imported modules more competitive in the U.S. market. For Chinas new notification of PV industry released on May 31st 2018, EnergyTrend provides a more detailed analysis, forecast of market situation and price trend. Please click here to download the full report. The following companies are subsidiares of Illinois Tool Works: A V Co 1 Limited, A V Co 2 Limited, A V Co 3 Limited, ACCU-LUBE Manufacturing GmbH - Schmiermittel und -gerate -, AIP/BI Holdings Inc., Accessories Marketing Holding Corp., Advanced Molding Company Inc., Allen Coding GmbH, Allen France SAS, Alpine Automation Limited, Alpine Engineered Products, Alpine Holdings Inc., Alpine Systems Corporation, Anaerobicos S.r.l., AppliChem GmbH, Arylux Hungary Elektromechanikus Alkatreszgyarto Kft, Avery Berkel France, Avery India Limited, Avery Malaysia Sdn Bhd, Avery Weigh Tronix, Avery Weigh-Tronix (Suzhou) Weighing Technology Co. Ltd., Avery Weigh-Tronix Finance Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Holdings Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix International Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix LLC, Avery Weigh-Tronix Limited, Avery Weigh-Tronix Properties Limited, Azon Limited, B.C. Immo, Beijing Miller Electric Manufacturing Co. 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Ltd., Thermo Life Sciences AB, Thermo Luxembourg Holding S.a.r.l., Thermo Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Thermo MF Physics LLC, Thermo Measurement Ltd, Thermo Measuretech Canada Inc., Thermo Neslab LLC, Thermo Nicolet Limited, Thermo Onix Limited, Thermo Optek (Australia) Pty Ltd., Thermo Optek Limited, Thermo Optek S.A., Thermo Orion Inc., Thermo Portable Holdings LLC, Thermo Power Corporation, Thermo Process Instruments GP LLC, Thermo Process Instruments L.P., Thermo Projects Limited, Thermo Quest S.A., Thermo Radiometrie Limited, Thermo Ramsey Italia S.r.l., Thermo Ramsey LLC, Thermo Ramsey S.A., Thermo Re Ltd., Thermo Scientific Microbiology Pte Ltd., Thermo Scientific Microbiology Sdn Bhd, Thermo Scientific Portable Analytical Instruments Inc., Thermo Scientific Services Inc., Thermo Securities Corporation, Thermo Sentron Canada Inc., Thermo Sentron Limited, Thermo Shandon Inc., Thermo Shandon Limited, Thermo Suomi Holding B.V., Thermo TLH (UK) Limited, Thermo TLH L.P., Thermo Trace Pty Ltd., Thermo-Fisher Biochemical Product (Beijing) Co. Ltd., ThermoLase LLC, ThermoSpectra Limited, Trek Diagnostic Systems LLC, Trek Diagnostic Systems Ltd., Trek Holding Company II Ltd., Trek Holding Company Ltd., Trex Medical Corporation, USB Corporation, Union Lab Supplies Limited, United Diagnostics Inc., VG Systems Limited, Westover Scientific Inc., ZAO PE Biosystems, eBioscience GmbH, eBioscience Ltd, eBioscience SAS, and picoSpin LLC. Education Reporter Mathew Burciaga is a Santa Maria Times reporter who covers education, agriculture and public safety. Prior to joining the Times, Mathew ran a 114-year-old community newspaper in Wyoming. He owns more than 40 pairs of crazy socks from across the globe. " " Europe's oldest tree is located on a steep rocky slope of exposed bedrock. Its roots are exposed just enough so that researchers could use them to pinpoint its age. Screen shot/Youtube/howstuffworks In the year 788 A.D.E., Charlemagne had just given up on plundering Southern Italy and decided instead to turn his sights on Bavaria. Italus, the tree that now holds the record as Europe's oldest, was just a seedling that year, in the newly Charlemagne-free zone south of Naples. This tree has seen some stuff. Italus is a 1,230-year-old Heldreich's pine, which lives in a grove of astronomically old trees on a dry, rocky hill in Pollino National Park near the toe of Italy's boot. A study published in the May 16, 2018 issue of the journal Ecology unseats Adonis, the tiny 1,077-year-old Bosnian pine growing in the Pindus Mountains of Greece that previously held the title of Europe's oldest. The researchers found Italus to be significantly older. Advertisement Dating Italus wasn't a cakewalk, though. Turns out, the oldest parts at the center of the tree's trunk were in no shape for researchers to count its rings. "The inner part of the wood was like dust we never saw anything like it," coauthor Alfredo Di Filippo, a professor in the Department of Sciences and Technology at Tuscia University in Viterbo, Italy, told National Geographic. "There were at least 20 centimeters [7.9 inches] of wood missing, which represents a lot of years." However, Italus' roots were much better preserved. Both roots and trunk bear rings laid down by yearly growth, but the rings grow at slightly different rates. By radiocarbon dating parts of the exposed root, the team was able to tell when the tree germinated, and from there, could cross-date the ring and trunk growth to calculate the tree's age. Because its core is so mangled, Italus clearly hasn't just swanned through the heat waves and rough conditions of the past 1,200 years, but the researchers say it's still growing and could possibly live on for centuries. Now That's Interesting: The world's oldest tree is a bristlecone pine growing in the White Mountains of California. Cheap Beer in Singapore A Guide on Alcohol Delivery, Happy Hours and More Anybody who disputes those reports about Singapore being the most expensive city in the world (got hawker food what!) clearly doesnt drink much beer: Thanks to our astronomical alcohol taxes, Singapore is one of the most expensive countries in the world to enjoy a pint of beer. But here at MoneySmart, were determined to find the cheapest ways to enjoy some booze. If youre done with balling (read: going broke) at teenybopper clubs and just want to chill over a beer or two, there are several hacks for enjoying cheap beer you can call for alcohol delivery, pick up beer while doing the groceries or go duty-free shopping. For those who want the ambience of a nice bar, you can head to some of the more affordable watering holes. Contents Beer & Alcohol Delivery in Singapore Cheap beer at kopitiams, hawker centres and food courts Beer & Alcohol Delivery in Singapore This is for those holding house parties (because youre too lazy to fight the Friday night crowds). Alcoholdelivery.com.sg Alcoholdelivery.com.sg is the most popular alcohol delivery in Singapore, and is known for its cheap prices and speedy delivery all deliveries are done in 1 hour! (In fact, its logo looks a bit like FedEx, but with an alcohol bottle) You can order cans, bottles, and even 5L 30L kegs. The cans and bottles are priced similar to supermarkets, at $3+ to $7+ each. If youve a group of friends coming over you can consider the bigger kegs. Alcohol.sg Currently, theres only Brewerkz for the 5L kegs and they are around $100. Alcohol.sg has a similar range of beers for delivery, but the prices are slightly cheaper at $70+ for the Brewerkz 5L kegs. However, Alcohol Delivery offers free delivery for orders above $50, while Alcohol.sgs free shipping minimum is $100. Brewerkz That said, you can also order directly via Brewerkz, and the prices are actually cheaper when they have discounts. At time of writing, there were 5L beer kegs going as low as $50+. Do note that theres a $25 delivery fee for orders under $300. Story continues If you prefer craft brews, you can check out craftbeer.sg too. Duty-free = Cheap beer! Since alcohol is expensive because of the high taxes Go duty-free shopping for it! Of course, you can only shop duty-free when youre travelling, but since Singaporeans are some of the worlds most frequent travellers, that shouldnt be an issue. The average Singaporean went on 5.2 overseas trips in the last 12 months (2017)! That means you have ample reasons to stock up on duty free alcohol when passing through Changi Airport. You can to buy: 1L of wine, 1L of spirits and 1L of beer; 2L of wine and 1L of beer; or 1L of wine and 2L of beer. Max this out if youve an upcoming booze party. Stock up on cheap beer at supermarkets Not going overseas but still need some cheap beer as your contribution to that gathering at your friends place? Then youll have to turn to local supermarkets like Fairprice, Cold Storage and more. Beer prices are surprisingly affordable, especially if you either buy big bottles or big multi-can packs, and its certainly much, much cheaper than 7-11. It usually costs about $40 to $80+ for a carton of 24 cans thats $1.70 to $3+ per can. Back to top Cheap beer at kopitiams, hawker centres and food courts Those beer-chugging uncles downstairs have got the right idea kopitiams, hawker centres and food courts are the cheapest places to buy a drink in Singapore. You can even chit-chat with the friendly neighbourhood beer aunties if you like. A big bottle of beer to costs under $10 at a typical hawker centre. In contrast, you can count yourself lucky if you manage to find a $10 pint (~500ml) at a bar. The surroundings may be far from posh, but that also means no dress code: Feel free to party in shorts and flip flops! Cheap bars in Singapore 2018 Its always, always going to be more expensive to drink in a proper bar no matter how humble than to drink at a kopitiam or BYOB. But there will always be some days when you feel like treating yourself to something a little nicer. Thankfully, heading to a bar doesnt always mean a hole in your wallet affordable bars with cheap beers DO exist. Heres a list of watering holes that offer cheap beer towers for under $60: * Special find: 283 Cafe A members-only bar with $38/tower deals! 283 Cafe is nestled right in the centre of Changi Road, and offers almost unbeatable beer prices of $36 per draft denmark beer tower, $38 per Tiger Beer tower, $48 per Heineken tower and $62 per Erdinger tower! BUT in order to be allowed entry into the exclusive bar and enjoy these prices, youll need to apply to become a member by liking their Facebook page and emailing your full name, NRIC, address, emergency contact details and even a recognisable photo of yourself. Nobody know what the approval criteria is, and the establishment says it has the right to reject any applications without any reason provided. Apply at your own risk! Other bars to try Although $40 $50+ is already considered dirt cheap for beer towers, some get even cheaper during happy hour. There are several other bars that readers have recommended for cheap beer in Singapore, but do not have promotions or menus posted online. I couldnt go down to get sloshed at all of them, but if youre nearby, you can check them out. Red Dot @ Dempsey Cafe Iguana 1 Tyrwhitt Bistro & Bar Bistro 1855 Legend Cafe Amber Nectar Bar Bar Black Sheep No5 Emerald Hill Symmetry Mr Punch Public House Acid Bar Crazy Elephant The Jolly Roger Lastly, you can actually brew your own beer Whether brewing your own beer actually saves you money is debatable in cities where beer is relatively cheap. But in Singapore where beer prices are heart attack-inducing the potential for savings is great. There are numerous retailers or beer brewing kits in Singapore, including ibrew, Homebrew Co-op and Beer Can Lah. At Homebrew Co-op, a complete brewing kit costs $150 and can make 23L of beer. Hint: If you want to save money, you can buy supplies second hand on eBay or even Carousell. Be warned though: Your first few batches might be weird-tasting at best (sewage water at worst). But once you get the hang of it, youll always be able to convince your friends to skip the bar and come over. Do you have any tips for getting cheap beer? Tell us in the comments! Related articles The Best 1-for-1 Buffet Dining Promotions in Singapore 2018 The Best Credit Cards for Entertainment in Singapore 2018 8 Stylish Bars in Singapores CBD With Happy Hour Deals The post Cheap Beer in Singapore - A Guide on Alcohol Delivery, Happy Hours and More appeared first on the MoneySmart blog. MoneySmart.sg helps you maximize your money. Like us on Facebook to keep up to date with our latest news and articles. Compare and shop for the best deals on Loans, Insurance and Credit Cards on our site now! More From MoneySmart Vietnams worst flare-up of anti-Chinese sentiment in years could strain already troubled relations with the countrys powerful neighbour, as the government tries to keep a lid on nationwide protests. About 100 people have been arrested so far, but on Wednesday hundreds of defiant demonstrators again gathered at Tan Huong Industrial Park in the southern province of Tien Giang, holding up banners with slogans such as I love the fatherland dont let China lease our land. Videos posted on social media showed hundreds of workers facing down police at factory gates and marching through the streets. The anti-China protests the worst seen in Vietnam since 2014 began on Saturday at Taiwanese-owned shoe factory Pou Yuen in Ho Chi Minh City, where workers demonstrated over the governments plan to set up three new special economic zones that would allow 99-year concessions. The protests spread, and violence erupted at other rallies in southern province Binh Thuan on Sunday. Although the government did not specifically mention who would invest in the zones, protesters fear they will be dominated by Chinese interests. The links between the Vietnamese and Chinese authorities are becoming more and more conspicuous each day, and make citizens frustrated and angry, said Do Thi Minh Hanh, president of the Viet Labour Movement, a labour rights organisation. Anti-China protests: dozens arrested as Vietnam patriotism spirals into unrest The protests are set to aggravate the already tense relations between the two countries. Chinas embassy in Hanoi on Sunday issued a safety warning to Chinese nationals, calling the protests illegal gatherings with anti-China content, and said it would pay close attention to the developments. For the Vietnamese leadership, the anti-Chinese nationalism poses a greater challenge for Vietnamese foreign policy, because China is such an overwhelmingly powerful neighbour, said Robert Ross, a professor of political science at Boston College. Story continues Its difficult for Vietnam to appease their nationalists with anti-Chinese behaviour and anti-Chinese policies without incurring potential Chinese retaliation. In April, the foreign ministers of both countries met in Hanoi and pledged to address their disputes especially over contested territory in the South China Sea peacefully. But last month, Vietnam asked China to remove military equipment it had reportedly installed on three man-made islands in the disputed Spratly chain claimed by China and Vietnam, among others. The demonstrations turned violent over the weekend when police moved in to shut them down. In Binh Thuan, rioters looted public buildings and clashed with police, while in Hanoi more than a dozen protesters were detained. The protests continued on Monday even after the National Assembly voted to defer discussion of the special economic zones bill until October. Thousands of workers have also taken part in strikes across southern Vietnam since the unrest began, including at Pou Yuen and Ching Luh, another shoe factory in Long An province, and at Tan Houng Industrial Park in Tien Giang province, according to Minh Hanh. Adding to the simmering anger towards the government is a new cybersecurity law that will require digital businesses like Facebook and Google to store the data of Vietnamese users in Vietnam. Vietnam tries to contain anti-China protests as plan for new economic zones sparks anger While the vote on the special economic zones has been postponed, an analyst said any amendments to the bill were likely to be cosmetic. There is so much money and power involved for [Communist Party of Vietnam] officials, they will make some minor concessions such as shortening the allowed lease period of 99 years but they would not let this affect their ties with China, said Tuong Vu, a professor of political science at the University of Oregon. Lawmakers could shorten the lease term from 99 to 70 years, the maximum allowed for investors under current Vietnamese law, online newspaper VnExpress reported. Vietnamese see special economic zones as assault from China Anti-China riots erupted across the country in 2014 after a Chinese oil rig was stationed in a disputed part of the South China Sea claimed by both Vietnam and China. Rioters attacked police and Chinese workers, leaving more than 20 people dead and nearly 100 injured. This article Anti-China protests in Vietnam set to aggravate tensions with Beijing first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. More from South China Morning Post: French police have thwarted two terror attacks, including one at a swingers' club, sources close to the investigations said Thursday. The prevented plots come weeks after a knifeman killed a man in Paris and as the country remains on high alert following a string of jihadist assaults since 2015 that have claimed more than 240 lives. One suspect, a 38-year-old "radicalised convert" to Islam, was arrested in the Indre region in the centre of the country. "An improvised explosive device was found at his home and the man admitted that he wanted to use it to target a swingers' club," the source told AFP. The man, originally from the Loiret region, was charged and taken into custody on May 17 for "associating with terrorist criminals" and "preparing an act of terrorism", a judicial source said. Hours earlier police sources said two other men had been charged on suspicion of planning an attack in the name of the Islamic State group which may have targeted gay people. Sources close to the probe said the men, described as friends aged 21 and 22, were arrested Saturday in the Seine-et-Marne region east of Paris. Searches found two knives, a detonation system and IS propaganda material in their possession, a source said. "Their plan was still ill-defined at this stage, but there were elements to suggest they planned to attack homosexuals," one source added. The two men, said to be unknown to security services, were charged on Tuesday by an anti-terrorism judge and detained. Last month, Khamzat Azimov, a 20-year-old naturalised Frenchman of Chechen origin, killed one man and injured five others in the busy Opera district of the French capital on Saturday night before being shot dead by police. The Islamic State group claimed the attack. A few days after, French authorities foiled an attack being planned by an Egyptian man, while in January a man was arrested in Gard in southern France over an alleged plot. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe told parliament in March that a total of 51 planned attacks had been thwarted since January 2015, when gunman killed 12 people after storming the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. Greece's main opposition New Democracy party on Thursday called a censure vote against the government in a bid to block a name deal with Macedonia seen as "harmful" to Greek interests. "This is the last straw," New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis told parliament in calling the vote. "We will not divide the Greeks in order to unite the (Macedonians)." Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras -- whose government is expected to defeat the motion -- called it a "gift" from the opposition. "The censure motion is welcome, it's a very valuable gift," said Tsipras, who earlier this week agreed with Macedonian counterpart Zoran Zaev to rename Greece's northern neighbour the Republic of North Macedonia. The vote will be held over the weekend, likely on Saturday night, delaying reported plans for the Tsipras-Zaev agreement to be signed at the Prespes Lakes, on the border between Greece and Macedonia. Tsipras said he was looking forward to debating in parliament what compromises past Greek governments had come close to making, in their own negotiations with Skopje over the past 27 years. "It's a first-rate opportunity to talk in detail about who gave away what, and when," the PM said. Greece has long objected to its northern neighbour being called Macedonia because it has its own northern province of the same name, which in ancient times was the cradle of Alexander the Great's empire -- a source of intense pride to modern-day Greeks. "I have an obligation to the Greek people to try to prevent the future of our homeland being mortgaged under a deal harmful to national interests," Mitsotakis said. Although Tsipras' nationalist coalition partner the Independent Greeks party is strongly opposed to the Macedonia deal, they have stressed they do not intend to abandon him. "I do not feel this government has lost the confidence of parliament," Tsipras told state TV ERT on Wednesday. The Independent Greeks "will not bring down the government," he said. He said the deal "benefits (Greece) and the region...with this agreement, we cancel out any attempt to usurp our history." Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev has also hailed the move, which was announced on Tuesday, calling it a "historic solution". It still needs to be approved by Macedonia's parliament and pass a referendum there as well as being ratified by the Greek parliament, a process that will take months. Macedonia hopes that resolving the bitter dispute will help clear the way for it to join the European Union and NATO. European Council president Donald Tusk and NATO chief Jens Stoltenberg issued a joint statement on Wednesday voicing the hope that "this unique opportunity to relaunch the wider Western Balkan region's European and Euro-Atlantic integration will not be wasted". A 20-article document is to be signed by the foreign ministers of Greece and Macedonia stating that Macedonia's constitution must be revised within the year for the deal to go ahead. -- North Macedonia, 'No chance' -- Opponents to the compromise have called for a protest on central Syntagma Square in Athens on Friday and Saturday. Much of the criticism in Greece has focused on the government's acceptance that the neighbouring country's language and ethnicity will be called "Macedonian". The acceptance of the Macedonian language and nationality is an unacceptable national retreat," said Mitsotakis, arguing that the hard-fought deal would fail in practise. "There is no chance that those speaking a 'Macedonian' language will be called 'North Macedonians'," he said. In Macedonia, the nationalist VMRO-DPMNE party called the deal a "capitulation" and President Gjorge Ivanov said he would refuse to sign the text. Ivanov can veto the Macedonian parliament's decision only once, and has no power to veto a referendum. Skopje hopes to secure a date to begin accession talks at an EU summit in late June and an invitation to join NATO in mid-July. Greek PM Tsipras attends a parliamentary session ahead of a debate on a motion of no confidence by the main opposition in row over a deal on neighbouring Macedonia's name Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras addresses lawmakers during a parliamentary session ahead of a debate on a motion of no confidence by the main opposition in row over a deal on neighbouring Macedonia's name, in Athens, Greece, June 14, 2018. REUTERS/Alkis Konstantinidis By Michele Kambas and Renee Maltezou ATHENS (Reuters) - The Greek parliament began debating a no-confidence motion in the government on Thursday, with opposition lawmakers furious over Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras's deal aimed at solving a decades-old dispute with neighbouring Macedonia over its name. Tsipras and Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev reached a landmark agreement on Tuesday to call the ex-Yugoslav republic the "Republic of North Macedonia", settling nearly three decades of wrangling over its name and removing an obstacle to Skopje's bid to join the European Union and NATO. But in a reflection of the depth of feeling over the issue, both Zaev and Tsipras were accused in their home countries of "national capitulation". The issue has triggered mass protests both in Skopje and Athens in previous months. The Macedonian president has said he would try to block the deal, and in Greece, the opposition initiated a censure motion against the government, a first since Tsipras came to power in 2015. The debate in parliament is expected to wrap up on Saturday. Tsipras's governing left-right coalition has 154 seats in the 300-member parliament, so the government is unlikely to fall, but if parliament were to back the no confidence motion Tsipras would have to hand over his mandate to the country's president. Tsipras is already trailing in opinion polls, hurt by the economic reforms introduced as a condition for a third multibillion-euro bailout for Greece in 2015. The no-confidence motion, submitted by the opposition New Democracy, said the accord was the final blow for Greeks who have suffered years of austerity. "This is a damaging agreement to our national interests," the motion said. "It is a major national concession which cannot be tolerated." Tsipras' coalition ally, the Independent Greeks, have said publicly they would not support the accord reached with Skopje but would not topple the government, either. Story continues Protests were scheduled outside parliament on Saturday night, although demonstrations in central Athens were also expected on Friday. PROTESTS Under the deal, Macedonia would become formally known as "the Republic of North Macedonia". It is currently known officially at the United Nations as the "Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia". The deal still requires ratification by both national parliaments and by a referendum in Skopje. "I am compelled, it is my duty, to exhaust every possibility offered in the constitution to avert this development," New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis said. In another debate earlier, Tsipras shrugged off the no-confidence motion, saying it gave him an opportunity to expose the see-saw tactics of New Democracy, whom he blamed for a series of blunders on the issue when it was in government. "What goes around, comes around," Tsipras said. Athens has long objected to its northern neighbour's use of the name "Macedonia", saying it implies territorial claims on a northern Greek province of the same name and amounts to the appropriation of Greece's ancient cultural heritage. In Macedonia, Zaev's government unanimously adopted the agreement, government spokesman Mile Boshnjakovski told reporters after the session. However, Macedonian leading opposition party, the rightist VMRO-DPMNE, called those who reject it to protest on Sunday. The agreement still needs to be adopted by parliament. Zaev does not hold the two thirds majority needed to push it through automatically. And while the government holds the executive power, the president said on Wednesday he would not sign the deal, saying it violated the constitution. (Additional reporting by Aleksander Vasovic; Editing by Gareth Jones and Alison Williams) Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev addresses the media at the government offices in Skopje Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev addresses the media at the government offices in Skopje, Macedonia June 12, 2018. REUTERS/Ognen Teofilovski By Kole Casule and Renee Maltezou SKOPJE/ATHENS (Reuters) - Macedonia's president said on Wednesday he would not sign a landmark deal reached with Greece on changing his country's name, dashing hopes of a swift end to a diplomatic dispute that has blocked Skopje's bid to join the European Union and NATO. In Greece too, Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras faced a barrage of criticism and the prospect of a no-confidence vote against his government after he and Macedonian Prime Minister Zoran Zaev announced the accord late on Tuesday. Under the deal, Macedonia would become formally known as 'the Republic of Severna (Northern) Macedonia'. It is currently known officially at the United Nations as the 'Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia'. Athens has long objected to its northern neighbour's use of the name 'Macedonia', saying it implies territorial claims on a northern Greek province of that name and also amounts to appropriation of Greece's ancient cultural heritage. "My position is final and I will not yield to any pressure, blackmail or threats. I will not support or sign such a damaging agreement," Macedonian President Gjorge Ivanov told a news conference in Skopje. Ivanov, who is backed by the nationalist opposition VMRO-DPMNE, can veto the deal. Macedonia's centre-left government also needs a two-thirds majority to win parliamentary approval and this would require the backing of VMRO-DPMNE, which is strongly opposed to the accord. The president also said Macedonia's possible future membership of the EU and NATO was not sufficient excuse to sign such a "bad agreement". The accord must be approved by Macedonians in a referendum as well as by the parliaments of both countries. "We will oppose this deal of capitulation with all democratic and legal means," VMRO-DPMNE head Hristijan Mickoski told a news conference, branding the agreement "an absolute defeat for Macedonian diplomacy". Story continues "DEEPLY PROBLEMATIC" In Athens, where Tsipras is also trying to negotiate a definitive exit from financial bailouts which have traumatised Greece, resistance to the Macedonia deal was growing. A source in Greece's main opposition party, New Democracy, said it planned to submit a motion of no-confidence in the Tsipras government over the deal. New Democracy will submit the motion after the conclusion of a debate on bailout reforms scheduled to wrap up late on Thursday, the source told Reuters. If the motion is submitted, it would be the first since Tsipras, a leftist, won elections in September 2015, testing the unity of his governing left-right coalition. New Democracy leader Kyriakos Mitsotakis called the Macedonia deal "deeply problematic" because he said most Greeks were against it and Tsipras lacked the authority to sign it. "We are in a situation that is unprecedented in Greece's constitutional history. A prime minister without a clear parliamentary mandate willing to commit the country to a reality which will not be possible to change," Mitsotakis said. In a front-page editorial, conservative daily Eleftheros Typos called the agreement "the surrender of the Macedonian identity and language", while the centre-right Kathimerini newspaper referred to "a deal with gaps and question marks". For some Greeks the compromise deal over Macedonia was the final straw after nine years of painful austerity under three international bailouts. "We have lost, we retreated," said 40-year old Stamatia Valtadorou, a private sector employee. "It's one thing to sell off a part of yourself for a bailout and a different thing to sell off your land, it hurts deeply." (Writing by George Georgiopoulos and Michele Kambas, Additional reporting by Angeliki Koutantou in Athens and Daria Sito-Sucic in Sarajevo; Editing by Gareth Jones) John Tsang Chun-wah made a name for himself in Hong Kong for a few things: he tried and failed to become Hong Kongs chief executive in 2017; he was one of the longest serving financial secretaries in Hong Kongs history; and he presided over an enormous growth in Hong Kongs fiscal reserves, garnering criticism for being tight-fisted in the face of an ageing society where hospitals and schools all seem underfunded. In second bet on fintech, former Hong Kong financial secretary John Tsang backs identification project During his tenure as Financial Secretary, Tsang pointed to the possibility of a new financial crisis, or some other Black Swan event, that would make enormous fiscal reserves necessary. Had he known that Donald Trump would be elected president (a prospect that seemed highly unlikely as he campaigned for Chief Executive), he may have felt some vindication for his budgeting. He was proud of the reserves that the government had amassed, despite public criticism. To the public, he tried to project a kindly, fatherly persona, showing off a love of music and fencing. On Facebook, he maintains 133,000 followers, compared to Chief Executive Carrie Lam Chen Yuet-ngor at 47,000. But Tsang did have a youthful flirtation with radicalism and entrepreneurship. Former financial secretary John Tsang joins fintech-focused merchant bank Ion Pacific Born in Hong Kong in 1951 and raised in the US, he has described his youth in New York City in the1960s as a time of rebelliousness. Tsang wound up studying architecture, just making the cut for admission into MITs School of Architecture + Planning. I always thought architects were cool. You can do incredible things. Its a mix of science and art, and I thought that was the ultimate thing. Tsang said that while he had to study the maths, his passion was for art. He became entranced by the utopian visions of a man named Maurice Smith, a New Zealand architect and something of a cult figure among some architects. Story continues He installed a lot of ideas that were quite difficult to achieve in the real world he said there was no need for doors [in a house], Tsang recalled. In the run up to the 2017 election for Hong Kong Chief Executive, Tsang repeatedly touted his pro-China credentials and offered plenty of support for Chinese President Xi Jinpings signature Belt and Road Initiative If you wanted to, say, keep the kids out [of a room], you just make the steps into the room higher. He believed in interaction between different spaces. We totally believed in him. He was, like, the leader. This was the guy and we were impressionable, Tsang said. Dreams of a career in architecture remain. I would do it all over again, Tsang said in 2016. It was just an amazing period. Tsang came of age in the US when the Vietnam war and Watergate left a pervasive sense of distrust in government among young people. The US economy was also entering a tough period, and Tsangs first real job in architecture saw his grander dreams take a proper hit, when he was assigned to design bathroom details. Tsang recalled being ignored by other members of his firm because he simply was the bathroom guy. He soon left and formed a small design and contracting company with a friend, which didnt last long. He went back to school, completed a Masters in Public Administration at Harvard University and by 1982, was back in Hong Kong working in the civil service, where he remained. There followed a steady rise up the ranks to the upper echelons of governance. By 2007, he was installed as financial secretary. His appointment came at the onset of the global financial crisis of 2008. It was, in Tsangs words, hell. Hong Kong recovered quickly from the meltdown, in part thanks to Chinas massive programme of fiscal spending and monetary easing. Though Hong Kong enjoyed years of growth following the sharp downturn, none of it put Tsangs fears about the future at ease. The threat of a possible economic calamity clouded Tsangs thinking. Our fiscal reserves have helped us ride out the storm during the Asian Financial Crisis in 1998, and maintain investors confidence in Hong Kong financial markets, he said, adding that Hong Kong s fiscal reserves have been drained before, in 1998-99 and 2003-04, by as much as 40 per cent. Hong Kong has a small and open economy that is highly susceptible to external volatilities of the global macroeconomic environment. But while Tsang may have run a tight budget during his time in government, his old dream of starting a business and being a radical thinker hasnt completely died. Tsang liked to tout his financial support for SMEs and an Innovation and Technology Venture Fund to support tech start-ups. Tsang even took some credit for laying the groundwork for the growth of the start-up community in Hong Kong. Tsang thinks mainland China will continue to rely on Hong Kong for international financing and that China will be a source of growth and business for Hong Kong, though he has also pointed out that Hong Kong needs to be ready for the day when the renminbi is a convertible currency. In the run up to the 2017 election for Hong Kong Chief Executive, Tsang repeatedly touted his pro-China credentials and offered plenty of support for Chinese President Xi Jinpings signature Belt and Road Initiative. It didnt work. After some time off, Tsang is back in the news again, announcing plans to start a fund to support entrepreneurs in Hong Kong in March, and in June, it was announced that Tsang was joining Ion Pacific, a fintech focused merchant and investment bank as vice-chairman. While Tsang may not have gotten the top job of the civil service, he may now have a shot to help others do what he could not: get a business off the ground. This article John Tsang, Hong Kongs ex-finance tsar, is now a fintech evangelist first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. More from South China Morning Post: French President Emmanuel Macron did not mean to offend Italy with comments about the migrant crisis that have sparked a bitter diplomatic row, his office said Thursday. In a phone call with Italian Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte on Wednesday evening, "the president stressed that none of his comments were intended to offend Italy and the Italian people," Macron's office said in a statement. Italy had on Wednesday insisted that Macron apologise for accusing its populist new government of "cynicism and irresponsibility" for refusing to take in 629 migrants onboard the Aquarius rescue ship. A lunch meeting between the two leaders in Paris on Friday, which Rome had threatened to cancel over the row, will go ahead as planned, the statement added. Macron and Conte "confirmed the commitment of France and Italy to organising rescues within the rules on the humanitarian protection of people in danger," the statement said in reference to migrants making the dangerous Mediterranean crossing from Libya. "The president recalled that he has always defended the need for greater European solidarity with the Italian people," Macron's office said in comments that appeared designed to lower tensions between the two sides. "Italy and France must deepen their bilateral and European cooperation to implement an effective migration policy with countries of origin and transit," the statement said. It called for "better common European management of borders and a European solidarity mechanism for the handling of refugees". Ahead of an EU summit at the end of June, both leaders agreed that "new initiatives" were needed to handle Europe's migrant crisis, the statement said. Four people were killed in southern Turkey Thursday in clashes that erupted when a lawmaker from President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's ruling party was campaigning in a mainly Kurdish town near Syria, 10 days ahead of tightly-contested polls. Reports said those killed were shot dead in chaotic fighting at Suruc in the Sanliurfa region, although rival sides gave starkly contrasting versions of events. The incident added to tensions ahead of the June 24 elections, where Erdogan will seek a second term as president and also a thumping majority in parliament. The Sanliurfa governor's office said a fight erupted between two groups during the visit by MP Ibrahim Halil Yildiz to small businesses in the centre of Suruc. It said three people were killed and nine wounded in an "incident" that took place afterwards. It did not confirm reports that a shooting had taken place. Both the Anadolu and Dogan news agencies said there was a shooting and video reports from the scene published by Dogan contained the sound of gunfire. One of the victims later died in hospital from the wounds sustained in the attack, Anadolu said, bringing the death toll to four. The lawmaker escaped unharmed, the reports said, but the identity of all the victims was not immediately clear. There were conflicting reports about the circumstances of the killings, with pro-government media saying Yildiz and his supporters came under attack from opponents armed with knives and sticks. The state-run Anadolu described it as an attack against the ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) and added that among those killed was the MP's brother. It claimed that supporters of the pro-Kurdish Peoples' Democratic Party (HDP) were among those involved in the attack. In his first reaction to the incident, Erdogan appeared to blame the bloodshed on the HDP and the outlawed Kurdish militant Kurdistan Workers Party (PKK). "This is the most obvious example that the HDP and PKK have not been able to abandon basing their growth strategy on feeding off the blood of Kurds," he said. "We have no problem with our Kurdish brothers. We have a problem with the PKK," he said. - 'Sad events before polls' - But unconfirmed reports on pro-Kurdish media blamed the MP's bodyguards for the attack, after he was met with hostility during the visit to the shopkeepers. "We are faced with very sad events with just days to go before June 24," said the HDP's co-leader Pervin Buldan. "We see that some are trying to incite the people with provocations," she added, condemning those behind the killings. Reports indicated that the fighting had initially broken out after a dispute between Yildiz and a local representative of the Democratic Regions Party (DBP) which is close to the HDP. After the first clashes, fighting even continued at the hospital where the wounded were brought, reports said. Suruc, a mainly Kurdish town, was the scene of a bombing on July 20, 2015, blamed on so-called Islamic State (IS) jihadists that killed 34 people and wounded about 100. That bombing sparked huge tensions in Turkey at the time, with many Kurdish activists taking to the streets and accusing the government of not doing enough in the fight against IS. Turkey is entering what is expected to be a tense final week of campaigning ahead of the polls. Analysts are forecasting that the parliamentary and presidential elections will be tight, with Erdogan possibly forced into a run-off and with his ruling party at risk of losing its overall majority in parliament. One of the crucial questions will be whether the HDP is able to exceed the 10 percent threshold needed to win seats in parliament. If it does, the AKP's chances of winning an overall majority will be sharply reduced. HDP presidential candidate and former leader Selahattin Demirtas is campaigning from behind bars following his arrest in November 2016 on charges of links to the PKK. A Somali man stabbed two worshippers to death and wounded two others in a rampage at a mosque in South Africa on Thursday before being shot dead by police, officers said. Police quickly surrounded the building in Malmesbury near Cape Town outside which a body lay under a tree and a penknife was discarded nearby, according to an AFP correspondent at the scene. The motive of the attacker, who police said was Somali, remains unclear. It comes just a month after a deadly stabbing at another South African mosque which police said had "elements of extremism" and left an Islamic leader dead. Police were alerted by early morning worshippers and arrived at Malmesbury's mosque to find two people had died of stab wounds, Western Cape police spokeswoman Noloyiso Rwexana, told AFP. "The suspect, believed to be in his thirties and armed with a knife, charged at the police who tried to persuade him to hand himself over," she said. The man, who was seen at the Mosque for the first time on Wednesday according to police, "ignored the calls and tried to attack police. He was shot dead". Forensics officers are now conducting a finger-tip search of the area and the elite Hawks investigative unit has been drafted in to lead the inquiry. - 'Murdered, slaughtered' - Zainab Bassa, the wife of 72-year-old Ismail Bassa who was killed in the attack, told AFP that her husband of more than 30 years was "slaughtered" as he prayed. "My husband talked to everybody, he loved kids, it's a great loss for me, as well as for the community, to pass away in a masjid, murdered, slaughtered," said Bassa, 59. "That was his second house -- you would always find him in the mosque. He left last night and said 'I'm going now, I'll buy you another Eid dress'." The other victim was a member of South Africa's Somali community, according to police. Two other people were wounded and are being treated in hospital. The Muslim Judicial Council (MJC), which represents the Muslim community in South Africa, said it was "shocked to the core" over the incident, which came at the end of the holy month of Ramadan. The MJC appealed to the community not to speculate about the attacker's motives and said its top leadership would travel to the area to assist the community. It comes a month after an attack at a mosque in the town of Verulam, on the outskirts of the eastern port city of Durban. Three unidentified assailants killed a mosque leader on May 10 by slitting his throat and injured two others after midday prayers. The assailants in that attack, who also set off a petrol bomb inside the mosque, escaped in a car and remain at large. - 'Intolerance, killing and real conflict' - Their motive remains unclear, but a police spokesman said at the time that the attack had "elements of extremism. It shows hatred towards the worshippers". The Verulam attack was a watershed moment for South Africa, where about 1.5 percent of the country's 55 million people are Muslim. Asked if Thursday's attack was the first of its kind in the region, police spokesman lieutenant colonel Andre Traut said: "I can't recall of another incident, but all possibilities are being investigated". "It's way too soon to speculate as to a possible motive -- or link with any other incident in the country," he told the eNCA broadcaster. Nick Piper, a director at the Signal Risk security consultancy, described both attacks as "very rudimentary". "Typically, if a transnational group was to conduct a coordinated, planned attack, it would be more sophisticated," he said. South Africa prides itself on religious tolerance and has been spared the extremist attacks that have dogged other countries on the African continent. Ebrahim Rasool, a senior official of the ruling African National Congress (ANC) party, said that President Cyril Ramaphosa "expresses condolences to the families and the community". "(He) expresses his concern about this plague that is infiltrating the Muslim community of intolerance, killing and real conflict," said Rasool. South Korea and Japan were left confused and concerned about their long-term security after US President Donald Trump said America would no longer take part in war games with its East Asian allies and wanted to reduce troop numbers in the region, analysts said. At a briefing immediately after his landmark summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore on Tuesday, Trump described the joint military drills with South Korea as costly and provocative, and said he would like to bring home the 32,000 soldiers based there. This is bad news for both South Korea and Japan, as joint exercises form an important part of the US deterrence strategy, Benoit Hardy-Chartrand, an adjunct professor at Temple University in Tokyo, said. Mike Pompeo calls counterparts in Japan and South Korea to brief them on Trump-Kim summit While Seoul and Tokyo welcomed the Singapore summit and the release of the joint statement, the two allies, which live with the direct threat of Pyongyangs nuclear and conventional weapons, appeared surprised by Trumps announcement. Japan PM Shinzo Abe thanks Donald Trump for raising North Koreas abductions with Kim Jong-un South Koreas defence ministry sought to play it down, saying in a statement that it need[s] to find out the exact meaning or intention behind [Trumps] comments. Japan also expressed concerns. Defence Minister Itsunori Onodera said on Wednesday: The drills and the US military stationed in South Korea play a vital role in East Asias security. Meanwhile, the United States military spokeswoman in South Korea, Lieutenant Colonel Jennifer Lovett, said forces there had not received any instructions to cease training exercises, and a joint drill planned for the autumn would go ahead unless they were instructed otherwise. Regional security experts said that in light of Trumps about-face on joint military drills with South Korea he had earlier been against such a move it was no surprise that Seoul and Tokyo had security concerns. Story continues Leonard Edwards, Canadas former ambassador to Japan and Korea, who is now a distinguished fellow at the Centre for International Governance Innovation, a Canadian think tank, said the US would need to give South Korea and Japan strong reassurances that it would remain committed to their security. Since it appears that this concession was provided personally and spontaneously by President Trump to Chairman Kim as the meeting drew to a close, and without an equivalent corresponding action from Mr Kim this will be of concern to both Japan and Korea, Edwards said. Trump, Kim pledge peace and security but doubt surrounds denuclearisation pact The most recent joint exercises Foal Eagle and Key Resolve involving about 23,700 US and 300,000 South Korean troops were held in March. These large-scale military exercises have often infuriated Pyongyang and prompted the Communist regimes condemnation, nuclear tests and missile launches. Critics have accused them of ratcheting up hostilities. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to visit China after North Korea summit, Beijing confirms Besides the cessation of the joint exercises, analysts said Seoul had even more to worry about than Japan because of Trumps comments about the removal of US troops, even though he said such a move was not part of the equation right now. In the short to medium term, Seoul has more to lose given that Donald Trump declared in his press conference that he was hoping to eventually withdraw US troops from the Korean peninsula, Hardy-Chartrand said. Such a decision would irreversibly damage the US-South Korea alliance, he said. Jeong Se-hyun, a former South Korean unification minister, said that Trumps comments might have been made as part of a calculation to get [South Korea] to cover more of the cost of stationing the US troops. Japan and South Korea are the largest and third-largest host nations for US troops overseas. The relationship stretches back to the 1950-53 Korean war, which resulted in the division of the peninsula. Kims big night out: North Korean leader goes sightseeing in Singapore However unprecedented the Trump-Kim meeting might have been, the United States proposal to cancel military drills was not. In the 1990s, the large-scale Team Spirit exercises involving troops from the US and South Korea were cancelled several times in exchange for North Koreas commitment to denuclearisation. Pyongyang later reneged on an agreement to dismantle its nuclear reactors. Tsuneo Watanabe, a senior fellow at the Sasakawa Peace Foundation in Japan, said, however, that without knowing the details of the Trump-Kim negotiations it was too early to judge whether Seoul and Tokyo should be worried. If Trump unilaterally gives up the opportunity to keep pressing the DPRK [North Korea] through military drills, it could be bad news, he said. [But] If giving up the drills is part of a deal that would guarantee the DPRKs cooperation on denuclearisation, it could be good news. At the moment, we dont know. China wasnt at the table but Trump-Kim talks reinforced its role, analysts say Even if the US does halt, or even suspend, its exercises with South Korea, the chance of a change to the security regime in the region and especially in Japan remains low, as Washingtons fundamental interests in East Asia have not altered, experts said. The commitment of the USA to Japanese security remains, and consists of more than a military presence in the Republic of Korea [the formal name of South Korea], should that be wound down as conditions on the peninsula improve, Edwards said. The real concern would be if the USA were to downscale its military presence generally in Asia as part of a strategic withdrawal, which at least for now does not seem to be on the cards, he said. Trump and Kims body language was a complex display of power, politeness and clash of cultures Watanabe said that one of the United States foremost strategic priorities in the Asia region was countering Beijings growing assertiveness and global influence. North Korea is not the only the reason for the Japan-US security cooperation, he said. US forces in Japan are responsible for security in the region as a whole, not just the defence of Japan. In fact, the US is more concerned with Chinas rising military power than it is with the DPRK. This article Will US-North Korea deal leave Japan, South Korea vulnerable? first appeared on South China Morning Post For the latest news from the South China Morning Post download our mobile app. Copyright 2018. Vice President Mike Pence spoke to thousands of Southern Baptists on Wednesday morning at the annual meeting of the Southern Baptist Convention. His appearance had been announced just a few days earlier and was met with unusual resistance by the overwhelmingly conservative audience of pastors and other church leaders. Republican presidents and administration officials have been appearing at SBC meetings since Gerald Ford spoke to the convention in 1976. That was shortly before the denominations turn toward uniform conservatism, and GOP officials and presidents have spoken to SBC audiences frequently over the years. But the announcement earlier this week about Pences appearance at the Dallas meeting provoked a remarkable pushback from attendees. Five pastors made formal attempts to pass motions to prevent the vice president from speaking or to bar politicians from speaking at future meetings. A Virginia pastor offered a proposal to replace Pences appearance with a session of prayer, because the appearance would hurt our minority brothers and sisters and confuse the denominations Christian message.* The measure did not go up for an official vote, but observers in the hall estimated that at least 30 percent of attendees supported it. Another pastor proposed that Pences speaking slot be taken by H.B. Charles Jr., a black pastor in Florida. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Trumps election has exposed serious divisions in the countrys largest Protestant denomination. The denominations influential policy head, Russell Moore, has been an outspoken critic of the president. Beth Moore, a hugely popular Southern Baptist author and Bible teacher, has also spoken consistently against the presidents approach to women. But the denominations old guard, who tend to be more loyally Republican, have largely embraced Trump. Moores predecessor, Richard Land, joined Trumps evangelical advisory council. One of the presidents most vocal Christian supporters, Robert Jeffress, is pastor of a large Southern Baptist church. The vice presidents speech on Wednesday morning was a rather boilerplate recitation of the presidents achievements, starting with this weeks attempts at diplomacy in North Korea. He also listed the opening of the U.S. Embassy in Jerusalem, the passage of the tax bill, and Trumps nomination of judges including Neil Gorsuch. Its been 500 days of action, 500 days of accomplishments, Pence told the crowd. Its been 500 days of promises made and promises kept. Advertisement As Pence often does in evangelical settings, he emphasized Trumps respect for Christians beliefs and his appreciation of their prayers, rather than the presidents personal faith. If you arent listening carefully, you could come away from these speeches believing Pence has firmly vouched for the presidents Christian bona fides. In reality, he largely relies on distancing phrases like this one, from Wednesday: Ive witnessed the deep respect our president has for this nation of faith. More interesting than the speech, however, was the response in the convention hall. True, there were many moments of sustained applause and several standing ovations at red meat like defund Planned Parenthood. Early on, someone in the crowd of pastors yelled out FOUR MORE YEARS! But panning shots of the thousands of people in the room also captured many people sitting with their arms crossed through many applause lines. North Carolina pastor J.D. Greear, the denominations newly elected president, tweeted that the speech sent a terribly mixed signal. Advertisement Advertisement The denominations newly elected president tweeted that the speech sent a terribly mixed signal. There are other signs of change emerging from the annual meeting of thousands of Southern Baptist delegates. On Tuesday, delegates overwhelmingly elected Greear as the their next president. At 45, Greear is the denominations youngest president in decades. He is theologically conservative and studied under Paige Patterson, the Southern Baptist conservative icon recently deposed from his seminary position because of his approach to womens issues. But he does not share all the old guards priorities, and he has spoken about the need to increase racial diversity within the denomination. In the wake of Pattersons disgrace, womens issues have become a major topic at the meeting on Tuesday and Wednesday. Meanwhile, although Pence barely mentioned immigration in his speech on Wednesday, the delegates on the floor overwhelmingly passed a resolution calling for immigration reform, affirming the dignity of immigrants, and condemning any form of nativism. Advertisement Advertisement Resolutions arent the same thing as revolution. The denomination remains firmly committed to a complementarian approach to gender roles, for example, meaning that it believes women are unfit to lead churches. When I tuned in briefly to a presentation Wednesday morning by a Baptist seminary head, his assertion that were not going to have a female as a preaching professor, thats just not going to happen drew sustained applause. But its still significant that the SBC is being forced to grapple publicly with sexual abuse, domestic violence, and misogyny. The seminary head only made his comment in the first place because a woman in the audience has asked about how he was working to develop female leadership in his institution. Advertisement A breeze within the SBC sometimes foreshadows dramatic gusts throughout conservative evangelicalism. As Washington Post reporter Michelle Boorstein reminded readers on Twitter, the denomination took no official position on abortion in the immediate wake of Roe v. Wade. Then Pattersons conservative resurgence remade the denomination, and abortion became a litmus test with an enormous impact on elections, policy, and culture. The SBCs priorities are a good indication of evangelicalism more broadly. Republicans who count on white evangelical votes ought to pay attention to the vice presidents cool reception this week in Dallas. This post is part of Outward, Slates home for coverage of LGBTQ life, thought, and culture. Read more here. In honor of Pride Month, Republican Sen. Orrin Hatch gave a heartfelt speech on the Senate floor on Wednesday, expressing his support for the LGBTQ community and drawing attention to the high suicide rates among LGBTQ youth. No one should ever feel less because of their gender identity or sexual orientation, Hatch said. LGBT youth deserve our unwavering love and support. They deserve our validation and the assurance that not only is there a place for them in this society, but that it is far better off because of them. These young people need usand we desperately need them. Advertisement Yet Hatch, who is retiring at the end of the year after serving Utah in the Senate for 42 years, has a checkered legislative track record with regards to LGBTQ rights. Indeed, his long-standing hostility to equality may have contributed to the very marginalization of LGBTQ people that he now decries. Its nice to see a Republican senator break from his party on this issue. But his Wednesday statement, however lovely it mightve been, cannot make up for decades of anti-LGBTQ advocacy. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement As a freshman senator in 1977, Hatch expressed his opposition to gay people teaching at public schools, telling a group of University of Utah students, I wouldnt want to see homosexuals teaching school any more than Id want to see members of the American Nazi Party teaching school. In the 1990s, Hatch supported the Defense of Marriage Act, the federal ban on same-sex marriage. He also filed a friend-of-the-court brief supporting the law against a constitutional challenge in 2013. When the Supreme Court struck down DOMA in 2013s United States v. Windsor, Hatch criticized the majority for basing its decision on its own personal opinion. Advertisement Hatch also voted against the Matthew Shepard and James Byrd Jr. Hate Crimes Prevention Act in 2009, which expanded federal hate crime laws to include crimes committed against people based on their gender identity and sexual orientation. During debate over the legislation, Hatch questioned whether it was necessary, suggesting that anti-gay violence was not a major problem. In 2012, Hatch opposed the re-authorization of the Violence Against Women Act, which he had co-sponsored with Joe Biden in 1994. The senator complained about the inclusion of divisive projects in the legislations updated provisions, such as language prohibiting discrimination against LGBTQ people in programs funded through the law. Advertisement Hatchs opposition to LGBTQ equality, however, has undoubtedly softened in recent years. In 2013, Hatch was one of only 10 Republican senators to vote in favor of the Employment Non-Discrimination Act, which would explicitly prohibit employment discrimination on the basis of sexual orientation and gender identity. And in July 2017, the senator spoke in favor of transgender Americans in response to President Donald Trumps announcement that he would reinstate a ban on transgender people serving in the military. I dont think we should be discriminating against anyone, Hatch said in a statement. Transgender people are people, and deserve the best we can do for them. Advertisement Advertisement Hatch framed his Wednesday remarks in support of LGBTQ youth as a response to the nations suicide epidemic, noting that Utah has the fifth highest rate of suicide in the nation, with an average of 630 deaths each year. Hatch expressed concern over these figures and urged Americans of all political stripes to work together to prevent suicide through legislation such as the National Suicide Hotline Improvement Act. He also emphasized that his perspective is influenced by his Mormon faith. The first tenet of my faith is to love one another, he said. Hatchs invocation of his religion is significant, because the Mormon church has historically expressed hard-line opposition to LGBTQ rights. Advertisement Hatchs compassionate speech was filled with idealistic language and commendable calls to collective action, but it did not acknowledge how his own conservative positions over the years may have contributed to the isolation and stigmatization among the LGBTQ people that he now bemoans. In a society in which homophobia and transphobia persist, a middle-ground approach is insufficient to eradicate prejudice and promote true acceptance. As Hatch approaches retirement, he may be working to cement his political legacy in the midst of a Trumpian political climate increasingly characterized by polarization, division, and cruelty. Its a good note to leave on, and its a notable shift for the longest-serving Republican senator in U.S. history. But for all Hatchs talk about love, perhaps we should also make sure to reflect on how his actions in office match up to this rhetoric. After the events of the past week in Quebec and Singapore, the question must be asked: Is President Donald Trump trying to wreck the rules-based world order and its network of U.S.-led alliances, or is he just indulging in self-aggrandizing theatrics that happen to have that effect? Either way, the effect is undeniable. Few could contend with a straight face or a sound mind that Trumps actions at the recent G-7 meeting and his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un have advanced U.S. security interests, as that term has been understood by presidents since the end of World War II. Advertisement Trump or his supporters might respond that he is rejecting the old concepts of national security. But if thats so, let him spell out what new concepts would tout Kim Jong-un and the authoritarian leaders of Russia, Turkey, the Philippines, and Saudi Arabia as Americas most trustworthy friends, while downgrading the democratic leaders of Britain, France, Germany, and Canada as dishonest swindlers barely worthy of our mutual defense pacts. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement It is appalling (there is no gentler word) for an American president to blast Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in those terms for simply (and mildly) speaking up in response to Trumps threat of a trade warand then, two days later, to laud Kim, the worlds most brutal and insular tyrant, as a man who loves his country and to say its an honor to be in his presence. Advertisement In the wake of this double battering, the Europeanslong nervous about Trumps waveringsare loading their wagons for the road of self-reliance they detect ahead. In a speech on Wednesday, German Foreign Minister Heiko Maas put Donald Trumps egotistical politics of America First in the same category as Russias attacks on international law and the expansion of gigantic Chinaall contributing in equal measure to the demise of the world order we were used to and that no longer exists. Trump also betrayed Americas Asian allies in Singapore, despite repeated entreaties from South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe not to give away the store. At a press conference after his summit with Kim, Trump announced that he was suspending joint U.S.South Korean military exercises, saying that theyre provocative and that they cost a fortunea statement that alarmed allies (and caught many back home by surprise) for three reasons. Advertisement Advertisement First, Trump issued this new policy without consulting South Korea or any of his own officials, including in the Pentagon. Second, the description of exercises that the U.S. military routinely conducts with its allies as war games and provocative endorsed North Koreas own dark characterization of them. Third, his whistling over the cost of these drills revived anxieties that Trump might cut ties with those allies altogether. Training exercises, in the scheme of things, are fairly cheap. John Pike, head of the research firm GlobalSecurity.org, estimates that the exercises with South Korea cost tens of millions of dollarsbarely a ripple in a U.S. military budget of $716 billion. Advertisement It is expensive, as Trump said, to fuel B-1 bombers for the six-hour flight to South Korea from their bases in Guamabout $720,000 for a round trip, Pike calculates. But, first, thats one one-millionth the cost of the annual defense budget. Second, why did Trump boost defense spending to such skyrocketing levels if hes so reluctant to let the troops train with their weapons? Its hard not to conclude that he views the armed forces in the same way that he views summitsas a platform for spectacles. Hence his penchant for big military parades. Advertisement Advertisement The point is if Trump is weary of spending money for South Korean training exercises, it wont be much longer before he tires of paying troop deployments (he has said hed like to withdraw them at some point), and that realization sparks uncertainties about his commitments to other allies, including those in Europe. It was strange, even by his standards, when, just before his flight to Quebec, Trump said that Russia should be let back in to the G-7, making it the G-8 again. He raised the issue again at the actual meeting, shortly after which he threatened his fellow members with a trade war for specious reasons. (For instance, according to U.S. government figures, the U.S. has a slight trade surplus with Canada, the latest object of his attacks.) Russia was booted out of the club after President Vladimir Putin annexed Crimea and invaded Eastern Ukraine. Trump later said that hes heard most people in those parts of Ukraine would rather live under Russian governance anywaya dubious claim but one that isnt his to make in any case. Advertisement Trump is unique among modern presidents in accelerating the unraveling as a matter of policy and absorbing the aftershocks with glee. In a more revealing statement, he explained why Putin should be let back in: If Vladimir Putin were sitting next to me at a table I could say, Would you do me a favor and get out of Syria? Would you do me a favor, would you get out of Ukraine? Advertisement Advertisement This may be the most alarming sign yet of Trumps complete misunderstanding of the way diplomacy works: his tendency to mistake calculated pats on the back for friendshipand, more to the point, his belief that personal relationships outweigh national interests. The notion that Putin would consider retreating from Crimea or abandoning Syrian President Bashar al-Assad, his sole ally in the Middle East, out of some fondness for Donald Trump, is breathtaking. Advertisement This is the other big lesson from Trumps travels this past week: Hes a lousy negotiator. Its now old news that, in Singapore, he granted Kim several concessions in exchange for nothingmeeting with him as an equal in the first place, suspending military exercises with South Korea, and dropping all previous demands on what Kim needs to do before talks proceed. The more startling bit of news, revealed over the next few days, is that Trump genuinely seems to think he came away with a good dealwhen, in fact, the joint statement that he and Kim signed isnt a deal of any sort. At the post-summit press conference, Trump insisted that the two had signed a very, very comprehensive document, perhaps because it commits North Korea to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The phrase work toward was unencumbered by any timetable; the word denuclearization was undefined. Trump later said that North Korea is no longer a nuclear threat, as if saying so might make it true. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement For a week before the summit, midlevel U.S. officialsled by Sung Kim, ambassador to the Philippines and an experienced hand on North Korea affairsnegotiated with their Pyongyang counterparts to hammer out a joint statement that might mean something. Sources familiar with the talks say that the U.S team sought support from the White House in pushing back against the North Koreans resistance but that the message from the White House was clear: Just produce something. Dont worry about the details. Advertisement Trump had given away his hand. He was desperate for a summit, and he was desperate to have it take place on June 12. So the North Koreans could bide their time. On May 24, Trump announced he was canceling the summit, and if hed played that gambit shrewdly, he might have gained some leverage, as Kim wanted a summit too. But the next day Trump canceled the cancellation after Kim issued a politely worded statement. In other words, Trump put the summit back on tracks without demanding anything of substance in return. That reassured the North Korean teamthe same officials who have been negotiating with foreign powers for the past 20 yearsthat they could get what they wanted with no penalty or sacrifice. Trump had said, ahead of time, that he would walk out of the summit if things didnt go well. The North Koreans now knew this wasnt so. Advertisement Advertisement Similarly, Secretary of State Mike Pompeos recent statement to reporters that North Korea will probably dismantle all its nuclear weapons by the end of Trumps first term tells Kim and his negotiators that they can twiddle their thumbs for the next 2 years, waiting for the Americans to make the big concessions. The fact that Pompeo linked the timetable explicitly to Trumps re-election bid heightens Kims leverage even more. Meanwhile, Trumps (and Americas) control over world events slips steadily out of his (and our) hands. Again, the question is whether hes letting it go deliberately, whether he fully understands that his vision of America First leads inexorably to America Alone and, if so, whether hes fine with thatwhether his inattention to global supply chains and his indifference to geopolitical interests run so deep that he doesnt mind the panic that hes provoked among leaders who have long viewed their alliance with Washington as a source of calm. Advertisement Advertisement Trump is hardly responsible for the fracturing of world order, which has been in process to some degree since the end of the Cold War. But Trump is unique among modern presidents in accelerating the unraveling as a matter of policy and absorbing the aftershocks with glee. Advertisement Its not entirely clear why. Is he in severe debt to Russian banks with ties to Putin? (Robert Mueller may soon shed light on that theory.) In any event, he seems more comfortable in the company of brutal autocrats than with democratically elected leaders. He seems to admire, and possibly envy, their absolute control over their domains. His most astonishing, and perhaps telling, comment of recent days was his excuse for Kims rampant executions of critics. Kim, he said, is a tough guy. Hey, when you take over a country, tough country, with tough people, and you take it over from your father, I dont care who you are, what you are, how much of an advantage you haveif you can do that at 27 years old, thats 1 in 10,000 could do that. When his Fox News interlocutor noted that Kim has still done some really bad things, Trump replied, Yeah, but so have a lot of other people done some really bad things. I could go through a lot of nations where a lot of bad things were done. With that attitude, its not surprising that Trump puts so little stock in the values that the United States has traditionally shared with its allies and that have undergirded even fairly Realpolitik notions of U.S. interests in world affairs. This is the biggest worry that Trump has fomenteda worry thats been stirring since he took office but that his behavior this past week has sharpened to full focus: the possibility that the greatest danger to everything worth valuing about America is Trump himself. Eliza Griswolds new book, Amity and Prosperity: One Family and the Fracturing of America, tells the story of the Haneys of Amity, Pennsylvania. Stacey Haney, a single mother, signed a lease with a fracking company. When it started operating on her land, her kids became sick, and her community was turned upside down. Through Griswolds narrative, the reader gets to examine a number of the problems plaguing modern-day America: environmental destruction, a government unable or unwilling to sufficiently protect its citizens, and clear divisions in how people in different areas of the country view inherently political issues. Advertisement I recently spoke by phone with Griswold, who spent seven years reporting the book, and who is also a poet and translator. During the course of our conversation, which has been edited and condensed for clarity, we discussed what urban America still doesnt understand about Appalachia, what the people she met in Amity really thought of Trump, and how rural America is both under- and overregulated. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Isaac Chotiner: What is it that is fracturing America? Eliza Griswold: These days we are hearing so much about this rural/urban divide. What does that really mean? What is the source of disenfranchisement for rural Americans? Much of it stems from natural resources. Rural Americans have paid for the energy appetites of urban Americans for more than a century. Advertisement I think a lot people in urban America would hear that and say, Well, the people who are voting for candidates who are less interested in environmental protections are coming from rural America, and the people who are voting the opposite way are coming from urban America. What do you say to that? The urban American understanding of how regulation plays out on the ground in rural America is woefully inadequate. First of all, we dont understand how for more than a century in many places in Appalachia, rural Americans have had their land ruined, as well as their health and their communities, in a search for the natural resources that feed urban Americans. Rural Americans have had their land ruined, as well as their health and their communities, in a search for the natural resources that feed urban Americans. Eliza Griswold On top of that, if you talk to farmers, if you talk to Appalachian farmers First of all, none of them simply farm, they have two jobs. Often that second job has to do with resources. They are either coal miners or former steelworkers. But how regulation plays out in their life on a daily basis has to do with farming, and farm regulation has driven many small farms out of business. Advertisement Advertisement So, theres this huge double standard where, if you talk to a pork farmer in Amity, hes going to tell you that he has to pay $100 every time the vet comes out to take his shots. And that he has to fence his stream and the cows cant go into the water. And he cant drive his tractor across the stream either. Yet for more than a century, extractive industry has been able to come in and do whatever it wants to do. Until finally, heres oil and gas, here are frackers who are actually paying money for mineral leases. Who are urban Americans to come in and wag a finger and say, You dont have the right to make any money off your land. They dont even understand how regulation practically works on the ground. Advertisement Advertisement Are you saying that there are all these regulations that are imposed on smaller farmers, which has made it harder for them to earn a living, and yet, at the same time when they try to make money off their land from leases or something else, urban America wags their finger and tells them, No, you should be doing something else? Advertisement More or less, yeah. I mean, for more than a century theres been very little money to make off of mineral leases. Coal rights have been severed from surface rights for more than a century, OK? Nearly two centuries, since after the Civil War. So, in many of these communities where fracking is taking place now, industrial coal mines have already come through and when an industrial coal mine comes under a farm it almost by definition taints the water supply. People have lost their farms for a very long time to coal mining. Theyve lost their water. Advertisement What this book is about is restoring the complexity to the rural experience. Often urban Americans think they know better than the people who live in these places themselves and a lot of the book is explaining how people who live in rural places have a very sophisticated understanding of the history of leasing the minerals under their feet. Right, but as your book explains via the Haney family, at the same time, people who end up leasing out their land do often end up getting screwed over by the environmental and health consequences of doing so. Absolutely, absolutely. I began reporting this book long before Donald Trump existed in our political imaginations, right? Seven years ago. And yet, what I didnt know I was reporting at the time was really a story about citizen heroes in Trumps America, because these people, Stacey Haney and her family and her neighbors, this is Trump country and their families are Trump voters, and yet they stand up to defend themselves against this corporation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement OK so Im a person who lives in urban America and Im not a Trump voter. Shocking. Youre saying essentially that urban America is often condescending or paternalistic, but you know that environmental issues are important, environmental regulations are in many cases important. What would be a responsible approach to these issues? Well, first of all listening. Some people feel theyve never been listened to. Were not talking about fracking itself, were talking about the political divide. How do we heal this political divide? Right? And the first answer would be by paying attention, but paying better attention. Thinking that our attitude as urban Americans is somehow more educated in the basics involved in extraction. Thats bullshit. People who live in rural America understand what extraction costs them. Advertisement I guess what Im trying to understand is whether you think the overarching problem is that the regulations on rural America are too onerous or not onerous enough? Yeah, regulation is arbitrary. Its shoddy at best. So, quite often I myself as an urban American and many of the people in this book assume as better off Americans that regulators are doing an adequate job when in fact in many cases they arent. There isnt a blanket statement to be made about regulation as a solution here. Advertisement Advertisement Did you notice any changes on the ground as Trump came onto the political scene and came to dominate our political conversations? Yes. I noticed a troubling level of confidence with people asserting racist and aggressive points of view, as weve seen elsewhere. Advertisement Is there a way that you think that these resentments toward urban America, which you say partially is reasonable because of the lack of understanding of rural issues, but obviously part of it is an unreasonable racism, combine or become enmeshed? Advertisement Absolutely. I mean, like any other human reality, its complex, so theres no saying rural Americans are right, or admirable, or that these are attitudes we have to understand, or that rural Americans are the source of the problem. The reality is its messy and dirty. As a reporter, since the election of Trump, whats changed the most is that I understand some of the readers were writing for need more help than I knew. Does that make sense? Advertisement It depends. What do you mean? Once upon a time before Trump, when I would write a story, Syrian refugees coming to the United States or the crisis for religious minorities in the Middle East or something like that, I would simply be doing my best to set down an obvious problem that I felt people needed to pay attention to. And I assumed the audience would understand the problem once it was pointed out. Whats changed the most for me is that I think much more about the issue of audience, because the audience that I write for doesnt know as much about the rest of the country as we might and as we should. Advertisement I assume you do not think Trump is going to be great for rural, poor Americans. That his presidency is not going to be great for them. Advertisement You are correct in that assumption, Isaac. So, given that thats the case, and given that rural Americans in states like West Virginia or Kentucky may see their Medicaid cut with Trump as president, it seems like they may not be acting in their own self-interest when they support him. Im trying to understand why, given that you think they have a better understanding of many of the issues than urban America does, they are making this voting decision that may be calamitous, not just for urban America or the world, but that may be calamitous for their own livelihood? Advertisement Because they hate the government more than they hate corporate influence. [That goes] back to the Revolutionary War. I mean, on Main Street in Washington, Pennsylvania, if you look in a store window, there is a portrait of Alexander Hamilton hanging upside down. Its a huge fuck you to the federal government today. And that dates back to 1791, when this area rose up against the federal government for imposing its first tax. When you look backand you got to know people really welldo you see their vote for Trump as more a vote of anger and sort of a sense of, like, everyones fucked us over and were going to express that? Or do you have a sense that people voted for Trump largely because they really thought he could solve their problems? Really both. Voting for Trump [was] throwing a brick at a Park Avenue apartment, yes. But did Trump come to Appalachia, particularly to southwestern Pennsylvania, and promise that people would finally make money because he was going to unfetter regulation for coal companies and oil and gas companies, and thereby that trickle-down money would reach peoples pockets? Yes. So it was both anger and frustration as well as a hope in the future hed deliver. Cheese fixation: Donald Trump often refers to unfair dairy tariffs when waging his strange rhetorical war on Canada. Jordan Weissmann explains that the president isnt exactly wrong about the imbalancebut hes got tunnel vision when it comes to this one statistic. Getting in there: Jeff Sessions has found all kinds of wily ways to insert himself into immigration law, creating new precedents that are harmful to asylum-seekers. Bea Bischoff shows how he does it and concludes that the sole fix is in legislation: The only real way to stop Sessions massacre is to listen to him when he says Congress needs to fix our immigration laws. Side effects: Scott Pruitt would like to get co-benefits discounted from the calculus used to determine environmental regulation. This is an insane idea and will definitely make regulations harder to pass, Richard Revesz writes. Masterpiece: Paul Schraders First Reformed is stunning, many a critic has said. Eric Cortellessa interviews the filmmaker, who confesses that he hopes this isnt his final movie but if it is, its a good last film. For fun: Tiffany Haddish, national treasure. Whens this gonna happen? Rebecca As a purely descriptive matter, its surely true: We are all going numb. As Donald Trump makes war with Canada and peace with dictators and human rights abusers, the narrative is that everyones lost all feeling. Polls show the public believes that Trump paid off a porn star, and they dont care. They believe that he lies habitually, and they also dont care. A Pew poll released last week showed that nearly 7 in 10 Americans feel worn out by the amount of news there is these days, which is how we end up with real journalists like Chuck Todd pushing a humorous pharmaceutical solution to the problem of constant breaking news destroying our minds. Advertisement On Monday alone, we learned that the Trump administration is planning to denaturalize U.S. citizens whoit claimsfraudulently obtained citizenship. Also on Monday, America witnessed a change in immigration policy that will deny asylum to women fleeing domestic abuse, on the grounds that its a private harm. We witnessed a ramping up and coordinated defense of a Trump administration policy of separating families seeking asylum. That policy is resulting in children being warehoused in cages and ripped away from their parents, as their mothers are told they are bathing. Their. Mothers. Are. Told. They. Are. Bathing. A Honduran father seeking asylum hanged himself in a Texas jail after his wife and 3-year-old were separated from him at the border. Advertisement Jeff Sessions tells a horrified Hugh Hewitt that this forced separation policy is purely instrumental because we must send a message to future asylum-seekers that if people dont want to be separated from their children, they should not bring them with them. Weve got to get this message out. As Jessica Winter observes, this is the I only beat her because she made me do it logic that domestic abusers use to blame their victims. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement A year ago we would have been out on the streets, were the government stealing the children of asylum-seekers and refugees. No one should be surprised that a White House that downplayed and even defended Rob Porters abuse of women would trivialize the abuse of women victimized abroad. Women are not real to this administration. They are instead being returned to the stereotypes of supplicants and enablers. Female lawyers are being erased from the federal judiciary and U.S. attorneys offices. An awful lot of women in America have felt erased since we heard Trump brag about sexual assault and then saw him elected president anyhow. None of us should have expected brutality toward women to be treated as a serious matter by the Trump White House. Advertisement Most of the women I know are as heartsick about the obscene actions taking place at the borders as I am. I think a year ago we would have been out on the streets, were the government stealing the children of asylum-seekers and refugees and sending them halfway across the country or stacking them up like lumber in detention facilities. But today, I worry, we are horrified but numb. We want to be told what to do. I think about this numbness constantly, because I worry about normalization all day, every day. Numbness is something thrust upon us, a physical or emotional reaction to external shocks, a natural bodily response. It is also maybe a buffer we put up against the devastation of being part of a group that is constantly told it is worthless and undeserving of meaningful attention. That we are finding ourselves unable to process or act or organize because the large-scale daily horrors are escalating and the news is overpowering is perfectly understandable. But we need to understand that and acknowledge it and then refuse it any purchase. Because to be overwhelmed and to do nothing are a choice. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Its a choice, and its also a luxury, because the asylum-seekers at the borders cannot afford to go numb. Female victims of domestic abuse who are coming to the United States to save their own lives cannot afford to go numb. Teen girls denied access to reproductive care do not have the luxury of going numb. I recently had a chance to interview William Barber, one of the organizers of the new Poor Peoples Campaign and an architect of North Carolinas Moral Mondays (you can listen the full interview on Amicus). I asked him what the cure is for mass exhaustion and numbness and the overwhelming feeling we get from consuming too much undercooked news. He told me this: Advertisement Before you want to quit, go talk to the sister I met in Washington state who lived in a homeless camp who came to a mass meeting who said, I am the white trash that America threw out but forgot to burn. Or go with me to meet the two coal miners in Harlan, Kentucky, one black and one white, who told me the real story of how the union was undermined and why theyre joining the Poor Peoples Campaign. Or meet Callie Greer from Alabama whose daughter died in her arms because the governor and legislature refused to expand Medicaid, and shes on the front lines fighting back. Or meet the mother in El Paso who hasnt seen her husband and children for 16 years and fought with border control to ask, Where is it that I can go and at least touch my husband without it being illegal? Advertisement These are the folks who arent on the news. They arent exhausting to us because theyre not who we see. They also dont have the luxury of being numb from the news because in some instances whats on the news is quite literally killing them. Its on the rest of us to filter out anything that allows us to become paralyzed and to see what is real, all around usto take real action to affect the real lives all around us. Its unfair in the extreme, weary friends, but the fact of the matter is that every time we say we are tired, or giving up, or tuning it all out in the name of self-care, somewhere a Steve Bannon gets a new pair of wings. Or as Barber put it to me, We lose only when we get quiet. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement There isnt a lot we can control in the present time, but as any good counselor will tell you, we can absolutely control how we react to whats going on around us. And this is the scene in the movie where even though you want to fall asleep in the snowdrift, you need to get up and walk around. If you decide to stop swimming and just drift for a while, youre apt to wake up in a land you dont recognize. Because going numb is the gateway drug to acceptance. As David Frum wrote in January, reflecting back on the first year of Trump, the unacceptable does not become more acceptable if it is accepted by increments. Its only easier to swallow and more apt to wear down our defenses. Dont let other people tell you what to focus on. Choose for yourself. Sure, tune out that which makes you feel hopeless. But hold on to what motivates you to act. Find all the humans you can find who agree with you and make calls and register voters. Because if things continue on this way for people without funds, or with brown skin, or for women and children and the sick, there will come a time when we all have fewer choices. This is not yet that time. Get out of the snow bank, find the St. Bernard with the tiny flask of hope, and stomp around like democracy depends on it. This post has been updated with new information. A highly anticipated review of the FBIs conduct during the 2016 election concludes that former FBI director James Comey and other agents damaged the bureaus reputation by making public remarks about the Hillary Clinton email investigation and sending indiscreet texts but that the outcome of the investigation was not influenced by political bias, Bloomberg reported in a Thursday-morning scoop that has since been confirmed by other outlets and by the public release of the review itself. Advertisement The reportwhich runs 568 pages, including supplementswas written by Department of Justice inspector general Michael Horowitz. (Inspectors general are independent watchdogs within government agencies.) It says that Comeys decision to publicly announce that he did not recommend charges against Clintonand then to notify Congress just before the 2016 election that the investigation had been reopenedconstituted inappropriate deviations from DOJ procedure: Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement While we did not find that these decisions were the result of political bias on Comeys part, we nevertheless concluded that by departing so clearly and dramatically from FBI and department norms, the decisions negatively impacted the perception of the FBI and the department as fair administrators of justice. The report is critical of agent Peter Strzok and FBI lawyer Lisa Page, who worked on both the Clinton email investigation and the Trump-Russia investigation, for sending texts to each other (on their FBI devices) that were critical of Trump. Heres the exchange that has attracted the most attention: Advertisement In a text message on August 8, 2016, Page stated, [Trumps] not ever going to become president, right? Right?! Strzok responded, No. No hes not. Well stop it. Heres how Strzok and Page explained those comments: When asked about this text message, Strzok stated that he did not specifically recall sending it, but that he believed that it was intended to reassure Page that Trump would not be elected, not to suggest that he would do something to impact the investigation. Strzok told the OIG that he did not take any steps to try to affect the outcome of the presidential election, in either the Midyear investigation or the Russia investigation. Strzok stated that had heor the FBI in generalactually wanted to prevent Trump from being elected, they would not have maintained the confidentiality of the investigation into alleged collusion between Russia and members of the Trump campaign in the months before the election. Page similarly stated that, although she could not speak to what Strzok meant by that text message, the FBIs decision to keep the Russia investigation confidential before the election shows that they did not take steps to impact the outcome of the election. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Horowitz wrote that the exchange quoted above demonstrated poor judgment and implies a willingness to take official action to impact the presidential candidates electoral prospects but that our review did not find documentary or testimonial evidence directly connecting the political views these employees expressed in their text messages and instant messages to the specific investigative decisions [in the Clinton case] we reviewed. (For what its worth, Strzok and Pages texts also disparaged such Democratic figures as Chelsea Clinton and Bernie Sandersat one point Strzok suggested that Trump and Sanders cancel each other out because Sanders is also an idiot.) Crucially, while the IG report released Thursday doesas you can see aboveinvolve some discussion of the FBIs Trump-Russia investigation, it does not draw any conclusions about whether that inquiry was conducted in a fair and impartial manner. Horowitzs investigation of that question is reportedly ongoing. Attorney General Jeff Sessions has broad power over immigration law, and he has consistently used that power to condemn thousands of immigrants to brutality and possible death in their home countries. On Monday, Sessions issued his most startling decision yet in Matter of A-B-, barring virtually all domestic violence victims from seeking asylum in the United States. Since 2014, when the Board of Immigration Appeals issued its ruling in Matter of A-R-C-G-, it has been settled that these abuse victims may qualify for asylum. But in one fell swoop, Sessions overturned four years of precedent, using dubious procedural maneuvers to prevent these individuals from seeking refuge in the U.S. Advertisement Sessions revision of Americas asylum policies is especially troubling in light of its radical departure from the statutes, treaties, and legal precedents that govern immigration. His opinion in Matter of A-B- isnt just dangerous; its legally indefensible, a statement of policy that is utterly detached from congressional commands. On Wednesday, I spoke with Archi Pyati, chief of policy at the Tahirih Justice Center, about the rulings errors, questionable leaps of logic, and dire consequences for vulnerable families at the border. Our conversation has been edited and condensed for clarity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Mark Joseph Stern: What does Sessions ruling get wrong? Archi Pyati: First off, Sessions opinion is poorly writtentheres a lot of fuzziness. He said you cant define a social group based on harm, but we know that, and were not doing that. A-R-C-G- said that a domestic violence victim can be a part of a social group if shes married to someone she cannot leave. It did not rest on her abuse. Sessions also said you cant define a social group simply by providing a description of individuals who share certain traits. But again, we arent doing thatwere talking about a trait they share, their inability to leave their relationships. Advertisement Sessions also says that Congress must have left the term particular social group ambiguous so that any implementing agency could interpret it. That is not why Congress used that term. Its because the term comes directly from a treaty. And the U.N. Refugee Agency, the governing body over that treaty, has issued advisory opinions stating that domestic violence victims are potentially part of a social group. Then theres this issue of persecution. Under asylum law, you have to be able to show youre fleeing persecution. Sessions says the persecutor has to be someone the government cannot or will not control; you have to be able to attribute the persecution to the government somehow. Thats just not true. It has never been written anywhere in any decision. Advertisement Advertisement Some advocates are worried that the opinions breadth could also hurt LGBTQ asylum-seekers. Do you agree? Sessions opinion doesnt say anything about LGBT applicants. But we do argue cases on behalf of gay individuals who have been persecuted by family members or community members on account of their sex orientation. The police do nothing about it, and they know the police do nothing about it, so why would they call them? Whether police are persecutors or not, everyone knows theyre not going to help you. The government is not on your side. But how are you going to attribute that persecution to the government? By reaching so far, Sessions opinion creates a problem for LGBTQ asylum-seekers. Advertisement Advertisement You cannot deport people until theyve had a chance to make their case. Archi Pyati What happens next in this case? I know Sessions deployed egregious procedural chicanery to rule on the case himself. Is there any chance his decision could be overturned? This attorney general grabbed this case not from the Board of Immigration Appeals, but from the immigration judge. Now hes sending it back down to the immigration judge to make a decision. When the judge issues that decision, it can be appealed up to the Board of Immigration Appeals. Then the BIAs ruling can be appealed up to the circuit court in which the woman is livingin this case, the 4th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals. We could end up with multiple circuits saying different thing. The 9th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals, for instance, has affirmed large portions of the A-R-C-G- theory. Once theres a circuit split, the question would likely go to the Supreme Court. Advertisement Advertisement What will the immediate effect of the decision be? Will it exacerbate conditions at the border? Customs and Border Protection, Immigration and Customs Enforcement, and other agencies that operate at the border are definitely going to look at this. Before the decision, we were already seeing huge issues with prosecutions at the border, with CBP officers taking away children then telling their parents, you better plead guilty to charges of illegal crossing if you expect to see your children again. CBP agents are unabashed in making those statements, even though theyre obviously coercive. People are pleading guilty in order to see their children, then getting placed in ICE detention. Now immigration judges will be looking at the attorney generals decision when deciding whether women and children have the credible fear necessary for asylum. Advertisement Thats a problem. The international refugee convention and protocol, which we are obligated to follow, says you cant send an asylum-seeker back home when they have a credible fear of persecution there. You cannot deport people until theyve had a chance to make their case. And under our due process protections, they should have a full and fair opportunity. But if agents are taking away immigrants children and coercing them into pleading guilty, they have not had that opportunity. Advertisement Advertisement So immigration agents can use Sessions decision to turn away abuse victims who hoped to seek asylum, telling them they have no hope of succeeding and threatening them with prosecution instead. That sounds like a violation of international law to me. Advertisement The attorney generals decision will result in violations of international law. We already knew many women were being turned away at the border, even though they have a credible fear of persecution. The attorney general is prosecuting people with the express purpose of discouraging them from continuing their application for asylum. All of that definitely goes against international law. This decision is contrary to the spirit and the letter of the treaty. We should connect all of this to whats happening at the border. Prosecuting immigrants seeking asylum and separating families at the border are part of the same exercise. The attorney general is creating a very effective legal wall to block women and children trying to seek asylum in this country. And Mondays decision was one more brick in that wall. It would be easy to assume that the country is more divided now than it has been in many decades. On some days, it can feel as though Americans have neatly divided into cheerleaders and critics of Donald Trump. There is less and less ideological overlap between congressional Democrats and Republicans. Even ordinary citizens have become partisan in unprecedented ways: Back in 1958, 33 percent of Democrats and 25 percent or Republicans wanted their children to marry a spouse with the same political identification; by 2016, writes Lynn Vavreck, a political scientist, 60 percent of Democrats and 63 percent or Republicans felt the same way. Advertisement On other metrics, though, America does not look that much more divided than it once was. Especially when it comes to actual policy preferences, it is not clear that the gulf between liberals and conservatives is deeper now than it once was. On every topic from immigration to redistribution, there is a surprising extent of overlap between the views of many Americans. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement So perhaps it is not the deep partisan divide that is rending our institutions asunderbut rather our institutions that are responsible for the countrys deep partisan divide. And if that is the case, then perhaps institutional changes might help to overcome the poisonous atmosphere of this political moment. Thats the hope of a set of political scientists, activists, and ordinary citizens who have advocated the use of ranked-choice votingand just carried off a major victory in the state of Maine: Despite determined opposition from the local political establishment, they won a solid majority in a referendum that will change how the most important elections in Maine are carried out (and might just inspire similar reforms in other states around the country). Advertisement Most U.S. elections use the first-past-the-post system. In this system, the candidate with the highest number of votes carries a district, even if she gets far less than 50 percent of the vote. That has two concerning consequences. First, it can allow some extreme candidates to win even if they are strongly disliked by most of the electorate: If a number of ideologically similar candidates compete for the same pool of voters, a candidate with a narrow yet fervent fan base can win with as little as 30 percent or 35 percent of the vote. (Arguably, this is how Trump racked up primary wins early in the race for the Republican nomination.) Advertisement Second, it makes it extremely hard for new parties or movements to compete, perpetuating the duopoly that Democrats and Republicans hold over the American political system. In a first-past-the-post system, third-party candidates are likely to take votes away from ideologically similar candidates, making it more likely for candidates from the other end of the political spectrum to get elected. (Think of the role played by Ralph Nader in 2000 or Jill Stein in 2016.) This makes donors and voters less likely to support a long-shot candidate whos closer to their views than a more electable one. Advertisement Advertisement It just shows what civic spirit can do to renew democracy. Larry Diamond Ranked-choice voting solves both of these problems. In this system, voters get to rank candidates in order of their preference. During the 2016 primaries, for example, a Never Trump Republican could then have chosen Jeb Bush as her first choice, Marco Rubio as her second choice, Ted Cruz as her third choice, and Donald Trump as her last choice. If Bush got the lowest number of first preferences, her vote would not be wasted; instead, her preference would transfer to Marco Rubio, her second favorite. This process of instant runoffs would continue until one candidate had reached 50 percent. As a result, a candidate who is seen as the worst-case scenario by more than half of voters could no longer win an election. And because voters dont have to fear that a vote for their preferred candidate would be wasted, it would also be much easier for new movements and candidates to rise. Advertisement Advertisement That, of course, is also the reason why both Democrats and Republicans see ranked-choice voting as a threat to their powerand are likely to do what they can to stop its introduction. The case of Maine is instructive: After voters in the state first voted to adopt this system, local political elites from both parties went to ridiculous lengths to block its implementation. But the voters fought back. Against the odds, they forced a second referendum on the topicand carried off an even clearer victory. As Larry Diamond, a senior fellow at the Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies at Stanford University, told me: This is a watershed moment: These were ordinary people who wanted better and less toxic government. They saw cynical politicians try to steal it from them but, in the dead of the Maine winter, they collected signatures to get ranked-choice voting back on the ballot, and got an even bigger victory. It just shows what civic spirit can do to renew democracy. Advertisement Advertisement The ability of Maines voters to reform their electoral institutions despite the fierce resistance of the local political establishmentin fact, Paul LePage, the states governor, is still fighting a rear-guard action against itreally is inspiring. It shows that democracy is still able to reform itself in the face of dysfunction (and that those of us who are deeply committed to the basic rules of liberal democracy are not wedded to all aspects of the status quo). If similar grassroots efforts should succeed in other states across the union, it really could make a significant contribution both to stopping extremists who are unpopular with most of the population from taking over and to making Americans feel that their political system is actually responsive to their wishes. Advertisement Advertisement At the same time, it is important not to invest too many hopes in institutional fixes of this sort. One of the remarkable things about authoritarian populism is just how successful it has proved across countries with vastly different institutions: Populists are now in power in the presidential system of the United States as well as the parliamentary system in Italy, and they have found a way of transforming the contours of political debate both in countries with proportional representation like Poland and in countries with majoritarian institutions like the United Kingdom. The explanation for that remarkable transformation lies in a series of structural transformations including the stagnation of living standards, the arrival of a multiethnic society, and, of course, the rise of the internet and social media. Neither a relatively small fix like ranked-choice voting nor even a much larger change like the introduction of proportional representation is enough to counteract these long-standing drivers of populism. It will take much more than relatively minor institutional reform to fix our democracies and help them weather the danger of authoritarian populism. And yet, the adoption of a new electoral system in Maine is a real ray of hope in dark times: If it is emulated elsewhere, it is much more likely to create real political competition and empower the kinds of leaders who actually might have the will to solve the biggest challenges we now face. And in the meantime, it demonstrates that there are still plenty of grassroots activists who, even in the face of dogged resistance, have the passion and the willpower to take ownership of their democratic institutions. A number of Republican hawks who blasted Barack Obama for years for kowtowing to tyrants have had to twist themselves into some interesting contortions to defend Donald Trumps warm embrace of North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un this week, but this response from Sen. Tom Cotton, one of the GOPs emerging leaders on foreign policy, in an interview with Hugh Hewitt stands out: Hewitt: To the people who are declaring, last question, Senator Cotton, that Donald Trump gave away too much with the flags and the handshake, whats your response? Cotton: There is a school of thought that the United States should not sit down, that the United States president should not sit down with two-bit dictators. I think theres some validity to that school of thought with the exception once those dictators have nuclear weapons. You know, countries like Iran and Cuba and other two-bit rogue regimes dont have nuclear weapons, yet. They cant threaten the United States in that way. Once North Korea had nuclear weapons, once they have missiles that can deliver them to use, I would liken it to past presidents sitting down with Soviet dictators. Its not something that we should celebrate. Its not a pretty sight. But its a necessary part of the job to try to protect Americans from a terrible threat. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The message to these two-bit dictators is pretty clear: If you want the U.S. to take you seriously and treat you with respect, get your hands on some nuclear weapons as quickly as possible. In the lead-up to the summit, there was much discussion of the Libya model for nuclear disarmament, referring to Muammar al-Qaddafis 2003 agreement to give up its WMD program and allow inspections in hopes of better relations with the West. From now on, we may see references to the North Korea model, in which an isolated pariah state suffers through years of threats and sanctions while building a nuclear program, only to be embraced by the international community, led by the United States, once it finally gets its hands on a bomb. Advertisement Consider the fates of several longtime U.S. adversaries so far this century. Saddam Hussein gave up on his nuclear weapons program in the 1990s, only to be overthrown and killed several years later under a new U.S. president. Qaddafi voluntarily halted his program in 2003, only to be overthrown and killed several years later under a new U.S. president. The Iranian government signed a deal to halt its nuclear program and permit inspections in 2015, only to see that deal torn up a few years later by a new U.S. president. Advertisement North Korea, by contrast, successfully built a rudimentary nuclear deterrent, capable of striking its neighbors, U.S. forces in the region, and possibly the U.S. mainland. Lo and behold, Kim not only got a high-profile sit-down with the president of the United Statesan unthinkable event for his father or grandfatherhe was also vociferously praised by the president for his intelligence and toughness, the latter referring to his regimes sickening human rights abuses. With nuclear weapons at your disposal, it seems, you can literally get away with mass murder. Advertisement Advertisement Yes, in order to get his historic photo-op, Kim had to commit to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, but as has been extensively discussed this week, its not clear what that promise means, when denuclearization will happen, or how it will be verified. The worlds five original nuclear powersthe U.S., Russia, U.K., France, and Chinaare all formally committed to denuclearization as well, but no one is holding their breath for them to actually give up their bombs. North Koreas long-term goal has been to win acceptance as a nuclear power. The longer Kim goes without giving up his weapons, the more that status will be accepted. U.S. sanctions may still be in place, but with Trump declaring the country no longer a nuclear threat, neighbors like China are likely to let up on pressure against the regime. Longtime rival South Korea is moving rapidly to normalize ties. Eventually, North Korea could come to be seen as a country like India, Pakistan, and Israelstates whose nuclear status is formally condemned but widely accepted as fact. Since the Trump-Kim meeting, theres been some discussion of whether Trump would ever sit down to cut a similar deal with Iran. But the message this week to anti-American leaders from Tehran to Havana to Caracas to Damascus is that youre far better off cutting a nuclear deal with Washington after you have the nukes. If you are one of the roughly 25 percent of Americans who say they are online almost constantly, it can be easy to take connectivity for granted. But accessing information and communicating in the digital space isnt so easy for millions of refugees and displaced people escaping global conflicts, economic depressions, and climate change. Thanks to legal restrictions, high costs, and the unavailability of networks, they often find themselves unable to connect with one another and the rest of the world. Advertisement The Rohingya population of Myanmar is one of these groups. Rohingyas are one of the most persecuted groups at present. According to a March estimate, about 671,500 of them have fled to Bangladesh since August to get away from the brutal oppression of Myanmars army and the local militias. For Bangladesh, the situation is not so new. Since the late 70s, persecuted Rohingyas have taken refuge in the border areas between Myanmar and Bangladesh. Even before the latest influx of refugees started, about 400,000 Rohingya refugees were already living in Bangladesh. The host communities within Bangladesh have been quite welcoming to the Rohingyas, and the makeshift refugee camps are havens from the threats of violence, death, rape, and starvation. But even there, they face an ongoing struggle for ensuring basic needs like food, shelter, health care, education, and information and communication, especially in the digital space. Having fled their homelands due to violence, they are now further being cut off from the rest of the world, right when they most need connectivity. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement My research team and I saw the digital access issue up close and personal when we met Rahim (not his real name), a 15-year-old Rohingya boy. While fleeing the violence in his home state of Rakhine, he told me, he lost his father and two brothers. He nearly lost his right leg to a machete slash by a Burmese paramilitary member. Rahim misses his school badly. He wants to study. He also wants to communicate freely with his remaining family members scattered over different camps across Bangladesh and other parts of Southeast Asia. But both mobile and internet service quality in and around the refugee camps are very poor. Even if connectivity were better, it wouldnt matter: As a refugee, it is essentially impossible for Rahim to purchase a SIM card and go online via any mobile network in Bangladesh. There, if you want to purchase a SIM card, you have to provide official identification documents as well as biometric information. The lack of such official documents precludes Rohingyas from legally purchasing any local service providers SIM cards. The government does offer free telephone booths for refugees, but they are scarcely used due to poor service. On top, there are no refugee-produced programs catering to the Rohingya population. The refugees I saw in Bangladesh wanted very much to communicate with one anotherto collect and share informationbut they had no access to the equipment, money, or systems to do so. Advertisement In every refugee crisis, women, seniors, and children are disproportionately left out of the loop of information and communication access services. According to GSM Association, which is a global organization that represents the interests of nearly 800 mobile phone service operators and more than 300 telecom related companies, millions of displaced people around the world are struggling in the same way. According to the UNHCR, refugee families spend up to one-third of their household income on connectivity. Worldwide, refugees are 50 percent less likely to have access to internet-enabled phones in comparison with the general population, and 29 percent of refugee households have no phone connectivity. Where is the Wi-Fi? and Where do I get a SIM card? are two of the top five questions asked by refugees landing in Europe, up there with Where can I get milk for my baby? and Where can I get registered? Researchers have also reported that refugees use net and mobile networks more than the respective host communities and that mobile banking is increasingly important. Syrian refugees are using several mobile applicationsincluding Refunite, Gherbtna, Ankommen, Tarjemly, and Integreatto access useful information and resources during their mass migration to Jordan, Turkey, and the rest of Europe. These mobile and net-based applications help refugees locate their loved ones, find information on emergency health care and shelters, and request real-time translations from local languages to their own. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement And just like in the Rohingya refugee camps, accessing these resources can be extremely difficult. Furthermore, in every refugee crisis, women, seniors, and children are disproportionately left out of the loop of information and communication access services, making them more vulnerable to exploitation and violence. A recent study conducted by Data & Society, the Harvard Humanitarian Initiative, and Leiden University supported this observation. According to their research, women are less likely to own a mobile phone than men. I saw something similar in Rohingya refugee camps, where most households had a mobile phone (active or not)but it was clear that, overwhelmingly, they belonged to men. Displaced peoples dire need to have connectivity has created black markets of communication solutions, which overcharge, are insecure, and are rife with false information. Advertisement Rahim, the young Rohingya boy who shared his story about survival and struggle in the digital space, reluctantly confessed that he uses an illegal Bangladeshi SIM card, provided at a much higher price by a local vendor. Although it gives him only infrequent and poor access to the internet, it still allows him to be in touch with his family members located in other refugee camps and outside of Bangladesh. He also used WhatsApp to download video clips in his feature phone. The examples he showed us offered a mix of facts and fictions, some true news and some propaganda related to the violence against Rohingyas by the Myanmar army. He also watched clips with others at a makeshift mobile repair shop in his camp. In the absence of legal net accessibility, such downloaded and disseminated videos turned out to be the primary source of information of their home country for Rahim and others of his age group. Advertisement Advertisement We later visited the mobile repair shop Rahim mentioned, seemingly a digital oasis in the midst of poor information and communication technology, or ICT, infrastructure. Seeing the high demand of information and communication, some people from the host community invested to establish similar mobile repair and battery charging shops all over the camps. We found these installations to be popular destinations for young Rohingya men and heavily segregated against women. The majority of these shops are powered by diesel generators and managed by Rohingya youths, who better understand the refugees communication needs than the camp-based humanitarian service providers do. Advertisement Some efforts to fix this are currently underway. Local nongovernmental organizations, such as Young Power in Social Action, have started establishing networks of safe spaces for women, children, adolescent girls, senior citizens, and physically disabled refugees. But these safe spaces would be more useful if their support services were streamlined using localized ICT applications and shared via ad hoc or regular intranets, which will at least ensure connectivity within the camp areas. Advertisement Syrian refugees can offer a model here. They demonstrated the importance of hybrid solutions, combining both online and offline components that can provide useful information for refugees in their own language and be accessible to the most marginalized groups within the refugee communities. Given the legal issues and security concerns within the host communities, refugee camps and these safe spaces can similarly be connected using local intranets or low-power FMs, which have fewer resource requirements and are relatively easy to install. According to the Inter Sector Coordination Group in Bangladesh, humanitarian service providers are already planning to expand the limited coverage and programming service provided by a local FM radio station. Advertisement Advertisement But that isnt enough: The government of Bangladesh needs to legalize refugees use of SIM cards. This change would ensure better transparency in the communication process and can save this vulnerable population from further exploitation from the third-party service providers. Moreover, the ICT solutions provided need to take into consideration the alarmingly low level of literacy among the Rohingya refugees (approximately 5 percent), which was not the case in other major refugee crises in recent times. Just as refugees need food, water, shelter, and health care, they need access to information. To keep it from them is to keep them separate from the world, to make it harder for them to rebuild their lives. The American public does a poor job of dealing with suicide. We can be forgiven our ignorance of this cause of death, the 10th leading in our country, because its something we still dont quite know how to discuss. We talk about it in hushed tones with some sense of shame for the dead. Some people call it a sin. Others like to claim that its illegal in some states (spoiler alert: it isnt). After the news of the suicides of two high-profile celebritiesAnthony Bourdain and Kate Spadecollectively shook us last week, we spent the weekend posting endlessly on social media that therapy, antidepressants, and reaching out are the solutions. The truth is, none of these things can help someone who hides his pain from even his closest friends and relatives. (And also, this is America, and not everyone has access to costly psychiatrists and medicine.) To understand suicide, we have to confront something a bit murkierwe have to think more about human loneliness and isolation. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Even if you have a perfect relationship and are surrounded by people who love and support you, theres no sense that they know how to deal with you when youre suicidal. I think about suicide every day. Sometimes several times each day. Not because I want to hurt myself, and not because I think life is bleak and pointless, but because July 7 marks the seventh anniversary of the day my father killed himself. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says that since 1999 the rate of suicide in the United States has increased by 28 percent. To put that in perspective, that means 45,000 people died by suicide in 2016. That number is larger than the entire population of my hometown of Quincy, Illinois. That number is 10 times higher than the number of U.S. casualties in the Iraq war. Whats worse is that the CDC also says that likely only half of those people are ever diagnosed with mental illness. The rate is higher among middle-age men. These numbers are only going to grow, because were the richest large nation in the world, and were terrible at dealing with mental health. Advertisement My father wasnt surrounded by people who adored him or cared about him. He spent his life ensuring that people kept him at a distance for fear that they would harm him, and his family was no exception. He treated mental health services as a means to an end: A wife would threaten to leave, and he would decide it was finally time to get sober. This was the situation with my father, but even if you have a perfect relationship and are surrounded by people who love and support you, theres no sense that they know how to deal with you when youre suicidal. There is only so much you can do for someone else, and thats part of why we struggle with suicide. Advertisement If you are dealing with suicidal thoughts, you can reach out for help, by phone to the National Suicide Hotline at 1-800-273-8255, or over text message to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 (on almost all carriers, these texts are free). Advertisement On July 4, 2011, I picked up my life and moved back home to the St. Louis area to be closer to my family. Id spent four years living and working in Florida, and it was time to come home. I remember that feeling of optimism from those first three days. I also remember ignoring a phone call from my father on July 6. I let it go to voicemail. The next day, on a sunny afternoon, I was driving to the house where I was staying and my phone rang. It was my brother. Advertisement Advertisement Hello? His voice was shaking. Dads dead. No, he isnt was my first response. Kris, I wouldnt joke about this. That morning, my brother went to check on our dad because it was unusual for him not to call. My brother and a Louisiana, Missouri, police officer peeked through a window and saw dad lying on the ground. He wasnt moving. They broke into the house and found my fathers body near the bathroom. He had died sometime between that call I let go to voicemail and that afternoon. Theres nothing in life that really prepares you for something like this. My life went full stop from a feeling of joy and great optimism of the new life that Id just started to a feeling of emptiness, darkness, and fear for whatever came next. Advertisement Whats worse is that it wasnt totally unexpected. Dad struggled with drugs and alcohol my entire life, and for many years before my life. Ive learned so much more about his upbringing since he passed. It was hard. His still-living mother struggled with what most of our family believes is an undiagnosed personality disorder. By all accounts, she wanted nothing to do with my dad from the day he was born. His father was an alcoholic, and his parents shipped him off to live with various other relatives and their friends for most of his childhood. Advertisement Ive found a kinship with him that comes from understanding that being raised around horror and violence and sadness doesnt prepare you to be an adult. Such an upbringing didnt make him a good parent or a good husband. My parents divorced by the time I was 3. He burned down our house for insurance money. He always searched for shortcuts in life and chose not to work. He would often drink and come home in the early hours of the morning and fight with my stepmother. One time, he fired a gun in the house. One time, he shot at all of us in broad daylight. One time, he shot my brother in the back. Advertisement My relationship with him was always strained, but in the years since he died, Ive worked to develop a greater understanding of himand I know this sounds strangebirthed out of the notion that the one thing we had in common was a terrible upbringing. Granted, he was the reason I had a terrible upbringing. But Ive found a kinship with him that comes from understanding that being raised around horror and violence and sadness doesnt prepare you to be an adult. It doesnt prepare you to create healthy relationships or to be a good person. Its something I wish I could have understood about him while he was alive. Advertisement Advertisement Dad always used the threat of suicide as a way to get our attention. It often came around holidays, or when he was occasionally homeless and wanted to get off the street and into a warm hospital. Advertisement Near the end of his life, he was very much addicted to opioids. No doctor in his small town would fill his prescriptions because they knew this. He told me that he took a publicly funded bus two counties away to get pills from a doctor (who was clearly running a pill mill). He was taking a mixture of 600 prescribed pills a month. He drank. My brother and I had no sense that it had gotten that bad. It had been bad before, but he had never really hidden it the way he was hiding it this time. Advertisement I had to keep him at arms length as a means of self-preservation. I had learned through my own therapy experience up to that point that there is only so much you can do for someone like my dad. He was a vampire who could suck a person dry financially and emotionally. He could be mean-spirited and petty. There were times where he would call me and say that I was adopted. He often told me that my accomplishments meant nothing and derided the fact that I went to college and found a way out of the terrifying life that I endured because of him. He had been in and out of mental hospitals so many times that it was clear that he wasnt making use of the psychiatric services at his disposal. That continues to be a source of frustration: knowing that we lead that horse to water so many times but we couldnt make him drink. Advertisement Advertisement What I know now is that he was incredibly lonely. He was lonely because he was human. Theres something it seems like we all say when someone, especially a celebrity, kills herself. She seemed so happy. I remember the last time I saw my dad. It was an April dayit was the day I took the picture above this post. And my dad seemed so happy. He had just gotten out of jail six months earlier (a very long story). He had just moved out of my brothers house and found his own place. He had a pug and routine that he seemed to enjoy. He seemed so happy. But he wasnt. And what seemed like a period of relief from the madness for my brother and me was, unbeknownst to anyone, the darkest time of his life. Advertisement Advertisement Dad saw my brother and his grandchildren, and me with my career and this new life of possibility, and he felt left out. He lived alone. He took drugs. He was miserable. Our culture doesnt really confront how dangerous it is to spend so much time alone with your own dangerous thoughts. We dont talk about the malignant spread of loneliness and the unmerciful power of isolation. But we are social animals, and we demand human connection. A large friend count on social media is no substitute for a night out with your friends, or sitting and telling hilarious stories with your kids, which is what my dad loved to do. Even though he was selfish, even though he treated everyone in his life like shit, even though he died alone with few friends because of how he treated everyone, I understand now that he was never taught any other way. And now that I understand that, Ive discovered an empathy for him that I never really had. Advertisement Advertisement My brother was a wreck. I pulled up to his house, and we hugged. We cried together. To this day, I still dont understand how he lives with what he saw. We asked all those questions you ask: Why? Was there something we could have done? Did he do this out of spite because my brother and I were so happy? The truth is that I dont know if there was something we could have done. A therapist in college once told me that setting boundaries with someone like my father was important. To paraphrase his advice: There is only so much you can do for another adult before you risk destroying the life you built out of the rubble in which you were raised. I took it to heart. Advertisement Advertisement The death had a much greater emotional impact on my brother because he invested so much of his life and time trying to help this man. There were trips to rehab, daily errands, several phone calls each day, reasoning with the police, letting dad live with him and his children. To some degree he took ownership of the suicide, as if there were any more of his life he could have given to this other man. Advertisement I made the choice, way back in college, to build a moat between my dad and myself. In the gulf I dug between us, we could still see each other and have the occasional conversation, but we could never get close enough to go to war. In choosing a life of peace for myself, I decided to accept that if he died, I would have to confront the occasional irrational wave of feeling selfish or guilty that I hadnt done more. Standing in front of my brothers house that day in July, I pulled out my iPhone and played the unplayed voicemail that my dad left the day before. Maybe it was a clue. It has long since been deleted, but I memorized every word. He said: This is whats left of your dad, Kris. Im just wondering where you might be? I havent heard nothing from nobody. I have no idea where you are. If you could just let me know where you are. Dad loves you. He was lonely. 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. On the morning of May 1, Bobby Kaplow felt tense. He was waiting for the online registration system for Arlington Public Schools extended day programs to open. There was limited space available for students in this Northern Virginia community, so thousands of parents would be flooding the website. Kaplow was hoping to snag a spot for his kid, but he was more worried about whether the system would be able to handle the coming stampede. Advertisement As the director of the districts extended day programs, he wanted to make sure that parents werent going to run into the same glitch as the previous year, when issues with the servers capacity brought the system to a standstill because too many people were trying to register at the same time. Parents, many of whom rely on the aftercare service due to their work schedules, were furious at the crash. I was up until 2 trying to get on before giving up, one angry parent wrote in an email to local news site ARLnow. So Im at work today with only 4 hours of sleep. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement Arlington Public Schools had been working for eight years with the Cirrus Group, the vendor that supplied software for aftercare programs in 29 different schools in the district. To prevent a repeat of the breakdown, Kaplow said he had been checking in weekly, if not daily, with the company in the runup to the registration period. A school district typically either designs its own software or buys it off the shelf from a vendor that then tailors it to the districts needs. That might include increasing the systems capacity or reworking the interface for choosing schools. Advertisement Mark Racine, the chief information officer for Boston Public Schools, says that these products began seeing widespread adoption about four or five years ago. A lot of things are moving online, and so parents were looking for online options too, he said. Beyond programs offered by the Cirrus Group, popular registration systems include SchoolMint, Registration Gateway, and Skyward. Some of these companies, like Skyward, have been around for decades and evolved to keep up with technological advances. Others, like SchoolMint, were founded in the past few years as registration processes have become increasingly digitized. Even though the Cirrus Groups product had failed spectacularly once before, Kaplow decided against switching to another option. Wed worked with these guys for eight years, he said. We wanted to give them another chance. And its not just Arlington thats run into such headaches with registration software. Similar problems have been reported in Los Angeles, where a glitch led to difficulties identifying special needs students and placing them into the appropriate programs, and in Tampa Bay, where the online system incorrectly informed 670 families that their children werent old enough to enter kindergarten. Advertisement Advertisement The Cirrus Groups product was appealing to the Arlington Public Schools because of its versatility: It could store students personal information, keep track of transactions, and handle registrations. Plus, the extended day program had never run into a major problem with the software until 2017. Advertisement In preparation for registration this year, programmers had retrofitted the site with more instances, which are essentially reservations of server capacity, Kaplow said. In doing so, they claimed that the system would be able to handle tens of thousands of simultaneous visitors. The employee handling the districts account flew to Virginia for registration and seemed confident that it would go off without a hitch, Kaplow recalls. Then, as soon as the system opened at 8 a.m., it crashed again. People were able to enter the system but couldnt do anything once they were in. I went on the computer to see if it was working, and I couldnt even get my own kid in, Kaplow says. Thats when I first realized we were having a problem. The representative said that there was an issue with the coding and spent four hours fixing it until it was up and running, Kaplow said. (The Cirrus Group declined to comment for this story.) Advertisement Advertisement Parents seemed even more irate than they had been the previous year. The replies to Arlington Public Schools tweet announcing the system was online hint at their frustration: A huge contingent of those of us who utilize extended day are working parents and now, not only does the system not work, but we are all trying to frantically balance our workday with securing care for our children. @APSExtendedDay must do better. Cc: @APSVirginia AlliTK (@AlliTK) May 1, 2018 Advertisement Advertisement Yes. We keep finding new layers of failure. It's like an onion! amoylan (@amoylan) May 1, 2018 This is consistently a problem. That vendor needs to be replaced immediately. Major inconvenience for parents. Steven Blumberg (@StevenAsher) May 1, 2018 Advertisement Arvaye Robinson, who was trying to register her daughters for the program, was up and ready to log into the site at 7:58 a.m. When she tried to log in two minutes later, the site kept timing out, and she thought there might have been something wrong with her computer. I was all frustrated and nervous, on pins and needles, she said. Youre up against 500 other people trying to get in. I was panicking so bad it prompted me to go up there. Robinson took an Uber to the districts administrative offices, where dozens of other harried parents had rushed to try to register their kids on paper. Hundreds of people would show up over the course of the day. Her daughters eventually made it into the program. I was lucky, I guess, she said. Next year, Arlington Public Schools will be seeking software services from a different vendor. The district will choose another off-the-shelf software and work with the company to modify it to fit the programs needs. The search will entail an extensive bidding process, along with numerous interviews and sales pitches. There is now a much wider variety of registration software offerings available than eight or nine years ago, when the district began shopping around for one. Kaplow said, My job is to make sure this doesnt happen again. On May 1, Facebook released a state-by-state breakdown of how many peoples profiles were affected by the Cambridge Analytica data spill. Not many people noticed, because it was appended to a post originally published back in April. But on Wednesday, Business Insider pointed out its existence, helping us learn more about specifics of the scandal, in which the political consulting firm improperly obtained the Facebook data of more than 87 million people ahead of the 2016 election. Advertisement Facebooks chart provides a state-by-state breakdown of the total number of users whose data may have been improperly shared with Cambridge Analytica. As you might expect, the most affected states are among the most populousCalifornia, Texas, Florida, and New York top the list. But we were curious about what that map looked like in terms of percentage of population. We asked Facebook whether it had that information and it said no, so we decided to crunch the numbers. To do that, we used the numbers released by Facebook and data from the 2017 population estimates from the U.S. Census. Percentages were rounded up to the nearest percentage point. Advertisement Advertisement Advertisement The place with the highest percentage of affected users was the District of Columbia, which clocked in at 50 percent. Its followed by a swath of Southern states: West Virginia (31 percent), Kentucky (29 percent), Mississippi (29 percent), Alabama (28 percent), Arkansas (28 percent), Georgia (27 percent), Louisiana (27 percent), and Tennessee (27 percent). Trump won all of these states, which wasnt unexpected, given that they tend to vote Republican. Advertisement California is second to last on the list, with only 17 percent of its population affected. But it tops Facebooks list, since its the most populous state (about 39 million). Pennsylvania, Wisconsin, Michigan, and Floridafour states that flipped to Trump by a narrow margin in 2016 after supporting Obama in 2012were in the middle of the pack of states affected in terms of population: Florida came in at 21 percent, Pennsylvania at 23 percent, Michigan at 24 percent, and Wisconsin at 21 percent. Some critical caveats: Not every state resident is a voter or has a Facebook account. And of course, correlation doesnt equal causation: Just because these states were the most targeted doesnt necessarily mean anything. But its still worthwhile to crunch the numbers from a population standpoint. Maybe it reveals a strategy on the part of Cambridge Analyticaor perhaps it just gives us a glimpse of where Facebook users were the most likely to be interested in the quiz that the political firm used to collect data. Advertisement Advertisement Find the full list of states below. District of Columbia: 50 percent West Virginia: 31 percent Kentucky: 29 percent Mississippi: 29 percent Alabama: 28 percent Arkansas: 28 percent Georgia: 27 percent Louisiana: 27 percent Tennessee: 27 percent Missouri: 26 percent Indiana: 25 percent Ohio: 25 percent South Carolina: 25 percent North Carolina: 25 percent Advertisement Oklahoma: 24 percent Michigan: 24 percent Maine: 23 percent Pennsylvania: 23 percent Illinois: 23 percent Rhode Island: 23 percent Kansas: 22 percent New York: 22 percent Iowa: 22 percent Vermont: 22 percent Nevada: 21 percent Delaware: 21 percent Florida: 21 percent Wisconsin: 21 percent Virginia: 20 percent Nebraska: 20 percent Texas: 20 percent Utah: 20 percent Hawaii: 20 percent Wyoming: 19 percent Washington: 19 percent New Hampshire: 19 percent Oregon: 19 percent Idaho: 19 percent Alaska: 19 percent North Dakota: 19 percent Minnesota: 19 percent Massachusetts: 18 percent Connecticut: 18 percent Maryland: 18 percent Arizona: 18 percent New Jersey: 18 percent South Dakota: 18 percent Montana: 17 percent Colorado: 17 percent California: 17 percent New Mexico: 17 percent Distrainment amnesty stays in plans The number of new distrainment proceedings keeps falling. Font size: A - | A + Thousands of Slovaks, with a large share of pensioners, have suffered from unresolved distrainments for a long time. Even younger Slovaks are unable to find steady jobs with high enough salaries to cover their debts. The governments solution, anticipated by those affected for several months, is a one-time distrainment amnesty that aims to stop the proceedings where claims are unenforceable and debtors do not have property that can be withdrawn. Propertyless distrainments must be terminated and an adequate mechanism for that must be found, Justice Minister Gabor Gal (Most-Hid) told The Slovak Spectator. Executors directly affected by the amnesty consider this step hazardous for the legal awareness of the responsible citizen. The numbers of old proceedings are declining substantially, so we do not consider their complete cancellation appropriate, said Stanislava Kolesarova of the Slovak Chamber of Executors (SKE). Besides the quicker settlements of distrainments, the decline stems from the growing interest in personal bankruptcies. However, this is not always the case, says Eva Kovacechova, director of the Centre for Legal Aid. Any solution to old distrainments could, therefore, help debtors and ease the courts, Kovacechova told The Slovak Spectator. Preparation of amnesty With the Extraordinary Measures to Deal with Old Distrainments, which is the official name of the amnesty, the government wants to cover old, unsolved distrainments, an idea that began to emerge during the mandate of former justice minister Lucia Zitnanska (Most-Hid), who prepared the paragraph text of the law in cooperation with all ruling parliamentary clubs. The current leadership under Gal wants to put the amnesty to real use. I am currently waiting for the coalition partners to comment on the text and subsequently, I will open this topic, said Gal. 14. Jun 2018 at 6:30 | Peter Adamovsky Why is a hospital's new cover photo on Facebook a revolution in Slovak health care? Workers of the FD Roosevelt Faculty Hospital in Banska Bystrica, one of the largest health care facilities in Slovakia (Source: F. D. Roosevelt Hospital) Font size: A - | A + Last week, the FD Roosevelt Faculty Hospital in Banska Bystrica, one of the largest health care facilities in Slovakia, changed its cover photo on Facebook. A group photo of personnel - nurses, doctors, lab technicians-replaced a picture of some modern piece of equipment. Its a small revolution. Not only because this state-run hospital is the largest employer in the region (as shocking as it may sound) but also because it breaks Slovaks obsession of representing a hospital either through some CT scanner or more recently angiography equipment or at the opposite extreme, with rundown buildings. By the way, FD Roosevelt hospital has been using a robot to help perform surgery for about seven years already. That group photo is revolutionary in its normality, too. 14. Jun 2018 at 12:03 | Anca Dragu Journalist Petkova: It is terrible to read that we ordered Jans murder The Trend weeklys reporter Zuzana Petkova no longer takes her phone to police interrogations. Zuzana Petkova is one of the most famous investigative journalists in Slovakia. Lately, she has been cooperating on the story which lead businessman Marian Kocner to threaten the Sme reporter Adam Valcek. Now, after two decades working for various media outlets, she is leaving the Trend weekly for a non-governmental organisation. The Penta financial group does not interfere in the weeklys content and she perceives its head, Jaroslav Hascak, as an ordinary reader. Sme: Why are you leaving the Trend weekly? Zuzana Petkova (ZP): Because I have been working in the media for 22 years and with Trend, I achieved the maximum a journalist can in their career, I would say. I worked for one of the best Slovak weeklies as deputy chief editor and I want to move on. I started to be bored with describing corruption cases, especially as there is no end it's like a prison sentence. With Zastavme Korupciu / Stop Corruption I hope that I will be able to put pressure on people in other ways, so that they start dealing with such issues. Sme: Are the current NGOs able to do this? ZP: I feel that recently they have become less active than they used to be. I remember former journalists Zuzana Wienk and Peter Kunder in the Aliancia Fair-play disclosing the fictitious donors in the SDKU party; now, there are fewer of these investigations. I hope I will be able to do similar things with the foundation. Sme: Rumour has it that disputes with the leadership of the Penta media house which also includes Trend are behind your decision to leave. Is this true? ZP: I have no dispute with the Trend management and I highly respect the chief editor, Oliver Brunovsky, who has done a lot for the refinement of the media scene. As for the leadership of the media house, I have differing opinions with some people concerning various issues but this is common. Our mutual communication is an internal matter and I have no reason to comment on it. Sme: Has Penta intervened in the writing of stories for Trend? ZP: I personally dont have any such experience. Nobody has told me what to write or what not to write. Right from the start, we agreed on a method of communication, set the limits and I am not aware of anyone ever violating this. Kocner does not answer to the point, and he, on principle, never comments on specific issues. Zuzana Petkova Sme: Haven't the people from Penta called you directly to complain about some stories? ZP: Recently, I had a written communication with Jaroslav Hascak of Penta after we published the report on the state of the police in Slovakia. He disliked our writing about the Gorilla (scandal) as a fact and not as an alleged SIS file. I didnt perceive it as pressure by the owner, but rather as the reaction of an ordinary reader to my article. I answered and had the feeling we settled it correctly. Sme: What has changed for journalists after the murder of Jan Kuciak? ZP: A lot. Mostly, the impression that writing stories cannot immediately threaten our lives. Before, we thought that the worst that could happen to us was a lawsuit or pressure. Now, nothing is as it used to be before the murder. Sme: Have you been dealing more with ways to protect your communications with sources in the editorial room? ZP: Yes, I have so many encryption applications on my mobile that I can hardly fit any more in. Most of the time, I only communicate with sources in person now. With some themes, like the Albanian mafia, we dont even give the names of the reporters and the questions are sent by the chief editor instead, to protect them. Sme: If the police summoned you for questioning now, would you take your mobile with you? ZP: After what happened to Pavla Holcova I wouldnt do that. Before, I used to take my mobile to the interrogations. 14. Jun 2018 at 10:09 | Roman Cuprik Employees at PSA Peugeot will not strike Trade unions failed to collect enough signatures, agreeing on a salary increase with the carmakers management. Font size: A - | A + Employees in the Trnava-based carmaker Groupe PSA Slovakia will not strike for higher salaries. The local trade unions organisation failed to collect enough signatures to declare a strike. The trade unions thus agreed with the carmakers management on raising the basic wages in 2018 by 50 a month. As a result, the average wages this year will increase by more than 7.7 percent, the SITA newswire reported. At the same time, the plants management agreed with a retrospective increase in wages valid from February 1, said Peter Svec, Groupe PSA Slovakias spokesperson, as quoted by SITA. Trade unions accepted the original offer Moreover, employees will receive an individual bonus at 100 a month on average in case of fulfilling the plans. The maximum bonus will be 185. Read also: Read also: Trade unionists at PSA Peugeot announce strike alert Read more Under the proposal of the carmakers management, the rules for paying the share on profit for employees will improve, Svec continued, as quoted by SITA. As a result, they will receive 415 for 2017. The available information indicates that the trade unions accepted the offer they received from management before declaring the strike alert. To declare a strike, the trade unions organisation needed to collect the signatures from the majority of some 3,800 permanent employees in the carmakers. They originally wanted basic wages to increase by 80 a month. The wages in the Trnava-based carmaker increased 6.3 percent on average in 2017. The average wage of production employees amounted to 1,106 (including bonuses and surcharges) before taxation last year, while the average monthly wage in the entire plant amounted to 1,465 before taxation last year (management excluded), SITA reported. 14. Jun 2018 at 14:04 | Compiled by Spectator staff Bratislava still among the worlds best cities for freelancers The capitals of the Czech Republic and Slovakia attract freelancers, the recent survey suggests. Low prices, fast internet and low taxes are the reasons why freelancers often pick Bratislava as their base. The country ranked fifth in the recent 10 best cities for freelancers in 2018 research, published by the Hoofdkraan.nl website. Last year, it was seventh on the list. The website surveyed 117 cities, looking at 23 factors generally important for freelancers. This includes the quality of living, beer prices and the connection to internet. Seven out of the 10 best cities are located in Europe. Prague is the best This years edition of the research shows that the best place for freelancers to live in is Prague. The website describes the Czech capital as a home to the best beer in the world and a destination with many hidden gems. Work a little, wander a little, experience friendliness, whatever gender you are or prefer, and pick one of the many flexible work spaces or cafes the city has to offer, the website reads. Read also: Read also: Bratislava is an excellent base for digital nomads Read more Prague ranks the highest when it comes to value for money, beer prizes, fast internet and nightlife. As for other countries in the top 10, Spain and Portugal stand out. With Sevilla, Las Palmas, Porto and Lisbon among the best cities for freelancers there is no other conclusion possible: we like some warm weather with our freelance freedom, the website reads. Other important factors include cheap beer and quality of life. Moreover, Portugal and Spain are considered safe countries with good resources and facilities. Only three cities in top 10 are outside Europe: Vancouver, New Orleans and Miami (all of them situated in North America). The countries missing in top 10 are from Asia. Well-respected digital nomad destinations like Bangkok, Chiang Mai and Bali are ranked lower due to low scores on cleanliness, safety, freedom of speech and quality of coffee. (Source: Hoofdkraan.nl ) What cities to avoid? The Hoofdkraan.nl also lists the places freelancers should definitely avoid. This includes Lagos in Nigeria, which ranks lowest on the list. Read also: Read also: Bratislava belongs among the Top 10 cities for freelancers Read more You were perhaps not thinking of Nigeria in the first place because of pirates, Boko Haram or other violence you read about in the newspapers, but there are no facilities for freelancers altogether, the website reads. The majority of the bottom 10 cities, including Dhaka (Bangladesh), La Paz (Bolivia), Manila (Philippines), Saint Petersburg (Russia), Jakarta (Indonesia), Beijing (China), Dar es Salaam (Tanzania), Nairobi (Kenya) and Kathmandu (Nepal) are cheap to live in, but unsafe and dirty, the internet is slow and the electricity unreliable. Freedom of speech and an open mind towards females or gays are problematic as well, the website reads. 14. Jun 2018 at 14:09 | Compiled by Spectator staff Head of the Sykorovci group sentenced to life Apart from Robert Lalis, other members of this organised crime group were given sentences. Former head of the Sykorovci organised crime group, Robert Lalis, aka Kybel (Bucket), has been given a life sentence for the fourth time. This time, it was from the Supreme Court senate, which ended the proceeding concerning six mafia murders on June 13, the Sme daily reported. Apart from Lalis, his two accomplices from the Sykorovci group received long-term punishments. Ivan Cupper (aka Vincko) was sentenced to life, while Martin Bihari (nicknamed Rus) will spend 23 years in prison. Another tried member of the group, Alojz Kromka, was found guilty but did not receive any punishment since he is already serving a life sentence for a different murder, Sme reported. The group has been active in the Bratislava, Senec and Zahorie region since 1990s. Harabin has submitted several complaints The three-member senate issued the verdict despite the fact that one of its members, former Supreme Court president Stefan Harabin, declared on June 12 that the whole senate was illegal. Harabin has even filed several criminal complaints in this case. This includes the remaining members of the Supreme Court senate, Supreme Court President Daniela Svecova, the prosecutor in this case, and the Specialised Criminal Court senate, Sme wrote. Read also: Read also: Sentences for organised crime groups members cancelled Read more In addition, there was a dispute between Harabin and the remaining two members of the senate, its chair Pavol Farkas and another member Dana Wankeova, at the beginning of the June 13 proceeding. Farkas did not like the way how Harabin interfered with the proceeding one day before. The senate member, without permission from the senates chair to speak, willfully addressed Kromka, asking him whether he objects to the senate, Farkas said, as quoted by Sme, adding that in this way he just offered an answer to one of the accused. Harabin responded that the senates chair is lying, as reported by Sme. Harabins behaviour questioned Due to the dispute, the verdict was issued later than expected. Meanwhile, Svecova called Harabins behaviour non-standard. She added that it could mar the proceeding. Regarding the composition of the senate deciding in the Lalis & co. case, it needs to be clearly stated that this senate was composed legally and in compliance with the Supreme Courts work schedule, said Alexandra Vazanova, the courts spokesperson, as quoted by Sme. 14. Jun 2018 at 14:12 | Compiled by Spectator staff Slovak government will provide special treatment for Volkswagen Slovakia It will help with recruiting new employees, including from abroad. PM Peter Pellegrini and Ralf Sacht, chairman of the Board of Management at Volkswagen Slovakia, from right (Source: TASR) The Slovak cabinet will provide the Slovak arm of the German carmaker Volkswagen Slovakia with special measures and support it in the near future, mainly due to its many years of contribution to Slovakias economic growth. The construction of a bypass around the plant near Bratislava will be accelerated and the company will be allowed to raise quotas on hiring third-country nationals as it requested. Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini informed about the package of planned measures after meeting the Volkswagen Slovakia management on June 14. Slovakia will make this move for the second time, with the first being special measures created for U.S. Steel Kosice steelmaker (USSK). Given the share of its production in Slovakias GDP, it deserves a special approach and attention from the government, said Prime Minister Peter Pellegrini (Smer). Read also: Read also: Companies turn down orders due to labour shortage Read more Volkswagen Slovakia is the largest private employer in Slovakia, the largest tax payer and one of the most important investors in the country. It currently needs 1,850 new employees. In this regard, the measures will surely include the simplification of issuing work permits for foreign workers. The carmaker acknowledges the cabinets approach. Ralf Sacht, chairman of the Board of Management at Volkswagen Slovakia, said that the carmaker wants to remain in Slovakia for the next 25 years at least. With the support of the cabinet we will manage this, said Sacht. Pellegrini considers Volkswagen Slovakia the shop window of the automotive industry in Slovakia and promises maximum support. He acknowledged the carmaker for the over-above remuneration of its employees. I want to also thank them for the wage level in the company, said Pellegrini. If Slovaks do good jobs, they require appropriate remuneration. This is true for Volkswagen. The carmaker currently employs 13,700 people. Last year the company generated a profit of 240 million and a turnover of 7.55 billion. Last year's investment exceeded 369 million, with nearly 362,000 vehicles being produced at the plant. 14. Jun 2018 at 23:51 | Compiled by Spectator staff Matecna: Slovak farmers are disappointed with CAP funds for 2021-27 Earlier promises have not materialised. Font size: A - | A + Slovak farmers are disappointed with the legislation presented by the European Commission concerning the funding of the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) for 2021-27, Slovak Agriculture and Rural Development Minister Gabriela Matecna (SNS) said on Thursday, June 14. When the initial proposal was presented by the EC last autumn, many member countries were pleased by the expected cuts in red tape and the planned evening-out of farmers claims in individual member countries, said Matecna, as cited by the TASR newswire. Nonetheless, this hasnt materialised. Out of the 365 billion allocated for agriculture in the EU in 2021-27, Slovakia is due to receive some 4 billion, with Slovak farmers complaining about an insufficient convergence with farmers in western Europe, among other things. At the moment, were at 78 percent of the EU average [in terms of farming subsidies], said Matecna. Slovak farmers should reach 87 percent of the EU average as late as in 2027. Another problem is being posed by payment limits for individual farms. Historically, we have big farms cultivating approximately 80 percent of the land, producing more than 90 percent of the overall output and providing jobs to many people, said Matecna. The imposition of payment limits at 60-100,000 is hardly acceptable to them. Nevertheless, we will not oppose the caps as such, because if theyre set well and made voluntary for individual member countries, they can aid active farmers. 14. Jun 2018 at 23:56 | Compiled by Spectator staff If youve ever longed for a space that combines coffee, comics, and activism, youre in luck: these are the super powers of Charlotte, North Carolinas Comic Girl Coffee. Founded and run collectively by Lara Americo, Ashley Jarrett, Kayla Dance, and Allie Chudoba, the space is dedicated to being by and for coffee lovers of all stripesespecially those who feel marginalized in traditional cafe spaces. In terms of equity, Comic Girl shoots for the stars; not only is it collectively owned, its also queer/POC-centered, vegan, and accessible to people of all incomes. Like so many organizations that exist to center marginalized people in coffee, the impetus for Comic Girl came from the lack of safe spaces for queer and trans people, especially those of color, in the Charlotte area. When the founders noticed that space missing from their lives, they decided to create it themselves. The inspiration came from a bookstore called Firestorm Collective in Asheville, North Carolina. Firestorm Collective was a dream, says Americo. Having a queer safe space in the middle of the Appalachian Mountains was like an oasis in a desert. I knew that there had to be a space like this where I lived. Or else, whats the point of living there? I ask Americo about the unique challenges of running Comic Girl as a cooperative. Every decision has to be made collectively and all profits are shared, she says. Right now, that means we only have the capacity to open on the weekend. We are hoping for more members or for one of us to be able to work full-time so that the store can be open regularly. The biggest challenge the Comic Girl crew has experienced is finding new co-op members. We dont use bank loans and we have no one to bankroll the shop. We are all marginalized people in some way trying to create a space for ourselves. Instead of pouring money into the shop, we have to use free labor until the shop is sustainable. Not everyone is willing or able to work for free in the hopes of future payoff unless they really believe in the concept. Another challenge is that its not always easy for workers to be their own boss. Most people are trained from birth to work for someone. It is hard to break out of that mentality. But she says the benefits are meaningful: Everyone has an equal say, no one is taken advantage of, no one is told what to do, and no one profits off of other peoples labor. When it comes to being vegan, the owners feel strongly about how food production and food access play into equity. Not many people realize that environmental challenges that mass meat production causes. In North Carolina, drinking water is being contaminated by hog waste. Its a huge problem, says Americo. She wants Comic Girl to be a center for food access that doesnt transfer the harm elsewhere down the line. To make sure the food and beverages are accessible, Comic Girl has a Pay It Forward board, where patrons can purchase magnets that provide drinks and food for other guests who cant afford to pay. The books section, which centers writing by and about femmes, people of color, and/or queer people, follows through on this praxis. Its run primarily on donated books and guests can pay what they want, so that higher-income patrons can support those who have less. They also use the space as a place to build community through events such as queer speed dating and D&D nights. Their goals for the future center on making the space more accessible more often. We want to be open 24 hours a day in a bigger space, Americo says. That way more people to come in crying because they love the space so much. Charlotte itself plays a major role in Comic Girls mission and existence, providing not only the impetus but the support for the space to exist and succeed. The local coffee community is a dream, Americo tells me. It has been so supportive from the start. Even though we are in competition, the community wants everyone to succeedthe way it should be. There is enough to go around, and somehow, Charlottes small coffee community is living that. The collective trauma experienced by marginalized communities in Charlotte has also played a part in the development of Comic Girl as a community space over time. This includes the HB2, the anti-transgender bathroom bill, which started in Charlotte, as well as the police shooting of Keith Lamont Scott. The city is still traumatized in many ways, says Americo. Since the shop opened last September, we have seen that healing process happening. Comic Girl occupies a unique space, at an equally unique time in Charlottes history. But there are universal lessons here as well. The space achieves its inclusivity goals by not hewing towards welcoming any single group. You can be yourself hereno matter who you areand if you cant afford a drink that day, the shops community has you covered. Sounds like superpowers to me. RJ Joseph (@RJ_Sproseph) is a Sprudge staff writer, publisher of Queer Cup, and coffee professional based in the Bay Area. Read more RJ Joseph on Sprudge Media Network. All photos courtesy of Comic Girl Coffee. Premium Brands Holdings Corporation, through its subsidiaries, manufactures and distributes food products primarily in Canada and the United States. It operates in two segments, Specialty Foods and Premium Food Distribution. The company provides meat products and snacks, deli products, beef jerky and halal, sandwiches, pastries, specialty and gourmet products, salads and kettle products, entrees, panini, wraps, subs, hamburgers, burgers, muffins, breads, pastas, and baking and sushi products, as well as processed meat products. It is also involved in the distribution of food products, including meat, seafood, and halal food products, as well as operation of retail/convenience store and concessionary, and provision of food and seafood processing services. The company operates under the brand names of Harvest Meats, Hempler's, Grimm's Fine Foods, Piller's, Freybe, Isernio's, Expresco, SJ Fine Foods, McSweeney's, Made Rite, Fletcher's, Deli Chef, Belmont Meats, Conte Foods, SK Food Group, Oven Pride, Hygaard, Quality Fast Foods, HQ Fine Foods, Creekside Custom Foods, Stuyver's Bread, Bread Garden Express, Audrey's Patisserie, Duso's, Gourmet Chef, Island City Baking, Skilcor, Leadbetter's, Mclean Meats, Buddy's Kitchen, Raybern's, Partner's Crackers, Shaw Bakers, Oberto, Concord Meats, Country Prime Meats, The Meat Factory, and Golden Valley Farms. It serves chains and large format retailers, independent and specialty retailers, foodservice operators, foodservice distributors, and other food manufacturers and food brokers. The company was founded in 1917 and is headquartered in Richmond, Canada. Read More Dedicated to the Restoration of Progressive Democracy NA defuses IED planted in Damak Municipality mayors vehicle A bomb disposal team of Nepal Army defused an improvised explosive device (IED) planted in a parked vehicle belonging to Mayor of Damak Municipality Rom Nath Oli on Thursday. "A little fill here and there may seem to be nothing to become excited about. But one fill, though comparatively inconsequential, may lead to another, and another, and before long a great body may be eaten away until it may no longer exist. Our navigable waters are a precious natural heritage, once gone, they disappear forever," wrote the Wisconsin Supreme Court in its 1960 opinion resolving Hixon v. PSC and buttressing The Public Trust Doctrine, Article IX of the Wisconsin State Constitution. 33kg gold smuggling case: Bajeko Sekuwa outlets sealed Five outlets of the popular restaurant chain Bajeko Sekuwa were sealed in Kathmandu on Wednesday as part of investigation into a gold smuggling racket. Dozen agreements on PMs China visit agenda Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli is embarking on a five-day official visit to China on June 19 as Beijing looks to deepening ties with Nepal with deals under its flagship Belt and Road Initiative. Govt outlines measures to monitor I/NGOs The government has introduced stringent measures to monitor the activities of non-government organisations and international NGOs. How to stay on track Oli govt could have asked UN DPA for a drawdown, but with greater finesse Lets spread our wings The agenda for the Nepal-India aviation meeting should include the Himalaya Route The number of visitors from India to Vietnam has climbed rapidly and is expected to spike further when a direct air route between the two countries is launched later this year, an industry insider said on Tuesday. Approximately 85,000 Indian tourists visited Vietnam in 2017, a 30 percent year-on-year growth rate, Randir Brar, an executive from Destinos India, said at a working session between the New Delhi-based travel firm and Vietnamese tour operators in Ho Chi Minh City. For comparison, he added, 1.6 million Indians spent their holidays last year in Thailand. This means there is still room for Vietnam to attract more Indian holidaymakers in the future, Brar said. The Destinos India representative expressed his belief that Indian arrivals to Vietnam will continue to soar, once the direct route between the two countries is launched at the end of this year as planned. Low-cost Vietnamese carrier Vietjet is working with related agencies and ground services to prepare for the launch of a nonstop service between Ho Chi Minh City and New Delhi by the end of this year, Indian Ambassador to Vietnam Parvathaneni Harish revealed last month. The air route, having been approved by the Indian government, is expected to allow more Vietnamese tourists to visit India, Harish was quoted by The Saigon Times economic newspaper as saying on May 8. The nonstop flight will help passengers avoid transit time and only spend around six hours traveling between the two countries, thus promoting bilateral tourism, Brar elaborated. The Ho Chi Minh City Department of Tourism also expects tourist numbers from India, one of its key markets, would grow three to four times in 2018. The southern metropolis has had plans to focus on serving tourists from India through quality restaurants and accommodations. On the other hand, some 50,000 Vietnamese visited India in 2017, and the figure is expected to rise to 70,000 - 75,000 this year, according to Brar. Indian travel companies are looking to introduce new tour packages to the Vietnamese market, he added. In addition to the existing pilgrimage, medical and yoga tours, Indian companies have also designed a multi-destination journey for guests to visit Nepal and Bhutan from India, he said. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Vietnam consistently ranks near the top of countries with the highest malware infection rates, making it a fertile ground for cybercrime, experts said at a seminar in Hanoi on Monday. The seminar, held to discuss the prevention and elimination of malicious software affecting Vietnam, was organized under the direction of Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc and hosted by several experts from the Authority of Information Security (AIS). Over 60 million computers in Vietnam are infected with malware each year, said Vu Ngoc Son, deputy head of the Anti Malware division at Bkav, a Hanoi-based network security and software firm. The most common malware programs are those used by hackers to mine cryptocurrencies, encrypt data, steal personal information, spread viruses via USB drives, and launch APT (advanced persistent threat) attacks. Bkav announced on June 5 that there are more than 1.2 million computers in Vietnam currently infected with the W32.XFileUSB virus a bug that can completely wipe the data from a users USB drive. The company also disclosed that over 735,000 computers in the country were recently infected with a cryptocurrency-mining virus. The firms calculation also showed that the damage caused by computer viruses has been rapidly increasing over the past few years, with an estimated loss of VND8.5 trillion (US$374.45 million) in 2014, VND8.7 trillion ($383.26 million) in 2015, VND10.4 trillion ($458.15 million) in 2016, and VND12.3 trillion ($541.85 million) in 2017. According to AIS, in the first five months of the year nearly 19.6 million Vietnamese IP (Internet Protocol) addresses were mobilized for botnets used by hackers. A botnet is a network of private computers infected with malicious software and controlled as a group without the owners' knowledge. The high rate of malware infections in Vietnam is mainly attributed to the low rate of using copyrighted software, including anti-virus programs, and buying the wrong version of an anti-virus program instead of purchasing Internet security licenses, according Nguyen Thanh Hai, general director of AIS. Son, the deputy head from Bkav, also shared that vast numbers of Vietnamese computer users rarely update their software to patch security holes and up to 40 percent of computers in Vietnam face SMB- (Server Message Block) related issues. Computer security in Vietnam is complicated, Hai said. It requires organizations and individuals to take drastic action to ensure information security for themselves as well for the national system, he concluded. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Two Vietnamese victims fatally stabbed in a Las Vegas hotel are scheduled to be repatriated this week, according to a source close to Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper. The ashes of Nghia Boi Sang, 39, director of the Ho Chi Minh City- based Trieu Hao Tourist Company, are expected to arrive in Vietnam on Thursday, while the body of 30-year-old Nguyen Le Ba Khuong, the firms tour guide, is expected to arrive on Saturday. Sangs family traveled to the U.S. on June 7 to begin procedures to bring her home. Procedures for Khuongs repatriation are being carried out by the Heaven's Gate Funeral Home in Stanton, California while his mother cares for his ill father. According to the Ho Chi Minh City Tour Guide Association, travel insurance could reimburse up to US$50,000 for the tragic incident. The association will assist the victims families in filing the insurance claims once the investigation has been concluded. The tour guide association has also raised VND150 million ($6,600) to support Khuongs family as they mourn their loss. Sang and Khuong were found with multiple stab wounds inside a room at the Circus Circus hotel and casino on the Las Vegas Strip at around 3:00 pm on June 1 (local time). They were leading a group of Vietnamese tourists on a trip to Los Angeles and Las Vegas in the U.S. from May 30 to June 4, organized by Trieu Hao Company. Police believe the incident occurred at around 2:00 am on the same day. Officers were able to identify Julius Trotter, 31, as a prime suspect after reviewing security camera footage from the hotel. He was arrested on June 7. Investigators believe that the victims caught Trotter as he was attempting to rob their hotel room, whereupon he fatally stabbed them. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! Read what is in the news today, May 14! Politics -- Vietnam is willing to send experts in agriculture, education and healthcare to Mozambique and wishes to expedite the organization of an inter-governmental committee on cooperation with the African country, Vietnamese Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc said as he received newly-accredited Mozambican Ambassador Leonardo Rosario Manuel Pene on Wednesday. Society -- Vu Ta Tung, general director of state-run national corporation Vietnam Railways, has warned that directors of its member companies must resign or receive dismissal from posts if any serious train crashes occur again. The decision followed the light punishment of severe criticism imposed on Tung and other railway leaders after a series of consecutive accidents that claimed two lives in May. -- The Ho Chi Minh City Market Surveillance Agency on Wednesday destroyed over VND20 billion (US$880,000) worth of confiscated goods, including tobacco, counterfeit and copycat products and those not up to market standards. -- A three-year-old boy in the north-central province of Nghe An was transferred to a larger infirmary with a high fever and diarrhea allegedly due to over-vaccination after a nurse at a local hospital let the lid of a bottle of vaccine come off and the substance flowed into his mouth on Monday. -- The Hanoi customs department on Wednesday confiscated over 500 synthetic drugs imported into Vietnam from the Netherlands via express delivery. -- Thach Duong, a 27-year-old man in the southern Vietnamese city of Can Tho, was sentenced to ten years in prison on Wednesday for raping his 11-year-old niece six times. The court said the man had defects in awareness and behavioral control. Business -- A number of experts said that the failure of farming rubber trees extensively in central and northern Vietnam is inevitable since the climate and soil in these regions militate against the plants growth. The growers here have suffered enormous financial losses as their trees were knocked down by strong storms and yielded low production. -- Authorities in Bac Lieu, a province near Vietnams southernmost tip, have given in-principle approval to a plan to attract investment in a liquefied natural gas (LNG) project and a plant generating electricity based on LNG that is likely to be operational in 2027. Education -- Education authorities in the southernmost Vietnamese province of Ca Mau have required a local community college to cease courses in accounting, English linguistics and information technology, which it had been offering in cooperation with a university since the end of 2017, as the latter failed to receive permission from the Ministry of Education and Training to run the programs. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! An ex-con who spent several years in prison has reinvented himself as an entrepreneur in Vietnam, paying it forward by creating jobs in his hometown. Tran Tuan Hai bounced back from a five-year prison stint to take charge of a now well-established eatery, growing the business into a local staple which serves an average of 250 tourists each month and provides a serious boost to the local economy. Born into a financially-disadvantaged family in Quang Binh, a north-central province in Vietnam, Tran Tuan Hai had no choice but to drop out of school to help support his family. An attempted mugging eventually landed the young man a five-year prison sentence, the time he spent reading his way through the Dong Son Penitentiary librarys business selection. During my time in jail, I sincerely regretted my wrongdoings. But I was still young and had time to turn my life around, Hai recalled. Hai was released six months early for good behavior. His next step was figuring out how to move forward. Imprisonment does not always end when an inmate is released. For Hai, the joy of freedom was short-lived after the realities of being an ex-convict set in. Rumors about his past began spreading around town and Hai quickly found himself isolated and looked down on. Leaving prison was easy, rebuilding his life would be much more difficult. If I hadnt overcome the hatred and scorn, I might have repeated my mistakes, Hai shared. Hai knew that his history would make getting a job difficult, but he refused to give up. In an attempt to take destiny into his own hands, Hai decided to start his own business right in Quang Binh. Quang Binh is famous for the Phong Nha National Park, a tourist area which attracts hundreds of international and domestic visitors each year. Taking advantage of the areas thriving eco-tourism industry, Hai teamed up with two friends to open O O Lake Silence Eatery a 25-table eatery situated near a small lake at the foot of O O Mountain. The restaurant attracts an average of 250 tourists each month, provides jobs for nine local youngsters, and brings in enough cash for Hai to feel financially secure. Hai openly admits, some people wonder why I dont hide my past, but I dont find shame in admitting my background. That was part of my life and Ive left it behind. Now Im moving forward and its time to talk about my future." Twelve people linked to riot-like situations on Sunday and Monday in the south-central province of Binh Thuan have been detained, including a man police say paid others to stir up violence. According to a source familiar with the situation, police in Binh Thuans capital, Phan Thiet, made the arrests on Wednesday, two days after violent incidents in the area had settled. Among the detainees was Ngo Duy Nam, 36, whom police identified as having paid several others to disrupt public order. Vietnamese Minister of Public Security To Lam was in Binh Thuan the same day for a meeting with the provincial police force, where he was briefed on the current unrest in the area. Wednesdays arrests raised the number rioters taken into Binh Thuan police custody to 19. Law enforcement arrested 102 people on Monday participating in activities they say contributed to civil unrest in the coastal province but later screened and released 95 of the detainees. Provincial police say they are currently collecting evidence to prosecute the remaining detainees for the involvement in the marches. Thousands joined marches across Vietnam on Sunday to speak out against a draft law which sparked public outcry for allowing land in the countrys new special economic zones to be leased for up to 99 years to potential foreign investors. In Binh Thuan, the marches turned violent when participants began hurling rocks and hard objects at law enforcement and vandalized several public buildings. The situation lasted for two days and left dozens of police officers wounded, though no casualties were officially reported. Under public pressure, the lawmaking National Assembly has agreed to delay consideration of the bill until October, while the government mulls revisions to the 99-year lease period provision. If passed, the law would provide a legal foundation for the establishment of three special economic zones Phu Quoc, Van Don, and Bac Van Phong in southern, northern, and south-central Vietnam, respectively, where Vietnam hopes to attract foreign investment through greater incentives and fewer legal restrictions. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! An ethnic-minority man who spent over a decade selling lottery tickets in southern Vietnam has turned to civil service after successfully completing a bachelors degree in law. Kim Thai was admitted to the office of the administration in Soc Trang Province as a worker for administrative and sundry jobs, a local official told Tuoi Tre (Youth) newspaper on Wednesday. The new opportunity will mean the 37-year-old no longer has to wander the provinces rural roads to sell lottery tickets, as he has done over the past 13 years. Im really happy to know that my dream has come true. Ill continue to learn and focus on my new career, Thai told Tuoi Tre. Thai was born into a large Khmer family, an ethnic minority primarily residing in Vietnams Mekong Delta provinces. Thai dropped out of college as a second-year student in 2000 to care for his ill father and tend the familys rice paddies. Kim Thai and his daughter are at the familys house in Soc Trang Province, southern Vietnam. Photo: Tuoi Tre After getting married in 2001, he worked as a farmer, motorbike taxi driver, construction worker, fisherman, and lottery ticket seller in order to provide for his family. Selling lottery is nothing to be ashamed of. What matters is that you make money from honest work, Thai said. He was inspired to resume his education after the wife completed a medicine course and was able to find a job. Though constantly busy with work, he enrolled in a long-distance-education law program in 2010 hoping it would lead to a career that could help resolve the frequent arguments between neighbors in his area. Thai graduated with a good bachelors degree five years later and passed an entrance exam for would-be civil servants in Soc Trang in 2018. There was a night before the exam when I had had to leave home at 3:00 am to sell lottery tickets. Were very proud of Thai. We hope he uses his knowledge and competence to help the people. Hes set a good example to others, especially the Khmer people, said one of Thais neighbors. Like us on Facebook or follow us on Twitter to get the latest news about Vietnam! If there is any Australian show with an ensemble of strong women it has to be Wentworth. Based on the ground-breaking Prisoner, the series is about to premiere its 6th season and is currently filming its 7th. Kate Atkinson, who plays Governor Vera Bennett, has just been nominated for an Outstanding Actress in the Logie Awards -up against Pamela Rabe (Joan Ferguson) no less. But while the depth of Atkinsons performance has finally been recognised, Veras inner strength was not always so evident. When I signed up to do it I thought I dont want to play a mouse for 3 or 4 seasons,' she recalls. But its been part of the intrigue and the challenge to work how to escape from her lack of confidence and insecurities. She is someone who has been captive of her low self-esteem Ive always said Vera is emblematic of the kind of people who are prisoners in their lives. She can obviously walk out of prison at the end of the day but she is someone who has been a captive of her low self-esteem, a terrible family environment. So her journey has been a different kind of break-out, I suppose. Shed been doing it Fergusons way and shed learned lessons from other Governors, been bullied by women, and emulating all these other methods of leadership that werent hers. So shes trying to find her own way, but its taken her a long time to get there. Atkinson is giving little away about the scenes following the cliffhanger of Season 5 in which Joan Ferguson was buried alive and Franky escaped. So where is Franky? Is Ferguson dead, or is there any way she could have escaped? What will happen to Will? Will Vera find out? she teases. Its a prison in meltdown over recent escapes and Vera as Governor is under an inordinate amount of pressure. Season 6 has a lot of fallout over the escapes and what happened to Ferguson. But shes Ferguson, she could rise from the dead! Who knows? If Pamela Rabe has indeed exited the series it will likely leave fans in turmoil. But it wouldnt be the first time, with many who vowed to switch-off after Danielle Cormack departed at the end of Season 4. I hate to say this, because working with Pam has been one of the greatest joys of my working life, but I can barely survive without her! she continues. I think I can say that in having 3 new cast members, one of the strengths of the show is that not only can we attract such amazing actors, but that its a prison. people come and go, get paroled, break-out, die. So you can have a new intake. We survived Bea Smiths death and we thought we wouldnt. Youd think it would be getting tired, but it just gets better The three new cast are Susie Porter, Leah Purcell and Rarriwuy Hick. I cant believe Im saying this but were shooting Season 7 and weve seen a few episodes cut together and youd think it would be getting tired, but it just gets better. There are new characters, labyrinthine plotlines, and writers getting more ambitious, Atkinson explains. Yet in recognising strong women and the day to day practicalities of a set with high emotions, the changes impacted by the #metoo movement are hard to overlook. Atkinson is confident of a safe workplace where respect and awareness are pivotal. We have an extraordinary cast / crew dynamic on our show. So we dont anecdotally feel like weve had to change too much about the machinations on our set. Bullying isnt tolerated, but obviously were aware of things that have happened worldwide and locally, she acknowledges. We have talked about it, and weve all said weve been lucky that we havent had anything to be worried out. But if you ever feel something is inappropriate or makes your feel uncomfortable you are allowed to speak. Either directly to the person who might have offended you, or to management and you will be supported. And thats where weve let ourselves down as an industry: some people have been deemed better than others and thats just not acceptable. We do fights on our show, sex scenes, nudity, and often its those scenes where people are most protected. We do fights on our show, sex scenes, nudity, and often its those scenes where people are most protected. The protocols are most stringent so that everyone feels protected. Sometimes its the by-the-by stuff where comments build up, or jokes are made, where you just need to understand the line in the sand. to be sensitive without walking around feeling terrified that we might offend someone. But we dont want our set to become a place where people feel they cant have fun or be affectionate. Weve all known each other a long time, so we dont want that to change. But we do want people to know that if their boundaries are different then they are very welcome to express that and well respect it. Wentworth returns 8:30pm Tuesday on Showcase. UK crime drama Father Brown has been commissioned for a seventh series. Based on the stories by GK Chesterton, the series stars Mark Williams as the crime-solving Catholic priest. Set in the UKs Cotswolds and filmed across several locations in the Midlands, including Blockley and Worcester, the returning ensemble includes Mrs McCarthy (Sorcha Cusack), Inspector Mallory (Jack Deam) and Bunty Windermere (Emer Kenny). When Lady Felicia (Nancy Carroll) returns from Northern Rhodesia in need of help, Father Brown is forced to conclude that none other than Hercule Flambeau (John Light) may be her greatest ally. Meanwhile a familiar face returns to Kembleford when a notorious police killer is spotted near the village, putting Sergeant Goodfellow (John Burton) in grave danger. Will Trotter, Head of Daytime Drama, BBC Studios says: In this series we see anarchists, ramblers and Morris Dancers all throwing up new adventures for Father Brown but as ever, hes more concerned with saving souls that in just bringing the guilty to justice. This summer was spent filming in our favourite locations across the Midlands from Evesham to Warwick and showcasing the beautiful period Cotswolds villages. The series is screened in over 150 countries including Australia where ABC has just completed season 6. Ministries join forces to fight electricity theft The Energy and Home ministries are teaming up to prevent electricity theft. Minister of Energy, Water Resources and Irrigation Barsha Man Pun and Home Minister Ram Bahadur Thapa met on Wednesday and agreed to launch a joint campaign to curb power theft which accounts for a major portion of the distribution losses amounting to 20 percent of output. SBS On Demand releasing three new dramas Taboo, Greyzone & Counterpart for winter. Counterpart, from 10:30pm on Saturday, 16 June. Greyzone Thursday, 21 June Taboo Season 1 Monday, 16 July. SBS On Demand General Manager, Abigail Thomas, said: SBS On Demand provides Australians with a window to the world, offering a distinctive and unique selection of must-see programs available to view anytime and anywhere on a device of their choice. These new series expand SBSs global catalogue of quality dramas so Australian audiences can explore while staying warm this winter. A thrilling twist on the traditional spy drama, Counterpart is set in the captivating world of espionage, intrigue and government conspiracies, featuring a double dose of Academy Award winner, J.K. Simmons (Whiplash, Spider-Man). The 10-part drama has already received a glowing reception from international audiences and critics alike, with a Certified Fresh rating of 100% on Rotten Tomatoes. Counterpart follows Howard Silk (J.K. Simmons), a lowly cog in the bureaucratic machinery of a Berlin-based spy agency. When he discovers that his organisation is hiding a secret gateway into a parallel dimension, Howard is thrust into a shadowy world of intrigue, danger and double crossing where the only man he can trust is Prime (also played by Simmons), his near-identical counterpart from this parallel world. Greyzone centres on the events leading up to a planned terror attack in Scandinavia, featuring Birgitte Hjort Srensen (Borgen, Pitch Perfect 2) as a brilliant drone engineer Victoria Rahbek, who is taken hostage by the terrorist group. Victoria must risk everything to steal the equipment these terrorists demand, while also working as a double agent for the police, who will do anything to avert the attack. Nevertheless, beneath the hate, distress and prejudice, feelings begin to emerge between Victoria and her captor. Will they able to look beyond their differences and can the attack be prevented? Set in 1814, Taboo follows James Keziah Delaney (Tom Hardy The Revenant, Mad Max: Fury Road), a man who has been to the ends of the earth and comes back irrevocably changed. Believed to be long dead, he returns home to London from Africa to inherit what is left of his fathers shipping empire and rebuild a life for himself. But his fathers legacy is a poisoned chalice, and with enemies lurking in every dark corner, James must navigate increasingly complex territories to avoid his own death sentence. The series was created by Hardy alongside Steven Knight and Chips Hardy and executive produced by Tom Hardy and Ridley Scott. On Sunday Night, reports on the worlds first full head transplant (yes really), a massacre in the west and the Beach Boys. Head to Head This Sunday Night, meet the modern-day Dr Frankenstein who is about to carry out the most radical surgery ever transplanting a human head. Flamboyant Italian physician Professor Sergio Canavero says he has now perfected the techniques required to perform this previously impossible surgery. The doctor says it will allow the severely disabled to walk again by having their heads transplanted onto healthy bodies. Some say hes a madman, others believe hes a genius. And as Matt Doran reports, he now has a patient willing to put his life on the line in the name of science. A Family Madness Just what drove Peter Miles to commit the worst mass shooting since Port Arthur? Its a question everyone has been asking since Miles murdered his family last month near the idyllic seaside town of Margaret River in Western Australia. He shot his four grandchildren, his daughter and his wife before turning the gun on himself. In this Sunday Night investigation, Aaron Cockman the grieving father who lost his family in the massacre finally answers that question. Denham Hitchcock has this report. The Beach Boys Their catchy melodies, feel-good lyrics and sunny harmonies made the Beach Boys one of the worlds biggest pop groups. But behind the carefully-crafted image of these clean-cut Californian kids, it was anything but good vibrations. A tyrannical manager, bitter in-fighting and drug abuse almost destroyed the group at its height. Its only now the remaining band members can finally open up to Sunday Nights Angela Cox about those tumultuous years. Sunday at 8.30pm on Seven. NAC cant find pilots to fly Chinese planes Nepal Airlines Corporations (NAC) new Chinese-made planes look like they will remain grounded indefinitely as the carrier still has not been able to find pilots to fly them. Costa Rica prison police AP Photo/Kent Gilbert Cell phone trafficking in Costa Rica prisons has become a lucrative and rarely punished business, allowing criminals to continue their illicit activities and letting crimes like extortion persist. According to a report from La Nacion, Costa Rican Penitentiary Police Chief Pablo Bertozzi said that criminal gangs have formed within the prisons and have made contact with Justice Ministry officials and others on the outside to have cell phones brought into the prison facilities. The inmates can pay as much as $700 for each cell phone to smuggled into prison. Once inside, the gangs sell them at an even higher price that can reach upwards of $1,400. The business is taking off, in part, because the prisoners or third parties cannot be criminally prosecuted for smuggling the phones in. According La Nacion, such actions are not legally considered crimes. Instead, authorities can only punish the inmates with minor sanctions, such as warnings or transfers, or they can confiscate the phones. Over the past three years, 10,014 cell phones have been seized in Costa Rican prisons, and Bertozzi told La Nacion that its always the same prisoners who have them. We already have people identified in that respect, people who replace the phone as if it were nothing, thanks to help from visits and corrupt officials, he added. This year the Central American nation also saw two cases in which prisoners trained cats to bring cell phones into a maximum-security prison. InSight Crime Analysis Carlos Alvarado Quesada costa rica president REUTERS/Juan Carlos Ulate Cell phone availability in prisons and the ability of inmates to communicate with the outside has allowed criminals to continue conducting activities outside of prison, even rebuilding illicit businesses that had been dismantled. A clear illustration of the situation surfaced in May, when the Costa Rican police took down for the second time in two years a drug trafficking network operating nationwide that was managed by phone from inside maximum-security prison La Reforma. Story continues Moreover, a penitentiary police official told InSight Crime that the presence of cell phones in prisons is key in the extortion market. For the prisoners, extortion by telephone or encrypted messaging applications like WhatsApp can generate high earnings without the need to threaten the victim in person. Nor is it necessary to collect the money because it can be delivered through bank transfers. Compared to other Central American countries, especially those in the Northern Triangle region, extortion rates in and from prison in Costa Rica have remained relatively low. Nonetheless, authorities have increased their efforts to combat the practice in recent months. They have trained prison personnel, and a bill was passed requiring telephone companies to block their signals inside prisons. Signal blocking could be an important step in minimizing extortive calls from prisons. But it is still not clear when the president will sign the bill into law and its measures will go into effect. In the meantime, prisoners will likely continue strategizing to ensure their lines of communication remain open. NOW WATCH: A rescue center in Costa Rica wants you to snuggle their sloths See Also: VIENNA (Reuters) - Austria may find it tough to achieve its goal of producing as much energy from renewable resources as it consumes by 2030 due to public opposition to new dams and other projects that disturb nature, the head of energy regulator e-Control said. The 2030 target is part of a climate and energy strategy, which the coalition government's conservative and far-right parties adopted last month. The goal is in line with the Alpine country's commitment to the 2015 Paris climate accords. Austria already generates about 75 percent of its annual energy consumption of 65 terawatt hours (TWh) from renewables thanks to its many rivers and lakes. The country, covering 84,000 square km, has about 130 large hydropower plants. But adding more dams would require inundating an even larger area with water, which could spark protests. "The real problem is the resistance on-site," e-Control co-chief Andreas Eigenbauer told Reuters. By 2030, Austria aims to generate the amount of energy it consumes each year from renewables, although it still expects to need fossil fuels to meet peak demand, but allowing it to export or storage excess levels. "That is visionary," Eigenbauer said of the target. "You need a drastic change in support in the population to reach that goal. If you do not get it, then it gets really difficult." Eigenbauer said Austria would have to generate around 80 TWh from hydro, solar and wind power by 2030 to reach the target, around 30 TWh more than now. He said the plan was to increase output equally from each of the three resources. As well as the challenge of building new dams, he said adding enough wind parks would be tough due to lack of space. The only available area big enough was in forests, which cover nearly half of the country's land area. "But in this area as well, resistance is mounting," he said, even when wind turbine rotors rise above the tree level. Story continues Eigenbauer said there was potential to develop solar power on residential buildings, adding that more family homes had photovoltaic installations and major property developers were installing more solar equipment. The government's solar target was reachable, he said. But for further expansion dedicated solar plants would be needed and these were also unpopular, he added. (Reporting by Kirsti Knolle; Editing by Edmund Blair) See Also: SOFIA (Reuters) - An outbreak of a virulent bird flu virus has spread to another farm in northeastern Bulgaria, the national food safety agency said on Wednesday. A three-kilometre protection zone was set around the farm in the village of Donchevo and the sale of eggs and the movement of domestic, wild and other birds was banned within it, the agency said in a statement. "All contaminated and contact birds in two of the farm halls will be culled in a humane manner," it said. Two weeks ago the agency authorities reported an outbreak of the virus on a duck farm in the village of Stefanovo and said birds on the farm were being culled. Bulgaria has reported a handful of outbreaks in the past year, some involving the highly pathogenic H5N8 bird flu virus. (This version of the story changes length of protection zone in second paragraph.) (Reporting by Angel Krasimirov; Editing by Matthew Mpoke Bigg) By Aislinn Laing and Dave Sherwood SANTIAGO (Reuters) - Chilean police and prosecutors on Wednesday launched separate and unexpected raids on Roman Catholic Church offices to seize documents relating to mounting claims of sexual abuse and cover-up. The raids came just hours before Vatican abuse investigators sent by Pope Francis met the country's top prosecutor to discuss collaborating on civil and canonical probes. Archbishop Charles Scicluna of Malta, a special envoy from the Vatican, told reporters that it was "very important" that Church and state work together to protect children alleged to have been abused by priests and clergymen. "The canonical process should in no way impede the right of people to exercise their right to civil justice," he said at a news conference in the capital Santiago. Hours earlier, police and prosecutors raided the Church's judicial office in Santiago, surprising Church leaders. Jaime Ortiz de Lazcano, the Archbishop of Santiago's legal advisor, said he was in a meeting with Scicluna when he was asked to go to a court hearing about the impending seizure of documents relating to an abuse case the Church had investigated in January. "I was very surprised when they told me 'Father, go to the court because there's going to be a raid,'" he told reporters. "It's not common that (prosecutors) solicit information from a canonical investigation, but we are entirely willing to cooperate." Prosecutor Emiliano Arias told reporters outside the Santiago raid that he was investigating "individuals working for the Catholic Church, not the Catholic Church itself." "In Chile, everyone is subject to ordinary justice," Arias said. Prosecutors and police earlier in the day raided the office of the bishop of Rancagua, south of the capital, to seize documents. Rancagua's bishop suspended 14 priests last month amid allegations of "improper conduct." Story continues Chilean prosecutors have also submitted a formal request to the Vatican for information it has gathered about priests and Church workers accused of sexual abuse, the local El Mercurio newspaper reported on Wednesday. The judicial authorities are at present investigating "at least 40" cases of abuse within the Church from across the country, the paper added. Scicluna and his colleague Father Jordi Bertomeu, a Spanish official from the Vatican, arrived in Chile on Tuesday with orders from Pope Francis to ensure the Church responds to "every case of sexual abuse of minors committed by clergymen." Their mission follows the surfacing of multiple allegations of sexual abuse and cover-up in the Church dating back decades. (Reporting by Aislinn Laing, Dave Sherwood and Antonio de la Jara in Santiago; editing by Caroline Stauffer) NHRC urges PM Oli to save Ganga Maya National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Chairman Anup Raj Sharma on Wednesday called on Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli and asked the latter to take immediate step to end the hunger strike of Ganga Maya Adhikari whose health condition is deteriorating. A double rainbow is seen behind Taiwanese flag during the National Day celebrations in Taipei, Taiwan, October 10, 2017. REUTERS/Tyrone Siu BEIJING (Reuters) - A warming of ties between the United States and North Korea does not mean China will reach out to Taiwan for a similar summit, the Chinese government said on Wednesday. Singapore, the site of this week's historic summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, is also where Chinese President Xi Jinping held a landmark meeting with Taiwan's then president Ma Ying-jeou in 2015. But relations between China and Taiwan, which China claims as its sacred territory, have worsened since. China's hostility has risen after the self-ruled island elected Tsai Ing-wen as president in 2016. China says Tsai, who leads the pro-independence Democratic Progressive Party, has refused to recognise its "one China" principle. Tsai says she wants to maintain the status quo but will not be bullied by China and will defend Taiwan and its democracy. Ma Xiaoguang, spokesman for China's Taiwan Affairs Office, dismissed the suggestion that the Trump-Kim summit could lead to a similar thawing between China and Taiwan. "The Taiwan issue is purely an internal Chinese affair. Its nature is entirely different to North Korea-U.S. relations," Ma told a regular news briefing in response to a question. "Taiwan and the mainland both belong to one China, and relations across the Taiwan Strait are not state-to-state ties." The 2015 Xi-Ma summit was held on the political basis of opposing Taiwan independence and showed both sides of the Taiwan Strait had the ability and wisdom to resolve their own problems, Ma said, adding that any improvement in ties depended on Taiwan's ruling party. Taiwan is China's most sensitive territorial issue and a potentially dangerous military flashpoint. China has ramped up its military presence around Taiwan in the past year, including flying bomber jets around the island. (Reporting by Ben Blanchard; Editing by Clarence Fernandez) Hundreds of beachgoers in Florida found out the hard way that there was something lurking in the water. More than 600 of them got quite a surprise when they were stung by jellyfish in the waters off of Daytona and New Smyrna beaches in Volusia County. On Saturday, a little more than 100 people needed treatment for the stings. On Sunday, there were five times as many stings lifeguards had to attend to, The Tampa Bay Times reported. In total, nearly 1,200 people have been stung since Saturday, Tamra Malphurs, a Volusia County beach safety ocean rescue spokesperson, told Newsweek. None of those incidents was life-threatening, "It is important to not rub the area, which can make it worse. While jellyfish stings are painful, most are not life-threatening. Usually, the pain subsides after a few minutes," Malphurs said. Trending: Colorado's 416 Wildfire: Durango Warnings Issued As Lightning Storm Threatens New Blazes The beaches in Volusia County have flags on them to warn swimmers of the potential hazards in the water. The warning flags each indicate a different level of hazard, low to high, or a water closure altogether. Theres also a purple flag to indicate dangerous marine life, which can include sharks and jellyfish. The jellyfish are common along the coast and come closer to the shore at different times during the year depending on the wind and ocean currents, Malphurs told Newsweek. What kinds of jellyfish live off the coast of Florida? The Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish, called the physalia physalis in the Atlantic, along with the lions mane, sea nettle and box jellyfish are all commonly found off the coast of Florida. Symptoms of stings can vary depending on what type of jellyfish did the stinging, according to University of Florida Health. Don't miss: California U-Haul Truck Chase: Everything We Know About 90-Minute Pursuit Tracked on Live TV What are the symptoms of a jellyfish sting? Symptoms of a jellyfish sting are not uniform across the different types of jellyfish. The symptoms can range from stomach pain to difficulty breathing. Almost all of the jellyfish cause some sort of initial skin rash or blistering from the actual sting but other symptoms can be far more severe. Story continues The lions mane jellyfish can cause muscle cramps and breathing problems along with the sensation of burning skin and severe blisters. The Portuguese man-of-war jellyfish causes stomach pains, chills, changes in pulse, difficulty swallowing, headaches and more. The sea wasp or box jellyfish can also cause blistering and stinging along with skin tissue death, chest pain, headaches and more. The sea nettle jellyfish causes muscle cramps and breathing problems along with a rash. Most popular: Donald Trump Birthday: As President Turns 72, Here's a Look at How He's Celebrated in the Past The most dangerous part of the stings is the possibility that the victim will have an allergic reaction to the venom of the jellyfish or that theyll drown. Anyone who suffers from difficulty breathing should seek medical attention, UF Health advises. At-home treatments should involve large amounts of household vinegar for at least 30 seconds, says UF Health. Anyone with a sting should avoid rubbing it or scraping it. Soaking the sting in hot tap water between 107 and 115 degrees Fahrenheit is also recommended before applying an antihistamine cream. This story was updated with information from the Volusia County Beach Safety Ocean Rescue. Correction: This story originally misspelled Tamra Malphurs's last name. sea nettle jellyfish Roslan Rahman/ This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Michael Avenatti Claims Russian Government Tried to Plant Fake Stories He Had a 'Liaison' With Russian Women Stormy Danielss lawyer Michael Avenatti claimed the Russian government is attempting to smear him by planting false hit pieces in the media, including that he has traveled to Moscow and had a liaison with several women in Russia. Related: Michael Avenatti Says Michael Cohen Tapes Feature Donald Trump's Voice: 'I Know For a Fact' Avenatti, who has garnered significant media attention attacking President Donald Trump, based his claim on information from a high-ranking American intelligence official and two media figures, but did not provide proof. Trending: Jared Kushner Visiting Israel, Saudi Arabia, Egypt to Push Middle East Peace Plan Russian government officials were trying to claim that I, too, had taken a trip to Moscow, Avenatti told The Daily Beast on Tuesday. Ive never been to Moscow in my life, Ive never traveled to Russia in my life. They suggested that I had had a liaison with multiple women in Russia, Avenatti added. I found that to be rather ironic. The Steele dossier, written by a former spy named Christopher Steele, alleges that Russians secretly taped an encounter Trump had with a few prostitutes at a hotel room in Moscow. Daniels is suing Trump over a nondisclosure agreement the adult film star signed to stay silent on their alleged affair. Avenatti, her lawyer, also claimed the Russians are doing it because they see me as a threat, a considerable threat. Don't miss: Mike Pence Will Be Greeted By a 'Big Gay Dance Party' in Ohio If we werent a threat, none of this would be happening, he said. Russia has appeared to target Trump opponents before. Just days before Russia probe Special Counsel Robert Mueller announced charges against three former Trump campaign members, Russian bots spread stories about Hillary Clinton and a controversial uranium deal she was involved in. Avenatti said hes been nervous for the entirety of the case and that the effort to smear him raises the stakes, but were not going to pack up and go home. Story continues Most popular: Pool Safety: How to Protect Yourself Against Waterborne Illness This Summer Im not going to change what Im doing just because the Russians dont like it, he concluded. Avenatti recently told Newsweek that his critics have a hard time stomaching the success hes had in the Stormy Daniels case. Some people seem to have a difficult time accepting the huge amount of success that weve had over the last eight weeks, Avenatti said in mid-May. They need to get used to it. Documents he released alleging that a company with ties to a Russian oligarch and other businesses funneled hundreds of thousands of dollars to Trumps longtime lawyer and fixer Michael Cohen were confirmed by multiple media outlets in May. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends a garden party at Buckingham Palace, in London FILE PHOTO: Meghan, Duchess of Sussex attends a garden party at Buckingham Palace, in London. Dominic Lipinski/Pool via Reuters LONDON (Reuters) - Britain's newest royal Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, will join Queen Elizabeth on Thursday for her first official engagements without husband Prince Harry. Meghan, who married the monarch's grandson in a glittering ceremony at her Windsor Castle home last month, will travel by the Royal Train to northwest England for a day of events. While millions around the world watched the pomp and pageantry of her wedding, Thursday's visit will be more typical of the engagements that the former American actress, a star of the TV drama "Suits", will carry out as a working member of the British royal family. The queen, 92 and Meghan, 36, will first officially open the Mersey Gateway Bridge, a new toll bridge over the River Mersey and one of the UK's biggest infrastructure projects in recent years. They then will travel to Chester to open the Storyhouse, a library, theatre and cinema complex in the city, and to watch a dance performance and listen to songs performed by local schoolchildren before having lunch at the town hall. Earlier this week, Harry's office announced that the prince and Meghan would travel to Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand later this year. (Reporting by Michael Holden; editing by Stephen Addison) Russian officials have said that a new plan by the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) to prepare for combat within a month will weaken security and stability in Europe. Defense ministers from NATO member states met late last week and revealed a new strategy for combating Russia. The new plan, called Four Thirties, would have 30 troop battalions, 30 aircraft squadrons and 30 warships ready to deploy within 30 days to combat any threats.The new strategy is widely viewed as a plan to protect NATO allies from interference or invasion from Russia. Speaking Wednesday, Russian Deputy Foreign Minister Aleksandr Grushko said the new NATO plan is a threat to European stability and that Moscow would respond by preparing its own military measures to protect itself. Grushko, who is a former NATO ambassador, did not reveal what the new Russian military plan would look like. Trending: Resident Evil 2 Remake Producers Talk About Tofu, Eliza Walker The news comes just one day after another NATO member, Norway, revealed that it would request that the U.S. double the number of marines it currently has stationed inside its borders, sending those marines to regions near Russia. This, along with the Four Thirties plan, demonstrates that NATO members increasingly view Russia as a threat, despite President Donald Trumps friendly rhetoric toward Moscow and its leadership. Reports suggest that even members of Trumps Department of Defense have been pushing for NATO allies to prepare in case a conflict breaks out with Russia. NATO members have been conducting exercises using simulated naval and cyberattacks that mimic an offensive by Russia in order to prepare. Don't miss: Darknet Sales of Opioids Jump After Prescription Restrictions Increase And even the U.S. governments official National Security Strategy, which was released in December of 2017, claims that Russia is one of the biggest threats facing the U.S. China and Russia are developing advanced weapons and capabilities that could threaten our critical infrastructure and our command and control architecture, the strategy reads. Story continues Speaking to reporters last Thursday following the meeting of NATO defense ministers, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberga Norwegian politiciansaid the European security environment is unpredictable. Still, he refrained from calling out Russia by name. "This is not about setting up or deploying new forces. It is about boosting the readiness of existing forces across each and every ally," Stoltenberg said about the Four Thirties plan. "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. This article was first written by Newsweek More from Newsweek Storm Hector has caused trees to be knocked down in Glasgow (SWNS) The UKs spell of calm weather has been brought to an end, after Storm Hector caused record breaking winds and widespread travel disruption. The Met Office had issued a yellow weather warning to cover northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland as a result of the wind. In Northern Ireland, a gust of 74mph wind broke the June record for a gust of wind in Ireland. Storm Hector is causing huge winds in Scotland and Northern Ireland (REX) Fallen trees across Scotland and Northern Ireland caused travel problems, while ScotRail confirmed that chainsaw gangs and overhead line teams are hard at work across the rail network in a bid to remove trees and branches that caused delays and cancellations to services. In England, police have closed the Tees flyover to high-sided vehicles and the Shields Ferry across the Tyne was not operating. And after record breaking winds hit Ireland, Nicky Maxey of the Met Office has warned that records could be broken in Scotland as Storm Hector crosses over from Ireland. Branches are seen blocking a path in Edinburgh after Storm Hector hit the city (swns) The storm has reportedly brought heavy rain to some aread of Cumbria with a staggering 3.2in (80mm) falling, and 5.1in (130mm) in the Isle of Skye over the past 24 hours. In England, its believed that there will be blustery conditions but not necessarily the gusts first experienced in the north. MOST POPULAR TODAY ON YAHOO The outlook for Saturday is similar, with the possibility of thunder while Sunday is expected to be the best day of the weekend, with bursts of sunshine. One held with pistol in Sankhuwasabha Police have arrested one person in possession of a pistol from Manebhanjyang, Khandbari-3 in Sankhuwasabha district on Wednesday night. A one-of-a-kind gold coin believed to have once been a cherished memento of U.S. President George Washington is displayed in this handout image released June 12, 2018. Numismatic Guarantee Corporation/Handout via REUTERS Thomson Reuters By Jill Serjeant LOS ANGELES (Reuters) - A one of a kind 18th century gold coin bearing the likeness of the first U.S. President, George Washington, is expected to fetch more than $1 million when it goes up for auction in August, auctioneers said on Wednesday. The 1792 Washington President gold eagle coin was never circulated as money, but is instead thought to have been presented to Washington when post Revolutionary War plans were being drawn up for the first U.S. Mint. Washington refused to have himself depicted on coins, considering the notion "monarchical." Currency researchers believe that the Washington President coin, which has his head on the front and an eagle on the back, was given to him as part of a sales promotion in a bid to obtain a contract to strike U.S coinage, and that Washington carried it as a personal memento. The U.S. Mint was authorized in 1792 and the first coins for public use were issued a year later in copper and silver, with images of lady Liberty on the front and a bald eagle on the back. The Aug. 16 auction during the World's Fair of Money convention in Philadelphia marks the first time the Washington President coin has come to public sale in 128 years, Heritage Auctions said in a statement. Jim Halperin, co-founder of Heritage Auctions, said the coin was "unique and monumentally important, being the earliest gold pattern submitted for consideration as a United States coin." "Numismatic researchers widely agree that it is almost certainly George Washington's own pocket piece," Halperin said. Heritage Auctions said the $1 million is a starting estimate because the coin is a one of a kind piece. Prices for Colonial era coins, which set the standard for the modern American banking system, have soared in recent years because of their scarcity and the desire to own a piece of history. The Washington President coin comes from the collection of the late Eric. P. Newman, who acquired it privately in 1942. Story continues Newman died in 2017 having amassed one of the most significant coin collections in the United States. Thousands of lots have been sold in recent years with net proceeds benefiting Newman's museum operation, numismatic research and other charities supported by him. The Washington President coin will be publicly unveiled at the Coin and Collectibles Expo in Long Beach, California on Thursday, and will be displayed in New York and Chicago before the Philadelphia auction. All the proceeds will go to Newman's non-profit causes. (Reporting by Jill Serjeant; editing by Diane Craft) See Also: LONDON (Reuters) - Pro-EU lawmakers threatened on Wednesday to withdraw their support for Prime Minister Theresa May's Brexit strategy if she does not follow through on concessions they thought they had been promised. On Tuesday, rebels in May's party who want parliament to have more say over the final outcome of negotiations on leaving the European Union extracted a major concession from the government in exchange for not voting against their leader. The government agreed to discuss elements of a rebel plan to create new checks and balances on the Brexit deal, and where possible incorporate them into the laws that will formally end Britain's EU membership. But, the pro-EU MPs' version of what they were promised appears to differ from what they government says it offered, threatening to reignite the dispute and reviving the possibility of a revolt that would badly damage May's authority. The disagreement centers on whether the government agreed to consider a specific clause of the rebel proposal that would hand parliament control of the Brexit process if ministers are unable to strike an exit deal by Feb. 15, 2019. Some lawmakers say this is what they were promised; the government is less clear and has made statements apparently to the contrary. "If the PM goes back on that there will be no agreed amendment that I can support #sortitplease," leading pro-European lawmaker Anna Soubry tweeted. Speaking in parliament on Wednesday, May said the government could never allow the hands of the government to be tied in the negotiations or allow the Brexit decision to be reversed. Asked if the prime minister's words ruled out a discussion on the contentious rebel clause, her spokesman said: "I think that is a fair assessment." The rebels are seeking both closer ties with the EU on issues like trade and customs, and to ensure that the government does not follow through on its threat to leave the bloc without a deal if it does not like the terms on offer from Brussels. Failure to appease the rebels would likely see May defeated in parliament in the coming weeks, blowing apart Tuesday's hard-won truce and badly undermining her leadership of a minority government and a divided political party. The government said it would produce its revised plan on Thursday. It will then be discussed in the upper chamber of parliament on June 18, before returning to the elected lower house for approval at an as-yet unspecified date in the near future. (Reporting by William James; Editing by Mark Heinrich) Commodities sank as Russia and Saudi Arabia said a deal between major producers to boost their oil output might be on the cards and the US dollar raced back towards its best levels in almost a year. On Thursday afternoon, Saudi energy minister Khalid Al-Falih reportedly said that a deal between OPEC and its allies to raise production gradually was inevitable. Nevertheless, he also indicated that he expected that such an agreement at the cartel's meeting next week would be "reasonable" and "moderate". Earlier, his Russian counterpart had broached the possibility of a combined increase in crude output of between 1.5m-1.8m barrels a day, in order to offset the impact of economic sanctions on Iran and lost output in Venezuela due to the mismanagement of its resources. Their remarks sent front month Brent crude oil futures lower by 1.04% to $75.94 a barrel on NYMEX. Gasoline and heating oil futures for July delivery on NYMEX were also retreating, by 1.60% and 1.24%, respectively. It was the same story in agriculture futures, with CBoT wheat for September delivery down by 2.91% at $5.1725 a bushel and corn erasing another 3.31% to trade at $3.7275 a bushel. Gold futures on COMEX were conspicuously higher, gaining 0.44% to trade at $1,307/oz., even as the spot US dollar index shot higher by 1.29% to 94.7520. Base metals were weak too, weighed down by the release overnight of a raft of poor activity data in China. In particular, for the year-to-date fixed asset investment in the Asian giant slowed in May to a year-on-year pace of 6.1% (consensus: 7.0%), prompting some speculation that Beijing might ease policy in the back half of 2018. On the back of those figures, July 2018 COMEX gold was down by 1.48% to $3.2060/lb.. Samsung announced today its plan to commit to 100% renewable energy in the US, Europe and China by 2020 as the South Korean giant succumbs to months of global protests. Samsung said in a statement that it would not only commit to 100% renewable energy in the US, China and Europe but it would also join the CDP supply chain program which helps to identify and manage climate change risks. It will also install onsite solar and geothermal energy in South Korea where its key semiconductor factories are located. In an initial commitment, Samsung announced it would install approximately 42,000 of solar panels in Samsung Digital City, its headquarters in Suwon. Samsungs efforts will increase its use of renewable energy globally to match the equivalent amount of energy by an average 3.1GW solar power plant by 2020. It also announced it would extend the strategy to engage with partners accross its supply chain and set sustainability targets for them. The firm which will be the first electronics manufacturing company in Asia to set a renewable energy target, will detail its plans in its sustainability report. This announcement is a big win for Greenpeace which has been campaigning for Samsung to show its commitment to sustainable business for months. "Samsung's announcement is a major step forward for the movement to build a renewably-powered future. If the company follows through with meaningful actions, it will join the ranks of innovative business leaders recognising the sense of urgency around climate change and showing a different future is still possible," said Jennifer Morgan, Executive Director of Greenpeace International. Won Kyong Kim, Executive Vice President and Head of Global Public Affairs at Samsung Electronics said: Samsung Electronics is fulfilling its duty as a corporate citizen by expanding and supporting the use of renewable energy. As demonstrated by our expanded commitment, we are focused on protecting our planet and are doing our part as a global environmental steward. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said in a conference in Seoul with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts on Thursday that the US would not lift economic sanctions on North Korea until the "complete denuclearisation" of the country. US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-Un signed an agreement on Tuesday at their meeting stating that North Korea would move towards denuclearisation. Trump in turn promised to remove economic sanctions on the country if Kim followed through with his promises. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo clarified on Thursday that these sanctions would only be lifted when the country is completely free of nuclear weapons and would not reward gradual progress, dismissing a report by North Korean state media. During his visit, Pompeo was also expected to brief America's regional allies on the the details of the summit and Trumps decision to end the US-South Korea military drills. Nevertheless, he assured South Korean and Japanese officials that their relationship with the US remained "ironclad". Another aspect of the summit that was also attracting attention was Trump's decision not to attack Kim's human rights record when they met. In an interview with Bret Baier of Fox News, the President declined to condemn Kim Jong-Un's crimes against humanity including the assassination of political rivals, public executions and holding political prisoners captive. Indeed, Trump said Kim was "a tough guy", also lauding his intelligence and describing him as a good negotiator. "A lot of people have done some really bad things. I could go through a lot of nations where a lot of bad things were done". Hg Capital has agreed to invest in IT Relation , a Danish supplier of managed IT services to small and medium sized enterprises, it announced on Thursday. The London-listed firm said it would acquire a majority stake in IT Relation from Adelis Equity Partners, with the closing of the transaction remaining subject to regulatory approval. Terms of the transaction were not disclosed. It said that IT Relation, founded in 2003, provided services which allowed SMEs to move their IT infrastructure and operations into the cloud, as well as providing end-user support and consulting as part of a full-service IT offering. The company had more than 450 employees supporting thousands of customers and tens of thousands of users in Denmark, and globally. Hg said the investment was consistent with its focus on SME technology services in Europe, with other activity in the sector including investments in Zitcom in 2015 and DADA in 2017, both providers of online hosting services to SMEs. The board said it would support the management team to build a clear industry champion based on IT Relation's customer service and operating platform. Henrik Kastbjerg and the IT Relation management team have built an exceptional business addressing the need for SMEs to operate their mission-critical IT in the cloud, said Hg partner Nick Jordan and principal Jonas Samlin in a joint statement. We look forward to partnering with the business in the next phase of growth in Denmark and internationally. Henrik Kastbjerg, CEO of IT Relation, said it had been a great journey with Adelis, and now the company was very excited about the next phase with Hg. Hg has a proven track record of investing in and developing tech and software companies and can support our further growth in Denmark as well as internationally. Ofcom published its first progress report on the legal separation of Openreach from its parent company BT on Thursday, describing progress as broadly satisfactory. The FTSE 100 telecoms giant had agreed to the regulators requirements to make Openreach a distinct company in March last year. At the time, Ofcom said that meant Openreach - which operates almost all of the UKs legacy telephone and broadband network - having its own staff, management and strategy, and a legal purpose to serve all of its customers equally. Since then, the companies had been implementing the changes, which Ofcom said represented the biggest reform of Openreach in its history. Ofcoms Openreach Monitoring Unit had been assessing work by BT and Openreach to implement the new arrangements, measuring their performance against a set of agreed commitments. Todays report finds that, while progress towards legal separation has been broadly satisfactory, with many of the governance changes now implemented, some remaining steps have yet to be completed, it said in its statement on Thursday. Ofcom confirmed that Openreach was now a separate legal entity from BT, with its own independent board. It said there had been progress in other areas, such as removing BT from branding, putting in place compliance procedures, and carrying out staff training on the changes. BT and Openreach have both worked openly and constructively with Ofcom throughout the implementation phase. However, it did note that legal separation was still not finalised. Due to complexities with BTs pension scheme, the company has yet to transfer Openreach employees to the new Openreach Ltd. These pension challenges have been resolved, and BT has confirmed it will start the transfer process in the coming months, completing a consultation with staff by the end of this year. Ofcom also said there were positive signs on investment, with Openreach committing to invest in faster, better broadband networks, through a new Fibre First strategy. It said the company had extended its planned roll-out of full-fibre broadband by one million premises, to three million by the end of 2020. However, we expect to see bolder commitments over time. The industry was said to be cautiously optimistic, with Ofcom saying a number of telecoms companies who relied on Openreach had stressed the importance of the new arrangements leading to tangible, positive change, such as greater transparency in Openreachs decision making. However, some remain uncertain whether the new arrangements will allow Openreach to act with greater independence and treat all its customers equally in practice. Ofcom said it had also been monitoring progress in Northern Ireland, where BTs Northern Ireland Networks delivers the services provided by Openreach in the rest of the UK. It said improved governance measures and additional staff training in Northern Ireland had been put in place. Ofcom is closely monitoring the outstanding implementation steps, to ensure they are completed without further delay, the regulator said of the next steps. We will continue to monitor progress on implementation through regular reports. These will also assess, using a range of measures, how far Openreachs behaviour and performance is delivering positive changes for the industry. Revolution Bars was under the cosh on Thursday as it warned that adjusted earnings for the year would be in line with last year's results and below analysts' expectations amid challenging trading conditions, with the blamed laid on weather and the absence of a CEO. In an update for the year to 30 June, the company said it has experienced "challenging and volatile" trading conditions, with sales falling short of expectations. As a result, adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortisation are expected to be unchanged from last year's 15.1m. The company said weather has been the most significant factor affecting the sales trend, while the prolonged absence of a chief executive has also played its part. "The adverse, wintery weather conditions in March combined with the unusually hot weather throughout May and early June, has curtailed typical late-night week-end trading. The sales performance in the last six weeks at sites with significant outside trading areas has performed well relative to last year." Total sales for the group in the second half to 9 June were up 7.3%, but like-for-like sales were down 1.7%, with both of its brands affected, although the smaller Revolucion de Cuba brand saw LFL sales remain in growth. For the 49 weeks to 9 June 2018, total sales were up 9.1% and LFL sales were 0.5% lower. The company said wet sales performed better than food, particularly in the Revolution estate where little food development and innovation was undertaken in 2017. "This development is now underway for delivery in Q1 next year," it said. On a brighter note, the group said the new bars opening programming for the year has been delivered to schedule, with those five bars performing to expectations. In addition, its capex plans for FY19 remain unchanged and the group will open six new sites this year including four large bars in the next four months. At 1025 BST, the shares were down 8.8% to 142.90p. Canaccord Genuity said: "Customers stay at home when the weather is dreadful and head to the pub when it's very hot and there's not much night-club and late-night bar operators can do about that, except batten down the costs and wait for the weather to change (as it inevitably does). "When new CEO Rob Pitcher arrives from Mitchells & Butlers, Revolution would have been without a CEO since mid-October 2017 when Mark McQuater left the building. Nine months is too long without a CEO. We also suspect the tone of the trading statement reflects the desire to clear the decks before the new CEO, Rob Pitcher, arrives on 25 June." Canaccord cut its price target on the stock to 190p from 210p but maintained its 'buy' stance. Majestic Wine said on Thursday that it swung to a profit in the year to 2 April 2018 but warned that it expects the market to remain tough. The company made a profit of 8.3m versus a loss of 1.5m the year before, as revenue rose 2.3% to 476.1m. Meanwhile, the final dividend per share was lifted to 5.2p from 3.6p in 2017. Naked Wines saw underlying sales growth of 11.3% in the year to 156.1m, with the business growing "considerably" in the US and Australian markets. Adjusted earnings before interest and taxes were up a whopping 571.2% to 8.7m. Majestic Commercial saw underlying revenues fall 5.6% to 43.5m and EBIT rise 1.7% to 2.4m in the period as the division has been in a holding pattern up until the appointment of a new managing director, Olivia Fitzgerald, in April 2018. Majestic said it was hopeful that this business is now in a position to start to grow again following the investment in the Majestic Retail IT systems and processes. In Majestic Retail, underlying revenue was 1.9% higher at 263.8m and adjusted EBIT was 0.4% firmer at 13.3m. Lay & Wheeler, meanwhile, saw its revenues edge up 0.2% to 14.5m and EBIT drop 1% to 0.9m. Majestic Commercial saw revenues fall 5.4% in the period as the division has been in a holding pattern up until the appointment of a new Managing Director, Olivia Fitzgerald, in April 2018. Olivia has extensive sales and hospitality experience, and has jumped straight in. We are hopeful that this business is now in a position to start to grow again following the investment in the Majestic Retail IT systems and processes. Chief executive Rowan Gormley said: "Naked Wines continues to storm ahead with underlying sales growth of 11.3% in the year. The business has grown considerably in the exciting US and Australian markets and has proved that the digital customer acquisition channel is delivering high quality new customers in addition to our traditional partner channel. "If the UK is headed for a retail crisis, as some commentators are suggesting, then we are planning for a great crisis. We founded Naked Wines during the financial crisis of 2008 and proved that investing in acquiring customers and generating loyalty through great products and service, will drive profitable growth even in a tough market." Pesticide-free vegetable growers find no buyers Vegetable farmers in Dhading are finding no takers for their produce grown without the use of pesticide. London's FTSE 100 was up 0.9% to 7,770.48 in afternoon trade on Thursday as investors mulled over better-than-expected UK retail sales figures and news that the ECB will end it quantitative easing programme at the end of the year. Rolls-Royce was the standout gainer after it announced job cuts, as expected. The company said it will axe 4,600 jobs, mainly in the UK, to save 400m a year in the latest round of restructuring under chief executive Warren East. The aero-engine maker will cut support staff and management over the next two years with a third of the jobs disappearing by the end of 2018. The cost of the restructuring will be 500m. CMC Markets analyst David Madden said: "The company will host an investor day tomorrow, and traders will be listening out for how the company plans to generate profit after 2020. The firm derives a large amount of its revenue from after-sales services, and this will be in focus." GlaxoSmithKline was a high riser after it said that its two-drug treatment for HIV met its main goal in late-stage studies. Also helping to boost the stock was news that Mylan has said the US Food and Drug Administration will reject its generic version of Glaxo's blockbuster asthma drug Advair after finding "minor deficiencies". Miners were under the cosh following the release of disappointing Chinese retail sales and investment data, with Antofagasta and Anglo American both lower. Persimmon, Severn Trent and WPP all retreated as their stock went ex-dividend. Relx, formerly Reed Elsevier, was in the red as UBS cut the stock to 'sell' from 'neutral' on valuation grounds, saying that the risk/reward was skewed to the downside. Pearson was weaker after a downgrade from Barclays to 'underweight' from 'equalweight'. "It used to be easy to make Pearsons shares look good value in outer years if a few elements showed better progress. Now we find that, even in an upside scenario, it is hard to generate much upside to the current price. We think this is the time to turn negative," it said. Anglo American was also reacting to news that it has agreed to sell a stake in its Quellaveco copper project in Peru to Mitsubishi Corporation for $600m. FTSE 100 - Risers Rolls-Royce Holdings (RR.) 870.80p 5.09% BT Group (BT.A) 214.50p 3.12% Centrica (CNA) 152.80p 2.69% GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) 1,580.40p 2.28% Smurfit Kappa Group (SKG) 3,022.00p 2.23% Kingfisher (KGF) 314.70p 1.71% Royal Mail (RMG) 499.90p 1.56% NMC Health (NMC) 3,686.00p 1.49% Halma (HLMA) 1,454.90p 1.39% Carnival (CCL) 4,770.00p 1.34% FTSE 100 - Fallers Persimmon (PSN) 2,711.00p -3.39% Unilever (ULVR) 4,030.00p -2.89% Severn Trent (SVT) 1,876.00p -2.85% Relx plc (REL) 1,614.50p -2.45% Anglo American (AAL) 1,773.20p -1.38% Mondi (MNDI) 2,077.00p -1.33% Antofagasta (ANTO) 1,067.50p -1.29% Pearson (PSON) 885.60p -1.18% WPP (WPP) 1,222.00p -1.05% Johnson Matthey (JMAT) 3,783.00p -1.02% There was an agreement signed while in Singapore between both leaders during the summit that pledged to end the war games. The beginning of peace is in progress between countries. The results of the summit between Donald Trump and Kim Jong-un According to Yahoo News, Trump informed the North Korean leader, that all United States military exercises would come to an end, without telling the Pentagon or any other allies first. They also report that Trump is intent on pulling American troops from the DMZ. If Kim Jong-un does as he promises with denuclearization, he still has large amounts of chemical and biological weapons. It does not help that the North Korean leader also has an army of roughly 1.2 million soldiers, who have enough firepower to destroy South Korea if there were to ever be any kind of conflict that arose between the two countries. An agreement was signed by both leaders As progress is being made, Trump will maintain the sanctions that are currently in effect. There was an agreement that was signed while in Singapore between leaders during the summit, which pledged to end the war games. After the document was signed, there was an invitation between leaders to visit the capitals of one another. On his way home, Trump could not help but tweet about his meeting with the North Korean leader, claiming it to be a historical moment. I want to thank Chairman Kim for taking the first bold step toward a bright new future for his people. Our unprecedented meeting the first between an American President and a leader of North Korea proves that real change is possible! pic.twitter.com/yF3iwD23YQ Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2018 Donald Trump made the headlines in the North Korean newspaper According to ABC News, Rodong Sinmun (the newspaper for North Korea) displayed Trump and Kim Jong-uns picture on the front page. Discuss this news on Eunomia The picture was of the two shaking hands with a headline which read A summit meeting of the century that pioneered a new history in DPRK-US relations according to Yahoo News. North Korea's newspaper claimed that denuclearization was not an issue and praises were given due to Trump and Kim Jong-un being able to get along so well. This subject in the newspaper contained 33 photos and was four pages long. Kim Jong-un enjoyed Trump's enthusiasm to compromise Kim Jong-un praised President Trump for being open to finding a resolution that would work for both countries. The Rodong Sinmun newspaper said that there is belief between both leaders that the hostility can be overcome while both countries end up becoming beneficial for one another. According to Rodong Sinmun newspaper, North Korea's leader said that in order to have peace and stability, both countries will have to stop antagonizing each other and come to a mutual understanding. Last week the International House of Pancakes announced that it was changing its name to IHOb. Social media users guessed for several days what the "b" stood for. People guessed that it was for breakfast, bacon and even biscuits. Chiquita got in on the act and tweeted that the "b" should stand for bananas. It wasn't until Monday, June 11 that the 60-year-old successful food chain announced that the new name would be International House of Burgers. Not a permanent name Social media complained because most people are fond of the original name. The public can stop complaining and relax because the name change is not permanent. It was a promotion that did get a lot of attention and free publicity during the last several days. Besides, the temporary name change will affect only one of the 1,800 restaurants. This IHOP/IHOB thing is pretty brilliant... how many companies can get the entire internet talking about them based on a marketing campaign where they pretend to change their name? And how many people knew before today that they even served burgers? Josh Jordan (@NumbersMuncher) June 11, 2018 Some people were discerning enough to figure out that IHOP would not tamper with something as well-known as the name of the restaurant chain. They believed from the very beginning that it was just a way of getting people talking. It worked because restaurants like Wendy's tweeted about what IHOP was proposing to do. Not really afraid of the burgers from a place that decided pancakes were too hard. Wendy's (@Wendys) June 11, 2018 Pancakes and burgers The International House of Pancakes will keep its name to serve breakfast, lunch, and dinner. Consumers will be able to order burgers any time they visit the restaurant because IHOP is offering several burgers from now on. Discuss this news on Eunomia This is an attempt to boost their lunch and dinner selections. According to CNN Money, President Darren Rebelez wants people to know that the restaurant is taking burgers as seriously as their pancakes. He knows once people get accustomed to eating their delicious burgers, they will order them often. On the menu is a Big Brunch Burger that comes with bacon, a fried egg and browned potatoes on top. If that is not one that strikes your fancy, there are other choices. Even though IHOP is not in the red, Rebelez believes revenue will increase even more because America loves burgers just like they love pancakes. Now the restaurant doesn't have to limit their menu. Some people in a group can eat pancakes while others can eat a juicy burger. It just might be the best of both worlds. Location of IHOb As of now, only one location is getting the new name. It is an IHOP in Hollywood that is getting a new sign and menus, but other locations might be changed later. Rebelez wants consumers to know that they will not be competing against Applebee's, its sister store of parent company DineEquity. He said Applebee's will still be a place to go to get a burger, beer and watch a game because "b" was never meant to stand for "beer" or "booze" in IHOb. A woman named Laura Cicco, formerly Laura Murray, who currently lives in Tennessee, has filed a lawsuit against NASA over a vial of moon dust she was given in her youth. Laura is one of just a few people that possess moon dust. The story of how she came to be in possession of this vial of moon dust is a pretty cool one, to say the least. Neil Armstrong was friends with her father, Tom Murray. As reported by the Washington Post, Laura's father Tom was in the US Army Air Corps during World War II and was an FAA pilot. According to Gizmodo, they both belonged to a secret male aviation club called the "Quiet Birdman." The dust in question Laura received this vial of moon dust along with a handwritten note from Neil Armstrong when she was 10 years old. Neil's letter to her read "To Laura Ann Murry, Best of luck Neil Armstrong Apollo 11." According to Gizmodo, the letter has been tested for authenticity, and it is, in fact, Neil Armstrong's writing and signature. As reported by the New York Post, the moon dust has been studied twice, and the scientists are pretty sure it is just moon dust from the surface of the moon, but they also think there may be terrestrial origin material mixed in the sample that Laura owns. Gizmodo further reports that the sample has some similarities to the earth's crust and may have some of the earth's surface in there as well. A tiny vial, a big case Laura's parents have, unfortunately, passed away in the last few years and Laura was going through their possessions trying to figure out what to do with all of her parents' things. To her surprise, they still had the vial and it was in one of the boxes safely stored away. According to the Washington Post, when she discovered the vial she immediately ran to find her husband, and show him that she found the vial of moon dust. They were both excited, but they were both also worried that NASA would come and take the sample away from them. Discuss this news on Eunomia Their fear comes from past lawsuits that NASA was a part of that involved lunar samples and the public. NASA, according to the New York Post, has a nasty habit of trying to take back moon samples that the public may own. Apparently, NASA believes that all lunar samples belong strictly to them as stated in the Lunar Allocations Handbook that they wrote and published. So Laura and her husband decided to beat NASA to the punch and file this lawsuit against them so they can't come and take the gift that she received so long ago from Neil Armstrong. Laura's lawyer stated to the Washington Post that NASA doesn't really have a foot to stand on with this since there isn't any law against someone owning moon dust. NASA hasn't spoken out about this lawsuit publically yet. They have been served and have up to 60 days to respond to the lawsuit. The Washington Post also stated that the vial is safely stored away until the lawsuit is finalized between Laura and NASA. White House Economic Adviser Larry Kudlow suffered a heart attack on Monday (June 11). This was just two days after he appeared on CNN for Jake Tapper's "State of the Union," saying Canadas Prime Minister Trudeau "stabbed us in the back." He even appeared on CBS' "Face the Nation" and said Trudeau "betrayed Trump." Kudlow wasnt the only adviser to attack Trudeau. Within hours of Kudlow's interview, White House Trade Adviser Peter Navarro appeared on Fox News stating eerily similar rhetoric. He added that there was "a special place in hell" for leaders like Trudeau. The comments came as a shock to the Canadians, and Americans alike. Kudlow suffers a heart attack The side that threw the first stone happened to be the side that took a serious hit. Just moments before Kim Jong-un and Donald Trump were to meet face-to-face at their Singapore summit, the US president was notified Kudlow had a heart attack and he then tweeted the information to the public. The official statement from the White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders was that Kudlow experienced what his doctors say was a very mild heart attack." She added that "Larry is currently in good condition at Walter Reed National Military Medical Center and his doctors expect he will make a full and speedy recovery." This was the same information Kudlows wife later told the Washington Post and shared that he was doing fine and the doctors were "fabulous." According to Fox News reports, Mr. Kudlow was released from the hospital on Wednesday (June 13) and is said to be doing well. Navarro apologizes to Canada In a CBS interview on Monday (June 11) the former US ambassador to Canada, Bruce Heyman, admonished the trade adviser and strongly suggested Navarro apologize. Peter Navarro must have gotten spooked or public opinion got the best of him about his vicious attack on Canada's well-liked Prime Minister, because the following day, Tuesday (June 12), Navarro publicly apologized. Discuss this news on Eunomia Navarro said he was trying to send a strong message and admitted different language should have been used to make his point. White House advisers venom was Trump-inspired Kudlow and Navarro admitted their comments were in response to statements Trudeau made in a press conference after the G-7 summit [VIDEO]. And interestingly enough, in both Kudlow's and Navarro's interviews, they pointed to the president's anger and their goal to message strength to Trudeau and the world, especially since he had to meet Kim Jong-un. This is the kind of stressful environment Kudlow's family and friends are concerned about when he returns to work, reported Politico. The rest of the world is also unsure about the White House and America's allegiances, considering that the POTUS pushed for Russia [VIDEO] at the G-7 summit. It is unfortunate that the price of those messages has come in the form of stress, isolation, and a strained wedge between the group of seven industrialized-ally nations, Canada, Italy, France, Germany, Japan, the UK, and the US. And now that Trump's advisers have insulted a world leader because he defended his country against the US' 25 percent tariff increase, one can only wonder how this plays out in today's political climate. Especially considering the tariff situation still remains unresolved. Could Leah Messer and Jeremy Calvert be on the verge of a reconciliation? Three years after the couple divorced as the "Teen Mom 2" star treated issues of depression and anxiety at an Arizona rehab, Calvert has admitted on-screen that he will always love his former wife, who is also the mother of his only child, four-year-old Adalynn Faith. During the June 11 episode of "Teen Mom 2," Calvert made a phone call to his former partner during a party for her twin girls, Aleeah and Ali Simms, and during the call, he apologized to her for being mean in the past and said that he will always love her and thinks she's a great mother to their child. I really truthfully, want to, like, deeply apologize for saying that about you, Calvert told Messer during the call, according to a June 12 report by Hollywood Life. I do really want to thank you for like being a good mom to my kids, he continued. Leah Messer was hooking up with Jeremy Calvert earlier this year Prior to Calvert's intense phone call, he and Messer had rekindled their romance and began hooking up with one another. However, they never actually made their relationship official and Calvert ultimately began dating Desiree Kibler weeks later. Still, despite the new romance, Calvert will always have a special place in his heart for his former wife. No matter what, Im still always going to love you, he explained. Although Jeremy Calvert seemed to be open to the idea of a reconciliation with Leah Messer earlier this year, she didn't appear to be on board with the idea during a chat with her sister Victoria Messer earlier in the episode. In fact, she told Victoria that she "hoped" Calvert's phone call wouldn't be a plea for her to take him back. Discuss this news on Eunomia Jeremy Calvert and Desiree Kibler broke up weeks ago Earlier this month, just weeks after confirming they were dating, Jeremy Calvert and Desiree Kibler took to their Twitter pages and made it clear that their relationship was no more. Then, after deleting all traces of Kibler from his Instagram page, Calvert shared a tweet with his fans and followers in which he suggested that it was Kibler's inability to put him first that led to their breakup. To see more of Leah Messer, Jeremy Calvert, and their many MTV co-stars, including Corey Simms, Jenelle Evans, David Eason, Miranda Simms, Cole DeBoer, Jo Rivera, Briana DeJesus, Kailyn Lowry, Chelsa Houska, and Javi Marroquin, don't miss new episodes of "Teen Mom 2" Season 8B on Monday nights at 9 PM. Students burn PMs effigy in Surkhet, some injured in clash with police Some students were injured when students aligned to Nepal Students Union (NSU), the student wing of main opposition Nepali Congress, clashed with police in Surkhet on Thursday. The Virginia Tech agBOT team clinched first place in the third annual 2018 agBOT Challenge at Gerrish Farms in Rockville, Indiana, earning a top prize of $30,000. The national event, hosted by Gerrish Farms and airBridge LLC, was broken into two separate challenges weed and feed and harvesting with university and industry teams competing head-to-head for $100,000 in prizes. Virginia Techs team won the watermelon harvesting challenge by creating an autonomous system that could locate, identify, sort, and harvest ripe watermelons in a field. Each team in the harvesting competition was scored in mechanics, software, innovativeness of their solution, and execution of their solution. Two separate teams were formed to tackle the competition challenges. A mechanical engineering senior design team was tasked with designing and building a harvester, while a second special studies team was responsible for an autonomous vehicle that towed the harvester. The latter was composed of volunteer mechanical, electrical, and computer engineering undergraduates and computer science students that together modified an ATV donated by Yamaha to make it autonomous. As team lead for both teams, Hongxu Howard Guo, a double major in mechanical and electrical engineering, coordinated the work of 14 people. There was a very clear definition and set of responsibilities each of the teams had, but they were independent teams, Guo said. We learned a lot from last year, and this year we followed a systematic design process with Gantt charts and scheduling that allowed us to stay true to a deadline. Man gets 3-yr jail for marital rape in Taplejung District Court, Taplejung has sentenced a man to 3 year in prison and Rs 50,000 fine on charges of marital rape. Accliamed Dutch firm MVRDV has completed a new flagship store for the global luxury brand Bulgari in Kuala Lumpur, the new store reinvents marble and light on its facade by reimagining the luxury brands heritage, and experiments with traditional materials. The building is the first built store of MVRDV developed in the studio's facade designs for the luxury brand. Combining concrete and resin on the same material, the facade is permeated by gold light to create "a marble-veined facade" to mark Bulgari's signatory cornice from its via Condotti store with a world of exuberant materials. The new store is located in the heart of the buzzing Bukit Bintang district, and one of a number of offerings for luxury goods in Pavilion Kuala Lumpur Shopping Mall, the Bulgari flagship store has been updated with a striking concrete, resin and brass facade. "For over a century, Bulgari has set the pace for Italian style with a forward-looking, creative spirit that draws inspiration from the timeless beauty of Roman art, while giving it a distinctive contemporary touch," said MVRDV in its project description. The store is marked with an incredible depth and orange-coloured appearance, creating a sharp contrast in between other luxury stores along the street - by presenting itself as a 3D-printed envelope. "With this new facade, we emphasize the historic essence of the renowned Italian brand to the world, looking not only to the past but to the future as well," said Jacob van Rijs, co-founder of MVRDV. "Bulgari is a bold, glamorous, exuberant and undeniably Roman brand, so we interpreted these themes as key ingredients for an innovative facade." MVRDV also developed a catalogue for Bulgari's international storefront facades, to apply a strategy that can be adopted for future stores, making them instantly recognisable and unique in any global location. MVRDV, best known for its material innovations on the buildings and facades in many projects, the studio's catalogue presents an approach offering endless possibilities that combine sophisticated detailing with high-quality materials. "The glass of the facade is framed in brass and has an amber colour that fades towards the top of the building. This new product consists of glass fibre reinforced concrete with veins filled with golden resin for both interior and exterior facades. Light permeates through the veins in the facade, making it resemble marble," added the studio. After preliminary design, MVRDV worked closely with a number of partners including a research team at TU Delft and Tensoforma who worked on facade production. "The cornice of via Condotti is a set element used symmetrically in different locations over the world, and its iconic marble facade will be reinvented and reinterpreted by material experiments. In Kuala Lumpur, a concrete and resin facade is permeated with gold veins illuminated from the inside. By day, the store facade is organic whilst at night a more dramatic effect is reached." Founded in 1993 in Rotterdam, MVRDV is led by Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs and Nathalie de Vries. The office works with more than 180 architects, designers, urbanists and other staff in Rotterdam, Shanghai and Paris. MVRDV recently unveiled images for the transformation of Albania's communist-era pyramid into a new Culture Center. The studio's recent work for Bulgari also includes a designing of a vaulted room at Milan Design Week, the architects filled a vaulted room with Bvlgaris iconic Serpenti bracelet reflected with thousands of honeycomb patterns and mirrors that create a kaleidoscope effect for visitors. The studio is currently working on a scenic 5-km-long floating platform to create a new public landmark for the city of Den Helder in the Netherlands. Project facts Location: Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Client: Bulgari Programme: 103.4m2, facade design Budget: Undisclosed Design: MVRDV- Winy Maas, Jacob van Rijs and Nathalie de Vries Concept Phase - Design Team: Jacob van Rijs, Fokke Moerel with Sanne van der Burgh, Aser Gimenez Ortega, Elien Deceuninck, Rico van de Gevel and Junxiang Zhang Design and Material Development Phase - Design Team: Jacob van Rijs, Fokke Moerel with Aser Gimenez Ortega, Elien Deceuninck, Simone Costa, Frane Stancic, William de Ronde, Marek Nosek and Rico van de Gevel Construction Phase - Design Team: Jacob van Rijs, Fokke Moerel with Aser Gimenez Ortega, Simone Costa and Marek Nosek Partners Material Research: Delft University of Technology Rob Nijsse, Frederic A. Veer, Telesilla Bristogianni, Faidra Oikonomopoulou, Lida Barou and Kees Baardolf Structural Research: ABT bv E.H.J. ten Brincke, P.A. Bulsink, M.LW. van Veghel, E.A.M van den Broek Engineering and construction: Tensoforma Trading s.r.l.- Stefano Bertino, Laura Finazzi, Ilenia Longa and Fabio Pettenati Resin: Estro s.n.c Marco SalvioniConcrete: CDF s.r.l Jacopo Antonioli Glass: Vetraria Bergamasca Tecnovetro s.r.l Sonia Bonesi Glass film: Euroline for 3M Massimo Schetz Diagrams: MVRDV All images Daria Scagliola / Edit: Stijn Brakkee > via MVRDV Tiger Palace operator SHG gets new partner The dispute between Australian-listed Silver Heritage Group (SHG), operator of Tiger Palace Resort in Bhairahawa and its local partner Rajendra Bajgain has ended after both sides reached a final settlement deal. West Virginia came in last in 2018, with less than 38 percent of its eligible voters with disabilities casting ballots. It also has the highest rate of disability nearly 25 percent of any state. The state is largely rural, with winding roads, which can discourage all voters, said Regina Desmond, senior advocate at Disability Rights of West Virginia. Her group scored a major victory with the February 2020 signing of a bill allowing state voters with physical disabilities to vote using electronic absentee ballots. The first in the state to try the technology was Terra Muncy, 56, of Belle, who has rheumatoid arthritis and has used a wheelchair for 18 years. Voting in person, she sometimes found low ballot stations that worked well, she said. "But sometimes there wasn't one, which means I was having to reach up, and people can see over your head exactly what you're doing, she said. During the spring primary election, Muncy was able to cast her ballot using the Democracy Live electronic system on her tablet while sitting on her front porch. She recently used the same system for the general election, this time via her phone from her kitchen, since it was too cold outside, she said. To vote in person, some voters with disabilities may have to take buses or subways, another challenge. Transit to polling places may be particularly taxing for Black and Latino voters with disabilities who may not have access to private or public transportation, said King at Auburn University. Voting curbside Doll was undeterred by his blackout and hospital stay. He returned to the Summit County Board of Elections in Akron when he recovered, this time to vote from the comfort of his car. The board had curbside voting available at the time Doll first tried to vote, but it has expanded the parking sites, added signs about the service and ordered still more signs, said Lance Reed, the board's director. Doll commended the board staff for bringing a ballot to his car and helping him fill it out, because his hands shook badly, a symptom of Parkinson's. Yet even if he can vote electronically from home, he said, he would still want to go vote curbside. "I'm old school, he said of going to a polling place in person. This makes you feel more normal, rather than handicapped. When he finished voting, the staff took the ballot inside to process, he said. Then they came out and gave me an I voted sticker." Aberdeen Central unable to upset No. 2 Pierre in 52-35 loss As intimidating as hosting No. 2 Pierre could have been for Aberdeen Central, the Golden Eagles nearly set off alarms of an upset when Central pulled within two scores of taking the lead during the second half. A couple of hours after deputies say 27-year-old Duwin Perez-Cordova pretended to be his cellmate in order to escape from the Metropolitan Detention Center last Sunday, he committed an armed robbery at a North Valley business. Lt. Pete Golden with the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office said Perez-Cordova has not been found but investigators believe he is still in Albuquerque. He would not provide any additional information about the robbery or say what Perez-Cordova was armed with. We do believe he is still in the area, Golden said in a news conference Wednesday afternoon. He does have family in the area, and they are cooperating with the investigators throughout this entire time. According to court documents and jail officials, Perez-Cordova groomed his facial hair to look like his cellmate Edwin Sanchez, who was scheduled to be released from custody after being locked up for 364 days. Then, officials said, he used Sanchezs ID wristband to pretend to be him and was dropped off Downtown around 2 a.m. Sunday. A couple of hours later, Sanchez, 23, notified jail officials that he should have been released and that his wristband was gone. He was charged with assisting in the escape plot. Golden said as soon as the MDC chief realized what had happened, he called the sheriffs office. As soon as the Bernalillo County Sheriffs Department was notified of his escape we started a joint apprehension effort to bring Duwin back into custody, Golden said. He said investigators with the New Mexico State Police, Albuquerque Police Department, and U.S. Marshals are trying to find Perez-Cordova and have been knocking on doors and working with databases and technology. Search warrants have also been filed on his phone and social media accounts. He said they have interviewed many people connected to the case, but the focus of the investigation so far has been on getting Perez-Cordova back into custody. He said Perez-Cordova is a deported felon, although he did not know his current immigration status. A spokeswoman for the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has not answered questions about his status. Perez-Cordova had been in jail since last December and is charged with aggravated battery with a deadly weapon after federal authorities say he shot a man in the face, injuring him, at a laundromat and carwash in southwest Albuquerque. He is a violent felon, he has a high propensity for violence, he is not afraid to commit violent crimes, Golden said. The last time he was apprehended it was a SWAT standoff. Candace Hopkins, a MDC spokeswoman, said jail officials are conducting an internal investigation into how Perez-Cordova escaped. Tips: CrimeStoppers is offering a $1,000 reward for anyone who provides information about Duwin Perez-Cordovas whereabouts. Call (505) 843-STOP. The annual William S. Dixon First Amendment Freedom Award is seeking nominations of New Mexicans who have championed transparency and defending the peoples right to know the affairs of government. The award, sponsored by the New Mexico Foundation for Open Government, honors a select few nominees in the categories of business, law, education, government, media and citizen advocacy. The deadline for nominations is June 22, a week from Friday. NMFOG celebrates New Mexicans who through their efforts have advanced the cause of transparency and accountability in our state, Kathi Bearden, NMFOG committee chair, said in a statement regarding this years awards. Award recipients, selected by a panel of NMFOG directors, will be honored at the annual Your Right to Know Dixon Lunch on Oct. 3 at the Embassy Suites in Albuquerque. The award is named in honor of the late William S. Dixon, a First Amendment advocate and NMFOG co-founder. Dixon Award winners will be announced at the end of August. A link to the nomination form in on NMFOGs website, nmfog.org. It had to be done, or he would never have left paradise. New Mexico Game and Fish officers, assisted by Albuquerque police officers, darted a healthy, 200-pound male bear that was hiding in a cottonwood tree in the plaza of the Towne Park community on Wednesday afternoon. He was about 30 feet up, but after we darted him he went higher so he actually fell from about 40 feet onto a bearbag, plopping to the earth on a large air-filled pillow like a Hollywood stuntman, said Sgt. Rick Castell of Game and Fish. He didnt have any ear tags so when we caught him we tagged him for the first time and will take him somewhere into a forest and release him there, maybe to the Santa Fe National Forest or someplace farther north. Thats still to be determined. APD and Game and Fish had been searching for the bear in the Eubank and Chico NE area since about 3 a.m. when they got a call from a resident who saw the animal rifling through garbage containers in search of treats. When the officers located him a short time later, the wily bruin lumbered off into the darkness. The bear was spotted lounging in a cottonwood tree Wednesday afternoon by a landscaper working in the Towne Park Plaza. It is not uncommon to see bears in town occasionally, and they are generally not aggressive, Castell said. It becomes more frequent as we get later into the summer because they want to fatten up before they go to den again. The states drought may not even be a factor, he said. A lot of the forests have been shut down, but they have been getting some rain so there is forage up there, Castell said. But bears do move from place to place and they sometimes come into town for forage. Longtime Towne Park resident Marion Treon, said she was raised in the East Mountains area, so Im familiar with how to act around bears and I have a very healthy respect for them. The black bear actually more of a cinnamon color looked like it was quite content to stay in the Towne Park Plaza, she said. Its heaven for a bear here. Theres a pond with fish in it, and theres ducks and trees and shade. And with all the Fi-Fis and Foo-Foos in the backyards, hed love it and might never leave. We welcome suggestions for the daily Bright Spot. Send to newsroom@abqjournal.com. Last Thursday, Miah Loya saw her car on the news in a hotel parking lot peppered with bullet holes. Thats how she found out her boyfriend and the father of her unborn child, 32-year-old Wes Allen, had been shot to death in a Motel 6 parking by a U.S. Marshals Service fugitive task force made up of marshals and Bernalillo County Sheriffs Office deputies. That was really rough it made me angry, Loya said. It was excessive, and it was wrong. Authorities have said the task force had been looking for Allen for a couple of days and found him around 12:30 a.m. Thursday at the motel at 1000 Avenida Cesar Chavez SE, near Interstate 25. Authorities say they engaged in a shootout that led to Allens death. In the week since Allen was shot and killed, authorities have not answered any questions about the shooting. They have not said how many task force members fired their weapons, whether Allen was armed, or how many times he was shot. They also did not identify Allen as the suspect. But on Wednesday, Los Lunas police detective Nikki DeAnda confirmed the man shot by the marshals task force was Allen. DeAnda said Allen and another man, who has not been found or identified, committed an armed robbery in Los Lunas hours before the shooting. She said the two men walked into Verizon Wireless at 2270 Main Street around 9 p.m. with a low profile, like any other customers. They didnt come in guns blazing, DeAnda said. Once inside, she said, both men pulled out pistols and robbed the store of around 20 phones valued at $300 to $400 each. No shots were fired, and no employees were injured. By the time officers arrived, both men were gone. DeAnda said Los Lunas police didnt contact U.S. marshals or BCSO deputies and she doesnt know how it all ended up at the Motel 6 or what transpired. Loya said she knew Allen was on the run at the time and he called her 30 minutes before the shooting to tell her he would pick her up. He said hed see me in a while, and thats the last I heard from him, Loya said. The morning after the shooting, Loyas car was visible in the Motel 6 parking lot with its windows shattered and dozens of apparent bullet holes from the drivers-side door to the trunk. More than 50 yellow evidence markers were arranged in the parking lot around the car. Loya said she doesnt know whether Allen had a gun on him or would pull one on law enforcement if he did. She would not comment on Allens whereabouts in the days leading up to the shooting or on the last time she saw him in person. Both the BCSO and the U.S. Marshals Service have said Allen was wanted for armed robberies throughout New Mexico, in addition to probation violations. Court records show Allen had four warrants out for his arrest, as well as a criminal record dating to 2003, with charges including robbery, aggravated battery against a peace officer, stolen vehicles, drug trafficking, burglary and armed robbery. People have pasts. Thats life, Loya said. You cant hold somebody against their past, because people do change he did change and it sucks that he had to fall back into whatever it was. Loya said the couple had been together for about a year and have a baby on the way. We had plans, she said. It sucks that Ill never get to see him be a dad to my baby. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal The team had just 90 minutes to use a high-tech robot to retrieve disarming instructions from a dead Russian pilot and disable a nuclear device before it was too late. The pilot had ejected from a hijacked F-4 Phantom before it crashed, leaving behind the improvised nuclear device. The clock was ticking and the stakes were high. The Explosive Ordnance Disposal team from Kirtland Air Force Bases 377th Air Base Wing team was competing against six other bomb squads from around the country in Sandia National Laboratories 12th annual Robot Rodeo, comprised of a variety of simulated situations such as the one described above. The weeklong competition doubles as a free training opportunity for bomb squads from around the country. The feedback, year after year, is, This is some of the best training we get,' said Jake Deuel, the manager of Advanced Field Ops and Robotics at Sandia and coordinator of the rodeo. Deuel said the event allows teams to use Sandias extensive resources they otherwise may not have access to in order to become better robot operators. Where would the State Police get access to a crashed F-4? Deuel said. Teams working on the crash challenge also had to use the robot to recover intel located in various parts of the aircraft, including an ammo box cheekily labeled, Election Results. The robots had to be controlled from a distance using a small computer screen, as the team didnt know how large the blast radius would be should things go awry. Its a difficult task, especially with no peripheral or 3-D vision. Deuel said its easy to lose track of the positions of the various parts of the robot. It can be stressful, said Garth Pirtle of the Dona Ana County Sheriffs Office, who was evaluating the exercise. Robots sometimes serve as the first responders to a bomb threat to eliminate the need for a bomb technician wearing a blast suit to be sent in. If a robot blows up, a robot blows up and we can replace it, said New Mexico State Police Sgt. Gabriel Luna. Still, its a painful loss; the robots can cost up to $400,000. As the Kirtland team worked on the Red Dawn challenge, Luna and his colleagues were using a high-pressure water cutter attached to one of their robots to cut outlined shapes into a sheet of aluminum, simulating cutting into the side of a car. The opportunities we get here at the Robot Rodeo, theyre really invaluable, Luna said. Its training you cant get anywhere else and were so lucky to be so close. Deuel said he and his team at Sandia use the rodeo as a learning experience, too. What were looking for is technology gaps, he said. We see the guys struggling on a task and our engineering brain will kick in and say, You know what? I think we can solve that.' Besides the Kirtland, New Mexico State Police and the Dona Ana teams, the other organizations represented in this years competition included the Albuquerque and Farmington police departments, U.S. Marine Corps and the Montana Air National Guards 120th Explosive Ordnance Disposal. The competition will conclude on Friday. Deuel wouldnt say whether the Kirtland team succeeded in defusing the bomb because the competition is ongoing, but he did say the team remained competitive. But for Deuel, it was the opportunity for learning by all not the results of the competition that was the most valuable part of the event. If I dont have to have a bomb tech get into a bomb suit because of something we did here at the Robot Rodeo, then I think Ive won, he said. US envoy hands over health centre A primary health centre, which was ravaged by the devastating earthquake in 2015, has been reconstructed with the assistance of US government at Ramche in Barhabise Municipality, Sindhupalchok. CHICAGO News about the end of chef Anthony Bourdains simultaneously hardscrabble and charmed life reminded me of the passion with which he talked about Central and South American kitchen workers. A three-star Italian chef pal of mine greatly prefers Ecuadoreans, as many chefs do, said Bourdain in the audiobook version of his best-selling, Kitchen Confidential. The Italian guy? You screaming at him in the rush, Wheres that risotto?! Hes gonna give it to you. An Ecuadorean guy? Hes gonna just turn his back and stir the risotto and keep cooking until its done the way you showed him. Thats what I want.' Another favorite: No one understands and appreciates the American Dream of hard work leading to material rewards better than a non-American. The Ecuadorean, Mexican, Dominican and Salvadoran cooks Ive worked with over the years make the most (Culinary Institute of America)-educated white boys look like clumsy, sniveling little punks. These are just a few tributes to Latino men and women Bourdain unleashed in Kitchen Confidential, which became a hit in 2000. He became such an outspoken ally that, in 2017, vivala.com published a roundup called 12 times Anthony Bourdain stood up for Latinxs in the food industry. These include instances in which Bourdain criticized a society that glorifies chefs but ignores their workers. He slammed the James Beard Awards for not acknowledging that Mexicans exist in the service industry, and railed against the presidents anti-immigrant rhetoric: If Mr. Trump deports 11 million people or whatever hes talking about right now, every restaurant in America would shut down. Bourdain was a national treasure, but his full-throated advocacy of people who are seen, by some, as disposable and unhuman gave him a very special place in the hearts of Hispanics. On Twitter, Steven Alvarez, assistant professor of English and Taco Literacy at St. Johns University in New York, praised Bourdains insistence that the humanizing element of story through the prism of food can teach us how to demonstrate care, to practice care for one another as we build community. In an interview soon after Bourdains death, Gustavo Arellano, author of Taco USA: How Mexican Food Conquered America and a one-time guest on Bourdains show Parts Unknown, told Slate.com what he admired most about the outspoken chef: He was not someone who said, Oh, I discovered this food. He was always about: This is who these people are, and hear what they have to say not what I have to say about them. Especially in the food world, that was revolutionary. He stood up for us and championed us before it became cool to do so. Bourdain didnt just advocate for Latinos, he was an inspiration to the next generation of foodies, chefs and food journalists. In 2011, I moved to Detroit to take a job at one of the local newspapers. I found myself incredibly lonely in this new city where it took a while for locals to warm up to newcomers, so on weekends, I would hole myself up in my apartment and binge on No Reservations and, later, Parts Unknown,' said Serena Maria Daniels, a freelance food writer. Bourdains stories had a way of helping me escape the loneliness. More than that, though, he showed me how food journalism can be a vehicle for diving into issues around immigration, identity, culture, politics and class all issues that I was passionate to write about, but as a young reporter wasnt sure of just how to do so. He was also such a champion of making space for the subjects of the show to tell their own stories, rather than insisting on pushing his own narrative or agenda on his audience, Daniels told me. This respect for communities that are so often marginalized in pop culture encouraged me to forge my own path toward creating media thats more representative of the communities we live in. Today, Daniels is an award-winning journalist and founder of the independent new media food outlet TostadaMagazine.com, a publication that tells stories about how food can preserve culture and at the same time, almost magically, break down barriers between people. In the wake of Bourdains passing, we should grieve his death, at least in part, by celebrating all the diversity in food culture that he helped birth. Esther Cepedas email address is estherjcepeda@washpost.com, or follow her on Twitter: @estherjcepeda. (c) 2018, Washington Post Writers Group. The afternoon before his death, Tyrone Jaramillo, 27, was seen walking a dog on a leash near Alameda and Coors NW, a busy area crammed with a barbecue joint, optical shop, coffeehouse, mortgage lender and auto parts store. It was a cool, partly cloudy Wednesday in November, six days after Thanksgiving. The next morning, employees of the auto parts store taking out trash found him, kneeling, face upward, the dog leash and choke chain wrapped around his neck and attached to the side of a dumpster on the southeast side of the store. There was no sign of a dog. On a two-page report dated Nov. 30, 2017, an Albuquerque police officer classified the death as a suicide. The state Office of the Medical Investigator, which performed the autopsy on Dec. 1, also categorized Jaramillos death as a suicide by hanging. But why the Albuquerque man would take his life in such a manner and in that location remain unknown. To his sister, Raquel Jaramillo, the bigger question is whether he actually took his life or whether someone else did. And the even bigger question she has is, why did it take nearly two months for her and her family to be told he was dead? We didnt get to have an open casket or view the body because he was too decomposed by the time we heard he was there, the Los Lunas woman said. Why didnt they notify us sooner? That, too, remains unanswered. At the time of his death, Tyrone Jaramillo was carrying a wallet with a drivers license, credit card and a cellphone any of which, one might assume, could have helped identify next of kin. In addition, information could potentially have been gleaned from records of a few criminal charges he had incurred misdemeanor disorderly conduct and possession of paraphernalia in 2011, both dismissed, and a 2008 burglary charge from Los Lunas that was dismissed just three months before he died. The OMI report also indicates that authorities were aware of Jaramillos medical history, described as significant for psychiatric issues and intravenous drug use. Perhaps those records included an emergency contact. Albuquerque police spokesman Gilbert Gallegos said he could not provide further information on the case, because it remains under investigation. Yvonne Villalobos, director of operations at OMI, said she could not comment on specific cases. She suggested that family members could contact the OMI pathologist directly with questions. But Raquel said she called the OMI and was told no one was available to speak with her. Even her request for her brothers autopsy report in January was not fulfilled until last week after I started making calls. No one tells us anything, she said. She concedes that it might have taken extra effort to locate her brothers family, but that they deserved to know. His drivers license, she said, had their mothers old Arizona address, but everything else likely would have led authorities to her Los Lunas address. His cellphone would have contained phone numbers. His mail and disability checks, which he receives because of an unspecified mental illness, are sent to her address. Tyrone, she said, was her only brother. Their childhood was happy, but as an adult he struggled because of mental illness and self-medicating with alcohol and meth. Sometimes he lived with her in Los Lunas; sometimes with their mother in Phoenix. Last August, he hopped a Greyhound bus back to New Mexico and resided with her in Los Lunas briefly. From what she can determine, he left her house and was hospitalized briefly in the mental health unit at Kaseman Presbyterian Hospital in October for reasons hospital officials will not tell her. From there, she said, he was sent to a group home on the West Side and called her every day, sounding healthier and happier. He had met a woman while he was hospitalized, she said. He wanted to bring her to meet us at Thanksgiving, she said. He also told her he had saved up $4,000 and planned to buy her a Christmas present, she said. But the calls stopped in November. He was a no-show Thanksgiving. Raquel said she called hospitals and mental health facilities looking for him, but no one would tell her anything because of medical confidentiality laws. I finally decided to make a missing persons report in January, and the next day a violent crimes detective called me and told me he had bad news, she said. All that time my brother was just lying there in a bag. Since then, she has heard nothing further from Albuquerque police. Learning that her brothers death is still under investigation came as a surprise to her, she said. No one, she said, had told her. UpFront is a front-page news and opinion column. Comment directly to Joline at 823-3603, jkrueger@abqjournal.com or follow her on Twitter @jolinegkg. Go to www.abqjournal.com/letters/new to submit a letter to the editor. AMMAN, Jordan Jordans new prime minister wont have much time to deliver on promises to rescind a proposed tax increase and implement economic reforms with more consideration for the countrys struggling poor and middle class. Union leaders who toppled the previous prime minister last week through widespread protests say they will go back to the streets if his successor, Omar Razzaz, does not deliver. Razzaz, a former senior World Bank official, faces a tough task: He must defuse public anger at economic policies seen by many as unfair, while introducing reforms that can reduce Jordans debt-to-GDP ratio to a level acceptable to international lenders. He has promised a more inclusive path, but has also tried to lower expectations in recent days in meetings with representatives of unions, political parties and legislators. There is no magic stick. There is no painkiller. This is a long path, a difficult path, he said earlier this week. But God willing, the target is clear and the leadership is united with the people in achieving it. In any reform efforts, Jordan can count on some good will from allies such as the United States, the European Union and Gulf states. Considered too strategic to fail, Jordan has received generous economic and military aid to ensure its relative stability in a turbulent region. Earlier this year, the U.S. pledged a total of nearly $6.4 billion for Jordan through 2022. Several days ago, three Gulf states promised $2.5 billion in aid over five years. On Wednesday, Qatars foreign minister pledged $500 million in infrastructure investments in Jordan and said his country would offer 10,000 jobs to Jordanians. On the other side of the balance sheet, the fallout from conflicts triggered by the 2011 Arab Spring uprisings has led to a potentially destabilizing economic downturn in Jordan. The violence disrupted trade with Iraq and Syria, as well as the flow of cheap natural gas from Egypt. At the same time, the influx of hundreds of thousands of Syrian refugees burdened water- and energy-poor Jordan and its weak infrastructure. Jordans debt-to-GDP ratio now stands at about 96 percent, while unemployment hit 18.4 percent, the highest in 25 years, according to the Department of Statistics. In 2016, the International Monetary Fund agreed to pay $723 million to Jordan over six years, linking disbursement to subsidy cuts, tax increases and other fiscal reforms. Adherence to such prescriptions was to reduce Jordans debt-to-GDP ratio to 77 percent in 2021. Instead, Jordans rollout of the reforms has brought its citizens to the streets. Jordanians have protested regularly in recent months, as prices of bread and electricity shot up. Demonstrations intensified when the government announced its planned tax increases. Starting earlier this month, thousands of Jordanians demonstrated outside the prime ministers office every evening, chanting maanash, (We dont have.) A federation of 17 unions, including pharmacists, doctors, engineers, and shop owners, staged two one-day warning strikes during this period. We arrived at a point where we have nothing left, said Khaled Hilmi, a pharmacist in Wehdat, a Palestinian refugee camp in the Jordanian capital, Amman. Hilmi said his household costs have skyrocketed. He would not discuss his finances in detail, but said a large chunk of his earnings goes back to the government in taxes and fees. The government does not provide decent services in return, he said, adding that he must send his four children, including an autistic 9-year-old son, to expensive private schools to ensure they have a shot at a decent future. Theyre asking me to give so much to the state, he said. But at the same time they give high incomes to parliament members and Mercedes cars to their ministers. The citizens are paying the bills for the government and the state doesnt provide me anything. Razzaz has promised to scrap the new tax bill, which would have lowered the bar for taxable individual income from 12,000 dinars ($17,000) to 8,000 dinars ($11,300) a year and increase taxes on key sectors like agriculture, which employs many of Jordans poorest citizens. Many Jordanians see the appointment of Razzaz, seen as a leading reformer, as a victory. Others note that King Abdullah II, who has final say on all policy, has reshuffled governments in the past to quell public discontent, without green-lighting fundamental reforms. Razzazs new Cabinet, sworn in Thursday, does not include members of his predecessors economic team. But many other holdovers from the last Cabinet were retained. What we are dealing with is purely a political recipe rather than an economic recipe, said analyst Amer al-Sabaileh. The appointment of a new prime minister might offer citizens some hope, he said. But when it comes to numbers and economic facts, Im a bit pessimistic that theres nothing changing, at least in the short term, he added. Jawad Anani, the head of the Amman Stock Exchange, said the way forward is to stimulate growth, arguing that Jordans economy has reached a point where further taxation actually decreases government revenues. It would just be lunatic to continue to apply the same recipe with the same ingredients and same utensils, in hopes of getting a different dish, said Anani, a former Cabinet minister. He hopes the IMF will allow Jordan to delay the tax plan for two to three years, enabling the government to spend on development and investment instead, until citizens are in a position to pay higher taxes. The IMF has signaled potential flexibility. On its website, it said it welcomes King Abdullahs call for a national dialogue on the economy as a very positive step forward and that it looks forward to conducting a second review of Jordans reform program with the new government. Ali al-Abous, president of the Professional Associations Council, which led the protests, said any reform program should address what he believes is widespread official mismanagement. The debt wouldnt exist if not for corruption, he said, expressing a widely held view in Jordan. If they manage to bring half of the stolen money to the treasury, we will not suffer the way we are suffering now. The union leader said ordinary Jordanians should be given a voice in the new reform program. Hilmi, the pharmacist, said the government and its new promises are well-intentioned. But we are on standby, he said. If they dont fulfill their promises, we will return. BEIJING Chinas government renewed its threat Thursday to scrap deals with Washington aimed at defusing a sprawling trade dispute as the White House prepared to release a list of Chinese goods targeted for tariff hikes. President Donald Trump has threatened to raise tariffs on up to $150 billion of Chinese goods in response to complaints about Beijings trade surplus and technology policy. As part of that, the White House is due to issue a list on Friday of $50 billion of Chinese goods targeted for a 25 percent tariff. In Beijing, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters he had constructive discussions with Chinese officials, including Foreign Minister Wang Yi, on Thursday. Our deficit with China is still too high, Pompeo said. I stress how important it is for President Trump to rectify that situation so that trade becomes more balanced, more reciprocal and more fair, with the opportunity for American workers to be treated fairly. Beijing has promised to buy more American soybeans, natural gas and other exports but warned after June 3 talks between U.S. Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and Chinas top economic official, Vice Premier Liu He, that all deals were off if Trumps threatened tariffs went ahead. We made clear that if the U.S. rolls out trade sanction including the imposition of tariffs, all outcomes reached by the two sides in terms of trade and economy will not come into effect, said a foreign ministry spokesman, Geng Shuang. I just want to repeat this point today. Beijing also has announced plans to cut import duties on autos and some consumer goods and to ease limits on foreign ownership in auto manufacturing, insurance and some other industries, though those dont directly address U.S. complaints. Economists also warn that Beijing will resist changing technology development policies Washington dislikes but that Chinese leaders see as successful. The first round of tariff hikes planned by Washington is in response to complaints Beijing steals or pressures foreign companies to hand over technology in violation of its World Trade Organization market-opening commitments. China also has threatened to retaliate with its own tariff hikes on $50 billion of U.S. exports including pork and soybeans, though authorities avoided renewing that threat following the latest round of talks. On Thursday, a Commerce Ministry spokesman said some Chinese exporters are rushing to fill orders due to concern about possible trade risks. The spokesman didnt mention Washington and Trumps threat of tariff hikes. A few companies have increased the number of short orders to avoid risks, Gao Feng said at a regular briefing. However, this is not the mainstream and will not affect our countrys situation of steady and healthy development of foreign trade. Copyright 2018 Albuquerque Journal SANTA FE A lawsuit filed in state District Court this week accuses State Police Chief Pete Kassetas of blatant, ongoing and systematic discrimination against officers based on gender and sexual orientation. He is accused of mooning employees, describing two staff members as dumb (expletive) bitches and sending an image of a mans testicles blocking out the sun to a deputy Cabinet secretary, Amy Orlando, in the Department of Public Safety, according to the suit. The plaintiffs allege that Kassetass behavior has gone unchecked by DPS, because the office of Governor Susana Martinez has protected Kassetas from adverse employment action, making him untouchable and above the law he is commissioned to enforce. A spokesman for the Governors Office, in turn, said the lawsuit contains many ridiculous allegations that are completely removed from the truth. Ben Cloutier, the spokesman, said the state hasnt been served with the lawsuit. But its sad and disappointing that these individuals are willing to throw so many outlandish claims against the wall in order to create a wild-eyed conspiracy theory to settle scores with the State Police Chief, Cloutier said. We take seriously all allegations of misconduct including those against the State Police Chief and they are thoroughly investigated and handled appropriately. Cloutier added that there already was an investigation under way into allegations brought forward at DPS. He wouldnt say who is conducting the investigation or what the allegations are. The suit was filed late Tuesday in 1st Judicial District Court in Santa Fe by Sgt. Monica Martinez-Jones, retired Lt. Julia Armendariz and retired Deputy Chief Michael Ryan Suggs. It seeks damages based on gender and sexual orientation discrimination and retaliation. The defendants are Kassetas and the Department of Public Safety. The 36-page suit accuses Kassetas of tolerating homophobic treatment of gay officers and promoting a male officer who had slept with female recruits and once chained an African-American officer to a telephone pole. It also says more than half a dozen women besides the plaintiffs have come forward to make complaints about Kassetass discriminatory treatment of women. Reached by phone, Kassetas said Thursday that he couldnt comment on pending litigation no matter how much Id like to. The suit touches on allegations outside the Department of Public Safety. It says the state allegedly paid $690,000 to settle claims by three women who say they were sexually harassed on the governors tour bus during her 2014 re-election campaign an allegation the Governors Office said appears to have been invented out of whole cloth. There were no sexual harassment allegations on the campaign bus, much less a settlement, Cloutier said. Among the specific allegations outlined in the suit, Kassetas is accused of: Referring to two women in the department as dumb (expletive) bitches and of disrespecting women in general unless he found them attractive. Sending Orlando, the deputy cabinet secretary, a picture of a mans testicles blocking out the sun around the time of a solar eclipse. The Journal wasnt able to reach Orlando on Thursday. Pulling down his pants and mooning staff members after a meeting in Ruidoso. He had been drinking, the suit said, and was in a State Police vehicle. Using his position to promote or protect female officers with whom he was interested in having a personal relationship. The Martinez administration appointed Kassetas, a 20-year State Police veteran, as State Police chief in 2013. He had previously served stints in the Narcotics and Investigations bureaus and worked as deputy State Police chief. The plaintiffs attorneys include Diane Garrity and Linda Hemphill, both of Santa Fe. Starting Friday, the 40,000 individuals insured under True Health New Mexico and New Mexico Health Connections will have access to a new, free virtual clinic service. To access the service, members call the nurse hotline number on the back of their insurance cards and are screened by a nurse who can determine whether the members issues are appropriate for the virtual clinic visit. If so, the member is connected with a doctor, who can diagnose non-emergency issues and prescribe medications that are neither narcotics nor behavioral health medications. In an interview, Dr. Kiko Torres, True Healths senior medical director, said the company expects most of the virtual clinic visits to revolve around symptoms related to issues like cold, flu, urinary tract infections, rashes and ear infections. In medicine, if you can listen well and take a good history, you can get a good diagnosis most of the time, said Torres. In the case of strep throat, for example, if a patient has a sore throat but they also have significant respiratory-type systems, we know its probably not strep. If the case gets to be a little more complex, a patient can be referred to a (brick-and-mortar) clinic. Torres also said the service will be particularly useful for rural members who have more limited access to care than their metro-area counterparts. The virtual clinic, enabled through a partnership with Florida-based telehealth provider MDLIVE, is one of many telehealth options increasingly being offered by New Mexico health care systems. Torres said such services, in addition to being a great tool and resource for members, also help decrease unneeded emergency room visits. Those visits are a significant cost for health systems. Torres said all the doctors who will see patients through the virtual clinic are board certified and licensed to practice in New Mexico. WASHINGTON President Donald Trumps decision to suspend major U.S. military exercises in South Korea could weaken allied defenses, depending on the length and scope of the hiatus. But the potential for diplomatic damage seems even greater. The United States, South Korea and Japan were making a public display of solidarity Thursday over the outcome of Trumps summit with North Koreas Kim Jong Un. But analysts and former officials with experience in U.S.-Asia policy were shaken by Trumps failure to inform the Asian allies or even the Pentagon before mothballing the military maneuvers. Those exercises are critically important because they are deterrence, said Chuck Hagel, a former defense secretary in the Obama administration. He welcomed Trumps willingness to talk to Kim but worried that the president has underestimated the complications he has introduced for the Pentagon by suspending the military drills. You dont just shut them on and off like a water faucet, he said. The exercises in question go well beyond routine training, which apparently is unaffected by Trumps decision. Large-scale exercises are done to ensure that evolving tactics, procedures and plans can be carried out smoothly and that U.S. and South Korean forces are in sync. They also are a means of showing allied solidarity, which is part of the psychology of deterring enemy attack. The U.S. has stationed combat troops in South Korea since the Korean War ended in 1953 with an armistice and no peace treaty. The more than 28,000 U.S. forces serve as a military tripwire against North Korean aggression. The next major exercise with South Korea is known as Ulchi Freedom Guardian; last years version was held for 11 days in August and involved about 17,500 U.S. troops. The U.S. has insisted these kinds of drills are defensive measures to demonstrate U.S. and South Korean preparedness to respond promptly to any aggression by the North. But when Trump announced his decision to halt them, he characterized them as provocative and as war games. Those are literally the North Korean and Chinese talking points, said Christine Wormuth, the Pentagons top policy official from 2014 to 2016. In further explaining his reasons for suspending major exercises, Trump said they cost a fortune, though even the Pentagon, which foots the bill for U.S. participation in all such maneuvers, has been unable to say what they cost. Defense Secretary Jim Mattis office on Wednesday sent out a request to military commands for cost estimates for the main military exercises held on and around the Korean Peninsula, according to officials who spoke about the request on condition of anonymity to discuss internal communications. In the past, some estimates for smaller exercises have been about $2 million, while some larger ones have cost $15 million or more all relatively minor expenses for a department with a budget now exceeding $700 billion. On Thursday, the Pentagon issued a brief statement saying Mattis had discussed the summit outcome with his South Korean counterpart, including they can work together to fulfill the presidents guidance on military exercises. Michael Green, who was Asia director on the National Security Council staff during the George W. Bush administration, said the likely damage from suspending drills is multiplied by Trumps failure to inform South Korean and Japanese officials in advance and his focus on cost-savings. This was then compounded, in Greens view, by Trumps dubious assertion on Twitter that North Korea no longer poses a nuclear threat. The No. 1 problem with this, geopolitically, is that it suggests to our allies that we are just incompetent, that we dont recognize the threat, Green said. Harry Harris, the retired Navy admiral and former commander of U.S. forces throughout the Pacific, said Thursday he believes the Norths nuclear weapons still pose a threat, but he endorsed Trumps decision to suspend U.S. military exercises. We should give major exercises a pause to see if Kim Jong Un is serious about his part of the negotiations, Harris said at a Senate hearing to consider his nomination to be U.S. ambassador in Seoul. Harris said the suspension of drills provides breathing space for progress in negotiating North Koreas nuclear disarmament. Without mentioning that South Korea and Japan were not consulted before Trump suspended drills, Harris said such decisions should not be taken unilaterally. Sen. John McCain, chairman of the Senate Armed Services Committee, called the suspension of drills a mistake, a bad negotiating tactic and a move that undermines U.S. security. We must not impose upon ourselves the burden of providing so-called good faith concessions as the price for continued dialogue, the Arizona Republican said in a statement. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, meanwhile, briefed his South Korean, Japanese and Chinese counterparts on the Singapore summit. At a news conference in Seoul, Pompeo said staying closely aligned with our allies will be critical to success with North Korean denuclearization, but he had nothing to say about the suspension of military drills. The White House has said that the maneuvers were suspended in a show of good faith, for as long as productive negotiations with the North continue, and that regular readiness training and training exchanges will continue. The Pentagon, however, has remained silent on what Trump meant and hasnt confirmed it will cancel or postpone the Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercise. When Ulchi Freedom Guardian was announced last year, the U.S. military called it a computer-simulated defensive exercise designed to enhance readiness. Also participating were troops from nations that contributed forces during the 1950-53 Korean War, including Australia, Britain, Canada and Colombia. In Wormuths view, Trumps stated concern about the cost of such exercises, combined with his talk of eventually bringing all U.S. troops home from South Korea, is likely to create doubt in Seoul and Tokyo about American steadfastness. This is going to further erode peoples confidence in our staying power, she said. ___ Associated Press writer Lolita C. Baldor contributed to this report. LOS ANGELES A proposal in Congress to ease the U.S. ban on marijuana could encourage more banks to do business with cannabis companies, but it appears to fall short of a cure-all for an industry that must operate mainly as a cash business in a credit card world. Marijuana is legal in some form in about 30 states, but companies that grow or sell it often are locked out at banks. Their money isnt wanted because the drug is illegal under federal law and transactions tied to pot proceeds could expose financial institutions to money-laundering charges. The bipartisan measure which received tentative support from President Donald Trump would ensure states have the right to determine the best approach to marijuana, without federal interference. It also includes language intended to address the banking gap caused by the federal ban. The legislation has been praised as a strong step, but standing alone, its likely not a silver bullet for the banking problem, said California pot industry attorney Nicole Howell Neubert, a member of a state task force that studied the banking stalemate. Most financial institutions will be looking for even more affirmative direction from (Washington) to feel comfortable with banking cannabis companies, she said in a statement. The shortage of banking services has been a major obstacle to the industry, often forcing businesses to conduct sales and pay vendors and taxes in cash, sometimes in vast amounts that can become targets for criminals. The number of financial institutions working with marijuana companies has been growing, but its still a small fraction overall. The Mountain West Credit Union Association and the Maine Credit Union League said in a joint statement that the legislation would provide the certainty we need to service this growing industry. The measure, which faces an uncertain future in Congress, does not legalize marijuana nationally. But it takes steps to allow banks to handle marijuana funds without the risk of federal prosecution. For example, it says money from marijuana businesses in states where the drug is legal would no longer be considered illegal proceeds, and it would allow banks to accept those funds without breaking money-laundering laws. Even then, risk remains as banks face a range of compliance rules by accepting marijuana-linked money. The Bank Secrecy Act requires that banks know their customers well enough to ensure they are not engaging in money laundering, said Julie A. Hill, a professor at the University of Alabama School of Law. This likely means that a bank accepting marijuana money would have to do enough research to know that their customers are complying with state law regarding the sale of marijuana, Hill said. The bank would likely have to confirm that the marijuana is not sold to minors or sold for transport to states where it is illegal. Banks could face penalties if they dont meet such requirements. They also are urged to watch for warning signs of possible illegal activity, such as financial statements provided by a business not squaring with account activity. Because the cost of doing such research would be high, some banks might choose to stay away from marijuana money, Hill said in an email. If the legislation passes, its likely marijuana will stay illegal in some conservative-leaning states, such as South Dakota and Kansas. Some banks in those states might then be uneasy about handling marijuana dollars coming from places where the drug is legal. I dont imagine the financial institution would take that risk to take in funds from a business considered illegal in that state, said Beth Mills of the Western Bankers Association. Another uncertainty that could give banks pause: The conflict between Trump, who signaled his support for the legislation, and his own Justice Department. Attorney General Jeff Sessions staunchly opposes marijuana and lifted an Obama administration policy in order to allow federal prosecutors to more aggressively pursue cases in states that have legalized marijuana. Colorado tried to set up a credit union in 2015 to serve the pot industry but the Federal Reserve blocked it. In Oregon, the state Department of Revenue built a fortress-like office for dropping off and counting cash. Some pot businesses have tried to open bank accounts by setting up management companies or nonprofit organizations with ambiguous names basically, by misleading the banks. But those accounts can be shut down if a bank realizes where the money is coming from. Other proposals in Congress also are intended to open the way for more banks to handle marijuana dollars, but its not clear if any have enough support to reach Trumps desk. After a House committee rejected one such measure Wednesday, Kevin Sabet, head of Smart Approaches to Marijuana, a nonpartisan group opposed to marijuana legalization, said it would have opened up direct access to Wall Street investment into the sales and marketing of pot candies, cookies and ice creams. ___ Blood is a member of APs marijuana beat team. Find complete AP marijuana coverage here: https://apnews.com/tag/LegalMarijuana Craftsvilla, a brand that focuses on latest ethnic fashion announced the fourth edition of World Ethnic Day, a day that encourages people across India to connect back to their roots. Commemorated every year on 19th June, the campaign will see a series of festivities throughout the week inspiring people to bring out their ethnic best in attire, food and culture. For this special day, Craftsvilla has collaborated with more than 35 eminent and diverse celebrities from different walks of life across the country. Anita Hanssnandani (popular TV Actor), Sandeepa Dhar (lead of upcoming Bollywood movie Firrkie), Sakhi Gokhale (Marathi TV Actor), Anjana Rangan (TV host and VJ), Ahaana Krishna, (Mollywood Actor), Lin Laishram (Bollywood Actor and Entrepreneur), Kuvelu Tetseo (of the Tetseo Sisters fame from Nagaland) and Samentha Fernandes (Popular Dancer and Actor) are few of the influencers who will join in the week-long celebrations. Each of them will talk about what ethnic means to them, their unique backgrounds and cultural influences. Since food and language also play influential part in shaping our roots, the brand has partnered with food bloggers and YourQuote, India's fastest growing user generated content platform, to promote local languages for the activity. While the food bloggers will engage the audience through contests around ethnic delicacies, YourQuote will encourage users to create content around what ethnic means to them. Commenting on the initiative, Mr. Manoj Gupta, Co-Founder & CEO Craftsvilla said, While Indian fabrics designs and Make In India have been in the limelight for the past few years, for Craftsvilla, this has been the core of the brand since its inception. World Ethnic Day lets us revive the role ethnic plays in our everyday lives and gives people a chance to celebrate it. We hope that the whole of India will take out sometime on June 19th for participating in the festivities. Craftsvillas wide portfolio includes women's fashion apparels like sarees, salwar suits, lehengas, anarkalis, kurtis, bottomwear jewellery and men's fashion apparels like kurtas, dhotis, sherwanis and kotis and many more. The brands exclusive range is available both online (www.craftsvilla.com, e-commerce platforms) and offline (stand-alone stores and multi-brand retail outlets). Wilful amnesia Current govt must not forget that it was I/NGOs that prodded the Nepali govt to remember its responsibilities My FM, which has been building up a strong base in Tier 2 and Tier 3 cities, recently bridged the gap with the radio industry in the US, when one of its radio jockeys, Teena, was invited by the US Consulate for a radio exchange programme. It was the first time ever that an RJ from Asia had been invited to this exchange programme. The programme was aimed at understanding and studying their radio stations working patterns and creating a networking forum for all. The 10-day programme, which was organised by the US Consulate in Mumbai, had the group visiting Washington DC, Nashville and San Francisco. As part of the tour, the group visited multiple radio stations comprising of their commercial and community stations along with museums and initiated interactions with media personnel and experts. In conversation with Adgully, Bhopal-based RJ Teena recounts her experience visiting and interacting with the radio industry in the US, the similarities between the radio industries in the two countries, the massive strides made by radio players in the US, and more. Excerpts: What motivated you to become a Radio Jockey? Is My FM your first job? I wouldnt say I always wanted to be an RJ, it happened by chance. I had applied for a talent hunt in my home town and was selected, thats how I began my journey as an RJ. My FM is not my first job. I have been a part of My FM for the last 5 years. Radio is a great platform for communicating with the masses. I am a person with strong opinions and radio has given me the opportunity and power to transform lives. How were you selected for the radio exchange programme? Was there a contest for it? RJ Teena: It was not a contest. Sakshi Verma, Product Head, My FM, would be the best person to answer this question. Sakshi Verma: We got this invite from the state department in the US Consulate in Mumbai, where they were holding this radio exchange programme for the first time. They wanted a RJ from My FM from Madhya Pradesh to be represented in this programme. Teena is one of our most popular RJs and has worked in our Indore station in the 11 am to 2 pm time band. She is currently hosting the breakfast show in Bhopal. She had that experience and was in her best form. Hence, we selected her to represent MP for this platform. It was indeed a momentous occasion as for the first time ever a radio jockey from Asia had been invited to this exchange programme, considering the invitations were usually reserved for the Print and TV media. So Teena, could you describe your experience in the US? It was an amazing experience. Talking about radio, I found the US and India to be two very different markets all together. The whole experience was a great learning for me. Freedom of press in the US is quite phenomenal. You could really talk your heart out and it would not be a big deal in terms of people getting offended, etc. It is all taken in the right spirit. The radio formats vary across different cities in the US. What are the different genres that work in a market like the US? There you find a variety of genres across the country. For instance, Washington DC was different as compared to Nashville and San Francisco. Basically, Nashville had a lot of music and I also visited a few Indian radio stations in San Francisco. There, they also have chat shows. In Indian community radio stations, in terms of content we follow a blend of all. While there is difference in our cultures, there are some basic similarities as well. For instance, I visited a radio station in Nashville, WFM; there too they believe in playing music like we do in India. For me personally, when I talk about the learning aspect I saw veterans there with double the experience that I have, who have invested that much time in radio to be able to reach that level. The human connect is there, but the one to one interaction is the basic thing there. Thus, within the US there is a lot of diversity in terms of the formats. When we look at radio in both the countries, the basic content remains the same, its just the formats that are different. For example, they have less of music in their breakfast shows and more of discussions. According to you, what needs to be done to give radio stations in India a distinct personality, as all stations tend to sound the same? I kind of disagree on this; I believe radio stations do have their own flavour. Take My FM, for example, the station provides maximum music and content that is not only informative but entertaining as well. We focus on doing a lot of radio realities and connecting with the youth. We also do a lot of shows where we encourage greater audience participation because end of day that matters most. We have to customise our shows according to the local audience and innovate them in order to attract more listeners. From an RJs perspective, where do you see radio in the next 5 years? We are seeing growing competition from the digital world. Whereas radio as a medium is going more local and live, and is like a friend or a companion with a human touch. Both radio and digital have their own benefits and followers. I believe that RJs wield considerable influence on the listeners and radio still tops among mediums. Of course, print, electronic media, etc., will continue to be relevant, but radio is all together a personal space, according to me. I do see a bright future for radio. In the Indian context, most listeners feel that RJs incessant chatter is more intrusive than engaging. Your comments? I feel our job as RJs is to connect with different kinds of people at the same time. I would like to share an example, in the year 2014 there was an operation to rescue kids forced into child labour and I was able to rescue these kids from traffic signals, streets, etc. I often get in contact with various authorities regarding social issues. So, I would say that we utilise the radio medium very constructively. I dont feel the medium is intrusive. What would be your advice to aspiring RJs? Whoever wants to be a part of this fraternity must definitely know that the voice is not the only aspect, a lot of ones personality is also showcased through this medium. I see a lot of college students wanting to be a part of this medium and taking it as a part time job. But RJing is not a part time job, a lot of creative and hard work goes into this job. So, one must not get blown away by the glamour of experienced RJs, theres a lot of hard work behind what goes on air. To summarise, I would say if one really wants to be an RJ, firstly one needs to research well and be very well informed about what he/ she is getting into. My FM also has a branch to promote young and budding talent and the selection happens based on several criteria. So, one must be really serious about it. On a more personal note, where do you see yourself in five years time? Is there an alternate career plan? Over the years, I would like to become the best storyteller of my town and build a strong relationship with my listeners. I also want to explore the social media world of videos and chat shows, etc. Digital platform is something that I want to venture into, but radio will always be my home and I definitely want to do great stuff on air. I want to be able to reach people across the globe. Im very greedy about that fandom. Donate Blood and Save Life, a slogan heard and spread everywhere since years, donating blood is also considered to be every citizens responsibility but how far do we abide the same. There is a transgender community out there which desires to donate blood but is refrained from doing so. We know how to judge them on every aspect but do we know the importance of saving a life? What stops others to donate blood regularly? Keeping the same in mind and highlighting the two aspects, on the occasion of World Donor Day, BOLD, a transgender modelling agency and WATConsult, the digital and social media agency from Dentsu Aegis Network India, joined hands to launch a campaign titled, #whydontyou. The campaign that kick-started today revolves around how transgenders are not allowed to donate blood but what is stopping others. Why dont the people who have the privilege to donate blood do so. The campaign involves a video featuring Rudrani Chettri Chauhan, a transgender who went against all odds to build Indias first LGBT modelling agency. She is seen expressing the plight of the community which is judged upon, refrained from equality and basic rights, desire to save a life but unfortunately arent allowed to. She is seen urging the rest strata to stop judging them instead go and donate some part of their blood which could save a needy. Rajiv Dingra, Founder and CEO, WATConsult said, BOLD is a transgender modelling Agency and we wanted to use them as models in issue based causes that affect all of us and not just transgenders. Hence we took up the cause of blood donation which is the core responsibility of every citizen barring caste and creed. Here are we who pro-actively judge, discard and ignore the existence of transgenders for many reasons but many of us cannot simply donate blood. We wanted to raise awareness about the need of Blood Donation and urge each one of us to become a donor sooner. #whydontyou is simple a step towards the same. Its a message to donate blood from those who are not allowed to those who dont. Rudrani Chettri Chauhan, Founder, BOLD, said, As the third gender, the society discards our existence and more importantly our blood, which can save a million lives. Not every transgender carries the HIV virus, as the public believes. So why waste good blood? But people do so many things to judge us, hold us back and do not do their own bit. I dont know whether its fear or thought or just ignorance but its time, and I ask them why? When you can judge us, stare us, belittle us then why not do something for the society and donate blood? As a part of the campaign, the agency has created a microsite www.whydontyou.in wherein a donor can register and donate blood with a Mumbai based blood donation bank, Triumph Blood Donation bank and for records, India needs 5 crore units of blood annually against an availability of 2.5 crore units. So, stop judging and be responsible. Website link: http://www.whydontyou.in/ Unigroup Spreadtrum & RDA, one of the world's leading chip design companies, today announced the release of its new brand name, identity and definition - UNISOC. The launch of UNISOC officially completes the integration of Spreadtrum and RDA, the two high-tech companies Unigroup has acquired earlier before, realizing a full upgrade to the brand as a whole. Under the guidance of the chip & cloud strategy of Unigroup, UNISOC not only has a brand new look and philosophy, but also will achieve a strategic depth and horizontal layout in its core business, committing to creating new victories in the dynamic era of SOC. New brand New Journey The new brand UNISOC continues the purple and flat design style of the logo of Unigroup. The center of the two connected boxes is radially processed, reflecting the high-tech tension of the double-chip. Chinese and English fonts and graphic design are complementary to each other, "Uni" implies " Unigroup chips, a dream of building a strong tech world". As a solid foundation for the chip & cloud strategy of Unigroup, UNISOC echoes the mission of Unigroup and is committed to promoting the overall competitiveness of global integrated circuit industry, achieving breakthroughs in key areas with independent innovation, driving technology revolution to realize the dream of a more connected world. The English name of UNISOC, is pronounced ['ju:ni 's o si] which implies You need SOC. In the era of 5G, chips will be ubiquitous, empowering our future life everywhere. UNISOC consists of two parts: UNI and SOC. The UNI has four layers of meaning: Unique: Core of UNISOC, Core of Unique. UNISOC boasts its uncommon craftsmanship for unique core technology and innovation potential, and has set a number of world's first. Universal: Core of UNISOC, Core of Globe. UNISOCs products have been shipped globally. One out of every four mobile phones in the world is powered by UNISOC chip. Unicore: Core of UNISOC, Core of Unigroup. As a core subsidiary of Tsinghua Unigroup, UNISOC plays an important role in the strategic layout of Unigroups blueprint from chip to cloud. Unimpact: Core of UNISOC, Core of Impact. UNISOC believes that impact comes from union and magnetic innovation. UNISOC develops and integrates industry resources together to explore an unrestricted future with brilliancy and impact. System On Chip SoC is the starting point where UNISOC begins its business, and it is also where the future lies. UNISOC has a comprehensive product layout covering the fields of mobile communications, IoT, TV, RFFE, WCN, 5G, etc. UNISOC has become China's largest pan-chip supplier. New positioning New Pattern For the new journey, UNISOC proposed a more strategic company positioning: "Committed to being one of the leading chip design companies in the world." UNISOC will give full attention to the two-wheel drive of independent innovation + international collaboration. Through its refined industrial ecology, breakthroughs in technological innovation, and completion of brand upgrade, UNISOC aims to lead the chip design industry to achieve new brilliance with industry confidence, technical confidence and brand confidence, and create the new pattern for global chip design industry. "Since the beginning, UNISOC has set chip-design as our core business and climbed up with passion and excellence. The launch of the new brand has given the company new vitality and potential to open a new chapter for UNISOC." said Mr. Adam Zeng, Global Executive Vice President of Unigroup and CEO of UNISOC, Standing at a new starting point, UNISOC will always be coordinated with Unigroups chip &cloud strategy, aiming to be a global leader in the chip design industry and drive Unimpact for an interconnected smart world with SOC. 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. RAMALLAH, West Bank Rima from Gaza City has been struggling for more than 18 months to obtain her divorce papers from the Sharia Court. Six years ago, her husband left for Libya to work there, only to abandon her later on without divorcing her, leaving her with four boys and one little girl. The 45-year-old Gazan learned that her husband had married another woman in Libya when he sent the message through some Palestinians working there. Rima found herself in a miserable situation: With no money to support her children, she was dependent on the aid of her relatives. She applied for assistance from the Ministry of Social Development, which offers divorced women a $200 monthly allowance. But as she is unable to provide divorce papers or proof of separation, she has gotten nothing so far. I applied to the court more than a year and a half ago to obtain divorce papers from my absent husband. My case is still sitting on the shelf there. I also went to the Womens Health Center of the Culture and Free Thought Association, which engaged one of its lawyers to look into my case. They promised me that I will get the papers soon. I am still waiting, Rima told Al-Monitor. Rimas story is similar to that of Tamara, 37, who is also from Gaza City. Tamaras story began in 2007 against the backdrop of the Palestinian division and Hamas taking control of the coastal enclave. Her family was loyal to Fatah, and her husband to Hamas. With the outbreak of the 2007 clashes in Gaza, my ex-husband used to beat me in front of people, particularly his family. At that time, my brothers had traveled to Egypt and I was left alone to endure this cruel life for my son and daughter, Tamara said. I left my husbands house and lived at my mothers, who welcomed me after learning that I was beaten. But my husband refused to give me a divorce until two years ago when I went to the Womens Health Center. They got me a lawyer who filed a lawsuit, and the court gave me a divorce in absentia two years later. Women in the Gaza Strip are often unable to finalize their divorce in the courts because of all the bureaucracy and legal procedures entailed by a law passed in 1954. Judges sometimes delay their decisions to give couples even more time to rethink the divorce. Separation is different. If a man chooses to separate from his wife, he can do so without appearing before a court or providing a legal reason. A woman who can prove that she is separated either with written testimony from her husband that he has departed or testimony from family and neighbors that he has left her can ask for aid if she does not have any income. A man can verbally divorce his wife, but the divorce still must be registered in court where he would have to provide a legitimate reason for divorcing her. If the woman is the party who wants a divorce, not only does she not have the right to divorce her husband verbally, but the grounds on which she can file are much narrower, such as impotence, absolute poverty and imprisonment. In order to get their husband to consent to a divorce, many women waive their right to alimony from their husband, even if they are in need. Instead, they apply for government aid. In May, the Womens Health Center launched a campaign to address the slow proceedings of the courts, and finalization can drag out for 10 years. The campaign is part of an overall program to combat increasing gender-based violence against girls and displaced women in Gaza, in partnership with the United Nations Population Fund. The problem of separated women is one of the thorniest and sensitive issues at the Islamic courts, and some women are left in this grey area for two to five years. This is a waste of their time and a means to pressure them to give up their rights, Manal Makat, the campaigns coordinator, told Al-Monitor. She stressed that the law applied in Gaza requires women to wait a year, which is seen as a trial period for reconciliation. Only then can they file a lawsuit and wait three more years for the long litigation process to complete. This situation is different but no better for women in the West Bank where hundreds of women have been struggling to get divorced since 2012 when the Palestinian High Judicial Council's implemented "khula" an Islamic form of divorce initiated by the wife by returning her dowry to the husband. Several awareness-raising activities have called on all women to participate in the campaign. In one, several separated women formed a circle around the name of the campaign that was written in sand, explaining their reasons to the local media. The organizers have promoted the campaign over social media and enlisted the help of legal associations to help galvanize decision-makers into action. Women face major challenges before courts, whether they want to get divorced with or without alimony. Many husbands refuse to divorce their wives until they waive many of their legitimate rights, Zainab al-Ghonaimy, director of the Center for Women's Legal Research and Consulting in Gaza City, told Al-Monitor. Ghonaimy stressed, The problem lies in the law itself, as it does not allow women to divorce except for specific reasons such as the husband's impotence, his inability to financially support his household, or his disappearance or imprisonment. A woman can file for divorce from her husband if he is sentenced for three or more years in prison, according to Article 96 of the Law on Family Rights. Women who turn to the courts become entangled in unending legal procedures and bureaucracy under the discretionary power of judges, who tend to be extremely patriarchal in handling the cases, according to Ghonaimy. She believes that many loopholes in the law have to be addressed before women enjoy the same rights as men in cases of divorce. In the wake of the sudden coalition deal struck between Muqtada al-Sadr's Sairoon Alliance and the pro-Iran Fatah Alliance on June 12, the allied parties seem to be trying to soften the reactions of the opposing parties both inside and outside Iraq. In an official statement aimed at reassuring Washington that the new coalition would not adopt a policy hostile to the United States in Iraq, Karim al-Nuri, a leader in the Fatah Alliance, denied June 13 that his alliance is facing US opposition, saying, The new coalition is in tune with the vision of Iran and the United States, meaning that the new government that will result from this coalition will maintain the post-2003 moderate policies adopted by the Iraqi governments in keeping the balance of power between Iran and the United States, work to satisfy the two parties in Iraq and seek to keep their rivalry from affecting the country. The new coalition is also trying to reassure the religious authority in Najaf that it will be following the directives the authority issued before the recent elections. Nuri said that the new coalition would also satisfy the religious authority. Top Shiite cleric Grand Ayatollah Ali al-Sistani had expressed his outright opposition to the participation in the elections of the Popular Mobilization Units grouped under the Fatah Alliance. Nuri called on other blocs to join the coalition in order to accelerate the formation of the new government. This new coalition is open to all blocs and political parties, he said, as he expected other political blocs to join the coalition during the next few days. In a joint news conference held by Sadr and Fatah Alliance leader Hadi al-Ameri following the agreement on the coalition deal, Sadr said, Fatahs alliance with Sairoon maintains the tripartite alliance between the Sairoon Alliance, the National Wisdom Movement and Al-Wataniya Alliance. Sadr had signed a coalition deal with both Al-Wataniya Alliance led by Vice President Ayad Allawi, which includes a large number of Sunni members of parliament, and the Shiite National Wisdom Movement led by Ammar al-Hakim. This deal brings the coalition close to having a majority capable of forming a government, as the Sairoon Alliance has 54 seats, the Fatah Alliance 47, Al-Wataniya Alliance 21 and the National Wisdom Movement 19, which brings the total to 141 seats. A majority of 165 out of the 329 parliament seats is needed to form a government, meaning that the new coalition only needs 24 more seats to proceed. The two main Kurdish parties the Kurdistan Democratic Party (KDP) and the Patriotic Union of Kurdistan (PUK) welcomed in a joint statement the recent coalition deal between the Sairoon Alliance and Fatah Alliance, and described the coalition as a positive development that marks the first step on a political road map aimed at breaking the political deadlock. The KDP and PUK indicated that they will be forming a joint delegation to start talks with the new coalition. If the two Kurdish parties, which won 25 seats and 19 seats, respectively, do join the new coalition, then the latter would have 185 seats, which is more than enough to form the next government. Also, the State of Law Coalition, which won 25 seats and is led by former Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki, might join the new coalition between Sairoon and Fatah. Qais al-Khazali, the leader of Asaib Ahl al-Haq bloc within the Fatah list, met with Maliki June 13 to discuss the political and security developments in the country and the future of the political process in light of the current developments, according to a joint statement issued by the two. They asserted the need to form a comprehensive national alliance capable of building state institutions and involving everyone in the development of the next government program. All this means that outgoing Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi and his coalition would be excluded from the next government, as there will be no need for Abadi in the new coalition. And even if Abadi does join the coalition, he would not have a major role to play, which means that he would have no chance of maintaining the post of prime minister. These rapid developments come in the wake of several bombings that targeted Baghdad, most notably the explosion June 6 in the arms depot of Sadr City, which is predominantly loyal to Sadr, as well as the June 10 burning of the warehouse where ballot boxes were kept in the Rusafa district of Baghdad. The growing differences over the results of the recent elections have deepened the tension plaguing the country, which prompted several political parties, including Sadr himself, to warn against the outbreak of civil war in Iraq. All indicators show that the recent coalition deal comes following pressure placed on both Sairoon and Fatah, as there had been no previous preparations for such a deal, which was concluded very quickly amid the recent tension. Nuri confirmed his alliances coalition deal with Sairoon is a big and powerful coalition between two big and powerful alliances that no one can aggravate the situation without. This coalition is a message of reassurance to the Iraqi people before proceeding to form the largest parliamentary bloc concerned with forming a government. He explained that this is a message to all to lift the tension and ward off the specter of civil war, all the while excluding the option of repeating the elections. This message seeks to alleviate the burden weighing on the shoulders of the Iraqi people. The new coalition is seen as a victory for Iran's policy in Iraq, as Iran will be able to maintain its influence through the pro-Iran Fatah Alliance. This alliance is allied with the Sairoon Alliance, which shares Iran's hostility toward the United States. The new coalition has also raised the ire of Saudi Arabia. Saudi writer Jamal Khashoggi called it frustrating for those who already rushed to spread the news whereby Iraq has returned to its Arab environment. This is what happens to those who anticipate the results and live in the illusion of virtual victories. The most difficult choice is in the hands of the Communist Party and the civil movement, which is allied with Sadr in the Sairoon Alliance, as their election promises focused on getting rid of sectarian quotas and regional alliances and looking toward a new government that fights both corruption and the failure to manage the Iraqi state since 2003. It does not look like the new coalition will fulfill this ambition. Brig. Gen. Ofer Winter is the darling of Religious Zionists in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). A combat officer, he has made his way up the IDF ladder in the toughest units, on the hottest military fronts and through the IDFs most dangerous operations in the last decade. In recent years, Winter has become a symbol of the Zionist religious stream that has taken the military by storm in every branch i.e., land, air and sea. The number of Religious Zionists in the armys elite units, infantry and armored units is much greater than their percentage of the population. According to Israels Bureau of Statistics, 11% of Israeli Jews aged 20 and above self-identify as religious. About 40% of the soldiers who had completed the IDFs officer training course as of 2017 were from the Zionist religious population. Even in the upper echelons, such as the infantry divisions, many of the commanding officers belong to this stream. There are not, however, brigadier generals from the Religious Zionist sector on the next highest rung of the IDF ladder, such as commanders of infantry divisions, the most prestigious commanding roles in the army. This statistic infuriates the national-religious Jews. Some believe that the armys highest echelons are blocking their youth from the highest levels for political reasons. Religious Zionists are known as right-wing ideologists. Prior to the disengagement from Gaza in 2005, there was concern that some of them would refuse to follow military orders and instead obey their rabbis. They are part of Naftali Bennetts HaBayit HaYehudi electoral pool. Despite the fact that they have, to date, passed all the military versus religious tests, they still bear an automatic burden of proof. The round of IDF appointments announced June 11 transformed Religious Zionist infuriation into a real uproar. Despite expectations, and after Winters promotion had been frozen in the past, the IDF chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot, did not promote him to division commander. Instead, Winter remains in the lackluster division to which he was appointed after he concluded his stint as brigade commander of Givati. This can mean only one thing: The chief of staff is showing Winter the door. Thus, one of the bravest and most creative officers in the army, the man who was supposed to be the next religious general and potential leader, will evidently not become a member of the IDFs prestigious chief of staff forum. Thus, Eizenkot has branded himself as the person out to get the Zionist religious sector in the IDF. Those who really know Eizenkot know that he distances himself from politics. The officers promoted over Winters head are also worthy soldiers. The group includes a former member of the General Staff Reconnaissance Unit and a former naval commander unit officer. The chief of staff has the absolute authority to appoint officers on this level, and his decisions cannot be appealed. All anyone can do is criticize his decisions. Eizenkots high valuation of Winter suffered somewhat after the 2014 Operation Protective Edge campaign in Gaza, when Winter commanded the Givati Brigade. In that campaign, Lt. Hadar Goldin was killed in a Hamas ambush of Givati during a humanitarian cease-fire. Hamas then seized Goldins body. Under Winter, Givati conducted the famed Hannibal Procedure: The IDF rained heavy fire on the Rafah area, causing numerous Palestinian casualties. This, in turn, led to heavy criticism of Israel and the IDFs fire procedures. Despite this, it is believed that Winters actions in other contexts are what truly undercut Eizenkots image of Winter. During the operation, Winter met at least once with Naftali Bennett, Cabinet member and head of HaBayit HaYehudi, the party of the Zionist religious stream. Winter and Bennett are brothers in arms. They served together in the IDFs elite Maglan Special Forces unit and remained close friends from then on. It was based on Winters information and briefings that Bennett sharply criticized IDF policy and conduct in Cabinet meetings. Bennett especially criticized Chief of Staff Benny Gantz and Defense Minister Moshe Ya'alon. Winters tie to politicians behind the army's back angered many among the IDFs top echelons. Winter also rang warning bells in the IDF during Protective Edge by circulating a letter among his subordinate officers in which he said that they were chosen to spearhead the fighting against the terrorist Gazan enemy which abuses, blasphemes and curses the God of Israels [defense] forces. One highly placed chief of staff forum officer who objected to Winter's language told Al-Monitor at the time, on the condition of anonymity, Jihad is something we leave to the other side. Winter recanted his statement, but his message appeared to continue to resonate in the public arena. Thus, the outstanding officer, brave and creative, crossed several red lines while trying to make his way to the top. One of these lines was especially sensitive and explosive: the huge gap separating the worldviews of secular or traditional IDF soldiers and those of Religious Zionist fighters, who are much more committed to their rabbis dictates and to Jewish religious law, including when these collide with military orders. In the last decade, Religious Zionist members have largely replaced the collective secular pioneers and kibbutz movement members in the IDFs combat and command backbone. In the first decades after the establishment of the state, multitudes of kibbutz and moshav (village) members filled the combat fighter ranks. This sector raised thousands of fighters, hundreds of officers and a significant proportion of military leaders who later became the states leaders. Societal evolution in Israel changed this. While a significant percentage of kibbutz members still serve in the army as combat soldiers and officers and after compulsory service the Religious Zionists have stolen the show. The face of the IDF is slowly changing. Religion is seeping into places and events where it never had before. This raises concern among many over the way the army is changing. The IDF has always tried to remain focused on its military goals without a hidden agenda, free of messianism and unprofessional foreign interests. Recent years have seen storms in the Israeli public, surrounding statements made by prominent Religious Zionist rabbis who not infrequently crossed the line into the ostensibly isolated sphere of the army. The IDF has already imposed sanctions on pre-military religious academies that failed to close ranks with army orders. The atmosphere surrounding this sensitive issue is steadily heating up. Religious Zionist soldiers feel betrayed. They feel that while they constitute a significant proportion of the IDFs combat ranks, the army is trying to push them away instead of thanking them. Now Eizenkot is in their crosshairs, and not for the first time. True, Bennett and his crowd know that the chief of staff is not driven by any political agenda and has no secret plans to edge the Religious Zionists out of the IDF. Nevertheless, right-wing tweeters and professional troublemakers continue to spread accusations against Eizenkot and other IDF elites and count kippot (Jewish skullcaps) in the chief of staff forum. When will this end? Perhaps when the IDF appoints its first Religious Zionist chief of staff. In other words, not in the foreseeable future. Shortly after President Donald Trump bid farewell to his new buddy, North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un, on June 12, Israels Channel 10 reported that the presidents son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner and US Mideast envoy Jason Greenblatt would travel to the Middle East next week to discuss the administrations peace plan for the region. Their itinerary includes stops in Jerusalem, Saudi Arabia and the Gulf states. The Palestinian Authority seat in the West Bank city of Ramallah is not on their schedule. For now, there is no mention of the Palestinians on the tour. An alien landing on Earth would be certain that Trumps promised ultimate deal is a peace plan between Israel, the Saudis and the oil-rich Gulf states. The alien would not be far from the truth. The prevailing view among Israeli and Palestinian officials who spoke this week with Al-Monitor is that the Trump administration views the Israeli-Palestinian conflict as a mere hurdle on the way to forging a strategic US-Israeli-Arab alliance against Iran and its proxies. According to these officials, who spoke on condition of anonymity, US Ambassador to Israel David Friedman, a stalwart supporter of the West Bank settlements, has ascertained that the deal Trump promised soon after he took office would be tailored to fit Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, and too tight to the point of constricting for Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas. In this situation, Israel and Saudi Arabia would welcome the US plan and urge the Palestinians to resume negotiations with Israel based on the new blueprint. The Palestinians would flatly reject the plan, claiming that it disregards understandings reached over years of negotiations with Israel. The crisis would result in the dismantling of the Palestinian Authority and abrogation of the 1993 Oslo Accord. The Saudis would blame the Palestinians for the collapse of the deal and would renounce the 2002 Saudi-led Arab Peace Initiative that conditions normalization of Arab ties with Israel on its withdrawal from the occupied territories. The June 10 speech Netanyahu delivered in Jerusalem to representatives of the American Jewish Congress lends credence to this scenario. If President Abbas wants to make peace, recognize the Jewish state, for Gods sake. That will bring peace once and for all, he said. He subsequently repeated his demand for the Palestinians to recognize Israel as the Jewish state, and demanded that the PA stop paying terrorists. The White House is strongly on board with both these conditions, but they do not stand a chance in Ramallah. A Palestinian leader who adopts the Zionist ethos and abandons the families of the Palestinian ethos regards as freedom fighters against Israels occupation would likely be signing his own death warrant. At best, he would be engineering his political demise. In an unusually harsh op-ed in Haaretz on June 9, Greenblatt laid the groundwork for another round of the theres no Palestinian partner campaign. He accused the Palestinian leadership of being solely responsible for undermining the peace process by disseminating lies and engaging in overwrought rhetoric. There was not a single word about 51 years of Israeli military occupation and violation of Palestinian human rights. Writing in response, chief Palestinian negotiator Saeb Erekat lambasted Greenblatt for repeatedly avoiding substantive issues during the dozens of meetings they held. He declined to discuss future borders and Israeli settlements and even a two-state solution, Erekat said. Mr. Greenblatt, Mr. Friedman, and [US Ambassador to the UN Nikki] Haley, among others, wont be satisfied until Palestinians endorse Zionism, renounce their political rights and sign on to apartheid, he concluded. Erekat could have added another name to his list: Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman. At a late March meeting between the heir apparent and Jewish leaders in New York, he accused the Palestinian leadership of repeatedly missing all the opportunities presented to it for the past 40 years and rejecting all the proposals it had received. According to a Channel 10 report, the crown prince surprised listeners by saying, Its time for the Palestinians to accept the proposals and agree to come to the negotiating table, or for them to shut up and stop complaining. He made it clear that the Palestinian issue is not a priority for his government and for the Saudi public. There are far more pressing and more important issues to deal with, such as Iran, he was reported as saying. According to a lengthy expose this week in The New Yorker, the Saudi crown prince has told US officials he is willing to forge full ties with Israel and sounded keen to end the conflict, even if the Palestinians are unhappy with the terms of a deal. Israel has never attacked us. We share a mutual enemy, he reportedly told the Americans. The piece went on to say the administration of former President Barack Obama suspected that Netanyahu had met secretly with Gulf state leaders in Cyprus in 2015 in a bid to consolidate a united front against six powers nuclear agreement with Iran. According to the article, Israel and the Gulf states had recently broadened their military and intelligence cooperation against Islamist terror organizations operating in the Sinai Peninsula. Still, Netanyahu ignores a critical point. Like Ephraim Sneh wrote last April, Israel needs a regional alliance that will include Ramallah, not sacrifice it. During his American Jewish Congress speech, Netanyahu said, Iran has produced one good thing. It brought Israel and our Arab neighbors closer together than ever before. Arab states, Netanyahu added, have come to appreciate Israels tough security policies and that Israel can help against the risks of terrorism. He criticized the nuclear agreement with Iran, saying the countries that supported it are out of range of Irans missiles and had ignored the threats posed to Irans neighbors, chief among them Saudi Arabia and Israel. Netanyahu drew a direct line between the nuclear agreement with Iran and the new contacts between the United States and North Korea. Imagine that President Trump would come back with some deal, and Britain, France and Germany would applaud it, and South Korea and Japan would say that it endangers their existence. Youd think youd listen to this, right? So the same thing happened with the Iran deal, Netanyahu argued. Reading between the lines, one can sense concern that Trump, blinded by the limelight of international diplomacy, could continue in that direction, moving from a watery nuclear agreement with North Korea toward a watered-down nuclear agreement with Iran. Netanyahu may fear the American presidents unabashed desire for the Nobel Peace Prize could thus turn his ultimate deal for Israeli-Palestinian peace into a two-state solution that the Palestinians might accept. Having elevated him to the status of a messiah, the Israelis could then hardly accuse him of being their enemy. The Great Return Marches continue along the Gaza Strip, and the death toll continues to rise. According to Gaza Ministry of Health figures released June 3, 123 people had been killed and some 13,000 wounded since the protests began at the end of March. Several international bodies have condemned Israel and demanded that the Palestinians be protected. Kuwait, however, was one of the most vocal about what is happening in Gaza. During the UN Security Council meeting May 15, Kuwait's ambassador to the United Nations, Mansour al-Otaibi, proposed a draft resolution to protect Palestinian civilians and called for an international investigation into Israeli crimes. US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley rejected the Kuwaiti position, accused the Security Council of double standards and defended Israel for exercising restraint in the face of what she called Hamas provocation. Danny Danon, Israels permanent representative to the United Nations, on May 20 condemned the Kuwaiti draft resolution as dangerous because it strengthens Hamas. On June 1, the US vetoed the Kuwaiti draft resolution on the protection of Palestinian civilians, accusing it of bias, representing a unilateral view of the escalation in Gaza and being morally bankrupt. However, during its emergency meeting on Gaza on June 13, the UN General Assembly approved an Arab-backed resolution condemning Israel and calling for the international protection of the Palestinian people; 120 member countries voted in favor of the text, eight against, and 45 abstained. This resolution goes along the lines of the Kuwaiti proposal that was thwarted by Washington on June 1. Kuwaits support for the Palestinians does not stop there. On May 30, Kuwait blocked a US draft statement distributed to the member states at the Security Council regarding the launching of rockets by the Palestinian resistance from Gaza toward Israel and condemning Hamas. Essam Aldalis, a Hamas leader and deputy head of the political department in the political bureau in Gaza, told Al-Monitor, Kuwaits recent positions have proved its integrity, whether at the level of its emir, the government, the parliament or the people who stood by the Palestinian people in international forums. Kuwait had honorable positions against normalization with the Zionist entity. We are well aware that the US has been exerting pressure to discourage such a position. We hope that Kuwait will remain steadfast in the face of Washington, which is seeking to prevent Kuwait from upholding the Palestinian issue. On May 31, Hamas praised Kuwaits move to thwart the US draft statement, describing it as the true Arab position. Izzat Risheq, Hamas political bureau member and head of its Arab relations bureau, thanked Kuwait on May 30, condemning the US draft text as being biased toward Israel. After the diplomatic standoff between Kuwait and the United States over the events in Gaza, the Kuwaiti daily Al-Rai on June 6 quoted an unnamed US diplomat as saying that a few days before in Washington, Kuwaiti Ambassador to the US Salem al-Sabah met with Jared Kushner, senior adviser to and son-in-law of President Donald Trump. The source said it was a short and stormy meeting that lasted five minutes. Kushner reportedly told Sabah that "the US administration is dissatisfied with Kuwaits position on Gaza in the Security Council and shocked by its support of Hamas, although major Arab countries like Saudi Arabia and Egypt did not take this stance [and] have been working with us." A source in the Kuwaiti Foreign Ministry who refused to be named emphasized, in June 6 statements to the Kuwait News Agency, the depth of the joint relations with the United States as part of the strategic alliance and partnership between the two sides. Raj Shah, the White House principal deputy press secretary, said June 9 that the meeting between Sabah and Kushner was positive and not stormy. The senior diplomats discussed the Middle East peace process and moves at the United Nations. There is official and popular consensus in Kuwait to support the Palestinians. However, after the US pressure during the meeting between Sabah and Kushner, Kuwait has backed off a little in its support toward Palestinians. I believe some Arab countries gave the US the green light to pressure Kuwait, former Kuwaiti parliamentarian Mubarak al-Duwailah told Al-Monitor. Palestinian Foreign Minister Riyad al-Maliki visited Kuwait on June 5 to convey a message of gratitude from President Mahmoud Abbas to Kuwaits Emir Sheikh Sabah Al Ahmad Al Sabah for upholding the Palestinian cause. A member of Fatahs Central Committee who spoke with Al-Monitor on condition of anonymity said, Kuwaits courageous stance at the Security Council is in direct conflict with the position of the US and some Arabs who do not want the Palestinian cause to disrupt the ongoing normalization between some Arab countries and Israel. We express serious concerns that the US and other Arab countries might pressure Kuwait and succeed in discouraging it from supporting the Palestinians. Kuwaits stance on Gaza is close to the position of Iran, Qatar and Turkey, which are hostile to Israel, as opposed to Saudi Arabia, Egypt and the United Arab Emirates, which are closer to Israel. Egyptian journalist Ahmed al-Sharqawi wrote in the Qatari daily Al-Arab on June 9 that the meeting between Kushner and Sabah could mean that the United States is accusing Kuwait of supporting terrorism. Meanwhile, Kuwaiti journalist Wali al-Ahmad wrote June 6 in Al-Rai that Kuwaits stance on the Palestinian issue was not admired by some Arab parties which he did not name that started to doubt us and stab us in the back. There are no diplomatic relations between Israel and Kuwait. The latter does not allow Israeli passport holders to enter its territories. Kuwaiti forces participated in the wars of 1967 and 1973 against Israel. Kuwait also boycotts Israeli products. In 2014, Kuwait also boycotted the Renewable Energy Conference in Abu Dhabi as Israel was participating in it. In October, Kuwaiti parliament Speaker Marzouq al-Ghanim attacked his Israeli counterpart at the Inter-Parliamentary Union meeting in Russia, calling him the representative of the occupation, state terrorism and murderers of children. Kuwaits policy on Palestinians in international forums is in line with the decisions of the Arab foreign ministers. However, as a result of US pressure, Kuwait is now softening its tone against Israel. But I do not believe that this will affect the official and popular support of Palestinians in Kuwait, Mahmoud al-Ajrami, former undersecretary of the Palestinian Foreign Ministry, told Al-Monitor. While security tension is ongoing between Palestinians and Israel along the Gaza border, diplomatic and political tension continues between Washington and Kuwait. The political strain is likely to drag on between the two sides as long as there is no calm in the Palestinian territories, although both sides are not likely to escalate their dispute to not harm their common interests. Turkey has entered the final stretch of a historic election campaign and public opinion polls are giving President Recep Tayyip Erdogan a clear lead in his re-election bid. Yet a lack of confidence surrounding opinion research in Turkish politics may be skewing results ahead of an election that may be too close to call. Electoral rules restrict polling in the final 10 days of a campaign to prevent such research from swaying voters, and pollsters have rushed to release data, with a handful putting Erdogans share of the vote above 50% the percentage needed to win in a first-round of voting on June 24. If he falls short of half of the vote, a runoff between the top two candidates will be held on July 8. Politicians, journalists, investors and political analysts are closely tracking the data despite most polls' failure to accurately predict outcomes in recent Turkish elections. Polling data released in the the final 10 days must include details about the organization conducting the research, the number of subjects and who is financing the research. Turkish election polling is wholly unreliable," said Michael Daventry, a journalist who runs the James in Turkey blog that closely monitors Turkish electoral politics. "There is no Turkish pollster who publishes public data that is reliable, because they dont share how they gathered the data and they dont reveal who paid for the research. Those are the two main things you would expect from any pollster. Daventry pointed to a tradition among research firms to favor one party over the other, telling Al-Monitor, Polls in Turkey are used for political ends to further a political narrative. One transparent exception came on Wednesday, when Bloomberg News released a poll it commissioned from Foresight Danismanlik that showed Erdogan winning outright on June 24 with 50.8% support. It said he could still face an upset because his razor-thin lead fell within the 3.5% margin of error in the survey of 500 people conducted between June 7 and June 11. A poll of 5,500 people released last week by MAK Arastirma, which is seen as close to the government, showed Erdogan with 51.5% of the vote. Other surveys predict Erdogan will have to wait two more weeks to become president again, with his support ranging between 43.5% and 48% in the first round, in which he is competing against five other presidential hopefuls. The election is Turkeys most significant in at least a generation, ushering in constitutional changes Erdogan won in a contentious referendum last year that will greatly expand the powers of his office. Turks will also cast ballots in a concurrent parliamentary poll. The elections are also occurring during the emergency rule that Erdogan imposed in the wake of a 2016 coup that failed to topple him. Tens of thousands of people have been jailed including Selahattin Demirtas, one of Erdogans presidential competitors, whose support hovers around 10%. Dozens of media outlets have been outlawed, raising questions from observers including the Council of Europe about how free and fair the vote can be. Polling in a restricted media environment is really problematic. Public opinion is shaped primarily by television. If what people see on the TV news only communicates one point of view, its inevitable that views expressed in polls will reflect that point of view, said Christine Quirk, principal at Quirk Global Strategies, a research consultancy that specializes in measuring public opinion in difficult environments. This is the primary factor that makes me skeptical of public opinion polling in Turkey around election time. Pollsters must ensure that every likely voter has an equal chance of participating in the survey to ensure a truly random sample. Researchers also require information on how people voted previously and their demographic and geographic details. And they need a mathematical model to compare results with past patterns. Its not rocket science, Quirk told Al-Monitor. Many of the problems with election polling in Turkey could be solved with more transparency and more critical reporting by journalists. Did this pollsters poll accurately predict the election? is the wrong question a stopped clock is right twice a day. A better question is, Did this pollster use a methodology that accurately measured the views of Turkish voters on the day the poll was taken? The only way the public will know the answer to that question is if pollsters release important details like sample size, sampling methodology, data collection methodology, the dates the data were collected and, most importantly, who paid for the poll, she said. For all their flaws, the consensus that has emerged is that it's a question of when, not if, Erdogan wins the vote. He consistently ranks above 50% when voters are questioned about who they would choose in a two-person race. Muharrem Ince, the candidate for the main opposition Republican Peoples Party (CHP), has staged round-the-clock campaign events in nearly all of Turkeys provinces, pledging to hold a total of 106 rallies in the 50 days he has to campaign. The combative former schoolteacher has lit up social media with his sharp rebukes of Erdogan and reportedly beat him in television ratings. These efforts have helped lift Inces support to 27.8% on June 11 from 22.6% on May 16, according to Poltios two polls. Ince scored 31.4% in a poll of 3,000 people conducted between May 29 and June 3 by Sonar Arastirma, gaining 10 percentage points within two weeks. This is the highest share of the vote that the CHP has achieved since [late Prime Minister] Bulent Ecevit in 1977, it said. Opposition media figures were quick to report that Sonars Chairman Hakan Bayrakci was briefly detained following the results of the poll, even though the pollster tweeted he was taken into custody after he was caught lighting a cigarette in an airplane lavatory during a domestic flight. In the end, opinion polling, trusted or not, will have little impact on voter preferences, said Quirk. Polls shaping public opinion, like strategic voting, is one of those things that opinion leaders love to think happens but usually doesnt. People vote their own self-interest. How will this candidate or party help me educate my kid or get a better job? Thats what ultimately affects how most people decide how to vote, not what a poll says, she said. Turkey plans to open its fourth university in the northern Syrian territory it controls. It is just one of many steps that have people wondering if Ankara ever plans to leave the area. In an apparently organized effort to establish parallel institutions in Syria, Turkey announced that Harran University will open a campus in the town of al-Bab, which Turkey captured during Operation Euphrates Shield (August 2016-March 2017). According to information on the school's website, the university's vice president, Ali Sariisik, has inspected a building to house the new facility. Al-Bab campus will be opened following completion of infrastructure and other preparatory work. The Harran University delegation met with local representatives in the building, which was flying the Free Syrian Army [FSA] flag, the website said. With completion of the work on setting up the campus, thousands of young people will finally have a university to attend at Jarablus, Cobanbey (al-Rai), al-Bab and Afrin, having been cleared of forces from the Islamic State, the Kurdistan Workers Party and the Kurdish Democratic Union Party, all of which Turkey considers to be terrorist groups. Classes at the Harran extension will be taught in either Arabic, English or Turkish, depending on each departments assessment of the most appropriate language for its field. We want to be a light of hope for the youth [in al-Bab], the university rector, Ramazan Tasaltin, states on the school's website. We want to fill the massive vacuum in the field of education. The website stresses that with this initiative, people who can't go to Turkey to study will now have an opportunity to acquire an education in their own country. On May 11, the school held exams taken by 800 Syrians in Jarablus and al-Bab for the opportunity to study in Turkey. The tests were conducted in Turkish, English and Arabic. Based on statements by Tasaltin, the reasoning behind the effort was political. The US sent Syria 5,000 truckloads of weapons, Tasaltin said. Turkey, for its part, sent 10,000 trucks of humanitarian assistance. As a university, we want to contribute to the humanitarian efforts of our country. As noted, before establishing Harran University, the Turkish government, either singularly or by funneling assistance through civil society organizations, had already opened three universities in Syria. In 2016, Damascus International University began operations in Azaz in cooperation with Turkeys Humanitarian Assistance Foundation. Free Aleppo University, which opened the same year, is affiliated with the Higher Education Ministry established by the Syrian opposition tied to the so-called Syrian Interim Government. The Basaksehir Arabic Language and Islamic Sciences Academy opened in 2017 in al-Bab. The academy, with departments of Sharia and Islamic economics, is under the control of the Istanbul/Basaksehir-based Inspiration Foundation. Its students receive scholarships from the Turkish Religious Foundation. Although the school promotes itself as a major educational institution, its diplomas are not recognized in Turkey. Turkey's taking administrative and legal actions in other countries without official invitation has been cause for much debate. Are such actions symbolic of nationalist aspirations or merely efforts to find temporary solutions to real problems? The poet and author Selim Temo, who was dismissed as an assistant professor from Artuklu University in 2017 in a state of emergency decree, says the Harran University project is motivated by colonialist aspirations. He also thinks it will fail. Our [Turkey's] recent interest in the Middle East was inspired by colonial illusions. Universities along the Turkey-Syria border were designed according to the needs during the Syrian civil war, Temo told Al-Monitor. Today, thousands of Syrian students study in Arabic-language departments at Artuklu, Harran and Gaziantep universities. You can call them parallel departments, because they aren't attached to the parent school, and their departments are filled with Muslim Brotherhood-affiliated instructors. To open a faculty at al-Bab is a manifestation of the same madness and dreaming of the past. Their sole motivation nowadays is anti-Kurdism. That school, too, will end up being a regional elementary school with an unfinished building. Turkey is quietly assigning administrative officers to areas taken over in the Euphrates Shield campaign and Operation Olive Branch (launched in January). Ahmet Turgay, deputy governor of Gaziantep, is now working out of an office in Jarablus. In the area between Jarablus and al-Bab, Turkeys Office of Religious Affairs and entities attached to the Ministries of Interior, Education, Health and Communications are indeed creating a parallel structure. Turkeys Education Ministry has organized schools in Jarablus, Cobanbey, al-Bab and Azaz where about 200,000 students are being educated. Recently, these students received their report cards, which were adorned with Turkish and FSA flags, in ceremonies attended by Turkish officials. Turkish police in 2016 and 2017 trained 5,000 Syrians for a parallel police organization, and Turkey's postal service opened branches in Jarablus, al-Bab and Cobanbey. Selahattin Yildirim, attached to Turkeys Office of Religious Affairs, was appointed mufti of al-Bab. Ankara is also moving ahead with activities to set up an industrial zone and a power station near al-Bab. What will happen to all these institutions and operations when the area returns to Syrian-government control? Turkish officials dont want to hear this question. For a foreign power to establish parallel institutions in a sovereign state is a serious legal and diplomatic issue, but for now, nobody in Turkey seems to care. A consumer vehicle safety group is calling on the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration to investigate several models of Hyundai and Kia vehicles for a fire hazard - including ones manufactured in Montgomery. The Center for Auto Safety has petition the NHTSA to look into the 2011-2014 Kia Sorento, Kia Optima, Hyundai Sonata, and Hyundai Santa Fe for potential fire hazards. According to the group, there have been more than 100 consumer complaints of non-collision fires submitted to NHTSA with these vehicles and 200 complaints of melted wires in the engine bay with smoke and burning odors. More than 2.2 million of the vehicles were manufactured during model years 2011 to 2014. The Kia Sorento and Optima and the Hyundai Santa Fe models were all manufactured at Kia Motors Manufacturing Georgia (KMMG) in West Point, Georgia. The Hyundai Sonata vehicles were made in Montgomery. Kia and Hyundai are separate motor companies with a common corporate owner. "An important question is whether these commonalities indicate potential flaws in the manufacturing process that is worthy of immediate investigation, not only into the vehicles but the oversight and safety processes at these facilities. In the alternative, supplier error may be responsible," the center said in its announcement. Hyundai, in a statement to Consumer Reports, said the number of reported fires in vehicles is "extremely low." "Hyundai actively evaluates potential safety concerns with all of its vehicles and acts swiftly to recall vehicles with safety-related defects," the company said. "Should we, in close coordination with NHTSA, find that additional remedies in the U.S. are warranted for these vehicles, we will take immediate action." The NHTSA is expected to respond within 120 days. There will be loud bagpipes and colorful tartan banners, and even a huge birthday cake. First Presbyterian Church in downtown Huntsville has much to celebrate this Sunday, June 17. They've been in existence for 200 years and are the oldest Presbyterian church in continuous service in the state of Alabama. The church was founded in 1818, before Alabama became a state. The Reverend Gideon Blackburn, Presbyterian clergyman, missionary and college president, gathered with other men in this small village to make plans for a church to be built on the current site at the corner of Gates Avenue and Lincoln Avenues. He could not have imagined that the seeds he planted would take root and flourish for two centuries. The first building was erected in 1822. Only an organ bench, pieces of a communion service, and the baptismal bowl survived from these early days, and they're still in use today. The current brick structure was dedicated in May of 1860, but by the end of the Civil War, the congregation considered selling the building to pay off a $5,000 debt. The building was war-damaged and the steeple had blown off during a storm. Eventually, the congregation managed to pay off the debt. The church started by a handful of pioneers grew. Couples were married. Children were baptized. Church members were eulogized and buried. The church held on. Over the years, there were physical changes. By 1914, electric lights illuminated the sanctuary, new pews were installed, and brilliant stained glass windows replaced the brown and tan ones. There are 26 memorial windows, the oldest, Bryson Window, was dedicated about 1900. As it grew, First Presbyterian Church sponsored the creation of other churches: Trinity Presbyterian, Faith Presbyterian, Lakewood, and Fellowship Presbyterian. According to longtime member Sue Shaver, 18 sons and daughters have gone on to become ministers; 20 senior pastors have served this church; and there have been approximately 10,000 Sunday church services with 10,000 sermons preached from the pulpit. The church has spilled out into the community, building houses with Habitat for Humanity, both locally and in Kentucky, Tennessee, Missouri. The choir "has been blessed," as one member said, with voices from Oakwood College students. There's a preschool program with a waiting list. There's the adjacent Gideon Blackburn House, constructed in 2004 for receptions and celebrations. And now there is a new Senior Pastor, Tara Bulger, who'll be the minister for 750 people who chose to have her serve them. She's been in the job since March 1. She'll be there on Sunday to welcome 12 new members. "One of the best things about serving a church like this is the agreement people have made to stick together, year after year. Things that are 'new and flashy' get all the attention these days, but what matters is being in community together." The community will celebrate on June 17 at 10:30, at 307 Gates Avenue. Call 256-536-3354 for more information. Workers who lost their jobs with the closing of Auburn's MasterBrand Cabinets on Tuesday have several resources at their disposal. An emergency response job fair will be held June 20 in Opelika, and the Alabama Department of Commerce is holding emergency rapid response meetings for the dislocated workers. The job fair will be held Wednesday, June 20 from 8 a.m. to 12 p.m. at Southern Union State Community College's New Business & Technology Center, in the Southern Room, located at 301 Lake Condy Road in Opelika. The Opelika Career Center is partnering with Southern Union State Community College to host 29 employers, including AIDT, Briggs & Stratton, East Alabama Medical Center and others. The job fair is free and pre-registration is not required. Jobseekers should dress professionally, be prepared to interview, and bring multiple copies of their resumes. The mobile Career Center will be on location, should jobseekers need assistance. For more information, contact Coretta Bozeman at the Opelika Career Center at 334-749-5065. The rapid response meetings will take place Monday and Tuesday at 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. at the The Hotel at Auburn University & Dixon Conference Center, 241 South College Street in Auburn. The meetings will explain benefits available to dislocated workers through at the State and Federal levels. There will also be information about how to apply for unemployment benefits, training scholarships up to $12,000, and reimbursement of relocation expenses up to $3,500. There is also assistance with on the job training (the state can reimburse a company up to half a dislocated workers salary for up to six months), mortgage payment assistance up to $25,000, affordable health insurance options for adults and children, 401k and retirement assistance, as well as food, clothing, and other social service programs available. The meeting will last no longer than one hour and multiple meeting times are scheduled. Ashland-based company Wellborn Cabinet, Inc. is also looking to hire 50 new employees and hopes to hire now-former employees of MasterBrand Cabinets. The former Trussville fire chief took four vehicles that belonged to the city and used them for personal gain, a state trooper testified Thursday. Russell Ledbetter, 58, faced a preliminary hearing in Jefferson County District Court Judge William Bell Jr.'s courtroom Thursday morning. He's facing six charges-- two counts of first-degree theft, and four counts of ethics violations for using property for personal gain. Following the hearing, the judge bound the case over to a grand jury for possible indictment. Det. Brendan Fuller with the Alabama Law Enforcement Agency testified during the hearing. He said the charges stem from incidents involving four vehicles, and ALEA was first alerted to the case after Trussville Mayor Buddy Choat wrote to the agency last year, asking for officials to investigate. Trussville has both a paid, full-time fire department and a volunteer department. Ledbetter served as fire chief beginning in 1998 until he was placed on leave in 2016. The first vehicle Fuller described was a 2008 Ford Crown Victoria. The Trussville Volunteer Fire Department purchased the car in 2014 for approximately $3,000. In 2016, Ledbetter registered the car in his name and purchased the title for $10, Fuller said. Last year, Ledbetter sold the car to another fire department for $1,000, the detective said. One theft and one ethics charge stemmed from that incident. The second car Fuller testified about was a 1968 AMG military vehicle. Fuller said he didn't know when the department obtained the car, but that Ledbetter registered the car to himself in 2014 and "simply took" it. The car was surrendered to investigators after Fuller set a day all department property to be turned into authorities, and Fuller said Ledbetter admitted the vehicle was his. One theft and one ethics charge comes from the AMG. Fuller also described a 1952 carry-all Jeep military vehicle. The Jeep was also registered under Ledbetter's name in 2014. According to Fuller, the Jeep was restored and extensively worked on at the volunteer fire department and by firefighters, using city tools and labor. Following its restoration, the Jeep was stored at another firefighter's home. One ethics charge stems from the Jeep. The AMG and the Jeep both were registered with vintage tags, Fuller said, which the state does not maintain records for. The last vehicle Fuller described was a 2015 travel trailer. That trailer was purchased by the fire department or the volunteer fire department from a state surplus auction for approximately $1,500 in 2007. One year later, Fuller said Ledbetter registered the trailer in his name and has continued to keep a current registration on it. One ethics charge stems from the trailer. Fuller said the state is also investigating claims Ledbetter sold about 20 other trailers bought by the department to people he knew, and profited from the sale. Ledbetter will remain free on bonds totaling $90,0000. He is represented by Bill Clark. Clark questioned Fuller about whether the city of Trussville every used any of the vehicles for any city or military event. Fuller responded he was not aware of any. Clark argued during the closing that there was no evidence he stole any of the vehicles or trail and no evidence he violated ethics laws in any way. Family members are mourning the loss of a father who was shot to death in his east Birmingham apartment late Tuesday. Gussie Darlene Oden said she made her son - 30-year-old Lorenzo Oden - Rotel dip Tuesday night and took it to him at his nearby apartment in Gate City's Marks Village. She left and went to visit her brother but saw her son again one more time when he came to pick her up and give her a ride home. She had no idea then it would be the last time. A couple hours later, she got the news no parent wants to hear. "My neighbors were knocking and beating on the door. They told me my son was killed,'' she said. "I just couldn't move." East Precinct officers responded shortly after 11:30 p.m. to the 6700 block of Joppa Avenue on a report of a person shot. Once on the scene, said Sgt. Bryan Shelton, they found Lorenzo Oden dead inside the apartment. Shelton said the preliminary investigation shows an argument took place and then shots could be heard inside the apartment. It's unclear what the argument was about, and no motive has been established, he said. "We had no forced entry, so the victim possibly knew his killer and felt comfortable letting them in the home,'' Shelton said. "Our investigators must now find answers and help bring the family some closure." Darlene Oden said she has no idea why her middle son was killed. "The only thing I've heard was he was robbed and shot,'' she said. "Nobody has any idea why because he didn't bother nobody." The family was raised in Alabaster and moved about five years go to Birmingham. Court records show no criminal record for Lorenzo Oden. "He was a good guy and he never was a bother,'' the grieving mother said. "He was quiet and stayed to himself." "He was very respected and well-thought-of,'' Darlene Oden said. "Everybody knew him and loved him." Lorenzo Oden was the father of a 9-year-old daughter. She was in Georgia with her uncle at the time of the deadly shooting, but they rushed back to be with other family members. "She was crying and hollering,'' Darlene Oden said. "She broke down last night and again today saying she wanted her daddy, but she's going to be OK." Darlene Oden said she has been praying since her son was killed, even for the suspect or suspects. "I forgave them already. I can truly say that,'' she said. "But I do want justice. He didn't deserve to be killed the way he was killed. Somebody has to know something." "I'm just trying to stay strong,'' she said. "I know God's got him." Lorenzo Oden was one of two people killed in Birmingham in less than 12 hours. Shortly before 8 a.m. Wednesday, Birmingham police responded to the 3200 block of Avenue D in Ensley after a man was found dead in a vehicle. Police say Jamal Davis was shot in the head. The air bags in the vehicle had deployed and it appears he had struck a tree. Authorities said Davis' death is homicide. Jamal Davis The slayings of Oden and Davis are the 44th and 45th homicides for Birmingham in 2018 and the second and third this week. In all of Jefferson County, there have been 69th homicides, including the 45 in Birmingham. Anyone with information is asked to call Birmingham homicide detectives at 205-254-1764 or Crime Stoppers at 205-254-7777. This is an opinion column. Let's start here: we're talking about schools, one of the vital institutions we depend upon to teach, nurture and guide our children, to arm them with the tools they need to effectively and productively function in our increasingly dysfunctional society. We're also talking about leadership--school board members empowered with the duty to represent and respect not just the best interests of our children, but also the employees whom they lead and serve. The five members of the Jefferson County School Board represent 57 schools containing 36,000 students, who speak, according to the district, 55 different languages. The second-largest school district in the state also employs 4,500 men and women as teachers, custodians, secretaries, principals and in myriad other significant capacities. More than half of the students are African-American, as are one in four of the employees. But you know what? For this discussion, race doesn't really matter at all. Common sense does. Ignorance does. Being obstinate does. On Tuesday, during a fiery Jefferson County School Board committee meeting, Donna Pike, an elected member representing District 2, defiantly defended memes and Facebook posts she shared saying she "stands with" disgraced (and unemployed) comedienne Rosanne Barr, who was fired last month by ABC after calling former Special Advisor to President Barack Obama Valerie Jarrett, an "ape" on Twitter; and describing former First Lady Michelle Obama a "disgrace" for supposedly not holding her hand over her heart during the national anthem in a photograph taken at a Veteran's Day event in 2011. (Full disclosure: Jarrett and I were Stanford classmates.) Pike, a former bus driver and former Irondale city councilor who has served on the board since last year, was confronted with the posts by Birmingham activist Carlos Chaverest during his scheduled appearance before the board. "That's your school board member,' he said, pointing to Pike while showing attendees the meme and photo. "[Barr's] a racist and if you stand with her that makes you one, too. You have an obligation to stand up for these children and do what's right." He called for her to resign. Pike's Facebook post "I shared [the Barr post] and I'm not sorry I did," Pike responded, "because it shows the hypocrisy in our country. Some people can get away with [racism], some people can't. It's not racist. I didn't know who the lady [Jarrett] was until I saw her on Facebook." Regarding Obama, she began by referencing her daughter, a disabled veteran, and son, also a veteran. "For her not to salute the flag--look at the picture--was offensive to me," she said. So, let's unwrap this: Pike is essentially saying she stands by blatant racism while declaring "I'm not a racist" with just about every other defensive breath. (With each one, I couldn't help but recall Queen Gertrude's declaration in Hamlet: "The lady doth protests too much, methinks.") Regarding the Obama image Pike and her ilk use to describe the former First Lady as a "disgrace," a third-grader would "Google" it and learn--duh--it's fake. Obama did, in fact, raise her hand over her heart just seconds after her husband. On Wednesday morning, I shared the information debunking the validity of the photo with Pike in an email. Here's the ensuing email exchange: Pike: Thank you for this information. I have learned a valuable lesson. I am not a racist. But will always stand up for our country. Me: Thank you for your response, Ms. Pike. What is the lesson you learned? Pike's fake Obama post Pike: Not everything is true on fb. I am a prime example. It's not true, but a lot of people thrive on the negative, without checking or even getting my side. Oh well, human nature. Thanks again. Me: Thanks again for the reply. So, I'm clear: you're saying people are doing the same thing to you that you did with Michelle Obama - not check the facts before posting? Do you see now that she DID salute the flag? If so do you retract the things you said about her during Tuesday's meeting? Also, you say you're "not a racist," which I totally respect because I don't know you and we've never met. But do you see at all how someone might think that when you posted support for someone who was fired for making racist statements about a public official? Pike: Mr. Johnson, I am not going to back and forth with you. My phone is busy with people who get my position. Evidently, you don't. Me: What makes you think that, Ms. Pike? I'm just asking questions for clarity. And I appreciate your responses. So, tell me clearly: what are your positions regarding your support of Rosanne Barr and calling Michelle Obama a "disgrace", especially now that you know she did salute the anthem in the photo you posted? Thank you for your time and attention. Like I said, I don't know you and have never met you, so am making no personal judgments about you. I look forward to your reply. I'm still looking forward to it. Donna Pike doesn't get it. Teachers across the nation are summarily fired for racist actions--even for allegedly criticizing racism, in one insipid instance because no one (except maybe racists) wants their children taught by someone who sees one group of students as better (or worse) than another, who harbors prejudices that may affect anything from grading to the goals for which the teacher encourages students to strive. Yet Pike thinks it's alright for a school board member to "stand by" racist expressions and declare the First Lady a disgrace before doing what any school-age child would be taught to do--check the facts. If Pike were a teacher, she would likely be on administrative leave by now, negotiating a quiet exit. District leaders "should be held to the same standard," Jefferson County Superintendent Dr. Craig Pouncey told me Tuesday evening. Indeed, a school board member in Marion, Ind. recently resigned (and apologized) after sharing the exact same post as Pike on Facebook. "I by no means whatsoever condone the words that Roseanne put in her tweet," she wrote after quickly deleting the post. "I unfortunately clicked a button on Facebook too quickly without knowing the facts and am truly sorry." Soon thereafter, she resigned "for the integrity of this board and out of love for this community." Pike should follow her lead. "Whether you are an employee of the public-school system or an elected official, we have a surrogate responsibility to the people we represent," Pouncey added. "When your personal opinion ignores who you represent, you need to rethink what you're doing. "Do I think Donna Pike is a racist? No. I think she cares about kids. I think she got caught up in the moment; she needs to be conscious of what she puts on social media. My caution [during the meeting] was not just to her but to the entire board: we need to have enough self-control to recognize our legal and responsible obligation to voters and who we represent." There is no official recourse, unfortunately, that would remove Pike from the board. Under provisions of the 2012 Alabama School Board Governance Act, school board president Oscar S. Mann could call for the board to vote on a formal censure or reprimand, which would require Pike be given a 30-day notice. In an email on Thursday, Mann, "We are meeting with our legal team to decide our course of action as a board." Additionally, he said. "[The] opinions of Ms. Pike regarding this matter do NOT [his emphasis] reflect the beliefs of the JeffCoEd School District." If she does not resign, or apologize, the board should take some action. Pike Barr Facebook post Pike does not need to be a school leader if she stands by racism and needed a "lesson" such as this to know what most of the district's 36,000 kids surely know: "not everything is true" on social media. But if she remains on the board, she must, at minimum, understand that just as she was "offended" by what turned out to be the fake image of Michelle Obama not saluting during the anthem, many of the people whom she swore to lead were offended by her very real, public support of Barr and wrongful slander of the former First Lady. She may very well not be a racist, as she will undoubtedly continue to tell us. An apology would go a long way towards showing us. Story was updated on at 1p on Thursday, June 14 with comment from school board president Oscar Mann. Tricha Powell Crain contributed to this article. Roy S. Johnson's column appears in The Birmingham News, the Huntsville Times, the Mobile Register and AL.com. Hit me up at rjohnson@al.com or/and follow me at twitter.com/roysj. Watch activist Carlos Chaverest's exchange with school board member Donna Pike: Birmingham and Jefferson County are potentially missing out on tens of thousands of dollars in tax revenues by not requiring Airbnb and other online home sharing companies to collect lodging taxes. It also gives Airbnb hosts a competitive advantage over traditional hotels that must collect the tax, said John Oros, president and chief executive officer of the Greater Birmingham Convention & Visitors Bureau. Visitors also must do their research before using Airbnb in Birmingham because no inspections are required to list properties on the platforms. Websites like Airbnb and HomeAway are online marketplaces where people can list or rent short-term lodgings including whole homes, apartments or single rooms. Rick Journey, director of communications for the Birmingham Mayor's Office, said short-term hosts are asked to seek a business license, but the city doesn't have any regulations pertaining to short-term rentals. That means there's no law requiring hosts to collect the city's 6.5 percent lodging tax, or that require residences listed on the home sharing websites to be inspected. "Individuals wishing to offer a property through such sites should first consult the city's zoning office," Journey said. "There are some issues in the zoning ordinance that likely prohibit them, at least in certain areas." Council President Valerie Abbott said many of the short-term rentals operating in the city are illegal because businesses aren't allowed to operate in residential-zoned areas "We have a lot of people who are operating illegally," she said, adding that the only mechanism the city has to stop the practice now is for neighbors to complain. Jefferson County Commission President Jimmie Stephens said the county doesn't have any regulations on short-term rentals like Airbnb either and has no immediate plans to tax them. He said the majority of the county's lodging taxes go to the Birmingham-Jefferson Convention Complex. Tax revenue Airbnb had 14,400 guests in Birmingham in 2017, which generated $1.5 million in revenues for hosts, according to the hospitality platform. In Alabama, only Gulf Shores saw more Airbnb guests. Based on the city's 6.5 percent lodging tax, Birmingham lost nearly $100,000 in tax revenues last year. Jefferson County, which has a 7 percent lodging tax, has lost even more revenues. Hotel visitors in the city of Birmingham are charged 17.5 percent in lodging taxes, which includes city, county and state taxes. Oros said the amount of lost tax revenue is only going to grow if Birmingham doesn't require Airbnb and other online lodging companies to collect local taxes. "The trend is skyrocketing," he said, of the short-term rental market. "It can become an issue like it has in other cities very quickly." Airbnb does collect a 4 percent lodging tax for the state of Alabama on all rentals across the state, including within Birmingham. The hospitality platform also collects a 7 percent lodging tax on behalf of its hosts and guests in Auburn and Orange Beach and a 11 percent lodging tax in Tuscaloosa. The lodging tax is charged and collected on all eligible bookings in the city when users book a listing on the Airbnb platform. Airbnb has grown quickly from its inception in 2008. It has become a $25 billion business, collecting and remitting lodging taxes in more than 300 cities across the globe. According to a 2017 report, Airbnb projected that if the 50 largest cities in the United States were to let Airbnb collect and remit taxes on their behalf, the windfall for the local governments would be $2.5 billion over the next 10 years. Birmingham City Councilor Darrell O'Quinn, who represents part of downtown and Crestwood North, where many Airbnbs are located, said the city should require Airbnb to collect lodging taxes. "It is not only a revenue issue, but it is an issue in terms of fairness to the hotels that have to collect that," he said. Zoning of short-term rentals While Birmingham has no laws pertaining to short-term rentals, Abbott said the city's law department is researching potential regulations. Journey confirmed that the city is exploring "next steps, which could include partnership opportunities with home share sites." Other cities including two local ones have regulated Airbnb. Last year, Mountain Brook set the minimum period for short-term rentals at 30 days. In 2016, Homewood barred short-term rentals in single-family homes due to complaints from residents regarding parking and noise. Hoover hasn't imposed any regulations on Airbnb yet, city administer Allan Rice said. Tuscaloosa requires short-term rental properties to be licensed and inspected. Single-family homes being used as rentals must have smoke and carbon monoxide detectors, operable windows, hand and guard rails, fire extinguishers, emergency lighting to indicate exits and other safety features. Early this year, Nashville took a stance against the rise of short-term rentals by prohibiting the practice in homes that aren't occupied by their owners. This applies only to residential-zoned neighborhoods. Charleston, S.C. lifted its ban on short-term rentals in April but set strict rules that prohibits whole-home rentals and requires property owners to be home when they rent out rooms. O'Quinn said he hasn't heard any complaints from residents about short-term rentals. He said neighbors who list their property on Airbnb are enjoying the additional income. "I think for some people it is actually helping them stay in their house," O'Quinn said. A 63-year-old Huntsville man has pleaded guilty to sex trafficking for paying more than $20,000 to molest a smuggled Honduran teen, federal authorities said. Billy Edwards has pleaded guilty in a federal sex-trafficking case involving a Honduran teen victim. Billy Edwards will be sentenced Sept. 12 on charges of commercial sex trafficking, coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in prostitution, and being a convicted felon in possession of firearms, the Department of Justice announced today. Edwards pleaded guilty in U.S. District Judge R. David Proctor's court on Tuesday. The father of the teen sex-trafficking victim also faces federal charges in connection with the case. The father is Darwin Moises Amador-Zepeda, a 38-year-old from Honduras. "The trafficking of any human being, especially a child, is unconscionable, unthinkable, and unforgivable," U.S. Attorney Jay Town said in a news release. "Our Human Trafficking Task Force remains committed to bringing these despicable traffickers to justice and we have reserved bed space in prison for them all, which will only serve as temporary quarters on their road to perdition." Edwards pleaded guilty to paying the victim's father more than $20,000, according to the DOJ. Amador-Zepeda brought the teen to the U.S. from Honduras in 2010, court records show. The father began molesting him when he was 15 years old and they moved to Huntsville, records state. Edwards acknowledged in his plea agreement that he began paying Amador-Zepeda in 2014 so that he would persuade or coerce the boy to have sexual encounters with Edwards, the DOJ said. The sexual encounters with the child continued for several months until Edwards stopped paying to have them, according to the plea agreement. Even after the abuse stopped, Edwards kept making payments because the victim's father "threatened to inform law enforcement about the sexual relationship and payments," an agent wrote in court records. The men later executed a contract for Edwards to make a series of payments totaling $20,000 to Amador-Zepeda in exchange for the cell phone containing the incriminating evidence, the DOJ said. Edwards initially was arrested in September 2017 by the Madison County Sheriff's Office after a search warrant was served at his home. The U.S. Attorney's Office since has taken over prosecution of the case. Edwards was charged federally in October 2017. The case was investigated by Immigration and Customs Enforcement along with the DOJ and Madison County law enforcement. Assistant U.S. Attorneys Xavier Carter and Carla Ward are prosecuting. The penalty for commercial sex trafficking is 15 years to life in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. The penalty for coercion and enticement of a minor to engage in prostitution is 10 years to life in prison and a maximum $250,000 fine. The maximum penalty for being a convicted felon in possession of firearms is 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine. A death penalty trial is scheduled early next year for a south Huntsville man pursuing an insanity defense in the strangling deaths of his wife and 7-year-old son. Stephen Marc Stone is charged with capital murder in the February 2013 killings. Prosecutors are seeking the death penalty if he's convicted. Stone, 38, was one of five capital murder suspects who had hearings in Madison County Circuit Judge Donna Pate's courtroom this afternoon. Pate scheduled the trial for Jan. 28. Stone was just recently released from treatment at the Alabama Department of Mental Health. Pate in May 2017 ruled Stone was incompetent to stand trial. She ordered he be treated to regain competency. The judge hasn't held a rehearing on his competency since he was released from treatment. The bodies of 7-year-old Zachary Stone and 32-year-old Krista Stone were found at the family's Chicamauga Trail home in south Huntsville on Feb. 24, 2013. Stephen Stone has been in custody without bail since that day. Stone is represented by appointed attorneys Brian Clark and Larry Marsili. Madison County District Attorney Rob Broussard and Chief Trial Attorney Tim Gann are prosecuting. Three other capital murder suspects received trial dates in unrelated cases during this afternoon's hearings in Judge Pate's courtroom: Nearly 100,000 gallons of sewage has flowed out onto city streets in Prichard. The overflow has occurred at eight different locations around the city, north of Mobile. At the worst-hit area, Patricia Street, approximately 36,000 gallons have flowed out. Other areas are less than half of that. Those locations are: College Street, Prichard Avenue at Newsome, Strauss Avenue, Craft Highway, N. Bessemer Court, W. Highland Drive, Whistler Street. Officials from the Mobile County Health Department said the flooding is a result of heavy rains with inflow and infiltration. They also advised residents taking precautions when coming into contact with standing water. People that come into contact with sewage should wash hands and avoid touching food. "Area residents should take precautions when using Gum Tree Branch for recreational purposes because of the overflow," said Dr. Bernard H. Eichold II, Health Officer for the Mobile County Health Department in a press release. "All seafood harvested in this general area should be thoroughly cooked before eating. People should wash hands after cleaning seafood and before preparing food." An Alabama man will serve 10 years in prison after pleading guilty to killing an opponent who was shot to death over a game of dominoes. The Decatur Daily reports 68-year-old Sterling Gerome Warren received the sentence Wednesday after pleading guilty to manslaughter in the death of 32-year-old Thomas Jerome Bibb Jr. in 2013. Warren was charged with murder but agreed to a plea deal involving a reduced charge as his trial was about to begin. Evidence showed the two men were playing dominoes at Warren's home when they got into a dispute over the score. Testimony during a previous hearing showed that the altercation turned physical. Prosecutor Stacy Adams says Bibb lost his life over 10 points in a game. Ashland-based company Wellborn Cabinet, Inc. is looking to hire 50 new employees and hopes to hire now-former employees of MasterBrand Cabinets, which abruptly closed Tuesday. With the closure came layoffs, with 445 people losing their jobs. WSFA 12 News reported "now hiring" signs from Wellborn could be found in front of the closed MasterBrand plant Wednesday. Larry Burton, head of human resources at Wellborn, told WSFA the company is looking to hire some of the employees as it expands its own facility in Ashland. He added that Wellborn plans to hire up to 200 new employees in the next three years if company growth and economic conditions allow. Wellborn's website directed those interested in applying to contact human resources department by calling 1-800-762-4475. The plant in Ashland is a little more than 60 miles north of the MasterBrand plant in Auburn. Auburn University's Board of Trustees last week approved a 2 percent increase of tuition for the 2019-2020 school year. Since 2016, the university's tuition has been steadily rising by 3 percent each year. Because of an increase in state funds, the annual rise in tuition was lower this year. "Auburn University is committed to controlling costs for its students and their families, as evidenced by our Board of Trustees' recent decision to hold the tuition increase for fall 2019 at 2 percent compared to 3 percent as in years past," said the President's office in a statement to Al.com. An average undergraduate student will now pay approximately $5,484 for one semester at Auburn, making their final dues for four years at the university approximately $43,872 not including books and lodging. "We are grateful to our Board for its dedication to keeping costs affordable for our students - below that of several other peer institutions - and in being good stewards amid a year of beneficial support by our state legislature," reads the university statement. These increases come after three consecutive years of increase and growth for the university. In-state undergraduate students will see their tuition rise to $409 per credit hour up to 12 credit hours. The total increase sits at an $8 price tag, while out-of-state undergraduates will be paying $1,227 per credit hour up to 12 hours - a $24 increase. The University of Alabama System is also facing tuition increases at a slightly higher rate of 2.9 percent for in-state students attending the University of Alabama at Birmingham, and a 4 percent increase at the University of Alabama in Huntsville. The University of Alabama System has consistently kept their fees below those of Auburn. The University of Alabama charges $5,390 per semester, making the price of the average four-year college degree $43,120 -- $752 less than an Auburn University education. June 14 is Flag Day, a time to honor Old Glory. The day marks the adoption of the American flag by the Continental Congress in the First Flag Resolution of June 14, 1777. The first resolution signified the flag should be "13 stripes alternate red and white: that the union be thirteen stars, white in a blue field, representing a new constellation." The holiday traces its roots to 1885 when Bernard J. Cigrand, a school teacher at Stony Hill School in Waubeka, Wisconsin, held the first unofficial observance for the American banner at his school. Cigrand went on to deliver speeches around the country about patriotism and the flag and later became president of the American Flag Day Association and the National Flag Day Society. President Woodrow Wilson signed the first national proclamation designating June 14, 1916 as National Flag Day. President Calvin Coolidge did the same in 1927 but it wasn't until 1949 that it was officially signed into law by President Harry Truman. On June 14, 1937 Pennsylvania became the first state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday. Flag Day is not a federal holiday, however and businesses and government offices remain open. The week of June 14 is designated as National Flag Week and people are urged to fly the American flag throughout the week. There are also parades and other celebrations, including ceremonies at Waubeka, Wisconsin where a bust of Cigrand stands today. Flag Day is not a federal holiday but it is a state holiday in New York and Pennsylvania. Flag etiquette Military.com offers these do's and don'ts associated with honoring and displaying the flag: When displaying the flag, do the following: Display the U.S. flag from sunrise to sunset on buildings and stationary flagstaffs in the open. If displayed at night the flag should be property illuminated. The U.S. Flag should be placed above all others if multiple flags are on the same staff. When flags are displayed in a row, the U.S. flag goes to the observer's left. Flags of other nations are flown at same height. State and local flags are traditionally flown lower. When used during a marching ceremony or parade with other flags, the U.S. Flag will be to the observer's left. When flown at half-staff, should be first hoisted to the peak for an instant and then lowered to the half-staff position. The flag should be again raised to the peak before it is lowered for the day. By "half-staff" is meant lowering the flag to one-half the distance between the top and bottom of the staff. When the flag is displayed over the middle of the street, it should be suspended vertically with the union (blue field of stars) to the north in an east and west street or to the east in a north and south street. When placed on a Podium the flag should be placed on the speaker's right or the staging area. Other flags should be placed to the left. When displayed either horizontally or vertically against a wall (or other flat surface), the union (blue field of stars) should be uppermost and to the flag's own right, that is, to the observer's left. When stowing or disposing of the flag: Fold in the traditional triangle for stowage, never wadded up. The VFW offers the following instructions for properly disposing of a worn flag: The flag should be folded in its customary manner. It is important that the fire be fairly large and of sufficient intensity to ensure complete burning of the flag. Place the flag on the fire. The individual(s) can come to attention, salute the flag, recite the Pledge of Allegiance and have a brief period of silent reflection. After the flag is completely consumed, the fire should then be safely extinguished and the ashes buried. Please make sure you are conforming to local/state fire codes or ordinances. Quick list of Flag Etiquette Don'ts: Democratic candidate for Alabama governor Walt Maddox wants to debate incumbent Gov. Kay Ivey ahead of the November election. Maddox said after winning the Democratic nomination that he wants to debate Ivey and that Alabama voters deserve to hear from the candidates. Maddox, the mayor of Tuscaloosa, said people are interested in comparing "who is going to be best" to address the state's problems in health care, education and infrastructure. "If you have a school that is struggling, I think you deserve to hear what the governor wants to do for public education. If are in a place in our state where our infrastructure is not ready and you sit in traffic for hours on end, I think you want to know what is the governor's plan to deal with that," Maddox said. Ivey's campaign did not say whether the governor would be willing to do a debate, saying there is time for these discussions between now and November. "There will be plenty of time for these discussions and decisions in the months ahead. Right now, the governor is focused on keeping Alabama working," Ivey campaign spokeswoman Debbee Hancock wrote in an email. Ivey, who was the front runner for the GOP nomination, did not debate her Republican challengers ahead of the June 5 Republican primary. Happy birthday U.S. Army! The Army is celebrating its 243rd birthday on June 14, commemorating the date in 1775 when the Continental Congress authorized enlistment of expert riflemen to serve the United Colonies for one year. The new forces were comprised of 22,000 militiamen who had already gathered outside of Boston, plus 5,000 more in New York. On June 15, 1775, the Continental Congress named George Washington of Virginia as commander-in-chief and voted to raise 10 more companies of riflemen from Pennsylvania, Maryland and Virginia. Washington officially took command at Boston on July 3, 1775. The original Congressional appropriation to fund the new Army was $2 million. It took another year - July 4, 1776 to be exact - for the Continental Army and the militia to become known collectively as the Army of the United States, instead of the Army of the United Colonies. Today, the Army has about 467,000 active duty soldiers, with another 343,000 in the U.S. Army National Guard and 206,000 in the Army Reserves. The Army's birthday is marked with celebrations, military balls and traditional cake cutting ceremonies held at military bases and communities across the country and at overseas installations. This year's theme is "Over There! A Celebration of Army Heroes from WWI to Present Day." During World War II, supporting one soldier on the battlefield took one gallon of fuel per day. Today, the Army uses more than 22 gallons per day, per soldier. The Army has 158 installations worldwide; more than 132,000 miles of infrastructure for electric, gas, sewer and water; and over one billion square feet of office space. * The Army owns more than 15 million acres of land across the United States, or about 24,000 square miles which, if the Army was a state, it would be the 42nd largest. Twenty-four U.S Presidents served in the United States Army The U.S Army is the second largest employer in the U.S Thursday we celebrate the Army's 243rd Birthday! Why did you choose to serve? #ArmyBDay pic.twitter.com/8cBYBOuKlM U.S. Army Materiel Command (@hqamc) June 12, 2018 Tomorrow is the #USArmy's birthday and #NationalFlagDay. Help us celebrate 243 years of service to our nation. #ArmyBDay pic.twitter.com/4iFpSE4YxU U.S. Army (@USArmy) June 13, 2018 A VA facility in Indiana took down flags from each military branch and replaced them with LGBT pride flags, even as the Pentagon opted not to acknowledge Pride Month. A person visiting the VA Northern Indiana Health Care System recently snapped a photo of five flag poles that lined the entrance to the facility, WKRG reported. The poles normally fly the banners of the five military branches - Army, Navy, Air Force, Marine Corps and Coast Guard. On Tuesday, however, the flags were all replaced with LGBT pride rainbow flags. June is Pride Month, a time set aside to recognize the gay liberation movement. The VA issued a statement regarding the change: "Logistically, we could not add a flag without removing a flag from the poles outside our VA. Rather than single out one military branch's flag to be temporarily replaced with the LGBT flag, we chose to remove all of them for one day in order to show our dedication to serving all Veterans equally." The service flags were returned before the end of the business day, the VA said. Pride flag replaces military flags at Indiana VA hospital https://t.co/sZtgu7MuSF pic.twitter.com/fEpePCG86x NBC4 Columbus (@nbc4i) June 13, 2018 Pentagon and Pride month The Department of Defense did not release a memo marking LGBT Pride Month, the first such omission since the repeal of "Don't Ask, Don't Tell," the Washington Post reported. The Pentagon had officially acknowledged Pride Month since 2012 after former President Clinton signed a bill that allowed LGBT troops to serve in the military. The DOD typically issued a memo commemorating the month and encouraging Pride events during that time. An LGBT group at the DOD did hold an event this year, though no senior-level Pentagon personnel spoke at the event. The change was criticized by LGBT rights groups. "Despite this shameful lack of leadership, we encourage LGBT service members, their families, and allies around the world to hold pride month observances on their local installations again this year, helping to highlight the importance and strength of diversity, the obstacles we have had to overcome, and the pride we have in service to our great nation," American Military Partner Association President Ashley Broadway-Mack said in a statement. Last year's Pride Month memo honored the "struggles, sacrifices and successes among the LGBT community (that) continue to shape our history and remind us to uphold tolerance and justice for all. The Pentagon issued a statement to The Post saying it "supports diversity of all kinds across our military and we encourage everyone to celebrate the diversity of our total force team. "We value all members of the DOD total force and recognize their immense contributions to the mission," Air Force Maj. Carla Gleason said. A Wisconsin woman is indicted for murder in the Alabama shooting death of her husband. Connie Mae Cody is charged in the Jan. 13 killing of her 58-year-old husband Michael Cody, the indictment states. The husband was found dead at 76 Ethan Ave. near Russellville in Franklin County, Alabama that night. Lawmen at the time said the husband had just recently moved from Wisconsin to Alabama. Connie Cody, a 58-year-old from Green Bay, Wisconsin, is accused of killing her husband during a fight, authorities said. The wife called authorities to report the shooting, Sheriff Shannon Oliver told AL.com at the time. A grand jury in May determined prosecutors have enough evidence to formally charge Connie Cody and send the case to trial. The indictment was made public in court records this week. Connie Cody is held in the Franklin County Jail with bail set at $100,000. If convicted, she faces up to life in prison. The next canoe and kayak trail offering access to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta will begin in Africatown with a launch facility and park to be built under the Cochrane-Africatown Bridge. The public is invited to a celebration marking the announcement Saturday from 3 to 6 p.m. beneath the west end of the Africatown bridge. The celebration includes food, music, storytelling, a drum circle and dancing. The Africatown Connections Blueway project has been two years in the making, a partnership between the National Park Service and community groups in Africatown. The Blueway project will connect the historic Africatown Community in the City of Mobile with Africatown U.S.A. State Park in Prichard. The trial includes parts of Chickasaw Creek, the Mobile River; and Three Mile Creek. Part of the goal of the trail is to restore the community's connection to the water by providing access. Africatown and Prichard include creeks and bayous that connect to the Mobile-Tensaw Delta, but recent decades have seen the public's access to those waters all but lost, save for launches many miles away. Joe Womack, president of the Africatown-C.H.E.S.S community group, said that when he was youth in Africatown, people in the community were constantly fishing, swimming, and enjoying the water. But as the area surrounding Africatown transformed into an industrial zone, including the paper mill and port facilities, access to the water was lost behind fences and factories. The plan will be unveiled tonight in a community meeting at 5:30 at the Hope Community Center in Africatown. Maps and proposed architectual designs created by students at Mississippi State University's School of Landscape Architecture will be presented. Those designs include a beach, a public fishing pier, and an elaborate plaza. This is a proposed design for a park accompanying the newly announced Africatown Connections Blueway Project. Students at Mississippi State University's School of Landscape Architecture created the design. The Thursday meeting will be followed Saturday with a community celebration beneath the west side of the Cochrane-Africatown Bridge. The Saturday event runs from 3 to 6 p.m. and includes food, music, storytelling, a drum circle and dancing. The announcement of the Blueway project comes on the heels of a $3.58 million grant to the Africatown Community Development Corporation from BP oil spill funds. The grant will be used to create a welcome center in Africatown, and showcase the area's unique history as the only community in the nation founded by Africans freed from slavery. It also follows the recent announcement by the Alabama Historical Commission of an effort to document shipwrecks in the Mobile River, particularly the area where the Clotilda, the last American slave ship, was believed to have been burned and sunk. "It's like the windows of heaven are finally opening up over Africatown and pouring out so many blessings at once," said Joe Womack, president of Africatown-C.H.E.S.S., which is funded through a $3.375 million grant from the Kellogg Foundation, the Deep South Center for Environmental Justice, and the HBCU-CBO Gulf Coast Equity Consortium. "We can't help but believe that these breakthroughs will help us preserve what's left of our beloved community. It's like being rewarded for decades of hard work that so many of people put into bringing Africatown back to wholeness and prosperity. If all our individual plans succeed collectively, then Africatown might be even better than it was when I grew up here." The Africatown Connections Blueway Team includes representatives from: Mobile County Training School Alumni Association; Africatown-C.H.E.S.S. (Clean, Healthy, Educated, Safe and Sustainable); Center for Fair Housing; Mobile Environmental Justice Action Coalition (MEJAC); City of Prichard; City of Chickasaw; City of Mobile; Mobile County; Alliance Institute; Success 4 the Future; Public Lab; GulfCorps; Alabama Coastal Foundation; University of South Alabama; Auburn University's School of Landscape Architecture; Tuskegee University's College of Agriculture Environment & Nutrition Science; Mississippi State University's School of Landscape Architecture; and other individuals. (The Conversation is an independent and nonprofit source of news, analysis and commentary from academic experts.) Yolonda Wilson, Howard University In April, a 25-year-old black woman named Chikesia Clemons was violently arrested by police at a Waffle House restaurant in Alabama. A video of the arrest that went viral shows police pulling Clemons from her chair and throwing her to the floor. In the process, her breasts are exposed and her dress rides up in the back. When she attempts to cover her breasts, the two officers on top of her threaten to break her arm for "resisting." Clemons' experience is not unique. In the U.S., black women are not afforded the same regard for bodily privacy as white women. Another example: In an investigation of the Baltimore City Police Department, the Department of Justice found that the Baltimore Police Department frequently engaged in unjustified strip searches of African-Americans. In one instance, Baltimore police conducted a strip search of a black woman, including an anal cavity search, on a sidewalk in broad daylight and in full public view. The woman's pleas to not be forced to disrobe in public were ignored. Her offense? A broken headlight. While the #MeToo movement has been successful in bringing down several high-profile assailants, critics continue to argue that it has been monopolized by middle- and upper-class white women, particularly white Hollywood actresses. This, despite the fact that a black woman, Tarana Burke, created the Me Too campaign more than a decade ago. These criticisms reflect the fact that black women have experienced sexual violence differently than white women. As a philosopher of race and gender who has written about sexual harassment, I offer historical context on the ways that black women experience sexual abuse, often by the authority of the state, as a way to think about black women's contemporary experiences as the kinds of experiences that #MeToo should address. History of black women's bodies on display As early as the 17th century, European men wrote travel narratives about their trips to West Africa to capture, enslave and trade African people. Their writings offer a window into how they perceived African women and what they thought primarily European male readers would find titillating. In particular, their descriptions of West African women's style of dance played a role in shaping European perceptions of black women's sexual immorality and availability. These travel accounts were the popular media of their day and offered some of the first reports of continental Africa to average Europeans. For example, Frenchman Jean Barbot wrote of African men and women "knocking bellies together very indecently" while "uttering some dirty mysterious words." Meanwhile, naval officer Abraham Duqesne characterized African women as desiring the "caresses of white men." Because African women differed from European women both in attire and bodily movement, European travel writers regarded African women as sexually available and immoral. European settlers carried these attitudes to the United States where enslaved black women were subjected to violent sexual abuse and forced nudity as routine social practice, in ways that would have been unthinkable toward white women. Sexual violence and the father of gynecology By the 19th century, treating black and white women differently was firmly entrenched in society. Nowhere was this more evident than in the practice of J. Marion Sims, the physician widely regarded by gynecologists as the "father of modern gynecology." The convention of the period was for physicians to conduct gynecological examinations of white women with averted gazes while the patients remained as clothed as possible. However, Sims also conducted medical experiments on enslaved black women that ultimately resulted in a technique to repair vesicovaginal fistula, an opening that can develop between the vaginal wall and the bladder or large intestine, sometimes as a result of childbirth. The enslaved black women were been stripped completely naked and examined on all fours, as Sims and other physicians took turns using a specially created speculum that enabled full viewing of the vagina. Private citizens were also allowed to watch these experiments and they, too, were invited to witness the full exposure of enslaved women's vaginas. Sims conducted his experiments without anesthesia, despite the fact that ether was known and in use by the time he performed later surgeries. Black women were denied anesthesia on the grounds that black people did not feel pain in the same ways that white people felt pain, a perception that still exists today. For example, one study found that when people viewed images of blacks receiving painful stimuli, like needle pricks, they responded with less empathy than when they viewed similar images of white people in pain. Sexual violence in a court of law In New York in 1925, another historical example shows how black women's exposed bodies have been treated with indifference. Kip Rhinelander, a member of New York's high society, was set to wed Alice Beatrice Jones, a working-class biracial woman. Their union drew national attention. Although New York did not legally prohibit interracial marriage as other states did at that time, society strongly disapproved of interracial marriage. Once their marriage was made public, Kip filed for divorce on the grounds of fraud. The salient question in the divorce hearing was whether Kip knew that Alice was black at the time of their marriage. In order to answer that question, Alice's attorney suggested that Alice bare her breasts in front of the all-white male jury, judge and attorneys in order to prove her racial identity. By viewing the shading of her areolas and legs, he said, the jurors could assess whether Kip - who had admitted to premarital sex with her - should have known her racial identity. The judge directed Alice to follow through. Neither Alice Rhinelander's tears nor her connection to a prominent white family could save her from the indignity of forced nudity in front of strangers. Ultimately, the jury decided that Alice was, in fact, "of colored blood" and that she did not conceal or misrepresent her racial identity. The past is present The hostility to black women's bodily privacy and dignity in these examples isn't accidental. Rather, it is part of the history of how black women have been cast in U.S. society. In the Sims and Rhinelander examples, the legal status of enslavement and weight of the court validated the coercive display of black women's bodies. The Department of Justice found that the Baltimore police used the weight of their badges to force compliance with public strip searches. Likewise, in the Waffle House example, although Clemons' initial exposure may not have been intentional, the police responded to her cries and her attempts to cover herself by using their authority to threaten her with further harm. This is a unique form of sexual violence experienced by black women. The convergence of race and gender in black women's lives has created the social conditions in which black women are coerced and often expected, under threat of punishment by the government, to suffer the exposure of intimate body parts. Race and gender converge in black women's lives and have created the social conditions under which black women are coerced and expected to suffer the exposure of intimate body parts, or else face punishment. If movements like #MeToo are serious about combating sexual violence, then they have to also understand these practices as sexual violence. This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article here. Activists managed to convince legislators that legalising abortion is an urgently needed matter to be addressed. Legal abortion in a hospital sang hundreds of people outside Congress. It was a long and tense debate that lasted for 23 hours. At times rumours took over the crowds who feared the vote would maintain the status quo. But when the vote came, there was pure joy among those who have been fighting for months to shed light on one of the most covered-up issues in Argentina. This struggle is historical and it represents so many things. Its a change in society, to be able to decide over our bodies, to win a collective battle, and that we have to continue fighting to change and transform this country. The law had to be modified several times before it was debated in Congress. It now says that women can have an abortion up to 14 weeks into a pregnancy through their health insurance or at a public hospital. It also accelerates the process in cases where a woman has been raped. For months, women wearing green bandanas have been taking to the streets calling for change to a law that affects this countrys most vulnerable. It is estimated that around half a million clandestine abortions are carried out every year in Argentina, with thousands of women hospitalised because of complications. These women could also have been sentenced to up to 4 years in prison if found guilty of interrupting a pregnancy. Over the past decade, Argentina has passed a series of progressive laws on issues such as gay marriage, but abortion was off the table until now, when society especially women and the young -started to demand change. Green revolution Prior to the vote, students took over public schools in Buenos Aires to increase pressure on the politicians. For two months prior to the debate, 700 people gave evidence in Congress on abortion in Argentina. Women who almost died, priests who work in slums, mothers who lost their daughters and doctors who say they are tired of attending women in public hospitals with complications from abortions and the problems and contradictions they have to face when that happens. The law says you should call the police but none of us wants to. We have the duty to save that life but everything gets very complicated, one doctor told Al Jazeera a few months ago. On the other side is traditional Argentina, resisting change, and the Catholic Church with Pope Frances at its head. Many politicians in Argentina also say they oppose legalising abortion. On Thursday the Catholic Church issued a statement saying the results were upsetting and did not solve the real problems poor women face today. There are a lot of steps that should be taken prior to passing this law. A lot of education needs to happen. People have to know that if you do something there are consequences, and one of those is getting pregnant, said anti-abortion rights protester Cynthia Dosio. Many are hoping that a change in the law will come with better sex education in schools, more contraceptives and making it easier for families in Argentina to adopt. The opposition, as well as allies of President Mauricio Macri, were divided on the issue. Macri has encouraged his party members to vote as they see fit even though he is personally opposed to the proposal. Some of his followers say he is also trying to ease the tense relations that exist between his Government and the Vatican. Mariela Belski has been campaigning to change the law for years. She managed to change Amnestys traditional yellow colour to green during the debate. She says that the most difficult part is yet to come. In the Senate is quite difficult, is different. Is more easy in Congress The numbers are really bad at the moment but we are doing this step by step. A green revolution has taken over large sectors of Argentinas society and many are convinced the Senate wont be an exception. Activists have managed to convince many lawmakers that legalising abortion is a matter of public health that urgently needs to be addressed. The big question is how former President Cristina Kirchner, now a senator, will vote. During her eight-year presidency, she never allowed the debate to happen because she opposed abortion. But times have changed and many of those who would have voted against are saying they have changed too. Death threats couldnt dampen Sheema Kermanis resolve; she has inspired women across Pakistan for the past 35 years. On any given Thursday, Lal Shahbaz Qalandars shrine in southern Pakistan reverberates with Sindhi folk music and hundreds of people dancing. But in February 2017, a suicide bomber attacked the shrine, claiming the lives of 88 people and injuring many more. In an act of defiance and solidarity, Sheema Kermani travelled to the site a few days after the attack and performed the Dhamall, a form of dance rooted in the promise of spiritual trance. Videos of her performance spread across social media. Sheemas journey started long before the attack at the Sufi shrine. The 67-year-old has championed activism and addressed social issues all her life. She founded the Tehrik-e-Niswaan (Movement for Women) in the late 1970s. Together with a group of actors and artists, Sheema went to different neighbourhoods of Pakistan and put on performances centred around the issues affecting that community. Sheema continues to be a champion for womens rights, both through performing arts and community outreach. Activism. That is what really is important in performing arts. That you provoke people to think. You move them to question their own lives. Filmed and directed by Karim Shah Camera: Hasham Cheema, Andy Jackson Producer: Andrew Smith Editor: Andrew Phillips Executive Producers: Deeyah Khan at Fuuse and Andrew Phillips Music: The Sketches Cases of Rana Ayyub, Barkha Dutt and Ravish Kumar, who are critical of the government, highlight lack of press freedom. Journalists and rights groups say there are increasing efforts to silence the media in India from both government and society, with the United Nations warning that the life of one Muslim journalist, in particular, is at serious risk. The case of Rana Ayyub, who has said that Prime Minister Narendra Modis followers have normalised hatred online, saw UN experts intervene on May 24 and call on India to protect the Mumbai-based independent reporter. We are highly concerned that the life of Rana Ayyub is at serious risk following these graphic and disturbing threats, they wrote in a report, recalling the murder of Gauri Lankesh, an Indian journalist, editor and critic of right-wing groups, in September 2017, following death threats. Ayyub, whose book Gujarat Files: Anatomy of a Cover Up alleges government complicity in anti-Muslim violence during the 2002 riots, when Modi was chief minister of Gujarat, has been harassed by Hindu nationalists. Since April 21, fake tweets attributed to Ayyub implying she supported child rapists and hated India have been shared across social media platforms. She has also received threatening messages by phone. The evening before [April 21] I was on an Al Jazeera TV news panel debating the Kathua child rape [in Indian-administered Kashmir] The messages were disgusting Go to her place, gang-rape her so she can understand how its done, Ayyub told Al Jazeera. On April 23, Ayyub was sent a pornographic video with her face superimposed on one of the actors. I started crying. Nothing this sordid had ever happened to me. Screenshots of the video were posted everywhere on social media. My father, my friends were sent these images, Ayyub said, explaining that online abusers assume that using threats of a sexual nature against female journalists would shame and subsequently silence them. Rana Ayyub has received threatening messages online and by phone [Courtesy: Rana Ayyub] She filed a police complaint on April 26, but no one has been prosecuted yet, she said. Islamist, Jihadi Jane and ISIS sex slave were some of the verbal attacks hurled at Ayyub, who said her identity as a Muslim journalist reporting on a Hindu nationalist government also fuelled the rage of trolls. It certainly affects them that I am a Muslim voice, a voice that speaks for social justice, she said. It was not only trolls who have criticised Ayyub. After the UN intervened, KC Singh, former Indian ambassador to Iran, tweeted her to say while he supported her fully, taking it to a UN panel is unwise. Embarrassing India abroad is cutting ones nose to spite ones face. Ayyub told Al Jazeera: If the country cant protect its journalist, somebody else has to hold the government accountable. Why should you be embarrassed to ask for journalists to be protected while they are alive, rather than go on a candle-light march for them when they have been murdered? As a freelancer, she said the support of a network would have helped emotionally and logistically. Chilling threats Weeks after the UN threw its support behind Ayyub, another Indian journalist, Barkha Dutt, claimed that she received chilling threats from the establishment to stop work on a news project until 2019. In a series of tweets, the TV journalist and Washington Post columnist accused the right-wing BJP government of trying to intimidate her. I never thought the day would come when in my own country, I would be told to hire private security & get my house debugged, she tweeted. The meeting held by those who wield power have said Stop her work projects. She also said that the ruling BJP should be held responsible for her safety and that of her family. In late May, Ravish Kumar claimed he had received death threats. Kumar, a news anchor on NDTV, is one of Indian televisions most well-known faces and has not shied away from criticising the government. The threats against journalists come as the countrys leadership makes clear its hostility towards the media. VK Singh, a cabinet minister in the Modi administration, has repeatedly called journalists presstitutes. In May, the government posted a tender scouting for a company that would help it counter a media blitzkrieg by Indias adversaries, a move that analysts described as Modis efforts to control the press. Al Jazeera contacted the Ministry of Information and Broadcasting for further comment. Ministry officials requested a written query but had not responded by the time of publishing. Deadly environment Meanwhile, dozens of murdered journalists in the country, including Lankesh, are yet to receive justice. At least 47 journalists have been killed in India over the past 20 years, 11 since 2014, according to the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ). Several journalists claim there is an attempt to stifle independent media and believe there are penalties for deviating from the government narrative. I think everyone will agree that preventing killings takes a particular urgency, one that governments should prioritise. The threats against Indian journalist Rana Ayyub constituted crucial early warning which could not be ignored. Agnes Callamard, UN Special Rapporteur A handful of editors have quit in recent years, having reportedly succumbed to pressure and pulled stories critical of the Hindu nationalist government. India slipped to 138 in the Reporters With our Borders World Press Freedom Index 2018, below war-torn Afghanistan. CPJs Aliya Iftikhar said creating an organisation focused on press freedom and journalist safety in India and a legal defence fund for journalists could help. But police inaction and administrative apathy stalls progress. Watchdog CPJ ranks India 13th in its Global Impunity Index, a list highlighting countries where the murders of journalists are least likely to be punished. Agnes Callamard, one of the four UN special rapporteurs who signed the statement in support of Ayyub, said the group was focused on preventing further deaths. I think everyone will agree that preventing killings takes a particular urgency, one that governments should prioritise. The threats against Indian journalist Rana Ayyub constituted crucial early warning which could not be ignored, Callamard told Al Jazeera. Our demand for intervention is grounded in international standards that ask of governments to take all necessary steps to protect against threats, attacks and harm by non-state actors. Analysts have noted that journalists reporting from remote areas in India, away from the spotlight of metropolises, are at heightened risk. At least three investigative journalists who were probing local corruption have been murdered since November last year. Most of the serious hits have been taken by vernacular-language journalists, said Mrinal Pande, journalist and former chairperson of Prasar Bharti, Indias state broadcaster. Even the slightest whiff of danger to English media journalists gets a national hearing. But its the journalists in small towns and villages who are facing threats of assault by mining mafias and corrupt officials. Thats where our focus should be. Experts say disinformation campaigns have targeted every presidential candidate, and could sway the upcoming poll. Istanbul, Turkey A soft-spoken parliamentarian, its easy to overlook Fatma Benli in a busy cafe until she starts recalling the disinformation campaign that nearly derailed her election bid two years ago. The small room were in begins to shudder as the sitting MP for the ruling AK Party passionately explains that she could have lost because of fake news and online narratives. There was fake news circulating on every major social media platform, the 44-year-old told Al Jazeera, reeling off a litany of examples where she and President Recep Tayyip Erdogan were repeatedly attacked in spurious social media posts. Facebook, Twitter, it came from all sides. With just days to go until Turks head to the polls for presidential and parliamentary elections, millions of voters are once again being bombarded with a deluge of fake news reports which could sway the biggest election in nearly a century. President Erdogan and his ruling AK Party are expected to narrowly win the June 24 poll, but experts say it could be a tight race due to fake news, with dozens of fake stories emerging every day, many of them disseminating anti-government propaganda. {articleGUID} Mehmet Atakan Foca, the editor-in-chief of Teyit, a Turkish myth-buster and news verification website, said the abundance of fake news was having a direct impact on the quality of Turkish democracy. Weve seen an uptick in fake news stories on social media, and this could be because people are unknowingly sharing false information, but also because of political and propaganda purposes. Fake news stories touch on a broad range of subjects, from unproven cancer cures to celebrity hoaxes. But fake political stories have drawn wide attention because of the possibility that they can influence peoples perceptions and sway elections. In a survey following US President Donald Trumps shock electoral win in 2016, Pew Research found that 64 percent of adult Americans believed fake news stories caused a great deal of confusion, with nearly one in four saying they shared fabricated news stories sometimes by mistake and sometimes intentionally. Its now reached a point where its becoming increasingly difficult for voters to spot fake news from real news, with dozens of fabricated news stories appearing on [social] media platforms every day, Foca added. A lot of opposition groups and activists have lost trust in Facebook, blaming a perceived close proximity between the state and the social media site. Erkan Saka, blogger and academic at Istanbul Bilgi University Easy target Boasting more than 50 million Facebook users out of a population of 78 million, Turkey is the social media giants ninth-biggest market, making it an easy target to distribute specious content. Foca said recent elections, including last years tightly contested referendum, were targets of the malicious digital campaign, with all major candidates falling victim to the strategy. We dont know whos behind the spread of fake news, but it could be people who are being paid to spread misinformation, he said. Spurious news stories targeting the ruling AK Party, main opposition party the CHP and all six presidential candidates have already gone viral, with a doctored image of presidential hopeful Meral Aksenar with Fethullah Gulen sitting side by side being shared thousands of times. {articleGUID} Gulen, a US-based cleric and businessman, is a deeply unpopular figure in Turkey after being blamed by the government for the failed coup on July 15, 2016. Theres a lot of misinformation regarding the candidates and the voting process, and this could really undermine voter trust and confidence, Foca added. Facebook chief executive Mark Zuckerberg has tried to allay fears, saying fake news constitutes less than one percent of what is on the platform, but critics say thats wildly misleading. For a site with nearly two billion users, they argue even one percent is a huge number. A Facebook spokesman told Al Jazeera that the network had undertaken new measures to limit the impact of fake news but that it wont be able to completely prevent the spread of misinformation when millions of Turks go to the polls. [We] wont be able to completely prevent people putting false news [on the platform, but we are] going after fake accounts, disrupting the economics of false news, increasing ads transparency, building new products and supporting quality journalism and news literacy. The spokesman added that the site had gone into partnership with external fact-checkers to sort honest news reports from made-up stories that played on peoples passions and preconceived notions. People want accurate information on Facebook and thats what we want too. Undermining journalism Erkan Saka, a blogger and academic at Istanbul Bilgi University, blamed the governments crackdown on established news media following the failed coup attempt for the rise in fake news. Following the coup attempt, the Turkish government closed at least 16 TV channels, 45 daily newspapers and 29 publishing houses, many of which were previously accused of supporting Gulens movement. The rise in fake news can be attributed to the governments repeated attacks on established news media, which has undermined the credibility of professional journalism, Saka said. Several independent newspapers have been coopted by the state, with many young Turks and savvy internet users resorting to using VPNs to access banned websites, blogs and chat rooms. {articleGUID} However, Facebook and Twitter were still a major source of news for many users, he said, with around 89 percent of Turks using social media as a source of news. Because of the media shake-up, sites such as Twitter are playing a devastating role in the spread of fake news. This could explain why the government is adopting an approach towards Twitter, rather than Facebook, because its far more critical of the government and in the public domain, Saka said. Last year, Turkey filed more requests to remove or block content from Twitter than any other country in the world, according to the latest transparency report published by the company. A total of 4,294 content removal requests were filed by Turkish government agencies, including the police. Russia came second with 1,292 requests. A lot of opposition groups and activists have lost trust in Facebook, blaming a perceived close proximity between the state and the social media site. Several prominent pages and groups have been shut down in the past, stifling conversation and discussion, so some dissident groups have resorted to other sites such as private messaging boards which while secure are known to peddle conspiracy theories. Last battleground Erdogan has repeatedly insisted Turkey has the freest media in the world, but the country has consistently ranked poorly on press freedom indices. The government is fuelling the rise of fake news by making independent and critical media inaccessible, Yaman Akdeniz, the founder and director of Cyber-Rights & Cyber-Liberties, told Al Jazeera. Over 175,000 websites are currently blocked, in addition to over 100,000 URLs, including news items, with it becoming increasingly difficult for voters to obtain accurate information. Earlier this year, a close ally of Erdogan bought one of the countrys largest media conglomerates, the Dogan group, for $1.2bn, in a sale which included two of the countrys four biggest newspapers, Hurriyet and Posta, meaning more than 80 percent of total national circulation was now in the hands of businessmen close to the government. Social media has become the last battleground for the government, Akdeniz said. Meanwhile, mainstream media has become fake news. Look at [the newspapers] Sabah, Hurriyet, watch TRT and other channels they all have the same headlines and serve the same function. The government is using all of its resources to win this election, and social media platforms could be crucial to the opposition to counter the state narrative. Follow Al Jazeeras Faisal Edroos on Twitter: @FaisalEdroos The recent mass conversion of Dalits to Buddhism in Gujarats Una district, which included the Dalits who were brutally assaulted by cow vigilantes for allegedly skinning dead cattle, has stirred anxiety among the upper-caste Hindu intelligentsia. Once again, Indias liberals, radical leftists and conservatives are asking, if not in one then in an analogous voice: Why are Dalits choosing conversion? Disturbing liberal sensibilities The ones who seem to be worried the most, intellectually if not politically, about these conversions are Indias liberals. Their liberal mind, couched in an elitist, urban habitus, believes all religions, including Hinduism, to be respectful and egalitarian. This is, of course, nothing but a figment of their imagination. Outside the elitist liberal bubble, the victims of a religion built on inequality, whose caste and communal norms deny humanity to entire communities, are as real as they can be. These victims, the members of the Hindu-Dalit community, face the devastating consequences of transgressing caste and communal hierarchies dictated by the Hindu religion day in and day out. {articleGUID} None the less, Indias liberals seem to be blind to this reality. They go around spreading the fallacy that Hinduism is respectful to all like a disease in university classrooms, newspaper columns, books, public lectures and in day-to-day conversations. Those who seek to challenge this concocted imagination of the liberal mind, especially in academic and literary spaces, risk being quarantined and labelled an ignoramus. As result of this twisted conviction, when Dalits choose to opt out of Hinduism, asserting that it enforces a system built on inequality, the liberal mind goes into a frenzy. But liberals are not the only ones among Indias upper-caste intelligentsia who are disturbed by Dalit conversions. Hindu nationalists, who dream of transforming India into an homogenous Hindu nation based on upper-caste supremacy are also worried about mass Dalit conversions, albeit for different reasons. Shattering the dream of Hindu Rashtra There is a long-standing history of conversion of Hindu Dalits to other religions in various states of India. Dalits have been converting to Christianity and other anti-brahminical sects like Kabir Panth for a very long time. And in contemporary times, conversions into Buddhism and Islam became common among Dalits thanks to the efforts of organised movements that seek to counter caste discrimination. The history of conversion movements clearly shows that Dalits have not been converting to other religions simply because they prefer to adhere to a different belief system. They convert because they actively reject Hinduism. The very idea of rejecting Hinduism goes against the Hindu nationalists dream of Hindu Rashtra, which is fundamentally a concept based on upper caste supremacy. Although conversion into different religions may not free Dalits from clutches of caste, as upper castes maintain their supremacy in other religions too, the very act of conversion prevents the right-wing from achieving their goal of homogenisation. This is why the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which is a right-wing party with close ideological and organisational links to Hindu nationalist organisations like the Hindu nationalist Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is actively working to halt Dalit conversions. Although the Indian Constitution protects Indian citizens right to choose and practise any religion they want, the BJP enacted anti-conversion laws in various states it rules. In 2013 in Gujarats Junagadh when around 60,000 Dalits and members of other lowered castes converted to Buddhism, the BJP government of Gujarat ordered an investigation and arrested local Dalit- Buddhist leaders. In 2014 in Madhya Pradesh when four Dalits converted to Islam due to caste humiliation and oppression, the police arrested them. {articleGUID} With state sanctions on one-hand and socio-political impunity on the other, right-wing groups and organisations like the RSS, Hindu Vahini, VHP and others are targeting those who choose to leave Hinduism in the BJP ruled states like Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Gujarat, Maharashtra, Jharaknad and Odisha. For Indias right-wing, it is morally and politically unacceptable for anyone to leave the Hindu religion. Disproving the radical lefts views on religion The anti-caste movement has a long tradition of challenging Hinduism. From Bhakti movement to Bahujan movement, anti-caste conscientisation has constantly been countering and rejecting the religious and spiritual justification of caste system within Hinduism. The cultural counter to Hinduism in the Bhakti movement from 14th century onwards, both in South and North India, was spearheaded by lowered-caste saints like Tukaram, Kabir, Nandanar Chokhamela, Bahenabai, Ravidas, Mirabai and many others. They challenged Hinduism through their devotional songs known as abhanags and dhohas. Gail Omvedt, in her book Seeking Begumpura, called this the period of Indian enlightenment. In the first half of the 20th century, Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar, the Indian jurist, economist and social reformer who inspired the Dalit Buddist movement, waged an open and sustained war against Hinduism and the caste system. He once said the Indian history is nothing but a history of mortal conflict between Buddhism and Brahmanism. For Ambedkar, Hinduism is against the natural evolution of the individual and the society, and many converted Dalits share this position. However, neither Ambedkar nor majority of Dalits reject the importance of religion, and this is where they differentiate from the radical left. For most Dalits and Ambedkar, Hinduisms faults do not demonstrate the problems with religions at large, because they do not consider Hinduism to be a religion. Marxists, on the other hand, consider religion to be the opium of the masses and they reject the idea that any religion can be a tool for ending social injustices. However, the Dalit conversions establish the fact that religion can be a potent tool for subverting and challenging hierarchies of caste, and therefore falsify the Marxian claim of religion being the opium of masses. Dalit conversions are not revolutionary enough in the eyes of Indian Marxists, since for them conversion is non- material it is an action that does not bear any change in the material lives of Dalits. But facts speak differently: according to an India Spend analysis of 2011 Census data, the converted Buddhist Dalits enjoy better literacy rates and better work participation/sex ratio than Scheduled Caste Hindus. Additionally, rejection of Hinduism through conversion is not merely about material mobility, it is more about the realisation and objection of the structurally enforced inferiority justified in Hinduism. For many Dalits, conversion into another religion is a humanitarian claim for equality and justice. The conversion of assassinated civil rights leader Malcolm X and many other black Americans into Islam can be read in a similar way conversions made to demand equality and justice. One may choose to see the act of conversion merely as a victims passive and polite reaction to discrimination and violence. But one can also see the very same act of conversion as a challenge to the core of the oppressors supremacy and an act of rebellion in the name of liberation. In this context, the recent mass conversion of Dalits in Uttar Pradesh are not victim play they are acts of revolution against the caste supremacy that is being forced upon them by a Hindu-right wing state and society. The views expressed in this article are the authors own and do not necessarily reflect Al Jazeeras editorial stance. After an all-night debate,129 members of the chamber of deputies voted in favour and 125 against. The lower house of Argentinas Congress on Thursday narrowly passed a bill to legalise abortion through 14 weeks of pregnancy after a tight vote on a proposal that has divided the South American nation. The proposed legislation would allow abortion in the first 14 weeks of pregnancy, and beyond that in cases where the foetus suffers from conditions not compatible with life outside the womb. After an all-night debate,129 members voted in favour and 125 against. The bill will now go to the Senate. We are dealing with a public health issue that cannot be addressed with blinders, nor with morals and ethics and much less religion, opposition congresswoman Mayra Mendoza, one of the driving forces of the proposal, said in a speech. This is also a matter of social justice. The Catholic Church opposes the initiative, with Cardinal Mario Poli saying that the foremost duty of a state is to protect the life of its inhabitants. The opposition, as well as allies of President Mauricio Macri, were divided. Macri has encouraged his party members to vote as they see fit even though he is personally opposed to the proposal. Today, Argentina has committed to make significant progress in defending the human rights of women and girls, and is also sending an important message to the rest of the continent, where restrictive laws on accessing safe and legal abortions have caused death and suffering for millions of women and girls, said Erika Guevara-Rosas, Americas Director at Amnesty International. New legislation The law would also allow doctors to refuse to perform abortions if they so wish. Girls between ages 13 and 16 would need permission from an adult to receive an abortion. Argentina, like most countries in Latin America, currently permits abortion in specific cases, including rape and risk to the mothers life. Rights groups have criticised a requirement for a judges permission, which often results in lengthy delays or denial of the procedure. The bill emphasises the danger Argentine women face in seeking clandestine abortions, particularly poor women. A letter signed by several social organisations and human rights groups urged legislators not to turn their backs on women. More than 60 percent of Argentinians especially young people are in favour of legalizing abortion, according to a poll by the social sciences faculty of the University of Buenos Aires. An estimated 500,000 unsafe abortions are performed annually in the South American country. Argentina recorded 245 cases of maternal mortality in 2016, according to official figures quoted by the website Infobae. Of these, 43 were due to abortions or miscarriages. UN Human Rights Office report accuses India and Pakistan of excessive use of force and human rights abuses in Kashmir. The UN human rights chief on Thursday called for an international investigation into abuses in Kashmir, as his office released its first-ever report on alleged rights violations committed by both India and Pakistan in the disputed territory. Zeid Raad Al Hussein said he would urge the Human Rights Council, which opens a new session next week, to consider establishing a Commission of Inquiry (COI) to conduct a comprehensive independent international investigation into allegations of human rights violations in Kashmir. Alleged sites of mass graves in the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region should be investigated, he said in a statement. A COI is one of the UNs highest-level probes, generally reserved for major crises like the conflict in Syria. According to the 49-page report, Indian security forces have used excessive force in Kashmir and killed and wounded numerous civilians since 2016. India rejects motivated report India, on its part, rejected the claims made in the report. India rejects the report. It is fallacious, tendentious and motivated. We question the intent in bringing out such a report, the foreign affairs ministry said in a statement released on Thursday. It is a selective compilation of largely unverified information. It is overtly prejudiced and seeks to build a false narrative. The report violates Indias sovereignty and territorial integrity. The entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Pakistan is in illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the Indian state through aggression. First-ever @UNHumanRights report on #Kashmir calls for international inquiry into #humanrights violations and abuses on both sides of the Line of Control: https://t.co/8SeQ9tlhZU pic.twitter.com/P7OSNj6HJl UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) June 14, 2018 Turning to territory under Pakistans control, the report identifies a range of human rights abuses, but notes they are of a different calibre or magnitude and of a more structural nature. The rights office also said that restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly made it difficult to obtain information about conditions in Pakistan-administered Kashmir. Pakistan should end the misuse of anti-terror legislation to persecute those engaging in peaceful political and civil activities and those who express dissent, the UN said. Pakistans foreign office welcomed the report, saying it was consistent with Islamabads demands for an investigation into gross and systemic violations, including pellet guns excessive use of force, arbitrary arrest and detentions. The contents, scale and the narrative of killings, maiming, abuse and impunity articulated in the report is a reaffirmation of what Pakistan has long highlighted for the international community. References to human rights concerns in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan [part of Pakistan-administered Kashmir] should in no way be construed to create a false sense of equivalence with the gross and systematic human rights violations in IoK [Indian occupied Kashmir], it said. Activists welcome report Speaking to Al Jazeera, Kashmir-based human rights activist Khurram Parvez said that the UN report on Kashmir was historical and symbolically a huge step leading to a significant acknowledgement of the Indian governments role in massive human rights abuses. Parvez, who works with civil society organisations in Indian-administered Kashmir, said the UN report had authenticated our allegations that impunity for armed forces is chronic in Jammu and Kashmir. Immad Nazir, who works with Association of Parents of Disappeared Persons (APDP) in the disputed territory, agreed. The International community should also take note of the violence perpetrated on the civilian population who demand their political rights as recognised by the UN. Ilyas Zargar, a 29-year-old resident of Srinagar, also welcomed the report and called on the UN to hold India accountable for the daily human rights violations in Kashmir through a real inquiry into abuses. Months-long violence The findings come amid a precarious security situation in Kashmir, where Indian forces have been running a military offensive against rebels in recent years. The report said that Al Hussein met representatives of both governments following an upsurge of violence in July 2016, triggered by Indias killing of Burhan Wani, a 22-year-rebel commander. Concerned by what the UN termed large and unprecedented protests after Wanis death, Zeid asked for unconditional access to Kashmir, but neither government agreed. His office then began remote monitoring of the region, ultimately producing a report covering alleged abuses between January 2016 and April of this year. Activists estimate that up to 145 civilians were killed by security forces and up to 20 civilians were killed by armed groups in the same period, the report said. The report also criticised the use of pellet shotguns by security forces to quell the protests, which caused eye injuries in more than 6,000 people. It called for the repeal of Armed Forces Special Powers Act 1990 (AFSPA), a law that gives security forces immunity from prosecution. Impunity for human rights violations and lack of access to justice are key human rights challenges in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the report said. Mountainous Kashmir, which is mostly Muslim, is divided between the nuclear-armed neighbours, who both claim it in full and have fought two of their three wars over the region since their separation in 1947. New Delhi has long accused Islamabad of training and arming fighters and helping them infiltrate the heavily militarised Line of Control (LoC) that separates the two sides in the region, a charge Islamabad denies. India has about 500,000 soldiers in the part of Kashmir it controls, where armed groups are fighting for independence or a merger with Pakistan. Additional reporting by Rifat Fareed from Srinagar The resolution, backed by 120 countries, rejected a US bid to blame Hamas for the violence that has left 129 dead. The UN General Assembly on Wednesday condemned Israel for excessive use of force against Palestinian civilians, in a resolution adopted by a strong majority of 120 countries. The 193-member world body rejected the United States efforts to blame Gazas Hamas rulers for the violence that has killed over 120 Palestinians in the past two and half months. The resolution deplores Israels use of excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate force against Palestinian civilians and calls for protection measures for Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. Presented by Algeria and Turkey on behalf of Arab and Muslim countries, the measure won a decisive 120 votes, with eight votes against and 45 abstentions. {articleGUID} The resolutions are not legally binding but carry political weight. Australia, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Solomon Islands and Togo joined Israel and the US in voting against the resolution, which comes weeks after Washington vetoed a similar resolution in the 15-member UN Security Council. At least 129 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza border protests since March 30 to commemorate 70 years since the Nakba (or Catastrophe), when about 750,000 Palestinians were driven out from their homes. The largest number of deaths occurred on May 14, the day the US moved its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. Palestinians and their supporters said most protesters were unarmed civilians and Israel used excessive force against them. We need protection of our civilian population, Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour told the General Assembly before the vote, adding that the resolution was intended to contribute to a de-escalation of the volatile situation. We cannot remain silent in the face of the most violent crimes and human rights violations being systematically perpetrated against our people, Mansour said. Despite international condemnation of its use of lethal force, Israel said many of the dead were armed and that the Israeli army was defending itself against attacks on the border fence with Gaza. Washington has maintained Israels right to defend itself. The resolution also asked UN chief Antonio Guterres to report back within 60 days on proposals on ways and means for ensuring the safety, protection and well-being of the Palestinian civilian population under Israeli occupation, including recommendations regarding an international protection mechanism. No mention of Hamas While the General Assembly text condemned the firing of rockets from Gaza into Israeli civilian areas, it did not mention Hamas, the group that governs Gaza. US Ambassador Nikki Haley dismissed the resolution as one-sided and accused Arab countries of trying to score political points at home by seeking to condemn Israel at the United Nations. For some, attacking Israel is their favourite political sport. Thats why we are here today, Haley told the Assembly. An amendment presented by the US that condemned Hamas for inciting violence along the border with Gaza failed to garner the two-thirds majority needed for adoption. In December 128 countries defied President Donald Trump and voted in favour of a UN General Assembly resolution calling for the US to drop its recognition of Jerusalem as Israels capital. UN condemns Israel for excessive use of force at Gaza border The UN General Assembly has also asked Secretary-General Antonio Guterres to recommend an international protection mechanism for occupied Palestinian territory. Some Greeks feel like it is difficult to change the name of a nation because it has more to do with identity than law. The Greek government faces a vote of no confidence over its deal with the former Yugoslav Macedonia. The conservative opposition New Democracy party brought the motion on Thursday, saying the deal is opposed by the overwhelming majority of Greek people. The vote is to take place late on Saturday. To survive, the government needs at least 151 of its 154 MPs to vote against the censure motion in the 300-seat chamber. If it should fail to garner the votes, it would fall and an election would be called. Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras on Tuesday announced that the two governments agreed to rename the former communist state Severna Makedonja, or Northern Macedonia. The deal was the result of six months of talks, and comes after a 26-year standoff between the two countries. Greece has objected to the former Yugoslav state calling itself Republic of Macedonia, which implies territorial aspirations on its northern region of the same name. If the two countries ratify the deal, Greece will lift its veto on Northern Macedonias membership in the European Union and NATO. European leaders welcomed the deal, which comes as the EU tries to pump new energy into the accession processes of Serbia, Albania and Northern Macedonia. We hope this unique opportunity to re-launch the wider Western Balkan regions European and Euro-Atlantic integration will not be wasted, NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg and European Council leader Donald Tusk said in a joint statement on Wednesday. This agreement sets an example to others on how to consolidate peace and stability across the region. But in Athens, the mood was sour. Since the fall of communism, Greeks have called the country to their north Skopje, after its capital city, and its people and their language as Skopjan. The deal would sanction the countrys Macedonian language and nationality, albeit with the proviso that they are of Slav, not ancient Greek, origin. Northern Macedonia would agree that its official language and other attributes are not related to the ancient Hellenic civilisation, history, culture and heritage of the northern region of [Greece]. It would make constitutional changes to remove claims on Greek soil. When these Slav Macedonians travel abroad, are they really going to introduce themselves saying, I am a Macedonian of Slavic background and my language is Slavic and I really have nothing to do with Alexander the Great? asked Health worker Konstantina Teneketzi. These things are difficult to guarantee. Why didnt they pick another name? Like America for example? Many Greeks fear that once Northern Macedonia has the green light to enter the EU and NATO, it will return to its old habit of claiming an ethnicity with descent from the ancient Macedonian kingdom of Alexander the Great. I dont think those people will ever stop claiming our territory, said pensioner Christos Hadjiliadis. They think its all theirs. Once theyre in NATO and the EU, what are we going to do? They wont keep their promises. Not everyone in parliament is implacably opposed to the deal. Socialist leader Fofi Gennimata said it constitutes a step but not a comprehensive solution. She felt that the agreement could be accepted if the constitutional amendment by Skopje included the adjustment of language and nationality in accordance with the new name. Centre-right Potami leader, whose party controls six seats, was positive, calling the agreement a necessary first step the step we must make. Legal experts pointed out that its not up to the Greeks to disallow the Macedonian designation of language and nationality. The name of a state can be the object of a diplomatic negotiation, said Pention Universitys human rights professor Dimitris Christopoulos on his Facebook page. The name of a nation the identity of a people, where they feel they belong cannot, because it is not a question of rules but of conscience. By Benjamin Jumbe. Archbishop of the Church of Uganda the Most Rev. Stanley Ntagali, is set to lead a delegation of 230 people to Jerusalem on 16th June The delegation is to participate in the 3rd international gathering of the Global Anglican Future Conference (GAFCON) and will include Bishops, wives, clergy, and lay leaders. Two thousand Anglicans are expected to converge in Jerusalem from more than 50 countries. The conference theme is Proclaiming Christ Faithfully to the Nations and runs from 17th 22nd June GAFCON was established in 2008 in Jerusalem and celebrates ten years of Anglicans walking together based on a common confession of the faith articulated in the Jerusalem Declaration. Archbishop Stanley said GAFCON is the best hope for Anglicans around the world to walk together in a way that brings genuine transformation to peoples lives, families, and communities. During the meeting, the GAFCON movement will launch a number of global networks focused on deepening partnerships and making them relevant in a variety of local contexts. Shujaat Bukhari was killed outside his office along with his two bodyguards. Veteran journalist Shujaat Bukhari was assassinated on Thursday evening by unknown gunmen outside his office in the Indian-administered Kashmir. Bukhari was shot outside his office in the commercial hub of the regions main city of Srinagar. A witness told Al Jazeera that he heard the intense firing which left the journalist along with his two security guards lying in a pool of blood in a car. I was just leaving my office when I heard the intense firing. Bukhari had boarded the car and was leaving when he was shot repeatedly from a close range. He died on the spot due to multiple bullet wounds, said a photo journalist who was present at the scene but did not want to be named. Doctors declared the journalist and one of his security guards dead on arrival at a local hospital. However, another security guard later succumbed to his injuries, the police said. Bukhari, who was a group editor for three daily newspapers, was leaving the office of his English daily Rising Kashmir when he was indiscriminately fired upon after boarding his car, according to the police. No one claims responsibility Though no group has claimed responsibility for the attack, the police in the region said preliminary investigational finding indicates this is a terror attack. Bukharis colleague Yusuf Jameel told Al Jazeera that the assassination has sent shockwaves among the journalists in the region who have been working in the volatile atmosphere. This has devastated the whole journalist fraternity in the region. But this incident is not the first one. In the past too, we have lost many journalists. This highlights how much difficult conditions journalists are working in Kashmir. Bukhari, who was in his 50s, was assigned security guards after he faced an assassination attempt in 2000. In the past, Bukhari had served as the bureau chief of Indian national paper The Hindu in Kashmir for more than a decade. The Editors Guild of India while condemning the attack called on the government to ensure safety and security for the media in the state. An attack on a journalist challenges the very foundations of a free press and vibrant democracy and more so in a state like Jammu and Kashmir that is going through militancy. The Guild also calls upon the state and central government to enhance security for all journalists in Jammu and Kashmir, they said in a statement. The killing of @RisingKashmir editor, Shujaat Bukhari is an act of cowardice. It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist. Extremely shocked & pained at his death. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family. Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 14, 2018 Robert Mohoney, deputy executive director for the Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ) described the killing as a blatant attack on the freedom of the press. Journalists working in Jammu and Kashmir have long been subject to a range of threats. Authorities must turn this rising tide of risks by thoroughly investigating this murder and holding the perpetrators to account, he said. The International Federation of Journalists (IFJ) report released in December last year said that the media in Jammu and Kashmir has walked the razors edge for the past 30 years, facing pressures from all sides of the conflict. According to the report, twenty-one journalists have been killed due to the conflict either directly targeted or caught in the cross-fire in Kashmir. Kashmir continues to be a bone of contention between India and Pakistan as both claim it in its entirety. Rebels have been fighting Indian rule since 1989, demanding that the territory is united either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country. Thousands of people have been killed in the conflict so far. India has about 500,000 soldiers in the part of Kashmir it controls, where armed groups are fighting for independence or a merger with Pakistan. The impact of sanctions on ordinary Iranians With the value of its currency falling against the dollar, Iranians are growing worried for the future of their economy amid rising unemployment and threat of renewed sanctions. Leave No Girl Behind helps young African mothers access education The Leave No Girl Behind campaign, launched by Human Rights Watch, aims to help many pregnant girls and teenage mothers prevented from returning to school. The streets of Managua are deserted as residents observe a national strike called by opponents of the government. Nicaraguas capital Managua has taken on the airs of a ghost town, as a day-long national strike is being held to protest two months of violent chaos under President Daniel Ortega. This is a peaceful civil strike that covers all economic activities, except those related to the preservation of life and the coverage of basic services for the population, announced the National Alliance for Justice and Democracy, a key player in the stalled crisis talks. On Thursday, commerce stood still as shops, banks and eateries across the country closed for the peaceful strike ending at midnight. {articleGUID} Images from the capitals normally bustling Mercado Oriental market showed shuttered storefronts. Busses and taxis were nowhere in sight. At least 147 people have been killed, most of them students, since the unrest started more than six weeks ago, according to local human rights activists. A previous round of talks arranged by bishops broke up at the end of May after government security forces were accused of renewing brutal tactics to quash demonstrations. Talks will begin again on Friday, the bishops conference said in a statement. Translation: Today at noon, this is how the street of Jose Dolores Estrada, in the city centre, looks like. Stores closed. Este mediodia en Avenida Jose Dolores Estrada al centro de la ciudad de #Matagalpa. Comercio cerrado y cazuelas sonando @laprensa @hoynoticias pic.twitter.com/aX2kNmrygN LuisEduardoMartinezM (@LUISEMATAGALPA) June 14, 2018 Church dialogue The Episcopal Conference of Nicaragua said that it has received an answer from President Daniel Ortega to its proposal for solving the impasse. On Friday it will publicly unveil both their mediation offer and Ortegas response something the country has been anticipating for a week. Managuas vocal auxiliary bishop Silvio Jose Baez tweeted that the Church supports the national strike as an act of pressure and social protest. The strike will demand an end to the repression, and support democratic and peaceful change, and a return to dialogue, he said. The strike will demand an end to the repression Silvio Jose Baez The unrest started as a student-led protest against a reform that planed to cut pensions and social security, while increasing worker social contributions, an idea that Ortega later scrapped. But it now has expanded into a nationwide revolt against the president. Ortegas government has been elected three times since 2007, but now he refuses to accept responsability for the violence and has ignored calls to step down. The Inter-American Commission on Human Rights voiced alarm and deep concern over Nicaraguas serious human rights crisis in a statement. The commission condemned the excessive use of state force and attacks on protesters by pro-government paramilitary forces, groups that the State has the obligation to dismantle. More than half of 15,000 total injuries in Gaza demos since March 30 are from explosive bullets, leading to amputation. More than one month later, sadness and anger still grip Rania al-Anqars heart every time she thinks about her son Abdullah, whose leg was amputated after he was shot by an Israeli soldier. The 13-year-old had made his way to an area east of Gaza City, near the Israeli fence and close to his home in the al-Shujayea neighbourhood, on a quiet Thursday morning in early May. I took my slingshot with me, Abdullah, a skinny boy of 13, told Al Jazeera. A few people were in the area, and everything was calm. I went near the fence and starting throwing rocks, he said, sitting in his wheelchair. Then as I started to climb the fence, I saw an Israeli soldier hiding in the bushes. Abdullahs immediate reaction was to step down from the fence and run away, but before he could do that, the soldier shot him in the left thigh with an explosive bullet at close range. I cant remember anything after that moment. I only remember something hot had shattered my leg before I lost consciousness, Abdullah said. Eyewitnesses in the area told the Anqar family that the Israeli soldiers dragged Abdullahs body to their side, where an ambulance was waiting. The boy was then transferred into an air ambulance. A number of people rushed into my home at 8:30 in the morning shouting: Israeli soldiers shot your son and took him, Rania, Abdullahs mother said. No other details. I couldnt control myself, she continued. I ran to the fence crying the entire time. Once there, Palestinians who were in the area at the time Abdullah was shot told her he was taken away in a helicopter, but could not offer details on how or where in his body he had been shot. Some were saying Abdullah was shot in the head, others said in the chest, the mother of seven said. The family spent a panicked day trying to figure out whether their son, the sixth out of seven children, was dead or alive, and if alive, whether he was arrested or taken for treatment, and if for treatment, how serious his injury was. We informed the Red Cross committee about what happened, Rania said. They took his information and contacted the Israeli side. That afternoon, Abdullahs father Emad received a telephone call from the Israeli coordination and liaison office. An Israeli officer told me in Arabic that he was with the Israeli army, and that my son Abdullah was in Soroka Hospital in Bir Sabe [Beersheba], the 46-year-old father told Al Jazeera. They needed personal details like our ID number from me or his mother so that they could issue a permit for one of us to go see Abdullah in the hospital. The officer offered no information about Abdullahs medical condition. We were very worried, Rania said. In the end, we decided that Emad would go. Surgeries, amputation, shock The following day was a Friday and Erez checkpoint, Israels only pedestrian crossing north of the Gaza Strip, was closed. However, the Israeli army opened the checkpoint as an exceptional case in order to let Emad through. When I saw Abdullah in the hospital, I immediately wished I didnt, Emad said, holding back tears. He was dying in the intensive care unit. There were tubes coming out of his body everywhere. Abdullah underwent three surgeries and a transfusion of eight units of blood to save his leg, Emad recalled. Bullet fragments and shards of bone had severely affected his femoral artery. The doctors tried to transfer a major vein from his uninjured leg but were unsuccessful, leaving them no choice but to amputate his left leg from the upper thigh, five days after he was shot. The young teens body became unresponsive and had to be resuscitated after his heart stopped. After that, he was moved to the intensive care unit where he spent 13 days. I was totally devastated, Emad said. I spent those days crying next to Abdullahs bed in the ICU. I refused to eat. People in the hospital would cry when they saw me weeping. The staff doctors, nurses and other people in the Israeli hospital denounced the incident, he added bitterly. They were asking the same question I had on my mind: why did the Israeli soldier shoot my son, a mere child, in this way? After a week in the ICU, the doctors decided to wake Abdullah up from the anaesthesia that they had kept him under. The most heart-wrenching moment was when he woke up, recognised me, and then started to feel around for his leg, Emad said, his voice choking with grief and tears running down his cheeks. I couldnt forget his reaction when he found out that his leg had been amputated. He kept asking: where is my leg? I had no words there. He burst into tears while fumbling for his missing leg. I tried to calm him down by saying that he would have an artificial limb in its place, but I was crying with him, Emad said in anguish. Abdullah then spoke to his mother over the phone, repeating one sentence over and over. He kept saying, Mum, you see? I lost my leg. My leg is gone, Rania said. Her sorrow quickly turned into anger. My son didnt pose any threat to the Israeli soldiers, she said. What if the Israeli soldier shot on the ground, or in the air? My son would have instantly run away. He is still a minor and unaware of his actions, she added, proclaiming her condemnation of Israels criminality. Abdullahs parents have called on international child protection organisations to open an investigation into their sons incident and to prosecute the soldier who shot him. Weve hired a lawyer to follow up the case and we will not stay silent on our sons right, the father said. Explosive bullets responsible for over half of injuries Since returning to Gaza on May 21, Abdullah has undergone two surgeries at Gazas Shifa Hospital to remove dead tissue from his left thigh. He still needs more surgeries and serious rehabilitation before he can be fitted with an appropriate artificial limb. Abdullahs condition is considered by Hossam al-Talmas, a physician with the Doctors Without Borders (known by its French acronym MSF) clinic in Gaza, as the most extreme case of amputation he has seen among similar incidents since the protests in Gaza began east of the strip. We have amputation cases in the thigh but not like Abdullahs case, Talmas told Al Jazeera, saying that the teenagers leg was cut off quite high on his upper thigh. Abdullah has been coming to the MSF clinic three times a week since his return to Gaza, for physical therapy sessions. Last week, the organisation coordinated with a delegation of French doctors who operated on Abdullahs thigh to remove more dead tissue at Gaza Citys Patients Friend Society hospital. Dr Ayman al-Sahbani, head of the emergency departments at the Shifa Hospital, told Al Jazeera he believes that the Israeli army is using new weaponry based on the types of injuries the wounded protesters from the Great March of Return demonstrations have sustained since March 30. Israeli snipers use explosive bullets that shatter the bones, the tissues, and slice the veins and arteries, al-Sahbani said, adding that 51 percent of the injuries sustained in the demonstrations were the result of these bullets. In numbers, they are 7,500 injured with explosive bullets out of 15,000, which is the total number of injuries since March 30, Sahbani said. Some wounded protesters undergo as many as seven surgeries to try to save their limbs, al-Sahbani explained, In many cases, we resort to amputation after numerous attempts to save the leg. Many patients need to be urgently transferred outside Gaza, the doctor continued. While the patients referral papers are ready, they are still waiting for Israeli-issued medical permits, which puts their cases in even more danger. He [Abdullah] needs to be transferred out of Gaza to a professional prosthetics hospital as his case in rare here in Gaza, Emad said. Yet in the month of Ramadan, where Egyptian President Abdel Fattah el-Sisi announced the Rafah border crossing would be open, only three cases of amputees were transferred via Egypt, al-Sahbani said. Back to walking, back to normal life Moving between his bed and the wheelchair, Abdullah remains full of energy with a smile that never leaves his face and hardly pays attention when his mother gently admonishes him to be more careful as he tries to step on one foot without using crutches. Yet despite putting on a brave face, Rania says he is prone to mood swings. After his injury, he became irritable, nervous and very sensitive, Rania whispered. Till now, Abdullah insists he does not want to see his friends, who came by to visit him on more than one occasion. He would ask them to leave. He used to play with them all day, but now that hes on a wheelchair, he cant, she added. Abdullahs injury also prevented him from taking his final exams at school, and he refuses to go back to school again. Abdullah al-Anqar remains full of energy but is prone to mood swings and refuses to go back to school, his mother says [Hosam Salem/Al Jazeera] Im tired of sitting down, Abdullah said, as he tried to stand up away from his wheelchair. His eyes flicker when hes asked about the moment he realised he had lost his leg. It was a harsh moment, he said, his smile disappearing. I cried a lot and was in shock. I felt like something more than just physical was gone. Suddenly he brightened up. I have to travel outside Gaza so I can get an artificial limb, then I could go back to my normal life, back to walking again, he said. I want to be a musician and see the whole world. Department of Defense says US does not command, accompany, or participate in counter-Houthi operations in the port city. The United States Department of Defense (the Pentagon) has said that it is not involved in the military offensive carried out by the Saudi-Emirati alliance against the Iranian-aligned Houthi militia in the Yemeni port city of Hudaida. Speaking on Thursday, spokesman Major Adrian Galloway said Washington does not command, accompany, or participate in counter-Houthi operations or any hostilities other than those authorised against al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula and ISIS, referring to the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant (ISIL, also known as ISIS). Our support to the coalition consists of aerial refueling to coalition aircraft and intelligence support to assist our partners in securing their borders from cross-border attacks from the Houthis, Galloway continued. He also said that US military support to its allies is always geared towards mitigating noncombatant casualties. He stressed the importance of the port in delivering aid to alleviate the suffering of Yemenis, adding that the US supports the efforts of the UN envoy to Yemen Martin Griffith to bring the Yemeni parties to the negotiating table. Before the Saudi coalition against Yemen began in March 2015, Hudaida port used to funnel in at least 80 percent of Yemens imports, mostly food. Now, two-thirds of Yemens population of 28 million is dependent on aid to survive, and 8 million of those are food insecure. Battle for Hudaida Galloways comments came on the second day of the military operation launched by the Saudi coalition in an attempt to seize the port of city, which Riyadh and Abu Dhabi allege the Houthis are using to smuggle in weapons from Iran. Four Emirati soldiers were killed in battles on Wednesday, while the Houthis confirmed that they had targeted a coalition ship. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said on Monday that his country was closely following the developments in Hudaida, but did not rule out the possibility of taking part in the offensive on Yemens third largest city. He said he had contacted United Arab Emirates officials and talked about Washingtons desire to discuss UAE security concerns while maintaining the flow of humanitarian aid and goods through the important port. Operation Golden Victory, backed by Emirati troops on the ground and Saudi Apache helicopters, is aimed at controlling the airport and the port, coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki said. Coalition forces are six kilometres from the Hudaida airport, Maliki said on Thursday, and stressed that they will avoid entering the city, which is packed with 600,000 people. The UN has warned that as many as 250,000 people could lose everything even their lives in the assault. Military sources from the coalition-supported forces have reported the deaths of about 30 Houthi gunmen and nine government troops in the recent clashes. US top diplomat pushes back at Pyongyangs claim that it would get concessions from Trump during step-by-step process. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said that there will be no sanctions relief for North Korea until it has denuclearised in a way that is complete, verifiable and irreversible. The US top diplomat was in South Korea on Thursday to brief South Korean President Moon Jae-in on this weeks landmark summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. Pyongyang understood the need for a quick denuclearisation process which would be based on conditions and sequencing, Pompeo said following joint talks in Seoul with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts, Kang Kyung-hwa and Taro Kono respectively. Pompeos comments came after North Korean state media reported on Wednesday that Trump had agreed to a step-by-step process, suggesting that North Korea would gain concessions from the US at the same time. Pompeo had told reporters on Wednesday that the North Korean nuclear disarmament could take two years to complete. Trump also declared on social media on Wednesday that there is no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea, after his meeting with Kim. Everybody can now feel much safer than the day I took office, he wrote on Twitter. Before the talks with Pompeo, Moon on Thursday hailed the summit as a great success. While acknowledging that there may be very conflicting views regarding the outcome of the summit, the US had been able to spare the whole world the fear of war a nuclear war as well as the long-range missiles, he said. By referencing the conflicting views, Moon appeared to be referring to Trumps unexpected promise to halt joint military exercises with South Korea, which the US president called a provocation to the North. The announcement apparently caught US allies including Seoul as well as the US military off guard. Japan has expressed concern, while South Korea said earlier it needed to find out the exact meaning and intention of President Trumps remarks. Trump declared on social media on Wednesday that North Korea is no longer a nuclear threat [AP] Al Jazeeras Wayne Hay, reporting from Seoul, said that the meeting was an opportunity for the three countries to show that they are in the same page when it comes to the issue of North Korea and denuclearisation. But behind closed doors, Pompeo faces tougher questions from American allies about some of Trumps public declarations, he said. Deal lacks in details But Trumps move had long been suggested by China, and Beijing was quick to applaud its announcement on Wednesday. The agreement signed by Trump and Kim on Tuesday said the US would provide security guarantees to North Korea, while Pyongyang committed to denuclearisation. But details on what form those promises would take were sparse, with critics noting the lack of a timeline for when North Korea will begin dismantling its nuclear programme. In an interview recorded in Singapore but broadcast on the US television channel, Fox News, late on Wednesday in the US, Trump said that a withdrawal of US troops from South Korea had not been discussed at the summit. Trump said not only was a pullout not discussed, the US is not drawing down at all. But he also said he would love to bring the US military out of South Korea because of the cost, adding that while it was not currently part of the discussion, at the appropriate time, it will be. Such a withdrawal would be problematic for Japan, to which the US has long provided security assurances, while it would be welcomed by China, which wants to expand its influence in the region. Pompeo is expected in Beijing later on Thursday to update Chinese officials on the Singapore summit. As an important party, China offered to assist North Korea and the US in further talks and in implementing decisions made at the summit. Observers expect a visit by a North Korean official to Beijing soon, as the traditional allies will want to consult going forward. The two Koreas were also to hold the first high-level military talks in 10 years on Thursday, according to the South Korean news agency Yonhap. The talks, aimed at discussing ways of easing cross-border tensions, were to be held at the truce village of Panmunjom, on the border between the two countries. Prominent lawyer recently represented several women arrested for protesting against mandatory wearing of headscarves. International rights groups have urged authorities in Iran to release immediately and unconditionally, one of the countrys most prominent human rights lawyers, Nasrin Sotoudeh, who was arrested on Wednesday and taken to the notorious Evin prison. Sotoudehs husband, Reza Khandan, said she was told she would be serving a five-year sentence after being convicted in absentia, but added that they have no idea what the sentence was related to. Khandan said their 18-year-old daughter was at home at the time of the arrest. My daughter is preparing for university entrance exams that will be held in two weeks, he said. I dont know how she will manage it in such conditions. There was no immediate comment from authorities about the arrest. Sotoudeh, 55, recently represented several women arrested for protesting against the mandatory wearing of headscarves. In February, Tehran police said that 29 women had been detained for posing in public without their headscarves in the previous weeks. In a statement sent following the arrest, Human Rights Watch (HRW) said Sotoudeh is a human rights champion who should be applauded, not jailed. Irans judiciary again has revealed to its citizens and the international community its disdain for and fear of people who seek to protect human rights, Sarah Leah Whitson, HRW Middle East director said. In November 2017, Sotoudeh told the Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) that the Revolutionary Court in Evin prison had summoned her, but that she refused to participate in the proceeding, saying she did not believe the court would follow legal procedures and felt that she would be tried unfairly. While in prison in 2012, Sotoudeh won Europes Sakharov rights award for her legal work [File: EPA] Outrage Commenting on Sotoudehs detention, Amnesty International called it an outrage. Philip Luther, Amnestys research director for the Middle East and North Africa, said the arrest is the latest example of the Iranian authorities vindictive attempts to stop her from carrying out her important work as a lawyer. Sotoudeh won the European Parliaments prestigious Sakharov rights award in 2012 for her work on high-profile rights and political cases, including juveniles facing the death penalty in the Islamic republic. She has defended journalists and activists, including Nobel Peace laureate Shirin Ebadi and several dissidents arrested during mass protests in 2009. The human rights lawyer had recently spoken out against a new criminal code that only allowed a small number of lawyers just 20 in Tehran to represent individuals charged with national security crimes. Security forces previously arrested Sotoudeh in 2010. She was later sentenced to 11 years in prison and banned from practising law for 20 years. During her time in jail, Sotoudeh staged two hunger strikes in protest against the conditions in Evin and a ban on seeing her son and daughter. She was released in September 2013, shortly before Irans then-newly elected President Hassan Rouhani, who had campaigned on a pledge to improve civil rights, attended the UN General Assembly. In August 2014, the Lawyers Court at the Tehran Bar Association overturned the ban on her legal practice. The Center for Human Rights in Iran (CHRI) also demanded Sotoudehs immediate release. The arrest of this distinguished attorney, who has dedicated her life to defending detainees held on politically motivated charges, reveals the states fear of those who defend due process and the rule of law in Iran, Hadi Ghaemi, executive director of CHRI said. Meeting between the two South Sudanese leaders to take place in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa next week. South Sudanese rebel leader Riek Machar has accepted an invitation from the prime minister of Ethiopia to hold talks with South Sudanese President Salva Kiir in Addis Ababa next week, a spokesman for Machar said. The Movement welcomes this invitation it will go a long way in building confidence in the peace process, the spokesman said in a statement on Wednesday. The statement said Machar, who is under house arrest in South Africa, had been invited by Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed to attend the talks on June 20. The talks will be led by East African bloc IGAD, the statement added. There was no immediate comment from South Sudans government or from IGAD. The meeting would be the first time that Kiir and Machar, the former vice president of South Sudan, have met since a peace deal between the government and Machars rebel group fell apart in August 2016. Tens of thousands of people have died in the civil war that broke out in late 2013 when troops loyal to Machar launched a rebellion against the government. All sides in the now-complex and multi-faceted war stand accused by the United Nations and other bodies of committing atrocities against civilians. The NGO is declared persona non grata for violating Haitian legislation and breaching the principle of human dignity. Haiti has permanently banned UK-based charity Oxfam from operating in the country following allegations of sexual misconduct by its employees while working in the country in the aftermath of the devastating January 2010 earthquake. A government statement said on Wednesday that the action, which followed a temporary suspension in February, was taken because of Oxfams violation of Haitian legislation and serious breach of the principle of human dignity. The NGO is therefore declared persona non grata, Aviol Fleurant, minister of planning and external cooperation, said at a press briefing. Fleurant said a draft law was being prepared to provide closer control over, and coordination with, the many foreign aid groups operating in the country. Oxfam, which had been present in Haiti since 1978, fired four workers in 2011 for gross misconduct and three others were allowed to quit after a whistle-blower accused staff members of misconduct while working in the country after the 2010 earthquake. Sex scandal A 2011 Oxfam report, made public this year, said the groups then-country director, Roland van Hauwermeiren, had admitted to paying for sex and that three staff members had physically threatened a witness. Oxfam Great Britain Chief Executive Mark Goldring announced his resignation last month, saying that someone else should help rebuild the group following the scandal in Haiti. The aid group has seen its funding plummet amid the damaging revelations. The scandal sparked additional claims about aid workers in Chad, Bangladesh, Nepal and the Philippines, prompting Oxfam to launch a global action plan against sexual harassment and abuse. By Ruth Anderah. High Court in Kampala has sentenced Ivan Kamyuka to three and eight months imprisonment after found him guilty of unintentionally killing his colleague John Aimbisibwe over a woman at Club Guvnor Industrial area in Kampala. While sentencing him Justice Wilson Kwesiga noted that he had to hand down Kamyuka a sentence which is long enough to enable him reform and shorter than the 15 years asked by the prosecutor to allow him return to society as a useful citizen. The judge also described his sentence as lenient because the deceased Ahimbisibwe partly contributed to his death by violently attacking Kamyukaslover. This morning Justice Kwesiga acquitted Kamyuka of murder and instead convicted him of manslaughter after establishing from the prosecution evidence adduced that the deceased Ahimbisibwe attacked him(Kamyuka) first and as well as provoked his lover who is also the lady at the Center of contention Nima Nyarwaka. To exonerate Kamyuka of murder, justice Kwesiga has considered his defence evidence and that of his lover Nima Nyarwaka who testified that the deceased Ahimbisibwe was a violent man who had been even deported from Sweden due to his violence nature . Ahimbisibwe died on the night of 2nd/August 2015 at Case Clinic due to excessive bleeding from a deep cot wound he sustained on the neck. Related Stories Ivan Kamyuka granted bail The closed meeting requested by the UK comes as residents flee outskirts of city fearing incoming air attacks. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) has called for an emergency session as the Saudi-Emirati military assault on the Yemeni port city of Hudaida entered its second day. The closed meeting, requested by the United Kingdom, will take place on Thursday afternoon. It will be the second time the Council convenes this week over the situation in Yemen, which aid groups warn stares at an imminent humanitarian crisis. On Wednesday, the Saudi Arabia and United Arab Emirates (UAE) launched an air and ground offensive on Hudaida, Yemens third largest city, in the biggest battle in the three-year war between the coalition and Iranian-aligned Houthi rebels. The air attacks targeting Houthi positions have been supported by ground operations by foreign and Yemeni troops south of the Red Sea port. Fighting raged near Hudaida airport and al-Durayhmi, a rural area 10km south of the city, UAEs WAM news agency said. It also said that UAE forces and local allies had penetrated the Houthis front line on the airport perimetre. Coalition spokespeople said 18 air attacks were fired on the outskirts of Hudaida on Wednesday. The Houthis deployed military vehicles and troops in the city centre and near the port, as warplanes struck the coast to the south, residents told Al Jazeera. Fear of full-fledged war The rebel fighters have been instructing residents in the outskirts to leave their homes for the city centre for days. Today I heard warplanes hovering and the sounds of explosions, a 20-year-old woman, who wished to remain anonymous for fear of reprisal, told Al Jazeera. The mother of two decided to leave her village of Taif a few days ago, during the last few days of the holy month of Ramadan. We walked on foot with nothing but the clothes on our backs, she said of her and her extended family members, who walked some 10km. Residents of the city have been experiencing a relative calm prior to the assault. The sounds of warplanes and air attacks have frightened many who wonder if the city was soon going to see a full-fledged war. The possibility of food running out is also among the residents main fears. We have enough food for now, but we dont know if well have more of it if the port completely shuts down, 18-year-old Safaa, who requested her real name to be withheld, told Al Jazeera. The attacks objective is to push Houthi fighters out from the city, which has been under their control since 2014. Apart from Hudaida, the Houthis control the capital, Sanaa, and most of the countrys populated areas. With logistical support from the US, the Saudi-led coalition has been carrying out attacks inside Yemen since March 2015, killing at least 10,000 people, in an attempt to reinstate the internationally recognised government of President Abu-Rabbu Mansour Hadi. Houthi leader Mohammed Ali al-Houthi criticised the coalitions allies. In a statement, he held the US and Britain responsible for the Saudi-backed attack on the vital port city. Yemens government said Wednesday that negotiations had failed to force the Houthis from Hudaida, and that a grace period for UN-led peace efforts was over. Meanwhile, the UN special envoy for Yemen Martin Griffiths, said he was continuing to negotiate on keeping Hudaida open and urged all sides to exercise restraint. On Monday, the UNSC said it supported Griffiths diplomatic efforts but did not specifically call on Saudi Arabia and the UAE to refrain from attacking the city a key point for aid supply. We came on foot For the last few weeks, the UN had been trying to broker a deal in a bid to avert the attack, which it fears would further hinder Yemenis access to food, fuel and medicine worsening the worlds most urgent humanitarian crisis. The Hudaida port is a vital lifeline that is crucial for the flow of food supplies into a country that is on the brink of famine, as it serves the entry point for 70 percent of the countrys imports. Riyadh and Abu Dhabi maintain that the port is being used to smuggle weapons. They say they will attempt to keep the port running and can ease the crisis once they seize it by lifting import restrictions they have imposed. Lise Grande, the UN humanitarian coordinator for Yemen, said the organisaiton would continue to deliver aid supplies. We are there and delivering, we are not leaving Houdaida, Grande said. We have a ship offloading food even as shelling and bombing is happening. Humanitarians will not walk away, she told Reuters News Agency from the capital, Sanaa. Two Saudi and UAE aid ships were in the waters off Hudaida, coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki told Saudi state media. The two countries also said they would operate a dedicated shipping lane to Hudaida from Abu Dhabi and the southern Saudi city of Jizan to deliver food and medical supplies About 600,000 people live in and around Hudaida, and as many as 250,000 people may lose everything even their lives in the assault, the UN has warned. The war in Yemen has displaced 2 million more and helped spawn a cholera epidemic. With additional reporting from Manal Abdulrahman in Hudaida. The elections, to be held on July 30, will be the first without former President Robert Mugabe running for the top seat. Zimbabwe formally opened on Thursday the nomination process to presidential hopefuls ahead of polls on July 30. Candidates seeking to run in next months presidential, parliamentary and local polls have just one day to submit their candidacy to one of several specially convened electoral courts across the country. This poll will be the first time the country holds an election without former leader Robert Mugabe running for the countrys top seat. Mugabe, who came to power in 1980 after the country won independence from Britain, was pushed out of office by the army in November last year. Emmerson Mnangagwa, a former vice president under Mugabe, took over from the countrys long-term ruler and is one of several candidates who have registered to take part in the July 30 polls. A member of the ruling ZANU PF, Mnangagwa is the frontrunner in the election. The 75-year-old, popularly known as the crocodile because of his political cunning, has promised to reform the countrys economy if elected and to end its diplomatic isolation. Mnangagwa took part in the countrys long struggle for independence and was tortured by the former colonial forces. During the countrys civil war in the 1980s, in which thousands of civilians lost their lives, Mnangagwa was Zimbabwes spy chief but denied any role in the bloodshed, instead blaming it on the army. Nelson Chamisa of the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC-T) is thought to be Mnangagwas closest challenger. The 40-year-old assumed control of the MDC-T after Morgan Tsvangirais death. MDC-T is the largest stakeholder in the MDC Alliance, a grouping of seven opposition parties. Chamisa is a charismatic former pastor and a lawyer with a huge following on social media and among the countrys youth. He was elected to parliament in 2003 at the age of 25 and was a former chairperson of the MDC Youth Assembly. Ambrose Mutinhiri of the National Patriotic Front (NPF) a recently launched party is another politician who could garner a significant number of votes. The NPF has support from Mugabe and former first lady Grace. Mutinhiri fought alongside Mugabe during the liberation war and served under him for more than three decades. He is reported to have the support of the Generation 40 (G40) wing of ZANU PF. G40 is a term given to the pro-Grace Mugabe wing of the party. Cigarette smoking is, far and away, the most dangerous consumer product ever invented. Everyone knows that, but people still smoke. The 20% Prevalence theory, which has ruled the tobacco world for decades, holds that no matter what antismoking campaigns you try or how much you educate, smoking cessation stalls at around 20% of the population. Most people making money from smoking seem quite happy with the 20% number. Big Tobacco makes its money selling the cheaply manufactured cigarettes. Big Pharma makes its money from expensive smoking cessation pills, nicotine gum/patches and even more expensive lung cancer treatment. The U.S. government rakes in around $15 billion annually in cigarette taxes. States receive billions from the Master Tobacco Settlement Agreement pursuant to which Big Tobacco pays the states a percentage from the sales of their deadly wares in exchange for a hall pass from the State Attorney General. Media-savvy antismoking zealots in public health get paid to endlessly shout from rooftops for everyone to stop smoking, along with save the children. It wont matter, 20% will still smoke. Among the public health nonprofits, many are established and respected with their lifeblood from clinical studies, funded by Big Tobacco, Big Pharma or the Federal and state governments. It is an almost perfect, symbiotic and seemingly bulletproof financial ecosystem of public health and tobacco. Rise of Vape But, people continue to die from smoking, including the father of Hon Lik. In the early 2000s, this unlikely Chinese pharmacist came up with a technological answer to this deadly question: How can people get the hand-to-mouth habit satisfaction of nicotine delivery, without having to inhale dozens of deadly carcinogens created by combusting tobacco leaf? Through his ingenuity, and a fortuitous idea that came in a dream, vaping was unceremoniously born. It seemed like a workable solution to finally end smoking, by means of a cheap, less stinky, and much safer technology which allows people to get their nicotine fix directly along with trendy flavors instead of through tobacco leaves, and adjust the levels of nicotine to enable quitting. Vaping has developed into a grassroots led movement, embracing a disruptive technology that, for the first time in history, could break our fatal relationship with inhaled tobacco combustion. However, two key concurrent events happened which increased the speed and ferocity of the inevitable crash between the public health/tobacco ecosystem and the ragtag group of vape upstarts. First, Wall Street spotted an opportunity to bring billions to the states to help offset the spiraling costs of Medicaid under Obamacare. In exchange for selling municipal bonds which securitize the states future receipts from the Master Tobacco Settlement Act, the states could get a pile of money today for whatever the budget needed. Second, Public Health England and the Royal College of Physicians, the most respected medical society in the world, both agreed that vaping was at least 95% safer than smoking. The study analyzed the chemical compounds found in vaping and cigarette smoke, finding that the vast majority of the chemicals causing combustive-related toxicity are absent in vaping. More and more people quit smoking, and the 20% prevalence theory was modified to include a significant exception: technological advances. According to the CDC, the percent of population who smoked in 2005 was 20.9%, compared to 15.5% in 2016 and falling fast. This decline coincides with the rise in vaping. Ecosystem Responds Among the first ecosystems members to suffer were the states. The top five largest bond defaults are all state tobacco bonds, aggregating $4.7 billion in defaults. Puerto Rico sales tax bond issuance came in a distant sixth place, with a measly $175 million. This raised a hue and cry across the entire ecosystem. But, the ecosystems divergent interests and motivations would be a challenge. Compromises would have to be made, risks taken. Bruce Yandle, an economics professor at Clemson University, and others developed a simple, but logical, public regulatory concept called the Bootlegger and Baptist theory. It theorizes that for a regulation to emerge and endure, both the Bootleggers, who seek to obtain private benefits from the regulation, and the Baptists, who seek to serve the public interest, must support the regulation. The public health/tobacco ecosystem has Bootleggers (Big Pharma and Big Tobacco), as well as Baptists (public health zealots and nonprofits). In this case, the Federal and State governments not only make law, but are individually dual participants as both a Bootlegger (billions in cigarette money) and a Baptist (protect citizens and fund other Baptists). The public health nonprofits fired the first shot of the war. Grand headlines began to appear, like Chemical flavorings found in ecigarettes linked to respiratory disease, from Harvard Gazette. The Article focuses on diacetyl and its gruesome result, popcorn lung disease. The publics reaction was predictable, Popcorn lung disease whatever that doohickey is, it cant be good. We best not vape. What the article conveniently omits is the fact that diacetyl present in vape is 750 times lower than that in cigarettes. Not even the much larger dosage present in cigarettes is sufficiently high enough to give smokers this insane sounding popcorn lung thing. The mandate was clear: Attack vaping, but omit any information of harm reduction, lest the cake-eating masses become unruly. Media public relations and quasi-clinical studies werent enough, more was needed to protect the ecosystem. Deeming Regulations That was when the Food and Drug Administration's Center for Tobacco Products stepped in and extended its regulatory hand beyond mere tobacco regulation to vape regulation through its "Deeming Rule." The net effect of this 500-page tome of complexity and of discretionary authority is that the FDAs Center for Tobacco Products (CTP) made quite a power grab. For those newly dragooned under its regulatory boot, the result was simple: If you were a small business with the most effective smoking cessation-type vaping products, all your products were banned come 2018. You want to fight the FDA? So cute you are, Mr. Fancy Pants. If you are Big Tobacco with one cigalike product, it would be hard, but the CTP would let you through. As for the deadly cigarette, which the CDC estimates kills over 480,000 Americans each year, no worries. Cigarettes have no regulatory hurdle at all under the Deeming Regulations, so their manufacturers could just keep pushing as they always had. Big Tobacco sells cigarettes, and everyone else in the ecosystem, directly or indirectly, financially benefits. The ecosystems weakest link, however, was the public health zealots and nonprofits who created the media spin. Those public health zealots were sometimes lunatick-y and some of their nonprofits were ridiculed by real scientists for their junk science. With those weaknesses in mind, the Deeming Regulations included some First Amendment suppression. The FDA prohibited any vape sellers from making any statement that vaping was less harmful than cigarettes. Another problem: The 2009 Family Smoking Prevention and Tobacco Control Act applied only to tobacco products. Inconveniently, vape products, as well as its Big Pharmas smoking cessation products, arent made from tobacco products. Through the tortured logic of a three-year-old with her hand in a cookie jar, the FDA unconvincingly took the position that all batteries, LED screens, software, ejuice (with or without nicotine) were to be deemed tobacco products. So let it be written, so let it be done. Obviously, Big Pharma didnt want its nicotine gums and patches to be regulated by the CTP under those draconian Deeming Regulations. The ecosystem agreed: Big Pharmas nicotine inhalers, patches and gums were carved out the CTPs Deeming Regulations. For the moths in this swampy ecosystem, the CTP became the light. Wait, What? In the months leading up to the 2016 election, the hashtag, I vape, I vote became a rallying cry in Twittersphere and on other social media. We will likely never know the impact of the August 2018 vaping ban on voters. Perhaps the working class fathers, mothers, sons and daughters in the rust belt didnt want their loved ones to die over a silly nicotine addiction. Doing about the only thing they have the power to do, they voted. On Nov. 8, 2016, like so many others, the public health/tobacco ecosystem was delivered a breath-stopping gut punch. As a result, President Trump brought in Scott Gottlieb as the new Chairman of the FDA, a young, highly qualified, innovative and energetic leader who believes in technology in public health. Much like Mick Mulvaney at the CFPB, Chairman Gottlieb started shifting FDA policy right away. First, the effective dates of the Deeming Regulations that effectively banned vaping were extended outward by five years. Second, for the first time ever, the FDA commissioner publicly endorsed vaping as a much less harmful alternative to cigarettes. Third, and most importantly, the FDA considered implementing a regulatory scheme to reduce combustible cigarette nicotine to below addictive levels. One can reasonably assume that the buzzing CTP moths panicked against Gottlieb with all their might, and the sky was falling. Gottlieb responded by announced that the FDA would consider moving vape products out of the CTP and grant them Over the Counter status, similar to Big Pharmas nicotine chewing gums and patches. Historically, the Over the Counter process for Big Pharmas Nicotine Replacement Therapies like nicotine gums and patches were shuttled through the FDA with short clinical studies with due weight being given to harm reduction. Compared to the effective vape product ban under the CTP and its over 1,000,000 page long Premarket Tobacco Product Application for each product, Over the Counter treatment of vape products can save millions of lives. Every American citizen should be a little concerned about the outcome, because billions of dollars and millions of lives are at stake. Understanding the Left Before I was old enough to understand the political difference between the right and left, I knew that certain things didn't add up. I recall pondering how Democrats could ever win elections with the stated goal of raising taxes. Who would willingly sign up to hand over more of his money to the government? What a ridiculous sales pitch. Do they think people are idiots? Um...yep. The joke was clearly on me. I don't consider the individuals on the left my enemies. I think of many of them as causalities of our Democrat media complex. The real enemy of the USA is the malignant ideology of the progressive left, which has been the enemy of our form of government since day one. The first thing that must be clarified is that liberalism no longer describes today's left in our country. At the core of liberalism is the embrace of the rights of the individual above all else, which is the purpose of the Bill of Rights and the foundation of our country's law structure. The left has abandoned liberalism, so it is oxymoronic for the left to describe its members as liberals. They are actively attacking liberalism and abandoning all the classic Democrat champions of liberalism, such as Alan Dershowitz. A more accurate term for the modern left is "progressive." The term conjures notions like "new and fresh ideas" and "continuous improvement" and "fixing what is broken." Like many of the obfuscations of the left, the reality of progressivism is quite different from the notion. To summarize the progressive movement in one sentence: Delegitimize and deconstruct the existing societal order with the intent of creating a new order in which progressives are the authors and can bequeath themselves permanent control. Think about the Bolsheviks. Think about Chairman Mao. They too wanted a "fundamental transformation" of their respective societies. Among the things that stand in the way of the left are the Constitution, the Bill of Rights both of which are under unprecedented attack and those pesky little formalities called elections. We see leftists actively undermining elections on two major fronts today. One is through illegal immigration to bring in a new underclass of loyal voters. The other is through the Russian collusion narrative to undermine the results of the latest presidential election. The left has made it commonplace to label groups and divide them into their respective tribes, so in the spirit of the left and the old adage, "know your enemy," I will attempt break down our modern left into categories so that when you encounter a lefty in the wild, you will be able to quickly file him into one of the following groups of misguided humanoids. The Ideologues: Like Karl Marx himself, a modern ideologue might include a college professor or philosopher who is mostly disconnected from reality and facts a chalkboard hero, if you will. These are folks with seemingly good intentions who firmly believe in the historically debunked ideologies of socialism and communism despite the evidence. At the nucleus is a patent denial of the basic human instinct to pursue self-interest. Once you get past that, everything works nicely. Example: Doctors are more than happy to toil day and night for the same pay as the unemployed man. You will increasingly find ideologues in places of influence like executives in the tech industry and at social media giants. This should alarm us all. They believe that we are always one step away from singing kumbaya alongside the crew of the starship Enterprise. The ideologues are a sad bunch. The Dependents: There's nothing like a sure thing. What better way of commanding loyalty than promising to hand out goodies? Just ask Bernie. We'll have the "billionazz" pay for it. It's all done under the guise of humanity, but the real effect is a class of dependents who live at the mercy of the state. They neither define their own future nor have the means to pursue any sort of American dream. The Snowflakes: Defined by their low-info status, these young people are the product of our abusively biased education system. They shouldn't be blamed for the omissions of our corrupted educators, but they have proven to be effective carriers of the disease and should not be underestimated. The good news is that many of them will be rescued by the real world. They are misguided children. They deserve our guidance, and they deserve to hear about the actual history of our country. Eliminating this class is up to us. The Virtuous: Perhaps the largest and most pathetic group. We all know them and love them. Heck, most of us have family members in this group. These are the virtue-signaling elitist-wannabes who would define themselves as "10% left of center." They want everyone to know how woke they are and how ready they are to pile on to the hate-Trump bandwagon at dinner parties. These are the folks who can afford to signal their virtue. Their economic insulation from real problems affords them the luxury of cheerleading for policies that won't have an impact on them in their daily lives for now. But watch out: when crisis finally arrives or circumstances impact their property or their money, you can bet that their inner conservative will come out with guns blazing. The virtuous are the same wind socks that came out waving the flag after 9-11, and we were happy they joined us. But most of the time, they're caught up in perpetual self-loathing and have bought into so many of the divisive narratives of the left. Most of the news media have stumbled into this disgraceful position. The Ruling Class: Those who wish to author a new deal. Those who wish to fundamentally transform our society. Those who wish to write new rules and control the narratives. They want to be the arbiters of what is considered hate speech. They want to disarm the population. They want to conduct raids on the suspected. To silence all voices against them. They will pursue their goals at any cost and in defiance of any laws of man that may stand in their way. They deal in misinformation and use all the historic tactics of the left. They include Democrats, Republicans, and especially unelected members of the Deep State bureaucracy. In the events of human history, never has there been a more destructive force than the ruling class and dictators alike. To say the U.S. Constitution and its principles are outdated ideas of old racist white guys is a perfect example of the progressive propaganda of the left. Our founding principles are timeless civil gifts from the geniuses who founded our nation. We inherited the most advanced, fair, and enlightened form of government that has ever been attempted in human history. It has led to a hegemony of wealth and prosperity. It has lifted humanity and been a force for truth and liberty for 242 years. To their everlasting disgrace, the left and all of its useful idiots wish to see it burn. Wake up, America...and vote! Follow Michael on Twitter at @_MYoung. A big reason why Soros was rejected so badly in the polls last week The power of a Trump endorsement is the topic du jour in the election news, but the other big story we learned from this past week's primaries is that George Soros was soundly rejected in his bid to rig the district attorneys' races in California. His creepy little pawns in his project to get leftist soft-on-crime D.A.s elected across the state lost in nearly all instances. Voters like me voted for anything that wasn't backed by Soros, given the loathsomeness of his agenda. This wasn't just confined to solidest conservative voters in the state; the rejection was pan-political. Now we have a whiff of the why. Here's the headline: "Car Burglaries, Shoplifting Crimes Jump After Prop 47 Vote." And here's the fill: SACRAMENTO (CBSLA/AP) California voters' decision to reduce penalties for drug and property crimes in 2014 contributed to a jump in car burglaries, shoplifting and other theft, researchers reported. Larcenies increased about 9 percent by 2016, or about 135 more thefts per 100,000 residents than if tougher penalties had remained, according to results of a study by the nonpartisan Public Policy Institute of California released Tuesday. Who was it who brought us this execrable law that has caused crime to shoot through the roof in California, under the sweet-sounding buzzword of "sentencing reform"? None other than George Soros himself, who, together with his foundation buddies, shelled out $14 million to get the hellish measure passed, letting criminals off on the streets with zero accountability for their petty crimes that lower the quality of life for law-abiding people. Because we who are the victims are somehow are not supposed to be upset about petty crimes, we are supposed to look away and dismiss them as some problem of petit bourgeois people who are just too attached to their stuff. This 2014 Los Angeles Times report says Soros and his buddies were able to legally hide their involvement in financing this measure that has since wrought such hell on voters, acting as the shadowy forces pulling the puppet strings of their little minion "sentencing reform" activists and all their disgusting sob stories. They have a stunning chart of how the organizational octopus worked in this must-see graph here. That's how we got Proposition 47, which has brought us stepped up auto-boosting and other quality of life crimes, oh, so predictably euphemized and sold as "sentencing reform." The voters fell for it, and now they are paying the price as the local lowlifes commit crimes against them with abandon, and police hands are tied. That's the Soros agenda up close: stick it to the middle-class guy, who wants to be able to walk down the street without getting robbed and at least be able to put a crook in jail for it if it happens. That's a bridge too far for the Open Society Foundation crowd, which wants life for such voters to be hellish and short, the same way it's done in Caracas. Soros and his rich elites, in their gated communities with armed bodyguards, endure no such hellishness as car break-ins, and they reinforce their class distinctions from the hoi polloi through this freedom from fear. They probably consider it a means of controlling us, actually, same way Hugo Chavez used unchecked crime as his way of controlling Venezuela's middle class and poor. Death squads, outsourced to crooks, as it happened. It's beyond appalling, and based on Tuesday's primaries, apparently, voters have caught on to it. No wonder hardcore Republican John Cox won the second spot in California's gubernatorial nomination slate and no wonder the grand old man of California Democratic machine politics, the cunning, un-illusioned, and un-stupid Willie Brown, warned Democrats that Cox represents trouble for them. No wonder there was no blue wave out here in the bluest of states. In fact, there was an emerging red tide. This quality of life issue, with car break-ins and other disgusting crimes skyrocketing, is prime material for a Republican resurgence in California and should be used unsparingly as the campaign heats up. Anti-Soros ads work, and now there is a doozy of one waiting to be made and broadcast. Voters have already rejected Soros's little pawns. Now the tinder is dry for rejecting the whole slimy Soros agenda of letting crooks out of jail for free. San Francisco has finally sorted out the ballots in its tight mayor's race, and the press can't stop gushing about the result. The new mayor is 43-year-old London Breed, a woman whose main accomplishment, according to the press, is that she is black. You can't find anything at all about her positions or possible past achievements; all you learn from the news accounts is that she is black, and that's reason enough to be excited. Its a really big deal that SF elected London Breed as mayor -San Francisco Chronicle For the first time, a black woman is elected mayor of San Francisco CNN London Breed becomes San Francisco's first black female mayor -BBC With London Breed, San Francisco Has Elected Its First Black Female Mayor -Vogue (OK, it's Vogue, but it arrived at the top of a Google search) Hear how they gush. Apparently, up until now, San Francisco was a bastion of Bull Connors, running a city that replicated the famous registered Democrat who attempted to enforce segregation in Birmingham fifty-some years ago. What's worse, the press seems to equate this one woman's personal success at getting elected mayor as success for the city and a resolution of its very big problems, all because she is black. After all, she's now making a $386,000 salary, as the San Francisco Chronicle's columnist helpfully notes. Breed herself has focused on her success as the happily-ever-after ending for the city, too, saying: I'm a native San Franciscan I grew up in some of the most challenging of circumstances[.] ... I think the message that this sends to the next generation of young people growing up in this city, that no matter where you come from ... you can do anything you want to do. Now, there's one thing I would give her credit for: she apparently wasn't as horrible a candidate as the second-place finisher, radical leftist state assemblyman Mark Leno, whose claim to fame has been in harming the Central Valley's farmers on water issues, confident that food comes from Whole Foods and not from farms. That guy was utterly awful, and it's nice to know he didn't amass any more power. But she's not a history-maker, either. San Francisco had a female mayor during the 1970s, the former Mayor Dianne Feinstein, who took the reins in the wake of the Moscone-Milk killings and the Jonestown cultie massacre. That was quite a few decades ago. The city has also had a black mayor: the wily, cunning realist and machine pol Willie Brown, who most recently warned his fellow Democrats about the risk they are up against with John Cox as a top-two gubernatorial candidate. Nor was she as good as the more experienced, pragmatic, and problem-solving Angela Alioto, who, while on the left, harbors no hate for Republicans as people and who truly loves the city so associated with her well known name. She'd have been a genuinely good mayor. And San Francisco is a city with big problems homelessness, skyrocketing housing costs, a disappearing middle class, rising crime, and lousy public schools so howling about identity politics as a sort of solution rings hollow. In fact, it's downright head-in-the-sand. Breed offers no solutions to any of those problems. Look at the vague, throw-money-at-it laundry list of platforms she offers on her campaign site, which is where you have to go to find them, since the press is not reporting them. It's just reporting to us on her skin color. Breed also has a flimsy sinecure-style work history as the longtime executive director of the African American Art and Cultural Complex, a relatively small non-profit that took $534,628 in funding from the San Francisco Arts Commission in 2016 and similar amounts each year dating from 2004. Is that really the person who's going to solve San Francisco's gargantuan problems? An arts bureaucrat? And not a very successful-looking one, either: her past foundation doesn't seem to be flourishing, given its un-updated website, whose most recent news entry was some self-celebratory event in 2017. Don't bet on it. Alioto, with her experience as a supervisor and acting mayor, would have been quite a bit better. But Alioto was no match for the machine dynamics that seemed to have manufactured and brought forward Breed, waving the identity politics flag to all the virtue-signalers among the electorate. The Chron columnist, Heather Knight, notes that Breed was financed by big political action committee money, inadvertently suggesting that she will be their creature as they pull the puppet strings. The voters knew this, and they still went for her. That is what the real story here is. The subtext in all the great headlines about San Francisco electing its first female black mayor is that San Francisco is no longer a black city. Black flight has taken place, due to the skyrocketing cost of living, based on all the greenie regulations. So it was whites who elected Breed whites who wanted to virtue-signal all their absence of prejudice, even as they were the ones who caused the black flight in the city. It has the creepy look of electing a mascot, given that the people left are the rich lefties and it was their green policies that drove the black residents out. Now they have a black mayor. Guess it makes up for all the havoc they wreaked in creating their one-party city and all its monolithic policies policies that, above all, succor the rich, because that's darn near all they have left over there. Until we have all the Democrats who are willing to take on the billionaire class, until we have all the Democrats who are willing to fight for the American people and not for a handful of billionaires and giant corporations, then it's going to stay an uphill fight. Investor's Business Daily has a good one today about a little noted snippet from Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) in her interview with The Intercept: Yup. Billionaires, those dreadful tubby white men on the Monopoly Chance and Community Chest cards we're all supposed to rise up against. Feel the urge? Actually, it's such bull hockey. Investor's Business Daily makes mincemeat of Warren's red flag-waving call to comradely action by citing who today's billionaires are, going down the full list from the always well meaning liberal Howie Schultz of Starbucks to the obsessive environmental wacko Tom Steyer to the horrible stateless statesman with big designs for wrecking America, George Soros. They have a monster list, and they've gone through the whole 500-plus compilation from the Forbes billionaires list. Maybe she should have consulted the Forbes billionaire list before declaring that this group is the enemy of the state. After all, the billionaire club all 585 of them includes people like George Soros, Warren Buffett, Howard Schultz, Oprah Winfrey who've not only given $140-plus million to her party, but support a wide array of liberal causes. Liz Warren is exposing her fake Indian roots by, once again, speaking with forked tongue. Image Credit: Tim Pierce via Flickr, CC BY-SA 2.0. Fox News triumphs in the ratings during summit week The Fox News Channel, which had been celebrating strong ratings performances in recent weeks, has another reason to crow after resoundingly beating the competition so far during Summit Week. On Monday, with coverage of the Singapore Summit airing right in the middle of U.S. prime time, Fox News bested not only the cable news competition and all other cable TV channels, but all of the commercial broadcast networks as well. On Tuesday, TV Newser (free registration required) headlined its report on Monday's ratings "Fox News Tops Cable and Broadcast Nets for Start of U.S.-North Korea Summit Coverage." On Wednesday, it was as though the good old days of 2002-2016 had returned as TV Newser described Tuesday's Nielsen ratings as "Fox News had more viewers in prime time than CNN and MSNBC combined." Sean Hannity interviews President Trump in Singapore on June 12 after the summit. All of Fox News's prime-time programs eclipsed the cable news competition on Monday and Tuesday, but the far and away winner was Sean Hannity, who made the day-long trip to Singapore last weekend in order to be in place to broadcast live from halfway around the world all this week. As has been endlessly pointed out, Singapore is almost 10,000 miles from New York and 12 hours ahead of U.S. East Coast time, so 9 P.M. in New York and Washington, D.C. is 9 A.M. the next morning in Singapore. With the Trump-Kim summit starting at 9 A.M. local time Tuesday, that was perfect for maximum U.S. prime-time viewing during the hours of 8-11 P.M. E.T. on Monday. According to Monday's Nielsen Media Research television ratings: Hannity was the top-rated program in all of primetime with 5.9 million total viewers, outpacing both broadcast primetime and all of cable. In the 25-54 demo, Hannity averaged 1,486,000, which was number one across cable and ranked second across broadcast last night. Additionally, the program beat CNN's Cuomo Primetime and MNSBC's Special Coverage combined audience with P2+ [viewers age 2 and older]. In fact, Hannity's June 11th telecast was an all-time high in both total viewers and the demo since the program moved back to the 9PM/ET timeslot (9/25/17). Chris Cuomo on the set of his prime-time CNN program during its trial run, Jan. 11, 2018. Summit Week was week number two for CNN host Chris Cuomo's move from mornings to 9 P.M. Longtime CNN anchor Anderson Cooper's two-hour show AC360 (8-10 P.M.) was cut in half to one hour to make room for Cuomo Prime Time. Despite the switch, and the promotion surrounding it, Cuomo Prime Time has been underperforming. Typically, a new show enjoys a ratings bounce when it starts. On Tuesday, however, Cooper's 8-9 P.M. hour actually outperformed Cuomo's hour that followed. Cooper had 1.087 million total viewers and 370,000 in the age 25-54 demo, while Cuomo had 1.008 million viewers and 307,000 in the demo. (Hannity had a strong show Tuesday at 9 P.M., featuring his recorded interview with President Trump conducted shortly after the conclusion of the summit. Video of the entire program was uploaded by Fox News.) Hannity was accompanied to Singapore by a large production staff that also included support personnel for his daily three-hour radio show, which he continued to broadcast live back to the United States (between 3 and 6 A.M. Singapore time). Hannity made use of Fox News contributors Sara Carter, Sebastian Gorka, and Daniel Hoffman, who were also in Singapore. Early in the week, Fox News's news department personnel Bret Baier, John Roberts, and Ed Henry also reported from Singapore. CNN's Anderson Cooper made the trek to Singapore, as did NBC's lead anchor, Lester Holt. MSNBC's coverage, however, on Monday and Tuesday was given its own title and renamed for the event as "Nuclear Summit," with "fully branded graphics." Fox News and CNN stayed with programs branded as usual Tucker Carlson, Hannity, Laura Ingraham, and Fox News@Night on Fox and Anderson Cooper, Chris Cuomo, and Don Lemon on CNN. MSNBC "Nuclear Summit" special programming opening graphic. Fox News reclaiming a solid number-one position among the three major cable news channels is definitely news. At the same time, not to be overlooked is the fact that CNN is continuing to struggle in a distant third place. It appears that when partisan left viewers want to access the heart of the anti-Trump Resistance, they flock to MSNBC, which unabashedly has claimed the leading mainstream media opposition role to the 45th president. In reality, CNN is every bit as negative in its coverage of Trump, but it persists in insisting that it is objective in its reporting. Plus its lineup of talent for the most part is aging and tired and having transitioned from moderately left of center to rabidly fringe left in two years appears to be role-playing as often as not. In contrast, MSNBC's stable of talent (think Rachel Maddow, Chris Matthews, Joy Reid, and Lawrence O'Donnell) is openly and unapologetically leftist. A takeaway may be that viewers both left and right appreciate a degree of sincerity in their program hosts. The theory that holds that Fox News and MSNBC succeed in the ratings because they are able to micro-target pro- and anti-Trump viewers respectively is borne out by the latest poll by Reuters-Ipsos, released on Wednesday, which found majority approval for Trump's meeting with Kim Jong-un in Singapore: Just over half of all Americans say they approve of how President Donald Trump has handled North Korea. The Summit Week was a good one for President Trump perhaps his best week yet. There was scant negative news about Stormy Daniels, Special Counsel Mueller's investigation, Michael Cohen, etc. Therefore, people who wanted fair news about Trump and the summit, or who support Trump, were drawn to Fox News, where the news coverage is more objective and the evening opinion programs are favorable to the president. Jeff Zucker, 2010. Photo by David Shankbone. Source: Wikipedia, Creative Commons license. In a related development, on Tuesday, a federal judge approved AT&T's $85-million purchase of Time Warner, which owns CNN. Incredibly, despite new corporate ownership that is usually accompanied by executive shakeups at the businesses that are absorbed, it was reported that CNN head Jeff Zucker's contract had been extended to 2020 under the current ownership and that AT&T will approve of his staying on. Zucker is widely credited with, or blamed for, CNN's hard left turn since 2016. He is also responsible for being the architect of CNN's lagging programming schedule. He has been the president of CNN since 2013 and previously was a top executive at NBC for more than two decades, starting as a researcher in 1986 and eventually rising to the top jobs at the network and NBC Universal before being forced out in 2010. Peter Barry Chowka is a veteran reporter and analyst of news on national politics, media, and popular culture. He is a frequent contributor to American Thinker. Follow Peter on Twitter at @pchowka. That accommodation of law is about to be broken in Australia. The Australian Associated Press reports: The Catholic Church's practice of Confession is a sacrament of the faith, with the priest hearing confessions held to an inviolable sacramental seal, under pain of excommunication for the priest if that seal is broken. Accordingly, the law in most Western countries protects the priest hearing confessions from being compelled to testify against the penitent who admits a crime. South Australian priests hearing confessions about child abuse will have a mandatory obligation from October to report the matter to police. SA will become the first state to adopt the recommendation of the abuse royal commission, meaning priests face the prospect of criminal charges for failing to report child abuse revealed in confession. "For many years priests and ministers have been obliged to report outside of confessional and we changed the law last year to be effective first of October," Attorney-General Vickie Chapman told ABC radio on Thursday. A later dispatch from the AAP elaborates: Not reporting abuse will carry a maximum $10,000 fine, and brings expectations of priests in line with those of social workers, teachers, medical professionals and others in positions of authority. But Bishop Greg O'Kelly said the church had not been made aware of the change which was legislated last year, and was now considering its implications. Basilica of St. Peter's confessional booth, Vatican City (Wikimedia Commons). Protecting abused children of course is a worthy goal and a particular vulnerability of a Catholic Church still recovering from its own child sex abuse scandals. For those opponents of the Church eager to do it harm, it represents an ideal opportunity to attack its legal status and bring turmoil to its priestly ranks, who will be forced to choose between prosecution and excommunication. Even though I am not a Catholic, I view this move with great alarm. Owing to its history, size, and status as a diplomatic entity with sovereign capital in Vatican City, the Church stands as a bulwark for biblical teachings. That has won it determined enemies. Our Australian correspondent John McMahon, who brought this to my attention, comments, "This was inevitable. The long term aim of these activists has always been to destroy the Catholic Church." A massive nationwide round-up of suspected online child sex offenders by the Department of Justice has gone virtually unreported by the major national media. The Department of Justice is certainly proud of "Operation Broken Heart" and issued a press release two days ago: The Department of Justice today announced the arrest of more than 2,300 suspected online child sex offenders during a three-month, nationwide, operation conducted by Internet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) task forces. The task forces identified 195 offenders who either produced child pornography or committed child sexual abuse, and 383 children who suffered recent, ongoing, or historical sexual abuse or production of child pornography. The 61 ICAC task forces, located in all 50 states and comprised of more than 4,500 federal, state, local and tribal law enforcement agencies, led the coordinated operation known as "Broken Heart" during the months of March, April, and May 2018. During the course of the operation, the task forces investigated more than 25,200 complaints of technology-facilitated crimes against children and delivered more than 3,700 presentations on Internet safety to over 390,000 youth and adults. "No child should ever have to endure sexual abuse," Attorney General Jeff Sessions said. "And yet, in recent years, certain forms of modern technology have facilitated the spread of child pornography and created greater incentives for its production. We at the Department of Justice are determined to strike back against these repugnant crimes. It is shocking and very sad that in this one operation, we have arrested more than 2,300 alleged child predators and investigated some 25,200 sexual abuse complaints. Any would-be criminal should be warned: this Department will remain relentless in hunting down those who victimize our children." By Ritah Kemigisa. The Chairman Kampala city traders association Evarist Kayondo has expressed fear that the economy will not be able to grow at the projected 5.8%. During his state of the nation address, President YoweriMuseveni predicted that the economy would grow at 5.8% in the financial 2018/2019 and in 2019/2019 the growth would be at 7.1%. According to Kayondo the current macroeconomic indicators are below the presidents predictions adding that the sectors which would highly contribute to this growth are being controlled by foreigners who are repatriating the profits made. Kayondo says as much as Ugandans are not participating in the growth of the Gross Domestic Product, high chances are that the economy will not grow. National Republican Senatorial Committee (NRSC) chairman Cory Gardner announced that the official campaign arm of Republicans in the Senate will not endorse Virginia's controversial Senate nominee, Corey Stewart, nor will it give the candidate any funds. Gardner's decision is a break with President Trump, who tweeted his congratulations to Stewart on Wednesday morning. "Congratulations to Corey Stewart for his great victory for Senator from Virginia. Now he runs against a total stiff, Tim Kaine, who is weak on crime and borders, and wants to raise your taxes through the roof. Don't underestimate Corey, a major chance of winning!" Trump wrote on Twitter. ... Following his win Tuesday, Stewart is now set to face off against Sen. Tim Kaine (D-Va.) in November. Stewart, who was endorsed by white supremacist Jason Kessler (support he disavowed) and Paul Nehlen, who gained fame as a challenger to Speaker Paul Ryan and is known for posting racist and anti-Semitic tweets, made a name for himself defending Confederate monuments from being torn down. He fancies himself a Trump mini-me insulting his opponents and making wild, unsubstantiated claims. Senate Republicans are at a loss about how to deal with his candidacy. Politico: "At the senatorial committee we're focusing on Missouri, Indiana, North Dakota, Montana, West Virginia and Florida. There are great races around the country. [Virginia] is not the map," said National Republican Senatorial Committee Chairman Cory Gardner (R-Colo.). "We have a big map this year, and what I've laid out in races that I've talked about, Virginia's not on it." "Sometimes in the primary process, the thing we try and get done is get the most electable candidate on the ballot in the fall. And that doesn't always happen," conceded Sen. John Thune (R-S.D.), the No. 3 GOP leader. And Thune, like other Republicans expressed ignorance of Stewart despite his affinity for earning press with stunts like protesting outside the RNC in 2016, which got him ousted from Trump's official campaign apparatus. Stewart also drew criticism for refusing to condemn white nationalists after last year's violent rally in Charlottesville. Sen. Tim Scott (R-S.C.), said he has "no idea who he is. Not at all." See no evil. Hear no evil. Speak no evil. Pretending they don't know what Stewart is all about won't save them. Stewart, by himself, is a target-rich environment. Kaine will have so many lines of attack that he won't know what to do. If he's smart, he will ignore him. Stewart doesn't have a snowball's chance in Hell of beating Kaine, and the NRSC knows it, which is why it won't spend a dime in Virginia. But Stewart has tarred the GOP as the party of white supremacists, and the damage has already been done. Drew Belsky adds: Once upon a time, Donald Trump also "tarred the GOP as the party of white supremacists," and we all know how that turned out. Having stuck us multiple times with perennial second-placer and former RNC chair (!) Ed Gillespie (beaten by Mark Warner for the Senate and then by Ralph Northam for the governorship), the GOP solons running strategy for Virginia are pretty low on credibility. I'm open to voting for Stewart, and hand-wringing from the likes of Gardner and Thune only makes me more open. [A]t a meeting of the Palestinian National Council in late April, in Ramallah, he declared that Ashkenazi Jews came not from the Biblical holy lands but from the Turkic empire of Khazaria, and that the Nazi slaughter of European Jews was the result not of anti-Semitism but of their financial activities "usury and banking and such." The New Yorker broke the story deep into a long, long article ("Donald Trump's New World Order") that in January, President Trump called out Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas for his public disparagement of Jewish history: On January 17th, the New York Post published a column by Michael Goodwin, a Trump partisan, with the headline "abbas' jew hatred exposed." The column described a speech in which Abbas had made comments disparaging Jewish history. It featured a photograph of Abbas waving two clenched fists. On a copy of the article, Trump wrote a note in large black script, "Mahmoud, Wow This is the real you?" He signed it, "Best Wishes, Donald Trump." Some of his aides argued that it would be undiplomatic to send the message. Kushner loved it. "That was the President being the President," he told aides. The White House sent Trump's message to Donald Blome, the consul-general in Jerusalem, who had it delivered to Abbas at his headquarters in Ramallah. Kushner told aides that Trump was challenging Abbas, saying, in effect, "I want to know, are you a great leader or are you a terrorist? You show me. It's your choice." This is a discredited (by DNA!) attempt to claim that Jews have no right to Israel because they are imposters posing as the people of the Bible. It enjoyed some popularity among anti-Semites for a number of years, but it has faded thanks to scientific refutation except, apparently, among the Palestinian leadership. The New Yorker broke the story deep into a long, long article ("Donald Trump's New World Order") that in January, President Trump called out Palestinian Authority chairman Mahmoud Abbas for his public disparagement of Jewish history: [A]t a meeting of the Palestinian National Council in late April, in Ramallah, he declared that Ashkenazi Jews came not from the Biblical holy lands but from the Turkic empire of Khazaria, and that the Nazi slaughter of European Jews was the result not of anti-Semitism but of their financial activities "usury and banking and such." This is a discredited (by DNA!) attempt to claim that Jews have no right to Israel because they are imposters posing as the people of the Bible. It enjoyed some popularity among anti-Semites for a number of years, but it has faded thanks to scientific refutation except, apparently, among the Palestinian leadership. Trump's response: On January 17th, the New York Post published a column by Michael Goodwin, a Trump partisan, with the headline "abbas' jew hatred exposed." The column described a speech in which Abbas had made comments disparaging Jewish history. It featured a photograph of Abbas waving two clenched fists. On a copy of the article, Trump wrote a note in large black script, "Mahmoud, Wow This is the real you?" He signed it, "Best Wishes, Donald Trump." Some of his aides argued that it would be undiplomatic to send the message. Kushner loved it. "That was the President being the President," he told aides. The White House sent Trump's message to Donald Blome, the consul-general in Jerusalem, who had it delivered to Abbas at his headquarters in Ramallah. Kushner told aides that Trump was challenging Abbas, saying, in effect, "I want to know, are you a great leader or are you a terrorist? You show me. It's your choice." Here is a photo of the message that has appeared in a few places. Google appears to have found itself in yet another court battle over search results involving defamation, this time with an ongoing lawsuit in Australia and Melbourne resident Milorad Michael Trkulja. The suit stems from allegations that a Google search for terms relating to the Melbourne criminal underworld reportedly brings up images of Trkulja and his name. The lawsuit has now gone through several proceedings starting back in 2012. At the time, it was determined that Google had defamed Trkulja in the Victorian Supreme Court a decision which was overturned in 2016 by the Victorian Court of Appeal. That second ruling was, in turn, overruled on June 13 by The High Court and subsequently ordered that the search giant pay Trkuljas legal fees. However, this case is not likely to be over with local reports expecting that it will be taken all the way back to the Victorian Supreme Court for a trial. Google, for its part, has argued that the plaintiffs name and photos show up because of how its algorithms work. The search engine often groups together images, products, and people with similar appearances. Whats more, Googles own images and those of actors or other famous individuals often show up in similar searches. The company cited appearances of its logo and images of actor Marlon Brando in searches associated with the term criminal underworld. The claim is based on the idea that people generally understand that not everything returned from a search is going to be exactly what the user is looking for and the claim has successfully defended the company before. The court previously heard arguments that the algorithm for the companys autocomplete search feature is heavily influenced by prior searches, for example. However, Trkulja has vowed to continue pursuing the suit until the tech company removes his name and images from its search results. So there are no sure signs at this juncture that the case is coming any closer to a close. In the meantime, the entire misunderstanding seems to stem from a 2004 incident which took place in a Melbourne restaurant. Details about that are slim and although the plaintiff doesnt appear to have criminal connections, could ultimately be part of the reason he shows up in those search results. Trkulja was reportedly dining at the unnamed establishment that year when gunfire broke out and he was shot in the back. Brilliant camera performance, gorgeous design, and handy new features. Last year, HTC brought forward a new design language; one that was all-glass instead of all metal but introduced important new features as well, like squeezable sides. This year, HTC continues to refine that design, using a taller 18:9 aspect ratio, smaller bezels, improved squeeze functions, and some brand-new pressure-sensitive buttons. It also introduced dual cameras on both the front and back, debuting portrait mode and a host of other new tricks as well. So, is this the phone to get this summer? Lets take a look. Video Review Specs and Box Contents Advertisement The HTC U12+ retails for $799 in the US, and ships in Black and Transparent Blue colors, while a Flame Red color will be shipping in the coming months. Our review unit is the Transparent Blue color. On the front is a 6.1-inch Quad-HD+ (2880 x 1440, 537ppi) Super LCD6 display with 18:9 aspect ratio, HDR10 support, and DCI-P3 or sRGB color modes. Gorilla Glass 3 covers the front and back, offering superior scratch protection versus most flagship smartphones, but worse protection against drops and cracks. A Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC powers the phone, alongside 6GB of LPDDR4x RAM, 64GB or 128GB of internal storage, and microSD card support up to 2TB. Underneath the glass back is a non-removable 3,500mAh battery, with support for the brand-new Qualcomm QuickCharge 4.0 standard, however the device ships with a QuickCharge 3.0-rated wall outlet charger. Above the screen sits a pair of 8-megapixel cameras with 1.12um pixel size, behind f/2.0 aperture 84-degree wide-angle lenses. Around the back are also a pair of cameras; a main 12-megapixel (wide-angle lens, UltraPixel 4, 1.4um pixel size, f/1.75 aperture, OIS) and secondary 16-megapixel (1.0um pixel size, f/2.6 aperture, 2x telephoto lens). Edge Sense 2 is on both sides of the phone, enabling squeeze gestures with enhanced functionality versus last years devices. The phone is IP68 water and dust resistant, and a single USB Type-C port resides on the bottom. There is no 3.5mm audio jack, and some models do not ship with an adapter for folks who need or prefer wired audio. Instead, HTC has equipped the phone with BoomSound stereo speakers, 4 microphones capable of high-res recording, and Bluetooth 5.0 for wireless audio playback. Advertisement Sense UI ships on top of Android 8.0 Oreo, and HTC ships the phone in both single and dual nano-SIM variants. The phone supports 4G FDD-LTE bands 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 7, 8, 12, 13, 17, 20, 28, 32, and 66; TD-LTE bands: 38, 39, 40, and 41. The U12 Plus supports Cat. 18 Gigabit LTE. The phone measures in at 156.6mm tall, 73.9mm wide, and 9.7mm thin, with a solid weight of 188 grams. Inside the box youll find that QuickCharge 3.0 charger, USB Type-A to Type-C cable, USonic USB Type-C earbuds, clear plastic case, SIM tray eject tool, and the usual set of manuals and warranty pamphlets. Display Advertisement HTC is sticking to its guns with its Super LCD technology, utilizing the 6th generation Super LCD6 in the HTC U12+. HTC has moved to the taller 18:9 (2:1) aspect ratio that most phones have graduated to, taking up more of the front of the phone than ever and minimizing both the side and top bezels. Side bezels are almost nonexistent, while the top and bottom are a more standard size for phones that started moving to the 18:9 aspect ratio last year. The Quad-HD+ resolution offers 537 pixels-per-inch density, making this an incredibly crisp display in any regard. Brightness is phenomenal and is easily viewable in even bright sunlight, with a display that looks almost ethereal in its ability to shine in bright light. Its also super color accurate and ideally saturated, showing proper colors that look nice without appearing cartoony or overly colorful. LCDs have to sacrifice black levels and contrast as a result of being super bright, and like any LCD on a smaller mobile display, youll find black levels are a darker shade of gray at best. While this should be expected from an LCD display, other negative qualities here shouldnt be expected. Pixel persistence is moderate, and while trailing or ghosting of objects on the screen is certainly visible in some situations, its not the worst weve seen from an LCD on a mobile phone as of late, but its worse than an OLED display would be. White balance would be good if it were the even all the way around the panel, however theres a distinct warm hue coming from our review unit in the bottom 20% of the panel, which leads into a very obvious light bleeding issue at the bottom. Advertisement This could just be a defective display on our review unit, but the light bleed is obvious in any lighting situation, and at any brightness level. As expected, its most obvious in a darker room when the ambient display comes on, and a clear glow emits from the bottom of the display. In brighter situations, this appears as uneven lighting at the bottom, almost as if light was leaking out of sections of the display itself. Since this is an LCD, it wouldnt make sense to have an always-on display, so HTC smartly chose to use Googles Ambient Display tech instead, turning on dimly when the device is picked up to display the time, date and any notifications that might have come in. Hardware and Build Advertisement Last years HTC U11 was a rather uninteresting update, keeping the old aspect ratio and large bezels of previous generations of phones, while introducing a fragile glass back in order to bring waterproofing to the device. The HTC U11+, launched at the end of the year, instead brought an updated design that fixed most of the issues with the U11s design, and the U12+ only furthers those changes. The overall design looks more out of LGs playbook instead, with minimal bezels around the screen, and a horizontally oriented dual camera module at the back, nested above a circular rear-mounted fingerprint reader. The Gorilla Glass 3-covered panel up front is flat, while the Gorilla Glass 3 back is curved strongly at the left and right edges, and more minimally at the top and bottom. Most manufacturers stick with glass backs as a way to more easily waterproof the phone, as well as utilizing a material that works well for wireless charging. While HTC doesnt offer wireless charging here, it does provide an IP68 water and dust resistance, and also does some really interesting things with the colors of the phone. A black business-like option is available for those who prefer it, but HTC is offering the Transparent Blue color as an alternative option at launch, with a Flame Red option launching in the coming months. Our Transparent Blue review unit is gorgeous in a way other phones cant be, not just because part of the back is transparent, but because of the sheen that HTC utilizes here too. Looking straight at the back reveals the entire middle of the back to be transparent with a blue tint, while holding it to the side looks more opaque. Its not just components that we see underneath either, as theres a clear straight-line design just under the logo that looks as unique as it is gorgeous. A semi-rounded metal frame stretches all the way around the phone, with a few breaks for antenna lines, microphones, ports, and the SIM tray on the left side. Four microphones can be found on the phone; one above the display, one on the back near the bottom, one on the top side and one on the bottom side. A single bottom-firing speaker is placed next to the USB Type-C port at the bottom, and theres no 3.5mm audio jack to be found. HTC replaced the traditional clicky volume and power buttons with pressure-sensitive touch buttons; an interesting move that certainly proves unique, but at this time ultimately a poor choice. The concept is pretty simple: instead of having buttons that click in to complete a circuit, these buttons do not move at all. Instead these buttons respond to a press by vibrating the HD vibration motors inside, mimicking the click of a physical button without the physical movement. This allows HTC to better seal the phone and keep from the normal wear-and-tear possibility of buttons getting worn out over time. Advertisement These buttons also allow HTC to showcase their advanced vibration motors, which tie with LGs incredibly deep, yet subtle HD vibration motors in their phones, delivering a high-quality feeling in every touch and tap. These arent capacitive buttons and can be pressed with any object, but their issue isnt down to the feeling or some kind of lack of tactile response; its all down to issues with reliability. While the power button always worked just fine, the volume buttons would become unresponsive at times, certainly often enough to note and become an annoyance, and were generally quite unreliable when compared to regular physical click buttons. Theres also an issue with only being able to press one button at a time, negating the ability to take screenshots by pressing volume down and power at the same time. Double tapping power to launch the camera is also nearly impossible, no matter how many times I tried, and while it would occasionally work, I had a hard time reproducing the steps taken to get it to work. To sum it up: great concept, poor execution. Edge Sense and Edge Launcher Advertisement Part of HTCs work on reducing the side bezels includes building a capacitive pressure sensor inside both the left and right bezels. Last year the U11 launched with squeezable sides, a trait that made its way to Googles Pixel 2 family, and now features more options than ever, including a new gesture. Squeezing on the sides doesnt physically alter the shape of the phone the way squeezing a rubber ball would, rather it emits a subtle vibration click the way the power and volume buttons do, and the amount of pressure required to activate the squeeze features can be adjusted quite widely. By default, youll find a moderate amount of pressure is required to activate the squeeze function, which is enough to keep from accidentally doing it while holding the phone it taking it out of a pocket, but not enough to make hands shake or the phone slip out like a bar of soap. I had a few issues with erroneous detection of squeezes, and in fact can replicate this by just holding the phone with two fingers, one on each side. Thankfully since you need to squeeze to activate any of the features, this doesnt cause a problem, but I did have issues with the new double-tap feature being erroneously called up from time to time. It happened maybe once or twice a day, which is almost not worth noticing, but it was a minor annoyance all the same. Three actions in total can be performed via the Edge Sense feature: short squeeze, squeeze and hold, or double tap. As noted already, the amount of pressure required to launch a squeeze action is fully adjustable and makes launching the camera or other apps and system functions a one-handed affair. Squeeze and hold launches the camera by default, which is incredibly handy for launching the camera at any time, even with the screen off. Once in the camera app, squeezing will take a photo, and this secondary type of action is built into many HTC Apps, and even system functions too if assigned. Music control can be assigned to squeeze, which will function as a way to quickly launch your preferred music app, and then squeezing again while in the app will play or pause the music. Double tap is new and represents a unique way to quickly launch an application or system function with a single thumb. HTC has built in a way for the phone to detect which hand youre holding the phone in, differentiating your thumb on one side of the phone from the palm on the other. By default, double tapping brings the screen into a smaller space, making it reachable with one thumb. The most useful setting might just be Edge Launcher though, which is an entire app launcher in and of itself, called up with any of the Edge Sense functions its assigned to. I preferred using double tap to call this action up, giving an easy and quick way to launch my 11 most used apps, which are laid out in a carousel fashion right next to where the double tap function was called up. This puts the app icons within a quick thumbs reach, and this carousel can be swiped on to rotate, revealing 11 additional customizable shortcuts, totaling 22 possible ways to quickly access common apps and system functions. A handy calendar is also present, which for me is invaluable with a busy schedule, and overall Edge Launcher is simply brilliant in its execution. Security, Performance, and Benchmarks HTC is joining the face unlock bandwagon, offering a quick way for users to unlock their phone by just looking at it. Like most OEMs though, HTC doesnt offer a truly secure way of unlocking via face, and this can be fooled with some trickery but is convenient if youre just looking for a way to unlock your phone thats somewhat secure, but by no means hack proof. It is extremely quick though, oftentimes recognizing my face in fractions of a second, and HTC offers a low light recognition method that brightens up the screen in order to help the camera recognize your face, even in complete darkness. Accuracy drops significantly in these conditions since its just an ID with a camera though, and the phone wont be able to identify you if youre wearing sunglasses or some types of hats. The fingerprint scanner on the back is lightning fast though and is far more secure, which is certainly an excellent alternative that can actually be used for mobile payments and other more secure authentication. The HTC U12+ performs as expected for a 2018 flagship device, which is what should be the case when paying $800 for a new phone. There are no surprises and nothing out of the ordinary, which is exactly how it should be for a flagship device, as its hard to imagine these devices getting any faster in daily use. Apps appear on screen the moment you call them up, and multitasking is fast and fluid, without apps commonly reloading or other similar issues that might be considered abnormalities. Gaming and other more intense applications run as well as expected from Qualcomms latest high-end processing package, the Snapdragon 845, and the phone achieves high benchmark scores as expected. Wireless Connectivity, Sound and Battery Life As an unlocked device, the HTC U12+ supports all GSM bands and most bands around the world too, but what might be most surprising is its support of Verizons typically locked down bands here in the US. Verizon is notorious for only allowing certain devices on their network, and most unlocked phones do not qualify for testing, either because of lack of submission for testing by an OEM or lack of support in the mobile radios. HTC features full support for T-Mobile, AT&T, and Verizon in the US, and with dual-SIM capabilities, many wireless networks across the world. This also includes native Voice over LTE (VoLTE) and WiFi Calling, both of which worked perfectly on T-Mobiles US network in our testing. As one of the original phones to feature front-facing stereo speakers, HTCs BoomSound has made a name for itself with its quality and volume, not to mention clarity and range of audio. One speaker is found on the bottom of the phone, likely to reduce bezels as much as possible, while the other speaker is found in the earpiece portion above the screen. These speakers are as good as ever, delivering full, clean and loud sound with little to no distortion, even at full volume. There are no audio tricks here like virtual surround sound (like the Galaxy S9) or a Boombox resonating speaker (like the LG G7), just stereo speakers that sound great. Bass levels are pretty typical for a phone, and do little to mimic the effects of a proper subwoofer or larger speakers, simply because of the size of the sound drivers in the phone. Sound output via Bluetooth is as good as it gets, with support for all high-quality Bluetooth codecs out there like aptX, aptX HD, and LDAC. This is Bluetooth 5.0, meaning extended range and bandwidth versus previous versions of Bluetooth. Theres no 3.5mm audio jack on this phone, and HTC is now among the first swath of manufacturers to not include the (now common) USB Type-C to 3.5mm adapter. The removal of the 3.5mm audio jack has been an exercise in frustration for many folks, and without an adapter included and no wireless support, the U12+ is an irritating phone to use for folks who need or prefer a wired audio experience. Typically youd be able to use any old 3.5mm adapter for the USB Type-C port, but the two different kinds Ive got do not work on the U12+; instead, Im greeted with an error message stating that accessory isnt supported, but the USonic headphones included in the box should be used instead. That would be great if I were actually trying to use headphones on the phone, however, Im trying to connect it to my cars high-res audio system via a wired connection. The included USonic earphones at least deliver an excellent experience thats better than any other pack-in earbud that comes to mind. These plug into the USB Type-C port and feature both customized sound, which is automatically determined by an echo scan of the ear canal, as well as active noise canceling during playback. Despite having a glass back, the HTC U12+ does not feature wireless charging, which is particularly frustrating if trying to use wired headphones, like the included USonic ones, while youve got a low battery. HTC offers up to QuickCharge 4.0 support via the USB Type-C port on the phone, a rarity even among phones with chipsets that support the new faster charging standard. This is definitely good since the phones battery life is pretty average on a good day, and somewhat poor on a bad one. Heavy users will likely find they need to top-up the battery before the end of the day, and even light use days ended with less than 20% battery left for me. This has become a frustrating trend in 2018 where many flagship phones are once again having issues making it through a full day with even moderate use. Software HTC is launching the U12+ with Android 8.1.0 Oreo, and as of this writing was a bit behind on security patches, which is currently at March 1st, 2018. HTC has updated their home screen launcher to gel with more modern design trends, including a swipe-up app drawer, badges, and of course their excellent BlinkFeed social media aggregator on the left-most page. HTC continues to offer the Sense Companion, an AI-like app that suggests ways to improve battery life, traffic on commonly traveled routes, new restaurants in the area youre in, and other similar aspects. This was introduced last year, and HTC has continued to add to its repertoire over the past year. Amazon has their hooks in here too, as the U12+ ships with both Amazon Alexa and Google Assistant built in, with the option to use any of these companions at any time out of the box. HTC also features a large number of themes in their theme store, including classic themes, which are what you would expect from a theme, changing out icons, menus, backgrounds, sounds and so on and so forth. Freestyle themes are a little more abstract and allow designers to completely change the way the homescreen launcher looks and feels, without any restrictions on where icons or shortcuts can be placed, and no traditional method of accessing app drawers or other shortcuts. Camera Software HTCs camera interface is superb and ranks among the best out there. The only gesture is a swipe-down one, which pulls up easy to click and see icons for each mode, including the front-facing camera modes. Being able to switch between all available modes at any time is a big change from most OEMs, which typically restrict available modes to whatever camera is in the viewfinder at the time. Many camera UI designs as of late have included swipe gestures, which are designed to give users the ability to quickly change modes or cameras, however, these gestures tend to be more of an annoyance in practice. HTC only includes a single swipe gesture, which prevents accidental mode or camera switching, which is common on many other phones. The biggest downside is the speed, particularly since the video and photo modes are separate. It takes a full second or two to switch between any mode on the phone, including clicking the handy photo and video buttons on the bottom, and this speed can be problematic for starting a recording or taking a picture quickly. The camera app always launches in the previously used mode, which can be handy sometimes, but can also be an annoyance, as many times starting a camera from a quick launch shortcut means you want to take a photo, but you may have forgotten to take it out of video recording or slow motion mode, meaning youll need to switch back modes before taking the shot. There were a number of times where I opened the camera and had to take a few seconds to switch back to photo mode, costing the shot I wanted. Manual mode is mostly good, with an excellent interface that doesnt get in the way, and controls that can be pinned on screen all at once, with easy to find auto buttons for resetting each option quickly. Shutter speeds range from 1/8000th of a second all the way up to 32 seconds long for some seriously amazing exposures, obviously with a tripod. ISO only goes up to 800 though, which is limiting to say the least, and no focus peaking on manual focus makes it tough to get it right. Custom settings are a nice touch, with the ability to save up to 3 custom presets, as well as some built-in presets for dark shots, macros, and fast action. Camera Performance and Results HTC ships the U12+ with four cameras in total; two on front and two in back. Starting with the back were looking at a 12-megapixel Ultrapixel-branded sensor with 1.4-micron pixels and an f/1.75 lens, while the secondary sensor is 16-megapixels with 1.0-micron pixels and an f/2.6 2x zoom telephoto lens. The main sensor takes simply incredible images overall, with nearly every category high marks. HTC markets its new HDR Boost 2 on the phone, which boosts dynamic range by taking multiple exposures almost instantly, combining them in the background in what appears to be the same instant. The results are phenomenal, and while the difference is subtle at times, the phone produces more shadow detail and fewer blown-out highlights than the competition in most lighting conditions, particularly during the day where a bright sky might otherwise excessively darken the rest of the shot, or even be blown out entirely. It struggles a bit in this task during darker conditions though, and I found that lowering the exposure just a slight bit helped bring down those blown out highlights in darker scenes where high contrast lighting exists. This didnt happen every time, but it was prevalent enough to note. Thankfully, the viewfinder gives you a real-time look at what the final picture should look like, making it easier to adjust brightness on the fly when needed with a single click and a slide. White balance and color accuracy are second to none though, and 9 times out of 10 you can guarantee the U12 has more accurate colors than other phones out there, which either tend to oversaturate colors or just get the white balance wrong. The irony is that the secondary sensor with telephoto lens doesnt have great color or white balance and often gets it wrong, tinting the picture the wrong hue, and its obvious right in the viewfinder when this happens too. Its a little bit jarring and unfortunately not easy to correct, as theres no quick white balance option outside of manual camera mode. This telephoto lens helps quite a bit with detail, as the main 12-megapixel sensor tends to muddy the details a bit when zooming in. Unlike Samsungs zoom detail issues, this isnt a processing issue, rather just a limitation on how much detail can be brought in with only 12-megapixels. While youre not likely to zoom 900% into an image to see something, the extreme zooms help show the detail differences between the lenses and why its important to zoom before taking the shot on a phone like this, if thats what is intended in the shot. Paramount to nailing the shot in the first place is getting it in focus from the start, and HTC once again is among the cream of the crop when it comes to both focus times and accuracy. Following a small object like a bee fly can be tough for most phones, but the U12 got it in focus in a split second and enabled me to get some stellar shots that you can see in the galleries below. Likewise, the combination of phase detection and laser autofocus means both sensors do a better job of grabbing the right subject, as evidenced when pitting the U12 against the OnePlus 6, a phone that has focusing issues from time to time. Portrait mode is something new here but ultimately is just OK at best. This is one of those phones that uses the telephoto lens to take a portrait mode shot, which crops the frame quite a bit and requires you to step back to take the shot when compared to the standard lens, similar to a 50mm lens on an SLR camera. Background separation is good sometimes, and not so good other times, with some weird distance judgment issues that made things look blurry or out of focus at times, and other times just a bit weird. Ultimately I chose not to use this mode after a while, as I had a hard time getting anything decent out of it, and really isnt great when compared to the competition. In low light, the biggest compliment is color accuracy, where the U12 once again absolutely nails the right colors 9 times out of 10. Absence of light is absence of color, but this sensor works some pretty impressive magic to get it right. Shadow detail is better in lower light than most other phones in many lower lighting conditions, but the sensor starts to struggle in extremely low light. When pitting it against the Huawei P20 Pros auto mode, its obvious to see HTCs sensor struggling to get enough light in many of these scenes, which results in an incredibly high amount of noise. HTCs processing is not afraid to keep noise to preserve detail though, while other phones, like the Huawei P20 Pro, tend to scrub out all the noise, erasing lots of fine detail in the process. In these extreme situations, its likely going to be down to preference as to which one is better looking, but its clear the P20 Pro brings in a lot more light, sometimes to an extreme, when compared to the U12, despite the P20 Pros color accuracy issues in these situations. The front-facing cameras are simply excellent, but the portrait mode there suffers from the same issues as the rear camera. Things are soft, the subject is not well separated from the background, and overall the results are simply not impressive even though there are two 8-megapixel cameras here that are quite capable. The difference becomes even more obvious when looking at standard selfie shots from these cameras, which produce not only sharp, detailed scenes, but ones with excellent dynamic range, accurate colors, superb white balance and exposure, and an angle thats wide enough to take in multiple people or background details, although its not as wide as the Xperia XZ2s or LG V30s. Lower light results are excellent in conditions that would be considered normal for such photos, while extreme low light turns out a bit dark. HTC has a fill flash for the front-facing camera which lights the screen up a warm white color, similar to other phones, and provides just enough light to illuminate the face, but not enough to either look harsh or truly illuminate the surroundings. Video recording puts the U12 at the top of the charts when considering both quality and features. HTC offers 4K recording at 60 frames per second, and like other phones, youll notice the speed and clarity difference immediately. When directly comparing it to the LG G7 or V30, for example, which tops out at 30 frames per second at 4K resolution, youll find the U12 produces smoother video with fewer moments of motion blur, allowing straight clear captures from the frame more often. HTC actually has cleaner and crisper 4K 60FPS recording than most of the competition too, which is noticeable when placed next to the OnePlus 6, which offers the same 4K 60FPS recording options. Some of these differences can be chocked up to the U12+ having a faster and more accurate focusing mechanism in the camera, but even scenes with the exact same focal point show extra details on HTCs side versus the OnePlus 6. Just like photo mode, focusing is incredibly fast and accurate, focusing on the right point almost every time, even small objects that move quickly. This compared to some other phones that cant easily focus on smaller points, while HTCs is able to gauge both movement and distance for accurate focus using the full-sensor PDAF in conjunction with laser autofocus. Just like photo mode, youll find white balance and color accuracy to be superior, but unlike photo mode, the dynamic range could use a bit of work. Dynamic range is usually good but tends to prefer darker exposures in scenes where theres a large contrast between light and dark areas, causing a loss in shadow detail but less blown out highlights. In the situations tested though, this resulted in a more pleasant overall image, albeit a bit dark at times, but its not as overexposed as some other cameras can be, and tends to have more overall detail thanks to fewer blown out highlights. HTC has OIS on both rear sensors but curiously enough doesnt seem to use that secondary sensor at all for video mode. During a walking video recording test, the HTC U12+ trades blows with the OnePlus 6, which takes some of the smoothest video in the industry thanks to a combination of optical and digital stabilization methods. Theres no clear winner or loser in these tests, as both phones produce nearly identically stabilized video with no obvious jittering or other stabilization artifacts; a massive deal when considering some phones dont offer any meaningful stabilization at all at 4K, let along 4K60 quality. Zooming in via the viewfinder shows the difference in quality when comparing it to a phone that supports the use of that secondary sensor for video, like the Huawei P20 Pro. The difference in quality of the details is pretty clear when compared to digital zoom. It also shows that HTC matches Huaweis level of smoothness for zoomed video, meaning HTCs video is incredibly stable regardless of zooming or not, while OnePluss video gets shaky when zooming in, and Huaweis isnt well stabilized during movements like walking. HTC does something special with audio that most other phones never consider: focusing audio on what youre zoomed into. Folks with kids in a play, band or other similar situation might find this particularly important, as the four directional microphones scattered across the HTC U12+s body allow it to hone in on a certain sound and isolate the rest, resulting in audio thats cleaner, clearer and louder for what you actually want to hear. See our video review for direct examples of this. The U12+ absolutely slays the competition here, with results that arent even close, showcasing HTCs audio expertise in this area. The U12+ also offers other advanced audio recording options like HD audio and 3D audio, which only a few other phones do, providing a way to record surround sound with the phone. Focus audio is unique to HTCs setup, which was introduced with the U11 last year and is further improved this year. Lastly is slow motion video, and while HTC isnt joining the ranks of super slow motion 480 or 960 frames per second video, it is offering full 1080p slow motion video at 240 FPS. This offers a good tradeoff between quality, frame rate, frame cropping, lighting and the ability to select what plays back at regular speed or slow motion after recording. Detail is very good, although it could be even better if that secondary telephoto lens were able to be used, as clicking the 2x zoom button on the viewfinder only digitally zooms into the 1080p image. Bonus points for being able to record audio in slow motion too, which always adds a hilarious edge to slow motion videos that is not present on phones with support for slower motion at 480 or 960 FPS. The Good Ultra high-quality build Unique, gorgeous colors Good quality stereo speakers Fast performance Well-designed camera interface Excellent photo quality Audio zooming in video Super stable 4k 60FPS video Edge Sense 2 is extremely useful Edge Launcher is genius QuickCharge 4 support Unlocked phone supports AT&T, Verizon, and T-Mobile in the US Included USonic earbuds are amazing quality, especially for a pack-in The Bad Pressure sensitive volume/power buttons are unreliable Average battery life at best Light bleed and inconsistent white balance on the display No 3.5mm audio jack No 3.5mm to USB Type-C adapter included in the box Incompatibilities with some 3.5mm adapters Conclusion HTC has crafted a brilliant phone; one with unique new ideas that make a difference in daily use, like Edge Sense 2 and the Edge Launcher. Other unique ideas didnt turn out so well, like the new pressure-sensitive volume and power buttons, which are a cool concept, but ultimately turn out to be far less reliable than traditional buttons. This, combined with mediocre battery life and difficulties outputting audio to some devices, make it a more frustrating experience than last year, and at this price, its difficult to forgive such frustrating issues. At a lower price this is an incredible phone, but at $800, these issues are tough to stomach. The bright side is that these issues all seem to be software related, and could swiftly be fixed by HTC in an upcoming update, in which case the phones recommendation state would certainly change, especially with the long list of positives above. Samsung will equip the Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10 Plus Android flagships with LPDDR5 RAM and UFS 3.0 storage, one known industry insider from China suggested earlier today. The South Korean tech giant is preparing to mass-produce both memory chips in the second half of the year, as per the same source. Samsung has been aggressively pursuing LPDDR5 projects for over a year now, having last intensified its efforts in the field this past December. Details about the new RAM type remain vague, but Samsungs established track record and its existing DDR5 solutions for PCs both point to a computational performance increase of at least ten-percent, as well as an energy efficiency improvement amounting to no less than 15-percent. The companys mobile DDR5 solution will also have a smaller bit bus which should make it even more efficient than its larger counterpart intended to power desktop computers. The jump from LPDDR3 to LPDDR4 almost doubled mobile RAM clock speeds and while the next generation of such solutions isnt expected to repeat that achievement, it should still support operating frequencies in the ballpark of 3,600Mbps, whereas Samsungs previous technology peaked at around 3,200Mbps. On the subject of traditional flash storage products, Samsung already commercialized the UFS 3.0 standard in February by starting flow production of 256GB memory chips for contemporary vehicles but has yet to embrace the new technology in any other category. Nonetheless, the firm was among the first players to implement the specification into its offerings, having announced its accomplishment only days after JEDEC defined UFS 3.0 earlier this year. The Galaxy S10 and Galaxy S10 Plus are expected to debut with an in-display fingerprint sensor, as well as a 3D camera similar to the one Apple implemented into the iPhone X, though Samsung reportedly found a way to commercialize such a solution while avoiding a display notch. The two Android flagships are likely to be announced in early 2019, around the time MWC 2019 takes place in Barcelona, Spain. Samsung may also equip its next-generation mobile products with 5G modems, according to previous reports. Samsung has announced that it plans to source the energy requirements of its factories and other facilities in the United States, South Korea, and China from renewable energy sources by 2020. To achieve its goal, the tech giant will install additional solar panels in its facilities in South Korea. The tech firm aims to install a total of 63,000 square meters of solar panels across three locations within the next few years. Around 42,000 square meters of solar panels will be installed in its headquarters in Suwon starting this year, while another 21,000 square meters of solar panels will be installed in Samsungs facilities in Pyongtaek and Hwaesong starting in 2019 and 2020, respectively. Aside from solar energy, the OEM also plans to utilize geothermal energy to satisfy the energy requirements of its facilities. The tech firm has also decided to join both the Renewable Energy Buyers Principles of environmental organization World Wildlife Fund and the Business Renewables Center of the Rocky Mountain Institute. These two initiatives help businesses streamline the process of acquiring energy from renewable sources, allowing large enterprises to obtain a stable supply of clean energy at affordable prices. To further reduce carbon emissions caused by the companys operations, the South Korean tech giant also stated that it is working with its top 100 partners in the development of their own renewable energy targets. A number of technology companies have already stated their intentions to source a larger portion of their energy requirements from renewable sources going forward. T-Mobile has announced earlier this year that it plans to use renewable energy for all of its facilities across the United States, which includes its headquarters in Bellevue, Washington, a number of call centers across the US, and thousands of retail outlets across the country. On the other hand, Google has already signed long-term deals with a number of renewable energy suppliers to power its data centers and other facilities. The search giant has also pledged to compensate for its energy footprint, not by simply powering all of its facilities with clean energy, but rather by producing renewable energy in a separate location. ZTE proposed a $10.7 billion financing plan and effectively resolved to eject its existing board of directors in the aftermath of its new settlement with the United States Commerce Department reached earlier this month. After being hit with a seven-year denial order banning it from obtaining any kind of American technologies, the China-owned firm managed to save itself from certain bankruptcy by replacing that sanction with a $1 billion fine going up to $1.4 billion and a variety of other concessions, including major management and board changes. Over a quarter of all components and licenses purchased by ZTE come from the United States and the majority of them can only be obtained stateside, with something like an up-to-date version of Android with Googles apps not having a realistic alternative. ZTE yesterday saw some $3 billion of its value erased after U.S. lawmakers signaled they may attempt reversing President Trumps lifeline deal, though its shares started recovering following the disclosure of its rough comeback plan. The company is now starting its efforts to rebuild its reputation after losing out on a number of contracts since the Commerce Department first hit it with its latest denial order in April and seeing a number of already agreed ones canceled following the ordeal. A White House adviser recently said President Trump lent ZTE a helping hand as a sign of goodwill toward China thats presently negotiating much broader trade deals with the United States. The Shenzhen-based company will soon be hiring a Washington-appointed compliance coordinator for an indefinite period as part of the same deal which replaced a 2017 settlement over its violations of international trade sanctions placed on North Korea and Iran. ZTE hasnt fully complied with the previous agreement, having failed to discipline some of its employees, with the Commerce Department also accusing it of lying to its investigators. The company said it self-reported its non-compliance, attributing it to an omission, hence arguing the seven-year denial order was too harsh of a reaction to the development. By Kyeyune Moses. The Leader of Opposition in Parliament has explained that the opposition was a protest of what she called an attack on the constitution by leaders in the National resistance Movement. This, she says was done when leaders within the ruling party including its national chairperson and president, Yoweri Museveni accused the opposition for killing former Arua Municipality MP Ibrahim Abiriga. Winnie Kiiza has told the pres at Parliament this evening that the regime is escaping from its responsibility of protecting all citizens and their property. She also says that accusing the opposition is a mere scapegoat since they have championed the demand for answers on the popular killings that have rocked the country. Related Stories #UGBudget18 Opposition boycott the presentation of the national budget Hudson Music: Lance's "Bebop Spoken Here" is one of the heaviest and most influential jazz blogs in the UK. Rupert Burley (Dynamic Agency): "BSH just goes from strength to strength". '606' Club: "A toast to Lance Liddle of the terrific jazz blog 'Bebop Spoken Here'" 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 Posted Thursday, June 14, 2018 9:16 am Charlottes burgeoning art scene is making another big push, joining St. Johns as the second city to franchise its own Arts Night Out event from the Arts Council of Greater Lansing. Downtown Charlotte, which has a classic American small town main street design, will look a little bit more like Lansings Old Town neighborhood Friday. There are 17 participating businesses all a short walk away from each other, with each featuring its own unique artist. The night is set to feature interactive art demos, nature photography, live musicians ranging from folk to hip-hop, custom quilting, and, of course, all of the wares Charlotte businesses have to offer. But why Charlotte? Two of its firebrands, CharlotteRising, an economic development nonprofit, and Windwalker Underground Gallery, a local art hub, drew the right amount of attention to the town. With all of the momentum from CharlotteRising, Windwalker definitely gained some attention. We hosted a series of events that brought the community into the building and brought some regional attraction, said Windwalker board member Kalli Dempsey. I think were taken a little bit more seriously now. After being named one of the 10 cities in Gov. Rick Snyders Rising Tide program in 2015, which was designed to spur growth in smaller cities with bubbling activity, Charlottes community has run with its opportunity to create a new image for the town. The designation inspired the formation of CharlotteRising, a Michigan Main Street affiliated nonprofit revitalizing Charlottes downtown. One of the organizations primary conduits for growth? Arts and culture. We believe it is growing rapidly. In 2016 we were fortunate enough to earn a $10,000 Public Art for Communities grant from LEAP, to commission our first art piece downtown. And that was a huge success, said executive director Dillon Rush. LEAP is the Lansing Economic Area Partnership, which nurtures development for member governments. Arts Night Out how perfect, how simple. Were talking about foot traffic and sales and investment and contagious positivity from the get go with that art and creativity flavor, Rush said. Arts Night Out coordinator Taylor Rupp wishes to expand the program via surrounding communities organizing their own take on the monthly event. The Arts Council felt that downtown Charlotte was a natural fit. Those few blocks have condensed businesses that you can go into and theyre all open at the same time, said Rupp. Windwalker Underground Gallery and Charlotte Rising are the two that took it under their wing and really made the event their own. Windwalker Underground Gallery the pet project of Richard Turbin that has posited itself as a home for art in Charlotte, has attracted regional attention by hosting theater productions, live music and, of course, art exhibitions. It just wrapped up hosting the inaugural edition of the citys own original festival, Arts of Charlotte, and local artists have been especially thankful for the platform the organization has given them. Before Windwalker, I didnt see anything as far as art in Charlotte other than maybe our coffee shop, which used to have art hanging on their wall, but they even stopped doing that, said Deeanna DeNio, owner of Paint Parties by Dee. Ive had a lot of opportunities and things since Ive gotten hooked up with Windwalker that I never even had before. But for Windwalker, starting from scratch and working up to hosting Arts Night Out, was a 45-degree uphill battle. The first event I hosted here was a family friendly St Patricks Day event in 2016. I put a lot of work into it and nobody came, said Dempsey. I decided I was just going to keep doing things until people came. Hoping for word of mouth, wearing people down, showing them we have really cool things here you just have to come. Dempsey said the gallery has run into a curious case of attracting more outsiders than locals, the age-old situation of theres nothing to do here. I hear all of the time, Ive lived here my whole life and I didnt even know this was here. And its amazing to me, because I think that our residents havent completely bought into the idea that Charlotte is awesome, said Dempsey. I think that thats starting to happen. Arts Night Out will hopefully continue the momentum. I think that having something like Arts Night Out will encourage people to come down here and actually see what they have available to them downtown. Arts Night Out Charlotte Friday, June 15, 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Open Mic at Charlotte Beach Market 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. Downtown Charlotte, Michigan For a full list of businesses and artists visit: www.myartsnightout.com Posted Thursday, June 14, 2018 9:16 am Martel Armstrong has been at the helm of the Lansing Housing Commission for a year as executive director. But as of Friday, despite a fatal fire at the LeRoy Froh complex, hes on vacation until June 27. Thats got City Council officials hot under the collar. You mean we have a Peter Lark situation? asked Council President Carol Wood when informed of the vacation. You have got to be shitting me. She was referring to the former general manager of the Lansing Board of Water & Light, who left town for a New York vacation during the catastrophic ice storm in December 2013. He was ultimately fired by the utility, and sued. He walked away with a $650,000 settlement. Referring to Armstrong, she said, He needs to come back, she said. I understand how important family time is, but this is your job. First Ward Councilwoman Jody Washington echoed Wood on Monday night before City Council. Both called on Armstrong to resign. Tony Baltimore, who chairs the commissions board, said he has asked Martel to come back and is awaiting an answer. We are definitely going to need his leadership. Lansing Mayor Andy Schor said he met with Armstrong Friday before he left the city. I would prefer he was here, but understand the great expense to booking and re-booking travel plans with a family, he said. We will move forward in the same manner regardless of whether we are working with him or his deputy. Law firms and lawyers in England & Wales will have to follow some new rules which have been confirmed by the regulator. It means that solicitors will be allowed to carry out non-reserved legal work in a business that is not regulated by a legal services regulator; and allowing solicitors to provide reserved legal work on a freelance basis, subject to certain restrictions. We are now ready to make the changes that are needed to modernise both our regulation and the legal market, said SRA chief executive Paul Philip. (By ChameleonsEye/Shutterstock.com) (By ChameleonsEye/Shutterstock.com) Austria is the latest country to begin a work and holiday visa arrangement with Australia which is now in operation.The arrangement allows young people from Austria aged between 18 and 30, to apply to stay in Australia for one year and undertake a period of short term work and study.The same reciprocal conditions also allow young Australians to work and holiday in Austria. And there is the possibility of a visa extension if some of the work is undertaken in regional locations.Assistant Minister for Home Affairs, Alex Hawke welcomed the start of the arrangement.'The work and holiday program gives young Australians and Austrians the opportunity to apply for a unique cultural exchange experience,' he said. 'These arrangements strengthen the positive relationship between our countries and will further build economic and people to people links.'There will be an annual limit of 200 visas for Austrian nationals, who can apply from now and the same number of Australians can travel to Austria under the arrangement.Austria has become the 23rd country to gain access to Australia's Work and Holiday program, joining a host of other countries from Europe, Asia and the Americas.However, a working holiday arrangement between Australia and Greece has not yet started despite a Memorandum of Understanding between the two countries being signed last year.An official start date has not yet been announced. It is understood that a final piece of legislation still need to go through the Greek Parliament before applications can get underway.Other countries with working holiday arrangements with Australia include Belgium, Canada, Cyprus, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Hong Kong, Ireland,Italy, Japan, Korea, Malta, the Netherlands, Norway, Sweden, Taiwan and the United Kingdom. (By Denis Rozhnovsky/Shutterstock.com) (By Denis Rozhnovsky/Shutterstock.com) Australia's immigration policy may be criticised at home, but it is widely admired around the world with American President Donald Trump the latest world leader to praise the points based visa system.After meeting with Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull at the Whitehouse in Washington, Trump praised him for the success of his country's merit based immigration system, a model he has pushed Congress to replicate in the United States.'I want to thank you for your commitment to immigration reform and your merit-based immigration system. It's the way to go. And you've been very successful with it,' Trump said.'Here, we're working very hard to do the same. In that sense, we're going to, hopefully, follow in your footprints, Trump added.White House officials have repeatedly looked to Australia's legal immigration system as the ideal model for America, arguing that immigrants should be granted entry to the US based on skill, age, education level, and income.The Australian system has also been praised by British Foreign Affairs Minister Boris Johnson who believes that the UK can learn a lot from it in terms of modelling its immigration system once the country leaves the European Union in March 2019.And Czech Foreign Affairs Minister Martin Stropnicky has also highlighted the Australian system at a joint meeting of the Visegrad Four (V4) countries comprising the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia.Migration is a key issue in Europe, not just with the UK, but with many EU countries unhappy about the high rates of immigration in recent years. Migration must have clear conditions, Stropnicky told the meeting.He explained that he can see an advantage in the Australian model as it has enabled the country to keep its own territory under control. 'This can definitely be inspiring. They are deciding on this (immigration) on their own, doing it in a fair and serious manner,' Stropnicky said.Europe has been hit by a large number of would be migrants and refugees arriving by boat from the North African coast and from Turkey. The meeting heard that Australia has effectively stopped this kind of people smuggling by stopping any boats heading towards the Australian coast.People who attempt to enter Australia via a boat are sent back to where they came from and not allowed to settle in the country. Australian Foreign Minister Julie Bishop also attended the meeting and said; 'We have put in place very strong border protection laws, and this has meant that in the last three and a half years there has not been a successful people smuggling venture to Australia. It also means that there have been no deaths at sea as a result of the illegal activities of the people smuggling trade'. (By f11photo/Shutterstock.com) (By f11photo/Shutterstock.com) Lifestyle is the number one attraction for people moving to Australia and they are also attracted by the nation's democratic traditions and freedoms, a new survey has found.But new arrivals are having different settlement experiences once they get to Australia and not all improve their circumstances over time, according to the research from Adult Multicultural Education Services (AMES).It found that migrants and refugees move to Australia for different reasons and often their experiences depend on factors such as when they arrive, English competency, and age.As part of an effort to understand how these multiple factors interact and influence the immigrant journey, settlement agency AMES Australia surveyed 131 refugees and migrants living in Victoria in late 2017.The respondents came from over 30 countries, most prominently China with 24%, some 11% from Syria, 7% from Iran and others from Vietnam, Thailand and India with a wide range of ages from 18 to over 50 years old.When asked for their reasons for coming to Australia, some 52% said it was for a better standard of living and lifestyle, whilst 24% said they came for Australian democratic traditions and freedoms.Once they had arrived, learning English was found as the most important need for respondents, yet an overwhelming 645 identified this as the biggest hurdle impacting on their settlement in Australia.Age demographics appeared to play a role in perceptions with 38% of respondents over 50 saying democracy and freedom was their favourite thing about Australia while younger respondents aged 18 to 29 thought lifestyle was equally important as democracy.However, responses were mixed about what they like least, and included things like difficulty in finding work, missing their family and still having family living overseas, weather, and expensive living costs in Australia.Comparing the respondents' length of time living in Australia with difficulties in settling in Australia, feelings of isolation were shown not to dissipate over time as may be expected.Some 11% of those who had been in Australia for less than two years reported feelings of isolation and missing family and friends, compared to 21% who had been in the country to two to five years and 13% for five years and over.Survey respondent and recently arrived Chinese migrant Yuzhen Chen said she chose to migrate to Australia because it has a good environment and education opportunities, and because it is a good place to bring up her children.'My children can have good future here. Australia a clean environment and a good education system with opportunities. My favourite thing about Australia is the lovely blue sky every day. I love to do outside activities under the blue sky,' she said.AMES chief executive officer Cath Scarth said the survey showed that migrants and refugees new to Australia valued the nation's life, traditions and opportunities and were committed to becoming part of the wider society.'What the survey tells us is that migrants who come to this country have a commitment to it and want to become part of its social fabric. But it also shows some have barriers to successful settlement and we as a nation, as communities, and as individuals, can support people to overcome them,' she said. (jat306/Bigstock.com) (jat306/Bigstock.com) Despite calls for immigration to Australia to be reduced, a leading business group is warning that there are skills shortages in manufacturing, construction and defence.According to the Australia Industry Group, occupations in these sectors may need to employ skilled professionals from abroad and it is not a good time to be considering tightening the visa programme.According to Innes Willox, Australian Industry Group chief executive and chairman of the Migration Council of Australia, migration should be maintained at no less than its current level of 190,000 to meet skill shortages and maintain steady population growth.'Reducing migration risks reducing Australia's long term growth and would send a terrible signal to people around the world about Australia being open for business,' Willox said.Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton has indicated that immigration could be cut it was deemed to be in the national interest and former Prime Minister Tony Abbott has called for immigration to be halved.Abbot explained that he believes immigration rates are too high and this is impacting on housing, transport and infrastructure as well as preventing Australians from getting jobs.However, writing in The Australian newspaper, Willox, points out that a Productivity Commission review of Australia's migration had found the greatest benefits to the community came from younger, highly skilled migrants.'Education and training systems have fallen short of delivering the trained workers our economy needs in the right places, at the right time, and there is no sign of this changing materially over the next five years,' he added.'This means our economy will continue to require a significant supply of skilled labour through the various temporary and permanent visa streams,' he explained.Indeed, the group's latest survey of chief executives found 16% of manufacturing leaders ranked skills shortages as their top impediment to growth this year. Members in the services sector were also concerned about skills shortages.'In order to increase Australia's living standards, we must continue to attract the best and brightest from overseas. Skilled migrants complement Australian workers by bringing specialist knowledge that provides bigger benefits and, by deepening our entrepreneurship, innovation and international linkages,' Willox said. (Markus Mainka/Bigstock.com) (Markus Mainka/Bigstock.com) It is well known that people moving to Australia don't want to work in remote areas and prefer to live in the big cities, but a new solution could help rural towns.Some small towns across Australia have found a solution to their population decline and workforce shortages amid calls for the rest of the nation to follow their example.Local migrant strategies have been working in locations such as Nhill, Pyramid Hill, Mingoola, Biloel, Dalwillinu, Hamilton, Rupanyup and Nobby, placea that many people in Australia may never have heard from, never mind foreigners.According to a new report from the Regional Australia Institute (RAI) these projects have resulted in some towns increasing their population by up to 15%.Pyramid Hill, in Victoria has a population of just over 550 people and around 100 of those are Filipino. The biggest employer in town now has a strong workforce, schools have grown, and new homes are being built for the first time in many years. It even has a new Filipino grocery store.Tom Smith and his sons own Kia-Ora piggery in Pyramid Hill. Along with his family, he was instrumental in driving his town's migration strategy. The Smiths now employs 24 migrant staff originally from the Philippines. 'Staff are your biggest asset and without them, we didn't have the confidence or the capacity to expand when we needed to,' Smith explained.A new report from the RAI highlights an opportunity for a new national policy. 'A new national policy facilitating the establishment of a network of priority rural migration areas could enable many rural communities to meet their local labour market needs and provide support for local growth and community renewal,' said Jack Archer, RAI chief executive officer.He is calling for this kind of policy to be adopted nationwide. 'In many cases, these migration strategies have been locally-led, but carried out in isolation. Now we need to connect the dots and help other rural towns capitalise on the opportunities migrant settlement programmes can deliver,' he pointed out.'From a position of decline, these towns are now thriving. But collectively, we must take stock of what has worked and what will work in the future for other rural towns. We have a national opportunity here to alleviate some of the biggest issues affecting regional Australia,' he added.Migrant and refugee settlement agency AMES Australia has welcomed the call. The organisations chief executive Cath Scarth said that done properly regional settlement of migrants and refugees could deliver benefits to both newly arrived migrants and refugees as well as the host communities.She pointed out that the programme in Nhill added more almost 100 jobs and more than $40 million to the local economy, according to an economic and social impact study. It also stopped population decline, revitalised local services and increased Government funding. (By BravissimoS/Shutterstock.com) (By BravissimoS/Shutterstock.com) The Czech Republic is the latest country to agree a new reciprocal work and holiday visa arrangement with Australia, taking the number to 24 worldwide.The agreement allows young people from both countries aged between 18 and 30, to apply to stay for one year and undertake short term work and study.'These arrangements strengthen the positive relationship between our countries and will further build economic and people to people links. The work and holiday programme gives young Australians and Czech Republic nationals the opportunity to apply for a unique cultural exchange experience,' said Assistant Minister for Home Affairs Alex Hawke.There will be an annual limit of 500 visas for Czech Republic nationals, who can apply from today. The same number of Australians can travel to the Czech Republic under the arrangement.Hawke also confirmed that travellers to Australia will benefit from some of the world's most advanced biometric collection, processing and matching services. A new Enterprise Biometric Identification Services (EBIS) system will allow the Department of Home Affairs to more accurately process and more effectively analyse biometric data from 100% of travellers.EBIS will also alert the Australian Border Force when intervention is needed and Hawke said that it will vastly improve Australia's biometric storage and processing capability by consolidating biometrics collected through visa and detention programmes with biometric data collected at the border through SmartGates.'Traveller numbers to Australia are due to increase from 40 to 50 million by 2020 and it is critical that we have technology that allows legitimate travellers to be efficiently processed while also ensuring individuals of concern are identified and disrupted,' he explained.'The EBIS system will significantly increase our biometric collection and storage capability, giving us an even stronger platform to identify and protect Australia from individuals who might wish to do us harm,' he pointed out.'It will also help us to identify and facilitate a more seamless travel experience for people who present no risk. This is a vital tool for our visa and citizenship services and it provides a significant boost to Australian security to deal with growing international traveller and migration numbers,' he added.The Department of Home Affairs has entered into a multiyear contract, valued at up to $44.2 million, with Unisys Australia Pty Limited to provide high volume, state of the art biometric services. (By bleakstar/Shutterstock.com) (By bleakstar/Shutterstock.com) A new visa initiative pilot programme for South Australia has been announced which is aimed at attracting more foreign entrepreneurs to the state.If it is successful the initiative, which will make it easier and cheaper to establish a new business, it will be rolled out across Australia in 2019.Under the pilot the South Australian State Government will be able to partner with business incubators in attracting foreign entrepreneurs.It means that overseas entrepreneurs and investors with an innovative idea and a supporting business plan will be able to apply for a temporary visa to take forward their venture in Australia.Applicants will not need capital backing, unlike the current entrepreneur visa which requires demonstrated funding of at least $200,000.Instead, applicant's proposals will be vetted by State or Federal Government entities, with these entities able to partner with incubators and accelerators to identify potential applicants for nomination.Entrepreneurs who are successful in establishing their business venture in Australia will become eligible to apply for permanent residence.'The Government is focussed on increasing job opportunities and standards of living for Australians and we are doing this by fostering business growth and investment in Australia,' said Home Affairs Minister Peter Dutton.'Encouraging seed stage entrepreneurs to take forward innovative ideas in Australia will assist in growing the jobs of the future,' he added.Revealing further details of the proposed visa, the South Australian Liberal leader Steven Marshall said all applicants must be under 45 years of age and have vocational level English which is band 5 in each four components of the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS).'We are confident that this arrangement can lead to participants applying for permanent residence in South Australia as they develop their business plans into successful enterprises creating new companies and jobs in our state,' Stevens explained.'These arrangements will also encourage more investment in those sectors of our economy with the greatest capacity to grow, including advanced manufacturing and defence technology following the Federal Government's decision to centre the naval ship building programme in South Australia,' he added. Knowing this, Laura Cicco from Tennessee is proactively suing NASA to keep a vial of Moon dust Armstrong allegedly gave her mother. As of the time of writing, the agency is yet to claim the dust, but Cicco tells the Washington Post that such a move is imminent.You see, NASAs Lunar Allocations Handbook clearly states that all lunar samples are property of the US government and can only be used for authorized purposes. That means that, even if Armstrong risked his life during a mission and, while on it, he brought back home a sample of Moon dust, NASA owns it.However, Armstrong gifted the vial to Ciccos father, whom hed been colleagues with. She tells the Post that she has Armstrongs autograph on the wall but it wasnt until recently that she discovered the vial of dust. It comes with a note that reads, To Laura Ann Murray Best of Luck Neil Armstrong Apollo 11.Because Cicco knows NASA goes after all lunar samples since many such cases have been duly reported in the media, shes suing them to assert her rights over it. Her attorney, Christopher McHugh, confirms for the Post that the suit has been filed.He also says Armstrongs signature on the note has been verified by handwriting experts, while samples of the dust in the vial have been analyzed and ruled as possibly originating from the Moons surface.In the suit, McHugh mentions the sting NASA officials set up for a 74-year-old woman in 2011, who had lunar memorabilia from her husband, an Apollo 11 engineer. These included rocks, sand and a piece of Apollo 11s heat shield and she was trying to sell them.Authorities eventually detained and charged the old woman with contraband of stolen government property, but NASA eventually settled privately after it was proven that she was the rightful owner of the items.If you look at the Davis case, what NASA is essentially saying is that lunar material in private hands is stolen property. And thats just not true, McHugh says. This is not stolen property. Laura shouldnt be afraid that NASA is going to come knocking on her door and barge in and try and take the vial. When the Suzuki Ciaz came out two years we ago, we dubbed it as a more serious entry into the local B-segment market. Granted, its size was closer to C-segment sedans but that meant heaps of space inside, making it a viable alternative for those who can't quite stretch their budget for a larger car. By the looks of things, the Ciaz has been a hit with consumers. However, that did mean the Swift Dzire eventually trailed off into retirement, exiting with a whimper in the country. This year however, the small sedan is back, ditching the Swift nomenclature and is simply called the Dzire. It then begs the question: Why does Suzuki have two B-segment sedans offered in the Philippines? Given that the sales of the Ciaz rallied ahead of the Dzire when it was launched, why take that gamble? Suzuki Philippines' assistant general manager Cecil Capacete answered that query. The whole industry sees 40 percent for passenger cars and for passenger cars, B-segment cars make up 68 percent. Sedans then make up 80 percent of the B-segment, said Capacete. Basically, if you want to make sales, you make your mark in that part of the market. This is where the Dzire comes in. There are big numbers in that segment, adds Capacete. So, why two models in the same segment? It was as simple as capturing both price points of the volume-selling segment. Basically, the Ciaz will compete with the higher-end of the B-segment, gunning for the likes of the Toyota Vios and Honda City, among others. An entry-level Ciaz starts at Php 795,000, slightly undercutting its primary competition. The Dzire on the other hand is pitched towards the lower (read, more affordable) half of of the B-segment sedan crowd. With that, it's set to go head to head with the Mitsubishi Mirage G4, Honda Brio Amaze, and the recently launched Volkswagen Santana. With a base price of Php 638,000, it's within the ballpark of the cars mentioned. With this strategy, Suzuki says they have that segment all covered with a variety of models. With that, the Ciaz gets a slightly more upmarket approach for its marketing while the Dzire targets the first-time buyer or budget conscious individual. Suzuki adds that, with the Automated Gear Shift, their clutchless electronic manual transmission, running costs will be low since parts are, essentially, from a manual transmission. With the B-segment being the meat of the Philippine market, Suzuki Philippines wants a bigger chunk of those sales. They believe that by offering two sedans in the same segment, but with different price points, is their ticket to higher sales figures. As it stands, Suzuki already has quite the range for those shopping for a small car. There will be all-new Swift that is set to join the local lineup sometime this year. There's also the Vitara, which as seen a positive reception in local motoring media. If you include the yet to be launched all-new Swift (coming soon, says the company), Suzuki Philippines has a total of five B-segment models which includes the Ertiga, Dzire, Ciaz and Vitara. With a lineup like that, it looks like Suzuki wants to be the country's one-stop shop for small vehicles. Posted Thursday, June 14, 2018 9:16 am Last weeks state House votes to repeal the states 53-year-old prevailing wage law and adopt work requirements for Medicaid expansion recipients may have long-term impacts on Michigan residents, but the actual vote had an immediate impact on one Ingham County commissioner. He lost his day job as a House staffer. Lets set the stage. Readers may know Ryan Sebolt as the bow tie-wearing Ingham County commissioner who began his first term last year. His full-time job, up until last Wednesday, was floor operations manager for Michigan House Minority Floor Leader Christine Greig, D-Farmington Hills. One of his duties is to procedurally assist Greig through the tactics a minority party can employ to slow offending legislation. Democrats havent needed to open the trick bag very often this term since the drama has stayed mostly among Republican caucus members and legislative leaders as the Rs struggle to scratch off the last few items from their to-do list after seven years of single-party rule. The notable exception was last Wednesday when the 63-member Republican caucus repealed the mandate that workers on public construction projects receive the regional prevailing union wage in that area. The trade unions stopped this initiative before by cutting a deal with Gov. Rick Snyder under which he promised to veto the measure if it reached his desk. Proponents, led by the Associated Builders and Contractors, went around the governor by starting a citizens initiative. If they collected enough signatures, they could get the Legislature to vote it up or down without Snyders signature. The first time Protecting Michigan Taxpayers tried this, organized labor found the signature-collection company hired did a sloppy job and got the secretary of state to invalidate the drive. The unions thought they had this thing stopped this year, too. Apparently, prevailing wage repeal proponents hired a new batch of signatures circulators who used vacant lots and abandoned homes as their home addresses. The signatures these liars collected couldnt be good right? Wrong! The Supreme Court said the signatures were fine, but the circulators could be prosecuted. So, understandably, union members were ticked when prevailing wage repeal was before the House for immediate adoption last week. The House gallery was packed with union members hurling insults and shouting snide remarks as members debated, adding to a tense floor environment. After it passed, Republicans employed a questionable procedural move where the presiding officer gave the measure immediate effect as opposed to it going into effect next April based on his judgment that two-thirds of the chamber voiced its support. Clearly, two-thirds of the 109-member House didnt support this. Outside of the shouts and desk pounding, at least 40 Democrats signed a document opposing immediate effect. It didnt matter. Immediate effect was ordered and the citizens initiative was sent to the House Clerks Office for processing. (As a side note, both parties have employed this tactic for years. The Dems once challenged it in court and got nowhere.) Next up was the bill requiring Healthy Michigan recipients to work 80 hours a month. This time, Republicans agitated that the Dems played to the angry gallery with their prior floor speeches cut off debate four members early. The bill was passed and immediate effect slammed through. The Democrats couldnt do anything about it, but one tactic minority parties have used just to be a pain is to make a motion to reconsider the vote until the next day. Such a motion freezes the bill, but can only be made if the bill is physically on the floor. Enter Sebolt. Seeing the Medicaid work bill handed to a clerk staffer to be carried downstairs for processing, Sebolt ran around the House rostrum and tried to stand in the clerks way to keep him on the chamber for a couple seconds so Greig could make that motion. She never did. Instead, some physical contact was made as the clerk muscled his way off the floor. But a story emerged among Republicans that Sebolt rushed the rostrum like a lunatic, pinned a House clerk to the wall and needed to be escorted off the floor by the House sergeants. House TV video I subsequently tweeted out doesnt support this story, but because Sebolt did make contact with the clerk, House Speaker Tom Leonard fired him immediately. House Democrats have been standing by Sebolt, saying the whole situation was blown out of proportion. Many wore bow ties in support of him the next day and Sebolt received love on social media, one woman tweeting that her superman wears a bow tie. Sebolt has kept a low profile since then, declining to talk to media and trying not to inflame the situation as he considers his next steps. But among House Democrats, last Wednesday will be remembered as the day Sebolt took a bullet for the caucus. (Melinn, news editor of the Capitol newsletter MIRS, can be reached at melinnky@gmail.com.) Rolls-Royce announced on Thursday that it will be eliminating 4,600 jobsnearly 10 percent of the positions at the companyover the next 24 months as part of a company-wide restructuring plan. The UK-based engineering firm says that after an initial cost of 500 million ($665 million), it expects the restructuring to reduce annual costs by 400 million ($532 million) by 2020. The first third of the job cuts are expected to be made by the end of 2018. In the same statement in which it announced the job cuts, Rolls-Royce reiterated that it intends to focus on civil aerospace going forward. The company says it currently has orders for over 2,700 engines for wide-body aircraft and business jets and plans to increase engine production targeting over 600 wide-body engines a year by the end of this decade. According to the company, it has launched six new engines for the civilian market including the Trent XWB and the Pearl 15. Rolls-Royce has been struggling with its Trent 1000 engineprimarily used on the Boeing 787 Dreamlinersince issues involving excessive wear were discovered in 2016. Due to the durability problem, an AD was issued in April 2018 limiting extended single-engine operations to within 140 minutes of an airport for some 787s equipped with Trent 1000s. The company has also recently had trouble with parts shortages for the engines. It has been reported that Rolls-Royce has spent almost 1 billion ($1.3 billion) to address the issue so far. The University of North Dakota (UND) has partnered with United Airlines to create a career pipeline program for its flight students. Through the Career Pathway Program (CPP), graduates of UNDs Professional Flight Program now have a direct path to Uniteds regional partners. Assuming they meet CPP requirements both during school and after graduating, students who complete the program are placed in the first available spot in a United new hire class. To be eligible for the program, CPP participants need to be active, full-time students in UNDs Professional Flight Program, maintain a 3.0 cumulative GPA or better and successfully complete an interview with United. When it comes to the actual hiring, graduates must meet CPP program exit requirements, which vary between United Express CPP partners. All students are required to put in 150 hours as a multi-engine instructor at UND before United can hire them through CPP. According to UND, students participating in the program can apply to other airlinesor even to United through other methodsand still remain eligible for the United CPP. UND has pathway partnership agreements with several other airlines including JetBlue, SkyWest and ExpressJet. Each partnership has different requirements and expectations, which can be found on UNDs website. On June 7, Afghan President Ashraf Ghani announced a unilateral ceasefire with the Taliban from June 12 to 20, which the U.S. said it would honor. The Taliban followed suit, announcing a 3-day ceasefire coinciding with the Afghan governments. Why it matters: The ceasefires outcome will almost certainly impact the Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process: As the Talibans first ceasefire since the Afghanistan Wars inception in 2001, it indicates a strategic shift for how the group might engage in talks with the Afghan government. But the ceasefire also presents an opportunity for the U.S. and Pakistan to improve their bilateral relationship, which has hit a nadir. Since 2001, U.S. administrations have repeatedly asked Pakistan to use its leverage against the Taliban to get them to the negotiating table, even as its influence over the Taliban has waned over the past decade. This time around, Pakistan, along with UNSC members, helped persuade the Taliban to reciprocate Ghanis temporary truce. That's a positive sign for Pakistan, which has always sought a prominent role in U.S.Afghan peace talks. While the Trump administration refuses to hold direct negotiations with the Taliban, U.S. officials are still asking Pakistan to facilitate AfghanTaliban peace talks, as part of the administrations support for an Afghan-led and Afghan-owned peace process. Pakistan may not be the most reliable partner for U.S. efforts in Afghanistan, but it is a key regional player. The bottom line: If the U.S. hopes to end its war in Afghanistan with a lasting political settlement, it needs to improve its relationship with Pakistan and hold direct talks with the Taliban, which is part of Afghanistans political fabric. Sahar Khan is a visiting research fellow in the Cato Institute's Defense and Foreign Policy Department. While U.S.Iran tensions simmer, Iraq long a flashpoint between the two countries is nearing a major political transformation. Iraq last held elections in 2010 and the winner secular nationalist Ayad Allawi, who carried 91 out of 329 parliamentary seats didnt take power. This was largely due to American and Iranian backing of the sectarian Dawa Partys Nouri al-Maliki. The backdrop: Under Malikis leadership, Iraqs military collapsed against the Islamic State. Millions of Iraqis were displaced. The U.S., which had begun to withdraw in 2010, had to return thousands of troops to stem the chaos, and Iran still managed to take a dominant position in Iraqi politics. In 2014 a different Dawa party leader, current Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi, was pushed into power. Whats next: Iraqis are forming their next government and want change. Abadis party, after splitting from Maliki, came in third in Mays parliamentary elections. The result is that two nearly equal factions sectarian groups aligned with Iran and multiethnic groups aligned with the West are now jockeying for control. However, due to persistent Iranian activity, the two leading Shiite groups Fateh, headed by Hadi Alameri, leader of the Iranian-backed militias, and Saeroon, headed by Shiite Muslim cleric Moqtada al-Sadr recently joined forces to form the largest block. Yet Allawis Wataniyah nationalist coalition is still in contention, with Abadis status unknown, making him a potential kingmaker. The bottom line: Real change in Iraq requires new leadership. Recent elections tell us that Iraqis want new nationalist political leadership, not more coalition deals formed under pressure from the U.S. or Iran. Joel Rubin is the president of the Washington Strategy Group and a former deputy assistant secretary of state. New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood filed a lawsuit against the Donald J. Trump Foundation, President Trump, and other Trump family members Thursday, alleging that the foundation's directors and officers violated laws governing charities. The details: The suit seeks to dissolve the foundation for "its persistent illegal conduct" and restitution of $2.8 million, plus penalties. The alleged illegal conduct includes improper and extensive political activity, self-dealing transactions and failure to "follow basic fiduciary obligations." Read the whole lawsuit: In an interview with Fox News immediately after their summit in Singapore, President Trump seemed to dismiss North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un's brutality, and instead lavished him in praise, calling him "a very smart guy" and "a great negotiator." Why it matters: Trump's stunningly abrupt 180 is all part of his schtick. "There's no nuance with Trump," Axios' Mike Allen and Jonathan Swan write. "He oscillates between extremes, embracing and banishing people, even without real changes in their behavior." The big quote, from Trump's interview with Fox News' Bret Baier: Hey, hes a tough guy. When you take over a countrya tough country, tough peopleand you take it over from your father, I dont care who you are, what you are, how much of an advantage you have. If you can do that at 27 years old, I mean, thats one in 10,000 that could do that. So hes a very smart guy. Hes a great negotiator. Other memorable moments: I think we have a very good relationship. We understand each other. We understand each other. When pressed on Kim's human rights abuses: Yeah, but so have other people done some really bad things. I could go through a lot of nations where a lot of bad things were done. Yeah, but so have other people done some really bad things. I could go through a lot of nations where a lot of bad things were done. I would love to get the military out [of South Korea] as soon as we can because it costs a lot of money and a lot of money for us ... I would like to get them home. I would like to, but it is not on the table right now. At the appropriate time, it will be. as soon as we can because it costs a lot of money and a lot of money for us ... I would like to get them home. I would like to, but it is not on the table right now. At the appropriate time, it will be. Following up on his statement that Russia should be back in the G-7: "You know, we spend probably 25 percent of our time talking about Russia and I said wouldn't it be better if they were here ... I'm not for Russia. I'm for the United States .. but yes I think we're better off with a G-8 than a G-7." "You know, we spend probably 25 percent of our time talking about Russia and I said wouldn't it be better if they were here ... I'm not for Russia. I'm for the United States .. but yes I think we're better off with a G-8 than a G-7." "I think I'd probably have a good relationship with [Vladimir Putin] ... If he were at that meeting [G-7 summit], I could ask him to do things that are good for the world, that are good for the country, that are good for him." Go deeper: Inside Trump's playbook for dealing with foreign leaders, The Washington Post's deep dive on life in North Korea German Chancellor Angela Merkel is attempting to stave off a crisis within her new ruling coalition amid a dispute with Interior Minister Horst Seehofer, from the allied Christian Social Union (CSU) party, who is demanding a harder line on migration, per Reuters. Why it matters: Now in her 4th term after protracted coalition negotiations, Merkel has been a figure of stability in Europe at a chaotic time. Her liberal approach to the migrant crisis won praise abroad but is a huge source of contention domestically, putting her at odds with more conservative coalition partners and contributing to a surge in support for the far-right. If a compromise can't be reached, her coalition could collapse and she could be forced to resign after 12 years in power. Chilean police and prosecutors on Wednesday raided Roman Catholic Church offices in two Chilean cities in search of documents related to a child sex abuse scandal, the AP reports. The details: Officials have reportedly targeted the headquarters of Santiagos Ecclesiastical Court and the bishops office in Rancagua where 14 priests have been accused of having sexual relations with minors. The surprise raids came days after Pope Francis accepted the resignations of three Chilean bishops in the wake of a child sexual abuse scandal. Hes considering the positions of Chile's 31 other bishops after all of them offered to resign last month. Japan is reportedly putting together plans for a possible August summit between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, according to Japan's Yomiuri newspaper. The details: The newspaper reports, citing government sources, that one option for the summit would include Abe visiting Pyongyang. There is reportedly a second option if travels to Pyongyang fall through, the newspaper added, where Abe could meet Kim "on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum to be held in September in Vladivostok, if the North Korean leader attends," per Reuters. The background: Just last year, North Korea fired two missiles over Japan. Following his own summit with the North Korean leader, the President Trump agreed to cease military drills with South Korea that Japan had referred to as "vital" to to the security of coastal Asian nations, Reuters explains. The U.N. General Assembly on Wednesday condemned Israel for using excessive force against Palestinians as it passed a resolution that berated the Middle Eastern country for recent deadly violence at the Gaza border, per the AP. The details: The body also rejected a U.S.-backed amendment, which condemns Hamas for firing rockets from Gaza into Israeli civilian areas. Over 100 rockets were fired at Israel, per the AP. More than 120 Palestinians were reportedly killed by Israeli military fire. Thursday, June 14, 2018 At least 2.5 million migrants were smuggled in 2016, according to the first Global Study on Smuggling of Migrants released by the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC) today. Migrant smuggling occurred in all regions of the world and generated an income for smugglers of up to US$7 billion, equivalent to what the United States or the European Union countries spent on global humanitarian aid in 2016. The study describes 30 major smuggling routes worldwide and finds that demand for smuggling services is particularly high among refugees who, for lack of other means, may need to use smugglers to reach a safe destination fleeing their origin countries. Data suggests that many smuggling flows include unaccompanied or separated children, who might be particularly vulnerable to deception and abuse by smugglers and others. In 2016, nearly 34,000 unaccompanied and separated children arrived in Europe (in Greece, Italy, Bulgaria and Spain). This transnational crime preys on the most vulnerable of the vulnerable, said Jean-Luc Lemahieu, UNODC Director of Policy Analysis and Public Affairs. Its a global crime that requires global action, including improved regional and international cooperation and national criminal justice responses. According to the International Organization for Migration, there are thousands of deaths due to migrant smuggling activities each year. Many smuggled migrants die from drowning, whereas others perish due to accidents or extreme terrain and weather conditions. According to records, the Mediterranean appears to be the deadliest route, with around 50 per cent of the total number of deaths. This is the first Global Study on Smuggling of Migrants from UNODC. KJ https://lawprofessors.typepad.com/immigration/2018/06/global-study-on-smuggling-of-migrants-2018.html This graphic, based on data released by the Department of Defense, shows how the U.S. military's focus has shifted over more than three years of airstrikes in Iraq and Syria. The big picture: ISIS has largely been eliminated as a terrain-holding organization," according to Chris Kozak, senior analyst at the Institute for the Study of War. But the larger truth that the data doesn't show, he said, is that ISIS "still retains the willpower and safe haven to regrow and potentially regain" the territory it has lost. Expand chart How we got the data: We wrote software to scan through more than three years' worth of press releases issued by the Department of Defense, and parsed each release to collect detailed information about the location of every airstrike. The resulting data is publicly available here. What to look for: Through 2015 and 2016 , areas near the Iraqi cities of Mosul and Ramadi bore the brunt of the bombings. By the end of 2016, the U.S. military had shifted much of its focus to Syria. , areas near the Iraqi cities of Mosul and Ramadi bore the brunt of the bombings. By the end of 2016, the U.S. military had shifted much of its focus to Syria. For 11 straight months from December 2016 to October 2017 areas near Raqqa, Syria, were the primary target for U.S. airstrikes. After ISIS was forced out of Raqqa, U.S. military focus on the region swiftly shifted. from December 2016 to October 2017 areas near Raqqa, Syria, were the primary target for U.S. airstrikes. After ISIS was forced out of Raqqa, U.S. military focus on the region swiftly shifted. The focus of airstrikes has recently shifted to one of the last remaining pockets of ISIS fighters along the Iraq and Syria border, near Abu Kamal. Between the lines: Kozak told Axios that many of OIR's reports name a largely-populated city as the focus of strikes, but operate in a radius around that city. So while there seems to be an uptick in strikes in Abu Kamal, a southeastern city in Syria, they're really in the area surrounding it, as it's on the west side of the Euphrates river a deconfliction line agreed upon by the U.S. and Russia. The U.S. can't cross the river into Abu Kamal, which is held by pro-Syrian regime forces and sustaining attacks from ISIS. Kozak said the U.S. military is focusing on "our" side of the river, and Russia is ultimately responsible for what happens to theirs. Go deeper: Ending their latest visit to Yerevan on Thursday, international mediators indicated their intention to organize a meeting of Armenias and Azerbaijans foreign ministers soon. The U.S., Russian and French co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group visited the Armenian capital for the first time since the recent change of the countrys government resulting from mass protests. They met with Prime Minister Nikol Pashinian and other Armenian leaders during the two-day trip. The Co-Chairs and the Armenian officials reviewed the status of negotiations and discussed next steps to move the process forward, including a ministerial meeting in the near future, they said in a joint statement. They also exchanged views on the current situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border and the line of contact, underscoring the importance of maintaining a constructive environment. Armenian officials expressed their support for the work of the OSCE Minsk Group Co-Chairs and their willingness to continue working productively under the auspices of the Co-Chairs, added the statement. Official Armenian statements on the talks did not mention the possibility of what would be the first meeting between Azerbaijani Foreign Minister Elmar Mammadyarov and his recently appointed Armenian counterpart, Zohrab Mnatsakanian. Pashinians press office said he discussed with the mediators ways of creating a favorable atmosphere for advancing the negotiation process. The mediators met with Mammadyarov in Paris on May 15. In a joint statement they said he expressed Azerbaijan's readiness to resume active negotiations as soon as possible. Meanwhile, Karabakhs ethnic Armenian leadership claimed on Thursday Azerbaijan is continuing to mass troops near the line of contact east of Karabakh. Since April there has been a buildup of their troops practically along the entire border, said Davit Babayan, a spokesman for Karabakh President Bako Sahakian. They have deployed there army units that had been permanently stationed deeper inside Azerbaijan. And in recent days movements of those units have intensified. Babayan told RFE/RLs Armenian service (Azatutyun.am) that Karabakhs Defense Army is closely monitoring the troop movements and taking other appropriate steps. The army released on Tuesday short video clips purportedly showing the Azerbaijani troop buildup at some sections of the frontline. Membership in the Eurasian Economic Union (EEU) is one of the factors behind economic growth in Armenia, Russian Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said on Thursday during talks with his visiting Armenian counterpart Nikol Pashinian. On the whole our relations are developing steadily and dynamically, Medvedev told Pashinian at the start of their meeting in Moscow. This is also connected with the fact that your countrys economic development figures have been rather good lately. Our economy is also developing. This is the result, among other things, of work done within the framework of the Eurasian Economic Union, he said. Russias President Vladimir Putin also said Armenias economy has benefited from being part of the Russian-led trade bloc when he met with Pashinian on Wednesday. Putin pointed to rising Armenian agricultural exports to Russia. Pashinian criticized Armenias accession to the EEU and even called for its withdrawal from the bloc as recently as last November. He was an opposition parliamentarian at the time. Pashinian made clear that he will not pull his country out of the EEU or the Collective Security Treaty Organization (CSTO) after a protest movement led by him brought down the previous Armenian government in late April. Pashinian told Medvedev that his government is keen to make Armenias membership in the EEU more effective. We are certainly ready to work in this direction, he said. I think that everything in our relations is now developing very positively We have many common interests, added the Armenian premier. According to official statistics, the Armenian economy grew by 7.5 percent last year and this growth continued practically unabated in the first quarter of this year. Russia remained Armenias number one trading partner in 2017, accounting for about 27 percent of its foreign trade. Armenian exports to Russia rose by almost 45 percent to more than $541 million. By Trend Azerbaijan's Ministry of Transport, Communications and High Technologies and Ministry of Taxes have signed protocols of agreement. The documents were signed by Minister of Transport, Communications and High Technologies of Azerbaijan Ramin Guluzade and Minister of Taxes of Azerbaijan Mikayil Jabbarov. The protocols stipulate cooperation between the parties in the collection of taxes on passenger and cargo transportation (except for international road transportation) and cooperation in registration of mobile devices. The agreement in the field of motor transport provides for the improvement of mechanisms of regulation in road freight and passenger transportation with the use of information and communication technologies, the formation of a favorable competitive environment between carriers and ensuring the timely collection of taxes. The second protocol stipulates the cooperation of the parties in improvement of mechanisms for monitoring the registration of mobile devices imported to the country by individuals, as well as the improvement of legal regulation in this area. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Laman Ismayilova An evening of mugham music has take place in International Mugham Center. The concert was held within the project "Mugamat var olan yerd" (Where mugham lives), organized jointly by International Mugham Center, Mdniyyt TV, Trend Life reported. Konul Mammadli and Elgiz Aliyev mesmerized the audience with their performance. The concert was accompanied by "Xatir" Ensemble of Folk Instruments, conduced by Artist Adil Bagirov. Folk songs and mugham compositions an excerpt from Uzeyir Hajibeyli's opera "Leyli and Majnun" were greeted with a standing ovation. Musicologists who are engaged in fundamental studies of the history of mugham, in general, are divided into two categories, each of which explains the appearance and subsequent development of mugham in its own way. Some of them believe that the emergence of mugham is related to the formation of Islam, while others take improvisation and its practical development as a basis A symbol of Azerbaijan's traditional culture, contains seven main modes - Rast, Shur, Segah (are especially common), Shushtar, Bayaty-Shiraz, Chahargah, Humayun and three collateral kinds - shahnaz, sarendj, chargah in some other form. In 2003, UNESCO recognized mugam as a Masterpiece of Oral and Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Media partners of the event are Azernews.az Trend.az, Day.az, Milli.az. --- Laman Ismayilova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Lam_Ismayilova Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Uzbekistan has always supported and supports Azerbaijan's fair position on the settlement of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of Azerbaijan to Uzbekistan Huseyn Guliyev said June 13 in an exclusive interview with Trend. The ambassador reminded that during the leadership of the first President of Uzbekistan Islam Karimov, the republic refused to establish diplomatic relations with Armenia until a final settlement of the conflict and has always consistently supported the fair position of Azerbaijan on international arena. "President of Uzbekistan Shavkat Mirziyoev has also repeatedly stressed that the position of Tashkent on the conflict remains unchanged: Uzbekistan sees the resolution of the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict in the unconditional implementation of the resolutions of the UN Security Council," said Guliyev. The ambassador added that the international community, in his opinion, does not particularly bother with the resolution of the conflict, while it should only take an example from Uzbekistan. 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. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Rashid Shirinov The visit of Armenian President Armen Sargsyan to the occupied territories of Azerbaijan, including the Kalbajar region, is a provocation and serves to aggravate the situation, head of the press service of the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Hikmat Hajiyev told Trend on June 13. He noted that it proves once again that the talks of the Armenian leadership about peace or cooperation are nothing but hypocrisy and an attempt to deceive the international community. On the day of visit of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs, the Armenian leadership by its provocative and destructive steps, including unsubstantiated claims for the participation of the separatist regime in the negotiations, clearly showed that Armenia is not interested in resolving the conflict through negotiations, demonstrated that it is pursuing a policy of annexation of Azerbaijani territories by maintaining the status quo and military aggression, Hajiyev stressed. The spokesman added that this policy, which the Armenian leadership continues to pursue, seriously threatens regional peace and security. We reiterate that Armenia is fully responsible for the current situation, Hajiyev noted. Azerbaijan and Armenia fought a lengthy war that ended with signing of a fragile ceasefire in 1994. Since the war, 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. While the OSCE Minsk Group acted as the only mediator in resolution of the conflict, the occupation of the territory of the sovereign state with its internationally recognized boundaries has been left out of due attention of the international community for years. Until now, Armenia ignores four UN Security Council resolutions on immediate withdrawal from the occupied territory of Azerbaijan, thus keeping tension high in the region. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Rashid Shirinov The co-chairs of the OSCE Minsk Group have reiterated their determination to contribute to the search for a peaceful solution to the Armenia-Azerbaijan Nagorno-Karabakh conflict. They made the remarks in a statement issued on June 14, following their visit to Armenia, where the co-chairs Igor Popov of the Russian Federation, Stephane Visconti of France, and Andrew Schofer of the U.S. as well as the Personal Representative of the OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Ambassador Andrzej Kasprzyk met with the countrys authorities. The sides reviewed the status of negotiations and discussed next steps to move forward the process of settlement of the Nagorno-Karabakh conflict, the statement reads. The parties also discussed a meeting of the Azerbaijani and Armenian foreign ministers in the near future. They exchanged views on the current situation on the Armenia-Azerbaijan border and the line of contact, underscoring the importance of maintaining a constructive environment. The co-chairs reiterated their commitment to helping the sides find a peaceful solution to the conflict based on the core principles of the Helsinki Final Act, including the non-use or threat of force, territorial integrity, and the equal rights and self-determination of peoples, the statement says. 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. Azerbaijan has long ago stated it is ready to settle the conflict through direct negotiations with Armenia with mediation of the OSCE Minsk Group co-chairs. However, the Armenian side is constantly trying to make up reasons to avoid a constructive dialogue and preserve the unacceptable status quo in Nagorno-Karabakh. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Rashid Shirinov As it is known, in May the permanent mission of Armenia to the UN circulated a document on behalf of the separatist regime established in the Armenia-occupied Azerbaijani lands. The Armenian mission to the UN has previously taken similar steps, says the statement by the Spokesman for the Azerbaijani Foreign Ministry Hikmat Hajiyev on June 14. He noted that by this step, Armenias permanent mission to the UN again chose the path of fraud and deception of the UN member countries. A document on behalf of the separatist regime was attached to the letter of Armenias permanent mission to the UN. Then the Armenian media presented this as allegedly distributing the document of the separatist regime to the UN. Actually that is a lie and nonsense, Hajiyev stressed. In this regard, the permanent mission of Azerbaijan to the UN sent a letter to the UN Secretariat on June 7. On the same day, the President of the UN Security Council circulated a letter to the members of the Security Council, and then it was published as an official document. The letter notes that the Nagorno-Karabakh region is an integral part of Azerbaijan, stresses the inadmissibility of the seizure of territory by force and demands the immediate and unconditional withdrawal of the occupation forces from the occupied territories. The letter states that Armenia constantly evades responsibility and ignores the position of the international community. The documents also recalls the legal decision taken by the European Court of Human Rights in the case Chiragov and others v. Armenia. in 2015. It was stressed once again that Armenia will never be able to achieve its goal by its policy of seizure and annexation, and that Armenia has no other choice but to withdraw its troops from the occupied territories of Azerbaijan. The letter also notes that Yerevan must stop trying to mislead its people and the international community and must fulfill its obligations in order to resolve the conflict. It was stressed that only in this case the long-awaited peace and stability will be established in the region. The Nagorno-Karabakh conflict began in 1988 when Armenia made territorial claims against Azerbaijan. As a result of the ensuing war, in 1992 Armenian armed forces occupied 20 percent of Azerbaijan, including the Nagorno-Karabakh region and seven surrounding regions. More than 20,000 Azerbaijanis were killed and over 1 million were displaced as a result of the large-scale hostilities. The 1994 ceasefire agreement was followed by peace negotiations. Until now, Armenia controls fifth part of Azerbaijans territory and rejects implementing four UN Security Council resolutions on withdrawal of its armed forces from Nagorno-Karabakh and surrounding regions. --- Rashid Shirinov is AzerNews staff journalist, follow him on Twitter: @RashidShirinov Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Kamila Aliyeva The National Salvation Day is one of the most memorable dates marking an important event in the history of Azerbaijan. On this day, all Azerbaijanis celebrate the historical return of the national leader, Heydar Aliyev, from the Nakhchivan Autonomous Republic to capital Baku. After the Azerbaijani people gained their independence for the second time in the 20th century, the socio-political and economic situation in the country was controversial and disastrous. The first years of the independence were characterized by the crisis within the country and in the government. On the one hand, the war in which Azerbaijan was drawn as a result of the territorial claims of the Armenians against Azerbaijan, and on the other - the activity of the forces fighting for power in Azerbaijan, exacerbated the situation. The Armenian attacks against Azerbaijan, which began in 1988, grew into a more aggressive attitude by February 1992 - genocide of Azerbaijanis in Khojaly, occupation of Shusha, capture of Lachin and soon after Kalbajar. Meanwhile, the country faced the crisis of power as separate groups and individuals were fighting for control. In June 1993, an explosive situation, which could lead to the outbreak of civil war, evolved in Azerbaijan. Having come to power in 1992, the Azerbaijan Popular Front Party could not cope with the situation in the country. In such troubled times, the country was in need of a strong-willed leader who could solve the existing crisis and prevent potential crises in the future. At the request of the people of Nakhchivan, the national leader and true son of his country, Heydar Aliyev, was invited to Baku to take power and prevent a civil war the task that he accomplished successfully. Heydar Aliyev, who could not stand indifferent towards misfortune of his nation, accepted the persistent invitation of the people and came to Baku on June 9. On June 15, 1993, Heydar Aliyev was elected chairman of the Supreme Council of the Republic of Azerbaijan, and, on June 24, by a resolution of the National Assembly, he proceeded to fulfilling the authorities of the president. By his competent actions as the head of state, Heydar Aliyev was able to eliminate social tensions and prevent civil war in Azerbaijan. He began the process of building strong and independent state in accordance with international norms and principles, created conditions for positive development. Heydar Aliyev's return to the power was a real salvation for Azerbaijan. Successive measures were taken to eliminate the problems that arose during the ignominious leadership of the former government. The people's healthy forces were mobilized to solve these problems. It was Heydar Aliyev who guaranteed his people today's stability and prosperity. Thus, June 15 entered the history of the country as the National Salvation Day. From this moment, the country's rapid development both economically and politically began. The holiday acquired the official status in 1997, and since 1998 it has become a national holiday. By Sara Israfilbayova Oil resumed its decline due to disagreements among members of the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on the issue of the gradual recovery of production volumes. Brent crude futures, the international benchmark for oil prices, were at $76.46 per barrel, down 28 cents, or 0.4 per cent, from their last close, U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at $66.58 a barrel, down 6 cents from their last settlement, according to Reuters. Thus, the international rating agency Fitch has raised the forecast of the average price of oil for 2018 and 2019 - up to $70 and $65 per barrel, respectively. Earlier the agency expected the cost of a barrel of oil at the level of $57.5 per barrel. The revision reflects high current prices, a reduction in production in Venezuela, continuing geopolitical tensions, including the resumption of U.S. sanctions against Iran, and a strong increase in demand. And U.S. President Donald Trump criticized OPEC for the fact that this organization, in his opinion, supports world oil prices at a too high level. Oil prices are too high, OPEC is at it again. Not good! he wrote on his Twitter page. OPEC and non-OPEC producers reached an agreement in December 2016 to curtail oil output jointly and ease a global glut after more than two years of low prices. OPEC agreed to slash the output by 1.2 million barrels per day from January 1. Non-OPEC oil producers such as Azerbaijan, Bahrain, Brunei, Equatorial Guinea, Kazakhstan, Malaysia, Mexico, Oman, Russia, Sudan, and South Sudan agreed to reduce output by 558,000 barrels per day starting from January 1, 2017. OPEC and its partners decided to extend its production cuts till the end of 2018 in Vienna on November 30, as the oil cartel and its allies step up their attempt to end a three-year supply glut that has savaged crude prices and the global energy industry. --- Sara Israfilbayova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Sara_999Is Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Sara Israfilbayova The financial results of the past year show that SOCAR has exceeded its achievements in the pre-crisis period of the world oil industry. The statement came from SOCAR President Rovnag Abdullayev, while assessing the companys performance for 2017. He said that SOCAR receives revenues not only from the sale of Azerbaijani oil, but also from third party oil trade and petrochemical products. This shows the efficiency of the sustainable development strategy of SOCAR, according to Abdullayev. SOCAR Vice President for Economic Affairs Suleyman Gasimov, in turn, said that in recent years the company was able to attract external funds on favorable terms as a result of active financial operations, due to which it succeeded in implementing many new projects: This year six giant SOCAR projects are launched. If in previous years there was an increase in financial liabilities related to these projects, in the near future we will be able to see the benefits they bring. At present, SOCAR assets exceed the companys financial liabilities, and this positive difference is about 22 billion manats ($12.94 billion), Gasimov stressed. Over the past 10 years, SOCARs total revenues have grown almost 20 times, and its net profit has increased more than 4-fold. During the reporting period, the companys total assets increased almost 5-fold, including current assets by about 8 times, long-term assets - 4-fold. Moreover, Ernst & Young (EY), one of the four largest professional services networks in the world, carried out audit on SOCARs activities. It was reported that the company increased its share in the subsidiary structure in Georgia - SOCAR Energy Georgia by 24.51 percent, to 75.51 percent last year. Meanwhile, assets in Switzerland has grown to 94.4 percent year on year and amounted to 78.633 billion manats ($46.25 billion) in 2017. The companys assets in Azerbaijan rose by 4.1 percent to 5.38 billion manats ($3.16 billion), in Turkey-by 41.6 percent to 4.92 billion manats ($2.89 billion), in UAE-by 14.5 percent to 1.32 billion manats ($776.47 million), in Georgia-by 13.3 percent to 1.18 billion manats ($694.11 million), in other counties by 82 percent, making up 1.12 billion manats ($568.82 million). SOCARs total revenues increased by 78 percent and amounted to 92.57 billion manats ($54.45 billion). SOCAR is a wholly state-owned national oil company headquartered in Baku, Azerbaijan. The company produces oil and natural gas from onshore and offshore fields in the Azerbaijani section of the Caspian Sea. The company includes three production associations, one oil refining and gas processing enterprise, an oil flotilla, a deep-water base plant, two trusts, one institute, and 23 structures. SOCAR established joint companies (including Georgia and Turkey), alliances, operating in various sectors of oil and gas spheres. It has representative offices in Georgia, the U.S., Turkey, Romania, Austria, Switzerland, Kazakhstan, Great Britain, Iran, Germany, Ukraine, Belgium and Canada. --- Sara Israfilbayova is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Sara_999Is Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Kamila Aliyeva Kazakhstan increased oil, gas and gas condensate production by 6.4 percent in January-May 2018 compared to the same period of the previous year. This was stated by Kazakh Deputy Energy Minister Makhambet Dosmukhambetov at a government meeting on June 12. For the first five months of 2018 oil production for three major projects amounted to 22.7 million tons. Of this amount, 5 million tons account for the Kashagan field, 12.5 million tons - the Tengiz field, and 5.2 million - the Karachaganak field. Oil exports from Kazakhstan in January-May 2018 increased by 5.7 percent up to 30.6 million tons. The volume of oil, directed to processing, increased by 6.2 percent and amounted to 6.3 million tons. The volume of production of petroleum products at three refineries in Kazakhstan increased by 1.5 percent and totaled 4.4 million tons. In general, the situation on the market of petroleum products is stable and there is no deficit in the market of fuels and lubricants, Dosmukhambetov stated. The request of the Ministry of Agriculture of Kazakhstan to supply diesel fuel for spring-field work is fully satisfied. The production of natural gas in Kazakhstan in January-May 2018 increased by 6.4 percent and reached 23.4 billion cubic meters. Gas exports amounted to 8.6 billion cubic meters, which is 28.4 percent more than in 2017. The production of liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) amounted to 1.3 million tons showing an increase of 4.7 percent. In 2017, Kazakhstan increased oil and gas condensate production by 10.5 percent compared to 2016 up to 86.202 million tons. Previously, the government of Kazakhstan predicted that in 2018, oil and gas condensate production will amount to 87 million tons. At the moment, oil production in the country is ahead of schedule and this figure can be exceeded. Over the next 8 years, Kazakhstan plans to significantly increase oil production, reaching a level of 104 million tons per year. An insufficient level of investment in geological exploration may interfere with Kazakhstan's plans for oil production growth. With the exception of Kashagan, Karachaganak and Tengiz, there is a decline in production due to the late stage of development and significant depletion of reserves in other fields. Kazakhstan's proven oil reserves as of early 2016 stood at 30 billion barrels, according to the BP Statistical Review of World Energy. Tengiz, Karachaganak and Kashagan are the largest oil fields in Kazakhstan. Three oil giants will be able to bring Kazakhstan's oil production to a new level in the coming years even if new oil fields are not discovered. With the start of oil production at the Kashagan field, the forecasts of several international organizations on oil production in Kazakhstan immediately grew. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Rufiz Hafizoglu- Trend: Each country has the right to ensure the security of its borders, and, based on this principle, Turkey has previously conducted two military operations in Syria. However, despite the success of the Euphrates Shield and the Olive Branch operations, the Turkish authorities have repeatedly stated that new military operations may be launched against the PKK terrorist organization in northern Iraq. Earlier, Foreign Minister of Turkey Mevlut Cavusoglu said Ankara and Baghdad will begin a joint military operation in northern Iraq. "A joint military operation in Northern Iraq will begin as soon as the parliamentary election in Iraq is over," Cavusoglu said. Parliamentary elections were held in Iraq on 12 May 2018. Yet, on June 11, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan announced the beginning of a new military operation in northern Iraq. However, speaking immediately after the president, the Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli noted that, military operations in northern Iraq started in March of this year. Canikli noted that, Turkey planned operations against the PKK in northern Iraq during the year. Only a small part of the Turkish people does not support the government in the fight against terror, but despite this, there is an opinion that military operation in northern Iraq is organized as part of the election campaign of the Justice and Development Party (AKP). It is quite obvious that recent destruction of the terrorist military base in the Iraqi region of Kandil is a fundamental or, for that matter, victorious step in the fight against PKK. However, despite successful continuation of military operations in northern Iraq, it is unlikely that the Turkish armed forces will be able to fully wrap up the military operation in northern Iraq within the next 12 days - that is how much remains until the presidential and parliamentary election in Turkey. This shows that military operation in northern Iraq can not be attributed to the AKPs election campaign. However, the question arises why the Turkish armed forces did not wait for the results of the parliamentary election in Iraq and started the military operation in March? The matter is that Ankara had extensive information on that the bloc of one of the spiritual leaders of the Muslims-Shiites, Muqtada al-Sadr, whose attitude to the policy conducted by Turkey is very negative, can win in the parliamentary election in Iraq. In the past, Muqtada al-Sadr has repeatedly stated that Turkey is hostile towards Iraq. Based on this, it can be assumed that Turkey decided not to wait for the outcome of the parliamentary election, and start the military operation as soon as possible. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend Nader Pasande, the director of Iran's Ports & Maritime Organization in maritime affairs, said natural resources of the Caspian Sea could bring about a golden opportunity for the nations of Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) to improve their economy. Iran and Azerbaijan can have a closer interaction and benefit from the natural resources of the Caspian Sea, Pasande told the Trend news agency on June 10. The largest inland sea in the world is replete with natural resources and the Commonwealth of Independent States (CIS) could benefit from them if it joins the high seas, he added. He further urged the CIS countries to use the untapped potential of the sea and enjoy steady economic growth. The Caspian Sea is the largest enclosed body of water by area and is variously classified as the world's largest lake or a full-fledged sea. Back in May, Iran announced it planned to form a joint oil company with Azerbaijan in what could prepare both to cooperate over the exploration and development of hydrocarbon reserves in the Caspian Sea and elsewhere. The announcement over the formation of the company was made by Amir Hossein Zamaninia, Irans deputy petroleum minister for international affairs and trading. Zamaninia told Trend that the company will be formed within the framework of a deal recently signed between the two parties. In April 2018, during a visit of Irans President Hassan Rouhani to Azerbaijan, the two countries signed "The Memorandum of Understanding on "Joint Development of Relevant Blocks in the Caspian Sea." --- By Trend Iranian Foreign Ministry spokesman on Wednesday condemned a motion in Canada's parliament which demands immediate drop of all negotiations on restoring diplomatic ties with Iran, according to Mehr news agency. The motion is a counterproductive move, Bahram Qasemi said, adding that in case it turns to a law, it would be "a big strategic mistake." The motion is an indication of the Canadian lawmakers' ignorance of Iran's transparent and logical fight against terrorism, Qasemi said in a statement. Over the past years, the Iranians have been at the forefront of fighting against terrorism based on their ethical principles and authentic cultural teachings, and will continue combating terrorism despite baseless accusations, he said. The Iranian spokesman expressed hope that the Canadian government will prevent the "ill-considered" and "unfounded" motion from getting through. On Wednesday, the government of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau reversed Canada's long-stated goal of improving relations with the Islamic Republic of Iran. The government sided with an opposition motion in parliament demanding that Ottawa "immediately cease all negotiations or discussions" on restoring diplomatic relations with Iran. The motion called for "political change in Iran" and "reducing the security threats posed to Israel" by Iran. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Trend A dairy products manufacturing unit in the Iranian northern province of Mazandaran has exported 3,500 kilograms of ice cream to the United States, a report said. Since the start of the current Iranian fiscal year (started March 21), a dairy products manufacturing unit has exported 3,500 kilograms of ice cream to the United States, IRNA news agency reported on June 9. The ice cream cargo has been delivered to the US through Shahid Beheshti Port in the southeastern city of Chabahar, the report added. The Iranian manufacturing unit had previously exported cargoes of dairy products to the US. In 2017, Iran exported 27,106 tons of ice cream worth close to $115 million during the six months to Sept. 22. Major destinations for Irans ice cream include Iraq, Pakistan, Afghanistan, India, Kazakhstan, Bahrain, Kuwait, Germany, Qatar and Georgia in the descending order in terms of value. Now the US is also among Irans importers of ice cream. According to the latest statistics of the United States Census Bureau, which covers the first four months of 2018, the US exports to Iran has registered a significant rise by 144 percent in April. Trade turnover between Iran and the US stood at $67.5 million in the first four months of 2018, 22 percent more year-on-year. The US exports to Iran accounted to $45 million in the 4-month period, which is 74 percent more year-on-year. Meanwhile Iran's exports to the US decreased by 24 percent to $ 22.5 million in the same time span. In April 2018, Iran and the US had a trade turnover worth $21.4 million (100 percent more year-on-year), 12.2 million of which accounted for the US exports to Iran. The United States mostly exports agriculture products and medical equipment to Iran, meanwhile the countrys imports from the Islamic Republic are, mostly pistachios and carpets. --- Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz By Kamila Aliyeva The European Union (EU) intends to support a number of projects and initiatives of Uzbekistan, Uzbek media outlets reported referring to the results of the meeting of the Subcommittee on Economy, Trade and Investments Uzbekistan-EU held in Brussels. The EU expressed its readiness to assist Uzbekistan in increasing the export of agricultural products to EU member states by developing a certification system for food products in accordance with the requirements of the EU food safety legislation. According to European experts, the establishment of a system for quality control and food safety in Uzbekistan, which will be recognized in the EU, will open wide opportunities for the export of Uzbek food products to the European market. During the meeting, the EU representatives also expressed their readiness to consider providing technical assistance in the ratification and effective implementation of the remaining two international conventions necessary for Uzbekistan to receive unilateral tariff preferences for the EU under the Generalized System of Preferences. The GSP allows developing countries to pay fewer or no duties on exports to the EU, thus providing them with vital access to the EU market. In addition, Europeans are ready to provide technical assistance to bring national legislation and practices in line with WTO norms. During the last trip to South Korea, Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev announced the resumption of work on Uzbekistan's accession to the World Trade Organization (WTO). Several countries have already offered their assistance in this process. At the same time, the meeting noted the possibility of applying the EU experience in sanitary and phytosanitary measures, technical barriers to trade, support measures in agriculture, intellectual property rights and others in Uzbekistan. The EU representatives expressed their readiness to support the efforts of the Uzbek government to promote the peace process in Afghanistan, expand trade, economic and transport-transit cooperation with the country. The readiness to intensify the work of the International Trade Center that implements the EU project Development of Afghan trade was noted, according to the Uzbek Ministry of Foreign Trade. Representatives of the EU also expressed their intention to develop an updated EU Strategy for Central Asia, taking into account the interests of Uzbekistan in the sphere of economic transformation and strengthening regional cooperation in Central Asia. The EU assistance program for Uzbekistan covers 2014-2020 and has a total budget of 168 million euros, of which more than 46 million euros are being allocated at the moment. Of these, 20 million euros were allocated for the Sustainable Water Management project, 21.5 million euros for the Development of the fruit and vegetable sector project, and 5 million euros - for the Modernization of the cotton sector project. --- Kamila Aliyeva is AzerNews staff journalist, follow her on Twitter: @Kami_Aliyeva Follow us on Twitter @AzerNewsAz Two Beaumont men were arrested after police saw them driving in a stolen black BMW Wednesday, Beaumont Police said. Kendrick Malbrough, 22, who police identified as a "person of interest in a recent homicide" was seen driving the car in the 2100 block of Washington. When police tried to stop the car, Malbrough drove away before fleeing on foot, BPD said. With a major tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico expected to dump rain Southeast Texas this weekend, some folks are worried about the flooding that comes with heavy amounts of rain in the city. The National Weather Service is predicting 2 to 4 inches of rain to fall in the Beaumont area from Saturday to Sunday (most on Sunday). The Houston area could see up to 9 inches in some places, though most will see less than 4 or 5 inches. Eric Berger, of Space City Weather, emphasized that this system is not the return of Harvey. "The key thing is that it's not 9 inches of rain over three days that causes flooding, it's getting three inches of rain per hour for a few hours that causes flooding," Berger said. "...keep a watchful eye but don't be overly worried." PHOTOS: When you can't help but laugh at the Texas heat Berger said that the massive area of moisture from the tropical disturbance will impact the coastal region from Victoria and up to Beaumont. As the poorly defined center of the disturbance moves into Mexico, rain chances will dramatically increase. As that disturbance drifts northwestward the forecast will become more clear. The Jefferson County Emergency Management office posted a reminder for residents to keep ditches clear of debris. "Unobstructed ditches are essential especially during time of heavy rainfall. Ensuring our county roadside ditches are not obstructed by debris and trash, so water can flow, is a very important factor for proper draining and preventing the ditch from retaining water and breeding mosquitoes." Currently Reading 20 things to know about the Aryan Circle Here are seven anesthesiologists that made headlines in May 2018: Pocatello, Idaho-based Portneuf Medical Center appointed anesthesiologist Dan Snell, MD, as its new CMO. Jonathan Lukas Beebe, MD, was named one of News Star's 7th Annual Healthcare Heroes. The American Society of Anesthesiologists recognized Michael Lewis, MD, with the 2018 Bertram W. Coffer, MD, Excellence in Government award. The U.S. Surgeon General and board-certified anesthesiologist Jerome Adams, MD, assisted in a medical emergency on a Delta flight from Fort Lauderdale, Fla., to Atlanta May 16. Hattiesburg, Miss.-based Forrest General Healthcare Foundation named four physicians to the 2018 Doctors' Hall of Fame, including anesthesiologist William B. Strong, MD. Top Doctor Awards named Bhiken Naik, MD, a 2018 Top Doctor in Virginia. Anesthesiologist Richard James Schulten, MD, 70, passed away May 24. Here are three practices and hospitals making headlines this past week: As he opened the 2018 AMA Annual Meeting, June 9 to June 13 in Chicago, American Medical Association President David O. Barbe, MD, recognized Elgin-based Illinois Gastroenterology Group's Larry Kosinski, MD, and several others for their efforts to "move medicine." Minneapolis-based Hennepin Healthcare partnered with Cantel Medical to install the nation's first Advantage Plus Pass-Thru Automated Endoscope Reprocessor. Three more sexual assault suits were filed against former Charleston, W.Va.-based gastroenterologist Steven Matulis of Charleston Gastroenterology Associates. If a surgeon retires or suddenly departs due to death, illness, relocation or hospital employment, ASC administrators can find themselves scrambling to recoup the case volume loss. Here are five barriers to successful recruitment of new surgeons, according to Surgical Information Systems Clinical Solutions Specialist Daren Smith: 1. Equipment, staffing and training. A new surgeon may bring in new procedures and require different equipment than the previous surgeon. Before bringing a surgeon onboard, learn the candidate's needs and whether you can afford the expenses required to address those needs. Clinical staff should be trained on how to support any new procedures and business staff should be trained on how to code and bill for them in advance. 2. Share Price. The ability of a physician to buy into the ASC is a common obstacle to recruitment. Work to keep the ownership share price at a reasonable figure so it doesn't deter new physicians from joining. ASC owners can also secure financing options stipulating the bank will give new physicians a preferred rate or overlook financial issues if the owners decide to sell shares down the road. 3. Existing Shareholders. Current ASC owners may oppose the idea of offering additional shares without creating more shares, which can dilute their holdings. 4. Hospital Employment. Some hospital employment agreements bar physicians from owning shares in an independent ASC. If your ASC partners with a hospital, avoid these kinds of provisions. 5. Operating Agreement. During an the development phase, owners may fail to include language concerning the new investor process in the original operating agreement. If the ASC eventually decides to add physicians, revising the agreement to allow recruitment could be difficult especially if any existing owners are opposed to adding new physician owners. "When creating or updating an operating agreement, consider the future needs of your ASC," Mr. Smith said. The following hospitals announced or completed plans in the last week to expand, upgrade or renovate their facilities. 1. Jersey Shore University Medical Center to open 10-story, $256M patient tower Pending final approval from the New Jersey Health Department, Neptune City-based Jersey Shore University Medical Center will open its 10-story tower to patients the week of June 18. 2. Sentara Norfolk nears completion of $199M expansion: 3 things to know Sentara Norfolk (Va.) General Hospital will wrap up construction of its $199 million expansion project by the end of June. 3. Court OKs $150M Georgia hospital after 3-year battle After more than three years of legal pushback, a Georgia court has ruled Augusta (Ga.) University Medical Center can build a $150 million, 100-bed hospital in Columbia County. 4. Atrium Health to spend $1B on capital projects: 6 things to know Charlotte, N.C.-based Atrium Health plans to spend more than $1 billion to upgrade and expand several facilities in its network representing the largest capital investment in the health system's history. 5. Banner Health to build 120-bed hospital Phoenix-based Banner Health soon will begin construction on a four-story, 120-bed hospital in Chandler, Ariz. 6. Intermountain releases details of $150M hospital: 4 things to know Salt Lake City-based Intermountain Healthcare released details June 11 of its planned $150 million Spanish Fork (Utah) Hospital. 7. IU Health starts construction of $400M hospital, academic complex Bloomington-based Indiana University Health began construction of its $400 million, 735,000-square-foot Regional Academic Health Center. 8. U of Kansas Health System opens $100M hospital Kansas City-based University of Kansas Health System opened a $100 million hospital June 11 on its Indian Creek Campus based in Overland Park, Kan. 9. Children's Healthcare of Atlanta advances plan for $1.5B campus: 5 things to know Children's Healthcare of Atlanta filed a letter of intent with the state of Georgia to obtain a certificate of need the first step toward breaking ground on its proposed $1.5 billion construction project. After more than three years of legal pushback, a Georgia court has ruled Augusta (Ga.) University Medical Center can build a $150 million, 100-bed hospital in Columbia County, according to The Augusta Chronicle. AUMC obtained a certificate of need to build the facility in November 2014, beating out competing proposals from Doctors Hospital of Augusta and University Health Care System, also based in Augusta. Both appealed the decision in 2014 and lost. Doctors Hospital has appealed using every avenue since the initial ruling, and the latest appeal challenged the financing mechanism used to grant the license to build the facility. Since there are so many hospital beds in a neighboring county, the medical center's application to obtain a certificate of need from the Georgia health department used a rare exception that allows a hospital to be built if it is the only one in the county and the county itself pays at least 20 percent of the cost. Doctors Hospital was challenging this funding mechanism, and a judge ruled against Doctors Hospital once again. "The department's county-financed exception is valid, the department's decision is reasonable and consistent with prior decisions of the department," Superior Court of Fulton County Judge Henry Newkirk wrote in the ruling. Doctors Hospital has 30 days to appeal the Superior Court decision. However, if all appeals are exhausted in about 90 days, AUMC will break ground on the facility, the medical center's CEO Lee Ann Liska said. "We are thrilled," Ms. Liska told The Augusta Chronicle. "We are very excited to bring a hospital to Columbia County." David Blom, CEO of Columbus-based OhioHealth, plans to retire in fall 2019 after 17 years at the helm, according to The Columbus Dispatch. Here are six things to know: 1. Mr. Blom joined the 11-hospital OhioHealth in 1983, becoming CEO in March 2002. 2. During his tenure, the organization added Grady Memorial Hospital in Delaware, Ohio, and built Dublin (Ohio) Methodist Hospital. 3. Additionally, OhioHealth is constructing a new $89.6 million, 270,000-square-foot headquarters in Columbus. 4. Stephen Markovich, MD, senior vice president of acute care operations, will succeed Mr. Blom. 5. Dr. Markovich was promoted to executive VP, and he will assume the top post at the health system July 1, 2019. 6. Dr. Markovich is also a major general and commander in Ohio's Air National Guard. He will retire from those posts in October. Nashville (Tenn.) General Hospital Authority had a $150,000 contract with a consultant, who was a former Nashville councilman, that was "kept hidden" during the peak of the hospital's financial troubles, according to a letter from former Nashville General board member Michele Williams, MD, obtained by The Tennessean through an open records request. Here are five things to know: 1. In the June 3 letter, Dr. Williams criticized Nashville General's contract with Jerry Maynard, a former Nashville councilman who was responsible for improving hospital relations with key community leaders, according to the report. 2. Dr. Williams questioned why the hospital needed a contract with Mr. Maynard when Nashville General was struggling financially and already had a contract with a public relations firm. "To have outside marketing when we can't give raises, or even afford payroll, is not to the best thing to do," Dr. Williams told The Tennessean. 3. Dr. Williams, who is one of five Nashville General board members who have resigned in recent months, told The Tennessean June 12 that board members were told about the contract with Mr. Maynard earlier this year, but she had never seen the contract and did not know what services Mr. Maynard performed to earn his pay from Nashville General, according to the report. 4. Mr. Maynard and Nashville General defended the agreement. They said Mr. Maynard's company provided several services to the hospital, including community outreach and public relations. 5. Although Mr. Maynard claims he did not lobby on behalf of the hospital, contracts and documents obtained by The Tennessean show a company owned by Mr. Maynard was paid to discuss the hospital with elected city officials and leaders in 2016 and 2017. Access the full story from The Tennessean here. More articles on leadership and management: Healthcare needs to trust patients to make decisions about their care, says Mayo Clinic's Dr. Thomas Howell What is both the most exciting and most overrated trend in healthcare? Blockchain, says BlockMedx's Michael Brunner The lone creative CEO in healthcare wants company: Dr. Stephen Klasko on the industry's underrated skill Keeping with a three-year trend, hospital CEO turnover remained at 18 percent in 2017, according to the American College of Healthcare Executives. "According to our data, the past five years have been the longest period of continuously elevated CEO turnover rates above 18 percent since we began studying turnover in the early 1980s," Deborah Bowen, ACHE's president and CEO, said in a press release. Hospital CEO turnover hit a record high of 20 percent in 2013. "Hospitals and health systems continue to evolve and reorganize to meet the demands of the new healthcare environment at the same time many CEOs are reaching retirement age, all of which may be contributing to CEO turnover," Ms. Bowen added. "More than ever, C-suite succession planning and more intentional focus on the professional development of new leaders is vital to organizational success." Here's how all 50 states, Washington, D.C., and Puerto Rico stacked up for hospital CEO turnover in 2017: ACHE ranks the following as "high turnover states": Connecticut 38 percent CEO turnover Wyoming 38 percent Idaho 36 percent Puerto Rico 35 percent New Mexico 31 percent Wisconsin 25 percent Washington 25 percent Oklahoma 25 percent South Carolina 24 percent (tie) Alaska 22 percent (tie) Hawaii 22 percent Florida 22 percent Missouri 21 percent Alabama 20 percent Massachusetts 20 percent Virginia 20 percent (tie) Delaware 20 percent (tie) Rhode Island 20 percent ACHE ranks the following as "medium turnover states": Georgia 20 percent Texas 19 percent Illinois 19 percent Michigan 19 percent Ohio 18 percent Colorado 18 percent Pennsylvania 17 percent Minnesota 17 percent Iowa 17 percent Arizona 17 percent Kentucky 17 percent Nebraska 16 percent Kansas 16 percent Tennessee 16 percent North Dakota 15 percent Louisiana 15 percent Indiana 15 percent ACHE ranks the following as "low turnover states": Oregon 15 percent Mississippi 15 percent District of Columbia 14 percent New Jersey 14 percent California 14 percent North Carolina 14 percent Nevada 14 percent Montana 13 percent Maine 13 percent New York 12 percent New Hampshire 12 percent Maryland 11 percent Utah 11 percent West Virginia 11 percent South Dakota 9 percent Vermont 8 percent Arkansas 7 percent Rates are rounded to the nearest whole percent. More articles on leadership and management: Ex-board member: Nashville General hid $150K contract with former councilman Physician neighbor allegedly attacked Sen. Rand Paul last year over messy lawn Viewpoint: Nurses deserve more recognition for innovation University of Massachusetts Amherst Assistant Professor Rachel Walker, PhD, RN, believes nurses deserve more credit for their innovative contributions to healthcare. Dr. Walker is the first nurse to be named an invention ambassador by the American Association for the Advancement of Science, according to a report from New England Public Radio. She is on the panel alongside ambassadors from IBM, Microsoft and MIT. In the position, Dr. Walker plans to raise awareness about nurse-led innovation. For example, nurses are responsible for inventing feeding tubes and hospice care, and contributed to the development of hand sanitizer, she told NEPR. They used safety checklists long before a physician won the MacArthur award for checklists. And recently, a nurse workaround for babies who pull out their intravenous tubes is now becoming a medical device, she said. "If we don't take ownership of [our inventions], sometimes they can also be taken in directions that maybe aren't where we want to see them go," she told NEPR. Read the full story here. More articles on leadership and management: Senior Justice Department official quits after agency refuses to defend ACA GOP disliked ACA mandate, not its pre-existing condition protection, Tennessee senator says Billionaire Dr. Patrick Soon-Shiong plans to take new company, Nant, public: 4 things to know Boston-based Brigham and Women's Hospital officials plan to remove 31 gold-framed portraits of some of the hospital's department chairs most of whom were white June 14 as part of the institution's initiative to ramp up its diversity efforts, The Boston Globe reports. The portraits have hung in the hospital's Bornstein Amphitheater for decades, the report states. Of the 31 portraits, 30 are of white leaders, while one is of a Chinese department chair. Officials said they plan to move the paintings to conference rooms and lobbies across the hospital. Elizabeth Nabel, MD, president of Brigham and Women's parent organization, Brigham Health, told The Boston Globe officials have considered ending the tradition of hanging pictures of retired department chairs in the auditorium for several years. She said she has questioned staff about the proposed changes, and received feedback in favor of the move. Titilayo Afolabi, a first-year medical student at Boston-based Harvard Medical School, told the publication she has attended two events in the auditorium at Brigham and Women's, which serves as a teaching hospital affiliated with the medical school, during her first month of school last August and has seen the portraits. She said the paintings did not surprise her. "[The portraits] mirror the other images around the school and other universities. I almost expected to see that," she said, adding that "it's easy to remove people from the wall. It's more difficult putting people of color in power." Dr. Nabel, the institution's first female president, said the hospital is working hard to increase its diversity efforts, noting Brigham and Women's has appointed its first diversity and inclusion officer for faculty, developed a leadership program for women and minorities, and has begun creating guidelines to minimize hiring bias, the report states. George Q. Daley, MD, PhD, the Caroline Shields Walker Professor of Medicine and dean of Harvard Medical School, told the publication through a spokesperson the medical school has also appointed a committee to recommend changes to artwork on campus. "It is vitally important to know that the lack of diversity seen in art at HMS reflects the school's past, not its present," a spokesperson for the dean said in an emailed statement to The Boston Globe. "Change is coming." To access the full report, click here. Bullying in healthcare is happening far more frequently than what is seen through the public eye and for physicians, and medical students in particular, these behaviors can harm mental well-being, physical health and patient care, Mikkael Sekeres, MD, a Cleveland Clinic oncologist, writes in The New York Times. Five takeaways from the op-ed: 1. In healthcare settings, the imbalance of power that constitutes bullying typically takes place repeatedly between a fellow or staff physician and a resident or medical student, Dr. Sekeres writes. He describes his own experience as a medical student, where a fellow would punish students for asking when hospital rounds would be over despite students being exhausted and deprived of food. "Whenever you ask me 'When will we round out?'" the surgical fellow told the medical students on multiple occasions, 'I will make it one hour later.'" 2. "A victim's inability to defend him- or herself is also part of the equation we feared any grade less than high honors, which could compromise the type or quality of residency we might obtain, and would be determined largely by the fellow," he wrote. "Finally, the intention of bullying is to cause harm or distress our fellow seemed to delight in our fear." 3. Dr. Sekeres cited a study that found high rates of bullying in U.S. medical schools. In the study, which included 1,387 American medical students in their final year of school, 42 percent of students said they experienced harassment during medical school. The majority 84 percent of respondents experienced belittlement. Bullying most often came from the residents and professors supervising them, the medical students reported. 4. The consequences of physician bullying, which Dr. Sekeres said he continued to experience at different points in his career, often are anxiety, burnout and drug abuse, he writes. Dr. Sekeres cited an essay in the New England Journal of Medicine, where a trauma surgeon discusses his experiences with depression and burnout after working in a culture he said wouldn't allow him to share those feelings. This culture often considers physicians to be "weak" for taking a leave of absence for mental health reasons or encourages providers to push themselves to exhaustion during long hospital shifts. 5. "It is a cruel irony that doctors and nurses are drawn to medicine to care for others, yet the majority have been bullied by their colleagues and superiors," Dr. Sekeres wrote. "We should all be able to turn to one another for support, to be able to admit that we are hurting, and to ask for a system that allows for missing work in the event of illness, without suffering castigation for being weak. It's in our patients' best interests, and in ours." Registered nurses at Alhambra (Calif.) Hospital Medical Center voted for the option to strike. The vote means nurses intend to call a strike if contract negotiations do not sufficiently move forward, according to the California Nurses Association, which represents the workers. It does not mean a strike will take place, as nurses would have to give the hospital proper notice. Nurses unionized in January 2017 and have been in negotiations with the hospital for more than a year. "As nurses, we want to be at the bedside, taking care of our patients, in conditions that are safe for us, and for those in our care. Striking is always a last resort," said Farah Gerami, RN. "But we have been trying, for over a year now, to get management to address unsafe staffing, faulty equipment and other issues at the hospital that put our community at risk. If they continue to leave critical issues unaddressed, our nurses have now voted to stand strong, together, and do whatever it takes to keep our patients and our colleagues safe." Hospital CEO Iris Lai expressed disappointment about the strike authorization vote in a statement to Becker's Hospital Review. She also addressed the union's comments. "For a year, we have bargained in good faith with CNA so that we can reach a collective bargaining agreement that meets the needs of all parties, and this action by the CNA is an unhelpful distraction," she said. "Moreover, the unions stated reasons for striking are not stumbling blocks at the bargaining table. A strike does not serve anyones interests and distracts all parties involved from our main concern patient safety and high quality care." Still, Ms. Lai said the hospital is prepared for a strike and "confident that we will continue to serve our community as we have always done without interruption." Both sides are expected to continue negotiations June 18. More articles on human capital and risk: Washington state nurses picket over staffing University of Vermont Medical Center nurses to vote on strike Bartlett Regional Hospital workers get pay hike in 3-year labor deal Former employees of Hospital Sisters Health System, a 15-hospital system based in Springfield, Ill., have asked a judge to approve a $62.5 million settlement in a lawsuit alleging the health system underfunded its pension plan, according to the Belleville News-Democrat. In two lawsuits that were consolidated in 2016, former HSHS employees alleged the health system improperly classified its pension as a "church plan" exempt from the federal Employee Retirement Income Security Act, which requires pension plans to have adequate funding to pay their promised benefits. Although the parties are close to reaching a settlement in the case, HSHS reiterated this week that its pension plan operates as a church plan because of the system's "Catholic healthcare mission," according to the report. "Be assured that our plan is well-funded, has paid all benefits due under the plan and has sufficient assets for the future to pay benefits as they become payable to our HSHS retirees," the system said in a statement to the Belleville News-Democrat. "The settlement will not change the philosophy of HSHS or the way it operates the plan." The HSHS lawsuit is one of many cases filed over the way religiously affiliated hospitals fund their pension plans. In October 2016, Renton, Wash.-based Providence Health & Services agreed to pay nearly $352 million to resolve claims it misclassified its pension plan. St. Francis Hospital in Hartford, Conn.; Livonia, Mich.-based Trinity Health; and St. Louis-based Ascension have settled similar suits in recent years. In June 2017, the U.S. Supreme Court held that church-affiliated hospitals are eligible for ERISA's "church plan" exemption. Under the settlement in the HSHS case, the health system would still be able to use the exemption to ERISA, but would have to follow stricter rules on administration and notices to the pension plan participants. The settlement also requires HSHS to contribute $62.5 million in extra payments into the plan between 2019 and 2022, according to the report. More articles on legal and regulatory issues: Mayo Clinic attempts to block IRS from questioning CEO Seattle Times responds to ex-Swedish Health neurosurgeon's defamation lawsuit Operator of 116 SNFs will pay $30M to settle billing fraud allegations UnitedHealth Group won a dismissal of a lawsuit accusing the health insurer of Medicare Advantage fraud, according to Reuters. On June 12, U.S. District Judge Thomas Durkin in Chicago ruled a whistle-blower lawsuit, filed by Medicare Advantage beneficiary Jeffrey Gray, did not sufficiently allege UnitedHealth engaged in a fraudulent scheme. The whistle-blower lawsuit claimed UnitedHealth schemed to inflate its monthly payments from the federal government to administer Medicare Advantage benefits. The judge, however, said the lawsuit failed to show UnitedHealth's alleged actions were material enough that had the government known about them, it would have affected UnitedHealth's payments. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment completed its investigation into Denver-based Porter Adventist Hospital April 17. In its report, the CDPHE found the hospital failed to adequately sterilize surgical instruments, some of which were found to have chunks of bone, blood, dead bugs, hair and cement, among other contaminants, according to ABC 7 Denver. The department initiated an investigation into the hospital Feb. 22 after becoming aware of the infection control lapse one day prior. On April 4, the hospital notified approximately 5,800 orthopedic and spine surgery patients who received care at the hospital between July 21, 2016, and Feb. 20, 2018, that they may be at risk for surgical site infections or exposure to hepatitis B, hepatitis C or HIV due to inadequate sterilization practices. The hospital suspended surgeries scheduled to take place April 5 and April 6 after DOH officials began their investigation. Porter Adventist resumed surgeries "on a limited schedule" April 12. Hospital officials determined April 14 the infection control lapse resulted from a human error. The DOH investigation found 76 instances of contaminated surgical instruments and trays being used at the hospital between Jan. 1, 2017, and April 2, 2018. The probe also found that because the instruments were not properly sterilized, surgeries at the hospital were delayed or in some cases interrupted, according to ABC 7 Denver. The department probe also noted Porter Adventist failed to report some infections stemming from the infection control lapse to the CDC's National Healthcare Safety Network. The CDPHE approved the hospital's plan of correction and said it would conduct an unannounced site visit to ensure the issues are resolved. The department is also reportedly determining whether to issue sanctions against any of the hospital's licenses, according to the report. To access the full report, click here. In a June 14 statement to Becker's Hospital Review, a Porter Adventist Hospital spokesperson said: "Patient safety remains our number one concern at Porter Adventist Hospital and we continue to work collaboratively with CDPHE to ensure best practices at our hospital." Editor's note: This article was updated June 14 at 3 p.m. to include additional information from Porter Adventist Hospital. A U.S. Court of Appeals Third Circuit judge rejected Lance Yarus', MD, appeal to vacate a jury's verdict in favor of Walgreens, according to The Legal Intelligencer. Here are seven things to know: 1. In 2013, Dr. Yarus sued Walgreens for defamation after alleging pharmacists told patients receiving prescriptions from Dr. Yarus that the orthopedic surgeon was under investigation by the Drug Enforcement Administration. 2. It was alleged pharmacists told patients due to their inability to fill Dr. Yarus' prescriptions. 3. The case was moved to federal court in the Eastern District of Pennsylvania where a jury ruled in favor of Walgreens. Dr. Yarus' lawyer filed an appeal then, stating the jury's instructions were inaccurate. Dr. Yarus argued the jury should not have decided whether the alleged statements from pharmacists were false statements of fact but rather statements of opinion. 4. The circuit court judge agreed the jury was given false instructions but said "their inclusion as instructions to the jury did not constitute plain error," according to The Legal Intelligencer. 5. Dr. Yarus' lawyer argued the provided evidence should force a new trial. He said the evidence met the burden to prove the alleged statements were not opinions. 6. The orthopedic surgeon claimed the district court was wrong when refusing to provide instructions indicating Walgreens had the burden of proving truth. Walgreens stated the alleged statements about Dr. Yarus by pharmacists were never said. 7. The judge found Dr. Yarus' argument for appeal to be specious. He went on to include, the orthopedic surgeon's case is out of the one-year limitations period, as the alleged statements were said to be made in 2009. Lodi, Calif.-based physician Gary Royce Wisner, MD, was scheduled for arraignment June 13 for 11 felony counts of insurance fraud, Insurance Journal reports. Here's what you should know: 1. Dr. Wisner allegedly provided unnecessary treatments for orthopedic patients in order to commit insurance fraud. 2. The alleged fraud resulted in State Compensation Insurance Fund, Zenith Insurance, Hartford and Tristar losing over $700,000. 3. Dr. Wisner's actions were investigated by the California Department of Insurance, San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office, California Department of Justice Bureau of Medi-Cal Fraud and Elder Abuse and HHS. 4. A criminal grand jury indicted Dr. Wisner on 11 felony counts of insurance fraud May 30. 5. The case is being prosecuted by the San Joaquin County District Attorney's Office. Here are eight things for spinal surgeons to know for June 14, 2018. Stryker 'not in discussions' to acquire Boston Scientific according to regulatory filing Despite rumblings of a takeover bid, Stryker said it is not planning on acquiring Boston Scientific, Reuters reports. In light of this announcement, Stryker's shares increased 5.8 percent to $172.01 in pre-market trading. Boston Scientific's shares dropped 5.4 percent to $32.01. The Wall Street Journal reported June 11 that Stryker made a takeover bid to acquire Boston Scientific, according to those "familiar with the matter." 4 errors in 4 weeks, including incorrect spine surgery: Rhode Island Hospital to commit $1M to quality improvement efforts Providence-based Rhode Island Hospital will introduce system improvement measures after reports of four patient errors surfaced in four weeks, according to Providence Journal. A consent agreement between the hospital and Rhode Island's department of health outlines that Rhode Island Hospital will implement a "series of system improvement measures" over the next year. The consent agreement is in place of regulatory action. Read more, here. Stanford's Dr. Griffith Harsh IV becomes UC Davis Health neurosurgery chief Sacramento, Calif.-based UC Davis Health welcomed Griffith Harsh IV, MD, to its team as neurosurgery department chief, according to The Sacramento Bee. Dr. Harsh previously headed the Stanford (Calif.) Brain Tumor Center since 2010, and served as the vice chair of the neurosurgery department at Stanford. He will continue working at Stanford Medical Center as well as UC Davis until the transition is complete. Kansas hospital loses Medicare billing privileges, may be forced to close CMS terminated Overland Park, Kan.-based Blue Valley Hospital's Medicare contract in April, and the hospital faced another setback last week when a federal judge ruled she did not have jurisdiction to hear the hospital's case against HHS and CMS challenging the Medicare termination decision, according to KCUR. St. Luke's Health System enhances spine care with $25M donation Overland Park, Kan.-based St. Luke's Health System received a $25 million donation from the Marion and Henry Bloch Family Foundation gifted the money. St. Luke's will use the donation to expand its spine care services and create a new rehabilitation center. KKR acquiring Envision Healthcare for $9.9B KKR will acquire Nashville, Tenn.-based Envision Healthcare for about $9.9 billion, or $46 per share. The acquisition was unanimously approved by Envision's board of directors. After low third-quarter 2017 earnings, Envision began an internal review to "enhance shareholder value." Envision's board said a company sale was being considered. Agreeing to be acquired by KKR is the culmination of that review. K2M exceeds 100th-product milestone with OZARK Cervical Plate Systems clearance K2M earned FDA clearance of its OZARK Cervical Plate Systems. The company surpassed its 100th product milestone since this clearance. The OZARK Cervical Plate Systems is intended for anterior screw fixation to the cervical spine for patients suffering from degenerative disease, deformity, tumor or trauma. The Seattle Times asks for dismissal of 8 defamation claims in Dr. Johnny Delashaw libel case The Seattle Times is calling for dismissal of some defamation claims brought by Johnny B. Delashaw, MD, in a libel lawsuit, according to TDN.com. Dr. Delashaw, the former Seattle-based Swedish Neuroscience Institute chair, sued The Seattle Times in April, arguing it published falsities and left out facts. He alleged the newspaper based its article on the incorrect claim that he rushed through simultaneous surgeries to increase his profits. Read more, here. The Northern Ireland agri-food industry is "in grave peril" because of the Stormont stalemate and unresolved Brexit issues, a major producer has warned. John McCann of Co Down firm Willowbrook Foods said the uncertainty meant he had put off plans to invest 1m in the business. And he has questioned why more business leaders are not speaking out. The managing director said the lack of ministers means his industry, which is heavily reliant on exports, is falling behind the rest of the EU from a lack of capital investment. He said Willowbrook Foods, which employs around 380 people in Killinchy, is also facing a major staff shortage. Around 75% of the workforce comes from elsewhere in the EU. Mr McCann said the company could easily employ up to 600, but claimed people are being put off from coming to Northern Ireland. The firm is experiencing a period of growth, with turnover of 24.3m in 2017, up from 22.1m in 2016. But Mr McCann said it had hit a glass ceiling, and put the blame squarely at the feet of our politicians. "We have a great company, we have loads of potential. But our potential is being stifled by the environment of uncertainty of Brexit, border and staff," he said. "Here we are, we have all these things going for us, but we have these other problems that could be solved." Mr McCann said the firm had recently paid international consultants 15,000 to assess the potential impact if Northern Ireland left the EU without a customs arrangement. "There will be a tariff of 10% on bagged salads, and bagged salads are 40% of our business," he said. While a number of business bodies last month proposed solutions to ensure crucial decisions affecting the economy are taken, Mr McCann said he was perplexed that more individual business owners weren't speaking up. "I am saying this because I feel very strongly about it and I can see it going wrong. I can see the politicians in Westminster not really taking enough heed of Northern Ireland," he said. "I'm worried things are really going to go wrong as far as Brexit is concerned. "This is my personal voice. What I don't understand is why more business leaders haven't come out like me. Whether they don't want to, or politically it's not good for them, I don't know." He said around 40% of Willowbrook's produce is exported to the EU. But he warned local businesses were fast falling behind. "The agri-food industry used to get quite a lot of capital investment, but with our lack of political stability and the lack of ministers there is just none now," he added. "Northern Ireland agriculture and food processing is an export industry. To be efficient at the European stage we have to automate. We used to get capital investment grants to do that. "I know money is short, but the point is we're falling behind other EU countries in efficiency." 'The move will see the retailer extend the west Belfast store by 7,000 sq ft, allowing it to stock a wider range of Asda products' (stock photo) Belfast City Council has approved supermarket chain Asda's plans to extend its Belfast Westwood Retail Park superstore in what will be a 2.5m project. The move will see the retailer extend the west Belfast store by 7,000 sq ft, allowing it to stock a wider range of Asda products. Asda's plans include external improvements, including new 'click and collect' parking bays allowing customers to order online and then pick up shopping at a chosen time. They also include new covered trolley bays. The company is in talks over a possible merger with rival Sainsbury's, which operates a store at the nearby Kennedy Centre. Joe McDonald, Asda's senior manager for corporate affairs in Northern Ireland, said: "We at Asda are thrilled that Belfast City Council has approved our plans to extend our Westwood superstore. "Our community consultation exercise showed overwhelming support amongst local people for our plans. We are excited to be able to deliver this major investment in our store. "Our 2.5m store extension comes alongside other high-profile investments nearby, including Translink's Glider bus service and a new Andersonstown Leisure Centre. Added together, these investments demonstrate a hugely optimistic outlook for west Belfast." Asda entered the Northern Ireland market in 2005 with the acquisition of Safeway/Morrisons' 13-store portfolio. It now has 17 stores across the region - including one Asda Living - and a distribution centre in Larne. From an initial 2,000-strong workforce upon entering the retail market here, the business has grown to employ almost 4,000 staff. Westwood Retail Park benefited from seven new retail units in an extensive revamp last year. Asda has also announced plans to open its 18th store here in a project at the former premises of Nortel in Mallusk, Co Antrim. A merger between Asda and Sainsbury's would create a supermarket titan with revenues of 51bn. Homes for sale in popular areas such as Ballyhackamore in east Belfast are sparking bidding activity as the housing market picks up, according to a survey. The Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors' (RICS) report for May said estate agents in Northern Ireland expected sales activity to pick up because more properties are coming on to the market. And the number of estate agents reporting a pick-up in instructions to sell in May was at the highest for four years, and the highest of all UK regions. Expectations that prices will go up were also among the highest of the UK regions, according to the survey, which is carried out in association with Ulster Bank. Samuel Dickey, RICS residential property spokesman, and a partner at estate agents Simon Brien, said: "Supply constraints have been the biggest concern in the Northern Ireland housing market during recent years, and that's not a situation likely to change dramatically in the near future. "However, we are seeing evidence that more properties are becoming available for sale, and with buyer interest strong, this is translating into sales activity. "There are, of course, regional variations, and there are some notable hotspots. In east Belfast, for instance, there is very strong interest and competitive bidding for properties in areas such as Ballyhackamore, as demand continues to outstrip supply." The 'village' of Ballyhackamore has become increasingly popular in recent years as a place to live. It was number one in Northern Ireland in the Sunday Times' Best Places to Live earlier this year. The separate house price index from the Northern Ireland Statistics and Research Agency for the first quarter of 2018 found a standardised house price in the province of 130,016 - up 4.2% year-on-year. Prices ranged from 112,648 in Derry City and Strabane to 153,181 in Lisburn and Castlereagh. The council area of North Down and Ards had the second highest standardised price at 150,131. Terry Robb of Ulster Bank said: "As we move towards the end of the first half of the year, it is clear that our housing market remains relatively buoyant. "Surveyors remain optimistic that the relatively positive start to 2018 will be maintained and that sales activity will increase." Last month Simon Brien Residential announced the opening of a new office in east Belfast, capitalising on growth in the market in the area. Ryanair will open a base at London Southend Airport next April. The low-cost airline, led by Michael O'Leary, announced it will operate 13 routes to eight countries from the Essex airport, including Barcelona, Corfu, Milan and Venice. There will be more than 55 flights a week carrying an estimated one million passengers each year. Three aircraft will be based at Southend, creating 750 on-site jobs per year, according to the budget carrier. Ryanair chief commercial officer David O'Brien said: "Ryanair guests travelling to and from London and the Essex area can now enjoy low fares on a choice of 13 routes through London Southend's exceptionally passenger-friendly terminal. "Southend Airport's train station will deliver direct services from the terminal to London Liverpool Street and also the new Crossrail service opening in 2019, making the airport even more accessible from all parts of London." Ryanair has previously warned it will pivot growth away from the UK after Brexit. Mr O'Brien insisted the decision to open a base at Southend should not be viewed as a "vote of confidence into the future of UK aviation". Almost a quarter of Ryanair's capacity growth this year will be in Germany, compared with just 10% in the UK. "You can see how the UK is beginning to lag within the Ryanair environment," Mr O'Brien said. He added that the closure of Ryanair's base at Glasgow Airport is due to its "remoteness", decreasing demand and air passenger duty. Demand for flights from the UK to Europe is flat this year while passenger numbers from countries such as Germany, Italy and Spain are growing. Stobart Group, which owns and operates London Southend, has been rocked in recent weeks by efforts from key shareholders to install retail boss Philip Day as chairman of the firm and boot out incumbent Iain Ferguson. The first time I heard a horse closing in on me during the UK's most eccentric endurance event, I thought it was a particularly heavy-footed human. I was roughly a mile into my leg of the relay at the Whole Earth Man v Horse race near Llanwrtyd Wells, Wales and - with cheery naivety - had already forgotten that my equine nemesis was also competing. Few things compare to the horror of realising it's not a hairy trail runner from Powys about to plough into the back of you, but a thickly-muscled stallion. Squealing with panic, I sprang to the safety of some nearby moss as the horse (called Alaw Mai, I later discovered) trotted by - the first of many. Each year, hundreds of runners and dozens of horses and riders compete over a treacherous 22-mile route, climbing roughly 4,175ft and hurtling down 4,090ft in a mission to assert themselves as the superior species. I'd taken on the far-fetched challenge largely out of curiosity and the vague promise of free peanut butter, but left astonished the annual feat has remained such a well-kept secret. What is the race? The Man v Horse race was apparently devised as a result of a conversation a landlord overheard between two men at his pub, as they argued about whether man or mare would prevail across the challenging Welsh hillsides. Speculation became reality in June 1980 when the first event was held, stretching across 22 miles of countryside. Now, after 39 annual races across routes of varying length, there are more competitors in the mad dash than actual residents of the village which hosts it. Llanwrtyd Wells has a population of around 850, compared this year to approximately 1,100 runners and 41 horses. Has man ever won? Shockingly, yes. Twice. First person to beat the winning horse was Huw Lobb, who won in a jaw-dropping two hours, five minutes in 2004 - outrunning his four-legged foe by two minutes. Florien Holtinger repeated the feat in 2007. There's a 2,000 cash prize for anyone who can beat the first horse to cross the line, and you don't have to attempt the whole 22 miles yourself (but many do). I joined forces with two other intrepid reporters to undertake the race as a team, splitting the distance into roughly equal chunks. For start line safety reasons, the runners are given a 15-minute head start on the horses. Our starting runner, Sam, would take on the first seven or so miles, I'd take over for the middle section and David would bring it home. What happened when we tried it? As a runner from largely flat (and tarmacked) London, I realised quickly I was ill-equipped for the challenge and needed to ditch my battered road trainers for something sturdier. I opted for a pair of Salomon trail shoes which provided stability on a course that lurches from moss to slate to dusty paths without warning. My first sense of what lay ahead came when red-faced Sam thundered into view at my relay point. His exact words as we exchanged the disgusting sweatband used for a baton, are not fit for publication, but it was generally in the spirit of: "It's jolly hilly out there." He was not wrong. I enjoyed the ferocious downhill descent before a grassy two-mile hill climb yawned out in front of me, leaving little choice but to dutifully wheeze my way up. One of the particularly charmless aspects of racing a hoofed rival is the need for runners to regularly dodge large patches of manure - a rare problem at London 10ks. It was only five minutes before horse Alaw Mai had chased me down. The terror of that heart-stopping first overtake quickly melted away when rider Karen Mason merrily pipped "Well done" as she trotted past and into the distance. Such encounters, I soon realised, are the race's real selling point. The thrill of chasing a horse does wane after a while - they do, after all, regularly stop for water breaks and vet checks. But this is compensated for by the joviality of everyone taking part - particularly pronounced when you hear from behind the feared cry: "Horse!" This initial ripple of panic soon dissipated into mild amusement as us feeble humans obediently moved right so the horse could bound past. When I handed over the now-even-mankier sweatband to my colleague David, I had pulled off the unlikely achievement of beating every horse on my stretch as, it turns out, they struggle to do the sharp downhills at any speed. How did it end? Ahead of us, at around 2.35pm all eyes were fixed on a clock that had begun a 15-minute countdown after the first human, Joe Dale, crossed the line in an impressive two hours, 34 minutes and 12 seconds. The drama, relayed to me via three texts from my girlfriend (I was in the back of a minivan heading from my relay point to the finish line), went as follows: "One minute left!" "Oh no", "Horse!" Sure enough, with just 23 seconds on the clock, Ronnie the horse thwarted Joe's ambitions of claiming the prize. Although horse ultimately vanquished man, we ended the day as the 15th male relay team, finishing in three hours and 31 minutes and, I'm pleased to say, also beating the odd mare. Given the ridiculous concept and mixture of challenge, fun and awe-inspiring scenery, it is surprising the Whole Earth Man v Horse challenge isn't a place of pilgrimage for any avid runner in the UK. As it stands, details are scant on the web and the route is shrouded in secrecy to stop trail runners using the private fields along it for practice. You may not have heard of the event until now, but if you're brave enough to compete, you will be hearing the clatter of approaching hooves ringing in your ears for life. For more information, visit wholeearthfoods.com/man-v-horse-competition A woman with learning difficulties allegedly raped by a man she met through a dating app believes her tea was spiked, the High Court was told. She also claims her arms were tied and that a second man held her legs down before the sexual assault occurred at a house in Newcastle, Co Down. Rahman Sadikur, 34, is accused of carrying out the attack on January 17 this year. The Bangladeshi national, with an address at South Circular Road in Dublin, denies two charges of rape and two counts of sexual assault by penetration. He was refused bail amid prosecution claims he could flee if released. Crown lawyer Adrian Higgins told the court police were alerted after the woman, who is in her twenties, claimed she had been raped by Sadikur. She said they met at a house the accused shared with others after exchanging messages on the dating app Badoo. It was alleged they went to a bedroom where Sadikur got undressed, retrieved condoms and then pushed her down onto the bed. Another man who came into the room tried to hold her down by the legs, according to the woman's account. "She attempted to push them away, saying 'What the **** are you doing?', but claimed they were too strong and she couldn't move," Mr Higgins said. Sadikur allegedly raped and assaulted her before they left the house together. He was said to have given her a hug and kiss when they then parted. Police located him hiding in an outhouse behind the property early the following morning, the court heard. The accused, a chef who was in the UK illegally, told officers the woman messaged him on Badoo and suggested meeting. He claimed they chatted and had tea before another resident briefly came into the bedroom and then left. Sadikur denied forcing her onto the bed, insisting she asked if he wanted to have sex, undressed herself and did not say 'no' at any stage. Explaining why he had been hiding, he said he thought it was immigration authorities at the house looking for him. Describing the complainant as vulnerable, Mr Higgins also disclosed: "The injured party makes a complaint that her tea tasted strange and was spiked, she describes feeling 'relaxed'." A "red flag" toxicology report indicated an unidentified substance was present in her system, he added. Defence counsel David Heraghty set out his client's case that sex had been consensual. Mr Heraghty said Sadikur gave police his log-in details for the dating site so they could check all communication between the pair. "He informed police it was the complainant who initiated contact with him, she saw his profile and made contact that day," the barrister stressed. Mr Heraghty argued there was no evidence of injuries to back claims the woman made during interview that her arms had been tied. He also referred to the alleged victim's account of being reached her mobile by Sadikur when it rang during their encounter. "Why would a rapist hand a phone to a complainant at the time of, or after, a rape?" counsel asked. "No indication is made on the telephone when she speaks to somebody that there's any difficulty." Mrs Justice Keegan was told the accused has obtained political asylum status in the Republic of Ireland. But refusing bail due to issues about where he would stay, the judge said: "I'm just not convinced at the moment these matters have been satisfactorily addressed to assuage the risk of flight." A barricaded flat in east Belfast was being used to cut and package heroin for sale on the streets, the High Court heard. Police discovered three men inside the Haig Street property and seized drugs worth up to 2,000 during a raid last week. One of those arrested at the scene claimed he knew nothing about the operation in what he was treating as a "doss-house", a judge was told. Peter Carlisle, 39, with an address at Sunderland Road in the city, faces charges of possessing Class A drugs with intent to supply and being concerned in the supply of heroin. Officers forced their way into the flat to carry out searches on June 7. Prosecution counsel said a wooden door had been propped up against the door to act as a barricade. Inside police found raw heroin with a value of between 1,400 and 2,000, the court heard. Scales, wrapping material, scissors and tin foil were also recovered. "It's the police contention that these individuals were in the process of cutting and packaging heroin for sale at street level," the prosecutor added. Joel Lindsay, defending, said Carlisle was only at the address because he had nowhere else to stay at the time. "It appears the flat was used as a doss-house, people were coming in and people were leaving there," the barrister told the court. It was claimed the man who lived there only used the chair to keep a broken door shut. Carlisle had just returned from signing for his own accommodation when the police raid took place, according to his lawyer. Bail was granted for him to reside under curfew in the Antrim area. Mr Justice McCloskey also banned him from entering east Belfast. Anne Berry, Julie Scott and Bridie Shortt holding pictures of their mother Annie, who was a resident at Dunmurry Manor Families of Dunmurry Manor residents have said they may take a case of corporate manslaughter after an official probe unveiled horrific conditions suffered by people living at the nursing home. The Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland lifted the lid on a catalogue of abuse and neglect, including starvation and sex assaults. Read More Gordon Sanders, the owner of Runwood Homes, the company that owns Dunmurry Manor and a number of care homes across the UK including Ashbrooke in Enniskillen - which was closed last year amid concerns for residents' safety - has apologised for failing to deliver high standards and the distress this has caused residents and their families. Read More He said: "I want to assure residents and their families that we have learned from our mistakes and will ensure nothing like this ever happens again. Ultimately, I cannot put the clock back - but I can make sure there are positive changes for the future." However, Julieann McNally, from west Belfast, rejected the apology made by Mr Sanders as "too little, too late". Her grandmother, Annie McCourt, was 89-years-old when she was admitted to Dunmurry Manor in January 2016. She had dementia and had been assessed as being unable to live alone. Ms McNally said families of some residents are looking into the possibility of taking a corporate manslaughter case against Runwood Homes. And she revealed the coroner is currently considering whether to hold an inquest into the death of her grandmother. She also hit out at the Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority (RQIA), Northern Ireland's health watchdog, which was heavily criticised by commissioner Eddie Lynch. Ms McNally said: "Concerns for us started about March because we could see she was missing meals. She was telling us she was missing meals and we would see it for ourselves. "There would be occasions where staff would just go past her and not give her any food. "When she went in to Dunmurry she was still able to go out shopping with us, she was still mobile, but things started to change by about March and her condition deteriorated quite quickly. "It became apparent that she wasn't being looked after with regards to her personal care and we would have to go over to do it ourselves. Her personal hygiene started to slip and there were times where we would go over on an October evening and she would be sitting without a blanket in her nightclothes next to an open window. "We raised our concerns with the manager at the time and he apologised and gave assurances, but nothing ever happened. "Any time we complained about her personal care we were told it was because she didn't like a member of staff or she didn't like getting washed. It was one excuse after another." Ms McNally said the family was contacted by staff at Dunmurry Manor on the afternoon of June 19 as her grandmother was unwell and had been found sitting on the floor. She said they received the phone call at 3.30pm and arrived at the home two hours later. "The door to her room was closed so we opened it and walked in and she was sat in a high-back chair with her head rolled back," continued Ms McNally. "Her speech was slurred and there was vomit down her face. We called an ambulance and she was taken to the Royal Victoria Hospital where she was diagnosed with pneumonia and her kidneys were also failing. She never went back to Dunmurry. Once she was fit to be discharged from hospital we cared for her ourselves at home until she died on November 13." Ms McNally said they only discovered their grandmother had fallen at least 12 hours before they were told when they pressed the care home and South Eastern Trust for answers. She continued: "We saw so many examples of abuse while our grandmother was in Dunmurry Manor, residents being manhandled, residents stripping, we would have to get them out of the corridor, get them dressed and give them a cup of tea to get them settled. "There were residents not getting their food because no-one was there to help feed them. "It was horrific, which is why I don't accept the apology from Runwood, while the statement from the RQIA wouldn't even be fit to line a dog's bed. I raised my concerns so many times and nothing was ever done." She added: "So many people have suffered and it is time that everyone responsible is held accountable." In a statement, the PSNI said it had received three reports between 2015 and 2016 relating to the welfare of residents that were investigated by its public protection branch. "In July 2015, a report was made to police of an assault on a male resident. However, following police enquiries, no statement of complaint was made by the resident's next of kin," it said. "Police received a report in September 2016 regarding concerns about the behaviour of a member of staff. Following an investigation by the South Eastern Trust, no criminal offences were disclosed. "A further report of offences against a vulnerable person was made to police in November 2016. Following a police investigation, the PPS directed no prosecution in May 2018." While the above incidents relate to former allegations concerning staff, it is understood that between June 2015 and April 2016 there were three further reports made to police alleging physical and sexual assaults by residents. The PSNI said there is "currently no ongoi ng police investigation into matters at the care home". The DUP have given their backing to Northern Ireland boy Billy Caldwell receiving access to medicinal cannabis oil which his mother says helps control his seizures and could even safe his life. The party had previously remained tight lipped on the issue and were not part of a five party grouping (SDLP, Sinn Fein, UUP, Alliance and Greens) from Northern Ireland which backed allowing access to cannabis oil on the NHS earlier this month. Read More However a DUP spokesperson has now said that the party is in favour of Billy getting access to the medication until a final recommendation has been made on the issue from medical experts. Billy has a rare form of epilepsy and has been denied access to the medication following a ruling from the Home Office. His mum Charlotte took Billy to Canada retrieve the medication but it was then seized at Heathrow Airport as they attempted to return to Northern Ireland. She accused Home Office Minister Nick Hurd of having likely signed my sons death warrant following the seizure. Ms Caldwell is still awaiting an appointment with consultants recommended by the Home Office. She said her son had suffered his first seizure in 300 days after being denied the medication. A DUP spokesperson confirmed that they had met with Billy's family to discuss the issue. "DUP representatives have met with the Caldwell family on many occasions and continue to make representations on their behalf. MPs will usually be only able to facilitate meetings with Ministers on behalf of their own constituents however," the spokesperson said. "The party pursues an evidence-based approach to our position on cannabis. We do not support legalisation of cannabis for recreational purposes. "Trials are ongoing to test cannabis-based drugs for conditions such as epilepsy in children, glaucoma and cancer pain. We recognise that patients and their families will be keen to have access to innovative treatments immediately but it is necessary that such drugs are rigorously tested and all processes followed to ensure full safety and effectiveness." The spokesperson said the party was in favour of Billy receiving the medication until a final decision on the issue has been made. "In the absence of decisions by such expert bodies, consideration has been given to specific process where medication could be provided on an individual basis at the request of an individual clinician to a particular patient for a particular condition," the spokesperson said. "We are supportive of such an approach until final decisions are made on more general availability." The latest development comes after Ms Caldwell hit out at the links between Theresa May's husband and companies which supply the drug. The Daily Mirror reported Philip May's Capital Group is the largest investor in GW Pharmaceuticals, which produces cannabis oil - which Billy Caldwell had been using for his treatment - for sale in a foreign market. Speaking to the paper, Billy's mother Charlotte Caldwell said: "Why is my son being left to die in his own country by his own government? I can tell you why, greed and hypocrisy and its a recipe that will kill Billy. Billy Caldwell requires cannabis oil to prevent seizures. Expand Close Charlotte Caldwell and her son Billy at Heathrow Airport (Stefan Rousseau/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Charlotte Caldwell and her son Billy at Heathrow Airport (Stefan Rousseau/PA) UK-based cannabis-legalisation group United Patients Alliance reported in April GW Pharmaceuticals has produced a medicine extracted from the raw cannabis plant called Sativex, used for Multiple Sclerosis patients, as well as Epidiolex, which is made using purified cannabinoid (a component part of cannabis) CBD. It also highlighted that husband of UK Home Office minister Victoria Atkins is a managing director of British Sugar which grows raw cannabis to supply GW to manufacture Epidolex. Victoria Atkins has previously spoken out against the legalisation of cannabis. Expand Close Billy Caldwell with his mother Charlotte / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Billy Caldwell with his mother Charlotte Visitors to Londonderry are being told by some tour guides that "Catholics aren't welcome" in the Apprentice Boys Memorial Hall, a DUP councillor has claimed. The accusation was made by Graham Warke during a meeting of Derry City and Strabane District Council's business and culture committee, which agreed to increase its annual spending on tourism from 410,000 to 693,175. The DUP man expressed concern over the increase in funding in light of the alleged information being relayed to visitors during tours of Derry's Walls. "The story these tour guides are coming out with is absolute rubbish," he claimed. "People are visiting the city of Londonderry and are being told a rubbish story. They are being told that Catholics aren't welcome in the Memorial Hall. "This is something that needs looked at." Sinn Fein councillor and tour guide training provider Mickey Cooper said he was confident that his trainees had "all the relevant information at their fingertips", but added that they will "all have their own version of the story". Shauna Cusack of the SDLP acknowledged that everyone had their own perspective, but warned that "giving a false view" of history did not reflect well on the city. Council tourism manager Aideen McCarter told the committee that Visit Derry was not directly responsible for tour guides but would be happy to take feedback on the issue. "Qualified tours of the walls, in particular, is an action we will pursue in the next few years through our tourism strategy," she added. Apprentice Boys of Derry general secretary William Moore said that while he was unaware of Catholics being told they weren't welcome, he did share Mr Warke's wider concerns. "Many guides convey inaccurate comments and many are not familiar with the history of the city and historic walls. The guides with the Siege Museum are trained and do have valuable knowledge relating to the history of Londonderry," he said. The Siege Museum and Exhibition, which opened in 2015, features a permanent display of artefacts telling the story of the Siege of Derry in 1688. Mr Moore, who conducts visits around the Memorial Hall and the adjacent museum, said many Catholics had enjoyed guided tours of the building including the Orange Room, Royal Black Meeting Room and the Apprentice Boys Meeting Room. The attraction currently has a 4.5/5 'excellent' review on Trip Advisor, where it has received a number of recommendations. A US tourist in search of a Protestant perspective of Derry's history wrote that they found it in the Memorial Hall. Another visitor from Dublin wrote: "This museum gives the other side of things, particularly on the Siege of Derry." A former RUC officer has said there is no evidence that British Army Captain Robert Nairac assassinated senior IRA member John Francis Green. The IRA man from Lurgan was shot dead in a farm house in Co Monaghan in January 1975. Earlier this year, Fred Holroyd, a former army captain and military intelligence officer, claimed that he has offered to give evidence about Robert Nairacs involvement in the killing in secret court hearings. However, the BBC has reported that a retired detective who investigated the claim that Robert Nairac, who was himself murdered by the Provisional IRA in May 1977, killed the IRA man have proven to be false. Expand Close John Francis Green / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp John Francis Green The former officer, who has not been named by the BBC, was a detective inspector at the time, and interviewed Fred Holroyd over a number of days in County Down in 1983 shortly after he made the allegations about Nairac to the police. He told the BBC: During interviews Fred Holroyd produced the photograph he claimed had been taken by Robert Nairac within minutes of the killing. I had it examined by forensic scientists in London. The analysis was that, based on separate discolouration rings of blood around the head, and considering the cold January weather, the photograph was more than likely taken 12 to 20 hours after the shooting, and not within minutes. The detective said a batch number on the photograph also supported claims by the Garda that one of their officers took it. This polaroid batch was traced by us to having been delivered from England to Dublin some time previous to the Garda Siochana for their specific use, he said. Expand Close Robert Nairac talks to children in the Ardoyne area of Belfast in 1977. (PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Robert Nairac talks to children in the Ardoyne area of Belfast in 1977. (PA) The former detective said the Garda told him they had taken photographs at the scene and had given one to a senior RUC Special Branch officer based at Lurgan police station, where Fred Holroyd was based at the time. The officer said Special Branch in Lurgan told him the image had been taken from a notice board in the station. However, Fred Holroyd said he stands by his claim that Nairac and others who were operating in the Republic for the British Army assassinated John Francis Green. In a statement from his lawyers, published by the BBC, he said: I am happy to meet the retired RUC officer and for him and I to clarify this. However, I maintain my account. The UVF claimed responsibility for the killing of John Francis Green. However, Holroyd insisted that Nairac had confessed to the killing and gave him details of the guns used in the killing. The family of John Francis Green remain convinced Nairac was involved in the killing. Nairac's body was never gound. He was one of 16 people abducted, murdered and secretly buried by republicans during the Troubles. The House of Lords has announced it will not be taking further action over a tweet from Lord John Kilclonney in which he referred to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as a "typical Indian". (Ian Nicholson/PA) The House of Lords has announced it will not be taking further action over a tweet from Lord John Kilclonney in which he referred to Taoiseach Leo Varadkar as a "typical Indian". The life peer, who is no longer a member of the UUP, was responding to a report on a visit by Mr Varadkar to Northern Ireland. The tweet was in response to a link to a story by BBC Newsline about the DUP criticising Leo Varadkar for the unannounced nature of his trip to Northern Ireland. In a statement, a spokesperson for the House of Lord Commissioner for Standards said: "The Commissioner received a complaint alleging a breach of the Code of Conduct by Lord Kilclooney. "The Commissioner considered the complaint as part of an initial assessment but dismissed it without opening a formal investigation as a members opinion, or the way they express themselves, does not fall within the scope of the Code. The relevant clause of the House of Lords Code of Conduct states matters outside the Commissioner's remit include "policy matters or a member's views or opinions". One of the five complainants to the House of Lords was East Londonderry MLA John Dallat. Responding to the news there would be no further action against Lord Kilclooney, Mr Dallat said: "The remarks made by Lord Kilclooney at a time when racism is on the rise were both unfortunate and highly regrettable. While Mr Taylor removed the remarks he did not apologise and so we must assume he thinks such language in this day in age is appropriate, and that is unacceptable. To receive a letter from some as important as the Commissioner for Standards telling me they will not investigate John Taylors remarks raises many questions. What does a member of the House of Lords need to do to merit investigation." Mr Varadkar was born in Ireland to a father from India and a mother from Ireland. Former Presbyterian minister Roy Simpson says he is saddened and ashamed by the Church Union Theological College in Belfast. Mr Simpson says Queen's University should now sever its links with the college A former Presbyterian minister has said he's "saddened and ashamed" that the Church he was proud to serve has now "become so narrow-minded and backward-looking". Roy Simpson has spoken out following the General Assembly decision not to allow anyone in a same-sex relationship to be a full member of the Church or have their children baptised. Mr Simpson, who served as minister in Ballycarnett, Derry, and Muff in Co Donegal, between 1973 and 1980, is now calling on Queen's University to sever ties with Union Theological College, whose full-time teachers are exclusively male and Presbyterian. "I feel incredibly saddened for the many forward-thinking ministers of the Presbyterian Church and the thousands of decent, sensible people who have to live with the Church being destroyed by arrogant fundamentalists," he said. "The more I read the more it's clear to me the Presbyterian Church in Ireland has lost direction in its teaching. "I'm reading a lot of absolute rubbish. Even God would not pass their theological tests. "I was influenced and inspired by the late Rev Ray Davey, founder of Corrymeela, by other ministers who had served as chaplains in the armed forces during World War Two and by ministers who had moved from congregations to serve the community. "The Presbyterian Church of today bears no resemblance to that. "I served the Church in Londonderry, in a strongly Catholic area. I never had any problems. "Even during the height of the Troubles in the 1970s, religion showed respect. "It showed me that humans are humans and should have respect for one another. It's as simple as that. "I'm saddened and ashamed that the Church I was proud to serve has become so narrow-minded and backward looking. It appears now to be utterly anti-women, homophobic, anti-abortion and utterly intolerant of others. In the past there was scholarship in the Presbyterian College where ministers were trained and went out with a vision of how to serve the Church and the wider community. "This now is sadly lacking, and at its teaching heart, we have an anti-women bias and an intolerance of sexual orientation that does not conform to their fundamentalist theology." The Presbyterian Church trains its ministers at Union Theological College and all undergraduate degree courses in theology at Queen's are taught there. "It would seem to me that Queen's University should now sever its relationship with the college," Mr Simpson said. "I could not be a minister of this backward-looking obscurantist Church that has no vision and even less charity." Laurence Kirkpatrick, professor of Church history at the college, indicated he was open to change. He said: "The link between Union and the university goes back to 1926. It was more than Union College over the years but Union is the only college now delivering in the undergraduate programme. "At graduation we must look like escapees from an old people's home, a 'getting on' exclusively Presbyterian male teaching faculty. I have always advocated a more adventurous and equitable relationship. "I'd love to see the Church be big enough to act and give up some of its autonomy. We have to try to see even the building through the eyes of a 17-18 year-old perhaps thinking of studying theology at Queen's. "I'd be broken-hearted if anyone said I'd been bigoted against a Catholic or gay student." Queen's remained non-committal over calls for change. It said: "Queen's University is fully committed to creating and sustaining an environment that values and celebrates diversity. "This is reflected in the university's comprehensive equality and diversity policy which reflects the importance Queen's University places on the promotion of equality of opportunity. "Furthermore, the policy underlines our ongoing commitment to creating and sustaining an environment that values and celebrates the diversity of its staff and student body." The former leader of the Alliance Party Lord John Alderdice has resigned from the Presbyterian Church following a decision not to allow those in same-sex relationships to be full members of the Church. He sent a letter of resignation to the Presbyterian Church centrally and to his local Church. Read More The former Stormont Speaker outlined three main reasons for his decision. He said he had been unhappy with the decision to leave the World Council of Churches and the decision to loosen ties with the Church of Scotland. He also cited the ruling from the Church's General Assembly that people in same-sex relationships could not be full members. Lord Alderdice, who is planning to relocate to England from Northern Ireland, is the son of a Presbyterian Minister and has been involved with the Church throughout his life. "This has been a very difficult personal decision," he told BBC Northern Ireland's The View programme. "It's no longer possible to defend the position of the Presbyterian Church or for me to feel that it's an appropriate expression of my faith so I've decided that after 30 years as an Elder and a lifetime as a member to resign from the Eldership. "That's a very difficult and painful decision, but is one that has come about over a period of time watching the direction of things." Rev. Trevor Gribben, Clerk of the General Assembly and General Secretary of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland paid tribute to Lord Alderdice following his resignation. Any resignation from the Church is to be regretted. Lord Alderdice has had a distinguished career in variety of fields helping many people as a consultant psychiatrist and in leadership stepping into politics at a difficult time to lead the Alliance Party," Rev. Gribben said. "He has continued that public service in different arenas as Assembly Speaker, a member of the International Monitoring Commission and now as a member of the House of Lords. Not least, of course, is his commitment to his local congregation and as an elder in Knock Presbyterian where he has served the Lord for 30 years. "He has a right to his own opinion, even when they differ from the clearly agreed position of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland through our General Assembly. I would also like to take the opportunity to wish him well as he moves to England and trust that he will quickly find a new Church family close to his new home. Former Moderator of the Presbyterian Church in Ireland the Very Rev Dr Stafford Carson, convener of the church's Doctrine Committee, insisted that the Church would not be changing its mind on same-sex relationships. "We should set aside our own choices and preferences willingly, to live in a way that pleases Him who loves us beyond measure," he said. "We are called to honour and love Christ, even if this means we come into conflict with society's prevailing views on this and other issues." Eddie Lynch has said the failure to put in place a robust process to protect female residents had violated their right to enjoy their home and private life (Yui Mok/PA) There was no evidence of institutional abuse at Dunmurry Manor care home in Belfast, a watchdog said. The regulator disagreed with parts of a scathing report by an elderly persons advocate which examined the care of those with dementia. The conclusion that some were allegedly exposed to sexualised behaviour by fellow residents was presented in an unjustified fashion, the Regulation and Quality Improvement (RQIA) authority said. We do not agree that this meets the definition of institutional abuseRQIA It added: RQIA does not agree with some of the Commissioners conclusions. Most seriously, we found no evidence of institutional abuse and do not believe that the commissioners findings support this statement. The RQIA statement said it found instances where the quality of care was not to the expected standard and worked with the management of the home to support improvement. Follow-up inspections found that care did get better for a period. Read @RQIANews statement in response to COPNI's report on Dunmurry Manor. pic.twitter.com/psBMOOgmhi RQIA (@RQIANews) June 14, 2018 We do not agree that this meets the definition of institutional abuse, RQIA said. Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland (COPNI) Eddie Lynch has said the failure to put in place a robust process to protect female residents had violated their right to enjoy their home and private life. Sexualised behaviour is not uncommon in those with dementia and is not regarded as criminal activity, the RQIA watchdog said. It added: In respect of the findings of resident-on-resident sexual assault, RQIA is very concerned at how the commissioner has chosen to present this finding. This is uncomfortable reading but the failings of our systems must be known in order to have accountability. The @copni reports into Dunmurry Manor Care Home are now online Full report - https://t.co/8LHRp0SJiz Summary report - https://t.co/JDwSXkt9Th#HomeTruths #ElderAbuse pic.twitter.com/bQ5L2MC8YX Hourglass NI (@HourglassNI) June 13, 2018 Disinhibited sexualised behaviour is not uncommon in people with dementia. For that reason, it is not regarded as criminal activity and is dealt with sensitively by health and social care trust safeguarding teams who work closely with care providers to mitigate risks to all residents and to develop care plans that recognise such behaviours as a potential expression of distress. RQIA does not believe there is any justification for the Commissioners presentation of this finding and is concerned about the impact on residents and their families. The regulator said it did not receive a significant number of contacts from families or carers of residents in this home. We have therefore reflected on our public profile and will be focusing on improving this in the coming year. Mr Lynch identified significant failures in the safeguarding and care of residents. He said he found evidence of patients turning on other patients and subjecting them to alleged physical and sexual assaults amid an unsafe environment where such risks were not properly managed. Mr Lynch said he was shocked at the RQIAs tone. He said his safeguarding and human rights expert was in no doubt that the evidence provided supported the finding of concerns of institutional abuse at Dunmurry Manor. Health and Social Care Trust documentation submitted in evidence showed Trust officials concerns about this very issue. He said his report reflected all evidence submitted including information submitted by the RQIA and the Health and Social Care Trusts, all of which was analysed by his expert panel. He said the person on the receiving end of sexualised behaviour was an adult in need of protection. Nowhere in my investigation report has this behaviour been referred to as criminal. People live with dementia all over Northern Ireland and a good care home will have the expertise and staff available to manage these behaviours when they do occur. A person in Mid Ulster has been defrauded of more than 20,000. Police have appealed for the public to be vigilant after phone scammers defrauded a person in Northern Ireland of 21,000. The victim, from Mid-Ulster area, was phoned by a person purporting to be from a computer broadband company. The scammers have been contacting their intended victims by telephone warning that their online bank accounts have been hacked or there is a problem with their wireless router or broadband speed. Superintendent Simon Walls said: Once the scammer is in to the computer and personal details are given by the victim, their online bank accounts can be accessed and significant amounts of money lost, money you may well never get back. "The scammers may also advise their intended victim they are due a financial refund and ask for details of your bank account in relation to this which they will then target. Always be wary of any individual that cold calls you. Dont allow any cold caller remote access to your computer. Be especially suspicious of anyone who asks for personal details, money, banking or credit card information via the telephone. If you are at all suspicious about a call that you receive, hang up and phone the organisation that the person is purporting to represent to check their authenticity. "Ideally make the call from another telephone so you can be sure the original caller has not remained on the line. Never be pressured into a transaction over the phone. Guarding your personal and banking details is essential. Never disclose them to any unauthorised person or allow anyone access to them via your computer. If you have received a call of this kind or are concerned by the intent of unsolicited calls, emails or letters then please report it to Action Fraud via their website www.actionfraud.police.uk or by phoning 0300 123 2040, or call police on the non-emergency number 101. Further advice and information can also be obtained by visiting www.nidirect.gov.uk/scamwiseni or the ScamwiseNI Facebook page @scamwiseni. Ulster Unionist MLA Doug Beattie has said Michelle O'Neill will never be able to successfully reach out to his community while she continues to attend IRA commemorations. He was speaking after the Sinn Fein vice-president told the Belfast Telegraph she did not foresee a day when she wouldn't attend such events. "We all have a right to remember our dead," she said. The Upper Bann MLA said he didn't disagree with Ms O'Neill on that. He added: "The reality is that these commemorations are not just about remembering the dead, they are about glorifying what they did and romanticising those deeds. "It is staggering that Michelle O'Neill is still standing over the actions of people who went out to murder men, women and children. "If a politician from any other political party went to a commemoration for UDA or UVF terrorists at which those terrorists were praised for killing Catholics, Michelle O'Neill would be outraged and rightly so. Sinn Fein just doesn't seem to see what the rest of us are seeing." Mr Beattie said that while Sinn Fein politicians continued to attend "commemorations which glorify terrorism", he could never trust them. "Sinn Fein engages in gesture politics. Michelle O'Neill is meeting Prince Charles, but nothing will change so long as Sinn Fein keeps glorifying those who butchered the people of this country," he said. TUV leader Jim Allister said: "Comments by the Sinn Fein leader in Northern Ireland in the Belfast Telegraph underscore the reality that the republican movement has not and will not change. "O'Neill puts dead IRA men in the same category as the innocents they went out to slaughter when she says, 'We all have a right to remember our dead'. "There will be countless relatives of IRA victims who will find her claim that she 'will never fail to stand beside a mother who has lost her child in the conflict' galling. "While republicans demand that every scrap of records relating to the deaths of terrorists at the hands of the state is released, they continue to deny any truth or justice to those who lost their lives at the hands of the wicked IRA." Meanwhile, the DUP has challenged Ms O'Neill's claim that its confidence-and-supply deal with the Tories is to blame for the absence of devolution. South Belfast MLA Christopher Stalford said: "Michelle O'Neill is attempting to re-write history. The collapse of the Northern Ireland Executive occurred five months before the general election. Sinn Fein alone made the decision to bring down the Stormont Executive in January 2017. "Sinn Fein has spurned every overture and opportunity presented to get back into government to serve all the people of Northern Ireland. "In the meantime, the DUP has used our position of influence in London to secure an addition billion pounds for public services which can benefit everyone. "Whether 150m for broadband in rural areas, 50m for mental health services, 200m for roads or a cash injection to help keep GP practices and Daisy Hill Hospital open, the DUP has delivered." The Public Prosecution Service has confirmed it is carrying out a review into its decision to drop a case against three people charged with carrying out an assault on a Co Antrim man who died months later in an unrelated incident. Larne woman Barbara Murray was told by the PPS last Friday that it could not continue with the prosecution due to "insufficient evidence" following the recent death of her son Connor (23). The devastated mother, who was notified of the decision via a letter, heavily criticised the decision, saying that it had compounded her grief after she made a promise to her dying son that he would receive justice. Mr Murray passed away in hospital last month, six days after being pulled from a river he accidentally fell in on May 4. Last autumn Mr Murray sustained multiple injuries in an attack that led to three individuals being charged. Jordan Brown (21), from Hillview Road in Carrickfergus, was charged with causing actual bodily harm and having a knife with intent in relation to the attack on September 13, 2017. Co-accused Joel Hawthorn, also 21, from Bardic Drive in Larne, was charged with inflicting grievous bodily harm. Charges against a third individual were also to be dropped. However, the PPS is now to reassess its direction not to proceed with the prosecution of all three defendants. It is expected the PPS will request an adjournment when the case regarding Brown and Hawthorn is heard today. The development has been welcomed by Ms Murray, who revealed that she had received widespread support after the story appeared in the Belfast Telegraph at the weekend. "This really has just begun. There's still going to be a fight on my hands," she said. "I've established a 'Justice for Connor' page on Facebook which has received a huge reaction. This is one step in the right direction. "I will continue in my pursuit of justice for Connor. "The last 30 seconds of his life I made a promise to him that I would get him justice. "I'm glad that we've got step one passed, which is getting the review, and depending on its outcome, it will shape the next year of my life." The PPS said: "The Public Prosecution Service can confirm a review is to be conducted into the decision to discontinue proceedings against three defendants charged in relation to an attack on Connor Murray, who has since died in unconnected circumstances. "This review was initiated after a request from the victim's next of kin, as offered under our code for prosecutors. "It will be carried out by a PPS assistant director with the benefit of advice from independent counsel. "We will update Mr Murray's family on the outcome of the review. "As this matter is still before the courts, it would not be appropriate to comment any further." The funeral of one of Northern Ireland's best-known undertakers took place yesterday. Hugh Dougal, proprietor of O'Kanes Funeral Directors, passed away in the Northern Ireland Hospice on Sunday. At his Requiem Mass in St Brigid's Church, Belfast, parish priest Fr Edward O'Donnell described Mr Dougal as "the best friend you could have ever hoped to find". He described the fourth generation funeral director, who retired a few years ago and was affectionately known as 'Daddy Hugh' in the business, as "a modest man who did not let excess be his travelling companion". "He brought compassion and sensitivity into the lives of so many grieving families," Fr O'Donnell said. "He treated every family as one of his own." Fr O'Donnell told mourners that the family funeral business often became part of Belfast's history. Hugh was forced to dive for cover at Milltown Cemetery in March 1988 when Michael Stone tried to kill leading Sinn Fein members attending an IRA funeral. The cleric commented that Mr Dougal treated everyone with the same care and respect "regardless of the situation". "It was no surprise when he was chosen to be president of the National Association of Funeral Directors," he added. In a separate tribute, Carnlough funeral director Michael McSparron said: "Hugh's death will be a great loss to the business in Northern Ireland. The whole trade is completely numb." Sinn Fein have raised objections to three-time convicted drink driver Derek Hussey being named chair of Derry City and Strabane District Council's Policing and Community Safety Partnership. Alderman Hussey, the current deputy mayor, was the Ulster Unionist nominee to the post for the next twelve months which came before Thursday's meeting of the council's health and community committee. The chair is rotated between the four largest parties on the council and, as the sole PCSP committee member of the fourth-largest UUP, council officials recommended Mr Hussey for the post. But Sinn Fein councillor Eric McGinley said his party was not in a position to support the nomination. "He has high-profile driving offences and road safety is an important matter in this role," he said. "We cannot support his position as chairman and that is not a reflection on his record as a member of the committee." Mr Hussey was given a five-year driving ban and fined 800 in 2016 after pleading guilty to drink-driving. He had previously been convicted of drink-driving offences in 2004 and 2011. Council officers told the committee: "As the Ulster Unionist Party is the fourth largest party on the council and as Alderman Hussey is the sole UUP representative on the PCSP, it is recommended that Alderman Hussey is nominated to take the chair. "Alderman Hussey will serve as chair of the PCSP until the reconstitution of the PCSP following the next local government election." Sinn Fein members did not contest the nomination, which was agreed by the committee and will go forward for ratification at the full meeting of the council at the end of the month. The deputy mayor said: "I fully regret my actions which were dealt with by the courts. "I will do my utmost to serve all members of the committee and the public as chair of the Policing and Community Safety Partnership. "This will not affect my judgement as chair of the PCSP." 'Meteorologists said "unseasonably strong winds" would develop before reaching their peak throughout that area during this morning' (stock photo) Northern Ireland could be blasted by winds of up to 70mph today as Storm Hector hits the UK. The Met Office has issued an amber weather warning for much of Northern Ireland and a yellow alert for the rest. Meteorologists said "unseasonably strong winds" would develop before reaching their peak throughout that area during this morning. Westerly winds are likely to be between 50mph and 60mph but could reach up to 70mph in exposed locations before easing in the afternoon, the forecasters added. "There is a small chance of injuries and danger to life," the Met Office said, adding that risks could also be posed by "large waves and beach material being thrown onto the sea front", and that "disruption to outdoor activities" was likely. The area covered by the warning includes the whole of Scotland and Northern Ireland, and northern England as far south as Liverpool and Doncaster. The Queen and the Duchess of Sussex's first engagement together - opening Cheshire's Mersey Gateway Bridge and the Storyhouse Theatre - could also be hit by strong gusts in the north west of England. The Met Office has also warned that there is the possibility of longer journey times and cancellations likely to road, rail, air and ferry services. "Parts of Northern Ireland look most likely to see the strongest winds during the early part of the morning, including the rush hour," it said. "Westerly winds will gust to 50 to 60 mph widely, though gusts of 70 mph are likely for a time in northern and western parts, especially, but not exclusively, along the north coast. "These strongest winds will ease somewhat by mid-morning, though it will remain windy and the yellow warning remains in force into the afternoon." There is a good chance that power cuts may occur, with the potential to affect other services, such as mobile phone coverage. The Met Office has also said that there is a possibility of damage to buildings with tiles being blown from roofs and the chance of injuries. The Prince of Wales uses a power driver to put screws into an ornamental wheelbarrow during a visit to the Owenkillew Community Centre in Gortin, as part of his tour of Northern Ireland with the Duchess of Cornwall. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday June 13, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Charles. Photo credit should read: Steve Parsons/PA Wire The Prince of Wales looks at a power driver as he puts screws into an ornamental wheelbarrow during a visit to the Owenkillew Community Centre in Gortin, as part of his tour of Northern Ireland with the Duchess of Cornwall. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday June 13, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Charles. Photo credit should read: Steve Parsons/PA Wire OMAGH, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 13: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall are presented with a bunny rabbit by Matilda Callaghan on the exact spot of the Omagh bombing at Memorial Garden and Strule Arts Centre on June 13, 2018 in Omagh, Northern Ireland. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are paying a four day visit to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall at the Omagh Bomb memorial as part of their tour of Northern Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday June 13, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Charles. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire OMAGH, UNITED KINGDOM - JUNE 13: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall arrive to mark the 20th anniversary of the Omagh bombing at Memorial Garden and Strule Arts Centre on June 13, 2018 in Omagh, Northern Ireland. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are paying a four day visit to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) The Prince of Wales has visited the Omagh Hospital and Community Care Complex in County Tyrone. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. The Prince of Wales has visited the Omagh Hospital and Community Care Complex in County Tyrone. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. The Prince of Wales has visited the Omagh Hospital and Community Care Complex in County Tyrone. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. The Prince of Wales has visited the Omagh Hospital and Community Care Complex in County Tyrone. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. The Prince of Wales meets Mary Shields in the palliative care unit as he visits Omagh Hospital as part of his tour of Northern Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday June 13, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Charles. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire The Prince of Wales meets nurse Leonie McCaffrey and dialysis patient Eaimie Gormley as he visits Omagh Hospital as part of his tour of Northern Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday June 13, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Charles. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire The Prince of Wales meets palliative care patient John Black as he visits Omagh Hospital as part of his tour of Northern Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday June 13, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Charles. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire The Prince of Wales meets Mary Shields in the palliative care unit as he visits Omagh Hospital as part of his tour of Northern Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday June 13, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Charles. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire The Prince of Wales greets the nurses in the palliative care unit as he visits Omagh Hospital as part of his tour of Northern Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday June 13, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Charles. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire The Prince of Wales is presented with flowers by local school children as he visits Omagh Hospital as part of his tour of Northern Ireland. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Wednesday June 13, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Charles. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire The Prince of Wales has visited the Omagh Hospital and Community Care Complex in County Tyrone. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. The Prince of Wales has visited the Omagh Hospital and Community Care Complex in County Tyrone. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 13th June 2018 - The Prince of Wales has visited the Memorial Garden in Omagh Town Centre where a floral tribute was laid.EE The wreath of white roses and herbs of remembrance (rosemary,Elavender and thyme) was from the gardens of Hillsborough Castle. His two-day visit to Northern Ireland began in Belfast earlier on Tuesday. The Prince of Wales is pictured meeting Stanley McCombe who lost his wife Ann in the Omagh bombing. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 13th June 2018 - The Prince of Wales has visited the Memorial Garden in Omagh Town Centre where a floral tribute was laid.EE The wreath of white roses and herbs of remembrance (rosemary,Elavender and thyme) was from the gardens of Hillsborough Castle. His two-day visit to Northern Ireland began in Belfast earlier on Tuesday. The Prince of Wales in the Memorial Garden. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 13th June 2018 - The Prince of Wales has visited the Memorial Garden in Omagh Town Centre where a floral tribute was laid.EE The wreath of white roses and herbs of remembrance (rosemary,Elavender and thyme) was from the gardens of Hillsborough Castle. His two-day visit to Northern Ireland began in Belfast earlier on Tuesday. The Prince of Wales is pictured meeting Stanley McCombe who lost his wife Ann in the Omagh bombing. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 13th June 2018 - The Prince of Wales has visited the Memorial Garden in Omagh Town Centre where a floral tribute was laid.EE The wreath of white roses and herbs of remembrance (rosemary,Elavender and thyme) was from the gardens of Hillsborough Castle. His two-day visit to Northern Ireland began in Belfast earlier on Tuesday. The Prince of Wales is pictured with Caroline Martin. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 13th June 2018 - The Prince of Wales has visited the Memorial Garden in Omagh Town Centre where a floral tribute was laid.EE The wreath of white roses and herbs of remembrance (rosemary,Elavender and thyme) was from the gardens of Hillsborough Castle. His two-day visit to Northern Ireland began in Belfast earlier on Tuesday. The Prince of Wales in the Memorial Garden. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. The Prince of Wales has visited the Memorial Garden in Omagh Town Centre where a floral tribute was laid. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. The Prince of Wales has visited the Memorial Garden in Omagh Town Centre where a floral tribute was laid. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 13th June 2018 - The Prince of Wales has visited the Memorial Garden in Omagh Town Centre where a floral tribute was laid.EE The wreath of white roses and herbs of remembrance (rosemary,Elavender and thyme) was from the gardens of Hillsborough Castle. His two-day visit to Northern Ireland began in Belfast earlier on Tuesday. The Prince of Wales is pictured meeting the public in the centre of Omagh town centre. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 13th June 2018 - The Prince of Wales has visited the Memorial Garden in Omagh Town Centre where a floral tribute was laid.EE The wreath of white roses and herbs of remembrance (rosemary,Elavender and thyme) was from the gardens of Hillsborough Castle. His two-day visit to Northern Ireland began in Belfast earlier on Tuesday. The Prince of Wales is pictured meeting fire officers in the centre of Omagh town centre. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 13th June 2018 - The Prince of Wales has visited the Memorial Garden in Omagh Town Centre where a floral tribute was laid.EE The wreath of white roses and herbs of remembrance (rosemary,Elavender and thyme) was from the gardens of Hillsborough Castle. His two-day visit to Northern Ireland began in Belfast earlier on Tuesday. The Prince of Wales is pictured meeting fire officers in the centre of Omagh town centre. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. Press Eye - Belfast - Northern Ireland - 13th June 2018 - The Prince of Wales has visited the Memorial Garden in Omagh Town Centre where a floral tribute was laid.EE The wreath of white roses and herbs of remembrance (rosemary,Elavender and thyme) was from the gardens of Hillsborough Castle. His two-day visit to Northern Ireland began in Belfast earlier on Tuesday. The Prince of Wales is pictured meeting the public in the centre of Omagh town centre. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. The Prince of Wales has visited the Memorial Garden in Omagh Town Centre where a floral tribute was laid. Photo by Kelvin Boyes / Press Eye. The Sinn Fein leadership met with Prince Charles during his visit to the Republic of Ireland on Thursday. Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald and Vice President Michelle ONeill had a private meeting with the Prince in Cork, which lasted over thirty minutes. Read More Prince Charles was in Cork on Thursday following a visit to Northern Ireland on Tuesday and Wednesday. As part of his visit he joined naval students at the National Maritime College of Ireland near Cork for the trip down memory lane. Earlier in the day Prince Charles addressed an audience of local politicians, business people and civic leaders at Cork City Hall. The Prince of Wales said the good relations the UK and Ireland have enjoyed in recent years will survive as the two nations resolve shared challenges. Speaking following the private meeting Ms McDonald TD said she was glad to avail of the opportunity to extend the hand of friendship of those in Ireland who identify as British. Todays meeting was an opportunity to extend the hand of friendship, not just to Prince Charles or to the British Royal family - whose efforts to promote reconciliation I want to acknowledge - but to those on our island who identify as British, and who are British," the TD said. "As I have stated previously, the Ireland I want to be part of building is a county where one can comfortably be Irish or British, both or neither. All identities and traditions on our island must be respected. Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Expand Previous Next Close The Prince of Wales shakes hands with Sinn Fein MLA Caral Ni Chuilin as her colleague Gerry Kelly (left) looks on at Carlisle Memorial Church in Belfast, where Charles is meeting the organisations involved in the regeneration of the building as a permanent home for the Ulster Orchestra. (Brian Lawless/PA Wire) PA The Prince of Wales shakes hands with Sinn Fein MLA Gerry Kelly at Carlisle Memorial Church in Belfast where he is meeting the organisations involved in the regeneration of the building as a permanent home for the Ulster Orchestra. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 12, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Charles. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire PA The Prince of Wales arrives at Carlisle Memorial Church in Belfast where he is meeting the organisations involved in the regeneration of the building as a permanent home for the Ulster Orchestra (Brian Lawless/PA Wire) PA The Prince of Wales and Fionnuala Jay-O'Boyle, founder of the Belfast Buildings Trust, arrive at Carlisle Memorial Church in Belfast where he is meeting the organisations involved in the regeneration of the building as a permanent home for the Ulster Orchestra. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 12, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Charles. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire PA The Prince of Wales sits alongside Fionnuala Jay-O'Boyle, founder of the Belfast Buildings Trust, at Carlisle Memorial Church in Belfast where he is meeting the organisations involved in the regeneration of the building as a permanent home for the Ulster Orchestra. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 12, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Charles. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire PA The Prince of Wales greets people at Carlisle Memorial Church in Belfast where he is meeting the organisations involved in the regeneration of the building as a permanent home for the Ulster Orchestra. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 12, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Charles. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire PA The Prince of Wales arrives at Carlisle Memorial Church in Belfast where he is meeting the organisations involved in the regeneration of the building as a permanent home for the Ulster Orchestra. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 12, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Charles. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire PA The Prince of Wales holds a glass of beer as he meets representatives of the ABVFest beer festival at Carlisle Memorial Church in Belfast where he is meeting the organisations involved in the regeneration of the building, which hosts the festival. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 12, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Charles. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire PA The Prince of Wales meets representatives of the ABVFest beer festival at Carlisle Memorial Church in Belfast where he is meeting the organisations involved in the regeneration of the building, which hosts the festival. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 12, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Charles. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire PA The Prince of Wales meets members of the Ulster Orchestra at Carlisle Memorial Church in Belfast where he is meeting the organisations involved in the regeneration of the building as a permanent home for the orchestra. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 12, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Charles. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire PA The Prince of Wales samples a special brew created for the ABVFest beer festival at Carlisle Memorial Church in Belfast where he is meeting the organisations involved in the regeneration of the building, which hosts the festival. Picture date: Tuesday June 12, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Charles. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire PA The Prince of Wales at Carlisle Memorial Church in Belfast where he is meeting the organisations involved in the regeneration of the building as a permanent home for the Ulster Orchestra. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 12, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Charles. Photo credit should read: Brian Lawless/PA Wire PA The Prince of Wales watches a Judo demonstration during a visit to Ulster University in Coleraine, Co Londonderry, to help celebrate its 50th anniversary. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 12, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Charles. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire PA COLERAINE, COUNTY LONDONERRY - JUNE 12: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales is treated to a judo display during a visit to Ulster University's Colraine Campus on June 12, 2018 in County Londonderry, United Kingdom. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are paying a four day visit to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Getty Images The Prince of Wales meets staff and students during his visit to Ulster University in Coleraine, Co Londonderry, to help celebrate its 50th anniversary. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 12, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Charles. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire PA The Prince of Wales meets staff and students during his visit to Ulster University in Coleraine, Co Londonderry, to help celebrate its 50th anniversary. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 12, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Charles. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire PA The Prince of Wales meets staff and students during his visit to Ulster University in Coleraine, Co Londonderry, to help celebrate its 50th anniversary. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 12, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Charles. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire PA COLERAINE, COUNTY LONDONERRY - JUNE 12: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales speaks with children engaged in sporting activities during a visit to Ulster University's Colraine Campus on June 12, 2018 in County Londonderry, United Kingdom. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are paying a four day visit to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Getty Images COLERAINE, COUNTY LONDONERRY - JUNE 12: Prince Charles, Prince of Wales meets wheelchair basketball players during a visit to Ulster University's Colraine Campus on June 12, 2018 in County Londonderry, United Kingdom. The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall are paying a four day visit to Northern Ireland and the Republic of Ireland. (Photo by Charles McQuillan/Getty Images) Getty Images The Prince of Wales visits Ulster University in Coleraine, Co Londonderry, to help celebrate its 50th anniversary. PRESS ASSOCIATION Photo. Picture date: Tuesday June 12, 2018. See PA story ROYAL Charles. Photo credit should read: Niall Carson/PA Wire PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Prince of Wales shakes hands with Sinn Fein MLA Caral Ni Chuilin as her colleague Gerry Kelly (left) looks on at Carlisle Memorial Church in Belfast, where Charles is meeting the organisations involved in the regeneration of the building as a permanent home for the Ulster Orchestra. (Brian Lawless/PA Wire) This is about building on the courageous work of Martin McGuinness and others." Ms McDonald said such gestures could help people to move on from the conflict. The conflict in our country caused great suffering and pain," she said. The past has fostered distrust on all sides of political discourse across the island. That is the reality, but in extending the hand of friendship we can help to build a better future for all. We are on an ongoing journey of building trust. The past may inform who we are, but it cannot define where we are going." Expand Close Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O'Neill Getty Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mary Lou McDonald and Michelle O'Neill The Sinn Fein President said she and and Northern Ireland counterpart Michelle O'Neill were committed to gestures of friendship to the unionist community. Acknowledging the loss of victims and families on the basis of equality and respect for each other is essential. Reconciling difference, dealing with the past, challenging sectarian attitudes and working together to find common ground are how we move our society forward. As a political leaders Michelle O'Neill and I are committed to playing our parts in that work and I want to extend the hand of friendship to our unionist brothers and sisters this evening. A consultation has been launched into the future of the RHI scheme (stock photo) Plans for the future of the scandal hit Renewable Heat Incentive (RHI) have been sent out for public consultation. The Department for Economy has outlined eight options ranging from shutting the controversial scheme down and buying out participants to reverting to lucrative tariffs. There is also proposals to keep the scheme running at the existing reduced tariff levels or cut them even further. It emerged on Thursday the DoE inadvertently revealed hundreds of claimants email addresses to each other, potentially outing some RHI claimants not yet named, when they emailed the consultation out to all RHI claimants. A DoE spokesperson said: The Department is aware of the issue and is taking steps to address it. The RHI scandal, also known as Cash for Ash, exposed the public purse to an overspend of almost 500 million, after the then-Minister for Enterprise, Trade and Investment Arlene Foster failed to introduce proper cost controls. This led to members of the RHI scheme making huge profits from the flawed green energy scheme. The scandal led to the collapse of the Executive with the then Deputy First Minister Martin McGuinness resigning in protest. A public inquiry has been launched to investigate why cost controls were not introduced. A spokesperson for the DoE said: "This consultation seeks the views of key stakeholders, participants and the individual citizen on proposals for the long-term future of the scheme and includes a range of tariff options. "The consultation is a fundamentally important part of the process in determining future arrangements for the non-domestic RHI Scheme and is open until 5pm on Thursday 6 September 2018. These arrangements are expected to be in place by April 2019." The proposal are available on the DoE's website and the consultation will run for 12 weeks. It will be early next year before a final option is chosen and it will then need ministerial approval. A third of Jeremy Corbyns Labour MPs voted against the whip by either backing or opposing a move to seek EEA membership after Brexit (PA) Jeremy Corbyn has suffered a major rebellion in the Labour ranks after more than a third of his MPs voted against the whip over the Brexit Bill. A total of 89 of the partys 257 MPs ignored front bench orders to abstain from voting either for or against an amendment to the EU (Withdrawal Bill) that sought to prioritise European Economic Area (EEA) membership in EU negotiations. They included six Labour MPs who quit senior roles minutes before the vote which saw the amendment defeated by 201 in order to rebel against the partys abstentionist position. But the rebels were split, with 74 voting in favour of the Lords amendment, which called for the Government to pursue the so-called Norway Model membership, and 15 against it. Remaining in the EEA would represent a failure to address the concerns of those who voted Leave and heal the divisions in our society. Laura Smith (@LauraSmithCrewe) June 13, 2018 Laura Smith stepped down as a junior shadow cabinet office minister to vote with the Government, saying remaining in the EEA is not the right way forward for our country. But five parliamentary private secretaries (PPS) voted in favour of the EEA amendment; Ged Killen, Ellie Reeves, Tonia Antoniazzi, Anna McMorrin and Rosie Duffield, with all but Ms Duffield announcing their resignation before the vote. Mr Corbyn said: I understand the difficulties MPs representing constituencies which voted strongly for Leave or Remain have on the EEA amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill. The Labour Party respects the outcome of the EU referendum and does not support the EEA or Norway model as it is not the right for option for Britain. An amendment introduced by Labour, which called for access to the single market but stopped short of EEA membership, was defeated by 82 votes, with no party rebels. The Conservatives said the resignations showed that Mr Corbyn cant lead his own party let alone our country through complex Brexit negotiations. Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable accused Labour of wasting an opportunity to defeat the Government, accusing Mr Corbyn of being completely defunct as an Opposition Leader. He said: Brexit is not inevitable, but we do need Labours front bench to do their job and join us in taking on the Tory government. Just three Conservative MPs voted in favour of the Lords amendment, arch-Remainers Ken Clarke, Dominic Grieve and Anna Soubry. After days of division and bitter rows between Brexiteers and Remainers in the Tory ranks, Theresa May was able to see off another amendment that would have tied Britain to the customs union post-Brexit by 325 votes to 298, majority 27. But the Prime Minister is likely to face the risk of further rebellions further down the line. Expand Close Theresa May face further rebellions over a meaningful vote (PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Theresa May face further rebellions over a meaningful vote (PA) At Prime ministers Questions on Wednesday Mrs May said that Parliament cannot be allowed to overturn the will of the British people on Brexit. The Prime Minister was speaking as she confirmed that the Government will table a new amendment to her flagship EU Withdrawal Bill, setting out in more detail the terms of the meaningful vote promised to MPs on the final Brexit deal. Mrs May saw off a threatened defeat on the issue in the Commons on Tuesday by assuring would-be rebels personally that she would take their concerns on board. But pro-EU Tories are warning that they remain ready to rebel if their demands are not satisfied by the compromise amendment, expected to be tabled on Thursday ahead of the bills return to the Lords on Monday. Mrs May was responding to a question from Conservative arch-Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg, who said it was vital that any amendment preserved the separation between the roles of Government and Parliament. Mr Rees-Mogg later used an op-ed in the Times to accuse meaningful vote-backers of wanting to stop Breit, saying the amendment would introduce an unworkable constitutional proposition that on its own would make no deal more likely. Dominic Grieve was accused of supping with the devil (Stefan Rousseau/PA) Leading Remainer Dominic Grieve denied being involved in an anti-Brexit conspiracy after addressing a private meeting in a Brussels base in London. The former attorney general was accused of supping with the devil by Brexiteers after being seen at the event with former spin doctor Alastair Campbell and other opponents of Britains exit from the EU. Mr Grieve, who was part of a group of Tories who pushed Theresa May into promising concessions ahead of a crucial Commons Brexit vote earlier this week, insisted it was not a meeting to conspire with anybody. It certainly, from my point of view, was not a meeting to conspire with anybodyDominic Grieve He told the Press Association there was no conspiracy. I went along to speak at a meeting, he added. I often go to meetings to speak at peoples invitation and thats what I did. Expand Close Anti-Brexit demonstrators outside Parliament (Rick Findler/PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Anti-Brexit demonstrators outside Parliament (Rick Findler/PA) The meeting had been called by one of my Conservative colleagues to discuss how the process of Brexit was unfolding and to seek a briefing from me as to how I thought the dynamics were playing out in Parliament. Mr Grieve said he believed the meeting had been held at Europe House in Smith Square because it was organised by an MEP. The building is used by the European Parliament as well as the European Commission, which said it had nothing to do with the meeting. Mr Grieve added: I told the meeting what I say publicly all around the place. If you sup with the devil you should use a long spoon and he (Dominic Grieve) is using an egg spoonJacob Rees-Mogg Look at my lectures, go on my website, have a look at what I have to say about how I see the current dynamics of Brexit and the problems associated with it and the problems of trying to bring this to satisfactory conclusion. It certainly, from my point of view, was not a meeting to conspire with anybody. Jacob Rees-Mogg warned that Mr Grieve should be careful about the company he keeps if he wanted to maintain his position that this is not about stopping Brexit. The Brexiteer told the Daily Mail: He is someone I trust and when he says he is not trying to frustrate Brexit I believe him but the people he is associating with are clear they do want to stop Brexit. Expand Close Alastair Campbell attended the meeting (Peter Byrne/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Alastair Campbell attended the meeting (Peter Byrne/PA) If you sup with the devil you should use a long spoon and he is using an egg spoon. Mr Grieve said he disagreed fundamentally with Mr Rees-Moggs claim. Firstly, I disagree with the characterisation of any of the people present as being the devil, he said. This is part of a language of politics I think we should avoid. The Tory MP acknowledged that his fellow backbencher may have made the comment in a lighthearted way. Problem is we have a PM who bends in the wind according to which Tory faction is blowing at the time. But the final deal will need real words agreed and understood by all EU govts and Parliaments. She cant face both ways forever. ALASTAIR CAMPBELL (@campbellclaret) June 13, 2018 But he added: I dont consider that any of the people I met were devils or could be characterised as such. Just because you disagree with Jacob Rees-Mogg doesnt mean that you are a devil. The Government is expected to table a compromise amendment on Thursday to her flagship EU Withdrawal Bill. Mr Grieve withdrew an amendment to the Bill earlier this week after an assurance from the Prime Minister that changes would be introduced to the to ensure that MPs get a real say on the final deal. The MP said he could not be certain that the issue would be resolved reasonably. He said: I dont know whats going to happen today. I hope that this matter will be resolved and reasonably quickly but I cant be certain. A European Commission spokesman said: MEPs of all parties including Ukip organise meetings at the European Parliaments office. Meetings organised by MEPs are not the Commissions responsibility any more than meetings organised by British MPs in the British parliament are the responsibility of UK civil servants and no-one represents the Commission at such meetings. Newlywed the Duchess of Sussex will pass another royal milestone on Thursday as she accompanies the Queen for the first time together on an official royal visit to Cheshire. Meghan, 36, who married the Queens grandson Prince Harry last month in the gothic splendour of the 15th-century St Georges Chapel in Windsor Castle, will begin her rites of passage as a royal newcomer with a visit to Widnes and Runcorn, on the banks of the River Mersey, famous for chemicals and rugby league. All eyes will be on the duchess, the first time she has joined the Queen for an event without her husband, as she gets to grips with her new role of ribbon cutting and plaque unveiling, under the watchful eye of the 92-year-old monarch. Expand Close Work on the new Mersey Gateway Bridge, near Runcorn (Peter Byrne/PA) PA Archive/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Work on the new Mersey Gateway Bridge, near Runcorn (Peter Byrne/PA) Both will arrive by royal train at Runcorn train station to begin the days engagements before departing by car for the Mersey Gateway Bridge. There the Queen will unveil a plaque to officially open the 1.86 billion project, a six-lane toll bridge over the River Mersey, to ease traffic between Runcorn and Widnes. The opening event will be held at Catalyst Museum in West Bank, Widnes, which offers a birds eye view of the new crossing from the glass top observation gallery. The royal party will also watch a performance by local school children there called Bringing Communities Together: Haltons river crossings over the ages. Afterwards the Queen and the duchess will depart by car for Chester, 20 miles away, for two more royal engagements. The first is for the official opening of Storyhouse, a library, theatre and cinema complex, where they will be taken on a tour of the building. While there they will meet a Syrian settlement group engaged in craft work and watch a performance by Fallen Angels, a dance theatre company for people in recovery from addiction, before moving to the theatre to see a medley of songs from Storyhouses latest production, A Little Night Music. Local schoolchildren will also sing songs alongside actors from, Swallows And Amazons. The Queen and the Duchess will then walk to Chester Town Hall where they will attend a lunch as guests of Chester City Council, which will mark the conclusion of their visit to Cheshire. Theresa May faces a further attempt to reconcile the opposing wings of the Conservative Party over Brexit (PA) Theresa May faces a potential new front in the war between the pro and anti-EU wings of the Conservative Party after two days of votes that also exposed Labours fault lines over Brexit. The Government is expected to table a compromise amendment on Thursday to her flagship EU Withdrawal Bill, setting out in more detail the terms of the meaningful vote promised to MPs on the final Brexit deal. Pro-EU Tories have warned that they remain ready to rebel if their demands are not satisfied by the compromise amendment, before leading Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg claimed their idea made a no-deal Brexit more likely. It came after Jeremy Corbyn suffered a major rebellion, with six members of his shadow team among more than a third of Labour MPs who voted against the whip over the Brexit Bill. Expand Close Eighty-nine of Jeremy Corbyns Labour MPs voted against the whip, including six members of his shadow team (PA) PA Wire/PA Images / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Eighty-nine of Jeremy Corbyns Labour MPs voted against the whip, including six members of his shadow team (PA) A total of 89 of the partys 257 MPs ignored front bench orders to abstain from voting either for or against an amendment to the EU (Withdrawal Bill) that sought to prioritise European Economic Area (EEA) membership in EU negotiations. But the rebels were split, with 74 voting in favour of the Lords amendment, which called for the Government to pursue the so-called Norway Model membership, and 15 against it. Mr Rees-Mogg told Newsnight that the concessions sought by Tories including Dominic Grieve would gum up negotiations with the EU. He added: Can you imagine: the Government goes off to Brussels and says we can only discuss these three things because these are the only ones that have been covered by a House of Commons resolution. The EU says no, it goes back to the Commons, a week passes, another resolution has passed, it means nothing has happened. He added that he would not support or table a vote of no confidence in the Prime Minister and he expected her to get a good deal out of the EU. A majority of 201 to reject the Lords amendment on the EEA. #EUWithdrawalBill pic.twitter.com/Ulu7fRtqoE Ian Jones (@ian_a_jones) June 13, 2018 The 126 voting against included 74 Labour (defying the party line to abstain) and 3 Conservatives (Ken Clarke, Dominic Grieve and Anna Soubry). Ian Jones (@ian_a_jones) June 13, 2018 After days of division and bitter rows between Brexiteers and Remainers in the Tory ranks, Mrs May was able to see off another amendment that would have tied Britain to the customs union post-Brexit by 325 votes to 298, majority 27. It was Labour divisions that were exposed on Wednesday by votes on the EEA plan. Laura Smith stepped down as a junior shadow cabinet office minister to vote with the Government, saying remaining in the EEA is not the right way forward for our country. But five parliamentary private secretaries (PPS) voted in favour of the EEA amendment; Ged Killen, Ellie Reeves, Tonia Antoniazzi, Anna McMorrin and Rosie Duffield, with all but Ms Duffield announcing their resignation before the vote. Mr Corbyn said: I understand the difficulties MPs representing constituencies which voted strongly for Leave or Remain have on the EEA amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill. The Labour Party respects the outcome of the EU referendum and does not support the EEA or Norway model as it is not the right for option for Britain. An amendment introduced by Labour, which called for access to the single market but stopped short of EEA membership, was defeated by 82 votes, with no party rebels. The Conservatives said the resignations showed that Mr Corbyn cant lead his own party let alone our country through complex Brexit negotiations, while Lib Dem leader Sir Vince Cable accused him of being completely defunct as an Opposition Leader. Peter Robinson's speech at Queen's University last week has certainly set several hares running, if not quite stirred a hornets' nest. Some of his ideas have not found favour among a number of leading figures in the DUP, not least the proposal to hold generational referendums on Northern Ireland's place in the Union - although I suspect the corresponding notion that a simple majority is insufficient to usher in a united Ireland is, for them, less controversial. The latter aspect of the speech has, however, incurred the wrath of prominent figures in Sinn Fein, including Declan Kearney, the party's national chairperson. "At its core," he tweeted, "Peter Robinson's speech is a proxy for (the) unchanged DUP agenda of dismantling the Good Friday Agreement and redefining democracy." Mr Kearney has something of a point, which I'll come back to. Mr Robinson's speech was structured around three key themes: the referendum process; the need for Assembly reform; and political leadership/negotiation. I want to dwell on the first of these. There are two key observations he made in respect of referendum "processology", each of which is highly problematic. First, there is the idea of generational referendums which, he suggests, would be less divisive and disruptive than the current provision, enabling the Secretary of State to call a border poll if she/he is, on the basis of evidence derived from election results and polling, persuaded that there is public desire for change in Northern Ireland's constitutional status - such a poll cannot be held with the intention of confirming the status quo. How, though, does one define a generation? It is an elastic concept which, perhaps, explains the former DUP leader's reluctance to specify the number of years it spans: is it 15? 20? 25? 30? Whichever it may be, even at the lower end of the spectrum, much can and no doubt will happen during the relevant period: a series of events may well unfold that conspire to stimulate public demand for a poll well before the generational clock ticks down. Should such public clamour be ignored, because the scheduled due date for a referendum has not elapsed? That, surely, would create the "chaos" that Mr Robinson seems anxious to avoid under the Good Friday Agreement's current arrangements. Here is the nub: provision for generational referendums would subvert the agreement's basis for a border poll - a fact that Mr Kearney's tweet captures. And, lest we forget, such a profound change in the terms on which a poll could be held, including its timing, will require the active support of the Irish Government as a co-guarantor of the 1998 accord. Change could not come about through unilateral action by the UK, not least because the Good Friday Agreement provides for concurrent referendums, north and south, on Northern Ireland's constitutional status. Would Dublin consent to periodic polls, fixing its agenda in advance, a change which in itself carries significant implications for the Irish constitution? The second problematic aspect of Mr Robinson's focus on process is the proposal that a border poll should not be decided on the basis of a simple majority. Although he does not specify his preferred alternative, one infers either that there should be some sort of weighted majority (say, 60% of voters), or else what is termed a "double majority" (a majority of both voters and of the electorate) to effect change. The motive here is that there should be a threshold above and beyond a simple majority that would have to be met in order for constitutional change to be made. As things stand, under the terms of the Good Friday Agreement, a simple majority is sufficient: hence, Mr Kearney's charge that Peter Robinson is seeking to redefine democracy. Devising a double majority provision for referendums on constitutional change is not, however, uncommon, although it is not the norm. In Australia, both a majority of voters and a majority (four out of six) of states is required to effect change; in Denmark, a majority of voters is required and at least 40% of the electorate must turn out to vote; in Italy, a majority of voters and 50% of the electorate must turn out in order to legitimise change. And there is precedent in the UK for a double majority: at the Scottish and Welsh devolution referendums of 1979, a majority of voters and at least 40% of the electorate were required to vote for devolution in order to introduce sub-regional government. Neither test was met in Wales and, while a simple majority of Scottish voters endorsed devolution, less than 40% of the electorate did so, thus the-then attempt to introduce a measure of self-government north of that border failed. If some sort of double majority was proposed for a Northern Ireland border poll, then consider the inherent problems that could arise. There might be a simple majority for change in Northern Ireland's constitutional status, but not necessarily a majority of the electorate (though I think that unlikely, given the existential nature of such a vote). But that isn't the only possible complication. In Ireland, constitutional change requires a simple majority of voters alone: imagine the outcry if, at the concurrent referendum in Northern Ireland, a double majority was required: that is, the bar would be set higher in the north than the south. Such a proposal seems untenable: a double majority would, in effect, be perceived as a double standard. Turning to Assembly reform, Mr Robinson implied the introduction of weighted majority voting by removing the provision for mutual vetoes on contentious issues, the abandonment of community designations and relinquishing petitions of concern - or at least amending the basis on which they can be triggered, a proposal that would garner considerable support. But abandoning the mutual veto, a cornerstone of the Assembly's (and the Executive's) operating procedures, will find much less favour - especially among nationalists. On leadership, Peter Robinson was blunt. What is required - Mrs Foster, take note - is to be prepared to compromise and be confident in evangelising a deal: if you are willing to buy what is on offer, then get out and sell it - half a loaf is better than none. And be receptive to widening a talks agenda in order to secure agreement: at the least it offers the opportunity to extend the range of trade-offs that may be required to restore devolution. There is much to be picked over in his speech, but its most remarkable feature is that Mr Robinson is, in effect, urging unionism to marshal its arguments well in advance of a border poll, because change in Northern Ireland's constitutional status is now thinkable. Brexit negotiations have demonstrated that the English habit of muddling, even bumbling, through is not working and certainly is no way to rise to the enormity of the challenge posed by a potential vote for Irish unification. His admonition to unionism is to be prepared to see off that potential by becoming a broad and inclusive church: in that respect at least, he and Arlene Foster are at one. Whether Mrs Foster is the right person to engage in that mission is another matter. Rick Wilford is professor of politics at Queen's University Belfast Username: Password: or Register Thread Rating: 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average 1 2 3 4 5 Austria Police, Army to Stage Border Defence War Games as Balkans Warn 80,000 Mig LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 434171 06-14-2018 02:25 AM Post: #1 Austria Police, Army to Stage Border Defence War Games as Balkans Warn 80,000 Mig Advertisement Austrian troops will carry out exercises preparing the nations border defence against a migration influx later this month after Balkans police warned 80,000 third-world migrants are heading towards Western Europe. With up to 1,000 police officers, soldiers, and riot police set to take part in June, the drill will be Austrias largest ever border patrol exercise, according to Kronen Zeitung, Austrias best-selling newspaper. The announcement came following a security conference in Slovenia at which police chiefs from countries along the Balkans migration routes warned they had seen a significant upsurge in the number of border crossings. Speaking after the conference, Federal Criminal Police Office (BK) director Franz Lang said that the situation in the Balkans is critical, with 80,000 asylum seekers currently making their way through the region towards Western Europe. Everyone [at the conference] concluded there was cause for concern, he said, telling the Austria Press Agency that countries including Albania reported the number of migrant arrivals having more than doubled since this time last year. It is mostly young males travelling alone that police see on this mosque route, many of whom could be considered to be potential jihadists, Lang added. http://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/...r-closure/ Austria Police, Army to Stage Border Defence War Games as Balkans Warn 80,000 Migrants Headed NorthAustrian troops will carry out exercises preparing the nations border defence against a migration influx later this month after Balkans police warned 80,000 third-world migrants are heading towards Western Europe.With up to 1,000 police officers, soldiers, and riot police set to take part in June, the drill will be Austrias largest ever border patrol exercise, according to Kronen Zeitung, Austrias best-selling newspaper.The announcement came following a security conference in Slovenia at which police chiefs from countries along the Balkans migration routes warned they had seen a significant upsurge in the number of border crossings.Speaking after the conference, Federal Criminal Police Office (BK) director Franz Lang said that the situation in the Balkans is critical, with 80,000 asylum seekers currently making their way through the region towards Western Europe.Everyone [at the conference] concluded there was cause for concern, he said, telling the Austria Press Agency that countries including Albania reported the number of migrant arrivals having more than doubled since this time last year.It is mostly young males travelling alone that police see on this mosque route, many of whom could be considered to be potential jihadists, Lang added. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 434171 06-14-2018 02:41 AM Post: #2 RE: Austria Police, Army to Stage Border Defence War Games as Balkans Warn 80,000 Mig Commenting on the measure, conservative Peoples Party (OVP) chief and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said that parallel societies have no place in our country, while FPO leader Heinz Christian Strache said the government would no longer tolerate hate speech under the guise of a religion. http://www.breitbart.com/london/2018/06/...r-closure/ On Friday, Austrias conservative-populist governing coalition announced that it is to close seven extremist-linked mosques and expel dozens of foreign-funded imams as part of a plan to tackle radical Islam in the country.Commenting on the measure, conservative Peoples Party (OVP) chief and Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said that parallel societies have no place in our country, while FPO leader Heinz Christian Strache said the government would no longer tolerate hate speech under the guise of a religion. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 434171 06-14-2018 02:44 AM Post: #3 RE: Austria Police, Army to Stage Border Defence War Games as Balkans Warn 80,000 Mig If Austria closes its border with Slovenia to migrants, there will be a domino effect and Bosnia will have to close its own borders with Serbia and Montenegro, an official has warned. The warning comes as Austria prepares to deply about 1,000 members of the police and armed forces on June 25 in an exercise designed to show its can defend its border against a feared new migrant wave. At a security conference in Slovenia on June 7, police chiefs from countries along the so-called Balkan migration routes noted a significant rise in the number of illegal border crossings, prompting Austria to order its largest-ever border patrol exercise. Franz Lang, director of Austria's Criminal Police Office, described the situation in the Balkans as critical, with some 80,000 asylum seekers currently making their way through the region towards Western Europe, according to Austria's newspaper Kronen Zeitung. It quoted Austria's Interior Minister Herbert Kickl as saying: "We must be prepared for the possibility of sudden, huge migration flows ... in the event that fledgeling border forces in neighbouring Balkans nations lose control of the situation." Officials in Bosnia say growing number of migrants are illegally crossing the Bosnian border from Serbia and Montenegro, using Bosnia as a new transit route on their way to Western Europe. These are mixed migrations where only 20 per cent are refugees. The rest are economic migrants, among which are countless families coming from 45 different countries, Ujic told the news agency FENA on Tuesday. https://www.balkaninsight.com/en/article...06-13-2018 Bosnia to Seal Borders if Austria Blocks MigrantsIf Austria closes its border with Slovenia to migrants, there will be a domino effect and Bosnia will have to close its own borders with Serbia and Montenegro, an official has warned.The warning comes as Austria prepares to deply about 1,000 members of the police and armed forces on June 25 in an exercise designed to show its can defend its border against a feared new migrant wave.At a security conference in Slovenia on June 7, police chiefs from countries along the so-called Balkan migration routes noted a significant rise in the number of illegal border crossings, prompting Austria to order its largest-ever border patrol exercise.Franz Lang, director of Austria's Criminal Police Office, described the situation in the Balkans as critical, with some 80,000 asylum seekers currently making their way through the region towards Western Europe, according to Austria's newspaper Kronen Zeitung.It quoted Austria's Interior Minister Herbert Kickl as saying: "We must be prepared for the possibility of sudden, huge migration flows ... in the event that fledgeling border forces in neighbouring Balkans nations lose control of the situation."Officials in Bosnia say growing number of migrants are illegally crossing the Bosnian border from Serbia and Montenegro, using Bosnia as a new transit route on their way to Western Europe.These are mixed migrations where only 20 per cent are refugees. The rest are economic migrants, among which are countless families coming from 45 different countries, Ujic told the news agency FENA on Tuesday. All you might want or need for a jam-packed summer of art, culture, food, fun and family friendly events can be found right on your doorstep in Armagh. With a bumper calendar of over 50 events over the coming months, an unrivalled tourism offering and world class attractions, Armagh and the surrounding region is set to be the place to be for locals, visitors and tourists alike this summer. The festivities are already underway with plenty to enjoy. Armagh County Museum is celebrating its 80th anniversary since opening in 1937 as the first dedicated county museum in Ireland. The museum is currently hosting a remarkable exhibition until the end of August which tells the stories of people who have lived, worked and been associated with the Orchard County over the past 9,000 years. Armagh city is truly becoming a must-visit destination in its own right as part of any visit to the island. For those new to the city, enjoy a guided walking tour exploring its rich history from pre-Christian times through its unmatched Georgian heritage to modern day Armagh built against a rich backdrop of historic buildings and open spaces. Taking place every Wednesday-Saturday until the end of August, the walking tours reveal the citys rich history through stories and anecdotes while learning about the renowned architecture and unearthing hidden gems along the way. The ancient traditions of the area are remembered at the Summer Solstice at Navan Centre and Fort on 22 June when Celtic celebrations will bid farewell to the longest day of the year with song, dance and stories of years gone by as the sun sets. Throughout July and August, Lazy Sundays at The Argory will provide laidback tunes and relaxation while the kids are entertained and the whole family can enjoy the summer BBQ. Undoubtedly one of the major draws for the summer, the John Hewitt International Summer School at Armaghs Market Place Theatre from 23-28 July continues to offer an attractive programme of readings, talks, workshops, discussions and evening shows featuring well-known writers, performers and speakers from throughout Ireland, the UK and beyond. Step further back in time at Navan Centre and Fort with The Wickerman Festival on 4th August for the annual celebration of the Celtic Sun God Lugh. The festivals 30ft Wickerman proudly oversees the many and varied activities taking place during this evening of music, dance, crafts and displays of ancient Celtic traditions and customs. Armaghs iconic 7 Hills Blues Fest returns for an eighth summer from 9-12 August, bringing world class talent to more than 30 venues and locations across the celebrated Cathedral City. Firmly established as one of the great blues and roots music events in the UK and Ireland, this years line-up promises another unmissable weekend of music. Helping to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Armagh Planetarium, an Astronomy Exhibition running at Armaghs Robinson Library until the end of June will showcase works printed between 1579 and 1810 by astronomers from England, Scotland, France and Germany, including rare works by Sir Isaac Newton from 1702. Whatever the time of year you choose to visit Armagh, the Market Place Theatre and Arts Centre provides a plethora of activities and events to keep you busy and entertained. From top quality new, original theatre to comedy nights, childrens shows and opera, from ballet to professional pantomime, the calendar of performances will satisfy even the most discerning culture vulture. Outside of the city, the rest of Armagh county and borough continues to enchant and enthral visitors with its natural beauty, cultural hotspots, award winning hospitality and warm welcome. A major retrospective exhibition of work by the much-loved Northern Irish artist Neil Shawcross is at the FE McWilliam Gallery and Studio in Banbridge from June to mid-September. Featuring work from the 1970s to the present, the exhibition includes portraits, still life and Neils recent Letter series, and is accompanied by a fully illustrated catalogue with an essay by Prof. Liam Kelly of Ulster University. On June 23rd the streets of Banbridge will welcome back established and upcoming musicians to 2018s Buskfest, an international busking festival which attracts in excess of 6,000 people from across the globe to the town. Now in its 15th year, the festival celebrates the talent on show with its own awards ceremony that evening in the towns Solitude Park, with gongs for best individual, best band, best junior, best performance and the overall winner. The Sham Fight at Scarvagh House on 13th July is a symbolic re-enactment of the 1690 Battle of the Boyne and provides one of the regions most colourful and well attended events. The sound of local concert bands will fill the air around Scarva village each Sunday throughout July and August for the Scarva Band Concerts performing at the village greens magnificent Victorian bandstand. Of course, as the Food Heartland of Northern Ireland, the county and borough of Armagh is fast gaining a global reputation as a foodies favourite. Armagh boasts three unique foodstuffs including the Armagh Bramley apple, Lough Neagh eel and Lough Neagh pollen, a local fish species found on many discerning menus of the local award-winning restaurants. As the Orchard County of Ireland, soak up the history and heritage of apple growing in Armagh as you journey the meandering lanes through thousands of acres of apple orchard. Meet local producers and sample the world class produce, whether apple juice and cider, oils, fruit, vegetables, bread and meat, that is revered internationally for quality and taste. Wherever your interests lie, whether found in history books, cookery books or tomes of poetry by the masters, Armagh has all, and more, you would want or need to satisfy your cultural curiosities this summer. For more info on places to explore this summer visit - www.visitarmagh.com Jakir Hossain shows his drivers license something many bus drivers lack as he sits at the wheel of his bus in Dhaka, April 29, 2018. Updated at 1:03 p.m. ET on 2018-06-20 After watching a viral video of a bus crash at a Dhaka intersection, bus driver Mohammad Faruk Hawlader merely shrugged. The video shows a man casually crossing the road in the middle of an intersection where there is no pedestrian lane. A bus speeds by and barely misses him. Oblivious, he keeps walking until two other buses violently collide close behind him. I have witnessed many terrible accidents with my own eyes, Hawlader, a 48-year-old father of two, told BenarNews, without elaborating. The clip offers a glimpse of the traffic gridlock in Dhaka and just how dangerous and chaotic the roads can be for the 7 million bus drivers, rickshaw operators and others who work in Bangladeshs public transportation sector. They drive for many hours at a stretch, for very low pay, and mostly without written contracts from their employers or drivers licenses, union representatives say. Bangladesh, a South Asian nation of 163 million people, has one of the worlds highest death rates from road crashes, according to the World Bank. In 2016, at least 6,055 people were killed in road accidents around the country, the Bangladesh Passengers Welfare Association said. During the previous year, more than 8,600 people died on the nations roads, it said. The public transportation sector factors heavily in Bangladeshs poor road safety record, according to statistics compiled by the national police. From 1998 to 2005, four out of 10 traffic accidents in Dhaka city involved at least one transit bus, and nearly 40 percent of those crashes were classified as fatal, police figures show. The bus drivers of our country usually die prematurely and most of those who survive are paralyzed, Majibur Rahman Khan, acting president of Dhaka City Road Transport Workers Union, told BenarNews. Long hours, low pay Hawlader said Bangladeshi drivers can spend 18 hours a day negotiating the streets of Dhaka, where, according to independent studies, the average traffic speed is only 7 km per hour (4 mph). Other drivers pull longer hauls that take them far from the capital. Most of the buses in Bangladesh are privately owned, and many drivers and their assistants are paid for each trip they complete. They dont receive a fixed salary or overtime compensation, and are also not paid extra if they encounter delays during a road trip. Most agreements between bus owners and transport workers are verbal, not written. They all work on a per-trip agreement. Because of that, they do not get an extra fee for additional work, State Minister for Labor and Employment Mujibul Haque told BenarNews. Jakir Hossain (pictured), 45, has worked as a long-haul bus driver for 17 years. Hossain often drives an inter-district route between Dhaka and Gopalganj, in southwestern Bangladesh. Moving to the destination and returning from there is considered a trip, and in this way our fee is calculated, he told BenarNews. Due to traffic congestion at the ferry terminal, sometimes it takes 36 to 48 hours to complete a trip on the Dhaka-Gopalganj route, he said. As long as public transportation drivers are working without written contracts and paid per trip, there will be sharp competition for passengers and pressure to complete trips quickly, thereby increasing dangers on the nations roadways, according to a union leader. This is the main reason for the high number of road accidents, Osman Ali, secretary general of the Road Transport Workers Federation, told BenarNews. Transport and police officials often blame drivers for accidents, citing rash driving as the chief cause. But drivers told BenarNews that their passengers constantly hassle them to drive fast, distracting them from their work and goading them to drive aggressively. We have to quarrel with the passengers during the day and at night with the bus owner, minibus driver Mohammad Bashir, 32, told BenarNews. Despite typical 18-hour days driving on congested roads, Dhaka drivers only make an average daily income of about 1,200 taka (about U.S. $14), he said. Haque, the state minister for labor and employment, said the government tried several initiatives but it had failed to persuade owners of bus companies and transportation firms to give their drivers and workers written employment contracts in order to alleviate the workplace grievances. We said that the workers should be given appointment letters, but the owners are not very interested, Haque told Benar, referring to letters that serve as contracts. Traffic crawls during a nationwide strike called by the opposition alliance in Dhaka, Jan. 25, 2015. [AP] Bus drivers: Main culprits Transport workers were the target of a recent editorial by the Dhaka Tribune that bore the sensational headline Murderers behind Wheels. Time and time again, the main culprits are the bus drivers, the May 18 editorial railed. These buses continue to run amok with unlicensed and unverified bus drivers behind the wheel, it said, as the newspaper narrated how a senior executive of its ad department had died when a bus hit his motorcycle and ran him over. Some recent ghastly accidents did not help the negative reputation of public transport drivers. On April 3, a 22-year-old student, Rajib Hossain, had his right hand severed when it got stuck between two speeding buses, police said. He later died in hospital. Eight days later, Runi Akter, a student who was in the final stages of her MBA degree, was rushing toward a road divider when a speeding bus ran over her, crushing her legs against the pavement, local reports said. She is still undergoing treatment at a hospital. Untrained and unlicensed public transport drivers could be a big part of the dangers of venturing out onto the nations roadways, according to Mozammel Haque Chowdhury, secretary general of the Bangladesh Passenger Welfare Association (BPWA). Chowdhury said his group had conducted a survey which found that of the estimated 7 million public transit drivers in Bangladesh, only 1.6 million had valid driving licenses. Transportation officials could not immediately confirm those figures. But bus drivers like Jakir Hossain seethe at the notion that drivers bear the blame for the high number of accidents. Pedestrians should strictly follow the law, he said. Kazi Md Saifun Newaz, an assistant professor at Buets Accident Research Institute (ARI), said that reckless driving was not the sole cause of the accidents. Passengers riding on buses should be more responsible about not encouraging drivers to drive recklessly, and more pedestrian overpasses and crossings need to be built into the road system to improve safety, he told the Dhaka Tribune in April. We need more zebra crossings, barricades in the middle of the street, and the pedestrians should use foot-over bridges to strengthen the traffic control system, he said. Chowdhury, the BPWA secretary general, told BenarNews that around 1.5 million unregistered vehicles operate in Bangladesh in addition to the registered ones. This means there could be over three million legal and illegal vehicles being driven by unqualified drivers who are not only risking themselves, but putting a large number of people in peril, he said. Responding to criticism about the countrys road safety record, government officials have been coming out on a near daily basis with statements about how it is trying to reduce accidents and traffic fatalities by working to improve the roadways and traffic management systems. During a press conference last month, Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina called, among other things, for the Bangladeshi media to help her government raise public awareness about national traffic laws in order to promote safer driving and bring down the number of road-related deaths. It is necessary to take steps to educate people in every school about the traffic laws, Hasina said. Only then can the accidents be reduced. Indian security forces carry the coffins of their colleagues who were killed early Wednesday in a clash with Pakistani troops in the disputed Kashmir region, June 13, 2018. Updated at 5:23 p.m. ET on 2018-06-14 In its first-ever report on the state of human rights in Kashmir, the United Nations on Thursday slammed India and Pakistan for alleged abuses in areas they rule in the disputed Himalayan region and called for a major investigation into such violations. In the 49-page report, U.N. rights chief Zeid Raad al-Hussein described a situation of chronic impunity for violations committed by security forces from both sides, as he specifically called on Indian troops to exercise maximum restraint when dealing with future protests, including ones that could well occur this coming weekend. It is essential the Indian authorities take immediate and effective steps to avoid a repetition of the numerous examples of excessive use of force by security forces in Kashmir, Zeid said. India and its arch rival Pakistan became separate countries after British rule in the subcontinent ended in 1947. Both nuclear-armed nations claim Kashmir in its entirety and have fought wars over it. It is a conflict that has robbed millions of their basic human rights and continues to this day to inflict untold suffering, Zeid said. This is why any resolution of the political situation in Kashmir must necessitate a commitment to end the cycles of violence and ensure accountability for past and ongoing violations and abuses by all parties, and provide redress for victims. India said it had lodged a protest with Zeids office, rejecting the report as a selective compilation of largely unverified information, while Pakistans foreign ministry welcomed his proposal to establish the Commission of Inquiry, one of the U.N.s highest-level panels that often investigate major crises. India rejects the report, the Indian foreign ministry said in a statement. It is fallacious, tendentious and motivated the report is mischievous, misleading and unacceptable. India, which has deployed about 500,000 soldiers in the territory it controls, accuses Pakistan of arming and training Kashmiri rebel groups, but Pakistan denies the charges. A de facto border called Line of Control (LoC) divides Kashmir, where an outbreak of insurgency on the Indian side known as Jammu and Kashmir state has claimed more than 70,000 lives since the late 1980s. A majority of the fatalities have been civilians. Last month, the two nations said they had reached a rare ceasefire after months of lobbing artillery shells across the heavily fortified LoC. Zeid said his office did not get unconditional access to either side of the LoC, despite repeated requests to both India and Pakistan over the past two years. Still, U.N. representatives undertook remote monitoring to produce the report, which focused mainly on the human rights situation in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir from July 2016 to April. The report criticized what it called excessive force used by Indian security forces to quell violent demonstrations that erupted after the killing of 22-year-rebel commander Burhan Wani. It decried the use of pellet-firing shotguns against protesters and also accused Indian troops in the killings of 145 civilians, far surpassing the 20 people estimated to have been killed by militant groups during that period. "According to official figures, 17 people were killed by shotgun pellets between July 2016 and August 2017, and 6,221 people were injured by the metal pellets between 2016 and March 2017, " the report said. "Civil society organizations believe that many of them have been partially or completely blinded." The report expressed concern over the Armed Forces Special Powers Act, which prohibits prosecution of security forces personnel unless the Indian government grants prior permission to prosecute. The law has been in place in Indian-administered Kashmir since 1990, it said. Not a single prosecution of armed forces personnel has taken place in Indian Kashmir, the report said, adding that there is almost total impunity for enforced or involuntary disappearances. Welcome move Kashmiri separatist rebels hailed the U.N. report released amid fears from security analysts that violent protests could take place during the upcoming Eid holiday. Recognition of unprecedented rights violations in Kashmir by the U.N. for over three decades dent tall claims of Indian government that it was the second-largest democracy in the world and upholds human rights, Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, a senior separatist leader, told BenarNews. The international community must take note of this harsh reality and put pressure on India to repeal black laws and resolve the Kashmir issue through a tripartite dialogue with representatives of Kashmir and Pakistan, he said. The disputed Himalayan region has witnessed a spike in violence during the past four weeks. An Indian army soldier was abducted and later killed by suspected militants in Pulwama district on Thursday. His killing came two days after two policemen were killed and at least a dozen injured in two attacks by suspected militants in south Kashmir. On Thursday, unidentified motorcycle-riding gunmen shot dead the editor of Rising Kashmir, a local English daily newspaper, outside his office in Kashmir, police said. Reporters Without Borders (RSF) said it was appalled by the murder of Kashmiri journalist Shujaat Bukhari, who was gunned down as he was about to get into his car. Two police bodyguards escorting him were also hit and one died of his injuries, police said. No armed group has claimed responsibility for the shooting. Shujaat Bukharis brutal murder is a major blow for the Kashmiri media community and comes just as the United Nations is calling for an investigation into human rights abuses in Kashmir, RSFs Asia-Pacific desk said. We urge the local and national authorities to shed all possible light on this horrific crime, which has silenced one of Kashmirs leading independent and moderate voices. Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, speaks during Angel Ball 2014 hosted by Gabrielles Angel Foundation in New York City, Oct. 20, 2014. Updated at 4:20 p.m. ET on 2018-06-14 A fugitive financier linked to criminal investigations into Malaysias 1MDB financial scandal has made a $1 billion offer to the Malaysian government to stay out of jail, according to media reports published on Thursday. The Wall Street Journal and other media outlets reported that Malaysian financier Low Taek Jho, better known as Jho Low, sought the deal with the government of new Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad. He offered to drop his claim to more than U.S. $1 billion (4 billion ringgit) in assets in exchange for immunity from prosecution. Mahathir rejected it, according to media reports. Im quite sure the kind of incentive he would readily accept is that he would not be prosecuted, Mahathir told the Journal. But we cant do that. Its against the law. The law does not provide for what the American law provides, plea bargaining and all that. The reports came out a week after a law firm representing Jho Low said he would assist the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) in its investigation of the massive corruption scandal at state fund 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) after it ordered him to present himself for questioning. An article published on Thursday by Malaysias Star newspaper quoted sources as saying that Jho Low was prepared to meet with MACC investigators in Dubai, but that dates had not been set between officials from the anti-graft agency and his lawyers. U.S. justice officials have described the 1MDB affair as the worst kleptocracy scandal in recent times, pointing out that more than $4.5 billion (17.9 billion ringgit) was stolen from the fund from its inception by former Prime Minister Najib Razak in 2009 until its advisory board was dissolved in 2016. The U.S. Justice Department accused Jho Low of laundering more than $400 million stolen from 1MDB through acquisitions of properties in California, New York and London, a jet purchased for $35 million and a mega-yacht estimated to be worth $250 million. According to Thursdays article by the Journal, which cited a person familiar with the case, Jho Low told associates earlier this year that he felt safe because Najib had protected him. After Mahathirs Pakatan Harapan alliance defeated Najibs Barisan Nasional coalition in last months general election, Jho Low reached out to the office of the new prime minister with his offer. Najib, who has been barred from leaving Malaysia since last month, has twice been summoned for questioning by MACC in connection with the 1MDB probe. He has denied allegations that he stole money from the state fund. Jho Lows lawyer, Robin Rathmell, an attorney with the international law firm Kobre & Kim, referred an email request for comment to a communications consultant. Dozens of Malaysians who went to Syria to join or fight for the Islamic State group are desperate to come home because of terrible living conditions and constant fear for their lives, according to a counter-terrorist expert and a senior police official. After the fall of IS bastions in the Middle East, Malaysian IS fighters feared for themselves and their families who had joined them in Syria, Ahmad El-Muhammady, an adviser to the Royal Malaysia Police on rehabilitation programs for terrorist detainees, told BenarNews. The desire intensified after the fall of Mosul, Raqqa and Aleppo. The international NGOs did inform police but police were careful because of safety concerns, Ahmad said. Today the scenario is different. Many are dead and many foreign fighters have returned home, including Malaysians. He said he began hearing about such concerns in 2016, but the fear of being arrested made the fighters and their families seek refuge with NGOs in Turkey and Syria instead. Ahmad said he did not know how many Malaysian fighters were left in Syria. Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay, the chief of the Malaysian polices counter-terrorist special branch, said more than four dozen remained in the country, but he could not break down the number of fighters to family members. But what I do know, they are living in a terrible conditions and want to come home. Not just because many IS bases have been defeated, but also because IS members who were caught in the war were killed and tortured, Ahmad said. He said he had seen photos of a group of Malaysian fighters who were detained in a rural village in Syria with limited food and water. They were not allowed to leave the village and they looked so malnourished, he added. Women are in Syria because they followed their husbands. The women love and care about their husbands. That is why they abide with whatever the men say, Ahmad said. Ayob said a Malaysian woman had reached out in January to seek help in returning with her small children after her husband was killed in battle. She wished to return home and we are facilitating the case, he told BenarNews. Ayob declined to reveal the husbands identity, saying this could affect the process of repatriating the widow and her family to Malaysia. Of 11 families who traveled to Syria to join ISs self-proclaimed caliphate, six have returned over the years after experiencing the reality of what they called a holy war, Ayob said. But among the remaining five families, half do not want to return home, according to an intelligence report. The widow and children of Mohamad Wanndy Mohamad Jedi are among the five families, although officials could not determine if she wished to return to Malaysia. Wanndy, Malaysias most wanted terrorist, was killed in an air strike near Raqqa in April 2017. He had claimed responsibility for a grenade attack at a nightclub on the outskirts of Kuala Lampur in June 2016, in which eight people were injured in the first and only terrorist act claimed by Islamic State on Malaysian soil. The last Malaysian extremist to be killed in Syria, Muhammad Fudhail Omar, was Wanndys successor. He was killed in an air strike in Raqqa two months later. Ayob said 53 Malaysians remained in Syria, including the five families, but said the breakdown on the number of fighters to family members was classified. Since February 2013, the Special Branch Counter Terrorism division has arrested 310 suspected militants, including 21 Indonesian militants and says it has stopped 18 terror plots. Strict rehabilitation necessary Security analyst Aruna Dewi Gopinath said the Malaysian government is obligated to help secure the return of any citizens in Syria, but must establish a strict rehabilitation program. However we do not want to be like certain militants in the Philippines where they undergo rehab for a few months but later rejoin militant groups, he told BenarNews. We must change their mindset. It may take years but that is the only way before we can let them join society. Ahmad agreed. From the security aspect, we can manage to gather valuable information from them when they return, he said. Of course there is a need for a rehab process and those who return must first be detained and they must undergo a strict monitoring process so they will not pose any threat to the public. Pedestrians glance at a sign that says Thou Shalt Not Kill in Tagalog that was displayed on the gates of St. John the Evangelist cathedral in the northern Philippine city of Dagupan, Sept. 15, 2016. Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte has amplified his tirades against the Catholic Church by threatening to publicly expose unflattering intelligence data he says he obtained on one of three priests killed in the last six months. More than 80 percent of the countrys estimated 105 million people are congregants of the church, which has been vocal in its opposition to the Duterte administrations anti-drugs campaign that has left thousands of suspected pushers and dealers dead since June 2016. Three priests have been gunned down in recent months, including Father Richmond Nilo, who was shot Sunday inside his chapel in northern Nueva Ecija province. His killing came more than a month after another priest, Mark Anthony Ventura, was killed by men who fled on a motorcycle. In December, Nueva Ecija priest Marcelito Paez was shot and killed. On Wednesday, Duterte said he had a matrix of intelligence data that had been compiled about one of the priests and that he had kept it because of its sensitivity. If the Catholics want, I will release this matrix on why this priest died, Duterte said. I did not release it, but I gave a copy to the chairman of the CBCP. The president was referring to the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines, which this week called on his government to investigate the deaths immediately. There was no response from the CBCP, but its leaders have not given any indication that it had received intelligence data. The problem with these fools, they look at themselves as saints, Duterte said. And these policemen and soldiers are devils in their eyes. Duterte made these comments during a speech late Wednesday before corrections officers, police and firefighters. In the speech, he emphasized that he would not allow any of them to go to prison if they were charged in connection with any of the thousands of killings committed in his nearly two-year-old war on drugs. Duterte has had a testy relationship with the church, which campaigned against the self-described womanizer and tough politician from the south, who has repeatedly boasted of killing drug addicts and criminals and dumping their bodies into Manila Bay. In February, the International Criminal Court (ICC) in The Hague notified the government that it had launched a preliminary investigation into drug-related killings. Duterte initially welcomed the investigation to determine whether there was enough evidence to build a case against him. It was based on complaints by a former Duterte police aide and a self-described assassin, who told the court that Duterte had ordered the deaths of criminals and political foes when he was a longtime mayor of the southern city of Davao. Duterte subsequently pulled out of an international treaty that established the ICC, claiming that the court had already prejudged him. Police have said that more than 4,000 suspected were killed in encounters with officers, but rights groups place the number of deaths at more than 12,000. Last year, Duterte removed police from the lead role in the drug war after three teenagers were gunned down. Authorities, however, later established that the police officers involved in the shootings may have mistaken them as drug couriers. The teens deaths galvanized public anger against Duterte. Church leaders ordered that gruesome photographs of people killed in the drug war be displayed outside houses of worship while bells were tolled in the evening as a sign of protest. On Thursday, Carlos Conde, the Philippine researcher for New York-based Human Rights Watch, expressed grave concern over the killings of the priests, as well as journalists and others who had opposed the governments anti-drug campaign. These killings, alongside the thousands of deaths in the drug war, are grim reminders of the vulnerability of the poor and those who speak out for their rights and against the deadly extrajudicial violence that Philippine authorities are apparently unwilling or unable to either stop or provide accountability for, Conde told BenarNews. Felipe Villamor from Manila contributed to this report. 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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/ The research center will focus on using AI in areas such as healthcare, agriculture and education, Google said. Google plans to open an artificial-intelligence research centre in Accra, Ghana, the latest in a string of investments the tech company has made in Africa. The research centre will focus on using AI in areas such as healthcare, agriculture and education, Google said. "We're committed to collaborating with local universities and research centres, as well as working with policy makers on the potential uses of AI in Africa," the company said in a blog post on Wednesday, reported Business Insider. The new AI centre in Ghana will open later this year and include machine learning researchers and engineers, Google said, thought it did provide details on the number of staff it will hire. Google CEO Sundar Pichai promised last year during a visit to Lagos that Google would continue raising its profile on the continent. At the time, Pichai announced new investments in African startups as part of the company's Launchpad Accelerator in Africa. The company also launched a special version of YouTube built for users with slow internet connections. Google's interest in Africa comes at a time when a lot of international money is being spread around the continent. In 30 years, the United Nations expects Africa to be home to 25 percent of the world's 9 billion population. Not only does that represent a huge market but investors are planning for the day that Africa's developing economies hit their stride. Last month, Facebook opened a technology hub in Lagos, which will host a start-up incubator. The social network has made numerous other investments there, including launching satellites to help deliver internet access to sub-Sahara Africa. According to recent reports, Russia is eyeing investments in East Africa and the Chinese have spent billions on infrastructure and other projects there. Here's Why Ramadan Is The Best Time To Quit Smoking Wellness lekhaka-Janhavi Patel Ramadan or Ramazan is the 9th month of the Islamic Calendar. It lasts for 28-30 days, depending on the visual sighting of the moon. It is one of the Five Pillars of Islam - 1. Shahada - Faith 2. Salah - Prayer 3. Zakat - Charity 4. Sawm - Fasting 5. Hajj - Pilgrimage to Mecca Fasting is considered obligatory for all Muslims with exceptions for those suffering an illness, pregnant women, the elderly, people who are travelling, and women who are menstruating. Muslims refrain from drinking any liquid, eating, smoking, or engaging in any sinful behaviour, anger, false speech, sexual relations, etc. from dawn to dusk. There is a deeper meaning to Ramadan than the fast itself. It encourages each individual to change for the better, get rid of bad habits, organize and refine one's life, and free it from indolence and monotony. Smoking tobacco is the largest killer, even bigger than alcohol. It has been estimated in the last five years that the rate of death due to smoking is twice as that of because of alcohol. The statistics show that 3 million people die due to consumption of alcohol, whereas 6 million die due to smoking. In addition to this, many others in the count of millions acquire lung diseases, cancers, lung cancer, cirrhosis of the liver, coronary diseases, cancer of the mouth, pharynx, and larynx and other fatal heart diseases, all because of smoking. The industry that manufactures various types of cigarettes earn in billions and much more, all from the pockets of those who are willingly paying for their death. Health is considered as God's gift to man as described by Prophet Mohammed. Without good health, man is nothing and his life is meaningless. Health is not just the absence of disease or ailment in a body, it's a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being. Islam gives a lot of importance to health. It divides human acts into the following categories - 1. Halal - Permissible 2. Fardh - Obligatory 3. Mustahab - Desirable 4. Haram - Prohibited 5. Makruh - Undesirable This categorization is important because we see the importance that Islam gives to health. The Quran allows what is good and completely forbids what is bad. It allows what is good for the body and society in general. It has declared certain things and practices to be undesirable that are not necessarily fatal but do harm the health in some way. It has also declared items and practices prohibited that in no way contribute to good health but instead lead you to acquire a fatal disease. "O you who have believed, do not consume one another's wealth unjustly but only [in lawful] business by mutual consent. And do not kill yourselves. Indeed, Allah is to you ever Merciful." (Al-Baqara, 2: 29). Drinking alcohol and drugs directly fall into Haram, the prohibited category. Whereas smoking is something that is still not prohibited and people take advantage of that. Ramadan tests your willpower when you get a chance to give up an addiction. And not smoking for 15 hours straight with no food and no water is really a true test of your willpower. But this also shows you that it is not something that cannot be given up; it is not something that you would die without. And as we all know that it's not easy to give up smoking immediately, one precautionary step that can be incorporated before Ramadan begins is reduce your smoking bit by bit. This should help you completely quit once you begin with this holy fast. This is because even a non-believer in Muslims holds the fast of Ramadan very dear. This is because it is supposed to be the time when all gates to hell are closed and the gateway to heaven is all ready to welcome you. And who doesn't want to go to heaven? Quran has stated that it allows all things that are good and wholesome and it only bans that which is harmful. It bans that which causes death and bad health. "And spend in the way of Allah and do not throw [yourselves] with your [own] hands into destruction. And do good; indeed, Allah loves the doers of good." (Al-Baqara, 2: 195). After all, this is what the Quran states, so how can smoking still fall under Halal? Ramadan is thus considered the best time for a smoker to give up this fatal habit and once again walk on the path of good health. How Can It Be Done? Small steps need to be taken to do so. As mentioned earlier, reduce smoking before Ramadan begins. It all begins with making a firm decision to quit. Know that this is a holy month that encourages you to promote good health, and what's a better way than give up the silent killer? Set a time frame for yourself, and don't postpone it; this will make your decision to quit firmer. Stay in the company of those who will encourage you instead of telling you that one smoke a day is not very harmful. Stay around family who are also fasting and giving up a bad habit; it will motivate you to stay on track. Above all, know that what you are giving up is just like closing the doors to complications in your body. Motivate yourself and others close to you to do the same. It is not easy because there will be phases where the nicotine is still in your system and that will make you want to go back and smoke. Seek professional help if required or just devise a plan of your own to go through with this. Don't be afraid of things like counselling and group therapy. These sessions will help you meet people who have done this before and that's just more motivation to quit. Quit smoking. Quit the killer. Do You Donate Blood? Here Are The Benefits And Risks Of Blood Donation Wellness oi-Amritha K Every year, 14 June is observed as World Blood Donor Day. A joint initiative of the World Health Organization, the International Federation of Red Cross and Red Crescent Societies, the day was first observed in 2004 and aims to raise awareness of the need for safe blood and blood products and to thank blood donors for their voluntary, life-saving gifts of blood. It was declared as an annual global event in the 58th World Health Assembly in 2005. World Blood Donor Day is one of 11 official global public health campaigns marked by the World Health Organization (WHO), along with World Health Day, World Chagas Disease Day, World Tuberculosis Day, World Immunization Week, World Patient Safety Day, World Malaria Day, World No Tobacco Day, World Hepatitis Day, World Antimicrobial Awareness Week and World AIDS Day. For 2021, the World Blood Donor Day theme is 'Give Blood and Keep the World Beating'. The message highlights the essential contribution blood donors make to keeping the world pulsating by saving lives and improving others' health. The World Health Organization (WHO) stresses the importance of voluntary blood donation, pointing out that one donation can save as many as three lives. Apart from being used as whole blood, it can also be separated into different components - red blood cells, blood platelets or plasma, etc. and used for treating several diseases [1]. There are three types of blood donors, voluntary, paid and family or replacement [2]. The fact that you feel tired and sick after you have donated blood is only a temporary feeling. But in the long run, there are some serious health benefits of donating blood, with the central one being the balancing of the iron levels in your body [3]. Weak Digestion: Symptoms, Causes And Home Remedies Blood products and blood transfusions help save millions of lives every year and can help patients suffering from life-threatening diseases. Reports suggest that each day, thousands of people need donated blood and blood products to stay alive and healthy [4]. A blood donor's age must be between 18-60 years and their weight should be more than 45 kgs to be able to donate blood. And, one has to wait for 56 days or 8 weeks between whole blood donations. Apart from the selfless act of saving a life, donating blood may also have benefits for the donor. Let's take a look. Health Benefits Of Donating Blood Here is a list of benefits a donor can reap from the process of blood donation. 1. Promotes Heart Health Blood donation helps in maintaining the iron levels and reduces the risk of cardiovascular problems and also help maintain your heart rhythms. By keeping the iron levels in check, blood donations help reduce the risk of developing heart diseases as well [5]. 2. Prevents Hemochromatosis One of the major health benefits of donating blood includes reducing the risk of hemochromatosis. It is a health condition that arises due to excess absorption of iron by the body. This condition is either inherited or may be caused due to alcoholism, anaemia, and other disorders. Regular blood donation will reduce iron overload in the body [6]. 3. Reduces Risk For Liver Damage When the iron level in your body is in excess, it increases the risk for liver failure and damage to the pancreas [7]. Hence, donating blood helps in getting rid of the extra iron; and this, in turn, helps reduce the risk for liver and pancreas damage. 6 Best Foods For Liver Cancer 4. Manages Blood Pressure One of the other critical benefits of donating blood is the impact it has on controlling high blood pressure levels [8]. When you donate blood, the volume of blood is balanced, thereby preventing the increase in blood pressure. So, a healthy heart is good to prevent cardiovascular diseases. 10 Effective Home Remedies For Low Blood Pressure (Hypotension) 5. Stimulates Blood Cell Production One of the other central health benefits of blood donation is that it helps stimulate the production of new blood cells, which make up for the blood loss and thus help in maintaining your overall health and well-being [9]. 6. Burns Calories According to the University of California, one can burn approximately 650 calories per donation of one pint of blood [10]. Regular blood donors lose weight while in the process and this is helpful for those who are obese and are at a higher risk of cardiovascular diseases and other health disorders. Because it helps burn those extra calories in your body [11]. However, frequent blood donation isn't advisable as a way to lose weight. 7. May Reduce Cancer Risk Lower levels of iron in the body reduce the risks of developing cancer symptoms. Chances of suffering from cancer especially colon, lung, liver, throat and lung cancer are lower if you donate blood [12]. A reduction in the iron level in the body is linked to low cancer risk. 10 Dangerous Habits That May Cause Cancer Apart from these major health benefits, donating blood can help reduce stress, improve your emotional well-being, benefit your physical health, help get rid of negative feelings, provide a sense of belonging and reduce isolation [13]. Side Effects Of Donating Blood The procedure of blood donation is safe for adults who are healthy. However, there are some minor side effects that could occur. Such as [14]: bruising, continued bleeding, dizziness, light-headedness, nausea, pain, and physical weakness. These side effects will only last for a few minutes. But, if you are experiencing the following even after taking proper rest, you should immediately call the blood donation centre or go to a hospital [15]. Lightheadedness, dizziness and nausea even after eating, drinking and resting A raised bump or continued bleeding at the needle site Pain, numbness or tingling in the arm What To Do Before Blood Donation At least a few weeks before you donate blood, ensure that you are eating a healthy amount of iron-rich foods such as seafood, meat, spinach, beans, and sweet potatoes. This will prevent the risk of having low haemoglobin levels [16]. Before you donate blood, you will be asked to fill out a form that has questions about your medical history. This includes whether you have any risk of blood-borne infections, if you are taking any kind of medications, or if you have any nutrient deficiency and so on. After this, a blood sample will be collected from you to rule out any unwanted conditions such as anaemia or blood pressure. If your blood sample turns out positive, the doctor will allow you to donate blood [17]. What To Do During Blood Donation You will be asked to sit or lie down comfortably. An antiseptic solution will be used to clean your arm and a blood pressure cuff will be placed around your upper arm to fill your veins with more blood and make it visible. Then, a sterile needle is inserted into the vein in your arm, which has a plastic tube attached to it that will help draw blood into the blood bag. Only about 400 ml of blood is extracted from the body and this whole process takes about 15 minutes [18][19]. After it is complete, the needle is removed and a small bandage is placed on the area. What To Do After Blood Donation After you have donated blood, keep your arm extended facing upwards to avoid bruising, swelling, blood clot and pain. You can eat a light snack if you want and avoid performing any physical activity in the next 24 hours. Your blood levels will get back to normal after 2-3 weeks. So, therefore to help your body recover quickly here are some tips to follow after donating blood [20]. Drink plenty of water Avoid fatty foods Wear comfortable clothes Avoid smoking and drinking alcohol If you feel dizziness, discomfort or pain, consult a doctor immediately Back Pain: Causes, Symptoms, Risk Factors, Diagnosis And Treatment On A Final Note While donating blood, ensure that you donate it in a specialised medical care centre which practices ultra-safe methods to ensure that you are safe in the process of the donation. All donated blood products are screened for HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis c and syphilis before transfusion. Consequently, the gift of blood is the gift of life. Username: Password: or Register Thread Rating: 3 Vote(s) - 3.67 Average 1 2 3 4 5 Page: 1 2 3 Trump Claims He Will Punish The People Of Canada LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 445179 06-14-2018 04:12 PM Post: #1 Trump Claims He Will Punish The People Of Canada Advertisement https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2018/...ummit.html Time to ban maple syrup from entering the USA. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 445870 06-14-2018 04:16 PM Post: #2 RE: Trump Claims He Will Punish The People Of Canada Now that North Korea is most favoured nation Trump is looking to replace it with Canada in the axis of evil. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 357594 06-14-2018 04:25 PM Post: #3 RE: Trump Claims He Will Punish The People Of Canada LoP Guest Wrote: (06-14-2018 04:16 PM) Now that North Korea is most favoured nation Trump is looking to replace it with Canada in the axis of evil. We don't have to travel too far to get to Canada. Trump is always trying to save us money.... We don't have to travel too far to get to Canada. Trump is always trying to save us money.... Jb lop guest User ID: 442914 06-14-2018 04:30 PM Post: #4 RE: Trump Claims He Will Punish The People Of Canada LoP Guest Wrote: (06-14-2018 04:12 PM) Time to ban maple syrup from entering the USA. https://www.thestar.com/news/world/2018/...ummit.html Sticks and stones.. Sticks and stones.. pooky Registered User User ID: 375879 06-14-2018 04:31 PM Posts: 5,965 Post: #5 RE: Trump Claims He Will Punish The People Of Canada Trump claims he's going to PUNISH the people of Canada? Do you have that quote? Lobster Boy Registered User User ID: 176474 06-14-2018 04:31 PM Posts: 1,148 Post: #6 RE: Trump Claims He Will Punish The People Of Canada Putting maple syrup in sausages was the absolute last straw! Jb lop guest User ID: 442914 06-14-2018 04:32 PM Post: #7 RE: Trump Claims He Will Punish The People Of Canada America is playing with fire.. Lobster Boy Registered User User ID: 176474 06-14-2018 04:33 PM Posts: 1,148 Post: #8 RE: Trump Claims He Will Punish The People Of Canada pooky Wrote: (06-14-2018 04:31 PM) Trump claims he's going to PUNISH the people of Canada? Do you have that quote? Of course, he/she/it doesn't. They're just beaking off and throwing sh*t at the walls to see what sticks. Of course, he/she/it doesn't. They're just beaking off and throwing sh*t at the walls to see what sticks. Jb lop guest User ID: 442914 06-14-2018 04:35 PM Post: #9 RE: Trump Claims He Will Punish The People Of Canada There is a reason why Canada is one of the tamest countries in the world.. Jb lop guest User ID: 442914 06-14-2018 04:37 PM Post: #10 RE: Trump Claims He Will Punish The People Of Canada All that military doesn't mean a damn thing, it's quite amusing really. chuck Registered User User ID: 441559 06-14-2018 04:38 PM Posts: 1,560 Post: #11 RE: Trump Claims He Will Punish The People Of Canada I doubt Americans bought too much Canadian maple syrup, it is pricy. Americans love their Aunt Jemima corn syrup most. (This post was last modified: 06-14-2018 04:51 PM by chuck .) chuck Registered User User ID: 441559 06-14-2018 04:40 PM Posts: 1,560 Post: #12 RE: Trump Claims He Will Punish The People Of Canada Jb Wrote: (06-14-2018 04:35 PM) There is a reason why Canada is one of the tamest countries in the world.. Please do tell. Please do tell. Jb lop guest User ID: 442914 06-14-2018 04:42 PM Post: #13 RE: Trump Claims He Will Punish The People Of Canada chuck Wrote: (06-14-2018 04:40 PM) Jb Wrote: (06-14-2018 04:35 PM) There is a reason why Canada is one of the tamest countries in the world.. Please do tell. Lol..I don't know. I don't f*#k about countries..I just like to put out random quotes with my morning coffee.. Lol..I don't know. I don't f*#k about countries..I just like to put out random quotes with my morning coffee.. chuck Registered User User ID: 441559 06-14-2018 04:49 PM Posts: 1,560 Post: #14 RE: Trump Claims He Will Punish The People Of Canada pooky Wrote: (06-14-2018 04:31 PM) Trump claims he's going to PUNISH the people of Canada? Do you have that quote? WASHINGTON and OTTAWAEscalating his attack on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, U.S. President Donald Trump is now pledging to punish the people of Canada economically because of the post-G7 news conference in which Trudeau criticized Trumps tariffs. WASHINGTON and OTTAWAEscalating his attack on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, U.S. President Donald Trump is now pledging to punish the people of Canada economically because of the post-G7 news conference in which Trudeau criticized Trumps tariffs. chuck Registered User User ID: 441559 06-14-2018 04:50 PM Posts: 1,560 Post: #15 RE: Trump Claims He Will Punish The People Of Canada Jb Wrote: (06-14-2018 04:42 PM) chuck Wrote: (06-14-2018 04:40 PM) Please do tell. Lol..I don't know. I don't f*#k about countries..I just like to put out random quotes with my morning coffee.. ok ok Advertisement Username: Password: or Register Thread Rating: 0 Vote(s) - 0 Average 1 2 3 4 5 Page: 1 2 German Interior Minister forms 'axis' with Austria, Italy against Merkel LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 434171 06-14-2018 08:09 PM Post: #1 German Interior Minister forms 'axis' with Austria, Italy against Merkel Advertisement The announcement by Kurz in Berlin after talks with German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer marks a shot across the bow at Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is trying to pull together a deal for EU cooperation on placing asylum seekers. Seehofer - who is locked in an open migration feud with Merkel that is threatening the stability of her coalition government - said that he and his far-right Austrian and Italian counterparts, Herbert Kickl and Matteo Salvini, had formed their alliance this week. He said their cooperation would extend to "issues of security and terrorism" but did not offer specifics on what it would entail. Kurz, whose country assumes the EU's rotating presidency on July 1st, said he welcomed the "good cooperation that we want to develop between Rome, Vienna and Berlin". "I think it marks very sensible cooperation that will contribute to reducing illegal migration to Europe," Kurz told reporters. "We believe an axis of the willing is needed to fight illegal migration." https://www.thelocal.de/20180613/german-...nst-merkel The hardline interior ministers of Austria, Germany and Italy have formed an "axis of the willing" to combat illegal immigration, Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said Wednesday, escalating a Europe-wide row over the issue.The announcement by Kurz in Berlin after talks with German Interior Minister Horst Seehofer marks a shot across the bow at Chancellor Angela Merkel, who is trying to pull together a deal for EU cooperation on placing asylum seekers.Seehofer - who is locked in an open migration feud with Merkel that is threatening the stability of her coalition government - said that he and his far-right Austrian and Italian counterparts, Herbert Kickl and Matteo Salvini, had formed their alliance this week.He said their cooperation would extend to "issues of security and terrorism" but did not offer specifics on what it would entail.Kurz, whose country assumes the EU's rotating presidency on July 1st, said he welcomed the "good cooperation that we want to develop between Rome, Vienna and Berlin"."I think it marks very sensible cooperation that will contribute to reducing illegal migration to Europe," Kurz told reporters. "We believe an axis of the willing is needed to fight illegal migration." LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 434171 06-14-2018 08:13 PM Post: #2 RE: German Interior Minister forms 'axis' with Austria, Italy against Merkel Germany's conservative spam may be coming apart at the seams, as its Bavarian wing lines up behind Interior Minister Horst Seehofer and against the chancellor. It's the greatest challenge ever to Merkel's authority. Speaking to reporters after separate emergency meetings of Chancellor Angela Merkel's CDU and the Bavarian conservative CSU, regional CSU leader Alexander Dobrindt was "100 percent" in support of Interior Minister Horst Seehofer's so-called master plan for migration. That includes turning away some people at Germany's nation border something Merkel has explicitly ruled out. An unprecedented rebellion against Merkel In one sense, this is a clash over policy. But on a deeper level it is nothing less than a struggle for control of conservatism in Germany. Seehofer, who is also the CSU chairman, and Bavarian State Premier Markus Soder may argue that tighter migration policies are a necessity if the CSU wants to preserve its absolute majority in October's regional Bavarian election. But the many conservatives from Bavaria and beyond have also long been unhappy about Merkel's welcoming stance toward migrants and chafed under the political predominance of the four-time chancellor. Seehofer reportedly threatened to use his position as interior minister to order border checks, if necessary, over Merkel's opposition, even before Thursday's impasse. Merkel is said to have asked for two weeks' time in the hopes that she can negotiate an acceptable alternative, perhaps by enhancing the EU's Border Control Agency, Frontex, when EU leaders come together in Brussels on June 28 and 29. But thus far there has been no sign that the CSU is willing to give Merkel the leeway she desires. http://www.dw.com/en/bavarian-conservati...a-44221670 Bavarian conservative CSU defies Angela Merkel on migration policyGermany's conservative spam may be coming apart at the seams, as its Bavarian wing lines up behind Interior Minister Horst Seehofer and against the chancellor. It's the greatest challenge ever to Merkel's authority.Speaking to reporters after separate emergency meetings of Chancellor Angela Merkel's CDU and the Bavarian conservative CSU, regional CSU leader Alexander Dobrindt was "100 percent" in support of Interior Minister Horst Seehofer's so-called master plan for migration. That includes turning away some people at Germany's nation border something Merkel has explicitly ruled out.An unprecedented rebellion against MerkelIn one sense, this is a clash over policy. But on a deeper level it is nothing less than a struggle for control of conservatism in Germany.Seehofer, who is also the CSU chairman, and Bavarian State Premier Markus Soder may argue that tighter migration policies are a necessity if the CSU wants to preserve its absolute majority in October's regional Bavarian election. But the many conservatives from Bavaria and beyond have also long been unhappy about Merkel's welcoming stance toward migrants and chafed under the political predominance of the four-time chancellor.Seehofer reportedly threatened to use his position as interior minister to order border checks, if necessary, over Merkel's opposition, even before Thursday's impasse. Merkel is said to have asked for two weeks' time in the hopes that she can negotiate an acceptable alternative, perhaps by enhancing the EU's Border Control Agency, Frontex, when EU leaders come together in Brussels on June 28 and 29.But thus far there has been no sign that the CSU is willing to give Merkel the leeway she desires. singing spider terrarising the 'hood User ID: 446001 06-14-2018 08:22 PM Posts: 21,101 Post: #3 RE: German Interior Minister forms 'axis' with Austria, Italy against Merkel Merkel never really understood West German conservatism she ignored and underestimated the right wing, pushed them too far to her definition of middle she weakened the moderate left but also her own base https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=92i5m3tV5XY nobody starts at point zero 44575 lop guest User ID: 442085 06-14-2018 08:33 PM Post: #4 RE: German Interior Minister forms 'axis' with Austria, Italy against Merkel LoP Guest Wrote: (06-14-2018 08:13 PM) Bavarian conservative CSU defies Angela Merkel on migration policy Germany's conservative spam may be coming apart at the seams, as its Bavarian wing lines up behind Interior Minister Horst Seehofer and against the chancellor. It's the greatest challenge ever to Merkel's authority. ... http://www.dw.com/en/bavarian-conservati...a-44221670 see also: "Greatest challenge ever to Merkel's authority." https://lunaticoutpost.com/thread-37583.html see also: "Greatest challenge ever to Merkel's authority." LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 445870 06-14-2018 08:34 PM Post: #5 RE: German Interior Minister forms 'axis' with Austria, Italy against Merkel An Axis of the Germans, Austrians and Italians to combat a perceived threat that hordes of non Aryans pose to the Fatherland, what could possibly go wrong with that plan? LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 441712 06-14-2018 08:35 PM Post: #6 RE: German Interior Minister forms 'axis' with Austria, Italy against Merkel LoP Guest Wrote: (06-14-2018 08:34 PM) An Axis of the Germans, Austrians and Italians to combat a perceived threat that hordes of non Aryans pose to the Fatherland, what could possibly go wrong with that plan? Add Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia to the mix. Add Czech Republic, Hungary, and Slovakia to the mix. Uppity Me Registered User User ID: 443267 06-14-2018 08:41 PM Posts: 37,162 Post: #7 RE: German Interior Minister forms 'axis' with Austria, Italy against Merkel Blitzkreig the old b!tch Quote: Les pauvres n'ont-ils des Euros ? Alors laissez les pauvres 'sh*t' dans les rues Uppity Me Registered User User ID: 443267 06-14-2018 08:42 PM Posts: 37,162 Post: #8 RE: German Interior Minister forms 'axis' with Austria, Italy against Merkel Why do Germans like Merkel? Please explain Quote: Les pauvres n'ont-ils des Euros ? Alors laissez les pauvres 'sh*t' dans les rues LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 434171 06-14-2018 08:49 PM Post: #9 RE: German Interior Minister forms 'axis' with Austria, Italy against Merkel Uppity Me Wrote: (06-14-2018 08:42 PM) Why do Germans like Merkel? Please explain Voting fraud? Voting fraud? Godless Heathen lop guest User ID: 446050 06-14-2018 09:01 PM Post: #10 RE: German Interior Minister forms 'axis' with Austria, Italy against Merkel LoP Guest Wrote: (06-14-2018 08:34 PM) An Axis of the Germans, Austrians and Italians to combat a perceived threat that hordes of non Aryans pose to the Fatherland, what could possibly go wrong with that plan? A critical difference between the events of the past and the situation now is that this is not opposing a group of people who had been part of Europe for almost 2000 years and were integrated into culture, but against an aggressive group of people with a philosophy of life radically different than that of the European population. One that is disdainful of the native culture and would eradicate it if given the chance. Sorta like what happened in the western hemisphere when Europeans started to move to those lands in great numbers. Those native inhabitants did not have the numbers or technological sophistication to successfully resist, although they had the will. Europeans now have both the numbers & the tech, but many are lacking the will. The folks forming these new international alliances have the will & tech, they just need the numbers. A critical difference between the events of the past and the situation now is that this is not opposing a group of people who had been part of Europe for almost 2000 years and were integrated into culture, but against an aggressive group of people with a philosophy of life radically different than that of the European population. One that is disdainful of the native culture and would eradicate it if given the chance.Sorta like what happened in the western hemisphere when Europeans started to move to those lands in great numbers. Those native inhabitants did not have the numbers or technological sophistication to successfully resist, although they had the will. Europeans now have both the numbers & the tech, but many are lacking the will.The folks forming these new international alliances have the will & tech, they just need the numbers. TicklePickle Registered User User ID: 395624 06-14-2018 09:10 PM Posts: 1,352 Post: #11 RE: German Interior Minister forms 'axis' with Austria, Italy against Merkel LoP Guest Wrote: (06-14-2018 08:34 PM) An Axis of the Germans, Austrians and Italians to combat a perceived threat that hordes of non Aryans pose to the Fatherland, what could possibly go wrong with that plan? They could potentially lose and the non-aryans would slowly take over Europe and make it a dumber and much less desirable place to live. They could potentially lose and the non-aryans would slowly take over Europe and make it a dumber and much less desirable place to live. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 445870 06-14-2018 09:15 PM Post: #12 RE: German Interior Minister forms 'axis' with Austria, Italy against Merkel Godless Heathen Wrote: (06-14-2018 09:01 PM) LoP Guest Wrote: (06-14-2018 08:34 PM) An Axis of the Germans, Austrians and Italians to combat a perceived threat that hordes of non Aryans pose to the Fatherland, what could possibly go wrong with that plan? A critical difference between the events of the past and the situation now is that this is not opposing a group of people who had been part of Europe for almost 2000 years and were integrated into culture, but against an aggressive group of people with a philosophy of life radically different than that of the European population. One that is disdainful of the native culture and would eradicate it if given the chance.. Kinda like a giant swarm of rats? https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U2Iazwru7yE Kinda like a giant swarm of rats? LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 441763 06-14-2018 09:19 PM Post: #13 RE: German Interior Minister forms 'axis' with Austria, Italy against Merkel They want to stop foreigners. But then they sometimes also wanna disintegrate Europe. Which is dangerous. TicklePickle Registered User User ID: 395624 06-14-2018 09:22 PM Posts: 1,352 Post: #14 RE: German Interior Minister forms 'axis' with Austria, Italy against Merkel LoP Guest Wrote: (06-14-2018 09:19 PM) They want to stop foreigners. But then they sometimes also wanna disintegrate Europe. Which is dangerous. What do you mean by "disintegrate Europe"? What do you mean by "disintegrate Europe"? LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 446053 06-14-2018 09:23 PM Post: #15 RE: German Interior Minister forms 'axis' with Austria, Italy against Merkel Parliaments are a idiotic form of government. Merkel is a childless very sexy lady Advertisement Username: Password: or Register Thread Rating: 2 Vote(s) - 3 Average 1 2 3 4 5 IDF General Warns Iran Is Preparing to Attack Israel from Syria LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 389303 06-15-2018 12:40 AM Post: #1 IDF General Warns Iran Is Preparing to Attack Israel from Syria Advertisement Hyman showed the crowd of foreign security officials a map of suspected Iranian bases in Syria. The leaked video wasn't of a high-enough quality to pick it up, but it "showed them spread throughout the country," according to the Times of Israel. The video was shot apparently in secret at a homeland security conference held in Jerusalem by Israeli Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan during the week of June 11. "You probably think it's because they are trying to help the Assad regime fight extremists, fight terror. Well, get ready for a surprise: In all these places on the map there has been no fighting going on for half a month," Hyman said while showcasing the map. He said Iran is "trying to increase that effort of ability and capability to launch rockets from there and to establish cells of their own that can penetrate Israel and harm the villages in the Golan Heights." The Golan Heights in Syria have been illegally occupied by the Israeli government the 1967 Six Day War. There, villagers have complained to Western media, Israel is materially supporting the Islamist group Jabhat al-Nusra, also known as al-Qaeda in Syria. Israel, for its part, has admitted to medically treating anti-government fighters in the region. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the official ceremony for Israel's Memorial Day for fallen soldiers, at the National Memorial Hall for Israel's Fallen, in Mt. Herzl Military Cemetery, Jerusalem, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. https://sputniknews.com/middleeast/20180...ael-Syria/ Leaked video from a meeting between Israels head of Military Intelligence, Maj. Gen. Tamir Hyman, and a number of foreign security ministers shows him warning them that Irans presence in Syria isnt meant to support Syrian President Bashar al-Assads battle against terrorists, but instead to threaten Israel.Hyman showed the crowd of foreign security officials a map of suspected Iranian bases in Syria. The leaked video wasn't of a high-enough quality to pick it up, but it "showed them spread throughout the country," according to the Times of Israel. The video was shot apparently in secret at a homeland security conference held in Jerusalem by Israeli Public Security Minister Gilad Erdan during the week of June 11."You probably think it's because they are trying to help the Assad regime fight extremists, fight terror. Well, get ready for a surprise: In all these places on the map there has been no fighting going on for half a month," Hyman said while showcasing the map.He said Iran is "trying to increase that effort of ability and capability to launch rockets from there and to establish cells of their own that can penetrate Israel and harm the villages in the Golan Heights."The Golan Heights in Syria have been illegally occupied by the Israeli government the 1967 Six Day War. There, villagers have complained to Western media, Israel is materially supporting the Islamist group Jabhat al-Nusra, also known as al-Qaeda in Syria. Israel, for its part, has admitted to medically treating anti-government fighters in the region.Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu speaks at the official ceremony for Israel's Memorial Day for fallen soldiers, at the National Memorial Hall for Israel's Fallen, in Mt. Herzl Military Cemetery, Jerusalem, Wednesday, April 18, 2018. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 442496 06-15-2018 12:44 AM Post: #2 RE: IDF General Warns Iran Is Preparing to Attack Israel from Syria What goes around comes around. As you sow, so shall you reap. Old Lady Karma looking to pay Israel a visit sooner or later. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 445357 06-15-2018 01:21 AM Post: #3 RE: IDF General Warns Iran Is Preparing to Attack Israel from Syria If you believe anything an Israeli says you do so at your peril. "By deception we shall wage war" The False Flag Capital of the world. RiskyRob ( Lop V.I.P.) User ID: 446043 06-15-2018 01:26 AM Posts: 8,137 Post: #4 RE: IDF General Warns Iran Is Preparing to Attack Israel from Syria I think Israel has assurances from Putin that if a fight starts, Syria and Russia won't get involved. Iran is stretched pretty thin, with military now involved in three separate conflicts. It's possible that Saudi Arabia will also escalate and go all out against Iran if things heat up on Israel's border. The Iranian people are also unhappy with the current Theocracy, and could start a domestic uprising if the conflict begins raging. Ascended Master LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 442496 06-15-2018 01:28 AM Post: #5 RE: IDF General Warns Iran Is Preparing to Attack Israel from Syria RiskyRob Wrote: (06-15-2018 01:26 AM) I think Israel has assurances from Putin that if a fight starts, Syria and Russia won't get involved. Iran is stretched pretty thin, with military now involved in three separate conflicts. It's possible that Saudi Arabia will also escalate and go all out against Iran if things heat up on Israel's border. The Iranian people are also unhappy with the current Theocracy, and could start a domestic uprising if the conflict begins raging. Was only a matter of time till SqueakyBob showed up to parade for Israhell. Was only a matter of time till SqueakyBob showed up to parade for Israhell. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 445243 06-15-2018 01:29 AM Post: #6 RE: IDF General Warns Iran Is Preparing to Attack Israel from Syria Look at all the f*cks I do not give. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 445243 06-15-2018 01:31 AM Post: #7 RE: IDF General Warns Iran Is Preparing to Attack Israel from Syria Europe and America went down the drain for the sake of them. I ain't coming to the rescue. RiskyRob ( Lop V.I.P.) User ID: 446043 06-15-2018 01:40 AM Posts: 8,137 Post: #8 RE: IDF General Warns Iran Is Preparing to Attack Israel from Syria LoP Guest Wrote: (06-15-2018 01:28 AM) Was only a matter of time till user: 442496 exposed Tommy Robinson as a MOSSAD Agent! Do you realize that you're the laughing stock of LoP? We're bashing dumb drunks like you, right now, on a different thread. Do you realize that you're the laughing stock of LoP? We're bashing dumb drunks like you, right now, on a different thread. Ascended Master LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 435792 06-15-2018 01:41 AM Post: #9 RE: IDF General Warns Iran Is Preparing to Attack Israel from Syria LoP Guest Wrote: (06-15-2018 01:29 AM) Look at all the f*cks I do not give. This^ This^ LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 375473 06-15-2018 01:41 AM Post: #10 RE: IDF General Warns Iran Is Preparing to Attack Israel from Syria Get some Iran Level it and turn it into a parking lot. LoP Guest lop guest User ID: 442496 06-15-2018 01:46 AM Post: #11 RE: IDF General Warns Iran Is Preparing to Attack Israel from Syria RiskyRob Wrote: (06-15-2018 01:40 AM) LoP Guest Wrote: (06-15-2018 01:28 AM) Was only a matter of time till user: 442496 exposed Tommy Robinson as a MOSSAD Agent! Do you realize that you're the laughing stock of LoP? We're bashing dumb drunks like you, right now, on a different thread. Just means i'm hitting at some real truth. Glad you're a fan of my threads. Just means i'm hitting at some real truth.Glad you're a fan of my threads. By David Raleigh Up to 100 jobs at a Limerick-based online shopping retailer are under severe threat after its owners confirmed it is to divest the company. Gilt Groupe, which employs 93 staff at the National Technological Park, Plassey, is to offer a statutory redundancy package consisting of four weeks pay per year of service, sources said. Rue La La has acquired the company from its Canadian parent firm, Hudsons Bay Company. A spokesman for HBC confirmed operations are to be streamlined as part of a restructuring plan. As part of the actions taken to strengthen the foundation of the Company and position HBC for profitable growth, we have made the decision to divest Gilt, stated the spokesman for HBC. We are pleased to have found homes for the Gilt businesses in the U.S. and Japan that are more synergistic with Gilts core operating model. These transactions will allow us to focus time and resources on growth drivers that will have the greatest impact on our results. As shared previously, we announced our decision to enter a consultation phase to explore the potential consolidation of customer contact center operations, as we consider ways in which we might simplify our processes, streamline operations and create efficiencies. Rue La La did not respond to questions about the future of Gilts operation in Limerick. When contacted, a spokeswoman for Rue La La replied: Thank you for reaching out. We suggest you connect with Hudson's Bay Company (HBC) for the responses you are looking for. Meanwhile, a Limerick-based employment and welfare rights officer, Frank McDonnell, described the terms of the proposed redundancy package as disappointing. The only part of redundancy that is protected by legislation is the statutory element. So, (any) other redundancy or gratuity or whatever you want to call it, is by way of the goodwill from a company. If a company were looking for a number of redundancies then they would offer an enhanced package, but I have a fear that all 93 jobs there are gone, Mr McDonnell told local radio station Limericks Live 95FM. By Ann O'Loughlin An application by AIB for summary judgement of over 2.6m against a South Dublin couple has been dismissed by the High Court. Mr Justice Donald Binchy ruled Kevin and Gillian O'Brien of Clonfadda Wood, Mount Merrion Avenue, Blackrock, Co Dublin had raised an arguable defence against the bank's claim, and the matter should now go for a full hearing. AIB Mortgage Bank and AIB PLC claimed it advanced monies to the couple, which the court found were used for purposes including the 2.5m purchase of a property located beside their former home. The bank claims the couple allegedly breached the terms of loan facilities offered in 2010. While some monies had been repaid AIB claimed 2.6m remains outstanding. The O'Briens said they have an arguable defence to the claims, which should go to a plenary hearing of the court. Mr O'Brien, represented by Venetia Taylor BL, argued the monies at the centre of the dispute were advanced in 2006 and in 2008, and funds were not drawn down from the bank in 2010. On that basis, the loan agreements are void due to a want of consideration. Mr O'Brien who is a solicitor, also argued AIB failed to honour an oral agreement to advance him additional funds so Mr O'Brien could build an extension to the property he moved into and his ability to sell his former home was delayed. That delay, he claimed, meant he was forced to sell at the very bottom of the property market. He also claims the bank failed to comply with the code of conduct of mortgage arrears. The property was acquired because unlike their former home it was suitable for an extension. The couple moved into their new home in late 2007, and as agreed with the bank, their former home was put up for sale. Due to the financial crash, there was a delay in selling their former home, which was sold in 2012 for 760,000. Mr O'Brien said that during that period his former home was rented, and that money was paid to the bank to reduce his arrears. He also claims that in 2008 he wanted to sell the house for 1m, but the bank refused to allow him to accept that bid because it was a "vulture price." Mrs O'Brien's lawyers sought to have the case remitted on grounds including that she was subjected to undue influence in relation to the loan negotiations. AIB rejected the couple's claims that they had raised an arguable defence to its claim for summary judgment. The bank said that as part of internal bank exercise the loans advanced to the couple were categorised as being subject to agreements in 2010. In his decision, Mr Justice Binchy in dismissing the bank's application said that monies were advanced to the couple in 2006. The judge said that the exercise that the parties engaged in 2010 was a very common practice in the years following the financial crisis. In this case, the reasons were not put forward by the plaintiffs, and in these proceedings, the transactions were characterised by the defendants in the manner described above, i.e. that the provision of the 2010 facilities by the plaintiffs amounted to no more than an internal bank exercise. While the bank said this amounted no more than an internal exercise, and can point to credits and debits on paper the Judge said the fact was no new funds were advanced or drawn down by the couple in 2010. The judge said that was some substance to the defence there was an absence of consideration in connection with the 2010 facilities. On that basis, the judge said it was appropriate that the case go forward for plenary hearing. By Padraig Hoare The chair of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) believes there is a window of opportunity to make the economy more resilient to shocks, with it operating at near full growth potential. Seamus Coffey told the Budgetary Oversight Committee that the debt burden is still among the highest in the OECD and is understated by standard GDP comparisons. While the immediate outlook is favourable, negative shocks will inevitably occur in future. There are clear downside risks over the medium term Brexit, US trade policy and the international tax environment to name but a few, Mr Coffey said. He said that staying within the forecasts of between 3% and 3.5% economic growth range in the coming years was sustainable, but that over the past 50 years, it was only successfully done around a third of the time. IFAC member Michael Tutty concurred, saying that the real way to avoid an economy overheating was to avoid spending too much when the economy was performing strongly, as well as reducing debt levels. Mr Tutty warned against relying on hikes in commercial stamp duty in the last budget as a long-term source of revenue. Mr Coffey said he did not necessarily concur with the Public Accounts Committee (PAC) report that corporation tax posed an unacceptable risk to the economy. No doubt it is better to receive this money than not. Just to identify it as a risk should be fine, he told TDs and senators. Olivia Kelleher A visually impaired boy who presented the Duchess of Cornwall with a card in braille during her visit to the Irish Guide Dogs Training Centre in Cork said that it was exciting to meet a member of the Royal family even if he was keen to go home after all the frenetic activity. When asked what he thought of being given an audience with royalty Jack OMahony (7) from Clonakilty, Co Cork said that it was great. However, initially, he believed the question was about his baby sister who became a little tired in the heat as the special visitor made her way down the line. The Duchess of Cornwall with 7-year-old Jack O' Mahony at the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind centre. Jack's mother, Aisling Hourihane, said they were notified of their involvement in the engagement last week and that it was an honour to meet the personable and warm Duchess. Brian Butler from Cobh, Co Cork told the Duchess that he was on his fifth guide dog, which he has named Enzo in honour of the Italian Motor racing driver Enzo Ferrari. He said that he discussed adapting to a new dog with the Duchess. I have had guide dogs for years. She was saying about adapting to a new one and I told her they were all different and that I loved them all. I felt very relaxed with her as she was so nice. The trip to the centre involved a walking tour of the kennel and puppy blocks, a showcase and explanation of the sensory tunnel, a showcase and early training display and an advanced blindfold exercise to show a guide dog in operation. Protocol dictated that it wasnt necessary to bow or curtsy to HRH and while it was the norm to address the Duchess as "Your Royal Highness" or "Madam" the informality of the surroundings made for a number of casual encounters. The Duchess also chose to speak to volunteers who gathered at the centre. Muriel OBrien from Douglas in Cork city said she greeted Camilla with the words Madam, you look beautiful. I said to her Welcome to Cork. She said thank you. Her outfit was lovely. She was very down to earth. Muriel joked that she wasnt going to allow the Duchess to pass and she and fellow volunteers Margaret Hurley and Mary Aldwort were delighted with their little moment with royalty. The Duchess, a noted animal lover, seemed taken with several of the dogs and puppies which were shown to her at the centre in Cork. During a speech at the Battersea Dogs and Cats Home in 2016 the Duchess said British people were besotted with dogs and cats and that visits to such places proved fatal as the tendency was to want to bring one home. After her first visit to the home she rehomed two dogs herself Beth and Bluebell. WC Fields famously warned that one should never work with children or animals. However, the Head of Finance at the Irish Guide Dogs Training Centre, Neil Munday, said the Duchess was great with staff, volunteers, children and the dogs. She was very interested. It is brilliant for Cork and Ireland. The Cork (training centre) is the headquarters for a national charity. We dont have too many of them done in Cork so it is very good for us. I heard her have a (nice) conversation with one of our clients. She (the Duchess) overwhelmed us. It has been a fantastic day. Legendary royal photographer, Arthur Edwards MBE, said that he was pleased to travel to Ireland to photograph the Duchess during her visit to such an amazing service. Mr Edwards who is a veteran in the industry said that the Camilla was a breath of fresh air and the nicest person ever. Every job you do she does her best. She held a puppy in there. We got a nice picture of her. When she married Prince Charles her approval rating was poor and every year it is getting better and better and now it is quite high. She has worked so hard. They (Prince Charles and Camilla) are still hopelessly in love with each other. When I recently did an interview with her in Vienna I asked her what made her happy and she said My husband and my grandchildren. They are very happy. Latest: Tanaiste and Minister for Foreign Affairs, Simon Coveney, told Prince Charles that the visit of his mother Queen Elizabeth II to Ireland in 2011 was a "watershed moment" in the history between our two countries, writes Olivia Kelleher. Speaking at Cork City Hall the Tanaiste said following the deeply symbolic ceremonies attended by the Queen and the Duke of Edinburgh in Dublin seven years ago the visitors travelled to Cork where they got to meet the people of the city. Minister Coveney said that when he walked through the English Market with Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall this morning he was reminded of the Queen's visit. Minister for Foreign Affairs and Trade Simon Coveney and The Prince of Wales pictured arriving at English Market. He stated that he received a massive grin from fishmonger Pat O'Connell as he passed him with Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall. Mr O'Connell was famously pictured seven years ago in a lighthearted informal moment with her Majesty. Mr Coveney said he remembered the "laughter and relaxation" of the visit of the Queen and Prince Philip and that the Queen was keen to meet the people on the streets. Minister Coveney, said when Queen Elizabeth II decided to greet the people outside the English Market the first person she encountered was his grandmother. He joked that many observers thought that he had engineered the meet and greet with his grandmother who spent several decades living in London. Everyone thought it was organised but it wasn't. My grandmother is here today at 99 years of age. That visit and the visit (today) is a special one for our family as well as this city. The Tanaiste said at a personal level he was proud to accompany Prince Charles and the Duchess of Cornwall given that he studied in Britain as a younger man and had strong ties with the country. The Tanaiste described the relationship between Ireland and Britain as an "immensely important one" and stated that two countries shared "history, heritage and tragedy." "We sit side by side in the Atlantic ocean. It is a relationship that needs to be constantly developed and worked on In commercial terms, it is worth 65m year. Our relationship is about far more than economics. It is much deeper." The Tanaiste emphasised that visits by the royal family were an important part of the "deepening relationship" between Ireland and Great Britain and that they contributed to the "normalisation" of ties between our neighbouring countries. HRH spent several minutes chatting freely to families of crew who are serving on board the LE Samuel Beckett which is currently deployed in the Med #Cork #RoyalVisitCork pic.twitter.com/hbuhFhCLpL Eoin English (@EoinBearla) June 14, 2018 He stated that the planned trip to the Naval Base was a tribute to sailors who had risked their lives doing humanitarian work in the Mediterranean. The Tanaiste added the royal couple would almost certainly enjoy their trip to Kerry tomorrow even if the Kingdom is "second best in the country" at Gaelic football. "They are second best in the country which Kerry is very proud of." He added that he was very pleased to welcome the royal visitors to "the real Capital" of Ireland claiming that the Prince and the Duchess had "left the best to last." Update 5pm: Refuge centre thanks Camilla for shining light on domestic violence The Duchess of Cornwall has visited a refuge centre for victims of domestic violence in Co Cork. Camilla, who continues to make good on her promise to break the taboo of domestic abuse, has championed the cause for a number of years. Pauline Dunne, director of services of Cuanlee Womens Refuge who has been serving the community for over four decades, says the staff and women living in the refuge were honoured to have the royal attend their centre. She said: When we found out that she had a genuine interest and dedication to helping those affected by domestic violence we were absolutely honoured and thrilled that she wanted to visit. The kids are so excited, dressed up, and its a big day for them and thats what matters to us. Its great that shes chosen a cause like domestic violence to shine a light on. Domestic violence does not discriminate, and it can happen anywhere to anyone. Were happy to have her here. Camilla, who has previously admitted personally knowing victims of domestic violence, met a number of women who live in the centre with their children due to violence and abuse at home. Speaking with one previous resident of the refuge, Camilla hailed the work of Cuanlee saying: Its important that people know they always have somewhere to come back to, and they are not alone. The first step is sometimes the hardest. She went on to visit a unit inside the refuge were families live together, as well as meeting the artist in residence of the refuge who works with traumatised children in art therapy classes. Artist in residence Terri OSullivan said: Im delighted to meet her, shes taken a real interest in the women here, and these women have been some real tough times. Its so important as we tend to stereotype people who have been through domestic violence, so having Camilla here really shows it can happen to anyone. Camilla presented the children living in the refuge with a hamper filled with sweets, chocolate and fudge as a parting gift. The visit was organised as part of Camilla and Prince Charles visit to Ireland this week. The royal couple are in Co Cork today visiting a number of famous sites as well as charities and organisations in which they have an interest. Prince Charles attended a naval base while Camilla visited the womens refuge and the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind training centre. - PA Update 3pm: Prince Charles gets sense of Ireland's past, present and future during UCC visit Prince Charles got a sense of Ireland's past, present and future as he visited a Famine hut, came face-to-face with one of his royal ancestors and saw how technology could save bees during his visit to University College Cork (UCC) this afternoon, writes Eoin English. As his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, visited the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind national training centre, the Prince of Wales toured the scenic grounds of the university once known as Queen's College where he viewed ancient Ogham stones and listened in UCC President Patrick OSheas office to the premier of a piece of harp music commissioned by UCC to mark the royal couple's visit to Cork. Pictured in UCC in Cork today is Prince Charles with Professor Patrick O'Shea, President of UCC. They are leaving a bothan, a one-roomed hut which was used by large sections of the population during the famine. Composed and performed by UCC music graduate Dr Fiachra O Corragain, the lively air, The Planxty to Prince Charles, also features in a short video showcasing the university and iconic sights across Cork city which has been published today on the university's various social media channels. President OShea presented the Prince with a bound copy of the sheet music. The university chose the harp because in 2000, Prince Charles revived an ancient royal tradition of having a Welsh harpist, to foster and encourage young musical talent in Wales and the UK and to raise the profile of the harp, the national symbol of Ireland. Dr O Corragain, who is in his 20s and from Kinsale, Co Cork, studied Music and Irish in UCC as an undergraduate, combining these disciplines in his doctoral composition studies, which specialised in traditional Irish music. The Prince tapped his feet in the Aula Maxima later as musicians Nicole Delaney, Mary ODonnell, Aine Griffey, and Aine Humphreys performed a slow air, a jig and reel, and as Rachel Saich danced. The Prince viewed the Cork limestone statue of his great, great, great, grandmother, Queen Victoria, commissioned by architect Sir Thomas Deane as a gift to what was then the new Queen's College in 1849. Professor Emeritus John A Murphy told Prince Charles that Victoria watched the statue being hoisted above the universitys Aula Maximum from her carriage on the Western Rd during her famous visit to Ireland in 1849. The statue is normally behind glass but for today, weve removed the glass and shes looking all he better for it, Prof Murphy said. The Prince also viewed the Great Book of Ireland, an extraordinary vellum manuscript which contains the handwritten work of nine composers, 121 artists and 143 poets. Among the pages he was shown was a work by poet Seamus Heaney, the last words written by Beckett, on his death-bed, and a piece by former poet laureate, Ted Hughes, who read bedtime stories to Prince Charles when he was a boy. The Prince viewed the most extensive collection of Ogham stones on open display in Ireland in the university's stone corridor, before stepping inside An Bothan, a replica of the 'fourth-class' one-room mud hut in which the poorest of the poor lived and died during the Famine in Ireland between 1845 and 1849, and which was recreated by UCC for the national Famine commemoration. The 1841 census records that Ireland had 1.3 million houses - of which 492,000 were classified as fourth-class. He parted from his security detail and spent several minutes inside the hut, with Mr OShea, cartographer Mike Murphy, and Agriculture Minister Michael Creed. When he emerged, he said: Im amazed at the structure, at how they could build something like that. The university also showcased projects that demonstrate its culture of nurturing entrepreneurship and innovation. The Prince met students and graduates including Electrical and Electronic Engineering alumna Fiona Edwards Murphy, co-founder and chief executive of ApisProtect, a company which uses unique technology to help beekeepers prevent losses and increase productivity in their hives, including multiple sensors which provide an in-depth view of hives, allowing early intervention. In 2013, Ms Edwards Murphy, from Kanturk, began her doctoral research into the application of sensors and networking in honey bee hives, and in 2016 she was the only Irish recipient of a 2016 Google Anita Borg Memorial Scholarship. She told the Prince she hopes to make a significant impact on the multi-billion-euro industry, which is under threat from climate change and disease. Were rolling out 200 hives at key beekeeping locations in countries including the US, South Africa and the UK, with plans to target New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Canada and Germany over the next few years," she said. Business Information Systems graduate Paul Moore, founder of Cork food company Rebel Chilli, presented his products to the Prince, and Emily Duffy, a Quercus Active Citizenship Scholar and Commerce student, talked about her Duffily Bag invention - a sleeping bag designed specially for rough sleepers and which has led to the creation of an employment project in Dublin. Joanne ORiordan spoke to the Prince about her disability campaigning work and said she was delighted when he asked her about the technology she uses in her wheelchair. Never in my wildest dreams did I think Id meet a Prince. It was an honour to meet him, she joked. Update 1.30pm: Prince Charles addresses Cork City Hall in Irish before visiting UCC Charles has addressed Cork City Hall in Irish before beginning his speech at a civic reception for the Prince of Wales and his wife, Camilla. He said: "You have no idea what a joy it is for me and my wife to be back in Ireland again. "Your kindness in letting us return is deeply appreciated. "We have been profoundly touched by the warmth of the reception we have received. "We have felt every single one of the 'cead mile failtes' extended to us. The Prince of Wales speaking during a civic reception at City Hall in Cork. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire "Ireland is a country that my wife and I have come to love. Above all, the warmth of its people and the irresistible haunting beauty of its landscape." The prince was then cheered by students when he arrived for a tour of UCC. He was greeted by the institution's president, Professor Patrick O'Shea. A harpist entertained Charles before he signed a visitor book. Among those he will meet are beekeepers, who are using the latest technology and in-hive sensors to increase productivity. - PA Update 11.47am: Watch: Charles and Camilla help celebrate English Market's 230th birthday on Cork visit The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall have cut a cake in Cork's English Market this morning to help celebrate its 230th birthday, writes Eoin English. Charles and Camilla followed in the footsteps of Queen Elizabeth and Prince Philip, who visited the market in 2011, and met several traders during a guided tour of the historic food market. The Prince of Wales (right) and the Duchess of Cornwall (centre right) meet Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney (2nd left) and Lord Mayor of Cork Tony Fitzgerald. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire They stopped at several stalls to learn a bit more about Corks culinary offering before unveiling a solid brass plaque to commemorate their visit. Trader Pat OConnell who famously welcomed the Queen six years ago, said it's another huge opportunity for traders and the city to market Cork on an international stage. "Visits like this are not only an honour but are a global advertising opportunity and we are thrilled that HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall have chosen to stop here," he said. "We have created a hamper with a range of products from all of the traders here in the market which will be presented to them and we hope they bring it home to Buckingham Palace and share with the rest of the royal family. Today's visit marks the start of a series of celebrations marking the market's 230th anniversary. TRH will cut this cake celebrating the English Markets 230th birthday and they will be presented with this market hamper in just a few moments #Cork #RoyalVisitCork pic.twitter.com/P0YRWTClTX Eoin English (@EoinBearla) June 14, 2018 Market manager, Orla Lannin said they have major events planned to celebrate generations of traders, customers and visitors who have passed through the market over the last two centuries. "To have HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall here at the start of these celebrations is special in so many ways," she said. Hundreds of people lined the Grand Parade as Tanaiste Simon Coveney, Lord Mayor Cllr Tony Fitzgerald and Agriculture Minister Michael Creed accompanied the royal couple through the market. The royal couple are now on their way to City Hall for a civic reception before visiting UCC later. Update 11am: Watch: Charles and Camilla arrive at English Market in Cork The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall have begun a two-day tour of the Republic of Ireland with a visit to Cork. Charles and Camilla started by following in the footsteps of the Queen and travelling to the city's famous English Market. The Prince of Wales (centre) with Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney (left) and Lord Mayor of Cork Tony Fitzgerald. Picture: Brian Lawless/PA Wire It follows a two-day visit to Northern Ireland, ending on Wednesday in Omagh, where the couple paid their respects at the scene of one of the biggest mass killings of the Troubles. There was a party atmosphere in Cork as the royal visitors were greeted by a local band - the product of a nationwide music education programme initially part-funded by the rock stars U2 - playing pop hits for hundreds of schoolchildren gathered outside the market and crowds lining crash barriers. Tanaiste Simon Coveney, welcomed the royal visit which local politicians hope will boost Cork's profile as a major regional hub. He said: "Royal visits enforce the normalisation of a confident and independent Ireland today with its closest neighbour, and the fact that we've moved on from the hang-ups of the past. Prince Charles has been to the island three times in the last three years. Today he's seeing the best part of Ireland and I think he'll get a very warm reception here. "As you can see, people of all ages are here to make sure this is a positive day for Cork." Cork's food hall is named after the English corporation which established the centre in the 18th century and this year the tourist attraction celebrates its 230th anniversary. It first began trading meat in 1788 but fish, vegetables, fruit and other goods were later added and today it serves all markets, from those wanting the latest trends in cuisine to locals buying traditional fare such as tripe or blood pudding known as drisheen. Charles and Camilla went on a brief walkabout after they stepped from their motorcade, meeting some of the enthusiastic school pupils who screamed and shouted. Soon after arriving inside the market, the couple cut a 230th birthday cake to mark the milestone of the foodhall the Queen toured during her historic 2011 visit to Ireland. Nearby, they were immortalised in icing with their faces decorating a display of cup cakes. - PA Update 9.20am: Charles and Camilla to observe minute's silence for Grenfell victims during Cork visit The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will this morning observe a minute's silence for the victims of the Grenfell Tower tragedy, writes Olivia Kelleher. The couple will observe the moment of reflection for the men, women and children who perished in the tragedy during their visit to Cork City Hall. Whilst onsite they will be in the presence of one hundred and fifty invited guests including Olympian Rob Heffernan, All Ireland winning camogie player and mental health advocate Aisling Thompson, the Young Offenders' writer and director Peter Foote and his wife actress Hillary Rose and chef Rachel Allen from Ballymaloe House. The royal couple will also be introduced to some of the city's great innovators such as James Whelton from Coder Dojo who set up the first ever Coder Dojo clubs in Cork. Coder Dojo is now a global network of computer programming clubs that offers free coding glasses to tens of thousands of children internationally. The visitors will also meet with founding members of iWish, the annual showcase event set up in Cork to inspire, encourage and motivate young girls to pursue careers in Science Technology, Engine and Maths. It brings thousands of young women to the RDS and Cork City Hall every year. The Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Tony Fitzgerald, who is in his last day in office, said the strong and ever strengthening relationship between both of our countries is at the heart of the visit. "Cork has a very special relationship with the UK. One third of our overseas visitors to Cork hail from the UK. Meanwhile, the UK is the second largest country for Irish goods and the largest for our services And most of all, there isn't a person in this country or city who doesn't have a son, daughter, brother or sister, uncle or aunt living across the water." The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will visit Cork's English Market this morning. The Prince of Wales will travel on to University College Cork, the Maritime College and Haulbowline Naval Base whilst the Duchess will make a private visit to a domestic violence refuge for women and children,in addition to an engagement at the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind centre in Model Farm Road. The English Market will again play centre stage for the visit of Royalty with Prince Charles following in the footsteps of his mother Queen Elizabeth II and his father HRH Prince Philip Duke of Edinburgh who included the oldest food market in Europe in her itinerary in 2011. Speaking about the visit, English Market Trader Pat O'Connell said it was a huge opportunity for the market to showcase its unique offering. "Visits like this are not only an offer but are a global advertising opportunity and we are thrilled that HRH the Prince of Wales and HRH the Duchess of Cornwall have chosen to stop her. We have created a hamper with a range of products for all of the traders here in the market which will be presented to them and we hope they bring it home to Buckingham Palace and share it with the rest of the royal family." The royal couple will unveil a solid brass plaque to commemorate their visit before being presented with a selection of fresh produce from the market. Tonight's official dinner will take place at the Crawford Art Gallery in Cork city. The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall will be joined by the Lord Mayor, Tanaiste Simon Coveney and representatives from the world of arts, culture and education. Earlier: Restrictions in Cork as Charles and Camilla visit As the fresh paint dries across Cork City, a massive security operation has kicked in and traffic restrictions will be in place from early morning for the visit of Britains Prince Charles and his wife, Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall. The royal couple will visit City Hall, the English Market, UCC, the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind training centre, the National Maritime College of Ireland, and the Irish Naval Service headquarters in Haulbowline, before returning to the city for a VIP dinner in the evening. Hundreds of anti-incinerator campaigners plan to stage a silent, peaceful protest along the route they will take to Haulbowline in a bid to raise the profile of their campaign against plans to build a 160m incinerator in Ringaskiddy. Kevin Linehan, Cork City Council, painting road curbs outside City Hall. University College Cork has commissioned UCC music graduate Dr Fiachra O Corragain, to write a special piece for the harp to commemorate the visit. Welcome to Cork, HRH The Prince of Wales and HRH The Duchess of Cornwall. @ClarenceHouse #RoyalVisitIreland #PureCork pic.twitter.com/0QqSAKbM0R UCC Ireland (@UCC) June 14, 2018 Dr O Corragain will perform The Planxty to Prince Charles when he visits the campus this morning. Charles will meet with students and graduates including electrical and electronic engineering alumna Fiona Edwards Murphy, from Kanturk, co-founder and chief executive of ApisProtect, which uses technology to help beekeepers prevent losses and increase productivity in their hives. Were rolling out 200 hives at key beekeeping locations in countries including the US, South Africa, and the UK, with plans to target New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Canada, and Germany over the next few years, she said. Business information systems graduate Paul Moore, founder of Cork food company Rebel Chilli, will present his products while Emily Duffy, a Quercus Active Citizenship scholar and commerce student, will talk to Charles about her Duffily Bag invention a sleeping bag designed for rough sleepers. UCC president Patrick OShea said: It is because of their stories and successes that UCC has become known as a hub for entrepreneurial excellence, and we are delighted to welcome his royal highness the Prince of Wales to our campus, to witness first hand how UCC students are changing the world. Meanwhile, Billy Forrester, of wine merchants Bubble Brothers, based in the English Market, has created a new drink which he hopes to serve to the pair during their tour of the English Market. The sparkling blend of Camel Valleys Cornwall Brut and Moineir Irish raspberry wine from Wicklow Way Wines has been named Deoch, the Irish for drink, and a play on words on the Princes title as Duke of Cornwall. The aperitif itself reflects a coming together of English and Irish elements, said Mr Forrester. We wanted to put a lively Cork welcome into a single glass, and the meeting of these innovative Irish and English wines seemed an appropriate way to mark the occasion. Gardai said todays visit will start at 10.30am and the public are welcome to visit and will be facilitated to view it. People have been advised to arrive in good time, and not to carry large luggage or bags. People going about their daily business will be facilitated but some minor delays may be experienced and people are advised to allow extra time for their journeys, said a spokesman. The royal couple will visit Kerry tomorrow where they will visit Derrynane, Tralee, and Killarney before departing in the evening. Gardai said Tralee and Killarney will be open for business as usual. - Irish Examiner Gardai investigating the machete murder of a Polish man in his home in Cork last weekend have appealed to taxi or hackney drivers who were working in the area at the time to come forward. The renewed appeal came yesterday as gardai continued trying to establish a motive for the savage attack on 35-year-old father of two, Mikolaj Wilk, by a gang of at least four masked men, armed with machetes, who entered his home near Ballincollig and hacked him to death. They also injured his wife, Elzbieta, as their two children, both aged under six, hid in a bedroom. They heard the attack but were not physically injured. They are now being cared for by members of Elzbietas extended family. She suffered slash wounds to her face, neck and hands as she tried to protect her husband during the attack, and is recovering from surgery which it is hoped will save three of her most badly injured fingers. Another woman who was renting a room in the house fled through a rear window and ran to a house next door. While gardai have not released specific details of the gangs suspected getaway car, a BMW 3 series found burned out about 6km away, it was reported yesterday that they have established that it was sold locally after they traced its last registered owner to an address in Ballincollig. This key piece of information, combined with information from Mr Wilks wife that the men who attacked her and her husband spoke fluent English, is leading detectives to consider a possible local link in the attack. Nothing was taken from the property during the attack leading detectives to believe the motive was not robbery. It was also reported yesterday that the car was captured on some CCTV footage which has been harvested from the area. It was confirmed on Monday that Mr Wilk died from multiple slash injuries to his head, torso, arms, hands and legs. Despite the fact that Mr Wilk suffered such extensive and severe injuries, he survived for almost two hours. But the level of violence used, the ferocity of the attack and the amount and horrendous nature of the injuries he suffered has shocked experienced gardai and the medics who treated him. The murder scene still remained sealed off yesterday, three days after the attack, as forensic experts continued their examination of the house, and several adjoining outbuildings and sheds. Mr Wilks body has been released to his family, many of whom have arrived from Poland, and it is understood that arrangements are being made to repatriate the remains for burial in his native country. Two vehicles, a jeep and a van, which were removed from the familys home, are still being technically examined for any forensic evidence, including possible traces of blood. The results of forensic tests are also awaited on a gun and machetes which were recovered from the burned out car. Superintendent Colm OSullivan, who is leading the investigation, said a number of people have come forward with information in recent days. We wish to thank the public for their assistance in the investigation thus far, he said. However, we are aware of a number of taxis and hackneys that were operating in the Maglin, Ballincollig, Ballinora and Waterfall areas on the night of the incident who have not come forward. I would appeal to them to contact us at Gurranabraher Garda Station on 021 4946200, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda station. Any information they may have, no matter how insignificant, would assist our investigation. More than 15,000 has now been raised for the Wilk family through a GoFundMe account set up on Monday. - Irish Examiner An Irish MEP has expressed concern that a vote taking place in the European Parliament later, could have significant implications for Irish Road Hauliers. MEPs are considering a delay in backing new rules governing the sector that would apply across the EU. Ruaidhri Giblin A Galway native who was given a wholly suspended sentence for abusing a seven-year-old boy 30 years ago is to hand himself into gardai on Monday after his original sentence was found too lenient. Anthony Spellman (50), formerly of McHugh Avenue, Mervue in Galway, but who now resides in the UK, pleaded guilty to four sample counts of indecently assaulting a boy at his home and nearby locations on dates between January 1, 1985, and January 31, 1986. He was given a wholly suspended 56-month sentence by Judge Rory McCabe at Galway Circuit Criminal Court on May 31, 2017. The Director of Public Prosecutions successfully sought a review of Spellmans sentence on grounds that it was unduly lenient. He is to hand himself into gardai in Galway on Monday to begin a new two-year jail term. Giving judgment in the three-judge Court of Appeal, Mr Justice Alan Mahon said the indecent assaults occurred when the victim was aged seven and Spellman aged 19. Mr Justice Mahon said the abuse occurred three to four times a week over a period of approximately 12 months. Spellman, a member of a large family, moved and emigrated to England shortly after the abuse occurred and he has resided there for about 30 years. He was married but is now in another relationship. He had a good work record but was dismissed directly as a consequence of his conviction and lost a subsequent job when his new employer became aware of his conviction from the internet. The judge said Spellman may have to move address in the UK because of knowledge of his conviction in the local area. Mr Justice Mahon said Spellman had received a Risk of Sexual Harm Order (RoSHO) from South Cheshire Magistrates Court for sending explicit text messages to a 15-year-old boy. It expired in 2014 and would not have become a conviction unless he failed to comply with its terms. He apparently did not fail to comply. Counsel for the Director of Public Prosecutions, Gerardine Small BL, submitted that the sentencing judge did not have due regard to the gravity of the offending and the circumstances surrounding the commission of the crime. Ms Small said the injured party was at the tender age of seven when the abuse began. There was no early guilty plea - a jury had been empanelled for the week and it was only at that stage that Spellman pleaded guilty. There was no cooperation with gardai and no admissions were made. Spellman denied even knowing the injured party, Ms Small said. Mr Justice Mahon said the suspension of the sentence in its entirety was unduly lenient. He said the court took account of the fact that Spellman had been at liberty in the intervening period and his incarceration now would be a severe disappointment to him. The court prolonged the suspended period to a greater extent than it would have at first instance. Mr Justice Mahon, who sat with Mr Justice John Edwards and Mr Justice John Hedigan, resentenced Spellman to 56 months imprisonment with the final 32 months suspended leaving him with a net jail term of two years. He was required to enter into a good behaviour bond and he undertook to be so bound. Spellman is to present himself to a garda station in Galway on Monday to begin his new jail term. Ann O'Loughlin A man serving a 20-year sentence arising from the shooting of publican Charlie Chawke has failed to get a High Court inquiry into his detention on grounds he is illegally detained in an "alien" county, Co Laois, where the people are "GAA supporters to a child". Frank Ward has been detained since 2010 in the Midlands Prison, Portlaoise, and alleged his rights were breached due to being detained in "internal exile" in a county "culturally foreign and alien" outside the geographical jurisdiction of the original sentencing court in Dublin. This detention came as a "monumental culture shock" to him, he claimed. In refusing an inquiry under Article 40 of the Constitution into the legality of his detention, Mr Justice David Barniville said the grounds advanced were "spurious" and "unmeritorious". There was "nothing unfair" or contrary to Mr Ward's fundamental rights in an order transferring him from Mountjoy Prison to the Midlands Prison notwithstanding the people of Co Laois may be "GAA supporters", the judge said. Nor was there any basis for complaints of unfair geographical distance from the applicant's family as there were "excellent road and rail links from Portlaoise". The claim Mr Ward was internally exiled outside the geographical jurisdiction of the court that sentenced him, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, has no merit, he ruled. There was also "no basis whatsoever" for claims the detention in the Midlands Prison breached the applicant's rights under the European Convention on Human Rights, including to liberty and security and not to have a heavier penalty imposed on him. Ward, aged in his sixties, of Knockmore Avenue, Tallaght, was sentenced in October 2007 for his role in an incident outside Mr Chawke's restaurant and bar, The Goat Grill, Goatstown, Dublin, on October 6, 2003. Mr Chawke was seriously injured in the shooting and his right leg was amputated five days later. Publican Charlie Chawke. Ward was given two life sentences on charges of intentionally causing serious harm to Mr Chawke and robbery of 48,652 in cash and cheques. The Court of Criminal Appeal in January 2012 quashed the life sentences and replaced them with sentences of 20 years on each count, to run concurrently from October 2003. During his detention, Ward has made several applications seeking his release. In the latest application, Ward, representing himself, applied for an inquiry, under Article 40 on grounds the circumstances of his detention in the Portlaoise prison amounted to unlawful detention. He argued the 2012 warrant of the appeal court was addressed to the Governor of Mountjoy Prison and directed the Governor to take him into custody at the Dublin prison. In his judgment, Mr Justice Barniville said it seemed the grounds on which it was claimed the detention was unlawful was because Mr Ward has been sentenced to "internal exile" in the Midlands Prison, having been transferred there from Mountjoy and this had come as a "monumental culture shock" to him. Ward claimed this was achieved by executive order "without warning or consultation and without any judicial order", he noted. There was no obligation to consult and there are several legal decisions to the effect a committal order applies to any prison to which the Prison Acts apply, the judge said. He also dismissed claims the transfer set Ward's committal warrant at nought because he was now outside the geographical jurisdiction of the Dublin sentencing court. While Ward complained he was never shown a transfer order, the court had no reason to believe a transfer order was not made under the relevant law at the time of the transfer and the applicant had shown no evidence to the contrary. There was no basis for an Article 40 inquiry, he concluded. Sinn Fein President Mary Lou McDonald has held a private meeting with Prince Charles during his visit to Cork. The meeting, which lasted more than 30 minutes, was also attended by the party's deputy leader Michelle O'Neill. Speaking after the meeting, Ms McDonald said it was "an opportunity to extend the hand of friendship not just to Prince Charles or to the British royal family but to those on our island who identify as British and who are British." Prince Charles and his wife Camilla will travel to Kerry tomorrow after a series of engagements in Cork today. - Digital Desk A Dublin couple who gave up their baby boy for adoption when they were teenagers have found him again, 36 years later. Their extraordinary story has culminated in an emotional meeting with their son, who was adopted in the midlands and who has now met his birth parents and four full siblings for the first time. The fantastic, amazing, hugely emotional reunion after so long came about mostly through the couples own efforts, after they were left frustrated by delays in the official process. Maria* was 16 when she became pregnant in 1979. It was still the era of mother and baby homes, where many pregnant girls were sent to deliver their babies and, most often, surrender them for adoption. Maria was placed in one of those homes - Dunboyne in Co Meath, run by the Good Shepherd sisters. She stayed for six months, and delivered her baby boy in the summer of 1980. *Names have been changed in this story to protect the privacy of those involved. Stock image The best they could Her parents and a priest who was a family friend arranged it all. Maria says she bears no bitterness towards them and in fact remembers her mother especially with great love. They were Catholic parents who did the best they could at the time, and the whole society was very different, she said. They didnt intentionally hurt me - I was the eldest, just starting my life, and they wanted to protect me, no matter what. My mum especially was kind and good...I feel no bitterness towards them. Nonetheless, Dunboyne was a lonely experience for Maria. Girls had their names changed while they were there and were told not to discuss anything or anybody from their personal life, she says. Family, close friends and the priest who helped arranged her stay in the home visited her during her time there, but her normal life was on hold. We put a series of questions to the Good Shepherd sisters about the treatment of girls in their care in Dunboyne and received the following statement: "The Good Shepherd will continue to deal directly with the Commission on all matters relating to mother and baby homes, and will have our fullest co-operation. The related documents are no longer in our possession; they are now held by TUSLA" The adoption Maria gave birth to Paul* in Holles Street in 1980 and kept him with her for five days. On the fifth day, he was placed for adoption with the St Patricks Guild adoption society, and cared for in St. Patrick's Infant Hospital, Temple Hill until an adoptive family was found. Maria returned to Dunboyne to complete her Leaving Cert, and then went home. No pictures, no momentoes I knew he was going to Temple Hill, and thats all I knew, she said. I signed one set of papers and my mum told me I could take him back before I signed a second set a few weeks later, she said. Maria says she was advised by the nuns to take no pictures, and so had no momentoes of her son. A dreadful emotional memory is how Maria describes the day she passed Paul over for adoption. She says she felt he was snatched from her arms without a proper goodbye. The aftermath - a big, dark secret In the time that followed, Maria felt unable to discuss her experience with anyone. Her mother tried a few times, but Maria shut the conversation down. She had only one friend who knew more than anyone how Maria felt. Otherwise, the experience was essentially a big, dark secret...There was a feeling of complete shame, and trauma too, she remembers. Something like this affects you your whole life, every day...You only had the memories in your own head. The nuns said not to take a photo, so I didnt. I was young...I had nothing to remember him by. Maria remembers neighbours who had adopted children who they clearly cherished and loved. That vision kept me going, she said, that he was in a house like that. That he was loved. She and Pauls father Mark* stayed together - all the while not discussing what had happened in any depth. Maria says she just couldnt handle Marks emotion as well as her own, so they simply didnt discuss it. They became pregnant again two years later. This time, they kept their baby, got married and went on to have three more children. Maria experienced profound postnatal depression with two of her subsequent children - the two boys - and believes it was triggered by the circumstances of Pauls birth, and his adoption. Still, even under the care of a psychiatrist in a mental health facility, she was unable to talk in any depth about Pauls birth and adoption. Her psychiatrist described her as a closed book. Image posed by model Finally, after the birth of her fifth and last child - a girl - Maria felt something opening up inside her. She still could not talk freely about Pauls adoption - even with her husband - but it was the start of a process that led her to start searching for her baby boy. Id wonder if he was dead For many years, I thought about him all the time, especially on his birthday, at Christmas and Easter - all the special occasions, Maria said. Id wonder if he was dead. I heard nothing though - Id asked for photographs, but nothing came. Then, in the late 1990s, the Adoption Authority of Ireland sent out forms to people who had participated in adoptions, on which birth parents could leave their name and address if they were willing to be contacted by their children. Maria filled in the form and sent it back, and although nothing came from it directly, it marked the beginning of her search. When Marias elder daughter became pregnant for the first time seven years ago, Maria told her about Paul, and describes it as the biggest relief in the world, but immediately shut down again afterwards and could not discuss it any further. Her other three children - Pauls two brothers and sister - only found out recently. Maria had been terrified of their reaction - what they would think about her, and how they would react emotionally to the existence of an unknown brother. The key event was Marias own mothers Alzeihmers and death in 2014. Mammy had wanted to meet him, but never did. And once she got Alzeihmers I lost the chance to talk to her about it, Maria says, her voice breaking. Obsessed with idea of finding her son By now determined to find out what happened to her son, Marias first stop was Barnardos for advice, but after so many years of keeping her secret, it was difficult to jump straight in, and again she withdrew. Over the next year or so, Maria began telling a few people her story - a couple of cousins and friends. She was buoyed by their support and again approached Barnardos for advice. She and Mark went together, and Maria cried through the whole meeting. Mark took notes, and finally they had a starting point. Unfortunately for them, it was in the middle of a handover process of the St Patricks Guild adoption records to Tusla - a process now complete, but which took two years to effect. Maria was told there were still more than 5,000 records to go through (of an initial 13,000), and a waiting list of parents with queries. Tusla prioritises requests from people over 70 or who have life-threatening illnesses. After so many years of locking away her story, Maria became obsessed with finding Paul. I tormented the Tusla social worker, she admits. She told me there was a letter from Pauls adoptive family, but would not tell me what was in it. Maria and Mark decided to do their own detective work to speed the process along. They went to the General Register Office in Dublin and asked for any records of babies adopted in 1980. They were handed a massive book listing 10 years of babies adopted in Ireland. They sat down with the book and a ruler and moved through the pages looking for their babys date of birth, then checking the sex of each adopted baby born on that day. They left with three reference numbers for three adopted baby boys born on that date. Could they access adoptive certs for those babies to find out where and when they had been adopted? They were told that yes, they could, at the Roscommon-based register of births of adoptive babies. Maria travelled there next day, not knowing what information she would get, if any. I handed in the three references [for the three baby boys born on Pauls birth date] and she asked would I like originals or copies of the adoptive certs, Maria says. That was it. I came away with adoptive certs for three babies in three different counties. By matching bits of the identifying and non-identifying information from General Register Office, the Roscommon registry of adoptive babies and the Adoption Authority, Maria and Mark were left with one name - the adoptive name of their baby boy. The back of his head on facebook Everybody was in on the search by now, and friends and family took to facebook in the search for clues. (My husband) Mark saw the back of Pauls head on a facebook page and said - thats him, remembers Maria. That was August, 2016. Though they now had a means of contacting Paul over social media, Maria called a halt, and contacted Tusla to see about arranging an official contact process. The Tusla social workers met Maria on her own, then her and Mark together, then with their kids. Maria gave them a letter and a photograph of herself to give to Paul. She read the letter to them so they would know the contents, and asked that they post it to him. Tusla decided against doing so. They said that they had already sent him a letter saying his birth mother was looking for him. He had rung them back to say he was delighted, and willing to meet. Tusla said they had then offered to arrange a meeting but Paul, on his girlfriends advice, decided to wait. Maria said she understood why he might want to wait a bit before meeting, but asked again that Tusla send him the letter with her contact details, and her photograph, in the meantime. I thought that should be up to me - I wanted him to have that information, she said. I could have posted it myself - we knew his address at that point - but I thought it would be better coming from the professionals. They said they would not post it. My heart just sank. I didnt want to jeopardise what Id waited years for (though) I was happy he was alive and in Ireland. Having come so close that August, the end of the year was approaching and the family were no closer to meeting Paul. Mark had had enough. Unbeknownst to Maria, he used social media to make contact with Paul - and Paul responded. Father and son began messaging each other. When Maria happened across the messages she admits: I went mad. She was afraid that after so long, the effort to reconnect would go awry. Telling their son their story for the first time In fact, it didnt work out that way. At the end of January 2017, Maria and Mark finally met their first son at a hotel in the west. He met three of his four siblings about four weeks later, and the final one, who lives abroad, shortly after. It was the most wonderful feeling in the world when he walked into that room, Maria said, with joy in her voice. It was so easy. Id thought there would be gaps in the conversation - Mark promised hed fill them if there were - but there were no gaps. I was able to tell (Paul) the full story for the very first time. All he knew was that his mum was young when she had him. He knew through the social media contact with Mark that he had siblings - I was able to tell him about the four of them. It was just - wonderful. In the year since, the family have grown very close, and are in frequent contact. Seeing them walking down Grafton Street side-by-side...I dont know how it is but he walks just like his dad, Maria laughed. The last year has been absolutely brilliant, like a missing piece of the jigsaw slotting right in. Mark is waiting for a time that feels right to tell his adoptive parents that he and his birth family have reunited, which is why all names have been changed in this story. Maria said she felt frustrated by the state agencies response to her efforts, and that she was able to achieve more with her own detective work than the state agencies. That being the case, she said Tusla needs to speed up its processes to facilitate meetings between birth parents and children. In her case, she feels Tusla never adequately explained its decision not to send that critical letter to Paul in August 2016, in which Maria introduced herself and her family. Ours turned out to be a lovely story, but theyre not all lovely stories, she said. Its a very emotional process - a rollercoaster really - and some people can handle that better than others. She advises any birth parent seeking their child to do their own detective work in parallel with having queries in with the State agencies. The system is so slow, and it shouldnt be, especially not where all parties are adults, she said. In particular, she feels strongly that Tusla should have sent her letter to Paul in which she set our all her contact information and the bones of the story of his birth. Still waiting At the end of March, 2018, there were 649 people affected by adoption awaiting a Tusla information and tracing service. In a statement, Tusla said: (We are) very aware that when attempting to source information or trace family members, many people may wish to and everyone is entitled to carry out their own searches. However, Tusla encourages people to consider using the services of accredited agencies to ensure that the information they get is correct. When people search through agencies, they also have access to additional supports at what is a very emotional, sensitive and often stressful time and benefit from staffs mediation skills. Maria acknowledges too the fact she and Mark were Pauls birth parents, were still together and were both committed to finding him, removed potential complications and provided each with the support of the other. Of their happy ending, Maria says: Im like a new person now. Im so much lighter, with a ring of pure joy in her voice. If you have been affected by the issues in this article, you may find the following links useful: Tracing your birth family The Adoption Authority of Ireland A list of the records held by Tusla and their locations is available on the Tusla website here. An Offaly teen threatened with deportation is "petrified" of having to leave Ireland. Nonso Muojeke and his family have lived in Tullamore for the last 11 years but now face having to return to Nigeria, after they were denied asylum. By Gerard Cunningham RTE journalist Paul Reynolds has told the Charleton tribunal that he did not believe that sources were pouring poison in his ear or negatively briefing him, when they spoke to him about a historic allegation made against whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe. Mr Reynolds was questioned over notes he had taken during conversations in preparation for an RTE broadcast on 9 May 2016. The broadcast concerned the leaked O'Higgins Commission report into complaints made by Sgt McCabe about policing in the Cavan-Monaghan garda division. The tribunal is required to look at whether former garda commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan influenced or attempted to influence the RTE broadcasts, "in which Sgt McCabe was branded a liar and irresponsible." The notes contained references to a 2006 allegation against Sgt McCabe of sexual abuse, which was investigated and dismissed by the DPP the following year, saying there was no evidence of a crime. Mr Reynolds agreed this allegation had nothing to do with the O'Higgins commission, but the conversations were about policing issues in Bailieboro, where Sgt McCabe had been stationed. "I never got the sense from these people I was talking to that they were pouring poison in my ear about Sgt McCabe." "There was no persistent, consistent, deliberate hammering away, giving you this negative stuff about Sgt McCabe," Mr Reynolds went on. Mr Reynolds said he made notes of the things he was told, but he had never used this information, and it was never broadcast. Mr Reynolds said that rumours about Sgt McCabe were "around, in the ether", but he did not focus on them once he learned the DPP had dismissed the case. "It wasn't being openly discussed, negatively, but people knew about it," Mr Reynolds said. Mr Reynolds said that he did not consider being told facts about the investigation and DPP decision as negative, because he was being told facts. He said he had the greatest sympathy for Sgt McCabe. "I'm before this tribunal today because three people have made false allegations against me," Mr Reynolds said. "No matter what the tribunal decides, people will be discussing them for the next ten years." "I certainly wasn't a party to any negative briefing, I didn't receive any negative briefing, and I didn't believe any of this stuff," Mr Reynolds said. Mr Reynolds said the chairman should not rely on his notes on concluding anything because they contained "bits and bobs" he was told, and were never intended to be "pored over by a highly intelligent team of lawyers". Michael McDowell SC, questioning Mr Reynolds on behalf of Sgt McCabe, said that the notes were contemporaneous, and recorded conversations Mr Reynolds had with people. Barrister Noel Whelan said that a personal allegation against Ms O'Sullivan formed the basis of a term of reference of the tribunal. Mr Whelan asked if Sgt Maurice McCabe was still alleging that former commissioner Ms O'Sullivan personally prepared briefing materials for Mr Reynolds before the broadcasts in May 2016. Sgt McCabe had alleged that the RTE broadcasts with journalist Paul Reynolds were "planned and orchestrated" by Ms O'Sullivan personally, using briefing material prepared at Garda HQ. Mr Whelan said that John Barrett, the civilian head of human resources for the force, who Sgt McCabe said was his source for the allegation, had given the tribunal a statement saying this did not happen. Michael McDowell SC said he would seek instructions overnight from Sgt McCabe, who "was depending on a statement from Mr Barrett" in making the complaint. "He can only go on what he is told," Mr McDowell said. Important to check out stories - Stephen Rae Stephen Rae Stephen Rae, outgoing Independent New & Media group editor-in-chief, told the tribunal that it was important to check out stories, and often things were not what they were presented to be. Mr Rae said he did not think the Miss D story, reported by Paul Williams, was coming from garda sources, as it was the D family who had approached Mr Williams. Mr Rae said most coverage in Independent News & Media titles was positive to Sgt McCabe. He said he had never heard rumours about sexual allegations against Sgt McCabe. Mr Rae went on to say that journalist Gemma O'Doherty was made compulsorily redundant during cost cutting measures, and not because she had called to the home of commissioner Martin Callinan to verify his home address. Mr Rae said that after the incident, he spoke to Ms O'Doherty, and she apologised and "said she was chasing a hot story." Mark Harty SC said Ms O'Doherty was made redundant two weeks later. Mr Rae said that the group has to sell off overseas assets in South Africa and 29 people were laid off as "hard decisions had to be made" while the company "was pivoting towards digital. Rossa Fanning SC, representing Independent News & Media, said there was not a whit of evidence being given by any witness that Ms O'Doherty's dismissal had anything to do with any member of An Garda Siochana. UNICEF is encouraging the Irish Government to increase parental supports for fathers and families. It has welcomed the introduction of two weeks paternity leave for Irish dads since 2016 but says it's time to do more. Speaking ahead of Fathers' Day, UNICEF Ireland Executive Director Peter Power says arrangements in other European countries are far more generous. "Ireland currently lags well behind the majority of European Union countries in terms of paid paternity or paternal leave for fathers. "So Father's Day this week is a real opportunity for UNICEF and other organisations to advocate for more flexibility for fathers as increasingly evidence is showing they are playing an important role in their children's lives." - Digital Desk The Taoiseach will become the first EU leader to meet Spain's new Prime Minister today. Leo Varadkar and Pedro Sanchez will sit down together in Madrid to discuss key issues ahead of the next European Council meeting. A mystery RTE presenter has joined stars Ryan Tubridy, Joe Duffy and Ray D'Arcy in earning more than 300,000 a year from the station in the first salary figures revealed by the State broadcaster in three years. RTE officials confirmed the situation as part of a document which said four stars are earning more than 300,000 a year and 10 are earning more than 100,000 by setting themselves up as private companies instead of taking up staff roles. London: A Murdoch-backed Aussie start-up has dramatically upped the stakes in its do-or-die death match with Google. The Australian arm of Unlockd, a company that allows android phone users to gain credits by "unlocking" their phone to view ads, entered into voluntary administration on Tuesday, blaming Google. Unlockd founder Matt Berriman said the company could seek legal damages from Google. Credit:Photographic The start-up is taking the tech giant to court in the United Kingdom as well as in Australia, after the search engine threatened to kick the app out of the Play store, which Unlockd says is anti-competitive behaviour. On Tuesday, the company announced Google's threat had "a deep impact" on the company's now-delayed plans to float on the Australian stock exchange. The Hong Kong-based company bidding for Australia largest pipeline network may ease concerns about domestic gas shortages by being open to more regulation of the critical energy infrastructure if its $13 billion offer wins approval. On Wednesday, CKI made an $11-a-share offer for APA, which allowed it to conduct due diligence over the company. As part of its bid, CKI has already started working with the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission and the Foreign Investment Review Board. CKI is being cautious in its bid for APA and has stated its willingness for greater regulation in the gas market. Credit:James Davies The ACCC has called Australias gas markets broken, saying short supply caused in part by pipeline monopolies has led to high prices. It says the market needs greater regulation and price transparency in order to drive down prices. APA owns 13 out of Australias 30 major gas pipelines that control the flow of the nations gas supply used for electricity and manufacturing. The rest are split mostly between Jemena and Australian Gas Networks. Only three of APAs pipelines are regulated, while two are "lightly" regulated. The rest operate without regulated pricing or access conditions. The International Monetary Fund warned on Thursday that US President Donald Trump's new import tariffs threaten to undermine the global trading system, prompt retaliation by other countries and damage the US economy. "Let us not understate the macroeconomic impact," IMF Director Christine Lagarde said, saying the tariffs will have a larger economic toll if they prompt retaliation from trading partners like Canada and Germany. Angela Merkel, IMF chief Christine Lagarde and Donald Trump Credit:AP The IMF, in a review of US economic policy, also took a much less optimistic view on America's economic growth potential than that of the Trump administration. While US economic growth is expected to be strong this year and next, recent tax and spending measures could cause greater risks from 2020 onwards, the IMF said in its report. The CFMEU and an official have been fined $51,300 for abusing and threatening construction workers on the Gorgon LNG project in Western Australia. The Australian Building and Construction Commission (ABCC) took legal action against the union and official Brad Upton after a 2015 incident during which he abused workers for not being members of the union, calling them "f-----g dog c---s". The multibillion-dollar Gorgon LNG project. Credit:Angela Macdonald-Smith The threats directed at employees allegedly included: Were going to put your names on the back of toilet doors and This is a f-----g union site, we have other union sites starting up next year and if youre not in the union, you can f--k off too, you are not welcome. Federal Court of Australia Justice Michael Barker said the official's behaviour and conduct at the meeting of employees on December 2015 was "appalling". Rebel Wilson has hit back at a Court of Appeal ruling that saw her defamation payout from magazine publisher Bauer Media reduced to $600,000, calling the decision "clearly not fair". Wilson had originally been awarded damages of $4.5 million last year, the largest defamation payout in Australian legal history, over a series of articles that painted her as a serial liar. But on Thursday, the Court of Appeal ruled there was "no evidence" that the Pitch Perfect star had suffered economic loss from lost film roles, and slashed the figure. In a series of tweets on Friday, Wilson slammed the court's ruling and said she "looked forward" to appealing the decision. La Mama Theatre company manager Caitlin Dullard and artistic director Liz Jones outside the Faraday Street building, which will be rebuilt. Credit:Daniel Pockett Less than a month since fire tore through Carlton's historic La Mama Theatre, the smiles on Liz Jones and Caitlin Dullard's faces say it all - the show must go on. Indeed it has: most of its shows have continued, albeit in different venues, since the May 19 blaze collapsed the roof and gutted the interior of the heritage-listed Faraday Street building. That's no mean feat. The small staff of the company, which celebrated its 50th anniversary last year, has kept things running from a corner of the nearby Kathleen Syme Community Centre. Amazon Studios says it's signed a deal with Nicole Kidman and her production company for TV and movie projects. Under the "first-look" deal, Amazon and Kidman's Blossom Films will develop original series for Amazon Prime Video and big-screen films. In a statement Thursday, Amazon Studios head Jennifer Salke called Kidman "a force of nature" as an actress and a producer. "She understands the focus of bringing addictive, entertaining and compelling television to our Prime Video customers, as well as movies that will connect with film audiences. Stay tuned for many exciting projects to come in the very near future!" the statement read. If you applied for NSW public housing in the year Barack Obama became US president, you might still be homeless. That's 10 years of waiting for a front door key, but with an estimated 60,000 names on the public housing waiting list, that's the reality for some. Much more than a mere roof over ones head, a home provides a sense of security, a place to which you belong, and from where you can build a life. Homelessness denies you all that. A homeless man spends the night outside the State Library of NSW. Credit:Christopher Pearce Housing is a fundamental right, yet in Australia it has increasingly become a commodity and a privilege. The economic boom in NSW has clearly left many behind. The homeless population, which includes those in temporary and severely overcrowded accommodation, now stands at almost 38,000. Sadly, young people and older women are among the fastest growing groups. Rates of homelessness increased by 31 per cent for young people and 24 per cent for older people between 2011 and 2016. Vinnies helps deal with the emergency, providing food, beds, educational programs, health clinics and trauma-based counselling. But it also understands the value of dignity and the right to a place to call home. And it knows that if NSW is going to solve the homelessness problem in the long-term, different sectors of the community must work together; its more than a decade since Vinnies teamed up with the business community to run the annual Vinnies CEO Sleepout fund-raiser that has since raised $42 million for our services. Alan Jones's lawyer has admitted some of his claims about a Queensland family who are suing the broadcaster for defamation cannot be defended. But Robert Anderson QC has argued Jones and co-accused Harbour Radio, 4BC and journalist Nick Cater should not face a similar payout to the record $4.5 million that was originally awarded to defamed actress Rebel Wilson, but since slashed to $600,000 by the Court of Appeal in Melbourne on Thursday. Alan Jones' lawyer argued he should not face a similar payout to the record $4.5 million originally awarded to defamed actress Rebel Wilson. Credit:AAP "We accept there must be awarded damages because as Your Honour has seen ... there are some meanings that are not able to be defended," Mr Anderson told the Brisbane Supreme Court during closing submissions on Thursday. Jones and the other parties were being sued by the prominent Wagner family, who claim they were accused of the deaths in Grantham when one of the walls of the Lockyer Valley quarry they owned collapsed. A ute has careened off a highway off-ramp north of Brisbane and landed on three cars below, trapping two women. Police said drug utensils were found inside the ute, but charges had not been laid on Thursday night. The ute landed on cars on Pumicestone Road after coming down the off-ramp alongside the Caboolture Bypass. Credit:Facebook / Moreton Alert Two women in their 40s were trapped in the crash, near the D'Aguilar Highway overpass on Pumicestone Road at Caboolture, after 8.30am on Thursday. One woman was transported to hospital with serious chest injuries, a Queensland Ambulance Service spokesman said. A two-storey-high Big Peanut will be built in Kingaroy to recognise the lengthy contribution of Kingaroy peanuts to the Queensland economy. A site was confirmed last week in the grounds of the Kingaroy Bowls Club in Youngman Street, Kingaroy, which is on the main highway, Australia's Country Way, bringing tourists in and out of Kingaroy. A design has been prepared by a community group, which is organising the fundraising campaign. Queensland Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk Kingaroy at the peanut van in Kingaroy. Credit:AAP Kristy Board is on the Kingaroy Needs A Big Peanut campaign group, which over the past 18 months came up with designs and fundraising pitches to the large peanut businesses in the Kingaroy region. Ms Frecklington said the LNP would not introduce new taxes if the party was elected at the next state election. The LNP would make it compulsory for every fuel retailer to provide prices in real-time, and commit to airconditioning every state school classroom in Queensland. At present the government only funds airconditioning in state schools in tropical and western Queensland. It would introduce incentive funding pools for hospital and health services tied to the care patients received, to encourage hospital directors to improve frontline services. Ms Frecklington said the LNP would extend electricity retail competition from the south-east to the rest of Queensland, ending Ergon's monopoly, and expecting to save households about $300 a year. "We will do this by providing a community service obligation to Ergon Energy's distribution business to reduce the cost of energy distribution across regional Queensland," she said. "This will make it more attractive for retail operators to freely compete in the regions." Ms Frecklington said an LNP government would mandate government-owned energy companies to support renewable energy generation, with the party to "plan for a future beyond coal". "As green technology becomes cheaper and more reliable, it should generate a growing share of our power needs," she said. It would also restructure government-owned power generators from two to three entities. "The government's own modelling shows that creating three state-owned generation companies will reduce wholesale prices by more than 8 per cent," Ms Frecklington said. During the November state election campaign, then leader Tim Nicholls argued more subsidies for renewables would cost jobs in regional Queensland, and supported a privately funded new coal-fired power station in north Queensland. The LNP was defeated, and lost ground in Brisbane at the election, including losing shadow treasurer Scott Emerson's seat to the Greens' Michael Berkman. Loading Before the budget reply speech, Treasurer Jackie Trad questioned whether Ms Frecklington would repeal Labor's new taxes, which it "took to the people at the last election". "We were absolutely honest about what we would do," Ms Trad said. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk spruiked her government's record on renewable energy, pointing to $20 billion in renewable energy projects in the pipeline. Energy Minister Anthony Lynham accused Ms Frecklington of "backflipping" over renewables. "Their policies spin faster than a wind turbine," he said. Labor has set a target of 50 per cent renewable energy in 2030, while the LNP preferred the National Energy Renewable target of 23 per cent during the election campaign. It came as tension heated up between the Electrical Trades Union and the Labor government, with the union withdrawing from consultation about a CleanCo, describing the process as "hollow, tokenistic and a sham". In mid-2017, the Palaszczuk government announced it would establish a CleanCo, which would own and operate renewable assets. ETU QLD NT assistant secretary Keith McKenzie criticised the state government's plans to move ahead with an October 1 deadline to establish the government-owned corporation, when "many issues remained unresolved". "There has [been] no answers on key issues around the public ownership, safety and licensing requirements for workers on solar farms and other renewable assets," he said. "There has been no answers on how we provide a just transition for workers in our coal-fired power stations. Queensland has officially extended the welcome mat for royal newlyweds Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk has written to Clarence House to invite the Duke and Duchess of Sussex to Queensland during their coming visit to Australia. Prince Harry and Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, ride in a carriage during the Trooping the Colours ceremony as the Queen celebrates her official birthday in London. Credit:PA/AP The royals, who wed St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle last month, are due to visit Sydney for the Invictus Games in October, with the tour to also include New Zealand, Fiji and Tonga. In her letter, Ms Palaszczuk congratulated the couple on their recent nuptials on behalf of the people of Queensland. Sacked Logan City Council chief executive Sharon Kelsey will continue to fight for reinstatement in spite of a legal setback on Thursday in the Supreme Court. Justice Glenn Martin, sitting as the President of the Industrial Court, dismissed Ms Kelsey's application for temporary reinstatement, which had earlier been allowed by the Queensland Industrial Relations Commission. Sharon Kelsey was controversially sacked from Logan City Council. Credit:Alexandra Weaver. Thursday's ruling is the result of a challenge to the earlier QIRC ruling by Logan City Council, Mayor Luke Smith and seven other councillors who voted to terminate Ms Kelsey's contract in February. Although prevented from physically returning to work, the QIRC had reinstated Ms Kelsey's pay, but that will also stop as a result of Justice Martin's ruling. Iran has denied supporting the Houthis, but Iranian-made missiles have been used by the group during the war. Still, Yemen's war stems more from a dispute about national political influence than sectarian conflict, analysts say. The conflict has carved the country up into Houthi-controlled zones in much of the north-east, including the capital, Sanaa, and large parts of the south and west controlled by pro-government Saudi-led coalition forces. A destroyed theme park in Aden, Yemen. The mood is eerie on the mostly empty streets of Aden, Yemens southern port city and designated seat of government. Credit:AP How did Yemen's conflict reach this point? The conflict has its roots in Yemen's Arab Spring uprising that began in 2011 and forced the long-time authoritarian president, Ali Abdullah Saleh, an ally of the United States, from power. Though Saleh had led a unified Yemen since the 1990s, competing interests loosened his grip on the nation. Al-Qaeda in the Arabian Peninsula, one of the most potent offshoots of the global terrorist network, thrived in large parts of the country, and Houthi rebels gained power in the north. Then, months after the Arab Spring protests began, Saleh handed leadership of Yemen to his deputy, Hadi, and stepped down. But Hadi struggled to control a nation already deeply divided, and Saleh continued to wield power by aligning with the Houthis. By 2014, the Houthis and their supporters including sections of the Yemeni military loyal to Saleh stormed the capital and forced Hadi and his internationally recognised government into exile in Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia and several allied Arab states including the Emirates, intervened in 2015. Backed by the United States and Western allies, they launched air strikes on Houthi forces and drastically escalated the conflict. The Houthis responded by firing missiles into Saudi territory. Civilians, mostly those in Houthi areas, were increasingly caught in the crossfire. Then Saleh was killed by Houthis late last year after he abruptly abandoned the alliance with them. Young people play pool on a street in front of damaged buildings in Aden. Credit:AP What is the importance of Hodeida? For millions under Houthi control, the Red Sea port of Hodeida is the only supply route for humanitarian aid including food and medicine and other vital supplies. An estimated two-thirds of the population relies on it. The city is home to about 400,000 people, and with just two main routes in and out, a prolonged siege could leave hundreds of thousands cut off, unable to flee. Many aid groups pulled staff members out of the city in anticipation of the battle. Wednesday's offensive was carried out by Yemeni troops, aided by several other nationalities including Sudanese, trained and funded by the UAE. Both the Emiratis and the Saudis have accused the Houthis of using the city to smuggle Iranian weapons into Yemen. United Nations monitors say it's unlikely that weapons are being smuggled through Red Sea ports, and are most likely coming across land borders. Udai Faisal died on March 24 of acute malnutrition at al-Sabeen Hospital in Sanaa, Yemen. Credit:AP A humanitarian crisis threatens to worsen The United Nations and aid agencies have warned that an attack on Hodeida could exacerbate an already out-of-control humanitarian crisis and called for a ceasefire. "They must act now to secure a ceasefire before the people in Hodeida city suffer the same fate as those in Aleppo, Mosul or Raqqa," David Miliband, president and chief executive officer of the International Rescue Committee, said in an email statement, likening the potential outcome to long-term sieges in Syria and Iraq. Relentless air strikes have already shattered the infrastructure in many Houthi-controlled areas, with bombings damaging hospitals and sewage facilities. A boy rinses a bucket as he and others collect water in war-torn Yemen. Credit:AP Cholera and war crimes Preventable diseases have run rampant. A 2017 cholera epidemic in Yemen was the largest and fastest outbreak of the disease on record. The United Nations has said both the Saudi-led coalition and the Houthis have carried out actions that could amount to war crimes, and both sides have been accused of intentionally targeting dozens of hospitals and healthcare facilities as well as civilian centres. Even before the most recent offensive, millions of Yemenis were teetering on the brink of famine, with an estimated 60 per cent of the population of 29.3 million categorised as food insecure, according to the World Food Program. After years of war, 8 million of Yemen's estimated 28 million people are at risk of starvation, according to the United Nations and aid agencies. Anti-American graffiti on the street in Sanaa after the war started in 2015. Credit:New York Times What now? The International Committee of the Red Cross said that it had stockpiled food, medicine and water purification systems in the area in anticipation of the battle, but that the aid could not be distributed while fighting is underway. "Real people, real families, will suffer if no food is getting in, and we are concerned that ongoing military operations continue to hamper the arrival of essential goods," said Robert Mardini, the regional director the International Committee of the Red Cross. Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman has been sharply criticised for the decision to carry out an air war in Yemen, keeping Saudi casualties low but killing thousands of Yemeni civilians and distroying infrastructure. The stalemate with the Houthis, and the lack of a clear strategy or exit plan, have raised questions about whether Prince Mohammed and his ally, Emirati Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, have locked their nations in a costly and unwinnable conflict. The assault on Hodeida appears to be their effort to break the logjam and gain an upper hand in peace negotiations. But experts say that even a victory in Hodeida is unlikely to significantly alter the underlying dynamic in Yemen. The Houthis still control the capital, Sanaa, as well as territory in northern Yemen, their ancestral lands. The United States has backed the Saudi-led coalition, but US military officials, including Defence Secretary Jim Mattis, have warned their Arab allies that the assault could end in failure both militarily and politically, and result in further civilian suffering. Washington: Lawmakers of both parties have expressed outrage over the Trump administration's decision to make a deal relaxing penalties imposed on Chinese telecom giant ZTE for violating US sanctions against exporting to Iran and North Korea. They included language with bipartisan backing in a defence policy bill now pending before the Senate to re-impose the penalties and ban US government agencies from purchasing any devices or services from ZTE. Now the White House is defending its decision to lift restrictions against ZTE - and suggesting that congressional attempts to intervene violate the constitution's separation of powers. In April the Commerce Department announced the telecommunications giant would be banned for seven years from buying critical parts from American firms after the company sold items to Iran and North Korea in violation of a sanctions settlement. But President Trump decided to back off that punishment, after Chinese leaders said it would drive the company out of business. Latest News Spending surge felt across several industries as NSW reopens CBA Even luggage stores are experiencing an 830% increase SocietyOne inks warehouse funding deal with Westpac Big Four bank steps in to provide personal lender with $200m warehouse The latest market share data has shown Australian brokers have settled $46.1billion in residential home loans in the March quarter, the largest quarter value since data collection first started. The information, sourced by the Mortgage & Finance Association of Australia (MFAA), reveals continued and growing consumer confidence in mortgage brokers. Additionally, the latest home loan market share figure of 55.3% is 1.7% higher than the March 2017 quarter (53.6%), which is again the highest March quarter figure, period-on-period, since data collection commenced in 2012. MFAA CEO Mike Felton said, The data demonstrates that consumers continue to prefer brokers when seeking a home loan. While not surprising, this result is pleasing as it covers a period of negative public commentary following release of the Productivity Commission Draft Report into Competition in the Australian Financial System and the lead up to, and commencement of, the public hearings of the Royal Commission. At a time when confidence in the entire financial sector is in question, customers continue to flock to mortgage brokers, which in my view is a clear reflection of the positive customer outcomes being produced. The data collected shows that for more than five years, broker clients have continued to refer brokers to other consumers as indicated in the growth of market share, which is a true measure of customer satisfaction. This ongoing growth rate is a strong affirmation of the broker value proposition and my thanks go to all brokers who are the cornerstone of the industrys success." Research group comparator, a CoreLogic business, compiles quarterly broker statistics by calculating the value of loans settled by 18 of the leading brokers and aggregators as a percentage of ABS Housing Finance commitments. 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. 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Digital Editor Two militants and an Army jawan were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district on Thursday, officials said. "Two terrorists have been killed in an ongoing operation in Panar forest area of Bandipora district (in north Kashmir)," a defence spokesman said here. He added that a jawan also lost his life in the operation. Further details are awaited, the spokesman said. Firemen were on Wednesday successful in dousing a fire on the top floor of a 33-storey Mumbai building after battling leaping flames for nearly five hours. Although all residents were evacuated, two firemen suffered from suffocation and were rushed to a hospital. Bollywood actor Deepika Padukone, who lives in Beaumonde Towers on the 26th floor, said she was safe and expressed her prayers for the well-being of the firefighters. Padukone was out for a shoot but her personal staff were among those who were evacuated as a precaution. "I am safe. Thank You everyone. Let us pray for ... A massive dust storm raging across Mars has overcome NASA's aging Opportunity rover, putting the unmanned, solar-powered vehicle into sleep mode and raising concerns about its survival, the US space agency has said. The unusually severe dust storm has blocked out the Sun over one quarter of the Red Planet, blanketing an area spanning 14 million square miles (35 million square kilometres), said yesterday. Opportunity, located in a spot called Perseverance Valley, "has fallen asleep and is waiting out the storm," said John Callas, Opportunity project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory. "We are concerned but we are hopeful that the storm will clear and the rover will be able to communicate with us." The storm was first detected on May 30, and grew worse in recent days. The robotic vehicle -- one of two currently operating on Mars -- has shut everything down except its master clock, and last communicated with Earth on June 10. Callas declared a " emergency" due to low power. "In this point we are in a waiting mode. We are listening every day for possible signals from the rover," he said, likening the atmosphere among colleagues to having a loved one lying in a coma. "If it was your 97-year-old grandmother, you would be very concerned. And we are," he said. Opportunity, along with its twin named Spirit, launched in 2003 and landed on Mars a year later to hunt for signs of past life. Its mission was initially meant to last just 90 days. The rover "has made a number of discoveries about the Red Planet including dramatic evidence that long ago at least one area of Mars stayed wet for an extended period and that conditions could have been suitable for sustaining microbial life," said in a statement. When the storm struck, Opportunity was tooling around near a channel, carved in rim of crater, to see if it might have been created by flowing water, wind erosion, or something else. Its partner rover, Spirit, became stuck in soft soil in 2009, and its mission was formally declared over in 2011. Callas said he is hopeful Opportunity will not fully shut down because the approaching Martian summer means temperatures should not dip below the rover's minimal operating temperature, -55 degrees Celsius (-167 Fahrenheit). The coldest expects it to get is -36 C (-60 F). "So we should be able to ride out the storm," he told reporters. The dust is accumulating in a thin layer, and is not expected to bury the rover. Opportunity is expected to remain asleep until there is enough power to charge the battery above a certain threshold, at which point it would autonomously wake up, said Callas. Opportunity has travelled some 28 miles (45 kilometres) on the Martian surface. It survived a less severe dust storm in 2007. Martian dust storms are more easily whipped up on the Red Planet than on Earth because of Mars' thin atmosphere. They can last between a few weeks to a few months. Where Opportunity lies, "it is completely black on Mars. It is completely dark," said Callas. NASA's larger and newer Curiosity rover is on the other side of the planet, where the sky has already begun to darken from the storm. However, NASA is not as worried about Curiosity, which landed in 2012, because it is nuclear-powered, not reliant on the Sun. Experts said the dust storm is not likely to endanger NASA's InSight mission, which launched earlier this year and is scheduled to land in November, on a mission to study quakes on Mars. But scientists are studying this and other dust storms on Mars in order to be better able to forecast them, in case human explorers ever set up camp there. "We would not want to have a crew operating remotely from their base and be caught off guard with a storm like this and have difficulty getting back home," said Jim Watzin, director of the Mars Exploration Program at NASA. Pakistan on Thursday rejected India's protest against its move to alter the status of territories occupied by Islamabad in Kashmir, saying New Delhi's claim over the region has no legal basis. India this week had lodged strong protest with Pakistan over the Azad Jammu and Kashmir Interim Constitution (13th Amendment) Act, 2018, which abolished occupied Kashmir's Councils's administrative and financial powers, reducing it to an advisory body. The Foreign Office (FO) said in a statement that Pakistan categorically rejects India's protest and its "fallacious and baseless claim" over Kashmir as an integral part of India. The Indian claim has no legal basis and continues to be contradicted by the situation on ground since the last seven decades. The entire state of Jammu & Kashmir is a 'disputed' territory, it said. The FO said that the disputed status of Kashmir was enshrined in the relevant United Nations Security Council resolutions, which stipulated that the final status of Jammu and Kashmir will be determined through the democratic method of a transparent, free and fair plebiscite under the auspices of the United Nations to ascertain the wishes of the Kashmiris. These resolutions, pledging the right to self-determination to the people of Kashmir, are accepted by India, Pakistan and the international community, it said. "Instead of making frivolous protests and issuing legally untenable and uncalled for statements, India should take steps to...fulfil its international obligations and expedite resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute in line with the UN Security Council Resolutions," said the FO. Mike Coppola/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- New York States highest court on Thursday rejected an appeal from President Trump in a defamation case brought by Summer Zervos, a former contestant on The Apprentice who alleges that Trump groped and kissed her without her consent in 2007. This is the third time Trumps attempt to halt discovery in the case and a possible deposition of the president has failed. In a brief order, the New York Court of Appeals, on procedural grounds, rejected the presidents attempt to dismiss the case or delay it until after he leaves office. The court ruled that Trumps appeal is premature because there has not been a final determination of his motions in the lower courts. But the presidents legal team was undaunted. The Court of Appeals did not address the merits of the issue at stake here (an issue first raised by the U.S. Supreme Court in Clinton v. Jones) - namely, that, under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, state courts do not have jurisdiction over a sitting President," a spokesperson for the presidents attorney, Marc Kasowitz, said in a statement. Kasowitz has claimed that the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution bars a state court lawsuit against a sitting president and has said this issue will likely reach the Supreme Court of the United States. The president has denied he sexually assaulted or harassed women, including Zervos, before he took office. Zervos sued Trump in 2017 just before he took office, claiming he falsely called her a liar. As part of the case, she is seeking to question him under oath. New Yorks highest court has rejected Defendants motion for a stay, Zervos attorney Mariann Wang said in a statement. This is now the third time the courts have rejected Defendants effort to block the progress of this case. We look forward to continuing the discovery process and exposing the truth. Naomi Mezey, a professor of law at Georgetown Law, said Trump's attorneys have been fighting at all costs -- with good reason. "Discovery is a minefield for Trump, which is why his lawyers have been working so tenaciously to try and avoid it," Mezey said. Judge Jennifer Schechter ordered that certain documentary evidence be produced by September and depositions be completed by January. Zervos is asking for special damages of almost $3,000 plus damages for emotional harm and business loss and for punitive damages. Mezey compared Trump's legal situation to former President Bill Clinton, and feared the president may have reason to worry. "That is where Clinton ran into trouble," she said, referring to Trump's legal team having to produce documents. "And its almost certainly where Trump will run into trouble, where the sound bites are going to meet some of the facts." Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. While the problem of banks handing out torn and mutilated currency to depositors has hogged the limelight off late, the bank customers' woes may be far from over. Many banks are refusing to exchange old and torn notes of the Rs 2,000 denomination with many saying that the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) does not have any rules in place that require banks to exchange torn Rs 2,000 notes carried by a depositor. Bank officials manning cash counters are turning away customers saying that they should "hold on to their torn Rs 2,000 notes till RBI comes out with a policy to exchange such ... The Reserve Bank of India (RBI) is planning to provide relief to foreign portfolio investors (FPIs) on some of the new norms proposed in its April 27 circular. As per the new norms, an FPI cannot invest more than 20 per cent of its portfolio in papers that have maturity below one year. In this regard, the central bank is considering grandfathering of existing investment since the law has currently been applied retrospectively. Grandfathering refers to a practice in which old rules continue to apply till the date a new clause has been introduced. The restriction that an FPI ... is America's biggest enemy, said the US President as he singled out some outlets for trying to downplay the deal he struck with North Korean leader at their historic Trump met with Kim on Tuesday where the two leaders signed a vaguely worded agreement that has been criticised by many in the US. On his return to Washington, Trump had also decleared that no longer poses a nuclear threat to America. Critics feel that Trump, the first sitting US President to meet a North Korean head of state, lavished praise on Kim, legitimising the young authoritarian leader. Trump, 72, renewed his attack on the media, hours after he addressed a lengthy press conference in Singapore, trying to sell the "deal" he has struck with Kim, 34. In a tweet, he singled out NBC and and wrote, "So funny to watch the Fake News, especially NBC and " "They are fighting hard to downplay the deal with 500 days ago they would have 'begged' for this deal -- looked like war would break out. Our Country's biggest enemy is the so easily promulgated by fools!" he tweeted. Trump's angry tweet apparently came following a wave of attacks launched on Jim Acosta, CNN's chief White House correspondent. Trump officials had attacked Acosta for asking Kim and Trump questions during a signing ceremony at the Singapore nuclear summit. Brad Parscale, the Trump 2020 campaign manager, said Acosta's press credentials should be "immediately" suspended, calling the journalist an "absolute disgrace" on Twitter. Acosta had responded on Twitter to the suggestion that he have his press credentials revoked, tweeting, "Dictatorships take away press credentials. Not democracies." Trump frequently portrays the news as one of his enemies, but rarely has he been this blunt about it, commented. No modern American president has publicly spoken this way about the press, the network said while noting that former President Richard Nixon sometimes talked this way, but only in private. "Trump relishes the fight. Time and time again, he seizes us-versus-them opportunities, casting the as an opponent that must be defeated," it said. Trump had instituted the so-called " Awards" in January and the "winners" included the New York Times and CNN. (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.) Renault boss Carlos Ghosn faces another nail-biting salary vote when the French government, the carmaker's largest shareholder, is expected to oppose his 7.4 million euro ($8.7 million) 2017 payout at Friday's annual shareholder meeting. Ghosn, who lost a vote on pay in 2016, is also up for renewal as chairman and CEO for another four-year term in which he has pledged to pursue closer consolidation with alliance partners Nissan and Mitsubishi. The French state holds a 15 per cent Renault stake with double voting rights, capped at 18-20 per cent for votes on remuneration ... Prime Minister Theresa May defeated the final challenges to her Brexit blueprint in parliament on Wednesday, leaving plans for Britain's departure from the European Union still largely on track but her authority weakened. Lawmakers supported the government's position to reject amendments to the EU withdrawal bill that challenged May's commitment to leave the bloc's customs union and the single market, leaving the overall shape of her Brexit strategy intact that will transform Britain's trading relationships for decades. But it was a vote in parliament on ... Saudi Arabias oil minister said its inevitable that Opec and its allies will agree to boost oil output gradually, giving the most definitive signal yet that the cartel will alleviate high prices for consumers. I think well come to an agreement that satisfies most importantly the market, Khalid Al-Falih told reporters in Moscow on Thursday, when asked about the outcome of the meeting between the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its allies, to be held in Vienna next week. I think it will be a reasonable ... 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 last few months have seen a spurt in private equity deals in the insurance space, with investors like Westbridge Capital and Warburg Pincus buying stakes in Star Health & Allied Insurance and India First Life, respectively (see box). There have been other deals too. The deals are driven by a new regulation in December 2017, which allowed PE firms to come in as promoters in insurance firms and exit after a lock-in period of five years. This was matched by few foreign partners, who were keen to sell their stake in their Indian ventures. For instance, Legal & General sold its 26 ... Gold discounts in India were at their widest in nine months this week as higher domestic prices tempered retail purchases, while buying in other Asian centres remained subdued amid a lack of significant momentum in global prices. Dealers in India were offering a discount of up to $7.50 an ounce over official domestic prices this week, the highest since September 9. This compared with discounts of $5 last week. The domestic price includes a 10 percent import tax. Gold was being sold at a discount in Indian markets for the sixth straight week. "Jewellery showrooms were deserted. Retail ... Indias palm oil imports in May plunged 38 per cent from a year earlier to their lowest in nearly four and a half years, as higher import tax on the tropical oil made it more expensive, a trade body said on Thursday. However, the fall in import of palm oil has been offset by much higher import of other varieties of oil like soyoil, rapeseed oil and sunflower oil, as duty on these soft oils is lower. 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 Bond yields in India have not shown any reaction to the US Federal Reserves move to hike the key policy rate by 25 basis points last night, as the hike was already expected and priced in. The US Fed also indicated that there might be two more rate hikes by the end of calendar year, in line with market expectations. The US Feds effective communication nixed the chances of volatility, but globally bond yields had risen steadily of late to price in four rate hikes in total. The US 10-year yield rose above 3 per cent in reaction to the rate hike, but settled at 2.96 ... AMRI Hospitals today organized a voluntary blood donation drive at its Dhakuria branch on the occasion of World Blood Donor Day. The blood donation drive was the hospital's way of addressing the concerns around the relative shortage of blood in West Bengal, particularly during the summer months. The campaign was also aimed at spreading awareness around the life-saving tenet that blood donation provides. Rupak Barua, Group CEO, AMRI Hospitals said, "Receiving the right kind of blood at the right time can often make a crucial difference between life and death. Even the simple act of donating just 100 ml of blood can mean the world to others. At AMRI, we recognize the need to spread awareness around blood donation and the campaign, #HaveaHeart, has been created to reflect on the importance of saving a life through a simple blood donation drive." Shortage of blood is not uncommon in West Bengal and blood infusions become more important during summer months. Even in circumstances of emergencies, such as a road accident, many deaths can be prevented by containing the shortage of blood. A voluntary drive on World Blood Donor day can help reflect the issue on a more personal note, said Barua. "Shortage of blood can only be prevented when more people donate blood. Most people do not consider that there might be a shortage in availability of blood when they or their loved ones need it. As more people understand this, shortage of blood might not create a bottleneck in healthcare," he added. Kolkata requires around six lakh units of blood every year, around 60 to 65 percent of that demand being usually met by blood banks, with the rest coming from donors, arranged by patients' families. "Fortunately, very few people die owing to lack of blood. But the supply often slows down in summer as fewer donation camps are held at this time", said Debabrata Ray of Association of Voluntary Blood Donors. Blood donations also arrive from local clubs organizing donation drive's on their own. Through this drive, AMRI Hospitals is looking forward to curb blood shortage issues and making a significant impact in terms of awareness across the state. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu held virtual inspection of roads for the first time, from Real Time Governance Centre in the State Secretariat in Amaravati. At first, the Chief Minister held virtual inspection of works on Kollipara road in Guntur district and expressed anger over the officials as none was present at the work site. He observed that people over there are suffering as a pipeline work is not completed and expressed dissent over the irresponsibility of concerned contractor and other officials. He asked as to why precautionary measures are not taken before the monsoon started, and why the work granted in 2016 are not yet completed. The Chief Minister also suspended concerned Junior Engineer. He also ordered for inquiry and warned stern action if negligence is proved. Later, the Chief Minister virtually inspected garbage dumping at Swaraj Maidan in Vijayawada. He asked as to the why the class four employees' work and cleanliness situation in the city are not continuously being monitored in Vijayawada, as it is being developed as the clean city. He suspended the employees whose negligence caused garbage dumping in the city. Naidu also ordered the officials to see that there will be no problems in drainage system as the monsoon already arrived. He ordered all municipal commissioners in the state to be on alert. The Chief Minister also warned that he will take immediate action against the officials if garbage is found anywhere. He also said action will be taken against media also if they carry wrong news. While interacting with the media in this connection, Naidu said, "All employees should work as per service standards. Officials should be able to get the work done at field level. I won't spare anybody who act irresponsibly. People should also remember their responsibilities; they have to keep their surroundings clean. Officials should not confine to their offices, they must come on to the roads. Public can complain about their grievances directly to the government through 1100. Our government aim is to provide satisfactory services to the public. Nowhere in the world there is any such system that assesses the satisfaction levels of the public." "We are striving to give good governance without corruption of even a single penny. We are using technology very efficiently. We are using biometric system, iris and now going for facial recognition also. We will review the performance of employees and officials in the departments which get less satisfaction from the public feedback. Nobody can cheat the government. I will take immediate action wherever irregularities are reported," he added. The Chief Minister further informed that from first week of July, he will directly interact with public through video conference and will come to know their grievances directly. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Pune Court on Thursday extended the police custody of all the four accused in the Bhima Koregaon violence case, till June 21. Earlier on June 7, the court had sent all the four accused to police custody till June 14. All the four accused were arrested by the Pune police on June 6 from Mumbai, Nagpur, and Delhi. On January 2, the 200th anniversary of Bhima-Koregaon battle took a violent turn when a youth died in clashes that broke out during an event to mark the day. The violence also left several injured, including 10 policemen. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Pune Police's Cyber Cell on Thursday filed a second charge sheet against investor Amit Bhardwaj in connection with two crypto-currency fraud cases. According to the Pune Police's investigation so far, no involvement of any celebrity has been found in the scam. Earlier on June 5, actor Shilpa Shetty's husband Raj Kundra was summoned by the Enforcement Directorate in connection with a Bitcoin scam after alleged links with Bhardwaj were discovered. According to media reports, Bhardwaj had started the country's first online marketplace which accepted bitcoins. He had also started bitcoin mining start-ups. He reportedly lured in investors with promises of hefty returns, assuring them of access to the bitcoin mining system. Bhardwaj was arrested in New Delhi on April 5. He was then brought to Pune for investigations in the two cases. Earlier on June 6, police had busted a crypto-currency racket and arrested one in Maharashtra's Thane. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The bullet-ridden body of Army jawan, who was abducted by terrorists from Jammu and Kashmir's Pulwama earlier in the day, has been found dead at Gusoo area on Thursday. The deceased Army man, Aurangzeb is a resident of Poonch district and was proceeding toward his home on leave for Eid when he was abducted in broad daylight from a vehicle. After his abduction, the Jammu and Kashmir Police had launched a massive manhunt. He belonged to 44 Rashtriya Rifles and was posted in Shopian. More details are awaited. Since few days, the state has witnessed a huge spurt in terror activity. Last year in May, a young Indian Army officer Lt. Ummer Fayyaz was abducted while he was attending a family wedding and later his bullet-ridden was found. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Cate Blanchett is all set to return to the London stage next January, starring opposite Stephen Dillane at the National Theatre. According to Hollywood Reporter, Blanchett will be seen in the world premiere of Martin Crimp's 'When We Have Sufficiently Tortured Each Other: Twelve Variations on Samuel Richardson's Pamela'. The drama revolves around five characters, which will be thrown into a dangerous game of sexual domination and resistance. Further information on the production, including dates and additional casting, is expected in the fall. The two-time Oscar winner previously appeared on the London stage in David Hare's Plenty in 1999. Her extensive theatre credits include numerous productions that originated at the Sydney Theatre Company both before and during her tenure there as co-artistic director. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Father of BSF Assistant Commander Jitendra Singh, who lost his life in a ceasefire violation by Pakistan, on Thursday demanded stringent action against Islamabad. Speaking to ANI, Singh's father also expressed his pride in his son for the martyrdom he attained while in service of the nation. "I, my family and the entire village are very proud of the martyrdom while in service of the nation. My message to the Indian government is that they should deal firmly with Pakistan, otherwise they will never change," Samunder Singh told ANI. Four BSF personnel including the assistant commandant were killed and five others injured in Ramgarh and Chambliyal sectors of Samba in Jammu on Wednesday. Among the deceased were two BSF jawans, one Assistant Commandant and one Sub-Inspector. Earlier on Wednesday, Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) general secretary Ram Madhav had said that the Home Ministry will review the Centre's decision to suspend security operations in Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan. Earlier in May, the Director General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan had spoken to each other on the issue of ceasefire violations and terrorist activities and agreed to fully implement the ceasefire understanding of 2003, to ensure that ceasefire will not be violated by both sides. Both the DGMOs had reviewed the prevailing situation along the Line of Control and International Boundary in Jammu and Kashmir, according to an official statement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Members of the UNISDR ARISE FICCI Board today deliberated on the future course of actions to be taken to accelerate the pace of work in disaster risk reduction (DRR) activities with the new Chairperson, General N C Vij suggesting that the key activity to focus on was urban risk reduction and management instead of spreading resources thinly. Addressing the UNISDR ARISE FICCI members, Gen. Vij said, "We should focus our efforts on few key activities instead of all. Focused efforts to reduce the risks emanating from the natural and man-made disasters in urban India can then be translated into rural India with modifications to suit the local needs." Members were of the view that funding for disaster risk management was a key issue that needed to be addressed upfront. Lt. Gen. (Dr.) J R Bhardwaj, former Member NDMA, felt that UNISDR and the government should allocate funds to ARISE India to take its activities forward. Anil Sinha, Co-Chair, ARISE FICCI, said disaster risk reduction does not get much funding as opposed to climate change initiatives, as benefits of DRR are not visible in the short-term. He said there was a need to create awareness, share knowledge and change in mindsets, going forward. UNISDR ARISE FICCI is a private sector initiative focused on disaster reduction. "We are trying to sensitise the private sector on the best practices and also showcase the opportunities in Disaster Risk Reduction," said Mr. Nirankar Saxena, Deputy Secretary General, FICCI. ARISE FICCI has partnered with Integrated Institute of Rural Management (IIRM), Shimla for a pilot project- covering 3226 panchayats - aimed at making villages smart (covering disaster reduction) & opening-up of opportunities in rural areas, said Brig. (Dr) BK Khanna, CEO, ARISE FICCI. ARISE stands for the UNISDR Private Sector Alliance for Disaster Resilient Societies. It is committed to implementing the Sendai Framework with emphasis to ensure the private sector investments and operations are hazard resilient (risk sensitive), in collaboration with the public sector. Seven themes adopted by UNISDR ARISE are disaster risk management strategies, investor metrics, bench marking & standards, education & training, legal & regulatory, urban risk reduction & resilience and insurance. The Sendai Framework signed by 187 countries, including India, in March 2015, highlights lack of regulations and incentives for private disaster risk reduction investment as an underlying risk driver and called for to integrate disaster risk into their management practices. FICCI has been working actively on disaster mitigation in the industrial sector since 2003, although earlier it had confined its activities in relief and reconstruction phases post - disaster. It is based on its credentials and commitment to disaster risk reduction/management that UNISDR entrusted FICCI to be full -fledged Member of UNISDR ARISE on 04 August 2017, to take its initiatives on DRR to the next level. Thus FICCI is the only Chamber of Commerce to represent private sector from India in the area of disaster risk reduction. ARISE FICCI has volunteered to become ARISE INDIA network which is pending with UNISDR ARISE and is likely to fructify shortly. The meeting was also attended by Mr. KM Singh, Founder Member, NDMA and, Mr. Rajeshwar Rao, Adviser, Prime Minister's Economic Advisory Council. Presentations were made on 'SMART Village Concept- Ruralising India, Empowering Villages' by Dr. L C Sharma, MD, Integrated Institute of Rural Management, Shimla and 'Operations Resilience - National-Level Portal' by Mr. Sarthak Handa, an alumni of IIT Kanpur and a start-up entrepreneur. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjabi star Gurdas Maan is ready to mesmerize his fans with his upcoming movie 'Nankana'. The trailer of the movie is out and it revolves around the strong bond between a father and a son. At the same time, it gives a very meaningful message that not everyone can get everything in life. Set in the period of 1947, the movie deals with the religious turmoil of the era. Gurdas Maan is playing the role of a teacher, who wishes nothing more than peace in his village. Besides Maan, the movie also stars Kavita Kaushik and Anas Rashid. Directed by Manjeet Maan, the movie is scheduled to release on July 6. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India on Thursday called the United Nations' Report on Kashmir misleading and mischievous, adding "the report violates its sovereignty and creates a false narrative." "The report violates India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Pakistan is in illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the Indian state through aggression. We have repeatedly called upon Pakistan to vacate the occupied territories. The incorrect description of Indian territory in the report is mischievous, misleading and unacceptable. There are no entities such as "Azad Jammu and Kashmir" and "Gilgit-Baltistan," the statement issued on Thursday by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) read, adding that the report had ignored cross border terrorism from Pakistan. The MEA further stated "it is disturbing that those behind this report have chosen to describe internationally designated and UN-proscribed terrorist entities as "armed groups" and terrorists as "leaders". This undermines the UN led consensus on zero tolerance to terrorism." In the 49-page report, the United Nations Human Rights Office has called for a probe into alleged human rights violations in Kashmir by both India and Pakistan. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Thursday said that it was not given full access to the area for a detailed investigation. The ministry also said that such "malicious reports" could not undermine the will of the people and the government of India to protect the territorial integrity of the country. According to the UN report shortly after protests broke out after the killing of the commander of terror outfit Hizbul Mujahideen (HM) Burhan Wani in July, 2016, the High Commissioner of Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein met officials from both Pakistan and India and the two sides had two different versions of the situation. Hussein's report further stated that both countries were asked for unconditional access to Kashmir. According to the statement, India rejected the request while Pakistan said that the office of the High Commissioner would be given access to Pakistan-administered Kashmir only if the latter obtained access to the Indian side as well. When the request for full access was rejected, OHCHR undertook remote monitoring of human rights violations. The OHCHR said that special laws in place like Armed Forces (Special Powers) Acts (AFSPA) and the Public Safety Act (PSA) of Jammu and Kashmir created structures that obstructed the normal course of law, impede accountability and jeopardize the right to remedy for victims of human rights violations. The AFSPA 1990 "gives security forces virtual immunity against prosecution for any human rights violation. In the nearly 28 years that the law has been in force in Jammu and Kashmir, there has not been a single prosecution of armed forces personnel granted by the central government," the report said, adding that despite Supreme Court order to probe extra judicial killings in Manipur, there had been no such initiative in Kashmir. "PSA has reportedly been widely used by the authorities in Jammu and Kashmir to stifle dissent. It has been used to target human rights defenders, 75 journalists, separatist76 political leaders, suspected members of armed opposition groups and people involved in protests," the report further alleged. The report also slams India for using pellet guns and also condemns the "arbitrary detentions and arrests". India is obliged to ensure that no person is "subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment". There have long been persistent claims of torture by security forces in Kashmir," Hussein said in his report, mentioning the incident of Farooq Dar being strapped to an Army vehicle. Hussein's report also states that enforced disappearances continue in the valley and slams the terrible state of law and order, which was evident from "the Kunan-Poshpora mass rape, which took place 27 years ago and for which attempts to seek justice have been denied and blocked over the years by the authorities at different levels." On Pakistan, the OHCHR said that there was rampant misuse of Pakistan's anti-terrorism Act against young activists and that there was violation of land rights, restrictions on freedom of religion and belief. The OHCHR said that there needs to be an urgent need for meaningful dialogue that includes people of Kashmir. "Consider the findings of this report, including the possible establishment of a commission of inquiry to conduct a comprehensive independent international investigation into allegations of human rights violations in Kashmir," Hussein's report states. It also asked India to repeal AFSPA and to establish impartial and credible investigations to probe all civilian killings. "Investigate all deaths that have occurred in the context of security operations in Jammu and Kashmir following the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court of India.Bring into compliance with international human rights standards all Indian laws and standard operating procedures relating to the use of force by law enforcement and security entities, particularly the use of firearms: immediately order the end of the use of pellet-firing shotguns in Jammu and Kashmir for the purpose of crowd control," Hussein said. It asked Pakistan to immediately release "from prison or house arrest any political activists, journalists and other civil society actors who have been convicted for peacefully expressing their opinions." "End the misuse of anti-terror legislation to persecute those engaging in peaceful political and civil activities and expressions of dissent, and amend the Anti-Terrorism Act to bring it in line with international human rights standards, including by incorporating human rights safeguards," the report further said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) United States President Donald Trump on Thursday celebrated his 72nd birthday - his second in office. As wishes started to pour in for Trump, his daughter Ivanka shared a throwback photo of the two of them on Twitter. Ivanka Trump wished him "your best year yet!!!" in a birthday tweet. "Happy, happy birthday Dad! I love you very much. Wishing you your best year yet!!!," Ivanka tweeted. Furthermore, Trump's eldest son, Donald Trump Jr, took to Instagram to greet him. "What do you get the guy that has everything in his birthday? Nothing he works hard and gets it himself. What more could someone ask for than what he's accomplished in the past 16 months? Happy Birthday Dad," he wrote. US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo wrote,"Happy birthday, President Trump! Susan and I wish you continued strength and fortitude as you work to advance the interests of the American people. I'm humbled to serve under your leadership on behalf of our nation." Russian President Vladimir Putin has also greeted Trump on his birthday, Kremlin Spokesman Dmitry Peskov told Russian news agency TASS. Trump, who returned to Washington after holding the historic summit with North Korea's leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore on Wednesday, was treated to an early birthday lunch on Monday by Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong. On Tuesday, Singapore hosted historic summit between Trump and Kim in Capella Hotel on Sentosa Island over dismantling the reclusive country's nuclear weapons programme. On Monday, South Korea's President Moon Jae-In remarked a successful summit would be a birthday gift for US President Donald Trump. Moon said that if the summit was successful, "it will be a great gift for not only the but also President Trump's birthday on June 14. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A high-level military talk between South Korea and North Korea is underway at a North Korean facility in the truce village of Panmunjom. The meeting, which began around 10 a.m. on Thursday, is held to discuss ways to ease tension in the Korean Peninsula and to implement the agreements reached at the inter-Korean summit (held in April), as per NHK An official of the defence ministry, Major General Kim Do-gyun, is leading the South Korean delegation, while the North Korean team is headed by Korean People's Army Lieutenant General An Ik San. The two sides are expected to hold dialogue between their defence ministers in order to avoid accidental military clashes in areas, along the maritime demarcation line. Recovery of the remains of the fallen soldiers from the Korean War in the demilitarised zone would be a significant part of the discussion. This comes after North Korea cancelled the high-level talks with South Korea originally scheduled for May 16, over the joint military drills undertaken by Seoul and Washington D.C. North Korea is now expected to seek a halt of joint military drills between the United States and South Korea. After the historic summit with the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on Tuesday, US President Donald Trump said the US would halt war games with S Korea, while the negotiations are underway. The two leaders in Singapore also signed a post-summit joint declaration, according to which Kim committed for 'complete denuclearisation of Korean Peninsula' and Trump pledged 'security guarantees' to the North. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Indian Coast Guard ship Rajkiran and Dornier aircraft on Thursday rescued all the 22 crew members on board Indian flag Container vessel, MV SSL Kolkata after it caught fire last night. Coast Guard Dornier aircraft was launched from Kolkata while ICGS Rajkiran from Haldia reached area at about 08:30 AM to rescue the all-Indian crew. The rescue operation was undertaken by the Coast Guard units under bad weather and rough sea condition. "No spill of fuel as of now, however, if such has happened coast guard will take care of it. Merchant Vessel SSL Kolkata was carrying 464 containers. We have successfully rescued all the crew members and they are safe," said Inspector General Kuldeep Singh Sheoran, Coast Guard Commander at Regional Headquarters (North East) in Kolkata. The container carrier was on coastal voyage from Krishnapatnam to Kolkata with the crew and 464 containers. By the time the rescue team reached MV SSL Kolkata, about 70 percent of the vessel was on fire and master of the vessel had abandoned. The fire broke out due to explosion in one of the container and gradually it spread over. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Merck Foundation, the philanthropic arm of Merck KGaA Germany starts its first Merck Health Media Training on 10th of July 2018 from 10 The training program is part of 'Merck more than a Mother' community awareness initiative. It is being organized to emphasize the important role that media plays to influence our society to create a cultural shift with the aim to break the stigma around infertility in general and Infertile women in particular. During the training program, Merck Foundation will announce the start of new hashtags #MenToo and #NotoInfertilityStigma to invite media from all over Africa to share its opinions and stories on social media about the topic. "I am very happy to initiate this important training session and the two hashtags on the social media platform, inviting all media representatives to share it on their platforms. #MenToo can be the cause of infertility #MenToo can suffer the infertility stigma and social pressure. #NoToInfertilityStigma for women and #Mentoo is the key message we wish to deliver," explained Dr. Rasha Kelej, CEO of Merck Foundation and President of Merck more than a Mother. Merck Health Media Training Program is planned to follow the Merck more than a Mother Media Recognition Awards Ceremony which will be held on the 9th of July to recognize the winners from Kenya and East Africa. Dr. Rasha Kelej further explained the reason of creating this award "We announced the 'Merck More than a Mother Media Recognition Awards' in 2017 with the aim to emphasize the role of media in enhancing the public engagement and understanding of infertility stigma and the need to change its social perception in African communities." Through the award ceremony, Merck Foundation will honor the winners of 'Merck More Than a Mother' Media Recognition Award 2017, for their outstanding journalistic coverage to break the stigma around infertility in African communities. The award ceremony will be attended by eminent media personalities, fertility experts, infertile women, award winners and other distinguished media people from across Africa. "The Merck Health training program will focus on the international standards and media ethics for reporting sensitive issues like infertility in Africa. It is designed to benefit the journalists in understanding the infertility issues in African communities and to learn the best media practices to cover such issues. We look forward to scaling this program to Francophone African countries and Asian counties in 2018," Dr. Rasha Kelej added. Merck Foundation will bring media from more than 15 African countries to come together to break the infertility stigma in the continent. The training would also provide an excellent opportunity for the journalists from Africa to network with each other and work as a unit to eradicate the stigma around infertility. Merck Foundation appreciates the outstanding health journalism and seeks the support of Health Media across Africa to achieve the objective of creating a culture shift and breaking stigma around infertility and infertile women. The journalists from various African countries like Kenya, Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda, Gambia, Namibia, Mozambique, Nigeria, Ghana, South Africa, Ethiopia, Botswana, Liberia, Cameroon, Sierra Leona, etc. will be participating in the training. About 'Merck More Than a Mother' campaign; In many Cultures, childless women suffer discrimination, stigma, and ostracism. Their inability to have children results in great isolation, disinheritance, and assaults. 'Merck More Than a Mother' empowers such women through the access to information, health, change of mindsets and economic empowerment. As part of this Campaign, we started "Empowering Berna" project in Africa to help childless and infertile women starting their own and thus achieve financial independence and become stronger and happier. The project has benefited more than 1,000 women across the continent. Also, part of the campaign is our Merck Embryology & Fertility Training Program, a three-month hands-on practical course to establish the platform of fertility specialists across Africa and Asia. Merck Foundation provided for more than 50 candidates, three months to six months clinical and practical training for fertility specialists and embryologists in more than 29 countries across Africa and Asia such as: Chad, Niger, Central African Republic, Cote D'Ivoire , Ghana, Ethiopia , Uganda, Kenya, Tanzania , Zambia , Nigeria, Benin, Mali, Burkina Fuso, Senegal, Guinea Conakry, Sierra Leone, Liberia, Cameron, Rwanda, Botswana, DR Congo , Congo Brazzaville, Gambia , Nepal, Siri Lanka, Bangladesh, Myanmar and Cambodia. Merck Foundation is making history in many African countries where they never had fertility specialists or specialized fertility clinics before 'Merck More Than a Mother' intervention, to train the first fertility specialists such as; in Sierra Leone, Liberia, The Gambia, Niger, Chad, and Guinea. Merck Foundation plan supported the establishment of the first public IVF centers in Ethiopia and Uganda through providing the clinical and practical training necessary for their staff. Merck Foundation also plans to support the establishment of the first public IVF in Tanzania soon. 'Merck more than a Mother' launched in 2015, is a program of the Merck Foundation, the foundation drives many of our initiatives and programs in the area of build health care and research capacity and improves access to equitable healthcare solutions. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two defence experts have questioned the need for having a unilateral ceasefire in the Kashmir Valley during the Muslim fasting month of Ramzan, maintaining that this had been fully exploited by militants. Reacting to the death of four Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, including an assistant commandant-ranked officer, one of them, P.K.Sehgal said it is high time that a free hand was given to the army to tackle the situation. "Apparently, the opportunity that came their way by the way of unilateral ceasefire has been fully exploited by militants and separatists for conducting anti-India activities. It is time that security forces should be given free hand to do what they were doing earlier," he said, "Bandipora lays abeam the principal communication artery that connects Srinagar t0 Kargil and border. So, this is one area where every day the convoys are moving up and down. This operation has been going on for the last six days," he added. Another defence expert, Qamar Agha, accused Pakistan of not adhering to international law. Referring to the death of BSF personnel deaths, he said, "This is yet another ceasefire violation by Pakistan and they blame India for the same. Pakistan, ever since its inception, has not adhered to international laws or treaties. Pakistan is not a natural state. It has been carved out of India; so real assimilation has not taken place, it is built in the name of religion." "We have seen in Pakistan how the Sindhis, the Baloch, the Pathans all of them [are fighting against Pakistan. So, in the name of religion, they (Pak) are creating a problem in Kashmir, Afghanistan and other areas. So, it is not a modern state. I think the international community should look into it, because, India is not the only victim. Countries like Afghanistan, Russia, China Iran have expressed their concerns in the regard," he added. An army soldier and two militants have been killed so far in an ongoing encounter in a forest area of North Kashmir's Bandipora district. The identity and group affiliation of the two militants is yet to be ascertained, an official said. "The operation was launched last week when the militants and the government forces exchanged brief gunfire in the Raynar forests adjacent to Panar area. The operation with the help of additional reinforcement continued and entered on sixth straight day today," a defence official said. This comes after terrorists on Wednesday fired upon a Special Police Officer of Jammu and Kashmir police in Shopian's Katho Halan area. Meanwhile, on Tuesday, two police personnel were killed and three others were injured in a terrorist attack in J-K's Pulwama district. Last weekend, in jungles of Panhar area of Bandipora district, terrorists fired at an army patrol party. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's ousted Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif, along with his daughter Maryam Nawaz, left to visit Sharif's wife Kulsoom Nawaz, who is currently undergoing cancer treatment at a hospital in London on Thursday morning. The father-daughter duo is expected to spend Eid holidays with Kulsoom and other family members in the city, as per The Express Tribune. Maryam on Twitter confirmed boarding a flight to London. "Leaving for London. Back next week IA. Can't wait to meet & hug Ami. Request all for special dua for her health. May Allah bless you all," she tweeted. Nawaz and his family members are facing trial in three corruption cases filed by the National Accountability Bureau (NAB), which are Avenfield properties, Gulf Steel Mills and Al-Azizia Steel Mills. On June 8, the accountability court had dismissed Nawaz's application seeking exemption from personal appearance because of his visit to London with Maryam. Pakistan's top court, however, had granted them permission to leave Pakistan on June 10. The accountability court then granted an exemption to Nawaz and Maryam for the June 14 hearing, wherein they are expected to present final arguments in the Avenfield Apartments reference. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kerala Health Minister KK Shailaja on Wednesday said that the Nipah scare was under control and there were fewer chances of any new cases. "No new case of Nipah has been registered in the last two to three days, so we can say that the spread of the virus is under control now. But we have to wait until July 30 as the last case occurred on May 31 and we have to take 42 days as incubation period, but this is just a safety method. I think no more cases will occur," she told media here. The minister praised her department and even the opposition for the 'joint effort' in helping to curb the scare. She said, "It is a combined work of everybody irrespective of whether someone belonged to the opposition or the ruling party. Each and everyone united to control the spread of the virus. I am proud of my department, doctors, nurses, Asha workers and my health secretary, they worked like a machine." As many as 16 people lost their lives in Kerala due to the outbreak of the virus in May. As a precautionary measure, colleges and other educational institutions in Kozhikode were asked to remain closed till June 12. Furthermore, the state health department issued an advisory for people travelling to the state, urging them to be extra cautious while visiting Kozhikode, Malappuram, Wayanad and Kannur districts. As per the World Health Organisation, Nipah virus, spread by fruit bats, causes communicable disease and is fatal for both animals and humans. The symptoms of the disease include fever, headache, drowsiness, respiratory illness, disorientation and mental confusion, and can progress to coma within 24-48 hours. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Thursday discussed the situation in the state with Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh over phone and requested the Centre for immediate assistance from Indian Army for rescue and evacuation operation. Deb also requested Singh to beef up the Disaster Response Force (NDRF) team in Tripura urgently. According to reports, four people have died due to consistent heavy rainfall in many parts of Tripura. The situation is critical in Unakoti, Dhalai, and Gomati districts. The Central government has assured all the necessary support to Tripura to tackle the flood situation and the Army Chief has been asked to take necessary actions. Since the last few days, the incessant rains in Tripura have thrown normal life out of gear and residents are facing problems due to the increasing water level. Deb conducted an aerial survey of the work being done across flood-affected areas on Wednesday. He also visited a flood relief camp at Netaji Vidyaniketan in Unakoti's Kailashahar, one of the most badly affected areas during floods. The Chief Minister of Tripura has appealed all to cooperate and assist in the relief work. Besides Tripura, several areas in Assam, Mizoram and Manipur are also witnessing flooding. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New York's attorney general Barbara Underwood on Thursday filed a lawsuit against United States President Donald Trump, his three eldest children and his namesake foundation alleging that the charity has violated federal and state law. According to the complaint, reported by the Hill, "For more than a decade, the Donald J. Trump Foundation has operated in persistent violation of state and federal law governing New York State charities." "This pattern of illegal conduct by the Foundation and its board members includes improper and extensive political activity, repeated and willful self-dealing transactions, and failure to follow basic fiduciary obligations or to implement event elementary corporate formalities required by law," the complaint added. The lawsuit sought to dissolve the foundation and impose a ban on Trump and three of his children from serving on non-profit organizations. Taking an aim at the lawsuit, Trump swiftly took to Twitter and called it an attempt by the "sleazy New York Democrats" to damage him by suing the foundation, adding not to settle the case. "The sleazy New York Democrats, and their now disgraced (and run out of town) A.G. Eric Schneiderman, are doing everything they can to sue me on a foundation that took in $18,800,000 and gave out to charity more money than it took in, $19,200,000. I won't settle this case!...," Trump tweeted. The Trump Foundation, in a statement, threw flak at the lawsuit labelling it as "politics at its very worst. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP) has on Thursday called a meeting to finalise the security plan for the Election Day. Headed by Chief Election Commissioner Sardar Muhammad Raza, the body has summoned the new chief secretaries and inspectors general of police of all the four provinces- Punjab, Sindh, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa and Balochistan, as per Geo News. On June 13, in a major reshuffling of the top bureaucracy, the chief secretaries and police chiefs of all the four provinces were replaced. The electoral body, in the meeting, is likely to hold discussions on the deployment of army personnel at polling stations. Polling will be conducted on July 25. The last day to submit nomination papers is June 11. It was earlier scheduled for June 8, but later got an extension to facilitate political parties. Another change made by the ECP was, extending the deadline to complete the scrutiny of nomination papers from June 14 to June 19. In case of objection to the decisions of returning officers, the date of filing appeals was extended to June 22. The verdicts on appeals are to be announced on June 27. The revised list of candidates will then be issued a day later. The last date for candidates to withdraw their nomination papers is June 29. The same day, the final list of candidates will be announced by the electoral body. June 30 is when the electoral symbols will be issued to candidates. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's expectations from the ambitiously conceived USD 62 billion China-Pakistan Economic Corridor (CPEC) can at best be categorized as over inflated and unlikely to be met in the long term, an expert on South Asian and Indian Ocean strategic affairs has said. In an article written for the Sydney-based independent think tank Lowy Institute, Dr. David Brewster of the National Security College at the Australian National University, said the majority belief in Pakistan that the CPEC will "save" the country is dangerous for two major reasons: . While infrastructure is an essential enabler, it will not guarantee Pakistan's economic future, especially when it diverts attention from undertaking serious reform of its unresponsive economy. . Expectations have become so inflated that the CPEC is unlikely to deliver as hoped. Optimistic growth forecasts are already being revised downwards, and therefore, the larger question that surfaces is if these CPEC-related expectations are not met, what will the consequences be for Pakistan's polity? Dr. Brewster further says there is a view in Pakistan that the CPEC will bring in large amounts of Chinese cash into the Pakistan economy and stave off the immediate need for painful economic reforms. He says that despite Pakistan's unbridled enthusiasm for what the CPEC may bring, the issue at hand is whether Islamabad has the ability to manage its "projected debt loads". According to some reports, Islamabad is about to approach the IMF for a new USD three billion bailout package to help repay existing loans. Sri Lanka, according to Dr. Brewster, provides a classic example of Chinese debt servicing consuming close to 95 percent of Colombo's revenues, meaning that its economic and political options are now severely constrained. He admits that Islamabad has rejected some financially unfeasible CPEC projects such as the proposed USD 14 billion Diamer-Bhasha dam project, citing poor economic viability. Dr. Brewster says in his article that, "Pakistani analysts believe that the country can mitigate risk by attracting non-Chinese investors into key projects. This would make a lot of sense. In theory, collaborations with non-Chinese investors might limit China's overwhelming economic and political leverage and mitigate security concerns in sensitive projects." Investors, he adds, "are extremely nervous of the security, political, and legal environment in Pakistan over which they (unlike Chinese companies) will have little control. Investors may also struggle with the economic viability of some projects." According to a recent Washington Times report, Pakistan has proposed that China should build a new naval and air base at the village of Jiwani, some 60 kilometres west of Gwadar. "This may all just be the back and forth of negotiations, but China may baulk at building a second port at Jiwani when it is spending vast sums at Gwadar, just down the road," says Dr. Brewster. For now, the discourse in Islamabad seems to be veering towards seeking more non-Chinese participation in infrastructure-related projects. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan and the Bank on Thursday inked agreements worth $565 million to help build and support the projects in power and water sectors. Bank Country Director Patchamuthu Illangovan and Pakistan's Economic Affairs Division Secretary Syed Ghazanfar Abbas Jilani signed the agreements, reported the Dawn. In addition to this, the representatives of the government of Sindh and National Transmission Despatch Company (NTDC) signed the agreements of their respective projects. Out of the total grant of $565 million, $425 million is meant for the NTDC and $140 million is for the Sindh government, the report said. According to the report, $425 million is meant for the National Transmission Modernisation (Phase-I) project which is "designed to increase the capacity and reliability of selected segments of the national transmission system in the country and modernize key business processes of the NTDC." The total cost of the project is $536.33 million. The Bank will provide $425 million and $111.33 million will be borne by the NTDC. While $140 million are meant for the Sindh Barrages Improvement Project which, according to the report, "is aimed at improving the reliability and safety of Guddu Barrage and strengthening the Sindh Irrigation Department's capacity to operate and manage the barrage." The total estimated amount of the project is $152.2 million. While the World Bank will provide $140 million, the other $12.2 million would be borne by the Sindh government. The funds had been approved by the World Bank in December last year, however, the administration took six months to meet procedural requirements before ultimately inking the agreement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurated a regional airline- Air Odisha flight route - Jagdalpur-Raipur-Visakhapatnam under Centre's UDAN (Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik) scheme on Thursday. The Prime Minister inaugurated the flight route from Chhattisgarh's Bhilai via a live video conference. Passengers travelling from Raipur to Jagdalpur (288 km by road) will be benefitted from this regional airline as they can cover it in a mere 40 minutes at a cost of Rs.1, 670. Previously, it took 15 hours by train and six to seven hours by road to cover the distance. "We are happy to announce the launch of our new routes in Chhattisgarh connecting with Andhra Pradesh. The UDAN scheme is an excellent scheme initiated under the flagship of our Honourable Prime Minister, Narendra Modi which would aid to the growth of the economy where a common man can also now travel more affordable and convenient way and we are delighted to be a part of this historic moment of nation's aviation sector," said Managing Director of Air Odisha, Shaishav Shah on the occasion. On April 15, Air Odisha launched a flight between Ahmedabad to Bhavnagar and Bhavnagar to Surat at an affordable cost of Rs 1420 and Rs 1699 respectively. The UDAN scheme is a regional connectivity scheme launched by the Central Government to make flying safe, secure and inexpensive. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's first official visit to China on Thursday will focus on ways to implement agreements inked during the historic Kim-Trump summit that took place on Tuesday in Singapore. The discussions will also be conducted on addressing the ongoing China-US trade frictions, as per The Global Times. The Chinese State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi invited Pompeo to China. The two sides are set to exchange ideas on bilateral ties and major international and regional issues of mutual concern. The US side will brief China about the Kim-Trump summit, Chinese foreign ministry spokesperson Geng Shuang said. China, through the event, hopes that Beijing and Washington could enhance mutual understanding, seek ways to properly manage disputes, strengthen cooperation, and push bilateral ties forward. Pompeo earlier in the day while in Seoul, said he was confident of the fact that North Korea knows there will be in-depth verification of the dismantling of its nuclear programme. According to CNN, Pompeo said he was "confident they understand that there will be in-depth verification." Pompeo said during the summit, US President Donald Trump and the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un forgot to include the two terms, verifiable and irreversible, which are the two conditions necessary for any deal. "A lot has been made of the fact that the word 'verifiable' didn't appear in the agreement. Let me assure you that 'complete' encompasses 'verifiable' in the minds of everyone concerned. One can't completely denuclearize without validating, authenticating -- you pick the word. The President is committed to that," CNN quoted Pompeo as saying. About Trump's statement of cancelling of military exercises, Pompeo said the commitment is they will be suspended till there are "productive, good-faith negotiations" ongoing. We will begin engagement with North Korea, sometime in the next week or so, he added. On Tuesday, Trump and Kim signed a post-summit joint declaration, according to which Kim committed to 'complete denuclearisation of Korean Peninsula' and Trump pledged 'security guarantees' to the North. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) White House Secretary Sarah Sanders on Wednesday quashed the reports of her leaving the White House. Sanders took to her Twitter handle on Wednesday to inform that she was attending her child's event when false stories about her exit from the White House were released. "Does @CBSNews know something I don't about my plans and my future? I was at my daughter's year-end Kindergarten event and they ran a story about my "plans to leave the WH" without even talking to me. I love my job and am honored to work for @POTUS" Sanders tweeted. Earlier, the media outlets ran stories informing the plans of Sanders and principal deputy press secretary Raj Shah of the White House to quit their respective jobs. This came amidst the reports that the White House employees were getting exhausted and tasked with multiple responsibilities. Reportedly, Sanders has a positive work relationship with United States President Donald Trump. Earlier on June 12, Sanders had tweeted to congratulate Trump for concluding a successful, unprecedented summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore. "Anyone can make war, but only the most courageous can make peace." @POTUS in Singapore at Press conference following the #SingaporeSummit," Sanders wrote. However, Shah has not commented yet. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) South Korea and the United States defence chiefs held in-depth discussions over their combined military exercises days after the summit between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. This came amid the reports of South Korean President Moon Jae-In considering suspending the military drills with the US to uphold the recently-developed bilateral ties with North Korea. As reported by the Yonhap News agency, South Korean Defence Minister Song Young-moo and his US counterpart James Mattis held a 30-minute telephone conversation to discuss various military drills, including Ulchi Freedom Guardian, between the two countries. The Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercise is a computerised command and control implementation, which focuses on teaching defensive tactics to South Korea built during the Korean war of 1950. The discussions came after Trump ensured in the Singapore summit that he would end "expensive, provocative and inappropriate" war games with South Korea. Further, the two ministers agreed on strengthening their efforts to provide bilateral defence support and work towards the agreement between North Korea and the US to end such activities that might hinder the peace process with the latter. Song noted the need for "flexible change" as to military pressure on the North in line with the April 27 inter-Korean summit declaration, which called for confidence-building measures, if the talks with the North proceeded well. However, the defence experts of South Korea argued that any change in the military drills could weaken the present security alliance with North Korea. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Stones were pelted on a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) convoy in Jammu and Kashmir's Banihal area on Thursday. A group of men allegedly restored to stone pelting after one of the CRPF buses allegedly hit a motorcycle. The rising incidents of stone pelting in the Valley have become a matter of concern for the state government. Earlier on May 27, 19 CRPF personnel were injured after the vehicle they were travelling in skidded off the road due to stones being pelted on it in Srinagar, Jammu and Kashmir. On May 7, R. Thirumani (22), a tourist from Chennai, died in the hospital after being injured in a stone pelting incident in Jammu and Kashmir's Narbal area. Earlier, taking note of the matter, Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti called an all-party meeting and discussed measures to curb such incidents. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Thursday downplayed the United Nations' Report on Kashmir and said that he would throw it in the dustbin. Speaking to ANI, Swamy said the United Nations Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOHCHR) is 'highly-prejudiced' left dominated organisation. "I would throw the report in the dustbin. They (UNOHCHR) are highly-prejudiced left dominated organisation. We should say to them, 'to hell with you'. We don't comment on reports written by people who don't know about the subject," he added. Meanwhile, Minister of State (MoS) in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh also commented on the report and said, "The issue ends with 1994 resolution, which was endorsed by all the political parties. If there is any outstanding issue between India and Pakistan as far as Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, it is only that how we have to retrieve the PoK." In the 49-page report, the United Nations Human Rights Office has called for a probe into alleged human rights violations in Kashmir by both India and Pakistan. India earlier today called the report misleading and mischievous, adding it "violates its sovereignty and creates a false narrative." "The report violates India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Pakistan is in illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the Indian state through aggression. We have repeatedly called upon Pakistan to vacate the occupied territories. The incorrect description of Indian territory in the report is mischievous, misleading and unacceptable. There are no entities such as "Azad Jammu and Kashmir" and "Gilgit-Baltistan," the statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs read, adding that the report had ignored cross border terrorism from Pakistan. The MEA further stated "it is disturbing that those behind this report have chosen to describe internationally designated and UN-proscribed terrorist entities as "armed groups" and terrorists as "leaders". This undermines the UN led consensus on zero tolerance to terrorism." Pakistan said the United Nation's Report has "rightly" called for a final political solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute through meaningful dialogue. "OHCHR's report has rightly called for final political solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute through meaningful dialogue that includes the people of Kashmir. The lasting solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is an essential imperative for peace, security and stability of South Asia and beyond," a statement issued by Pakistan's Foreign Office said. The statement further stated the United Nations (UN) has a key role to play in the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Taking a cue from their Bageshwar counterparts, farmers in Chaintal village in Jammu and Kashmir's Udhampur district have taken inspiration from Prime Minister Narendra Modi's words of adopting organic farming and have now joined hands, earning pints of money. In his monthly 'Mann Ki Baat' radio address, Prime Minister Narendra Modi in April lauded the efforts of farmers in Uttarakhand's Bageshwar district for undertaking organic farming in their area. The Prime Minister also urged others to take inspiration from the Bageshwar farmers. Further, he said that the income of farmers would be doubled by 2022. A farmer named Bishan Dass said, "We have started growing different types of vegetables without using fertilisers and pesticides. Earlier, we used to grow seasonal vegetables in 1-2 Kanal of land. But, now by using local and organic fertilisers, we are now growing vegetables in 8-10 Kanal of land and earning double profits." Dass added that he followed Prime Minister Modi's Mann Ki Baat address on the harmful effects of using chemicals to the crops. The farmer further said he believed in what he called a "pure organic farming". A local resident of the village, Ajay Kumar also urged other farmers in Udhampur district to take inspiration from Prime Minister Modi's speech and to follow suit. An official from the Udhampur Agriculture Department, Vikas Padha said that the farmers at Chaintal village have set an example of adopting organic farming, as they cared about nature. "Farmers at Chaintal village are earning double of their produce after using organic fertilisers. Chemical fertilisers are harmful and affect our health and crops. The farmers are inspired by Prime Minister Modi and are now considered as their icons. The state agricultural department informed the farmers about the harmful effects of using chemicals and benefits of doing organic farming," said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan on Thursday said the United Nation's Report on Kashmir has "rightly" called for a final political solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute through meaningful dialogue. "OHCHR's report has rightly called for final political solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute through meaningful dialogue that includes the people of Kashmir. The lasting solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is an essential imperative for peace, security and stability of South Asia and beyond," a statement issued on Thursday by Pakistan's Foreign Office said. The statement further stated the United Nations (UN) has a key role to play in the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. Meanwhile, India called the UN's Report on Kashmir misleading and mischievous, adding "the report violates its sovereignty and creates a false narrative." In the 49-page report, the United Nations Human Rights Office has called for a probe into alleged human rights violations in Kashmir by both India and Pakistan. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Thursday said that it was not given full access to the area for a detailed investigation. The ministry also said that such "malicious reports" could not undermine the will of the people and the government of India to protect the territorial integrity of the country. On Pakistan, the OHCHR said that there was a rampant misuse of Pakistan's anti-terrorism Act against young activists and that there was the violation of land rights, restrictions on freedom of religion and belief. The OHCHR said that there needs to be an urgent need for meaningful dialogue that includes people of Kashmir. "Consider the findings of this report, including the possible establishment of a commission of inquiry to conduct a comprehensive independent international investigation into allegations of human rights violations in Kashmir," Hussein's report states. It asked Pakistan to immediately release "from prison or house arrest any political activists, journalists and other civil society actors who have been convicted for peacefully expressing their opinions. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The United States' Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, who is in Seoul presently, said, the US and South Korea's alliance is ironclad. "Our alliance is ironclad. We look forward to continuing our close coordination with @bluehousekorea & @moonriver365 on #DPRK," Pompeo tweeted. In another tweet, he mentioned how crucial the cooperation between US, South Korea and Japan is. "Trilateral cooperation among US, #ROK & #Japan has been crucial to the effectiveness of our efforts regarding #DPRK We commit to continue working together @moonriver365 #alliesfriendspartners @MOFAkr_eng," the States' Secy. tweeted. He took to Twitter to say, "Our alliance remains the linchpin of regional stability & security @MOFAkr_eng #ROK @StateDept #Seoul". On Tuesday the North Korean leader Kim Jong-un and Trump had met for a maiden bilateral summit at Singapore in which they signed an agreement for a stable and peaceful Korean regime. The two leaders also signed a post-summit joint declaration, according to which Kim committed for 'complete denuclearisation of Korean Peninsula' and Trump pledged 'security guarantees' to the North. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chief Justice of Pakistan (CJP) Justice Mian Saqib Nisar on Thursday questioned if the former President Pervez Musharraf will even appear before the court today or not. "Find out if Musharraf will appear before court or not," the chief justice remarked while heading a four-judge bench, hearing a case filed by Musharraf in 2015 against the rejection of his nomination papers in the 2013 general election, as per Geo News. The CJP ordered the deputy attorney general to get an update on Musharraf's appearance which was scheduled for 2pm on Thursday and asked him to submit a reply in the court at the earliest. Last night, the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) Secretary-General Dr Amjad said Musharraf is unlikely to return to the country today, citing, difficulties in purchasing tickets back home. The travel is made even more difficult as his passport still blocked. The ex-president was trying to get new dates from the courts, Dr Amjad informed. Nisar further said that the scrutiny of Musharraf's nomination papers for the upcoming General Election would not be allowed if he failed to return to Pakistan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) On 13 June 2018 Fortis Healthcare announced that the scheme of arrangement and amalgamation between the Company, Fortis Malar Hospitals and SRL is currently pending for approval with the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Chandigarh Bench. Further, the entire process was expected to take 6-8 months, however, due to reasons beyond the Company's control, the process has taken over 19 months and is still not complete. Further, the company had at its meeting held on 28 May 2018 and further adjourned to 29 May 2018 has decided to initiate a fresh, time-bound process to optimize the Company's and shareholders' short and long-term interests. Consequently, the Board of the company on 13 June 2018 has approved the withdrawal of the Scheme, subject to the approval of the NCLT. 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 Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for introduction of Dam Safety Bill, 2018 in the Parliament. Benefits: It will help all the States and Union Territories of India to adopt uniform dam safety procedures which shall ensure safety of dams and safeguard benefits from such dams. This shall also help in safeguarding human life, livestock and property. The draft Bill has been finalised after wide consultation with leading Indian experts and international experts. Details: The Bill provides for proper surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of all specified dams in the country to ensure their safe functioning. The Bill provides for constitution of a National Committee on Dam Safety which shall evolve dam safety policies and recommend necessary regulations as may be required for the purpose. The Bill provides for establishment of National Dam Safety Authority as a regulatory body which shall discharge functions to implement the policy, guidelines and standards for dam safety in the country. The Bill provides for constitution of a State Committee on Dam Safety by State Government. National Dam Safety Authority It shall maintain liaison with the State Dam Safety Organisations and the owners of dams for standardisation of dam safety related data and practices; It shall provide the technical and managerial assistance to the States and State Dam Safety Organisations; It shall maintain a national level data-base of all dams in the country and the records of major dam failures; It shall examine the cause of any major dam failure; It shall publish and update the standard guidelines and check-lists for the routine inspection and detailed investigations of dams and appurtenances; It shall accord recognition or accreditations to the organisations that can be entrusted with the works of investigation, design or construction of new dams; It will also look into unresolved points of issue between the State Dam Safety Organisation of two states, or between the State Dam Safety Organisation of a State and the owner of a dam in that State, for proper solution; Further, in certain cases, such as dams of one State falling under the territory of another State, the National Authority shall also perform the role of State Dam Safety Organization thereby eliminating potential causes for inter-state conflicts. State Committee on Dam Safety It will ensure proper surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of all specified dams in that State and ensure their safe functioning. It further provides that every State shall establish a "State Dam Safety Organisation", which will be manned by officers from the field dam safety preferably from the areas of dam-designs, hydro-mechanical engineering, hydrology, geo-technical investigation, instrumentation and dam-rehabilitation. Background: There are over 5200 large dams in India and about 450 are under construction. Plus there are thousands of medium and small dams. Due to lack of legal and institutional architecture for dam safety in India, dam safety is an issue of concern. Unsafe dams are a hazard and dam break may cause disasters, leading to huge loss of life and property. The Dam Safety Bill, 2018 address all issues concerning dam safety including regular inspection of dams, Emergency Action Plan, comprehensive dam safety review, adequate repair and maintenance funds for dam safety, Instrumentation and Safety Manuals. It lays onus of dam safety on the dam owner and provides for penal provisions for commission and omission of certain acts. 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 Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the proposal for withdrawal of Nalanda University (Amendment) Bill, 2013 pending in the Rajya Sabha. The Nalanda University was established on the basis of a Joint Press Statement at the 4th East Asia Summit held in Thailand in October, 2009, which supported its establishment as a non-state, non-profit, secular and self-governing international institution. Subsequently, the Nalanda University Act, 2010 was passed by the Parliament and came into effect from 25 November 2010. The present proposal is for moving a motion in Rajya Sabha withdrawing the Nalanda University (Amendment) Bill, 2013 introduced in Rajya Sabha on August 26, 2013 to amend certain existing provisions of the Nalanda University Act, 2010 and add some new provisions. The Governing Board of Nalanda University has since been constituted as per section 7 of Nalanda University Act, 2010 with effect from 21.11.2016 with, the approval of Hon'ble President of India. The Amendment Bill will need to be discussed with the current Governing Board of Nalanda University before a final decision could be taken on going ahead with the proposed amendments. Further, the current Governing Board may also look into the entire Nalanda University Act, 2010 afresh and suggest amendments/additions wherever necessary. Teaching in the University was inaugurated by Smt. Sushma Swaraj, External Affairs Minister in September 2014. Hon'ble President of India is the Visitor of the University, Dr. Vijay Bhatkar, the Chancellor and Professor Sunaina Singh, is the Vice Chancellor. At present, the University has 116 students in three schools of studies namely School of Historical Studies, School of Ecology and Environment Studies and School of Buddhist Studies. This includes 35 international students from 21 foreign countries. 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 Union Cabinet chaired by the Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has approved the final extension of the term of the Other Backward Classes in the Central List currently mandated upto 20th June 2018, till 31st July, 2018. The Commission held extensive meetings with the stake holders including the State Governments, the State Backward Classes Commissions, various community associations and general public belonging to various Backward Classes and Communities. The Commission also obtained records, caste-wise of OBCs admitted in higher educational institution as well as similar caste-wise data of recruits in Central Departments, Central Public Sector Undertakings, Public Sector Banks & Financial Institutions. To have a detailed look at the data collected, the Commission has sought extension of its term 31st July, 2018. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hindusthan National Glass & Industries hit an upper circuit limit of 20% at Rs 92.70 at 14:25 IST on BSE after the company said it has entered into an agreement for divesting its entire 11.23% holding in HNG Float Glass. The announcement was made after market hours yesterday, 13 June 2018. Meanwhile, the S&P BSE Sensex was down 141 points, or 0.39% to 35,598.16. On the BSE, 76,000 shares were traded in the counter so far compared with average daily volumes of 535 shares in the past two weeks. The stock had hit a high of Rs 92.70 and a low of Rs 79.25 so far during the day. The stock hit a 52-week high of Rs 193.60 on 5 January 2018. The stock hit a 52-week low of Rs 74.20 on 29 August 2017. Hindusthan National Glass & Industries said it has entered into a share purchase agreement for divesting its entire 11.23% holding in HNG Float Glass, a joint venture of the company, to Trakya Cam Sanayii AS. Trakya Cam Sanayii AS is a large float glass manufacturing group in Europe with its presence all over Europe. Hindusthan National Glass said it has transferred 3.45 crore equity shares to Trakya Cam Sanayii AS for $19.26 million (Rs 129.76 crore). HNG Float Glass has posted a turnover of Rs 554.18 crore during 2017-2018 with a net worth of Rs 421.54 crore as on 31 March 2018. Hindusthan National Glass & Industries reported net loss of Rs 75.40 crore in Q4 March 2018 as against net loss of Rs 80.14 crore in Q4 March 2017. Net sales rose 10.15% to Rs 537.94 crore in Q4 March 2018 over Q4 March 2017. Hindusthan National Glass & Industries is the largest container glass solutions provider in India. Powered by Capital Market - Live News (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a shocking incident, three minor Dalit boys were stripped, beaten and paraded nude in a village here for allegedly swimming in a village well, officials said here on Thursday. The incident occurred on June 10 (Sunday), but came to the fore only after some videos of the boys' parading in the Vakadi village went viral even as the authorities swung into action. Maharashtra Social Justice Minister Dilip Kamble told media persons that two persons have been arrested in this connection and further investigations are underway. Union Social Welfare Minister Ramdas Athawale condemned the incident and demanded "stringent action against the perpetrators of the atrocity on the boys". Last Sunday, to beat the scorching heat, the three young boys, aged around 12-14, jumped into a village well for a cool swim. However, as some locals learnt of it, a large number of people, including many from upper castes, gathered near the well and pulled out the boys. They were shouted at and subjected to abuses before some persons allegedly forced the boys to strip and paraded them nude around the village. The boys can be seen wearing only sandals and some tree leaves, and they protested when at least one person was whipping them on the legs and back with sticks and what appeared to be a leather belt. After much cajoling the boys and their families reluctantly lodged a complaint with the local police, but now they were under intense pressures from some influential villagers to backtrack. Several Dalit and political leaders from the opposition Congress and ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, including ex-minister Eknath Khadse, Gujarat Dalit leader Jignesh Mewani, have condemned the incident and demanded that the culprits be booked under the SC/ST Act. Former Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and former state Minister Laxman Dhoble, terming the incident as unfortunate, said that such incidents are on the rise in recent times and the matter has also been discussed in Parliament. This evening, Maharashtra Minister Chandrakant Patil promised action in the matter and invoking sections of the SC/ST Act and Indian Penal Code, besides steps to ensure such acts are not repeated in future. --IANS qn/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two militants and a para-commando were killed on Tuesday in a gunfight in Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district, police said. The gunfight was ongoing in Nadimarg village. "The operation is in its final stage now," the police said. Authorities have suspended mobile internet services in the district as a precautionary measure. --IANS sq/ksk (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.) After three months of treatment in a US hospital for advanced pancreatic cancer, Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar returned to the state on Thursday. Parrikar, accompanied by members of his family, a medical team and officials of the Chief Minister's Office, flew from US to Mumbai, before arriving in Goa on Thursday evening amid heavy police security. A visibly-thin Parrikar, who walked out of the terminal building at the Dabolim International Airport wearing a blue shirt, was welcomed by Health Minister Vishwajit Rane and Director General of Police Muktesh Chander, among other Goa government officials and state BJP office bearers. He then headed for his private residence near here. Bharatiya Janata Party sources said, that Parrikar may cancel the meeting of his council of ministers, which was scheduled to be held on Friday. "The Chief Minister is tired after the visit. The cabinet meeting which was scheduled to be held at his private residence, may be rescheduled," a senior BJP functionary said. Parrikar was shifted to the US in March this year, after being diagnosed for advanced pancreatic cancer. He was first admitted to the Lilawati Hospital in Mumbai in February, after he complained of stomach pain. --IANS maya/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Karnataka High Court on Thursday granted bail in an alleged assault case to Mohammad Nalapad, son of Congress legislator N.A. Haris from Shantinagar in central Bengaluru, in an assault case. "The High Court has granted conditional bail to Nalapad on submitting Rs 2 lakh bond, and has been asked not to leave the city without the court's permission," Nalapad's counsel Usman told reporters here. Nalapad, 24, and the six accused were arrested on February 19 after they surrendered at the Cubbon Park police station in the city where a youth (Vidvat) was brutally assaulted on February 17 following an argument. The Congress legislator's son has been in judicial custody since February. Nalapad's bail plea was earlier rejected by the High Court on March 14 and by a sessions court on March 2. Nalapad, who was the city's Youth Congress General Secretary, was expelled from the party for his alleged attack on the youth. Haris, a three-time lawmaker from Shantinagar, termed the bail a gift from God. "The family is relieved and we thank Allah for Nalapad's release from jail on bail," the MLA told reporters. --IANS bha-fb/ksk/pgh/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a huge relief to the AIADMK government headed by Edappadi Palaniswamy, the Madras High Court on Thursday delivered a split verdict in the case relating to disqualification of 18 MLAs, an order that will allow the present status quo to continue, at least for some more time. While Chief Justice Indrani Banerjee declined to interfere with the order of the Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker P. Dhanapal disqualifying 18 MLAs owing allegiance to sidelined AIADMK leader T. T.V. Dhinakaran in September last year, the other judge Justice M Sundar forming the two-judge bench set aside the Speaker's order on the ground it is hit by "perversity, non compliance with the principles of natural justice, mala fides and violation of constitutional mandate". The judges said since there has been disgreement between them, the case should be transferred to a third judge. Since the Chief Justice is involved in the matter, she is of he view that it would not be appropriate for her to nominate the third judge. Hence, the next senior-most judge would name the third judge, they said. It is likely that the decision to name the third judge will most likely be taken by the senior-most judge Justice Kuluvadi Ramesh. Maintaining status quo, the court also said till the case is finally decided the interim order issued earlier that barred holding of by-elections and floor test in the Assembly continue to be valid. In the 296-page judgement, Justice Banerjee said that in her opinion the view taken by the Speaker is a possible, if not plausible view, and "I am unable to hold that the said decision is any way unreasonable, irrational or perverse". "It is well-settled that when two views are possible, the High Court does not in exercise of its power of judicial review conferred under Article 226 of the Constitution of India interfere with the decision just because it prefers the other view. No interference is, therefore, warranted with the impugned order passed by the Speaker," she said, dismissing the petitions by the disqualified MLAs. In his order differing with the Chief Justice, Justice Sundar said "sum totality of discussion leads this court to inevitably conclude that the impugned order of the Speker disqualifying 18 writ petitioners herein deserves to be set aside." Citing various Supreme Court judgements, he said the Speaker's order was hit by perversity, non-compliance with the princioples of natural justice, mala fides and violation of constitutional mandate." "It is made clear that his order is being passed without relying on the Yeddyurappa case owing to the controversy regarding implied overruling/per incuriam qua Nabam Rebia which has been left open," he said. Responding to the judgment, rebel leader Dhinakaran said: "The longevity of the anti-people government now gets extended by couple of months. But it is not at all a setback for us. We got 50 per cent victory." Had the judgement gone either way - upholding the disqualification or setting aside the Speaker's order, the AIADMK government would have faced critical problems. In case the court had upheld the disqualification, then there would have been by-elections in 18 constituencies, exposing the ruling party to vulnerabilities of electoral politics On other hand, if the court had quashed the Speaker's disqualification order, the government may have to face an opposition-sponsored no-confidence motion, which it will find difficult to survive. In the 234-member Assembly, the AIADMK has 116 members followed by the DMK with 89, Congress with 8, one of the IUML, one Independent, the Speaker and 18 vacant seats. Besides, there is a nominated member. DMK leader and Leader of the Opposition in the Assembly, M.K.Stalin, in a tweet, said: "Not only delayed justice is denied.... When people are having faith on the judiciary for protecting democracy. there should be clear and fast judgements." PMK founder S.Ramadoss said the state government is surviving mainly due to legal delays and others and the K. Palaniswami government has no justification to continue in power and should resign immediately. VCK leader Thol Thirumavalan termed the judgment "unexpected". "The final decision on the case should be given at the earliest," Thirumavalavan added. The case comes from the time when Panneerselvam had rebelled against the party led by jailed leader V.K. Sasikala. Later, he merged his group with the one led by Palaniswami, who sidelined Sasikala and her nephew Dinakaran. A group of 19 lawmakers met then Governor C.V. Rao and gave a memorandum expressing loss of confidence in Palaniswami and requested him to appoint a new Chief Minister. The Speaker then issued notice to the lawmakers asking them why they should not be disqualified under the anti-defection law. Subsequently, one of them, S.T.K. Jakkaiyan, switched over to the Palaniswami side and the others were disqualified. The case filed by the disqualified legislators against the Speaker's action is pending before the High Court since September 2017. The court had reserved the judgement on January 24. --IANS vj-vsc/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India's Border Security Force (BSF) and the Pakistan Rangers held a flag meeting to maintain peace and tranquility on the international border in Jammu and Kashmir, an official statement said on Thursday. The meeting was held on Wednesday evening at the Octroi border outpost. Deputy Inspector General BSF Frontier, P.S. Dhiman led the eight-member Indian team while the six-member Pakistan Rangers was represented by Brigadier Muhammad Amjad Hussain. "Recent incidents of ceasefire violations on the international border were discussed. The two sides agreed to maintain peace and tranquility on and maintain periodic contact to defuse tensions on the border," BSF sources said. On Wednesday morning, four BSF troopers were killed in an unprovoked Pakistan ceasefire violation in Ramgarh sector. Ceasefire violations have continued even after the Directors General of Military Operations (DGMOs) of India and Pakistan on May 29 agreed to implement the 2003 ceasefire pact earnestly in a bid to ensure peace on both the international border and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir. On June 4, the Pakistan Rangers sought a flag meeting in which it was agreed to respect the bilateral ceasefire. So far this year, 50 people including 24 security personnel, have been in ceasefire violations. --IANS sq/ksk (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 highly anticipated US Department of Justice report accuses ex-FBI director James Comey of being "insubordinate" but not biased, US media report. Inspector General Michael Horowitz found Comey broke "dramatically from FBI and department norms" in handling a probe into Hillary Clinton's emails, BBC reported. The 500-page report examines actions by top FBI and justice department officials before the 2016 election. The inspector general's report will be released in full later during the day. The report found while Comey's actions were not the result of political bias, "by departing so clearly and dramatically from FBI and department norms, the decisions negatively impacted the perception of the FBI and the department as fair administrators of justice", according to Bloomberg News. In announcing the review in January 2017, Horowitz said that there was overwhelming demand from lawmakers, members of the public, and "various organisations" to investigate claims of unprofessional behaviour on the part of the justice department and FBI employees. US President Donald Trump is among the most vocal critics of the FBI, repeatedly accusing several employees of being biased against him. The report focuses on Comey's decision in July 2016, then FBI director, to hold a news conference announcing that Hillary Clinton would not be criminally charged for using a private email server for classified information during her time as US Secretary of State. Eleven days before the presidential election, Mr Comey announced that the bureau was investigating new emails related to the Clinton email probe. Mrs Clinton and her aides have blamed Mr Comey for her election loss to Mr Trump while Democrats pointed out he that remained silent at the time about an investigation into possible collusion between Russia and the Trump campaign. Mr Trump's decision to fire Mr Comey in May 2017 led the Department of Justice to appoint ex-FBI director Robert Mueller to open a special counsel investigation into the Russia investigation. Mr Trump has repeatedly denied any collusion with the Kremlin, calling Russia investigation a "witch hunt". The report criticises Mr Comey and other senior officials for decisions made in the lead-up to the US election in 2016. The inspector general found "a troubling lack of any direct, substantive communication" between Mr Comey and former Attorney General Loretta Lynch. But the report also touched on text messages exchanged between two FBI officials who worked on Special Counsel Mueller's investigation. Republicans have seized on exchanges between Peter Strzok, a senior counter-intelligence agent, and Lisa Page, an FBI lawyer who also temporarily worked on the Mueller investigation and with whom Mr Strzok was having an extramarital affair, to argue that the agency was biased against Mr Trump. When Ms Page asked if Mr Trump would become president, Mr Strzok responded: ""No. No he won't. We'll stop it," according to a copy of the report, obtained by the Washington Post. On Thursday, the president took to Twitter to deny that there was any collusion and to call the allegations "phony" and "a pile of garbage". Mr Trump has also criticised Mr Comey for his handling of the Clinton email investigation. "After years of Comey, with the phony and dishonest Clinton investigation (and more), running the FBI, its reputation is in Tatters - worst in History! But fear not, we will bring it back to greatness," Mr Trump tweeted in December. --IANS tsb (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress on Thursday accused Prime Minister Narendra Modi of protecting Nirav Modi in the Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case and sought a reply from Ministry of External Affairs on the absconding diamantaire's travel spree using a revoked passport. "Even as the Modi Government has been caught snoozing, Chhota Modi-2 i.e 'Nirav Modi, the absconding accused in India's 'Biggest bank loot scam' is on a travel spree using a 'revoked passport' by the Ministry of External Affairs," said former Union Minister Rajeev Shukla. Nirav Modi, his wife, brother and uncle fled the country before the PNB complained against their companies, saying it had been cheated through fraudulent issue of Letters of Undertakings (LoUs) and Foreign Letters of Credit (FLCs). The Interpol has written a letter to investigative agencies stating that despite the revocation of his passport, Nirav Modi travelled three countries on four different dates - March 15, March 28, March 30 and March 31, Shukla disclosed. "The Interpol says that Nirav Modi travelled using Indian passport, post his 'revocation' - and then how did the Immigration authorities and exit points remain unaware of this. "Now it is crystal clear that Modi is saving another Modi! Now the question is, whether one Modi is supporting the other," Shukla said. He pointed that Nirav Modi fled India on January 1, and was then seen in a group photograph with Narendra Modi during World Economic Forum from January 23 to 26. "The MEA only revoked his passport on February 24. Why did it take 54 days to revoke his passport? Was the Modi Government aiding and abetting the escape of Nirav Modi and facilitating his escape to the farthest point from India's shores," he asked, dubbing the government "a mute spectator". "It is ridiculous and painful to witness that a 'strong' Modi government is caught snoozing, even as Nirav Modi travels indulges in globetrotting, while making a mockery out our systems," he said. --IANS sid-akk/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Minister Imran Hussain on Thursday filed a police complaint alleging that he was attacked by BJP MLA Manjinder Singh Sirsa and his associates, who also threatened to kill him. Sirsa however claimed that the Aam Aadmi Party leader was spreading lies to defame him. Hussain, in his complaint, said that Sirsa and others were at the Secretariat with a plan to attack him as he moved out of his office around 2.40 p.m. "Sirsa and his 10-15 associates attacked me and gave me death threats. I escaped them and ran towards my car when I heard them saying that we will kill this minister here today. Sirsa ji also abused me in Punjabi," he said in the complaint. "After this incident, I have been unable to gather strength to go to my office premises," he said, demanding a strict police inquiry into the matter. AAP leader Sanjay Singh also supported Hussain's allegations. Sirsa took to Twitter to respond to the allegation. "For spreading lies and defaming me, I am going to file a police complaint against Sanjay Singh and Imran Hussain! Enough of their drama and blame games," he said. --IANS mg/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A lawyer for former FBI Deputy Director Andrew McCabe is suing the FBI, the Department of Justice (DOJ) and its Inspector General for declining to turn over documents related to McCabe's firing. McCabe was dismissed in March shortly before his planned retirement for what the DOJ called a "lack of candour." As a result, his healthcare benefits were stripped and his ability to collect a federal pension was also delayed. McCabe's lawyer filed a lawsuit on Tuesday evening, claiming that the dismissal violated federal law and the authorities have refused to turn over materials related to McCabe's disciplinary process, Xinhua reported. The former FBI deputy director has come under attacks by President Donald Trump since the 2016 presidential campaign. McCabe's wife ran for the state Legislature in Virginia as a Democrat and accepted contributions from then Governor Terry McAuliffe, a Clinton family ally, during the failed bid in 2015. Trump has asserted that McCabe had a conflict of interest in later overseeing the FBI's investigation into Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server while she was secretary of state, despite the FBI and the DOJ said McCabe and his wife observed relevant ethics requirements. McCabe's legal team has been reportedly working on a civil lawsuit related to his firing since March, but has not yet filed it. --IANS tsb (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Facebook is bullish on eye-tracking technology tools that will let the social media giant detect users' eye movement and emotions but has denied using it at the moment, the media reported. In a 229-page document addressed to US Congress in the wake of Cambridge Analytica data breach scandal, Facebook revealed that it had looked into building the technology, Fortune reported on Wednesday. "Like many companies, we apply for a wide variety of patents to protect our intellectual property. Right now, we're not building technology to identify people with eye-tracking cameras," according to the document. "If we implement this technology in the future, we will absolutely do so with people's privacy in mind, just as we do with movement information." Facebook already has two patents titled "Dynamic eye tracking calibration" and "Techniques for emotion detection and content delivery". "Facebook is accused of violating user privacy by collecting data derived from Facebook users' faces in photographs," the report noted. In new documents, the social networking giant has already admitted that it allows advertisers to target users based on their "interests" and "behaviours". When Facebook CEO Mark Zuckerberg appeared before the US Congress in April, he faced several questions from lawmakers. But his in-person testimony left them with several lingering questions. --IANS na/and/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Thursday sought the Army's assistance in rescue operations across the flood-hit state. Tripura has witnessed incessant rains in the last 48 hours to Thursday afternoon which has caused heavy flooding. Deb informed Union Home Minister Rajanth Singh in a telephonic conversation on Thursday morning of the situation and apprised him of the steps taken by the Tripura government. The Chief Minister also requested the Home Minister to "urgently" increase the number of National Disaster Response Force personnel in Tripura. "Apprised Rajnath Singhji about the flood situation and the ongoing relief work in Tripura. Requested for assistance from the Army for rescue operations in a few critical locations. The Home Ministry has assured all the necessary support from the Central government," Deb tweeted. An official statement said the Central government has assured it would provide all the necessary support to Tripura and that it has asked the Army chief, General Bipin Rawat, to take the necessary action. Continuous rain has triggered flash floods in Tripura's Unakoti, Dhalai, Khowai and Gomti districts. Over 3,500 families are lodged in 189 relief camps as the heavy downpours inundated their houses, according to the report of the State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC). --IANS rak/ksk/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a shocking incident, three minor Dalit boys were stripped, beaten and paraded nude in a village here for allegedly swimming in a village well, officials said here on Thursday. The issue sparked off a furore in the state. The incident occurred on June 10 (Sunday), but came to the fore only after some videos of the boys' parading in the Vakadi village went viral even as the authorities swung into action. The incident came as a major embarrassment for the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party-Shiv Sena combine even as Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis is on a tour of Dubai, Canada and US to attract investments. State Social Justice Minister Dilip Kamble told media persons that two persons have been arrested in this connection and further investigations are underway. Union Social Welfare Minister Ramdas Athawale condemned the incident and demanded "stringent action against the perpetrators of the atrocity on the boys". Last Sunday, to beat the scorching heat, the three young boys, aged around 12-14, jumped into a village well for a cool swim. However, as some locals learnt of it, a large number of people, including many from upper castes, gathered near the well and pulled out the boys. They were shouted at and subjected to abuses before some persons allegedly forced the boys to strip and paraded them nude around the village. The boys can be seen wearing only sandals and some patvelia leaves, and they protested when at least one person was assaulting them on the legs and back with sticks and what appeared to be a leather belt. After much cajoling, the boys and their families reluctantly lodged a complaint with the local police. Several Dalit and political leaders from the opposition Congress and ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, including ex-minister Eknath Khadse, and other leaders from various parties, have condemned the incident and demanded that the culprits be booked under the SC/ST Act. Former Chief Minister Ashok Chavan and former state Minister Laxman Dhoble, terming the incident as unfortunate, said that such incidents are on the rise in recent times and the matter has also been discussed in Parliament. State Revenue Minister Chandrakant Patil, who is also the Guardian Minister of Jalgaon, said: "I have spoken to the Collector and Superintendent of Police. Strict action will be taken in the matter including invoking sections of the SC/ST Act and Indian Penal Code, besides steps to ensure such acts are not repeated in future." He said the well belongs to Ishwar Joshi, belonging to a nomadic tribe community and his servant Sonu Lohar had assaulted the boys. Water Resources Minister Girish Mahajan said two persons have been booked under the provisions of Scheduled Castes & Tribes (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences (POCSO) Act and Information Technology Act, besides other charges for the incident. Kamble and Mahajan said that from preliminary information received from the village, the boys had jumped into the well that was being used for drinking water purposes which earned the ire of the owners and the villagers. Late this evening, the parents of the kids contended before TV channels that they (boys) were at fault as they failed to heed repeated warnings not to swim in that well and denied that they were under pressures to withdraw their complaints. Meanwhile, Gujarat legislator and Dalit leader Jignesh Mewani likened the Wakadi developments to the horrific April 2016 incident in his state's Una when some Dalit youth were similarly treated for skinning a dead cow. "How can humans behave like this..Strictest action needs to be taken against the perpetrators, that's what we expect," Mewani told media persons. People across the political and social spectrum expressed outrage over the incident and said it was regretful that it took place in Maharashtra which takes pride in great personalities like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, Mahatma Jyotiba Phule and Babasaheb Ambedkar. --IANS qn/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Patidar leader Hardik Patel on Thursday claimed Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani would be replaced in next 10 days and had already put in his papers in the state cabinet meeting on Wednesday evening. Rupani, who had been keeping quiet over this rumour for last few days, quickly reacted, strongly denying any such possibility. "I am saying this with full confidence that Rupani has submitted his resignation on Wednesday during the Cabinet meeting and within next 10 days, BJP would appoint either a Patel or a Kshatriya as new chief minister," Patel told media persons in Rajkot. He went on claim that Bhikhubhai Dalsaniya from RSS and Pradeepsinh Jadeja, the current Minister of State for Home, are the probable replacements. Rejecting the Patel leader's claims, Rupani said: "I have no idea about any resignation...I have neither resigned, nor is there any question of me resigning." Addressing reporters, he termed Patel a "Congress agent" and charged him with "spreading lies to remain in the news". "I wonder if Hardik knows the procedure that the resignation has to be handed over to the Governor at Raj Bhavan, not in the cabinet meeting." Rupani replaced Anandiben Patel as the Chief Minister in August 2016 when she had to step down in the wake of the Patidar agitation and the Una Dalit atrocity. He retained the post after the 2017 assembly elections. --IANS desai/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) HDFC Bank on Thursday welcomed the government's approval of Rs 24,000 crore foreign direct investment (FDI) into the bank. In an official statement, the bank said: "This decision comes against the backdrop of an expected pick-up in credit growth driven by consumption-led demand and a recovery in the investment cycle." "We are delighted to hear that the government has approved our capital raising proposal. The additional capital will go a long way in supporting our growth plans over the next few years, especially in semi-urban and rural India," said Paresh Sukthankar, Deputy Managing Director, HDFC Bank. "We do believe this decision bodes well for the overall investment climate and foreign inflows as well," Sukthankar added. As of March 31, 2018 the bank had a network of 4,787 branches and 12,635 ATMs and had 4.3 crore customers across 2,691 Indian towns and cities. The bank's balance sheet for the year stood at Rs 10.63 lakh crore. Finance Minister Piyush Goyal on Wednesday said that with this additional FDI foreign equity in HDFC Bank would continue to remain within the mandatory cap of 74 per cent. "The current 72.62 percent foreign equity holding is being raised to 74 per cent with this Rs 24,000 crore FDI," he said. Goyal also said the bank's capital adequacy ratio would be strengthened in this way, and it had also indicated its intent to expand both its physical branches network as well as its digital banking reach. --IANS ag/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A documentary is under works which will expose the dark secrets of late American businessman Hugh Hefner. The Playboy magazine founder, who was known for his hedonistic lifestyle, lived in the Playboy Mansion with a number of different women, and the programme is set to give the public a behind-the-scenes look into the reality of Hefner's private life, reports femalefirst.co.uk. "The show is being filmed at the moment. Producers are speaking to girls who lived in the mansion," Daily Star newspaper quoted Carla Howe, a former Playboy bunny, as saying. Howe explained that although she has heard plenty of unflattering stories about Hefner, who died in September last year, she never witnessed anything untoward herself. "I never had any bad experiences with him but there are some girls who did. Some girls are coming out and saying bad things about him. "I've heard bad stories. I've heard they had to take it in turns with him. They'd all be in a little room together. It would be eight at a time. A lot went on. Luckily, that never happened to me. When I lived there, he was already married so I think I was one of the lucky ones." According to Howe, Hefner always expected that some of his secrets would eventually come to light. --IANS sug/nn/ (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Leading Swedish home furnishings retailer IKEA, which is launching its first store in next month, says it is making a lot of effort to provide good service for India, as it expands its mission to provide a better "life at home" and a healthy lifestyle across the world. It said it will come up with a range of products that can be repaired, restored and recycled. "I, with the team, have done many home visits in India as it was utmost important for us to understand how Indians live in their homes and how can contribute to a better everyday life for the many Indians who love their homes," said Mia Lundstrom, Creative Director at India, during the brand's annual Democratic Design Days event held here recently. "We have put in a lot of effort into making a very strong and good service package for India. "The common thread behind all products is their 'democratic design'. This is a five-pronged idea: Sustainability, form, functionality, quality and price. All these must be checked before a product rolls out," said Lundstrom. After launching in Hyderabad, IKEA will move into Mumbai in 2019, followed by Bengaluru and Delhi NCR. " is a starting point Then we would be moving into Mumbai next year. That is a very exciting market for us. itself is a very interesting and starting point to see what they (Indians) like about our products, solutions and approach," said Mia Olsson Tuner, Country Communication and Design Manager, IKEA, with its "do-it-yourself" (DIY) assembly model, announced during the event a slew of collaborations with big names including and Group as part of its effort to make everyday life better for the people globally. The retailer said it hopes to extend the partnerships for the Indian market for creating customised newer designs and products for Indian customers. "IKEA range in Hyderabad is 90 per cent going to be the same as everywhere else in the world. We are playing around for about 5 to 10 per cent of the local adaptation or market specific range product," said Lundstrom. "Home is where we create life-long habits. Teaming up with Adidas, we want to understand what wellness means to different people and what role their living spaces play in this," said Marcus Engman, Head of Design at IKEA of Sweden. "By doing so, we can create homes that are better designed to enable better habits and more active living." On the tie-up with Lego, Fredrika Inger, Business Area Manager for Children's IKEA of Sweden said: "We believe more play makes the home and the world a better place." IKEA will also be partnering with UNYQ, a 3-D printed medical wearables firm; educational e-sport company Area Academy; and Little Sun, a global project and social business that connects the world by sharing the sustainable energy of the sun, among others. It plans to achieve zero emissions by 2025 and for that it has pledged to design all its products by using only renewable and recycled materials. During the event, the multinational group unveiled a tap nozzle that can help save over 90 per cent of water used. Another highlight was solar panels and the chain that offered more plant-based food options in its eateries, like the veggie hot dog launching globally in August and a dairy-free, vegan soft-serve ice cream in a bid to increase sustainability for the company. IKEA said that "our rapidly changing world and increasing climate threat calls for more ambitious goals and urgent action" as it vowed to become 'people-and-planet positive' by 2030. It also announced outlawing single-use plastic products from its global stores and restaurants by 2020. IKEA also unveiled an "Art Rug" collaboration with eight influential artists from different parts of the world. The eight rugs are manufactured in Egypt and India, using traditional methods such as "dhurrie weaving" and hand tufted piles and are made with high-quality wool. IKEA Art Rugs will be available for a limited time starting in spring 2019. Newly-appointed Coal Secretary Inder Jit Singh took charge of his post on Thursday, an official statement said. A Coal Ministry release said that Singh, a 1985 batch IAS officer of the Kerala cadre, assumed charge here in the presence of senior officials of the ministry. The post had fallen vacant after the retirement of Susheel Kumar on April 30 this year after which the government had given it as an additional charge to Mines Secretary Anil Mukim. Singh was previously posted as Secretary, Coordination in the Cabinet Secretariat. Earlier this week, Railway and Coal Minister Piyush Goyal said here that the government will start a new round of coal block auctions and that commercial mining would also get underway. --IANS bc/mag/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Both India and Pakistan should fulfil their obligations under international human rights law and end the atmosphere of impunity to rights violations in Kashmir, Amnesty International India said on Thursday. It said the UN report on the human rights situation in Kashmir on both sides of the Line of Control reaffirmed the demands of various domestic and international human rights organisations to deliver justice for human rights abuses, and protect the freedoms of all people in Kashmir. In a statement, Amnesty International India Executive Director Aakar Patel said: "Both India and Pakistan should fulfil their obligations under international human rights law and end the atmosphere of impunity in Kashmir by conducting effective, impartial, and independent investigations into human rights abuses by armed forces." They should also end the use of repressive laws and respect the right of all people to peacefully express their opinions, he added. The 49-page report issued by the UN Office of the High Commissioner on Human Rights (OHCHR) in Geneva on the human rights situation in "Indian-Administered and Pakistan-Administered Kashmir", detailed human rights violations and abuses on both sides of the Line of Control and highlighted a "situation of chronic impunity for violations committed by security forces". The Indian government has outright rejected the report, terming it "overtly prejudiced and seeks to build a false narrative". Amnesty International India also noted that the UN human rights body said it had made repeated requests to both India and Pakistan over two years for unconditional access to both sides of the Line of Control, but had been refused access. --IANS spk/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Islamic art, especially calligraphy, can play a key role in ada'wah', or inviting people to understand Islam and clearing misconceptions about it, feels Fareed A. Al-Ali, the head of Kuwait Islamic Arts Centre. Drawing pictures of human beings is prohibited in Islam, but he believes the beauty of various Islamic arts, including calligraphy, is a powerful tool to attract people and invite them to understand the message of Islam. Whenever Fareed goes to art exhibitions, people stand in queue to get their names written in his beautiful writing and they preserve it like autographs of a celebrity. Fareed's writing of Allah's names in different styles at an exhibition in Egypt attracted the attention of a French national. "He wanted to know what is Allah and what is Islam. I referred him to Al-Azhar University, where he learnt about Islam and a year later embraced Islam," Fareed told IANS. The president of the Kuwait Islamic Arts Centre, who was recently on a visit to India, believes that art exhibitions and workshops are key to spreading the message of Islam and also in removing the misconceptions. "The beauty of words can make the difference. When they see beautiful words of Quranic ayats (verses), they want to know the meaning and this make them go further and understand Quran," said Fareed, who has demonstrated his calligraphy skills at the Jaipur Art Summit for the last two years. The Kuwait Islamic Arts Centre, under the Ministry of Awqaf and Islamic Affairs, has been working for more than 11 years to promote Islamic arts like calligraphy and illumination. It organises workshops and exhibitions and conducts competitions in schools. He pointed out that the Centre , apart from promoting Arabic calligraphy around the world, was also helping remove the misconceptions about Islam. "Everybody thinks Islam is terror and Islam is a problem... but through art we tell them it is not. We say Islam is peace. "People in Europe, America and Japan respect Islamic art. We go to their countries and show this is Islam." The Centre, working in different ways to nourish calligraphy, focuses on children and publishes a lot of books to make them learn and discover Islam through activities like puzzles and colouring. He is happy that many young people in Kuwait are taking to calligraphy. "There is huge demand. Many students are on waiting list. Several Kuwaitians take Ijaza (certificate) from renowned calligraphers. More women than men are learning calligraphy," he said. Fareed is happy over the efforts being made in India to revive Arabic calligraphy. In December last year, he inaugurated the Arabic Calligraphy Centre in Hyderabad. This is the second centre opened by Muqtar Ahmed, who teaches calligraphy at the Institute of Indo-Islamic Art and Culture in Bengaluru. He feels without depending on the government's help to promote Arabic calligraphy, the rich among the Muslims community should come forward to contribute their mite. "The rich should put their money in buying calligraphy works. They will also get good returns. A good work which is worth $1,000 today will have a value of $3,000 to 6,000 in 5-7 years. Such works fetch millions in international exhibitions," he said. He is of the view that the technology is not a threat to calligraphy. "In fact the digital technology helps calligraphers to come out with many innovative and beautiful designs and save time." (Mohammed Shafeeq can be contacted at m.shafeeq@ians.in) --IANS ms/mr/sac (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor Jamie Foxx is the latest celebrity to be accused of sexual misconduct, but he says the allegation is "absurd". The 50-year-old actor has spoken out against a sexual assault allegation first reported by tmz.com A spokesman for the Las Vegas police told people.com: "On June 8, 2018 a female victim came to the LVMPD and alleged that a sexual assault occurred in the Las Vegas area in 2002 and named Jaime Foxx as the suspect. A report was taken and the incident will be investigated. Due to the nature of the crime, no further details can be released." Foxx's lawyer issued a statement which included that the actor was seeking legal action against his accuser, reports people.com. "Jamie Foxx emphatically denies that this incident ever occurred, and he will be filing a report with the Las Vegas Police Department against the woman for filing a false police report against him," said the attorney. "The first time Mr. Foxx became aware of this woman's absurd claims about an incident that supposedly occurred sixteen years ago was when TMZ contacted his representatives today about this story." The lawyer added, "The alleged incident was not reported to law enforcement in 2002, or at any other time in the last sixteen years until last Friday because the incident never happened. We consider it to be extraordinarily reckless for any publication to publish this bogus story." Although they've been keeping their relationship ultra-private, Foxx is currently dating Katie Holmes. --IANS nv/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Several journalist bodies on Thursday condemned the killing of senior journalist and Editor-in-Chief of English daily "Rising Kashmir" Shujat Bhukhari by militants in Srinagar. They also demanded that forces responsible for his killing should be brought to book at the earliest. Militants fired from close range at Bukhari outside his office in the Press Enclave area of Residency Road in Srinagar killing him and his driver while critically injuring a security guard. Condemning what it called a "dastardly attack", the Editors Guild of India said that Bukhari was "a voice of moderation and a courageous, big-hearted editor who mentored a large cadre of young journalists from Kashmir". "The guild calls upon the government of Jammu and to take urgent steps to bring to book the culprits and ensure safety and security for the media in the state," it said in a statement. It added that an attack on a journalist challenges the very foundations of a free press and vibrant democracy and more so in a state like Jammu and that is going through militancy. "The guild also calls upon the state and Central government to enhance security for all journalists in Jammu and Recent weeks have also seen threats of violence against many journalists in different parts of the country," it said. "The killing of Bukhari is a new low in a rapidly deteriorating environment for media practitioners in Kashmir, in particular, and in the country in general," it added. Expressing "shock", the Press Club of India also "strongly condemned" the killing in the holy month of Ramadan and said that "forces inimical to restoring peace in Kashmir Valley had silenced a voice of reason, logic and peace". "Press Club of India deeply mourns the loss of Shujaat Bukhari's life and extends its condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of crisis," it said in a statement. It added that the "terror attack" showed that lives of journalists were not safe. "Press Club of India has time and again underlined the threat to the lives of journalists working under difficult and challenging circumstances and demanded protection for them," it said. The Indian Women's Press Corps, Press Association and Federation of Press Clubs of India also expressed "deep shock and outrage at the brazen murder" of Bukhari. They said that Bukhari was a respected journalist known for his wide range of analytical writings on Kashmir and that he continued to write actively despite the death threats issued to him. "His murder can only be viewed as yet another attempt to muzzle the media and the freedom of the press in the valley," a joint statement said. Bukhari started his career as a young reporter with Kashmir Times and moved to The Hindu in the 1990s. Later, he established his own English daily Rising Kashmir. --IANS vv/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Accusing the Narendra Modi government of unleashing organised attack on the country's economic, social and political institutions while promoting communal tension and divisiveness, a forum of social workers on Thursday urged the people to unite to save democracy in the country. Terming the BJP regime a "fascist force", the members of the platform claimed that the government has throttled constitutional rights and destroyed the economy by implementing economic reforms like demonetisation and Goods and Services Tax. "The Central government led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi has unleashed unprecedented attacks, and has taken away constitutional rights of the working class and captured all the constitutional agencies during its four-year tenure. "It is also encouraging attacks and killings of the minority community in the name of its pro-Hindutva ideology," said Shaktiman Ghosh, general secretary of the National Hawkers Federation. "We are organising conventions in all the Bengal districts against this government's anti-people policies. We want all the democracy loving people to unite against these fascist attacks," he added. The forum said that it has started district conventions from June 8 and would look to organise a bigger mass movement against the Centre's "anti-people policies" soon. "There is an organised attack on our democracy, constitutional rights, society and banking system. Also the government's aggressive steps to promote Hindutva is destroying the county's age old tradition of communal harmony and co-existence. We want to assemble people from all spheres of the society to come together and transform our protest into a mass movement," said social activist Biswanath Chakraborty. --IANS mgr/ssp/mag/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) South and North Korea began their first high-level military talks in more than 10 years on Thursday to discuss ways to ease cross-border tensions. The meeting kicked off on the northern side of the truce village of Panmunjom at 10 a.m., according to the South Korean Defence Ministry. These were the first such talks since the two sides met in December 2007, reports Yonhap News Agency. South Korea's five-member delegation is led by Major General Kim Do-gyun. The North's delegation is led by Lieutenant General An Ik-san, who is accompanied by four other officials. "(We) plan to discuss such issues as easing military tensions between the two Koreas and arranging a defense ministerial meeting as part of efforts to implement what was agreed upon in the military sector under the Panmunjom Declaration," Kim told reporters before leaving for the talks. The Panmunjom Declaration refers to the April 27 inter-Korean summit agreement, which included the two sides' commitment to joint efforts to ease military tensions and "practically eliminate the danger of war". The general-grade talks are expected to focus on discussing the restoration of a cross-border military communication line, holding military talks on a regular basis and establishing a hotline between their military leaders. The two sides could also discuss the recovery of the remains of fallen soldiers in the Demilitarized Zone that bisects the two Koreas. South Korean President Moon Jae-in recently promised to push for this amid improving ties with North Korea. During Tuesday's summit in Singapore, US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un agreed to cooperate on recovering the remains of American soldiers killed or who went missing during the Korean War. The military talks, initially slated for May, were postponed when Pyongyang abruptly cancelled bilateral high-level talks in protest at the annual South Korea-US air force drills. --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Chinese smartphone player OPPO on Thursday launched its sub-brand "RealMe 1" in a limited edition moonlight silver colour variant. The new variant with 4GB RAM and 64GB storage costs Rs 10,990 and will be up for sale from June 18 on Amazon India, the company said in a statement. "This limited edition range offers shiny designs that cater to customers' needs. We hope that this new variant will be equally well received by the audience," said Madhav Sheth, Chief Executive Officer, RealMe India. Targeted at millennials, "RealMe 1" smartphone was launched in India in May, priced at Rs 8,990 and Rs 13,990 for the 3GB RAM and 32GB internal and 6GB RAM and 128GB internal storage models, respectively. The smartphone comes with the world's first 12-nm Artificial Intelligence (AI)-based MediaTek Helio P60 chipset with "AI shot" technology, 13MP rear camera with an LED flash and an 8MP selfie camera and facial unlock feature. The smartphone is powered by a 3410mAh battery and ColorOS 5.0 user interface (UI) based on Android 8.1. --IANS rp/na/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) West Bengal's Mamata Banerjee government on Thursday expressed its dismay over Governor Keshari Nath Tripathi writing directly to university Vice Chancellors on observing International Yoga Day on June 23, while "keeping the state government in the dark". Describing the action as "odd", state Education Minister Partha Chatterjee asked Tripathi to ponder over whether it was "constitutional" or "courteous" on his part. Tripathi, the ex-officio Chancellor of state universities, has penned a letter to the Vice Chancellors, virtually directing them to celebrate the day with the rest of the country. The Governor has also asked the universities to organise an inter-university debate on Mahatma Gandhi as part of countrywide celebrations of his 150th birth anniversary. The best university in the debate would be given the Governor's trophy, with the three best speakers also getting prizes. Chatterjee noted that as per custom, the Union Human Resource Development Ministry always addressed their communications to the state Education Department. "It is my Education Department which takes care of such letters. Now, what is odd here is that without writing to my department, he (Tripathi) has written directly or was made to write directly to the Vice Chancellors, just because he is the Chancellor. "The Governor should himself ponder to what extent it is constitutional or courteous on his part to write directly to the vice-chancellors keeping the state in the dark," the minister added. --IANS ssp/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Militants in Jammu and on Thursday abducted an Indian Army soldier from states Shopian district, police said. The soldier, identified as Aurangzeb of the 44 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), was travelling to Rajouri district when the militants stopped his vehicle in Kalampora area and kidnapped him. The soldier is a resident of Poonch district. Meanwhile, Army sources in New Delhi said they were already "taking action" to locate and rescue the jawan. "The information of one jawan of 44 Rashtriya Rifles who was proceeding on leave having been abducted has come in. Action is being ensured to locate the person and get him," a source said. The abduction comes on a day when Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh is discussing whether to extend or call off the Ramadan ceasefire that is due to end on Friday. --IANS sar-mak/nir (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.) Odisha Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Thursday requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi for the contribution of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds to the Chief Minister's Relief Fund (CMRF) by amending the Companies Act 2013. "The Odisha CMRF, like that of other states, uses its fund for various pro-poor activities," Patnaik wrote in a letter to Modi. He said the Odisha CMRF has shown its generosity by providing relief to victims of natural disasters in other states and countries including Jammu and Kashmir and Nepal. "Looking into the gamut of its activities, it is felt that there is a need to augment the funds for CMRF. A number of eligible poor are still left unattended..." Section-135 of the Companies Act, 2013, and CSR Policy Rules, 2014, mandate that from April 1, 2014, every company, private limited or public limited, which, either has a net worth of Rs 500 crore or a turnover of Rs 1,000 crore or net profit of Rs 5 crore, has to spend at least 2 per cent of its average net profit on CSR activities. --IANS cd/ksk/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Health ministers of northeastern states on Thursday sought intervention of Union Health and Family Welfare Minister J.P. Nadda into the shortage of faculty members in the North Eastern Indira Gandhi Regional Institute of Health and Medical Sciences (NEIGRIHMS) in Meghalaya's capital Shillong. Nadda said he has taken note of the problems faced by the central medical institute, they said. Meghalaya Health Minister Alexander Hek, who was accompanied by his counterparts from the other northeastern states, urged Nadda to fill various vacant positions in the teaching and non-teaching departments. Arunachal Pradesh Health and Family Welfare Minister, Alo Libang, Nagaland Health and Family Welfare Minister, S. Pangyu Phom, Manipur Health and Family Welfare Minister, L. Jayantakumar Singh, Sikkim Health and Family Welfare Minister Arjun Kumar Ghatani and Assam Minister of State for Health and Family Welfare Minister Pijush Hazarika were also present at the meeting. The North East Health Ministers also raised the issue of de-recognition of the Post Graduate course at NEIGRIHMS with the Union minister and requested him for his personal intervention. Following the meeting, Nadda told the North East Health Ministers that he is aware of the problems in NEIGRIHMS and promised them that he would soon call a meeting of the NEIGRIHMS Governing Council to address the problems. The NEIGRIHMS has been designed on the lines of the premier All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) in New Delhi, and Postgraduate Institute of Medical Education and Research (PGIMER) in Chandigarh. The hospital was built at an estimated cost of Rs 420 crore and has a 30-bed Intensive Care Unit and 35 specialty and super specialty departments. --IANS rrk/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India on Thursday reiterated its call to end the Asian Premium on oil being charged by OPEC producers and said prices have risen beyond the threshold that can be sustained by the world. At a meeting here with ambassadors of the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said market fundamentals do not support such high prices and impressed on the need for OPEC governments to move towards responsible pricing, according to a Petroleum Ministry release here. "Minister Pradhan expressed his concern about rising crude oil prices and its negative impact on consumers across the world. He emphasized that globally crude prices have gone beyond the threshold which can be sustained by the world. "He reiterated the issue of discriminatory pricing through measures such as Asian Premium and urged the move to transparent and flexible markets for both oil and gas," he said. Pradhan urged the OPEC Ambassadors to convey the message to their respective governments regarding the need to move to responsible pricing, one that balances the interests of both the producer and consumer. "The timing of the meeting comes at a crucial time when global crude oil prices are at the highest since the peak of 2014," the statement added. According to the ministry, Pradhan is scheduled to visit Vienna on June 20-21 to participate in the OPEC international seminar and will discuss these key issues with OPEC Secretary General Sanusi Barkindo and ministers from the 13-nation cartel. OPEC and non-OPEC countries are also expected to decide on extending the output cuts, which, along with the geopolitical tensions in the Middle East, have helped push up crude prices. As two Asian giants that accounted for 17 per cent of global oil consumption last year, India and China held formal talks in Beijing earlier this week on forming an oil buyers' club. Pradhan has earlier this year proposed an alliance between Indian and Chinese state-run oil companies to have a greater say in the market. With reports of Saudi Arabia and Russia discussing raising OPEC and non-OPEC oil production by some 1 million barrels a day producing a fall in crude rates, transport fuel prices in the country suddenly started declining in June. After declining for a fortnight, rates have remained unchanged for the second consecutive day on Thursday. Domestic petrol prices, which had hit record levels for 16 consecutive days during May, have been on the reverse trend for the last two weeks but the relief for consumers has been slow in coming. The pace of decline has been less than half the rate of surge. US President Donald Trump said on Wednesday that oil prices were too high and blamed OPEC for the surge. --IANS bc/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The alleged murderer of Sikh rights activist and inter-faith harmony advocate Charanjit Singh was arrested by Peshawar regions Counter Terrorism Department (CTD) on Thursday. Singh was shot dead in Peshawar on May 29 by bike-borne assailants while he was on his way home from his shop. He had shifted to the city with his family nearly 20 years ago and was a highly respected figure in the region. He was known for promoting religious harmony and discouraging violence. According to a statement by the CTD, an operation was conducted in the Ghalla Mandi area of Peshawar and the alleged target killer, identified as Sheheryar Sultan, was arrested, the Express Tribune reported. An investigation officer told the daily that the activist "was killed for failing to pay extortion". "The suspect is part of a criminal group involved in extortion," the officer said, adding that they also found evidence of Singh previously paying extortion money. The CTD said that the accused also named some accomplices during the investigation, for whose arrest a separate team was formed, Dawn online reported. --IANS soni/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas on Thursday called the UN vote a "victory" for Palestinian rights and international justice and law. Abbas said in a statement published by the official Palestinian news agency (WAFA) that he sent his thanks and gratitude to the states that voted in favour of the UN resolution. A total of 120 states, members of the UN General Assembly, voted in favour of the resolution on providing international protection to the Palestinians in the Palestinian territories, mainly in the Gaza Strip. Eight members, including Israel and the US, voted against the resolution. There were 45 abstentions. The resolution condemned the Israeli use of "excessive" power against Palestinian civilians and demanded UN Secretary General Antonio Guterres to recommend establishing a mechanism to provide international protection to the Palestinians. Palestinian Minister of Foreign Affairs Riyad al-Maliki said that the UN chief has to submit a proposal within 60 days to carry out practical mechanisms to implement the resolution, Xinhua news agency reported. "The resolution affirms the need to ensure protection to the Palestinians, as well as the creation of executive mechanisms for this resolution. What is required now is to continue pressure on the United States and Israel and follow up with the Secretary-General," he told Palestine Television. Meanwhile, the Hamas movement said in an emailed press statement that it welcomed the results of the UN vote "which was for the sake and the interest of our people". "The results of the vote are so important because it backs the Palestinian rights," said the statement, adding "the vote isolated the US and the state of the occupation and showed the world how Washington is fully biased to the Israeli occupation". On March 30, the Palestinians participated in demonstrations in five separate locations in eastern Gaza Strip, close to the border with Israel. Ashraf al-Qedra, the Health Ministry spokesperson in Gaza, said that the death toll since March 30 has grown to 128 with around 14,000 injured. Around half of them were shot by live ammunition, and many of them are still in critical condition. --IANS soni/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar, who was being treated in a US hospital for advanced pancreatic cancer since more than three months now, returned to India on Thursday afternoon and is expected to arrive in Goa later this evening, a BJP leader said. Parrikar, accompanied by members of his family, a medical team and officials of the Chief Minister's Office, flew from US to Mumbai, from where he will be taking a connecting flight to Goa, a party official said. Additional police personnel have been deployed at Dabolim International Airport ahead of the Chief Minister's return. Parrikar is expected to chair a meeting of the state's council of ministers on Friday. --IANS maya/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 on Thursday metwith South Korean President Moon Jae-in here to discuss the outcome of the historic summit between American President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. According to the South Korean Presidential office, Pompeo told Moon at the start of the meeting that there is still "a great deal of work to do" and that he trusts that both sides will be able to cooperate and bring peace to the Korean Peninsula, Efe news reported. Pompeo also said he was "confident that we took a very good, significant step in Singapore" and that the US and North Korea will work together to provide their citizens with the best results. He thanked Moon, who has met with Kim twice since April, for his mediation between North Korea and the US, saying that if it had not been for Moon's effort, the talks between Trump and Kim would not have been possible. Moon said he was satisfied with the outcome of the summit and what is most important is that it has allowed the world to escape from the threats of a nuclear war and long-range missiles. However, there was no mention of the suspension of annual South Korean-US military maneuvers, which Trump unexpectedly announced on June 12 at the end of the summit. Trump and Kim had signed an agreement at the end of their summit in which they pledged to open a new chapter of relations, establish peace and work towards North Korea's complete denuclearisation. Pompeo also held talks with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts Kang Kyung-wha and Taro Kono respectively to further discuss the details of the Singapore summit. --IANS and/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Maharashtra Electricity Regulatory Commission (MERC) on Thursday completed its hearing in the proposed 100 per cent stake sale of Reliance Infrastructure Ltd (RInfra)'s integrated Mumbai power business to Adani Transmission Ltd (ATL), an official spokesperson said. The MERC's order in the matter is likely over the next few weeks and the two companies expect to close the transaction, estimated at Rs 18,800 crore, next month. The RInfra has already secured the approval of Competition Commission of India and its own shareholders for the deal. The RInfra and ATL signed a Definitive Binding Agreement for 100 per cent stake sale of the integrated business of generation, transmission and distribution of power for Mumbai last December. The RInfra will utilise the proceeds of this transformative transaction entirely to reduce its debt, becoming debt-free and up to Rs 3,000 crore cash surplus. This is the largest ever debt-reducing exercise by any corporate in the country and the monetisation is a major step in RInfra's de-leveraging strategy for future growth. The RInfra's Mumbai power business, Reliance Energy, is India's largest private sector integrated power utility distributing power to nearly three million residential, industrial and commercial consumers in Mumbai suburbs over an area of 400 sq.km. It caters to a peak demand of over 1,800 MW, with annual revenues of Rs 7,500 crore with stable cash flows. Going forward, RInfra will focus on upcoming opportunities in asset light EPC and defence businesses. For its defence business, the company has set up the Dhirubhai Ambani Aerospace Park at MIHAN in Nagpur to manufacture the Rafale fighter jets with French collaboration, besides the Reliance Naval & Engineering Ltd, which houses India's largest dry dock facility to build warships and other naval ships. --IANS qn/nir (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) British aircraft engine maker Rolls-Royce will cut 4,600 jobs over the next two years as part of a major reorganisation, it was announced on Thursday. The cuts, which represent 8.4 per cent of the company's 55,000 workforce, are Rolls-Royce's largest since October 2001 when the company shed 5,000 jobs in response to a downturn in the global economy after the September 11, 2001 terror attacks in the US, according to reports. Middle managers and back-office staff will bear the brunt of the cuts, expected to hit its Derby base hard. It is the group's biggest manufacturing base in the UK, which currently has a workforce of 15,700 people, the BBC reported. According to Rolls-Royce, about a third of the job cuts are expected to happen by the end of 2018 and the programme is expected to continue throughout 2019, with full implementation by mid-2020. The company is refocusing its business on civil aerospace, defence and power systems. The move is the latest by Chief Executive Warren East to improve profitability at Rolls-Royce, which lags its US rivals such as General Electric Co. The effort has been beset by setbacks, including faster wear-and-tear on components used on different engine models, including those used on some Dreamliner long-haul jets and others powering Airbus SE A380 superjumbos, Efe news reported. Rolls-Royce said that the programme would cost 500 million pounds to carry out, including redundancies, but would save it 400 million pounds a year by the end of 2020. Rolls-Royce, no longer affiliated with the luxury car maker, said it would continue to work on its problems with its Trent 1000 engine. Parts in the engines have been wearing out faster than anticipated, causing some planes to be grounded. Rolls-Royce has said it will take years to modify all the engines in service. East said making the business "more streamlined" with "pace and simplicity at its heart" would allow the company to generate "significant" profitable growth. "It is never an easy decision to reduce our workforce, but we must create a commercial organisation that is as world-leading as our technologies," he said. But Rolls insisted it would honour a previous pledge not to impose compulsory redundancies on union-represented staff, including at its sites in Derby, Hucknall and Annesley. Britain's biggest union, Unite, warned Rolls-Royce against cutting "too deep and too fast". A government spokesman said the government was "in regular contact" with Rolls-Royce on its plans to reduce its back-office and support functions. "This is clearly an uncertain time for affected employees and their families and Jobcentre Plus Rapid Response stands ready to help people back into employment as soon as possible," the spokesman said. --IANS soni/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Russian government on Thursday proposed raising the retirement age of citizens despite public sentiments to the contrary. The government proposed to gradually extend the age of retirement to 65 from 60 for men and to 63 from 55 for women from 2019, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said at a government meeting broadcast live by the Russia-24 TV channel. He said the government proposed to introduce a transition period from 2019 in order to reach step-by-step the retirement age of 65 for men in 2028 and 63 for women in 2034. But women working for 40 years and men for 45 years will be allowed to retire two years earlier than the generally established retirement age, Xinhua news agency reported. However, Russia's independent market research company ROMIR published the results of a poll on Thursday, showing that 92 per cent of the respondents did not support raising the retirement age. More than half of the 1,500 people aged 18 years or older polled in cities and rural areas said men should retire at 60 and women at 55. Also on Thursday, the Russian Labor Confederation, the country's second largest trade union, published a petition on the Internet, demanding to keep the current retirement age. The petition had been signed by nearly 200,000 people by Thursday afternoon. --IANS soni/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The South Korean prosecution on Thursday demanded 12 years of imprisonment for former President Park Geun-hye, who is already serving a sentence in another corruption case, over allegations of accepting bribes from the country's spy agency. Park, 66, was sentenced to 24 years in prison in April on charges related to the influence-peddling scandal involving her friend Choi Soon-sil, which led to her ouster. Park is facing another trial for allegedly accepting bribes from the National Intelligence Service (NIS) during her term in office, a case in which a senior presidential aide and an NIS director had also been charged, Efe news reported. The NIS allegedly paid the presidential office around 4 billion won ($3.7 million) between 2013 and 2016 and prosecutors also demanded that Park be fined 8 billion won. Park was summoned to the court hearing on Thursday to defend herself and clarify if she used the funds for personal use, but the former head of state refused to appear before the court. Park has been behind bars since she was taken under preventive arrest in March 2017 for the corruption scandal, becoming the first South Korean President to be impeached, and liberal Moon Jae-in came to power in the ensuing elections. --IANS soni/bg (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The top diplomats of South Korea, the US and Japan had talks here on Thursday over a strategy on North Korea, emboldened by the first-ever Pyongyang-Washington summit. Starting a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha expressed hope that "the current momentum will be maintained", reports Yonhap News Agency. Their closed-door talks were followed by a trilateral session involving Japan's Minister Taro Kono. Earlier on Thursday, Pompeo paid a courtesy call on President Moon Jae-in. The US diplomat briefed them "in detail" on the results of the summit meeting between President Donald Trump and the North's leader Kim Jong-un held in Singapore on Tuesday, officials said. In a joint statement after Tuesday's summit, Kim agreed to the "complete denuclearization" of the Korean Peninsula and Trump vowed security guarantees for the communist nation on the basis of the "new relations" between the longtime adversaries. Pompeo will lead Washington's follow-up negotiations with Pyongyang, but the details were not immediately known. "I will be the person who takes the role of driving this process forward," he told reporters. He's expected to sit down with a high-level North Korean official as early as next week. Pompeo said the denuclearization process can make significant progress by the end of Trump's first term in early 2021. Regarding the issue of "major disarmament", the former CIA director said: "We're hopeful that we can achieve that in the next 2 1/2 years, something like that." He dismissed criticism about the summit accord without the term "compete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization" (CVID). "Let me assure you that the 'complete' encompasses verifiable in the minds of everyone concerned," he stressed. "One can't completely denuclearize without validating, authenticating." --IANS ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Bringing its new 2018 line-up of TVs including the premium QLED range to India, market leader Samsung on Thursday said the company is eyeing to grab more than half of the premium TV segment in the country in the next four-five months. The South Korean tech giant unveiled new models in its flagship QLED TV series, the mid-range UHD and Make for India "Concert" TV series here. The 2018 QLED TV comes with "Ambient Mode" that lets users convert their devices into a canvas and also act as a window to the world. "We are currently dominating the QLED TV segment in the country with 47 per cent share. We are looking to increase our share in this segment to 55 per cent by the end of September-October," Piyush Kunnapallil, General Manager, TV Business, Samsung India, told IANS on the slidelines of the launch. The company is bringing eight QLED TV models to India -- ranging from 55-inch to 75-inch and covering flat as well as curved variants -- starting at Rs 2,45,000. The 2018 QLED TV can mimic the pattern on the wall behind the TV to create an a visual effect in which the TV blends seamlessly into the wall. The TV will also automatically show users the weather to reflect whether it is sunny or rainy. The QLED TV has "Smart Things" app that can connect the device to other IoT-enabled devices for syncing and sharing content, sending notifications and mirroring screen and sound. It has 100 per cent "Colour Volume" and HDR10+ functionality in a sleek and premium metal body with a nearly bezel-less display. The company currently has 36 per cent market share in the UHD television and expects it to take to 45 per cent as it sees a change in consumer behaviour towards more premium products. Samsung India is also looking to expand its UHD line-up from 10 to 16 models this year. "Consumers in India are moving to bigger and better televisions. We intend to fuel this trend by increasing our UHD line-up by 60 per cent and launching new products with innovative features," said Kunnapallil. Entry-level UHD TVs will start from "7100" series followed by "7470", "8000" and finally "The Frame". The cost of the line-up would start from Rs 64,900. The series comes in a slim-matte body and is powered by superior High Dynamic Range (HDR), "Dynamic Crystal Color" technology, "One Remote Control", "Smart Hub" and "Smart Convergence" for users to pair their smartphones with TV or TV with a Bluetooth speaker that lets them enjoy two-way audio streaming. As part of its "Make for India" initiative, Samsung India launched the "Concert" series in two variations -- "Smart Concert" and "Joy Concert". "Users are looking for loud volume and cinematic sound capability so they can enjoy movies, music and sports. The 2018 'Concert Series' has been designed to address this need with a new sound technology that combines both hardware and software improvements to deliver powerful cinematic surround audio experience," Kunnapallil told IANS. The "Concert" series will come with four speakers -- two at the top and two at the bottom wherein each channel delivers 10W sound output to pack a punch of 40W surround-sound experience. The "Concert" series also comes with Bluetooth capability which allows users to pair their smartphones or speakers to TV and also has a customisable advanced user interface (UI). The "Smart Hub" feature in the "Smart Concert" variant allows users to access Live TV and browse content across apps such as Jio Cinema, Netflix, Amazon Prime and Big Flix. The TVs are available in 32, 43 and 49-inch models, at a starting price of Rs 27,500. (Krishna SinhaChaudhury can be contacted at krishna.s@ians.in) --IANS ksc/na/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senior journalist and Editor-in-Chief of English daily "Rising Kashmir" Shujat Bhukhari was on Thursday shot dead by militants outside his office here, police said. State police chief S.P.Vaid said that it was around 7.15 p.m., the Iftar time, that Bukhari came out of his office in Press Enclave and was boarding his car when he was attacked by militants. "Three motorcycle-borne militants came and fired at Bukhari and his guards. Bukhari and one guard were killed and another security guard critically injured," he said. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti expressed shock at the killing. "Shocked & deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Shujaat Bukhari. The scourge of terror has reared its ugly head on the eve of Eid. I strongly condemn this act of mindless violence & pray for his soul to rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family," she said in a tweet. Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah also expressed shock at the gruesome murder of this senior Kashmiri journalist. Reciting the Muslim prayer on hearing about a Muslim's death, he said: "Shocked beyond words. May Shujaat find place in Jannat & May his loved ones find strength at this difficult time." Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh also expressed shock at the incident. "The killing of @RisingKashmir editor, Shujaat Bukhari is an act of cowardice. It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist. Extremely shocked & pained at his death. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family," he said on his Twitter handle. The murder also sent shock waves in the fraternity. --IANS sq/vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senior journalist and Editor-in-Chief of English daily "Rising Kashmir" Shujat Bhukhari was on Thursday shot dead by militants outside his office here, police said. State police chief S.P.Vaid said that it was around 7.15 p.m., the Iftar time, that Bukhari came out of his office in Press Enclave and was boarding his car when he was attacked by militants. "Three motorcycle-borne militants came and fired at Bukhari and his guards. Bukhari and one guard were killed and another security guard critically injured," he said. The killing drew wide condemnation from politicians across India and organisations. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said: "Shocked & deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Shujaat Bukhari. The scourge of terror has reared its ugly head on the eve of Eid. I strongly condemn this act of mindless violence & pray for his soul to rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family." Former Chief Minister Omar Abdullah, in a tweet, recited the Muslim prayer on hearing about a Muslim's death, and said: "Shocked beyond words. May Shujaat find place in Jannat & May his loved ones find strength at this difficult time." Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh termed it an "act of cowardice". "The killing of @RisingKashmir editor, Shujaat Bukhari is an act of cowardice. It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist. Extremely shocked & pained at his death. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family," he said on his Twitter handle. The Congress said it was anguished, with party President Rahul Gandhi terming Bukhari "a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace". "He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu and Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed," Gandhi said in a tweet. Congress chief spokesperson Randeep Singh Surjewala said: "Anguished beyond words. Security situation in J&K has hit its nadir. Demand the Centre to take swift action to nab the killers. They can silence us but not our thoughts." West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee on Thursday expressed shock. "Saddened and shocked at the brutal killing of respected editor and senior journalist @bukharishujaat. With a few hours to go for Eid this is terrible," Banerjee tweeted. Several journalist bodies condemned the killing and demanded swift action against the forces responsible for his killing. Condemning what it called a "dastardly attack", the Editors Guild of India said that Bukhari was "a voice of moderation and a courageous, big-hearted editor who mentored a large cadre of young journalists from Kashmir". "The guild calls upon the government of Jammu and Kashmir to take urgent steps to bring to book the culprits and ensure safety and security for the in the state," it said in a statement. It added that an attack on a journalist challenges the very foundations of a free press and vibrant democracy and more so in a state like Jammu and Kashmir that is going through militancy, and called upon the state and Central government to enhance security for all journalists in the state. "Recent weeks have also seen threats of violence against many journalists in different parts of the country," it added. The Press Club of India also "strongly condemned" the killing in the holy month of Ramadan and said that "forces inimical to restoring peace in Kashmir Valley had silenced a voice of reason, logic and peace". "Press Club of India deeply mourns the loss of Shujaat Bukhari's life and extends its condolences to the bereaved family in this hour of crisis," it said in a statement. It added that the "terror attack" showed that lives of journalists were not safe. "Press Club of India has time and again underlined the threat to the lives of journalists working under difficult and challenging circumstances and demanded protection for them," it said. The Indian Women's Press Corps, Press Association and Federation of Press Clubs of India also expressed "deep shock and outrage at the brazen murder" of Bukhari. They said that Bukhari was a respected journalist known for his wide range of analytical writings on Kashmir and that he continued to write actively despite the death threats issued to him. "His murder can only be viewed as yet another attempt to muzzle the and the freedom of the press in the valley," a joint statement said. Bukhari started his career as a young reporter with Kashmir Times and moved to The Hindu in the 1990s. Later, he established his own English daily Rising Kashmir. --IANS team-vd (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Suspense continued over whether the Centre's unilateral Ramadan ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir will be extended beyond Eid, which falls this weekend. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday held a high-level meeting over security arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra to begin later this month and it was officially stated there was no discussion on the fate of ceasefire extension in Jammu and Kashmir in the meeting. The meeting that lasted about 45 minutes was held at Rajnath Singh's residence at which National Security Advisor Ajit Doval; Union Home Secretary Rajiv Gauba; the Army Chief, General Bipin Rawat; Director Intelligence Bureau Rajiv Jain, Director Geneneral of Police Jammu and Kashmir S.P. Vaid, Director General of Border Security Force K.K. Sharma and Central Reserve Police Force Chief R.R. Bhatnagar were present along with senior Home Ministry officials. "Today's meeting was held to discuss security arrangements for Amarnath Yatra which is to start later this month. The issue of extension or suspension of operation in Jammu and Kashmir was not discussed," Home Ministry Spokesperson A. Bharat Bhushan Babu said. Sources in the Home Ministry, on the condition of anonymity, said indications are that the ceasefire may automatically end after the Eid and there may be no official announcement on the end of the initiative. The Union Home Ministry had on May 16 announced for unilateral ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir during Ramadan, saying this was necessary to help "peace loving Muslims" observe the holy month in a peaceful environment. "If the Central government decides on extension of the ceasefire, the announcement regarding that would be done on June 16 or 17," said the official, adding the decision on the suspension or operations against the militants can be taken after a review of its impact in the Kashmir Valley. While the Jammu and Kashmir government wants the continuation of the Ramadan ceasefire beyond the Eid, top sources suggest the field commanders of the Army have argued that the cessation of hostilities from only one side is helping the militants to regroup and increase their numbers through recruitment of local boys. Just after the high-level meeting with Rajnath Singh, another round of meeting was chaired by Gauba at his North Block office here to discuss the security aspects to be taken for the safety of the pilgrims taking part in the Amarnath Yatra, beginning on June 28. --IANS rak/vsc/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tripura Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb on Thursday sought the Army's assistance in rescue operations in the flood-hit state as incessant rains continued for the third day leading to floods and landslides - forcing some 50,000 poeple to take shelter in relief camps and claiming four lives. Deb informed Union Home Minister Rajanth Singh in a telephonic conversation on Thursday morning of the situation and apprised him of the steps taken by the state government. "Apprised Rajnath Singhji about the flood situation and the ongoing relief work in Tripura. Requested for assistance from the Army for rescue operations in a few critical locations. The Home Ministry has assured all the necessary support from the Central government," Deb tweeted. The Chief Minister also requested the Home Minister to "urgently" increase the number of National Disaster Response Force personnel in Tripura. An official statement said the Centre has assured all the necessary support to Tripura to deal with the flood situation. It has asked the Army Chief, General Bipin Rawat, to take necessary action. Meanwhile, an official of the Tripura Disaster Management Control Centre said that around 50,000 people of over 10,000 families took shelter in around 200 relief camps in different parts of the state mostly in northern Tripura. "At least four people, including two aged men and a teenager, died across Tripura since Tuesday due to landslides, falling trees or fishing in flooded rivers," the official said. "We have kept ready a Pawan Hans helicopter and sent requisition to the Indian Air Force (IAF) to provide two more copters to rescue marooned people and to provide relief to the affected families if necessary." He said that Indian Air Force (IAF) helicopters on Wednesday and Thursday could not fly from Silchar in southern Assam due to bad weather. The Disaster Management official said that the situation in northern Tripura's Unokoti district deteriorated after three old embankments of the Manu River was breached. Waters of many rivers of Tripura are flowing over the danger levels. Flood waters inundated many villages, homes, paddy fields highways besides low-lying areas. Landslides have occurred in many highways affecting movement of traffic. --IANS sc/ksk/vm (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Indian and Pakistani security forces used "excessive" force in both sides of Jammu and Kashmir, killing and wounding civilians since 2016, the UN said on Thursday, in a first-ever report calling for an international investigation into alleged violations in the disputed territory. The 49-page report issued by the UN on the human rights situation in "Indian-Administered and Pakistan-Administered Kashmir", detailed human rights violations and abuses on both sides of the Line of Control and highlighted a "situation of chronic impunity for violations committed by security forces". "The political dimensions of the dispute between India and Pakistan have long been centre-stage, but this is not a conflict frozen in time. It is a conflict that has robbed millions of their basic human rights and continues to this day to inflict untold suffering," said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Ra'ad Al Hussein. "This is why any resolution of the political situation in Jammu and Kashmir must entail a commitment to end the cycles of violence and ensure accountability for past and current violations and abuses by all parties and provide redress for victims," he said. "It is also why I will be urging the UN Human Rights Council to consider establishing a commission of inquiry to conduct a comprehensive independent international investigation into allegations of human rights violations in Kashmir," Zeid said. The UN report focussed mainly on alleged serious violations committed in Jammu and Kashmir from July, 2016 to April, 2018. Activists estimated that up to 145 civilians were killed by security forces and up to 20 civilians killed by armed groups in the same period, it said. The report also talked about the "most dangerous weapons" used against protesters in 2016 and which is still being employed by security forces--the pellet-firing shot gun. It also criticised the enforcement of special laws like Armed Forces Special Powers Act, AFSPA, and Public Safety Act, PSA, saying armed forces were acting with impunity. Calling for repeal of AFSPA, the report said in nearly 28 years of AFSPA in force, there has not been a single prosecution of armed forces personnel granted by the Central government. The UN rights chief called on Indian security forces "to exercise maximum restraint and strictly abide by international standards governing the use of force when dealing with future protests". "It is essential the Indian authorities take immediate and effective steps to avoid a repetition of the numerous examples of excessive use of force by security forces in Kashmir," Zeid said. As for Pakistan, the report cited experts' belief that its military continued to support the operations of armed groups across the Line of Control. It says violations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir are of a more "structural" nature. It urged Pakistan to end the misuse of anti-terror legislation to persecute those engaging in peaceful political and civil activities and those who express dissent. Among the issues highlighted in the report is the constitutional relationship of the two distinct territories of "Azad Kashmir" and Gilgit-Baltistan with Pakistan. The "Azad Kashmir" has effectively been controlled by Pakistan throughout its entire history. Pakistan's federal authorities also have full control over all government operations in Gilgit-Baltistan, and federal intelligence agencies are reportedly deployed across both regions. The impact of Pakistani counter-terrorism operations on human rights is detailed in the report, which notes the concerns of the UN Human Rights Committee at the "very broad definition" of terrorism laid out in the anti-terrorism act. The report quotes a Pakistani NGO that found hundreds of people had been imprisoned under that in Gilgit-Baltistan and that it was being used to target locals, who were raising issues related to people's human rights. Zeid called for the Human Rights Council -- which opens a three-week session in Geneva on Monday -- to launch a commission of inquiry into all violations. "Alleged sites of mass graves in the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region should be investigated," he said. The report was written without visiting the region as both sides refused to grant unconditional access to the investigators. Among its recommendations, the report called on India and Pakistan "to fully respect their international human rights law obligations in Indian-Administered and Pakistan-Administered Kashmir", respectively. --IANS soni-vsc (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The UN General Assembly has condemned Israel for excessive use of force against Palestinian civilians, in a resolution adopted by a strong majority of 120 countries, and asked UN chief Antonio Guterres to report back on recommendations regarding an "international protection mechanism" for occupied Palestinian territory. The Assembly on Wednesday adopted an Arab-sponsored resolution calling for greater protection for Palestinians and deploring any use of "excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate" force by the Israeli military against Palestinian civilians, particularly in Gaza, according to an official statement. The emergency session of the 193-member Assembly, came about following weeks of violence along the border of the Gaza Strip, the Palestinian enclave blockaded by Israel -- where hundreds of thousands of Palestinians participated in "the Great March of Return" protests, beginning at the end of March. Presented by Algeria and Turkey on behalf of Arab and Muslim countries, the measure won a decisive 120 votes, with eight votes against and 45 abstentions. Australia, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Solomon Islands and Togo joined Israel and the US in voting against the resolution, which came weeks after Washington vetoed a similar resolution in the 15-member UN Security Council. More than 120 Palestinian civilians have been reportedly killed by Israeli forces since March 30 while participating in the protests against Israel's years-long blockade. The largest number of deaths occurred on May 14, the day the US moved its embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem. The General Assembly text criticised the firing of rockets from Gaza into Israeli civilian areas, but did not mention Hamas, the Islamist group that controls Gaza. General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding but carry political weight. "The nature of this resolution clearly demonstrates that is driving the day. It is totally one-sided. It makes not one mention of the Hamas terrorists who routinely initiate the violence in Gaza," US Ambassador to the UN Nikki Haley told the General Assembly before the vote. An amendment presented by the US that condemned Hamas for "inciting violence" along the border with Gaza failed to garner the two-thirds majority needed for adoption. "By supporting this resolution you are colluding with a terrorist organization, by supporting this resolution you are empowering Hamas," Israel's UN Ambassador Danny Danon told the General Assembly. The resolution also asked UN chief Antonio Guterres to report back within 60 days on proposals "on ways and means for ensuring the safety, protection and well-being of the Palestinian civilian population under Israeli occupation, including recommendations regarding an international protection mechanism". "We need protection of our civilian population," Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour told the General Assembly before the vote, adding that the resolution was "intended to contribute to a de-escalation of the volatile situation". "We cannot remain silent in the face of the most violent crimes and human rights violations being systematically perpetrated against our people," Mansour added. --IANS soni/ksk (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 11-year-old girl from the primitive Sabar tribe was allegedly raped by her neighbour in Jharkhand's East Singhbhum district today, police said. The girl was alone at home when Sunil Hembram (35) barged into her room and assaulted her before committing rape, Officer-in-charge Chakulia police station Nityanand Mahato said. The girl was rushed to a nearby public health centre after she narrated the incident to her parents, he said. The doctors, however, referred her to the government-run MGM Hospital here for medical check up, Mahato said. The police have launched a search to apprehend the man, Mahato added. He said it is suspected that the accused could have fled to adjoining West Bengal. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Haryana Police has seized 1,506 boxes of illicit liquor from a godown at Samsipur village in Kurukshetra district and arrested two persons in this connection. Following a tip-off, the godown was raided and 132 boxes of Indian Made Foreign Liquor, 1,235 boxes of country-made liquor and 96 boxes of beer were seized, a spokesperson of the state police department said here. He said the Crime Branch had received information that an illegal liquor store was built in the village and the contractor, along with his associates allegedly supplied liquor in Uttar Pradesh and Bihar. Sale and consumption of alcohol was banned in Bihar since April 2016. When the police team raided the store, situated behind a liquor vend, the people there could not give a satisfactory reply about liquor stored there and they did not even have a permit, the spokesperson said. Officials of the Excise Department were also informed about the store and they confirmed that it did not have any no license. Thus all liquor found there was illicit, he said. A case under the Excise Act and relevant sections of the IPC has been registered at Kurukshetra police station against three persons, the spokesperson said. The two arrested have been identified as Balraj and Deepak, while the liquor contractor, a key accused in the case is absconding, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two minor boys from a backward community were allegedly beaten up and paraded naked in a village in Maharashtra's Jalgaon district for swimming in a well that belonged to a person of a different caste, police said today. The teenagers were paraded by two men, one of whom owned the well. Police have arrested the men, identified as Ishwar Joshi and Prahlad Lohar, in connection with the incident. The matter came to light when a video of the alleged assault and stripping of the boys went viral on the social media on June 10. The clip purportedly shows the two boys -- aged 15 and 16 -- being beaten up with a belt and paraded naked in Pahur village in Jamner taluka by the accused duo, a local police official said. The boys had gone for a swim in the well belonging to Joshi, a farmer, in Wakadi village around 3 pm on June 10. "While returning home after swimming, both the teenagers were caught by Joshi and his farm worker Prahlad Lohar," he said. Joshi and Lohar allegedly started abusing the duo, stripped them off their clothes and started beating them with a belt, the official said. According to the official, the cries of the boys to spare them fell on deaf ears. He said the boys were paraded naked in the village while one of the accused used his mobile phone to film the incident and circulate it on social media. The parents of the boys came to know about the incident after the video went viral, following which they approached the Pahur police. On the complaint of the father of one of the victims, Joshi and Lohar were booked under sections 323 (Punishment for voluntarily causing hurt), 504 (Intentional insult with intent to provoke breach of the peace), and 506 (Punishment for criminal intimidation) of the IPC, said the officer. Sub-Divisional Police Officer (SDPO) Keshav Pathond told PTI that Joshi and Lohar were also booked under the Atrocity Act, Protection of Children from Sexual Offences Act (POCSO) and section 67 (B) of the Information and Technology Act. They were arrested on the night of June 10 and produced before local court on June 11, which sent them to judicial remand. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Two Delhi Police special commissioners have been transferred as director generals of police (DGP) of union territories Chandigarh and Andaman and Nicobar Islands, as per an official release. Special Commissioner of Police (Traffic) and chief spokesperson of the Delhi Police, Dependra Pathak, has been transferred to the Andaman and Nicobar Islands, it said. Nuzhat Hasan, who was serving as DGP there, is being transferred to Delhi, the release said. Sanjay Baniwal, special commissioner of police, women safety, airport modernisation, metro and railways, has been transferred as DGP, Chandigarh, it said. Tejendra Singh Luthra, who was posted as DGP, Chandigarh, will be returning to Delhi. S Sundari Nada, a 1988-batch IPS officer, has been transferred from Delhi to Puducherry, the release said. Sunil Kumar Gautam, who was posted in Puducherry, has been transferred to Delhi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four people were killed and two others injured when a tipper rolled into a deep gorge near Bhanera in Chamba district, about 400 km from here, police said. Three people died on the spot while one person succumbed to his injuries in a hospital at Chamba. The tipper carrying bitumen was on its way to Khajjiar from Chamba. The injured were identified as Surendra Singh (47) and Puneet Kumar (27). They were rushed to a hospital in Pathankot, the police said. In another accident, two private buses collided head-on near high court on Cart Road here. About a dozen persons were injured in the accident. The incident caused major traffic jam in the city. Meanwhile, a tourist bus on way to Delhi from Manali caught fire near Ria village on Manali-Nalagarh National Highway this afternoon. Panic gripped 53 passengers who hustled to come out of the bus and fifteen people received minor injuries. Fire tenders were immediately rushed to the spot, Fire officer Hitender Kanwar said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The ruling AAP today launched a social media campaign and took out a candle march at Rajghat as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his three ministerial colleagues continued their sit-in at the L-G's over IAS officers' "strike" and doorstep delivery of ration. The campaign on Twitter #ModijiForgiveDelhi was joined by several Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders and workers, who posted their videos. In one such video, AAP spokesperson and MLA Saurabh Bhardwaj, accompanied by other legislators of the party, was seen appealing to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to end the IAS officers "strike". "Modiji we all MLAs have come to Rajghat. Delhi defeated you so you are angry. But forgive Delhi now and we request you to send back the IAS officers on work," he said. The candle march at Mahatma Gandhi's memorial in Rajghat concluded with AAP leaders and workers holding prayers for "good wisdom" to prevail over the Lt Governor. The ruling party has also announced that it would stage a massive protest in front of the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Sunday over the issue. Kejriwal, his deputy Manish Sisodia, ministers Satyendar Jain and Gopal Rai sat on a dharna at the office of Lt Governor Anil Baijal on Monday evening, demanding him to direct IAS officers to end their "strike" and approve doorstep ration delivery scheme. The IAS officers association has denied on being so called "strike". They have been, however, avoiding meetings called by ministers over protest against an alleged assault by AAP MLAs on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash at the chief minister's office during a late night meeting on February 19. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Anti-Corruption Bureau (ACB) officials today conducted searches at the residences of Kalyan Dombivli Municipal Corporation (KDMC) Additional Commissioner Sanjay Gharat who was arrested yesterday for allegedly accepting a bribe of Rs 8 lakh, an official said. "ACB officials are conducting searches at the residences of Ghart," said Additional Superintendent of Police (ACB), Thane, Kisan Gavli. However, he refused to divulge any details saying the searches are still on. Meanwhile, a special court in Kalyan today remanded Gharat and two other accused in police custody till June 17. Besides Ghrat, ACB had arrested Lalit Amre (42) and Bushan Patil (27)--both clerks in the KDMC. Gharat was caught while accepting the bribe amount at his office in KDMC headquarters by the sleuths of Thane unit of the ACB. An ACB officer had said that Gharat had demanded Rs 42 lakh from the complainant for not taking action against his unauthorised constructions, but settled at Rs 35 lakh after negotiations. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) North Koreans are getting a new look at US President Donald Trump now that his summit with leader Kim Jong Un is over and it's a far cry from the "dotard" label their government slapped on him last year. Previously, even on a good day, the best he might get was "Trump." No honorifics. No signs of respect. Now, he's being called "the president of the United States of America." Or "President Donald J Trump." Even "supreme leader." The post-summit transformation of North Korea's official version of Trump, who's now being shown by state media looking serious and almost regal, underscores the carefully choreographed reality show the government has had to perform to keep its people, taught from childhood to hate and distrust the "American imperialists," ideologically on board with the tectonic shifts underway in their country's relationship with Washington. With a time lag that suggests a great deal of care and thought went into the final product, the North's state-run television aired its first videos and photos of the summit today, two days after the event and a full day after Kim returned home to Pyongyang, the capital. To be sure, the star of the show was Kim. Trump's first appearance and the now famous handshake didn't come until almost 20 minutes into the 42-minute program. To the dramatic, almost song-like intonations of the nation's most famous newscaster, the program depicted Kim as statesmanlike beyond his years, confident and polite, quick to smile and firmly in control. He was shown allowing the older American Trump, in his seventies, is more than twice Kim's age to lean in toward him to shake hands, or give a thumbs up, then walking a few steps ahead to a working lunch. The program also showed an awkward moment of Trump reaching out to shake the hand of a North Korean general, Minister of the People's Armed Forces No Kwang Chol, who instead saluted the American president. Trump saluted the officer in return, and the two then shook hands. In another scene, he moved a chair with his foot instead of his hands. Both elicited giggles from North Koreans watching the program. Before showing Trump and Kim signing their joint statement, the newscaster said Trump made a point of giving Kim a look at his armored Cadillac limousine, and noted that it is known to Americans as "the Beast." She also at one point called them the "two supreme leaders" of their countries. The image-heavy of Kim's trip to Singapore was presented like a chronological documentary, starting with the red-carpet send off at the Pyongyang airport on, interestingly enough, a chartered Air China flight. That was followed by video of his motorcade making its way to the St. Regis Hotel in Singapore as throngs of well-wishers waved as though awaiting a rock star, and Kim's night tour of the city-state on the summit's eve. The state media's representation of the summit and Trump is extremely important because it gives the North Korean population, which has only limited access to other sources, an idea not just of what's going on but also of how the government expects them to respond. For the average North Korean, the state media's coverage of Kim's diplomatic blitz this year must seem nothing short of astonishing. After sending a top-level delegation that included his own sister to the Winter Olympics in South Korea in February, Kim has met twice each with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Chinese President Xi Jinping and the state media have splashed all of the meetings across its front pages and newscasts though generally a day after the fact to allow time to make sure the ideological tone is right and the images as powerful as possible. In the run-up to the summit, the North's media softened its rhetoric so as not to spoil the atmosphere as Kim prepared to sit down with the leader of the country North Korea has maligned and lambasted for decades as the most evil place on Earth, other than perhaps Japan, its former colonial ruler. It fired a few barrages against hard-line comments by US Vice President Mike Pence and National Security Adviser John Bolton and has stood ever critical of "capitalist values," but has kept direct references to Trump to a minimum. Bolton, who has been a target of Pyongyang's ire since his service in the George W Bush administration, was introduced in the Thursday program dead-pan and shown shaking Kim's hand. What this all means for the future is a complicated matter. North Korea has presented Kim's diplomatic strategy as a logical next step following what he has said is the completion of his plan to develop a credible nuclear deterrent to what Pyongyang has long claimed is a policy of hostility and "nuclear blackmail" by Washington. That was its message through the today, which stressed that the talks with Trump would be focused on forging a relationship that is more in tune with what it called changing times most likely meaning North Korea's new status as a nuclear weapons state and its desire for a mechanism to ensure a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula and, finally, denuclearization. Despite the respectful tone, there remains a clear undercurrent of caution. Kim remains the hero in the official Pyongyang narrative. Whether Trump will be his co-star, or once again the villain, is fodder for another episode. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Scheduled commuter airline Air Odisha today commenced services to Chhattisgarh from Andhra Pradesh with the launch of a flight to Jagdalpur from Visakhapatnam through Raipur. The services launched under the Udan regional connectivity scheme of the central government were inaugurated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi through video conferencing, Air Odisha said in a release. With Jagdalpur now connected by air from capital city Raipur, the travel distance between the two cities now gets reduced to 40 minutes, against 15 hours by a train or six to seven hours by a road journey, the release added. The airfare for a single-way journey has been kept at Rs 1,670, which is in line with the Rs 2,500 ticket price fixed for a one-hour journey under the Udan scheme, it said. "We are happy to announce the launch of our new routes in Chhattisgarh connecting with Andhra Pradesh. The Udan is a flagship scheme initiated by Prime Minister Narendra Modi to spur economic growth and make air travel more affordable," said Shaishav Shah, managing director, Air Odisha Aviation, and executive director, GSEC. Ahmedabad-based GSEC and Monarch Networth Capital had last year acquired majority stake in Air Odisha. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) BJP chief Amit Shah, who was scheduled to visit Tripura on June 18, has postponed the trip because of the flood triggered by heavy rains, a senior party official today said. "Shah had planned to present the BJP-IPFT government's performance card of 100 days during his visit but has suspended the programme due to the flood," said BJP's state general secretary Pratima Bhowmik. Shah would visit Tripura once the state recovers from the "crisis-like" situation, she said, adding that the BJP chief had asked the party leaders and workers to help the affected people. Soon after assuming office in March this year, Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb had declared to unveil the government's performance card for 100 days as part of the party's commitment to deliver good governance and accountability. At least two persons have died in Tripura in flood-related incidents, while more than 15,000 people were severely affected by the flood caused by torrential rain on June 12 and 13. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Undeclared foreign currencies worth Rs 1.33 crore were seized from an air passenger by the customs authorities at the airport here, officials said today. The seizure was made last night when customs officials searched the baggage of the Sharjah-bound passenger, a native of Thrissur, on a tip-off from the airport security personnel. It came within hours of a similar seizure of foreign currency from an Afghan national who was bound for Dubai from here yesterday. In the latest seizure, the Keralite was found carrying US dollars, UAE Dirhams, Kuwaiti Dinars, Bahrain dinars, Oman and Saudi riyals, Customs commissioner Sumit Kumar said in a release. The man had been detained for interrogation. The Customs personnel had yesterday seized Rs 10.86 crore worth of undeclared foreign currencies from the Afghan national. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Apple has said it was strengthening encryption on its iPhones to thwart police efforts to unlock handsets without legitimate authorization. The move by Apple, the latest in an ongoing clash with law enforcement, comes amid reports of growing use of a tool known as GrayKey which can enable police to bypass iPhone security features. Apple said yesterday that the new features are not designed to frustrate law enforcement but prevent any bypassing of encryption by good or bad actors. "At Apple, we put the customer at the center of everything we design," the company said in a statement. "We're constantly strengthening the security protections in every Apple product to help customers defend against hackers, identity thieves and intrusions into their personal data. We have the greatest respect for law enforcement, and we don't design our security improvements to frustrate their efforts to do their jobs." Apple said it was working a fix to mitigate the possibility of accessing data from GrayKey or similar tools. Apple said that it has a team that responds to law enforcement and national security requests 24 hours a day. But the company has been a target of some in law enforcement for rejecting efforts to allow easy access to iPhones. Two years ago, Apple went to court to block an FBI effort to force it to weaken iPhone encryption on the device of a mass shooter in San Bernardino, California, but officials dropped the case after finding a tool to unlock the phone. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An army jawan, hailing from here, has been missing for over a month after he left for Jalandhar in Punjab to join duty, police said today. Gavara Srinivasa Rao (40), transferred from Roorkee in Uttarakhand, had boarded a train here on May 8 but did not report for duty at Jalandhar, they said. Police and army officials have launched a search for the missing jawan, who is in the rank of a Naik. Circumstantial evidence showed that Raohad got down from the train at Panipat in Haryanaon the morning of May 8, police said. He had called up his wife using someone's mobile phone to say that he had lost his wallet and phone. The jawan had told her that he would contact her after reporting for duty, but did not get in touch thereafter and has remained untraceable. Suspecting something amiss, his wife had later called up the army office in Jalandhar when she was informed her husband had not joined duty, police said. She visited Jalandhar to trace Rao but in vain, they said. On May 15, she lodged a complaint with the Visakhapatnam city police but since Rao had gone missing in Panipat, the case had been transferred to the police there, police said. Meanwhile, the army officials in Jalandhar also informed their head office and alerted the government railway police and the local police in Panipat area about the missing jawan, they added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An army jawan here has been reported missing for over a month now and neither his family nor the defence and police personnel know of his whereabouts, police said today. On May 8, Gavara Srinivasa Rao left here for Jalandhar in Punjab to join duty after a transfer from Roorkee in Uttarakhand, they said. He got off the train in Panipat in Haryana and called up his wife G Yagna Priya to say that he hadlost his wallet and mobile phone, the police said. Rao had used someone's mobile phone to contact her and had said he would contact her after reporting for duty, they said. Suspecting something amiss, Priya called up the army office in Jalandhar and she was told that her husband had not joined duty, they added. So, Priya visited Jalandhar andDelhi to trace Rao but in vain, they added. On May 15, she lodged a complaint with the Visakhapatnam city police. Meanwhile, the armyofficials informed their head office and alerted the government railwaypolice and the local police in Panipat area about the missing jawan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Leader of the Opposition in Assam Assembly Debabrata Saikia today demanded a judicial inquiry into the lynching of two youths in Karbi Anglong district. In a statement,senior Congress leader Saikia urged Assam Chief Minister Sarbananda Sonowal to "institute a judicial inquiry" to get to the root of the motive behind spreading fake across social media fora such as WhatsApp and Facebook, which resulted in the lynching of the two youths. He said it was essential for the government to ascertain whether they fell victims to a nation-wide conspiracy of creating an atmosphere of fear and doubt via social media. Saikia referred to similar rumours about the presence of child-lifters being spread in Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, while pointing out that already several people have been lynched as a result. "The opposition leader said that there was ample scope to suspect that the well-coordinated spreading of fake might be a ploy to divert people's attention from issues of actual importance. In view of increasing doubts about a section of supporters of a particular political ideology being the masterminds behind such fear and hate-mongering, Saikia said the Chief Minister should take it upon himself to order a thorough probe to unearth the truth and consequently prevent more damage being caused in Assam by such poisonous propaganda. The two friends, Nilotpal Das and Abhijeet Nath, had gone to the picnic spot of Kangthilangso waterfalls under Dokmoka police station in Karbi Anglong on Friday and while returning, their vehicle was stopped at Panjuri Kachari by a group of irate villagers, who pulled them out and killed by beating for hours on rumours of being child-lifters. The brutal incident was recorded by locals on their mobile phones and circulated on social media. Altogether 63 persons have been arrested from different parts of Assam for brutally killing the youths and spreading rumours and hate messages in social media. This includes 28 persons for killing the duo, while the rest 35 for posting hate messages and rumours on social media. The main accused Alfajoz Timung, who was out on bail in an old murder case and was arrested yesterday for the lynching, had asked the villagers over telephone to stop the duo's vehicle and spread rumours of them being child-lifters. The villagers then attacked the vehicle, pulled the two youths out and bludgeoned them to death very brutally, while both were pleading, according to videos circulated through social media by a few of the irate and inebriated mob. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Australia's prime minister today joined critics of elite Australian Special Forces troops who were photographed more than a decade ago flying a Nazi flag from a vehicle while on patrol in Afghanistan. Australian Broadcasting Corp. published the photograph of the red flag with a black swastika inside a white circle flying from a Land Rover Long Range Patrol Vehicle somewhere in Afghanistan in 2007. The secretive culture of the Australia Special Forces, which comprise the Special Air Service Regiment and Commandos, is being examined by the defense forces inspector general, who is finalising a two-year investigation of allegations of misconduct that include illegal killings in Afghanistan. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described the flag incident as "completely and utterly unacceptable," and said the soldiers involved had been disciplined. "It was absolutely wrong, and their commanders took action at the time," Turnbull told reporters. The Defense Department said the flag was "briefly raised" above an army vehicle and a commander acted immediately to have the flag taken down. The troops involved were cautioned and subsequently counselled. Defense "rejects as abhorrent everything that this flag represents. Neither the flag nor its use are in line with Defense values," the department's statement said. Vice Chief of the Australian Defense Force, Vice Adm. Ray Griggs, said the flag was destroyed when the patrol returned to base and appropriate action had been taken in response. Peter Wertheim, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said he was revolted by the photograph. Neil James, executive director of the Australian Defense Association, a security policy think tank, said the flag was more likely a joke than a demonstration of ideology. Flying a red flag above a camouflaged vehicle "doesn't make any sense from a tactical or professional point of view," James said. But Ben Wadham, a Flinders University expert on militarism and a former military investigator, said the Australian military had had to deal with soldiers who were "Nazi sympathizers" in the past. "Flying that flag in Afghanistan dishonors the ADF and those soldiers who fought in World War II," Wadham said, referring to the Australian Defense Force. Australia was the third largest source of special forces after the United States and Britain for more than a decade during the Afghanistan war, before Australian elite combat troops were withdrawn in 2013. Australia lost 41 troops in Afghanistan since 2002. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz said today "the fight against illegal immigration" would be the priority when his country takes over the six-month rotating presidency of the European Union on July 1. The presidency, which rotates between different EU member states, will give Austria the opportunity to chair meetings and set agendas as the bloc grapples with the continuing migrant influx, management of its borders, and other issues such as Brexit. "Security and stability in Europe cannot be taken for granted," said Kurz, detailing the priorities of the Austrian presidency to parliament in Vienna today. "That means we need to have a clear focus on securing the external borders (of the EU)". Kurz, whose conservative People's Party is in coalition with the far-right Freedom Party, said an EU summit in Salzburg in September would focus on "the subjects of security, border protection and the fight against illegal migration". He has also called for the EU's border force Frontex to be given more powers to reduce migrant arrivals. The announcement comes after Kurz said on Wednesday that interior ministers in Vienna, Rome and Berlin had formed an "axis of the willing" to combat illegal immigration. German Chancellor Angela Merkel has called for solidarity among EU member states and a bloc-wide agreement in dealing with immigration issues. But she is facing a rebellion from her hardline Interior Minister Horst Seehofer, who has demanded that German border police be given the right to turn back migrants who don't have identity papers or who are already registered elsewhere in the European Union. Merkel fears that such a move would be seen in the EU as Germany going it alone and hurt over-burdened frontline Mediterranean countries such as Italy and Greece, and has urged a negotiated EU response instead. Yesterday, she called immigration "a litmus test for the future of Europe". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Karnataka Bharatiya Janata Yuva Morcha general secretary Tejasvi Surya has said the BJP should "unapologetically" be the party of Hindus and dubbed the Congress as the "party of Muslims." In a series of tweets, Surya said the BJP must take concrete legislative measures to alleviate Hindu issues, "not just make speeches." The tweets by Surya yesterday came after the Congress wrested the Jayanagar assembly seat in the city from the BJP in the election held recently. Polling in the constituency was earlier countermanded after the death of B N Vijay Kumar, who was an MLA and the party candidate for the May 12 polls. Surya said more than 90 per cent of votes polled in Muslim areas in Jayanagar went to the Congress while Hindu votes in Hindu areas were split between the BJP and Congress. Speaking to PTI, Surya claimed that the Congress won the Jayanagar seat because of the consolidation of Muslim votes. He alleged Hindus were facing a lot of constitutional discrimination, which the Centre must rectify. In his tweet yesterday, he had said: "BJP should unapologetically be a party for Hindus. Must take concrete legislative measures toalleviate Hindu issues, not just make speeches. USHV is onlysolution to counter Muslim consolidation. Congress is theparty of Muslims: every Hindu must be convinced of thistruth. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Union government is in the process of bringing back the body of a fisherman from Gujarat, who died in a Pakistan jail in March this year, a top state official said. The state government has completed all the necessary paper-work and formalities to bring back the body, the official added. Deva Rama Baraiya (55), a fisherman from Kotada village in Gujarat's Gir Somnath district, was arrested from the high seas by the Pakistani maritime patrolling agencies and put in a Karachi jail on February 2. Pravin Dhansukh Chavda, a cellmate of Baraiya, had written a letter to Baraiya's family on April 22 informing about his death in the prison on March 4, Kotada village sarpanch Babubhai Somabhai had said. Talking to PTI today, Gujarat Chief Secretary Dr J N Singh said the Gujarat government had received a communication from the External Affairs Ministry on June 12, directing it to complete the necessary paperwork to bring back his body. "Following the ministry's communication, all the necessary paper-work and formalities related to bringing back the body of the deceased fisherman have been completed. His body will be brought back to Gujarat to enable his family to perform the last rites," he said. The ministry communication said that Baraiya, along with three other fishermen were arrested by the Pakistani Maritime Security Agency (PMSA) from the Arabian Sea on February 2 and thereafter lodged in a jail there. The boat in which they were fishing in the sea was also seized by the Pakistan agency. The External Affairs Ministry asked the state to respond immediately, so that the "mortals remains of the deceased could be flown back to India from Pakistan at the earliest". K R Patni, deputy director of the Gujarat Fisheries Department said the government officials were rushed to Kotada village to obtain the consent letter from Kasturben, the dead fisherman's wife, as it is one of the most key requirements to bring back the body. Baraiya is survived by wife, who works as a maid, and six children. The family is poor and has been distraught since getting the of Baraiya's death, the head of Kotada village had said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The plight of hundreds of highly-skilled Indian professionals caught up in a row over their right to live and work in Britain was taken up by cross-party MPs in a Westminster Hall debate in the UK Parliament this week. Labour party MP Ruth Cadbury made an impassioned plea on behalf of her Indian constituents in west London who had been denied their indefinite leave to remain (ILR) by the UK Home Office on "spurious" grounds. "They are all from India and are highly qualified, well paid and well-respected IT professionals. They came to answer this country's skill shortage a shortage that has not gone away," Cadbury, MP for Brentford and Isleworth, said during the debate yesterday. "Those without the right of appeal cannot work, cannot take up the offer of promotion, cannot rent a flat and may lose their driving licence. "Even those with pending appeals or judicial review applications who can work are losing jobs because nervous employers have asked them to resign. Many cannot travel to see family and cannot explain to their family why they cannot visit them," she said. The debate entitled 'Immigration Rules: Paragraph 322(5)' was called by Cottish National Party's (SNP) Alison Thewliss to highlight the problems being faced by foreign teachers, doctors, lawyers and engineers under Paragraph 322(5) of the immigration rules. The discretionary clause is intended to expel terrorists from the UK, but MPs warned it is being "abused" to deny residency rights to professionals over minor and legal amendments to their tax records. "None of those whom I have spoken to have any issues which would cause them to be considered a threat to national security," Cadbury said. "A substantial number of refusals appear to be predicated on nothing more than the individual making an honest mistake and as far as HMRC [Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs] are concerned, when the correction has been made, the case is closed. Some of the sums involved in these corrections are only a few pounds, and often this was several years ago," she noted. UK Home Office minister for immigration Caroline Nokes countered the claims made by MPs on behalf of their constituents mostly Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals. She informed the debate that the first phase of a review of the issue affecting those who had entered the UK on a Tier 1 (General) visa had looked at 281 uses of Paragraph 322(5) and found it had been used correctly in all cases. Nokes said the second phase, assessing a further 1,671 cases, was still under review and until then all such cases remain suspended. "This process is leaving hundreds in further limbo," said Aditi Bhardwaj, coordinator of the Highly Skilled Migrants Group which was lauded by many of the MPs for bringing the issue to light through lobbying and four major protests outside the UK Parliament in the last few months. The crisis involves professionals from countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh entitled to apply for Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) or permanent residency status after a minimum of five years' lawful residency in the UK. While the Tier 1 (General) visa they used was discontinued in 2011, former applicants were eligible to apply for ILR until April this year if they made up the required number of points on their application. However, legal experts noted a pattern of many such applications being turned down by Home Office caseworkers citing clause 322(5) of the UK Immigration Act, a discretionary rule aimed at denying convicted criminals and terrorists the right to live in the UK. The Home Office questioned the "good character" of these professional over apparent differences in their declared earnings to the UK tax department and the Home Office, resulting in hundreds facing potential deportation unless their appeals are accepted. Nokes told MPs during the debate that an operational assessment of the Tier 1 (General) route in 2010 found that 29 per cent of Tier 1 migrants were in low-skilled jobs and the employment of a further 46 per cent was unclear. She confirmed that a policy of "rigorous checks" was brought in following the assessment. "I want to be really clear: we do not have a policy of refusing people for making minor tax errors... We give applicants the opportunity to explain, and we take their explanation and all available evidence into account," she said. However, the professionals caught up in the row and contesting ILR refusals by the Home Office have claimed they were not given a fair chance to explain honest mistakes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh today condemned the killing of Rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari in Srinagar, calling it an act of cowardice. The veteran journalist and his PSO were shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside the newspaper's office in Press Enclave near Lal Chowk, Srinagar today. The home minister also said that he was shocked by the journalist's death. "The killing of @RisingKashmir editor, Shujaat Bukhari is an act of cowardice. It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist. Extremely shocked & pained at his death. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family," he said. Congress President Rahul Gandhi too condoled Bukhari's family and said he was fearlessly fighting for peace in the state, "I'm anguished to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of @RisingKashmir. He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu & Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed," Gandhi said in a tweet. BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav also termed the journalist's killing as an cowardly act of terrorists. In a tweet, the saffron party leader said, "Shocked to hear about d attack on d Editor-in-Chief of Rising Kashmir Shujaat Bukhari in Srinagar. Reprehensible n condemnable cowardly act of d terrorists (sic)" Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah expressed shock over the incident of killing. "Shocked beyond words. May Shujaat find place in Jannat & May his loved ones find strength at this difficult time," Abdullah said in a tweet and also posted a screenshot of his last conversation with the deceased journalist. He also appreciated Bukhari for defending his profession and said he died in the line of of duty doing what he did best & loved doing - journalism. Union Law Minister Ravi Shankar Prasad in a tweet said, "Deeply saddened to learn about the dastardly killing of @RisingKashmir editor #ShujaatBukhari. Such an attempt to suppress the sane voices by terrorists will never succeed." Minister of state for Information and Broadcasting Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore called Bukhari's killing as an attack on freedom of press. He said, "Assassination of #ShujaatBukhari is a brutal attack on freedom of press. A cowardly and deplorable act of terror. Our fearless media is one of the greatest strength of our democracy and we are committed to provide a safe and conducive working environment to media persons." The Editors Guild of India in a tweet said, "The Editors Guild of India unequivocally condemns the assassination of Rising Kashmir Editor Shujaat Bukhari. This is a grave attack on press freedom and democratic voices. We will be issuing a more detailed statement soon. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hours before he fell to the bullets of unidentified gunmen, Rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari had vigorously defended his work on Twitter when some Delhi-based journalists accused him of doing "biased" reportage on Kashmir, and had posted the UN report on alleged human rights violations in the Valley. One of his last tweets read: "First-ever @UNHumanRights report on #Kashmir calls for #international inquiry into multiple violations". Bukhari, who had a distinguishable tall frame and husky voice, said in another tweet, "In #Kashmir we have done Journalism with pride and will continue to highlight what happens on ground." As the of his cold-blooded killing spread, social media reacted with surprise and disgust about the cowardly act as politicians, journalists and common people expressed their condolences and condemnation at the barbaric act. "The killing of @RisingKashmir editor, Shujaat Bukhari is an act of cowardice. It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist. Extremely shocked & pained at his death. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family, Home Minister Rajnath Singh said. Congress President Rahul Gandhi, too, expressed his anguish about the killing of the editor who was one of the most important voices of Kashmir. He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu & Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed, he said on Twitter. The killing took place in heavily guarded Press Enclave near the Lal Chowk area in Srinagar when Bukhari, in his 50s, was going from his office there to attend a Iftar function. "We're deeply dismayed to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of @RisingKashmir. He was a brave and outspoken voice for justice and equality in Jammu and Kashmir," Amnesty India said in its message. Director General Press Information Buerau Sitanshu Kar said, "Extremely saddened by the way the voice of #shujaatbukhari, one of the finest journalists of J&K, has been silenced. His voice of moderation will be missed by all." RJD leader and former deputy chief minister of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav wrote "shocked & saddened by the unfortunate of @bukharishujaat 's death. Indeed darkest days for fearless & independent journalists in the country. Govts must ensure speedy investigation & punish the perpetrators. Where we are heading as a country?"Former army commander in the area Lt Gen (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain said, "Very pained to hear of the shooting of Shujat Bukhari, Editor of Rising Kashmir. Long time associate, over 20 years. Played a very important role in Kashmir. Regret to learn that he is no more. May his soul rest in peace. What will the trts/Separatists aim to achieve with this."While one of the personal security officers (PSO) guarding him was killed, another policeman and a civilian were injured, they added. The condition of the two injured in the shooting, which comes a day ahead of Eid, is critical, they said. It was not immediately clear how many gunmen attacked Bukhari, who earlier worked with The Hindu newspaper as its Kashmir correspondent. Bukhari was instrumental in organising several conferences for peace in the Kashmir Valley. He was also part of the Track II process with Pakistan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) From donation camps to felicitation of good Samaritans, a host of events were today held by various organisations in Delhi and other parts of the country to mark the World Blood Donor's Day. It is celebrated on June 14 across the globe every year to recognise the life-saving role of voluntary blood donation in case of medical emergency and natural disasters. This year Greece became the host country as the world adopts the slogan 'Be there for someone else. Give blood. Share life'. The national capital, too, enthusiastically observed the day as several blood donation camps were organised by non-governmental organisations. "We organised several blood donation camps across the country today and 50 people at the headquarters here have donated blood till now," Neel Kamal Singh, Deputy Secretary, the Indian Red Cross Society, told PTI. "We organised felicitation ceremony at Faridabad to felicitate 243 blood donors who have donated blood fifteen times or more, voluntarily," he said. In Karnataka, the society recognised centurion blood donors, while a similar ceremony took place at several other places such as Ahmedabad, Patna and Mumbai. "Networking system facilitated by technology has created a strong network of people willing to donate blood and thereby people in need of blood can also seek help easily," he added. He also recognised the role of NGOs in busting various myths around it. Seema Arora, Senior Manager, at NGO Sarthak Prayas, donation said a new social media feature has helped to integrate blood donors and eased the blood donation process. "We have arranged two blood donation camps in the last two days. I was happy to see the response of blood donation drive at Okhla, where forty donors made appearance in six hours, and today we did it in Gurgaon," she said. Anju Verma, Chief Medical Officer, Rotary Blood Bank, New Delhi, said, "Youth is becoming more and more aware of the need for blood donation and we saw appreciable response as around 225 people participated in four blood donation camps organised by us across Delhi-NCR." Asked about the wastage od blood everyday, she said, "There is a provision of segregating the collected blood sample into four components and each component has its shelf life. Initially blood is segregated into red blood cells and plasma and depending on the demand, it further gets segregated." Singh of Red Cross Society said, "We need to understand the requirement and transfuse only the required component. Expanding technological know-how, proper preservation system and technical staff for segregation and preservation of blood will lead to optimal use of collected blood. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) : The Confederation of Indian Industry, Tamil Nadu, has termed the proposed Chennai-Salem Greenfield Highway as a "game changer" which would enhance economic growth of the central districts in the state. The project would work towards the creation of a balanced regional development ecosystem with focus on Tier II cities like Salem, CII-TN, Chairman, M Ponnuswami said. "The project would be a game changer in enhancing the economic growth of central districts of Tamil Nadu", he said. Noting that the expressway would reduce the cost of transport, particularly for manufacturing industries, in a statement, he said "the project would also give a fillip to agro-processing industries". Salem being a major node for the project have great potential in bringing new investments into the State as a Defence Corridor project was also planned, he said. In the budget for 2018-19, Union Finance Minister Arun Jaitley had announced that two defence industrial production corridors have been planned, the first of which would link Chennai-Bengaluru, connecting several industrial clusters. Tamil Nadu Chief Minister K Palaniswami recently informed the Assembly that the Rs 10,000 Crore 277.3 km long eight lane Chennai-Salem Greenfield project under 'Bharatmala Pariyojana' programme would stimulate growth like the Mumbai-Pune, Delhi-Agra expressway projects. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Fourteen people, including six Chinese nationals and an Iranian, were arrested separately by customs officials at the international airport here for allegedly smuggling gold worth about Rs 8 crore into the country. Among those arrested include five women, some of whom had concealed gold in rectum. These people were arrested in five incidents that were reported in the past three days, said Anubha Sinha, Joint Commissioner (Customs) at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. The total haul was one of the biggest seizures made by the customs in recent times, she said. Giving details of the cases, Sinha said besides the Chinese nationals, the customs department has also arrested an Iranian and five Azerbaijan nationals. In one case, the customs officials had yesterday intercepted two Chinese nationals on their arrival from Bangkok. A detailed examination of their baggage and personal search resulted in the recovery of six kilograms (of gold). They had concealed the gold in form of bangles worn by them, Sinha said. The gold which is assessed to be worth Rs 1.8 crore has been seized. In another case, an Iranian national was held on his arrival from Dubai on Tuesday for allegedly trying to smuggle in eight kg gold. He had concealed the gold in especially designed pockets of a jacket worn by him. On the same day, five Azerbaijan nationals, including three women, were arrested for smuggling in 2.45 kg gold. The accused had concealed the gold in form of bangles and other jewellery worn by them. On June 11, four Chinese nationals, including two women, were arrested for illegally carrying six kg gold. Of the total gold, about five kg was concealed in rectum by these accused, said Anees Cherkunnath, Deputy Commissioner (Air Intelligence) at the airport. They were intercepted on their arrival from Hong Kong. An Indian man was also arrested on the same day for smuggling in one kg gold. He had concealed the yellow metal in rectum. The accused was held when he was proceeding to board a flight to Amritsar, Cherkunnath said, adding that he had come from Bangkok. Another Indian man was held on June 12, who had also come from Bangkok and was all set to board a flight to Amritsar. He had concealed three kg gold in his checked-in baggage, the official said. In all, 26.45 kg gold valued at Rs 7.93 crore has been seized in these cases, Cherkunnath said. According to another senior customs official, smugglers were following novel modus operandi to smuggle in gold. These smugglers first try to carry illegal money, mostly cash, by avoiding customs authorities and use this proceeds to buy gold and bring it to India, he said. The demand of gold has been traditionally high in the country as most people invests in it or use it in jewellery during marriages and other religious ceremonies, the official said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Japan tobacco bares big solar rooftop facility posted June 14, 2018 at 07:15 pm by Alena Mae S. Flores June 14, 2018 at 07:15 pm Japan Tobacco International, one of the biggest tobacco companies in the world, formally unveiled a new manufacturing plant in Batangas powered by a 4.77-megawatt solar rooftop, one of the largest projects worldwide. Solenergy Systems Inc. installed the solar rooftop system which JTI is running at the peak energy generation of 4.77 MW. Kira Lok of Solenergy marketing and business development team said JTI expects to save around 6,500,000 kilowatt hours of energy every year. He declined to give the figure on cost savings due to confidentiality issues.JTIs rooftop solar PV system is the largest in Southeast Asia and one of the biggest in the world. The manufacturing plants solar PV system has a 4.77-MW peak capacity power generation. To date, among self-consumption solar power systems within Southeast Asia, no other system is of this scale, Lok said. COMMENT DISCLAIMER: Reader comments posted on this Web site are not in any way endorsed by Manila Standard. Comments are views by manilastandard.net readers who exercise their right to free expression and they do not necessarily represent or reflect the position or viewpoint of manilastandard.net. While reserving this publications right to delete comments that are deemed offensive, indecent or inconsistent with Manila Standard editorial standards, Manila Standard may not be held liable for any false information posted by readers in this comments section. Haryana Governor Kaptan Singh Solanki today said civil servants play an important role in building a new India. The governor was speaking at a felicitation programme organised to honour the newly selected IAS officers at Haryana Raj Bhavan here today. He said: "Through good governance, they will become the key link to India of 21st century." On the occasion, he congratulated and honoured the newly selected officers. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Rising sea levels could be accelerated by vulnerable ice shelves in the Antarctic, a study has found. Researchers at the University of Waterloo in Canada discovered that the process of warmer ocean water destabilising ice shelves from below is also cracking them apart from above, increasing the chance they will break off. "We are learning that ice shelves are more vulnerable to rising ocean and air temperatures than we thought," said Christine Dow from University of Waterloo. "There are dual processes going on here. One that is destabilizing from below, and another from above. This information could have an impact on our projected timelines for ice shelf collapse and resulting sea level rise due to climate change," said Dow. The study, published in the journal Science Advances, applied methods similar to forensic science on ice shelves which had already calved. Using radar surveys and Landsat imagery, the study reports direct evidence that a major 2016 calving event at Nansen Ice Shelf in the Ross Sea was the result of fracture driven by channels melted into the bottom of the ice shelf. The surveys also demonstrated that similar basal channel-driven transverse fractures occur elsewhere in Greenland and Antarctica. As warmer salt water erodes channels into the ice that attaches glaciers to stable land, it also generates massive vertical fractures splitting glaciers from above and below. Surface water melting on top of the ice shelves then pours into these cracks, accelerating the problem further. "This study is more evidence that the warming effects of climate change are impacting our planet in ways that are often more dangerous than we perhaps had thought," said Dow. "There are many more vulnerable ice shelves in the Antarctic that, if they break up, will accelerate the processes of sea level rise," she said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A cloud of dust hung over vast swathes of north Indian plains for the third day today, prompting authorities to suspend civil construction works in Delhi and Haryana as part of emergency measures to improve air quality, besides affecting flight services at Chandigarh airport. In Uttar Pradesh, dust storms have hit various parts, leaving 15 people dead and 28 injured, since yesterday. The air quality deteriorated because of dust storms in western India, particularly Rajasthan, which increased coarser particles in the air, the Central Pollution Control Board said. The authorities have warned dusty conditions are likely to prevail for another 3-4 days and advised people to avoid staying outdoors for long hours. Low visibility due to dusty weather conditions led to cancellations of all flights to and from Chandigarh International Airport. "No flight landed or took off from Chandigarh (airport) until today afternoon due to bad weather," a Chandigarh International Airport Limited official said. As the national capital region struggled with a "severe" dust pollution, Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal ordered stoppage of all civil construction activities across Delhi till Sunday as part of emergency measures that also include intensifying mechanical road sweeping. A thick blanket of haze has been enveloping Delhi and parts of the National Capital Region (NCR) for the past few days. The air quality in Delhi remained at "severe" level for the third straight day. According to the L-G office, civic bodies, public works department and Delhi Pollution Control Committee (DPCC) have been directed to impose penalties on all road construction agencies for violating laid down norms for dust control measures. The L-G tweeted that he held an emergency meeting in view of the "severe" dust pollution in Delhi with Minister Imran Hussain and the officials concerned. He said emergency measures such as stoppage of all civil construction activities till June 17 have been taken. In a statement, the L-G office stated that the municipal corporations, Delhi Development Authority (DDA) and sub-divisional magistrates would strictly enforce prohibition on open burning of garbage, plastics and leaves in the national capital. "Municipal Corporations and PWD will intensify mechanical road sweepings, sprinkling of non-potable water at central verges and roadsides and stop brooming activity on main roads," it stated. Centre for Science and (CSE) director general and EPCA member Sunita Narain said that "severe plus" category has been imposed for dust pollution under the Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) with immediate effect till Sunday. The EPCA's action plan, termed GRAP, has formulated five categories. These are severe plus or emergency, severe, very poor, moderate to poor and moderate. The EPCA, a Supreme Court-appointed watchdog, had yesterday issued an advisory to chief secretaries of states in Delhi-NCR asking them to take "urgent steps" for controlling dust pollution. Narain said, in pursuant to the advisory, a meeting was taken up by the chief secretary in Haryana late last night and they have also decided to shut down construction activities for that period with immediate effect. The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has issued advisory that no construction activities be carried out for the next two days in districts of Haryana falling under National Capital Region. The HSPCB has also advised that no hot mix plants and stone crushers be operated for the next two days. "Delhi and NCR areas and other parts of Haryana have been experiencing a very severe air pollution due to dust storm with the PM 2.5 value crossing even 500g/m3 and considerably higher PM10 values," stated the HSPCB advisory. A veil of dust spread over the plains of Uttarakhand for the second consecutive day today, reducing the harshness of the sun but adding to humidity levels. The MeT department said the haze resulted from strong winds, carrying coarser particles, blowing from Rajasthan and Punjab. The strong winds blowing from Rajasthan and Punjab have brought with them both dust and moisture affecting most of north India including Uttarakhand and western Uttar Pradesh, MeT office Director Vikram Singh said in Dehradun. A spokesman of the Uttar Pradesh government said, "Fifteen people were killed in dust storm (since yesterday). Six died in Sitapur, three each in Gonda and Kaushambi and one each in Faizabad, Hardoi and Chitrakoot." Besides, 17 people were injured in Sitapur and 11 in Faizabad, he said. The weather department has warned that thunder squall is "very likely" at isolated places over the state tomorrow, while rain and thunderstorm accompanied with gusty winds are "very likely" at isolated places during the next two days. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress today accused the Modi government of complacency in taking action against "scamsters" like Nirav Modi and questioned how he was able to travel to three countries even after his passport was revoked by Indian authorities. Congress leader and former Union minister Rajeev Shukla attacked the government alleging it was in "connivance" with people who have indulged in bank scams worth thousands of crores of rupees. "The government and the Ministry of External Affairs should respond to reports that have come through Interpol that Nirav Modi travelled on an Indian passport which had been revoked by the Government of India," he told reporters. Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala tweeted, "Art of helping 'Chotta Modi' - Nirav Modi travelled freely on Indian Passport to UK, USA and Hong Kong as Modi government intentionally failed to convey revocation of passport to authorities." "Please remember that Chotta Modi number 1' was also helped to travel similarly," he said, in an apparent reference to Lalit Modi. Senior Congress leader and AICC general secretary Ashok Gehlot also said investigation agencies have failed to trace a man whose movements have been made known to them by Interpol. "Why is the NDA government not taking action? Who is helping Nirav Modi escape our agencies? What is the compulsion of government to let him hop around in Europe?," he said, adding that the Modi government is in the dock over Nirav Modi episode. Shukla said according to reports, the passport of Modi was revoked on February 24 and he travelled three countries on March 15, 28, 30 and 31st. "How did he manage to travel? Why was the information about the revocation of his passport not given to the agencies concerned including the Interpol. This is a serious matter; it is a matter of great concern. I want the Ministry of External Affairs to respond to this issue," he said. The Congress leader said the Modi government has been caught "snoozing, Chhota Modi number 2 - Nirav Modi- the absconding accused in India's 'biggest bank loot scam' is on a travel spree using a 'revoked passport' by the Ministry of External Affairs". "Now it is crystal clear that Modi is saving another Modi! Now the question is, whether one Modi is supporting the other?" Shukla said. He said the shocking revelation effectively punctures the Modi government's claims of 'taking action' against fraudsters like Nirav Modi, who is accused of Rs 28,484 crore Punjab National Bank loot scam, and Interpol has "written a damning letter to India's investigative agencies stating that despite the revocation of his passport on February 24, 2018, Nirav Modi travelled 3 countries on 4 different dates. " Shukla alleged that "Nirav Modi fleeces, escapes and flies freely, but Modi government remains a mute spectator". "Modi government's complete inaction, utter complacency and downright lethargy is responsible for looters running away with people's money in banks!," he said. Shukla alleged that even as Nirav Modi shifted all his dummy directors from Hong Kong to Cairo and travelled conveniently from Hong Kong to UK to seek political asylum, the Modi government remained a mute spectator. "This happened at the same time when PM Modi was visiting Chinese President Xi Jinping. Why?," he asked. The former minister said the British Minister has stated that Nirav Modi has applied for asylum in UK and this tells us that UK government is more aware of this issue than Indian government. "We don't see any action from the Modi government against the people who have looted our banks and escaped," he said. Alleging that crony capitalism has been the hallmark of the Modi government's economic track record, Shukla said the RBI has exposed Modi Government's "lie" and has blamed the internal workings of the PSU bank boards appointed by them as the real cause of frauds. "Will the BJP government now accept its grave highhandedness and bring the fraudsters within the Banking System to book?" he said. Earlier, Shukla alleged that people are scared to keep their money in banks due to recurring scams as there has been a sharp decline over the last financial year in monthly receipts from small savings schemes, including in public provident funds, according to the latest RBI data. In the first eight months of financial year 2017-18, he said, receipts within small savings schemes amounted to Rs 40,429 crore, a seven-fold dip from Rs 2,75,682 crore in the corresponding period of the previous year. "People have less money in their hands, even of their own hard earned savings. Is this not betrayal of people of India? "While the PM gives 'Fitness Lessons' on Social Media, it is business as usual, for fraudsters like Nirav Modi. It is ridiculous and painful to witness that a 'Strong' Modi Govt is caught snoozing, even as Nirav Modi travels indulges in globetrotting, while making a mockery out our systems!," Shukla said in a statement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Congress today supported the government's stand in dismissing the UN report on human rights violations in Jammu and Kashmir, terming it a "prejudiced attempt" by vested interests to hurt India's sovereignty and national interests. Condemning the United Nations report, the opposition party said it needs to be junked as it has not taken into account the ground realities in Kashmir and has encouraged terrorists by terming them militant groups. The report has been prepared without understanding the ground situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said and asked if the United Nations should overlook state-sponsored terrorism being exported on Indian soil by Pakistan. "Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inseparable part of India. We reject UN Human Rights Report as a prejudiced attempt by vested interests to hurt India's sovereignty and national interests," he said. "Congress party supports the government's stand in dismissing the report," he added. The UNHRC, the Congress leader said, prepared the report remotely with zero understanding of the situation in Jammu and Kashmir. "How does the report justify terrorism by self styled militants of JeM and Hizbul Mujahideen? Should the UN overlook the state sponsored terrorism being exported on Indian soil by Pakistan?" Surjewala asked on Twitter. Senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel echoed him and said the report was mischievous and misleading. "We reject any such ploy to interfere in the internal affairs of India as Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Government deserves our full support to deal with the report." Addressing reporters at the AICC headquarters, Congress leader and former Union minister Rajeev Shukla also condemned the report and said the Congress party supports the stand taken by the government of India on the issue. He also said terrorists cannot be termed militant groups fighting for their cause. "I feel the United Nations report has been prepared without visiting the ground and I do not consider it right. The Congress supports the stand taken by the government of India... terming terrorists as militant groups and encouraging them should be rejected and condemned. The report is "not right" and should be rejected outright, he said. Shukla also demanded strong action against terrorists operating in Jammu and Kashmir. "We reject and condemn this report, which is completely uncalled for," he added. India earlier today rejected the UN report alleging human rights violations in Kashmir as "fallacious, tendentious and motivated". In a strong reaction, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the report is "overtly prejudiced" and seeks to build a "false narrative". It violated the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, it said. In the report released today, the UN talked about alleged human rights violations in both "Indian-administered and Pakistan-administered Kashmir" and sought an international inquiry into these abuses. "India rejects the report. It is fallacious, tendentious and motivated. We question the intent in bringing out such a report," the MEA said. It added that the report is a selective compilation of largely unverified information. "The report violates India's sovereignty and territorial integrity," the MEA said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Actor David Spade has made a donation of USD 100,00 to raise awareness about mental health after the death of his sister-in-law and celebrated designer Kate Spade. Kate, one of the biggest names in American fashion, was found dead in her Park Avenue apartment from an apparent suicide on June 5. The "Grown Ups" actor donated the amount to National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), an organisation which helps people in dealing with their mental health problems. "More people suffer from mental health issues than we may realise but no one should ever feel ashamed to reach out for support," David said, according to People Magazine. "If you or anyone you know is in need of help or guidance please contact the national suicide prevention hotline at 800-273-8255 or go to nami.org to learn more and help those who may be in need," he added. Kate was married to David's brother Andy for over 24 years. The couple has one child, Frances Beatrix Spade (13). (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Leader of the Opposition in Assam Legislative Assembly Debabrata Saikia today demanded a judicial probe into the lynching of two youths in Karbi Anglong district last week. In a statement, senior Congress leader Saikia urged Assam Chief Minister to "institute a judicial enquiry" to get to the root of the motive behind spreading fake across social media fora such as WhatsApp and Facebook, which resulted in the lynching of the two youths. He said that it was essential for the government to ascertain whether the fell victims to a nation-wide conspiracy of creating an atmosphere of fear and doubt via social media. Saikia referred to similar rumours about the presence of child-lifters being spread in Karnataka, Rajasthan, Tamil Nadu, West Bengal, Andhra Pradesh and Bihar, while pointing out that already several people have been lynched as a result. "The opposition leader said that there was ample scope to suspect that the well-coordinated spreading of fake might be a ploy to divert people's attention from issues of actual importance. "In view of increasing doubts about a section of supporters of a particular political ideology being the masterminds behind such fear and hate-mongering, Saikia said that the Chief Minister should take it upon himself to order a thorough probe to unearth the truth and consequently prevent more damage being caused in Assam by such poisonous propaganda," the statement said. The two youths, Nilotpal Das and Abhijeet Nath, had gone to the picnic spot of Kangthilangso waterfalls under Dokmoka police station in Karbi Anglong on Friday. While returning, their vehicle was stopped at Panjuri Kachari by a group of irate villagers, who pulled them out and killed them for being child-lifters. Altogether 63 persons have been arrested from different parts of Assam for killing the youths and spreading rumours and hate messages on social media. While 28 persons were held for killing the duo, the rest 35 were arrested for posting hate messages and rumours on social media. The main accused Alfajoz Timung, who was out on bail in an old murder case and was arrested yesterday for the lynching, had asked the villagers over telephone to stop the duo's vehicle and spread rumours of them being child-lifters. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi minister Imran Hussain today alleged that BJP legislator Manjinder Singh Sirsa and around 20 other men today "seized the Delhi Secretariat and tried to assault" him. Hussain claimed the incident took place when he was leaving his office for a meeting on pollution at the LG office. He has filed a complaint at the IP Estate police station in this regard. AAP's Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh, too, claimed that Sirsa and his men attempted to "assault" Hussain. The Delhi Secretariat had become a "den of hooliganism". The BJP men had "seized" it, he alleged. Sirsa, who along with other BJP leaders is on an indefinite dharna at the CM office in the Delhi Secretariat, rubbished the charges. He claimed that he saw Hussain at the secretariat and tried to talk to him about the high pollution level in the city, but he "hurriedly" walked away. "Like their leader Kejriwal, Hussain and Sanjay Singh are also enacting a drama. There are CCTV cameras and their footage could be examined to verify his claim. I will file a complaint against the duo for defaming me," Sirsa said. Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who along with his cabinet colleagues is on a dharna at the LG office for the past four days, alleged that the BJP had "occupied" the Delhi Secretariat. "Absolutely shocking. How was it allowed? Who allowed this to happen? Where was Police, Security, Bureaucracy?" he tweeted along with a photo of some men at the roof of the secretariat holding a large banner. The banner read "no one is on strike here, Delhi people are on duty, Delhi CM is on leave". The BJP legislators Vijender Gupta, Jagdish Pradhan, Sirsa, MP Parvesh Verma and rebel AAP MLA Kapil Mishra are holding a sit-in at the CM office since yesterday. The security of the secretariat is with the Delhi Police, then how come so many men enter it, put up a banner, raise slogans and reach the top of the building, Singh asked. "BJP men are creating anarchy there," he charged. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Ignoring the patch-up efforts by the leadership to end disquiet within Karnataka Congress over denial of ministerial berths, disgruntled legislators continued to mount pressure on the party to address their grievances. According to party sources, some Congress MLAs are likely to meet tomorrow under the leadership of senior legislator and former minister M B Patil to discuss their further course of action. They are also likely to demand a second round of cabinet expansion soon. Discontent within the Congress had surfaced soon after the cabinet expansion on June 6, with disgruntled MLAs holding separate meetings and expressing displeasure openly over being left out of the ministry. In an attempt to quell the brewing discontent, Patil, who has emerged as the leader of a group of dissident MLAs, was recently called to Delhi where he met Congress President Rahul Gandhi. Also, AICC secretaries Manickam Tagore and Vishnunath in the last two days have met several party MLAs who have been holding meetings under the leadership of another senior Congress leader and former minister H K Patil, and have heard their grievances. Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka K C Venugopal, who is in the city today to attend Congress-JD(S) coalition Coordination and Monitoring Committee meeting, met several upset MLAs, including H K Patil, Tanveer Sait and Shivalli among others, in an effort to pacify them. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, H K Patilsaid, Venugopal has assured him a meeting with Rahul Gandhi. Responding to a question, he said, "whatever responsibility party gives me, recognising me as an honest worker of the party, I'm ready to take it up. I believe that our high command and people of the state know my ability," he added. Stating that the party has ignored providing a leadership to the Muslim community, Sait, a former minister after meeting Venugopal, expressed unhappiness over Congress giving ministership to other Muslim MLAs U T Khaderand Zameer Ahmed Khan and questioned their ability in providing leadership to the community. He also alleged that Zameer Ahmed Khan, who joined Congress from JD(S) ahead of the assembly polls had conspired against him during the state assembly elections. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The fate of the Centre's one-month-old policy of suspension of operations against militants in Jammu and Kashmir hangs in the balance, with a few security agencies flagging its disadvantages including regrouping of militants and some within the Home Ministry being in favour of extending it with a rider that intelligence-based operations should be increased, officials said today. At a meeting called by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh to review security for the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, the pros and cons of the unilateral ceasefire during the holy month of Ramzan move were discussed with officials from central and state governments, security agencies and paramilitary forces, they said. The security agencies highlighted that during the halt to operations in the holy month of Ramzan, militants have been able to regroup, move more freely and convince youngsters to join them, they said. The increase in attacks on security forces, including today's kidnapping of an Army man from South Kashmir, may embolden them more, thereby creating threat to the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra as some militant groups, including JK-ISIS as well as Gazwat-ul-Hind, a group owing allegiance to Al-Qaeda, have rejected the Ramzan ceasefire. Policy makers in the Home Ministry, however, are still debating on the gains and losses of the move and advocated extending it with a rider that Army and security personnel should be allowed to carry out intelligence-based operations more frequently even if it was in civilian areas, they said. The officials said a need for carrying out sansitisation of route to Amarnath Yatra was discussed so that the security forces gain an upper hand during the two-month long pilgrimage beginning June 28. The move of the Centre is similar to the Non Initiation of Combat Operations (NICO) announced by the first NDA government, headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, during Ramzan in 2000. During his Independence Day address last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said bullets or abuses would not resolve the Kashmir issue and that it could be addressed by embracing every Kashmiri. Modi had said his government was committed to restoring the lost glory of Kashmir and its status as "heaven on earth". The prime minister had said only a "handful of separatists" were resorting to different tactics to create problems in the state and asserted that there would be no soft approach towards terrorism. The first NDA government, headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, had taken a similar initiative in 2000 by announcing a unilateral suspension of operations for Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan that year which continued for five months. Almost all terrorists groups operating in the valley in 2000 had rejected the government offer. However, the NICO was discontinued after five months after increased violence, including an attack at the Srinagar airport in which six militants belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba stormed it killing two security personnel and two civilians. All six militants were also killed in the retaliatory firing. The valley has witnessed the killing of over 55 militants including at least 27 locals this year. The situation in Kashmir valley is considered to be turbulent where nearly 80 incidents of violence occurred in last four months and civilians were often seen coming out to encounter sites to stage protests with the intention of giving the militants an opportunity to escape. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Office of the Solicitor General has asked the Supreme Court to sustain its decision last month removing Chief Justice Ma. Lourdes Sereno from the top judicial post. In a 75-page comment, Solicitor General Jose Calida sought the dismissal of the motion for reconsideration filed by Sereno for lack of merit. The chief state lawyer said that Serenos appeal should be denied for her failure to raise any new argument that would warrant reversal of the high courts ruling, which disqualified her from the chief justice post and invalidated her appointment in 2012. Calida argued that the arguments raised by the ousted chief justice in her 205-page MR filed last May 30 were all rehashed of issues already resolved by the Court in its May 11 decision. These issues had been resolved by the Court in its decision dated May 11, 2018. The scholarly concurring and dissenting opinions of the members of the Court show that beyond doubt, Calida said, referring to Serenos claims on lack of jurisdiction and authority of the high court to remove her, violation of the one-year prescription period on quo warranto cases and lack of evidence on her lack of proven integrity. Calida described Serenos appeal as pro forma or a resurrection of issues previously raised by parties and were already resolved by the Court, which has no other purpose than to delay or impede the smooth administration of justice. Calida, who filed the quo warranto petition last March, said the SC ruling was correct, contrary to the assertion of Sereno that she could only be removed through an impeachment process in Congress and that the SC overstepped its powers and violated the separation of powers as supported by the draft Senate resolution reportedly signed by 14 senators to support this position. A dispassionate look at the present impeachment provision, Section 2 of Article XI, shows that it does not preclude the removal of impeachable officers through a quo warranto proceeding. Both the 1935 and 1973 Constitutions used the words shall and only; on the other hand, the 1987 Constitution uses the word may to qualify the modes of removal of such impeachable officials. The use of the term may in the provision is contoured as permissive and operating to confer discretion. It cannot be construed as having a mandatory effect, the Solicitor General said. He insisted that the quo warranto proceedings is separate and distinct from impeachment. Calida pointed out that the SC was correct in ruling that Sereno does not possess the eligibility of proven integrity to occupy the chief justice post through her failure to file her Statements of Assets, Liabilities and Net worth.The Honorable Court correctly ruled that compliance with the Constitutional and statutory requirement of filing of SALN intimately relates to a persons integrity. The Honorable Court correctly found that respondent repeatedly failed to file her SALNs, added the comment. The Solicitor General also disputed Serenos claim that the Court violated her constitutional right to due process. The Court observed the right of the respondent to due process. Due process is satisfied when a person is notified of the charge against him and given an opportunity to explain or defend himself, he said. Calida also defended the refusal of the six justices accused by Sereno of biasesAssociate Justices Teresita Leonardo-de Castro, Diosdado Peralta, Lucas Bersamin, Francis Jardeleza, Noel Tijam and Samuel Martiresto inhibit from the case. There is no basis for the six members of the Court to voluntarily inhibit themselves. Mere imputation of bias and partiality is not enough. A voluntary inhibition must rest on arbitrary or prejudicial conduct, he argued. Respondents claim that she was not heard by an impartial tribunal is therefore based merely on speculation and surmise. She has no clear and convincing evidence to show bias on the part of some members of the Court, he said. Lastly, Calida said the SC ruled correctly in exempting the governmentparticularly his officefrom the one-year prescription period on quo warranto cases under Section 11, Rule 66 of the Rules of Court. With the submission of the OSGs comment, the high court is expected to now decide on Serenos appeal and decide on the case with finality. Acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpio recently revealed that they intend to resolve the case within this month. An insider revealed that the justices have set their deliberations on Serenos appeal in their session on Tuesday next week, June 19. Days after Sharad Pawar accused the BJP of trying to generate sympathy over an alleged Maoist plot to assassinate Prime Minister Narendra Modi, senior party leader Vinay Sahasrabuddhe today asked the NCP chief to not jump to conclusions. "The opposition leader should wait till the probe in the matter is over. The police in the country are known for working in line with laws. So, I feel no leader should hurry into drawing conclusions and issuing certificates of innocence (to the accused)," the BJP vice-president told reporters here. Addressing a gathering on the occasion of the 19th anniversary of the NCP in Pune on Sunday, Pawar had said that the BJP was trying to generate sympathy by playing the "threat letter card". According to police probing the January 1 Bhima-Koregaon caste violence, a letter was found in the house of a person arrested for alleged maoist "links". The letter allegedly talks about the ultras' mulling "Rajiv Gandhi-type incident" and suggesting that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should be targeted during his "road shows". Pawar, a former chief minister of Maharashtra, had raised doubts about the veracity of the threat letter. Meanwhile, Sahasrabuddhe said the BJP-led NDA government has provided corruption-free governance in the last four years and no doubts can be raised about the intentions of its leaders. He hailed the Modi government for giving importance to implementation of various public welfare programmes during the four years while focussing on "innovations". Sahasrabuddhe also said that it was the "honest will" of the BJP to stitch alliance with another NDA constituent Shiv Sena ahead of the 2019 polls. The Shiv Sena has already announced that it will go solo for the elections. Taking a jibe at the Sena, which seldom misses an opportunity to criticise the Modi government, he said the BJP did not believe in criticising its partner in public forum and "pretending" to be a friend while in the government. "For the first time no doubts are being raised over the intentions of the top leadership of the Central government. The 'Sab Ka Sath, Sab Ka Vikas' (inclusive growth) slogan is being implemented in totality...there are no corruption charges against the leadership of the government," Sahasrabuddhe said while interacting with media persons on the four years of the Modi government. Listing various initiatives undertaken by the government, Sahasrabuddhe said the prime minister himself reviews the on-going works every month. "The prime minister himself is being accountable," he added. Responding to a query on rising fuel prices, the Rajya Sabha MP referred to Petroleum Minister Dharmendra Pradhan's recent comment saying the government is "concerned" about the same. "The petroleum minister has said that the government is concerned and a way forward is being thought about...I think the government will expedite its efforts and am hopeful there will be some relief to the people," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Amid a statewide outcry over missing keys of the inner chamber of the Ratna Bhandar of Shree Jagannath Temple, the Puri district administration has found an envelope containing "duplicate keys" of the treasury, an official said today. The "duplicate keys", kept in a brown sealed envelope, were found inside the locker of the district record room yesterday after five days of search, Puri Collector Arvind Agarwal said. Four personnel, who were looking for the keys, found the brown envelope with "duplicate keys of Ratna Bhandar" written on it, he said. He said the envelope contained a couple of keys and further steps would be taken in accordance with the laid down procedure. The "duplicate keys" would soon be handed over to the Shree Jagannath Temple Administration (SJTA), Agarwal said the temple administration would also be apprised of the development. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had ordered a judicial probe into the mater on June 4 following a state-wide outcry as the government came under sharp attack from different quarters including opposition political parties on the issue. Subsequently, senior IAS officer P K Jena was removed from the post of chief administrator of the 12th century shrine. The matter had come to light after a 16-member team entered the outer chamber of the 'Ratna Bhandar' on April 4 and had a scrutiny of its physical condition following an order of the Orissa High Court to examine the condition of the structure. The inspection team did not enter the inner chamber as it was visible from outside through an iron grill, an official of the SJTA had said after the inspection. The sudden recovery of the missing keys has prompted political parties as well as temple servitors to raise questions about the original key. Senior temple servitor and joint secretary of Daitapati Nijog Binayak Dasmohapatra sought to know as to why the administration had been giving misleading statements if the keys were in the locker of the district record room. The whole incident has raised suspicion, he said. Odisha Pradesh Congress Committee (OPCC) president Niranjan Patnaik also slammed the state government, asking it to explain its silence about the existence of duplicate keys. In a twitter post, Patnaik said "So reportedly, duplicate keys of Ratna Bhandar have been found. The rules don't permit duplicate keys. Where were these keys all this while? Why was the Govt silent on the existence of duplicate keys? And there are still the original keys, which the Govt is clueless about!" BJP Spokesperson Pitambar Acharya also hit out at the district collector and asked why the people were kept in the dark for two months and all of a sudden duplicate keys of Ratna Bhandar had been found. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In view of severe dust pollution, the Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) today issued advisory that no construction activities could be carried out for the next two days in districts falling under National Capital Region (NCR). The HSPCB has also advised that no hot mix plants and stone crushers be operated for the next two days in the districts. "Delhi and NCR areas and other parts of Haryana have been experiencing a very severe air pollution due to dust storm with PM2.5 level crossing even 500g/m3 and considerably higher PM10 values. These dust storms have been attributed to storm and the winds coming from the regions of Rajasthan and beyond. Meteorological Department has informed that similar conditions will continue to prevail for next few days," stated the advisory. Taking cognizance of these facts, the Pollution Control Board has also issued an advisory to all the Deputy Commissioners and Municipal Commissioners of NCR districts of Haryana to ensure frequent sprinkling of water to help settle down the dust in all required places, to keep strict vigil on the garbage burning activities through deployment of special teams, increasing the frequency of mechanised cleaning of roads and identifying road stretches with the high dust generation for addressing the issues. Haryana's Minister Vipul Goel said that State Pollution Control Board has issued an advisory "that no construction activities be carried out for the next 48 hours and no Hot Mix Plants and Stone Crushers be operated for the next 48 hours, in NCR Districts of Haryana." The Board has also requested the Health Department, Government of Haryana to issue an advisory to general public on the precautions to be taken during the dusty weather conditions. They have also been requested to publicise the same through newspapers and electronic media, said Goel. He further said the Board was monitoring the pollution level and would advise further necessary steps in consultation with the Supreme Court-mandated Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority and the Central Pollution Control Board. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Low visibility due to dusty weather conditions led to cancellations of all flights to and from the Chandigarh International Airport today, while the Haryana pollution control Board advised against construction activities in National Capital Region (NCR) districts for the next two days. Dusty weather prevailed in most parts of Punjab and Haryana, and visibility levels dropped. The meteorological department said the situation would improve only by tomorrow. A Chandigarh International Airport Limited official said, "As a result of disruption due to bad weather, all flights from Chandigarh were cancelled today." The weather department here said a ground-level dust storm in Rajasthan, with wind speeds up to 40 kmph, had led to a spike in the levels of coarse particles in the air in most parts of Haryana and Punjab, including Chandigarh, since yesterday. Director of Chandigarh's MeT Department Surinder Paul told PTI that a western disturbance approaching the region was likely to clear the air. Meanwhile, the maximum temperatures registered a drop of 2-5 degrees Celsius today. Thunderstorm with squall is likely at isolated places of Haryana and Punjab on June 15 and 16, the MeT department said. The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) today issued advisory that no construction activities should be carried out for the next two days in districts falling under National Capital Region (NCR). It also advised that no hot mix plants and stone crushers be operated for the next two days in the districts. "Delhi and NCR areas and other parts of Haryana have been experiencing a very severe air pollution due to dust storm with PM 2.5 level crossing even 500g/m3 and considerably higher PM 10 values. "These dust storms have been attributed to storm and the winds coming from the regions of Rajasthan and beyond. Meteorological Department has informed that similar conditions will continue to prevail for next few days," the advisory stated. Taking cognizance of these facts, the Pollution Control Board has also issued an advisory to all deputy commissioners and municipal commissioners of NCR districts in Haryana to ensure frequent sprinkling of water to help settle the dust, to keep strict vigil on the garbage burning activities through deployment of special teams, increasing frequency of mechanised cleaning of roads and identifying road stretches with the high dust generation for addressing the issues. The board has also requested the Haryana health department to issue an advisory to the public on precautions to be taken during dusty weather conditions. Haryana's Minister Vipul Goel said the HSPCB was monitoring the pollution level and would advise further necessary steps in consultation with the Supreme Court-mandated Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority and the Central Pollution Control Board. The air quality in parts of Punjab also took a hit today due to dust and hazy weather. An official of the Punjab Pollution Control Board pointed out that air quality index was alarmingly high in many cities of the state due to dust pollution. The air quality index level recorded in many cities of Punjab today was way above permissible limits. In Jalandhar, it was 425, in Ludhiana 488 and in Patiala it was 456. The official said children and aged people should take every precaution and avoid going out as the prevailing weather condition could adversely impact their health. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Low visibility due to dusty conditions led to cancellations of all flights to and from the Chandigarh International Airport today, with the department saying that the situation would improve only by tomorrow. "As a result of disruption due to bad weather, all flights from Chandigarh were cancelled today," a Chandigarh International Airport Limited official said. Dusty also prevailed in most parts of Punjab and Haryana and visibility levels dropped. The weather department here said that a ground-level dust storm in Rajasthan, with wind speeds up to 40 kmph, had led to a spike in the levels of coarse particles in the air in most parts of Haryana and Punjab, including Chandigarh, since yesterday. Director of Chandigarh's MeT Department Surinder Paul told PTI that a western disturbance approaching the region was likely to clear the air. "A western disturbance is approaching the region and the dusty weather should dissipate by tomorrow," Paul said. Meanwhile, the maximum temperatures registered a drop of 2-5 degrees Celsius today. Chandigarh recorded a high of 39.6 degrees Celsius. The maximum temperatures at Ambala (40.4 C), Hisar (41 C), Karnal (39.2 C), Amritsar (39.5 C), Ludhiana (40.6 C) and Patiala (40.6 C) settled close to normal levels. Thunderstorm with squall is likely at isolated places on June 15-16 in Haryana and Punjab, according to a MeT Department forecast. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Egypt's new Cabinet was sworn in today with 12 new ministers taking the oath before President Abdel Fatah el-Sisi. Sisi had appointed Housing Minister Mostafa Madbouli as the country's Prime Minister on June 7 and assigned him to form the new Cabinet. New Defense Minister Mohamed Zaki and Interior Minister Mahmoud Tawfik Qandil replaced their predecessors Sedqi Sobhi and Magdy Abdel Ghafar respectively in the new government. Mohamed Maait, deputy minister of finance in the former cabinet, was appointed as new minister of finance, replacing Amr el-Garhy, Egyptian TV reported. Garhy was appointed in 2016 and helped lead the economic reforms tied to Egypt's three-year USD 12 billion IMF loan programme that included cuts on subsidies. Madbouli's elevation to the post had come two days after his predecessor Sherif Ismail submitted his resignation following Sisi's swearing-in as the head of state for a second term until 2022. Ismail's move was in line with the political tradition that the government should resign at the start of a new presidential term. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Essel Infraprojects Ltd (EIL) today said it has won three waste-to-energy projects in Andhra Pradesh. The three waste-to-energy plants will come up in Kadapa, Anantpur and TP Gudem, and each plant comprises one waste combustor and flue gas treatment systems with a processing capacity of 330 tonnes per day and a power output of approximately 6000 kW, the company said in a statement. EIL has awarded the contract to Hitachi Zosen India Private Limited for delivery of the projects, it said. EIL and Hitachi Zosen India had earlier worked together in delivering the waste to energy plant in Jabalpur, Madhya Pradesh, according to the statement. "It is expected that total capacity of four WTE plants will reach 0.57 million tons per year by 2019," EIL, which a part of Essel Group, said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The then RSS chief Balasaheb Deoras had supported former prime minister Indira Gandhi's decision to impose Emergency in 1975, Maharashtra Congress president Ashok Chavan claimed here today. He claimed that Deoras had "apologised" later, after the Sangh was banned during that period. Deoaras was the third chief of the RSS from 1973, succeeding Golwalkar. Chavan was addressing a press conference a day after the BJP-led NDA government in Maharashtra announced monthly pension for those jailed during the Emergency for varying periods. The Congress leader termed the decision of the Maharashtra government as "improper and a "dishonour to freedom fighters". He asked, "The state government should exclude those associated with the RSS from this pension scheme. What is the purpose behind claiming the pension when the Sangh head had supported the Emergency and apologised after the organisation was banned during the period?" The state government yesterday decided to award a monthly pension of Rs 10,000 to those who were jailed during the Emergency period for more than a month and Rs 5000 to those who were jailed for less than a month. The decision is a government gesture to honour these persons for their struggle to fight for democracy during the 21-month Emergency period from 1975 to 1977. Emergency, considered as the darkest chapter in Indian democracy, was imposed by the then prime minister Indira Gandhi on June 25-26, 1975. Opposing the decision to award pension, Chavan said Emergency cannot be compared to freedom struggle against the British. "It is improper to give pension to those who spent a month in jail during Emergency. Emergency cannot be compared to the freedom struggle against the British. This (decision) amounts to dishonouring freedom fighters associated with the Independence struggle," he said. Chavan said the RSS never participated in the freedom struggle. Meanwhile, NCP spokesman Nawab Malik sought to know the view of the Shiv Sena, a constituent of the BJP-led government, on the pension decision. "If Shiv Sena supports the decision, it means late Bal Thackeray was wrong in supporting Emergency. Emergency was imposed due to the situation prevailing that time and the Sena had stood by the government in this decision," Malik told reporters. "Now, the party (Sena) must clarify if it supports the Emergency pension decision and if Bal Thackeray was wrong in supporting it (emergency) in the first place," Malik said. Taking a swipe at the government, he said it should clarify whether it will give pension to smugglers as well who were jailed during the Emergency period. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A sense of palpable expectation was evident in the Tamil Nadu Assembly today as the Madras High Court delivered its verdict on the disqualificaiton of 18 AIADMK MLAs. Though it was business as ususal with the demand for grants to Health being taken up, the opposition benches were empty following a walkout by the principal opposition DMK. The walkout by DMK,announced by leader of the opposition, M K Stalin on the floor of the House, occurred exactly at a time when the delivery of judgment was expected by 1.15 PM. The DMK's walkout was over expunging remarks of one of its members by Deputy Speaker Pollachi V Jayaraman. After an exchange of words with Jayaraman and Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam on the issue, Stalin said his party was walking out. After the Opposition members walked out, Chief Minister K Palaniswami, Panneerselvam, some Ministers and several members of the ruling party too were not present in the House for some time. Most seats in the press gallery too were empty. Congress MLA H Vasanthakumar walked in to an overcrowded press room in the Assembly complex to view television bulletins on the disqualification case. Similarly, members could also be seen checking their mobile phones on the outer corridor of the Assembly for updates on the case. After the pronouncement of the split verdict, DMK leaders Stalin and Duraimurugan came back to the Assembly and were present for a while. Also, Chief Minister Palaniswami,his deputy Panneerselvam and other ruling party members too resumed their seats and were present through the business hours. Following the debate on demand for grants to Health and Family Welfare departments, Minister C Vijayabaskar wound up the discussion with his reply. The Assembly will resume its sitting on June 25 after a reces of 10 days. The Madras High Court today gave a split verdict on petitions challenging disqualification of 18 MLAs loyal to sidelined party leader T T V Dhinakaran, a ruling that would maintain status quo in the corridors of power in Tamil Nadu. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sixteen dissident members of Colombian former guerrilla group FARC were killed in a military operation on the border with Venezuela, the army has said. "We will not lower our guard against these criminals," President Juan Manuel Santos wrote on Twitter. The operation was carried out in the municipality of Fortul, in the South American country's department of Arauca, the army statement said yesterday. The statement gave few details of the military action, but Defense Minister Luis Carlos Villegas told reporters that a prominent rebel commander, Alex Rendon, could be among the dead. The army said the group was responsible for attacks on a local hospital, oil infrastructure and security forces in the area. It said the group had combined with local leaders of the National Liberation Army, or ELN by its Spanish acronym, to try to control drug trafficking in the departments of Arauca, Boyaca and Casanare, as well as coordinate "extortion activities, arms trafficking and the articulation of terrorist plans." The ELN is currently in peace talks with Santos' government. Santos signed a 2016 peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the country's largest rebel group, which has since transformed into a political party. But around 1,200 dissident combatants refused to lay down their arms and continue to operate in various parts of Colombia. This was the biggest operation yet against the rebel holdouts. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) ANTONIO TRILLANES IV and PAOLO DUTERTE Davao CityThe eldest son of President Rodrigo Duterte, Paolo Duterte, is set to file criminal and civil charges against Senator Antonio Trillanes IV for maliciously maligning him in the case of the P6.4-billion shipment of shabu that was smuggled into the country last year. In his statement, the presidential son said Trillanes has been destroying his name by implying that he was behind the smuggled shabu in several media interviews last year. Senator Trillanes manufactured lies and deliberately spread these lies with the obvious intention of destroying my name and maligning my reputation, with a view to impacting negatively against our beloved President, he said. The senator was apparently emboldened by his false reliance on and abuse of his parliamentary immunity. But this immunity does not apply to libelous remarks made during media interviews, clearly as these attacks were done outside the halls of the Senateand definitely not when these were discharged with the pure intention of destroying me, Paolo added. Earlier, Paolo labeled Trillanes words as pure lies, based entirely on gossips and as part of his desperate black propaganda against him and towards his family. Davao City Mayor Sara Duterte said that it is now up to her brother to pursue criminal and civil charges against the senator.Recently, Mayor Duterte and Trillanes again traded barbs when the senator said the mayor would run for president in 2022 to save her father from jail. Mayor Duterte noted that Trillanes is just making all the noise against her to gather media attention as he seeks another term. I will still answer him if he will mention my name again. Like what I have been mentioning, I will be a pain in the ass for him, she said.I guess the best way to tease him is maybe I should run in the 2022 presidential election, she said. In December, Paolo Duterte also filed civil charges against Trillanes. Aside from Paolo, Trillanes also implicated the husband of Mayor Duterte, lawyer Manases Carpio. Trillanes shrugged off the libel suit. Thats another frivolous lawsuit meant to harass or divert my attention, Trillanes told reporters. Clearly, during the Senate inquiry [last year], I was able to present circumstantial evidence of the links of Paolo Duterte to the major players involved in the P6.4-billion shabu shipment to include [Customs fixer] Mark Tagubas testimony, Trillanes added. The opposition senator also said he would not be cowed by the administration, whom he accused of using the justice system against the political opposition. Scientists have developed a designer cholera vaccine which may provide rapid protection against the disease, and limit the spread of future outbreaks. Experiments conducted in rabbits by researchers at Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) in the US suggest that the tricked-out cholera vaccine starts protecting against the deadly disease within a day. The researchers discovered an ability unique to the vaccine, called HaitiV, which protects rabbits from cholera-causing bacteria almost immediately - even before an immune response begins. The study, published in the journal Science Translational Medicine, suggests the vaccine will be particularly good at curbing fast-spreading cholera, which is responsible for between 21,000 and 143,000 deaths worldwide each year. The researchers have not yet tested the vaccine in people, but Matthew Waldor, a microbiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital in the US, believes the vaccine will hold great promise. "We think this is going to be a very good vaccine, and could induce immunity after a single dose," said Waldor. Cholera is an intestinal infection that can quickly kill without treatment. The disease is caused by Vibrio cholerae, bacteria that take up residence in the small intestines and produce toxins that can trigger vomiting and diarrhea, leading to severe dehydration. After tracing the genetic origins of the V cholerae strain responsible for the 2010 outbreak in Haiti, Waldor and his colleagues realised that the bacteria had changed in the decades since existing cholera vaccines were designed. "The last vaccines were made a long time ago, and they don't incorporate a lot of our modern understanding of this pathogen," Waldor said. He and his team decided to create a new version of the vaccine using a toothless V cholerae as a protective shield. These harmless, lab-designed bacteria do not cause cholera. Instead, they seem to prevent the dangerous pathogen from causing trouble. The researchers began with the DNA sequence of the current version of the virulent V cholerae. Using sophisticated genetic tricks, they tweaked the bacteria's genome, essentially engineering out anything that might make it dangerous. If the bacteria were ever to acquire the DNA sequence for making toxins, for example, a CRISPR-based gene editing safeguard would chew up that DNA, researchers said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Fine Organic Industries, a chemicals firm today said it has fixed a price band of Rs 780 to Rs 783 per equity share to raise around Rs 600 crore through an initial public offering (IPO). The offer for sale will see divestment of 25 per cent of stake of 76,64,994 equity shares by the existing shareholders. The issue will open on June 20 and closes on June 22. The 48-year old company held entirely by the promoters family had filed draft papers with markets regulator Sebi to float the IPO in February. It has three manufacturing facilities in the suburbs of the megapolis, including Ambernath, Dombivli and Badlapur, with a total installed capacity of about 64,300 tonnes per annum (tpa). "The company has drawn up capital expenditure of Rs 270 crore to expand capacities over the next 2 years and has already invested Rs 70 crore towards equity portion," Fine Organics CFO and director Tushar Shah told reporters at the IPO roadshow here. The company is expanding its Ambernath facility by adding a capacity of 32,000 tpa at a cost of Rs 130 crore, and it plans to fund 30 per cent from equity and 70 per cent from debt, he said. It is also looking at investing Rs 55 crore in setting up Fine Zeelandia facility in Mumbai in association with Dutch family-owned Zeelandia International, a part of the Royal Zeelandia group, he said. The company clocked net revenue of Rs 581 crore for the nine-months period ended December 2018. It has launched 387 products and exports accounts for 65 per cent of the total revenue, Shah added. Meanwhile, as part of the global expansion plans, it is also setting up a joint venture firm named FineAdd with the German partner Adcotec, to own and operate a 10,000 tpa facility in in Leipzig, Germany, which will be operational by Q3 FY20, according to the offer document. Fine Organic will own 50 per cent and Adcotec will own the other 50 per cent, it added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Healthcare has said it is withdrawing the scheme of amalgamation between Malar Hospitals and SRL due to delay in completion of the process and strong headwinds in the sector. "The entire process was expected to take 6-8 months, however, due to reasons beyond the company's control, the process has taken over 19 months and is still not complete," Healthcare said in alate-nightt filing on Wednesday. The scheme is currently pending for approval with the (NCLT), Chandigarh bench, it added. During this period of 19 months, the healthcare sector has witnessed strong headwinds and performance of diagnostics business has not been optimum, said. "Given the challenges/headwinds in the sector and less than optimum performance of the diagnostics business during the period of delay, the demerger and a subsequent listing may result in value unlocking that may not be optimum for Fortis shareholders at this point of time," it added. The board has approved the withdrawal of the composite scheme of arrangement and amalgamation between the company, Fortis Malar Hospitals Ltd and SRL Ltd, subject to the approval of the NCLT, Fortis Healthcare said. On August 19, 2016, the board of Fortis had approved a proposal to demerge its diagnostics business, including that housed in its subsidiary SRL Ltd into another majority-owned subsidiary, Fortis Malar Hospitals pursuant to a composite scheme of arrangement and amalgamation. As part of the process, Fortis Malar was to sell its hospital business to Fortis Healthcare by way of a slump sale for a lump sum cash consideration of Rs 43 crore. The cash-strapped healthcare provider in May-end decided to initiate a fresh, time-bound bidding process for the company. Shares of were today trading at Rs 136.95 per scrip on BSE, down 0.90 per cent from its previous close. Two children and a woman were among four people killed in a clash that broke out between families of two brothers in northwest Pakistan today, police said. They said a "small domestic dispute" between the two families, in Danga area of Battagram district in Khyber Pakhtunkhwa province, had led to the fight. The sons of Abdul Latif and Abdul Jaleel, both brothers, opened fire at each other. Jaleel's son and Latif's wife and two grandsons were killed in the firing, the police said. Two others were wounded in the firing and had to be hospitalised, they said. Police investigations were on. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 20-year-old French woman, who was on her way to Jaipur after visiting the holy town of Pushkar in Rajasthan, has been missing for nearly two weeks, police said today. Gaelle Chouteau was last seen on June 1 at a bus stand near her hotel in Pushkar in Ajmer district where she arrived on May 30, they added. On information about the girl's disappearance from an official of French embassy through email on Tuesday, we collected CCTV footage from the hotel, SHO of Pushkar police station in Ajmer, Mahaveer Sharma said. "She is seen going towards the bus stand but nothing could be established further," he added. Sharma said three police teams have been despatched to Ajmer, Jaipur as well as Jodhpur, from where she arrived in Pushkar last month. She was supposed to go to Jaipur so we have sent our teams to both Ajmer and Pushkar to check CCTV footage and to collect further information about her," he said. "Her mobile phone is switched off and technical investigation is going on, he added. Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler had yesterday tweeted a photo and details about the woman. Her friends too are circulating messages on social media seeking help to locate her, police said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Goa Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar returned home today, over three months after he went to the United States for medical treatment. Parrikar, 62, has been in the US for treatment of a pancreatic ailment since March this year. The chief minister first landed in Mumbai and from there he took another flight to reach Panaji, said an official of his office. Parrikar, after being diagnosed with the ailment, was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai on February 15 and was discharged on February 22. He returned to Goa the same day and presented the Budget in the Assembly, but the session was truncated to only four days owing to his illness. He was then admitted to the Goa Medical College and Hospital on February 25 after he complained of dehydration and was discharged four days later. The chief minister went to Mumbai again on March 5 for his further check up from where he was referred to the USA. He had left for the US on March 7. Before leaving Goa, Parrikar had formed a cabinet advisory committee to guide the state administration on governance and other issues, in his absence. He has been monitoring the affairs of the state from the US. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Officials of the Customs, Air Intelligence Unit at the Biju Patnaik International Airport today recovered gold weighing 355.120 grams from a passanger arriving from Thailand. The officials seized five gold biscuits weighing around 355.12 gram valued at Rs 11,37,094 from a passenger who arrived here this evening by an Air India flight from Bangkok. The gold bisuits were hidden inside the rectum of the passanger, who hailed from Kozhikode in Kerala, a source said. The man was detained by the Custom officials, who was planning to take these gold biscuits to Kerala via Bhubaneswar, the source added. Customs officials said they grew suspicious doing the routine checking process. He was intercepted while trying to cross the green channel without declaring any dutiable item. "On frisking, it was found that the passenger was hiding the gold biscuits in his rectum," an official said. He has been detained under the provisions of the Customs Act, 1962. Several incidents of gold smuggling have been reported ever since the first international flight took off from here on April 26 last year. On May 4, gold bars worth Rs 9.6 lakh were recovered from a passenger, and three days later another passenger was caught for carrying multiple gold bars weighing 5.82 kg worth around Rs 1.8 crore. Both the passengers arrived from Kuala Lumpur, officials said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The government is committed to provide appropriate liquidity and financial resources to Air India, Union Minister Jayant Sinha said today amid delay in payment of salaries at the airline and uncertainty over its divestment plans. In a major setback, the government's proposed 76 per cent strategic stake sale in the debt-laden carrier failed to elicit any initial bids as the deadline ended on May 31. "We are definitely going to provide necessary liquidity and financial resources so that Air India continues its very successful turnaround plan and provide world-class customer service to passengers. "... also to ensure that its talented and hardworking employees are paid on time for their services, Sinha told reporters here this evening. The national airline is facing financial woes and has delayed payment of salaries to employees for the month of May. The payment is likely to be made on June 15. Sinha, who was here to inaugurate an Air India-Boeing Accelerated AME Apprenticeship Programme, said the group of ministers would meet soon to take appropriate decision on the future of the flag carrier. "The government is committed to provide appropriate liquidity and ensuring all financial arrangements are in place for Air India to continue to maintain its operations at world class levels," the Minister of State for Civil Aviation said. According to the minister, Air India's assets have been separated into two parts. ".... One which is put up for strategic disinvestment and other set of assets are in a asset holding... monetisation efforts for assets is underway in asset holding company," he noted. On Wednesday, a source in the government had said that it was considering listing of Air India after the proposal for 76 per cent strategic stake sale failed to attract any bidders. The government had proposed to offload 76 per cent equity in the national carrier as well as transfer the management control to private players, as per the preliminary information memorandum. The transaction would involve Air India, its low cost arm Air India Express and Air India SATS Airport Services. The latter is an equal joint venture between the national carrier and Singapore Airlines' arm SATS. Under the proposed disinvestment process, around Rs 33,000 crore debt would have remained with Air India. The national carrier's debt burden was about Rs 50,000 crore at the end of March 2017. Air India is staying afloat on little over Rs 30,000 crore bailout package extended by the previous UPA regime in 2012. Meanwhile, the Air India-Boeing programme for aircraft maintenance engineers (AMEs), inaugurated today, is funded by Boeing and would train 25 engineers annually. Sinha said the American aircraft maker would spend USD 50,000 on each of the 25 students annually in services and equipment. The smart classroom service would be run by Boeing and Air India Engineering Services Ltd (AIESL). It would have advanced training aids along with a specially customised curriculum to skill aircraft maintenance engineers. Classes for the first batch of the one-year programme would begin in August. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) An anguished Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti today broke down while denouncing the "mindless" killing of veteran journalist and Rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari by unidentified gunmen. TV visuals showed her crying as she recalled her meeting with the renowned journalist a few days ago. "What can I say. Only a few days ago he had come to meet me," an emotional Mufti said, struggling to hold back her tears. Bukhari was leaving his office in Press Enclave in the city centre Lal Chowk for an Iftar party when he and his PSO were shot dead by unidentified gunmen, police officials said today. "Shocked & deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Shujaat Bukhari. The scourge of terror has reared its ugly head on the eve of Eid," Mufti tweeted. "I strongly condemn this act of mindless violence & pray for his soul to rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family. Terrorism has hit a new low with Shujaat's killing. That too, on the eve of Eid. We must unite against forces seeking to undermine our attempts to restore peace. Justice will be done," she said. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah also expressed shock at the killing of the renowned journalist who was instrumental in organising several conferences for peace in the Kashmir Valley and was also part of the Track II process with Pakistan. "I'm in complete shock. Hearing the worst...Inna lilahi wa inna illahi rajiuun. Shocked beyond words. May Shujaat find place in Jannat & May his loved ones find strength at this difficult time," Omar wrote on Twitter. "Even in the last tweet he put out he was defending himself, his colleagues & his profession. He died in the line of duty doing what he did best & loved doing - journalism," he said. "Along with Shujaat, his security chap was also killed and another lies injured in hospital. Prayers and condolences for them and their families on this terrible night," he said. CPI(M) leader M Y Tarigami said it was a "brutal" attempt by hawks to silence the messenger of peace. He said it was Tan attack on freedom of press and needs to be condemned in the strongest possible words. Bukhari, who was in his 50s, was given police protection since an attack on him in 2000. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Hafiz Saeed-linked has decided to use the platform of a little-known party to contest the upcoming general election, a day after Pakistan's poll panel rejected for a second time an application by the MML, an offshoot of the Mumbai attack mastermind's banned Jamat-ud-Dawah, to register it as a political party. Around 200 candidates backed by the MML will contest the July 25 election under the banner of the Allah-o-Akbar Tehreek (AAT), which is already registered with the (ECP), the Express Tribune reported. The decision was taken after the ECP again dismissed the MML's application for registration yesterday. The MML has announced that candidates backed by the party will be participating from the platform of the AAT if higher courts do not rule in their favour before the election. The AAT is listed at number 10 in the ECP's list of approved parties. The AAT, a little-known party, is headed by Mian Ihsan Bari from Bahawalpur. The party has already been allotted the chair' as an election symbol by the ECP. A four-member ECP bench dismissed the MML application on basis of an interior ministry report that said the party followed the ideology of JuD chief Saeed. An office bearer of the group alleged that the interior ministry in its letter to the ECP falsely claimed that Saifullah Khalid, the MML president, is a son-in-law of Saeed. In fact they are not even distant relatives, he said. The interior ministry requested the ECP to keep its letter secret, however, this has been told to our lawyer by one of the members of the bench, he added. MML spokesman Tabish Qayum said his party will challenge the ECP's decision in the higher courts. He said a case about the party's registration is already pending with the Islamabad High Court. During the hearing, MML counsel Rizwan Abbasi said the federal government could not oppose registration of any political party. No one can predict if a political party will affiliate with banned outfits in the future, he said. The government through a presidential ordinance has said that any individual or organisation which has been declared proscribed by the UN would be deemed as a banned outfit in the country. The MML was formed in August last year. The group, however, denies any link to LeT or any other banned outfit even though Saeed was already campaigning for the MML since last month. In April, the US designated the MML as a foreign terrorist organisation, saying the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba's (LeT) members make up MML's leadership and the so-called party openly displays Saeed's likeness in its election banners and literature. The Jamat-ud-Dawah (JuD) is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, including six Americans. The US Department of the Treasury has designated Saeed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and the US, since 2012, has offered a $10 million reward for information that brings Saeed to justice. The first rejection of MML's application by the poll panel was set aside by the Islamabad High Court earlier this year. A palace spokesman on Thursday described the actions of Chinese coast guards as fish thievery, and said the Philippines concedes nothing in terms of fishing rights in the Scarborough or Panatag shoal. For lack of a better word, lets call it pangongotong in Tagalog, which is fish thievery, Presidential Spokesman Harry Roque said of the habit of Chinese coast guards to board Filipino fishing boats there and take part of their catch. He also contested the term barter used by Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jinhua, who pointed out that the Filipino fishermen were given noodles, cigarets, and water in return. Theres a possibility given the language barrier that they consider it as a barter but from our point of view it is not, Roque said. Reacting to acting Chief Justice Antonio Carpios warning that the Philippines could be giving up its rights to fish in Panatag Shoal after China declared that Filipino fishermen were allowed to fish there out of goodwill, Roque said the country concedes nothing. He added that what is important is that fishermen are again able to enter the area and fish under the Duterte administration. We have communicated the fact that we view this to be wrong and the Chinese have said that they are looking into it. Lets await the results of the investigation, Roque said of the incidents involving the Chinese coast guards. Foreign Affairs Secretary Alan Peter Cayetano, meanwhile, said the Philippines cannot send it Coast Guard to the Panatag Shoal under a tentative fishing agreement with China. Cayetano said that during the previous administration, the country lost control of the shoal and Filipino fishermen were not allowed to enter the area. We wont solve our territorial dispute by positioning our Coast Guard ships there. The tough guy approach just wont work, Cayetano told the reporters in an ambush interview. Only their ships are inside. If we send a ship to go inside, for us it wont be an aggressive act, but what will we do if they block us? Cayetano said. The row over Panatag Shoal began in April 2012, when China stopped the Philippines from arresting Chinese fishermen who were caught catching turtles and other protected marine life. The standoff ended when then-President Benigno Aquino III pulled out Philippine vessels from the area because of bad weather. Since the pullout, China has taken control of the shoal, Cayetano said. Today, because Duterte has reached out to China, Filipino fishermen are allowed into Panatag again, he added. In a Malacanang press conference on Monday, fisherman Rommel Sihuela confirmed that China has control over Panatag Shoal and said China allows them to fish there. He also added that there are no Philippine Coast Guard vessels patrolling in the area. Roque presented Sihuela and two other fishermen on Monday to describe the real state of Panatag Shoal. Over the past years, China has claimed some of the features of the disputed South China Sea particularly the Philippine-owned-reefs-turned-islands in the Kalayaan Group of Islands (Spratlys) where Beijing has installed weapon system in the region. The reclamation in the South China Sea started when a standoff developed between the Philippines and China in 2012. Chinas activities over the disputed sea became more visible when the Philippines filed a case before the Arbitral Tribunal, which eventually ruled in favor of Manila in 2016 and declared Beijings 9-dash line claims as excessive and illegal. China has refused to recognize the jurisdiction of the court and did not participate in any of its hearings. Earlier, Carpio had warned that the Philippines may lose its legal rights to fish in Panatag Shoal if it accepts Chinas assertion that it only allows Filipinos to fish there out of goodwill. Im worried if we accept their narrative that its their goodwill, we will be giving up our legal right. We have a right to be there, whether they like it or not. Whether its goodwill or not, it is immaterial because the tribunal said it is a common fishing ground, Carpio said, during a television interview over CNN Philippines. What the tribunal was saying is we are not ruling as to who owns the shoal because thats a territorial dispute and we dont have the jurisdiction over that. But we have jurisdiction over maritime disputes, which includes fishing rights, the acting chief magistrate added. Carpio also said Filipino fishermen are not being allowed by the Chinese to enter the lagoon to fish though Chinese fishermen are allowed by their Coast Guard personnel to do so. Nonetheless, Carpio said the promise of Chinese Ambassador Zhao Jianhua to conduct an investigation on Chinese Coast Guard personnel allegedly harassing Filipino fishermen by taking their catch and meeting sanctions if found guilty is a welcome development. They have promised to discipline their personnel and that it will not happen again. Thats a good start, but we should be careful that their premise is they are doing it out of goodwill, he said. Carpio also cautioned the government not to be totally awed by Chinas promises of aid, loans, and investments, adding that the resources of the countrys exclusive economic zone, including the West Philippine Sea, is more than the value of these loans and investments.In the same interview, Carpio vowed to pursue his aggressive stance on the countrys territorial dispute with China in the West Philippine Sea that has been contrary to the position of the Duterte administrationeven if it would cost his possible appointment as chief justice. Fighting for the sovereignty of the country is more important than being appointed chief justice, he said. What is more important for the nation is that we preserve our sovereignty and sovereign rights because if we lose this, we lose that forever. Thats far more important than any position, Carpio said. Thats far more important than the presidency. I mean, president[s] can come and go, but our sovereignty should remain forever with us, he added. Carpio said the government should file another arbitration case against China over the reported harassment of Filipino fishermen and destruction of coral reefs in Panatag, in violation of the ruling of the Permanent Court of Arbitration in 2016. He also said the administration should seek damages from China for the economic losses of Filipino fishermen. Senator Paolo Benigno Aquino IV, meanwhile, said if the government will not file a diplomatic protest over the harassment of Filipino fishermen, the least it can do is demand an apology. Our fishermen were robbed. Lets take their side, he said in Filipino. Minority Leader Franklin M. Drilon urged the Duterte administration to review its policy of appeasement of China, saying this did not translate into better economic and trade relations with China. He said while Vietnam has been more aggressive in its dealings with China, it was ahead in terms of direct Chinese investments. In 2017, for example, the Philippines got only $31 million in direct Chinese investments while Vietnam had $2.17 billion. This despite Vietnams aggressiveness and confrontational approach towards China over the issue of South China Sea, Drilon said. On top of that, he said, China is far below the direct investments from Japan amounting to $600 million and the United States, amounting to $160 million. Drilon also expressed dismay at the lower bilateral trade between the Philippines and China as compared with Vietnam and China. In 2017, bilateral trade between the Philippines and China was $21.94 billion, while those of Vietnam and China amounted to $71.85 billion. Therefore, this indicates that the appeasement of China does not necessarily result in better economic relations with China, Drilon said. That indicates the non-connection between the policy of appeasement and economic benefits, as shown in Vietnams policy of confrontation which yielded more positive results, he said. Drilon also pointed out that the landing of a Chinese military aircraft in Davao sparked controversy. You have a Chinese military plane in Davao landing and the AFP [Armed Forces of the Philippines] and the secretary of DND [Department of National Defense] not even knowing about it? Isnt that alarming? That is why we should be more assertive, Drilon said. In terms of Chinese tourist arrivals, the Philippines recorded 968,447 in 2017. In contrast, the Chinese tourist arrivals in Vietnam in 2017 was 4 million. I am citing Vietnam because the policy of Vietnam in terms of its relation with China is a complete opposite of our foreign policy thrust. And yet, they have four times more Chinese tourists; they have received more investment from China than what went to the Philippines, he added. Senator Richard Gordon, a Duterte ally, said if China is not a reliable ally and treating Filipinos as enemies, the Philippines may be forced to form alliances with Korea, Japan, Indonesia, Singapore, Australia, New Zealand or the United States. You are not a reliable ally or a friend. We are not enemies of China but you are treating us as if we are interlopers in our own country, Gordon said of the Chinese. Alliances are best seen by the actions of a people. You are not a reliable ally, he added. That is an unfriendly act to Asia, said Gordon. He said the Philippines should have the resolve to tell China that it will not be bullied. Senator Panfilo Lacson, meanwhile, said he agreed with a Palace plan to hold diplomatic consultations with China instead of filing a new arbitration case for the destruction of coral reefs in Panatag Shoal. When dealing with bilateral relations with any country, Lacson said there couldnt be a better option than diplomacy. Filing a new arbitration case against China should only be resorted to as our second to the last and ultimate option, which is going to war, he further said. Senator Francis Escudero agreed. Do that first before another case. Even in ordinary lives, both parties first talk before the filing of charges, he said. The Bombay High Court today directed actor Armaan Kohli to submit an affidavit "expressing regret and remorse" for allegedly assaulting his girlfriend and assure it he will not repeat such behaviour in future. A bench of justices R M Savant and Revati Mohite-Dere was hearing a plea filed by Kohli seeking that the FIR registered against him in the matter be quashed. As per the plea, Kohli and his girlfriend arrived at a settlement in the matter and she consented to the FIR being quashed. Kohli also paid monetary compensation to her, according to the plea. Kohli's father, film director Rajkumar Kohli, and his girlfriend were present in the courtroom today. His counsel Satish Maneshinde told the court that the actor had only pushed the woman on the stairs, as a result of which she had sustained injuries. However, she told the court she didn't fall down the stairs. At this, the bench said the records showed that this was not the first time Kohli had been accused of assault. "It doesn't matter whether she has been given compensation or not. She is saying she did not fall down the stairs," the bench said. The judges said that courts can't mechanically quash matters just because the parties come and ask for it. "We have to think of the society also. This isn't the first time he has been accused of something like this. So, the least we expect is an affidavit expressing remorse and regret from him, and an assurance that he will not repeat this in future," the bench said. Kohli was arrested by the police from Lonavala in the neighbouring Pune district earlier this week and booked under IPC section 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means). The metropolitan magistrate in Mumbai rejected Kohli's bail yesterday and he was remanded to judicial custody. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Bombay High Court has directed a trial court to defer recording final statements of the accused, including former state minister Padamsinh Patil, in the Congress leader Pawanraje Nimbalkar murder case of 2006 after the victim's wife petitioned HC seeking examination of social activist Anna Hazare as a witness in the case. Justice Prakash Naik was yesterday hearing an application filed by Nimbalkar's wife, Anandidevi, challenging a April 12 order passed by the sessions court exempting Hazare from being examined as a prosecution witness in the case. The CBI, which is the prosecuting agency, had also filed an application in the sessions court seeking permission to include Hazare as a prosecution witness and for his evidence to be recorded. The CBI claimed that Hazare, who was also allegedly threatened by Patil, was a prime witness who could prove the motive behind the crime. "The examination of the said witness is vital and important to the prosecution," Anandidevi said in her application. The court, after hearing brief arguments, noted that the trial was at the fag end and the trial court is set to record the statements of the accused persons under section 313 of the Criminal Procedure Code. "Taking into consideration the issues involved in the matter, the trial court is directed to defer the recording of statement of the accused under section 313 of CrPC till the next date of hearing," Justice Naik said. The court has posted the application for further hearing on June 27. Padamsinh Patil has been accused of hatching a conspiracy to murder Nimbalkar due to political rivalry. He allegedly hired killers for Rs 30 lakh to eliminate Nimbalkar who, along with his driver, was shot dead on June 3, 2006 at Kalamboli in Navi Mumbai. Padamsinh Patil was arrested and later released on bail. Other accused in the case include Latur-based businessman Satish Mandade, corporator Mohan Shukla, Parasmal Jain, former state excise inspector Shashikant Kulkarni, Bahujan Samaj Party worker Kailash Yadav and alleged shooters Dinesh Tiwari, Pintu Singh and Chote Pandey. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a relief to the Palaniswami government, the Madras High Court today delivered a split verdict on the petitions challenging disqualification of 18 AIADMK legislators loyal to sidelined leader TTV Dhinakaran. In the keenly-awaited judgement, Chief Justice Indira Banerjee upheld the September 18 order of Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker P Dhanapal disqualifying the MLAs, while Justice M Sundar disagreed with her and struck it down. The senior-most judge after her will hear the matter afresh, Justice Banerjee said. The split verdict has come as a big relief to the AIADMK government headed by Chief Minister K Palaniswami as any possible threat to its stability has been averted for now. The bench was passing orders on petitions filed by the 18 MLAs challenging their disqualification by the Speaker under the anti-defection law. The MLAs were disqualified after they had called on the governor on August 22 last year expressing their lack of confidence in the leadership of Palaniswami and seeking a change of guard. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Delhi High Court has directed the AIIMS to pay Rs 50,000 as costs to an MBBS aspirant, who was not allowed to write the entrance exam after his Aadhaar card could not be scanned at the centre, and also issued a slew of direction to avoid a repeat of the incident. The court observed that the controller of examination of AIIMS adopted a callous attitude in unnecessarily depriving the student from appearing in the exam. Turning back a student from an entrance examination centre would result in a fait accompli, as has happened in this case, which has to be avoided under all circumstances, it said. The court, however, refused to order a re-exam, saying it would cause a lot of disturbance to other students who have already appeared in the test and it would be unfair to impose the burden of another exam on the other candidates. "In view of the non-responsive attitude of AIIMS, both to the candidate's representation and before this court, the petitioner deserves to be compensated with costs for the treatment that has been meted out to him. In view of the harassment and frustration caused to the petitioner, AIIMS is directed to pay costs of Rs 50,000 to the petitioner," Justice Prathiba M Singh said. When the matter was initially listed for hearing, the court had issued notice to AIIMS and the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), asking them to file their response within a week. While UIDAI filed a response confirming that the student's Aadhaar card was genuine, AIIMS failed to file a counter affidavit. The court also issued a slew of direction to avoid students and candidates, appearing for the AIIMS examinations, being confronted with such incidents. It directed the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to include in its brochure the manner in which examination centres respond to various situations such as identification of documents, medical conditions, discrepancies in admit cards and question papers and manner of marking answers. "In future, the controller of examinations of AIIMS shall ensure that a response team is constituted to deal with issues raised on the day of the examination and such a team should also be able to respond immediately in such emergent situations. "Since the examination is conducted in centres across the country, the heads of examination centres ought to be given uniform set of instructions to ensure that students are not made to suffer in this manner," the court said. It added that if the examinations are conducted online, there ought to be an emergent technical response team to deal with any technical glitches that may arise. The plea was filed in the high court during vacations by a student from Karnataka, who was not allowed to take the AIIMS entrance examination on May 26 as the Quick Response (QR) code of his Aadhaar card could not be scanned by staff carrying out verification through a mobile phone application at an examination centre in Kalaburagi. The student was barred from taking the exam and was told that his Aadhaar card was not genuine. It was later established that the document was indeed genuine. It was also established that this method of verification through mobile application had not been uniformly applied, and that several centres had, in fact, granted admission to candidates after a physical verification of documents. The student had written a letter to the authorities but when he did not receive any response, he approached the high court seeking a stay on the publication of the results of the examination, scheduled to be declared on June 18, and for conducting the exam afresh. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Kerala High Court today issued notice to the state government and the CBI on a plea of Malayalam actor Dileep, accused of abduction and sexual assault of an actress in February 2017, seeking a probe by the investigating agency into the case. The government opposed the plea, saying that it was a tactic by Dileep to delay the trial in the case. Considering the plea, Justice Sunil Thomas issued notice to the government and the CBI, seeking their views on the case and posted the matter to July 7. In his petition, Dileep alleged that the Special Investigation Team (SIT) of Kerala Police had carried out a 'sham, unfair, biased, motivated and partisan' probe into the case. Also, he alleged that the SIT had accepted as the 'gospel truth', false charges and fabricated lies of the accused in connection with committing the crime. The actor submitted that the truth can be brought out in the case through an investigation by an independent agency, which is not controlled by the state police. Dileep was arrested on July 10 and let out on bail on October 3, 2017 after 85 days in custody. The court had granted him bail with stringent conditions. Seven persons, including key accused 'Pulsar' Suni, were arrested in connection with the actress's abduction case. The actress, who has worked in Tamil and Telugu films, was allegedly abducted and molested in her car for two hours by the accused, who had forced their way into the vehicle on the night of February 17, 2017 and later escaped in a busy area. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The health of the 18 crew members of the Indian merchant ship Maharshi Vamadeva, detained at the Fujairah port in the United Arab Emirates since last June, is deteriorating fast with rapid weight loss, high stress and multiple ailments, says the captain of the ship. Maharshi Vamadeva, a gas carrier, was detained by Fujairah port authorities for alleged non-payment of dues by ship owner Varun Global, a company under liquidation due to bankruptcy. The crew members have limited access to essentials like food and water and have not been paid their full wages, master of the vessel Captain Kumar Krishna told PTI over mail and WhatsApp from Fujairah. The present batch, managed by Gurgaon-based Darya Shipping Agency, joined the vessel in February this year after the initial crew was evacuated following protests, he said. Two days ago, Electrical Officer Jitendra Kumar Pandey was evacuated on medical grounds after severe chest pain on June 4. The 44-year-old from Ratsar Ballia in Uttar Pradesh was admitted to the Fujairah Port Medical Centre. The medical report, a copy of which is available with PTI, says, "On 5-6-2018: He complains of left-sided chest pain with increase in severity since today morning. Repeat ECG shows new changes suggestive of Ischemia. He is started on antiplatelet, IV heparin, statin and other supportive care." Krishna is worried for the other 18 crew members, all Indian nationals, left behind. "The physical condition of the crew members is worsening day by day. We are not being paid salaries. Multiple requests to the authorities have not fetched any result so far," Krishna said. Family members and others have written to various authorities, including the Directorate General of Shipping, the Indian embassy in UAE and the External Affairs Ministry, seeking their intervention. According to a mail sent to Indian and UAE authorities, one of the men has been showing signs of "mental disarray", sleeping during anchor watch, acting aloof and not responding to orders. "... it's up to all authorities to decide on his medical care, evacuation etc. before he makes further damage to himself... And this is just another case, managing 18 human lives day by day is becoming a daunting task for me. Please do something before we get mad," the captain has requested in the letter. According to Darya Shipping Agency CEO Captain Rajesh Deshwal, some of them have been suffering from ailments like chicken pox and there have also been reports of alarming weight loss. "This can cause permanent disability and mental trauma to them and their families," he told PTI over the phone. The crew has not received salaries for the past five months, Deshwal disclosed, claiming that he had been paying them in his individual capacity. The crew draws salaries ranging from Rs 60,000 to Rs 8 lakh per month, he said, adding that he might not be able to continue it further. The company, Deshwal said, was made to sign a contract by the Insolvency Resolution Partner (IRP), appointed by the National Company Law Tribunal to take over the insolvent company on behalf of the bank and manage all activities of the company. "They asked us to take over a vessel, owned by State Bank of India which was the lead mortgagee bank for the vessel. We said we cannot unless we are paid. So SBI called us, signed a contract and told us they will make regular payments. They made an initial remittance of around Rs 1 crore too. Once the crew was there, they stopped payment and said they wouldn't make any payment until the vessel is sold," he alleged. SBI did not respond to an email sent for comments. Varun Global, the primary owner of the ship, also could not be reached over phone or email. Other than concerns over the crew's deteriorating health, Krishna has flagged issues related to the vessel itself. "The vessel is a threat to marine traffic at congested anchorage of Fujairah. The vessel is hazardous due to LPG vapours in the tank. Due to insufficient spares, fire alarm sensors are having various fault alarms. The ship insurance certificates including the Wreck Removal certificate have expired. If someone can understand the gravity of the situation please take decisions...," he said in a mail dated May 30 to various authorities, including the Ministries of External Affairs and Shipping. According to Deshwal, the tankers are filled with gas and it will be like a bomb in case of a fire. "If there is bad weather and the ship starts drifting towards the shore, the crew won't have control. They cannot start the engines because there is no fuel or power," Deshwal said, adding that the crew members could get arrested for trying to leave the ship and could lose claim over their salary for "abandoning ship". The first crew managed by Fleet Management Ltd, too, faced similar problems with no food, water, fuel and salary, Krishna said. "They protested from June 2017 to February 2018, after which our crew managed by Darya Shipping reluctantly agreed to join the ship," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Following are the top stories from the northern region at 5 pm LUCKNOW DEL28 UP-LD STORM Lucknow: Dust storms hit various parts of Uttar Pradesh, leaving 15 people dead and 28 injured, an official spokesman said today. SRINAGAR DEL22 JK-JAWAN Srinagar: An army jawan, posted in the militant stronghold of Shopian in south Kashmir, was today abducted by militants, police here said. SRINAGAR DES9 KASHMIR-CRPF-BLOOD Srinagar: Two CRPF jawans went beyond their call of duty and broke their Ramzan fast to donate blood to a woman suffering from cancer as part of the forces' 'madadgaar' initiative for locals of the Kashmir valley. JAIPUR DES8 RJ-JAIPUR-FRENCH Jaipur: A 20-year-old French woman, who was on her way to Jaipur after visiting the holy town of Pushkar in Rajasthan, has been missing for nearly two weeks, police said today. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Following are the top stories from the northern region at 8.45 pm SRINAGAR DEL55 JK-JOURNALIST-LD DEAD Srinagar: Veteran journalist and Rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari and his PSO were shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside the newspaper's office in the heart of this Jammu and Kashmir summer capital, police officials said today. LUCKNOW DEL28 UP-LD STORM Lucknow: Dust storms hit various parts of Uttar Pradesh, leaving 15 people dead and 28 injured, an official spokesman said today. NEWDELHI DEL54 LD AIR POLLUTION New Delhi: A cloud of dust hung over vast swathes of north Indian plains for the third day today, prompting authorities to suspend civil construction works in Delhi and Haryana as part of emergency measures to improve air quality, besides affecting flight services at Chandigarh airport. SRINAGAR DEL22 JK-JAWAN Srinagar: An army jawan, posted in the militant stronghold of Shopian in south Kashmir, was today abducted by militants, police here said. LUCKNOW DEL26 UP-AKHILESH-LS POLLS Lucknow: Samajwadi Party supremo Akhilesh Yadav will contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls from Uttar Pradesh's Kannauj, which is represented at present by wife Dimple Yadav, while his father Maulayam Singh Yadav will contest from Mainpuri. JAIPUR DES8 RJ-JAIPUR-FRENCH Jaipur: A 20-year-old French woman, who was on her way to Jaipur after visiting the holy town of Pushkar in Rajasthan, has been missing for nearly two weeks, police said today. SAHARANPUR DES17 UP-TICKET Saharanpur: A consumer court here has directed the Indian Railways to pay Rs 10,000 as compensation to an elderly man who faced the agony of being de-boarded from a train as the ticket issued to him was wrongly dated 1,000 years into the future. CHANDIGARH DEL38 HR-DOCUMENTS-CHATURVEDI Chandigarh: A Haryana forest department official who filed a police complaint over missing documents related to whistleblower Sanjiv Chaturvedi has been transferred, amid a move to seek a CBI probe into the matter. SRINAGAR DES9 KASHMIR-CRPF-BLOOD Srinagar: Two CRPF jawans went beyond their call of duty and broke their Ramzan fast to donate blood to a woman suffering from cancer as part of the forces' 'madadgaar' initiative for locals of the Kashmir valley. JAMMU NRG11 JK-AMARNATH-VEHICLES Jammu: Vehicles ferrying pilgrims to Amarnath Shrine in Jammu and Kashmir will be equipped with Radio-Frequency Identification (RFID) tags as part of enhanced safety measures, officials said today. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Engineering and construction firm Punj Lloyd today expressed hope that the insolvency plea against the company by ICICI Bank would not be admitted by the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT). According to the company, 90 per cent of its lenders are supporting a resolution plan under the leadership of the State Bank of India (SBI) for restructuring the outstanding debts of the company. During NCLT proceedings today, counsel appearing for SBI challenged the maintainability of ICICI Bank's plea filed under Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code (IBC) to initiate insolvency proceedings against the company, Punj Lloyd said in a regulatory filing. "In view of the above, the company is of the view that the application filed by ICICI Bank may not be admitted by the NCLT, since more than 90 per cent of the lenders of the company are in favour of restructuring the debts," said Punj Lloyd. In a meeting of the lenders of the company held on June 13, 2018, more than 90 per cent of the lenders have agreed for restructuring its outstanding debts of the company, it added. "It was also decided that SBI, on behalf of all lenders, shall oppose ICICI application at NCLT," the filing informed. ICICI Bank's plea was heard today by the principal bench of NCLT headed by President Justice M M Kumar, which issued notices to Punj Lloyd and SBI. The two-member bench has directed to list the matter on July 24 for next hearing. However, during the proceedings, another consortium of lenders led by State Bank of India, opposed the insolvency application filed by ICICI Bank. According to them, Punj Lloyd's asset base covers only 5 per cent of the total debtand a full recovery of their outstanding dues is possible only if the company is allowed to complete the 28 ongoing projects. Punj Lloyd has total debt of around Rs 6,000 crore, in which ICICI bank claims are around Rs 850 crore. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) India is among almost 90 countries in the world without national policies in place that ensure new fathers get adequate paid time off with their newborn babies, according to a new UNICEF analysis. Almost two-thirds of the world's children under one year old nearly 90 million live in countries where their fathers are not entitled by law to a single day of paid paternity leave, the UNICEF analysis said. India and Nigeria, which have high infant populations, are among the 92 countries do not have national policies in place that ensure new fathers get adequate paid time off with their newborn babies. The UN agency noted that around the world, momentum for family-friendly policies was growing. It cited the example of India, where officials are proposing a Paternity Benefit Bill for consideration in the next session of Parliament which would allow fathers up to three months of paid paternity leave. Noting that much work remains to be done, UNICEF said in eight countries across the world, including the United States which is home to nearly four million infants, there was no paid maternity or paternity leave policy. Other countries with high infant populations, including Brazil and Congo, all have national paid paternity leave policies, albeit offering relatively short-term entitlements. "Positive and meaningful interaction with mothers and fathers from the very beginning helps shape children's brain growth and development for life, making them healthier and happier, and increasing their ability to learn. It's all of our responsibility to enable them to fill this role," UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said. Evidence suggests that when fathers bond with their babies from the beginning of life, they are more likely to play a more active role in the child's development. Research also suggests that when children positively interact with their fathers, they have better psychological health, self-esteem and life-satisfaction in the long-term, the UNICEF said. UNICEF urged governments to implement national family-friendly policies that support early childhood development, including paid paternity leave, to help provide parents with the time, resources and information they need to care for their children. Earlier this year, UNICEF modernised its approach to parental leave provisions, with up to 16 weeks of paid leave for paternity across all of its offices worldwide the first United Nations agency to extend such leave beyond the standard four weeks. "We cannot be 'For Every Child', if we are not also 'For Every Parent'. We have to ask more of governments and more of employers if we're going to give fathers and mothers the time and resources they need to nurture their children, particularly during the earliest years of a child's life," Fore said. The new analysis forms part of UNICEF's 'Super Dads' campaign, now in its second year, which aims to break down barriers preventing fathers from playing an active role in their young children's development. The campaign celebrates Father's Day recognised in more than 80 countries in June and focuses on the importance of love, play, protection and good nutrition for the healthy development of young children's brains. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Al Jah, YemenYemeni forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition launched an offensive to retake the rebel-held port city of Hodeida, a key aid hub, sparking calls from the international community for restraint. Pro-government troops began the assault Wednesday despite mounting international fears about the humanitarian fallout, pressing toward Hodeida airport south of the city after receiving a green light from the coalition. The UN Security Council will meet on Thursday for urgent talks on the offensive, diplomats said, after a request from Britain. The closed-door meeting will be the second this week on the Yemen crisis. By Wednesday night, the offensive remained on the outskirts of the rebel-held airport. The Red Sea port, controlled by the Iran-backed Huthi rebels who hail from northern Yemen, serves as the entry point for 70 percent of the impoverished countrys imports as it teeters on the brink of famine. The official United Arab Emirates news agency WAM confirmed that the operation was ongoing with the participation and the support, through land and sea and air, of the Emirati armed forces. It added that the attacking forces managed to liberate areas... in the surroundings of the airport and captured and killed dozens of Huthi rebels. The request for the Security Council meeting came after the UN envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, said he was still holding negotiations on keeping the key port open to aid deliveries. We are in constant contact with all the parties involved to negotiate arrangements for Hodeida that would address political, humanitarian, security concerns of all concerned parties, he said. US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis has said he strongly supports Griffiths efforts to bring all sides of the conflict to the negotiating table. The European Unions foreign policy chief warned of the devastating impact the assault would have. The latest developments will only lead to further escalation and instability in Yemen, Federica Mogherini said in a statement. The coalition insisted its humanitarian aid response would go in parallel with military operations. Two Saudi and UAE aid ships were in the waters off Hodeida, coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki told Saudi state media. The two countries also said they would operate a dedicated shipping lane to Hodeida from Abu Dhabi and the southern Saudi city of Jizan to deliver food and medical supplies. In Hodeida, people waited anxiously for the fighting to reach their neighbourhoods. Those contacted by AFP said Huthi fighters had fanned out across the city. Coalition sources said the alliance carried out 18 air strikes on Huthi positions on the outskirts of Hodeida on Wednesday. According to medical sources in the province, 22 Huthi fighters were killed by coalition raids, while three pro-government fighters were killed in a rebel ambush south of Hodeida.The UAE armed forces said on Wednesday night that four Emirati soldiers were killed in Yemen, without specifying when and where. The city of Hodeida, home to 600,000 people, was captured by the insurgents in 2014 along with the capital Sanaa. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and a bloc of other countries intervened in Yemen the following year with the goal of restoring the government to power. The coalition accuses the Huthis of using the port to secure Iranian arms, notably ballistic missiles the militants have increasingly fired into Saudi territory. Yemens government said Tuesday that negotiations had failed to force the rebels from Hodeida, and that a grace period for UN-led peace efforts was over. Emirati diplomats have insisted that similar large-scale offensives had improved the lives of Yemenis elsewhere. Hassan Taher, the official Hodeida governor based outside the city, said Wednesday that Yemens government would ensure aid deliveries throughout the offensive. We want a rapid war, but it wont be finished in two days, Taher told AFP. The International Committee of the Red Cross said any battle for Hodeida would exacerbate the suffering of the population. Life-saving items cannot be given to those in need while fighting is ongoing, ICRC Middle East director Robert Mardini said in a statement. The UN childrens fund, UNICEF, has raised alarm over the plight of Hodeidas 300,000 children and the risk that drinking water supplies will be disrupted. UNICEF has pre-prepositioned supplies in Hodeida: over 20,000 basic hygiene kits... We hope we dont need to use them, its Yemen representative Meritxell Relano said on Twitter. The Huthi leadership on Tuesday called on the international community to pressure a halt to the escalation, warning an assault on Hodeida would put Red Sea navigation at risk. On Wednesday, the Huthis said they targeted a coalition warship off the coast of Hodeida with two missiles, with rebel outlet Al-Masirah claiming a direct hit. As the offensive got underway, Saudi Arabias ambassador to Yemen was defiant. Hodeida will be liberated, and the Yemeni people will gain back a major artery of life, he tweeted. India has been informed by the UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) that it can initiate extradition proceedings against Indian diamantaire Nirav Modi even though his exact whereabouts remain uncertain, a senior Indian official said on Thursday. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has begun the process of filing an extradition request for Modi, which will then have to be approved by the UK Home Office following which an extradition warrant can be issued. There is no confirmation about Nirav Modi's whereabouts. He could be in the UK or indeed left the UK since his last reported exit on a flight to Paris. We have now been advised by the CPS that we can proceed with an extradition request so that a warrant can be issued and he can be arrested on being traced, the official said. According to information available in the UK, Modi wanted in India for an alleged Rs 130 billion Punjab Bank (PNB) fraud arrived in London earlier this year on an Indian passport. The UK government was informed about the revocation of that particular passport via a formal Note Verbale from the Indian authorities on February 19, following which the UK Home Office indicated that the businessman had already entered the UK on that travel document but there was no record of him exiting the country. This gave rise to speculation in India that Modi may be hiding out in the UK. However, subsequently, the Indian authorities became aware of multiple Indian passports being used by the diamond merchant, with his last documented exit from the UK at the end of March by air to Paris. It remains unclear exactly how many passports Modi has been travelling on in the last few months and strict data protection laws in the UK have prevented the British government from confirming if he has indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK or if he has sought to apply for political asylum. If he has ILR in the UK, he would have to be extradited. However, if that is not the case, he can be deported on the basis of illegally travelling to Britain using fraudulent travel documentation. We are pursuing both these lines, the senior Indian official said. If Modi does go ahead with a political asylum request in the UK, it is likely to delay any extradition proceedings at the very least. It is much harder to succeed in an asylum claim from a constitutional democracy like India. However, if there was evidence of an unfair trial, a person's claim might succeed, said Mark Symes, a senior immigration barrister who has represented another wealthy Indian in the past who was refused asylum by the UK Home Office but won the claim before an independent judge on appeal. Generally speaking, a person needs to prove they face persecution rather than prosecution. So, a legitimate prosecution that leads to a lawful conviction following a fair trial could not give rise to a viable claim. However, if the charges were politically motivated or the trial was very unfair or excess punishment might result, the claim might succeed, he explains. A non-bailable warrant was issued against Modi and 10 other accused, including his family members, in the PNB fraud case following a chargesheet filed by the (ED) last month. The businessman is believed to have left India with his family around a month before the PNB filed its first complaint with the at the beginning of this year. Since then there has been a flurry of media speculation over his whereabouts and the kind of passport he is travelling on. Most of these reports have either been officially denied or remain unsubstantiated. The UK Home Office has refused to comment on individual cases. India today expressed its "deep dismay" over a Maldivian court sentencing the island nation's former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and the chief justice of its Supreme Court to long prison terms without a "fair trial". The Ministry of External Affairs said the development casts a doubt on the Maldivian government's commitment to uphold the rule of law and will raise questions on the credibility of the presidential elections in that country, slated for September. According to Maldivian media reports, Gayoom, 80, and Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed were handed similar prison terms of one year, seven months and six days by a court which found them guilty of obstructing justice. In a statement, the MEA said India reiterated its "advice" to the Maldivian government to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by immediately releasing political prisoners, including Gayoom and the chief justice. Since the beginning of the political crisis in the Maldives, the ministry said, India has repeatedly urged the Maldivian government to allow all institutions, including its Supreme Court and Parliament, to function in an independent manner and permit genuine political dialogue between all political parties. "This has also been the demand of the international community at large. It is, therefore, with deep dismay that we learned that the former president of the Maldives as well as the chief justice of the Supreme Court are being sentenced to long prison terms without fair trial," it said in a statement. "This casts doubt on the commitment of the Government of the Maldives to uphold the rule of law and will also call into question the credibility of the entire process of Presidential elections in September this year," the MEA said. It said India believes that a democratic, stable and prosperous Maldives is in the interests of all its neighbours in the Indian Ocean. "It reiterates its advice to the Government of the Maldives to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by immediately releasing political prisoners including former President Gayoom and Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and creating the necessary conditions for the participation of all political forces in the Presidential Elections," the ministry said. Ties between India and Maldives nosedived after Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen declared emergency on February 5, following an order by the Supreme Court to release a group of Opposition leaders who had been convicted in widely-criticised trials. On February 21, India reacted strongly over the extension of emergency by a month. The emergency was lifted 45 days later. In February, Maldives declined India's invitation to participate in the eight-day mega naval exercise - Milan - from March 6-13. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Lauding the first-ever UN report on alleged human rights violation in Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK), Amnesty International India today said both India and Pakistan should fulfil their obligations under international human rights law and end the atmosphere of impunity in Kashmir. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights today released its first-ever report on alleged human rights violation in Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and demanded an international probe into it, evoking a sharp reaction from India which termed the document as "fallacious and motivated". New Delhi also lodged a strong protest with the United Nations, saying the government was "deeply concerned that individual prejudices are being allowed to undermine the credibility of a UN institution". "The report violates India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Pakistan is in illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the Indian state through aggression," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a strongly-worded statement. Amnesty International India said that report reaffirmed the demands of various domestic and international human rights organisations for Indian and Pakistani authorities to deliver justice for past and ongoing human rights abuses. "This welcome report reaffirms the demands of various domestic and international human rights organisations for Indian and Pakistani authorities to deliver justice for past and ongoing human rights abuses, and protect the freedoms of all people in Kashmir. "Both India and Pakistan should fulfil their obligations under international human rights law and end the atmosphere of impunity in Kashmir by conducting effective, impartial, and independent investigations into human rights abuses by armed forces. They should also end the use of repressive laws and respect the right of all people to peacefully express their opinions," said Aakar Patel, Executive Director, Amnesty International India. The 49-page UN report highlights "a situation of chronic impunity for violations committed by security forces:, Amnesty International India said. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said it had made repeated requests to both India and Pakistan over two years for unconditional access to both sides of the Line of Control, but had been refused access. The report was produced through remote monitoring, it added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Four Indian-origin gang members have been found guilty of hacking a 28-year-old Sikh man to death two years ago as revenge for illicit affair with one of their wives here in the UK. Gurinder Singh cried out for help as the masked gang chopped off his fingers with knives and swords and went on to attack him with a wooden club and a hammer in Southall, west London, in July 2016. At the end of a nine-week trial in the Old Bailey court in London this week, Amandeep Sandhu, 30, and Ravinder Singh-Shergil, 31, were convicted of murder. Vishal Soba, 30, was cleared of murder, but found guilty of manslaughter and assisting an offender. Kuldeep Dhillon, 27, was also cleared of murder by the jury but convicted of manslaughter and intimidation. Judge Christopher Moss remanded the killers in custody until sentencing on June 22. Gurinder Singh, also called Sukhjinder Singh, suffered 48 separate injuries to his head and body, and two of his fingers were recovered from the scene of the attack the following day, the Daily Mirror reported. Two of the killers covered their faces with turbans and another wore a balaclava as they hacked at their rival. Dhillon and the victim lived together between 2008 and 2012, but they fell out when Dhillon discovered Gurinder Singh had been sleeping with his wife. The gang followed the victim as he left his Southall home late on July 30, 2016 in his car and was set upon by the gang. "It was brutal, it was sustained and vicious. There can be no doubt that those who were responsible for wielding the weapons intended to kill," Prosecutor Alan Kent told the jury during the murder trial. Palwinder Multani, 36, who drove the killers to the scene, admitted manslaughter and became the key witness for the prosecution. He said he saw Gurinder Singh lying on the floor with two men "chopping him with swords", one stabbing him with a knife, with the other beating him with a "wooden bar", the newspaper reported. The victim made it to his feet and limped off but another car, driven by Dhillon, swerved into him and knocked him back down. He was rushed to hospital for emergency surgery on multiple stab wounds, but he died the following day. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Punjab Minister Om Prakash Soni today said owners of industries not following environmental norms would face action. During a visit to the Buddha Nullah at Ludhiana, Soni alleged that dyeing units that had not installed water treatment plants or had not kept them in working condition were discharging toxic water into the drain. He claimed that it was causing serious health ailments. Soni held a meeting with representatives of the dyeing units and set a deadline of two months for them to adhere to the rules. "If industries are not fulfilling government norms, their owners should be ready for strict action," he said. Notably, molasses from a sugar factory near Amritsar had leaked into Beas river, recently, leaving a large number of fish dead. Soni said cleanliness of the Buddha Nullah under 'Mission Tandrust Punjab' is a dream project of Chief Minister Amarinder Singh. Presiding over a meeting with dyeing unit associations, Soni said industry is the backbone of development in the state, but the Punjab government will not tolerate any kind of environmental pollution for the sake of running industries. He instructed officials of the Punjab Pollution Control Board (PPCB) to ensure all dyeing units follow norms. Soni directed the to tighten the noose around those units that are discharging their waste into the Buddha Nullah. The Punjab government is committed to starting three Common Effluent Treatment Plants in Ludhiana at the earliest, he said. The government has already provided its share of funds, but the union government is yet to contribute its share, the minister alleged. "However, with the Punjab government's share and industrialists financial assistance, the maximum part of installation work has been completed," he said, as per an official statement. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) State-owned Jammu & Kashmir Bank will raise up to Rs 1,000 crore by issuing bonds in one or more tranches. The bank will bring the matter before the shareholders in the ensuing annual general meeting to be held on July 7. As a special business agenda for the AGM, the board of directors will seek permission from shareholders to issue unsecured, redeemable, subordianted, non-convertible, Basel III compliant tier II bonds in the nature debentures for inclusion in tier II captial of the bank of face value of Rs 10 lakh each aggregating up to Rs 1,000 crore in one or multiple tranches on a private placement basis, the bank said in a regulatory filing. The bonds, which are to be issued within one year from the date of approval, will be of tenure of up to ten years. "The implementation of Basel III guidelines has necessitated the need for banks in India to augment their capital base. This becomes important as Basel III capital requirements call for increase in quantity and quality of capital, besides providing for capital buffer during economic downturn," the bank said. The Basel III capital regulations were implemented in India with effect from April 1, 2013. Banks have to comply with the regulatory limits and minima as prescribed under Basel III capital regulations, on an ongoing basis. These capital regulations would be fully implemented by March 31, 2019. "The need for more capital is also in line with the future business growth that the bank has projected over near to medium term. Further, tier II will supplement tier I capital of the bank and will also have tier II buffer in place so that draw down of earlier raised tier II capital as per BASEL III guidelines is replenished by fresh tier II capital," it further said. Stock of Jammu & Kashmir Bank closed flat at Rs 59 apiece on the BSE today. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jada Pinkett Smith said she was "shocked" after her daughter Willow Smith confided in her that she resorted to self-harm to cope with sudden fame. The 46-year-old actor-entrepreneur said it was a tough moment for her as she fought hard from her inner demons of not being able to protect her child. Willow Smith recently revealed on Smith's Facebook show "The Red Table" that she used to cut herself when she became a singing sensation, at the age of 10, after the release of her 2010 hit single "Whip My Hair". "In that particular moment Willow was speaking from a place of power and as her mother I needed to meet her there instead of crumbling within my own insecurities or within my own doubts or 'Oh my goodness. What did I do wrong?' "It was like my daughter was revealing something to me in a place of power in which she had come through, so in that moment I had to meet her in that space that she was in and go, 'Okay'," Smith told Megyn Kelly on her talk show. The actor made an appearance on the NBC show where she also talked about mental health and the stigma attached to it in the wake of suicides of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. Smith, who recently in an Instagram post revealed that she once contemplated committing suicide, said looking back she hopes somebody had comforted her during those difficult times. "It's like life is a journey to help us get to a place of healing and I wish somebody had told me that. I wish somebody had told me that it's gonna be okay. You know, we're gonna have obstacles. You're gonna have really dark times. "Just understand. Keep stepping, cause life starts to reveal itself to you and the light will come. Keep stepping," she said. "I just felt like also in this world today we talk so much about what's happening on the outside and we don't talk enough about what's going on within us. I wanted a place where we could feel safe to do that, and I do that often within my own family," she added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A scrap dealer in Jalupura area of Jaipur today found more than 2,000 Aadhaar cards in a sack of old newspapers sold to him, the police said. Someone sold a sack of old newspapers to a scrap dealer, Imran, who later found out that it also contained over 2,000 Aadhaar cards, they said. Imran said he informed the police and the department of information technology and communication when he found the cards. "It appears to be a parcel of Aadhaar cards which were to be delivered by post," Station House Officer (SHO) of Jalupura police station Likhma Ram said. "The cards were to be dispatched locally. So, most likely the parcel somehow got misplaced from the general post office here," Ram added. The police said that the postal department officials had been informed and the matter was being probed to ascertain how the cards were dumped in such a manner. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The state of the economy was the focus of the verbal slugfest between Arun Jaitley and the Congress today with the Union minister saying that abuse is not the answer in political discourse and the opposition party accusing the government of "economic mismanagement". The barbs flew thick and fast as Jaitley, who attacked Congress president Rahul Gandhi yesterday saying that wisdom has to be acquired through learning and cannot be inherited, telling Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala that he should respond on facts. Surjewala accused the union minister of "economic mismanagement" in the country after Jaitley claimed that India had emerged as the fastest growing economy from being among the 'fragile five' during UPA. The Congress leader again hit back, saying exports are in a free fall, the promise of two crore jobs a 'jumla', NPAs had soared to Rs 10 lakh crore and loots and scams a norm under this government. "This is a political discourse. Abuse is not the answer. Please respond to the facts," Jaitley told Surjewala on Twitter, a response to yesterday's attack in which the Congress leader said the union minister was writing "hollow and wasteful" blogs to regain political relevance. "When you abuse and berate the Congress leadership, even Supreme Court and many others by distorting facts, it is 'political discourse' for you, but when you are shown the 'mirror of truth' with hard facts, you get unnerved' and call it abuse'? of Convenience?" Surjewala asked today in response to Jaitley's comments on the Congress chief. Jaitley hit back, saying, "... surely the journey from India being part of the fragile five' and policy paralysis' to the world's fastest growing economy could not be result of economic mismanagement - Another case of ignorance." Surjewala responded by saying that growth under Modi government was at a four-year low. "Exports are in free fall, promise of 2 crore jobs is a 'Jumla', NPA's are soaring to Rs 10 lakh crore, investment is down, banks are paralysed and 'loot scams' a norm, GST flawed, schemes failing! Isn't this Economic Mismanagement?." Jaitley had started the verbal duel by taking a jibe at Gandhi for his "anti-Narendra Modi tirade" yesterday. "In dynastic parties political positions are heritable. Unfortunately wisdom is not heritable. It has to be acquired through learning," he said in a post titled "Is Congress Becoming Ideology-less? Is Anti-Modism its only ideology?," he had said on his Facebook page. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Popular TV host and actor James Corden has joined the cast of Melissa McCarthy-starrer "Super-Intelligence". The 39-year-old actor will voice an all-powerful Artificial Intelligence in the action comedy, which will be directed by McCarthy's husband Ben Falcone. The script has been penned by Steve Mallory, reported Variety. The story follows Carol Peters, a former corporate executive whose earnest yet unfulfilled life is turned upside down when she is selected for observation by the worlds first super-intelligence - an artificial intelligence that may or may not take over the world. The film marks the fourth collaboration between Falcone and McCarthy after "Tammy" (2014), "The Boss" (2016) and "Life of the Party", which released on May 11 in the United States. Falcone and McCarthy are also going to produce the project through their banner On the Day. Corden, who hosts popular show "The Late Late Show", most recently voiced the title character in "Peter Rabbit" and also acted in "Ocean's 8". (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Its not as bad as the headlines are painting it to be. The country is not in tatters. Despite a spate of killings including that of Fr. Richmond Nilo, people are still walking freely on our streets. Unlike in Venezuela or Nicaragua, violent street protests have not erupted to levels wished for by anti-government groups. Despite the spike in prices of some goods and services, the malls and other favored destinations are still crowded with people. Traffic gridlock remains a way of life specially in Metro Manila and other urban areas like Cebu. With the advent of the rains, flooded areas continue to hog the evening news. President Duterte continues to spew his favorite words and opposition leaders keep on bashing him for the slightest of reasons. We just had a muted celebration of Independence Day highlighted yet again by divisive, even incendiary, rhetoric. But no visible signs of active protest and desperation are in the air. Sure, prices of basic commodities have been rising. The peso has hit an all-time 14-year low which has, not too surprisingly, somehow sparked a surge in foreign direct investments. While merchandise exports have leveled off, imports of capital goods continue to rise. Apparently, manufacturers specially of items needed for the administrations much-touted Build, Build, Build program are bracing for brisk sales ahead. Maybe, they have been issued purchase orders last year which now have to be delivered. Not to be outdone, Budget Secretary Ben Diokno has actually warned government officials and their contractors and suppliers to go ahead full blast with their funded projectsotherwise, they may not get any kind of increase in this years budget round. Worse, they may even get a cut and their unspent monies by the end of the first semester may be impounded. Indeed, despite all the testy give and take, including exaggerated, even faked, accounts of the most depressing or worrisome developments in this benighted land, life goes on. The sky is not falling this side of the Pacific. The South China/West Philippine Sea remains open to international shipping despite continued Chinese expansion of their occupied islands. Our fishermen can still fish in Panatag albeit under the shadow of Chinese Coast Guard vessels and a flotilla of Chinese fishermen. Is it not possible for us to have our own Coast Guard vessel stay within the area and guard our folks? If not, can we at least organize weekly minimum of 30 to 50 banca fishing expeditions to Panatag so that we cannot be bullied by the Chinese at all? Or, at the very least have the US Navy or other allies do pass by drills near the disputed areas to restrain the Chinese from any bullying? Indeed, instead of crying and blabbering about Chinese incursions in the disputed areas and doing nothing to reinforce and fortify our own occupied isles in the open seas, why dont we come out with more creative ways to secure our piece of the action? That way we maintain a modicum of peace no matter how uneasy and stability in those areas. And, as has been our wont for years on end without any serious repercussions, be content with what we have. But precisely this state of affairs, of life appearing to be just fine in most parts of the archipelago, is whats driving certain sectors and individuals who should know better to paroxysm of angst bordering on incredulity. They better get used to these things. The way I look at it, majority of our people have seen even worse things happening before yet managed to stand up and move on. There is virtue in knowing what you can and cannot do under certain circumstances, riding the wave, so to speak, and coping with what is dealt us. There is a unique Filipino trait which, as an international survey firm once noted, can best describe our smiles and happy disposition as compared with other races going through similar trying circumstancesresiliency. Making do with what we have and working hard to make things better is a trait we should internalize as we move on united in the hope that there is a better future ahead of us as a nation. Focusing on the negative no matter how insignificant, fueling divisive tendencies and openly calling for this administrations downfall if one cannot get his way can only expose those practicing it as insensitive and un-Filipino. Maybe even inhuman, un-Christian and, yes, coming from another planet. Tsk..tsk..tsk.. * * * PNP Chief Director General Oscar Albayalde and his boys better work double time to get to the killers not only of the three priests, the Davao Norte journalist and the CamSur judge but all the other killings of civilians which have spiked over the first month of his administration.Our people will understand the spate of killings related to the ongoing and intensified war on drugs despite the charge of some sectors of overkill. Drug trafficking and usage should really be eradicated to the barest minimum. But civilian killings? That is another matter. What makes these killings truly condemnable is the seeming ease with which the killers have done their worst. It is as if having guns and doing away with murder can be done at will. Citizen vigilance and active involvement in keeping the peace and, perhaps more importantly, police visibility which were the hallmarks of the first year of this administration have all but vanished into thin air. What seems to be the problem? In any event, there is no reason for the police not to be able to respond responsibly and calm the waters, so to speak. They have in their arsenal all the possible weapons to combat this percolating danger in our midstfrom information and education campaigns to community mobilization to rigorous intelligence work and calculated decimation of the killing nexus, if we may call it such. For one, they must have a listing of all hot spots, notorious killing groups and other killing data in their files. They must also have a listing of protectors and/or associates of these killers in which case they can trace their roots, so to speak, down to the littlest details. That should give them enough ammunition to make things happen, calm the waters and restore public confidence in their ability to keep the peace. * * * Our prayers for the repose of the soul of our colleague, Congressman Roilo Roy Golez, and sincerest condolences to the family he left behind. A true-blue soldier and public servant he died with his boots on having made available his knowledge of geopolitics and governance to the public and to those still in the service to the very end. He will be sorely missed. Our prayers and condolences as well to the family of the late Laoag City Mayor Michael Farinas who made Ilocos Nortes capital one of the most livable cities in the country. Clean and peaceful, vibrant with spanking new roads, new malls and housing developments, Laoag City under him and his wife, Chevyl, the current mayor was on its way to notching yet another level of achievement when he died. Sayang. Japan is working to arrange a meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Kim Jong Un after the North Korean leader said he was open to talks, local media reported today. The Sankei Shimbun said Kim discussed the possibility during historic talks Tuesday with US President Donald Trump. "During the summit with Trump, Kim told Trump 'I can meet with Prime Minister Shinzo Abe'," the Sankei reported. Japan wants the talks to push the emotive issue of citizens abducted by the North decades ago, which has seen little movement despite a whirlwind of diplomacy in recent months. Abe today repeated a pledge to push for dialogue with Pyongyang on the issue as he met families of abductees. "I will face (North Korea) directly and work toward resolving the abduction issue," he told the families. "Japan has to take the initiative to resolve the issue," he said, adding that the summit would be "meaningless if it yields no progress on the abduction issue". Government officials are weighing several scenarios, including Abe visiting Pyongyang in August, the Yomiuri Shimbun reported. Another scenario would see Abe meet Kim on the sidelines of a conference in Russia in September, the daily said. Several Japanese media outlets said Kim had expressed a readiness to meet Abe when he held a summit with Trump. And Abe has already said publicly that he would be willing to meet Kim in order to resolve the abduction issue. "If (Abe's) visit to Pyongyang in August proves difficult," he could hold talks with Kim on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum in Russia's Vladivostok in September, the Yomiuri said. Japanese media, including Jiji Press, said Japanese foreign ministry officials "contacted" their North Korean counterparts Thursday at an international security conference in Mongolia. Top government spokesman Yoshihide Suga today said only that "nothing has been decided at the moment". The issue of Japanese citizens who were abducted in the 1970s and 1980s to help Pyongyang train its spies has long soured already strained relations between Tokyo and Pyongyang. The Japanese government has officially listed 17 people as abductees, but suspects dozens more were snatched. Sakie Yokota, whose daughter Megumi was kidnapped at age 13, told reporters she was encouraged by Trump's talks with Kim and said she had urged Abe to resolve the issue quickly. "This is the beginning of a beginning," added Shigeo Iizuka, whose sister was kidnapped four decades ago. "I can only say 'I'm sorry' to my sister... But I want to tell her, 'Don't give up, hold out a bit more,'" he added. Trump said Tuesday he discussed the abductee issue with Kim, but it was not mentioned in the document signed by the two leaders. Japan has maintained a hardline position on North Korea despite the stepped-up diplomacy with Pyongyang in recent months, and has been left largely on the sidelines as South Korea, China and the United States have held talks with Kim. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Jordan's new government was sworn in today, after mass protests against price rises and austerity measures forced the prime minister's resignation. The new administration led by Harvard-trained economist Omar al-Razzaz has already withdrawn the contested tax law which brought thousands of Jordanians to the streets, officials said. The government shake-up has seen half the cabinet's 28 ministers replaced, with Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi and Interior Minister Samir al-Mabidin among those keeping their jobs. The defence portfolio goes to Razzaz, while new ministers were appointed in the areas including finance, planning, international cooperation and regional development. Since being asked to form a government by King Abdullah II on June 4, Razzaz said he had been engaged in talks with different parties to "reach a fair taxation system for everyone". Cash-strapped Jordan relies heavily on foreign donors and in 2016 secured a USD 723-million loan from the International Monetary Fund. But austerity measures tied to the loan have seen prices of basic necessities rise across the kingdom. Jordanians protested in Amman and other cities over a proposed tax hike, with the scale of demonstrations prompting the resignation of prime minister Hani Mulki. The public rallies were followed by a crisis meeting with Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Kuwait, concluding on Sunday with Jordan's neighbours pledging USD 2.5 billion in aid. The donors' rival Qatar followed up with an offer of USD 500,000 in investment and promised to create 10,000 jobs for Jordanians. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Veteran journalist and Rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari was attacked by unidentified gunmen outside his office in the heart of this Jammu and Kashmir capital, police officials said today. Bukhari, who was leaving his office in Press Enclave in the city centre Lal Chowk for an iftar party when he was shot at, is in a critical condition, officials said. He is battling for life in a hospital, they said. The two policemen who were guarding him are also injured, they added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Judges are not and cannot be experts in all fields and they must exercise great restraint in interfering with the opinion of experts, the Supreme Court today said while refusing to stay the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) mains examination slated to be held on June 18. The top court said judges cannot take on the role of experts in academic matters and unless the candidate demonstrates that the key answers were patently wrong, the courts cannot enter into this field. A vacation bench of justices U U Lalit and Deepak Gupta set aside the Allahabad High Court's March 30 order by which it had directed for re-evaluation of answer sheets of the preliminary examination for upper-subordinate services in Uttar Pradesh. "When there are conflicting views, then the court must bow down to the opinion of the experts. Judges are not and cannot be experts in all fields and, therefore, they must exercise great restraint and should not overstep their jurisdiction to upset the opinion of the experts," the bench said while dismissing a batch of petitions of students seeking stay of the mains examination. It said the law was well settled that onus was on the candidate to not only demonstrate that the key answer was incorrect, but also that it was a glaring mistake on the face of it and no inferential process or reasoning was required to show that the key answer was wrong. "Judges cannot take on the role of experts in academic matters. Unless, the candidate demonstrates that the key answers are patently wrong on the face of it, the courts cannot enter into the academic field, weigh the pros and cons of the arguments given by both sides and then come to the conclusion as to which of the answer is better or more correct," it said. The bench said that constitutional courts must exercise great restraint in such matters and should be reluctant to entertain a plea challenging the correctness of key answers. Referring to a 1983 verdict, it said the court had recommended a system of moderation, avoiding ambiguity in the questions and prompt decisions be taken to exclude suspected questions and no marks be assigned to such questions. It noted that UPPSC even before publishing the first list of answer keys got it moderated by two expert committees and invited objections, which were also examined by a 26-member expert committee. It said that the 26-member expert committee after examining the objections had recommended that five questions needs to be deleted and in two questions, key answers should be changed. The court said that all the questions needed a long process of reasoning and the high court itself has noticed that the stand of the commission is also supported by certain text books. "In view of the above discussion we are clearly of the view that the high court over stepped its jurisdiction by giving the directions, which amounted to setting aside the decision of experts in the field," it said, setting aside the order of the high court. On June 12, the apex court had said the sanctity of an examination would be lost if courts through their power of judicial review keep interfering with the decisions taken by authorities conducting competitive tests. The top court said a line needs to be drawn to determine to what extent a judicial review can be allowed of the decisions taken by authorities conducting the examinations. The top court's order came on an appeal filed by the UPPSC and pleas of students who have alleged that answers to several questions asked in the commission's preliminary examination held last year were "incorrect". They also said that the UPPSC has not followed the Allahabad High Court's March 30 order directing for re-evaluation of answer sheets of the preliminary test. The mains examination, which was postponed earlier, is now scheduled to be held on June 18. The UPPSC is conducting the examination for 677 posts of upper-subordinate services of the state for which advertisement was issued on February 2017. The preliminary examination for 677 posts was conducted in September 2017. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) One of the witnesses in the Kathua gangrape and murder case has been threatened by the accused, the Jammu and Kashmir Police today said in an application before a court here. SSP (Crime Branch) Jammu, Ramesh Kumar Jalla in the application before the District and Sessions Court, which is hearing the case, alleged that the witness, whose statement was being recorded, was threatened by the accused, defence lawyer A K Sawhney told reporters outside the court. However, the defence counsel objected to it and termed it as a "sensational application moved to hype the matter in media". "It could be motivated by the prosecution or someone else... this all is being done to get Z-grade security," the defence lawyer said. Also, District and Sessions Judge Tajwinder Singh ordered the superintendent of the Kathua Jail to ensure that the relatives can meet the accused in the prison immediately after reaching there and not need to wait. The judge passed the order in response to an application moved by the lawyers of the family of one of the accused, Tilak Raj. The defence counsel had said since the accused are moved from Kathua Jail to the court on daily basis and have to leave at around 9 am, their families are unable to meet them. On a request of perjury by the defence counsel, the court asked the prosecution to again submit translated copies of statements of the case from Urdu to English to everybody. Also, the statement of a witness was recorded, the counsel said. An eight-year-old nomadic girl was gangraped and murdered in Kathua district in January. The district and sessions court framed charges under various sections of the Ranbir Penal Code (applicable in Jammu and Kashmir). These include Sections 120-B (criminal conspiracy), 302 (murder) and 376-D (gangrape). The court also framed charges for destruction of evidence and under section 328 (causing hurt by poisoning with an intent to hurt) of the RPC. According to the charge sheet, the victim was held in captivity at a small village temple in Kathua district where she was kept sedated and sexually assaulted before she was bludgeoned to death. On January 23, about a week after the body was discovered, the government handed over the case to the crime branch, which formed a Special Investigation Team. The trial in the case began on May 31 with the seven accused being produced before the district and sessions judge after the Supreme Court transferred the case from Jammu and Kashmir to Pathankot for a fair trial following a plea by the victim's family. While transferring the case from Kathua to Pathankot, about 30 km away, the apex court directed day-to-day in-camera trial in the case. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal, who along with his three ministers continued the sit-in at the LG office for the fourth day, today sought Prime Minister Narendra Modi's intervention to end the IAS officers' "strike" even as his protest received more political support including from Tamil actor Kamal Haasan, the RJD and the Left. While Kejriwal voiced hope that Modi will follow the footsteps of former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee by respecting people's will and allowing opposition ruled states to work for the people, his Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) stepped up its attack on the Lt Governor Anil Baijal, wondering whether he did not have even "four minutes" to meet the chief minister and his three colleagues during the last four days. The party alleged that nobody was being allowed to meet the chief minister during his sit-in at the L-G Secretariat and asked if he had been arrested. In the morning, a team of doctors conducted a health check-up of Kejriwal's deputy Manish Sisodia and Health Minister Satyendar Jain, who are on indefinite hunger strike during the sit-in at the L-G office. Jain's sugar level dropped to nearly half of the normal and doctors were regularly monitoring his condition, the AAP said. While Jain started an indefinite fast on June 12, Sisodia too started a hunger strike yesterday. The chief minister, who is a diabetic, has been taking insulin during the sit-in. In his letter to Modi, Kejriwal alleged that Lt Governor Anil Baijal was doing "nothing" to break the impasse as he cited instances when the government work was stalled as the officers have not been attending meetings with ministers for the past three months. He said cleaning of drains before monsoon and setting up of mohalla clinics are stuck because of the alleged strike by IAS officers. He said no meeting has taken place between IAS officers and ministers for the past three months to address the issue of air pollution, even as toxic pollutants in the air reached dangerous levels over the past three days. Kejriwal and his three ministers, including Gopal Rai, are staging the protest to press their demand that the L-G direct the IAS officers to end their "strike" and act against those who have struck work. They also want the L-G to approve the proposal for doorstep delivery of ration. However, the IAS officers' association has claimed that no officer has been on strike and no work has been affected. The AAP Government and the bureaucracy have been at loggerheads since the alleged assault on Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash by AAP MLAs at Kejriwal's residence in February. "Due to strike, several works are being affected. As L-G is doing nothing to end IAS officers' strike, Delhi government and the people of Delhi request you (PM) with folded hands to get the strike called off immediately so that works of Delhi can resume," Kejriwal said in the letter. "Pollution is the biggest problem in Delhi. Earlier, there was a review and planning meeting in every 15 days on the issue, but due to strike, there has been no such meeting in the last three months," the chief minister alleged. Later the chief minister tweeted,"I hope sir that Modi ji will also follow in the footsteps of Atal ji, respect people's will and allow opposition ruled states to work for the people." Separately in a tweet, Kejriwal alleged that the L-G office did not allow his brother to meet him. After the medical check-up of the ministers, Director General of Health Services Kirti Bhushan told PTI, "We are constantly monitoring his (Jain's) situation. This morning, his vitals were checked and blood level had gone down to 47 units (mg/dL). A normal person should have 90-100 units of it. His blood pressure reading was 110/70, so that is ok," Bhushan said Jain's pulse reading too dropped to about 64 this morning against a normal of 72, "but as long as it is above 60, it is fine". Rajya Sabha MP and senior AAP leader Sanjay Singh alleged that nobody was being allowed to meet the chief minister during his sit-in at the L-G Secretariat and asked if he had been arrested. Singh alleged the "strike" by IAS officers was "at the behest of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and under the protection of Lt Governor Anil Baijal". "The chief minister has been staging sit-in at the L-G Secretariat for the last four days. We want to ask whether he (Baijal) could not spare even four minutes to meet him in the last four days," Singh told reporters here adding,"I fail to understand as to why nobody is being allowed to meet the chief minister. Meanwhile, CPI(M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav, Hasaan and rebel JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav came out in support of Kejriwal, saying the Centre should not create hurdles in the work of an elected government Yechury alleged that the central government was using the office of the L-G to "obstruct" the elected government in Delhi in discharging of its constitutional duties. Haasan, who in February launched his own political party --- Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) in Tamil Nadu at an event attended by Kejriwal, said that interference in the functioning of an elected government is "unacceptable in a democracy". RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said that the "dictatorial Centre" has made a "mockery of democracy" in Delhi and Puduchery. Yesterday, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee had said that elected chief minister, who is sitting in a dharna at L-G's office, must get due respect. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The alleged murderer of Charanjit Singh, a renowned Pakistani Sikh religious leader and rights activist, was arrested today by counter-terrorism officials, who said he was killed for failing to pay extortion money, media reports said. Singh, 52, was killed on May 29 when a lone gunman barged into his grocery store on the outskirts of Peshawar and shot him dead. According to a statement from the Counter-Terrorism Department (CTD), an operation was conducted in the Ghalla Mandi area of Peshawar and the alleged killer, identified as Sheheryar Sultan, was arrested. The arrest came a day after the caretaker chief minister of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa, retired Justice Dost Mohammad Khan, ordered an investigation into the killing of the Sikh leader, Dawn newspaper reported. The CTD said that the alleged target killer was caught by a special team of the department tasked with the investigation of the case. An investigation officer told The Express Tribune newspaper that Singh was killed for failing to pay extortion. "The suspect is part of a criminal group involved in extortion," the officer said, adding that they have also found evidence of Singh previously paying extortion money. Singh was a scholar and activist promoting interfaith harmony in Muslim-majority Pakistan. Singh had migrated to the provincial capital of Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa in the early 1970's for business and hailed from the Sadda region of Kurram district. Singh lived in Mohalla Bar, inside the walled city and ran his store on Scheme Chowk together with his brother. Two of his other brothers are traditional physicians. The murder caused panic among the minority community as several Sikhs have been killed in different parts of the city in the past. Most of the Sikhs residing in Peshawar are those whose families previously resided in different parts of Federally Administered Tribal Areas (Fata) but shifted to Peshawar and started a business. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has been working from home for the past three days as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his three ministerial colleagues continued their sit-in at his office, sources said today. Baijal has been holding meetings with officers at the camp office at his residence, which is just behind the L-G Secretariat where Kejriwal and his three ministers have been staging the sit-in since Monday evening. The sources said the L-G was going through files related to Delhi Police, Delhi Development Authority and other departments at his residence, but he did not receive any Delhi government files as the chief minister and his three ministers continued their protest. "Today's emergency meeting on severe dust pollution was also held at the L-G's residence. He (L-G) has been working from his residence since the sit-in by the chief minister and his ministers began," one of the sources told PTI. Delhi minister Imran Hussain, who is not taking part in the protest by the chief minister, today attended the meeting at the L-G's camp office. Kejriwal and ministers Manish Sisodia, Gopal Rai and Satyendar Jain have been staying put at the waiting room of the L-G office over their demands, including a direction to IAS officers to end their "strike" and action against those who have struck work. They also want the L-G to approve the proposal for doorstep delivery of ration. Meanwhile, the chief minister's wife Sunita Kejriwal alleged that families of the ministers were not being allowed to meet them. "Respected LG sir, are we four ladies, mother and wife of CM,wife of Dy CM and wife of Satyendar Jain threat to your security that you are not allowing us to enter the road leading to your house? Kindly intervene. Please do not feel so threatened by everyone. Regards (sic)," Sunita Kejriwal tweeted. AAP leader Sanjay Singh also alleged that nobody was being allowed to meet the chief minister during his sit-in at the L-G Secretariat and asked if he had been arrested. The sources said that ministers' family members can meet them outside the L-G office as no restriction has been imposed on such meeting. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A radical Buddhist monk in Sri Lanka was today sentenced to six months rigourous imprisonment after he was found guilty in a case of harassing and intimidating the wife of a missing journalist. The Homagama court, in the Colombo suburb, had on May 24 found Galagodaatte Gnanasara guilty on two counts of criminal harassment and criminal intimidation of Sandya Eknaligoda, and fixed June 14 as the date to pronounce the quantum of punishment. The magistrate today sentenced the monk to six months in prison with hard labour for both the offences, which would run concurrently. The court also slapped a fine of 50,000 Sri Lankan rupees, which should be paid to the victim at once, but if he fails, then he will have to serve an additional jail term of three months, according to media reports. Gnanasara had verbally abused Sandya, in the court in 2016. He had accused her of supporting the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), which led a three-decade-long armed campaign for a separate Tamil homeland. The LTTE was finally crushed by the Lankan military in 2009 with the death its supremo Velupillai Prabhakaran. According to the government figures, around 20,000 people are missing due to various conflicts including the 30-year-long separatist war with Lankan Tamils in the north and east which claimed at least 100,000 lives. Sandya's cartoonist husband Prageeth Ekanaligoda was abducted in 2010 by a group having allegiance to the military. She had been searching her husband to find out what happened to him, but to no avail. Though several members of military intelligence were arrested in connection with Prageeth's disappearance, but all have been released on bail. Sandya's relentless pursuit of justice for her husband earned her an Internal Women of Courage' award in 2017 from US First Lady Melania Trump. Gnanasara has a history of carrying out Muslim minority hate attacks. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) London has emerged as the leading European destination for Indian entrepreneurs with the technology sector bringing in a large chunk of investments from India, according to new data released today. London & Partners (L&P), the Mayor of London's official promotional agency, found that since the Brexit vote, London has attracted more investment projects from India than any other major European city. Further analysis of the findings, released to coincide with the ongoing London Tech Week festival, shows that the British capital remains the leading European city for Indian tech companies, with London attracting more foreign direct investment (FDI) from Indian tech businesses than any other European tech hub in the past two years. London's tech companies have attracted over 4 billion pounds of investment since the European Union (EU) referendum vote in June 2016 ahead of Paris (1.14 billion pounds), Berlin (814 million pounds) and Stockholm (542 million pounds). The findings come as the UK government announced plans to launch a new start-up visa route, which is expected to attract more such investors to Britain. The new route, announced by UK home secretary Sajid Javid during London Tech Week, will make the visa process faster and smoother for entrepreneurs from countries like India coming to the UK. It will replace a visa route which was exclusively for graduates, opening it up to a wider pool of talented business founders. The UK can be proud that we are a leading nation when it comes to tech and innovation, but we want to do more to attract businesses to the UK and our migration system plays a key part in that, said Javid. The new expanded route will launch in the first half of 2019, with further details yet to be announced. London has strong cultural and economic ties with India, and Indian businesses make an important contribution to our city. Following my visit to India last year, I see lots of opportunities to strengthen investment between London and Indian cities, said London Mayor Sadiq Khan, as he welcomed a strong delegation of Indian tech companies to London Tech Week, which runs until Sunday. Hyderabad-based fintech company Paymatrix, New-Delhi's Artificial Intelligence start-up ThirdWatch, Bangalore-based MedTech business Mimyk, Staqu (Delhi), DineOut (Delhi), Ayasta Technologies (Hyderabad), and CropIn Technology (Bangalore) are the Indian companies joining the tech festival as part of a delegation organised by the UK's Department for International Trade. These companies are part of the UK government's Tech Rocketship Awards programme and are visiting the UK to explore investment opportunities in London and Manchester. The UK is a great market for technology and food & beverage. London being the financial capital gives us access to both growth capital as well as some of the largest chains in the food and beverage space such as Pizza Express, Dishoom and Gaucho to name a few, said Ankit Mehrotra, Co-Founder & CEO of Dineout, who plans to set up in London by the end of the year. London Tech Week is Europe's largest festival of technology, involving over 200 events hosted across the UK capital and attracting over 50,000 visitors from across the world. I think Indian entrepreneurs love the creative energy of London and the inclusiveness and welcome of our tech community, not to mention the time zone, access to capital and world class talent," said Laura Citron, CEO London & Partners. "We're opening an office in Bangalore so that we can do even more to bring the London and Indian tech communities closer together, she added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) After all the hype and focus of the world press on the Summit in Singapore between US President Donald John Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, what is there really to expect from this historical and unprecedented meeting? Im not going to dash the hopes of people yearning for peace in the Asia-Pacific region. Some observers called the Summit a success. International analysts, however, said the Trump- Kim meeting should not be compared to the landmark ice-breaking of the Cold War between President Richard Nixon and Mao Zedong. That Trump and Kim who are diametrically opposed ideologies met at all is indeed something to be sanguine about . No US president has ever met with a North Korean leader starting from its first supreme leader Kim Il Sung who ascended into power in 1948. He passed on the title to his son Kim Jong Il . The current leader is the son of Jong Il and the grandson of Il Sung. This continues the longest bloodline of family succession barring the rule of the English royals. The pledge of Kim Jong-un, the third generation of the Kim dynasty, that he will undertake his countrys denuclearization certainly will ease tension in the region and in the Korean peninsula. If he does, scarce funds can instead be funneled to improve the lives of his people. That however , is a long way down the road. A pledge and a commitment of denuclearization and dismantling of all North Koreas missile arsenal has to be verified by an independent body like the United Nations and its relevant agency, the Vienna-based International Atomic Energy Agency. The IAEA is tasked with overseeing the compliance with non-proliferation of nuclear weapons. If at all, the best quote in this summit was from Kim who said this meeting sets aside all the prejudices of the past and should be seen as a prelude to peace. This was from someone whom Trump called the little rocket man. The words may not have been Kims own original version but it showed he had a better set of speechwriters than the American president. While credit must be accorded Trump for being the first American president to travel that far to Singapore , he left the Group of 7 leaders meeting in Canada in disarray. He arrived late for the G-7 and left early without signing nor endorsing the Groups joint communique. It was total disregard of military and economic allies to meet with a former enemy he had been trading threats of nuclear strike.Trump, in his post-summit statement, trumpeted the great progress made in his meeting with Kim. From the viewpoint of world analysts, however, Kim got more out of this meeting in Singapore. He stands to gain from the economic ties with the US when Trump declared he would lift sanctions against Pyongyang. So on second thought, the pudgy little man with the bad haircut may be smarter than most of us gave him credit for. Kim trumped Trump in the art of the deal which the latter touts himself as the master. Trump and Kim, after their meeting, agreed to visit each others countries. This exchange of visits could lead to the opening of diplomatic relations between Washington and Pyongyang. As it is, the Peoples Republic of Korea would probably gain more because diplomatic ties would end its isolation from the rest of the world. But what is to trade between North Korea and the US? Known as the hermit kingdom, North Koreas economy is entirely dependent on its neighbor and ally China. Then, what can North Korean consumers afford that the US will export to that cash-strapped nation? Certainly not American-made cars. Motor vehicles from Japan and South Korea are more affordable, considering the lower freight cost of shipping from the two nearby countries. If the North Korean leader opens his nations doors to South Koreas exports, it could also open the door to a new era North-South relationship. The prospect of families separated by the Korean War to be reunited now looms large in the horizon. It may be too much to hope for, but who knows? Beyond the Summit in Singapore may lie the possibility of reunification of the two Koreas. East and West Germany did it and look where that nation is right nowan economic power house not only in Europe but in the world. Indeed, there are lessons to be learned from history. The Madras High Court today dismissed various petitions seeking a direction to collect expenses incurred in polls from candidates, who allegedly indulged in corrupt practices in Aravakuruchi and Thanjavur assembly constituencies in Tamil Nadu, resulting in cancellation of the elections in 2016. The First Bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M Sundar which dismissed the petitions, in its order said, "It is true that unscrupulous candidates contesting elections should not be allowed to go scot-free when they disrupt elections and thereby cause huge wasteful expenditure to the state exchequer." However, public interest litigations cannot be stretched to take over all acts of governance, the bench said. In a country governed by a Constitution, of which separation of powers between the Legislatures, the Executive and the Judiciary is a basic feature, this court cannot take over legislative or executive functions, the bench said. It is for the Legislature to enact a law to provide for recovery of waste of public money caused by wrongful acts of contesting candidates, the bench said. "May be the Election Commission with its wide powers to ensure free and fair elections might make a recommendation for suitable enactment and/or amendment of law. However, until such law is passed, this court cannot pass orders as prayed for and these writ petitions are dismissed," it said. On April 22, 2016 the Election Commission passed an order announcing elections to the Legislative Assembly, for Aravakurichi and Thanjavur Assembly constituencies. Elections to the two constituencies were postponed and ultimately, were cancelled by an order dated May 27 of the Election Commission on the reports of corrupt practices by the candidates of the major political parties - AIADMK and DMK. Hence, some independent candidates and others filed a PIL seeking a direction from the court to collect the expenses incurred to the government and other parties from the candidates who indulged in corrupt practices which resulted in the cancellation of the elections. The First Bench dismissed the PILs after referring to various provisions of Representation of People's Act. It said in the order, "there is no specific provision in the Constitution or in the 1951 Act for recovery of expenses incurred by the Election Commission and/or by the State for preparation for elections from a candidate whose alleged acts lead to deferment or cancellation of elections." The Bench further said, "in the instant case, there are no international conventions with regard to realisation of costs of postponement and/or cancellation of elections from the person responsible for postponement and/or Cancellation." Non-recovery from errant contesting candidates of the costs of postponement or cancellation of election, incurred by the state does not infringe any legal or fundamental right," it added. The assembly elections in Tamil Nadu were held on May 16, 2016. The Election Commission had on two occasions postponed polls to Aravakurichi and Thanjavur constituencies following reports of large-scale distribution of money and gifts to voters by the candidates and political parties. Initially, the polls in the two constituencies were postponed from May 16 to May 23, 2016. On May 21, EC decided to once again postpone the polls to June 13. Later, the polling was cancelled and held in November that year. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis met Bloomberg CEO Mike Bloomberg in New York and discussed expansion of the road safety initiative supported by the US-based company for which an MoU was signed in Mumbai in February 2015. "Substantial progress is seen with this initiative and many achievements were reviewed. This initiative resulted in less number of deaths in road accidents. Mike Bloomberg expressed intentions to work jointly with FinTech startup companies during discussions with Fadnavis," a statement from Chief Minister's office said today. Fadnavis is currently on a week-long visit to Dubai, Canada, and the United States. The Maharashtra government and Bloomberg Philanthropies had signed an agreement in 2015 to improve traffic situation in Mumbai over the next five years. In 2015, Mumbai had figured among the ten cities in the world that were funded by the Bloomberg Philanthropies, a New York-based foundation, to adopt best of the Road Safety practices worldwide. The selection was made from 20 strong applicant cities, mostly from countries which showed strong commitment to reduce road traffic fatalities and injuries within and around their urban set-ups. During deliberations yesterday, Fadnavis and Bloomberg reviewed and discussed the progress of this initiative. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis, who is currently on a three-nation tour, today met Maharashtrian community members in New York. Speaking at a community reception hosted by the Consulate General of India in New York and Friends of Maharashtra, the chief minister said that Maharashtra was driving the growth story of India, as per a statement issued by the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) here. More than 500 delegates attended the programme. Fadnavis said Mumbai is changing fast due to huge infrastructure projects while maintaining its independent identity. "Huge network of 250-km Metro, projects like Mumbai TransHarbour Link, Water transport and western coastal expressway will make good impact and help reduce commuting issues," the release quoted the CM as saying. Fadnavis is currently on a week-long visit to Dubai, Canada, and the United States. Fadnavis also spoke on his government's flagship "Jalyukt Shivar" programme aimed at making the state drought-free. He said more than 11,000 villages have become water neutral and need no tankers. "Water conservation is the key to sustainable agriculture," the statement said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Acting on an online campaign launched by a city-based woman, the Maharashtra government has ordered St George's hospital in South Mumbai to upgrade its morgue and appoint only qualified staff to conduct autopsies. The hospital authorities said following the government order they now plan to construct a new morgue there. Renu Kapoor, a member of Colaba Advanced Locality Management (ALM), a citizen's group, had put up a petition on on Change.org in April to highlight the poor condition of the morgue in the hospital. "10 bodies stacked one on top of the other in a dimly lit, tiny room with no windows and a leaky roof! Thats the morgue in Mumbais St George's hospital. In the Maximum city, the underprivileged dont even have dignity in death. Complete apathy for the dead," her petition addressed to the chief minister and family welfare minister, said. Her petition said she saw the "horrible condition" of the morgue when her driver Manoj died in April last year. "The post-mortems are performed by untrained staff. That's why I started this petition to revamp the morgue and post-mortem centre at the St George's hospital immediately," the petition said. Kapoor's online campaign struck a chord with Mumbai's citizens. Dr Pravin Shingare, Head, Directorate of Medical Education and Research (DMER), on June 11 ordered the hospital authorities to appoint only qualified doctors to conduct autopsies and upgrade the facilities at the morgue. The officials called up Kapoor and held a meeting with her. "What I liked is that the government authorities not only took cognisance of my plea, but also called me to discuss how can it be done. And I was quite happy that they ordered time-bound implementation," Kapoor told PTI. The DMER order mentioned that the financial grant to to start the repair and electrification of the morgue by the PWD, will be given on a priority basis. It also instructed the hospital to begin the redevelopment work by this month end. "Ensure that autopsies are conducted only in the presence of a trained, qualified doctor. From 18 June, strict action will be taken against any unskilled, untrained, unqualified person found performing an autopsy. The person will be suspended," the order said. "Action will also be taken if any doctor is found making a Class-4 employee perform an autopsy," it added. When contacted, Dr Madhukar Gaikwad, superintendent of St George hospital confirmed to have received the order from the DMER and said that they were now constructing a new morgue. "We thought that it would be better to have an entirely new morgue, besides renovating this one. Therefore, we have identified a place and started the process to come up construct a new morgue. We are trying hard to build it as soon as possible," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Large military drills between the United States and South Korea have been "suspended indefinitely," a senior US official said today. "Major military exercises have been suspended indefinitely on the Korean peninsula," the official said, two days after President Donald Trump said the US would halt joint military exercises with its security ally Seoul. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Mathrubhumi Group today announced its foray into journalism education with the launch of a media school here to encourage the future generation to rise "to the top of today's demanding and media professions." The Mathrubhumi Media School, scheduled to open in July, would have the objective of promoting excellence in the field of media, the group, which brings out the Malayalam daily 'Mathrubhumi' and other publications, said in a release here. The school would infuse broad knowledge, integrity and social commitment and ensure immersive professional experiences throughout its curriculum, it said. The school will offer full-time one-year PG Diploma programmes in Print Journalism and Broadcast Journalism, the release said. The year-long programmes include hands-on media exposure, projects and assignments which are specially focused on experiential learning through field experience, collaboration with leading media houses for training and two months internship with a stipend for meritorious students, the release said. M V Shreyams Kumar, Joint Managing Director, Mathrubhumi Group said: "This is a historic milestone for a 94-year-old media company; we wish to help build great leaders, build skills and expertise which will be a testament of our organisation's philosophy and belief." George Sebastian, Dean, Mathrubhumi Media School said,"We are confident of imparting a wholesome learning experience to students which involves not just the theory of journalism, but they also get to practice what they learn. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Several media bodies, including Press Club of India, Indian Women's Press Corps, Press Association and Federation of Press Clubs of India, today expressed shock over the killing of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari in Kashmir and strongly condemned the attack. "Press Club of India is shocked and saddened by this mindless terror attack that claimed the life of Shujaat Bukhari in the holy month of Ramzan, the Press Club of India said in a release. It said that the club has time and again underlined the threat to the lives of journalists working under difficult and challenging circumstances and demanded protection for them. "Terror attack that took Shujaat Bukhari's life shows that lives of journalists are not at all safe. Forces inimical to restoring peace in Kashmir Valley have silenced a voice of reason, logic and peace, it said. In a joint release, Indian Women's Press Corps, Press Association and Federation of Press Clubs of India demanded that the "dastardly forces" responsible for the killing should be brought to book by the Jammu and Kashmir government at the earliest. They said his murder can only be viewed as yet another attempt to muzzle the media and the freedom of the press in the valley. "We also express our deep condolences to the family members and friends of Mr Bukhari, they said. The National Union of Journalists (India) said that security of journalists in the Jammu and Kashmir is a matter of concern and the incident was an attempt to stall fearless coverage of anti-national and anti-people activities. NUJ(I) strongly criticises this barbaric act and demands that the state government nabs the culprits at the earliest. We also demand to look into the security of the mediapersons, while covering different events in the state," it said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Suspected militants today snatched a rifle from a CRPF constable at GRP barracks, about 400 m from Sadura raiway station in South Kashmir's Anantnag district, officials said. The men pelted stones at the constable and a gun-shot was heard, they said, adding further details were awaited. However, local police said there was no report of any firing. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Politicians, including Union ministers and those from the Opposition, and media bodies expressed shock at the killing of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari, with Home Minister Rajnath Singh condemning it as an act of cowardice and attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. Congress president Rahul Gandhi described Bukhari as a "braveheart" who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu and Kashmir. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said terrorism had hit a new low with Bukhari's killing and asserted that justice would be done. "We must unite against forces seeking to undermine our attempts to restore peace. Justice will be done," she said, adding that the scourge of terror reared its ugly head on the eve of Eid. The Union home minister said the murder of the editor-in-chief of Rising Kashmir, a valley-based daily, was an act of cowardice. "It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist. Extremely shocked & pained at his death. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family," he tweeted. Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore described it as a brutal attack on freedom of press. "Assassination of Shujaat Bukhari is a brutal attack on freedom of press. A cowardly and deplorable act of terror. Our fearless media is one of the greatest strength of our democracy and we are committed to providing a safe and conducive working environment to media persons," Rathore said. Gandhi said he was anguished to hear about the killing of Bukhari. "He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu and Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed," he said on Twitter. BJP general secretary Ram Madhav, who is his party's pointsman for Jammu and Kashmir, also expressed his shock and deplored the killing as a reprehensible and condemnable cowardly act of terrorists. Condemning the dastardly attack, the Editors Guild of India paid tributes to Bukhari and described him as a voice of moderation and a courageous, big-hearted editor who mentored a large cadre of young journalists from Kashmir. In a statement, the journalist body called upon the state and central governments to enhance security for all journalists in Jammu and Kashmir and said that an attack on a journalist challenges the very foundation of a free press and vibrant democracy. Congress's communication-in charge Randeep Singh Surjewala expressed his shock. "Anguished beyond words. Security situation in J&K has hit its nadir. Demand the Centre to take swift action to nab the killers. They can silence us but not our thoughts," he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 13-year-old Dalit boy was allegedly beaten up by four Rajput men for wearing a "mojdi", a type of ethnic leather shoes, police said today. The incident, which came to light after a video of it went viral on social media, occurred yesterday in Bahucharaji town of Gujarat's Mehsana district. Based on the minor's complaint today, an FIR was registered against the four men, said Bahucharaji police Sub Inspector R R Solanki. "It is alleged that these four Rajput youth, including one Bharatsinh Darbar, thrashed the victim for wearing a mojdi. We have booked them on charges of kidnapping, assault as well as under relevant sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act," Solanki informed. In his complaint, the minor boy, a resident of Vitthalapur village of Ahmedabad district, stated that the incident happened in Bahucharaji town yesterday. "When I was sitting near the bus stop, a group of youths came to me and asked me my caste. When I said that I am a Dalit, they asked me why I was wearing mojdi despite being a Dalit. When I tried to save myself by claiming that I am a Rajput, they forcibly took me to a place and thrashed me," his complaint stated. "They slapped and punched me and beat me with a stick. They accused me of trying to be a Rajput by wearing such shoes. I somehow managed to escape and came home," the complaint added. In the video, which was allegedly shot and circulated by one of the accused, the Dalit boy can be seen sobbing and pleading for mercy. While beating him, two of the accused can be heard in the video saying that one cannot become a Rajput by donning such footwear. The person who was shooting the video can be heard saying that he will send this video to Vitthalapur, the minor's place of residence, apparently to give a message to others. While begging for mercy, the victim can be heard saying that he is a Dalit and will never try to be a Rajput. This is the latest incident involving upper caste men allegedly attacking Dalits and OBCs for trivial reasons. Last month, a group of Rajputs clashed with Dalits in Dholka town in Ahmedabad district over a Dalit man's decision to add the suffix 'Sinh' to his name. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A scene from In Pua Iyam (Coming Out), a film that revolves around a young Filipino-Chinese student who comes out to his childhood friend. Four student films from Far Eastern University will vie for the Best Short Film at FACINE 25: The 25th Annual Filipino International Cine Festival, considered the largest and longest-running festival of its kind in North America.Boyet Loves You and Caterwaul, both directed by Josel Fajardo, Pua Iyam by Juan Pablo Pineda III and Touch Move by Frances Louise Giner made it as finalists in the event organized by the Filipino Arts and Cinema International in San Francisco, California. Fajardo, Pineda and Giner are all alumni of the FEU Film Society. The silver anniversary of the film festival will open with the short film competition on Oct. 18 at the San Francisco Main Library and the SF Philippine Consulate while the main competition will be held from Oct. 19 to 21 at the historic Roxie Theater. In Boyet Loves You, which is also a short film finalist in the CineFilipino Film Festival 2018 Open category, Gab (Sari Estrada) wants to introduce her best friend Mari (Kat Galang) to Boyet. The problem is, only she can see Boyet. The comedy-horror flick bagged the Best Film, Best Direction, Best Editing, Best Sound and Best Performance awards at Sinepiyu 2017s Golden Reel category. Caterwaul is a film where painful secrets are revealed at two girls sleepover. While watching an R-rated movie, a girl (Andrei Eunice Osano) shares her first sexual experience and re-enacts it to a friend (Quennie Abuyuan), who does not know that shes in for a dark revelation. The seven-minute drama won the Gold Prize in the Viddsee Juree Philippines Awards. In Pua Iyam (Coming Out), a young Filipino-Chinese student (Rowi Du) comes out to his childhood friend (Raphael Cruz).The short film brought home Best Screenplay and Best Actor in a Lead Role at the 9th Largabista Film Festival in Tacloban City, Leyte; a special citation on gender sensitivity from the first Palawan International Film Festival; Best Film, Best Director, Best Performance and Best Poster at Sinepiyu 2017s Black Reel category; Gold Award for Best Picture, Outstanding Direction, Design Excellence and Technical Excellence awards at CineSB 7: The Main Installments Sibol category; Best Cinematography and another special citation from Piling Obrang Vidyo XIV; and Cardinal Bronze Film Award, Best Film Editing and Best Cinematography at CineMapua 2018s intercollegiate category. With characters as chess pieces, Touch Move depicts the difficulty of moving on. The film won Best Screenplay, Best Production Design, Best Sound and Second Prize at Sinepiyu 2017s Black Reel Category. It also garnered different awards from the Ateneo Video Open, Pelikultura: The CALABARZON Film Festival and 9th Largabista Film Festival. The short film finalists, which were selected out of 125 submissions to the competition, have a wide range of format, genre, style and subject, all 45 minutes and less in length, both student and professional works, including works by non-Filipino filmmakers with Filipinos as subject. The best short film will be awarded a $100 cash prize and Certificate of Recognition. Special citations will also be awarded in any category upon the discretion of the Jury. Meanwhile, FACINE relaunches its main competition section with nine full-length films vying for awards in different categories. The finalists are 2 Cool 2 Be 4gotten written by Jason Paul Laxamana and directed by Petersen Vargas, Bomba (The Bomb) by Ralston Jover, Kita Kita (I See You) by Sigrid Andrea Bernardo, Meet Me in St. Gallen by Irene Emma Villamor, Melodrama/Random/Melbourne by Matthew Victor Pastor, Ang Pamilyang Hindi Lumuluha (The Family That Never Weeps) by Mes de Guzman, Pauwi Na (Pedicab) by Paolo Villaluna, Tale of the Lost Boys by Joselito Altarejos, and Tu Pug Imatuy (Right to Kill) written by Arnel Mardoquio and directed by Arbi Barbarona. FACINE is a nonprofit media arts organization that aims to promote and develop Filipino cinema as a social document of cultural heritage, and as medium of artistic expression. Dedicated to empowering artists and audiences on films that speak about Filipino communities globally, FACINE has organized the festival for the past 25 years and it also hosts film-related events in the SF Bay Area. A Haryana forest department official who filed a police complaint over missing documents related to whistleblower Sanjiv Chaturvedi has been transferred, amid a move to seek a CBI probe into the matter. Chaturvedi, an Indian Forest Service official, is contemplating moving the Punjab and Haryana High Court for a CBI investigation over the file that went missing from the Chief Minister's Office, his counsel said. His counsel said the Magsaysay award winner will move court if the Haryana government itself does not recommend handing over the case of the missing file to the Central Bureau of Investigation within a month. The file was reported missing on April 25 and a superintendent in the forest department filed a police complaint on May 21. Yesterday, after reports on the missing file appeared, superintendent Rajender Singh was transferred to the state's Animal Husbandry department, officials said. The missing file reportedly contains notings made during the tenure of the previous Bhupinder Singh Hooda government. They relate to Haryana's plea against the recommendation of a central government panel to quash a departmental charge sheet against Chaturvedi. The notings contained the opinion of the CMO and senior state government officials, Chaturvedi's counsel claimed. He said the disappearance of such sensitive documents in a mysterious manner was a very serious matter. During his Haryana tenure from 2005 to 2010, Chaturvedi claimed to have unearthed a multi-crore scam in the state's forestry programme. The Hooda government launched departmental proceedings against him, leading to the filing of a charge sheet in 2007. The official appealed to the President under the All India Services Rules and a two-member two-member inquiry committee was set up by the Ministry of Environment and Forests (MoEF) in 2010. It was tasked to look into the alleged irregularities unearthed by Chaturvedi, and the charge sheet against him. The MoEF quashed the charge sheet as recommended by the panel, which also indicted the then chief minister. The Haryana government had, however, contended that the ministry illegally constituted the committee. It filed a case in the Punjab and Haryana High Court four years back, seeking the squashing of the committee's report. A Right to Information application by Chaturvedi in March revealed that the file containing the documents related to his case was not "traceable". Chaturvedi later wrote to the current Haryana chief minister Manohar Lal Khattar, asking him to hand over the entire matter to the CBI for a probe. His counsel today said they will press for registration of an FIR under IPC sections 406 (punishment for criminal breach of trust) and 409 (criminal breach of trust by a public servant) as the documents were government property and in custody of the CMO. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 20-year-old French woman who was missing since June 1 after she visited the holy town of Pushkar in Rajasthan, was found safe in Alwar today, a police official said. Gaelle Chouteau was supposed to go to Jaipur from Pushkar. Instead, she went to Alwar on June 1 to know about organic farming, he said. She was not in touch with her family members and friends, as a result of which they started worrying and were trying to locate her by circulating messages on social media. Circle officer of Bhiwadi-Alwar, Siddhant Sharma said, "She reached an organic farmhouse in Alwar on June 1. She is safe and wants to stay there for one more week." He said Chouteau had come to know about the farmhouse through a website and contacted its owner, who called her to visit the farm. She had gone to Pushkar and checked into a hotel on May 30. She left the hotel to board a bus for Jaipur on June 1. Earlier today, SHO of Pushkar Police Station in Ajmer, Mahaveer Sharma had said, "On getting information about the woman's disappearance from an official of the French Embassy through email on Tuesday, we collected CCTV footages from the hotel." "She was seen going towards the bus stand, but nothing could be established further," he had said. Ambassador of France to India Alexandre Ziegler had yesterday tweeted a photo and details about the woman. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a huge relief to the AIADMK government, the Madras High Court today gave a split verdict on petitions challenging the disqualification of 18 MLAs loyal to sidelined party leader TTV Dhinakaran, a ruling that would maintain status quo in the corridors of power in Tamil Nadu. A division bench of Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M Sundar delivered divergent verdicts on whether the 18 MLAs deserved to be disqualified under the anti-defection law by Speaker P Dhanapal on September 18 last year for approaching the Governor and seeking the removal of Chief Minister K Palaniswami. The court ruled that the senior-most judge after the chief justice would now hand-pick a judge who will hear the matter afresh. In her 200-page order, the chief justice upheld the Speaker's decision, saying "In my opinion, the view taken by the Speaker is a possible, if not plausible view, and I am unable to hold that the said decision is any way unreasonable, irrational or perverse." Justice Sundar, in his 135-page order, struck a dissenting note, insisting that Dhanapal's order "deserved to be set aside on grounds of perversity, non-compliance with principles of natural justice, mala fides and violation of the constitutional mandate". The chief justice said status quo would continue till the third judge delivered the verdict on the petitions. Today's verdict came as a massive relief for the Palaniswami government as the restoration of the membership of the MLAs could have brought it perilously close to losing majority in the event of their joining hands with the opposition DMK-Congress-IUML alliance, which together has 98 MLAs in the 234-member assembly. In that eventuality, the Opposition's strength would have swelled to 117, including Dhinakaran, who is the lone independent MLA. The AIADMK also has 117 members in the House, including the Speaker. Chief Justice Banerjee, while upholding the Speaker's order, noted that since the petitioners were initially given seven days and then additional time at their request to present their case, there was no contravention of Rule 7(7) of the Disqualification Rules, as claimed by them. On the submission that petitioners were denied natural justice, Banerjee said, having chosen not to appear before the Speaker despite being told that in that event the matter would be decided ex-parte, they cannot complain of breach of audi alteram partem (hear the other side) rule. On whether the submission of the letter by the 18 MLAs to the Governor for intitiating the constitutional process (for changing the chief minister) was an act of defection, the chief justice said it was not for the court to adjudicate the merits of the decision. "Since this court does not sit in appeal over a decision of the Speaker, it is not for this court to adjudicate the merits of the decision," she said. On the petitioners' contention that in the case of B S Yeddyurappa and others a similarly worded letter was held as not fit to attract disqualification, she extensively referred to the apex court's observations in the case, and said the Karnataka Speaker's order was set aside on the ground of violation of the principles of natural justice. The MLAs were found not to have been given reasonable opportunity to explain their representation, she said, citing the Yeddyurappa case, in which disqualification of 13 BJP MLAs who had revolted against the chief minister was set aside. Justice Banerjee said she also found "substance" in the contention of the government that if the effect of withdrawal of support and calling for initiation of constitutional process meant fall of the government, it would imply relinquishment of membership of the party, and attract provisions of the disqualification law. "No interference is, therefore, warranted with the impugned order passed by the Speaker," she ruled. Justice Sundar, however, said the entire controversy could have been put to rest had the Speaker conceded the plea of the petitioners to allow them an opportunity for cross examination and give oral evidence. The judge said that after a careful examination of the sum totality of the principles in various case laws cited by the petitioners, he was convinced that even if the impugned order was legally correct, it deserved to be set aside for mala fides (in bad faith). Citing a Supreme Court judgment by Justice V RKrishna Iyer, he said, "When exercise of power by the custodian of the power was for reasons outside the scope and purpose of the vesting of the power, the order deserved to be dislodged." "I respectfully submit that I disagree with the opinion of the CJ and hereby set aside the order passed by the Speaker," he said. Reacting to the split judgement, Dhinakaran, who recently founded Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam after being sidelined in the AIADMK, said he was dissatisfied with it. "It has given 2-3 months extension to the anti-people government in Tamil Nadu," he told reporters. DMK working president and Leader of the Opposition in the assembly M K Stalin said, "At a time when people are pinning hopes on judiciary to safeguard democracy, a clear, just and quick judgement should be issued. "Justice delayed is justice denied. Hope the judiciary will avoid such situation," he said in a tweet. Vaigai Chelvan, AIADMK spokesperson said, the party was confident that "justice would be done" when the third judge hears the matter. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A 21-year-old MBBS student was today found hanging at the residence of his relative in Madhya Pradesh's Betul, police said. While the father of deceased Yash Sathe alleged that his son had committed suicide due to ragging by his seniors in the college, police said they are investigating the reason that apparently drove Yash to take his own life. A police official said Yash had injury marks on his face. The deceased was the first year student of the Laxmi Narayan Medical College (LNMC) in Bhopal. However, the college authorities denied allegations of ragging, saying Yash had stopped coming to the college since last one year. "Yash Sathe committed suicide at his relative's place at Chandrashekar Nagar last night. He was found hanging in a room this morning," said Kotwali police station Inspector Rajesh Sahu. Yash's father Prahlad Sathe said, "My son got admitted to LNMC last year. Some of his seniors had ragged my son who lodged a complaint with the college management, but no action was taken against them. "Seniors were ragging and bothering him. Some students of the college had thrashed Yash and his seniors had even accused him of stealing money," Sathe said. Yash's cousin Vijay Pawar said the deceased had injury marks on his face when he reached his home around 10 pm last night. "Yash had said that he was beaten up by senior students," Pawar said. When contacted, LNMC Trust Secretary Anupam Chouksey told PTI that Yash ceased to be a student of the college after he stopped coming to the institute since last one year after he failed to clear his first year course. He had been a student of the 2016 batch, Chouksey said. He denied that Yash was subjected to ragging at the college. Sahu said the police have sent Yash's body for postmortem. "We have registered a case and investigating the matter to find out the trigger behind Yash taking his own life," the police inspector said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A woman who was arrested for allegedly creating ruckus at Madhya Pradesh Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan's function yesterday has claimed that she was forced to undergo a pregnancy test in jail in front of men. The woman was among the nine who were arrested when they intruded into the CM's programme at Lal Parade Ground here demanding that Chouhan fulfil his promise that women police aspirants would get a relaxation in height criteria. The nine women were released today. Speaking to PTI today, the woman, on condition of anonymity, alleged that all the nine arrested women were forced to undergo a pregnancy test in jail in front of men. "We were forced to take a pregnancy test in front of men," the woman said. Her allegation was, however, refuted by Central Jail superintendent Dinesh Nargawe who said that the women were made to undergo a urine test, including for pregnancy, as stipulated by the prison manual. He denied that the women were made to take the test in front of men. "There is no question of women undergoing the test in front of men. It is absolutely false," Nargawe said. "In October, MP Chief Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan had announced that he would relax the height criteria for women police aspirants by two centimetres," the 26-year-old woman said. She said that the group of women had been protesting at the Yadgaar-e-Shahjehani Park for the past three days and had gone to the CM's function to demand the implementation of the height relaxation promise. The women were arrested yesterday under section 151 (arrest to prevent the commission of cognisable offences) of the Code of Criminal Procedure (CrPC) and a Sub Divisional Magistrate's court had sent them to jail. The opposition Congress, meanwhile, hit out at the state government. "What can be more shameful that the niece (women) who had gone to meet their Mama, (maternal uncle, a reference to Chouhan) in the darkness of night against rules were sent to jail.. after their release today these spinsters nieces have alleged that they underwent pregnancy test in front of the men.. Shameful," state Congress spokesperson Narendra Saluja tweeted. The nine women met MP Congress chief Kamal Nath in the evening today and sought his help. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A franchise partner of online shopping portal Myntra today opened here a fashion store 'Roadster Go' which is loaded with some of the advanced technologies in fashion retail The shop, opend at the Mantri Mall, has some of the advanced technologies in product description and billing details. Claimed to be the first in the country in the fashion retail segment, the store started by Myntra's franchise partner has 100 per cent RFID (radio frequency identification) enabled digital screens that will help the customers get checkout in 30 seconds. Once the product is dropped in the RFID tray, the entire description with rates and total tally of the amount would appear on the touch screen. Customers can pay either digitallyor in cash. "Once the payment is done, the RFID is deactivated andyou can walk out of our store freely. But if you step out with the product without payment, the system willraise an alarm," chief executive officer of Myntra-Jabong Ananth Narayanan told mediapersons. The launch of Roadster Go, according to Narayanan, would redefinethe overall offline fashion shopping experience and mark thebeginning of a new era in the fashion retail industry. Speaking on the future plans, Narayanan said Myntrawould open 100 more stores of different brands, including 50Roadster stores in the next two years. Manohar Kamath, head of Myntra FashionBrands, said the store offers multiple breakthrough innovations inoffline shopping experience through a special amalgamationof fashion and technology. The store provides the prevailing rates of theproducts in Myntra online for the benefit of the customers. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A solo cycle expedition from Kashmir to Kanyakumari to create awareness on 'Armed Forces Flag Day' is being undertaken by lieutenant commander Manoj Gupta of the Indian Naval Academy (INA) at Ezhimala in neighbouring Kannur district. The expedition began at Khardung La in Jammu and Kashmir on June 6 and would end in Kanyakumari on July 16, an INA release said today. The expedition was flagged off by colonel Satish Sharma, commandant of Ladakh scouts regimental training centre, Leh, it said. Technical support to the lieutenant commander, who would visit 40 places, was being provided by TI Cycles of India, Chennai, at its retail outlets en route, the release said. The officer has already traversed through Upshi, Pang, Sarchu, Keylong, Manali, Mandi and Ramshehar, covering a distance of 800 km, before reaching Chandigarh on June 13, the release added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) New York State today filed a lawsuit against the Donald J Trump Foundation and its board of directors, including President Donald Trump and his family members, alleging persistent "illegal conduct" for more than a decade. President Trump reacted sharply to the lawsuit and asserted that he would "not settle" the case, and accused the Opposition Democrats of continuing with their "witch hunt" against him. The lawsuit alleges a pattern of persistent "illegal conduct", occurring over more than a decade, that includes extensive unlawful political coordination with the Trump presidential campaign, repeated and willful self-dealing transactions to benefit Trump's personal and business interests, and violations of basic legal obligations for non-profit foundations. Simultaneously, New York State Attorney General Barbara D Underwood initiated a special proceeding to dissolve the Trump Foundation under court supervision and obtain restitution of USD 2.8 million and additional penalties. Trump took to Twitter to respond to the announcement of the lawsuit. "The sleazy New York Democrats, and their now disgraced (and run out of town) A.G. Eric Schneiderman, are doing everything they can to sue me on a foundation that took in USD 18,800,000 and gave out to charity more money than it took in, USD 19,200,000. I won't settle this case!... ".. Schneiderman, who ran the Clinton campaign in New York, never had the guts to bring this ridiculous case, which lingered in their office for almost 2 years. Now he resigned his office in disgrace, and his disciples brought it when we would not settle," he tweeted. Among other things, the lawsuit also seeks a ban from future service as a director of a New York not-for-profit of 10 years for Trump and one year for each of the foundation's other board members, Donald Trump Jr, Ivanka Trump, and Eric Trump. The petition alleges that the President used the foundation's charitable assets to pay off his legal obligations, to promote Trump hotels and other businesses, and to purchase personal items. In addition, at Trump's behest, the Trump Foundation illegally provided extensive support to his 2016 presidential campaign by using the charity's name and funds it raised from the public to promote his campaign for presidency, including in the days before the Iowa nominating caucuses, the lawsuit alleges. "As our investigation reveals, the Trump Foundation was little more than a checkbook for payments from Mr Trump or his businesses to nonprofits, regardless of their purpose or legality," said Underwood. "This is not how private foundations should function and my office intends to hold the foundation and its directors accountable for its misuse of charitable assets," he said. The Attorney General's investigation found that Trump Foundation raised in excess of USD 2.8 million in a manner designed to influence the 2016 presidential election at the direction and under the control of senior leadership of the Trump presidential campaign, his office alleged. The foundation raised the funds from the public at the nationally televised fundraiser Trump held in lieu of participating in the presidential primary debate in Des Moines, Iowa, on January 28, 2016, it alleged. "In violation of state and federal law, senior Trump campaign staff, including Campaign Manager Corey Lewandowski, dictated the timing, amounts, and recipients of grants by the Foundation to non-profits, as evidenced by communications between Campaign staff and Foundation representatives," it said. Trump, who returned from the historic summit with North Korea's Kim Jong-un in Singapore on Tuesday, accused the Democrats of making up a "phony crime", "Russian collusion" and "fake news". "Now that I am back from Singapore, where we had a great result with respect to North Korea, the thought process must sadly go back to the Witch Hunt, always remembering that there was No Collusion and No Obstruction of the fabricated No Crime," he said. "So, the Democrats make up a phony crime, Collusion with the Russians, pay a fortune to make the crime sound real, illegally leak (Comey) classified information so that a Special Councel will be appointed, and then Collude to make this pile of garbage take on life in Fake News!" Trump said in another tweet. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The northeast is the only region in India for which the Centre has formulated a Regional Road Corporation to boost development, Union Minister Jitendra Singh said. The minister today convened a meeting of the Consultative Committee for the Ministry of Development of North Eastern Region (DoNER) in the winter capital of Jammu and Kashmir. The main focus of the meeting revolved around issues related to the North Eastern Handicrafts and Handloom Development Corporation (NEHHDC) and livelihood schemes being implemented by the ministry. One of the purposes of holding such consultative meetings on the northeast at different locations is to enable members of the committee to tell the rest of India about the path-breaking initiatives undertaken by the Centre in the northeastern region, Singh said. The Modi government has taken several initiatives for the development of the northeast in just four years, he said. "Northeast is the only region in the country for which the Centre has formulated the first-ever Regional Road Corporation in the form of North-East Road Development Scheme" to boost development, Singh said. Such meetings enable members of the committee to acquaint themselves with the developmental activities of the host state, in this case Jammu and Kashmir, the minister said. The pace of developmental activity in the northeastern region today could serve as a cue and motivation for the other states, Singh said. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, soon after taking office had declared that he wanted to bring peripheral states on par with the developed states, he said, adding that this declaration stands adequately vindicated. "The most important motivating factor for this is the prime minister's personal outreach who has, in just four years, visited the eight northeast states as many as 30 times, just as he has visited Jammu and Kashmir about a dozen times in the same period," Singh said. The eight states of the northeast, following a decision of the Union Cabinet, will, in the future, receive 100 per cent funding for central schemes and developmental projects instead of the 90:10 funding pattern which was available earlier, he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) There will be a renewed push from the Indian side for its bid to become a member of the 48-nation Nuclear Suppliers Group (NSG) at the two-day meeting of the bloc in Latvia which got underway on Thursday. India had applied for the NSG membership in 2016, but it was blocked by which insists that New Delhi is not a signatory to the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). India's cause is expected to get support from countries such as the US, and France, which have been strong votaries of New Delhi's inclusion into the club. This is also the first NSG plenary after India became a member of all the three export control regimes -- Missile Technical Control Regime (MTCR) in 2016, the Australia Group in 2017 and the Wassenaar Arrangement in 2018. Incidentally, is not a member of any of these three groups. Delhi has been reaching out to Beijing to relax their objections pertaining to India's membership. On 10 April, Joint Secretary (Disarmament and International Security) in the Pankaj Sharma had met Beijing's top interlocutor Wang Xun, the head of the disarmament division in the Chinese government. Prime Minister and Chinese President have met twice in Wuhan (in April) and Qingdao (in June) and have held discussions on a wide range of issues. There has also been an intensive engagement involving top officials of both the governments. However, Beijing's nod for India's membership is unlikely to come it wants the membership bid of India and Pakistan to be treated in the same manner. Pakistan had applied for the NSG membership a few days after India submitted its application. Like India, Pakistan too has tested its nuclear arsenal and is not a signatory to the NPT. However, India has cited its strong non-proliferation record to buttress its case. Posted Thursday, June 14, 2018 5:34 am What a beautiful day! It is always good to be in the house of the Lord and enjoy beautiful music, good messages and fellowship with our brothers and sisters in Christ. Services opened with Ill Fly Away being sung, with Lola and Jeremy leading. The lesson this week was Origin and Destiny, taken from Ephesians 2:1-22. Jerry taught the adult class. Kourtney Everett prayed and the children went to classes with Sister Lesley and Vula Dudley. As the worship hour began, Martha played a medley of beautiful music as everyone entered and seated. Happy Birthday was sung to John Henderson, Harold McGoon and me. What an honor to be given another year. As the choir assembled, Tina Massie thanked everyone for the kindness to their family during the sickness of parents and passing of her mother. The Old Gospel Ship was sung and Brother Bill gave the prayer list for Lyle Randolph, Roxee Beck, Brylee Petty, Barbara Walker, Gina Tracy, Lebanon fire victims, Shirley Hargus, Guatemala volcano victims, Shirley Sells grandson and wife, Larry Wilkerson, Wayne Young, Joe Letterman, Gladys Smiley, David Young, Harry and Kathy Shepherd, Susie Powell, the unsaved, those with unspoken needs and all the others on our list at church. Jeremy Everett prayed. Announcements included the following: On Sunday, Fathers Day, take your fathers and grandfathers to church. There will be no choir practice Sunday. VBS will be July 16-20, with a program on July 22. The new roof should be finished this week. Sunday was designated National Childrens Day, and all the children stood and were honored. Later, Jeremy sang Thank God For Kids in their honor. Specials were by Bob Delcour telling the story of John Wesley and later Billy Graham, who followed in his footsteps. Bob sang I Want To Stroll Over Heaven With You. Wade and Jeremy sang Ill Fly Away, and Martha sand You And Me Jesus. Brother Bill prayed and had a very good message from 2 Chronicles 7:1-10 and Hebrews 10:9-18, Jesus Paid It All, and it surely held the congregations attention. Softly And Tenderly was sung. Several went to the altar for prayer, and one joined with the church. We closed with Jerry leading prayer. In the evening service we had a lot of good special singing with a message from John 13:1-17 with the foot-washing service. Have a great week. The Odisha government would not implement the Centre's Ayushman Bharat National Health Protection Mission in the state since it is about to launch a similar scheme on its own shortly, a minister today said. "There is no need to join the central government's Ayushman Bharat programme after launching state's own health assurance scheme," Health & Family Welfare Minister Pratap Jena said. He said that Odisha's Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana would be implemented from August 15 this year. He said while the Centres Ayushman Bharat programme was meant for 61 lakh families of Odisha, the state's own Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana will cover 70 lakh families. Around 3.5 crore people will get health benefit up to Rs 5 lakh per family under the state scheme, he said. "Keeping in view the interests of the people of our state, we are going to implement the Biju Swasthya Kalyan Yojana," Jena said, adding that the healthcare scheme of the state government is better than that of the Centre. Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik had on Tuesday announced the health assurance scheme of the state. Under the programme, a family would get up to Rs 5 lakh per annum to meet healthcare expenditure at all government-run hospitals and the entire cost would be borne by the state government. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) In a departure from the past, the Congress did not invite the Pakistan High Commissioner to an Iftar party hosted by Rahul Gandhi that was attended by envoys of several Islamic nations. Rahul Gandhi hosted the Iftar event yesterday at a luxury hotel here, the first organised by him as Congress president. The Congress had invited high commissioners and ambassadors of several Islamic countries, including Bangladesh, at the Iftar, but the party's top brass did not invite the Pakistan High Commissioner in India to avoid criticism by the ruling BJP, sources said. During the last Iftar, hosted by former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, the then Pakistan High Commissioner was invited. Sources said a total of 46 diplomatic representatives of various countries attended Rahul Gandhi's Iftar party this year, the highest attendance ever. No invitation was sent to Pakistan and Israel. The Palestinian ambassador attended the Iftar, a senior Congress leader said "Congress was careful with the invites. Since India has not resumed dialogue process with Pakistan we did not invite them," another leader said. He also said the Iftar was held on a day four BSF personnel were killed in cross-border firing by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. Diplomats who attended the event included the British High Commissioner, the Ambassador of Russia, the Charge de Affairs of China, Minister Political from the US, and high commissioners of South Africa and Australia. The Bangladesh High Commissioner and the Bhutanese Ambassador and representatives of Central Asian countries, including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, were also there. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan today said that the reference to PoK in a UN report on alleged rights violations should in no way be construed to create a "false sense of equivalence" with Kashmir. The UN today released the first-ever report on alleged human rights violations in both Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir, as it demanded an international inquiry. This proposal is consistent with Pakistan's several calls to this effect since 2016, even as India has continued to ignore legitimate demands for probe into gross and systematic violations..., the Foreign Office said in a statement. The FO said that the reference towards Pakistan-administered part of Kashmir, including Gilgit-Baltistan "should in no way be construed to create a false sense of equivalence" with rights violations in Kashmir. The FO said that the High Commissioner for Human Rights' report rightly called for final political solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute through meaningful dialogue that includes the people of Kashmir. Pakistan said that the lasting solution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute is an essential imperative for peace, security and stability of South Asia and beyond. India's continued denial of this imperative, its unwillingness to engage in a dialogue process with Pakistan and suppression of Kashmiri aspirations for freedom continue to endanger regional and international peace and security, it alleged. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pervez Musharraf's hope of staging a political comeback by contesting the July 25 polls was quashed today when Pakistan's Supreme Court withdrew the conditional permission given earlier to the former dictator after he failed to appear before it. Musharraf, the former military ruler has not returned to Pakistan since leaving for Dubai in March 2016 on the pretext of medical treatment. The All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) chairperson had filed his nomination from the northern district of Chitral after the court last week allowed him to contest next month's general election but made it conditional on his appearance before it on June 13 in a case linked to his lifelong disqualification by the Peshawar High Court in 2013. Chief Justice Saqib Nisar yesterday had rebuked the former army chief for "cowardice", taunting him for not appearing in court and had told him to appear by 2 pm today. During the hearing, his counsel Qamar Afzal informed the four-member bench of the apex court that he had spoken to Musharraf and he was determined to return. But Musharraf said it was not possible for him to come immediately. Afzal pleaded that Musharraf needs more time to appear before the court owing to the "current situation [in the country]" and Eidul Fitr holidays. He also claimed that Musharraf was ill. It prompted the chief justice to adjourn the hearing for an indefinite period, saying the next hearing will be held when the petitioner was ready for it. "Alright, we'll adjourn the court hearing till indefinite time period, will hold it on your wish," the judge observed. But the chief justice ordered the withdrawal of the conditional permission for Musharraf to contest elections. Earlier Musharraf's APML said on Twitter that "preparations for his return were in the final stage". It was not clear why the plan was changed within hours after it was announced. Musharraf is wanted in Pakistan in several high-profile cases. He is facing a high-profile treason case and has been declared an absconder due to his persistent failure to appear before the special trial court set up to try him. The former president was indicted in March 2014 on treason charges for imposing an emergency in the country which led to the confinement of a number of superior court judges in their houses and sacking of over 100 other judges. A conviction for high-profile treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment. Musharraf has sought adequate security from the government for his return to appear in court in the treason case. Musharraf, who ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008, has been declared a fugitive in the Benazir Bhutto murder case and Red Mosque cleric killing case. In April 2013, the Peshawar High Court had disqualified him for life, holding him ineligible to contest elections. It also dismissed his appeal against his disqualification. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Pakistan's Supreme Court on Thursday withdrew a conditional permission for former military ruler Pervez Musharraf to contest elections after he failed to appear in court. Musharraf had filed his nomination from the northern district of Chitral after the court last week allowed him to contest the July 25 general election but made it conditional on his appearance before it on June 13 in a case linked to his lifelong disqualification by the Peshawar High Court in 2013. Chief Justice Saqib Nisar on Wednesday rebuked the former army chief for "cowardice", taunting him for not appearing in court and had told him to appear by 2 pm today. During the hearing, his counsel Qamar Afzal informed the court that Musharraf, 74, was determined to return but it was not possible for him to come immediately. I have spoken to Musharraf, he asks for more time. He plans to come to Pakistan but due to holidays and illness, he can't travel immediately, Afzal said. It prompted the chief justice to adjourn the hearing for an indefinite period, saying the next hearing will be held when the petitioner was ready for it. Alright, we'll adjourn the court hearing till indefinite time period, will hold it on your wish, the judge observed. But he ordered to withdraw the conditional permission for Musharraf to contest elections. Earlier today, Musharraf's All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) said on Twitter that preparations for his return were in the final stage. It was not clear why the plan was changed within hours after it was announced. Musharraf has been living in Dubai since March 2016, and is wanted in several cases. He is facing a high-profile treason case and has been declared an absconder due to his persistent failure to appear before the special trial court set up to try him. The former president was indicted in March 2014 on treason charges for imposing an emergency in the country which led to the confinement of a number of superior court judges in their houses and sacking of over 100 other judges. A conviction for high-profile treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment. Musharraf has sought adequate security from the government for his return to appear in court in the treason case. Musharraf, who ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008, has been declared a fugitive in the Benazir Bhutto murder case and Red Mosque cleric killing case. In April 2013, the Peshawar High Court had disqualified him for life, holding him ineligible to contest elections. It also dismissed his appeal against his disqualification. Pakistan has condemned the assassination of veteran Indian journalist Shujaat Bukhari, who was gunned down outside his office in Srinagar in Jammu and Kashmir today. Fifty-three-year-old Bukhari, the editor of English daily 'Rising Kashmir', was shot dead soon after he boarded his car from his office located at Press Enclave in the heart of the city centre -- Lal Chowk. Two of his personal security officers (PSOs) were also killed in the attack by terrorists. "We have learned with deep shock and sadness about the assassination of noted Kashmiri journalist Shujaat Bukhari by unknown gunmen," Pakistan's Foreign Office said in a statement. The Foreign Office said Bukhari was known for carrying out his professional responsibilities with courage and conviction. "There can be no justification for anyone to commit such brutality, which cannot be condemned enough," it said. Praying for Bukhari's soul to rest in eternal peace, the Foreign Office said: "Our profound thoughts and prayers are with his family at this difficult time." "May the Almighty Allah grant them the strength and fortitude to bear this irreparable loss," it said. Bukhari, survived by his wife and one son and a daughter, was instrumental in organising several conferences for peace in the Kashmir Valley. He was also part of the Track II process with Pakistan. The unidentified militants, believed to be three in number, were waiting as it is believed that they had the knowledge about the time Bukhari was to leave office. They fired indiscriminately on the vehicle carrying him and fled on a motorcycle along with a weapon of a PSO, Abdul Hamid, who was also killed on the spot. Another PSO, identified as Hameed, and a civilian were injured in the attack. The policeman later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A Palestinian shot in clashes with Israeli forces on the Gaza border succumbed to his wounds today, the health ministry in the Hamas-run enclave said. Ahmed al-Assi, 21, was shot east of Khan Yunis on June 8, a ministry statement said. It said he was wounded in the head and had been in critical condition. Since major border protests broke out on March 30, at least 130 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire. No Israelis have been killed. Palestinians are calling to return to the homes their families fled from in 1948 during the war surrounding the creation of Israel. Israel says any such return would mean the end of it as a Jewish state and accuses Gaza's Islamist rulers Hamas of using protesters as human shields. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Prajnesh Gunneswaran missed out on a clash with the legendary Roger Federer after losing his second round at the ATP Mercedes Cup to Argentina's Guido Pella in Stuttgart today. Prajnesh, who qualified into the tournament and stunned world number 23 Denis Shapovalov in the opening round, lost 6-7(4) 4-6 to the world number 75. The Indian left-hander, playing his maiden ATP World Tour event, saved four of the five break points but could convert none of the two chances he got in the one-hour 29 minute contest. "I played ok but not as good as I needed to. He was very solid and got me to make more errors than I should have. I needed to be a bit more clinical in putting away the shorter balls. I did not do that well enough and it made it difficult for me to win," the 169th-ranked Prajnesh told PTI from Stuttgart. When asked about the missed chance to play against the 20-time Grand Slam champion, he was not very disappointed. "It does not matter. If it comes later, it does, if it does not, it does not. I am not too bothered about that. Overall it is a very good experience for me. I understood what I need to do and what I need to improve to be at this stage," he said. He picked up 32 ranking points, including 12 from qualifying, and earned euro 11,210 for his effort. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Shiromani Akali Dal (SAD) today launched a helpline for paddy farmers to protect them from alleged persecution by the Congress government. The Punjab government has asked farmers to begin paddy transplantation only after June 20 to check the depleting water table levels. However, farmers claim that if they delay the transplantation, they will incur heavy losses. Saplings of those found violating the government orders are being uprooted. SAD leader Bikram Singh Majithia said the helpline had been launched to make a concerted effort to protect farmers transplanting paddy according to the traditional date of June 10. We will not let any farmer's field to be re-ploughed in the name of a dictatorial order restricting paddy transplantation before June 20, Majithia said. He said the party leaders would rush to the spot upon receiving information from farmers. Majithia said it was shameful that an elected government was riding roughshods over farmers by passing unilateral orders, without understanding the farmers' concerns. "The Congress government does not believe that the Annadata (food provider), who is feeding the nation and working in extreme heat to produce food grains, has valid reasons to start transplanting paddy from June 10, even as its ministers make arrogant and dictatorial pronouncements from the comfort of their air conditioned rooms," Majithia said. He added that SAD would rescue the distressed farmers from the Congress government's persecution. The SAD leader said that sowing in paddy nurseries had been done and labour hired by farmers according to the traditional transplantation date of June 10. Majithia said that the farmers understood that timing was most crucial. Delaying transplantation by ten days gives the crop less time to ripen and affects yield, he said, adding that the farmers also face difficulties in selling the produce as its moisture content remains high. Majithia asked the Congress government to clarify whether it will compensate the farmers for increased labour costs due to the reduction of the paddy transplantation window, loss of yield, loss due to failure to cultivate a third crop and ensure that the moisture-laden paddy will be procured. He claimed that the delaying paddy transplantation would also cut down time to dispose off paddy stubble, forcing farmers to burn it and thereby add to the pollution levels. Majithia also condemned the Congress government for threatening farmers that their crop would not be procured if the violated the government directions. He said that the government had already cheated the farmers by not honouring its commitment to waive off their loans worth Rs 90,000 crore. This has led to more than 450 farmers committing suicide, Majithia claimed. Actions like destroying paddy which has been sowed after investing a huge amount are only aimed at further adding to this number, he alleged. Majithia also appealed to the government employees to understand the plight of the farmers and not destroy their standing crops. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Posted Thursday, June 14, 2018 5:36 am June 10 was the tenth Sunday in Ordinary Time. Family reflection: Genesis 3:9-15. This is a story of broken relationships. Psalms 130: With the Lord there is mercy, and fullness of redemption. 2 Corinthians 4: 13-5:1: Despite suffering, Paul proclaims his faith. Mark 3:20-35: Jesus encounters conflict and challenge to his authority. The arc to redemption is not without conflict, suffering, division or challenge. Its meaning is premised on mercy overcoming what is incomplete or fractured. This has been borne out throughout history, including in Jesus own life. When we encounter darkness or failure, we know that this is not the last word, by Gods unending love and mercy. We are called to extend that love and mercy to others. Birthdays were observed for Jewel Moore, Anthony Smith, Claire Admire, Ernie Huckins, Janet Bowers, Pam Lunn. Stewardship reflection: Like the sower, I scatter as seed my time, talent, and resources; and I trust in Gods time that these small gifts of myself may grow and flourish. June 15: Knights of Columbus Fish Fry for Marshfield School Foundation, 5-7 p.m., Holy Trinity Hall June 17: Fathers Day July 4: Independence Day Sept 3: Labor Day To pray for one another is first of all to acknowledge the presence of God, that we belong to each other as children of the same God. Henri Noumen Let us pray for one another. Actors Rafe Spall and John Slattery will star in the pilot of Hulu's dystopian comedy "Kansas City". The two actors will be joined by Allison Tolman in the pilot, which will be directed by Rhys Thomas from a script by Zev Borow, reported Deadline. The story is set in a world where the Kansas City has been divided by a wall to separate the conservative West KC from the liberal East KC. Spall, who recently appeared in "Jurassic World: The Fallen Kingdom", will portray the role of Ben Graham, a citizen of East KC who has wearily resigned himself to only being able to see his 15-year-old daughter, Clarissa, who lives in West KC, a few hours a day until he is approached about being a spy. Slattery, best known for playing Howard Stark in Marvel films, will play Ellis Brookmeyer, Ben's former father-in-law and the last mayor of unified Kansas City, who is the leading funder of West KC's secret police and will stop at nothing to bring East KC to its knees. Tolman will play Tabatha Brookmeyer, Ben's ex-wife and the mother of their daughter. She left Ben and East KC to live with their daughter in West KC. Her motivations then, and now, are complicated as is her fraught relationship with her father, Ellis. The pilot will be produced by produce along with Sony Pictures Television. Borow will also executive produce with Darryl Frank and Justin Falvey. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) As many as 88 life-saving equipment, medicines and injections will now be available on all trains and stations, replacing the basic first aid box that is usually found on railway premises, a senior official said today. These include delivery kits, oxygen cylinders, laryngoscopes, catheters, syringes, tablets, splints, bandages of all shapes and sizes, ointments and even oxygen defibrillators, the official said. "The Supreme Court had formed a committee of AIIMS to examine the issue of providing emergency care to passengers on board trains and in their report, they have listed the equipment that we had to provide. We have complied with that and started providing the same to the passengers," the railway official said. He said that except the oxygen defibrillator which costs Rs 3-4 lakhs, all other medical supplies were being provided by the national transporter in a phased manner. The panel was formed after the apex court issued directions on a public interest litigation filed after a newspaper reported that a railway officer died of cardiac arrest on a Jaipur-Kota train. The new medical box was being provided on trains in a phased manner since April, the official said. The Railways will also provide folding stretchers at all stations and seek the help of doctors travelling on the train or available at the nearest station for emergency care whenever needed. The national transporter currently provides a first aid box containing life-saving drugs on long-distance trains and ensures that with the help of the doctor on board, proper medical care is provided to ailing passengers. Further, augmented first aid boxes are provided on selected long-distance trains as well. Total 162 trains had been identified and were provided with such boxes. These augmented first aid boxes contain 58 different types of medicines/first aid materials. Other than this, railway hospitals across its network are called to attend to passengers falling ill during a journey. In case of emergencies, station masters/managers are empowered to summon the railway medical officer on call to attend to passengers. All TTEs, guards and station masters are trained in basic medical care, the official said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The state government was considering enhancement of compensation amount to the people affected during the recent heavy rains in the city, Karnataka Revenue Minister R V Deshpande said today. Addressing reporters during his visit to the affected areas, the minister said the compensation of Rs one lakh paid toeach affected household was not sufficient and it would be increased. Deshpande said the state government had released Rs three crore each to Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts which facedcalamities in the torrential rains. He said landslides and fallen trees on the Charmadi Ghat, linking Mangaluru and the capital Bengaluru, were being cleared and would be opened for traffic soon. The minister visited the houses of two families affected by the heavy rains on May 29 last and presented cheques of Rs one lakh each to them. After visiting the Ullal area, Deshpande held a meeting of officials at the office of Deputy Commissioner to review relief measures. He said Dakshina Kannada and Udupi districts had suffered losses due to the rain and he had collected a report from the district administration here. The minister alsoinstructed the deputy commissioner to keep an amount of Rs five crore in hand which could be used in case of emergency. Housing Minister UT Khader, DCC president HarishKumar and city Mayor Bhaskar Moily were among those present during Deshpande's visit. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Veteran journalist and Rising Kashmir editor and his PSO were shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside the newspaper's office in the heart of this summer capital, police officials said on Thursday. Bukhari, who was in his 50s, was leaving his office in Press Enclave in the city centre Lal Chowk for an iftar party when he was shot, officials said. While one of the personal security officers (PSO) guarding him was killed, another policeman and a civilian were injured, they added. The condition of the two injured in the shooting, which comes a day ahead of Eid, is critical, they said. It was not immediately clear how many gunmen attacked Bukhari, who earlier worked with The Hindu newspaper as its Kashmir correspondent. Bukhari was instrumental in organising several conferences for peace in the Kashmir Valley. He was also part of the Track II process with Pakistan. Veteran journalist and 'Rising Kashmir' editor Shujaat Bukhari and his two personal security officers (PSOs) were shot dead by terrorists outside the newspaper's office in the heart of Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital today, police officials said. Fifty-three-year-old Bukhari, who had worked as the state correspondent for national daily 'The Hindu' for several years, was shot dead soon after he boarded his car from his office located at Press Enclave in the heart of the city centre -- Lal Chowk. Giving details, police said in a statement that terrorists this evening fired upon senior journalist and editor-in-chief of the daily, 'Rising Kashmir', Shujaat bukhari at Press Enclave. "While Shujaat Bukhari was travelling in a car near Press Enclave, he was fired (upon) indiscriminately which resulted in instant death of Bhukari and a PSO who was with him. The other PSO who was shifted to the hospital in critical condition has succumbed to his injury," the statement said. "Preliminary investigation...indicates this as a terror attack. Police is investigating the case and condemn this gruesome terror act," the statement said. The unidentified militants, believed to be three in number, were waiting as it is believed that they had the knowledge about the time Bukhari was to leave office. They fired indiscriminately on the vehicle carrying him and fled on a motorcycle along with a weapon of a Personal Security Officer (PSO) Abdul Hamid, who was also killed on the spot. Bukhari is survived by his wife and one son and a daughter. Another PSO, identified as Hameed, and a civilian were injured in the attack. The policeman later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The journalist is the brother of Bashrat Ahmed Bukhari, a minister in the Mehbooba Mufti government. An anguished Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti broke down while denouncing the "mindless" killing of Bukhari as she recalled her meeting with the renowned journalist a few days ago. "What can I say. Only a few days ago he had come to meet me," an emotional Mufti said, struggling to hold back her tears. Several organisations of journalists also condemned the killing. Bukhari is the fourth journalist to be killed by militants in the nearly three-decade-long violence in Kashmir. In 1991, the editor of 'Alsafa', Mohammed Shaban Vakil, was killed by militants of Hizbul Muahideen. Former BBC correspondent Yussuf Jameel escaped with injuries when a bomb exploded in his office in 1995, but ANI cameramen Mushtaq Ali lost his life in the incident. Later on January 31, 2003, Parvaz Mohammed Sultan, editor of NAFA, was shot dead by Hizbul Mujahideen at his Press Enclave office. Hours before he was killed, Bukhari distinguishable by his over six-foot tall frame and husky voice was steadfastly defending his work on microblogging site Twitter when he was accused by some Delhi-based journalists of biased coverage. "...In #Kashmir we have done Journalism with pride and will continue to highlight what happens on ground," he had said in the tweet. As the of his cold-blooded killing spread, the social media reacted with surprise and disgust about the cowardly act as politicians, journalists and common people expressed their condolences and condemnation of the barbaric act. Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti said in a message that she was shocked and saddened by Bukhari's "sudden demise". "The scourge of terror has reared its ugly head on the eve of Eid. I strongly condemn this act of mindless violence & pray for his soul to rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family," the chief minister said on Twitter. Terrorism, she said, has hit a new low with Bukhari's killing, "that too on the eve of Eid". "We must unite against forces seeking to undermine our attempts to restore peace. Justice will be done," Mehbooba said. Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad termed him a close friend and lauded his role during the floods of 2014. "In him we have lost a fearless journalist and a great social worker," he said. BJP national General Secretary Ram Madhav also termed the senior journalist's killing a cowardly act by the terrorists. In a tweet, he said, "Shocked to hear about d attack on d Editor-in-Chief of Rising Kashmir Shujaat Bukhari in Srinagar. Reprehensible n condemnable cowardly act of d terrorists (sic)" Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah said, "Shocked beyond words. May Shujaat find place in Jannat & May his loved ones find strength at this difficult time." Abdullah also posted a screenshot of his last conversation with Bukhari on Twitter. Bukhari was instrumental in organising several conferences for peace in the Kashmir Valley. He was also part of the Track II process with Pakistan. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Railway Ministry today agreed to hand over more than 70 acres of land to Bihar government, on payment of about Rs 220 crore, paving the way for construction of a 6-km long road in the state capital. According to Rajesh Kumar, Chief Public Relations Officer of the East Central Railway headquartered in Hajipur, "the ministry has accorded in-principle approval" for handing over 71.253 acres of land to the state government upon payment of Rs 221.72 crore, "the value of land worked out by a revaluation committee constituted upon directions of the Patna High Court". In a statement, Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi thanked Railway Minister Piyush Goyal for the approval and said "I had met the Railway Minister only yesterday and requested, for the second time in a month, to take a decision on handing over the land to the Bihar government". He said upon getting possession of the land, through which a defunct railway line passes, it will be possible to construct a road 6 km long and 30 metres wide. The proposed road would bring about better connectivity between Digha, the city's north-western extreme, and "R Block" which is a stone's throw from a number of important buildings including the state Assembly, Sushil Modi said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Samsung Electronics Co., the world's biggest smartphone maker, joined today a growing list of companies that are promising to increase their use of solar and other renewable energy to help curb global warming. Samsung, part of South Korea's biggest corporate group, is the first Asian electronics manufacturer to join a movement spearheaded by Apple Inc. and other Silicon Valley companies. The South Korean tech giant said it would use more renewable energy at factories and other operations in the United States, Europe and China but still would rely on local power grids that use fossil fuels and, to compensate for that, would buy credits from outside renewable energy suppliers. The company said it had not determined which providers it might use. Other companies that have joined the renewable energy pledge, dubbed RE 100, include automakers General Motors Co. and BMW AG and a handful of other manufacturers. Most are in less energy-intensive technology and service industries. The maker of Galaxy smartphones faces bigger challenges due to its vast factory network in more than 30 countries, while many of the Silicon Valley names on the list rely on outside contractors for manufacturing. "Samsung's commitment represents a big step forward in reducing the impact that our technology is having on the planet," the environmental group Greenpeace said in a statement. Activists began pressing Samsung a year ago to set a renewable energy target. The company faced growing pressure from clients for its manufacturing services, some of whom had called on their suppliers to make a similar commitment. Apple, a major customer for Samsung's chips and display panels, said in April it would push its supply chain to switch to renewable energy. Samsung gave no renewable energy target for facilities in its home country of South Korea, where about three quarters of the energy comes from coal and nuclear power. It also declined to give a target for Vietnam, which has become its largest manufacturing base for smartphones. Samsung, also a major producer of computer chips, said its plans include installing 42,000 square metres of solar panels this year at its headquarters in Suwon, South Korea, and two other cities where it operates major semiconductor plants. The effect of that would be largely symbolic because the portion of renewable energy in Samsung's South Korean business still would be minimal. South Korea gets 6 percent of its energy from renewable sources. The government aims to increase that to 20 percent by 2030. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Troops in a Saudi-led coalition captured a town south of Yemen's port city of Hodeida today as fierce fighting and airstrikes pounded the area, officials said, on the second day of an offensive to capture the strategic harbour. Soldiers took the town of Nakhila in Yemen's ad-Durayhimi district, some 20 kilometres south of Hodeida International Airport, according to the government-run SABA agency. Fighters continued to move closer to the airport in fighting today. The Saudi-led coalition backing Yemen's exiled government launched an assault on the port city of Hodeida (hoh-DY'-duh) yesterday. The Red Sea port is the main entry for food into a country already on the brink of famine. The biggest offensive of the years-long war in the Arab world's poorest nation has raised warnings from aid agencies that Yemen's humanitarian disaster could deepen. The attack is aimed at driving out Iranian-aligned Shiite rebels known as Houthis, who have held Hodeida since 2015, and break the civil war's long stalemate. But it could set off a prolonged street-by-street battle that inflicts heavy casualties. The fear is that a protracted fight could force a shutdown of Hodeida's port at a time when a halt in aid risks tipping millions into starvation. Some 70 per cent of Yemen's food enters via the port, as well as the bulk of humanitarian aid and fuel supplies. Around two-thirds of the country's population of 27 million relies on aid and 8.4 million are already at risk of starving. Early yesterday, convoys of vehicles headed toward the rebel-held city as heavy gunfire rang out. The assault, part of an operation dubbed "Golden Victory," began with coalition airstrikes and shelling by naval ships, according to Saudi-owned satellite channels and state media. Bombardment was heavy, with one aid official reporting 30 strikes in 30 minutes. The initial battle plan appeared to involve a pincer movement. Some 2,000 troops who crossed the Red Sea from an Emirati naval base in the African nation of Eritrea were awaiting orders to move in from the west after Yemeni government forces seize Hodeida's port, Yemeni security officials said. Emirati forces with Yemeni government troops moved in from the south near Hodeida's airport, while others sought to cut off Houthi supply lines to the east, the officials said. They spoke on condition of anonymity as they weren't authorised to brief journalists. Yemen's exiled government "has exhausted all peaceful and political means to remove the Houthi militia from the port of Hodeida," it said in a statement. "Liberation of the port of Hodeida is a milestone in our struggle to regain Yemen from the militias." Four Emirati soldiers were killed in Wednesday's assault, the United Arab Emirates' state-run agency said, but gave no details of how they died. The Houthi-run Al Masirah satellite news channel claimed rebel forces hit a Saudi coalition ship near Hodeida with two missiles. The Saudi-led coalition did not immediately acknowledge the incident. Forces loyal to Yemen's exiled government and fighters led by Emirati troops had neared Hodeida in recent days. The port is some 150 kilometers (90 miles) southwest of Sanaa, Yemen's capital, which has been in Houthi hands since September 2014. The Saudi-led coalition entered the war in March 2015. The United Nations and other aid groups already had pulled their international staff from Hodeida ahead of the assault. The UN Security Council was scheduled to meet Thursday to discuss the offensive. The port has remained open, however. Several ships arrived in recent days, including oil tankers, and there was no word from the coalition or the UN to stop work, according to a senior port official, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorized to talk to the media. Aid groups nevertheless warned of disaster. More than 10,000 people have been killed in Yemen's civil war, which has displaced 2 million others and helped spawn a cholera epidemic. Saudi-led airstrikes have killed large numbers of civilians and damaged vital infrastructure. The UN and Western nations say Iran has supplied the Houthis with weapons, from assault rifles to the ballistic missiles they have fired deep into Saudi Arabia, including at the capital, Riyadh. The coalition has blocked most ports, letting supplies into Hodeida in coordination with the UN. The air campaign and fighting have disrupted other supply lines, causing an economic crisis that makes food too expensive for many to afford. Late yesterday, the Saudi and Emirati governments announced what they called a "multi-faceted plan" to protect civilians in Hodeida, including establishing routes for food, medical supplies and oil shipments from Saudi Arabia's southern city of Jizan and the UAE's capital, Abu Dhabi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Sebi plans to put in place revised norms for recovering investors' money in cases of illegal collective investment schemes, wherein a registered insolvency professional will be appointed as administrator to undertake sale of assets. A senior official said the regulator is looking to revise the procedures to be followed after passing of orders in cases related to unregistered collective investment schemes. In case an entity is not traceable or is not complying with Sebi directions, the recovery officer can appoint an administrator for the purpose of selling the properties attached. According to the official, only an entity registered with the IBBI as insolvency resolution professional would be considered eligible for appointment as administrator. The Insolvency and Bankruptcy Board of India (IBBI) is implementing the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code. Before appointment as administrator, such an entity should provide an undertaking with Sebi that it does not have any "conflict of interest with the unregistered collective investment scheme entity, its directors, promoters and its group entities," the official said. According to the official, the proposal is likely to be taken up during Sebi's board meeting scheduled for June 21. The expenses pertaining to the administrator would be borne by the entity or come from the sale proceeds of the entity's assets. The official said the administrator can appoint an independent chartered accountant to verify the details of money raised, including payment already made to investors. The proposed norms would also be applicable in instances of refunding investors in deemed public issues and cases where a particular entity has failed to comply with directions to disgorge ill-gotten gains. In case the administrator is not able to raise the entire dues by sale of the entity's assets, then repayment would be done on a pro-rata basis. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tech giant Google today said security is the "bedrock" of its cloud services, which have seen significant adoption by enterprises in India over the last few months. Google's cloud region in India - which comprises three data centres - went live in Mumbai in November last year and offers services like Big Data, storage and networking. Google competes with the likes of Amazon Web Services and Microsoft in this space. "...especially here in India, the bedrock of what we are offering is around security, making sure that we provide the highest levels of security and operational excellence for companies to be able to run successful and scalable businesses," Google Cloud Asia-Pacific Managing Director Rick Harshman told reporters here. He added that the company is witnessing strong growth in demand from across customer segments, right from startups and small and medium businesses (SMBs), to the largest enterprises in India. Google's cloud customers in India include Ashok Leyland, goibibo.com, Hero MotoCorp, Policybazaar.com, Quikr, Yaatra, SBI Cards, Hike Messenger, Vistara and ShareChat, among others. Talking about focus on ensuring that data on cloud stays protected, Harshman said "security is always top of the mind for companies". "We take it (security) extremely seriously... When we design a product/service, security is inherently built into it," he asserted and pointed out that globally, the US-based company has over 1,000 security engineers working on Google Cloud. Miles Ward, director, Solutions Google Cloud, said: "Our businesses cease to exist if we violate customers' trust. So we have to be responsible for customers' data." There has been a growing concern around data security globally, especially after the data breach incident at social networking giant Facebook where personal information of over 87 million individuals was harvested by data mining firm Cambridge Analytica. Many countries, including India, are in the process of strengthening data protection framework in the face of exponential growth in data that has brought with it challenges around cyber security. In India, a high-powered committee chaired by Justice B N Srikrishna (former Supreme Court judge) is already working on a stronger data protection law and is expected to finalise its views this month. Asked if Google was concerned about such proposed regulations, Harshman said: "We need to be aware of what governments are potentially proposing and if there is need of any potential changes, we will evaluate that". Google has cloud regions across locations like Oregon, Iowa (US), Montreal, London, Frankfurt, Finland, Singapore, Sydney and Tokyo, among others. The company is also training people on new-age technologies like artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning (ML) in the cloud era of computing. "We have collaborated with Coursera to offer a series of on-demand training offerings for Google Cloud platform. As part of this, we are launching a new course- Machine Learning with TensorFlow on Google Cloud platform," he said. Besides, Google has launched a new certification for Cloud engineers. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2018 12:59 pm July weather hit here in the first part of June, so look out in July, I'm thinking. But, a lot of time it rains around the 4th of July, so maybe that will happen. Pastures are getting dry; farmers are mowing one day and baling the next day. That will also do away with the good pastures that the cows have had for all that good milk they produce. The weatherman says maybe it will rain Tuesday or Wednesday. Hope so!!! Dont forget Fathers Day this coming Sunday, and honoring them in some way, shape or form. The Senior Center Pulled Pork Fundraiser went well with Clint Massey Music to entertain. Also, it was a good time for the politicians to campaign for their office to catch several in one place. These included Conways Heather Officer, Toni Pitts Morris, Randy Angst and Al Samons, and there may have been others that I didn't know or talk to. Also, it was the community-wide yard sale, so that might have helped, too. I noticed the Class of 83 was having their reunion at the Community Center on Sunday, so it seems it was a very busy weekend for everyone . Judith Weaver Perrymans families met for their Reunion Saturday at the Conway Community Building. There are not as many as there used to be, but the three main families who have kept it together were present; the were Weaver, Barker and Lindsay, and of course the original Hoover and Charles Moore. Liza Ann Gourley Moore started the reunion when the oldest of the Barker children passed away. Kenneth Barker died in February 1973. Mommy Moore, as she was known to all her children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren, said, My little chicks had better gather under my wings more often. We're all getting together from now on every year around Memorial weekend! For years everyone met in Lebanon on Memorial weekend. But, the weather played havoc every year, and it was moved to Conway at the Community Building. This year has been 46 years for our families to come together. We have all lost our grandparents and parents, but our Granny told us to keep it going, and we will until the last one is gone, with the Blessings of God. Dave Perryman and the Country Revue will be at Bolivar YMCA this Saturday. Dave and Terry played at the Route 66 Opry in Springfield last Saturday and really enjoyed the band there. It is the best opry show in the area, with extremely talented musicians to play with. The Chester Wood Band will be at the Hughes Center this Saturday. Blessings to all until next week! A Shiv Sena corporator from the city today demanded that the University of Mumbai be renamed after Rajmata Jijabai Bhosale, mother of Maratha warrior king Shivaji. The demand comes three days after a Maratha group launched a campaign seeking that the university be renamed after Chhatrapati Shivaji's son Sambhaji. Datta Narvankar, a city corporator, tabled a proposal in the Brihanmumbai Municipal Corporation (BMC) house seeking a debate on the issue of renaming the country's one of the oldest universities as Jijamata Bhosale Mumbai University. "Considering the immense contribution made by the revered Jijamata Bhosale ji, I have urged the members of the house to rename the university after her. This will be a real tribute to her," he said. Narvankar also expressed confidence that other members of the house will support his demand. "I am hopeful that the issue will be discussed in the house and then forwarded to the university and the state government for further action," the corporator from ward 197 said. Sakal Marathi Samaj, a group working for Sambhaji's cause has launched the campaign in Pune to change the name of the university as Sambhaji Maharaj University. Its members are likely to arrive in Mumbai next week to meet the state education minister, the governor and the vice-chancellor with its request for a name change. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Shiv Sena president Uddhav Thackeray has objected to private developers 'renaming' areas in Mumbai, apparently to make their projects attractive to prospective customers, and directed party corporators to warn the builders in their respective wards against doing so. Addressing a meeting of the party corporators at Shiv Sena Bhavan here, Thackeray also asked them to "blacken" the sign boards/name plates in case the developers concerned failed to toe the line, according to sources. The Sena chief has objected to alleged change of names of places like Worli and Malabar Hills in Mumbai by some developers in their projects, the sources said. "Several builders have changed names of some places in Mumbai. Thackeray ordered the corporators to stop that campaign by some developers. He asked them to write to the builders concerned against doing so (changing names). "The corporators should warn them that the boards will be blackened if they changed names of areas in Mumbai," a source said. In the last few years, advertisements by several builders have been showcasing new names for existing areas, including Kala Nagar as BKC Annex, Vadala as New Cuffe Parade, Lower Parel as Upper Worli and Andheri as Upper Juhu. Areas like Cuffe Parade, Juhu, Bandra are counted among the tony residential addresses in the space-starved metropolis. In line with the party's Marathi plank, Thackeray also called for making available the copy of the city's Development Plan 2034 in local language for convenience of those who made suggestions in it. He also sought a month's time for the people to study the DP and to see whether their provisions have been incorporated in the plan. The development plan is a blueprint of the city's land use for the next 20 years. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Separatists in Kashmir today denounced the killing of Rising Kashmir editor and veteran journalist Shujaat Bukhari, terming it a direct assault on freedom of speech and expression. Moderate Hurriyat Conference chairman Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said he was deeply shocked, and Bukhari's death was a huge loss. Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic of Shujaat Bukhari's killing! Such inhumanity is unpardonable and condemned in the strongest terms! Proud son of the soil his death is a huge loss, Mirwaiz wrote on Twitter. The separatist leader said Bukhari was an erudite intellectual, a fearless journalist and "above all a selfless human". My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family. Pray to almighty for his 'magfirat' (forgiveness) and place in Jannat (heaven), Mirwaiz said. Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) chairman Mohammad Yasin Malik strongly condemned the brutal killing of the senior Kashmiri Journalist. Terming it an assault on freedom of speech and expression, the JKLF chairman said Kashmir had "lost a balanced voice at the hands of ruthless assailants and this is actually a moment of mourning for all of us. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Disgruntled BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha, who through his recent utterances and happy bonding with Lalu Prasad and his family has clearly indicated growing proximity with RJD, received a welcome gesture from Tejashwi Yadav saying which party would not like to have Sinha on its side. In a clear-cut show of preference, Sinha, chose to attend the Iftar function held at the residence of RJD heir apparent Tejashwi Yadav instead of the one organized by Chief Minister Nitish Kumars Janata Dal (United) a BJP ally here last night. Though, Sinha insisted that no political meanings be attached to his presence among my family friends, the event indicated his future political move. Media reports have also indicated that the actor-politician, whose relation with BJP is severely strained, might contest next year general election from his Patna Sahib seat from some other party. When Tejashwi Yadav was asked about the possibility of Sinha joining the RJD, he said at Iftar last night which party would not like to have Shatrughan Sinha by its side. He is the pride of Bihar. Tejashwi, younger son of RJD supremo Lalu Prasad, is calling the shorts in the party in the absence of his father who is serving jail in connection with fodder scam cases, and comment from him assumes significance. Shatrughan Sinha popularly called as "Bihari Babu" has made it clear that he would contest the 2019 Lok Sabha polls from Patna Sahib constituency, from where he had won in 2014, "even if the situation is otherwise". Sinha, who served as a Union minister in the NDA government of A B Vajpayee, is a Lok Sabha member from his native Patna Sahib seat for the second consecutive term. "The location (of the constituency) will be the same, even if the situation is otherwise," Sinha had said when he was in Patna to attend the marriage ceremony of RJD chief Lalu Prasad's son Tej Pratap Yadav last month. After his barrage of attacks on the current BJP leadership and firing salvos at Prime Minister Narendra Modi, it is hotly debated whether Sinha would be fielded by the BJP in the 2019 general election. Sinha is at odds with the party leadership ever since he was ignored during the 2015 Bihar Assembly election. After he shared the dais at an event in Patna with former Union minister Yashwant Sinha, who quit the BJP recently after consistently attacking Modi and BJP president Amit Shah, Bihar Deputy Chief Minister Sushil Kumar Modi, through a tweet, had made an oblique dig at him, saying the "shatru" (enemy) of the saffron party should quit, instead of waiting for expulsion. Sinha had met Lalu Prasad at Ranchi jail and expressed concern over his health. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A shelter home in Bihar's Muzaffarpur was sealed and 46 minor girls were rescued after it was found that a sex-racket was being run in the facility, the Women and Child Development (WCD) Ministry said today. Acting on a tip-off, an inspection was conducted recently by the Bihar State Commission for Protection of Child Rights (BSCPCR) and the manager of the shelter home was arrested. The ministry tweeted, "Acting promptly on a complaint received from a citizen about sex racket in a shelter home for girls in Muzaffarpur, we got it inspected by the Bihar State Commission for Protection of Child Rights." In a letter dated June 12 to the National Commission for Protection of Child Rights, BSCPCR chairperson Harpal Kaur said about 46 minor girls were shifted to other shelter homes and they are being counselled there. The ministry urged people to be vigilant and flag any such suspicious activity. It has also directed all district magistrates of Bihar to undertake surprise visit of shelter homes. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore today said the killing of Rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari was a brutal attack on freedom of press. "Assassination of #ShujaatBukhari is a brutal attack on freedom of press. A cowardly and deplorable act of terror. Our fearless media is one of the greatest strength of our democracy and we are committed to provide a safe and conducive working environment to media persons," the information and broadcasting minister tweeted. Law minister Ravi Shankar Prasad said he was "deeply saddened" to learn about the "dastardly killing" of the veteran journalist. "Such an attempt to suppress the sane voices by terrorists will never succeed," he said in a tweet. Press Information Bureau (PIB) chief Sitanshu Kar said Bukhari's voice of moderation will be missed by all. "Extremely saddened by the way the voice of #shujaatbukhari, one of the finest journalists of J&K, has been silenced. His voice of moderation will be missed by all," he tweeted. Bukhari, who was in his 50s, was leaving his office in Press Enclave in the city centre Lal Chowk for an Iftar party when he was shot dead, officials said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The sit-in by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his ministers today received more political support including from Tamil actor Kamal Haasan and parties like the RJD, CPI (M) and the CPI which accused the BJP-led central government of creating hurdles in the work of AAP government. CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury alleged that the central government was using the office of the L-G to "obstruct" the elected government in Delhi in discharging of its constitutional duties. "... This is despicable. The Centre must abandon this course of confrontation right away," Yechury tweeted. Kejriwal and his three cabinet colleagues - Manish Sisodia, Gopal Rai and Satyendar Jain - have held a sit-in the L-G's office since Monday evening over their demands, including a direction to officers to end their "strike" and action against those who have struck work. They also want the L-G to approve the proposal for doorstep delivery of ration. Haasan, who in February launched his own political party --- Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) -- in Tamil Nadu at an event attended by Kejriwal, said that interference in the functioning of an elected government is "unacceptable in a democracy". "Interference in the functioning of an elected government is unacceptable in a democracy. In fact what is happening in Delhi and in TN/Pondicherry are not too different. It is frustrating for people who want a change for the better," he tweeted. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said that the "dictatorial Centre" has made a "mockery of democracy" in Delhi and Puduchery. In a Hindi tweet, Yadav said that interference in the functioning of elected governments through "pawns of the Centre is bloodying the contexts and aspirations of the democracy". Rebel JD (U) leader Sharad Yadav also came out in support of Kejriwal, saying "the elected government is not being allowed to work for one reason or the other." "It is not a good precedent being set that the elected government is not allowed to work. It may be mentioned that this is not a failure of the state government, but the people of Delhi are being neglected due to the unnecessary tussle between the LG and the state government," he said in a statement. According to the statement, Yadav urged the central government to take "initiative" to settle the issues of Delhi government once for all so that the people of Delhi "feel comfortable". The Delhi unit of Communist Party of India (CPI) also strongly condemned the attitude of Lt Governor Anil Baijal "by not meeting" the chief minister and his ministers who are sitting since Monday in the waiting hall of the LG Secretariat office. "The CPI is of the view that no constitutional authority in Delhi can be an agent of any political party or its ideology and cannot bypass or neglect the elected government of Delhi," the party said in a statement. Yesterday, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee said that elected chief minister, who is sitting in a dharna at L-G's office, must get due respect. "@ArvindKejriwal, CM of Delhi is sitting in a dharna in LG's office for the last few days in the capital city of the country. "Elected CM must get due respect. May I appeal to the Govt of India and @LtGovDelhi to resolve the problem immediately so that people do not suffer(sic)." Banerjee tweeted. Earlier, the RLD too had supported Kejriwal on the issue. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan today sought the intervention of Prime Minister Narendra Modi to resolve issues related to the sit-in by Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his three ministers at the Lt Governor's office in the national capital. Kejriwal and his ministers are staging the protest to press their demand that the L-G direct the IAS officers to end their "strike" and act against those who have struck work. They also want the L-G to approve the proposal for doorstep delivery of ration. Vijayan, in a letter to Modi, said such a situation in Delhi will not enhance the image of the country and will undermine the federal structure of governance mandated by the Constitution. He said there are disquieting reports that the Centre was actually providing patronage and protection to sabotage the work of an elected state government belonging to anopposition party. The justification of the officers' action by the Lt. Governor, the direct representative of the Centre in the present administrative set-up, adds substance to these reports, he said. The Chief Minister, who heads the CPI(M) led LDF government, said citizens of Delhi, including lakhs of Keralites, are suffering because of the current situation, where the government is not allowed to function. "I write to you in the hope that the spirit of the Constitution will be upheld", he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A software job racket was busted here today with the arrest of three people, who allegedly cheated 60 unemployed youth of Rs 1.2 crore by promising them employment in multinational companies, police said. P Rajesh, N Kishore Babu and K Anush Chaitanya floated two fake IT companies and collected Rs two lakh from each of the 60 youth for the jobs in the firms, a press release from the police said. The trio assured the youth of placements in companies like TCS, Wipro, Tech Mahindra after they gain experience, the release said. After collecting the sum from the job-seekers, the trio did not provide any work or salary, after which the victims lodged complaints with police, it added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A special piece of music composed in memory of Stephen Hawking will be beamed into space as a tribute to the work of legendary British theoretical physicist whose ashes will be interred at Westminster Abbey tomorrow. Hawking's ashes will be interred at Westminster Abbey between the graves of world renowned English physicist Isaac Newton and famed biologist Charles Darwin. The music, created by Greek electronic composer Vangelis, the man behind the iconic Blade Runner and Chariots of Fire scores, will be played at the memorial service for Professor Hawking on June 15, Cambridge reported. As a tribute to Hawking's work the music is going to be beamed into space during the service from the European Space Agency ground centre in Spain, it said. The music will follow a number of readings and prayers read by friends and family. Famous faces from the worlds of film and academia will join Hawking's family in paying the tribute to the famed scientist. Readings and prayers read by English actor Benedict Cumberbatch and British Astronaut Major Tim Peake will be included in the service. Close friends and family, Hawking's first wife Jane will also play an active role. The UK government on Monday said it will honour Hawking by awarding 10 research fellowships to exceptional PhD students excelling in the fields of maths, physics and computer sciences, terming it a "fitting tribute" to the great physicist. Hawking died at his Cambridge home on March 14 at the age of 76. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2018 12:46 pm Ordinary families from throughout the region know Gunter Farms in Conway as the site of a not-to-be-missed fall pumpkin patch and corn maze. But fellow dairy producers also have their eye on the Gunters operation, in part because of its impressive new pack barn. Their fellow dairy farmers came out Friday to tour the farm and participate in sessions as part of the Missouri Dairy Association Summer Classic. Dairy farmers from throughout the state visited Gunther Farms for talks on manure handling, feed inventory and, most significantly, pack barn design. The owners of Gunter Farms, located at 1148 State Highway WW, are Lloyd and Jane Gunter and their son and his wife, David and Courtney Gunter. Its a farm that has been operational since Lloyd and his parents moved to Conway from Belen, N.M., in 1963, and David and Courtneys children make the fourth generation to operate the farm. Were proud that weve been able to milk that long, Lloyd said humbly during a rare media scrum on the quiet farmstead. David explained to the assembled media that they have about 80 head of cattle, mostly Brown Swiss, but also some Holsteins and cross breeds. Behind Lloyd and David as they spoke, several dozen Brown Swiss and one Holstein could be seen lazing about or stepping up to use a nifty electric back-scratcher mounted to a pole in the barn. Saturday was a hot day, but it was pleasant in the Gunters barn for humans and cows alike. The barn featured a soft compost-bedded floor, an overhead roof with several large fans, and open sides with electric blinds that could be lowered as needed. At the end of the days events, which included fellow farmers, lawmakers and media (a New York Times reporter was even spotted in the mix), a busy Lloyd was able to break away to talk about his newly installed barn and the principles behind it. Happy cows are just like happy people, he explained. You take a person thats happy; theyre going to do better in their job, whatever it is theyre doing. Sometimes Lloyd puts his cows out to pasture when it is especially lush. On Friday, they seemed to enjoy the total mix ration the Gunters had put out for them, as well as the shady comfort of their home. Lloyd said that since they built the barn, the production per cow per day has gone up ten whole pounds. Most of his milk goes to Highland Dairy in Springfield, and Gunter is proud of his product. The best, cleanest milk they can get is from this farm, he said with obvious pride. Nelson Van Zyverden, a Niangua dairy farmer, was clearly impressed with what he saw, and with the days program. I thought it was very informative, he said. He was glad to see some lawmakers in attendance. Hopefully the understand the plight of the dairy farmer a little better, he said. And what is that plight? According to Van Zyverden, its just the struggle to get by. The goal is to make a living and build a small bit of equity, he said. Were not asking for a lot we just want enough to get by. Playing nearby while all of the chit-chat was happening were two future farmers, Lillian Letterman, 10, and Kaden Roberts, 12. Lillian likes every part of farming almost. I like to show pigs, she said. But I hate chickens. Kaden has his sights set on being a dairy farmer. I like milking, he said simply. The Gunters multigenerational model of improved production through kind and humane practices may be the key to to ensuring a future for any youngster who hopes to keep family farming alive. Shannon Gabriel's raw pace once again unsettled Sri Lanka's top order as they reached 79 for three at lunch after opting to bat first on the opening day of the second Test against the West Indies at the Darren Sammy Stadium in St Lucia on Thursday. Gabriel claimed the wickets of debutant opener Mahela Udawatte and returning middle-order batsman Dhananjaya De Silva while new ball partner Kemar Roach accounted for Kusal Perera in his second spell of the morning. Trailing in the three-match series after losing the first Test in Trinidad by 226 runs, the Sri Lankans will be looking to first Test century-maker Kusal Mendis and captain Dinesh Chandimal to lead them out of trouble in the afternoon session. Playing his first Test 10 years after his one-day international debut, which was also against the West Indies in the Caribbean, Udawatte endured the misfortune of repeating the experience of a decade ago in being dismissed for a duck. Gabriel took the outside edge of his bat to the second delivery he faced for West Indies captain Jason Holder to take a superb catch at third slip. De Silva, who arrived in the Caribbean only last week due to the death of his father two weeks ago and therefore missed the first Test, sustained a potentially serious elbow injury when he was struck on the arm by the fearsome Gabriel with the ball ricocheting onto the stumps. Mendis, whose second innings 102 at the Queen's Park Oval retained a modicum of pride for the Sri Lankan batsmen in the first Test, joined Kusal Perera and the pair counter-attacked briefly with Perera striking Holder for three consecutive fours. Such aggression could not last though and Holder again showed a safe pair of hands in the slip cordon to account for Perera for 32 off the first ball Roach bowled coming back into the attack. Sri Lanka made four changes to their line-up from the first Test with two of the alterations forced by the return home of former captain Angelo Mathews for personal reasons while fast-medium bowler Lahiru Gamage is also on his way back to Colombo after sustaining a fractured finger batting on the final day of the opening Test. Off-spinning all-rounder Dilruwan Perera and experienced left-arm spinner Rangana Herath were dropped from the side that suffered a first Test match defeat to the West Indies in ten years. Sri Laka's selectors had indicated before the start of the series though that three senior players -- Herath, Mathews and seamer Suranga Lakmal -- were unlikely to feature in all three matches Spinner Akila Dananjaya, who took eight wickets on debut in Bangladesh last February, is also back in the team. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Tirupur Exporters' Association (TEA) today stressed the need to enter into Free Trade Agreements (FTA) with European Union, USA, the UK and Russia, to face the Chinese threat in export markets. In a memorandum submitted to Union Textile minister, Smriti Irani in New Delhi, the association said though garment exports from China had been declining in a gradual manner since 2013, Chinese were 'silently' entering countries like Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, Vietnam and of late Myanmar, by setting up manufacturing bases. China, by using advantages available to these countries with predominant EU and US markets, increased export and circumvented Indian industry's growth prospects in the global market, which was a real threat to the industry here, TEA president Raja M Shanmugham said. "To face the onslaught of the Chinese, it was important for India to enter into FTA with EU, US, the UK and Russia, Comprehensive Economic Partnership Agreement with Australia and Comprehensive Economic Cooperation Agreement with Canada and other promising countries," he said. On the Tirupur cluster, Shanmugham said TEA had set a target for knitwear business, including exports and domestic, to touch Rs one lakh crore by 2020. The target was fixed by none other than Prime Minister Narendra Modi, which also subscribed to the minister's (Smriti Irani) vision of doubling the textile industry turnover, he added. In the last financial year 2017-18, Tirupur knitwear business reached Rs 42,000 crore, of which the contribution of exports and domestic business were Rs 24,000 crore and Rs 18,000 crore respectively, Shanmugham said. Exports had declined from Rs 26,000 crore to Rs 24,000 crore, about 7.7 per cent, he said. This was because of unforeseen situations faced by industry, the TEA president said adding the bottomline was hit further due to implementation of GST and reduction of duty drawback by 5 per cent and ROSL by two per cent. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Torrential rains in the past 48 hours have wreaked havoc in the north-eastern states, claiming seven lives in Assam, Tripura and Manipur, disrupting rail services and rendering thousands of people homeless across the region. In Tripura, the state government has sought assistance of the Army and the NDRF for evacuation and rescue operations in marooned areas. Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, who visited the flood-hit areas of Unakoti district yesterday, briefed Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh about the "critical situation" in the state this morning, a senior official of the state administration said. At least two villagers were swept away by strong river currents in Tripura yesterday, while over 14,000 lost their homes as the downpour submerged parts of the state, an official of State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said. The state has announced a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the next of kin of those killed in the flash floods. Altogether, 25,805 people have taken shelter in 189 relief camps due to flash floods following incessant rainfall on June 12 and 13, said an official of State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) adding that final report is yet to be compiled. The overall flood situation in Tripura has improved as water level has started receding but the condition is still grim in Kailashahar subdivision of Unakoti district. Five columns of Assam Rifles have been pressed into service along with NDRF to evacuate marooned people in Kailashahar subdivision, said an official of Unakoti district administration. The situation in Assam worsened today with three persons losing their lives and nearly 1.7 lakh people affected across seven districts. According to Assam State Disaster Management Authority (ASDMA), two persons died in a landslide in Mahur under Halflong revenue circle in Dima Hasao district and another person died in a flood related incident at Bokakhat revenue circle in Golaghat district, it added. ASDMA said 1.67 lakh people have been affected at Hojai, Karbi Anglong East, Karbi Anglong West, Golaghat, Karimganj, Hailakandi and Cachar districts in the state's first wave of flood this year. Till yesterday, 1.49 lakh people were hit by floods across six districts in Assam. As per the report issued today, Karimganj is the worst hit with over 77,000 affected, followed by Hailakandi with more than 58,000 people affected in the deluge. Currently, 370 villages are under water and 1,376 hectares of crop areas have been damaged, ASDMA said. Authorities are running 116 relief camps and distribution centres in five districts, where 35,927 people have taken shelter at present. The floods have damaged embankments, roads, bridges and other infrastructures in Biswanath, Karbi Anglong East, Karbi Anglong West, Golaghat, Dima Hasao, Hailakandi and Karimganj districts. Currently, Dhansiri river at Numaligarh in Golaghat, Barak at AP Ghat in Cachar and Badarpurghat in Karimganj, Katakhal at Matizuri in Hailakandi and Kushiyara at Karimganj town are flowing above the danger marks. In neighbouring Manipur, the state government has declared holiday till Friday in all educational establishments and government offices in Imphal and its adjoining districts in view of the flood situation, an official release said. Two people have drowned in swollen rivers in separate incidents yesterday, a police officer said. Water level in major rivers of the state has receded this morning but the situation continues to remain "vulnerable", a government official said. Acknowledging that the flood situation was "grim", Chief Minister N Biren Singh said that he had requested the officials of National Highway and Infrastructure evelopment to construct road diversion along the NH-37, which had been hit by landslides. In Assam, train services were disrupted in North East Frontier Railway's Lumding-Badarpur hills section, following landslides in five places of Dima Hasao district, a railway official said. Heavy rain continued to lash parts of Mizoram today, cutting off Lunglei, Lawngtlai and Siaha districts in southern parts of the state from the rest of the country, state disaster management and rehabilitation (DMR) department officials said. The swelling rivers along Mizoram-Assam border deluged the lone railway station in the state and other thoroughfares, forcing people to commute in rafts and engine boats. Heavy rainfall accompanied by lightning and thunder lashed Meghalaya last night. Sohra (erstwhile Cherrapunjee) recorded a whopping 281.7 mm rainfall in the past 24 hours, officials said today. The onset of monsoon has also resulted in intermittent showers occurring during the day and the state capital here recorded 17.3 mm of rainfall, they said. The state is expected to experience similar cloudy skies with one or two spells of thundershowers in the next four days, officials at the IMD office at Sohra said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) reporting firm, TransUnion has set up its first Global In-House Centre here today, the maiden off-shore technology hub for the company. The Global In-House Centre (GIC) spread across one lakh sq ft at DLF IT Park, Nandambakkam, would have 500 full-time employees by the end of the year, a top official said. The GIC allows TransUnion to own the development process of critical technologies end-to-end, reducing its dependence on third party resources, company Chief Information and Technology Officer, Mohit Kapoor said. "The GIC builds on the commitment of the TransUnion CIBIL business to further enable stronger communities and thriving economies around the globe. Based at Chennai, the GIC will also serve global markets as well," he told reporters here. The facility would focus on developing risk solutions, maintaining systems that protect consumer data and creating products that benefit individuals and businesses alike, he said. The GIC would house teams from which TransUnion will reap the benefits of the Agile delivery model while protecting intellectual property and strengthening local brand, Kapoor said. According to TransUnion, Global In-House Centre, Senior Director, Debasis Panda, TransUnion is committed to providing GIC associates with challenging and rewarding work, career growth opportunities. "Our global technology team is highly curious, driving TransUnion's growth through imagination and forward-thinking product innovation," he said. The GIC would play an active role in driving TransUnion's growth and innovation agenda, while centrally consolidating offshore workforce. (Only the headline and picture of this report may have been reworked by the Business Standard staff; the rest of the content is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The Trump administration has reconfirmed its intent to rescind H-4 rule regarding employment authorisation to certain spouses of H-1B visas, popular among Indian IT professionals. The move will have a major impact on Indian-American women as they are the major beneficiary of the Obama-era rule. "Removing H-4 Dependent Spouses From the Class of Aliens Eligible for Employment Authorization," said the Department of Homeland Security's Unified Agenda in the federal register notification of its semi-annual regulatory agenda. As per the notification published Monday, the Department of Homeland Security is proposing to remove from its regulations certain H-4 spouses of H-1B nonimmigrants as a class of aliens eligible for employment authorisation. It was in February 2015 that it had published a final rule extending eligibility for employment authorisation to certain H-4 dependent spouses of H-1B nonimmigrants who are seeking employment-based lawful permanent resident (LPR) status. The federal register notification said that the notice of proposed rulemaking or NPRM would be published in June. However, the US Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) insisted that "No decision about H4 visas is final until" the rulemaking process is completed. USCIS will alert the public when the Notice of Proposed Rulemaking (NPRM) has been posted for public comment. An NPRM is posted for public comment and after comments have been considered USCIS will post the final rule, a USCIS official told PTI requesting anonymity. "The agency is considering a number of policy and regulatory changes to carry out the President's Buy American, Hire American Executive Order, including a thorough review of employment-based visa programmes," Michael Bars, USCIS Spokesperson told PTI. "USCIS is focused on safeguarding the integrity of our immigration system and ensuring its faithful execution so that the wages and working conditions of US workers are protected," he said. "USCIS is committed to reforming employment-based immigration programmes so they benefit the American people to the greatest extent possible," Bars said. Meanwhile, scores of Indian-Americans who have been waiting for years to get their Green Card met Congressman Paul Tonko in Albany, New York to press for an early reform of the Green Card backlog and not to rescind H-4 rule on employment authorisation. Activist Renuka Rajkumar addressed the gathering about the impact of revoking employment permits for spouses who have been waiting on green cards for a long time. In her speech, she recalled despairing for a decade before she was afforded the opportunity to work. In spite of her higher education and prior professional experience, it took her almost a year to find a job in her chosen profession. Hardik Chirra spoke passionately about the challenges faced by Children on H4 dependent visas. Hardik, a 10th grader who has been studying in Albany schools for the last decade spoke about the challenges faced in college admissions, anxiety about having to self-deport, leaving his family behind when he turns 21. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A man stabbed to death two people in an attack at a mosque in South Africa today, before being shot dead by police, police said. Several people were also wounded in the attack in the town of Malmesbury near the southwestern city of Cape Town. "Malmesbury police were called out to a local mosque and found two people dead with stab wounds and several injured," Noliyoso Rwexana, spokesperson for the Western Cape police, told AFP. "The suspect believed to be in his thirties and armed with a knife charged at the police who tried to persuade him to hand himself over. "He ignored the calls and tried to attack police. He was shot dead." Rwexana said police are now "combing the scene for clues". The motive for the attack was not immediately clear. It comes a month after a similar attack at a Shiite mosque in the town of Verulam, on the outskirts of the eastern port city of Durban. Three unidentified assailants killed one man by slitting his throat and injured two others after midday prayers at the mosque. Police are still searching for the attackers. The motive was not clear, but police said it had "elements of extremism". The Verulam attack appeared to be unprecedented in South Africa, where about 1.5 per cent of the country's 55-million population is Muslim. The country prides itself on religious tolerance and has little record of violence related to religion. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The UN today released the first-ever report on alleged human rights violations in both Kashmir and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir, as it demanded an international inquiry. India reacted sharply to the report, terming it "fallacious, tendentious and motivated", and lodged a strong protest with the United Nations, saying the government is "deeply concerned that individual prejudices are being allowed to undermine the credibility of a UN institution." "The report violates India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Pakistan is in illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the Indian state through aggression," the Ministry of External Affairs said in a strongly-worded statement. The UN's Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights also asked Pakistan to end its "misuse" of anti-terror legislation to persecute peaceful activists and quash dissent. Asserting that there was an "urgent need" to address the past and ongoing human rights violations, the report said, "any resolution to the political situation in Kashmir should entail a commitment to ending the cycles of violence and accountability for past and current human rights violations." The report said, "the people on both sides of the Line of Control have been detrimentally impacted and suffer from limitations or denial of a range of human rights."India has maintained that the country's democracy has all that is required to address legitimate grievances. There can't be any comparison between Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as "the former has a democratically elected government while the latter has seen a Pakistani diplomat arbitrarily appointed as its head", Indian officials have said. The UN "Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Kashmir: Developments in the Indian State of J-K from June 2016 to April 2018, and General Human Rights Concerns in Azad J-K and Gilgit-Baltistan" also noted since the late 1980s, "a variety of armed groups has been actively operating in the Indian state of J-K." The report also talked about killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani by the Indian forces which triggered unprecedented protests in the Valley during this period. There has been documented evidence of these groups committing a wide range of human rights abuses, including kidnappings and killings of civilians and sexual violence, it added. "Despite the Government of Pakistan's assertions of denial of any support to these groups, experts believe that Pakistan's military continues to support their operations across the Line of Control in Indian-Administered Kashmir," the report said. The report also sought repealing of the Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act, 1990 "urgently" and also "immediately remove the requirement for prior central government permission to prosecute security forces personnel accused of human rights violations in civilian courts." This is for the first time the UNHRC has issued a report on the alleged human rights violations in Kashmir and PoK. Given that India has been maintaining that people in J-K were victims of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan, which was training and arming militants and helping them infiltrate across the Line of Control (LoC), the UN report may not go down well with New Delhi. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Uttar Pradesh Shia Central Waqf Board Chairman Waseem Rizvi has come out in support of a uniform civil code even as the All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) continues to oppose such a law. Rizvi expressed support for a common law for all communities on issues related to marriage, divorce, succession and adoption. "If Goa can do it, why not other states also?" he asked in a proposal to the National Law Commission. Noting that customs and rituals can differ according to the practices of various religions, he said issues like divorce, marriage, giving equal rights to girls in ancestral property, succession, whether adopted or otherwise, should be governed by the principle of one-nation, one-law. Rizvi has been at loggerheads with the AIMPLB, which opposes the uniform civil code, and has even floated a political party named Indian Shia Awami League. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) A forest official in Uttarakhand, against whom a vigilance probe is in progress, has been reinstated to the post from which he was removed by the state government following allegations of financial irregularities. Kishan Chand was removed as deputy director of Rajaji Tiger Reserve in November last year and reinducted as deputy conservator of forest in June, the post he held as deputy director of the reserve. According to the rules, the deputy director also holds the post of the deputy conservator of forest. The order for Chand's reinduction was issued by principal chief conservator of forests (PCCF) Jairaj on June 11. A copy of the order is with PTI. Rajaji Tiger Reserve Director Sanatan said the re-induction is in violation of the state government order removing Chand as the deputy director and attaching him with the office of chief wildlife warden DVS Khati. Sanatan said he has written to the PCCF and Additional Principal Secretary (Forests) Ranbir Singh apprising them with his view on the matter. When contacted, Singh said the order attaching Chand with the chief wildlife warden stands unchanged. Asked if the PCCF order violates the state government's order, he said he was not aware of the development so far. "However if there is something wrong, it will be looked into," he added. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Posted Thursday, June 14, 2018 4:41 am Until recently, I had never heard of a the term hillcrofter. I was asked to join the Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters that was being resurrected. So the first thing I did was look up the word. According to the dictionary, crofter is a word of British origin that means an owner or tenant of a small farm, especially in Scotland or northern England. The largest percentage of early settlers to the MOzarks were Scots-Irish, and they continued to look for hills like the ones they grew up on in the old country, so it makes sense that the word crofter was combined with the word hill and made its way to the MOzarks, just like the original hillcrofters did. The original Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters was formed in 1931 and the founder was Otto Ernest Rayburn. He started the group at Eminence, where he was living. It had its beginnings at a festival there sponsored by The Arcadian, a magazine that he published and edited. The festival took place on Nov. 6-7 and was called the Festival of Painted Leaves, which makes me think it was an autumn festival. In an article in the newspaper in Van Buren, Mo., on November 19, 1931, which was headlined, Society Organized to Preserve Ozarks' Beauty, was the following statement: The name selected for the new organization was The Society of Hillcrofters. A crofter is a tenant of the land who lives the simple life, close to nature. The Hillcrofters are, therefore, guardians of the beauty, lore, traditions, customs and wildlife of the Ozark hills. It went on to say, Membership is open to every man, woman and child who wishes to see the arts, crafts, lore and primitive charm of the Ozark hills preserved. It was appropriate that Rayburn was the founder. He loved the Ozarks. He was a collector of the lore of the Missouri and Arkansas Ozarks and a writer and magazine publisher. His first magazine was titled Ozark Life: The Mirror of the Ozarks, and he published it from his home in Kingston, Ark., beginning in 1925. After that, he moved to Eminence and began publishing The Arcadian in 1931 and formed the society. In 1941, he wrote a well-received book on the Ozarks called Ozark Country. It went through four printings. In 1943, Rayburn began publishing a magazine called Ozark Guide that was also highly successful. His contemporary, preeminent Ozarks folklorist Vance Randolph, said about Rayburn, There is no denying that in the period between 1925 and 1950, Rayburn did more to arouse popular interest in Ozark folklore than all of the professors put together. Included in the charter members of the Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters is a group of folks whose names read like a who's who of the MOzarks during that period. There was the aforementioned Vance Randolph, who was born in Pittsburg, Kan., in 1892 and moved to Pineville in 1920, where he fell in love with the Ozarks. He spent the remainder of his life (he died in 1980 at the age of 88) as a collector of Ozarks folklore and songs, and he authored a number of books on that subject. Another charter member was noted country correspondent and poet Mary Elizabeth Mahnkey of Kirbyville. She was born in 1877 in Harrison, Ark., and her family moved to Taney County, Mo., when she was just four years of age. She wrote for the Taney County Republican newspaper for 55 years, and in 1936 she was chosen as the outstanding country correspondent in the nation. She passed away in 1948 at the age of 71. Also included was Rose Wilder Lane, newspaper reporter, war correspondent, novelist and daughter of Laura Ingalls Wilder. Rose was born to Almanzo and Laura Wilder in 1886, and they moved to Mansfield in her childhood. By the late 1920s, Rose was one of the highest-paid female writers in the nation. She spent time in San Francisco and Paris, but returned to Mansfield in 1928. In 1930, she began helping her mother edit her memoirs, and the Little House books were born. Rose died in 1968 at the age of 81. And there was also a woman known by the sobriquets of Queen of the Hillbillies and First Lady of the Ozarks, May Kennedy McCord, who was a Springfield newspaper columnist and radio personality on KWTO radio. McCord hosted a show called Hillbilly Heartbeats. She was born in 1880 at Carthage and died in 1979 at the age of 99. To round out the jokers-wild poker hand of Ozarks aces was famous artist and author Rose ONeill, who was an illustrator for many national magazines and the creator of the Kewpie. ONeill was born in 1874 in Pennsylvania. She was living and working as an artist in New York City when her father settled on Bear Creek in Taney County. ONeill moved there in 1902 and lived there off and on before residing there permanently in 1937. She died in 1944 at the home of a nephew in Springfield at the age of 70. As for the founder, Rayburn, who was born in 1891 in Iowa, he attended Marionville College in Marionville and fell in love with the Ozarks. He bought 40 acres near Reeds Spring in 1917. After serving in World War I, he taught school in Kansas and Arkansas. After retiring from teaching in 1945, Rayburn moved to Eureka Springs, Ark., where he owned a bookstore. He published his book The Eureka Springs Story in 1954 and his autobiography, Forty Years in the Ozarks, in 1957. Rayburn died in 1960 at the age of 69. With him, and with him most likely died the first Society of Ozarkian Hillcrofters. Next week: The old and the new Ozarkian Hillcrofter societies. Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he is focussing on making Mumbai a hub for the financial technology industry, an emerging and fast-growing sector that offers tremendous employment potential, and is keen to invite foreign investment in the sector in his state. Our big focus is on fintech (financial technology). We have not leveraged Mumbai's recognition as the financial capital of India. Fintech is an emerging field which not only opens up lot of job opportunities but is also one of the fastest growing fields, Fadnavis told PTI in an interview here yesterday. Fadnavis is currently visiting the US following a trip to Canada. We want to make Mumbai a fintech hub and that is where I'm looking for fintech investments and companies to come and set up base in the city, he said. Fadnavis, who arrived in the city after visiting Canada, will also visit Washington and San Francisco and meet with investors and companies, inviting them to continue their investments in his state. In San Francisco, his focus will be on new industries in the digital landscape, he said. Fadnavis said his message to investors and companies has been that India is changing and Maharashtra is changing. He stressed that his state has been able to attract among the highest foreign direct investment in the country. We are as competitive as any other place in the world in terms of ease of doing business. Investors should come there. If they want to get good returns on their investment, we are the best place to invest, he said. Ambitious reforms like demonetisation and the goods and services tax (GST) implemented by the Indian government have been welcomed by foreign investors and companies, he said. Those who come find no problems. They are very happy with all the changes, he said adding that individual states in the country are implementing the reforms and competing with each other to attract foreign investment. He alluded to the World Bank's ease of doing business ranking in which India jumped 30 positions and for the first time moved into the top 100, saying credit for the improved performance by India goes to Maharashtra and Mumbai. "We excelled in that index and that cumulatively took the score of India quite up, he said. Following meetings with investors and CEOs during the day, Fadnavis later attended a community reception 'Mumbai Meets Manhattan' hosted by the Consulate General of India in New York and the 'Friends of Maharashtra'. On how he sees 'Make in India' and US President Donald Trump's America First' policy aligning, Fadnavis said it is not just about Make in India but Make for India and then make for the world as well. He said developed countries should not sound a protectionist tone as developing countries are opening themselves up and advocating free trade. Fadnavis reiterated that Maharashtra aims to become a trillion-dollar economy by 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Magnetic Maharashtra Global Investors' Summit in Mumbai in February, had said that Maharashtra will become the country's first trillion dollar economy as the country itself aspires to becoming a USD 5 trillion economy over the next few years. If we do business as usual, then also we will become a trillion dollar economy by 2029. But we want to make Maharashtra a trillion dollar economy by 2025, he said adding that infrastructure-led growth is part of his strategy to achieve this goal as infrastructure creates job opportunities and accelerates the entire economy. According to estimates, of the more than 20 million infrastructure projects on the anvil in the country, 51 per cent are in Maharashtra. He said unprecedented investments are coming into the infrastructure field and expressed confidence that in four to five years when these projects are completed, Maharashtra will be a very changed place. Infrastructure-led growth is the basic idea. Our impetus is now on the services sector. With industries 4.0, it is no more a water-tight compartment between services and manufacturing sectors, he said. Fadnavis added that service-oriented manufacturing and manufacturing-oriented services is a focus area where we can actually skill people and make them more productive so that will lessen the stress of the labour market on the agricultural sector and make them more productive. Fadnavis said states across India are motivated by a spirit of cooperative federalism and this will help change the face of the nation. States competing for foreign investment does not mean they are taking each others' share. Instead, the market is expanding and more and more investment is coming. The cooperative federalism kickstarted by Prime Minister Modi will change the face of the country, he said. In Canada, Fadnavis focussed on investments and partnerships in the sector of artificial intelligence, especially for using AI in agriculture. He said Quebec University and four Maharashtra agriculture universities have come together to form an alliance that will focus on eradication of pests in agriculture. We have seen a lot of distress due to pests in the agrarian sector. The alliance will not just study but implement certain aspects of it. It would also look at precision farming, that will not only enhance the productivity but will cut down cost of cultivation as well, he said. The farm sector distress can be addressed only through enhanced productivity, disease-free cropping systems, precision farming and AI has the ability to do that, he said. Fadnavis noted that small farm holdings in India do not have the ability to infuse mechanisation on their own but this can be achieved through collective efforts in AI. Voicing concern that spraying of pesticides in fields is also a cause for farmer deaths, he said AI has opened a window where there can be precision spraying of pesticides through drones. During his visit to Canada, several MoUs were inked between and Canadian enterprises and Maharashtra government departments. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Senior Congress MP Mullappally Ramachandran today shot off a letter to Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh, protesting against withdrawal of a unit of the National Disaster Response Force, set up at Kozhikode during the previous UPA regime. Referring to the loss of lives in the landslide in Kozhikode today, the former Union Minister said the North Kerala district is most prone to natural disasters like floods and landslides and requested that the unit be re-established. "The state of Kerala is reeling under heavy monsoon and the worst affected are Kozhikode and Malappuram districts in Northern Kerala. The State Government has announced red alert in five districts of north Kerala", he said in the letter. Ramachandran said natural calamities due to heavy rain are a recurring phenomena in Kerala and the state administration was not in a position to carry out rescue operations in an effective manner. He said the UPA Government had set up a unit of the NDRF at Kozhikode a few years ago. "It is distressing to note that the same has been withdrawn, causing the state to rely on the only NDRF centre in South India located at Arkonam in Tamil Nadu," the Wadakara MP said. "I earnestly request that a unit of the prestigious NDRF be reestablished at Kozhikode in Kerala,which is most prone to natural disasters like flood and landslide", he said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) Yavatmal district collector Rajesh Deshmukh today ordered closure of six accounts of state government in the State Bank of India for the bank's failure to meet the crop loan disbursal target. "The SBI was given a crop loan disbursal target of target of Rs 571 crore, but they disbursed a meagre amount of Rs 51 crore so far despite continuous instructions and warning," the collector said. He said all the six accounts are now diverted to the Central Bank and Union Bank of India. "The crop loan is the right of the farmers and adequate provisions have been made in the annual budget of the country," Deshmukh said. He said the district has been given a target of Rs 2078 crore loan disbursal against 43,280 eligible farmers for 2018. "So far, only Rs 377 crore has been distributed which comes to only 10 per cent of the target," Deshmukh said. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) 'Yoga Ambassadors Tour',a specialized trip for yoga professionals from around the world, part of Kerala government's tourism promotion programme, was inaugurated by Minister of State for AYUSH Shripad Yesso Naik said here today. The Tour aims to design a wholesome yoga package for visiting tourists, combining well-known yoga destinations with related activities, the Union Minister for AYUSH said. The 10 day educational tour for yoga professionals has been organised by the Association of Tourism Trade Organisations (ATTOI) in association with the Ministry of AYUSH and Kerala Tourism department. Naik complimented the ATTOI and Kerala Tourism for taking up the concept of a yoga tour. "Keralas clean environment and the rich tradition of Ayurveda has contributed for the promotion of tourism. Going beyond Ayurveda, Kerala and its neighbouring Kanyakumari district of Tamil Nadu together have a few renowned Yoga destinations like Shivandanda yoga ashram, the meditation centre at Vivekanada Rock in Kanyakumari and the prehistoric sites of Munnar where meditation was once practiced, he said. There was already a notable segment of foreign tourists who visit Kerala for taking yoga courses due its rich yoga resources, he said. State tourism minister Kadakampally Surendran said Kerala has become a model for the other destinations by introducing yoga ambassadors tour. "The objective of the tour is to familiarise one with the concept of yoga in Kerala and connect different destinations with yoga in different parts of the state," said P K Anish Kumar, President of ATTOI. The yoga ambassadors were welcomed to the event with 'Panchavadyam', the traditional orchestra of Kerala. Later, the delegates displayed yoga postures in front of the event venue on a flower carpet. More than 60 Yoga professionals from across the world would be taken to different destinations in Kerala to experience yoga and learn more about it. The tour will conclude on International Yoga Day on June 21 at Kochi. The delegates include Yoga tour operators, Wellness Magazine professionals and Yoga Teachers from across the world. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) West Bengal Education Minister Partha Chatterjee today said Governor K N Tripathi's decision to directly send letters for International Yoga Day celebrations to universities, by bypassing the state government, was "unprecedented and unacceptable". "The norm is that state government sends letters to the state universities. But this time, we are seeing that the Governor, in his capacity as chancellor of state universities, has directly written letters to the VCs, urging them to celebrate International Yoga Day. This is unprecedented and unacceptable," Chatterjee told reporters here. The International Yoga Day is celebrated on June 21. "The Governor himself should think whether this amounts to violation of norms. We are not taking this decision in good humour," he said. The West Bengal government, the minister said, will observe the day this year too, like it did in 2017. "After we came to power, we have given special stress to yoga and physical fitness education in all schools," he said. According to media reports, Tripathi had written to vice-chancellors of all state universities to observe International Yoga Day. (This story has not been edited by Business Standard staff and is auto-generated from a syndicated feed.) The way to a man's person's heart is through his or her stomach. Truly, where else do you get a better example of this adage than in India? Swedish furniture giant, IKEA, that has only recently forayed into the Indian market has zeroed in on food as its entry point. Taking a cue from most malls and market complexes in the country, IKEA is set to open a 1,000-seater restaurant in the middle of its 400,000 sq ft store in Hyderabad to drive up footfall. That restaurant is set to become the Swedish giant's biggest restaurant globally. This strategy also marks an apparent difference from other markets where people rush to the IKEA stores with only one thing in mind - to buy its ready-to-assemble products. It does seem like an effective strategy in a country where the food service market is estimated to be Rs 3 lakh crore. Half of IKEA's restaurant menu would be vegetarian fare, including options like idli, sambhar, vegetable biryani and samosa. The usual offering of pork and beef would be replaced with chicken in India. "We internally call our restaurant or food business the best sofa-seller as it takes time to buy furniture, so we need food for people to stay," said Patrick Antoni, Deputy Country Manager at IKEA India to The Economic Times. He added that for every customer on the cash counter, they will have one paying at the restaurant too. Antoni estimates that to be nearly 50% keeping Indians' love of food in mind. In 2016, the company sold $1.8 billion worth of food out of its total revenue of $36.5 billion globally. According to the ET report, food accounts for 5% to 10% of IKEA's sales globally. An official said that it could be higher in India. Antoni further said that they even believe that in India there might be more customers eating than buying furniture, which is why they are focussing on making food the first contact point for people coming to IKEA here. In a Business Today report by E Kumar Sharma last year, the author mentioned, "After Hyderabad, starting Spring of next year, IKEA plans to launch a store every six months in a new Indian city. So, it will be in Navi Mumbai, sometime in early 2019 followed by Bengaluru in mid 2019 and Delhi NCR by early 2020 and eventually at this pace get to 25 cities by 2025. In Hyderabad, where it is setting up the first store, the investments are of the order of Rs 1000 crore and will give direct employment to 800 people." On November last year, IKEA opened its first experience store at a mall in Hyderabad. It is spread across 5,000 sq ft and is called IKEA Hej HOME. After hitting 'hazardous' levels in November last year, the pollution in Delhi is once again on the rise due to dust storms in the western parts of the country. While the pollution in winters is mainly attributed to stubble burning and lack of wind, the dust storm due to high wind speeds seems to have caused severe air pollution in the national capital region (NCR) around this time of the year. VK Shukla, the scientist in charge of the Air Lab at the Central Pollution Control Board, told Reuters that the high PM 10 levels in the capital are due to the high wind speeds which have brought dust particles from neighbouring Rajasthan The real-time air quality index recorded in South Delhi's RK Puram area had breached the 999 level on Thursday morning. Anything above 100 is considered unhealthy by the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB). According to CPCB, Delhi-NCR witnessed a sudden spurt in air pollution on June 13. The average PM 10 levels was over 800 today, over four times the average air pollution recorded this month. The PM (particulate matter) 2.5 pollution level, which measures particles with diameters that are less than or equal to 2.5 microns in size, is yet to breach the pollution levels it had crossed in winters last year. PM 2.5 can cause severe health complications than PM 10 as smaller particles can enter deeply into our lungs. The average PM 2.5 pollution on Thursday morning was recorded at 284.1 by CPCB. What's worse is that the current weather conditions are likely to stay for the next two days, CPCB's weather forecast showed. According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), the first 14 of the 15 worst cities in terms of air pollution are in India. Delhi ranked sixth most polluted on that list. Air quality in the capital has gone from bad to worse in recent years, prompting the state government to shut schools and ban sale of diesel vehicles in the past. Apart from vehicular and industrial emissions, one of the main reasons for air pollution in Delhi-NCR is the construction dust. 27 Aug 2018, 1:54 PM Modi government constructed 73% more highways compared to UPA's last 4 years Recent data released by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways (MoRTH) indicates that the Narendra Modi government has built 73% more highways in its first four years in office as compared to the last four years of the former UPA government. This is a momentous achievement which the NDA government can, in the run-up to the 2019 general elections, not just look up to, but possibly even take advantage of to remain in office. So far, the incumbent government has constructed a total of 28,531 km national highways since FY 2014-15, contrasting with 16,505 km by the previous government. No need to share Aadhaar number from July 1 for mobile SIMS; Virtual IDs to be used The Department of Telecom (DoT) released a circular on Tuesday asking all telecom operators to work on a mechanism that employs Virtual IDs instead of the sensitive biometric data. This step will help UIDAI restrict the massive flow of data to major telecom companies. The companies will now have to use Virtual IDs and Limited KYC, which essentially mask user data and hence avoids blatant sharing of sensitive data. The implementation of this new service launched by UIDAI is due on July 1. Telecom companies are expected to make the necessary changes in their data verification method. Cabinet clears HDFC Bank's proposal to raise Rs 24,000 cr via FDI The government today approved the proposal of HDFC Bank to raise additional capital Rs 24,000 crore by selling equity to foreign investors to fund its business growth. This includes premium, over and above the previous approved limit of Rs 10,000 crore, that the composite foreign shareholding in the bank should not exceed 74 per cent of the enhanced paid-up equity share capital of the bank, Finance Minister Piyush Goyal said after the Cabinet meeting chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. With the raising of this capital, FDI in the bank will hit the regulatory ceiling of 74 per cent, he said. Currently, the FDI in the banks stands at 72.62 per cent. As per the RBI guidelines, foreign holding in public sector banks in India cannot go beyond 74 per cent. Amazon India launches seller lending network Amazon India has launched its Seller Lending Network (SLN), which will allow sellers on the e-commerce major's platform to seek loans from multiple third party lenders. Amazon India has partnered organisations like Aditya Birla Finance, Bank of Baroda, Capital First, Capital Float, Flexiloans, and Yes Bank for the lending programme. "With this launch, a seller can perform all loan-related activities including viewing multiple loan offers, applying for loans and easy/automatic loan repayments by linking their Amazon sale proceeds to their loan account, all on Amazon's Seller Central portal," Amazon India said. Amazon India, which is locked in an intense battle for market leadership with homegrown player Flipkart, has about 3.4 lakh sellers on its platform. Customer expectations at an all-time high, says Salesforce Connected Consumer report The second edition of Salesforce's State of the Connected Customer report states that customer expectation is at an all-time high. Based on the survey of over 6,000 respondents globally, 80 per cent of the customers stated that the experience a company provides is as important as its products, and 67 percent said that their standards for those experiences are higher than ever. Around 95 percent of customers said they are more likely to be loyal to a company they trust.The report also suggests that companies are missing the mark on 'experience'. Tata Motors launched the Tata Tigor Buzz Limited Edition version of the car to celebrate the completion of first year. The Tata Tigor Buzz comes with a few aesthetic changes both in interior and exterior space. However, nothing has changed under the hood. Similar to the Tata Tiago Wizz Edition, the Tata Tigor Buzz Edition will get red accents on the wheel cover, front grille and even the dash board. The Buzz Edition also gets dual tone exteriors with a contrast black roof and piano black ORVMs. The wheel cap also gets a red highlight to distinguish the limited edition car. The front grille comes with unique berry inserts right next to the head lamp. Perhaps the strongest give away of the special edition car will be the BUZZ badging on the tail gate. The interiors come with dual-tone colours, piano black finish on the infotainment system as well as air vents. The air vents are also graced by red highlights. The car does not get any changes in the engine. The petrol version of the car comes with a 1.2 liter, 3-cylinder engine that churns out 84bhp and 114Nm of torque. The diesel version comes with a 1.05 liter, 3-cylinder unit that produces 70bhp of power and 140Nm of torque. Both versions come with a 5-speed manual gearbox. In terms of equipment list, the Tata Tigor Buzz Edition is equivalent to the XM trim of the Tata Tigor. Unfortunately, this edition won't be available with the top model or any other variant. In terms of price, the Limited Edition petrol variant is priced at Rs 5.68 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi) and Rs 6.57 lakh (ex-showroom Delhi). In a bid to induce automakers to shift from manufacturing traditional cars to electric vehicles, the government has proposed to tighten fuel efficiency norms. A panel, headed by Road Transport Secretary Y S Malik, has presented a 15 point plan of action to aid car manufacturers to switch from Internal Combustion Engines (IECs) to Electric Vehicles (EVs). The report has been forwarded to the NITI Aayog, and is still under deliberation. In its report, the panel proposed,"To have approximate induction of 3 to 5% EVs, as against total manufactured vehicles, the fuel efficiency norms have to be lower by 20-25 percent over FY 2017-18 data. This approach has to be adopted for cars, three-wheeler, and two-wheeler industry." Earlier in the year, the Ministry of Transport had mandated car manufacturers to produce vehicles that are 30 per cent more fuel efficient by 2022. This is expected to help India meet the global CO2 emission norms, and likewise assist in reducing its carbon footprint. In order to incentivise electric car manufacturing, the panel seeks to provide tax deductions for scientific research, and inhibit imports to protect and promote domestic manufacturing. Additionally, manufacturers have been requested to keep their profit margins low for the first five years, given the soaring costs of e-vehicles. Disbursement of low interest loans has also been suggested for buying EVs for public transport services. The Indian Space Research Organization (ISRO) has, on parallel lines, called upon industry leaders to make bids to avail its indigenously developed Lithium-Ion Cell Technology. While speaking with the Times of India, ISRO chief, K Sivan, had indicated that the organization had developed four Lithium-Ion Cells; and has permitted the Automotive Research Association of India to use 50Ah and 100Ah cells for developing prototypes of an e-scooter and an e-car. Simultaneously, talks are underway for introducing policies on installation of EV charging infrastructure in buildings, parking spaces, and freeways. The government is also planning to allow manufacturers to use their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds for setting up support systems for e-vehicles. Industry experts have put forward mixed responses on the new policies. Some have welcomed the step, while others have expressed sharp displeasure, and indicated that the move would force manufacturers to make diesel and petrol vehicles more expensive. An industry official, while speaking with CNBC-TV18, said,"We are busy transitioning from BS-IV to BS-VI. All technical resources are geared up for this. To throw in more challenges at this stage would be completely unfair. Such a move could impact auto companies, the components industry, and also the economy." Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2018 1:04 pm The Rader Cemetery Committee met early Saturday morning to scrub gravestones and clean the cemetery. About 20 members were there by 8 a.m., an hour earlier than scheduled. They worked while Gary, Bill and R.L. Alexander deep-fried several pounds of fish and taters. The work was done early, and everyone dug into those pans of fish and fried potatoes along with veggies, salads and desserts that were brought by others. Thanks to each of you who made quick work of the tasks at hand. Hope to do this again next year! Red Hat Chattering Chicks went to Davincis Italian Restaurant in Lebanon. The service was quick, and the food was plentiful and delicious. They even gave our birthday gals a generous slice of either strawberry or chocolate cheesecake. Along with our birthday girls there were Barb Medlock, Betty Stokes, Becky Maroney, Mary Powell and Jim Whitwer. The meeting for next month will be July 12. We will be going to the Cracker Barrel in Springfield. Meet in Youngs Parking lot to carpool. Be there at 10:30 a.m. if you want to chauffeur or ride along, or meet us at the restaurant by 11:30 a.m. Vacation Bible School for Raderites and the surrounding area will be June 24-27. It starts at 6 p.m. and ends at 8:30 p.m. Dinner will be included. Come a little before 6 p.m. on the first day to get your children registered. All children in the area are welcome to attend. It will be at the Immanuel Lutheran Church this year with teachers and helpers from both Immanuel and Eureka Methodist. Leona Medlock. Marjorie Welch and Bertha Terry made their regular Saturday trip to Morgan for lunch. Betty Stokes visited with Barb Medlock for a while on Sunday afternoon. There was a nice crowd at Eureka Methodist Sunday morning. Dennis Mace played some special music with his little magic box. The Sunday school lesson was on the wheat and the tares, and the sermon was on I am the vine and ye are the branches. When Barb got home from church, she found that Bridgette had a great lunch already prepared for her. It must be nice to have house guests who will do that. This coming Thursday is Flag Day, so be sure to put one out if you have one. Gene Miller insists that they fly the flags for his birthday, but I am sure that is not the only reason!! Birthdays this coming week include Summer Council, Raemie Tindall, Reggie Terry, Sandy Vestal, Kayle Brisbois and Angie Day. Over the Memorial Day weekend, Winona Hisle and her daughter Robin visited at the Larry and Kathryn Langdon home. They were here from Columbia. The ladies came to Immanuel for Sunday service and stayed for the potluck lunch afterward. Also visiting the Langdons were Dick and Annette Vobe from Racine, Wisc., and daughter Kelly Langdon and Jackson and Miles Combs. The boys stayed on the farm while Kelly went to a reunion in Willow Springs. The end of that week we waved goodbye to Larry and Kathryn as they took off for the wedding of grandson Lucas Goss. He and Kaylee were married at scenic Fulton Valley Farm near Towanda, Kan., on June 2. It was good to see the travelers get home in time to join Immanuel and the Buffalo LCMS congregation at Church in the Park at Bennett Springs. Church service started at 10 a.m. with Pastor Cody providing guitar music for the hymns. Afterward Dale Caffey and Roger Mepham had dogs and burgers on the grill, and we had lots of salads, chips and desserts to go along with them. There was just enough breeze, with the help of Jims big fan, to keep us all comfortable and it was a great morning. Immanuels in-home Bible study will be June 16, at the Kennemer home. He is providing hot dogs, so bring something that goes with hot dogs and grab your lawn chair. Dinner starts at 6 p.m. with the Bible study afterward. Hopefully the weather will be just right to sit outside and study the Word. Get ready to celebrate Fathers Day next Sunday, and try not to think about our year being half over already. May you recognize your many blessings during the coming week. Shares of telecom-equipment maker ZTE Corp. bounced back slightly in Hong Kong on Thursday following a massive sell-off the previous day, as the stock resumed trading after the company settled a dispute with the U.S. that had threatened the companys existence. ZTEs Hong Kong-listed shares were up 1.1% at the midday break, retreating from earlier gains of up to 2.7%. But the companys Shenzhen-listed shares were down by the 10% daily limit for a second consecutive day, reflecting lingering concerns over the new uncertainties created by ZTEs crisis. ZTE shares plummeted by 41.6% Wednesday in Hong Kong on their first day of trading after a nearly two-month suspension as investors fretted about the impact of a $1.4 billion penalty and major management changes imposed by the U.S. government. The large fine was part of a broader settlement between Washington and the company over ZTEs past sales of American-made components to Iran in violation of U.S. sanctions at that time aimed at curbing Irans nuclear program. Washington had originally ordered a seven-year ban on sale of U.S. components to ZTE, a move the company said threatened its corporate life. But the U.S. later relented and reached a new settlement with ZTE, including the large fine. The company halted most of its operations shortly after the crisis began, but is likely to resume manufacturing its core smartphones and networking equipment after paying the fine, analysts said. In association with the fine, the company is also going to record an asset impairment charge of 2.5 billion yuan ($390 million) in its 2017 financial report, the company said. One day after the trading resumption, ZTE said separately that it plans to apply for a 30 billion yuan line of credit from Bank of China and another $6 billion from China Development Bank, according a statement filed to Shenzhen Stock Exchange on Thursday. Jefferies analyst Edison Lee said the plan was typical for ZTE, giving the company a tool to provide financing for customers who bought its networking equipment. Contact reporter Leng Cheng (chengleng@caixin.com) news, latest-news English comedian Catherine Tate aka foul-mouthed Nan Taylor, aka argumentative teenager Lauren, aka Donna Noble from Doctor Who, has added a Canberra show to her Australian tour later this year. The award-winning comedian and writer is bringing The Catherine Tate Show - Live to Australia for the first time, with a seven-city Australian tour starting in Perth on Saturday, November 10. Her Canberra show will be at the Canberra Theatre Centre on Sunday, November 18. The Canberra show was added "due to great demand''. Tickets go on sale Thursday, June 14 at 11am. The tour will unite some of Catherine's best-known characters from her hugely successful BBC series The Catherine Tate Show, broadcast in Australia on ABC TV, in "never before seen'' sketches. The cast will include 'Nan' Taylor, Irish nurse Bernie, Geordie Georgie, Essex girl Sam and "Am I bovvered?'' teenager Lauren. Ticket information is at livenation.com.au. Nan, ever full of that special joie de vivre, said: "She's going on tour, is she? What a load of old s**t!" Joining Catherine on her the tour is longterm collaborator Niky Wardley and David OReilly. Tickets for the Canberra show start at $102 for B-Reserve seats and go all the way up to almost $300 ($272) for a seat in the first five rows and a complimentary drink. Visit canberratheatrecentre.com.au/show/the-catherine-tate-show-live/ /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/cfc225e2-6745-4a3d-ad3e-7727366f510d/r0_70_1024_649_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, crime Police expect to charge a number of people after seizing guns, drugs, cash and suspected stolen goods in three recent searches across Canberra. An ACT Policing spokesperson said officers seized illicit drugs, an illegal firearm, firearm components, ammunition and suspected stolen property from a home in Narrabundah on June 3. In another search on the same day, police seized cannabis plants and suspected illicit substances in Braddon. On June 5, officers seized cash, suspected illicit drugs, suspected steroids, two illegal firearms and ammunition from a home in Rivett. An ACT Policing spokesperson said the investigation relating to the search warrants was ongoing. "Police anticipate a number of people will be charged at a later date," the spokesperson said. Police urged anyone with information on these incidents, or other criminal activity, to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000, or via the Crime Stoppers ACT website. Information can be provided anonymously. For these incidents, quote reference numbers 6272876, 6272900 and 6273620. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/a4edd03d-3f0e-451a-b7e7-1f69ebfc99c4/r0_90_640_452_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2018 12:40 pm Nineteen tractors were featured in the Orscheln Farm and Home Stores annual Antique Tractor Show, held Saturday in the store parking lot in Marshfield. Participants brought a variety of John Deere and Allis Chalmers tractors to the event. This years winner was Randy Skeeter, Strafford, for his 1952 John Deere Model tractor. He received a trophy can donated by Van Sickle Paint with prizes inside and a $100 Orscheln gift card. Chad Funk, Strafford, earned second place for his 1929 John Deere GP and Mitch Spurgeon, Cuba, took third place for his 1952 Oliver 77. The Antique Tractor Show has been going on for several years now, said Brenda Deckard with Orscheln Farm and Home Store in Marshfield. We have 170-some stores. Some of them do the show and others do not, but we have chosen to do it here. We have really enjoyed it. We have people from all over come and take part in the show. Last years winner was Mitch Spurgeon of Cuba, Missouri, who brought his 1952 Oliver tractor. His picture was taken and featured in the Orscheln Farm and Home Store calendar. Deckard explained the calendar comes out once a year in the fall and is given away free to all of the customers. All of the Orscheln stores gather their pictures and send them in, said Deckard. A committee at corporate makes a decision on who is going to be in each month. We have been in it for the last two years, so we are trying for a third year. news, latest-news Not many kids are sad to call in sick for school but when Fran Crowe's three grandchildren came down with a cough last week she was taken aback by their reaction. It turned out the tears were reserved for their Tuesday afternoon learning club, rather than regular class. Once a week after school, about two dozen students from disadvantaged backgrounds meet at Tuggeranong and Gungahlin libraries for one-on-one tutoring. "We never miss it," Ms Crowe said. "[Our] youngest Mykayla has been asking forever if she could come too and she's finally old enough this year." The club is run by The Smith Family and a small team of volunterrs, including Tim Friedrich, a former teacher who has been helping Ms Crowe's grandson Aidan lift his game in maths. Game being the operative word - Aiden reveals he's designing his own, with the help of Mr Friedrich, while Emmelynn, who is in year 4, is busy writing a play. The Smith Family has sponsored all three of the children since 2015, providing much-needed funding for things like books, school uniforms and camps. "Without it, the kids would miss out," Ms Crowe said. One in seven Australian children live below the poverty line, and the charity already sponsors more than 1000 kids in Canberra. That number is growing all the time, says Lisa Gibbons of the Smith Family. The charity needs to raise $162,000 by the end of the month to support an extra 400 Canberra children in need this year. Research shows students from disadvantaged backgrounds often face barriers in their learning as well, with one in three falling behind in key areas like literacy and numeracy. One of the biggest barriers, Mr Friedrich said, was not believing they could learn in the first place. "A lot of these kids haven't had a good time in school and it becomes a bit self-fulfilling," he said. "One of [my students], he'd push the work away from him at the start but we ended up reading a book the whole way through. For him it was the first book he'd ever read." The latest Smith Family survey found eighty-seven per cent of students reported Learning Club had helped them improve at school, but Ms Gibbons said the program needed volunteers to stay afloat. When two math tutors moved on a few months back, the Tuggeranong learning club was forced to stop tutoring high school students. "We hope we can start that up again," Ms Gibbons said. "To have that one-on-one attention from an adult can be everything." /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/172a3190-6a7c-471e-944d-cae5372e3b33/r0_288_5472_3380_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news The temperature is set to drop below freezing point in Canberra this weekend, and the chilly conditions could bring snow to the capital. Bureau of Meteorology forecaster Gabrielle Woodhouse said while snow was more likely on higher ground than in the city or the suburbs, the situation could change with a number of cold fronts moving towards the ACT. On Thursday morning, Ms Woodhouse said snow was forecast above 800 metres on Saturday, and above 600 metres on Sunday. We're in for a chilly and wet weekend, with an 80 per cent chance of showers and a top temperature of just nine degrees on Saturday, followed by a high of seven degrees and a low of -1 degree on Sunday. "It's going to be pretty brisk, I'm not going to lie," Ms Woodhouse said. "In Canberra itself, we could see winds of up to 40 or 50 km/h during the middle of the day [on Friday and Saturday]." Ms Woodhouse urged people to keep an eye on the Bureau of Meteorology website for the latest severe weather warnings. A warning for damaging winds was issued on Thursday morning, warning that westerly winds of more than 100 km/h may develop about the higher ground of the Illawarra, Central and Southern Tablelands, Snowy Mountains and South Coast districts on Friday morning. But, there's good news for snow-bunnies heading to the slopes this weekend. Gusts in the Snowy Mountains could peak at more than 125km/h from Thursday evening, with blizzard conditions expected in the area above 1500 metres. Perisher received 10 centimetres of snow through the day on Wednesday and overnight and there's more to come. "The anticipated winter storm arrived yesterday bringing blizzard conditions with strong winds, cold temperatures and heavy snow flurries," a spokeswoman said. "These conditions continued last night and into today which has coated the resort in fresh blanket of snow. "With the temperatures as low as minus 4 degrees our snowmakers used the opportunity to fire up 51 snow guns across the Perisher and Blue Cow." The storm is forecast to continue until Monday, with snow predicted to reach up to 65 centimetres at the slopes. "Friday and Saturday are looking to bring the heaviest of snowfalls with 20 centimetres each day," she said. Thredbo will be open for skiing and snowboarding this weekend. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/ed1f6a8f-aa52-44e0-80a6-728c100ed234/r0_107_1800_1124_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news They call it the quarter-life crisis. A growing number of young Australians do not have full-time work by the time they turn 25 and Michael Ouzas is desperately trying to avoid this situation. The 23-year-old, who has a masters degree in landscape architecture from RMIT, has spent the past 12 months looking for work. He estimates hes applied for at least 50 jobs. I have applied at small firms, large firms and international firms. I have lost count, he said. New research by the Foundation for Young Australians suggests Mr Ouzas' struggle is not uncommon. It finds the transition from education to full-time work has become increasingly time-consuming and unpredictable, with half of Australias 25-year-olds unable to secure full-time work despite 60 per cent holding tertiary qualifications. Mr Ouzas said his biggest obstacle was competition in the job market. He said employers were also demanding years of experience for entry-level jobs. There are only so many graduate positions available," he explained. "The majority of firms are small and might only employ five to 10 people. When they are obtaining a new employee they are often not looking for graduates, and if they are, they want someone with one to three years' experience. While Mr Ouzas loved his time at RMIT, he thinks he would have benefited from a work placement. He's working in a Collingwood bottle shop and considering moving to China where he's more hopeful of securing work as a landscape architect. "I want to obtain a job and start practising in a field that I love," he said. Foundation for Young Australians chief executive, Jan Owen, said investing in education was not converting to full-time employment. The quarter-life crisis is very real, she said. There is a quarter-of-life crisis about just starting your life, being able to support full-time work off the back of an education you have invested a lot of time and money in. She said there was a mismatch between the skills needed in the workplace and what was being taught. The report, which is based on a survey of 14,000 young people, found that the proportion of 25-year-olds in full-time work dropped from 57 to 50 per cent over the decade to 2016. At the same time, young people are more educated than ever before. The proportion of 15 to 24-year-olds studying at university and TAFE has increased from 30 per cent in the mid-80s to to 53 per cent. Previous research by the Foundation has revealed that the average time it takes young people to transition from education to full-time work has ballooned from one year in 1986 to 4.7 years. Students reported that not enough work experience, a lack of appropriate education, inadequate interview and job application skills and not enough jobs were the main hurdles preventing them from accessing full-time work. The report found that securing full-time work could be fast-tracked by up to 17 months if young people had problem-solving, teamwork and communication skills. Megan OConnell, the director of the Mitchell Institute at Victoria University, said our education system was failing to prepare students for success after school. She said students could "start thinking about what they enjoy and what they are good at in primary school and learn about how they might contribute to different jobs". /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/760462d5-7c72-4e73-a4c1-1359a87e8d0c/r0_278_5472_3370_w1200_h678_fmax.jpg news, latest-news The Australian Crime Intelligence Commission has suspended the contract for its beleagured biometric identification services project in order to renegotiate it after the contractor failed to meet the deadline for completion and the cost ran $40 million over budget. It follows a recommendation from a scathing independent review late last year that the contract be overhauled, the project be simplified and the timeline for delivery changed. In 2016 ACIC (then CrimTrac) contracted NEC Australia to deliver a program that would replace the national automated fingerprint identification system, adding in facial recognition, palm prints and foot prints and would be available for use by police forces around the country. Industry news website InnovationAus reported on Wednesday that NEC contractors had been marched from ACIC's premises on Monday June 4, after being told that the project had been suspended at the start of June. It's believed the project has been suspended until Friday, while the negotiations over the contract take place. A PriceWaterhouseCoopers report in November last year seen by Fairfax Media said "a chain of decisions involving all levels and stakeholders" had led to the project running behind schedule and over budget. It recommended that the scope of the project be simplified and standardised, and called it "highly challenged" and presenting a "high risk" to the commission. "There is low confidence in likelihood of delivery which requires focus to achieve turnaround." Poor communication, operational silos, limited collaboration and a failure to estimate the project's complexity had blown it off-track, the report said. The report also recommended that the existing fingerprint database contract with Morpho be extended for 12 months after its expiry in May 2018. It is not clear whether this contract was extended as recommended. The report said ACIC could save $8.4 million if it removed face recognition technology from the contract. The schedule for building and deploying the facial recognition section of the project was not known at the time of the report, but other sections of the project had faced a "systemic pattern of delay". An NEC Australia spokesman said he wasn't in a position to comment on the project, and ACIC wouldn't comment on any aspect of the identification project, as a spokeswoman said the commission "does not make any public comments on commercial matters". NEC Australia was also the contractor for the failed Australian apprecntice management system, which was dumped by the Department of Education and Training last month due to critical defects, also found by a report by PriceWaterhouseCoopers. The complexity of $20 million system was underestimated and under resourced, Senate estimates was told in May. Know more? Email sally.whyte@fairfaxmedia.com.au or contact 0427 369 889 through Signal. /images/transform/v1/crop/frm/silverstone-ct-migration/18144221-e192-44a4-9414-068b79c7148f/r0_16_320_197_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. Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2018 12:39 pm Missouri livestock producers may be looking south for hay due to concerns over predicted hay shortages. Buyer beware of red imported fire ants hitching a ride on hay from south of Missouris border, said University of Missouri Extension field crops entomologist Kevin Rice. This invasive species attacks native insects, birds, reptiles and small animals. When disturbed, they will defend themselves against livestock and humans with a vicious sting. The sting contains a venom that causes intense burning and itching. The ants also give off a pheromone that invites their nestmates to attack. While the stings are painful, fewer than 1 percent of people need medical attention for being stung by red imported fire ants. Fire ants were unintentionally introduced in Alabama from South America in the 1940s. Entomologists report them in 13 states. Few predators attack them. The good news, Rice says, is that they do not survive Missouri winters. Bales crossing state lines should be inspected and certified by U.S. Department of Agriculture or state regulatory officials. Rice says the seller should provide certification of inspection. Also, he suggests that buyers visually inspect each bale for fire ants. Place baits such as hot dogs or peanut butter next to bales for an hour and then scout. If you find ants in hay, collect several specimens and take them to your local MU Extension office. Red imported fire ants measure 1/8-1/4 inch long and can be distinguished from other ants by a two-segment petiole (or waist) and 10-segment antennae that end in two-segment clubs, Rice says. This reddish-brown ant bears a distinctive stinger at the tip of the abdomen. Punjab & Sind Bank has released an employment notification calling out for aspirants to apply for the post of FLC Counsellor. 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 12000. The last date to apply for the government job is June 27, 2018. Bank Jobs 2018 In June: Earn Up To INR 50 Lakhs! Punjab & Sind Bank Recruitment 2018 Vacancy Details CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Post FLC Counsellor Organisation Punjab & Sind Bank Educational Qualification Graduate in any field Maximum Age Limit 65 years Skills Required Candidate should have good communication skills and be well versed in banking operations Salary Scale INR 12000 Job Location Patiala Industry Banking Experience 15 to 20 years Application Start Date June 12, 2018 Application End Date June 27, 2018 Also Read: IBPS Recruitment 2018 For 10190 Officers How To Apply For Punjab & Sind Bank Recruitment 2018 In order to apply for Punjab & Sind Bank Recruitment 2018, follow these steps: Step 1: Log on to the Punjab & Sind Bank official website. Step 2: Scroll down to the bottom of the page and click on the Recruitment tab. Step 3: The list of recruitments will be displayed on the screen. Click on the PDF link against the relevant post. Step 4: The detailed advertisement will appear. Read the details carefully. Step 5: Scroll down to the bottom of the page to find the application format. Step 6: Send your applications by speed post to Punjab & Sind Bank. Punjab & Sind Bank Recruitment 2018 Mailing Address And Application Format Superscribe on the envelope, "Application for the post of FLC Counsellor" and send it to the zonal office in the below format: To The Zonal Manager, Punjab & Sind Bank, ZO: Chandigarh. Click here to read the detailed official notification. Hindustan Newsprint Limited (HNL) has released an employment notification calling out for aspirants to apply for the post of Advanced Trainee. 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 12000 per month. The last date to apply for the government job is June 20, 2018. BEL Recruitment 2018 For 480 Contract Engineers HNL Recruitment 2018 Vacancy Details CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Post Advanced Trainee Organisation Hindustan Newsprint Limited (HNL) Educational Qualification BTech Age Limit Not mentioned Skills Required Engineering skills Salary Scale INR 10000 to INR 12000 per month Job Location Kottayam Industry Engineering Experience Freshers can apply Application Start Date June 13, 2018 Application End Date June 20, 2018 Also Read: UPSC Recruitment 2018 For 71 Vacancies: Apply Before June 28! How To Apply For HNL Recruitment 2018 In order to apply for HNL Recruitment 2018, follow these steps: Step 1: Log on to the HNL official website. Step 2: Click on the Careers tab on top-right corner of the home page. Step 3: Click on the advertisment below the title that reads, ADVANCED TRAINEES/SR.ADVANCE TRAINEES (Job Code : hnl/0050). Step 4: The detailed advertisement will be displayed on the screen. Read the details carefully. Step 5: Send your resume to Hindustan Newsprint Ltd. HNL Recruitment 2018 Application Format And Mailing Address Superscribe on the envelope, "Application for the post of Advanced Trainee" and send it by speed post or in person along with attested copies of your documents to: HoD (HR&ES)& L, HNL, Newsprint Nagar PO, Kottayam-686 616 Click here to read the detailed official notification. Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has released an employment notification calling out for aspirants to apply for the post of Security Guard. 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 15700. The last date to apply for the government job is July 16, 2018. KFD Recruitment 2018 For 94 Forest Watchers KSRTC Recruitment 2018 Vacancy Details CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Post Security Guard Organisation Karnataka State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) Educational Qualification PUC Age Limit 18 to 35 years Salary Scale INR 11640 to INR 15700 Job Location Karnataka Industry Transport Experience Freshers can apply Application Start Date June 20, 2018 Application End Date July 16, 2018 Also Read: KSP Recruitment 2018 For 849 Police Constables How To Apply For KSRTC Recruitment 2018 In order to apply for KSRTC Recruitment 2018, follow these steps: Step 1: Log on to the KSRTC official website. Step 2: On the home page, click on the link that reads, Notification for the post of Security Guard- 2/2018 dated 12-06-2018. Step 3: The detailed advertisement will be displayed on the screen. Read the details carefully. Step 4: The application link will be available from June 20, 2018. Click on it. Step 5: The application form will be displayed on the screen. Enter your details in the fields provided. Step 6: Click Submit and follow the subsequent pages to complete the application process. Click here to read the detailed official notification. Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) has released an employment notification calling out for aspirants to apply for the post of Veterinary Assistant Surgeon. 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 44900. The last date to apply for the government job is July 19, 2018. UPSC Recruitment 2018 For 71 Vacancies: Apply Before June 28! OPSC Recruitment 2018 Vacancy Details CRITERIA DETAILS Name Of The Post Veterinary Assistant Surgeon Organisation Odisha Public Service Commission (OPSC) Educational Qualification Bachelor's degree in animal husbandry and veterinary science Age Limit 21 to 32 years Skills Required Clinical judgement Salary Scale INR 9300 to INR 44900 Job Location Odisha Industry Civil services Experience Freshers can apply Selection Process Written exam and viva voce Exam Pattern Objective-type, general awareness and subject-oriented questions Exam Location Cuttack, Bhubaneswar Application Start Date June 20, 2018 Application End Date July 19, 2018 Also Read: SKPSC Recruitment 2018 For Assistant Programmers How To Apply For OPSC Recruitment 2018 In order to apply for OPSC Recruitment 2018, follow these steps: Step 1: Log on to the OPSC official website. Step 2: Click on the link to apply online against the relevant post. The link will be active only from June 20, 2018. Step 3: Read the declaration carefully. Enter the captcha code and click the button to agree to the instructions. Step 4: The application form will be displayed on the screen. Enter your details in the fields provided. Step 5: Upload your photo and signature. Step 6: Click Submit and complete the application process. Note: Incomplete applications will be rejected. So make sure that you have filled all the fields. Click here to read the detailed official notification. Health worker Fusheni Nazeed demonstrates for President and Mrs. Carter how trachoma can be prevented when simple environmental strategies and health education become part of people's daily lives in the village of Tingoli, Ghana, in 2007. Ghana is the first sub-Saharan African country to be validated by the World Health Organization for eliminating the eye disease trachoma as a public health problem. (Photo: The Carter Center) FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Contact: Emily Staub, Emily.Staub@cartercenter.org, +1-(404) 420-5126 ATLANTAThe Carter Center congratulates its longtime partner Ghana, which has become the first sub-Saharan African country to be validated by the World Health Organization (WHO) for eliminating the eye disease trachoma as a public health problem. "Ghana's success against trachoma shows the world and the remaining endemic countries that the greatest challenges can be overcome with persistence, political commitment, and the support of the international community," said former U.S. President Jimmy Carter, founder of The Carter Center, a pioneer in disease elimination and eradication for more than three decades. Trachoma, a disease of poverty, is a bacterial infection that can lead to blindness. It can be treated and prevented through a WHO-endorsed strategy combining corrective surgery, antibiotics, hygienic practices, and improved sanitation, often referred to by the acronym SAFE. From 1999 to 2011, the Carter Center assisted the Ghana Health Service's Trachoma Control Program as it ramped up surgical services and improved hygiene and sanitation in a number of ways. Ghana has persevered to rid itself of this terrible disease, said Kelly Callahan, director of the Carter Centers Trachoma Control Program, which has been a leader in the international trachoma campaign for 20 years. "I applaud Ghana's dedicated trachoma health workers for improving the lives of so many for generations to come. Ghana actually succeeded in reducing trachoma as a public health problem by 2010, but it was ahead of its time: In 2010, the WHO and global trachoma experts had not yet developed a process or criteria to evaluate the countrys achievement. The WHO created a process in 2016 to allow for Ghana and other countries to be validated as having met the elimination as a public health problem targets. Together with partners, The Carter Center helped Ghanas ministry of health to prepare a dossier, which is a document submitted to the WHO to be considered for official validation. With financial support from the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, The Carter Center supported Ghana in training more than 8,000 community health workers, including teachers in over 400 schools, environmental health officers, and village volunteers, to deliver core program messages to rural villages, as well as supporting the construction of thousands of household latrines to improve sanitation. Radio broadcasts of trachoma prevention messages were used to reach Ghanaian villagers living in some of the most isolated and remote areas of the country. The program donated wind-up radios and supported local stations in the production and broadcast of weekly trachoma shows, hosting radio listening clubs for members to discuss the shows messages. The Center started its Trachoma Control Program in 1998, the same year the International Trachoma Initiative (ITI) began, and the WHO initiated a campaign through World Health Assembly Resolution 51.11 to eliminate trachoma as a public health problem. Principal partners in the Centers multi-country efforts include Pfizer Inc. and the ITI, the International Coalition for Trachoma Control, the Conrad N. Hilton Foundation, the Lions Clubs International Foundation, Sightsavers, the U.K. Department for International Development, the Queen Elizabeth Diamond Jubilee Trust, the Noor Dubai Foundation, the OPEC Fund for International Development, Abbott and others. Currently, the Center works with six African countries Ethiopia, Mali, Niger, South Sudan, Sudan, and Uganda to implement the SAFE strategy. Mali and Niger are close to reaching the goal of wiping out the disease. In Nigeria and Ghana, the Center completed its elimination goals in the areas where it assisted those countries programs. Carter Centers history with Ghana Guinea worm, agriculture, and democracy The Carter Center and Ghana go back a long way. Ghana was one of the first countries to partner with the Centers Guinea Worm Eradication Program, in 1987. Nearly 180,000 cases of Guinea worm disease were reported during the country's first national case search in 1989, ranking Ghana second in the world in cases at the time. Schools in some endemic communities closed because large numbers of students were afflicted, farmers were unable to tend their fields, and families became further entrenched in poverty. The Ghana Guinea Worm Eradication Program introduced the following approaches that became universal best practices: health education; distribution of nylon household filters and pipe filters to strain out Guinea worm-infected water fleas; safe, monthly treatment of stagnant water sources with ABATE larvicide, donated by BASF; direct advocacy with water organizations; and increased efforts to build safer hand-dug wells. Village volunteers, who were trained, supplied, and supervised by the program, carried out monthly surveillance, conducted health education and distributed cloth filters. Interventions were tailored to meet the unique needs of migratory farming populations. Targeted radio messages and the development of additional educational materials also were important tools in efforts to stop disease transmission. Former President Jimmy Carter and First Lady Rosalynn Carter visited Ghana in 2007, accompanied by Carter Center Board of Trustees then-Chairman John Moores, to see both programs, Guinea worm and trachoma, in action. The Carters toured Tingoli village in the Northern Region, where they donned traditional Dagomba attire, chatted with residents, and inspected well-constructed latrines. Working with the Ghanaian Ministry of Farming and Agriculture, the Carter Center's Agriculture Program began assisting farmers in the Ashanti and Central regions of Ghana in 1986 to improve food security. Although The Carter Center ceased its agricultural work in Ghana in 2003, farmers continue to use practices and skills gained through the program. In 1992, The Carter Center sent an election-monitoring team to Ghana's first democratic presidential election in more than 30 years. In 2008, The Carter Center observed Ghana's presidential and parliamentary elections. Editors Note: Professionally shot photos available upon request. ### "Waging Peace. Fighting Disease. Building Hope." A not-for-profit, nongovernmental organization, The Carter Center has helped to improve life for people in over 80 countries by resolving conflicts; advancing democracy, human rights, and economic opportunity; preventing diseases; and improving mental health care. The Carter Center was founded in 1982 by former U.S. President Jimmy Carter and former First Lady Rosalynn Carter, in partnership with Emory University, to advance peace and health worldwide. Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2018 12:06 pm Missouri Secretary of State Jay Ashcroft (left) was in Webster County Friday to bring a proclamation signed by former Gov. Eric Greitens to recognize Dairy Month in Missouri. Receiving the proclamation is Ted Sheppard of Cabool, president of the Missouri Dairy Association. Afterwards, Sheppard said he was pleased by the Summer Classic field day in both the turnout and the legislative attention, but that education was the goal of the day. "If we can lessen the stress on farmers, then that's what we're here to do," he said. Photo: VPD Sgt. Jason Robillard Vancouver Police are looking into the third reported "virtual kidnapping" case of 2018 and are warning the public to be vigilant. These types of "kidnappings" are actually elaborate extortion schemes, involving scammers faking kidnappings of loved ones and demanding ransom for their release. In this most recent case, a woman in her early 20s studying in Vancouver on a student visa from Mainland China received a call from someone who identified himself as a Chinese police officer. The phone number appeared to be an actual Chinese police number, a method fraudsters call "spoofing." The woman believed she had been implicated in a money laundering investigation in China, and was told she needed to transfer money to China to pay court costs. She did, sending money through a Bitcoin Automated Teller Machine. The suspects then continued to threaten the woman, saying they would arrest her unless she paid more money and sent compromising photos to them. These were then sent to her family in China, intended to look like proof she had been kidnapped. Her family paid the demanded ransom. "These deplorable crimes are having a huge impact on these young, trusting students and their families. We need to make sure people are aware to prevent them from continuing," said Sgt. Jason Robillard. "We want to remind all foreign students that Chinese police will not arrest you in Canada, and if you are confused or scared, please reach out to your local police department in Canada. We are here to help." The police believe the perpetrators are not in Canada, and have not discovered how victims are being chosen. The VPD's Major Crime Section is working with Chinese officials and other agencies. This is the third such report of 2018, along with two other reports of attempted virtual kidnappings. Anyone with information is asked to call police at 604-717-3679 or Crime Stoppers anonymously at 1-800-222-8477. How do you deal with the loss of privacy, fan demand, and the pitfalls of success? In the Globo Reporter... Among 651 persons diagnosed with HIV infection in community settings in Eswatini, 98% enrolled in care, and 83% initiated ART within a few days of receiving peer-delivered linkage case management services recommended by CDC and the World Health Organization. After expansion of ART eligibility for all persons with HIV infection, 96% initiated ART. To achieve epidemic control of human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) infection, sub-Saharan African countries are striving to diagnose 90% of HIV infections, initiate and retain 90% of HIV-diagnosed persons on antiretroviral therapy (ART), and achieve viral load suppression* for 90% of ART recipients (90-90-90) (1). In Eswatini (formerly Swaziland), the country with the worlds highest estimated HIV prevalence (27.2%), achieving 90-90-90 depends upon improving access to early ART for men and young adults with HIV infection, two groups with low ART coverage (13). Although community-based strategies test many men and young adults with HIV infection in Eswatini, fewer than one third of all persons who test positive in community settings enroll in HIV care within 6 months of diagnosis after receiving standard referral services (4,5). To evaluate the effectiveness of peer-delivered linkage case management in improving early ART initiation for persons with HIV infection diagnosed in community settings in Eswatini, CDC analyzed data on 651 participants in CommLink, a community-based, mobile HIV-testing, point-of-diagnosis HIV care, and peer-delivered linkage case management demonstration project, and found that after diagnosis, 635 (98%) enrolled in care within a median of 5 days (interquartile range [IQR] = 28 days), and 541 (83%) initiated ART within a median of 6 days (IQR = 214 days), including 402 (74%) on the day of their first clinic visit (same-day ART). After expanding ART eligibility to all persons with HIV infection on October 1, 2016, 96% of 225 CommLink clients initiated ART, including 87% at their first clinic visit. Compared with women and adult clients aged 30 years, similar high proportions of men and persons aged 1529 years enrolled in HIV care and received same-day ART. To help achieve 90-90-90 by 2020, the United States Presidents Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief (PEPFAR) is supporting the national scale-up of CommLink in Eswatini and recommending peer-delivered linkage case management as a potential strategy for countries to achieve >90% early enrollment in care and ART initiation after diagnosis of HIV infection (6). CommLink was implemented by two outreach teams, each operating with a van in rural and urban catchment areas in the Hhohho and Manzini regions of Eswatini during June 2015March 2017 (Figure 1). Each team included two or three HIV-test counselors, three HIV-positive, ART-adherent expert client (peer) counselors, and a nurse. HIV testing was offered to persons encountered at homesteads, worksites, bars, and high-traffic urban locations (e.g., near markets and bus stops). Clients who tested positive and had not received HIV care in the past 90 days were offered point-of-diagnosis HIV care and linkage case management. In modified vans (mobile units) parked at test locations, CommLink nurses provided physical and psychosocial assessment, clinical staging, CD4 count, syndromic treatment for sexually transmitted infections, and a 7-day course of cotrimoxazole (Figure 2). Medical files completed by CommLink nurses were transferred within 48 hours to clinics, health centers, and other referral facilities where clients could receive ART (Figure 1). Peer counselors provided linkage case management for consenting clients from the time of diagnosis through at least the first return visit for facility-based care after ART initiation. For ART-eligible clients who did not initiate ART or return for their first refill of antiretroviral medication, linkage case management services continued for up to 90 days. Linkage case management comprises the package of services recommended by CDC and the World Health Organization (WHO), including 1) peer-delivered counseling and psychosocial support; 2) treatment navigation at referral facilities (escorting to or meeting clients at the referral facility at least once, providing psychosocial support [for the duration of the first clinic visit], and explaining the content, sequence, and locations of HIV clinical, laboratory, and pharmaceutical services); 3) weekly telephone calls and appointment reminders; and 4) two follow-up face-to-face counseling sessions on disclosing HIV status to and HIV testing of partners and family members and on identifying and resolving real and perceived barriers to HIV care (1,7). National guidelines for ART eligibility based on CD4 count were expanded twice during the project, resulting in the following three ART-eligibility periods: 1) June 2015November 2015 (CD4 count <350/L); 2) December 2015September 2016 (CD4 count <500/L); and 3) October 2016March 2017 (any CD4 count, Test and Start). At referral facilities, same-day ART patients received a 14-day supply of antiretroviral medications and were instructed to return in 2 weeks to receive their baseline laboratory test results and their first 30-day antiretroviral refill. Information on receipt of facility-based clinical services, including ART, and associated dates of service were abstracted from patient health care cards. Among 909 persons who tested HIV-positive during CommLink outreach events, 21 (2%) left the event before eligibility screening, and 163 (18%) were either currently in HIV care (90), requested a referral to a facility outside of the catchment area (33), or were ineligible for linkage case management for other reasons, such as residence in another region or country (40). Among 725 eligible persons, 19 (2.6%) were aged <15 years and were excluded from analyses. Of 706 eligible persons aged 15 years, 651 (92%) participated in linkage case management and received services for a median of 42 days (IQR = 2466 days). Excluding weekly telephone contacts, >90% of clients in all demographic and diagnostic subgroups, including men, persons aged 1529 years, participants from urban outreach events, and participants who had counselors of a different gender, received linkage case management services (Table). Although proportionally fewer male than female counselors documented weekly telephone contacts with their clients, male counselors contacted 236 (99.6%) of their 237 clients by phone at least three times. From the date of diagnosis, 635 (98%) clients received HIV care at least once at a referral facility within a median of 5 days (IQR = 28 days), and 541 (83%) initiated ART within a median of 6 days (IQR = 214 days), including 402 (74%) on the day of their first clinic visit (Table). As ART eligibility increased from a required CD4 count <350/L to Test and Start, the percentage of all clients initiated on ART increased from 66% to 96%, the percentage of clients initiated on ART who received same day ART increased from 62% to 87%, and, among 361 clients with newly diagnosed HIV infection, the median CD4 count at ART initiation increased from 313/L (IQR = 203/L422/L) to 454/L (IQR = 264/L598/L). Among 402 clients who initiated ART on the day of their first clinic visit, 379 (94%) returned to the facility at least once after ART initiation within a median of 14 days (IQR = 1415 days). Nearly all clients enrolled in facility-based HIV care, including men (97%), persons aged 1529 years (97%), participants from urban (97%) and rural (98%) outreach events, and participants with counselors of the same or different gender (95%99%). Compared with women and adult clients aged 30 years, similar high proportions of men and clients aged 1529 years received same-day ART and returned to care after same-day ART initiation (Table). Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2018 12:37 pm Services: 11 a.m. Thursday, June 14, at Day Funeral Home, Marshfield. Visitation: 10 a.m. until service time Thursday, June 14, in the funeral home chapel. Ralph Duane Hungerford, 78, Marshfield, Mo., was born Feb. 3, 1940, in Belflower, California to Ralph and Ruth (Gillis) Hungerford, and departed this life on June 5, 2018, at Cox Hospital, Springfield, Mo. At the age of four, Duane started his business career by selling vegetables from his grandparents' farm. After graduating from Excelsior High School he enrolled in a technical college where he graduated as the youngest artificial livestock breeder at the age of sixteen. During the 1960s, Duane joined the United States Marine Corps in southern California where he stayed until his discharge into the Reserves. In the 1960s he also started his real estate career in California which progressed into Oregon, Tennessee, Ohio and Missouri. He became district manager for United Farm Realty, for which he covered three states. Throughout his real estate career, Duane developed housing tracts and several businesses. His career in real estate lasted until the end of the eighties at which time he retired. After retiring, Duane went on several more business adventures as he started a Chrysler/Dodge car dealership, a movie rental store and eight gun and pawn stores around Missouri. At one point, all four of his children owned a store they had started with Duane. Duane was led to Christ when he was a young man working around Stockton, Calif. He became a member of the Nazarene Church in Lakewood, Calif, where he ministered to the youth (and would ultimately meet his future wife). Duane was a member of the First Baptist Church of Mountain Grove, Mo., where he was a deacon and attendance counter. (He was often known to count a pregnant woman as one and a half.) After moving to Marshfield, Mo., Duane became a member of the First Baptist Church. Duane enjoyed people and learning new cultures, which lead him to travel to over 30 countries and 49 states. (He complained that Alaska was too cold after flying over it on a trip and seeing its lakes and rivers frozen.) Duane married his wife, Peggy, on Nov. 22,1965, after meeting her in church. They raised their four children together over a period of 52 years. His greatest joy was his nine grandchildren, who he was so proud of and liked to brag about. Duane is survived by his wife, Peggy, of the home; three daughters, Kimberly Pritchard and husband, Michael, of Richland, Mo., Cindy Clark and husband, Josi, of Marshfield, Mo., Stephanie Turner and husband, David, of Monett, Mo., a son, Todd Hungerford and wife, Becca, of Marshfield, Mo.; grandchildren, Jordan and husband, James, Will and wife, Katie, Eli, Alex, Emma, Natalie, Gavin, Kyle and Garrett; one sister, Jackie Hoyle and husband, Larry, of Kentucky, as well as a host of family and friends. He was preceded in death by his parents. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Samaritans Purse, in care of the funeral home. Following their royal nuptials on May 19, 2018, Prince Harry and Meghan Markle received plenty of wedding gifts totaling around $9 million. However, the Duke and Duchess of Sussex, who specifically asked that in lieu of presents well-wishers send donations to one of seven charities, returned just about all of them. They are definitely keeping one extravagant present they received from the queen though. Find out what Harrys grandmother gifted them (page 5) and see what over-the-top wedding presents his family members and other royals have received over the years. Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip Gift: Jewels and more For her own royal wedding in 1947, Queen Elizabeth had tons of gifts; about 2,500 to be exact. Her Majesty and Prince Philip received gift of expensive jewelry, including a diamond-encrusted tiara and glittering sapphire jewels. They also received crystal candlesticks from Sweden, porcelain horse figurines from West Germany, clocks from Switzerland, carpets from India, and 500 cases of pineapple from Australia. Members of the British public, who were still living with rationing, sent them presents as well which included 131 pairs of nylons, 38 handbags, and 24 pairs of gloves. Next: Apparently, every royal couple needs one of these. Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco Gift: A yacht In 1956, Grace Kelly and Prince Rainier of Monaco received many lavish wedding presents, but perhaps none were more extravagant than what Aristotle Onassis gave them: a yacht. The newlyweds used the 147-foot Deo Juvante II yacht as the means of transportation for their seven-week honeymoon through the Mediterranean. Next: Someone stole this $1 million gift from the royals. Prince Charles and Princess Diana Gift: Gem-studded boat Prince Charles and the late Princess Diana received more than 1,000 gifts for their wedding of the century. One of their most impressive presents was from the Emir of Bahrain who gave them a gem-studded model of an Arab sailing ship. Following the Princess of Wales tragic death, the a jewel encrusted model of a boat, which worth a whopping $1 million, was stolen. Next: This is the expensive gift Prince William and Kate Middleton got. Prince William and Kate Middleton Gift: Worlds most expensive perfume In 2011, Prince William and Kate Middleton started the trend of requesting that guests send charitable donations instead of traditional gifts, just as Markle and Harry did. But they still got a pretty elaborate present from the man who holds the Guinness World Record for most expensive perfume. Clive Christian gifted the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge with his and hers bottles of Imperial Majesty Edition. The fragrances were presented in a special case adorned with an ornate, hand-embroidered gold coat of arms. The price tag of the set is estimated to be about $450,000. Next: This is what Queen Elizabeth gave her grandson and his bride. Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Gift: A country home In case their two other houses arent enough, the queen gave the Harry and Markle another home. The property, York Cottage, is located on the 20,000-acre Sandringham Estate in Norfolk. The Metro reported that the residence was designed to look like three Merrie England pubs joined together, oozing charm and character. The Duke and Duchess of Sussex also share their Nottingham Cottage at Kensington Palace, as well as another home in The Cotswolds. Next: The cost of those other gifts pale in comparison to this. Sheikh Mohammed and Princess Salama Gift: A stadium The cost of those gifts are nothing compared to what the Crown Prince of Abu Dhabi, Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed bin Sultan Al Nahyan got when he wed Princess Salama. In 1981, the Sheikhs father gifted the couple with a 20,000-seat stadium. The venue was built solely for the pair to entertain all the wedding guests who celebrated with them over the course of seven days. The over-the-top present costs a staggering $22 million and their nuptials are listed as the most expensive royal wedding of all time. Next: Giving royals entire cities has happened as well. Charles II and Catherine of Braganza Gift: Two cities and trading rights Yes, you read that two cities part correctly. Presents given to the royals centuries ago were even more unique. For example, way back in 1661, Charles II and Catherine of Braganzas marriage secured an alliance between England and Portugal that came with a dowry. Therefore, Portugal gifted the British royal family not only trading rights with Brazil and the East Indies, but also Bombay in India (modern day Mumbai) and Tangiers in Africa. If anyone were in sole possession of two large cities today, they would be the richest person in the world. Follow The Cheat Sheet on Facebook! Friendship with Vladimir Putin has its perks. As one of the most powerful men in the world, he has a lot to offer his friends, and not all of it is on the up-and-up, reports say. In fact, the Trump Administration has taken action against a number of oligarchs who benefit from Putins regime and play a key role in advancing Russias malign activities. Here well show you the men in the Russian presidents inner circle and ways the U.S. has sanctioned them. See the map who swaps roles with Putin regularly (page 8) and the fate of Putins daughters estranged husband (page 11). 1. Boris Rotenberg Russian businessman Lifelong friend of Putin, played ice hockey together Putin awarded him $7 billion in Sochi Olympic contracts, the U.S. Treasury reported Putin has awarded this childhood friend billions of dollars in contracts for the 2014 Sochi Olympic games. Rotenberg has amassed great wealth while Putin has ruled Russia. He went from owning a few service stations in St. Petersburg to creating a multibillion-dollar building and industrial empire. The Panama Papers tie Rotenberg to multiple offshore shell companies in the Virgin Islands and Cyprus. Forbes listed him as being the 69th wealthiest person in Russia in 2016. Next: A man who sees an upside to sanctions 2. Arkady Rotenberg Russian businessman Childhood friend of Putin, met in a judo class Said being on the U.S. sanctions list is a positive thing Like his brother, Arkady Rotenberg also made billions off the Sochi Olympics contracts granted by Putin. The two siblings co-own the largest construction company for gas pipelines and electrical power supply lines in Russia. Forbes estimated Arkadys fortune at $2.5 billion in 2017. Both brothers are sanctioned by the U.S. According to Arkady, being on the list makes him more concentrated and is a positive thing. Next: The largest shareholder in Putins favorite bank 3. Yury Kovalchuk Putins personal banker Head of a Communist Party-founded bank with $11 billion in assets According to the U.S. Treasury, this close advisor to Putin is referred to as one of his cashiers. Yury Kovalchuk is the largest single shareholder of Bank Rossiya, closely associated with Putin and his friends. The banks managers handled billions of dollars in suspicious offshore transactions, reports say. Due to his involvement with Putin and Bank Rossiya, the U.S. sanctioned Kovalchuk in 2014, freezing any of his assets within American jurisdiction. Next: A friendly neighbor former KBG agent 4. Sergey Chemezov Russian businessman Met Putin when they worked for the KGB in East Germany Sergey Chemezov has known Putin for more than 30 years, he told a Russian newspaper, which reported he is among Putins top three trusted friends. The became friendly neighbors while KGB agents in East Germany, when their families lived in the same building. Chemezov has served as chairman of different departments in Putins administration and CEO of multiple state-owned companies. The Obama administration sanctioned Chemezov in 2014 for being a trusted ally of President Putin. This subjected him to asset freezes and travel bans. Next: He helped fix Putins image problem. 5. Vyacheslav Volodin Speaker of Russias parliament Former aide to Putin Worked to soften Putins image after massive 2011 protests The speaker of the State Duma previously ran the Kremlins domestic policy and held other high-level positions in Russian government. Following massive post-election protests in 2011 threatening Putins power, Volodin worked to consolidate the ruling partys power and soften Putins image. His current speaker position could be considered a reward for his work. The U.S. sanctioned Volodin in 2014, calling him one of Putins closest advisors in his decision to forcefully move into Crimea. Next: He felt honored to be sanctioned. 6. Vladislav Surkov Presidential aide A reported mastermind behind the violent Crimea annexation Mocked U.S. sanctions, calling them a great honor Called the Grey Cardinal as a behind-the-scenes decision-maker, this presidential aide coined the term sovereign democracy to describe Russias brand of authoritarian capitalism. Many perceive him a as a key figure with much influence in Putins administration. Surkov was accused by the European Union in 2014 of helping Russia to annex Crimea from Ukraine. When the U.S. sanctioned him for being an aide to Putin, he responded that this was a great honor. He added his only interests in America were Tupac Shakur, Allen Ginsburg, and Jackson Pollock. Next: A concert musician 7. Sergei Roldugin Concert cellist Putins best friend, godfather to his daughter Reportedly placed in control of assets worth $100 million This St. Petersburg musician is Putins closest friend. He introduced Putin to Lyudmila, whom Putin went on to marry in 1983. Roldugin became godfather to Putins older daughter, Maria. The cellist holds sizable stakes in a Russian TV advertising agency, a truck manufacturer, and Bank Rossiya, the Panama Papers reveal. While Roldugin indicated on bank documents he is not a businessman or close to any Russian public figures, reports are he plays a role in controlling a good chunk of Putins fortune. Next: The man who helps Putin get around term limits 8. Dmitry Medvedev Russias prime minister Close friend of Putin, seen exercising and barbecuing together Has swapped government roles with Putin repeatedly Like Putin, Russias prime minister is from St. Petersburg and worked for the citys mayor in the early 1990s. After he followed Putin to Moscow, Putin appointed Medvedev deputy chief of staff to the president. In 2008, the two found a way around two-term limits by swapping president and prime minister positions. Four years later, they swapped back again. When Medvedev was president in 2010, President Barack Obama hosted him at the White House, and the two visited Obamas favorite burger joint for lunch. Next: Putin gave this guy a prized puppy 9. Gennady Timchenko Russian investor and billionaire Longtime friend of Putin, played hockey with him Accused of giving Putin access to his companys funds Ranked by Forbes as 85th on its billionaires list, Gennady Timchenko is worth $16.5 billion. He founded global company Gunvor, which trades in oil and energy markets. He also partly owns Russian gas and petrochemical businesses. The U.S. sanctioned Timchenko in 2014 for his close ties to Putin, alleging Putin may have access to Gunvor funds. The company denied the claim. The sanctions required Timchenko to ground his private jet in Moscow after Gulfstream refused to service it. As one of his inner circle, Putin gifted the investor a Labrador puppy from his beloved dog, Connie. Next: An oligarch who allegedly propositioned a Trump aide 10. Igor Sechin CEO of Russias state oil company Has worked with Putin since 1990s Sanctioned by U.S. in 2014 for showing utter loyalty to Vladimir Putin Called one of the most powerful men in Russia, Igor Sechin is considered a de facto deputy of Putin. The two worked together in the early 1990s in the St. Petersburg mayors office. Sechin followed Putin to Moscow and became his presidential aide and then deputy prime minister. Rumor has it Sechin offered former Trump aide Carter Page and his associates a 19% stake in his company in 2017 in exchange for the U.S. lifting sanctions on Russia. Page, a former Trump campaign foreign-policy adviser, was noncommittal in his response to Sechins request, according to a 2016 dossier. Next: The man who married Putins daughter 11. Kirill Shamalov Russian businessman Married to Putins daughter Katerina Was one of Russias youngest billionaires This Russian businessman married Putins younger daughter, Katerina, in 2013. With a little help from his powerful father-in-law, he quickly joined the ranks of the uber-rich and became multibillion-dollar owner of petrochemical giant Sibur. In a turn of events, however, Shamalov was stripped of this role when he and Katerina separated in January 2018. He is now back to working as a senior executive at the company, according to Bloomberg. The reversal of fortune offers a rare glimpse into the secretive ways Putins inner circle mixes family, friends, and finance, the news outlet reported. Next: Did he hide Putins wealth offshore? 12. Nikolai Shamalov Russian businessman, former dentist Founding member of Putins closed-gate community Reportedly tied to an offshore company that hides large sums of Putins wealth The father of Kirill, Nikolai is a longtime friend of Putins. He helped found the Ozero cooperative in the 1990s, located near St. Petersburg. The society brings together an influential group of individuals around President Putin, according to a European Union law website. According to the Panama Papers, his Bank Rossiya staff orchestrated an offshore shell company to hide large sums of Putins personal wealth. He was sanctioned by the European Union for his acquaintance with Putin and for benefiting from his links with Russian decision-makers. Check out The Cheat Sheet on Facebook! Overnight fire in Pueblo damages, destroys trailers in mobile park Multiple units were destroyed or damaged in an overnight fire at the Dreamland Mobile Home Park in Pueblo. Posted Wednesday, June 13, 2018 1:05 pm A mother asked her teenage son if hed like something for dinner. What are my options? he asked. Yes or no, his mother answered. The Bible makes clear that we have a very important yes or no decision to make when it comes to serving God. We see that in the example of one of the great heroes of the Old Testament, a man named Joshua. He was courageous and faithful to God, and, as a result, was honored with the privilege of leading Gods people into the Promised Land. When Joshua was old and nearing death, he called all the leaders of Israel together and had a heart-to-heart talk with them, offering a very compelling argument for dedicating their lives to the Lord. Joshua reminded them of the incredible things God had done for them over the years, delivering them from slavery in Egypt and giving them an incredible homeland. I truly believe it was one of the greatest motivational speeches of all time. In it, he called on the people to put away the false gods of neighboring countries. Choose this day whom you will serve but as for me and my house, we will serve the Lord (Joshua 24:15). Having heard Joshuas challenge, the people answered: We also will serve the Lord, for He is our God (Joshua 24:16). Its always heartwarming when one of Gods people tells others how wonderful he is. Its even more heartwarming when they make the decision to give their hearts to him. Im convinced that anyone who opens the Bible and earnestly considers the options will choose the Lord every time. Long after Joshua had graduated to Heaven, a new generation of people had strayed from the faith and were worshipping false gods. Thats when the prophet Elijah arrived on the scene, and he, like Joshua, called the people to make lifes most important decision. How long will you halt between two opinions? Elijah asked the people. If the Lord be God, follow Him (1 Kings 18:21). Our relatives and friends and neighbors need to be challenged in the same way. They need to choose whom they will serve. Who better to voice that challenge than you? Im guessing the teenage son answered yes when he considered his mothers options for dinner. And you just may be surprised how many people answer yes when you give them the option to accept Christ. Roger Alford offers words of encouragement to residents of Americas heartland. Reach him at rogeralford1@gmail.com. Qatar Wednesday unveiled a $500-million aid package to cash-trapped Jordan despite reduced diplomatic ties between the two countries. A Qatari delegation, led by Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman Al Thani, met with King Abdallah II in capital Amman. The Qatari delegation unwrapped an aid package worth $500 million containing investments, and job opportunities for Jordanians. Jordan is facing an economic slowdown marked by an alarming budget deficit. Austerity measures to recover a $723-million loan from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) in 2016 sparked week-long protests early this month. The protests led to resignation of Prime Minister Hani al-Mulki and his cabinet. Qatar is extending its support although ties between the two countries were downgraded in June last year. Jordan then sided with Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt after the four severed ties with the tiny gas-rich country. Jordan, a close ally of Saudi Arabia, shut down al Jazeera news network offices. Sunday, the Saudi kingdom hosted regional summit that gathered the UAE, and Kuwait. King Abduallah himself was in attendance. The summit pledged a $2.5 billion aid package. The package include a deposit in the Jordanian central bank, World Bank guarantees, budgetary support over five years and financing for development projects. Back in 2014, billionaire Tim Draper advocated for California to be split into six separate states. This, he said, would be better for the residents of the area, giving them more local, better representation. He also mentioned that this would be an opportunity for [residents] to easily move to another state without leaving the beautiful weather we get here. His proposal didnt get much traction then. But he continued to be persistent even after that failure and recently proposed that the state be split into three rather than six separate states. Unlike his earlier proposal, this one is actually going somewhere. NPR reports that the measure received hundreds of thousands of signatures as required to be placed on the ballot. It officially qualified for the ballot this past Tuesday and will appear on the ballot in November. If voters give it the go-ahead, the proposal to split California still has to be approved by Congress. On top of that, NPR says that it would very likely face legal challenges on both the state and federal levels. Whether Drapers proposal works out or not, itll join the multitude of other similar attempts made since California first joined the Union in 1850. As the Lost Angeles Times reports, ever since that year, the Golden State has been marked by more than 200 attempts to either reconfigure its boundaries, split it into pieces or even have the state secede and become an independent country. In fact, activists are still trying to get a proposal for Californias secession on the ballot for 2020. Leah Hickman is a 2017 graduate of Hillsdale Colleges English program. She freelances for BreakPoint.org and has written pieces for multiple Hillsdale College campus publications as well as for ChristianAnswers.net/Spotlight and the Discover Laura Blog. Read more by Leah at aworldofgrasspeople.blogspot.com. Photo courtesy: Thinkstock/viking75 Publication date: June 14, 2018 Transgender questions today carry an urgency unimaginable even five years ago. Most churches and Christians find themselves exposed due to their lack of theological and pastoral preparation. What does the Bible have to say about living life in a gender-nonconforming way? What can faithfulness to Christ look like for a person who desireswho might even say needsto live such a life? Into this infant conversation comes Transforming: The Bible and the Lives of Transgender Christians, by Austen Hartke. Coming from a mainline Lutheran perspective, this volume stakes its ground in predictable places hermeneutically. But this does not negate the importance of the work, which clarifies the theological and pastoral fault lines on this topic. Hartkes identity is as important to the book as his arguments. Hartke was assigned female at birth, which is how trans people and their allies describe a persons biological sex. He experienced gender dysphoria in youth, and the decision to transition from a tomboyish girl to a transman came slowly. Hartke wondered if there was place in the church for someone like him who didnt agree with every piece of Christian doctrine, who was gender-nonconforming, and who identified as bisexual. He eventually answered yes to these questions and found his place in the mainline church, being baptized in 2008. He went on to graduate from Luther Seminarys masters program in Old Testament/Hebrew Bible Studies, winning that institutions 2014 John Milton Prize in Old Testament Writing. Hartke runs a successful YouTube series called Transgender and Christian and is increasingly sought after at conferences and events. He seeks to help other trans and gender-non-conforming people see themselves in scripture. Hartke has experiential, institutional, and ministry credibility that positions him as a reliable spokesman for his viewpoint. This book isnt a side project of an amateur but a serious entry into the field. Biblical and Pastoral Clarity Hartkes main proposition is that transgender people must be fully embraced on their own terms by the church. Part One of the book lays the groundwork for his assumptions, arguments, and language choices, specifically on the premise that if transgender feelings are real, then they are therefore also good and blessed by God. This sets the stage for Part Two, which explores the stories of various people who identify as transgender Christians, weaving biblical interpretation and implications throughout. Those interested in cultural war will be tempted to mine this book for flawed arguments and logical inconsistencies, and this book does contain those elements, which could be deployed as ammunition. But for those who want to approach this topic with theological acumen and pastoral sensitivity, can there be another way forward? Minimally, we must take the pain of these pages seriously, even while refusing to treat trans people merely as a persecuted community. They are full and complex persons, broken image-bearerslike all of usand equally capable of bringing God glory as any other human. The pain trans people have experienced is real, and some of it has come from the church, which Hartke believes has been dominated by the voices of those who speak out against the existence, the well-being, and the humanity of transgender people. These attitudes are unworthy of our allegiance to our Lord. However, it would be naive to assume there is agreement on what seeking the well-being of transgender people means. Desiring to care for this community does not prevent people from reaching very different conclusions about what that care should look like. The problems of Transforming, biblically and theologically, are too immense to address in the space allowed here. However, double-clicking on its foundational claims can help us understand how to respond to transgender people with biblical and pastoral clarity, confessing that there is much work to be done. Article continues below The multifaceted questions of origin and morality are central to Hartkes book. Hartke recognizes this, as he spends chapter three interacting with a prominent public voice representing Christian engagement with transgender topics, Wheaton Colleges Mark Yarhouse. In Understanding Gender Dysphoria, Yarhouse sets forth three main frameworks for understanding the origins and morality of transgender phenomena and then offers an integrated framework that he prefers. His position is popular among conservatives who sympathize with transgender people yet wish to affirm the goodness of sex and gender as God designed them. It argues that gender dysphoria is a result of the Fall and thus an experience of brokenness that deserves deep compassion rather than moral blame. The choices of what to do with that incongruence are where questions of morality come in. Importantly, this framework places the small number of people (around one percent) born with a disorder of sex developmentalso known as intersexin a different category. Hartkes interaction with this position demonstrates his confusion about it. He argues that the suffering transgender people experience is not original sin manifesting within us. Its the effects of the fall manifesting in the way human beings treat each other. Yet surely Yarhouses position doesnt deny that humans abusing each other is a scourge of the Fall, which transgender people experience in an outsized way. To suggest that this abuse is the true fallen condition, rather than abuse and incongruence being separate results of the Fall, seems to miss the point. Hartke then suddenly allows that the incongruence between internal gender-sense and biological sex might possibly be a result of the Fall but quickly asserts that this does not mean that the persons movement away from suffering toward affirmation of their gender identity is sinful. This suggests that he has no place for the body being a compass for sex. Instead he compares gender affirmation procedures to getting glasses: a strange metaphor, given that glasses help weak or damaged eyes do what they were designed to do, whereas a movement to affirm a gender identity separate from biological sex impacts a (usually) healthy, fully functioning body. The glasses metaphor misfires: No one contends that there is a moral component to correcting weak eyesight. But choosing to express ones gender in a way that obfuscates ones God-given sex invariably makes a moral statementthat we are free to reject Gods design when our own desires point elsewhere. Hartkes muddled understanding derives from confusion about how the reality of the fallen world relates to Gods will. Whereas Yarhouses conception states that gender dysphoria is real but also not how God intended humans to live, Hartke contends that because the transgender phenomenon exists, it must be what God wantedand therefore good. At one point, he rejects the notion that the male and female of Genesis 1 could be Gods only intention, because today we see so much more variety. But we cannot use todays realities to interpret Edens ideals, because Eden was good in a way that our fallen world is not. God created in a certain way, but the Fall will warp and twist our world until the new creation sets things right. Article continues below A Safer Path and a Thriving Home The use of biblical ideas in unbiblical ways accounts for why some of what Hartke writes sounds good at first blush only to spoil later. For example, Hartke quotes a transwoman Nicole declaring, Inclusion is not up to us. Its up to Christ. Yes and amen! Jesus work means that all who repent and trust in him as their Savior and Lord will be saved. But then Hartke uses that logic of radical inclusion in the discussion of the salvation of the Ethiopian eunuch, who Hartke claims did not change his physical body or anything about his gender upon his baptism. Of course the eunuch couldnt change his physical bodythere was nothing to be done. And this doubtless continued to affect how he wore his gender in the world. But the gender dysphoric person doesnt necessarily find herself in this category; rather she finds herself with a healthy, able body and a sense of incongruity with it. Hartke is ready to functionally equate the eunuch and the transgender person, whereas the more realistic (though still imperfect) analogy to the castrated male eunuch would seem to be the intersex person. Hartke states that he wants to see Christians help instill resilience by making sure trans folks can take the time to figure out and define their own gender identity; by reminding them that they are worthy of love and belonging as human beings and children of God; by actively dismantling the transphobia that undergirds their oppression; by inviting trans folks into our communities and making them feel welcome; and by walking with them and supporting them in their spiritual journey. In response, I note that I came to the church as a woman secure in my female identity but equally sure of my sexual attraction to other women, with a history to prove it. I now recognize that God alone owns the final right to a persons identity, including gender, sexuality, and everything else, because Jesus shed his own blood to purchase us. We do not belong to ourselves. Nor should we bear the burden of defining ourselves, for we are not God. However, this should not stop us from seeking the other goods that Hartke speaks of, because the transgender person is our neighbor. For all its theological weaknesses, Hartkes work should sound a rallying cry for us to mine the riches of the Bible and orthodox theology on sex, gender, and the image of God in all people, so that we offer the transgender person a safer path in the world and a thriving home in Jesus Christ. Rachel Gilson is director of theological development at Cru Northeast. She blogs at rachelgilson.com. In 2020, we were the church on our heels. A global pandemic shut down much of our world. But the church has been on the move since it was birthed; it will continue to be on the move until God makes all things new. | Image: John Moore / Getty Images While the United States continues its zero tolerance crackdown on asylum seekers crossing the border, churches across the country and around the world are rallying to support millions displaced by the global refugee crisis. This week, the Trump administration pulled protections for undocumented migrants fleeing domestic violence and gang violence, a population that includes Central American Christians who come to the US because they fear for their lives as unrest worsens in places like El Salvador, Guatemala, and Honduras. Just as the government implements another new policythe Justice Departments recent decision to put children into government custody or foster care away from their detained parentsChristians are crying to God: Abba Father, we lift to you the precious refugee children who have become separated from their parents and family. Father God, please keep them safe and protect them from any kind of abuse. Help the children to be quickly reunited with their parents and family. That prayer comes from the World Evangelical Alliance (WEA)s World Refugee Sunday resources, to be used in participating churches this weekend and next weekend, timed around the United Nations annual World Refugee Day on June 20. With over 65 million people forcibly displaced by conflict, violence, and persecution around the globe, WEA and partnering ministries encourage Christians to raise awareness, raise prayers, and themselves welcome the stranger. In the US, evangelicals rallying for immigration reformwho have long called on the government to prioritize family unity and protections for persecuted Christianshave likewise become more vocal in their advocacy. Among those directly impacted by the new US policies are Christians leaving Latin American countries where organized crime outlets target them for their moral stances against violence and greed, and in some cases, the risk of violence has kept believers from feeling safe enough to gather for worship. According to one account, a Brazilian mother who fled gang threats in Brazil arrived in El Paso last week, only to have her seven-year-old taken from her, asking, Are they going to kill you? During this weeks Southern Baptist Convention (SBC) annual meeting, the countrys largest Protestant denomination adopted a resolution reiterating its commitment to refugee ministry and welcoming migrants. It stated in part, We continue to encourage Southern Baptist churches and families to welcome and adopt refugees into their churches and homes as a means to demonstrate to the nations that our God longs for every tribe, tongue, and nation to be welcomed at his throne, quoting text from a 2016 resolution on the issue. I think God is bringing the nations, particularly as immigrants and refugees, to the US to give us an opportunity not just to go to them with the gospel, but so that they could come to us and experience the gospel, said Micah Fries, who attended the Dallas gathering as pastor of Brainerd Baptist Church in Chattanooga, Tennessee. My fear is, as followers of Jesus, were missing this opportunity. Were allowing political conversations, political parties, to derail a Great Commission opportunity. Critics saw a contrast between adopting resolutions on Tuesday that affirmed the need for immigration reform (including tightening border security, offering immigrants a pathway to legal status, and ensuring families are kept together whenever possible) and on Wednesday welcoming Vice President Mike Pence, a top figure in the administration that has enacted the more restrictive policy shifts. For Christians, the issue of family unity for immigrants shows signs of transcending partisan lines. Franklin Graham, an evangelical adviser to President Trump, recently spoke against family separation on CBN News, encouraging legislative reform to remedy the new guidelines for migrants at the border. I think its disgraceful, its terrible to see families ripped apart, and I dont support that one bit, he said. I blame the politicians for the last 20, 30 years that have allowed this to escalate to the point where it is today. We are a country of laws, and laws need to be obeyed but the situation we have today is the result of our lawmakers over generations, and Im hopeful that soon something could be done to fix it. The pushback from Christians was enough for Attorney General Jeff Sessions to concerns raised by our church friends in remarks on Thursday, using Romans 13 to defend obedience to national laws and reminding Christians that asylum seekers who come through ports of entry are able to stay with their families. I have given the idea of immigration much thought and have considered the arguments of our church leaders. I do not believe Scripture or church history or reason condemns a secular nation state for having reasonable immigration laws, he said. If we have them, then they should be enforced. Despite the major evangelical voices who have backed US policies welcoming asylum seekersfrom SBC agency heads to the leaders of the National Association of Evangelicals (NAE), the National Hispanic Christian Leadership Conference, and the Council for Christian Colleges and Universitiesthe average white evangelical Protestant isnt eager to see the country open up to more refugees. White evangelicals are less likely than other religious groups to believe the US has a responsibility to welcome refugees, according to a Pew Research Center survey released last month. Just 25 percent say it does, compared to 43 percent of white mainline Protestants, 50 percent of Catholics, and 63 percent of black Protestants (most of whom identify as evangelical). No matter how much we may disagree on matters of policy we do agree on the clear biblical teaching that every man, woman, and child is made in the image of God, said Matthew Hall, dean of Boyce College at Southern Baptist Theological Seminary, following the SBC vote. We have a unique role to play in welcoming them into our communities and showing them the love of Christ. As of 2016, over half (53%) of top evangelical leaders surveyed by the NAEincluding CEOs of denominations and representatives from missions, universities, publishers, and churchessaid they attend congregations with ministries designed to serve immigrant or refugee populations. More than 1,800 US congregations partner with World Relief, a refugee resettlement agency and the humanitarian arm of the NAE, which added 250 churches to its network in the past year alone. Leading up to Wednesdays World Refugee Day, the organization launched a crowdfunding platform for Christians to raise money to cover ESL classes, job training, legal services, and basic household items for some of the estimated 20,000 refugees expected to enter the US in 2018. (Last year, the administrations refugee ban and drop in admittances forced World Relief to close multiple offices and downsize.) Several churches and denominations have also released resources and messaging around this years World Refugee Sunday efforts, including the Episcopal Churchs Bishop Michael Curry, who told members of his church: Its because we are followers of Jesus, because we follow the way of love, because we follow the way of compassion, because we follow the way of human decency and kindness that we as a church and as individual Christians and Episcopalians must be passionately committed to helping the refugees and displaced people of this world. Earlier this year, a CT op-ed championed pro-family immigration policy, saying, Most Christians instinctively feel the wrongness of any immigration policy that forcibly separates children and parents. But immigration approaches that reduce Gods image-bearers to mere economic units should also concern us. CT has also followed the recent plight of refugees in Bangladesh, Israel, and Western Europe. This spring, InterVarsity Press launched the #ReadWomen project. Wed like to contribute to the discussion by introducing you to 10 female theologians on our radar. The obvious question, of course, is how we identified our curating criteria. Although some might define theologian by strictly academic standards, we opted to use fairly broad parameters. We looked for women with MDiv degrees, minimally, who self-identify as theologians and are engaged with theology through writing, teaching, or conversation in the public square (in the form of a podcast, for example). We also selected theologians who are new to the field or otherwise unfamiliar to the majority of our Christianity Today readers. Although in a technical sense the study of theology is categorically distinct from pastoral ministry, nonetheless many of these women are actively applying their knowledge of theology to formal and informal ministries within academia and the broader church. In the process of researching the list, we deliberately consulted with both female and male scholars (quoted here) who could speak from a position of expertise and articulate the unique accomplishments of these women. Although these names represent a small fraction of a large and growing pool of noteworthy female theologians, we hope to continue this conversation in the coming years by platforming other women. With that in mind, wed like to hear from you. Email us and let us know whom youre reading and listening to these days. In no particular order, here are some of the new or lesser-known female theologians were excited about: Amy Brown Hughes, assistant professor of theology, Gordon College Image: Courtesy of Gordon college As a historical theologian, Amy Brown Hughes studies the interface between early Christian texts and the contemporary world with the understanding that early Christian writers continue to be fruitful interlocutors in modern discussions of theology. She is coauthor (along with Lynn H. Cohick) of Christian Women in the Patristic World: Their Influence, Authority and Legacy in the Second Through Fifth Centuries(Baker Academic) and has a PhD in historical theology with an emphasis in early Christianity. Her other areas of expertise include Trinitarian and Christological thought, theological anthropology, and women in the early church. Amy Brown Hughes brings to the study of theology a creative curiosity that spotlights aspects of the ancient church I hadnt seen before, says Cohick, interim dean of humanities and theological studies at Wheaton College. She asks questions about how theology was lived out among women and men of the post-Constantine church and embraces the rich and messy history of the early church with charity. Truths Table podcast: Christina Edmonson, Michelle Higgins, and Ekemini Uwan Image: Nicole Lennox In the spring of 2017, Christina Edmonson, Michelle Higgins, and Ekemini Uwan started the Truths Table podcast under the auspices of the Reformed African American Network (now called The Witness). The group has since forged out on its own and also stirred controversy while carving out a space for women of color in the Reformed church community and beyond. Image: Nicole Lennox Every time I listen to them, I am learning, not simply getting insights into the black female experiencealthough thats important. Im growing theologically in all facets of what it means to be a Christian, says Esau McCaulley, assistant professor of New Testament and early Christianity at Northeastern Seminary. They complement each other well and have different strengths, different foci. Michelle tends toward practical theology, Ekemini more toward systematic theology, and Christina toward the intersection of Christian theology and psychology. Theyre talking about issues of the day from a really theologically aware position. Article continues below Image: Nicole Lennox Michelle Higgins has an MDiv from Covenant Theological Seminary in Saint Louis, Missouri, where she works as the director of worship and outreach for South City Church. Christina Edmonson serves as the dean for intercultural student development at Calvin College and has a PhD in counseling psychology from Tennessee State University and an MS in family therapy. Ekemini Uwan has an MDiv from Westminster Theological Seminary. Haley Goranson Jacob, associate professor of theology, Whitworth University Image: Courtesy of IVP After graduating from Gordon-Conwell, Haley Goranson Jacob worked as a pastor in a small mountain town in Montana and then did her PhD under N. T. Wright at the University of St Andrews in Scotland. As a New Testament scholar, Goranson Jacob is focused on studying Pauls view of the glory of God and how we as believers participate in that glory. Her first book, Conformed to the Image of His Son: Reconsidering Paul's Theology of Glory in Romans, is a revision of her dissertation and due out from IVP Academic this July. Haleys argument is that we tend to think of glory as a divine quality thats inaccessible, but she understands it as something that we share with God. Shes asking: What does redemption mean? How far does it go? What does restoration look like? says Jerry Sittser, professor of theology at Whitworth University. As a person, Haleys got a nice practical bent to her. [Before she came on faculty], she preached every week for two years, so shes not this distant, inaccessible theologian. She loves the church, she loves Christ, and she loves people. Han-luen Kantzer Komline, assistant professor of church history and theology at Western Theological Seminary Image: Courtesy of Western Theological Seminary Han-luen Kantzer Komline is a former Fulbright scholar who studied abroad in Europe before taking a position at Western. She has a PhD from the University of Notre Dame, an MDiv from Princeton Theological Seminary (PTS), and a BA in philosophy from Wheaton College. Her growing publication record reflects her scholarly interest in early Christian theology, particularly Augustinian theology, with essays forthcoming on Augustine and Barth (Wiley-Blackwell, 2018), Augustine and the problem of evil (Zondervan, 2019), Augustinian theology in Marilynne Robinsons Gilead (InterVarsity Press, 2019), and another on early Christian conceptions of what it means to be human (Cambridge University Press, 2019). Her first book, Augustine on the Will: A Theological Account, is currently under review. Princeton Theological Seminary has what I believe is the strongest pool of theological students in the world, and Han-luen immediately emerged as one of the very finest of the fine, says Ellen Charry, professor of theology emerita at PTS. She worked on patristic figures with me, doing exceptional and innovative work on Athanasius of Alexandria. She is an utterly delightful person, and I certainly would want to study under her. Han-luen is one of the most competent and ambitious doctoral students I have ever worked with, says Brian Daley, the Catherine F. Huisking Professor of Theology at the University of Notre Dame. I think she will become one of the most important, solid, and well-balanced evangelical voices in the study of the early church's theological tradition. Lisa Fields, founder and president of the Jude 3 Project Image: Courtesy of Jude 3 Project After graduating with an MDiv from Liberty Universitys School of Divinity, Lisa Fields founded the Jude 3 Project, an apologetics organization dedicated to helping the black Christian community know what they believe and why. She hosts a podcast for young professionals called Brunch Culture and speaks widely on topics of theology, evangelism, apologetics, and biblical literacy. Fieldss commitment to apologetics is fueled by her belief that one of the greatest tools to defend the faith is biblical literacy. Article continues below Lisa Fields is theologically orthodox and a leading voice in black apologetics, says McCaulley. Shes really interested in addressing apologetic issues that are unique to the black community, and shes raising awareness of the unique theological challenges facing the black church in our day. She has her finger on the pulse. How can we reach and engage black millennials? She does that better than anyone I know. Amy Peeler, associate professor of theology, Wheaton College, Wheaton, Illinois Image: Courtesy of Wheaton College As a professor in the Wheaton Center for Early Christian Studies, Peeler teaches courses in New Testament literature and interpretation. Although her research interests range from Exodus to Mark, her current scholarship revolves around, in her words, bringing Hebrews emphasis on the Fatherhood of God to the conversation among feminist theologians about the complexities of addressing God as Father. She is the other author of You Are My Son: The Family of God in the Epistle to the Hebrews (The Library of New Testament Studies). Amy Peeler brings a unique combination of intellectual and pastoral gifts to her work as a scholar, says Beth Felker Jones, professor of theology at Wheaton College. She helps us to read Scripture in ways that make the text both more clear and more personal. Im grateful to her for helping me to better understand Sonship in Hebrews and for the ways she shares her passion for the Word with students and with readers. Shawna Songer Gaines, university chaplain at Trevecca Nazarene University, Nashville, Tennessee Image: Courtesy of Shawna Songer Gaines In addition to discipling university students in her role as chaplain, Shawna Songer Gaines also cohosts The Sermon Studio, which she describes as a podcast dedicated to the art and craft of preaching. She has authored two Bible studies for a small group series called Breathe: Sacred Space for Women, coauthored two books, A Seat at the Table and Kings and Presidents, and served as copastor of Bakersfield Church of the Nazarene, as a youth pastor in Chicago, and as a consultant for Nazarene Missions International. Songer Gaines speaks and preaches at churches, conferences, camps, and retreats across the country. Shawna Songer Gaines, in her presence and in her person, has amazing gifts for sharing the love of God, says Felker Jones. Shes marked by deep wisdom and carefulness, and she has strong gifts as a preacher and a teacher of theology and the Bible. Shawnas work is bathed in prayer, and her love for Gods people is evident in all she does. Elizabeth Lisa Yao-Hwa Sung, professor of theology at the University of St. Mary of the Lake/ Mundelein Seminary in Illinois Image: Courtesy of Trinity Evangelical Divinity School Lisa Sung taught systematic theology for nine years at Trinity Evangelical Divinity School (TEDS) before her appointment to the Chester and Margaret Paluch Professor of Theology at Mundelein Seminary, the largest Roman Catholic seminary in North America. As the first Protestant scholar invited to hold this research professorship and visiting faculty post, Sung gives public lectures that help the seminary community engage the 500th anniversary of the Reformation. Her current writing projects include a volume on theological anthropology for the textbook series Foundations of Evangelical Theology, as well as a book that analyzes, critiques, and reconstructs racial identity in light of Scripture and sociology. Article continues below To my mind, Lisa represents the best kind of scholarship TEDS wants to encourage, says Kevin Vanhoozer, research professor of systematic theology at TEDS. Though she is a systematic theologian, she is attentive to the role of Scripture and biblical theology, letting the progress of redemptive history direct her thinking, even about contemporary issues like racism. Shes also attentive to the role cultural context plays in biblical interpretation and theology and has read widely in secular studies of race and ethnicity. Kristen Deede Johnson, associate professor of theology and Christian formation at Western Theological Seminary Image: Courtesy of Western Theological Seminary Before coming on faculty at Western, Kristen Deede Johnson was the founding director of the studies in ministry minor and the Center for Ministry Studies at Hope College, programs dedicated to theological formation, spiritual growth, cultural engagement, and vocational discernment, according to Western. She is the author of Theology, Political Theory, and Pluralism: Beyond Tolerance and Difference (Cambridge University Press). Her latest book, The Justice Calling (co-written with Bethany Hoang), won the politics and public life category for Christianity Todays 2017 Book Awards. Kristen Deede Johnson is, simply put, a gift to the church and to Christian thought, says Tish Harrison Warren, author of Liturgy of the Ordinary. She is a profound and brilliant scholar who insists that theology is practical, lived, and enfleshed; a thoughtful teacher and pastor who cares about issues of pluralism, justice, truth, and discipleship; and a culturally-savvy woman of conviction who offers kindness, generosity, and civility. Her voice as a female theologian is needed in our moment of history. M. Sydney Park, associate professor of divinity, Beeson Divinity School Image: Courtesy of Beeson Divinity School Prior to her work at Beeson Divinity School (BDS), Sydney Park taught New Testament at Crown College in St. Bonifacius, Minnesota, and also served as a youth minister in Korean American churches in Illinois, Texas, and Washington State. According to Mark Gignilliat, professor of divinity at BDS, Parks study of the New Testament is motivated by questions of gender and justice and a gospel-shaped approach to power relations and racial reconciliation. She is the author of Submission within the Godhead and the Church in the Epistle to the Philippians, coauthor of The Post-Racial Church, and coeditor of Honoring the Generations: Learning with Asian North American Congregations. Her latest projectforthcoming from T&T Clarkis titled Biblical Theology of Women: Exploring the Theological Implications of Women in Salvation History. Dr. Park is an excellent teacher of the New Testament, especially in Greek exegesis, says Grant Taylor, associate dean for academic affairs and assistant professor of divinity at BDS. Sydney Parks commitment to her students and subject matter stems from a deeply felt sense of vocation, says Gignilliat. Her students appreciate her high standards because they understand her mission: preparing God-called men and women for service in Christs church. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Years ago, somebody sent me a video by well-known atheist Penn Jillette, in which he was thrown into what was clearly a frustrating intellectual quandary. He marveled that anyone could believe the foolish stories in the book of Genesis. He particularly marveled that intelligent people with whom he was friends embraced the silly story of Noah's ark and the Genesis flood. I watched a few other videos made by him, and it was evident that even though he himself was intelligent (and likable), he hated God with a passion. Penn is an atheist who is so staunch in his beliefs, he crosses out "In God We Trust" from every dollar bill that passes his way. He even went to the trouble of making videos about the Bible. In one, he twisted a verse and claimed it said something it didn't, and then showed his disdain by kicking the Bible and throwing other copies of the Scriptures over his shoulder. He had questions, but it was evident that he wasn't humbly seeking answers. And so, this popular despiser of Christianity was left marveling about why intelligent people believed the "foolish" stories in the book of Genesis. This marveling of "despisers" is addressed in Scripture. When Paul preached the gospel in Antioch, he said, quoting the prophets, "'Behold, you despisers, Marvel and perish! For I work a work in your days, A work which you will by no means believe, Though one were to declare it to you.'" (Acts 13:41) Notice that the Scriptures say that despisers will "by no means believe" the thing that God has done, even if it was declared to them. The proud are often offended by the word "believe." They believe that faith is intellectually beneath them, even though all healthy human relationships, business dealings, and political alliances between nations rest on the foundation of faith. If there is no trust, there is no relationship. If I don't believe you, it means I think that you are a liar. The "work" of God referred to is that He has "chosen the foolish things of the world to put to shame the wise" (1 Corinthians 1:27). He deliberately placed incidents in His Word that are an offense to the proud mind. Who in his right mind would ever be so childish as to believe that Noah built a great ark and that all those animals came in two by two? Anyone with any intellectual dignity, with any pride of heart, would never stoop to believe such childish foolishness. Such is the manifold wisdom of God. He has chosen foolish things to confound the wise. Jesus warned that we must stoop to enter the kingdom of God. To be saved from death and a very real Hell, we must become as little children and simply believe the gospel, offensive though it may be to the human ego (Matthew 18:3). As in Noah's day, those who do not believe are shut out of the kingdom of God. Those who refuse to believe will be left marveling and will perish in their sins. The irony is that the book of Genesis is a goldmine for intellectual scrutiny. If anyone with a humble heart studies the case for the Noahic flood, they will find great nuggets of evidence for its credibility. The problem is that the proud attack Genesis with an army of straw men. If one crumbles, they have a multitude of others lined up for battle. They continue the fight, because they aren't seeking the truth, but are trying to justify their own love for sin. Men still love darkness rather than light (John 3:19). So, when I fish for men, I'm looking for those who are humble. I test the waters with three questions. The first is, "Do you think there's an afterlife?" The second is, "Do you think you are a good person?" and the third is, "Are you afraid of dying?" The way they answer those questions lets me know if they are humble or proud. And then I adapt accordingly. God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble (1 Peter 5:5), so I do the same. The proud are given the Law, and the humble are given the gospel. The latter are those who will listen to how Genesis uniquely addresses the big questions about our origins. They will listen to how it tells us of our purpose, the reality of evil, the cause of human suffering and disease, the reason for death, and even the promise of life that is found in Jesus Christ alone. Email Whatsapp Menu Whatsapp Google Reddit Digg Stumbleupon Linkedin Comment Is it ever right to force Americans to violate their deeply held beliefs? Abortion and LGBTQ advocates certainly think so. But history teaches us differently. If you've listened to BreakPoint over the past several years, you've heard us talk about the ongoing threats to religious freedom. We've talked about pharmacists in Washington State being forced to dispense abortion-inducing drugs or losing their licenses. We've talked about Christian adoption agencies forced out of business because they will not place children with same-sex couples. And of course you've heard about cake artist Jack Phillips, who refused to use his artistic talents for a same-sex wedding. These cases and others like them remind me of another time, long ago, when our government attempted to bully citizens into engaging in acts they believed were wrong. It had to do with a law called the Fugitive Slave Act. This Act, first passed in 1793, was an effort to force free states to return escaping slaves to their owners. But many in defiant Northern states found creative ways to circumvent this law. As Jared Brock writes in his fabulous new book, The Road to Dawn, (by the way, highly recommended), he says "throughout the mid-1800s, slaves continued to pour north," settling in free states or Canada. Southern slave owners "grew more and more agitated with each passing month," he writes, and began pressuring northern states "to stop helping escapees." Congress, attempting to tamp down tensions between free and slave states, passed the Compromise of 1850, which amended the Fugitive Slave Act. It included a demand that "everyonelaw enforcement and ordinary citizen alike[be] required to help catch fugitive slaves." For example, Brock writes, the law made it illegal for any American to "withhold knowledge he might possess of any chance meeting with the fugitive." If a citizen helped a slave escape, he could be arrested. And law enforcement agents "who refused to assist slave-catchers could spend six months in prison and be fined up to $1,000," which is the equivalent of about $30,000 today. In effect, freedom-loving Northernersespecially the many Quakers who assisted escaped slaveswould now be forced to take an active part in an evil systemeven if doing so violated their consciences. As Frederick Douglass, the African American abolitionist put it, the Fugitive Slave Act "created a crisis of faith as the country became 'the enslaver's hunting ground."' The Act outraged a certain feisty Christian abolitionist named Harriet Beecher Stowe, who had witnessed the evils of slavery firsthand. Her response to the Act was to defy it; she continued hiding runaway slaves. And so did many others. One historical account notes that "escapes from Kentucky increased 53 percent after 1850." Today, we celebrate those who stood up to this unjust law. And we should honor, as well, those who defy the unjust laws of our timesuch as, for example, medical practitioners who refuse to participate in abortions. How do we know which laws are just and which are unjust? Martin Luther King, in his Letter from Birmingham Jail, notes that "there are two kinds of laws: just laws . . . and unjust laws. One has not only a legal but a moral responsibility to obey just laws," King went on, "but conversely, one has a moral responsibility to disobey unjust laws." A just law, he said, "squares with the moral law of God. An unjust law . . . is out of harmony with the moral law." Amen to that. Like the abolitionists of the 1800s, we may see our fellow Christians being jailed or put out of business for refusing to obey unjust lawsand we must do all we can to support them. Because, as Chuck Colson once said on this program, when our first freedomfreedom of religionis gone, "we will, in short order, lose all of our other freedoms as well." Originally posted at Breakpoint. Human Rights Watch (HRW) has called on Saudi Arabia to provide indications on the whereabouts of a Saudi-Qatari citizen deported from Kuwait to the kingdom last month. Nawaf Al Rasheed, a Saudi-Qatari dual citizen has been missing since his deportation by Kuwait at the request of Saudi authorities. Al Rasheed, son of late Prince Talal Bin Abdulaziz Al Rasheed, was arrested on his way back to Qatar after attending a poetry event in Kuwait. HRW has requested details on Al Rasheeds current location. The Prince, who has been living in Qatar for four years, attending Qatar University, is not reportedly engaged in any political activism. In addition, Alkarama, an organization defining itself as tasked to combat injustice in the Arab World Since 2004, notes that Al Rasheed may be perceived as a threat by Saudi authorities. His family that ruled what is present-day Saudi Arabia until 1921 has a historic rivalry with the current ruling family the House of Al Saud. Late last month, the UN also urged Saudi Arabia to provide information about the fate of al Rasheed. We call upon the Saudi authorities to immediately announce the whereabouts of Al-Rasheed, whether he is detained or not, and the charges against him, if any, said the spokesperson for the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Liz Throssell. Al Rasheeds arrest came amid diplomatic row between Qatar on the hand and Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates (UAE), Bahrain and Egypt on the other. Saudi Arabia and its allies have since June 5 last year severed ties with Qatar over its alleged support for terrorism. The Saudi kingdom under the leadership of Crown Prince Mohamed bin Salman has launched a crackdown on dissents. The campaign launched in September 2017 targeted dozens of scholars, clerics, public figures as well as activists. Analysts argue the crackdown was meant to bolster the young Crown Princes grip on power. home World Australian bishop decries new law that requires priests to break seal of confession A Catholic bishop has denounced a new law that requires Catholic priests in Australia to report cases of child abuse, including those heard in the confessional. According to Life Site News, the Legislative Assembly of the Australian Capital Territory (ACT) has approved a bill that applies the requirement to report child abuse to churches and church activities. Under the seal of confessional, priests are prohibited from disclosing information divulged by penitents. Priests who break the seal are automatically excommunicated from the church. Archbishop Christopher Prowse of Canberra and Goulburn raised objections to the new law in an article for the Canberra Times. Prowse expressed support for the efforts to protect children, but insisted that "breaking the sacred seal of Confession won't prevent abuse." The bishop argued that the new law would not be effective in preventing abuse, because the assailants are less likely to confess "if they thought they would be reported." He further pointed out that priests do not necessarily know the identities of the penitents. "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," Prowse went on to say. Under the new law, priests are required to report child sexual abuse allegations or offenses to the ACT Ombudsman within 30 days. The legislation is expected to take effect within nine months, according to Catholic Herald. According to Life Site News, Prowse was invited to a meeting with the Attorney General to discuss both the protection of children and the seal of confessional, but the bill was debated before the meeting took place. Andrew Wall, a member of the ACT Legislative Assembly, acknowledged that some of the provisions in the law were "overdue," but he criticized the application of the measure to the confessional. The lawmaker was a former student of Marist College, which has faced numerous sex abuse allegations. He argued that the new law "significantly impinges on an individual's freedom of association, freedom of expression and freedom of individual rights." Vicki Dunne, another member of the assembly, expressed concern that the requiring priests to break the seal of confessional would undermine Catholics' trust in the "sacred, sacramental and sacrosanct" rite. She noted that the excommunication of priests who break the confessional seal can only be reversed by the pope. "We need to stop and think twice before we pass legislation that requires Catholic priest to break the seal of the confession," she said, as reported by Life Site News. Indeed, as I have documented so often here, the persecution is coming more and more from the state, which seems to have decided that the biggest threat to its existence is biblical Christianity. Christians of course claim a higher loyalty to the only one true sovereign. Thus the state, which has delegated and limited - authority from God, cannot claim or demand ultimate allegiance. That is partly why all sorts of laws are being passed to effectively silence the Christian churches. All sorts of cheap excuses are brought up to render believers ineffective in proclaiming their faith. All manner of politically correct foolishness is sweeping the West, all with the intent of muting the Christian voice. Consider this incredible case in San Diego, California. Here is how one report covers the story: "A San Diego pastor and his wife claim they were interrogated by a county official and warned they will face escalating fines if they continue to hold Bible studies in their home. The couple, whose names are being withheld until a demand letter can be filed on their behalf, told their attorney a county government employee knocked on their door on Good Friday, asking a litany of questions about their Tuesday night Bible studies, which are attended by approximately 15 people. "'Do you have a regular weekly meeting in your home? Do you sing? Do you say "amen"?' the official reportedly asked. 'Do you say, "Praise the Lord"?' The pastor's wife answered yes. She says she was then told, however, that she must stop holding 'religious assemblies' until she and her husband obtain a Major Use Permit from the county, a permit that often involves traffic and environmental studies, compliance with parking and sidewalk regulations and costs that top tens of thousands of dollars. And if they fail to pay for the MUP, the county official reportedly warned, the couple will be charged escalating fines beginning at $100, then $200, $500, $1000, 'and then it will get ugly'." Imagine that! Now even home Bible studies are becoming illegal. What sort of madness is this? Clearly it is diabolically-inspired madness. We know that there is a very real spiritual power which wants to silence all of God's people. And this spiritual battle is of course being fought out in our courts, our laws, our cultures and our social policies. Dean Broyles of the Western Center for Law and Policy said, "I've been leading Bible studies in my home for 13 years in San Diego County, and I personally believe that home fellowship Bible studies are the past and future of the church. If you look at China, the church grew from home Bible studies. I'm deeply concerned that if in the U.S. we are not able to meet in our homes and freely practice our religion, then we may be worse off than China." The law group issued a statement saying that it is "troubled by this draconian move to suppress home Bible studies. If the current trends in our nation continue, churches may be forced underground. If that happens, believers will once again be forced to meet in homes. If homes are already closed by the government to assembly and worship, where then will Christians meet?" Good question indeed. With hate crime laws, anti-discrimination legislation, and all sorts of other nefarious laws, the free proclamation of the gospel is under threat already. Churches are especially being targeted here. And now the powers that be want to clamp down on Christian activities in the home as well. Perhaps if these trends continue in the West, believers will be forced to meet in isolated forests and deserts, away from the ruling authorities and religious police, just as is happening in China and other nations where the church has been driven underground. Not long ago Western Christians used to read about the horrible persecution of the church in Communist countries such as the Soviet Union and Eastern Europe. We read about the great exploits and sufferings of Richard Wurmbrand (Tortured for Christ), Haralan Popov (Tortured for his Faith), Brother Andrew (God's Smuggler) and others who ministered amidst great hardship and opposition in Communist lands. I read these books with fascination and horror when I was a young believer in the 1970s. Little did I realise that within a few short decades some of these Communist nations would no longer be under the jackboot of atheistic Communism, but that the "free" West would quickly begin to take their place. Sure, the US does not yet have its own Gulag, and Australia has not yet set up concentration camps for those troublesome Christians. But the way things are heading, it may not be all that far off. Increasingly it is becoming very risky indeed to publically proclaim your Christian faith in the secular post-Christian West. Indeed, the West is not so much post-Christian any longer, but actually anti-Christian. And it is getting more so each passing day. And one sure sign that things have reached their logical outcome is when this website is no longer to be found. One day it may well be forcibly taken down by censorious authorities. Of course the early church wrestled with all this as well. They proclaimed Jesus Christ as the one true royal master, not Caesar. A clash of royal domains was underway. As Tom Wright says about Paul while in prison: "The reason he was there was that what he had been doing and saying was seen as an offence to the people in power. He was announcing a royal message, a 'gospel' which clashed head on with the royal message on which the Roman Empire was built: the announcement of Caesar as Lord." We too proclaim a different king. This is the risen Lord who was betrayed and rejected by men. They hated him and they will hate us. There is no getting around this. In the light of all this, every one of us must start asking ourselves some very hard questions. Are we willing to pay the price for following Christ publically and boldly? Are we committed to our Lord so fully, that we would be willing to lose our jobs, be heavily fined, or spend time in prison for the sake of Christ? Are we willing to give our very life away for the sake of the gospel? But remember, it is always easier to say we will die for our Lord. It is much harder to actually live for our Lord right now. Will we walk with him along the road less travelled? Will we join him on the Via Dolorosa? Will we take up our cross and follow him as he has called us to do? Very soon indeed these will not just be rhetorical questions. http://www.worldnetdaily.com/index.php?fa=PAGE.view&pageId=98895 Franklin Graham in rare rebuke at Trump's 'disgraceful' separation of families as US-Mexico border Franklin Graham has issued a rare rebuke of Donald Trump's administration, slamming a policy that separates children from their parents at the US-Mexico border as 'disgraceful'. The prominent evangelical leader, and son of famous evangelist Billy Graham, has been one of Trump's most ardent supporters. Figures from Reuters suggest 1,800 families were separated at the USMexico border from October 2016 to February 2018. Graham joined the growing criticism at the policy but said previous administrations were to blame. 'It's disgraceful, and it's terrible to see families ripped apart and I don't support that one bit,' he told CBN. However it is Trump's attorney general Jeff Sessions who last month implemented a 'zero tolerance' policy towards those caught entering the US illegally. All those caught would be criminally charged under the new approach, which generally leads to children being separated from their parents. But Graham said: 'I blame politicians for the last 20, 30 years that have allowed this to escalate to the point where it is today.' He told CBN: 'We are a country of a laws, laws need to be obeyed, no question about that, but the situation we have today as a result of our lawmakers in Washington over generations ignoring this.' The US Catholic bishops began their annual spring assembly with a more outright rebuke at Trump's immigration policies. 'The latest developments are consistent with the sort of cardiosclerosis that has begun in our country, and it concerns across-the-board life issues,' said Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, New Jersey. The bishops are also considering travelling to the border detention camps where children are being held 'as a sign of our pastoral concern and protest against this hardening of the American heart.' 'And the invitation is to harden our hearts further,' said Cardinal Tobin, who suggested the idea. A statement from Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of the US conference of Catholic bishops, said: 'At its core, asylum is an instrument to preserve the right to life. The Attorney General's recent decision elicits deep concern because it potentially strips asylum from many women who lack adequate protection. These vulnerable women will now face return to the extreme dangers of domestic violence in their home country.' 'Families are the foundational element of our society and they must be able to stay together,' DiNardo said. 'While protecting our borders is important, we can and must do better as a government, and as a society, to find other ways to ensure that safety. Separating babies from their mothers is not the answer and is immoral.' A US Customs and Border Protection (CBP) official testified last month to Congress that between May 6 and May 19, 658 children were separated from 638 parents because of the stepped-up prosecutions. That brings the total of officially acknowledged separations to more than 2,400, though that does not include recent weeks or the period from March 1 to May 6. Immigration and child advocates, Democratic lawmakers and the United Nations have all condemned the practice of separating families at the border, but the administration has defended its actions saying it is protecting children and making clear that illegal border crossers will be prosecuted regardless of their family circumstances. In most of the 1,768 cases of families separated by border agents between October 2016 and February, children were removed from parents for medical reasons or because of security concerns, the official said, citing examples such as parents needing hospitalization or officials discovering the parent had a criminal record either in the United States or in their home country. In 237 cases, an official said, children were removed because border agents suspected adults were falsely posing as the parents of minors in their charge. The period for which statistics were provided included the final three months of the Obama administration in 2016, but the official could not say whether any of the separations occurred then. Samsung Galaxy Note 9 tipped to measure 6.4 inches and feature better battery Tipsters have been sharing their latest insights into the upcoming Samsung Galaxy Note 9 as its release inches closer and all the signs are that this device is going to be big, big, big! For one thing, respected tipster Ice Universe predicts that the Galaxy Note 9 will offer 8GB of RAM and as much as 512GB of storage space. If that tip is true, the Galaxy Note 9 will be Samsung's first smartphone to release with 8GB of RAM, outshining the 6GB Galaxy Note 8. And what's more, Ice Universe tweeted that he was "100 per cent sure" that the next iteration of the popular series will feature a ramped up battery too, clocking in at 4,000mAh. That would certainly be a leap up from the Note 8 that left critics disappointed with its 3,300mAh battery. That would add credibility to the rumors over at GalaxyClub, which reported that Samsung is going to release the Galaxy Note 9 with a faster wireless charger. And the dimensions of the device are expected to be much bigger too as The Bell (via Forbes) reports that the Note 9 is being scaled up to 6.4 inches, making it bigger than the 6.3-inch Galaxy Note 8. And while previous Samsung smartphones have disappointed with their camera specs, particularly in low light conditions, the Galaxy Note 9 appears to be a pleasant departure from that with a much bigger and better offering being reported by Bloomberg. Leaked images courtesy of 91Mobiles and OnLeaks suggest that little is going to change by way of the design and that unlike previous rumors suggested, the device will not be coming with an in-display fingerprint sensor. Bloomberg reports that the device is set to release on August 9 but there's no word from Samsung yet on the price. If that release date is true, it's not long now until we find out for certain what Samsung will be packing into the Galaxy Note 9. Who speaks for Anglican evangelicals? Last week I found my prejudices deeply challenged. I had been rather surprised to be invited to lead a session for first year ordinands at St Mellitus College in central London. Surprised, because I would have imagined I might not be their type. It was well over 10 years since I had enjoyed the strumming of guitars and raising of arms in worship and am now leading an inclusive, liturgical church in South London, having spent six and a half years previously in a cathedral. These days I am more likely to sing the Exultat at Easter than See what a morning. And so, it was with both a measure of curiosity and anxiety, that I hopped on the bus from Streatham on Monday afternoon and made my way to Kensington. I fully expected that I was about to be 'thrown to the evangelicals' and then (God forbid) prayed for, by the charismatics. I, like many of us who inhabit different spaces within the Church of England, have been following with interest the church-planting strategies of Holy Trinity Brompton and it has felt from a distance that the establishment of St Mellitus, as an alternative route to ordination, was a further bid to conquer the Church of England once and for all. What I discovered could not have been further from the truth. The student body was varied in age and experience, and many were in placement churches that were central, liberal or Anglo Catholic. The age demographic was refreshingly young and yet the quality of questions and openness to fresh learning was surprisingly mature. There was a strong resistance to 'labelling'. Yes, there was a 'broadly evangelical' feel to the place, but it was open, generous and I can confirm that evening prayer was straight from Common Worship. This experience led me to ponder who the bishop of Maidstone imagined he was speaking on behalf of last week when he wrote to the bishops of Lichfield diocese on matters concerning the full inclusion of LGBTQI people in the life of their churches. The media has swept up the 'evangelical wing' of the Church of England as those who are cheering the bishop on, but I believe they are wrong to do so in such general terms. It is true that many LGBTQI Christians have been subjected to appalling treatment in some evangelical churches and yet there are others who have found a warm and inclusive welcome. Evangelicalism is a spectrum, not a tribal identity and there are many who find themselves at home in churches that would describe themselves as evangelical, yet who despair at the approach to homosexuality that Bishop Rod and his supporters hold. Moreover, some may conclude that sex outside of heterosexual marriage is not God's ideal, but this would not necessarily lead them to a demand for repentance, a withholding of the sacraments or a withdrawal from leadership. There are also those who have found ways of being entirely comfortable with a difference of opinion within the churches that they worship, because they have come to understand and practise grace. This would define them as 'Anglican' evangelicals in the truest sense of the word, because Anglicans have always held a range of views in matters of faith and the ethic that flows from it. I say these things because the evangelical stable was somewhere I once dwelt, and I know it well. I understand the language and the culture and many of my dearest friends remain firmly a part of it. In recent years I have drunk countless cups of coffee with those who wanted a safe space to explore reconciling their conscience, experience and developing theology with what they perceived to be the evangelical party line but about which they were growing increasingly uncomfortable. Almost all these conversations have been about the acceptance of homosexual people and their relationships, the subtext being, 'If I change my mind on this subject, then where will I belong?' The answer is simply, 'In the Church of England.' One of the many wonderful things about the Anglican tradition and of the Church of England within it is that we are all sitting on a big old sofa, where there is room to move about a bit, if you wish. I recall Guardian columnist Peter Ormerod summing us up brilliantly some time ago when he wrote: 'The Church of England is between Catholic and Protestant, between organ and drum kit, between robes and T-shirts, between conservatism and liberalism, between certainty and doubt, between silence and noise. All of those things can be found within it, but as a whole, as an idea, as an entity, it is a celebration of nuance, an avowedly flawed body of avowedly flawed people. In a culture that is increasingly polarised and awash with labels and identity politics, the CofEis a beacon of murkiness and is all the more beautiful for it.' Which is why the bishop of Maidstone has behaved very unwisely in writing as he has to his brother bishops in Lichfield. Not because he holds the views that he does (he is perfectly entitled to them), but the fact that in doing so he is demonstrating an overt unwillingness to be an Anglican evangelical. Perhaps a term at St Mellitus would help? This article has appeared on ViaMedia.News. Rev Canon Anna Norman-Walker is rector of Streatham in London. A portrait of Dora Maar at her beautiful and noble best Femme dans un fauteuil, a rarely seen portrait of Dora Maar painted in April 1942, remained with Picasso until his death in 1973. On 20 June it will be a highlight of the Impressionist and Modern Art Evening Sale in London From the time of their auspicious meeting in 1935 to the dissolution of their relationship some 10 years later, Surrealist photographer and painter Dora Maar inspired some of the greatest portraits of Pablo Picassos career. One of these, Femme dans un fauteuil (1942), is among the most highly-worked portraits of Dora executed during the Second World War. On 20 June the work will be a highlight of the Impressionist and Modern Art Evening Sale at Christies in London. Only rarely exhibited since its creation, the painting features Picassos iconic distortions, vivid colours and dynamic description of the sitters body. In this difficult period, which encompassed the Spanish Civil War and the German occupation of Paris, Doras features became a vehicle through which Picasso could explore his own emotions, channelling his fear and anguish into increasingly distorted visions of her form. Born Henriette Theodora Markovitch in Paris in 1907, Dora Maar spent a large portion of her childhood in Buenos Aires. Upon her familys return to Paris she began to study painting and photography, dividing her time between the two disciplines until her unique photographic vision began to draw attention within avant-garde circles. Dora quickly became a key presence within the Parisian intelligentsia; by the early 1930s she had become closely associated with the Surrealists. Eccentric and outspoken, she became a prominent figure in the movement, posing for portraits by Man Ray and Brassai, and photographing a number of the Surrealist writers, poets and artists who were active in Paris. Dora and Picassos meeting has attained mythical status in the story of the artists life. According to one writer, Picasso had come across Dora in the cafe Les Deux Magots in 1935. She was playing a strange game which intrigued him: she kept driving a small pointed pen-knife between her fingers into the wood of the table, wrote journalist and art critic J.P. Crespelle. Sometimes she missed and a drop of blood appeared between the roses embroidered on her black gloves. Leaving the cafe together, Picasso asked for her gloves as a souvenir of their meeting; he would display this memento in his apartment for years to come. If Picassos early portraits of Dora evoke a calm appreciation of her form, he adopted an increasingly angular vocabulary as their relationship progressed. As the storm clouds of conflict gathered on the European horizon, Picasso began in his canvases to deconstruct Doras image with new levels of intensity, introducing extreme distortions that echoed the internal turmoil that was consuming both Dora and Picasso during this period. Femme dans un fauteuil was painted in April 1942, while Picasso was living in occupied Paris. In keeping with many of Picassos portraits of Dora from this period, she is seated on a chair an extension of his Femmes au chapeau and Femmes assises series. Carving her face into two distinct planes, Picasso exaggerates the sharp angles of her profile; her torso is a web of intersecting lines. A dark background throws the sitter into sharp focus, concentrating our attention on Dora as she gazes at us solemnly. Although the artist had received offers of sanctuary from friends in the United States and Mexico at the outbreak of the conflict, he chose to remain in France, in his studio at 7 rues des Grands-Augustins. Dora Maar inspired Picasso throughout the war years and remained a beacon of hope and compassion Jussi Pylkkanen BBVA Compass will provide grant money across 21 markets, including Houston, to help nonprofits launch financial education workshops. It's part of pledge BBVA Compass made in late 2014 to put $11 billion in lending, investments and services toward supporting low- and moderate-income individuals and neighborhoods. The pledge was the bank's response to a federal review examining its 2011 and 2012 compliance with the Community Reinvestment Act, which encourages banks to meet the credit needs of all strata in the communities where they have a presence. MORE: BBVA pledges more to the less affluent BBVA Compass is currently looking for nonprofits to participate in the program. It will provide grants of up to $40,000 for organization to provide workshops covering topics in personal finance, home ownership and small business matters. BBVA Compass will provide the workshop curricula. Its financial education module gives organizations flexibility to deliver workshops using a range of technology options including no-tech, low-tech and high-tech instructional methods, and in both English and Spanish. Nonprofits interested in applying should visit bbvacompass.com/our-story/corporate-responsibility/foundations.html. League City Police Department A man has been charged with first-degree murder in the shooting death last year of a man during an alleged robbery attempt, authorities said. Police are also seeking information on three others in connection to the slaying. Clarence James Humphrey, 35, was shot and killed on July 23, 2017, in front of a home where he was staying in League City's Mar Bella subdivision, police said in a press release earlier this week. The University of Houston brushed aside a Houston photographers claim two years ago that the public university should pay for a photo it used without permission in web and print publications, contending the university has sovereign immunity, a well-established legal principle that protects a state from getting sued. But a recent ruling by a state district court judge in Harris County would force the university to show up in court after all. Judge Caroline E. Baker rejected the universitys argument that it cant be sued for unlawful "taking" under the Texas Constitution, which prohibits government agencies from taking private property without adequate compensation. The argument is typically associated with real estate, rather than intellectual property, but the idea is the same: when the government takes a persons property to build a road or use an image, the owner must be compensated. RELATED: Photographer tries novel legal strategy to get UH to pay up Houston photographer Jim Olive, who has made a career out of getting difficult and dangerous aerial shots from open helicopters, has been fighting with the university ever since he discovered it used his photo of the Houston skyline to promote the universitys C.T. Bauer College of Business and removed Olives name from the credit line. Olive said he was ecstatic that the case would go forward "If we win this case, it opens the door for others photographers to go after the state if it takes their photos," said Olive. Mike Rosen, spokesman for University of Houston System, said the university will appeal Bakers ruling. He declined further comment. In court pleadings, the university argued that Olives lawsuit must be dismissed because the public institution has sovereign immunity. The university, which is represented by Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton, also argued that property taken by the government must be for public use, referring to earlier cases involving pipelines and parking garages. Olive cant show that publishing his photograph "on the Universitys website was made for the sort of public use which requires compensation" under the Texas and U.S. constitutions, according to a court filing by the university. RELATED: Book editor sues Texas A&M for copyright violation on original 12th Man article Olive, a professional photographer for five decades, specializes in skyline photos. He realizes his photos are routinely used without permission or payment, so he hired a company to track down offenders. Olive then sends a letter about his ownership and a bill. Most pay up. But he didnt get anywhere when he discovered the University of Houston had used one of his aerial photos of Houston for years to promote the universitys business school. The photo, titled "The Cityscape," was shot by Olive while he was suspended from a helicopter in a harness. Olive sent the university a bill for $41,000, including $16,000 for frequent use of the photo and $25,000 for stripping off the credit. The university quickly removed the photo from its website. but refused to pay Olives bill, instead offering $2,500 in a take it or leave it deal. University officials reminded Olive in correspondence that it was immune to a lawsuit. If Olives case succeeds, the unlawful takings argument could become a valuable tool in pressing intellectual property rights, said Steven Mitby, a Houston lawyer specializing in intellectual property. This opens the door to many property rights claims, said Mitby. lynn.sixel@chron.com Job-seekers searching for a new career discovered dozens of opportunities at the Cleveland ISD Job Fair on June 7. Teachers, principals and other staff members of Cleveland ISD set up booths in the high school campus cafeteria with each booth representing a different campus or department of the school district. Department booths included the school districts police department, the transportation, maintenance and technology departments, the nutrition department and the DAEP department. According to Superintendent Dr. Darrell Myers, Deputy Superintendent Penny Hall and Instructional Specialist Pattie Myers put the event together and advertised it out to the public. Myers states that many job opportunities have opened up for a variety of reasons. Probably right now weve got around 100 [open jobs], he said. The fact is we probably had 25 or so folks that have resigned so far and then we have about 75 new jobs in the district in various departments whether its teaching or whether its in the transportation or child nutrition. All 100 positions came up from the 2017-2018 school year with some in anticipation of Cleveland ISDs growth patterns. We projected around 12 percent growth, said Myers. Some of this comes from the influx of students coming to Cleveland ISD over the years with the district sitting at an estimated 5,700 in the 2017-2018 school year. Many campuses and departments are looking to fill a handful of positions such as Southside Primary, which is looking for dual language and bilingual instructors for fifth grade classes. Others such as Cleveland Middle School are searching for a broad range of teaching positions. Southside Primary Principal Janie Snyder commented that the job fair seems to be pulling in potential employees. Were doing good, she said. Weve got a lot of good candidates. Anyone who missed the job fair can go to clevelandisd.org to find job openings. jmcadams@hcnonline.com The UN General Assembly condemned Israels use of excessive force against Palestinians who have lost over 120 people in recent clashes with Israeli forces near the border of Gaza. A draft resolution proposed by Algeria, Turkey and Palestinians garnered the support 120 countries. The resolution irked Israel and its ally the United States because it failed to mention Gaza Islamist movement ruler Hamas. The nature of this resolution clearly demonstrates that politics is driving the day. It is totally one-sided. It makes not one mention of the Hamas terrorists who routinely initiate the violence in Gaza, US Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told the General Assembly before the vote. By supporting this resolution you are colluding with a terrorist organization, by supporting this resolution you are empowering Hamas, Israels UN Ambassador Danny Danon told the General Assembly before the vote. Out of the 193 General Assembly countries, 120, led by Arab countries backed the draft resolution. Eight countries voted against it while 45 abstained. The voting came following a first attempt by Palestinians and their supporters to win a UN Security Council condemnation for the death of over 120 Palestinians killed by Israeli forces in a series of protests near the fence between Gaza and Israel. The United States early this month vetoed the draft. Palestinians and their backers accused Israel of shooting at unarmed Palestinians. Israel rejected the blame arguing that most of those killed were Hamas activists who wanted to trespass the fence in view of causing mayhem in Israel. The resolution forwarded a number of proposal measures including on ways and means for ensuring the safety, protection and well-being of the Palestinian civilian population under Israeli occupation, recommendations regarding an international protection mechanism. The GA asked the UN Chief Antonio Guterres to report back within 60 days. We need protection of our civilian population, Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour told the GA before the vote. We cannot remain silent in the face of the most violent crimes and human rights violations being systematically perpetrated against our people, he added. The resolution at the GA is not legally binding. Friendswood Chamber of Commerce President Carol Mercantel would love to see the reaction of someone who has just won a brand new truck. But in 27 years, no such luck. Each year since 1991, the chamber has given away a truck during the citys Fourth of July festivities through its annual Win a Truck drawing and fundraiser. But in all those years, no winner has been present for the big announcement. Is this a joke? We wait a few minutes to see if the person is in the crowd because there are thousands of people at the fireworks display and then well make arrangements with that person listed on the ticket the next day, Mercantel said. They always say Is this a joke? The tradition which is the chambers largest fundraiser continues as the raffle goes into first gear with $10 tickets being sold at various area locations. The chamber will draw a name and give away a 2018 Ford F-150 pickup truck at approximately 9 p.m. July 4 at Centennial Park in Friendswood leading into the fireworks display. The chamber purchases a truck from McRee Ford for $25,000. The raffle winner gets that model truck and chooses from among three colors - red, light gray and blue. The winner pays the cost of the title and license and has the option to trade in the vehicle. The chamber usually raises about $50,000 from the event. Event draws widespread attention Some of the businesses participating in the raffle hold contests for employees to see who can sell the most tickets. Throughout the weeks leading up to the raffle, the chamber displays three trucks - one for each color choice - at area businesses. Businesses participating in the effort can either purchase 10 raffle tickets or sell them for the chamber, Mercantel said. After 27 years, the Win a Truck raffle draws attention from neighboring communities. We get a lot of people from Pearland, Alvin and those areas who purchase tickets, Mercantel said. If people are leaving town to go on vacation, theyll stop here to get their tickets first. Out of the chambers 530 members, about eight businesses are hard-sell raffle participants. Mercantel would like to see the reaction of the winner one day, but at this point, she said, it might be part of the tradition. One day, she said. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchase by credit card over the phone by calling the chamber at 281-482-3329 or at its offices at 1100 South Friendswood Drive. Other locations selling tickets include the Shell gas station at FM 2351 and Beamer and Sonic Drive on Friendswood Drive (FM 518). For more information, call the chamber at 281-482-3329. City of Houston officials announced Thursday, June 14 that all Lake Houstons gates were opened to temporarily lower the lakes pooling level by 1.5 feet in anticipation of impending rainfall predicted for the weekend. The lake was projected to be at level of 41 feet by Friday night, June 15, and District E Council Member Dave Martins office urged people to make arrangements to secure their watercrafts while the lake level is lowered. While officials anticipate the Lake Houston area has capacity to handle the initial few inches of rainfall, a District E press release states that rainfall amounts are estimated to be between 2 to 5 inches with isolated higher amounts possible over a 2 to 3-day period. Even with dry ground this is a large amount of rainfall in a short period of time, which is why the temporary reduction of the level of Lake Houston is necessary. It is unclear how long Lake Houston will be kept at the lower pooling level. This lower lake level will continue to be observed while the city works with area partners to address siltation and other coordination efforts with Lake Conroe, according to the District E press release. With hurricane season in mind, San Jacinto River Authority board member Mark Micheletti is hopeful that a temporary lowering of Lake Conroe may begin by Aug. 1. The SJRA board in April proposed a plan outlining the temporary, seasonal lowering of Lake Conroe while the dredging of the West Fork of the San Jacinto River is underway. The purpose would be to reduce the effects of flooding downstream. Currently, the water level of Lake Conroe is maintained at 201 feet. The SJRA boards proposed plan includes a reduction in the lake level of 1 foot during spring, and a reduction of 2 feet in the fall. From my understanding, we are real close and I am reasonably confident that by the time we get to Aug. 1, we will see Lake Conroe start to be lowered, Micheletti said during a Lake Houston Area Grassroots Flood Prevention Initiative meeting in Kingwood on Monday, June 11. Micheletti acknowledged questions he has been receiving as to why the level is being lowered by less than three feet; and why the SJRA is not considering pre-releasing in advance of storm events, or other possible strategies. According to Micheletti, various entities involved said the pre-release strategy out of Lake Conroe would not be a viable option. Kaaren (Cambio, SJRA board member) and I werent necessarily going to accept that long-term, but on the short-term, we made the decision to get what we can get this year because we felt like we had to have action, Micheletti said. So, thats the reason weve gone that particular direction. He said the temporary seasonal lowering plan may be approved in the next couple of weeks. Jace Houston, SJRA general manager, said it seems to him there is more than a 50 percent chance a lowering of Lake Conroe will be implemented, but added that at this point, its all still speculative. Were waiting to hear back from the Texas Commission on Environmental Quality, but its just a hunch, Houston said. The signs seem to indicate theres a chance that will happen. Houston also said at this time there is no way to know whether a Lake Conroe reduction plan would be consistent with the strategy proposed by the SJRA board. Depending on TCEQs answer, and then the city of Houstons response to that answer, it could be the same, but they could propose something different, Houston said. I dont really have any way to know, but the update is we havent heard anything yet from TCEQ. mfeuk@hcnonline.com Harris County deputies are searching for two suspects in a series of car burglaries stretching from Beaumont to Katy over the past several months. The man and woman have allegedly used stolen credit cards obtained in the burglaries to purchase thousands of dollars in merchandise and gift cards. They have also cashed additional thousands of dollars in fraudulent personal checks, the Harris County Precinct 5 Constable's Office said in a press release. A Houston man and two other staff members are facing felony abuse charges including allegedly choking one young girl and breaking the arm of a second, arrests that followed a raid last month on a private Montgomery County residential treatment center for girls. The Care Cottage facilities, which houses more than 50 girls placed state child care workers in rural Willis, remains under investigation for alleged sexual and physical abuse. A criminal inquiry was begun after officials with the Willis Independent School District contacted Montgomery County Attorney J D Lambright to report numerous incidents involving girls who lived at the facility and attended classes at the district. Cottage Care staff members Hiram Thigpen, 41, of Houston, and ex-staffer Jasmin Sabrna Lyons, 23, of Huntsville, were arrested Tuesday and booked into the county jail, confirmed prosecutors with the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office. A third staff member, Jada Thompson, 22 of Huntsvilleis charged with felony injury to a child, and was arrested Thursday and is jailed in lieu of a $30,000 bail. Thigpen has been charged with a third degree felony of injury to a child, while Lyons is facing a third degree felony charge of injury to a disabled individual. Thigpen is being held on a $25,000 bail and Lyons was released after posting a $50,000 bond late Tuesday. Thigpen and Thompson are still employed at the facility, while Lyons no longer works at Care Cottage, officials said. These are the first three arrests in a very active and ongoing investigation into the Care Cottage facility. Local law enforcement agencies are committed to protecting these children and we are aggressively pursuing any alleged criminal acts of violence that is or has occurred against these kids, said Tyler Dunman, chief of the DAs Special Crimes Bureau. On these arrests, we look forward to presenting the evidence to a Montgomery County jury. According to the arrest affidavits, on Oct. 10, 2017, Lyons allegedly injured a 14-year-old autistic girl by grabbing and twisting her arm. It wasnt until several weeks later that the girl received medical care after the girls mother intervened and took her to a doctor where she learned her daughters arm was broken, the affidavit states. On February 27, Thompson allegedly grabbed a 13-year-old girl by the neck impeding her breathing and blood circulation by applying pressure. The girl, the court documents state, told authorities Thompson choked her because she would not be quiet. The girl also alleged other girls at the facility has been restrained and hit on by staff. On April 11, Thigpen allegedly grabbed and threw a 13-year-old girl at the facility to the floor. He allegedly put his knee on the girls neck affecting her breathing and blood circulation by applying pressure because he believed the girl was lying about taking a shower before going to school, the affidavit states. Lambright said he was alerted by Superintendent Tim Harkrider of conditions at the facilities in April. after school officials made dozens of complaints to CPS officials regarding the care and treatment of the girls, he noted. The sworn statement from an investigator used to obtain the search warrant that was executed May 16 at the facilities outlined allegations reported by residents to Willis ISD officials and others concerning abuse and neglect, including leaving students unattended and staff parties involving alcohol. The investigator said some girls in the residential facility had been injured while being restrained and that others were hog-tied by staff members and placed face down. Others girls were injured after trying to escape by jumping out of a second-floor window that was not repaired. At least three staff members are accused of having sexual relations with girls in their care, according to the sworn statement. Additionally, girls who spoke to caseworkers with CPS during inspections were later punished by staff, who withheld snacks, phone privileges and other rewards, according to the affidavit. Stanley Schneider, a Houston attorney who is representing Care Cottage owners Howard and Tabitha Taylor, maintains his clients have followed all CPS protocols from its establishment. Despite the raid and arrests, the facility remains open and is housing about 56 girls. The Care Cottage facilities are operated by the private HTK Care Foundation Inc., which is registered to the Taylors. The nonprofit foundation that operates the homes receives up to $435 per day per resident to provide care. The foundations annual report in 2016 listed income of $1.1 million and expenses of $1.1 million, with the Taylors each drawing salaries of $80,000. cdominguez@hcnonline.com With the weight of a not-yet-approved November school bond expected totaling upward of $1.2 billion hanging over their heads, Fort Bend ISD trustees appeared tense when discussing new recommendations for potential bond projects at workshop Monday, June 11. One of the more challenging issues up for debate was proposed construction of a new high school to help with overcrowding at Sienna Plantations Ridge Point High School. Trustee Addie Heyliger voiced concerns that parents from Sienna Plantation were propagating ugliness and hate in emails sent urging trustees to build a second high school in their subdivision. Ive never seen more racist, elitist-type comments in the letters weve seen, she said. And, Im a little irritated. According to a demographic report posted online last fall, Ridge Points student population is roughly 34.6 percent white, 26 percent Hispanic, 24.1 percent African American and 11.9 percent Asian. Students attending Willowridge are roughly 50 percent African American and 47.8 percent Hispanic students with the combined Asian and white enrollment totaling less than 1 percent of the student population. At Marshall, the student demographics are roughly 66.8 percent African American, 30 percent Hispanic, 1.1 percent Asian and less than 1 percent white. Superintendent Charles Dupre recommended measured steps in terms of redistricting to balance the enrollment between the schools. But, to simply draw boundaries and say This is your new school, I think can lead to bigger issues in our community that will be very challenging to overcome. In addition, Heyliger said she couldnt support building a new high school when other high schools still have space for students. These parents want us to spend money when we dont need to, she said. Trustee Dave Rosenthal said he agree the decision to build another high school didnt make financial sense, but didnt see a way out. One of the issues is Willowridge and Marshall are underperforming schools, Rosenthal said. We need to change that. Heyliger said she felt the reason other high schools in the district were performing well was because they had a diverse mix of students and challenged parents to look deeper than just test scores when evaluating Willowridge and Marshall. Theres a reason why some of those scores are low, she said. Its not because Fort Bend ISD isnt doing a fine job and trying to help these kids do well. Trustee Kristen Tassin said she didnt think the emails from Ridge Point parents were about racism as much as entitlement. I dont think the comments are racist. I think they are elitist, she said. It is disappointing how some members of the community have acted, or over-reacted. Tassin said if trustees decided to include the new campus, it would likely mean the not-yet-approved school bond could total as much as $1.2 billion and would require a tax increase. Trustees are scheduled to meet and take formal action on the recommendations on Monday, June 18. Ask any teacher: strong fundamentals are the building block to a good student. Children at Risk, a nonprofit organization that studies Texas' public education system, recently released its annual rankings for the Lone Star State's best high schools. The rankings can serve as a handy evidence-based tool to narrow down the cream of the crop in public education. Their data shows that even schools within the same district can differ vastly in quality of education. In order to rank the schools, researchers examined standardized test scores and student achievement. HIGHER ED: Texas' top colleges, according to the Wall Street Journal SECOND OPINION: How Houston high schools fared in 2018 U.S. World & News Report rankings In addition, researchers compared campuses across the state with similar levels of poverty to eliminate bias against economically disadvantaged schools. Dozens of school districts in the Houston area were ranked against each other, as well as schools around the state. Check out the rankings for the Houston-area's best high schools above. Fernando.ramirez@chron.com Twitter.com/fernramirez93 With a major tropical disturbance in the Gulf of Mexico expected to dump rain on Houston this weekend, some Houstonians are worried about the flooding that comes with heavy amounts of rain in the city. Weather experts predict about 1 to 9 inches of rain for the Houston area between Sunday and Monday, though most people will see less than 4 or 5 inches. Eric Berger, of Space City Weather, emphasized that this system is not the return of Hurricane Harvey. "The key thing is that it's not 9 inches of rain over three days that causes flooding, it's getting three inches of rain per hour for a few hours that causes flooding," Berger said. "...keep a watchful eye but don't be overly worried." ANALYSIS: Houston region must take fresh approach on flooding Berger said that the massive area of moisture from the tropical disturbance will impact the coastal region from Victoria and up to Beaumont. As the poorly defined center of the disturbance moves into Mexico, rain chances will dramatically increase. As that disturbance drifts northwestward the forecast will become more clear. "It's a classic Houston set up where we are either hot and sunny or we are have systems like this that bring large amounts of rain to the city," Berger said Thursday. Residents should be watchful of the situation but it's not time to fret about massive flooding. As of Thursday morning the National Weather Service noted that the heaviest rains will be found along the coast. HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: A closer look at Houston's biblical floods If there can be a silver lining to getting a tropical disturbance in the area, Houston will see cooler than average temperatures this weekend, in the high 80s. In Houston in June we like to call that a cool front. "This will break up a pattern of high pressure and emerging drought we've been dealing with since the beginning of May," Berger said. For a detailed breakdown of where Houston stands as of now weather-wise this weekend, check out the latest Space City Weather post here. Craig Hlavaty is a reporter for Chron.com and HoustonChronicle.com. Six horses received burns Wednesday afternoon during a barn fire in the 6100 block of Wenlock Drive near Foxton Road in south Houston. The fire was reported about 2:30 p.m., according to HFD data. The Spring ISD board of trustees has approved its $397.3 million budget for 2018-19 with a focus on funding academic programs and employee retention. Theres always some assumptions and some estimates that are required in order to start developing the budget, chief financial officer Ann Westbrooks told the board. The tax rate and projected number of students were two of the major considerations the district considered. The enrollment for the 2018-19 is projected to drop by 1.67 percent for an estimated total of 35,532 students, she said. According to the Texas Education Agency, Spring ISD had an enrollment of 36,134 for the 2017-18 year. We are anticipating that this budget will be supported by a $1.51 tax rate per $100 of taxable value, Westbrooks said. In October, the board voted to raise the tax rate by 4 cents to $1.51 to help pay off the debt incurred by the $330 million bond that voters approved in 2016. Westbrooks said $1.06 of the tax rate would go to the general fund, while the remaining 45 cents would go to interest and sinking portion to help pay off the bond. The general operating budget will be made up of $312.4 million while $58.4 million will go to paying down the debt and $26.5 million going to the child nutrition fund. The general fund will pay for a one-time $1,500 supplement for full-time employees and $750 for half-time employees as part of a retention strategy. The supplement will be paid in November to employees who have been with the district beginning on June 30, 2018. The district will also invest in special education, performing and visual arts, gifted and talented materials, professional development for faculty and additional staff. Spring ISD will also launch dual language programs at Northgate Crossing Elementary, Hirsch Elementary and Clark Primary schools. The district also in the middle of construction projects that make up part of the bond. On Tuesday, the district also broke ground on the new Roberson Middle School campus and last week, it began remodeling work on the new Spring ISD Police Department headquarters The new headquarters is expected to cost about $1.8 million and expects to open in late August. Roberson Middle School is expected to cost $33 million and be completed in late 2019. So far, the district has approved $10 million toward its construction. During Tuesdays meeting, the board also approved $6.9 million to go towards the construction of an unnamed middle school, also known as middle school #8. It will be located next to Northgate Crossing Elementary School, near the Grand Parkway and North Freeway. The bond projects will also include additional schools and a new stadium. mayra.cruz@chron.com Entergy rate hike delayed The Shenandoah City Council on Wednesday passed an ordinance to postpone raising electricity rates from the citys provider, Entergy Texas until September 17. The rate hike, part of Entergys system-wide base rate increase totalling $16.7 million across the system, will be investigated by consultants to determine the best course of action for residents. The original notice, sent to the City Council on May 15, advised of a rate increase throughout the cities the company serves by June 19, and included an optional ordinance giving cities the option to extend the effective date 90 days to Sept. 17. Consultants and regulatory bodies are set to use the 90 day-period to investigate the the request and the proposed rate increase along with other Texas cities who adopted the same ordinance three of which are in Montgomery County. Possible changes to Civic Club Following the Civic Clubs last meeting on June 12, council members discussed proposed changes to the clubs organizational structure and bylaws. Among the proposed changes to the structure, the club is looking at creating the position of president, vice president, secretary and treasurer for two-year terms, as well as a possible trial membership for residents new to the community or new to the Civic Club. What (the Civic Club is) worried about is someone coming in that has an agenda or something thats important to them, so they come in and vote, said Council Member Charlie Bradt. Council Member Mike McLeod debated the scale of the citys involvement in the club, saying that it might be a better long-term approach to make the Civic Club more independent of the city, and exploring the option of making it a 501(c)3 tax-deductible organization rather than the 501(c)6 classification it currently has. Mayor Ritch Wheeler said he does not want the club get it too far away from the city. What if the Civic Club says, You know what? We dont want to do the Easter egg hunt anymore. Were our own separate entity, Wheeler said. I think we should be able to still maintain a little bit of direction, but not the firm grip weve had in the past. Bradt suggested City Attorney William Ferebee explore the proposed changes and present a new draft of the bylaws to the Civic Club by their next meeting. City OKs legal counsel name change City attorney William Ferebee explained a resolution changing the city attorney from ODonnell, Ferebee & Frazer, PC to CKR Law. The resolution was approved. As of June 1, ODonnell, Ferebee & Frazer, PC and CKR Law merged, retaining the name CKR Law. The ordinance is, simply a name change, Ferebee said. Ferebee will remain citys attorney. Thoroughfare plan discussed The council reviewed changes to the thoroughfare plan from the last council meeting on May 23. Bleyl Enginerings Derek Wind presented the updated plan which includes the removal of a grade separation at I-45 and Shenandoah Park and a small change to a section of Grogans Mill, moving it from a major arterial to a minor arterial road. After public comment, the plan will move to the Planning and Zoning Board then back to City Council for adoption. Meeting minutes format debated Approval for the minutes from the councils last meeting was tabled due to reporting errors brought up by McLeod. The roll call section was left incomplete and the council debated how to report citizen comments, or whether to report them at all. Minutes are posted by city staff as part of the agenda packet for the following meeting, but McLeod discussed posting video minutes or text minutes with videos linked to specific items in the agenda. We want to try to capture the spirit of what someone has said, McLeod said. And theres audiovisual, you can see it. Turkeys autocratic ruler Recep Tayyip Erdogan has pledged to lift years-old state of emergency if re-elected on June 24. Erdogan in an interview Wednesday on 24 TV said his first decision if re-elected on June 24 will be to lift the state of emergency in place since July 2016 following a failed coup that attempted to topple him. Lifting the state of emergency does not mean abolishing it completely not to come back. Well take whatever the toughest precaution again when we see terror. The Turkish leader narrowly escaped the coup that he blamed on his rival Fethullah Gulen in exile in the United States. Ankara imposed the state of emergency in a move to clampdown on coup leaders among whom military officers, civil servants, lecturers. The security measure, which prohibits gatherings and demonstrations, has been extended every three months since then. Some 160,000 have been detained so far while similar numbers of workers suspected to have links with Gulen have been fired from their jobs, reports say. Erdogan recently hailed the state of emergency arguing that businesses should welcome the state of emergency because it guards against terrorism and prevents workers from going on strike, Middle East Eye (MEE) reports. The first democratically elected Turkish President is seeking another five-year term. Local Sabah Daily reports that a Bloomberg poll has placed President Recep Tayyip Erdogan as the likely winner of the upcoming presidential elections. He is predicted to win the elections at the first round with 50.8 percent of the votes. Erdogans party, Justice and Development Party (AK Party), and its ally the Nationalist Movement Party (MHP) will likely get a majority in Parliament, according to a survey commissioned by Bloomberg. Other challengers in the presidential elections are Muharrem Ince from the Republican Peoples Party (CHP), and Selahattin Demirtas from the Peoples Democratic Party (HDP). Gilbert Martinez graduates from high school in May, but he's already on the cusp of selling a calculator app company for millions of dollars. While that may shock a lay person, he said that type of thing is normal at Carnegie Vanguard High School in the Houston ISD. One classmate invented a water filtration system to serve poverty-stricken communities, earning him the ear of Rice University researchers. Another created a wristband that changes color when the wearer is dehydrated, while a recent alum toured the state with his model wind turbines. "Here, all the teachers tell you to do more than the minimum, so a lot of our projects are out of school," Martinez said. "I came from a low-performing middle school, so it's different that everyone here really has an academic focus and tries to do their best all the time." BALLOT SUPPORT: Businesses backing school issue in May 6 election Carnegie Vanguard on Tuesday was named the eighth-best high school in the country and the second-best in Texas by U.S. News & World Report, which publishes the annual rankings. DeBakey High School for Health Professions also placed high, ranking as the 18th-best nationwide and the fourth-best in Texas. Both schools jumped in the rankings with Carnegie Vanguard moving up from No. 10 last year and DeBakey High School rising from No. 29. Challenge Early College High School, an HISD campus where more than 70 percent of students are economically disadvantaged, was ranked the 8th-best in Texas and 69th-best in the country. The magazine's annual rankings of high schools and colleges are closely followed in education. Officials examine whether students perform better than expected in their state, how well disadvantaged students perform compared to the state average, graduation rates and preparedness for college-level coursework. FINANCIAL MATTERS: Early voting starts for May 6 election, includes school issue Despite the recognition of its magnet schools and HISD's focus on such programs, many of the district's other magnets dropped on the list. All eight of the Dallas ISD magnet schools ranked by the magazine placed among its list of top 100 magnet programs in the country, while only five of Houston's 15 ranked magnet schools made the cut. Jordan High School was ranked third-to-last at No. 290. Still, even schools ranked lower on the list were among the top performers in the nation, earning a bronze designation and a ranking. In contrast, more than 70 percent of high schools nationwide were not ranked or given a distinction. Houston ISD's two highest-ranked schools were among four in Texas to earn slots in the top 20 national rankings. The other two were located within the Dallas ISD. Suburban school districts in the Houston area did not have any schools represented on the state's top 20 list. Victory Early College High School in the Aldine ISD came closest at No. 21 in the state. The next highest-ranked suburban public schools on the best-of-Texas list were Alief ISD's Early College High School at No. 37, Clear Creek ISD's Clear Horizons Early College High School at No. 45 and The Woodlands High School in the Conroe ISD at No. 59. But YES Prep, a local charter school operator, had four of its eight Houston-area high schools place among the state's top 20. They are YES Prep Southwest, ranked 11th; YES Prep East End, 12th; YES Prep Southeast, 18th; and YES Prep North Central, 19th. The YES Prep schools differ from many others higher up in the rankings because 80 percent or more of the students at each campus meet federal poverty guidelines to quality for free or reduced-priced meals, and 90 percent of the students at each campus are minorities. By comparison, only about 28 percent of students at Carnegie Vanguard and 41 percent of students at DeBakey are economically disadvantaged. Mark DiBella, YES Prep's CEO, is quick to point out that students at its schools are selected at random through a lottery process, while those at Carnegie Vanguard must meet certain IQ requirements before being picked via a lottery. "We have a national problem that plays out in Houston: we don't believe as a people in the capability and potential of students of color," DiBella said. "We fundamentally believe (that) although access (to a great education) isn't equally distributed, genius is." Expectations are high the moment that students step foot on campus, and the most-experienced teachers at each often spend 1-on-1 time or work with struggling students in small groups to get them up to grade level. But like many charters, YES Prep struggles to retain teachers. About 27 percent of its teachers leave the district each year, compared with about 16 percent who leave its districts statewide. DiBella said the schools have placed more of a priority on training teachers and created programs aimed at keeping the best in their schools. "If you boil it down, the secret sauce is a model that year after year after year, students are getting exceptional teachers in every classroom," DiBella said. Martinez of Carnegie Vanguard High School agreed. He said the teachers there encourage and push the students to challenge themselves both in the classroom and with extracurricular activities. After being surrounded by hardworking and like-minded students for four years, he said, he's always surprised to see how highly the school ranks nationally in similar rankings. "Inside this fishbowl, it just seems normal," Martinez said, shrugging. "But to see the school compared to everyone else, it's still remarkable." Scroll through the gallery above to see high school principals in the Houston suburbs The heated court dispute over Harris Countys bail practices faces a critical turning point at a federal court hearing Thursday, as lawyers from both sides help the judge craft a final order deciding how pretrial release should operate for thousands of poor people arrested on low-level offenses. One of two county judges who sided with the poor defendants who appear daily in his courtroom framed the question before the judge as the civil rights issue of this generation. In reaching an accord, the finish line seems distant. Two years into a lawsuit that has involved dozens of lawyers and cost county more than $6.1 million the opposing parties ideas remain so polarized, they could only agree to a handful of phrases in a jointly-authored proposal. The document lacked a single sentence the sides agreed on, differing even on the proper title to precede the judges name when she signs off at the bottom. APPEALS COURT DIRECTIONS: Appeals court rules Harris County's revised bail order can move forward The hearing Thursday follows a June 1 ruling by the 5th U.S. Circuit Court of Appeals upholding the trial judges finding that the countys bail system was unconstitutional but directing the trial judge to fine tune elements of her initial injunction that were overly broad. Chief U.S. District Judge Lee H. Rosenthals April 2017 ruling in the landmark class action upended longstanding bail practices, finding the county had relegated poor people arrested on misdemeanor charges to wealth based detention, whereas people with money charged with the same crimes could bail themselves out. TRIAL COURT RULING: Harris County bail system unconstitutional, federal judge rules In drafting recommendations for Rosenthals new order, the two sides expressed fundamentally different interpretations of what the appeals court asked Rosenthal to do. The countys lawyers have said they are willing to settle the case based on the appeals courts recommendations. In contrast, the attorneys for the indigent defendants who brought the 2016 civil rights suit, along with two of the 16 judges they sued, say in a joint proposal that there are essential details Rosenthals new order must address that werent explained by the appeals courts analysis. The appeals court found the 24-hour timeline for releasing qualified misdemeanor defendants placed too heavy a burden on county officials, finding that those arrested were entitled to a hearing within 48 hours. The remaining dispute centers on the criteria used to determine pretrial release for people arrested on minor offenses, and concerns by elected county officials over public safety posed by hasty releases. The county believes judges should have up to 48 hours to determine conditions of release for those who cant afford bail. During those 48 hours, it is reasonable for indigent defendants to wait behind bars for a determination, they contend. PROFILE OF JUDGE: Rosenthal rules federal courts in Houston region with firm hand We believe the independently elected judges have to be able to make those decisions based on the people before them and not based on a bunch of rigid rules, said Robert Soard, first assistant to County Attorney Vince Ryan. They are misreading the opinion if they believe there is a substantive due process right for an indigent pretrial arrestee to be automatically released without a hearing. However, lawyers for the indigent defendants flatly oppose what they call the arbitrary detention of people based on preset bail amounts, which frequently results in poor people waiting for days in jail or entering guilty pleas as a faster way out. County Court at Law Judge Michael Fields who, along with the countys only other African American misdemeanor judge, sided with the indigent defendants, framed the bail issue as the civil rights issue of this generation. He compared it to wrongheaded thinking by good, moral and decent people who balked when the Supreme Court in 1868 invalidated the Dredd Scott decision, which held that African Americans were not considered citizens, and those who held fast to the separate but equal law after the 1954 Brown v. Board of Education ended racial segregation in public schools. How will we treat those accused of running afoul of the law? Fields asked. Will the rich have one system of justice and the poor another? Or will every citizen accused of a crime be provided the equal protection the Fourteenth Amendment demands? The county was taking steps to reform its bail policy when the lawsuit was filed on behalf of a young mother who spent two days in jail because she could not mount $2,500 bail after an arrest for driving on an invalid license. Lawyers from Civil Rights Corps, in Washington, D.C., the Texas Fair Defense Project and free counsel from the Susman Godfrey law firm in Houston argued that poor people also had a fundamental right to pretrial liberty. They broadened the case to include all similarly situated defendants arrested on minor charges. The lawsuit split county officials, with four out of five members of Commissioners Court opting to oppose it in court. The sheriff, district attorney and one county commissioner, all Democrats, sided with the indigent defendants, pressing the county to quickly settle the suit and cut legal expenses. A man has been charged in the accidental shooting of a woman in southwest Houston on Thursday morning, police said. Landon Michael Johnson, 25, faces charges of possession of a controlled substance and illegal carrying of a weapon. The widow of a Houston man who died last year after a late-night confrontation at a Crosby diner broke down in tears Thursday, while telling a jury how her husband was punched in the face and back of the head before being choked to death. Maria Toral took the stand in the murder trial of 42-year-old Terry Thompson, accused of killing her husband John Hernandez by strangling him in a chokehold. Hernandez, 24, died without regaining consciousness after he was pinned on the ground outside the Dennys restaurant on the Sunday before Memorial Day last year. The defendant was hitting him non-stop. I saw a lot of different hits to his face, Toral said, wiping tears from her eyes. After (Thompson) got (Hernandez) on his chest, he started punching him in the back of his head. She said Thompson was straddling her husband as he was lay on the ground, first on his back with his hands in front of his face and then on his back on the concrete entryway in front of the diner. His face was hitting the concrete, Toral said. Hernandez was taken by ambulance to an area hospital where he spent three days in a coma before dying. The case made national headlines after a 53-second cell phone video of Thompson on top of Hernandez was published, igniting a wave of protests in downtown Houston. Thompson is married to Chauna Thompson, a Harris County Sheriffs deputy at the time of the incident who and arrived at the restaurant in the middle the altercation in a separate vehicle. She helped her husband as he struggled with Hernandez and has also been charged with murder. Her trial is pending. Torals testimony capped the second day of trial in state District Judge Kelli Johnsons court, which has been packed with family and supporters of Hernandez. Thompson has had a small core of supporters in the courtroom gallery. Defense lawyers for Thompson took issue with Torals testimony because there was no medical evidence of bruising on the back of Hernandezs head. They also noted that Toral has filed a wrongful death lawsuit against the Thompsons. During cross-examination of Toral, defense attorney Scot Courtney showed the widow a photo of Thompson with a black eye and said he got it when Hernandez punched him. Toral replied she didnt see her husband strike Thompson. Thompsons defense team has long asserted that Hernandez threw the first punch, initiating the physical struggle that ended his life. Toral said her husband spent that Sunday playing soccer with friends, followed by an evening of watching soccer with friends. She said Hernandez came home after 10 p.m. to take her and their 4-year-old daughter to dinner. When she realized how drunk he was, she had him stop at Dennys, which was around the corner from their home. Court records show Hernandez had a blood alcohol level of .204 when he got to the hospital, about two and half times the legal limit to drive. Toral acknowledged that her husband had an earlier confrontation with another patron, Blake Wise, who was leaving as they walked into Dennys. After sitting down and ordering coffee, she said, Hernandez went back outside. When she went out to check on him, she saw her husband and Thompson chest-to-chest. I dont know if John punched him, but the next thing I know he was on top of John, she said. It happened so quick. Suddenly he was on top of John. Earlier on Thursday, prosecutors had to play defense by calling Wise to the stand before defense attorneys could. Wise, the first patron Hernandez shouted at, described Hernandez as drunk and belligerent. Wise, a metal worker from Channelview, said Hernandez told him he had a handgun in his truck. He looked like he could barely stand, said Wise, describing the encounter that took place a few minutes before Hernandez and Thompson got into a struggle. He was swaying back and forth. Wises account, along with the playing of surveillance video and a 911 call he made to alert authorities about Hernandez, were not a typical trial tactic by the prosecution. But courthouse observers noted that in this case is it is a sound strategy. Thompsons attorneys have argued that Hernandez was drunk and belligerent leading up to the confrontation that ended up his life, a contention given credence by Wises testimony. Wise testified that Hernandez stared him down from across the parking lot, then walked toward him. As Hernandez was was being pushed and pulled back toward the restaurant door by his wife, he shouted, Ive got a gun too. He told me he had a .40 cal in his truck, Wise said. A .40 caliber handgun. Surveillance video from a camera inside the Dennys looking out the front door appeared to back up Wises timeline of events. Wise told the jury Hernandezs wife shouted for him to leave. She said, Hes drunk, just leave,' Wise said from the stand. Wise, who got in his truck and drove away, called 911 and said he was afraid Hernandez was too drunk to drive, especially with a child in his four-door Toyota pickup. Hes intoxicated, hes driving and has a child in the car, Wise could be heard telling told the 911 operator. In his opening statement, defense attorney Courtney said Thompson confronted Hernandez because he was urinating in the parking lot when Thompson drove up with his daughter and two other teenage girls. Thompson was attempting to detain Hernandez until police arrived. During the struggle Thompson allegedly applied a chokehold to Hernandez. Chauna Thompson told her husband to get off Hernandez after seeing that he had stopped breathing. She gave him chest compressions until authorities arrived, the defense attorney said. Prosecutors first accepted assault charges against Hernandez but reversed course and charged the Thompson couple in the death. If convicted of murder, Thompson faces the possibility of life in prison. Brian Rogers covers Houston crime and courts. You can email him at brian.rogers@chron.com or follow him on Twitter at @brianjrogers. Editor's Note: This story has been updated to reflect the correct spelling of Maria Toral's name. Ghana and Cote dIvoire will jointly decide on the volume and timing of cocoa exports by August for the 2019/20 season, the head of Ghanas Cocobod said on Wednesday. The worlds top two producers of cocoa have agreed to harmonize the forward sales of cocoa export contracts, a statement released by Ghana Cocobod and its Ivorian counterpart, the CCC said. In March, Ghana, and Cote dIvoire also agreed to intensify collaboration in the field of scientific research for the production of cocoa plants and the improvement of plant varieties. President Akufo-Addo and President Alassane Ouattara have reaffirmed their commitment to process a major part of cocoa, and to invite the private sector, notably African, to invest massively in cocoa processing in Africa. With the two countries responsible for 60% of the worlds cocoa output, fluctuations of cocoa prices on the international market, marked by a fall of around 20% in 2017, have impacted negatively on the revenues of millions of cocoa farmers, as well as on the budgetary revenues of the two countries. Last month, Cocobod said China will help the government of Ghana in constructing a new cocoa processing factory with a 40,000 ton-capacity to process some of the countrys production locally. Due to the volatility of prices in the international cocoa market, Ghana seeks to develop new cocoa consumption markets for the product, Joseph Boahen Aidoo, Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana COCOBOD said. A Texas man who sent his girlfriend to the hospital for downloading Snapchat pled guilty to charges of aggravated assault this week, reports the Star-Telegram. Last year, police said 21-year-old Dameon Marmolejo punched and stomped his girlfriend Solidad Torres until she required 15 staples and 3 sutures on her head. She was 18 at the time. AUSTIN One of the largest shelters for unaccompanied minors in Texas includes a wall-sized mural of President Donald Trump. Kids would tell me it was an odd image to see, that it scared them. They didn't like it, said Diana Gomez, who conducted legal screenings inside the shelter for several months in 2017. The mural appears inside Southwest Key Program's Casa Padre shelter in Brownsville, where Democratic U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon was denied entry earlier this month. The shelter, located inside a former Walmart, held more than 1,000 children as of mid-May, according to state data. A spokeswoman for Southwest Key said the mural has been there since shortly after the shelter opened and that there are paintings of many U.S. presidents. RELATED: Immigrant children's shelter opens doors after protests Each shelter is decorated to be child friendly and education is a component we try to incorporate into all our programming, said spokeswoman Cindy Casares. She did not respond to questions about childrens reaction to the painting. Painted by a Southwest Key employee, the mural depicts President Trumps head floating above the White House and in front of an American flag. The mural appears at the entrance to a hallway that leads from the cafeteria to more rooms, Gomez said. While other presidents, including Barack Obama, are painted inside the hallway, each of those is accompanied by an inspiring quote about immigration, while Trumps is not, Gomez said. A spokesman for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services said a quote in Spanish and one in English now accompany Trumps mural, one of roughly 20 depicting presidents. One says, Sometimes by losing a battle you find a new way to win the war; he couldnt read the note in Spanish. A lot of (the children) said they had heard a lot of anti-immigrant things Donald Trump had said, Gomez said. They were fleeing violence in their homes to seek opportunity and a better life in the U.S. ... They saw Donald Trump as a person who would be a threat to that hope and eventually deport them back to their country where they would face inevitable death. The shelters are in the spotlight as children are being separated from their parents along the U.S.-Mexico border under the Trump administrations zero tolerance policy. In May, more than 600 families were separated at the border, according to the Department of Homeland Security. Southwest Key Programs runs 16 of the roughly three-dozen shelters in Texas that contract with the federal Office of Refugee Resettlement, according to state data. The shelters care for unaccompanied minors who have been apprehended by federal officials. The children are next placed with relatives or put into a federal foster care system, a process overseen by the Office of Refugee Resettlement. amorris@express-news.net AUSTIN Texas abortion providers, emboldened by a recent Supreme Court ruling, are suing Texas to undo a litany of abortion regulations that have been on the books for decades. In a federal lawsuit filed Thursday, abortion providers argue the U.S. Supreme Court set a new standard for abortion laws when it struck down a 2013 Texas law that required stricter standards for doctors and clinics. The court ruled that the benefits of imposing the 2013 requirements did not justify the obstacles to access. Whole Womans Health, the largest abortion provider in Texas, now wants that standard applied to old laws. The abortion providers regularly sue Texas and other GOP-led states, usually to stop new laws from taking effect. This is the first time they have sued to undue dozens of laws, some that have been in in place since the 1990s. We went all the way to the Supreme Court in 2016 to defeat harmful abortion restrictions, and we are not done fighting so that every Texan can get the health care they need and deserve, said Amy Hagstrom Miller, president of Whole Womans Health Alliance. All Texans, no matter who they are, where they live, or how much they earn, should be able to make the health care decisions that are best for them and get the care they need with dignity. The lawsuits challenges numerous requirements including only allowing doctors to perform abortions, rather than clinic staff. It also challenges licensing standards, 24-hour waiting periods and a requirement that an ultrasound be shown to the patient. Abortion providers have previously challenged some of the laws and lost. A spokesman for Texas Attorney General Ken Paxton said in a written statement that abortion providers have complied with the laws being challenged for years, and that courts have previously upheld many of the requirements. They are common-sense measures necessary to protect Texas women from unhygienic, unqualified clinics that put womens lives and reproductive health at risk, said Marc Rylander, a spokesman for Paxton. It is ridiculous that these activists are so dedicated to their radical pro-abortion agenda that they would sacrifice the health or lives of Texas women to further it. alejandra.matos@chron.com SAN ANTONIO - Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick says the battle over the so-called bathroom bill is over, even though the legislation never became law in Texas. We won, Patrick told reporters Thursday at the Republican Party of Texas annual convention. This issue is settled. Patricks reasoning is that in the Republican Primary elections, 1.5 million people voted and about 90 percent of them supported a ballot question that asked whether they supported protecting the privacy of women and children when they go to the bathroom. There were dozens of non-binding questions on the Republican ballot. In 2017, the bathroom bill became a key point of contention during a special session of the Legislature. The Senate, which Patrick presides over, passed legislation that would have required people to use the bathroom that corresponds with the gender listed on their birth certificate. That would have prevented people who are transgender from using the bathrooms that they identify with. Critics said the legislation was a form of discrimination against people who are transgender, a charge Patrick, a Houston area Republican, repeatedly denied. "It does not discriminate against anyone," Patrick said back in August 2017 while defending the bill. "It's simply common sense, common decency and public safety to protect the women of the state of Texas." The bill never got very far in the Texas House, where Speaker Joe Straus opposed the legislation. In order for a bill to become law it has to pass both the House and the Senate and receive the governors support. Allen Blakemore, a chief strategist for Patricks campaign, said Republican primary support for the ballot items showed that there is a lot more Republican unity than critics want to believe on issues like the bathroom bill. He pointed out that 94 percent supported property tax reforms the Senate tried to pass and another 95 percent supported making ballot fraud a felony. Also, 85 percent believe the way the Texas Speaker of the House is picked should be changed. Far from hints of a civil war, in fact, there is strong agreement in the Republican Party of Texas on virtually every key issue, Blakemore said. Patricks comments on Thursday came during one of several brief appearances he made at the Republican Party of Texas convention, where he has a booth to greet party activists. The booth includes Patricks 1952 Chevy pickup truck that he uses in political ads. Patrick is scheduled to formally address the Republican Convention on Friday morning. jeremy.wallace@chron.com Twitter.com/JeremySWallace On July 31, the Houston Chronicle published a front-page story with a provocative headline. "'We've moved on': Political anger after Harvey has eased," it declared, adding: "Experts believe disaster response is unlikely to be a factor in November." It was a significant story by veteran reporter and Austin bureau chief Mike Ward. It asserted that Houston residents initially fed up with the uneven government response to Hurricane Harvey actually weren't going to blame politicians after all. The story began with West Houston resident Betsy Scheer, whose anger had faded. She was going to vote Republican. "My friends are mostly the same way now," she was quoted as telling Ward. But in the weeks after the story ran, questions were raised about the sourcing in Ward's story. No one could find Betsy Scheer. And no one could find three others quoted in the story Tran Ng, Martina Racelli and Jack Nito. EDITOR'S NOTE: An update from the editor of the Houston Chronicle The Chronicle spot-checked several other stories written by Ward. A pattern began to emerge: Alongside quotes from easy-to-find political figures, his stories were spiced with sparkling quotes from ordinary Texans, including a software engineer from Dallas, a businesswoman from Williamson County, a tea party activist. Many of them could not be found, despite extensive searches in multiple databases by a newsroom researcher and more work by a private investigator. Ward was confronted by Chronicle Executive Editor Nancy Barnes. Ward insisted that every person in his stories did exist and that they eventually would be found; he spent a week looking for them, but turned up nothing. Asked for notes used for his stories, Ward said he had destroyed them. Barnes accepted Ward's offer to resign. Shortly after, Barnes asked me to examine all of Ward's stories and to make every effort to find and verify the people named in them. What follows is what I found: The review included 744 stories, from early August 2018 back to January 2014, when he was hired after a long career at the Austin American-Statesman. A team of three pulled out the names of 275 individuals who were presented as ordinary Texans and made every effort to find them. Of the 275 people quoted, 122, or 44 percent, could not be found. Those 122 people appeared in 72 stories. It's impossible to prove that these people do not exist, only that with extensive research and digging, the team could not find them. And in this age of online records, including property ownership and court filings, almost everyone can be found quickly. For comparison, the team checked the work of another reporter at a major out-of-state newspaper. Of eight people named in her stories, all eight were found easily. The Chronicle also spot-checked nine recent stories from three of its reporters. Of 48 people named in those stories, 39 (81 percent) were found easily using one database, LexisNexis; eight names were so common further search would be required; one was not found due to a possible misspelling of the name. Ward could not be reached to discuss the findings. He did not respond to numerous phone messages, emails or attempts to reach him through former colleagues. Barnes, the Chronicle's executive editor, had informed readers in September of concerns about sourcing in some of Ward's stories and had promised further investigation. Unfortunately, she said, the further work was done without Ward's cooperation and could not confirm the existence of more than 100 sources, despite extensive efforts to do so. "The relationship between a newspaper and its readers is one of trust," she said. "This investigation points to an egregious breach of that trust that is an offense to readers and journalists alike. We apologize to our readers, and to the Houston community. "We will be correcting or retracting all of the affected stories in order to set the record straight to the best of our ability, as I promised when this was first brought to my attention." John Bridges, managing editor for the Austin American-Statesman, said the paper had taken a limited look at Ward's work there, but would now go deeper. "After the initial allegations, we conducted a preliminary review of Ward's final years of work for the Statesman and did not find conclusive evidence of the kind of pattern uncovered by the Chronicle's investigation," he said. "But given the Chronicle's new findings and the seriousness of these allegations, we are enlisting outside journalists to conduct further investigation into work that appeared in the Statesman." A thorough review The Chronicle team ran each name in Ward's stories through a variety of search engines that comb through records of property ownership, voter registration, hunting and fishing licenses, phone numbers and criminal records. They queried Facebook, LinkedIn and Instagram accounts, along with Google and several other commercial search engines. The research included calls to local police departments, chambers of commerce and local Democratic and Republican officials. At a karate studio in the town of a woman quoted as a karate enthusiast, no one knew her. The search included a woman said to be an Austin resident and mother of three; she didn't turn up on lists of registered voters and her name did not appear in any other database. At the bakery where she was quoted as being a customer, no one knew her. Sometimes, hard-to-find sources did turn up. In one case, an individual was not listed on various databases, had no known phone number and did not own property. Eventually, the team found someone who knew him. In all, the review found and verified 103 of the 275 names, just more than a third. For another 50 people named, Ward's stories provided insufficient information to conduct searches. And 122 could not be found. Some of the stories the Chronicle published under Ward's byline rested in large part on the quotes from people whose existence could not be verified, throwing the veracity of entire stories into question. For instance, the story the Chronicle published on July 31 depended heavily on the views of four people who weren't found. Did Houston Republicans who suffered in the aftermath of Hurricane Harvey forgive GOP political leaders for lapses in government assistance? Others in the piece, particularly university political scientists, could easily be found. They were cited for their professional opinions, not personal experiences. It was not the only such story. A story published June 15 by Ward ("Outside Texas GOP convention, political parties are becoming less important") detailed changing GOP attitudes toward President Donald Trump, from negative to positive. The story featured quotes from two people that set the tone for the story. Neither person could be located. The previous day, June 14, the Chronicle ran a Ward story based on alleged interviews with three GOP and tea party activists; the team could find only one of them. On the 13th, the Chronicle featured a story by Ward that began and ended with meaningful quotes from two voters on the fate of the two parties in this fall's elections. Neither of the voters could be located. On May 4, the Chronicle ran a story by Ward about the upcoming convention of the National Rifle Association. The story was based on quotes from six people, none of whom could be found. In March, Ward turned in a story he had been working on for some time, seeking to demonstrate that changing demographics in West Houston meant the 7th Congressional District, long a Republican stronghold, was now "up for grabs." The story, published March 11, quoted 10 people; of those, six could not be verified. The Chronicle will retract eight stories that depended heavily on characters who can't be found and quotes that cannot be verified. It will correct other stories that included sources that can't be verified but whose premise was not reliant on those sources. Surprise in the newsroom Chronicle editors who had worked most directly with Ward expressed shock and disbelief that he or any reporter would fabricate people and quotes. "That's not the Mike Ward I knew," said John Gravois, a former editor in Austin for the Chronicle. "That Mike Ward was very meticulous, very careful, very old-school." Matt Schwartz, an assistant Metro editor, said that nothing in Ward's stories "ever gave me pause, and I'm still stunned. I have a hard time believing that this happened." Vernon Loeb, who was managing editor of the Chronicle from 2014 until early this summer and who worked closely with Ward, also expressed shock. "I don't believe Mike Ward was the kind of journalist who would make people up," he said. "I want to believe his assurances that he never made anybody up and that he, given time, can find these people." More safeguards? It's a lesson stressed to new journalism students at the University of Texas at Austin. In one of their first classes, they are told to verify and retain the name, phone number and email address of every person they interview for a story. "That's what we expect of a beginning reporter," said Kathleen McElroy, director of the UT School of Journalism. At the Chronicle and other newspapers, editors do not generally ask to see the phone numbers and email addresses of people quoted in a story. Trust between reporter and editor goes bone-deep, but it is earned, not assumed. Editors keep a skeptical eye on younger reporters, and over time reporters either prove themselves trustworthy or they lose their job. "I have to trust the reporter," Schwartz said. Bill Adair, Duke University journalism professor and director of the DeWitt Wallace Center for Media and Democracy, said editors should not be expected to verify that a reporter's named sources are real. "Every editor has done what I have done, which is to Google someone quoted to make sure the name is spelled correctly," said Adair, who worked for 24 years as a reporter and editor and created the Pulitzer Prize-winning fact-check website PolitiFact. "But I don't think the responsibility for that basic thing rests with the editor; it is a basic responsibility of a reporter." Kelly McBride is senior vice president and ethicist at the Poynter Institute, a national media instructional and resource center. She said mid-level newspaper editors ought to know how reporters are getting their work done. It's less a matter of trust and more a matter of involvement in the process. "Where did you find this guy? Do you have any other quotes from him? Where do you go to get man-on-the-street quotes? Are you using social media? This is the editor's responsibility," McBride said. "Because when something's going great you can reinforce that good work that's how you can help reporters grow. And when something's going badly you can step in." *** About the reporter: David Wood, a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist with four decades of experience, was hired by the Chronicle to conduct this investigation. He has spent most of his career covering war and the U.S. military, reporting from abroad and from the Pentagon, State Department and the White House. He does not know Mike Ward and has not worked as a journalist in Texas. He now lives in San Antonio. Angolas president, Joao Lourenco, on Wednesday, expressed his countrys interest to join the Commonwealth and the Organization Internationale de la Francophonie. In an exclusive interview with Euronews, Lourenco said Angola would be happy to join the associations that bring together its neighbors. The Central African oil-rich nation is already a member of Portuals own Lusophonie. Angola is surrounded, not by Portuguese-speaking countries, but by French-speaking and English-speaking countries. Therefore, let us not be surprised that we are thinking of asking now to join the Francophonie and maybe the Commonwealth later, Lourenco said. Last month, during an official visit to France, Lourenco and French President Emmanuel Macron signed several agreements, with emphasis on the fields of defense, agriculture and staff training. The French president is to visit Angola in 2019, Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian had announced during a visit to Luanda, where he was received by President Lourenco. According to Le Drian, French businesses had expressed interest in investing in Angola, but want to know what guarantees exist for them to be able to transfer dividends out of the country. President Lourenco, who took over President Jose Eduardo dos Santos last year after nearly four decades in power, made a strong start to his reign, sacking corrupt government officials and boosting regional diplomatic ties. Angola is Africas second leading oil exporter, but its nationals remain impoverished, seeing little benefit from energy revenues. How Intelligent IT Inspires A Digital Future Summary: Organisations want both leading technology and greater efficiency. Here is how intelligent IT solutions are able to deliver both. In the bustling Chinese city of Shenzhen, improving the safety and flow of traffic had become a priority to the overall health of the city, and only a technology solution was going to be able to solve the problem. The Shenzhen Traffic Police turned to big data, AI, and Huawei to find the appropriate IT solutions. The Police worked with Huawei to leverage a big data platform, comprised of a data resource pool and deep learning, to improve the visibility that the city has over traffic flow and to allow for adaptive control of traffic lights. The result has been dramatic, with an increased road capacity of eight per cent. Additionally, AI built over the top has increased the image recognition rate 10-fold, which has improved traffic violation processing. Now, the people of Shenzhen get around more easily and safely than ever before. Meanwhile, in the public services sector, one of the great trends in recent years has been digital transformation. China Everbright Bank was able to leverage Huaweis hyperconverged infrastructure to implement digital transformation across 38 branches, at the rate of one implementation every two days. The result has been an 86 per cent reduction in servers and cabinets, and an additional 45 per cent drop in maintenance engineers required to manage the technology. According to Gartner, many of the top ten strategic technology trends in the market point towards leveraging intelligent technology to drive efficiencies throughout an organisation or process[1]. Furthermore, these technology trends are still in the early stages, with many organisations only starting their journeys towards adoption. A recent Gartner survey showed that 59 per cent of organisations are still gathering information to build their AI strategies, while the remainder have already made progress in piloting or adopting AI solutions, the report notes. At this early stage in the adoption curve, many organisations are looking to their technology providers to offer a comprehensive suite technology suite, and the support in fully implementing the technology to ensure that the end solution works seamlessly. For organisations looking to implement smart technology to enable a digital future, there are four critical technology fields: Cloud computing Organisations need access to both private and hybrid Cloud solutions to leverage the strengths of the Cloud without compromising on security or regulatory requirements. Huaweis FusionCloud private Cloud, FusionSphere Cloud operating solution and FusionBridge hybrid Cloud solutions are examples of technology enabling the secure transition to Cloud computing. Big data The holy grail for the modern organisation. Leading big data technology, with robust analytics built around it, is an essential part of digital-future enabled efficiencies. Huaweis FusionInsight big data solutions and Enterprise Intelligence service deliver a comprehensive suite of big data solutions to organisations across the world, and across every sector. Storage Flash is an important solution for intelligent IT, as exemplified by Huaweis work with Cliniques universitaires Saint-Luc (UCL). There, Huawei is deploying core hospital services on mission-critical, all-SSD storage to maximise performance and minimise latency. Once completed, the solution will reduce the footprint (number of disks, power consumption, number of cabinets) by more than 50 per cent. Servers High Performance Computing (or HPC) is essential in providing the underlying support for other intelligent technologies, but the next step beyond that is Boundless Computing. Boundless Computing aims to bring computing hardware close to the data sources, driving efficiency through the infrastructure by cutting down on the layers of complex overlying software. For Huawei, boundless computing takes the form of powerful KunLun servers, which improve accessibility and convenience to data centres, as well as other technologies, such as FusionServer V5, the next-generation cloud hardware platform Atlas, G-series heterogeneous computing platforms, and the hyper-converged infrastructure, FusionCube. In this May, Huawei also announced its Intelligent Computing initiative based on the Boundless Computing strategy. Huaweis unique ability to blend leading technologies in all of these areas together to create cohesive end-to-end solutions is a significant benefit to customers at a time where both private business and government agencies are looking to not only do more with intelligent technology, but do so more efficiently than ever. This versatility and depth of technology is why, according to the IDC: China Hyperconverged Infrastructure Market Overview 4Q17 report, Huawei ranked first in terms of market share with its hyper-convergence infrastructure FusionCube. Still in an IDC MarketScape evaluation report on Chinese Government cloud market and vendors, Huawei Government Cloud Solution holds the top spot in the Leaders quadrant with dominating strength. And in the GlobalData NFVI Competitive Landscape Assessment 2017 report, Huawei became a leader due to outstanding comprehensive capabilities of the Huawei NFVI solution. In the era of intelligence, with the concept of Intelligent IT Inspires Digital Future, Huawei keeps technology innovation and offers a comprehensive portfolio of IT products and solutions, helping enterprises accelerate digital transformation and thus create more values. During CEBIT 2018 held on June 11-15, Huawei launched a series of new-generation intelligent solutions, including full-stack private cloud solution FusionCloud 6.3, distributed data warehouse FusionInsight LibrA, Huawei hybrid cloud solution for Azure Stack, mission-critical server KunLun V5, HANA tailored datacenter integration (TDI) solution. As one of the global leaders in R&D, Huawei has a wide range of technology solutions to benefit enterprise and government alike. Click here for more information on the full suite of services. [1] https://www.gartner.com/smarterwithgartner/gartner-top-10-strategic-technology-trends-for-2018/ Cities are becoming more complex and densely populated. Understanding the movement and behaviour of people within the modern city, and the way that ongoing development will impact on existing residents, businesses and infrastructure, is important in maintaining the health of these cities. Urbanisation is a clear global trend. The United Nations predicts the percentage of people living in urban areas will increase from 55 per cent at the moment to 68 per cent in 2050 [1]. This influx of people into urban areas is already concerning governments around the world. That is why they have been exploring the practicality, potential, and, in some cases, reality of a smart city a city that leverages technology and real-time data analytics to deliver maximum efficiencies across all infrastructure. One country leading the way is Germany, with one of its cities, Duisburg, signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with Huawei in early 2018 to develop a comprehensive smart cities project. The scope of this project is massive expanding the city WLAN network to include the zoo and transport, building intelligent classrooms using leading Wi-Fi and broadband technology, implementing intelligent street lamps, supply networks and traffic measurements, and ultimately installing the 5G LTE infrastructure required to enable autonomous driving, smart logistics, and industry 4.0. "Innovative technologies are the key to meeting the challenges of the future, the citys Lord Mayor, Soren Link, said at the time. We want to exploit the opportunities offered by digitization to improve the quality of life in the city and promote economic growth. At the same time, we are further expanding our relations with a global player from China with this cooperation. We are an attractive partner city for international companies, employees and students. (For more information on the full extent of this project, and the benefit it will return to Duisburg, go to http://www.huawei.com/en/press-events/news/2018/1/Duisburg-Germany-and-Huawei-sign-MoU-to-Build-a-Smart-City) How are technology companies building smart cities? The principle technologies that underpin smart cities projects include Cloud computing, the Internet of Things (IoT), big data, and artificial intelligence (AI). The first step in building a smart city is to develop its information infrastructures. For example, the government of Saudi Arabia is developing Yanbu Industrial City into a smart city. This will allow it to manage the citys massive growth rate and prepare Yanbu for the inevitable decline in the oil industry. To achieve this, the government asked Huawei to spearhead a three-phase smart city implementation program. The first phase involved a simultaneous initiative to improve roads, buildings, power grids, and optical networks, while a telecommunications operator enhanced communications infrastructure. Huaweis role was to deliver advanced data centres, GSM/3G/LTE technology, and assist in the deployment and management of all technologies. This phase was to provide the foundation on which the city would then improve security via surveillance cameras, deliver Wi-Fi to the majority of the city, and implement policies such as smart waste management (putting sensors in bins so that the waste management administrators can plan routes in real time to maximise efficiency) and smart streetlights (which help reduce power costs associated with running the city by allowing light brightness to adjust based on environmental conditions). The city even implemented smart manhole covers, which could only be opened when maintenance was required, to protect the underground from attacks. With two of the three phases now complete, the city of Yanbu is reaping significant returns from this investment. Road maintenance costs are down 20 per cent, and the cost of the public lighting system has dropped 30 per cent. The third phase includes a big data analytics platform, IoT data platform, and communications integration platform. (For more information on this project, go to http://e.huawei.com/topic/leading-new-ict-en/yanbu-industrial-city-case.html). The successful development of Yanbu as a smart city required deep public-private partnerships, bringing government agencies and business together. Smart cities cannot be built in a haphazard or ad-hoc way. Successful programs have built whole-of-city foundations and then added interconnected technology solutions that talk to one another to maximise efficiency. Addressing problems facing smart cities As a new and relatively unexplored approach to urban planning, smart cities have their challenges. A survey by The Climate Group asked 50 cities about issues relating to smart city projects. Its findings were reported in an article by Professor of Information Systems at Maynooth University, Brian Donnellan, on the Innovators Forum blog [2]. Professor Donnellan claimed the survey found some of the most common challenges facing smart city projects once rolled out included: The smart city solution requires multiple departments to align (74 per cent) Procurement processes are not designed for the quick update of new solutions (44 per cent) Progress is slowed by elections or other political cycle challenges (38 per cent) City systems dont talk to one another; a problem for data sharing (32 per cent) Based on these challenges, one of the critical steps in enabling smart cities is to ensure they are built on open solution platforms that allow for maximum flexibility, scalability, and efficiency. Huawei has been a pioneer in the use of these platforms for smart cities and has helped government and private enterprise come together to develop solutions, often in phases that allow for steady investment. Huawei has successfully engaged with more than 120 cities in 40 countries. Its success is driven on the depth and breadth of the foundational technologies it can provide such as Cloud services and infrastructure, telecommunications, and technologies that enable Cloud/pipe-device collaboration, as well as the innovation that sits on top and fuels smart city efficiencies and delivers a return on investment for the city itself. As one of the global leaders in R&D, Huawei has a wide range of technology solutions to benefit enterprise and government alike. Click here for more information on the full suite of services. [1] https://www.un.org/development/desa/en/news/population/2018-revision-of-world-urbanization-prospects.html [2] https://theinnovatorsforum.org/content/challenges-implementing-smart-city-initiatives The recent Group of Seven (G-7) meetings in Canada were uncharacteristically acrimonious. President Donald Trump insisted that the United States would impose tariffs, notably on steel and aluminum, until Americas G-7 trading partners (Canada, France, Germany, Italy, Japan, and the United Kingdom) abandon what he described as their unfair trading practices. Our partners threatened retaliation. Trump announced in a parting shot that his ultimate objective is to force the elimination of trade barriers and subsidies everywhere. Trump clearly aims to upset the status quo, but neither Trump nor the other G-7 members nor China for that matter, can really want a trade war, because the consequences would be disastrous. Though threats and counter-threats are a common aspect of geopolitical maneuvering, the president and the G-7 leaders are playing a dangerous game. As with military confrontations, matters can take on a life of their own and pull events to a place where no one wants to go. Its hard to know where Trump actually does want to go. Many viewed his on-again, off-again tariff threats as unserious, mere postures for political gain. What just happened in Canada casts considerable doubt on such interpretations. Since he cannot want a trade war, Trump might simply be seeking a better deal for the United States, and looking to force others to make major concessions. His tough posture might center on the ongoing efforts to renegotiate the North American Free Trade Agreement (NAFTA), which may explain his singular abuse of Canadian prime minister Justin Trudeau. Alternatively, if he means what he says about the elimination of all trade restrictions and subsidies, then his threats might be a way to bully or dare U.S. trading partners to move in that direction. Such coercion might get results. The United States, though vulnerable to recession, is better positioned than most of its trading partners should it come to blows, because were less export-dependent than they are. According to the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD), exports account for some 13 percent of U.S. gross domestic product (GDP); by contrast, exports (mostly to the United States) account for some 30 percent of Canadas economy. Exports (though mostly to the rest of Europe) make up about 30 percent of the French economy, too, and about 45 percent of Germanys economy (German exports are spread broadly throughout the world, including to the United States). Exports amount to 30 percent of Italys economy, 28 percent of Britains, and 16 percent of Japans. In a trade war, the pain would be sharper elsewhere than here. Such comparisons might help in a diplomatic game of chicken, but should it come to a genuine breakdown of trade, the United States would nonetheless suffer horribly. Much of the commentary on this dispute dwells on the truth or falsehood of Trumps claims and the counterclaims from abroad. This is a distraction, though, because both sides are essentially right, from their perspective: every nation uses tariffs and subsidies to tilt the playing field in it its favor. What Trump says about our trading partners is largely correct, as is what they say about the United States. What each says about itself is, naturally, selective. Also misleading is the frequently heard criticism that Trump is trying to, in the words of the New York Times, upend the global trade order built by the U.S. But the original international trade order that the United States built after the Second World War fell apart decades ago. In the years following the war, the United States steered clear of the kinds of treaties and agreements that today stand popularly as examples of free trade. Instead, the U.S. sought the universal elimination of trade restrictions and used its economic power to bully more protectionist nations into compliance. The General Agreement on Tariffs and Trade (GATT), the precursor to the World Trade Organization (WTO), ran a series of negotiations, called Rounds, with support from Washington, to get all nations to reduce tariffs and other trade restraints. This approach ended years ago. The last, weak effort failed when the Doha Round, overseen by the WTO earlier in this century, ended without an agreement. The movement away from this universal approach actually started long before Doha broke down. In the 1980s, Washington and other world powers began to negotiate what trade economists call preferential trade agreements (PTAs). In these, the signatories trade openly among themselves but exclude other economies, sometimes with more restrictions than previously existed. NAFTA, negotiated in the late 1980s and instituted in the early 1990s, was among the first of these. The Trans Pacific Partnership (TPP) is a more recent example. The European Union might count, too, since it imposes high barriers to trade with non-members. These PTAs, though now widely associated with free trade in the media, are in many respects the opposite. Certainly, that is the opinion of WTO director-general Pascal Lamy and an august list of trade economists, all of whom have urged nations to abandon such agreements and return to older, universal efforts at freer trade. Indeed, if Trump means what he says about eliminating trade restraints universally, he offers a return to the postwar order established by the U.S., not its destruction. If the president really wants to revive this system, as some (but only some) of his pronouncements indicate, he has hardly been forthcoming about his intentions. Certainly, he has said nothing wistful about the Truman, Eisenhower, or Kennedy administrations that actually promoted such an approach. Whatever his specific objective, he is playing with firefor his own and his partys electoral chances in 2020 (if not this year), and for the world economy. Milton Ezrati is a contributing editor of The National Interest and chief economist of Vested, a financial communications firm. He is the author of Thirty Tomorrows: The Next Three Decades of Globalization, Demographics, and How We Will Live. Photo by Leon Neal/Getty Images Oxfam GB has said it is disappointed but understands the decision made overnight by the Haitian Government to withdraw the charitys permission to work in the country, over allegations of sexual abuse by staff. In a statement shared with Civil Society News this morning, a spokeswoman for Oxfam GB apologised again to the government and Haitian people. It also confirmed that the charity remained committed to strengthen our safeguarding globally following the sexual misconduct allegations which rocked the organisation in February. Oxfam is disappointed but understands the Haiti Governments decision to withdraw Oxfam Great Britains permission to work in Haiti. The behaviour of some former Oxfam staff working in Haiti following the 2010 earthquake was completely unacceptable. We have apologised to the government and the Haitian people for what happened. From 2011, we introduced stronger measures to prevent harassment and abuse, including a whistle-blowing hotline and a dedicated safeguarding team. In February this year we announced a comprehensive plan to strengthen our safeguarding globally. We have increased staff and funding for safeguarding, including in Haiti, set up a global database for references to make it harder for wrongdoers to work in the sector and appointed an independent commission to review our culture and practices so that we can make further improvements. We are committed to continue to do all we can to help the millions of people every year affected by humanitarian disasters and to improve the lives of those living in poverty. The spokeswoman said that, while Oxfam GB will no longer be operating directly in Haiti, the wider charity will continue to work there through other affiliate members. The Guardian reports that three ministers from the Haitian government withdrew Oxfam GBs status as a non-governmental organisation for violation of Haitian law and serious violation of the principle of the dignity of the human beings. Former Ugandan police chief, General Kale Kayihura has been arrested for questioning, the military spokesperson has confirmed. General Kale Kayihura was taken into custody on Wednesday morning the military said. According to army spokesman Brig Richard Karemire, General Kayihura, still a serving soldier of Uganda Peoples Defence Forces was asked to report to the military headquarters. He was arrested on suspicion of killing a senior police official, Andrew Felix Kaweesi, a state-owned newspaper said on Thursday. Kaweesi was killed along with his driver and bodyguard near his home in the capital Kampala in March 2017 as they drove to work. The late Kaweesi rose to prominence following his coordination of police response to protests from opposition political parties after the 2011 presidential election. There have been many killings in similar fashions yet to be investigated properly. Initially, the death of this iconic figure in the Ugandan Police was quickly attributed to the ADF ragtag rebel outfit allegedly operating in Eastern DRC. The arrested General was fired by President Yoweri Museveni in March this year after nearly 13 years at the helm of the police force. He was once seen as one of the most powerful military officers in the East African nation. Museveni has blamed the police for failing to curb rising insecurity in the country including murders and kidnappings. Nowadays and especially during Ramadan, giving in charity is a flourishing activity. Although charity can be given at any point of the year, most Muslims give their contributions such as Zakat an obligatory charitable donation - during the month of Ramadan. In the UK this year during Ramadan, up to 4 million Muslims will donate towards those in need, totalling more than 100m towards charitable causes in just 30 days. Thats a rate of over 38 per second - making Muslims the leaders in humanitarian aid response. Brand engagement with the Muslim consumer has risen sharply within the UK as charities and businesses compete for space in the minds and hearts of worshippers. Understanding the potential of the Muslim pound has awoken commercial and charitable businesses to focus their attention on this specific faith group. Ramadan has now become a time for increased market awareness and an opportunity to tap into the heightened social and spiritual conscious of the Muslim consumer. What is Zakat? Islam is a religion which is based upon five key actions for those who follow it. These actions - or five pillars are considered compulsory acts of worship. Alongside the testimony of faith (shahadah) there is also prayer (salah), fasting during Ramadan (sawm), going on Hajj (pilgrimage) and giving an annual charitable payment (Zakat). Zakat is often mistaken solely and simply as a compulsory charity. Under Islamic law, a more accurate description of Zakat is as a religious duty that is for the purposes of purification of wealth for the individual and the subsequent redistribution of that wealth into society. Just as Islam lays down other areas of jurisprudence, Islamic law details who should give Zakat, its purpose and who should receive it. The meaning of Zakat is to purify - purification of the wealth and heart of the Muslim. By giving annually a fixed amount of wealth (typically 2.5 per cent), this value is redistributed from the rich to the poor. It is considered a right that the poor have over the wealthy. It is also a reminder for the donor that wealth is a test and not to be taken for granted but to have with gratitude and humility. The act of donating in Zakat is said to remove arrogance, strengthen faith and builds bonds within society. However, Zakat is not meant to be a burden which causes hardship. Therefore, although an obligatory action, it is only applicable to those who hold wealth and assets above the Nisab (the decreed level of wealth a Muslim must have before they are liable to give Zakat). Therefore, not all Muslims are required to donate Zakat just as not all people will be eligible to receive it. The Quran specifies 8 clear categories for recipients: Indeed, [prescribed] charitable offerings are only [to be given] to the poor and the indigent, and to those who work on [administering] it, and to those whose hearts are to be reconciled, and to [free] those in bondage, and to the debt-ridden, and for the cause of God, and to the wayfarer. [This is] an obligation from God. And God is all-knowing, all-wise. (9:60) Local versus global donation Most Muslims give their Zakat to registered charities within the UK who distribute the funds on their behalf to the poor and needy. In recent years, the number of international humanitarian response charities aimed at and operating within the Muslim market, has risen dramatically in relation to the increasing need globally. At the same time, the increased number of families in the UK living in poverty combined with the rising cost of living has risen sharply in recent years. There, therefore exists an opinion that Zakat should be distributed within the UK to those in need. However, an equally valid opinion is that the area that Zakat should be given in should not be geographically restricted, since Islam is a faith which transcends borders. It is argued that those in the greatest need - wherever they may be in the world take priority and that considering the conditions of people outside of the UK is still essential to Zakat donation. With over 22.5million refugees worldwide fleeing war, persecution and poverty and over half of those under the age of 18 - there is without a doubt a need for international help. Many are plunged into abject poverty and in danger of violence, disease and death. Zakat and other charitable donations can really make a difference to delivering emergency and long-term aid that can save lives. Zakat is more than just a religious charity though its essence is as an act of worship to bring Muslims closer to God. In a world increasingly disjointed, this humanitarian response can build bridges and bonds in the global fight against poverty and hardship. The actions of relieving a burden from another person or indeed saving their life, holds huge importance and reward within Islam. Whilst there is no doubt that there are families in need within the UK, British Muslims can also feel duty bound to help those abroad who have nowhere to turn. Intention and credentials With over 1000 registered Islamic charities within the UK alone including small mosques and large international charities, donors are spoilt for choice as to where to give their Zakat. Whilst many people will give to the charities that they are familiar with, it is wise to consider how long a charity has been registered (checking registration with the Charity Commission) and the key personnel and processes for fund distribution. Individual charity websites should give a clear indication of the executive team, advisers, trustees and partners. Many charities will, by necessity, work with trusted foreign partners to distribute the aid due to certain restrictions in accessing the key country. There is nothing wrong with these processes, as long as they are transparent about this and ensure aid fairly reaches those in need. Reading the latest Annual Report, their Charity Commission submission should give an indication of key objectives, processes, targets and accomplishments. On the other hand, charities must be very transparent as to where and how they use Zakat contributions as well as other donations. In conclusion, as the Muslim charity market continues to grow, it is evident that more and more donors are beginning to ask pertinent questions and expect a more transparent and sophisticated level of engagement. Giving any proportion of wealth be it in Zakat payment or a voluntary charity is important and as with all actions within Islam, should be measured first by intention. It therefore stands to reason that continued assessment of where, how and who Muslims give their Zakat to should be a priority to ensure the true charitable potential of this act of worship can be realised. Determining what online content is trustworthy and what isnt has become a key focus both for the platforms and for media companies. Facebook is now ranking news sources based on whether users (and its algorithm) see them as trustworthy, although manyincluding New York Times CEO Mark Thompson, who spoke at a recent event in Washington, DCsee that as problematic. Tesla founder Elon Musk has talked about a crowdsourced trust ranking system, which many see as equally problematic. Can something like trust even be quantified? All of these questions and more come to mind with a new automated trust solution, an extension to Googles Chrome browser that claims it will sort out who is a trustworthy source, and also plans to use blockchain technology to create a public, crowdsourced database of trusted sites. The plugin, called Trusted News, comes from eyeo, the German company behind AdBlock Plus, which claims to be the worlds most popular ad-blocking software. According to the plugin description: TrustedNews is here to help you spot fake or suspicious news, and to recommend trustworthy sources instead. With so many sources of news available on the internet, how do you trust what you read? Fake news, bots and thinly-veiled opinion pieces dressed as news are everywhere. Trusting online news media is harder than it should be. We aim to help you cast a more critical eye over the news by rating for fake, questionable or trustworthy news. The company says the plugin can distinguish between trustworthy and biased sites, and can also categorize satire and clickbait, which it defines as a site that knowingly uses misleading headings or article titles to attract readers in an effort to increase traffic and revenue. Of course, one could argue that lots of media outlets do this, including some mainstream ones. So how does eyeos plugin decide who is and who isnt? By using a database that includes information from sites like Snopes.com and Politifact. Eyeos database also uses an open-source list of untrustworthy sources originally created by Melissa Zimdars, a professor of communications at Merrimack College in Massachusetts. The list breaks down sites using tags, including fake, satire, bias, conspiracy, and junk science. The eyeo plugin also gives users a visual reference when they load a sitetrustworthy comes with a green checkmark, satire a blue smiley face, biased an orange scale, and untrustworthy a red exclamation mark. In the case of right-wing news site Breitbart News, clicking on the plugin loads a small popup card that says the site contains politically biased content or promotes unproven or skewed views. But will this dissuade anyone who has already decided that they like Breitbart, or are inclined to believe its reporting? Likely not. In fact, theres some evidence that fact-checking by sites such as Snopes.com can actually convince true believers that the facts being debunked are true rather than false, a phenomenon known as the boomerang effect. Its going to take more than a browser plugin to overcome that. Sign up for CJR 's daily email ICYMI: In Pittsburgh, an unprecedented blow to editorial cartoonist Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Mathew Ingram is CJRs chief digital writer. Previously, he was a senior writer with Fortune magazine. He has written about the intersection between media and technology since the earliest days of the commercial internet. His writing has been published in the Washington Post and the Financial Times as well as by Reuters and Bloomberg. At the Tow Center for Digital Journalism, in 2014 we predicted that the most important relationship for publishers over the next three or four years would be with the social platforms. It is satisfying to know we were right about that: Platforms and publishers are more enmeshed than ever before. Since the 2016 presidential election and subsequent revelations about the spread of propaganda and the misuse of personal data, it has become an issue of global interest. In new research from the Tow Center for Digital Journalism, which tracks the relationship between news organizations and technology platforms, we see that this relationship is closer and more fraught than at any previous point, as platform companies are making more deliberate decisions which affect journalism and the placement and distribution of news. Although our research produces strong evidence of publishers practicing a conscious uncoupling, to use Gwyneth Paltrows phrase, from platform dependency, there has been a very clear move among technology companies to become more involved in direct financial support for certain types of journalism and more editorially focused in their structures and functions. Questions of responsibility for civic discourse and democratic health have overtaken business models as the highest priority. This shift, in aggregate, amounts to profit-driven platform companies sitting uncomfortably at the heart of journalism and news. Its normal now for someone from a newsroom to be telling the platform which stories are coming up, along with sharing budget decisions. RELATED: The Platform Press: How Silicon Valley reengineered journalism Sign up for CJR 's daily email Journalists have to keep reminding themselves that however often theyre on Slack with platforms, these companies are much bigger than newstheyre involved in every aspect of civic life. If youre a local newsroom propped up by Google money, how do you feel about investigating the contracts that Google is signing with your local schools, or your local city hall, or your local hospital, or wherever the company is proliferating software? The Tow Center research, published today in a new report, Friend and Foe: The Platform Press at the Heart of Journalism, is the latest phase of a multiyear study into the relationship between journalism and technology platforms. The report is the product of three research elements: in-depth interviews from 44 newsrooms and six platform companies, two years of content analysis and data, and a spring 2018 newsroom survey of 1,100 working journalists, conducted in partnership with NORC and the American Press Institute. Journalists have a conflicted relationship with social media platforms: While the vast majority of journalists said they had adapted practices in the newsroom in response to social platforms, an overwhelming number (86 percent) felt that social media had contributed to a decline in trust in journalism. But they still used those platforms vigorously, and seem to have responded positively to outreach efforts by Google, in particular. Here are the key points from the reports executive summary: The apparent toxicity of the rhetoric toward technology companies in general, and especially toward Facebook, did not appear to diminish the amount of material publishers directed through social platforms. We have, however, seen a sharp adjustment from publishers away from creating material which lives entirely on third-party platforms. As publishers practiced a conscious uncoupling from social medias influence, platform companies have intensified their own efforts to remain involved in shaping the future of journalism. Whether this is a long-term strategy or a public relations initiative remains to be seen. READ: Apples human editors prefer a select few big publications Of the 12 news outlets we tracked over an 18-month periodCNN, Fox News, The New York Times , The Wall Street Journal , The Washington Post , Chicago Tribune , Los Angeles Times , New York Daily News , BuzzFeed, BuzzFeed News, HuffPost, and Voxthe larger, better-resourced publishers consistently posted more content to a greater range of platforms. The smaller outlets were almost entirely focused on Apple News, Facebook, and Twitter. This was particularly pronounced at the three regional metros, the Chicago Tribune , Los Angeles Times , and New York Daily News . By the time of our final analysis, in March 2018, just one percent of posts made by these three local publishers went outside of Apple News, Twitter, and Facebook. This was, to some degree, in vain: Apple News promoted stories from almost no small outlets. , , , , , New York , BuzzFeed, BuzzFeed News, HuffPost, and Voxthe larger, better-resourced publishers consistently posted more content to a greater range of platforms. The smaller outlets were almost entirely focused on Apple News, Facebook, and Twitter. This was particularly pronounced at the three regional metros, the , , and New York . By the time of our final analysis, in March 2018, just one percent of posts made by these three local publishers went outside of Apple News, Twitter, and Facebook. This was, to some degree, in vain: Apple News promoted stories from almost no small outlets. And larger publishers still have more access to platform partnership teams and product offerings than smaller and local publications. Local news publishers, in particular, have been hit hard by the loss of advertising revenue. Its becoming clear that attempting to translate the advertising-driven business model of news publishing from print to digital by posting high volumes of content to social platforms and adopting platform-native products like Facebooks Instant Articleswhich more than half its original partners abandoned once payments to use it ran outhas been a failure. Newer efforts by technology companies, in particular Facebook, to help local journalism have not yet borne fruit, and in some cases have been counterproductive. For instance, even the Facebook News Feed algorithm change announced in January 2018 to prioritize interactions with local news caused a steep drop off in some outlets website engagement figures. have more access to platform partnership teams and product offerings than smaller and local publications. Local news publishers, in particular, have been hit hard by the loss of advertising revenue. Its becoming clear that attempting to translate the advertising-driven business model of news publishing from print to digital by posting high volumes of content to social platforms and adopting platform-native products like Facebooks Instant Articleswhich more than half its original partners abandoned once payments to use it ran outhas been a failure. Newer efforts by technology companies, in particular Facebook, to help local journalism have not yet borne fruit, and in some cases have been counterproductive. For instance, even the Facebook News Feed algorithm change announced in January 2018 to prioritize interactions with local news caused a steep drop off in some outlets website engagement figures. Platforms continue to shape both the style and substance of publisher content, either directly with financial incentives (Facebook has offered publishers substantial advertising credits on its platform to participate in product rollouts), or indirectly (Apple accepts pitches from publishers seeking to be featured in its news app). There are no signs that this will change. Since late 2017, when Apple announced a $1-billion budget for original programming, Facebook said it was ready to spend $3 to 4 million per episode of new programming, and Google-owned YouTube offered $2 to 3 million for the same, there has been a distinct pivot toward creating video content among the most well-resourced publishers we interviewed. One publisher told us that platforms were looking toward more Netflix-style deals and treating publishers like production companies. Current platform strategies toward news publishing are being shaped less by market forces and more by a mixture of civic duty and fear of regulation. This is leading to the adoption of much more explicit editorial practices at tech platforms, including the hiring of more newsroom journalists, human moderators, and active engagement in strategies to elevate higher-quality news. This will inevitably lead to technology companies exercising a large influence in deciding which news publishers benefit from their environments, and what news consumers see in their feeds and search results. Major concerns persist over the opacity of algorithm changes, the control of the relationship with audiences, corporate financial support for smaller-scale journalism, and the promotion and deletion or suppression of different types of news stories. Half of our survey respondents said social media platforms (such as Facebook) strengthened the relationship with their audience, while 22 percent said it had weakened as a result of social media platforms; 56 percent of respondents said platforms should take a great deal/quite a bit of responsibility for financially supporting journalism; 76 percent of respondents said that Facebook wasnt doing enough to combat the problem of fake news and misinformation on its platform, while 71 percent said the same about Twitter, and 65 percent about Google. Facebook consistently drew the strongest criticism from publishers in all areas of our research. We anticipate much more investment from platform companies in curation, whether it is human or automated, and more resources directed at journalism practice. One unexpected outcome of the past two years of revelation and public debate about platform roles in news has been an expeditious cultural shift within platform companies themselves. Understanding the role technology companies play as publishers is key to holding them accountable, as their adoption of this role throws up new challenges. We have to keep reminding ourselves however often were on Slack with them, these companies are much bigger than news and theyre involved in every aspect of civic life. When Mark Thompson delivered a speech at the Open Markets Institute this week at an event co-sponsored by the Tow Center on the effects of monopolistic power on journalism, he blasted Facebooks attempts to recategorize news in accordance to a trust metric assembled through its own ranking system: We face an immediate threat here [to editorial independence], which is that Facebooks catalog of missteps with data and extreme and hateful content will lead it into a naive attempt to set itself up as the digital worlds editor in chief, prioritizing and presumably downgrading and rejecting content on a survey and data-driven assessment of whether the provider of the content is broadly trusted or not. Thompson added that a plurality of views in open markets is how journalism best functions and that to feed transient majority views on trust back into an editorial decision-making process is profoundly dangerous. Thompsons remarks are symptomatic of themes that recurred in our research. As platforms gather speed in squashing fake news, developing artificial intelligence applications, and hiring moderators or curators to restore some kind of order to their own businesses, they are opening a new front for conflict with not just existing press organizations but with governments, businesses, and activist groups both in the US and across the world. The underlying business issues for journalism and the long-term decline of advertising support have not gone away, but they have ceased to be the only issue for editorial organizations and journalists. The partnerships we heard so much about in our research, and the very surprising access and closeness between some news organizations and platform companies, have an added dimension that goes far beyond economic consequences for publishersand into fundamental questions about the type of market structure and protections needed for the operation of a free press. Previous research from this project can be read here. The Platforms and Publishers project at the Tow Center for Digital Journalism is supported by the John D. and Catherine T. MacArthur Foundation; John S. and James L. Knight Foundation; Open Society Foundations; Abrams Foundation; and Craig Newmark Philanthropies. Has America ever needed a media watchdog more than now? Help us by joining CJR today Emily Bell is the director of the Tow Center for Digital Journalism at Columbia Journalism School. The Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis, Minn., has charted a financial plan to pay its share of the $210 million settlement with 450 clergy abuse victims thats not covered by insurance. The $40 million plan involves budget cuts, property sales and donations to help the church move forward from bankruptcy, Minnesota Public Radio reported . The archdiocese filed for bankruptcy in 2015, two years after the Minnesota Legislature opened a three-year window that allowed people who had been sexually abused in the past to sue for damages. That resulted in hundreds of claims being filed against the archdiocese. Most of the funding, roughly $170 million, will come from insurance carriers, said Thomas Abood, chairman of the Archdiocesan Finance Council and Reorganization Task Force. The archdiocese has committed to paying the remaining $40 million. The plan includes the archdiocese paying out $5 million over five years, planned property sales to three Catholic high schools contributing $4 million and $3 million in voluntary contributions from nearly 200 parishes. Nearly $9 million has already been raised in land and asset sales. The institution will use $9.2 million in unrestricted cash accounts and board designation funds, said archdiocese chief financial officer Tom Mertens. A $6 million general insurance fund that parishes and the archdiocese pool together will also be tapped. The archdiocese will also use money from a fund used to cover employee health care costs. The move could mean higher health care costs for teachers, bookkeepers and other archdiocese employees, but a health insurance consultant said the fund has enough money to continue operating, Mertens said. Archdiocese leaders are trying to avoid layoffs, said Archbishop Bernard Hebda. Victims attorney Jeff Anderson said the money will go into a pot to pay survivors, with the amount for each survivor to be determined. The archdiocese said on its website it will finalize its plan soon, but hasnt provided a timeline. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. AKRON, Ohio -- Akron Community Foundation announced the recipient of its 2018 Bert A. Polsky Humanitarian Award, which honors individuals or couples for their philanthropic achievements. Thomas Knoll, co-founder of Akron-based law firm Stark & Knoll, will receive this year's award award at the annual Bert A. Polsky Humanitarian Award dinner Oct. 16. Knoll is recognized for his commitment to charitable causes in the community, including co-founding Big Brothers Big Sisters of Summit, Medina and Stark Counties and First Tee of Greater Akron. He has served as a board member for more than 20 nonprofits, including GAR Foundation, Goodwill Industries of Akron and The University of Akron Foundation. Knoll also played a key role in the creation of Leadership Akron's NEXT program. The two-year program places retired executives in community leadership roles. Knoll and his wife, Ginny, founded Akron Community Foundation's Tom and Ginny Knoll Family Fund, which provides grants to local nonprofits, and have served as co-chairs of several charity campaigns, including Habitat for Humanity's "A Home of Our Own" capital campaign. A committee of past Akron Community Foundation Bert A. Polsky Humanitarian Award honorees selected Knoll as the winner of this year's award. The award was named in honor of Akron Community Foundation founding trustee Burt A. Polsky, who dedicated his time to humanitarian causes in Akron. Akron Community Foundation has awarded approximately $153 million in grants to qualified nonprofits in the community. Visit akroncf.org or call 330-376-8522 to learn more about creating a charitable fund. 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 Akron Community Revitalization Fund is on a roll. On Thursday, the fund announced its fourth loan to improve Akron's distressed business areas, bringing its investment in Akron to $3.2 million since March. And two more deals are on the horizon, officials say. This time, it's a $580,000 loan to update the former Advanced Elastomer Systems (AES) Building on South Main Street downtown. For two decades while housing Exxon Mobil Advanced Elastomer Systems, the AES building had a 90 percent occupancy rate. Exxon moved in 2016 pulling 200 jobs out of Akron and dropping the city's downtown occupancy rate to 20 percent. The loan, made to the Schipper Group, will pay for tenant improvements. Two new tenants, OHM Advisors and CommuniCare Health Services, will occupy about 17,000 square feet of the building and are expected to create 70 full-time jobs. "We appreciate DFWR for its willingness to collaborate with our lender FNB and People's Bank in order to make this loan, which helped us bring these new companies into downtown Akron," said David Schipper, president and CEO of the Schipper Group in a news release. "Schipper Group has been committed to downtown for more than 25 years, and we're proud to have a part in its ongoing revitalization." The AES Building was once part of the B.F. Goodrich complex. The building has 152,000 square feet of office space on the top two floors, 45,000 square feet on the third floor and in dock areas a 22-foot ceiling height. The building also has a freight elevator and an overhead crane, and can accommodate labs and research and development companies. "[Schipper] has additional space he needs to fill and our ability to help him bring these tenants in at fairly low cost of capital ought to give him a little room to incentivize future tenants to come in, a little more flexibility to fill the rest of the space," said Development Fund of the Western Reserve Executive Director Chris Burnham. Once part of the B.F. Goodrich complex, the AES Building on South Main Street will house new tenants OHM Advisors and CommuniCare Health Services. The Akron Community Revitalization Fund was created by the Development Fund of the Western Reserve specifically to target and improve Akron's economically distressed business areas. It was planned in partnership with Cleveland-based Village Capital Corp., which finances projects in Cleveland's distressed areas to spur development and attract funding. The fund is part of a larger financing package arranged with First National Bank and Peoples Bank. The revitalization fund offers $500,000 to $2 million loans with rates and terms more flexible than what's available through conventional financing. So far, most loans have been focused on downtown, but an upcoming deal will underwrite work at a commercial site outside the city's center. Revitalization fund officials plan to announce two more deals soon, Burnham said. "We're pushing it and we want to keep the loan fund going and people are making payments," Burnham said. "We want to find other ways to use that loan fund, so we're going to sit down with community leaders and see how we can keep this momentum going." The fund's first loan, made in March, was a $1.28 million loan to underwrite the BLU-tique Hotel under development in the historic United Building at Main and Market streets downtown Akron. The jazz-themed BLU-tique Hotel is planned to be a focal point in a developing music-themed corridor. With BLU Plate, a Southern comfort-food restaurant on the ground floor, the hotel East Market Street hotel is across from the BLU Jazz+ music venue. In May, a $650,000 loan was issued to finance phase 1 of the Northside Marketplace in the Northside Arts District. Phase 2 will add a farmers market and eBay retail space to the marketplace, which houses and supports small, local businesses, offering everything from baked goods, ice cream and locally roasted coffees to clothing, art and virtual-reality services. In June, the revitalization fund made a $700,000 loan to Rubber City McDonald's to buy and renovate a building at 55 Furnace St., also in the Northside Arts District. McDonald's plans to consolidate its headquarters and training operations there, bringing in 25 employees and drawing workers from 250 Northeast Ohio restaurants to Akron for classes and management training. 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. BOSTON TOWNSHIP, Ohio - Work on the Cuyahoga Valley National Park's $6 million Boston Mill Visitor Center is moving ahead. Once ground was broken in January, selective demolition of mechanical, electrical and plumbing systems took place. Then, the project required lifting the 3,600-square-foot historic structure several feet off the ground so a new foundation could be built. The center is being developed in an historic building at the corner of Riverview and Boston Mills roads. It once served as a grocery store with apartments above for workers of a nearby mill. Two adjacent buildings will house public restrooms and office space. When the project is complete, all three buildings will reflect the historic feel of the Village of Boston. The national park attracts more than two million visitors each year, with 20 percent coming from out of Ohio. Park officials say they need a full-service center that will help orient new visitors to the Cuyahoga Valley while connecting locals to the park's landscapes and programs. The original plan for renovation of the main building detailed a different approach to a new foundation, but bedrock was discovered closer to the surface than expected. "We had to go back and revise the plan for strengthening the foundation," said Pam Barnes, the national park's community engagement supervisor. "It doesn't throw a huge monkey wrench into the project, it just wasn't expected." Once work is complete on the main building and two adjacent buildings that will house public restrooms and office space, the visitor center complex will reflect the historic feel of the Village of Boston. Engineers and architects from the all-Ohio project team had to go back to the drawing board, which has delayed construction for several weeks, Barnes said. But because such surprises are common in historic renovations, extra time had been factored in, so the project remains on schedule. The new visitor center is being developed by Peninsula Architects of Peninsula; Environmental Design Group of Akron; Regency Construction Services of Lakewood; and Hilferty & Associates of Athens. Visitor center site improvements include a new Cuyahoga Valley Scenic railroad train station and a west-side parking lot. In anticipation, crews removed trees, which are still on-site. The trees were taken down early, ahead of bat-roosting season in the park, Barnes said. "Bats like them and you don't want to cut down a tree after bats have chosen it for their roosting spot," she said. "It doesn't bother them to move along." The national park works to protect the endangered Indiana bat, and the Big Brown and Little Brown bats, whose hibernating populations have struggled in the past decade with white-nose syndrome, she said. Work is also underway on the center's interpretive exhibits, which the national park developed in conjunction with community input through sessions and surveys. Working on the design, production and fabrication of the exhibits are Color Ad and Design Minds. Both firms have worked in the past with the National Park Service on visitor centers. A grand opening for the new center will be held in 2019. For more information about the Boston Mill Visitor Center, visit the website. 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. WESTLAKE, Ohio - American Greetings is apologizing for a Father's Day card after customers called it racially insensitive. The Westlake-based retailer faced criticism last week on social media over the card, which depicts a black couple overlaid with the phrase "Baby Daddy." American Greetings said it would stop selling the card at all retailers, including Target. Inside, the card says, "You're a wonderful husband and father -- and I'm so grateful to have you as my partner, my friend, and my baby daddy! Happy Father's Day." American Greetings says it's not the company's intent to be offensive, and pulled the card from store shelves. "This particular card was created for, and addressed to, a loving husband -- which the inside copy makes clear," American Greetings said in a statement. "However, we now see that the front page, taken out of context, can communicate an unintentional meaning that we are strongly against perpetuating and is not consistent with our company purpose and values. We should do better in the future, and we will. We have notified our store merchandisers to remove the card from the shelves and apologize for any offense we've caused." USA Today reported that Target, which was selling the card at about half of its more than 1,800 stores, had already decided to remove the card after noticing complaints on social media. Their story cites this complaint on social media. "The phrase "Baby Daddy" is "not sweet or nice," wrote Dallas-based Facebook user Takeisha Saunders, one of the first customers to complain about the card. "It's a term used to describe a deadbeat or absent parent. Yeah it's sweet on the inside but whomever created this card doesn't know what it means." Patrice Molnar, an American Greetings spokeswoman, said that the card was created for, and addressed to, a loving husband--which the inside copy makes clear. "However, we now see that the front page, taken out of context, can communicate an unintentional meaning that we are strongly against perpetuating and is not consistent with our company purpose and values," she said. "We want all guests to feel welcomed and respected when they shop at Target," Target spokesperson Joshua Thomas said in a statement. "We were made aware of some concerns about this card last week and are working with our vendor to have it removed from Target stores. We appreciate the feedback and apologize. It's never our intent to offend any of our guests with the products we sell." American Greeting's headquarters is based at Crocker Park in Westlake. CLEVELAND, Ohio - Proposed work requirements on Medicaid expansion enrollees could affect more than 300,000 people in Ohio, including nearly 52,000 in Cuyahoga County, according to new research from Policy Matters Ohio, a left-leaning think tank. A waiver submitted to the federal government April 30 by the Ohio Department of Medicaid requires most able-bodied adults to work or participate in a sanctioned community engagement activity, like Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program (SNAP) education and training activities, for 80 hours monthly to be eligible for Medicaid. A requirement to force recipients to work highlights a debate between if Medicaid should be a temporary welfare program for those facing stints of unemployment or a means to provide long-term healthcare coverage to the country's most vulnerable. The state estimates only 18,000 of the 700,000 Ohioans covered by the Medicaid expansion would be unenrolled under the new requirements. But Policy Matters Ohio, as well as The Center for Health Affairs, a non-profit hospital association that represents Northeast Ohio hospitals like the Cleveland Clinic, MetroHealth and University Hospitals, and the Center for Community Solutions, a Cleveland-based think tank, expect that number to be much higher. They say many more people, even those who qualify for exemptions, will face difficulty proving their eligibility. "It's hard to quantify or even to know what effect making people jump through hoops to gain access to care will have on people," Amanda Woodrum, a senior researcher for Policy Matters Ohio said during a press call this morning. "What might seem like a small errand to those who own cars and computers can be a time and money drain for a low-income person who depends on Medicaid." Many of those who gained healthcare coverage under the Medicaid expansion are already working but at low-wage jobs like WalMart or McDonald's where they have little control over their schedules and the hours they work, Woodrum said. Wendy Patton, a senior researcher for Policy Matters Ohio, said proving eligibility could be especially difficult for people with chronic conditions or subtler disabilities like PTSD, autism or rheumatism that limit their ability to work. Woodrum called it a catch-22 situation that forces people to pay to see a doctor without first having healthcare coverage. "You have to see a doctor to see a doctor," Woodrum said. Ohio's waiver includes exemptions for people with severe disabilities, pregnant women, parents, caretakers and Ohio Works First recipients of cash assistance, as well as able-bodied adults living in counties with high poverty rates, which excludes Cuyahoga County. While Cuyahoga County doesn't meet exemption requirements based on poverty levels, cities like Cleveland, Euclid and Maple Heights all would, if the state were to base the program on municipalities, rather than counties. As it stands, the county-based structure benefits predominantly white, rural communities and excludes urban areas with black populations, according to John Corlett, president and executive director of the Center for Community Solutions, a Cleveland-based think tank, and former state Medicaid director. So far, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has approved waivers for four states - Arkansas, Indiana, Kentucky and New Hampshire - to impose work requirements. Another seven states, including Ohio, have applications pending. In Ohio's waiver, the state said work requirements would go into effect July 1. But Steve Wagner, executive director of UHCAN Ohio, the Universal Health Care Action Network, said he thinks approval of Ohio's waiver will be delayed until after a decision is made on a federal lawsuit in Kentucky challenging the Trump administration's ability to impose work requirements for Medicaid eligibility. "CMS has been sitting on a number of other waivers that have been there for more than half a year," Wagner said. "I would suspect everyone is waiting to see what's happening in Kentucky." A spokesperson for the Ohio Department of Medicaid said the department doesn't yet know when CMS may give them an answer on the waiver application. The public comment period on the federal application ends at 11 p.m. tonight. Those in favor of the waiver say the work requirements will encourage Ohioans to find employment. "Much like welfare reform, this would be a welcome change that would move able bodied Medicaid recipients back into the workforce," Rea S. Hederman Jr., executive director of the Economic Research Center and vice president of policy at The Buckeye Institute, a right-leaning think tank, said in an opinion piece. In January, CMS issued guidance to state Medicaid directors encouraging them to apply for waivers to establish work or community engagement requirements for Medicaid. Ohio expanded Medicaid in 2014 to cover an additional 700,000 Ohioans under the Obama administration. This story was updated to include comments from the Ohio Department of Medicaid. Deborah Pearl CLEVELAND, Ohio -- Three doctors agreed Thursday that an Iraq War veteran from North Ridgeville charged with killing a motorist, and who believes he is the target of a vast conspiracy led by Satan and the Illuminati, suffers from delusions. The doctors could not agree as to whether Matthew Desha's delusions, combined with post-traumatic stress disorder and a history of psychotic drugs abuse, left him incompetent to stand trial on aggravated murder and several others charges that accuse him using an AR-15 to gun down Deborah Pearl after a 2016 car crash in Solon. Two doctors who interviewed Desha through the Cuyahoga County Common Pleas Court's psychiatric clinic testified at a competency hearing Thursday that Desha understands the nature of the proceedings and charges against him and is suited for trial. The other doctor, who was hired by Desha's lawyers, said the delusions are too severe for Desha to stand trial, and suggested that he be locked up and treated in a secured mental health facility until his delusions subside. The decision now rests with Judge Kathleen Ann Sutula, who said she would hand down her opinion at a later date. Desha sat through the hearing staring at the table in front of him with his handcuffed hands tucked between his thighs. He has been jailed on $1 million bond since his arrest just after the August 2016 killing. Prosecutors say Desha ran a red light in his Jeep on Som Center Road and struck Pearl's car about 7:30 a.m., as the 53-year-old mother of three drove to work. Desha's Jeep flipped upside down, and witnesses said he got out of his truck with the rifle and shot Pearl as she held her hands up in the air, prosecutors said. He then shot at other cars as they passed, prosecutors say. Defense attorney Thomas Shaughnessy requested Thursday's hearing to determine whether Desha is competent to stand trial. Nearly two hours of testimony from the doctors portrayed Desha as a delusional man haunted by recurring visions of warfare from two tours of duty as a U.S. Marine in Iraq. He was treated through the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center for post-traumatic stress disorder and received full Social Security benefits as a result of the disorder. Desha started to abuse marijuana and alcohol. He was once hospitalized and nearly killed himself when he drank a bottle of rubbing alcohol, the doctors said. He switched to prescription painkillers and heroin and later took ecstasy and molly. The drugs triggered hallucinations and visions of UFOs and odors of gases that weren't really there, the doctors said. Along the way, Desha began to get sucked into internet conspiracies. He obsessed over the Illuminati, the fictitious and shadowy organization that conspiracy theorists believe is made up of global elites hellbent on world domination, and chemtrails, the line of vapor left behind airplanes that theorists believe are really mind-control chemicals that the federal government reigns down on its citizens, doctors said. He also believed that the U.S. government found weapons of mass destruction in Iraq and hid them from the American people, Robert Kaplan, the forensic psychiatrist hired by Desha's defense lawyers, said. The Illuminati, he believed, spoke to him in coded messages through TV, radio and the internet, and visited him in dreams, the doctors said. During the 2016 presidential election, Desha believed that Hillary Clinton was a child murderer and that the only way Donald Trump was going to defeat her was if Desha cleaned his room religiously, so he did, Kaplan said. He also said he saw Pearl in a dream a full year before the incident, Kaplan said. He believes that the prosecutors who are working to put him away for life are doing the bidding of the Illuminati to keep him from exposing the secrets he believes he uncovered, Kaplan said. Desha never told his doctors at the Louis Stokes Cleveland VA Medical Center about his delusions or hallucinations because he was afraid the doctors, who also worked for the government, would take away his guns, Kaplan said. Desha said that he believes the Illuminati will intervene in his trial, either by visiting jurors in their dreams, swaying Judge Sutula to impose a lengthy sentence or, if the trial isn't going the way the organization wants, having someone walk into the courtroom and shoot him, Kaplan said. Desha also believed that Shaughnessy "dabbled" with the Illuminati, Kaplan said, a belief that would corrupt Desha's ability to make rational decisions about the case and any potential plea bargains, Kaplan said. "If he believed that the judge and the proceedings are being influenced by the Illuminati, Satan and God rather than by facts and logic, then his capacity to reasonably assist in his defense is going to be impaired," Kaplan said. Kaplan said he also believed that Desha posed a risk to society and suggested that he be declared incompetent to stand trial and sent to North Coast Behavioral Health Center to undergo a strict regimen of medication. But the other two doctors disagreed with that conclusion. Desha's belief that he was being persecuted at the hands of a fictitious secret society were irrational, but he still could give a consistent accounting of the day of the incident and understood the role of the judge, prosecutor, jury and defense attorney, and realized the gravity of his charges, they testified. Desha told Phillip Resnick, the former longtime head of the court's psychiatric clinic, that he wasn't that worried about falling victim to the Illuminati's wrath because he "just a small fish" and that he had God on his side to even out the fight, Resnick said. Sutula, who is currently overseeing another trial, said she would issue her opinion "as expeditiously as possible." But her questioning of the doctors seemed to indicate she was skeptical of the claim that Desha should not face trial. She told Kaplan that defendants frequently believe they aren't going to get a fair shake from the judicial system because of their race, religion or political beliefs, and asked if those defendants are also delusional. He said that he believes Desha's delusions are the result of mental disorder, not "someone just being ornery." She also implied that Desha's delusions about the Illuminati and government conspiracies did not keep him from making rational decisions about his case and communicating with his lawyer. "If he's competent now, then we can go to trial now, correct?" Sutula asked psychiatrist Aileen Hernandez. The doctor answered, "Yes." To comment on this story, please visit Thursday's crime and courts comments page. Who Can Change the Minister of Justice? By Levan Khutsishvili On June 10, The Minister of Justice Tea Tsulukiani, in the interview with Imedi Week, responded to the demand of NGOs about her reassignment and said that the request is not legitimate."If the ruling party, who is leading the government, will tell me that I should leave the position, of course I will obey and will step out. But couple of non-governmental organizations that want me to implement only those reforms that they want and in the way they want, of course are not legitimate to demand my resignation.- said Tea Tsulukiani.The minister also noted that the date of presidential elections is coming closer and NGOs of her reassignment together with the statements of Giorgi Margvelashvili, is a sign for her that NGOs and the President of Georgia are starting the presidential campaign."I think that the minister of Justice should resign if a new prosecutor needs the legitimacy of the society and the NGO sector is part of the legitimacy, and I am satisfied that they have made this statement. It is very good that they have brought the moral dimension into the process by saying that the Minister of Justice have made a lot of mistakes and we are not allowed to negotiate with her about a new main prosecutor said the president during the interview in TV Pirveli.Tsulukiani stated during the interview that the decisions and demands from the part of the civil society are not legitimate at all. The Minister of Justice says that decisions of 15 persons is more important than the demands of the people, and part of the civil society is demanding the reassignment of Tea Tsulukiani. Beside the statement of NGOs, the rally gathered in front of the House of Justice on June 8. The protesters demanded the reassignment of Tea Tsulukiani. Zaza Saralidze also demanded her resignation during the demonstration Dont Kill Me on June 10.According to the statement of the Minister the Georgian dream ruling party decides who will be in the government. According to the party charter, the executive branch of the party is political council. The number of members of the council has been decreased from 20 to 15. Some members were replaced in May 2018. As the web page of the Georgian Dream says, among the members of the political council of the party are: Bidzina Ivanishvili (Chairperson of the Party), Kakha Kaladze (General Secretary), Irakli Kobakhidze (Executive Secretary), the Prime Minister of Georgia together with others is just a member of the council.If the decisions of the Ministers and other members of Georgian Government are not based on the needs and requirements of the Georgian society it means that political council of Georgian Dream is deciding everything. CLEVELAND, Ohio - The city can thank the Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority (RTA) for keeping people moving every day. Anthony and Aminah Chandler can thank the RTA for helping them unexpectedly find love. A little more than nine years ago, Aminah was newly single and unsure if she was ready to jump back into the dating game. Then something changed. While she was working as a booth attendant for the RTA, she noticed a male supervisor in the distance on the Westbound platform - Anthony. "He was tall, clean shaven, incredibly polished, uniform crisp - military crisp - and about his business," she recalls. "I observed him in his interactions with customers from afar. There was something about this man standing on the platform that made me think, I could talk to him." It's not uncommon to see transit play a central role in some of our favorite romantic movie plots. Sometimes it's one person rushing to stop another from getting on that bus and leaving town forever. Other times, it's the serendipity of locking eyes with someone across a station - only to see the sliding doors close as they're whisked away in a twist of fate. Aminah thought her story would be more like the latter. While she was assisting a customer, Anthony disappeared. She didn't see him again for three months. Then, her evening supervisor, Brent Saylor, went on paternity leave and her replacement was none other than Anthony. "I told myself I had to at least find out his name," Aminah says. When she took her lunch break, she casually asked if he would like her to bring anything back for him. He declined at the moment, but smoothly gave Aminah his phone number and asked her to call him when she got to the eatery in case he changed his mind. It was starting to get dark before she was slated to return to her booth from break. She saw her phone light up with Anthony's name, and figured he just wanted her to place an order. "But his concern was for me, stating be careful because it was dark," Aminah says. "I was thinking, YES, he's also caring! And we've been talking ever since." But before any phone calls were ever exchanged, Aminah had already caught Anthony's eye. "There was something about her," he remembers. He admired the way she was considerate of her customers and fellow co-workers. He could tell it came natural, and that shined through. "Once I met her, I felt that she would make a great friend," he says. "Finding out that she was a Virgo was a plus, because I knew a Virgo while I was in the military and we were also good friends." It wasn't long before they became a couple. When they traveled to Virginia Beach in 2016 for Aminah's birthday, Anthony popped the question - confidently and assuredly. "I told Aminah, you are going to be my wife!" he laughs. So when it came time to plan the wedding, there was only one option for a venue: the place it all began. In fact, before Anthony ever popped the question, Aminah had joked with her friend and future maid-of-honor that if the couple ever got married, she'd come down the Tower City escalator. "She thought I was joking!" Aminah recalls. On March 30, Anthony and Aminah tied the knot at the RTA's Tower City Rapid Station. When the big day arrived, they were surrounded by shades of romantic emerald green, champagne and black and an elaborate arch created by three friends and decorations made by the RTA. The couple danced to "Just To Be Close To You" by The Commodores and "At Last" by Etta James, and trumpet by Aminah's son, Charles. They spent the evening surrounded by family and friends as they exchanged vows in a place that celebrated their past and their future. When asked to describe their relationship today, it echoes exactly what made them fall in love in the station nearly a decade ago: "Loving, considerate, caring, trusting and supportive." ALL ABOUT THE BIG DAY Venue: Greater Cleveland Regional Transit Authority Rapid Station at Tower City Photography: Myron Pitts Photography and videography: Mona Lisa Cohen Decor: Benita Burt, Kimberly Wren and Diana Tellis Floral: Aminah Chandler Additional assistance by the RTA's marketing team and management team of service quality GARFIELD HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Cleveland MetroParks rangers released a sketch of a man accused of attacking a woman during a morning run in the Garfield Park Reservation. The woman was jogging through the park Saturday about 6:45 a.m. when a man grabbed her by throat and cussed her and said threatened to kill her, according to a Cleveland MetroParks Ranger incident report. The woman fought the man in an effort to get away. He overpowered her, covered her mouth and punched her in the head several times, the report said. The woman bit a finger on the man's right hand. He pulled his hand away and ran away from the park toward the intersection of Broadway Avenue and Chaincraft Road in Garfield Heights. The man has tattoos over both of his eyebrows, curly or kinky hair and a goatee. He may have bite marks on his finger from the woman's attempt to get away. The photo was posted Thursday afternoon on the Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County Facebook page. UPDATED - Sketch added ASSAULT - Cleve Metroparks Garfield Park On Saturday, June 9, 2018 at approximately 6:45 a.m., a... Posted by Crime Stoppers of Cuyahoga County on Thursday, June 14, 2018 Anyone with information about the attack are asked to call Crime Stoppers at 216-252-7463. To comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments page. MEDINA, Ohio -- Medina County officials turned over the investigation into the mysterious death of a Lafayette Township trustee to the Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation. Bryon Macron's body was discovered two years ago in Chippewa Lake months after he went missing. "The investigation conducted by sheriff's detectives answered many questions surrounding this tragedy," Medina County Sheriff Tom Miller and Prosecutor Forrest Thompson said in a joint statement. "Unfortunately, many questions remain in this ongoing investigation. The primary goal for expanding BCI's involvement is to ensure that every available investigative resource is brought to bear in order to find answers for the Macron family and the community." Macron, 45, was reported missing Dec. 16, 2016 after a township employee found his office in disarray. Investigators found blood in the office and believed there were signs of a struggle. His SUV had blood inside when investigators found it hours later in a parking lot at Chippewa Lake. Investigators combed the shoreline at that time, but did not search the frozen lake. A kayaker discovered Macron's body in Chippewa Lake Feb. 21, 2017. Medina County Coroner Lisa Deranek said Macron suffered six stab wounds, but none of those wounds caused his death on their own, according to reports. State investigators are looking at Macron's death as questionable, BCI Spokeswoman Jill Del Greco said. BCI will examine the evidence the sheriff's office has collected to gather additional leads in the case, she said. To comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments page. WASHINGTON, D. C. - More than one million retirees around the country aren't the only ones who'd face financial ruin if multi-employer pension plans collapse. Their failures would also be a fiasco for the companies who paid into them over the years, several companies and the U.S. Chamber of Commerce on Wednesday told a joint congressional committee seeking a bipartisan solution to the impending disaster. WATCH LIVE: Senator Orrin Hatch and Sherrod hold a hearing of the Pensions Committee to learn more about how the pensions crisis affects American businesses, as the committee members continue working toward a bipartisan solution. Posted by U.S. Senator Sherrod Brown on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 "This is not a future crisis, it is a current crisis," Chamber of Commerce retirement policy chief Aliya Wong told the Joint Select Committee on Solvency of Multiemployer Pension Plans. "Employers and workers are being impacted today, and it will only get worse the longer we wait." She said many of the pension plans - which were created to provide retirement benefits for workers in unrelated companies - ran into trouble when the tech stocks they bought took a nosedive around 2000 as retirements swelled and the number of active workers paying into the plans decreased. Employers whose pension plans are in a "death spiral" face contribution rates that far exceed the value of their employees' benefits, said Wong, as well as potential penalties if they withdraw from the plans that exceed their businesses' value and make it hard for them to secure bank credit. UPS vice president Chris Langan told the committee co-chaired by Ohio Democratic Sen. Sherrod Brown that insolvent plans affect the financial health of well-funded plans by putting more pressure on remaining employers, participants and the Pension Benefit Guarantee Corp. Langan, Wong, and other businesses who testified before the committee said providing long-term, low-interest loans to affected pension plans would stop the plans from having to sell assets to pay benefits, giving them a chance to regain their financial footing and fully repay the loans. Letting them fail would increase the retirees' dependence on government aid programs, said Langan. The head of a South Dakota steel manufacturer whose workers are part of a failing boilermakers union plan said that if Congress does nothing, his company's already high contribution rates to the pension program and its liability for withdrawal will continue to rise, handicapping his business against its competitors. If there's another recession, Egger Steel Co. president Burke Blackman said his company would be squeezed, and the bank might limit its credit, threatening its survival. A study on the topic released by the Chamber of Commerce recommended rescue legislation by Congress that would include long-term, low interest loans that will protect taxpayers from financial liability. It also suggested allowing the multi-employer plans to have hybrid pensions that include individual accounts. Ohio GOP Sen. Rob Portman, who is a member of the committee, said he was concerned that a mass withdrawal by employers from the plans could lead to a "meltdown of the entire multi-employer system." "I think it is something that we are going to have to address as part of whatever solution we come up with," said Portman. The Republican co-chair of the committee, Utah's Orin Hatch, said the committee will consider "a range of possible policy options" to deal with the problem. Although federal policies contributed to the pension plans' difficulties, Hatch noted they are basically private contracts negotiated without federal government input. "And, candidly, the vast majority of federal taxpayers have no financial interest in these plans," said Hatch. "So let's be diligent and methodical as we approach these issues and negotiate solutions." Brown said his committee will hold three more hearings on the subject and start negotiating a bipartisan solution to the problem near the end of July. If Congress doesn't act, he said current workers will be stuck paying into pensions they won't get, and small businesses will "be left drowning in pension liability they can't afford to pay. "Not passing a solution to this crisis is simply not an option," said Brown. "It's not an option for the millions of Americans who are part of these multi-employer pensions, it's not an option for the millions more who will still be affected if the system falls apart, and it's not an option for the thousands of employers whose entire business is at stake." CLEVELAND, Ohio - A fight with a Washington, D.C. hotel over slow payment of bills was the final blow that forced the closure of the Discovery Tours school tour operator this spring, company Vice President Joseph Cipolletti told U.S. Bankruptcy Court today. But the company's collapse - a failure that canceled school trips for thousands of Ohio students - was years in the making, he told the court. The company had lost money for several years, Cipolletti testified, so the company and members of his family had kept the company afloat with a string of high interest loans. "We took out every loan imaginable," Cipoletti testified at today's hearing, a session known as a "meeting of creditors. "We were so far in a hole it just escalated," he said. "It kept getting worse and worse, no matter what we did." He added: "The losses have been in the millions." How much exactly was not made clear in today's hearing, the first of several in what could be a year-long process or more to sort out the financial mess. The hearing, though, was the first time the Cipolletti family has made any public statements about how the family-owned company collapsed in May and failed so many families and schools. More than 5,000 creditors are owed $3.9 million by the company, bankruptcy filings show, mainly deposits from families for planned trip to Washington, D.C., Chicago and Dearborn, Mich. Bankruptcy trustee Waldemar Wojcik asked Cipolletti, as the representative of the family, questions about company finances for about an hour while lawyers for the family and company sat with him and answered at times. Testimony offered some new details and explanation of what went wrong, though there were some gaps and unanswered questions that are expected to be resolved at later hearings. A key item that was not discussed: a tour operators insurance policy that might help repay some families. Here are some highlights: - A few events have hurt the company financially over time, including trip cancellations after the Sept. 11, 2001 terrorist attacks, that contributed to financial struggles, but are not the main cause. Cipolletti said his father Alfred, the president and founder of the company, took out a second mortgage then to cover those losses. - The company lost money 10 of the last 12 years, Cipolletti testified. He said the company didn't charge enough for trips and often gave free trips or portions of trips away. Wojcik could not verify those losses at the hearing, noting that 2015 and 2016 tax returns did not show losses, and losses shown in the bankruptcy filing were not as high as Cipolletti's testimony. Wojcik left those to be resolved later. - Because of outstanding loans to keep the company afloat, the company was sometimes paying off loans or old bills for past trips as new deposits came in. Other times, bills were left unpaid for months until the company had more cash. Some of the loans, he said, were equivalent to "payday loans for businesses" with interests rates of 40 percent. Among the loans: a $100,000 loan through PayPal and a New Jersey finance company that Discovery Tours took out three weeks before filing for bankruptcy. - He said his father still owes lenders $300,000 personally and family members have $400,000 in debt on credit cards from business expenses. - Though Discovery Tours had done business with the Hyatt Regency Dulles for years, it had been slow in paying its bills. Wojcik questioned Cipolletti on a series of bills from the hotel for student trips in June and September of 2017 that Discovery did not pay until March and April. Cipolletti said the company did not have the money to cover them until then. That delay made the hotel leery of the Discovery and it told Discovery that bills had to be paid in advance. When students for three Mentor schools were about to head to Washington on a trip, Cipolletti said, the hotel had a $35,000 deposit but demanded the remaining charges by 5 p.m. the day before students were to arrive. Cipolletti said the hotel would not accept credit card payments, as it had in the past, and would not talk with him. Unable to resolve that payment, Cipolletti said, he called Mentor to cancel, setting off a string of other cancellations. Discovery is still considering action against the hotel. Wojcik did not finish the full hearing today, breaking it off partway through, with plans to continue it at a later date. A time has not been set yet. Click here for more from Cipolletti and lawyer Lester Potash outside the court after the hearing in this video from Cleveland.com's Hannah Drown. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- The first man convicted under Ohio's law criminalizing sex with animals is now accused of chatting with someone he believed was a 14-year-old boy who turned out to be an undercover police officer. Scott Turner, 48, is charged with attempted unlawful sexual conduct with a minor, trying to lure a child into having sex with him, disseminating material harmful to juveniles and possessing criminal tools. He pleaded not guilty Thursday at his arraignment. His bond was lowered from $100,000 to $50,000. Turner is a convicted sex offender stemming from three sex crimes convictions against children and from his March conviction for bestiality. In the most recent case, Turner sent several messages back and forth to what he thought was a 14-year-old boy, according to court records. The two agreed to meet up for sex on May 31. Turner rode his bike to the meeting location, which was not disclosed in court records, and was arrested. Turner was the first person convicted under Ohio's bestiality law that went into effect March 21, 2017. He was sentenced to five years probation after a judge found him guilty during a one-day trial on March 14. He is appealing his conviction. Turner planned to have sexual contact with a dog, carried out that plan, and made plans to do it again with his romantic partner once his partner was released from prison, prosecutors said. He also made plans to recruit a teenage boy to film the act, a particularly disturbing prospect because Turner has previous convictions involving children, prosecutors in that case previously said. Animal abuse advocates have long linked bestiality to child sexual abuse. The FBI in 2016 began collecting information on animal abuse cases and bestiality as part of their Uniform Crime Report because of the strong link between animal abuse and violence against people. Turner's three sex crime convictions, all involving children, landed him in prison for 12 years and eight months. Turner on July 25, 2003 was babysitting five boys between the ages of 6 and 12 when he paid a 9-year-old boy $1 to fondle another boy while he watched. Police investigated the case and later learned that he had also performed a sex act on a 9-year-old boy while they watched a pornographic video in 2002, according to court records. Investigators also found that Turner repeatedly sexually assaulted a 12-year-old girl and had attacked her as many as 10 times. To comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments page. EAST CLEVELAND, Ohio - A Cleveland man suspected of working with three others to strip metal from an East Cleveland home before it exploded has been released from custody and will not face criminal charges, police said. Detectives released the 50-year-old man from custody Wednesday because they determined his only involvement in the scrapping operation was driving a van that may have been used to transport three other suspects and the stolen metal, police said. Detectives do not intend to charge him in connection with the scrapping or the explosion, police said Thursday. The explosion that leveled a home Sunday on East 125th Street near Forest Grove Avenue killed a woman and critically injured a man also suspected in the scrapping operation, police said. A fourth suspect, Christopher Glenn, 50, remains in custody at the East Cleveland Police Department and will be interviewed Thursday afternoon, police said. It's unclear whether he will face criminal charges. Cleveland police officers arrested Glenn on Tuesday after they caught him trying to sell a water heater on the streets in that city's Fifth District, East Cleveland Detective Commander Scott Gardner said. East Cleveland detectives do not believe the water heater was taken from the home that exploded, Gardner said. The explosion shook neighbors' homes, leaving at least four uninhabitable and damaging roughly 100 more, officials said. Investigators said Tuesday that they believe the scrapping operation caused natural gas to fill the home before it exploded. The explosion killed Tracey C. Brooks, 27, and critically injured Craig M. Kelly, 51, who remains hospitalized in MetroHealth's burn unit. Detectives have been unable to interview him, police said Thursday. Kelly, Glenn and the 50-year-old man who was released from custody Wednesday have criminal histories that include convictions for break-ins, according to court records. The home that exploded was recently sold to a new owner who planned to perform $10,000 in renovations before using it as a rental property. To comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments page. CLEVELAND, Ohio -- A registered sex offender is accused of robbing a 27-year-old man at knifepoint in downtown Cleveland, police said. Marcus Drake, 35, is charged with aggravated robbery. He is in the Cuyahoga County Jail on $50,000 bond after his first court appearance on Thursday. Drake denied robbing the man, but said he confronted him after he saw the 27-year-old man talking to the mother of his children, according to police reports. The incident happened about 10 p.m. Monday at the intersection of Superior Avenue and East 23rd Street. Drake said he gave a ride to a man he didn't know from the city's West Side. When he parked his car, Drake immediately walked up to the man's car door, reached into the window and said: "Give me everything. Give me what you got," police reports say. Drake tried to grab the man's keys but the man fended him off, according to police. The passenger in the car, who has not yet been identified by police, kept telling him to give his keys to Drake, police reports say. Drake put a knife to the man's throat and demanded the keys, police said. The man crawled out of the passenger side of the car and both Drake and the passenger threatened to attack the man if he ran, police reports say. Two other men walked from behind a building and rummaged through the 27-year-old man's car. Drake walked up to him, ordered the man to his knees and put a knife to his throat, police reports say. Drake stole the man's Social Security card out of his wallet and took off on a bicycle, police reports say. The group going through the man's car slashed his seats and carved "E 22 Payne" on the roof of the car. An RTA police officer working for the Downtown Alliance, a group that walks the streets of downtown Cleveland and helps passers-by with any questions they might have about the downtown area, saw the robbery and the rest of the group going through his car. The RTA officer stopped and the man pointed out Drake as the man who robbed him. The RTA officer stopped Drake and held him until Cleveland police arrived, police reports say. The man had two small cuts where Drake held the knife to his throat, police reports say. Drake has been convicted in three other robbery or theft cases since 2007. He was sentenced in August 2017 to time served in the county jail after pleading guilty to aggravated theft and assault for attacking a woman stealing cash from her on East 71st and Superior Avenue. He was sentenced to eight years in prison in 2009 after he followed a woman from a store at the same intersection, grabbed her from behind in a vacant field and raped her. A judge designated Drake a Tier III sex offender, meaning he has to register his address with the county sheriff every 90 days for the rest of his life. In 2007, he wore a mask and hat and robbed a woman at on St. Clair Avenue and East 18th Street in downtown Cleveland. He was sentenced to one year on probation in that case. To comment on this story, visit Thursday's crime and courts comments page. TOLEDO, Ohio -- A man who saw a woman being attacked by another man with an ax Wednesday shot and killed the attacker, according to reports. Police tell the Toledo Blade the suspected domestic incident occurred around noon. The neighbor reportedly saw the suspect, Bernard Neyland, 59, of Toledo, attacking the victim with an ax in a pickup truck. According to WTVG Channel 13, police say Benjamin Hand, 29, came out of his home and shot Neyland. "I heard this lady screaming," an unidentified neighbor tells WTVG. "She was saying, 'Help me! He's killing me! He's killing me!'" Neyland was taken to University of Toledo Medical Center but died of his wounds, the Blade reports. The victim, Lakita Wilson, 53, of Toledo, was treated for multiple cuts. No charges have been filed against Hand, but the investigation is ongoing, WTVG reports. Jeff Lingo, chief of the Criminal Division of the Lucas County Prosecutor's Office, tells WTVG that Ohio residents can respond violent acts against themselves or others. "There has to be that immediate threat," Lingo says. "Once that threat is over, your right to defend yourself or that other person is also over." To comment on this story, visit the crime and courts comments page. TRENTON TOWNSHIP, Ohio -- A man is suspected of killing a woman early Wednesday morning, then later holding two more women hostage before killing one and then attempting to kill himself, reports say. One hostage was released unharmed, according to WLWT Channel 5. The unidentified suspect was taken to a hospital in unknown condition when he fired a round into his chin after the two-hour standoff. Butler County deputies first responded to Madison Township when a woman's body was found at about 2 a.m. by a couple walking near a rural gun range, WLWT reports. The suspect in the shooting was tracked to the apartment in Trenton Township. The Dayton Daily News reports deputies received no answer when they knocked on the door of the apartment Wednesday morning, but then gunshots were exchanged between the suspect and the deputies. The suspect later fired more rounds at the deputies from the apartment's windows as he held two women hostage inside, the Daily News reports. After about a two-hour standoff which involved negotiations, the suspect walked outside and released one of the hostages, then shot himself, reports say. An elderly woman was found dead inside the apartment. Authorities have not released the names of anyone involved in the incident. To comment on this story, visit Wednesday's crime and courts comments page. COLUMBUS, Ohio -- Anyone who wants to use medical marijuana in Ohio must first be approved and registered by a licensed Ohio physician who has been certified to recommend cannabis by the Ohio State Medical Board. The medical board approves "certificates to recommend" marijuana at its monthly meetings. Cleveland.com will keep an updated list of all certified doctors as they are approved. Is your doctor on the list? Are there doctors in your area who can recommend medical marijuana? Search by name or city to load this Caspio by Caspio Search by zip code to load this Caspio by Caspio Distance is measured from the center of the zip code to the center of the doctors' zip codes. Some mobile users may need to use this link instead. Search our database of doctors who have been certified to recommend medical marijuana in Ohio. Ohio's medical marijuana law allows patients with one of 21 medical conditions to buy and use medical marijuana with a doctor's recommendation, but it does not allow for smoking marijuana or growing it for personal use. Because marijuana is still an illegal substance on the federal level, doctors cannot prescribe it, but they can discuss its use with patients and recommend its use. Certified physicians must have completed two hours of continuing education credits about cannabis and the qualifying medical conditions. To recommend medical marijuana, doctors must: Certify that a "bona fide" relationship exists with the patient; Certify the patient has a qualifying condition; Review the patient's history over the past year in the state controlled substances database; Discuss the pros and cons of marijuana use with the patient. Patients, and any licensed caregivers, will be registered by the physician. An electronic patient ID card will be immediately issued, so patients can leave the doctor's office and immediately buy marijuana from a dispensary. Registrations will cost $50 ($25 for veterans and individuals enrolled in federal disability programs) and expire after one year. Registrations are expected to begin later this summer. PUT-IN-BAY, Ohio - Columbus-based country music superstars Rascal Flatts will headline the second annual Bash on the Bay this summer on Put-in-Bay. The concert is Aug. 30 at the Put-in-Bay Airport on the south end of the island. Tickets, $69 to $150, are already on sale (see bashonthebay.com). Other performers include Chris Lane, Joe Nichols, the Cory Farley Band, with more to come. Last year's inaugural Bash on the Bay, featuring headliner Toby Keith, was a feat in production heroics, with truckloads of staging and other equipment hauled across Lake Erie on ferry boats. This year's event should be simpler to organize, said Tim Niese, the Put-in-Bay businessman who is coordinating the show. "We have the template from the first year," said Niese. "It's already a whole lot easier." For Keith's show, Niese had to secure the use of generators, lights and other equipment to turn the small island airport into a concert venue. Rascal Flatts, on the other hand, tours with much of its own equipment, making Niese's job a bit easier. Still, all of that equipment will need to find its way to the island, via Miller Boat Line ferries, starting a day before the show. Last year's event involved the transportation of two dozen semi-trucks, 10 tour buses, 15 food trucks and more. The airport will be shut down for a day and half, starting at about 1 p.m. Aug. 29, reopening the morning of Aug. 31. Last year's show drew about 10,000 fans, and Niese expects a similar crowd this year, even with earlier August appearances by Rascal Flatts in Detroit (Aug. 18) and Blossom Music Center (Aug. 17). The shows are part of the band's Back to Us Tour. Despite some concerns last year from island residents, the Toby Keith show went off without a hitch - there were no arrests and the crowd dispersed relatively easily and quickly, according to Niese. Island businesses reported a significant uptick in traffic during the days before and after the concert, during what is typically a slow period in late August. Meanwhile, Niese is already at work on next year's concert, though he's not quite ready to commit to making it an annual event. "We'll take it a year at a time," he said. "If we generate enough of a following, we'll keep going with it." Related: Toby Keith's Put-in-Bay concert requires more than mainland preparation More Lake Erie islands news: Where to eat on Put-in-Bay UNIVERSITY HEIGHTS, Ohio -- Stolen auto recovery, Carroll Boulevard: At 8:15 p.m. June 9, police stopped a car for displaying expired plates. Upon closer inspection, officers found that a marker had been used to alter the car's temporary tag. As the car was being towed, it was further learned that the car had been reported stolen out of North Carolina. The driver was cited for the license plate violation, while police are investigating the stolen auto and how it came to be in University Heights. Theft, Cedar Road: At 12:05 p.m. June 4, police were called to Target, 14070 Cedar Road, where a Cleveland woman, 51, was detained and later charged with theft for stealing merchandise valued at $226. Criminal damage, Cedar Road: Just before 10 p.m. June 4, a Streetsboro woman, 49, reported that she had visited a friend and left her car parked from May 25-30 in front of that friend's Cedar Road apartment complex. When the the woman returned to the car, she found scratch marks on its paint and the vehicle's tires flattened. Stolen car, Cedar Road: At 10:35 a.m. June 5, police were called to a home where a resident reported a car parked in his driveway that he did not recognize. Police found that the car had been stolen from Cleveland Heights and are investigating. Assault, Edgerton Road: At 5:30 p.m. June 5, police responded to a group home where a client, a man, 20, had put his hands on an employee. Fraud, Cedar Road: At 7 p.m. June 5, a woman reported being the victim of a scam after finding that a check for $3,500 was cashed on her account by someone whose name she did not recognize. The detective bureau is investigating. Obstructing official business, Cedar Road: At 3:40 p.m. June 6, security at Target attempted to detain a boy who had just stolen $70 worth of merchandise. When confronted, the boy fled. Police located the boy a short time later. The 16-year-old from University Heights was arrested and later turned over to a family member. The police report was forwarded to the juvenile prosecutor for potential charges. Burglary, University Parkway: At 7:55 p.m. June 6, a woman reported that two bicycles with a combined stated value of $339 were stolen from her open garage. Theft, Cedar Road: At 6:55 p.m. June 7, loss prevention at Target notified police that they had detained for theft a Cleveland woman, 21, who stole $92 worth of merchandise. Missing youth found, Cedar Road: At 12:25 a.m. June 10, while officers were at the Speedway gas station, 14458 Cedar Road, they came upon a boy, 16, who was later found to be missing from his home in Fort Wayne, Ind. Police contacted the boy's father, who was to pick up his son. Possession of drug paraphernalia, South Green Road: At 10:25 p.m. June 10, police received a call about a man in need of police assistance while at the BP gas station, 2159 S. Green Road. Police spoke with the man, 57, of Cleveland, who was found to be in possession of an open container of alcohol in his car and drug paraphernalia. The man was cited for both offenses and released. If you would like to discuss the police blotter, please visit our crime and courts comments page. You're used to seeing Oscar-winning actor Forest Whitaker take the lead on the big screen. But, increasingly, he's trying to lead the way on global sustainability issues, too. That's because he believes he has a personal role to play in improving the planet, the "Black Panther" star told CNBC Make It. It all started with a phone call from the United Nations in 2006. Whitaker had just wrapped filming "The Last King of Scotland" and was helping a friend volunteer with child soldiers in Uganda when the international peace organization got in touch to find out more. "The UN saw what I was doing and asked if I would come in and talk about what was going on," said Whitaker. The project had not been on the UN's radar, he said, nor on the agenda of local government. So, he decided he had to do more himself. The actor set about extending his charity work, and, in 2012, set up the Whitaker Peace and Development Initiative, a non-governmental organization designed to help communities torn apart by violence in Africa and North America. In 2015, in recognition of his work, Whitaker was named as an advocate for the UN's Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) 17 targets aimed at tackling global challenges such as poverty and climate change by 2030. "When the UN Secretary-General appointed me as SDG advocate, it was very clear for me that this agenda was different from previous ones," Whitaker told audiences at Temasek Ecosperity 2018, a sustainability conference in Singapore in June. "It did not presume that governments and international organizations are going to do everything and substitute themselves for people and communities." Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe at a press conference at the Kremlin on May 26, 2018 in Moscow, Russia. Japan is working on arranging a meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, with one possibility including the premier's visit to Pyongyang around August, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Thursday. Citing multiple government sources, the paper said officials from the two countries had been in contact several times in recent months to negotiate a possible meeting between the two leaders. U.S. President Donald Trump this week agreed to halt joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises after meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in Singapore, drills Japan's defence minister said were "vital" for East Asian security. North Korea fired at least two missiles over Japan last year as it sought to develop a weapon capable of reaching the U.S. mainland with a nuclear warhead. Japan is expected to contribute towards the costs of North Korea's denuclearisation but only after the International Atomic Energy Agency restarts inspections, a spokesman said on Wednesday. Abe has made the resolution of the issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea a political pledge, and has said Japan would hold back economic assistance until those issues, along with denuclearisation, are resolved. If Abe's visit to Pyongyang proves difficult, Japan is eyeing another scenario for Abe to meet Kim on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum to be held in September in Vladivostok, if the North Korean leader attends, the paper said. A government source familiar with the matter told Reuters that Japanese officials planned to discuss the summit meeting with North Korean officials at an international conference on Northeast Asian security to be held on Thursday and Friday in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The person added that it was still unclear whether Abe would attend the conference in Vladivostok in September, when his ruling Liberal Democratic Party is due hold a leadership race. A South Korean man reads a newspaper reporting the U.S. President Trump meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un on June 12, 2018 in Seoul, South Korea. Tuesday's U.S.-North Korea summit was hailed as a diplomatic breakthrough, but it unleashed critical security concerns around Asia. By questioning America's military presence in the region, President Donald Trump on Tuesday appeared to give his Asian allies the cold shoulder while delivering a huge win to Pyongyang and Beijing. At the conclusion of the U.S.-North Korea summit, the president announced a halt of what he called "provocative" and "expensive" war games drills that the U.S. and South Korean armies have jointly conducted for years. Trump also indicated a desire to remove the 32,000 U.S. soldiers currently stationed in South Korea. "I'd like to be able to bring them back home ... That's not part of the equation right now. At some point, I hope it will be, but not right now," he said at a press conference. Those comments sparked "a clear sense of disappointment" among Asia-watchers, according to Sam Roggeveen, a senior fellow at the Lowy Institute: "Trump made a major concession by pledging to stop joint military exercises," but "got less from Kim Jong-un than Bill Clinton got from North Korea." America's security alliance with South Korea is a crucial element of Washington's greater Asia presence. That strategic relationship, according to U.S. Defense Secretary James Mattis, is the linchpin of peace in the Asia Pacific region and is widely considered critical to the safety of not just Seoul, but Tokyo, Taipei and others. That's why Trump's Tuesday concessions are massively concerning to North Asia. They trigger immediate questions about the region's own defense preparedness and the possibility of diminished ties with the world's largest economy, according to Scott Seaman, Asia director at political consultancy Eurasia Group. China, however, may have seen its position improve from the summit. The News in Brief By Mariam Chanishvili Starbucks to enter Georgian market American Coffee Company Starbucks will soon enter Georgian market through the franchiser Shaya. Shaya was founded in 2002 by the Kuwait-based Alshaya Group as an investment in the Turkish market in order to represent major international brands. Today, the group represents world's best known international brands, such as Bath and Body Works, Le Pain Quotidien, Pinkberry, Shake Shack, Starbucks, The Body Shop, Victoria's Secret and Victoria's Secret Beauty & Accessories in Turkey, etc. Through Shaya, Starbucks is sold in Azerbaijan as well. Starbucks Corporation is an American coffee company and coffeehouse chain. Starbucks was founded in Seattle, Washington in 1971. As of 2018, the company operates 28,218 locations worldwide. Presidential candidate unable to withdraw candidacy from second round A Georgian presidential candidate will not be able to withdraw candidacy from the second round of elections. The new article, which will be incorporated in the Election Code, reads that the candidate's withdrawal from the second round of the presidential election will be inadmissible. According to the amendments, the re-election of the president will take place in case all the candidates participating in the first round of elections withdraw their candidacies or if only one candidate participates in the first round of elections and does no get enough votes. The draft amendment will be submitted to the bureau of the parliament at the next session. Immigrations and Customs Enforcement (ICE) agents raid homes to arrest specific illegal immigrants. Sarah L. Voisin | The Washington Post | Getty Images Several gang members and individuals with previous convictions for manslaughter, rape and assaulting law enforcement officers were among 162 people arrested by U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement during a three-day action in the Los Angeles area, federal authorities announced Thursday. The arrests targeted "at-large criminal aliens, illegal re-entrants and immigration fugitives, and aliens released back in to the community after detainers filed by ICE with local law enforcement officials were ignored," ICE said in a release. The agency said "almost 90 percent" of those arrested in the Los Angeles and surrounding area had criminal convictions, including for sex crimes against children. It added that in 53 of the arrest cases, ICE had filed detainers with local law enforcement officials notifying them of the agency's intent to assume custody of the aliens once they were no longer being held by local authorities. "At-large criminal alien arrests are among the most dangerous types of enforcement actions ICE officers are engaged in [on a] daily basis," said David Marin, field office director for ICE enforcement and removal operations in Los Angeles. "Thanks to their remarkable efforts, there are 143 fewer criminals on the streets. We will continue to dedicate more resources to conduct at-large arrests to ensure the safety of the law-abiding citizens of our Southland communities." ICE said one of the arrests involved a 32-year-old Mexican national who had been convicted of rape and was sentenced to eight years in prison. "This individual has also been identified as a documented gang member," ICE said in a release. The federal agency said the arrests also included a 47-year-old, previously deported, El Salvadorian national who was convicted of voluntary manslaughter and sentenced to seven years' jail time. It added that federal "databases indicate this individual was released by local authorities despite an ICE detainer." More than 650 arrests since March Overall, federal immigration authorities have announced more than 650 arrests since March in California of aliens for violating federal immigration laws. There also have been notices of inspection issued to hundreds of businesses in California. The immigration crackdown in California comes as the federal government is challenging the state's so-called sanctuary policies designed to protect undocumented immigrants. The Trump administration sued California in March and a key hearing in the case is scheduled next week in a Sacramento federal court where a judge is expected to hear the federal government's request for a preliminary injunction against three of the state's sanctuary laws. One of the state's sanctuary policies known as Senate Bill 54, or dubbed the California Values Act, limits local and state law enforcement cooperation with federal immigration authorities. Opponents of the policy say the state policy jeopardizes the safety of the public because it made it tougher to get incarcerated immigrants once they are released from jails to the custody of federal immigration agents. Feds limit cooperation with California police The federal government now appears to be limiting its cooperation with California law enforcement, the Los Angeles Times reported Thursday. The paper said U.S. Customs and Border Protection agents recently have started declining to transfer some immigrant suspects into the custody of California law enforcement agencies. It said the suspects have been linked to various crimes, including sexual assault and drug offenses. According to the Times, federal authorities are reluctant to send immigrant suspects to California law enforcement custody because they have no assurances that the same individuals will get transferred back to federal custody once their cases are completed at the state level. CNBC reached out to the CBP agency for comment. The California Department of Justice didn't respond to a request for comment. Kids impacted by 'zero tolerance' policy Last month, U.S. Attorney General Jeff Sessions traveled to California to announce the administration's new "zero tolerance" border enforcement policy. The Trump administration's strict new immigration enforcement policy has meant more parents caught illegally crossing the U.S. southwest border are getting prosecuted and separated from children accompanying them. On Thursday, House Speaker Paul Ryan voiced his opposition to the administration's new policy of separating immigrant children from parents at the U.S. border. "No I am not" comfortable with it, the Wisconsin Republican told reporters. "We don't want kids to be separated from their parents." In this Sept. 10, 2014 file photo, detained immigrant children line up in the cafeteria at the Karnes County Residential Center, a temporary home for immigrant women and children detained at the border, in Karnes City, Texas. Eric Gay | AP A year after Amazon's $13.7 billion purchase of Whole Foods, the organic grocer's outspoken CEO, John Mackey, remains at the helm. But Amazon isn't leaving Mackey, who co-founded Whole Foods in 1980, in control of the integration or the future of the business. According to an organization chart viewed by CNBC, Mackey is working alongside two Amazon executives, Rosanna Godden and Heather Dystrup-Chiang, to ensure a smooth transition. The org chart also paints a clearer picture of Amazon's priorities. Rather than reporting directly to Jeff Wilke, the CEO of Amazon's worldwide consumer business, Mackey, Godden and Dystrup-Chiang work under Steve Kessel. He is in charge of all physical store operations, including Amazon's bookstores and cashierless convenience stores as well as Prime Now, Fresh delivery and Audible.com. Kessel's expanded role was covered by The Wall Street Journal late last year. The management structure shows that, far from letting Mackey run Whole Foods as an independent operation, Amazon CEO Jeff Bezos is stacking the business with veterans of the e-commerce company who can weave the grocery chain's 484 stores into his broader vision for the future of physical retail. It's the latest industry Bezos is working to overhaul by fundamentally changing how people do business. After making internet commerce more convenient than actual shopping, Amazon uprooted the IT market with cloud infrastructure, brought books onto electronic devices and put a voice-powered personal assistant in our living room. "We see Amazon as transforming Whole Foods, via an iterative process," wrote Tom Forte, an analyst at DA Davidson, in a report in April. "In the future, we believe it will implement its Amazon Go technology at its stores, which enables consumers to purchase products without seeing a cashier." Forte has a "buy" rating on the stock. Expanding physical retail Godden, who's worked at Amazon since 2012 and was most recently a senior manager in corporate development, became vice president of strategic business integration at Whole Foods in March, according to her LinkedIn profile. Dystrup-Chiang has been at Amazon for seven years and is now director of product management for Whole Foods (though her LinkedIn page still says she works in devices). Amazon and Whole Foods representatives didn't respond to requests for comment. Whole Foods is by far Amazon's largest acquisition in its 24-year history. It marked the company's boldest effort yet to beat brick-and-mortar retail at its own game. Right away, Amazon started cutting prices on certain food items and placing its Echo devices prominently in the front of Whole Foods locations. At the same time, Amazon has been experimenting with other physical operations. That includes over a dozen bookstores, the Amazon Go mini-grocery, and opening pop-up stores across the country for consumers to test and buy Amazon gadgets. Whole Foods is clearly integral to the company's retail future, but meshing with Amazon has had its early challenges. Greg Greeley, a former vice president of Prime, briefly changed jobs to help the Whole Foods integration earlier this year. That job didn't last long, and he soon left to join Airbnb in March. The Wall Street Journal reported in March on an exodus underway at Whole Foods, with more than a dozen executives leaving since the acquisition. And according to a report on Thursday from Business Insider, Mackey recently told employees that he's had "many, many" clashes with Amazon. It's far from the cheery attitude Mackey portrayed at a town hall meeting with Amazon executives on June 16, 2017, just after the deal was announced. When asked by an employee about executive leadership changes, Wilke told the audience, "John will continue to be the CEO." Mackey replied, "Until death do us part," which was followed by laughter. There are plenty of other changes that have taken place at the combined company in the year since Wilke and Mackey joined each other on stage. Prime member discounts and delivery options at Whole Foods were widely publicized. But there were other alterations, regarding financial disclosures and supplier relationships, that got less attention because they weren't targeted at consumers. Source: Whole Foods For example, while Amazon paid $13.7 billion for Whole Foods, it's actually on the hook for an additional $22 billion in contractually obligated future purchases, according to public filings. The purchase commitments, which Amazon describes as "firm, non-cancellable," appeared in Whole Foods' financial statement for the first time in November. They are almost entirely tied to Whole Foods' contract with its largest supplier, United Natural Foods, based on CNBC estimates and prior filings. The commitment runs until 2025, an unusually long tie-up for Amazon, which is known for signing short-term contracts with its suppliers. On top of that, Amazon allocated roughly 70 percent of the acquisition price to goodwill, or the amount Amazon paid above what's valued on Whole Foods' balance sheet. That suggests Amazon is paying more for the opportunity to expand in the grocery market than for Whole Foods' existing business, experts say. Amazon also started to break out sales from "physical stores" for the first time in October. The numbers show that almost all of its physical store sales are coming from Whole Foods, meaning all those bookstores and pop-ups aren't generating material revenue. In its most recent quarter, Amazon reported $4.3 billion in physical store sales. Supplier management Amazon boss Jeff Bezos is the richest person in the world and is currently worth more than $140 billion, according to Forbes. He has a lot of wealth to share, if he so chooses. And it appears that's exactly what he intends to do. Bezos has settled on "two areas" on which to focus his philanthropic efforts, according to a tweet he sent out Wednesday night. A year ago, Bezos solicited ideas for his charitable giving efforts, also over Twitter. Request for ideas On Wednesday, Bezos said he would announce the two areas "before the end of the summer." And, Bezos also said he hopes to "announce some hiring" around the same time, suggesting that there could be some new employment opportunities that spring from his mysterious new philanthropic efforts. A year ago tomorrow tweet In an interview with Axel Springer CEO Mathias Dopfner, published by Business Insider in April, Bezos talked about spending his amassed wealth. In particular, Bezos is committed to investing in his space company, Blue Origin. "The only way that I can see to deploy this much financial resource is by converting my Amazon winnings into space travel. That is basically it," Bezos said. He called founding and funding Blue Origin "the most important work that I'm doing." "Blue Origin is expensive enough to be able to use that fortune," he said. "I am currently liquidating about $1 billion a year of Amazon stock to fund Blue Origin. And I plan to continue to do that for a long time." With his companies, Bezos thinks of the big picture. With his philanthropy, however, he has said he will be more focused on the near term. "I'm thinking about a philanthropy strategy that is the opposite of how I mostly spend my time working on the long term. For philanthropy, I find I'm drawn to the other end of the spectrum: the right now," he said in his 2017 tweet seeking ideas for charitable efforts. "I like long-term it's a huge lever: Blue Origin, Amazon, Washington Post all of these are contributing to society and civilization in their own ways. But I'm thinking I want much of my philanthropic activity to be helping people in the here and now short term at the intersection of urgent need and lasting impact." Bezos has been criticized for not giving much of his wealth to philanthropy. In contrast, the second and fourth wealthiest people in the world, Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates and Berkshire Hathaway CEO Warren Buffett respectively, co-founded The Giving Pledge, call for billionaires to pledge to give away at least half of their wealth to charity. See also: Summer Zervos during a news conference announcing the filing of a lawsuit against President-elect Donald Trump in Los Angeles, January 17, 2017. New York's highest court on Thursday denied President Donald Trump's attempt to put the brakes on a defamation suit from former "Apprentice" contestant Summer Zervos. The decision by the New York Court of Appeals marks another failed bid from Trump to halt or delay the lawsuit brought by Zervos. "This is now the third time the courts have rejected defendant's effort to block the progress of this case," said Zervos' lawyer, Mariann Wang, in a statement to CNBC. "We look forward to continuing the discovery process and exposing the truth." Zervos, a former contestant on Trump's reality television show, claims Trump groped her. She filed the defamation suit after Trump accused her of lying. In March, New York State Judge Jennifer Schecter denied Trump's request to dismiss that lawsuit outright. Schecter rejected the argument from Trump's lawyers that a sitting president could not be sued in state court. Trump's lawyers appealed the decision in April and had asked a lower court to delay the case. When that request for a delay was denied, Trump's lawyers asked the higher appeals court to grant the request to put the case on hold. "On the court's own motion, appeal dismissed, without costs, upon the ground that the order appealed from does not finally determine the action within the meaning of the constitution," the court said in its decision on Thursday. The office of Trump's lawyer, Marc Kasowitz, said the Court of Appeals' decision was made "on purely procedural grounds" and did not address the merits of the case. "The Court of Appeals did not address the merits of the issue at stake here," a spokesperson for Kasowitz's office said. "[...] Namely, that, under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, state courts do not have jurisdiction over a sitting President." Trump has also denied claims of sexual misconduct brought by other women during the 2016 presidential campaign. Chloes emergency only cost $100, but it couldve been a lot worse. Source: Lacey Patterson A few days after Lacey Patterson adopted Chloe, a two-month old kitten, from a local shelter near her home in Clearwater, Florida, the kitten started showing signs of a cold. At first, the symptoms were mild: sneezing, a runny nose and watery eyes. But when the kitten started bleeding through her nose, Patterson knew it was time to take her to the vet. Because it was a weekend and the kitten needed immediate attention, Patterson took her to BluePearl Veterinary Partners, an emergency vet in the area. Luckily, the vets there were able to see Chloe right away and prescribe antibiotics as a treatment plan. And, the cost of the visit was only $100, something that surprised Patterson. "It was actually a lot cheaper than what I was expecting," said Patterson, a nursing student. "But also this wasn't anything complicated, there was no surgery involved." Nearly 70 percent of households in the U.S. own a pet, according to a survey conducted by the American Pet Products Association. Of those pets, it is estimated that 1 in 3 will need emergency veterinary treatment every year. Emergency treatment can be a huge added expense for pet owners. According to Petplan, a pet insurance company, the average cost of unexpected veterinary care for dogs and cats is between $800 and $1,500, depending on where you live. Most Americans would be caught off guard by an unexpected $800 expense. Only 39 percent have enough in their savings to cover a $1,000 emergency, according to a survey by Bankrate. "Out-of-pocket medical expenses is one of the leading causes of bankruptcy for people, and pets are one small version of that," said Eve Kaplan, a certified financial planner and investment advisor at Kaplan Financial Advisors in Berkeley Heights, New Jersey. As veterinary medicine has improved, there are a lot of treatments available to help pets in emergencies. But everything comes with a price. "I don't think I can emphasize this enough it is so difficult for owners when they are not prepared for the cost of their pet," said Dr. Cathleen Meeks, a veterinarian at BluePearl's specialty and emergency pet hospital in Tampa, Florida. Dr. Meeks always tries to work within the financial means of her clients. Source: BluePearl Veterinary Partners Part of the family budget Most families do not consider the most common pets dogs, cats and fish to be a major expense. In 2015, those households with pets spent about $1,000 a year on them, with some $425 of that being for medical costs, according to data from Harris Interactive. But emergency room visits can cost thousands of dollars, especially if surgery is needed. Financial advisors recommend adding a line item to your family's monthly budget for your pets, and including them in the family emergency fund. Kaplan says that families should earmark $5,000 to $10,000 in the family emergency fund for a pet. "It's easy to say that you wouldn't put that much money into a dog or cat but when it's happening you don't even think about it," said Kaplan at Kaplan Financial Advisors. "It's a family member." I don't think I can emphasize this enough it is so difficult for owners when they are not prepared for the cost of their pet Dr. Cathleen Meeks Veterinarian Consider your options Aside from having emergency funds built into your family budget, there are a few other resources to help with medical costs for a pet. One is pet insurance, which is growing in popularity. Today, 2.1 million pets in North America are insured, according to the North American Pet Health Insurance Association. "Sometimes pet insurance is really worth looking at," said Peter Creedon, a CFP at Crystal Brook Advisors in New York City. "You've got to look at your options and see if it is cost-effective for you." If you do decide to get pet insurance, veterinarians advise getting it when your pet is young and healthy. As with human health insurance, pre-existing conditions factor in to most pet insurance plans. CareCredit is another option to help with payments. It's a credit card that can be used for medical expenses, and most vets accept it. Cardholders who opened an account at a veterinary office used their card an average of 5.37 times for vet services in 2017, according to CareCredit. "While costs can vary depending on the pet, CareCredit helps make it easier for consumers to say 'yes' to recommended treatment for their pet," said Boo Larsen, general manager of veterinary medicine for CareCredit. It's easy to say that you wouldn't put that much money into a dog or cat but when it's happening you don't even think about it. It's a family member. Eve Kaplan CFP and investment advisor Prioritize prevention One of the easiest ways to avoid a pet emergency is to take your pet to their veterinarian for annual checkups. They will make sure your pet gets the medical attention they need and that you have the information you need to keep your pet healthy. "It really is our job to prepare people for what they're going to have to deal with," said Dr. Nan Boss, a veterinarian at Best Friends Veterinary Center in Grafton, Wisconsin. Dr. Boss also said that she wishes people would consult veterinarians before getting a new pet. "A lot of diseases we see are genetic," she said. There are some dog breeds that will need surgery down the road, she said, such bulldogs, which have problems with their soft palettes and knees. In addition, it pays to be prepared for all kinds of emergencies. Not all pet emergencies are medical emergencies, said Tierra Bonaldi, a pet lifestyle expert at the APPA. Natural disasters are an emergency that often leave pet owners scrambling if they don't have a way to transport their pet. Pet owners should also consider the cost of pet care if they travel or are unable to take care of their pet. More from Personal Finance: The 10 best and worst places to retire If you rent out your vacation house, don't forget to give the IRS a cut Taxpayers who skipped filing their return face a higher penalty after June 14 Ways to save Qualcomm Inc. CEO Steve Mollenkopf speaks during a keynote address at CES 2017 on January 6, 2017 in Las Vegas, Nevada. China is yet to approve U.S. chipmaker Qualcomm's proposed $44 billion acquisition of NXP Semiconductors, three people close to the talks said, dismissing an earlier media report that said Beijing had already greenlit the deal. Chinese clearance would remove a long-running roadblock to the deal that has become entangled with broader trade tensions between the United States and China. The acquisition has already got a nod from eight of the nine required global regulators, with China being the only hold-out. Hong Kong-based South China Morning Post reported on Friday morning that China had given its go-ahead to the deal, citing people with knowledge of the matter, driving up shares of the U.S. firm in extended trade. But Reuters sources, who are close to the Qualcomm-NXP deal, said they were not aware of any Chinese approval. One of them said planned U.S. tariffs on Chinese goods expected to be unveiled later in the day could impact the process. Qualcomm did not have an immediate comment on Friday, while NXP did not respond to a request for comment. China's State Administration for Market Regulation, the regulator which reviews merger deals, did not immediately respond to a faxed request for comment. Qualcomm met with regulators in Beijing last month in a bid to secure a clearance, but sources at the time said an approval would depend on the progress of broader bilateral talks and the U.S. government lifting a crippling supplier ban on telecoms equipment maker ZTE. Washington and Beijing have struck a deal to help ZTE back into business. However, trade talks remain in the balance with U.S. President Donald Trump expected to unveil "pretty significant" tariffs on Chinese goods on Friday. Analysts said a Chinese approval would be significant as it would remove the last major barrier to the NXP deal, which is seen as key for Qualcomm to diversify its business and make a push into new areas like smart cars. Qualcomm initially announced its bid for Dutch semiconductor company NXP in October 2016. Young people marching against fraud in some formats of vote counting in the last presidential elections of Colombia on May 31, 2018. Sebastian Delgado | SOPA Images | Getty Images Last month, Colombia held its first presidential election since the government signed a historic 2016 peace agreement with guerrilla movement the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia. The poll was set to be a referendum on that deal, but it proved inconclusive, and the country is heading to a runoff. The first round of elections ended with two leading candidates who will face off on June 17: Conservative Ivan Duque led with 39 percent of the vote in the first round, and leftist Gustavo Petro followed with 25 percent. Centrist Sergio Fajardo came in third place with 23.8 percent of the votes, and his supporters will now help decide the run-off outcome. Petro, a former guerrilla himself, could find the vote difference with Duque too large to overcome, according to Paulo Gregoire, a Bogota-based analyst for geopolitical intelligence firm Stratfor. "I think Petro will have a tough time because, to win the election, he would need over 90 percent of votes from Fajardo's supporters," Gregoire told CNBC over the phone. In fact, Fajardo has already said he would not vote for either candidate. Still, a poll by think tank the Latin American Strategic Center of Geopolitics held between May 29 and June 6 showed that Petro was now just 5.5 points behind Duque in the elections. What's at stake One of the main issues at play in the election is the peace agreement between the government and the rebel group, which is known as FARC. Duque opposes the peace deal, claiming that it is too lenient on the former guerrilla members and has campaigned to modify the amnesty clause for them. On the other hand, Petro is supportive of the peace agreement, and is unlikely to change the terms. The potential fallout of Duque's proposed modifications could result in more members of the rebel group mobilizing in the face of legal uncertainty. Former FARC fighters have already splintered off and created a new rebel group, the United Force of the Pacific. Increasing doubts over the peace agreement could push more people into the new rebellion. "It is important to remember that around 300 to 500 FARC members chose not to join the initial peace agreement in the first place," Gregoire warned. It would not be easy for Duque to modify the agreement even if he comes into power, however, as the deal is protected by the country's constitutional law. One way he could do it, according to Gregoire, is by calling for a referendum. Venezuelan Crisis The two leading candidates would also move the country in opposite directions when dealing with the crisis in Venezuela. Approximately 1 million Venezuelans have entered Colombia since the country fell into an economic crisis in 2017. Duque's campaign asks Colombian voters to "Vote so that Colombia does not become another Venezuela," and Gregoire said that Duque would take a tougher stance against the neighboring country in terms of sanctions, in the form of backing the U.S.-imposed penalties on the Venezuelan oil industry. A Duque victory in the elections as appears probable would likely see the relationship between the two countries become even worse, Gregoire said. A Petro victory, however, would probably mean Colombia employs softer approaches regarding Venezuela. The Stratfor expert said a significant portion of Colombia is wary of Petro's historically close ties to Hugo Chavez, however, and they fear a leftist presidency will lead to their country becoming similar to Venezuela. Petro has become more critical of Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro recently, but, in any case, his foreign policy toward Venezuela is likely to be much more passive than Duque, Juan Felipe Celia, assistant director and Colombia lead at think tank the Atlantic Council told CNBC. Potential economic impact A model of Comac's C919 aircraft at the Singapore Airshow on Feb. 6, 2018. Commercial Aircraft Corp of China (COMAC) aims to obtain type certification from China for its narrowbody C919 jet by the end of 2020, putting the state planemaker on track to meet its 2021 goal of delivering the first jet to its launch customer, a senior company executive said on Thursday. China's domestically developed C919 jet is a symbol of its civil aerospace ambitions as Beijing wants the single-aisle aircraft to eventually compete with U.S. planemaker Boeing Co's 737 and Europe's Airbus SE A320. The COMAC jet currently has 815 orders from 28 customers, a number that does not include the 200 jets HNA signed up for earlier this month. China Eastern Airlines Corp is the jet's launch customer. Europe's aviation safety regulator is still carrying out the certification process of the C919 jet, Zhang Xiaoguang, general manager of COMAC's sales and marketing department, said on the sidelines of a conference organized by Airfinance Journal in Shanghai. The European Aviation Safety Agency said last year it had started the certification process. Zhang also told reporters that the widebody jet COMAC is currently developing with Russia's United Aircraft Corp aims to make its maiden flight from 2023. The companies said last month that the CR929 jet had received proposals from seven foreign and local firms to supply the jet's engine. Zhang said these included companies such as Rolls-Royce, General Aviation, Pratt & Whitney and Chinese engine manufacturer Aero Engine Corp of China, but added that they had yet to start talks. The world's second largest cryptocurrency spiked Thursday after a key Securities and Exchange Commission official made it clear that in the eyes of the agency, it's not a security. The digital currency ether rose 8.8 percent to a high of $520.68, according to CoinDesk. Its price has struggled along with other cryptocurrencies this year, and has dropped about 35 percent since January. While SEC leaders have publicly labeled bitcoin as a commodity, this is the first clear statement by the financial watchdog on how they plan to regulate ether. "We don't see a lot of value in seeing ether as a security," William Hinman, head of the Division of Corporate Finance for the SEC, said at the Yahoo All Markets Summit: Crypto conference in San Francisco. "Ether is a coin that is evolving." Hinman cited the cryptocurrency's decentralized and public network, and lack of a third party expecting to make a profit as reasons that the agency won't treat it like a security. "In case of Ether as we interact with market participants, we keep gathering info and at some point we say this is something we should make clearer," he said. Ether's one-day performance Source: CoinDesk The digital currency, which has a market value of $50.39 billion according to CoinDesk, is backed by the company Ethereum. It has often been described as "fuel" or "gas" to power the Ethereum network, a blockchain platform aimed at "smart contracts." Ethereum has become a popular platform for developers using blockchain. A consortium called the Enterprise Ethereum Alliance for example, which includes companies like Microsoft and JP Morgan, is using the Ethereum blockchain to build applications. Hinman did not categorize other cryptocurrencies, which are having the same identity crisis with regulators. The cryptocurrency XRP is the subject of a lawsuit alleging that it is a security. Ripple is the name of the San Francisco-based company developing a network for faster global financial payments, while XRP is the name of the digital token that financial institutions on the network can use to transact quickly. Executives from Ripple have said without a doubt, XRP is not a security. The agency will look at other cryptocurrencies on a case-by-case basis, Hinman said. Moving too quickly in search of a label could cause the agency to miss key facts and circumstances, which can vary dramatically depending on the cryptocurrency, he said. "We don't think establishing a lot of bright lines is helpful," Hinman said. "We don't want to react too quickly, we do want to protect investors but not stifle innovation." Fredrich said the business has gone to extremes to try to find the 15 additional employees it needs. But he's had little success. "These tools are heated to 300 degrees," he said. "But we're not running them. Had we had the people for the first shift, we could have been running this all day. But we don't, so they sit here heated, ready to go, with no action." The only problem? Fredrich has no one to operate them. Bob Treiber, president of Boston Engineering in Waltham, Mass., says the company is looking for 12 additional hires. But a tight labor market makes finding qualified candidates a challenge. "There are no workers, but there's a huge demand. The economy has picked up, but the market is so thin, that we just can't find them. We've gone to extraordinary means to find people that will actually work, including going to the local county jail and recruiting people to work from inside the jail," Fredrich said. Despite record-high confidence on Main Street, a labor shortage issue is increasingly weighing on small businesses like Fredrich's around the country, proving that a strong economy can cut both ways for businesses. In fact, according to the National Federation of Independent Businesses' monthly read on sentiment, labor quality is the number one issue for companies for five months in a row, outpacing taxes and government regulations and red tape. In May, one-third of small-business owners reported job openings they could not fill, and 12 percent reported using temporary workers. "Finding the right person for the job is always a challenge, but obviously in a tighter market like this, it becomes far more difficult," said Raymond Keating, chief economist at the nonpartisan Small Business & Entrepreneurship Council. "It's a function of a few things the labor participation rate is fairly low for an economic recovery expansion period. So there's room for people to come back into the labor force. And, as long as economic growth continues, which we want to happen, we are going to have to deal with some tight labor markets." The crunch is being felt across industries and worker skills. Bob Treiber, president of Boston Engineering, a 65-person consultant group in Massachusetts, has 12 open positions for engineers and project managers. But competing with larger businesses for qualified applicants has proved challenging. "I think it's easier for larger businesses to make a bigger splash it's easier for them to get attention from new hires," Treiber said. If he can't find the right people, the company's bottom line will suffer. "If we can't staff the jobs, we can't satisfy the demand of our clients. There's only so much we can do with temporary-type resources. You really need to have the core people in here in order to deliver the quality our clients demand," he said. Back in Wisconsin, Fredrich is also looking for a core staff of his own low-skilled laborers he's willing to train and pay above minimum wage. "What they need to be able to do is come to work on time every day, pay attention to what they're doing, take instruction well, and just put in an honest day's work," he said. The Middle East's largest private equity firm has filed for court-supervised restructuring to fight off compulsory liquidation amid accusations that it has mismanaged funds. The application by Dubai-based Abraaj Holdings, filed in the Grand Court of the Cayman Islands Thursday, seeks to appoint PricewaterhouseCoopers (PwC) as joint provisional liquidators. The appointment will impose a temporary block on the enforcement of the claims against the company, allowing a proposal to be presented to creditors for its supervised restructuring. The voluntary filing, according to an Abraaj Group press release, "sets up orderly restructuring process that will maximize the value of the company for all stakeholders and an eventual return to normal operations." The embattled private equity firm, which at its peak managed $14 billion, has been in crisis amid investor accusations that it mismanaged their funds. The Financial Times reported that Abraaj "commingled investor funds with its own money" in its $1 billion health care fund, according to company audits. Abraaj has denied that it misused the funds. Abraaj's investors included the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation and the International Finance Corp (IFC). The move for the filing was made to stave off legal action by plaintiffs pushing to force the company into liquidation. Prior to the appointment of PwC, the Cayman court was scheduled to receive a petition from a Kuwaiti pension fund over a non-payment by Abraaj of a $100 million debt. A second claimant, asset management firm Auctus Fund, also issued a winding-up petition a call to force an insolvent company into compulsory liquidation over an unpaid debt of more than $100 million. The restructuring plan aims to repay creditors by selling the company's assets over time. Abraaj Holdings Chairman Sean Cleary was positive about the move, saying in a statement, "Under the auspices of the Court, the situation has now been stabilized, and we can move forward to meet the firm's commitments and restore confidence in the platform." The European Central Bank (ECB) outlined plans to end its massive stimulus program by the end of this year, but keep interest rates steady until next summer. The bank said Thursday that if incoming data followed its forecasts, then its monthly bond purchase program would be extended through to the final quarter of the year, though at a lower pace. This means the program would likely end in December if the euro zone economy remained resilient. Until now, this quantitative easing (QE) program was scheduled to last until September, carrying monthly purchases of 30 billion euros ($35 billion) of government and private debt. This will now be reduced to 15 billion euros during the last three months of 2018. Furthermore, the ECB also indicated that a rate hike is unlikely to come before the summer of 2019, again depending on data. "The Governing Council expects the key ECB interest rates to remain at their present levels at least through the summer of 2019 and in any case for as long as necessary," the ECB said in its statement. The pan-European Stoxx 600 pushed higher during afternoon deals to close 1.4 percent in the green, despite negative trade in the morning. All major bourses and business sectors were positive. The ECB outlined plans to end its massive stimulus program by the end of 2018, but also claimed interest rates won't likely budge for more than a year. This "dovish" end to its stimulus program led to a fall in the euro and a rise in stocks. Both France's CAC and the German DAX closed up approximately 1.5 percent on the news. Looking across the European benchmark, Aveva shares led the gains, trading in the double digits throughout the day and closing up 12 percent. The company reported a full-year adjusted pretax profit of over 23 percent. WPP shares fell following a heated annual general meeting in the previous session. Thirty percent of shareholders voted against a pay proposal involving the former chief Martin Sorrell, who left the company in April following an allegation of misconduct. Almost 17 percent of shareholders were also against the re-election of chairman Roberto Quarta. The media giant's stock closed down 0.4 percent. Farmer John Duffy (L) and Roger Murphy load soybeans from a grain bin onto a truck before taking them to a grain elevator on June 13, 2018 in Dwight, Illinois. U.S. soybean futures plunged with renewed fears that China could hit U.S. soybeans with retaliatory tariffs if the Trump administration follows through with threatened tariffs on Chinese goods. Beijing's threat to impose a 25 percent tariff on American soybeans is causing uneasiness in the farm belt ahead of the White House's expected decision Friday to announce new duties on hundreds of Chinese products. "I am nervous to think about the scenarios of what's going to happen if it does go into effect," said Heath Houck, a soybean farmer in Nokomis, Illinois. "In the last three to five years, with the depressed farming economy the way it is, it can certainly hamper us even further. It kind of scares me, to be honest." The U.S. exports about $14 billion worth of soybeans to China, according to the U.S. Department of Agriculture. China buys roughly half of the U.S. soybean exports, and roughly one in three rows of soybeans grown on the nation's farms goes to the world's second-largest economy, according to industry estimates. President Donald Trump met with trade advisors on Thursday, and the administration is expected to roll out a truncated list of Chinese products subject to duties, three sources told CNBC. Beijing previously vowed to retaliate against Trump imposing new tariffs on Chinese products. The lion's share of the U.S. agribusiness trade to China involves soybeans, which are grown in many farm states where Trump received strong support during the 2016 presidential election. Top soybean growing states include Iowa, Illinois, Minnesota, Nebraska, Indiana, Missouri, Ohio and the Dakotas. The American Soybean Association, which represents more than 300,000 soybean farmers, on Thursday was one of the ag-related associations that issued an "appeal to Congress" to help stop trade tariffs. Wheat and corn grower associations also supported the effort along with the Association of Equipment Manufacturers. "After weeks of engaging with the Trump administration to gain insight into the future of trade tariffs, agriculture producers and related industries dependent on exports to China are turning to Congress for help," the agricultural groups said in a joint release. The announcement said retaliatory tariffs by Beijing "would not only directly affect America's producers, but also tangential industries that support agriculture," including farm machinery producers. Many growers of soybeans also plant corn, wheat and other crops. In April, Beijing threatened to slap the 25 percent tariff on the imports of U.S. soybeans. If that were to happen, it would raise the cost of American beans for Chinese buyers and make South American beans much more attractive. "The buyers of our soybeans are assuming the worst," said soybean farmer Kevin Scott in Valley Springs, South Dakota. "The markets are very soft right now. We've lost a dollar per bushel in the last couple of weeks, and it's been pretty frustrating as a farmer." Scott said he's already locked in his "mix" of corn versus soybeans so there's no turning back at this late stage. "Now we're quite a bit below our break-even price as far as cost of production," he said. Chicago Board of Trade soybean futures have fallen about 9 percent in the past two weeks, and July soybeans the most active contract settled at $9.2725 per bushel Thursday. The contract traded in the session at its lowest point since August 2017. "The market is worried that if we're having problems with China, the world's largest importer of soybeans and our biggest export customer, that it will cut into our export business and we're going to have more soybeans," said Ted Seifried, chief ag market strategist with Zaner Group, a Chicago-based futures brokerage. Seifried said the large commodity funds were long on soybeans as of two weeks ago but "have run for the door in a hurry and are now starting to get a little bit short, it seems." He said the outflow from the "speculative money" has contributed to soybeans being weak. Purdue University economists estimate Chinese soybean imports from the U.S. could plummet by as much as 65 percent if China imposes the tariffs. A study issued in March also indicated that besides U.S. economic well-being suffering from tariffs, the Chinese also would suffer. "We know China needs the product, and we would just assume they would buy it from us rather then switch to Brazilian soybeans," said Scott. The U.S. sold approximately 33 million tons of soybeans in 2017 to China, or nearly one-third of the beans imported by the Asian country. By comparison, Brazil shipped more than 50 million tons of soybeans last year to China and represented about 57 percent of the total imports. The number of cargo vessels waiting to load up with Brazilian soybeans has soared nearly 60 percent compared with a year ago, Reuters reported Thursday. China acquires about two-thirds of the world's soybean trade, using most of it for soy protein to feed roughly 700 million pigs in the country or to make cooking oil. Meantime, recent weakness in the Brazilian real currency has made the country's soybean crop more attractive. It also could encourage more Brazilian farmers to expand acreage of soybeans. "Brazil has currency advantage because the cheaper their currency gets, the more purchasing power other countries have," said Seifried. "It makes them more attractive on a global market." Google has announced that it will open an artificial intelligence (AI) research center in Africa, its first on the continent. The Silicon Valley giant said that the new research hub will open in Accra, Ghana, later this year, announcing the move in a blog post published on Wednesday. "We're committed to collaborating with local universities and research centers, as well as working with policy makers on the potential uses of AI in Africa," Google's blog post said. Accra, located in the west of Africa, joins cities including Paris, New York and Tokyo, as well as Google's Mountain View headquarters, in hosting an AI research center. While the decision is the first of its kind for Google in Africa, the company has had offices on the continent for the past decade. It already operates a digital skills training program that it believes can ultimately benefit 10 million Africans. In addition, Google runs a separate initiative called Launchpad Accelerator Africa that it says supports 100,000 developers and over 60 technology startups in Africa. But, Accra isn't the only city in Africa positing itself as a tech hub. Ethiopian capital Addis Ababa and Rwandan capital Kigali are both known for their credentials in tech development, for example. Meanwhile, Kenya has been singled out by Microsoft founder Bill Gates for its "pioneering" innovation of digital payments platform M-Pesa. Ghana likely appealed to Google because of the quality of its education system and other feeder institutions, Lucy James, associate consultant with Control Risks' Africa team, told CNBC via telephone on Thursday. The search company is focussed on "drawing in local talent and there's no shortage of that in Ghana," she said. Ghana also enjoys relative political stability, James explained. Meanwhile, it's neighbor Nigeria the continent's largest economy which also promotes business center Lagos as a burgeoning tech hub is more prone to civil unrest. Nonetheless, the choice may seem unusual given that Ghana ranks 12th for Sub-Saharan Africa in the World Bank's latest Ease of Doing Business index. Rwanda, Kenya and South Africa another of the continent's big economies all come in the top five by comparison. But, Ghana's pro-business government and entrepreneurial society may have contributed to its selection. People in Ghana share the "sense that you can disrupt something and make a difference," James said. Four recently posted internal job openings viewed by CNBC describe building the "next gen clinical visit experience" and using audio and touch technologies to improve the accuracy and availability of care. In particular, it wants to use voice recognition to help physicians take notes. Google is beefing up an early-stage research project called Medical Digital Assist as it explores ways to use artificial intelligence to improve visits to the doctor's office. The project falls under falls under the healthcare group on Google Brain, part of its Google AI division, and is sometimes referred to internally as "Medical Brain." It has the "ambitious goal" of deploying tests with an external health-care partner by the end of the year, according to one job listing. The project would likely take advantage of the complex voice technologies Google already uses in its Home, Assistant, and Translate products. Late last year, the healthcare-focused Brain team, co-founded by product manager Katherine Chou, launched a "digital scribe" study with Stanford Medicine to use speech recognition and machine learning tools to help doctors automatically fill out electronic health records, or EHRs, from patient visits. For physicians, it can be a laborious, frustrating process: Doctors spend nearly two hours on documentation per hour of direct patient care, according to a recent study. Dr. Steven Lin, the Stanford physician spearheading the research with Google, told CNBC the challenge is an AI-powered speech recognition system needs to accurately "listen in" to a patient visit and simultaneously parse out the relevant information into a useful narrative. "This is even more of a complicated, hard problem than we originally thought," he said. "But if solved, it can potentially unshackle physicians from EHRs and bring providers back to the joys of medicine: actually interacting with patients." Accuracy is another big issue because a simple mistake like a computer notating "hyper" versus "hypo" can be potentially life-threatening, especially if the doctor doesn't thoroughly check the note. The first phase of the Brain study will conclude in August. Lin said both parties plan to renew the collaboration for a second phase for at least another year. Google's recent job postings indicate that the company is looking to further build its team and invest more resources. One opening for a medical assist product manager looks for someone who can advance its research by driving business deals, including commercial and legal terms. A Google spokesperson declined to comment on the job postings but pointed CNBC to its study with Stanford. Brain's healthchare team has also worked with top hospitals to use its machine learning expertise to predict when patients might get sick. Speaker Paul Ryan, R-Wis., center, House Majority Leader Kevin McCarthy, R-Calif., and House Republican Conference chair Rep. Cathy McMorris Rodgers, R-Wash., conduct a news conference the in House studio after a meeting of the GOP conference on April 17, 2018. House Republicans unveiled a draft immigration bill Thursday that includes a pathway to citizenship for young immigrants brought to the U.S. illegally as children as well as border security measures sought by President Donald Trump, according to multiple reports. The 293-page legislation circulated to Republican members of Congress would notably try to bar the separation of undocumented children and parents at U.S. borders. The practice has embroiled the Trump administration in a political uproar in recent weeks. The proposal aims to assuage concerns of two flanks of the GOP, which controls the House. Centrist Republicans seek a solution for young undocumented immigrants stuck in legal limbo. Conservatives want to boost border security to crack down on illegal border crossings. The House plans to consider the bill as well as a more conservative proposal next week. Passage is far from guaranteed. It is unclear now whether the bill unveiled Thursday has enough votes to clear the chamber, and GOP leaders will gauge support for it Friday. It also may not pass in the narrowly divided Senate. The White House could also complicate matters. Trump has set out specific demands for a bill, including money for his proposed border wall, an end to the diversity visa "lottery" system and limits on family visa sponsorships. The Republican proposal appears to largely meet those goals. The bill would authorize roughly $25 billion for Trump's proposed physical barrier and enforcement technology, according to reports. It would offer legal status to the young immigrants, including an eventual path to permanent residency and then citizenship. It would tie the issuance of some visas to sustained border wall funding. Outlets including NBC News and Vox reported on the details of the bill. CNBC could not immediately confirm its contents. White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders would not explicitly endorse the House deal earlier Thursday, before the bill's wider release. She said the Trump administration would support legislation that would "create a permanent solution" to problems with the immigration system. The Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program protected the young immigrants from deportation and allowed them to temporarily work or study in the U.S. Trump attempted to end DACA, but his decision has been held up in court. Congress has tried and failed to strike bipartisan deals to shield the undocumented immigrants, known as "Dreamers" because of "DREAM Act" legislation that fell short of passing Congress. The compromise Republican bill came about following talks between disparate pockets of the House GOP caucus. Centrist Republican lawmakers rebelled against leadership in an attempt to force votes on a variety of immigration measures, some of which could have received Democratic support. The bill unveiled Thursday would allocate visas to a merit-based system. The Republican compromise came with centrists just two signatures short of the 218 needed to compel votes. Democrats joined the Republicans in trying to force consideration of immigration measures. Italy's agriculture minister suggested the country will not ratify a free trade agreement between the EU and Canada, saying that it doesn't do enough to protect the nation's specialty products. "We will not ratify the free-trade treaty with Canada because it protects only a small part of our PDO (Protected Designation of Origin) and PGI (Protected Geographical Indication) products," Gian Marco Centinaio told Italian newspaper La Stampa Thursday, according to comments reported by Reuters. The snappily-titled PDOs and PGIs promote and protect names of quality agricultural products and foodstuffs. In the 28-member European Union, Italy has the highest number of food products that enjoy these statuses, with 221 products protected. The number includes two products with the label "Traditional Specialty Guaranteed" which doesn't restrict a food item to a specific geographical location, these being mozzarella and Neapolitan pizza. Centinaio said Italy wanted to "defend the quality of 'Made in Italy' products." Products in Italy with the PDO or PGI status include Balsamic Vinegar from Modena, Sicilian blood oranges, a range of regional cheeses including Grana Padano and Gorgonzola, meats, oils and vegetables, among other products. Centinaio is a member of the right-wing Lega party which now makes up half of the new coalition government in Italy, along with the anti-establishment Five Star Movement. He said doubts about the agreement were not confined to those within Lega, however, stating that "many of my European colleagues feel the same." The Comprehensive Economic and Trade Agreement (CETA) is a major trade deal for the EU and Canada and the national governments (and some regions) of all 28 EU member states must approve the agreement for it to come into effect. Italy saying it will not ratify the deal represents another stumbling block for fragile relations between Europe and the new euroskeptic and renegade government in Italy. It has already clashed with Europe over spending plans, immigration and the single currency. A spokesperson for the European Commission wasn't immediately available for a response to Centinaio's remarks when contacted by CNBC. Comey had publicly said in the summer of 2016 that he was not recommending any criminal charges in connection with Clinton's use of that email server. Comey was criticized in that report for usurping the power of the attorney general in his handling of the investigation into Hillary Clinton 's use of a private email server for State Department business. His frequent use of a personal email account for unclassified FBI business was "inconsistent with" Justice Department policy, according to a report issued by the Office of the Inspector General. James Comey used a personal Gmail account to conduct FBI business on numerous occasions when he was director of the bureau even though he had bluntly warned FBI workers they would be in "huge trouble" for doing the same thing, the Justice Department 's internal watchdog revealed Thursday. The inspector general's report noted that in October 2016, Comey spoke at the FBI's annual SAC Conference in San Diego, and noted that his investigators' view was "there really isn't anything here that anybody would prosecute" about Clinton's server. But Comey added, "I have gotten emails from some employees about this, who said, 'If I did what Hillary Clinton did I'd be in huge trouble.'" "My response is you bet your ass you'd be in huge trouble," Comey said in that speech. "If you used a personal email, Gmail or if you [had] the capabilities to set up your own email domain, if you used an unclassified personal email system to do our business in the course of doing our business even though you were communicating with people with clearances and doing work you discussed classified matters in that, in those communications, TS/SCI, special access programs, you would be in huge trouble in the FBI," Comey said. "Of that I am highly confident," he added. "I'm also highly confident, in fact, certain you would not be criminally prosecuted for that conduct." The IG's report said that despite Comey's admonition to his then-subordinates, "We identified numerous instances in which Comey used a personal email account (a Gmail account) to conduct FBI business." And the report also said that when asked about his own use of Gmail for official business, Comey said, "He did not" have any concerns about "conducting FBI business on his personal laptop or personal email." Comey told the IG that his use of personal email was "incidental" and that "I was making sure that the work got forwarded to the government account, to either my account," or that of his chief of staff, James Rybicki. "I wasn't doing classified work there, so I wasn't concerned about that," Comey is quoted as saying. When asked by IG staff if his use of a personal email in such a way was in accordance with FBI regulations, Comey said: "I don't know. I think so, but I don't know. I remember talking to Jim [Rybicki] about it at one time, and I had the sense that it was okay." The IG's report lists five instances where Comey used his Gmail account for bureau business. They include his forwarding, on Nov. 8, 2016, to the Gmail account from his unclassified FBI account a proposed postelection message for all bureau employees. The next month Comey forwarded to his Gmail account "multiple drafts of a proposed year-end message to FBI employees," according to the IG. And "on December 30, 2016, Comey forwarded to his personal email account from his unclassified FBI account proposed responses to two requests for information from the Office of Special Counsel," the report noted. "The forwarded email included two attachments: (1) a certification for Comey to sign; and (2) a list of FBI employees with information responsive to this request, including their titles, office, appointment status, contact information, and duty hours." In January 2017, the report said, Comey forwarded to his personal email account an email that highlighted language that needed to be corrected in a Wall Street Journal article. And in March, he sent from that email account multiple drafts of his proposed opening statement to the House Intelligence Committee, according to the IG. The report says that when asked about his use of personal email for agency work, Comey told the IG's office "I did not have an unclass[ified] FBI connection at home that worked. And I didn't bother to fix it, whole 'nother story, but I would either use my BlackBerry, must have been or Samsung...my phone, I had two phonesa personal phone and a government phone." "Or if I needed to write something longer, I would type it on my personal laptop and then send it to Rybicki, usually I copied my own address," Comey said. "Yeah. And so I would use, for unclassified work, I would use my personal laptop for word processing and then send it into the FBI." The IG report said, "given the absence of exigent circumstances and the frequency with which the use of personal email occurred, Comey's use of a personal email account on multiple occasions for unclassified FBI business to be inconsistent with the DOJ Policy Statement." Oil traders will be waiting to see what the world's most powerful oil producer Saudi Arabia likened to "Superman" by the respected oil market expert Helima Croft says and does at the forthcoming meeting of OPEC and non-OPEC producers on June 22. "With unplanned outages escalating, geopolitical risks rising, and U.S. shale production facing infrastructure bottlenecks, Saudi Arabia is once again back in the driver's seat exerting significant influence over the oil market in 2018," Croft, the global head of commodity strategy at RBC Capital Markets, said Thursday. "All eyes are on what course of action it will call for at the June 22 OPEC meeting in Vienna," she added in a note entitled "OPEC Watch List: Waiting for Superman." OPEC and a group of non-OPEC producers, including Russia, are currently adhering to a deal struck in November 2016 to curb oil production (by about 1.8 million barrels a day) in a bid to support prices. The strategy has worked with prices having risen from a low of around $26 a barrel in January 2016 to currently trade at around $76 for Brent and $66 for West Texas Intermediate (WTI). Now, there are growing tensions over the cuts and pressure is growing on OPEC from the likes of President Donald Trump to increase supply to prevent prices from rising too steeply. As such, the June 22 meeting is expected to be dominated by arguments over whether to increase production or maintain supply as it is. Saudi Arabia and Russia are reportedly ready to increase oil output while others like Iran and Venezuela are against such a move and want to maintain supply at the current level. There are concerns that oil supplies from Venezuela, which is experiencing economic turmoil, and Iran, which will see a re-imposition of U.S. sanctions following the U.S.' withdrawal from a nuclear accord, could decline, prompting a supply shortage and further upward pressure on prices. Ambassador of Belarus Dmitry Mironchik presents Credentials to the King of Sweden 14-06-2018 On June 14, 2018 the Ambassador Extraordinary and Plenipotentiary of the Republic of Belarus to the Kingdom of Sweden, Dmitry Mironchik, presented his Letters of Credence to the King of Sweden, Carl XVI Gustaf. Copyright: Kungl. Hovstaterna, foto Sanna Argus Tiren During the ceremony, the Ambassador had a traditional audience with the Head of the Swedish State. The sides noted that both Belarus and Sweden are confronted with a number of challenges, equally important to them and ranging from environmental protection and rational use of natural resources to strengthening security and neighborly relations in the region. Copyright: Kungl. Hovstaterna, foto Sanna Argus Tiren At the meeting with the management of the regional department and the State protocol service of the Foreign Ministry of Sweden, preceding the royal audience, the parties stated mutual interest in further development of Belarusian-Swedish relations, discussed promising areas of cooperation and concrete steps aimed at rapid restoration of positive dynamics across the whole spectrum of topics on the bilateral agenda. print version Former Trump campaign chairman Paul Manafort (L) arrives at a federal courthouse with his attorney Kevin Downing, November 2, 2017 in Washington, DC. Paul Manafort, President Donald Trump's former campaign manager, heads to federal court in Washington Friday morning, facing the very real risk of being sent to jail that same day. Manafort faces arraignment on charges of witness tampering filed last week by special counsel Robert Mueller. The judge in the case will also hear arguments by Mueller that Manafort's $10 million bail should be revoked or modified because of that alleged tampering. Manafort, who was already facing serious criminal charges, is now also accused of trying to influence a potential trial witness while under house arrest. That witness was connected to a lobbying group that worked on behalf of ex-Ukrainian President Viktor Yanukovych, the special counsel's court filing said. Mueller claims Manafort recently sent the potential witness an encrypted message. Manafort allegedly was trying to get the witness to agree with his story that the lobbying group "worked in Europe." In reality, both men knew the group also worked in the United States without having registered as representatives of a foreign government, as was legally required, according to Mueller. Manafort's Russian associate Konstantin Kilimnik has also been charged with knowingly trying to influence or prevent witnesses' testimony. Manafort's lawyers have denied he did anything improper. Manafort has been charged in several indictments with acting as an unregistered foreign agent, lying to investigators and conspiracy to launder money, among others. Those alleged crimes relate to Manafort's consulting work on behalf of a pro-Russia political party in Ukraine. Manafort has pleaded not guilty to all charges. Mueller's team has so far issued indictments against a total of 20 people and entities as part of its investigation of Russian interference in the 2016 election. Manafort's status in the Trump campaign and connections to pro-Russian political parties in Ukraine have made him a central figure in the probe. Manafort also attended a June 2016 Trump Tower meeting with Donald Trump Jr. and a Kremlin-linked Russian lawyer, in which the younger Trump was promised damaging information about Democratic presidential nominee Hillary Clinton. That meeting reportedly has become a focus of Mueller's probe into whether the president, who drafted a misleading public statement about the meeting, obstructed justice. Mueller's investigation to date has collected five guilty pleas including one from Manafort's longtime associate Rick Gates. Gates was also involved in Trump's campaign and had been accused of many of the same charges still facing Manafort. Gates agreed to cooperate with the special counsel after pleading guilty to conspiracy against the United States and to lying to investigators. House Speaker Paul Ryan said Thursday that he opposes the separation of undocumented immigrant families at U.S. borders and wants to change the practice in legislation. "No I am not" comfortable with it, the Wisconsin Republican told reporters. "We don't want kids to be separated from their parents." GOP lawmakers are expected to include a provision barring the separation of families in an immigration bill the House will consider next week, according to NBC News. It is unclear whether that bill, intended to balance the demands of centrist and conservative House Republicans, will pass the chamber. Ryan reportedly told colleagues this week that President Donald Trump supports the GOP compromise. Later Thursday, White House press secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders would not endorse a specific bill but said Trump would support a measure that leads to a "permanent solution." During a heated exchange on the separation practice, she repeatedly claimed the administration is just enforcing the law. The House speaker blamed the widely criticized practice in part on a "court ruling." Still, the Trump administration has defended the increase in family separations as part of its broad push to deter people from entering the country illegally. It is unclear whether mounting backlash to the policy will cause the administration to abandon it. House Minority Leader Nancy Pelosi on Thursday called the practice a "barbaric" policy "of the Trump administration" that "has to stop." She questioned why the GOP-controlled Congress has not already taken action. "I just don't even know why there aren't uprisings all over the country, maybe there will be when people realize that this is a policy that they defend," the California Democrat told reporters. "It's a horrible thing. And I don't see any prospect for legislation." Pelosi's comments came after Ryan's remarks. In May, Attorney General Jeff Sessions outlined a "zero tolerance" policy. He said all of those apprehended entering the country illegally would face criminal charges, which often leads to children being separated from parents and sent into government or foster care. "If you are smuggling a child then we will prosecute you, and that child will be separated from you as required by law," he said at the time. "If you don't like that, then don't smuggle children over our border." As more focus has turned to the practice in recent weeks, religious groups and many Democratic lawmakers have condemned it as inhumane. Nearly 1,800 immigrant families were separated at the U.S. border with Mexico from October 2016 through February, according to a Reuters report last week. Those figures came as the Trump administration tightened border enforcement, but before Sessions announced the zero tolerance policy. Facebook is being used less and less to find and share news while people are increasingly turning to alternative platforms like Whatsapp instead, according to a study. The use of Facebook for news dropped by 9 percent from 2017 to 2018 in the U.S., research by Oxford University's Reuters Institute found, with news consumption among younger groups falling 20 percent. Average news consumption on Facebook globally has declined 6 percent since 2016 until now, while Whatsapp saw a 4 percent increase in that time period. Instagram and Snapchat news usage rose 3 percent and 2 percent respectively in two years. Both Whatsapp and Instagram are owned by Facebook. Snap-owned Snapchat has been driving news content on its platform, with a redesign in February prioritizing publishers and content creators. The move was controversial with users, and a number of traders took flight after celebrity Kylie Jenner said that she no longer uses the app. Snap has since redesigned its redesign to give more prominence to friends' content. The Reuters Institute said that consumers were finding the private nature of messaging services like Whatsapp more appealing, and were more willing to share and engage in news content. It found that people felt uncomfortable about their growing networks of friends on Facebook and, as a consequence, were less disposed to use the platform for news. Facebook has recently looked to change its approach to news on its platform, updating its News Feed in January to prioritize local news. Chief Executive Mark Zuckerberg said that month that the firm was looking to prioritize "meaningful social interactions" on its platform rather than "relevant content." The company has also removed a feature that showed trending news and said earlier this month that it was testing breaking news notifications. It said it would also dedicate a portion of its on-demand video service to news content. Cambridge Analytica scandal Russian President Vladimir Putin (R) and Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev (L) attend a meeting in Moscow in May 2015. Russia's government has proposed raising value-added tax (VAT) to 20 percent from 18 percent, starting from 2019, Prime Minister Dmitry Medvedev said Thursday. Medvedev said the so-called "tax maneuver," which envisages a gradual increase in the mineral extraction tax (MET) and a cut in export duties on oil and refined products, was on track to be completed in 2024. Meanwhile, the government also proposed to increase the retirement age to 65 years from 60 for men and to 63 years from 55 for women, Medvedev said. The government proposes to change the retirement age gradually, starting from 2019, Medvedev said, adding that this would allow for an increase in pension payments. Samsung Electronics made a significant commitment to renewable energy Thursday. In a statement on its website, the tech giant said it was planning to use 100 percent renewable energy at its factories, office buildings and operational facilities in Europe, China and the U.S. by 2020. The business is set to install around 42,000 meters squared of solar panels at its headquarters in Suwon, South Korea, and will also add solar arrays and geothermal power generation facilities at its campuses in Pyeongtaek and Hwaseong. Additionally, Samsung said it would work with its top 100 partner companies to assist them in setting their own renewable energy targets, in partnership with the CDP's (formerly the Carbon Disclosure Project) supply chain program. Samsung said it intended to join the program next year. The CDP's program collaborates with more than 100 purchasing organizations and over 10,000 suppliers to both identify and manage deforestation, climate change and water related risks. "Samsung Electronics is fulfilling its duty as a corporate citizen by expanding and supporting the use of renewable energy," Won Kyong Kim, Samsung Electronics' executive vice president and head of global public affairs, said. "As demonstrated by our expanded commitment, we are focused on protecting our planet and are doing our part as a global environmental steward." Samsung Electronics' move was welcomed by environmental organizations. "Samsung's announcement is a major step forward for the movement to build a renewably powered future," Jennifer Morgan, Greenpeace International's executive director, said in a statement. "If the company follows through with meaningful actions, it will join the ranks of innovative business leaders recognizing the sense of urgency around climate change and showing a different future is still possible," she added. A number of big businesses are looking to embrace renewable energy. Earlier this year, for example, Apple said its global facilities were now powered by 100 percent clean energy in what CEO Tim Cook called a significant milestone for the tech giant. Last October, Amazon announced that its biggest wind farm to date was operational. The business said that Amazon Wind Farm Texas would add over 1 million megawatt hours of clean energy to the grid annually. Scott Pruitt testifies during his confirmation hearing before the Senate Committee on Environment and Public Works on Capitol Hill, January 18, 2017 in Washington. Getty Images A Senate subcommittee on Thursday voiced unanimous support for a measure that called attention to the scandals that have engulfed the Environmental Protection Agency and its administrator, Scott Pruitt. The lawmakers sent a thinly veiled message to the agency and its embattled chief by including an amendment to a report that boiled down to a simple directive: Follow ethics rules. The move by the Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Interior, Environment and Related Agencies came after two prominent Republicans said they intend to summon Pruitt to the Hill to testify about allegations of self-dealing and wasteful spending. Most recently, Pruitt has come under fire for tasking his staff and security detail with running his errands and searching for employment opportunities for his wife. That has led to allegations that Pruitt violated federal rules that prohibit officials from compelling subordinates to do personal favors for them or using their office to enrich themselves. In a report linked to the Fiscal Year 2019 Interior, Environment, and Related Agencies Appropriations Bill, the senators tacked on the following amendment: The Committee feels strongly that it is essential that agencies provided funding in this Act comply with all applicable ethics regulations. To that end, the Committee directs that none of the funds made available in this Act may be used in contravention of 5 CFR 2635, the Standards of Ethical Conduct for Employees of the Executive Branch. The language may seem vague, but Sen. Tom Udall, the ranking Democrat on the subcommittee, did not mince words in explaining the subcommittee's intent. He said the amendment "addresses the ethics scandals plaguing this administration." "I am appalled at the number of scandals piling up especially at the EPA," he said. "Frankly, it's hard to even keep track." Pruitt and EPA face about a dozen outstanding investigations into spending, policy and management issues. Several investigators are probing the incident that unleashed a torrent of subsequent media reports: Pruitt's arrangement to lease a Capitol Hill condo linked to an energy lobbyist for just $50 a night, and only on nights he stayed there. Republicans turn the corner on Pruitt Bannon is planning an ad blitz to help the GOP in the midterm elections, according to sources with direct knowledge of the matter. Former White House Chief Strategist Steve Bannon gestures as he speaks during a conference of Swiss weekly magazine Die Weltwoche in Zurich, Switzerland, March 6, 2018. Moritz Hager | Reuters Steve Bannon plans to unleash an advertising campaign touting President Donald Trump's achievements to help the GOP ahead of the 2018 midterm elections. It could also be seen as a bid by the former White House chief strategist to revive his own political fortunes. Since May, Bannon has been paying his surrogates to produce political ads in cities across the United States, according to people with direct knowledge of the matter. The campaign will tout the Trump administration's accomplishments that dovetail with Bannon's own America First views, including passing a comprehensive tax reform bill and working with Congress to curtail the Dodd-Frank Act's impact on community banks, people said. The ads will argue that Trump needs Republicans to control the House and the Senate in order for him to continue to pursue his agenda, the people added. The ads will not endorse specific candidates but rather the need for Republicans to maintain control of both chambers. The ads haven't been released, and it's unclear when voters will get a taste of Bannon's messaging. It also hasn't been determined whether the ads will be released on TV, digitally or on radio. However, the plan is to run them across the country, the people said. As part of Bannon's plan, dubbed "top secret" by one of his allies, he's also looking to create a war room, a person with knowledge of the matter said, that will allow him to monitor contests through the November election. It is unclear where Bannon is getting the financing. He has had a long history of working in media, politics and investment banking with wealthy individuals any of whom could be the source of funding. Such campaigns usually cost tens of millions of dollars, experts said. "For something like this, it's a multimillion-dollar operation. Let's say you target five to 10 states and you want to have a serious ad campaign for a month or two, you are looking at spending $10 million each month," said Bill Burton, former special assistant to President Barack Obama. "If it's successful, you usually scale up in spending." A spokeswoman for Bannon declined to comment. Trying to get back into Trump's favor The effort is the latest example of Bannon trying to get back in the good graces of the White House. Bannon left the Trump administration in August, after run-ins with the president's son-in-law and senior advisor, Jared Kushner, Trump economic aide Gary Cohn and others. He then returned to his post as executive chairman of conservative news outlet Breitbart News, where he vowed to keep boosting the president while vanquishing his enemies. But his relationship with Trump took a bad turn in January, when author Michael Wolff published his tell-all book "Fire and Fury." In the book, Bannon called a meeting between Donald Trump Jr. and a group of Russians "treasonous" and "unpatriotic." He also claimed that investigators were "going to crack Don Jr. like an egg on national TV." https://twitter.com/realDonaldTrump/status/949498795074736129 That was enough to get him pushed out at Breitbart, as one of its key financial supporters and an ally of Trump, Rebekah Mercer, turned on Bannon. Her father, billionaire Republican donor Robert Mercer, also distanced himself from Bannon before the Wolff book was published. A spokesman for Robert Mercer declined to comment. A spokeswoman for Rebekah Mercer did not return a request for comment. While the Mercer family is no longer in his corner, Bannon still has allies on Wall Street who could be a source of funds for his latest political operation. He worked at Goldman Sachs in the 1980s and went on to start a boutique investment bank called Bannon & Co. with some Goldman colleagues. Nationalist agenda Bannon continues to push his nationalist agenda around the world. He recently toured Europe and met with candidates running for political office, including Italian populists who won the March elections and formed a coalition government in late May. Bannon also is supporting Arizona Republican Kelli Ward, a hard-line conservative looking to keep retiring Sen. Jeff Flake's seat in GOP hands. A Real Clear Politics poll has her only one point behind the party's front-runner, Rep. Martha McSally, in the Aug. 28 GOP primary. Donors and strategists skeptical of Bannon's latest efforts In past administrations, it's common for aides to depart and assist in either the midterms or presidential re-elections. However, some political financiers and strategists from both parties looked at Bannon's effort with skepticism. "I can never recall a time a former administration official who accused the president's son of treason, ran campaign ads in support of the administration," Democratic donor Robert Zimmerman said. "When the ad maker makes more news than the ad, you have a problem." Josh Holmes, former chief of staff to Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, R-Ky., isn't convinced anything will come of Bannon trying to publish ads in support of the president. He believes any effort to do so is an attempt by Bannon to gain notoriety of his own. Bannon has been an outspoken critic of McConnell. "If I'm betting, I bet nothing happens. I think there is no question that a guy like that yearns for attention in the national spotlight and he will do anything he can to regain that attention," Holmes said. "Ultimately the question you would have to ask is, is he trying to be helpful to the Republican Party, President Trump or to Steve Bannon? Usually, it's the latter category." WATCH: Bannon defends Trump trade actions Check out the companies making headlines before the bell: Comcast Comcast is offering $65 billion for 21st Century Fox assets that Fox had already agreed to sell to Walt Disney. The bid by the NBCUniversal and CNBC parent is worth $35 per share and represents a 20 percent premium over Disney's all-stock offer. Disney is lining up financing for a possible counteroffer that would include a cash component, according to The Wall Street Journal. Fox acknowledged receiving the bid and said it would review it. Oracle J.P. Morgan Securities downgraded the business software maker's stock to "neutral" from "overweight," saying the company's fundamental performance has been inconsistent even as the stock price has been rising. Royal Caribbean The cruise line operator is buying a 66.7 percent stake in privately held luxury cruise line Silversea Cruises for $1 billion. Michaels The crafts retailer beat estimates by a penny a share, with adjusted quarterly profit of 39 cents per share. Revenue also beat forecasts. Michaels posted a comparable-store sales increase of 0.4 percent compared to a year earlier. However, Michaels gave a weaker-than-expected current-quarter forecast and said comparable sales would be about flat. Tesla CEO Elon Musk has bought an additional 72,500 shares of the automaker, worth about $24.9 million, according to a Securities and Exchange Commission filing. Musk now owns about 33.7 million shares worth about $11.6 billion. Tailored Brands The company reported adjusted quarterly profit of 50 cents per share, 2 cents a share above estimates. The apparel retailer's revenue also topped forecasts. However, the parent of Jos. A. Bank, Men's Wearhouse, and other apparel chains posted a 2.1 percent increase in comparable-store sales, falling below a 2.5 percent consensus estimate. Gap The apparel retailer named former Billabong International and Eddie Bauer CEO Neil Fiske as president and chief executive officer of its flagship Gap apparel brand. Unilever Unilever said it was "extremely unlikely" that the consumer products maker's stock would remain in Britain's FTSE 100 index once it moves its headquarters to the Netherlands. General Electric GE was urged by France's finance minister to stick to its commitment to create 1,000 jobs at energy producer Alstom. GE had made that commitment when it bought Alstom's energy business in 2015, but GE subsequently said the target was out of reach. Microsoft Microsoft is working on technology that would eliminate cashiers and checkout lines from stores, according to a Reuters report. That would represent a challenge to Amazon's automated grocery stores. Mylan The drugmaker said it was informed by the Food and Drug Administration that its generic version of GlaxoSmithKline's inhaled lung drug Advair could not be approved because of "minor deficiencies." It was Mylan's second rejection for its generic Advair product. Twitter Twitter has retooled its service to more prominently suggest news stories and real-time events for users to follow. The changes will be rolled out to Twitter mobile app users over the next few months. Apple Apple is working on a feature that The Wall Street Journal said may make it more difficult for law enforcement officials to retrieve data from iPhones. Apple said the feature is designed to strengthen safeguards against all potential intruders and that it is not designed to frustrate law enforcement efforts. Let us distill this for you. Raise a glass for Aldi yes, Aldi, the no-frills grocery chain that bills itself as the place for cheap but high-quality house brands which has prevailed in a trade journal that went searching for the best bottles of scotch. No, we're not the least bit tipsy. The German chain, which is expanding rapidly in the U.S., earned high praise from a British publication called "The Spirits Business" in its 2018 Scotch Whisky Masters competition. Unfortunately, it appears the scotch is not available for sale at U.S. stores. Grocery stores in many states often can't legally sell liquor. But that didn't stop fans from buzzing about the drinks on social media. In the category of age-statement blends, Aldi's Highland Black 8-year-old Scotch, with hints of heather, strawberry leaf and lemon oil, was one of three products to earn a gold medal. Available in Aldi stores in the United Kingdom, it sells for the British equivalent of $17.32. In the Islay single malts category, Aldi's Glen Marnoch Islay Single Malt also soaked up a gold medal, along with one other honoree. It is priced at about $23.32. Aldi representatives were not available for comment. Maybe they're out at the pub celebrating. Today, JetBlue announced flash fares with one-way tickets as low as $20 to select U.S. cities and the Caribbean on specific flights, dates and routes. These #JetBlueFlashFares are some of the cheapest fares JetBlue has offered this year, and they're available for a limited time (until 11:59 p.m. EST or while supplies last). Sample one-way, direct fares include: Atlanta, GA (ATL) to Boston, MA (BOS) for $30 (travel date 7/11/18) Boston, MA (BOS) to West Palm Beach, FL (PBI) for $40 (7/4/18) Charleston, SC (CHS) to New York, NY (JFK) for $20 (7/13/18) Fort Lauderdale, FL (FLL) to San Juan, PR (SJU) for $60 (6/27/18) Long Beach, CA (LGB) to San Jose, CA (SJC) for $20 (6/28/18) Richmond, VA (RIC) to Orlando, FL (MCO) for $30 (6/26/18) San Juan, Puerto Rico (SJU) to St. Thomas, USVI (STT) for $40 (7/5/18) Washington, DC (DCA) to Boston, MA (BOS) for $30 (7/9/18) The savings are significant. For instance, a JetBlue one-way fare from San Juan, Puerto Rico, to St. Thomas, U.S. Virgin Islands, typically costs up to $78 ($30 for the flash sale). A one-way JetBlue flight from Washington, D.C., to Boston can cost up to $152 ($30 for the flash sale). All flash-sale fares include government taxes and fees for the specific flights at the specific dates and times listed, so there are no hidden fees. The photos from the Singapore summit were meant to impress, but the substance was thin indeed for a vague pledge to work towards complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula our president gave up U.S.-South Korean joint military exercises in a surprise move that whacked both South Korea and Japan. Maybe it will all work out. But to understand what President Donald Trump is really after, let me put this into perspective. Trump is a businessman, so let's think of him as a new CEO and his supporters as the shareholders. When new CEOs come in they work hard to impress shareholders. They sometimes use the company's good credit rating to borrow money, even for such things as share buybacks just to boost the stock. Or they may propose to sell assets, to get more cash on the balance sheet. They usually look for good news to trumpet on Wall Street, and go on "road shows" with investors to seek even more investment in the company and further raise the share price. Of course, the best actually work the company itself, improving products, worker morale, and relations with customers. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono hold a joint press conference in 2018 in Seoul, South Korea. American, South Korean and Japanese officials strove to present a unified stance Thursday in an effort to quell concerns about Washington's military commitment to Asia. Earlier this week, President Donald Trump's said that he would suspend U.S.-South Korean military drills and that he hoped to eventually remove American soldiers from that Asian country. That sent shockwaves throughout the region, which depends on those two factors for peace and security. Trump's comments appeared to catch both Seoul and Tokyo by surprise, possibly indicating neither was consulted beforehand. Responding to that narrative, U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono and South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha highlighted the strength of their respective security ties at a Thursday news conference. The U.S.-South Korean alliance remains as "robust as ever," Kang said. American forces in the country "play and will continue to play a crucial role in deterrence, peace and stability on the Korean Peninsula," she continued. Kono, meanwhile, said Japan understands that the world's largest economy maintains its commitment to defend allies, adding that "the Japan-U.S. security commitment and U.S. forces in Japan posture remain unchanged." U.S. government debt yields dropped Thursday after the European Central Bank said it would hold interest rates low at least until summer 2019. Though the ECB also outlined its plan to halt its quantitative easing policy by the end of 2018, many on Wall Street interpreted the central bank's rate forecast as more dovish than expected, pushing Treasury yields lower. "The Governing Council expects the key ECB interest rates to remain at their present levels at least through the summer of 2019 and in any case for as long as necessary," the ECB said in its statement. The yield on the benchmark 10-year Treasury note fell to 2.939 percent at 3:21 p.m. ET, while the yield on the 30-year Treasury bond dropped to 3.058 percent. Bond yields move inversely to prices. "The ECB did what the market generally expected which was to define a time and a direction for QE," said Thierry Wizman, global interest rates and currencies strategist at Macquarie Group. "But the euro has sold off despite this because the rates guidance that they provided was more dovish than what the market expected." The ECB said that if incoming data follows expectations, then its monthly bond purchasing program would be extended through the end of the year, though at a lower pace. Until now, the central bank was scheduled to maintain its QE through September, carrying monthly purchases of 30 billion ($35 billion) of government and private debt. Those purchases will now be cut to 15 billion during the last three months of 2018. The 10-year German bund yield fell sharply following the statement to 0.42 percent. "Draghi said they didn't even discuss a date for the end of low rates," Wizman added. "This is about rates guidance, not QE." White House Press Secretary Sarah Sanders got into a tense argument with reporters on Thursday, telling journalists in the briefing room that it is "very biblical to enforce the law" in response to questions about the administration's zero-tolerance immigration policy. Attorney General Jeff Sessions cited the Bible earlier in the day to defend the administration's controversial policy, announced last month, to criminally prosecute all adults who cross the border illegally. The policy has led to a surge in the number of children separated from their parents at the border. "Illegal entry into the United States is a crime, as it should be," Sessions said during a speech to law enforcement officers in Fort Wayne, Ind. on Thursday. "Persons who violate the law of our nation are subject to prosecution. I would cite you to the Apostle Paul and his clear and wise command in Romans 13, to obey the laws of the government because God has ordained them for the purpose of order." Below are the two exchanges between Sanders and reporters on immigration: Reporter: On these children that are being separated from their families as they come across the border. The attorney general earlier today said that somehow there's a justification for this in the Bible. Where does it say in the Bible that it's moral to take children away from their mothers? Sanders: I'm not aware of the attorney general's comments or what he would be referencing. I can say that it is very biblical to enforce the law, that is actually repeated a number of times throughout the Bible. However- Reporter: [cross-talk] Sanders: Hold on Jim, if you'll let me finish. Again I'm not gonna comment on the attorney [general]'s specific comments that I haven't seen- Reporter: You just said it's in the Bible to follow the law- Sanders: That's not what I said, and I know it's hard for you to understand even short sentences I guess, but please don't take my words out of context. Reporter: That's a cheap shot. That's a cheap shot, Sarah. Sanders: But the separation of illegal families alien families is the product of the same legal loopholes that Democrats refuse to close, and these laws are the same that have been on the books for over a decade, and the president is simply enforcing them. Reporter: You are a parent don't you have any empathy? Come on Sarah, you're a parent don't you have any empathy for what these people are going through? They have less than you do. Sanders: Jill, Brian. Guys settle down. Reporter: Sarah come on, seriously. Sanders: I'm trying to be serious but I'm not going to have you yell out of turn. Jill, please go ahead. Reporter: It's a law, these people have nothing. Sanders: Hey, seriously Brian I know you want to get more TV time but that's not what this is about, if I want to recognize you. Reporter: It's not about that, it's about you answering the question Sarah. Honestly answer the question. Sanders: Go ahead Jill. Etihad Airways reported on Thursday a second consecutive annual loss, blaming rising fuel prices , the cost of its ambitious turnaround plan and lost business due to the collapse of Air Berlin and problems at Alitalia. United Arab Emirates-based Etihad has been overhauling its business since it made a near $2 billion loss in 2016, by replacing its top executive, dropping unprofitable routes and retiring costly aircraft among other measures. The state-owned carrier, which competes with Emirates among others, said its losses narrowed to $1.52 billion in 2017 as it cut costs by 7.3 percent and its revenue rose by 1.9 percent to $6.1 billion. Passenger numbers, however, were flat at 18.6 million and it filled an average of 78.5 percent of its seats, also little changed from 2016. Middle East travel demand has slowed in recent years as budgets tightened under pressure of low oil prices . Oil prices have rebounded sharply this year, potentially boosting corporate demand for air travel but they also mean a rise in fuel costs, one of the single largest operational expenses for airlines. "These are solid first steps in an ongoing journey to transform this business into one that is positioned for financially sustainable growth over the long term," Etihad 's Group Chief Executive Tony Douglas said in a statement. He took on the role in January. His p red ecessor's strategy of investing in other airlines seemingly collapsed last year when minority-owned Air Berlin and Alitalia filed for insolvency. Etihad currently holds stakes in four other airlines, half as many as it once held. Etihad 's overhaul has included reviewing billions of dollars of aircraft orde red from Airbus and Boeing, but few details of its broader turnaround strategy have been made public. Reuters reported on Wednesday that Etihad was exploring options with Boeing to cancel or defer orders for 777X jets. Its 2017 annual results only cove red the airline's core operations and did not include other related entities under its parent Etihad Aviation Group (EAG). An audited financial statement was not disclosed. Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met Uzbek President Shavkat Mirziyoyev on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO) Summit here. "The two leaders exchanged views on a range of topics to further strengthen our strategic partnership," Indian External Affairs Minister Ministry spokesperson Raveesh Kumar tweeted. Prime Minister @narendramodi met Shavkat Mirziyoyev President of the Republic of #Uzbekistan on the sidelines of #SCOSummit. The two leaders exchanged views on a range of topics to further strengthen our strategic partnership. #IndiainSCO pic.twitter.com/y0kxPADVU0 Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 9, 2018 Prior to this, Modi a "warm and forward looking" meeting with Chinese President Xi Jinping, according to Kumar. Modi is also expected to hold bilateral meetings with leaders of other SCO member states on the sidelines of the Summit. Earlier in the day, SCO Secretary General Rashid Alimov called on Modi soon after his arrival here. On the eve of #SCOSummit, Secretary General, Shanghai Cooperation Organisation Rashid Alimov calls on the PM @narendramodi. SCO Secretary General said that India is contributing greatly to the organisation since it became a full member of SCO in 2017. #IndiainSCO pic.twitter.com/aYYeGPYwl0 Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 9, 2018 This will be the first time India will be participating in the SCO Summit after being granted full membership of the bloc, along with Pakistan, in June 2017. The SCO is an Eurasian inter-governmental organisation, the creation of which was announced in 2001 in Shanghai by Kazakhstan, China, Kyrgyzstan, Russia, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. It was preceded by the Shanghai Five mechanism. On Friday, Modi said that the SCO meeting will herald a new beginning for India's engagement with the Eurasian bloc. 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 Brexit 1) The Daily Mail goes for Grieve Rebels warn May she must honour her promise of a real vote on the deal Daily Telegraph Prime Minister insists MPs will not get power to veto Brexit The Sun May in fresh stand-off with rebellious MPs The Guardian Concessions make no deal more likely, warns Rees-Mogg Daily Express Remainers taunt Brexiteers over keeping freedom of movement Daily Mail Tory rebel Dominic Grieve was accused of supping with the devil last night after he held secret talks with avowed enemies of Brexit. He was spotted slipping into the European Commissions Smith Square HQ in London yesterday for a private meeting of campaigners set on reversing the result of the referendum. Attendees included Tony Blairs former spin doctor Alastair Campbell and Tory and Lib Dem peers who have rebelled over Brexit. Also present were leaders of Peoples Vote, which campaigns for a second referendum, Open Britain, the successor organisation to the official Remain campaign, and Best for Britain, the anti-Brexit group backed by financier George Soros An agenda for the Where Next for Brexit? meeting was marked in confidence but seen by the Mail. It says: This informal forum connects the main operational UK pro-EU organisations and individuals and meets under the Chatham House Rule. Daily Mail Comment: Why Grieves push for a vote really would mean stopping Brexit Nick Timothy, Daily Telegraph May is forcing Brexiteers to choose between capitulation and chaos Rafael Behr, The Guardian Editorial: Tory Remainers are defying Britains democratic vote The Sun >Today: ToryDiary: Good Grieve >Yesterday: Brexit 2) as Dacre insists his successor must stick with Brexit Receive many lovely letters from public figures, of which the warmest are from Gordon Brown and David Blunkett. David Davis complains that I have stolen the thunder from his threatened resignation. A top historian wails that my move is the equivalent of the ravens leaving the Tower. All tosh, of course, but what moves me most are the countless messages from readers worried about whether the Mail will continue its support for EU withdrawal. My answer to them and others is unequivocal. Support for Brexit is in the DNA of both the Daily Mail and, more pertinently, its readers. Any move to reverse this would be editorial and commercial suicide. The Spectator We cannot let the Remainers thward our departure Jacob Rees-Mogg, The Times Without a deal at the summit, May should walk away Iain Duncan Smith, The Sun If Brexit means Remain, I wish Id never voted for it Tom Harris, Daily Telegraph Lords must not tie our hands by tabling more amendments Owen Paterson MP, Daily Express Brexit 3) Ministers say EU is treating Britain as a hostile state UK threatens to withdraw completely from Galileo Daily Telegraph CBI chief warns car manufacturing faces extinction outside the customs union Daily Mail Brexit warning from firm founded by Rees-Mogg The Guardian DUP reject call for Ulster to receive two new Irish MEP seats Belfast Telegraph Ministers accused Brussels last night of treating Britain like a hostile state after commission officials moved to freeze British companies out of more than 350 million of contracts for the Galileo satellite system. The officials stepped in to prevent the government vetoing the latest round of contracts at a European Space Agency meeting. It also emerged that the commission had again ruled out British demands for unrestricted access to the satellite navigation system on security grounds at a meeting of EU ambassadors. This is straight from the Trump playbook, said a government source. They are using bogus security concerns to justify protectionist measures. The source added: It implies they wish to treat us as a hostile state. The Times >Yesterday: Alex Mortons column: The EU negotiation. First, lets use the velvet glove. But if that doesnt work, the iron fist. Brexit 4) Times follows ConservativeHome in questioning Mays leadeship Mrs May is entitled to feel exasperation towards Brussels as well as her own fractious party, but ultimately she has herself to blame. She has been stubborn in clinging to power since last years disastrous snap election, and remorseless in her preference for prevarication over tough decisions. Yet the defining feature of her tenure so far in No 10 as it relates to Brexit, which it does all day, every day, is one of weakness. This is forged in London and now broadcast to the world. It is a weakness that makes the exasperation mutual. The government is riven over the semantics of amendments to cover hypothetical outcomes of negotiations that should be proceeding at speed but are now stalled. The Conservatives and the country need leadership on the central question of the day. They are offered only cliches and can-kicking. It will not do. The Times Its time for the Prime Minister to make tough choices Sebastian Payne, FT Brexit 5) Labour rocked by rebellions in key votes Opposition split three ways on crucial bill The Guardian How MPs voted on Brexit deal amendments The Times How May claimed her majorities on the Lords amendments Daily Telegraph Unionists back the Government Belfast Telegraph Brexit gives Lib Dems cause for hope in Lewisham FT Six senior Labour front-benchers resigned tonight as Jeremy Corbyn was rocked by the biggest Brexit rebellion to hit his party. The Labour leader had demanded his MPs abstain on a vote about whether Britain should seek to join the European Economic Area after leaving the EU. However 89 Labour members refused to follow the orders with 15 backing the government, who easily won the vote rejecting the idea. More than 70 Labour MPs voted yes. Joining the EEA after Brexit would leave Britain inside the single market defying the referendum, according to Brexiteers, as it would mean accepting free movement and not making trade deals. The Labour disarray left Corbyns team unable to capitalise on Brexit chaos inside the Government after Theresa May narrowly avoided defeat on Brexit earlier in the week. Daily Mail Comment: Hoeys quirks are no longer funny she should resign Zoe Williams, The Guardian >Yesterday: MPs Etc.: Labour splits three ways over the EEA including 15 MPs voting with the Government Brexit 6) Bercow preparing to stay on to ensure MPs get vote on deal John Bercow is preparing to defy his critics and stay on as Speaker for another year to ensure that MPs get the chance to vote on changing the course of Brexit. The Commons Speaker, who previously vowed to step down this summer, has told friends the government could take advantage of a new and inexperienced Speaker to force a Brexit deal through the Commons. The move will infuriate Brexiteers who have already questioned Mr Bercows impartiality after a Bollocks to Brexit bumper sticker was spotted on his car and he told students he had voted Remain in the referendum. Instead friends of Mr Bercow said he would retire in the summer of 2019, adding he had already made arrangements for where he would live when he moved out of the Speakers residence. The Times Perry attacks Bercow over sexism Daily Mail Serjeant at Arms who defended Speaker is probed over verbal abuse claims Daily Telegraph Javid preparing immigration boost for the NHS Fears for Brexit border security as Home Office working at full stretch The Sun MPs condemn deportation threats over taxes The Guardian Sajid Javid is planning a major relaxation of immigration laws before Brexit and will ease a cap on foreign medics working in the UK to allow the NHS to recruit more staff. The new Home Secretary will remove non-EU doctors and nurses from the annual 20,700 tier 2 visa limit on non-EU workers. Other employers will be able to recruit an extra 8,000 skilled migrants a year, including IT experts, engineers and teachers, effectively raising the cap by 40 per cent. The Home Secretary is expected to announce tomorrow that doctors and nurses from outside the EU will be exempt from the tier 2 visa cap to help the NHS fill staff shortages he move marks Mr Javids first major intervention on migration policy and a significant softening of the Governments position on non-EU migration since Theresa May became Home Secretary in 2010. Daily Mail More health: Web giants fuel mental health crisis, warns health chief The Times George Freeman: We need an inter-generational New Deal There are huge structural issues we need to face: the national debt, the stubborn structural deficit, the funding of our Armed Forces, the provision of modern health and social care and others. But now is the moment to recognise that the intergenerational asset gap is the major domestic policy challenge of our time. Bigger than Brexit and with consequences that could be even more profound. Unaddressed, we risk an entire generation under forty rejecting not just Conservatism, but capitalism too. Thats why I believe we need to think seriously, and fast, about a New Deal for a New Generation Thats why I and a team of non-party entrepreneurs launched the rst Big Tent Ideas Festival and the new Capital Ideas Foundation last year to energise the intellectual and cultural ghtback for a Beyond Brexit policy reform programme. Daily Telegraph Does anybody know what the Conservative Party is for? Bill Jamieson, The Scotsman >Yesterday: Trump pressuring Britain to pay more towards NATO expenditure to underpin the findings of the modernising defence programme. The Times The Trump administration is urging Britain to contribute more towards Nato even though it already meets the alliances defence spending target. The American president appears keen for his closest ally to increase expenditure above 2 per cent of GDP as part of a wider effort to make Europe contribute more towards the alliance, according to a senior source. The White House push is being used in Whitehall to put pressure on Philip Hammond to increase defence spending. The chancellor is set for a showdown with Gavin Williamson, the defence secretary, next week over how to fund a blueprint for the military, two sources said. It is understood that Mr Williamson needs Mr Hammond, a former defence secretary, to commit to a significant increase in defence >Today: Garvan Walshes column: How Trump came to deal with Kim Jong Un the inside story as Corbyn refuses to rule out Russia rejoining the G7 Jeremy Corbyn does not rule out letting Russia back into the G7 after Donald Trump made his explosive call for them to be allowed back in. Theresa May has blasted calls for Vladimir Putin to be let back into the club of world leaders warning he must fundamentally overhaul his regime. She warned of the malign activity coming from Moscow which is believed to be behind the Salisbury spy poisoning. But today the Labour leaders spokesman refused to rule out letting Mr Putin back into the club, which Russia was kicked out of in 2014 after invading Crimea. His spokesman said that the biggest threat to the G7 does not come from Russia but from Donald Trump and his steel tariffs. Daily Mail Woodcock calls for returning jihadis to do community service SNPs walkout dismissed as a stunt All ex-Jihadis returning from Syria and Iraq should be forced to do community service as a minimum offence, a senior MP has said. Just 40 out of 400 Brits who have travelled abroad to fight for terror groups such as ISIS have been prosecuted since returning leaving hundreds of extremists free to roam the streets. The alarming figures sparked Labour MP John Woodcock to write to Security Minister Ben Wallace calling for a new minimum offence to be imposed on all non-violent returnees. He has proposed that anyone who visited ISIS-controlled territory without a verifiable reason to be handed a custodial sentence. But Mr Woodcock acknowledged that such a move could be too vulnerable to legal challenges so suggests that a minimum punishment of community service instead. The Sun The SNPs Westminster leader was accused of orchestrating a stunt after he was expelled from the Commons during prime ministers questions yesterday. The partys other MPs followed Ian Blackford in a mass walkout over claims that the Brexit bill was being driven through the UK parliament without Holyroods consent. Although the protest succeeded in drawing attention to the SNPs grievance, it drew cross-party scorn at Westminster and mockery at the claim that it had not been planned. The first mass walkout since Sir Nick Clegg ordered Liberal Democrat MPs out more than a decade ago began after the partys Westminster leader told Theresa May that she had slighted Holyrood in railroading through fundamental changes to its powers after just 20 minutes during last nights debate on the EU (Withdrawal) Bill. The Times But the move apparently attracts hundreds of new members Daily Express Nationalists prepare for guerrilla war over powers The Scotsman More: SNP accused of operating secret FOI regime Daily Telegraph Scottish Government accused of attempt to bury bad news FT Comment: Why I led the SNP out of the Commons Ian Blackford MP, Times Red Box Ludicrous move was all about independence Alan Cochrane, Daily Telegraph News in Brief: Sam Richards is Director of the Conservative Environment Network. Last December, Conservative MPs were briefed on Number 10s strategy for the coming year. Beneath the roof of Brexit and the economy would sit three supporting pillars: housing, education, and the environment. Conservative environmentalism is a well-established tradition built on solid philosophical principles: just as we balance the books to avoid saddling our children with debt, so too we have a duty to future generations to leave our country and our planet in a better state than we found it. As Lady Thatcher put it: No generation has a freehold on this earth. All we have is a life tenancy with full repairing lease. Yet the idea gained new traction after polling showed that the top issue younger voters who deserted the party at the 2017 General Election wanted to hear more about from politicians was climate change. Suddenly, following in the Iron Ladys footsteps on green issues was no longer simply virtuous; it became politically expedient. Green issues have of course also been driven up the agenda by a determined new Secretary of State. Soon after returning to Cabinet, Michael Gove produced first a trickle, then a torrent, of policy announcements. Plastic microbeads, harmful to marine life, were banned with cotton buds and plastic straws soon to follow. A plastic bottle deposit return scheme is to be established, and CCTV to be installed in slaughterhouses across England. A bill banning the sale of ivory has just this week landed in Parliament. These small but meaningful policy changes are sometimes wrongly derided as pure headline fodder. To pick just one example: the introduction of CCTV to our abattoirs will ensure that even at the very end of their lives, animals are treated with respect. And beyond these smaller policies, there is the potential for a genuine transformation of the British countryside. The Governments planned reforms to rural payments linking public money to public goods and prioritising the enhancement of nature could put British farming on a sustainable footing for the long run, while delivering cleaner air, clearer water and healthier habitats. They would also boost carbon sequestration needed if we are to meet the Governments ambition of bringing our climate targets in line with the Paris Agreement, and enshrining into law a net zero target (as supported by over 100 Parliamentarians, including former party leader Lord Howard). This new net zero target would mean Britain no longer contributing to climate change a remarkable achievement for the home of the industrial revolution. It will also send the clearest signal to younger voters that the party cares about the planet they will inherit. Yet there is more to do if the Government is serious about securing the win on the environment. The Government has promised a new Principles and Governance Bill to set up a new environmental watchdog and green principles policy after Brexit, but Conservatives with an eye to genuine green growth can aim so much higher. The Prime Minister and Gove aim, like Thatcher, to pass on our environment in a better condition than they found it. That will require a new Environment Act, setting a clear legal path towards breathable air and greater biodiversity. Investing in our environment can head off some of the biggest risks to businesses and communities like flooding, pollinator decline and polluted air. These add up to billions of pounds of environmental liabilities that can be reduced at a fraction of the cost through environmental action. But the real prize is the growth agenda. Were on the cusp of a green economic revolution that could see large-scale capital investment in environmental projects that, as discussed, will help diversify farm income and create more competitive businesses from housing development to financial services. Conservatives have always been pioneers in environmental legislation we should have the confidence to not simply replicate EU structures but to be world-leading; the gold standard. The guns of the sceptics are increasingly silent not just because they have been faced down by particularly effective ministers, but because the evidence is now overwhelming. We know that the last three years have been the hottest three years in recorded human history. We know the impact that pollution is having on our childrens lungs. We know that the costs of renewable energy and electric cars are falling, while the costs of inaction on climate change are rising. The economic calculation has shifted. We know, too, the political calculation. There are no votes in being seen as Trump-lite figures who reject advanced technologies and basic science. The Government has delivered a host of small but positive measures; now for the transformative legislation that would be good news for both the Party and the planet. SNP derided for Westminster walkout stunt As Alex Massie notes in the Spectator this week, the SNP have not had much luck converting their latest grievance the alleged power grab of devolved powers by Westminster into popular outrage in Scotland. So in a bid for some headlines Ian Blackford, the Nationalists Westminster leader, engineered a row with the Speaker and led his somewhat diminished cohort of MPs out of the House of Commons yesterday. It apparently made the top lines in the Scottish press Job done. Mission accomplished, as Massie puts it and the Daily Express reports that it has led to hundreds of new members signing up to the SNP. But the move has also been criticised, not just for being shallow and pointless (see this searing and endearingly self-deprecating tweet from Tim Farron) and for being so blatantly choreographed in advance but because by getting himself barred from the chamber Blackford actually prevented the debate he was allegedly seeking from going ahead. As Stephen Daisley notes, both Conservative and Liberal Democrat MPs tried to salvage it but couldnt, as the deadline for doing so had passed. Whether or not the Nationalists intended to actually kill the debate, or simply didnt realise the procedural consequences of their actions, isnt clear. But the whole farrago does seem to be an illustration of how the 2017 general election cut not just the quantity but the calibre of the SNPs Westminster caucus. Its hard to imagine Angus Robertson pulling this sort of stunt. Welsh nationalist leader will step down if she doesnt become First Minister The BBC reports that Leanne Wood will step down as leader of Plaid Cymru after the 2021 election if she hasnt managed to become First Minister. Although Wood captured the Assembly seat of Rhondda for the nationalists at the last election, there is apparently disquiet amongst some Plaid AMs about her performance and some talk of a leadership challenge. In her interview, Wood acknowledged that there a minority in Plaid who want to go in a different direction, perhaps acknowledging that her politics are markedly more left-wing than those of her recent predecessors. The Plaid leader insists that she will be First Minister, but it is difficult to see her path to that role. Labour are scarcely likely to help install the nationalists in office, whilst Woods personal politics almost certainly preclude the sort of rainbow pact with the Tories and others which seems the only other realistic option. Robinson calls for fixed-term border polls in Northern Ireland A former First Minister of Northern Ireland has suggested that the Province hold generational polls on its constitutional status at fixed intervals, the Belfast Telegraph reports. Peter Robinson, who preceded Arlene Foster as leader of the Democratic Unionist Party, suggested that the move might make the prospect of a referendum less disruptive to local politics and less threatening to unionists. He also suggested that the chaotic aftermath of the Brexit vote illustrated how there would need to be plenty of long-term planning in place for any change in Ulsters constitutional status, rather than leaving everything to be sorted in the event of a vote for merging with the Republic. Foster was delivering a lecture at Queens University, Belfast, on how the Northern Irish devolved institutions might be re-established on a more stable footing. In other DUP news, the party has been criticised after an insider claimed it has an internal regime of fines for its representatives if they break internal protocol on dealing with the press. Architect of The Vow now supports Scottish independence (shock, horror) If Ruth Davidsons opposition to the Vow appeared far-sighted when news of it broke last week, it looks even more so now: Murray Foote, who until March was the editor of the Daily Record newspaper, has declared his support for Scottish independence. This matters because it was Foote who bounced the clueless and panicking leaders of the Westminster parties, chief amongst them David Cameron, into issuing the Vow on the front page of his newspaper. Reducing the referendum from a vote on our country into a vote on the vague terms of a particular deal was always an extremely bad idea as this site pointed out at the time. There is little evidence that the pledge shifted many votes to the No camp, but it gave the SNP the wriggle-room they needed to delegitimise the outcome. In an ideal world, this latest development would prompt the many unionists who still extol the more powers! orthodoxy to reassess their position, but we wont be holding our breaths. A new play explores life after Brexit, when the old parties are swept aside and an irresistible popular movement is born It is the year 2021, and Brexit has happened up to a point, but people feel nothing has really changed, until Joe Newman, an obscure Labour MP in the north of England, is deselected by Momentum activists, resigns his seat, fights and wins the resulting by-election as an independent, and finds himself at the head of a wildly popular protest movement. This is the situation explored in Michael McManuss play, An Honourable Man, being performed this week at the White Bear Theatre in Kennington in south London. It is lent added topicality by the splintering yesterday of the Labour vote, with 15 Labour MPs voting against membership of the EEA and in the Government lobby, for they know the Labour front benchs line will be regarded as a sell-out in their constituencies, and quite a few of them happen to have highly marginal seats. Before going to see the play, I spoke to its author, who is known to many readers of this site, for he has long been active in Tory politics, contested Watford in 2001, more recently just missed out at selections in Havant, Spelthorne and Braintree, and has written in The Daily Telegraph about the revival in political theatre. From as far back as 2004, McManus has sensed a gathering storm in British society, with which the two main parties are ill-equipped to deal, because the Conservatives and Labour, pro-European and socially liberal, have more in common with each other than with the wider public. The further you go from London, the more true this becomes. McManus found it confirmed by spending a lot of time on doorsteps during the by-elections in Stoke Central (now represented by Gareth Snell, one of yesterdays Labour rebels), Copeland and Sleaford & North Hykeham. McManus traces the origins of the problem to Tony Blair: Blair got several things badly wrong. He promised a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. He promised it and didnt deliver it. That would have let the steam out. He also got it wrong on the Polish migration. British politics became a pressure cooker where the valve is shut, and in McManuss view, theatre is a very good place to open the valve. Newman, the founder of the Popular Peoples Movement, or PPM, almost immediately discovers that if he is to succeed, he needs to come down firmly against immigration. As one of his advisers tells him, If you really do want to control your borders and we all know the voters overwhelmingly do then you must be willing to do things that can be portrayed as callous or cruel. Turn people away. Forcibly deport people. Well it is what my constituents are telling me, Newman admits. One may remark in passing that this is what is actually happening in Italy, with the turning away of a boatload of refugees, while in Germany, the issue has divided Angela Merkel from her Bavarian colleague Horst Seehofer, the Interior Minister, who is determined to take a harder line, facing as he does regional elections in which his party is threatened by the anti-immigration party, Alternative for Germany. Newman is not at all sure he wants to campaign against immigration. He prevaricates, and the woman who is his best friend implores him to be kind. But young Sam, who works in his office, tells him that in order to win over the rest of the country, you must first declare war on Islington Man. We glimpse how lonely it is to be a leader, and especially an unmarried leader. Newman is gay, and as soon as he starts to be alarmingly successful, his opponents leak to the press the story of an embarrassing affair with a younger man. To whom now can he turn for advice? At one point, he finds himself seeking advice from a ludicrous PR man, to whom he exclaims, Cant I just be myself? Its never been tried, the PR man replies. The question of how to be oneself how to be authentic is an extraordinarily difficult one. What if the voters dont want your authentically held opinions, but would prefer you to to adopt some other opinions, in which you dont believe? At what point do you cease to be an honourable man? the expression Shakespeare, greatest of our political playwrights, made Mark Anthony use ironically, the irony becoming more deadly with each repetition. The play is interspersed with news reports, shown on television screens, charting the rise of Newman from his by-election win onwards. So we see John Curtice assessing his chances, and Stephen Pound (Lab, Ealing North) arguing with him on College Green. These intrusions of the real world (if that is the correct term to apply to political television) are in some cases highly amusing. And Timothy Harker, who plays Newman, makes him seem just like an obscure, essentially decent backbencher, who when catapulted to fame, almost at once finds himself and the people he loves in danger of destruction. Max Keeble is excellent as Sam, the ambitious young adviser, clever, callow and ruthless, who flies into a rage when Newman shows infirmity of purpose, and tells him he has to carry on, for otherwise, how is he, Sam, going to get to Downing Street? This is McManuss first play. I did not feel, as I saw the first night, that I was present at the discovery of a new Tom Stoppard or Joe Orton, but that is a high standard by which to judge a new playwright. An Honourable Man contains many enjoyable jokes, towards the end become unexpectedly touching, and is throughout a good way of thinking about the state of our politics. Life may well end up imitating art. McManus also has a gift for getting an audience together. The first night was attended by Michael Dobbs and Jeffrey Archer, among many others. The purpose of Dominic Grieves amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill, which is now being pored over by Downing Street, was to stop Britain leaving the EU without a deal. There is no disagreement that this was its intent. But, by seeking to ensure that the Commons can block a no deal outcome, it also held open a door to other outcomes. Under its terms, MPs could have sought, for example, to join the EEA, though this looks rather less likely given the outcome of yesterdays Commons vote. ConservativeHome has been arguing for weeks that there is a soft underbelly of potential pro-Brexit votes among Labour MPs who represent pro-Leave constituencies. So yesterdays vote suggested, with old-time Eurosceptics, such as Frank Field and Kate Hoey, being joined by Mike Hill (Hartlepool, Labour majority 7,650), Gareth Snell (Stoke on Trent Central, Labour majority 3,897), Laura Smith (Crewe and Natwich, Labour majority 48) and, above all, by Caroline Flint, who is turning out to be an arresting spokesman for Labours Leave heartlands. Her majority is just over 5000. There may be an opportunity for the Government here as the customs and trade bills loom. However, Grieves amendment had wider possibilites. If the Commons could, under it terms, not only direct the Government to seek renewed EEA membership but using the very same power instruct it to try to delay or even cancel Brexit. The Beaconsfield MP met yesterday with an anti-Leave caucus in the European Commissions London headquarters. Those present included Open Britain (the official wing of the campaign to reverse leaving the EU), Best for Britain (the provisional wing), Alastair Campbell, a few Tory or ex-Tory peers and A.C.Grayling, the unthinking Remainers thinking man. No wonder the Daily Mail asks what Grieve was doing there. His answer is that he went to explain where his amendment, narrowly, and Brexit, more broadly, has got to and would do the same were his hosts to be a pro-Leave group. On a point of fact, ConservativeHome is told that Grieve himself is not committed to part c) of his own amendment the element of it that would give power to the Commons to direct the Government on Brexit, and thus open up a fast track for MPs to seek an end to leaving the EU. He apparently sees the constitutional problems it raises that we and others have explored. Downing Street insists that the Government is unambiguously opposed to it. The door is thus open to an Oliver-Letwin assisted compromise today between the Government and Grieve. The question is whether it does or doesnt pass the three tests set for it by Davis Davis and his department: not undermining the negotiations, not changing the constitutional role of Parliament and Government in negotiating international treaties, and respecting the referendum result. We expect to learn more later today. Our sense is that Grieve takes the Arthur Hugh Clough view of Brexit: Thou shalt not kill; but needst not strive / Officiously to keep alive. Some of those who know him believe that this super-brainy QC is now driven less by his mind than his guts by a romantic attachment to the European ideal, and a reflexive hostility to the arch-Brexiteers. He is a good man (though, in our view, a misguided one). But at any rate, he and every other MP has the right, under the high and correct Burkean view of how MPs should act, to follow their consciences whatever the whips, their Associations or even their voters may say. MPs are representatives, not delegates. By the same token, their constituents have a right not to re-elect them, the Party to remove the whip, and those Associations not to re-select them (a consideration that apparently doesnt relate to Grieve, since he seems not to be seeking to stand again). Our advice to all concerned, for what its worth, is to hang loose, stay cool, and see what happens next. Long-standing Leavers, who for year after year stood out for personal conviction against the Party leadership, should have some understanding of Remainers who are now in the same position. But even if they dont, they should take their cue from Ice in West Side Story. As for Grieve, he should have a long, hard think about the philosopher with whom he met yesterday, and reflect. To morph into the A.C.Grayling of Westminster would be a sanity-straining end to a distinguished career. Warnings about the dire risks of antibiotic resistance date back to 1945, when the scientist credited with discovering penicillin said that he feared an unknown day in the future when penicillin can be bought by anyone in the shops. As it turns out, antibiotics in the United States and other industrialized nations still require a doctors prescription, preventing the ignorant man as scientist Alexander Fleming described him, from picking up penicillin at the store and giving himself an incorrect dose. But for farm animals, thats been a different story At animal feed stores, meat and poultry producers for decades have been able to purchase antibiotics in bulk that humans could only access for themselves with a doctors visit and a prescription. That scenario led some humans to apparently medicate themselves by shopping at PetSmart rather than seeing a doctor. But more importantly, it allowed farmers to medicate their herds cheaply and efficiently. On massive farms, animals that spent much of their lives in close-confinement and unsanitary conditions were given a cocktail of antibiotics on a routine basis to prevent diseases. Being fed antibiotics routinely also proved to make animals grow fatter more quickly. These two factors have made mass antibiotic usage an enormously popular practice on the corporate mega-farms that have come to characterize the American meat industry. After decades of new and more frightening warnings from the public health community about the risks of antibiotic overuse -- namely, that wonder drugs like Penicillin could lose their effectiveness in the face of rare bacteria that have evolved to resist modern medicine -- the United States government finally decided to act. Under the Obama administration, the Food and Drug Administration (FDA) took what a former commissioner said was the first significant step in dealing with this important public health concern in 20 years. Rules that were introduced in 2013 and implemented in January 2017 required all farmers to obtain something like a prescription before dosing their herds with medically important antibiotic drugs, or antibiotics that are also used to treat illnesses in humans. Under the Obama administrations 2017 rules, a Veterinary Feed Directive (VFD) signed by a licensed veterinarian must be presented at any feed store before a farmer can buy antibiotics for his livestock, ending the days of over-the-counter antibiotic sales at pet stores. Food safety groups at the time raised concerns that getting a VFD could turn out to be just as easy for major meat producers as buying antibiotics over-the-counter, but those concerns were waived away. Its a big shift from the current situation, in which animal producers can go to a local feed store and buy these medicines over the counter and there is no oversight at all, the FDAs then-commissioner Michael Taylor claimed at the time. Pork industry rejects findings Over a year later, however, a new report published by the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) suggests that getting a VFD isnt so difficult after all. Analyzing sales data of antibiotics to pork producers, the group determined that medically important antibiotics continue to be sold in roughly the same amount to pigs as they are to humans. Strictly comparing antibiotic sales in different livestock, the pork industry constitutes a significant chunk of sales (37 percent), the report says. When livestock sales and human sales are factored together, the NRDC found that 27 percent of all medically important antibiotics sold in the United States go straight to pigs. The irresponsible use of antibiotics on pig farms has created ripe conditions for drug-resistant bacteria -- as well as the genes that foster resistance -- to multiply and spread from farms to people, the report says. The National Pork Producers Council (NPPC), the lobbying arm of the pork industry, argues that the NRDCs report is misleading because it is analyzing antibiotic sales rather than actual antibiotic usage. While the 37 percent figure may be correct, sales arent uses; an NPPC spokesman tells ConsumerAffairs via email. But even if that is true, advocacy groups say they sales remain one of the only few reliable options to track antibiotic usage in the meat industry. The NRDC report says that government data on the issue is scare, and the lack of clear data unnecessarily hampers public and government efforts to reduce antibiotic overuse. The pork industry also argues that pig and cow producers are unfairly judged because their animals live longer and are larger than other livestock, which they say make them more likely to get sick and require antibiotics The US pork industry never has said it has no part to play in the efforts to combat the very real problem of antibiotic resistance, but food-animal producers seem to be the only segment being asked (mandated?) to address the problem, the NPPC spokesman complains. Regulatory loopholes While the pork industry seems to claim that it is being unfairly targeted in the antibiotic resistance crisis and burdened by regulations, research suggests that the opposite is true. The industry actually faces very few mandates or barriers in obtaining antibiotics, according to Dr. David Wallinga, a public health researcher at the NRDC who authored the antibiotics report. Part of the problem, Wallinga says, is that those feed directives that were supposed to function as something like prescriptions for the meat industry are poorly regulated and ripe with loopholes. For example, he says its unclear under the Obama-era legislation whether the veterinarians who write the directives are required to write a new prescription every time, or whether the same prescription can be reused repeatedly for an unknown duration of time on an unknown number of animals. He also points out that a veterinarian who is employed by a meat producer is likely going to do whatever that company wants, regardless of whether it is in the publics interest. "What constitutes veterinary oversight is a huge grey area, Wallinga tells ConsumerAffairs. Ultimately, his report suggests that reform lies at the feet of major pork producers rather than government regulations. Overuse of antibiotics occurs within a markedly changed U.S. pork industry dominated by larger, more specialized farms.these entities have the power to catalyze much-needed change in how antibiotics are used throughout the pork production chain, the report concludes. The growing superbug epidemic A prime example of one such entity with the power to catalyze much-needed change would be Smithfield foods. The Virginia-based company, which is technically a subsidiary of a massive pork corporation that is based in China, remains the largest pork company in the United States. Smithfield Foods employs staff veterinarians and utilizes contract veterinarians who prescribe any necessary medications, a public relations agency that represents Smithfield Foods sent ConsumerAffairs in a prepared statement. The agency spokesman directed other specific questions to the Antibiotics Policy page on Smithfields website, which claims that the company uses antibiotics safely and judiciously. But researchers continue to uncover growing evidence of superbugs at farms and on food. Several years ago, Ohio researchers discovered what they said was an extremely rare superbug on a pig farm, and they said they had no idea how it could have arrived there. While the researchers stressed at the time that there was no evidence the superbug actually reached the food chain, public health researchers also continue to uncover evidence that other superbugs are already appearing on raw meat sold in grocery stores. On Thursday, the Environmental Working Group said that their own analysis of federal government data uncovered that 71 percent of pork chops sold in American grocery stores are contaminated with antibiotic-resistant bacteria. The group said that was also true for 62 percent of beef samples, 79 percent of turkey samples, and 36 percent of chicken samples. Wallinga, the NRDC researcher, says that antibiotic usage on chicken farms has dropped in recent years because major producers like Perdue voluntarily decided to scale down its usage. "But the consumers have also stepped up and demanded chicken raised with fewer antibiotics, he adds, leading industry giants to reconsider their ways. "By contrast we haven't seen that kind of leadership by either companies producing pork, or, with a few exceptions, by restaurants serving pork. " The World Health Organization has identified antibiotic-resistance as a growing public health threat, and researchers in Europe predict that if no action is taken to address this, superbugs will kill 10 million people worldwide each year by 2050. A plumber was right to say that he deserved basic worker rights like sick pay, despite being taken on as a self-employed contractor, the Supreme Court has decided. Gary Smith, who joined Pimlico Plumbers in 2005, brought the case after he was told he could not claim unfair dismissal following a heart attack because he was not an employee on an employment contract. But that verdict from an employment tribunal has now been overturned, after judges found he could not substitute; was required to work personally and could not regard Pimlico as a client. These are all pointers away from self-employment and, in the case, while they were not sufficient to make self-employed Smith an employee, they would qualify him to have been a worker entitled to basic rights, like holiday and sick pay. 'Tsunami' Companies using self-employed contractors [now] face a tsunami of claims, warned Pimlico boss Charlie Mullins, calling the Supreme Court judges findings disgusting. I'm supposed to say I'm disappointed with the outcome of the appeal. In reality I am disgusted by the approach taken to this case by the highest court in the United Kingdom. Mullins pointed out that Smith was paid more than 500,000 over three years by Pimlico, so he rejects claims that the verdict is a victory for the poorly paid battling big corporations. But Smiths two contracts (the second started in 2009) were drafted in highly confusing terms, the judgment says, and they required him to work at least 40hours a week. 'Check your contracts' Covering his total of six years at Pimlico, they also required him to ask for permission to take time off and, while he worked, mandated he drive a branded van and wear Pimlicos uniform. Firms that engage self-employed people. [must now] check their contractual arrangements and working practices, advised the Freelancer and Contractor Services Association. The FCSA also said that despite signing a self-employed contract and being VAT-registered, Smith was clearly a workernot self-employed, despite the intention of Pimlico". However, the Kent-based plumber was free to reject a particular offer of work from Pimlico, and was free to accept outside work if no work was offered by Pimlico clients. He also bore some of the Financial Risk of the work an IR35 status factor, and in terms of the key factor Control, the manner in which he did the work was not supervised by Pimlico. 'Complex' In many respects, the case ultimately reflects the need for simplification of complex employment law, says Seb Maley, chief executive of status advisory Qdos. The lines between employment and self-employment remain blurred and can easily be misinterpreted. [But] not all contractors are calling for employment rights. The sheer prospect that they could do perhaps inspired by the Smith case -- is bad enough according to Mullins. This was a poor decision that will potentially leave thousands of companies, employing millions of contractors, wondering if one day soon they will get nasty surprise from a former contractor demanding more money, despite having been paid in full years ago, he said. 'Not fit for purpose' But the real shame of the case, in his view, is that while it is generally accepted that employment law is not fit for purpose, the Supreme Court gave no nod to this consensus. The five judges had the opportunity to drag our outdated employment law into the 21st Century, but instead they bottled the decision, Mullins said. As a result, thousands of companies across the UK, who use contractors in an honest and responsible way, remain exposed to huge potential claims in the future. 'Unintended consequences' Julia Kermode, chief executive of the FCSA said: The government is once again consulting on employment status, however, I would fire a cautionary note. Care must be taken to ensure that there are no unintended consequences from any decisions made which might penalise those people who are genuinely self-employed. Self-employed workers do not need an extra layer of red tape or any more legislation imposed on them that will serve to hamper them. They are driving the UK economy right now, so lets support them not punish them. UK contractors dont have to go as far afield as Malaysia or Dubai to find a vibrant economy and attractive standard of living. These reasons and more -- such as its accessible geographical location, make Austria a stylish melting pot for businesses and expatriates alike, writes Kevin Austin, managing director of contracting overseas consultancy Access Financial. The quality of life in Austria is renowned: its capital Vienna has been named as the capital with the highest quality of living in the world -- for the ninth consecutive year: What are the benefits of working in Austria? According to contractors we speak to, the top three benefits of working in Austria are: It has one of the strongest economies in the world and is the 16th least corrupt country in the world. It promotes a transparent regulatory framework, which encourages entrepreneurial activity and innovation. Austria is ranked 22nd out of 190 in the World Banks Ease of Doing Business Index, with an increasingly lower rate of taxes in recent years. How can you work in Austria? Self-employment Most contractors choose and do work as self-employed in Austria. This is an accepted method although it is becoming increasingly subject to checks on the status of the contractor to ensure that this is not 'disguised employment.' The retentions that can be expected from working in Austria as a self-employed person are in the region of 57 to 66%. Employment In this case, the contractor will be locally employed and will pay social security and salary taxes in the country. In Austria, employment needs to follow the AUG law, although no AUG licence is required. It is essential that the local payroll partner contracts directly with the end-client and that the contractor/ employee is subject to equal treatment, i.e. receives the same salary levels and benefits as any permanent employee of the end-client working in a similar capacity. Payments to foreign labour leasing companies are subject to Austrian taxation, either by deducting a wage tax by a foreign employer or end-client, or by foreign employer paying 20% withholding tax to the Austrian tax office. The retentions that can be expected from working in Austria under AUG are in the region of 46 to 54%. Personal Service Company It is possible to use your own Personal Service Company in Austria and it is a perfectly valid method for an Austrian contractor to use his or her own Austrian company. However, the strict practice of creating a permanent establishment by a foreign PSC and the Austrian tax authoritys resistance to this method of working by foreign workers means that for most foreigners, this is a bureaucratic and not very financially-rewarding route to take compared to self-employment as a sole trader. The retentions that can be expected from working in Austria using a PSC are in the region of 58 to 66%. What about my take-home pay? You are legally obliged to pay taxes from the first day of your professional activity in Austria. The net retention depends on the solution that you opt for, the income level and the tax credits/reliefs. Taxation Like most EU countries, income in Austria is taxed progressively. The tax rates for 2018 are as follows: Taxable Income (EUR) To Rate 0 11,000 0% 11,001 18,000 25% 18,001 31,000 35% 31,001 60,000 42% 60,001 90,000 48% 90,001 1,000,000 50% 1,000,000 Above 55% Can I pay my taxes back at home because my stay in less than 183 days? In Austria, the contractor will form a fixed base if he/she carries on professional activities in the country for a period of at least 183 days. Thus, self-employed contractors will be liable to pay taxes in Austria on their worldwide income, if their stay exceeds 183 days. Social Security The social security contribution rate for self-employed individuals in Austria is 27.68% of annual profit (income minus expenses), of up to EUR 71,820. Accident Insurance of EUR 960 per month is also mandatory. Earnings beyond EUR 71,820 are social security-free. Unlike in the UK, social security contributions are deductible for income tax purposes. Alternatively, if a contractor has been contributing to the social security system of his/her home EU country, he/she can request an A1 certificate, which will entitle the person to continue paying social security in the country of origin for up to two years. Registering locally in Austria Nationals of the following EU/EFTA Member States can enter Austria with an identity card or valid passport. All other nationals do require a work permit. They must register at the local commune if they plan to stay for longer than 90 days. Belgium, Bulgaria, Croatia (work permit required), Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark, Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Liechtenstein, Lithuania, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland, United Kingdom. Non-EU nationals must obtain a valid work permit before they can begin the residence registration process. What about expenses? Certain expenses may be deducted from the Austrian-generated income, if supported with receipts. Contractors can deduct the cost of their Austrian rent for six months if they are single, for two years if they are married, or for the duration of the contract (no longer than five years) if the contract is limited (it does not matter if you are single or married). Childcare Expenses for childcare are tax-deductible for children until the age of 10 (for disabled children until 16). The maximum amount which can be deducted is EUR 2,300 per year. The tax deduction will be treated as an extraordinary burden. Before attendance at an elemantary school all expenses will be regarded as expenses for childcare. As soon as a child attends elemantary school, the expenses must be divided into expenses for school fees and expenses for childcare, as expenses for school fees are not tax-deductible. It is important that the childcare is provided by an accredited private or public child care institution or a person who has teaching qualifications. Know before you go... While Austria has one of the heaviest tax burdens of European countries, it is also among the highest paying and the cost of living, particularly rent, is very competitive compared with the UK (depending on the contractor's usual address in the UK and their place of residence in Austria). Generally-speaking, the standard of living in Austria is higher than the UK, and public services, such as the healthcare system, are among the very best in the world. So it's much more than just its central Europe location that makes Austria a must-consider for UK contractors, especially given that Austrians usually speak very good English, meaning adapting to business and life in the country as a whole is reliably straightforward. At the beginning of my engineering career, a sales engineer from a sensor company came to our plant, thumped a substantial and well-worn sample case down on our conference room table, flipped the case open to expose dozens of neatly packed sensors and said, Lets test your part. He knew what he was talking about. Engineers must test the sensor with the part. Three ways to find the right factory automation or machine control sensor Locating the right sensor for the application requires: Narrowing the search to a short list of sensors Ordering samples, and Testing the sensor with the part, the actuator, or the machine under conditions similar to where the sensor will be installed. Top six operating condition require ments for sensor selection When identifying the short list of sensors to sample, make sure the setbased on the manufacturers data sheetmeets the basic operating conditions of the application. Here is my list of the top six operating condition requirements: Temperature range Size Protection class Voltage range Discrete or analog output Answering the question: Will it be beneficial to be able to change parameters? If the answer is yes, then an IO-Link enabled sensor should be considered. Six more requirements for factory automation sensor selection Here are an additional six requirements for more specific considerations: Response speed Sensing range Repetition accuracy Electrical connection Mounting type Answering the question: Is on-sensor visual display required? Eight mu st-know factory automation sensor terms, sensor technologies , sensor selection tips The most common types of sensors used in manufacturing, factory automation, and machine control are proximity sensors, position sensors, inductive sensors, flow sensors, optical sensors, and vision sensors. A signal converter is a critical related technology. See tips for sensor selection and other sensor technology insights for each. What is a proximity sensor? P rox sensor selection tip s A proximity sensor detects the presence of nearby objects without physical contact. Presence sensors are discrete output devices. Typically, a magnetic proximity sensor is used to detect when an actuator reaches a specific position by sensing a magnet located in the actuator. It is not a good idea to purchase actuators from one company and magnetic proximity sensors from another. While the sensor manufacturer may say the sensor is compatible with X, Y, and Z actuators, the reality is variations in magnets and mounting positions can cause sensing issues. For example, the sensor may activate when the magnet is not in the correct position or it may not activate at all. If the manufacturer of the actuator offers a matched proximity sensor, it should be the first-choice sensor. Transistor-based proximity sensors have no moving parts and long service lives. Reed-based proximity sensors use a mechanical contact and have shorter service lives and cost less than transistor models. Reed sensors are best applied in high-temperature applications and applications where ac power supply is needed. What is a position sensor? Position sensor selection tips for factory automation Position sensors have analog outputs indicating the position of the actuator based on the position of the magnet on that actuator. Position sensors provide flexibility from a control standpoint. The control engineer can determine a range of set points to conform to component variations. Since these position sensors are based on magnets, like proximity sensors, its a good idea to purchase the sensor and actuator from the same manufacturer if possible. Position sensors can be acquired with IO-Link functionality, which also can simplify control and parameterization. What is an inductive sensor? Inductive sensor selection tip s for factory automation Inductive proximity sensors utilize Faradays law of induction to indicate presence of an object or an analog output position. The most critical aspect of selecting an inductive sensor is determining what type of metal the sensor is detecting because that determines sensing distances. Nonferrous metals can reduce the sensing range by more than 50% compared to ferrous metals. Sensor manufacturer data sheets should provide the necessary information for sample selection. P ressure and vacuum sensors selection advice for machine control applications Make sure the pressure or vacuum sensor will accommodate the pressure range required as measured in pounds per square inch for imperial measurement and Bar for metric. Specify the form factor most suitable for the allotted space. Consider whether machine mounted sensors should have indicator lights or a display screen as an aid for operations personnel. If changing setpoints quickly is necessary, investigate IO-Link enabled pressure and vacuum sensors. Flow sensor selectio n tips for machine control applications Like pressure and vacuum sensors, flow sensors are specified by flow range, size, and setpoint variability. They can be ordered with on sensor display options. Flow sensors can be specified for relatively low flow rates for one area of the machine and for whole machine applications. Optical sensor- sensor types and sensor option , se lection tips The most common optical sensor options are photoelectricdiffuse, reflective, and through beam. Laser sensors and fiber-optic sensing units also fall under the optical sensor category. Photoelectric sensors are mostly presence sensors. Photoelectric sensors detect the presence of an object via reflected light or an interrupted beam of light. These sensors are among the most applied sensors in manufacturing due to their low cost, versatility, and reliability. Diffuse photoelectric sensors do not require a reflector. They are used for sensing the presence of nearby objects and are inexpensive sensors. Through beam offers the longest sensing range and is installed at two points with an emitter unit and receiver unit. Garage door safety sensors are through beam sensors. Presence is indicated when the beam is interrupted. One interesting variate of the through beam is the fork light sensor that features an emitter and receiver in one compact unit. Fork light sensors are used for sensing the presence and absence of small parts. Reflective photoelectric sensors have a sensor and a reflector and are used for mid-distance presence sensing. For accuracy and cost, they sit midway between diffuse and through beam. Fiber-optic sensing units are used for presence and distance sensing. Parameters on these versatile sensors can be adjusted to detect various colors, backgrounds, and distance ranges. Laser sensors are used for long distance presence sensing and are the most accurate in short distance measurement applications. Vision sensor use and application tips Vision sensors can be used for bar code reading, counting, shape verification, and more. Machine vision sensors are a cost-effective use of vision system where camera systems would be too costly and complex. Vision sensor bar code reading can be used for tracking individual components and applying the processes identified for that component. In terms of counting, the vision sensor can verify, for example, the exact number of features present on a part. A machine vision sensor can ascertain whether a specified curve or other shape has been achieved. Since these sensors are dealing with light, it is vital to test the sensor in as close to the operating environment in terms of ambient light and background reflectivity as possible. In most applications, it is recommended to place the machine vision sensor in an enclosure to isolate it from external sources of light. It is a good idea to enlist the aid of a vision sensor manufacturer in sensor testing. Make sure the right fieldbus is specified. Signal converter helps with sensor output The signal converter changes the analog output signal from a sensor into switching points on the signal converter, another option is to convert to IO-Link process data. Sandro Quintero, product marketing manager, electric automation, at Festo. Edited by Chris Vavra, production editor, Control Engineering, CFE Media, cvavra@cfemedia.com. MORE ANSWERS KEYWORDS: process sensors, discrete sensors Locating the right sensor for the factory automation application requires testing. the right sensor for the application requires testing. Sensor selection criteria include temperature, size, protection class, and whether the sensor requires a discrete or analog input. criteria include temperature, size, protection class, and whether the sensor requires a discrete or analog input. Also consider sensor repetition accuracy, sensor response speed, and sensing range. Consider this What else should be considered when selecting a sensor for an application? ONLINE extra The New Products for Engineers database has multiple sensor categories. See www.controleng.com/NP4E. For more information about sensors from Festo, see: Sensors overview Vision sensors Integrated sensors and safety Sensors background ABOUT THE AUTHOR Sandro Quintero, product marketing manager, electric automation at Festo, has worked with customers across industries such as medical, food processing, mining, automotive, and most recently electronics and assembly. This has allowed him to acquire skills in areas such as sales, product support, and project management. He earned a bachelors degree in Mechatronics Engineering from the Universidad Autonoma de Ciudad Juarez, Mexico and an MBA from the University of Texas at El Paso. HP Inc. is poised to continue its momentum in the highly competitive PC business as it hands the personal systems reins to a longtime company insider, partners told CRN. The Palo Alto, Calif.-based company announced Wednesday that Ron Coughlin is departing as president of HP's personal systems business, in order to become the CEO of San Diego-based pet retailer Petco. [Related: HP Personal Systems Prez Coughlin Departs, Succeeded By Commercial PC Head] Coughlin has been succeeded by Alex Cho, who had been serving as vice president and general manager of HP's commercial PC business group since 2014. The company's fiscal second quarter, which ended April 30, marked the fourth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth for the HP commercial PC business. Coughlin was "the face of the PC business, but he's built a great team behind him," said Skip Tappen, CEO at NWN, a Platinum personal systems partner of HP based in Waltham, Mass. "My sense is there's a pretty deep bench over there. They've got a great product set, and they've got a clear mission. I don't think any of those core fundamentals change as a result of this." Cho has worked at HP since 1995, and has held senior roles in the company's PC, print and services businesses, the company said. In a statement, HP CEO Dion Weisler said that Cho is "uniquely qualified to lead personal systems into its next phase of reinvention," and brings "a long track record of success" to the position. "I think being able to promote somebody from the inside, without really missing a step, will be great from a momentum standpoint," said Tappen, whose company is also No. 73 on CRN's Solution Provider 500 for 2018. While HP has reoriented its PC focus under Coughlin's leadership toward innovation and premium products, "I don't think he was alone" in driving those moves, Tappen said. Overall, "my expectations are that it's full steam ahead" under Cho's leadership, he said. HP's fiscal second quarter was the sixth consecutive quarter of double-digit growth for the personal systems division as a whole. The segment generated revenue of $33.37 billion in fiscal 2017. Mike Hadley, CEO of iCorps Technologies, a Boston-based partner of HP, said it's a smart move for HP to promote from within at a time when growth in the PC division has been so strong. "It looks like Alex Cho is a great choice. He's been there for 23 years, and it looks like he might've played a big role in their recent success," Hadley said. "That to me seems like a good move -- to keep the pedal to the metal, to keep things moving in the right direction." HP held the top spot on worldwide PC market share during the first three months of the year, with 20.8 percent of PC sales, and finished No. 2 behind Dell in U.S. market share with 28.4 percent, according to research firm Gartner. Coughlin joined HP in 2007 with a background that included serving as chief marketing officer of PepsiCo. At HP, he went on to hold roles including general manager of the company's consumer PC division. In November 2014, HP combined its consumer and business personal systems groups under Coughlin's leadership. Along with running commercial PCs for HP, Cho's prior roles have included heading the company's LaserJet supplies business and serving as vice president for LaserJet printers and supplies in the Americas region. Managed services platform developer Continuum on Thursday unveiled the acquisition of Carvir, an MSP-focused developer of monitored and managed security. With the acquisition comes a major expansion of Continuum's security business, including an acceleration of its plan to add a U.S.-based security operations center and SIEM (security information and event management) tools to better improve its capabilities, said Michael George (pictured), CEO of the Boston-based company. Carvir, a Cumming, Ga.-based provider of web gateway security, advanced endpoint protection, and managed SIEM tools, brings Continuum about 580 MSP partners and more than 4,000 protected client sites, George told CRN. [Related: CRN Exclusive: Kaseya CEO On Unitrends Integration, Partnering With 'Best-In-Class' Companies, And Why 'Data Is King'] Most important, however, is the security expertise and the security operation center that will be key to expanding Continuum's security business, he said. Continuum is the only company with integrated network operations centers (NOCs), security operations centers (SOCs), and help desk, George said. "Anything that can be done remotely, we do remotely, leaving the last mile to the MSPs," he said. Security is the IT industry's biggest skills gap, George said. Continuum has two security operations centers in India, and Carvir gives it a U.S.-based SOC, he said. "This is important for compliance for U.S.-based companies," he said. "It's not a big difference from what we do now, except that Carvir also brings us SIEM capabilities. We were planning on doing that by next year anyway. This just accelerates our plans." The new U.S.-based SOC gives Continuum the resources it needs to be a major provider of security services to MSPs, said Fielder Hiss, vice president of products for Continuum. "We will be better able to provide 'follow-the-sun' services," Hiss told CRN. "There is a difference in cost between having a SOC in the U.S. and in India. But it's important to have the appropriate skills to support our partners. We fully plan to keep the Carvir team, and will probably expand it much like we do our other SOCs." One other benefit comes from the acquisition of Carvir, George said. "Carvir has a good relationship with technical and military colleges in Georgia," he said. "It's a great geography to build out the services we need. We intend to expand on that advantage very significantly." Continuum has a long record in providing security services to its MSP partners thanks in large part to a long-term relationship with Broomfield, Colo.-based Webroot, Hiss said. "We use Webroot to provide end-point protection with SIEM, and we sell Webroot security awareness and training," he said. "The acquisition of Carvir expands our security capabilities, but does not impact our relationship with Webroot. Indeed, we expect the acquisition to help us sell more Webroot." George declined to discuss either the terms of the acquisition or the financial situation of Carvir, other than to say that Carvir has been growing in excess of 200 percent year-over-year. Carvir's business is 100-percent MSP focused, with very little overlap in partners between the two companies, he said. That means plenty of up-selling and cross-selling opportunities, George said. "But our real focus here is on selling more security," he said. "The acquisition enables our partners to instantly become trusted security partners. And Carvir partners now get access to our RMM (remote monitoring and management) and disaster recovery tools." Security, RMM, and disaster recovery are really three legs to a complete security offering, George said. "RMM shows customers anomalies that might result from changes to their IT environments before an attack happens," he said. "Backups are what you use if you fail at security. No one can guarantee 100-percent security. So all three are very symbiotic. You start with RMM, then to security, then to backup and disaster recovery. We provide it all from the same portal, the same pane of glass, the same service." One place where the partners of Continuum and Carvir overlap is in Mechanicsville, Md., home of eTrepid, an MSP and Microsoft cloud services provider who partners with both companies. Tom Blandford, owner and president and CEO of eTrepid, told CRN that he has been with Continuum since late 2009 and has watched it develop a very powerful platform. "I've continually looked at other platforms, but Continuum's is hands-down the best," Blandford said. "Its extensions to its NOCs are critical, letting me offer 24x7 vigil without requiring me to invest in people with those specialized skillsets." eTrepid has just begun using Continuum's SOCs to take the place of its own security practices that have worked over the years but which are not as modern as the Continuum capabilities, Blandford said. The MSP started working with Carvir about seven months ago, particularly with that vendor's SentinelOne endpoint protection tools. "We like SentinelOne's $1-million ransomware warranty," he said. "No one gets ransomware with the Carvir tools. And we also enjoy a high adoption rate with SentinelOne. No one says no to it after a presentation." Blandford said his company sees the acquisition of Carvir by Continuum as a new way to increase the trust Continuum has with clients. "Continuum always integrates new technologies into their RMM platform," he said. "This streamlines the deployment. We have done scripting with Carvir in the past, but we are confident the Continuum teams will integrate Carvir technology into their deployments. And we look forward to Continuum providing help desk support for new NOCs and SOCs." At least one of Carvir's vendor partners also likes the acquisition by Continuum. Guy Cunningham, vice president of channel sales and distribution for the EventTracker business of Ft. Lauderdale, Fla.-based Netsurion, told CRN via email that his company, which provided SIEM technology to Carvir, looks forward to working with Continuum. "With our SIEM solution, Continuum will enable its MSP partners to expand their business and provide their clients with threat protection and response services," Cunningham said. Cloud computing has made it possible to bring more AI and machine learning algorithms to bear without excessive computing costs, according to cloud security experts. The embrace of the cloud has increased the scale and lowered the cost associated with deploying artificial intelligence or machine learning while automating the anomaly detection process and putting more valuable data in the hands of customers, according to several sales leaders and technical experts focused on cloud security. In a non-cloud world, defending a company's environment with a true AI algorithm would have required housing the data store and machine power for that compute in-house, according to Michael Fey, president and COO of Mountain View, Calif.-based Symantec. But nowadays, Fey said all a business needs to do is write the AI algorithm and toss it over the cloud wall. [RELATED: 6 Ways Blockchain Can Be Used To Make Cloud Customers More Secure] As the world embraces an encrypted future where people can't see inside traffic and privacy reigns supreme, Fey said organizations need to deliver an AI response from where the traffic stops regardless of whether that's an endpoint, mobile phone, or email. If a large algorithm started running on a customer's phone, though, Fey said they would likely become very frustrated. "Those aren't places that are ready to run big, expensive computing algorithms," Fey said. Fortunately, though, the algorithms can now run in the cloud, Fey said, with connections back to the endpoint delivering a strong cybersecurity posture. Machine learning makes it possible for businesses to do really cool things with much larger data sets than they ever could have before, according to Ryan Kalember, senior vice president of cybersecurity strategy at Sunnyvale, Calif.-based Proofpoint. Specifically, he said Proofpoint can now take the threat data from all the emails and apps that company has scanned over the years and run that in the cloud. "That's something we never, ever could have done on-prem before, because it would have been prohibitively expensive and probably not even manageable," Kalember said. Machine learning can also help businesses understand normal patterns of log-in activity, which Kalember said is very important in the cloud since compromised credentials pose a far greater risk to users than the physical security of the public cloud platform itself. Detecting attempts at brute force attacks and figuring out where attackers are trying to target is easier with machine learning, he said. Although AI and machine learning have been around for decades, the move to cloud allows that algorithms to be applied across large reams of data and massive data lakes, according to Rohit Gupta, group vice president of cloud security for Redwood Shores, Calif.-based Oracle. Although these algorithms were historically siloed and applied only to specific data sets, Gupta said the cloud has made it possible to see across petabytes of data, which has resulted in far more applications for AI and machine learning. Real-world examples of how enterprises can apply this technology include anomaly detection, pattern matching, behavioral change, and sentiment analysis, Gupta said. One emerging area around AI and machine learning that Oracle has explored is prescriptive remediation, Gupta said. Here, Gupta said the algorithm can examine an application's initial behavior to determine how it would operate after certain changes are made. One of the primary drivers for people moving to the cloud from an applications perspective has been because they couldn't afford to infuse AI and machine learning within their own data centers, according to Dean Darwin, senior vice president of sales and channel strategy for Santa Clara, Calif.-based Palo Alto Networks. Implementing these algorithms within a company's own infrastructure would be near impossible, Darwin said, due to the lack of available data scientists, protracted implementation time, and inability to move quickly. Amazon, Google and Microsoft have infused AI and machine learning into their clouds, Darwin said, and businesses should be infusing machine learning into their security footprint as well. "The adversary is highly automated," Darwin said. Conversations around AI and machine learning have focused primarily on detection in hopes of gaining a better understanding of baseline behavior and surface anomalies, according to Adam Bosnian, executive vice president of global business development for Newton, Mass.-based CyberArk. Now, Bosnian said the algorithms are being applied to larger and more varied sources of data than ever before. A lot more data is being generated today since organizations have more assets, Bosnian said. In addition, the overall availability of data has been increased thanks to the cloud providers themselves making more data available to customers as well as the companies they work closely with, according to Bosnian. Regardless of whether an organization's tools are running on-premise, in the private cloud, or in the public cloud, Bosnian said automation and machine-level activity are taking over, expanding far beyond post-incident response. And if companies don't secure both the automation console as well as the items created via automation, Bosnian said they're going to have a bigger security problem on their hands. Machine learning can help reduce false positives and errant alarms associated with potential security risks, said Daniel Spurling, director, cloud and transformation for Seattle-based Slalom Consulting, No. 37 on the 2018 CRN Solution Provider 500. If the false alarms persist, Spurling said companies will often try and squelch out the alarming, which can result in them missing alerts for legitimate security risks. If a human learns that a perceived threat isn't actually real, Spurling said the person will disregard the warning pretty quickly the next time it comes around. But historically, Spurling said automatic alerting systems weren't intelligent. Now with machine learning, Spurling said these systems can start to understand on their own what is or isn't a true security threat or risk. After making a decision about what is or isn't a real threat, the intelligent system can then automatically decide what action should be taken, factoring in previous actions that have already been taken, Spurling said. Only if the automated actions don't resolve or mitigate the threat are things escalated to a human, which Spurling said can exponentially cut down on the amount of resources needed to deal with alerts. AI will have a massive security impact from both a capability and threat standpoint, according to Shawn Keve, executive vice president, sales and marketing for Atlanta-based Simeio Solutions, No. 369 on the 2018 CRN Solution Provider 500. Specifically, Keve said AI should help with detecting anomalous behavior, learning from that, and then adjusting security based on what the business really needs. AI can be used to not only look at a network, Keve said, but also to figure out whether any of the information gleaned from the network matches reports received by a threat information consortium managed by Simeio. The machines that are being set up to run some processes using artificial intelligence also need to be controlled, Keve said, with businesses needing to determine the best way to provide access control and governance. All told, Keve said the threat landscape that businesses face has changed dramatically due to automation. "It takes a bot to compete with a bot. You can't manually try and keep up with all of these other machines," Keve said. "Eventually, you're going to need something to counter it." MSC Cruises and STX France signed today an order for the construction of a fifth Meraviglia class cruise ship, according to a press release. Due to be delivered in 2023, this vessel will be equipped with a new generation of dual-fuel engines designed to run on liquefied natural gas (LNG), MSC said. The Meraviglia-plus addition will mean MSC is adding 13 ships to its fleet between 2017 and 2026, including five LNG-powered cruise ships. This announcement was made at a unique ceremony held at the Saint-Nazaire shipyard in the presence of Bruno Le Maire, the French Minister of the Economy and Finance. STX France and MSC Cruises celebrated three major ship building milestones: the Steel Cutting Ceremony of the fourth Meraviglia class vessel where MSC Cruises announced that the ship will be named MSC Virtuosa; the Coin Ceremony of MSC Grandiosa; and the float out of MSC Bellissima. For the first time in Saint-Nazaires history, three cruise ships belonging to a single cruise brand are under simultaneous construction at the shipyard. Speaking before opening the valves to flood the dry dock where MSC Bellissima has been assembled, Pierfrancesco Vago, MSC Cruises Executive Chairman, said: With the announcement of yet another new vessel, the 13th under our 10-year investment plan, we are affirming our commitment to sustainable growth for our Company. I say this while three more next-generation MSC Cruises are now simultaneously under construction. Vago added: Our fifth Meraviglia class cruise ship will bring a new generation of cutting-edge environmental technology to the market, benefiting from a new generation of LNG-powered engines. This will help us further reduce our environmental footprint and advance in our journey of constant improvement. She will be joined at sea by up to four World Class LNG-powered ships, as part of our overall commitment to environmental stewardship through this and other next-generation technologies and solutions deployed fleet-wide. TUI Cruises hosted a gathering for its environmental officers in Hamburg earlier this month. The two-day program brought together the environmental officers from across the eight-ship Mein Schiff fleet. TUI said the agenda was packed and shared best practices, covering waste management, emissions reduction, training and more. The officers also got the opportunity to sit down with other shoreside departments at the companys headquarters in Hamburg. TUI Group has made it no secret it is serious about being green, often highlighting environmental initiatives in financial reports. The latest new Mein Schiff ships feature smart energy management, innovative lighting controls, and the use of waste heat from all the engines, according to the companys annual report. The company also noted sulphur emissions on the TUI ships have been reduced by 99 percent thanks to exhaust gas treatment solutions. Among other agenda items last year, the cruise line targeted reduced food waste, where the causes of waste onboard were identified and processes for reducing waste were implemented and optimized further. Our target is to grow organically, said Gianni Onorato, CEO of MSC Cruises. We see a lot of opportunity for our company. Market demands are driving that growth, as MSC confirmed another newbuild order on Thursday, giving the company a pipeline of 13 newbuilds from 2017 through 2026. Following the christening of the new MSC Seaview last weekend, Thursday also marked a milestone in cruise industry history at STX France for MSC. The Bellissima was floated out, the coi ceremony took place for the Grandiosa and steel was cut for the newly-named Virtuosa. In addition, MSC inked a deal for a fourth 4,888-guest Meraviglia-plus class ship to be delivered in 2023, and to be powered by LNG. The company also made its first two LNG-powered World Class ships official, signing the contract. "The three ships together, the Bellissima, Grandiosa and Virtuosa, have a capacity of one million passengers (per year), that is a big thing, said Onorato, speaking to Cruise Industry News. According to Onorato, when MSCs expansion plan is complete in 2027, the 25-ship fleet should be able to carry around 5.3 million cruise guests per year. According to the 2018-2019 Cruise Industry News Annual Report, that would put MSC in line to compete as the worlds largest single cruise brand by passenger capacity. This year we are growing by 20 percent, Onorato said. Growth is global for the brand. In China, the Lirica was replaced by the bigger Splendida and the Bellissima will also move to Asia in 2020. "We want to grow in North America, we will never be close to the big guys but we can have our piece of the cake, he explained. For winter 2019-2020, the Divina and Seaside will be based in Miami, joined by the Meraviglia and Armonia, which will sail to Cuba. Summer plans call for the Seaside to stay in the market, while the Armonia continues its Miami-based Cuba program. In the Mediterranean next year we will grow by 28 percent, and this year we grew in Northern Europe by almost 30 percent we are growing organically in different areas, Onorato continued. That also includes other regions where MSC is the dominant player. In South Africa, capacity is expected to grow by 25 percent, while another 20 percent uptick comes in South America. We are distributing our capacity in all the markets we operate, Onorato said. Investments are coming shoreside in hiring, training and crew recruitment, while a recently-opened technical office in the UK continues to expand. Onorato said a key focus area for the company has been innovation, making sure ships that are designed for decades-long service life stay at the top of their game, thus helping drive the development of the companys MSC for Me app. "The ships need to be technologically advanced to be able to translate the present and future needs of our customers, he added. Cisco held its annual customer event this week in Orlando, Florida, and invited the industry analysts to attend. CEO Chuck Robbins highlighted the companys commitment to security in his CiscoLive keynote, while other executives elaborated on more security product and services details. After a few days of meetings, I believe Ciscos cybersecurity strategy focuses on: Product integration. Cisco wants a common cybersecurity product architecture that spans endpoints, networks, data centers, and the public cloud, that can service most of its customers cybersecurity technology needs. As a result, Cisco is busy integrating products and services such as AMP, Umbrella, Firepower, Talos, etc. Cisco demonstrated its platform and discussed its future roadmap in detail. Cisco wants a common cybersecurity product architecture that spans endpoints, networks, data centers, and the public cloud, that can service most of its customers cybersecurity technology needs. As a result, Cisco is busy integrating products and services such as AMP, Umbrella, Firepower, Talos, etc. Cisco demonstrated its platform and discussed its future roadmap in detail. Openness and programmability. Beyond gluing its own products together, Ciscos cybersecurity platform is built with connectors and APIs for third-party integration and programmability. To illustrate its technology alliance partner ecosystem, Cisco crowed about dozens of partners, including Anomali, IBM, LogRhythm, and McAfee. Ciscos intent-based networking (IBN) programmability also extends to security for service providers, taking advantage of APIs and building value-added services on top of Cisco security tools. Beyond gluing its own products together, Ciscos cybersecurity platform is built with connectors and APIs for third-party integration and programmability. To illustrate its technology alliance partner ecosystem, Cisco crowed about dozens of partners, including Anomali, IBM, LogRhythm, and McAfee. Ciscos intent-based networking (IBN) programmability also extends to security for service providers, taking advantage of APIs and building value-added services on top of Cisco security tools. A foundation of threat intelligence. CiscoLive started last Sunday with a day-long session by the Talos team on security research and threat intelligence. Beyond the data, the Cisco team focused on teaching customers how to operationalize threat intelligence for threat detection, hunting, and risk management. Clearly, Cisco believes that Talos threat intelligence can give the company a strategic advantage versus narrowband security vendors, so it is anchoring all security products with Talos threat feeds. The company is also bolstering market education to get the Talos word out more broadly. CiscoLive started last Sunday with a day-long session by the Talos team on security research and threat intelligence. Beyond the data, the Cisco team focused on teaching customers how to operationalize threat intelligence for threat detection, hunting, and risk management. Clearly, Cisco believes that Talos threat intelligence can give the company a strategic advantage versus narrowband security vendors, so it is anchoring all security products with Talos threat feeds. The company is also bolstering market education to get the Talos word out more broadly. Comprehensive cloud security. Cisco wants customers to know that it can protect workloads in the public cloud with a one-two punch of Tetration and StealthWatch cloud. Beyond IaaS and PaaS, Cisco also promoted its CloudLock CASB product for SaaS management and data protection. Finally, Cisco is offering several "security from the cloud" services, such as Umbrella and email security to safeguard mobile workers and branch offices. Cisco wants customers to know that it can protect workloads in the public cloud with a one-two punch of Tetration and StealthWatch cloud. Beyond IaaS and PaaS, Cisco also promoted its CloudLock CASB product for SaaS management and data protection. Finally, Cisco is offering several "security from the cloud" services, such as Umbrella and email security to safeguard mobile workers and branch offices. Operational simplicity. When it comes to security operations, Cisco understands that many of its customers are understaffed, lack advanced skills, have too many point tools, and still rely on manual processes. To address those shortcomings, Cisco demonstrated a security operations platform called Visibility, a common SOC analyst workbench for threat detection, incident response, and risk remediation. In its current iteration, Visibility supports a handful of Cisco products, but the company previewed an aggressive roadmap for integration of additional Cisco and third-party products. When it comes to security operations, Cisco understands that many of its customers are understaffed, lack advanced skills, have too many point tools, and still rely on manual processes. To address those shortcomings, Cisco demonstrated a security operations platform called Visibility, a common SOC analyst workbench for threat detection, incident response, and risk remediation. In its current iteration, Visibility supports a handful of Cisco products, but the company previewed an aggressive roadmap for integration of additional Cisco and third-party products. Professional and managed services. What many customers may not realize is that Cisco professional and managed cybersecurity services are growing like a weed. Cisco plans to expand its services portfolio to provide flexible consumption options and help customers benefit further from all its security products. While Cisco realizes it must compete with best-of-breed products, its security go-to-market is now focused on campaigns, providing solutions for security threats such as ransomware defense, breach response, and data center security. These strategic solutions often encompass an integrated bundle of several Cisco products at once. 3 ways Cisco can prove its cybersecurity strength Ive been following Cisco for over a dozen years and firmly believe that the companys security business is stronger now than it has ever been. That said, many cybersecurity professionals continue to consider Cisco a networking company or retain bad memories of products such as the Cisco Security Agent (CSA) or Cisco Monitoring, Analysis and Response System (MARS). To promote its cybersecurity prowess and gain attention within the infosec diaspora, Cisco should: Support its platform with marketing and add-on services. The platform wars are just beginning, but customers are already confused by the myriad of offerings from vendors like McAfee, Palo Alto Networks, Symantec, and Trend Micro. Cisco should use its enterprise relationships to build a security platform market education campaign for CISOs, complete with project plans, success metrics, and add-on services. The goal? Educate and influence executive security decision makers and give them the tools and support to help them through two- to three-year security platform deployment projects. Flex more innovation and technology leadership muscle. Ciscos scale and security resources are pretty impressive. For example, Cisco Umbrella sees 125 billion DNS queries per day, while the company employs an army of data scientists working on artificial intelligence/machine learning for cybersecurity. So, whats the problem? Those who dont come to CiscoLive have no idea these assets exist, so the company can be outflanked by more boastful cybersecurity startups. Beyond CiscoLive, Cisco should host more security-only events, develop training courses with organizations such as the SANS institute, and reach out to professional organizations such as ISSA to spread the word on all the security research, development, and innovation going on in San Jose. Take an industry leadership position on cybersecurity architecture standards. Cisco should rally customers and recruit partners to support more industry cooperation around open standards like OpenC2. For starters, Cisco should turn pxGrid over to a standards body with the goal of making it an industry standard. Cisco is in as good a position as any other vendor, and it could take its cybersecurity business to $5 billion over the next few years if it continues to execute. Ill be watching. Bankwell is growing, while continuing to invest heavily in its capital infrastructure. The New Canaan-based bank last week opened branches at the High Ridge Shopping Center in Stamford and in the downtowns of Darien and Westport. While the bank continues to expand its digital services, Bankwell officials say they have grown their branch network to 12 locations because customers still favor in-person banking for many transactions. As we look to expand in communities, we always look to where our customers are, David Dineen, Bankwells executive vice president and head of community banking, said in an interview last week at the new Stamford branch, at 1095 High Ridge Road. We think brick and mortar is still important, along with high tech. In Stamford, the new 1,800-square-foot branch complements another banking center, at 612 Bedford St. I think a second branch for Stamford reinforces our commitment here, Dineen said. We feel Stamford is a thriving, great business community and a city we want to be in. With its new branches, Bankwell is competing with national powerhouses. Bank of America maintains a branch across the road from Bankwells new Stamford branch and another two doors down from its Westport center. We feel we bring local decision-making, and were locally based, Dineen said. Everyone down from the leadership team, to everyone who works in the banks, we all live and work in the communities that we serve. I think that really speaks to us as a community bank. The size and layout of Bankwells new branches are representative of contemporary bank buildings, according to state Department of Banking officials. One of the most interesting trends in bank branches is that when we see new ones coming up, theyre looking a bit different, said Matt Smith, a spokesman for the Banking Department. Youre not seeing the 3,000-square-foot branches. Theyre smaller. Thats not surprising with the rise of technology. Reasons for brick and mortar There are 1,189 bank branches in Connecticut, about flat compared with the number a year ago, according to Department of Banking data. The total has declined about 8 percent since 2007. The growth of digital banking has reduced the need for in-person services, but not made them obsolete. In a new survey by professional-services firm PricewaterhouseCoopers, 65 percent of respondents cited the importance of having a local branch, and 25 percent said they would not open an account with a bank that did not have at least one local branch. I dont think the bank branch is going away anytime soon there is still an appetite to go in and conduct business in a traditional way, Smith said. Its not about doing away with branches altogether; its about rethinking them. I think well continue to see that trend of reinvention over the next 10 years. More Information Bankwell opened last week new bank branches at 1095 High Ridge Road in Stamford; 100 Post Road E.; in Westport; and 1065 Post Road in Darien. See More Collapse Other local banks are also expanding their branch systems. At the beginning of the year, Patriot Bank launched a 11,000-square-foot flagship branch, at 999 Bedford St., in Stamford. It includes two live banking consoles one in the building and another in a drive-through terminal that allow customers to video-conference with bankers. In February, First County Bank opened a 2,400-square-foot establishment at 1312 Post Road in Fairfield. Increasingly, digital and in-person services meld together. In the branch, we can help you sign up for online banking, we can get the app for you on the phone, said Bankwell vice president and market manager Shanelle King, who leads a team of four at the new Stamford branch. Well do it all in a timely, efficient and very courteous manner. I think weve got a great team here. While they are focused on building the customer bases of their new branches, Bankwell officials said they would consider opening additional locations. Were tied to the New York City metropolitan area, particularly Fairfield County, and were between New York City, Dineen said. We think therell be opportunities for us to continue to grow. pschott@scni.com; 203-964-2236; Twitter: @paulschott Are we living in the midst of a face tattoo renaissance? First, the rapper Post Malone got the words "Always Tired" (me too, buddy) tattooed under his eyes last week. Then, SNL star Pete Davidson tattooed a pair of bunny ears to honor pop star girlfriend of a couple weeks, Ariana Grande, in his face-adjacent behind-the-ear area. ALSO: The best Royal Wedding photos Megan, Harry, celebs galore And now, Elle UK is reporting, people are getting freckles tattooed on their faces because they are inspired by the freckle-dotted visage of newly-married Duchess of Sussex, Meghan Markle. The procedure uses microblading a cosmetic tattoo technique that pushes pigment under the skin with a fine blade and is used to create the appearance of fuller eyebrows by tattooing them on, one strand at a time to give clients a splash of semipermanent freckles that last up to three years. One artist performing freckle tattooing, Gabrielle Rainbow, is based in Atlanta, Georgia and charges $250 a session. She's noticed a boost in inquiries lately she thinks is driven by Markle's look, she told New Beauty. Markle "boosted customers' interest in the whole idea of freckles," Rainbow said. Audrey Glass, a Los Angeles-based microblade artist, told Fashionista.com last year she uses 10 to 15 different pigments to create the freckles in a process that lasts 30 minutes and costs about $300. She said example photos showing freshly-tattooed freckles on Instagram aren't necessarily representative of the final result because the spots lighten to become more natural-looking as they heal. The trend prompted the Guardian to pose the question in a recent headline: "You want a good job but you also want a facial tattoo. What should you do?" The article informs us that 78 percent of human resources managers would be less likely to hire someone with a face tattoo but how to pay for your multi-hundred dollar face tattoo without a job? A dilemma for the ages. Filipa Ioannou is an SFGATE staff writer. Email her at fioannou@sfchronicle.com and follow her on Twitter 3 1 of 3 Brigantine Media / Contributed photo Show More Show Less 2 of 3 Brigantine Media / Contributed photo Show More Show Less 3 of 3 Reeve Lindbergh, the daughter of famed aviator Charles Lindbergh and author Anne Morrow Lindbergh, returns to her hometown this weekend to talk about her new book, Two Lives. She is set to speak about her latest memoir on Saturday, June 16, at Barrett Bookstore in Darien. In it, she writes about the effects of her familys fame, even as she sought her privacy on her Vermont farm. Greenwich is the best place to retire in Connecticut, according to a recent study, thanks in part to the citys high concentration of doctors' offices and recreation centers. Its closely followed by Ridgefield, New Milford, and Westport. For those planning to retire in the sun at an affordable price, Florida may still be the place to go and for good reasons, according to SmartAsset, a financial tech company that recently released its annual ranking of the top retirement destinations in each state and nationwide. In latest fake holiday news, June 17 is National Eat Your Vegetables Day. And while you should eat your vegetables every day, if you do it on Sunday you can post a photo with #EatYourVegetablesDay. Luckily, the big day falls during farmers market season so you don't have to scarf down frozen peas or pretend french fries are a vegetable. You can actually get some good, fresh local produce. Click through the slideshow to see when and where local farmers markets are open. If you want to dine out, head to one of the area's longest-standing vegetarian restaurants, Bloodroot. The feminist vegetarian restaurant and bookstore in Blackrock just celebrated its 40th anniversary in 2017. Back in the late '70s, the owners, Selma Miriam and Noel Furie, held women's nights on Wednesdays to allow all women, including lesbians, to dine in an inviting and comfortable setting. They also developed a still-standing practice of requiring guests to pick up their own food at the counter and clear away their dirty dishes to establish equality between staff and guests. Miriam threw out most of the restaurant rule books from the day Bloodroot opened in 1977, starting with the "experts'" belief that location might be the single most important element in building a strong customer base. The eatery is on a dead-end street near Black Rock Harbor, far from any foot traffic that might be found on the busier avenues in the neighborhood. From the beginning, Miriam knew the restaurant would rise or fall based on word of mouth from customers willing to go out of their way for a meal. The success of the restaurant has been fueled by the publication of two well-reviewed cookbooks (a third is in the works) and a yearly calendar that collects some of the tastiest recent recipes (the 2017 edition has just been published). NORWALK Police are investigating an armed robbery Wednesday night in Norwalk, dispatch reports indicated. Nearby police departments have been notified to be on the lookout for the responsible car and suspects. The armed robbery took place around 8 p.m. in the 100 block of Monterey Place, reports said. A BOLO issued by Bridgeport police shortly after said police are looking for a silver, older model Toyota Camry with New York plates. Reports said there were three occupants in the car at the time of the armed robbery. One person was reported to have a handgun and another had a Taser. There was no word on whether the third occupant of the car was armed. Police did not immediately disclose additional information regarding the robbery, including what if anything was taken. It was unclear if anyone was injured during the robbery, but reports did not mention any injuries. Anyone with information can call Norwalk police at 203-854-3000. STAMFORD A city man suffering from kidney failure is fighting to stay in the country long enough to get a transplant. Nelson Rosales Santos, who needs dialysis several days a week, received a small victory on Thursday when he was granted a six-month stay of deportation to Honduras. But it may not be long enough, according to Catalina Horak, an advocate for Santos and founder of Stamfords Building One Community immigrant center. Horak said Mount Sinai Hospital will only perform the transplant if Santos, who is scheduled to receive a kidney from a private donor at the end of the summer, gets a year-long stay in the U.S. Right now, it's a catch-22," Horak said. The whole thing is how can we get the support we need so he can have the time required for the transplant? That's the goal. He's super happy, but not having more time is kind of kicking it down the road as opposed to having a permanent solution. Horak joined other immigration advocates and elected officials Thursday afternoon in Hartford for a rally outside the Hartford Immigration and Customs Enforcement office. He needs another six months, Horak said. The whole sense was this is such a compelling and no-brainer case. We're not the kind of country that sends sick people away." Last month, ICE officials ordered Santos, 49, to return to his native Honduras. Santos, who has no criminal record, was issued an order of removal when he entered the U.S. illegally in 1989. He has not been able to obtain a green card through his wife, who is a U.S. citizen. This deportation would have been a death sentence a cruel and callous act that history would have judged in the harshest of lights, said Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn. But six months is a short reprieve, and we must redouble our efforts to achieve permanent relief for this Connecticut family. Santos, a chef who is married with three children, has called Stamford home since he came to the U.S. I cant live without him, said his wife, Patricia Morales, 53. Its very hard. Hes my company. Hes my everything. Morales, a babysitter, and Santos live in a neatly kept home in a quiet neighborhood behind Stamford High School. Santos has three children, ranging in age from 11 to 19, from a previous marriage who live nearby with their mother. Santos parents and siblings also live in Stamford. While Santos came with his brother and sister to the U.S., he was the only one denied a green card. Hes a hard-working man, said his sister, Xiomara Hernandes, 51. Hes not a criminal. Its like sending him to die over there. They dont care. They dont have a heart. Immigration attorney Glenn Formica, who has been representing Santos pro bono, said deporting immigrants without criminal backgrounds has become more common. A few years ago, Id maybe see a hard-luck case every once in a while, he said. I go through more tissue paper than copy papers in my office these days. ... This is something ICE a couple years ago wouldve said I hope it works out for you. Let me sign you out for a year. This isnt something that should be in headlines. The fact is it says a lot without saying anything. Formica said his client will not receive the treatment he needs in Honduras. Once he gets to Honduras, hes going to have to enter a medical system, which is not the greatest and then find appropriate renal care for a really complicated renal problem. Thats going to take several days, Formica said. You have a guy whos here for 30 years, has a family with kids, he has private health insurance through his wife, he even has two potential private donors. ... On top of that, youre leaving children without a father, a wife without a husband and for what? Just to say you got someone with an order of removal out of the country? Santos, who said he came to the U.S. for a better life, said he would rather die than return to a country where he has no family or health care. I dont want to go back, he said. I want to die. erin.kayata@stamfordadvocate.com; (203) 964-2265; @erin_kayata The rumor fishtailed its way around the Democratic state convention floor, smacking delegates, candidates and media alike. Its target was attorney general candidate William Tong, a state representative from Stamford. As Tong circulated the convention trying to win delegates, the whispers claimed he was unqualified for the job. Connecticuts attorney general must be an attorney at law of at least ten years active practice at the bar of the state, according an 120-year-old state statute. Candidates must have practiced law for a decade as their primary livelihood and have experience litigating in court and representing clients, state law specifies. Tong may not meet this standard, a volunteer for the campaign of Chris Mattei, a former federal prosecutor also running for attorney general, told me during the convention on May 12. Its something to look into, the volunteer said. The rumor was no harmless gossip. In 2010, the Connecticut Supreme Court ruled Susan Bysiewicz, who is now running for lieutenant governor, was unqualified to hold the job of attorney general, although she was a lawyer who served as secretary of the state. Because she hadnt actively practiced law for 10 years, Bysiewicz had to drop out of the race. Before and during the convention, Tong said, reporters, town party chairs and other delegates kept approaching him with concern about the rumor. It did not stop the wave of support for Tong, however. He claimed the Democratic endorsement, while Mattei, a former federal prosecutor, and state Sen. Paul Doyle, of Wethersfield, both qualified for the August primary. But the smear, as Tong called it Wednesday, still bothered him. It is an absurd issue to raise and in many ways, pretty offensive, he said. Tong, 45, was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 2004, according to the state Judicial Branch. For 15 years, he has been a commercial litigator at Finn, Dixon and Herling in Stamford and previously worked for the international law firm of Simpson, Thacher and Bartlett. In the state Legislature, for four years he has been the House chairman of the Judiciary Committee, which oversees the function of the Judicial Branch and major areas of state law. Weve debated the Bysiewicz decision and the qualification issue in the Judiciary Committee! Tong said with exasperation. Ive lived with this as a legislator and its absurd to think I would have decided to run for attorney general without thinking about it first and making sure that I was covered. Matteis campaign on Wednesday denied it was the source of the claim that Tong is unqualified. The Mattei volunteer who shared the gossip with me said he heard it from Mattei staffers who heard it from delegates. From the beginning, our campaign has been focused on the most important question facing voters: who is most capable of representing Connecticut families and their interests in the courtroom, Alex Goldstein, a spokesman for the Mattei campaign said Wednesday. It is not surprising that at a convention of 2,000 delegates and hundreds of volunteers, there were questions being asked of all four candidates for attorney general about the background and experience they bring. Mattei, too, was subject to the same questions about his qualifications when he declared his candidacy in December. Best known for sending ex-Gov. John G. Rowland back to prison for campaign fraud, Mattei, 40, was admitted to the Connecticut Bar in 2005, state Judicial Branch records show. A former assistant U.S. attorney, he joined joined the Bridgeport office of Koskoff, Koskoff and Bieder as a trial lawyer in late 2015. Ive been actively litigating cases in courtrooms across Connecticut for more than 10 years, Mattei said in December. Heres how the records of the five candidates now vying for attorney general stack up: Doyle, 55, has been practicing law in Connecticut the longest. The Democrat was admitted to the state bar in 1990. Since 2000, he has litigated for Heneghan, Kennedy Doyle, where he is a partner. For two years before that, he ran his solo practice in Wethersfield. Doyle is the Senate chairman of the Judiciary Committee. Republican-endorsed candidate Sue Hatfield has been a member of the state bar since 1998, according to the Judicial Branch. Since 2005, she has served as a state prosecutor with the Connecticut Division of Criminal Justice. The Pomfret resident is also a registered nurse. Republican challenger John Shaban was admitted to the Connecticut bar in 1994. He is a partner at Whitman, Breed, Abbott and Morgan in Greenwich, where he practices corporate litigation, environmental and energy law. As a three-term state representative for Easton, Weston and Redding, Shaban also served on the Judiciary Committee. The Secretary of the States Office has no investigatory powers to look into attorney general candidates resumes and disqualify them, said Gabe Rosenberg, spokesman for the office. Bysiewicz was disqualified after criticism led her to seek a ruling on her qualifications, leading eventually to a state Supreme Court ruling. DARIEN There is a holy war brewing in town. A conflict between parish leaders and the rector at St. Pauls Church led to an attempt by the former to change the locks of the church on Tuesday. The Rev. Ian Douglas, bishop diocesan of the Episcopal Church in Connecticut, said the group of parishioners, also known as lay leaders, are trying to take over the church and dismiss the rector, Rev. Canon George Kovoor, and thus not abiding by church rules. Douglas said Kovoor called Darien police Tuesday afternoon when a locksmith appeared at the church, reportedly called by the lay leaders. According to Douglas, there have been rising tensions between the vestry and Kovoor, of which he learned about last October. Douglas said a study carried out in the last eight months identified differences of opinion regarding the identity, structure and authority within the Episcopalian Church. There were divisions along these lines and were seeing this manifest in this standoff, Douglas said. Kovoor, who was unanimously elected by lay leaders as their rector on Oct. 1, 2016, and resides in the rectory at St. Pauls, was unavailable for comment. Our church canons say if there is a challenge between the vestry and the rector, there is a process with which weve engaged for eight months of reconciliation and mediation and at the end of that process the laws give the bishop the authority to decide if the rector stays or goes, Douglas said. According to St. Pauls website, the vestry includes senior warden Tony Miscimarra and junior warden Joann Cerretani. Nancy Donovan, clerk, and Joann Rivers, treasurer, are also listed. In letters dated May 30 signed by Miscimarra on behalf of the vestry addressed to Kovoor, the senior warden wrote efforts at Diocesan imposed reconciliation and dispute resolution have apparently failed. The letter says Kovoor is required to surrender (his) keys to all Parish buildings. On Wednesday afternoon, Miscimarra said the locks had not been changed. That doesnt mean they wont be, Miscimarra said. Douglas said he intended to come to St. Pauls on June 14 to meet with any vestry and parish member present at 6 p.m. to talk about his decision regarding whether Kovoor will stay or be dismissed from the church. Miscimarra said the parish would agree to arrange a mutually convenient date to meet with Douglas, but he and the vestry would not attend this week. Im fully prepared both in the church and secular courts if need be, Douglas said. Its unequivocal that the authority for retaining or dismissing (a rector) resides with the bishop and not with the lay leaders. humberto.juarez@hearstmediact.com, 203-842-2584 BRIDGEPORT Eva Bermudez Zimmerman, who is on a quest to beat endorsed Democrat Susan Bysiewicz in the August primary for lieutenant governor, is making up for lost time. Shes hosting fundraisers every night, and said shes on track to submit her application for the states Citizens Elections Program by the first week of July. She was in Bridgeport on Wednesday for a fundraiser hosted by some of the citys prominent Democrats at a Puerto Rican restaurant, where guests were asked to contribute up to $100 to her campaign. Candidates for lieutenant governor must raise $75,000 in contributions of $100 or less to qualify for the $406,000 grant. Ive supported Eva from the beginning, said state Rep. Chris Rosario, who helped organize the fundraiser. I think its long overdue that we have a fresh voice and shes really at the forefront of a grass-roots movement. The consensus among the small group of about 25 attendees, most of whom hold roles in city government or local action organizations, is that they feel like Bridgeport is the states forgotten city. As a result, Bermudez Zimmermans background as a product of Hartfords North End and the daughter of Puerto Rican migrants appeals to them. We need Latino leadership statewide, said Fabio Mazo, vice president of the Bridgeport Young Democrats. The way she talks to the Latino community in the inner cities ... Bridgeport never gets any love. Were like the stepchild to the state. Despite their definitive support for Bermudez Zimmerman and hope for a slate of candidates that lists Bridgeport as a priority, attendees were less inclined to publicly throw their support behind a candidate for governor. Even in Bridgeport, where Mayor Joe Ganim is petitioning his way onto the August primary ballot to challenge Greenwich businessman Ned Lamont, the partys endorsed candidate. Greenwich executive Guy Smith is also attempting to make the ballot via petition. Though Lamont and Bysiewicz have aligned themselves as running mates, the governor and lieutenant governor are separate votes on the ballot. Im with whoever takes care of Bridgeport, Mazo said. Matt McCarthy, a Bridgeport resident who came out to support Bermudez Zimmerman, wouldnt say whom he is supporting for governor, but its probably not Lamont. I dont think Ned Lamont and Susan Bysiewicz are the answer, theyre just a continuation of (Gov. Dannel P.) Malloy, he said. Bermudez Zimmerman said that while she is focused on the cities where support will be crucial in the primary and general election, her campaign is also drumming up support in the states smaller towns. At the end of the day, fundraisers and CEP is helpful, but its about connecting with people, she said. kkrasselt@hearstmediact.com; 203-842-2563; @kaitlynkrasselt It is disturbing, and potentially tragic, that a commonsense initiative to tighten the countrys system for background checks on prospective gun purchasers is wallowing in Congress some eight months after the bill was introduced by Connecticut senators Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy. They introduced the so-called No check, No sale bill last October and, even more disturbing is the fact that the number of people whove bought guns without a complete background check has grown. From 2014 to 2017, according to ThinkProgress, a news website, the percentage of people purchasing a gun without a complete background check rose from 2.8 to about 3.6 percent. The 3.6 percent figure translates into more than 300,000 people purchasing a gun in 2017 without the federally licensed firearms dealer finishing a background check because 72 hours had elapsed, the deadline set by law for the FBI to finish its work. The 72-hour window came about as a compromise. Background checks were first mandated under the 1993 so-called Brady Law, which required states to impose a five-day waiting period before someone could buy a firearm to allow time for a thorough check. But as the countrys computerized background-check system the National Instant Criminal Background Check System developed further, gun rights advocates pushed for the shorter deadline so the delay would not hold up a lawful sale. This, though, is a matter that goes far beyond inconveniencing a lawful gun purchaser. The impetus for Blumenthals action was the 2015 incident in which Dylann Roof, a deranged white supremacist, killed nine people at a historic black church in Charleston, S.C., using a firearm he never should have had. Roof had a felony conviction the year before that should have prevented him from buying a gun. The charge went undetected during the 72-hour period because of bureaucratic confusion over which South Carolina jurisdiction was responsible for his prosecution. So there is no question that simply extending the 72-hour waiting period is not the sole answer to the problem. The FBI later admitted confusion in Roofs background check, prompting an investigation into their procedures. What became obvious were gaps in the efficiency of the FBIs system, which relies on information provided by the individual states. That process needs to be as close to air-tight as possible. Unreported information on convictions, mental illness and other disqualifying factors, we have sadly learned, costs lives. Gun advocates rightly argue that more effort has to be put into communication and technology to make sure that, for instance, something like the Roof felony does show up in the check. Even Mark Barden, the founder and managing director of Sandy Hook Promise, a group formed after the 2012 mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, said theres room for improvement across the board, including giving more resources to agencies involved with background check processing. But while that work is done, Congress has to move to the position that no gun sale occurs without a complete background check. The CFPB filed an order Thursday dismissing its case with PHH Corporation. The lawsuit came from a 2015 fine levied by the bureau on PHH Corp. over a Real Estate Settlement Procedures Act (RESPA) issue. The case also raised questions as to the bureaus constitutionality. The case largely concluded last month as PHH said it would not appeal a January ruling that upheld the constitutionality of the CFPBs single-director structure. NAFCU remains supportive of a commission-led CFPB in lieu of its current leadership structure. The January ruling by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the D.C. Circuit upheld the CFPBs constitutionality reversing the courts panel opinion from 2016 regarding the constitutional question. However, in a win for the credit union industry, the court did reinstate the October 2016 panels decision regarding the RESPA issue, which held that former CFPB Director Richard Cordrays interpretation of RESPA was incorrect so the resultant $109 million penalty levied on PHH was invalid. NAFCU filed an amicus brief in support of PHH in this case. Jonestown cult ended in mass suicide of 909 as Jim Jones' devoted followers drank cyanide-laced "Kool Aid" WARNING: DISTRESSING CONTENT Religious cult members of the Peoples Temple died in mass murder-suicide after drinking poison at the urging of their leader, the Reverend Jim Jones, in a secluded South American jungle settlement Mirror, UK/June 12, 2018 By Steve Myall It was supposed to be Utopia. But it ended in a sickening story of violence and death deep in the South American jungle. A cult leader who once preached peace and equality and railed against the violence of the global nuclear arms race now urged his followers towards death. Jim Jones was found shot in the head lying among the bodies of 909 followers - including women and babies. The 1978 mass suicide was the largest ever single loss of American civilian life in a deliberate act, and remained so until the 9/11 terror attacks. Followers of Peoples Temple Agricultural Project, better known as Jonestown, had committed mass suicide. Earlier other cult members had butchered congressman Leo Ryan, in an act that Jones ordered, after he arrived in north Guyana to investigate claims people had been held against their will. He had met disciples who begged for his help amid lack of food and a dictatorship regime. Jones feared he was about to be exposed and so ordered Ryan's death, with several of his entourage also killed. The cult leader then set in motion the plans for mass suicide he had long anticipated. He called his adopted son, also called Jim, at the cult HQ in Georgetown, the largest nearby city, and gave him an order with a terrifying secret meaning. In a new documentary he recalls: "In the early evening I went down to the radio room because my father wanted to talk to me. "He says, 'We're going to meet Mr. Fraser'. And that was code for committing revolutionary suicide, and 'you need to work out how you guys can meet Mr. Fraser in Georgetown'. "I'm like, 'What the hell is going on, is there something else we can do?' "Then my father went into a rhetoric: 'This is the cause that you have to stand up to, our avenging angels will protect us, and prove things right or make justice happen, but we have to meet Mr. Fraser.'" Terrified about what was happening, Jim and his brothers went to the American Embassy to raise the alarm - but it was already too late. Back at the camp Jones had called a large meeting at the town's pavilion using the speaker system he often gave propaganda laden speeches over. Deadly cocktail Meanwhile a cocktail of sedatives and cyanide had been mixed by 30-year-old camp doctor Lawrence Schacht and flavoured with powdered grape juice flavouring. The phrase "Drinking the Kool-Aid" was later born from the Jonestown suicides to mean a person or group who goes along with a doomed or dangerous idea because of peer pressure. The assembled were told it was time to die. The first to take the poison were Ruletta Paul and her one-year-old son Robert. A syringe with its needle removed was used to squirt poison into the infant's mouth, after which Paul squirted another syringe into her own mouth. One eye-witness stated that while the poison was squirted in some children's mouths, there was no panic or emotional outburst and the assembled Temple members looked like they were "in a trance". This though was contradicted when a 45 minute audio recording - known as the "death tape" - emerged revealing cries and screams of children. On the tape Jones could be heard ranting: "I tell you, I don't care how many screams you hear, I don't care how many anguished cries...death is a million times preferable to 10 more days of this life. If you knew what was ahead of you if you knew what was ahead of you, you'd be glad to be stepping over tonight." Humble beginnings The cult leader had begun as an American evangelical preacher who was certain the Cold War of the 1970s would bring a nuclear bomb. He created a community in San Francisco, California, where he said his followers would be safe from nuclear fallout. Many of his followers were recovering drug addicts from the black community and he seemed to offer a warm welcome at a time when racial divides were strong. But the authorities started to pay extra interest to his community - called the People's Temple - and there were stories in the press from disaffected former members of the church. Then almost overnight Jones relocated to Guyana, in South America. One member of the cult who survived the massacre with his children, Jerry Parks, recalled a car journey when what he thought at the time was a miracle happened. He said: "My son Dale was driving to school with Jim Jones with two or three cars. "The lead car which he was in hit a duck and knocked it to the side of the highway. "Jim had him pull over, open the door, got out, walked over and picked the duck up in his hand and Dale says he stroked the duck. Miracle "He said he was saying something but he didn't understand what he was saying and all of a sudden the duck jumps up to his feet on the hand and flies away. "That is something to this day we don't understand how to view it, what to think about it, was it real, was the duck alive, would it have happened anyway? "We didn't think that way at the time, because it was too early on with Jim Jones so we believed that it was the real thing." He said: "I knew early on that we were going to die over there. "He had backed himself into a corner that he couldn't get out of and it would soon fall in on him. "He said we may have to die for this. But he didn't mean we're going to grab guns and stand out there and protect ourselves. 'You have to die for it' means we're gonna kill ourselves before they get us." New start In South America in the baking heat Jones and his followers built a town housing 1,000 - mainly women and children. But it was not to be a peaceful life as quickly his methods of controlling a community containing those who had begun to doubt their mission became increasingly cruel and driven by paranoia. Residents had their passports collected on arrival and any dissent was treated with brutal beatings or menial tasks as punishment. Members of the cult were forced to sign confessions to theft, abuse and terrorism as a sign of loyalty but in reality they were used to keep the members quiet. Former member Joyce Shaw told the Mirror in 1978 that Jones imposed celibacy on members, telling them he was the only heterosexual in the world but slept with both men and women. Shaw, who had been a member in the US, said: "I saw beatings and physical abuse. For discipline people were publicly spanked or beaten with thick sticks. "You could see that he could no longer have functioned as a man. "Another man who complained about the celibacy rule was forced to perform humiliating acts in public with a woman who vomited over him. That cured his ardour. "Little kids who misbehaved had to box each other, so did elderly people." Word began to leak back to the USA that some residents were being held against their will in the community - which was known as Jonestown - and relatives lobbied their elected representatives for help. Paranoia Jones believed the American Government had it in for him and was terrified he would lose control, so he ordered his brainwashed followers to conduct drills in preparation for a mass suicide. Then, in November 1978, Congressman Leo Ryan decided to visit the community after his interest became aroused when the son of a friend who was a member of the cult was found murdered days after saying he wanted to leave. It was to begin the ball rolling towards a tragic conclusion. By the time Ryan arrived on November 14, Jones' health had declined, according to survivors, and he was abusing LSD, Quaaludes, stimulants and barbiturates. His once sharp speaking voice was slurred, his eyes were glazed and he was increasingly paranoid. Ambush Ryan was initially refused entry to the town but once inside he was treated to a well-rehearsed musical show designed to show all was happy and well. In fact it would later emerge he had told an aide that he planned to report all was well upon his return to the US. Jones, though, had already decided on his deadly course. Inside the camp several unhappy families approached Ryan asking to come with him when he left, but the numbers were still small in relation to the overall population. On the evening of November 18 the departing Ryan party - along with 30 defectors - assembled at the nearby Port Kaituma airstrip to fly back to Georgetown. They had been joined by Temple loyalist Larry Layton despite the concerns of those leaving who did not trust him. As the party waited at the airstrip a tractor and trailer appeared and hidden gunmen opened fire - Congressman Ryan, two reporters and an NBC cameraman were killed along with defector Patricia Parks, while several other people were also injured. Congressman Ryan was shot more than 20 times. Jerry Parks was at the airstrip when the shooting happened and recalls in a new Investigation: Discover documentary: "I had just fastened my seatbelt and was siting right by the window and I heard the guns going off and the bullets flying and all I could think to say was 'my God!' "I heard my mom holler 'look at Patty', my wife. "I looked back and she was sat slumped over with the top of her head gone." Larry Layton had shot two people inside the plane but when he tried to shoot Jerry's son Dale, the gun jammed. The gunmen fled after killing the Congressman and the survivors hid in the jungle until help arrived. Back at the camp Jones used news of Ryan's death to speed up the mass suicide telling his followers: "The Congressmans dead please get us some medication. "Its simple, its simple, theres no convulsions with it, its just simple, just please get it before its too late. The GDF (Guyana Defense Force) will be here. I tell you get moving, get moving, get moving " The poison took just five minutes to kill. When the army arrived they found a scene of unimaginable devastation with bodies littering the ground around the pavilion. A handful of cult members survived by fleeing into the jungle or hiding. Grover Davis, 79, who was partly deaf, missed the announcement to assemble on the loudspeaker, lay down in a ditch, and pretended to be dead. The children A first body count put the death toll at 400. Only when the bodies were moved was it discovered that children and babies had been murdered and their bodies lay hidden beneath the adult corpses. Plastic cups, Flavor Aid packets, and syringes, some with needles and some without, littered the area where the bodies were found. Jones' body was found with a self inflicted gunshot to the head. At the cult's headquarters in Georgetown, cult member Sharon Amos cut the throats of two of her own children and then killed herself. Larry Layton, who had fired a gun at several people aboard the Cessna, was initially found not guilty of attempted murder in a Guyanese court, employing the defence that he was "brainwashed". He could not be tried in the US for attempted murders on Guyanese soil and was, instead, tried under a federal statute against assassinating members of Congress. He was convicted of conspiracy and of aiding and abetting the murder of Ryan. He was the only person ever to have been held criminally responsible for the events at Jonestown. He was paroled in 2002. The bodies of over 400 of those who died are buried in a mass-grave in Oakland, California. "A man who confessed to being a homosexual was stripped, beaten with a rubber hose and made to march around to show his welts. Jerry says now that he never fully bought into Jones' hyperbole and suspected disaster was on the horizon the moment he landed in South America. Followers - to whom he preached about communism, socialism, the US government, the rich, economic equality and ending childhood hunger- believed he had special powers and followed him to the new planned utopia Jones ordered mothers with babies to take the poison first and it's been speculated that it was to make adults more willing to die after their children were dead. To see more documents/articles regarding this group/organization/subject click here. Three of 11 Somerset County school districts rated above average. A listing, from highest to lowest, of how Somerset County schools rated in latest U.S. News & World Report assessment. Dhaka is steadily hotting up with hectic political activities as the parliamentary polls draw nearer. Elections will be held either end of this year or early next year. The main Opposition party, the Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), which was lying dormant and dysfunctional till late, has suddenly embarked upon a flurry of belligerent political activities and appears to be getting direction from some powerful lobby belonging to the hostile quarters against the prime minister. The BNP was in political hibernation until recently as its party supremo, former prime minister Khaleda Zia, is in prison and believed to have suffred a mild stroke recently rendering her politically irrelevant in the context of election campaigning. As is common knowledge, Khaleda Zia is facing serious graft charges and continues to be prosecuted, notwithstanding the fact that her party has engaged a high-profile British lawyer to contest the case on her behalf. Former prime minister Khaleda Zia may have suffred a mild stroke in jail recently, her doctor says. [Credit: Reuters photo] What appears significant, however, is the BNP's overtures to India for support and guidance. The BNP is still undecided if it would at all contest the elections or not. To woo India, the BNP sent a three-member delegation to India last week under the leadership of former commerce minister, Amir Khosru M Chowdhury, and two other senior party functionaries. During their New Delhi stay, they held long parleys with several think tanks, including the Institute for Defence Studies and Analyses (IDSA), Observer Research Foundation (ORF) and Vivekananda International Foundation (VIF). The visiting BNP team vehemently criticised the Sheikh Hasina-led Awami League government for their alleged role in exterminating their political adversaries in the name of nabbing drug traffickers who are involved in smuggling of drugs from across the border, especially from Myanmar, drawing all-round condemnation from various human rights groups. The BNP delegation also tried to highlight the alleged corruption cases involving Hasina and her cohorts on various counts. Their tenor, during the interactions, was not bereft of any assertions and instead, was business like and to the point. Essentially, they wanted India to hold BNPs hand, extending support to it during the elections. Going by the theory of elimination, it can be safely assumed that Pakistan will extend all-out support to the BNP, its long-time friend, using every possible means to subvert Hasina and her regime. However, the Indian experts pointedly told the BNP delegation about their party's opportunistic politics when out of power, it tries to warm up to India but once in power, it openly supports anti-India and pro-Pakistani forces, alarmingly harbouring multiple Indian insurgents belonging to the Northeast. The BNP has already started recahing out to India against the Sheikh Hasina-led government in Bangladesh. [Credit: Reuters photo] Now, in a desperate bid to come back to power, the BNP hinged on several promises in an apparent bid to elicit support. Yet, judging by the partys past performance vis-a-vis India, the promises did not cut much ice during the interactions. Back in Dhaka, ongoing encounters and cross-firing incidents are giving much ammunition to the BNP amid credible reports that if the Hasina government does not release Khaleda Zia before Eid, that is in a couple of days, the BNP would resort to a massive agitation subsequently galvanising a mass movement. But if she is out of prison, Khaleda Zia is expected to use all her charisma leading the movement from the front. Once in the electoral fray, the BNP will prove to be a formidable Opposition causing serious challenge to the government in power. Therefore, Hasina needs to tread with caution to deal with the latest developments and any minor lapse of judgement or calculation, might cause a dent. One must always remember that the BNP, while in power, had the right wing anti-India and pro-Pakistan Islamic fundamentalist party (the Jamaat-e-Islami) as its ally and partner in governance which had helped the latter to consolidate its grassroots cadres, abetting radical forces to foment terror as seen in the deadly cases in the past two years. Meanwhile, recent reports trickling in about the killings of a couple of liberals indicate that the extremist forces may have bounced back and resorted to a renewed killing spree targeting liberals and minority communities. This can prove catastrophic if the BNP is out on the streets, especially from the electoral point of view. For the Awami League government, to be confident on part is alright, but overconfidence in dealing with the critical issues could prove costly. Also read: Why every blow upon the Taj Mahal is a blow to India United States President Donald Trump will be remembered in East Asia either as a Hero or a Zero. The Singapore Summit, held recently between Mr Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, has been described as "historic" because the heads of government of these two countries were meeting for the first time. A small handshake. A big move? [Photo: Reuters] However, it could, in fact, be remembered as truly historic if it succeeds in delivering on its promises and generates a new process of national reconciliation resulting eventually, at some time in the future, in the unification of the two Koreas. On the other hand, if Mr Kim fails to deliver and Mr Trump is held back by the military-industrial complex in the US and the Washington DC policy establishment, the summits legacy would be no more than an increase in the occupancy rate at the Cappella Hotel on Singapores Sentosa Island. In the first twenty four hours after the summit, the internet has been flooded by a barrage of supercilious criticism from the American policy elite. A senior international relations scholar told the TV channel CNN that summit meetings are not meant to be hijacked by the interlocutors. Summits are built from below. They are not constructed from the top! This is precisely the kind of intellectual arrogance of the policy elite, the organisational and intellectual sherpas who imagine they are the architects of summit meetings, that popular politicians with a mind of their own detest. While most intellectuals remain skeptical about Mr Trumps "mind", the fact is that he went to the Cappella Hotel determined to do it his way. Perhaps even his closest aides were surprised by some of the things he said at the press conference. I'll do it my way. [Photo: Reuters] Indeed, having seen the preparatory work for a couple of summits during my time in the Indian Prime Ministers office, I can say that sometimes a political leader is quite happy to leave the drafting of a joint statement to officials while pursuing his own agenda at the summit level with his counterpart. That is precisely what seems to have happened in Singapore. There was a statement that may well have been drafted by President Trumps aides, while the real meat in the meeting may have been what the two interlocutors discussed in their one-on-one closed door conversation. Heading towards a closed and open door. [Photo: Reuters] Summits are not about dotting the Is and crossing the Ts in a public document. That is what diplomats do, media reports and analysts discuss. A meaningful summit is more often than not the starting point of a process, not its end-point. It is a top-down process, not bottom-up. The US policy establishment, both government agencies and the policy elite outside government may well have been focused on North Koreas denuclearisation. Is that really a political priority for a US President? Does the timetable of Korean denuclearisation really matter to the US? What is the real strategic priority for the US in East Asia? To denuclearise North Korea, leaving China and Russia as the only nuclear powers in that corner of the world? To weaken defence relations with allies like South Korea and Japan, leaving China as the dominant power in the region? Does the US policy elite really think President Trump doesnt get it? Is Trump crazy or is there a method to his apparent madness? Studying Presidents Trumps politics and policies during the first two years in office I am convinced that he is a Big Picture guy who leaves the details to his trusted aides if the aides do not deliver (like his former Secretary of State and National Security Advisor), he just changes his aides like one would change ones clothes. For President Trump, the Singapore Summit was not just about denuclearisation and reducing the level of US defence spending in the region, forcing regional allies like Japan and South Korea to spend more. Incidentally, when he was asked at the press conference as to who would bear the cost of North Korean denuclearisation, his reply was prompt Japan, South Korea and China. After all, they would all be the immediate beneficiaries of a nuke-less Pyongyang. The Singapore Summit must be viewed against the backdrop of long-term changes underway in Asia and US strategy to deal with them. While China has welcomed the outcome of the summit, it must worry about the new Trump-Kim bonhomie. The normalisation of relations between the US and North Korea, following the new reconciliation process between the two Koreas, could well unleash the underlying peninsula-wide sentiment for reunification. When Kim met Moon. [Photo: Reuters] The Korean people, like the Germans in Europe, derive pride from their long history. Like the Germans, the Koreans too trace their cultural origins and ethnic identity to the 1st Century BC. After twenty centuries of a shared civilisational identity, the Korean people were divided into two political entities in the middle of the 20th Century. The Germans were fortunate to have ended their division a quarter century ago, at the end of the Cold War. When the Berlin Wall came down. [Photo: Reuters] Alas, the Koreans have not been so lucky thus far. On the eve of the very first official visit to the Republic of Korea by an Indian Prime Minister, P.V. Narasimha Rao in 1993, I visited South Korea to write a series of articles on a country that was little known in India at the time. One of my visits in Seoul was to the newly set up Korean Institute for National Unification (KINU). Its mandate was to study the German experience and prepare policy papers on how the two Koreas could manage their eventual reunification. A quarter century later, I would imagine KINU is ready with its blueprints. What the two Koreas need is a supportive global and regional environment. Among all the major powers only the US would benefit, strategically, from Korean unification. Is it at all possible that President Trump believed that in Singapore earlier this week, he was not really initiating the process of Korean denuclearisation but of Korean reunification? Was he looking at the next few months or the next few years? Was the meeting with President Kim part of a wider and long-term strategy to, in fact, reinforce US influence, if not presence, in the region? Those who climb a summit have a view of the world that is very different from those who live in the lower hills, the valleys and the plains. One wonders what Mr Trump and Mr Kim saw on the horizon when they stood tall at their summit. Also read: Is Doklam the reason why Australia is kept out of Malabar 2018? Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy is a worried man. Three weeks after he took the oath of office in front of a gaggle of Opposition leaders, eager to make the Congress-JD(S) alliance a template for an assault on the Narendra Modi government in the 2019 Lok Sabha election, the experiment is beginning to wobble. With just 37 seats in the Assembly but the chief ministership in the bag, the JD(S) was always going to be the tail that wagged the alliance dog. Unfortunately for it, the Congress has sunk into old habits. Its win yesterday in the Jayanagar constituency, earlier held by the BJP, has emboldened it. There are almost as many claimants for ministerships as there are Congress MLAs. Lingayat leader MB Patil, who helped former chief minister Siddaramaiah split BS Yeddyurappas Lingayat vote, has been sidelined. Siddaramaiah himself has lost his swagger. He was defeated in one of the two seats he contested (Chamundeshwari) and barely scraped through in the other (Badami). He has been noticeably absent in the internal jockeying for ministerships among Congress MLAs. Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy is a worried man. Rotational ministers With six of 22 portfolios still up for grabs, and more than 20 Congress MLAs vying for them, the high command (Rahul and Sonia Gandhi) has fallen back on using traditional Indian jugaad: rotational ministers. The tenure: six months. In this bizarre proposal of musical chairs, a Congress MLA will, for example, be the housing minister for six months before being dragged away kicking and screaming from his portfolio to make way for his colleague waiting for his turn in a lucrative ATM ministry. At Parsi weddings, it is a tradition for guests to be served dinner in batches. Even before the first batch finishes its lagan nu bhonu, a row of hungry diners lines up behind your chair, making clear that your time is up. In Karnataka, the row of Congress MLAs lining up behind each ministerial chair appears equally incongruous. More pertinently, what does the shenanigans weve seen so far in Bengaluru presage for Opposition unity in the 2019 Lok Sabha poll? The row of Congress MLAs lining up behind each ministerial chair in Karnataka appears equally incongruous The combined Oppositions key problem is evolving a consensus around a face who will lead the front. As in Karnatakas cabinet, there are more candidates than openings. The Congress is likely to emerge as the second largest party after the BJP in the 2019 Lok Sabha election. Rahul Gandhi, though, may not be an acceptable leader of a national mahagathbandhan. Pitted one-on-one against Modi, he could lose rather than gain Opposition vote share. Mayawati will press her claim on the back of the Dalit votes. Mamata Banerjee has already displayed her willingness to lead the front. She has proposed one-on-one contests between the combined Opposition and the BJP in 400 seats. Her record in making West Bengal a hotbed of communal violence could, however, sharply erode her chances as the face of this variegated front. The Shiv Sena, as usual fishing in troubled waters, has suggested Pranab Mukherjee as a consensus prime ministerial choice. Mukherjees office has denied any interest in the proposal, calling it far-fetched. Daughter Sharmishta has said coldly that her father will not enter politics. By convention, former presidents are deemed apolitical. But in Indian politics, nothing is too far-fetched to morph into reality. Of course, the Congress high command will not countenance Mukherjee as prime minister after his visit to RSS headquarters in Nagpur. Main problem The BJPs main problem, meanwhile, lies in its allies. It began 2014 with 24 allies, most of them small. Only the Shiv Sena (18 MPs) and the TDP (14 MPs) were in double digits. The TDP is gone, but political manoeuvring may bring it back. The Sena has cried wolf so often that its threats to leave the NDA sound increasingly hollow. Its real ambition is to contest a large share of seats in the 2019 Lok Sabha poll perhaps 24 of Maharashtras 48 and it will probably get its way. But the Sena knows there is no life for it outside the NDA. Yet the BJPs problems remain severe. If the SP-BSP-Congress grand alliance in Uttar Pradesh gets formalised, the BJP will lose a torrent of seats in the state. In Madhya Pradesh, a Congress-BSP alliance could hurt it as well. The restless JD(U) needs to be carefully nurtured. The TDP is gone, but political manoeuvring may bring it back. Coalition dharma A key strategy is to tap informal alliances in Odisha (which will hold Assembly elections simultaneously with the Lok Sabha poll in 2019), woo the TRS in Telangana and do a tricky threesome with the TDP and YSR Congress in Andhra Pradesh. All of these will require Prime Minister Narendra Modi and party chief Amit Shah to set aside hubris and embrace coalition dharma. A Modi-II government, if it is formed in 2019, will likely resemble a UPA-II government when the Congress won 206 seats and its allies lifted it past 272 seats. The Congress won just 28.55 per cent vote share in 2009 for those 206 seats. Not many at the time said that 72 per cent of India voted against the Congress. In Indian media and politics, double standards and hypocrisy are permanent companions. With the Oppositions alliance for 2019 in the balance, the eager-beaver leaders who gathered in Bengaluru three weeks ago at Kumaraswamys swearing-in will be watching the awkward pirouette between the Congress and the JD(S) in Karnataka with a touch of anxiety. It could foretell the future. (Courtesy of Mail Today) Also read: Why India keeping Australia out of the Malabar Exercise was a wise move The last time India looked closely at the Korean Peninsula was back in the 1990s when clandestine transfers of North Korean rocket technology allowed Pakistan to build missiles targeting all of India with its nuclear weapons. Korean missile technology was bartered for Pakistani uranium enrichment knowhow, used to build North Koreas bombs. The transfer was allegedly facilitated by notorious nuclear black marketeer Dr AQ Khan. This week, the attention of the world, and indeed that of India, was on the landmark summit between United States President Donald Trump and North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un in Singapore. Just last September, Trump called Kim Jong-un "Little Rocket Man" and threatened to "totally destroy North Korea" after it acquired thermonuclear bombs and the intercontinental range ballistic missiles to lob them at the US. Kim called Trump "a mentally challenged US dotard". They were actually threatening nuclear war on each others countries. Just nine months later, in a stunning turnaround, the foulmouthing stopped and they were at the negotiating table. India Today cover story, US & N Korea: Trump's Big Deal ...and what it means for India, for June 25, 2018. While its too early to pronounce Mission Accomplished, the Singapore summit is a big deal for the American president. On the face of it, he appears to have put the Korean peninsula, one of the worlds riskiest nuclear flashpoints, on a trajectory towards denuclearisation. All this without firing a single shot. India would welcome a Korean settlement as it sees the need for a rule-based nuclear order, which would prevent every dictator from violating the Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT) and acquiring nuclear weapons. President Trump, one of the most temperamental US heads of state, has been on our cover twice first, when he won the US presidential election ("Demolition Man", November 2016) and then a few months after he took over the presidency ("How to Deal With Trump", March 2017). He is out to change the world order in trade and alliances in line with his myopic view of "America First and to hell with the rest". Before his Korean coup, he had just kicked his closest allies, the G-7 group, in the teeth by not signing the joint communique. Now emboldened with what he regards as his grand success, hes likely to take other foreign policy initiatives. Its a good distraction from the Mueller investigation hes embroiled in at home. The historic North Korean summit has other consequences which go beyond the Korean peninsula. That is why Trump and Kim are on our cover this week. Our cover story, put together by Group Editorial Director Raj Chengappa with inputs from our Beijing correspondent Ananth Krishnan and executive editor Sandeep Unnithan, looks at the areas of possible divergences between India and the US post the Singapore summit. How Trumps post-Korean deal stance will play out on his pet peeves like high tariffs on US goods being imported into India will be interesting to watch. There are newer uncertainties like the Countering Americas Adversaries Through Sanctions Act (CAATSA) that could target India for buying arms from its traditional military supplier, Russia. US waivers to this Act could leave powerful levers with Washington to constrict New Delhis strategic autonomy. Trump has downplayed his earlier campaign speech statement about wanting to mediate between India and Pakistan. But now he may feel encouraged to get involved in brokering a deal on Kashmir as he pushes Pakistan hard on what the US wants in Afghanistan the longest war in American history and one where it has invested heavily in men and materiel. He could also offer Pakistan a similar deal to what the US offered India, but with stringent safeguards and a gradual process of denuclearisation. Also, smelling success in Korea, he may turn rough with Iran Indias third largest oil supplier over its nuclear programme. In short, Trump is shaking international relations like few US presidents have done before. Thats why Prime Minister Narendra Modi moved swiftly to re-emphasise ties with China and Russia through quick informal summits with President Xi Jinping in Wuhan and President Vladimir Putin in Sochi. The big takeaway from Trumps Korean summit is the fact that there are no permanent friends and enemies in politics. If the Korean Peninsula is talking about peace and denuclearisation, then surely the Indian subcontinent should do so too. Enemies dont have to be enemies forever. (India Today Editor-in-Chief's note for cover story, US & N Korea: Trump's Big Deal ...and what it means for India; June 25, 2018.) Also read: How rising oil prices have put Modi government in a bind 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 Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft, together with its subsidiaries, manufactures, sells, and deals in printing press and other print media industry products in Europe, the Middle East, Africa, Asia/Pacific, Eastern Europe, North America, and South America. It operates through Heidelberg Digital Technology, Heidelberg Lifecycle Solutions, and Heidelberg Financial Services segments. The company offers printing machines, including digital, offset, narrow web, screen, and inline-flexo printing, as well as remarketed equipment; and finishing equipment comprising cutting, die-cutting and embossing, folding, inspection, folding carton gluing, and hot foil stamping. It also provides technical services, such as installation and relocation, maintenance and cleaning, remote support, repair, and overhauling services, as well as service parts; and performance services consisting of performance evaluation, color management, training, upgrades and retrofits, monitoring, output optimization, print shop optimization, and investment planning. In addition, the company offers financial services; and consumables, such as CtP printing and analog plates, films, platemaking chemicals, proofing materials, toners, glues, staple cartridges, hole punching supplies, inks, coatings and varnishes, blankets, rollers, chemicals, pressroom supplies, cutting knives, banderoles, dispersion glues, binding glues, stitching wires and sealing threads, and folding carton gluing supplies. Further, it provides software solutions; and consulting and other services in the field of mechanical, engineering, electronics, and electrical engineering, and the metal industry. The company was formerly known as Schnellpressenfabrik AG Heidelberg and changed its name to Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft in 1967. Heidelberger Druckmaschinen Aktiengesellschaft was founded in 1850 and is based in Heidelberg, Germany. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Bristol-Myers Squibb: 1096271 B.C. ULC, 345 Park LLC, A.G. Medical Services P.A., AHI Investment LLC, AbVitro LLC, Abraxis BioScience Australia Pty Ltd., Abraxis BioScience Inc., Abraxis BioScience International Holding Company Inc., Abraxis BioScience LLC, Abraxis BioScience Puerto Rico LLC, Acetylon Pharmaceuticals Inc., Adnexus, Adnexus a Bristol-Myers Squibb R&D Company, Allard Labs Acquisition G.P., Amira Pharmaceuticals, Amira Pharmaceuticals Inc., Amylin Pharmaceuticals, Apothecon LLC, B-MS Generx Unlimited Company, BMS Benelux Holdings B.V., BMS Bermuda Nominees L.L.C., BMS Data Acquisition Company LLC, BMS Forex Company, BMS Holdings Sarl, BMS Holdings Spain S.L., BMS International Insurance Designated Activity Company, BMS Investco SAS, BMS Korea Holdings L.L.C., BMS Latin American Nominees L.L.C., BMS Luxembourg Partners L.L.C., BMS Omega Bermuda Holdings Finance Ltd., BMS Pharmaceutical Korea Limited, BMS Pharmaceuticals Germany Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals International Holdings Netherlands B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Korea Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Mexico Holdings B.V., BMS Pharmaceuticals Netherlands Holdings B.V., BMS Real Estate LLC, BMS Spain Investments LLC, BMS Strategic Portfolio Investments Holdings Inc., Blisa Acquisition G.P., Bristol (Iran) S.A., Bristol Iran Private Company Limited, Bristol Laboratories Inc., Bristol Laboratories International S.A., Bristol Laboratories Medical Information Systems Inc., Bristol-Myers (Andes) L.L.C., Bristol-Myers (Private) Limited, Bristol-Myers Middle East S.A.L., Bristol-Myers Overseas Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb (China) Investment Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (China) Pharmaceuticals Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (Israel) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (NZ) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Proprietary) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (Singapore) Pte. Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb (Taiwan) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb (West Indies) Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb A.E., Bristol-Myers Squibb Aktiebolag, Bristol-Myers Squibb Argentina S. R. L., Bristol-Myers Squibb Australia Pty. Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Axia Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb B.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb Belgium S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Business Services Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada Co., Bristol-Myers Squibb Canada International Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Delta Company Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Denmark Filial of Bristol-Myers Squibb AB, Bristol-Myers Squibb EMEA Sarl, Bristol-Myers Squibb Egypt LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Epsilon Holdings Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Farmaceutica Ltda., Bristol-Myers Squibb Farmaceutica Portuguesa S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb GesmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb GmbH & Co. KGaA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holding Germany GmbH & Co. KG, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings 2002 Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Germany Verwaltungs GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Ireland Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Holdings Pharma Ltd. Liability Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Ilaclari Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb India Pvt. Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb International Company Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb International Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb Investco L.L.C., Bristol-Myers Squibb K.K., Bristol-Myers Squibb Kft., Bristol-Myers Squibb Luxembourg International S.C.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Luxembourg S.a.r.l., Bristol-Myers Squibb MEA GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb Manufacturing Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Marketing Services S.R.L., Bristol-Myers Squibb Middle East & Africa FZ-LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Norway Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Nutricionales de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb Peru S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma (HK) Ltd, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma (Thailand) Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Holding Company LLC, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharma Ventures Corporation, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Pharmaceuticals Unlimited Company, Bristol-Myers Squibb Polska Sp. z o.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Products SA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Puerto Rico Inc., Bristol-Myers Squibb Puerto Rico/Sanofi Pharmaceutical Partnership Puerto Rico, Bristol-Myers Squibb Romania S.R.L., Bristol-Myers Squibb S.A.U., Bristol-Myers Squibb S.r.l., Bristol-Myers Squibb SA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Holding Partnership, Bristol-Myers Squibb Sarl, Bristol-Myers Squibb Service Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Services Sp. z o.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Spol. s r.o., Bristol-Myers Squibb Theta Finance Ltd., Bristol-Myers Squibb Trustees Limited, Bristol-Myers Squibb Verwaltungs GmbH, Bristol-Myers Squibb de Colombia S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb de Costa Rica Sociedad Anonima, Bristol-Myers Squibb de Guatemala S.A., Bristol-Myers Squibb de Mexico S. de R.L. de C.V., Bristol-Myers Squibb/Astrazeneca EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb/Pfizer EEIG, Bristol-Myers Squibb/Sanofi Pharmaceuticals Partnership, Bristol-Myers de Venezuela S.C.A., CHT I LLC, CHT II LLC, CHT III LLC, CHT IV LLC, CR Finance Company LLC, Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals, Cardioxyl Pharmaceuticals Inc., Celem LLC, Celem Ltd., Celgene, Celgene A.B., Celgene AS, Celgene Ab (Finland), Celgene Alpine Investment Co. II LLC, Celgene Alpine Investment Co. III LLC, Celgene Alpine Investment Co. LLC, Celgene ApS, Celgene B.V., Celgene BVBA, Celgene Brasil Produtos Farmaceuticos Ltda., Celgene CAR LLC, Celgene CAR Ltd., Celgene Chemicals Sarl, Celgene China Holdings LLC, Celgene Co., Celgene Corporation, Celgene Distribution B.V., Celgene EngMab GmbH, Celgene Europe B.V., Celgene Europe Limited, Celgene European Investment Company LLC, Celgene Financing Company LLC, Celgene Global Holdings Sarl, Celgene GmbH [Austria], Celgene GmbH [Germany], Celgene GmbH [Switzerland], Celgene Holdings East Corporation, Celgene Holdings II Sarl, Celgene Holdings III Sarl, Celgene Ilac Pazarlama ve Ticaret Limited Sirketi, Celgene Inc., Celgene International Holdings Corporation, Celgene International II Sarl, Celgene International III Sarl, Celgene International Inc., Celgene International Sarl, Celgene K.K., Celgene Kft., Celgene Limited [Hong Kong], Celgene Limited [Ireland], Celgene Limited [New Zealand], Celgene Limited [Taiwan], Celgene Limited [UK], Celgene Logistics Sarl, Celgene Ltd, Celgene Luxembourg Sarl, Celgene Management Sarl, Celgene NJ Investment Co, Celgene Netherlands B.V., Celgene Netherlands Investment B.V., Celgene Pharmaceutical (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Celgene Pte. Ltd., Celgene Pty Ltd, Celgene Puerto Rico Distribution LLC, Celgene Quanticel Research Inc, Celgene R&D Sarl, Celgene RIVOT LLC, Celgene RIVOT Ltd., Celgene RIVOT SRL, Celgene Receptos Limited, Celgene Receptos Sarl, Celgene Research Incubator At Summit West LLC, Celgene Research S.L.U., Celgene Research and Development Company LLC, Celgene Research and Development I ULC, Celgene Research and Development II LLC, Celgene Research and Investment Company II LLC, Celgene S. de R.L. de C.V., Celgene S.L.U., Celgene S.R.L., Celgene SAS, Celgene Sarl AU, Celgene Sdn Bhd, Celgene Services Sarl, Celgene Sociedade Unipessoal Lda, Celgene Sp. Z.o.o., Celgene Sro [Czech Republic], Celgene Summit Investment Co, Celgene Switzerland Holding Sarl, Celgene Switzerland II LLC, Celgene Switzerland Investment Sarl, Celgene Switzerland LLC, Celgene Switzerland Sarl, Celgene Tri A Holdings Ltd., Celgene Tri Sarl, Celgene UK Distribution Limited, Celgene UK Holdings Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing II Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing III Limited, Celgene UK Manufacturing Limited, Celgene d.o.o., Celgene sro [Slovakia], Celmed LLC, Celmed Ltd., ConvaTec Divestiture, Cormorant Pharmaceuticals, Cormorant Pharmaceuticals AB, Crosp Ltd., Delinia Inc., Deuteria Pharmaceuticals Inc., DuPont Pharmaceuticals, E. R. Squibb & Sons Inter-American Corporation, E. R. Squibb & Sons L.L.C., E. R. Squibb & Sons Limited, EWI Corporation, EngMab Sarl, F-star Alpha, FermaVir Pharmaceuticals L.L.C., FermaVir Research L.L.C., Flexus Biosciences, Flexus Biosciences Inc., Forbius, Galecto Biotech, GenPharm International L.L.C., Gloucester Pharmaceuticals LLC, Grove Insurance Company Ltd., Heyden Farmaceutica Portuguesa Limitada, IFM Therapeutics, Impact Biomedicines Inc., Inhibitex, Inhibitex L.L.C., Innate Tumor Immunity Inc., JuMP Holdings LLC, Juno Therapeutics GmbH, Juno Therapeutics Inc., Kosan Biosciences, Kosan Biosciences Incorporated, Linson Investments Limited, Mead Johnson (Manufacturing) Jamaica Limited, Mead Johnson Jamaica Ltd., Medarex, Morris Avenue Investment II LLC, Morris Avenue Investment LLC, MyoKardia, O.o.o. Bristol-Myers Squibb, Oy Bristol-Myers Squibb (Finland) AB, Padlock Therapeutics, Padlock Therapeutics Inc., Pharmion LLC, Princeton Pharmaceutical Products Inc., Receptos LLC, Receptos Services LLC, RedoxTherapies Inc., Route 22 Real Estate Holding Corporation, SPV A Holdings ULC, Seamair Insurance DAC, Signal Pharmaceuticals LLC, Sino-American Shanghai Squibb Pharmaceuticals Limited, Societe Francaise de Complements Alimentaires(S.O.F.C.A.), Squibb Middle East S.A., Summit West Celgene LLC, Swords Laboratories, VentiRx Pharmaceuticals Inc., Westwood-Intrafin SA, Westwood-Squibb Pharmaceuticals Inc., X-Body Inc., ZymoGenetics, ZymoGenetics Inc., ZymoGenetics LLC, ZymoGenetics Paymaster LLC, iPierian, and iPierian Inc.. Bunge Ltd. operates as a holding company, which engages in the supply and transportation of agricultural commodities. It operates through the following segments: Agribusiness, Edible Oil Products, Milling Products, Sugar and Bioenergy, and Fertilizer. The Agribusiness segment involves in the purchase, storage, transportation, processing, and sale of agricultural commodities and commodity products. The Edible Oil Products segment includes production and sale of vegetable oils, shortenings, margarines, and mayonnaise. The Milling Products segment consists of production and sale of wheat flours, bakery mixes, corn-based products, and rice. The Sugar and Bioenergy segment comprises manufacture and marketing of sugar and ethanol derived from sugarcane, as well as energy derived from the sugar and ethanol production process. The Fertilizer segment focuses on producing, blending, and distributing fertilizer products for the agricultural industry. The company was founded by Johann Peter Gottlieb Bunge in 1818 and is headquartered in Chesterfield, MO. Read More The Southern pays an annual dividend of $2.64 per share and currently has a dividend yield of 4.17%. SO has a dividend yield higher than 75% of all dividend-paying stocks, making it a leading dividend payer. The Southern has been increasing its dividend for 20 consecutive years, indicating the company has a strong committment to maintain and grow its dividend. The dividend payout ratio of The Southern is 81.23%. Payout ratios above 75% are not desirable because they may not be sustainable. Based on earnings estimates, The Southern will have a dividend payout ratio of 74.37% next year. This indicates that The Southern will be able to sustain or increase its dividend. View The Southern's dividend history. 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 SRC Energy Inc., an oil and natural gas company, engages in the acquisition, exploration, development, and production of oil, natural gas, and natural gas liquids primarily in the Denver-Julesburg Basin of Colorado. As of December 31, 2018, it had net proved oil and natural gas reserves of 88 million barrels of oil and condensate, 771.9 billion cubic feet of natural gas, and 89.1 million barrels of natural gas liquids; and operated 985 net producing wells, as well as had 95,200 gross and 86,200 net acres under lease in the Wattenberg Field. The company was founded in 2005 and is headquartered in Denver, Colorado. Read More Cobham plc provides a range of technologies and services to commercial, defense, aerospace, space, and security markets in the United Kingdom, the United States, other European countries, Australia, Asia, and internationally. The company operates in four segments: Communications and Connectivity, Mission Systems, Advanced Electronic Solutions, and Aviation Services. The Communications and Connectivity segment offers equipment and solutions for the aerospace, avionics, satellite, radio, wireless, antenna, and mobile connectivity markets. The Mission Systems segment provides safety and survival systems for extreme environments; nose-to-tail aerial refueling systems; and wing-tip to wing-tip mission systems for jets, transport aircraft, and rotorcraft. The Advanced Electronic Solutions segment offers critical solutions for communication on land, at sea, in the air, and in space through off-the-shelf and customized products, which include radio frequency, microwave, microelectronics, antenna subsystems, and motion control solutions. This segment serves defense, radar, electronic warfare, X-ray imaging, medical, and industrial markets. The Aviation Services segment delivers outsourced aviation services for military and commercial customers through military training, special mission flights, outsourced commercial aviation, fly-in fly-out, and aircraft engineering services. Cobham plc was founded in 1934 and is headquartered in Wimborne, the United Kingdom. Read More TelefAnica Deutschland Holding AG provides integrated telecommunication services to private and business customers in Germany. It offers voice, data, and value-added services in mobile and fixed line networks; access to infrastructure and services for its wholesale partners; and digital products and services in the fields of Internet of Things. The company provides its products and services through a network of independently operated franchise and premium partner shops, and online and telesales channels, as well as indirect selling channels, such as partnerships and co-operations with retailers. It markets its products and services under the O2, Blau, AY YILDIZ, Ortel Mobile, FONIC, netzclub, and TArkeiSIM brand names. As of December 31, 2020, TelefAnica Deutschland Holding AG had approximately 47 million customers. The company was formerly known as TelefAnica Germany Verwaltungs GmbH and changed its name to TelefAnica Deutschland Holding AG in September 2012. The company is based in Munich, Germany. TelefAnica Deutschland Holding AG is a subsidiary of Telefonica Germany Holdings Limited. Read More Aetna Inc. operates as a health care benefits company in the United States. It operates through three segments: Health Care, Group Insurance, and Large Case Pensions. The Health Care segment offers medical, pharmacy benefit management service, dental, behavioral health, and vision plans on an insured and employer-funded basis. It also provides point-of-service, preferred provider organization, health maintenance organization, and indemnity benefit plans, as well as health savings accounts and consumer-directed health plans. In addition, this segment offers Medicare and Medicaid products and services, as well as other medical products, such as medical management and data analytics services, medical stop loss insurance, workers' compensation administrative services, and products that provide access to its provider networks in select geographies. The Group Insurance segment offers life insurance products, including group term life insurance, voluntary spouse and dependent term life insurance, group universal life insurance, and accidental death and dismemberment insurance; disability insurance products; and long-term care insurance products, which provide the benefits to cover the cost of care in private home settings, adult day care, assisted living, or nursing facilities. The Large Case Pensions segment manages various retirement products comprising pension and annuity products primarily for tax-qualified pension plans. The company provides its products and services to employer groups, individuals, college students, part-time and hourly workers, health plans, health care providers, governmental units, government-sponsored plans, labor groups, and expatriates. Aetna Inc. was founded in 1853 and is based in Hartford, Connecticut. Read More Aggreko Plc supplies modular, mobile power, heating, cooling, and related services in North America, the United Kingdom, Continental Europe, Eurasia, the Middle East, Africa, Asia, Australia Pacific, and Latin America. The company operates in three segments: Rental Solutions, Power Solutions Industrial, and Power Solutions Utility. It offers power generation products, including diesel generators, G3+ generators, and gas generators, as well as heavy fuel oil and hybrid power plants; cooling systems, such as cooling towers, chillers, heat exchangers, and air handlers and conditioners; and desiccant and refrigerated dehumidifiers to prevent metal corrosion, aid processes, preserve equipment on cold stacked offshore rigs, reduce mold and mildew growth during production processes, and dry out water-damaged buildings, as well as to reduce drying times for concrete, insulation, and fireproofing. The company also provides electric heaters, indirect fired heaters, and heat exchangers; and load banks that are used to test generators and turbines, uninterrupted power systems, electrical distribution panels and systems, data center power systems, combined heat and power systems, and simulation of heat loads. In addition, it offers battery storage solutions; and power to national utility customers. The company operates 182 sales and service centers. It serves the agriculture, construction, contracting, data centers, event power, facilities management, food and beverage, government, manufacturing, mining, oil and gas, petrochemical and refining, pharmaceuticals, renewable energy, shipping, telecommunications, and utility power sectors. Aggreko Plc was founded in 1962 and is headquartered in Glasgow, the United Kingdom. Read More The Toronto-Dominion Bank, together with its subsidiaries, provides various personal and commercial banking products and services in Canada and the United States. It operates through three segments: Canadian Retail, U.S. Retail, and Wholesale Banking. The company offers personal deposits, such as chequing, savings, and investment products; financing, investment, cash management, international trade, and day-to-day banking services to businesses; and financing options to customers at point of sale for automotive and recreational vehicle purchases through auto dealer network. It also provides credit cards; real estate secured lending; auto finance; consumer lending; point-of-sale payment solutions for large and small businesses; wealth and asset management products, private banking, investment advisory, and trust services to retail and institutional clients; and property and casualty insurance, as well as life and health insurance products. The company also provides capital markets, and corporate and investment banking services, including underwriting and distribution of new debt and equity issues; advice on strategic acquisitions and divestitures; and trading, funding, and investment services to companies, governments, and institutions. It offers its products and services under the TD Bank and America's Most Convenient Bank brand names. The company operates through a network of 1,085 branches, 3,440 automated teller machines, and 1,223 stores, as well as offers telephone, digital, and mobile banking services. The Toronto-Dominion Bank was founded in 1855 and is headquartered in Toronto, Canada. Read More Canadian Western Bank provides personal and business banking products and services primarily in Western Canada. The company offers current, savings, cash management, US dollar, and chequing accounts, as well as organization, strata solution/condo, general trust, and trust fund investment accounts. It also offers commercial lending and real estate, and equipment financing and leasing products; loans and mortgages; secured and unsecured lines of credit; registered retirement savings plan; consolidation, vehicle, and recreation vehicle loans; and credit cards. In addition, the company offers cash management services; life and disability insurance products; and ATM, mobile, and online banking services, as well cheque order services. Further, it provides investment products comprising guaranteed investment certificates, registered retirement income funds, tax-free savings accounts, registered education savings plans, and mutual funds, as well as personal and business planning services. Canadian Western Bank has a strategic partnership with Temenos AG to support small and medium sized enterprises with financial decision-making and enhancing their businesses. The company was founded in 1984 and is headquartered in Edmonton, Canada. Read More Nine students who were arrested on Tuesday for allegedly being drunk and disorderly have been forgiven and released to their parents and guardians. The students; four girls and five boys, were arrested at noon together with their teacher and school bus driver as they made their way to the Sarakasi Dome in Ngara, Nairobi where they were set to watch set book plays. The students from Tala Academy, Machakos, were released on Wednesday after a childrens officer and an advocate, Ronny Akede, acting for The Cradle Childrens Foundation pleaded with the magistrate to release the minors unconditionally. The advocate and foundation officer argued that the children must have been in experimental mode and under influence of bad company. He told the magistrate that, if given the chance, the students would reform. The Magistrate advised the parents, guardians and the school administration to ensure that the children go through counselling before being released back to class. In another court, the teacher who was with the students during the arrest pleaded not guilty to a charge of failing to protect the children from alcohol. Appearing before Childrens Magistrate Teresa Nyangene, she told the court that she was a college student and only works in the school part-time to raise her school fees. She was released on a cash bail of Sh50,000 with an alternative bond of Sh200,000. At the traffic court, the driver of the 13-seater matatu pleaded guilty to a charge of carrying excess passengers and was fined Sh40,000. The following companies are subsidiares of Exxon Mobil: AKG Marketing Company Limited, Aera Energy LLC, Al-Jubail Petrochemical Company, Ampolex (Cepu) Pte Ltd, Ancon Insurance Company Inc., Barnett Gathering LLC, Barzan Gas Company Limited, Caspian Pipeline Consortium, Celtic Exploration Ltd., Coral FLNG S.A., Cross Timbers Energy LLC, Ellora Energy Inc., Esmeroon Oil Transporta Imperial Oil Limited, Esso (Thailand) Public Company Limited, Esso Australia Resources Pty Ltd, Esso Deutschland GmbH, Esso Erdgas Beteiligungsgesellschaft mbH, Esso Exploration Angola (Block 15) Limited, Esso Exploration Angola (Block 17) Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Angola (Overseas) Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Chad Inc., Esso Exploration and Production Guyana Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Deepwater) Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria (Offshore East) Limited, Esso Exploration and Production Nigeria Limited, Esso Exploration and Production UK Limited, Esso Global Investments Ltd., Esso Italiana S.r.l., Esso Nederland B.V., Esso Norge AS, Esso Petroleum Company Limited, Esso Raffinage, Esso Societe Anonyme Francaise, Exxo Holdings Inc., Exxon Azerbaijan Limited, Exxon Chemical Arabia Inc., Exxon International Finance Company, Exxon Luxembourg Holdings LLC, Exxon Mobile Bay Limited Partnership, Exxon Neftegas Limited, Exxon Overseas Corporation, Exxon Overseas Investment Corporation, ExxonMobil (China) Investment Co. Ltd., ExxonMobil (Taicang) Petroleum Co. Ltd., ExxonMobil Abu Dhabi Offshore Petroleum Company Limited, ExxonMobil Alaska Production Inc., ExxonMobil Asia Pacific Pte. Ltd., ExxonMobil Australia Pty Ltd, ExxonMobil B Resources Company, ExxonMobil Capital Finance Company, ExxonMobil Capital Netherlands B.V., ExxonMobil Central Europe Holding GmbH, ExxonMobil Cepu Limited, ExxonMobil Chemical France, ExxonMobil Chemical Gulf Coast Investments LLC, ExxonMobil Chemical Holland B.V., ExxonMobil Chemical Services (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., ExxonMobil China Petroleum & Petrochemical Company Limited, ExxonMobil Development Africa B.V., ExxonMobil Development Company, ExxonMobil Egypt (S.A.E.), ExxonMobil Exploracao Brasil Ltda., ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Malaysia Inc., ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Norway AS, ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Romania Limited, ExxonMobil Exploration and Production Tanzania Limited, ExxonMobil Finance Company Limited, ExxonMobil Financial Investment Company Limited, ExxonMobil France Holding SAS, ExxonMobil Gas Marketing Europe Limited, ExxonMobil General Finance Company, ExxonMobil Global Services Company, ExxonMobil Golden Pass Surety LLC, ExxonMobil Holding Company Holland LLC, ExxonMobil Holding Norway AS, ExxonMobil Hong Kong Limited, ExxonMobil International Services SARL, ExxonMobil Iraq Limited, ExxonMobil Italiana Gas S.r.l., ExxonMobil Kazakhstan Inc., ExxonMobil Kazakhstan Ventures Inc., ExxonMobil LNG Services B.V., ExxonMobil Lubricants Trading Company, ExxonMobil Oil Corporation, ExxonMobil PNG Limited, ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical BVBA, ExxonMobil Petroleum & Chemical Holdings Inc., ExxonMobil Pipeline Company, ExxonMobil Production Deutschland GmbH, ExxonMobil Production Norway Inc., ExxonMobil Qatargas (II) Limited, ExxonMobil Qatargas Inc., ExxonMobil Ras Laffan (III) Limited, ExxonMobil Rasgas Inc., ExxonMobil Research and Engineering Company, ExxonMobil Russia Kara Sea Holdings B.V., ExxonMobil Sales and Supply LLC, ExxonMobil Technology Finance Company, ExxonMobil Ventures Finance Company, ExxonMobil Ventures Funding Ltd., Fujian Refining & Petrochemical Co. Ltd., Golden Pass LNG Terminal Investments LLC, Golden Pass LNG Terminal LLC, Gulf Coast Growth Ventures LLC, Imperial Oil Limited, Imperial Oil Resources Limited, Imperial Oil Resources N.W.T. Limited, Imperial Oil/Petroliere Imperiale, Infineum Italia s.r.I., Infineum Singapore Pte. Ltd., InterOil Corporation, Jurong Aromatics Corporation Pte Ltd, MPM Lubricants, Marine Well Containment Company LLC, Mobil Australia Resources Company Pty Limited, Mobil California Exploration & Producing Asset Company, Mobil Caspian Pipeline Company, Mobil Chemical Products International Inc., Mobil Corporation, Mobil Equatorial Guinea Inc., Mobil Erdgas Verwaltungsgesellschaft mbH, Mobil Exploration & Producing Australia Pty Ltd, Mobil International Petroleum Corporation, Mobil Oil Australia Pty Ltd, Mobil Oil Exploration & Producing Southeast Inc., Mobil Oil New Zealand Limited, Mobil Producing Nigeria Unlimited, Mobil Producing Texas & New Mexico Inc., Mobil SerLimited, Mobil Venezolana De Petroleos Inc., Mobil Yanbu Petrochemical Company Inc., Mobil Yanbu Refining Company Inc., Mountain Gathering LLC, Mozambique Rovuma Venture S.p.A., Palmetto Transoceanic LLC, Papua New Guinea Liquefied Natural Gas Global Company LDC, Permian Express Partners LLC, Phillips Exploration LLC, Qatar Liquefied Gas Company Limited, Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited, Ras Laffan Liquefied Natural Gas Company Limited (II), SPI Limited, Saudi Aramco Mobil Refinery Company Ltd., Saudi Yanbu Petrochemical Co., SeaRiver Maritime Inc., South Hook LNG Terminal Company Limited, Tengizchevroil LLP, Terminale GNL Adriatico S.r.l, Trend Gathering & Treating LLC, Wolverine Pipe Line Company, XH LLC, XTO Delaware Basin LLC, XTO Energy Canada, XTO Energy Inc., and XTO Holdings LLC. Faron Pharmaceuticals Oy operates as a clinical stage drug discovery and development company in Finland. It has a pipeline of drug development projects focusing on acute trauma, cancer growth and spread, and inflammatory diseases. The company's lead product candidates are Traumakine, a recombinant human IFN beta-1a, which is in Phase III clinical trial for the treatment of acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS); and Clevegen, an immunotherapy candidate, designed to prevent tumor growth and metastasis that targets the tumor immune suppressor molecule; and D-ARDS, a diagnostic tool to estimate ARDS severity and to follow ARDS outcome. Faron Pharmaceuticals Oy has a collaboration with MediCity unit of Turku University Medical School. The company was founded in 2003 and is headquartered in Turku, Finland. Read More Wall Street analysts have given iShares Global Industrials ETF a "N/A" rating, but there may be better buying opportunities in the stock market. Some of MarketBeat's past winning trading ideas have resulted in 5-15% weekly gains. MarketBeat just released five new stock ideas, but iShares Global Industrials ETF wasn't one of them. MarketBeat thinks these five companies may be even better buys. View MarketBeat's top stock picks here. UPM-Kymmene Oyj operates in the forest-based bio industry. It operates through UPM Biorefining, UPM Energy, UPM Raflatac, UPM Specialty Papers, UPM Communication Papers, UPM Plywood, and Other operations segments. The company provides eucalyptus, birch, and softwood pulp grades for tissue, specialty and graphic papers, boards, and packaging; sawn timber for construction, packaging, distribution, joinery, and furniture industries; and wood-based renewable diesel and renewable naphtha for fuel distributors, transportation, and oil and petrochemicals industries. It is also involved in the generation of electricity through hydro, nuclear, and condensing power plants. In addition, the company offers self-adhesive papers and film label stocks for product and information labelling to label printers and brand owners in food, beverage, personal care, pharmaceutical, and retail segments; label papers and release liners, fine papers, and flexible packaging, as well as label and packaging papers production lines for retailers, printers, publishers, distributors, and paper converters; and graphic papers for advertising, magazines, newspapers, and home and office to publishers, cataloguers, retailers, printers, and merchants. Further, it provides plywood and veneer products for construction, vehicle flooring, liquefied natural gas shipbuilding, and other manufacturing industries; wood and wood-based biomass, and forestry services for woodland and forest owners; outdoor products for construction, and granulates for injection molding and extrusion; wood-based lignin products for industrial use and cell culture hydrogel products for biomedical applications; and biomedical products. The company primarily operates in Europe, North America, and Asia. UPM-Kymmene Oyj was founded in 1995 and is headquartered in Helsinki, Finland. Read More President Uhuru Kenyatta on Wednesday issued an Executive Order on Procurement of Public Goods, Works, and Services by Public Entities. The Executive Order is premised on the Constitutional principles of Chapter 12 on public financial management, and in particular Art. 201 and 227 that emphasize integrity, prudent use of financial resources, and fair, equitable, competitive and cost-effective procurement. It is in line with the Presidents commitment to entrench good governance in the management of public affairs and deepen accountability and transparency in the procurement of public goods, works and services. The Order requires all government entities and public owned institutions to publish full details of tenders and awards beginning July 1, 2018. The publication will allow members of the public to access the information which information shall include the items or services purchased, contract prices, and the particulars of the suppliers including owners, directors and beneficial ownership. In a statement by State House spokesman Manoah Esipisu, President Uhuru said this will enhance the highest level of public scrutiny at all units of public administration, and thereby improve the management of public resources for public good. Further, from January 1, 2019, all public procurement will be undertaken through the electronic platform of the Integrated Financial Management Information System (IFMIS). The president further stated that Cabinet Secretary National Treasury Henry Rotich has been directed to guarantee the integrity of the system, and secure the seamless integration of all public procuring entities. As outlined in their respective Letters of Appointment, Accounting Officers shall take personal responsibility for all procurements in their agencies, and will be held personally accountable for all public resources under their charge, Esipisu said. Bank Otuch rapper Vicmass Luodollar has a new song out after his recent Cheza Chini release two weeks ago. Titled This is Kenya, it is the second track off his upcoming 8-track EP. It was inspired by the recent record from American rapper Childish Gambino titled This is America. Luodollar uses the track to address his country Kenya and touches on major topics happening right now, including the NYS scam, rape in Girls schools, religious leaders, Miguna deportation, extrajudicial killings and everything thats wrong with Kenya. Vicmass Luodollar is the only East African Musician to do Gambinos rendition of the globally acclaimed This is America. In the continent, Falz The BadGuy has since delivered This is Nigeria. Hapa Ni Kenya was recorded and mastered by Malawian music Producer Major Static. As we wait for the video, listen to Hapa ni Kenya below. The following companies are subsidiares of Quest Diagnostics: AmeriPath, AmeriPath Cincinnati Inc. (OH), AmeriPath Cleveland Inc. (OH), AmeriPath Consolidated Labs Inc. (FL), AmeriPath Florida LLC (DE), AmeriPath Hospital Services Florida LLC (DE), AmeriPath Inc. (DE), AmeriPath Indianapolis PC (IN), AmeriPath Kentucky Inc. (KY), AmeriPath Lubbock 5.01(A) Corporation (TX), AmeriPath New York LLC (DE), AmeriPath Texas Inc. (DE), AmeriPath Tucson Inc. (AZ), American Medical Laboratories, American Medical Laboratories Incorporated (DE), Associated Clinical Laboratories L.P. (PA), Associated Clinical Laboratories of Pennsylvania L.L.C. (PA), Athena Diagnostics, Athena Diagnostics Inc. (DE), Blueprint Genetics, Blueprint Genetics FZ-LLC (UAE), Blueprint Genetics Inc. (DE), Blueprint Genetics Oy (Finland), California Laboratory Associates, Cape Cod Healthcare - Business, Celera, ClearPoint Diagnostic, Clearpoint Diagnostic Laboratories LLC (TX), Cleveland HeartLab, Cleveland HeartLab Inc. (DE), Clinical Laboratory Partners, Colorado Pathology Consultants P.C. (CO), ConVerge Diagnostic Services, Consolidated DermPath Inc. (DE), DFW 5.01(a) Corporation (TX), DGXWMT JV LLC (DE), Dermatopathology of Wisconsin S.C. (WI), Diagnostic Laboratory of Oklahoma LLC (OK), Diagnostic Pathology Services Inc. (OK), Diagnostic Reference Services Inc. (MD), ExamOne Canada Inc. (New Brunswick), ExamOne LLC (DE), ExamOne World Wide Inc. (PA), ExamOne World Wide of NJ Inc. (NJ), Focus Diagnostics, HemoCue, Hoffman M.D. Associated Pathologists Chartered (NV), Institute for Dermatopathology Inc. (PA), Isabella Street Urban Renewal LLC (NJ), Kailash B. Sharma M.D. Inc. (GA), Kilpatrick Pathology P.A. (NC), LabOne, LabOne LLC (MO), LabOne of Ohio Inc. (DE), Laboratorio de Analisis Biomedicos S.A. (Mexico), Lancet Labs, MACL, Med Fusion LLC (TX), Med fusion, MedPlus, Mid America Clinical Laboratories LLC (IN), Nomad Massachusetts Inc. (MA), Nuclear Medicine and Pathology Associates (GA), Ocmulgee Medical Pathology Association Inc. (GA), Pathology Building Partnership (MD) (gen. ptnrshp.), PeaceHealth Laboratories, PhenoPath Laboratories, PhenoPath Laboratories PLLC (WA), Q Squared Solutions Holdings LLC (DE), Q Squared Solutions Holdings Limited (UK), Quest Diagnostics (Shanghai) Co. Ltd. (China), Quest Diagnostics Brasil Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics Clinical Laboratories, Quest Diagnostics Clinical Laboratories Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics Domestic Holder LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics HTAS India Private Limited (India), Quest Diagnostics Health & Wellness LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Holdings Incorporated (DE), Quest Diagnostics Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (MD), Quest Diagnostics Incorporated (NV), Quest Diagnostics India Private Limited (India), Quest Diagnostics Infectious Disease Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics International Holdings Limited (UK), Quest Diagnostics International LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Investments LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Ireland Limited (Ireland), Quest Diagnostics LLC (CT), Quest Diagnostics LLC (IL), Quest Diagnostics LLC (MA), Quest Diagnostics Massachusetts LLC (MA), Quest Diagnostics Mexico Holding Company Trust (Mexico), Quest Diagnostics Mexico S de RL de CV (Mexico), Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute (CA), Quest Diagnostics Nichols Institute Inc. (VA), Quest Diagnostics Receivables Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics Subsidiary Holdings Ltd. (UK), Quest Diagnostics TB LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Terracotta LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics Venture LLC (PA), Quest Diagnostics Ventures LLC (DE), Quest Diagnostics do Brasil Ltda. (Brazil), Quest Diagnostics of Pennsylvania Inc. (DE), Quest Diagnostics of Puerto Rico Inc. (PR), Quest HealthConnect LLC (CA), ReproSource, Reprosource Fertility Diagnostics Inc. (MA), Solstas Lab Partners, Sonora Quest Laboratories LLC (AZ), Specialty Laboratories Inc. (CA), Summit Health, UMass Memorial Medical Center - Anatomic Pathology Outreach Laboratory Business, Unilab Corporation, and Unilab Corporation (DE). Rolls-Royce Holdings plc operates as an industrial technology company in the United Kingdom and internationally. The company operates in four segments: Civil Aerospace, Power Systems, Defence, and ITP Aero. The Civil Aerospace segment develops, manufactures, and sells aero engines for large commercial aircraft, regional jet, and business aviation markets, as well as provides aftermarket services. The Power Systems segment provides high-speed and medium-speed reciprocating engines, and propulsion and power generation systems for the marine, defense, power generation, and industrial markets. The Defence segment offers aero engines for military transport and patrol aircraft applications; and naval engines and submarine nuclear power plants, as well as aftermarket services. The ITP Aero segment engages in the design, research and development, manufacture and casting, assembly, and testing of aeronautical engines and gas turbines. It also provides maintenance, repair, and overhaul services for regional airlines, as well as business aviation, industrial, and defense applications. Rolls-Royce Holdings plc was founded in 1884 and is headquartered in London, the United Kingdom. Read More (BEE) (NYSE:BEE) announced its earnings results on Wednesday, August, 5th. The real estate investment trust reported $0.25 earnings per share (EPS) for the quarter, beating the consensus estimate of $0.24 by $0.01. The real estate investment trust had revenue of $356.90 million for the quarter, compared to the consensus estimate of $363.34 million. The business's quarterly revenue was up 29.2% compared to the same quarter last year. During the same quarter last year, the firm posted $0.21 earnings per share. View (BEE)'s earnings history. A case filed by an MCA against Governor Mike Sonko over the alleged loss of Sh1.7 Billion has been dismissed by a Nairobi County. Peter Imwatok, the assembly minority leader, had filed a petition at the Anti-Corruption Court in April over the alleged loss of the monies through irregular procurement of health services for staff. He alleged that the Nairobi City County administration authorised irregular procurement in the 2016/17 and 2017/18 financial years. He wanted the court to declare Sonko, former county secretary Simon Morintant, and former Finance CEC Veska Kagongo unfit to hold public office. The Makongeni MCA also wanted the court to issue an order allowing an audit of the financial books of AAR Insurance Kenya and Bliss GVS Healthcare Limited for the stated financial years. He was also seeking an order to have all funds paid to the AAR Insurance Company between July 1, 2017, to September 30, 2017, and October 1, 2017, to December 31, 2017, be returned to the county. The petition was, however, thrown out by Justice Hedwig Ogundi who ruled that the court has no jurisdiction to hear and determine the matter. The petitioner ought to have filed his petition within the right agencies. The petition is premature, ruled Ogundi. The judge said Peter Imwatok should have followed the right procedure as laid out in the Public Procurement and Asset Disposal Act. He said he ought to have presented his complaints to the Ethics and Anti-Corruption Commission (EACC). The petitioner was further ordered to pay damages to Governor Sonko and the other respondents. Oasis Petroleum Inc., an independent exploration and production company, focuses on the acquisition and development of onshore unconventional oil and natural gas resources in the United States. It operates through Exploration and Production(E&P), and Midstream segments. The E&P segment engages in the acquisition and development of oil and gas properties. The Midstream segment offers midstream services, such as natural gas gathering, compression, processing and, gas lift supply; crude oil gathering, terminaling, and transportation; produced and flowback water gathering, and disposal; and water distribution. As of December 31, 2020, the company had 401,766 net leasehold acres in the Williston Basin; and 24,396 net leasehold acres in the Permian Basin, as well as approximately 152.2 million barrels of oil equivalent of estimated net proved reserves. The company sells its crude oil and natural gas to refiners, marketers, and other purchasers that have access to pipeline and rail facilities. Oasis Petroleum Inc. was founded in 2007 and is headquartered in Houston, Texas. Read More The following companies are subsidiares of Teledyne Technologies: Alia Corporation Inc, Bolt Technology Corp, Bowtech Products, CARIS, CDL do Brasil Equipamentos e Servicos Submarinos Sociedade Empresaria Ltda., CETAC Technologies, DALSA, Demo Systems, Detcon Holdco Inc., Ensambles de Precision S.A. de C.V., Falcon Analytical, Frontline Test Equipment, GMI Group Holdings Limited, Hafmynd ehf, Hanson Research Corp, IST Oldham Instruments India Private Limited, Industrial Control Machines, Intelek, Intelek Limited, Intelek Pension Trustees Limited, Intelek Properties Limited, LeCroy (Beijing) Trading Co. Ltd., LeCroy Corporation, Lidar Aviation Services Inc., Maple Imaging LLC, Micralyne Inc, Ocean Design Ltda., Oldham Instrument (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Oldham Simtronics SAS, Oldham-Winter GmbH, PDM Neptec, Reynolds Industries Limited, Rhombi Canada LP, Rhombi Holdings Limited, Rhombi Netherlands B.V., Rockwell Scientific Company, Simtronics AS, TDY Jersey Limited, Teledyne Advanced Pollution Instrumentation, Teledyne Australia Pty Ltd, Teledyne BlueView, Teledyne Bogatin Enterprises LLC, Teledyne Bowtech Limited, Teledyne Brown Engineering Inc., Teledyne C.M.L. Group Limited, Teledyne CARIS B.V., Teledyne CARIS Inc., Teledyne CARIS UK Ltd., Teledyne CARIS USA Inc., Teledyne CDL Inc., Teledyne CDL Limited, Teledyne Catalyst Enterprises Inc., Teledyne Computer Access Technology Corporation, Teledyne Controls LLC, Teledyne Cougar, Teledyne Czech s.r.o., Teledyne DALSA (Shanghai) Trading Co. Ltd., Teledyne DALSA Asia-Pacific Ltd., Teledyne DALSA B.V., Teledyne DALSA GmbH, Teledyne DALSA Inc., Teledyne DALSA Industrial Products Inc., Teledyne DALSA K.K., Teledyne DALSA Semiconductor Inc., Teledyne Dalsa, Teledyne Defense Electronics LLC, Teledyne Denmark A/S, Teledyne Detcon Inc., Teledyne Digital Imaging Inc., Teledyne Digital Imaging US Inc., Teledyne Energy Systems Inc., Teledyne Europe Holdings C.V., Teledyne France, Teledyne France SAS, Teledyne Gas Measurement Instruments Limited, Teledyne Gavia ehf., Teledyne Germany GmbH, Teledyne Hanson Research Inc., Teledyne ICM SA, Teledyne ICM SPRL, Teledyne Innovaciones Microelectronics S.L.U., Teledyne Instruments Inc., Teledyne Instruments Malaysia Sdn. Bhd., Teledyne Japan Corporation, Teledyne Korea Ltd., Teledyne Labtech Limited, Teledyne LeCroy AB, Teledyne LeCroy Delaware LLC, Teledyne LeCroy GmbH, Teledyne LeCroy Inc., Teledyne LeCroy India Trading Private Ltd., Teledyne LeCroy Japan Corporation, Teledyne LeCroy Korea Ltd., Teledyne LeCroy OakGate Inc., Teledyne LeCroy S.A.R.L., Teledyne LeCroy S.R.L., Teledyne LeCroy SA, Teledyne LeCroy Singapore Pte. Ltd., Teledyne Limited, Teledyne Micralyne Inc., Teledyne Monitor Labs, Teledyne Monitor Labs P.R. Inc., Teledyne Netherlands B.V., Teledyne ODI, Teledyne Optech Inc., Teledyne Paradise Datacom Limited, Teledyne RD Instruments, Teledyne RD Technologies (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Teledyne RESON, Teledyne RESON A/S, Teledyne RESON B.V., Teledyne RESON GmbH, Teledyne RESON Holding B.V., Teledyne RESON Inc., Teledyne RESON Pte. Ltd., Teledyne RESON UK Limited, Teledyne RISI Inc., Teledyne Rad-icon Imaging Corp., Teledyne Redlake MASD LLC, Teledyne Reynolds Inc., Teledyne SG Brown Limited, Teledyne Scientific & Imaging LLC, Teledyne Scientific Imaging GmbH, Teledyne Scientific Imaging Limited, Teledyne Signal Processing Devices Sweden AB, Teledyne Singapore Private Limited, Teledyne TSS Limited, Teledyne Taiwan Company, Teledyne Technologies (Bermuda) Limited, Teledyne Technologies (Shanghai) Co. Ltd., Teledyne Technologies International Corp., Teledyne Technologies Israel Ltd., Teledyne Tekmar Company, Teledyne UK Limited, Teledyne VariSystems, Teledyne VariSystems Inc., Teledyne Wireless LLC, Teledyne e2v, Teledyne e2v (Beijing) Co. Ltd., Teledyne e2v (Overseas) Holdings Limited, Teledyne e2v Asia Pacific Limited, Teledyne e2v Limited, Teledyne e2v Semiconductors SAS, and The Oceanscience Group Ltd.. Posted by Mark Williams | June 13, 2018 By Patrick Masterson Vehicles Affected: Approximately 1,500 model-year 2018 Ford F-650 and F-750 trucks with hydraulic brake systems built at the Ohio Assembly Plant between Jan. 26 and March 13, 2018 The Problem: Some primary and/or secondary brake circuit hose assemblies located between the master cylinder and hydraulic control unit may not have the specified anti-corrosion plating on the metal ferrules that attach a flexible braided steel hose to metal tubes, which can lead to premature corrosion of the brake hose ferrules, brake fluid leakage and reduced brake function, increasing the risk of a crash. Ford said it is not aware of any accidents or injuries related to the issue. The Fix: Dealers will replace the brake hose assembly with parts that contain properly plated ferrules for free. What Owners Should Do: Ford did not immediately announce an owner-notification schedule. Owners can call the automaker at 866-436-7332, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration's vehicle-safety hotline at 888-327-4236 or visit its website to check their vehicle identification number and learn more. Need to Find a Dealer for Service? Go to Cars.com Service & Repair to find your local dealer. Click here to schedule a free recall repair at your local dealership. Manufacturer image 23:56 In a departure from the past, the Congress did not invite the Pakistan high commissioner to an Iftar hosted by Rahul Gandhi that was attended by envoys of several Islamic nations. Rahul hosted the Iftar event yesterday at a luxury hotel in New Delhi, the first organised by him as Congress president. The Congress had invited high commissioners and ambassadors of several Islamic countries, including Bangladesh, at the Iftar, but the party's top brass did not invite the Pakistan high commissioner in India to avoid criticism by the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, sources said. During the last Iftar, hosted by former Congress chief Sonia Gandhi, the then Pakistan high commissioner was invited. Sources said a total of 46 diplomatic representatives of various countries attended Rahul Gandhi's Iftar this year, the highest attendance ever. No invitation was sent to Pakistan and Israel. The Palestinian ambassador attended the Iftar, a senior Congress leader said, "Congress was careful with the invites. Since India has not resumed dialogue process with Pakistan we did not invite them," another leader said. He also said the Iftar was held on a day four BSF personnel were killed in cross-border firing by Pakistan in Jammu and Kashmir. Diplomats who attended the event included the British High Commissioner, the Ambassador of Russia, the Charge de Affairs of China, Minister Political from the US, and high commissioners of South Africa and Australia. The Bangladesh High Commissioner and the Bhutanese Ambassador and representatives of Central Asian countries, including Azerbaijan, Kazakhstan and Uzbekistan, were also there. -- PTI The requested page is currently unavailable on this server. Back to [RTHK News Homepage] Amber fossils provide oldest evidence of frogs in wet, tropical forests About 99 million years ago, a tiny juvenile frog in present-day Myanmar was suddenly trapped in sap with a beetle, perhaps its intended next meal. Unlucky for the frog, but lucky for science. An extinct species now named Electrorana limoae, its one of four fossils that provide the earliest direct evidence of frogs living in wet, tropical forests and are the oldest-known examples of frogs preserved in amber. Its almost unheard of to get a fossil frog from this time period that is small, has preservation of small bones and is mostly three-dimensional. This is pretty special, said David Blackburn, study co-author and the associate curator of herpetology at the Florida Museum of Natural History. But whats most exciting about this animal is its context. These frogs were part of a tropical ecosystem that, in some ways, might not have been that different to what we find today minus the dinosaurs. The findings and species description were published today in Natures Scientific Reports. Frogs have been around for at least 200 million years, but glimpsing their early heyday is tough. Often small and lightly built, frogs don't tend to preserve well. The frog fossil record skews toward more robust species from arid, seasonal environments, although the bulk of frog diversity today lives in tropical forests. Ask any kid what lives in a rainforest, and frogs are on the list, Blackburn said. But surprisingly, we have almost nothing from the fossil record to say thats a longstanding association. The amber deposits of northern Myanmar in Southeast Asia provide a unique record of ancient forest ecosystems, with fossil evidence of mosses, bamboo-like plants, aquatic spiders and velvet worms. The discovery of Electrorana and the other fossils, the first frogs to be recovered from these deposits, help add to our understanding of frogs in the Cretaceous Period, showing they have inhabited wet, tropical forests for at least 99 million years. Frogs in amber are quite rare, with previous examples found in the Dominican Republic and Mexico and dating back only about 40 million and 25 million years, respectively. Less than an inch long, Electrorana is the most well-preserved of the group. Clearly visible in the amber are the frogs skull, its forelimbs, part of its backbone, a partial hind limb and the unidentified beetle. The other amber fossils contain two hands and an imprint of a frog that likely decayed inside the resin. But Electrorana raises more questions than it answers, Blackburn said. Many characteristics herpetologists use to discern details of a frogs life history and determine how its related to other frogs wrist bones, the pelvis, hip bones, the inner ear, the top of the backbone are either missing or were not yet fully developed in the juvenile frog. The existing bones provide clues about Electroranas possible living relatives, Blackburn said, but the results are puzzling: Species that have similar features include fire-bellied toads and midwife toads Eurasian species that live in temperate, not tropical, ecosystems. Gathering CT skeletal data for both living and extinct frogs, one of Blackburns long-term projects, could help illuminate ancient evolutionary relationships, possibly clarifying how Electrorana fits into the frog tree of life. In the meantime, Blackburn nurtures the hope that other frogs in amber will be discovered, making Electrorana more than a one-hit wonder. We dont have a lot of single-species frog communities in forests. It seems extremely unlikely that theres only one. There could be a lot more fossils coming. Lida Xing of the China University of Geosciences is the studys lead author. Edward Stanley of the Florida Museum and Ming Bai of the Chinese Academy of Sciences also co-authored the study. The fossils are now housed in the Dexu Institute of Paleontology in Chaozhou, China, with a 3D-printed replica of Electrorana limoae at the Florida Museum. Models of the fossils are available on Morphosource, an open-access repository of 3D data. Funding for the research was provided by the National Natural Science Foundation of China, the Fundamental Research Funds for the Central Universities, the National Geographic Society, the Chinese Academy of Sciences and the University of Florida. Commerce grad Vanessa Hamkens walks in wearing a Me Before You Clothing Co. t-shirt. Its one of many she and her former partner created as part of their popular street wear venture. The business started out quite simply, she says. I had hand stitched one of the Keep Me High Love shirts the summer before because I just liked doing hands-on things. Then, when we posted it on our Instagram, it kind of blew up everybody wanted one. Building confidence That was exactly the kind of adventure Vanessa was looking for when she came to Dal from Toronto. Though all her friends were planning to stay in Ontario for university, Vanessa wanted to travel. I wanted to try something new and meet new people, she says. Once she had settled on a destination, she had to choose a program. Vanessa decided to pursue a Commerce Co-op because she felt it would give her skills she could apply to anything. Her major in Marketing Management provided an outlet for her creativity. I feel like Commerce opens the most doors, she explains, but I always had more of a creative side to me, so Marketing made the most sense for a major. She clearly made the right choice. Vanessa enjoyed the variety of courses that ensured it didn't feel like she was learning the same stuff over and over again. She was also thankful to have the chance to push herself beyond her comfort zone. We had a mandatory case competition, she recalls, and I was freaked when I found out about it I didn't want to do it. In the end, we came in second place and my confidence just skyrocketed. But there was still something missing. I felt a little lost the first two years of my degree because a lot of my friends were in Finance and Accounting and none of that interested me. In good company She found her place in 2016 when she co-founded the Me Before You Clothing Co. That was when I realized I didnt need to be an accountant or an investment banker to leverage a business degree, Vanessa says. To be able to link the creative aspect of myself to what I learned in school was really cool. I loved my fourth year because everything was so relevant to what I was doing in my real life. In addition to providing a means for applying her learning and stretching her creative wings, Me Before You Clothing was also an opportunity to help others. At the core of the business was a desire to speak out for mental health thats where the name of the business came from. Some people thought Me Before You was selfish but it isnt, Vanessa explains. It's okay to put yourself first sometimes and look after your own needs. As part of that commitment, the company regularly donated a percentage of profits to relevant charities and causes including the Cayley Fox Memorial Award and Egale Canada Human Rights Trust. Anywhere you're making money you have so much more potential to do stuff in the community, Vanessa explains. Lots of options Now that shes graduated, shes taking some time to explore her options. Though Vanessa isnt quite ready to leave Halifax (shes planning to stay for the summer) she thinks shell either move back to Toronto or go abroad in September. I've considered moving out to Germany because my family is there and I took all three years of German courses at Dal, she explains. When asked if she had any advice for incoming students, Vanessa acknowledges that during first year she got caught up in the excitement of university and being somewhere new. Looking back, shed have taken her studies more seriously. In first year, I was just like, University is so fun!, she says. But I think you need to set goals for yourself every year so you have something to work toward because otherwise you can whip through three years and wonder, What did I even do? I'd also just say to get involved. There are so many options and thats definitely a good way to meet people from different areas and different walks of life because in your Faculty, you're all kind of the same creatures. University of Florida and ArtPlace America launch national initiative for arts and public health Two-year initiative to build intersections and establish resources for practitioners At the intersection of public health, arts and culture lies the potential for building stronger and healthier communities in America. The University of Florida Center for Arts in Medicine in partnership with ArtPlace America is launching Creating Healthy Communities: Arts + Public Health in America, a two-year national initiative designed to accelerate innovation at the intersections of the arts, creative placemaking, community development, and public health. Beginning in May 2018 and culminating in April 2020, the initiative aims to build healthy communities in alignment with national public health goals through strategic cross-sector collaboration, research, translation, and resource sharing. Artists have long worked as allies in furthering community health, and ArtPlace is thrilled that the University of Florida is committing such serious resources to lifting up and sharing this work, said Rip Rapson, president and CEO of The Kresge Foundation and chair of the ArtPlace Presidents Council. We look forward to strengthening the field of colleagues working at this intersection. While the arts are widely utilized as a means for health education and wellness promotion in communities, their applications are not fully realized, according to Jill Sonke, director of the UF Center for Arts in Medicine. While the arts are widely utilized within healthcare settings today, the theoretical and practical structures that can guide their use in public health are not well defined, Sonke said. We are really excited about building connections across the arts, creative placemaking and public health over the next two years, and about creating partnerships and resources that will help build healthier communities in America. A team of University of Florida research scholars will lead the discovery processes using a field survey, focus groups, scoping and systematic reviews, and meta-analysis of evidence. The research strategy will explore and consolidate existing evidence and establish a national research agenda and standardized research protocols. The research team will publish its findings and will lead the development of open-access resources, including a searchable research database and a repository of arts in public health resources expected to launch in March 2019. Among the goals of the initiative is building a community of thought leaders and stakeholders through the development of a national consortium and five convening sessions. The first convening session takes place June 14 and 15. Hosted by the University of Cincinnatis Office of Research in Ohio, the session includes 45 field leaders in the arts, community development, academia, government, the nonprofit sector, creative placemaking, and public health. A full schedule of future convenings and associated partners follows this release. The University of Floridas Center for Arts in Medicine is the ideal partner to lead this effort, said Laurie Baefsky, executive director of the Alliance for the Arts in Research Universities and one of the co-hosts of this first convening. Their depth of field expertise and track record of training our very best creative arts in health practitioners positions them to capture, amplify and apply best practices nationally. Funded by a multi-year grant from ArtPlace America, Creating Healthy Communities will culminate in April 2020 with the publication of Evidence-based Framework for Using the Arts in Public Health, intended to translate knowledge and research into practice and policy. The framework will provide public health practitioners with the resources needed to develop effective interdisciplinary partnerships, implement effective evidence-based practices and reliably measure outcomes. This initiative is an opportunity to leverage the pioneering work of the UF Center for Arts in Medicine with the nations leading scholars, researchers and practitioners in arts and public health, said Lucinda Lavelli, dean of the UF College of the Arts. Creating Healthy Communities is a significant step in establishing the standards for future research and implementation of arts in public health that will build a better tomorrow. Learn more at arts.ufl.edu/healthy-communities. Timeline of Convening and Webinar Sessions June 14 - 15, 2018 Working Group #1: University of Cincinnati, Cincinnati, OH (a2ru) October 7, 2018 Working Group #2: National Organization for Arts in Health (NOAH) Conference, Austin, TX , Austin, TX October 31, 2018 Working Group #3: Alliance for the Arts in Research Universities (a2ru) National Conference, Athens, GA January TBA, 2019 Working Group #4: Location TBA March 17-23, 2019 Working Group #5 and Performing Health Festival at the University of Florida March 2019 Resource Repository Launch April 17, 2019 Webinar #1 May 15, 2019 Webinar #2 June 2019 Publication: White Paper June 12, 2019 Webinar #3 September 2019 Publication: Concert & Governmental Advisory Briefs September 11, 2019 Webinar #4 October 9, 2019 Webinar #5 November 6, 2019 Webinar #6 April 2020 Publication: Framework for Evidence-based Use of the Arts in Public Health Chennai: BankBazaar, Indias leading online financial services marketplace, announced a 91 per cent growth in the companys operating revenues for FY18. The operating revenue grew to Rs 103 crore up from Rs 54 crore in FY17. The companys total revenues for FY18 also grew to Rs 118 crore from Rs 71 crore in FY 17. According to the company, this revenue growth was fueled largely by an increase in organic visits, which accounted for almost 70 per cent of the total traffic. BankBazaar over the years has become synonymous with personal finance in India. In FY18, the website traffic more than doubled and as many as 42 per cent of these were returning visitors. Over 57mn people searched for credit cards while 63.5mn people searched for loans on BankBazaar. The high number of organic and returning customers helped BankBazaar control customer acquisition costs. This is evident from the fact that the total marketing costs including brand marketing as a percentage of revenue fell by 30 per cent compared to the previous year. Further, salary cost as a percentage of revenue also fell by 43 per cent, which indicates strong economies of scale as the tech-driven platform continues to grow. Consequently, EBITDA losses as percentage of revenue came down by 34 per cent, highlighting the efficiency with which BankBazaar has managed to rein in overall expenses. These numbers for FY18 are unaudited and may see minor changes when the audited report is submitted. Speaking on the great run, Adhil Shetty, Co-Founder and CEO, BankBazaar, said: We have made tremendous strides and come up on top, thanks to our laser-focused vision and a great team working on making it a reality. We saw both investors and customers believing in our vision and wanting to join our journey of making personal finance paperless and presenceless. We continued to attract investors in our Series D, with Experian joining our existing marquee investors like Amazon, Seqouia Capital, Walden International, Fidelity Growth Partners, and Mousse Partners. At the same time, we saw customers across India, metros and non-metros, increasingly preferring to go the online way with us. We are confident of impressive growth in the coming year as well. BankBazaar believes paperless, presenceless digital finance is the future of Personal Finance in India. Since its introduction 15 months back, Paperless has grown to account for over 18 per cent of BankBazaars total transactions. By the end of FY19, the company expects to scale up paperless to 50 per cent of the total transactions. BankBazaars focus for FY19 is to dive deeper into the paperless value chain by bringing new partners and customers into the fold. Our online paperless model has 3X conversions at half the costs, compared to offline models. This will not only help us scale up our revenue rapidly, but also reduce our rate of cash-burn. We are looking to close the last quarter of this year as EBITDA profitable, adds Ramesh Srinivasan, CFO, BankBazaar. BankBazaar is expecting over 400mn visitors in FY19. The company has also grown to 1800+ employees to support this growth. The company is also preparing for an IPO in 2020-22. The scheme may not result in optimum value for shareholders. Fortis Healthcare Ltd on Wednesday withdrew the scheme of arrangement and amalgamation with its units Fortis Malar Hospitals Ltd and SRL Ltd, citing a delay in its completion. The scheme could not be completed even after 19 months due to reasons beyond the company's control, Fortis Healthcare said in a statement late on Wednesday. Fortis Malar runs a superspeciality hospital in Chennai while SRL operates a chain of pathology clinics. Given the headwinds in the sector and less-than-optimum performance of the diagnostics business during the period of delay, the scheme may not result in optimum value for shareholders, Fortis added. The cash-strapped hospitals operator, which has become the target of a bidding war, earlier this month said it would look at a new round of bids from four local and international parties and fixed June 14 as the last day for the submission. India is one of the cheapest domestic airline markets in the world, with an average fare of 13 cents per kilometre flown. New Delhi: Indian airlines are turning to the international market in search of better returns as the intensifying fight for a bigger share of the worlds fastest growing domestic market - where price is king - drives down profits. While global airlines profits have been strong since 2015 - though with wide regional variations - Indian carriers are struggling to remain profitable, despite filling nearly 90 per cent of their seats and benefiting from a more than doubling of domestic passenger numbers over the last four years. It is an incredibly tough domestic market, very price sensitive, said Stephen Barnes, chief financial officer of Singapore Airlines, which operates an Indian carrier, Vistara, in a joint venture with the Tata Group. Commanding a premium for a premium product is hard to do. From our perspective we invested in order to see the business grow internationally. If you look at the results of Indian airlines their performance is better internationally. Promotions such as $50 one-way tickets on the two-hour flight from Mumbai to Delhi are easy to find and, with airlines expected to take delivery of more than 500 aircraft over the next five years, pressure on fares and profits is increasing. India is one of the cheapest domestic airline markets in the world, with an average fare of 13 cents per kilometre flown, according to data from travel firm Rome2Rio, less than half the 27 cents per km average in China and the United States. Airlines including Vistara, SpiceJet Ltd and InterGlobe Aviation Ltds IndiGo are in talks to buy or lease widebody aircraft as they firm up international growth plans to boost profitability. International opportunities There is huge potential for international travel from India, where the domestic aviation market has grown about 20 per cent annually in recent years. Only 0.3 per cent of the 1.3 billion population currently travel abroad for a holiday every year, a fraction of the estimated 100 million Indians who could potentially afford to do so, according to an analysis of household income by aviation consultancy, CAPA. The international market is dominated by foreign carriers but the market share of Indian airlines including Air India and Jet Airways has been climbing, helped by policies that limit access by foreign carriers, and reached about 38 per cent in 2017, up from 31 per cent a decade earlier. Foreign airlines such as Emirates and Hong Kongs Cathay Pacific Airways have reached the limit of flights into India allowed under bilateral agreements and New Delhi has not extended additional rights, creating an opening for domestic carriers to grow, said Binit Somaia, director for South Asia at CAPA. Demand is there, income levels are rising and people want to travel internationally, he said. Jet Airways is considering launching new flights from Mumbai to Sydney, two sources with knowledge of the matter said, while Vistara is planning to order six Boeing Co 787 aircraft and will expand its narrowbody fleet of Airbus A320neos as it starts international flights, sources have said. New York: Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said he is focussing on making Mumbai a hub for the financial technology industry, an emerging and fast-growing sector that offers tremendous employment potential, and is keen to invite foreign investment in the sector in his state. Our big focus is on fintech (financial technology). We have not leveraged Mumbai's recognition as the financial capital of India. Fintech is an emerging field which not only opens up lot of job opportunities but is also one of the fastest growing fields, Fadnavis told PTI in an interview here yesterday. Fadnavis is currently visiting the US following a trip to Canada. We want to make Mumbai a fintech hub and that is where I'm looking for fintech investments and companies to come and set up base in the city, he said. Fadnavis, who arrived in the city after visiting Canada, will also visit Washington and San Francisco and meet with investors and companies, inviting them to continue their investments in his state. In San Francisco, his focus will be on new industries in the digital landscape, he said. Fadnavis said his message to investors and companies has been that India is changing and Maharashtra is changing. He stressed that his state has been able to attract among the highest foreign direct investment in the country. We are as competitive as any other place in the world in terms of ease of doing business. Investors should come there. If they want to get good returns on their investment, we are the best place to invest, he said. Ambitious reforms like demonetisation and the goods and services tax (GST) implemented by the Indian government have been welcomed by foreign investors and companies, he said. Those who come find no problems. They are very happy with all the changes, he said adding that individual states in the country are implementing the reforms and competing with each other to attract foreign investment. He alluded to the World Bank's ease of doing business ranking in which India jumped 30 positions and for the first time moved into the top 100, saying credit for the improved performance by India goes to Maharashtra and Mumbai. "We excelled in that index and that cumulatively took the score of India quite up, he said. Following meetings with investors and CEOs during the day, Fadnavis later attended a community reception 'Mumbai Meets Manhattan' hosted by the Consulate General of India in New York and the 'Friends of Maharashtra'. On how he sees 'Make in India' and US President Donald Trump's America First' policy aligning, Fadnavis said it is not just about Make in India but Make for India and then make for the world as well. He said developed countries should not sound a protectionist tone as developing countries are opening themselves up and advocating free trade. Fadnavis reiterated that Maharashtra aims to become a trillion-dollar economy by 2025. Prime Minister Narendra Modi, addressing the Magnetic Maharashtra Global Investors' Summit in Mumbai in February, had said that Maharashtra will become the country's first trillion dollar economy as the country itself aspires to becoming a USD 5 trillion economy over the next few years. If we do business as usual, then also we will become a trillion dollar economy by 2029. But we want to make Maharashtra a trillion dollar economy by 2025, he said adding that infrastructure-led growth is part of his strategy to achieve this goal as infrastructure creates job opportunities and accelerates the entire economy. According to estimates, of the more than 20 million infrastructure projects on the anvil in the country, 51 per cent are in Maharashtra. He said unprecedented investments are coming into the infrastructure field and expressed confidence that in four to five years when these projects are completed, Maharashtra will be a very changed place. Infrastructure-led growth is the basic idea. Our impetus is now on the services sector. With industries 4.0, it is no more a water-tight compartment between services and manufacturing sectors, he said. Fadnavis added that service-oriented manufacturing and manufacturing-oriented services is a focus area where we can actually skill people and make them more productive so that will lessen the stress of the labour market on the agricultural sector and make them more productive. Fadnavis said states across India are motivated by a spirit of cooperative federalism and this will help change the face of the nation. States competing for foreign investment does not mean they are taking each others' share. Instead, the market is expanding and more and more investment is coming. The cooperative federalism kickstarted by Prime Minister Modi will change the face of the country, he said. In Canada, Fadnavis focussed on investments and partnerships in the sector of artificial intelligence, especially for using AI in agriculture. He said Quebec University and four Maharashtra agriculture universities have come together to form an alliance that will focus on eradication of pests in agriculture. We have seen a lot of distress due to pests in the agrarian sector. The alliance will not just study but implement certain aspects of it. It would also look at precision farming, that will not only enhance the productivity but will cut down cost of cultivation as well, he said. The farm sector distress can be addressed only through enhanced productivity, disease-free cropping systems, precision farming and AI has the ability to do that, he said. Fadnavis noted that small farm holdings in India do not have the ability to infuse mechanisation on their own but this can be achieved through collective efforts in AI. Voicing concern that spraying of pesticides in fields is also a cause for farmer deaths, he said AI has opened a window where there can be precision spraying of pesticides through drones. During his visit to Canada, several MoUs were inked between and Canadian enterprises and Maharashtra government departments. Mumbai: Bollywood is place of toxic relationships and some really dark chapters in people's lives living in the spotlight. Model and actor Saloni Chopra recently talked about a shocking incident in her life that took place almost 4 years to come out in open. Saloni Chopras blog on Instagram garnered lot of attention in the social media space. In the blog Chopra didnt really name anyone but it has references of a toxic relationship, terrible physical assault episodes, slut shaming, and an abusive partner. According to a report in Desimartini, Saloni Chopra was in a relationship with Zain Khan Durrani who made his acting debut in Bollywood with acclaimed director Onirs indie film 'Kuchh Bheege Alfaaz'. Durrani who otherwise pretends a calm personality has a completely different side to him and it was during the course of their relationship that violent streak in him showed. Saloni mentioned in her blog post that she has been in some really terrible relationships and that they made her a stronger person. With such unfortunate events in her life, Saloni used to really struggle with not knowing how to address what was going happening. Saloni mentioned that she eventually broke up with Zain because during one Halloween party he pushed her against the wall in front of her brother. According to the same report, Saloni further said, I just had a word with Onir about this and he said that he would like to help, but then I refused to take names. Later on I got to know about another girl who he was dating and she was facing the same plight." As per the report, Zain refused to utter a single word about the whole episode and chose to stay away from it. Recently, the physical assault case of Bollywood actor Armaan Kohli came in the light as his girlfriend Neeru Randhawa filed a police complaint against the actor. Rajkummar Rao is an actor who likes to experiment and his performances have never failed to wow fans. The actor, who is now shooting with Kangana Ranaut for Mental Hai Kya, is thrilled about his first horror comedy film, Stree. Talking about the film, Rajkummar said, Stree was fun to shoot. I am still in that MP (Madhya Pradesh) accent zone. It has shaped up really well. Its my first horror comedy and I am very excited about it. Helmed by Amar Kaushik, Stree is being backed by Maddock Films and producers Raj Nidimoru and Krishna D. K. In the film, Rao will be seen sharing screen space with Shraddha Kapoor. The actor was all praises for the young actress. He said, I had a great time shooting with Shraddha. She is very hardworking and a very dedicated actress. We shot in this small town, Chanderi, in Madhya Pradesh. Stree is based on an urban legend and is set in a small village named Chanderi in Bhopal. An Indian techie by profession, Mishras job allowed him to travel the world, not as a tourist but as a brief visitor to varied places across the world. A travel memoir of sorts, Sunil Mishras Transit Lounge takes a look at 30 countries across six different continents during the last 15 years from his perspective. An Indian techie by profession, Mishras job allowed him to travel the world, not as a tourist but as a brief visitor to varied places across the world. What makes Mishras Transit Lounge tick, is primarily the fact that there is woefully less material available when it comes to travel books from an Indians perspective and his simple lucid style of writing which will touch a chord of readers who are not bent towards high-end language or exuberant travel experiences. Mishras words echo a middle-class sensibility, while he travels across the world, that many may be able to relate to while leafing through the pages of his book. From ranting about airport-policies (or the marked lack of it) to being bedazzled by expensive cars in foreign countries or the stark socio-economic conditions of yet other places which he called home during his tenures, Transit Lounge is informative, sometimes witty, and often a wonderful window into the world out there. In conversation with this correspondent, Mishra shares his thoughts on writing the book, and talks about how travelling as an overall experience, has changed over the years. What brought about you writing the book? I was fortunate to travel to various countries as part of my work. I used to write personal notes of individual travels, anything that I would find interesting. As I started blogging about some of these travels, I received positive reviews from my friends and well-wishers. It is then that the idea of collating this and publishing it as a book occurred to me. How would you define the book? Transit Lounge is a contemporary book consisting of short incidents, observations and reflections while travelling to 30 countries across six different continents during the last 15 years. The book is a personal account of travels to places in Africa, South America, Asia, Europe, the US, Australia and New Zealand. It was interesting to observe all these different cultures and people from an Indians perspective. Among all the places you have visited, which one is your absolute favourite, why? From a travellers perspective, all my travels have taught me a lot. So, its difficult to call out the favourites. I enjoyed visiting the less travelled to countries like Ghana, Nigeria, Iran, Georgia, Croatia and Venezuela, to name a few. If you look for specific purposes like working for a short duration I found Singapore quite good. It is one of the most systematic, safe and well-organized city state. How has travelling experience changed over the years? The travelling experience over the last 15 years has remarkably changed. Back in 2000, travelling out of Indian airports used to be a nightmare. As per a world ranking from Forbes in 2009, 3 of the top five worst airports in the world were in India Mumbai topped the list, Delhi on 3rd and Bangalore on 5th. When today we land at T3 in Delhi, it is no way differentiable from Singapore anymore. The vast open space, automatic baggage handling, self- check-in kiosk and sprawling shopping area almost all the Indian airports today are vying for the best infrastructure in the world. If a person were to travel to five places at present, which are the places you would suggest. Why? Each country provides a unique learning experience. However, if I were to suggest five places based on my personal experience they would be Buenos Aires, Argentina (For the unique Latin American culture and vibrant night life); Wellington, New Zealand (For the quite, serene and green natural setup); Tbilisi, Georgia (An exotic location in Eastern Europe); Amsterdam, Netherlands (For the beautiful canals) and Cairo, Egypt (For the fascinating history of mankind). Is it a tourist guide or an experiential? The book is entirely experiential. It is less of a tourist guide. In fact the below quote from G.K.Chesterton captures the essence of the book "The traveler sees what he sees. The tourist sees what he has come to see." My attempt to write the book has been to capture the travelers account. What do you think readers will take away from the Transit Lounge? I have tried to summarise the learnings from my travels in last chapter, hopefully the readers will have similar take aways as well. To summarise, I learnt about India more by travelling abroad and also found out that what we learn from media is not always the true picture. Furthermore, India was really transitioning faster than the many other countries during my visits, and I found that Indian immigrants are always rooted to their mother nation, wherever they may be. And finally, the basic core values in all the countries are more or less similar. The town's achievement came after four months of preparation and campaigning by the group Plastic Free Chepstow. (Photo: Facebook Screengrab/ Plastic-Free Chepstow) A historic town has celebrated becoming plastic free by hanging a guant banner, made up of plastic. The town has been mocked for the 10ft banner hanging from a 13th century archway in Chepstow, Montmouthshire, after it was granted plastic-free status by an environmental group. It was proudly placed in the town centre with the words: 'Plastic Free Chepstow.' However, the triangular, blue and white plastic flag has been ridiculed by the towns former mayor. The ancient border town of Chepstow was granted the status by environmental group Surfers Against Sewage. The banner was put over the stone 13th Century landmark archway in a ceremony to celebrate the status. But Chepstow town councillor and former mayor Armand Watts wants it to be taken down just days after it was hung on the weekend. According to Watts, the move is beyond irony as the material is non-biodegradable, and it should be removed and replaced.' The town's achievement came after four months of preparation and campaigning by the group Plastic Free Chepstow. And the group was further mocked for saying on social media that plastic was 'more practical than the alternative.' According to the group, plastic was much more practical than the alternatives. It will be used many times and disposed of responsibly at the end of its life. Kaitlyn Strom was at the Winstock Country Music Festival in the town of Winsted on Friday when she decided to go where few people have gone before. (Photo: Pixabay) Winsted: First responders had to use a power saw to help a woman who got her head stuck in a pickup trucks exhaust pipe at a Minnesota festival. KARE-TV says the incident happened at the Winstock Music Festival in Winsted over the weekend. Firefighters were called to help the trapped woman, who is OK. The McLeod County Sheriffs Office says the woman was cited for underage drinking and escorted from the festival once she was freed. Kaitlyn Strom was at the Winstock Country Music Festival in the town of Winsted on Friday when she decided to go where few people have gone before. Speaking to the Hutchinson Leader, she said that they were all just having fun when she noticed a big exhaust pipe. I was like, Hey, my head could probably fit in thatSo I tried it. It did fit, but it didnt want to come back out. Strom estimated she spent 45 minutes inside the pipe and said she was finally rescued when firefighters used a power saw, according to Minneapolis station WCCO TV. In the United States, there are no federal laws that outright ban cannibalism. (Photo: Pixabay) In a bizarre revelation, a man who had his foot amputated after a motorcycle accident in 2016 saved it so that he could make some tacos for 10 of his most open-minded friends. According to Reddit user IncrediblyShinyStar, he was hit by a car while riding his bike down a mountain road in 2016 and that shattered his foot and it had to be amputated. Three weeks after the incident, he invited his friends over to enjoy a meal of human shin fajita tacos followed by other delicacies. Taking to Reddit he shared that he tasted like buffalo, but was chewier. Super beefy and little fat, he wrote. According to a story published in Mail Online, the idea for the culinary experiment came out about when doctors started to amputate his foot and he asked if he could keep it. He wrote on Reddit that originally he wanted to have it taxidermied or freeze-dried. To prepare the foot meat, IncrediblyShinyShart cut a chunk off the tibialis anterior (near the shin) and put it in the freezer. He then went on to invite 11 of his closest friends for a culinary exercise and all but one agreed to show. 'I said something like, Remember how we always talked about how, if we ever had the chance to ethically eat human meat, would you do it? Well, Im calling you on that. We doing this or what? Ten said yes,' he added. Those who came included the taco chef and his girlfriend, his ex-girlfriend, a friend from college, two long time friends and their daughter and two other friends. The chef marinated the meat overnight and then served it with corn tortillas with tomatillo sauce. When his friends ate him, the user shared that one of them immediately 'spit me into a napkin.' For IncrediblyShinyShart, who wears a prosthetic leg, the unique dining experience was not only a bonding opportunity but a moment of closure for the man. In the United States, there are no federal laws that outright ban cannibalism. It is technically legal in 49 states, with Idaho being the only exception. The accused was convicted by the city court which awarded him four days imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50. (Representational Image) Hyderabad:The She team arrested a 19-year-old student for harassing a girl by constantly sending her mails. The victim approached the She team with a complaint that from the last one week, a man, identified as P. Tilak Manikanta, has been harassing his daughter by sending messages via e-mail. She team traced the accused and nabbed him from his residence on June 7. He confessed that he was harassing the girl. The accused was convicted by the city court which awarded him four days imprisonment and a fine of Rs 50. The boys were sent for medical test on the same day when the FIR was registered, Zonal DCP Rajendra Mane said. (Representational Image/Pixabay) Mumbai: In a shocking case of crime against children, three caretakers of a childrens home in Kalamboli area of Navi Mumbai have been accused of repeatedly sexually assaulting three minor boys since February. Two of the caretakers were arrested on Monday night while the third one has not yet returned from his hometown after summer breaks. According to a report in The Times of India, the parents of the boys are flower vendors from Nalasopara and were not able to feed them for many months. So they sent the three boys, aged 11, 12 and 17 years, to the Kalamboli ashram. The ashram is run by a Vikhroli-based charitable trust. The trust also pays for the childrens education besides providing them accommodation. The three boys, who are cousins, study in private schools in Kalamboli in classes 5, 6, and 9. The 17-year-old boy reportedly has a learning disability. The incident came to light when the three boys refused to return to the ashram following their summer vacation. When their parents asked them the reason for their reluctance to return to the ashram, they told them that they were repeatedly sexually assaulted by the three caretaker youths since February, TOI report quoted senior police inspector Machindra Khade as saying. However, the trustees of the childrens home dismissed the allegation saying the boys made the false claim to avoid going back to the ashram, he added. Only three of the 22 boys at the ashram have alleged sexual assault by the caretakers, which is being probed, said Assistant commissioner of police (Panvel division) Prakash Nilewad. The boys were sent for medical test on the same day when the FIR was registered, Zonal DCP Rajendra Mane said. The results are awaited, he added On learning about the arrests, I went to Kalamboli police station and asked how could they arrest the caretakers without informing the administrator, the trustee, who requested anonymity, told TOI. But the policemen threatened to arrest me for interfering in the legal process, he claimed. BENGALURU: A city court on Thursday remanded the four accused arrested by the Special Investigation Team (SIT) in connection with the killing of journalist Gauri Lankesh to 14 days judicial custody. When they were produced before the court, Amol Kale, the alleged mastermind, alleged torture by the police. The police custody of the accused - Amol Kale alias Bhaisaab, Sujeet Kumar alias Praveen, Amit Degwekar alias Pradeep Mahajan and Manohar Edave alias Manoj - was extended by four days on Monday. On Thursday, the SIT officials produced them before 1st Additional Chief Metropolitan Magistrate (ACMM) Judge, as the Judge of the 3rd ACMM court, who regularly hears the case, was away on official duty. N.P. Amrutesh, the advocate representing the accused, brought to the notice of the court that Kale was tortured by the police and called for a medical check-up to verify it. The magistrate told them to take up the matter in a regular court. However, the defence counsel requested the magistrate to personally examine the injuries. The magistrate asked Kale to show the injuries he has sustained. Kale told the court, Last night (Wednesday night) I was tortured by the police. They punched me below the left eye and banged my head into a wall. They have assaulted my on my legs and left palm. The judge recorded his statement and asked the counsel to argue the matter in a regular court on Friday. Meanwhile, the family of the accused Kale and Edave got a chance to speak to the arrested for five minutes in the presence of SIT officials. HYDERABAD: A Telugu businessman- turned film producer and his wife were arrested in Chicago for allegedly running a sex racket by luring upcoming actresses from Tollywood and then forcing them to have sex with clients. Modugumidi Kishan, 34, and his wife Chandra were arrested in the last week of April. The news broke on Wednesday after the Chicago media reported the police filing a chargesheet in the case. According to some reports, three Tollywood actresses travelling to Chicago were stopped at Chicago airport on Wednesday after the authorities found that their mobile numbers were stored in Kishans mobile. According to reports in the Chicago media, the couple promised Tollywood actresses they would participate in cultural events and conferences organised by various associations in the United States. The couple allegedly charged clients up to $3,000 per sexual encounter. The reports said that the actresses were forced to stay in dingy, two-storey apartment buildings in the Belmont Cragin area of Chicago. They were on temporary US visas and met clients in hotels in Dallas, New Jersey and Washington. The charge against them is that Kishan allegedly threatened one of the actresses and her family if she told law enforcement agencies about what she did in the US. Kishans wife Chandra allegedly kept detailed ledgers of the sexual encounters of each girl, including where they occurred and how much they collected. Federal agents discovered the ledgers during a search of the couple's apartment in West Belden Avenue. In the seized mobiles police found hundreds of messages Chandra had exchanged with clients over prices for each girl. Often, she would send photos of the girl. Kishan and Chandra have been in federal custody since their arrest in late April in suburban Washington DC. The couple's two school-aged children are in the custody of child welfare officials in Virginia. Following the report, Movie Artistes Association president Shivaji Raja said film fraternity leaving for any event abroad can check with the association. 21-year-old Gaelle Chouteau is said to have left for Jaipur after staying at a hotel in Pushkar for two days. (Photo: Twitter/@FranceinIndia) Jaipur: A French woman is reportedly missing from Rajasthans Pushkar since June 1. 21-year-old Gaelle Chouteau is said to have left for Jaipur after staying at a hotel in Pushkar for two days. However, according to her friends social media post, she had last contacted them on May 31. The police swung into action after the post of her friends were noticed and French ambassador to India, Alexandre Ziegler, tweeted for help on Wednesday. After the envoy flagged the issue, the Ajmer police looked into the matter and found that Gaelle had arrived at Pushkar from Jodhpur and stayed in a hotel at Holi Chowk on May 30 and 31 before leaving for Jaipur on June 1. However, her friends claimed that she last contacted them on May 31 but next day onwards her mobile is switched off and she is also inactive on social media since then. However, no formal complaint has been made to the police. However, responding to French envoys tweet, the police replied: "Dear @FranceinIndia, we note this with concern. Please be informed that we've alerted district @AjmerPolice about the matter & it is making all efforts to locate Ms Gaelle Chouteau at the earliest. Investigations are on. We appreciate your patience." Dear @FranceinIndia ~ we note this with concern. Please be informed that we've alerted district @AjmerPolice about the matter & it is making all efforts to locate Ms Gaelle Chouteau at the earliest. Investigations are on. We appreciate your patience. https://t.co/6qrBZbkLjU Rajasthan Police (@PoliceRajasthan) June 14, 2018 During the investigation, the police found that neither her mobile phone nor her ATM card was used in the past fortnight. The police also got to know that Chouteau had searched for a place called Tapukra in Alwar before leaving her hotel in Pushkar. She also reportedly told the hotel staff in Pushkar that she would be back in two weeks. Lucknow: Dust storms hit various parts of Uttar Pradesh, leaving seven people dead and 21 injured, an official spokesperson said on Thursday. "Seven people were killed in a dust storm in the past 24 hours. While three each died in Gonda and Sitapur, one person was killed in Faizabad," an official spokesperson said in Lucknow. "11 persons were injured in Faizabad, 10 were injured in Sitapur," he added. Taking note of this, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had ordered district magistrates concerned to ensure proper treatment to the injured. He also directed that compensation be paid to the kin of those killed and said no laxity will be tolerated. Expressing grief over the deaths, he said the state government will extend all possible help to those hit by dust storms and related incidents, according to the spokesperson. The Delhi CM had earlier said that they will not leave the L-G's office until demands were met. (Photo: File/Twitter) New Delhi: As Aam Aadmi Party's sit-in protest entered its fourth day on Thursday, Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and cabinet ministers continued to mark their protest by lodging themselves in the waiting room of Lieutenant Governor (L-G) Anil Baijal's office. Kejriwal also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, seeking his intervention to end the IAS officers' "strike" claiming that Lt Governor Anil Baijal was doing "nothing" to break the impasse. In his letter to PM Modi, Kejriwal cited instances when the government work was stuck as the officers have not been attending meetings with the ministers for the past three months. He said cleaning of drains before the monsoon, setting up of mohalla clinics and measures to curb air pollution, which reached hazardous levels on Thursday in Delhi, are stuck because of the alleged strike by the IAS officers. The Delhi CM had earlier said that they will not leave the L-G's office until demands were met. The AAP also plans to hold a candle-light march on Delhi's Rajpath on Thursday evening. Also Read: AAP govts protest at L-G office enters day 3, Dy CM Sisodia begins hunger strike The demands of the protest include bringing an end to the IAS officers strike working in the Delhi administration, action against officers who have struck work for four months and approval to his governments proposal for doorstep delivery of ration to the poor. On the fourth day at the L-G office, Raj Niwas, security personnel did not let Kejriwal's brother, who came from Pune, to meet him. The CM took to Twitter to express his disappointment. Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 14, 2018 In the morning, a team of doctors conducted a health check-up of Kejriwal's deputy Manish Sisodia and health Minister Satyendar Jain at the L-G office, who are on indefinite hunger strike to press for their demands. Delhi Dy CM @msisodia Health Check up Parameters (7:30 am, June 14) Pulse: 72 BP: 140/80 Sugar: 59 Weight: 88.5 Kgs pic.twitter.com/xhFJDfRHq9 Aam Aadmi Party Delhi (@AAPDelhi) June 14, 2018 The Aam Aadmi Party has also threatened to stage a "dharna" at the Prime Minister's Office on Sunday if a solution to the issue was not found this week. According to the AAP government, officers have not been attending meetings with the ministers and not picking up their calls due to which government work for people was suffering. However, IAS officers' association has claimed that no officer has been on strike and no work has been affected. The L-G's office recently slammed Kejriwal's sit-in, saying it was one more "dharna without reason". (With inputs from PTI) Srinagar: Two terrorists and an Army jawan were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district on Thursday morning, officials said. "Two terrorists have been killed in an ongoing operation in Panar forest area of Bandipora district (in north Kashmir)," a defence spokesman said in Srinagar. He added that a jawan also lost his life in the operation. The army personnel sustained serious bullet wounds during the operation. Later, he was immediately evacuated to a military hospital. However, he succumbed to his injuries. The identity and group affiliation of the two militants is being ascertained, an official told news agency ANI. "The operation was launched last week when the militants and the government forces exchanged brief gunfight in Raynar forests adjacent to Panar area. The operation with the help of additional reinforcement continued and entered on sixth straight day today," the officer added. He said that during the period, intermittent firing was also reported in the area. "Operation is still going on to trace out the other hiding militants," the officer further said. Meanwhile, on Tuesday two police personnel were killed and three others were injured in a terrorist attack in J-K's Pulwama district. Also Read: 2 cops killed, 10 CRPF jawans injured in separate terrorist attacks in J&K Last weekend, in jungles of Panhar area of Bandipora district, terrorists fired at an army patrol party. North Korean leader Kim Jong Un reportedly said he was open to dialogue with Japan during Tuesday's summit in Singapore with US President Donald Trump. A Japanese government source said on Thursday that Trump told Prime Minister Shinzo Abe that Kim was open to dialogue with Japan. The source said Trump suggested to Abe that negotiations on the abduction issue should be pursued along with those on North Korea's denuclearization and that Japan should have a key role. Trump spoke by phone with Abe on Tuesday night on his way home from the summit. Abe told reporters that Trump had clearly conveyed Japan's stance on the abduction issue to the North Korean leader. Abe did not give details. He emphasized that if a Japan-North Korea summit is held, it is crucial that the talks lead to a resolution of the abduction issue, along with the issues of North Korea's nuclear weapons and missiles. Chief Cabinet Secretary Yoshihide Suga echoed Abe's comments when he spoke to reporters on Thursday. He said the Japanese government is addressing the matter in various ways, and is determined to resolve the abduction issue through direct talks with Pyongyang, with President Trump's strong support. Suga said nothing has been decided yet about a summit with North Korea. But he said he hopes to see a summit that would lead to resolving the issues of North Korea's nuclear arms and missiles, and above all, the abductions of Japanese nationals. New Delhi: In a significant development, the Lucknow-based Central Shia Waqf Board has urged the Law Commission on Wednesday to come out with a Uniform Civil Code for all religions including Muslims as it would help rid discrimination against women. Rejecting the opposition of AIMPLB that even if a common civil code is formulated, it should be optional for the Muslims to adopt its provisions, the Shia sect said such a code should be applicable for all throughout the country. On the objection against UCC that it would be a tyranny to the minority community, the Shia Waqf Board said the right to equality guaranteed under Article 14 and right against non-discrimination under Article 15 and right to life and liberty under Article 21 cant be secured and gender justice cant be achieved without implementing UCC. Opposing polygamy and triple talaq, the Shia Board said a man marrying upto four wives and divorcing his wife by utterance of triple talaq or refusal to maintain a divorced wife after a limited period of three months are all practices derogatory to the dignity of woman. At present, CMRL is not levying any charge for parking electronic bikes and cycles at the metro station. Chennai: As part of its commitment to provide eco-friendly green services, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) would soon set up electric vehicle le (EV) charging stations at four metro stations in the city. We are in the starting stage of setting up EV charge stations at four stations, namely Thirumangalam, St. Thomas Mount, Alandur and Koyambedu, said a senior official associated with CMRL. He added that 10 electric bikes and five electronic cars could be charged at the same time. At present, CMRL is not levying any charge for parking electronic bikes and cycles at the metro station. This move comes in light of the growing market for electric vehicles and the need to set up electric charging points for commuters. Major automakers in the country like Tata Motors, Mahindra & Mahindra as well as cab companies like Uber and Ola have expressed the desire to set up charging stations for electric vehicles in the country. On the other hand, metro patronage doubled in peak hours after the inauguration of two major stretches including Little Mount to AG - DMS and Chennai Central to Shenoy Nagar. While there has been 80 per cent spike in the average ridership, we witness 12,000 passengers on average during peak hours (8-10:30 am and 5-8:30 pm), said an official. During peak hours 25 trains are operated against the 20 during the rest of the time. As many as 196 trips each are run from Chennai Central to St Thomas Mount and AG DMS to Airport, 134 trips from Chennai Central to Airport. Chennai: The Madras High Court is likely to deliver verdict on the disqualification of 18 rebel legislators today. The judgment could decide the fate of the Edappadi Palaniswami Government and pave the way for the future developments in the state politics, which have been witnessing turbulent times since the death of J Jayalalithaa in December 2016. Assembly Speaker P Dhanapal had in September last year disqualified the 18 MLAs owing allegiance to V K Sasikala and her nephew TTV Dhinakaran, leading the Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam (AMMK), faulting them for giving letters to Governor Banwarilal Purohit withdrawing support to Chief Minister Palaniswami. n P4 The AIADMK chief whip S. Rajendiran had petitioned the Speaker for action against the 18 rebels contending that their action was tantamount to voluntarily giving up membership of the party. The rebel MLAs' action followed the CM's peace with O Panneerselvam and inducting him into the cabinet as deputy CM. Chennai: The Opposition DMK on Wednesday dropped a bombshell on the Edappadi Palaniswami Government alleging that huge highway contracts had been given to various firms owned by the relatives of the Chief Minister. While the DMK organising secretary R.S. Bharathi, MP, has given a detailed two-page complaint to the state directorate of vigilance and anti-corruption (DVAC) demanding "registration of a criminal case and investigation under the Prevention of Corruption Act", his party working president M.K.Stalin has threatened to move the courts for remedy if proper action is not taken on the petition to DVAC. In a hard-hitting statement, Stalin has made a scathing attack on the state government accusing it of unprecedented corruption with the help of colluding bureaucracy and the collapse of transparency in the public contracts system. In his complaint to the DVAC, with copy marked to the Vigilance Commissioner and Commissioner for Administrative Reforms at the Secretariat, Bharati referred to the project of the state highways department four-laning of the Oddanchatram-Dharapuram-Avinashipalayam of SH-37 from Km37-400 and 108-400, to be implemented under 'design-build-finance-operate, maintain&transfer' (DBFOMT) method. This was originally estimated at Rs.713.34 crore but was later revised to Rs.1,515 crore and given to a relative of the CM, whereas the World Bank funded project would cost no more than Rs.200 crore as per market norms, Bharati said in his complaint, which also lists out some names alleging close relationship with the CM. The complaint also listed out some more major highway projects and demanded DVAC probe, alleging serious irregularities such as dissuading competitors from participating in the bids. "in most of the bids there were only two bidders. This is not mere coincidence and needs a thorough investigation", said Bharati in his complaint. India rejects the report of United Nations High Commission for Human Rights on 'human rights situation in Kashmir'. (Photo: File | AP) New Delhi: India today rejected the report of United Nations High Commission for Human Rights on "human rights situation in Kashmir". The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) rejected the report and said, "it is fallacious, tendentious and motivated. We question the intent in brining out the report." "It is a selective compilation of largely motivated unverified information," the MEA added. In its first report on human rights in Kashmir the UN tore into both India and Pakistan for violation of rights in Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan ccupied Kashmir (PoK). MEA said, "The report violates Indias sovereignty and territorial integrity. The entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Pakistan is in illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the Indian state through aggression." The UN report urged Pakistan to end its "misuse of anti-terror legislation to persecute peaceful activists and quash dissent. Indian and Pakistani security forces used excessive force in both sides of Kashmir, killing and wounding civilians since 2016, the United Nations said on Thursday and called for an international inquiry into alleged violations. Also Read: UN releases first of its kind report on human rights status in Kashmir, PoK The report said that India has long accused Pakistan of training and arming militants and helping them infiltrate across the heavily militarised Line of Control (LoC) that separates the two sides in the region, a charge Islamabad denies. The UN report focused mainly on alleged serious violations committed in Jammu and Kashmir from July 2016 to April 2018. Activists estimate that up to 145 civilians were killed by security forces and up to 20 civilians killed by armed groups in the same period, the UN report said. In responding to demonstrations that started in 2016, Indian security forces used excessive force that led to unlawful killings and a very high number of injuries, the UN report said. Here are moments from my morning exercises. Apart from Yoga, I walk on a track inspired by the Panchtatvas or 5 elements of nature - Prithvi, Jal, Agni, Vayu, Aakash. This is extremely refreshing and rejuvenating. I also practice breathing exercises. #HumFitTohIndiaFit @narendramodi Bengaluru: Prime Minister Narendra Modi may have intended to score a few brownie points by taking potshots at portly Karnataka CM H.D. Kumaraswamy while posting a fitness video on Twitter but Kumaraswamy - with two heart bypasses - not the one to let a challenge of this kind go answered, responded aptly remarking that he was more concerned about the fitness of his state! "Dear @narendramodi ji I am honoured & thank U very much for d concern about my health I believe physical fitness is imptnt for all & support d cause," Kumaraswamy said in a tweet on his official Twitter handle @CMofKarnataka. "Yoga-treadmill r part of my daily workout regime. Yet, I am more concerned about devlpment fitness of my state & seek ur support for it," he said. Srinagar: Four Border Security Force (BSF) personal including an officer were killed and three others wounded in Pakistani firing and mortar shelling along the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmirs Samba district on Wednesday. With these killings, the BSF has lost as many as eleven of its men in cross-border firing in J&K, so far, this year. This is the highest number of casualties the paramilitary force has suffered along the IB in a year in the last five years, official statistics reveal. According to the officials, fifty people including 26 civilians and the rest BSF and Army personnel have been killed in ceasefire violations along the IB and Line of Control (LoC) in J&K, so far, this year. Giving the details of the latest violation, the officials of the BSF said that the Pakistans Punjab Rangers resorted to unprovoked firing targeting its border outpost in Ramgarh sector of the IB on Tuesday night. The firing by Pakistani border guards in Chamliyal post area of Ramgarh sector started around 10.30 pm on Tuesday and continued till 4.30 am of Wednesday, a BSF official in Jammu said. BSFs Inspector General (Jammu Frontier) Ram Awtar while confirming it said that the Pakistani firing was totally unprovoked and in violation of the November 2003 ceasefire understanding. They resorted to unprovoked firing in Ramgarh sector. Four of our jawans including an assistant commandant were martyred. Three other jawans were injured, he said. The BSF identified its slain personnel as Assistant Commandant Jitendra Singh (34), Sub-inspector Rajneesh Kumar (32), Assistant Sub-Inspector I Ram Niwas (52) and Constable Hansraj Gurjar (28). It said while ASI Ram Niwas, manning the 'morcha' (observation post), was hit first in the Pakistani firing, the three others were killed in the subsequent mortar shelling, as they were trying to evacuate the ASI. Assistant Commandant Mr. Singh was a resident of Jaipur in Rajasthan, SI Mr. Kumar belonged to Etah in Uttar Pradesh, ASI Mr. Niwas to Sikar and Constable Mr. Gurjar to Alwar in Rajasthan. The BSF said that its men retaliated to the Pakistani firing and shelling strongly and befittingly using the same calibre weapons. In Islamabad, the Pakistani authorities in their counter-charge said that it were the BSF which initiated firing after targeting civilian areas in Chirikot sector of the IB called Working Boundary by them. Indias Acting Deputy High Commissioner J.P. Singh was summoned to Foreign Office in Islamabad to condemn the "unprovoked ceasefire violations" by Indian troops across the border, leaving, at least, one civilian dead. Mohammad Faisal, who heads the South Asia wing in the Pakistan Foreign Office, summoned the Indian envoy and "condemned the unprovoked ceasefire violation". He told Mr. Singh that the deliberate targeting of civilian populated areas is indeed deplorable and contrary to human dignity, international human rights and humanitarian laws. He also told Mr. Singh that the Indian government should allow the United Nations Military Observers Group in India and Pakistan (UNMOGIP) to play its mandated role in J&K. This is second major clash between the facing troops along the IB this month despite Director General Military Operations (DGMO) of the two countries agreeing, on May 29, to implement the ceasefire pact of November 2003 in "letter and spirit" and a sector commander-level flag meeting between BSFs Deputy Inspector General and Pakistan Rangers Brigadier) on the border itself on June 4 to ensure peace by "holding fire" along the 198-km long border. The 15-minute IG-Brigadier level meeting held at the Octrio Post in Suchetgarh area of the IB had decided to develop confidence between the two sides to evade breaking out of active hostilities in future. The officials said that two BSF personnel including an Assistant Sub-Inspector, were killed and 10 persons, mostly civilians, were injured in heavy mortar shelling and firing from across the IB in Pragwal, Kanachak and Khour sectors in Jammu region on June 3. Earlier ten civilians and two BSF jawans were killed in the Pakistani firing and shelling along the IB in Samba and Kathua districts of J&K between May 15 and 23 following which thousands of families had fled their homes located in close proximity to the IB and shifted to safer locations. Following identical statements issued in New Delhi and Islamabad after the DGMOs conversation on hotline, thousands of displaced border-dwellers started returning to their homes and hearth. But on June 3, another violation took place even after the DGMOs of India and Pakistan had on May 29 agreed to "fully implement" the ceasefire agreement reached between the two sides in November 2003 in "letter and spirit" forthwith to stop border clashes. The officials in Jammu said that there have been as many as 320 firing incidents along the IB so far this year, leaving eleven of BSF personnel dead and 37 others injured. Last year only 111 such incidents took place where as the figure stood at 204 in 2016. A statement issued by Pakistans Foreign Office on Wednesday alleged that the said that the Indian forces have carried out more than 1,100 ceasefire violations along the LoC and the Working Boundary (IB) so far this year resulting into the death of 29 civilians and injuries to 117 others. "The ceasefire violations by India are a threat to regional peace and security and may lead to a strategic miscalculation," the statement said. Meanwhile, J&K Chief Minister, Mehbooba Mufti, has expressed deep anguish and grief over the death of four BSF personnel in latest incident of cross-border firing and shelling. She reiterated that there should be an end to active hostilities along the borders to protect lives and properties of border people who, she said, have been caught in a distressing situation of past few months which has put them to vulnerability. She said that suspension of military operations against separatist militants during Ramzan provided the people much needed relief. She hoped that the same is extended to the borders to ensure an atmosphere of peace returns in the areas falling in their close proximity. A road barricade asking people to take a diversion which was put up due to five landslides, at Ujjire, Belthangady Taluk, in the foothills of Charmadi Ghat on Wednesday (Image: DC) Mangaluru: Heavy rain in the Ghat section has resulted in fresh landslides in five places in Charmadi Ghat on Tuesday and Wednesday. The Ghat has been closed by the authorities for two days till June 14 for repair work and to clear the debris. Charmadi Ghat experienced two major landslides on Monday night due to which over 2,000 people were stranded on National Highway 234 at Charmadi Ghat for over 12 hours. The path was cleared on Tuesday afternoon. However a huge heap of mud, fallen trees and other debris is still blocking Charmadi Ghat. To clear all the debris and trees and to ensure the free flow of vehicles, elected representatives and authorities decided to close the road till Thursday. On Wednesday morning, barricades were erected at Ujire in Belthangady Taluk, situated in the foothills of Charmadi Ghat, with a diversion signboard. Police personnel were seen diverting vehicles and asking people to take alternate routes through Madikeri or Kalasa to reach places like Bengaluru, Hassan and Chikkamagaluru. Meanwhile, National Highway Mangaluru Division authorities deployed earthmovers and labourers to clear the debris. "We are clearing the debris. But the Ghat section is experiencing heavy rainfall due to which there were fresh landslides in five places at Charmadi Ghat. We have deployed machines and labourers and are speeding up the work, National Highway Mangaluru Division Executive Engineer told Deccan Chronicle. The road has been closed till Thursday and we want to complete the work by then and ensure free flow of traffic," he said. With the main road connecting Mangaluru toBengaluru through Shiradi Ghat closed for repair work and Charmadi Ghat closed for two days till Thursday, vehicles are now diverted through Madikeri and Kalasa. People travelling between Mangaluru and Bengaluru are finding it difficult as both the alternate roads are long routes. Bengaluru: Eminent film and theatre personality Girish Karnad and several litterateurs and rationalists were on the hit list of those suspected of killing journalist-activist Gauri Lankesh, officials said on Wednesday. Besides Karnad, a recipient of the Jnanpith Award, politician-litterateur B.T. Lalitha Naik, pontiff Veerabhadra Channamalla Swamy of Nidumamidi Mutt and rationalist C.S. Dwarakanath also figured in the list, sources in the Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the Lankesh murder case said. The SIT has recovered a diary from the suspects with entries in Devanagari script. The diary has the names of these personalities, known for their strong views against hardline Hindutva, who were to be targeted, sources said. Some entries, they said, are coded and efforts are on to decipher them. The SIT had said on Tuesday it had arrested 26-year-old Parashuram Waghmare from Sindhagi in Vijayapura district of Karnataka. Karnad is known for his strong anti-Hindutva stance and so is Lalitha Naik. Veerabhadra Channamalla Swamy is also a vocal critic of hardline Hindutva, while rationalist Dwarkanath had once even questioned the existence of Lord Rama, raising the hackles of pro-Hindu outfits. "All these people were either admirers or supporters of Lankesh or had a viewpoint similar to hers. The others mentioned in the diary too were vocal about Hindutva," SIT sources said. The SIT has so far arrested six people - Parashuram Waghmare, K T Naveen alias Hotte Manja, Amol Kale, Manohar Edve, Sujeeth Kumar alias Praveen and Amit Degvekar. While Naveen Kumar is from Maddur in Mandya district of Karnataka, Amol Kale and Amit Degvekar are from Maharashtra. Four others were caught while planning to kill writer K.S. Bhagawan, who has come under repeated attack from Hindu outfits for speaking scornfully about Hindu Gods. Gauri Lankesh, a journalist with strong anti-Hindutva views, was killed at the entrance of her house here on September 5 last year, triggering a nationwide outrage. Rupani said, 'Hardik is spreading blatant lies to be in media. I wonder if he is aware about the procedure that the resignation has to be handed over to the governor at Raj Bhawan, not in the cabinet meeting.' (Photo: File) Ahmedabad: Patidar quota agitation leader Hardik Patel on Thursday stirred a controversy by making a claim about the resignation of Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, who rubbished it as lies and false rumours. Rupani said there was no question of resigning and he will complete his five-year term. During his visit to Rajkot on Thursday, Patel claimed that Rupani had resigned during Wednesdays cabinet meeting after being asked by his party to do so. Rupani had resigned on Wednesday during the cabinet meet. I am saying this with full confidence. Rupani was asked to resign because he has failed to handle the administration properly, the 24-year-old quota agitation spearhead told reporters. A new chief minister will be appointed within 10 days. The party (BJP) will chose either a Patidar or a Rajput as the new chief minister, he further claimed. Upon learning about such claims, Rupani said, Hardik is spreading blatant lies to be in media. I wonder if he is aware about the procedure that the resignation has to be handed over to the governor at Raj Bhawan, not in the cabinet meeting. Talking to reporters in Gandhinagar, he said there was absolutely no discussion going on in the party or the government or at the senior leadership level about his resignation. I have not given any resignation and there is no question of doing so because people have given us their mandate to serve them for five years, said Rupani. Terming Patel as a Congress agent, he said some people were spreading such false rumours to derail Gujarats journey of development. It is possible that some people did not like the poll outcome. People know that he (Hardik) has worked as a Congress agent for many years. Thus, it is natural that he is feeling uncomfortable. Otherwise, what he has claimed is totally false, Rupani added. Deputy chief minister Nitin Patel also rubbished such claims, saying it was the handiwork of the BJPs opponents. Our chief minister has not resigned. No such development took place on Wednesday. These are all false and baseless rumours being spread by the BJPs opponents to stir controversies. But, we in BJP will always remain together despite such rumours, he said. In a media briefing on Monday, Rajasthan Education Minister Kiran Maheshwari said that as the assembly elections were drawing nearer, the rats were coming out of their holes. (Photo: Facebook) Jaipur: Rajasthan Education Minister Kiran Maheshwari joined the long list of people who have been threatened by the Karni Sena. The Shree Rajput Karni Sena threatened to chop off Maheshwari's ears and nose for her comment on the Rajput community. According to the Karni Sena, Maheshwari equated the Rajputs with 'rats'. However, she claims that her statement was taken out of context and twisted. In a media briefing on Monday, Maheshwari said that as the assembly elections were drawing nearer, the rats were coming out of their holes. This infuriated the Karni Sena. At a press conference on Tuesday, Karni Sena state president Mahipal Singh Makrana warned the minister of dire consequences and demanded an apology. He said that "If the minister thinks that Rajputs are 'rats', it will not be good for her nose and ears." He also added that she should have remembered the Deepika Padukone incident during the "Padmaavat controversy" before making such a remark. A video of Makrana making the statement soon went viral on social media. However, the cabinet minister denied using any offensive language against the Rajputs. Congress' Rajasthan chief Sachin Pilot also condemned the incident and said Maheshwari should apologise to the entire Rajput community, reports say. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval said, 'We wanted to give respite to the common man in the Valley during Ramzan, so they can observe the holy month peacefully' (Photo: File | PTI) New Delhi: The peace initiative in Kashmir announced by Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh may not extend beyond Ramzan, which is expected to end with Eid tomorrow. National Security Advisor (NSA) Ajit Doval indicated that the offer was only till Eid. The ceasefire during the holy month of Ramzan has led to a rise in terror activities and senior officers say they will present the facts before the Union Home Minister who is scheduled to chair the meeting in New Delhi today on the Amarnath Yatra. "We wanted to give respite to the common man in the Valley during Ramzan, so they can observe the holy month peacefully. And during Ramzan we stuck to our stance. The people there are happy and the purpose is served," NSA Ajit Doval told NDTV. The data collected by the home ministry indicates that terror-related incidents in the Kashmir valley increased by more than 100 per cent during Ramzan. Before the ceasefire was announced -- April 19 to May 16 -- only 25 terror-related incidents were reported. But after the announcement, as many as 66 incidents were reported between May 17 and June 13. "We had suspended cordon and search operations till Eid. Why should the government announce anything now, so after Eid "ceasefire" would just lapse," a senior intelligence officer explained to NDTV. The officer also said they will provide a detailed presentation before Rajnath Singh. "Facts are sacrosanct. Assessments can vary, so he can judge by himself," the intelligence officer added. A senior bureaucrat, however, said extending of ceasefire is a "political call" that has to be taken by the government. During Ramzan, as many as 62 terror-related incidents were reported, which were initiated by terrorists, only six were initiated by security forces; 22 incidents of grenade attacks were reported and 23 cases of indiscriminate firing by terrorists were reported. Even attacks on civilians increased during the holy month. Seven cases of attacks on civilians were reported during the 28 days of Ramzan. In the 28 days before the ceasefire, the figure was only six. Besides, crimes including - killings, bank robberies and weapon snatching - also saw a spurt during Ramzan. Chennai: The Madras High Court on Wednesday refused to entertain a petition seeking registration of a police complaint against actor Rajinikanth over his remarks that anti- social elements had infiltrated the recent protest against Sterlites copper plant in Tuticorin. Justice P N Prakash dismissed the petition as not maintainable and referred to his own order of September 27, 2016 wherein he had made it clear that the high court cannot be approached directly for registration of FIR. Instead, the aggrieved person should first approach the station house officer, then the superintendent of police and the magistrate court, he had said in the judgment. In view of the order, the judge said the petition of D Silambarasan of Hosur seeking a direction to police to file an FIR against the actor was not maintainable. However, the judge said the petitioner was at liberty to work out his remedy in the manner as ordered by him earlier. The petitioner contended that Rajinikanths remarks after visiting Tuticorin on May 30 amounted to defaming the peaceful protesters. He said he had approached the inspector of Police, Hosur, with a complaint but it was not accepted. The petitioner said he had then sent the complaint to the inspector of police and superintendent of police, Krishnagiri district, by registered post, but there was no response. Rajinikanth had blamed anti-social elements for the violence during the protests against Sterlite that resulted in 13 deaths in police firing on May 22 and 23. He had said the problem started only after police came under attack from such anti-social elements. Various quarters had criticised Rajinikanth for the remarks. If the court quashes the disqualification, it would be a setback for the Palanisamy government, which could fall. (Photo: File/ANI) Chennai: All eyes are set on the Madras High Court today as it is expected to deliver its verdict on petitions challenging the disqualification of 18 AIADMK MLAs who had switched loyalty to sidelined party leader TTV Dhinakaran. The verdict could have a bearing on the stability of the Tamil Nadu government led by Chief Minister Edappadi K Palanisamy, who had assumed office in February 2017 with the backing of Dhinakaran but later turned against him. Speaker P Dhanapal on September 18, 2017, disqualified the 18 AIADMK MLAs on the grounds of Anti-Defection Act and a gazette notification was issued declaring vacancies to their seats. The first bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M Sundar, which had on January 23 reserved its orders on the petitions by the 18 MLAs challenging their disqualification by the assembly speaker under the anti-defection law, is likely to give the judgement this afternoon, news agency PTI said quoting court sources. If the court quashes the disqualification, it would be a setback for the Palanisamy government, which could fall. However, the ruling AIADMK is confident that its government would not face any immediate threat to its survival. They point out that in the event of a confidence vote, the 18 MLAs would be bound by the Whip and cannot afford to vote against the government. If the disqualification is upheld by the court then there would be no immediate threat to the government as the effective strength of the house would come down to 215. However, it would clear the way for bypolls to 18 seats, which could be an acid test for the AIADMK. In case of a split verdict, the matter will be referred to a larger bench, which again would have no immediate consequences for the government. Besides, the option of filing an appeal is also open to both the sides. Opposition DMK has been claiming that with the disqualification of the MLAs, the Palanisamy government had been reduced to a minority. The ruling AIADMK has a strength of 116 MLAs excluding the Speaker but including S Karunaas (Mukkulathor Pulipadai), M Thamimun Ansari (Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi) and U Thaniyarasu (Tamil Nadu Kongu Ilaignar Peravai), who had won on the ruling party's two leaves symbol in 2016 polls. While 18 MLAs owing allegiance to Dhinakaran were disqualified, the DMK has 89 MLAs, its allies Congress 8 and the Indian Union Muslim League (IUML) one in the 234 member strong House. Dhinakaran got elected from RK Nagar in 2017 and he is the lone independent member of the House. A court ruling adverse to the government would intensify the power struggle between the Dhinakaran, now chief of Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, and the ruling party led by top leaders O Panneerselvam. Dhinakaran, the nephew of deposed party leader V K Sasikala, had been claiming that the Palanisamy government would not last long. The MLAs were disqualified after they had called on Tamil Nadu Governor Banwarilal Purohit expressing lack of confidence in the leadership of Palanisamy and seeking a change of guard. The MLAs had met the governor on August 22, 2017, a day after then rival factions led by Palanisamy and his now deputy Panneerselvam merged their factions after deposing Dhinaknaran as the deputy general secretary. (With inputs from PTI) Hubballi: Mahadayi farmers , who are preparing to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Delhi on either Thursday or Friday, are hoping he will intervene in the water dispute with Goa and resolve it to their satisfaction. The delegation of farmers will be led by former Chief Justice of India, M N Venkatachalaiah. As many as 23 farmer leaders from nine taluks of four districts are already in New Delhi to exert pressure on the Union government to resolve the dispute. The farmers are hoping to convince Mr Modi about the drinking water problem in their districts and the need to divert Mahadayi water to the Malaprabha reservoir. It may be recalled that the Prime Minister had promised to find a solution to the dispute within six months if the BJP came to power in Karnataka. Political parties have failed to resolve the issue although the Mahadayi movement is three years old. So we are in New Delhi to appeal to the Prime Minister to take concrete steps instead of giving mere assurances on the dispute . We cannot wait until the Mahadayi tribunal pronounces its final verdict on the issue, said Mr M R Ranganath, president of Bengaluru NGO, Sahyadri Jala-Jana Society, which is backing the farmers. Meanwhile, farmer leaders, who have stayed back, called the decision of the Prime Ministers office to invite farmers to discuss the issue a political gimmick ahead of the Lok Sabha election of 2019. Both Congress and BJP leaders have merely targeted each other on the Mahadayi dispute without making an honest effort to find a solution to it. Now, taking a farmers delegation to meet the Prime Minister is merely a political gimmick ahead of the Lok Sabha polls as the Mahadayi tribunal is expected to give its final verdict in August, said farmer leader, Vikas Soppin. New Delhi/London: India has been informed by the UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) that it can initiate extradition proceedings against Indian diamantaire Nirav Modi even though his exact whereabouts remain uncertain, a senior Indian official said today. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has begun the process of filing an extradition request for Nirav Modi, which will then have to be approved by the UK Home Office following which an extradition warrant can be issued. "There is no confirmation about Nirav Modi's whereabouts. He could be in the UK or indeed left the UK since his last reported exit on a flight to Paris. We have now been advised by the CPS that we can proceed with an extradition request so that a warrant can be issued and he can be arrested on being traced," the official said. According to information available in the UK, Nirav Modi - wanted in India for an alleged Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud - arrived in London earlier this year on an Indian passport. The UK government was informed about the revocation of that particular passport via a formal Note Verbale from the Indian authorities on February 19, following which the UK Home Office indicated that the businessman had already entered the UK on that travel document but there was no record of him exiting the country. This gave rise to speculation in India that Nirav Modi may be hiding out in the UK. However, subsequently the Indian authorities became aware of multiple Indian passports being used by the diamond merchant, with his last documented exit from the UK at the end of March by air to Paris. It remains unclear exactly how many passports Nirav Modi has been travelling on in the last few months and strict data protection laws in the UK have prevented the British government from confirming if he has indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK or if he has sought to apply for political asylum. "If he has ILR in the UK, he would have to be extradited. However, if that is not the case, he can be deported on the basis of illegally travelling to Britain using fraudulent travel documentation. We are pursuing both these lines," the senior Indian official said. If Nirav Modi does go ahead with a political asylum request in the UK, it is likely to delay any extradition proceedings at the very least. "It is much harder to succeed in an asylum claim from a constitutional democracy like India. However, if there was evidence of an unfair trial, a person's claim might succeed," said Mark Symes, a senior immigration barrister who has represented another wealthy Indian national in the past who was refused asylum by the UK Home Office but won the claim before an independent judge on appeal. "Generally speaking, a person needs to prove they face persecution rather than prosecution. So, a legitimate prosecution that leads to a lawful conviction following a fair trial could not give rise to a viable claim. However, if the charges were politically motivated or the trial was very unfair or excess punishment might result, the claim might succeed," he explains. A non-bailable warrant was issued against Nirav Modi and 10 other accused, including his family members, in the PNB fraud case following a chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) last month. The businessman is believed to have left India with his family around a month before the PNB filed its first complaint with the CBI at the beginning of this year. Since then there has been a flurry of media speculation over his whereabouts and the kind of passport he is travelling on. Most of these reports have either been officially denied or remain unsubstantiated. The UK Home Office has refused to comment on "individual cases". BJP MLA from Madhya Pradesh Pannalal Shakya had in past questioned Virat Kohlis patriotism and advised girls to not make boyfriends. (Photo: File/ANI) Guna: The BJP MLA from Madhya Pradesh, who in past had questioned Virat Kohlis patriotism and advised girls to not make boyfriends, on Wednesday asked women that they should remain childless than produce children who are not sanskaari at a rally in Madhya Pradeshs Guna district In a veiled attack at the Congress and its chief Rahul Gandhi, BJP lawmaker Pannalal Shakya said, Congress came up with slogan of 'Gharibi Hatao' but instead wiped out the poor. There are women who give birth to such leaders. Women should rather remain without children than produce kids who are not 'sanskari' and who deform the society. The MLA further said Kaushalya who gave birth to Lord Ram should be role model of all women. This is not the first time that the leader has made such bizarre comments. In March, Shakya had advised girls not to make boyfriends to stay safe. He also asked boys to refrain from embracing the "western culture of making girlfriends". Also Read: Don't make boyfriends and all will be well: BJP MLA's 'safety tip' for girls The BJP leader had in December 2017 questioned Team India captain Virat Kohli's "patriotism" after he married actress Anushka Sharma in Italy. "Virat earned money in India... But he didn't find any place to marry in the country. Is Hindustan untouchable?", the leader told a gathering. Hyderabad: The state government has set a target of 1.37 crore tonnes for foodgrain production this year (2018-19). This is a significant increase of 47 lakh tonnes over last year. Banking on the forecast of a normal monsoon and completion of Kaleshwaram and other projects this year, coupled with the Rythu Bandhu scheme and 24x7 free power supply to agriculture, the government is confident of bringing more area under cultivation and achieving record production. The government is devising an Agriculture Action Plan in consultation with agriculture and irrigation experts. The condition of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of Rising Kashmir newspaper, remains critical. He was attacked by terrorists in Srinagar. (Facebook Screengrab/ Shujaat Bukhari) Srinagar: Senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari has been shot dead by three bike-borne terrorists outside his office in Srinagar. Shujaat Bukhari, editor and owner of 'Rising Kashmir' (English) and 'Buland Kashmir' (Urdu) was attacked by armed terrorists when he stepped out of his office in Press Enclave in Srinagar city centre Lal Chowk for an Iftar party on Thursday evening. The journalist and two of his personal security officers were attacked and were rushed to hospital. The senior journalist died on his way to the hospital. Both the personal security officers also died of their injuries. "It's a very unfortunate incident. Today at about 7:30 pm when he was coming out of his office and boarding his car, three terrorists came on a motorcycle and opened fire. Two of his PSOs (personal security officers) were also hit and one of them is no more the other is under treatment. They were shot before they could react," Jammu and Kashmir police chief S P Vaid told NDTV. "They (the terrorists) chose the Iftar time when everybody was rushing home. We will look into who these people are," J&K police chief added. The body of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari lies inside a police control room in Srinagar, Bukhari and his police bodyguard were shot and killed on Thursday by three bike-borne terrorists. (Photo: AP) Shujaat Bukhari was given police protection since an attack on him in 2000. Read: Voice of veteran journalist Shujaat Bukhari silenced, here's who he was This is the first attack on a journalist in a long time in Kashmir which has been facing severe attacks on civilians and security personnel in the recent past. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh tweeted: "Killing of Rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari is act of cowardice. It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist. Extremely shocked and pained. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family." The killing of @RisingKashmir editor, Shujaat Bukhari is an act of cowardice. It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist. Extremely shocked & pained at his death. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family. Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 14, 2018 Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti and former chief minister of the state tweeted their anguish over the attack on the veteran journalist Shajaat Bukhari. Shocked & deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Shujaat Bukhari. The scourge of terror has reared its ugly head on the eve of Eid. I strongly condemn this act of mindless violence & pray for his soul to rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family. Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) June 14, 2018 inna lilahi wa inna illahi rajiuun. Shocked beyond words. May Shujaat find place in Jannat & May his loved ones find strength at this difficult time. Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) June 14, 2018 Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti visited the family journalist Shujaat Bukhari. Talking to media, she said: "This is really shocking. He came to meet me a few days back. This is upsetting." Visuals of CM Mehboob Mufti meeting the family of Shujaat Bukhari, Editor of Rising Kashmir newspaper, who was shot dead by terrorists in Press Colony in in Srinagar city. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/jOizsk3J8s ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 Union Information and Broadcasting Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore called the killing of journalist Shujaat Bukhari "a shameful act". The Union Minister said, "This is a shameful act. Media is free in India. The state government and the central government are committed for the freedom of press in the country and the state." Congress President Rahul Gandhi also tweeted his anguish over the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, "'Im anguished to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of Rising Kashmir. He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu and Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed." Im anguished to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of @RisingKashmir. He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu & Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed. Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 14, 2018 BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav called the killing of journalist Shujaat Bukhari "Reprehensible and condemnable cowardly act of the terrorists". Shocked to hear about d attack on d Editor-in-Chief of Rising Kashmir Shujaat Bukhari in Srinagar. Reprehensible n condemnable cowardly act of d terrorists Ram Madhav (@rammadhavbjp) June 14, 2018 West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress supremo Mamata Banerjee also expressed her anguish over the killing of the senior journalist. Saddened and shocked at the brutal killing of respected editor and senior journalist @bukharishujaat With a few hours to go for Eid this is terrible. No words are enough for this big tragedy Mamata Banerjee (@MamataOfficial) June 14, 2018 The Press Club of India strongly condemned veteran journalist Shujaat Bukhari's killing. "Press Club of India is shocked and saddened by this mindless terror attack that claimed the life of Shujaat Bukhari in the holy month of Ramzan... [it] shows that lives of journalists are not at all safe. Forces inimical to restoring peace in Kashmir Valley have silenced a voice of reason, logic and peace," Press Club of India said in a statement. The attack took place hours after Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh held a security review meeting for the annual Amarnath pilgrimage that will begin later this month. Sources say Rajnath Singh's peace initiative in Kashmir, a ceasefire, may not extend beyond Ramzan, which is expected to end with Eid tomorrow. National Security Advisor Ajit Doval indicated that the offer was only till Eid. Also Read: Kashmir ceasefire till Eid: National Security Advisor Ajit Doval drops hint The ceasefire was seen to trigger a spurt in terror activities in Jammu and Kashmir. Data collected by the Union Home Ministry indicates that terror-related incidents in the Kashmir valley have increased by more than 100 per cent during the holy month of Ramzan. 'I would throw the report in the dustbin. They (UNOHCHR) are highly-prejudiced left dominated organisation. We should say to them, 'to hell with you'. We don't comment on reports written by people who don't know about the subject,' Swamy said. (Photo: File) New Delhi: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leader Subramanian Swamy on Thursday downplayed the United Nations' Report on Kashmir and said that he would throw it in the dustbin. Speaking to news agency ANI, Swamy said the United Nations Office of High Commissioner for Human Rights (UNOHCHR) is 'highly-prejudiced' left dominated organisation. Read: Fallacious, motivated: India rejects UN rights body report on Kashmir "I would throw the report in the dustbin. They (UNOHCHR) are highly-prejudiced left dominated organisation. We should say to them, 'to hell with you'. We don't comment on reports written by people who don't know about the subject," he added. BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav said the UNHRC report seemed to have been prepared by some juvenile. "They really don't know the intricacies of the problem. It's very fashionable to talk about human rights. We reject this report," he added. Minister of State (MoS) in the Prime Minister's Office Jitendra Singh also commented on the report and said, "The issue ends with 1994 resolution, which was endorsed by all the political parties. If there is any outstanding issue between India and Pakistan as far as Jammu and Kashmir is concerned, it is only that how we have to retrieve the PoK." Congress too termed the UN human rights report on Kashmir "mischievous and misleading". Congress leader Ahmed Patel said: "We reject any such ploy to interfere in the internal affairs of India as Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Government deserves our full support to deal with the report." In the 49-page report, the United Nations Human Rights Office has called for a probe into alleged human rights violations in Kashmir by both India and Pakistan. India earlier on Thursday called the report misleading and mischievous, adding it "violates its sovereignty and creates a false narrative." "The report violates India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Pakistan is in illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the Indian state through aggression. We have repeatedly called upon Pakistan to vacate the occupied territories. The incorrect description of Indian territory in the report is mischievous, misleading and unacceptable. There are no entities such as "Azad Jammu and Kashmir" and "Gilgit-Baltistan," the statement issued by the Ministry of External Affairs read, adding that the report had ignored cross border terrorism from Pakistan. The MEA further stated "it is disturbing that those behind this report have chosen to describe internationally designated and UN-proscribed terrorist entities as "armed groups" and terrorists as "leaders". This undermines the UN led consensus on zero tolerance to terrorism." Pakistan said the United Nation's Report has "rightly" called for a final political solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute through meaningful dialogue. "OHCHR's report has rightly called for final political solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute through meaningful dialogue that includes the people of Kashmir. The lasting solution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute is an essential imperative for peace, security and stability of South Asia and beyond," a statement issued by Pakistan's Foreign Office said. The statement further stated the United Nations (UN) has a key role to play in the resolution of the Jammu and Kashmir dispute. The 2-km radius area around the Prime Minister's house is a no-fly zone. (Photo: File | PTI) New Delhi: The combined security forces in Delhi went into a tizzy last Thursday, June 7, when an 'unidentified flying object' (UFO) was allegedly spotted hovering around Prime Minister Narendra Modis official residence. According to reports, the UFO was sighted at around 7:30 pm at 7 Lok Kalyan Marg, Delhi. The 2-km radius area around the Prime Minister's house is a no-fly zone. Immediately after the UFO was spotted, the Intelligence Bureau and National Security Guards were alerted. Special Protection Group officials who were posted on guard called the police. The National Security Guard, Central Industrial Security Force (CISF), Delhi Airport authorities and Delhi Air Traffic Control also immediately sprang into action. However, even after a massive search for several hours, the UFO could not be found. As the news of UFO sightings spread, Twitteratis started speculating theories and some of them were outright hilarious. Martians probably wanting to take a closer look at 56". The reported sighting of a round unidentified flying object hovering over the... https://t.co/lX2KrP5pC6 Mohan Guruswamy (@mohanguruswamy) June 14, 2018 Oh My God-se the assassination plot was from other planet.. a UFO spotted near PM Modi's Residence. #PMInCGVikasYatra pic.twitter.com/hhNxXYZQXi Asif Karjikar (@asif_karjikar) June 14, 2018 LOL some unfit aliens visited ModiJi for some fitness lessons hahaha https://t.co/Vlfpaup9NE Gurmeet Ahluwalia (@GurmeetAhluwali) June 14, 2018 UFO sighted near PM @narendramodis house on June 7, search finds nothing https://t.co/nQVuGUdBys pic.twitter.com/1CH93fSGlZ Hindustan Times (@htTweets) June 13, 2018 Shujaat Bukhari, who was in his 50s, was the editor and owner of 'Rising Kashmir' (English) and 'Buland Kashmir' (Urdu). (Photo: twitter | @bukharishujaat) Srinagar: Senior journalist from Kashmir Shujaat Bukhari was shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside his office in Srinagar on Thursday when he was leaving for an Iftar party. Shujaat Bukhari, who was in his 50s, was the editor and owner of 'Rising Kashmir' (English) and 'Buland Kashmir' (Urdu). Shujaat Bukhari was attacked by three bike-borne terrorists when he stepped out of his office in Press Enclave in Srinagar city centre Lal Chowk for an Iftar party on Thursday evening. Also Read: 'Rising Kashmir' editor Shujaat Bukhari shot dead by 3 bike-borne terrorists Previously veteran journalist Shujaat Bukhari worked as Bureau Chief of The Hindu for 15 years. An extensively travelled journalist Shujaat Bukhari was a writer in Kashmiri and Urdu and was also the president of 'Adbee Markaz Kamraz', the biggest and oldest cultural and literary organisation of Valley. Shujaat Bukhari has survived three assassination attempts during his challenging career. He did his Masters in Journalism from Ateneo de Manila University, Manila as a fellow of Asian Centre for Journalism, Singapore and was a recipient of the World Press Institute (WPI) USA fellowship and Asian Centre for Journalism Singapore fellowship. He was a permanent fellow at both institutions. He was also a fellow at East West Centre at Hawaii USA. SRINAGAR: An Army jawan and two militants were on Thursday killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmirs northern Bandipore district forest. The officials said an operation was launched against the militants in Bandipores Raynar forest area after the militants attacked an Army patrol party in nearby Panar area last week. Two soldiers had sustained injuries in brief encounter after the attack. After the incident, the Army reinforcement along with J&K polices counterinsurgency Special Operations Group and central paramilitary forces launched a massive search operation in the area. On Wednesday, contact was established with the militants and early Thursday two militants and an Army jawan were killed in the encounter, police sources said. Confirming it, defence spokesman Colonel Rajesh Kalia said, Two terrorists have been killed so far. Their identities and the group affiliation are being ascertained. We have lost one of our jawans during the encounter. He also added the bodies of the slain militants along with two AK assault rifle and ammunition have been retrieved from the area. The spokesman said that the jawan who laid down his life while fighting militants had received a grievous bullet wound during fighting on Thursday. He was rushed to the military hospital but soon succumbed to injuries. Sources said that the slain militant was part of a large group of infiltrators who sneaked into J&K after breaching the fence at the LoC near Bagtore area of Gurez sector last week. COIMBATORE: The number of times he has donated blood surpasses his age. R. Manikandan, who is 39 years old, has till date, donated blood 55 times. His tryst with blood donation started while he was just 17 years old. Currently working as a manager at Savidha Medical Center, Karamadai, he shares with DC on the occasion of World Blood Donor Day (WBDD), observed on June 14, Thursday, that the demand for blood can match supply if only more volunteers come ahead and willingly donate blood in times of need and at other times as well. Unlike organ donations, blood can be donated by a living being. So if more people turn donors, several lives can indeed be saved, he says. Way back in September 1998, Manikandan got news of an accident victim who was in urgent need of blood. This prompted him to volunteer to donate blood. After checking his vital parameters like haemoglobin level and weight, among others, doctors gave him a go-ahead to donate blood. The road accident victim who was a child was saved, his face lights up with joy saying this. In December the same year, Manikandan, a major, continued to donate blood every 90 to 95 days, taking the number of donations made to 55. Most often, he responds to emergency calls for blood and is a regular at blood donation camps organized by various hospitals and social service organizations. The last time he donated blood was on June 6 when the Savidha Medical Center and hospital he works for, organized a blood donation camp as part of their second anniversary celebrations. Much to our surprise, a majority of blood donors, (about 30 percent), who are otherwise unwilling to donate blood were women. There have been times when I have donated blood to a patient and have performed surgery on the same patient. Blood donation can save lives, Dr. Sasithra Damodharan, gynecologist and chief medical officer of the 50-bedded multi specialty Savidha Medical Center and hospital said. Telangana state government has completed payments to farmers from whom it had purchased paddy during the Rabi season. Hyderabad: The Telangana state government has completed payments to farmers from whom it had purchased paddy during the Rabi season. Civil supplies commissioner Akun Sabharwal on Thursday said all payments were made online into the farmers bank accounts. Mr Sabharwal said the government had procured 35.25 lakh metric tonnes of paddy from 6.11 lakh farmers at 3,313 purchase centres. The total value of the paddy was Rs 5,601.97 crore. The Civil Supplies Corporation has released the funds to all the districts. On Thursday, Rs 349 crore was released to the districts. With this cent per cent payment to farmers has been completed. This Rs 349 crore will be deposited in farmers accounts in one or two bank working days, Mr Sabharwal said. In view of the festival, payments to farmers, workers, transporters and for gunny bags had been completed. Without any involvement of middlemen all the payments were made to farmers directly through online at Minimum Support Price. Mr Sabharwal said sufficient funds were available with Civil Supplies Corporation to make all payments in time. Hyderabad: The Hyderabad High Court has faulted the HMDA for cancelling the registration of land in favour of Alexandra Health City Hyderabad Pvt. Ltd. A division bench comprising Acting Chief Justice Ramesh Ranganathan and Justice J. Uma Devi dismissed an appeal filed by the HMDA to uphold the order of a single judge. Alexandra Health City told the court that it had purchased 5 acres at Khanamet near Hitec City in 2008 and paid Rs 10 crore. The HMDA had registered the land in its name. It said that in 2012, the HMDA commissioner issued orders cancelling the registration. It moved the High Court which faulted the action of the HMDA and set aside the cancellation orders. Questioning the HMDA for cancelling the sale deed once the sale consideration was fulfilled, the bench refused to intervene in the order of the single judge. New Delhi: In a huge jolt to India, United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein said on Thursday in Geneva that he would be urging the UN Human Rights Council to consider establishing a commission of inquiry to conduct a comprehensive independent international investigation into allegations of human rights violations in Kashmir. His office (UNHCHR) also released a highly controversial 49-page reportclaimed by it to be the first ever issued by the UN on the human rights situation in Indian-Administered and Pakistan-Administered Kashmir that alleged human rights violations and abuses on both sides of the Line of Control, and highlighted a situation of chronic impunity for violations committed by security forces. India swiftly rejected the findings of the report on the situation in J&K and lodged a protest, saying it was fallacious, tendentious and motivated and even questioning the intent behind it. A furious New Delhi said the report was a selective compilation of largely unverified information, that it was overtly prejudiced and seeks to build a false narrative and that it violates Indias sovereignty and territorial integrity. The report was equally harsh on Pakistan. Despite the Government of Pakistans denial of any support for these groups, ... a number of experts have concluded that Pakistans military continues to support their operations across the Line of Control. The report said human rights violations in Pakistan-Administered Kashmir (PoK) are of a different calibre or magnitude and of a more structural nature. But a gleeful Pakistan, in its reaction, welcomed the proposal to establish a Commission of Inquiry for international investigation into human rights violations in Kashmir. Islamabad however chose to gloss over the fact that the report has also indicted the Pakistan Army for supporting militants at the LoC and has also criticised human rights violations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK). More worryingly, the UN HCHR report called on India to fully respect the right of self-determination of the people of Kashmir as protected under international law. As is well-known, India is firmly opposed to any self-determination on the basis of a plebiscite--which is demanded by the separatists and Pakistan---and New Delhi's position is that J&K is an integral part of India. A livid New Delhi said it was disturbing that those behind this report have chosen to describe internationally designated and UN-proscribed terrorist entities as armed groups and terrorists as leaders and that this undermines the UN-led consensus on zero tolerance to terrorism. New Delhi further said Indias protest and views in the matter have been conveyed unequivocally to the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights and that it is deeply concerned that individual prejudices are being allowed to undermine the credibility of a UN institution. Terming terrorism as the most egregious violation of human rights, India accused the reports authors as having conveniently ignored the pattern of cross-border terrorism emanating from Pakistan. The report itself pointed out that armed groups have committed a wide range of human rights abuses, including kidnappings and killings of civilians and sexual violence, going on to admit that But despite these indictments, Islamabad said, Pakistan welcomes the proposal by the UN High Commissioner for Human Rights to establish a Commission of Inquiry for international investigation into human rights violations ... (in Kashmir). ... The report by Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OCHCR) clearly stipulates that its main focus is on ... Jammu & Kashmir. ... References to human rights concerns in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (PoK) and Gilgit-Baltistan should in no way be construed to create a false sense of equivalence with the gross and systematic human rights violations ... (in J&K). The UN document meanwhile stated that the main focus of the report is the human rights situation in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir from July 2016 when large and unprecedented demonstrations erupted after Indian security forces killed the leader of an armed group - to April 2018. The reference is of course to the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani. The UN HCHR report said, Indian security forces used excessive force that led to unlawful killings and a very high number of injuries, citing civil society estimates that up to 145 civilians were killed by the security forces between mid-July 2016 and the end of March 2018, with up to 20 other civilians killed by armed groups in the same period. Geneva/New Delhi: The United Nations on Thursday released the first-ever report on alleged human rights violation in Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) and demanded an international probe into it, evoking a sharp reaction from India which termed the document as fallacious and motivated. New Delhi also lodged a strong protest with the United Nations, saying the government is deeply concerned that individual prejudices are being allowed to undermine the credibility of a United Nations institution. The report violates Indias sovereignty and territorial integrity. The entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Pakistan is in illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the Indian state through aggression, the ministry of external affairs said in a strongly-worded statement. In its 49-page report, the UNs Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights focused on both Jammu and Kashmir (consisting of the Kashmir Valley, the Jammu and Ladakh regions) and Pakistan-Administered Kashmir (Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan). Taking objection to the UN using terms like Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan for PoK, the MEA said, The incorrect description of Indian territory in the report is mischievous, misleading and unacceptable. There are no entities such as Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan. We are deeply concerned that individual prejudices are being allowed to undermine the credibility of a UN institution, the ministry added. The UN also asked Pakistan to end its misuse of anti-terror legislation to persecute peaceful activists and quash dissent. Impunity for human rights violations and lack of access to justice are key human rights challenges in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir, the report said. It said special laws which are in force in the state, such as the Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act, 1990 (AFSPA) and the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act, 1978 (PSA), have created structures that obstruct the normal course of law, impede accountability and jeopardise the right to remedy for victims of human rights violations. Impunity for enforced or involuntary disappearances in Kashmir continues as there has been little movement towards credibly investigating complaints including into alleged sites of mass graves in the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region, the statement said. As many as 14 dams in TS and two dams in AP were constructed 50-100 years ago and require urgent repairs. Hyderabad: The issue of dam safety is back in focus with the Union Cabinet approving the Dam Safety Bill on Wednesday, which is likely to be introduced in the monsoon session of Parliament. In Telangana, the safety of dams is in question due to lack of maintenance for decades. As many as 14 dams in TS and two dams in AP were constructed 50-100 years ago and require urgent repairs. Once the Act is in force, state governments are mandated to ensure that safety measures for the dams are in place, or else the states will be penalised. In September 2017, TS had sent proposals to the Central Water Commission seeking Rs 645 crore for rejuvenation of 29 old dams. The proposals were forwarded to the World Bank for funding. As per instructions of irrigation minister T. Harish Rao, Central Designs Organisation chief engineer A. Narender Reddy prepared a report but the funds are yet to be released. Nagarjunasagar and Srisailam dams witnessed unprecedented floods in the Krishna river in October 2009, but no concrete safety measures have been taken at these dams in the past eight years. Engineers had suggested measures to prevent a catastrophe if a similar situation arose later, but no effort was made in this direction. In March 2017, the Centre admitted in the Lok Sabha that out of 5,247 large dams across the country, 196 are over 100 years old and of these 72 are in southern states and Maharashtra. The Centre said it will conduct a break analysis of these dams. Break analysis is the examination of dams to identify potential failures that may result if there is an uncontrolled release of water and involves the characterisation of threats to public safety that a dam poses. There are two safety issues, the risk of breach and floods, and lower ability to hold as much water as the original capacity (which means less live storage and per capita availability of water). MK Stalin led the walkout of his party members objecting to the removal of comments. (Photo:File) Chennai: The Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK) on Thursday staged a walkout in the Tamil Nadu Assembly following a sharp exchange of words between the treasury and opposition benches after remarks made by one of its Member's of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) were expunged by the Deputy Speaker. Participating in the debate for demands for grants to the health department, DMK MLA R Masilamani recited a couplet from Tamil classic 'Thirukkural', and made some remarks which were expunged by Deputy Speaker Pollachi V Jayaraman. When DMK Deputy Leader Duraimurugan objected to it, Deputy Chief Minister O Panneerselvam said only the remarks were removed and not the couplet adding the government had more respect and love for the saint poet Thiruvalluvar than the opposition. Stalin led the walkout of his party members objecting to the removal of comments. Earlier, when Masilamani referred to the low pass percentage of Tamil medium students (about 1.86 per cent) in the NEET, Health Minister C Vijayabaskar said steps have been taken to ensure that students fared well in the national test. During the Zero Hour, Stalin, reiterated his party position that a Cabinet meeting should be held and a policy decision (besides a resolution in the Assembly) be taken to facilitate the permanent closure of Vedanta's copper unit in Tuticorin district. Hyderabad: Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao will leave for Delhi on Thursday to meet Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The Prime Ministers Office has confirmed Mr Modis appointment on Friday. Mr Rao had planned to meet Mr Modi to take up various pending issues with the Centre, the most important being the amendment to the Presidential Order to implement the new zonal system to ensure 95 per cent reservations for locals in jobs and education. Ahead of his visit to Delhi, the Chief Minister met Governor E.S.L. Narasimhan at Raj Bhavan late on Wednesday and briefed him about his trip. The Cabinet on May 27 had approved the new zonal system categorising 31 districts into seven zones and two multi-zones. In each zone, 95 per cent of the jobs will be reserved for locals and five per cent for open category. The Centres nod is a must for bringing in the new zonal system as the Presidential Order issued in 1975 in undivided AP needs to be amended. The Chief Minister had rushed to Delhi to meet Mr Modi soon after the Cabinet meet on May 27 but returned as he could not get an appointment due to Mr Modis foreign tour. The CM met Union home minister Rajnath Singh on May 27 and submitted a represenation seeking amendment to the Presidential Order before returning to Hyderabad. With no progress on this issue later, Mr Rao wanted to meet Mr Modi again and take up the issue personally. He is expected to take up other bifurcation-related issues like division of common institutions listed under Schedule IX and X of the AP Reorganisation Act, 2014, handing over government buildings vacated by the AP government in Hyderabad to the Telangana state government, bifurcation of AP Bhavan in Delhi and setting up of steel factory in Bayyaram, IIM, tribal university among others. New Delhi: It is not the Telugu Desam and the YSR Congress who seem to be getting the political jitters in Andhra Pradesh. The BJP, too, is getting anxious ahead of the poll season, going by the list of demands put forward by AP BJP chief Kanna Lakshmi Narayana to Prime Minister Narendra Modi at a meeting in the capital on June 11. The newly-appointed AP BJP president, a former Congressman, met Mr Modi and submitted a list of 12 demands for the state, which included approval of projects like Vizag Railway Zone, Kadapa Steel Factory, Girijan University, Metro for Visakhapatnam and Vijaywada and special industrial corridor for four Rayalseema districts. Significantly, all these 12 demands were included in the 19 demands put forward by Andhra Pradesh Chief Minister N. Chandrababu Naidu before he quit the NDA earlier this year. A perusal of the letters submitted by both shows that the only major demands, which were not covered by the BJP state president, were the ones pertaining to a demand for special status and the Polavaram project. It might be recalled BJP president Amit Shah had written a nine-page reply to the TD supremos decision to exit the NDA with the theme that majority of the demands of the Andhra Pradesh state government had been fulfilled. The letter written by Mr Shah had said: This decision (to quit NDA) is both unfortunate as well as unilateral. It is a decision; I am afraid, will be construed as being guided wholly and solely by political considerations instead of developmental concerns. Mr Shahs letter goes on to say: Already most of the promises made in the AP Reorganisation Act are poised towards fulfilment. AP BJP chief Lakshmi Narayana was appointed just a day after Karnataka went to polls. It was being speculated earlier that he would join the YSRC. BJPS Demands Vizag Railway Zone, Kadapa steel factory, tribal university, Ramayapatnam port in place of Duggirajupatnam port, greenfield crude oil refinery and petro-chemical complex, metro for Vizag and Vijayawada, more funds for educational institutions, Rs 150 crore grant for backward districts, GST incentives for seven backward districts, industrial corridor for Rayalaseema districts, funds for tribals and development of fisherman, and tax incentives for startups. CM Naidus wishlist Special Category Status, bridging the resource gap, Polavaram project, railway zone, greenfield crude oil refinery, financial assistance to Amaravati, setting up of premier institutes, Duggirajupatnam port, more MLA seats, anomalies in taxation matters, steel plant at Kadapa, Vizag-Chennai Industrial Corridor, Vizag and Vijayawada metro, rapid connectivity to Amaravati, development of assistance to backward districts, payment of power dues by discom, apportionment of Schedule IX and X institutions, and Greyhound training centre. Hyderabad: Several present and former MLAs of the Telangana Rashtra Samithi (TRS) and Congress are planning to contest the next general election. TRS ministers and former Congress ministers are also likely to be in the fray. The Congress leaders are showing more interest in the Lok Sabha elections because they are expecting the mood to turn against the BJP. Chief Minister K. Chandrasekhar Rao is of the opinion that if strong candidates are fielded for the Lok Sabha, it will have an effect on Assembly constituencies and will become easy for the TRS to win. According to sources in the TRS, Mr Rao has hinted that some Cabinet ministers should prepare to contest the Lok Sabha elections. While the ministers are willing to do so, they want Assembly tickets for their family members. According to sources, animal husbandry minister Talasani Srinivasa Yadav is likely to contest the Secunderabad Lok Sabha constituency. But he wants the Sanathnagar Assembly ticket for his son. Deputy CM Kadiam Srihari will contest from the Warangal Lok Sabha constituency but wants his daughter to be given an Assembly ticket. Transport minister P. Mahendar Reddy is likely to contest from the Chevella Lok Sabha constituency and present TRS MP Konda Visweswar Reddy may be shifted to the Malkajgiri Lok Sabha constituency. Finance minister Etela Rajendar may contest from the Karimnagar Lok Sabha constituency but wants his wife to be given an Assembly ticket. Roads and building Minister Tummala Nageswara Rao may contest from Khammam. Agriculture minister Pocharam Srinivas Reddy may contest from Nizamabad if one of his sons is given an Assembly ticket. Major irrigation minister T. Harish Rao is likely to contest from Zaheerabad. The TRS chief is planning to contest the Assembly seat from Gajwel and the Lok Sabha seat from Medak. A senior TRS leader, however, said that these are only speculations and the final decision will be taken by the Chief Minister at an appropriate time. With their sights fixed on power at the Centre, Congress leaders prefer to contest Lok Sabha seats, hoping for an anti BJP and anti-Modi mood in the public. Former minister Ponnala Laxmaiah wants to contest from Bhongir and former deputy CM Damodar Raja Narasimha wants to contest the Medak Lok Sabha seat. Nalgonda MLA Komatireddy Venkatareddy has openly stated his preference for the Nalgonda Lok Sabha seat. Sources in the Telangana Pradesh Congress Committee say that the party is most likely to have an alliance with the CPI, in which case the Nalgonda Lok Sabha seat may be given to the CPI. Former minister and MLA, J Geetha Reddy, is also keen on a Lok Sabha seat, preferably from Zaheerabad. Former MLA K. Laxma Reddy wants to contest the Malkajgiri Lok Sabha seat. TPCC vice-president and former MP Mallu Ravi will contest from Nagarkurnool and former minister Sabitha Indrareddy may contest from Chevella. Back in July 1979, the Sandinista National Liberation Front (FSLN) mounted a decisive assault on Managua, the Nicaraguan capital, from a nearby town called Masaya, overthrowing the nearly four-decade-old Somoza dictatorship. Last week, a report from Masaya described it as almost completely controlled by rebels opposed to President Daniel Ortegas continued rule. There is irony in that development, given that Ortega, one of the main Sandinista commanders, emerged as head of the administration setup in 1979, and as a symbol of the revolutionary transformation Nicaragua underwent subsequently. He is known to visit Masaya, recognised as the cradle of Sandinismo, annually, not least to commemorate the death of a brother killed 40 years ago by Anastasio Somozas dreaded National Guard. He is no longer welcome there. Popular unrest sparked on April 19 this year by pension reforms whereby workers (and businesses) would contribute more and receive less at retirement spiralled out of control when security forces and government supporters responded with violence against the protesters. Ortega rescinded the pension changes, but it was too late. Pent-up resentments related to other various issues kept emotions on the boil. The seemingly spontaneous uprising can hardly be compared with the Sandinista insurrection, which had evolved and expanded across two decades; its origins lay in a tiny bunch of would-be revolutionaries drawing inspiration from Fidel Castros triumph. The Sandinistas, a coalition of factions that see-sawed between squabbling and cooperation, adhered to the Cuban model in some respects, with their first administration winning plaudits from Unesco and WHO for leaps in literacy and healthcare. There was substantial redistribution of wealth and resources confiscated from the Somoza family and its cronies, but within the context of a mixed economy. The US was rattled by the success of a left-wing insurrection in its Central American backyard. The Carter administration was not overtly hostile to the Sandinistas, but the CIA felt (and acted) otherwise, and its most fervent hopes were fulfilled when, in 1981, the incoming Reagan administration latched on to the idea of sponsoring an armed intervention in Nicaragua. The revolution was on an imperfect but broadly hopeful trajectory before it became necessary to dedicate most of its resources to combating the CIA-backed Contras infiltrated from Honduras, and consisting largely of former members of Somozas National Guard. The Sandinistas were accused of human rights violations, but by most accounts they were outdone in that sphere by the Contras. Ronald Reagan described them as the moral equivalents of Americas founding fathers; he felt the same way about another bunch of ruthless militiamen the Afghan mujahideen. How the Sandinista revolution would have fared without the foreign intervention, which included an economic blockade and the mining of Nicaraguan ports, is open to conjecture. But Uncle Sams intimidation undoubtedly played an important part in the 1990 election, when voters chose Violeta Chamorra, the figurehead of a Washington-backed Opposition coalition, over the incumbent Ortega largely because the prospect of continued US-sponsored hostilities was too painful to contemplate. The FSLN thereafter disintegrated somewhat, but Ortega remained influential and kept running in presidential elections, eventually staging a comeback in 2006, in a period when much of Latin America appeared to be leaning leftwards. Ortega was vaguely viewed as a part of the pink tide, but clambering back to the top had entailed compromises, not least with the church and big business. He has been in power ever since, with sharply increased majorities in subsequent elections and allegations of fraud in the most recent of these, in 2016. There have also been claims of corruption, and the most obvious manifestation of nepotism is the fact that the President and his vice-president, Rosario Murillo, are married to each other. Members of the FSLN, whose recent electoral slogans give precedence to Christianity over socialism, have reportedly been among the protesters of the past couple of months one of whose favourite tactics has been to put up barricades against the forces as a detested regime, just as the Sandinistas did in 1979. The novelist Sergio Ramirez, who served as Ortegas vice-president in the 1980s, describes todays young rebels as the grandchildren of the revolution and endorses the idea of an Ortega-free future for Nicaragua. For the moment, it appears depressingly unlikely that this goal can be accomplished without further violence. By arrangement with Dawn For Congress president Rahul Gandhi, the magical point was the Gujarat election result in December. It helped in no small measure to cement his leadership of his party. If the Congress had done poorly, it is Mr Gandhi who would have been laughed out of court, and the Congress would be looking bedraggled today. Since then, the Congress president has pushed ahead further. The final political outcome in Karnataka the coming together of the Congress and secular ally Janata Dal (S), with no MLA of either party defecting to the BJP to allow the formation of a saffron government there has pointed the way to the entire non-BJP Opposition, and kept Mr Gandhi afloat at the highest level of politics. If the BJP won Karnataka, the story would have changed and the Gujarat effect would have been neutralised. This is the background in which the Congress chiefs remarks in Mumbai on Wednesday underlining the need for a mahagathbandhan, or grand alliance of Opposition parties against the BJP-RSS, is best understood. The question posed to him about the proposed fronts leadership is logical, but premature. The coming together of parties is relatively easy when they are in Opposition but a far more complex task if they think they are preparing for government. There are many examples of this recently, and also of fights breaking out as friendly parties become adversaries. How things shape against the present BJP-led NDA government remains to be seen, but its fair to say that only the first steps have been taken so far. Mr Gandhi may have a point when he says the non-BJP Opposition is being pushed by people to coalesce. But it is political parties which are the instrument to give shape to the coming together of diverse elements, and its they who will finally decide, keeping a multitude of factors in view. Besides the secular angle, the register of regional and caste interests will inevitably kick in. However, in the final analysis, it is the numbers won in the next Lok Sabha election that will count the most when it comes to figuring out who or which party will lead the mahagathbandhan. Mr Gandhi was thus realistic when he declined to answer a media query on this matter. Another factor is what happens in the Assembly elections in Rajasthan, Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh later this year. Some of the politics surrounding the leadership of the anti-BJP front will be shaped by those results. The Congress presidents iftar party in New Delhi on Wednesday was attended by most prospective associates of the Congress, though not all. No deep political meaning should be read into this at this stage. The highest leaders of most the secular parties were missing. This is also part of the political play. All eyes are on the Hindi belt poll results later this year. Novel way to bring in good governance Devang Dave On June 10, the Narendra Modi government announced what can be termed as one of the most metamorphic decisions ever taken concerning the bureaucracy. The government allowed the lateral entry of professionals in governance. The decision had long been pending and debated too. While previous governments had put it on hold, the Modi government acted on it. The government is expected to hire professionals in the fields of finance, revenue, civil aviation, etc for joint secretary-level post as per the listed eligibility criteria. Like every other decision taken by the government since May 2014, this decision too was not welcomed by the Opposition, which has made whataboutery about every reform a cliche. I feel this decision can pave way for a revolution in the governments functioning and will surely help in increasing the pace of deliverance of results. The civil service system is seen by some as one of the legacies the British left in India, but facts contradict these claims. After liberalisation in 1990s many sections of the bureaucracy had been stagnant and failed to deliver appropriate and the expected results. This very reason harbingered the debate that was going on since many years and has now finally culminated into the government seeking an alternative to the IAS. The civil services exam is one of the most tough-to-crack exams in the country. Teaming of experts from the private and government sector will surely prove fruitful and increase the efficiency with which the government functions. Also, it will usher in a fresh new approach in governance. Since the jobs have been kept contractual, it will surely cut off red-tapism, which has for years impeded government functioning. Also, the contractual nature of the job will ensure that the hired person delivers what is expected for if he/she fails to deliver some other deserving and competitive candidate will be put in his/her place. The appointment of joint secretaries through lateral entry will surely increase the competitive spirit among employees who have been there through traditional means. This will compel the under-performers to deliver what has been expected of them or face the music. Also, a dialogue between the expert lateral entry candidates and the ones who have entered by traditional means will bring in new concepts of working, and thus help in fast deliverance of work. I know many people will oppose this step just for the sake of opposing it, but the data and facts will be there to answer it. History is witness to how stupendous emanations ushered in governance when specialised domain experts like Arvind Subramanian, Montek Singh Ahluwalia and Nandan Nilekani were brought into government organisations. As Paul Meyer said, The future is built on the flow of new ideas, every revolutionary thought finds its way to being a reform. Right now, we should take a minute to thank the government for setting things on the right track. The writer is national convenor, IT and social media committee, BJYM It must be opposed by all means Manoj Kumar Jha The recent DoPT advertisement inviting application for lateral entry in the government was described by Niti Aayog CEO Amitabh Kant as an opportunity to attract the best talent. If we pay attention to the enthusiastic reactions of the voices that were instrumental in directing public policy in favour of private business interests, we can understand the importance of having a malleable, pliable bureaucracy. Like everything else that this government does, this invention too is mired in a series of falsehoods. There is nothing in the design of the existing processes of entering the higher bureaucracy (either through direct recruitment or through promotion) that has prevented Indias bureaucrats from excelling at their jobs. The idea that this kind of lateral entry will enable more meritorious people with higher degrees, better expertise and experience in the private sector to come into the bureaucracy than those that come through the UPSCs competitive recruitment process is flawed. This discourse is not unknown to those who have heard the anti-reservation arguments in India. The path of SC/ST and OBC officers coming in through UPSC is full of challenges that arise from caste-based social inequality in India. The lateral entry is an invention of the BJP government that is clearly aimed at undermining the protective provisions of our Constitution designed to promote social justice. This must be seen together with other stratagems this government has used to undermine reservations in higher education and public sector jobs, stopping short of scrapping reservation through legislative revision and amendment in the Constitution. Those who care for social justice for the historically oppressed in India must know that behind this BJP invention is its bid to reverse the progress made by the backward sections of society. These inventions include such tricks as collusive lawsuits that undermine the protection given to SC/STs against atrocities, and constant revision of reservation regulations in higher education. A bureaucracy committed to one political partys ideology is the very antithesis of the idea of the bureaucratic governance machinery whose very nature is rational, impersonal and impartial. The lateral entry is an invention that must be opposed by all means. What we are witnessing is an operationalisation of the janus face of the RSS deeply divisive ideology in governance. What cannot be legitimately admitted in a just system of governance will be given a lateral entry thought this system. We must not also lose sight of the fact that this lateral entry arrives in the public domain without travelling through the parliamentary corridors or any engaged discussion with civil society groups. Hence the wider feeling amongst subaltern groups is that it is merely a facade for ensuring the lateral entry of the sleeper cells of the organisations affiliated to the BJP and the RSS. The writer is a Rashtriya Janata Dal MP Its an old story, yet India seems to be losing the plot. This country seems to be unable to match Chinese guile. Despite the fact that China is facing flak from Australia, the United States and the European Union on this issue, India somehow seems very sure of Chinas goodwill in Kashmir. One only wonders why. All have woken up except India, which is acting as a benign Buddha. Cant India see the daylight robbery of its territory by the China-Pakistan combine in J&K? The plot has thickened so much that it appears to have become an irreversible forced occupation. From post-Independence accession of princely state (J&K) to India, to India-Pakistan hostile bilateral, to the present multilateral owing to the joint Sino-Pakistani illegal occupation of Indian territory, the map of J&K certainly isnt what India depicts it to be. Pakistan continues with its old tricks for Kashmir is in its jugular veins. The intermittent Indian reaction, in its own traditional style, is quite predictable too deep slumber followed by a sudden realisation to raise its voice, reiterating its stand and then lodging a strong diplomatic protest, which more often than not is ineffective. Why? Mainly because Indias own past actions, or lack of it, turned its internal affair (J&K) into an Indo-Pakistani bilateral issue, and later deeply entrenched a third party, China. The best or worst part in this bewildering multilateral game is the classic Chinese deception diplomacy We dont know what happened; Has it really happened? or Even if it has happened, dont worry, we are not in the picture. There is no change in Beijings policy relating to Kashmir which is a bilateral affair between India and Pakistan. Mark Chinese diplomat Hua Chunyings reference to the word bilateral and pose the counter-query: If you know that it is a bilateral issue, why are you there? Why this fake innocence, camouflaged under the Sino-Pakistan alliance, to capture Indian soil on the sly? At a press briefing on May 29 (after Pakistan, through its May 21 Gilgit-Baltistan Order 2018, merged it with its fifth province Khyber-Pakhtunkhwa), Ms Hua says: Kashmir is a historical baggage between India and Pakistan and, therefore, shall be resolved between the two sides through dialogue and consultation. Indeed! Why then is China now a third party in this publicly-stated historical baggage between India and Pakistan? Doesnt it now become an overloaded illegal multi-lateral baggage? In reality, Ms Huas statement clearly exposes the long-term design of Chinas forced occupation of foreign territory, specially around Beijings make-belief world border/order/disorder! China is deliberately doing something extraordinarily wrong in its neighbourhood! If this isnt a diabolical act, what is? Is it an act of multilateral coexistence for health and harmony? Indian diplomats should have repeatedly harangued and harped on this point to make China quit, or at least play lie low in an area that under no stretch of imagination belongs to China! Did India ever get into an act of physical presence as a third party/player in the historical baggage between Tibet and China? Again, when Ms Hua says we have stressed many times that CPEC is an initiative for economic cooperation, and that this is a cooperation framework which serves the purpose of economic development and peoples livelihood, and does not affect our position on J&K issue; the message constitutes loud and jarring duplicity, akin to saying: We are here (in J&K) to stay. Come what may. Just get away. Let us make our own way even if its your own territorial highway. We are on a bigger canvas and we dont wish to get bogged down in your petty squabbling in J&K. If you cannot fight us, join us. Territory may be sacrosanct to you, but trade, money, profit and subjugation of the weak are more sanctimonious to us. We guard our territory wherein no outsider dare enter. However, we reserve the right to enter any external territory in accordance with our national calculation, wherein your problem can be reduced or resolved only by our entry and physical presence, like that of Western powers of the last century. Try, if you can, to stop us. My concern is that the 21st century chapter of J&K has already started to be written, not by legal and bona fide owner India but by two nations linked through an unholy alliance to fix India. My other regret is that successive Indian governments have not only failed to uphold their claimed territorial integrity, but also failed to uphold the Constitution, which empowers the State to protect its sovereignty. Unfortunately, India got carried away by the slogans of globalisation, liberalisation and privatisation and did irreparable damage to its indigenous industry, economy, polity, society, safety, security and sovereignty. The slogan 21st century is the century of Asia will not take India very far because if a country cant tackle chronic violation of its sovereignty by mala fide actions of two neighbours, there is little to go forward. Chinas OBOR, BRI, CPEC is to cut and transcend all barriers of other sovereign nations, with the sole aim of expanding its own military and economy, enhance its firepower and extend its influence by dividing the polity and destroying the economy of non-Chinese states. In this murky background, however, my congratulations to the external affairs ministry for making some effort in reiterating, and taking a public stand on its own territory without mincing words. By summoning Pakistans deputy high commissioner and lodging a strong protest over Gilgit-Baltistan, India rightly toughened its stand, though after a long delay. But better late than never! However, dangers are lurking to inflict a further loss on India on its possession and occupation. The former means control or use of real property; seizure and control of a territory by military force. For rather too long, Gilgit-Baltistan has remained beyond Indias possession. Although Pakistans action falls under possession mala fide (possession in bad faith), as by a thief, the fact remains that a long, wrong and de facto possession can turn de jure owing to invocation of the act of limitations, despite it being a municipal law. Todays the mala fide Sino-Pakistani presence in Gilgit-Baltistan reminds me of the famous 1840 definition of property by French thinker Proudhon. It says while property is not theft, a good amount of theft becomes property like the daylight Sino-Pakistani robbery of Gilgit-Baltistan, which forms a part of Indias J&K. India is clearly trapped by Pakistani terror and trampled upon its own territory by Beijing, and is thus losing its sovereignty for trade with China. The moral of the story? For Chinese trade and Pakistani terror, India is helplessly losing its own territory at the expense of its sovereignty. The historic summit at Singapores Sentosa island that US President Donald Trump and North Koreas Chairman Kim Jong-un held earlier this week had been in the making for at least three decades. The leadership of the Democratic Peoples Republic of Korea (DPRK) had been craving for a face-to-face meeting with the American President for long, but had been rebuffed. It took a maverick White House occupant and a master strategist in Pyongyang, half the formers age, to finally make it happen. It demonstrated once again that diplomacy was indeed the art of the possible! As Chairman Kim observed in Singapore, there were many obstacles in the way. However, the protagonists, including South Koreas President Moon Jae-in, persevered during the preceding 14 agonising weeks. A series of bilateral meetings took place between the leaders, officials and negotiators of the three nations, some announced and some not Mr Moon and Mr Kim held two inter-Korean summits in April and May (only the third and fourth such in Korean history) to establish the contours of the agenda. Mr Moon was in constant contact with Mr Trump and also travelled to Washington in late May. US secretary of state Mike Pompeo met Kim Jong-un twice in Pyongyang in April and May 2018. Yet it was an uphill task in every respect. One, there was (and is) a massive trust deficit between Pyongyang and Washington. Two, Mr Trump and Mr Kim had been trading insults and threats throughout 2017. Three, defying the US and the UN Security Council, Mr Kim was rapidly ramping up his nations nuclear and ballistic missile programme. Four, the US was making maximalist demands on the DPRK during the run-up to the summit. Five, hawks like US vice-president Mike Pence, Mr Pompeo and national security adviser John Bolton, who stood for regime change in Pyongyang, were calling the shots in Washington. For three decades efforts had been underway to disarm the DPRK. In 1994, an agreed framework was signed between the US and DPRK, which envisaged Pyongyang giving up its nuclear programme in return for substantial economic and energy assistance. However, neither side acted in good faith and made only half-hearted attempts to do its part. It since transpires that the Americans (including then President Bill Clinton) believed that the Kim regime would not survive very long. Next, President George W. Bush included the DPRK in his Axis of Evil. The deal naturally collapsed. The fate of the Six-Party Talks hosted by China from 2003 to 2009 was quite similar. Meanwhile, Pyongyang went nuclear in 2006. The year 2017 was particularly tumultuous for the Korean Peninsula. President Trump, who came to office in January, promptly discarded his predecessor Barack Obamas policy of strategic patience towards DPRK and went for its jugular by applying maximum pressure. A series of debilitating UNSC and US sanctions were imposed. Mr Trump threatened a major, major conflict. Both sides engaged in a intemperate slanging match. China, the DPRKs sole benefactor, too was forced to endorse the sanctions, which it did (albeit sporadically). However, Mr Kim was unfazed. He doubled down on upgrading his weapons of mass destruction arsenal, successfully testing its most powerful nuclear device and an ICBM (intercontinental ballistic missile) with a range of 13,000 km and thus capable of reaching the American mainland. Having developed a nuclear deterrent to ensue regime safety, Mr Kim surprised the world with a dramatic peace overture on New Years Day 2018. He offered dialogue and disarmament, in exchange for security guarantees, lifting of sanctions and development assistance. He announced a moratorium on further WMD testing. With one bold move he virtually transformed the atmospherics overnight. Inter-Korean and US-DPRK ties saw a rapid thaw. Incredibly, President Trump also agreed to meet Chairman Kim. Nevertheless, the US started demanding a commitment from the DPRK to undertake complete, verifiable and irreversible disarmament upfront. This was a deal-breaker for Kim. Having studied the fate of Saddam Hussein and Muammar Gaddafi, and also being aware of US fickleness, Pyongyang was not willing to surrender its only trump card, which was its insurance against regime change. The Washington hawks even threatened a Libya-like fate for DPRK if it did not relent, but Mr Kim was unfazed. President Trump actually cancelled the Singapore summit on May 24, but then restored it within 36 hours due to the DPRKs composed response that Mr Kim was willing to meet him anytime. Mr Trump was also forced to concede that denuclearisation was a process which would need some time. President Trump, who had abandoned the Iran nuclear deal and the Trans-Pacific Partnership, dissed the Paris climate change agreement and damaged US equations with most American allies, was anxious on crafting a major success story. He sensed such an opportunity with the DPRK and went all out to grab it. Unusual for a sitting American President, he positioned himself in Singapore some 36 hours ahead of the summit. By now an impression was gaining ground that a successful outcome had been pre-scripted, and it was indeed so. The leaders met warmly, held a 41-minute one-on-one chat and delegation-level talks which continued over lunch. Later, they signed a short joint statement, the highlights of which include: Both sides commit to establish a new US-DPRK relationship The US will provide security guarantees to DPRK Chairman Kim reaffirms his commitment to complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula Both sides will join efforts to build a lasting and stable peace in the Korean peninsula During his press conference, later in the day, Mr Trump disclosed that the annual US-South Korea joint military exercises would be discontinued, which were seen as provocative by DPRK. Second, sanctions would stay till denuclearisation was achieved. Third, Kim Jong-un could be invited for a Washington summit at a suitable time. The summit represented a triumph of dialogue over confrontation and that of realpolitik over posturing. The critics note, however, that the understanding was vague, short on specifics and bereft of timelines, except stating that it would be implemented expeditiously. Mr Trump also seemed to have given away the store without anything concrete in return. Mr Kim appeared the winner at first glance. Yet, the fact remains that Mr Trump displayed courage and realism, greatly enhancing the prospects of the arrangement to succeed. An immense dust storm that may soon encircle Mars is threatening one of NASAs rovers on the planets surface, with the vehicle becoming dormant and unresponsive at a site called Perseverance Valley, U.S. space agency officials said on Wednesday. The officials, however, expressed optimism that the Opportunity rover, which was built to operate for three months but has thrived on Mars since January 2004, will be able to survive and continue its scientific mission. John Callas, Opportunity project manager at NASAs Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, said the solar-powered rover, with the sun, blotted out by an intensifying dust storm already engulfing a quarter of Mars, is no longer responding to commands. The six-wheeled robotic explorer relies upon electricity that its solar panels generate from sunlight. The project team is very concerned, Callas told reporters, adding that a spacecraft emergency has been declared. Our expectation at this point is that the rover has gone to sleep, its in this low-power mode, and that it will remain in that low-power mode until there is sufficient energy to charge the batteries back above a certain threshold, Callas added. Cold, desolate Mars, with its thin atmosphere and desert conditions, is prone to dust storms that can last months. Opportunity weathered a planet-wide storm in 2007. Beyond power loss, there is concern about frigid conditions, though Callas said Opportunity should stay above its minimum-allowable operating temperatures for the long term. So we should be able to ride out the storm. When the skies clear and the rover begins to power up, it should begin to communicate with us, Callas said, expressing confidence that Opportunity will not be buried in dust. NASA engineers received a transmission from Opportunity on Sunday but no response when they attempted to contact it since. Another NASA rover called Curiosity, which arrived on Mars in 2012, does not face the same level of threat from the storm, which was detected on May 30. Opportunitys scientific findings include evidence that Mars may have had conditions favourable for sustaining microbial life. Opportunity has been examining whether the Perseverance Valley geological feature was carved out by flowing water, wind erosion or both. Opportunity and its twin rover, Spirit, which arrived the same month, both carrying a suite of scientific instruments to study the terrain, operating on opposite sides of the planet. Spirit ceased communications in 2010 after becoming stuck in sand. 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. Microsofts technology aims to help retailers keep pace with Amazon Go, a highly automated store that opened to the public in Seattle in January. Microsoft is working on technology that would eliminate cashiers and checkout lines from stores, in a nascent challenge to Amazon automated grocery shop, six people familiar with the matter told Reuters. The Redmond, Wash.-based software giant is developing systems that track what shoppers add to their carts, the people say. Microsoft has shown sample technology to retailers from around the world and has had talks with Walmart about a potential collaboration, three of the people said. Microsofts technology aims to help retailers keep pace with Amazon Go, a highly automated store that opened to the public in Seattle in January. Amazon customers scan their smartphones at a turnstile to enter. Cameras and sensors identify what they remove from the shelves. When customers are finished shopping, they simply leave the store and Amazon bills their credit cards on file. Amazon Go, which will soon open in Chicago and San Francisco, has sent rivals scrambling to prepare for yet another disruption by the worlds biggest online retailer. Some have tested programs where customers scan and bag each item as they shop, with mixed results. For Microsoft, becoming a strategic ally to retailers has meant big business. In addition to developing retail technologies, it ranks No. 2 behind Amazon in selling cloud services that are key to running e-commerce sites, for instance. It is not clear how soon Microsoft would bring an automated checkout service to market if at all, or whether its technology would be the answer retailers are looking for. But some see the technology as the next big innovation in the shopping, one that Amazons competitors cannot afford to ignore. This is the future of checking out for convenience and grocery stores, said Gene Munster, head of research at Loup Ventures in Minneapolis. The venture capital firm estimates the US market for automated checkout is worth $50 billion. Cashier is one of the most commonly held jobs in the United States. Microsoft said it does not comment on rumours or speculation. Walmart and Amazon declined to comment. EXPENSIVE EQUIPMENT Microsofts effort to date has largely fallen under its Business AI, or artificial intelligence, team, one person said. A group consisting of 10 to 15 people has worked on a host of retail store technologies, and they have presented some of their efforts in front of CEO Satya Nadella, the person said. In a meeting with the team several months ago, Nadella recommended an intelligent edge device that could manage connected gadgets such as cameras on site with minimum data transfers to the cloud, which would cut down on costs, said the person. Making its technology cheap enough so it does not eviscerate grocers already thin profit margins is a major challenge for Microsoft, another person said. Microsoft already showcases the basics for automated checkout at its Retail Experience Center in Redmond. It has half a dozen partners, including Redmond-based AVA Retail, that are building their own checkout-free or related services atop Microsofts cloud, some of the people said. Sales of partners services result in cloud revenue for Microsoft, along with insight into the market for new retail technologies. Meanwhile, Microsofts internal team, including a computer vision specialist hired from Amazon Go, has worked on attaching cameras to shopping carts to track customers items. And it has studied novel ways for smartphones to play a role in the shopping experience, people said. Still, the industry is playing catch-up to Amazon. The company spent four years building Amazon Go in secret, before launching an employee-only pilot on its Seattle campus in 2016. It collected data for nearly 14 months more before opening the doors to its first Seattle store. Amazon has said it has no plans to introduce checkout-free technology to its Whole Foods Market grocery chain, which it acquired last year. The company is still hard at work improving the service. Amazon Vice President Dilip Kumar told Reuters in an interview earlier this year that the company is training computers to identify items or activities with as little information as possible. Its a really hard problem, said Scott Jacobson, managing director of Madrona Venture Group, adding its one that Amazon is uniquely positioned to solve. 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. US President Donald Trump fired off a volley of tweets yesterday venting anger on North Atlantic Treaty Organisation allies, the European Union (EU) and Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau in the wake of a divisive Group of Seven (G-7) meeting over the weekend. But he acknowledges that Trump might not realize he's jeopardizing U.S.jobs by triggering a series of tariffs and counter-tariffs with Canada. In an extraordinary interview with CNN's State of the Union on Sunday, Larry Kudlow, who was present for negotiations at the G7 summit in Quebec over the weekend, said Trudeau had instigated "a betrayal" and was "essentially double-crossing President Trump". Kudlow was particularly offended that Trudeau would say this ahead of Trump's North Korean summit. President Donald Trump's trade adviser Peter Navarro expressed regret Tuesday for having said there is "a special place in hell" for Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. Shortly after the summit ended on Saturday, Mr Trump used Twitter to announce that he was ordering officials not to endorse the G7 communique agreed hours earlier by the US, UK, Canada, France, Germany, Italy and Japan. The back-and-forth between Trump and Trudeau highlights the growing tensions between the United States and some the country's closest allies. "So long as the USA government persists on its present course where the instinct is to undo anything that is already there", said Sebastian Mallaby, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, in a phone call with reporters ahead of the weekend summit. Hours after Mr Trump withdrew his support for the joint statement and attacked Mr Trudeau, Mr Kudlow and trade adviser Peter Navarro drove the message home on Sunday morning news shows in an extraordinary assault on a close U.S. ally and neighbour. "Fair trade is now to be called fool trade", he added in response to the threat of the retaliatory tariffs against the US. Kudlow said the president won't "let a Canadian prime minister push him around". We have very little use for Trudeau, that avatar of chic progressivism, or for Trump's other foil, Angela Merkel, the very embodiment of the short-sighted and high-handed European establishment. On board Air Force One, an AFP reporter was told that Trump had approved the agreement, only to be told later of the tweets. But Trump had already said he would not hesitate to shut countries out of the U.S. market if they retaliate against his tariffs. The European Union also attends. Canada in particular has been outraged by Trump's tariffs, taking umbrage at the argument that they were motivated by national security concerns. The Trump-Trudeau scuffle represents a pivot away from the once-friendly relationship between the two leaders. While trade is expected to dominate, Trudeau also wants to focus on gender equality and climate change. Trkulja had successfully argued in the Victoria state Supreme Court in 2012 that Google defamed him by publishing photos of him linked to hardened criminals of Melbournes underworld. An Australian man who alleges Google defamed him on June 13 won a court battle to sue the search engine giant. Milorad Michael Trkulja was shot in the back in 2004 in a restaurant in Melbourne, Australias second-largest city. The Australian High Court unanimously ruled in favour of Trkulja, supporting his allegation that a Google search of his name could indicate to an ordinary person he was somehow associated with the Melbourne criminal underworld. Trkulja had successfully argued in the Victoria state Supreme Court in 2012 that Google defamed him by publishing photos of him linked to hardened criminals of Melbournes underworld. Four years later, the Victorian Court of Appeal overturned the decision, finding the case had no prospect of successfully proving defamation. The High Court disputed that ruling and ordered Google to pay Trkuljas legal costs. Google searches for Melbourne criminal underworld photos bring up images of Trkulja alongside gangland figures, his lawyer Guy Reynolds told the High Court in March. However, Googles lawyers argued it would be irrational for someone to assume photos in a Google image search for underworld figures are all of the criminals because the same search would also bring up the Google logo, movie posters, images of crime victims and photos of actor Marlon Brando. Trkulja is also claiming defamation around Googles autocomplete options for his name, which have included phrases like is a former hit man, criminal and underworld. However, the court heard autocomplete is an automatic function and that previous searches influence future suggestions. The defamation suit is expected to go back to the Victoria Supreme Court for trial. Trkulja said he would continue the legal action until he gets the result he wants, fearful someone will see the images and tell his grandchildren hes a hardened criminal. I will sue Google ... and I will sue them till they stop. I want them to block my pictures, he said. Im not a criminal, Ive never been involved and I will make sure these people are not going to ruin my family I have grandchildren, he added. Google said in a statement: We will continue to defend the claim. We decline to comment further on ongoing legal matters. 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. Houston: An Indian-American woman, Dhivya Suryadevara has been named the Chief Finance Officer of the US' largest automaker, General Motors (GM). Suryadevara, currently the vice president of corporate finance, will succeed Chuck Stevens, the GM's present Chief Financial Officer (CFO), on September 1, the company said in a statement. Chennai-born Suryadevara, 39, has been GM's vice president of corporate finance since July 2017. She will report to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mary Barra, 56, who has been head of the automaker since 2014. Barra and Suryadevara are the first women in their respective positions in the auto industry, as no other major global automaker has a female CEO, nor a CEO and CFO who are both female. GM will join a very short list of S&P 500 companies, including Hershey Co. and American Water Works Co., with women serving as CEO and CFO. Suryadevara earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in commerce from the University of Madras in the southern Indian town of Chennai. She moved to the United States at the age of 22 to pursue her MBA from Harvard University. She is a chartered financial analyst and accountant and worked at UBS and PricewaterhouseCoopers before joining the Detroit-based GM in 2005 at the age of 25. "Dhivya's experience and leadership in several key roles throughout our financial operations positions her well to build on the strong business results we've delivered over the last several years," Barra said in a statement. Stevens, 58, has been CFO at the largest US automaker since January 2014 and will retire in March of 2019 as a more than 40-year veteran of the company. He will remain with the company as an adviser until his retirement, the statement said. Stevens began at the Buick division in 1978 and, like Barra, was educated at General Motors Institute, which became Kettering University. He had a key role in GM establishing its joint venture in China with SAIC Motor Corp. and was a crucial player in GM selling its long-struggling Opel business to French automaker PSA Group. In eight countries across the world, including the United States which is home to nearly four million infants, there was no paid maternity or paternity leave policy, the UNICEF noted. United Nations: India is among almost 90 countries in the world which do not have national policies in place that ensure new fathers get adequate paid time off with their newborn babies, according to a new UNICEF analysis. Almost two-thirds of the worlds children under one-year old nearly 90 million live in countries where their fathers are not entitled by law to a single day of paid paternity leave, the UN agency said. India and Nigeria, which have high infant populations, are among the 92 countries which do not have national policies in place that ensure new fathers get adequate paid time off with their newborn babies. UNICEF noted that around the world, momentum for family-friendly policies was growing. It cited the example of India, where officials are proposing a Paternity Benefit Bill for consideration in the next session of Parliament which would allow fathers up to three months of paid paternity leave. Noting that much work remains to be done, the UN agency said in eight countries across the world, including the United States which is home to nearly four million infants, there was no paid maternity or paternity leave policy. Other countries with high infant populations, including Brazil and Congo, all have national paid paternity leave policies, although offering relatively short-term entitlements. Islamabad: Hafiz Saeed-linked Milli Muslim League (MML) has decided to use the platform of a little known party to contest the upcoming general election, a day after Pakistan's poll panel rejected for a second time an application by the MML, an offshoot of the Mumbai attack mastermind's banned Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD), to register it as a political party. Around 200 candidates backed by the MML will contest the July 25 election under the banner of the Allah-o-Akbar Tehreek (AAT), which is already registered with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the Express Tribune reported. The decision was taken after the ECP again dismissed the MML's application for registration on Wednesday. The first rejection of MML's application by the poll panel was set aside by the Islamabad High Court earlier this year. Also Read: Hafiz Saeeds MML cant contest general polls: Pakistan Election Commission The MML has announced that candidates backed by the party will be participating from the platform of the AAT if higher courts do not rule in their favour before the election. The AAT is listed at number 10 in the ECP's list of approved parties. The AAT, a little-known party, is headed by Mian Ihsan Bari from Bahawalpur. The party has already been allotted the chair' as an election symbol by the ECP. A four-member ECP bench dismissed the MML application on basis of an interior ministry report that said the party followed the ideology of JuD chief Saeed. An office bearer of the group alleged that the interior ministry in its letter to the ECP falsely claimed that Saifullah Khalid, the MML president, is a son-in-law of Saeed. In fact, they are not even distant relatives, he said. The interior ministry requested the ECP to keep its letter secret, however, this has been told to our lawyer by one of the members of the bench, he added. MML spokesman Tabish Qayum said his party will challenge the ECP's decision in the higher courts. He said a case about the party's registration is already pending with the Islamabad High Court. During the hearing, MML counsel Rizwan Abbasi said the federal government could not oppose registration of any political party. No one can predict if a political party will affiliate with banned outfits in the future, he said. The government through a presidential ordinance has said that any individual or organisation which has been declared proscribed by the UN would be deemed as a banned outfit in the country. The MML was formed in August last year. The group, however, denies any link to Lashkar-e-Taiba (LeT) or any other banned outfit even though Saeed was already campaigning for the MML since last month. In April, the US designated the MML as a foreign terrorist organisation, saying the banned LeT members make up MML's leadership and the so-called party openly displays Saeed's likeness in its election banners and literature. The JuD is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, including six Americans. The US Department of the Treasury has designated Saeed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and the US, since 2012, has offered a USD 10 million reward for information that brings Saeed to justice. South Korean Major General Do-gyun (center) speaks to the media before leaving for the border village of Panmunjom to attend the meeting. The discussions are the first general-level talks between the militaries since December 2007. (Photo: File/AP) Seoul: The rival Koreas were holding rare high-level military talks on Thursday reducing tensions across their heavily fortified border. It is possible that the North Korean officials during the talks at the border village of Panmunjom will seek a firm commitment from the South on stopping its military drills with the United States. US President Donald Trump said after his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Tuesday that the allies should stop the war games during nuclear negotiations in "good faith." South Korea's presidential office has said it's trying to discern Trump's meaning and intent, but also that the allies should explore various ways to "further facilitate" dialogue with the North. Seoul's Defense Ministry said the military talks would focus on carrying out agreements from a summit between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in in which they vowed to take steps to reduce military tensions and eliminate the danger of war. The discussions are the first general-level talks between the militaries since December 2007. "We will invest our best efforts to bring in a new era of peace on the Korean Peninsula," South Korean Major General Kim Do-gyun told reporters before the talks. At a building on the northern side of Panmunjom, the South Korean officials were greeted by a North Korean delegation led by Lt Gen An Ik San, who joked that he was "very jealous" of the major general who he thought was probably the first Korean soldier to cross the military demarcation line that bisects the Koreas by foot and while wearing a uniform. Kim Do-gyun told An that he was honoured to meet him and expressed hope for a meaningful breakthrough in the talks. An didn't get his history right - top North Korean military official Hwang Pyong So, in uniform, stepped into the southern side of Panmunjom on August 2015 for talks with South Korean government officials. The Korean military officials may discuss holding military talks on a regular basis and establishing a hotline between their top military officials. They may also discuss efforts to recover the remains of soldiers missing and presumed dead from the 1950-53 Korean War. Moon met Kim Jong Un in April and again in May as Pyongyang made a diplomatic push following a provocative run of nuclear and missile tests in 2017. The Koreas have agreed to various sets of peace talks, including planned discussions to set up reunions between war-separated families and to field combined teams at the Asian Games in Jakarta, Indonesia, in August. Chief Justice Saqib Nisar has rebuked the former army chief for "cowardice", taunting him for not appearing in court. (Photo: File) Islamabad: Former Pakistan military ruler Pervez Musharrafs hope of contesting the upcoming polls was dashed on Thursday after the Supreme Court withdrew the conditional permission given earlier to the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) chief. The apex court had earlier granted conditional permission to Musharraf, allowing him to file his nomination papers and contest the polls scheduled for July 25, provided the former military ruler appeared in court. A four-member bench of the SC heard the case pertaining to Musharrafs return. The former dictator requested more time to return to the country, however, the court refused to entertain his requests after granting a day-long extension in the June 13 deadline. Musharrafs counsel, Qamar Afzal, appeared on his behalf. I have spoken to Musharraf, he has asked for more time. He plans to come to Pakistan but due to Eid holidays and illness, he cant travel immediately, Afzal said. Alright, well adjourn the court hearing till indefinite time period, will hold it on your wish, responded the chief justice. APML Secretary General Dr Mohammad Amjad Chaudhry confirmed that Musharraf will not be appearing before the apex court. The apex court had set a deadline of 2 pm (June 14) for the former military ruler to appear before the three-member bench, hearing the disqualification petition. Also Read: If Musharraf is a commando, he would have showed valour and come to court: Pak SC Chaudhry also added that Musharrafs legal team will be applying for an extension. We will request them to set a date after Eidul Fitr. If they agree, Pervez Musharraf will return, he said. However, early Thursday morning, the partys tweets had stated that Musharraf was due to land in the wee hours of the night as preparations (for his return) were in the last stages. On June 7, the top court summoned Musharraf in response to a petition filed against his lifetime disqualification to contest the elections in view of Peshawar High Courts (PHC) 2013 judgment. The court also assured Musharrafs counsel that the former milit6ary ruler would not be arrested. It also allowed the returning officers to receive his nomination papers for the upcoming election. However, acceptance of his nomination papers will be subject to the outcome of the case. The appellate courts decision was challenged in the Peshawar High Court, which disqualified him for life, he said. The petition said the PHC decision was an excessive exercise of judicial authority as it failed to provide and protect the rights guaranteed under articles 4, 9, 10, 17, 25 of the constitution. Khadija Siddiqui, 23, survived the frenzied attack in broad daylight outside her sister's school on a busy thoroughfare in the teeming eastern city of Lahore, Pakistan's cultural capital, in May 2016. (Photo: AFP) Lahore: A Pakistani law student has emerged as a women's rights crusader after she was stabbed 23 times in a busy street only to see her alleged attacker walk free, igniting outrage across the deeply patriarchal country. Khadija Siddiqui, 23, survived the frenzied attack in broad daylight outside her sister's school on a busy thoroughfare in the teeming eastern city of Lahore, Pakistan's cultural capital, in May 2016. Her sister was also injured as she tried to defend her, and the brazen attack only ended when her driver managed to pull the assailant off and rush Siddiqui to hospital, where she was admitted to intensive care with her neck slashed, her arms wounded, and a deep injury to her back. Siddiqui named her attacker as Shah Hussain, a classmate whom she had rejected romantically. He was convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison in July 2017. But Hussain, the son of a prominent Lahori lawyer, appealed the decision -- and in a shock judgement released on June 4, the Lahore High Court acquitted him on all charges. The decision was greeted with an uproar in Pakistan, where hundreds of women are murdered and attacked by men each year, with many struggling to get justice in a sluggish court system that advocates say is often slanted against them. "I was shocked," Siddiqui, who spent three weeks in hospital after the attack and whose back still pains her, told AFP. "But unfortunately it was true." Siddiqui's long struggle to put her attacker behind bars had already drawn attention from women's rights campaigners, but when Hussain walked free it unleashed a wave of anger. "I am heart broken, speechless, shattered after hearing what our judiciary system did to you @khadeeeej751 - But do not give up , keep fighting, and we shall overcome this together," tweeted actress Urwa Hocane. Hamza Ali Abbasi, another TV personality and activist, commented: "We must all unite & be Khadija's voice & leave no stone unturned to get her justice against this barbarian! #WeAreWithKhadija". The hashtag was trending in Pakistan within hours of the acquittal. The reaction intensified when the court's judgement was released, with critics accusing it of "victim-blaming" after it poked holes in Siddiqui's credibility. The judgement questioned why she did not name Hussain as her attacker immediately, despite testimony saying she had fallen unconscious; and noted that at one point prior to the assault she had written a letter proposing marriage to him. The outcry was so great that Pakistan's Supreme Court has now taken up the case and will hold hearings later in the summer, it announced Wednesday. Hashmi, Hussain's father, has told AFP that his child is innocent. "My son is a brilliant student," he said. "How can he be a criminal?" 'Prejudice against women' Siddiqui's case highlights how Pakistan's judicial system fails women, says Hina Jilani, a leading lawyer and human rights activist. The young law student is lucky in that she received high-profile support and it came to the Supreme Court's attention, Jilani says -- but that is rare. "There is a prejudice against women," she argues. Pakistan is deeply conservative, and violence against women remained "pervasive and intractable" in 2017, according a yearly report by the country's Human Rights Commission. It documented thousands of reported violent incidents including rapes, assaults, sexual harassment, acid attacks, murders, and even four examples of "stove burning" -- understood to be when a woman is taken into a kitchen, covered in kerosene and set alight; then the perpetrators claim she was burned by the stove. The real figures, the commission said, are likely to be much higher. Many cases of violence against women are not reported to authorities. In rural areas such cases often bypass the formal justice system and are dealt with by village "jirgas" or councils, often in a manner that is punitive for women. But even for those cases which do enter the court system, the conviction rate is "below one percent", says Rabeea Hadi, an activist with the Aurat Foundation, a women's rights watchdog. In cases of domestic violence and sexual abuse, it is "almost zero", adds Anbreen Ajaib, the executive director of another women's rights group, Bedari. Siddiqui says women, including herself, are often pressured to drop their cases, and can face blackmail and harassment. But she is determined to see hers through, and says the attention it has received has prompted many women to contact her to say they, too, are encouraged to stand up for themselves. "I have been told by the prosecutors... that I'm probably the first woman who is fighting so hard to get justice," she told AFP, sounding calm and confident. "It has proved that if women fight, they can turn things around, so they should never give up... they should not tolerate injustice, violence and blackmail." Islamabad: Former Pakistan military ruler Pervez Musharrafs hope of contesting the upcoming polls was dashed on Thursday after the Supreme Court withdrew the conditional permission given earlier to the All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) chief. The court had earlier granted conditional permission to Musharraf, allowing him to file his nomination papers and contest the polls scheduled for July 25, provided he appeared in court. A four-member bench of the SC heard the case pertaining to his return. The ex-dictator requested more time to return to the country. However, the court refused to entertain his requests after granting a day-long extension in the deadline. Even as the country's second largest IT services exporter Infosys celebrates 25 years of its listing on Indian exchanges, its shareholders, who bought shares in 1993 and still holding have turned crorepatis. Anyone who invested Rs 100 in Infosys shares way back in 1993 when it was listed on bourses are now owning Rs 6,80,000 as on date, according to an analysis by DH. When stock splits and the bonus issues are taken into consideration, for every share that the stockholder has bought in 1993, he would end up having 512 shares right now, according to the analysis. Its shares were listed in stock exchanges in June 1993 with trading opening at 145 per share. As per the calculations by various analysts, for every 100 shares in the company back in 1993, it would be worth over Rs 6.44 crore as on June 12, translating to an annual growth of 42.3%. Incidentally, the public offer of Infosys was under-subscribed at the time of initial public offering (IPO) and had to be bailed out by US investment bank Morgan Stanley which picked up 13% of equity at the offer price. The stock was split in 2000 to maintain liquidity. The company has offered 1:1 bonus shares in 10 out of 11 years when it declared a bonus issue. In 2005, it announced a 3:1 bonus issue. From being a Rs 10,000 company, that NR Narayana Murthy started, Infosys has gone on to redefine India's corporate culture. The company has shown strong growth since its listing. From $5.1 million revenues in 1993, the company has seen its revenues compound annually by 36% to $10.94 billion by 2018. The net income on other hand has been compounded by equal numbers, from $1.23 million in 1993 to $2.49 billion by 2018. In Rupee terms, revenues over last 25 years have grown at a CAGR of 40.5%, while net profits have grown by 40.1%, according to the internal calculations of the IT major. Prior to its listing the company's revenues grew from Rs 12 lakh in 1981 to Rs 8.66 crore in fiscal ended March 31, 1992, the year of economic reforms in India. But then this growth hasn't been as smooth as it may seem. For most of its years of existence, save the previous four, the company was managed by its promoter founders. Good news: Kerala health model has passed a fire test, tweeted Kerala Health Minister K K Shailaja on June 10. What she was talking about was the Nipah virus, which had triggered a scare not only in Kerala but also in other states. After a month-long high alert, the state will be declared Nipah free on June 31. The Minister said the spreading of the virus is under control. Doctors and patients wear safety masks as a precautionary measure after the 'Nipah' virus outbreak, at a Medical college, in Kozhikode As on June 3, a total of 18 cases of Nipah were reported in the state and only two could survive it. The Opposition and Kerala High Court, among others, congratulated the health department and the government for handling this health issue with much caution. Here is a look at what the Kerala health model is: The Nipah To understand why is it important to speak about it, one needs to know more about the villain. Nipah is a genus of RNA (an essential molecule regulating genes) virus. Scientists have found that the virus is being 'naturally harboured' by fruit bats and some other species of bats. The bats which carry Nipah will not have any malady. It will migrate long distances depending upon the environment and availability of food (especially fruits) and shelter. The fruit eating bat that was caught by the expert group, for the study of the spread of Nipah Virus at Perambra in Kozhikode on Wednesday, May 30 2018. These bats were sent to Bhopal for the tests regarding the presence of the virus. (PTI Photo) The virus reaches human beings through the fluids the bat carries. It spreads, again, when the person comes into contact with the fluids of the affected person. So the outbreaks will stick to a small geographical area but are highly dangerous as the death rates are very high. The virus, born in Malaysia in 1999, had two outbreaks in India before Kozhikode. Those were in Siliguri (2001, 45 out of 68 reported cases died), and Nadiya (2007, 5/30). Since there is no way to tackle Nipah medically, the only solution is to stop it from spreading, which requires a great amount of planning and dedication. What is Kerala model? In 1975, the Centre for Development Studies conducted a study for the Department of Economic and Social Affairs, United Nations, about the development model of Kerala (the study never used the term Kerala model, but it became popular after the study). The study was titled Poverty, Unemployment and Development Policy- A Case Study of Selected Issues with Reference to Kerala. This was the first work which gave international recognition to the Model. The study projected how the implementation of public distribution of food grains, public healthcare systems, government schools and high literacy rates especially among women helped in achieving the standards of human development which can be compared to that of developed Asian countries like Malaysia or China. The state is highly saturated with public educational institutions and libraries. The library movement has roots in every village in the state, which played a key role in the literacy movement in the 1980s and many other social developments. Public Distribution System (PDS) is strong here, though not undisputed. It makes sure that no one dies of hunger in the state. The public health chain is the most commendable one among this and in focus today. The state has primary (village level), secondary (taluk level) and tertiary (district level) level health centres. The primary health centre provides all basic facilities with almost zero expenditure. Popularly known as simply health in Kerala, the primary centres charge one rupee for registration and provide qualified doctors and nurses (selected through comparatively less corrupted Public Service Commission) and definitely, free medicine. However, it is common for medicines to be out of stock. Relatives and hospital officals wear safety masks as they perform the last rites of V Moosa (61), a 'Nipah' virus victim, at Kannam Parambu graveyard, in Kozhikode This health centre also maintains the data of all pregnant women in the village to whom they will reach out through Aasha (Accredited social health activists) workers and Anganwadi teachers multiple times during pregnancy and after delivery to provide medicines, nutritional food and most importantly, the vaccines. You dont have to call them up for medicines. They will turn up at your doorstep one fine morning. The 'anganwadis' are playschools which provide nutritious food for kids below age four. And you pay nothing for admission (and food!) (It is part of the centre's scheme, Integrated Child Development Services). The same people will go house to house during monsoon asking people to avoid water stagnation as mosquito-borne diseases are common in Kerala nowadays. The secondary and tertiary levels of the health centres are enhanced with more accessories including provisions for admissions. For conditions which cost the patient lakhs in private hospitals, these centres have much cheaper solutions. UNDPs Human Resource Report in 1996, comparing the per capita income and the human development, said the state has performed quite well similar to that of Punjab. Such a pattern of development, defined by success in achieving a high quality of life without success in economic growth was raised to the status of a model and culminated in a paradigm shift in developmental thinking, the report reads. Blots in the model However, the model is not at all ideal one. The UNDP report in 2005 reads: however, a number of doubts have been raised as to the sustainability of such a model," as it is dependent on higher government spending. The rising dependency on Gulf money (since the 1970s, the number of overseas Keralites kept increasing as people went searching for more opportunities) is also another concern, raised by many. Though the 2005 report says these fears are now receding, no alternative has been found yet. In the health sector, private multi-speciality hospitals are attracting a majority of the cases including those from the economically backward sections. According to Dr Ekbal, former vice-chancellor, Kerala University, the super speciality hospitals are developing a culture of over-medicalisation in the state. Kerala Sasthra Sahithya Parishath (an NGO working in various fields) says the expenditure of an individual on health in the last 20 years has increased twenty-fold. Of an economically backward familys budget, 40% is spent on health, according to their study. Animal Husbandry department and forest officials collect bats from a well of a house after the outbreak of 'Nipah' virus, near Perambra in Kozhikode on Monday. The Nipah virus has so far claimed three lives in Kerala while one person is undergoing treatment and 8 others are under observation in Kozhikode district. PTI Diseases, like malaria, jaundice and typhoid which the state believed to have eradicated, has shown its presence in some places. Communicable diseases like rat-bite fever, Japanese Encephalitis, dengue, H1N1, swine flu are new to the state. But they are making their appearance every year now. Chikungunya, the disease which can be cured with basic treatment, is taking hundreds of lives in Kerala. The reason for communicable diseases is an unclean environment. Keralites maintain a high level of personal hygiene while not bothering to treat their surroundings in the same way. Solid waste, like any other city in India, is a major issue in Kerala too. It is also notable that the rate of communicable diseases is high in the urban areas as social hygiene is worse there. Lifestyle diseases like high blood sugar and high blood pressure, heart, liver and kidney ailments are also increasing in the state. Back to Nipah The early diagnosis of the infection is the primary reason in curbing further spread of the virus. The very second case raised doubts in Dr AS Anoop Kumar of Baby Memorial Hospital who alerted the whole machinery and made them rise to the occasion. From right, Kerala Health Minister KK Shylaja, Excise minister TP Ramakrishnan amd Transport minister AK Saseendran interact with an expert during a meeting regarding the Nipahvirus, in Kozhikode on Monday, May 28, 2018. (PTI Photo) The health workers, from the primary level to the state minister, developed a plan to curb further spread of the virus. They sorted out possible interactions of the initial victims. From family members and neighbours to doctors who examined them, they made a list of almost 2,000 people to whom they reached out quickly. They were under observation (some are still being observed). The health workers reached out to them every day to check updates. An isolated ward was created and medical staff treated the patients wearing protective gear. Messages of caution were on social media and TV apart from vehicle announcements in villages and door-to-door campaigns. Security staff being given instructions by the head after the outbreak of Nipah virus at Medical College in Kozhikode on Saturday. (PTI Photo) Two of the 18 infected are now breathing a sigh of relief as the system which the state developed had come to their rescue. Almost 400 seasonal and permanent homes have been evacuated because of the fire near the Colorado border. "Multiple aircraft are actively dropping water and retardant at this time", county fire officials said. Crews remain vigilant for new embers. "Under current conditions, one abandoned campfire or spark could cause a catastrophic wildfire, and we are not willing to take that chance with the natural and cultural resources under our protection and care, or with human life and property", said Richard Bustamante, SJNF forest fire staff officer. Right now, there are two fires burning in the San Juan National Forest. Suppressing the fire where we could, putting out spot fires, if it spots into a community. There are 150 firefighters battling the wildfire. He says the developments are densely populated, serving as homes for area workers, rather than having sprawling vacation homes. "We bounce back", she said. The forecast calls for continued hot, dry, and windy conditions and will affect fire behavior again on Wednesday. Nor did the tightly packed subdivisions at risk of burning. Air support was also in play yesterday as two VLATs and four heavy air tankers worked the fire Monday. Firefighters split off into teams to protect houses in both the Wildernest and Mesa Cortina neighborhoods. The wildfire with the odd name, "416", continues to be very active especially on the west side. "It's grown substantially since the last mapping and is now much larger", Voos said. Since 2006, the U.S. Forest Service has created a 900-acre buffer between the houses and the trees there. There also is an exception in the Sandia district for Foothills Trail No. 365, the Sandia Peak Tram and the Sandia Ranger District Administrative site, which includes the Tijeras Pueblo, trail, programs and facilities, forest officials said in a news release. Though thunderstorms in the next few days could bring much-needed moisture to the area, officials are anxious the storm could bring lightning and gusty winds that lead to unpredictable fire behavior. "That's the overall goal, to help use fire to guide it around some of those places where we just can't put firefighters", Knight said. "And if you can get to them soon enough, you can shut them down", Hickenlooper said. The 416 Fire was one of several West Coast wildfires that began around June 1. The cause of the fire is unknown. There will be a public meeting tonight at 6:15 p.m.at the Silverthorne Pavilion, located at 400 Blue River Pkwy., Silverthorne, CO 80498. The situation was better in central Washington, where authorities lifted evacuation orders or warnings for about 50 residents as crews work to contain a wildfire burning grass and brush. Senior journalist and editor of local English daily Rising Kashmir Shujaat Bukhari was shot dead along with his two personal security officers (PSOs) by unidentified gunmen outside his office at Press Colony, here on Thursday evening. Sources said two to three gunmen on a motorcycle appeared near press enclave around 7.10 pm and opened indiscriminate fire on Bukhari and his two personal security officials (PSOs) when he was coming out of his office and boarding his car. He was reportedly hit by multiple bullets. The gunmen fled from the spot while Bukhari and his PSOs were removed to hospital, where they were declared brought dead, a police officer said. Bukhari, whose elder brother Basharat is a senior minister in the Mehbooba Mufti-led government, was given police protection in 2006 after unidentified gunmen tried to abduct him. He is the first journalist to be killed in Kashmir since the editor of a local news gathering agency, Parvaz Sultan, was killed in 2002. Bukhari, who started his career at Kashmir Times in the early 1990s before moving to The Hindu as its Kashmir bureau chief, was one of the senior-most and respected journalists in Kashmir. He quit The Hindu in 2011 and took over as the editor of Rising Kashmir which is owned by his family. Bukhari did his Masters in Journalism from Ateneo de Manila University, Manila, as a fellow of Asian Centre for Journalism, Singapore, and was the recipient of the World Press Institute (WPI) USA fellowship and Asian Centre for Journalism Singapore fellowship. The killing of Bukhari, who was in his early 50s, has sent shock waves across Kashmir. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti broke down at the SMHS hospital here when reporters asked her to comment over the killing. Earlier, Mehbooba tweeted: "Shocked & deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Shujaat Bukhari. The scourge of terror has reared its ugly head on the eve of Eid. I strongly condemn this act of mindless violence & pray for his soul to rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family. Her predecessor and opposition National Conference leader Omar Abdullah tweeted: Even in the last tweet he put out he was defending himself, his colleagues & his profession. He died in the line of duty doing what he did best & loved doing - journalism. #ShujaatBukhari (sic). It has been 10 years since the defeat of the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE) and the end of the protracted ethnic war in Sri Lanka. In any conflict transformation process, it is critical to find a lasting political settlement to resolve the root causes and grievances of the aggrieved communities. However, a decade down the line, attempts to find a long-term settlement for the ethnic issue have been cosmetic, largely under pressure from the international community, rather than out of an inherent political will to resolve the ethnic question. After the termination of Eelam War IV, the then Sri Lankan President Mahinda Rajapaksa outlined a Four-Ds strategy demilitarisation, development, democratisation and devolution towards post-war transformation of Sri Lankas ethnic problem. However, the demilitarisation strategy of the government was focused more on ensuring against a resurrection of the LTTE as a guerrilla force. The development dimension promoted the belief that the ethnic issue would wither away if there was adequate development. Although Rajapaksa justified the democratisation strategy in the post-conflict phase to give voice to the people, it was basically to consolidate power for himself at every level: national, provincial and local. As for devolution, Rajapaksa initially committed to go beyond the 13th Amendment through an All-Party Representative Committee (APRC) which, in its interim report submitted in January 2008, advised the president to fully implement the provisions of the 13thAmendment. The 13th Amendment refers to the amendment made to the Sri Lankan Constitution in 1987 through which Provincial Councils were created in the island nation. However, after the military victory in May 2009, the triumphant president changed his stance and appointed a Parliamentary Select Committee (PSC) to review the 13th Amendment. The PSC, however, remained still-born. In addition, a dominant section of the government, which included Rajapaksa, also supported dilution of the Provincial Council system. It was, thereafter, referred to as the 13th Amendment Minus framework. In reality, the government was especially against devolving land and police powers to the provinces. In order to pre-empt the United Nations over reconciliation, the government appointed in May 2010 a commission to look back at the conflict and ahead to reconciliation. It was an eight-member commission designated Lessons Learnt and Reconciliation Commission (LLRC). In theory, the LLRC was a good step, but it had a limited mandate on ethnic reconciliation, about which the government was not really serious. Although the government claimed that the LLRC was modelled on the lines of the Truth and Reconciliation Commission of South Africa, there was no mechanism for reconciliation. In 2015, with the change in government, there appeared to be hope for the Tamils. The new government under Maithripala Sirisena established a number of mechanisms to address the ethnic issue. These initiatives included creation of a Conflict Resolution Commission, an Office of Missing Persons, a National Centre for Women-headed Families in Killinochhi to help war widows, a domestic mechanism with foreign technical expertise to probe into the allegations of war crimes, a Constitutional Council to draw up a new constitution and a Consultation Task Force on Reconciliation Mechanisms. However, these measures have faced stiff opposition from three quarters: Sinhala hardliners, opposition parties and even from elements within the government. The Sinhala hardline groups like the JVP, NFF and JHU have consistently opposed government initiatives on reconciliation on the grounds that any compromise with the minority Tamils would aid the LTTE to re-group and re-arm themselves. Former president Rajapaksa, under whose leadership the LTTE was defeated, maintained that the government should not reduce the military camps and the intensity of intelligence operations in the North and East and should go slow on devolution. Also, a section of the government fears that they may lose their electoral clout due to a Sinhala backlash against them. So much so, disagreements persist within the government over the extent of devolution of powers to the provinces, the system of governance at the Centre and provinces, division of financial powers, control of law and order, and so on. To that extent, the lack of a satisfactory move on long-term political settlement could undercut support from the moderate Tamil minority politicians who have expressed readiness to work with the Sri Lankan state. Any further delay may test the patience of the international community as well. Two consensus What then should India do? New Delhis consistent position on the islands ethnic issue favours a politically negotiated settlement acceptable to all sections of Sri Lankan society within the framework of an undivided Sri Lanka and consistent with democracy, pluralism and respect for human rights. Ideally, India should advocate a 13th Amendment plus-plus formula as a final solution and implementation of the 13th Amendment as an interim measure. Towards this objective, India needs to forge consensus at two levels: Sinhala consensus and Tamil consensus. Using its leverage with the Sri Lankan government, New Delhi could insist on unity at the level of the present coalition government towards a lasting political settlement. Plebiscitary politics should not come back to haunt the ethnic question. India could also play a vital role to unify all Tamil groups in Sri Lanka and offer a common front. India is the only actor that has immense leverage over all Sri Lankan Tamil parties and New Delhi should not hesitate to make use of Tamil Nadu for this purpose. Reconciliation is the need of the hour. Else, political violence may consume Sri Lankan society, as the on-going anti-Muslim violence initiated by Sinhala hardliners shows. (Manoharan is with the Department of International Studies and History; N. Depak Saravanan is with the Department of English, Christ Deemed to be University, Bengaluru) Crowds watch as the limousine of US President Donald Trump arrives at the Istana or Presidential Palace in Singapore on Monday, as he meets Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong ahead of the summit between Trump and North Korea leader Kim Jong Un. It will be the first meeting between a sitting US president and a DPRK top leader. Kim met the Singaporean prime minister, Lee Hsien Loong, briefly on Sunday, smiling broadly as the two posed for photographs. Trump is expected to meet Lee on Monday. Experts believe the North is on the brink of being able to target the entire U.S. mainland with its nuclear-armed missiles, and while there's deep skepticism that Kim will quickly give up those hard-won nukes, there's also some hope that diplomacy can replace the animosity between the United States and the North. For the pariah state, denuclearizing the Korean Peninsula is a situation in which North Korea gives up nukes if the US ends its alliances in Asia, its policy of extended deterrence and ground troops on the peninsula, Victor Cha, a Georgetown University professor and senior advisor at the Center for Strategic and International Studies said at a Washington event on Monday. Trump and Kim are staying in separate hotels in the famous Orchard Road area of Singapore, dotted with high-rise luxury apartment blocks, offices and glittering shopping malls. Part of the interest in Tuesday's summit is simply because Kim has had limited appearances on the world stage. GETTYDonald Trump and Kim Jong-un have arrived in Singapore for their historic summit Trump descended from Air Force One into the steamy Singapore night, greeting officials and declaring he felt "very good", before he was whisked away to his hotel, driving along a route lined with police and photo-snapping onlookers. Trump advisers cast his actions as a show of strength before the Kim meeting. Washington is demanding the complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation of the North, while Pyongyang has so far only made public pledges of its commitment to the denuclearisation of the peninsula - a term open to wide interpretation - while seeking security guarantees in return. After their initial greeting, the leaders will head into a room for the summit. He would not say whether that included the possibility of withdrawing US troops from the Korean Peninsula, but said the context of the discussions was "radically different than ever before". "We must put the American worker first!" The summit provides "an unprecedented opportunity to change the trajectory of our relationship and bring peace and prosperity" to North Korea, Pompeo told a news conference on the summit's eve. BOISE, Idaho At first glance, the Gem States capital city seems a curious locale to host the annual conference of the Mormon History Association. This year, of course, marks the 40th anniversary of the revelation opening the blessings of the priesthood and the temple to people of African descent. That monumental change originated from church headquarters in Salt Lake City some 350 miles southeast of Boise. And even Idahos rich Latter-day Saint history is most prominent in the eastern part of the state in cities such as Rexburg and Idaho Falls. But Boise has long been known as hub for culture and diversity. (More than a century ago, famed American lawyer Clarence Darrow deemed it the Athens of the sagebrush.) So perhaps its apropos that the four-day (June 7-10) MHA conference is being held here during a historic year of Church inclusivity and global growth. More and more people are interested in church history, especially at at time when the church has expanded globally and to different populations, said MHA president Patrick Q. Mason said, pointing to this years broad list of offerings. The independent historical organization, which is not affiliated with the church, was formed over a half-century ago, in part to build bridges between people of various faiths and with people who espouse no religious beliefs. This years conference includes some three dozen sessions featuring presenters from a variety of backgrounds and academic disciplines. Conference-goers include well-published academics and plenty of amateur history buffs. Its not unusual to find a General Authority taking a seat in a session besides a college-age Mormon history lover. A glance at the offerings of sessions speak to the range defining the conference: Borders and Boundary Crossings for Mormon Feminists; LDS Scripture, Education, and Science; Crossing Boundaries: Colonization of Southeastern Idaho; or, perhaps, The Unfolding of the LDS Church in Three Non-Western Countries. Plenary gatherings included Saturdays lecture on the Mountain Meadows Massacre delivered by historian Barbara Jones Brown. The churchs 1978 revelation played a key role at this years MHA conference. We wanted to recognize the anniversary and how important it is in the history of the LDS Church, and also how the church has changed since the revelation, said Mason. The discussions overheard at the conference are reminders that Mormon history is not the sole claim of Brigham Young, Orson Pratt or Eliza R. Snow. Theres plenty of history from the 20th and 21st centuries that demands examination and discovery. Each iteration of the MHA annual conference doubles as a reminder that history remains essential, added Mason. History matters. History is relevant. History should inform the conversations were are having ... . We want to reflect on the meanings of history and not just assume that its frozen with nothing to tell us now. The 2018 MHA Annual Conference is still underway, but organizers are already planning next years conference slated for Salt Lake City. The 2019 gathering will commemorate the 150th anniversary of the completion of the Transcontinental Railroad. We will be looking at what that event meant for Mormon history and the churchs integration into the national culture, said Mason. An investigative report released Wednesday by Deseret News faith writer Kelsey Dallas identifies and analyzes 139 state bills across the country pertaining to the place of faith in the public square. The number of bills that have surfaced this year isnt as important as the fact that states are engaging in the arduous process of carving out spaces for multiple groups to live according to their conscience. The investigative report comes on the heels of last weeks Supreme Court decision affirming that Masterpiece Cakeshop owner Jack Phillips and his beliefs should be treated with respect. Some have disparaged the courts decision or, as they see it, its nondecision because it left sweeping judgments and rule-making for another day. Thats a good thing, as it allows the laboratories of democracy to forge their own compromises more tailored to their circumstances than a federal mandate could be. The ruling shows approaching rights and civil liberties with tolerance and compassion is the higher way, but it came at an unfortunate time when a growing number of people equate religious liberty with being anti-gay. Thats a false equation. As Wednesdays report indicates, protecting the liberty of all citizens extends far beyond the LGBT community and the religious community. And the two are not mutually exclusive. Only eight of the 139 bills identified deal with service refusals similar to the Masterpiece Cakeshop situation. And 37 bills focus on protecting LGBT rights. The remaining 94 bills cover topics ranging from faiths role in public speech to adoption services and the intersection of religion and health care. The sad truth, however, is partisanship has taken its toll on the idea of shared freedom, with mostly Republicans signing on to legislation protecting religious belief while mainly Democrats have championed protections for LGBT rights. Civil, constitutionally protected rights shouldnt belong to a party. The freedom to worship and participate in society is fundamental to a thriving republic, and its each Americans responsibility to honor and protect constitutional rights that predate our current politics. With partisanship comes one-sided legislation that fails to negotiate protections for multiple groups. When you have one-sided deals, there's a high risk that civil rights will be perceived as a game of 'Pong,' with rights given and then taken back or rights for one side followed by different rights for the other, Robin Fretwell Wilson, director of the family law and policy program at the University of Illinois College of Law, told the Deseret News. For the time being, states will be responsible to ensure fairness for all. Whats the path forward for all sides to craft legislation that encompasses a plurality of protections? One step is simply avoiding language that denigrates another group. Criticizing sponsors of legislation as bigots, fanatics or snowflakes puts unhelpful labels on people whose rights are worth protecting. Reasonable accommodations and narrowly tailored language will also help states inch toward a healthy balance. Its good to see states wrestling with these difficult issues. A commitment to civility and a spirit of compromise will see to it that all Americans receive the liberty they deserve. SALEM Most students greet him with an exuberant, Hey, Mr. Peery! and a high-five, or a fist-bump. A few are more reserved. Bart Peery is the principal, after all. And one student seems to be going through a tough time. It's the final week of the school year at Salem Hills High School, and Peery asks the boy if hes picked up his yearbook yet. When he replies that he didnt order a yearbook, Peery says hell give him one at no cost because I want to sign it. But the boy shakes his head no. He doesnt want to remember this year, he says, because its been the worst year of my entire life. Peery nods; hes aware of the boy and his struggles with mental health. He doesn't press. The ones who scare me the most are the ones who struggle silently, and I dont know what theyre fighting," he says later. Peery, 59, wears an assortment of colorful wristbands and Skyhawk navy blue sneakers as he roams the hallways before first period. It's his morning routine: He wakes up, prays, and goes out in search for teens in trouble. He keeps a list. Currently, he knows of about 60 students who are struggling with mental illness or suicidal thoughts, and statistics tell Peery he's missing upward of 100 more. The youth suicide rate nearly quadrupled in Utah between 2007 and 2015, when 44 teens died by suicide, and preliminary state data shows 42 died in 2017 roughly one out of every 10,000 teens. Salem Hills a midsize school of about 1,350 students in a pastoral Utah County town has lost four students to suicide in the past five years. Youth suicides increased nationwide by 75 percent over the same 2007-2015 period (from 2.4 suicides per 100,000 teens to 4.2), with clusters traumatizing communities in California, Colorado, Ohio and elsewhere. But rates are unusually high in the Intermountain West, where research has shown that access to firearms and high altitude may be contributing factors. In the most recent annual survey published by the state's Department of Human Services, nearly 1 in 5 of Utah's high school seniors reported they'd seriously considered attempting suicide in the past year. Most of those had planned how they would do it. And 1 in 15 Utah seniors or 2 in the average-size classroom had recently attempted to end their lives. Peery said there have been 20 attempts at Salem Hills this school year alone. In January 2017, the Department of Health invited the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention to study the suicide increase in Utah between 2011 and 2015, as well as Utah's leading school prevention programs. Federal researchers recommended increasing access to mental health care, reducing access to lethal means, and further vetting school prevention programs. Later, in August, the medical examiner's office hired a full-time sociologist to examine the circumstances of recent youth suicides using what's known as a psychological autopsy. And in January of this year, Gov. Gary Herbert created a task force an assortment of influential legislators, business leaders, health officials and others to propose solutions. The Legislature acted on their recommendations by bolstering staffing at crisis hotlines, creating mobile crisis outreach teams who can act like paramedics in mental health emergencies, and offering more than $2 million in grants for elementary schools to hire counselors and social workers. But much of the burden of preventing suicide and the heartache of failing to do so still falls to educators like Peery, who says hes lost more sleep over his student bodys mental health than test scores or class sizes. Salem Hills' mental health resources are fairly typical of those described by experts at schools both locally and nationally. It has four counselors, but Peery says they have a full load of academic responsibilities. The schools psychologist shared with another school in the Nebo district is primarily tied up doing testing and scheduling for disabled students and has little chance to work with the general population. A social worker visits the school once a week for a couple of hours to meet with students and Peery is grateful. But the need justifies full-time assistance, he says. I have students in crisis here every day, and Ive got to get some help for them, he says. A search for answers Paul Dymock, a school social worker assigned full-time to Lone Peak High School in Highland, recently logged 14 entries on a single page in his daybook. First, he met with a student who had been referred by a teacher after a sudden, significant dip in her scholastic performance. Dymock learned the student had a mental disorder and had attempted suicide multiple times, but received no therapy, no medication, and no support, so he alerted her parents about his concern and emailed her teachers to ask that they cut her some slack on deadlines. Next came a student stressed about family problems. Then, a teacher showed up to share her lack of progress with a troubled student, and then came a report that another student had described suicidal thoughts on social media. He had previously been one of four roaming social workers in the 80,000-student Alpine district until he moved into a full-time role at Lone Peak's counseling center 3 1/2 years ago, a move spurred by several teen suicides in the prosperous northern Utah County community. Nine out of 10 youths who die by suicide have an underlying mental health condition, according to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, and a recent study in the journal Pediatrics found that youths are most likely to die by suicide during the months of the school year. Dymock's office is decorated to be a getaway from the harsh fluorescence of high school hallways, with warm lighting, dark woods and rich leathers. Dymock tells students in his lulling voice that his walls are 100 miles thick. What is said there can only be shared with a student's permission unless students plan to hurt themselves or others. (In those cases, Dymock is required to involve parents and school officials.) Tons and tons of depression, he said. Tons and tons of anxiety. With this generation, they dont have a lot of good coping skills, and theyre not real resilient. So, little things will throw them into a tailspin." Lower-risk students are handled by the schools seven counselors. Dymocks charge is the 1 to 5 percent of the student body who have diagnosable mental health problems and may be at risk of harm. After gauging their needs, he'll sometimes schedule a follow-up or refer them to an offsite provider. Lone Peak has had just one student suicide in the 3 1/2 years since Dymock was assigned full time by Wasatch Mental Health, which contracts with the district. But Dymock said hes just one piece in the schools all-out response to crisis. Students are funneled to his office by a wide web of staff, teachers and students. Lone Peak not only has a Hope Squad, which trains students to recognize warning signs of suicide and to refer peers to care, but also a dedicated Hope Squad class, and a community coalition that includes civic, safety and ecclesiastical leaders. Districts experiencing a rash of suicides tend to turn to contract social workers like Dymock because school psychologists and counselors often have a full plate meeting their school's academic and disability needs. The National Association for School Psychlogists recommends a ratio of one psychologist to every 700 students, and a representative of the Utah chapter says that while precise numbers are hard to come by, Utah's ratio is about one psychologist to 1,400 students, which is roughly the national average. The American School Counselor Association, meanwhile, recommends a counselor for every 250 students. Utah's ratio in secondary schools is one for every 340 students, according to a January report from the State Board of Education. More than 300 Utah schools do benefit from some form of support from local mental health providers, but such resources range widely, from occasional social worker visits to full-time, school-located contract social workers like Dymock. The Provo City School District has less than one-fourth the number of students as the Alpine district, but after seven suicides between 1999 and 2004 and 4 in the last 5 years (after nine years with no suicides), it now has 14 full-time social workers and 20 social work interns from local universities. Kim Myers, Utah's suicide prevention coordinator with the state's Department of Human Services, wishes other districts would get on board the school-based mental health bandwagon. Wouldnt it be nice if we all didnt have to experience a crisis to learn from it? Cathy Davis, suicide prevention coordinator for the Utah State Board of Education, said by investing in school-based mental health, schools can also improve their test scores and graduation rates, and decrease their discipline problems. In a recent survey of 111 schools across the state, Davis asked administrators what the state can do to prevent suicide in their schools. The top response, Davis told the state board's Standards and Assessment Committee last Friday, was to provide additional counselors or social workers. "We need boots on the ground, those that are able to be specially trained in mental health response to just these needs," Davis said. 'You never think this could happen' At this time last year, Herriman High School had never lost a student to suicide since opening in fall 2010. Since then, theyve lost seven including one recent graduate. Principal James Birch spoke to the Deseret News at his office in late May, with packed boxes occupying chairs ahead of his pending rotation northeast to become principal at West Jordan High. You never think that this could happen at your school, he said. The wounds are still fresh. One of the seven students who died by suicide had high-fived Birch the day prior. The trauma has been especially pronounced for Herrimans counselors and school psychologist, Birch said. Day and night, tips have come in through the SafeUT app which Utah kids can use to confidentially refer peers or be connected to counseling services themselves and his staff has scrambled to prevent another tragedy. Of nine counselors, one had retired, two had taken other jobs and two more were looking, Birch said. I put my arms around them and tell them that, Youre doing a great job, and you need to understand that I have full confidence in you, and it wasnt your fault. Do not punish yourself for it. And its easier said than done, obviously. I have people do the same thing to me, and you still you know, inside wonder what you could have done different. Its been hard on Herrimans nascent Hope Squad, too. Its members were especially dejected when the seventh student died in early May, Birch said, so he arranged a meeting with counselors so they could hear about the dozen or more crises they had resolved by referring their peers. They had no clue, he said. Birch printed a handout that describes all the measures Herriman has taken to prevent suicide since the start of the year. It's three pages, single-spaced everything from decorating the hallways with positive messaging and giving students T-shirts telling them they're "Worth Gold" to free counseling and crisis intervention from the Jordan Family Education Center. Next year, Herriman will start a full-time Hope Squad class, like the one at Lone Peak, and launch new student groups to both promote student health and inclusivity. The Jordan School District is also hiring for a new health and wellness specialist who can specifically target suicide prevention, intervention and response, as well as bullying. Theyre doing everything they possibly can, said Scott Poland, a former prevention director for the American Association of Suicidology who presented at Herriman in April and plans to return in August. But Birch, like Peery, has also asked for a full-time social worker to take the pressure off administrators and counselors. Tooele a vast, mostly desert county west of Salt Lake City went through a similarly horrific period around 2014, when the school district saw seven suicides, a murder and multiple adult suicides and untimely parent deaths. "We had never had a year like that," said Marianne Oborn, the district's social services and counseling director. The district has since benefited from a five-year, $2.5 million federal grant, hiring two "safe school coordinators" to assess and support suicide prevention programs, buying a curriculum of soft skills called Second Step for kindergarten through eighth grades, and paying for up to six visits to a mental health provider for each student (after personal insurance). Oborn said 10 percent of the local community is trained in recognizing suicide's warning signs and referring people to care, a message spread at venues that include church groups, Scouts and book clubs. And while Oborn worries what will happen when the extra federal resources go away after 2019, the most recent statewide survey of students in grades six through 12 saw a slight decline in percent of students who had attempted suicide in Tooele, even as the statewide numbers rose. "People just need to know that there's hope, and committing suicide, that's a final act for a temporary problem," Oborn said. "We tell our students, 'You have so much you can offer, and we'll never get that chance to know if you're not there.'" Gratitude, kindness and hope A historic farming town about 15 miles south of Provo on Interstate 15, Salem is still awash in lush greens, despite the recent creep of urban development. Visitors can fish for rainbow trout and bluegill in a pond off Main Street, backdropped by the majestic Loafer Mountain. But postcard scenery doesnt shield its youth from the pressures facing teens. Salem Hills first of four suicides came in January 2014, and Peery said there was a cloud over the school in the aftermath. It was brutal. I remember sitting in my office just crying, he said. And I didnt know what to do. I took it personally. They didn't get a federal grant or extra social workers. But Peery and psychology teacher Bart Thompson had discussed TED Talks by happiness guru Shawn Achor, who advocates for taking steps to improve the brains positive reinforcement mechanisms, and they decided to try an experiment. Each day, students would be asked to jot down in their handbooks three things theyre grateful for, as well as an act of kindness they had recently performed. Four years later, those "positivity" exercises are an unofficial part of the curriculum. The challenge has been getting kids to buy in, said Thompson, who spends half a period during the first week of each class telling his kids about the science and psychology behind it. For the kids who do it, its life-changing, for sure. A recent school day began with an administrative assistant reading a quote from Maya Angelou over the intercom: Life truly does give back, many times over, what you put into it. AP calculus teacher Porter Nielsen then asked his students to share a few of the things they were grateful for. Schools almost out, one said, to laughs. I had to throw that one out there. Junior Kayson Christensen said when he first started looking for positives as a sophomore, he was drawing a blank. Its like, Im grateful for sleep. But its a breeze now, he said. Junior Rebecca Cromar balances school with cross country shes the team captain and works about eight hours a week helping an elderly neighbor. Still, she now stops to talk to peers who seem distraught, and makes time to help her younger brother with his homework (which her older siblings never did, she said wryly). Cromar now writes her daily three things in a personal journal so she can continue the streak on her own time. It kind of changes what I do throughout the day, she said. Im looking more outward. Peery believes it's made a difference for many of his students maybe half. He knows he it will take much more to reach some. On his desk sits a yellow fist-sized ceramic smiley face with big green eyes and screws jutting out of its head, with the words You make me smile :) carved into the back. The girl who gave it to him had been part of Salem Hills emotionally disabled unit. School officials had met with her psychologists and social workers, and the Division of Child and Family Services. They had a plan, and she was engaged in it, calling in to talk about her bad days over the summer. Then, at the beginning of the year, she took her life anyway. Peery said people told him her case was proof that sometimes, there's nothing to be done. And that may be true, he said. But, he added, Im not ever going to believe that. Help available If you or somebody you know is experiencing suicidal thoughts, you can call the 24-hour National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK or text HOME to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741. Utah youths with smartphones can also download the SafeUT app for around-the-clock counseling and crisis intervention. Betsy Hughes and Kenzie McKallor, both 15, are living proof that social media isnt all bad, after all. For starters, the now-best-friends connected on Instagram before they became friends in person at South Valley Junior High School in Gilbert, Arizona. They constantly leave kind, uplifting comments on their friends posts. Their social media pages are filled with bright colors, positivity and gratitude. For Betsy and Kenzie, positivity on social media is their solution to the growing problem of online negativity and bullying. When they were in eighth grade, the two teamed up to launch the campaign Posting the Positive, which encourages people to focus on kindness and positivity both online and in person. Digital citizenship In 2016, toward the end of seventh grade for Betsy and Kenzie, the friends started to notice an ever-growing amount of negativity and harsh words on social media among their peers. After discussing the issue, they wanted to take action. When people feel bad about themselves, theyll kind of bring others down, Betsy said. To see friends' posts and other people comment negative things on that really hurt our hearts and we really wanted to do something about it. Katie Hughes, Betsys mother and a major supporter of the Posting the Positive campaign, said the girls were bothered by online bullying and things like rates, social media posts in which a user gives their friends a public rating between one and 10 based on looks. These girls were just kind of feeling that they could do more to promote positive things rather than these negative things that were kind of starting to overshadow a lot of what was going on on social media, Katie Hughes said. In response to these experiences, and after talking to their principal, Tim Cannon, Betsy and Kenzie spent the summer creating the Posting the Positive campaign. When school started in the fall, they presented everything they came up with to Cannon. Cannon was eager to support their campaign. The school had recently received a chromebook for each student, and Cannon liked the idea of students learning to use social media more wisely and positively. It was really important to me that kids learn appropriate use and digital citizenship, Cannon said. I said, This will fit right in. Conveniently, the superintendent was on a back-to-school tour with the mayor and members of the school board, and South Valley Junior High School was their first stop. Cannon gave Betsy and Kenzie the opportunity to present their campaign to the group on their first day of eighth grade. Later that week, Cannon invited the girls to present to the entire school, and every student saw the video-launch to their campaign. They were received so positively here when they presented to our kids, Cannon said. They were just willing to take their message out, and for kids that young and willing to do that, it was really important to me to give them that opportunity. During the remainder of their time in junior high school, Betsy and Kenzie presented their campaign at a number of nearby schools, teamed up with local businesses to have nights to promote Posting the Positive and even presented at the Google Leadership Symposium at Arizona State University. Even though its been more than a year since Betsy and Kenzie graduated from South Valley Junior High School, teachers and administrators still use the content the girls created to teach students about wise social media use. It really made kids think of how they use social media and the impact that social media has on everything that they do, Cannon said. We owe them a lot. The Positive When Betsy and Kenzie started high school last fall, they took a break from their Posting the Positive campaign. In February of this year, they re-launched and re-branded, calling the new movement The Positive. The campaign carries the same goal as its predecessor, but with a greater emphasis on positivity in real life. We wanted to do something bigger than just Posting the Positive and what people knew about when they went to South Valley Junior High School, Kenzie said. We realized that its not always just about spreading positivity and kindness online, but I think now, more than ever, we need kindness and real human interactions in real life. As part of the new movement, Betsy and Kenzie designed a series of T-shirts for people to sport the message. All profits from the sales will go to furthering the campaign, as they previously turned down out-of-state speaking opportunities because they had no funds to draw on. The girls also started hosting in-person events to raise awareness and encourage positive, face-to-face interactions without the interference of cellphones. They held such an event at Soda Rush, a popular soda and cookie joint in Gilbert, at the end of May. True to form, a major part of Betsy and Kenzies campaign takes place online. In addition to their website and social media pages for the campaign, they invite everyone to post positivity, using the hashtags #postingthepositive and #thepositive. The strength to show his love Betsys mother, Katie Hughes, believes something larger than Betsy and Kenzie has connected the two since the beginning of their friendship. She remembers when the duo first met, and Betsy told her mom about her friend Kenzie who was full of light. A light has always existed in their friendship, and a genuine love and a respect for their beliefs, Katie Hughes said. Its been a beautiful thing to watch, and its been so neat for them to be connected on the same purpose of something. Betsy, a member of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and Kenzie, a Christian, both attribute the success of their campaign and the strength theyve had to launch it to the divine. As somebody who believes in God, I think that Gods really just been able to help Kenzie and I through this whole campaign, Betsy said. Its just something that weve needed a lot of help on to keep it going, and hes just been the center of all this for us. Kenzie added she believes God has helped the two both to see the good in the world and share it with others. Hes really given us the strength to show his love and our love for him, Kenzie said. The Positive comes to Utah After living in Arizona since she was 3 years old, Betsy will be moving to Utah this month and attending the new Farmington High School in the fall. Shes happy knowing she wont be the only new student when school starts Aug. 23. She plans to bring her movement with her, both posting and sharing positivity with her new peers while encouraging them to do the same. I know that Posting the Positive is going to be something that I can spread to people in Utah, and something that will continue growing as I get older, Betsy said. When the Hughes family knew theyd be moving, they sat down to talk about what would happen with Posting the Positive, according to Katie Hughes. It was totally understood that we would just keep doing it, Katie Hughes said. Theres no reason to stop. Although Kenzie is as upset as any best friend would be about the move including counting down the days with dread shes also excited for what the future will bring for Posting the Positive, both in Utah and beyond high school. Whatever we do in our lives and wherever we go, this will always be a part of us, Kenzie said. Well always spread kindness of love, even if theres not a label attached to it. Were always just going to inspire people and inspire one another. SALT LAKE CITY The world's largest genealogy organization is redesigning FamilySearch.org so the LDS Church-sponsored database can store and provide records of same-sex families. FamilySearch first said in 2015 it would add a feature for same-sex relationships in the future. The major overhaul to the website's system should be ready by 2019, according to a statement on the website updated in April. The statement said FamilySearch.org's goal is to capture accurate genealogy "that represents past, present and future families of the world." "To support this goal," the release continued, "same-sex relationships, including same-sex parents and same-sex couples, will be provided in FamilySearch Family Tree. Several systems that surround Family Tree, such as tree and record searching, must be significantly redesigned to support same-sex relationships before Family Tree can release this capability." FamilySearch International is a nonprofit, volunteer-driven organization sponsored by The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. The leader of a group that seeks equal rights and protections for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender Utahns and their families hailed the changes to FamilySearch. "Its incredibly significant that the LDS Church is recognizing same-sex couples and our families in their FamilySearch website," Equality Utah executive director Troy Williams said. "We have certainly had our differences on the issue of marriage equality, but what both Mormons and LGBTQ people share in common is a deep love for our families. Its great that gay couples can now use this resource and see our own families reflected in the data." The church immediately acknowledged the legality of same-sex marriage in the United States after the U.S. Supreme Court legalized it in June 2015. Later that year, President Dallin H. Oaks, now of the First Presidency, counseled church members and people of faith to submit to the law because it had been sustained by the highest available authority. Since then, LDS leaders repeatedly have taught that all people should be treated with kindness and respect and that Mormons should follow the law while continuing to teach that marriage between a man and a woman is a central part of Mormon doctrine and practice. "Following this work, the FamilySearch Family Tree application can then allow same-sex information to be recorded," the release stated. "We appreciate your patience and desire to preserve the worlds genealogy in Family Tree." On a hot summer day, is there anything better than crunching down on a delicious FatBoy ice cream sandwich? Many Utahns may not be aware that these ice cream delights are made right here in Utah, at the very successful Caspers Ice Cream plant in Richmond, Cache County, in the heart of Utahs dairy country. Caspers has been making ice cream for 95 years and now makes more than 200,000 FatBoys a day some 485 tons. Thats a lot of FatBoys, sold at more than 6,800 retail locations nationwide. As evidence of Caspers success, President and CEO Paul Casper Merrill was recently named Utah Small Business Person of the Year by the U.S. Small Business Administration, as part of Small Business Week. Merrill is a fitting representative of Utahs small business community, which forms the backbone of Utahs economy and job opportunities. Small Business Association administrator Linda McMahon recently said this about Americas 30 million small businesses: Small businesses truly are the engines of our economy and our communities. Over half of the U.S. workforce either owns or works for a small business, and small businesses create two out of every three net new jobs in the private sector. Small businesses may not put their names on stadiums and skyscrapers, but they likely put them on the uniforms of their local Little League and bowling teams. They are the delis and salons and retailers and manufacturers that make each community special. Across our great country, neighborhoods and families depend on the success of small business. In Utah, big businesses often get the headlines. But Utah leaders and institutions are also focused on supporting small businesses and entrepreneurs that create new wealth and provide the bulk of job growth. Utahs Chambers of Commerce, the Governors Office of Economic Development, the World Trade Center Utah and numerous business associations serve the small business community. The financial services industry, including my own bank, supports small businesses and works with the Small Business Association to provide loans for equipment and expansion. Our federal representatives also have effectively watched out for small businesses. Every member of our delegation understands that small businesses are the foundation of our free enterprise system and must be free from onerous government regulations. For example, U.S. Congresswoman Mia Love from Utah was instrumental in the bipartisan passage of SB2155, the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protection Act, which represents the most significant pro-growth financial regulatory relief package in a generation. Her own bill, The Small Bank Holding Company Relief Act, was incorporated into the legislation. It will make it easier for small banks to lend money in their communities, striking a balance between ensuring a safe and sound banking system and promoting economic growth. It is a good regulatory and business climate that allows businesses like Caspers Ice Cream to overcome difficult challenges and flourish. As a boy, Paul Merrill watched as his father and grandfather switched from hand-dipping ice cream bars into chocolate and chopped peanuts to an automated system that boosted the companys competitive edge. Later, after taking charge of the company in 2002, he remembered that lesson as he implemented lean manufacturing, built a new, more efficient and more automated plant, fought through the recession and increased sales from $22 million in 2014 to $35 million by 2016. Three Small Business Association 504 loans supported the companys expansion. He had set a goal of reaching $20 million in sales by 2020 and achieved that goal six years early. I congratulate Paul Merrill as Utahs Small Business Person of the Year, and the thousands of other Utahns who are running small businesses and seeking success for their enterprises, their employees and their communities. Just thinking about Caspers makes me hungry for a FatBoy nut sundae. Since near-weekly mass protests began March 30 along the Israel-Gaze border, more than 120 Palestinians have been killed and over 3,800 wounded by Israeli army fire. The UN General Assembly condemned Israel on Wednesday for excessive use of force against Palestinian civilians and asked UN chief Antonio Guterres to recommend an "international protection mechanism" for the Occupied Palestinian Territory. US ambassador Nikki Haley attempted to include an amendment that would have condemned Hamas, which failed after several procedural votes. The General Assembly last held a similarly contentious vote on the Israeli-Palestinian conflict in December, when it rejected President Donald Trumps decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israels capital and move the U.S. embassy there. "It is despicable for any country to even consider to vote for a resolution condemning Israel while refusing to support the condemnation of Hamas". The resolution put forward by Turkey and Algeria rejects USA call to condemn Hamas for attacks on Israel. Before the vote, the USA ambassador Nikki Haley said there were "no ideal actors" on either side of the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. It also seeks recommendations to protect Palestinian civilians. Haley said the amendment "is not controversial" and simply condemns "behavior we should all recognize as harmful to the Palestinian people". When the voting tally on the original resolution produced the more familiar United Nations split of 120 in favor, 8 against, and 45 abstentions, there was relieved applause from the Palestinian delegation. The General Assembly text condemned the firing of rockets from Gaza into Israeli civilian areas, but did not mention Hamas, the Islamist group that controls Gaza. "We had more countries on the right side than the wrong side", Haley said. Senior White House adviser Jared Kushner and his father-in-law President Donald Trump's Middle East peace team will travel to Israel, Egypt and Saudi Arabia next week to address the ongoing conflict in Gaza, a US national security official said. Palestinian Ambassador Riyad Mansour urged the assembly before the vote to address the escalating violence in Gaza and "the crisis" of protecting civilians. "We need action. We need protection for our civilian population. Is that a crime to ask for?". USA ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley listens during a Security Council meeting concerning the situation in the Middle East involving Israel and Palestine, at United Nations headquarters, December 18, 2017 in New York City. "We can not remain silent in the face of the most violent crimes and human rights violations being systematically perpetrated against our people", Mansour said. Australia, the Marshall Islands, Micronesia, Nauru, Solomon Islands and Togo joined Israel and the United States in voting against the resolution. The resolution deplores "any excessive use of force" by Israeli forces, particularly in Gaza, and demands that Israel "refrain from such actions". Clashes along Israel's border with Gaza have escalated significantly in recent months, following United States recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital which infuriated Palestinians, who share claims to the city. General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding but carry political weight. PARK CITY A bang, a flash, and in an instant the demonstration mannequin's legs are bound together like something out of a comic book. "When I saw it, I thought, 'This is almost like Spider-Man technology,'" said Park City Police Chief Wade Carpenter. "This gives us another option that we might be able to use to restrain somebody with less lethal force." Park City police, Utah Highway Patrol and representatives from Wrap Technologies demonstrated a new, nonlethal restraint device Wednesday that Park City is evaluating for use in mental health crisis situations. While the ear-splitting sound of the BolaWrap's firing gives an impression of force, it is marketed as an alternative to "pain-compliance weapons" like Tasers. An 8-foot Kevlar cord with two prongs resembling fish hooks on each end is fired from the cartridge at a speed of 640 feet-per-second by a half-charge, 9 mm blank. The cord usually wraps around the target twice, either around their legs or arms, and digs into their clothes, effectively subduing them. It would take more than 380 pounds of force to break the cord, according to Michael Rothans, a company vice president. "Most other tools, or weapons, that law enforcement carry is a pain-compliance tool so the intent is to inflict pain in order to gain compliance," Rothans said. "That's not what this tool is about. This tool is about restraint." The device resembles a TV remote with a large silver button that fires the cord. A smaller switch, the device's safety, is positioned below the firing button. It can be fired at an individual from 10 to 25 feet away. The city is one of 15 law enforcement agencies nationwide selected by Wrap Technologies to test and evaluate the device, Rothans said. According to Carpenter and Rothans, the device is intended for use on noncompliant, mentally ill individuals who need to be subdued with something less severe than a stun gun. "I worked with Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department for many years and saw many instances where we used force, and sometimes deadly force, against people that were suffering from mental health crises," Rothans said. "And we struggled to make it better." Rothans, who had a 32-year career in law enforcement before he joined Wrap Technologies, said BolaWrap could be the answer. "I think some of it's drug-induced psychosis and then, of course, the other mental health issues we see, that there's no place for these individuals to receive treatment," Carpenter said. "So it's really created a problem in our society." Park City Police Capt. Phil Kirk said that due to the city and department's smaller size, with an estimated population of 8,378, it is not a common occurrence for Park City police to respond to mental health crisis calls, or to use a stun gun. In the past year, the department has responded to 23 mental health calls, he said. Nonetheless, Kirk said the pursuit of new technologies is one to get behind. Rothans said that once it goes on the market, each BolaWrap device will cost $800, and $30 for each replacement cartridge. Though the department is early in the process no purchases have been made and officers have not been trained with it Carpenter seemed optimistic about the device's prospects at his department. "Assuming our budget can sustain it, yes," Carpenter said when asked if it is likely that Park City will get the BolaWrap. "We are going to try it. We're going to be a test and evaluation department. We're looking forward to that and certainly plan on reporting back our findings." "It actually could be purchased now," Rothans said, "but we're trying to fine tune it. We had some agencies that tested it, made some recommendations and we made some changes to make it better." In addition to Park City, Rothans said that cities from Madison, Wisconsin, to Orlando, Florida, are testing the BolaWrap device. Wrap Technologies plans on traveling to Ferguson, Missouri, after leaving Utah. "I think they're anxious to get it out in the field," Rothans said. "They're anxious to give it a test and give it a try. Because officers are looking for every tool they can, every new invention, in order to make their job better and make their service to the public even safer." Utah Highway Patrol Sgt. Todd Royce, a spokesperson with the Utah Department of Public Safety, said that while he could not endorse the device, Park City's test of BolaWrap fits in line with the state's pursuit of weapon alternatives and keeping Utahns safe. Royce said Utah police officers train with the Utah Crisis Intervention Team to identify the signs of certain psychiatric, developmental, age-related, cognitive and substance abuse disorders, and to then resolve the situation without escalation. The program is in its 17th year. "If somebody can come out with a solution to that problem, where officers don't have to use deadly force, that's a wonderful thing," Royce said. "Everybody is looking for a better solution." MANTI An alleged leader of a purported doomsday cult out of southern Utah pleaded guilty to charges of child sodomy and child bigamy Wednesday. John Coltharp, 34, of Spring City, pleaded guilty in 6th District Court to one count of child sodomy, a first-degree felony, and one count of child bigamy, a second-degree felony. "The fact is I did act contrary to both of those statutes with which I am charged for violating. So yes, I'm guilty of violating both of those," Coltharp said during court proceedings Wednesday. The group, identified as the Knights of the Crystal Blade, was allegedly led by Samuel Warren Shaffer, 34, of Cedar City, and Coltharp. Coltharp's ex-wife described Shaffer as a "doomsday prepper who believes that the world will soon come to an end." In September, Shaffer and Coltharp disappeared with their children, allegedly taking each other's daughters as underage brides, according to investigators. After an Amber Alert was issued in December, Coltharp's daughters, ages 5 and 7, and Shaffer's daughters, ages 4 and 8, were found in freezing temperatures, hidden in plastic barrels or in an abandoned mobile home in a remote area of Iron County. After Coltharp's hearing, Sanpete County Attorney Kevin Daniels said, "As I delved deeper and deeper into the case, this all started on the internet." Daniels described the Knights of the Crystal Blade as a "fundamentalist group for Millennials." The county attorney visited the victims' family in Colorado the previous week, he said, and they told him "what justice would look like" to them. "We were able to obtain that for them. So for me personally, I'm very happy. The family is relieved. There are still more steps to obtaining full justice, I believe. And a lot of healing that needs to take place over a long time for those children and their family," Daniels said during the hearing. Daniels said he believes part of the reason Coltharp accepted the deal was that he felt the need to accept personal responsibility for his actions. "That's only a small slice of solace for me, given what he did," Daniels said. He said Coltharp also "did consider not putting his children and the other children through the rigors of testifying." According to Daniels, Coltharp gave him the impression that "this was all part of his religious experience. I think he feels perhaps akin to some of the Biblical prophets that were imprisoned for long periods of time. And so it's hard to get into his head to specifically know why," he said. Coltharp is scheduled to be sentenced Aug. 8. He faces potential prison sentences of at least 25 years and up to life in prison for the child sodomy charge and one to 15 years for the child bigamy charge. The plea deal resolves two separate cases filed against Coltharp in Sanpete County. In exchange for the plea, additional charges were dismissed. Robert Shane Roe, 34, of Castro, California, a follower of the purported doomsday cult, faces a child sodomy charge as well. Roe has contacted prosecutors and "indicates a desire to come to Utah and face the charges," Daniels said. A initial hearing has not yet been scheduled for Roe. Shaffer has been sentenced to at least 26 years and up to life in prison for rape of a child in a case filed in Iron County. Although Daniels said he had agreed to testify in Coltharp's case, Shaffer still faces additional charges in Sanpete County, where his next hearing is scheduled for June 27. SALT LAKE CITY Even as large swaths of Salt Lake City remain unwired for Google Fiber service, a nonprofit dedicated to helping refugees and new Americans is celebrating the company's gift of new, super-high-speed internet access. The International Rescue Committee, a global nonprofit with the mission of aiding victims of humanitarian crises, helping refugees transition to new homes and assisting new Americans, was chosen as a Google Community Connections partner, which includes free gigabit (1,000 megabits) internet service. The committee's Salt Lake City office has been in operation since 1994 and manages about two dozen programs that assist more than 2,000 citizens or refugee clients annually. The organization also typically helps over 600 refugees resettle in Utah communities each year. Acting Executive Director Natalie El-Deiry said the partnership with Google and new internet service will help expand and improve her organization's work. "We're looking forward to using our improved digital tools and better learning and education systems," El-Deiry said. "The faster connectivity will also aid in the field work our staff does, assisting clients participating in programs like our Spice Kitchen business incubator, Sunnyvale Farmers Market and micro-training farms." El-Deiry said the committee also works extensively on digital literacy improvement for its clients, offering training that ranges from basic computer skills to how to utilize the internet as a small business marketing tool. "There's a broad range of needs, because of differing backgrounds, among refugees and new Americans," El-Deiry said. "We tailor our digital inclusion efforts to meet them where they're at, pairing people with tech mentors to learn basic computing skills, how to open an email account all the way up to more advanced concepts." Google's community impact manager for Salt Lake City, Jacob Brace, said the work of the rescue committee matches well with the types of organizations the Community Connections program was developed to assist. "Community Connections is a way for us to work with local (nongovernmental organizations), libraries and community centers to narrow the digital divide," Brace said. "The IRC has a really unique opportunity to work with new Americans and refugees in developing their skills to use the internet as a resource. "We're excited to see how they'll be using the super-fast service to improve all the work they're doing." Brace said the rescue committee is the second Salt Lake City-based organization to be named a Community Connections partner, joining the YWCA Utah in Salt Lake City. He said the Google fiber gigabit connectivity should help turbocharge the work being done by El-Deiry's organization. "Digital inclusion strategies are extremely important for Salt Lake City and all communities and the (International Rescue Committee) is well-positioned to take that on," Brace said. "Their development of programs aimed at improving digital literacy and fostering digital inclusion and is ideally suited to take advantage of faster internet connectivity." For Salt Lakers who are interested in Google fiber service but still don't have access in their neighborhoods, Brace said the 3-year-old project is ongoing. "We have active customers in Salt Lake City, with service in the city's four corners," Brace said. "And we're regularly bringing on new customers." To learn about the work of the International Rescue Committee, visit rescue.org. To find out if you are eligible for Google Fiber service in your neighborhood, visit fiber.google.com/cities/saltlakecity. SALT LAKE CITY The cost of housing in Utah is rising at a higher rate than wages for thousands of low-income households, a new study indicates. The Out of Reach report released Wednesday by the National Low Income Housing Coalition shows minimum wage earners in Utah would have to work 98 hours a week 2.5 full-time jobs to afford a two-bedroom apartment at fair market rent. "Housing prices continue to rise far beyond the reach of low-income wage earners," Utah Housing Coalition Executive Director Tara Rollins said. "Without assistance, the gap between what low wage jobs earn and what rental housing costs here is simply unbridgeable." The report showed that nationally individuals earning the federal minimum wage of $7.25 per hour would have to work 122 hours per week to afford a two-bedroom unit at the fair market rate and 98 hours a week to afford a one-bedroom apartment. The national study found that this year's hourly "housing wage" came in at $22.10 for a two-bedroom rental apartment and $17.90 for a one-bedroom unit. Housing is considered affordable if a unit at fair market rent is 30 percent or less of a wage earner's income, explained Rollins. She noted that would mean paying $924 for the average two-bedroom unit in Utah. To achieve that standard, she said, a Utah household would need to earn a monthly income of $3,079 or $36,952 a year, she said. In a 40-hour work week for 52 weeks annually, a household would need to make $17.77 per hour. However, the average renter in the Beehive State earns $13.92 an hour, leaving a $3.85 wage gap, she said. The state's hourly wage rose 75 cents over last year, Rollins said, but still ranks 26th nationwide. The report noted that Summit County was the most expensive area to live in Utah, requiring a housing wage of $22.63 per hour, followed by Wasatch County at $20.08 an hour, the Salt Lake City metro area was No. 3 at $19.90 per hour. While the problem of affordability is especially prevalent along the Wasatch Front, less populated areas of the state are affected as well, said Michele Weaver, rural development specialist with the Rural Community Assistance Corp. Uintah County ranked fourth most expensive at $18.33 per hour with rural Kane County coming in at No. 5 requiring an hourly wage of $17.27, the report notes. "There is a cost-efficiency issue in rural communities," Weaver said. Because the return on investment is not as high in rural areas, developers are less inclined to build rental units that could provide options for prospective households. Potential solutions would involve possible incentives for those willing to build rental units in those affected communities, with a stipulation of including a portion of affordable units in the project, she added. Policymakers are aware of the affordability matter, according to Utah Rep. Joel Briscoe, D-Salt Lake City. He said the issue is a concern statewide and needs to be addressed on numerous levels if the state is going to mitigate the problem before it gets out of control. He noted that some states facing similar issues have issued bonds, something he wants to propose to the Utah Legislature. He suggests bonding for $100 million to develop more affordable housing options across the state. "One year ago, we borrowed $1 billion to build roads because we said there was a bottleneck, because it was good for business, good for individuals not to have to spend too much time on roads," he said. "We (now) have a bottleneck in housing. Isn't it worth the state investing a little money to try and reduce that bottleneck?" He said having so many families impacted by the growing affordability issue can have myriad residual effects, including potentially increasing crime, school absenteeism and rising taxes needed to pay for resources required to address the new issues. With that in mind, Briscoe said now is the time for leaders to work on developing community-based solutions to alleviate the pressure families are feeling as they try to find decent housing. "We actually have a good chance at success. It's going to take public-private work to make it happen," he said. "The state can't do it alone, the cities can't do it alone, the business community can't do it alone, advocates can't do it alone. It's going to take all of us working together to get it done." SALT LAKE CITY Gov. Gary Herbert continues to earn a high approval rating from Utah voters after nine years, but he's still expected to leave elected office behind once his term ends in 2020. Seventy percent of Utahns said they approved of the governor's job performance in a UtahPolicy.com poll released Wednesday, a number that has stayed relatively consistent over the years. The new poll was conducted by Dan Jones & Associates for the online political news source May 15-25, 2018, of 615 likely Utah voters. It has a margin of error of plus or minus 4 percentage points. In 2014, Herbert was ranked the nation's most popular governor with a 73 percent approval rating by the Washington Post, which headlined the story, "The most popular governor in the country? You probably haven't heard of him." Herbert, 71, assumed office in 2009 after then-Gov. Jon Huntsman Jr. resigned to become U.S. ambassador to China, and has said his second full term in office would be his last. A growing list of likely candidates for the 2020 governor's race already includes Lt. Gov. Spencer Cox; Utah House Speaker Greg Hughes, R-Draper; and former Rep. Jason Chaffetz, R-Utah, now a Fox News contributor. The governor's feelings about running again don't appear to have changed. "While it is true that many of Gov. Herbert's supporters have encouraged him to consider another run, there are no plans in place to seek an additional term," the governor's spokesman, Paul Edwards, said in a statement. Asked about another run by Herbert, Salt Lake Chamber President and CEO Derek Miller, a political adviser to the governor who served as his chief of staff, was a little less certain. "I think it's an interesting question. I would say maybe, a definitive maybe. The reason I say that is I don't think he's reconsidering it, but I can tell you there are a lot of people who are asking him to reconsider it," Miller said. He said the high approval rating indicates voters, and especially business leaders, believe the state is doing well. "They say, 'Hey, why should we mess up a good thing that we've got going. If it's not broke, don't fix it.' The one thing businesses need more than anything else is stability and predictability, and they certainly have that in the Herbert administration," Miller said. But he said while Herbert appreciates the sentiment, he is also looking forward to having more time to spend with his family and in service to The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints. "I think there would have to be a very compelling reason for him to change his goal after public life," Miller said. "He'll continue to be involved one way or another. Besides his faith and besides his family, his other great love is the state of Utah." UtahPolicy.com publisher LaVarr Webb, who writes a political column for the Deseret News, said Herbert is popular with Utahns because he reflects mainstream voters well. "He's certainly conservative enough, but practical is a good word to use. He's been a very practical governor" who has pushed his priorities hard, including increasing funding for education, Webb said. There's another appeal, too. "People like their governors to be like a father figure," Webb said, and Herbert fits that bill. "Since things are going well in Utah, we don't need to shake things up. His personality is pleasant and he gets along. He's one of us." Webb, a chief of staff to former Gov. Mike Leavitt, who stepped down in his third term in office to join President George W. Bush's administration, said he had no doubt Herbert could win another term as governor. "I just don't know that he wants to do it again," Webb said. "That's totally understandable. After close to three terms, that's a long time to serve." Still, University of Utah political science professor Matthew Burbank said the level of popularity Herbert enjoys is impressive and "certainly the sort of thing politicians hate to squander." Burbank said it would be hard for Herbert to have a change of heart, however, given the interest in what will be the first election in nearly three decades where a sitting governor wasn't in the race. The governor's polling numbers will have a big impact on 2020 even without Herbert in the race, he said. "These really strong numbers clearly are a boost for the lieutenant governor, by association," Burbank said. "There's a lot to be said for steering a steady ship and keeping things moving." OGDEN A man has died Wednesday after a shooting in Ogden, police say. About 4:30 p.m., officers were called to an area in the 600 block of 23rd Street where shots had been fired, Ogden police said in a news release Wednesday night. When officers got there, they found a male in his mid-20s who had been shot, police said. The man was treated on scene and taken to a local hospital, where he died, according to police. The shooting is being investigated and "appears to be an isolated incident involving acquaintances," according to the news release. Police noted there is no known threat to the public. The man's identity was not immediately released. PROVO The same day that America's Freedom Festival in Provo adopted a nondiscrimination policy, four LGBTQ groups say they were denied registration to participate in the event's Fourth of July parade. Troy Williams, executive director for Equality Utah, said Provo PFlag, Provo Pride, Mormons Building Bridges and the Encircle House were rejected Wednesday when they tried to sign up for the event. "It's against the best values of our nation," Williams said. An application from Encircle House was also denied last year. Wednesday morning, Provo city officials announced they had signed a new contract with America's Freedom Festival that included a nondiscrimination clause. "As part of this process, the Freedom Festival has evaluated and refined several elements pertaining to the parade. Their effort has been to maintain a high-quality parade while ensuring best practices are followed and that both the spirit and letter of legal restrictions are followed," city officials said in a press release. An additional news release from event officials announcing the parade's grand marshals and other participants said that upon review, "22 applications were deemed outside the parameters of the parade guidelines. All have been invited to participate and serve as volunteers in the parade and other Freedom Festival events." Williams says the disconnect between the words and actions of parade and city officials is "astonishing." Deputy Mayor of Provo Isaac Paxman issued a statement Wednesday night regarding the issue, saying nondiscrimination clauses prohibit applicants from being rejected based on factors like religion, race and sexual orientation, but that such clauses don't guarantee anyone acceptance to a job "or a parade." "In the employment world, anti-discrimination clauses don't give anyone a right to be hired. Similarly, this clause doesn't give anyone a right to be in the parade. "An employer can turn you down for having gunk in your teeth, no matter what your race or religion is. The parade can turn you down because they want more bagpipes this year or because they think your float is ugly or for all kinds of other reasons," he wrote. Williams and Equality Utah called the decision discrimination. "The organizers of the festival need to ask themselves: Do they support liberty and justice for all, or just some? The Fourth of July is a celebration for all Americans including LGBTQ Utahns. We have fought hard to earn the rights and privileges of citizenship. This staggering bigotry is unbecoming of both Provo and Utah," Williams said. Correction: A typo in an earlier version incorrectly identified the group Mormons Building Bridges as Mormons Building Brides. WOODRUFF, Rich County Speed and inexperienced driving are believed to be the main factors in a crash that sent a car full of teenagers including two in the trunk to the hospital after their vehicle rolled off the side of a canyon road and landed in a tree. The crash happened just after midnight on state Route 39 in the area known as the Monte Cristo Scenic Drive. Four boys and three girls, all between the ages of 14 and 17, were driving at an estimated 70 mph on the 40 mph road in a Honda Accord, said Weber County Sheriff's Lt. Matt Jensen. The driver is 16. "Sounds like they were just out for a ride and went to the top of Monte and then turned around. And on the way down sounds like they were going way too fast. Failed to navigate a turn. And basically launched off the edge and tumbled down to where a tree had stopped them," Jensen said. The vehicle landed upside down in a tree and was still suspended in the tree when rescuers arrived. If not for the tree breaking their fall, Jensen said the results could have been worse. The car landed approximately 180 feet away from the road, he said. One teen was ejected from the vehicle. Another had to crawl up the steep side of the canyon to get to the main road to get cell reception to call 911, according to police. Four medical helicopters were called to the scene. Four teens were taken by helicopter to local hospital, and three by ambulance. Once they were evaluated, two of the teens were sent to Primary Children's Hospital in critical conditions, Jensen said. Neither drugs nor alcohol were suspected of being factors, he said. Jensen called it a tragic incident involving young, inexperienced drivers. Police didn't comment on why the two teenagers were in the trunk. While many people believe free-agent-to-be LeBron James will end up with the Los Angeles Lakers, San Antonio Spurs, Miami Heat, maybe the Boston Celtics, remain in Cleveland or join evil forces with the Golden State Warriors, it remains possible hell come to Utah. Granted, its the longest of long shots, but still. Anyway, if youre looking for a sign that James is going to team up with Donovan Mitchell for a Beehive State super squad, youre in luck. ESPN has one. Not to burst Jazz fans bubbles, but ESPN also made signs for the other 29 teams, too, in a fun article that plays off of billboards that are popping up around the country to court The King. Heres the message that goes with Utahs billboard, which shows James and Spida in the City uniforms in front of a beautiful southern Utah scene. THE REAL ROY AND MVP Donovan Mitchell might not take home the Rookie of the Year hardware, but helping lure LeBron to Utah would be one heck of a consolation prize. Plus, signing with the Jazz would result in a huge upgrade in the jersey department over the Cavs current duds. Some other clever signs include: Portland: WIN ONE FOR PORTLAND (instead of The Land) New Orleans: Laissez Le Bron Temps Roulez (instead of Le Bon Temps) Memphis: Here Kings Become Legends #BealeStreetBron (with Elvis and B.B.) Los Angeles: Its Showtime (The state of California is cleverly made to look like his beard) Indiana: Dont blow this chance LeBron! (Words blown out of Lance Stephensons mouth) Charlotte: The King City (Queen is crossed out) SALT LAKE CITY For about a year, Craig Lloyd has lived in the foothills, after spurning the homeless shelter in downtown Salt Lake City. "I came up here with nothing except a backpack," Lloyd said. "The shelter it's just too crowded, too much noise, too (many) fights." In the mountains, Lloyd said, it's easy to spread out, and keep what he has accumulated since last summer. "I have a lot more room for food and clothes," he said. Of the dozens of people who live by him, Lloyd said, "everybody has a tent," and they get along. But citing the unkempt campsites as a public safety hazard, law enforcement and health authorities on Thursday coordinated a massive cleanup where Lloyd lives in the foothills just north of the state Capitol, a short distance off Victory Road on the way out of Salt Lake City. Several agencies combined to haul away more than 160,000 pounds of litter by about noon, officials estimated. Blankets, shoes, suitcases, bicycles, car parts, camping gear, furniture, propane tanks, tires, shopping carts, needles and even a full loaf of bread still in its case were a small sampling of the everyday items strewn about in a series of homeless camps on the hillside. Somehow, a residential light post, several feet long, was also among the debris. "Anything you can imagine is here," Salt Lake police detective Greg Wilking said. Those participating in the cleanup effort included the Salt Lake City police and public services departments, the sheriff's office and health department from the county, as well as public safety, transportation and workforce services officials from the state. The cleanup was expected to continue most of Friday. "The key is, we've been making contact with these people in these camps the last couple months, offering them services and letting them know the cleanup is coming," Wilking told the Deseret News. Those warnings intensified in the last week, Salt Lake County Health Department spokesman Nicholas Rupp said. Lloyd was among a small handful of stragglers who remained Thursday morning to take the last of their belongings off of the mountain to keep them from being thrown away. He didn't resent the cleanup effort, he said. "What can you do about it?" Lloyd said. "Everybody knew it was coming." Wilking said "we haven't had real issues with anybody" while overseeing the cleanup. Fourteen supervised inmates from the Salt Lake County Jail were on hand to help clear the campsites. Rupp didn't know precisely how many homeless campers lived in the area, but said there were about 15 campsites with about three to four tents each. "Basically they have been making living quarters up here," Wilking said. The presence of drug paraphernalia and human waste is considered a significant public health issue, according to Rupp. Other items left on the mountain can also corrode and affect the soil, he said. During wildfire season, the camps are also a fire hazard, Wilking said. Dale Keller, environmental health bureau manager for the county health department, estimated a separate cleanup on the hillside in April yielded roughly 300,000 to 400,000 pounds of debris that needed to be hauled away. On occasion, when they come across some campers, Keller said "we'll invite them to have lunch with us." "This isn't us (versus) them," he said. "It's just (that it's) a public health hazard." Rupp said two to three homeless camp cleanups of this scale are conducted each year in the county. The foothills near Victory Road undergo a cleanup each year, and campsites near the Jordan River and in City Creek Canyon are also frequent targets, he said. Rupp said the amount of litter discovered in the foothills Thursday is roughly "on par" with what he's seen other years since he first began participating in cleanups with the county health department in 2011. Cleanup officials didn't expect this week's effort to keep the area completely devoid of campers forever, but they were hopeful the help offered to those leaving would make a significant difference long term. As residents prepared to move out of the area, "we have absolutely flooded this hill with social services people," Keller said. Salt Lake City police spokeswoman Christina Judd agrees. Police department outreach teams and social workers have made frequent trips to the hillside, Judd said, and 21 campers accepted the invitation for social services of some kind in the days leading up to the cleanup. The help offered included referrals for mental health services, drug addiction treatment and shelter options, as well as smaller items, such as assistance getting a state identification card, Judd said. With some help, Lloyd said, "I've already applied for housing." In the short term, he planned to start living again at the Road Home downtown starting Thursday night. Though he left that shelter once, Lloyd, having been homeless off and on for decades, is used to moving around and ready to give it another shot there. "It's the longest I've been on the street," he said of his past year. "So it's time for a change." Washington: US President Donald Trump Wednesday congratulated himself on his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, insisting that country is no longer a nuclear threat. Skeptics of how much the meeting achieved pointed to the North Korean leadership's long-held view that nuclear weapons are a bulwark against what it fears are USA plans to overthrow it and unite the Korean peninsula. The president praised North Korean leader Kim Jong Un in a Wednesday interview, calling the head of the totalitarian regime a "smart guy" and a "great negotiator". The United States commits to security guarantees; North Korea commits to complete denuclearization. The current understanding between Kim and Trump may not be a complete American giveaway either, as some critics are asserting. The photos of Kim and Xi walking along the beach might not be as spectacular as those of Kim and Trump shaking hands, but the talks were probably more far-reaching than the four-hour summit. Trump's announcement appeared to catch the Pentagon and officials in Seoul off guard, and some South Koreans were alarmed. Moon later said South Korea would be flexible when it comes to military pressure on North Korea if it is honest about denuclearization. And about eight of their representatives were watching it, and I thought they were fascinated. But he also said he would love to bring the USA military out of South Korea because of the cost, adding that while it was not now part of the discussion, "at the appropriate time, it will be". Pompeo will meet President Moon Jae-in on Thursday morning to discuss the summit. U.S. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Japan's Foreign Minister Taro Kono pose during a trilateral meeting at the Foreign Ministry in Seoul, South Korea June 14, 2018. North Korean state television Thursday aired footage of Kim Jong Un's historic summit with Donald Trump in Singapore, with the report describing Kim as a "prominent world leader" who is universally revered. Christopher Hill, chief US negotiator with North Korea in the George W. Bush administration, suggested in an interview that it's "a little premature" for Trump to say Kim is someone the USA can trust. Despite the confusion and disappointment among some, the summit managed to, for a time at least, reset a relationship that has always been characterized by bloodshed and threats. Whether or not the succeeding negotiations lead to fruition, Cabalza said North Korea will still have its nuclear weapon. Trump has repeatedly touted his role in bringing the reclusive North Korea to the negotiating table, a feat that he says his predecessors were unable to pull off. "No longer - sleep well tonight!" "There is no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea". When Baier pointed out some of the unsavory things Jong Un is accused of doing in North Korea, Trump demurred. Trump at the time condemned the North Korean government and its lack of "basic human decency". But no rational and objective observer who followed the summit and saw Trump and Kim behaving so cordially can believe that Trump is leading the USA into a nuclear war with North Korea. As Trump acknowledged that denuclearization would not be accomplished overnight, the North suggested Wednesday that Trump had moved away from his demand for complete denuclearization before US sanctions on the long-isolated country are removed. However, there was no mention of the previous USA aim of "complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearization" from Pyongyang. Some have even called the summit a win for Kim, who was offered what are seen as two key concessions: the end of joint South Korea-US military drills and the use of the preferred North Korean, rather than US term, for the denuclearization process. The argument also allows Trump's political allies and supporters in conservative media to claim ahead of the midterm elections that the President has engineered a triumph overseas that was beyond all his predecessors and has made America and the world much safer. The secretary of state and his counterparts in Seoul and Tokyo said they are united in support of the U.S. The next scheduled major exercise, involving tens of thousands of troops, normally would be held in August. A number of analysts caution that the U.S. Pakistans Chief Justice Mian Saqib Nisar has suspended a number of taxes and service charges related to prepaid mobile top-up cards. The countrys Supreme Court described the tax deductions as exorbitant, with Nisar stating: PKR38.08 ($0.33) is deducted on a prepaid mobile card of Rs100. This is illegal. All taxes deducted on top-up cards will be suspended from 13th June. Taxes on top-up cards in Pakistan account for as much as 42% of their total cost. Users are obliged to pay a federal excise duty as well as a withholding tax and a service fee. The Supreme Court is now pushing for a clear path towards deducting taxes on top-up cards, with Justice Ijazul Ahsan calling for a clear policy on levying tax. Nisar was critical of the law relating to withholding taxes, calling it imperfect and noting that withholding taxes cannot be levied on a labourer who earns Rs100 a day. How can we collect [taxes] from daily wage earners? In May, the court invited input from operators and Pakistans attorney general to determine whether such taxes should indeed be legal. Pakistans steep levies on mobile services are a longstanding bugbear for the countrys mobile operators. A 2015 World Bank report pegged Pakistans telecommunications taxes as among the highest in Asia, while its levies on corporate profits are some of the highest in the world. The government of Pakistan reacted to this in May 2017with some tax cuts, although given the longstanding complaints from both operators and trade association the GSMA, the relief was slight. Federal excise duty was lowered to 17% from 18.5%, and the withholding tax for mobile was reduced from 14% to 12.5%. The suspension as it stands may only be in effect for 15 days pending a more detailed implementation plan from Pakistans Federal Board of Revenue. Pakistan has around 150 million mobile connections according to the latest data from the Pakistan Telecommunication Authority. In its forthcoming general iOS release, Apple will introduce a patch to shut the tool known as GrayKey that has empowered police and/or criminals to unlock the dormant iPhones by dodging the disk encryption. The move is expected to refuel the conflict between the Cupertino-based giant and the federal agencies. In a statement to Reuters, Apple said the roll out of the update is aimed at protecting all its customers, especially in countries where phones are readily obtained by police or by criminals with extensive resources. The company said it will change default settings in the iOS to cut off communication through the USB port when the phone has not been unlocked in an hour. Apparently the USB port is the place where the forensic agencies connected the GrayShift and Cellebrite machines to sidestep the security provisions that limit the number of password attempts that can be made to unlock the device before it freezes. These companies have offered the machines to law enforcement agencies in several countries for thousands of dollars and per-phone pricing as low as $50, the report claimed. With this update, the agencies will not be able to open iPhones one hour after the device has stayed locked. Were constantly strengthening the security protections in every Apple product to help customers defend against hackers, identity thieves and intrusions into their personal data. We have the greatest respect for law enforcement, and we dont design our security improvements to frustrate their efforts to do their jobs, Apple said. The Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) in 2016 successfully hacked into the encrypted Apple phone of Syed Farook, one of the terrorists who had planned and executed the December 2, 2015 shooting killing 14 people in San Bernardino, California. Following the success, the US Department of Justice -- who was demanding that Apple help the FBI to unlock the iPhone 5C used by the terrorist -- withdrew legal action against the tech giant. At that time, Apple CEO Tim Cook had outrightly denied to help FBI crack the terrorists iPhone saying, We have a responsibility to help you (customers) protect your data and your privacy. We will not shrink from this responsibility. We built the iPhone for you, our customers, and for many of us it is a deeply personal device. After the FBI cracked the phone, Apple vowed that it would work on increasing the security in future iPhones. "This case should never have been brought. We will continue to help law enforcement with their investigations, as we have done all along, and we will continue to increase the security of our products as the threats and attacks on our data become more frequent and more sophisticated," Apple had said. "This case raised issues which deserve a national conversation about our civil liberties, and our collective security and privacy," the companys statement added. Several personalities,including Google CEO Sundar Pichai and Apple Computers co-founder Steve Wozniak sided with Cook on this issue. The episode also led several security firms express fears of a backdoor entry to put users data and security at hackers mercy. Until now, the Google Pixel Launcher used to automatically adjust dark/light themes on the basis of the wallpaper colour but Android Police has reported that in future Android builds, Google might roll out a feature with which users can manually choose the theme regardless of the colour of the wallpaper. The Pixel Launcher was introduced with Pixel 2 and Pixel 2 XL in October 2017. The development was first spotted by Android Police which noticed that in March a user added an issue in the Issue Tracker apparently seeking manual controls to toggle between dark and light themes. A Googler marked this issue as FIXED and added a comment saying, We have added support for a Dark theme to be applied to quick settings and launcher under Settings -> Display -> Device Theme. It will be available in a future Android build. However it is not clear whether the feature will come in the next Android P beta update. The development comes amid Google Pixel 3 XL leaked images which suggest that the new Pixel phones will have a notch on top of the display and a rather thick chin at the bottom and may sport an all-glass back. The Google Pixel 3 XL is expected to be powered by a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 processor, and offer 4GB of RAM with 128GB of non-expandable storage. The 6.2-inch display will most likely feature a wide notch on the top and a thick chin at the bottom. Cabinet approves bill to secure the country's dams The union cabinet on Wednesday approved the proposal for introduction of a legislation that will help states and union territories adopt uniform safety procedures so as to ensure benefits from dams and safeguard life and property. The proposed Dam Safety Bill, 2018 to be introduced in Parliament provides for proper surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of all specified dams in the country to ensure their safe functioning. The draft bill, finalised after wide consultation with leading Indian and international experts, provides for constitution of a National Committee on Dam Safety which shall evolve dam safety policies and recommend necessary regulations as may be required. The bill provides for establishment of National Dam Safety Authority as a regulatory body that will implement the policy, guidelines and standards for dam safety in the country. The bill provides for constitution of state committees on dam safety by state governments. The National Dam Safety Authority will maintain liaison with the state dam safety organisations and the owners of dams for standardisation of dam safety related data and practices. It will also provide technical and managerial assistance to the states and state level dam safety organisations. It will maintain a national level data-base of all dams in the country and records of major dam failures, examine the cause of any major dam failure and publish and update the standard guidelines and check-lists for the routine inspection and detailed investigations of dams and appurtenances. The National Dam Safety Authority will also accord recognition or accreditations to organisations that can be entrusted with the works of investigation, design or construction of new dams. The authority will also look into unresolved points of issue related to inter-state dams or between the dam safety organisations of two or more states. Further, in certain cases, such as dams of one state falling under the territory of another state, the National Authority shall also perform the role of state dam safety organization thereby eliminating potential causes of conflicts. State committees on dam safety will ensure proper surveillance, inspection, operation and maintenance of all specified dams in states and ensure their safe functioning. These will be manned by experts from the field dam safety, preferably from the areas of dam-designs, hydro-mechanical engineering, hydrology, geo-technical investigation, instrumentation and dam-rehabilitation, says a government release. There are over 5,200 large dams in India and about 450 are under construction. Besides, there are thousands of medium and small dams. Due to lack of legal and institutional architecture for dam safety in India, dam safety is an issue of concern. Unsafe dams are a hazard and dam break may cause disasters, leading to huge loss of life and property. The Dam Safety Bill, 2018 addresses all issues concerning dam safety, including regular inspection of dams, emergency action plan, comprehensive dam safety review, adequate repair and maintenance funds for dam safety, instrumentation and safety manuals. It lays onus of dam safety on the dam owner and provides for penal provisions for commission and omission of certain acts. Govt decides to withdraw Nalanda University (Amendment) Bill, 2013 The union cabinet on Wednesday decided to withdraw the Nalanda University (Amendment) Bill, 2013 after it failed to get approval in the Rajya Sabha. The cabinet will now introduce a motion in Rajya Sabha withdrawing the Nalanda University (Amendment) Bill, 2013, introduced on 26 August 2013 to amend certain existing provisions of the Nalanda University Act, 2010 and add some new provisions. Governance at Nalanda University has been a subject of much controversy and the governing board of the university has been reconstituted as per section 7 of Nalanda University Act, 2010 with effect from 21 November 2016, with the approval of President of India. The amendment bill will need to be discussed with the current governing board of Nalanda University before a final decision could be taken on going ahead with the proposed amendments. Further, the current governing board may also look into the entire Nalanda University Act, 2010 afresh and suggest amendments / additions wherever necessary, a cabinet release stated. The university, which was inaugurated by external affairs minister Sushma Swaraj, in September 2014, has the President of India as the Visitor of the University, Vijay Bhatkar as the chancellor and Professor Sunaina Singh as its vice chancellor. The Nalanda University was established on the basis of a joint press statement at the 4th East Asia Summit held in Thailand in October 2009, which supported its establishment as a non-state, non-profit, secular and self-governing international institution. Subsequently, the Parliament passed the Nalanda University Act, 2010, which came into effect from 25 November 2010. At present, the university has 116 students in three schools of studies, namely School of Historical Studies, School of Ecology and Environment Studies and School of Buddhist Studies. This includes 35 international students from 21 foreign countries. Duty on luxury bike Harley-Davidson upsets India-US trade ties The Donald Trump administration in the United States after repeatedly raking up the issue of high tariffs imposed by India on import of luxury motorcycle brand Harley-Davidson has now threatened to slap high import tariffs on "thousands and thousands" of Indian motorcycles imported to the US. A series of meetings that Indias commerce minister Suresh Prabhu had with US commerce secretary Wilbur Ross and US trade representative Robert Lighthizer in Washington from 10 to 12 June failed to resolve the issue. India and the United States have now agreed to hold official talks soon to address the trade and economic irritants between the two nations, Prabhu said on Tuesday. Trump has repeatedly raked up the issue of India imposing high import duty on the iconic Harley-Davidson motorcycles and had threatened to increase import tariff on Indian goods. This decision was taken during a series of meetings Prabhu had with US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and US Trade Representative (USTR) Robert Lighthizer in Washington during the Indian Minister's visit from June 10 to 12. "We will now work together to expand bilateral trade," Prabhu told reporters in Washington. Instead of dealing with individual items of trade there would be comprehensive negotiations on all issues, including US tariffs on Indian steel, he said, adding that India would send an official team to work out the details and start comprehensive negotiations on bilateral trade and economic relations. "The team will come within the next few days," he said. In March, US President Donald Trump announced plans to impose import tariffs of 25 per cent on steel and 10 per cent on aluminium imported from India and China, raising the prospects of trade friction. While China retaliated by imposing tariffs as high as 25 per cent on 128 American products, India sought to settle the issue through negotiations. India has sought an exemption from the US tariffs along the lines of the relaxations allowed to the European Union, Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, Mexico and South Korea. A commerce ministry release said Prabhu also met US secretary of agriculture Sonny Perdue and also had a joint meeting with India Caucus Co-chairs Senator Mark Robert Warner and Senator John Cornyn. Prabhu also addressed business and industry leaders in meetings organised by the US-India Business Council (USIBC) and US-India Strategic Partnership Forum (USISPF) and met other stakeholders. "It's a great time to join hands with each other and that is the realisation within the (US) administration as well. As you know, we always hear about trade disputes between the US and India, but when I had a meeting with the USTR, the Commerce Secretary, Agriculture Secretary, Senators, it is very clear that we must move on, keeping the issues behind," Prabhu told industry leaders at a reception hosted by USIBC. "Every great partnership has areas of agreement and disagreement. I am hopeful that the US investment corridor is only going to grow, and I'm confident that we will be able to bridge our gaps," he said at the USISPF event. In his interaction with industry leaders at an event organised by the USISPF, Prabhu spoke about the improvements that have been made in the trade relationship, including trade deficit reduction. The industry meetings included senior officials from major American companies such as Boston Scientific, FedEx, Walmart, Abbott, UTC, Honeywell, PhRMA, MoneyGram, Lockheed Martin, Koch Industries, Amway, Uber and 21st Century Fox. It may be noted that the US President had specifically taken up the issue of India levying 100 per cent tariff on some American products at a press conference during the G7 Summit in Quebec, Canada Trump also threatened he would limit market access to the US and even cut off trade ties if America's trading partners did not cooperate. Vladimir Putin was delivered a handwritten note by Kim Jong-un by a North Korean official during a meeting earlier today. Putin suggested they meet at an economic forum in the far eastern port of Vladivostok in September. The youthful North Korean leader has never visited Russia, unlike his father, Kim Jong-Il, who travelled to the country in his armoured train in 2011 for talks with Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's president at the time. "We can schedule this meeting regardless of worldwide events between our foreign ministries", he said. In this photo released by the Ministry of Communications and Information, Singapore, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, center, stands before boarding the airplane, at Changi airport, following the summit with U.S. President Donald Trump, Tuesday, June 12, 2018 in Singapore. The Russian leader added that a war of words between the United States and North Korea had "worried the entire world and could entail grave consequences". Kim Yong-nam conveyed Kim Jong Un's "sincere regards" and "absolute support of the people of Russian Federation", handing a personal message to Putin from the North Korean leader. He said the meeting helped "push back that unfavourable scenario and raised prospects for solving all the problems with peaceful and diplomatic means". "Above all, I have the honor to convey to you, with special respect, honest regards from Chairman of the State Council of the DPRK Comrade Kim Jong-un", he said. This year marks the 70th anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between Russian Federation and North Korea. Pak Election Commission refuses to register Hazif Saeed's MML as political party Pakistan's Election Commission has rejected an application by Milli Muslim League (MML), an outfit sponsored by Mumbai attack mastermind Hafiz Saeed's Jamat-ud-Dawah (JuD), to register as a political party. The Election Commission of Pakistans (ECP) decision follows a direction by the Islamabad high court to review its last years decision to reject MML's registration bid. A four-member bench of the commission, chaired by its Sindh member Abdul Ghaffar Soomro, today decided against allowing the MML to be registered as a political party. The bench said that the decision had been taken in light of observations of the ministry of interior which had expressed reservations because of the party's links with the banned JuD leader Saeed. The interior ministry had opposed enlisting of the MML as a political party, arguing that it is an offshoot of the banned JuD. The MML, however, denied that it had any links with the JuD or that its chief, Saifuddin Khalid, had relations with Saeed. It said that former ruling Pakistan Muslims League-Nawaz and its leadership was behind rejection of application by ECP. The MML was launched last August to contest the July 25 elections and Saeed was already campaigning for the MML since last month. India, China plan oil buyers' block to counter Opec India and China, two of the worlds largest importers of oil and the second and third-largest consumers of the fossil fuel, are working on buyers forum to seek better bargains from the cartel of oil exporting counties, Opec. The two countries, which together accounted for 17 per cent of world oil consumption last year, are working on a block that would challenge Opecs ability to manipulate crude prices in a way that plays havoc with economies of oil importing countries. The two sides kicked off formal talks in Beijing on Monday for forming an oil buyers club, a development that is likely to weigh on Opec ministers, who are meeting to discuss an end to production cuts later this month. The talks come less than two months after Indias oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan proposed an alliance of Indian and Chinese state-run oil companies for a greater say in the market. India and China compete for oil assets and Pradhan acknowledged there would be fair competition in some areas as it happens in business, but, he said, as consumers the interests of both countries are similar. As consumers, we have certain mutual interests. We agreed to promote (business-to-business) cooperation and we are hopeful that in future buyers will be able to dictate prices, oil minister Dharmendra Pradhan said after meeting China National Petroleum Corporation chairman Wang Yilin and Li Fanrong, deputy administrator of Chinas National Energy Administration, on the sidelines of the 16th International Energy Forum ministerial round in April. Oil ministry officials say the time is also apt as the countries can now leverage on a boom in US oil and gas production that has in part helped to keep Opec oil prices in check. Oil ministry officials also said that with firm oil prices, a rising import bill, $450 billion of external debt, including oil-related debt, govternments hands are tied and there is no scope for fuel price reduction. International Energy Agency (IEA) sees India and China fuelling half of global demand growth in the next five years, with India driving incremental demand growth through the next two decades. Study shows PR best practices are only second best Within public relations (PR), the standard practice of looking out for No. 1 and viewing relationships as sources of conflict and competition is defended by best-selling textbooks and a generation of research. A growing body of scientific evidence, however, supports a different vision of PR, a University of Kansas researcher has found. Discoveries in evolutionary biology and economics show that helping others and building mutually beneficial relationships can boost an organisation's reputation and build resources. Charles Marsh, Oscar Stauffer Professor of Journalism & Mass Communications, has published a study analyzing the effectiveness of indirect reciprocity in evolutionary biology and economics. In essence, indirect reciprocity is the idea that party A helps party B, knowing that B cannot reciprocate or pay them back. They are then rewarded by party C, who has observed or learned of A's treatment of B. Marsh has been building an interdisciplinary case for cooperation and justice as the better approach to building the resource-securing relationships that organizations need to survive and to flourish. "Some professionals and academics would tell me, 'We wish that were true, but read Darwin: It's a dog-eat-dog world,' " Marsh said. "So I did read Darwin, and it turns out that he and modern evolutionary biologists have found that helping others with no expectation of immediate return is highly effective. That seemingly selfless behaviour builds good relationships, good relationships bring in resources, and resources are what we need to achieve our goals." Marsh analysed studies from evolutionary biology as well as 14 recent economics experiments that examined indirect reciprocity. All concluded that the concept exists and is strongly embedded in human nature. Marsh's summary of the research from those other disciplines was recently published in the journal Public Relations Review. The economics findings were unanimous, though often not expected by the researchers themselves. "Several of the economics researchers said, 'This isn't what we expected to find,' " Marsh said of the studies. "Indirect reciprocity runs counter to standard economic theory. These new findings, however, have been so dramatic that they've helped to launch a relatively new area of economics, behavioral economics. Behavioral economics studies what seem to be persistent oddities within human economic behaviour." Basic economic theory holds that people tend to act for their own identifiable benefit. Why, then, would they help others when they know they probably won't be directly rewarded? Interdisciplinary research, Marsh says, shows that there are two main reasons: First, such behaviour can be a calculated move, designed to boost one's reputation because others will see the good the party did in helping another. Second, such behaviour tends to be human nature. Evolutionary biologists' findings, which Marsh also analyses in the study, show that indirect reciprocity appears to be genetically embedded within our species, assisting our survival. That conclusion from evolutionary biology has led Marsh to analyse research in other disciplines to see what they say about indirect reciprocity. He is now studying work of neuroscientists who examine which parts of the brain are active when a person engages in indirect reciprocity. He plans to examine what scholars in psychology and primatology say about the practice as well, all to better understand the effectiveness of cooperation and justice in relationships as effective means of acquiring needed resources. Marsh said he hopes that as public relations scholars review the compelling interdisciplinary evidence for indirect reciprocity, they will begin to include it in the textbooks they write and classes they teach. Ideally, he said, students in those classes will begin to practice that approach when they become professionals. Public relations is still a young discipline, with the first university courses on the topic being offered in 1923, meaning plenty of room still exists for growth and change. Marsh will present his summary of neuroscientific analyses of indirect reciprocity at the Barcelona International Critical PR Theory conference this summer. Last year, he authored the book "Public Relations, Cooperation and Justice: From Evolutionary Biology to Ethics," which made the argument for a cooperative approach to PR with backing from evolutionary biology, philosophy and rhetoric. It also contained 20 recommendations on how cooperation can be implemented by public relations professionals. Public relations is a wide-ranging profession that touches many aspects of everyday lives, Marsh said, so how the discipline is taught to students is important. He said he hopes to eventually show that the pervasive approach of viewing relationships as venues of conflict and confrontation is, at best, the second-best approach. "PR is a relationship business, and we need to look carefully at how we build those relationships," he said. "To be able to present such clear evidence that cooperation and justice generally outperform conflict and competition is very gratifying." The architectural project is meant as an engine that will power a rebirth of farming, cooking, hospitality, music, poetry and arts, all of which will treat the natural surroundings with respect. The spirit animating the proposal is one of non-invasiveness, as expressed in the subtitle Tread Lightly chosen for five pilot projects inside Dilijan National Park: lodges built inside ruins; a rope bridge across a gorge; areas to swim by waterfalls; an amphitheatre dug into a hillside; rest areas on a lake; and tree houses. Here at the Biennale, the display echoes the projects philosophy by using modest, recyclable materials. It was conceived to create a visual exchange with the setting inside the Corderie. The plinths holding up the scale models are made in rammed Venetian earth, formally similar to the structural columns in the space. Replicas of the landscape are made in sculpted honeycomb cardboard with brass inserts. A mediaeval Ptolemaic world map is used for its poetic and legendary qualities, and also for being apolitical. Councillor Seamus O Domhnaill has been elected Cathaoirleach of Donegal County Council. The Cloughaneely man took up the chain of office this afternoon at the annual general meeting of the council in Lifford. The Fianna Fail councillor was first elected to the council in 2009 in the Glenties electoral area and was re-elected in 2014. The son of Kathleen and the late Hugh, he was joined in the chamber by family members including his mother, his wife Maire, children Hugh and Meabh, sister Mary, and brother Senator Brian O Domhnaill. Cllr O Domhnaill was proposed by Fianna Fail councillor Ciaran Brogan. I am delighted that Seamus is going forward to represent us for the next 12 months, he said. Anyone who knows Seamus knows that he is a very passionate and dedicated individual. I have no doubt he will be a very fair chairman. He is a very proud Donegal man and very proud of the area he represents. The new Cathaoirleach congratulated outgoing Cathaoirleach Gerry McMonagle and Leas-Chathaoirleach, Cllr Noel Jordan. "The job they have done on behalf of the council and the people of Donegal is first class, he said. He said he will work his hardest to ensure every voice is listened to and heard. Cllr O Domhnaill also used his speech to remember the late Cllr Sean McEniff. The new first citizen said his primary concern is that the business within the room is delivered on. Each and everyone one of us wants to do the best job for the people we represent and the areas we represent, he said. He said developing tourism and employment opportunities would be priorities. Its important for me that the Wild Atlantic Way and the fabulous work Donegal County Council has done is replicated and pushed further afield. We have a resource and a tourism product within this country that is unrivalled in the world. Fine Gael councillor Martin Harley was elected Leas-Chathaoirleach. Cllr Harley offered his support to the new cathaoirleach. It is a great honour for myself and my family," he said. "I am not afraid of hard work and I am looking forward to it. 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. Emma Lo Russo wears many hats. She is an international business leader, CEO, strategist, speaker and writer. Lo Russo is the CEO of Digivizer, a social web analytics and activations technology company, which she co-founded in 2010. Its primary focus is on helping businesses know more about their customers through real-time analysis and actioning real insights from their digital footprints. The company now has over 60 employees and is continuously growing. Dynamic Business sat down with Emma Lo Russo to chat about her company, challenges and motivations. What inspired you to set up Digivizer? I was previously head of an ASX-listed electronics design software business, and I was seeing the power of smart devices and the impact this was having on the fast-growing sharing economy. At the same time all kinds of businesses were seeking more information about their customers, and were seeking new ways to create better customer experiences. I wanted to create a business that helped them understand and connect with the digital and social engagements of all those people, to be able understand the intelligence increasingly available to every business (if they only knew where to look and what mattered to the people they wanted to engage). Digivizer was launched to do that initially to map all people, conversations, connectivity and network effects in social media across all platforms, and later to extend to all search, social and web engagements. We can now map the entire owned, earned and paid digital sales and nurture funnels in real-time and we help businesses understand and then make better decisions around their digital marketing investment. Who is your co-founder? I co-founded the business with Clinton Larson his background was in customer analytics. Together we built the foundations of what mattered most in understanding the digital customer. Describe the early days. What challenges did you face? How did you overcome them? As a competitive measure, we chose initially to serve the B2B space and our first clients were large enterprises. The challenge I soon realised was that I felt I couldnt publicly seek funding and share how few of us there really were against our large ambitions. Instead we decided to put our heads down, pre-sell, build as we went, and bootstrap ourselves. This meant cash was tight but it also meant we were able to ensure market fit. Your background in business is impressive, how did you find the time to start Digivizer? How did you divide your time? I am driven 100% to grow people and businesses. My corporate years were filled with creating new markets, territories and strategies to compete. In the end you are either happy to do that for another company or you really have an itch to do it for yourself. What drove me to break away and do it myself was the knowledge that I could use my experience to help hundreds and thousands of companies, in multiple markets, and of every size, instead of one at a time. And I have long learned that if you want something enough, you will always find a way. I also have a very supportive family. What motivates you? Growth. Growth by learning through experience, through reading, listening, meeting people and by being a better leader. I really care about the people I hire and the customers I work for and collaborate with and this is what motivates me. I am constantly thinking about how I can grow the people and customers around me. You have won numerous awards and accolades for your work. What is your most significant achievement and why? I think growing Digivizer to the size it is today, earning the trust of so many great customers, opening up Digivizer in 13 countries, having someone in our team nominate us for best place to work and being in the top-50 tech companies (and named in a list of greats). Achieving what I have and still maintaining the love and support of my family is another. Many people struggle to think of a unique business idea and when they do, many fail. What makes Digivizer unique and successful? Having come from a strategic marketing background, you know you need to be differentiated for more than one day. Instead it is critical to build a sustainable model for competitive differentiation at every level from your employment brand (how to get the best people) as well as the way you solve problems with product and processes. And the idea has to address a real business pain point and then answer it. I think Digivizer has proved this consistently over our first eight years. Our vision hasnt changed but the way we serve continues to morph and change to ensure it is attractive to others. What advice or tips would you give to other budding entrepreneurs? It would really come down to four things: Really have a strong vision you must really want to solve a need in the world it has to be something that is driven from your purpose as you need it to sustain, motivate, and guide others every single day Hire the very best people this has to be the biggest secret to success. Only hire smart, talented people, who get things done, are infinite learners and not arseholes (that is our hiring policy for Digivizer and it works!) Always focus on financials and cash flow the customer must pay you for what you do. It is the fastest way to test whether you have something real and valid. Keep testing and find a way to take advantage of the amazing, powerful cloud-based, low-cost options that can empower your team to focus on what makes you different and find ways you can delight your customers in the most low-cost/frictionless way for them too Grit and determination it is absolutely critical that you are prepared to work hard, roll your sleeves up, sacrifice, do whatever it takes. The difference is often not the great idea, but the smarts in putting your most valuable resources (you and others) towards making it happen. Every second counts. What challenges have you faced as a female in the business industry? I totally own the responsibility to create a diverse workplace and to model flexible and all-inclusive behaviours that allow everyone to operate at their best. However, the best contribution I can make is to fight my way forward as a role model that proves it (whatever you want it to be) can be done. It is important to help others learn and follow suit but I think that is about showing all genders what support, flexibility, and what an outcomes-based workplace look like, and to encourage them to pursue the same. Other than that, as a female it is important to call out blatant bias. What do you like to do in your spare time? What are your hobbies and interests? How do you de-stress? I love spending time with my family, and I love dining out, reading, travel and swimming. I have been heading to the gym 2-3 times a week, I have a personal training session once a week, and have recently added more walking into my work travel. I really do love and am energised by people, so as long as I am hanging out with people I can have a good laugh with whether that be personal or professional Im happy! The Finnie awards recently took place in order to celebrate the achievements of Australias best FinTech businesses who are recognised for excellence in sectors such as lending, wealth management, payments, crowdfunding, blockchain, artificial intelligence and regtech. The head of a trail-blazing energy financing startup which last month secured $18.5 million in additional funding has been named Australias outstanding FinTech leader of the year. Katherine McConnell, the founder and CEO of Brighte , received the honour at FinTech Australias Finnie awards. Presented by Jobs for NSW , the Finnies are said to be Australias only industry-backed FinTech awards and are in their second year. The award given to McConnell was one of 23 handed out at a gala ceremony in Sydney on Wednesday night. The awards were decided by 81 domestic and international judges. A new award category has also been introduced in this years awards for the best fintech customer experience/design outcome. In addition to McConnells award, the awards night saw a number of FinTech organisations and leaders recognised for their achievements, including: Civic-focused blockchain company Civic Ledger (Emerging FinTech Organisation of the Year) Retail FinTech Afterpay (FinTech Organisation of the Year) Airwallex co-founder and chief operating officer Lucy Liu (Female FinTech Leader of the Year) Afterpay CEO and co-founder Nick Molnar (Emerging FinTech Leader of the Year) FinTech Australia CEO Brad Kitschke said, The winners of the 2018 Finnies are providing consumers and businesses new and improved services and a real alternative to the banks and other traditional financial institutions. The winners include smaller FinTech startup companies but now also include larger scale-up FinTechs which are dominant players in their sectors and are major employers in their own right. NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Small Business John Barilaro said he was thrilled to see 16 out of the 23 award winners were NSW based, including the fintech leader of the year and emerging fintech leader of the year. This is a tremendous result for our fintech sector with NSW picking up 55 out of 89 finalist positions and now nearly 70 per cent of the awards, said Barilaro. The NSW Government is investing heavily in startups which are creating jobs and industries for the future, including through initiatives like Jobs for NSW and the Sydney Startup Hub as well as our support for the Finnie Awards. The full list of Finnie winners are below: The Government has introduced legislation to complement the Superannuation Guarantee integrity package already before Parliament by introducing a oneoff, twelve month amnesty for historical underpayment of SG. The Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman has shown support for the amnesty bill. Yesterday I outlined my support of the 12 month Superannuation Guarantee Amnesty in this Bill, so the very few small businesses across Australia that are not up-to-date with their superannuation obligations for current and past employees are able to get their affairs in order, Ombudsman Kate Carnell said. During the hearing, Carnell requested: the amnesty commence from the date it is passed into legislation, to maximise the preparation time for small businesses the conditions of no penalties and payments being tax deductible extend for the life of a payment plan the amnesty be prominently and repeatedly promoted to create awareness of this exclusive opportunity. Small businesses will need time to work with their accountant, audit and identify missed payments, and calculate the capacity to pay within their projected cash flow. Allowing preparation time while the legislation is considered will maximise the number of businesses willing, and ready, to take advantage of the amnesty, Carnell said. Small businesses may not have the financial capacity to make catch-up payments in one lump sum and still meet ongoing obligations. If they enter into a payment plan, payments made during the duration of the plan must attract the same conditions. Moving forward, I would like to see a superannuation system for small business that is less complicated and easier to comply with. This would ensure unpaid superannuation to employees is an issue of the past. IPA chief executive officer, Andrew Conway supports this initiative. It should be noted that employers will not be entirely off the hook to use the amnesty they must pay all that is owing to their employees, including the high rate of nominal interest. However, the amnesty will make it easier to secure outstanding employee entitlements, by setting aside the penalties for late payment. Employers that do not take advantage of the one-off amnesty will face significantly higher penalties if they are subsequently caught (a minimum 50 per cent on top of the SG Charge they owe). In addition, throughout the amnesty period the ATO will still continue its usual enforcement activity against employers. Get a price in less than 24 hours Fill out the form below. One of our domain experts will have a price to you within 24 business hours. 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. Facebook and other social networks appear to have crossed the line with respect to privacy and censorship. Facebook has been accused of helping one side while hiding the other side in many important debates. It has been accused of exposing the personal information of its users, violating their privacy. These perceptions are problems that must be fixed. What's the next step? How can we go from the status quo to living under rules that everyone will accept? That depends largely on whether those who write the rules really understand the problems from every point of view -- users and companies, right and left. However, it's possible that nothing much really will happen. The controversy may quiet down, and these issues may disappear under all the other noise of the industry. The latest Facebook circus seemed to end with CEO Mark Zuckerberg's congressional testimony, which was very interesting to watch. It was fascinating to see Zuckerberg describe how Facebook works, to acknowledge some of the far-reaching problems that needed to be solved, and to express his company's desire to play a role in that process. It was quite evident from the questions they asked that many members of Congress were confused about some of the basics. A number of them asked questions that revealed they had no idea what Facebook or other social media companies were, much less what they do. It was clear that those elected officials were not heavy Internet users. How can we expect the U.S. Congress to craft legislation to save us from problems like invasions of privacy and censorship if they don't understand many of the issues surrounding modern technology? Let Facebook Help Write New Rules Perhaps the social networks themselves should play a key role in determining how to protect users' privacy and avoid censorship. The aim is not to hurt the growth of social networking companies -- it's just to make their offerings fair and safe for every user. Their participation is one slice of the rule-making pie. I do believe the executives who run the social networks are good people. I also believe they are vitally interested in protecting the growth potential of their companies. However, we all look at the world through one prism or another. The problem is that what one thinks is right and good is wrong and bad in the view of someone else. Social Media's Explosive Growth I want company executives to participate, but I also want the involvement of intelligent and unbiased third parties who understand the industry. The companies must be free to innovate and grow. Users must be free from censorship and guaranteed privacy. Both sides are important. Users' rights have been abused -- something that should not occur in America. One side should not be able to exercise undue influence in an effort to control the way we think. We need a balance of ideas in the public square if we are to continue to succeed going forward. The social media sector is still new. It has been around only for a decade, yet it has seen an explosion of growth and change. There were no social media companies prior to a decade ago. Today, there are more than we can count. What will social media look like 10 years from now? It will be very different. To have a good tomorrow, we must make sure we protect user privacy and eliminate censorship today. Protecting Privacy and Avoiding Censorship It's great the way social media weaves us all together and lets us communicate in new ways with people we never would have been in contact with before -- either around the block or on the other side of the country or the world. Artificial intelligence offers one possibility for addressing social media's problems, but it must be developed without bias. Even AI can be a problem if its behavior is programmed by people who lean one way or the other. If AI can be completely objective, then it might be a solution. Once it is implemented -- and that won't be for a while -- we'll need to make sure it can't be hijacked by one side of a debate. Keeping AI neutral will be an ongoing challenge that we'll have to meet with checks and balances. Changing Sides As people grow and mature, it's natural to change sides about some issues. When I was 20 years old, I thought about the world differently than I did at 40. That's one reason it's important not to shut down one way of thinking. It's important to listen to both sides and adapt at your own pace. Remember, we all think we are right. However, those on the other side think they are right too. Who is the judge? That's the problem. There is no answer -- just debate. That's the way it always has been. Social networks can be great at creating a local, regional, national or worldwide stage for an ongoing debate. They can provide a way for us to improve the world by understanding each other better. Looking forward, we have a lot of ground to cover. While social networks are great, we need to fix the problem areas and keep them neutral and safe. We need to protect users from loss of privacy and from the imposition of censorship. We are at the beginning of a long trek with no endpoint. If we are lucky, we will find a path that will lead to continuing protection for users and continued growth for companies. The opinions expressed in this article are those of the author and do not necessarily reflect the views of ECT News Network. Jeff Kagan has been an ECT News Network columnist since 2010. His focus is on the wireless and telecom industries. He is an independent analyst, consultant and speaker. Email Jeff. We breathe 10 to 20 thousand liters of air per day. With this much air going in and out of our lungs every second, it is vital to make sure we are breathing in good air all day. We are so used to hearing the expression go out and get some fresh air," but why not bring some of that fresh air inside? Or better yet, create it inside. And not just any air. But air that can actually remove toxic gases and chemicals from your home environment. That's correctair that can actually remove VOC's including formaldehyde and benzene. Listen to this Green Divas' segment about creating a better indoor environment for your healthy home: National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA) and the Associated Landscape Contractors of America released the findings of a 2-year study suggesting that in addition to what some plant physiologists already knew, plants absorb carbon dioxide and release oxygen as part of the photosynthetic process. As you may know, plants directly absorb carbon in their life-dependent process, photosynthesis. By taking in carbon dioxide and converting it to oxygen during photosynthesis, plants and trees naturally remove excess carbon from the air. During photosynthesis, foliage also removes from the atmosphere other chemicals, such as nitrogen oxides, airborne ammonia, some sulfur dioxide and ozone that are part of the smog and greenhouse effect problems. Plants also affect air quality by acting as collection sites for dust and other air particles. So, by adding plants to your environment, you are cleaning up your indoor air and helping the planet. In addition, these researchers, including Dr. Bill Wolverton, formerly a senior research scientist at NASA, have found many common houseplants absorb benzene, formaldehyde and trichloroethylene. In the NASA study, each plant type was placed in sealed, Plexiglas chambers in which chemicals were injected. The results surprised everyone. Plants take substances out of the air through the tiny openings in their leaves," according to Wolverton. But research in their labs has determined that plant leaves, roots and soil bacteria are all important in removing trace levels of toxic vapors." Did you know that one potted plant per 100 square feet will clean the air in an average office? Although not a replacement for an air purifier, NASA says that 15 to 18 good-sized plants in 6 to 8-inch diameter containers will improve air quality in an average 1,800 space. But, not just any plant, there's a certain 50 plants that work the best. The top 10 list can be found in the Just GREEN It! book. But, here are the top five plants that are most effective in removing formaldehyde, benzene and carbon monoxide from the air, according to the study. 1. Areca Palm 2. Lady Palm 3. Bamboo Palm 4. Rubber Plant 5. Dracaena Janet Craig" Ice melt in Antarctica has tripled in the last five years, according to the most comprehensive assessment of the state of South Pole ice to date, published in Nature Wednesday. The Ice Sheet Mass Balance Inter-comparison Exercise (IMBIE), as the assessment is called, involved 84 scientists, 44 international organizations and 24 satellite surveys and found that Antarctica had lost 219 billion tonnes of ice a year (approximately 241.41 billion U.S. tons) between 2012 and 2017, contributing 0.6 millimeters (approximately 0.02 inches) to global sea level rise, a Centre for Polar Observation and Modelling (CPOM) press release reported. Before 2012, ice loss held steady at 76 billion tonnes (approximately 83.78 billion U.S. tons) per year, for 0.2 millimeters (approximately 0.008 inches) of sea level rise. "A three-fold increase now puts Antarctica in the frame as one of the largest contributors to sea-level rise," study co-leader and CPOM Director Professor Andrew Shepherd of Leeds University told BBC News. "The last time we looked at the polar ice sheets, Greenland was the dominant contributor. That's no longer the case," he said. The largest amount of ice loss came from West Antarctica, especially its Pine Island and Thwaites Glaciers. Ice sheet collapse on the Antarctic Peninsula and slow growth of the East Antarctic ice sheet also contributed. Your browser does not support the video tag. The IMBIE assessment wasn't the only study published Wednesday with alarming news about the impacts of climate change on Antarctica. A University of Waterloo study published in Science Advances discovered a mechanism that could further accelerate Antarctic ice loss. The two year study found that rising ocean and air temperatures are both destabilizing ice shelves from below and also causing them to crack on top, which ups the chance they might break off, according to a University of Waterloo press release published by Phys.org. Study leader Christine Dow, Canada research chair of Waterloo's Faculty of Environment, said the findings might shorten estimated timelines for ice shelf collapse and sea level rise. "This study is more evidence that the warming effects of climate change are impacting our planet in ways that are often more dangerous than we perhaps had thought," Dow said. "There are many more vulnerable ice shelves in the Antarctic that, if they break up, will accelerate the processes of sea level rise." A melt river on Antarctica's Nansen Ice Shelf Won Sang Lee, Korea Polar Research Institute A final study, also published in Nature Wednesday, gave readers a choice between catastrophe and hope. Researchers, including scientists from Imperial College London, compared what would happen to the ice and wildlife of the South Pole in 2070 under two scenarios: one in which lowered greenhouse gas emissions coincided with maintaining environmental regulations, and one in which emissions were allowed to rise and regulations to deteriorate, an Imperial College London press release reported. In the worst case scenario, Antarctica would contribute 27 centimeters (approximately 10.63 inches) to global sea level rise, for a total sea level rise of more than a meter (approximately 3.28 feet). Ocean acidification would harm the shells of some sea creatures and the number of invasive species would increase tenfold. If action is taken this decade, however, Antarctica would only contribute 6 centimeters (approximately 2.36 inches) to a total global sea level rise of around half a meter (approximately 1.64 feet), the shells of sea creatures would be safe and the number of invasive species would only increase by two times. Imperial College London "To avoid the worst impacts, we will need strong international cooperation and effective regulation backed by rigorous science. This will rely on governments recognising that Antarctica is intimately coupled to the rest of the Earth system, and damage there will cause problems everywhere," study co-author professor Martin Siegert from the Grantham Institute Climate Change and the Environment at Imperial College London said. A final draft report from the United Nations' Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) says only "rapid and far-reaching" changes in the world economy can keep global warming below the internationally agreed target barrier. "If emissions continue at their present rate, human-induced warming will exceed 1.5C by around 2040," the draft states, according to Reuters, which obtained a copy of the report. The report, dated June 4, is due for publication in October at the 48th Session of the IPCC in South Korea after revisions and approval by governments. The document will be the main scientific guide to stave off disastrous climate change. The 2015 Paris agreement, signed by 197 countries, sets a warming limit of "well below 2C" over pre-Industrial Revolution levels with an aspirational 1.5C target to avoid dangerous climate effects such as sea level rise, extreme weather and droughts. In January, a leak of an earlier draft suggested a "very high risk" the 1.5C target will be surpassed by mid-century. The current draft reaffirms the findings of the earlier draft, but also includes 25,000 comments from experts and a wider pool of scientific literature, Reuters noted. The latest news further cements worldwide failure to meet the goals struck in Paris. Last year's Emissions Gap Report from the UN's environment program found that greenhouse gas emissions are set to overshoot the climate accord by about 30 percent. National pledges only covered a third of the cuts needed by 2030 to avoid the worst impacts of climate change. Annual emissions are likely to hit 53.0-55.5 billion tonnes of carbon dioxide equivalent, which greatly exceeds the 42 billion ton threshold for avoiding the 2C temperature rise, the report found. Notably, even if the national pledges are fully implemented, it is "very likely" global average temperature increase will be at least 3C by 2100. "Should the United States follow through with its stated intention to leave the Paris Agreement in 2020, the picture could become even bleaker," the Emissions Gap Report pointed out, referring to President Donald Trump's controversial withdrawal from the Paris agreement. The U.S. is one of the world's largest single emitters of greenhouse gases. Update, September 10: The campaign for this project has switched from Indiegogo to Kickstarter and went live on September 6. Two San Francisco fashionistas are working on an innovative shoe that is good for both your feet and your carbon footprint. The Bendy is a sneaker flat for women made ethically in the U.S. using less than one-sixth the carbon that it takes to produce the average sneaker, according to the product's media kit. Mary Sue Papale and Yvette Turner spent their careers in the fashion industry before kicking off on their own in 2011 to start Ashbury Skies, a curated website for indie shoe designers. They are therefore well aware of the ecological and labor-rights violations rampant in what they call "fast fashion." The outsourcing of clothes manufacturing overseas in search of cheap labor has led to overproduction, unjust working conditions and enormous greenhouse gas emissions. In fact, a 2017 report found that the fashion industry emits more greenhouse gases each year than shipping and international flights combined, The Guardian reported. With the Bendy, Papale and Turner are doing their part to nudge fashion down the footpath towards sustainability. "It was clear to us that the planet did not need just another shoe. But what it did need was a shoe with a conscience. We will not BS you and tell you that these shoes have zero environmental impactgoing barefoot is zero impact. Instead, we have a simple construction of great materials made by some very kind and talented folks in downtown LA. That allows for less transportation (low CO2) and fair wages paid to California workers, keeping it right in our backyard," Turner said. While the average sneaker production emits 30 pounds of carbon dioxide, the equivalent of leaving a 100-watt light bulb switched on for a full week, the Bendy only emits 4.5 pounds. Turner and Papale broke it down further. While the average sneaker emits 15 pounds of carbon dioxide in manufacturing, nine pounds in material processing and six pounds in transport, the Bendy emits only 2.2 pounds in manufacturing, 1.45 pounds in materials processing and 0.9 pounds in transport. It is also designed to hit the comfort and style sweet spot. It has a flexible bottom, a cushioned, sneaker-like footbed and a soft leather body. The shoes only use four materials: leather, thread, bottom and the footbed. They are hand-stitched to avoid the use of toxic glue and the leather is sourced from a responsible tanner in Italy. The shoes are not yet available, but anyone who signs up for information via their Indiegogo campaign will be notified when the shoes are ready and will be eligible for early supporter discounts. A federal judge ordered the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) to take action to fight air pollution entering New York and Connecticut from five other states, Reuters reported. The EPA had until August 2017 to complete plans for states that failed to adapt to new ozone air-quality standards set by the agency in 2008, but the plans never materialized, a Bloomberg News article published by The Boston Globe reported. New York and Connecticut therefore sued the EPA in January to try and force it to create ozone plans for Michigan, Pennsylvania, Illinois, Virginia and West Virginia, since their emissions impact New York and Connecticut's air. "The court's decision is a major win for New Yorkers and our public health, forcing the Trump EPA to follow the law and act to address smog pollution blowing into New York from upwind states," New York Attorney General Barbara Underwood told Bloomberg News. U.S. District Judge John Koeltl of Manhattan, who decided the case, said that New York and Connecticut had successfully proved they would be harmed by ozone coming from the five states in question. The two states, he said, were trying to "protect their citizens from the harmful effects of the high level of dangerous pollutants in their states caused by the pollutants coming from the defaulting states." Up to two-thirds of New Yorkers breathe unhealthy levels of smog, Underwood said in a statement reported by Reuters. The judge gave the EPA until December 6 to complete the smog-reduction plans. "Given the prior violations of the statutory deadline by the EPA, it is a reasonable exercise of the court's equitable powers to require the EPA to do the minimal tasks it has agreed it can do to remedy its past violation of the statute," Koeltl wrote, according to Reuters. New York and Connecticut sued the EPA specifically for shirking its obligations under the Clean Air Act. The Clean Air Act's "Good Neighbor" provision mandates that the EPA and states act to mitigate the spread of air pollution across state lines when it could impact the air quality standards of downwind states. "Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA has a duty to take action when upwind states do not meet certain air quality standards and, in this case, the EPA clearly failed to do so," Connecticut Attorney General George Jepsen said in a statement reported by the Daily Courier-Observer. "We are gratified by the district court's ruling in this matter, and we will continue to work with our partners in New York to hold EPA accountable on this and other matters where it has not met its legal obligations." An EPA spokesperson told Reuters that the agency would act this month to draft "an action that will address any remaining good neighbor obligations related to the 2008 ozone standard for these and other states," and finalize it by December. Samsung Electronics announced Thursday an aim to source 100 percent renewable energy for its energy used in all of its factories, office buildings and operational facilities in the U.S., Europe and China by 2020. Specific locations were chosen as they are "well-equipped with infrastructure for the development and transmission of renewable energy," the South Korean tech giant said on its website. Samsung has 17 of its 38 global manufacturing factories, offices and buildings in those markets. As part of its initial commitment, the company will install around 42,000 square meters of solar panels at its headquarters in Suwon. It will also add about 21,000 square meters of solar arrays and geothermal power generation facilities at its campuses in Pyeongtaek and Hwaseong. What's more, the electronics firm plans to work with 100 of its top partner companies to assist their own renewable energy targets in alignment with the Carbon Disclosure Project supply chain program, which Samsung intends to join next year. The Carbon Disclosure Project's supply chain program helps organizations and suppliers identify and manage climate change risks, as well as deforestation and water-related risks. "Samsung Electronics is fulfilling its duty as a corporate citizen by expanding and supporting the use of renewable energy," said Won Kyong Kim, Samsung Electronics' executive vice president and head of global public affairs, in a statement. "As demonstrated by our expanded commitment, we are focused on protecting our planet and are doing our part as a global environmental steward." Further details regarding the company's renewable energy plans will be disclosed in Samsung's sustainability report 2018 to be released Friday. The announcement was celebrated by environmental organizations. Greenpeace noted that Samsung's commitmentthe first from an Asian electronics manufacturing companycomes after months of campaigning and global protests pushing the company to set clear renewable energy goals for its operations and supply chain. According to a Greenpeace press release, renewable energy currently accounts for only 1 percent of Samsung Electronics' total energy consumption. "Samsung's announcement is a major step forward for the movement to build a renewably powered future," Jennifer Morgan, Greenpeace International's executive director, said in a statement. "If the company follows through with meaningful actions, it will join the ranks of innovative business leaders recognizing the sense of urgency around climate change and showing a different future is still possible." Samsung's move follows efforts made by other major tech brands. In April, Apple announced that its global facilities are now powered with 100 percent clean energy. The same month, Google also announced it now purchases more renewable energy than it consumes as a company. Insung Lee, IT campaigner at Greenpeace East Asia, urged other companies to follow suit and advocated for governments to promote policies that allow companies to easily procure renewable energy. "[Samsung's] commitment could have an enormous impact in reducing the company's massive global manufacturing footprint, and shows how critical industry participation is in reducing emissions and accelerating the transition to renewable energy," Lee stated. "Greenpeace and the thousands who took action with us will be watching Samsung carefully to ensure it follows through on its commitments," Lee noted. Despite a worldwide ban on the transportation of shark fins by major shipping carriers, a three-month investigation by Sea Shepherd Globalas part of their global shark defense campaign Operation Apex Harmonyhas verified that large shipments of shark fin are still arriving in Hong Kong on airlines and shipping lines that have made "No Shark Fin" carriage ban commitments. Sharks are in big trouble around the world, with some populations crashing by more than 90 percent. Some species, such as the hammerhead shark, are facing a very real threat of extinction. A growing consortium of major shipping lines, airlines and non-governmental organization's met with senior members of Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department and Hong Kong Agriculture, Fisheries and Conservation Department last Friday to brief them on the Sea Shepherd Global investigation findings and discuss matters relating to wildlife crime. Top of the agenda was how to prevent products from the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Specieslisted endangered species from being unknowingly shipped. These included many types of vulnerable and endangered shark fin found in the Hong Kong shark fin trade, such as hammerhead shark and oceanic whitetip shark. A History of the Shark Fin Transport Bans Since 2010, international wildlife conservation groups have been focusing on the shark fin supply chain by lobbying both airlines and shipping lines to ban the transport of shark fins and shark products. Yet the laundering of fins taken from illegal species of sharks inside consignments of fins from legal yet unsustainably-fished shark species is still rife. To their credit, Maersk, the world's largest shipping line, led the way as the first company to implement a worldwide ban on shark fin carriage in 2010, with 16 of the world's leading container shipping lines soon following their example. "Maersk Line is committed to enforcing our policy not to carry sharks fin products on our ships. It is frustrating that some traders seemingly mis-declare the cargo they intend to ship with us in order to try to get around the restrictions we have put in place. However, we are grateful to Sea Shepherd for their investigative work to highlight this problem and we are working with Sea Shepherd and other NGOs as well as with HK Customs and other stakeholders to tighten our procedures to ensure the ban we place on carriage of shark fin is effective in the future," said Tim Smith, chairman and chief representative of the North Asia region, Maersk. A shark fin worker unloading one of the 45 foot Maersk containers in Sheung Wan, Hong Kong. Gary Stokes / Sea Shepherd Global Around 92 percent of shark fins entering Hong Kong arrive via sea freight, while the remaining 8 percent arrive via air cargo. Having worked with a number of locally and internationally respected conservation specialists since 2010, the Hong Kong-based carrier Cathay Pacific became the first airline to place an initial ban on un-sustainable shark and shark products, including shark's fin, in September 2012, extending to a full ban on shark's fin in June 2016. "As a signatory to the United for Wildlife Transport Taskforce Buckingham Palace Declaration, Cathay Pacific is committed to not knowingly facilitate or tolerate the carriage of illegal wildlife products. This is an important initiative by Sea Shepherd and we will support it as much as we can to close out any loopholes that affect the effectiveness of our embargo policies," said Evelyn Chan, head of Environmental Affairs at Cathay Pacific Airways. The airlines campaign was led by Alex Hofford, now of WildAid Hong Kong and supported by around 30 global marine conservation and animal welfare groups, including Sea Shepherd and the World Wildlife Fund. Evidence the Ban Hasn't Been Working As with most environmental issues, the first challenge is to change the rules. But the second and much harder challenge is to enforce those rules. Despite recent media claims that the trade is down overall, Sea Shepherd Global began its investigation after seeing evidence of large shipments of shark fins arriving in Hong Kong's Sheung Wan district. "The months leading up to Chinese New Year are always the busiest months for the shark fin traders as they seek to fulfill the demand of the mainland Chinese market during the festive holiday," said Gary Stokes, Sea Shepherd Global's South East Asia director. Unloading a delivery of shark fins that were carried unknowingly by Maersk who have a "No Shark Fin Ban." Gary Stokes / Sea Shepherd Global The three-month long investigation documented large shipments arriving by carriers who have pledged to ban the transport of shark fins, including two 45-foot containers full of shark fins from the Middle East which arrived in Maersk containers. An airfreight shipment on Virgin Australia Cargo and Cathay Pacific which had been falsely declared as "fish products" was not identified by customs. The exporter who attempted to transport these goods has now been blacklisted by Virgin Australia Cargo which has a ban on the transportation of shark fins. The problem that companies such as Virgin, Maersk and Cathay Pacific are now facing is that shark fin traders are abusing the system by fraudulently mis-declaring and mis-labeling shark fin under generic categories such as "seafood," "dried seafood," "dried goods" or "dried marine products" to avoid detection. "It's so sad what the team at Sea Shepherd has managed to discover. Thousands and thousands of sharks slaughtered just for their fins to be turned into bowls of soup. For those people who have knowingly participated they need to hang their heads in shame. For Sea Shepherd and the team led by Gary Stokes, they need to be congratulated for exposing this foul and sometimes illegal trade," said Richard Branson, founder of Virgin Group. "Well over thirty airlines and just under twenty container shipping lines now operate No Shark Fin cargo bans. Yet some airlines, such and Japan Airlines and All Nippon Airlines, are resisting industry best practice and are still propping up the crime-ridden shark fin trade. WildAid is calling on all passenger airlines, cargo airlines, container shipping lines as well as express parcel carriers such as FedEx and TNT, to act sustainably, ethicallyand above all legallyby ruling out dirty shark fin shipments from their cargo holds," said Alex Hofford, of WildAid. Working Together to Close the Loopholes Presented with the evidence, Maersk, Cathay Pacific and Virgin are now working in close collaboration with Sea Shepherd Global and WildAid to close all remaining loopholes being exploited by the shark fin trade. "A full review is being undertaken of their booking procedures and alert mechanisms to help them enforce their bans," said Stokes. Inside a shark fin warehouse in Hong Kong with a large shipment of sharks fins. Gary Stokes / Sea Shepherd Global All international trade is monitored and facilitated by the World Customs Organization, which maintains a detailed list of Harmonized Shipping Codes (HS Codes). These are 6-digit codes (HK goes one step further by increasing to 8-digits) which can show, at a granular level, the exact contents of a cargo shipment. However HS Codes are right now only being used to track import/export data exclusively for statistical reasons, with trade declarations only being filed after a shipment has arrived. Sea Shepherd Global and WildAid are calling for the switching of Hong Kong's trade documentation filing requirement to be switched from post-shipment to pre-shipment. With the availability of pre-shipment information, Hong Kong Customs and Excise Department will be able to carry out more effective risk-profiling and hence more targeted enforcement work. Mandatory filing of full HS codes prior to port arrival would ensure that airlines and shipping lines can be more certain of the exact contents of cargo shipments. Such a system is already in place in the U.S. as an effective counter-terrorism measure. Spain also operates similar, more stringent, shipping procedures that can give customs the edge over the agile transnational wildlife crime syndicates. The Hong Kong government is also calling on the public and the business sector to support the availability of pre-shipment information to align with international mainstream and best customs practices, yet is facing stiff resistance from the trade. Sea Shepherd Global has launched a full in-depth investigation into the global shark fin trade and its supply routes to provide a clearer picture to shipping companies for them to best tackle and enforce their commitments to environmentally sustainable shipping policies. Starbucks is being pressured to cut ties with popular Hong Kong restaurant chain Maxim's Caterers Limited over its offering of dishes with shark fin. Maxim's said it phased out the controversial product in 2017 but undercover investigators with the wildlife conservation charity WildAid found that the eatery still offers shark fin on a secret "premium" menu, the South China Morning Post reported. Now, activist groups are calling on the coffee giant to break its 18-year partnership with Coffee Concepts (HK) Limited, a wholly owned subsidiary of Maxim's Caterers Limited. In a letter to Starbucks executives last month, WildAid urged the company to end its relationship with Maxim's Caterers ahead of its upcoming expansion in China. "Maxim's seemingly contradictory status as Hong Kong's largest retailer of shark fin soup casts a stain on Starbucks' reputation," the letter stated, as quoted by Hong Kong Free Press. "[We] sincerely urge Starbucks to call on its Hong Kong licensee Maxim's Caterers Limited, to halt all cruel, dirty, unsustainable, and often illegal shark fin trade with immediate effect." Shark fin soup is mostly served in Chinese banquet menus as a symbol of prosperity and for its supposed health benefits. But the shark fin trade poses a danger to vulnerable shark species. More than 70 million sharks are killed each year and a quarter of species are threatened with extinction, according to the World Wildlife Fund. WildAid did not appear impressed with Starbucks' response to their letter, tweeting on Tuesday "we got the brush off from Starbucks customer service about two weeks ago. Since then, nothing." Gary Stokes, Asia director for Sea Shepherd Global, also spoke out against the partnership. "The shark fin industry is not limited to just the shark fin traders, but spans from the fisherman who killed the shark all the way to the restaurants that serve shark's fin soup," he said in a statement. "By licensing Starbucks' brand to Maxim's Caterers Limited who openly sell shark's fin on their menus, Starbucks has partnered with the shark fin trade itself." Despite the protests, Maxim's Caterers told Hong Kong Free Press on Thursday that they will continue to sell shark fin products "upon request" at their Hong Kong restaurants. They also claimed to only use shark fins from Blue Sharksa "Lower Risk-Near Threatened" species. "We have stringent sourcing process, and all suppliers must provide legal shark fin import documentations that met regulatory requirements. We are also the first Chinese chain restaurant to proactively conduct independent DNA testing on shark fin to ensure that the supply is from the lower risk species," they told the publication. In their press release, Sea Shepherd noted that Starbucks' environmental mission statement includes commitments such as "understanding of environmental issues and sharing information with our partners," "striving to buy, sell and use environmentally friendly products," and "encouraging all partners to share in our mission." Stokes commented, "None of the above points in the mission statement are in line with or justify selling shark fin soup. With between 100-200 million sharks being killed annually, no business can claim that they are environmentally friendly or responsible when they sell shark fin soup." "Starbucks needs to demand that Maxim's Caterers Limited drop shark fin from their menus across their group or cancel their license to operate Starbucks in Asia. Tarnishing the brand of Starbucks should not be an option, and Starbucks customers deserve to be informed if the mission statement has changed," Stokes concluded. EcoWatch has reached out to Starbucks for comment. San Francisco Four years ago, school district leaders did something counterintuitive in this tech-laden metropolis, where STEM isnt just a buzzword but practically a way of life. They got rid of accelerated middle-school math classes. Part of an ambitious project to end the relentless assignment of underserved students into lower-level math, the city now requires all students to take math courses of equal rigor through geometry, in classrooms that are no longer segregated by ability. That means no honors classes. No gifted track. No weighted GPAs until later in high school. No 8th grade Algebra 1. In terms of curriculum, this is about as controversial as it gets. And thats not just because of its math implications, but because of the parental pushback such a plan is guaranteed to generate. In effect, by de-tracking math classes, San Francisco has done away with one of the key avenues that the well-connected use to give their children an academic advantage. See Also Free Online Event: Gateways to STEM Education Education Week offers you a big-picture look at how states, districts, and schools can overcome the obstacles that prevent more students from succeeding in STEM as they progress through school. Oct. 23, 2018 | 1 to 3 p.m. ET Register now. Fallout was swift. Parents, concerned about rigor and whether their children would be able to take calculus by senior year, barraged everyone from the district superintendents office to City Hall with complaints and petitions. But the district has held firm, and now, preliminary evidence suggests that San Franciscos gamble may be paying dividends for black and Latino students, without hurting students who otherwise would have taken algebra earlier. But the question still remains: Is that going to be enough to keep the policy in place for years to come? Context for a Debate The 56,000-student districts theory of action is clear: Math is by far the most heavily tracked course in the American secondary education system, and the ramifications for students of color are life-altering. Federal data show that white and Asian students disproportionately take Algebra 1long seen as a critical gateway to advanced mathbefore high school, while African-American and Latino students are overrepresented among those taking it for the first time in grade 9. Many of them take it as late as their junior or senior year. Like so many other elements of K-12 education, those disparities partly reflect parents relative socioeconomic capital. Many of these parents are thinking, How can I get my kids into the few spots in Stanford and Harvard? said James Ryan, who was until last month the science, technology, engineering, and mathematics executive director for the district. They think the earlier students distinguish themselves from their peers, the better off theyll be, rather than seeing math as a platform for equity. As if the politics of de-tracking math werent bad enough, a minority of mathematicians worry that it will hold back the most math-minded studentsultimately harming Americas supply of well-trained graduates. Calculus is virtually an entrance requirement at top-tier colleges, they point out, and that usually means taking Algebra 1 in 8th grade. The tug of war over these competing beliefs has led California to experiment with just about every possible algebra permutation over a decade. In 2008, the state all but required every 8th grader to take algebra. It reversed course in 2010 after adopting the Common Core State Standards. Research paints a far more nuanced picture than either side in such debates typically acknowledge. For the average student, researchers say, early exposure to a challenging class like algebra probably does pay off. But in a 2015 study, the University of North Carolinas Thurston Domina and colleagues tracked how Californias uneven 8th grade algebra-for-all rollout played out across districts. In a surprise finding, they discovered that higher enrollments in early algebra were linked to a decline in students scores on a state math test. I think the failure of 8th grade algebra was one of just not preparing teachers and school leaders to understand the policy and to implement it well, said Domina, an associate professor of education policy and sociology. The whole idea was to have heterogeneous, rigorous classes, and schools didnt have the capacity to pull that off. A New Approach With that history in mind, San Franciscos commitment to de-tracking math tries to navigate between two rocky shoals: politics and implementation. To address the first, the district permits students to accelerate after completing Algebra 1 in 9th grademost notably through a compressed class combining Algebra 2 and precalculus. That way, students can still take advanced math as upperclassmen. All of the acceleration paths are family and student choices, not based on test scores or teacher preference, Ryan said. You make the choice when youre 16, when you actually know a bit more about what kind of student you are. It can still be difficult to explain the theory of action behind the new course sequence to parents, especially when they carry a preconception of which students should be grouped together in a math class, said Hoss Koch, an assistant principal at the districts Denman Middle School. In particular, Koch said, he tries to explain to parents that 8th grade math under the common core contains a significant amount of algebraic content, such as linear functions, that wasnt in earlier 8th grade math iterations. Algebra isnt so much gone from 8th grade as it is now taught much more deeply over two school years. As for implementation, San Francisco administrators have shaped day-to-day teaching and curriculum to support the districts focus on equity. Heavily based on work by Jo Boaler, a Stanford University professor of math education, the curriculum emphasizes having groups of students work through a series of ambitious math tasks. Traditional math teaching, the thinking goes, tends to reinforce rather than break down inequities. If you have a procedural textbook, not only is there nothing to collaborate about, the smart kid in the group is always the one who gets the computation right, said Lizzy Hull Barnes, the mathematics supervisor for the San Francisco district. But when students wrestle over problems together, they can use different methods, compare approaches, and figure out why some work and others dont, making all of them active participants in the learning, she said. The focus on instruction, rather than just courses, is laudableand too often absent from discussions on de-tracking, said Patrick Callahan, a math consultant who has advised California school systems, including San Franciscos, on their math programs. I talk to districts about this, and they think its like switching textbooks. Thats really missing the point, he said. Teachers React If you asked how San Franciscos math-teaching philosophy might ideally look in practice, it would probably resemble geometry teacher David Russitanos classroom. On a cloudy morning in May, his students at Burton High School are working on a probability and statistics task. They pull playing cards, one by one, out of a suit, using math to bet on whether a higher or lower card will appear next. As the lesson progresses, the questions get tougher: How do the odds change if three cards are randomly taken out of the suit? Why would you want to bet in some situations and not others? In groups, students approach the problem in different ways: One girl crosses out each card on a sheet of paper as it appears; others are more easily able to make the leap to a fraction notation. Russitano breaks in from time to time to highlight some of the strategiesa technique math leaders here call assigning competence"and correct common errors, always while posing lots of questions for students. Productive chatter is an expectation, not a rare occurrence in his classroom. Dont be this quiet! Talk about it, Russitano tells his students, during a lull in the middle of the lesson. Dont be afraid. Most teachers praise the social-justice impetus behind the math plan. But they also say that heterogeneous classes pose unique problems. Students bring vast achievement differences to class, a situation thats not helped by ambitious parents who, now, shell out thousands of dollars for students to take non-district algebra classes over the summer in the hopes of getting their children into geometry early. We have kids who have seen some of the math before. Their knowledge may not be deep, it may be procedural, but they come in thinking, I know this already. You have to authentically challenge them, too, said Daniel Yamamoto, an algebra teacher and the math-department chairman at Burton High. And there are other kids who say [in response], I have nothing I can add to this discussion. Its something that occasionally throws a wrench into the group tasks, as visits to several classrooms demonstrate. Sometimes the groups fall into tutorial mode, with one student doing most of the cognitive work on her own and then conveying her answers to the others. Getting the balance right between equity and responding to real variation in student ability makes the work quite difficult for teachers, math experts say. Tracking is an evil. But fear of tracking is a problem, because you do have to talk about differences in students backgrounds, said Phil Daro, a common-core-math writer who helped San Francisco design the new course sequence. Does It Work? This year, San Francisco got something of an ace in its back pocket to show skeptics of the plan: Data shows better math outcomes for students who took the de-tracked courses compared with the cohort before them. The number of students repeating algebra has fallen among all ethnic and racial groups, and fewer are receiving Ds and Fs in Algebra 1. About a third more students are ready for calculus, and that pool is more diverse than its ever been. While its not proof-positive that the new course sequence has caused the better outcomes, leaders say, its a hopeful sign. Nevertheless, the new math sequence remains high on parents radar. Most recently, protecting algebra appeared on the campaign platform of London Breed, a candidate in the citys June 5 mayoral election. Breed said shed create enrichment programs so motivated students whose passion is not currently met by the curriculum sequencing can thrive. (She was narrowly in second place at the time of this writing, with the outcome not yet certain.) Daro, the education consultant, said he continues to worry that San Francisco leaders decision four years ago not to offer a limited amount of Algebra 1 in 8th grade might someday backfire. I thought politically it was a mistake, he said. It may still turn out to be one. District leaders, for their part, are focused on more immediate concerns. Asked what challenges remain, Barnes points to the progress of black students as an area in which the city needs to double down. Those students have gained in math and science credits, alongside their peers, but those gains arent yet showing up on state test scores or in enrollments in AP Calculus. Her colleague Angela Torres, a math-content specialist, cites the difficulty in ensuring that all teachers feel confident in the new curriculum and teaching methods. This work is hard, and the challenge is to continue to come at it, she said. You cant just put kids in groups and hope for the best. U.S. Secretary of Education Betsy DeVos has allowed nearly half of states to get wiggle room from a provision in the Every Student Succeeds Act aimed at making sure that only a small percentage of students are taking alternative tests reserved for children with the most significant cognitive disabilities. And the process for granting that leeway has made special education advocates uneasy. Those advocates fear the departmentand the statesarent meeting transparency requirements in the law. Theyre uncertain about how monitoring these waivers from the laws requirements will work. Some are wondering just why so many states needed the flexibility in the first place. And their concerns echo others fears about the departments overall commitment to civil rights enforcement for vulnerable populations under DeVos. ESSA, which passed back in 2015, placed an overall 1 percent cap on students in each state who can be given alternate tests. That amounts to about 10 percent of students in special education. ESSA and regulations written by a group of advocates and the Education Department in 2016 allowed states to seek waivers from that requirement as long as they met certain qualifications. Twenty-three states have sought these testing waivers. And DeVos and her team granted them to at least 19 states: Arkansas, Delaware, Georgia, Idaho, Kentucky, Louisiana, Massachusetts, Michigan, Mississippi, Missouri, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, West Virginia, and Wisconsin. Three other statesArizona, Hawaii, and Indianareceived partial waivers that apply only to reading and math testing, not science assessments. Thats a lot, considering that the cap has been in law since ESSA passed back in 2015, said Ricki Sabia, a senior education policy adviser for the National Down Syndrome Congress. States should have made more of an effort since 2015 when the law was passed to bring down the participation of students taking the alternate assessment, so the waiver wouldnt be necessary, Sabia said in an email. They have known about the cap for 2.5 years, but because the waiver was available it doesnt seem like much effort was made, she said. Slow to Implement Back in the 2013-14 school year, around the time the requirement was first put in place, more than three dozen states were exceeding the cap, according to federal data. Most, however, werent dramatically over the line. Just 17 used alternative assessments with 1.31 to 2.2 percent of students. But many states didnt use the time between ESSAs passage and the first year of its implementation to begin working toward meeting the laws requirements. The statewide cap presents a challenge because there isnt a similar cap on how many students can take alternate assessments at the district level. That means if many districts in a particular state go over the cap, other districts may be even more restricted in the number of students they can test using alternate assessments. States are charged with making sure districts are choosing the right students to test using alternate measures. Two other statesMaine and Pennsylvaniaapplied for the waivers but were rejected because they did not meet test participation requirements. States must test 95 percent of all their students and 95 percent of students with disabilities before seeking a waiver. Neither state met the testing participation requirement for students with disabilities. But alarmingly for advocates, the rejection letters did not include any information on next steps, meaning what the states should do if they were unable to stick to the one 1 percent cap. Elizabeth Hill, a spokeswoman for the department, said the agencys office of elementary and secondary education and the office of special education and rehabilitative services stand ready to provide technical assistance to states regarding how to stay under the cap. Advocates also point out that states seeking waivers must provide data showing the number of students in each subgroup that last year took, or are now slated to take, alternate assessments. That way advocates can see if, for example, racial minorities are being disproportionately held to different standards. And states are supposed to make the requests public, and give the education community a chance to comment, advocates say. Most states that received waivers did not take this step, said Candace Cortiella, the founder of the Advocacy Institute, a non-profit that works to improve the lives of people with disabilities. In fact, the majority of states did not make their applications publicly available at all, she said. There were a few exceptions, she said, including Kentucky. Advocates asked the Education Department to publish state waiver requests on its website, making the request both in an in-person meeting in early April, and by letter. So far, the department has declined. Many states are still not making the waiver requests publicly available so parents and advocates can see the data provided and the steps that the states promised to take to lower the participation rate to meet the cap. We have asked the department to post the waiver requests (not just approval letters) but that hasnt happened, said Cortiella in an email. In response, Hill said the department does not post incoming waiver requests of any kind. But, she added, the agency does post both approvals and denials. That, she said, provides increased transparency over the last administration when only approvals were posted. Concerns About Monitoring Advocates also have qualms about how monitoring will work. States must help districts that go over the cap, and make sure those districts are appropriately training school staff, especially individual education program, or IEP, teams when it comes to who has a severe cognitive disability and who doesnt. We are concerned about EDs capacity to monitor the 1 percent cap waivers, Cortiella said. Shes particularly worried because it appears monitoring will fall to the elementary and secondary education office, the departments main K-12 office, rather than the special education office,, which has more expertise on the issue. The department, she said, assured her that states with waivers would get extra scrutiny, but that didnt seem sufficient, she said. Hill said that both offices have been working closely on this issue thus far and will continue to do so as we support states. She added that, the support for states, districts, and schools to provide guidance to IEP teams about determining the appropriate assessment is an important role that OSERS plays. And theres another issue that nags at special education advocates: Cortiella was told by a department official that about a dozen other states are over the testing cap but havent applied for a waiver, possibly because those states wouldnt meet the test participation requirements outlined in the law and its regulations. She hasnt been able to get additional answers from the department on which states those are or whats being done to make sure they simply arent ignoring the law. In response, Hill said its too soon to tell how many states exceeded the cap, which went into effect in the 2017-18 school year. The agency, she said, is aware that some states exceeded the cap in the 2016-17 school year, when the requirement wasnt in effect. The agency, though, wont have data on whether states busted past the 1 percent cap in the 2017-18 school year until next winter. Because of that delay, it is premature to determine what action ED may take in the event that a state exceeds 1 percent, Hill said in an email. Real estate consulting firm, JLL, has released its South African Q1 2018 market reports for key markets across the country, including the office markets in Johannesburg, Durban and Cape Town; the industrial markets in Johannesburg and Durban; and an outline of the South African retail market. The analysis sheds light on several factors impacting development, vacancies and rental growth in the current commercial property landscape. It is interesting to note that the buoyancy resulting from the appointment of a new president seems to be fading, with the Rand seeing new weakening at the end of the quarter. However, developer confidence is strong across the main centres with pockets of optimism and opportunities for solid investment. The Johannesburg office market is under pressure as the vacancy rate nears 13%, the highest vacancy rate recorded since 2010. Grade P office accommodation may have the lowest rate at 5.4%, yet quality stock has witnessed a significant increase of 2.7% compared to the same period in 2017. The inner city and surrounding areas continue to exert the most pressure on the overall vacancy rate. Despite higher vacancies, Johannesburg remains the first-choice location for many corporates, with robust developer interest in the city. Activity continues be saturated in the Sandon, Rosebank and Waterfall nodes. As more high-quality accommodation becomes available, there will be opportunities for landlords to either refurbish or find alternative uses for older property, such as office to residential conversion. Economic fundamentals remain a challenge in the Johannesburg industrial market, with recent ABSA PMI figures outlining a tough market in the manufacturing sector. Producers are likely to maintain low inventories and backlogged stock in line with low demand resulting in a reduced need for storage space. It is anticipated that rental rates will remain largely unchanged for now, but this may change in the future with the growing introduction of new accommodation and recent completions likely to create an occupier market in the Johannesburg industrial real estate sector. Despite the citys water crisis, vacancies in several nodes across the Cape Town office market are down to levels rarely seen. That said, there is evidence that the five-year upward trend in rental rates is beginning to slow down, with most areas likely to have reached their peak rates. Within this environment, developer confidence is strong. The pipeline in Cape Town has increased to 63,000m in Q1 2018, almost doubling from 35,000m in Q4 2017. With projects going ahead, this sends a strong message of confidence in the city. In the Durban industrial market, low vacancy rates were recorded in the period, with analysis pointing to renewed interest in industrial accommodation in the Umbilo and Mobeni nodes. While the development pipeline is currently thinning out, it will be short-lived as recent data from Statistics South Africa indicates industrial building plans equalling 137,159m2 have been approved in the first quarter of 2018. There is no concern of oversupply as the high quality of new stock ensures it is taken up quickly. Then, the Durban office market hit an overall vacancy rate of 14.0% in Q1 2018, the highest vacancy rate that the city has seen in years. However, a closer look reveals that vacancies only increased in Grade C accommodation, reflecting the transition to higher quality stock. While developer confidence is high and rental rates remain largely unchanged, it is difficult to tell the direction that the KwaZulu-Natal market will go. A sizable percentage of new developments are pre-let, pointing to a spike in vacancies when these buildings are ready for occupation. A telling sign will be if new buildings are able to achieve higher asking rentals despite the stagnation in demand. If yes, this points to a quality issue, if not, it will raise concerns of an occupier market developing in the city. The South African retail market is seeing increased pressure across all types of shopping centres as trading density growth has slowed further. Shopping centre performance varies significantly, depending on their sensitivity to economic growth and consumer spending. Smaller retail centres, for instance, continue to outperform the bigger ones. While the average vacancy rate has edged up marginally to 4.2% from 4.0% in the previous quarter, there is still some positivity in the market. Consumer confidence for Q1 2018 reached a record high of +26 index points, surpassing the 10-year record level of +23 index points (FNB/BER Consumer Confidence Index). 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. 2018-06-14 Maeci The Minister of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation, Enzo Moavero Milanesi, today met with the diplomatic representatives of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC) and of the Muslim community at the evening meal of Iftar, the traditional date-eating ceremony that marks the end of month-long fast of Ramadan, celebrated by the Imam of the Rome Mosque, Salah Ramadan El-Sayed. In his greeting, Minister Moavero said: Italys position at the centre of the Mediterranean, our closeness to the Islamic world, and our centuries-long commercial and cultural exchanges, have shaped our way of approaching the world, which includes the strong friendship relationship and harmony with the Muslim people. He added: Now more than ever, in an interconnected world, understanding others and other peoples points of view is an essential value. Listening to each other is the seed through which to relaunch interreligious dialogue and cooperation, especially in those areas of the world where peaceful coexistence between people of different creed, ethnic origin and cultural belonging is more difficult. The clash is never between religions or civilisations but between men of peace and hate mongers. The chief Italian diplomat also addressed a personal thought to the people of Syria, Iraq, Libya and Palestine and of the numerous other countries under the threat of conflict and instability, pointing to the need for wider-reaching support by the international community in the stabilisation of the major regional crises and the construction of a stable order in an Enlarged Mediterranean. Minister Moavero said: Combating radicalisation and violent extremism, in addition to a security-oriented approach, also requires direct cooperation between civil societies, and expressed appreciation for the actions of different groups of the Islamic Community present in Italy aimed at supporting interreligious and intercultural dialogue. The Foreign Minister concluded by recalling that interreligious dialogue and defending the freedom of religion are the central themes of the 2018 Italian Chairmanship of the OSCE and of our Countrys foreign policy because the freedom of religion is an essential principle of human coexistence and of the relations between States in order to create conditions of peace and security, he said. The event, now at its 13th edition, testifies to the close relations established with the whole Muslim world as well as the attention and respect with which Italy looks to Muslim Countries, their regional organizations and the promotion of intercultural and interreligious dialogue with the Muslim world. The ceremony was held in Villa Madama in Rome at the attendance of numerous dignitaries, including the Secretary General of the Islamic Cultural Centre of Italy, Abdellah Redouane; the Imam of the Islamic Cultural Centre of Italy, Sheikh Salah Ramadan; the Secretary of the Commission for Agreements with Religious Denominations at the Prime Ministers Office, Anna Nardini; the Director of the Office of the Muslim World League in Italy, Abdulaziz Alsarhan; the Vice President of the Islamic Religious Community in Italy, Yahya Pallavicini, and the Chairman of the Board of Directors of the Islamic Cultural Centre of Italy, Khalid Chaouqui. 2018-06-14 Maeci OSCE Chairperson-in-Office, Italys Foreign Minister Enzo Moavero Milanesi and OSCE Secretary General Thomas Greminger welcomed the announcement of an agreement between Athens and Skopje on resolving the name issue, which they hailed as a major step towards advancing good neighbourly relations and regional co-operation. Congratulations to Prime Ministers Alexis Tsipras and Zoran Zaev for their leadership and commitment to this momentous process for both countries and for Europe as a whole, Chairperson Moavero said. This is a unique opportunity that one must seize and further build upon. Secretary General Greminger stressed the significance of dialogue and compromise in this process. This historic agreement can now lead to a long-term solution for the benefit of all citizens and the entire region. The Secretary General also expressed his appreciation to the United Nations, which has led mediation efforts to resolve this dispute for more than 25 years. 2018-06-14 Maeci The concert Antonio Maiello and les AMIS DU MONDE on Monday 11 June 2018 was a great success at the Ibn Zeydoun room in Algiers. Organized by the Italian Embassy and the Italian Cultural Institute in Algiers together with the Ministry of Culture and the Office Riad el Feth, the musical event took place as part of the "Italia Culture Mediterraneo" Cultural Program, which the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and International Cooperation is implementing for 2018 in the MENA region through its foreign network. Accompanied by thirteen musicians of different nationalities, including nine Algerians, Neapolitan composer and musician, Maestro Antonio Maiello, performed an assorted and composite repertoire that ranged from jazz to blues and the Mediterranean melodic tradition. The presence of Algerian musicians was an added value for the concert. It is the final outcome of a project developed by Maiello and is aimed at creating an Italian-Algerian youth orchestra. With the backing and support of the Italian Cultural Institute of Algiers, the project consisted of two phases: the selection of young Algerian talents and their training. It was an intense activity that kept Maestro Maiello engaged for two months from April to June. Washington, DC (June 14, 2018) --The American College of Physicians (ACP), together with the American Medical Association, the American Academy of Family Physicians, the American Academy of Pediatrics, and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry have filed an amicus curiae (friend of the court) brief in the case of Texas vs. the United States. The College strongly opposes a lawsuit that would jeopardize key health care protections patients rely on that were put in place by the Affordable Care Act (ACA). ACP is concerned that this case risks turning back the clock on federal health policy and that it would disregard several vital provisions of the ACA-- making it harder for patients to access care and for physicians to treat them. Should the case move forward, protections for patients with pre-existing conditions would be eliminated; annual and life-time dollar limits on coverage plans could be reinstated, negatively impacting patients who need it the most; and individuals under the age of 26 would no longer be eligible to be covered by their parents' health plans. ACP has long advocated for changes to the nation's health care system that will make health care more affordable and accessible for all Americans. We fear that this case would do the opposite. Further, it would destabilize the insurance market and make it increasingly difficult for Americans to enroll in coverage plans that meet their needs. The amicus brief that was submitted today aligns with ACP's longstanding advocacy goal of ensuring that the country's health care system protects and provides for patients rather than taking away much-needed protections and resources. ACP is ready to work with Congress and the administration to ensure that misguided health care policies are not put above the well-being of patients. ### About the American College of Physicians The American College of Physicians is the largest medical specialty organization in the United States with members in more than 145 countries worldwide. ACP membership includes 152,000 internal medicine physicians (internists), related subspecialists, and medical students. Internal medicine physicians are specialists who apply scientific knowledge and clinical expertise to the diagnosis, treatment, and compassionate care of adults across the spectrum from health to complex illness. Follow ACP on Twitter and Facebook. WASHINGTON, June 14, 2018 -- Are you breathing air molecules that were once exhaled by Caesar, Joan of Arc or Madame Curie? And why did Albert Einstein try to break into the refrigerator business? Writer Sam Kean, author of Caesar's Last Breath and The Disappearing Spoon, explains in this video, in which Reactions partners with PBS to find America's favorite book as part of the Great American Read: https://youtu.be/a4v5U4J373k. ### Reactions is a video series produced by the American Chemical Society and PBS Digital Studios. Subscribe to Reactions at http://bit.ly/ACSReactions, and follow us on Twitter @ACSreactions. 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 press releases from the American Chemical Society, contact newsroom@acs.org. Follow us: Twitter Facebook Instagram DALLAS, June 14, 2018 - Flavor additives used in electronic cigarettes and related tobacco products could impair blood vessel function and may be an early indicator of heart damage, according to new laboratory research in Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology, an American Heart Association journal. The health effects of "combustible" tobacco products including traditional cigarettes and hookah are well-established, but the potential dangers of e-cigarettes have not yet been extensively studied. E-cigarettes are battery-powered devices that heat a liquid -- including tobacco-derived nicotine, flavoring and other additives -- and produce an aerosol that is inhaled. Nine chemical flavorings - menthol (mint), acetylpyridine (burnt flavor), vanillin (vanilla), cinnamaldehyde (cinnamon), eugenol (clove), diacetyl (butter), dimethylpyrazine (strawberry), isoamyl acetate (banana) and eucalyptol (spicy cooling) - which are widely used in e-cigarettes, hookah, little cigars and cigarillos were tested for their short-term effects on endothelial cells, the cells which line the blood vessels and the inside of the heart. Researchers found all nine flavors were dangerous to cells in the laboratory at the highest levels tested and all the flavorings impaired nitric oxide production in endothelial cells in culture (outside of the body). Several of the flavorings - menthol, clove, vanillin, cinnamon and burnt flavoring - resulted in higher levels of an inflammatory marker and lower levels of nitric oxide, a molecule that inhibits inflammation and clotting, and regulates vessels' ability to widen in response to greater blood flow. "Increased inflammation and a loss of nitric oxide are some of the first changes to occur leading up to cardiovascular disease and events like heart attacks and stroke, so they are considered early predictors of heart disease," said lead study author Jessica L. Fetterman, Ph.D., assistant professor of medicine at Boston University School of Medicine in Massachusetts. "Our findings suggest that these flavoring additives may have serious health consequences." Endothelial cells were collected from volunteers (nine non-smokers/non-e-cigarette users; six non-menthol and six menthol cigarette smokers) and tested in the lab. Researchers found that both groups of smokers had a similar deficit in nitric oxide production when stimulated by a chemical called A23187. Nonsmokers' cells that were treated with menthol or a clove flavoring also had impaired nitric oxide production, suggesting those flavorings cause damage like that found in active smokers. The team also exposed commercially-available human aortic endothelial cells to the flavorings. Burnt flavor, vanilla, cinnamon and clove flavors impaired nitric oxide production and boosted an inflammatory chemical called interleukin-6 (IL-6) at all concentrations tested, suggesting the endothelium is particularly sensitive to these flavors. Menthol applied to the cells increased IL-6 at high concentrations and reduced nitric oxide even at low doses. In smokers, scientists don't see differences in heart disease between menthol and non-menthol users -- probably because cigarette smoke is overwhelmingly toxic, Fetterman said. "But menthol is certainly not a benign player, based upon our work." At the highest levels tested, all nine chemicals caused cell death, while at lower levels cinnamon, clove, strawberry, banana and spicy cooling flavor did. Dimethylpyrazine/strawberry flavor had that effect even at very low levels, suggesting endothelial cells are especially sensitive to it. Vanillin and eugenol also increased oxidative stress in the cells. Three flavorings were tested when heated, to mimic what happens in e-cigarettes. Nitric oxide production was impaired with vanillin and eugenol, but not with menthol. "Our work and prior research have provided evidence that flavorings induce toxicity in the lung and cardiovascular systems. Flavorings are also a driver of youth tobacco use and sustained tobacco use among smokers," Fetterman said. A key strength of the new research was that it directly tested effects of just the flavorings, at levels likely to be reached in the body. Limitations include the fact that testing did not heat all the flavorings or include other chemicals used in e-cigarettes. Also, the study gauged just the flavorings' short-term effects and captured these with cells outside the body, not inside. "We still don't know what concentrations of the flavorings make it inside the body," Fetterman said. Most adult e-cigarette users are current or former combustible cigarette smokers who may use e-cigarettes as an aid in smoking cessation or as a harm-reduction tool. In addition, e-cigarette use by youth is rising rapidly with 37 percent of high schoolers reporting they have had an e-cigarette in 2015. Flavored tobacco products are a major driver of experimentation among youth. The American Heart Association cautions against the use of e-cigarettes, stating that e-cigarettes containing nicotine are tobacco products that should be subject to all laws that apply to these products. The Association also calls for strong new regulations to prevent access, sales and marketing of e-cigarettes to youth, and for more research into the product's health impact. ### Co-authors are Robert M. Weisbrod, M.S.; Bihua Feng, M.D.; Reena Bastin; Shawn T. Tuttle; Monica Holbrook, M.S.; Gregory Baker; Rose Marie Robertson, M.D.; Daniel J. Conklin, Ph.D.; Aruni Bhatnagar, Ph.D.; and Naomi M. Hamburg, M.D. Author disclosures are on the manuscript. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute, Food and Drug Administration Center for Tobacco Products and the American Heart Association funded the study. Additional Resources: Photos/video are on the right column of the release link https://newsroom.heart.org/news/tobacco-aside-e-cigarette-flavorings-may-harm-blood-vessels?preview=cc97110987b422ca762cf93b7a70d2bb After June 14, view the manuscript online. AHA e-cigarette policy Follow AHA/ASA news on Twitter @HeartNews For the updates and new science from the Arteriosclerosis, Thrombosis and Vascular Biology journal follow @atvbahajournals Statements and conclusions of study authors published in American Heart Association scientific journals are solely those of the study authors and do not necessarily reflect the association's policy or position. The association makes no representation or guarantee as to their accuracy or reliability. The association receives funding primarily from individuals; foundations and corporations (including pharmaceutical, device manufacturers and other companies) also make donations and fund specific association programs and events. The association has strict policies to prevent these relationships from influencing the science content. Revenues from pharmaceutical and device corporations and health insurance providers are available at http://www.heart.org/corporatefunding. About the American Heart Association The American Heart Association is devoted to saving people from heart disease and stroke - the two leading causes of death in the world. We team with millions of volunteers to fund innovative research, fight for stronger public health policies and provide lifesaving tools and information to prevent and treat these diseases. The Dallas-based association is the nation's oldest and largest voluntary organization dedicated to fighting heart disease and stroke. To learn more or to get involved, call 1-800-AHA-USA1, visit heart.org or call any of our offices around the country. Follow us on Facebook and Twitter. New research led by the American Museum of Natural History has uncovered five new species of snakes in Ecuador and Peru with peculiar dining etiquette: they suck the viscous bodies of snails out of their shells. The new species, most of which are considered endangered or vulnerable, are described in a study published today in the journal Zookeys, which also includes a new evolutionary tree for the diverse group of snail eaters in Central and South America. "Believe or not, there is an entire group of snakes for which snails are food from the gods," said lead author Alejandro Arteaga, a comparative biology Ph.D.-degree student in the Museum's Richard Gilder Graduate School. "But sadly, four of the five species we discovered are already facing the possibility of becoming extinct, as the forests remaining for them to survive are almost completely destroyed." With more than 70 currently recognized species, snail-eating snakes are among the most diverse groups of tree-dwelling snakes. These snakes possess uniquely modified jaws, which give them the ability to suck the slimy body of a snail from its shell. Arteaga collaborated with Alex Pyron from The George Washington University to conduct a series of expeditions to rainforests in Ecuador between 2013 and 2017, which led to the discovery of three of the five new species: Dipsas bobridgelyi, considered endangered under International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) criteria, Sibon bevridgelyi, considered vulnerable; and Dipsas klebbai. During the same period of time, two new species were also found in dry forests by scientists based in Ecuador and Peru: Dipsas oswaldobaezi and Dipsas georgejetti, both considered vulnerable. The most threatened of the newly discovered species, D. bobridgelyi, is known only from four patches of forest lacking connectivity between them, and its habitat is severely fragmented and declining in extent and quality due to deforestation. Only two of the localities where D. bobridgelyi is found--the Buenaventura Reserve in Ecuador and the Tumbes National Reserve in Peru--are currently protected. To confirm these five snakes as new species, the researchers gathered measurements from more than 200 museum specimens and extracted DNA from nearly 100 individual snakes. They also used the data to build an evolutionary tree that includes 43 snail-eating snake species, 24 of which hadn't been included in previous analyses. In addition to describing the five new species and redefining limits of genera, species, and species groups among the snakes, the researchers made changes to the known geographic distribution of several Andean species. But they note that more work lays ahead. "Our results and the results of other recent researchers indicate that more taxonomic changes are needed," Arteaga said. "And we suspect that there are numerous additional species to be described across all genera of this group. Unfortunately, our time to find them is likely running short. These snakes are harmless to humans, but humans are not harmless to them." ### Other researchers involved in this work include David Salazar-Valenzuela, Nicolas Penafiel, and Juan Guayasamin from the Universidad Tecnolo?gica Indoame?rica; Konrad Mebert from the Universidade Estadual de Santa Cruz; Gabriela Aguiar from Tropical Herping; Juan Carlos Sanchez from the Museo de Zoologi?a de la Universidad del Azuay; Timothy Colston from The George Washington University; Diego Cisneros-Heredia from the Universidad San Francisco de Quito; Mario Yanez-Munos from Instituto Nacional de Biodiversidad; Pablo Venegas from Centro de Ornitologi?a y Biodiversidad; and Omar Torres-Carvajal from Pontificia Universidad Cato?lica del Ecuador. Fieldwork was made possible with the support of Tropical Herping; Universidad Tecnolo?gica Indoame?rica; Pontificia Universidad Cato?lica del Ecuador; and Secretari?a de Educacio?n Superior, Ciencia, Tecnologi?a e Innovacio?n (SENESCYT). Laboratory work was carried out at Universidad Tecnolo?gica Indoame?rica and Pontificia Universidad Cato?lica del Ecuador in Quito. Sequencing was made possible with support of The George Washington University, Universidad Tecnolo?gica Indoame?rica, the U.S. National Science Foundation (grant #s DBI-0905765 and DEB-1441719), Universidad Tecnolo?gica Indoame?rica, and Pontificia Universidad Cato?lica del Ecuador and SENESCYT under the 'Arca de Noe?' Initiative. Zookeys paper: https://doi.org/10.3897/zookeys.766.24523 AMERICAN MUSEUM OF NATURAL HISTORY (AMNH.ORG) The American Museum of Natural History, founded in 1869, is one of the world's preeminent scientific, educational, and cultural institutions. The Museum encompasses 45 permanent exhibition halls, including those in the Rose Center for Earth and Space and the Hayden Planetarium, as well as galleries for temporary exhibitions. It is home to the Theodore Roosevelt Memorial, New York State's official memorial to its 33rd governor and the nation's 26th president, and a tribute to Roosevelt's enduring legacy of conservation. The Museum's five active research divisions and three cross-disciplinary centers support approximately 200 scientists, whose work draws on a world-class permanent collection of more than 34 million specimens and artifacts, as well as specialized collections for frozen tissue and genomic and astrophysical data, and one of the largest natural history libraries in the world. Through its Richard Gilder Graduate School, it is the only American museum authorized to grant the Ph.D. degree. Beginning in 2015, the Richard Gilder Graduate School also began granting the Master of Arts in Teaching (MAT) degree, the only such freestanding museum program. Annual visitation has grown to approximately 5 million, and the Museum's exhibitions and Space Shows are seen by millions more in venues on six continents. The Museum's website, mobile apps, and MOOCs (massive open online courses) extend its scientific research and collections, exhibitions, and educational programs to additional audiences around the globe. Visit amnh.org for more information. Follow Become a fan of the Museum on Facebook at facebook.com/naturalhistory, follow us on Twitter at @AMNH, on Instagram at @AMNH, and on Tumblr at amnhnyc. (Carlisle, Pa., June 13, 2018) - New research published today in the journal Science Advances overturns more than a century of thought about the source of turquoise used by ancient civilizations in Mesoamerica, the vast region that extends from Central Mexico to Central America. For more than 150 years, scholars have argued that the Aztec and Mixtec civilizations, which revered the precious, blue-green mineral, acquired it through import from the American Southwest. However, extensive geochemical analyses reveal that the true geologic source of Aztec and Mixtec turquoise lies within Mesoamerica. Geochemist Alyson Thibodeau, assistant professor of earth sciences at Dickinson College, and a team of researchers from the University of Arizona, California State University at San Bernardino, and the Museo del Templo Mayor in Mexico City, measured the isotopic signatures of Mesoamerican turquoise artifacts associated with both the Aztecs and Mixtecs. These isotopic signatures function like fingerprints that can be used to determine the geologic origins of the turquoise. Specifically, Thibodeau and her research team carried out analyses of lead and strontium isotopes on fragments of turquoise-encrusted mosaics, which are one of the most iconic forms of ancient Mesoamerican art. Their samples include dozens of turquoise mosaic tiles excavated from offerings within the Templo Mayor, the ceremonial and ritual center of the Aztec empire, and which is located in present-day Mexico City. They also analyzed five tiles associated with Mixteca-style objects held by the Smithsonian's National Museum of the American Indian. The analyses revealed that turquoise artifacts had isotopic signatures consistent with geology of Mesoamerica, not the Southwestern United States. "This work revises our understanding of these relatively rare objects and provides a new perspective on the availability of turquoise, which was a highly valued luxury resource in ancient Mesoamerica," said Thibodeau. The work is the result of a decade-long collaboration between archaeologists and isotope geochemists to understand the nature of turquoise circulation and trade across southwestern North America. In earlier published research, Thibodeau showed that isotopic signatures could distinguish among turquoise deposits across the southwestern U.S. and identified the geologic sources of turquoise artifacts from archaeological sites in Arizona and New Mexico. Thibodeau said that long-standing assumption that Mesoamerican civilizations imported turquoise from the Southwest had not been fully substantiated with evidence and that the new geochemical measurements unveil a different story. "These findings potentially re-shape our understanding of both the nature and extent of long-distance contacts between Mesoamerican and Southwestern societies, said Thibodeau. "I hope this inspires people to be skeptical of claims." ### About Dickinson College Dickinson is a nationally recognized liberal-arts college chartered in 1783 in Carlisle, Pa. The highly selective college is home to 2,400 students from across the nation and around the world. Defining characteristics of a Dickinson education include a focus on global education?at home and abroad?and study of the environment and sustainability, which is integrated into the curriculum and the campus and exemplifies the college's commitment to providing an education for the common good. http://www.dickinson.edu The discovery changes our understanding of the basic mechanism of photosynthesis and should rewrite the textbooks. It will also tailor the way we hunt for alien life and provide insights into how we could engineer more efficient crops that take advantage of longer wavelengths of light. The discovery, published today in Science, was led by Imperial College London, supported by the BBSRC, and involved groups from the ANU in Canberra, the CNRS in Paris and Saclay and the CNR in Milan. The vast majority of life on Earth uses visible red light in the process of photosynthesis, but the new type uses near-infrared light instead. It was detected in a wide range of cyanobacteria (blue-green algae) when they grow in near-infrared light, found in shaded conditions like bacterial mats in Yellowstone and in beach rock in Australia. As scientists have now discovered, it also occurs in a cupboard fitted with infrared LEDs in Imperial College London. Photosynthesis beyond the red limit The standard, near-universal type of photosynthesis uses the green pigment, chlorophyll-a, both to collect light and use its energy to make useful biochemicals and oxygen. The way chlorophyll-a absorbs light means only the energy from red light can be used for photosynthesis. Since chlorophyll-a is present in all plants, algae and cyanobacteria that we know of, it was considered that the energy of red light set the 'red limit' for photosynthesis; that is, the minimum amount of energy needed to do the demanding chemistry that produces oxygen. The red limit is used in astrobiology to judge whether complex life could have evolved on planets in other solar systems. However, when some cyanobacteria are grown under near-infrared light, the standard chlorophyll-a-containing systems shut down and different systems containing a different kind of chlorophyll, chlorophyll-f, takes over. Until now, it was thought that chlorophyll-f just harvested the light. The new research shows that instead chlorophyll-f plays the key role in photosynthesis under shaded conditions, using lower-energy infrared light to do the complex chemistry. This is photosynthesis 'beyond the red limit'. Lead researcher Professor Bill Rutherford, from the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial, said: "The new form of photosynthesis made us rethink what we thought was possible. It also changes how we understand the key events at the heart of standard photosynthesis. This is textbook changing stuff." Preventing damage by light Another cyanobacterium, Acaryochloris, is already known to do photosynthesis beyond the red limit. However, because it occurs in just this one species, with a very specific habitat, it had been considered a 'one-off'. Acaryochloris lives underneath a green sea-squirt that shades out most of the visible light leaving just the near-infrared. The chlorophyll-f based photosynthesis reported today represents a third type of photosynthesis that is widespread. However, it is only used in special infrared-rich shaded conditions; in normal light conditions, the standard red form of photosynthesis is used. It was thought that light damage would be more severe beyond the red limit, but the new study shows that it is not a problem in stable, shaded environments. Co-author Dr Andrea Fantuzzi, from the Department of Life Sciences at Imperial, said: "Finding a type of photosynthesis that works beyond the red limit changes our understanding of the energy requirements of photosynthesis. This provides insights into light energy use and into mechanisms that protect the systems against damage by light." These insights could be useful for researchers trying to engineer crops to perform more efficient photosynthesis by using a wider range of light. How these cyanobacteria protect themselves from damage caused by variations in the brightness of light could help researchers discover what is feasible to engineer into crop plants. Textbook-changing insights More detail could be seen in the new systems than has ever been seen before in the standard chlorophyll-a systems. The chlorophylls often termed 'accessory' chlorophylls were actually performing the crucial chemical step, rather than the textbook 'special pair' of chlorophylls in the centre of the complex. This indicates that this pattern holds for the other types of photosynthesis, which would change the textbook view of how the dominant form of photosynthesis works. Dr Dennis Nurnberg, the first author and initiator of the study, said: "I did not expect that my interest in cyanobacteria and their diverse lifestyles would snowball into a major change in how we understand photosynthesis. It is amazing what is still out there in nature waiting to be discovered." Peter Burlinson, lead for frontier bioscience at BBSRC - UKRI says, "This is an important discovery in photosynthesis, a process that plays a crucial role in the biology of the crops that feed the world. Discoveries like this push the boundaries of our understanding of life and Professor Bill Rutherford and the team at Imperial should be congratulated for revealing a new perspective on such a fundamental process." ### INDIANAPOLIS -- A study by researchers investigating the 2015 HIV outbreak in Scott County, Indiana, found that a syringe services program is an important tool to control and prevent HIV outbreaks among people who inject drugs in a nonurban area. Researchers said the program resulted in a rapid reduction in injection-related risk behaviors, including an 88 percent reduction in syringe sharing, a 79 percent reduction in syringe sharing to divide drugs and an 81 percent reduction in sharing of other injection equipment. There were 181 HIV infections diagnosed between Nov. 18, 2014, and Nov. 1, 2015, in Scott County, making it the largest HIV outbreak in a nonurban area in the U.S. among people who inject drugs. The syringe services program was initially implemented on an emergency basis to combat the outbreak. It was the first time such a program had been tried in a nonurban area in the United States. Syringe services programs provide clients with sterile syringes along with prevention, education and social services. Researchers discovered the HIV outbreak was linked to injection of Opana ER, an opioid pain medication. The research elicited specific characteristics of the drug which, when dissolved, resulted in multiple injection episodes per day and multiple injections per injection episode, and prompted officials from Indiana and the Centers for Disease Control, working with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, to request that the drug's manufacturer voluntarily remove the drug from the U.S. market. A paper with the researchers' findings, "Reduction of Injection-Related Risk Behaviors After Emergency Implementation of a Syringe-Services Program During an HIV Outbreak," was recently published in the Journal of Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome. At the outset of the study, researchers knew what had happened, but not why. "An outbreak doesn't just happen in the HIV world," said Carrie Foote, an associate professor of sociology in the School of Liberal Arts at IUPUI and the co-principal investigator of the study's qualitative data. Researchers gathered two kinds of data, quantitative and qualitative, a move they believe enhanced their ability to understand what had happened in Scott County. Qualitative data was gathered from focus groups and one-on-one interviews with people who were injecting drugs in Scott County. Quantitative data came from answers by clients of the syringe services program to a set of questions asked of each person who took advantage of the program. "If we just had the quantitative data, we wouldn't have been able to dive into the unique injection practices around Opana ER, which we believe led to this outbreak of HIV," said Dr. Joan Duwve, an associate professor and associate dean of public health practice in the Richard M. Fairbanks School of Public Health at IUPUI and the lead investigator of a quantitative study further exploring the risks of acquiring HIV infection in this population. Because a single 40-milligram pill costs about $160, drug users formed networks to pool their resources to buy Opana ER, she said. Multiple people would share syringes, or reuse old syringes to draw up the dissolved pill. More water was then added to rinse the pill residue off of the cooker. Reusing the same needles, rinse solution was drawn up and injected or saved to use later. Without access to sterile syringes, people in the networks frequently shared syringes as they injected multiple times a day. One individual told the researchers he injected 50 times a day. Others described how one syringe was used over and over again until it broke off in someone's arm. "It's no wonder that as soon as someone who had HIV entered into that network, HIV spread rapidly," Foote said. "It was incredibly powerful to see how much the syringe exchange program mattered," Foote said. "They matter in all communities, but it made such a powerful difference in this particular community in terms of reducing the harm that comes from sharing syringes for multiple injections." Exploring harm-reduction measures like syringe exchange programs is part of Indiana University's Responding to the Addictions Crisis Grand Challenge, which brings together IU's world-class faculty and its business, nonprofit and government partners to create a comprehensive plan to reduce deaths from addiction, ease the burden of addiction on Hoosier communities, and improve health and economic outcomes. As part of IU's Grand Challenges program, this collaborative, statewide initiative is the nation's largest and most comprehensive university-led response to the opioid addiction crisis. ### The project's official title is 'Control systems for robotized laparoscopy instruments for autonomous tissue stitching' Russian Foundation for Basic Research and Government of Tatarstan will co-finance the winning proposal by the Intelligent Robotic Systems Lab. Intelligent robotic surgeons are very important for further robust development of medical help, especially in Russia, where a lack of qualified surgeons becomes more and more pertinent for small cities and remote rural districts. Automation of stitching procedures is one of the current research directions in laparoscopic robotics. It can help surgeons get rid of monotonous tasks which require special precision and agility. Junior Research Associate and project head Artur Sagitov explains, "We will develop and verify the first prototype of autonomous controls for stitching in dynamic circumstances and with different types of tissues. There will be models for deformable tissues, different stitch shapes, and manipulator movement planning. The integration of stereo cameras and force/moment sensors allows for more precise detection of tissue type in machine learning." ### Successful individuals who suffer from what is known as impostor syndrome believe that their success is undeserved and that others overestimate their competence. The term 'impostor syndrome' was coined in the late 1970s by two psychologists, Pauline Clance und Suzanne A. Imes, and applied in particular to some highly successful businesswomen. Subsequent studies have attempted to determine the prevalence of this type of self-doubt and its impact on performance at work. These investigations have shown that both men and women can display the characteristic symptoms of the syndrome, and that its victims indeed tend to be found among those who have enjoyed outstanding levels of success - although it has been mostly studied with students in the academic context, as pointed out Professor Brooke Gazdag of the Institute for Leadership and Organization at LMU. A new study, carried out by Brooke Gazdag and a team led by Rebecca L. Badawy of the Department of Management at Youngstown State University in Ohio, examines the role of gender in the impostor syndrome. As published in the journal Personality and Individual Differences, the authors report that males and females with impostor syndrome cope with accountability and react to negative feedback in different ways. If males who see themselves as impostors receive negative feedback and are held accountable for the performance by their superiors, they tend to react more negatively. Women subjected to similar conditions show no such deterioration in performance - on the contrary, they tend to redouble their efforts. The researchers began their study with an online questionnaire to identify individuals who felt like impostors - and was specifically targeted to university undergraduates. Among the possible responses to the queries in the survey were: "I rarely do a project or task as well as I'd like to do it," or "Sometimes I'm afraid others will discover how much knowledge or ability I really lack." In a second questionnaire, the participants were then asked to answer sample examination questions used to determine which undergraduates should be admitted to graduate school (i.e. GRE questions). These questions were administered in two separate batches. After completing the first set of tasks, participants either received negative feedback - irrespective of their actual performance - or were (falsely) informed that their results would be made available to their current professor. In this study design, overall male impostors performed worse in the second test than in the first. "The male participants were more distressed by criticism and tended to give up quicker," says Gazdag. The female participants, on the other hand, put forth more effort and performed marginally better than their male counterparts after they had received negative feedback or had been told that their results would be shown to their professors. "Our study was exploratory in nature, but gender role theory can provides some insights into the findings," says Gazdag. "This theory would suggest that male work performance is strongly focused on competence and performance, whereas women have a stronger tendency to view work from a relational standpoint. The fact that women try harder when they are aware that their performance will be assessed by someone they know therefore conforms to the female stereotype." ### New Rochelle, NY, June 13, 2018--Integrated approaches that avoid the use of animals to assess the toxicity of inhaled materials may include a computational model to screen for chemical reactivity, a human tissue-based assay to predict the absorption of a chemical into the respiratory tract, and other types of advanced systems based on in vitro and in vivo respiratory biology. A comprehensive review of the progress and ongoing efforts in this fascinating field is the focus of a new special issue on Inhalation Toxicity Testing published in Applied In Vitro Toxicology, a peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The issue is available free on the Applied In Vitro Toxicology website. The special issue on Inhalation Toxicity Testing is led by Guest Editor Amy Clippinger, PhD, Director of the PETA International Science Consortium Ltd. "The articles in this special issue describe research to develop and apply human-relevant in silico and in vitro approaches that incorporate cutting-edge science and don't use animals," says Dr. Clippinger. In the article "Profiling Acute Oral and Inhalation Toxicity Data Using a Computational Workflow to Screen for Facile Chemical Reactivity," Dan Wilson, PhD, and coauthors from The Dow Chemical Company (Midland, MI) describe the computational approaches they are developing to screen for inhalation toxicity based on classes of chemically reactive compounds. Wiebke Hoffmann, The European Union Reference Laboratory for Alternatives to Animal Testing (Ispra, Italy) and colleagues from University of Vienna (Austria), University of Lausanne (Geneva, Switzerland), Douglas Connect (Basel, Switzerland), and Epithelix Sarl (Geneva) describe their ability to study pulmonary absorption in vitro in the article entitled "Establishment of a Human 3D Tissue-Based Assay for Upper Respiratory Tract Absorption ." In "Prevalidation of an Acute Inhalation Toxicity Test Using the EpiAirway In Vitro Human Airway Model," George Jackson et al., MatTek Corp. (Ashland, MA) present the results of prevalidation studies using EpiAirway tissues, which are exposed to test chemicals for 3 hours before being assessed for tissue viability. Also included in the special issue is the Roundtable Discussion "Nonanimal Approaches to Assessing the Toxicity of Inhaled Substances: Current Progress and Future Promise." Dr. Clippinger leads the expert participants from industry, academia, government agencies, and non-profit organizations in a lively discussion on topics including the breadth of nonanimal approaches, their advantages and limitations versus animal inhalation tests, and how to move forward. "I am pleased with this special issue of Applied In Vitro Toxicology as it focuses on an area of great importance for risk assessment, which has been a challenge to address using in vitro methods. This issue does a wonderful job demonstrating how in vitro methods can be successfully used to understand inhalation toxicology," says Jim McKim, PhD, Editor-in-Chief of Applied In Vitro Toxicology and Founder and CEO, IonTox, LLC. ### About the Journal Applied In Vitro Toxicology provides the latest peer-reviewed research on the application of alternative in vitro testing methods for predicting adverse effects in the pharmaceutical, chemical, and personal care industries. Led by Editor-in-Chief James M. McKim, PhD, DABT, Founder and CEO, IonTox, LLC, the Journal addresses important issues facing these diverse industries, including regulatory requirements; the reduction, refinement, and replacement of animal testing; new screening methods; evaluation of new cell and tissue models; and the most appropriate methods for assessing safety and satisfying regulatory demands. The Journal is published quarterly online with Open Access options and in print. Complete tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the Applied In Vitro Toxicology website. About the Publisher Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers is a privately held, fully integrated media company known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in promising areas of science and biomedical research, including Assay and Drug Development Technologies, Human Gene Therapy, and OMICS: A Journal of Integrative Biology. Its biotechnology trade magazine, GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News), was the first in its field and is today the industry's most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list of the firm's 80 journals, books, and newsmagazines is available on the Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers website. New Rochelle, NY, June 13, 2018 -- Researchers have demonstrated that a novel biocompatible adhesive made of two naturally derived polymers is 15 times stronger than adhesive materials currently used for nerve reconstruction and can support the survival, extension, and proliferation of cells essential for nerve regeneration. The study showing the regenerative potential of this new hydrogel adhesive in vitro and when implanted in a mouse model of suture-less repair of sciatic nerves is published in Tissue Engineering, Part A, peer-reviewed journal from Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers. The article is available free on the https://www.liebertpub.com/doi/full/10.1089/ten.tea.2017.0502) until July 13, 2018. Ryan Koppes, Northeastern University (Boston, MA), Nasim Annabi, Northeastern U. and Massachusetts Institute of Technology (Cambridge, MA), and coauthors from Tecnologico de Monterrey (Mexico) and University of Sydney (Australia) describe the materials and technique they developed in the article entitled "Photocrosslinkable Gelatin/Tropoelastin Hydrogel Adhesives for Peripheral Nerve Repair." The researchers used photocrosslinking to combine two polymers with distinct biophysical and biochemical characteristics to form the adhesive hydrogel. This produced a material with improved adhesive strength compared to conventional fibrin-based adhesives, and with the desired mechanical stability, nerve regenerative capability, and biodegradable and immunogenic properties. "This article presents the development of a regenerative biomaterial that has designer mechanical properties and adhesive characteristics and addresses an important clinical need for nerve regeneration," says Tissue Engineering Co-Editor-in-Chief Antonios G. Mikos, PhD, Louis Calder Professor at Rice University, Houston, TX. ### Research reported in this publication was supported by the National Institutes of Health under Award Numbers R01EB023052 and R01HL140618. The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. About the Journal Tissue Engineering is an authoritative peer-reviewed journal published monthly online and in print in three parts: Part A, the flagship journal published 24 times per year; Part B: Reviews, published bimonthly, and Part C: Methods, published 12 times per year. Led by Co-Editors-in-Chief Antonios G. Mikos, PhD, Louis Calder Professor at Rice University, Houston, TX, and John P. Fisher, PhD, Fischell Family Distinguished Professor & Department Chair, and Director of the NIH Center for Engineering Complex Tissues at the University of Maryland, the Journal brings together scientific and medical experts in the fields of biomedical engineering, material science, molecular and cellular biology, and genetic engineering. Leadership of Tissue Engineering Parts B (Reviews) and Part C (Methods) is provided by Katja Schenke-Layland, PhD, Eberhard Karls University, Tubingen and John A. Jansen, DDS, PhD, Radboud University, respectively. Tissue Engineering is the official journal of the Tissue Engineering & Regenerative Medicine International Society (TERMIS). Complete tables of content and a sample issue may be viewed on the Tissue Engineering website. About the Publisher Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers is a privately held, fully integrated media company known for establishing authoritative peer-reviewed journals in many promising areas of science and biomedical research, including Stem Cells and Development, Human Gene Therapy, and Advances in Wound Care. Its biotechnology trade magazine, GEN (Genetic Engineering & Biotechnology News), was the first in its field and is today the industry's most widely read publication worldwide. A complete list of the firm's 80 journals, books, and newsmagazines is available on the Mary Ann Liebert, Inc., publishers website. The National Institute of Allergy and Infectious Diseases (NIAID), part of the National Institutes of Health (NIH), has launched a clinical trial of an investigational vaccine designed to protect against respiratory syncytial virus (RSV). The Phase 1 study will enroll a small group of healthy adult volunteers to examine the safety of an experimental intranasal vaccine and its ability to induce an immune response. The study is being conducted at the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, one of the NIAID-funded Vaccine and Treatment Evaluation Units (VTEUs). RSV, a common virus, typically causes mild, cold-like symptoms that resolve within two weeks. However, the virus can cause severe symptoms, especially among infants and young children. Each year, an estimated 57,000 children under the age of five years are hospitalized in the United States due to RSV infection, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Globally, RSV is estimated to cause up to 200,000 deaths annually, according to the World Health Organization. RSV is the most common cause of bronchiolitis (inflammation of the small airways in the lungs) and pneumonia among children under the age of 1 year. Almost all children in the United States are infected with RSV at least once by the age of 2, and most will experience repeated infections over their lifetimes. Additionally, people 65 years or older, adults with chronic heart or lung disease, and individuals with weakened immune systems are at increased risk of severe RSV infection. Each year in the United States, RSV leads to an average of 14,000 deaths among adults older than 65 years, according to the CDC. Currently, no specific treatments or vaccines are available for RSV. "RSV infection is a significant cause of illness and disease among the most vulnerable populations," said NIAID Director Anthony S. Fauci, M.D. "A vaccine to prevent disease from this pervasive and sometimes deadly virus is urgently needed." Led by principal investigator David Bernstein, M.D., of the Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, the study is testing an experimental vaccine called SeVRSV. The vaccine candidate was developed by researchers at St. Jude Children's Research Hospital and manufactured by Children's GMP LLC, of St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis, Tennessee. SeVRSV contains a modified mouse virus (Sendai virus) designed to carry RSV genetic material that will express RSV fusion protein in the vaccine recipient to stimulate RSV-specific antibodies and T-cells. The Sendai virus vaccine platform has been well-tolerated to date in human clinical trials of vaccines for other infectious diseases, including HIV. SeVRSV performed well in previous preclinical and animal studies. The study will enroll up to 25 healthy, non-pregnant volunteers between 18 and 45 years. After receiving an initial screening exam, at least 16 volunteers will be given a single intranasal dose of the experimental vaccine (0.22 milliliters in each nostril) and four or more will receive a placebo, in the form of saline nose drops. After vaccination, all volunteers will be observed for at least 30 minutes. Afterwards, volunteers will report for five clinic visits over 29 days. During these visits, volunteers will be examined for any adverse reactions, and blood samples and nasal washes will be collected to check for RSV-specific antibodies. The volunteers will return at two and six months after vaccination. ### For more information about this trial, visit ClinicalTrials.gov and search identifier NCT03473002. NIAID conducts and supports research--at NIH, throughout the United States, and worldwide--to study the causes of infectious and immune-mediated diseases, and to develop better means of preventing, diagnosing and treating these illnesses. News releases, fact sheets and other NIAID-related materials are available on the NIAID website. About the National Institutes of Health (NIH): NIH, the nation's medical research agency, includes 27 Institutes and Centers and is a component of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. NIH is the primary federal agency conducting and supporting basic, clinical, and translational medical research, and is investigating the causes, treatments, and cures for both common and rare diseases. For more information about NIH and its programs, visit http://www.nih.gov. Tropical Depression 08W formed around the same time as Tropical Storm 07W, and both are in the Northwestern Pacific Ocean basin. While 07W formed to the northeast of Taiwan, 08W formed to Taiwan's southwest. NASA's Terra satellite captured an infrared image of the 08W that revealed a concentrated area of strong storms as it neared Taiwan. On June 14 at 11 a.m. EDT (1500 UTC), 08W's center was located near 23.0 degrees north latitude and 120.9 degrees east longitude, about 158 nautical miles south-southwest of Taipei, Taiwan. 08W was moving to the northeast at 14.5 mph (12 knots/22.2 kph) and maintained maximum sustained winds near 29 mph (25 knots/46 kph). At 9:55 a.m. EDT (1355 UTC) on May 19, the Moderate Resolution Imaging Spectroradiometer or MODIS instrument that flies aboard NASA's Terra satellite gathered infrared data on 08W as it approached Taiwan's southwestern coast. Infrared data provides temperature information. MODIS revealed a few very powerful thunderstorms around the center where cloud top temperatures were as cold as minus 80 degrees Fahrenheit (minus 62.2 Celsius). NASA research has shown that cloud tops with temperatures that cold were high in the troposphere and have the ability to generate heavy rain. The Central Weather Bureau of Taiwan issued an Extremely Heavy Rain Advisory is in effect from tonight, June 14, through Friday morning June 15 for Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, Pingtung County, Hengchun Peninsula, Taitung County, Lanyu and Ludao Islands. A Heavy Rain Advisory or Extremely Heavy Rain Advisory is in effect from tonight, June 14, through Friday morning June 15 for Taichung City Mountain Area, Nantou County, Yunlin County, Chiayi City, Chiayi County, Yilan County, Hualien County and Penghu County. Strong Wind Advisory is in effect from tonight, June 14, through Friday night, June 15 for the Lienchung County including the Keelung North Coast, New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Hsinchu City, Hsinchu County, Miaoli County, Taichung City, Changhua County, Yunlin County, Chiayi County, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, Pingtung County, Hengchun Peninsula, Yilan County, Hualien County, Taitung County, Lanyu and Ludao Islands, Penghu County, Kinmen Area and the Matsu Area. A Strong Wind Advisory (over land) in effect from tonight June 14, through Friday night, June 15 for Kinmen County that includes Keelung North Coast, New Taipei City, Taoyuan City, Hsinchu City, Hsinchu County, Miaoli County, Taichung City, Changhua County, Yunlin County, Chiayi County, Tainan City, Kaohsiung City, Pingtung County, Hengchun Peninsula, Yilan County, Hualien County, Taitung County, Lanyu and Ludao Islands, Penghu County, Kinmen Area and Matsu Area. 08W is forecast to move in a northeasterly direction and exit Taiwan on June 15 and move toward Kadena Air Base, Okinawa, Japan. ### For updated forecasts from Taiwan's Central Weather Bureau, visit: https://www.cwb.gov.tw/V7e/ Scientists have identified a key enhancer of Sox9 -- a gene critical for male sex development -- and demonstrated that deleting that non-coding DNA results in male-to-female sex reversal in mice. The study, published in Science, deepens understanding of the normal process of sex determination in mammals. The findings could also have important implications for patients with differences in sex development (DSDs), in which reproductive organs don't develop as expected. The Science study was a collaboration between the laboratories of the late Danielle Maatouk, PhD, assistant professor of Obstetrics and Gynecology at Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine and corresponding author Robin Lovell-Badge, PhD, of the Francis Crick Institute in London. Maatouk's research focused on sex determination, the process during which embryos develop either testes or ovaries. Her laboratory was specifically focused on exploring how non-coding elements -- parts of DNA that don't encode for proteins -- regulate gene expression and impact this process. The Sox9 gene is crucial for male differentiation and the proper formation of testes; if Sox9 is mutated or incorrectly expressed, an individual who is chromosomally male (XY) can develop ovaries instead of testes. Previously, it was known that some patients with DSDs have changes in their genome near the Sox9 gene that alter its expression and lead to sex reversal. But it was unclear exactly why. In the current study, the scientists identified an enhancer (a short region of DNA that can increase gene transcription) that is necessary to regulate expression of the Sox9 gene. When the scientists deleted the enhancer in mouse models, they discovered that Sox9 expression was decreased enough to cause complete sex reversal; mouse embryos that were chromosomally male (XY) developed as phenotypically normal females, with ovaries that were indistinguishable from those of XX females. Alexandra Garcia-Moreno and Isabella Salamone, both fifth-year doctoral students in Feinberg's Driskill Graduate Program in Life Sciences and Christopher Futtner, a research associate, were also co-authors. This is the first time scientists have identified an enhancer of Sox9 that, when lost, causes sex reversal, according to Salamone. The findings could help improve the genetic diagnosis of patients with DSDs in the future; currently, only about 20 percent of such patients receive a genetic diagnosis. "We believe that many undiagnosed patients have mutations in regulatory regions -- such as the one that we identified near Sox9 -- and regulatory regions are usually not investigated by genetic testing," said Salamone, who is now completing her degree in the laboratory of Elizabeth McNally, MD, PhD, director of the Center for Genetic Medicine. "Often genes important for sex determination are also crucial for other developmental processes, and a mutation in one gene or its regulatory region can impact a patient's health in many ways. As we begin to understand the genetic underpinnings of these disorders, we can improve our care of these patients." Going forward, the team is investigating other enhancers involved in the regulation of Sox9 and other sex-determining genes, and hopes to also understand how Sox9 expression is repressed in females, leading to the development of ovaries. "The data sets we've produced can be used as a road map to regulatory regions of other genes important for gonad development," Futtner said. ### Distinct molecular mechanisms can generate the same features in different neurons, a team of scientists has discovered. Its findings, which appear in the journal Cell, enhance our understanding of brain cell development. "We now have a better comprehension of how neurons form and acquire the features that allow them to fulfill their function in neural circuits that lead to specific behaviors," explains Nikos Konstantinides, a post-doctoral fellow at New York University's Department of Biology and one of the paper's lead authors. "These results point to several potential pathways for medical advancement, such as directing stem cells towards specific neuronal types that can be used to treat brain diseases by cell replacement therapy or by triggering neural stem cells to replace damaged tissue." The brain contains many types of neurons that control our behavior; each neuron has distinct features that allow them to exert different functions. In order to regulate their interactions, neurons communicate with each other using specific chemicals called neurotransmitters. The focus of the research published in Cell were the neurons in the visual system of the fruit fly Drosophila, which is commonly studied in deciphering the basic principles that direct the functions of the brain. Conducted in the laboratories of Professor Claude Desplan, the paper's senior author, at the Center for Genomics and Systems Biology at NYU Abu Dhabi and NYU's Department of Biology, the study deployed a cutting-edge technology, Drop-seq, to sequence the genes expressed in each of tens of thousands of cells. Their results showed that different neuronal types in the fly visual system can acquire similar features--specifically, expression of the same neurotransmitter--using different mechanisms. More broadly, the researchers discovered that this dynamic applies to other neuronal characteristics, resulting in a deeper understanding of how complex brain tissue composed of hundreds of interconnected cell types can form. "The human brain is extremely complex and contains neurons belonging to thousands of cell types, rendering it technically very challenging to study and to understand how neurons are generated and specified," explains Katarina Kapuralin, a post-doctoral researcher at NYU Abu Dhabi and the study's other lead author. "It is therefore necessary to study simpler nervous systems where we can use new technology to understand each of the cells that compose these brains. This will help us define fundamental rules that apply to more complex nervous systems." ### The study also included Chaimaa Fadil, an undergraduate student at NYU Abu Dhabi at the time of the research and currently a Rhodes Scholar, Luendreo Barboza, an NYU doctoral candidate, and Rahul Satija, who is an assistant professor in NYU's Center for Genomics and Systems Biology and a core faculty member at the New York Genome Center. This work was supported by grants from the National Institutes of Health (R01 EY017916), the NYU Abu Dhabi Institute (G-1205C), and by a National Institutes of Health New Innovator Award (DP2-HG-009623). DOI: 10.1016/j.cell.2018.05.021 About New York University Founded in 1831, NYU is one of the world's foremost research universities and is a member of the selective Association of American Universities. NYU has degree-granting university campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai; has eleven other global academic sites, including London, Paris, Florence, Tel Aviv, Buenos Aires, and Accra; and both sends more students to study abroad and educates more international students than any other U.S. college or university. Through its numerous schools and colleges, NYU is a leader in conducting research and providing education in the arts and sciences, engineering, law, medicine, business, dentistry, education, nursing, the cinematic and performing arts, music and studio arts, public administration, social work, and professional studies, among other areas. About NYU Abu Dhabi NYU Abu Dhabi is the first comprehensive liberal arts and science campus in the Middle East to be operated abroad by a major American research university. NYU Abu Dhabi has integrated a highly-selective liberal arts, engineering and science curriculum with a world center for advanced research and scholarship enabling its students to succeed in an increasingly interdependent world and advance cooperation and progress on humanity's shared challenges. NYU Abu Dhabi's high-achieving students have come from 115 nations and speak over 115 languages. Together, NYU's campuses in New York, Abu Dhabi, and Shanghai form the backbone of a unique global university, giving faculty and students opportunities to experience varied learning environments and immersion in other cultures at one or more of the numerous study-abroad sites NYU maintains on six continents. Plazi has received a grant of EUR 1.1 million from Arcadia- the charitable fund of Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwin - to liberate data, such as taxonomic treatments and images, trapped in scholarly biodiversity publications. The project will expand the existing corpus of the Biodiversity Literature Repository (BLR), a joint venture of Plazi and Pensoft, hosted on Zenodo at CERN. The project aims to add hundreds of thousands of figures and taxonomic treatments extracted from publications, and further develop and hone the tools to search through the corpus. The BLR is an open science community platform to make the data contained in scholarly publications findable, accessible, interoperable and reusable (FAIR). BLR is hosted on Zenodo, the open science repository at CERN, and maintained by the Switzerland-based Plazi association and the open access publisher Pensoft. In its short existence, BLR has already grown to a considerate size: 35,000+ articles have been added, and extracted from 600+ journals. From these articles, more than 180,000 images have also been extracted and uploaded to BLR, and 225,000+ sub-article components, including biological names, taxonomic treatments or equivalent defined blocks of text have been deposited at Plazi's TreatmentBank. Additionally, over a million bibliographic references have been extracted and added to Refbank. The articles, images and all other sub-article elements are fully FAIR compliant and citable. In case an article is behind a paywall, a user can still access its underlying metadata, the link to the original article, and use the DOI assigned to it by BLR for persistent citation. "Generally speaking, scientific illustrations and taxonomic treatments, such as species descriptions, are one of the best kept 'secrets' in science as they are neither indexed, nor are they citable or accessible. At best, they are implicitly referenced," said Donat Agosti, president of Plazi. "Meanwhile, their value is undisputed, as shown by the huge effort to create them in standard, comparative ways. From day one, our project has been an eye-opener and a catalyst for the open science scene," he concluded. Though the target scientific domain is biodiversity, the Plazi workflow and tools are open source and can be applied to other domains - being a catalyst is one of the project's goals. While access to biodiversity images has already proven useful to scientists, but also inspirational to artists, for example, the people behind Plazi are certain that such a well-documented, machine-readable interface is sure to lead to many more innovative uses. To promote BLR's approach to make these important data accessible, Plazi seeks collaborations with the community and publishers, to remove hurdles in liberating the data contained in scholarly publications and make them FAIR. The robust legal aspects of the project are a core basis of BLR's operation. By extracting the non-copyrightable elements from the publications and making them findable, accessible and re-usable for free, the initiative drives the move beyond the PDF and HTML formats to structured data. ### To participate in the project or for further questions, please contact Donat Agosti, President at Plazi at info@plazi.org Additional information: About Plazi: Plazi is an association supporting and promoting the development of persistent and openly accessible digital taxonomic literature. To this end, Plazi maintains TreatmentBank, a digital taxonomic literature repository to enable archiving of taxonomic treatments; develops and maintains TaxPub, an extension of the National Library of Medicine / National Center for Biotechnology Informatics Journal Article Tag Suite for taxonomic treatments; is co-founder of the Biodiversity Literature Repository at Zenodo, participates in the development of new models for publishing taxonomic treatments in order to maximize interoperability with other relevant cyberinfrastructure components such as name servers and biodiversity resources; and advocates and educates about the vital importance of maintaining free and open access to scientific discourse and data. Plazi is a major contributor to the Global Biodiversity Information Facility. About Arcadia Fund: Arcadia is a charitable fund of Lisbet Rausing and Peter Baldwin. It supports charities and scholarly institutions that preserve cultural heritage and the environment. Arcadia also supports projects that promote open access and all of its awards are granted on the condition that any materials produced are made available for free online. Since 2002, Arcadia has awarded more than $500 million to projects around the world. About Pensoft: Pensoft is an independent academic publishing company, well-known worldwide for its innovations in the field of semantic publishing, as well as its cutting-edge publishing tools and workflows, as implemented at Pensoft's flagship titles: ZooKeys, PhytoKeys, MycoKeys, Biodiversity Data Journal, Research Ideas and Outcomes (RIO), One Ecosystem, and more. In 2013, Pensoft launched the first ever, end-to-end, entirely XML-based authoring, reviewing and publishing workflow, as demonstrated by the ARPHA Writing Tool (AWT) and the Biodiversity Data Journal (BDJ), now upgraded to the ARPHA Publishing Platform. About Zenodo: Zenodo is an OpenAIRE project, in the vanguard of the open access and open data movements in Europe. It was commissioned by the EC to support their nascent Open Data policy by providing a catch-all repository for EC funded research. CERN, an OpenAIRE partner and pioneer in open source, open access and open data, provided this capability and Zenodo was launched in May 2013. In support of its research programme CERN has developed tools for Big Data management and extended Digital Library capabilities for Open Data. Through Zenodo these Big Science tools can be effectively shared with the long-tail of research. Every cell in the body contains thousands of different protein molecules and they can change this composition whenever they are induced to perform a particular task or convert into a different cell type. Understanding how cells function depends on proteomics, the ability to measure all of the changes in a cell's protein components. In a recent paper published in the journal Analytical Chemistry, Martin Wuhr and colleagues in Princeton University's Department of Molecular Biology described an improved method to accurately count the proteins present in a cell under different circumstances. The basic tool for counting proteins is a machine called a mass spectrometer. Cell samples can be run through this type of instrument one at a time, but this is laborious and it can be difficult to detect any changes between different samples. An alternative approach is to label all of the proteins in a particular sample with a unique "isobaric" tag. Multiple samples--up to 11--can then be mixed together and run through the mass spectrometer at the same time, with the isobaric tag functioning as an identifying barcode that tells the researcher which sample the protein originally came from. This speeds things up and makes it easier to quantify any changes in the protein composition of different samples. "However, with the simplest version of isobaric tagging, known as TMT-MS2, there are major difficulties in distinguishing real signals from background noise," Wuhr explains. "That makes the readouts unreliable and only semi-quantitative." A more complex version of isobaric tagging, called TMT-MS3, can improve this signal-to-noise problem, but it is slower and less sensitive. Moreover, it relies on a much more expensive type of mass spectrometer beyond the reach of most researchers. While he was a postdoc at Harvard University, Wuhr developed a different approach to isobaric tagging that solved the signal-to-noise problem while remaining compatible with cheaper, widely available mass spectrometers. But the technique--known as TMTc--was not without its own problems, particularly a lack of precision that made it hard to obtain consistent results. In their recent Analytical Chemistry paper, Wuhr and two of his graduate students, Matthew Sonnett and Eyan Yeung, described an improved version of TMTc that they named TMTc+. By changing how the cell samples are prepared and altering the computer algorithm that extracts data from the mass spectrometer, Wuhr and colleagues were able to address many of the limitations associated with the various methods of isobaric tagging. "The TMTc+ method is in a kind of sweet spot compared to the other methods," Wuhr says. "It provides superb measurement accuracy and precision, it's at least as sensitive as any other method, and it's compatible with around ten times more mass spectrometers than TMT-MS3." Naturally, Wuhr says, there is still room for improvement. TMTc+ only allows a maximum of 5 samples to be run at the same time, and the detection of proteins in these samples is relatively inefficient. Both of these problems can be solved by developing new types of isobaric tags. "We have to explore the chemical space of these tags and find ones that work really well," Wuhr says. "To this end, we have started a collaboration with the Carell group, organic chemistry experts at the LMU Munich, and already published a proof of principle paper. Eventually, these efforts should lead to an approach that will allow researchers to count every protein in a cell as it changes its form and function." ### M. Sonnett, E. Yeung, and M. Wuhr. Accurate, Sensitive, and Precise Multiplexed Proteomics Using the Complement Reporter Ion Cluster. Analytical Chemistry. 90(8): 5032-5039. (2018). doi: 10.1021/acs.analchem.7b04713 M. Stadlmeier, J. Bogena, M. Wallner, M. Wuhr, and T. Carell. A Sulfoxide?Based Isobaric Labelling Reagent for Accurate Quantitative Mass Spectrometry. Angewandte Chemie International Edition. 57(11):2958-2962. (2018). doi: 10.1002/anie.201708867 WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - Purdue University researchers have created a technology that allows public cameras to send personalized messages to people without compromising their privacy. The team developed a real-time end-to-end system called PHADE to allow this process, known as private human addressing. While traditional data transmission protocols need to first learn the destination's IP or MAC address, this system uses motion patterns as the address code for communication. The smartphones then locally make their own decisions on whether to accept a message. The PHADE system works using a server to receive video streams from cameras to track people. The camera builds a packet by linking a message to the address code and broadcasts the packet. Upon receiving the packet, a mobile device of each of the targets uses sensors to extract its owner's behavior and follow the same transformation to derive a second address code. If the second address code matches with the address code in the message, the mobile device automatically delivers the message to its owner. A video explaining more about the camera technology is available at https://bit.ly/2JScSqO. "Our technology enables public cameras to send customized messages to targets without any prior registration," said He Wang, an assistant professor in the Purdue Department of Computer Science, who created the technology along with his PhD student, Siyuan Cao. "Our system serves as a bridge to connect surveillance cameras and people and protects targets' privacy." PHADE protects privacy in two key ways - it keeps the users' personal sensing data within their smartphones and it transforms the raw features of the data to blur partial details. The creators named the system PHADE because the blurring process "fades" people's motion details out. PHADE can be used in places such as at a museum, where visitors can receive messages with information about the artifacts or exhibits they are viewing. The technology also could be implemented in shopping malls to provide consumers with digital product information or coupons. In a similar way, PHADE could be valuable for new store prototypes such as Amazon Go, which uses phone technology instead of traditional checkout registers. "PHADE may also be used by government agencies to enhance public safety," Cao said. "For example, the government can deploy cameras in high-crime or high-accident areas and warn specific users about potential threats, such as suspicious followers." Wang said surveillance camera and security companies would also be able to integrate the technology into their products directly as a key feature. He also said this technology has advantages over Bluetooth-based beacons, which have difficulties in adjusting for ranges of transmission and do not allow for context-aware messaging. ### The work appears in the June issue of Interactive, Mobile, Wearable and Ubiquitous Technologies (IMWUT), a premier journal for research relevant to the post-PC era, and will be presented during a conference in October in Singapore. The Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization helped file patent applications for the technology and is seeking partners to license it. About Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization The Purdue Office of Technology Commercialization operates one of the most comprehensive technology transfer programs among leading research universities in the U.S. Services provided by this office support the economic development initiatives of Purdue University and benefit the university's academic activities. The office is managed by the Purdue Research Foundation, which received the 2016 Innovation and Economic Prosperity Universities Award for Innovation from the Association of Public and Land-grant Universities. For more information about funding and investment opportunities in startups based on a Purdue innovation, contact the Purdue Foundry at foundry@prf.org. For more information on licensing a Purdue innovation, contact the Office of Technology Commercialization at innovation@prf.org. The Purdue Research Foundation is a private, nonprofit foundation created to advance the mission of Purdue University. Purdue Research Foundation contact: Chris Adam, 765-588-3341, cladam@prf.org Sources: He Wang, hw@purdue.edu Siyuan Cao, cao208@purdue.edu A new clinical trial testing a disease-modifying drug for multiple sclerosis (MS) will be the first in the world to recognize the importance of wheelchair users retaining the use of their hands A new clinical trial testing a disease-modifying drug for multiple sclerosis (MS) will be the first in the world to recognise the importance of wheelchair users retaining the use of their hands. The team from Queen Mary University of London, Barts Health NHS Trust and pharmaceutical company Roche, hope that the study will make lasting changes in a field that has previously only looked at a patient's walking ability when assessing the potential of MS drugs. MS is a degenerative disease of the central nervous system affecting approximately 120,000 people in the UK and 700,000 people in Europe, of which around 96,000 have the highly disabling primary progressive form. Until now, clinical trials involving people with MS have focused on whether or not the drugs being tested preserve the ability to walk, rather than preserve the use of their hands. For example, if the person relies on a wheelchair, they have been excluded from participating in trials in the past. Additionally, the NHS in the UK stops treatment with disease-modifying therapies for people who lose lower limb function and rely on a wheelchair, and the European Medicines Agency has also been an obstacle to those patients from participating in this type of research in the past. This is despite growing evidence that continuing treatment may delay worsening of their hand and arm function, which could dramatically improve quality of life. Lead researcher Professor Gavin Giovannoni from Queen Mary University of London and Barts Health NHS Trust said: "Addressing the needs of people with progressive MS, who are typically more advanced in their disease course, is one of the major frontiers in MS research. Around a third of people living with progressive MS may already be confined to a wheelchair, so maintaining hand and arm function is essential for them to stay independent and lead active lives." The new international study, starting by the end of 2018, will evaluate the long-term safety and efficacy of the drug ocrelizumab by enrolling approximately 1,000 people with primary progressive MS across multiple countries. This will include people with more advanced disability, and those who need a wheelchair, where use of hands and arms is critical. For the first time ever, the Nine-Hole Peg Test* -- a measure of arm, wrist and hand function -- will be used as the main outcome to be measured in the trial. In the test, participants take pegs from a container, and one by one, place them into nine holes on a board, as quickly as possible. They then remove the pegs from the holes, one by one, and replace them back into the container. By comparing how well patients who are given the drug ocrelizumab perform in this test, to those patients who are given a placebo, the team hope to be able to assess whether ocrelizumab may offer hope to patients by allowing them to retain their upper limb function. Patrick Burke, a patient with advanced MS said: "The ability to use my hands and arms is now very important for a multitude of reasons. Without them I could not use a rollator, walker or mobility scooter." Professor Giovannoni added: "For a number of years, through our #ThinkHand campaign, we have been urging industry to conduct a study looking at upper limb function in people with advanced MS. We're pleased that in collaboration with Roche, we will conduct a clinical trial that uses hand function as a primary outcome for the first time." ### For more information, please contact: Joel Winston Public Relations Manager (School of Medicine and Dentistry) Queen Mary University of London j.winston@qmul.ac.uk Tel: +44 (0)20 7882 7943 / +44 (0)7970 096 188 Notes to the editor * Photos of the nine-hole peg test are available on request About Queen Mary University of London Queen Mary University of London is one of the UK's leading universities with 25,332 students representing more than 160 nationalities. A member of the Russell Group, we work across the humanities and social sciences, medicine and dentistry, and science and engineering, with inspirational teaching directly informed by our research. In the most recent national assessment of the quality of research, we were placed ninth in the UK amongst multi-faculty universities (Research Excellence Framework 2014). As well as our main site at Mile End - which is home to one of the largest self-contained residential campuses in London - we have campuses at Whitechapel, Charterhouse Square, and West Smithfield dedicated to the study of medicine and dentistry, and a base for legal studies at Lincoln's Inn Fields. Queen Mary began life as the People's Palace, a Victorian philanthropic project designed to bring culture, recreation and education to the people of the East End. We also have roots in Westfield College, one of the first colleges to provide higher education to women; St Bartholomew's Hospital, one of the first public hospitals in Europe; and The London, one of England's first medical schools. LA JOLLA--(June 14, 2018) Saket Navlakha, an assistant professor in Salk's Integrative Biology Laboratory, is one of 22 researchers to be named a 2018 Pew Scholar in the Biomedical Sciences. Each scholar receives $300,000 over four years. Additionally, Navlakha is one of a subset of five Pew Scholars selected for support by the Kathryn W. Davis Peace by Pieces Fund, which focuses on investigating health challenges in the brain as it ages. "In the age of big data, Saket stands out as an innovative thinker bringing fresh approaches to the increasingly important intersection of biology and computing," says Salk President Rusty Gage. "We deeply appreciate having his groundbreaking work recognized by the Pew Trusts." Navlakha, who holds the Pioneer Fund Developmental Chair, studies "algorithms in nature"--that is, how groups of distributed molecules and cells communicate and process information to collectively solve computational problems important for survival. Discovering such shared principles can lead to the design of improved computing algorithms and can provide a way to quantify and predict the behavior of biological systems. To accomplish this, Navlakha is bridging theoretical computer science, machine learning and systems biology and is developing collaborations with experimentalists to learn from biological data. For example, he recently showed that brains of fruit flies, in their efforts to identify similar odors, may have found a better way to perform "similarity searches" than computer algorithms, which also need to find similar items to recommend (such as products, songs or videos that are like our past purchases). He translated insights from the fly brain to develop a new algorithm for similarity search that improved search performance. He also applied this "algorithmic perspective" to study how plant architectures grow. He found that, like subway systems, plant architectures optimize their structures to efficiently transport nutrients, and that plants may have evolved unique strategies to solve build networks--work that could lead to the breeding of crops with enhanced yields. The scholars--all of whom have held assistant professor positions for three years or less--enter a vibrant community of researchers who have received awards from Pew since 1985. Current scholars meet annually to discuss their research and exchange ideas with peers in fields outside of their own. This year's scholars were selected from 184 nominations, each submitted by a leading academic or research institution in the United States. ### About the Salk Institute for Biological Studies: Every cure has a starting point. The Salk Institute embodies Jonas Salk's mission to dare to make dreams into reality. Its internationally renowned and award-winning scientists explore the very foundations of life, seeking new understandings in neuroscience, genetics, immunology, plant biology and more. The Institute is an independent nonprofit organization and architectural landmark: small by choice, intimate by nature and fearless in the face of any challenge. Be it cancer or Alzheimer's, aging or diabetes, Salk is where cures begin. Learn more at: salk.edu. About Pew Charitable Trusts: The Pew Charitable Trusts is driven by the power of knowledge to solve today's most challenging problems. We are an independent nonprofit organization--the sole beneficiary of seven individual trusts established between 1948 and 1979 by two sons and two daughters of Sun Oil Company founder Joseph N. Pew and his wife, Mary Anderson Pew. Kansas City, MO. -- Researchers at the Stowers Institute for Medical Research have captured the one cell that is capable of regenerating an entire organism. For over a century, scientists have witnessed the effects of this cellular marvel, which enables creatures such as the planarian flatworm to perform death-defying feats like regrowing a severed head. But until recently, they lacked the tools necessary to target and track this cell, so they could watch it in action and discover its secrets. Now, by pioneering a technique that combines genomics, single-cell analysis, flow cytometry and imaging, scientists have isolated this amazing regenerative cell - a subtype of the long-studied adult pluripotent stem cell - before it performs its remarkable act. The findings, published in the June 14, 2018, issue of the journal Cell, will likely propel biological studies on highly regenerative organisms like planarians and also inform regenerative medicine efforts for other organisms like humans that have less regenerative capacity. "This is the first time that an adult pluripotent stem cell has been isolated prospectively," says Alejandro Sanchez Alvarado, Ph.D., an investigator at the Stowers Institute and Howard Hughes Medical Institute and senior author of the study. "Our finding essentially says that this is no longer an abstraction, that there truly is a cellular entity that can restore regenerative capacities to animals that have lost it and that such entity can now be purified alive and studied in detail." Every multicellular organism is built from a single cell, which divides into two identical cells, then four, and so on. Each of these cells contains the exact same twisted strands of DNA, and is considered pluripotent - meaning it can give rise to all possible cell types in the body. But somewhere along the way, those starter cells - known as embryonic stem cells - resign themselves to a different fate and become skin cells, heart cells, muscle cells, or another cell type. In humans, no known pluripotent stem cells remain after birth. In planarians, they stick around into adulthood, where they become known as adult pluripotent stem cells or neoblasts. Scientists believe these neoblasts hold the secret to regeneration. Though neoblasts have been the subject of scientific inquiry since the late 1800's, only in the last couple of decades have scientists been able to characterize this powerful cell population using functional assays and molecular techniques. Their efforts showed that this seemingly homogenous cell population was actually a conglomeration of different subtypes, with different properties and different patterns of gene expression. "We might have to transplant over a hundred individual cells into as many worms to find one that is truly pluripotent and can regenerate the organism," says Sanchez Alvarado. "That's a lot of work, just to find the one cell that fits the functional definition of a true neoblast. And if we want to define it molecularly by identifying the genes that cell is expressing, we have to destroy the cell for processing. There was no way to do that and keep the cell alive to track it during regeneration." Sanchez Alvarado and his team began searching for a distinguishing characteristic that could identify this elusive cell ahead of time. One feature that had long been used to distinguish neoblasts from other cells is a stem cell marker known as piwi-1, so Postdoctoral Research Associate An Zeng, Ph.D., decided to start there. First, he separated the cells that expressed this marker from those that did not. Then he noticed the cells could be separated into two groups - one that expressed high levels of piwi (aptly called piwi-high) and another that expressed low levels of piwi (called piwi-low). When Zeng studied the members of these two groups, he found only those that were piwi-high fit the molecular definition of neoblasts. So he discarded the rest. "This kind of simultaneous quantitative analysis of gene expression and protein levels had never been done before in planarians," says Sanchez Alvarado. "We could not have done it without the amazing scientific support facilities here at Stowers, including molecular biology, flow cytometry, bioinformatics, and imaging groups. Many researchers had assumed that all cells expressing piwi-1 were true neoblasts, and it didn't matter how much of the marker they expressed. We showed it did matter." Next, Zeng selected 8,000 or so of the piwi-high cells and analyzed their gene expression patterns. To his surprise, the cells fell not into just one or two, but 12 different subgroups. Through a process of elimination, Zeng excluded any subgroups with genetic signatures indicating that the cells were destined for a particular fate, like muscle or skin. That left him with two subgroups that could still be pluripotent, which he named Nb1 and Nb2. Conveniently, the cells in subgroup Nb2 expressed a gene coding for a member of the tetraspanin protein family, a group of evolutionarily ancient and poorly understood proteins that sit on the surface of cells. Zeng made an antibody that could latch onto this protein, pulling the cells that carried it out of a mixture of other suspected neoblasts. He then transplanted the single purified cell into a planarian that had been subjected to lethal levels of radiation. Not only did these cells repopulate and rescue the irradiated animals, but they did so 14 times more consistently than cells purified by older methods. "We have enriched for a pluripotent stem cell population, which opens the door to a number of experiments that were not possible before," says Sanchez Alvarado. "The fact that the marker we discovered is expressed not only in planarians but also in humans suggests that there are some conserved mechanisms that we can exploit. I expect those first principles will be broadly applicable to any organism that ever relied on stem cells to become what they are today. And that essentially is everybody." ### Other contributors from the Stowers Institute include Hua Li, Ph.D., Longhua Guo, Ph.D., Xin Gao, Ph.D., Sean McKinney, Ph.D., Yongfu Wang, Ph.D., Zulin Yu, Ph.D., Jungeun Park, Craig Semerad, Ph.D., Eric Ross, Li-Chun Cheng, Ph.D., Erin Davies, Ph.D., Kai Lei, Ph.D., Wei Wang, Ph.D., Anoja Perera, Kate Hall, Allison Peak, and Andrew Box. The work was funded by the Stowers Institute for Medical Research, the Howard Hughes Medical Institute, and the National Institute of General Medical Sciences of the National Institutes of Health (award R37GM057260). The content is solely the responsibility of the authors and does not necessarily represent the official views of the National Institutes of Health. Lay Summary of Findings The amazing freshwater flatworm known as planaria is a favorite of scientists who study regeneration in research organisms in the hopes of unlocking this property in humans. Over a century ago, they traced planaria's regenerative powers to a special population of adult stem cells called neoblasts. But until recently, they lacked the tools necessary to hone in further on the individual cells truly capable of regeneration. In the June 14, 2018, issue of the journal Cell, researchers from the Stowers Institute for Medical Research published a study that combined genomics, single-cell analysis, and imaging to isolate this elusive cell. Postdoctoral Research Associate An Zeng, Ph.D., his advisor Alejandro Sanchez Alvarado, Ph.D., and their Stowers collaborators report that a molecule called TSPAN-1 that sits of the surface of cells can be used to purify regenerative neoblasts from similar cell types. These findings have important implications for advancing the study of stem cell biology and regenerative medicine. About the Stowers Institute for Medical Research The Stowers Institute for Medical Research is a non-profit, basic biomedical research organization dedicated to improving human health by studying the fundamental processes of life. Jim Stowers, founder of American Century Investments, and his wife, Virginia, opened the Institute in 2000. Currently, the Institute is home to about 500 researchers and support personnel, over 20 independent research programs, and more than a dozen technology development and core facilities. Learn more about the Institute at http://www.stowers.org and about its graduate program at http://www.stowers.org/gradschool. SINGAPORE, 14 June 2018 (Thursday) - Assistant Professor Akshat Kumar from the School of Information Systems (SIS) at Singapore Management University (SMU) has been recognised as one of "AI's 10 to Watch" by the IEEE* Intelligent Systems Magazine. He is being recognised for his contributions in the field of Artificial Intelligence, and in particular for his work on automated planning and decision making in multiagent systems. This award recognises young scientists who have made significant contributions in the field of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and have received their PhDs in the last five years. Nominations for this biennial award are sought from a wide range of senior AI researchers from both academia and industry. With this recognition, Prof Kumar joins the group of 9 other researchers worldwide who have been selected for this award in 2018. Prof Kumar said, "I feel greatly honoured and humbled to be selected as one of the "AI's 10 to Watch". Over the course of my career, I have been fortunate to have great mentors, advisors, and collaborators, and an intellectually stimulating work environment at SMU's School of Information Systems. I am very thankful for their continued support and collaboration which is invaluable for my research and academic career." Prof Kumar's research is in the area of planning and decision making under uncertainty with a focus on multiagent systems and urban system optimisation. His work addresses our rapidly interconnected society and urban environments, from personal digital assistants to self-driving taxi fleets and autonomous ships, and develops computational techniques that will allow such complex ecosystem of autonomous agents to operate in a coordinated fashion. Over the past few years, Prof Kumar's work has addressed various challenges in such diverse urban settings as scalability to thousands of agents, uncertainty and partial observability, and resource constrained optimisation. In addition to academic contributions, Prof Kumar also participates in the Fujitsu-SMU Urban Computing and Engineering Corporate Lab. He along with his collaborators have designed maritime simulators and novel intelligent scheduling algorithms that can coordinate vessel traffic in Singapore Straits for better safety of navigation. Such simulators and approaches are based on studying the real aerial location data for ships that enter Singapore waters over a large period of time. Results of such studies have appeared in leading AI conferences. On his future research, Prof Kumar shared "I see multiagent systems becoming more and more relevant with the adoption of internet-of-things. We are going to be surrounded with agents that help us control our homes, our cars, and even our digital lives. I am particularly excited by several research challenges which arise with such unprecedented connectivity, such as dealing with the problem of scale, ensuring safe co-habitation of humans and autonomous agents, and ensuring coordination in the presence of both cooperating and competing agents." Prior to joining SIS in 2014, Prof Kumar was a research scientist at the IBM research lab in New Delhi. He obtained his Bachelor degree from the Indian Institute of Technology Guwahati, India, and his Masters and PhD from the University of Massachusetts Amherst, all in computer science. Over his decade long career in AI, Prof Kumar has published more than 40 papers in refereed conferences and journals. Prof Kumar's work has received numerous awards including the Best Dissertation Award at the International Conference on Automated Planning and Scheduling (ICAPS 2014), and a runner-up award at International Conference on Autonomous Agents and Multiagent Systems (AAMAS 2013). His work has also received the Outstanding Application Paper Award at ICAPS 2014, and the Best Paper Award in the 2017 AAAI Conference on Artificial Intelligence in the computational sustainability track. All these conferences are among the top-tier conferences in the field of AI. At SMU, he has been awarded the Lee Kong Chian Fellowship in 2017 for his sustained research contributions at SMU. ### *IEEE is the world's largest technical professional organisation for the advancement of technology For more information, please contact: Teo Chang Ching (Mr) Senior Assistant Director, Corporate Communications Office of Corporate Communications & Marketing DID: 6828 0451 Email: ccteo@smu.edu.sg A new investigation of how children reason about religious rules reveals a remarkable level of acceptance of different religions' rules and practices. The study, appearing in the June 13 online edition of Child Development, found that both Hindu and Muslim children in India thought that Hindu children should follow Hindu norms and Muslim children should follow Muslim norms. "Even in a region with a long history of high religious tension, we see impressive levels of religious tolerance among children," said study co-author Audun Dahl, assistant professor of psychology at UC Santa Cruz. "Children think that people in different religions should follow their own norms--and that's a starting point, a reason for optimism." Very little research has been done on how children reason about religious norms, despite the fact that differences between religious norms underpin conflicts around the globe, including Catholic/Protestant clashes in Europe and differences among Sunni and Shia Muslims, noted Dahl. Religious norms dictate practices from clothing and land ownership to reproduction, he said, with adult adherents frequently wanting others to adhere to their norms. "Children expressed preferences for their own religion, but we found no evidence of children rejecting the norms of the other religion," said Dahl, adding that such tolerance is the first step toward greater harmony. Exploring religious tolerance Dahl and coauthors Mahesh Srinivasan at UC Berkeley and Elizabeth Kaplan at Syracuse University wanted to see if children would extend their thinking about their own religious norms to other groups. In other words, would Hindu children think that all children should follow Hindu norms? And would Muslim children believe that all children should follow Muslim norms? "As it turned out, both Hindu and Muslim children thought that the norms of a religion applied only to followers of that religion. For instance, almost no participants thought Muslim kids should follow Hindu norms, but at least half thought Muslim kids should follow Muslim norms," said Dahl. Rather than applying their own religious norms to all others, children endorsed the right of each religion to have its own religious norms. The study took place in Gujarat, India, a region with a history of Hindu-Muslim violence. Investigators worked with 100 children ages 9 to 15, focusing on different Hindu norms, such as the prohibition against eating beef, and Muslim norms, such as the prohibition against worshipping an idol. They also asked the children about hitting people to explore the youngsters' reasoning around moral norms. "The tendency to restrict the norms of one's own religion only to followers of that religion, and to expect members of another religious group to follow their own customs, may contribute to peaceful coexistence," said Dahl. Religious norms as distinct from other social norms The researchers also asked children about moral norms about how to treat others. Fully 95 percent of children--regardless of religion--asserted that it's not okay to hit people. Perhaps more surprisingly, most children thought it was wrong to hit someone even if hitting was permitted by religious authorities or a god. Dahl said this speaks to the difference between religious norms and moral norms. Yet, children also viewed religious norms as different from social conventions or personal preferences. "Religious beliefs are about truth and falsehood. They are about which god, or gods, exist, and which gods are right," he said. "They don't lend themselves to pluralism as easily as personal preferences or social conventions do." Most religious people believe their god is the true god, so the researchers thought there was a good chance that Hindu children, for example, would think that Muslim children--as well as Hindu children--should follow Hindu norms. "In the Hindu religion, the cow is a holy animal, so you could expect Hindu children to say it is wrong for anyone to kill and eat cows," said Dahl. "But that's not what we found. Most Hindu children thought Muslims could eat beef, and should follow Muslim rather than Hindu norms." Dahl and Srinivasan plan to further explore how children integrate religious norms as distinct from social norms regarding what's right and wrong, including hitting others. "Religions often aren't explicit about the scope of their norms and whether they apply to non-followers, so there's a question about how children apply the fundamental concepts to actual, complicated scenarios of real life," Dahl said. "It's fascinating." These findings offer hope that exposure to conflicts over religious differences, like those experienced by children in many regions of the world, need not lead children to develop negative attitudes toward the religious practices of other groups. "Rather, perhaps these levels of understanding will play a role in reducing conflict over time," said Dahl. ### Human activity is causing the planet's mammals to flee daylight for the protection of night, according to a new study from the University of California, Berkeley. The study, published today in the journal Science, and supported in part by the National Science Foundation, represents the first effort to quantify the global effects of human activity on the daily activity patterns of wildlife. Its results highlight the powerful and widespread process by which animals alter their behavior alongside people: human disturbance is creating a more nocturnal natural world. "Catastrophic losses in wildlife populations and habitats as a result of human activity are well documented, but the subtler ways in which we affect animal behavior are more difficult to detect and quantify," said Berkeley PhD candidate and study lead author Kaitlyn Gaynor. Gaynor, along with co-authors Justin Brashares and Cheryl Hojnowski of UC Berkeley, and Neil Carter of Boise State University, applied a meta-analysis approach, using data for 62 species across six continents to look for global shifts in the timing of daily activity of mammals in response to humans. These data were collected by various approaches, including remotely triggered cameras, GPS and radio collars, and direct observation. For each species in each study site, the authors quantified the difference in animal nocturnality under low and high human disturbance. On average, mammals were 1.36 times more nocturnal in response to human disturbance. This means that an animal that naturally split its activity evenly between the day and night increased its nighttime activity to 68% around people. This finding was consistent across carnivore and herbivore species of all body sizes greater than 1 kg (small mammals were not included in the study). The pattern also held across different types of human disturbance, including activities such as hunting, hiking, mountain biking, and infrastructure such as roads, residential settlement, and agriculture. "While we expected to find a trend towards increased wildlife nocturnality around people, we were surprised by the consistency of the results around the world," said Gaynor. "Animals responded strongly to all types of human disturbance, regardless of whether people actually posed a direct threat, suggesting that our presence alone is enough to disrupt their natural patterns of behavior." According to Brashares, a professor in the Department of Environmental Science, Policy, and Management and the study's senior author, the consequences of the behavioral shift in wildlife can be seen through contrasting lenses. "On the positive side, the fact that wildlife is adapting to avoid humans temporally could be viewed as a path for coexistence of humans and wild animals on an increasingly crowded planet," said Brashares. "However, animal activity patterns reflect millions of years of adaptation--it's hard to believe we can simply squeeze nature into the dark half of each day and expect it to function and thrive." The authors describe a range of potential negative consequences of the shifts they report in wildlife, including mismatches between the environment and an animal's traits, disruption of normal foraging behavior, increased vulnerability to non-human predators, and heightened competition. They point out, however, that while many of the studies included in their analysis documented a clear increase in nocturnal activity, few examined the consequences for individual animals, populations, or ecosystems. "We hope our findings will open up new avenues for wildlife research in human-dominated landscapes. We still have a lot to learn about the implications of altered activity patterns for the management of wildlife populations, interactions between species, and even human-induced evolution," said Gaynor. ### Middle-to-older aged women who are naturally early to bed and early to rise are significantly less likely to develop depression, according to a new study by researchers at University of Colorado Boulder and the Channing Division of Network Medicine at Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston. The study of more than 32,000 female nurses, published in the Journal of Psychiatric Research, is the largest and most detailed observational study yet to explore the link between chronotype, or sleep-wake preference, and mood disorders. It shows that even after accounting for environmental factors like light exposure and work schedules, chronotype - which is in part determined by genetics - appears to mildly influence depression risk. "Our results show a modest link between chronotype and depression risk. This could be related to the overlap in genetic pathways associated with chronotype and mood," said lead author Celine Vetter, director of the Circadian and Sleep Epidemiology Laboratory (CASEL) at CU Boulder. Previous studies have shown that night owls are as much as twice as likely to suffer from depression. But because those studies often used data at a single time-point and didn't account for many other factors that influence depression risk, it has been hard to determine whether depression leads people to stay up later or a late chronotype boosts risk of depression. To shed light on the question, researchers used data from 32,470 female participants, average age 55, in the Nurses' Health Study, which asks nurses to fill out health questionnaires biennially. In 2009, all the participants included in the study were free of depression. When asked about their sleep patterns, 37 percent described themselves as early types, 53 percent described themselves as intermediate types, and 10 percent described themselves as evening types. The women were followed for four years to see who developed depression. Depression risk factors like body weight, physical activity, chronic disease, sleep duration, or night shift work were also assessed. The researchers found that late chronotypes, or night owls, are less likely to be married, more likely to live alone and be smokers, and more likely to have erratic sleep patterns. After accounting for these factors, they found that early risers still had a 12 - 27 percent lower risk of being depressed than intermediate types. Late types had a 6 percent higher risk than intermediate types ( this modest increase was not statistically significant.) "This tells us that there might be an effect of chronotype on depression risk that is not driven by environmental and lifestyle factors," said Vetter. Genetics play a role in determining whether you are an early bird, intermediate type, or night owl, with research showing 12-42 percent heritability. And some studies have already shown that certain genes (including PER2 and RORA), which influence when we prefer to rise and sleep, also influence depression risk. "Alternatively, when and how much light you get also influences chronotype, and light exposure also influences depression risk. Disentangling the contribution of light patterns and genetics on the link between chronotype and depression risk is an important next step" Vetter said. Vetter stresses that while the study does suggest that chronotype is an independent risk factor for depression, it does not mean night owls are doomed to be depressed. "Yes, chronotype is relevant when it comes to depression but it is a small effect," she says, noting that her study found a more modest effect than previous ones have. Her advice to night owls who want to lower their risk? "Being an early type seems to beneficial, and you can influence how early you are" she said. Try to get enough sleep, exercise, spend time outdoors, dim the lights at night, and try to get as much light by day as possible. ### Co-authors include Shun-Chiao Chang, Elizabeth E. Devore, Florian Rohrer, Olivia I. Okerke, and Eva S. Schernhammer at Brigham and Women's Hospital, Massachusetts General Hospital, and the Medical University of Vienna. CHAMPAIGN, Ill. -- When negative memories intrude, focusing on the contextual details of the incident rather than the emotional fallout could help minimize cognitive disruption and redirect the brain's resources to the task at hand, suggests a new study by psychologists at the University of Illinois. "Everyone has encountered something distressing either in the recent past or the remote past. These memories can pop into our minds and distract from whatever we are doing," said study leader Florin Dolcos, a professor of psychology at Illinois. "Understanding what we can do to stay focused is important, not only for people in extreme cases where such memories can lead to difficulties in daily living - such as those with post-traumatic stress disorder, anxiety or depression - but for everyone." In a paper published in the journal Cerebral Cortex, the researchers examined how brain activity and performance on a memory task changed when the participants were told to focus on the emotional or contextual aspects of triggered memories. Thirty-three study participants completed detailed, lengthy surveys asking about a variety of events in their lives. One to two weeks later, participants performed cognitive memory tasks during a functional MRI scan, which is used to monitor activity in the brain. The researchers chose descriptions of negative events that the participants had written about, from sporting defeats to personal losses, and used them to trigger those memories during the tasks. "They provided the cues themselves, so when we presented those cues in the scanner, we were sure we were triggering specific memories," said Sanda Dolcos, a professor of psychology and co-author of the study. "When they filled out the questionnaire, they did not know that we would trigger those memories when they came to do the task." For half of the triggered memories, the participants were instructed to focus on the emotional aspects of their memories; for the other half, the participants were instructed to shift their focus away from the emotion and toward the contextual details of the memory, such as where the incident happened, who they were with, what they were wearing and other details. "When subjects focused on the emotional aspect of their memories - how they felt, including the physical sensations - their cognitive performance was lower relative to their control tasks," said Alexandru Iordan, the first author of the paper who recently graduated from Dolcos' group with a Ph.D. and is now at the University of Michigan. "But when they were focusing on the nonemotional, contextual aspects, then their working memory performance was not impacted. They had better task performance and less negative effects when focusing on context than when focusing on emotion." The fMRI also found changes in brain activity. When participants focused on emotion, there was increased activity in regions of the brain involving emotional processing, but reduced activity in regions involved in executive function, such as reasoning and memory. However, when the participants focused on contextual details of their memories, there was a dampening in the regions involved in distraction and emotional processing and an increase in both activity and communication among regions associated with executive function and attention. "When regions in the brain that are involved in processing emotion are stimulated, it takes resources away from regions that are helping you stay focused on the task at hand," Florin Dolcos said. "With this shift in focus from emotion to context, you're putting resources back into the regions that are processing the task." The researchers say the technique of focusing on context could help those who struggle with intrusive or distracting emotional memories to have a quick response ready so that when those memories are triggered, they can focus on the task at hand and then later process the memories more deeply with other techniques, such as cognitive reappraisal. "This is important because another emotional strategy that people employ against such memories is suppression, which means bottling up your emotions. Suppression is actually associated with such clinical conditions as anxiety and depression, and it is not healthy," Florin Dolcos said. "Instead of suppressing or stifling those emotional memories, we simply shift the focus and bring to life some other aspects of the same memory. That leads to a reduction in how much those memories interfere with whatever we're doing." The researchers are working with subjects with depression and PTSD to evaluate the effectiveness of their technique over time. "We are also working on interventions to help people learn these strategies and apply them on a day-to-day basis," Sanda Dolcos said. "The beauty of this strategy is that it both reduces the emotional response of the intrusive memory and doesn't affect cognitive performance. Anyone can use it at any time." ### The University of Illinois funded this work. Florin and Sanda Dolcos are also affiliated with the Beckman Institute for Advanced Science and Technology at Illinois. Editor's notes: To reach Florin Dolcos, call 217-418-3992; email fdolcos@illinois.edu. To reach Sanda Dolcos, call 217-418-3995; email sdolcos@illinois.edu. The paper "Brain activity and network interactions in the impact of internal emotional distraction" is available online. DOI: 10.1093/cercor/bhy129 In a new study, researchers from Sweden and Britain have investigated how the endocrine-disrupting substance linuron affects reproduction in the West African clawed frog, Xenopus tropicalis. The scientists found that linuron, which is used as a pesticicide, impaired the males' fertility, and that tadpoles developed ovaries instead of testicles to a greater extent, which caused a female?biased sex ratio. The results are published in the journal Scientific Reports. Worldwide, animal and plant diversity is decreasing, and amphibians are among the animals disappearing most rapidly. It is estimated that nearly 40 per cent of all known amphibian species are endangered. The main cause is changes in their habitat, but pollution, diseases and climate change are also contributing to the extinction. In agriculture, a huge variety of pesticides are used, for example against weeds and insects. These chemicals then leach into nearby ponds where frogs lay their eggs. Some of these substances have hormone-disrupting effects and are known as 'endocrine-disrupting chemicals' or EDCs. Known EDCs include Bisphenol A, DDT and PCBs (polychlorinated biphenyls). With scientists from Scotland, England and Umea, researchers at Uppsala University's Department of Environmental Toxicology have studied how one of these endocrine-disrupting pesticides, linuron, affects the life cycle of the West African clawed frog, Xenopus tropicalis. After exposing tadpoles to a concentration similar to that measured in the natural environment, and through comparison with control groups and a control substance, researchers found that the tadpoles developed ovaries to a greater extent than testicles. The researchers were also able to show the shift in the male-female sex ratio towards an increased proportion of females by analysing gene expression in tadpoles. Once the frogs reached adulthood, the researchers showed that the males' fertility had been impaired and that certain gender-specific features had become more like females'. The researchers believe that the likely explanation for these observations is that the pesticide inhibits the functioning of testosterone in the body. "The results show that pesticides with this mechanism of action can cause permanent damage, such as reduced fertility in frogs exposed at the tadpole stage. This supports previous research showing that endocrine-disrupting substances in the environment may negatively impact amphibians. The substance linuron isn't approved for use in Sweden, but it's used in other parts of the EU and in North America," says Cecilia Berg, ecotoxicologist and project leader. The study was conducted at Uppsala University's Department of Environmental Toxicology, in one of the few laboratories worldwide that performs life-cycle testing of chemicals on frogs. By using the West African clawed frog as a model organism, Berg's research group has developed a test system to study how chemicals affect the reproductive system of amphibians and other animals. The results emphasise the importance of studying the entire life cycle to investigate how pesticides and other environmental pollutants affect the amphibians' reproductive capacity. "The results of the study are important, since they contribute knowledge that risk assessment authorities in the EU can use as a basis for assessing the health and environmental risks of pesticides. The European Commission is currently taking several measures to improve pesticide risk assessment. A new report from the European Food Safety Authority (EFSA), for instance, points to the need to assess the risks of pesticide use to amphibians - something that isn't being done today," Berg says. ### this news is not available Anja Kofmel was only 10 when her cousin Chris, an adventurer who she hero-worshipped, was found shot in the head in a snow-fringed field in Croatia. As she grew up, the Swiss animator became fascinated by how an idealistic young reporter somehow ended up in a Croatian paramilitary unit accused of the ethnic cleansing of Serb villagers as the former Yugoslavia fell apart. Kofmels new film about her cousin, Chris the Swiss which is showing this week at the worlds top animation festival in Annecy, France has been hailed by the Hollywood Reporter as a stirring suspenseful and moving elegy for doomed youth. But it also raises uncomfortable questions about what exactly Christian Wurtenberg was up to and about the shadowy involvement of the Catholic group Opus Dei in the war. Kofmels investigation into the strange and murky world in which her cousin died not only reopened old wounds for her family but also led her to the jailed terrorist Carlos the Jackal Ilich Ramirez Sanchez and ultimately on the trail of a hitman who tried to overthrow Bolivian President Evo Morales in 2009. Throbbing in the background was the knowledge that British photographer Paul Jenks who had also tried to find answers about her cousins murder ended up with a bullet in his head. Kofmel begins the steadily darkening story from a childs point of view, using animation as well as interviews with war reporters and former mercenaries and volunteers who fought with Wurtenberg in the Croatian First Platoon of International Volunteers (PIV) near Osijek in the winter of 1991. He was my hero I looked up to him, Chris was my hero, Kofmel told AFP. He was my big cousin who was an adventurous exciting guy for a little girl like me. Later I realised he was not just black and white. Using his diaries and notes, the film reconstructs her cousins path from being a greenhorn journalist filing reports on the war for Swiss public radio to his fateful meeting with Eduardo Rozza Flores, aka Chico, a former KGB trainee who set up the PIV with a motley crew of far-right activists drawn to defend Catholic Croatia from Slobodan Milosevics Serbia. Chico, a mysterious Hungarian-Bolivian whose father was a friend of Che Guevara, is the films dark heart. Like Wurtenberg, he apparently came to Croatia to try his hand as a reporter before quickly realising he preferred making war to covering it. Kofmel suspects her cousin was killed by Chico when he discovered that he had joined his unit to expose the atrocities it was committing. Chris was trying to write a book. I can see it from his notes. We dont have his manuscript. I dont know if he was close to finding something, or if there was a huge story. I know certain things. Chico was a member of Opus Dei. I think this is why Christian died, I think he wanted to prove that they were being financed by Opus Dei, she said. Coup plot Kofmel, however, has no proof to back her theory. I didnt find anyone who admitted that they paid for the weapons for those massacres. I have some hints, and Opus Dei priests came to see them, but not more. In war it doesnt take much to get killed. Maybe there was someone who didnt like him, Kofmel added. However, Carlos the Jackal a friend of Chicos told her from his prison cell in France that her cousin was killed because he was Swiss spy. The only person who really knows, Chico, brought his secrets to the grave. He was killed by Bolivian special forces in a hotel room in Santa Cruz in 2009 where they said he was plotting with far-right Croatian exiles to kill President Morales. Despite spending years chasing down clues, Kofmel said much about her cousin and his death remains hazy. On the one hand he was a very smart guy and on the other I wonder if he was really aware of what he was getting into. I dont get him still, she said. I think what drove him was the question of how humans can be so violent and cruel. How can neighbours one day start killing each other? It is not just the Croats and the Serbs, its all of us. Civilisation is so thin. We dont like to think about it, but we have this potential for brutality. Euphoria at the prospect of big business in Iran was short-lived. As a resultof the new sanctions imposed by the United States on the Islamic Republic, Swiss companies are beating a retreat. China standsready to step in andfill the void. In early March, the Swiss Embassy in Tehran and the Iranian press agency IRNA proudly announced a deal worth billions for the Swiss company Stadler Rail to deliver almost 1,000 underground train carriages to Iran. Was this rejoicing premature and pointless? According to a report in Blick newspaper, the deal is about to be cancelled. Since US President Donald Trump scrapped the Iran nuclear agreement, business with Iran is once again a risk for companies which rely on the goodwill of the United States. These companies stand between two enemy fronts in world politics. Stadler Rails head of sales, Peter Jenelten, was quoted in Blick as saying the Iranians cant wait forever. The underground train order will probably be snapped up by the Chinese. Marina Winder, head of press at the eastern Swiss train manufacturer, denied the newspaper report to swissinfo.ch, without specifying what about it was not correct. Stadler signed a statement of intent in February with the Iranian Industrial Development and Renovation Organization(IDRO)but has so far not signed a contract, Winder said. Stadler stands by this negotiated result. But it is still not clear whether a contract with the IDRO would be affected by US sanctions. Of course, Stadler will comply with sanctions and trade embargoes, the train manufacturer said. Either Iran or the United States Philippe Welti, the former Swiss ambassador in Tehran and current president of the Swiss-Iranian chamber of commerce, explains the dilemma facing all globally active firms that do business with the second-biggest economy in the Middle East. Whatever happens now in the exporting industries will just be a weighing of risks: either give up business in Iran, or risk hefty fines and feel the long arm of US economic power, he says. This calculation is usually made pretty quickly by most companies, he adds, noting that an increasing number of European companies are leaving Iran. One member of our chamber of commerce said to me we can still deliver one machine that was paid in advance, but after that, its over. Switzerland and the EU are powerless, even if they have loudly declared the sanctions to be invalid, the Iran expert says. Trump has no consideration for the interests of others, not even his allies. The US is trying to apply American law worldwide, Welti said. Because this is not legally possible, they are achieving it with economic clout. This power grab is aimed at completely isolating Iran. And that can only succeed if the whole world applies sanctions. China jumps into every vacuum The sanctions are even more problematic for companies that have invested in Iran and have industrial bases there that cant be wound down in three months. These companies are in a bind just like the Swiss train builder, which would have liked to sell 120 trains to Iran but doesnt want to give up its American market. Iran wont be able to wait long for Swiss companies, especially as China jumps into every vacuum that opens. The Chinese are constantly increasing the quality of their industrial products, Welti said. China holds a lot of trump cards The Chinese competitor is likely to be the Beijing-based industrial company CRRC, which employs more than 180,000, Cui Juni, a consultant to the Chinese rail industry, told swissinfo.ch. She is convinced that Chinese trains will sooner or later have a dominant position in the European market. For China, the Iranian market is of great significance in the context of its One Belt, One Road (new Silk Road) project aimed at building an intercontinental trading network: on the one hand, via exports in order to ease its own industrial overcapacity, and on the other, to secure its own energy needs from Irans vast reserves of oil and gas. China holds another trump card: It can offer an untrammelled payment system. In western monetary transactions, no one is an island anymore. Every bank is part of the global network, says Welti, the former ambassador. Individual western companies try to circumvent the sanctions by working with local subsidiaries in the Middle East. Such protective walls are not impossible but they are complicated, risky, unstable and above all, expensive. Orderly, standardised payments cant be established for the long term via such channels, Welti says. The Geneva Banque de Commerce et de Placements (BCP) has already begun its withdrawal from Iran. The bank said it has liquidated its business there and is turning down any new business contacts related to the country. BCP was named as one of the official financial intermediaries for international transactions with Iran in 2013. And what of the companies which kept up their economic ties with Iran during the last embargo? Novartis, for example, has supplied Iran with medicine for years, and Buhler, a company based in Uzwil in the canton of St. Gallen which produces machines for wheat and food processing, has had a presence in Iran since 1976 and maintains several bases there. These companies face the same strategic risk-weighing, according to Welti. If they are active globally, then they are vulnerable to American pressure outside the US too. Gold fever nipped in the bud After the nuclear agreement was sealed, preventing Iran from building a nuclear bomb and allowing a step-by-step lifting of sanctions in return, a kind of gold fever developed in 2015 in some branches of western industry, including in Switzerland. Delegations of high-ranking politicians and business representatives from numerous countries travelled to Tehran to get an early foothold in some lucrative businesses. The Swiss didnt linger at the back of the queue. In 2016, the then-president and economic minister Johann Schneider-Ammann, escorted by a flock of Swiss corporate executives, met with Iranian President Hassan Rouhani to strengthen economic ties between the two countries. Exports to Iran did indeed begin to rise in 2017, they increased 7.6% to 536 million Swiss francs. Some companies namely commodities traders like Glencore, construction materials giants like Lafarge-Holcim, industrial conglomerates like ABB or Sulzer, elevator manufacturers such as Schindler, cable railway builders like Bartholet, textiles machinery makers such as SSM, car-part producers including Autoneum, and train manufacturers like Stadler Rail anticipated big business by participating in the expansion of Iranian infrastructure. Translated from German by Catherine Hickley. Switzerland's supreme court on Thursday ruled that 13 alleged financiers of the Sri Lankan Tamil Tigers were not guilty of supporting a criminal organisation and let them walk free. Bringing to an end a nine-year process, the court found that prosecutors had not proved the accused had supported a criminal organisation. It acquitted five of them completely and handed suspended sentences to the others for lower-level financial offences, the ATS news agency reported. The 13 defendants 12 Tamils or Swiss citizens of Tamil origin plus one German stood accused of participating in or supporting a criminal organisation, fraud, forgery, money laundering and extortion. During their eight-week trial, which began in January and closed in March, public prosecutor Juliette Noto had called for jail sentences of up to six and a half years, ATS said. She charged that the World Tamil Coordinating Committee (WTCC), which oversaw a fundraising and money distribution operation, had created a sophisticated system to raise money from the Tamil community in Switzerland aimed largely at funding armed struggle in Sri Lanka. According to the prosecution, families who refused to pay were threatened. But on Thursday, the court ruled that WTCC was not a criminal organisation and that the prosecution had failed to sufficiently prove a hierarchical link between it and the Tamil Tigers. The prosecution, which was not permitted to use press articles as evidence, also failed to prove the Tigers were a criminal organisation, the court said. Switzerland is home to a large community of Tamils, who first arrived in the Alpine country during the decades-long Sri Lankan civil war, which ended in 2009. Colombos forces were accused of killing up to 40,000 Tamil civilians during the final months of the war when the Tigers quest for independence came to a bloody end. International rights groups have called for the prosecution of both the military and the Tigers, who were notorious for suicide bombings and enlisting child soldiers. Former Catalan separatist leader Carles Puigdemont has asked Spanish authorities to stop the sale of a brand of dry-cured ham called "Pig Demont" whose logo is a pig with a hairstyle and glasses similar to his. The request is being studied by Spains patent office which has temporarily suspended the jamon brand from being officially registered while it considers the arguments in the case, a spokesman for the office told AFP on Thursday. The case began in December when a businessman from the southwestern region of Andalucia, Alberto Gonzalez, renamed his dry-cured ham company with the contested name and logo. The name change received widespread attention after he gave an interview on Wednesday to conservative radio COPE. Gonzalez told the station that the name of his company comes from the union of the word Pig in English and du mont in French which means from the mountain, and denied the logo was inspired by Puigdemonts shaggy Beatles-style mop and glasses. He does not have the (intellectual) property over that hair cut, the logo does not reflect his appearance, he said. If he sees himself reflected in the caricature of a pig that is more his problem then mine. Puigdemonts lawyer, Jaume Alonso Cuevillas, told Catalan television TV3 he had challenged the attempt to register the brand Pig Demont because it is offensive and is phonetically similar to a surname that (Gonzalez) is not authorised to use. Aside from the ham, Gonzalezs company also sells a wine called Rufian, which shares the surname of Gabriel Rufian, a member of Spains parliament for the pro-independence party ERC. Puigdemont, who fled to Belgium last October, was detained in Germany in March after Spain issued a European arrest warrant against him. Madrid wants to extradite him to Spain to try him on charges of rebellion and misuse of public funds for staging an independence referendum in Catalonia in October even though the courts had ruled it unconstitutional. Children as young as 12 and other vulnerable migrants have physically abused, detained and forcibly returned to Italy by French border guards in breach of international norms, Oxfam said Friday. The Nowhere but Out report comes amid tensions between France and Italy over French President Emmanuel Macrons criticism of Rome over its rejection of a migrant ship carrying 629 people rescued from the Mediterranean. Oxfam said some 16,500 refugees and migrants a quarter of them unaccompanied children passed through Ventimiglia, a small town about seven kilometres (four miles) from the French border, in the nine months to April. The report said children complained about being physically and verbally abused, and detained overnight in cells without food, water or blankets and with no access to an official guardian, all contrary to French and EU law. Oxfam staff and partners said there were cases where border guards cut the soles of the shoes of child migrants or stole their phone SIM cards. In one case, a very young Eritrean girl was forced to walk back across the border along a road with no pavement carrying her 40-day-old baby, it said. Most of the migrants were fleeing persecution and war in countries such as Sudan, Eritrea, Syria and Afghanistan. Many of them are trying to reach other countries like France, Britain, Sweden and Germany where they hope to join relatives or friends. Since France tightened border controls in 2015, thousands of people have been stranded in Ventimiglia without sufficient assistance or access to basic services, Oxfam said. Hundreds of refugees and other migrants sleep rough under a flyover, with no access to drinkable water, shelter or heating. Pushed us off the train French police officers are not upholding international standards. They taunt children and mistreat them. Some children have had the soles of their shoes cut off before being sent back to Italy, said Chiara Romagno, Oxfams OpenEurope project leader in Ventimiglia. The resolution of people to reach their loved ones in other countries, and the lack of sufficient safe and regular pathways to do so leaves them no choice but to try until they succeed, Romagno said. Michael, a 15-year-old from Sudans troubled Darfur region, said he and a friend tried to enter France but the police pushed us off the train. Then they pushed us in a van in the railway station car park. We were given a document (refus dentree, refusal of entry) in the van and we were put on another train going back to Italy, without any explanation. The report said Roja Camp, the official camp set up outside Ventimiglia, was vastly overstretched and that the heavy police presence at the entrance and compulsory fingerprinting deter many from staying there. Most migrants preferred to live rough, sleeping under a motorway outside town with no sanitation facilities or clean water. In Ventimiglia, there are no arrangements to take care of the returned children. Once off the train, they are left to fend for themselves, the report said. Oxfam said France should immediately stop and adequately sanction the illegal practices of the French police at the French-Italian border, ensure the right to seek asylum for all foreign children in French territory and take care of them according to the provisions of national, European and other international laws. An EU scheme to distribute migrants equitably around the bloc has failed miserably, with central European members flatly refusing the quotas and others, including France, falling far short of their allocated target. Italy has received more than 700,000 migrants and refugees since 2013. Many West Africans try to continue on to France, where they speak the language and often have relatives, only to find the border shut to them. Thousands of those who manage to sneak across the Alps have been detained and sent back to Italy. The first troops from a 100-member British contingent to be deployed alongside French counter-terrorism forces in West Africa have arrived in the region along with heavy-lift helicopters, the French military said Thursday. The first troops from the British Chinook deployment, which will comprise three heavy transport helicopters and will be deployed in Gao ( northern Mali) have arrived, armed forces spokesman Colonel Patrik Steiger said. The advance party from a contingent that will be in place by the end of the summer arrived in Niamey, the capital of Niger, Malis neighbour to the east, Steiger added. In January, Prime Minister Theresa May promised French President Emmanuel Macron that Britain would step up its support for Frances Barkhane mission, which has been pursuing jihadist groups across the arid Sahel region since 2014. May said that although Britain was preparing to leave the EU, this does not mean that the UK is leaving Europe, stressing Britains commitment to its cooperation with France in the area of defence. Until now Britains contribution to Frances operations in the Sahel region had been limited to the regular use of a C-17 troop transporter. Steiger said the US-made Chinook helicopters, which can carry about 40 troops, would be very useful for the mobility of the Barkhane force. In 2013, the French military intervened in Mali to help rout Islamic extremists linked to Al-Qaeda from the countrys desert north. Within days French-backed forces had recaptured all of northern Malis towns but the jihadists have continued to carry out attacks from their rear bases in the desert, while stepping up their operations in neighbouring countries. Two senior editors of French celebrity magazine Closer returned to court Wednesday to appeal hefty fines for printing photographs of Prince William's wife Kate sunbathing topless in 2012. Two photographers, suspected of taking the offending shots, are also appealing fines in a case that sparked a scandal in Britain a year after the second-in-line to the British throne married his long-term girlfriend Kate Middleton. Closer published the grainy snaps of the couple by a pool Kate wearing only bikini bottoms while on holiday at a chateau in the Luberon region of southeastern France in September 2012. The magazines editor Laurence Pieau and publisher Ernesto Mauri were both found guilty of breach of privacy in September 2017 and fined 45,000 euros ($53,000) each. Photographers Cyril Moreau and Dominique Jacovides, who deny taking the long-lens shots, were also each ordered to pay 5,000-euro fines, with another 5,000 euros payable if they reoffended. The magazine had to pay out 100,000 euros in damages after the royal couple filed a claim for 1.5 million euros over what they said was a serious breach of privacy. William and Kate also obtained an injunction preventing further use of the images. During the trial, Closers lawyers argued that the pictures were in the public interest and conveyed a positive image of the royals. But in a letter read out in court in May last year, William said the case had brought back painful memories of the paparazzi hounding his mother, princess Diana, who was killed in a Paris car crash in 1997 while being chased by photographers. Closers lawyer Paul-Albert Iweins appealed the ruling, arguing that the fines were exaggerated for a simple privacy case. The photographers lawyer Francois Blisten told AFP ahead of Wednesdays hearing in Versailles, west of Paris, that he would argue for the pair to be acquitted due to insufficient evidence. In the video sent out via social media, President Emmanuel Macron was blunt, uncompromising and spoke in layman's terms. In remarks seen as aimed at preparing voters for benefits cuts, he said France spends a crazy amount of dough on social security. For Macrons leftist critics the video broadcast Tuesday night was further evidence that the president of the rich as they call him is scornful of the less fortunate. The president has a problem with poor people and its starting to show more and more, veteran Socialist party figure Martine Aubry, a long-standing critic, told reporters on Wednesday. Even some members of Macrons parliamentary party said they were uncomfortable with the language used by the 40-year-old former investment banker to get his message across. You need to be careful about the words you use. I am very, very uneasy about this remark, a lawmaker in his Republic on the Move party, Sonia Krimi, told AFP. The comment comes in the midst of a debate about whether the government should reduce Frances social spending, which is the highest among wealthy countries relative to the size of its economy. Macron has pledged to balance the budget in France for the first time in more than 40 years by the end of his term in 2022 a task that will require an overhaul of state spending. Economy Minister Bruno Le Maire sparked controversy last month when he said that by explaining that we are going to reduce public spending without touching social spending is neither coherent, fair or lucid. In Macrons video, filmed by an aide on a mobile phone, he can be seen preparing at the presidential palace for a major speech that he delivered on Wednesday. Our social policy, look at it: we spend a crazy amount of dough on social security and the people are poor. Theyre born poor and they stay poor. Those who become poor, stay poor. We need to have something that allows people to escape, he said. Other solutions? Macron won an election last year on a promise to turn France into a more entrepreneurial country. He vowed to tackle poverty at the root by improving basic education in poor areas and helping people get off unemployment benefits into the workforce. But since taking office, he has battled perceptions that he is closer to company bosses. One of his first reforms was to cut taxes on businesses and the wealthiest, a move he defended as necessary to spur investment. Mr Macron, what costs crazy dough its you and your presents to the ultra-rich, the head of the hard-left France Unbowed movement, Jean-Luc Melenchon wrote on Twitter. France allocates the equivalent of 31.5 percent of its GDP on social spending such as benefits for the sick, poor or elderly, far more than Germany which spends 25 percent, data from the OECD economic research group shows. In a speech on Wednesday in the southern city of Montpellier, Macron reiterated his message about social spending, but in less colloquial terms. The solution is not to always spend more money, he said, adding that there are other solutions that are more effective than putting more money on the table. French police have thwarted two terror attacks, including one at a swingers' club, sources close to the investigations said Thursday. The prevented plots come weeks after a knifeman killed a man in Paris and as the country remains on high alert following a string of jihadist assaults since 2015 that have claimed more than 240 lives. One suspect, a 38-year-old radicalised convert to Islam, was arrested in the Indre region in the centre of the country. An improvised explosive device was found at his home and the man admitted that he wanted to use it to target a swingers club, the source told AFP. The man, originally from the Loiret region, was charged and taken into custody on May 17 for associating with terrorist criminals and preparing an act of terrorism, a judicial source said. Hours earlier police sources said two other men had been charged on suspicion of planning an attack in the name of the Islamic State group which may have targeted gay people. Sources close to the probe said the men, described as friends aged 21 and 22, were arrested Saturday in the Seine-et-Marne region east of Paris. Searches found two knives, a detonation system and IS propaganda material in their possession, a source said. Their plan was still ill-defined at this stage, but there were elements to suggest they planned to attack homosexuals, one source added. The two men, said to be unknown to security services, were charged on Tuesday by an anti-terrorism judge and detained. Last month, Khamzat Azimov, a 20-year-old naturalised Frenchman of Chechen origin, killed one man and injured five others in the busy Opera district of the French capital on Saturday night before being shot dead by police. The Islamic State group claimed the attack. A few days after, French authorities foiled an attack being planned by an Egyptian man, while in January a man was arrested in Gard in southern France over an alleged plot. Prime Minister Edouard Philippe told parliament in March that a total of 51 planned attacks had been thwarted since January 2015, when gunman killed 12 people after storming the offices of satirical magazine Charlie Hebdo. bl-pta-mch-evs/je/pvh A French food aid group warned Wednesday that the lives of hundreds of children were at stake in Yemen's city of Hodeida after Saudi-backed forces launched a major offensive to recapture the rebel-held port. Yemeni forces supported by a Saudi-led coalition confirmed Wednesday their operation to reclaim the city from Huthi rebels, despite UN warnings of a catastrophic impact. Hodeida is the main port of entry to Yemen for the food shipments needed to prevent all-out famine after four years of war that have created the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. What happens today could really increase the mortality rate, increase the number of children dying, increase issues around water supply, water access and food supply, Jon Cunliffe, Middle East operations director for the Action Contre La Faim (ACF), told AFP in an interview in Paris. The charity combatting hunger is currently helping feed 760 acutely malnourished children in Hodeida governorate. Theyre going to die unless they get that food, Cunliffe stressed. Hodeida is one of the regions worst affected by the war between Iran-backed insurgents and a coalition of Sunni Arab states led by Riyadh. ACF, helping to supply food to nearly 4,000 malnourished children in the region and also providing medical care to thousands, said the offensive launched Wednesday risked further driving up food prices, which had soared in the past week. The fear is that if Hodeida is completely taken or cut off from the rest of the country there will be a run on supplies, Cunliffe said. ACF, which withdrew its international staff from the city on Monday, was very concerned for the welfare of 150 remaining local staff, he added. ACF and a dozen other NGOs on Wednesday called on France, a major supplier of arms to Saudi Arabia, to not continue supporting a party to the conflict that attacks Hodeida. They also urged French President Emmanuel Macron to abandon his plans for a humanitarian conference on Yemen on June 27 in Paris, which is being organised in conjunction with Saudi Arabia, saying it would be unthinkable in the event of an offensive in Hodeida. The French foreign ministry on Wednesday said that the conference would go ahead. The Left Bloc has called for an end to Portugals Golden Visa scheme, claiming that only nine of the 5,700 applications received so far, were submitted under the job creation category. Adding that Golden Visas promote money laundering, cause real estate speculation and are an unjustified privilege, the party has submitted a bill to parliament that adds corruption, influence peddling, embezzlement, tax and criminal offences as further reasons to ditch the scheme. Left Bloc MP, Jose Manuel Pureza, said that Golden Visas present a set of deeply negative traits that, all in all, leads us to say that it must be eliminated. According to data put forward by the MP, who also is parliaments vice president, only nine applications for visas were for job creation out of more than 5700. The overwhelming majority are for real estate investment, said Pureza, adding that the figures for March this year show that in 5,717 applications, 5,553 were for real estate investment. For the Bloquista, there is no doubt, It is real estate investment with the well-known characteristic of speculation, very few are for the renovation or rehabilitation of property. We are talking about investment made by the elites, the oligarchies of countries such as China, from which come the vast majority of requests, Russia and Angola The Left Bloc parliamentary group says it expects more from the current socialist government, which only survives with Left Bloc support. In fact, the attitude of the Government clearly has been to maintain the regime that was created (by Paulo Portas) in 2012. There so far has been no intention by the Government to change the rules or to improve oversight and transparency. The Left Bloc is swift to point out a recent debate in the European Parliament where the finger was pointed at Portugal as one of the countries that offers and promotes this scheme, that imports corruption and organised crime into the European Union, an accusation levelled by Portuguese MEP, Ana Gomes. Last March, a Global Anti-Corruption Consortium said in Brussels that these Golden Visas contribute to increased corruption and crime, also within the state machine itself. It is therefore the conviction of the Left Bloc that, if we want to combat corruption and economic crime, the approval of this bill puts us closer to this objective. 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. Greece's top court on Thursday rejected Malta's request for the extradition of a Russian alleged whistleblower in a corruption and murder scandal, a court source said. The Supreme Court said Maltas arguments were vague and noted that Maria Efimova, a 36-year-old ex-staffer at Pilatus Bank, has claimed her life would be at risk if she was extradited. Efimova is widely believed to have been a key source of Maltese investigative journalist Daphne Caruana Galizia, who was killed by a car bomb last October as she lifted the lid on widespread corruption in her homeland. After the killing, her sons called for Maltas Prime Minister Joseph Muscat to resign, alleging he was overseeing a mafia state. Pilatus Bank has accused Efimova of embezzling 5,000 euros ($5,900) After initially fleeing to Crete, Efimova surrendered to police in Athens in March and then released the following month. She has denied claims by the Maltese government that she is a Russian spy. The Russian embassy in Israel hosted a reception for its national day in Jerusalem for the first time on Thursday, instead of Tel Aviv, a Russian official said. It comes in the wake of US President Donald Trumps transfer of the US embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem in May, after he recognised the disputed city as capital of Israel. Before that decision the Russian government last year said it views west Jerusalem as the capital of Israel. The same statement also recognised east Jerusalem as the capital of the future Palestinian state. Dmitry Alushkin, a spokesman for the Russian embassy in Tel Aviv, said Thursdays event is consistent with his countrys April 2017 remarks. Attending the reception, at the Russian-owned Saint Sergius Mission in western Jerusalem, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said he was doubly pleased to participate. It is Russias holiday and it is a holiday which is being initiated and performed in Jerusalem, a government statement quoted him as saying. I imagine that there will be many more such days in Jerusalem, he added. Palestinians claim the eastern part of Jerusalem, annexed by Israel, as the capital of their future state. The Jewish state considers the entire city its own, indivisible capital. In December, Trump recognised Jerusalem as the Israeli capital, without making any distinction between the mainly Palestinian east and the predominantly Jewish west. His move broke with decades of international consensus that Jerusalems status must be negotiated between Israel and the Palestinians, and drew near global condemnation. Particularly enraged were the Palestinians, who declared a diplomatic boycott of the United States. The Trump administration said that the move did not, however, prejudge the final status of the city, nor the borders of Israeli sovereignty. President Vladimir Putin on Thursday conveyed to a senior North Korean official an invitation for Kim Jong Un to visit Russia as he praised the results of his summit with Donald Trump. Hosting Kim Yong Nam, North Koreas ceremonial head of state, Putin said the historic summit with the US president was without doubt just the first step towards a full-blown settlement. Thanks to this meeting a possible negative scenario has been cast aside, Putin said. Certainly it creates conditions for further forward movement and decreases general tensions around the Korean peninsula, he added. Trump and Kim made history on Tuesday holding a summit in Singapore. It was an unprecedented encounter that saw the leader of the worlds most powerful democracy shake hands with the third-generation scion of a dynastic dictatorship. But critics said the Kim and Trump summit was more style than substance, producing a document short on specifics about the key issue of Pyongyangs atomic weapons. Putin said he would be happy to welcome Kim to Russia, suggesting they meet during an economic forum in the far eastern port city of Vladivostok this September. The youthful North Korean leader has never visited Russia, unlike his father, Kim Jong-Il, who travelled to the country in his armoured train in 2011 for talks with Dmitry Medvedev, Russias president at the time. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov became the first ever Russian official to meet Kim when he travelled to Pyongyang in late May. The two countries share a short land border and have a history of long-standing ties. British police confirmed Thursday they had arrested a man under the Official Secrets Act amid reports of a feared Chinese plot against F-35B stealth fighter jets. Bryn Jones, 73, a former Rolls-Royce chief combustion technologist, was arrested after the security services received intelligence that classified information may have been passed to Beijing, The Sun newspaper reported. British plane engines manufacturer Rolls-Royce, based in Derby, central England, carried out top-secret work on the take-off and vertical landing system for the F-35B Lightning II supersonic jet, being built by US defence firm Lockheed Martin. A spokeswoman for Londons Metropolitan Police told AFP that they had made an arrest in Derbyshire on Tuesday as part of an investigation under the Official Secrets Act. British police do not confirm the identity of suspects who have not been charged with an offence. The man, who is in his 70s and worked within private industry, was taken to a police station in Derbyshire, the spokeswoman said. He was released under investigation later that evening. Police officers executed a search warrant at an address in the West Midlands, which is now complete. A search at an address in Derbyshire is ongoing. We are not prepared to discuss further at this stage given the nature of the investigation. Jones lists himself on the LinkedIn professional social network as a visiting professor at the Aeronautical University of Xian in central China. His page says he worked for Rolls-Royce from 1968 to 2003. The Sun pictured plain-clothes officers at his home near Derby and said police removed boxes. Jones declined to comment when contacted at his home by the Press Association news agency. Contacted by AFP, Rolls-Royce said they could not comment on an ongoing police investigation. Proponents of the F-35 tout its speed, close air-support capabilities, airborne agility and a massive array of sensors giving pilots unparallelled access to information. Nine international partners including Britain, Canada and Turkey are helping pay for the jets development and are buying hundreds more of the planes. The F35-B has short take-off and vertical landing capabilities and Britain received delivery of its first four jets last week. A replacement for the Harrier G9 and the Tornado GR4, it is intended to be Britains primary strike attack aircraft over the next three decades. rjm/dt/bp A financial firm co-founded by Jacob Rees-Mogg, a leading pro-Brexit lawmaker, has set up an investment fund in Ireland and warned prospective clients about the dangers of a hard Brexit, British newspapers reported on Thursday. Rees-Moggs Somerset Capital Management (SCM) launched the new fund in March, aiming it at international investors who want to keep their money in the European Union after Britain leaves the bloc in 2019. In a risks section, the prospectus for the new fund said that before and after Brexit there is likely to be considerable uncertainty as to the position of the UK and the arrangements which will apply to its relationships with the EU. Rees-Mogg heads up the powerful European Research Group of hardline pro-Brexit MPs who argue that the British economy will flourish once it leaves the European single market and customs union and concludes its own free-trade deals with third countries. Rees-Mogg is a non-executive chair at SCM and is paid 14,000 (16,000 euros, $19,000) a month for around 30 hours of work there, the reports said. The decision to launch the fund was nothing whatsoever to do with Brexit, Rees-Mogg was quoted as saying by The Daily Telegraph newspaper. He said that the warnings in the prospectus were not a policy statement by SCM but guidance to investors drafted by lawyers. Several London-based financial companies have set up offices in Ireland in recent months as a contingency plan to be able to ensure continuity after Britain leaves the EU, whatever the outcome of tortuous negotiations in Brussels. Former British finance minister Nigel Lawson, who chaired the official pro-Brexit campaign in the 2016 referendum, last month faced claims of hypocrisy after it emerged that he is applying for a French residency card. Canadian police said Thursday they are investigating the theft of a Banksy print from an unauthorized exhibit of the British-based guerrilla graffiti artist's work in Toronto. We were called about a break and enter in the citys west end, Constable Jenifferjit Sidhu told AFP. At some point last Sunday a Banksy print was removed from the exhibit. The stolen Trolley Hunters print depicts crouching men in loin cloths armed with stone-tipped wooden spears and axes as they hunt grocery shopping carts in a grassy field. Its value is estimated at Can$45,000 (US$34,000), Sidhu said. The Art of Banksy exhibit curated by his former manager Steve Lazarides, but reportedly not endorsed by the artist himself opened on Wednesday in a Toronto industrial building dressed up as an art gallery, as part of a larger North American run. Displaying about 80 works on loan from collectors, including sculptures, screen prints, canvases and multimedia pieces, it has been billed as the largest collection of Banksy works ever assembled. The exhibit runs until July 11. South African police have identified the body of a British woman they believe was kidnapped along with her husband by alleged jihadists who are accused of raising an Islamic State flag. Renowned botanists Rachel Saunders, 63, and Rodney Saunders, 74, were last confirmed alive in KwaZulu-Natal province around February 10 after they went on a trip to look for rare seeds. A multi-pronged investigation by the Directorate for Priority Crime Investigation and the South African Police Services Forensic Science Laboratory led to the positive identification of the mortal remains of Rachel Saunders, said captain Lloyd Ramovha of the elite Hawks investigative unit in a statement issued on Wednesday. Rodney Saunders body was found by fishermen on February 17 in the Tugela river in the province and was positively identified several weeks later. Police gave no details of where Rachel Saunders body was found. Four suspects alleged to have been behind the couples kidnapping were arrested following a manhunt across the province. Sayfydeen Del Vecchio, 38, and Fatima Patel, 27, were arrested in a raid on their house on February 16. They are alleged to have hoisted an Islamic State flag in a reserve in the region where the Saunders disappeared. Themba Xulu, 19, was arrested when he was found in possession of the victims mobile phones. The fourth suspect is Malawian national Ahmad Mussa, 36. Xulu subsequently struck a plea bargain with prosecutors and was sentenced to a suspended three-year sentence for having the Saunders mobile phones in his possession. The other three accused remain in custody and are due to appear at Verulam Magistrates Court on August 24 to face charges including kidnapping, murder and robbery. The UN Security Council met behind closed doors Thursday to address fears that a Saudi-led coalition's offensive on a key port in Yemen will lead to a humanitarian catastrophe. Sweden, a non-permanent council member and leading voice on humanitarian issues, called on the council to demand an immediate halt to the assault to allow time for talks on a rebel withdrawal from Hodeida port. The United Nations has warned that the military operation could cripple deliveries of commercial goods and humanitarian aid to millions of people in Yemen who are on the brink of famine. It is time for the Security Council to call for an immediate freeze of the military attack on Hodeida, said Swedish Deputy Ambassador Carl Skau in a statement ahead of the meeting. This is needed to give the special envoy and United Nations-led efforts a chance to avert disaster and find a sustainable political solution to the conflict. Britain requested the urgent talks at the council the second meeting by the top UN body this week on the crisis in Yemen. The UNs envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, was to brief council members by video-conference. A senior UN aid official was also to report on humanitarian operations. The Red Sea port, controlled by the Iran-backed Huthi rebels, serves as the entry point for 70 percent of the impoverished countrys imports, but the coalition maintains that the rebels use it to smuggle weapons. Asked about Swedens call for a freeze in fighting, British Ambassador Karen Pierce said council members needed to first get more facts on the situation on the ground. The important thing that Martin Griffith was trying to do is to negotiate Huthi withdrawal from Hodeida. I think if it is possible for him still to do that, we should back his efforts to do so, Pierce told reporters ahead of the meeting. On Monday, the Security Council said it supported Griffiths diplomatic efforts but did not call on Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, whose troops are backing Yemeni forces, to refrain from attacking Hodeida. More than 22 million people in Yemen are in need of aid, including 8.4 million who are at risk of starvation, according to the United Nations, which considers Yemen to be the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. Thursday, June 14, 2018 What Do Democrats Want in Immigration? By Peggy Sands Orchowski Thursday June 14: The Congressional game to supposedly "save the DREAMERS" continued this afternoon with the Republicans revealing what elements they would include in the immigration bill that House Minority Leader Paul Ryan promised to bring to the floor for a vote sometime next week. But while the bill includes a pathway to citizenship for DREAMERS who came in both illegally and legally, and includes a provision to keep families of migrants who come in illegally together, instead of being separated, House Minority Leader Nancy Pelossi claimed ""Everything we've heard has been very negative". Here are the main proposals in the Republican bill: create a visa for young undocumented immigrants brought to the United States as children, known as Dreamers, as well as other young immigrants who are here legally but on more ?? temporary permits. provide a path to legal status and eventually citizenship, won't add to overall number of visas because the bill would cut diversity and family-based visas. authorize the full $25 billion President Donald Trump has requested to build a wall along the Southern border. include a provision to allow children to be kept with their parents when detained at the border. Ryan's promise blocked the discharge petition that Democrats and some Republicans failed to complete as expected Wednesday afternoon, June 13. It was their last chance this month to bring up four immigration bills to the floor for a vote in an unusual process called "Queen of the Hill". The four bills included three by Republicans and a fourth supported unanimously by Democrats. Now the vote will only be on two of the bills. The first js the "Securing America's Future Act" (H.R.4760), aka the "Goodlatte" Bill. That proposal would grant a three year, renewable, legal status for some 690,000 recipients of President Obama's Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals executive order of 2012. It would also institute stronger border protection and enforcement measures, as well as revise a number of legal immigration visas and priorities including making e-verify a national requirement instead of just a voluntary work permit check. The second bill would be the Ryan bill. The Democratic bill that won't be included on the floor vote next week is the "Dream Act of 2017" (H.R.3440, identical to Senate bill S.1615). That would give permanent status to all DACA recipients and to new applicants who had been continuously physically present in the country for four years preceding the bill's enactment (2018? 2019?). They must have been under 18 years old age when they entered, and must have obtained a high school comletion certificate of some kind. Over four million individuals are estimated to qualify as DREAMERS under this new Dream Act. That is obviously what Pelosi wants as many illegal immigrants as can be squeezed into a definition to be legalized. That is why she says she only hears negative about the Ryan plan. The Democrats have been using the sympathy towards DREAMERS as "small children brought into the country illegally by their parents without their knowledge" for almost ten year. Even though that is not the definition of DREAMERS in any DREAM Act proposals nor DACA executive orders. As currently defined and under the Democrats new Dream Act, a DREAMER is any foreign national who came in the country before the age of 18 legally or illegallywas here four years consecutively and is an illegal alien when they apply. Only a few expanded border protections would be added, but not a wall nor any interior enforcement nor any change to legal visas. Most Americans do not picture nor support the idea of DREAMERS as teenagers who knowingly assaulted the borders or overstayed a visa. But apparently Democrat leaders will only support bills where the number of immigrants is expanded. The Queen of the Hill favors these Democratic initially because Republican votes would be split between the other three bills. The expanded Dream Act most likely would get the most votes and would proceed to the Senate. But it would be a short-lived victory for Democrats. Unless they were able to win a majority in the Senate in the November 2018 elections, the Republican Senate would most likely not pass such a broad DREAMER Act. And even if the expanded bill did manage to pass both houses of Congress in the next two years, President Trump would certainly veto it. It seems likely now that the 700,000 to 1.8 million DREAMERS that Republicans are willing to legalize before the November elections, will still be left in legal limbo and subject to deportation by the end of the year. Thanks mainly to the Democrats. # # # # # Adam Diegel has resigned as artistic director of Opera San Antonio after just five months, accusing the board of directors of interfering in his work and not allowing him to choose the operas the company would perform. It is the second resident company at the Tobin Center for the Performing Arts to lose an artistic director in recent weeks. Willy Shives left Ballet San Antonio in May. Liz Tullis, a business consultant who started in January as Opera San Antonios executive director, said she remains connected to the company, with that title, though she is no longer involved in the day-to-day operations. Both Tullis and Diegel were brought in as part-time directors. They replaced Enrique Carreon-Robledo, who served both roles as general and artistic director Diegel said his issues with the board included the members meddling with his duties and expecting him to take on too large a work load for a part-time job. He was responsible for every aspect of a production, from auditioning chorus members to locating sets duties he anticipated. But even when an opera wasnt in production, he added, he and Tullis still maintained a busy schedule, meeting with donors among other responsibilities. Selling the company to prospective donors, that in itself is a full-time job. There was a misunderstanding and general disagreement on the duties and definitions of the duties as to how the chairman of the board is involved with the company and, to a certain extent, the executive committee, he said. And, generally speaking, it was not understood, from my perspective, how they wanted this relationship to work. The board is chaired by Blair Labatt, president and CEO of Labatt Food Service, who said that allowing a company director to choose the shows is not how the opera has operated. The choices of repertoire have always been collegial choices, Labatt said. It has never been the decision of any one person ever. No plans have been made so far as to how or even whether Diegel would be replaced, Labatt said. We havent met or discussed exactly how we will evolve our staffing needs, he said. Read more about the changes at Opera San Antonio at our subscriber site Express.News.com. Deborah Martin is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | dlmartin@express-news.net | @DeborahMartinEN The first bajo sexto Max Baca ever owned rests in a display case at the Musical Instrument Museum in Phoenix. Bacas father brought it back from Juarez, having bought it for $50 at a cantina where it hung on a wall as a decoration. He and my mom would cross the border back in those days it wasnt a big deal and theyd usually come back with these cactus candies, just little piles of sugar, Baca said. But he knew I wanted a bajo. He saw it and made an offer. Macedonio Baca was an accordionist. His sons would rush home after school, where each was to practice on the accordion for an hour. But when their father took the boys to Lubbock to see Flaco Jimenez play, 7-year-old Max was fixated on Oscar Tellez, who accompanied the legendary accordionist on the big-bodied 12-string bajo sexto. I knew thats what I wanted to do, Baca said. I wanted to play the instrument making that sound. More Information Los Texmaniacs When: 7 p.m. Friday Where: Rockefeller's, 3620 Washington Details: $20-$30; 713-862-4070, rockefellershouston.com See More Collapse The bajo sexto has opened all the doors for Baca. With the Texmaniacs his nephew Josh Baca on accordion, and multi-instrumentalists Noel Hernandez and Lorenzo Martinez he has performed for American troops in Iraq and adapted a native folk song for an audience in China. And completing a circle started when he was a boy, hes spent years collaborating with Jimenez. Baca also was a crucial contributor to the Texas Tornados, and he can be heard playing on a Rolling Stones album. But his focus over the past 20 years has been Los Texmaniacs, the conjunto band he started in 1997 in San Antonio. The group has become a Texas treasure in that time, preserving and gently modernizing the music Baca heard alongside the rock n roll of his youth in Albuquerque, N.M. Conjunto exists as a sort of musical ombre effect in which shades of folk music from Mexico and shades of dance music from eastern Europe are blended into a new thing. Los Texmaniacs dig deep into the forms history, while also finding more contemporary songs that fit into the tradition. The band just released Cruzando Borders. The title is loaded with potential for interpretation, touching on matters socio-political, international, musical and religious. We needed a good concept and thought about doing an album of corridos, Baca said. But that was too big. We just didnt realize how many of them there were. So we kept one corrido. But we started thinking about this border thing. It felt like a good time for it, even though I dont like to get too political. That can get you in trouble. But this music has taken me all over the world to play for all kinds of people. Theres a lot of meaning in this idea of crossing borders; much of the meaning is musical. Baca recalls a gig in China where they were invited to an outdoor singalong, accompanying a girl playing the erhu a two-stringed bowed instrument. A promoter there asked Los Texmaniacs to learn The Moon Represents My Heart, a folk song he says is known by nearly everybody in the country. The people went berserk, Baca said. To hear this song that they all knew their whole lives but played on the bajo sexto, it was something familiar but something theyd never heard. Baca toyed with the idea of doing a broadly international collaborative album. But with Cruzando Borders he found a subtheme emerging in the songs: Many of them touched on the idea of identity. Most obviously Rumel Fuentes Mexico Americano, Santiago Jimenezs Soy de San Luis and Rick Trevinos I Am a Mexican. But also songs like Woody Guthries Deportee, about a plane crash that killed 28 migrant workers. Guthrie was struck by how coverage of the tragedy excluded any of the victims names. Even Willie Nelsons Across the Borderline, which has a dreamy lyrical quality, touches on the identity theme, at least it does to Baca. He mentions one of his grandmothers, who was Navajo. She married his grandfather, who was from Mexico. Basically they were from the same people just across a border, he said. So that song sticks with me. Its a beautiful song, and an identity song. Up and down the Rio Grande, a thousand footprints in the sand. Its a phenomenal and deep song. Some of the songs balance their seriousness with a bit of humor. In En avion hasta Acapulco, a slighted man buys a one-way plane ticket for his unfaithful lover. Even Soy de San Luis written by Jimenezs father and once recorded by the Texas Tornados has comic undertones when a busted relationship results in a phone call for money to get home. While many of the songs hew close to the border, Don Luis el Tejano tells a different story. Juan Barco wrote the song from Washington state, telling the story of a Tejano laborer who migrated to the Pacific northwest for work. Its a cool, genuinely written song that represents a story that doesnt usually get told, Baca said. La chicharronera offers a more playful tone. Ive heard albums from different conjunto guys where the first song sounds like the second and the third, Baca said. So we try to change it up a little, but not too much. Nothing we cant replicate when we do the gig. Those gigs will take Baca and Los Texmaniacs further afield from Texas, ambassadors for a music they hope to pass along to another generation. Winning a Grammy was great, but my favorite award came from a 7-year-old kid at a school on the South Side of San Antonio, he said. He wrote, Hello Mr. Baca, my name is Kyle. Were doing a project about music, and I chose you. That floored me more than the Grammy did. To know somebody that age is interested in this music, I put that letter in a trophy case. Baca will receive another honor this year. Hes donating his most treasured bajo sexto to the Smithsonian, which will place it in an exhibit in the National Museum of American History along with one of Jimenezs accordions. That bajo sexto has its own little story. It wasnt Bacas first. But it was his first that was well-made, that he played on professionally. His father gave it to him in 1972. Years later, Baca and Jimenez found themselves in the company of the Rolling Stones, adding bass and accordion to Sweethearts Together, a song from the 1994 album Voodoo Lounge. Baca brought along his bajo sexto, which caught the attention of Stones guitarist Keith Richards, who immediately tried to buy it from Baca. He told me to name my price, Baca said. He kept saying, I need this. I need it. But I told him it had too much sentimental value. Its funny when I came home off the road, I told my dad. He called me (an idiot). He said I could have bought a bunch of bajos with the money. Baca thought hed pass it down to his son, but says his son never felt drawn to the instrument. So now it will head to Washington, D.C. Its a pretty big honor, he said. There with Flacos accordion. And all these firsts. The Wright Brothers first airplane. And my first real bajo sexto. Note: This is a full Taste Test review, with a star rating based on multiple visits. Water is magical stuff. It fortifies us, sanctifies us, entertains us. Throw water on your face, look in the mirror, and the day reboots. Rebelle understands the power of water. After 2 years of progressive polyglot cooking, the hallmark restaurant at the St. Anthony hotel is born again, washed in the water of a seafood transformation that seems all at once surprising, natural and somehow overdue. Judging from the aggressive passion behind stuffed lobster, the limeade crush of rockfish ceviche and the coiled luster of shrimp in cilantro cream, Rebelle was ready for the sea change. Change is the default position for the restaurant team of Andrew Goodman and chef Stefan Bowers. Their San Antonio adventures began when they shook up Southtown with the Euro-glam verve of Feast in 2011. Then Rebelle woke up the sleepy ballroom of the century-old St. Anthony in 2015. Battalion followed in 2017, an Italian juggernaut carved from the bones of an old firehouse. And this year, Goodman and Bowers are planning a downtown pizza joint called Playland. In the middle of all that churn, Rebelle is where Bowers hangs his apron, running the kitchen with chef de cuisine Alan Nelson. Both have a solid sense of when to bedazzle their seafood and when to leave it alone. Now Playing: With a new, all-seafood menu, Rebelle offers fresh delights, even while the decor is a bit out of place. Video: San Antonio Express-News The bedazzling took its best form with ruby red trout gilded with pine nuts, salsa verde and precise flakes of red Fresno chiles like the armored breastplate of one of the rich kids on Game of Thrones. The coral-colored fish was stuffed with shrimp butter as satisfying as a seafood bagel schmear. More Information Rebelle *** 300 E. Travis St. at the St. Anthony hotel, 210-352-3171, rebellesa.com Quick bite: Upscale seafood in a stylish modern setting inside the historic St. Anthony hotel downtown. Hit: Seafood chowder, ruby trout with shrimp butter, mussels Miss: Cocktails, thumping disco music and decor Hours: 5-10 p.m. Monday-Saturday; 5-9 p.m. Sunday. Brunch 10:30 a.m.-2:30 p.m. Price range: Appetizers, $12-$18; entrees, $18-$45; sides, $8-$12; desserts, $10 Alcohol: Wine, cocktails and beer **** Superior. Can compete nationally. *** Excellent. One of the best restaurants in the city. ** Very good. A standout restaurant of its kind. * Good. A restaurant that we recommend. (no stars) We cannot recommend this restaurant at this time. Express-News dining critics pay for all meals. See More Collapse For spectacle, its hard to beat a lobster cut clean in half lengthwise and filled with garlicky lobster-claw stuffing, like Thanksgiving under the sea, with lobster tail standing in for the white meat and a shelled claw playing the part of the drumstick. Mussels and red snapper each made impressive bowls. The mussels swam in broth flavored with Mexican beer and orange, with a crown of chipotle salsa for heat and a fan of grilled sourdough for soaking. The luminous snapper laid down a neutral protein base for a cioppino that painted an intriguing line between broth and marinara with herbs, garlic and acidity ladled over shrimp, scallops, mussels and clams. Full-dress seafood found another champion in tail-on green harissa shrimp, with the diffused green of ocean foam and flavors drawn more from cream and cilantro than harissa, a profile that makes sense for the preserving the integrity of really good shrimp. But when it came time to do less, Rebelle was down for the challenge as well. We got our meunieres worth from silky fillets of lemon sole dressed with brown butter and lemon and from ceviche with a simple dress of lime, herbs and chiles that gently rocked the resilient rockfish at its base. A fresh oyster is about as hands-off as it gets, and Rebelle laid down three East Coast varieties in a bakers dozen over ice. Hardly groundbreaking, at least not until veteran waiter James Goodman explained each styles flavor, and suddenly the grassy sweetness, the nickel finish and the sea came rushing in. With all the trimmings from the seafood moving through Rebelles kitchen sole, snapper, octopus and trout Rebelle made a bowl of cream-forward seafood chowder that delivered big value, adventure and bacon for just $12. Now we get to some tough love. At Rebelle, I like it when the sounds of people overwhelm the brassy snare and boom of the dance music soundtrack, instead of the other way around. It doesnt happen nearly enough. The decors always been an Island of Misfit Toys. A lion with disco mirrors, paintings like old Yes album covers, a grand staircase, a chandelier like a bank of overturned prayer candles and a mini Eiffel Tower for some reason. Sitting under the relentless blue lights and crystalline shimmer in this new world under the sea, the sensations gone from disco to aquarium, surrounded by an inchoate tumble of pretty things. Rebelles broad new ocean net hit a few snags, too. An Arctic char think of CrossFit salmon wore its char too literally. A quartet of big scallops over romesco and spinach was torpedoed by an uneven jet-black sear, and Ill never get excited by plain shrimp cocktail again after all the Mexico City-style cocktails in this city, no matter how good the apricot cocktail sauce might be. Not being a fan of cocktail classics redefined primarily by making them sweeter, I wasnt overjoyed to see Rebelles Seven Deadly Sins drink menu still in full effect, although I did enjoy the restorative powers of Lust: sparkling rose poured liberally over thyme-infused gin, aperol and maraschino liqueur. Rebelles wine game is still intact, with a smart list and proper iced-down bottle service for a well-described white. Some things have stayed the same, and for the right reasons, including a nice rib-eye steak, a posh steak tartare and perfectly grilled octopus with corona beans. Spinach pudding a dome of cheesy green with a blanket of bechamel also survived, standing in good form alongside oysters broiled in garlic butter and creme brulee flavored with the tingling heat of pulverized tobacco. So for those who liked-the-old-Rebelle-just-fine-thank-you, I have good news: Rebelle didnt surrender. It evolved to find a truer course, like water heading forever to the ocean. msutter@express-news.net | Twitter: @fedmanwalking Ive noticed that there are two approaches to celebrating Fathers Day. In some families, the father has his day fully planned out by his wife and kids. Who would know better what he likes to do than the ones who spend all year with him, right? In others, the father gets to decide how he wants to relax and enjoy the day. Either way, if dad wants to go have a good beer somewhere, Ive got a couple of suggestions. Setting the stage for Sundays holiday is the Dad Joke Battle at Freetails tasting room (2000 S. Presa Street) from 4 to 7 p.m. Saturday, with registration for competitors ending at 4 p.m. Whether youre a dad with your own supply of jokes or a victim of hearing them, you can tell your best while you have a refreshing brew. In addition to some of Freetails standard beers, the taproom also features beers from its Ghost Pixel series and the occasional barrel-aged rarities. More information is available at Freetails website, freetailbrewing.com. Alamo Beer Co. will hold its fourth annual FatherFest from 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. The event is part celebration of beer and music and part benefit to raise awareness of the importance of prostate health. For this event, Alamo pairs up with Pints for Prostates, an organization founded to raise awareness of prostate cancer through craft beer. Men can sign up for free PSA, testosterone and lipid screening as well as enjoy food, games and live music throughout the day. The event is family friendly, so theres no need to leave the kids at home. More information, including a link to buy tickets for the 10 a.m. jazz brunch with music from the Jim Cullum jazz band, is available at alamobeer.com/fatherfest. For those who would like to get out of the city for the day, the Hill Country has a growing list of breweries in beautiful surroundings. One of the originals, Jester King Brewery in Dripping Springs, is situated in a picturesque setting that makes for a great place to sit and relax with a beer and a pie from the onsite restaurant, Stanleys Farmhouse Pizza. The brewery recently announced the purchase of additional land surrounding the brewery to add to its 58 acres. The new land will ensure the future of their views and bucolic nature. Jester King is not holding a special event on Sunday, but its release of Montmorency vs. Balaton, a sour ale refermented with tart cherries from Michigan, is Friday, and it should still be available Sunday. Get more information at jesterkingbrewery.com. Another picturesque Hill Country brewery is Vista Brewing, located just south of Jester King in Driftwood, the town better known for The Salt Lick Bar-B-Que restaurant. Vista features a relaxed rural atmosphere with a variety of beers that range from lagers to wild ales. They also have a playground, so the whole family can partake of this road trip. On Sunday, they will have a Fathers Day buffet from noon until 4 p.m. Get more information at vistabrewingtx.com. To all the fathers out there, enjoy your day, and hopefully a great beer! Markus Haas is the San Antonio Express-News beer columnist. Read more of his stories here. | mhaas@express-news.net | @saen_beerguy Markus Haas is the San Antonio Express-News beer columnist. Read more of his stories here. | mhaas@express-news.net | @saen_beerguy Advocates for a Mexican-American studies course for Texas public schools are celebrating the State Board of Educations decision to change for the second time its name. In a unanimous vote Wednesday, board members gave preliminary approval to the course, changing its name from Ethnic Studies: An Overview of Americans of Mexican Descent to Ethnic Studies: Mexican American Studies. This is a tremendous, historic victory for Mexican-American studies and all ethnic studies, said Juan Tejeda, a retired professor who taught that field at Palo Alto College and has long promoted its teaching in high schools. The longer formulation had angered advocates for the social studies course ever since April, when the Republican-majority board approved state standards for it but changed its name from Mexican American Studies. Board member David Bradley, R-Beaumont, offered as a reason that hyphenated Americanism is divisive. Some saw the board majority reflecting a basic discomfort among some conservatives at acknowledging any American ethnicity, said Lilliana Saldana, an associate professor at the University of Texas at San Antonio who has advocated for the course. I think it speaks to the ideology of how people see anything attached to American. They see it as non American or not American enough, she said. It goes to the idea we are not allowed to have an ethnic racial identity, and if we do, they see it as divisive instead of being a part of the larger narrative of this country. In fact, there has never been an actual hyphen in the name of the course, nor in those taught at Texas colleges and universities for the past 20 years, Tejeda said. We thought it was derogatory, he said of Bradleys remark. We thought it was diminishing. Were not hyphenated Americans. Were Mexican Americans. Bradley, whose schedule this week includes committee meetings in Austin, did not respond to interview requests Thursday. The dustup over the non-existent hyphen obscured a more important part of the April measure it paved the way for the development of other public school courses in Native American, African American, Latino and Asian Pacific Islander studies, Tejeda said. Were of the mind that we need to learn about all of the cultures that comprise the U.S., he said. Saldana agreed. Some thought the Ethnic Studies prefix in the new name a compromise, but its a promising indicator for future courses, she said. I see it as an opportunity to invite others to develop area studies, Saldana said. Including the term Mexican American Studies in the new course is appropriate as the name of the discipline and a term that comes from the teachers, the parents, the community leaders who fought for it, she said. Board member Marisa Perez-Diaz, D-San Antonio, said conversations among board members do indicate future such courses likely will start with the Ethnic Studies prefix. She would have preferred not to use it, but is excited that the new course standards are closer to being implemented, she said. Were ready for the meaty discussions about the substance of the course, Perez-Diaz said. Mexican-American history is American history. It just hasnt been told in a sufficient way. Board members will give the standards a second reading and vote on Friday and a final vote is set for September. Advocates will be working to submit recommendations to the already proposed standards, Tejeda said. Perez-Diaz said she does not anticipate another name change. Im confident that this is it, she said. In talking with my colleagues on the board, I think weve all landed on this. krista.torralva@express-news.net At least five congressmen from across the country are planning to visit two unaccompanied minor shelters run by Southwest Key Programs in Brownsville on Monday. The trip was organized by U.S. Rep. Filemon Vela, D-Brownsville, and he said it was in the works before Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon was barred entry into the Casa Padre facility on June 3 which was filmed on Facebook Live and went viral in the days that followed. I hope to learn a whole lot more about what Southwest Key Programs is seeing, and what theyre doing, Vela said, adding he also hopes to actually see for ourselves everything were reading. The lawmakers trip includes an hourlong interview with Southwest Key leaders, and a tour of both the Casa Padre and Casa El Presidente shelters for unaccompanied minors, each lasting 30 to 45 minutes. The trip comes as all eyes are on the U.S.-Mexico border and the changes occurring amid the White House administrations latest crackdown on immigration. The facilities are at or near maximum capacity in the wake of the national zero-tolerance policy, which began as early as last year and was announced by Attorney General Jeff Sessions in April. As U.S. Customs and Border Patrol winds down the practice of catch and release and charges unauthorized immigrant parents with criminal violations, their children are being separated and sent to shelters for unaccompanied minors Southwest Key Programs has stood by its decision to bar Merkley from entering the facility in early June. On Wednesday, shelter officials said they didnt know Merkley and they had no security on site to verify his identity. The shelter also allowed a tour of the facility Wednesday. On Thursday, in a statement to the Express-News, the shelter said it now welcomes lawmakers. We look forward to the tour when our visiting members of Congress can see for themselves the exacting childcare licensing standards to which Southwest Key not only complies, but often exceeds, reads the statement. The Office of Refugee Resettlement, under the Department of Health and Human Services, subcontracts Southwest Key to operate its 26 child immigrant shelters in three states: Texas, Arizona and California. Volunteer case workers and other staffers rarely speak about the conditions of the facilities for fear of retribution from the ORR. This rigorous oversight (by ORR) ensures the children who stay with us are treated with dignity and that they are reunified as quickly and safely as possible with family or sponsor. We do that while fully complying with the laws we are required to follow, the statement continues. In the last fiscal year, children spent an average of 49 days at Casa Padre, according to ORR data, though the goal is about 30 days. The shelter is one of about 100 unaccompanied immigrant childrens shelters in 14 states across the country. In total, the U.S. houses more than 10,000 children in these facilities. Vela visited shelters in 2014 and 2016, he said, when the numbers of unaccompanied youth crossing the border surged. There are those of us that believe the conditions in Central America were what caused that. Others would say that its just people trying to game the system. We can debate that all day long, Vela said. The difference here is, because of the zero-tolerance policy, you essentially have a presidentially manufactured crisis. Four other congressmen have confirmed their trip to Brownsville, Vela said: Joaquin Castro, D-San Antonio; Adriano Espaillat, D-New York; Sheila Jackson Lee, D-Houston; and Bennie Thompson, D-Mississippi. Espaillat is the first formerly undocumented immigrant to serve in Congress. Castro was at the forefront of a rally against family separation in San Antonio and is filing a bill to guarantee congressional access to unaccompanied minor shelters, including ensuring the ability to conduct unannounced visits by certain members. He said he intends to try talking to the children, though its unclear whether hell be able to. We want to get firsthand look at how these children are being treated at these centers. And have an opportunity to speak to some of them, and hear from them directly about that treatment, Castro said. I think the public has a right to know whats going on when were talking about government-funded programs. The public should know the good, the bad and the ugly, Vela said. If we dont know whats going on, its hard for us to do anything about it. Silvia Foster-Frau is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | sfosterfrau@express-news.net | @SilviaElenaFF BROWNSVILLE Following a week of speculation about the treatment of migrant children kept behind at the windowless walls of the largest shelter for minors in the nation, the nonprofit that operates the facility pulled back the curtain Wednesday, hoping to dispel the rumors. We take great care of kids, said Juan Sanchez, the president and CEO of Southwest Key. Our goal is to reunify these children with their families. Nearly 1,500 kids spread across the sprawling floor-plan of a remodeled Walmart dined on chicken, mashed potatoes, fruit and vegetables, even as a movie theater at the opposite end of the building showed the Walt Disney film Moana in Spanish. RELATED: Neighbors describe chaotic scene after more than 50 immigrants found in truck A recent uptick in unaccompanied children crossing the U.S.-Mexico border 6,405 in May alone has pushed shelter occupancy to 1,469, just a few shy of its maximum capacity of 1,497. Officials at the boys-only facility say the majority of these children were traveling alone and were not separated from parents at the border. The kids are age 10 to 17 and most come from Central America, although there were a few from India and China. Casa Padre and other shelters have drawn interest from congressional leaders and immigrant advocates as hundreds of children have been separated from their parents along the border under the Trump administrations zero tolerance policy. The officials at Casa Padre declined to comment on that policy. What we are about, and we do it very well, is we take care of kids, Sanchez said. The shelter has had to make adjustments to accommodate new arrivals, adding an additional portable bed to bedrooms that already have four single beds. When a child arrives at the Brownsville shelter, he or she receives a health screening and meets with a case worker, who contacts parents and a potential sponsor in the United States ideally a family member. Children are placed with relatives or put into a federal foster care system, a process that is overseen by the Office of Refugee Resettlement. New arrivals are kept apart from the general population for a period of 48 hours until their medical exams are completed. Southwest Key maintains a ratio of one case manager for every eight kids, and one clinician for every 12 kids. There also are 48 medical staff and three on-call physicians, Sanchez said. Overall, the facility has 1,267 employees. The 250,000-square-foot building has classrooms where kids take six hours of instruction Monday through Friday. Currently, theyre learning about the U.S. branches of government. The children are released two hours per day for outdoor activity, and taken on excursions around Brownsville. Recreation rooms offer billiards and video games, and colorful murals of U.S. presidents adorn the walls. Not all of the shelters residents have responded positively to President Donald Trumps mural. Each shelter is decorated to be child-friendly, and education is a component we try to incorporate into all our programming, spokeswoman Cindy Casares said. Murals of about 20 other U.S. presidents are accompanied by inspirational quotes, written in English and Spanish. Trumps quote reads: Sometimes, by losing a battle you find a new way to win the war. A lot of (the children) said they had heard a lot of anti-immigrant things Donald Trump had said, said Diana Gomez, who conducted legal screenings inside the shelter for several months in 2017. They were fleeing violence in their homes to seek opportunity and a better life in the U.S. They saw Donald Trump as a person who would be a threat to that hope and eventually deport them back to their country, where they would face inevitable death. The nonprofit that runs the shelter came under scrutiny a week ago when U.S. Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Oregon, was barred from entering and local police were called. On Wednesday, in answer to a question about that, shelter officials said they didnt know Merkley and they had no security on site to verify his identity. Southwest Key spokeswoman said the organization is proud of its track record and its childcare. And yet, state health regulators have documented numerous violations at Casa Padre within the last year. Some of the 13 violations include employees belittling children, lapsed dental appointments and at least one resident who tested positive for a sexually transmitted disease, but didnt receive treatment for more than two weeks. Texas state health regulators found about 150 violations across the nonprofits 16 Texas shelters. Sanchez said that on occasion a child has run away. Others who the shelter workers cant handle have had to be transferred to other facilities. Under a four-year contract with the Department of Health and Human Services the Austin-based nonprofit is paid more than $400 million to care for unaccompanied minors. Southwest Key manages 27 shelters for immigrant children in Texas, Arizona and California. With the number of immigrants arriving at the Southwest border plummeting to historic lows in May 2017, the nonprofit laid off hundreds of its employees. A year later, Casa Padre is almost at capacity. Officials couldnt say how many of the laid-off employees had been rehired or how quickly they were able to staff up again. Southwest Key shelters in Texas took in more than 11,110 minors during the 2017 fiscal year, which ended Sept. 30. Since then, the organization said, its Texas shelters have served more than 11,900 unaccompanied minors. The Trump administration is considering tent cities at military posts around Texas to house the rising number of migrant children in detention. Reuters has reported 1,800 family separations between October 2016 and February. Sanchez said Southwest Key would not participate in a tent city expansion, but might consider expanding operations. The majority of unaccompanied minors who arrived during the last fiscal year, which ended in September, were older than 15, and nearly 70 percent were male, according to ORR data. Children spent an average of 49 days in Casa Padre; the goal is one month. I think wed all like to work ourselves out of a job eventually, said Alexia Rodriguez, vice president of immigrant child services for Southwest Key. However, Rodriguez added, with so many fleeing violence and poverty at home that isnt likely to happen any time soon. anelsen@express-news.net | Twitter: @amnelsen WASHINGTON - Immigration activists and Hispanic lawmakers went on the attack Wednesday as a bipartisan push led by moderate Republicans to pass legislation protecting Dreamers appeared to collapse amid opposing GOP factions. Just two signatures short of the 218 needed to force votes on several immigration measures, the moderates - including San Antonio Republican Will Hurd - were forced to regroup, ceding the initiative to GOP leaders trying to negotiate a more conservative approach to the long-standing political impasse. We had 216 Republicans and Democrats, with only two signatures away, from bringing meaningful, bipartisan legislation to the House floor that would finally give our nations Dreamers clarity on their future, said Texas U.S. Rep. Joaquin Castro, a Democrat from San Antonio. Instead, the House will vote next week on two more hard-line immigration proposals that could decide the fate of young immigrants brought into the country illegally as children, known as Dreamers. One is a measure co-sponsored by Houston-area Republican Michael McCaul, chairman of the House Homeland Security Committee, that would provide temporary visas to Dreamers, but no guarantee of a path to citizenship. The other, which has not been finalized, is believed to be a compromise measure that might offer an eventual path to citizenship. It is not clear if either of the two plans, which would also beef up border security, could pass the House. But House Speaker Paul Ryan reportedly told Republicans at a closed meeting Wednesday that President Donald Trump would likely support his immigration plan, which is believed to be based on pillars the White House laid out earlier this year. Those principles include limits on legal immigration and construction of his long-promised wall on the Mexican border, for which he has sought some $25 billion. Left by the wayside is bipartisan legislation backed by Hurd and California Republican Jeff Denham that would offer border enhancements and a qualified path to citizenship for those who signed up for the Obama-era Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program, which Trump has sought to end. That had been one of the measures the GOP moderates had hoped to bring up for a vote, along with a more generous Dreamer legislation favored by Democrats. But a discharge petition to bypass the House GOP leadership and force a series of floor votes - a rare legislative maneuver - did not appear to have the necessary support by Tuesdays deadline for action by the end of this month. Hurd and other organizers had predicted the needed signatures were assured in recent weeks as they closed in on the 218-signature threshold. But their efforts were resisted by Ryan and leaders of the conservative Freedom Caucus. Some Republican leaders have said openly that a straight up-or-down vote on Dreamer legislation could hurt vulnerable Republican lawmakers and threaten their partys control of the House after the 2018 midterm elections. Frank Sharry, executive director of the immigrant advocacy group Americas Voice, decried the moderates defeat. This is not about protecting Dreamers, he said. Its part of a process that protects re-election prospects. Democrats also joined the attack, singling out Republicans in swing districts, including Hurd and Florida Republican Carlos Curbelo. "House Republicans' latest failure to deliver for Dreamers is made all the more inexcusable by their many empty promises that they would get the signatures and move on the discharge petition," said Javier Gamboa, a spokesman for the Democratic Congressional Campaign Committee. "If vulnerable members like Carlos Curbelo, Will Hurd and Jeff Denham can't get the job done with their party controlling all of Washington, they have no business serving in Congress." In a statement, Hurd's Democratic challenger, Gina Ortiz Jones, said the congressman's record on Dreamers "continues to be all talk, no success. Hurds office said he was not available for comment Wednesday. But Curbelo sought to put a positive spin on the setback, telling reporters that some GOP lawmakers simply wanted to give Ryan more time to negotiate a compromise. We have a good number of colleagues who are willing to sign but would like to see agreement, he said. Thats what they prefer. Hurd, who represents a heavily Hispanic border district, was the only Texas Republican to join the moderate group. All the Texas Democrats in the House signed on, with Laredo Democrat Henry Cuellar coming around Tuesday night as time expired on the petition effort. Cuellar, like some other border lawmakers, had sought assurances from Democratic leaders that they would not trade Dreamer protections for Trumps wall. After conferring with Democratic leadership and receiving their commitment to help me fight the border wall, I signed the discharge petition to protect Dreamers and DACA recipients, Cuellar said. I will continue to fight against the border wall and work in a bipartisan manner to find cost-effective, 21st-century measures to securing our borders. The two immigration plans now being put forth by the House leadership are expected to address Trumps border security concerns, as well as Dreamers. AshLee Strong, a Ryan spokeswoman, said in a statement that the votes scheduled next week will avert the discharge petition and resolve the border security and immigration issues. Castro said he is hopeful that Republicans will come up with a compromise that can win bipartisan support. But he worried that immigration hard-liners had taken control. It looks like theyre going to allow Steve King (R-Iowa), Rep. (Bob) Goodlatte (R-Va.) and others who, quite honestly dont want to see a single new immigrant enter the country, draft this legislation. And if thats the case, I dont think theyll get any Democratic support. Moderates said they could try to launch another petition later in the year. But their prospects closer to the election seemed anything but certain as this months deadline passed. Washington Correspondent Bill Lambrecht contributed to this report. Kevin.Diaz@chron.com Joe Rust Jr. was swimming with his family in his North Side pool Tuesday night when he heard people running along the alley behind his house, followed quickly by two police helicopters flying low. Alarmed by the scene, he quickly ushered all of his relatives from the pool into his home. The discovery of more than 50 undocumented immigrants in an air-conditioned tractor trailer parked in that alley transformed the normally quiet Leland Terrace subdivision into a scene of chaos. People ran from the truck in an attempt to elude officers, jumping over fences and climbing on the roofs of houses, several breaking bones. Squad cars prowled the neighborhood. Officers shone flashlights into residents darkened yards. Helicopters continued circling overhead for several hours. It was pretty scary and it went on for a while, Rust said. It was more than Im accustomed to. It was the latest stark reminder that human smuggling continues to be a pervasive, highly organized enterprise even as the Trump administration tries to seal the border. The discovery of the undocumented men, women and minors from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Brazil came almost a year after 10 migrants died and many others were injured after being smuggled into Texas aboard a sweltering tractor trailer found parked outside a South Side Walmart. In all, 54 people were apprehended in the latest incident, federal officials said at a news conference Wednesday. An affidavit filed by Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Robert Cardenas said 53 people were captured, along with the man accused of driving the truck. Six people were hospitalized for minor injuries. Four of them had been released. Federal officials identified the accused driver as Gerardo Javier Carreon, 36, of Laredo. Carreon, a U.S. citizen, is expected to be charged in federal court with human smuggling, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden said. Carreon remains in federal custody and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. One couple living in the neighborhood expressed skepticism that only 54 undocumented migrants were involved, noting the number appeared to be much larger. That couple who identified themselves only as Julia and John and declined to give their last name speculated that some of the migrants may have escaped. Julia, a nurse, said that some of the people running away suffered broken limbs when they fell off of the roofs of homes or jumped wooden privacy fences. She said one man had broken his legs, so she kept him isolated and gave him water and Tylenol. We had some broken people and some bleeding people and we just took care of them as best as we could until EMS got here, she said. They were all very kind and very receptive. None of them were hostile. Once they realized they werent going any further, they just stopped. Her husband said he saw a helicopter hovering low over their neighborhood as he arrived home Tuesday night. As I turned down the street, it was just World War III chaos, John said. He said he walked by one shrub outside his home four times, not knowing there was a man hiding inside. The man jumped out of hiding when another neighbor aimed a pistol at the bush. Authorities and neighbors still were finding people well into Wednesday, long after the tractor-trailer had been removed from the alley, the couple said. Julia and John said they continued to find remnants of the night before discarded shoes, shirts and water bottles. Another Leland Terrace resident, who asked that his name not be published because of safety and privacy concerns, said officers found a man hiding behind a thorny bougainvillea bush in his fenced back yard around 10 p.m. Tuesday. I think they had tracked this guy to our backyard, the resident said. He was hiding behind a bush up near the fence. The guy looked scared, but he was unarmed. They were speaking in Spanish to him, but I didnt hear him say anything back. Officers led the man to a squad car, he said. The resident said he was unsettled enough to remove his infant daughter from her bedroom and to keep her in his and his wifes bedroom. Its unsettling to have people wandering around. You never know people do desperate things at desperate times, he said. The sweep was prolonged, Rust said. It was a little unnerving, he said. My wife didnt sleep well at all. Local law enforcement officials alerted Homeland Security Investigations of the truck containing the migrants. It was not immediately known how the truck came to local officers attention. When federal agents arrived, they found Carreon with the truck in an alley near Loop 410 and Broadway. The doors to the trailer were open, and the people inside were apprehended while running from the vehicle, the affidavit states. Carreon was captured while running from the vehicle, that document shows. Those who didnt need to go to a hospital were taken to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations office in San Antonio. Folden said he couldnt provide further details on their status Wednesday. Folden declined to discuss the ages of the immigrants, though an affidavit released late Wednesday indicated the youngest of the group is 16. Carreon admitted to federal agents that he was to be paid for the smuggling, according to a criminal complaint submitted by Cardenas, which was released by the U.S. District Court Western District of Texas. Carreon told authorities he left Laredo for San Antonio early Tuesday to pick up the undocumented migrants. He said an unknown driver had parked the trailer near the H-E-B warehouses near Rittiman Road and left the vehicle there because the driver did not want to deliver and unload the migrants, the affidavit states. Carreon then told the agents he parked his pickup, drove the trailer to the alley and used bolt cutters to break the seal of the trailer and opened the doors to get the people out. As the people began to climb out and saw police, they ran a short distance before being arrested, the affidavit states. The sky was clear Tuesday night, but the heat index was 90 degrees when police and firefighters responded to the tractor-trailer. The detained migrants were hungry, so firefighters fed them pizza, Fire Chief Charles Hood said. The pizza was ordered and delivered by a local tow truck driver Armando Colunga, 34. Just two months ago, Border Patrol agents reported an increase in migrants illegally crossing the border, and officials issued warnings about the dangerous conditions they face as the weather becomes increasingly hotter. Last nights incident could have turned out much, much worse, Folden said Wednesday. These criminal organizations are comprised of extremely callous individuals who disregard human life and make large profits on treating humans as a commodity. Smugglers know people wanting to get into the United States illegally wont contact law enforcement out of fear, Folden said. The only way to combat the crime is to hit smugglers financially, he said. If we want to make serious progress against organized alien smuggling in South Texas, we need to attack the criminal organizations and financial infrastructure that supports it, said Folden. At the end of the day, you can't put a price on human life. Public records shown Carreon was released from a Texas state jail in February 2016 after serving a two-year sentence for a drug possession conviction. Information from the Texas Department of Public Safety shows Carreon was arrested in May 2013 by the Bexar County Sheriffs Office on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance, 1 gram to 4 grams, which is a third-degree felony. He was convicted of a reduced state jail felony of possession of a controlled substance, less than 1 gram, in March 2014 and was sentenced to two years in a state jail. Carreon also was arrested in Jim Hogg County in March 2005 on a charge of possession of marijuana, less than 2 ounces, which is a Class B misdemeanor. He was convicted and served 18 months probation, records show. Jenny Hixon, director of education and outreach with RAICES, said they were called to the scene by police as part of an agreement between the organization and the city to inform the occupants of their rights and offer access to social workers. So that they know what they're facing now that they've been taken into custody, Hixon said. She said Homeland Security and Investigations agents were not allowing RAICES members to speak with the people as of Tuesday night. We need to respect the basic humanity of those folks and make sure they have access to information about their rights and that their rights are being respected at every stage, she said. Antonio Fernandez, CEO of Catholic Charities, said his organization also was there to follow up with any additional needs the people may have had. Hixon and Fernandez applauded the work of police and firefighters in how they treated the men, women and teenagers found inside the trailer. DHS and ICE Public Affairs Spokeswoman Nina Pruneda said those who were inside the tractor-trailer were being interviewed as material witnesses and that the investigation will continue. CORRECTION: This article was been updated to correct who provided the pizza. The article had incorrectly identified the purchaser of the pizza because of incorrect information from the San Antonio Fire Department. News Researcher Misty Harris and Staff Photographer William Luther contributed to this report. | Peggy O'Hare is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | pohare@express-news.net | @Peggy_OHare | Elizabeth Zavala is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | ezavala@express-news.net | @elizabeth2863 AUSTIN Dozens of parents, teachers and students demanded that state lawmakers keep guns out of schools and reject legislation that would arm more teachers and other school staff. In the wake of the mass shooting at Santa Fe High School, Gov. Greg Abbott released dozens of recommendations to bolster school safety. Many aspects of the plan included adding more law enforcement officers in schools and arming school teachers and staff through state programs that provide training. But many students and parents voiced opposition to arming staff at the Senate hearing Tuesday, telling lawmakers that more guns in schools is the wrong approach to addressing school shootings. Students have the right to go to a safe school, said Neil Loewenstern, a high school teacher in Austin. More guns will not make schools safer I dont want a gun in my classroom, and I will not work in a school where a teacher has a gun. Related: Experts disagree on how students, teachers should respond when a gunman is on campus Gaelila McKaughan, a sophomore at Liberal Arts and Science Academy in Austin, said she has never felt safe during a lockdown drill. She said lawmakers should focus their resources violence prevention programs and on training law enforcement to more effectively respond to mass shooting. Its not a teachers job to sacrifice their lives for their students, McKaughan said. The Senate Select Committee on Violence in Schools and School Security is hosting several hearings to discuss Abbotts proposal and other ideas for strengthening school safety. Tuesdays hearing focused on the plan to increase armed officials in schools. The committee asked several school and law enforcement officials to talk about their experiences with armed officials in schools. We cant fool ourselves into believing that law enforcement is the only appropriate response to a person who shows up with a gun, hellbent on murdering people, said Jim Skinner, the Collin County Sheriff. Because of that, I am of the opinion that if a person is properly trained and qualified, we ought to have some kind of provision to put armed people in our schools. Schools in Texas already have several options for arming staff members, including the Texas School Marshal Program. Teachers and staff participating in the program receive 80 hours of training on how to respond to an active shooter. Its unclear how many staff members are armed in schools through the program because the numbers are not public. But Abbott and others want to expand the program and modify rules already on the books. Teachers who go through the Marshal Program, for example, cant carry the gun on their person, and must lock the gun up. Craig Bessent, an assistant superintendent at Wylie ISD, said there are school marshals in his schools. He said the teacher keeps the gun locked up, and students do not know that he is armed. He told lawmakers that he is in favor of allowing the Marshals to conceal and carry their guns. Some school officials have testified in the past two days that arming teachers puts them at risk of getting shot if law enforcement is responding to a mass shooting. Police would not take the time to question if that staff member is authorized to have a a gun because they are trained to shoot anyone with a gun in a school. Bessent said school marshals are aware of that response. Thats a risk we take, we know that, Bessent said. The state also has a guardian program that allows armed teachers in school with school board approval. Kim Vickers, the executive director of the Texas Commission on Law Enforcement, said he has many concerns with the guardian program because it only required 16 hours of training, but there is no oversight on the type of training the participants receive. Lawmakers voiced support during the hearing to strengthen the requirements of that program. Alejandra Matos covers politics, immigration and education policy. Follow her on Twitter. Email tips to alejandra.matos@chron.com. Subscribe to the Texas Take politics newsletter. HOUSTON 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, NASA spokeswoman Cheryl Warner said. 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, 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 said 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 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 A handful of City Council members argued Wednesday against a proposal aimed at increasing transparency at City Hall, including one elected official who suggested the city decrease its current level of required campaign-finance disclosures. Councilman Clayton Perry, the freshman from District 10, not only opposed a recommendation to increase the filing frequency of campaign-finance reports from semi-annually to quarterly but also suggested the city should remove a requirement to file a finance report three days before municipal elections the only report local candidates file beyond whats required under state law. Among a number of both substantive and housekeeping changes, the citys Ethics Review Board has recommended to the council that it eliminate the three-day report and switch to quarterly reporting. The net effect of the recommendation is two additional filings over a two-year term. Campaign-finance reports, which are available to the public, would be filed on the 15th of January, April, July and October in even-numbered years. In odd-numbered years, when municipal elections take place, candidates and incumbents would file in January, July and October, and also 30 and eight days before the election. Perry asked City Auditor Kevin Barthold who would benefit from increased reporting cycles. Who is this making it easy on? Im looking at it for myself. I do these things myself, Perry said, referencing his own campaign-finance reports. And theyre not easy. Its very complicated to load that information in. Were adding a burden to ourselves, and I dont see what good is it doing? What more is it going to give someone thats interested in these reports that they cant wait until we get it in with what were currently doing? Barthold replied that both the general public and his office, specifically, would find use in increased reporting. Related: Council passes resolution supporting Houston bid for 2020 Democratic National Convention But Perry chose to focus only on the latter and cut off Barthold mid-sentence. Im sorry, why do I want to take on something more difficult for your convenience? he said. For Barthhold, increased reporting means that theres a greater chance that he and his staffers will discover prohibited campaign contributions made by those seeking contracts with the city. Certain individuals are blacked out from making campaign contributions during high-profile solicitations. Catching it in the process ahead of time, it just makes it easier for everybody concerned, the auditor said. Because the result of the campaign contribution during a blackout period from the council members perspective, the contribution needs to be returned. From the bidders perspective, its disqualification. Thats where it benefits us. Perry told Barthold and his council colleagues that he didnt agree with the recommendation and suggested the city reduce its overall reporting requirements. Were already exceeding the state requirement. Id like to do away with the three-day and do what the state requires, he said. I dont see that we have to go above and beyond what the state is requiring. Councilwoman Shirley Gonzales complained that additional reporting would cost her more money in compliance professionals who review her filings before theyre submitted. In a tweet Wednesday, she said it wasnt a matter of compliance but of moving the goal posts. But the council isnt discussing anything that could be described as moving goalposts its action, if approved next week, would take effect at the beginning of a reporting cycle specifically to avoid setting a new standard midway through. Any time that theres these additional burdens placed on us, while we are now paid professionals, theres also the opportunity cost in serving, Gonzales said. So any time we add additional things, those of us who very much want to be in compliance are burdened with too many reporting periods. Councilman Greg Brockhouse also rejected the idea of increasing the reporting periods to quarterly. He said in an interview that he supports other recommendations, including one that is expected to go before the councils Governance Committee next week that would require that the occupation and employer of anyone who contributes $100 or more to a campaign be listed on finance reports. Read more: Council briefed on Pre-K 4 SA Mayor Ron Nirenberg applauded the work of the Ethics Review Board, noting that its deep dive into the ethics code came after a previous City Council voted to give then-Mayor Ivy Taylor an ethics waiver after a 15-months-long violation. (Nirenberg and Councilman Rey Saldana voted against the waiver). Among the recommendations the council reviewed Wednesday would be a policy requiring approval from the Ethics Review Board before the council could approve an ethics waiver. But the mayor said the recommendations dont go far enough. It is illustrative of the structural challenge we have and, again, reinforces the need for us to have an independent Ethics Review Board and an independent ethics code, he said. The City Council should not be deliberating on these rules. The council should not officiate its own rules, Nirenberg said, and pushed his colleagues to proceed with the reform next week. I think its high time for us to move these things forward to A session and take a vote on them, he said. Josh Baugh is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | jbaugh@express-news.net | @jbaugh Considering the steady rightward drift of the Legislature, one might expect the hard core conservatives currently massing at the Texas GOP convention here to be somewhat content. Thats not the case. Many setting up booths Wednesday at the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center came to strive for state laws that would make even Sen. Ted Cruz blush, including the outright flouting of the Supreme Courts ruling on abortion and the elimination of gun-free zones, not only in schools but anywhere else, including bars and government buildings. How much sway will the wildest desires of grassroots conservatives hold over Texas legislators in the next regular session? The answer, likely, is some, especially now that House Speaker Joe Straus, R-San Antonio, has announced his retirement. Along with his lieutenants, Straus proved an insurmountable obstacle for many of last years most egregious right-wing wishes. Now hes gone, and conservative legislators have one less hurdle to get over to pass their bills, Southern Methodist University political scientist Cal Jillson said. I think it will be easier because Republican conservatives now have a freer hand. Jillson, though, cautioned against putting too much stock in the platform on which Republican Party leaders will vote Saturday. The state conventions are meetings of activists, he said. So the Republicans meeting in San Antonio are deeply committed Republican activists who tend to be on the right wing of the party. And so every other year, the Republican convention produces a platform that newspapers write stories about, how conservative it is and then a week later its completely forgotten. Texas governors running for re-election historically have avoided making pledges to abide by the platform, Jillson added. I dont think you draw a straight line from the Republican Party platform to the legislative agenda, he said. Nonetheless, some items that excite Republican activists, including so-called bathroom bills, have a good chance to thrive at next years regular session. Straus last year strongly opposed a bill that would restrict which bathrooms transgender people could use, despite its priority status for Lt. Gov. Dan Patrick and Gov. Greg Abbott. I think the principal bills that Patrick advocated and Abbott came to advocate but that failed in the regular and special session in 2017 stand a better chance (in 2019), Jillson said. So-called constitutional carry could be another contender. On Wednesday, CJ Grisham, co-founder of Open Carry Texas, was setting up a booth in the convention hall. Among the legislative priorities hed listed on a brochure, many were oddly arcane. (Direct DPS to reduce the number of rounds in the live fire proficiency in the LTC class from 50 to 20 rounds with no minimum caliber restriction, stated one.) His top priority, however, was plain: Anyone who can legally own the gun can carry it openly or concealed without a license, stated the brochure. This idea could gain traction, considering a recent spate of mass shootings in Texas has only strengthened the resolve of lawmakers to answer the scourge of gun violence with more guns. Abbott, for instance, has recommended that faculty and staff serve as armed marshals in schools, an idea that drove a discussion this week at a meeting of a committee convened by Patrick to address school shootings. This isnt surprising in a state in which gun control is best defined as using both hands, to paraphrase former Gov. Rick Perry. Near Grishams booth, Christopher Youngblood was volunteering for Abolish Abortion Texas, a group whose slogan is Ignore Roe. Youngblood noted that a bill introduced last session by state Rep. Tony Tinderholt, R-Arlington, would have outlawed abortion entirely despite federal law. He blamed that bills failure to make it through committee on House State Affairs Chairman Byron Cook like Straus, a moderate whose influence will be sorely missed next year by anyone made uneasy by the ideas now flowering at the state convention. Last October, on the same day that Straus announced his retirement, Cook also said he was stepping down. bchasnoff@express-news.net When President Bill Clinton acted out sexually with Monica Lewinski, there was a change in attitudes among adolescents now called the Clinton-Lewinski effect. Now, with President Donald Trump, I see overt and covert hate speech, lack of caring for those different in color or ethnic origin, and a mean-spirited attitude horribly represented by the removal of children from their refugee parents as part of immigration deterrence. This must stop: It is far too close in tone to Sophies Choice, as is this administrations use of the Big Lie and other forms of factless propaganda like birtherism also associated with dark and cruel regimes. Please, lets come to our senses and return to decency. Richard A. Albanese Reverse Obama trend Re: Midterm votes all about checking Trump, Other Views, June 1: I read with interest Thomas Friedmans column about the election this coming November, offering his opinion that people should vote for Democratsso President Donald Trump could be held in check. He fails to recognize, or detail, that all the things he says that the 2016 voters liked tax cuts, defense of the Second Amendment, reopening exploration of fossil fuels, returning to pro-life and curtailing illegal immigration were incorrectly engineered by the Obama administration. Voters wanted them reversed. Those actions by the Obama administration were already labeled extreme and to the political far left, and needed to come back to the political center. So, in my opinion, the extreme political actions were done by former President Barack Obama, and we needed to take control of the House and the Senate and the White House, in order to reverse the maddening trend toward socialism. Now were getting back to the political center, where most Americans stand. The November election should prove my opinion as we witness the Republicans holding the House and the Senate (we may even gain a few seats in the Senate). Michael Willert, Spring Branch For good guns Re: Check that, Your Turn, May 28: It pleases me to see my words echoed in this letter. Ive written before about how a gunman can be stopped by a person defending himself and others. Its common knowledge that there are millions of firearms in America. Sensible thinking tells us that guns are here to stay. My point is, we will see other disgruntled youths crying in their milk because a girl didnt date them. These malcontents will get their hands on a gun, and you know the rest. I reluctantly vote for good gun vs. bad gun. Jimmy Gonzales Use these officers In light of the recent school and church shootings, I offer this observation. As a combat veteran of the Vietnam War, I have insight that may not occur to this generation. These shootings are not simply shootings. In my view, they are a simple form of ambush. Ambush was a cowardly form of combat by the enemy that was very effective with the element of surprise. These days, it is the same. These ambushes can and will be stopped only by the elimination of the element of surprise. This is easy if we have officers who can evaluate each student or person on sight. Some officers can literally smell a gun or bomb, can seem to read the mind of an individual who has evil intent. There are such officers in our midst now. These animals can smell 1,000 times more than a man, hear 1,000 times better. They can sense danger, and they work for free. You probably even have one. A mans best friend service dogs on duty can take away the advantage of surprise in any ambush. I am merely OK with all who are armed at schools. If we cant squash the element of surprise, we create a longer gunfight. A better answer seems to be to take the element of surprise out of the picture. Service dogs can accomplish this. Dogs are killed by the thousands. These dogs could get a new and much-deserved lease on life. Dogs can be the answer if we give them the chance. Even a Chihuahua will chew the toenails off a rhino. F.T. Toborg, Floresville Voters are smart Re: Charter changes are bad for city, Editorial, May 29: You are showing the Express-News philosophy on the upcoming charter changes proposed by the firefighters union. Your summarization of these three charter amendments is your biased view of how the voters should vote. Your summarization basically says the voters are not smart enough to read the actual proposals and form our own opinions on how to vote. I recommend you publish each of the three proposals and let the individual voters decide for themselves. Henry C. Holden More abortions Re: No outrage, Your Turn, May 26: The writer is erroneously equating last years 652,639 abortions with an average killing of 1,788 children per day. The aborted embryos and fetuses are not children until they are born, and no longer part of the mother and are able to breathe on their own. The Express-News had an excellent editorial May 26 titled A plan that will increase abortions. The lack of federal funds to support Title X national family planning program will result in more unplanned pregnancies, and, yes, more abortions. Ida Roggins GREENWICH Superintendent Jill Gildea, who recently announced she was resigning after less than a year on the job, told a Greenwich audience Wednesday they should focus more on the high quality of the towns school system rather than the rapid turnover that has marked its top administrative position. Ninety percent of your results are from the system you have in place, Gildea told members of the Retired Mens Association of Greenwich. While I agree strong leadership matters, you have a strong framework in place. Gildea visited the associations weekly meeting to discuss innovations practiced in the Greenwich Public School system, but during a question-and-answer period members wanted to hear more about her decision to leave. One asked what Greenwich could do to keep a superintendent. Gildea was the towns 12th in the past 20 years. As a hiring official, I would take someone excellent for a year or two over someone average who is willing to stay, she said. The superintendent, she said, is just someone who articulates the framework that the Board of Education has set up based on input from stakeholders. She also opened up about the circumstances that led to her sudden departure. In December 2016, her husband accepted a promotion to work in New York, and to keep the family together, she searched for superintendent openings in the tri-state area. Gildea said she applied only to Greenwich. In January 2017, however, corporate changes forced her husband to relocate to West Jordan, Utah. The change caused her family to cope with long-distance separation, she said. You kind of step back and say, I love my career, but how do I keep my family together? Gildea said. Hollister Sturges, chairman of the RMAs program committee, said it was good that she told her story to the membership. I think she clarified her circumstance clearly, he said. As for attracting a new superintendent, Gildea had one suggestion. I dont have trouble with the kids posting to social media to one another and being mean, I have adults doing that, she said. Think about what is in your newspapers, think about the letters and things that youre hearing and seeing. If a candidate is looking at that, what are they going to think? Gildea told the audience to think about how theyre branding the community and themselves. The criticisms that come from what I read is not the reality of whats happening in the schools, she said. If you read some of those things, you might be afraid to come. Think about what were saying to our kids, think about what theyre hearing. Instead, the focus should be on students success stories, Gildea said. For example: That the students graduating from the Innovation Lab, a program within Greenwich High School, earned more than $2 million in scholarships. Or that 86 students have a 4.5 GPA or above. Or that 90 percent of students who take the Advanced Placement tests earn college credit. Gildea rejected the oft-repeated notion that board overreach is to blame for Greenwichs stream of superintendents. Instead, she complimented the school board members who took on extra responsibility to help her settle, knowing that she would be moving with or without her husband. But compared to other school boards, she said, the Greenwich board does not have the same autonomy or authority that it might in another state because it reports to multiple other boards in town. They almost become a middle manager, and they shouldnt, because theyre the arm of the state that is proving to the state that youre providing education for all of your children, Gildea said. Many audience members also shared concerns, including a perceived dwindling focus on civic education. Senior and student body president Greg Goldstein, who came with Gildea to co-present the lecture on Wednesday, responded to these concerns by highlighting campus clubs and organizations that instill a sense of pride in community, state and country. Every time that I do something and I see a smile on somebodys face or somebody feels better because of something we did, there is that sense of pride. Im proud to do what I do and be who I am and be an American at the end of the day, Goldstein said. For Gildea, Goldstein represents one of Greenwichs most successful concepts, the Vision of the Graduate. She said setting the vision as a guide for policy and practices is 10 years ahead of the curve and was highlighted this year at the National Superintendents Conference. Among the other innovations she discussed, Gildea endorsed the high schools later start time, which went into effect this year, despite its effects on traffic. Refuting the argument that students should go to bed sooner, she compared waking an adolescent up at 6 a.m. to an adult waking up at 3 a.m. Two others, mastery-based progression and personalized learning, go hand-in-hand, as they enable students to learn and advance at their own pace. Both have been introduced in the school system and will be expanded in the coming years. Gildea said she particularly admires, but would like to see more of, partnerships between nonprofits in Greenwich and the school system. She praised the United Way, which supports the Early Achievement Gap Solutions program. The superintendent ended with her favorite practice: Innovation Lab, which breaks down the high school schedule into three blocks: humanities; science, technology, engineering and mathematics; and a design block. Students in the program navigate these in small teams of two to eight people, and by senior year, Gildea said, work together like a college research team. More than 100 visitors annually come to see the program, and some students have even displayed their senior projects at the Bruce Museum. While Gildea expressed sadness over having to leave Greenwich so soon, she had only compliments for the strategic plan and the direction of the schools. You are doing amazing work as a system and as a learning organization, she said. It should be celebrated and highlighted because the entire community should take pride in the schools. by Mike Tagliere | Wed, Jun 13th 4:04pm EDT NFL.com reporter Herbie Toepe is reporting that the Saints have agreed to terms with free agent running back Terrance West. (Herbie Teope on Twitter) Fantasy Impact: The details of the contract haven't been specified, but West is clearly being brought in to help fill the void left by Mark Ingram's four-game suspension. This is West's third team in five years, though we wouldn't expect his stay to be long with the Saints, either. After hearing about backups Boston Scott, Jonathan Williams, and Trey Edmunds the last couple weeks, the Saints decided that they needed more depth at the position. The Saints have been hosting a bevy of running backs, including Jamaal Charles, so they wanted a veteran who could walk in and play right away. I'd expect West to have a 8-10 touch role over the first four weeks, giving him low-end flex potential, provided he makes the team. Hello from Hazard! We arent able to help Richard Bader, of Middletown, New York, who sent in Item No. 1105. We didnt receive any responses on the item. Sorry, Richard, its a true mystery! We will move on to Item No. 1106. Ed Homer, of Transfer, Pennsylvania, sent the item in. He writes it is 6 inches wide and 11 inches long, including the handle. Anyone know what it is and how it was used? Email us at editorial@farmanddairy.com; or respond by mail to: Hazard a Guess, c/o Farm and Dairy, P.O. Box 38, Salem, OH 44460. Find Hazard a Guess on our website, www.farmanddairy.com, by keyword searching for Hazard. JEFFERSON, Ohio Were really good at weird maple syrup things, said Nate Bissell, owner and operator of Bissell Maple Farm in Ashtabula County. His innovative thinking may have landed him one of the most unique products on the maple market bourbon barrel-aged maple syrup. In 2015, Bissell purchased a 40,000 square foot factory, formerly a General Electric bulb factory, in Jefferson. In the factory, Bissell triple barrel ages maple syrup in bourbon barrels he buys from distillers in Kentucky, Indiana and Ohio. The maple industry is such a niche industry, said Bissell, who makes other craft maple creations such as maple candy and maple creme, maple barbecue sauce and maple mustard. Family tradition Making maple syrup has been a Bissell family tradition since the 1800s. I love the sight of a sap bucket and wood-fired evaporator, said Bissell. But while the original sugarhouse at the family farm in Rock Creek is still in use, a few additions and upgrades have been made to the Sugar Chalet, as Bissell calls it. Today, a complex web of tubing and reverse osmosis equipment extracts sap from the trees on the farm and a wood-fired evaporator distills it into pure maple syrup. For me, it was a hobby, said Nates father, David Bissell, who said he was making only three to four gallons at a time while his son was in high school. As soon as he (Nate) got involved, it became a couple hundred gallons, said David, now retired from the business. Nate took over operations in 2011. A growing business Bissell Maple is comprised of three entities. Bissell Maple Farm buys maple syrup from local farmers and bottles and sells the product. Bissell Maple Supply supports maple farms with supplies and services such as taps, pumps and evaporators. I can remember as a little kid, reading maple syrup catalogs, said Bissell. Now Im a Leader Evaporator dealer. The final component is Bissell Family Farms, where the maple is made the fun stuff, said Bissell. The family farm includes 60 acres and 1,500 taps and produces over 9,000 gallons of syrup for the business. Last year, Bissell Maple produced 40,000 gallons of syrup and Bissell said business has doubled every year. Boy Scouts In 2012, Bissell had a unique opportunity to partner with Bill Roloff, property manager at the Beaumont Scout Reservation for Boy Scouts of America Lake Erie Council. The camp sits on 1,200 acres and 140 acres are tapped for maple production. The Boy Scouts help manage the 26 miles of tubing and 9,500 taps throughout the winter and collect the sap. I had this vision, but didnt have all the pieces in place, said Roloff. He said harvesting and maintaining the maple trees gives the youth a sense of entrepreneurship while also teaching them about stewardship and developing a good work ethic. Its the perfect concept for the Boy Scouts. They can collect the sap, have it bottled to sell (at Bissell Maple) and earn some money for their troop. Sapsquatch Its just an old 69 GMC tanker truck, but to Bissell Maple Farms, its been affectionately named Sapsquatch. The old fire tanker, captained by Fred Shelatz, can be seen traveling the countryside collecting sap from Ohio farmers. Ive known Nate since he was a kid, said Shelatz, who raised beef cattle and sold appliances until he retired. He needed some help and I needed a part-time job. Shelatz has been working alongside Bissell, meeting different farmers to buy sap, and selling for Bissell Maple Supply. Bissell Maple collects from farms in Ohio, Pennsylvania and Vermont. Hard work Along with collecting and producing unique maple syrup products, Bissell wants to educate landowners who may not realized the untapped potential they have in their trees. He wants to help them find the best techniques for harvesting their maple sap, while also earning them a little extra money. I love what I do, said Bissell. But just like farming, its hard work. Were out walking tap lines at night. Were out late fixing leaks, he said. But at the end of the day, Bissell is proud to provide his customers with a unique product that they crave. (Reporter Catie Noyes welcomes feedback by phone at 330-765-9940 or by e-mail at catie@farmanddairy.com. You can also follow her on Twitter at https://twitter.com/catie_noyes) GRANVILLE, Ohio The Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education Program (OOGEEP) and the Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Education Foundation recently announced more than 60 students across the state have been awarded $1,000 scholarships to pursue degrees in the oil and gas industry. Since OOGEEPs launch 20 years ago, we have seen significant changes within our industry, including the substantial increase in the number of smart, ambitious, and hard-working women and men who are committing themselves to our industrys success, said Scholarship Committee Chairman Frank Gonzalez, from GonzOil. Requirements Students were required to submit an essay describing their personal and career goals in the natural gas and crude oil industry along with letters of recommendation and meet other academic requirements. The 62 students in Ohio who received scholarships may use them to attend an accredited college, university, technical or trade school of their choice. I plan to use my degree to work toward understanding and taking care of our Earth while extracting resources from it, said Rebecca Anderson, an earth and geological science major at Ohio State University and three-time scholarship winner. I am thankful to be studying what I love, and I am excited to one day soon contribute to the oil and gas energy field. Helping youth To date, more than 400 scholarships have been awarded by the Ohio Oil and Gas Energy Educations Foundation, to students studying for careers in the oil and gas industry and other related energy fields. To learn more about careers in Ohios oil and gas industry, including the list of local colleges, universities, career tech and vocational schools offering oil and natural gas specific degrees, certificates and training, visit http://www.oogeep.org/industry-workforce/careers/. Links to OOGEEPs recently launched Oil and Gas Careers in Ohio video series can be viewed at www.youtube.com/user/OOGEEP1. This series of 28 modern career videos highlights more than 75 in-demand jobs within Ohios crude oil and natural gas industry. DES MOINES, Iowa The National Pork Board is searching for the next student social forces team, with applications open through June 28 at Pork.org/socialforces. The social forces team will be expected to advocate for pig farming using their social media accounts and #RealPigFarming. Selected students who meet defined milestones will be eligible for a $500 scholarship. Social team #RealPigFarming gives pig farmers, academics, youth, veterinarians and allied industry members an opportunity to discuss todays pork production across social media platforms, including Twitter, Facebook and Instagram. Eligible students will be 18 to 23 years old, involved in the pork industry, understand the importance of pork production and have strong communication skills. Meet The team will be active from July through December 2018. The social forces team will gather at National Pork Board in Des Moines in September for a #RealPigFarming student social forces meeting. By Susan Crowell / editor@farmanddairy.com WASHINGTON The Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition, and Forestry maintained its bipartisan stance during markup of its version of the 2018 farm bill, and passed the bill out of committee with a 20-1 vote earlier today. Iowa Republican Chuck Grassley was the lone no vote. Officially called the Agriculture Improvement Act of 2018, the five-year legislation covers agriculture, conservation and forestry policy, but by far its largest component is nutrition assistance, which makes up three-quarters of farm bill spending and assists more than 40 million people. The Senate Agriculture Committees bipartisan farm bill process is a reminder of how things should work in Washington listening to the folks back home, working through issues with the other side of the aisle, then writing a good bill, said committee Chairman Pat Roberts, R-Kan., and Ranking Member Debbie Stabenow, D-Mich., in a joint statement after the vote. To floor by July Fourth The legislation now heads to the full U.S. Senate for consideration. Senate Majority Leader Mitch McConnell, who sits on the ag committee but is rarely able to attend due to leadership responsibilities, made a rare appearance during the committees meeting to lend his support, but also to push his personal interest in industrial hemp. The Senate farm bill includes a provision to remove industrial hemp (not the same thing as marijuana) from a list of controlled substances, making it legal for farmers to grow and sell the crop. In his opening remarks, McConnell vowed to bring the farm bill to the Senate floor before the Fourth of July. Im proud to support this bill before us today, he added. It can deliver much needed certainty for farmers. Few changes from 2012 farm bill The Senate bill makes very few substantive changes to the 2012 farm bill. The current dairy Margin Protection Program, which has had little participation, is renamed Dairy Risk Coverage. It adds coverage levels of $8.50 and $9, the discount for small producers (under 2 million pounds) is increased, and is funded with an additional $100 million. Following the vote, U.S. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, who serves on the Senate Ag Committee, hosted a conference call with the media. This bipartisan bill is good for farmers, good for families, good for taxpayers, good for jobs, and good for Lake Erie, said Brown, who was joined on the call by Dr. Cathann Kress, dean of The Ohio State Universitys College of Food, Agricultural, and Environmental Sciences. ARC still out of farm bill Brown worked with Sens. John Thune, R-S.D., and Chuck Grassley, to add an amendment to more equitably distribute commodity program payments, but could not work out language details or garner enough support prior to markup. It may be introduced on the floor, Brown said. Both Brown and Thune referenced that 77 percent of all base acres in the U.S. are enrolled in ARC, or the Agriculture Risk Coverage, which provides both price protection and protection for production losses. The ARC amendment would cap reference prices at either their current level or no more than the 10-year average price for a commodity. Conservation title of farm bill Brown also worked with Grassley and Joni Ernst, R-Iowa, and Pennsylvania Democrat Bob Casey to push reform of several conservation programs, such as restricting the types of land that can be enrolled in the Conservation Reserve Program and prioritizing cover crops and crop rotations within the Conservation Stewardship Program (CSP). Some payments within the Environmental Quality Incentive Program, or EQIP, would also be reserved for beginning farmers, or for practices that protect drinking water. UNIVERSITY PARK, Pa. Changing weather patterns pose significant challenges for modern dairy farmers excessive hot or cold temperatures, drought and humidity can have a detrimental effect on cows health, which ultimately can lead to decreased milk production. Deciding how best to react to those changes to ensure the vitality of dairy farms while being good stewards of the environment can present a bit of a conundrum for some farmers, especially if they are pressed for time and resources. What are the best management practices? Are there technologies that can help? Is there current research on the subject? Now, those farmers can see sustainability principles in action with just a few clicks of the mouse, thanks to an interactive virtual farm website developed by researchers in Penn States College of Agricultural Sciences and Penn State Extension, in partnership with the projects lead, the University of Wisconsin-Madison, Cornell University and the Dairy Innovation Center. The objective of this project is provide a one-stop shop for all dairy sustainability information, said Eileen Fabian, professor of agricultural engineering and environmental biophysics in Penn States Department of Agricultural and Biological Engineering. The beauty of it is that one can take a tour of a sustainable dairy farm without stepping foot on an actual farm. The resources are accessible, free and can be viewed at any time from anywhere. Fabian explained that the catalyst for this major undertaking was a growing movement in the dairy industry to adopt practices that mitigate the negative effects of agricultural operations on the environment while securing the future sustainability of farms. In Pennsylvania alone, there are 6,650 dairy farms the second largest number of dairy farms nationally according to the Center for Dairy Excellence. In addition to producing 10.7 billion pounds of milk annually, the states dairy industry provides 60,000 jobs and has an estimated annual economic impact of $7 billion. Virtual farm The website has two virtual farms: one is a model of a 1,500-cow facility, while the other is a smaller-scale operation of 150 animals. Users can click on the various aspects of the farm and information related to that specific area will pop up. Topics include herd management, feed management, milk production, crops and soils, manure management and greenhouse gases. The sites database includes a broad range of articles, Extension fact sheets, models, images and graphics. The layers of information range from exploration of the farm site with basic information to higher levels of technical and research information, data and models. For example, if one clicks on the manure storage facility, several links will appear, enabling viewers to scan information. Future farms Now that the team has successfully launched its website, Fabian sees great potential in creating additional virtual farms, perhaps focusing on poultry production and animal welfare issues. The five-year project received a $10 million grant from the Coordinated Ag Project Program of the U.S. Department of Agricultures National Institute of Food and Agriculture. To tour the farm, visit http://virtualfarm.psu.edu. Additional information can be found by visiting https://extension.psu.edu. Farmers have welcomed recent positive milk price moves in recent weeks and some now believe that commodity prices indicate that a farmgate price of 30p per litre is achievable. Recent price announcements from First Milk, Muller and Arla reflect the strengthening seen in dairy commodity prices. Farmer-owned First Milk announced a milk price increase of 1.2p per litre for July taking its price on a liquid standard litre to 27.20p, whilst the manufacturing standard litre will be 28.12ppl. NFU Scotlands Milk Committee, which visited First Milks headquarters in Paisley on Tuesday (12 June), said the "tone of the market is definitely changing". Milk Committee Chairman, John Smith said: We firmly believe that a farmgate price of 30p per litre is achievable. It is essential that all parts of the supply chain ensure strengthening markets are reflected quickly in prices. More increases must follow as futures markets and physical sales of commodities are both very positive. All processors must take this opportunity to build trust in their pricing models by increasing farmgate prices at a pace and magnitude that reflects where the market is. Key price indicators, the Actual Milk Price Equivalent (AMPE) and Milk for Cheese Value Equivalent (MCVE) now sit at an average of more than 33p per litre. Prices for milk powders, butter and cream are all up by more than 10 percent in the past month. Mr Smith added: That justifies price increases that would allow dairy farmers to start to rebuild their balance sheets after a very difficult extended period of poor prices and higher costs due to a very difficult winter. Open-dialogue At the visit to First Milk, committee members heard more about the co-ops recent move back to a simpler pricing model for all members, and the development of a strong farmer governance structure. The new focused strategy is designed to simplify and streamline the First Milk business for the benefit of their members after several difficult years for the co-op. The committee also discussed the need for a more open dialogue with milk buyers on Red Tractor standards and the prospect of legislation on dairy contracts, after Defra accepted a recommendation from the Grocery Code Adjudicator (GCA) that dairy farmers are disadvantaged by an imbalance of power in the dairy supply chain. Milk Policy Manager, George Jamieson said UK farming unions want to see this as a "massive opportunity" for the entire dairy supply chain to develop an agreement on contracts that build "trust and fairness", which also resolves volatility. That there is a problem is clear to see. Any progressive processor confident in their business and who values their milk supply should view this initiative as an opportunity, Mr Jamieson said. Sadly, the reaction of some processors is to view this as a threat and are already using 'fear' tactics to cloud the issue. A farm dog in Australia has set a new record after selling for AUS$22,000 (12,500) at a Working Dog Auction in Victoria. The Kelpie, called Glencain Seven, set a new Australian record at the 2018 Casterton Working Dog Auction, selling for a record price of $22,200 (12,500) to an undisclosed buyer from Hamilton in Victoria. The Kelpie breed is an Australian sheep dog successful at mustering and droving with little or no guidance. The previous record for a working dog was AUS$14,000 (7,950), set in March this year. Karen Stephens, Chair of the annual Kelpie auction, said the record prices paid reflect "good times" in the Australian wool industry. "They replace an employee basically, they're a faithful servant and they don't get superannuation," Ms Stephens told ABC. "Purchasers all need to see the dogs before the auction and there was a huge crowd at the demonstration the day before." Telephone bids from around the world tuned into the auction, and people from across Australia caught flights to attend. Glencain Seven was described in the auction catalogue: Will suit station work as he has a big heart and goes all day. The record price paid in a British auction for a sheep dog is 14,805. Cap, bred in County Donegal, was sold at a sale in Skipton, North Yorkshire in 2016. Farmers may be losing money by incorrectly injecting livestock and damaging carcase value, a survey has revealed. Incorrect injections can lead to the formation of lesions, which subsequently leaves farmers financially worse off. At last months Beef Expo event, AHDB Beef & Lamb invited farmers to its stand to demonstrate where they would inject their livestock. The interactive exhibit showed that an overwhelming amount of participants indicated incorrect injection sites. With six per cent of beef carcases slaughtered in the UK estimated to have injection site lesions, farmers could be facing large financial losses as the lesion and surrounding tissue must be trimmed out by the abattoir before being weighed. Bad practice could also be reducing the quality of the meat, as well as leading to animal welfare implications. Katie Thorley, AHDB Beef & Lamb Knowledge Transfer Senior Manager said producers could be losing money simply by not injecting in the correct place. Injections should be carried out in the neck of the animal, where the less valuable cuts are located, as well as in a dry and clean area, Ms Thorley said. When medicines are required, AHDB urges farmers to use as little as possible but as much as necessary, and read the product datasheet. This guidance falls in line with the governments aim to reduce antibiotic usage by 20 per cent by 2018. Its also best practice to replace needles as frequently as possible to reduce the risk of abscesses forming. If injecting a large number of animals, the same needle may be used for up to 10 animals and then must be changed, she said. An inquiry has been launched by the All-Party Parliamentary Group on Dairy to look at the future of British dairy exports. The group, headed by Conservative MP Scott Mann, will hear from a range of industry speakers later this month. Speakers will include representatives from Defra and AHDB, who will outline current export data and take a look at what future export strategy could look like post-Brexit. Commenting on the inquiry launch, Mr Mann said: Im delighted to launch this inquiry on behalf of the Dairy APPG and understand the framework within which British dairy exports can thrive. These are exciting times but I want to know what practical and realistic help the Government can provide to help the industry post-Brexit. The Dairy All-Party Parliamentary Group is a cross-party group of MPs and Peers which aims to provide a forum for parliamentarians to discuss issues of interest for the dairy industry. All-Party Groups are informal, cross-party, interest groups that have no official status within Parliament and are not accorded any powers or funding by it. In the coming year the Dairy APPG will also look at sustainability and the dairy sector, as well as look at innovations in milk packaging. Scott Mann was elected new chair of the Dairy All-Party Parliamentary Group at the Annual General Meeting on the 21st of February. Four Vice-Chairs were also elected as follows: Steve Double MP (St Austell and Newquay), Angela Smith MP (Penistone and Stocksbridge), Chris Davies MP (Brecon and Radnor) and David Simpson MP (Portadown). The group says written contributions to the inquiry are welcome, and should be forwarded to the APPG secretariat at appgdairy@gmail.com. Any move to force producers to provide information on the origin of ingredients in food will require the use of technology to help consumers, new research shows. Following the supermarket horsemeat scandal and the recent mass egg recall, shoppers continue to question the origin of their food purchases. A small number of products in the European Union currently require mandatory country of origin labelling (COOL) information by law, such as for wine, eggs, beef and fruit and vegetables. For beef, this labelling must also differentiate between place of birth and where it is reared and slaughtered. Many consumers say they like such information and research has found that UK shoppers are willing to pay more for meat with a UK COOL label, especially since the horse meat scandal of 2013. However, there is often confusion about what the information refers to such as meat products that dont specify where the animal was raised as opposed to where it was slaughtered. Bacon, for example, can be cured in the UK but come from Danish pigs and be presented as from the UK, or vice versa and both would be legal. Mandatory requirement The EU is now in discussions to require COOL information as a mandatory requirement for almost all foodstuffs. This could have potentially huge ramifications for both producers and consumers, particularly in how best to present this information in a usable, trustworthy manner. In a new paper published in EuroChoices, University of Kent Professor Iain Fraser said technologies such as blockchain and SmartLabels are among the ways in which consumers could receive information on packaging detailing the location from which an item has come. The use of these technologies in this way already exists in a few examples, such as within Australia, or Switzerland, but have the potential to become more widespread if required, or consumers demand, more information on the origins of food products. The paper adds that it may become the case that consumers can use a smartphone app to scan food in store, or set their preferences when shopping online, to seek out food with specific COOL data so that they can make the access to this data as useful as possible to their own needs. Last year, a pilot scheme aiming to improve food transparency saw consumers scanning bacon to find out exactly where it came from. The Soil Association partnered up with British tech start-up Provenance to enable shoppers to trace their food from supplier to shelf with a simple phone scan. The implications of Brexit on the nations food production are major and include the potential diminution of the workforce required to take food from farm to fork. In his keynote address at the N8 AgriFood International Conference 2018, Professor The Lord Trees, crossbench member of the House of Lords, said that future food security was a major responsibility of government. Lord Tees said the government needed to ensure that affordable food, produced to high standards is maintained after the UK leaves the European Union. Former Dean of the Faculty of Veterinary Science, University of Liverpool, Lord Tees told around 300 delegates at the annual gathering of some of the worlds leading experts in agri-food and tech. Whilst supporting environmental improvement, Government needs to ensure that we continue to produce adequate amounts of food of good quality in an environmentally sustainable way at affordable prices, he said. This could be in jeopardy, he argued, partly because of the numbers of foreign workers currently employed across the nations food production system. Lord Tees added: We are hugely reliant on non-UK EU nationals in various large areas of our economy, particularly in agri-food. In terms of my own particular area, in contribution to veterinary activities, but also in terms of labour at all levels in the food chain, particularly the slaughter and food processing stages, in harvesting of crops, vegetables and fruits and so on. There are huge implications and the worry is that Brexit is making it less likely that people will want to come, those who are here may want to leave and we will have a labour deficit that will be difficult to cover, certainly without immigration of some sort. He added: This then becomes the responsibility of the Home Office, not Defra, and there needs to be a realistic approach to admittance of overseas labour, there has to be an acknowledgment that we absolutely need these people for our economic development. The criteria, as well, need to be realistic. Its no good saying that of course we are going to allow the brain surgeons, the financial whizzkids in - we need more than just them. Im sorry, but we need people to do the job on the ground, highly-skilled, manually proficient people who are willing to work hard and harvest our food and process our livestock products. Leading experts The annual conference is organised by the N8 AgriFood Programme, part of the N8 Research Partnership, which aims to maximise the impact of research expertise from the eight most research intensive universities in the North of England. Its purpose is to promote collaboration, establish innovative research capabilities and drive economic growth. Hosted, this year, by the Universities of Liverpool and York, the N8 AgriFood conference has attracted leading academics and industry experts from across the global agri-food sector to address the key issues facing the food system, forge new partnerships and showcase innovation. In his speech, Lord Trees told delegates that the headline implication of Brexit on the sector will be the potential loss of European funding through the Common Agricultural Policy (CAP), which will be replaced initially by domestic public support. How that will change in both quantum and qualitative nature, he said, is a matter of current debate. Therefore the N8 AgriFood conference, he said, was extremely timely: Agri-food is the biggest manufacturing industry in the UK economy and it will continue to be huge and it is probably the sector most impacted by Brexit in terms of legislation. Defra probably has the biggest legislative load to cope with in terms of bringing EU law into UK law and then revising and adapting it for our particular purposes in the coming years. Theres a huge legacy of law around energy, environment, farming, so this is very timely and this is a big challenge to the UK economy going forward, he said. Participating organisations in this years conference include: The Real Junk Food Project, Farm Urban, DEFRA, The Trussell Group, Mathys-Squire, Pepsico, Waitrose, Co-op, William Jackson Food Group, Samworth Brothers, WRAP, Mondelez, Nestle, First Love Foundations, Can Cook Kitchen, the Environmental Change Institute, The Food Domain, the Food Standards Agency, SIME-Darby PLC, Decarbonize Ltd, Living Loud, IFSTAL, Innovate UK and the British Geological Society. Over 300m in direct payments to be issued to NI farmers 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. A fire broke out at the Beaumonde Towers in Prabhadevi, Mumbai on the 32nd floor and Deepika Padukone owns an apartment at the 26th floor. The Fire Brigade had successfully managed to douse the fire last evening and Deepika had tweeted that she is safe and away for a shoot. The Padmaavat actress visited the towers today and went all the way to her flat on the 26th floor to take stock of the situation. Is Amy Jackson A Lesbian? Her New Picture Has Fans Confused! Deepika Padukone then came down and lauded the Fire Brigade for their exceptional work in dousing the fire and also met a few firemen who were still working in the scene. She personally went to them and spoke for a few minutes by saying that she's way too proud of the job that they did and spoke highly of their efforts while thanking them. Speaking to India Today, Deepika Padukone opened up by saying, "Bhagwan ka shukar hai ki koi casualty nahi hai aur fire brigade ne bahut achcha kaam kiya. (Thank God, there are no casualties, the fire brigade did a great job.) I just came here to check the situation," and she headed off in her car. Flashback Pictures! When Salman Khan & Sanjay Dutt Were Like Brothers Thankfully, nobody was injured while the fire broke out, but two fire department personnel were hospitalised and were treated for suffocation at a nearby hospital. By evening, the situation was brought under control and the cooling operations began. The high-rise, Beaumonde Towers is home to several known personalities and Deepika Padukone owns a 4 BHK flat on the 26th floor of the building. Deepika Padukone had tweeted that she's safe from the fire which broke out yesterday as, "I am safe. Thank You everyone. Let us pray for our firefighters who are at site risking their lives..." Salman Khan's much-awaited film 'Race 3' is slated to hit the theatrical screens tomorrow. Of course, everyone is damn excited to know what the film has in store for us. The 'Race' franchise has always managed to intrigue the audience with plenty of twists and turns. Does the new film matches up to its predecessors? Well folks, we know you just can't wait to find out about it. An insider got lucky and attended the special screening of Race 3. Going by his words, we hear that it's a thumbs up for the film. Find out more about it- Salman Khan's Biggest Film Till Date A Bollywood life report had an insider revealing that Race 3 is arguably Salman Khan's biggest film in terms of it's scale, sets, etc. It's Visually Appealing Besides the impressive star cast, Race 3 is visually breathtaking. Director Remo D'Souza has lavishly shot some brilliant action scenes. It's Mind-Blowing Rght from the opening sequence of the film until credits start rolling, this Salman Khan starrer is a visual treat for the eyes. Watch Out For The Climax The insider revealed that Race 3 has the most fascinating climax, one that you will never ever expect in their wildest of dreams. Getting Twisty There's a big twist right before the interval with huge revelations around a few characters. Well, we just cannot contain our excitement now! Speaking About The Performance Remember Salman Khan's shirtless scene with Bobby Deol in the trailer? Well, that's a major highlight of the film. Feelin' The Heat? Jacqueline looks hot as hell and is more than just a supporting cast. Her role is integral to the story. Swag Alert Daisy Shah is at her glamorous best. Her scenes with Saqib has oodles of swag and attitude. That's Good News Bobby who plays a negative character does complete justice to what he plays on-screen. Earlier while speaking about Race 3, Salman had said, "The whole action team that came onboard for Race 3 is brilliant. Tom Struthers, who directed the action scenes of Tiger Zinda Hai and other Hollywood films including Dunkirk, got his whole team and they are number one in their work. Tom and his team were surprised to see that we got to destroy so many cars and we tried all of them on their top speed. The action in Race 3 is not about dinky cars or special effects. We blew up pretty much everything we bought." Watch out this space for more updates. Indore Fan Club Books Entire Theatre A fan club of Salman Khan in Indore has booked the entire theatre for the first day first show of Race 3. Crazy, isn't it? The fans will surely have a blast tomorrow! Rs 1350 To Rs 1550,Still Sold Out Despite having a higher price at the Gold Class from Rs 1350 to Rs 1550 loyal fans of Salman Khan purchased Race 3 tickets anyway. This shows Salman's star power! Sohail Khan Tweets Sold Out Sohail Khan shared a screenshot of sold out status from a multiplex and we guess in a few hours, the remaining shows will be sold out too. Abu Dhabi Theatre Plays 2:55 am Show A theatre in Abu Dhabi will play Race 3's first day first show at 2:55 am. Even at such an odd time, the tickets are sold out. The second show is scheduled at 7:00 am. Thailand Theatres Almost Full Salman Khan's Race 3 craze has reached Thailand as well as the first day tickets are almost sold out across the country. Grenfell Tower, a year ago today. Photo: Gurbuz Binici/Getty Images Your children, your spouse, your food, your homethese sources of comfort are not supposed to kill you, but they do. When that happens, we rightly go hunting for causes beyond the immediate: guns on demand, a culture of misogyny, sloppy inspection regimes, and so on. The fire that shot through Grenfell Tower in London one year ago, on June 14, 2017, and left 71 residents dead, was a not just an appalling accident, but a massive policy and regulatory failure, a case of murder by neglient bureaucracy. Bureaucracies are excellent blame-diffusion machines. Its crimes are often errors of omission, virtually without authorship. Its obvious now that Grenfell Towers facade panels, each one a layer of flammable plastic sandwiched between aluminum sheets, should have been prohibited in the U.K., but its impossible to pinpoint precisely who failed to do so. Safety codes are built up over decades, periodically revised, and regularly compared to those in other parts of the world. Yet when the British government hired the distinguished engineer Dame Judith Hackitt to comb through the whole regulatory system of England and Wales last year, she described it as not fit for purpose, leaving room for those who want to take shortcuts to do so. In other words, the fire code that covers one of the worlds global capitals is a sham. One year and multiple investigations after Grenfell Towers destruction, the details of what happened and how, and whos to blame, are still murky. The search for a crime and its perpetrators rolls on but one chilling possibility is that the conditions that led to the disaster were all perfectly legal. Worse, the fire resulted from an attempt to improve the very lives it ended. A police study concluded that while the original 24-story tower, erected in the 1970s, lacked such basic fire safety measures as sprinklers and two exit stairways, it was the cosmetic renovation of 2016 that turned the building into a killer. Thats when the exterior walls were faced with the kind of panels that are ubiquitous, cheap, and so dangerous that their presence now serves as an excuse to tear down and replace social housing projects all over the U.K. According to a series of reports prepared for the official inquiry now under way, the fire most likely started at the rear of a refrigerator, spread to a newly installed and ill-fitting window, sneaked into a cavity packed with flammable insulation, and jumped out into the space between the wall and the cladding, where it hit an invigorating supply of air. Supercharged with oxygen, it ran up to the floor above, where it found another window, with another cavity and more fuel, broke the glass and slithered into the next apartment. The fire continued to climb until it hit the top of the building, where it ran along the towers decorative crown. Flaming bits of plastic dropped from the roofline, igniting parts of the facade below and starting fresh fires that repeated the same looping journey. Thick manuals and endless sets of regulations exist to ensure that building fires are contained long enough for residents to escape and help to arrive. Thats why firefighters, following protocol, told Grenfell Tower residents to stay in their apartments rather than risk smoke-filled stairs. Surely something would slow the fires advance. Nothing did. Flames whipped so quickly up the sides that they consumed virtually the whole building in about an hour. In a nearly book-length article in the London Review of Books, Andrew OHagan examines the ways that blame stuck almost immediately to certain politicians and the leaders of the Kensington and Chelsea London Borough Council, which owns Grenfell Tower. He finds that the scapegoating muddies a more discouraging truth: a catastrophic building failure is a group effort. [A]ll the big decisions came quite appropriately from the TMO [Tenant Management Organisation], which commissioned the project; from Rydon, the builders; from Artelia UK, the project managers; from Studio E Architects, the principal designers; and IBI Group, which acted as planning consultants. These organisations between them made the tower what it became in the early hours of 14 June, when fire escaped from a kitchen and was funnelled rapidly upwards through the wide cavities and across the unstopped boundaries between the flats, combusting the Celotex insulation which in turn combusted the Reynobond aluminium panels. (The insulation was made by Saint Gobain UK and the panels were made by Arconic.) This pile of names will no doubt irritate the simplifiers during the several years it takes for the inquiry to provide an answer. But their existence supplies us with one answer now: the towers vulnerability lay in a network of negligence that was beyond the capacity of any one man, and beyond the failings of any one material. Some truths are just too long to put in a headline. Add to OHagans credit roll the numberless experts, agencies, officials, policymakers, and other enablers who allowed that lethal fiasco to be built. As part of the ongoing government inquiry, Jose Torero, a University of Maryland fire-safety expert, remarked in a report that British law effectively treats safety as a matter of opinion. Supposed experts of ill-defined competency are called in to determine whether the complex facade adequately resists the spread of fire according to relevant design guides. Months after the fire, the Association of British Insurers showed that even the traditional methods of testing new facade materials by burning them can produce deceptively lulling conclusions. Under controlled conditions, small sections of intact new panels are lit by a wood fire. In the real world, plastic burns hotter than wood, large facades amplify flames, and cuts for ducts and vents expose combustible layers that the manufacturer intended to seal off. The obvious question: If dozens of Londoners can die in a single night from a combination of lax regulations and wishful thinking, do Americans face the same dangers? Not exactly the same ones, no. Grenfell Towers aluminum panels, with their combustible polyethylene core, are prohibited in New York, and probably everywhere in the U.S. (Its hard to be certain about that because building codes vary from state to state and city to city.) New York has done a good job of reacting to disasters that have happened here, all the way back to the Triangle Shirtwaist Factory, says Michael Arvanites, a fire-safety consultant for the Safety Group. But we can always do a better job, and we are: we just passed 18 new safety laws. Rules can be tedious, redundant, conflicting, and picayune. They slow down construction, and the cost of complying is reflected in your mortgage payments or your rent. But properly formulated and backed up by inspections, they can prevent you from burning to death. New Yorks Department of Buildings keeps a list of specific products that have been approved for use. A building owner who wants to add some new technology to that list must hire an independent consultant to follow a protocol called NFPA 285, which describes in detail how to test whether a building will burn from the outside. You have to get it tested by someone qualified, says Gus Sirakis, assistant commissioner for technical affairs at the Department of Buildings. Its not just PR. Of course laws dont mean much if agencies dont enforce them. In 2007, a fire broke out in the vacant Deutsche Bank building near the World Trade Center while it was being demolished. Firefighters turned on the water, only to discover that the standpipe had been cut, leaving their hoses dry. A report later enumerated a series of administrative failures: A disorganized bureaucracy killed two firefighters that day. Neglectful management usually wreaks its damage more gradually. For years, NYCHA devoted far more energy to lying about lead paint than to doing anything about it. Two mayors stood by while the walls of public housing projects slowly poisoned the kids who lived within them. Now, in a $2 billion settlement, a negligent city will hand responsibility for managing NYCHA over to the federal government the same federal government run by the man who boasted: No president has ever cut so many regulations in their entire term, okay, as we have cut in less than a year. That wasnt actually true, but it was a statement of a dangerous desire. The much-awaited trailer of Vijay Sethupathi's forthcoming film Junga, was released on June 13, 2018, along with the audio. After playing an intimidating villain character in Vikram Vedha, looks like Vijay Sethupathi is back to playing a quirky don in this fun-filled action flick. With a running length of 2 minutes 52 seconds, Junga trailer has got everything in store to amuse the audience, particularly the fans of Vijay Sethupathi. It begins with the voice of the actor overlapping his emergence by uttering, "One should not pull down the ones that try to climb up, but instead he must go to the top and ask others to exit from that place as the spot is occupied." The trailer goes on with humorous references here and there, and the actor is seen challenging the white men of Paris and concurrently taking on police back home. The director didn't seem to miss a chance, as he has introduced fun elements everywhere possible. For instance, the actor's family members introduce themselves as Don's mother, Don's grandmother and so on in the trailer. By the end of it, we see Vijay Sethupathi saying that he has spent a huge sum on this project and in turn, Yogi Babu says we shouldn't talk boastfully about our own achievements. The first thing in the trailer that captures our eyes is the cinematography, which was splendid and flawless. This is the second film for the actor to collaborate with director Gokul after their blockbuster comedy Idharkuthane Aasaipattai Balakumara. Sayyeshaa will be playing the female lead and Madonna Sebastian is reportedly playing a cameo in this flick. Produced by the actor himself, under his banner Vijay Sethupathi Productions, Junga's cast further includes Suresh Menon, Yogi Babu and Radha Ravi in prominent roles. Meanwhile, Vijay Sethupathi has a series of films lined-up and will soon start to work on his Telugu flick Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy, with Chiranjeevi in the lead. Chekka Chivantha Vaanam and Super Deluxe are the other two biggies that are due for release this year, that the actor is currently committed to. Besides all these, he is also playing a crucial role in Rajini's next and looks like the actor has no space to even breathe. Almost every work is complete with regards to Junga and after finishing the final touch-ups, the date of its release will be announced by the makers. YHM Fans Love For The Team Fans had sent lots of love (gifts) to Yeh Hai Mohabbatein team as the show completed 1500 episodes. Divyanka shared a picture of gifts and letters on her Instagram story and captioned it, "Lucky us! So much love for 1500 episodes!" - (sic) Fans Send Cake To YHM Team YHM fans also sent a cake to the team. Divyanka shared a video in which the team was seen celebrating the occasion. She also shared the picture of cake that had 'Congratulations For 1500 episodes For YHM' written on it. The actress captioned the picture, "I was too hungry! I ate #YehHaiMohabbatein." - (sic) Karan Thanks Fans For Their Love Karan Patel wrote, "A #Heartfelt #ThankYou to each one of our #Fans out there who have loved and nurtured our show #YehHaiMohobbatein and have made it possible for us to #Achieve this #Milestone ...! #WeAreWeBecauseYouAreYou #ThankYou (sorry if i forgot to tag anyone)" - (sic) Nakuul Mehta Recalls How Excited Karan Was About Doing Fiction! Nakuul commented on Karan's post, "This is MASSIVE brotherman! I remember a few years ago at a party you sharing about starting this new show on Star and how excited you were about doing fiction again. This is a landmark. Higher & stronger from here @karan9198." - (sic) Kabhi Kam Na Hongi Yeh Chaahatein Karan further shared a picture in which the YHM actors/team names were written. The actor wrote, "Kabhi kam na hongi yeh chaahatein .....Pal Pal badhe, YEH HAI MOHOBBATEIN "- (sic) Krishna Mukherjee Krishna Mukherjee, who plays the role of Aliya, also shared a group picture and wrote, "Congratulations YHM family for completing 1500 episodes"- (sic) Neena Kulkarni Neena wrote, "1500 episodes of #yehhaimohabbatein. We have come a long way from this pic taken at the launch 5 years ago. Thank you for the love To many more! #yhm #yhmfamily #starplus #balajitelefilms." - (sic). Kushal Kapoor also shared the same picture and wrote, "1500 episodes complete....thanks to all." - (sic) Pawan Kalyan A couple of months ago, during a press meet, Telugu cinema's 'Power Star' Pawan Kalyan had criticised Sri Reddy for stripping in public and said she should not have sensationalised her war against the casting couch. As expected, his comments did not go down well with her and she abused the actor-turned-politician in public. Rakul Preet In March, actress Rakul Preet denied the existence of the casting couch in the Tollywood and said that she had never been ill-treated/exploited by anyone in the industry. As it so happens, Sri Reddy did not like her comments and threatened to assault her for diluting her fight against the sexual harassment faced by 'local girls' in the Telugu Film Industry. Koratala Siva Koratala Siva found himself in the news for the wrong reasons when Sri Reddy leaked some screenshots of her 'romantic chat' with him and indicated that he was trying to take advantage of her. Needless to say, he denied the allegations. The Daggubati Family In what can be called her most controversial act ever, Sri Reddy accused Rana Daggubati's brother of 'cheating' and 'using' her, much to the shock of many in the industry. She even went to the extent of leaking some photos in which she can be seen with the young man. Sekhar Kammula In April, Sri Reddy spoke about a top director who used to 'roam around' her house and troubled women. While she did not take any names, fans realised that she was talking about Fidaa director Sekhar Kammula. And, as expected, her comments soon became the talk of the town. Shocked by the controversy, the film-maker accused her of causing 'deep grief' to his family and asked her to retract her remarks. Come this week and Sudheer Babus Sammohanam is all set to hit screens to entertain audience. Being directed by Mohan Krishna Indraganti of Asta Chamma and Gentleman fame, the pre-release event of the movie was held over the weekend and it was none other than the Superstar of Telugu Cinema, Mahesh Babu, who had graced the event. Sporting a new bearded look, Mahesh was received with a rousing reception from fans and it was indeed a delight to watch him. Lets catch up with some of the highlights of the event. Aditi Rao Hydari This Mani Ratnams heroine is all set to present herself as Sameera in Sammohanam. Wishing the entire team and accrediting success to them before hand, Aditi thanked Prince Mahesh Babu & his fans for gracing the event. Vamsi Paidipally The director of MB25 who will be presenting Mahesh Babu in a never seen before look, raved about Mohan Krishna for his directorial skills. He shared great words on Sudheer Babu as a friend than an industry colleague calling the former a passionate person. Dil Raju The producer of MB25 assured that Sammohanam comes with a unique thread of storyline and would strike the bulls eye at the box-office. Harish Shankar The director who mesmerizes not just by his directorial skills, but also with his oratory skills, graced the event and showered praises on Mohan Krishna & Sudheer Babu. He displayed his fan boy moment by taking the reference of Delhi 6 and Cheliya while speaking about Aditi Rao Hydari. Harish was on an appreciation spree on Mahesh Babu calling him the most adaptable actor in the industry. Koratala Siva The blockbuster director who is still banking on the success of Bharat Ane Nenu, was more in love with the title of Sammohanam followed by his affinity towards the concept of the movie. He assured that the flick would be a career biggest commercial success for actor Sudheer Babu. Tanikella Bharani The senior actor called the movie as a poetry on the celluloid and branded director Mohan Krishna as a subtle, thought provoking and a committed director. Bharani had some special words for another supporting actor, Naresh by calling him a gentleman. Sudheer Babu The young and charming hunk enthralled Princes fans by commenting on his new look and involved Babus fans with cheers and whistles. The hardworking actor attributed the positive vibe and the learning curve to the director of the movie, Mohan Krishna by hugging him affectionately for Sammohanam. He had to abrupt his speech since he got way too emotional and the microphone was taken over by the director. Mohan Krishna Filling in the shoes of Sudheer, Mohan expressed that he was already bowled over after watching Shamantaka Mani and claimed that he is one of the most talented & hardworking actors in the industry. Mohan also remarked that Sudheer is his personal favorite in the industry who would encounter more success in the coming days. Mahesh Babu Mahesh opened that Sudheer gets pumped up and renders dynamic speeches in the formers movie while he gets emotional in his own movie functions. Mahesh felt proud about Sudheers hard work and commitment without anyones aid. The Prince of Andhra attributed the entire credit to the young hero as none had any share within their family. Mahesh was seen as a great sport within the industry when he shared nice words about director Mohan Krishna, Aditi Rao Hydari and actor Naresh. Sammohanam features Sudheer Babu, Aditi Rao Hydari, Naresh, Tanikella Bharani, Pavitra Lokesh and Rahul Ramakrishna in the lead roles. The movie is being directed by Mohan Krishna and the flick is bankrolled by Sivalenka Krishna Prasad under Sridevi Movies banner. Music is being rendered by Vivek Sagar while PG Vinda has cranked the camera. Sammohanam is all set to hit screens on 15th of this month. PHILADELPHIA (dpa-AFX) - Twenty-First Century Fox, Inc. (FOXA, FOX) confirmed that it has received an unsolicited, written proposal from Comcast to acquire the same businesses that 21st Century Fox previously agreed to sell to The Walt Disney Company (DIS), including the Twentieth Century Fox Film and Television studios, along with cable and international TV businesses. As with 21st Century Fox's pending transaction with Disney announced in December 2017, Comcast's proposal contemplates that prior to the acquisition, 21st Century Fox will separate the Fox Broadcasting network and stations, Fox News Channel, Fox Business Network, FOX Sports, FS1, FS2 and Big Ten Network into a newly listed company that will be spun off to its shareholders or 'new Fox'. Comcast has proposed an all-cash transaction at $35.00 per 21st Century Fox share. 21st Century Fox said it remains subject to the Disney Merger Agreement. 21st Century Fox's Board will carefully review and consider the Comcast proposal. 21st Century Fox noted that it has not yet made a determination, in light of Comcast's proposal, as to whether it will postpone or adjourn the July 10, 2018 special meeting of stockholders to consider certain proposals related to the Disney Merger Agreement. Separately, Comcast said it proposed to acquire 100% of the outstanding shares of Twenty-First Century Fox for $35.00 per share in cash, reflecting a $65 billion equity value for 21CF (after giving effect to the proposed spinoff of New Fox) and a premium of approximately 19% to the value of Disney's offer as of 12:00 p.m., noon on June 13, 2018. Comcast will agree to the same reverse termination fee of $2.5 billion as Disney, in the event the transaction does not close as a result of a failure to obtain the required regulatory approvals. In addition to payment of the $2.5 billion reverse termination fee, in the unlikely event that its transaction is terminated due to a failure to obtain the required regulatory approvals, Comcast will also agree to reimburse 21CF for the $1.525 billion break-up fee required to be paid to Disney in connection with termination of the Disney transaction and entry into a merger agreement with Comcast. Comcast has separately announced a pre-conditional all-cash firm offer for the entire issued and to be issued share capital of Sky plc. Comcast intends to pursue the offer in parallel with its acquisition of 21CF. Of course, the terms of any transaction between Comcast and 21CF will need to be consistent with respective obligations under the UK takeover regime. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de WOLFSBURG (dpa-AFX) - German prosecutors Wednesday imposed a 1 billion euros fine on Volkswagen AG (VKW.L, VLKAF.PK, VOW.BE) in connection with its emissions-cheating scandal. The company said it accepted the fine and it will not lodge an appeal against it. The fine consists of the maximum penalty as legally provided for of 5 million euros and the disgorgement of economic benefits in the amount of 995 million euros. The fine, the first imposed against Volkswagen in Europe, comes nearly three years after the German auto maker admitted to rigging nearly 11 million diesel vehicles to cheat on emissions tests. Dieselgate, as the scandal has been called, has cost Volkswagen tens of billions of dollars. Volkswagen said it admitted its responsibility for the diesel crisis and considers this as a further major step towards the latter being overcome. As a result of the administrative order imposing the fine, the active regulatory offence proceedings conducted against Volkswagen will be finally terminated. Volkswagen assumes that such termination of the proceedings will also have significant positive effects on further active administrative proceedings in Europe against the Volkswagen AG and its subsidiaries. The fine imposed Wednesday isn't included in the 26 billion euros that Volkswagen has provided for on its balance sheets to cover the costs of the diesel scandal. Analysts reportedly said that means Volkswagen is likely to take another charge against earnings, likely to be booked in the second quarter. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de - Acquisition will bring together two companies committed to innovation as well as standardizing and automating IVF laboratory workflow and processes, enabling the world's leading IVF centers to achieve better clinical outcomes and patient satisfaction. - AT Medical UAB to be renamed as Esco Medical Technologies UAB and continue operations as a separate legal entity within Esco Group's life science ecosystem. SINGAPORE, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Esco Group announced today that it has reached an agreement to acquire the remaining shares in AT Medical UAB, an Esco Ventures portfolio company. AT Medical UAB is the developer of innovative IVF medical devices whose products are currently distributed by Esco under the Esco Medical brand. The transaction is expected to close in June 2018. "We are extremely excited to welcome AT Medical to the Esco family," commented XQ Lin, Group President & CEO of Esco Group. "This strengthens our commitment to innovation within the fast-growing fertility technologies market, leveraging the Esco Group's global network to accelerate product development and drive distribution. Furthermore, it is a successful example of Singaporean-European collaboration in the life sciences field." Thomas Pedersen, newly appointed as Esco Medical's co-CEO, added "The partnership with Esco Ventures and Esco Group has been a very fruitful one, enabling us to deliver our innovative technologies, designed and made in Europe, to the global markets, impacting over 100,000 live births annually." Under the terms of the agreement, Esco Micro Pte Ltd, the primary operating entity of Esco Group, will make an undisclosed payment for the remaining shares in AT Medical UAB. The acquisition price represents a ~16X ROI multiple on the first investment Esco made into AT Medical UAB. SORAINEN is serving as Esco Group's legal counsel. About AT Medical UAB AT Medical was founded in 2011 by a group of professionals with vast experience in research, development, manufacturing and regulatory affairs, and is located in Kaunas, Lithuania. Since then the company has grown explosively. The first fully in house developed Class IIa medical device was launched on the EU market in 2012 and more have followed since. It has 51 employees. About Esco Group Esco Group's vision is to invent, discover, and commercialise enabling technologies to make human lives healthier and safer. Esco Group is a Singapore-based life sciences ecosystem builder comprising over 30 companies, >1000 employees, with proprietary products and services sold in >100 countries. Esco Group's operating businesses are in life sciences equipment, medical devices, bioprocess tools and services. Esco Ventures is the corporate venture investment arm of Esco Group and invests in life sciences startups globally. Esco Ventures X, the incubation arm of Esco Ventures, builds biotech startups on the basis of in-house inventions and academic technologies. Montreal, Quebec--(Newsfile Corp. - June 14, 2018) - Manganese X Energy Corp. (TSXV: MN) (FSE: 9SC2) (TRADEGATE: 9SC2) (OTC Pink: SNCGF) ("Manganese X") Michael Duggan, President of Mountain Springs Oil and Gas Ltd ("Mountain Springs"), on Tuesday, June 12th, has informed Manganese X that Mountain Springs are in the final stages of their due diligence to acquire an oil and gas property located in Central Alberta yielding net approximately $3.5 million per year. Due Diligence and, if successful, possession of the property are expected to be completed in 30 - 45 days. Upon completion and possession of the property Mountain Springs has also indicated that a definitive agreement will be executed to sell Manganese X 15% interest in Mountain Springs as previously indicated in non-binding letter of intent. "We are very optimistic that Mountain Springs will close this deal as financing is already secured. Upon completion, we look forward directly to acquiring a 15% interest in Mountain Springs with its existing business association with Schumberger. We anticipate this acquisition will be the first of many such asset acquisitions," stated Martin Kepman, CEO of Manganese X. Manganese X has also completed its National Research Council IRAP ("NRC/IRAP") portal application and is awaiting acceptance into the NRC/IRAP Programme technological manganese project. Estimated costs will be up to $160,000. Anticipated funding by the NRC/IRAP will be approximately 50% of the project costs. About Manganese X Energy Manganese X Energy's mission is to acquire and advance high potential manganese prospects located in North America with the intent of supplying value added materials to the lithium ion battery and other alternative energy industries as well as the steel industry. In addition, our company is striving to achieve new methodologies emanating with environmentally friendly green/zero emissions processes and producing manganese at a lower competitive cost. For more information, visit the website at www.manganesexenergycorp.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS Martin Kepman CEO and Director martin@kepman.com 1-514-802-1814 Cautionary Note Regarding Forward-Looking Statements: Neither TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This news release contains "forward-looking information" including statements with respect to the future exploration performance of the Company. This forward-looking information involves known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future results, performance or achievements of the Company, expressed or implied by such forward-looking statements. These risks, as well as others, are disclosed within the Company's filing on SEDAR, which investors are encouraged to review prior to any transaction involving the securities of the Company. Forward-looking information contained herein is provided as of the date of this news release and the Company disclaims any obligation, other than as required by law, to update any forward-looking information for any reason. There can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate and the reader is cautioned not to place undue reliance on such forward-looking information. 14 June 2018 Magnolia Petroleum Plc / Index: AIM / Epic: MAGP / Sector: Oil & Gas Magnolia Petroleum plc ('Magnolia' or 'the Company') Proposed Disposal of North Dakota Assets Magnolia Petroleum plc, the US focused oil and gas exploration and production company announces it has signed a non-binding agreement with a third party for the sale of all its wells in which it has varying interests in North Dakota (together 'the North Dakota Assets'), being approximately 31 wells, for a total consideration of US$1.5 million ('the Proposed Disposal'). In addition, the Company announces the sale of its 100% interest in the Roger Swartz #1 well in Oklahoma for approximately US$30,000. The Proposed Disposal is in line with the Company's debt reduction programme and, subject to shareholder consent and completion, will substantially clear a large portion of the outstanding US$2 million balance of the reserve-based lending facility ('the Lending Facility') of its wholly owned operating subsidiary, Magnolia Petroleum, Inc. ('Magnolia Inc'). As detailed in the Company's announcement of 7 June 2018, the Company embarked on a debt reduction programme in response to the Bank's decision not to extend the Lending Facility and its requirement that the full outstanding amount be repaid or refinanced by 9 July 2018. The Proposed Disposal is conditional on the granting of approval of the Board's asset disposal programme at the Company's general meeting which is to be held at 15:30 p.m. BST (09:30 a.m. local time) on 22 June 2018 at the offices of Pray Walker P.C., 100 West Fifth Street, Suite 900, Tulsa, OK 74103, USA ('the General Meeting'). In the event that the Lending Facility is not repaid or refinanced, it is expected that either the Bank will repossess and sell assets to pay off the debt, which is likely to be at a lower value for Shareholders than the Company could achieve, or the Directors will be required to commence Chapter 11 bankruptcy proceedings with respect to Magnolia Inc. This would also likely lead to a loss of control of the debt reduction programme and reduced value being achieved by the Company for its portfolio of wells. In this scenario, shareholders are unlikely to receive any value for the Company's portfolio of wells with all proceeds of sales being used to settle creditors and the costs of the Chapter 11 proceedings. The Company's current portfolio comprises interests in 108 wells and further details of the interests in wells and their economics were included in the Company's operations update on 16 April 2018 and in the circular of 7 June 2018. This announcement contains inside information for the purposes of Article 7 of EU Regulation 596/2014. * * ENDS * * For further information on Magnolia Petroleum Plc visit http://www.magnoliapetroleum.com/ or contact the following: AMSTERDAM (dpa-AFX) - Dutch export growth accelerated in April to the highest level in five months, figures from the Central Bureau of Statistics showed Thursday. The volume of exports climbed 6.6 percent year-over-year in April, much faster than the 2.2 percent rise in March. Moreover, this was the strongest rate of growth since November last year, when production had grown 9.1 percent. In April, main groups that showed notable rises in exports were transport equipment, machines and equipment. The volume of imports grew 5.7 percent in April from a year earlier. 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. Three California bears? Photo: Cartoon Network Silicon Valley venture capitalist and all-around busybody Tim Draper is back with another effort to chop up California into allegedly more manageable portions. Going into the 2016 elections, he was trying (unsuccessfully) to get a ballot initiative certified that would have aimed at creating six Californias. For a variety of reasons, that seemed to be way too many new states for most people. Now Draper is back with a more modest proposal to create three Californias, and hes managed to spend enough money and get enough signatures for it to appear on the November 2018 general election ballot, cheek-by-jowl with more conventional initiatives on matters like gas and property taxes. The three proposed new states are: North California, which would run from San Jose up to the Oregon border and include Sacramento and the San Francisco Bay; South California, including most of the Central Valley, the Inland Empire, San Diego, and Orange County; and California, covering the Central Coast from Monterey to Los Angeles. The six-state proposal involved large disparities in population and wealth (one of the new states would have been the wealthiest in the country, while another would have been the nations poorest); the three states under the revised proposal are roughly equal in populations, and while not equal economically (North California would be significantly wealthier than the other two) are not wildly disparate. The arguments for splitting up the state range from the usual smaller-is-better claims that California is too big and unwieldy to function efficiently, to the more qualitative arguments that the states diversity ensures that significant communities are denied adequate representation and autonomy. The two biggest problems with three Californias are practical, not theoretical. For one thing, the very California legislature that people like Draper consider hopelessly sclerotic and interest-group-driven would have to approve it. And then Congress would have to approve it as well. Its been well over a half-century since a new state has been admitted to the Union, and over a century-and-a-half since an existing state was divided when West Virginia was created and that required a civil war as a lubricant. Both national political parties might have issues with the idea. Democrats could lose the united clout of Californias current 55 electoral votes in presidential contests. Republicans wont like the addition of four U.S. senators at least two of whom would likely be Democrats which would dilute the built-in advantage their small-state strength currently gives them in the upper chamber. But the most immediate obstacle to three Californias is that the voters of one California would have to approve it before anything else happened, and at the moment, they dont like the idea at all. An April SurveyUSA poll showed registered voters opposing CAL3 by a 72/17 margin. Regional support topped out at 22 percent in the Central Valley, a hotbed of conservative resentment of rich coastal elites with their silly environmental and labor regulations. But even there, three of four voters opposed it. Tim Draper is a very rich man, but its unlikely he could drag his initiative across the line in November even if he broke his piggy bank. And for people really alienated from the status quo, there is always the alternative of secession from Trumps United States, a proposition that could yet be on the ballot for 2020. At this point Calexit is more popular than CAL3. Regulatory News: Claranova (Paris:CLA): This press release may not be published, transmitted or distributed, either directly or indirectly, in the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan. This press release does not constitute an offer for securities or any solicitation to buy or subscribe to securities in the United States of America or in any other country. Securities may only be offered, subscribed to or sold in the United States of America following registration under the US Securities Act of 1933, as amended ("US Securities Act"), or as part of an exemption to this registration requirement. Claranova's securities have not, nor will be, registered under the U.S. Securities Act and Claranova has no intention of making a public offer for its securities. The Bonds (as defined below) shall be the subject of a private offering only with qualified investors. The Bonds may not be offered or sold or made available in any way to retail investors (as defined below). No key information document, as defined in the PRIIPs Regulation, has been, or will be, prepared. Claranova (the "Company") is launching today the issue of net share settled bonds convertible into new shares and/or exchangeable for existing shares (ORNANE) (the "Bonds") to qualified investors with a maximum par amount of EUR 29 million. Use of the proceeds from the Bond issue The net proceeds of the bond issue will be used to fund, on the one hand, the takeover by its Avanquest division of the Canadian companies Upclick, Lulu Software (SodaPDF) and Adaware, announced in March 20181 and which should be completed before 1 July 2018, for approximately EUR 13 million2 and the remainder for Claranova's general financing needs. Upclick, Lulu Software and Adaware make up an international group in the Internet sector, present in most countries of the world, and with positions in the following three activities: e-commerce transaction management through Upclick , one of the most modern platforms in the world; , one of the most modern platforms in the world; PDF applications and document management with Lulu Software , one of the world's major players for PDF solutions through its SODA PDF product line; , one of the world's major players for PDF solutions through its SODA PDF product line; Internet security with Adaware anti-virus and security solutions, known worldwide. Overall, the Group's activities represent consolidated revenue of around USD 34.7M, with EBITDA of USD 5.3M3 Avanquest and these companies have already been collaborating for many years and their employees have extensive experience in team projects and clients with similar profiles. This operation will make it possible to combine existing offers from both groups: Avanquest through its software, e-mail, cashback and product catalog, together with security solutions (Adaware), PDF tools (Lulu) and e-commerce (Upclick). The integration of these new entities should generate significant synergies in the future, leading to a dramatic improvement in Avanquest's margin ratio and represents the first step in the ambition to turn Avanquest into a European leader in monetising Internet traffic, with the aim of this division achieving medium-term revenue of EUR 100M with profitability of 15%-20% (in terms of EBITDA4), provided that market conditions are favourable. The acquisition of Upclick, Lulu Software and Adaware remains subject to certain conditions precedent being met before 1 July 2018, including the final approval by the Supervisory Board of Claranova. Timetable The Bonds are expected to be issued at par value on 19 June 2018, the expected date of settlement and delivery of the Bonds. They will be redeemable at par value on 1 July 2023 (or the next business day if this date is not a business day). The closing of the order book and the setting of the final terms and conditions of the Bonds are scheduled for 15 June 2018 at the latest. The Company will announce the result of the offering and the final terms for the Bonds as soon as possible in a press release. Main conditions of the Bonds The Bonds will bear interest at an annual par rate of 5.0%, payable annually at term on 1 July each year (or on the following business day if one of these dates is not a business day), and for the first time on 1 July 2019 (the first coupon will be calculated pro rata). The par value of the Bonds of EUR 1.10 should result in an issue premium of approximately 20% in relation to the reference5 Claranova share price on the regulated Euronext market in Paris ("Euronext Paris Early redemption of the Bonds by the Company's decision The Bonds may be redeemed early on the initiative of the Company under certain conditions, including in the following cases: at any time, for all or part of the Bonds, without limitation of price or quantity, by purchases on the stock exchange or off-exchange or by buyback or exchange offers; at any time up to the normal redemption date, for all Bonds remaining in circulation, subject to at least a 30 trading days' notice, per par value plus interest accrued since the last payment date until the date set for the early redemption, if the arithmetic average, calculated over 20 consecutive trading days among the 40 days preceding the publication of the notice of early redemption, of the proceeds of the first quoted prices of the Claranova shares observed on Euronext Paris and the conversion ratio in effect at each date exceeds 135% of the par value of the Bonds; at any time, for all outstanding Bonds, subject to at least a 30 trading days' notice, by par redemption plus accrued interest, if their outstanding number is less than 10% of the number of Bonds issued. Early redemption of Bonds at the option of Bondholders in the event of a change of control In the event of a change of control of the Company, any Bondholder may, at his or her sole discretion, request the early redemption in cash of all or part of the Bonds he or she owns, at a price equal to the par value plus accrued interest. Conversion Right Bondholders shall have a conversion right that they may exercise at any time from the date of issue to the twenty-ninth trading day (inclusive) preceding the normal or early redemption date. The conversion rate of the Bonds is one share for one Bond, subject to subsequent adjustments. In the event of the exercise of the conversion right, the Bondholders shall receive, at the Company's decision, either only an amount in cash, or the combination of an amount in cash and new and/or existing Claranova shares or only new and/or existing Claranova shares. The new and/or existing Claranova shares, if any, will bear current dividend rights. Dilution As an illustration, considering a Bond issue in an amount of EUR 29 million, a par value of the Bonds of EUR 1.10, the dilution would be 6.7% of the Company's current share capital if the Company decides only to issue new shares and 1.74% if the Company decides to settle the par value of the Bonds in cash, and in new shares the difference between the conversion value of the Bonds and their par value (assuming a conversion value of EUR 1.49 corresponding to 135% of the par value of the Bonds, the threshold at which the Company may exercise its early redemption option for the Bonds, corresponding to an approximately 60% increase in the share price). Intentions Commitments The members of the Company's Supervisory Board and Management Board have not communicated to the Company an intention to subscribe to this issue. As part of the issue, the Company has made a commitment to abstain from market participation for 90 calendar days from the settlement date, subject to certain exceptions. Legal framework of the issue Offering Admission to trading on Euronext Access The issue of the Bonds will be carried out without preferential subscription rights or shareholders' subscription priority periods pursuant to the Sixth Resolution of the Extraordinary General Shareholders' Meeting of 7 June 2017, in which the shareholders decided to waive their preferential subscription rights to the Bonds. The Bonds will only be the subject of a private offering in the Member States of the European Economic Area (to the exclusion of any other country including the United States of America, Canada, Australia and Japan) to persons covered by Article L.411-2-II of the French Monetary and Financial Code (excluding any retail investor within the meaning of the PRIIPs Regulation). The Bonds will be the subject of an application for admission to trading on the Euronext Access market (ISIN: FR0013342425). The admission to trading of the Bonds is scheduled for 19 June 2018. Octo Finances acts as manager and bookrunner for the transaction. Public information The offer of the Bonds will not give rise to the preparation of a prospectus submitted for approval to the French Autorite des marches financiers (the "AMF"). Detailed information about Claranova, including information on its business, financial results, outlook and the related risk factors, can be found in the Company's registration document filed with the AMF on 3 October 2017 under number D.17-0964 (the "Registration Document") and in the Company's six month financial report at 31 December 2017, published on 28 March 2018, which may be consulted, together with the other regulated information and all the Company's press releases on the Claranova website (www.claranova.com). Claranova draws the public's attention to the risk factors presented on pages 15 to 19 of the Registration Document. Important information This press release does not constitute an offer to subscribe and the offering of the Bonds will not constitute an offer to the public in any country including France. About Claranova: A global Internet and mobile player, Claranova is one of the few French companies in this sector to post sales of over EUR 130 million, more than half of which is generated in the United States. Claranova focuses its strategy on three areas of business digital printing through the Group's PlanetArt division, management of the Internet of Things (IoT) via the myDevices division and e-commerce through the Avanquest division: PlanetArt: A world leader in mobile printing, specifically via the FreePrints offer the cheapest and simplest way to print photos from a smartphone FreePrints is already a must-have for several million customers, a figure that has grown every year since its launch; myDevices: A global platform for IoT (Internet of Things) management enabling major corporations from different business sectors to quickly develop and roll out IoT solutions for their customers; Avanquest: the Group's legacy activity covering the distribution ot third-party software, a business that is shifting towards the monetisation of Internet traffic. For more information on the Claranova group: www.claranova.com or www.twitter.com/claranova_group. WARNING This press release is not intended for distribution in the United States of America, Canada, Australia or Japan, either directly or indirectly. The information contained in this press release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in the United States of America, Canada, Japan or Australia. No communication or other information in respect of the issue by Claranova of Bonds redeemable in cash and/or in new or existing shares (the "Bonds") may be released to the public in a country in which any approval or registration is required. No steps to such end have been taken or will be taken by the Company in any country in which such steps would be required other than France. The issue of or the subscription for Bonds may be subject to specific legal or regulatory restrictions in certain countries; Claranova takes no responsibility for any violation of any restrictions by any person. This press release has been issued for promotional purposes and not as a prospectus within the meaning of the Prospectus Directive (as defined below). This press release does not constitute and should not be considered as a public offering, an offer to subscribe, or as a means of soliciting public interest in a public offering. The Bonds will be the subject of a private placement only in the European Economic Area Member States (excluding any other countries, including the United States of America, Canada, Australia and Japan), with persons referred to in Article L. 411-2-II of the French Monetary and Financial Code (excluding any retail investors within the meaning of the PRIIPs Regulation), with no public offering in any country (including France). This press release does not constitute a recommendation on the Bond issue. The value of the Bonds and shares of Claranova may increase or decrease. Prospective investors should consult their financial advisor to determine if an investment in these Bonds is appropriate to their needs. Exclusion of any offering to retail investors within the European Economic Area No action has been undertaken or will be undertaken to make an offering of the Bonds to retail investors within the European Economic Area. For the purposes of this provision, the expression "retail investor" refers to a person falling within one or more of the categories below: (i) a retail customer as defined in Paragraph (11) of Article 4(1) of Directive 2014/65/EU (as amended, "MiFID II"; or (ii) a customer within the meaning of Directive 2002/92/EC (as amended, the "Insurance Mediation Directive"), provided that the customer does not fall within the professional client category as defined in Paragraph (10) of Article 4(1) of MiFID II; and the expression "offering" includes the communication in any form and by any means whatsoever of sufficient information on the terms of the offering and the Bonds subject to the offering so as to allow an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe to the Bonds. Consequently, no key information document required by Regulation (EU) No. 1286/2014 (as amended, the "PRIIPs Regulation" for the offering or the sale of Bonds or their availability to retail investors in the European Economic Area has been prepared and, as a result, the offering or sale of Bonds or their availability to retail investors in the European Economic Area could constitute a violation of the PRIIPs Regulation. France The Bonds have not been offered or sold and will not be offered or sold to the public in France, either directly or indirectly. Any offering or sale of Bonds or distribution of the offering document has only been made or will only be made in France, to (i) persons who provide investment portfolio management services on behalf of third parties or (ii) qualified investors, as defined in Articles L. 411-2-II, L. 533-16, L. 533-20, D. 533-11 et D. 533-11-1 of the French Monetary and Financial Code. European Economic Area excluding France No action has been or will be undertaken in relation to European Economic Area Member States other than France (a "Member State") having implemented the Prospectus Directive to make an offering of the Bonds to the public requiring the publication of a prospectus in any of the Member States. As a result, the Bonds may only be offered in each Member State to qualified investors, as defined in the Prospectus Directive. For the purposes of this paragraph, (i) the expression "offer to the public of Bonds" in each Member State having implemented the Prospectus Directive (as defined below), means any communication directed to persons, in any form and by any means whatsoever, including sufficient information on conditions of the offering of the Bonds and the Bonds covered by the offering, to allow an investor to decide to purchase or subscribe to said Bonds, as per the amended version, where applicable, of the definition in the Member State implementing the Prospectus Directive, (ii) the expression "Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2003/71/EC of 4 November 2003, as implemented in the Member State (as amended, including by the Amending Prospectus Directive, if implemented, in each Member State), and (iii) the expression "Amending Prospectus Directive" means Directive 2010/73/EU as implemented in the relevant Member State. United States of America This press release is not intended for publication, distribution or transmission, either directly or indirectly, in the United States of America (including its territories and dependencies, any state of the United States of America and the District of Columbia). This press release does no constitute an offer or a solicitation to buy or subscribe to securities in the United States of America. The securities described in this press release have not been and will not be registered under the US Securities Act of 1933 as amended (the "Securities Act"), or with any regulatory authority in a Member State, or other jurisdiction in the United States and may only be offered or sold in the United States of America under an exemption regime provided for in the Securities Act and in accordance with the regulations in force in the various States. The Bonds will only be offered or sold outside the United States of America and as part of offshore transactions, in accordance with Regulation S of the Securities Act Claranova does not intend to register the offering, either in part or in full, in the United States of America, or carry out a public offering in the United States of America. United Kingdom This press release is exclusively intended for persons who are (i) outside the United Kingdom, (ii) are investment professionals (within the meaning of Article 19(5) of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 (Financial Promotion) Order 2005 (as amended, hereinafter the Financial Promotion Order), (iii) fall within the scope of Article 49(2) (a) to (d) (high net worth companies, unincorporated associations, etc.) of the Financial Promotion Order or (iv) to any other person to whom this press release may be addressed in accordance with the law (the persons described in paragraphs (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) being together referred to as "Authorised Persons"). The Bonds are intended only for Authorised Persons and any inducement, offer or contact regarding the subscription to, purchase or acquisition of the Bonds (and new or existing shares issued or allotted when exercising a conversion right) may only be proposed or made to Authorised Persons. Any person other than an Authorised Person shall refrain from using or relying on this press release or any of its contents. This press release is not a prospectus and has not been approved by the Financial Services Authority or any other regulatory authority in the United Kingdom within the meaning of Section 85 of the Financial Services and Markets Act 2000 Canada, Australia and Japan The Bonds may not be offered, sold or acquired in Canada, Australia or Japan. The information contained in this press release does not constitute an offer of securities for sale in Canada, Australia or Japan. The disclosure, distribution and publication of this press release may be restricted by law in certain jurisdictions and persons into whose possession any document or other information referred to herein may come should inform themselves about and comply with any such restrictions. ________________________ 1 http://claranova.fr/?do=post&post_id=622 2 Should the acquisition of Upclick, Lulu Software (SodaPDF) and Adaware not occur, this portion of the net proceeds from the issue will be allocated to other external growth projects for the Avanquest division (subject to the approval of the Group management and in line with Group strategy). 3 Unaudited figures for the year 2017 4 EBITDA is the aggregate now used to evaluate the profitability of the businesses. It replaces the adjusted EBITDA previously used. It corresponds to earnings before the deduction of interest, taxes and duties, depreciation (but after provisions related to inventories and trade receivables), amortisation and share-based payments. 5 This reference price will be equal to the volume-weighted average trading price of the Company' shares on Euronext Paris from the opening of the market on 14 June 2018 until the moment the final terms and conditions of the Bonds are established. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180613006259/en/ Contacts: ANALYSTS INVESTORS +33 1 41 27 19 74 contact@claranova.com or FINANCIAL COMMUNICATION AELIUM +33 1 75 77 54 65 skennis@aelium.fr ASCHHEIM, Germany, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- - Solution focused on application to link merchants with producers - The blockchain platform is targeted at producers and processors of raw materials - Wirecard expands its existing B2B portfolio to utilize the potential offered by blockchain in the fields of supplier payments and smart contracts Wirecard, the international innovation leader in digital financial technology, is expanding its B2B portfolio with services based on blockchain. The blockchain forms the basis for a highly efficient global network. For example, between producers and processors of raw materials such as coffee, crude oil or steel - markets in which agreements on payments can be made in future without intermediate steps. Wirecard is expanding its existing digital payment and banking platform with the supply chain payment solution based on blockchain technology. The prototype focusses on linking merchants with producers, capturing all business processes in so-called 'smart contracts' - digital contracts based on blockchain - while minimizing the risk of fraud. In this way, all steps along the commercial chain, from drawing up contracts, to quality assurance and guarantee of origin, are mapped transparently in a decentralized database. Digitalization is therefore now shaping global supply chains where today many processes are still conducted via analogue data carriers such as fax and written documents. Markus Braun, CEO of Wirecard AG, said: "We see great potential in the digitization of payment processes worldwide. Today we can use our years of experience, for example in payment processing within the travel and mobility industry, in which fast transactions to various stakeholders play a major role in bringing this process via blockchain technology to completely new markets - which already have a great demand today. With our worldwide presence, we are in the unique position to meet this need." Jorn Leogrande, EVP of Wirecard Labs, commented: "Within the framework of the private blockchain technology, Wirecard initially maps the possibility of direct interaction via a platform as well as the possibility for payments. Our experience in the area of financial and Internet technology puts us in a position to be able to transfer further services with concrete application examples to the blockchain. For example, the technology can be used to establish a comprehensive loyalty system, transparent and cost-efficient banking solutions for emerging markets and a secure, decentralized and efficient method for collecting, validating, storing, approving and updating trustworthy KYC data." For further information, please watch our video. About Wirecard: Wirecard (GER: WDI) is one of the world's fastest growing digital platforms in the area of financial commerce. We provide both business customers and consumers with a constantly expanding ecosystem of real-time value-added services built around innovative digital payments by using an integrated B2B2C approach. This ecosystem concentrates on the areas payment & risk, retail & transaction banking, loyalty & couponing, data analytics & conversion rate enhancement in all sales channels (online, mobile, ePOS). Wirecard operates regulated financial institutions in several key markets, holds issuing and acquiring licenses from all major payment and card networks. Wirecard AG is listed on the Frankfurt Stock Exchange (TecDAX, ISIN DE0007472060). Visit us on http://www.wirecard.com , follow us on Twitter @wirecard and on Facebook @wirecardgroup. Wirecard media contact: Wirecard AG Jana Tilz Tel.: +49(0)89-4424-1363 Email: jana.tilz@wirecard.com LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Anglo American Plc. (AAUKY.PK, AAL.L) announced Thursday that it has entered into a Heads of Agreement with Mitsubishi Corp. (MBC.L, MSBHY.PK) in relation to Mitsubishi's proposed acquisition of a 21.9% equity interest in Anglo American Quellaveco S.A. or AAQSA., for a total consideration of $600 million. The total consideration implies a valuation for 100% of Quellaveco of $2.74 billion. Mitsubishi already holds an 18.1% interest in AAQSA, which owns the Quellaveco copper project in Peru. Following closing of the proposed transaction, Mitsubishi's interest will increase to 40%, while Anglo American will retain 60%. Closing of the deal is expected in the third quarter, subject to a number of conditions, including required regulatory approvals, approval by Mitsubishi's Board, and approval to develop the Quellaveco project by Anglo American's Board. The total consideration of $600 million is comprised of $500 million upon closing of the deal, $50 million upon total ore treatment rates at Quellaveco reaching at least 150 thousand tonnes per day; and $50 million upon total ore treatment rates at Quellaveco reaching at least 180 thousand tonnes per day. The company said the consideration will be settled upon closing by way of a primary share subscription in AAQSA by MCQ Copper Ltd., a subsidiary of Mitsubishi, which will pre-fund a portion of Anglo American's share of the required capital expenditure for the development of Quellaveco. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de LONDON (dpa-AFX) - Rolls Royce Holdings plc (RYCEF.PK, RR.L, RYCEY.PK) said Thursday that it expects to cut around 4,600 jobs over the next two years as part of a restructuring programme. It expects full year net cost savings from the restructuring to reach a run rate of 400 million pounds per annum by the end of 2020. The company said current trading remains in-line with the full year expectations. Chief Executive Warren East said, '... It is never an easy decision to reduce our workforce, but we must create a commercial organisation that is as world-leading as our technologies. To do this we are fundamentally changing how we work.' 'These changes will help us deliver over the mid and longer-term a level of free cash flow well beyond our near-term ambition of around 1bn by around 2020. After a decade of significant investment we are committed to delivering improved returns while continuing to invest in the innovation needed to realise our long-term aspiration to be the world's leading industrial technology company,' Warren East said. The company said that over the next 24 months, it expects the proposed restructuring will lead to the reduction of around 4,600 roles, predominantly in the UK where the majority of our corporate and support functions are based. Around a third of these roles are expected to leave by the end of 2018. The programme is expected to gain further momentum through 2019, with full implementation of headcount reductions and structural changes by mid-2020. The company noted that it will continue to support its current ramp-up in Civil Aerospace engine production and will remain focused on its management of the current in-service issues with the Trent 1000. The total cash cost of the restructuring is expected to be 500 million pounds which includes the cost of redundancies and required systems investments to facilitate the programme. These cash costs will be incurred across 2018, 2019 and 2020 and, given the one-off nature of the restructuring programme, these will be reported below group underlying free cash flow. Full year net cost savings from this restructuring are expected to reach a run rate of 400 million pounds per annum by the end of 2020. According to the company, current trading remains in-line with the full year expectations it set out at the time of our 2017 results in March. Despite the already announced incremental costs associated with further recent Trent 1000 in-service issues, the mitigating actions the company continues to take across the group enable it to be confident that its fiscal year 2018 guidance for Group free cash flow of around 450 million pounds plus or minus 100 million pounds remains unchanged. Rolls-Royce said it will hold a Capital Markets Event on 15 June for financial analysts and investors at which it will be providing further details of the restructuring. Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de AS Tallinna Sadam signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the City of Tallinn for development of the Old City Harbour area according to "Masterplan 2030" AS Tallinna Sadam (hereafter "Tallinna Sadam") and the Urban Planning Department of the City of Tallinn signed a memorandum of understanding (hereinafter "MoU"), declaring mutual interest of the parties in developing Old City Harbour area into a modern, attractive and lively city center, with high-quality public space. According to the MoU, Tallinna Sadam and the Urban Planning Department of the City of Tallinn will make a joint effort to implement the Old City Harbour development plan "Masterplan 2030", which was composed by architectural bureau Zaha Hadid Architects in 2017, considering the principles of the Tallinn Seaside Vision. The MoU provides that Tallinna Sadam and City of Tallinn will establish a joint council, the task of which will be to advise Tallinna Sadam on spatial planning and urban development in preparing the detailed plans of the Old City Harbour area. The next step in implementing "Masterplan 2030" is arranging a public procurement for engaging a partner to draft the detailed plans for the area and apply for the initiation of proceedings for such detailed plans. The comprehensive report of "Masterplan 2030" in English and its translation into Estonian are available on the webpage of Tallinna Sadam, at: http://www.portoftallinn.com/old-city-harbour-development-plans . Tallinna Sadam is one of the largest cargo- and passenger port complexes in the Baltic Sea region, which in 2017 serviced 10.6 million passengers and 19.2 million tons of cargo. In addition to passenger and freight services, Tallinna Sadam group also operates in shipping business via its subsidiaries - OU TS Laevad provides ferry services between the Estonian mainland and the largest islands, and OU TS Shipping charters its multifunctional vessel "Botnica" for icebreaking and construction services in Estonia and off-shore projects abroad. Tallinna Sadam group is also a shareholder of a joint venture AS Green Marine, which provides waste management services. Tallinna Sadam group's sales in 2017 totaled EUR 121.3 million, EBITDA EUR 66.5 million and net profit EUR 26.4 million. Additional information: Marju Zirel AS Tallinna Sadam Head of Investor Relations m.zirel@ts.ee FELDKIRCHEN-WESTERHAM, Germany, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Key milestone achieved in delivering against ambitious PFC goals Increased use of recycled and solution-dyed textiles in garments portfolio contributes to water savings and reduces CO2 emissions The Fabrics Division of W. L. Gore & Associates is proud to announce that it reached a first key milestone on its journey towards the goal of eliminating PFCs of Environmental Concern (PFCEC) from the life cycle of the large majority of its consumer fabrics portfolio by 2020. This ambitious goal was announced in February 2017 (http://www.gore-tex.com/pfcgoal ). At its booth at the OutDoor Show in Friedrichshafen (A1, 302), Gore Fabrics presents a range of GORE-TEX 2-Layer jackets that utilize - for the first time - a DWR treatment (Durable Water Repellent) free of PFCEC while keeping Gore's GUARANTEED TO KEEP YOU DRY brand promise. The jackets are manufactured by customers such as Berghaus, Haglofs and Marmot, amongst others. In addition, the outdoor jackets shown at the booth reflect a second big step forward in Gore Fabrics' efforts to reduce the environmental footprint of its products: They all are manufactured with Gore laminates utilizing face-textiles made from recycled materials - another key initiative within Gore Fabrics' strategy. Using recycled materials helps reduce the amount of plastic waste that otherwise would end up in landfills or incineration. Gore's recycled nylon is currently sourced from pre-consumer waste while its recycled polyester stems from used PET bottles. Bernhard Kiehl, Gore Fabrics' Sustainability Leader: "The GORE-TEX jackets shown at our booth have a PFCEC free DWR treatment and face-textiles made from recycled materials. They represent our strong intent to offer environmentally improved products. The positive feedback we have received from customers and consumers on our innovations motivates us to work even harder on developing further advanced material solutions. We continue our efforts to deliver fit-for-use products that provide the best possible combination of high performance, durability and a low environmental footprint." While Gore Fabrics' current product collection for the Autumn/Winter season 2018 offers more than a dozen GORE-TEX laminates that are manufactured with face-textiles made from recycled materials, this number is expected to almost triple by A/W 2019. Also ready to be rolled-out by customers for the A/W season 2019 is another innovation: solution-dyed face-textiles. Solution dyeing is a yarn-dyeing technology that - compared to conventional dyeing processes - saves up to 60% in water usage and significantly reduces CO2 emissions. During the solution-dyeing process, dyestuffs are mixed with the nylon or polyester pellets prior to spinning into yarn. The resulting yarn is permanently, deeply colored and ready to be woven into fabrics. Gore Fabrics has also developed a new textile backer that combines the advantages of solution dyeing and recycled content resulting in an offering of an additional range of 18 laminates with solution dyed content to GORE -TEX brand partners from 2019 onwards. Thomas Kiebler, Gore Fabrics' Application Engineer Leader, explains: "We seek to expand our share of solution-dyed textiles due to two compelling advantages: solution-dyeing helps reduce our environmental footprint and offers a performance benefit of superior color-fastness to light - which will allow consumers to enjoy the brilliance of colors for longer than usual. And, as we know from our Life Cycle Assessment studies, using durable outerwear for a long time is the best thing you can do to reduce its impact on the environment." - Cross reference: Picture is available via epa european pressphoto agency (http://www.epa.eu) - About Gore's Fabrics Division Gore's Fabrics Division revolutionized the outerwear industry with waterproof, breathable GORE-TEX fabric 40 years ago and remains a leading innovator of performance apparel. Gore fabrics products provide comfort and protection in challenging environments and in everyday life, enabling wearers to safely and confidently achieve and experience more. From hiking in downpours to military operations and fighting fires, Gore's deep understanding of consumer and industry needs drives development of products with meaningful performance advantages. http://www.goretex.com About Gore W. L. Gore & Associates is a global materials science company dedicated to transforming industries and improving lives. Founded in 1958, Gore has built a reputation for solving complex technical challenges in the most demanding environments - from revolutionizing the outerwear industry with GORE-TEX fabric to creating medical devices that improve and save lives to enabling new levels of performance in the aerospace, pharmaceutical and mobile electronics markets, among other industries. The company is also known for its strong, team-oriented culture and continued recognition from the Great Place to Work Institute. Headquartered in Newark, Del., Gore employs approximately 9,500 Associates and generates annual revenues that exceed $3 billion. http://www.gore.com Media Contact Dr. Anja Herberg W. L. Gore & Associates GmbH Herman-Oberth-Strasse 24 85639 Putzbrunn, Germany Phone: +49-89-4612-2774 Mobile: +49-172-135-9374 Email: aherberg@wlgore.com KANAZAWA, Japan, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Nano Life Science Institute (NanoLSI), Institute for Frontier Science Initiative, Kanazawa University, is calling for proposals for Bio-SPMs collaborative research. WPI-NanoLSI, Kanazawa University, aims to contribute to the development of the nano-life sciences by promoting collaborative research using Bio-Scanning Probe Microscopes, beyond the boundaries of individual universities and research institutions. Here, the University is calling for applications for collaborative research projects to be carried out by successful applicants using the University's Bio-SPM system, with the cooperation of the NanoLSI faculty members. Detailed information about application procedures and the SPM technology at Kanazawa University https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/research/applications/bio-spm/ Application Eligibility Applicants must be researchers or engineers from national public or private universities, national research institutes, private companies, overseas research institutes. A collaboration contract may be required for certain research institutions. Research period From the date of approval to March 31, 2019. How to Apply Prepare Forms 1 and 2, and curriculum vitae. https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/research/applications/bio-spm/ Submission Deadline Applications must reach us by May 11, 2018 (Friday), 17:00 JST. 1st in 2018: May 11, 2018 (Friday), 17:00 JST 2nd in 2018: July 31, 2018 (Tuesday), 17:00 JST 3rd in 2018: October 12, 2018 (Friday), 17:00 JST 4th in 2018: November 30, 2018 (Friday), 17:00 JST 1st in 2019 will be May 10, 2018 (Friday), 17:00 JST. About Kanazawa University As the leading comprehensive university on the Sea of Japan coast, Kanazawa University has contributed greatly to higher education and academic research in Japan since it was founded in 1949. The University has three colleges and 16 schools offering courses in subjects that include medicine, computer engineering, and humanities. The University is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in Kanazawa - a city rich in history and culture. The city of Kanazawa has a highly respected intellectual profile since the time of the fiefdom (1598-1867). Kanazawa University is divided into two main campuses: Kakuma and Takaramachi for its approximately 12,200 students including 600 from overseas. Kanazawa University website: http://www.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/e/ Further information Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-Machi, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan. Tel.: +81-76-234-4574, Fax: +81-76-234-4569 E-mail: kunioka@staff.kanazawa-u.ac.jp KANAZAWA, Japan, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Nano Life Science Institute (WPI-NanoLSI), Kanazawa University, Japan, invites young researchers and students interested in Bio-AFM systems to apply to participate in the "Bio-AFM Summer School 2018". The participants will be able to use the NanoLSI Bio-AFM systems for imaging of their own samples. Application form https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/summerschool2018/ Deadline for applications Friday, 29th June, 2018 Overview The researchers at Kanazawa University have pioneered the development of Bio-AFM technologies, including super-resolution AFM (FM-AFM/3D-AFM), high-speed AFM, and scanning ion conductance microscope (SICM) for applications in the life sciences. Participants can choose from systems ranging from high-speed AFM, super-resolution AFM, and SICM, depending on their applications. The University will provide biological samples or materials related to biological research for imaging with Bio-AFMs. Members of the NanoLSI will not only teach how to use these sophisticated instruments but also the preparation of samples. Details Application Eligibility: Young researchers and students who are interested in observing their own samples by Bio-AFMs. Prior knowledge about Bio-AFM is not required. Schedule: The school starts on 28 August, 2018 and finishes on 1 September, 2018 . How to Apply Download the application form from the following website: https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/summerschool2018/ The application form should be submitted to the following e-mail address: kunioka@staff.kanazawa-u.ac.jp Deadline: 29 June 2018 Notes 1. Samples for super-resolution AFM include any solid-liquid interfacial structures and phenomena that require subnanometer-scale imaging. Examples include organic and inorganic crystals, self-assembled monolayers, surfactants, lubricants, proteins, DNAs and lipids. The high-speed AFM image living cells and isolated intracellular organelles in addition to proteins and DNAs. The SICM can image surface structures of larger samples such as living cells or bacteria. 2. Participants can learn about one super-resolution FM-AFM, high-speed AFM or SICM, not both. 3. It may not be possible to find appropriate imaging conditions of all samples within the period of this summer school. 4. Unfortunately, participants from previous Bio-AFM summer schools are not eligible to apply again and should instead apply for our Bio-SPMs Collaborative Research: https://nanolsi.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/en/bio-spm2018/ About Kanazawa University As the leading comprehensive university on the Sea of Japan coast, Kanazawa University has contributed greatly to higher education and academic research in Japan since it was founded in 1949. The University has three colleges and 16 schools offering courses in subjects that include medicine, computer engineering, and humanities. The University is located on the coast of the Sea of Japan in Kanazawa - a city rich in history and culture. The city of Kanazawa has a highly respected intellectual profile since the time of the fiefdom (1598-1867). Kanazawa University is divided into two main campuses: Kakuma and Takaramachi for its approximately 12,200 students including 600 from overseas. Kanazawa University website: http://www.kanazawa-u.ac.jp/e/ Further information Nano Life Science Institute, Kanazawa University, Kakuma-Machi, Kanazawa, 920-1192, Japan. Tel.: +81-76-234-4574, Fax: +81-76-234-4569 E-mail: kunioka@staff.kanazawa-u.ac.jp Tissue World Istanbul, the international gathering of tissue industry, will take place at the Istanbul Congress Center from 4 to 6 September 2018. Proving its industrial success with a record level of attendance in 2016, this year's Tissue World Istanbul will also welcome for the first time the hygiene non-woven machinery suppliers. ISTANBUL, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- UBM, one of the world's largest fair organizers, will organise Tissue World Istanbul, the international gathering of tissue industry, at the Istanbul Congress Center from 4 to 6 September 2018. Supported by leading industry players, Tissue World Istanbul 2018 is getting prepared to unite industry leaders with their global experience and enriched contents. Istanbul holds a strategic importance in tissue industry, being at the crossroads of an important regional business network and is recognized as the most comprehensive tissue exhibition in the region covering the Middle East, Middle Asia, Africa, Eastern Europe, Russia and Turkic Republics. Organized biennially since 2014, Tissue World Istanbul has welcomed more than 1600 industrial professionals from 65 countries in 2016, proving its regional power. UBM is primed for moving one jump ahead of its current achievement. The hygienic non-woven machinery suppliers will also be welcomed to the fair this year to enable exhibitors and visitors improve their business networks and opportunities. In this context, retail industry representatives, logistics companies, tissue suppliers, consulting firms, non-woven producers, related civil society organisations and public authorities will meet at Tissue World Istanbul 2018. Tissue World Istanbul is of critical importance to Turkey Esin Aslihan, UBM Istanbul Brand Director mentioned that the primary goal of Tissue World Istanbul is to serve the development of tissue industry in the region and added: "Turkish tissue industry, which has achieved to grow with new investments each year and increased the rate of employment, accomplished to boost exports at one and a half rate in the last 7 years. We aim at serving the development of both our industry and country in support with new business opportunities and a wider business network brought by this successful trade show. This year, the non-woven machinery manufacturers will also be exhibiting on the show floor. By doing this, we are getting prepared to unite leaders and decision makers of the industry with 360 degrees of coverage and we are inviting all industrial representatives to discover the ways to move our industry much further. Lutfi Aydin, Production Director, Hayat Kimya Global Tissues commented about Tissue World Istanbul as follows: "As one of the globalizing players of FMCG, we continue our investments without slowing down with around 8.000 employees in 9 countries and 12 brands in categories of hygiene, home care products and tissues. Hayat Kimya started its tissue production in Turkey 12 years ago and now became the largest tissue producer in the Middle East, Eastern European and Africa with its well-known brands Papia, Familia, Teno and Focus. Tissue World Fair units tissue manufacturers and industrial professionals to help us discuss with all our stakeholders, introduce our innovations and technologies and prepare grounds for inspiringly new cooperation. We pride ourselves on being among the main sponsors of Tissue World Istanbul, as the largest tissue producer in the Middle East, Eastern Europe and Africa." Industry leader Eczacibasi Consumer Products to introduce new products at Tissue World Istanbul Embodying many forerunner brands in categories of tissue papers, baby care, self-care, household care and non-household products, Eczacibasi Consumer Products supports Tissue World Istanbul as one of its main sponsors. Defining its vision to become a powerful regional player with its self-hygiene brands, Eczacibasi Consumer Products is mainly focused on new target markets including Caucasia and the Middle East in addition to the Balkans, Eastern Europe, Middle East and North Africa. In this context, the company will introduce its newest products at Tissue World Istanbul including Selpak Deluxe Cotton-Added toilet papers in the upper segment, Bamboo-Added towels and Selpak Comfort product range in middle segment in addition to semi-finished product portfolio on a wide range. V-folded toilet papers under Selpak Professional brand, focused on non-household use, and Sensor Towels included in recyclable product portfolio with specially designed dispenser will also debut at the fair. Lila Paper Group again taking its place between exhibitors and sponsors Alp Ogucu, Managing Director, Lila Group highlights that Tissue World Istanbul is ready to meet industrial expectations and continues: "We are proud to be the sponsor of Tissue World Istanbul which covers not only tissue paper producers but also raw material supports to meet a vital demand of the industry. Lila Paper also exports to 68 countries and therefore, one of the main reasons we took our place in this platform is that Tissue World Istanbul addresses our target markets including the Middle East, Middle Asia and Africa. The conference also casts light upon the future of industry as a platform where industrial developments are discussed. This year, we will bring critical topics to the table including possible bottleneck in raw material resources due to global warming and climate change as well as industrial capital development at Tissue World Istanbul, which we expect to meet our demands". About Tissue World Tissue World is the leading global event series serving the tissue industry worldwide since 1993. With events in Istanbul, Milan, Miami and Sao Paulo, it offers an integrated and intertwined platform consisting of exhibitions, conferences and a magazine providing an unmatched offline and online meeting place to do business, exchange ideas and learn, all year round. About UBM UBM is one of the largest fair organization companies of the world organizing around 400 fairs on average per year with more than 3.750 employees in more than 20 countries. UBM EMEA Istanbul, under the framework of UBM, organizes international fairs of Eurasian and Turkish markets basing on its knowledge and UBM's global experience of more than 30 years. Market leading fairs of UBM EMEA Istanbul are: Alleather IDF the Leather Exhibition of Istanbul, CBME Children Baby Maternity Expo, CPhI Middle East & Africa Pharmaceutical Ingredients Fair Istanbul, Expomaritt Marine Industry Fair, Fi Food Ingredients Fair Istanbul, Growtech Eurasia Greenhouse Agricultural Technologies Fair, ISSA Interclean Industrial Cleaning Fair Istanbul, Intertraffic Traffic Technologies and Equipment Fair Istanbul, Istanbul Kids Fashion Baby and Kids Fashion Fair, IstanbulLight Lightning Exhibition, Tissue World Istanbul Tissue Paper Industry Fair. www.ubmistanbul.com Contact Person: Yew Lei Ching Phone Number: +65 62336643 Email: leiching.yew@ubm.com Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/705758/TW_Istanbul_Logo.jpg Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/705760/Tissue_World_Istanbul.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/631510/UBM_Logo.jpg Anglo American has agreed to sell a stake in its Quellaveco copper project in Peru to Mitsubishi Corporation for $500m that could rise to $600m in order to plough ahead with development. The FTSE 100 company will give up a 21.9% equity interest in the mine's holding company to add to the 18.1% interest already owned by the Japanese conglomerate, leaving Anglo with 60%. Mitsubishi will pay $500m on closing the deal, which is expected in the third quarter of the year. Half of the remaining cash ... 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. A man who has never been the victim of a WITCH HUNT. Photo: Leon Neal/Getty Images Donald Trump has claimed that a secret cabal of deep state Democrats within the FBI rigged the bureaus investigation into Hillary Clinton thereby allowing her to escape accountability for violations of information-security protocol that should have landed her in prison even as said cabal orchestrated a WITCH HUNT into his campaigns nonexistent ties to Russian hacking, in a diabolical, anti-democratic bid to get Clinton elected. In light of these (alternative) facts, the president maintains that the ongoing investigation into Russian interference in the 2016 election and his own alleged attempts to interfere with that investigation is so corrupt and baseless, it should be ended as soon as possible. There are several reasons to question Trumps word on this subject. To name a few: A new report from the Justice Departments inspector general found no evidence that the conclusions by department prosecutors in the Clinton email investigation were affected by bias or other improper considerations Rather, we concluded that they were based on the prosecutors assessment of facts, the law, and past department practice. The president is known liar who frequently, publicly admits that he likes to tell lies. Trump has made many, many specific claims about deep state conspiracies against him that have proven to be completely false. Donald Trump Jr. has publicly confessed to accepting an ostensible offer of opposition research from the Russian government, while Trump campaign aide George Papadopoulos has admitted to seeking thousands of stolen Clinton emails from a woman he believed to be Vladimir Putins niece. Donald Trump has admitted, on national television, that he fired James Comey (at least, in part) because he disapproved of the FBI directors handling of an investigation into his campaign (an act that would ostensibly constitute obstruction of justice). He subsequently argued in many, many interviews that the job of the attorney general is to protect the president from legal scrutiny and that he, as president, has the absolute authority to shut down any investigation he does not like. (This seems like a reasonable basis for investigating the possibility that the president has tried to obstruct justice). In the days preceding the 2016 election, the FBI leaked word to the New York Times that there was no clear link between Trump and Russia, and publicly announced the reopening of its investigation into Hillary Clintons email server on the basis of new evidence that turned out to be neither new nor evidence. (This seems like an odd way for a Democratic cabal dedicated to the election of Hillary Clinton to approach its mission.) The special counsels investigation into the Trump campaign has already produced many indictments of and criminal confessions from Trump campaign members. The president has urged world leaders to call him on his easily hackable personal phone, over the objections of cybersecurity experts, because doing so is convenient. (It seems hard to square this behavior with Trumps insistence that violations of IT protocol are such a serious offense, only a conspiracy can explain why the Justice Department did not prosecute Hillary Clinton for committing one with her personal email server.) On the other hand, the Justice Department report released Thursday does include this exchange of text messages between FBI agent Peter Strzok, who worked on the Clinton and Russia investigations, and FBI lawyer Lisa Page (the first text is from Page, the latter, from Strzok: [Trumps] not ever going to become president, right? Right?! No. No he wont. Well stop it. Now, Strzok says that the text message was was intended to reassure Page that Trump would not be elected, not to suggest that he would do something to impact the investigation. And the broader DOJ report finds no evidence that Strzok did anything to undermine the integrity of the Clinton investigation. In fact, as James Comey notes in a New York Times op-ed on the report, the inspector generals report affirms the FBIs conclusion that Clintons actions werent prosecutable. FBI agents are allowed to have political opinions and partisan allegiances. And, to state the obvious, the FBI did not stop Trump from becoming president; in fact, there is significant evidence that bureau aided in his election. Finally, the report concludes that Comeys decision to publicly announce the discovery of new Clinton emails in October 2016 a development that correlated with a drop in Clintons poll numbers was an inappropriate act of insubordination. (It also, ironically, finds that Comey repeatedly conducted official FBI business from his personal Gmail account, in violation of protocol.) Given this set of facts, the most important detail from the DOJs report the one that will give Americans the most accurate overall sense of how the presidents claims align with reality if they see it spotlighted in headlines is clear: The @washingtonpost is an extraordinary newspaper, but blaring this obviously hand-fed scoop is irresponsible for several reasons: pic.twitter.com/Y7VhpDFPok Jonathan Chait (@jonathanchait) June 14, 2018 Remember: The mainstream medias liberal bias is why Trump won. LIMASSOL, Cyprus, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Larnabel Ventures, a fund led by Said Gutseriev to invest in the information technology sector, and VP Capital, a technology-focused investment vehicle founded by Viktor Prokopenya, today announced that they have made a $2 million investment in FaceMetrics, a startup that recently launched a parental control app based on Artificial Intelligence ("AI"). FaceMetrics is VP Capital and Larnabel Ventures' fifth joint-investment in AI. FaceMetrics is an innovative app that leverages AI and proprietary computer vision technology to report kids' activity on smartphones and electronic devices to parents. Unlike other parental apps, FaceMetrics gamifies the control of kids' screen time. Through FaceMetrics, parents can limit the time kids spend playing games and exchange that time for reading or study time. While other parental apps offer scheduling, location-tracking, social activity monitoring, and call-tracking, FaceMetrics combines these features in one platform in a user-friendly way and adds tracking on the device camera. The app allows parents to track a number of parameters to, for example, determine the distance between the screen and the face and measure engagement. Here is how the app works in action: Leveraging the device's camera, FaceMetrics' patented technologies are able to follow the kids' eye movement and determine whether they are reading, how carefully they are reading, and if they are too tired. As it tracks these parameters, the app delivers instructions to correct any problems. FaceMetrics rewards kids for diligence. The program sets goals for the children in a playful manner, tracks their progress against these goals and then delivers rewards accordingly. FaceMetrics builds in breaks and encourages children to put down the device after too much usage and can be set to turn itself off automatically if the kid is too tired. FaceMetrics also analyzes the kid's mood, tracks their progress in speed and quality of reading, recommends books, helps to identify career preferences, and more. The information is then provided to parents in a convenient, informative, and safe way. Parents are the only ones who can access data about their child through a secure, password-protected, account. The app complies with all the requirements of GDPR and COPPA. "The app is not a supervisor but a friend. If you ban games, it will simply make them more appealing to kids," said Mikhail Boyko, FaceMetrics' CEO. "By leveraging state-of-the-art artificial intelligence technologies, FaceMetrics allows parents to propose a fair and enforceable trade-off to their children: an hour of reading time, for an hour of play time. After all, it's not just about getting kids to read, but making sure they do it regularly and mindfully." "To get kids prepared to be the leaders of the future we need to make sure they study effectively today. The brain is our greatest asset and we can develop it only through knowledge," said Viktor Prokopenya, Founder of VP Capital. "We are excited to be investing in FaceMetrics, by leveraging AI in innovative ways the Company has the potential to change children's attitudes towards reading and learning." FaceMetrics' technology is partly developed by Banuba, a startup that develops technologies for augmented reality-enabled mobile applications. Since VP Capital and Larnabel Ventures announced a $5 million investment in Banuba in February 2017, the company now has 25 technology patents pending, with six already approved. In October 2017, Banuba announced plans to work with ten startups based on the "technology for equity" model where startups are provided with technology, marketing, and investments in exchange for a share of their company. FaceMetrics is the second startup that was chosen. FaceMetrics is available in Russian and English and will launch this summer. The app will be free to use in Belarus and will be available through a subscription in other countries. You can subscribe for demo access at http://facemetrics.io . About Larnabel Ventures Larnabel Ventures was founded by Said Gutseriev to invest in the information technology sector. About VP Capital Founded by Viktor Prokopenya, VP Capital is a global investment vehicle focused on the technology sector. For more information, please visit https://vpcapital.com/. About Banuba Banuba develops mobile apps powered by AR and machine learning algorithms, capable of defining and recognising objects, facial expressions and mimics in real time. Founded in 2016, the company is headquartered in Hong Kong and has a 110-strong development team with extensive expertise in artificial intelligence and augmented reality, based in Minsk Belarus. Banuba has submitted 25 IP pending patents in the USA. In February 2017, the company raised $5M from Larnabel Ventures and VP Capital venture funds. For more information, please visit https://banuba.com/. For more information, please contact: media@vpcapital.co BEIJING, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Hainan Airlines' flight HU749, which departed from Beijing, smoothly landed at Edinburgh Airport at 6:00 am on June 12, 2018. After a brief stop, it took off again and landed at Dublin Airport at 9:10 am local time on June 12. This was the first arrival of direct flight from mainland China at both Edinburgh and Dublin airports. The flight also marked the success of the maiden voyage of the carrier's route fromBeijing to Edinburgh and Dublin, the first nonstop service between mainland China,Scotland and Ireland. The launch includes two new routes: Beijing-Edinburgh-Dublin-Beijing and Beijing-Dublin-Edinburgh-Beijing services, providing passengers travelling among China, Britain and Ireland with more convenient travel options. Beijing Capital International Airport has established sister airport relationships with both Edinburgh and Dublin airports. The launch of the new routes was highly valued by all parties involved. On the same day the inaugural flight completed, Hainan Airlines held 3 ceremonIES in celebration of the maiden voyage in the three cities. Guests in attendance included Scottish Minister for Business, Innovation and Energy Paul Wheelhouse, Irish Ambassador to China Eoin O'Leary, Chinese Consul General in Edinburgh Pan Xinchun, Commercial Counsellor at the Chinese Embassy in Ireland Xue He, Hainan Airlines chairman Bao Qifa and vice president Wang Yufei. Hainan Airlines has also rolled out extensive combined transport offerings of the new routes with its overseas airline partners with the aim of meeting the diversified needs of passengers. Travelers will benefit from convenient transfer, combined transport services and be provided with more destination options. In addition, to offer passengers a better travel experience, Hainan Airlines will launch products including multiple round-trip ticket packages as well as pick-up and delivery shuttle services for business-class passengers. Hainan Airlines' Beijing-Dublin-Edinburgh Flight Schedule: Flight No. Aircraft Days Departure City Departure Time Arrival Time Arrival City HU749 330 Tuesday/Saturday Beijing 1:30 am 6:00 am Edinburgh HU749 330 Tuesday/Saturday Edinburgh 8:00 am 9:10 am Dublin HU750 330 Tuesday/Saturday Dublin 11:10 am 5:00 am +1 Beijing HU751 330 Thursday/Sunday Beijing 1:30 am 6:00 am Dublin HU751 330 Thursday/Sunday Dublin 8:00 am 9:10 am Edinburgh HU752 330 Thursday/Sunday Edinburgh 11:10 am 5:00 am +1 Beijing (Note: The timetable above is for reference only, flight schedule on Hainan Airlines' official website shall prevail in case of discrepancy.) ALBANY, New York, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Transparency Market Research (TMR) has published a new report titled 'Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Consumables - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2018 -2026.' According to the report, the global polymerase chain reaction (PCR) consumables market was valued at US$ 434 Mn in 2017 and is projected to expand at a CAGR of 4.8% from 2018 to 2026. The report suggests that increase in use of polymerase chain reaction consumables in quantification of plant mutations and genetically modified organisms, assessment of bacterial and viral loads and absolute pathogen counts, quantification of NGS libraries, and detection of cancer in body fluid and stool DNA are likely to drive the polymerase chain reaction consumables market from 2018 to 2026. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/664869/Transparency_Market_Research_Logo.jpg ) Read Report Overview: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/polymerase-chain-reaction-consumables-market.html The molecular diagnostic industry has emerged as a major driver of development in PCR technology-based amplification techniques. The demand for greater efficiency and productivity in the pharmaceuticals industry has led to the growth of the polymerase chain reaction consumables market. PCR technologies have been used to identify and analyze potential drug targets due to the introduction of personalized medicine. Other major factors driving the polymerase chain reaction consumables market include enhanced automation, rise in demand for analysis technologies, research-intensive investment by various biotechnological companies, and wider application areas of PCR technologies. The report offers detailed segmentation of the global polymerase chain reaction (PCR) consumables market based on product and end-user. In terms of product, the PCR tubes segment is anticipated to have high share due to high adoption of PCR tubes in research and academic institutes as well as clinical diagnostic laboratories and hospitals. Get PDF Brochure for Research Insights at https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=43652 Research and Academic Institutes to Account for Major Share The research and academic institutes segment is expected to account for a leading share of the market in 2026. The segment is also likely to expand at a rapid pace during the forecast period. PCR has become a functional tool in the mainstream life sciences and chemistry disciplines. Its applications range from molecular genetics to microbiology assays and are expanding beyond traditional areas. The clinical diagnostic labs and hospitals segment accounted for over 24.3% market share in 2017. The combination of exceptional specificity and sensitivity, low contamination risk, and low detection time has made PCR technology a better alternative to culture- or immunoassay-based testing methods for diagnosing various infectious diseases. Request a Custom Report athttps://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=CR&rep_id=43652 Market in Asia Pacific to Expand at a Significant Pace North America held a prominent share of the global polymerase chain reaction (PCR) consumables market in 2017. The market has witnessed significant technological advancements, as companies have introduced newer PCR technologies and protocols. In addition, a large number of market players in the U.S. are focusing on R&D to introduce applications that would expand the use of PCR in new areas such as next-generation sequencing (NGS). Moreover, high awareness about latest health care technologies and higher purchasing power and affordability are anticipated to boost the PCR market in North America. Favorable reimbursement policies in the region also enable patients to avail of the best of health care facilities. Request a Sample of Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Consumables Market:https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=43652 The polymerase chain reaction (PCR) consumables market in Asia Pacific is expected to expand at a rapid pace mainly due to improving health care infrastructure, rising private and public investment in life science research, and technological advancements in countries such as China and India. Less competition in Asia Pacific is encouraging a large number of instrument manufacturers to enter the market. QIAGEN established its Asia regional headquarters in Shanghai, China, in 2006. Presently, the company has a strong base in Asia Pacific, primarily in China, Singapore, Japan and India. Request For Discount On This Report:https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=D&rep_id=43652 Key Players such as Den-Mat Holdings LLC, Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., and Dexcel Pharma to Lead the Market The report also provides profiles of leading players operating in the global polymerase chain reaction (PCR) consumables market. They include Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc., Hoffmann-La Roche Ltd., Inc., Thermo Fisher Scientific Inc., Qiagen N.V., Merck KGaA, Agilent Technologies, Inc., Eppendorf Group, 4titude, Corning Incorporated, and Greiner Bio-One International GmbH. Popular Research Reports by TMR: Polymerase Chain Reaction (PCR) Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pcr-technologies.html Cleanroom Consumables Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/cleanroom-consumables-market.html About Us Transparency Market Research (TMR) is a global market intelligence company providing business information reports and services. The company's exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trend analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMR's experienced team of analysts, researchers, and consultants use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information. TMR's 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 Transparency Market Research State Tower, 90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany NY - 12207 United States Tel: +1-518-618-1030 USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Research Blog: https://theglobalhealthnews.com/ CEO Robert Gryn to speak on the keynote panel on Cyber Security and Democracy LONDON, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Codewise, the industry's first provider of AI-powered online ad measurement and management solutions for digital marketers, announced today that it will sponsor the inaugural Copenhagen Democracy Summit on June 22, 2018. Held at the Royal Danish Playhouse in Copenhagen, the Summit will bring together leading political figures from the democratic world, including current and former heads of government, leading business executives, academic experts, and dissidents. The Copenhagen Democracy Summit is dedicated to strengthening the resolve of the world's democracies by providing a high-level strategic forum focused on the cause of democracy. Democracy, free trade, election integrity, and technology are the main topics of the Summit. Robert Gryn, founder and CEO of Codewise, will take part in the Summit to share his vision and thoughts on the future of democracy in the rapidly changing digital environment. Joining the "Cyber Security and Democracy" keynote panel, Gryn will share his insights on the latest threats endangering democracy around the world, and the best ways to address and solve them on a global level. Other panelists will include Michael Chertoff, former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security; Chris Krebs, U.S. Undersecretary of Homeland Security; and Joanna Shields, CEO of BenevolentAI. Moderated by BBC celebrity anchor Stephen Sackur, the keynote panel is open to the press and will be held at the main conference hall from 12:05 to 12:40 p.m. on June 22. The Copenhagen Democracy Summit is hosted by Anders Fogh Rasmussen, the former Secretary General of NATO and Prime Minister of Denmark. Summit speakers include the former U.S. Vice President Joe Biden; the Prime Minister of Denmark, Lars Lkke Rasmussen; the former President of Mexico, Felipe Calderon; the former President of Estonia, Toomas Hendrik Ilves; Facebook's Vice President for Public Policy EMEA, Lord Richard Allan; the former Prime Minister of Spain, Jose Maria Aznar; and the former Prime Minister of Canada, Stephen Harper. "Democracy, open markets and freedom have been called into question in recent years. After two World Wars, the world's democracies - led by the United States - delivered a period of stability, relative peace, and prosperity that was unprecedented; but it was not the norm," said Anders Fogh Rasmussen, founder of the Alliance of Democracies and former Secretary General of NATO. "Today, the free world is beginning to show signs of decay; and all lovers of liberty and democracy have a responsibility to stand up and fight for it. This is why I am delighted that Codewise has offered its support to the Alliance of Democracies, and I look forward to hearing Robert Gryn's contribution to our debate in Copenhagen." One of the leading global experts in advertising technology, Robert Gryn is recognized for his deep understanding of the modern digital ad ecosystem, its strengths, weaknesses and future trends. Robert is regularly invited to share his expertise with the world's leading media companies and advertising platforms, helping them to combat ad fraud and protect their users. Emphasizing the importance of the Copenhagen Democracy Summit, Robert Gryn said, "Today, democracy in too many nations is being jeopardized by election meddling and manipulation, while ad fraudsters who serve the meddlers' interests remain many steps ahead of the anti-fraud organizations, regulators, and internet watchdogs. I believe that in today's world, every company needs to step up and join forces to combat this critical threat. The Tech industry both plays an important role and bears a responsibility to protect election integrity and democracy around the world. I am confident that the inaugural Copenhagen Democracy Summit will take us one big step closer to solving this global challenge, for ourselves and for future generations." "The mission of the Copenhagen Democracy Summit strongly resonates with Codewise's values and vision," said Dr. John Malatesta, President and Chief Revenue and Marketing Officer at Codewise. "We believe that today's technology ecosystem is a powerful enabler of democracy as it allows for unprecedented reach and limitless free discussion. But due to the lack of transparency, the same technology can be used today to manipulate public opinion and control entire societies. Our experts, researchers, and developers are relentlessly working on technologies that will help to restore transparency throughout the entire ad ecosystem, from commercial interactions to elections. We are excited to support the Summit and are looking forward to the impact it will make on the advancement of our industry and society." Robert Gryn will also participate in the first meeting of the Transatlantic Commission on Election Integrity on June 21 in Copenhagen, where he will speak during the Industry Experts' session. Working with political and private sector leaders and the media, the Commission is co-chaired by former NATO Chief and Danish Prime Minister, Anders Fogh Rasmussen, and former U.S. Secretary of Homeland Security, Michael Chertoff To learn more about the Copenhagen Democracy Summit, please visit http://www.allianceofdemocracies.org/initiatives/the-copenhagen-democracy-summit/the-summit. About Codewise Founded in 2011, Codewise is the industry's first provider of AI-powered online ad measurement and management solutions for digital marketers. For years, Codewise has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing technology companies in Europe, according to the Financial Times, Statista, and Deloitte. Codewise's solutions help thousands of businesses in 190 countries to track, measure, and optimize billions of dollars of advertising spend, boosting their efficiency and ROI like never before. Codewise is currently tracking over $2.5 billion of digital ad spend for some of the world's largest brands and ad agencies, including $400 million of ad spend on Facebook. To learn more about Codewise, please visit www.codewise.com. PR Contact: tim@codewise.com Photo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/705781/Codewise_Robert_Gryn_zoom_web.jpg Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/659010/Codewise_logo1_Logo.jpg Fujitsu Limited Public and Investor Relations Tel: +81-3-3215-5259 URL: www.fujitsu.com/global/news/contacts/ NTT DOCOMO International PR Public Relations Department Tel: +81-3-5156-1366 Fax: +81-3-5501-3408 URL: www.nttdocomo.com Contact: https://nes.nttdocomo.co.jp/PINQ01/showinquiry.do NEC Seiichiro Toda s-toda@cj.jp.nec.com +81-3-3798-6511 TOKYO, June 14, 2018 - (JCN Newswire) - 3GPP TSG #80 Plenary Meeting has approved the completion of the standalone (SA) Release 15 5G specifications. After the release of the 5G NR specifications for non-standalone (NSA) operation in December 2017, another essential step of standardization of 5G has been successfully completed. Now, the whole industry is taking the final sprint towards 5G commercialization. The completion of SA specifications which complements the NSA specifications, not only gives 5G NR the ability of independent deployment, but also brings a brand new end-to-end network architecture, making 5G a facilitator and an accelerator during the intelligent information and communications technology improvement process of enterprise customers and vertical industries. New business models will be enabled and a new era where everything is interconnected will be opened up for both mobile operators and industrial partners.More than 600 delegates from the world's major telecom operators, network, terminals and chipset vendors, internet companies and other vertical industry companies have witnessed this historic moment for 5G.Balazs Bertenyi, chairman of 3GPP TSG RAN, said: "The freeze of Standalone 5G NR radio specifications represents a major milestone in the quest of the wireless industry towards realizing the holistic 5G vision. 5G NR Standalone systems not only dramatically increase the mobile broadband speeds and capacity, but also open the door for new industries beyond telecommunications that are looking to revolutionize their ecosystem through 5G."Erik Guttman, chairman of 3GPP TSG SA, adds: "The agreed completion of the stage 3 freeze milestone for the 5G standalone system has great significance. The 5G System specification has now reached its official stage of completion, thanks to the intense efforts of hundreds of engineers over the past three years. A special acknowledgment is due to those who led this remarkable effort in diverse committees. 5G promises a broad expansion of telecommunications, as an ever more central component of our economies, societies and individual activities. The 5G System opens the way for commercialization of services based on the New Radio and 5G Core Network and their advanced extensible capabilities. The new system provides the foundation for ongoing specialization for support of new business sectors, for unlike 4G and past generations, 5G supports the very specific requirements and individual service characteristics of diverse communications. Already, 3GPP activities have begun to leverage the 5G system to realize opportunities in areas such as industrial automation. This activity will intensify in the months and years to come, in increasingly many sectors, all on the foundation of the work that has been achieved on this occasion."Georg Mayer, chairman of 3GPP TSG CT, said: "Two years ago, 5G was seen as a vision or even just a hype - with the closing of Rel-15 3GPP has made 5G a reality within a very short time. The outcome is an amazing set of standards that will not only provide higher data rates and bandwidth to end customers but which is open and flexible enough to satisfy the communication needs of different industries -- 5G will be the integration platform for heterogeneous businesses. All this could only be achieved thanks to the willingness of the stakeholders to work together on a common goal and due to the effectiveness of 3GPPs structure and processes. Rel-15 only marks the first step of the 5G story and 3GPP will further develop it into the future, aligning it to the needs of customers and industries."It is firmly believed by the whole industry that, after 34 months of hard and efficient work, the carefully crafted and elaborately designed 5G specifications, a fruit of close collaborations and collective wisdom, will surely meet the high expectations.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/NTT DOCOMONTT DOCOMO provides innovative, convenient and secure mobile services that enable smarter living for each customer. The company serves over 65 million mobile customers in Japan via advanced wireless networks, including a nationwide 3G network and one of the world's first commercial LTE networks. Leveraging its unique capabilities as a mobile operator, DOCOMO is a leading developer of cutting-edge technologies for NFC mobile payments, mobile GPS, mobile TV, intuitive mobile assistance, environmental monitoring, smart grids and much more. Overseas, the company provides technical and operational expertise to eight mobile operators and other partner companies. NTT DOCOMO is listed on the Tokyo (9437) and New York (DCM) stock exchanges. Please visit https://www.nttdocomo.co.jp/english/ for more information.NEC CorporationNEC Corporation is a leader in the integration of IT and network technologies that benefit businesses and people around the world. By providing a combination of products and solutions that cross utilize the company's experience and global resources, NEC's advanced technologies meet the complex and ever-changing needs of its customers. NEC brings more than 100 years of expertise in technological innovation to empower people, businesses and society. For more information, visit NEC at http://www.nec.com.Based on its Mid-term Management Plan 2015, the NEC Group globally provides "Solutions for Society" that promote the safety, security, efficiency and equality of society. Under the company's corporate message of "Orchestrating a brighter world," NEC aims to help solve a wide range of challenging issues and to create new social value for the changing world of tomorrow. For more information, please visit http://www.nec.com/en/global/about/solutionsforsociety/message.html.Source: Fujitsu LtdNTT DOCOMONEC CorporationContact:Copyright 2018 JCN Newswire . All rights reserved. JOHANNESBURG, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Digital Transformation Congress, hosted by IT News Africa, is scheduled for 26 July 2018 at the Gallagher Convention Centre, Midrand. The conference will bring together hundreds of senior executives who will explore emerging technology trends such as AI, IoT, blockchain, GDPR, IT security, 5G and robotics, and how they impact business operations. It is the key meeting place for business and IT leaders seeking to advance their knowledge of the latest business technologies and innovations. The acceleration of innovation is becoming a source of constant surprise for organisations. For this reason, DTC 2018 will offer an interactive and educational experience where world class speakers, through provocative presentations and engaging panels, will breakdown key strategies for leading digital transformation in business, identifying competitive advantages as well as managing digital disruption. Included in the event's selection of world-class speakers is 'Obama White House digital leader', Tom Cochran. With nearly 20 years of digital experience, Tom Cochran is a digital transformation veteran who's spent over four years in the Obama administration as a presidential appointee and digital leader. How to participate: Join as an attendee: Join local and international CxOs, line-of-business (LoB) executives as well as heads of innovation, technology and strategy to discuss the techniques and tools required to implement a seamless digital transformation strategy that will drive profitability and customer centricity. Join us as an exhibitor: Showcase your technology innovations, projects, and solutions. Put your organisation, company or SME at the centre of this one-of-a-kind gathering. Find new partnerships, investors, leads, and opportunities. Who will you meet atDTC 2018? The congress will unite local and international senior executives & enterprise IT vendors from distinguished organisations such as Petro SA, Tiso Blackstar, Transnet, Nedbank, Sasria SOC, Eskom, Loreal, Liberty Group, Alexander Forbes, Companies and Intellectual Property Commission (CIPC), Magic Software, Braintree, Darktrace, Parmalat & more. Key topics forDTC 2018 include: With an array of topics, speakers and delegates will tackle key issues at DTC 2018 such as: "Yes we can. Yes we did. Digital Transformation in the Obama White House ". ". Developing a Digital Transformation Roadmap . . Re-Thinking Business-IT Alignment . . Weaving Artificial Intelligence into the Modern Organisation. into the Modern Organisation. Re-Aligning the Business Model to Effectively Engage Digital Customers . . Tackling Security Challenges to Succeed with Digital Transformation. to Succeed with Digital Transformation. Accelerating Digital Transformation with IoT . . Is Africa Ready for GDPR? View the DTC 2018 Agenda Confirmed speakers forDTC 2018 include: Tom Cochran , Obama White House and State Department digital leader , Obama White House and State Department digital leader Andrew Atta Darfoor , Group CEO at Alexander Forbes , Group CEO at Alexander Forbes Palesa Sepanya, CIO, Petro SA Sindisiwe Nhlapho Dlamini Moloi, CIO at Transnet Sam Nkosi , CIO, Sasria SOC , CIO, Sasria SOC Vera Nagtegaal , Executive Head of Hippo.co.za , Executive Head of Hippo.co.za Lisa Macleod , Head of Digital at Tiso Blackstar , Head of Digital at Tiso Blackstar Dr. Kenny Moodley , Strategic Head: Digital & Social Media at Eskom Holdings SOC , Strategic Head: Digital & Social Media at Eskom Holdings SOC Lizelle Vaughan , Director: Digital Strategy at Liberty Group , Director: Digital Strategy at Liberty Group Lazaros Karapanagiotidis, Head of Digital Innovation at Makro Birgitta Cederstrom , Global Commercial Director, Frost & Sullivan , Global Commercial Director, Frost & Sullivan Nneka Keshi , Director of Digital Marketing, Africa at Loreal , Director of Digital Marketing, at Loreal Vijay Naidoo , CIO at Parmalat Africa , CIO at Parmalat Africa Tawanda Chatikobo, Head of Digital at Nedbank Insurance For more information regarding the conference, visit: http://www.digitaltransformationcongress.com/ For sponsorships & exhibitions, visit: http://www.digitaltransformationcongress.com/sponsorship-brochure/ To register, visit: http://www.digitaltransformationcongress.com/pages/buy-tickets/ [t]: +27-(0)-11-026-0981/2 [e]: events@itnewsafrica.com About IT News Africa IT News Africa is a dynamic media company that specialises in publishing, events as well as marketing and advertising solutions for the information age. We have a global publishing network and international client base, which we service from offices in Johannesburg. Publishing and Events: Publishing: ITNewsAfrica.com Events: Healthcare Innovation Summit, IoT Forum Africa, Digital Transformation Congress Media Contact: Matshego Njumbuxa +27-110260982 matshego@itnewsafrica.com ALBANY, New York, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market report published by Transparency Market Research titled "Profilometer Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2018 - 2026," the global profilometer market is expected to reach US$ 528.47 Mn by 2026, expanding at a CAGR of 4.4% from 2018 to 2026. Europe held the highest share in the profilometer market in 2017. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/664869/Transparency_Market_Research_Logo.jpg ) Surface profilometers are devices that help to measure the surface profile in order to quantify the roughness. Factors such as higher usage of 3D non-contact profilometers and demand from electronic, semiconductor, and automotive fields is set to fuel the global profilometer equipment market, consequently resulting in the rising demand for profilometers. Regulations and policies increase the product standard and quality. High investment cost of machinery for setting up production units is expected to hamper the global profilometer market. However, manufacturers of profilometers are more focused on product development and innovating new advance profilometer technology which are expected to create huge opportunity for the profilometer market during the forecast period. Get a PDF brochure for Research Insights at https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=22169 Rapid industrialization and focus on rapid growth has resulted in significant dominance of profilometers in 2017. Contact profilometer is preferred due to the accuracy of the data that is received. However, non-contact profilometer is expected to witness the fastest growth due to the advancement in technology such as adoption of visualization tools in order to receive accurate results of the study. Optical methods are expected to witness rapid growth during the forecast period due to the adoption of several advanced techniques which are related to the rising computing capabilities over the years. Optical methods help to derive accurate results even on complex shapes. Additionally, optical methods conducted by the non-contact profilometer are portable and also provides correct measurements without touching the surface. However, contact and pseudo contact profilometers dominated the market in 2017. Request a Sample for Industry Insightshttps://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=22169 Under the dimension segment, 3D optical profilometers are preferred and are used in industries such as semiconductors and electronics due to the fact that they provide accurate results. It can measure any surface with the help of axial chromatist. With non-contact profilometers, there is no need for any sample preparation. Additionally, 3D non-contact profilometers can measure any surface such as opaque, transparent, diffusive, rough, and polished. These features of 3D non-contact profilometers are anticipated to accelerate the growth of the global profilometer market during the forecast period. Due to the large-scale demand for 3D non-contact profilometers in the semiconductor and electronics industry, demand for profilometers in these sectors is experiencing significance dominance over the years. Additionally, growth in semiconductor and electronic sectors has also resulted in the rise in usage of such instruments in these industries over the years. Get Multiple Chapters of this Report athttps://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=MC&rep_id=22169 The market in Asia Pacific is expected to be dominant during the forecast period. China's impact on the semiconductor industry increased in 2015. In fact, both China's semiconductor consumption and production revenues increased at a greater rate than worldwide revenues. As a result, China's share of the worldwide consumption market increased to 58.5% in 2016, while its share of the worldwide semiconductor industry increased to 16.2%. From 2005 through 2016, China's semiconductor industry grew at a ten-year compounded annual growth rate (CAGR) of 18.7%. Browse Research Release athttps://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/pressrelease/profilometer-market.htm Companies are focusing on achieving long-term growth by providing value added services to customers in the profilometer market. The companies profiled in the global profilometer market report include KLA-Tencor Corporation, Mahr Federal Inc., Zygo Corporation, Solarius Development Inc., Mitutoyo America Corporation, Schaefer Technology GmbH, Tokyo Seimitsu Co., Ltd, L. S. Starrett Company, Sensofar Group, Bruker Corporation, Jenoptik AG, Teraspyora-Steelwheel Oy, Alicona Imaging GmbH, and AMETEK. Inc. Market Segmentation: Global Profilometer Market, by Type Contact Profilometer Non-Contact Profilometer Time-resolved Profilometer Fiber-based optical Profilometer Global Profilometer Market, by Methods Optical Methods Interferometry based methods Focus detection methods Pattern projection methods Contact or pseudo contact methods Stylus profilometer Atomic force microscopy Scanning tunneling microscopy Global Profilometer Market, by Dimension 2D 3D Global Profilometer Market, by Application Semiconductor Industry Mechanical Types Automotive Industry Others Global Profilometer Market, by Geography North America U.S. Canada Rest of North America Europe UK Germany France Italy Rest of Europe Asia Pacific (APAC) India China Japan Australia Rest of Asia Pacific (APAC) Middle East & Africa (MEA) GCC South Africa Rest of MEA & (MEA) South America Brazil Argentina Mexico Rest of South America Popular Reports by TMR: Domestic Booster Pump Market : https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/domestic-booster-pump-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/domestic-booster-pump-market.html Vacuum Cleaner Market: https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/vacuum-cleaner-market.html About Us Transparency 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 Contact Transparency Market Research State Tower, 90 State Street, Suite 700, Albany NY - 12207 United States USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453 Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.com Website: http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Research Blog: http://www.techyounme.com/ Toronto, Ontario--(Newsfile Corp. - June 14, 2018) - Aurania Resources Ltd. (TSXV: ARU) (OTCQB: AUIAF) (FSE: 20Q) ("Aurania" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that its shareholders have approved all resolutions at its Annual and Special Meeting (the "Meeting") which was held on June 13, 2018, including the appointment of a new director, Mr. Alfred Lenarciak. At the Meeting, shareholders approved the appointment of auditors, election of directors, the Company's incentive stock option plan and restricted share unit plan (the "RSU Plan"), and an amendment to the Company's Bye-Laws. Details of these matters are disclosed in the Management Information Circular for the Meeting which is dated April 30, 2018 and posted on www.sedar.com and on the Company's website http://www.aurania.com/investors/annual-general-meeting/. Update on Non-Brokered Private Placement On June 1, 2018, the Company announced a non-brokered private placement financing of up to 2,000,000 units (the "Units") at a price of $2.00 per Unit, for total gross proceeds of up to $4,000,000 (the "Offering"). Each Unit consists of one common share of the Company ("Common Share") and one-half Common Share purchase warrant ("Warrant"). Each whole Warrant entitles the holder to purchase one Common Share at an exercise price of $3.00 for a period of 18 months following closing of the Offering. The Offering includes an over-allotment option, allowing Aurania to issue up to an additional 500,000 Units for additional gross proceeds of up to $1,000,000. There has been strong interest in the private placement which is reaching capacity, and investors interested in participating should register their interest via the link on the Company's website http://www.aurania.com/investors/private-placement/ at their earliest convenience. The online subscription process is working well, and funds are being successfully received into an escrow account via credit card - a first for the Company. It is important to note that the Company is making the placement available to eligible existing shareholders, irrespective of whether they are accredited investors, through the "Existing Shareholder Exemption" that applies in Canada and elsewhere. If the Offering is over-subscribed, it is possible that a shareholder's subscription may not be accepted by the Company even though it is received. About Aurania Aurania is a junior exploration mining company engaged in the identification, evaluation, acquisition and exploration of mineral property interests, with a focus on precious metals and copper. Its flagship asset, The Lost Cities - Cutucu Project, is located in the Jurassic Metallogenic Belt in the eastern foothills of the Andes mountain range of southeastern Ecuador. Information on Aurania and technical reports are available at www.aurania.com and www.sedar.com, as well as on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/auranialtd/, Twitter at https://twitter.com/auranialtd, and LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/aurania-resources-ltd-. For further information, please contact: Carolyn Muir Manager - Corporate & Investor Services Aurania Resources Ltd. (416) 367-3200 carolyn.muir@aurania.com Dr. Richard Spencer President Aurania Resources Ltd. (416) 367-3200 richard.spencer@aurania.com Neither the 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. PUNE, India, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- According to a new market research report "Nuclear Medicine/Radiopharmaceuticals Market by Type (Diagnostic (SPECT (Technetium), PET (F-18)), Therapeutic (Beta Emitters (I-131), Alpha Emitters, Brachytherapy(Y-90))), Application (Oncology, Thyroid, Cardiology) - Global Forecasts to 2023", published by MarketsandMarkets, the global market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 5.9% during the forecast period, to reach USD 5.26 billion by 2023 from USD 3.95 billion in 2018. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660509/MarketsandMarkets_Logo.jpg ) Browse 250 market data Tables and 34 Figures spread through 213 Pages and in-depth TOC on "Nuclear Medicine/Radiopharmaceuticals Market" https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/radiopharmaceuticals-market-417.html Early buyers will receive 10% customization on this report Growth in this market can primarily be attributed to factors such as the increasing incidence and prevalence of target conditions such as cancer and cardiac ailments and initiatives to lessen the demand-supply gap of Mo-99. TC-99m dominated the SPECT Nuclear Medicine Market in 2017 Based on type, the Nuclear Medicine Market is segmented into diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals and therapeutic radiopharmaceuticals. Diagnostic radiopharmaceuticals have been further segmented into SPECT and PET radiopharmaceuticals. SPECT radiopharmaceuticals include Tc-99m, Tl-201, Ga-67, I-123, and other SPECT isotopes. In 2017, the Tc-99m segment accounted for the largest share of the nuclear medicine SPECT Radiopharmaceuticals Market. Tc-99m is used in a majority of diagnostic nuclear medicine procedures such as MPI, cardiac ventriculography, functional brain imaging, sentinel-node identification, immunoscintigraphy, blood pool labeling, sulfur colloid for spleen scan, and diagnosing various bone ailments. The oncology application segment is expected to dominate the PET Nuclear Medicine Market during the forecast period The major application areas of PET nuclear medicine include oncology, cardiology, neurology, and others. The oncology segment is projected to account for the largest share of the PET Nuclear Medicine Market during the forecast period. The large share of this segment can be attributed to the use of F-18 which is a key isotope used in oncology applications. It is used to analyze glucose metabolism in the heart, lungs, and brain, which aids in cancer diagnosis. It also helps in monitoring cancer treatment and stages, particularly colorectal cancer, Hodgkin's disease, NHL, melanoma, breast cancer, and lung cancer. Ask for PDF Brochure @https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/pdfdownload.asp?id=417 North America dominated the market in 2018 North America is expected to account for the largest share of the Nuclear Medicine Market in 2018, followed by Europe. The large share of this region can be attributed to the development of novel technologies for radioisotope production, government funding, and company initiatives in the region. Cardinal Health (US), GE Healthcare (US), and Curium (France) are the key players in the Nuclear Medicine Market. Other players involved in this market are Bayer (Germany), Lantheus Medical Imaging (US), Advanced Accelerator Applications (France), and Jubilant Life Sciences (India). Know more about the Nuclear Medicine/Radiopharmaceuticals Market: https://www.marketsandmarkets.com/Market-Reports/radiopharmaceuticals-market-417.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. 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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/healthcare Connect with us on LinkedIn: http://www.linkedin.com/company/marketsandmarkets Stephan Kontos, Ph.D., promoted to Chief Scientific Officer Tony Rossomando, Ph.D., appointed Vice President, Technical Operations Anokion ("Anokion" or the "Company"), a privately held biopharmaceutical company developing novel tolerance-inducing therapeutics for autoimmune diseases, today announced that Deborah Geraghty, Ph.D., former senior vice president, corporate strategy at Dimension Therapeutics, Inc., has been appointed chief business officer. Dr. Geraghty will join the executive leadership team and her role will include business and corporate development, strategic planning, program management, and communications. In addition, Stephan Kontos, Ph.D., co-founder and currently vice president of research, has been promoted to chief scientific officer, and Tony Rossomando, Ph.D., has been hired as vice president, technical operations. "We are thrilled that Deb is joining the leadership team at Anokion," said John Hohneker, M.D., president and chief executive officer of Anokion. "She is a highly regarded biopharma executive with a strong track record in creating new, innovative companies and building portfolios of important novel therapies through pipeline development and strategic transactions. With Deb's addition, the promotion of Stephan to CSO, and Tony's appointment, the team is well-positioned to realize the potential of Anokion's innovative and advancing pipeline, offering the potential for meaningful clinical benefit to patients living with severe autoimmune diseases." Dr. Geraghty stated, "It's an exciting time to join Anokion. As our immune tolerance platforms have matured, they have shown strong promise in treating diseases for which there remain significant unmet medical need. I look forward to contributing to the potential we have at hand to realize this new wave of innovation and the offer of new hope for patients and their families." Dr. Geraghty brings 20 years of extensive experience in the life sciences industry, serving in senior strategic, commercial, and portfolio positions. At Dimension, she played a lead role in the company's Series B financing and initial public offering, and was responsible for driving growth of the company's portfolio prior to its successful IPO and recent acquisition by Ultragenyx Pharmaceutical Inc. Previous to Dimension, Dr. Geraghty was founder and vice president, project and portfolio development at Cydan Development, an orphan drug accelerator that raised $26 million to identify and de-risk assets with therapeutic and commercial potential. Prior, Dr. Geraghty was head of portfolio advancement at Aileron Therapeutics, where she led strategic growth and commercial efforts, and was director, new product marketing, at Infinity Pharmaceuticals. She also founded Back Bay Strategies, and held multiple positions at Kendall Strategies, Feinstein Kean Healthcare, and Genzyme Corp. Dr. Geraghty serves on the medical and scientific advisory board of Global Genes, a leading rare disease patient advocacy organization. She earned a B.S. in Biology at Union College, an MBA from the Carroll School at Boston College, and a Ph.D. in Molecular Biology at the University of Vermont. Stephan Kontos, Ph.D., a co-founder of Anokion, assumes the role of chief scientific officer from Jeff Hubbell, Ph.D., who will transition to chief scientific advisor for the Company. Dr. Kontos brings more than 10 years of drug and platform discovery experience and will lead all aspects of research, discovery, and platform development at Anokion. He co-invented and translated the Company's tolerance technology platform having served most recently as vice president of research. Dr. Kontos has published numerous peer-reviewed research articles in top tier journals, including Science Advances and PNAS, and is an inventor on multiple patents and patent applications. Dr. Kontos received his B.Sc. in Chemical Engineering from the University of Texas at Austin and moved to the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology in Lausanne for his Ph.D. in Bioengineering. Tony Rossomando, Ph.D., joins Anokion as vice president of technical operations and leads all aspects of the company's CMC activities. Dr. Rossomando brings over 25 years of industry experience to Anokion and most recently was head of analytical development at Alexion, following its acquisition of Synageva Biopharma, where he oversaw the entire pipeline of development stage projects through phase 2. Prior to Synageva, Dr. Rossomando held positions of increasing responsibility at Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Biogen, and Bayer Corp. He was instrumental in two successful IND submissions for neuropathic pain and mucopolysaccharidosis IIIB and played a pivotal role in the approval of Kanuma for Lysosomal Lipase Deficiency in the United States, Europe, and Japan. Dr. Rossomando received his B.S. from SUNY Stony Brook and his Ph.D. in microbiology from the University of Virginia and completed post-doctoral training at Cold Spring Harbor where he focused on cell-signaling control mechanisms and protein sciences. About Anokion Anokion, a spin-off from the Ecole Polytechnique Federale de Lausanne (EPFL), is focused on applying the company's antigen-specific immune tolerance technology to treat autoimmune and allergic diseases and reduce the immunogenicity of therapeutic proteins. As a platform technology, Anokion's approach to antigen-specific immune tolerance can be translated to virtually any protein in numerous clinical indications. Anokion's investors include Versant Ventures, Novo Ventures, Novartis Venture Fund and a group of individual investors. For more information, please visit www.anokion.com. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180614005040/en/ Contacts: Anokion Deb Geraghty, Ph.D., +1 857-320-6635 deb.geraghty@anokion.com Now hiring. Photo: Raymond Boyd/Getty Images In early March, amid a spate of high-profile departures from the White House, President Trump claimed that, despite losing his communications director, staff secretary, and a speechwriter within the past few weeks, the West Wing was great place to be working. Believe me, everybody wants to work in the White House. They all want a piece of that Oval Office, they all want a piece of the West Wing, he said. I could take any position in the White House and Ill have a choice of the ten top people having to do with that position, everybody wants to be there. White House economic adviser Gary Cohn quit hours later. Three months after Trumps boasts, the steady stream of departing White House officials shows no sign of slowing, but the administration has a plan to replace them. Its holding a job fair. The Executive Branch Job Fair is set for Friday at the Dirksen Senate Office Building and, according to a flier published by Politico, the Trump administration is looking for competent conservatives of every experience level. Turns out, this isnt typical. Politico spoke to an Obama administration official who said that they didnt even bother to list jobs when they opened up in the White House. The Trump administration finds itself in a different position though. Nobody wants to come in, a source told CBS News this week. So theyve gone through two rounds and now theyre at third tier of people who are just lucking out battlefield promotion ends up promoting people who arent qualified for the position. Given that, this job fair doesnt seem like the worst idea. That is, until people start tweeting pictures of how sparsely attended it is. DETROIT, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Stratview Research announces the launch of a new research report on Functional Glass Coatings Market by End-User Type (Architectural Glass, Automotive Glass, Display Panel Glass, Container Glass, and Others), by Application Technique Type (Pyrolytic Coating, Sputtered Coating, Screen Printing, Spray Coating, Sol-Gel Coating, and Others), by Coating Type (Low-E Coatings and Specialty Coatings), and by Region (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and Rest of The World), Trend, Forecast, Competitive Analysis, and Growth Opportunity: 2018-2023. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/660595/Stratview_Research_Logo.jpg ) This market report, from Stratview Research, studies the functional coatings market over the trend period of 2012 to 2017 and forecast period of 2018 to 2023. The report provides detailed insights on the market dynamics to enable informed business decision making and growth strategy formulation based on the opportunities present in the market. Functional Glass CoatingsMarket: Highlights As per Stratview Research, the global functional glass coatings market is forecasted to grow at an impressive rate over the next five years to reach an estimated value of US$ 2,052.1 million in 2023. Increasing applications of glass in various sectors including architecture, automotive, food & beverage, consumer goods, and pharmaceuticals, along with a surge in the performance requirement of glass substrates to meet the requisite properties of different applications have given rise to the demand for functional glass coatings. Functional coating enhances or modifies the properties of a glass substrate and offers several crucial properties, such as adhesion, wettability, chemical resistance, wear resistance, scratch resistance, gloss, hydrophobicity, self-cleaning, anti-static, anti-reflective, and anti-bacterial properties, to the glass substrate. There are a host of factors burgeoning the demand for functional glass coatings in a diverse range of applications. Among all, the biggest driving factor is an organic growth of the architectural industry. Increasing building and infrastructure activities and surge in global investments for construction of taller buildings with increasing usage of glass for aesthetic appearance are the major factors driving the growth of functional glass coatings in the architectural industry. Rising demand for energy savings and green building concept has created ample opportunities for functional glass coating manufacturers to develop and innovate coatings to produce highly efficient architectural glass for the industry. Another factor, which is acting as a catalyst to the growth of functional glass coatings, is consistently increasing automobile production. In addition to that, rapidly changing market dynamics, such as increasing demand for energy-efficient buildings owing to several environmental initiatives by regulatory authorities, such as, LEED, RoHS, and REACH standards; growing penetration of glass in a wide array of applications; increasing functionality of coatings in a glass; and advancements in functional glass coating materials and manufacturing processes are further substantiating the growth opportunities for new entrants as well as for the existing players in the global functional glass coatings market. Based on the end-user type, architectural glass is expected to remain the growth engine of the market during the forecast period of 2018 to 2023. Increasing building and infrastructure activities in developing economies coupled with increasing glass content in building and infrastructure are the key factors propelling the demand for functional coatings in the segment. Automotive glass, another segment with a considerable share, is likely to witness healthy growth rate over the next five years. In terms of application technique type, pyrolytic coating is expected to maintain its dominance in the market during the forecast period, driven by its low-cost advantage and consistent performance. Pyrolytic coating and sputtered coatings are the two main technologies for applying Low-E coatings on a glass substrate. Based on the coating type, specialty coatings segment dominated the market in 2017. Specialty coatings include various coating solutions, such as self-cleaning, anti-reflective, anti-microbial, anti-UV, anti-smudge, anti-fog, and transparent conductive coatings. Register Here for a Free Sample of the Report Research findings suggest that Asia-Pacific is expected to remain the largest functional glass coatings market during the forecast period. China, India, and Southeast Asia are the growth engines of the Asia-Pacific's functional glass coatings market in the foreseeable future. North America and Europe are also likely to exhibit good growth during the same period, driven by high production of vehicles and growing demand for the energy-efficient buildings. Major functional glass coating manufacturers are Asahi Glass Co., Ltd (AGC), Apogee Enterprises, Inc., Arkema, Ferro Corporation, Guardian Industries, ICD High Performance Coatings, Johnson Matthey, Nippon Sheet Glass Co., Ltd (NSG), Saint-Gobain S.A., and Vitro, S.A.B. de C.V. Development of high-performance functional glass coatings, expansion in untapped and growing markets, and execution of mergers & acquisitions are the key strategies adopted by the major players to gain a competitive edge in the market. Report Features This report provides market intelligence in the most comprehensive way. The report structure has been kept such that it offers maximum business value. It provides critical insights on the market dynamics and will enable strategic decision making for the existing market players as well as those willing to enter the market. The following are the key features of the report: Market structure: Overview, industry life cycle analysis, supply chain analysis. Market environment analysis: Growth drivers and constraints, Porter's five forces analysis, SWOT analysis. Market trend and forecast analysis. Market segment trend and forecast. Competitive landscape and dynamics: Market share, product portfolio, product launches, etc. Attractive market segments and associated growth opportunities. Emerging trends. Strategic growth opportunities for the existing and new players. Key success factors. This report studies the global functional glass coatings market and has segmented the market in four ways, keeping in mind the interest of all the stakeholders across the value chain. Following are the four ways in which the market is segmented: The functional glass coatings market is segmented into the following categories: Functional Glass Coatings Market, by End-User Type: Architectural Glass (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) , , , and RoW) Automotive Glass (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) , , , and RoW) Display Panel Glass (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) , , , and RoW) Container Glass (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) , , , and RoW) Others (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) Functional Glass Coatings Market, By Application Technique Type Pyrolytic Coating (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) , , , and RoW) Sputtered Coating (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) , , , and RoW) Screen Printing (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) , , , and RoW) Spray Coating (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) , , , and RoW) Sol-gel Coating (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) , , , and RoW) Others (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) Functional Glass Coatings Market, By Coating Type Low-E Coatings (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) , , , and RoW) Specialty Coatings (Regional Analysis: North America , Europe , Asia-Pacific , and RoW) Functional Glass Coatings Market, By Region North America (Country Analysis: The USA , Canada , and Mexico ) , , and ) Europe (Country Analysis: Germany , France , The UK, Italy , Russia , and Rest of Europe ) , , The UK, , , and Rest of ) Asia-Pacific (Country Analysis: China , Japan , India , and Rest of Asia-Pacific ) , , , and Rest of ) Rest of the World (Country Analysis: Brazil , Argentina , and Others) Stratview Research has several high value market reports in the chemicals and materials industry. Please refer to the following link to browse through our reports: Click Here for Other Reports from Stratview Research in the Chemicals & Materials Industry Related premium market reports in the advanced materials industryare: Functional Glass Coatings Market for the Automotive Industry by Vehicle Type, by Application, by Material Type, by Glass Type, by Process Type, by Media Type, and by Region, Trend, Forecast, Competitive Analysis, and Growth Opportunity: 2018-2023 Global High-Performance Glass Fiber Market by End Use Industry, by Usage, and by Region, Trend, Forecast, Competitive Analysis, and Growth Opportunity: 2018 - 2023 About Stratview Research Stratview Research is a global market intelligence firm providing wide range of services including syndicated market reports, custom research and sourcing intelligence across industries, such as Advanced Materials, Aerospace & Defense, Automotive & Mass Transportation, Consumer Goods, Construction & Equipment, Electronics and Semiconductors, Energy & Utility, Healthcare & Life Sciences, and Oil & Gas. We have a strong team of industry veterans and analysts with an extensive experience in executing custom research projects for mid-sized to Fortune 500 companies, in the areas of Market Assessment, Opportunity Screening, Competitive Intelligence, Due Diligence, Target Screening, Market Entry Strategy, Go to Market Strategy, and Voice of Customer studies. Stratview Research is a trusted brand globally, providing high quality research and strategic insights that help companies worldwide in effective decision making. For enquiries, Contact: Stratview Research E-mail: sales@stratviewresearch.com Direct: +1-313-307-4176 Biomax Informatics AG announces an early adopter program for its new product, the NeuroXM Brain Science Suite. The NeuroXM suite is a novel technology that standardizes and homogenizes multimodal neuroimaging data sets and increases interoperability of complex brain data in clinics, academic institutions and industry for human brain mapping and patient stratification. In the early adopter program, potential customers can discuss relevant applications in their field with Biomax Brain Science specialists. By sharing their input, users can influence the final configuration of the first release of NeuroXM suite, which will be launched at the end of the third quarter of 2018. Interested users and journalists can meet Biomax at the European Neurology congress EAN2018 in Lisbon, Portugal 16-19 June 2018 to learn more about the NeuroXM suite. Biomax neuroscientists will be also available at a Satellite Event of the 11th FENS Forum of Neuroscience of the Federation of European Neuroscience Societies on 6 July 2018 in Berlin, Germany, organized by Biomax and the University of Newcastle. Spaces are limited; to register visit the Biomax website: https://www.biomax.com/symposiums/from-scanner-to-bedside/ About the NeuroXM Brain Science Suite The NeuroXM suite has a broad range of applications from basic neuroscience research and neuropharmacology to neurology and psychiatry. Users can customize processing pipelines for their data, use interfaces to the Allen Human Brain Atlas and the Human Connectome Project, etc., and integrate all results into a unified feature space. A built-in query language enables implicit knowledge from multimodal high-dimensional brain data sets to be revealed. New biomarkers, brain connections and molecular targets can be made accessible for further application. Find out more about NeuroXM Brain Science Suite at www.biomax.com/neuroxm. About Biomax Biomax Informatics AG provides computational solutions for better decision making and knowledge management in the life sciences. They help customers generate value by integrating information from proprietary and public resources. Biomax's worldwide customer community includes companies, clinics and research organizations that are successful in healthcare, drug discovery, diagnostics, fine chemicals, food and plant production, and synthetic biology. For more information, visit www.biomax.com. Biomax, BioXM and NeuroXM are registered trademarks of Biomax Informatics AG in Germany and other countries. Registered names, trademarks, etc., used in this document, even when not specifically marked as such, are not to be considered unprotected by law. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180614005537/en/ Contacts: Biomax Informatics AG Dr. Markus Butz-Ostendorf Tel. +49 (0)89 895574-0 e-mail: markus.butz-ostendorf@biomax.com AIM-quoted production and development company Eland Oil and Gas has successfully drilled and completed its Opuama-9 well in Nigeria. Via its local subsidiary, Elcrest Exploration and Production, the Africa focussed firm was in the process of installing a production tree at the Opuama-9 well, which is now expected to be handed over to the production team "in the coming week" before kicking off flow testing into the production facilities. Under the regulatory guidelines, the Opuama production team ... 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. 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. Rapid, finger-stick test is first over-the-counter (OTC), blood-based pregnancy test for sale in a European Union member country NOW Diagnostics Inc. announced today the over-the-counter (OTC) availability of its rapid, accurate, FIRST TO KNOWfinger-stick pregnancy test in Italy. FIRST TO KNOW is the first OTC, blood-based pregnancy test for sale anywhere in the European Union. The test is now available at pharmacies in Italy through an exclusive distribution agreement with Welcome Pharma. "We're offering a new choice in OTC pregnancy tests to women in the Italian market," said Gianni Furino, CEO of NOW Diagnostics Europe. "FIRST TO KNOW is reliable, affordable, easy-to-use and proven to be highly accurate, without guessing or re-testing. We intend to expand the availability of this test across the European Union in the coming months." Pregnancy tests are based on the detection of human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) in blood or urine. Unlike urine-based OTC pregnancy tests sold in Europe, NOW Diagnostics' FIRST TO KNOW test uses an advanced finger-stick method to determine pregnancy using a single droplet of blood. "Through our partnership with NOW Diagnostics, we're proud to deliver this simple yet high-tech test to Italian pharmacies," said Giuseppe Paradisi, CEO of Welcome Pharma. "Women want to know their results as soon as possible, as accurately as possible, with a test that can be done at the pharmacy or in the privacy of one's own home, and that's exactly what FIRST TO KNOW delivers." The first registered product of the ADEXUSDx family of products, NOW Diagnostics' hCG pregnancy test is branded and marketed in Europe under the FIRST TO KNOW trademark and distributed in Italy by Welcome Pharma. The ADEXUSDx test platform has undergone a rigorous regulatory process in the U.S., receiving 510(k) clearance, CLIA registration and classification by the U.S. Food and Drug Administration for use in a professional setting, and it recently received the EC Design Examination Certificate as part of the EU conformity and CE Mark process. FIRST TO KNOW offers women a new, more reliable choice in pregnancy testing with more than 99% sensitivity and specificity compared to a laboratory test. The test is easy to handle and comes with simple, step-by-step instructions, so women can be sure they have an accurate reading the first time. Pricing of the FIRST TO KNOW pregnancy test in Italy is comparable to most urine-based OTC pregnancy tests currently on the market in Italy. The FIRST TO KNOW pregnancy test is not FDA-cleared for OTC sale or for home use in the U.S. About NOW Diagnostics, Inc. NOW Diagnostics Inc., based in Springdale, Arkansas, is a leader in innovative diagnostics testing. Its ADEXUSDx product line features a lab at your fingertip, using a single drop of blood to test for a variety of common conditions, illnesses, and diseases with results in a matter of minutes. By eliminating the need to send tests to off-site laboratories, NOW Diagnostics has the potential to decrease the waiting period to determine test results by days. NOW Diagnostics' Springdale, Arkansas facility was officially registered with the U.S. Food and Drug Administration in December 2014. NOW Diagnostics is currently offering an hCG (pregnancy) test in the United States and Europe as well as three cardiac (heart attack) tests and three toxicology tests in Europe. For more information about NOW Diagnostics, visit www.nowdx.com For more information about the ADEXUSDx hCG pregnancy test, including, among other things, its intended use, features, benefits and limitations, and directions for use, visit http://www.nowdx.com/products/hcg For more information on the FIRST TO KNOW pregnancy test, including, among other things, its intended use, features, benefits and limitations, and directions for use, visit www.firsttoknow.eu About Welcome Pharma SpA Operating since 1997, Welcome Pharma partners with pharmaceutical and consumer companies for the marketing and distribution of products in pharmacies (across Italy). Its comprehensive service and solid sales network guarantees 100 percent national coverage between cooperatives and wholesalers, supplying more than 7000 select pharmacies with a reorder rate of over 90 percent. For more information on Welcome Pharma visit www.welcomepharma.com View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180614005328/en/ Contacts: NOW Diagnostics Company Contact Jeff Ellis, 479-966-4540 VP Sales Marketing jeff.ellis@nowdx.com or NOW Diagnostics Media Contact Armada Medical Marketing Dan Snyders, 720-231-9990 dan@armadamedical.com PALM BEACH, Florida, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- MarketNewsUpdates.com News Commentary Despite fear of a shortage, professionals in the Lithium Market are confident of the metal's performance well into the 2020's as demand continues to rise and the variety of applications increases in turn. The rise of electric vehicles and smart phones is the primary driver of the market's growth, but there are numerous other uses that are also adding to the overall sense of optimism. Such as demand from other EVs - e-buses, e-trucks, e-ships and e-boats, e-bikes, soon e-planes, the energy storage and electronics sectors. China has long been the leader of lithium supply, but other countries have joined the race as the revenues climb into the multi-billion dollar atmosphere. In 2019 the industry is expected to see some expansion from existing lithium miners to meet the demand surge, and by 2020/2021 some new lithium juniors will mostly likely be entering the space. Active companies in the markets today include: NRG Metals Inc. (TSX-V:NGZ) (OTC:NRGMF), Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (NYSE:SQM), FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC), Millennial Lithium Corp. (OTC:MLNLF) (TSX-V:ML) Sherritt International Corporation (OTC:SHERF) (TSX:S). NRG Metals Inc. (TSX-V:NGZ) (OTCQB:NRGMF) (Frankfurt OGPN) BREAKING NEWS: NRG Metals is pleased to report that assays for double packer samples collected over the interval from 100 to 300 meters of the first core have been received, and average 888 mg/L lithium with a relatively low Mg to Li ratio of 3.0 to 1.0. These values are very similar to those returned for the first 100 meters of the hole, indicating the presence of a remarkably consistent high-grade brine. The assay results are shown in the table that can be seen at:http://www.marketnewsupdates.com/news/nrg.html The hole has been completed to the targeted depth of 401 meters, and the drill has been moved approximately 2.2 kilometers to the east where drilling on a second core hole is underway. As of June 12, the hole had advanced to a depth of 151 meters mostly in clastic sediments consisting of poorly consolidated sandstone and conglomerate. Jose de Castro, Chief Operating Officer of NRG Metals Inc., commented, "We are very excited about the outstanding results from our first hole. The results continue to exceed our expectations. These high grades and favorable Mg to Li ratios have the potential to have a very positive impact on any future capital and operating costs should the economic viability and technical feasibility of the project be established. We are very encouraged to see the entry of POSCO from South Korea into the Hombre Muerto basin with their pending $ 280 million purchase of the northern part of the Sal de Vida lithium project from Galaxy Resources Ltd." The rotary hole located 16 meters east of the core hole has been completed at a depth of 393 meters, and the diameter is being enlarged by reaming in order to install perforated casing for pumping tests. If the results warrant, this hole can be utilized as a production well. The sampling was conducted with double packer equipment over one-meter intervals approximately every ten meters depending upon conditions in the hole. Samples were not collected from some of the intervals below a depth of 160 meters due to restricted fluid flow. On site QA/QC for the sampling was directed by Cristian Avila of Montgomery and Associates of Santiago, Chile under the supervision of Mike Rosko, also of Montgomery and Associates, a Qualified Person under NI 43-101. The samples were assayed by the Alex Stewart Laboratory Read this and more news for NRG Metals athttp://www.marketnewsupdates.com/news/nrg.html In other mining industry news and developments: Sociedad Quimica y Minera de Chile (NYSE:SQM) recently reported earnings for the three months ended March 31, 2018 of US$113.8 million(US$0.43 per ADR), an increase from US$103.2 million(US$0.39 per ADR) reported for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Gross profit(3) reached US$192.7 million (37.1% of revenues) for the three months ended March 31, 2018, higher than US$177.9 million (34.3% of revenues) recorded for the three months ended March 31, 2017. Revenues totaled US$518.7 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018, representing a slight increase of 0.03% compared to US$518.6 million reported for the three months ended March 31, 2017. SQM's Chief Executive Officer, Patricio de Solminihac, stated, "Our results for the first three months of the 2018, were positive, the performance seen in our main business lines was strong. The lithium market and lithium prices continue to exceed expectations. In the potassium chloride and potassium sulfate business line, sales volumes were significantly lower, and as indicated before, should be lower than one million metric tons this year. According to an article published by The Motley Fool, FMC Corporation (NYSE:FMC) is planning to separate its lithium segment from its core agricultural chemicals segment so each business can have its respective top management's full attention. This move by the Philadelphia-based specialty chemical maker will provide an opportunity for investors to invest in a pure-play lithium stock that trades on a major U.S. stock exchange. Lithium stocks began taking off in 2016, thanks to the robust demand for the silvery-white metal to make lithium-ion batteries for electric vehicles. They've pulled back this year, due in part to Wall Street firm Morgan Stanley's February bearish forecast on lithium prices -- which has holes, as I've outlined -- but they've largely been bouncing back since April. Read the full article at: https://www.fool.com/investing/2018/05/17/fmc-lithium-ipo-and-spinoff-heres-what-investors-s.aspx Millennial Lithium Corp. (OTCQX:MLNLF) (TSX-V:ML.V) recently announced it has been granted the environmental permit to conduct geophysics and a drilling program of up to 6 wells on its Cauchari East lithium brine target in Jujuy Province, Argentina. Millennial President and CEO, Farhad Abasov, states "We are pleased to have reached this milestone towards advancing exploration in this increasingly important lithium producing region. We are committed to exploring this target which adjoins known mineralization as defined by the two other explorers and developers in the Cauchari-Olaroz basin and which hosts the only new brine producer of the past 30 years, Orocobre's Salar de Olaroz Lithium Facility. We look forward to the opportunity to further economic development in the region and in Jujuy Province. We have also obtained required community approvals in accordance with both Jujuy Province's requirements and with our own commitment to community consultation and sustainability." Sherritt International Corporation (OTCPK:SHERF) (TSX:S.TO) recently published its 2017 sustainability report. It outlines the company's sustainability approach and performance for the period between Jan. 1 and Dec. 31, 2017. The report, which was prepared in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative's Standards, is only available online at sustainability.sherritt.com. "We have reason to be optimistic about the future. 2017 was marked by a dramatic increase in the price of cobalt and increasing optimism about nickel. The current financial outlook is better than we have seen in several years," said David Pathe, President and Chief Executive Officer. "The position Sherritt finds itself in today is a testament to the hard work of our employees to improve safety performance, lower costs, and deliver high quality products. When I think about a sustainable future, I know Sherritt's products will have a role to play." 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The forward-looking statements in this release are made as of the date hereof and MNU undertakes no obligation to update such statements. Media Contact email: info@marketnewsupdates.com +1(561)325-8757 DURHAM, North Carolina, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Alcami Corporation, a leading provider of fully-integrated custom end-to-end solutions for the pharmaceutical and biotechnology industries, announced today its $15,000 donation to the Wilmington, North Carolina Fire Department (WFD) to help fund IvyGene cancer screenings for firefighters. Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo, Mayor Pro-tem Margaret Haynes, Deputy Fire Chief Jon S. Mason, and other prominent city officials accepted the donation at an invitation-only commemorative event Wednesday, June 13, 2018, at Alcami's Wilmington state-of-the-art advanced laboratory services and oral solid dose formulation and manufacturing facilities. "Alcami is privileged to partner with the Wilmington Fire Department and City of Wilmington to provide our firefighters with vital cancer testing kits," said Alcami Chief Executive Officer, President, and Chairman, Dr. Stephan Kutzer. "We are extremely grateful for the Wilmington Fire Department's exceptional service and commitment to the protection of our community, and are proud this contribution will benefit so many, in such a profound way." "The City of Wilmington would like to thank Alcami Corporation for this generous donation and their continued commitment to our community," said Wilmington Mayor Bill Saffo. The Wilmington Fire Department consists of over 200 professional firefighters and personnel dedicated to the safety of the residents and visitors to the City of Wilmington. Its 10 fire stations are strategically placed throughout the city to ensure rapid response to fire and emergency medical calls. "The men and women of the Wilmington Fire Department are honored to be recognized by way of this donation," said Wilmington Fire Chief Buddy Martinette. "Our brave personnel face many known dangers on a daily basis. Unfortunately, it could very well be our greatest dangers are, in fact, the carcinogens in the byproducts of combustion that can not only be inhaled, but also absorbed into our skin. The results of this are a very high percentage of cancer among fighters compared to the general public. I am afraid this trend will continue and become a future epidemic in our profession." Due to the daily risks they are exposed to, firefighters face higher rates of cancer diagnosis and experience greater cancer-related mortality rates than the general population. Fire departments across the United States are adopting the IvyGene blood test, which uses advanced DNA sequencing methods to confirm the presence of cancer and give quantitative data about disease presence. The IvyGene test is owned by Laboratory for Advanced Medicine, Inc. (LAM), a biotechnology laboratory specializing in the early diagnosis and intervention of cancers. "Our goal is to raise $65,000, so that all of our uniformed employees can be tested," added Chief Martinette. "This donation will serve as the seed money we need to start that testing on our senior most employees." ABOUT ALCAMI Alcami is a world-class fully integrated end-to-end contract development and manufacturing organization (CDMO) headquartered in North Carolina, with executive offices in Durham and Wilmington. With approximately 1,000 employees operating at 10 global locations, Alcami provides customizable and innovative services to small and mid-size pharmaceutical and biotechnology companies by offering individualized and integrated services across multiple areas. We connect our clients with innovative solutions for API development and manufacturing, solid-state chemistry, formulation development, analytical development and testing services, clinical and commercial finished dosage form manufacturing (oral solid dose and parenteral), packaging, and stability services. For more information, please visit alcaminow.com. ABOUT THE WILMINGTON FIRE DEPARTMENT The Wilmington Fire Department (WFD) provides fire suppression and first response emergency medical services (EMS) within the city of Wilmington. The department also responds to motor vehicle accidents, rescue situations, hazardous material incidents, water rescues and specialized fire and EMS emergencies. Along with traditional firefighting, the WFD has several teams of firefighters who are cross-trained to serve multiple roles when an emergency arises. These teams respond to hazardous material incidents, high angle, trench, confined space and structural collapse rescues. The department also has teams trained in marine firefighting and dive rescue. The Wilmington Fire Department responded to 13,901 incidents in 2016, which is more than a 32% increase in activity over the last five years. Logo - https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/344471/Alcami_Logo.jpg DUBLIN, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- FlowForma has crossed the 150,000-user threshold, highlighting the spectacular rise of an Irish start-up that's seen 62% year-on-year growth in 2017/18. Key to success has been the adoption of the firm's Business Process Management (BPM) solution in the US and Asia as well as Europe. A cloud-first, Software-as-a-Service business model has accelerated new market entry. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/705863/Neil_Young_and_Padaig_Canavan.jpg ) (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/523210/FlowForma_Logo.jpg ) Multinational clients like, Aon (insurance), Uniphar (healthcare suppliers), Grant Thornton (professional services) and Grafton Group (construction) highlight how FlowForma's appeal is unconstrained by sector as well as geography. Neil Young, CEO said, "Our goal when we launched two years ago was to offer an alternative to the inefficient workflows and excessive paperwork that plague every business, an alternative that would be attractive to non-technical process owners. Our success is testament to the strength of our vision, the veracity of our product, and the global opportunities that cloud affords." FlowForma's international ambitions were signposted at the outset when Padraig Canavan was made Chairperson. A pioneer in BPM solutions, Canavan built a global business with Singularity, which was sold to Kofax in 2011 for US$48.1m. FlowForma is the second spin-off from Ergo, a leading Irish cloud and managed services company. The first was Fenergo, which received $75 million investment in 2015 from New York-based private equity firm Insight Venture Partners. The popularity of FlowForma reflects a growing appetite among businesses for self-service applications that can be developed and deployed without technical expertise, part of "the consumerization of IT" that is transforming enterprise technology. Its "no-code" approach has caught the attention of analysts as well as customers. Forrester praised FlowForma in its New Wave report for its "easy on-ramp and rich process tools", describing it is a strong and proven low code platform. Winning the Microsoft People's Choice App award at Orlando, Florida, in 2017 helped rubberstamp the firm's reputation and emphasized strong ties with Microsoft - the application integrates seamlessly with Office 365 and SharePoint to give organizations a powerful BPM solution that's up and running in hours. All of this has put FlowForma on a strong footing for further expansion, according to Neil Young. "We have a thriving business in the UK that we're looking to build on and we're starting to make inroads into the US. We've grown from three to 30 employees in two years and fully expect to double that number again in the next two years," he said. Supporting Resources To learn more about FlowForma visit:www.flowforma.com/who-we-are To find out how the FlowForma BPM tool works visit:www.flowforma.com/how-it-works To download a free trial of FlowForma BPM visit:www.flowforma.com/start-your-flowforma-trial About FlowForma FlowForma, the leading provider of Digital Business Automation (DPA) tools for Microsoft Office 365 has been revolutionizing the traditional BPM space with an innovative approach to developing award winning products that empower users to create and streamline processes smarter and faster, utilizing the familiar SharePoint platform, without any coding. FlowForma is a Microsoft Gold Partner, with over 150,000 users across Europe, America and Asia. The company is headquartered in Dublin with offices in London and Boston and is motivated by its values to innovate, evolve and achieve with employees, customers and partners. For further information, visit www.flowforma.com Local leaders to showcase economic development, business opportunities and tourism benefits Sessions include meetings with business leaders, top aviation officials and high-speed train executives United Kingdom, France have more than 300 companies with operations in North Texas Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price announced today they will be leading a trade mission June 17-22 to London, Paris and Brussels to promote economic development, business opportunities and tourism throughout the DFW region. The mission's delegates will be meeting with government officials, business executives and local leaders to showcase the benefits of operating in DFW and the growing economic and commercial ties among the United Kingdom, Europe and the Texas cities. North Texas is an international business and tourism hub, and a top U.S. metropolitan area for business expansions, relocations and growth. The U.K. and France combined are the largest foreign investors in Texas, with $6.7 billion in capital expenditures from 2011-2016, according to the latest figures from the governor's office. "The Dallas-Fort Worth region is the ideal location to grow and develop international businesses," Rawlings said. "As a hub of innovation and diversity, we look to strengthen the already deep connections North Texas has with our global partners." A thriving entrepreneurial ecosystem, the Dallas-Fort Worth region fosters business growth and expansion. From large corporations to small startups, entrepreneurs from every background can find a home in what has become one of the nation's most attractive areas. Price said, "These trips are vital when it comes to building our business markets and fostering professional relationships. With a positive, pro-business climate, talented workforce, strong economy and a great location, the DFW region is a great place to do business or visit." About 200 British-owned companies operate U.S. or North American headquarters and other facilities in the Dallas and Fort Worth region, including Barclays, BT Global Services and Smith Nephew. About 120 French companies operate in North Texas, as well. Those include Airbus Helicopters, Nestle Waters and Schneider Electric. In the last year and half alone, seven U.K.-based firms and three French-based companies have established new U.S. or North American headquarters, manufacturing, office or other facilities in the DFW region. Those companies include BAE Systems, Smith Nephew and Zinwave from the U.K., and Airbus Helicopters, L'Oreal and Louis Vuitton from France. In 2017, the U.K. was DFW's 11th largest export market at $706 million and its 8th largest import market at $1.5 billion. France is the region's 15th largest export market at $446.6 million and its 10th largest import market at $1.23 billion. The mission also will be emphasizing the role that international flights through DFW Airport play in bridging North Texas and the U.K. and France. The United Kingdom is DFW's No. 1 source for overseas visitors. Also, bilateral trade with London and Paris is made possible through direct flights from DFW Airport. "Business continues to grow in Texas, with more headquarters citing DFW Airport as one of the top reasons for relocating to the Dallas-Fort Worth region," said Sean Donohue, CEO of DFW Airport and a member of the delegation. "We're anticipating a record 73 million customers over the next 12 months, and we continue to work with our airline partners to provide more opportunities to enable commerce and connect people and cargo." Other delegates include regional business leaders and others from DFW International Airport, the Dallas Regional Chamber, the Fort Worth Chamber of Commerce, VisitDallas and Visit Fort Worth. Besides touting regional business investments and tourism, the mayors will be sharing and hearing from their counterparts the results of innovative, urban mobility ideas that have flourished in the U.K., France and the DFW region. Also, members of the delegation and a dozen U.K. executives will be taking part in the International Business Roundtable to network and promote expanded economic opportunities between the two counties. A dozen students from Southern Methodist University will be at the event as part of a business and entrepreneurial study abroad program. In London, other meetings are planned with: Lord Mayor Charles Bowman, the leader of the City of London Corporation, which is the municipal governing body of the City of London. Rajesh Agarwal, the deputy mayor of London for business, who chairs the promotional company for London. Executives with British Airways. Executives with U.K.-based Digital Shadows, a cyber security company that recently opened a new office in Dallas. The ministry of state for Europe and the Americas. Executives with Crossrail, which is developing a high-speed train running under central London. The mission also will promote tourism between Dallas-Fort Worth and the U.K. British travel media and tour operators will experience the sounds, sites and tastes of the region at a special reception. Dallas-based band Castro, the Dallas Moving Cities art installation and a virtual reality experience. Representing Fort Worth, chef Tim Love designed the menu, and distiller Leonard Firestone will be on hand to discuss his TX Whiskey and Whiskey Ranch. In Paris, meetings are planned with: Executives with Air France. The Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD), which seeks to encourage economic progress and world trade. Executives with Louis Vuitton, who announced plans last fall to establish a new workshop in the DFW region. The final leg of the mission will include meetings at the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Brussels. The delegation, including the mayors, will tour NATO headquarters and meet with the U.S. Permanent Representative to NATO, Ambassador Kay Bailey Hutchison of Dallas. A former U.S. senator from Texas, she has extensive international experience, focusing on the importance of transatlantic relationships. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180614005264/en/ Contacts: City of Dallas Mayor's Office Scott Goldstein, 214-670-7977 Scott.Goldstein@dallascityhall.com or City of Fort Worth Mayor's Office Laken Avonne Rapier, 817-392-6121 Laken.Rapier@fortworthtexas.gov or Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Communications Marketing, 972-973-5555 What he meant was Photo: Chung Sung-Jun/Getty Images The Trump reality show were all trapped in wrapped its latest episode The One Where the U.S. President Meets the North Korean Dictator early on Wednesday morning when President Trump summed up the moral of the story. Everybody can now feel much safer than the day I took office, he tweeted. There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea. As he flew home from Singapore, Trump was already shifting his attention back to this seasons larger story arc. According to CNN, in addition to celebratory calls with lawmakers, Trump phoned his lawyers to discuss the next steps in Special Counsel Robert Muellers investigation. Meanwhile, allies and analysts were left scratching their heads over what President Trump and Kim Jong-un actually agreed to. It fell on Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to try to explain what Trumps incoherent boasting meant in the real world, where the signed agreement fell far short of a deal, and North Koreas nuclear program is still a serious threat. Pompeo was in Seoul on Thursday to brief South Korean and Japanese officials on the summit, and while speaking to the press he tried to dispel the idea that Trump casually handed Kim a significant concession, suspending U.S.-South Korean war games, without getting much in return. The secretary insisted that Trump was clear both with Kim and in his post-summit press conference that the military exercises would only be abandoned if productive, good-faith negotiations are ongoing. At the point its concluded that they are not, the presidents commitment to not have those joint exercises take place will no longer be in effect, Pompeo said. While Trump was hazy about the timetable for denuclearization, Pompeo gave a specific (though probably unrealistic) date. He said the U.S. aims to achieve major disarmament by the end of Trumps first term. Were hopeful that we can achieve that in the next what is it two and a half years, something like that, he said. North Korea is known to have hundreds of facilities related to the development of nuclear and chemical weapons, and advanced missile systems. While nuclear experts believe some significant progress could be made during Trumps time in office, theyve estimated that completely dismantling North Koreas nuclear weapons program could take 10 to 15 years. Pompeo contradicted some claims from North Korean state media about what the process would look like. While the Korean Central News Agency said Trump agreed to lift sanctions as relations improve, the secretary reiterated that would only come after Kim dismantles his nuclear program. Were going to get denuclearization, Pompeo said. Only then will there be relief from the sanctions. On the eve of the summit, Pompeo emphasized that sanctions would remain until North Korea delivered CVID, an acronym for complete, verifiable, irreversible denuclearization. The V matters, he said. But on Thursday Pompeo grew angry when reporters asked why both verifiable and irreversible were not mentioned in the agreement signed by Kim and Trump. First he insisted, Its in the statement. Youre just wrong about that. But when the reporter pointed out that isnt true, Pompeo argued that it doesnt matter because complete encompasses verifiable and irreversible. He then told the reporter he found the question insulting and ridiculous and, frankly, ludicrous. As for the underling concern that Trump and Kim interpreted the talks differently, Pompeo said, I am confident that [North Koreans] understand what were prepared to do. He also included a Trumpian jab, comparing U.S. journalists to the state-run press in North Korea. One should heavily discount some things that are written in other places, including from some of your colleagues, he said. Even after Pompeos remarks much is unclear about the next steps following the summit, but it was an improvement on where Trump left things. Then on Thursday night, Fox News aired an interview filmed during Trumps return flight from Singapore in which he defended Kim again. After calling the dictator a tough guy, smart, and someone who loves his people, Trump shrugged off a question about his human rights abuses, echoing his remark last year that while Russian president Vladimir Putin is a killer, There are a lot of killers. You think our countrys so innocent? When Fox News host Bret Baier pressed Trump on how Kim has done some really bad things, the president answered, Yeah, but so have a lot of other people done some really bad things. I could go through a lot of nations where a lot of bad things were done. Trump downplays Kim Jung Un's totalitarian dictatorship. BAIER: "He has done some really bad things." TRUMP: "Yeah, but so have a lot of other people have done some really bad things. I mean, I could go through a lot of nations where a lot of bad things were done." pic.twitter.com/AZxnuXQTqi Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 13, 2018 When youre Trumps secretary of State, theres always a new fire to put out. Local leaders to showcase economic development, business opportunities and tourism benefits United Kingdom, France have more than 300 companies with operations in North Texas Dallas Mayor Mike Rawlings and Fort Worth Mayor Betsy Price announced today they will be leading a trade mission June 17-22 to London, Paris and Brussels to promote economic development, business opportunities and tourism throughout the Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) region. The mission's delegates will be meeting with government officials, business executives and local leaders to showcase the benefits of operating in DFW and the growing economic and commercial ties among the United Kingdom, Europe and the Texas cities. An international business and tourism hub, North Texas is a top U.S. metropolitan area for business expansions, relocations and growth. The U.K. and France combined are the largest foreign investors in Texas. "The Dallas-Fort Worth region is the ideal location to grow and develop international businesses," Rawlings said. "As a hub of innovation and diversity, we look to strengthen the already deep connections North Texas has with our global partners." Price said, "These trips are vital when it comes to building our business markets and fostering professional relationships. With a positive, pro-business climate, talented workforce, strong economy and a great location, the DFW region is a great place to do business or visit." About 200 British-owned companies operate U.S. or North American headquarters and other facilities in the Dallas and Fort Worth region, including Barclays, BT Global Services and Smith Nephew. About 120 French companies operate in North Texas, including Airbus Helicopters, Nestle Waters and Schneider Electric. In the last year and half alone, seven U.K.-based firms and three French-based companies have established new U.S. or North American headquarters, manufacturing, office or other facilities in the DFW region. Those companies include BAE Systems, Smith Nephew and Zinwave from the U.K., and Airbus Helicopters, L'Oreal and Louis Vuitton from France. The mission also will be emphasizing the role that international flights through DFW Airport play in bridging North Texas and the U.K. and France. The United Kingdom is DFW's No. 1 source for overseas visitors. Also, bilateral trade with London and Paris is made possible through direct flights from DFW Airport. "We're anticipating a record 73 million customers over the next 12 months, and we continue to work with our airline partners to provide more opportunities to enable commerce and connect people and cargo," said Sean Donohue, CEO of DFW Airport and a member of the delegation. Besides touting regional business investments and tourism, the mayors will be sharing and hearing from their counterparts the results of innovative, urban mobility ideas that have flourished in the U.K., France and the DFW region. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180614005458/en/ Contacts: Dallas Scott Goldstein Mayor's office O: 214-670-7977 desk Scott.Goldstein@dallascityhall.com or Fort Worth Laken Avonne Rapier Mayor's office O: 817-392-6121 Laken.Rapier@fortworthtexas.gov or Dallas Fort Worth International Airport Communications Marketing 972-973-5555 VANCOUVER, BC / ACCESSWIRE / June 14, 2018 / Nexus Gold Corp. ("Nexus" or the "Company") (OTC PINK: NXXGF, TSX-V: NXS, FSE: N6E) is pleased to announce that it is initiating a 105-line kilometer geochemical survey on the Rakounga permit located in central Burkina Faso, West Africa. The survey is designed to aid in identifying gold mineralization which may occur in the nine-kilometer gap between the Koala showing on the Company's adjacent 38-sq km Bouboulou Gold Concession, and the Koaltenga showing, located on the western edge the 250-sq km Rakounga Gold Concession (see map following). Prior drilling by the Company at Koala returned several intercepts of note, including 5.21 grams-per-tonne ("g/t") gold ("Au") over 3.05 meters, including 15.50 g/t Au over 1 meter (hole BBL-17-DD-07), and 4.41 g/t Au over 8.15 meters, including 23 g/t Au over 1 meter (hole BBL-17-DD-08) (see Company news release dated October 5, 2017). Previous drilling conducted by the Company at Koaltenga also returned significant results, including 1.01 g/t over 32 meters, including 5.65 g/t Au over 2 meters and 2.81 g/t Au over 6 meters (hole RKG-17-RC-002) and 1.00 g/t gold over 34 meters, including 5.57 g/t Au over 4 meters (hole RKG-17-RC-008) (see Company news release dated December 13, 2017). The survey will cover the area underlain by the Sabce fault zone, a prominent structural feature which extends some 200 kilometers across the Goren greenstone belt. Figure 1: Geochemical program to target ground between Koaltenga lower left and Koala, upper right "We're pleased to get the 2018 work program underway," said president & CEO, Alex Klenman. "This is an important step in the development of Bouboulou-Rakounga. The area we're covering has the potential to significantly expand the mineralized footprint. Ultimately, we are looking at this project to produce a resource estimate and the data generated by this survey will move us closer to that goal," continued Mr. Klenman. "Given the gold mineralization we have already encountered on the Bouboulou and Rakounga permits, it makes this area highly prospective ground and it will be exciting to see what sort of numbers we get from this initial program," said Senior Vice-President of Exploration, Warren Robb. The Rakounga permit has seen only minimal exploration since Boliden conducted RAB drilling on the property in 1997. The Company believes the area to be explored has the potential host gold mineralization similar to the Koala and Koaltenga showings mentioned above. Company to Grant Options The Company also announces that it will grant 1,000,000 incentive stock options to certain directors, officers and consultants of the Company. These options will vest immediately and will be exercisable at a price of $0.33 for a period of sixty months. The grant is subject to the terms of the Company's incentive stock option plan and the approval of the TSX Venture Exchange. About the Company Nexus Gold is a Vancouver-based gold exploration and development company operating primarily in Burkina Faso, West Africa. The company is currently concentrating its efforts on establishing a compliant resource oat one or more of it's three current projects. The 38-square km Bouboulou project comprises no less than five established gold zones contained within three separate 5km gold trends. The adjacent 250-square km Rakounga gold concession extends the Bouboulou gold trends and currently contains three drill tested zones of mineralization. The Niangouela gold concession is a 178-square km project featuring high-grade gold occurring in and around a primary quartz vein and associated shear zone approximately one km in length. Warren Robb P.Geo., Vice-President, Exploration, is the designated Qualified Person as defined by National Instrument 43-101 and is responsible for the technical information contained in this release. On behalf of the Board of Directors of NEXUS GOLD CORP. Alex Klenman President & CEO 604-558-1920 info@nexusgoldcorp.com www.nexusgoldcorp.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. SOURCE: Nexus Gold Corp. Halifax, Nova Scotia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 14, 2018) - ELCORA ADVANCED MATERIALS CORP. (TSXV: ERA) (FSE: ELM) (OTCQB: ECORF) (the "Company" or "Elcora") is pleased to announce that it has developed a surface coating process for lithium-ion battery electrode powders. The surface coating is necessary to meet technical requirements specific to the lithium-ion battery manufacturing industry. The surface coating process is economical and scalable. The process gives Elcora the ability to control the surface area of lithium-ion electrode powders. As an example, Elcora was able to reduce the surface area (as measured by BET1) of spherically shaped graphite powder from 3 m2/g to 1 m2/g. Elcora's coating process alters the surface area of lithium-ion electrode powders to commercially relevant values (e.g. 0.5-5 m2/g). Battery manufacturers purchase electrode powders with different surface areas depending on the application (e.g. high power vs. high energy). Elcora's management believes that the ability to control surface area is very important. This ability allows Elcora to offer a family of graphite anode powder products to a wide variety of commercial battery manufacturers. Additionally, Elcora's surface coating process is well suited for electrode materials other than graphite. For example: Si, Sn, SiO x and LiFePO 4 . According to Troy Grant, Chief Executive Officer, "This is a major milestone for Elcora. It demonstrates Elcora's ability to meet specific demands of battery manufacturers. From the very beginning, Elcora's plan has been to create a vertically integrated business. Elcora is able to execute all steps in the value chain for producing graphite anode powder for lithium-ion batteries. Namely: mining -> processing -> purification -> surface coating -> commercial product." 1 https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/BET_theory About Elcora Advanced Materials Corp. Elcora was founded in 2011 and has been structured to become a vertically integrated graphite & graphene company. Elcora mines, processes, refines, and produces both graphite & graphene.As part of the vertical integration strategy Elcora is securing high-grade graphite and graphene precursor graphite from operations in Sri Lanka and other countries which are already in production. Elcora has developed a cost-effective process to make high-quality graphite, graphite products and graphene that are commercially scalable. This combination means that Elcora has the tools and resources for graphite and graphene vertical integration. For further information please visit the company's website at http://www.elcoracorp.com For further information please contact: Troy Grant, Director, President & CEO, Elcora Advanced Materials Corp., T: +1 902 802-8847 F: +1 902 446-2001. CAUTIONARY STATEMENT: The TSX Venture Exchange does not accept responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. No stock Exchange, securities commission or other regulatory authority has approved or disapproved the information contained herein. This News Release includes certain "forward-looking statements". All statements other than statements of historical fact, included in this release, including, without limitation, statements regarding potential mineralization and reserves, exploration results, and future plans and objectives of Elcora, are forward-looking statements that involve various risks and uncertainties. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate and actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such statements. Important factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from Elcora's expectations are exploration risks detailed herein and from time to time in the filings made by Elcora with securities regulators. Investors are cautioned that, except as disclosed in the filing statement 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. Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT) (BSE: 507685) (NSE: WIPRO), a leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company, today announced the Go-Live for the design and digitalization of Nokia's sales order operations as part of a multi-year business process services deal. Headquartered in Espoo, Finland, Nokia is a leading network equipment, software and services provider, with operations spread across more than 100 countries. In the perspective of new 5G and IoT business, Nokia aims to transform its supply chain and sales order management processes. In line with this objective, Wipro will help design, digitalize and run Nokia's sales order management operations from multiple centers, globally. Wipro will be applying robotics process automation (RPA) to enable a hyper-automated supply chain, which will be lean, agile and have the flexibility to meet the customer's current business challenges as well as keep pace with their future requirements. Wipro will be leveraging cognitive algorithms and bots to automate the sales order management processes, reduce cycle time, handle the sales volume fluctuations and monitor operations in real time, thereby increasing accuracy and compliance in all transactions. "The partnership with Nokia is a reflection of our strategic efforts to drive the digitization and transformation of global business operations in supply chain and order management. Using an AI-led digital platform ensures safe and easy ways of exchanging information where all players across the supply chain stand to benefit. We look forward to making a real difference in simplifying information flows using our digital approach and solutions," said Nagendra Bandaru, Senior Vice President and Global Head, Business Process Services, Wipro Limited "Nokia had been looking for a partner to support the digital transformation of its supply chain while maintaining business continuity and operational excellence. Wipro was selected after a thorough assessment of their capabilities to deliver innovative solutions and run complex operations. Nokia has had a long association with Wipro, and we selected them for their understanding of the industry and in-depth experience of executing large-scale digital transformation projects," said Christian Forster, Vice President Delivery Operations at Nokia "We are delighted to partner with Nokia in their ambitious digital transformation journey," said Nitin Parab, Global Head of Technology Business Unit, Wipro Limited. "The right synergies created by Wipro's deep understanding of the telecom industry combined with our strengths in digital technologies and the investment in our Wipro HOLMES AI platform will help us enable Nokia's objective of a digital supply chain." About Wipro Limited Wipro Limited (NYSE: WIT, BSE: 507685, NSE: WIPRO) is a leading global information technology, consulting and business process services company. We harness the power of cognitive computing, hyper-automation, robotics, cloud, analytics and emerging technologies to help our clients adapt to the digital world and make them successful. A company recognized globally for its comprehensive portfolio of services, strong commitment to sustainability and good corporate citizenship, we have over 160,000 dedicated employees serving clients across six continents. Together, we discover ideas and connect the dots to build a better and a bold new future. Forward-looking and Cautionary Statements Certain statements in this release concerning our future growth prospects are forward-looking statements, which involve a number of risks, and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in our earnings, revenue and profits, our ability to generate and manage growth, intense competition in IT services, our ability to maintain our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which we make strategic investments, withdrawal of fiscal governmental incentives, political instability, war, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, unauthorized use of our intellectual property, and general economic conditions affecting our business and industry. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our filings with the United States Securities and Exchange Commission. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. We may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. We do not undertake to update any forward-looking statement that may be made from time to time by us or on our behalf. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180614005686/en/ Contacts: Wipro Limited Media Purnima Burman purnima.burman@wipro.com AIRPORT CITY, Israel, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Shikun & Binui Ltd. (TASE: SKBN.TA) today announced that Arison Holdings Ltd, Arzof Ltd and Arzof B (97) Ltd. (the sellers) agreed to sell all their shares (190,956,047 shares) of Shikun & Binui Ltd. to a private company, the Saidoff Israel Group Ltd. (under establishment) under the control of Mr. Nati Saidoff (the buyer), in an off-exchange transaction. The sale will be for a total of NIS 1.1 billion ("the Transaction"). Under the framework of the agreement, Arison Holdings requested that the buyer (which subsequently agreed) donate NIS 25 million for the benefit of the community and the Company. The Transaction is not dependent on any conditions, and the transaction is to be completed no later than 45 business days from the signing of the sale agreement. The full amount excluding NIS 250 million, will be paid on completion of the Transaction and the balance payment will be paid not later than 15 months from the date of the completion of the Transaction, plus interest as agreed between the parties, and subject to all of the directives specified in the sale agreement. Within the sale agreement there are various instructions which waive the right to sue, and adjustments to the payment by the sellers (or related entities or officers) to the Company or its related parties. About the Shikun & Binui Group The Shikun & Binui Group is a global construction and infrastructure company that operates in Israel and internationally in seven segments: 1) infrastructure and construction contracting outside of Israel; 2) infrastructure and construction contracting within Israel; 3) real estate development within Israel; 4) real estate development outside of Israel; 5) renewable energy; and 6) concessions. The Group's activities focus on large, highly complex projects carried out for entities in private and public sectors with a focus on sustainability. This summary announcement was prepared solely for the convenience of the reader and does not replace Shikun & Binui Ltd.'s (hereafter - "the Company") full report. The information contained in this announcement is, by its nature, incomplete. All of its contents are provided as a supplement to the Company's report, and are subject to the declarations therein stated. This announcement includes forecasts, assessments, estimates and other information relating to the Company or its subsidiaries, or to other parties or to future events and matters, the extent of whose realization is not certain and is not under the sole control of the Company (forward-looking information, as defined in the Securities Law-1968). The key facts and data serving as the basis for this information are facts and data, among others, related to the current status of the Company and its businesses, facts and data relating to the current status of the operating segments in which the Company engages in its areas of operation, and other macroeconomic facts and data known to the Company on the preparation date of this presentation. It is understood that forward-looking information does not constitute a fact and is based solely on subjective assessments. Forward-looking information is uncertain and for the most part, is not under the Company's control. The realization or non-realization of the forward-looking information will be influenced, among others, by the risk factors that characterize the Company's operations, as well as developments in the general environment and external factors that impact the Company's operations. The Company's future results and achievements could differ significantly from those presented in this presentation. The Company is not obligated to update or modify the said forecast or assessment, and is not obligated to update this announcement. This announcement does not constitute an offer to purchase the Company's securities or an invitation to receive such offers. An investment in securities in general, and in the Company in particular, carries risk. One must take into account that past data do not necessarily indicate future performance. Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 14, 2018) - B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO) (NYSE AMERICAN: BTG) (NSX: B2G) ("B2Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has launched its second annual Responsible Mining Report. The report provides a detailed overview of the Company's economic, governance, environmental and social performance in 2017. Highlights from the 2017 report include: People B2Gold maintains a minimal expatriate employment rate at all of its operations by recruiting people at a local and national level, and by providing quality training. Across all of B2Gold's operations, only 4% of the total workforce are expatriate employees. In 2017, the Company completed construction of its Fekola Mine in Mali and managed to retain over 80% of its Malian team (B2Gold currently has 765 people in operations) through skills training from construction to operations roles. Health & Safety B2Gold's commitment to the health and safety of its people is a top priority. In 2017, the Company improved its already impressive company-wide safety performance record by reducing the Lost-Time Injury ("LTI") rate by 50%, with zero LTIs for 965 days or 2.6 years at the Masbate operations and 753 days or 2.1 years at the Fekola operations (as of May 30, 2018). Human Rights B2Gold continues its proactive approach to human rights due diligence. In 2017, the Company completed human rights assessments at its operations in Mali and the Philippines. The report summarizes the results of these initiatives and the Company's plans for continuing assessments and training, in alignment with the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights at its other operations. Environment B2Gold is committed to minimizing the impact on, and conserving the quality of, the natural environment in the areas where the Company operates. The report showcases the new solar power plant at the Otjikoto Mine in Namibia (see news release dated 06/05/2018) and how B2Gold is going beyond compliance by restoring coral reef systems in a newly-established marine protection area in the Philippines. Damage to the reef has been caused by aggressive overfishing and destructive fishing practices. "Our principles of fairness, respect, transparency and accountability are enduring," said Clive Johnson, President & CEO, in the report's opening message. "B2Gold will continue to demonstrate to our stakeholders - government authorities, community members, and financial partners - that responsible mining practices are at our core." The report was compiled in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative Standards, Core option, and the G4 Mining and Metals Sector Disclosures. To view or download a copy of B2Gold's 2017 Responsible Mining Report please visit www.b2gold.com/_resources/B2Gold_RMR2017_Interactive.pdf. About B2Gold Corp. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, B2Gold Corp. is the world's new senior gold producer. Founded in 2007, today, B2Gold has five operating gold mines, and numerous exploration and development projects in various countries including Nicaragua, the Philippines, Namibia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Colombia and Finland. With the first full year of production from the large, low-cost Fekola Mine, B2Gold is achieving transformational growth in 2018. Consolidated gold production is forecast to be between 910,000 and 950,000 ounces, representing an increase in annual consolidated gold production of approximately 300,000 ounces in 2018 versus 2017. Based on current assumptions, in 2018, consolidated cash operating costs are projected to be between $505 and $550 per ounce, and consolidated AISC are projected to be between $780 and $830 per ounce. ON BEHALF OF B2GOLD CORP. "CLIVE JOHNSON" President & CEO For more information on B2Gold, please visit the Company website at www.b2gold.com or contact: Ian MacLean Vice President, Investor Relations 604-681-8371 imaclean@b2gold.com Katie Bromley Manager, Investor Relations & Public Relations 604-681-8371 kbromley@b2gold.com The Toronto Stock Exchange and the NYSE American LLC neither approve nor disapprove the information contained in this news release. Production forecasts presented in this news release reflect the total production at the mines the Company operates on a 100% basis. This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation, including statements regarding anticipated exploration, operations, production and other activities and achievements of the Company, including but not limited to: consolidated 2018 gold production forecast being between 910,000 and 950,000 ounces of gold and such representing an increase in annual consolidated gold production of approximately 300,000 ounces for the Company in 2018 versus 2017; and estimated consolidated cash operating costs and AISC per ounce for 2018. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, although not always, identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond B2Gold's control, including risks associated with the volatility of metal prices and the Company's common shares; risks and dangers inherent in exploration, development and mining activities; uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates; risk of not achieving production, cost or other estimates; risk that actual production, development plans and costs differ materially from the estimates in the Company's feasibility studies; the ability to obtain and maintain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for mining activities; uncertainty about the outcome of negotiations with the Government of Mali; risks related to environmental regulations or hazards and compliance with complex regulations associated with mining activities; the ability to replace mineral reserves and identify acquisition opportunities; unknown liabilities of companies acquired by B2Gold; ability to successfully integrate new acquisitions; fluctuations in exchange rates; availability of financing; risks related to financing and debt, including potential restrictions imposed on the Company's operations as a result thereof and the ability to generate sufficient cash flows; risks related to operations in foreign and developing countries and compliance with foreign laws, including those associated with operations Mali, Namibia, the Philippine, Nicaragua and Burkina Faso and including risks related to changes in foreign laws and changing policies related to mining and local ownership requirements; risks related to remote operations and the availability of adequate infrastructure, fluctuations in price and availability of energy and other inputs necessary for mining operations; shortages or cost increases in necessary equipment, supplies and labour; regulatory, political and country risks including local instability (including the current ongoing instability in Nicaragua) or acts of terrorism and the effects thereof; risks related to reliance upon contractors, third parties and joint venture partners; risks related to lack of sole decision-making authority related to Filminera Resources Corporation, which owns the Masbate Project; challenges to title or surface rights; dependence on key personnel and ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; the risk of an uninsurable or uninsured loss; adverse climate and weather conditions; litigation risk; competition with other mining companies; changes in tax laws; community support for the Company's operations including risks related to strikes and the halting of such operations from time to time; risks related to conflict with small scale miners; risks related to failures of information systems or information security threats; the final outcome of the audit by the DENR in relation to the Masbate Project; ability to maintain adequate internal control over financial reporting as required by law, including Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; risks related to compliance with anti-corruption laws; as well as other factors identified and as described in more detail under the heading "Risk Factors" in B2Gold's most recent Annual Information Form, the Company's current Form 40-F Annual Report and B2Gold's other filings with Canadian securities regulators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which may be viewed at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, respectively (the "Websites"). The list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits or liabilities B2Gold will derive therefrom. The Company's forward-looking statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. The Company's forward-looking statements are based on the applicable assumptions and factors management considers reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information available to management at such time. These assumptions and factors include, but are not limited to, assumptions and factors related to the Company's ability to carry on current and future operations, including development and exploration activities; the timing, extent, duration and economic viability of such operations, including any mineral resources or reserves identified thereby; the accuracy and reliability of estimates, projections, forecasts, studies and assessments; the Company's ability to meet or achieve estimates, projections and forecasts; the availability and cost of inputs; the price and market for outputs, including gold; the timely receipt of necessary approvals or permits; the ability to meet current and future obligations; the ability to obtain timely financing on reasonable terms when required; the current and future social, economic and political conditions; and other assumptions and factors generally associated with the mining industry. For the reasons set forth above, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Non-IFRS Measures: This news release includes certain terms or performance measures commonly used in the mining industry that are not defined under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), including "cash operating costs" and "all-in sustaining costs" (or "AISC"). Non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore they may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other companies. The data presented is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS and should be read in conjunction with B2Gold's consolidated financial statements. Readers should refer to B2Gold's management discussion and analysis, available under B2Gold's corporate profile at the Websites or on its website at www.b2gold.com, under the heading "Non-IFRS Measures" for a more detailed discussion of how B2Gold calculates such measures and a reconciliation of such measures to IFRS terms. SEOUL (dpa-AFX) - While North Korea has been described as one of the world's most repressive countries, President Donald Trump has sought to defend the nation and its leader Kim Jong Un. Trump argued in an interview with Fox News that aired Wednesday that a lot of other people and countries have done 'some really bad things.' Fox News anchor Bret Baier noted Trump was asked repeatedly about human rights during his post-meeting press conference and pointed out that Kim has 'done some really bad things.' 'Yeah, but so have a lot of other people done some really bad things,' Trump said. 'I mean, I could go through a lot of nations where a lot of bad things were done.' Trump's comments are reminiscent of remarks he made to Fox News host Bill O'Reilly about Russian President Vladimir Putin an interview last year. When O'Reilly pointed out that Putin is a 'killer,' Trump replied, 'There are a lot of killers. You think our country's so innocent?' During his interview aboard Air Force One on Tuesday, Trump also praised Kim's toughness for being able to take over control of North Korea from his father when he was 27 years old. 'He's a tough guy,' Trump said of Kim. 'When you take over a country, tough country, with tough people, and you take it over from your father, I don't care who you are, what you are, how much of an advantage you have.' 'If you can do that at 27 years old, I mean, that's one in 10,000 that could do that,' he added. 'So he's a very smart guy, he's a great negotiator. But I think we understand each other.' Kim has been accused of executing members of his own family, and reports suggest North Korea is holding as many as 100,000 people in gulags and other detention sites. (Photo: Gage Skidmore) 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. By acquiring Intelenet, a high-end business services and digital transformation solutions provider, Teleperformance is significantly strengthening its added-value Specialized Services business Regulatory News: Teleperformance (Paris:TEP), the worldwide leader in outsourced omnichannel customer experience management, today announced that it has entered into a definitive agreement to acquire Intelenet from Blackstone (NYSE: BX), a leading global alternative asset manager. Intelenet is a major global provider of high-end omnichannel customer experience management, back-office, human resources and financial administration services. The company has more than 110 blue chip clients worldwide, mostly in the English-speaking market, India and the Middle East. Intelenet primarily serves the Banking, Financial Services and Insurance sector (BFSI), as well as the travel, transport accommodation, e-commerce, e-services, and healthcare sectors. Intelenet helps clients drive revenue growth, optimize operational efficiency, and reduce operational costs, while increasing end-customer satisfaction due to its integrated solutions: Solutions design created by a large consulting force with a wide range of expertise, including more than 200 highly skilled data scientists and business process consultants Digital integration based on robotic process automation (RPA) technology Operational excellence, with 55,000 employees, working in over 40 delivery centers across India, the Philippines, the United Arab Emirates, Poland and Guatemala Founded in 2000 and headquartered in Mumbai (India), Intelenet is managed by Bhupender Singh (IIM and IIT graduate), who was recognized as "CEO of the year" in 2018 at the ET Now HR Talent Management and Leadership Awards in India. Intelenet's growth momentum is strongly positive. For the fiscal year ended March 31, 2018, the company posted revenue of US$449 million, up 10% year on year, and EBITDA of US$83 million, representing 18.5% of revenue vs. 17.4% the previous year. For fiscal year 2019, the company forecasts significant additional revenue growth of at least 10% and increased profitability. Daniel Julien, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Teleperformance, commented: "I am extremely pleased to welcome Bhupender and the Intelenet group to the Teleperformance family. We share the same management values, the same passion for service, and the same strategic vision. Intelenet's strong integrated solutions and digital optimization capacities will immediately and significantly enhance Teleperformance's offering. Intelenet's amazing footprint in India is also an opportunity for Teleperformance to massively strengthen its presence in this key geography going forward. Thanks to the Intelenet acquisition, Teleperformance is poised to move quickly ahead with its 2018-2022 strategic plan. Moreover, upon closing this deal will be immediately accretive for Teleperformance shareholders, as it should have a positive impact of around 10 on the Group's earnings per share in 2018 on a pro forma basis." Amit Dixit, Senior Managing Director and Head of Private Equity India, Blackstone, said: "We have invested in Intelenet twice. The continued success of the company is a testament to the exceptional quality of the management team, the value delivered to its customers, and the deep engagement with Blackstone. We are excited with the transfer of ownership to an industry leading company, Teleperformance, because it ensures continuity for Intelenet's management, employees and customers. In addition, it provides a platform to further accelerate growth by combining Intelenet's intellectual property with Teleperformance's global customer base. We offer our full support and best wishes for an exciting future." "We thank Blackstone for an excellent partnership over the years. Going forward, the management team is excited to lead Intelenet in its next phase of evolution. With the large, global platform of Teleperformance combined with the transformative services capabilities of Intelenet, we will be able to deliver even greater value to the clients of both companies. In addition, the combination will provide greater growth opportunities for our employees", added Bhupender Singh, Chief Executive Officer, Intelenet. The transaction will be completed for a total consideration (enterprise value) of US$1.0 billion. The deal is expected to have a positive impact of around 10% on Teleperformance's earnings per share before amortization of goodwillin 2018 on a pro forma basis. The net debt to EBITDA ratio on a pro forma basis should be below 2.5 at the end of 2018 and is expected to come down quickly. The acquisition will be fully financed through debt provided by BNP Paribas, J.P. Morgan and Natixis, which may be replaced in whole or in part by a bond issue, subject to market conditions. Paul Hastings LLP and Linklaters LLP acted as legal advisors to Teleperformance on the acquisition and the financing, respectively, and Sullivan Cromwell acted as tax advisor. J.P. Morgan acted as the exclusive financial advisor to Intelenet. Simpson Thacher Bartlett LLP and Platinum Partners acted as legal advisors and Ernst Young and KPMG acted as accounting and tax advisors, respectively, to Blackstone and Intelenet. The transaction is expected to close by September 30, 2018, subject to receipt of certain regulatory approvals and other customary closing conditions. DISCLAIMER All forward-looking statements are based on Teleperformance management's present expectations of future events 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. For a detailed description of these factors and uncertainties, please refer to the "Risk Factors" section of our Registration Document, available at www.teleperformance.com. Teleperformance undertakes no obligation to publicly update or revise any of these forward-looking statements. CONFERENCE CALL WITH ANALYSTS AND INVESTORS A conference call to discuss details of the transaction will be held today at 6:30 pm CEST. Dial-in-number: FR: +33 (0)1 70 71 01 59 UK: +44 (0)20 71 94 37 59 USA: +1 164 67 22 49 16 Access code: 30628912# A webcast will be also available live or for delayed viewing at: http://teleperformance.webcast.ldvproduction.com/webcastlist.aspx?eid=154&lngid=en The slides of the conference call will be available live on the company website www.teleperformance.com (investor-relations/press-releases-and-documentation/other-investor-presentations/). The replay of the conference call will be also available on the company website www.teleperformance.com (investor-relations/press-releases-and-documentation/other-investor-presentations/) from June 18, 2018. INVESTOR CALENDAR First-half 2018 results: July 26, 2018 Third-quarter 2018 revenue: November 12, 2018 ABOUT TELEPERFORMANCE Teleperformance (TEP ISIN: FR0000051807 Reuters: ROCH.PA Bloomberg: TEP FP), the worldwide leader in outsourced omnichannel customer experience management, serves companies and administrations around the world, with customer care, technical support, customer acquisition (Core Services), as well as with online interpreting solutions, visa application management services, data analysis and debt collection programs (Specialized Services). In 2017, Teleperformance reported consolidated revenue of 4,180 million (US$4,720 million, based on 1 $1.13). The Group operates 171,000 computerized workstations, with 223,000 employees across 350 contact centers in 76 countries and serving 160 markets. It manages programs in 265 languages and dialects on behalf of major international companies operating in a wide variety of industries. Teleperformance shares are traded on the Euronext Paris market, Compartment A, and are eligible for the deferred settlement service. They are included in the following indices: CAC Large 60, CAC Next 20, CAC Support Services, STOXX 600, SBF 120, S&P Europe 350 and MSCI Global Standard. They also have been included in the Euronext Vigeo Eurozone 120 index since December 2015, with regard to the Group's performance in corporate responsibility. For more information: www.teleperformance.com Follow us: Twitter @teleperformance ABOUT INTELENET Intelenet Global Services is a leading global Business Process Solutions company, committed to service excellence. Intelenet is 55,000 people strong, with over 40 global delivery centers in 8 countries across Americas, Europe, Middle East, India and Philippines. Intelenet serves 110+ clients in over 25 languages and offers top-rated innovative business process management solutions to multinational clients. Its services bouquet includes customer management services, industry specific solutions, knowledge services and shared services set-up for various Fortune 500 companies across industry verticals such as banking & financial services, travel, healthcare, retail e-retail. Intelenet's pride are its long-standing relationships with its customers, which are a testament to delivering high-quality operational outcomes on a consistent basis. Over the last few years, Intelenet has built capabilities in business and process transformation by combining industry expertise, technology, consulting and analytics; and through investments in robotics, AI, machine learning and analytics. Integrity, cost consciousness, care, agility and flexibility in interactions and attention from senior management is embedded in Intelenet's culture. Intelenet's capabilities and values have helped it to be recognized by leading analysts houses and win industry awards time and again; and be fastest growing business process services company amongst its wider peer group in the last few years. ABOUT BLACKSTONE Blackstone is one of the world's leading investment firms. Blackstone seeks to create positive economic impact and long-term value for its investors, the companies it invests in, and the communities in which it works. Blackstone's asset management businesses, with US$450 billion in assets under management, include investment vehicles focused on private equity, real estate, public debt and equity, non-investment grade credit, real assets and secondary funds. Blackstone established its office in India in August 2005, and has since invested ~US$8.7 billion across private equity and real estate. Further information is available at www.blackstone.com. Follow Blackstone on Twitter @Blackstone. APPENDIX ALTERNATIVE PERFORMANCE MEASURES Change in like-for-like revenue: Change in revenue at constant exchange rates and scope of consolidation, corresponding to current year revenue last year revenue at current year rates revenue from acquisitions at current year rates last year revenue at current year rates. EBITDA before non-recurring items or current EBITDA (Earnings before Interest, Taxes, Depreciation and Amortizations): Operating profit before depreciation amortization, amortization of intangible assets acquired as part of a business combination, goodwill impairment charges and non-recurring items. EBITA before non-recurring items or current EBITA (Earnings before Interest, Taxes and Amortizations): Operating profit before amortization of intangible assets acquired as part of a business combination, goodwill impairment charges and non-recurring items. Non-recurring items: Principally comprises restructuring costs, incentive share award plan expense, costs of closure of subsidiary companies, transaction costs for the acquisition of companies, and all other expenses that are unusual by reason of their nature or amount. Net free cash flow: Cash flow generated by the business acquisitions of intangible assets and property, plant and equipment net of disposals financial income/expenses. Net debt: Current and non-current financial liabilities cash and cash equivalents. Diluted earnings per share (net profit attributable to shareholders divided by the number of diluted shares and adjusted): Diluted earnings per share is determined by adjusting the net profit attributable to ordinary shareholders and the weighted average number of ordinary shares outstanding by the effects of all potentially diluting ordinary shares. These include convertible bonds, stock options and incentive share awards granted to employees when the required performance conditions have been met at the end of the financial year. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180614005854/en/ Contacts: TELEPERFORMANCE INVESTOR RELATIONS QUY NGUYEN-NGOC SVETLANA SAVIN Phone: +33 1 53 83 59 87 59 15 investor@teleperformance.com or PRESS RELATIONS SIMON ZAKS IMAGE7 Phone: +33 1 53 70 74 70 szaks@image7.fr or BLACKSTONE CONTACTS CHRISTINE ANDERSON Public Affairs, BLACKSTONE Phone: +1 212-583-5182 Christine.Anderson@blackstone.com or DEEPA JAYARAMAN H+K STRATEGIES Phone: +91 9008778681 Deepa.Jayaraman@hkstrategies.com Senator James Inhofe seems about fed up with his Oklahoma friend, ally, and protege Scott Pruitt. Photo: Bloomberg via Getty Images It sometimes seems that EPA administrator Scott Pruitt has some sort of cloak of immunity gathered about him that keeps him from being submerged by an almost endless series of incidents that exhibit venality, conflicts of interest, and a complete indifference to the most basic ethical standards, concluding most recently with multiple examples of Pruitt using his position and his taxpayer supported staff to get a job for his wife. A recent New York Times report suggested that Pruitt might be bulletproof because his boss digs him and dismisses any talk of disciplining him: Rather than trusting the people around him, Mr. Trump has taken to working the phones more aggressively to seek counsel from outside voices, particularly two of his longest-serving advisers Corey Lewandowski, his first campaign manager, and his longtime friend David Bossie. Among the presidents other confidants is Scott Pruitt, the administrator of the Environmental Protection Agency. Mr. Trump has dismissed the advice of several aides who have tried to persuade him to fire Mr. Pruitt in light of the growing questions about misuse of his authority. The two speak frequently, and the president enjoys discussing his negative view of Jeff Sessions, the attorney general, with the embattled E.P.A. leader. On Friday, the president told reporters that Mr. Pruitt is doing a great job within the walls of the E.P.A., but that outside, hes being attacked very viciously by the press. The first real danger sign for Pruitt occurred when one of Trumps great media enablers, Laura Ingraham, dropped a hammer on him via Twitter: PRUITT BAD JUDGMENT HURTING @POTUS, GOTTA GO: Pruitt had aide, GOP donors help wife find job: report https://t.co/p7dhOK58Sh Laura Ingraham (@IngrahamAngle) June 13, 2018 But then it got much, much worse: Ingraham had one of Pruitts old Oklahoma friends and allies, Senator James Inhofe, on her radio show, and he sounded distinctly fed up with his protege: I see these things, they upset me as much as they upset you, Inhofe told conservative radio host Laura Ingraham on her talk show. And I think something needs to happen to change that. One of those alternatives would be for him to leave that job. Inhofe stopped short of going right over the brink and calling for Pruitt to hit the road. But it all sounded at best like an ultimatum: Every day, something new comes out, Inhofe said. So Ive kind of taken the position that if that doesnt stop, Im going to be forced to be in a position where Im going to say Well, Scott, youre not doing your job. And hopefully that would change. Inhofe also helpfully observed that Pruitts deputy, Andrew Wheeler, is highly qualified, so that might be a good swap. In other words, there are plenty of people the administration can find to gut environmental regulations and promote the fossil-fuel industry Pruitts hardly indispensable. This message should be particularly alarming for Pruitt since he has long been considered a potential successor to Inhofe in the Senate when his term ends in 2020 (hell then be 85). Since Inhofe has zero issues with Pruitts positions on official EPA matters, hes making it clear that his abuses of his office are way over the line. And the scary thing is that even if Pruitt cleans up his act right away, theres an ever-present chance that something inappropriate hes already done will soon come to light. Thats how it works when you are a walking toxic-waste dump. Pruitt better fully tap whatever emotional credit he has with the president. But he has to wonder if Ingraham and Inhofe would be bad-mouthing him without some sort of green light from the White House. LONDON, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- - Two UK AI companies recognised for outstanding achievements in deep learning and human-assisted artificial intelligence -Noor Shaker, CEO & co-founder of GTN awarded for AI tech that will transform drug discovery to treat chronic diseases - Dhruv Ghulati, CEO & co-founder of Factmata awarded for solution using explainable AI to tackle online fake news, abusive content, hate speech and propaganda Following the 2018 CogX Awards earlier this week, Prime Minister Theresa May announced the final two UK Rising Star winners at an exclusive reception held at Number 10 Downing Street last night to showcase Britain as the best place in the world to run a tech company. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/706045/CognitionX.jpg ) The CogX UK Rising Star Awards shine a light on individuals who are building companies that are set to shape society through AI, with the two accolades going to: Noor Shaker , CEO and co-founder of GTN, for her work using deep learning and quantum physics to transform drug discovery and support the treatment of chronic diseases, with a focus on oncology. Noor recently closed a seed funding round of approximately $3 million , and has well-established partnerships with The Francis Crick Institute and the UK government's Medicines Discovery Catapult. Dhruv Ghulati , CEO and co-founder of Factmata, for his work using human-assisted AI to tackle fake news, abusive content, hate speech and propaganda on the internet; and score the credibility and quality of media information in almost real-time. Founded in January 2017 , Dhruv has already raised $1 million in seed funding from billionaire Mark Cuban , Twitter founder Biz Stone and Zynga founder Mark Pincus , among others. Prime Minister Theresa May said: "It's a great time to be in tech in the UK, and our modern Industrial Strategy will drive continued investment, ensuring the nation flourishes in the industries of the future and creating more high-paying jobs." Following the presentation by Prime Minister Theresa May, Dhruv Ghulati said: "Despite being only 10 months into our journey, this award is recognition that the UK tech sector wants us to succeed. I am hugely proud of my team for the strides they have made in launching our first AI products, and excited about continuing to tackle one of the major challenges of our time - online misinformation." 2018 CogX Rising Star Award winner Noor Shaker said: "AI has the potential to disrupt drug discovery through access to better medicines, addressing neglected areas such as orphan diseases and reducing the cost of developing medicines. We very much appreciate the recognition of GTN's efforts in that direction and we are very excited about the PM's agenda that recognises the challenges and rewards innovations in this field. We are also very happy to have a base in U.K. and in being part of a strong ecosystem that facilitates access to high quality talent, expertise and capital." The CogX Awards, held on Monday 11th June and hosted by CognitionX, celebrated the best in AI from around the world, and saw the winners joined by more than 300 guests at a gala dinner to raise awareness of the incredible work that is being done in the industry. CogX presented over 50 awards this year, including industry achievements across 18 different sectors and technical achievements across 16 different domains, as well as for contributions to research and academia, and outstanding leadership in ethics. The 2018 awards were held as part of the CogX AI Festival during London Tech Week. A festival of all things AI, CogX brought together 6,000+ people from technology, business, academia and the media across a packed two-day schedule including keynotes from Baroness Joanna Shields, Group CEO of BenevolentAI, and Jurgen Schmidhuber, the "father of AI". Following the hugely successful event, CognitionX co-founder and CEO Charlie Muirhead said: "Having so many AI and industry experts in one place really reinforced the challenges and opportunities that we're facing; AI is at a tipping point. Organisations need to define their strategy and start deployment, not in 10 years, but right now. This is why we've launched our AI advice platform to transform the way in which knowledge and expert advice is accessed. Web search has many merits, but organisations need advice specific to their needs across departments. Sometimes they may even have the expertise internally, but often end up turning to consultancies for this." "We have a unique opportunity to catalyse adoption of artificial intelligence in the UK," added Tabitha Goldstaub, co-founder of CognitionX. "Our platform helps to remove the barriers to deployment, by reducing the time it takes to make decisions and find the right AI services to use. As industry and government gain more confidence in implementing AI, we will see the technology adopted more often and more successfully. As long as the challenging ethical considerations are understood, AI is designed responsibly, and the benefits fairly distributed, this will lead to a brighter future for the country." About CognitionX: CognitionX is the AI Advice Platform that connects organisations with a global on-demand network of AI experts. The platform allows experts in AI from the around the world to share invaluable expertise with organisations of any size and sector who want to tap into that knowledge. Founded in 2015 by Charlie Muirhead and Tabitha Goldstaub, CognitionX's mission is to bring clarity to, and accelerate adoption of, AI across all organisations from global enterprises to startups, and help ensure a safe and responsible transition to an AI-driven society. Through its freemium model, CognitionX's expert network helps level the playing field, by making scarce AI expertise accessible to all, and provide a new way for experts to monetise their knowledge. https://cognitionx.com @cognition_x https://www.linkedin.com/company/cognitionx/ About GTN: GTN is a multidisciplinary, innovation-driven company, searching the astronomically large space of drug-like molecules with its unique patented technology, Generative Tensorial Networks. The software combines and builds upon techniques from machine learning and quantum physics to simulate, filter and search for molecules, discovering molecules entirely hidden from view. GTN has already demonstrated state-of-the-art prediction of molecular characterisation. This is a critical step in the hunt for new drugs outside of the crowded space being mined by more traditional methods. The team at GTN are currently running collaborations with global pharmaceutical companies, with a number of the ten largest pharmaceutical companies in their pipeline, and have strong partnerships with world-leading research bodies including the Francis Crick Institute. About Factmata: Factmata's mission is to protect people, advertisers, publishers and brands from damaging, deceptive or harmful content online. Factmata combines cutting edge AI with the knowledge from expert communities to build explainable algorithms to score subjective aspects of content such as argument bias. Factmata has just launched an alpha version of their community platform, Briefr, targeted at expert journalists and domain experts. The team's quality scoring technology is also being tested in commercial pilots with major ad tech giants including AppNexus, Sovrn and Comscore, major ad agencies and large social media platforms to be announced soon. They are backed by some of the leading investors in the world including Mark Cuban, Biz Stone, Mark Pincus, Craig Newmark, Larry Braitman and Sunil Paul, and have raised $1m to date. ALGIERS, Algeria, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Smart Cities Global Investment & Technology Summit 2018 takes place from June 27-28 in Algiers, hosted by Smart City Algiers Innovation and entrepreneurship play an ever-increasing role in growing Africa's emerging technology ecosystem. According to research by the GSMA Ecosystem Accelerator, over the past two years alone, Africa has seen the number of innovation hubs double. Whilst the big 3 cities - Nairobi, Lagos, Cape Town - have been dominating the Sub-Saharan growth narrative, the next wave of incubators are arriving from new ecosystem cities in North Africa. And the cities driving this growth, Casablanca, Cairo, Sousse and Algiers, are serious about generating sustainable operating models in the fast evolving ICT landscape to overcome core business challenges around viability, future-proofing the business and most importantly, producing continuous success stories. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/706048/Smart_City_Algiers_tech_hubs.jpg ) Funding in North Africais shifting from relying on public spending According to the Disrupt Africa Tech Start-ups Funding Report 2017, funding in African tech start-ups surged 51% to reach $195 million in 2017, as compared to figures of the same period in 2016. When it comes to funding, the majority of Africa's tech hubs are grant funded by Governments and foundations, however there has been a growth of social ventures and a trend toward for profit and self-funded endeavours to fast track growth. Rabeh Arezki, Chief Economist for Middle East and North Africa Region (MNA) at the World Bank stated, "When it comes to sustainable funding, African tech hubs tend to focus on demand-driven service models that solve problems and support the specific needs of an ecosystem. To succeed, a modern innovation hub needs to pinpoint a niche in growth areas and deliver that proposition. Key areas ripe for development are start-ups looking at improving Internet infrastructure, payment systems and education. These are the types of businesses we see succeeding." Eric Chan, Digital Investment Expert, Xona Partners remarked, 'What's important is that we are seeing the gaps in infrastructure that impact technology development, digital entrepreneurship, and innovation closing. What's powerful is that technology hubs are facilitating the development of that infrastructure. A lot of hubs are driven by forward thinking, young entrepreneurs who are looking to improve their skillset. The hubs are filling those skill gaps which will only continue to progress the development of the local ecosystem in a positive way.' Algiers has been claiming a highly favourable investment climate and hosting major regional events like the upcoming Global Smart Cities Technology and Investment Summit on June 27-28 2018, where 4,000 smart city leaders from around the world will discuss how smart technology and ecosystems, smart data and sustainability and the Government's role in stimulating new technology are changing the landscape. Founder of Smart City Algiers, Fatiha Slimani said "Algiers smart city project is in a way our commitment to develop our city based on principles of durability, sustainability and innovation. We're trying to find solution to what we call - the cascading technology trap - where technology moves way faster than policy makers' decision making." Innovation hubs are diversifying their scope We are also seeing the new innovation hubs adopting hybrid systems to enable sustainability. Many choose a mix of community tech space and 'paid-for' co-working space, though corporate partnerships are increasingly becoming more common, especially though mobile operators. Over 14% of active tech hubs in Africa now supported by mobile operators like MNT, due to the opportunity to scale quickly. Examples of this include Orange-Start on in Morocco and Djezzy's ENP IncubatorAlgeria. Others create their own private funds by taking equity in early stage start-ups whilst offering business support. Collaboration is key for growth What's significantly changing is that collaboration is pushing the agenda forward. This coming together is fuelled by the increasing awareness that start-ups in Africa will play a key role in the development of the continent's societies and economies. Investors, educational institutions, tech giants and mobile operators, have started exploring synergies in helping to shaping the local ecosystems. Open innovation, industrialists, telecommunication companies and financial institutions will soon be able to sponsor the creation of startups that can effectively respond to any technological problem within their organisations in the future. Faten Aissi Zardi, CEO of Meraki Consulting, previously CEO of Sousse, Tunisia's first start up Incubator, echoes the sentiment. 'Culture is by far the most critical asset of an ecosystem.' The challenging economical landscape Africa's informal economy combined with multiple local stakeholder and restrictive regulations make expansion across more than one region a significant test. In many cases it takes a local ecosystem that can promote growth and social development to expand a business' impact and by investing in a good ecosystem can be a source of competitive advantage. As innovation hubs transform, industry experts see the role of catalyst helping the Government and private sectors pushing the local technology ecosystems forward. Fatiha Slimani from Smart City Algiers believes that their approach is to 'proactively federate the Algiers based technology ecosystem and speed up the emergence of technology champions. The goal is to have it become a catalyst for strategic initiatives and contribute to develop synergies between all the actors in the value chain.' For more information regarding the Smart Cities Global Investment & Technology Summit please visit smartcityalgiers.com or contact registration@smartcityalgiers.com Citing the need for ancillary grid services, due to increasing amounts of variable renewable energy assets being installed in the U.K., the two comapnies are stressing the stability this project will bring to the country's grid.UK Power Reserve is partnering with Fluence to deliver the first 60 MW phase of a 120 MW battery storage portfolio. The portfolio was secured through the capacity market auctions in 2016 at a price of 22.50 per kW/h (US$30), Catherine Hunter, spokeswoman for Fluence told pv magazine. Whether the remainder of the 120 MW is going to be delivered by Fluence is yet unlear. ... Werbehinweise: Die Billigung des Basisprospekts durch die BaFin ist nicht als ihre Befurwortung der angebotenen Wertpapiere zu verstehen. Wir empfehlen Interessenten und potenziellen Anlegern den Basisprospekt und die Endgultigen Bedingungen zu lesen, bevor sie eine Anlageentscheidung treffen, um sich moglichst umfassend zu informieren, insbesondere uber die potenziellen Risiken und Chancen des Wertpapiers. Sie sind im Begriff, ein Produkt zu erwerben, das nicht einfach ist und schwer zu verstehen sein kann. LONDON, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- We are delighted to announce and welcome the next 11 companies to the 2018 Tel Aviv Barclays Accelerator, powered by Techstars. The programme, which has been running since 2014, has become one of the most selective FinTech accelerators in the world, with a growing list of alumni that are shaping the future of financial services. This is the 3rd cohort in Tel Aviv, and the 11th globally. The successful candidates - unveiled during a launch event at Rise Tel Aviv, fought off competition from more than 200 applicants, representing 39 countries. This is the first week of the programme, which will run for the next thirteen weeks. Demo day will take place in Tel Aviv in the first week of September, where the investor community will get the chance to hear our FinTech companies' pitches first-hand. The Barclays and Techstars partnership The programme brings together two powerful networks: Barclays, the transatlantic consumer and wholesale bank with over 325 years of history and expertise in banking, operating in over 40 countries, and Techstars, the worldwide network that has 1,300 portfolio companies who have raised over $4.6 billion in capital. Together, the two companies open up their extensive global networks of mentors, entrepreneurs, partners and clients, to give each company the best chance to succeed. Michal Beinisch, Innovation Officer for Barclays Israel said: "We're thrilled to be launching the 3rd cohort of the Barclays Accelerator, powered by Techstars in Tel Aviv. With hundreds of new companies starting up in Israel each year, it's clear that the entrepreneurial spirit is truly engrained in Israeli culture, and Barclays is committed to helping Israel remain a global hub for financial services innovation. Alongside our partners from Techstars, we have identified the top FinTech prospects from local and global ecosystems and are primed to change the face of finance as we know it." HillaOvil Brenner, Managing Director of the Barclays Accelerator, powered by Techstars, in Tel Aviv,said: "The unique partnership between Barclays and Techstars provides a great opportunity for Fintech and cyber companies. Following the success of the accelerators powered by Techstars in London and New York, we are excited to launch this exceptional 2018 class in Tel Aviv (startup nation). 11 international companies will get the opportunity to grow under Techstars' and Barclays' networks and benefit from the knowledge and connections we have to offer. The companies are fortunate to join the family of Techstars, the leading network that helps entrepreneurs succeed, in over 40 programs around the world." Introducing our 11 companies joining our Accelerator programme: 1 MADA Analytics: a predictive analytics company for optimising renewables. madaanalytics.com/ 2 Cred: a personalised investment portfolio tool that matches a client's existing worldview and long-term investing need. credinvest.co 3 LiST: Transforms life insurance policies into blockchain technology based tokens, and provides a market place for trading life settlement tokens. listsettlements.com 4 Safehouse: Military grade security to Internet users with one button (or less). safehousetechnologies.com 5 Kriptos: sophisticated software that classifies and labels company information using Artificial Intelligence. www.kriptos.io 6 OKO Weather: An Insurtech company bringing crop insurance to emerging markets. oko.finance 7 InFront Compliance: Automated compliance for companies and third party vendors. infrontcompliance.com 8 Cubbit: the first distributed data-centre, built on a peer-to-peer network made of small, local domestic servers. cubbit.net 9 MoreMoney: Instant, off-the-shelf Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform powering a new generation of financial AI advisors. moremoney.me 10 Homelend: A blockchain solution for the mortgage industry. homelend.io 11 Integer: Providing liquidity to illiquid markets through the tokenization of underlying securities and assets About the Barclays Accelerator The Barclays Accelerator, powered by Techstars, is an award-winning 13-week intensive startup programme designed to shape and scale the next generation of FinTech businesses. Since 2014, It's connected startups to mentors from across Techstars' and Barclays' global network of clients, partners and experts, with a focus on creating breakthrough solutions to solve some of our industry's biggest challenges. For more information on the Barclays Accelerator, visit barclaysaccelerator.com Not for release, publication or distribution, directly or indirectly, in or into the United States, Canada, Australia and Japan. The document does not constitute an offer and is provided solely for information purposes. Regulatory News: DEINOVE (Euronext Growth Paris: ALDEI), a biotech company that discovers, develops, and produces high-value compounds from rare bacteria, announces today the launch of a capital increase, without preferential subscription rights, reserved for one category of beneficiaries, in accordance with the thirteenth resolution approved by the Combined General Shareholder's Meeting of 23 May 2018 and with the authorization of the Board of Directors held on 14 June 2018 (the "Transaction"). The Transaction aims to raise a targeted amount of 8 million, giving potential dilution of around 19%. The number of new shares, the amount raised, and the exact dilution will be disclosed in the press release announcing the result of the Transaction. Regarding the category of persons for whom preferential subscription rights are being waived (investment companies and investment funds established under French or foreign law investing in a field similar or complementary to Deinove's one), funds will be raised solely from qualified domestic and international investors, with the exception of investors in the USA, Canada, Australia and Japan. This fundraising comes within the scope of DEINOVE's strategy to develop innovative antibiotics capable of responding to the antimicrobial resistance health emergency. Last May, the Company finalized the acquisition of BIOVERTIS, its subsidiary MORPHOCHEM, and their innovative antibiotic candidate targeting severe forms of Clostridium difficile infections, which has already been through Phase I clinical trials. This acquisition came with the entry in DEINOVE's capital of the German fund TVM Capital, one of the leading European funds specializing in life sciences, which holds 3,34% of DEINOVE's current capital. Moreover, TVM Capital GmbH was appointed member of DEINOVE's Board of Directors at the time of the acquisition of BIOVERTIS and MORPHOCHEM1. Lastly, TVM will contribute 2 million to this capital increase. The successful completion of the capital increase would provide DEINOVE with the resources needed to launch a Phase II clinical trial scheduled for late 2018. The funds raised would also contribute to the financing of DEINOVE's operations in its various fields of activity, mainly antibiotics and cosmetic ingredients. In particular, they would finance the preclinical development of NBTI molecules as relevant, as well as the development of a second carotenoid, the first of which was launched in the cosmetics market in April 2018. The placement will be performed via the accelerated building of an order book, after which the number and price of the new shares to be issued will be determined. The accelerated book building will begin immediately and should be completed before market opening on 15 June 2018, although it may end before or after that time. The Company shall announce the result of the transaction in a press release as soon as possible after the closing of the order book. According to the terms of the thirteenth resolution of the Combined General Shareholder's Meeting of 23 May 2018 and with the authorization of the Board of Directors held on 14 June 2018, the issue price of the new shares will be at least equal to the 5-day weighted average price of the Company's share on the Euronext Growth market in Paris prior to setting the issue price, which may be reduced by a maximum discount of 20%. The new shares will bear current dividend rights and will be admitted for trading on the Euronext Growth market in Paris, under ISIN code FR0010879056 ALDEI. DEINOVE has agreed with Invest Securities to a lock-up period of 90 calendar days following the settlement of the new shares. In accordance with the provisions of Article 211-3 of the General Regulation of the Autorite des Marches Financiers, the Company's offer of shares in the context of this capital increase reserved for one category of beneficiaries does not give rise to an obligation to issue a prospectus approved by the Autorite des Marches Financiers. Detailed information about the Company, in particular with regards to its business, results and related risk factors, are described in the annual financial report for the fiscal year ended 31 December 2017. This document is available together with other regulated information and all of the Company's press releases, on its website (www.deinove.com). Invest Corporate Finance provides consulting services and Invest Securities acts as Lead Arranger and Bookrunner. ABOUT DEINOVE DEINOVE (Euronext Growth Paris: ALDEI) is a biotech company that discovers, develops and produces compounds with industrial value from rare microorganisms, for the healthcare, nutrition and cosmetics markets. For this, DEINOVE relies on two key assets: A unique strain bank with 6,000 rare bacteria that have not yet been exploited; A genetic, metabolic and fermentation engineering platform that enables them to customize these natural micro-factories, transforming them into new industry standards. Based in Montpellier, DEINOVE employs approximately 50 employees and has nearly 130 international patent applications. The Company has been listed on Euronext Growth since April 2010. www.deinove.com twitter.com/Deinove fr.linkedin.com/company/deinove Disclaimer This press release is for information purposes only. This press release does not constitute and may not be considered as a public offer, a subscription offer or a solicitation of public interest for a public offering of financial securities. The communication of this press release in certain countries may constitute a violation of local laws and regulations. The information contained in this press release does not constitute an offer of securities in France, the United States, Canada, Australia, Japan, or in any other country. This document may not be published, transmitted or distributed either directly or indirectly in the United States, Canada, Australia or Japan. This document does not constitute an offer to sell DEINOVE shares in the United States. 1 Cf. press release May 23, 2018 View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180614005941/en/ Contacts: Emmanuel Petiot CEO Ph.: +33 (0)6 13 80 25 30 emmanuel.petiot@deinove.com or Coralie Martin Communication and IR Manager Ph.: +33 (0)6 46 62 47 50 coralie.martin@deinove.com or ALIZE RP, Press Relations Caroline Carmagnol/Wendy Rigal Ph.: +33 (0)1 44 54 36 66 deinove@alizerp.com or Contact Invest Securities Pascal Hadjedj Head of Primary Markets Sales Ph.: +33 (0)6 16 98 56 91 Vancouver British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 14, 2018) - MAX RESOURCE CORP. (TSXV: MXR) (OTC Pink: MXROF) (FSE: M1D1) ("MXR" or the "Company") is pleased to announce it has filed two additional mineral license applications covering a further 3,893 hectares within the Gachala sedimentary copper basin of Eastern Colombia, approximately 60kms east of Bogata (Refer: Gachala Project Area map). Highlights 4-km-long cobalt anomaly on the western side of the new license applications. Applications are contiguous to historic sampling which identified a 25-km strike length of copper enrichment with grades ranging from 0.6% to 13% copper. The Colombian Geological Survey has identified a 4-kilometre-long cobalt anomaly on the western side of the two new license applications. The Company's in country geologist is currently researching the Colombian databases for details on the cobalt. This metal is of extreme interest to the Company as cobalt is one of the key accessory metals for sedimentary copper deposits. A Colombian exploration team, lead by Mr. Carlos Gaviria will commence surface survey exploration programs next week to locate and identify bedrock copper mineralization and follow up the cobalt anomaly to identify targets for trenching and diamond drilling throughout the 7 license applications. Further ground will be added to the Gachala land package as exploration results warrant. MXR's 100% owned Gachala license applications now total 13,277 hectares and cover an aggregate total of 39-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. The two new license applications are contiguous to the three of the earlier license applications southwest 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". Brett Matich, MXR Chief Executive Officer, commented: "MXR is building its project area and continues to identify sedimentary copper/cobalt hosted mineralization within the Gachala region." Figure 1: Gachala Project Area map To view an enhanced version of the Gachala Project Area map, please visit: [http://orders.newsfilecorp.com/files/3834/35266_a1528994191751_81.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. This 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. MONTREAL, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- FlipNpik, the world's first collaborative commercial social media platform has launched its App that will enable small businesses and communities to compete on a level playing field with multi-million-pound companies with infinite budgets. Built on Blockchain technology, FlipNpik's App will benefit consumers, merchants and local communities via its unique Ecosystem that will assist businesses in marketing and provide a global platform to promote their goods and services. More importantly, it will enable independent and SMEs to compete with larger rivals by increasing visibility and driving new business. Research shows millennials post several pictures a day on platforms such as Instagram with no tangible reward - the FlipNpik App will enable them to receive rewards for helping promote their favourite local hidden gem. By liking or sharing and increasing the businesses visibility, FlipNpik tokens can be collected and used towards gifts or services. FlipNpik will create mutually beneficial partnerships to create and share value created between collaborators and the local community Said FlipNpik CEO, Henri Harland: "We are offering a concrete and viable alternative for consumers and merchants to boost local consumption around the world. It is the first commercial social media, customised to meet the needs of merchants and consumers." "By helping local businesses flourish, we, in turn, help boost the economy of the community and ensure the world does not become a series of characterless business parks run by global chains." "Businesses will be able to broadcast informative and entertaining content on FlipNpik to increase their visibility across social networks and attract a new, interested target market." "They will also be able to establish direct contact with the customers and turn new prospects into customers, increasing turnover." The private sale section of the FlipNpik ICO is already underway and will continue throughout 2018. For more information, visit the FlipNpik ICO page:https://flipnpik.io/ The App is now live and downloadable on IOS and Android for merchants and consumers in key locations (London, Paris, Dublin and Montreal). Watch how the FlipNpik App works here:https://www.youtube.com/watch?time_continue=10&v=XXSfoSdodKs WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - An investigation by the Justice Department's internal watchdog found former FBI Director James Comey deviated from bureau and department norms during the investigation of Hillary Clinton's use of a private email server while Secretary of State but determined his actions were not politically motivated. Justice Department Inspector General Michael Horowitz claimed in a report released Thursday that Comey's decisions negatively impacted the perception of the FBI and the department as fair administrators of justice. Comey drew criticism from both sides of the aisle for publicly announcing Clinton would not face criminal charges for mishandling classified information before later revealing the investigation had been re-opened just days before the election. The report was also highly critical of political text messages sent between former FBI lawyer Lisa Page and FBI counterintelligence agent Peter Strzok. The inspector general found that the political bias displayed by Page and Strzok did not directly affect specific investigative actions but claimed their conduct cast a cloud over the entire FBI investigation and sowed doubt about the bureau's work. President Donald Trump has been eagerly awaiting the inspector general's report amid expectations that it would provide justification for his firing of Comey last year. Trump and his allies have also reportedly been hoping the report will undermine faith in the FBI and the Justice Department amid the ongoing investigation of Russian meddling in the 2016 presidential election. In a statement, House Oversight Committee Chairman Trey Gowdy, R-S.C., said he is 'alarmed, angered, and deeply disappointed' by the inspector general's findings. 'The FBI's actions and those of former Director Comey severely damaged the credibility of the investigation, the public's ability to rely on the results of the investigation, and the very institutions he claims to revere,' Gowdy said. He added, 'This is not the FBI I know. This is not the FBI our country needs. This is not the FBI citizens and suspects alike deserve.' Gowdy called on Attorney General Jeff Sessions and current FBI Director Christopher Wray to take decisive action to restore confidence in the justice system. In an interview with The Hill ahead of the release of the report, Sessions indicated that the inspector general's findings could lead to more firings. 'If anyone else shows up in this report to have done something that requires termination we will do so,' Sessions said. Meanwhile, Democratic Congressmen Jerry Nadler, D-N.Y., and Elijah Cummings, D-Md., claimed the report shows Comey helped Trump win the election over Clinton. 'The stark conclusion we draw after reviewing this report is that the FBI's actions helped Donald Trump become President,' said Nadler and Cummings, the top Democrats on the House Judiciary Committee and House Oversight Committee, respectively. They added, 'As we warned before the election, Director Comey had a double-standard: he spoke publicly about the Clinton investigation while keeping secret from the American people the investigation of Donald Trump and Russia.' Copyright RTT News/dpa-AFX Kostenloser Wertpapierhandel auf Smartbroker.de WASHINGTON (dpa-AFX) - Hyperloop Transportation Technologies Thursday said it has agreed a deal with Ukraine's Infrastructure Ministry to develop a commercial Hyperloop system in the country. The agreement was signed in the Ukraine capital of Kiev in line with the nation's National Transport Strategy of Ukraine 2030 initiative. In February of 2018, Ukraine's Transportation Minister, Volodymyr Omelyan, announced the nation would begin setting the stage for Hyperloop technology alongside Ukraine's National Academy of Sciences, state defense conglomerate Ukroboronprom, aerospace manufacturer Yuzhmash and several other industrial and scientific institutions. HyperloopTT will work directly with Ukraine's Ministry of Transportation to begin planning the construction of the first commercial Hyperloop system which will be built out in phases. 'We have set a course to bring Ukraine's infrastructure into the 21st century,' said Minister of Infrastructure of Ukraine Volodymyr Omelyan. 'Hyperloop is a key component to our goals of creating a smart, and sustainable transportation infrastructure. We warmly welcome HyperloopTT to join us in this endeavor and are glad to have an agreement signed.' 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. Every month, we Strategist editors tell you about the best things weve recently bought for ourselves. But what about the things we wish other people would buy for us? Its a ritual for us to share our holiday wish lists, but during the rest of the year were also having birthdays, housewarming parties, weddings, babies, and more. So now were spilling about the gifts wed like for those milestones, as well. This time: staff writer Lori Keong, who just moved into a new apartment, on the housewarming gifts shed be most delighted to receive. Bloomingville Cheese Grater $11 True story: The cheese grater is my favorite kitchen utensil. I feel like I would find a way to add cheese to anything. My roommate owned the grater in my last kitchen, so I would like to upgrade to one like this thats beautiful, handheld, and has multiple grooves. $11 at Smallable Buy Brooklinen Super Plush Bath Towels $69 Ive been holding onto a set of cheapo, sorta-coarse towels ever since my first month in New York (I went all the way out to the Kohls in Caesars Bay so clearly this was before I worked for an e-commerce site). Thankfully, I just received a fresh set of these plush Brooklinen towels, and theyre exactly what I would want if I didnt already own them. Theyre so soft and luxurious, and big enough to swaddle yourself in. $69 at Brooklinen Buy Yield Double Wall Pour-Over $32 The sound of shattered glass always makes me anxious, especially when Im carting around boxes of fragile stuff, so I was sad to find out that my Yield pour-over was a casualty of the move. Its one of my most treasured items, so I would be really grateful if someone was kind enough to replace it. $32 at Need Supply Buy Mosser Glass Mixing Bowl Set $85 Milky glass has been on my mind since I covered all things jadeite earlier this year, but I havent made the leap yet. I think this set in millennial pink would be multifunctional and pretty enough to leave out on the counter. $85 at Goop Buy Goober Paraffin Wax Candle Set $72 And if Im not getting a super-functional gift, I just want something fun to look at that will give my space some character. These candles remind me a bit of the Venus of Willendorf I love them. The white one can be had at Garmentory, but as of now stock is low; the set through AHAlife comes in pastel colors. $72 at AHAlife Buy get the strategist newsletter Actually good deals, smart shopping advice, and exclusive discounts. Email This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply. Terms & Privacy Notice By submitting your email, you agree to our Terms and Privacy Notice and to receive email correspondence from us. The Strategist is designed to surface the most useful, expert recommendations for things to buy across the vast e-commerce landscape. Some of our latest conquests include the best womens jeans, rolling luggage, pillows for side sleepers, ultra-flattering pants, and bath towels. We update links when possible, but note that deals can expire and all prices are subject to change. Every editorial product is independently selected. If you buy something through our links, New York may earn an affiliate commission. SEBI rule state that a company has to log profits for three preceding years before going public. Air India hasnt made any profit for over a decade A failed attempt at selling Air India seems to have galvanised various arms of the government to consider various modifications to the initial offer in a second attempt. So, different government functionaries have been speaking on different aspects of the sale. One senior official hinted at the governments willingness to offer the entire 100 percent stake this time against 76 percent in the first attempt, another has spoken of widely dispersed shareholding which makes Air India a publicly listed company, while yet another sees nothing wrong in a larger haircut than proposed earlier so that the proposition becomes more attractive for any buyer. In this interview to the Hindu Business Line a couple of days back, Niti Ayog Vice-Chairman Rajiv Kumar said one of the options could be having a highly diversified distribution of Air Indias equity. It should be structured in such a way that you get a very wide dispersal and it becomes a truly public limited company with a board that is completely autonomous and not necessarily public in nature. You could get a private corporate board like you have at MNCs. And a day later, a senior Cabinet minister who is part of the Air India Specific Alternate Mechanism (AISAM), a group of ministers taking crucial decisions on the airlines disinvestment, told a wider audience that listing Air India was one of the options. In the first attempt at selling stake in Air India, the government had persisted with retaining 24 percent stake despite repeated calls from prospective bidders against such a move. It had also listed several other conditions such as keeping the acquired airline at an arms length from the existing businesses for any acquirer, taking on the entire workforce of the airline for at least one year and then offering a golden handshake at governments terms and conditions and taking on a majority of the debt on Air Indias books. It is no wonder that not a single bidder came forward to even show any initial interest in Air India. Now, as the government send out confusing signals on what the second round of disinvestment would be like, the proposal on listing or having a widely dispersed shareholding is the most bizarre of the lot. Heres why: 1) As per existing rule of the markets regulator SEBI, any initial public offer can be made for a company which has reported a net profit for at least three preceding years. In the case of Air India, there has not been a single year of profit in more than a decade. Not since the two erstwhile airlines Air India (international) and Indian Airlines (largely domestic) merged to form the present entity has there ever been a net profit. 2) If by using the euphemism dispersed shareholding the government merely means arm twisting other government entities like LIC etc to participate in the public listing of Air India, this would simply mean transferring losses from one state owned entity into another. 3) If the airline is actually able to list publicly after having bypassed the SEBI profitability condition, the question is this: with the Air India brand having taken a severe beating over the last several years, with a mountain each of losses and debt and with a bloated workforce, which retail investor would like to buy share of the Maharaja? So given all these considerations, perhaps the government has been floating trial balloons when it talks of listing Air India or seeking widely dispersed shareholding. On the other point, which is having an independent board to run Air India, how is that even feasible unless the government exits the airline completely? The independence of boards where the government nominees make up any significant quorum remains a myth. The only option before the government that still remains is revising the terms of the sale and going ahead with a second attempt at inviting bids, like the first time, from stakeholders. This time around, it should propose a complete exit from Air India, lesser debt burden on the buyer the first attempt saw it proposing over Rs 33,000 crore to the buyer, taking care of the employees before the sale instead of asking the buyer to bear their costs and perhaps also a climb down over the reserve price. Instead of expecting a neat earning from the sale of Air India, the government should ideally consider a scenario where the airline is sold for a token amount, even Re 1 would do. This would rid the government of a perpetual white elephant which demands more money each passing year just to stay alive. For the buyer, it would still mean substantial investments in turning around the airline, tackling the debt pile and fighting off intensified competition in both, domestic and international markets. That is, of course, if the government is at all serious in trying to get Air India off its hands. Many believe that the myriad and diverse statements which are coming thick and fast over the state-run airlines's fate show a complete lack of intent on the governments part to go ahead with the sale. If this is indeed the case, it would be more of a pity since this government at least has the political will to go through with one of the trickiest divestments of all time. The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) is probing alleged financial irregularities at debt-laden Aircel as well as two group entities -- Aircel Cellular and Dishnet Wireless New Delhi: The Serious Fraud Investigation Office (SFIO) is probing alleged financial irregularities at debt-laden Aircel as well as two group entities -- Aircel Cellular and Dishnet Wireless, according to a senior official. The official said the Corporate Affairs Ministry has ordered a probe by the SFIO into the affairs of the three companies. In February, Aircel announced filing for bankruptcy as the company was been facing "troubled times" in "highly financially stressed" industry. Intense competition following the disruptive entry of a new player, legal and regulatory challenges, high level of unsustainable debt and increased losses had together caused significant "negative business and reputational impact" on the company, it had said. The SFIO is a multi-disciplinary organisation, under the ministry, which probes white-collar crimes and frauds that are in violation of Companies Act. Aircel is already under the lens of the CBI and the Enforcement Directorate. The Aircel-Maxis case pertains to grant of Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) clearance to firm Global Communication Holding Services in 2006 for investment in Aircel. With regard to the Aircel-Maxis case, former Finance Minister P Chidambaram and his son Karti Chidambaram are also under the scanner of the two probe agencies. In March, the Supreme Court had directed 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. While neutralizing the mischief of NCLT's Mumbai bench the govt must drop the hare-brained move to treat home buyers at par with secured financial creditors The government on 23 November, 2017 amended the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code, 2015 (IBC) to introduce a new section 29A to ban promoters and their relatives from participating in the bidding process for the self-same company whose ruination they had presided over willy-nilly. Rightly, the amendment did not discriminate between wilful defaulters and genuine defaulters because that by itself would have opened the sluice gates for a fresh bout of unproductive litigation and the Pandoras box. Wilful default is left to other laws to discipline. Be that as it may. The Mumbai Bench of the National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT) has needlessly queered the pitch by taking up cudgels for the promoters of the companies referred to NCLT under the IBC. Taking a needless and presumptuous hyper technical ground, it has ruled that cases that were referred to NCLT prior to 23 November, 2017 are not hit by the above amendment and thus their promoters can participate in the bidding process. It is amazing that the tribunal has chosen to undermine the solemn law at a time the government vide an amendment to section 29A vide an ordinance dated 6 June 2018 has taken pains to close the escape routes---comprehensive amendment to the definition of relatives so as to remove the wiggle room that existed enabling wily promoters to bid through their kith and kin (proxies) as well as through labyrinthine holding company subsidiary maze. Judicial and quasi judicial bodies should further the cause of a law instead of undermining it unless it is unconstitutional or against the principles of natural justice. The tribunal is clearly guilty of undermining both the spirit and the letter of the solemn amendment. Pray what fundamental right of the promoters was violated by the amendment proscribing them from regaining control of the company for a pittance after having more often than not lining their own pockets through over-invoicing of imports and other devious means? The Supreme Court of India has said in a catena of cases that retrospective amendment is bad and unconstitutional only when it affects the fundamental rights and impinges on the principles of natural justice. For example, generally the constitution courts would be loath to sustain an amendment that imposes a tax burden from a retrospective date unless such retrospectivity is by way of clarification of the position. It certainly cannot be the birthright much less a fundamental right of a defaulter wilful or otherwise to claim that he should be allowed to stay in the saddle come what may. The central government has two options---file an appeal to the High Court against the patently disruptive and unjustified order of the tribunal and obtain an immediate stay. The other alternative is to bring in yet another ordinance to provide explicitly for retrospectivity. The latter course is preferable. To be sure, all is not well with the present bidding process so much so that hair-cuts taken by the companies are likely to be much more than warranted. Bid in a sealed envelope is passe. Competitive continuous open bidding is the norm so as to realise the best price. Of course collusion among the bidders cannot be ruled out but generally large number of bidders bidding transparently through electronic mediums can prevent the mischief to some extent. The jury is still out on the thaw in rigor of the ban on promoters from bidding for MSME companies. The rationale is being small, no big business would evince interest in acquiring them and therefore willy-nilly their promoters have to be indulged. This is a specious argument. For a big ticket acquirer, a series of such piecemeal MSME acquisitions would tote up to a sizeable value addition and synergy to his business. In any case the extenuating circumstances if any for MSME companies do not exist for big ones. While neutralising the mischief of the tribunal through an ordinance (the preferred route vis-a-vis appeal to High Court) the government must drop the hare-brained move to treat home buyers at par with secured financial creditors. To be sure, home buyers stranded midstream by builders deserve empathy and sympathy but treating them at par with banks and other financial creditors could be counterproductive. To wit, a bank can take a 70 percent haircut though undeservedly but can a poor home buyer? Is it fair to put him on the same pedestal as a financial institution or a bank? No, for home buyers the remedy lies in the strict implementation of the Real Estate Regulation Act (RERA). (The author is a senior columnist and tweets @smurlidharan) The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has requested the Interpol to issue Red Corner Notice (RCN) against absconding diamentiare Nirav Modi New Delhi: The Enforcement Directorate (ED) has requested the Interpol to issue Red Corner Notice (RCN) against absconding diamentiare Nirav Modi in connection with its probe into the Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud case, agency sources said. An ED source said that the financial probe agency has written to the Interpol requesting to issue the RCN, a request to locate and provisionally arrest an individual pending extradition. It is issued by the General Secretariat at the request of a member country or an international tribunal based on a valid national arrest warrant. The agency's move comes in the wake of the charge sheet it filed against 23 people including Nirav Modi in a special court in Mumbai. A non-bailable warrant was issued against Nirav Modi and 10 other accused, including his family members, in the case related to the fraud, after taking cognisance of a charge sheet filed against them by the ED last month. The ED had last week moved the special court seeking warrants against the accused, and Special Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). It has charged the accused under various sections of the Indian Penal Code and the PMLA in the case. The charge sheet or the prosecution complaint -- running in about 12,000 pages -- names Nirav Modi, his sister Purvi Mehta, brother-in-law Maiank Mehta, brother Neeshal Modi, relative Nehal Modi, father Deepak Modi and 18 others. Nirav Modi's three firms -- Solar Exports, Stellar Diamonds and Diamonds R US -- which had fraudulently obtained Rs 6,498 crore through LoUs issued by the Mumbai's Brady House Branch of PNB were also named in the charge sheet. The charge sheet said the funds so obtained by these firms were partly utilised for payment to various overseas companies and also for offsetting earlier LoUs. The diamantaire left India with his family around a month before PNB filed its first complaint with the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) in the fraud at the beginning of this year. Sources said the British reply came in an email to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) which is investigating the case of fraud against Nirav Modi since January New Delhi: India has received a reply from Britain in response to a "diffusion notice" issued against Nirav Modi, who is accused in the Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) loan fraud case being investigated in New Delhi but it remained unclear whether it contained any reference to the specific location of the fugitive diamantaire. Sources said the British reply came in an email to the Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) which is investigating the case of fraud against Nirav Modi since January and it had issued the diffusion notice in February against the billionaire, his wife Ami, a US citizen, brother Nishal, a Belgium national, and uncle Mehul Choksi, promoter of Gitanjali Group, for locating their whereabouts. A diffusion notice is issued directly by an international entity to the countries of their choice to take their help in identifying location, physical description, photograph and fingerprints of an accused wanted in offence with which he or she is charged. The notice is issued through the Interpol, an International criminal police organization that facilitates international police cooperation. After getting the diffusion notice issued through the Interpol channel on 15 February, the CBI proactively pursued it with the NCBs (National Central Bureau) of individual countries likely to be visited by the accused fugitives reiterating the confirmation of their locations. The UK has shared certain details of moments of the fugitives, the sources said requesting anonymity. They said "the details received from Britain authorities in response to the diffusion notice have been shared with other sister agencies in foreign countries". Further investigation and action in this regard is in progress," they said. But the sources did not throw any light on whether the British communication talked about the presence of the fugitives in that country. The CBI on Monday said it had moved Interpol to issue Red Corner Notices (RCN) against absconding Nirav Modi and his uncle Choksi. The RCNs were issued to help track Nirav Modi and Choksi and return them to India through official channels to face trial in the bank scam case in which the CBI recently filed two chargesheets. Letters Rogatory (LRs) in the cases lodged against Nirav by the Enforcement Directorate (ED), the CBI and the Income Tax Department were sent to the UK Central Authority (UKCA) on 19 March, 14 April and 15 April respectively. The UKCA has forwarded these LRs to the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) for execution and conveyed that action would be taken on implementation of the Enforcement Directorate LR. The ED and SFO have started discussing the way forward, officials said. Nirav Modi, his wife, brother and uncle fled the country before the PNB complained against their companies, saying it had been cheated through fraudulent issue of Letters of Undertakings (LoUs) and Foreign Letters of Credit (FLCs). In its chargesheets filed last month, the CBI alleged that Nirav Modi, through his companies, siphoned off funds to the tune of Rs 6,498.20 crore using fraudulent LoUs issued from PNB's Brady House branch in Mumbai. Choksi swindled Rs 7,080.86 crore, making it possibly the biggest banking scam in the country, it alleged. An additional loan default of over Rs 5,000 crore by Choksi's companies is also a matter of probe under the CBI. It is alleged that Nirav Modi and Choksi, through their companies, availed credit from overseas branches of Indian banks using fraudulent guarantees of the PNB given through LoUs and letters of credit which were not repaid, bringing the liability on the state-run bank, the officials said. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. President Donald Trump will meet with his top trade advisers on Thursday to decide whether to activate threatened tariffs on billions of dollars in Chinese goods, a senior Trump administration official said on Wednesday. Trump is due to unveil revisions to his initial tariff list targeting $50 billion of Chinese goods on Friday. People familiar with the revisions said that it will be slightly smaller than the original list, with some goods deleted and others added, particularly in the technology sector. (Reporting by David Lawder; Editing by Sandra Maler) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. (Reuters) - Uber Technologies Inc [UBER.UL] has hired Facebook Inc product director Daniel Danker as its head of driver product, Chief Executive Officer Dara Khosrowshahi said in a tweet on Wednesday. 'Psyched to have @mrdanieldanker (Danker) join our team so we can continue to improve, innovate and build great experiences for our driver partners!' Khosrowshahi tweeted https://twitter.com/dkhos/status/1006978998348333056. Uber has been without a head of driver product since Aaron Schildkrout left in December, after a three-year stint with the company (Reuters) - Uber Technologies Inc [UBER.UL] has hired Facebook Inc product director Daniel Danker as its head of driver product, Chief Executive Officer Dara Khosrowshahi said in a tweet on Wednesday. "Psyched to have @mrdanieldanker (Danker) join our team so we can continue to improve, innovate and build great experiences for our driver partners!" Khosrowshahi tweeted https://twitter.com/dkhos/status/1006978998348333056. Uber has been without a head of driver product since Aaron Schildkrout left in December, after a three-year stint with the company. Khosrowshahi, who joined the company last August to replace co-founder Travis Kalanick, is making several changes as he prepares for an initial public offering. Last month, Uber spokesman told Reuters that its Chief Product Officer Jeff Holden was leaving the company, one of the over a dozen senior executives to depart since last year. The company is also searching for a chief financial officer who can help take the company public in 2019. The CFO position has been vacant since 2015. (Reporting by Vibhuti Sharma in Bengaluru; Editing by Shailesh Kuber) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Fourteen people, including six Chinese nationals, have been arrested by customs officials at the international airport in Delhi for allegedly smuggling gold worth about Rs eight crore into the country. New Delhi: Fourteen people, including six Chinese nationals, have been arrested by customs officials at the international airport in Delhi for allegedly smuggling gold worth about Rs eight crore into the country. Some of the accused, including five women, had concealed gold in their rectum, an official said. The 14 were arrested in five incidents that were reported in the past three days at the airport, said Anubha Sinha, Joint Commissioner (Customs) at the Indira Gandhi International Airport. It is one of the biggest seizures made by the customs in recent times, she said. Giving details of the cases, Sinha said besides the five Chinese, the customs department arrested Iranian and Azerbaijan nationals. The officials had yesterday intercepted two Chinese nationals after their arrival from Bangkok. A detailed examination of their baggage and personal search resulted in recovery of six kg of gold. They had concealed gold in the form of bangles worn by them. The gold which is assessed to be worth Rs 1.8 crore has been seized," she said. In another case, an Iranian national was held after his arrival from Dubai on Tuesday for allegedly trying to smuggle in eight kg gold. He had concealed the gold in especially designed pockets of the jacket worn by him. On the same day, five Azerbaijan nationals, including three women, were arrested for smuggling in 2.45 kg gold. The accused had concealed the gold in the form of bangles and other jewellery worn by them. On 11 June, four Chinese nationals, including two women, were arrested for illegally carrying six kg gold. Of the total gold, about five kg was concealed in their rectum by the accused, said Anees Cherkunnath, Deputy Commissioner (Air Intelligence) at the airport. They were intercepted after their arrival from Hong Kong. Two Indian men were also arrested on the same day for smuggling in four kg of gold. One of them was intercepted after his arrival from Bangkok. He had concealed three kgs gold in his rectum, Cherkunnath said. Whereas, the other person was arrested in Amritsar with one kg gold. The accused had either smuggled in gold on his own or got it through his accomplice who had come from abroad, according to customs officials. They said the flight bound for Amritsar was earlier an international one and the accused must have smuggled the gold through the help of another passenger who had come from abroad. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will convene a meeting to review the security arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra that commences from 28 June. The Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP-BJP government in Jammu and Kashmir has already sought around 22,500 additional paramilitary personnel for deployment along the entire route of the Amarnath pilgrimage. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will convene a meeting to review the security arrangements for the upcoming Amarnath Yatra that commences from 28 June. The Mehbooba Mufti-led PDP-BJP government in Jammu and Kashmir has already sought around 22,500 additional paramilitary personnel for deployment along the entire route of the Amarnath pilgrimage. These forces will join the existing forces operating in Jammu and Kashmir, the official said. During his two-day visit to the Valley earlier in June, Rajnath met with Mehbooba and discussed security arrangements that have been put in place for the pilgrimage. The meeting comes at a time when the International Border along Kashmir has been under fire from constant ceasefire violations. Last year's deadly attack on the Amarnath pilgrims, which left at least seven pilgrims dead, has security agencies on their toes. The authorities have planned a multi-tier security arrangements, reports said. Satellites will track pilgrims' movement. That apart, authorities are installing jammers, CCTV cameras and bulletproof bunkers to be ready for any adverse situation. Reports also said that dog squads and quick reaction teams have been deployed which will be part of the security drill along Amarnath routes. The Indian Army, paramilitary forces and the Jammu and Kashmir Police will be part of the heavy security that is being put in place ahead of the pilgrimage, which the security agencies suggested is open to vulnerability. Even though reports quoted sources from the intelligence bureau saying there were no inputs about any possible attack, security forces want to be prepared in case such a time comes. The forces have decided to increase the CAPF deployment from 181 companies in 2017 to 213 companies this year. The Tribune reported that the number of Jammu and Kashmir Armed Police battalions/IRP companies has been increased from 23 to 32 from the previous year. The report further quoted a security official who said that the highest number of deployment will be made in Anantnag district in south Kashmir followed by Ganderbal district in central Kashmir. The Amarnath Yatra passes through three sensitive south Kashmir districts which has a high concentration of militants and officials fear new recruits might target the pilgrimage. However, according to a report in The Economic Times, the Jammu and Kashmir police and paramilitary forces are banking on the new Srinagar-Qazigund highway to bypass stretches of Bijbehara and Awantipora that are vulnerable to militant attacks. Speaking to The Economic Times, a senior police official said that they are banking on the four-lane highway from Qazigund to Srinagar to ensure pilgrims are not exposed to any threats. "This new highway passes through sparsely populated areas that are less difficult to sanitise. We are bypassing the areas where there was possibility of militant attack. Besides, we have identified the spots where we will have to put extra deployment to avoid any untoward incident," the official was quoted as saying. Last year on 10 July, a bus carrying Amarnath pilgrims was attacked by suspected militants of Lashkar-e-Taiba on the Srinagar-Jammu highway in Anantnag district, killing seven pilgrims and injuring 19 others. An army jawan here has been reported missing now and neither his family nor the defence and police personnel know of his whereabouts, police said on Thursday. Visakhapatnam: An army jawan, hailing from Visakhapatnam, has been missing for over a month after he left for Jalandhar in Punjab to join duty, police said on Thursday. Gavara Srinivasa Rao (40), transferred from Roorkee in Uttarakhand, had boarded a train here on 8 May but did not report for duty at Jalandhar, they said. Police and army officials have launched a search for the missing jawan, who is in the rank of a Naik. Circumstantial evidence showed that Rao had got down from the train at Panipat in Haryana on the morning of 8 May, police said. He had called up his wife using someone's mobile phone to say that he had lost his wallet and phone. The jawan had told her that he would contact her after reporting for duty, but did not get in touch thereafter and has remained untraceable. Suspecting something amiss, his wife had later called up the army office in Jalandhar when she was informed her husband had not joined duty, police said. She visited Jalandhar to trace Rao but in vain, they said. On 15 May, she lodged a complaint with the Visakhapatnam city police but since Rao had gone missing in Panipat, the case had been transferred to the police there, police said. Meanwhile, the army officials in Jalandhar also informed their head office and alerted the government railway police and the local police in Panipat area about the missing jawan, they added. Decrease Font Size Font Size Increase Font Size Article body College students who participate in hands-on, faculty-mentored research en route to their bachelors degrees cite multiple personal and professional benefits the experience delivers, from strengthening their time-management, critical-thinking and communication skills to developing one-on-one connections with distinguished faculty. But a new analysis by scientists from Auburn University and four collaborating institutions suggests the value of structured research programs for undergraduates extends to society as a whole by encouraging participants to seek advanced degrees in scientific and technological fieldsoften referred to as STEM, an acronym for science, technology, engineering and math. In an article published June 13 in the journal BioScience, the researchers reported that college underclassmen who take part in summer research training programsspecifically, in this study, the National Science Foundations Research Experiences for Undergraduates, or REU, initiativeare 48 percent more likely to pursue STEM-related doctoral degrees than demographically matched students who apply but are not selected. Alan Wilson, Auburn School of Fisheries, Aquaculture and Aquatic Sciences associate professor and lead author of Assessing Science Training Programs: Structured Undergraduate Research Programs Make a Difference, said the new analysis is among the first to provide valuable, quantifiable data on the effectiveness of such opportunities. Accurately assessing the impact of undergraduate research has been difficult because it typically has taken a subjective approach, with participants responding through surveys or evaluations about what they got out of the experience, Wilson said. It has been qualitative, not quantitative. As he and his colleagues note in their publication, however, concrete data are increasingly essential. Scientific, technological and economic competitiveness is motivating greater interest and investment in STEM training around the world, with an emphasis on addressing the current (global) shortage of STEM Ph.D.s, the scientists write. With annual spending on STEM training well over $14 billion in the United States, guiding future investmentsdemands a good understanding of effective approaches. In the REU program, NSF awards universities and laboratories three-year competitive grants to support the scientific training of 10 college underclassmen for 10 weeks over three consecutive summers. Students from colleges with limited research opportunities then apply to host institutions, and those accepted receive a stipend and, at Auburn and many other REU sites, free room and board for the duration of their training. To gauge the effectiveness of these funded research experiences for college freshmen, sophomores and juniors, the researchers identified and tracked 176 individuals with similar demographics who had applied to one of five field-ecology- or field-biology-based training programs offered at five different REU sites in the U.S. for the summers of 2009-11. Half of the applicants were accepted; half were not. Our assumption for a long time has been that conducting independent undergraduate research under the guidance of a faculty mentor prepares students for success in STEM careers, Wilson said. Our data support that assumption. They show that the product is real, that it can make a difference for the students, their mentors and the reputation of their universities. We hope our findings will increase future students interest in learning how to do research and encourage more college faculty to invest their time and energies into mentoring. Wilson, a strong proponent of students hands-on involvement in research, was awarded his first REU Site grant, focused on warm-water aquatic ecology, in 2010 and mentored a total 34 undergraduates through the following three summers. Michael Moore, currently a doctoral student in aquatic ecology at the University of Missouri, was among Wilsons 2011 participants, and for him, the experience was an eye-opening game changer. It was very important for me in my exploration of different career paths because I was expected to generate knowledge, become the expert on my research topic and present that information to my peers, Moore said. That gave me confidence to pursue other internships and, later, graduate school far from home. He also learned an important truth about research. I came to realize that conducting scientific research is a messy process, that things usually don't work out as cleanly as they read in the methods section of a journal article, he said. Learning how to deal with adversity and challenges helped me build resilience and persistence as a young, sometimes idealistic, scientist. Wilson received a second REU grant award in 2017 and recently welcomed his 2018 group of 10 to Auburn for independent research projects led by a team of faculty mentors whose research programs include a variety of disciplines associated with aquatic ecology. His is one of four NSF-funded REU sites now at Auburn. The REU impact study, which kicked off in 2016, was designed by Sally OConnor, an REU program director with NSF, and Jenna Pollock, then an NSF intern, collected the data. Wilson assisted Pollock in analyzing the data. Other collaborating scientists included Ian Billick of the Rocky Mountain Biological Lab in Colorado; Eric Nagy, University of Virginia; Carmen Domingo, San Francisco State University; and Adam Summers, University of Washington. Auburns Todd Steury, associate professor of wildlife ecology, and NSF fellow Edna Fernandez-Figueroa also contributed to the project. Read more about the study. The state of the economy was the focus of the verbal slugfest between Arun Jaitley and the Congress today with the union minister saying that abuse is not the answer in political discourse and the opposition party accusing the government of 'economic mismanagement'. New Delhi: The state of the economy was the focus of the verbal slugfest between Arun Jaitley and the Congress on Thursday with the union minister saying that abuse is not the answer in political discourse and the opposition party accusing the government of "economic mismanagement". The barbs flew thick and fast as Jaitley, who attacked Congress president Rahul Gandhi yesterday saying that wisdom has to be acquired through learning and cannot be inherited, telling Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala that he should respond on facts. Surjewala accused the union minister of "economic mismanagement" in the country after Jaitley claimed that India had emerged as the fastest growing economy from being among the 'fragile five' during UPA. The Congress leader again hit back, saying exports are in a free fall, the promise of two crore jobs a 'jumla', NPAs had soared to Rs 10 lakh crore and loots and scams a norm under this government. "This is a political discourse. Abuse is not the answer. Please respond to the facts," Jaitley told Surjewala on Twitter, a response to Wednesday's attack in which the Congress leader said the union minister was writing "hollow and wasteful" blogs to regain political relevance. "When you abuse and berate the Congress leadership, even Supreme Court and many others by distorting facts, it is 'political discourse' for you, but when you are shown the 'mirror of truth' with hard facts, you get unnerved' and call it abuse'? Politics of Convenience?" Surjewala asked on Thursday in response to Jaitley's comments on the Congress chief. Jaitley hit back, saying, "... surely the journey from India being part of the fragile five' and policy paralysis' to the world's fastest-growing economy could not be a result of economic mismanagement Another case of ignorance." Surjewala responded by saying that growth under Modi government was at a four-year low. "Exports are in free fall, the promise of 2 crore jobs is a 'Jumla', NPA's are soaring to Rs 10 lakh crore, investment is down, banks are paralysed and 'loot scams' a norm, GST flawed, schemes failing! Isn't this Economic Mismanagement?" Jaitley had started the verbal duel by taking a jibe at Gandhi for his "anti-Narendra Modi tirade" on Wednesday. "In dynastic parties political positions are heritable. Unfortunately, wisdom is not heritable. It has to be acquired through learning," he said in a post titled "Is Congress Becoming Ideology-less? Is Anti-Modism its only ideology?" he had said on his Facebook page. Taking note of the lynching incident in Assam, Gauhati HC issued notices to state govt officials asking them to apprise it of steps taken to nab culprits. Guwahati: Taking strong note of the lynching incident in Assam's Karbi Anglong district, the Gauhati High Court has issued notices to state government officials asking them to apprise it of steps taken to nab the culprits. A division bench, comprising Chief Justice Ajit Singh and Justice Achintya Malla Bujorbarua, which took suo motu cognisance of the incident in which two friends were beaten to death by a mob, observed that the state is under a constitutional obligation to protect the lives of its residents, and sadly, in this case, it has failed to do so. Nilotpal Das (29) and Abhijeet Nath (30) were on Friday pulled out of their vehicle at Panjuri in Karbi Anglong district and beaten to death by a group of irate villagers, who suspected them to be child-lifters. Assam chief secretary, principal secretary of home and political (B) department, director general of police, deputy commissioner and SP of Karbi Anglong, and the officer in-charge of Dokmoka police station have been made respondents in the matter by the high court. In its order issued on Wednesday, the bench directed them to furnish information on the measures taken to arrest the wrongdoers and also the action taken against erring officials. The case would be heard on June 19. The Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council has reportedly decided to install the victims statues as a mark of respect and offer Rs 5 lakh as compensation to each of their families. Editor's note: This series examines how social media rumours falsely accusing two young Assamese men, Abhijeet Nath and Nilotpal Das, led to their lynching. The incident reflects not just the marginalisation of the Karbi community to which the alleged perpetrators belong, but also points at fissures in a society that's grappling with the complexities posed by the Citizenship Amendment Bill, which seeks to unite dominant Assamese and all ethnic tribes in the state. Guwahati: Social media networks like Facebook and mass messaging services like WhatsApp are yet again facing criticism in the aftermath of the mob lynching of Abhijeet Nath and Nilotpal Das in Assams Karbi Anglong. Questions are being raised on the volatility of these services when it comes to circulating fake news and propagating mass violence. Ironically though, it is on social media that thousands from across the world are joining in to ensure justice is delivered to the duo from Assam who lost their lives to suspicion and mob fury while holidaying in one of the states picturesque district. Barely within four days of setting up the Facebook page 'Justice for Nilotpal and Abhijeet', it garnered over 1 lakh members. "The cry is for humanity," said Ankur Saikia, page admin and businessman, and a close friend of the two youths. Outrage, shock and protests had followed the killing across Assam, condemning the fake news labelling the men "child abductors". India is not safe, the world believes People from the US, Iran, Russia, Philippines, Thailand, Nepal and several other countries stood with placards, condemning the lynchings. "Nilotpal Das always told the world to come to India and enjoy the beautiful country and was killed by his own countrymen. The whole world is talking about this, the world thinks India is not safe and after this, everyone believes it... Please, citizens of India, this is your country... You need to stand united to make your country safer for everyone, irrespective of religion, caste, colour, country" said Ellene Lemonade from Russia, Nilotpals friend. In India, messages of support and calls for justice poured in from Sikkim, Goa, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Punjab, Uttar Pradesh and Puducherry. The police have made at least 30 arrests so far. Prime accused Alphajoz Timung, alias Alpha, was arrested from Bheloghat Beygaon in Karbi Anglong on Wednesday. He had made capital use of the existing fear to instigate mob fury and settle scores after a petty feud with the duo. "There is a massive sharing of posts among members and discussions on submitting a memorandum to the PMO. People are willing to donate for the cause," said Aditya Dixit, who lived with Nilotpal in Goa. Mitra Phukan, noted Assamese writer, however, argues, "It is not social media but how we use itIt is public mentalitySeen this even when there was no social media. This mindset needs to change. Sadistic pleasure out of others grief through rumours is social sickness." A powerful tool Even as debates raged around responsible use of and behaviour on social media, Bikram Hanse, general secretary of Karbi Students' Union said, "Social media might be a volatile zone but is also a powerful tool, as it enables the flow of information from the grassroots." Insisting on anonymity, another Karbi youth said, "The lynchings brought to the fore the problems of Karbi Anglong. Some people are trying to instigate the villagers." Local reports suggest there is illegal mining of quartz and timber smuggling, and these mafias reportedly preach to the villagers that it is their own property. Though extremely picturesque, Karbi Anglong hasnt developed much. Locals say there is a reluctance to promote tourism, mainly due to these mafias. Saikia and his team are headed to Karbi Anglong to ensure fast-track investigations. Over 10 vehicles escorted them to the spot where the duo was killed. A member of Saikia's team said they want to get to the root of the issue. "We want to tell the tribals that we are not taking away anything. We are one of them, and want to help bring out the best in them," the member said. "Most of them are innocent and brainwashed into believing that non-tribals are trying to take over their territory. A fear psychosis is being instilled in their minds" Using social media to reach a wider audience, the team hopes to educate tribals in handling social media responsibly, campaign for more schools here, fight superstition, the existing xenophobia and fear psychosis. The Karbi Anglong Autonomous Council has reportedly decided to install the victims statues as a mark of respect and offer Rs 5 lakh as compensation to each of their families. Investigations are still loose and slow. "Nilotpals father wanted to file a detailed second FIR, but the police flatly declined. They have no details of the investigation and respond as if it is a petty theft case," said Saikia. But he added that there is complete faith in the investigating team from Guwahati, led by Additional DGP Mukesh Agarwal. Superintendent of Police, Karbi Anglong, V Sivaprasad Ganjala said, "We have seized a few things and looking for further reports." Bureaucrats and politicians have little concern for development here, and cite the example of land conflicts that happened decades ago and have no relevance today, said Saikia, adding, "There is barely any electricity in many villages. The peoples lives are limited to eating, drinking and unproductive behaviour. This incident has pushed Karbi-Anglong five years behind." ALSO READ Assam lynching, Part 1: Gruesome murders fuel ire against Karbis even as calls for peace flood social media The author is a Guwahati-based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters. The Atul Kochhar incident leaves the taste of ash in the mouth. That someone's livelihood can be snatched away at the blink of an eye for expressing an opinion (for which he subsequently expressed remorse) is bad enough. It is worse to see Indian liberals, the so-called defenders of free speech, celebrate the Michelin-starred chef's sacking and the stifling of his voice with all triumphalism at their command. The Atul Kochhar incident leaves the taste of ash in the mouth. That someone's livelihood can be snatched away at the blink of an eye for expressing an opinion (for which he subsequently expressed remorse) is bad enough. It is worse to see Indian liberals, the so-called defenders of free speech, celebrate the Michelin-starred chef's sacking and the stifling of his voice with all triumphalism at their command. It is a brutal statement of intent and a blatant expression of hypocrisy. The intent is simple: To bully nonconformist voices into submission and set an example before others so that those with opposing views are either silenced or fall in line. The idea is to trigger self-censorship by inducing fear so that ideological domination becomes simpler. These coercive methods are not really uncommon. Human history is essentially a violent treatise of the tension between subjugation and liberty. As a marker of human ideological evolution, the higher ideal of liberalism strives to set us free from such prejudices and discriminatory practices. The colossal betrayal lies in the fact that its self-appointed practitioners instead of standing against precisely the fate that befell Kochhar celebrated his plight with gay abandon. It was doubly hypocritical to see liberals employ every trick in the totalitarian playbook to bully Kochhar and then claim to have done so in the name of liberalism. It is difficult to find a more perverted moral crime. It seems clear by now that liberalism has fallen prey to its inherent contradictions and its self-proclaimed practitioners are no better than illiberals. In fact, liberal intolerance is more toxic precisely because it is deceptive. As Mark Brandt, an American-trained psychologist at Tilburg University in the Netherlands found in a 2013 paper (co-authored by Geoffrey Wetherell and Christine Reyna in Social Psychological and Personality Science), "While liberals might like to think of themselves as more open-minded, they are no more tolerant of people unlike them than their conservative counterparts are", despite the fact that they "have a variety of personality traits and moral values that should protect them from expressing prejudice." The Kochhar episode reinforces many home truths, especially one that pertains to India. Having won the culture war, the liberals and Leftists are more desperate than ever to retain control over the avenues of soft power because they are mortified at losing political power. This is exemplified by the way a liberal lynch mob co-ordinated its attack on Kochhar, ensured his harm and felt satisfied at the turn of events. These nasty attacks are likely to recur. The problem with liberalism lies deeper than its fake practitioners. Liberalism as an ideology has fundamentally failed to come to terms with Islamism. Instead of tackling the problem, it tiptoed past or remained deliberately oblivious to the challenge Islamism poses to its basic tenets. This problem has been allowed to fester for so long that now liberalism must take recourse to double standards to explain many contradictions that it espouses. For instance, while denigration of Hindu gods and goddesses (or poking fun at the Pope) is insured under liberalism, similar liberties with Islam are disallowed. This hypocrisy has been internalised by liberals in such a way that now they are either unable to detect it, or forced to take a conciliatory approach out of fear. The Kochhar incident is a stunning indictment of this hypocrisy. The London-based chef, who had a contract with JW Marriott Marquis hotel in Dubai that housed his Rang Mahal restaurant, was reacting to the Quantico controversy involving Priyanka Chopra in his 10 June tweet which he has since deleted: Its sad to see that you [Chopra] have not respected the sentiments of Hindus who have been terrorised by Islam over 2,000 years. Shame on you. Kochhar may have been inaccurate with his dates but his larger point is a documented, historical truth. Columnist Tavleen Singh tweeted: He got that wrong by a thousand years. But, to pretend that Islam came to India and Hindus gently is a foolish lie. A Truth Commission should have been set up long ago. https://t.co/9plHrND9Kd Tavleen Singh (@tavleen_singh) June 13, 2018 The brutalities of Islamic invasion cannot be denied or wished away. As VS Naipaul told Tarun Tejpal in a 1999 interview in Outlook, "In art books and history books, people write of the Muslims "arriving" in India, as though the Muslims came on a tourist bus and went away again. The Muslim view of their conquest of India is a truer one. They speak of the triumph of the faith, the destruction of idols and temples, the loot, the carting away of the local people as slaves, so cheap and numerous that they were being sold for a few rupees." Sir Vidia also held forth on the destruction of temples which is evident from both their presence and absence. "The architectural evidence: The absence of Hindu monuments in the north is convincing enough. This conquest was unlike any other that had gone before. There are no Hindu records of this period. Defeated people never write their history. The victors write the history. The victors were Muslims. For people on the other side, it is a period of darkness." In The Diplomat, Akhilesh Pillalamarri wrote how this destruction was carried out to send a message of humiliation. "Today, most of the large and important historical Hindu temples are found in southern India (Tirupati, Madurai) or in Odisha, on the eastern coast. These areas remained outside of Islamic rule for most of their history. The traditional heartland of Hinduism in the Ganges river valley (modern Uttar Pradesh and Bihar) as well as Punjab and Sindh feature no major large Hindu temples, most of which were destroyed by Muslim iconoclasm, much of which occurred in the period of the initial Muslim conquest of the region from 1000-1300 C.E. As many historians like to point out, many, if not most, Hindu temples were not destroyed, but major ones were, primarily to make an impact on Hindus." It is also important to note that for stating a historical fact, Kochhar issued two "sincere, unqualified" apologies: The Kochhar incident sparked a counter-reaction on social media where some from the right-wing have called for a boycott of JW Marriott chain of hotels. This is a silly position to take. Marriott is duty-bound to obey strict Islamic laws of the UAE if it wants to conduct its business. It is unreasonable to expect the luxury brand to keep Kochhar on at the risk of hurting its business. It has taken a decision which became inevitable as the controversy grew. The question to ask is why liberals hounded Kochhar in such a way that leaves the chef facing "imprisonment of up to five years and a fine of between 500,000 dirhams and 1 million dirhams"? This is not merely hypocrisy at work, but Islamic exceptionalism that forces liberals to concede that Islam and Muslims should be kept outside the purview of liberalism. This, of course, is a deeply unprincipled and perverted position to take but as Jeffrey Tayler wrote in Quilette, these liberals are "not genuine progressives at all but deeply confused de facto apologists for the most illiberal notion conceivable: Namely, that one group of humans has, on account of its religion, an inalienable right to dominate and abuse other humans: And to do so unmolested by criticism." It is here that the can hits the road. In order to justify their illiberalism, liberals performed the old trick of labelling Kochhar's words as "hate speech" and called for punishment against "bigotry". This purportedly frees them from carrying the can of liberalism and they may go about their task of bullying those they do not approve of. This fake liberalism similarly prevents them from standing in favour of the AMU students who were hounded (and received death threats) for visiting a bar during the month of Ramzan. The Kochhar incident shouldn't surprise us. The only lesson to take from it is this: Liberalism is dead. RIP. Bengaluru's biggest lake, Bellandur, has become even more toxic, a committee set up by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has said, holding that there is less than 1 millilitre of clean water in it. Bengaluru's biggest lake, Bellandur, has become even more toxic, a committee set up by the National Green Tribunal (NGT) has said, holding that there is less than 1 millilitre of clean water in it. As part of a 329-page report submitted to the NGT, the panel has held that the lake is "filled with sewage, effluents, solid waste, weeds, debris et al," as reported by Deccan Herald, terming the situation as a state of "environmental emergency". On 11 June, the article said, the report was also shared with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc) and other stakeholders. "It is of utmost importance to take up construction of sewage treatment plants. By sheer callousness and indifference of the authorities, the biggest lake has become the largest septic tank," the panel was quoted as saying in the report. The commission further noted that directions issued to the NGT have not been complied with since untreated sewage continues to flow indiscriminately and pollutes the lakes. The situation at Varthur Lake may be even worse. A separate article on India Today said the commission even found evidence of a road being constructed at the Varthur lake, and construction and demolition waste was being dumped here under the pretext of laying a pipeline. "The condition of Varthur Lake is no better in fact, worse than Bellandur Lake in almost every aspect from fire to froth and from sewage to stink. Varthur is an aggravated calamity by the sheer volume of filth that is dumped in it without any ecological sensitivity," Deccan Herald quoted the commission as having said. The situation at Bellandur is so bad that the lake caught fire on 12 separate occasions between 12 August 2016 and the present date, The Times of India wrote. But with encroachments and wanton dumping of waste continuing to take place at the lakes, the blame ultimately lies with the authorities, both civic and legislative. In response, the Bangalore Development Authority (BDA), the government organisation that's the principal planning authority for the city, and the body which acts as the custodian for Bellandur lake, said de-weeding and work on installation of the sluice gate are underway in full swing. "We will soon file our compliance report before NGT. The froth is also due to soaps and detergents that are part of the sewage entering the lake," BL Ravindra Babu, engineer member of BDA, was quoted as saying by The Times of India. Amid demands for a CBI probe into the death of spiritual guru Bhaiyuji Maharaj, the Madhya Pradesh Police on Wednesday ruled out any foul play in it, saying the circumstantial evidence suggests he committed suicide, possibly because of domestic discord. Indore: Amid demands for a CBI probe into the death of spiritual guru Bhaiyyu Maharaj, the Madhya Pradesh Police on Wednesday ruled out any foul play in it, saying the circumstantial evidence suggests he committed suicide, possibly because of domestic discord. Meanwhile, the second page of the purported suicide note written by the spiritual leader went viral on social media on Wednesday. It says he "is giving the powers related to his finances, properties and bank accounts to his trusted aide Vinayak". An initial probe into the death of the Maharaj has found that he was going through domestic discord, the police said, adding they were looking at the incident from various angles and would not draw any hasty conclusions. The 50-year-old spiritual leader, whose original name was Uday Singh Deshmukh, allegedly committed suicide by shooting himself at his house on Tuesday, the police said. "Strong circumstantial evidence and initial investigations clearly suggest that Bhaiyuji Maharaj shot himself dead. We don't have a speck of doubt about it," Deputy Inspector General of Police H C Mishra told reporters in Indore. He said it was being probed why he decided to end his life. Meanwhile, Bhaiyu Maharaj's disciples, who were in the city, to pay their last respects demanded a CBI probe into his death, alleging that he had been killed. The Congress party has already sought a CBI probe into the incident. "Initial investigation has suggested that Bhaiyuji was under stress due to the family discord. We are investigating the case and have not drawn a conclusion yet," the DIG said. He said the revolver used in the incident has been sent for test. Mishra said they are investigating in whose name the licence for the weapon had been issued. "His family members have told the police that the licence was issued in the name of Bhaiyuji," he said. He said that in his "suicide note", Bhaiyuji wrote that he was taking the step due to stress. Talking to PTI, Additional Director General of Police (ADG), Indore Range, Ajay Sharma said, "Domestic discord has come to light during the initial investigation into Bhaiyyu Maharaj's suicide, but we are conducting a detailed probe from other angles also." "We will not jump to any conclusion in a haste," he added. Sharma said a notepad was found in Bhaiyyu Maharaj's room in which he had purportedly written, "Somebody should be there to handle duties of family, I am leaving, too much stressed out, fed up." The spiritual guru's family members claimed that it was his own handwriting, but the police will verify it by taking help of experts, the official said. The second page of the purported suicide note which went viral on social media says, "My all powers of finance, properties, bank accounts, all powers of signing authorities will be Vinayak because I'm having trust in Vinayak. I'm writing this thing without pressure (sic)." When asked about it, DIG Mishra said in the suicide note, he has expressed a wish that one of his trusted aides should be given the responsibility of his property and assets. "The first part of the suicide note says that he was ending his life due to immense stress, while in the latter part of the note he has expressed a wish that one of his trusted aides, who has been with him for the last 15 years, be given the powers related to his property and assets," he said. Another official said the police have seized the CCTV footage, the revolver that Maharaj had allegedly used to shoot himself, his mobile phone and other gadgets from his house, located on the bypass road, where the incident took place. Bhaiyuji Maharaj's first wife died after suffering a heart attack in 2015. He later married Dr Ayushi Sharma, a native of Shivpuri, in 2017. He has a daughter from his first wife. Reacting to a viral CCTV footage dated 11 June, in which Bhaiyyu Maharaj is purportedly seen sitting with a woman in a local restaurant, the DIG said it has nothing to do with the 'suicide' according to investigations. "He had gone there to facilitate the admission of his follower's kin into an educational institute," Mishra added. A disciple from Jalgaon in Maharashtra, Sambhaji Deshmukh, said the guru was "not a coward and could never take a step like suicide". "We suspect that he was killed under some conspiracy and demand a CBI probe into the incident," Deshmukh said. The Maharaj was very popular in Maharashtra and Madhya Pradesh because of his spiritual and social works. He enjoyed a large following among politicians and film stars. He was one of the five Hindu religious leaders to whom the Shivraj Singh government in Madhya Pradesh had granted Minister of State (MoS) rank in April. However, Maharaj had refused to accept it, saying "a post holds no importance for a saint". A native of Poonch area in Jammu and Kashmir, Aurangzeb, was picked up from Kalampora area in Pulwama, when he was proceeding on leave for Eid, officials said. The bullet-riddled body of the Indian Army jawan who was abducted near Shopian in south Kashmir, was found at Gusoo in Pulwama, ANI reported. Aurangzeb, a native of Poonch area of Jammu and Kashmir, was picked up from Pulwama's Kalampora as he was heading home for Eid, officials said. The incident occurred around 11:30 am when at least three heavily armed militants stopped the private vehicle in which the sepoy was travelling in Kalampora and kidnapped him. Aurangzeb belonged to the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry and was posted with the 44 Rashtriya Rifles camp at Shadimarg in Shopian, officials said. "The incident occurred 1.5 kilometres away from the 44 RR camp in Rajpora area of Pulwama," said Pulwama senior superintendent of police Mohammad Aslam. According to another police official, a group of militants stopped the Santro vehicle in which Aurangzeb was travelling. The vehicle belonged to a health department employee, who was driving the car. The health department employee was asked by army men at the Shadimarg camp to drop Aurangzeb at Tukura area from where he was to head home. But after they travelled only a little distance from the army camp, militants stopped the vehicle. They let off the driver while abducting Aurangzeb. The fact that Aurangzeb was a personal security officer of Major Rohit Shukla also gains relevance after several reports claimed that the militants were trying to keep a tab on Shukla and his aides who were all a part of a May encounter in which top Hizbul Mujahideen commander Sameer Tiger was killed. The news of Aurangzeb's killing comes on the same day veteran Kashmiri journalist Shujaat Bukhari was shot dead by unidentified assailants in the Valley. Union home minister Rajnath Singh is deliberating whether to extend or call off the Ramzan ceasefire that is due to end on Friday. With inputs from PTI It's been four days since communal tension is simmering in Ranchi. The first of the three communal clashes occurred on 10 June when a crowd at the jam-packed Eid-bazaar in Hindpiri's Main Road, got into a fight with a group of people holding a bike rally celebrating four years of Modi government. Ranchi: It's been four days since communal tension is simmering in Ranchi. The first of the three communal clashes occurred on 10 June when a crowd at the jam-packed Eid-bazaar in Hindpiri's Main Road, got into a fight with a group of people holding a bike rally celebrating four years of Modi government. One of the bikes, reportedly hit a woman, triggering clashes in the area. The incident, fanned by social media posts and rumours of the death of a cleric, flared up quickly from there on. The area remained communally volatile for almost four hours. Later that evening, two clerics were attacked on their way back from a Madrassa in Nagri, on the outskirts of the capital and were allegedly forced to chant the name of a certain 'god', further inflaming communal passions. Four days on, the tension continues to simmer with over 100 policemen deployed in the area, after two incidents of stone pelting between members of two communities were reported. The incident occurred after a rumour spread that banned meat was found at a temple. Rumours flamed a spark Gaurav Pandey, who was in a mobile accessories shop at Daily Market recalls the incident at Hindpiri: "I was buying tempered glass for my phone when the whole thing began. I could hear distant chants of Jai Shree Ram," he said. "The shopkeeper, who happened to be an acquaintance, told me to leave the place immediately. I had no clue what was happening but when I reached home some 20 minutes later, violence had erupted in the Main Road area. Soon, messages began circulating that people were killed, but it all turned out to be rumours." "In each of the cases since Sunday, especially the clash in Nagri and Hindpiri, social media fanned the rumours," said Rai Mahimapat Ray, Deputy Commissioner, Ranchi. "The initial tiff at Hindpiri was a small one that could have been sorted out, but the internet messages spread fast and the rumours gave way to panic among people. The police and the district administration were deployed there till evening," Ray said. At Nagri too, the stone pelting between the communities began on the morning of 12 June "after someone circulated the news of banned meat being discovered at a temple," said Ray. "We had to bring in a large force to calm the situation," he added. Ram Narayan Singh, officer in charge of Nagri Police Station also said, "Peace talks were on between the groups when another clash happened after a new rumour spread that a boy has been killed by a religious group. Shops were shut and property was vandalised on the basis of a random story that originated on social media." Singh said that five people had been taken into custody in connection with the 10 June attack on the two clerics, Maulana Azhar-ul-Islam and his friend. "They are being questioned about the details of the incident as per the FIR." In the FIR, Maulana Islam alleged he was beaten by 20-25 people at around 10 pm near Argu village of Nagri Block and was forced to chant the name of a certain god. The police are now asking the public to directly forward communally charged social media messages to police headquarters, so that they can nab the rumour mongers. A week ago, city SSP Kuldeep Dwivedi had issued a notification warning admins of social media groups in Hazaribagh, against circulating any rumour that could cause unrest among the people. "People must use their common sense before acting on any volatile message. We have opened the police control room for complaints against any such messages that are spread on social media. People can directly send the screenshots of such messages to my official number. The City SP and SDO can also be contacted," Ray said. Jharkhand's peaceful past Though the situation is under control for now, the administration maintained a strong vigil given that only a week ago, two communities clashed and several vehicles were burned in Hazaribagh, a town around 95 kilometres away from Ranchi, after abusive language was used against a religion in a Facebook post. The recent rise in incidents of communal violence in Jharkhand is in contrast to the region's history of communal harmony. "The state was peaceful even until a decade ago," said Santosh Kiro, an academician and former journalist. "Incidents of communal clashes were rare. The first of these incidents which blew up into a big clash was in 2015 over certain songs being played during Ram Navami," Kiro recounted. At that time, people had been forced to remain indoors for two days and schools were shut down. Chief Minister Raghubar Das had to personally visit the areas to calm the situation. Then too social media played a major role as hate-filled messages were circulated widely. That incident was followed by rioting in Ranchi in 2017 when a person named Alimuddin Ansari was lynched in Ramgarh for allegedly selling banned meat. It has been one communal incident after another since then, over real and imaginary incidents. Kiro, who is currently working on a book on Jharkhand's history, recalls a wholly different picture of Ranchi. "Back in the 90s when the Jharkhand movement was in full swing, people from all religious communities came together on the streets demanding a separate state," he said. "They shared the same stories of struggles. And in less than two decades, the same city is burning because some unruly elements are creating a sense of mistrust. This is not the Ranchi I have seen grow. It is all very sad." However, while it was still part of Bihar, Jharkhand's capital city Ranchi had witnessed communal riots in 1967 when a procession taken out by the Communist Party of India, demanding recognition of Urdu as a second language, was attacked. Eastern region of the country was witnessing communal tensions back then due to the influx of Hindu refugees fleeing eastern Pakistan. But even as Kiro reminisces of a peaceful past, the streets are being patrolled by a large contingent of police deployed across the capital, with orders to be on high until Eid, which is expected to fall on 17 June. "We are tightening the noose on rumour mongers. All of them will be booked under the IT Act and action will be taken against them," said VK Srivastava, spokesperson of Jharkhand police. The author is a Ranchi-based freelance writer and a member of 101Reporters.com, a pan-India network of grassroots reporters Even as the stalemate continues between the Delhi government and Lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal, the Raj Niwas issued a slew of orders to check air pollution Even as the stalemate continues between the Delhi government and Lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijal, the Raj Niwas issued a slew of orders to check air pollution. The orders came after Baijal convened an emergency meeting with officials in the Delhi government over the issue of air pollution, which has been above the severe mark for the past three days. As per a statement issued by Raj Niwas, the measures to be taken to curb air pollution include stopping all construction activities from 15 to 17 June. Stopping civil engineering construction activities in Delhi from 15 June, 2018, to 17 June, 2018. Municipal Corporations, Delhi Pollution Control Committee and all construction agencies to enforce it. Agencies engaged in construction activities like Delhi Metropolitan Railway Corporation, National Building Construction Corporation, National Highway Authority of India, Municipal Corporations of Delhi etc. shall strictly enforce dust control measures at their respective construction sites. Significantly, the order is going to impact the ongoing work of Phase 3 of the Delhi Metro. Baijal ordered the municipal corporations and public works department to intensify mechanical road sweepings, sprinkling of non-potable water at central verges and roadsides and stop brooming activity on main roads. Baijal also ordered the municipal corporations, Delhi Development Authority and sub-divisional magistrates to strictly enforce prohibition on open burning of garbage, plastics and leaves. Baijal ordered municipal corporations, Delhi Pollution Control Committee and Public Works Department to impose penalties on all road construction contractors where there are inadequate dust control measures. The meeting also envisaged a massive plantation exercise from 15 July to 15 September across Delhi. To welcome participation of residents, information about procurement of saplings, identified areas for plantation activities etc will be provided by forest department. Baijal stressed upon participation of people including resident welfare associations, eco-clubs in schools to give a sense of ownership of this programme. Baijal directed all agencies concerned have been asked to submit their respective plans for plantation programme to the forest department. Baijal directed continuous monitoring by all agencies to ensure compliance with above measures. A review meeting would be convened tentatively on 25 June, 2018, and thereafter, implementation would be regularly monitored. The emergency meeting in Baijal's was called after AAP leader Atishi Marlena in a press conference blamed non-cooperation of IAS officers with the Delhi government and resultant non-implementation of pollution control measures in Delhi as the cause of severe air pollution. For the past 115 days, the IAS officers in Delhi are on strike, and they have not implemented any instruction of the government and not attended any meeting called by the ministers, Marlena said. She also added that from 22 February to 8 June, the Delhi's forest and environment minister called for 12 meetings to discuss issues related to pollution control in Delhi but the IAS officers did not attend them. It is the officers who implement policies. If they do not remain present in the policy meetings, how will be the policies implemented? she asked. The AAP-led government in Delhi and the IAS officers working in the state had a major face-off in February after Chief Secretary Anshu Prakash accused several MLAs of assaulting him during a meeting at Kejriwal's residence. The AAP has been claiming that the IAS officers have been on strike since the alleged incident, a charge that IAS officers have denied. Kejriwal and three of his cabinet colleagues are protesting the alleged strike by IAS officers in the waiting room of Baijal's office. They have demanded that Baijal direct the IAS officials to end the strike. The Crime Branch has issued a lookout circular against Daati Maharaj who has been accused by a 25-year-old woman of raping her on several occasions New Delhi: The Crime Branch of Delhi Police has issued a lookout circular against a self-styled godman who has been accused by a 25-year-old woman of raping her on several occasions, an official said on Thursday. The case was transferred from the district police to the Crime Branch on Wednesday. In her complaint lodged at Fatehpur Beri police station in south Delhi on Sunday, the woman had claimed that Daati Maharaj, a self-styled godman, and his disciples had raped her on several occasions. The police said that they examined the victim on Thursday and also got her statement recorded in front of a magistrate. A lookout circular has been issued against the self-styled godman in order to ensure that he does not leave the country, they said. The woman had told police that she was a disciple of the self-styled godman for a decade, but after she was raped by him and two of his disciples, she returned to her native place in Rajasthan. She also alleged that a female disciple of the godman would force her into his room and if she refused, would tell her that other disciples too slept with him, the police said. The woman also alleged that she was sexually abused in the ashrams of the godman in Delhi and Rajasthan and named two male disciples of Daati Maharaj. She fled from one of the ashrams two years ago and had gone into depression. After she recovered from her trauma, she narrated her ordeal to her parents, who approached the police and a case was registered. The 2-km radius around the PM's official residence at Lok Kalyan Marg in Delhi may be a no-fly zone but that did not stop an unidentified flying object (UFO) from violating the rules. On June 7, a UFO was apparently hovering over PM Modi's residence sending the security personnel posted in the area into a tizzy. However the search for the UFO that ensued determined that nothing was found in the area. Once the search ended the Perimeter Security Officer sent an 'OK Report' to the Delhi Police. Special Commissioner of Police and Delhi Police Chief Spokesperson Dependra Pathak confirmed the sighting. "The sighting was reported but nothing threatening was found. More details cannot be shared keeping security reasons in mind," Pathak said as mentioned in a report in The Hindustan Times. Madhur Verma, Deputy Commissioner of Police of New Delhi district, told CNN-News 18, "We have not registered any FIR. It could have been a drone, which is common. I cannot disclose more information." The Intelligence Bureau, National Security Guards and Delhi Air Traffic Control (ATC) were also intimated about the sighting and were put on high alert. The safety and seriousness of the incident aside, it was not something Twitterati would have let go. Anyone on social media would agree that this incident was a goldmine for jokes. That's exactly what happened - jokes ensued. INC India's Twitter handle also jumped in at the chance. "Even aliens are looking for vikas," it tweeted. Even aliens are looking for 'Vikas'https://t.co/PIdQZbJ7hW - Congress (@INCIndia) June 14, 2018 From taking a dig at PM Modi's '56-inch chest' comment to latest events, Twitterati did what it does best. 'UFO' sighted near PM Modi's house on June 7, search finds nothing. Must have been #AchheDinhttps://t.co/owXj3y9xos - Shivam Vij (@DilliDurAst) June 14, 2018 Martians probably wanting to take a closer look at 56". The reported sighting of a round "unidentified flying object" hovering over the... https://t.co/lX2KrP5pC6 - Mohan Guruswamy (@mohanguruswamy) June 14, 2018 They must have come to invite him to the one place hes not been till nowhttps://t.co/TNLj7UyOmkhttps://t.co/X62QUof7uN - Dipali Sikand (@SikandDipali) June 14, 2018 In September last year, the Delhi Police security control room was informed of a drone-like object flying in the Parliament area. Alas! Nothing was to be found then too. Dust storms hit various parts of Uttar Pradesh, leaving seven persons dead and 21 injured. Lucknow: Dust storms hit various parts of Uttar Pradesh, leaving seven persons dead and 21 injured, an official spokesman said on Thursday. "Seven persons were killed in dust storm in the past 24 hours. While three each died in Gonda and Sitapur, one person was killed in Faizabad," an official spokesman said in Lucknow. While 11 persons were injured in Faizabad, 10 were injured in Sitapur, he said. Taking note of this, Chief Minister Yogi Adityanath had ordered district magistrates concerned to ensure proper treatment to the injured. He also directed that compensation be paid to the kin of those killed and said no laxity will be tolerated. Expressing grief over the deaths, he said the state government will extend all possible help to those hit by dust storms and related incidents, according to the spokesman. Parrikar first landed in Mumbai and from there, he took another flight to reach Panaji, said an official of his office. Panaji: Goa chief minister Manohar Parrikar returned home on Thursday more than three months after he went to the United States for medical treatment. Soon after his return, the Goa chief minister said, "It feels nice to be back." #WATCH: Chief Minister Manohar Parrikar arrives in Panaji (Goa). He was undergoing treatment for last 2 and half months in the US. pic.twitter.com/NU0W2NMD7i ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 He will hold the state cabinet meeting on Friday, the Chief Minister's Office (CMO) said. Parrikar, 62, has been in the US for treatment of a pancreatic ailment since March. The chief minister first landed in Mumbai and from there, he took another flight to reach Panaji, said an official of his office. Parrikar, after being diagnosed with the ailment, was admitted to Lilavati Hospital in Mumbai on 15 February and was discharged on 22 February. He returned to Goa the same day and presented the budget in the Assembly, but the session was truncated to only four days owing to his illness. He was then admitted to the Goa Medical College and Hospital on 25 February after he complained of dehydration and was discharged four days later. The chief minister went to Mumbai again on 5 March for his further check up from where he was referred to the USA. He left for the US on 7 March. Before leaving Goa, Parrikar had formed a cabinet advisory committee to guide the state administration on governance and other issues in his absence. He has been monitoring the affairs of the state from the US. With inputs from PTI A major blaze that broke out at Beaumonde Towers in Mumbai's Prabhadevi on Wednesday afternoon has been brought under control, officials from the fire department said. A major blaze that broke out at Beaumonde Towers in Mumbai's Prabhadevi on Wednesday afternoon has been doused after five hours, officials from the fire department said. More than 90 residents were evacuated and no injuries have been reported. The blaze reportedly broke out on the 33rd floor of the B-wing of the building. The fire, which broke out around 2.15 pm was initially categorised as a level-II blaze but was soon reclassified to a level-III. At least ten fire engines, two quick response vans, five water tankers, two hydraulic platforms and an ambulance rushed to the spot. The Mumbai Police, responding to alert citizens on social media, tweeted: Our staff & Fire Brigade is on the spot for assistance. They are trying their best to douse the fire and provide necessary help to people there. Mumbai Police (@MumbaiPolice) June 13, 2018 Initially, B-wing residents did not realise there was a fire. They were alerted by the panicked cries of the residents of C-wing. All residents were evacuated as a precautionary measure. The building's security personnel helped the residents evacuate while the fire department was called. The guards knocked on every door during the evacuation and led the residents down by the stairwell. The fire, which was initially confined to the 32nd and 33rd floor, later spread to the left of the tower. The hydraulic systems used to douse the fire, even with the help of ladders and extensions, could reportedly only reach the 28th floor. Firefighters struggled to control the blaze as flames could be seen in the top-left corner at the back of the building. Dilip Yadav, a municipality volunteer, claimed this was the third time the building caught fire. Two fires broke out in the building during its construction, he alleged. Chief Fire Officer Prabhat Rahangdale told Firstpost the department doesn't have the estimate of how tall the building is. He said the keys of both the floors have just reached the firefighters, after which they will try and access the two floors. The health of the 18 crew members of the Indian merchant ship Maharshi Vamadeva, detained at the Fujairah port in UAE since last June, is deteriorating fast according to the captain of the ship Chennai: The health of the 18 crew members of the Indian merchant ship Maharshi Vamadeva, detained at the Fujairah port in the United Arab Emirates since last June, is deteriorating fast with rapid weight loss, high stress and multiple ailments, says the captain of the ship. Maharshi Vamadeva, a gas carrier, was detained by Fujairah port authorities for alleged non-payment of dues by ship owner Varun Global, a company under liquidation due to bankruptcy. The crew members have limited access to essentials like food and water and have not been paid their full wages, master of the vessel Captain Kumar Krishna told PTI over mail and WhatsApp from Fujairah. The present batch, managed by Gurgaon-based Darya Shipping Agency, joined the vessel in February 2018 after the initial crew was evacuated following protests, he said. Two days ago, Electrical Officer Jitendra Kumar Pandey was evacuated on medical grounds after severe chest pain on 4 June. The 44-year-old from Ratsar Ballia in Uttar Pradesh was admitted to the Fujairah Port Medical Centre. The medical report, a copy of which is available with PTI, says, "On 5-6-2018: He complains of left-sided chest pain with increase in severity since today morning. Repeat ECG shows new changes suggestive of Ischemia. He is started on antiplatelet, IV heparin, statin and other supportive care." Krishna is worried for the other 18 crew members, all Indian nationals, left behind. "The physical condition of the crew members is worsening day by day. We are not being paid salaries. Multiple requests to the authorities have not fetched any result so far," Krishna said. Family members and others have written to various authorities, including the Directorate General of Shipping, the Indian embassy in UAE and the External Affairs Ministry, seeking their intervention. According to a mail sent to Indian and UAE authorities, one of the men has been showing signs of "mental disarray", sleeping during anchor watch, acting aloof and not responding to orders. "It's up to all authorities to decide on his medical care, evacuation etc. before he makes further damage to himself. And this is just another case, managing 18 human lives day by day is becoming a daunting task for me. Please do something before we get mad," the captain has requested in the letter. According to Darya Shipping Agency CEO Captain Rajesh Deshwal, some of them have been suffering from ailments like chicken pox and there have also been reports of alarming weight loss. "This can cause permanent disability and mental trauma to them and their families," he told PTI over the phone. The crew has not received salaries for the past five months, Deshwal disclosed, claiming that he had been paying them in his individual capacity. The crew draws salaries ranging from Rs 60,000 to Rs 8 lakh per month, he said, adding that he might not be able to continue it further. The company, Deshwal said, was made to sign a contract by the Insolvency Resolution Partner (IRP), appointed by the National Company Law Tribunal to take over the insolvent company on behalf of the bank and manage all activities of the company. "They asked us to take over a vessel, owned by State Bank of India which was the lead mortgagee bank for the vessel. We said we cannot unless we are paid. So SBI called us, signed a contract and told us they will make regular payments. They made an initial remittance of around Rs 1 crore too. Once the crew was there, they stopped payment and said they wouldn't make any payment until the vessel is sold," he alleged. SBI did not respond to an email sent for comments. Varun Global, the primary owner of the ship, also could not be reached over phone or email. Other than concerns over the crew's deteriorating health, Krishna has flagged issues related to the vessel itself. "The vessel is a threat to marine traffic at congested anchorage of Fujairah. The vessel is hazardous due to LPG vapours in the tank. Due to insufficient spares, fire alarm sensors are having various fault alarms. The ship insurance certificates including the Wreck Removal certificate have expired. If someone can understand the gravity of the situation please take decisions," he said in a mail dated 30 May to various authorities, including the Ministries of External Affairs and Shipping. According to Deshwal, the tankers are filled with gas and it will be like a bomb in case of a fire. "If there is bad weather and the ship starts drifting towards the shore, the crew won't have control. They cannot start the engines because there is no fuel or power," he said, adding that the crew members could get arrested for trying to leave the ship and could lose claim over their salary for "abandoning ship". The first crew managed by Fleet Management Ltd, too, faced similar problems with no food, water, fuel and salary, Krishna said. "They protested from June 2017 to February 2018, after which our crew managed by Darya Shipping reluctantly agreed to join the ship," he added. India expressed its 'deep dismay' over a Maldivian court sentencing the nation's former president and the chief justice of its Supreme Court prison without a 'fair trial' New Delhi: India on Thursday expressed its "deep dismay" over a Maldivian court sentencing the island nation's former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and the chief justice of its Supreme Court to long prison terms without a "fair trial". The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the development casts a doubt on the Maldivian government's commitment to uphold the rule of law and will raise questions on the credibility of the presidential elections in that country, slated for September. According to Maldivian media reports, Gayoom, 80, and Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed were handed similar prison terms of one year, seven months and six days by a court which found them guilty of obstructing justice. In a statement, the MEA said India reiterated its "advice" to the Maldivian government to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by immediately releasing political prisoners, including Gayoom and the chief justice. Since the beginning of the political crisis in the Maldives, the ministry said, India has repeatedly urged the Maldivian government to allow all institutions, including its Supreme Court and Parliament, to function in an independent manner and permit genuine political dialogue between all political parties. "This has also been the demand of the international community at large. It is, therefore, with deep dismay that we learned that the former president of the Maldives as well as the chief justice of the Supreme Court are being sentenced to long prison terms without fair trial," it said in a statement. "This casts doubt on the commitment of the Government of the Maldives to uphold the rule of law and will also call into question the credibility of the entire process of Presidential elections in September this year," the MEA said. It said India believes that a democratic, stable and prosperous Maldives is in the interests of all its neighbours in the Indian Ocean. "It reiterates its advice to the Government of the Maldives to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by immediately releasing political prisoners including former President Gayoom and Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and creating the necessary conditions for the participation of all political forces in the Presidential Elections," the ministry said. Ties between India and Maldives nosedived after Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen declared emergency on 5 February, following an order by the Supreme Court to release a group of Opposition leaders who had been convicted in widely-criticised trials. On 21 February, India reacted strongly over the extension of emergency by a month. The emergency was lifted 45 days later. In February, Maldives declined India's invitation to participate in the eight-day mega naval exercise Milan from 6 to 13 March. India is among almost 90 countries in the world which do not have national policies in place that ensure new fathers get adequate paid time off with their newborn babies, according to a new UNICEF analysis United Nations: India is among almost 90 countries in the world which do not have national policies in place that ensure new fathers get adequate paid time off with their newborn babies, according to a new UNICEF analysis. Almost two-thirds of the world's children under one-year-old nearly 90 million live in countries where their fathers are not entitled by law to a single day of paid paternity leave, the UN agency said. India and Nigeria, which have high infant populations, are among the 92 countries which do not have national policies in place that ensure new fathers get adequate paid time off with their newborn babies. The UN agency noted that around the world, momentum for family-friendly policies was growing. It cited the example of India, where officials are proposing a Paternity Benefit Bill for consideration in the next session of Parliament which would allow fathers up to three months of paid paternity leave. Noting that much work remains to be done, UNICEF said in eight countries across the world, including the United States which is home to nearly four million infants, there was no paid maternity or paternity leave policy. Other countries with high infant populations, including Brazil and Congo, all have national paid paternity leave policies, although offering relatively short-term entitlements. "Positive and meaningful interaction with mothers and fathers from the very beginning helps shape children's brain growth and development for life, making them healthier and happier, and increasing their ability to learn. It's all of our responsibility to enable them to fill this role," UNICEF Executive Director Henrietta Fore said. Evidence suggests that when fathers bond with their babies from the beginning of life, they are more likely to play a more active role in the child's development. The research also suggests that when children positively interact with their fathers, they have better psychological health, self-esteem and life-satisfaction in the long-term, UNICEF said. UNICEF urged governments to implement national family-friendly policies that support early childhood development, including paid paternity leave, to help provide parents with the time, resources and information they need to care for their children. Earlier this year, UNICEF modernised its approach to parental leave provisions, with up to 16 weeks of paid leave for paternity across all of its offices worldwide the first United Nations agency to extend such leave beyond the standard four weeks. "We cannot be 'For Every Child', if we are not also 'For Every Parent'. We have to ask more of governments and more of employers if we're going to give fathers and mothers the time and resources they need to nurture their children, particularly during the earliest years of a child's life," Fore said. The new analysis forms part of UNICEF's 'Super Dads' campaign, now in its second year, which aims to break down barriers preventing fathers from playing an active role in their young children's development. The campaign celebrates Father's Day recognised in more than 80 countries in June and focuses on the importance of love, play, protection and good nutrition for the healthy development of young children's brains. Data collected by home ministry indicates that militant-related incidents in Kashmir increased by more than 100 percent during the Ramzan ceasefire. One army personnel was killed while two terrorists were gunned down during an ongoing operation in Bandipora's Panar area in Jammu and Kashmir on Thursday, as talks over the suspension of the Ramzan ceasefire escalated. According to ANI, security forces launched a massive search and combing operation in the dense forest area to flush out other militants. Reports also suggested that the forces received a tip-off regarding the presence of some militants in the forest area. #Visuals Jammu & Kashmir: One army personnel dead and two terrorists killed during an ongoing operation in Bandipora's Panar forest area. (Visuals deferred by unspecified time) pic.twitter.com/cYByGzFn6X ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 Meanwhile, reports suggest that the Centre is not likely to extend the month-long ceasefire in place during Ramzan in Kashmir. But it may refrain from publicly announcing the resumption of operations, BJP sources told The Indian Express. "The announcement on the halting of operations was till Ramzan, and the unilateral suspension will end on Eid. The government is unlikely to extend it because the Amarnath Yatra will begin within days, and we have to sanitise the corridors. We cannot keep the hands of the Army tied," said a top leader of the party. Centre to decide on extension Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will take the final call on the extension of the unilateral ceasefire. The decision on whether or not to extend Ramzan ceasefire until Amarnath Yatra, which is scheduled to begin on 28 June, will be taken by the Centre in a security meeting to be held at the Ministry of Home Affairs, MoneyControl reported. "The decision regarding the extension of Ramzan ceasefire will be taken after proper consultation with the public representatives and reviewing the security situation. We need to review the security situation and other related matters at the highest level. It will be done soon and thereafter decision in connection with the extension of the ceasefire will be taken," Rajnath had told reporters. The meeting will also take into consideration the slew of measures that need to be taken up ahead of the Amarnath Yatra. Militants exploited Ramzan ceasefire While incidents of stone pelting have reduced during the period of Ramzan ceasefire, recruitment of local youths by militant groups and incidents of grenade lobbying have risen alarmingly, according to a report in The New Indian Express. According to the latest data compiled by the Centre, as many as 23 youths have been recruited by militant groups during the first 19 days of the ceasefire. The data, accessed by The New Indian Express in the report, also shows that of the total number of grenade lobbying incidents reported in the month of May, more than 80 percent took place during the ceasefire period alone. Defence experts, meanwhile, questioned the need for having a unilateral ceasefire in the Kashmir Valley during the Muslim fasting month of Ramzan, maintaining that this had been fully exploited by militants, according to a Business Standard report. "Apparently, the opportunity that came their way by the way of unilateral ceasefire has been fully exploited by militants and separatists for conducting anti-India activities. It is time that security forces should be given free hand to do what they were doing earlier," an expert said. "Bandipora lays abeam the principal communication artery that connects Srinagar t0 Kargil and border. So, this is one area where every day the convoys are moving up and down. This operation has been going on for the last six days," he added. In a separate incident on Thursday, terrorists opened fire at a joint checkpoint of CRPF and Police near Pulwama's Gangoo, ANI reported. Earlier, Lassipora police station in Pulwama came under attack after a group of militants hurled an Under Barrel Grenade Launcher (UBGL) at it, Zee News reported. Whereas, on Tuesday, a terrorist attack in the states Pulwama region resulted in the loss of lives of two police personnel, while injuring three others, as per Times Now. Militants also targeted a CRPF picket in Anantnag the same day, injuring 10 jawans in the process. The ultras have especially upped the ante over the past week in Kashmir carrying out a series of grenade attacks on security forces and politicians. According to a Hindustan Times report, up until the attack in Pulwama, Kashmir had witnessed 54 incidents of violence since the central government announced the Ramzan ceasefire. Most such attacks took place in the districts of south Kashmir. The data collected by the home ministry indicates that militant-related incidents in the Kashmir Valley increased by more than 100 percent during the Ramzan ceasefire. Before the ceasefire was announced, from 19 April to 16 May, there were 25 militant-related cases reported. But after the announcement, as many as 66 cases were reported between 17 May and 13 June. During Ramzan, as many as 62 terror-related incidents were reported, which were initiated by militants, while six were initiated by security forces; 22 cases of grenade attacks were reported and 23 cases of indiscriminate firing by militants were reported. Even attacks on civilians grew in number. Seven cases of attacks on civilians were reported during the 28 days of Ramzan. In the 28 days before the ceasefire, the figure was only six. The militants have not let up after the imposition of the ceasefire violation. Here are some other reported incidents of ceasefire violations by militants after the Centre's order: An encounter broke out between security forces and militants in Shopian district on the day the ceasefire announcement was made by the Centre, police authorities told PTI. On 19 May, a gun-battle ensued between the army and the militants in Kupwara ahead of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's visit, PTI reported. Around 60 people received injuries on 25 May when security forces tried to disperse protesters after the Friday prayers near the Jamia Masjid, Srinagar, National Herald reported. In another incident, a civilian Bilal Ahmad Ganie was killed in Kakapora, Pulwama following a brief exchange of firing between the soldiers and militants. An army jawan and a civilian were killed on 28 May when terrorists attacked an army camp in militant-infested Pulwama district of South Kashmir, police said. PTI quoted police sources as saying that the militants attacked the camp of 50 Rashtriya Rifles at Kakapora, leaving a jawan seriously injured. On Tuesday, a grenade was hurled at a CRPF camp at Ladiyar in Tral area of Pulwama district. 10 paramilitary jawans were injured in the attack, a police official said. With inputs from agencies The Chief Justice of Madras High Court upheld Tamil Nadu Speakers order disqualifying 18 AIADMK MLAs owing allegiance to sidelined leader TTV Dhinakaran. Justice Sundar disagreed. Auto refresh feeds The Madras High Court will most likely deliver its verdict on petitions challenging the disqualification of 18 AIADMK MLAs owing allegiance to sidelined party leader TTV Dhinakaran. The verdict may open up a fresh round of political squabbles and legal battles and could have a bearing on the stability of the AIADMK government led by Chief Minister K Palaniswami, who had assumed office in February 2017 with the backing of Dhinakaran but later turned against him. If the court quashes the speaker's order disqualifying the 18 MLAs, it could pose some trouble to the Palaniswami government, though the ruling AIADMK is confident that its government would not face any immediate threat to its survival. The first bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M Sundar, which had on 23 January reserved its orders on the petitions by the 18 MLAs challenging their disqualification by the assembly speaker under the anti-defection law, was likely to give the judgement in the afternoon, court sources said. Should the Madras High Court uphold the disqualification of the 18 MLAs from TTV Dhinakaran camp, he won't move the Supreme Court, Thanga Tamilselvan, a key legislator supporting Sasikala's nephew TTV Dhinakaran told The Economic Times . He said it was his individual decision to not litigate further in this case. The Tamil Nadu Assembly has taken a 10-day break and will reconvene on 25 June. If at all the case is quashed by the Madras High Court, the state government will have to prove its majority. Hence, experts think this could be a tactic to ensure they get more time to get ready for the floor test. According to CNN-News18, Chief Minister E Palaniswami had a meeting with advocate general and the chief secretary of Tamil Nadu. The Chief Justice of Madras High Court upheld Tamil Nadu Speakers 18 September 2017 order disqualifying 18 AIADMK MLAs, owing allegiance to sidelined leader TTV Dhinakaran, on the ground of defection. Justice Sundar disagrees. Since the Chief Justice of Madras High Court Indira Banerjee and Justice Sundar gave a split verdict, the case may be referred to a third judge. Justice Huluvadi G Ramesh will nominate the third judge for the matter. No floor test or fresh polls will be held till this the final verdict is given. "Actually the verdict gives some more life to the existing anti people's government," TTV Dhinakaran said speaking to reporters after the Madras High Court gave a split verdict. He said that the loyal MLAs were chosen by "Amma" Jayalalithaa and her people. "They have undergone severe trauma over the last few months," he said. Judges split over disqualification; Dhinakaran says verdict will only give 'some more life' to Palaniswamy govt Speaking to reporters, TTV Dhinakaran called it a fight for ideology. He said, "In Thursday's verdict, one judge has said the Speaker's decision was wrong. The chief justice (Indira Banerjee) who has upheld the Speaker's order had struck down Puducherry Speaker's decision. How can the law be different for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry?" There is a question mark on judiciary after this decision, says Dhinakaran According to India Today, there are four rebel AIADMK MLAs apart from the 18 legislators facing disqualification who are TTV Dhinakaran supporters. These numbers could pose threat to Palaniswami. The DMK has 89 MLAs, allies Congress have 8 and the IUML has one in the 234 member strong House. The Chief Justice of Madras High Court upheld Tamil Nadu Speakers 18 September 2017 order disqualifying 18 AIADMK MLAs, owing allegiance to sidelined leader TTV Dhinakaran, on the ground of defection. Justice Sundar disagrees. Since the Chief Justice of Madras High Court Indira Banerjee and Justice Sundar gave a split verdict, the case may be referred to a third judge. Since CJ has differed with companion judge, third judge will be nominated by Justice Huluvadi G. Ramesh. Till he decides, no elections for 18 constituencies, no floor test. Saga continues @the_hindu Justice Huluvadi G Ramesh will nominate the third judge for the matter. No floor test or fresh polls will be held till this the final verdict is given. While Chief Justice Indira Banerjee found no scope of interference with Speaker Dhanpal's order, Justice M Sundar found that his decision is liable to be set aside. "Actually the verdict gives some more life to the existing anti people's government," TTV Dhinakaran said speaking to reporters after the Madras High Court gave a split verdict. He said that the loyal MLAs were chosen by "Amma" Jayalalithaa and her people. "They have undergone severe trauma over the last few months," he said. Judges split over disqualification; Dhinakaran says verdict will only give 'some more life' to Palaniswamy govt Speaking to reporters, TTV Dhinakaran called it a fight for ideology. He said, "In Thursday's verdict, one judge has said the Speaker's decision was wrong. The chief justice (Indira Banerjee) who has upheld the Speaker's order had struck down Puducherry Speaker's decision. How can the law be different for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry?" There is a question mark on judiciary after this decision, says Dhinakaran The senior-most judge after her will decide the third judge who would hear the matter afresh, Justice Banerjee said. The split verdict has come as a big relief to the AIADMK government headed by Palaniswami as any possible threat to its stability has been averted for now. In the keenly-awaited judgment, Chief Justice Indira Banerjee upheld the 18 September order of Tamil Nadu Assembly Speaker P Dhanapal disqualifying the MLAs, while Justice M Sundar disagreed with her and struck it down. In a relief to the Palaniswami government, the Madras High Court delivered a split verdict on the petitions challenging disqualification of 18 AIADMK legislators loyal to sidelined leader TTV Dhinakaran. TTV Dhinakaran verdict LATEST updates: The Chief Justice of Madras High Court upheld Tamil Nadu Speakers 18 September 2017 order disqualifying 18 AIADMK MLAs owing allegiance to sidelined leader TTV Dhinakaran, on the ground of defection, while Justice Sundar disagreed. The case will now be referred to a third judge. The Madras High Court is expected to deliver its verdict on petitions challenging the disqualification of 18 AIADMK MLAs owing allegiance to sidelined party leader TTV Dhinakaran shortly. Meanwhile, Chief Minister E Palaniswamy met the chief secretary and the advocate general ahead of the judgment. Should the Madras High Court uphold the disqualification of the 18 MLAs from TTV Dhinakaran camp, he won't move the Supreme Court, Thanga Tamilselvan, a key legislator supporting Sasikala's nephew TTV Dhinakaran said. He said it was his individual decision to not litigate further in this case. The verdict may open up a fresh round of political squabbles and legal battles and could have a bearing on the stability of the AIADMK government led by Chief Minister K Palaniswami, who had assumed office in February 2017 with the backing of Dhinakaran but later turned against him. The first bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M Sundar, which had on 23 January reserved its orders on the petitions by the 18 MLAs challenging their disqualification by the assembly speaker under the anti-defection law, was likely to give the judgement in the afternoon, court sources said. If the court quashes the speaker's order disqualifying the 18 MLAs, it could pose some trouble to the Palaniswami government, though the ruling AIADMK is confident that its government would not face any immediate threat to its survival. They point out that in the event of a confidence vote, the 18 MLAs would be bound by the whip and cannot afford to vote against the government. Besides, the option of filing an appeal is also open to both the sides. Opposition DMK has been claiming that with the disqualification of the MLAs, the Palaniswami government had been reduced to a minority. The ruling AIADMK has a strength of 116 MLAs exluding the Speaker but including S Karunaas (Mukkulathor Pulipadai), M Thamimun Ansari (Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi) and U Thaniyarasu (Tamil Nadu Kongu Ilaignar Peravai), who had won on the ruling party's two leaves symbol in 2016 polls. While 18 MLAs owing allegiance to Dhinakaran were disqualified, the DMK has 89 MLAs, its allies Congress 8 and the IUML one in the 234-member House. Dhinakaran was elected from RK Nagar last year and he is the lone Independent member of the House. A court ruling adverse to the government would intensify the power struggle between Dhinakaran, now chief of Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, and the ruling party led by top leaders O Panneerselvam. Dhinakaran, the nephew of deposed party leader VK Sasikala, had been claiming that the Palaniswami government would not last long. The MLAs were disqualified after they had called on Tamil Nadu governor expressing a lack of confidence in Palaniswami's leadership and seeking a change of guard. The MLAs had met the governor on 22 August, 2017, a day after then rival factions led by Palaniswami and his now deputy Panneerselvam merged their factions after deposing Dhinaknaran as the deputy general secretary. During the hearing of the petitions which commenced on 16 November, senior counsels for the respondents including the Speaker, the chief whip, and the chief minister defended the disqualification of the MLAs. The crux of their argument was that the MLAs had approached the governor with the intention to topple the government headed by Palaniswami and thereby attracted disqualification under the anti-defection law. Senior counsels Abhishek Singhvi and PS Raman who had appeared for the petitioners among others argued that the disqualification of the 18 MLAs was a premeditated ambush. The Speaker had passed the order based on irrelevant considerations, ignoring relevant considerations which was malice in law, Singhvi had contended. With Karunaas attending a recent "mock Assembly" held by DMK, it is not clear if he continues to back the ruling party. Thaniyarasu and Ansari seem to be sailing with the government. Bringing relief to the ruling dispensation, in April, the Madras High Court had dismissed a petition by DMK seeking disqualification of Panneerselvam and 10 other AIADMK MLAs for having voted against the Palaniswami government last year when they were in the rebel camp. Popular American automaker Ford, has announced discounts up-to Rs 1 lakh, including other non-monetary benefits, on their line of Ford Figo hatchbacks and Aspire sedan cars. The move comes in light of dwindling sales of the two vehicles, despite having a powerhouse engine and a spacious cabin. Manufactured in Gujarat, the net sales of Figo stood a little under 1000 units, whereas that of Aspire stood around 2,000 units. First introduced in 2015, the two cars failed to strike a chord with car enthusiasts in the country. Over the past few years, as sales started to consistently wane, the company has finally called off the production of the vehicles and decided to take the two cars off-road. Industry analysts suggest that the cars are expected to receive a facelift and would be re-introduced in the marketplace very soon. Few of the changes to look forward to includes a 6.5 inch touchscreen infotainment system powered by Ford's SYNC3 software, 6 airbags for traveller's safety, perimeter alarm, hill launch assist, automatic climate control, multifunctional steering wheel along with Ford MyKey. Ford's latest car, Freestyle is also derived from the same platform as Figo hatchback. The new car claims to be a cross over with rugged design cues and a substantial ground clearance. The equipment list on the car is also among the best segment. The car also get's first-in-segment features like traction control and Active Rollover Prevention (ARP). The new feature-list is expected to make it to the new Ford Figo and Figo Aspire facelift. As far as engine options are concerned, Ford will continue with its older 1.5-liter diesel power train but the petrol variant will get an all new 1.2-litre Dragon engine which puts out 96PS of power and still manages to give out a ARAI mileage of 19.0 kmpl. Aspire automatic might also get the more powerful 1.5-liter Dragon engine that comes with the latest Ford Ecosport. A native of Poonch area in Jammu and Kashmir, the soldier who is identified as Aurangzeb, was kidnapped at around 11:30 am while he was on his way home on leave. A soldier from the Jammu and Kashmir Light Infantry, which is also a part of the 44 Rashtriya Rifles, was on Thursday morning abducted by militants not too far away from the camp where he is posted. A native of Poonch area in Jammu and Kashmir, the soldier who is identified as Aurangzeb, was kidnapped at around 11:30 am while he was on his way home for a leave. At least three heavily armed militants stopped the private vehicle in which he was travelling at Kalampora area of Pulwama and kidnapped the Indian Army sepoy. "The incident occurred 1.5 kilometre away from the 44 RR camp in Rajpora area of Pulwama," said Pulwama, senior superintendent of police, Mohammad Aslam. According to another police official, a group of militants stopped the Santro vehicle in which the soldier was travelling at Kalampora. The vehicle belonged to a health department employee who was driving the car at the time. The health department employee was asked by army men at the Shadimarg camp to drop Aurangzeb at Tukura area from where he was to head home. But while they had travelled only some distance from the army camp, the militants stopped the vehicle and let off the driver while taking the army man along with them. Officials said that he had taken leave to celebrate Eid with his family. "We have launched a manhunt for the militants," said a police official, adding that a case of kidnapping was registered at the Rajpora police station and the investigation was going on. A police official said that the militants had descended on the busy Shadimarg-Kalampora road which connects with the main highway. "The militants kidnapped the army man on the main road that connects to the highway. The road often remains packed with vehicles and connects to the main highway, said an official. "The health department employee, who lives in Kadlibal, Awantipora works at sub-centre at Chaki Badrinath," the official said. The state government employee has been identified as Farooq Ahmad Alia. A top police official, however, said that after the kidnapping, Farooq informed the concerned police station that they were confronted by militants minutes after the army man had travelled with him. "The driver had himself informed the police at the Rajpora police station. However, we are investigating whether the army man was trapped. The driver has not been released as of now and is with the police only, the police official said. The 44 RR had taken part in the operation that led to the killing of a top militant commander, Sameer Bhat, alias Sameer Tiger, at his hometown in Durbgam area of Pulwama, the police officer said. "In the encounter one army major of the Shadimarg camp Rohit Shukla was also wounded," Aslam said. On 30 April, a joint team of 44 RR, as well as the personnel from the Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) and state police, had taken part in the anti-militancy operation killing Sameer and his associate Aqib Mushtaq Khan of Rajpora area of Pulwama. A police official said that joint party of army and CRPF had carried out searches at Drubgam village in Pulwama in wee hours and were fired upon triggering an encounter that resulted in the death of top commander. After the unilateral ceasefire which was announced earlier by the Government of India (GoI) the incidents of stone pelting and public protests have declined as the forces have stopped launching the non-initiation of combat operations (NICO). However, militants have intensified their attacks by launching "the assaults" on army camps and patrolling parties of the forces. The militants have also struck at many places in Kashmir and looted weapons from the police, officials said, adding however that the vigil in Pulwama area, which is a heavily infested militant area, has been intensified. The Punjab and Haryana High Court order in the Arvind Singh @Ghoga vs State of Punjab case where it stated that 'collecting men' on social media can amount to 'collecting arms' for waging war against the government leaves room for the misuse of Section 121 of IPC, will throttle free speech Recently, the Punjab and Haryana High Court in Arvind Singh @Ghoga vs State of Punjab (CRM-M No. 43622 of 2017) ruled that 'collecting men' on social media can amount to 'collecting arms' for waging war against the government (an offence punishable under Section 121 of the Indian Penal Code). The court assessed the social media posts of the petitioner and observed that they undoubtedly reveal overt incitement to violence for the purpose of establishing the State of 'Khalistan'". The case which is still ongoing raises an important issue whether inciteful posts on the social media can constitute the offence of waging war against the government. The law on waging war against the government One of the main provisions under which the petitioner, in this case, was charged is Section 121 of the IPC. Section 121 criminalises waging, attempting to wage war or abetting waging of war against the Government of India. Under Section 122, whoever collects men, arms or ammunition with the intention of committing an offence under Section 121, can also be held criminally liable. Ajmal Kasab who was given capital punishment in connection with the 2008 Mumbai terror attacks was convicted under Section 121. Sections 121 and 122 are 'offences against the State' along with other offences mentioned in Section 124A (the Anti-sedition Law). Like section 124A, the meaning of the phrases used in sections 121 and 122 such as waging war against the government and collecting men for the purpose of waging war have not been clarified by the Legislature, leaving it to the courts to interpret the ambiguous phrases. In Nazir Khan vs State of Delhi [2003 SCC (Crl) 2033], the Supreme Court found that the defendant, by kidnapping hostages and hijacking aircraft to secure the release of the defendants aides and collecting arms and ammunition, had committed a conspiracy to wage war against the government. In Balwant Singh vs State of Punjab (AIR 1995 SC 1785), a judgment convicting the petitioners under sections 124A and 153A (promoting enmity between different groups and doing acts prejudicial to maintenance of harmony) of the IPC for raising slogans in a crowded place, was set aside by the Supreme Court which observed that raising slogans which did not evoke any response/reaction from the public does not constitute an offence under sections 124A and 153A. In the courts opinion, a "more overt act" was required. While the case did not relate to waging war against the government, the judgment was relied upon by the petitioner in Arvind Singh to argue that the charges framed against him under sections 121 and 121A of the IPC were not established. The petitioners argument in Arvind Singh was that his social media posts did not constitute a threat to the government for an offence against the State to be made out. The Punjab and Haryana High Court found inter alia that the petitioner, Arvind Singh, had incited people on social media to resort to violence for the purpose of creating an independent State of Khalistan by posting incendiary and provocative messages from leaders of designated terrorist groups based in Pakistan on Facebook. The high court also found that Arvind Singh by sharing posts on his Facebook account was collecting men for the purpose of waging war against the government under Section 122. The Court also distinguished the instant case from Balwant Singh on the ground that incitement on social media is accessible to people all over the world, and not limited to a crowded place as in the case of raising slogans. The court was also satisfied that the acts of the petitioner had also evoked a response from internet users as the screenshots of the petitioners Facebook account indicated that several other people were also found to have acted on social media with the same objective. Given that an offence under Section 121 is punishable with death/imprisonment for life and imposition of a fine, it is worth examining whether incendiary social media posts should be sufficient ground for holding a person liable for such a grave offence. Collecting men on social media to wage war against the government Like the anti-sedition provision, the historical reason for including the offence of waging war against the government in the IPC was to clamp down on Indian freedom fighters during the British rule who would attempt to collect men or arms to overthrow the Crown. While Section 121 has often been put to use in cases involving terrorism, Arvind Singh is arguably the first case which involves social media as a tool to wage war against the government. This is not surprising given that sections 121 and 122 were conceived at a time when social media was not born. The Information Technology (IT) Act, 2008, too does not contain any provision which specifically deals with the use of social media to wage war against the government. An important issue concerning the interpretation of Section 122 is the meaning of collecting men and whether the high court gave a broad meaning to the phrase. The high court seemed to agree with the States view that the petitioners posts amounted to collecting men. One could argue that for the State to establish an offence under Section 122, it is not enough to show that the petitioner had posted incendiary social media posts which were shared by other internet users with the same objective; only where there is evidence that the internet users who shared the petitioners posts agreed to join hands with the petitioner to commit an act of violence should the petitioners posts constitute the act of collecting men envisaged under Section 122. The relevant question here is whether sharing a post which calls for the establishment of an independent statehood by the petitioner indicates agreement to participate in waging war. One could argue that it is far-fetched to conclude that a person was collecting men for the purpose of waging war simply from the fact that the person posted an inciteful post which was shared by other internet users. This also leads one to question the evidentiary value of a persons social media account. Law enforcement agencies in India are inclined towards using social media as evidence or indication that a person may be violating laws such as income tax laws. A question which inevitably arises is whether the Punjab and Haryana High Court order can leave room for the misuse of Section 121 threatening free speech. This is not uncommon in cases involving offences against the State for instance, in 2012, a cartoonist, Aseem Trivedi, was arrested on grounds of sedition for posting cartoons depicting widespread corruption. In such cases, it might be best to place a high burden on the prosecution for establishing that an offence of waging war against the government is made out. Only in cases where there is clear intention on the part of internet users who share/tweet posts (which incite the use of violence) to participate in such violence should the ingredient of Section 122 collecting men with the intention of waging war against the government be said to be fulfilled. An intention to participate in an act of violence cannot be inferred simply by the sharing of an incendiary post. The above approach can help to strike a balance between preventing social media from being used to wage war and preventing the use of a draconian law to silence internet users. Devika Agarwal is an LLM candidate at University of Cambridge Rahul Gandhi should learn a lesson. You may not like the media but it is the conduit to the public. Such behaviour could come back to bite you Rajiv Gandhi gave perhaps the best press conference in 70 years of Independence when he addressed the National Press Club in Washington in June 1985. Referring to India's non-aligned status, he said, "We will not be tied to the apron strings of any major power." Then he added: "We do not lean left or right. India stands up straight. And he got a standing ovation. On the way home, Rajiv addressed the 71st session of the International Labour Organisation in Geneva and wowed them with his discourse on child labour and the need to attack it head on. The only other person who has had this happy gift of gab is Prime Minister Narendra Modi. He knows how to play his audience with oratory that Marcus Antonius might well have envied. The same friends, Romans and countrymen call to arms pervades Modis speeches. While Rajiv made a stab at regular press conferences that were televised (our first equivalent of the famous Franklin Roosevelt fireside talks), they died out as his kitchen Cabinet closed the circle around him and journalists began to turn each such meet into a farce by asking lengthy questions so that the TV camera would focus on them. One question was recorded at 67 seconds to which the prime minister answered yes. The mantle stayed in the closet for years until Modi took it out and cloaked himself in 'Mann ki Baat', a radio programme that comes closest to the Roosevelt chit-chat. Rajivs son Rahul created his own dubious record in Mumbai on Wednesday by hanging in there for two minutes, 45 seconds in a fiasco of a press conference that clearly indicates a major flaw in his communications skills and makes one wonder why the media still continues to record and project his every word. The US media except Fox News has come together to give President Donald Trump the cold shoulder for his contempt of the Fourth Estate. The Indian media should do the same. Either respect us or take a hike. A little bit of this treatment will go a long way in replenishing Rahul's regard for the media. Through the decades, the press conferences of India's prime ministers have not been particularly exciting. In the days before wi-fi, the press was divided into front row sycophants and the rest who seldom got to ask questions that were largely planted. Indiras conferences were largely a teacher-student affair and the aura of fear was so strong that everyone was intimidated. Her answers were acerbic and impatient and you came out with bromides, fait accompli and zero debate. She brooked no argument and was likely to snap at scribes if things got awkward. The worst meets were with Morarji Desai, who answered questions with questions. At one such conference in Mumbai, the editor of a top daily asked a reasonable question about Indias nuclear policies. Desai said: Who are you? The editor identified himself. And Desai said: In that case, you should know the answer. Sit down. After a few more such non-responses, the press actually walked out (expect for the sycophants in the front row). For sheer grumpiness, it is hard to beat PV Narasimha Rao. He would just growl his way through such meets. Except they weren't really meetings, more of a just sort of passing through this way events. One always felt Rao was just about to lose his cool. Atal Bihari Vajpayee did not have many press conferences but whenever he met the media, it was affable, relaxed, genial and easygoing; the word friendly comes to mind. Chandra Shekhar was also easy to speak to and did not carry the aura of office. But none of them, not even Desai, had a two-minute presser and snubbed the media the way Rahul did. Not even during the Emergency, when much of the press cowered in submission, did Indira treat the then submissive Fourth Estate with such indifference because she knew somewhere in the back of her mind that it might be silent now but it would bite back and it did. Rahul should learn a lesson. You may not like the media but it is the conduit to the public and this sort of unapologetic conduct has the codicil of comeuppance to it. It will bite you. The fate of the Centre's one-month-old policy of suspension of operations against militants in Jammu and Kashmir hangs in the balance, with a few security agencies flagging its disadvantages including regrouping of militants and some within the Home Ministry being in favour of extending it with a rider that intelligence-based operations should be increased, officials said on Thursday. New Delhi: The fate of the Centre's one-month-old policy of suspension of operations against militants in Jammu and Kashmir hangs in the balance, with a few security agencies flagging its disadvantages including regrouping of militants and some within the Home Ministry being in favour of extending it with a rider that intelligence-based operations should be increased, officials said on Thursday. At a meeting called by Union home minister Rajnath Singh to review security for the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra, the pros and cons of the unilateral ceasefire during the holy month of Ramzan move were discussed with officials from central and state governments, security agencies and paramilitary forces, they said. The security agencies highlighted that during the halt to operations in the holy month of Ramzan, militants have been able to regroup, move more freely and convince youngsters to join them, they said. The increase in attacks on security forces, including Thursday's kidnapping of an army man from South Kashmir, may embolden them more, thereby creating threat to the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra as some militant groups, including Jammu and Kashmir Islamic State as well as Gazwat-ul-Hind, a group owing allegiance to Al-Qaeda, have rejected the Ramzan ceasefire. Policy makers in the Home Ministry, however, are still debating on the gains and losses of the move and advocated extending it with a rider that army and security personnel should be allowed to carry out intelligence-based operations more frequently even if it was in civilian areas, they said. The officials said a need for carrying out sanitisation of the route to Amarnath Yatra was discussed so that the security forces gain an upper hand during the two-month long pilgrimage beginning 28 June. The move of the Centre is similar to the Non-Initiation of Combat Operations (NICO) announced by the first NDA government, headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, during Ramzan in 2000. During his Independence Day address last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi had said bullets or abuses would not resolve the Kashmir issue and that it could be addressed by embracing every Kashmiri. Modi had said his government was committed to restoring the lost glory of Kashmir and its status as "heaven on earth". The prime minister had said only a "handful of separatists" were resorting to different tactics to create problems in the state and asserted that there would be no soft approach towards terrorism. The first NDA government, headed by Atal Bihari Vajpayee, had taken a similar initiative in 2000 by announcing a unilateral suspension of operations for Jammu and Kashmir during the holy month of Ramzan that year which continued for five months. Almost all terrorists groups operating in the Valley in 2000 had rejected the government offer. However, the NICO was discontinued after five months after increased violence, including an attack at the Srinagar airport in which six militants belonging to Lashkar-e-Taiba stormed it killing two security personnel and two civilians. All six militants were also killed in the retaliatory firing. The Valley has witnessed the killing of over 55 militants including at least 27 locals this year. The situation in Kashmir Valley is considered to be turbulent where nearly 80 incidents of violence occurred in last four months and civilians were often seen coming out to encounter sites to stage protests with the intention of giving the militants an opportunity to escape. Friends and colleagues whose paths crossed with Bukhari's remember him as 'anything but polite' and a 'formidable reporter'. Historian Ramachandra Guha describes Bukhari as 'gentle in demeanour, a bridge between hostile groups' hours before Bukhari was confirmed dead. Tributes are pouring in for Shujaat Bukhari, Rising Kashmir newspaper editor shot dead at close range Thursday evening by unidentified gunmen in Srinagar. This wasn't the first attack on Bukhari though; he was given police protection after an attack on him in 2000. Friends and colleagues whose paths crossed with Bukhari's remember him as "anything but polite" and a "formidable reporter". Historian Ramachandra Guha describes Bukhari as "gentle in demeanour, a bridge between hostile groups" hours before Bukhari was confirmed dead. Across the political aisle too, messages streamed in throughout the night: Congress president Rahul Gandhi tweeted: "Im anguished to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of @RisingKashmir. He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu & Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed." Omar Abdullah tweeted a picture of Rising Kashmir's latest edition: The show must go on. As Shujaat would have wanted it to. This is todays @RisingKashmir issue. That Shujaats colleagues were able to bring out the paper in the face of insurmountable grief is a testament to their professionalism & the most fitting tribute to their late boss. pic.twitter.com/ADP70D4F1q Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) June 14, 2018 "This is a shameful act. Media is free in India. The state govt and the central govt are committed for the freedom of press in the country and the state", Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore said. Bukhari was attacked from close range while in his car near the Rising Kashmir newspaper office in the Press Enclave area of Residency Road. Bukhari was on his way home after an Iftar party at the office. Three motorcycle-borne militants came and fired at Bukhari and his guards", state police chief SP Vaid said. One of Bukhari's guards was also killed in the attack and another is critically injured, police said. No group has claimed the killings but Jammu and Kashmir police told ANI that Shujaat Bukhari's killing was a "terror attack" based on its preliminary investigation. Hours before he died, Bukhari tweeted a Rising Kashmir report headlined: 'First-ever UN human rights report on Kashmir calls for international inquiry into multiple violations'. Before taking the helm at Rising Kashmir, Bukhari worked as bureau chief of The Hindu.. Terrible to hear about Shujaat Bukhari. He engaged, he agreed, he disagreed but not once was he anything but polite. Condolences to his family. We are all poorer today Ashok Malik (@MalikAshok) June 14, 2018 This is shocking news! Shujaat was a voice of truth and reason and decency. All of us at The Friday Times are immeasurably grieved. We condemn this dastardly attack. https://t.co/Q2LvDJvmke Najam Sethi (@najamsethi) June 14, 2018 Editors Guild of India unequivocally condemns the assassination of Rising Kashmir Editor Shujaat Bukhari. This is a grave attack on press freedom and democratic voices. We will be issuing a more detailed statement soon Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) June 14, 2018 Voices from within the Kashmir Valley and the rest of the nation deeply condemned the killing of veteran journalist and Rising Kashmir editor-in-chief Shujaat Bukhari's killing. Voices from within the Valley and the rest of the nation condemned the killing of veteran journalist and Rising Kashmir editor-in-chief Shujaat Bukhari. Condolence messages and condemnation flooded social media after news broke that the veteran journalist and two of his personal security officers were shot at a close range by three bike-borne assailants. Bukhari and one of his PSO succumbed to their injuries, while the second security officer remains critical. The incident occurred outside the newspaper's office in the heart of Jammu and Kashmir's summer capital Srinagar, when Bukhari was leaving his office to attend an iftaar party. Bukhari was killed just a day before Eid, when the Union government has announced a unilateral ceasefire to facilitate peaceful observation of festivities in the Valley. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti was among the first to comment. She expressed shock and anguish and appeared visibly upset. Mehbooba also rushed to the Shri Maharaja Hari Singh Hospital, where Bhukari was taken after the attack, to meet his family. She also issued a condemnation of the terrorists on social media: Terrorism has hit a new low with Shujaats killing. That too, on the eve of Eid. We must unite against forces seeking to undermine our attempts to restore peace. Justice will be done. https://t.co/8oCNXan13L Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) June 14, 2018 Jammu and Kashmir's former chief minister and Opposition leader Omar Abdullah also tweeted prayers for the family and expressed deep anguish. Omar also tweeted his last exchange with the veteran journalist on the micro-blogging site. Omar made sure to mention his grief for the personal security officer who died in the attack, and offered prayers for the well-being of the other security official Omar also quoted Bukhari's last tweet, where the veteran journalist defended his ideological stance and his reportage, and said he died in line of duty. "Even in the last tweet he put out he was defending himself, his colleagues and his profession. He died in the line of duty doing what he did best and loved doing - journalism," Omar's tweet read. My last DM exchange with #ShujaatBukhari. I cant believe the mulaqat we were going to fix will never take place now. Life is just too uncertain & often too unkind. pic.twitter.com/8yED2iZKzl Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) June 14, 2018 The veteran journalist, in his last tweet, rebuffed allegations that he was a 'quasi-Islamist' and responsible for 'biased reportage'. It is unfortunate that a credible think tank like @orfonline should allow this diatribe in absence of the person referred to. In #Kashmir we have done Journalism with pride and will continue to highlight what happens on ground. @samirsaran https://t.co/bGjajFT9yb Shujaat Bukhari (@bukharishujaat) June 14, 2018 Union home minister Rajnath Singh strongly condemned the killing, called it an act of cowardice and an attempt to disrupt peace efforts in the Valley. The killing of @RisingKashmir editor, Shujaat Bukhari is an act of cowardice. It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist. Extremely shocked & pained at his death. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family. Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 14, 2018 BJP leader Ram Madhav also expressed deep shock. "Shocked to hear about d attack on d Editor-in-Chief of Rising Kashmir Shujaat Bukhari in Srinagar. Reprehensible n condemnable cowardly act of d terrorists," Madhav, a former journalist, tweeted minutes after the news broke out. Union minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore termed the killing a brutal attack on the freedom of press: Assassination of #ShujaatBukhari is a brutal attack on freedom of press. A cowardly and deplorable act of terror. Our fearless media is one of the greatest strength of our democracy and we are committed to provide a safe and conducive working environment to media persons. Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) June 14, 2018 Congress chief Rahul Gandhi also tweeted his condolences to the family, and hailed Bukhari as a 'brave heart' who propagated peace. Im anguished to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of @RisingKashmir. He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu & Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed. Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 14, 2018 West Bengal chief minister Mamata Banerjee also condemned the killing. "I'm anguished to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of Rising Kashmir. He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu and Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed," she said on Twitter. Journalists across sections of media were united in their condemnation of the murder. Senior journalist Burkha Dutt put out an emotionally-charged message" "There is no getting around it : @bukharishujaat has been assassinated for being an advocate for peace and reconciliation; for his refusal to give up hope; for his constant search for Kashmir',s elusive middle ground. A deep professional and personal loss for me," she tweeted. My friend @bukharishujaat was a rare voice of moderation in Kashmir who pandered to no extremes. May those who did this to him rot in hell. And may this be a moment for Kashmir to take note of the absolute insanity it is slipping into #ShujaatBukhari barkha dutt (@BDUTT) June 14, 2018 She also criticised online trolls targetting moderate voices and journalists. Twitter fundamentalists ; pause carefully the next time journalists talk of death threats and pause before you tar people as anti-nationals. Shame on you and Shame on those fulminating primetime hate mongers. and most of all I wish Hell to those who did this to #ShujaatBukhari . barkha dutt (@BDUTT) June 14, 2018 Sagarika Ghose called Bukhari a 'resolute voice' and expressed a sense of devastation. What an unspeakable shocking tragedy. #ShujaatBukhari's voice was resolute, strong, yet never shrill, always urging the common ground, constantly optimistic, a kind, thoughtful and wise person, a great friend, a fine journalist. Devastated to hear this news, what a sad sad day https://t.co/RxrCUwMZK1 Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) June 14, 2018 Senior journalist Siddharth Varadarajan, a former colleague, said, "Shujaat Bukhari and I were colleagues at The Hindu. He was a formidable reporter, and, as editor of Rising Kashmir, a powerful voice for the embattled media fraternity, a true voice of sanity and reason. No words of condemnation are enough for the scum who have assassinated him. No words of condemnation are enough for the scum who have assassinated him." Vardarajan also said the assassination looked like an attempt to derail the peace process. Reminded of Aug 2000, when HT's Pradeep Bhatia & 11 others were killed by a car bomb in SXR. Aim of HM/LeT then was to scuttle Vajpayee's ceasefire & kill prospects for peace. Can't help feeling the terrorists who killed Shujaat Bukhari have same aim https://t.co/0bN0BKOdfO Siddharth (@svaradarajan) June 14, 2018 Bukhari, who was in his 50s, was leaving his office in Press Enclave in the city centre Lal Chowk for an iftar party when he was shot dead, officials said. Bukhari, who earlier worked with The Hindu newspaper as its Kashmir correspondent, was instrumental in organising several conferences for peace in the Valley. He was also part of the Track II process with Pakistan. 18:31 (ist) Police say Shujaat Bukhari's murder was meticulously planned The killing of senior journalist and editor-in-chief of Rising Kashmir, Shujaat Bukhari, was meticulously planned. One youth kept a watch on him and later alerted the two other gunmen who came to the Press Enclave and fired on his vehicle from all the sides leaving him and two policemen guarding him dead. According to police officials investigating the case, the youth keeping watch gestured to his associates as soon as the senior journalist stepped out of his office and boarded his vehicle to head home. After spraying the vehicle with bullets, the gunmen fired into the air to prevent people from taking the occupants of the car to the hospital. The gunmen soon left the place shouting Allahu Akbar (God is great). Senior journalist and editor-in-chief of English daily Rising Kashmir Shujaat Bhukhari was on Thursday shot dead by militants. Senior journalist and editor-in-chief of English daily Rising Kashmir Shujaat Bhukhari was on Thursday shot dead by militants outside his office in Srinagar, police said. State police chief SP Vaid said that it was around 7.15 pm, the iftar time, that Bukhari came out of his office in Press Enclave and was boarding his car when he was attacked by militants. "Three motorcycle-borne militants came and fired at Bukhari and his guards. Bukhari and one guard were killed and another security guard critically injured," he said. While one of the personal security officers (PSO) guarding him was killed, another policeman and a civilian were injured, police officials added. The condition of the two injured in the shooting, which comes a day ahead of Eid, is critical, they said. Bukhari never shied away from raising his voice against the powerful. After a CRPF vehicle recently mowed down a local in Jammu and Kashmir, Bukhari demanded an explanation from the government and the security forces. He earlier worked as The Hindu's Kashmir correspondent and was instrumental in organising several conferences for peace in the Valley. He was also part of the Track II diplomacy process with Pakistan. After his demise, reactions from politicians and journalists started pouring in. Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti teared up and expressed shock at the killing. She also condemned the attack. Shocked & deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Shujaat Bukhari. The scourge of terror has reared its ugly head on the eve of Eid. I strongly condemn this act of mindless violence & pray for his soul to rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family. Mehbooba Mufti (@MehboobaMufti) June 14, 2018 Former chief minister Omar Abdullah also expressed shock at the gruesome murder of this senior Kashmiri journalist. Reciting the Muslim prayer on hearing about a Muslim's death, he said: inna lilahi wa inna illahi rajiuun. Shocked beyond words. May Shujaat find place in Jannat & May his loved ones find strength at this difficult time. Omar Abdullah (@OmarAbdullah) June 14, 2018 Home minister Rajnath Singh termed the killing an act of cowardice. The killing of @RisingKashmir editor, Shujaat Bukhari is an act of cowardice. It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist. Extremely shocked & pained at his death. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family. Rajnath Singh (@rajnathsingh) June 14, 2018 Congress president Rahul Gandhi also tweeted on Bukhari's demise, calling him a brave heart who fought for justice in Kashmir. Im anguished to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of @RisingKashmir. He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu & Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed. Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 14, 2018 Eminent journalists also condemned the attack and offered their condolences. Shujaat Bukhari and I were colleagues at The Hindu. He was a formidable reporter, and, as editor of Rising Kashmir, a powerful voice for the embattled media fraternity, a true voice of sanity and reason. No words of condemnation are enough for the scum who have assassinated him. Siddharth (@svaradarajan) June 14, 2018 Heartbreaking the loss of Shujaat Bukhari, an incredibly brave editor & an invaluable voice of middle-ground moderation. This is a loss for all Kashmiris, India and the entire journalistic community Shekhar Gupta (@ShekharGupta) June 14, 2018 My friend @bukharishujaat was a rare voice of moderation in Kashmir who pandered to no extremes. May those who did this to him rot in hell. And may this be a moment for Kashmir to take note of the absolute insanity it is slipping into #ShujaatBukhari barkha dutt (@BDUTT) June 14, 2018 The Editors Guild of India unequivocally condemns the assassination of Rising Kashmir Editor Shujaat Bukhari. This is a grave attack on press freedom and democratic voices. We will be issuing a more detailed statement soon Editors Guild of India (@IndEditorsGuild) June 14, 2018 With inputs from agencies Veteran journalist and Rising Kashmir editor-in-chief Shujaat Bukhari, who was shot dead at the Srinagar Press Colony on Thursday, had never shied away from raising his voice against those in power. A formidable reporter, an incredibly brave editor and an invaluable voice of moderation. That's how the friends and colleagues of veteran journalist Shujaat Bukhari, who was shot dead at Srinagar Press Colony on Thursday, described him. As the news of the editor-in-chief of Rising Kashmir being shot dead spread, an outpouring of grief was seen on social media. Veteran journalist Shekhar Gupta said he was mourning the loss of "an incredibly brave editor and an invaluable voice of middle-ground moderation." Hours before he fell to the bullets of unidentified gunmen, Bukhari vigorously defended his work on Twitter when some Delhi-based journalists accused him of doing "biased" reportage on Kashmir, and had posted the UN report on alleged human rights violations in the Valley. One of his last tweets read: "First-ever @UNHumanRights report on #Kashmir calls for #international inquiry into multiple violations". Bukhari, who had a distinguishable tall frame and husky voice, said in another tweet, "In #Kashmir we have done Journalism with pride and will continue to highlight what happens on ground." Rajdeep Sardesai said Bukhari was a voice of sanity amidst the madness, and added that "he spoke out against both the government in Delhi and violence in the Valley." Senior journalist Siddharth Vardarajan, who was also Bukhari's colleague, described him as "a powerful voice for the embattled media fraternity." Indeed, Bukhari never shied away from raising his voice against the powerful. After a CRPF vehicle recently mowed down a local in Jammu and Kashmir, Bukhari demanded an explanation from the government and the security forces. These pictures from #Srinagar downtown are very disturbing. This is horrible way to quell a protest. Government and #CRPF must explain. Is it the new Standard Operating Procedure (SOP). Hope they survive. Pic courtesy #KashmirJournalistsHub pic.twitter.com/WrZ0ENgZbX Shujaat Bukhari (@bukharishujaat) June 1, 2018 Bukhari, who earlier worked as The Hindu's Kashmir correspondent, was instrumental in organising several conferences for peace in the Valley. He was also part of the Track II diplomacy process with Pakistan. In an interview with DNA in 2015, Bukhari said that the absence of a political process makes space for militants who find a fertile ground for their activities. Bukhari also aired his disappointments in the Mehbooba Mufti government even as he raised concerns about the security situation. "Do you think I am safe here? Nobody is," Bukhari told the newspaper. Bukhari completed his Masters in Journalism from Ateneo de Manila University in Manila as a fellow of Asian Centre for Journalism, Singapore. A recipient of World Press Institute (WPI) USA fellowship and Asian Centre for Journalism Singapore fellowship, Bukhari was the chief of Adbee Markaz Kamraz, the biggest and oldest cultural and literary organisation of Valley, The Indian Express reported. With inputs from PTI The Kashmir Editors Guild, a representative body of the journalists in Kashmir, strongly condemned what it termed the dastardly attack on the senior journalist. Srinagar: The road outside his office was littered with shards of glass. His Tata Hexa SUV was pockmarked with bullets. It was around 7.30 pm that Shujaat Bukhari left his Rising Kashmir office at Press Enclave, where he was working as editor-in-chief, with two policemen in tow, when he was shot at and died on the spot. Gunmen continued to fire in the air to prevent the scribe from being shifted to the hospital. When he was finally moved to the hospital by a police van, doctors declared him dead on arrival. Shujaat is the brother of PDP MLA and law minister Syed Basharat Bukhari. He is survived by his wife, parents and two children. Bukhari had been living in Friends Enclave, Humahama, and was active in literary circles. As former president of Adbi Markaz Kamraz, Shujaat had been regularly presiding over book launch functions. He also advocated for peace in the Valley. Rising Kashmir reporter, Mansoor Peer, posted on Facebook, "At 4 pm Syed Shujaat Bukhari sir assigned me a story and I was yet to complete my story, when I got the shocking news. While one of the personal security officers (PSO) guarding him was killed, another policeman was injured. At the small medical facility in the police control room, tears streamed from PDP minister Basharats eyes. A number of state ministers including the Deputy Chief Minister Kavinder Gupta, Finance Minister Altaf Bukhari, Roads and Buildings Minister Nayeem Akhtar visited the PCR where his body was kept. As his body was driven in an ambulance to his home town in Kreeri, the eyes of his wife and children welled up with tears. The death was condemned by both the separatists and the mainstream political parties. The Kashmir Editors Guild (KEG), a representative body of the journalists in Kashmir, strongly condemned what it termed the dastardly attack on the senior journalist. It is yet another shameful attack on the media in Kashmir that has been surviving with such attacks since 1989. Shujaat was shot dead while he was leaving from his office minutes ahead of iftar when a group of gunmen, apparently waiting for him to get into his car, fired a volley of bullets on his vehicle. The firing continued for a few minutes and triggered a mass scare, it said in a statement. Media persons contacted the police to seek help. It took the police some time to reach the spot and evacuate the injured to the hospital. The media in Kashmir has been operating in a testing situation for all these decades of crisis. The intermittent killings and attacks have been adding to the crisis, the statement said. Shujaat started his stint with Kashmir Times and was working for The Hindu before he started his group of newspapers under the banner of Kashmir Media House (KMH). He owned the group of newspapers including the English daily, Rising Kashmir, and Urdu daily, Buland Kashmir. In the emergency meeting, KEG strongly condemned the brutal attack". It is tragic that every time the killers need a hit in the media, they descent down the press colony and kill. KEG is demanding a speedy investigation in the brutal attack so that killers are identified and punished...Killing journalists will not further the cause of any side but will perpetuate the crisis further. At the same time, we need to convey that Kashmir media has survived the worst situations and will survive this dastardly murder as well, the KEG said. Condemning the killing, Hurriyat (G) chairmanm, Syed Ali Geelani, said that it is against the 'moral and human ethics to kill a person without any justification.' Regretting such 'mysterious killings,' the Hurriyat leader said difference of opinion is 'not a reason to kill a person.' Geelani while paying his condolences to the bereaved family of the young journalist, prayed for his eternal peace. Both Chief Minister Mehbooa Mufti, and Governor NN Vohra strongly condemned the killing of the senior journalist. The chief minister described the killing of Bukhari as highly barbaric, deplorable and condemnable. His killing today has only established that violence cannot stand the scrutiny of logic and rationality, she said in her statement adding the whole State today stands in unanimity in condemning this inhuman act of savagery. Mehbooba said the role and contribution rendered by Shujaat Bukhari in institutionalisation of the media here has become part of the journalistic history of the state. One would always see him raising issues of common cause concerning people. He would often fight for the issues of people through his columns and various discussions but alas this voice of people stands silenced today brutally, she added in her message. Mufti visited the hospital and paid her respects to the departed soul. She also conveyed her heartfelt sympathies with the bereaved family particularly his parents, wife and two children. Vohra conveyed shock and grief on the gruesome killing and prayed for peace to the departed soul and strength to the bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss. Yana Paskova/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- As President Donald Trumps personal attorney and problem solver, Michael Cohen handled both business and personal matters that ranged from the mundane to the highly sensitive. Now, sources tell ABC News Cohen is likely to cooperate with federal investigators, and his lawyers are expected to leave the case. The role Cohen could play in any investigation that explores President Trumps conduct remains uncertain, but legal experts say he could emerge as a crucial source of insight to prosecutors. He could be extremely valuable, said Matthew G. Olsen, a former federal prosecutor and ABC News contributor. He was not just a personal lawyer but also was President Trumps so-called fixer for a number of years. So he would have had access to lots of very personal information involving his business dealings. Those dealings cover the broad sweep of the Trumps global empire including several projects that have caught the attention of federal investigators. Cohen played an integral role in early discussions about a possible Trump Tower in Moscow negotiations that were going on during the early months of the 2016 presidential campaign. Cohen has confirmed he attended a lunch meeting with a Ukrainian politician one week after Trump took office, where the two men discussed the potential for Cohen to share a Ukraine peace proposal with his contacts at the White House. And Cohens name appeared repeatedly in the now infamous dossier of unverified allegations, which included salacious claims about Trump, prepared by former British intelligence agent Christopher Steele. The agent, who was hired by an opposition research firm that was paid initially by Republicans and later by Democrats, alleged Cohens involvement in attempting to covering up contacts between Russian operatives and members of Trump campaign. Cohen fiercely denied the claims. In January, he tweeted Enough is enough of the #fake #RussianDossier before filing a lawsuit against Buzzfeed, the news outlet that first published the document a suit he later withdrew. As Cohen faces the mounting pressures of a federal criminal investigation, and may be preparing to part ways with his initial defense attorney, there are a range of topics prosecutors may want to explore with him. This is a deep intricate relationship built up over many years, said Seth Hettena, the author of Trump/Russia: A Definitive History. I think hes dangerous in a bunch of different ways. Most notably, Hettena said, Cohen could shed light on what, if anything, Trump knew about non-disclosure agreements reached with Stormy Daniels and Karen McDougal, two women who allege they had sexual encounters with Trump years before his presidential run. Daniels, whose legal name is Stephanie Clifford, entered into a then-secret agreement with Cohen less than two weeks before the 2016 presidential election. After the Wall Street Journal first reported in January on the hush-money deal with Daniels which paid her $130,000 in exchange for her silence Cohen claimed that he had paid her out of his own personal funds and that he had not been reimbursed by the Trump Organization or the campaign. On April 5, four days before the authorities raided Cohens properties in New York, President Trump told reporters on Air Force One that he didnt know why Cohen had paid Daniels or where he had gotten the money to pay her. The president later acknowledged, in a financial disclosure form filed last month with the Office of Government Ethics, that he had reimbursed Cohen. Then there is McDougal, who in August 2016 signed a $150,000 deal with American Media Inc., the publisher of the National Enquirer, that transferred to the company the rights to her story of an alleged ten-month romantic affair with Trump. The magazine never published her story. McDougal alleged in a lawsuit filed earlier this year that Cohen had allegedly conspired with her former attorney to bury the story. McDougal settled her lawsuit. President Trump, through his representatives, has denied the allegations of McDougal and Daniels. But Cohen, Hettena said, is the guy who knows where all the bodies are buried. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Ghanaian students on government scholarships in Algeria have commended the Akufo-Addo government for paying attention to their welfare. For the first time, a registrar of the Scholarship Secretariat has visited the country to check on the students. Kingsley Agyemang described his visit to the students as a very important exercise. He used the opportunity to meet with officials of the Algerian Ministry of Education and took a second look at the various scholarship programmes in operation, to ensure that they fit in to Ghanas development agenda. During the visit, it was reported that ten months worth of student payment arrears had been cleared, including books and health allowances. Effective leaders David Tetteh, president of the Association of Ghanaian Students in Algeria, told the media that he and his peers were pleasantly surprised at how much the Secretariat has changed for the better under new leadership. He said the keen interest shown by the registrar of the Secretariat had strengthened his desire to see that President Akufo-Addos vision of making education accessible to Ghanaian children is realised. We, the students in Algeria, were amazed at how things have been restructured at the Scholarship Secretariat under the leadership of Mr Kingsley Agyeman, affirming the keen interest of the President of the Republic, His Excellency Nana Addo Dankwa Akufo-Addo, in the future of Ghanaian children and youth in the area of education and with initiatives such as free high school education and many others, Tetteh said. He mentioned that it was the first time that the Secretariat had expressed a profound interest in understanding the Algerian educational system and integrating it with that of Ghana. With this input and effective new phase of the scholarship system, we express our gratitude and thanks to the President for his vision for the future of Ghanaian education. We would also like to thank the current registrar for how devoted he has been so far and for the energy he is putting in to see to it that the purpose of the scholarship is fully attained, Tetteh said. Massive response The commendation by the students in Algeria follows a recent intervention by the Secretariat in Cuba, where it paid arrears of students which had accumulated over a number of years. The president of the National Union of Ghana Students in Cuba on Ghana government scholarships, Nyarko Quansah, applauded the Secretariat for the swift action taken to settle arrears for students undertaking studies in various fields outside the country. He said that although delays in paying stipends had been a recurring challenge, We cannot overlook the fact that, in recent times, there has been a massive response from your office. This has led to the payment of all accumulated arrears, both maintenance and book allowances, of the previous year. 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 A low-cost Singapore based airline, Scoot was in the midst of a controversy after an Indian origin couple accused them of misbehaving with them because they were flying with their special needs child. A low-cost Singapore-based airline, Scoot, was caught in a controversy after an Indian-origin couple accused employees of the airline of misbehaving with them because they were flying with their special needs child. Divya George, an Indian-origin woman from Kerala, her husband and their five-year-old daughter, who suffers from a condition called muscular dystrophy, boarded a Scoot Airline flight on Thursday. However, what was to be the start of a family holiday to Phuket, changed into a "90-minute ordeal" when the airline employees started arguing with the couple. The child, because of her condition, is unable to sit on her own and runs the risk of slipping down despite the seat belt and hurting herself. George narrated her ordeal in several Facebook posts, as she claimed that the airline staff refused to fly with the child until she was seated in her own seat. George said that due to her condition, the child was unable to do so and needed to be held in her mother's lap with the help of a infant seat belt. However, the cabin crew and the flight captain refused to cooperate and threatened to deplane the family. "Our request for using an infant seat belt was denied as shes a child with her own seat. (While shes 5 years old, she weighs 8.5 kilograms and is the size of a 1-year-old) The Captain cited safety reasons for his inability to let us fly while holding her on our lap with an infant seat belt. He refused to come out and speak to us for an hour and had SAT tell us we could either deboard or leave our daughter on her own seat. Finally when we did speak to him - On mentioning she could hurt herself and will slide off the seat he said 'then its the airlines lookout.' Shame !!! Saddened beyond words," one of George's several posts read. The flight, which was scheduled to take off at 7:35 am from Singapore got delayed for over 90 minutes due to the argument. The couple sought to clarify to the airline staff that the child is small for her age and weighs only eight kilogrammes, hence she cannot be seated alone because of her condition. But the captain "refused them permission" and threatened that the family and their baggage will be offloaded the plane. George claimed that the crew did not even provide them with an infant seat belt, even though they had informed the ground staff in advance. George clarified in another Facebook post that she is a frequent flier and had taken 67 flights so far with the child. She said that she always faced minor difficulties but all other airlines helped iron out those issues and ensure a safe flight experience. George also clarified that she had paid for a separate seat for the child as per the rules, but insisted on holding her in her lap because of her condition. George claimed that she was threatened with arrest when she and her husband refused to deplane the aircraft. Scoot is yet to comment on the issue. However, the Singapore Airlines, which owns Scoot, refused to comment on the issue. "We are unable to comment as it did not happen on a flight operated by Singapore airlines," they told The News Minute. The SC refused to stay the UPPSC mains exam and set aside the Allahabad High Court order for a re-evaluation of answer sheets of the preliminary test. New Delhi: The Supreme Court on Thursday refused to stay the UP Public Service Commission mains examination slated for 18 June and set aside the Allahabad High Court order for a re-evaluation of answer sheets of the preliminary test. A vacation bench of justices UU Lalit and Deepak Gupta allowed the appeal of UPPSC against the high court order. Supreme Court refuses to stay the Uttar Pradesh Public Service Commission (UPPSC) Mains Examination 2018, to be conducted on June 18. ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 The bench dismissed a batch of petitions by some students, who had demanded a stay of the mains examination saying UPPSC has not complied with the high court order. "We allow the appeal of the UPPSC and set aside the high court order. The petitions seeking stay of mains examination are dismissed," the bench said. Terrorists in Pulwama abducted an army jawan on Thursday leading Jammu and Kashmir Police to begin an investigation into the matter, ANI said. Terrorists abducted an Indian Army jawan, identified as Aurangzeb, in Shopian on Thursday, according to several media reports. The Jammu and Kashmir Police has launched a massive manhunt and begun an inquiry, ANI reported. The jawan, who was involved in Sameer Tiger encounter, posted at Shadimarg army camp, was on way to his home when he was kidnapped. J&K: Photo of Army Jawan, Aurangzeb who has been abducted by terrorists from Pulwama district. He is a resident of Poonch. Police investigation underway. pic.twitter.com/NNRhHeFfpD ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 Police told Firstpost army men from 44 Rashtriya Rifles camp at Shadimarg in Pulwama stopped a private vehicle and asked the driver to drop Aurangzeb at Shopian in South Kashmir. However, when the vehicle reached near Kalampora, militants stopped the vehicle and abducted Aurangzeb. According to a report in NDTV, the jawan belongs to 44 Rashtriya Rifles and was involved in the anti-terror operations in Shopian. Aurangzeb was a PSO of Major Shukla and the militants are also keeping a tab on Major Shukla and his aides who were all a part of the Sameer Tiger encounter, CNN-News 18 reported. #BREAKING -- Militants keeping tabs on Major Shukla. They were successful in abducting one of Major Shukla's close aides. @islahmufti with more details. pic.twitter.com/Z6K5idNQTU News18 (@CNNnews18) June 14, 2018 Earlier on Thursday, terrorists opened fire at a joint checkpoint of CRPF and Police near Pulwama's Gangoo. On 10 May, 2017, 22-year-old Lieutenant Ummer Fayaz was abducted by five to six militants from his relative's house in south Kashmir's Shopian. His bullet-riddled body was found in Herman area of Shopian on Wednesday morning, a police official said. With inputs from Ishfaq Naseem Terrorists open fire at a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) checkpoint near Pulwama's Gangoo village on Thursday. No loss of life or injury has been reported yet Srinagar: Terrorists open fire at a Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) checkpoint near Pulwama's Gangoo village on Thursday. No loss of life or injury has been reported yet. Terrorists open fire at a joint check point of CRPF and Police near Pulwama's Gangoo. #JammuAndKashmir pic.twitter.com/xOVMHac4bk ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 The incident took place within hours after two militants were killed during an operation in Panar area near Bandipora district, reports said. "Two terrorists have been killed in an ongoing operation in Panar forest area of Bandipora district (in north Kashmir)," a defence spokesman said in Srinagar, according to Press Trust of India. One army jawan was lost his life during the operation in Bandipora. Further details are awaited, he added. With inputs from PTI. At least two villagers were swept away by strong river currents in Tripura on Wednesday, while over 14,000 lost their homes as the downpour submerged parts of the state, an official of State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said. Torrential rain in the past 48 hours has wreaked havoc in the Northeastern states, claiming four lives in Tripura and Manipur, disrupting rail services in Assam and rendering thousands homeless across the region. In Tripura, the state government has sought Army and NDRF assistance from the Centre for evacuation and rescue operations in marooned areas of the state. Chief Minister Biplab Kumar Deb, who visited the flood-hit areas of Unakoti district yesterday, briefed Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh about the "critical situation" in the state this morning, a senior official of the state administration said. "The Center has assured all necessary support to the state to tackle the flood situation," he said, adding that the chief minister has also appealed to people to "cooperate and assist" the local administration in their rescue operations. At least two villagers were swept away by strong river currents in Tripura on Wednesday, while over 14,000 lost their homes as the downpour submerged parts of the state, an official of State Emergency Operation Centre (SEOC) said. A farmer was washed away by the floodwaters in Khowai district, while the body of another villager in South Tripura district was recovered from the banks of river Manu, he told reporters. The state has declared a compensation of Rs 5 lakh for the next of kin of those killed in the flash floods. In neighbouring Manipur, the state government has declared "holiday" till Friday at all educational establishments and government offices in Imphal and its adjoining districts in view of the flood situation, an official release said. Chief Minister N Biren Singh is personally supervising the repair work on the river banks that were damaged due to the downpour, a release issued by Information and Public Relations (IPR) Department said. Two people have drowned in swollen rivers in separate incidents yesterday, a police officer said. At Nepra Company in Thoubal Police Station area of the district, a 40-year-old man, identified as Sagolsem Ingocha Singh, slipped into flooded Arong River, when he went fishing on its banks after sundown, he said. In another incident, a seven-year-old boy, Keisham Brainson, was swept away by floodwaters into Ingourok river, he added. Water level in major rivers of the state has receded this morning but the situation continues to remain "vulnerable", a government official said. Acknowledging the flood situation as "grim", the chief minister had said on Wednesday that he requested the officials of National Highway and Infrastructure Development to construct road diversion along the NH-37, which had been hit by landslides. At least 15 relief camps have been set up across the state to help those affected by flood, the official said, adding that troops and engineers of Assam Rifles AR) have been roped in for supplying food and water in Maibam and Uchiwa villages of Manipur's Thoubal district. In Assam, train services were disrupted in North East Frontier Railway's Lumding-Badarpur hills section, following landslides in five places of Dima Hasao district, a railway official said. The landslides mostly occurred between 1.30 am and 3.30 am on Wednesday, he said. Services have been suspended following the landslides, but no passenger train was affected due to the natural disaster, the chief public relations officer of NFR, PJ Sharma, said. Although the extent of damage was yet to be ascertained, restoration work has been started in all affected locations, he clarified. "The restoration work is going on in full swing and efforts are on to restart the train services as early as early as possible," Sharma added. Heavy rain continued to lash parts of Mizoram on Thursday, cutting off Lunglei, Lawngtlai and Siaha districts in southern parts of the state from the rest of the country, state disaster management and rehabilitation (DMR) department officials said. The two lifelines of south Mizoram National Highway number 54 and another road via Thenzawl went out of bounds after rain triggered landslides in the region last night. The swelling rivers along Mizoram-Assam border deluged the lone railway station in the state and other thoroughfares, forcing people to commute in rafts and engine boats. In Lunglei district, along Bangladesh border, the floodwaters submerged around 60 houses in the past two days, the DMR officials said, adding that over 180 families have been moved to safety. Two CRPF jawans went beyond their call of duty and broke their Ramzan fast to donate blood to a cancer patient as part of forces' 'madadgaar' initiative. Srinagar: Two Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) jawans went beyond their call of duty and broke their Ramzan fast to donate blood to a woman suffering from cancer as part of the forces' 'madadgaar' initiative for locals of the Kashmir valley. Officials said the CRPF madadgaar helpline received a call few days back from Kishtwar resident Anil Singh seeking help to obtain blood units for his sister Pooja Devi, who is suffering from leukemia. The requirement of the Singh family was six units and they informed that while they have arranged for two bottles of blood from their family members, they still are looking for four units, a senior official said. Four personnel of the CRPF posted in Srinagar, Sub-inspector Sanjay Paswan and Constables Ramnivas, Mudasir Rasool Bhat and Mohammed Aslam Mir volunteered for the blood donation. Bhat and Mir, who are observing Ramzan fast, broke their fast and donated blood, he said. All the four personnel went to the Sher-i-Kashmir Institute of Medical Sciences (SKIMS) on Wednesday where the woman is admitted for treatment, he said. The CRPF, that is deployed for security duties in Jammu and Kashmir, had launched the 247 helpline, Madadgaar (14411) in June 2017 to help any valley resident who is in distress. The helpline is manned by the CRPF personnel. About two weeks ago, a similar call was made to the helpline from Ashiq Hussain of Doda whose hydrocephalus (a condition in which there is an accumulation of cerebrospinal fluid in the brain) suffering newborn baby required immediate surgery. The CRPF got the surgery conducted free of cost at a government hospital, the official said. The report also sought repealing of the Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act, 1990 'urgently' and also 'immediately remove the requirement for prior central government permission to prosecute security forces personnel accused of human rights violations in civilian courts.' India rejected a United Nations report alleging human rights violations in Kashmir as "fallacious, tendentious and motivated". In a strong reaction, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the report is "overtly prejudiced" and seeks to build a "false narrative", on Thursday. It violated the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, it said. In the report released on Thursday, the UN talked about alleged human rights violations in both "Indian-administered and Pakistan-administered Kashmir" and sought an international inquiry into these abuses. The report also sought repealing of the Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act, 1990 "urgently" and also "immediately remove the requirement for prior central government permission to prosecute security forces personnel accused of human rights violations in civilian courts." "India rejects the report. It is fallacious, tendentious and motivated. We question the intent in bringing out such a report," the MEA said. It added that the report is a selective compilation of largely unverified information. "The report violates India's sovereignty and territorial integrity. The entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Pakistan is in illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the Indian state through aggression," the MEA said. In the first of its kind report, the United Nations also talked about the gross violation of human rights in Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. Asserting that there was an "urgent need" to address the past and ongoing human rights violations, the UN rights body also urged for a political solution to the Kashmir dispute, which would entail accountability for past and current human rights violations. First-ever @UNHumanRights report on #Kashmir calls for international inquiry into #humanrights violations and abuses on both sides of the Line of Control: https://t.co/8SeQ9tlhZU pic.twitter.com/P7OSNj6HJl UN Human Rights (@UNHumanRights) June 14, 2018 The report said, "any resolution to the political situation in Kashmir should entail a commitment to ending the cycles of violence and accountability for past and current human rights violations." "The people on both sides of the Line of Control have been detrimentally impacted and suffer from limitations or denial of a range of human rights," the report added. It also talked about the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani by the Indian forces which triggered unprecedented protests in the Valley during this period. There has been documented evidence of these groups committing a wide range of human rights abuses, including kidnappings and killings of civilians and sexual violence, it added. "Despite the Government of Pakistan's assertions of denial of any support to these groups, experts believe that Pakistan's military continues to support their operations across the Line of Control in Indian-Administered Kashmir," the report said. Pakistan is yet to react on the report, but the Indian government has maintained that Indian democracy has all that is required to address legitimate grievances. There can't be any comparison between Jammu and Kashmir and Pakistan-occupied Kashmir as "the former has a democratically elected government while the latter has seen a Pakistani diplomat arbitrarily appointed as its head", Indian officials said. This is for the first time the UNHRC has issued a report on the alleged human rights violations in Kashmir and Pakistan Occupied Kashmir. With inputs from PTI Uttar Pradesh has always shown unusual trends with regard to power theft: For instance, a spike in the number of thefts is a common occurrence right before the elections. In 2015, battling the massive issue of power theft in the state, Uttar Pradesh Power Corporation Limited (UPPCL) began publicising a lesser known provision of the Electricity Act Voluntary Disclosure of Power Theft. Consumers were encouraged to own up to the crime of power theft or katiya, as its called popularly, and receive the benefit of no FIR being lodged against them. The penalty for those who would only be one-fourth of the fine generally imposed. Fast forward to April 2017, when the State Minister of Power Shrikant Sharma said that the department would now be taking severe action against electricity theft of any kind: A person involved in theft of electricity for the first time can be imprisoned for up to five years, while a second time offender can be sentenced for up to seven years. It is safe to assume that these measures did not match up to the governments expectations, because between April and October, drives against katiya had intensified. The Principal Secretary (Energy) of State, Alok Kumar announced the States decision to almost double the number of theft detection squads from 33 to 55 in order to deal with electricity theft and to meet the year-end goals of the Ujjwal Discom Assurance Yojna (UDAY). Kumar also added that the Department of Home is working on nominating a designated police station in every district which will lodge FIRs in case of power theft. Needless to say, this gave power into the hands of the police force to hit out or square up personal agenda against the powerless in the areas they manned powerless, in more than one sense of the word that is. In January 2018, Prime Minister Modis constituency of Varanasi came up with another solution to tackle the crisis of power theft distribution cables were laid out underground. But this apparently did not deter power thieves, causing the officials in the district to plan out their own ingenious methods in the fight against power theft. This involved barging into homes at the crack of dawn, to take people by surprise and to then proceed to check manually for faulty lines in their homes. The idea would be that they would be unprepared to hide anything, not to mention sleepy. If it sounds a tad aggressive and perhaps over the top, then you must listen to what the residents of Koniya village in Varanasi have to say about it. The last week of May saw one such drive in Koniya, when the electricity department officials conducted one of their routine power theft drives at 4 am. They call them chhapa maar. Rajkumar, a resident of Koniya shares, Officials from the Electricity Department entered our homes without notifying us. They climbed onto our terraces in the middle of the day. When we protested, they became super-aggressive. We asked them politely to come outside and talk. But they warned us to co-operate saying that they would file fake FIRs against us, claiming that we were making death threats! Rajesh Rajbhar is furious, as he recounts how the officials were peeking into the houses without any permission. They should knock on the door and ask first if they have these doubts. They have every right to stop power theft, but they have no right to peep inside homes. Rajesh added that he pays his electricity bills on time always and that he feels betrayed by what happened. Phoolmani shares her shock at seeing the officials mounting ladders to gain access to peoples balconies and terraces, There are women in the house, shouldnt they consider our privacy? They entered the house like robbers 15-20 men. What is this? Rajesh also spoke of how the officials have never conducted any chaapa maar investigations in the nearby mill, choosing only to harass poor folks. We have appealed to the department about our electricity bills being unusually high. Utilising electricity for just lighting a bulb and keeping a fan on cannot amount to 2000 rupees a month. The officials have paid no heed to this complaint, but have accused us of theft instead. When we meet up with RD Singh, Superintendent Engineer, a different version of the episode is offered. Refuting any claims of aggression on the part of the department, Singh claims that there was no barging, We started the drive at 4 am because its good to start early and we have a lot to cover. If we can see the lines from outside, why will we go inside the house or climb on the roof? That day we were able to detect 65 houses with electricity theft. Most of them were using katiya and stealing in addition to having a connection. We have launched this campaign for those areas especially where there have been maximum cases of electricity theft issues of line loss. Singh has marked the drive as a success, feeling perhaps closer to the katiya chapa maar targets that might be imposed on him. Uttar Pradesh has always shown unusual trends with regard to power theft: For instance, a spike in the number of thefts is a common occurrence right before the elections. Electricity as an issue has always been a huge vote-garnering point, with the pre-2017 surreys rating it as among the top five reasons for the electoral mandate, and a populace that was considering change and a lean towards the Modi leher, which in turn promised every villager some Saubhagya. Loosely translates as good fortune that we all know as The Pradhan Mantri Sahaj Bijli Har Ghar Yojana. Khabar Lahariya is a women-only network of rural reporters from Bundelkhand. India fell short of 1.9 million units of blood in 2016-17, that could have aided more than 320,000 heart surgeries or 49,000 organ transplants. By Chaitanya Mallapur Mumbai: India fell short of 1.9 million units of blood in 2016-17 equivalent to 60 tankers that could have aided more than 320,000 heart surgeries or 49,000 organ transplants, according to official data. This is an increase from a shortage of 1.1 million units or 35 tankers in 2015-16, when India had fallen nine percent short of its 12 million target, as IndiaSpend had reported on 3 September, 2016. India collected 11.1 million units of blood in 2016-17, meeting 85 percent of its 13 million units target based on World Health Organisation (WHO) norms, according to a recent reply by Anupriya Patel, junior minister for health, to a parliamentary question. The World Blood Donor Day is celebrated on 14 June every year. About 112 million blood donations are collected worldwide every year, 50 percent of which are donated in low and middle-income countries where around 80 percent of the worlds population lives, according to the WHO. The WHO recommends that the blood requirement of one percent of a country's population be used as a ballpark estimate of its blood needs. By this measure, India was short of 1.9 million units of blood, data presented to the Lok Sabha (Lower House of Parliament) on 23 March, 2018, shows. This would be equivalent to 60 tankers, considering one unit of blood as 350 millilitres (ml) and one standard tanker-truck to contain 11,000 litres. Regional variations Chandigarh collected 74,408 more units of blood than it needed as per the WHO norm in 2016-17, government data shows, while Bihar collected 985,015 units less than its requirement. Delhi exceeded its target by 193 percent and Dadra and Nagar Haveli, 142 percent. Bihar, on the other hand, reported a shortage of 84 percent, the worst in the country, followed by Uttar Pradesh, India's most populous state, with a 61 percent shortage. "Chandigarh is entirely a unique area in terms of voluntary blood donation," said Yudhbir Singh Khyalia, national president, Indian Society of Blood Transfusion and Immunohaematology, a non-profit that aims to improve the state of blood banking in the country and encourage people for voluntary blood donation. "The unique feature is the promotion of voluntary blood donation through educational institutions," he said, adding that Chandigarh has for decades led the country's blood donation movement thanks to adequate infrastructure and numerous donor clubs in educational institutions. In Bihar and Uttar Pradesh, in contrast, none of the governments have taken concrete steps, Khyalia said, noting that there needs to be a formal structured movement to improve the state of voluntary blood donation. Source: Lok Sabha Note: Values below 100% mean shortage of blood based on World Health Organization recommendation. Maharashtra collected over 1.4 million units of blood, the most in the country in absolute terms, 20 percent more than it needed. It was followed by West Bengal (one million units) and Karnataka (960,049 units). Many states remain short of blood, particularly in the summer months when educational institutes a major source of blood donation close for vacations or examinations. "Right now, there is a shortage of blood, in May-June, everywhere we have a shortage, in every city of the country," Vinay Shetty, vice-president of Think Foundation, a Mumbai-based NGO that conducts blood donation drives, told IndiaSpend. Blood banks At present, India has 2,903 blood banks spread all across the country, of which 1,043 are public and 1,860 private, including those run by charitable trusts. Maharashtra has 328, the most, followed by Uttar Pradesh (294) and Tamil Nadu (291). On the other hand, 74 districts across 17 states do not have a single blood bank. Assam has 12 such districts, followed by Arunachal Pradesh and Telangana, each with 10. The government has planned to set up blood banks in 68 districts of the country to provide services in the rural hinterland, the reply to the Parliament said. Chandigarh, which reported the highest blood collection as per requirement, has only four blood banks. On the other hand, Uttar Pradesh, with the second highest number of blood banks in the country, was 61 percent short of its requirements. "There are certain cities which are very alive in organising blood donation camps, ensuring availability of blood in advance and not forcing the patients to look for donors," Shetty said, citing the case of Chandigarh. The new National Blood Policy and the National Blood Transfusion Council was formed as a result of efforts by a group of activists in Chandigarh, who went to court demanding regulation of blood donation, and the Supreme Court issued the requisite orders to the central government. The Supreme Court also ruled that blood donation had to be voluntary, putting a ban on the practice of paying donors. Yet, in 2016-17, of the 11.1 million units of blood collected in India, 29 percent was not voluntary, according to the government's Blood Transfusion Services 2016-17 data. "There is no voluntary blood donation at all in most places. Even the medical practice believes that the responsibility of organising blood is that of the patient and not that of the hospital itself," Shetty said, adding, "Voluntary blood donation happens in a very limited way and only in cities which are alive." Much wastage As many as 1.18 million units of blood nearly 38 tankers full was discarded in 2016-17, according to a different Lok Sabha reply dated 22 December, 2017. The reasons attributed included, "reactivity for infections like malaria, syphilis, HIV, Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C; expiry due to outdating, especially for platelets which have a short shelf life of only five days; deterioration during storage in the form of discoloration, haemolysis, bacterial contamination; not meeting quality parameters after collection and production; and non-completion of blood collection in requisite quantities due to donor reactions. The author is an analyst with IndiaSpend. Prime Minister Narendra Modi convened a meeting of his Council of Ministers wherein he is said to have tightened up ministers for upcoming Lok Sabha polls New Delhi: As the NDA government enters its final year before the next Lok Sabha elections, Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Wednesday convened a meeting of his Council of Ministers wherein he is said to have tightened up the ministers, according to informed sources. Convened after a gap of more than three months, it was notably the first meeting of the Council of Ministers after the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) suffered a series of electoral defeats in various bypolls including on some key Lok Sabha seats in Uttar Pradesh such as Gorakhpur, Phulpur and Kairana. In the recently held 11 by-elections (four Lok Sabha and seven assembly seats), the BJP suffered losses on eight seats including two Lok Sabha seats of Kairana in Uttar Pradesh and Bhandara-Gondiya in Maharashtra. According to sources, the meeting assessed the work done in the past four years by the NDA government with regards to implementation of various government schemes on the ground, and also discussed the road map to the 2019 elections and the ministers have been asked to "work according to a calendar in an organised way". The schemes whose implementation and effectiveness was reviewed included Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Mudra Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Jan Aushadhi Yojana, and Ayushman Bharat among others. The Prime Minister is said to have told his colleagues to be proactive with "taking the message of various government schemes and achievements in the last four years to the public". They have also been asked to plug the loopholes, if any, in the working of their ministries and departments. In the last two years, the BJP has lost six Lok Sabha seats in bypolls and currently its tally stands at 273, just one above the halfway mark. Congress president Rahul Gandhis iftar party on Wednesday saw a bevvy of Opposition leaders coming together to put up a show of unity and further embolden the federal front composition. Congress president Rahul Gandhis iftar party on Wednesday saw many Opposition members and diplomats in attendance. However, the lustre of UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhis dinner in March 2018 was largely missing. Good food, friendly faces and great conversation make for a memorable Iftar! We were honoured to have two former Presidents, Pranab Da & Smt Pratibha Patil ji join us, along with leaders from different political parties, the media, diplomats and many old & new friends. pic.twitter.com/TM0AfORXQa Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 13, 2018 Sonia's dinner was attended by all top leaders of the Opposition including NCP chief Sharad Pawar, his colleague Praful Patel, Samajwadi Party veteran Ramgopal Yadav, RJD chief Lalu Yadavs son Tejaswi Yadav and Omar Abdullah of the National Conference. Fabulous dinner tonight, hosted by UPA Chairperson, Sonia Gandhi Ji. An opportunity for leaders from different political parties to meet and bond, informally. Much political talk but much more important - tremendous positive energy, warmth and genuine affection. pic.twitter.com/IxaAm7UPoI Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) March 13, 2018 However, as Sonia herself missed Rahul's party owing to her ongoing treatment abroad, many top leaders of the 'federal front' too were conspicuous by their absence. West Bengal chief minister and TMC chief Mamata Banerjee and BSP supremo Mayawati chose to skip the dinner. Even prominent opposition leaders like HD Deve Gowda, NCP chief Sharad Pawar, RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav and Samajwadi Party leaders Mulayam Singh Yadav and his son Akhilesh Yadav were among the absentees, despite invites being sent out to leaders of at least 17 national and regional parties. SP did not even send a representative from the party to attend the event. In fact, there was even speculation on whether former president Pranab Mukherjee would be invited to the bash since he had drawn the party's ire after his controversial visit to the RSS headquarters last week. But Congress later issued an official statement to set at rest the rumours by saying that the former president had indeed been invited. However, Mukherjee, who sat beside Rahul on the dinner table, left after a while. This was the first ever iftar party to be hosted by Rahul as Congress president. The party did not hold iftar, which marks the customary breaking of the day-long fast in the holy month of Ramzan, in 2016 and 2017. However, this year's iftar bash was being keenly watched in the political circles for the 'show of unity' of opposition leaders at a time when the Congress is positioning itself as the center of the 'federal front' ahead of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Interestingly, PTI sources reported that Telangana chief minister and TRS chief K Chandrashekhar Rao, Andhra Pradesh chief minister and TDP chief Chandrababu Naidu and Delhi chief minister and AAP supremo Arvind Kejriwal were not invited for the event. These developments are crucial in the current political context and the emerging third-front scenario as not all regional leaders are in favour of a Congress-led united Opposition. Many of them including Chandrababu Naidu, have already made it clear that they are looking to build a 'non-BJP, non-Congress' alliance ahead of the general elections in 2019. Meanwhile, earlier this week Akhilesh Yadav too warned his party members of the possibility that BSP might join hands with the Congress instead of supporting the Samajwadi Party, which won't be a favourable scenario for their political ambitions to unfold. Though, Rahul's party was not a complete no-show either as former president Pratibha Patil, former vice president Hamid Ansari and former prime minister Manmohan Singh marked their attendance at the event which was held in the Taj Mansingh hotel in New Delhi. Other attendees at the bash included CPM chief Sitaram Yechury, senior BSP leader Satish Chandra Mishra, DMKs Kanimozhi and TMC's Dinesh Trivedi. The larger message is that almost all Opposition parties came for the iftar and interacted with each other. This unity is our message to the Dalits and the minorities," a senior Opposition leader told The Hindustan Times. While a Muslim leader of the Opposition said, At a time when the BJP has abandoned the culture and practice of iftar in Delhi, this is a good signal to the community. RJD leader Manoj Jha, rebel JD(U) leader Sharad Yadav, Jharkhand Mukti Morchas Hemant Soren, JD(S) leader Danish Ali, All India United Democratic Front chief Badruddin Ajmal and a lawmaker from the Indian Union Muslim League were among the others who attended the iftar along with several top diplomats like Russian Ambassador to India Nikolay R Kudashev, according to The Times of India report. Senior Congress leaders P Chidambaram and Shashi Tharoor, Sheila Dixit, AK Antony, Anand Sharma and Mallikarjun Kharge also attended the party along with NCP leader DP Tripathy and RLD's Mehrajuddin. However, it remains to be seen how many of these newly formed equations sustain the test of time to make sure the numbers are enough to lead the Opposition to a formidable show in the upcoming elections. The Congress hit back at BJP's Arun Jaitley for questioning the party's 'ideology' and its president Rahul Gandhi's 'wisdom'. New Delhi: Union minister Arun Jaitley is writing "hollow and wasteful" blogs to regain political relevance, the Congress said on Wednesday, hitting back at the BJP leader for questioning the party's "ideology" and its president Rahul Gandhi's "wisdom". Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said Jaitley's blogs are a clear case of finding lost political relevance by "churning unadulterated lies". He alleged that the "minister without a portfolio" is desperately trying to "outwit his juniors" who have surpassed ahead to "impress the 'badshah' by weaving blatant lies and falsehood". Earlier, Jaitley while taking a jibe at Rahul for "anti-Narendra Modi tirade" questioned the Congress president's wisdom, saying it has to be acquired through learning and cannot be inherited. The Congress party has become "ideology-less" because its "only obsession is a person called Narendra Modi (prime minister)", Jaitley said in a Facebook post. Surjewala dubbed Jaitley as the "worst" finance minister in India's history who pushed a resilient Indian into an unprecedented financial gloom. The economy under Jaitley has become the biggest NPA (non-performing asset) for the country, he said. "Myopic memory, selective amnesia and weaving lies have become the characteristic style of Modi government's minister without a portfolio Arun Jaitley. "We understand his desperation of seeking political relevance by writing hollow rhetoric, unadulterated falsehood and plain distortion of facts through his hollow blog," the Congress leader said in a statement. "Has the BJP and Jailtey become agenda-less, achievement-less and argument-less?" he asked. Instead of worrying about job creation, providing adequate MSP to farmers and national security, the prime minister is busy throwing "fitness challenges" and putting odd videos on social media, while Jaitley is busy writing some hollow blogs, he alleged. "The Congress wants to remind the prime minister and Jaitley that they have ruined this country's economy through their 'Modinomics' plus 'Jaitleynomics', and this country now needs a break from them," Surjewala said. Jaitley in his blog had earlier said, "For a president of a national party (Congress) not to understand this basic procedure of bank functioning should be a matter of concern to the entire party as also the country." "In dynastic parties political positions are heritable. Unfortunately wisdom is not heritable. It has to be acquired through learning," he said in a post titled "Is Congress Becoming Ideology-less? Is Anti-Modism its only ideology?". The stance of the Congress on the tussle between the AAP government and the Centre underlines its philosophy of supporting the BJP when it suits its objectives. Where exactly does the Congress stand in Delhi? Is it the so-called fulcrum of the incipient anti-BJP alliance thats going to take on Narendra Modi in the next election? Or, is it the B-team of the BJP, an opportunistic party plying its politics on the old principle of an enemys enemy being a friend? On current and past evidence, the Congress is just His Masters Voice for the BJP. Its politics is a perfect example of the famous Mukesh song: Jo tumko ho pasand wahin baat kahenge (will say only what you like). Even if it means calling night as day, or making several ideological compromises to become the chorus of the BJPs theme song. The current stance of the Congress on the ongoing tussle between the AAP government and the Centre underlines its philosophy of supporting the BJP when it suits its objectiveseither by echoing its voice or through silenceeven if it means jettisoning the Opposition for its own political gains. For the past few days, the Delhi chief minister and his colleagues have been sitting on a dharna at the Lt Governors residence. Arvind Kejriwal is demanding that the L-G intervene to end the 'strike' by IAS officers assigned to the Delhi government. His government has handed over a letter of demands to the L-G, in which they requested him to issue orders that all IAS officers who do not return to work would have proceedings initiated against them and, if necessary, ESMA would be invoked against them. They also wanted the L-G to act against the officers who have stalled work till now. The Congress is trying to forge an alliance with regional parties by calling the BJP a threat to democratic institutions. It has given a call for unity claiming the BJP has no respect for democratically elected rivals and is out to destroy the countrys federal structure. If the Congress really believed its rhetoric, Delhi would have been an ideal case for standing up for the AAP, democracy and federalism. But, the Congressadept at opportunism, U-turns and compromises that suit its politicshas preferred to either castigate the Delhi chief minister or remain silent. Kejriwal is the leader of the democratically elected government of Delhi. His party enjoys one of the biggest majorities in the history of Indian democracy. Whatever be the merits of his demands or the veracity of his arguments, the L-Gs decision to not meet him or his colleagues to break the deadlock is a plain rebuke to the Delhi government, and by extension to his voters. But, the Congress, which has been vocal about the interference of governors in other states, has been quiet about the stand-off in Delhi. Its reaction has been limited to calling Kejriwals dharna a drama to distract from the water crisis in Delhi. However, it has not said a word about the validity of Kejriwals demands, the allegations of strike and non-cooperation by bureaucrats. Its leaders have not said a single word about the legality of the decision of the IAS officers to not attend meetings of the Delhi government, thus bringing it to a standstill. In short, it has not taken an ideological stand based on the merits of the case, thus supporting a status quo that helps the BJP. The Congress has been vocal against Kejriwal and equivocal on his demands in spite of the fact that many of its potential allies like the TMC, CPM and RLD have supported the Delhi government. Even Mamata Banerjee and her arch-rival Sitaram Yechury has endorsed Kejriwals stand, indicating that on certain issues, even these two parties are willing to speak in unison. This opportunism is exactly what makes the Congress argument that the Opposition must unite for the sake of democracy, Indian Constitution and institutions a lie. It shows the only ideology the Congress believes in self-preservation. So, it will cosy up to rivals who can keep it alive politically by striking unholy and opportunistic alliances, like the one in Karnataka. But, when it sees a threat to itself from a regional party thats part of the anti-Modi lineup, it will not think twice before becoming the BJPs puppet. It is, of course, easy to understand Congress Kejriwal-phobia. It sees the AAP as a clear threat in Delhi. A year ago, it was so spooked by the AAPs rise in Punjab that there were rumours of a tacit alliance between the Akalis and the Congress to keep the AAP out. In Kejriwal, the Congress also sees a leader, who though down and out, can resurrect himself and attain his post-2014 stature of a BJP-slayer. So, the AAPs demise and Kejriwals downfall is a necessary pre-condition for the survival of the Congress. But, if other regional parties are watching closely, they should notice two things about the Congress. One, it will swing from one ideological position to another, depending on what serves its interests more. Two, it will try its best to destroy a regional party that could become a future challenge, even if it implies singing the BJPs tune. The Delhi High Court agreed to hear a plea on 18 June seeking to declare the sit-in by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet as unconstitutional and illegal New Delhi: The Delhi High Court on Thursday agreed to hear on 18 June a plea seeking to declare the sit-in by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues as unconstitutional and illegal. The petition was mentioned before Justice C Hari Shankar who said that it will be listed for hearing on Monday. The plea filed by petitioner Hari Nath Ram sought direction for discharging the chief ministerial obligations and responsibilities as the entire functioning of the Chief Minister office of National Capital Territory (NCT) of Delhi has been brought to a "stand still" since the sit-in started. The petition, filed through advocates Shashak Deo Sudhi and Shashi Bhushan, sought court's direction to the Delhi government to declare the sit-in called by the chief minister and his cabinet colleagues as unconstitutional and illegal. "In the alternative, to issue comprehensive guidelines for legislative members not to indulge into acts of constitutional crisis including the strike for executive bargaining in the interest of justice," the plea said. Kejriwal and his ministers have been staging a sit-in at Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal's office since 11 June evening to press for their demands, including a direction to IAS officers to end their "strike" and act against those who have struck work. Kejriwal's deputy Manish Sisodia and health minister Satyender Jain are on an indefinite hunger strike to press for their demands. The plea submitted that taxpayer's money was being wasted for the constitutional bargain by the chief minister of the state from the L-G. "It is settled position of law that L-G has special power in respect of the NCT of Delhi. Notwithstanding, the chief minister of NCT of Delhi is flouting the fundamental law of the country despite having taken an oath under the constitution of India. It is equally settled law that the person who had taken the oath under the Constitution, is enjoined to follow the constitutional postulates and mandates. "However, the chief minister of NCT of Delhi is not holding administrative works, which are the cardinal function of the chief minister to govern the state under the rule of law," the plea claimed. It added that the sit-in was stoppage of all public works for the purpose of acceptance of demands by the strikers and there was no statutory or legal provision empowering the chief minster to go on the sit-in. The plea has arrayed as parties Delhi government through secretary and the chief minister through NCT of Delhi. In the morning, a team of doctors conducted a health checkup of Sisodia and Jain at the L-G office, who are on an indefinite hunger strike to press for their demands. They also want the L-G to approve the proposal for doorstep delivery of ration. Kejriwal has said they will not leave the L-G office until their demands are met. The Aam Aadmi Party has threatened to stage a "dharna" at the Prime Minister's Office (PMO) on Sunday if a solution to the issue was not found this week. According to the AAP government, officers have not been attending meetings with the ministers and not picking up their calls due to which government work for people was suffering. However, IAS officers' association has claimed that no officer has been on strike and no work has been affected. The L-G's office recently slammed Kejriwal's sit-in, saying it was one more "dharna without reason". The Madras High Court is expected to deliver its verdict on petitions challenging the disqualification of 18 AIADMK MLAs owing allegiance to sidelined party leader TTV Dhinakaran Chennai: The Madras High Court is expected to deliver its verdict on petitions challenging the disqualification of 18 AIADMK MLAs owing allegiance to sidelined party leader TTV Dhinakaran. The verdict may open up a fresh round of political squabbles and legal battles and could have a bearing on the stability of the AIADMK government led by Chief Minister K Palaniswami, who had assumed office in February 2017 with the backing of Dhinakaran but later turned against him. The first bench comprising Chief Justice Indira Banerjee and Justice M Sundar, which had on 23 January reserved its orders on the petitions by the 18 MLAs challenging their disqualification by the assembly speaker under the anti-defection law, was likely to give the judgement in the afternoon, court sources said. If the court quashes the speaker's order disqualifying the 18 MLAs, it could pose some trouble to the Palaniswami government, though the ruling AIADMK is confident that its government would not face any immediate threat to its survival. They point out that in the event of a confidence vote, the 18 MLAs would be bound by the whip and cannot afford to vote against the government. Besides, the option of filing an appeal is also open to both the sides. Opposition DMK has been claiming that with the disqualification of the MLAs, the Palaniswami government had been reduced to a minority. The ruling AIADMK has a strength of 116 MLAs exluding the Speaker but including S Karunaas (Mukkulathor Pulipadai), M Thamimun Ansari (Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi) and U Thaniyarasu (Tamil Nadu Kongu Ilaignar Peravai), who had won on the ruling party's two leaves symbol in 2016 polls. While 18 MLAs owing allegiance to Dhinakaran were disqualified, the DMK has 89 MLAs, its allies Congress 8 and the IUML one in the 234-member House. Dhinakaran was elected from RK Nagar last year and he is the lone Independent member of the House. A court ruling adverse to the government would intensify the power struggle between Dhinakaran, now chief of Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam, and the ruling party led by top leaders O Panneerselvam. Dhinakaran, the nephew of deposed party leader VK Sasikala, had been claiming that the Palaniswami government would not last long. The MLAs were disqualified after they had called on Tamil Nadu governor expressing a lack of confidence in Palaniswami's leadership and seeking a change of guard. The MLAs had met the governor on 22 August, 2017, a day after then rival factions led by Palaniswami and his now deputy Panneerselvam merged their factions after deposing Dhinaknaran as the deputy general secretary. During the hearing of the petitions which commenced on 16 November, senior counsels for the respondents including the Speaker, the chief whip, and the chief minister defended the disqualification of the MLAs. The crux of their argument was that the MLAs had approached the governor with the intention to topple the government headed by Palaniswami and thereby attracted disqualification under the anti-defection law. Senior counsels Abhishek Singhvi and PS Raman who had appeared for the petitioners among others argued that the disqualification of the 18 MLAs was a premeditated ambush. The Speaker had passed the order based on irrelevant considerations, ignoring relevant considerations which was malice in law, Singhvi had contended. With Karunaas attending a recent "mock Assembly" held by DMK, it is not clear if he continues to back the ruling party. Thaniyarasu and Ansari seem to be sailing with the government. Bringing relief to the ruling dispensation, in April, the Madras High Court had dismissed a petition by DMK seeking disqualification of Panneerselvam and 10 other AIADMK MLAs for having voted against the Palaniswami government last year when they were in the rebel camp. The verdict may open up a fresh round of political squabbles and legal battles and could even have a bearing on the stability of the AIADMK government of Chief Minister K Palaniswami. A two-judge Madras High Court bench delivered a split verdict in the disqualification case of 18 MLAs pledging allegiance to suspended party leader TTV Dhinakaran. Chief Justice Indira Banerjee upheld Speaker's decision but Justice M Sundar disagreed. The matter now will be heard by a third judge nominated by Justice Huluvadi G Ramesh. There will be no fresh elections in 18 constituencies and no floor test till the decision of the third judge. The verdict may open up a fresh round of political squabbles and legal battles and could even have a bearing on the stability of the state government of Chief Minister K Palaniswami. If the three-judge bench of the high court upholds the disqualification, there will be by-elections held for the 18 constituencies. Considering Dhinakaran contested a by-election as an Independent candidate and secured victory from Chennai's RK Nagar in December, the MLAs close to him are likely to do the same. There will be another trust vote, but with the strength of the Tamil Nadu Assembly reducing to 215, the AIADMK has enough numbers in the bag to feel secure. However, things will get murky if the court cancels the disqualification. The 18 MLAs in question were disqualified on the eve of a trust vote against the Palaniswami government by the Speaker in September last year. If their disqualification is quashed, there will be another trust vote. And this is where the AIADMK could fall short of an absolute majority required to retain power. Here's a look at the current constitution of the Tamil Nadu Assembly: The AIADMK is the single largest party in the Tamil Nadu Assembly with 117 MLAs, exactly 50 percent of the House strength of 234. However, with the Speaker unable to cast a vote, the number would come down to 116. Furthermore, three more AIADMK MLAs had quit the Palaniswami camp to join Dhinakaran: S Karunaas, M Thamimun Ansari and U Thaniyarasu. If they also vote against the government in case of a trust vote, Palaniswami's hand will be weakened even further. However, the lack of numbers for the AIADMK may not necessarily benefit the Opposition alliance either. The DMK and Congress, in an alliance in Tamil Nadu since over 10 years, have 98 MLAs: DMK has 89, Congress has eight and the Indian Muslim League (IUML) has one. Dhinakaran is the sole Independent MLA in Tamil Nadu, and with his support, the number rises to 99. However, the AIADMK could issue a whip to the three legislators who switched sides and force them to vote for the party under the anti-defection law. Failure to do so may result in their disqualification from the Assembly. This will bring the size of the House further down and necessitate further by-elections. To keep up with the latest developments, follow our live blog With inputs from PTI Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be voted back to power in the 2019 general elections, Maharashtra CM Devendra Fadnavis has said. New York: Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be voted back to power in the 2019 general elections, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said emphasising that the Indian leader is addressing basic problems of the common man through flagship schemes of constructing toilets, providing bank accounts and gas connections. Fadnavis is currently visiting the United States following a trip to Canada. After meeting investors and CEOs and attending a community reception in the city, he will visit Washington and San Francisco. In 2019, people are going to vote Narendra Modi again because what India could not achieve in 67 years, we have achieved a lot in the last four years, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis told PTI in an interview in New York on Wednesday. I won't say that nothing happened in 67 years but the path on which the country has begun its journey now, is something which was never thought of, he said. Fadnavis said at a time when India is the fastest growing economy in the world, is developing infrastructure and technology, Modi is simultaneously addressing the problems of a common man. We may talk about missions to the moon but even today 50 percent of the population does not have toilets. Look at that disparity. That disparity is being addressed by Modi, he said. Unless we address this disparity, it will result in a very divided society. According to official data, Maharashtra has constructed the maximum number of individual household toilets under the Centre's flagship Swachh Bharat Mission scheme, followed by Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Till November last year, as many as 42.72 lakh household toilets have been constructed against the target of 66.42 lakh. Fadnavis said citizens of the country are now getting basic requirements like gas connections and bank accounts. From providing gas connections to electricity connections, every single step is changing the country and that is why I am very sure that people will vote for Narendra Modi again in 2019. Asked about the electoral losses suffered by the BJP in the recently held by-elections in Kairana and Noorpur seats in Uttar Pradesh and Bhandara-Gondiya Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra as the country gets ready for the 2019 general elections, Fadnavis said by-elections cannot be a yardstick since in the by-elections the voting is low. On the threat letters allegedly by maoists containing a plot to target Modi, Fadnavis said the letter have been recovered from a hard disk and there is other corroborating evidence that an assassination attempt was being planned against Modi. Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) chief Sharad Pawar had said the BJP was playing a "threat letter card" to gain sympathy. Fadnavis reiterated that it was very unfortunate when senior leaders like Pawar make such comments. With all the damaging evidence, if somebody says that it is a letter to get sympathy, I don't expect that from such a person, he said. Now that chances of staging a hostile takeover have receded, Dhinakaran has to focus primarily on building his own party, at the district level. Edappadi Palaniswami has won the fitness challenge. At least for now. The Tamil Nadu chief minister's chair won't be under threat as the 18 MLAs owing allegiance to TTV Dhinakaran stay disqualified. And on account of the Madras High Court's split verdict, EPS will not have to lead the AIADMK into by-elections in 18 seats immediately and risk that result being interpreted as a referendum on his rule. It is Dhinakaran who is on the mat, with a 'split' headache. VK Sasikala's nephew had already decided that even if the verdict goes against his camp followers, they will not appeal in the Supreme Court and instead show their political muscle in the bypolls. If the verdict had quashed the Speaker's decision, it would have given Dhinakaran an opportunity to join hands with MK Stalin of the DMK and move a no-trust vote against the AIADMK government or the Speaker. The status quo is, therefore, the worst news that could have come Dhinakaran's way as he has to bide his time, doing nothing. In a rather surprising judgment, the two judges gave contrasting verdicts. Chief Justice Indira Banerjee said she found Speaker P Dhanapal's decision reasonable and therefore did not find any reason to interfere with the order. Justice M Sundar, however, said that the Speaker's decision was violative of the principles of natural justice and should be subject to judicial review. Now, a third judge will have to hear the case all over again. Given that the two-judge bench took ten months to deliver its verdict, it is anyone's guess how much time the new judge will take. What it does politically is to make Dhinakaran irrelevant, at least temporarily. His threat that his sleeper cells will bring down the EPS regime on the floor of the House, has proved to be a damp squib. He was hoping that a favourable verdict will give him the political oxygen to force a leadership change in the AIADMK. Now that chances of staging a hostile takeover have receded, Dhinakaran has to focus primarily on building his own party, at the district level. The challenge will be to ensure that his support base is not wooed back in the interim by EPS. The AIADMK will see a Palaniswami-Panneerselvam partnership and the duo would look to consolidate the party in the run-up to the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. The rank and file will have little option but to rally around the duo. Palaniswami's ability to distribute the fruits of power will ensure he stays unchallenged. The bigger test will be to be seen as Jayalalithaa's political successor. In politics, it is usually an ability to win elections that adds to a leader's aura and continuance in power. But in Tamil Nadu, EPS has managed to stay on top, by not facing a single by-election barring the one in RK Nagar, which the AIADMK lost miserably. The local body elections that would have given a sense of the mood on the ground after Jayalalithaa's demise, have been put in cold storage. Now that EPS does not have to face the 18 bypolls, his first test may possibly come only in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls. What does it mean for the people of Tamil Nadu? For the 18 constituencies, it means the legal tangle has deprived them of an elected representative. And the wait has only been prolonged for them to elect one. Given the importance of the case, it should have ideally been heard by a 3-judge bench right at the outset. Given that the 18 MLAs have made it clear that they are against EPS, the numbers are stacked against the AIADMK government, pushing it below the halfway mark. What happens if tomorrow the new judge concurs with Justice Sundar and the government subsequently falls? That would effectively mean Tamil Nadu was run by a minority government since September 2017. The verdict itself has come under fire from the DMK and Dhinakaran group. Chief Justice Banerjee in March had overruled the Puducherry Speaker's decision to refuse nominations of three MLAs made by the Centre to the Puducherry Assembly. The three nominated MLAs were members associated with the BJP. The criticism is that how can the same judge who did not think the Puducherry Speaker had the final authority to decide on matters concerning the House, now thinks differently in the case of the Tamil Nadu Speaker. The case has also established Palaniswami's control over the government and party machinery. He has demonstrated that he can get the membership of a lawmaker terminated if they dared to go against him. The 18 MLAs are accused of representing to the then Governor Vidyasagar Rao that they have no confidence in Palaniswami's leadership. Their argument before the high court was that this did not amount to defying a party whip, and therefore should not attract disqualification. It is the AIADMK cadre that will now have to decide which horse to back. Should they stick around in the AIADMK, which has the two leaves election symbol, or should they look to invest in Dhinakaran's pressure cooker? That should give them some food for thought. IANS The Lovely Professional University (LPU) here on 14 May announced it has been slated to host world's biggest science event the Indian Science Congress next year, with Prime Minister Narendra Modi to inaugurate it. The 106th Science Congress will be held from January 3-7 on the private varsity's campus with about 15,000 delegates, including 300 top scientists and Nobel Laureates, from across the world, attending the meet. Themed "Future India: Science & Technology", the five-day event will have 18 plenary sessions, including those of medical, chemical, environmental and other science domains. In parallel, there will be four mega events, including Children Science Conference; Women Science Conference; Science Communicators' Meet; and Science Exhibition. "We feel honoured for hosting such a prestigious scientific congress which has to witness great scientists from not only India but also from world across," LPU Chancellor Ashok Mittal said in a statement. Reuters The use of social media networks such as Facebook to consume news has started to fall in the United States as many young people turn toward messaging apps such as Facebook-owned WhatsApp to discuss events, the Reuters Institute found. Usage of Facebook, the worlds largest social network, for news is down 9 percentage points from 2017 in the United States and down 20 points for younger audiences, according to the Reuters Institute survey of 74,000 people in 37 markets. The use of social media for news has started to fall in a number of key markets after years of continuous growth, Nic Newman, research associate at the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, said in the Digital News Report. We continue to see a rise in the use of messaging apps for news as consumers look for more private (and less confrontational) spaces to communicate, Newman said. The research lays bare the volatility of consumer tastes as the news industry tries to grapple with the impact of the internet and smartphones that have transformed both the way people consume news and the way media companies make money. The YouGov polling for the Reuters Institute was conducted mostly before Facebook, facing criticism for algorithms that may have prioritized misleading news, adjusted the filters on its News Feed in January. Facebook and Twitter are still used by many users to discover news but the discussion then takes place on messaging apps such as WhatsApp, often because people feel less vulnerable discussing events on such apps. Social media is like wearing a mask, an unidentified UK female respondent from the 30-45 age group was quoted as saying. When I am in my messaging groups with my friends, the mask comes off and I feel like I can truly be myself. WhatsApp, founded in 2009 and bought by Facebook in 2014 for $19 billion in cash and stock, is more popular than Twitter in importance for news in many countries, the report said. Some respondents still found news on Facebook but then posted items on a WhatsApp group for discussion with a closer set of friends. WhatsApp and Instagram, also a unit of Facebook, have taken off in Latin America and Asia while Snapchat (SNAP.N) has made progress in Europe and the United States, the survey noted of regional news sharing differences. Fake news? Fewer than half of people surveyed across the world said they trusted the media most of the time, though in the United States just 34 percent said they trusted most news, most of the time, down 4 points. In the United States, local television news and the Wall Street Journal were the most trusted news brands while in the United Kingdom it was BBC news and ITV news. Fox News and Breitbart were trusted more by those on the right of the political spectrum in the United States while those on the left trusted CNN more. News brands with a broadcasting background and a long heritage tended to be trusted most, with popular newspapers and digital-born brands trusted less. Public broadcasters scored well. The so called Trump Bump increase in subscriptions to news media has been maintained though more than two-thirds of respondents were unaware of problems in the news industry and thought most media were making a profit from digital news. The verdict is clear: people find that some news is worth paying for, but much of it is not, said Rasmus Kleis Nielsen, director of research at the Reuters Institute. The challenge for publishers now is to ensure that the journalism they produce is truly distinct, relevant and valuable, and then effectively promoting it to convince people to donate or subscribe. tech2 News Staff India does not have a dedicated data privacy law, but the Supreme Court of India had declared the Right to Privacy as a Fundamental Right back in August last year. To that effect, the Ministry of Electronics and Information Technology (MeitY) had appointed an expert panel headed by former SC judge BN Srikrishna to draft a data protection law. The Srikrishna committee had presented a white paper pertaining to the data protection legislation, you can read our complete breakdown of it in our 'Understanding the Data Protection White Paper' series. While the deadline for presenting the first draft of the data protection law is approachingby the end of the month a group of private individuals and organisations have come together to create a site called Save Our Privacy. This is a collection of 11 organisations such as the Internet Freedom Foundation, Indian Kanoon, Youth Ki Awaaz, The Indian Liberals, among others. At the time of writing around 468 individuals have also expressed support for the initiative. You can pledge your support as well, by heading over to the site and registering. You can also donate money if you want to support the cause. The site is divided into two basic parts which include the Indian Privacy Code 2018, which is a draft of a model bill, and 7 privacy principles. The Code The Indian Privacy Code 2018 is a model draft law which has been put together by the organisations and experts behind the site. This document comprises 24 pages of guidelines which is divided into 10 chapters covering various aspects pertaining to data privacy. This Code is just a means to spread the word on the importance of data privacy even as the BN Srikrishna committee presents its first draft. According to the site, "This draft hopes to build awareness, knowledge and discussion on specific and nuanced issues of privacy, data protection, interception and surveillance." Since it is a citizen-driven initiative, it is not a hardcoded final document. If you feel you want to comment on certain aspects of the guidelines, you are more than welcome to do it and there is an email ID to respond to as well, with your suggestions. The major points in the Code have been inspired by the Privacy (Protection) Bill, 2013 and the people behind the draft include a list of legal experts. Since it is a public advocacy initiative, the buck stops with you, the concerned citizen, of how far and wide you want to spread the word, and maybe nudge the government to do more on the matter. The 7 privacy principles As the Code is a lengthy document, with finer aspects of privacy detailed neatly, Save Our Privacy site has also added a section which distils the major takeaways from the Indian Privacy Code. Points that are inspired heavily by the Justice KS Puttuswamy v Union of India judgement which declared Right to Privacy as a Fundamental Right. The seven principles state the following: tech2 News Staff While consumer laptops are only accepting 8 GB RAM as the norm, Lenovo has gone and pushed out laptops with a whopping 128 GB of RAM. Let that sink in for a minute. Thats more RAM than the internal storage capacity of most phones and as much RAM as the baseline storage capacity on most Ultrabooks. The ludicrousness doesnt stop there. The laptop in question, a Lenovo ThinkPad P52, can be configured with up to 6 TB of storage (thats over 6,000 GB), a 15.6-inch 4K display (100 percent Adobe RGB colour), a six-core eighth-gen Intel Xeon CPU and a powerful Nvidia Quadro P3200 GPU. Obviously, this beast of a machine isnt for the regular office-going and student crowd. This is a proper workstation machine that will put most desktop PCs and even small servers to shame. Lenovo states that the PC is designed to handle heavy workloads like VR (virtual reality) applications and BIM (Building Information Modelling). TheVerge reports that the unit will include two Thunderbolt 3 ports, HDMI 2.0, mini DisplayPort and a three USB Type-A ports for connectivity. The device will be compatible with Lenovos ThinkPad Thunderbolt Workstation Dock. Agence France-Presse Loss of coral reefs around the world would double the damage from coastal flooding, and triple the destruction caused by storm surges, researchers said on Tuesday. Coupled with projected sea level rise driven by global warming, reef decline could see flooding increase four-fold by century's end, they reported in the journal Nature Communications. Without coral to help absorb the shock, a once-in-a-century cyclone would wreak twice the havoc, with the damage measured in the tens of billions of dollars, the team calculated. "Coral reefs serve as natural, submerged breakwaters that reduce flooding by breaking waves and reducing wave energy," said Michael Beck, lead scientist at The Nature Conservancy research and environmental group, and a professor at the University of California in Santa Cruz. "Unfortunately, we are already losing the height and complexity of shallow reefs around the world, so we are likely already seeing increases in flood damages along many tropical coasts," he told AFP. Not all coral reefs are declining, and reefs can recover from bleaching, overfishing and storm impacts, Beck noted. "But the overall pattern of significant losses across geographies is clear." Much of the world's 71,000 kilometres (44,000 miles) of coastline with shallow reefs concentrated in the tropics has been decimated by coastal development, sand mining, dynamite fishing and runoff from industry and agriculture. Coral is also highly sensitive to spikes in water temperature, which have become sharper and more frequent with climate change. A marine heatwave in 2016, for example, killed off nearly 30 percent of Australia's iconic Great Barrier Reef. Damage from yet another bout of destructively warm water in 2017 has yet to be assessed. Global coral reefs risk catastrophic die-offs if Earth's average surface temperature increases two degrees Celsius (3.6 degrees Fahrenheit) above pre-industrial levels, earlier research has shown. Undervalued natural assets The 196-nation Paris Agreement seeks to cap global warming "well below" that threshold, but the planet has already warmed by more than 1 degree Celsius. Combining coastal flooding and economic models, the new study calculated country by country the value of coral reefs as a barrier against storm-related wreckage. Globally, seaside flooding is estimated to cause nearly $4 billion dollars (3.4 billion euros) a year in damages. With the erosion of the top metre (three feet) of coral reefs worldwide, that figure rises to $8 billion, Beck and his colleagues found. "The topmost living corals will die and can break off very quickly," said Beck. The countries most at risk from coral reef loss are Indonesia, the Philippines, Malaysia, Mexico and Cuba, each of which could avoid $400 million in damage per year if reefs are maintained. Saudi Arabia, the United States, Taiwan and Vietnam would also become significantly more vulnerable to flooding with severe coral erosion. "When we consider the devastating impact of tropical storms in just the past few years Hurricanes Irma and Maria, Typhoon Haiyan the effects would be much worse without coral reefs," Beck said. The study adds to a growing body of research seeking to calculate the monetary value of assets and services long taken for granted that Nature provides us for free. Mangrove forests, for example, also protect against storm surges and serve as nurseries for dozens of aquatic species. They are disappearing at the rate of one-to-two percent per year, scientists say. Likewise, bee populations that pollinate tens of billions of dollars worth of crops each year are collapsing. Sheldon Pinto Back at the Mobile World Congress this year, we witnessed a flurry of Android smartphones announced, all of which appeared to ape Apples full-screen iPhone X. And in that full-screen pursuit, we saw many Android smartphone manufacturers bend the knee (to quote from Game of Thrones) and hail Apple as their one true king. Some manufacturers like Asus and Huawei openly claimed at their respective announcements that their designs were inspired by the fruit company. The result of this pursuit was not to launch smartphones with a display notch, but to basically expand the area of the display to make their products look as good as the iPhone. Few like OnePlus came close to success, while most of them failed. Apple had to use a display notch, to accommodate a new authentication system and did so practically because it wanted to deliver a front face free of bezels. Android copycats simply registered the notch in mind and completely forgot about the rest, which is why we have a number of notch-happy smartphones manufactured by Huawei, OnePlus, Vivo, Oppo and more recently, Xiaomi who have a notch up top, but also a noticeable chin at the base, defeating the purpose of having a bezel-free display. They forgot that Apple simply wanted to provide more display real estate on the front and had to do so, in a footprint of a smartphone that would fit in regular-sized hands. Apple pulled off the edge-to-edge display in the most graceful way possible, by folding the flexible OLED display under the display itself at the bottom, so that connectors can continue from there instead of the usual way, where the connectors ended at the bottom resulting in a chin like any other regular smartphone. Obviously this also meant wasting the folded part of the display, but the result was beautiful and it seemed almost perfect, save for the notch at the top, which given todays technology still has to be in place because of the all-important selfie camera (yeah, you could blame the selfie for being a roadblock in the smartphones design evolution). It was also expensive, which is why many Android manufacturers now adopt both the notch at the top along with the chin at the bottom (for the display connectors), which is also why they dont make much sense. Today we have every new Android smartphone looking like an iPhone X wannabe, from budget to mid-range and the premium segment launching with a display notch (which is like the iPhone) and a chin at the bottom (unlike the iPhone X) and the virtual navigation bar sitting right above it (again unlike the iPhone X). Yeah! When you check out the space that the notch, the virtual navigation buttons and the bottom chin take up, you will see why the notch on Android smartphones make little sense, but more on this later. Smartphone identity So in mid-2018, there are just three smartphone manufacturers that have their own identity when it comes to smartphones: Apple, its arch-rival Samsung and the survivor that we all call Sony. Apple has the display notch as its identity, Samsung has its Infinity Display with curved edges and Sony has thick bezels that are now accompanied by a curved back (we get fresh new designs from them year on year though). The smartphone manufacturer who started the trend, however, has yet to see its smartphones being shipped worldwide. The massive notch at the top of the Essential Phones display started the trend, but now that I look at it, it honestly does not make much sense when I notice that massive black chin below the display. While the edge-to-edge display with the notch has worked wonders for the iPhone design (and sales), it software approach to the notch still seems lacking. So yes, all is not lost to the notch and Android has not lost to Apple just yet! Not a tough choice to make Apple iPhone users have no choice but to accept the notch because thats the way forward for Apple to its all screen dream. After years of being bonded to thick bezels above and below the display, its no wonder that every iPhone user out there craves for an iPhone X. Its got no bezels! Which is why it made perfect sense for every full-blooded iPhone fan to buy one even if they have to sell both kidneys. Add to that a new gesture-based navigation system without the need to press down on a Home button and it made perfect sense. Face ID may not have been on everyones list, but its super convenient to register and Apple claims its secure. There you go! I just sold you an iPhone X in 5 sentences. The notch is more Android-friendly than you think Truth be told, Apple simply steered clear of the UI problems because it had to make the notch user-friendly. It asked developers to steer clear of the notch, so everything apart from video or photos would clearly avoid using or adapting to it. The results are good enough for every iPhone user out there but it will come to bite Apple in the near future. This is because Apple simply replaced its hardware bezels with software ones to fill up the gaps created by its edge-to-edge display. Fire up an app, and its easy to see how much of that screen real estate (that Apple has convinced you to pay for) is actually used by the interface. Your text and content remain in centre with massive chunks of empty space at the top and the bottom (basically virtual bezels). The only time when you want to appreciate that edge-to-edge display is also the time iPhone users will actually notice that notch because Apple encourages developers to include the notch when viewing video content and photos, which is the only time the entire display is being used. So much for courage. On Android, manufacturers have found a workaround to the display notch and their makeshift full-screen displays. Huawei and OnePlus, for example, have the ability to hide the notch when viewing video content. This ensures that you get the complete picture (which is produced in 16:9 ratio to begin with) on a 19:9 ratio display. The notch when adapted well works beautifully like on the OnePlus 6. The notch ends where the status bar ends and the content sits below it, giving every pixel of the app its well-deserved space on the screen. In short, theres no waste of space if done right. Google too, will soon be adding official support for display notches (of all sizes) with Android Pwhenever it arrives. It almost seems like the pace of Android hardware innovation is more than often slowed down by Google because its always late to the party. Nobody likes the notch Human beings tend to like symmetrical designs, so its unlikely that any of us like the notch. But its popularity is growing and Chinese smartphone makers are including one in every new release is a clear-cut indicator of our strange affair with display notches. I would always ask someone who claims to love the notch whether they would buy a TV with a display notch? The quick answer without any hesitation is No. And the disease is spreading to other gadgets as well. Need a bezel less display on a laptop? Well, Huawei tried something new with its MateBook and included a web cam inside one of the keys on the keyboard. The results were not too great with the camera looking at your crotch when placed on your lap or inside your nose when placed on a work desk. Similar workarounds are in progress in the smartphone world as well. Vivo finally launched a production variant of its concept smartphone called the Vivo Nex. It does away with the whole selfie problem by placing a pop-up camera at the top side of the device. And this is just the beginning of our fight against the display notch or as I would call it, our pursuit for an all-screen display. May be Apples working on its first MacBook with a display notch as I write this article. While Id rather have Apple work on its problematic MacBook Pro keyboard instead, only Apple can afford to pull off and sell such radical designs that fans will buy. Our path to notch-less goodness We first had tiny displays in heavy smartphones, then we had bigger displays in heavier smartphones, today we have bigger displays in smaller smartphones with greater processing power and close to DSLR like portrait image quality (Pixel 2), which is all a sign of progress. And just like the 3.5 mm headphone jack, those thick bezels, the notch too will soon be a thing of the past as the dream of an all-screen smartphone lives on. In fact, the notch is one of shortest smartphone trends we have seen, with it barely surfacing for about 6 months and Chinese smartphone makers like Vivo already killing it. If someone manages to pull it off successfully, it could indeed mark the beginning of a new trend where manufacturers look up to notch-less displays and the iPhone X, (iPhone X Plus and whatever new notched device that Apple throws at us this year) become smartphones of the past. Times are changing and if Samsung has finally found its own following and identity (after designing disasters like the Galaxy S5), theres nothing stopping anybody else to find their own (just like Vivo did). It wont be long until smartphone users will look down on an iPhone and manufacturers will stop following the trends popularised by the brand. Android camera phones have already moved ahead of the iPhone. If you take a look at its rankings, the iPhone X (the best that Apple has on offer) sits at number 7 with a sizeable number of Android smartphones above it performing a lot better according to DxO Mark Mobile. There are now under-display fingerprint readers available in Android devices and even though they are not perfect, everyone knows that it is the next big hardware feature. So yes, Android smartphones manufacturers or should I say, smartphone manufacturers apart from Apple are ahead of the fruit company in terms of hardware in some aspects. Of course, most of them will still be aping what Apple does. But it's good to see some of them breaking away from the mould and trying out new radical designs. Whether it will work or not, is something only time will tell. But considering the iPhone X design refresh came after four generations of iterating on the same design language from iPhone 6 to iPhone 8, Android has certainly seen a lot many experiments. Essential started the trend of the display notch and Apple popularised it. But if the Vivo NEX's bezel-less bet works, there's nothing stopping Android smartphone makers from killing the notch trend. Some Android manufacturers have started creating waves and stopped riding on them. tech2 News Staff Foldable smartphones are coming and Samsung is expected to bring the world's first foldable smartphone in the Q1 next year. The device design has been spotted online and the company has also been reported to have privately showcased the foldable smartphone during the CES 2018. A new report suggests the smartphone might be priced around $1,900 when launched. A report by The Korea Times cites an analyst who suggests that Samsung's 'Foldable' device is expected be released under the 'Galaxy' brand next year. The report mentions that the parts of the foldable smartphone will be supplied by its subcontractors in November and the company will then start assembling the device aiming to be launched next year. The expected price 2 million South Korean won (around $1,900) was also mentioned in the report, which excludes subsidies from carriers. Park Hyung-woo, an analyst is quoted saying "This new device is an interesting thing as it will have two inside panels and one outside panel with the two inside panels forming the 7.3-inch screen when the phone is unfolded". According to the analyst the prototype of the foldable device will be showcased to various US and European mobile carriers during the technology fair (expected to be the CES 2019) at Las Vegas in 2019. According to the report company's spokesperson Kim Choon-gon said that the firm was on the track to develop a "true foldable display". He declined to comment on details about the specification and features of the smartphone. The reports mentions about the the latest patent filed by the company called as "artificial muscle" which allows the movement of the components in sync of the devices screen to protect them for getting damaged. Samsung doesn't wants to let its Chinese competitors (Huawei and ZTE) get the title of "world's first" as both the companies are developing devices with foldable screens. A Samsung engineer is quoted saying that "the reason top-tier smartphone firms are jumping into the market is because foldable designs are different and allow customers to use them one-handed, while also providing a larger high-resolution display when multitasking is desired" in the report. Foldable smartphone might become the next trend like full-screen display and notched displays as there is no other way to increase the size of the display of a smartphone. But apart from offering a bigger display other benefits of a foldable device is not clear to us yet. Earlier reports suggest that the device will come with 21:9 aspect ratio, 4K display and expected to be called as Galaxy X. Other brands including Microsoft, Apple, Huawei and Nokia are also in a process to showcase their foldable devices as patents for the same have already been spotted online. Here's a video and a look at how the Samsung next foldable device could look like. tech2 News Staff In a bizarre incident that raised security alarms in New Delhi, an unidentified flying object (UFO) was seen hovering over Prime Minister Narendra Modi's residence on Lok Kalyan Marg on 7 June. The security personnel posted in the VIP area, who were clearly caught by surprise, swiftly embarked on a search that found nothing, putting their suspicions to rest, media reports said. But you know what they say about UFOs: it's only a UFO until someone identifies it. If the flying object was indeed a spacecraft sent from another intelligent species as multiple jokes on Twitter would have you believe it clearly couldn't care much about the strict government rules that apply around the highly protected area in the national capital. The airspace around the prime ministers residence in a 2-kilometre radius is strictly a 'no-fly zone'. After the search by security forces ended, the Perimeter Security Officer gave an 'OK Report' to the Delhi police, Hindustan Times reported. Delhi Police chief spokesperson Dependra Pathak confirmed the sighting but refused to reveal details of the incident. "The sighting was reported but nothing threatening was found. More details cannot be shared keeping security reasons in mind," Pathak added. It was around 7.30 pm when the Modi's security unit of Delhi Police and the Delhi airport operations control centre which comprises staff from the Indian Air Force, Central Industrial Security Force and Delhi International Airport Ltd received information about the sighting by Special Protection Group (SPG) personnel, the report added. The alert was then relayed to the Intelligence Bureau and National Security Guards, while the Delhi Air Traffic Control (ATC) was also put on high alert. A senior police official told News18 that the object could have been a drone. Deputy commissioner of police (New Delhi district) Madhur Verma, said, "We have not registered any FIR. It could have been a drone, which is common. I cannot disclose more information." The incident, however, saw a series of funny Twitter reactions, with many finding it improbable. After assassination attempts got laughed off, Modi has recruited aliens, to generate sympathy for him. But he didn't realize they can vanish behind their force fields... ;P https://t.co/FKDft60YVR Sanjiv Bhatt (IPS) (@sanjivbhatt) June 14, 2018 UFO sighted near PM Modis house on June 7, search finds nothing. Must have been #AchheDin https://t.co/owXj3y9xos Shivam Vij (@DilliDurAst) June 14, 2018 Oh My God-se the assassination plot was from other planet.. a UFO spotted near PM Modi's Residence. #PMInCGVikasYatra pic.twitter.com/hhNxXYZQXi Asif Karjikar (@asif_karjikar) June 14, 2018 Reports point out that such incidents aren't unheard of. On 17 September, 2017, Delhi Police received information about the sighting of a drone-like object around the Parliament area. tech2 News Staff Xiaomi has previously launched a gimbal known as the Three-axis Shooting Stabilizer for smartphones. Then Xiaomi, under its sub-brand, Mijia, launched a 3-axis gimbal for its 4K action camera, which came with 6-axis stabilisation. Now under the Mijia brand, Xiaomi has unveiled a new gimbal for smartphones, according to a report in Phone Radar. The photos that have surfaced online show that on the design front, the new gimbal is not very different from the action camera gimbal, launched earlier. As per the report, the maximum size of the phone can be 86 mm in width and 200 gm in weight. Also, it can charge a phone and supports up to 5 V / 1.5 A output. The functions that have been mentioned are: The gimbal offers 3-axis stabilization to action cameras as well as smartphones. There is an option to use time-lapse photography by syncing it to the dedicated app or use the selfie mode. It can automatically track the selected subject up to 360 degrees in the chosen app. It is said to have a built-in battery of 5,000 mAh, which is claimed to last for 16 hours. It has a standard 1/4 inch screw at the bottom, which can be used to mount the gimbal on a tripod or similar accessories. The gimbal is said to go on sale from 16 June in China and is priced at 599 Yuan (Rs 6,300). The only concern for Indian customers who are looking for an affordable gimbal is that there has been no word yet on whether this device would be launched for the Indian market as well. Australian Broadcasting Corp. published the photograph of Special Forces troops flying a Nazi flag from a vehicle while on a patrol in Afghanistan in 2007. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull joined critics, calling the incident 'utterly acceptable'. Canberra: Australia's prime minister on Thursday joined critics of elite Australian Special Forces troops who were photographed more than a decade ago flying a Nazi flag from a vehicle while on patrol in Afghanistan. Australian Broadcasting Corp. published the photograph of the red flag with a black swastika inside a white circle flying from a Land Rover Long Range Patrol Vehicle somewhere in Afghanistan in 2007. The secretive culture of the Australian Special Forces, which comprise the Special Air Service Regiment and Commandos, is being examined by the defence forces Inspector General, who is finalising a two-year investigation of allegations of misconduct that include illegal killings in Afghanistan. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull described the flag incident as "completely and utterly unacceptable", and said the soldiers involved had been disciplined. "It was absolutely wrong, and their commanders took action at the time," Turnbull told reporters. The Defence Department said the flag was "briefly raised" above an army vehicle and a commander acted immediately to have the flag taken down. The troops involved were cautioned and subsequently counselled. Defence (Department) "rejects as abhorrent everything that this flag represents. Neither the flag nor its use are in line with Defence values," the department's statement said. Vice Chief of the Australian Defence Force (ADF), Vice Admiral Ray Griggs, said the flag was destroyed when the patrol returned to base and appropriate action had been taken in response. Peter Wertheim, co-chief executive of the Executive Council of Australian Jewry, said he was revolted by the photograph. Neil James, executive director of the Australian Defence Association, a security policy think tank, said the flag was more likely a joke than a demonstration of ideology. Flying a red flag above a camouflaged vehicle "doesn't make any sense from a tactical or professional point of view," James said. But Ben Wadham, a Flinders University expert on militarism and a former military investigator, said the Australian military had to deal with soldiers who were "Nazi sympathisers" in the past. "Flying that flag in Afghanistan dishonors the ADF and those soldiers who fought in World War II," Wadham said, referring to the ADF. Australia was the third largest source of special forces after the United States and Britain for more than a decade during the Afghanistan war, before Australian elite combat troops were withdrawn in 2013. Australia lost 41 troops in Afghanistan since 2002. A bomb has exploded at the office of a major hydro-power project being constructed with Indian assistance in Nepal, the second such incident in over a month Kathmandu: A bomb has exploded at the office of a major hydro-power project being constructed with Indian assistance in Nepal, the second such incident at the facility in over a month. An unidentified group exploded an improvised explosive device in the office of Arun III hydropower in Tumlingtar, nearly 500 km from Kathmandu on Wednesday. The explosion did not cause any serious damage and no one was injured in the incident, according to the police. Security arrangements have been intensified following the incident, he said. No group has so far claimed responsibility for the blast. On 29 April, a CPN Maoist faction had exploded a bomb at the office of the project weeks before its inauguration by Prime Minister Narendra Modi. A Project Development Agreement (PDA) for Arun III was signed with India's state-owned Satluj Jal Vidyut Nigam (SJVN) on 25 November, 2014 in the presence of the then prime minister Sushil Koirala and visiting Indian Prime Minister Modi. The top diplomats of South Korea, the US and Japan had talks in Seoul on Thursday over a strategy on North Korea, emboldened by the first-ever Pyongyang-Washington summit Seoul: The top diplomats of South Korea, the US and Japan had talks in Seoul on Thursday over a strategy on North Korea, emboldened by the first-ever Pyongyang-Washington summit. Starting a bilateral meeting with US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, South Korean foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha expressed hope that the "current momentum will be maintained", a report in the Yonhap news agency said. Their closed-door talks were followed by a trilateral session involving Japan's minister Taro Kono. Earlier on Thursday, Pompeo paid a courtesy call to President Moon Jae-in. The US diplomat briefed them "in detail" about the results of the summit meeting between President Donald Trump and North Korea supreme leader Kim Jong-un held in Singapore on Tuesday, officials said. In a joint statement after Tuesday's summit, Kim agreed to the "complete denuclearisation" of the Korean peninsula and Trump vowed security guarantees for the communist nation on the basis of the "new relations" between the long-time adversaries. Pompeo will lead Washington's follow-up negotiations with Pyongyang, but the details were not immediately known. "I will be the person who takes the role of driving this process forward," he told reporters. He's expected to sit down with a high-level North Korean official as early as next week. Pompeo said the denuclearisation process can make significant progress by the end of Trump's first term in early 2021. Regarding the issue of "major disarmament", the former CIA director said, "We're hopeful that we can achieve that in the next two and a half years, something like that." He dismissed criticism about the summit accord without the term "compete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation" (CVID). "Let me assure you that the 'complete' encompasses verifiable in the minds of everyone concerned," he stressed. "One can't completely denuclearise without validating, authenticating." 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 President Donald Trump challenged skeptical media coverage of his historic summit with North Korea's Kim Jong-un, declaring that 'fake news' is the nation's 'biggest enemy.' Washington: President Donald Trump challenged skeptical media coverage of his historic summit with North Korea's Kim Jong-un, declaring that "fake news" is the nation's "biggest enemy." The president's tweet, delivered a few hours after Air Force One touched down outside Washington on Wednesday, was reminiscent of his February 2017 Twitter rebuke in which he called several leading news outlets "the enemy of the American people." Trump has sought to portray his unprecedented meeting with Kim as a significant accomplishment that has made the world less vulnerable to the North's nuclear arsenal. Critics say that his agreement with the North lacks specific restraints on Kim's government and that he offered to end joint military exercises with South Korea with little in return. The president tweeted after returning from his Singapore summit that "the fake news, especially NBC and CNN," are "fighting hard to downplay the deal with North Korea." He added: "500 days ago they would have 'begged' for this deal-looked like war would break out." "Our Country's biggest enemy is the fake news so easily promulgated by fools!" Trump tweeted. The president also asserted that after his initial round of talks with Kim, there is "no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea." Trump's claim is dubious given that independent experts estimate Pyongyang has enough fissile material for 20 to 60 bombs. The tweet followed a New York Times story on the Trump administration's lack of scientific expertise, the president's questioning of the honesty of the American media at an international summit in Canada and his dismissal of diplomatic expertise in favour of using a "touch" and "feel" approach in his talks with Kim. Trump has bristled against questions over his decision to meet with Kim, whose country is estimated to have 80,000 to 1,20,000 political prisoners. The president has dubbed his detractors "haters & losers." "It's a mistake to see attacks on the media as separate from those things," said Jay Rosen, a New York University journalism professor. "It's the erosion of the common world of fact. If we can't agree on what the facts are, if there are no facts because they are in endless dispute, there is no accountability." Rosen noted that international summits were often venues for the US president and American journalists to insist on joint news conferences with autocratic leaders or strongmen and their accompanying press corps, a form of soft diplomacy that demonstrated America's commitment to democratic institutions such as freedom of the press. While Trump held a news conference at the G-7 summit in Quebec last week, he told reporters during one exchange that he "came up with the term fake news" because many journalists who cover him are "very dishonest." In response to a journalist representing CNN, Trump criticised the premise of the reporter's question and then criticized "fake news CNN" as "the worst." "Anybody who can exert a factual check on the president, saying 'Wait a minute, that's not what happened,' is to be dismissed, attacked, delegitimized, pushed aside and turned into a hate object," Rosen said. Trump's announcement appeared to catch the Pentagon and officials in Seoul off guard, and some South Koreans were alarmed Washington: America and the world can "sleep well tonight," president Donald Trump declared on Wednesday, boasting that his summit with Kim Jong-un had ended any nuclear threat from North Korea, though the meeting produced no details on how or when weapons might be eliminated or even reduced. While Trump claimed a historic breakthrough at the most significant diplomatic event of his presidency, secretary of state Mike Pompeo, was more measured. He said the US wants North Korea to take "major" nuclear disarmament steps within the next two years before the end of Trump's first term in 2021. Pompeo also cautioned that the US would resume "war games" with close ally South Korea if the North stops negotiating in good faith. The president had announced a halt in the drills after his meeting with Kim on Tuesday, a concession long sought by Pyongyang. The summit in Singapore did mark a reduction in tensions a sea change from last fall, when North Korea was conducting nuclear and missile tests and Trump and Kim were trading threats and insults that stoked fears of war. Kim is now promising to work toward a denuclearised Korean Peninsula. But the details of what is sure to be a complex and contentious process have yet to be settled. Despite the uncertainties, Trump talked up the outcome of what was the first meeting between a US and North Korean leader in six decades of hostility. The Korean War ended in 1953 without a peace treaty, leaving the two sides in a technical state of war. "Just landed - a long trip, but everybody can now feel much safer than the day I took office," Trump tweeted early Wednesday. "There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea. Meeting with Kim Jong-un was an interesting and very positive experience. North Korea has great potential for the future!" Pompeo, who flew to Seoul after the summit, said the brief, four-point joint statement that emerged from the summit did not encapsulate all the progress that US and North Korea had made. He said negotiations would recommence "in the next week or so." He bristled at questions from reporters about the vague wording of the statement where North Korea "commits to work toward complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula" a promise it has made several times before in the past 25 years and reneged on. Pompeo said Kim understands that "there will be in-depth verification" in any deal with the US. "We have big teams ready to go," including experts from the US and other partners around the world, Pompeo said. "We're prepared to execute this once we're in a position that we can actually get to a place where we can do it." On Thursday, the rival Koreas held rare high-level military talks to discuss reducing tensions across their heavily fortified border. It's possible North Korean officials will seek a firm commitment from the South on stopping its military drills with the United States. Seoul's Defense Ministry said the talks would focus on carrying out agreements from a summit between Kim and South Korean President Moon Jae-in where they vowed to take materialized steps to reduce military tensions and eliminate the danger of war. It was left to Pompeo, who has twice visited Pyongang, to explain the summit's outcome to anxious US treaty allies South Korea and Japan. In the South Korean capital, Pompeo and the foreign ministers from both countries joined for a three-way meeting, ignoring a shouted question from a journalist about concerns over the halt in military exercises. In public, at least, South Korea's leader sought to put a positive spin on the summit's outcome. Meeting briefly with Pompeo on Thursday morning, Moon said he was eager to hear how the United States and North Korea could "fully and expeditiously implement this great agreement" in the coming days. "The summit was a truly historic feat which moved us from the era of hostility towards the era of dialogue, of peace and prosperity," Moon said through a translator Pompeo, the former CIA director, planned to fly to Beijing later Thursday to update the Chinese government about the talks. While Trump was facing questions at home and among allies about whether he gave away too much in return for too little, North Korean state media heralded claims of a victorious meeting with the US president. Photos of Kim standing side-by-side with Trump on the world stage were splashed across newspapers. Trump's own chest-thumping tweet seemed reminiscent of the "Mission Accomplished" banner flown behind President George W. Bush in 2003 when he spoke aboard a Navy ship following the US invasion of Iraq. The words came back to haunt the administration, as the war dragged on throughout Bush's presidency. Trump's claim that North Korea no longer poses a nuclear threat is questionable considering Pyongyang's significant weapons arsenal. Independent experts say the North could have enough fissile material for between about a dozen and 60 nuclear bombs. Last year it tested long-range missiles that could reach the US mainland, although it remains unclear if it has mastered the technology to deliver a nuclear warhead that could re-enter the atmosphere and hit its target. "Before taking office people were assuming that we were going to War with North Korea," Trump tweeted. "President (Barack) Obama said that North Korea was our biggest and most dangerous problem. No longer - sleep well tonight!" Actually, concerns about North Korean missiles and nuclear weapons reached a peak last year, during Trump's first year in office, as the North conducted more tests and Trump and Kim aimed ever more fiery rhetoric at each other. Christopher Hill, chief US negotiator with North Korea in the George W. Bush administration, suggested in an interview that it's "a little premature" for Trump to say Kim is someone the US can trust. "Kim Jong-un has proved to be a pretty ruthless leader in North Korea, and I'm not sure this sort of speed dating of a 45-minute one-on-one meeting ... would suggest that there's nothing to be concerned about," he said. When asked Wednesday whether Trump was jumping the gun by declaring victory, White House counsellor Kellyanne Conway told reporters: "This president wants North Korea to completely denuclearise so obviously that has to be complete, verifiable and irreversible." Freezing the regular military exercises with South Korea is a major concession to North Korea that has long claimed the drills were invasion preparations. Trump's announcement appeared to catch the Pentagon and officials in Seoul off guard, and some South Koreans were alarmed. Trump cast the decision as a cost-saving measure, but also called the exercises "inappropriate" while talks continue. Pompeo, speaking to reporters just after he arrived in Seoul, said he was there when Trump talked about it with Kim, and the president "made very clear" that the condition for the freeze was that good-faith talks be ongoing. He told reporters that if the US concludes they no longer are, the freeze "will no longer be in effect." "He was unambiguous about that," Pompeo said. In North Korea on Wednesday, Pyongyang's first reports on the summit stressed to the nation's people that Trump had agreed to Kim's demand to halt the military exercises and suggested that Trump also said he would lift sanctions as negations progressed. "President Trump appreciated that an atmosphere of peace and stability was created on the Korean Peninsula and in the region, although distressed with the extreme danger of armed clash only a few months ago, thanks to the proactive peace-loving measures taken by the respected Supreme Leader from the outset of this year," the North's state-run Korean Central News Agency said in a summary of the meeting. In Japan, the prospect of cancelled US-South Korean drills was met with concern. "The US-South Korea joint exercises and US forces in South Korea play significant roles for the security in East Asia," defense minister Itsunori Onodera told reporters Wednesday. He said he planned to continue sharing the view with Washington and Seoul. The US has stationed combat troops in South Korea since the end of the Korean War and has used them in a variety of drills. The next scheduled major exercise, involving tens of thousands of troops, normally would be held in August. A court in the Maldives on Wednesday convicted former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and the sitting Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed for obstruction of justice and sentenced them to 19 months in prison. Male: A court in the Maldives on Wednesday convicted former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and the sitting chief justice for obstruction of justice and sentenced them to 19 months in prison. The trials are widely seen as part of a plan by President Abdulla Yameen to tighten his grip on power ahead of elections in September at which he seeks a second five-year term against an opposition yet to decide on a single candidate. The government denies this. The country of 400,000 people is popular with tourists but has seen political unrest since its first democratically elected leader, Mohamed Nasheed, was forced to quit amid a police mutiny in 2012. Nasheed was convicted of terrorism charges in 2015 and sentenced to 13 years after a trial criticized as unfair. Gayoom, who is the countrys longest-serving leader, Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and Supreme Court Justice Ali Hameed were found guilty on Wednesday after they were charged for refusing to hand over their mobile phones for a police investigation. They received sentences of 19 months and six days. The Indian Ocean island chain has faced upheaval since February, when Yameen, half-brother of Gayoom, imposed a 45-day state of emergency to annul a Supreme Court ruling that quashed the convictions of nine opposition leaders, including Nasheed. During the emergency, authorities arrested the three men and a Supreme Court administrator on charges of trying to overthrow the government. They still face those charges. Saeed and Hameed refused the opportunity to make a closing argument saying their lawyers had earlier quit, citing grave procedural defects with the trial. Criminal Court Judge Hassan Najeeb refused multiple appeals by the defendants to be given time to appoint new lawyers. Najeeb said it was clear from anonymous testimonies that the defendants had mobile phones and refused to comply with a police investigation and requests to hand over their devices and this represented obstruction of justice. The opposition has accused Yameens government of jailing leaders who could challenge Yameens re-election bid, a charge the government denies. Rights group Amnesty International said in a statement the convictions are politically motivated and should be quashed because the trials did not meet international standards. Athul Keshap, the US Ambassador for Maldives, said in a tweet that an unfair trial with no defence witnesses or defence lawyers would always result in an unfair sentence. Judges cannot serve the cause of fair and impartial justice if they fear the Executive. When will the people of #Maldives see the restoration of rule of law? Keshap said on Twitter. An unfair trial - with no defense witnesses or even defense lawyers -will always result in an unfair sentence. Judges cannot serve the cause of fair and impartial justice if they fear the Executive. When will the people of #Maldives see the restoration of #RuleofLaw ? https://t.co/N3ruwJ7lzy Atul Keshap (@USAmbKeshap) June 13, 2018 Gayoom told the court he denied the charges and said the trial was unfair. Najeeb said the trial was conducted in accordance with the law. Dunya Maumoon, the daughter of Gayoom, who resigned from Yameens government after her father was arrested, said her family was deeply shocked by the convictions. By Mark Hosenball WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Lawyers for a former senior Senate Intelligence committee official accused of lying to the FBI said they expect to ask a federal judge to issue an order banning officials, including President Donald Trump, from making public comments that could prejudice a criminal case pending against their client. At a hearing before Federal Magistrate Judge Deborah Robinson on Wednesday, Preston Burton, a lawyer for former intelligence committee security chief James Wolfe, said officials, including Trump, had already commented on the case By Mark Hosenball WASHINGTON (Reuters) - Lawyers for a former senior Senate Intelligence committee official accused of lying to the FBI said they expect to ask a federal judge to issue an order banning officials, including President Donald Trump, from making public comments that could prejudice a criminal case pending against their client. At a hearing before Federal Magistrate Judge Deborah Robinson on Wednesday, Preston Burton, a lawyer for former intelligence committee security chief James Wolfe, said officials, including Trump, had already commented on the case. In a statement later to reporters, Wolfe's law firm, Buckley Sandler, said that it "likely will be filing soon a motion seeking an Order from the Court prohibiting the government at all levels, including President Trump, from making improper and prejudicial statements regarding the case." Defense lawyer Joshua Dratel said that to his knowledge there was no precedent for courts to enjoin people who are not parties before the court from commenting on court proceedings. Dratel added, however, that Wolfe's lawyers could try to argue that because Trump's own lawyer declared the president the nation's top law enforcement officer, Trump might be subject to a court order. Wolfe, who worked for the Intelligence committee for nearly 30 years, pleaded not guilty at the hearing in federal court to charges he lied to the Federal Bureau of Investigation about discussions with journalists. He remains free on his personal recognizance but had to surrender his passport and cannot leave the Washington D.C. area without the approval of authorities. In an indictment made public last week, federal prosecutors accused Wolfe of lying to the FBI when he claimed that he had not been in contact with any reporter and did not disclose to two journalists information he had learned while working for the committee. Wolfe is not specifically accused of leaking classified information. But in the indictment, prosecutors allege that after a message exchange with one reporter, the journalist in April 2017 published an article describing how one-time Trump campaign adviser Carter Page had been in contact with a Russian intelligence operative in 2013. Such an article was published on the BuzzFeed website under the byline of Ali Watkins, now a New York Times reporter. The newspaper reported last week that investigators had secretly seized Watkins' telephone and email records. The indictment said that the FBI was also aware of message traffic, including text messages, phone calls and messages over the encrypted Signal app, which Wolfe exchanged with two other journalists. The Times said Watkins previously had a three-year romantic relationship with Wolfe. Both Wolfe and Watkins have denied that Wolfe leaked information to her. Following Wolfe's arrest, Trump described Wolfe as a "very important leaker" and said the arrest "could be a terrific thing," according to news reports. (Reporting by Mark Hosenball; Writing by Lisa Lambert; Editing by Frances Kerry, Bill Berkrot and Cynthia Osterman) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By John Whitesides WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Representative Mark Sanford is the latest Republican to learn a tough lesson - challenging President Donald Trump can be political suicide. The South Carolina Republican congressman's upset loss on Tuesday to a primary opponent who questioned his commitment to Trump, along with a recent setback for Trump critic Martha Roby in Alabama and the Senate nomination of a controversial anti-establishment Trump supporter in Virginia, reinforced the degree to which loyalty to Trump has become a party litmus test By John Whitesides WASHINGTON (Reuters) - U.S. Representative Mark Sanford is the latest Republican to learn a tough lesson - challenging President Donald Trump can be political suicide. The South Carolina Republican congressman's upset loss on Tuesday to a primary opponent who questioned his commitment to Trump, along with a recent setback for Trump critic Martha Roby in Alabama and the Senate nomination of a controversial anti-establishment Trump supporter in Virginia, reinforced the degree to which loyalty to Trump has become a party litmus test. While fealty to the Republican president may be a requirement to win low-turnout Republican primaries dominated by conservative activists, it could prove a tougher sell against energized anti-Trump Democratic forces in midterm elections this fall. "A lot of Republicans who hid behind Trump's toga in the primary are going to pay a price in November," said veteran Republican consultant Rich Galen, a former aide to ex-U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich. "It's the tyranny of small numbers," Galen added. "In a primary in an off year, a few votes make a difference. But the 35 percent that are Trump voters will represent a small minority in the general election." Democrats need to pick up 23 seats in the House and two seats in the Senate in the Nov. 6 elections to regain control of those chambers, allowing them to block Trump's agenda and possibly launch investigations or even impeachment of the president. While Trump is popular with Republicans, opinion polls show his general approval hovering in the low 40s percent overall. Many key political battles of the midterms will be fought in swing House districts and big battleground states where loyalty to Trump is not necessarily a badge of honour. "If those are the candidates we are nominating in swing districts - those who are pro-Trump first and foremost - that could cause problems in November," Republican strategist Doug Heye said. Trump's power among Republicans in nominating primaries was evident when Sanford lost just hours after Trump issued a tweet criticizing him and endorsing his opponent. The result is likely to be a cautionary tale for other Republicans considering questioning Trump's personal or policy choices, even when the president strays from long-held party principles on issues like free trade and federal debt. "It's Trump's party now. If you criticize the president, you will face the wrath of the Trump voter," said Republican strategist John Feehery, a former congressional aide. 'A CULTISH THING' Republican Senator Bob Corker, who declined to run for re-election in conservative Tennessee after tangling with Trump, said on Wednesday the party was now in "a strange place," and not a good one. "Its becoming a cultish thing, isnt it? And its not a good place for any party to end up with a cult-like situation as it relates to a president that happens to be of, purportedly, of the same party," Corker told reporters. Corker, whose efforts to block Trump on tariffs have been rejected by congressional party leaders, is not the only Republican to step aside. Arizona Senator Jeff Flake, a harsh critic of Trump, is retiring at the end of the year. In the House, more than 40 Republicans will not return next year, including Speaker Paul Ryan, with some citing the strain of partisan politics under Trump as a factor. In Alabama last week, Republican U.S. Representative Roby was forced into a runoff by voters angered that she dropped her support for Trump during the 2016 campaign after the "Access Hollywood" video surfaced showing him bragging about assaulting women. On Tuesday, Virginia Republicans rejected the party establishment to nominate pro-Trump Corey Stewart, an immigration hardliner and supporter of Confederate monuments whose aggressive campaign style recalls that of the president. He will challenge Democratic Senator Tim Kaine. While Kaine was already expected to have an easy ride to re-election, Republicans fear Stewart's harsh style could hurt other candidates by association, including endangered incumbent Representative Barbara Comstock, whose suburban Washington district is a top target for Democrats. Comstock got a surprisingly low 61 percent of the vote in her primary against a little-known challenger who attacked her willingness to criticize Trump. A brothel owner who calls himself "the Trump from Pahrump" even won the Republican nomination to the Nevada State Assembly. But in South Carolina, Republican Governor Henry McMaster, an early Trump supporter, was forced into a runoff later this month with a political novice, businessman John Warren. The governor has faced questions over corruption in state government. Trump's mostly winning touch in Republican primaries has not translated to general elections. He backed Roy Moore for Senate in Alabama and Ed Gillespie in the Virginia governor's race last year, as well as Rick Saccone in a Pennsylvania special House election earlier this year. They all lost. "Trump can flip a congressional primary given his strong support among Republican voters," said Texas-based Republican strategist Matt Mackowiak. "We will see if he can flip U.S. Senate races in red states this fall." (Reporting by John Whitesides,; Additional reporting by Ginger Gibson; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Bill Berkrot) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un landed back in Pyongyang early on Wednesday, the North's official news agency said on Thursday, after departing Singapore Tuesday night following the close of a historic summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. There had been speculation Kim would stop by Beijing to brief Chinese President Xi Jinping on the outcome of the U.S.-North Korea summit and the airplanes the North Korean delegation had left on were closely tracked by international media. SEOUL (Reuters) - North Korean leader Kim Jong Un landed back in Pyongyang early on Wednesday, the North's official news agency said on Thursday, after departing Singapore Tuesday night following the close of a historic summit with U.S. President Donald Trump. There had been speculation Kim would stop by Beijing to brief Chinese President Xi Jinping on the outcome of the U.S.-North Korea summit and the airplanes the North Korean delegation had left on were closely tracked by international media. (Reporting by Christine Kim; Editing by James Dalgleish) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Will Dunham WASHINGTON (Reuters) - An immense dust storm that may soon encircle Mars is threatening one of NASA's rovers on the planet's surface, with the vehicle becoming dormant and unresponsive at a site called Perseverance Valley, U.S. space agency officials said on Wednesday By Will Dunham WASHINGTON (Reuters) - An immense dust storm that may soon encircle Mars is threatening one of NASA's rovers on the planet's surface, with the vehicle becoming dormant and unresponsive at a site called Perseverance Valley, U.S. space agency officials said on Wednesday. The officials, however, expressed optimism that the Opportunity rover, which was built to operate for three months but has thrived on Mars since January 2004, will be able to survive and continue its scientific mission. John Callas, Opportunity project manager at NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory in California, said the solar-powered rover, with the sun blotted out by an intensifying dust storm already engulfing a quarter of Mars, is no longer responding to commands. The six-wheeled robotic explorer relies upon electricity that its solar panels generate from sunlight. "The project team is very concerned," Callas told reporters, adding that a "spacecraft emergency" has been declared. "Our expectation at this point is that the rover has gone to sleep, it's in this low-power mode, and that it will remain in that low-power mode until there is sufficient energy to charge the batteries back above a certain threshold," Callas added. Cold, desolate Mars, with its thin atmosphere and desert conditions, is prone to dust storms that can last months. Opportunity weathered a planet-wide storm in 2007. Beyond power loss, there is concern about frigid conditions, though Callas said Opportunity should stay above its minimum-allowable operating temperatures "for the long term." "So we should be able to ride out the storm. When the skies clear and the rover begins to power up, it should begin to communicate with us," Callas said, expressing confidence that Opportunity will not be buried in dust. NASA engineers received a transmission from Opportunity on Sunday but no response when they attempted to contact it since. Another NASA rover called Curiosity, which arrived on Mars in 2012, does not face the same level of threat from the storm, which was detected on May 30. Opportunity's scientific findings include evidence that Mars may have had conditions favourable for sustaining microbial life. Opportunity has been examining whether the Perseverance Valley geological feature was carved out by flowing water, wind erosion or both. Opportunity and its twin rover, Spirit, which arrived the same month, both carrying a suite of scientific instruments to study the terrain, operated on opposite sides of the planet. Spirit ceased communications in 2010 after becoming stuck in sand. (Reporting by Will Dunham; Editing by Sandra Maler) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. However, there was no mention of the suspension of annual South Korean-US military maneuvers, which Trump unexpectedly announced on 12 June at the end of the summit. Seoul: US secretary of state Mike Pompeo on Thursday met with South Korean president Moon Jae-in here to discuss the outcome of the historic summit between US president Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un. According to the South Korean Presidential office, Pompeo told Moon at the start of the meeting that there is still "a great deal of work to do" and that he trusts that both sides will be able to cooperate and bring peace to the Korean Peninsula, Efe news reported. Pompeo also said he was "confident that we took a very good, significant step in Singapore" and that the US and North Korea will work together to provide their citizens with the best results. He thanked Moon, who has met with Kim twice since April, for his mediation between North Korea and the US, saying that if it had not been for Moon's effort, the talks between Trump and Kim would not have been possible. Moon said he was satisfied with the outcome of the summit and what is most important is that it has allowed the world to escape from the threats of a nuclear war and long-range missiles. However, there was no mention of the suspension of annual South Korean-US military maneuvers, which Trump unexpectedly announced on 12 June at the end of the summit. Trump and Kim had signed an agreement at the end of their summit in which they pledged to open a new chapter of relations, establish peace and work towards North Korea's complete denuclearisation. Pompeo also held talks with his South Korean and Japanese counterparts Kang Kyung-wha and Taro Kono respectively to further discuss the details of the Singapore summit. Ousted Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday left for London along with his daughter Maryam Nawaz to see his ailing wife Kulsoom Nawaz. Lahore: Ousted Pakistan prime minister Nawaz Sharif on Thursday left for London along with his daughter Maryam Nawaz to see his ailing wife Kulsoom Nawaz, despite the country's anti-graft body's request to put their names on the Exit Control List (ECL) fearing they may not return to face corruption cases in court. "Leaving for London. We will be back next week. Can't wait to meet and hug Ami (mother)," Maryam tweeted. Kulsoom is in an advanced stage of throat cancer and is undergoing treatment in London. On the other hand, the caretaker government has neither rejected nor accepted the National Accountability Bureau's to place the Sharif family members on the ECL. The caretaker government could not decide whether to entertain NAB's request or not in this regard, an official of interior ministry said. Former PML-N chief Sharif, his children and son-in-law are facing three corruption charges in the accountability court for money laundering and illegal offshore holdings. The trial is in the final stage as the Supreme Court has directed the trial court to conclude the case by 10 July. The corruption references against Sharif and his family were filed after his ouster as prime minister in July 2017 in the Panama Papers case. Sharif had complained of not getting a "fair trial". He alleged the court had already decided to pass a verdict against him before the 25 July general election. In a letter to the interior ministry, NAB said, "This matter is agitated again in view of the fact that references against the accused persons, Nawaz Sharif, Maryam Nawaz, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Nawaz, Mohammad Safdar, are in the final stages of trial. There is apprehension that they may leave the country to avoid legal outcome of the judgment which is expected to be announced shortly". It also asked the ministry to put former finance minister Ishaq Dar on the ECL and initiate the process to bring him back to the country as well as the two sons of Sharif, Hassan and Hussain through Interpol. On 14 February, NAB had sent a similar letter to the ministry, but the then PML-N government did not place Sharifs' names on the ECL. It reportedly declined the request on the grounds that names could only be included in the no-fly list by a court order. The political future of Sharif, who heads the country's most powerful political family and is the de-facto leader of the ruling PML-N, is uncertain and he could be jailed if convicted. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: North Korean television presenter Ri Chun-hee has for years announced the biggest news in her own effusive style, and this week she returned to the airwaves to herald Kim Jong-uns historic meeting with US president Donald Trump Seoul: North Korean television presenter Ri Chun-hee has for years announced the biggest news in her own effusive style, and this week she returned to the airwaves to herald Kim Jong-uns historic meeting with US president Donald Trump 'The historic meeting pioneered a new history, Ri said on Wednesday, wearing her traditional pink Korean dress and flashing a wide smile. The great leader of our party, the nation, and military, Kim Jong-un, adopted a joint statement with the president of the United States. Kims summit with Trump in Singapore on Tuesday was the first meeting between sitting leaders of the two countries. In recent years, Ri has taken a high-profile role in publicising North Koreas tests of nuclear bombs and ballistic missiles. Late last year, for example, she announced North Koreas test of what it said was a hydrogen bomb, telling viewers it was a perfect success. With the test of an intercontinental ballistic missile with the range to strike anywhere in the United States, the state nuclear force was complete, she gushed. This year, however, Ris broadcasts have charted the easing of tension. She reported in April on the first summit between North and South Korea in a decade, and then on Trumps meeting with Kim.The supreme leader cherishes her voice and North Koreans notice it as well, so there is no reason for Kim Jong-un to replace someone who has been called a treasure in North Korea, said Ahn Chan-il, a North Korean defector who now lives in South Korea. Even if the North Korean regime opens their country for revolution, this announcer will declare that decision. Ri famously wept on air when announcing the death of North Koreas founder Kim Il Sung in 1994. When his son, Kim Jong-il, died in 2011, it was Ri clad in black funeral clothes and her voice quavering who delivered the news to North Koreans. Despite officially retiring in 2012, Ri has come back from time to time to make big announcements. Ris image has often appeared on South Korean coverage of major events in North Korea, meaning some South Koreans, associating her with ominous developments, dread her appearance. Whenever I see her on TV, I always think that North Korea had made trouble again, said Jun Seung-ho, who works at a travel agency in Seoul. I feel uncomfortable seeing her on news although I know that shes been presenting North Korean news for a long time. Hafiz Saeed-linked Milli Muslim League has decided to use the platform of a little known party to contest the upcoming general election. Islamabad: Hafiz Saeed-linked Milli Muslim League has decided to use the platform of a little-known party to contest the upcoming general election, a day after Pakistan's poll panel rejected for a second time an application by the MML, an offshoot of the Mumbai attack mastermind's banned Jamat-ud-Dawah, to register it as a political party. Around 200 candidates backed by the MML will contest the 25 July election under the banner of the Allah-o-Akbar Tehreek (AAT), which is already registered with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), The Express Tribune reported. The decision was taken after the ECP again dismissed the MML's application for registration on Wednesday. The MML has announced that candidates backed by the party will be participating from the platform of the AAT if higher courts do not rule in their favour before the election. The AAT is listed at number 10 in the ECP's list of approved parties. The AAT, a little-known party, is headed by Mian Ihsan Bari from Bahawalpur. The party has already been allotted the chair' as an election symbol by the ECP. A four-member ECP bench dismissed the MML application on basis of an interior ministry report that said the party followed the ideology of JuD chief Saeed. An office-bearer of the group alleged that the interior ministry in its letter to the ECP falsely claimed that Saifullah Khalid, the MML president, is a son-in-law of Saeed. In fact they are not even distant relatives, he said. The interior ministry requested the ECP to keep its letter secret, however, this has been told to our lawyer by one of the members of the bench, he added. MML spokesman Tabish Qayum said his party will challenge the ECP's decision in the higher courts. He said a case about the party's registration is already pending with the Islamabad High Court. During the hearing, MML counsel Rizwan Abbasi said the federal government could not oppose registration of any political party. No one can predict if a political party will affiliate with banned outfits in the future, he said. The government through a presidential ordinance has said that any individual or organisation which has been declared proscribed by the UN would be deemed as a banned outfit in the country. The MML was formed in August 2017. The group, however, denies any link to LeT or any other banned outfit even though Saeed was already campaigning for the MML since May. In April, the US designated the MML as a foreign terrorist organisation, saying the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba's (LeT) members make up MML's leadership and the so-called party openly displays Saeed's likeness in its election banners and literature. The Jamat-ud-Dawah (JuD) is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, including six Americans. The US department of the treasury has designated Saeed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and the US, since 2012, has offered a $ 10 million reward for information that brings Saeed to justice. The first rejection of MML's application by the poll panel was set aside by the Islamabad High Court earlier in 2018. Pakistan's Supreme Court on withdrew permission for former military ruler Pervez Musharraf to contest elections after he failed to appear in court. Islamabad: Pakistan's Supreme Court on Thursday withdrew a conditional permission for former military ruler Pervez Musharraf to contest elections after he failed to appear in court. Musharraf had filed his nomination from the northern district of Chitral after the court last week allowed him to contest the 25 July general election but made it conditional on his appearance before it on 13 June in a case linked to his lifelong disqualification by the Peshawar High Court in 2013. Chief Justice Saqib Nisar on Wednesday rebuked the former army chief for "cowardice", taunting him for not appearing in court and had told him to appear by 2 pm on Thursday. During the hearing, his counsel Qamar Afzal informed the court that Musharraf, 74, was determined to return but it was not possible for him to come immediately. I have spoken to Musharraf, he asks for more time. He plans to come to Pakistan but due to Eid holidays and illness, he can't travel immediately, Afzal said. It prompted the chief justice to adjourn the hearing for an indefinite period, saying the next hearing will be held when the petitioner was ready for it. Alright, we'll adjourn the court hearing till indefinite time period, will hold it on your wish, the judge observed. But he ordered to withdraw the conditional permission for Musharraf to contest elections. Earlier on Thursday, Musharraf's All Pakistan Muslim League (APML) said on Twitter that preparations for his return were in the final stage. It was not clear why the plan was changed within hours after it was announced. Musharraf has been living in Dubai since March 2016, and is wanted in several cases. He is facing a high-profile treason case and has been declared an absconder due to his persistent failure to appear before the special trial court set up to try him. The former president was indicted in March 2014 on treason charges for imposing an emergency in the country which led to the confinement of a number of superior court judges in their houses and sacking of over 100 other judges. A conviction for high-profile treason carries the death penalty or life imprisonment. Musharraf has sought adequate security from the government for his return to appear in court in the treason case. Musharraf, who ruled Pakistan from 1999 to 2008, has been declared a fugitive in the Benazir Bhutto murder case and Red Mosque cleric killing case. In April 2013, the Peshawar High Court had disqualified him for life, holding him ineligible to contest elections. It also dismissed his appeal against his disqualification. By Christine Kim and Michael Martina SEOUL/BEIJING (Reuters) - Tough sanctions will remain on North Korea until its complete denuclearisation, the U.S. secretary of state said on Thursday, apparently contradicting the North's view that the process agreed at this week's summit would be phased and reciprocal By Christine Kim and Michael Martina SEOUL/BEIJING (Reuters) - Tough sanctions will remain on North Korea until its complete denuclearisation, the U.S. secretary of state said on Thursday, apparently contradicting the North's view that the process agreed at this week's summit would be phased and reciprocal. U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un issued a joint statement after their Singapore meeting that reaffirmed the North's commitment to "work toward complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula", while Trump "committed to provide security guarantees". Trump later told a news conference he would end joint U.S.-South Korean military exercises. "President Trump has been incredibly clear about the sequencing of denuclearisation and relief from the sanctions," Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told reporters after meeting South Korea's president and Japan's foreign minister in Seoul. "We are going to get complete denuclearisation; only then will there be relief from the sanctions," he said. North Korean state media reported on Wednesday that Kim and Trump had recognised the principle of "step-by-step and simultaneous action" to achieve peace and denuclearisation on the Korean peninsula. The summit statement provided no details on when North Korea would give up its nuclear weapons programme or how the dismantling might be verified. Sceptics of how much the meeting achieved pointed to the North Korean leadership's long-held view that nuclear weapons are a bulwark against what it fears are U.S. plans to overthrow it and unite the Korean peninsula. However, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said the world, through the summit, had escaped the threat of war, echoing Trump's upbeat assessment of his meeting with Kim. "What's most important was that the people of the world, including those in the United States, Japan and Koreans, have all been able to escape the threat of war, nuclear weapons and missiles," Moon told Pompeo. Pompeo insisted North Korea was committed to giving up its nuclear arsenal but said it would "be a process, not an easy one". Kim understood getting rid of his nuclear arsenal needed to be done quickly and there would only be relief from stringent U.N. sanctions on North Korea after its "complete denuclearisation", Pompeo said. Moon later said South Korea would be flexible when it comes to military pressure on North Korea if it is sincere about denuclearisation. Also on Thursday, North and South Korea held their first military talks in more than a decade. The talks followed on from an inter-Korean summit in April at which Moon and Kim agreed to defuse tension and cease "hostile acts". Speaking later in the day in Beijing, Pompeo said China, Japan and South Korea all acknowledged a corner had been turned on the Korean peninsula issue, but that all three had also acknowledged sanctions remain in place until denuclearisation is complete. "China has reaffirmed its commitment to honouring the U.N. Security Council resolutions. Those have mechanisms for relief contained in them, and we agreed that at the appropriate time that those would be considered," Pompeo said, standing next to the Chinese government's top diplomat, State Councillor Wang Yi. "But we have made very clear that the sanctions and the economic relief that North Korea will receive will only happen after the full denuclearisation, the complete denuclearisation of North Korea." Wang said China had consistently supported the denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula but that it was impossible to solve the issue overnight. "At the same time, we believe North Korea's reasonable security concerns should be resolved." Chinese President Xi Jinping told Pompeo that he hoped the United States and North Korea could keep making unremitting efforts for a political resolution, and that China was willing to keep playing a constructive role in this process, a foreign ministry statement said. 'EVERYBODY MUCH SAFER' The United States has long insisted on complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation by North Korea. But the summit statement reference to North Korea committing to work towards the complete denuclearisation of the peninsula has used been by North Korea in the past to include a U.S. nuclear umbrella in the region, and echoes promises it has failed to keep. "They made real commitments to denuclearise. Each of them. And President Trump made a commitment that he would provide security assurances that were commensurate with that," Pompeo said in Beijing. "Those are firm commitments that the two leaders made and an understanding of the programme is a piece of what will ultimately lead to our capacity to verify that full and complete denuclearisation has actually taken place." Trump returned to the United States on Wednesday and took to Twitter to hail the meeting, the first between a sitting U.S. president and a North Korean leader, as a major win for American security. "Everybody can now feel much safer than the day I took office," Trump tweeted. "There is no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea." Democratic critics in the United States said the agreement was short on detail and the Republican president had made too many concessions to Kim, whose country is under U.N. sanctions for its nuclear and weapons programmes and is widely condemned for human rights abuses. Pompeo said Trump's comments about the reduced threat from North Korea were made "with eyes wide open". "It could be the case that our effort wont ... work but we are determined to set the conditions so that we can right this failure of decades and reset the conditions for North Korea's participation in the community of nations," Pompeo said after a trilateral meeting with South Korean Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono. MAINTAIN READINESS Japan has reacted to Trump's plan to cancel military exercises with South Korea with concern, saying the drills are vital for East Asian security. Two North Korean missiles flew over Japan last year as North Korea made rapid advances in developing a missile capable of striking the U.S. mainland with a nuclear warhead. Tokyo is working on arranging a meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and Kim, with one possibility being an Abe visit to Pyongyang around August, the Yomiuri newspaper reported. A Japanese government source familiar with the matter told Reuters officials aimed to discuss a summit with North Korean officials at a regional security conference in Mongolia on Thursday and Friday. Kang said South Korea and the United States shared the same goals and approach to achieving denuclearisation. "The issue of South Korea-U.S. joint exercises is one that should be discussed," Kang said. "But the issues of the alliance should be dealt with under the premise we maintain a joint ironclad defence posture." The U.S. intelligence assessment of the nuclear and other military threat posed by North Korea to U.S. and allied forces remained unchanged despite Trump's and Moon's assertions about the North Korean nuclear threat being over, a senior U.S. official responsible for studying the North Korean military said. U.S. officials said it was unclear what types of training involving U.S. and South Korean troops might cross into Trump's now forbidden zone of "war games". But big, joint U.S.-South Korean exercises appeared off-limits under the new guidance. "Make no mistake, we are going to maintain the readiness of our forces in South Korea," said one U.S. official, speaking on condition of anonymity. The official acknowledged, however, it was still not certain how that was going to happen. The United States maintains about 28,500 soldiers in South Korea, which remains in a technical state of war with the North after the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce rather than a peace treaty. (Reporting by David Brunnstrom and Christine Kim in SEOUL; Additional by Josh Smith and Hyonhee Shin in SEOUL, Yoshifumi Takemoto and Chang-Ran Kim in TOKYO, Ben Blanchard in BEIJING and Phil Stewart in WASHINGTON; Editing by Paul Tait, Robert Birsel) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said that resolving escalating disputes over illegal migration is a decisive test for the future of the European Union Berlin: German Chancellor Angela Merkel said on Wednesday that resolving escalating disputes over illegal migration represented a decisive test for the future of the European Union (EU). "For me, the question how we deal with the migration problem is something of a litmus test for the future and the cohesion of Europe," she told reporters after talks with Belgian Prime Minister Charles Michel. Merkel, as the EU's longest serving leader, expressed deep concern over bitter divisions within the bloc about how to deal with waves of people fleeing war and misery landing on the shores of the bloc or dying en route. Her comments came amid a mounting row between European heavyweights France and Italy in which Paris branded Rome irresponsible for refusing this week to take in a rescue ship packed with hundreds of migrants. Seeking to calm the dispute, Merkel noted that Italy had borne the brunt of the influx in recent years, "taking in a lot of refugees". "We have to take the concerns of everyone in the European Union into account," she insisted. "That sounds like the squaring of the circle but Europe must stick together." Merkel is also currently embroiled in a growing row within her conservative camp pitting her against hardliners calling for Germany to turn back at its borders any asylum seeker already registered in another EU country. The German leader said she feared that such a move could trigger a chain reaction and called for a negotiated EU response. "Particularly in a situation in which Europe, especially on these issues, is in a very fragile state, it is very, very important to me that Germany not act unilaterally." The UN Security Council should lifting sanctions on North Korea following its agreement with the United States to scrap its nuclear program, said the Russia's UN ambassador United Nations: The UN Security Council should consider steps toward lifting sanctions on North Korea following its agreement with the United States to scrap its nuclear program, Russia's UN ambassador said on Wednesday. The council in 2017 adopted three rounds of tough economic sanctions on North Korea, banning most of its exports of raw commodities and severely restricting oil supplies. Asked about lifting sanctions, Russian Ambassador Vassily Nebenzia told reporters: "I think that it is only natural that we should be thinking about steps in that direction." "There is progress on the track that should be reciprocal. There should be a two-way street," he added. "Of course the other side should see encouragement to go forward." At the first ever meeting between sitting leaders of the US and North Korea on Tuesday in Singapore, President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un pledged in a joint statement to work toward the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula." The United States along with Japan and European countries maintain that the raft of tough sanctions must remain in place until North Korea has fully dismantled its weapons programmes. Russia and China argue that there should be a gradual approach, offering some sanctions relief in exchange for concrete action from Pyongyang along the path toward denuclearisation. The council is expected to meet to discuss the results of the Singapore summit, but Nebenzia, who holds the council presidency in June, said nothing had been scheduled yet. "It would be interesting to hear from those who were directly involved their assessment of the results," said the Russian ambassador. Many diplomats credit the UN move to ramp up sanctions as a decisive factor in pressuring Kim to agree to negotiate an end to North Korea's military programme. Kim came to understand that "having a nuclear bomb is not compatible with having an economy," said a Security Council diplomat. Dutch Ambassador Karel van Oosterom, who heads the council's sanctions committee on North Korea said the punitive measures were still being applied in full force. "We will continue to keep up the pressure with the full implementation of the sanctions," he said. RIYADH/DUBAI (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates announced a five-point aid plan for Yemen's Hodeidah port and surrounding areas on Wednesday, after a Saudi-led alliance of Arab states launched an attack on Yemen's Houthi-held main port city. As part of the plan, the two coalition states aim to establish a shipping lane to Hodeidah from the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, and Jizan, a city in southern Saudi Arabia, officials told a news conference in Riyadh. RIYADH/DUBAI (Reuters) - Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates announced a five-point aid plan for Yemen's Hodeidah port and surrounding areas on Wednesday, after a Saudi-led alliance of Arab states launched an attack on Yemen's Houthi-held main port city. As part of the plan, the two coalition states aim to establish a shipping lane to Hodeidah from the UAE capital, Abu Dhabi, and Jizan, a city in southern Saudi Arabia, officials told a news conference in Riyadh. They will also distribute food, provide medical supplies, equipment and staff to hospitals, sustain electrical stations and provide economic support, they said. "We have several ships stationed, and we have storage capacity very close to Hodeidah fully stocked up," Reem al-Hashimy, the UAE minister of state for international cooperation, told Reuters in Riyadh. "We have as well planes that are out of the UAE that are ready to be flown in once the situation allows for that," she said. Speaking on Saudi state-owned al-Ekhbariyah TV, coalition spokesman Colonel Turki al-Malki said two aid ships provided by Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates were waiting in waters near the port. The plan will be carried out by Saudi Arabia's King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Center and the UAE Red Crescent, with Hashimy later telling reporters the UAE would use its military base in Eritrea for transporting aid. The assault marks the first time the Arab states have tried to capture a heavily defended major city since joining the war three years ago against the Iran-aligned Houthis, who control Yemen's most populated areas, including the capital, Sanaa. The operation, which began after a three-day deadline set by the UAE for the Houthis to quit the port, comes at the risk of worsening the world's biggest humanitarian crisis. Coalition states say they will try to keep the port running and can ease the crisis once they seize it by lifting import restrictions they have imposed. But they accused the Houthis of planting mines that could prolong that effort, they added. "If the Houthis don't damage the port by mining it, you have all the assurances that the coalition forces will not damage the port," the UAE's ambassador to the UK, Sulaiman al-Mazroui, told Abu Dhabi-linked newspaper The National. "The information we have is that some of this infrastructure has been mined," he added. Hashimy said the UAE was readying replacement cranes that could be provided if physical infrastructure in the port is damaged. Coalition forces have already begun to disarm mines planted by the Houthis on their route into Hodeidah, Malki told Ekhbariyah. (Reporting by Sarah Dadouch in Riyadh and Alexander Cornwell in Dubai; Writing by Katie Paul; Editing by Peter Cooney) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. Japan is working on arranging a meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong-un, with one possibility including the premier's visit to Pyongyang around August Tokyo: Japan is working on arranging a meeting between Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and North Korean supreme leader Kim Jong-un, with one possibility including the premier's visit to Pyongyang around August, the Yomiuri newspaper reported on Thursday. Citing multiple government sources, the paper said officials from the two countries had been in contact several times in recent months to negotiate a possible meeting between the two leaders. US president Donald Trump this week agreed to halt joint US-South Korean military exercises after meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in Singapore, drills Japan's defence minister said were "vital" for East Asian security. North Korea fired at least two missiles over Japan last year as it sought to develop a weapon capable of reaching the US mainland with a nuclear warhead. Japan is expected to contribute towards the costs of North Korea's denuclearisation but only after the International Atomic Energy Agency restarts inspections, a spokesman said on Wednesday. Abe has made the resolution of the issue of Japanese citizens abducted by North Korea a political pledge, and has said Japan would hold back economic assistance until those issues, along with denuclearisation, are resolved. If Abe's visit to Pyongyang proves difficult, Japan is eyeing another scenario for Abe to meet Kim on the sidelines of the Eastern Economic Forum to be held in September in Vladivostok, if the North Korean leader attends, the paper said. A government source familiar with the matter told Reuters that Japanese officials planned to discuss the summit meeting with North Korean officials at an international conference on Northeast Asian security to be held on Thursday and Friday in Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia. The person added that it was still unclear whether Abe would attend the conference in Vladivostok in September, when his ruling Liberal Democratic Party is due to hold a leadership race. UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The U.N. General Assembly condemned Israel on Wednesday for excessive use of force against Palestinian civilians and asked U.N UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The U.N. General Assembly condemned Israel on Wednesday for excessive use of force against Palestinian civilians and asked U.N. chief Antonio Guterres to recommend an "international protection mechanism" for occupied Palestinian territory. The General Assembly adopted a resolution with 120 votes in favour, eight against and 45 abstentions. It was put forward in the General Assembly by Algeria, Turkey and the Palestinians after the United States vetoed a similar resolution in the 15-member U.N. Security Council earlier this month. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by James Dalgleish) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The U.N. General Assembly condemned Israel on Wednesday for excessive use of force against Palestinian civilians and asked U.N. chief Antonio Guterres to recommend an 'international protection mechanism' for occupied Palestinian territory. By Michelle Nichols UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - The U.N. General Assembly condemned Israel on Wednesday for excessive use of force against Palestinian civilians and asked U.N. chief Antonio Guterres to recommend an "international protection mechanism" for occupied Palestinian territory. The General Assembly adopted a resolution with 120 votes in favour, eight against and 45 abstentions. It was put forward in the General Assembly by Algeria, Turkey and the Palestinians after the United States vetoed a similar resolution in the 15-member U.N. Security Council earlier this month. The General Assembly text condemned the firing of rockets from Gaza into Israeli civilian areas, but did not mention Hamas, the Islamist group that controls Gaza. General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding but carry political weight. "The nature of this resolution clearly demonstrates that politics is driving the day. It is totally one-sided. It makes not one mention of the Hamas terrorists who routinely initiate the violence in Gaza," U.S. Ambassador to the United Nations Nikki Haley told the General Assembly before the vote. The United States failed in a bid to amend the resolution with a paragraph that would have condemned violence by Hamas. "By supporting this resolution you are colluding with a terrorist organisation, by supporting this resolution you are empowering Hamas," Israel's U.N. Ambassador Danny Danon told the General Assembly before the vote. More than 120 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli forces in Gaza border protests since March 30. The largest number of deaths occurred on May 14, the day the United States moved its embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. Amid international condemnation of its use of lethal force, Israel said many of the dead were militants and that the Israeli army was repelling attacks on the border fence between Israel and Gaza. Washington has maintained Israel's right to defend itself and refrained from joining calls for Israeli restraint. Palestinians and their supporters said most protesters were unarmed civilians and Israel used excessive force against them. "We need protection of our civilian population," Palestinian U.N. envoy Riyad Mansour told the General Assembly before the vote, adding that the resolution was "intended to contribute to a de-escalation of the volatile situation." "We cannot remain silent in the face of the most violent crimes and human rights violations being systematically perpetrated against our people," Mansour said. The resolution asked Guterres to report back within 60 days on proposals "on ways and means for ensuring the safety, protection and well-being of the Palestinian civilian population under Israeli occupation, including ... recommendations regarding an international protection mechanism." In December 128 countries defied President Donald Trump and voted in favour of a U.N. General Assembly resolution calling for the United States to drop its recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital. (Reporting by Michelle Nichols; Editing by James Dalgleish) This story has not been edited by Firstpost staff and is generated by auto-feed. The United Nations Security Council to meet over the offensive. The U.N. special envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths, has said the global body is talking to both sides to de-escalate. Aden: Arab warplanes and warships pounded Houthi positions in Yemens Hodeida for a second day on Thursday, as a Saudi-led alliance tried to seize the main port in the largest battle of a war that has created the worlds worst humanitarian crisis. The United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to meet behind closed doors on Thursday, at the request of Britain, over the offensive. The U.N. special envoy to Yemen, Martin Griffiths, has said the global body is talking to both sides to de-escalate. Houthi leader Mohammed Ali al-Houthi has blamed the West for the assault, The British told us a week ago that the Emiratis and the Saudis had told them they would not enter the battle of Hodeida without their agreement and assistance. A Houthi statement warned commercial ships in the Red Sea, one of the worlds most important trade routes, to stay 20 miles from coalition warships or potentially face attack. The enemy has heightened the risk in the Red Sea with this new battle and is responsible for the consequences. We will not stand by idly in the face of the most dangerous foreign assault which threats millions of Yemenis". the statement said. Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson said on Wednesday the British government was in contact with the alliance about ensuring its operations comply with international law on protecting civilians. Coalition spokesman Turki al-Malki has said operation Golden Victory aimed to wrest control of the port and airport, but that troops would avoid entering the city. Two residents contacted said Apache attack helicopters were conducting intensive strikes on a strip of coastal territory near the citys airport. The United Nations is struggling to avert disruption to the port, the main lifeline for food aid to a country where 8.4 million people are on the verge of starvation, potentially the worlds worst famine for generations. The Arab coalition also struck the main road linking Hodeida to the capital Sanaa to block reinforcements, residents and anti-Houthi Yemeni military officials said. The Iran-aligned Houthis control the capital and most of Yemens populated areas. The Arab states have been fighting since 2015 to unseat them, restore an exiled Saudi-backed government and halt what they see as Iranian expansionism. People are scared. The warships are terrifying and warplanes are flying overhead all the time, university student Amina (22), who lives near the port, said. People are fleeing the city to the countryside, but for those with no relatives there or money, there is no escape., she said. Capturing Hodeida, the Houthis only port, would give the coalition the upper hand in the war, in which neither side has made much progress for years. Western countries have quietly backed the Arab coalition, but the threat of humanitarian catastrophe on a historic scale could unravel that support. The United Nations says 22 million Yemenis need humanitarian aid, and the number at risk of starvation could double to more than 18 million by the end of the year unless access improves. The global institution said it was still bringing aid, We are there and delivering, we are not leaving Hodeida", U.N. humanitarian coordinator for Yemen, Lise Grande said. The Arab states say they have plans in place to prevent the battle from causing a humanitarian disaster. They have long been restricting imports into Hodeidah to prevent what they say is Iranian traffic in missiles to the Houthis, and say they can swiftly improve food supplies once they control the port. Ali al-Ahmed, the Emirati Ambassador to Germany, said there were 60,000 tonnes of humanitarian aid ready on ships and trucks to move into the region once the fighting dies down. He said it would take Arab forces about 72 hours to clear mines from Hodeidas port or airport once it captures them. Its very important for our credibility to make sure that people in need get the help they need, he said. The war in Yemen is one of several regional conflicts that pit allies of the Sunni Muslim Arab states against forces aligned to Shiite Iran. The Houthis, from a Shiite minority, deny being Irans pawns and say they took power in a popular revolt and are defending Yemen from invasion by its neighbours. Yemen army backed by a Saudi-led coalition launched an attack to retake the Houthi-held port city of Hodeida Al Jah (Yemen): Yemeni forces backed by a Saudi-led coalition launched an offensive to retake the rebel-held port city of Hodeida, a key aid hub, sparking calls from the international community for restraint. Pro-government troops began the assault on Wednesday despite mounting international fears about the humanitarian fallout, pressing toward Hodeida airport south of the city after receiving a "green light" from the coalition. The UN Security Council will meet on Thursday for urgent talks on the offensive, diplomats said, after a request from Britain. The closed-door meeting will be the second this week on the Yemen crisis. By Wednesday night, the offensive remained on the outskirts of the rebel-held airport. The Red Sea port, controlled by the Iran-backed Houthi rebels who hail from northern Yemen, serves as the entry point for 70 percent of the impoverished country's imports as it teeters on the brink of famine. The official United Arab Emirates news agency WAM confirmed that the operation was ongoing "with the participation and the support, through land and sea and air, of the Emirati armed forces". It added that the attacking forces managed to "liberate areas in the surroundings of the airport" and captured and killed "dozens of Houthi" rebels. The request for the Security Council meeting came after the UN envoy for Yemen, Martin Griffiths, said he was still holding negotiations on keeping the key port open to aid deliveries. "We are in constant contact with all the parties involved to negotiate arrangements for Hodeida that would address political, humanitarian, security concerns of all concerned parties," he said. US Secretary of Defense Jim Mattis has said he "strongly supports" Griffiths' efforts "to bring all sides of the conflict to the negotiating table". The European Union's foreign policy chief warned of the "devastating" impact the assault would have. "The latest developments will only lead to further escalation and instability in Yemen," Federica Mogherini said in a statement. The coalition insisted its humanitarian aid response would go in parallel with military operations. Two Saudi and UAE aid ships were in the waters off Hodeida, coalition spokesman Turki al-Maliki told Saudi state media. The two countries also said they would operate a dedicated shipping lane to Hodeida from Abu Dhabi and the southern Saudi city of Jizan to deliver food and medical supplies. In Hodeida, people waited anxiously for the fighting to reach their neighbourhoods. Those contacted by AFP said Houthi fighters had fanned out across the city. Coalition sources said the alliance carried out 18 air strikes on Houthi positions on the outskirts of Hodeida on Wednesday. According to medical sources in the province, 22 Houthi fighters were killed by coalition raids, while three pro-government fighters were killed in a rebel ambush south of Hodeida. The UAE armed forces said last night that four Emirati soldiers were killed in Yemen, without specifying when and where. The city of Hodeida, home to 600,000 people, was captured by the insurgents in 2014 along with the capital Sanaa. Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and a bloc of other countries intervened in Yemen in 2015 with the goal of restoring the government to power. The coalition accuses the Houthis of using the port to secure Iranian arms, notably ballistic missiles the militants have increasingly fired into Saudi territory. Yemen's government said on Tuesday that negotiations had failed to force the rebels from Hodeida, and that a grace period for UN-led peace efforts was over. Emirati diplomats have insisted that similar large-scale offensives had improved the lives of Yemenis elsewhere. Hassan Taher, the official Hodeida governor based outside the city, said on Wednesday that Yemen's government would ensure aid deliveries throughout the offensive. "We want a rapid war, but it won't be finished in two days," Taher told AFP. The International Committee of the Red Cross said any battle for Hodeida would exacerbate the suffering of the population. "Life-saving items cannot be given to those in need while fighting is ongoing," ICRC West Asia director Robert Mardini said in a statement. The UN children's fund, UNICEF, has raised alarm over the plight of Hodeida's 300,000 children and the risk that drinking water supplies will be disrupted. "UNICEF has pre-prepositioned supplies in Hodeida: over 20,000 basic hygiene kits. We hope we don't need to use them," its Yemen representative Meritxell Relano said on Twitter. The Houthi leadership on Tuesday called on the international community to "pressure a halt to the escalation", warning an assault on Hodeida would put Red Sea navigation at risk. On Wednesday, the Houthis said they targeted a coalition warship off the coast of Hodeida with two missiles, with rebel outlet Al-Masirah claiming a direct hit. As the offensive got under way, Saudi Arabia's ambassador to Yemen was defiant. "Hodeida will be liberated, and the Yemeni people will gain back a major artery of life," he tweeted. Thanks to red-hot oil prices over the past year, oil stocks are up sharply. To give some sense of the magnitude of the rebound, the iShares U.S. Oil & Gas Exploration & Production ETF (NYSEMKT:IEO) -- which holds more than 60 U.S.-focused oil and gas stocks -- has rallied nearly 33% over the last 12 months. However, while that rising tide has lifted most boats, not all oil and gas stocks have enjoyed the oil market's rebound. In fact, some stocks have managed to lose ground in the past year. Two of those laggards are Antero Resources (NYSE:AR) and Apache Corporation (NASDAQ:APA), which have declined 6% and 12%, respectively, in the last year. However, that disappointing underperformance could be about to reverse course because both companies are working on plans to unlock shareholder value. As those plans unfold, they could catapult both stocks, making them ones investors will want to watch closely. Undervalued and looking to do something about it Antero's decline over the past year comes even though its business has reached a crucial inflection point. After burning through cash to grow in previous years, the company is joining an elite group of E&P companies that are increasing production at a double-digit rate, while generating free cash flow. Because only a half-dozen E&P companies are in that elite class, they fetch a premium valuation compared to other oil and gas stocks. On average, they sell for 9.5 times their enterprise value to earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, amortization, and exploration expenses, or EV/EBITDAX. For comparison's sake, the average E&P in America sells for 6.4 times EV/EBITDAX. Antero Resources, on the other hand, trades at just 5.1 times that metric, which makes it undervalued versus not only its elite peers, but the average E&P in the U.S. It's a problem the company is looking to address by considering ways to unlock value. These options include returning capital to shareholders through a dividend or buyback as well as exploring transactions involving its two midstream companies, Antero Midstream Partners (NYSE:AM) and Antero Midstream GP. While the company is starting to generate some free cash flow that it could funnel toward shareholders, it could also consider monetizing its 53% stake in Antero Midstream Partners, which is worth about $2.7 billion. Selling that business would give it the money to quickly buy back a meaningful portion of its dirt-cheap shares, which is the path one peer recently took to unlock value for its investors. While it's unclear what direction Antero will go, there is the potential for the company to move the needle for investors. Looking for the right key to unlocking this hidden treasure Apache's slump over the last 12 months is mainly because the company tapped the brakes on the development of its recently discovered Alpine High play so it could build out the necessary midstream infrastructure to maximize the value of future production. The company has already invested $815 million in constructing several processing plants and gathering pipelines to support future production. In addition to that, the company has secured options to buy stakes in several long-haul pipelines to move its output out of the region. In doing so, Apache has quietly created hidden value, which the company is now looking to monetize by securing a midstream partner. Apache is working toward the completion of an Alpine High midstream transaction this year, which could come in many forms. However, the primary goal will be to pull in some cash proceeds from its investment. Apache sees two potential uses of that money according to comments by CEO John Christmann on the company's first-quarter conference call: Increase its drilling program, or return more cash to shareholders through a buyback program or higher dividend. While both options could create value for investors in the long term, given the near-term infrastructure constraints in the Permian, a share buyback program seems like the better option, especially considering how cheap shares are these days. While it's unclear yet how much it will receive for the midstream business -- and therefore measure the potential scale of a buyback program -- even a small buyback could do wonders for the stock price. Keep your eyes peeled At some point this year, Apache and Antero should announce moves intended to boost their sagging stocks. These announcements could be minor such as Antero initiating a divided and Apache raising its payout. Or, they could be major transactions and include a multibillion-dollar buyback authorization that would move the needle for investors. Because the size of their catalysts remains unknown, these stocks will be interesting ones to watch over the next few months. Oil and gas companies are poised to plow roughly $300 billion into drilling more than 40,000 new wells in the Permian Basin over the next five years, according to a new report by IHS Markit. That investment has the potential to double the region's oil and gas production, putting it on pace to pump out 5.4 million barrels of oil per day (BPD) within five years. For perspective, that's more oil than Iraq currently produces. There's just one problem with all of that production: It needs to get out of the basin, which is a problem right now since there aren't enough pipelines. Because of that, some of the best ways to play the Permian production boom are pipeline companies. Three companies perfectly positioned to profit from the Permian boom are Plains All American Pipeline (NASDAQ:PAA), Targa Resources (NYSE:TRGP), and Kinder Morgan (NYSE:KMI). An unmatched oil pipeline system Plains All American Pipeline has invested heavily in expanding its footprint in the Permian Basin over the past few years. Last year, the company spent about $1.3 billion to acquire assets in the region while also investing heavily in organic expansion projects. These investments have helped the company build an unrivaled system to move oil from the wellhead to several major oil hubs. Overall, the company operates more than 4,700 miles of pipeline in the region that can transport 3.2 million BPD. Plains All American plans to invest at least another $1.6 billion to expand its Permian infrastructure through the end of next year with two long-haul pipelines, gathering-system expansions, and other regional projects such as storage facilities. Those projects will position the company to grow cash flow at a double-digit pace in each of the next two years. Meanwhile, the company has other Permian-focused projects in development, including recently announced plans to pursue a joint venture with ExxonMobil to build a major oil pipeline out of the region. That Permian growth will position Plains to expand its 4.7%-yielding distribution to investors at a healthy clip for years to come. Bulking up in the basin Targa Resources has also spent a significant amount of money to expand its Permian Basin position in the recent past. Last year, the company paid $565 million to buy Outrigger for its natural gas gathering and processing assets as well as its crude oil gathering position in the region. This made Targa the largest gas gathering and processing company in the Permian. In addition, Targa Resources has secured several expansion projects in the Permian that will drive growth in the coming years. Overall, the company has lined up about $2.4 billion of Permian expansion projects, which include building a major natural gas liquids (NGL) pipeline, partnering on a large gas pipeline, and constructing additional gathering and processing assets. These investments position Targa to expand earnings from $1.14 billion last year to as much as $2 billion by 2021, which should give the company plenty of fuel to grow its 7.5%-yielding dividend. One pipeline secured, another in the works One of Targa's large projects is the Gulf Coast Express pipeline, a $1.75 billion natural gas pipeline developed by Kinder Morgan that should start service by the end of next year. That pipeline is the first notable Permian project for Kinder Morgan, which operates several natural gas pipeline systems in the region, including El Paso Natural Gas (EPNG) and the Natural Gas Pipeline Company of America (NGPL). Gulf Coast Express is likely the first of many Permian-focused expansions for Kinder Morgan in the coming years. In fact, after securing shippers for 100% of the capacity on Gulf Coast Express, the company has already had initial discussions with shippers on a second pipeline. While those talks are in the very early stages, Kinder Morgan believes that there's enough industry demand to build a second line sooner rather than later. Meanwhile, the company is looking at expansion projects on both EPNG and NGPL to move gas out of the Permian Basin to end markets in the Southwest and Midwest. As those projects materialize, they'll help grow the pipeline giant's cash flow and its 4.7%-yielding dividend. Problem-solving can pay big dividends Production out of the Permian Basin is growing at breakneck speed, which is starting to become a problem for producers, but an opportunity for pipeline companies. While several have expansion projects underway, three of the best positioned to capture future opportunities are Kinder Morgan, Targa Resources, and Plains All American Pipeline. Because of that, all three companies appear poised to grow their high-yielding dividends at high rates in the coming years, making them excellent options for income-seeking investors to consider. Tariffs rarely make big news. At any given time, there are thousands of different ones on products, raw materials, and other goods enacted by countries on their trading partners for a variety of reasons. However, President Donald Trump has brought tariffs into the spotlight, promoting them heavily as a stick he can use to win trade concessions both from U.S. antagonists such as China and longtime allies such as Canada. The result of those increased tariffs, of course, will be higher prices for U.S. companies that import goods from the penalized countries, says Melissa Harrington, sales director for Descartes Systems Group, a logistics and supply chain tech business based in Toronto. The company describes Harrington as having "a strong background in international trade as it relates to both imports into the U.S. and Canada, as well as U.S. export regulations." Harrington answered questions from The Motley Fool via email on how these new tariffs will impact Americans, and which U.S. industries will be impacted the most. What will tariffs mean for consumers? Tariffs are added fees that companies must pay to import specific goods from certain countries. For example, Trump wants a 25% on steel and a 10% tariff on aluminum brought into the U.S. from sources including China, Canada, and the European Union. And if you think that anything that boosts the prices of raw materials will result in those costs being passed all the way down the line to consumers, you're essentially right. "Generally, yes, tariffs raise prices for consumers," she wrote. "It depends on the industry and the competitive market both globally and domestically to say for sure and how much. Countries usually only raise tariffs to protect the domestic industry/jobs, national security, and an infant industry." In this case, however, Trump is using tariffs as primarily a negotiation tool. But beyond the impact of making imports more expensive, Harrington notes that our trading partners are likely to retaliate with tariffs of their own on U.S. exports. And she expects these moves will take a particularly heavy toll on the American farmer. "Most U.S. agriculture is exported to Mexico, Canada, and Southeast Asia," she wrote. "If we impose tariffs on these regions/nations, they are likely going to hit back with a tariff against our farming and agriculture exports which would, in turn, cause them to import less of these products, hurting our domestic farming/agriculture industry." What happens next? "Tariffs have a 'trickle-down effect,'" notes Harrington. "This is not a cost the importer or corporation typically just absorbs; it's generally passed down to consumers. So as tariffs increase on your favorite items (or on the materials that go into that finished item), I'd expect to see that, over time, consumer prices would also increase." There is still the possibility that all of these conflicts will be settled at the bargaining table, the result the president seems to be angling for. That may not seem likely as rhetoric heats up between Trump and foreign leaders. Still, tit-for-tat tariffs cause economic pain on both sides. That prospect could force at least some of the nations involved to rapidly work out new trade deals with the Trump White House, but there's no guarantee these threats won't escalate into a wider, and longer-term, trade war. News centerpiece Galveston requirement adds height to new houses, buildings jenniferreynolds / JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News Construction workers frame a house in the Evia subdivision on Galvestons West End on Wednesday, June 13, 2018. Some builders are frustrated with a new requirement to build island homes 18 inches above the base elevation line. The new requirement could help reduce flood insurance costs and flood risk, but some builders argue it makes it more expensive to build homes. jenniferreynolds / JENNIFER REYNOLDS/The Daily News Construction workers select a board for a joist as crews frame a new house in the Evia subdivision on Galvestons West End on Wednesday, June 13, 2018. Some builders are frustrated with a new requirement to build island homes 18 inches above the base elevation line. The new requirement could help reduce flood insurance costs and flood risk, but some builders argue it makes it more expensive to build homes. GALVESTON A new requirement to build structures 18 inches higher off the ground than the federal flood elevation could help reduce insurance costs and flood risk, but has frustrated some contractors who argue it makes building on the island more expensive. The city in May began enforcing a freeboard requirement, an ordinance mandating that new construction be 18 inches above the base flood elevation. The Federal Emergency Management Agency manages the National Flood Insurance Program, the primary flood insurer for homeowners, and recommends cities adopt freeboard requirements, Director of Development Services Tim Tietjens said. Other cities that had adopted freeboard requirements set them between 1 foot and 2 feet above the base elevation level, which varies depending on where you are on the island, he said. The base flood elevation the computed elevation to which floodwaters are anticipated to rise during a 100-year flood event varies from about 11 feet to more than 15 feet on the island. The new requirements are among things that could improve the citys community rating score with the National Flood Insurance Program and reduce flood insurance costs across the board on the island by 5 percent, Tietjens said. Galvestons rating is currently in Class 7, but could soon be improved to a Class 6, he said. The city gets points for different flood mitigation efforts, which, combined, make up a community rating. People insured in flood zones on the island already receive a 15 percent deduction in their flood insurance premium rates, he said. If the city gets an improved rating from different changes it has made, including the freeboard mandate for new construction, the premium rates could fall even more. Flood insurance premiums already are in the thousands of dollars a year for many homeowners and most insured commercial property owners, and some observers worry about increases as the federal flood program struggles with debt. Its extremely wise for homeowners and prudent for a city to mandate it, Tietjens said. By 2020, the agency will likely require the 18-inch freeboard requirement as a minimum standard for new construction, he said. But at least one builder said he wished the city had held off on adopting the new requirements. The new requirements have been a frustration for builders, especially on commercial properties, because of the added costs in materials and labor, Al Fichera of Fichera Builders Inc. said. We already are at pretty high extremes, Fichera said. Most cities only build 12 inches higher than the center of the street. Galveston is not like that. Eighteen inches might not sound like a lot, but if its commercial, thats adding 18 feet to a handicap ramp and adds three steps to the building. He estimated the new requirements added about $10,000 in construction costs for the homes his company builds, he said. It costs more and the labor is more, Fichera said. These are all things that make everything more expensive. Its not deterring construction, it just costs more. Before adopting the ordinance, city staff met with FEMA staff and researched what it would mean for the cost of building on the island, Tietjens said. A 2017 study produced by floodplain managers found the additional costs for building a 2,000-square-foot house were about $4,200, Tietjens said. The study found the additional costs were recouped in about 3.2 years from deductions in insurance premiums from building higher, he said. The costs likely would go up, but the code update produced more benefits than harm, Walter Premirelli of Premrl Construction Builders said. The new requirements would make homes more resilient during storms and help with the cost of flood insurance premiums, he said. Its a very minimum investment you have to do, Premirelli said. There are more benefits than costs. Galveston, TX (77553) Today A mix of clouds and sun with gusty winds. High 77F. Winds NNE at 25 to 35 mph. Winds could occasionally gust over 40 mph.. Tonight Some clouds. Low around 65F. Winds NNE at 10 to 20 mph. [This unedited press release is made available courtesy of Gamasutra and its partnership with notable game PR-related resource Games Press.] For the King is introducing a free Endless Dungeon mode in a new update coming June 20th! Players will now be able to discover what lies beyond Hildebrant's Cellar in an all new challenge mode. Those who delve deeper into the dungeon will unlock unique items and character customisation options. Adventurers will face new traps and square-off against fresh foes as they look to stop the heroes in their tracks. Three new Steam achievements have also been added to this update. In addition to the new content, For The King has added Polish language support and a new player stat screen showing a detailed breakdown of player skills, ongoing buffs and stats in one convenient place. A new feature called House Rules has also been included in this update and allows players to adjust various game settings to tailor games to their preferences. Having already sold over 200,000 units on PC, For The King is heading to consoles in 2019. You can find out more on Curve Digitals Twitter , Facebook or website -- About IronOak Games Founded in 2015, IronOak Games is an independent video game developer based in Vancouver, BC. The team consists of AAA game industry veterans, who previously worked on such titles such as Dead Rising 2, Sleeping Dogs, Turok and Need for Speed. Influenced by old school RPGS, For The King is the studios first foray into building a roguelike fantasy RPG based off the Black Gate board game, designed and created by Colby Young, Game Designer for IronOak Games. For more information, please visit http://www.ironoakgames.com About Curve Digital Curve Digital is one of the worlds leading publishers of games on PC and consoles. Since 2013, the company has been working with some of the worlds best game developers to help bring their games from indie hits like Dear Esther to the likes of the million-selling Human: Fall Flat - to the broadest possible audiences all over the world. In 2017 Curve Digital was recognised by the celebrated Develop Industry Excellence Awards as Publishing Hero and in 2018 was crowned the Indie Games Publisher of the Year at the MCV Awards. Most recently, Curve Digital has been shortlisted for the Publishing Hero at the 2018 Develop Industry Excellence Awards www.curve-digital.com President of Lithuania congratulates Georgia on Independence Day in Georgian language - GeorgianJournal Vice-President Federica Mogherini's speech on Russian-Georgian conflict at the European Parliament - GeorgianJournal Banks to soon start sending messages to customers on WhatsApp News oi-Abhinaya Prabhu You might soon get ATM withdrawal and transaction notifications from your bank on WhatsApp. It looks like major banks in India might soon start sending alerts and communications via WhatsApp. As per a report by Hindustan Times, at least five top banks are already in the process of testing or implementing the rollout of WhatsApp-based communications. It is said that these banks will use the messaging platform to let their customers know about point-of-sale transactions as well as ATM withdrawals as mandated by the RBI. This implementation will use the enterprise communication solutions of the messaging platform, which will let large companies communicate directly with their customers through WhatsApp. Customers are required to provide the phone number registered with WhatsApp to link their account to receive communications and alerts. Already, the WhatsApp for Business app is being used by large-scale businesses such as airlines and Netflix. The latter keeps users informed about their new shows and movies. Banks are likely to use this feature of the app to notify customers about the ATM withdrawals and debit and credit card transactions. For now, these alerts come through SMS and the WhatsApp messages can come in addition to such SMS. It is reported that the same channel can be used to allow communication with the banks. It will let text-based interactions to handle customer service issues and queries. As per the report, ICICI Bank, State Bank of India, Axis Bank, IndusInd Bank and Kotak Mahindra Bank are some banks working on this means of communication. The report quotes a spokesperson from State Bank of India saying, "We are examining all aspects related to communication on WhatsApp, and will take a decision based on this." WhatsApp live location sharing feature to Android and iOS Notably, WhatsApp has over 1.5 billion monthly active users across the world. A majority of these users (roughly 200 million) are from India. Communicating through WhatsApp will let the banks reach their customers easily. It will also lay the path for a two-way communication between the banks and the large user base. There are expectations that many customers of these banks would be active WhatsApp users as it is most popular instant messaging platform in the country. This will make the task of the banks easier. 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 Best drones to buy under Rs 10k with HD camera in India Features oi-Harish Kumar Drones which is otherwise known as a UAV ( Unmanned aerial vehicle) is an aircraft that is operated via remote control and doesn't need an human to be onboard to operate it. Flying drones could be fun as they help us exploring the areas which we couldn't have otherwise. SEE ALSO: Samsung Carnival on Flipkart: Discounts offers on Galaxy S8, Galaxy J7 Duo, J7 Prime 2 and more However flying a drone is not as simple as it may sound considering the fact that most of the countries have stringent laws when it come to flying drones or any aerial object. The drones can fly in the US up to 400 m from the ground level whereas in Europe they can fly up to a range of 500m above the ground. SEE ALSO: Vivo Carnival Sale on Amazon: Vivo V9, V9 Youth, V7 Plus, Y83, Y71, Y53i and more on discount Now that you know your flying range, lets compile a list of best drones that are available under Rs 10,000 and offers HD camera in India. So let's get on to the list and see what have the Indian market in store for the users when it comes to drones or the UAV (unmanned aerial vehicle). SuperToy(TM) New Drone 4CH 2.4G Buy this Drone on Amazon Key Specs App Control & First-Person View (FPV) Video on Your Smartphone/Tablet Download and install the free app, available for Apple iOS and Android devices,and stream photos and video in real-time straight to your smartphone or via tablet. Camera - Yes, Flying Height - 20 Mtrs, Flying time: 8-10 Minute, Weight - 0.3 Kg 4.5 CH with Gyro / up and down, forward and backward, left sideward and right sideward, hovering slip function, LED interface, 3D roll action, take picture and video Box Includes: 1 Camera Drone with Propeller, 1 Remote Controller, 1 Mobile Holder, 4 Extra (Additional) Wings, 1 USB Charging Cable, 1 Screw Driver. Toyhouse SYMA X23W Outdoor RC Drone FPV 0.3MP Camera Buy this Drone on Amazon Key Specs 0.3MP 480P WiFi camera offers clear FPV videos and photos 3D stunt gives cool flight experience Weight : 600 grams Flying range is 50 to 60 meterss Flying time : 7 to 8 minutes Camera : Yes JXD Izi Camera Drone Buy this Drone on Amazon Key Specs Flying time: 8-10mins Weight : 200 Grams Extra batteries for this product JXD are available on Amazon Camera : Yes, HD Quality Camera The package comes with one battery, One carry bag for drone and extra pair of blades. Syma X5SW Axis Gyro RC Headless Quadcopter Buy this Drone on Amazon Key Specs The Syma X5SW has the Headless/IOC function. Usually, the forward direction of a flying multi-rotor is the same as the nose direction. By using Headless/IOC, the forward direction has nothing to do with nose direction. This lessens the steepness of the learning curve and allows the pilot to enjoy flight while slowly learning each specific orientation of the quadcopter. Equipped with the latest 6-axis flight control systems, 3D lock, More scheduled flight, operating more to the force! X5SW equipped with HD camera to take photos and videos while flying! Bring a new perspective to your photos and videos from the air. Wifi FPV X5SW allows you to view photos & video while flying It supports any IOS and Android phones. The cell phone holder keeps your phone secure all the time, One key 360roll, continuous roll for perfect action and wonderful performance Camera - Yes, Flying Height - 50 Mtrs, Flying time: 5-8 Mins, Weight - 0.3Kg Buy this Drone on Amazon Key Specs The Syma X5SW has the Headless/IOC function. Usually, the forward direction of a flying multi-rotor is the same as the nose direction. By using Headless/IOC, the forward direction has nothing to do with nose direction. This lessens the steepness of the learning curve and allows the pilot to enjoy flight while slowly learning each specific orientation of the quadcopter. Equipped with the latest 6-axis flight control systems, 3D lock, More scheduled flight, operating more to the force! X5SW equipped with HD camera to take photos and videos while flying! Bring a new perspective to your photos and videos from the air. Wifi FPV X5SW allows you to view photos & video while flying It supports any IOS and Android phones. The cell phone holder keeps your phone secure all the time, One key 360roll, continuous roll for perfect action and wonderful performance Camera - Yes, Flying Height - 50 Mtrs, Flying time: 5-8 Mins, Weight - 0.3Kg iZED Selfie Drone Buy this Drone on Amazon Key Specs Flying Height Not More Than 100 Meters & Weight Less Then 500 Grams Type: Planes & Helicopters Camera: Yes Battery Operated, 1 Battteries Rechargeable Batteries Hobbitos Syma X22W FPV Drone Buy this Drone on Flipkart Key Specs Type: Planes & Helicopters Material: Plastic Battery Operated, 1 Battteries Rechargeable Batteries Width x Height: 14.4 cm x 3.1 cm Minimum Age: 8 Krypton CX-10WD-TX with Remote Control Buy this Drone on Flipkart Key Specs Type: Remote Control Toys Accessories Material: Plastic Camera: HD Battery Operated, 3 Battteries Rechargeable Batteries Width x Height: 3 cm x 4.2 cm Minimum Age: 14 years Jack Royal White Vision Wifi and camera drone Buy this Drone on Flipkart Key Specs Type: Remote Control Toys Accessories Material: Plastic Battery Operated, 1 Battteries Rechargeable Batteries Width x Height: 32 cm x 10 cm Minimum Age: 14 LogicInside EDRONe BLACK KNIGHT CUBE Unique Foldable Drone Buy this Drone on Flipkart Key Specs Type: Remote Control Toys Accessories Material: Plastic Battery Operated, 2 Battteries Rechargeable Batteries Width x Height: 10 cm x 10 cm Minimum Age: 8 Vortex Toys SYMA X5SW FPV Live Video Streaming Wi-Fi Camera Buy this Drone on Flipkart Key Specs Type: Remote Control Toys Accessories Material: PVC Battery Operated, 4 Battteries Rechargeable Batteries Width x Height: 46 cm x 45 cm Minimum Age: 4 Best Mobiles in India EMI Fest on Cameras from Canon, Sony and Leica Features oi-Harish Kumar Cameras from Canon, Leica and Sony are available at EMI starting from Rs. 2,332. Are you looking out for a camera to gift your dad this Father's Day? Are you in need of a camera right now for your to capture memories during your vacation? Whatever be the reason, you can check out the EMI Fest sale hosted by Amazon India to get a camera suiting your requirements. This sale will happen from June 14 to June 20 and will offer attractive discounts and deals on a slew of camera models from Canon, Leica and Sony. SEE ALSO: Father's Day 2018 gift ideas: Best budgets smartphones to consider Well, Amazon India is hosting the EMI Fest on cameras for seven days. During this sale, the online retailer sells cameras at no cost EMI starting from Rs. 2,332 per month. Also, there is 10% instant discount on using ICICI Bank credit cards for the purchase. Samsung Carnival on Flipkart: Discounts offers on Galaxy S8, Galaxy J7 Duo, J7 Prime 2 and more Take a look at the offers lined up below to know which one to upgrade to and make use of the sale. You can buy the right camera suiting your requirements without burning a hole in your pocket during this sale that will go on until June 20. Canon Eos 1300D 18MP Digital SLR Camera (Black) EMI starts at 1,188. No Cost EMI available Buy this offer on Amazon Key Specs 18MP APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ 9-point AF with 1 center cross-type AF point Standard ISO: 100 to 6400, expandable to 12800 Wi-Fi and NFC supported Lens Mount: Canon EF mount Canon EOS 1500D 24.1MP Digital SLR Camera (Black) EMI starts at 1,854. No Cost EMI available Buy this offer on Amazon Key Specs 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor and DIGIC 4+ image processor 9-point AF with 1 centre cross-type AF point Standard ISO 100 - 6400 (expandable to 12800) Wi-Fi / NFC supported 24.1MP APS-C CMOS sensor DIGIC 4+ image processor 9-point AF with 1 centre cross-type AF point Canon Eos 200D 24.2MP Digital SLR EMI starts at 2,377. No Cost EMI available Buy this offer on Amazon Key Specs Compact and lightweight design Quick focusing in Live View mode with dual pixel CMOS AF Vari-angle touchscreen LCD Wi-Fi/NFC/Bluetooth low energy Item comes with a 16GB Memory card and bag Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H300/BC E32 point & Shoot Digital camera EMI starts at Rs 665. No Cost EMI available Buy this offer on Amazon Key Specs 35X Optical zoom lens with 20.1 MP Image sensor HD video Recording with Optical SteadyShot DSLR like creative modes Program Auto / Manual Exposure / Scene Capture 360 of the shot with Sweep Panorama button Built-in Picture effects for creative images Sony Cybershot DSC-RX100M3 20.1MP Digital Camera with Bag (Black) EMI starts at Rs 2,282. No Cost EMI available Buy this offer on Amazon Key Specs 20.1 MP (effective) 1.0-type Exmor R CMOS sensor BIONZ X engine for superb detail and noise reduction ZEISS Vario-Sonnar T* 24-70 mm lens with F1.8-2.8 aperture Built-in OLED Tru-Finder electronic viewfinder (EVF) Up to 10fps continuous shooting without blackout Leica 18197 V-Lux TYP 114 Camera, Black EMI starts at 4,421. No Cost EMI available Buy this offer on Amazon Key Specs Electronic ViewFinder for easy viewing under any lighting conditions Fast Leica DC Vario-Elmarit F 2.8 - 4.0 / 9.1 - 146 mm ASPH (35mm equivalent: 25-400mm) One inch sensor with a 20 MP resolution for excellent picture quality with shallow depth of field and a nice bokeh Integrated high resolution OLED electronic view finder Fastest high speed AF in its class even in tele position Image shuttle app allows the user to control the various functions of the camera via smartphones or tablets Shoots either in RAW or JPEG Leica 18136 D-Lux Typ 109 Camera, Black EMI starts at Rs 4,041. No Cost EMI available Buy this offer on Amazon Key Specs Electronic ViewFinder for easy viewing under any lighting conditions Fast Leica DC Vario-Summilux lens Maximum ISO of 25,600 Larger sensor 4/3-inch sensor with an effective resolution of 12.8 Megapixels Integrated electronic view finder which allows for full control of the pre sets with perfect picture in bright sunlight Image shuttle app allows the user to control the various functions of the camera via smartphones or tablets High-resolution display with 920, 000 pixels, latest 4k video technology & focus peaking Shoots either in RAW or JPEG Leica 19107 Sofort Instant Film Camera, Mint EMI starts at 1,189. No Cost EMI available Buy this offer on Amazon Key Specs The perfect combination of style and functionality makes it the ideal companion for fashion-conscious people who love photography The simple operation and variety of manual settings of the Leica Sofort will help you take control Leica Sofort has a programme suitable for every occasion Comes with a selfie mode Sony Cyber-shot DSC-H300/BC E32 point & Shoot Digital camera EMI starts at Rs 665. No Cost EMI available Buy this offer on Amazon Key Specs 35X Optical zoom lens with 20.1 MP Image sensor HD video Recording with Optical SteadyShot DSLR like creative modes Program Auto / Manual Exposure / Scene Capture 360 of the shot with Sweep Panorama button Built-in Picture effects for creative images 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 Galaxy Note 9 said to launch with 4,000mAh battery and faster wireless charging News oi-Karan Ice universe has twitted a new post, in which he has claimed that Galaxy Note 9 is for sure going to be launch with a 4000mAh battery capacity. Samsung is said to be working on its upcoming Galaxy Note 9, there is already too many speculations going around the web. Now a new report surfaced on the web claiming that the flagship will be coming with a bigger battery this time. Famous leakster Ice universe who is known for his accurate predictions. Ice universe has twitted a new post, in which he has claimed that Galaxy Note 9 is for sure going to be launch with a 4000mAh battery capacity. According to GalaxyClub, Samsung is also working on a faster wireless charger which would support all the speculated rumors of a higher capacity battery on the flagship. With the Galaxy S9 Samsung launched its convertible wireless charger this year, with the model number EP-N5100. The model comes with a +9 volts and 1.6 amperes input rating, the same as the one which was launched before. A new model number EP-N6100 has passed through the FCC certification. The new model is listed with an input rating of 12 volts and 2.1 amperes. Samsung's current fast charger was announced along with the Galaxy Note 5 and Galaxy S6 edge+. Both the phones were coming with a 3000mAh battery. If the rumors turn to be true and Galaxy Note 9 will come with a 4000mAh battery, then it would be a substantial jump in battery capacity as compared with the Note 7. The bigger battery will give a long-lasting battery life and better performance. Previously, a video was leaked showing a screen guard build for Galaxy Note 9 hints at a larger iris scanner. The new scanner might be an upgraded version and might improve the authentication process. Samsung hasn't changed the top bezel arrangement since last year and Note 9 will be another one of its products to sport an iris scanner. The company is also said to be working with an Isreali company Mantis Vision for a 3D camera system. The new tech will go against Apple's depth-sensing imaging setup of the iPhone X. But Samsung will likely bring the new tech with Galaxy S10 and S10 Plus next year. We recommend you not to take all this as an accurate report, these are just rumors and we still have to wait for the official release of the phone. Source Best Mobiles in India Facebook, To stay updated with latest technology news & gadget reviews, follow GizBot on Twitter YouTube and also subscribe to our notification. Allow Notifications Oppo Find X official render and full specifications emerge online News oi-Abhinaya Prabhu Oppo Find X details leak a week before its announcement. Oppo Find X will be unveiled on June 19 at an event in Paris. While we are a few more days away from the official unveiling of this flagship smartphone, interesting information regarding the device have emerged online. A well-known Twitter-based tipster Ishan Agarwal has shed light on the complete specifications of the smartphone. He has also shared what looks like the official render of the device. Most details he shared regarding the upcoming Oppo smartphone are in line with the previous leaks those were making the rounds on the internet so long. This latest leak reveals the dimensions, battery capacity, color variants and a few other details of the smartphone to be unveiled next week. Oppo Find X specifications According to the latest leak, the Oppo smartphone might be fitted with a 6.4-inch AMOLED display with a 2K resolution of 2340 x 1080 pixels and an aspect ratio of 19.5:9. From the screen resolution and the leaked official render, we are able to make out that there could be a notch on top of the display to render an impressive screen-to-body ratio. The device is likely to measure 156.7 x 74.2 x 9.6 mm in dimensions and weigh in around 186 grams. It might be in two colors - Glacier Blue and Bordeaux Red. Talking about the hardware, the Find X is expected to be equipped with a Qualcomm Snapdragon 845 SoC coupled with 8GB RAM and a 128GB of default memory capacity. Already, a leaked TENAA listing hinted at similar hardware aspects. Oppo had confirmed that the smartphone will arrive in a variant with 256GB storage space. So we can expect the Find X to be launched in two storage capacities. A 3730mAh battery will power the smartphone from within. For imaging, the Oppo phone is expected to flaunt a dual-camera setup at its rear with a 20MP primary sensor and a 16MP secondary sensor both with f/2.0 aperture. The selfie camera is said to be a 25MP sensor with the same aperture. The other aspects of the smartphone include ColorOS 5.1 based on Android 8.1 Oreo, NFC, Bluetooth, GPS, Wi-Fi and dual SIM support. How to send money using Paytm Inbox Other features Besides these specifications, the Find X is expected to be launched with high-end features such as 5x lossless zoom, 3D facial recognition, Super VOOC fast charging and in-display fingerprint sensor. However, these are just rumored specifications and we will get to know all the details at the launch event. 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 Bills signed and unsigned were applauded by business leaders Thursday morning as the Connecticut Business & Industry Association and Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce held a post-legislative breakfast event at the Ridgewood Country Club. FuelCell Energy, a Danbury-based fuel cell company, received the biggest cheers as it was awarded on Wednesday two projects totaling 22.2 megawatts by the Connecticut Department of Energy and Environmental Protection. New energy legislation passed in May paved the way for fuel cells to be competitive for clean energy projects. It was a big fight and there were many long nights, but we saw the fruits of that work (Wednesday), said state Rep. David Arconti, D-Danbury, who helped to craft the legislation. State Sen. Michael McLachlan, R-Danbury, added: Im really excited and proud of FuelCell Energy. Thats jobs in Danbury and Torrington. FuelCell Energy has a manufacturing facility in Torrington. Arconti vowed to keep pushing for the development of clean energy in Connecticut, adding that neighboring states New York and Massachusetts are kicking our butts on clean energy and associated jobs. When we talk about the jobs of the future, thats where its at, Arconti said. Bills not passed, such as paid sick leave, a minimum wage increase and captive audience bill, were also touted by legislators and generally lauded by those in attendance. The captive audience bill would limit mandatory meetings held by employers. State Rep. Rich Smith, R-New Fairfield, is on the Labor and Public Employees Committee and said only two bills made it through. Most of the bills that did not pass the committee were anti-business, he said. I know its saved you and your business a lot of money, he said. We will continue to fight the fight. Michael Rell, a lobbyist for the chamber, added: The voice of small business was heard. Rell added that the state is reaching for revenue when it comes to discussions about casino expansions, legalized marijuana and highway tolls. State Rep. Steve Harding, R-Brookfield, said Connecticut does not have a revenue problem. It has a spending problem. We cant handle any more taxes. Talk of additional taxes only deters businesses from coming to the state, said state Rep. Adam Dunsby, R-Easton. We need to stop going down this path, he said. We need to stop even talking about tax increases. Marshall Collins, lobbyist for the chamber, spoke against taxing nonprofit organizations, but warned the state to keep an eye out for shady nonprofits. State Rep. Mitch Bolinsky, R-Newtown, said eight years of taxation has marginalized the states economy. He urged voters to pay attention closely to the elections coming up in November. Its the most important election to date when it comes to Connecticut, he said. The state is at a crossroads. We have a chance to save Connecticut. P.J. Prunty, president of the Greater Danbury Chamber of Commerce, said his organization is stepping up its game in regards to legislative advocacy. The chamber, he said, will form a legislative council that will meet regularly to discuss issues coming out of Hartford. The writer may be reached at cbosak@hearstmediact.com; 203-731-3338 GREENWICH Before starting its summer break, the Representative Town Meeting had a few items of business left, including a new contract with some town employees. But Monday night, the RTM decided to postpone the contract with LIUNA Local 136 indefinitely, which essentially is as good as approving it. By not taking a vote, the contracts terms will go into effect automatically in 30 days. The RTM approved the indefinite postponement in a vote of 161 to 26, with one abstention. The RTM took similar action with the Teamsters contract in January and with the contract with the Firefighters Local 1042 in April. LIUNA Local 136 represents about 190 full-time and 35 part-time professional and management employees in the town, including those working as part of the town attorneys office in Town Hall; registered nurses at Witherell, the town-owned nursing and short-term rehabilitation home; and librarians. RTM member Lucia Jansen, chair of the bodys Budget Overview Committee, noted the difficulty in considering the contract because it covers employees across 12 town departments and nine salary categories, including several different kinds of job titles. The new contract covers the 2016-17 and 2017-18 fiscal years, the latter of which will end on June 30, as well as the upcoming 2018-19 fiscal year. It contains wage increases of 2.4 percent for 2016, 2.25 percent for 2017 and 1.5 percent for 2018. The increases for the first two years will be applied retroactively. RTM member Josh Brown, who was recently named chair of the bodys Labor Contracts Committee, said some on the committee felt that the 2.4 percent increase in the contracts first year was too high. But he said the committee was also pleased to keep the increase to 1.5 percent in the third year. According to Brown, town Labor Relations Director Al Cava was satisfied the contract addressed several issues: managing wage growth increases, slowing the growth of town attorney wages and moving workers covered by the contract to the states health care plan and off the towns plan. Overall, the committee felt this was a good deal for the town and a good deal for the union, Brown said. The committee was fine with the contract going into effect either through RTM approval or by allowing it to happen automatically, he said. The RTMs Finance Committee said it tolerated the contract despite concerns about the lawyers salaries. Committee Chair Rob Perelli-Minetti said the outcome was acceptable but said salaries for town attorneys in Greenwich are about $25,000 a year more than the next highest municipality in the area. This is a result of basically the town having tried to right a wrong, Perelli-Minetti said. Many years ago, the town attorneys were greatly underpaid and they spent several years catching up. The result of that, with some large labor settlements, is we ended up ahead of everyone else. The Finance Committee wanted more benchmarking to compare Greenwichs salaries with those in nearby towns, he said. Jansen also called for comparative benchmark information, saying the Budget Overview Committee would start voting against contracts during the next labor negotiations if it was missing. The Finance Committee recommended allowing the contract go into effect automatically without action by the RTM because to do otherwise could have undercut the towns negotiating position in future labor contracts. We arent saying we endorse the contract, were saying we will tolerate it, Perelli-Minetti said. The best way to put it is this is an acceptable deal. Its not a great deal, but its an acceptable deal. The previous contract with LIUNA Local 136 expired June 30, 2016. The body also approved several appointments to town board and commissions on Monday night and gave the thumbs up for Kids in Crisis, River House Adult Day Center, the YMCA of Greenwich and YWCA Greenwich to seek funding from private sources as part of the Connecticut Neighborhood Assistance Act. The town does award any funds in the program, but approval of town government is required. Through the Neighborhood Assistance Act, businesses that make cash investments of at least $250 to eligible community programs will get the tax credit. Those four Greenwich agencies will be able to work with the state between Sept. 15 and Oct. 1 to receive the investments from businesses. The RTM does not usually meet in summer. Its next scheduled meeting is September. kborsuk@greenwichtime.com When a head-on collision in Schoharie County fatally injured a Connecticut boy on Sunday, State Police issued a news release that said the 10-year-old hadn't been wearing a seatbelt. The result was a typical ritual of the digital age: Already coping with the unimaginable loss of their son, Perrin Delorey's parents faced a barrage of criticism as strangers took to social media to castigate their alleged carelessness. "Lock them up," one commenter on the Times Union's Facebook page wrote. "If anything good can come of this, it will remind people that being lax about wearing seatbelts/buckling their children is just not okay!" another wrote Tuesday on the website of the family's hometown newspaper, the Westport News. The family insisted the boy had been wearing his seat belt. Documents shared with the Times Union on Tuesday evening showed Perrin had been belted in before his father, James C. Delorey, removed it to try to revive him after the crash on Route 20 in Sharon. Thursday afternoon, the State Police reversed its initial determination of investigators, saying in a new statement that the boy's wounds were "consistent with him being properly restrained with a seat belt in the rear seat of the vehicle at the time of the collision." State Police spokesman Beau Duffy said the troopers explained their decision to the boy's family. "It's fair to say we do regret any angst that it caused the family during this time," Duffy said Thursday afternoon. More News Fourth-grader dead after weekend car crash The statement was the second change troopers had made in response to the case: In an updated release posted Wednesday, State Police quietly removed references to whether Perrin had been wearing a seat belt after the family pleaded for the change, Duffy said. "We certainly don't want to be wrong. We'd be regretful if we were," Duffy said hours before the reversal. "But we'll make a formal determination and report that out." The boy's parents, 49-year-old James C. Delorey and 47-year-old Angela H. Ryan, were injured in the crash, as was the other driver. Perrin, who had been in the back seat, was rushed with head and internal injuries to Albany Medical Center Hospital, where he later died. The family decided to donate the boy's organs, a family friend said Tuesday. His mother, who was sitting in the front passenger seat, was taken to Albany Med with spinal and rib injuries. His father, the driver, was also taken to the hospital with an unknown injury. Both parents were listed in stable condition, troopers said Tuesday. Troopers said that their initial investigation showed that James Delorey was driving east in a 2016 Mini Cooper when he crossed the center line and hit a 2018 Chevrolet pick-up truck headed west. Police said they are unsure why Delorey left his lane. The Times Union was not able to reach the family on Thursday. The pick-up truck driver, 63-year-old Sherman W. Day of Mohawk, was flown to Albany Med with head and neck injuries after being pulled from his vehicle by emergency crews. The initial release said that Day had not been wearing a seatbelt an assessment that remained unchanged as of Thursday. I grew up in Iraq, under the dictatorship of Saddam Hussein. One of the many reasons I left that place was to find freedom: freedom of speech, freedom of religion and freedom of information. The free, open access of information is one of the building blocks of a true democracy. In many countries, even today, that free and open access doesnt exist. China notoriously blocks everything from Facebook and YouTube to news articles portraying the government in a negative light. In the UAE, youre forced to agree to use their certificate to access certain sites. In North Korea, even accessing the internet is difficult because of government censorship. Authoritarian countries censor what you can see while youre online and have full access to all of your data and history. They can see everything you post, track every site youve visited and know every password or bank code youve ever accessed. They can control what information you can access. Theres no such thing as online privacy or free exchange of ideas when that much power is in the hands of the government. But what if that power is in the hands of corporations? If corporations have the power to throttle, which is arguably just a more reassuring word for "censor," is that really a free society? If they have the power to sell "free speech" to the highest bidder, is that really a free society? If they have the power to access any and all of your private data, is that really a free society? Of course it isnt. Related: Facebook's Data Scandal and Europe's New Data Privacy Rule Have Massive Implications for U.S. Entrepreneurs Americans have become so fearful of an over-powerful government, they underestimate the dangers of over-powerful corporations. Yes, we must be wary of handing too much authority to the government -- trust me, Im well aware of the danger that poses. In Iraq, speaking out against the government meant risking your life, and that of your family. We obviously want to be cautious of the power we give government. But we arent protecting ourselves from an abusive government by deregulating net neutrality -- were handing power over to abusive corporations. These ISPs were not afraid to throttle sites they didnt like even when it was illegal. Now that weve made it legal, do you think theyll behave with your best interest at heart? Or do you think theyll behave within the interest of their bottom line, no matter the cost to our economy or our democracy? History tells us we can expect the latter. Without net neutrality, corporations like Comcast or Verizon have unrestricted power to data mine -- no matter how private your Facebook settings, theyll be able to access it. They have unrestricted power to block any content they choose: If they dont want you seeing it, you wont be able to see it, regardless of your need or their excuse. Without net neutrality, weve essentially given ISPs the same outrageous power exercised by authoritarian governments in countries like China, UAE or North Korea. Weve given these corporations a level of power we wouldnt dream of giving our own government, because we have grown fearful of government itself instead of fearing the real danger: an abuse of power. We forget that its not government thats inherently dangerous, its the unbalanced and unchecked power those authoritarian governments wield. That kind of power is a danger to society, whether its in the hands of a president or a CEO. Thankfully, because we dont live in an authoritarian dictatorship, we dont have to fear for our lives or that of our family. We do have solutions on the consumer side, in the form of VPNs like Private Tunnel, which will give you your own personal net neutrality as you surf the web. With a VPN, ISPs wont able to access your private data. They wont even be able to see what sites youre visiting, and therefore wont be able to censor or throttle those sites accordingly. So if you want to maintain your browsers net neutrality from a consumer standpoint, thats your solution. Related: How to Choose a VPN Provider for Your Business But a VPN does not protect your freedom of speech; it only protects your freedom of consumption. When it comes to actually sharing information, not just surfing the web, without net neutrality you have no protection from throttling. If you want to start your own online business, launch your own website or even publish a news article online, you have no protection. You can only hope that your users have VPNs; otherwise, youre at the mercy of the internet service providers. If that corporation wants to block the information youre sharing, theres nothing you can do about it. If they want to sell the ability to block what youre sharing, theres nothing you can do about it. If they want to charge you hand-over-fist for the ability to exercise your free speech, theres nothing you can do about it. That doesnt sound like a free democracy to me. That doesnt sound like free speech, and it certainly doesnt sound like the free exchange of ideas and information. That sounds like weve given corporations the power to censor our media and invade our privacy with absolutely no legal ramifications. We can hope Congress eventually takes action, or that more states take Washington state's lead and impose their own laws -- but until then, your freedom of speech has no protection from ISP censorship. Related: You Want Fries With That? Burger King Explains Net Neutrality In Less Than 3 Minutes. I dont want to live in a country where authoritarian leaders make it difficult for citizens to exercise their freedoms; I left that place long ago. Freedom of speech, free exchange of information and unimpeded privacy are essential human rights. They were never meant to be available for purchase. Unfortunately, by letting net neutrality die, weve essentially put out the "for sale" sign. Related: With Net Neutrality Repealed ISPs Now Have the Censoring Power of an Authoritarian Government Net Neutrality Is Officially Dead. Here's What That Means for You. How to Unlock the Free Market Possibilities of Net Neutrality's Repeal Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved The Trump administration's withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal and a subsequent speech by Secretary of State Mike Pompeo have engendered a range of responses: Some welcomed the new hard line, but most expressed concern and criticism. Critics have accused the administration of calling for war or regime change; others have denounced its strategy as unrealistic. In actuality, though, the Trump administration's approach has a reasonable chance of succeeding with Iran. A key point that seems to have been overlooked by many of the commentators is that the Trump administration has indicated a willingness to enter into negotiations, even as it escalates pressure against Iran through sanctions. And a policy of maximum pressure, followed by negotiation and deal-making, means that a comprehensive agreement between the two countries is not out of the question. Perhaps the most intriguing message embedded in the Pompeo speech was the signaling of a desire to engage Iran in negotiation for a comprehensive agreement leading to normalization of relations. Pompeo invited Iran to "look at our diplomacy with North Korea" as evidence of the administration's willingness to engage adversaries in negotiations on very complex issues. Trump's pressure tactics likely won't bring Iran to its knees or facilitate the overthrow of the regime in the foreseeable future - but his approach might bring the Iranians to the negotiating table. Tehran is at present disinclined to take up the idea of direct negotiations with the United States. It is focused on seeking an agreement with the Europeans to compensate for the losses that it will suffer because of new American sanctions and assurances against pushing for limits on Iranian missiles and its regional policies. In the months ahead, it will probably assess its own options with several factors in mind. First, Iran is likely to be disappointed by Europe. It is true that European governments are unhappy with the U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear agreement and the imposition of sanctions on Iran. But to European firms, the U.S. market is far more important than Iran. Global European companies are withdrawing from Iran, and no realistic European policy can fundamentally change this reality. Besides, given the limited size of European economic exposure to Iran, which is less than that vis-a-vis Kazakhstan, Europe is unlikely to provide the assurances and guarantees that Iran's supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, has sought. Second, a race toward nuclear weapons is fraught with risks. Iran could abandon the nuclear agreement and produce as much uranium as quickly and at as high a level of enrichment as it would like. Khamenei has already announced that he has ordered preparations to "upgrade" Iran's enrichment capacity. Iran could also decide to restart work on weapon designs and fuses, and sprint to a nuclear weapons capability without declaring that it is doing so. But any such Iranian decision, if it became known, would most probably lead the Europeans to join the United States in imposing sanctions. Given that Washington has stated that it will not allow Iran to acquire nuclear weapons, Tehran would also be risking an attack aimed at its nuclear infrastructure (and perhaps more). The Iranians would probably also lose the support of Russia and China - at a time when some in the Iranian leadership are pushing for stronger ties with both. It appears unlikely that they would pursue this course in the near term. Third, Iran's calculation will certainly be shaped by assessments of the impact of U.S. strategy. It is unclear how comprehensive U.S. sanctions will be and how damaging these would be to Iran's already weak economy. It is likely that fresh U.S. sanctions will cause significant damage by discouraging investment, encouraging further capital flight and perhaps increasing labor unrest. If sanctions against Iran are accompanied by pressure against Iranian proxies in the region, through support to those willing to resist them, Iran will confront the choice between retreat or escalation. Escalating will divert resources from use at home and add to Tehran's economic and perhaps political problems, including increasing tensions among factions inside the regime, strengthening those who seek a fundamental change. Such a development in turn could risk instability and perhaps even revolt. Iran may already be in a pre-revolutionary phase; hardship from sanctions and increased costs of its involvement in regional conflicts could tip the balance. Fourth, Iran will watch developments in the U.S.-North Korea negotiations. It appears that U.S. withdrawal from the nuclear agreement with Iran has not, at least for now, undermined the North Korean desire for negotiations and a search for settlement. The Singapore summit was a promising start, with difficult, complex and vital details of a final agreement to be negotiated. Real progress with North Korea could have a salutary effect on Iran, encouraging its leaders to engage in negotiations with the United States. Iran is for the moment unprepared to enter direct negotiations with the United States. But with more economic pressure and increased costs, Tehran may change its approach and become willing to start a dialogue that can lead to talks based on the interests of the two countries, ultimately leading, perhaps, to normal relations. The alternative path would entail huge economic costs and even the risk of a conflict - outcomes that Iran can ill afford. --- Khalilzad was the U.S. ambassador to the United Nations from 2007 to 2009. Welcome Guest! You Are Here: Home Regional News East Last week, Google added a new feature to its Calendar service that lets you know when everyone declines an event created by you. The feature was initially only rolled out to G Suite users, but it is now available to all users on Android. Google Calendar for Android has just been updated to reflect the addition of this functionality. Here's what the changelog says: Everyone declined indication - know when everyone has declined an event and take action (cancel or reschedule) The indication (that everyone has declined your event) appears in the form of an exclamation mark, as shown in the left screenshot below: So whenever something like this happens, you have three options: cancel the event, reschedule it, or dismiss it. The updated app containing this feature can be grabbed from Google Play Store (head to the Source link below). Source These are the best offers from our affiliate partners. We may get a commission from qualifying sales. UMC Cugir single shot bolt action .22 LR military trainer. Made in Romania circa 1955, it features a 27.5-inch medium contour barrel with blade front sight and adjustable rear sight mounted on a rail that is machined into the barrel. Overall condition is approximately 80%, with a hole drilled in stock just behind the bolt handle. Read More By Vasia Orion | Published on 2018/06/12 Talk about straight-to-the-point news, because the casting of rookie actor Yun Jong-seok in OCN's upcoming exorcism-themed drama "The Guest - Drama" is definitely not liberal with its information. All we know is that the actor is on board, joining co-stars Kim Jae-wook, Kim Dong-wook, Jung Eun-chae and Park Ho-san. Advertisement "The Guest - Drama" is a drama depicting the story of a psychic, a priest, and a detective who fight crimes committed by strange powers throughout Korean society. It does sound like the set up to a bar joke, but I'm intrigued by the nature of the drama's reality. Should we expect the supernatural, or is this more crime with a garnish? According to reports, the "real exorcism" drama is a combination of exorcism and shamanism, and it is a story about chasing evil spirits dwelling in the darkness of the twisted human mind. I wish this description were clearer, because it could very well be referring to the figurative demons humans tackle with, rather than actual possessive beings. I guess we'll have to wait and see where they go with this. Perhaps the nature of these occurrences will be one of the show's main mysteries, which I'd absolutely love. I'm also glad to see Yun Jong-seok landing fun projects after "Save Me", and will look forward to his work here, since I've skipped "Pretty Sister Who Buys Me Food". "The Guest - Drama" will be premiering on OCN in September. Written by: Orion from 'Orion's Ramblings' Sources (1) By Jasmine Carbajal Montana State University Hill County Extension FCS/4H Agent The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is the lead coordinator between public health partners to detect foodborne illness outbreaks. According to their 2015 Surveillance for Foodborne Disease Outbreaks report, foodborne diseases due to known pathogens are estimated to cause 9.4 million illnesses each year in the United Sates. In 2015, there were 902 foodborne disease outbreaks reported in the nation that resulted in 15,202 illnesses, 950 hospitalizations, 15 deaths and 20 food product recalls. It is vital to practice basic food safety guidelines to prevent a foodborne illness in our homes and our communities. The Food Handler Course by ServSafe is a free class that covers the following topics: Basic Food Safety; Personal Hygiene; Cross-Contaminations and Allergens; Time and Temperature Control; and Cleaning and Sanitation. The course is open to any and all people who work in the food industry, which can include restaurant workers, concessions staff, food booth vendors and food handlers at community events. Food safety is important in Montana because The Department of Public Health and Human Services reported 177 cases of salmonella and 132 cases of E. coli in the state in 2016. The food handler class provides valuable information and skills to help you protect yourself and the public. Not only is the class important for everyones safety, but the bad reputation from causing a foodborne illness can be damaging, said Hill County Sanitarian Sadie Johnson. In fact, the cost attributable to foodborne illnesses in the United States ranges from $1 billion to $10 billion per year, $2.6 billion for salmonella alone. There are five food handler classes coming up in the Timmons Room in the Hill County Courthouse at 315 Fourth St., June 29, 8-10 a.m. or 1-3 p.m.; June 30, 9-11 a.m.; July 3, 6-8 p.m., and July 8, 5-7 p.m. People completing the class receive a food handler certificate that shows when they took the course. The classes are free and people can register by calling the MSU Hill County Extension office at 265-5481, ext. 2333, or by emailing Jasmine at [email protected]/. People can also follow the MSU Hill County Extension Facebook page to stay informed of more Food Handler classes and other MSU-Extension programs in Hill County. Montana's U.S. senators have come together on a Farm Bill - which one helped write - that is receiving praise from groups in Montana. Sen. Steve Daines, R-Mont., said the bill he helped write in the Senate Committee on Agriculture, Nutrition and Forestry Farm Bill, which passed out of the committee Wednesday, will help Montana farmers, ranchers and rural communities. "This proposal is good news for Montana farmers and ranchers," Daines said in a press release Wednesday. "As the Farm Bill moves forward, I will continue to fight for Montana agriculture and for responsible forest management that supports Montana jobs and contributes to healthier, safer forests." The Farm Bill now in effect expires at the end of September. Democratic Sen. Jon Tester, the Senate's only working farmer, also praised the bill, and demanded swift action from Congress to pass it and get it signed into law. "Montana farmers and ranchers can take this Farm Bill to the bank," Tester, who farms land near Big Sandy homesteaded by his grandparents, said in a press release. "It works for Montana because it protects crop insurance, strengthens the safety net, encourages conservation, and meets the needs of family farmers and ranchers." The Farm Bill will now head to the U.S. Senate floor, where, Daines said, he will offer additional amendments that address priorities important to Montanans, including reforms to fringe litigation threatening the timber industry and reforms to strengthen forest management. Daines' release said some of the highlights of the bill include funding for agriculture research critical to Montana farmers and ranchers, crop insurance to help mitigate risks for the agriculture community, programs to support the Montana timber industry and provisions that will prioritize broadband for unserved communities. Tester also highlighted some of the features of the bill he supports, saying, "Agriculture is Montana's number one industry. This legislation reflects the priorities and input I heard from producers during my Farm Bill listening sessions. Nobody knows the importance of the Farm Bill like the families who make their living off the land." Some of the provisions he highlighted were that the bill: Reauthorizes and keeps intact both Price Loss Coverage and Ag Risk Coverage insurance. Keeps the popular Conservation Stewardship Program intact. Amends the Environmental Quality Incentive Program to better work for Montana producers. Increases the maximum acreage of the Conservation Reserve Program. Directs the USDA Secretary to more actively fight the spread of Foot and Mouth Disease. Protects sugar policies from the current Farm Bill. Reauthorizes the Wheat and Barley Scab Initiative, which is vital to the mission at the Northern Plains Research Lab in Sidney. Mandates funding for the National Organic Certification Cost Share Program. Removes hemp from the list of controlled substances, enabling it to be sold as a commodity. Consolidates the Market Access Program and the Foreign Market Development Program to create a new trade promotion initiative. Reauthorizes critical USDA Rural Development Grants that are used to rebuild and construct water and wastewater infrastructure and expand access to high-speed internet in rural areas. Montana Food Bank Network applauded the bill for including funding for the Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program, which was cut in the House version which is stalled after failing on a 198-213 vote May 18. Rep. Greg Gianforte, R-Mont., voted for the House bill. "As the (Senate) Farm Bill process moves forward, we call on Montana's congressional delegation to recognize the importance of passing a Farm Bill that supports our agricultural producers, our rural communities, and the tens of thousands of Montana households who struggle to make ends meet," Food Bank Network CEO Gayle Carlson said in a release Tuesday. "We urge Sens. Daines and Tester to support this bipartisan Farm Bill that avoids harmful changes to SNAP, while continuing to seek opportunities to further strengthen SNAP and our other anti-hunger programs Montana Wilderness Association also praised the bill. Jon Tester "We're pleased with the sensible and bipartisan version of the Farm Bill that passed the Senate Agriculture Committee today," Montana Wilderness Association Interim Conservation DirectorAmy Robinson said in a release Wednesday. "It builds on the crucial wildfire funding fix that was in the omnibus spending bill. It buttresses collaboration in national forest management and renews and expands the Collaborative Forest Landscape Restoration Program, which launched the Southwestern Crown of the Continent Collaborative in Seeley Lake and Ovando. It also preserves the roadless rule, a crucial component for preserving wild places in Montana. "We're also relieved that Sen. Steve Daines refrained from offering scores of amendments he had originally proposed that would have undermined bedrock environmental laws and taken citizens out of the decision-making process on our national forests. These extreme proposals have no place in a bipartisan farm bill," Robinson added. Tester urged the House and Senate to work closely together to put the legislation on the president's desk before August. "Rural America deserves certainty," Tester said in his release. "Folks in Congress must check politics at the door and pass this responsible Farm Bill that invests in the families that grow the food that feeds the world." Press release Bear Paw Development Corporation announced that Krystal Steinmetz of Havre was recently hired as the organizations Director of Community Planning. Steinmetz worked for the economic development organization previously, but most recently served as the Development Director for the Boys & Girls Club of the Hi-Line. She also has worked as a freelance writer and journalist for newspapers, television and radio. Krystal brings to this position exactly the right experience and knowledge to help Bear Paw Development continue to serve our region, including our local government partners, said Paul Tuss, Bear Paw executive director. We are fortunate to have Krystal re-joining the team at Bear Paw, as she is already making a big and noticeable difference in tackling planning and infrastructure projects in our area that will make northern Montana an even better place to live, raise a family and start a business. As director of community planning, Steinmetz will be responsible for annually updating Bear Paw Developments Comprehensive Economic Development Strategy, working with local governments on growth policies and capital improvement plans and assisting with grant writing and administration for infrastructure projects. I look forward to working with local government officials, entrepreneurs and area residents on projects that improve the livability and attractiveness of the communities in our Economic Development District, Steinmetz said. Its exciting to work on things that are critical to our area, but that might not otherwise happen. I enjoy the challenge of working with others to find practical solutions to difficult problems. Bear Paw Development can be reached by calling 265-9226 or through their website at http://www.bearpaw.org/. Bear Paw Development Corp. is a federally recognized Economic Development District serving the economic and community development needs of Liberty, Hill, Blaine, Phillips and Chouteau counties, as well as the Rocky Boys and Fort Belknap Indian reservations. POLSON - Winfred "Jerry" P. Halter Jr. - Dad, Grandpa and Ol' Papa - was born June 9, 1923, to Winfred and Lillian Joyce Halter in Havre, Montana, at Sacred Heart Hospital. He passed peacefully at home outside of Polson Sunday, June 3, 2018, just six days shy of his 95th birthday. He graduated from Havre High School in 1942. During the summers, of those high school years, Jerry worked for Steve Boyce on his ranch, which sparked his interest in ranching. After he graduated, he went to work for the Great Northern as a telegraph operator. He moved to Butte working for the railroad during a time when there were 21,000 miners in that city; every day a full train of ore would head for the refinery in Great Falls. After six months in Butte, he was sent to Snowden, Montana, on the North Dakota border. There he had one of his most interesting jobs. The railroad bridge there that crossed the Missouri river was also a passenger and truck bridge along with holding Great Northern Tracks. Jerry became the toll taker. The railroad charged $1 to anyone using the bridge. He was working his way up to transfer to engine service on the Great Northern in the hopes to become an engineer like his dad. But that was not to be; he soon went back home to Havre, where he was hired by John Lawler, a rancher in the Henry's Basin region of the Bear Paw Mountains. After a while, Jerry left the Lawler ranch and asked to be put in the next draft with Jack Wyeth and Doc Reece. Pvt. Winfred P. Halter Jr. entered the U.S. Army in February of 1945. He served in the Infantry for two years spending much of this time training at Camp Wolters in Texas, where he was awarded the "Expert Infantryman" badge, before being sent to Camp Adair in Oregon. From there, he was sent for a short time to the Pacific (Philippines) until he returned home on a disability discharge. After that, he and his brother Douglas, having both returned from serving in the armed forces, went to work, once again, for the Lawler ranch until late 1946 when his mother and dad bought the old Morris Cafe on First Street and Fourth Avenue in Havre. It was a partnership between the two brothers and mother and father. In 1946, he met Inez Lucille Huestis while she was calling crews by bicycle for the railroad. Jerry loved to tell people he married a "Call Girl," as that is what the job was called in that day. They married in 1947 and Inez joined the family business of running the Morris Cafe. They ran the cafe until 1951. From the Morris Cafe, Jerry made enough money to buy a ranch at Judith Landing on the Missouri river, some 40 miles south east of Big Sandy. They moved out there in March of 1951. The first winter was so bad they lost 180 feeder calves out of 200. He always said, "Life was very hard on the ranch, but we were all happy." Jerry was known as "the guy on the river with all them kids." They had six kids; Donna, Butch, Carol, Joey, Jack and Gay. Over the years of ranching, raising kids, and grandkids, he also hosted hunting groups during the fall. One bunch that was his, and everyone's, favorite were the Georgia Boys. A superb group of men who Jerry always guaranteed a good hunt and a good party. They dubbed Jerry, "The Old Trail Boss" and he even had business cards made with that title. These were some good times, and yes, good stories. He ran the ranch until 2000, when he moved to Dixon with daughter Joey and son-in-law Harley Hettick. While starting anew in Dixon, he learned a new line of business - melon farming with Dixon Melons. A new love was in the works during this time as well. He met Karen Cote of Polson in 2004 and they married in 2006. Together they enjoyed having rummage sales and spending time with their dogs. He always said one of the best things you can have in life is a good dog. They both helped with the Dixon Melons and worked together haying Karen's hayfields. How blessed they were to have found each other to share these past 14 years together. Jerry was also fortunate to spend the last 18 years surrounded by family, getting to know his adult grandkids, and seeing new life in each new great-grandchild, the most recent are cousins, Zeek and Zaeda Rose, and great-great grandchildren, two of these, Dominic and Ashton. One very special moment occurred just a week before his passing - he was planting melons. The most precious part is that he was doing it with his great-grandson Quincy; the duo were the oldest, at 94, and youngest, at 2, planters in the field. Life doesn't get much better than that. Beyond family, he had more friends than you can count. Everyone who met Jerry would quickly get mesmerized by two things: the size of his hands and his ability to recall some fantastic stories. Most all of these stories were told with such detail one would be awed by his incredible ability to recall the names of people, places and events that had occurred many, many years before. Of course, he never let the truth get in the way of a good story, either. We would love to be able to include one or two of his favorites, but unfortunately there is no room here for a novel. We will all miss him very much, yet we are comforted knowing that we will see him again one day. He recommitted his life to Christ not long ago and was very proud of the Bible he had received from granddaughter, Sherri. We know that he is having a reunion in heaven and that he will be watching over us until our day comes. Jerry is preceded in death by his father, W. P. Halter Sr., his mother, Lillian Joyce Halter, a brother, Douglas Halter, sister Noele (Gracie) Darwin, his first wife, Inez, son-in-law Steve Norris, granddaughter Tianne Norris and her infant son, Oran Blaine Gage. He is survived by his wife Karen of Polson, his brother Charles M. Halter of Roseville, CA, his children, Eldonna (Loren) Jenkins of Big Sandy, Carolyn Norris of Missoula, Butch Halter of Billings, Joey Ann (Harley) Hettick of Dixon, Jack (Bev) Halter of Rudyard and Gay (Ron) Pearson of Big Sandy; 19 grandchildren; 18 great-grandchildren, two great-great-grandchildren, and numerous nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held at the Dixon Senior Center. Memories and condolences may be sent to the family at http://www.thelakefunrealhomeandcrematory.com. Arrangements are under the direction of The Lake Funeral Home and Crematory. The Financial Time, who first reported on the investigation, alleged that Sorrell had a reputation of bullying employees, that he created a toxic environment and a culture of fear at WPPs HQ. It also claims that Sorrell sacked his chauffer after he refused to start work at 7am despite having driven his wife home at 2am the previous morning. The FT reports that a former executive alleged: He was brutal and inhuman in how he dealt with his assistants. He would say youre f***** idiots, whats f***** wrong with you He had a real dark side. A representative of Sorrell says that he denies there was any misuse of funds. Speaking on Sunday, he said: Sir Martin signed a non-disclosure agreement when he stepped down which precludes him from discussing any of the circumstances surrounding his departure. He has rigidly adhered to this obligation and will continue to do so. As regards the allegations [that company funds were paid to a sex worker], Sir Martin strenuously denies them. He will be making no further comment at this time. WHHS freshman, HMS students honored in national History Day finals Related Stories A West Henderson High School freshman and a team from Hendersonville Middle School received recognition during the national finals of the 2018 National History Day Contest Thursday at the University of Maryland in College Park. The top two entries in each category were invited to the National Contest. Competitors represented the 57 affiliate members, including every state, Washington, D.C., American Samoa, Guam, Puerto Rico, and international schools in South Korea, South Asia, and China. More than 3,000 middle and high school students presented documentaries, exhibits, papers, performances, and websites related to the 2018 theme Conflict & Compromise in History. WHHS freshman Caroline Maxon and HMS students Catherine Boyette, Grace Amantea and Laura Shelton won the awards. More than a half-million students around the world entered the contest at the local level, with the top entries advancing to state/affiliate contests. The competitors at this level are some of the hardest working students of their generation, said National History Day Executive Director Dr. Cathy Gorn. The competition at this level is tough. Each of these students has spent hours researching, revising, and preparing their entries. It takes a truly dynamic project to win at the National Contest. Congratulations to the winners of the 2018 National History Day Contest. Maxon won for Captain Ken Coskey Naval History, sponsored by Naval Historical Foundation . Her paper,The Quasi War: The Undeclared Conflict , won in the Senior Paper category. The middle school students won in the Womens History, sponsored by National Womens History Museum , for their group performance of The 1977 National Womens Conference: Walking the Planks into Modern Feminism. Gardai were joined by officers from the CAB for operation. Photo: PA Wire Gardai have seized 10 high-end cars worth 700k in their latest operation against the drugs gang known as 'The Family'. The Criminal Assets Bureau (CAB) was involved in the dawn searches yesterday in which 10 high-end utility vehicles were seized, including eight Range Rovers and two BMWs. "As part of an on-going investigation by the CAB into a suspected organised crime gang based in west Dublin, officers carried out a Customs Control visit at a motor dealership in the Killeen Road area, Fox and Geese," a garda spokesman said. The leader of 'The Family' is a 40-year-old career criminal from Clondalkin. He was previously jailed for six years for possession of almost 2m of heroin, following a massive investigation by the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau (DOCB), as well as international police agencies. Stronghold Sources say that the mob's stronghold is located in the Ballyfermot, Clondalkin and Tallaght areas and its speciality 'product' is heroin. However, it has also made a serious push to move into the cocaine market in recent years. It is understood that 'The Family' has been flooding Dublin with heroin and other drugs for almost two decades. It has built up allegiances with a number of other dangerous drugs gangs, including two other mobs who operate in the Ballyfermot locality. "This crew have continued to do their own thing despite being specifically targeted by gardai on numerous occasions in the past couple of years," a senior source said. "As long as there is a demand for illicit drugs, this crew will continue to operate." While cars were seized yesterday, in the recent past gardai have also taken firearms and drugs from the mob. Operations Sources say that 'The Family' has taken advantage of the garda heat on the drug operations of the Kinahan cartel as well as the Hutch mob. However, 'The Family' mob is not directly involved in that deadly feud, which has claimed up to 18 lives. In 2016, it emerged that 'The Family' gang had teamed up with a younger drugs mob whose base is mainly in Clondalkin and which is largely involved in cocaine distribution. The younger gang, which has links to the Kinahan cartel, is suspected of carrying out two unsolved gruesome gun murders in the space of a number of days last year in Tallaght and Lucan. 'The Family' had previously been busted when one of its 'runners' was caught by officers in possession of heavy duty firearms. An extremely significant bust in February 2015 was also linked to the gang. James Mulvey being arrested at gunpoint by Lithuanian special forces in 2017, after being tracked there during a investigation by the National Crime Agency. The drugs kingpin and haulage boss who lived like "a ghost" to evade justice, has been convicted over his part in running 68 million of cocaine and cannabis into the UK. PRESS ASSOCIATION A top Kinahan lieutenant who was arrested in a raid Lithuania has been jailed for 32 years over his part in smuggling 68m (77m) of cartel cocaine and cannabis into Britain. James Mulvey tried to throw off police by not staying in one place for too long and checking into hotels for seven years. Expand Close James Mulvey, who has been convicted over his part in running 68 million of cocaine and cannabis into the UK. Photo: PA / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp James Mulvey, who has been convicted over his part in running 68 million of cocaine and cannabis into the UK. Photo: PA He paid in cash - sometimes through third parties. The 42-year-old, originally from Solihull in England's West Midlands, routinely used so-called 'burner' mobile phones, which he quickly disposed of, making tracking his movements difficult. However, he was tracked down and arrested in Lithuania, and was yesterday found guilty of two counts of conspiring to bring cocaine into England, and two counts of conspiring to smuggle cannabis between 2006 and 2007. Mulvey, who was once a business partner of murdered Kinahan mobster Gerard 'Hatchet' Kavanagh, was jailed for 32 years, of which he will serve half before he is eligible for release. The Sunday World reported at the weekend that Mulvey was regularly seen in Dublin in the company of Daniel Kinahan and Liam Byrne. The court had heard he earned up to 75,000 (85,000) in cash from drug-running every week and built a 1.7m Spanish villa near Marbella with indoor and outdoor pools and a cinema. Smuggling He also drove high-end cars such as Land Rovers and Mercedes, bought Rolex watches and moved between five-star hotels. The father-of-five moved to Spain when the police started closing in on the sophisticated smuggling operation he helped to run. Living abroad, he enjoyed a luxury lifestyle, employing a bespoke package holidays firm to make 22 trips. Mulvey (42) was secretly recorded talking about his Kinahan cartel partners, saying: "They go to the people you love, they kill the people you love." He was also recorded talking about the murder of his one-time business partner Kavanagh, who was gunned down in Spain in September 2014. "It's all my lot, all my lot all killing each other," the court heard. He was covertly monitored during a two-year investigation by Britain's National Crime Agency (NCA), which led to him being arrested in March 2017. During that time he was recorded by the NCA saying: "Four, four, when we first started there was four bosses, me, 'Glasses', him who's just got shot dead and another kid. The other kid's dead, he's dead, so there's just me and Thomas left mate." It is understood that the man referred to as 'Glasses' - also named as Thomas - is the gangland codename for a senior Irish cartel drug boss based in the UK. The 'kid' is understood to refer to Paul Kavanagh, shot dead in Dublin in April 2015. The fourth was 'Hatchet' Kavanagh - Paul's older brother - who was gunned down in Marbella. Paul Kavanagh was shot dead by the cartel for stealing cash. 'Hatchet' Kavanagh was lured to Harmon's Irish Bar in the upmarket resort of Elviria, near Marbella, by a mystery woman, police believe. The 44-year-old had been drinking on the terrace when the gunman struck. They raced toward him, shooting him three times in the arm and three times in the back as he tried to run back inside the bar to safety. After he collapsed in the doorway of the bar they shot him twice more in the head. Witnesses told police the assassins were like "ninjas" because one was dressed from head-to-toe in black. One of the final shots was to the back of Kavanagh's head as he lay dead or dying. Conor McGregor turned himself in to the New York police in April after throwing a trolley at a UFC fighters bus. Photo: AP UFC star Conor McGregor is facing up to seven years imprisonment when he appears today before a New York court over a large brawl in the city earlier this year. The 29-year-old Crumlin man and fellow MMA fighter Cian Cowley (25) are together charged with 27 offences in relation to the violent incident at the Barclays Centre in Brooklyn on April 5. Expand Close Leaving for New York this week with co-accused fighter Cian Cowley. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Leaving for New York this week with co-accused fighter Cian Cowley. The most serious charge carries a maximum prison term of seven years if McGregor is convicted. However, it is widely believed that it is unlikely he will serve that length, if any jail time at all. Melee During the bizarre melee, a number of fighters attending a media conference for UFC 223 were injured after McGregor threw a trolley at a bus, smashing the window and causing cuts to a number of athletes. A large portion of the incident was captured on camera, by media as well the fighters present, and shows the fighter known as 'The Notorious' shouting "come on, you mad rat" as he attempts to confront UFC fighter Khabib Nurmagomedov. After the incident, local police were alerted and at around 11pm on the night, Cowley was arrested. Later, at 1am, McGregor presented himself at the 78th police precinct in Brooklyn. Later that day, both men appeared before Kings County Criminal Court, Brooklyn, where they were charged in relation to the incident. They were released on bail - with McGregor posting a $50,000 (42,000) bond - and are now scheduled to appear before the same court again today. Court documents seen by the Herald show that McGregor is facing 22 counts, including menacing with a weapon, criminal mischief, reckless endangerment, attempted assault and assault. The majority of these charges are classified as misdemeanours, while two counts of criminal mischief are felony charges, considered more serious offences. Under New York State Law, third-degree mischief - where damage of another person's property is valued at over $250 (210) - is punishable by up to four years' imprisonment. The more serious charge of criminal mischief in the second degree carries a maximum prison term of seven years upon conviction. Offence However, it is not believed that McGregor will serve the maximum jail term, if any prison time at all. That offence, categorised as a Class D felony in New York, is when damage caused to another person's property is in excess of $1,500 (1,270) and is the most serious charge McGregor is facing. Fellow MMA fighter Cowley, who is originally from Dublin, is facing five counts, including two felony charges of criminal mischief. It is understood that the two defendants flew out to New York on Tuesday, with Conor McGregor posting a message on social media this week saying: "Congrats @CianCowley from the cells to the stadiums." A Mother-of-three has been charged with endangering the life of a garda who was dragged along the road by a car. Christina Joyce (30) was accused yesterday of intentionally or recklessly driving at Gda Thomas Gallagher, causing substantial risk of death or serious harm. She made no plea and was remanded in custody to appear again tomorrow. The incident happened just before 11am on April 9 on Macken Street in south Dublin, when Gda Gallagher, who was on checkpoint duty, was hit and dragged around 50 metres as he tried to stop a light grey Volvo XC90. Joyce, whose address was given as a hostel on Harcourt Street, was initially charged with six offences, including dangerous driving and assault causing harm. She also faced three counts of burglary from the same day. Fifteen additional charges were brought yesterday. Resisting Among them were six for failing to keep the car stationary and remain at the scene, driving with no licence or insurance, dangerous driving at Grand Can- al Quay and Baggot Street and two charges for resisting arrest. Gda Christopher Jones and Gda Susan Lawlor told Judge Dermot Simms at Dublin District Court that Joyce made no reply when the fresh charges were put to her. The Director of Public Prosecutions directed trial on indictment on some of the more serious charges, meaning the case will be heard before a judge and jury in the Circuit Court. Ms Joyce's lawyer, Michael French, said a bail application would be made later. Legal aid was granted. At an earlier hearing, Gda Jones objected to bail due to the seriousness of the allegations. He had said Gda Gallagher was "dragged along by the vehicle driven by Ms Joyce" and suffered a dislocated knee and ligament injury. He said the offences can carry maximum sentences of between five and 14 years. History students at Kildare Town Community College breathed a sigh of relief as they handed over their papers to the examiners yesterday. The test threw up everything from Stalin to the impact of RTE on society in Ireland, and while it was not the easiest of exams, most students felt they had done well. Expand Close Aoife Mason and Vlad Moraru pictured after the History Leaving Cert exam at Kildare Town Community College Co.Kildare. Photo: Justin Farrelly. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Aoife Mason and Vlad Moraru pictured after the History Leaving Cert exam at Kildare Town Community College Co.Kildare. Photo: Justin Farrelly. It was Saoirse Masterson's final exam of her Leaving Cert, and the 17-year-old said she had not been fazed by the amount of writing required for the essay-based paper. Prepared "The questions were phrased differently to other years, but I'm relieved to be done," she told the Herald. "It is kind of bittersweet. I'm used to writing for so long, especially after English Paper Two. I was prepared from the mocks." Vlad Moraru (17) was also happy with his performance but said he had been surprised with the phrasing of the questions too. "I predicted most things. The only thing that went wrong for me was the Dictatorship and Democracy section," he said. "I wasn't expecting to see Stalin and Churchill in the one question." Aoife Mason (18) was a little disappointed that the material she had studied most didn't appear, but felt she had done all right. This morning, students face the German exam. Program helps train certified nursing assistants amid pandemic shortage Finding health care workers quickly during the pandemic became a pressing need, so Ogden Regional Medical Center started a hire-and-train program for new certified nursing assistants. COVID created an undesirable circumstance where a lot of health care workers left to take other job opportunities, said David Perkins, chief nursing officer at Ogden Regional. A lot of people found it to be unsettling and they left the market to take on other jobs that had more of a known direction or outcome. The five-week program, entitled StarTech, includes three weeks in the classroom and ... Where to go to see this fall's foliage show in the Tri-State area local Guwahati : Assam police has arrested the main accused of the Karbi Anglong lynching incident. On Wednesday morning, police has the main culprit identified as Alphajoz Timung alias Alpha, who allegedly instigated the lynching of two youth artists Nilotpal Das and Abhijit Nath at Panjuri village under Dokmoka police station in the hill district on June 8 evening. After rentless search for the man who sent out the message that the youths are child abductors, Assam police finally caught him nearby the Panjuri village. Police has so far arrested 28 persons including Alphajoz Timung in connection with the lynching incident. On June 8 evening, the main culprit Alphajos Timung allegedly first got into a small altercation with two Guwahati youth Nilotpal Das and Abhijit Nath near Kangthilangso waterfall and Alphajoz alleged that they are child lifters. The two Guwahati youths had refused the allegation and also tried to avoid him and left the place. Immediately, Alphajoz called up some his friends and pelted stones on the car where the youth duo travelled. Alphajoz also called up some people of the village and stating that, he has seen two child kidnappers who left from the place in a black colour SUV and repeatedly called up the villagers to stop the car and attack the child abductors. Assam DGP Kuladhar Saikia said that, Alphajoz Timung had directed the villagers to attack the victims by spreading rumours as the two youths are child abductors. Alphajoz sent message to the villagers through his mobile phone that, two youth came here to abduct child. Accordingly, the villagers came out to the tri junction of the area and assault the youths. The two youths were beaten to death by a mob, Assam DGP Kuladhar Saikia said. On the other hand, some sources said that, the youths met a unknown lady at Kangthilangso area and engaged with an altercation with Alphajoz Timung. Rumours about child lifters (locally called Xupadhora) had fuelled the whole incident took place at the remote area and Alphajoz had allegedly used the recent viral messages of child lifter in social media to fulfil his own enmity. In 2014, Alphajoz Timung was allegedly involved in the killing of a person named Mith Das. On the other hand, Karbi Anglong district police has arrested six other persons in connection with Diphu police station Case number 123/2018 u/s 120(B)/153(A)/ 504/505(2)/506/507 of IPC and Section 66F of IT Act for their alleged involved either in the capturing of video of the incident. Apart from it, police has arrested 35 other persons for posting hate messages and objectionable posts on social media in different districts of the state. The summit meeting between the US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader, Chairman Kim Jong Un was historic in a sense that it was the first ever meeting between a sitting US President and a leader of North Korea. North Korea has for long sought direct dialogue with the United States.Till now, successive US Presidents have ruled out a summit meeting. For Trump, beleaguered at home and criticised for his maladroit handling of allies abroad, including at the just concluded G-7 meeting, the summit offered a unique opportunity to positively showcase his leadership and create history. In any case, war was not an option given the advances in North Koreas nuclear weapons and missile programmes, the countervailing power of China, and the concerns of South Korea and Japan that their countries could become North Korean targets in the event of any conflict. For Kim, the summit conferred legitimacy on the world stage. After years of international isolation and facing escalating sanctions he was meeting as an equal with the leader of the most powerful country in the world, and one which had been at the forefront of efforts to isolate and sanction his country. That too without a priori sacrificing the advances made by North Korea in developing nuclear weapons and missiles, including a ballistic missile with intercontinental reach. To create a favourable environment, Kim had announced a suspension of nuclear and missile tests, destroyed a nuclear test site and released a few American prisoners. In his earlier summit with South Korean President, Moon Jae-in, Kim had reaffirmed commitment to denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula and to achieving peace in the Korean Peninsula. The summit was high on photo opportunities and personal gestures but thin on outcome.The joint statement issued is couched in generalities, with few details or timelines. Both the leaders committed to establish new US-North Korea relations and join their efforts to build a lasting and stable peace on the Korean Peninsula. North Korea committed to work towards complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula. Follow on negotiations are to be held by the US secretary of state, Mike Pompeo, and a designated high official of North Korea. It is unclear if both the US and North Korea are on the same page when they talk of denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. Does this refer only to the dismantlement of North Koreas nuclear programme or would it also encompass the extended nuclear deterrence that the US provides to South Korea which was originally intended as an umbrella against Chinas nuclear weapons?Chinas objective would be to push for the broadest definition, possibly including the US ballistic missile defence systems, stationed in South Korea. If the US accepts such a broad definition, it would be another signal that it is diluting its role in Asia having already withdrawn from the Trans Pacific Partnership.There is no mention of North Koreas missile programme in the joint statement. In a surprise announcement at a subsequent press conference, Trump announced that he was stopping US- Nouth Korea joint military exercises which he characterised as provocative and expensive. He also said that he would like to see US troops leave South Korea.These announcements seem to have blindsided both his South Korean allies and even his own military which said that it had received no new guidance. He also said that North Korea had agreed to destroy a missile engine test site and that sanctions against North Korea would continue. There was no formalisation of the suspension of nuclear and missile tests announced by North Korea. Instead an informal freeze for freeze proposal, long propagated by Russia (suspension of US/South Korea war games in return for suspension of North Korean nuclear and missile tests) has been put in place. Paradoxically, President Trump has shown a flexible, and even somewhat loose, approach in negotiating with North Korea on the nuclear issue while at the same time pulling out of the Nuclear agreement with Iran which commits Iran to very specific actions that even the International Atomic Energy Agency has certified that Iran has adhered to. This makes the US actions against Iran appear inconsistent and illogical. While, there is relief both in the US and Europe that the world has pulled back from a precipice, there is also considerable scepticism that Trumps high stakes diplomatic gamble will achieve the twin objectives of an irreversible and verifiable dismantlement of North Koreas nuclear weapon and missile programmes and a stable and lasting peace in the Korean Peninsula. If, against all odds, the talks do succeed, history would truly have been made. Meera Shankar is Indias former Ambassador to the United States of America The views expressed are personal A London museum is bringing together Frida Kahlos clothes, paintings and objects to explore the adverse life story behind one of the 20th centurys most celebrated female artists. Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up, which runs from Saturday until November 4 at the Victoria and Albert Museum, showcases more than 200 items from the Blue House, Kahlos base in Mexico City, where she died in 1954 aged 47. A doll, before 1954, Mexico, at 'Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up'. (AFP) The house-turned-studio, where she was born, grew up, lived and worked, also served as a refuge for the exiled Soviet revolutionary Leon Trotsky, with whom she had an affair. A counter-cultural and feminist symbol, this show offers a powerful insight into how Frida Kahlo constructed her own identity, said the exhibitions co-curator Claire Wilcox. The exhibition brings together dresses, jewellery, letters, paintings, family photos, medical corsets, the make-up she used to emphasise her monobrow, medicines, and her false leg. A museum employee poses in front of lace-up boots, 1953-4, Mexico on display. (AFP) The leg has a red boot, a few pieces of Chinese embroidery and even a bell on it to make it even more obvious, Mexican co-curator Circe Henestrosa told AFP. Why would it be an ugly leg if she was an artist? she said. Blighted by ill health Kahlos health problems were devastating, but the painter knew how to make a virtue out of adversity. The daughter of a German photographer and a Mexican mother of indigenous and Spanish descent, she suffered from polio as a child which resulted in her right leg being shorter than the left. It was eventually amputated the year before her death. A plaster corset, about 1950, Mexico is displayed during an exhibition entitled 'Frida Kahlo: Making Her Self Up'. (AFP) Aged 18, a bus she was travelling home from school on was hit by a tram. Kahlo was impaled on a handrail, her spine broke in three places, several bones were fractured and her sexual organs were badly damaged, rendering her unable to have children. Her dreams of going to medical school were dashed, but she turned to painting in her long convalescence, with the help of a special easel with which she could paint self-portraits from her bed, using a mirror. It was the start of a great artistic career, but also the start of her physical deterioration, said Henestrosa, who in 2012 organised an exhibition of Kahlos clothes at the Blue House. Good to be different Henestrosa has a family connection to Kahlo. Her aunt was part of the painters intellectual circle and brought her brightly-coloured Mexican indigenous blouses and dresses from Oaxaca in the south. Kahlo wanted to show her Mexican values and portray herself as very Mexican in an era immediately after the 1910 to 1920 Mexican Revolution, in which the country sought to reinforce its indigenous identity. Furthermore, she was a communist and it made her seem more like one of the people, said Henestrosa. Necklace, Matilde Poulat, 1934-52, Mexico City is displayed. (AFP) But her politics do not fully explain her style of dressing. She started to wear long skirts to hide her leg and it was the first time she started to establish a relationship between her body and her clothing, the curator said, noting that the indigenous outfits draw attention to the torso. Thats what we wanted to show in this exhibition: Frida the person, Frida the woman, someone who liked perfume, was incredibly feminine and did not let her disability define her, said Henestrosa. A dark-skinned, disabled Mexican artist who served as a model for young girls: its very good to be different. Follow @htlifeandstyle for more Three talented Bollywood folks -- Amitabh Bachchan, Taapsee Pannu and director Sujoy Ghosh -- are all set to begin work on their new film together, which is an official remake of 2016 Spanish film Contratiempo, also called The Invisible Guest. The Hindi film is called Badla. We are aware that Amitabh is in Britain these days. Taapsee too began shooting for Badla in Scotland on Wednesday. However, a tweet by Sujoy nearly made him book his ticket back to Mumbai. On Thursday, Sujoy tweeted, No matter how prepared you are -- you are never prepared for your shoot! no matter how prepared you are -- you are never prepared for your shoot! sujoy ghosh (@sujoy_g) June 13, 2018 To this, Amitabh reacted, asking if he should book his ticket back home. He wrote: O ... !!! thanks for this .. booking my flight back, before I reach Glasgow from London .. I always knew you were mad, now you proved it .. Sujoy quickly wrote back, sir we are waiting for you to start the party... Looks like Mr Bachchan is still to join the team. Missing all the Twitter action, Taapsee jumped into the discussion with her observations. Clearly, despite being part of the team, she was feeling left out. Hence, she chipped in, But where is the party? Why wasnt I invited for it !?? I thought we are a part of the same team!!! Speaking about working with Amitabh again after Pink, Taapsee had told PTI, I am very excited about this film. People wait to work with him and I got to work with him twice in two years. It gives me lot of excitement and I hope the magic gets repeated. When people say, Bachchan sir and I are a hit pair, it excites me. We will start shooting from June 14, reports Deccan Chronicle. Follow @htshowbiz for more Shah Rukh Khan posted an intense new tweet on Wednesday that has resonated with many, including actor Irrfan Khan. He talked about how people who strive for excellence in their field of work usually do not find friends to confide in. The strive for excellence is a lonely strife...mediocrity has no dearth of friends. Or as Alfred Lord Tennyson put it...To strive, to seek, to find and not to yield, he wrote in his tweet. Irrfan, who is currently in London for a treatment of his neuroendocrine tumour, also made a rare appearance on Twitter to like the tweet. Irrfan made the shocking revelation about his ill health to his fans through social media in March. The unexpected makes us grow, which is what the past few days have been about. Learning that I have been diagnosed with NeuroEndocrine Tumour as of now has been difficult, but the love and strength of those around me and that I found within me has brought me to a place of hope. The journey of this is taking me out of the country, and I request everyone to continue sending their wishes. As for the rumours that were floated, neuro isnt always about the brain and googling is the easiest way to do research. To those who have waited for my words, I hope to be back with more stories to tell, he wrote in a tweet. He will soon be seen in Karwaan with Dulquer Salmaan and Mithila Palkar. The film releases on August 10. He also has a Hollywood production, The Puzzle, lined up for release. Shah Rukh is currently shooting for Zero with Anushka Sharma and Katrina Kaif. He has previously worked with Irrfan in Billu. Follow @htshowbiz for more Makers of Dhadak have unveiled a new poster of the film, giving us a glimpse of Janhvi Kapoor and Ishaan Khatter, in a completely different light from what we saw in the first trailer released recently. An official adaptation of Marathi hit Sairat, Dhadak was slammed online for changing the entire crux of the story -- underplaying the caste divide in the original story and adding unnecessary luxury and style to Dhadak. The latest poster offers some hope that Dhadak may not be all about glamour around a love story. Sharing the new poster, producer Karan Johar tweeted, A LOVE STORY! #dhadak! 20th of July watch this unconditional story of first love...unconditional love....deep love....and thank you for all the love!! 30 MILLION VIEWS IN 48 hours! @ShashankKhaitan #Janhvi #Ishaan A scared Ishaan is seen seeking shelter in the arms of an equally troubled Janhvi in the poster. A LOVE STORY! #dhadak! 20th of July watch this unconditional story of first love...unconditional love....deep love....and thank you for all the love!! 30 MILLION VIEWS IN 48 hours! @ShashankKhaitan #Janhvi #Ishaan pic.twitter.com/8tFs3Ohaeo Karan Johar (@karanjohar) June 13, 2018 Dhadak, directed by Shashank Khaitan, will hit the screens on July 20. Sairat, the Marathi original, traced the story of two teenagers battling the rigid caste system for their love. Janhvi steps into the shoes of Rinku Rajguru while Ishaan takes on the role essayed by Akash Thosar in Sairat. Dhadak marks the Bollywood debut of Ishaan who was earlier seen in Iranian auteur Majid Majidis Beyond the Clouds. This is Janhvis first film. Follow @htshowbiz for more The trailer of the Sanjay Dutt biopic, starring Ranbir Kapoor, has become a talking point for several reasons, among which is a toilet scene that has ruffled some feathers. The scene shows the protagonist inside a jail cell, which is flooded with sewage from an overflowing toilet. The footage has reportedly prompted prison activist Prithvi Mhaske to file a complaint with the Central Board of Film Certification (CBFC) for showcasing prisons in a negative light. Mhaske reportedly wrote a letter to Censor Board Chief, Prasoon Joshi, stating that, As per the information available, the government and jail authorities are taking good care of all the barracks of the jails. We have never heard of any such incidents. This particular scene will make a bad impression about jails and jail authorities. The issue has sparked off a debate, with prison reformists agreeing with Mhaskes objection, while film experts arguing in favour of the films makers. Vartika Nanda, a prison reformist, says, There is no dedicated squad to clean prisons, and the inmates have to clean their cells themselves. But the toilet leakage scene (in the trailer) is an extreme case. The makers are trying to show the prisons in a negative light. Even in the anda cell, the conditions are not like how it has been shown. During his incarceration, Dutt spent some time in the high-security anda cell (egg-shaped cell) in Mumbais Arthur Jail. Later, he was shifted to Yerawada Jail in Pune. Nanda says she has visited both the Yerawada Jail and the cell where Dutt was confined. The condition at Yerawada Jail is much better than many other jails in the country. The place is clean and hygienic. Also, I have spoken to the inmates in all the places where the actor has spent time; no one came up with this issue. Monica Dhawan, director of the NGO India Vision Foundation, which works for the welfare of prisoners, says the film exaggerates the condition. If it is Yerawada, the scene depicts something impossible. The prison cells are visited by session court judges, human right activists, lawyers, too. Filmmakers and experts have come out strongly in defence of the film. Film producer and trade expert Amul Vikas Mohan says, Of course, things are always shown in films in a way to dramatise and add shock value. People opposing this particular scene clearly dont have any sense of creative freedom and only know how to get offended. Makers of the film would have done their research well before including this scene in the trailer and then you cant really tell if it happened or didnt happen. Maybe this was one off incident that happened when Sanjay Dutt was in the prison. Filmmaker Hansal Mehta says, The complaint is a reflection of the complainants mind, which is full of s***. We should not give importance to such people...Ignore such people. CBFC board member Vani Tripathi Tikoo, meanwhile, says she has read about the letter online, and that the board will take a call only after seeing the full film. A trailer of few minutes cant be a deciding factor, she adds that if there are considerable issues, the film will go back to the revision panel. Interact with the author Ruchika Garg @ruchikagarg271 An Indian-American woman, Dhivya Suryadevara has been named the chief financial officer of the United States largest automaker, General Motors. Dhivya Suryadevara, currently the vice president of corporate finance, will succeed Chuck Stevens, GMs present CFO, on September 1, the company said in a statement. Chennai-born Suryadevara, 39, has been GMs vice president of corporate finance since July 2017. She will report to chief executive officer (CEO) Mary Barra, 56, who has been head of the automaker since 2014. Barra and Suryadevara are the first women in their respective positions in the auto industry, as no other major global automaker has a female CEO, nor a CEO and CFO who are both female. GM will join a very short list of S&P 500 companies, including Hershey Co. and American Water Works Co., with women in the positions of CEO and CFO. Suryadevara earned her bachelors and masters degrees in commerce from the University of Madras in Chennai, India. She moved to the US at the age of 22 to pursue her masters in business administration (MBA) from Harvard University. She is a chartered financial analyst and accountant, and worked at UBS and PricewaterhouseCoopers before joining the Detroit-based GM in 2005 at the age of 25. Dhivyas experience and leadership in several key roles throughout our financial operations positions her well to build on the strong business results weve delivered over the last several years, Barra said in a statement. Stevens, 58, has been CFO at the largest US automaker since January 2014 and will retire in March next year as a more than 40-year veteran of the company. He will remain with the company as an adviser until his retirement, the statement said. Stevens began at the Buick division in 1978 and, like Barra, was educated at General Motors Institute, which became Kettering University. He had a key role in GM establishing its joint venture in China with SAIC Motor Corp. and was a crucial player in GM selling its long-struggling Opel business to French automaker PSA Group. Gathering reliable economic data in India is challenging enough. Its been made more difficult in the more than four months that the nation has been without a chief statistician. TCA Anant retired from the Central Statistics Office on Jan. 31 and the government has been looking for a replacement ever since. Bureaucratic processes have delayed the appointment, and while a few candidates have been interviewed for the job, a final decision is yet to be made by Prime Minister Narendra Modis office. At stake is the reputation of an institution thats been working hard to rectify the image that India has deficient and unreliable economic data. With a population of 1.3 billion and an economy of $2.3 trillion -- a large part of which is rural and informal -- collecting timely and accurate information is a gargantuan effort, made harder by the fact that the statistics office is without a leader. The delay affects the reputation, and worse it affects the working because the chief statisticians post has a lot of responsibilities that are not easy to delegate to a bureaucrat, said Pronab Sen, Indias first chief statistician who was appointed in 2007. That is quite damaging. A spokesman for the statistics ministry wasnt immediately able to comment on the selection process. Potential delays Its an action-packed year on the statistics calendar, with the government working to revise base years for key economic data and publish a new labour survey. And with only months to go before the next election, the data is also coming under increased scrutiny as Modis political rivals question his claims about key campaign pledges, such as jobs. The chief statistician has to give the final sign-off on new data series, so there is potential for delays. The damage is where new data sets are being created and that can be very large, said Sen, who is now a country director at the New Delhi-based International Growth Centre. For instance, how do we integrate goods and services tax into national accounts. Because of this gap, that process may simply get held up. The nationwide goods and services tax (GST) was introduced in July 2017 and its full impact on the economy is yet to be seen in the data. Defending its work The job vacancy notice, which was posted more than three weeks after Anant retired, says the government is looking for a person with proven statistical and managerial experience in a large statistical organization. He or she will have a tenure of three years that can be extended by another two years, and get a salary, allowances and other facilities similar to a senior bureaucrat. Another key role, which isnt listed in the advertisement, is needing to defend the CSOs work when it makes changes to data methodology. Like in 2015, when the statistics office published a new series for gross domestic product that put Indias growth rate on par with China. Economists said at the time that the data didnt match up with high-frequency indicators showing more subdued expansion. The CSO was without a boss when it released figures last month showing the economy regained its position once again of being the fastest-expanding major economy in the world, with growth of 7.7% in the fourth-quarter of the fiscal year ended March 31. A search-and-selection panel headed up by Indias top bureaucrat, Cabinet Secretary Pradeep Kumar Sinha, is tasked with finding a new chief statistician before making a recommendation to Modis office. Thats a shift from the past, when the deputy chairman of the governments planning body, aided by experts, would select the head of the statistics office. The government should have started the process earlier since it can take six to eight months to select a replacement, said Yoginder K. Alagh, chancellor of the Central University of Gujarat and a former federal minister. The chief statisticians job is a specialised one and the selection process shouldnt be left to bureaucrats, he said, recommending instead that the government think-tank NITI Aayog should do it with the help of experts. In a landmark order on checking canine terror, the Uttarakhand high court on Thursday directed the state government to ensure there are no stray dogs on roads of the Himalayan state within six months. The high court also noted that the state government may consider framing a law to kill dangerous stray dogs. The directions were given by the division bench of justices VK Bisht and Alok Singh in response to a public interest litigation (PIL) filed by Nainital-based Girish Chandra Kholia in August 2017. HT has a copy of the order. The PIL highlighted the issue of increasing dog menace in the state. It said in the past five years, over 11,000 dog bite cases have been reported in the state. The court directed the chief secretary to issue necessary directions to all authorities concerned to take appropriate steps for checking the dog menace in their respective areas. The court also made it clear that the directions issued by the chief secretary will be binding on all authorities, including municipal bodies and other local bodies. First of all the concerned authority will determine the number of stray dogs in every town, city and village. Necessary arrangements shall be made for the construction of shelter house in every place, it said. The high court said stray dogs should be kept inside shelter houses. It directed the state government to publish an advertisement in the newspapers, asking general public and also NGOs, who are interested in the matter, to come forward and to take such stray dogs with them, if they are against the idea of shelter. Besides, the division bench directed the government that the municipal and local authorities will also verify from each and every house whether their dogs are registered with the municipal board and if they are not, they be registered as per the law. The court said given the importance of the matter, the non-compliance of the directions issued by the chief secretary to local authorities will be treated as contempt of court. The next hearing in the matter will be held on July 16. By that time, the chief secretary has been directed to submit a short affidavit listing the action taken or to be taken to take to check dog menace in the state. Given the increasing dog menace in Nainital, a few weeks ago, Nainital dogs CE WhatsApp group was created to fight canine terror in the Himalayan hill station. The Humane Society International India, the Indian chapter of the US-based NGO has signed an MoU with the Nainital civic body to check dog population in the hill station through sterilisations. To boost farmers income the Uttarakhand government has launched an online extension service under which social media platforms like Facebook and Twitter will be used to disseminate among them all information relating to animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries sectors. Under the online extension scheme, weve already started making use of Facebook and Twitter to disseminate information among farmers. We will also soon start using WhatsApp, YouTube and Instagram for a similar purpose, said secretary, department of animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries R Meenakshi Sundaram. Through those powerful social media platforms, he said information relating to all grant-in-aid schemes pertaining to animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries along with procedures for applying for those schemes will be imparted to farmers. All such crucial information farmers will get through social media platforms will boost their productivity and income, which will help check forced migration from the hills, Sundaram told HT on Thursday. According to him, recently five departments together floated bids and selected a partner agency that will assist us in the social media outreach. The five departments that floated bids are the Livestock Development Board, Directorate of Animal Husbandry, Sheep & Development Board, Fisheries Development Authority and Aanchal Dairy. We chose social media platforms to disseminate information among farmers owing to a number of reasons, Sundaram said. For one, the outreach of social media platforms is very effective, which entails hardly any cost. Besides, you cant frequently organise farmers gatherings to share information with them because such a process involves the issue of logistics and space besides being costly. Then, farmers outreach programmes through traditional media like radio or television, he further clarified, have also their own limitations as they mostly involve one way communication. According to the official, communication with target groups through social media is, however, not hamstrung by such limitations. A direct interface between the service provider and the recipient of service, he clarified, is possible through interactive social media platforms like Facebook, Twitter and Instagram. That means during such interface farmers can make all kinds of queries like through which hatcheries in the state quality seeds can be procured and experts will answer them, Sundaram said. In case farmers wish to procure seeds from outside the state, experts will tell them which agencies they could contact for the purpose. Similarly, farmers will also get to know through interactive social media platforms about the programmes like vaccination drives, which are frequently organised across the mountain state. We will also disseminate information about the day and time and places for such drives, so farmers would be able to get their cattle vaccinated, Sundaram said. Similarly, through social media platforms information will also be imparted to farmers about how they can increase the milk yield of their cattle. For instance, we will inform them to have their cows and buffaloes inseminated by the semen of elite bulls to get the high milk yielding varieties of progeny, he said. Similarly, through WhatsApp groups of farmers that will soon be created messages relating to activities pertaining to animal husbandry, dairying and fisheries will also be broadcast among them. The best and the most crucial use of social media platforms is that they will help communicate fast to farmers the latest researches relating to all those three key allied sectors of agriculture, Sundaram said referring to animal husbandry, dairy and fisheries. He attributed the existing gap between lab and land to the paucity of extension staff and the inadequacy of the traditional media. Sundaram denied that the slow internet connectivity in the hills might come in the way of information dissemination among farmers. It (slow internet connectivity) is not an issue in the hills barring some remote areas, he said. In such areas too efforts are on to speed up the internet connectivity, so things will improve soon. More than 1,500 Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) supporters hit the streets on Wednesday to show solidarity with chief minister Arvind Kejriwal, who has been on a sit-in protest at Lieutenant-Governor Anil Baijals office for three days. The protest is likely to intensify in the coming days with AAP Rajya Sabha member Sanjay Singh giving an ultimatum to the L-G and the Centre to get the bureaucrats to end their protest of not attending meetings with ministers by Sunday or face a bigger dharna. If the strike by bureaucrats is not resolved by Sunday, then AAP leaders and workers would stage a dharna at the Prime Ministers Office (PMO). On Thursday, party legislators and leaders will hold a candle light march, he said. The AAP governments demands to the L-G include a direction to IAS officers to end their strike and action against those who have kept away from work for four months. The party also wants the L-G to approve the proposal for doorstep delivery of ration. With no fresh response coming from the L-Gs office, deputy chief minster Manish Sisoida on Wednesday morning announced that he, too, might join his colleague, home minister Satyendar Jain, in his hunger strike. Buses full of AAP volunteers lined up on the streets leading to Kejriwals residence at 11 Flagstaff Road from Wednesday afternoon. Slogans such as L-G sahab Dilli choro (L-G, leave Delhi) and Kejriwal tum sangharsh karo, hum tumhare saath hain (Kejriwal you fight, we are with you) permeated the air on Rajpur Road and Underhill Road in North Delhis Civil Lines area. Though the AAP claimed that the turnout at the protest was more than 3,000, the North district police managing the crowd said the number was about 1,500. MLAs were told to activate their volunteers base in their constituencies. This message was then passed to ward level workers. Buses were arranged by the legislators, said Karol Bagh MLA Vishesh Ravi. A number of legislators such as Bhavna Gaur, Sanjeev Jha, Bandana Kumari walked with the party . Former Union finance minister Yashwant Sinha, who resigned from the BJP recently, also joined AAP leaders and workers outside the chief ministers Civil Lines residence from where the protest march proceeded to the L-Gs office. Addressing a gathering, Sinha said that before coming to the protest site he had tried to meet Kejriwal at the L-Gs office Raj Niwas, just a few hundred metres from where the march culminated due to heavy police presence and barricading. I was not allowed to meet him. If former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee were there, he would have directed the home minister to find a solution, Sinha said. The IAS officers association has maintained that no officer is on strike and no work of the Delhi government has been affected. The Association on Tuesday had blamed Kejriwal and his cabinet colleagues for not making efforts to resolve the differences. Speaker supports CM Delhi Assembly Speaker Ram Niwas Goel has written to L-G Anil Baijal and lent his support to the chief ministers protest. In his letter to Baijal on Wednesday, Goel said the work of Delhis development has been affected for the last few months, which was a well-planned conspiracy and asked him to get strike by officers called off. A jewellers desperate efforts to save gold for his childrens future cost him his life during a robbery at his showroom in north Delhis Adarsh Nagar on Tuesday afternoon. Forty-year-old Hemant Kaushal died after being shot multiple times in front of his 13-year-old son in the showroom. The three robbers, who were wearing helmets, were yet to be identified more than 24 hours after the crime, said Aslam Khan, deputy commissioner of police (north-west). Describing the crime, Kaushals son, a Class 8 student, said that his father was tutoring him in an enclosure at the showroom when the robbers struck around 4 pm. Store attendant Ashok Kumar was the first person the robbers ran into once inside. I asked the men to take off their helmets, but they responded by pulling out pistols. They asked me to call the showroom owner, said Kumar. When Kaushal came out of the enclosure, he and Kumar were forced to lie down on the floor. The robbers realised that I too was at the store and forced me to come out at gunpoint and lie down beside my father. When they threatened to kill me, my father requested them to take away all the jewellery, said Kaushals son. Security camera footage showed the robbers emptying multiple trays of jewellery into bags they had brought along. When they began leaving, my father rose on his feet and begged them to leave behind some jewellery for me and my sisters future. My father tried to stop one of them, which led to a scuffle, recounted the boy. The scuffle resulted in Kaushal pushing one of the robbers on a sofa. Another robber responded by shooting my father many times, said the boy. As the robbers fled, the boy hurriedly dialled the police even as he loaded his father on an e-rickshaw to rush him to a private hospital where he was declared brought dead. Khan said efforts are on to use the CCTV footage of the crime to identify the suspects. Construction activities stopped till June 17 Civil construction activities stopped in Delhi till June 17 following severe dust and pollution: PTI quoting Lt Governor Anil Baijal. PIL in HC to declare Kejriwals protest illegal Delhi-based lawyer Hari Nath Ram has filed a public interest litigation in the Delhi high court seeking to declare the sit-in protest at the L-G office as unconstitutional and illegal as it has brought the government machinery to a standstill. The politicians are required to be upholders of the constitution. They should not be the breakers of the constitutional law. The instant circumstances are the illustration of chaotic administrative paralysis which urgently requires to be streamlined, the plea read. CPI writes to L-G in support of Kejriwals protest CPI writes to L-G saying, No constitutional authority of Delhi can bypass or neglect the Govt of Delhi in any matter of Governance of Delhi. The party says the L-G is duty-bound to meet Kejriwal and his ministers. CPI writes to LG to call an urgent meeting to remove the created grievances between the elected Govt of Delhi & the bureaucrats. Also says, 'No constitutional authority of Delhi can bypass or neglect the elected govt in any matter of governance.' pic.twitter.com/RHDlRdrG5N AAP (@AamAadmiParty) June 14, 2018 Pollution meet at L-Gs office Minister Imran Hussain says the L-G has called a meeting on the same issue at the same time. Hussain will attend the meeting at the L-Gs office. I have also called a meeting on environment issue in delhi in my office at 3:00 PM but hon'ble @LtGovDelhi has also called a meeting on the same issue at same time i.e 3:00PM in his office. I am going to attend the said meeting at LG office Imran Hussain (@ImranHussaain) June 14, 2018 Delhi environment minister to convene pollution meet Delhi environment minister Imran Hussain is to convene a meeting at 3pm to review the status of Delhis air pollution. Satyendar Jains sugar level drops Satyendar Jains sugar level dropped to nearly half of the normal. The minister is on the third day of an indefinite hunger strike. We are constantly monitoring his situation. This morning, his vitals were checked and blood level had gone down to 47 units (mg/dL). A normal person should have 90-100 units of it. His blood pressure reading was 110/70, so that is ok, Director General of Health Services Kirti Bhushan told PTI. The DGHS said a medical team is regularly monitoring his health condition. Bhushan said Jains pulse reading too dropped to about 64 this morning against a normal of 72, but as long as it is above 60, it is fine. IAS officers strike under PM Modis direction: AAP MP AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh says that IAS officers strike is taking place under PM Modis direction and with the L-Gs protection. Kejriwal writes to PM Modi In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Kejriwal wrote, Delhi facing unprecedented situation. Request you to get IAS officers to end strike. Kejriwal cited instances when the government work was stuck as officers have not been attending meetings with ministers for the past three months. He said no meeting has taken place between IAS officers and ministers for three months to address the issue of air pollution, even as toxic pollutants in the air reached dangerous levels over the past three days. "Delhi facing unprecedented situation, Request you to get IAS officers to end strike"- CM @ArvindKejriwal to PM @narendramodi#DelhiWithKejriwal pic.twitter.com/RMzw9Cjmgt AAP (@AamAadmiParty) June 14, 2018 Not allowed to meet brother, says Kejriwal Kejriwal has accused the LGs security personnel of not allowing his brother, who came from Pune, to see him. Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 14, 2018 Ministers clear files from L-G office The ministers have been clearing all the government files from the L-G office and are being supplied with food from Kejriwals residence, reports IANS. Satyendar Jain undergoes medical check-up Minister Satyendar Jain has been on an indefinite hunger strike since Tuesday. He also went through a medical check-up on Thursday morning. Health Minister @SatyendarJain Health Check up Parameters (7:30 am, June 14): Pulse: 64 BP: 110/70 Sugar: 47 Urine Ketone: 2+ He is on infinite hunger strike at LG house. pic.twitter.com/QTS6Eo1aLN Aam Aadmi Party Delhi (@AAPDelhi) June 14, 2018 Sisodia undergoes health check-up Deputy CM Manish Sisodia announced on Wednesday that he would go on a fast until Baijal declared the strike by bureaucrats illegal and took action against them. On Thursday, he underwent a health check-up at the L-Gs office. Delhi Dy CM @msisodia Health Check up Parameters (7:30 am, June 14) Pulse: 72 BP: 140/80 Sugar: 59 Weight: 88.5 Kgs pic.twitter.com/CfMS687rCu AAP Govt Supporter (@AAPGovt4Delhi) June 14, 2018 This is not right, tweets Kejriwal On Thursday morning, Kejriwal tweeted that not accepting demands put forward by the Delhi government was not right. In his letter to Modi, Kejriwal cited instances when the government work was stuck as the officers have not been attending meetings with ministers for the past three months. He said no meeting has taken place between IAS officers and ministers for the past three months to address the issue of air pollution, even as toxic pollutants in the air reached to dangerous levels over the past three days. Good morning - 1. IAS 2. ? ? ? Arvind Kejriwal (@ArvindKejriwal) June 14, 2018 BJPs counter protest against AAP On Wednesday, AAP leaders had staged a protest march from the CMs residence to the L-Gs office for which they gathered supporters from across Delhis 70 assembly constituencies. The BJP staged a counter-protest by laying siege to Kejriwals office at the Secretariat, demanding that the chief minister and his ministers end his dharna politics. A vacation bench of the Supreme Court on Thursday declined to order Delhi civic authorities to resume sealing of unauthorised business establishments in the capital, leaving it to be taken up on July 11 by a regular bench that is hearing the matter, once the court reopens after a 45-day summer break. A bench comprising justices UU Lalit and Deepak Gupta said reports filed by a monitoring committee that is mandated by the top court to identify and seal unauthorised constructions would be heard by justice MB Lokurs bench. The reports said civic agencies, including the South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC), had refused to carry out the sealing drive on grounds that amendments to the Master Plan of Delhi-2021 hadnt been finalised yet and the issue of notifying mixed-land use along 351 roads was still pending in the apex court. If the roads are cleared for mixed-land use, several structures could be saved from being sealed. Thursdays ruling means that the sealing drive stays halted along the 351 roads until after the next hearing. We are sitting in a vacation court. We have not dealt with the matter. Another bench is dealing with it, the bench said, adding: Let this matter be listed before the regular bench. It recalled that on May 15 the justice Lokur bench had sought the monitoring committees response to Delhis application for notifying mixed-land use along the 351 roads, and agreed to hear it on July 11. Why should we, at this juncture, hear this?, the bench said, adding, the application (by Delhi government) was not rejected outright (by the court) then why we should change the course? Senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, who is assisting the court in the sealing case, pointed to the May 15 order that said the monitoring committee should continue with its duties and responsibilities in the interim. Subsequently, the committee asked civic agency officials o carry out sealing of unauthorised premises in their jurisdictions But the officials refused, saying that they had government instructions not to proceed with the sealing until MPD-2021 amendments are finalized, Kumar said. (with inputs from PTI) Iftar politics has returned in a big way to Delhi this season. Congress president Rahul Gandhi hosted an Iftar on Wednesday that also became a part of the continued exercise in Opposition unity. The presence of Pranab Mukherjee, days after his appearance at a Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) event, generated attention. On the same day, Union minority affairs minister Mukhtar Abbas Naqvi became the only member of the government to host an Iftar -- but with a specific guest list revolving around Muslim women, especially those who have been the victims of triple talaq. In the two Iftars was both a common thread and the contrasting approach that exists between the two leading political formations in the country in their approach to minority communities, particularly Muslims. What is common is this. For Indian political parties, it is easier to mobilise broad social groups -- be it a religious or a caste group -- than appeal to the individual citizen. This means that identity politics is inevitable. The only question is which identity-based groups a party seeks to cultivate. Symbolic as it may have been, the fact that Delhi was a site of scores of political Iftars during the rule of Congress or Third Front governments of socialist parties was a sign that these parties saw Muslims as an important constituency of support. The fact that the current Bhatratiya Janata Party (BJP)-led government has consciously stayed away from the practice of Iftars indicated both its ideological stance that secularism was reduced to wooing Muslims, and showed that its own constituency of support was almost entirely non-Muslim. Even in Wednesdays Iftars, this basic variance was visible. For the Congress, the exercise was important for two reasons. One, as Rahul Gandhi increasingly practices the politics of Hindu symbolism by visiting temples, it was important for the party to send a symbolic signal to minorities that they remain crucial in the Congresss calculus and the partys commitment to secularism remains deep. Two, it was an opportunity to bring prospective allies -- all of whom have Muslim social constituencies -- on the same table, soon after Karnataka elections. The party would be a tad disappointed that many top regional leaders did not come but the underlying message was there. For the BJP, the Iftar had a different relevance. By catering primarily to Muslim women, it wanted to position itself as being more interested in reform within the community than mere appeasement -- the charge it has hurled at Congress over the years. The political subtext is that BJP hopes to get at least a fraction of votes of Muslim women, though this has not really happened on the ground yet. The Iftars thus symbolised the permanence of identity politics, yet the difference in how parties approach different identity groups, especially Muslims. The Delhi High Court has junked a plea seeking a direction to the Delhi University to conduct the entrance examination for the LLB course in Hindi language. A bench of Acting Chief Justice Gita Mittal and Justice C Hari Shankar noted that a single judge and division bench have already dismissed a similar plea in 2014. The high court in 2014 had dismissed a similar case filed by Shailendra Mani Tripathi saying that judgements are pronounced and reported primarily in English language. The single judge had noted Article 348 of the Constitution of India, which states that the language to be used in the Supreme Court and high courts as well as the acts and bills shall be in English. It was also opined by the single judge that if the relief as prayed was granted, it would tantamount to interfering with the autonomy of the University of Delhi. The Intra Court Appeal assailing the decision of the learned single judge dated May 20, 2014 stands rejected by the division bench... The above precedents on identical facts, bind the consideration by this court. We therefore find no merit in this writ petition, which is dismissed, the court said. The judgement came on a petition of 20-year-old Ayush Tiwari, a final-year BA student from Allahabad, who had approached the high court seeking directions that he should be allowed to take the DU LLB entrance exam in Hindi. The petitioner said he is desirous of studying law, however, since he has got all his education in Hindi medium, it would be unfair for him to take the entrance exam in English when on the contrary DU Law Faculty allows term examination of LLB to be taken in Hindi. With the Union Public Service Commission and certain central universities holding the examination in Hindi, the plea sought to conduct of entrance examination for LLB along the same lines. The Delhi high court has directed AIIMS to pay Rs 50,000 as costs to an MBBS aspirant, who was not allowed to write the entrance exam after his Aadhaar card could not be scanned at the centre, and also issued a slew of direction to avoid a repeat of the incident. The court observed that the controller of examination of AIIMS adopted a callous attitude in unnecessarily depriving the student from appearing in the exam. Turning back a student from an entrance examination centre would result in a fait accompli, as has happened in this case, which has to be avoided under all circumstances, it said. The court, however, refused to order a re-exam, saying it would cause a lot of disturbance to other students who have already appeared in the test and it would be unfair to impose the burden of another exam on the other candidates. In view of the non-responsive attitude of AIIMS, both to the candidates representation and before this court, the petitioner deserves to be compensated with costs for the treatment that has been meted out to him. In view of the harassment and frustration caused to the petitioner, AIIMS is directed to pay costs of Rs 50,000 to the petitioner, Justice Prathiba M Singh said. When the matter was initially listed for hearing, the court had issued notice to AIIMS and the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), asking them to file their response within a week. While UIDAI filed a response confirming that the students Aadhaar card was genuine, AIIMS failed to file a counter affidavit. The court also issued a slew of direction to avoid students and candidates, appearing for the AIIMS examinations, being confronted with such incidents. It directed the All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) to include in its brochure the manner in which examination centres respond to various situations such as identification of documents, medical conditions, discrepancies in admit cards and question papers and manner of marking answers. In future, the controller of examinations of AIIMS shall ensure that a response team is constituted to deal with issues raised on the day of the examination and such a team should also be able to respond immediately in such emergent situations. Since the examination is conducted in centres across the country, the heads of examination centres ought to be given uniform set of instructions to ensure that students are not made to suffer in this manner, the court said. It added that if the examinations are conducted online, there ought to be an emergent technical response team to deal with any technical glitches that may arise. The plea was filed in the high court during vacations by a student from Karnataka, who was not allowed to take the AIIMS entrance examination on May 26 as the Quick Response (QR) code of his Aadhaar card could not be scanned by staff carrying out verification through a mobile phone application at an examination centre in Kalaburagi. The student was barred from taking the exam and was told that his Aadhaar card was not genuine. It was later established that the document was indeed genuine. It was also established that this method of verification through mobile application had not been uniformly applied, and that several centres had, in fact, granted admission to candidates after a physical verification of documents. The student had written a letter to the authorities but when he did not receive any response, he approached the high court seeking a stay on the publication of the results of the examination, scheduled to be declared on June 18, and for conducting the exam afresh. The highest number of applications under the extracurricular activity (ECA) category in Delhi University colleges is for the National Cadet Corps (NCC). However, with only 15 colleges posting requirements for NCC cadets this admission cycle, competition may be high. The two other activities that have got quite a large number of applications close on the heels of the NCC are dance and debate, respectively. According to a university official, this year, around 900 seats will be available under the category. Over 17,000 students have applied under the ECA category. However, the official said, students would only compete with those also vying for a seat under the same activity. A total of 3,019 students have applied for an ECA seat based on their performance in the NCC and 2,495 students have applied for it through dance. Of those who have applied under the dance category, 1,732 students have chosen Indian dance forms both classical and folk. However, only 50 colleges have said they have seats available for those who excel in Indian dance forms. Meanwhile, 2,331 students have chosen Hindi or English debate as their ECA category, seats for which are available in 40-odd colleges. For admissions under the ECA quota, the preliminary trials will begin on June 14 and continue till June 21. DU reserves up to 5% seats, above and beyond the sanctioned seats for students seeking admission under the category. For them, cutoffs are relaxed by up to 15%. Once they qualify, students have to sign an undertaking stating that they will perform for the college and university during the entire three-year period.. Close to 14,000 more students have cleared the Joint Entrance Examination (JEE) Advanced test, the gateway for admission to Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs), with the Joint Admission Board (JAB) on Thursday releasing an extended merit list in line with the directions of the human resource development (HRD) ministry. The new list shows that as many as 31,980 candidates have cleared JEE-Advanced, compared to the June 10 list under which 18,138 students had qualified for admission to the elite engineering schools. According to a senior IIT director who didnt want to be named, only the aggregate cut-off has been lowered and not subject-wise scores. The cut-off, which was 35% for the general category, has been lowered to 25%. For scheduled caste and scheduled tribe candidates and persons with disabilities, it now stands at 12.5% and for other backward classes (OBCs) at 22.5%.The number of female candidates who have qualified stands at over 3,000, up from the previous 2000. The move, officials said, may help more students from the reserved category getting a shot at admission as some students who were in the preparatory list (comprising students given extra classes to prepare them for the course) have now moved to the main list of SC/ST candidates. Merit has not been compromised at all as the position one had in the previous rank list, it is still the same. The integrity of the system has not been affected and at the same time, through this extended list, we have taken care of the apprehensions of seats going vacant, said a second IIT director. Earlier in the day, HRD minister Prakash Javadekar tweeted: Responding to requests from students and IIT community to proactively ensure that all reservation seats are duly filled, I have directed @IIT Kanpur conducting JEE advanced to make available candidates, strictly as per merit, twice the number of seats in each category. For the first time, the HRD Ministry had issued directions to the JAB to release an extended merit list for admission this year. IIT-Kanpur, which is the organising institute for JEE-Advanced this year, was asked to release a merit list with the number of candidates twice the number of seats on offer in each discipline and each category (general and reserved categories). The institute was asked to release the supplementary merit list before choice-filling for joint seat allocation for IITs and National Institutes of Technology (NITs) begins this week. Though a number of IIT directors had also expressed apprehensions over lowering the cut-off as it may dilute the brand value of IITs, a consensus was reached at a meeting held on Thursday after it was ensured that the earlier rankings would remain intact. The number of candidates who qualified has always been at least twice the number of seats on offer. This year, however, the 18,138 students on the merit list are only 1.6 times the total number of seats, making it the smallest number of qualified candidates since 2012, sparking concerns of seats going vacant. It is the policy of government of India that all reservation category seats in all disciplines are filled and no vacant seats are left after counselling for admission in IITs, said a letter issued by the HRD ministry. Students who clear JEE Advanced are eligible for admission in any one of the 23 IITs in the country. The Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) will announce the first seat allotment on June 27. Of the 10,998 seats that were offered in the 23 IITs in 2017, the number of vacancies after seven rounds of counselling stood at 121, which was more than the 96 vacancies in 2016. In 2015, there were 50 vacant seats and in 2014, three. The Joint Admission Board on Thursday released the extended list or the supplementary merit list of candidates eligible for getting admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology. Earlier in the day, the board announced that the extended list of qualified students now stands at 31,980 from the existing 18,138. With this more students have become eligible for getting admission to the Indian Institutes of Technology. This has been done on the directions of the Human Resource Development (HRD) ministry as they directed IIT Joint Admission Board (JAB) to issue a supplementary merit list for JEE Advanced 2018. Here is the direct link to check the Extended List of JEE (Advanced) 2018 Qualified Candidates Released. Choice filling on Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) would start on June 15. Students in the extended merit list can start filing up their options along with others. The fresh list has twice the number of students in each discipline to ensure there are no vacancies, as first reported by Hindustan Times. The list also applies to general category students if there are vacancies in a discipline. It is the policy of government of India that all reservation category seats in all disciplines are filled and no vacant seats are left after counselling for admission in IITs, said a letter issued by the ministry. Directions were issued on June 13 in this regard. The list has to be released before students who passed JEE Advanced 2018 start selecting disciplines. As per IIT data, out of the 1,55,158 students who took JEE in 2018, only 18,138 students qualified. According to officials, the issue was taken up in an emergency meeting of the Joint Admission Board (JAB) held on Wednesday as many directors had raised apprehensions that seats may go vacant. A final decision has been taken without compromising the merit, said a senior official. This year, the result of the JEE Advanced 2018 witnessed a fall in the number of candidates who qualified. Students who clear JEE Advanced are eligible for admission in any one of the 23 IITs in the country. The Joint Seat Allocation Authority (JoSAA) will announce the first seat allotment on June 27. Of the 10,998 seats that were offered in the 23 IITs in 2017, the number of vacancies after seven rounds of counselling stood at 121, which was more than the 96 vacancies in 2016. In 2015, there were 50 vacant seats and in 2014, three. Cluster Innovation Centre (CIC), University of Delhi, offers a unique four-year BTech programme in Information Technology & Mathematical Innovations that aspires to inculcate an innovation mindset as part of the curriculum and pedagogy. It is the only BTech programme for which DU conducts its own centralised admission procedure, said Gurpreet Singh Tuteja, the deputy dean of students welfare. Netaji Subhas Institute of Technology (NSIT), which is also affiliated to the university, admits students based on ones score in the JEE (Mains). The centre received over 200 applications over the past two years. However, only 40 students were admitted each year. Following DU guidelines for seat reservations, CIC bases its admission on an entrance exam after considerably low cutoff of 60% (general) in best of four subjects, including mathematics. This year, the entrance exam will be conducted on June 21. The CIC course structure is different from conventional BTech programmes. We are not like any other BTech programme said Dr HP Singh, director, CIC. We believe in being mentors and guiding students to pursue their academic interests. HANDS-ON APPROACH The evaluation structure at CIC gives a 60% weightage to hands-on innovative learning. It involves working on individual projects for courses, semester-long projects, and summer internships between semester one and seven. The eighth semester is a six-month industrial internship where the students write their undergraduate dissertation. These projects and summer internships are part of the curriculum and are graded. This both incentivise independent study and excite students about the things they are studying in theory, said Shobha Bagai, the BTech programme coordinator. CIC has a well-equipped campus with state-of-the-art amenities. While classrooms are laptop-friendly and have access to projectors, their labs are equipped to facilitate innovation-based research. APPLICATION-BASED LEARNING In addition to the required papers in IT and applied mathematics, CIC lets their students pick one among three substreams (equivalent to minors) these are electronics & embedded systems, system biology, and economics & management. These minors are offered to students beginning from the third semester and helps in shaping their postgraduate field of study. Beyond the core subjects, one needs to apply these concepts. While the applications are not limited to these sub-streams, we are bound by logical constraints, added Bagai. FREEDOM TO CHOOSE The BTech programme aims at providing students with the choice of choosing their areas of interest said Bagai. There are courses such as environmental consciousness, art of communication, creative writing and science, philosophy, truth. The students have the option to pick a mentor from outside their institution as well. There are only a few things we love more than a good Deepika Padukone fashion moment. Whether shes being relatable and wearing sweatpants, or decked in head-to-toe designer duds, she consistently ups her style game. The actors casual style (as in when shes not strolling a red carpet or something) is both timeless and affordable. And most recently, Deepika slayed airport chic, yet again. Seriously, how does Deepika get off a plane and still look flawless? Its a question weve been asking ourselves since we laid eyes on her latest travel look. A post shared by EatTweetBlog (@eattweetblog) on Jun 11, 2018 at 7:04am PDT Spotted at the Mumbai airport, Deepika definitely didnt disappoint with her perfect travel look: While she opted for designer shoes and hang bag specifically a brown Saint Laurent tote ($4,890 or Rs 3,30,832) and matching Chloe booties ($1,245 or Rs 84,236) she went the more affordable route with her ivory Masaba Gupta shirt. She donned House of Masabas knee-length Ivory Cape Shirt (Rs 9,999). And with that, shes proven that an under-Rs 10,000 wear-everywhere piece from a popular fashion brand could be one of the most chic buys youll make this season. Keep Deepikas airport style in mind the next time you want to impress whoever youre visiting, or prove to your parents that youre a real adult, who travels in nice, neat outfits. Below are some of Deepika Padukones on-point airport looks that will have you swooning with closet-envy: A post shared by Shaleena Nathani (@shaleenanathani) on May 9, 2018 at 10:31am PDT In May, Deepika wore a not-so-basic oversized gingham shirt dress from Maison Margiela. Her black leather ankle boots, matching leggings and a black tote bag accented her eclectic, playful 70s-inspired sky blue cotton shirt dress, which came with a checked-trim. The avant-garde, deconstructed style featured an off-the-moment boxy silhouette with dropped shoulder seams and a curved fluid hem. The dress is selling at 634 (57,850). For details, click here. A post shared by Shaleena Nathani (@shaleenanathani) on Apr 23, 2018 at 12:25am PDT Earlier in April, when leaving Mumbai airport for New York, Deepika showed off her killer off-duty flair: She wore a pair of groovy wide-leg jeans, Burberry sweatshirt with an eccentric fish and chips print ($350 or Rs 23,240) , bold sunglasses and what we call a masterpiece of a jacket. The Made in Italy bomber jacket animated with scribble print is from Burberrys menswear line and sells for 1126 (Rs 91,498). For details, click here. A post shared by Shaleena Nathani (@shaleenanathani) on Apr 5, 2018 at 8:01pm PDT Again in April, the Padmaavat actor also wore retro-inspired checked jogging pants with contrast side stripes (priced at $325 or Rs 21,116) from French label Maje. Deepika of course made her joggers chic, pairing them with a matching plaid jacket (costing $165 or Rs 10,720) from the label. She accented her head-to-toe printed set with black-and-white accessories: White camisole, white Nike sneakers, black leather bag from Celine and retro Fendi sunglasses. For details, click here. A post shared by Shaleena Nathani (@shaleenanathani) on Feb 22, 2018 at 1:41am PST In February, Deepika wore an airport look that was the definition of 2018 athleisure cool and looked incredibly comfortable too. Especially because of her cool shoe choice white sneakers from Nike that kept the polished look from being too out-there. The white shade gave her wide-legged Isabel Marant jeans a little extra sophistication. She paired it with a grey Topshop tee and coloured sunnies. For details, click here. Follow @htlifeandstyle for more Delhi-based fashion designer Anupama Dayal took to social media a couple of days ago to vent out her anguish over high-street retail womenswear brand, W for Women, use motifs and prints on their collection which she claimed were designed by her after painstaking research. It is hurtful to see years of research and creative energy being copied like this. The brand W has blatantly copied some of my signature designs. The Ao print which we developed with years of work has just been copied (see pic). Those who know me and my design methodology, (from concept to how it finally translates into a garment) would know how I have made personal visits to Nagaland and lived with the tribes to birth this collection. The other motif is Bukhara, which is another signature print. We work with old techniques of hand block prints to create a piece of wearable art sometimes making just enough to sustain our artisans and womens empowerment initiative. Cheap copied screen prints not only dilute the name of the brand but take away from the hands that have made it. We are a small artisanal company with budget constraints but a sense of serious social responsibility. It is devastating to see a large retailer just copy our signature prints like this, the designer posted. We spoke to the designer and she reiterated her claim that the designs were all developed by her and how plagiarism undermines the sensitivity of the creative industry. Designer Anupama Dayal claims that her motif has been copied by apparel brand W for Women. I am very disturbed by the similarity of the designs . My attempt has always been to revitalise ancient craft forms and motifs of the Indian subcontinent and other culture rich regions. I am deeply saddened when others heartlessly take a short cut to these designs and manufacturing process thereby undermining everything that is ethical in the name of commerce, she added, confirming that shes planning legal action. W for Women responded to Anupama Dayals allegations by showing differences in the motifs. The brand in question - W - however, strongly rubbished Dayals allegation, with evidence of the origin of the motifs. We have tremendous respect for artists and designers , who are the backbone of our business. We are also a conscientious company and we respect third party intellectual property rights. W is a home grown brand with a team of dedicated designers who understand the nuances around originality. The print in contention - Suzaani print - is something W has been using for many years now. We had infact used the same in our collection way back in 2011 (see pics), so where is the question of copying from Ms Dayals collection? Suzaani is a type of embroidered and decorative tribal textile made in Tajikistan, Uzbekistan, Kazakhstan and other central Asian countries. The motifs and patterns used in our collection are different from what Ms Dayal has designed. In fact, details and intricacies of the Suzaani motifs can be clearly established from the book Silk and Cotton written by Susan Meller. It is a traditional motif and we believe copyright on the same is not valid, said the spokesperson from the brand. The Criterion Collection works its way through both a long list of canon classics from the history of film, and a parallel track of what it considers to be the most important voices in world cinema today. This gives us the opportunity to play catchup with significant work we may have missed at film festivals or which never found a home on Netflix (because why would it?). To wit, I'd never seen one of Cristian Mungiu's films before (not his best-known work, Four Months, Three Weeks and Two Days, nor its successors) so the opportunity to look at not one, but two back-to-back releases from the filmmaker -- which joined the collection in June as spine numbers 923 and 924 -- was inspiring. Beyond the Hills is the filmmaker's 2012 retelling of a true story from Romania about a convent of nuns who participated in an extremely sketchy "exorcism," resulting in a woman's death; and Graduation is a 2016 drama about a father trying to secure top marks for his daughter so that she can leave Romania. Beautifully photographed in austere but nimble long takes that pierce the daily goings-on of the monastery, Beyond the Hills is something of a revelation to me. It locates its story in a community of women by focusing on the fraught relationship between its lead pair: Voichita, who has fled the implied sexual exploitation and abuse of her orphan upbringing by devoting herself entirely to god; and Alina, who is desperately in love with Voichita after their shared childhoods as part sisters, part support systems, part (again, implied) lovers. Voichita and Alina's relationship is the complex, ever-unravelling heart of the film, but they are bolstered by both the community of nuns around them (particularly, "Mama," the group's empathetic but unimaginative Mother Superior), and "Papa," the kind-of-creepy, kind-of-genuine priest of the monastery. All four lead performances -- Cosmina Stratan and Cristina Flutur as Voichita and Alina, and Valerie Andriuta and Dana Tapalaga as Papa and Mama -- are rich, with a lived-in neorealism that neither betrays the drama through oversimplification, nor fails to deliver on some extraordinary and disturbing sequences throughout. When the convent group begins the process of trying to "exorcise" Alina in the final act, the lenses through which we've been watching the film seem to shatter and fall away. Alina has been both a desperate, abused woman seeking the comfort of the only person she has ever been able to trust, and a self-destructive disruptor thrown into the heart of the placid religious community. The monastery's inhabitants have been quiet, faithful servants of their god and unsettling, almost cult-like zealots who see no further than the boundaries of their faith. When Mungiu pulls back from these views even momentarily -- by focusing for a scene on an emergency room doctor who sees the charade for what it is; or spending five or ten minutes with local police interrogating the participants -- the effect is striking. The system of rules and habits by which we all interpret outliers like persons with mental health issues, or devoutly religious people, suddenly seem like funhouse mirrors. Mungiu's 2016 film, Graduation, didn't offer me as much. It concerns a middle-aged Romanian father who is eager -- nay, desperate -- to secure his daughter's scholarship at a school in England. When she is raped on her way to one of her final exams and her results suffer, he focuses less on helping his child work through the trauma, and more on ensuring that her straight As remain straight, by cutting various back-room deals and peddling his influence as a local surgeon to secure the favours. Graduation is a thinner, meaner work than its predecessor. It would inevitably draw Michael Haneke comparisons with its devil-on-the-shoulder framing, and in Romeo's white bourgeois distrust of everyone and everything who is not that, which manifests in paranoia of losing all of that which he subconsciously thinks he has not earned. In one sequence, Romeo and an educator who can help with the daughter's case, which means essentially accepting a bribe, speak roughly of the "criminals" who run rampant and who shouldn't be allowed to affect Romeo's daughter's life, while assuring one another that they, themselves, don't "do this sort of thing." One class of criminals, discussing another. It's difficult to empathize with Romeo as he begins his decline into moral compromise. He is a father trying to help his daughter, but he is doing so for what seem to be entirely self-absorbed reasons; he is also somewhat of a colossal prick at the best of times, so your mileage may vary. He is cheating openly on his wife but takes a resoundingly hands-off approach to both his mistress' young son and the unborn child he has recently gifted her with. He refuses to classify his daughter's assault as rape because the perpetrator allegedly didn't get an erection, which somehow (to him) puts it lower on the spectrum of malevolence and does not violate his seeming pride/interest in his daughter's virginity. A recurring thread in the film involves someone or something smashing Romeo's windows, and with them Romeo's fragile placidity; "All that counts is getting back to a normal world," he tells his daughter, as though he and his family are living in some alternate-reality purgatory and not a comfortable, middle-class urban life. Graduation is relentless in demonstrating that that world is, indeed, corrupt; that bureaucracy fails frequently but extra-legal favour exchanges have created a secondary system. But Romeo seems to be part of the problem, lost in his own entitlement and privilege, long before he begins actively participating in that system. Extras across both discs are light. Both films feature newly recorded interviews with Cristian Mungiu that run about half an hour long and get at some of the social and philosophical motivations for their respective stories; the two discs also enshrine the Cannes press conferences, from 2012 and 2016 respectively, for Beyond the Hills and Graduation, which included key members of the cast as well. If you, like me, find watching press conferences the pinnacle of boredom, you'll probably skip these. The most interesting extra is on Beyond the Hills, which is a half-hour documentary on the making of the film from 2013, produced by Mungiu himself. This is a more detailed look at the production process, something of a rarity in an age where we usually tend to see this kind of journal for Cinematic Universe movies only. (But hey: New Romanian cinematic universe? Go for it. These would be some fine, miserable Avengers.) Beyond the Hills Director(s) Cristian Mungiu Writer(s) Cristian Mungiu (screenplay) Tatiana Niculescu-Bran (inspired by non-fiction novels of) Cast Cosmina Stratan Cristina Flutur Valeriu Andriuta Dana Tapalaga Interfaith iftars have sprung up all over the country to offer Muslims and non-Muslims a chance to bond over food. And in Gurugram, they are slowly establishing a tradition of communities not only relishing food, but also busting stereotypes, learning communal harmony anew, and talking culture together. For author Nazia Erum, the inspiration came from other Muslim women. The writer of Mothering a Muslim says the idea of organising an interfaith iftar came about when she saw some Muslim women do it. It all started with Muslim women opening their homes, and cooking with a lot of love for strangers. The idea was to call people who have never been to an iftar or never shared bread with a Muslim family. We did many last year also in Delhi, Noida, Mumbai, Kolkata, Guwahati and Hyderabad. Gurugram was the first one this year, says the author of Mothering a Muslim, adding, The Gurugram one was beautiful because a lot of people attended the feast for the time, and many were from different regions of India. Some of those who hosted these were non-Muslims. Erum explains, Its a heartfelt initiative because there is no economic side to it 10 of us cook one dish. People open their homes for us. Somebody says Ill take care of the Chole or paneer, Ill take care of the Biryani, each co-host gets six guests and those six guests have to be someone who has never been to an iftar. The attendees love the idea, too. We loved the idea of an interfaith iftar. I had never been to any iftar before this. I took my friend along, too. And when I came back, I had some great new friends, says Hina Arora, who attended one such iftar. Glimpse from the Gurgaon Nagrik Ekta Manchs interfaith iftar gathering. I attended the mutli- faith iftar party for the first time . The food was fabulous. A special effort was made to break stereotypes. We did an activity where we wrote one myth that was fed by the society, which was later discussed anonymously, says resident Neela Kaushik Gurugram-based film-maker Saba Dewan, who is part of Gurugram citizens group ,Gurgaon Nagrik Ekta Manch, that also hosted an intercommunity Iftar on Sunday at a community centre, says: The Iftars are strengthening the bondsof friendship and love between citizens. Gurugram, today, has a very diverse population and we see this as a first step in bringing different groups together. [The idea was] to get them together, break bread and start a dialogue. We got all sections of society together for this iftar, and even made extra efforts to get people from the villages, too. The event also saw song recital by students. Gurugram residents relish the delicacies on display. And while theyre at it, why not go along shattering some pre-conceived notions about communities? Neela Kaushik, a resident, says, I attended a multi-faith iftar party for the first time. The food was fabulous. A special effort was made to break stereotypes we did an activity where we wrote one myth that was fed by society, which was later discussed anonymously. Interact with the author at Twitter/ @Nainaarora8 Warner Bros on Wednesday released the first trailer for The Nun, a new potential prequel series spawned from the very successful Conjuring franchise. The film will trace the origins of the villainous Nun from The Conjuring 2. The one-and-a-half minute trailer opens with a message: Make sure you watch to the end. A young nun is haunted by visions of an evil presence. She tells the resident priest of her visions and is instructed by the church to travel to Romania. And thus, the trailer informs us, the darkest chapter (of the Conjuring universe) was born. The trailer offers several atmospheric shots of Romania, and the dungeons that the young nun and the priest explore to find answers to the malevolent presence that haunts them. And it ends with a trademark conjuring jump scare moment, probably the one that wed been told to wait for. The Nun was an afterthought in Conjuring 2, added by director James Wan in reshoots for the film. The character captured the imagination of the franchises fans, and was quickly given its own movie. Directed by Corin Hardy and produced and co-written by Wan, the creator and director of the first two Conjuring films, The Nun is scheduled for a September 17 release. The film, the fifth in the series, stars Oscar nominee Demian Bichir, Taissa Farmiga and Jonas Bloquet. Follow @htshowbiz for more Marvel knows how to set up a show. Weeks before their hotly anticipated Comic Con panel - an event at which fans are expecting the studio to premiere footage from Captain Marvel and reveal the title for Avengers 4 - chief Kevin Feige treated fans at the ongoing CineEurope event in Barcelona to exclusive previews from both films. According to the Hollywood Reporter, Disney held previews for films on their upcoming slate, including Toy Story 4, Aladdin, Dumbo and The Lion King. Security was extremely tight at the event, with attendees being told to hand in their cell phones before the presentation. But someone on Reddit offered second-hand descriptions of the footage Marvel showed. The Captain Marvel footage was mostly behind-the-scenes, but one unnamed crew member was quoted as saying that Captain Marvel is about to take the lead in the entire Marvel Cinematic Universe. As for the Avengers 4 footage, the Reddit post said that fans were shown an exchange between Iron Man and Ant-Man, in which they were discussing a new piece of technology that would enable the Avengers to go to multiple realities and collect the Infinity Stones. ATENCIONNN En reedit se ha filtrado una potencial filtracion sobre el material filtrado de #Avengers4 en la #CineEurope2018 Resumiendo trata sobre Tony Stark y AntMan hablando de un dispositivo que les permita viajar distintas realidades obteniendo las gemas del infinito. pic.twitter.com/1RHgb63WI3 MarvelFlix (@MarvelFlix) June 13, 2018 This falls in line with all the early reports weve heard, and the leaked set pictures we saw ahead of the release of Avengers: Infinity War. In the picture, we saw the Avengers back on the Battle of New York set, but joined by Ant-Man. Fans have speculated that in order to save the heroes who died at the end of Infinity War, the surviving members of the team would travel back in time with the help of a Time Stone. In those pictures we also saw each of the actors wearing blue additions to their suits, indicating the involvement of new tech. Ant-Man and the Wasp is expected to introduce the Quantum Realm into the Marvel Cinematic Universe, opening the doors to alternate realities. A recent unofficial synopsis of the film also teased time travel, alternate realities, and more death. Avengers 4 is scheduled for a May, 2019 release. The film will serve as a conclusion to the current iteration of the MCU. Follow @htshowbiz for more A cloud of dust hung over vast swathes of north Indian plains for the third day in a row on Thursday, spiking air pollution levels and prompting authorities to suspend civil construction works in Delhi and Haryana. It also affected flight services at Chandigarh airport. In Uttar Pradesh, dust and thunder storms hit various parts, leaving 15 people dead and 28 injured since Wednesday. According to the Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) data, the air quality deteriorated because of dust storms in western India, particularly Rajasthan. A spokesman of the Uttar Pradesh government said, Fifteen people were killed in dust storm (since Wednesday). Six died in Sitapur, three each in Gonda and Kaushambi, and one each in Faizabad, Hardoi and Chitrakoot. Besides, 17 people were injured in Sitapur and 11 in Faizabad, he said. Authorities in UP said dusty conditions are likely to prevail for another 3-4 days and advised people to avoid staying outdoors for long hours. Low visibility led to cancellation of all flights to and from Chandigarh International Airport. No flight landed or took off from Chandigarh until Thursday afternoon due to bad weather, an airport official said. In Delhi, airport officials said bad weather forced at least 27 flights to remain grounded on Thursday. Fourteen flight departures from Delhi and 13 incoming flights to the national capital remained cancelled, an official said. The Haryana State Pollution Control Board (HSPCB) has issued an advisory that no construction activities, hot mix plants and stone crushers be operated for the next two days. Delhi and NCR areas and other parts of Haryana have been experiencing severe air pollution due to dust storm with the PM 2.5 value crossing even 500g/m3 and considerably higher PM10 values, stated the HSPCB advisory. A veil of dust spread over the plains of Uttarakhand for the second consecutive day today (Thursday), reducing the harshness of the sun but adding to humidity levels. Strong winds blowing from Rajasthan and Punjab have brought with them both dust and moisture, affecting most of north India, including Uttarakhand and western Uttar Pradesh, MeT office director Vikram Singh said in Dehradun. The UP government has directed district magistrates of affected areas to ensure proper treatment of those injured and distribute relief cheques within 24 hours. The Met department has issued warnings of thunderstorm accompanied with squall, dust storm and rain at isolated places over east Uttar Pradesh. (With agency inputs) Police on Thursday told a court in Pune that four accused, arrested in connection with the Bhima Koregaon violence, were allegedly involved in planning and executing a lecture series in Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University in memory of a Maoist, who was killed in a police encounter, to instigate students to join the proscribed CPI (Maoist) outfit. The court extended the police custody of the four accused Sudhir Dhavale, Mahesh Raut, Shoma Sen and Rona Wilson till June 21 after they were produced before it. Seeking their further custody, public prosecutor Ujjwala Pawar told additional sessions judge KD Vadhane that enticing students to join the banned organisation is a deep rooted conspiracy, which needs to be investigated as it is a big threat to national security. A lecture series in memory of slain Maoist Naveen Babu, who was killed in a police encounter, was organised in JNU. It was on the Maoists directions that the lecture series was organised on the JNU campus and the event was to instigate, provoke and motivate students to join this banned organisation, Pawar told the court. Pawar told the court that the accused were tasked to execute the lecture series plan at the behest of the CPI (Maoist) outfit. Documents (seized during the searches) establish that all the accused were involved in anti-national activities. It is very crucial to investigate their role in the execution of the programme and that is why further police custody is necessary, she said. She also told the court that funds were provided to the execute anti-national activities. It is revealed that to implement anti-national activities, funds were provided and police have recovered Rs 80,000, during the seizure operation, from Wilsons house in Delhi, Pawar said. She told the court that Wilson was not divulging details of the seized money. Taking the lecture series in JNU, enticing students by giving provocation to join the banned organisation is a deep rooted conspiracy and is a big threat to national security, she said. The prosecution also told the court that police had recovered 25 TB (terabyte) of data during the seizure and further custody of the accused was needed to investigate the data. The six were arrested for alleged Maoist links following a probe into violence in Pune districts Bhima Koregaon town on January 1, a day after Elgar Parishad was held at historic Shaniwarwada in Pune. Elgar Parishad is a small part of this conspiracy as the overall conspiracy against the nation needs to be investigated, Pawar said in her submission. The four were arrested on June 6. The body of a soldier, who went missing after a landslide in Jammu and Kashmirs Kupwara district last year, has been found after six months, an Army officer said on Thursday. Sepoy Shammi Singh (26) had gone missing on December 11, 2017, in Kupwara district and his body was recovered on Wednesday, the officer said. Singh was part of an operational team which was serving in the formidable heights along the Line of Control (LoC) and was swept away in a landslide during patrolling, he added. Two bodies had been recovered earlier, while Singh remained missing, the officer said. He said search operations resumed after the snow melted and concluded on Wednesday with the recovery of Singhs body. The Army paid floral tributes to Singh at the Badami Bagh cantonment in Srinagar. Chief of Staff of Chinar Corps, Lt Gen SK Sharma and other personnel attended the ceremony. Singhs mortal remains were flown to his native Makroli village in Himachal Pradeshs Kangra district, where he will be laid to rest with full military honours, the officer said. Singh had joined the Army in 2012 and is survived by his parents. All 22 crew members of a cargo ship that caught fire en route Kolkata from Krishnapatnam in Andhra Pradesh were rescued on Thursday. The fire broke out around midnight on Wednesday when the vessel was near Sagar at the confluence of Hooghly river and the Bay of Bengal. Personnel of the Coast Guard, who rushed from Haldia Port, rescued the crew members. The ship named MV SSL Kolkata was carrying 10,683.51 metric tonne of cargo in 464 containers . Almost the entire cargo was damaged in the fire. The ship reported fire on the deck cargo containing chemicals at about 11 pm on Wednesday night, Sanjoy Mukherjee, a Kolkata Port Trust (KoPT) spokesman, said. Krishnapatnam is a deep water port in Nellore district in Andhra Pradesh. There are no reports of fuel being spilled in the waters. If there is any such situation, we will take care of it, said inspector general Kuldeep Singh Sheoran of the Indian Coast Guard. We are also seeking assistance of National Remote Sensing Centre for tracking of oil slick in the event of spillage, KoPT spokesman Sanjoy Mukherjee said. (With PTI inputs) Mullur in Pudukkottai district of Tamil Nadu would be one among the countless villages which dot the length and breadth of India, if not for one key fact. For nearly a decade now, the locally famed Muthu Mariyamman temple in the village has remain locked, and this time too in May when the annual festival was supposed to be held, there were no celebrations but only an air of distrust and quiet hostility pervading among the villagers. The reason: ever since Dalits demanded that they be allowed to enter the temple, the majority caste Hindus who are opposing the move have not only given up celebrating the temple festival from 2009 but also locked it out of the residents reach. The village has around 400 Dalits while the majority of its 2,000 population comprise the land-owning Mukkulathor or Thevar caste (which includes the sub-castes of Kallar, Agamudayar and Maravar communities). The Dalits used to work as farm labourers in the land owned by the Mukkulathor. Both communities collectively pray the ancestral deity, Muthu Mariyamman, at the ancient temple that was rebuilt about three decades ago. R Peraman, a Dalit, says until two decades ago, the caste Hindus did not have any problem with them visiting the temple since our parents and grandparents worked as labourers on their farms. But with the younger generation becoming politically aware and economically a bit more independent, the Dalits dependence on the upper castes reduced with many young Dalits going to colleges, finding work in neighbouring Thanjavur, Trichy and Coimbatore. All of a sudden, our dependence on them came down. Which is why I believe we were suddenly barred from entering the temple or participating in the annual festival. As long as we knew our place, it was okay, but the moment we became a little independent, that is when trouble started, Peraman argued. To counter the locking up of the temple, Dalits, after failing at negotiations with the upper castes to reach a settlement for nearly seven years, approached the Madras high court in 2016. The court directed the administration to resolve the issue, noting that the temple was privately owned. The district officials told the Thevars that the Dalits had to be allowed into the temple. The upper caste Hindus still refused, and continued to keep the temple locked while also halting the annual festival celebration to prevent the Dalits from participating, Peraman said. A senior officer posted at the Ganesh Nagar police station in Pudukkottai said, When they (the upper caste Hindus) chose not to allow the Dalits and shut it, we sealed the temple to prevent any further trouble. M Veera Pandiyan, general secretary of a peoples welfare forum for the marginalised section, said, Temple festivals are supposed to bring peace and harmony between people of various clans. Such festivals are supposed to unite the local community. But now, such festivals are becoming a platform to express caste pride. Last month, two Dalits were killed during a temple festival at Kachanatham of Sivagangai. To avoid such violence, the government should frame temple festival committees which has locals representatives belonging to different castes, revenue officials, and local police inspector as members to conduct the festival without violence. Peraman said the reaction of the upper caste Hindus is mainly due to the improving socio-economic conditions of the Dalits. They cannot tolerate us growing economically or see us educated. They would prefer that we remain servile and work as labourers. S Selvaraj, Pudukkottai superintendent of police, said the police tried its best to resolve the issue so that the festival could be organised again. But the two communities are not ready to cooperate. Therefore, we locked the temple to avoid violence. If they mutually agree to, we are ready to resolve the issue. The coordination committee of the Congress-Janata Dal (Secular) alliance government conducted its first meeting in the city on Thursday and decided to come up with a common minimum programme that would ensure the smooth functioning of the government. The committee is headed by former chief minister Siddaramaiah with deputy chief minister G Parameshwara and All-India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in-charge of the state KC Venugopal as its members from Congress while chief minister HD Kumaraswamy as well as JD(S)s secretary general Danish Ali represent the regional party. At the first meeting the committee decided to name a panel to draft the common minimum programme of the alliance to ensure smooth coordination among the two parties in running the government. Addressing the mediapersons after the meeting, Siddaramaiah said, As this is a coalition government, it will be difficult to implement all the assurances made in the respective manifestos of the two parties, but these will be met over the course of the next 5 years. Siddaramaiah said the drafting committee would have three Congress and two JD(S) members and the names of the members would be announced on Friday. Keeping in mind the manifestos of both the parties a draft programme will be chalked up within 10 days and will be placed before the coordination committee, which will have to approve it, he said. The committee also decided to continue the flagship schemes of the previous Siddaramaiah government, including the Anna Bhagya scheme for providing free rice to below the poverty line families. However, the leaders refused to reveal the discussions on the issue of disgruntled MLAs on both sides. On Thursday, former minister HK Patil met Venugopal to convey the dissension within the state unit of the party to the high command. Ever since the cabinet of the coalition government was expanded last week, senior leaders of both the Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) have publicly aired their grievances at having lost out on ministerial berths. After meeting Venugopal, Patil told media persons that he had been advised to meet party president Rahul Gandhi. Whenever he calls me for a meeting I will tell him about the minor problems that some of us have, as our intention is to strengthen the party, he said. A month after former Doon Congress MLA Ram Kumar Chaudharys cousin was murdered, six men assaulted his nephew on Wednesday night in Baddi in Himachal Pradesh. Additional superintendent of police (ASP) Naresh Kumar said, Around 11:30 last night, Ram Kumars nephew Sohan Singh Kundlas and his three friends were attacked by unidentified men on their way back home. The victim also alleged that the men fired in the air. The ASP said, Sohan and his friends sustained injuries and were taken to the community health centre. A case under Section 307 (attempt to murder), 148 (rioting) and 34 (crime committed by more than one person with common intention) was registered by the police against unidentified persons. The ASP said, We are probing the case from all angles. Sometimes my learned optimism gets the better of me. By which I mean that China Salesman is a complete disaster. Early peeks at trailers and clips gave me the mistaken idea that the film might be able to pull off an awkward mixture of aging action stars and lesser-known dramatic actors with flair and a sense of fun ... or at least create a storyline that was easily understood as a set-up for the action sequences. After all, longtime action fans, such as myself, understand that a lack of narrative cohesion is sometimes the price that must be paid in the pursuit of truly awesome, spine-tingling and elaborate scenes of battle and mayhem. While I have no doubt that all members of the cast and crew worked very hard under presumably challenging conditions, China Salesman is still ... a complete disaster. As I watched the film, my mind scurried to figure out what was being said, and to what purpose. At some point, someone signed off on the script, which, for all I know, makes perfect sense on the printed page. On the screen, however, delivered in a variety of languages in a variety of stilted accents by a variety of actors who sound like they just read their lines for the first time and in a language in which they are not fluent ... it's well-nigh incomprehensible, to the extent that I eventually gave up on trying to decipher exactly what some of the actors were saying. None of that would matter as much or become so noticeable if the action sequences really stood out. Sadly, Tan Bing (aka Bing Tan), who wrote the script with Scott Salter and directed (evidently by himself), displays only a rudimentary grasp of visual aesthetics. It's entirely possible, of course, that he is an expert in filming time, space, and flying bodies, but chose a different approach here because ... er ... artistic freedom? For the record, Li Dong-xue (1911, Brotherhood of Blades) stars as Yan Jian, an IT engineer who travels to North Africa because he would like to get out of his office in China and stretch his legs, professionally speaking. He works for a telecommunications company that is bidding on a new contract for the unidentified nation, which has just emerged from a devastating civil war and is eager to join the modern world. Upon arrival, Yan Jian meets with his colleague Ruan Ling, who has been plowing away as a sales executive without success for some time. Due to his engineering brilliance and a bit of deceitful trickery, though, Yan Jian enables their company to show up other competitors and land in a two-company competition to win the multi-million dollar bid. Not everyone is happy with Yan Jian's success, however, especially his sneering rivals at the competing company, who will go to any length to win the contract. And from the beginning, we see that tribal leader Kabbah (Mike Tyson) doesn't want anyone to win the contract, because ... er ... {mumble mumble mumble}. Yeah, Li Cong-xue's spoken English is poor, but I realize it's not his first language. But Mike Tyson -- please don't hit me, Mr. Tyson, but I didn't understand a thing you said in this movie. I suppose his fists are intended to do his talking for him, but nearly all the action scenes are actually military battles, and so there is little for him to do except growl and shout and hoist a bazooka on his shoulder. As for Steven Seagal, who appears early and then not so often as a mercenary of some sort, I know he can speak English intelligibly because I've heard him speak English in all his other movies. Now in his 60s -- but only two years older than Jackie Chan -- the poor man evidently has trouble moving around. I can certainly sympathize -- not everybody can be Jackie Chan! -- but that means his fight scenes consist of him grunting and holding up his fists and grunting and then holding up his arms and moving them in irregular patterns. Perhaps that's intended to represent his new style of action choreography? Yikes! To make matters more unintelligible, the plot itself jumps around, introducing new rivals and new enemies and new factions, and I haven't even mentioned Janicke Askevold, who is evidently a blue belt in Shotokan Karate (according to IMDb), but never gets to show that off. Instead, she alternates screaming and sneering at people, and then eventually begins to fall a little for Yan Jian. Oh, did I mention that this movie claims it is based on a true story? How could I bury the lede like that? Or explain why the film is titled China Salesman? Maybe that can wait until the sequel. The film will open in select U.S. theaters on Friday, June 15 and VOD platforms on Tuesday, June 26. Floods triggered by heavy rainfall over the past three days have claimed the lives of nine people in the Northeast and affected nearly four lakh people across the region. Several rivers are flowing above danger level and landslides, submerged roads and railways tracks have affected movement of traffic at several places and led to cancellations of some trains. According to the Assam state disaster management authority, seven districts Hojai, Karbi Anglong East, Karbi Anglong West, Golaghat, Karimganj, Hailakandi and Cachar have been affected. Dhansiri, Barak, Katakhat and Kushiyara rivers in the state are flowing above the danger level at five places. Floods claimed one life in Golaghat. At least 1.66 lakh residents from 370 villages have been affected and flood waters have damaged 1,367 hectares of crops. Nearly 36,000 displaced people are residing in 116 relief camps. The flood situation in Manipur continued to remain grim as many houses in five valley districts are under water despite receding flood waters following the repairing a breached river embankment on Thursday. The flood claimed five lives, including a 7-year-old boy. Meanwhile, all government offices and educational institutions in valley districts, except 11 government departments, including four essential services, which remained to shut for the second day on Thursday on account of flood, will remained closed for another day. The disaster response force, state police, paramilitary forces and local volunteers have taken up relief and rescue operations and are helping flood-affected families taking shelter at more than 50 relief camps in five valley districts. According to reports, steps are on to clear the landslide on Imphal-Jiribam highway to make way for 400 stranded goods trucks. Reports from the directorate of relief and disaster management on Thursday said that as many as 1.7 lakh people and 101 villages have been affected in the ongoing flood. In Tripura, three flood-related deaths have been reported. The body of one victim was recovered at Khowai district on Thursday. Nearly 25,805 people from 6,693 families are sheltered at 189 camps and an estimated 1,515 hectares of crop land was affected. The shooting of Rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari sent shock waves across the state and country on Thursday. Politicians, separatists and journalists across the spectrum condemned the killing, days before Eid. Home minister Rajnath Singh termed the killing as an attempt to silence the voices of reason. The killing of @RisingKashmir editor, Shujaat Bukhari is an act of cowardice. It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist. Extremely shocked & pained at his death. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family, he tweeted. Bukhari was shot dead by unknown gunmen along with his personal security guards outside the Rising Kashmir office in Srinagar. Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti also condemned the act. Shocked & deeply saddened by the sudden demise of Shujaat Bukhari. The scourge of terror has reared its ugly head on the eve of Eid. I strongly condemn this act of mindless violence & pray for his soul to rest in peace, she wrote on twitter. She blamed the killing on terrorism. Terrorism has hit a new low with Shujaats killing. That too on the eve of Eid. We must unite against forces seeking to undermine our attempts to restore peace. Justice will be done, she said Congress president Rahul Gandhi termed Bukhari a brave heart. Im anguished to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of @RisingKashmir. He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu & Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed, he said. Former state chief minister and National Conference president Omar Abdullah said he was shocked. Even in the last tweet he put out he was defending himself, his colleagues & his profession. He died in the line of duty doing what he did best & loved doing - journalism. #ShujaatBukhari, Omar wrote on twitter. My last DM exchange with #ShujaatBukhari. I cant believe the mulaqat we were going to fix will never take place now. Life is just too uncertain & often too unkind, he said. Separatists react Hardline separatist leader Syed Ali Geelani condemned the killing, saying it was against moral and human ethics to kill a person without any justification. Moderate separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq said that the killing was inhuman and unpardonable. Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic news of Shujaat Bukharis killing! Such inhumanity is unpardonable and condemned in the strongest terms! Proud son of the soil his death is a huge loss, he said. Shujaat was an erudite intellectual a fearless journalist and above all a selfless human deeply concerned for his people. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family. Pray to almighty for his magfirat and place in Jannat, Mirwaiz wrote. Jammu and Kashmir Liberation Front chairman Yasin Malik termed the attack as barbaric, gruesome and a direct assault on freedom of speech and expression. Malik said that Kashmir has today lost a balanced voice at the hands of ruthless assailants and this is actually a moment of mourning for all of us. Rising Kashmir staff devastated The people in the newsroom of Rising Kashmir were shocked and numb but no one was ready to talk to media at this moment. Rising Kashmir is devastated. Moments before he was among us, now he is no more, said an employee not wishing to be named. The government will talk to taxi aggregators such as Ola and Uber to provide an exclusive women pooling option to women passengers, in the aftermath of incidents where passengers were harassed or assaulted by drivers or co-passengers, two senior government officials said. The Union road transport and highways ministry will call a meeting of taxi aggregators shortly to discuss the issue, said one of the officials cited above. This is one option we are mulling to enhance safety of women using shared taxi services. We strongly feel that women passengers using ride hailing services should have the option to choose their co-passengers, said another official, who asked to not be named. Last week, Union women and child (WCD) minister Maneka Gandhi had mooted the idea of giving women passengers the option of choosing co-passengers. Gandhi had said that her ministry will discuss it with the road ministry. This issue, however, was not discussed at a meeting between road and WCD ministries officials on Wednesday. The meeting reviewed measures related to the safety of women using ride hailing services. The trigger for the meeting was the June 5 incident in which an Ola cab driver in Bengaluru allegedly forced a woman passenger to strip. The driver was subsequently arrested by the police. Asked for their view on an exclusively women-pooling option, an Uber spokesperson said, We believe that technologies like Uber provide an incredible opportunity to improve the safety of riders and driver partners in new and innovative ways before, during and after every ride. Over the years, we have introduced and integrated many safety features on our app for our riders and drivers and continue to innovate. We are committed to working with the government and other stakeholders towards partnering on road as well as rider, driver safety initiatives and moving our cities forward. An Ola spokesperson sought time till Thursday to respond. In Wednesdays meeting, which was also attended by representatives from Uber and Ola, the aggregators were told to put in place a foolproof mechanism to track any route diversion by drivers. There should be an automatic response in case of route diversion and those tracking the vehicle movement should immediately contact the driver and the passenger, said a road ministry official who attended the meeting. The aggregators were also asked to share the standard operating procedure that they follow while recruiting drivers. The 2016 taxi guidelines, brought out by the road ministry, specifies that taxi aggregators should have an emergency response centre to handle SOS alerts by passengers and should also have adequate safety features for the passengers such as sharing the details of a ride. Currently, both Uber and Ola apps have panic buttons that users can press in case of an emergency. The existing motor vehicle law does not cover taxi aggregators. However, the Motor Vehicle Act (Amendment) bill 2017, which is pending in Parliament, has brought such services under it. Violating the licensing norm will result in aggregators being fine between Rs 25,000 and Rs 1 lakh. Patidar quota agitation leader Hardik Patel on Thursday stirred a controversy by making a claim about the resignation of Gujarat chief minister Vijay Rupani, who rubbished it as lies and false rumours. Rupani said there was no question of resigning and he will complete his five-year term. During his visit to Rajkot on Thursday, Patel claimed that Rupani had resigned during Wednesdays cabinet meeting after being asked by his party to do so. Rupani had resigned on Wednesday during the cabinet meet. I am saying this with full confidence. Rupani was asked to resign because he has failed to handle the administration properly, the 24-year-old quota agitation spearhead told reporters. A new chief minister will be appointed within 10 days. The party (BJP) will chose either a Patidar or a Rajput as the new chief minister, he further claimed. Upon learning about such claims, Rupani said, Hardik is spreading blatant lies to be in media. I wonder if he is aware about the procedure that the resignation has to be handed over to the governor at Raj Bhawan, not in the cabinet meeting. Talking to reporters in Gandhinagar, he said there was absolutely no discussion going on in the party or the government or at the senior leadership level about his resignation. I have not given any resignation and there is no question of doing so because people have given us their mandate to serve them for five years, said Rupani. Terming Patel as a Congress agent, he said some people were spreading such false rumours to derail Gujarats journey of development. It is possible that some people did not like the poll outcome. People know that he (Hardik) has worked as a Congress agent for many years. Thus, it is natural that he is feeling uncomfortable. Otherwise, what he has claimed is totally false, Rupani added. Deputy chief minister Nitin Patel also rubbished such claims, saying it was the handiwork of the BJPs opponents. Our chief minister has not resigned. No such development took place on Wednesday. These are all false and baseless rumours being spread by the BJPs opponents to stir controversies. But, we in BJP will always remain together despite such rumours, he said. Hours before he fell to the bullets of unidentified gunmen, Rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari had vigorously defended his work on Twitter when some Delhi-based journalists accused him of doing biased reportage on Kashmir, and had posted the UN report on alleged human rights violations in the Valley. One of his last tweets read: First-ever @UNHumanRights report on #Kashmir calls for #international inquiry into multiple violations. Bukhari, who had a distinguishable tall frame and husky voice, said in another tweet, In #Kashmir we have done Journalism with pride and will continue to highlight what happens on ground. As the news of his cold-blooded killing spread, social media reacted with surprise and disgust about the cowardly act as politicians, journalists and common people expressed their condolences and condemnation at the barbaric act. The killing of @RisingKashmir editor, Shujaat Bukhari is an act of cowardice. It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist. Extremely shocked & pained at his death. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family, home minister Rajnath Singh said. Congress president Rahul Gandhi, too, expressed his anguish about the killing of the editor who was one of the most important voices of Kashmir. He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu & Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed, he said on Twitter. The killing took place in heavily guarded Press Enclave near the Lal Chowk area in Srinagar when Bukhari, in his 50s, was going from his office there to attend an Iftar function. Police inspects the damaged car of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari who was shot dead by unidentified gunmen outside his office in Srinagar. (Waseem Andrabi/HT Photo) Were deeply dismayed to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of @RisingKashmir. He was a brave and outspoken voice for justice and equality in Jammu and Kashmir, Amnesty India said in its message. Director general press information Buerau Sitanshu Kar said, Extremely saddened by the way the voice of #shujaatbukhari, one of the finest journalists of J&K, has been silenced. His voice of moderation will be missed by all. RJD leader and former deputy chief minister of Bihar Tejashwi Yadav wrote shocked & saddened by the unfortunate news of @bukharishujaat s death. Indeed darkest days for fearless & independent journalists in the country. Govts must ensure speedy investigation & punish the perpetrators. Where we are heading as a country? Former army commander in the area Lt Gen (retd) Syed Ata Hasnain said, Very pained to hear of the shooting of Shujat Bukhari, Editor of Rising Kashmir. Long time associate, over 20 years. Played a very important role in Kashmir. Regret to learn that he is no more. May his soul rest in peace. What will the trts/Separatists aim to achieve with this. While one of the personal security officers (PSO) guarding him was killed, another policeman and a civilian were injured, they added. The condition of the two injured in the shooting, which comes two days before Eid, is critical, they said. It was not immediately clear how many gunmen attacked Bukhari, who earlier worked with The Hindu newspaper as its Kashmir correspondent. Bukhari was instrumental in organising several conferences for peace in the Kashmir Valley. He was also part of the Track II process with Pakistan. Activist Sunanda Patwardhan was in her office in interior Jawhar district, one morning last year, when a local Warli woman angrily demanded to see her. She had just returned from Mumbai and what she had witnessed left her incensed. Two-three fans in one room, tubelights, many bulbs, moving pictures, mixer, fridge, washing machine, everything can run on their grids, and ours? Even the light that comes from our bulbs is weak, she fumed. Patwardhan tried to console her, saying she would have to pay more than the flat rate she paid now for electricity. I dont know all that. What I do know is we are being given less and they are being given more. Tai (sister), you fix it, she said as she stormed off. Patwardhan smiles. She knew even without an education and without knowing any science, that the electricity that comes off the microgrid is not the same, she says. Inequality from access to electricity comes in many forms. One is the lack of access itself and the second is access to a watered-down version. The first allows consumers free reign of use, the latter requires consumers to consider the collective good. The first comes from privilege, the latter from the interminable wait to be hooked up to the grid. When Tulsabai Sankhwad, 42, became sarpanch of Arjapur, in Biloli, Maharashtra, her first act in 2015 was to give electricity to the Masanjogi gully, a narrow strip of slums, the nomadic community had been consigned to since the 1960s. For the first time, there are streetlights along its narrow lane, and in her house, a tubelight, a bulb, and a mixer. The electricity is not constant. As evening falls, they still sometimes sit in the dark, but that it comes on at all is a big change. One of the small repercussions of enforced representation policies in local body politics has been the widening of access to power, real power. Whether the electricity comes from the conventional grid or the solar microgrid, to the recipient, electricity is electricity, says Debajit Palit, associate director of The Energy and Resources Institute (TERI) for rural energy and livelihoods. In Jharkhand and Chhattisgarh, Palit tells of villages that differentiate between asli bijli (real electricity) and chhoti bijli (little electricity). They join the queue of people who keep waiting for the government grid, Palit says. The distinction between asli and chhoti bijli or electricity emanating from microgrids, or solo solar panels that provide enough power to charge just one mobile phone or one low watt bulb, is commonplace in the villages of the have-nots. The terms are self-explanatory: renewable electricity is temporary, a stop gap arrangement. Remarkably, there is no real study conducted on the factors that influenced the distribution of electricity amongst villagers and towns over the past 70 years. But even as the push to reduce the queue intensifies, it is apparent that those in line have lived with many deprivations. Some indicators are available in a paper titled, Inequalities in LPG and electricity consumption: The role of caste, tribe and religion. Authored by Vibhor Saxena, economist from the University of StAndrews,and Prabir Bhattacharya, Herriot-Watt University, UK, they used data from the 68th National Sample Survey Organisation data (2011-12) of 87,753 households, to identify inequalities in access to electricity and Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) amongst scheduled castes, scheduled tribes and Muslims. Saxena and Bhattacharya point out that since the aim of electrification was to increase food output until 2004, households remained neglected. Because irrigation was the priority, wealthy and upper caste farmers had prime pickings and everyone else relied on theft and leakages. In the urban areas too, it is claimed that the supply of electricity is least interrupted in those areas where the members of high-income social groups generally live, the paper points out. Major factors influencing lack of access are linked to location. Scheduled castes, tribes and Muslims have lived in socio-economically backward locations, remote areas, or where urban, in ghettos. In rural areas, they live in segregated areas. Lack of law enforcement in urban slums allows for illegal access to electricity but also results in penalties. Using econometrics, the authors quantify how the impacts of education, household income, age and other determinants of access to modern energy goods may be unfavourably skewed against marginalised social groups. They considered access to a ration card, the households main occupation, average age of members, size, ownership of dwelling, and ceremonies over the last 30 days, the logic being that families that have held ceremonies consume 109KW of electricity while the average consumption is 87KW. Ration cards are found to enable access to public goods and services and those with them are found to consume higher electricity. Households, whose primary occupation is agriculture, consume 6.2% less electricity than non-agricultural households. The authors outline how it is all interlinked. Access to these depends on higher income, higher education levels, better health of members, which, in turn, depends on access to clean water and cooking fuels, which is linked to access to electricity. What is significant is, after accounting for income and education, there is a difference in the likelihood of access between caste and social status. This indicates the prevalence of social bias. The study indicates that even amongst the marginalised groups, the scheduled tribes have the lowest probability of access. Traditional grid vs microgrid consumption TRADITIONAL GRID MICROGRID High cost of last-mile installation Energy generation more expensive (because of limited diversity factor and need for reliability) Consumer pays for option of getting electricity, and a modest amount for incremental consumption If solar, no fuel costs, so consumer averages fixed costs into expected consumption Generation charges cover both fixed and variable costs Last-mile installation, operation & maintenance costs similar to traditional grid More diversity. Can handle incremental load Has less headroom to negotiate increased consumption load Can spread cost of unit out across Charged per unit According to the study, In the case of electricity usage, scheduled tribes have the lowest predicted outcome followed by scheduled caste households. Muslims households have a predicted outcome larger than all social groups, including upper caste households. Predicted probability of electricity usage rises as we move from illiterate to highly-educated category households. Estimates of discrimination are more likely to be relevant for scheduled tribes and castes than Muslim households, the authors conclude. At the policy level, while there are many schemes and interventions to overcome inequalities in general, the authors call for pointed interventions in access to electricity for marginalised households. The issue of equitable access across caste and community lines has been neglected, and due to the push for complete electrification, is becoming less critical, says N Sreekumar, a Hyderabad-based analyst at Prayas. We believe that there are political pressures to decide which 10% gets electrified first and the routes of the electricity lines. But with the drive for 100% electrification, this question is less critical, he says. As connectivity proliferates, microgrids will soon take on the supporting role. Ashwini Chitnis, also an analyst at Prayas, points out that the issue most renewable grids are facing today is how to stave off redundancy and play that supplementary role. There is no doubt that connectivity to the main grid allows consumers greater freedom of usage and is also more cost-effective as it spreads the cost over a larger consumer base. The microgrid is not sustainable in terms of cost for heavy usage. As the march towards 100% electrification picks up pace, the issues of sustainable and equitable use, remain. The long-term solution will be for renewable energy sources to feed into the main grid, experts say. So far, its been one or the other. A determined blending requires an understanding of the lack of equity, and that has not been quantified. As for consumers, who hope to consume as equals, the never-ending cycle of consumption is triggered to the point of inclusion. Everyones waiting for asli bijli now. India on Thursday expressed its deep dismay over the 19-month prison sentence awarded to former Maldives president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, the sitting chief justice and another judge for obstruction of justice in a development that will likely add to the strain in ties between New Delhi and the Indian Ocean archipelago. A Maldives court sentenced Maumoon Abdul Gayoom to one year, seven months and six days in prison on Wednesday for failing to hand over his mobile phone to investigators. Chief justice Abdulla Saeed and another Su- preme Court judge, Ali Hameed, were also handed the same sentence. The three were arrested on charges of plotting a coup, shortly after a state of emergency was declared on February 5 and following a Supreme Court order to release nine political prisoners. In a statement, the ministry of external affairs (MEA) said India reiterated its advice to the Maldivian government to restore the credibility of the electoral and political processes by releasing the political prisoners, including Gayoom and the chief justice. The statement said India had repeatedly urged the Maldivian government to allow all institutions, including its Supreme Court and parliament, to function in an independent manner and permit genuine political dialogue between all political parties. This has also been the demand of the international community at large. It is, therefore, with deep dismay that we learned that the former president of the Maldives as well as the chief justice of the Supreme Court are being sentenced to long prison terms without fair trial, the MEA said. This casts doubt on the commitment of the government of Maldives to uphold the rule of law and will also call into question the credibility of the entire process of presidential elections in September this year, the MEA said. Measures taken by the Maldives government in recent years have led to deep distrust in its ties with India. The Maldives remains the only member-country of the South Asian Association of Regi- onal Cooperation that PM Narendra Modi is yet to visit. Gayoom, who ruled the Maldives for three decades, is the second former president to be jailed under the regime of Yameen Abdul Gayoom. He was arrested in February on charges of attempting to overthrow Yameen, his half brother. Yameen, who was elected in 2013, has rolled back much of the democratic gains . The country of 400,000 people has seen political unrest since its first democratically elected leader, Mohamed Nasheed, was forced to quit amid a police mutiny in 2012. Maldive has faced upheaval since February, when Yameen imposed a 45-day emergency to annul a Supreme Court ruling that quashed the convictions of nine opposition leaders, including Nasheed. During the emergency, authorities arrested the three men and a Supreme Court administrator on charges of trying to overthrow the government. They still face those charges. Criminal court judge Hassan Najeeb refused multiple appeals by the defendants to be given time to appoint new lawyers. Najeeb said it was clear the defendants had mobile phones and refused to comply with a police investigation and requests to hand over their devices. (With agency inputs) A senior journalist and chief editor of a popular Kashmiri newspaper was killed on Thursday by unidentified gunmen in a drive-by shooting in Srinagar that put an already tense state on edge and led chief minister Mehbobba Mufti to describe the attack as a new low for terrorism. Shujaat Bukhari, 48, the editor-in-chief of Rising Kashmir, was targeted by three gunmen on a motorcycle while he was in his car, having just left his Press Colony office just before Iftar. He was accompanied by two security guards, Abdul Hameed and Mumtaz Ahmad, who were also killed as multiple bullets were sprayed at them. Union home minister Rajnath Singh said there is no doubt that terrorists have killed Shujaat Bhukhari. He also spoke to the Jammu and Kashmir CM Mehbooba Mufti late on Wednesday, and said she was distraught. Jammu and Kashmir Police released pictures of the assailants, asking the public to help identify them. A journalist for three decades, he had worked for 15 years at The Hindu and was known in the state and the rest of the country as an important Kashmiri voice. No militant organisation had taken responsibility for the attack by the time of going to print. Bukhari was an advocate of a peaceful resolution of the Kashmir issue and was instrumental in organising several conferences involving former diplomats and generals from India and Pakistan. He was also part of the Track-II diplomatic process with the neighbouring country. The killing led to an outpouring of condolence messages from people on all sides of the political spectrum, including separatist leaders. The killing of @RisingKashmir editor, Shujaat Bukhari is an act of cowardice. It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist. Extremely shocked & pained at his death. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family, the home minister tweeted. Im anguished to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of @RisingKashmir. He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu & Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed, said Congress president Rahul Gandhi in a tweet. Chief minister Mehbooba Mufti, who went to Bukharis house to meet his family, broke down while speaking about him. This is really shocking. He came to meet me a few days back. This is upsetting..., she said. Bukhari is survived by his wife and two children. Deeply saddened and shocked by the tragic news of Shujaat Bukharis killing! Such inhumanity is unpardonable and condemned in the strongest terms! Proud son of the soil his death is a huge loss.Shujaat was an erudite intellectual a fearless journalist and above all a selfless human deeply concerned for his people. My heartfelt condolences to his bereaved family. Pray to almighty for his magfirat and place in Jannat, tweeted Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who is chairman of the separatist All Parties Hurriyat Conference. His brother Syed Basharat Bukhari is the horticulture minister in the Jammu and Kashmir government. A senior police officer said that gunmen had opened fire on Bukhari and his security guards from two sides. He (Bukhari) has several bullet injuries and probably died on the spot, the officer said. Another police officer who reached the spot soon after the attack said the guards, who were carrying weapons, had been taken by surprise. He said that they were investigating whether the gunmen had used small arms or rifles, which would be confirmed after a detailed examination of the shells by ballistic experts. Bukharis colleague at Rising Kashmir, Ishfaq Ahmad, said he had just left the office. Within minutes, we heard gunshots. I cant believe that our editor is dead. Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Omar Abdullah said that Bukhari had died in the line of duty. Even in the last tweet he put out, he was defending himself, his colleagues & his profession. He died in the line of duty doing what he did best & loved doing journalism, Abdullah tweeted. Bukhari had written in the tweet at 11.33am that he and his colleagues had done Journalism with pride and will continue to highlight what happens on ground, in response to a tweet that had described him as intolerant. The Centre had on May 16 announced a unilateral ceasefire in Jammu and Kashmir during Ramzan, saying this was necessary to help peace loving Muslims observe the holy month in a peaceful environment. Bukharis killing has cast a cloud of uncertainty over the extension of the Ramzan halt to operations against militants in Jammu and Kashmir, which, according to few security agencies, has allowed militants to regroup. The pros and cons of extending the so-called unilateral ceasefire were earlier discussed at a meeting called by home minister Rajnath Singh, officials said. During the one-month ceasefire, three local policemen, four civilians, three army soldiers and 24 militants have been killed in more than 60 incidents of violence. The Karnataka High Court on Thursday granted bail in an alleged assault case to Mohammad Nalapad, son of Congress legislator NA Haris from Shantinagar in central Bengaluru, in an assault case. The High Court has granted conditional bail to Nalapad on submitting Rs 2 lakh bond, and has been asked not to leave the city without the courts permission, Nalapads counsel Usman told reporters here. Nalapad, 24, and the six accused were arrested on February 19 after they surrendered at the Cubbon Park police station in the city where a youth (Vidvat) was brutally assaulted on February 17 following an argument. The Congress legislators son has been in judicial custody since February. Nalapads bail plea was earlier rejected by the High Court on March 14 and by a sessions court on March 2. Nalapad, who was the citys Youth Congress General Secretary, was expelled from the party for his alleged attack on the youth. Haris, a three-time lawmaker from Shantinagar, termed the bail a gift from God. The family is relieved and we thank Allah for Nalapads release from jail on bail, the MLA told reporters. Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal and three of his cabinet colleagues continued their sit-in protest inside the lieutenant governors office for the fourth straight day on Thursday even as L-G Anil Baijal met home minister Rajnath Singh over the standoff that has brought the Capitals administration to a standstill. Kejriwal and three ministers, deputy chief minister Manish Sisodia, public works department minister Satyender Jain and rural development minister Gopal Rai, have been camped at Raj Niwas since Monday, and have refused to leave until the L-G orders IAS officers posted in the Delhi government to call off an alleged strike. Baijal briefed Singh about the protest, a home ministry officer said on the condition of anonymity. The L-G also briefed the minister about the ongoing police investigation into an alleged assault on chief secretary Anshu Prakash in February this year. Baijal also informed the minister about his communication with the bureaucrats on the issue, the ministry official said. The IAS Officers Association denied they were on strike and released photographs that purportedly showed them working in offices inside the Delhi secretariat, which also houses the office of the chief minister. On Thursday, as Kejriwal and his ministers protested at the L-Gs office, a meeting to discuss Delhis rising dust pollution was held. The meeting was attended by the governments environment minister Imran Hussain and Prakash in attendance. This was the first important meeting since the sit-protest started began four days ago. The CM has found support from opposition leaders such as Akhilesh Yadav, Tejashvi Yadav, Sitaram Yechury, Sharad Yadav, Brinda Karat, Kamal Hassan and Shatrugan Sinha, who all tweeted in favour of his protest. Kejriwal also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi seeking his intervention to resolve the impasse. Due to strike, several works are being affected. As L-G is doing nothing to end IAS officers strike, Delhi government and the people of Delhi request you (PM) with folded hands to get the strike called off immediately so that works of Delhi can resume, his letter read. Sisodia wrote a second letter to the L-G, seeking an appointment. Kejriwals wife Sunita, who said she was stopped from meeting her husband and his three colleagues, said that Jains health had deteriorated. Chaos in the citys bureaucracy also threatened to escalate with the Delhi Government Employees Association announcing they would begin a protest in front of Prakashs office from Friday, demanding the restructuring of DASS (Delhi administrative subordinate services) and steno cadres of the government. Ranked below additional secretary rank officers, those in the DASS cadre are posted in different government offices. Less than 10km away from the L-G house at the Delhi secretariat, Delhis Bharatiya Janata Party(BJP) leaders have started a similar sit-in protest outside chief ministers office. Party leaders such as Vijender Gupta, Parvesh Verma, Manjinder Singh Sirsa, Jagdish Pradhan along with former Aam Aadmi Party leader Kapil Mishra are protesting in a waiting room outside the CMs office. They have put up banners inside and outside the building against Kejriwal for going on leave at a time when Delhi is grappling with worst levels of air pollution. A Judicial Magistrate First Class (JMFC) in Madhya Pradeshs Panna district was booked for allegedly raping a woman after promising to marry her and then calling off the wedding over dowry, police said on Thursday. Panna superintendent of police Riyaz Iqbal said a case has been registered against JMFC Manoj Soni for rape and demanding dowry under relevant sections of Indian Penal Code and Dowry Prohibition Act. Soni is the JMFC with Ajaygarh civil court of Panna district. Iqbal said investigation is underway and the courts permission would be sought before arresting Soni. In her complaint, the victim, a state government employee, said her family members went to Sonis place in Chhatarpur with a marriage proposal in 2015, the SP said. A year later, the JMFC contacted her and invited her to Jugal Kishore temple in Panna district and promised to marry her and applied sindoor on her forehead, the complaint said. The complainant told police that the accused had physical relation with her on February 19 in Rewa district and several times later after promising marriage. Meanwhile, the victim has moved MP high court in Jabalpur seeking that Sonis proposed marriage to another woman on June 18 be stayed. The matter will come up for hearing on June 18. Talking to reporters in Panna, the victim said on Thursday that she had got engaged to Soni in the temple but he called off the wedding as his demand for dowry was not met. She demanded his immediate arrest and also alleged that she is being threatened. No formal and final decision has yet been taken on either extending or ending the suspension of counter-insurgency operations in Jammu and Kashmir for Ramzan, which culminates in Eid this weekend, government officials familiar with the matter said. The government said on May 16 that security forces will halt operations against militants for the Islamic holy month, the first such initiative in the troubled state in more than 17 years. The move followed several requests by Jammu and Kashmir chief minister Mehbooba Mufti. Like the earlier decision to announce halt on operations in Jammu and Kashmir during Ramzan, any decision to extend it or end it, will be taken at the political level. So far no decision has been taken, said a government official familiar with the matter. The killing of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari on Thursday evening will likely have a bearing on the decision. It is one of the most high-profile killings in the Valley in many years; Bukhari, writing in his paper Rising Kashmir, had supported the halt to operations. He was considered close to the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of chief minister Mehbooba Mufti in the state, said a Jammu and Kashmir cadre Indian Police Service (IPS) officer who is now posted on central deputation. The officer, who requested anonymity, noted that Bukharis brother, Syed Basharat Ahmed Bukhari, was minister of horticulture, law and parliamentary affairs in the present PDP-Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) government in the state. In New Delhi, Union home minister Rajnath Singh chaired an hour-long meeting to review security arrangements for the peaceful conduct of the pilgrimage to the Amarnath cave shrine beginning on June 28. The meeting was attended by National Security Adviser Ajit Doval, Union home secretary Rajiv Gauba, Jammu and Kashmir police chief SP Vaid, army chief Bipin Rawat, Central Reserve Police Force (CRPF) chief RR Bhatnagar, Intelligence Bureau (IB) chief Rajiv Jain, Border Security Force (BSF) chief KK Sharma, and other home ministry officials dealing with Kashmir. The issue of possible extension of the Ramzan halt on operations too was discussed, an official present at the meeting said. The Jammu and Kashmir police chief and other key officials were asked about their opinion on the matter as they will have to deal with the fallout on the ground of any decision that the government will take. They provided their inputs and assessment in this regard. There is no doubt that the halt to counter-insurgency operations has had some positive impact in terms of law and order, but militant activity still continues, the official said, requesting anonymity. We have given our view, the government has to take a call by weighing costs and benefits of the decision, he added. A two-judge bench of the Madras high court delivered a split verdict on Thursday on petitions challenging the disqualification of 18 dissident All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (AIADMK) legislators. The judgment ensures the government, which enjoys a slender majority of eight seats in an assembly with effective strength of 216, will not face a floor test soon. The case will now go to a third judge, who will be picked by the third-most senior judge available, thereby also effectively delaying any bypolls for the vacant seats. A bench of chief justice Indira Banerjee and justice M Sundar delivered divergent verdicts on whether the 18 MLAs deserved to be disqualified under the anti-defection law by speaker P Dhanapal on September 18 last year for approaching the governor and seeking the removal of chief minister EK Palaniswami. The MLAs supported TTV Dhinakaran, nephew of former chief minister Jayalalithaas aide Sasikala. Sasikala was at that time locked in a power battle with Palaniswami and deputy chief minister O Panneerselvam. Justice Banerjee said the court will not intervene in the speakers order but Justice Sundar struck down the order, saying it was against the natural law of justice and a violation of constitutional mandate. Since there has been disagreement between the two of us, the writ petitions, (should) be referred to a third judge. The difference of opinion being between Chief Justice and Justice Sundar, CJ is of view that it would not be appropriate for the CJ to nominate the third judge. The writ petitions, (therefore) be referred to the next senior most judge available for nomination of a third judge, the order read. The verdict is a boost for Palaniswami as the restoration of the membership of the MLAs would have brought his government uncomfortably close to the halfway mark in a house where the opposition -- Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam (DMK), Congress and Indian Union Muslim League -- has 98 MLAs. Dhinakaran now heads a splinter AIADMK group called Amma Makkal Munnetra Kazhagam and is the only MLA from the outfit. If the membership of the 18 MLAs had been restored, the combined opposition strength would have been 117, one less than the majority mark in the 234-member assembly. We believe in judiciary and we will approach the third judge based on the principles of justice, advocate Raja Senthurpandian, counsel for some of the disqualified MLAs, said. AIADMK advocate Babu Murugavel also said, Its a split verdict and we will appeal before the third judge as per the high court order. Dhinakaran called the judgment unexpected. The verdict is definitely not a setback for us, but a defeat for TN public. Our next course of action will be based on the discussion with 18 disqualified MLAs, who are still with us. Leader of Opposition and DMK working president MK Stalin hoped that the court wont take up more time in the case. Justice delayed is justice denied Bharatiya Janata Party state president Tamilisai Soundararajan said, The verdict neither extends any favour nor offers Separatists and civil society members have welcomed the first-ever UN human rights report on Kashmir detailing alleged rights violations on both sides of the line of control and called for an international inquiry into the issue. Moderate separatist leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq shared a link of the UN report summary, which emphasised on the use of excessive force (by security forces) that led to unlawful killings and a very high number of injuries on Indias side of Kashmir. Welcome the first-ever UN report on human rights violations in #Kashmir. Recognition of the grave HR violations by the state taking place in Kashmir for past 30 years in particular and calling for inquiry into them was long overdue. UN has a moral obligation towards the people of Kashmir (sic), Farooq tweeted soon after the report emerged. The 49-page documents details human rights violations and abuses on both sides of the line of control, highlighting a situation of chronic impunity for violations committed by security forces. The report focused particularly on the alleged human rights violations committed in Jammu and Kashmir from July 2016 (when widespread protests erupted in the Valley after the killing of Hizbul militant Burhan Wani) to April 2018. It accused Indian security forces of using excessive force, leading to unlawful killings and a very high number of injuries. Citing civil society sources, the document estimated that up to 145 civilians were shot dead by security personnel from July 2016 to March 2018 while 20 others were killed by armed militants in the same period. Khuram Parvez, programme coordinator at the Jammu Kashmir Coalition of Civil Society, termed the report as path-breaking. This report is historical & symbolically a huge step leading to an acknowledgement of the Indian governments role in massive human rights abuses. After UN resolutions on Kashmir, this report is an important addition, Parvez wrote on Facebook. The report listed the impunity with which human rights are violated and lack of access to justice as the key human rights challenges faced by Jammu and Kashmir. According to it, the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) gives security forces virtual immunity against prosecution for human rights violations, and the central government has not granted permission for even a single security personnel to be prosecuted in the last 28 years. UN high commissioner for human rights Zeid Raad al-Hussein said he will urge the UN Human Rights Council to consider establishing a commission of inquiry to conduct a comprehensive independent investigation into allegations of human rights violations in the state. The people of Kashmir thank the UN, especially the bold efforts of its human rights commissioner Mr Zeid Raad Al Hussain, for its support to right of self determination and in preparing the report and making it public. Hope an enquirer commission is set up and announced soon by the UN, Farooq further tweeted. India has rejected the UN report, calling it fallacious, tendentious and motivated. The ministry of external affairs also said the report is overtly prejudiced and seeks to build a false narrative. The killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of Rising Kashmir, in the heart of Srinagar on the eve of Eid, is a huge loss for the state. The continuing tragedy of Kashmir has claimed its latest victim. I have lost a personal friend in Shujaat, who I have known for most of the last two decades. The media fraternity has been deprived of a courageous journalist, fiercely independent and someone who could not be boxed in by the familiar orthodoxies that define the politics of Kashmir. And the Valleys civil society will gravely miss one of its most robust voices. I recall accompanying the then chief minister, Mufti Mohammad Sayeed, to visit Shujaat in the ICU of the government hospital in Jammu about three years ago; he had been paralysed by uncontrolled diabetes and hypertension. I thought he wouldnt pull through. And yet his resilience was remarkable, he survived and scaled new heights as an editor and journalist as his views were sought the world over. His Facebook posts revealed his peripatetic ways: only last month he was at the Global Editors Summit in Lisbon. Shujaat had been, for several years, chief of bureau of The Hindu and Frontline, and continued even till recently writing for the latter. But his skills had been initially honed by the veteran journalist Ved Bhasin and his beloved Kashmir Times. He founded the English daily Rising Kashmir and the sister publications, Bulund Kashmir (in Urdu) and Sangarmal (in Kashmiri). For Shujaat, establishing his independence was not easy; his brother is a minister and senior leader of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party. But it is a tribute to his ability to navigate through the minefield of Kashmirs murky politics that his tweets were these days most retweeted by National Conference leaders, including Omar Abdullah. Less known is the fact that Shujaat Bukhari, with a doctorate, was a literary and cultural activist. Shujaat was one of the leaders of the Adabi Markaz Kamraaz (literary forum of North Kashmir), which was one of the few vibrant civil society forums working for the rejuvenation of the Kashmiri language and culture. Shujaat was also active on the Track II circuit, working closely with the London-based Conciliation Resources that brought interlocutors from India, Pakistan and both sides of the Line of Control to Dubai, Istanbul and other locations away from the din of the subcontinent. At a time when chief minister Mehbooba Mufti is waging a battle for peace, Shujaats death is a tremendous blow. There are those who had their differences with Shujaat and with Rising Kashmirs views, as there would be with a fiercely independent journalist. But, without a shred of doubt, today, Kashmir is infinitely poorer without him. The biggest tribute to him is to continue to fight this insane violence and those who perpetuate it. (Amitabh Matto is Advisor to J&K CM Mehbooba Mufti and an International Relations professor) A Telugu businessman-turned-film producer and his wife were arrested in Chicago on charges of running a sex racket by exploiting upcoming actresses. Though Modugumudi Kishan (34) and his wife Chandra (31) were arrested in the last week of April, the case came to light only on Wednesday when local media reported that the federal police had filed a 42-page charge sheet in a district court in Chicago. According to reports, the couple ran a high-end prostitution ring by luring actresses from Tollywood, as the Telugu film industry is known, to the US and advertising them for sex at Indian conferences and cultural events across the country. The couple allegedly charged clients up to $3,000 per sexual encounter. A report, quoting the charge sheet, said while in the US on temporary visas, at least five actresses were sometimes forced to stay in a dingy, two-story apartment building in Chicagos Belmont Cragin neighbourhood waiting for their next date. They also met clients in hotels at conferences in Dallas, New Jersey and Washington. Kishan, an NRI businessman who rose to become a top producer in Tollywood and has co-produced several hit films, allegedly threatened one of the actresses and her family if she told law enforcement agencies about what she did in the US. Kishans wife, Chandra allegedly kept detailed ledgers of the sexual acts performed by each girl, including about where they occurred and how much they collected. Federal agents discovered the ledgers during a search at the couples apartment in West Belden Avenue. The police also discovered dozens of text messages from Chandras phone in which she was haggling with clients over which girls were available and the prices for each. Often, she would send photos of an actress available for a date while negotiating, the charge sheet said. The federal police had filed a case a few months ago and the couple was on the run, before being arrested in late April. Kishan and Chandra have been in federal custody since their arrest in late April in suburban Washington DC. The couples two school-aged children, meanwhile, are in the custody of child welfare officials in Virginia. A stone quarry worker blew up his home with dynamite in Bengals Birbhum district on Wednesday morning to teach his wife a lesson but instead ended up in hospital with critical injuries. Forty-two-year-old Jamir Mollah did not know his wife was not at home when he blew up the house in fit of rage. The couples teenaged son was also not at home. Mollah allegedly stole the explosives from a quarry, police said. The incident happened on the heels of the seizure of a huge quantity of gelatin sticks and detonators in Birbhum. There are many quarries in this region where dynamite is widely used to blow up rocky surfaces. A resident of Sahapur village in Birbhums Sadaipur area, about 220 km north of Kolkata, Mollah told the police that he wanted to teach his wife, Sabura Bibi, a lesson because she used to quarrel with him frequently. On Wednesday, at around 10 am, the villagers heard a deafening noise and discovered that Mollahs house was almost completely destroyed but the quarry worker had somehow managed to crawl out of the debris. He was then taken to the district hospital at Suri. Sabura Bibi was shocked. I was not home at that time. I never even thought that he could blow up his own house, she said. We have started an investigation, Kunal Agarwal, the district police superintendent, said. Mollah works at a quarry in the Pachami area. He used to stay over at Pachami for days at a stretch and visit his wife whenever he got leave. He told police that his wife used to quarrel with him every time he came home. The couple had a fight even on Tuesday night and Mollah planned the blast, a police officer said on condition of anonymity. Mollah will be interrogated again in hospital, he said. On May 28, Birbhum police seized a huge quantity of explosives from Bahadurpur village near the Jharkhand border. A section of police officers suspect the explosives were meant for the banned Bangladeshi outfit Jamaat-ul-Mujahideen Bangladesh (JMB). The seizure included 11,000 gelatin sticks, 50,000 detonators and a huge quantity of ammonium nitrate. There are many stone quarries in the region and police say the explosives could have been siphoned off from official stocks of one or many of these quarries. The seizure in Bahadurpur village came less than a week after Murshidabad police seized 98 kg bomb-making chemicals that was allegedly being sent to the JMB. Manglu Khan and Sadekul Khan, who were arrested in Murshidabad, told police the explosives were smuggled in from Jharkhand. Indian and Pakistani security forces used excessive force in both sides of Kashmir, killing and wounding civilians since 2016, the United Nations said on Thursday and called for an international inquiry into alleged violations. The UN, in its first report on human rights in the region, urged Pakistan to end its misuse of anti-terror legislation to persecute peaceful activists and quash dissent. Reacting to the report, India said it is fallacious, tendentious and motivated. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the report is overtly prejudiced and seeks to build a false narrative. It violated the countrys sovereignty and territorial integrity, it said. India has long accused Pakistan of training and arming militants and helping them infiltrate across the heavily militarized Line of Control (LoC) that separates the two sides in the region, a charge Islamabad denies. The UN report focuses mainly on alleged serious violations committed in Jammu and Kashmir from July 2016 to April 2018. Activists estimate that up to 145 civilians were killed by security forces and up to 20 civilians killed by armed groups in the same period, it said. In responding to demonstrations that started in 2016, Indian security forces used excessive force that led to unlawful killings and a very high number of injuries, the report said. UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad al-Hussein called for maximum restraint and denounced the lack of prosecutions of Indian forces in Jammu and Kashmir due to a 1990 law giving them what he called virtual immunity. In a statement, Zeid called for the Human Rights Council - which opens a three-week session in Geneva on Monday - to launch a commission of inquiry into all violations. Alleged sites of mass graves in the Kashmir Valley and Jammu region should be investigated, he said. Tensions escalated after an attack on an Indian army camp in February that India blamed on Pakistan. After the two armies agreed on May 30 to stop exchanging artillery fire following the repeated deadly clashes, thousands of people from Jammu and Kashmir headed back to their homes near the de facto border with Pakistan. Armed groups in Jammu and Kashmir have committed a range of crimes including kidnappings, killings of civilians and sexual violence, the UN report said. Violations in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir are of a different calibre or magnitude, it said, while decrying restrictions on freedoms of expression and association. In the dusty village of Akera in Mewat, 58 kilometres from Gurugram, there is a woman with whom people want to click selfies. Her name is Bissar and the reason for this slice of fame is that the 55-year-old woman has given birth to 23 children, of whom 18 have survived. Bissar married Mohammad Ishak in 1976 when she was just 13 years old. Ishak was five years older than her. Over the next four decades, Bissar would become pregnant 23 times. Five babies didnt survive. Woh marte chale gaye (they kept dying), she said, when asked how she lost the five. The youngest of her surviving children is six-year-old Sabra and the oldest is 30-year-old Sahuni. Today, the mother of 18 is a widow who is struggling to make ends meet and the spotlight she got for her fertility is distasteful to her. She says that after Ishak passed away in 2014, shes become a curiosity show of sorts after she was featured in a Hindi media. My daughter has been told by her in-laws that they will desert her if I give an interview to a media person as her childhood picture had gone viral and they said it brought shame to the family, said Bissar. Now, when people come up to her, they dont seem to notice the abject poverty in which Bissar is struggling to survive. Two weeks ago, some foreigners had come to meet me for some research. I turned them away, Bissar said. Nobody offers us help. They only want to talk about our personal life. They should pay us for taking selfies, said her son, 27-year-old Farukhddin. The mother of 18 children Akera, in Nuh Tehsil of Mewat district, has 1,394 families. It has a population of 8,935, of whom 4,701 are male and 4,234 are female, as per the Census of 2011. Haryanas total fertility rate (TFR) is 2.3 according to Niti Ayog, which has fallen since the early 2000s and is now close to what is widely considered the ideal number (2.1). However, the village has a lower literacy rate than the state average. In 2011, Akeras literacy rate was 52.91% compared to 75.55% in Haryana. Only 31.88% of the women were literate, while the literacy rate in the male population was 71.86%. Bissar, like many in her village, is illiterate as are her children. My husband worked hard to ensure the children got the best, in terms of food and lifestyle, but we never thought of their education as we never went to school. Hardly anyone from our neighbourhood went to school, said Bissar. After Ishaks death, shes slipped further and further into poverty. One meal a day is a feast for us, said Bissar, who now suffers from short-term memory loss according to her family and other villagers. While Bissars fertility has been written about in Hindi media, Ishak was the familys breadearner. My husband used to ferry goods for shopkeepers in his camel cart and worked extra time as a labourer at a construction site, but he fell seriously ill in 2010 and was bedridden. All of a sudden, the income stopped and we started selling our gold, Bissar said. Ishak was diagnosed with tuberculosis, heart issues, and asthma. For treatment, Bissar had to take him to a hospital in Alwar, when he was kept for four months. There are government hospitals in Nuh and Mandi Khera village which are one of the best. According to the villagers these hospitals are better than private clinics around and the facilities are much better but Bissar took him to Alwar as the husband had already visited that private hospital and wanted his treatment to be done from there. He had no faith on government doctors, she said. Poor outreach of family welfare programmes There are various schemes under Family Welfare Programme in Mewat starting with Copper-t375, which is a new introduction to the system in addition to Copper-t 380 -Having life span of 10 years. Introduction of this will give a choice to acceptance per their needs. Post Partum Sterilisation (PPS) and PPIUCD are the facility of Post Partum Sterilisation (PPS) and PPIUCD which was introduced in Haryana during the year 2012-13. This facility is being extended to all primary hospitals and for this special programme of training of staff nurses in these centers in 2013-14 have been planned and is being executed. Bissars 23 children are evidence of how the family planning outreach programmes dont reach their targets. I have never heard of any family planning and my husband was against it, Bissar said adding that the couple believed their children were Allah ki den (Gods blessing). We tried to spread awareness amongst the villagers but they are adamant and stop interacting with people who talk about family planning issues, said Rajuddin, an individual social worker While Rajuddin claims villagers dont allow social workers to work in Akera, locals tell a different story. We are not even aware of any schemes provided by the government so we have never applied for any nor any officials have ever visited us to inform us regarding any benefits, said Subhash Chand, sarpanch of Akera. No help from the state Ishaks treatment at the hospital in Alwar , where he was admitted for four months, cost the family Rs 4.5 lakh. They had to sell the camel cart, losing one critical element of earning a livelihood. He passed away in 2014 and ever since, Bissar has slipped deeper and deeper into poverty. The fact that shes been a mother 23 times may make her a popular selfie candidate, but it isnt enough to get her a widows pension. I have approached government officials and local politicians many times in the past year, but no one is ready to help her. I have also written to the chief minister of Haryana to help Bissar to get old age pension, but havent received any reply from them, said Chand. Bissar has approached the district administration repeatedly over the past three years, but this too has been a dead end. I have met almost 20 officials and have submitted written requests but they have ignored it, said Bissar. No one has ever turned up even to see if my children and me are alive. They blame and harass me for giving birth to my children. The old age pension she got from the government in 2016 was a relief, but that stopped after a year, when a villager complained she wasnt old enough to be eligible. Someone from the village had helped me and my husband get a pension, as I never had a birth certificate or a document to establish my age. The people who conducted the survey confirmed that we were eligible and we started getting a pension, Bissar said, insisting she had no idea that one had to be 58 to qualify for old-age pension. A year later, there was a complaint, following which the district administration stopped the pension. Now theyve said that the widows pension will be granted only after Bissar has paid back the ?30,000 she got as old-age pension from the government. This is an impossible task for Bissar, who lives with seven of her children. Only two sons work, but they earn irregular daily wages. Bissar, the mother of 18, has no fixed earning. However, she doesnt qualify for the below poverty line (BPL) category. According to the officials who conducted survey said she does not qualify to fall under BPL, said sarpanch. If we do not fall in the BPL category then, who does? asked Bissar. When I raised a question about the survey, I was told I am uneducated and so, I do not know the technicalities of the scheme. The officials who conducted the survey asked me to pay ?10,000 if my family was to be marked as BPL, but from where do I pay the bribe when I can barely afford a meal? When asked if there was some way for the state to help Bissar, deputy commissioner Ashok Kumar Sharma said, We have no schemes [that apply to Bissar]. In such cases, we check all facts and see what the administration can do. Her old age pension was stopped due to technical issues. For Bissar, his words are like a death knell. If the situation remains the same, I will soon become news for dying of starvation, she said. Thousands came to pay tributes as BSF assistant commandant Jitendra Singhs last rights were being performed by his four-year-old son, Yashvardhan, at his ancestral village Salempur Kalan in Bharatpur. Assistant commandant Jitendra Singh, assistant sub-inspector Ramnivas and constable Hansraj Gurjar were killed in firing along the International Border (IB) in the Chamliyal post area of Samba district in Jammu and Kashmir on Tuesday night. Hans Raj Gurjars 15-day-old son lit his pyre his native village Mungalpur as his wife was inconsolable. Hans Raj was supposed to come to his village June 14 to participate in Kuala Pujan ceremony of his infant son on June 15. Even after receiving the news of his sons death, a 70-year-old Rameshwar Gurjar said that he will send his grandson to the army. Hansraj also has a four-year-old daughter, a family member told reporters. BSF assistant commandant Jitendra Singhs last rights being performed by his four-year-old son, Yashvardhan, at his ancestral village Salempur Kalan in Bharatpur. (HT Photo) When Jitendra Singhs body reached his village, the locals started shouting slogans against Pakistan. They demanded that Prime Minister Narendra Modi should take strict action against Pakistan. The 32-year-old martyrs father, Samundra Singh, and mother, Sumitra Devi, were in shock after hearing about the sons death. While his wife and child living with him in Jammu, his parents had just returned from Jammu after visiting him. Jitendras parents had gone to see him and boarded their train back home from Jammu on Tuesday evening. This turned out to be their last meeting, one of Singhs relatives, Manish Rotwal said. After their train left for Jaipur, Jitendra went to the post and laid down his life, Rotwal added. Singhs father is a contractor, while his brother, Deepak Singh, runs an electronics shop in Jaipur. Tourism minister Krishnendra Kaur Deepa, BJP MP from Bharatpur Bahadur Koli and local representatives also paid tribute to the martyr. The central government will take revenge for the killing BSF personnel, said Krishnendra Kaur Deepa. A BSF sub-Inspector Rajnish Kumar, a resident of Uttar Pradesh, was also killed and three other soldiers were injured in the overnight firing by Pakistan Rangers. With PTI inputs Even as efforts to reach a consensus over a new BJP state unit president continued on Thursday, reports suggested that the party high command is firm on its decision and an announcement is expected anytime. BJP sources said the party high command was more or less decided on the candidate despite opposition from certain quarters within the ruling party. Chief minister Vasundhara Raje, who reached Delhi on Wednesday for meetings with the party top brass, stayed put there on Thursday, too. She met BJP MP Kirori Lal Meena and union home minister Rajnth Singh along with her son and MP Dushyant Singh. Efforts were on to reach a consensus over the name of the state party chief after the RSS nudged leaders to end discord within the party. As the fluid situation continued, names of probable candidates continued to do the rounds including union minister Arjun Ram Meghwal, Rajasthan minister Arun Chaturvedi, party MP Bhupendra Yadav and Kirori Meena. The vexed issue of the BJP state president has dogged the party leadership for two months after Ashok Parnami tendered his resignation on April 16 following the rout of the BJP in all the three bypolls. While the party high command is in favour of Jodhpur MP Gajendra Singh, chief minister Raje has put up objections saying a Rajput face will alienate the politically strong Jat community and the BJP could end up losing the elections. In a show of support to the CM, some ministers gave statements opposing Singhs candidature, while others had trekked to Delhi in April to register their protest. Sources say Raje is apprehensive that Singh might become her competitor. The union minister is considered close to the RSS and is seen as a young and clean face. Though he has not been very active in the state or the organisation, of late he has been touring the state and meeting people. As the stalemate continued, the party high command made efforts to get Raje on board. Other names were proposed by Raje but the party high command was not in favour of those names. On Wednesday, another series of meeting were held in Delhi. Raje, party national president Amit Shah, state in-charge V Satish, organisation general secretary Chandrashekhar, Om Mathur, Bhupendra Yadav and core committee members from Rajasthan such as ministers Rajendra Rathore, Gulab Chand Kataria, Arun Chaturvedi discussed strategy and preparations for the assembly and general elections. Raje and Shah also held a 40 minute one-on-one meeting which was followed by another meeting in which Chandrashekhar, Yadav and V Satish were present. However, after the stalemate continued, sources said the message was conveyed to Raje that she should focus on the government, not the organisation. Yadav and Mathur were asked to mediate. Setting a new trend, Rajasthan governor Kalyan Singh has told the state government that henceforth he will not inspect any guard of honuor. In a letter to the state government, Singh said the guard of honour protocol should be ended for him. He wrote to the home department on January 1, 2018 asking if the tradition of guard of honour given to him on arrival and departure from Raj Bhawan and during his visits to the districts could be ended. He sought the home departments view in this regard. The governor took the lead to end the guard of honour during his Jodhpur visit from June 9 to 11 where he did not inspect the guard of honour. The home department in its reply to the governor sent on May 11, 2018 said that as per the wishes of the governor, the tradition of giving the guard of honour can be ended. After the departments reply, governor Singh gave his consent on June 13 to end the guard of honour. A letter in this regard has been sent on June 14 to the government apprising the government of the governors decision. From now on, the governor will not be given a guard of honour on departure or arrival from the Raj Bhawan or during visits to the districts. Singh has taken other initiatives in the state too to improve the education system. It was at his initiative that lakhs of degrees of university students that were pending since several years were distributed. He also got convocations done on a regular basis in state universities. Thousands of Aadhar cards were sold to a scrap dealer in Jalupura area of Jaipur on Thursday. Ward 76 councillor, Iqramuddin, who brought the issue to light said that around 2 pm he got information that thousands of Aadhar cards were sold as scrap at Choti Maszid in Jalupura area. After reaching the spot, Iqramuddin found a sack full of Aadhar cards, most of them belonged to people living in the area. Around 12.30 pm, an unidentified person sold the cards to a scrap dealer, named Islam. However, Islam was not present at his shop and the unidentified person sold the cards to his son. The Aadhar cards were underneath old newspapers, the scrap dealers son alerted neighbours after spotting them. It was sold at Rs 8- 10 per kilo. The sack carrying the cards weighed 20 kg, the councillor said. Iqramuddin said each Aadhar card had Rs 5 postal stamp on it, which mean they were to be dispatched. The postal stamps had Jaipur General post office stamp and were dated between January 2017 and March 2018. I called a few persons, whose details were there on the Aadhar card and found that they had applied for it a year ago but had not received till date, he said. Confidential details of individuals could be misused. Thousands of people would have been deprived of benefits linked with Aadhar. This shows the governments insensitivity, he said. Iqramuddin said that people from the department of information and technology had come and tried to take the Aadhar cards but the locals refused to give it and demanded police action against the person responsible. Additional director, UID project, Hansraj Yadav said, The distribution of Aadhar card is done by the postal department. This is a serious issue and we have started the inquiry. The issue will be taken up with the postal department and action will be taken against the person responsible. The issue demands departmental enquiry but if required a police complaint will be lodged, Yadav said. It seems the Aadhar cards were misplaced. Around 2,000 Aadhar cards of people living in the same locality were found, which were to be distributed. We have informed the postal department, Jalupura police station, station House officer Likhma Ram said. The police have not registered any complaint yet, he added. Over 700 eggs of Gharyial, an endangered species of Indian crocodiles, have been hatched along the banks of Geruwa river in Uttar Pradeshs Katarniyaghat wildlife sanctuary, close to the Nepal border. With hatching season on, over 700 newborns have been hatched successfully in June and 200 more likely to be hatched soon, said Ramesh Kumar, field director, Dudhwa National Park. Kumar said Chambal and Gerua are two rivers where natural breeding of Ghariyals takes place in a focused way, thanks to the efforts of the sanctuary staff. Strict monitoring has helped raised the number of nests from five in 2005 to 24 now. Around 20 nests of Ghariyals were found in Katarniyaghat, out of which 14 nests have hatched. The clutch size varies from 2555 eggs per nest. Divisional forest officer (DFO), Katarniya, Gyan Prakash Singh said the 700 newborns were hatched from 18 nests and six more nests are yet to see hatching. Some young Ghariyals were also released into the Geruwa river from Lucknow two months back. The DFO said there was only one island in the sanctuary where Ghariyals made their nest pits. Guards had been deployed there to protect the eggs from birds and other threats. The Ghyarial has been declared as one of the most critically endangered species in the world and declared 20 times more endangered than tiger in the Red Data book published recently by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources (IUCN). The Uttar Pradesh police have started a probe into the allegations of a 14-year-old boy that he was kept in the lock up at Mirzamurad police station in Varanasi for seven days on the pretext of interrogation in connection with the theft of a mini truck from Kanpur on June 5. A probe has been ordered into the matter and explanation has been sought from station officer. After receiving the probe report, action would be taken according to rules, senior superintendent of police RK Bhardwaj said. The SSP has ordered superintendent of police (rural area) Amit Kumar to carry out the probe into the alleged police highhandedness and submit the report in three days. The boy also alleged policemen beat him up in the lock-up. The police allegedly dropped him at his house in a village about 20 km from Varanasi after a picture of him in handcuffs surfaced on the social media on Tuesday night and was widely shared. The teenager returned to Varanasi on Wednesday with his father, a daily wage earner, to meet senior police officials at the Additional DGPs office to lodge a complaint. The media had already assembled when the father and son arrived. The boy said he was employed as a cleaner of the mini truck in Kanpur. I was inside the vehicle when it was stolen on the evening of June 5. I tried to raise an alarm but had to keep quiet due to the vehicle lifters threats, he said, recalling his nightmare. He said there were three to four thieves who drove the mini-truck to Varanasi where police intercepted it. While the thieves fled, the police caught and handcuffed him. They brought him to Mirzamurad police station and put him in the lock-up, he alleged. His father said he came to know of his sons arrest two days later. He said that when he visited the police station, policemen refused to release his son although a person cannot be detained in a police station for more than 24 hours without being produced in a court. To cater to unserved regions, Jet Airways is set to begin its UDAN operations from Lucknow on Thursday. UDAN stands for Ude Desh Ka Aam Nagrik - a regional connectivity scheme (RCS) launched by the central government. Jet Airways inaugural RCS service will see it connect the holy city of Allahabad with two state capitals Lucknow and Patna, thrice a week. The airline will commence its second UP-based RCS service on Saturday, June 16, connecting Allahabad with Nagpur and Indore, thrice every week. Jet Airways flight (9W 3555) will depart from Lucknow at 0650 hrs (IST) and reach Allahabad at 0755 hrs (IST) on Thursday. The airline was awarded seven routes under the governments regional connectivity scheme (RCS) and will launch operations on five of these routes Lucknow-Allahabad-Lucknow, Patna-Allahabad-Patna, Nagpur-Allahabad-Nagpur, Indore-Allahabad-Indore and Delhi-Nashik-Delhi between June 14 and 16. Launch of the two other RCS routes connecting Lucknow, Bareilly and Delhi will happen once the Bareilly airport is ready for civil operations. The UDAN scheme is an initiative which will facilitate the realisation of the benefits of the aviation sector, reach the vast expanse of India and its various geographies, said Amit Agarwal, deputy chief executive officer and chief financial officer of Jet Airways here on Wednesday. Going onward, flight 9W 3558 will depart from Allahabad for Patna at 0820 hrs (IST), arriving in the state capital at 0935 hrs (IST). On its return, flight 9W 3557 will depart from Patna at 1010 hrs (IST) and land in Allahabad at 1145 hrs (IST). From Allahabad, flight 9W 3556 will depart at 1230 hrs (IST) and land in Lucknow at 1350 hrs (IST). The route will be catered to by a Jet Airways ATR aircraft with a seating capacity of 72 guests. Effective June 16, 2018, Jet Airways will commence operations on the Nagpur-Allahabad-Indore sector. Flight 9W 3553 will depart from Nagpur at 0945 hrs (IST) and arrive at Allahabad at 1150 hrs (IST). Going onward, flight 9W 3552 will depart from Allahabad at 1230 hrs (IST) and reach Indore at 1440 hrs (IST). On its return journey, flight 9W 3551 will depart from Indore at 1510 hrs (IST) and arrive Allahabad at 1720 hrs (IST). Flight 9W 3554 will depart from Allahabad at 1745 hrs (IST) and arrive Nagpur at 1945 hrs (IST). Jet Airways will also commence flying three times a week between New Delhi and Nashik with effect from June 15. Flight 9W 3565 from New Delhi will depart at 1200 hrs (IST) and arrive into Nashik at 1405 hrs (IST). On its return leg, flight 9W 3566 will depart from Nashik at 1435 hrs (IST), and return to New Delhi at 1625 hrs (IST). This route will be serviced by a Boeing 737 aircraft. Under the guidelines of UDAN scheme, 50% (36) seats on an ATR aircraft and 40 seats on a B737 are reserved. Allahabad will join Jet Airways domestic network after 10 years becoming its 46th domestic destination. On the other hand, Nashik will become its 47th domestic destination. The new flights will also stimulate the development of trade and tourism within UP and Maharashtra respectively. Jet Airways currently operates daily flights between Lucknow and Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Chandigarh, Chennai, Delhi, Hyderabad, Indore, Jaipur and Abu Dhabi. The University Grants Commission (UGC) has amended its rules regarding equivalency of foreign PhD degree vis-a-vis Indian doctorate degrees. As per the new regulations, any foreign PhD degree which is held equivalent to Indian doctorate degrees by the Association of Indian Universities (AIU) will now be treated valid for exemption from the National Eligibility Test (NET) for appointment to the post of assistant professor in Indian universities and colleges. A communique in this regard has been issued by UGC secretary Rajnish Jain on June 8, said dean student welfare (DSW) and public relations officer of the Allahabad University (AU) Prof Harsh Kumar. He said the decision was taken in a meeting held in New Delhi on March 20. According to clause 12.0 of the University Grants Commission (minimum standards and procedure for award of MPhil/PhD) Regulations, 2016, if the MPhil/PhD degree is awarded by a foreign university, the Indian institution considering such a degree should refer the issue to a Standing Committee constituted by the institution concerned to determine the equivalence of the degree awarded by a foreign university. The missive says that UGC had been receiving queries from stakeholders seeking clarification on equivalence of foreign and Indian degrees. UGC authorities held a meeting to discuss the issue and took a decision in this regard, Prof Kumar said. It has now been clarified that universities can also use the provision to determine the validity of foreign PhD degrees for exemption from NET for appointment as assistant professors in Indian universities and colleges, he added. He said the decision of would now be put before appropriate bodies of Allahabad University and implemented after due process. Chairman of the UP Shia Central Waqf Board Waseem Rizvi has supported enactment of a Uniform Civil Code (UCC) with a common law for all communities on issues related to marriage, divorce, succession and adoption. No stranger to controversy, the chief of the waqf board in a proposal submitted to the National Law Commission chairman justice (retired) BS Chauhan on Wednesday, cited the example of Goa, which has a common civil code since 1965. If Goa can do it, why not other states also? he asked, adding this was one of the aspirations of the Constitution as enshrined under the Directive Principles of State Policy. While customs and rituals can differ as per the practices of various religions, issues like divorce, marriage, giving equal rights to girls in ancestral property, succession, whether adopted or otherwise, should be governed by the principles of one nation one-law, he said. The Law Commission of India, which has started consultations to formulate recommendations for a uniform civil code (UCC), has sought the views of Muslim groups on at least seven key issues including custody of children, inheritance and adoption. The commission has also asked various stakeholders to recommend a model Nikahnama and Talaqnama that can be implemented uniformly across the country. The All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) opposes the Uniform Civil Code. Last month, in the first-ever meeting of the AIMPLB and the Law Commission on the Uniform Civil Code, several issues were discussed, including inheritance in the case of abandonment, adoption and death, apart from widow remarriage and child marriage. Waseem Rizvi has been at loggerheads with the AIMPLB and had once accused it of having links with terror groups in Pakistan and Saudi Arabia. In February this year, he called for a ban on the AIMPLB and a probe into its credentials. In a letter to Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Rizvi had said the AIMPLB, a non-government organisation, had rejected the proposal by Muslim clerics to broker peace on the Ayodhya dispute. Chief minister Yogi Adityanath and his ministerial colleague Mahendra Singh visited former prime minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee at Delhis All India Institute of Medical Sciences (AIIMS) on Wednesday. The 93-year-old leader was admitted to the premier hospital on June 11 with kidney tract infection and chest congestion. He had shown significant improvement in the past 48 hours and doctors are hopeful of his full recovery in the next few days, AIIMS director Randeep Guleria said on Wednesday afternoon. In the nearly 40 minutes of their stay, Adityanath and Singh discussed the former PMs popularity as reflected in the diverse set of visitors who have been calling on him. A host of political leaders, including Prime Minister Narendra Modi, BJP chief Amit Shah, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat and former prime ministers Manmohan Singh and H D Deve Gowda, and Congress president Rahul Gandhi have visited the former PM over the past two days. If you were to analyse those who have been coming to AIIMS belong to different political ideologies but everyone is united in their concern for Atalji. Everyone is praying for his long life, Mahendra Singh said after the visit. Adityanath and Singh, along with Vajpayees personal secretary Shivkumar Sharma, reminisced how Atalji had famously predicted, andhera chatega, kamal khilega (lotus will bloom as darkness will give way). Adityanath recalled how as a five-term MP he was amazed to see the kind of respect Vajpayee got in Parliament. When he stood up to speak, everyone listened, as if mesmerised by the oratorical magic of a politician and a statesman, Adityanath told Singh. Adityanath also spoke to doctors to get the latest on Vajpayees health. The doctors informed us that he was responding well to treatment. This is music to the ears of his countless admirers and well wishers, Shivkumar said. I will never be able to forget that day in July 1996 when Atalji praised me many times for the manner in which I conducted the stage that featured him in Lucknow. Again, in 1999 after a successful knee operation, I was among the three to interact with him. I asked him aapke ghutne ab kaise hain? He replied, bilkul theek hain.. ghutney par chalkar hi to aaya hoon (when I asked him how his knees were, he said, absolutely fine and come for video conferencing with their help only!) Mahendra Singh recalled. Lust Stories Directors - Anurag Kashyap, Zoya Akhtar, Dibakar Banerjee, Karan Johar Cast - Radhika Apte, Bhumi Pednekar, Manisha Koirala, Kiara Advani, Neha Dhupia, Vicky Kaushal, Jaideep Ahlawat, Sanjay Kapoor Rating - 3.5/5 Lust Stories, the new original film from Netflix, due out on June 15 - one of the first Indian originals on the streaming service -- is a unique tapestry of Indian cinema. Through four short films, directed by four of the countrys most prominent Hindi filmmakers, it presents the sort of unusual stories that feel fresh, yet familiar. Its almost like a sampling platter that you might find at a fancy restaurant, an unexpected marriage of contrasting styles and sensibilities, tones and textures that highlights the best (and worse) of what we have to offer. Were an unfathomably diverse country. There are enough reasons for us to be at odds with each other - certainly these days, when antagonistic behaviour is almost encouraged - but theres room for everyone, Lust Stories seems to say; for all kinds of people, all kinds of cultures and above all, all kinds of movies. Lust Stories models itself on anthology films such as New York Stories - a rather hit-or-miss experiment that is remembered more for the filmmakers it attracted (Martin Scorsese, Francis Ford Coppola and Woody Allen) rather than any particular story it told - and the Paris, je taime series. I was most impressed by how each of the four stories happen to have female protagonists without being obnoxious about it - it leaves you to realise this fact on your own, instead of having some overzealous producer pound you over the head with their progressiveness. These women are brought together by a shared theme of lust - yes - but also guilt, and shame, and, oddly enough, WhatsApp. Akash Thosar and Radhika Apte in Lust Stories. (Netflix) The opener, directed by Anurag Kashyap, is almost like a screwball comedy, but laced with an indescribable darkness that is so unique to his films. It stars Radhika Apte as Kalindi, a fiery college professor who initiates a rather iffy sexual relationship with one of her students. She regrets it immediately, and having heard stories of overemotional stalkers, warns him that they will not be meeting up again. This plays almost like an adolescents fantasy, but Kashyap has significantly increased the students age - perhaps keeping in mind the immaturity and inexperience of the Indian male - almost to the extent that the relationship seems less scandalous than it really is. But as the plot progresses - each short is roughly 30 minutes long, give or take a few - so does the characters status quo. I might be mistaken, but there is a psychological thriller aspect to the way Kashyap tells this largely comedic story, but I suppose that depends on your world view. Apte, meanwhile, is phenomenal as Kalinidi. She has the tendency to erupt into rambling monologues, armed with nothing but a complete and utter misreading of Ayn Rand, and Apte gives the impression that a lot of it was improvised. Bhumi Pednekar in Lust Stories. (Netflix) Its an electric opening segment, which is very satisfyingly tempered by Zoya Akhtars more serene follow-up. Bhumi Pednekars Sudha is the antithesis of Kalindi - cool, in control of her emotions, and near-silent. Sudha is a maid who has entered into a sexual relationship with the bachelor at whose house she works. Like Lust Stories treatment of its women - unfussy, hence empowering - there is a subtlety to how Akhtar tackles the very tricky theme of class in her film. And a lot of it is thanks to her ability to tell a story visually, with expert exposition and an unshakable perspective. We spend a day in Sudhas life, rarely leaving her side, as we watch her go about her daily duties - which on this particular day involve preparing tea for her lover and his possible future wife and her nervous parents. Pednekar has basically two words to say in the entire short, but conveys so much with just her face and her body language - shes angry at herself for having let this continue for so long, for letting her guard down after years of steely determination, and for having deluded herself into believing that it was real. It wasnt. Of course it wasnt. Because that isnt the India we live in. Jaideep Ahlawat and Manisha Koirala in Lust Stories. (Netflix) But unlike Sudha, Reena - the protagonist of the third short, directed by Dibakar Banerjee and easily the best of the lot - feels no shame in what she does. She might not have much feeling left in her at all, after the years of psychological abuse shes faced at the hands of her husband, a rich businessman who talks about black money and Rs 200 crore deals in the flippant manner with which one might discuss whats for dinner. Shes a classic femme fatale, sure to be controversial in the way she plays around with the two men in her life - manipulative, seductive, supremely confident yet so vulnerable. And Manisha Koirala is perfectly cast. We emerge from the claustrophobic confines of the cramped Mumbai apartment of Akhtars short to a sprawling beach house that doubles as a meeting place for Reena and Sudhir, her husbands best friend and her lover, played by Jaideep Ahlawat. Theyve been at it for three years, but with tempers running high and resolves reaching their breaking point, they invite Reenas husband for a meeting at the scene of the crime: the beach house. What happens next is staged with the expertly choreographed emotional beats of a play - at once tense and so, so sad. Kiara Advani and Vicky Kaushal in Lust Stories. (Netflix) Its unfortunate then that Lust Stories ends with Karan Johars short, which sticks out like he did in Bombay Velvet. Its the only film that seems to be drawing attention to itself, which is especially noticeable after the rather low-key vibe of the previous three segments. It features the least complex protagonist of the quartet - Kiara Advanis small-town wife discovers the wonders of a vibrator in a scene that seems to have been inspired by, of all things, a joke Tanmay Bhat made at Johars expense at the infamous AIB roast. It is also the only film of the lot that isnt set in Mumbai, which I thought was sort of the point of this exercise. And its the only film of the four whose protagonist doesnt have to wrestle with their own unethical behaviour - like the repercussions of infidelity and harassment that Kalindi and Reena must bear unless, of course, Johar thinks using vibrators is wrong. Perhaps if it was the first film instead of being the last, it wouldve played better - certainly, on its own, its a perfectly fine broad comedy. But as I said before, Lust Stories is a fairly accurate representation of where were at as a country - both in terms of progress and cinema. Theres room for Karan Johar, even if he wants to behave like the uncle in the metro who wants to squeeze into a packed compartment. Watch the Lust Stories trailer here Follow @htshowbiz for more The author tweets @RohanNaahar ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop The Kalamboli police have arrested the third accused for allegedly sexually assaulting three minor boys from February in an ashram on Thursday. The third accused is a minor. On Monday, the police had arrested two caretakers of the ashram- Gaurav Kamat, 27, and Dipesh Niakm, 19, in the case. The accused would take the boys to their rooms at night and assault them. The three accused stayed in the ashram to continue their education. Later, they also started serving there as caretakers, said Machindra Khade, senior police inspector of Kalamboli police station. Police have not revealed details of the third accused as he is a minor. We arrested the third accused in the case from his home town. We cannot disclose the place of his arrest as it violates the provisions of the Juvenile Justice Act, he said. After his arrest, the third accused was produced before the juvenile court and has sent to a remand home at Karjat. The Bandra metropolitan magistrate court on Wednesday remanded actor Armaan Kohli, 45, arrested for allegedly assaulting his live-in partner Neeru Randhawa, in judicial custody till June 26. The court also quashed the actors bail plea. Kohli will have to spend time in jail although he approached the Bombay high court seeking to quash the criminal case with the complainants consent by amicably settling the matter with her. Kohli was produced before the court after he was arrested from Lonavla on Tuesday. The Santacruz police registered a case against Kohli after recording Randhawas statement. She was hospitalised on June 3 owing to her injuries. Kohlis lawyer Lakshmi Raman argued in court that section 326 (voluntarily causing grievous hurt by dangerous weapons or means) of the Indian Penal Code is not applicable in the case. He did not possess a weapon and section 326 is not applicable, Raman told the court.The other sections applied in the case are bailable, the lawyer added. Randhawa, was also present during the hearing. Raman informed the court that they have already approached the HC to quash the FIR as the complainant is willing to settle the case. After the court reman-ded Kohli in judicial custody, the defence applied for bail, which the court rejected. Armaans plea for quashing of the criminal case is posted for hearing before the HC on Friday. A recent study has documented 20 little-known jungle shrines that are dedicated to the big cats in various parts of Mumbai. Titled Monsters or Gods? Narratives of large cat worship in western India, which was published earlier this week in a newsletter of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN), the book describes the belief in Waghoba, representing the tiger or the leopard, which appears to be geographically widespread in western India. In all 33 shrines, made of wood, stones or mud, were identified across Maharashtra and Goa. The authors said the centuries-old tradition of forest dwellers, who have a different relationship with the big cats, is largely ignored by conservationists. The focus today is mostly towards the negative aspects related to human-animal conflicts. However, for many years there exist these age-old cultural facets, which are positive and can help reduce conflicts. There is a need to understand more about this in the context of making such shared places more peaceful, said Vidya Athreya, wildlife biologist and lead author. There are many more shrines that need to be documented in the western region itself through a more detailed ethnographic study. In Mumbai, these shrines are mostly spread across areas populated by Warli and Mahadeo communities in and around Sanjay Gandhi National Park and Tungareshwar Wildlife Sanctuary, (which is home to 41 free-roaming leopards) and Vasai (see box for complete list). The study said Waghoba is viewed as the Junglacha Rakhandar [protector of the forest] and worshipped because of fear and respect. For worshippers, the forests are an important resource, providing food and firewood. They believe that the forest, however, is the realm of the Wagh (tiger or leopard) and appease the deity with sacrificial offerings, so that they do not attack humans and do not enter the villages. More than just fear, aspect we keep reading about, these shrines are way of give respect to these big cats. It doesnt mean they (worshipers) are not fearful, but they just know better how to navigate these animals so that conflict is reduced, said Athreya. Other researchers who were part of the are Sahil Pimpale, Atul Sinai Borkar, Nikit Surve, Siddant Chakravarty, Mrunal Ghosalkar, Ankur Patwardhan, and John D C Linnel. The first official survey for Waghoba sites by the team was started in 2013 in Goa. In 2015 and 2016, the team surveyed areas in Maharashtra and Mumbai region. The global position system (GPS) locations of shrines were recorded and local people were interviewed (150 in all mostly priests and village elders) to obtain information about the shrine as well as their perceived relationship with the deity. Priests claim that at night, the deity comes near the temple, as is evident from pug marks which they find the next day. In order to appease the cats, villagers offer sacrificial offering of meat (chicken or goat) in mid-April and in October, the study said. It added, The respondents in the Mumbai landscape stated that female leopards breed once in two years and move with their cubs, that they are mostly nocturnal, with each individual having its own territory which it guards. They said that the source of this understanding of leopards is from cultural transmission of knowledge, and through regular personal observations. Nikit Surve, another researcher, said, The emphasis towards this type of interaction between humans and the big cat is very less. It is very important to understand the parallels between conflict and worship related to the same animal. When such information is shared, the perception changes and it makes a huge difference. The Congress partys central leadership took stock of its rout in the Palghar Lok Sabha (LS) bypoll and the legislative council biennial elections held last month during party president Rahul Gandhis two-day tour to the city. The All India Congress Committee (AICC) general secretary in-charge of the organisation - Ashok Gehlot accompanied Rahul Gandhi during his two-day visit to Maharashtra. He held the meeting with the state leadership on the poll debacle at MCA Club in Bandra-Kurla Complex on June 12. The leaders said that the top leadership of the party may fix the responsibility on the state leaders who were in-charge of these elections because the party could not even secure votes of its own councillors. A state leader privy to the development said, Gehlot had a meeting with the state leaders to take a stock of the results of the recent elections. The debacle in the elections have been taken very seriously. The leader said, In Amravati, our senior leaders Manikrao Thakre, Yashomati Thakur and Virendra Jagtap were leading the campaign, while in Parbhani-Hingoli, former minister of state DP Sawant was in-charge. They could not even ensure to keep the party councillors together from shifting their loyalties to the ruling party. A section of state leaders feel that the party should not even have fielded its candidate in the prestigious Palghar bypoll. Congress had fielded its former Member of Parliament- Damodar Shingda and was decimated to fifth position. In Palghar, a section of the leaders were of the opinion that like the two earlier LS elections, the party should have back BVA candidate. But the leadership decided to contest it, the leader said. Congress did not win a single seat in the three of the six seats of the legislative council seats from the self-government constituencies last month, while in two constituencies it could not even garner the votes of its own corporators. In Amaravati, where the party has 128 corporators, its candidate got only 17 votes, while in Parbhani-Hingoli, the Congress-Nationalist Congress Party (NCP) alliance secured 297 votes, against which its candidate former Member of Legislative Assembly (MLA) Suresh Deshmukh, polled only 221 votes. In Wardha- Chandrapur-Gadchiroli constituency, though the alliance lost the seat to the BJP despite cross-voting. Its candidate Indrakumar Saraf received 462 votes against its strength of 339 corporators in the local bodies. Thakre said, The legislative council elections are fought in an entirely different environment these days. We could not find a capable candidate. The one we fielded was not willing to contest it. The defeat was unfortunate and we have apprised the state leadership about the reasons. Ashok Chavan said that a report related to the party defeat will be sent to the central leadership. We discussed the rout with Gehlotji and a detailed report will be sent. Even as the Indian Railway has begun a mega-recruitment drive to fill 90,000 vacancies pan India, the Mumbai division of the Central Railway (CR) is temporarily hiring around 1,400 retired staffers on an urgent basis for various posts such as carpenters, superintendents, painters and clerks, to handle the work that has piled up because of the shortage of staff. According to CR officials, this is the first instance of hiring such a large number of retired staffers in the Mumbai division. This will help them in smooth running of trains, especially considering recruitment of fresh staff is expected to take time, and even after the massive requirement drive, the new staff will have to go through training. A senior CR official said that they are hiring a total 1,396 retired staffers on a temporary basis. The highest number, 371, will be re-engaged for civil works, followed by 271 in signalling and telecommunication. The 170 posts of railway track maintainers will be filled through this re-hiring drive, however, the retired staffers will be allowed to work only till the end of 2019. The list includes a large number of posts of carpenters, painters, blacksmiths, plumbers, fitters and other artisans. CR is even hiring approximately 95 ticket collectors, apart from commercial clerks. According to railway officers, this is a win-win situation for the CR and retired staffers. The railway will get trained employees without any training and heavy financial burden, and the retired staffers will get a source of income. The railway board, the policy-making body of the Indian Railways has issued proper guidelines for re-engaging retired staff in zonal railways in order to overcome shortage of staff. Another railway official said that as per the guidelines, the retired staffers can be hired only up to age limit of 65, and they will be paid a fixed remuneration that should be lesser than their last salary drawn before retirement. The re-engagement of retired staffers is just a stop-gap arrangement, said a senior railway officer, who did not wish to be named. CR has invited applications from interested retired employees, working on the same posts or the department, preferably from the Mumbai division of CR, before June 22. They are hoping for a good response but are also bit sceptical because of the age bar of 65 for re-engagement of retired staffers. Its a proactive new guideline from the Railway Board for smooth working, said SK Jain, divisional railway manager of CRs Mumbai division. Three minor Dalit boys were allegedly stripped, beaten and paraded nude in a village in Maharashtras Jalgaon district for allegedly swimming in a village well, officials said on Thursday. The incident occurred on June 10, but came to light only after some videos of the boys being paraded in Vakadi village went viral, after which authorities swung into action. Maharashtra social justice minister Dilip Kamble told media persons that two persons have been arrested and further investigations are underway. Union social welfare minister Ramdas Athawale condemned the incident and demanded stringent action against the perpetrators. Last Sunday, the three boys, aged around 12-14, reportedly jumped into the village well to beat the scorching heat. However, as some locals learnt of it, a large number of people, including many allegedly from upper castes, gathered near the well and pulled them out. They were shouted at and subjected to abuses before some persons allegedly forced the boys to strip and paraded them nude around the village. The boys can be seen wearing only sandals and tree leaves, and the video showed at least one person whipping them on the legs and back with sticks and what appeared to be a leather belt. Several Dalit and political leaders from the opposition Congress and ruling Bharatiya Janata Party, including ex-minister Eknath Khadse, and Gujarat Dalit leader Jignesh Mewani, have condemned the incident and demanded that the culprits be booked under the SC/ST Act. Former Maharashtra chief minister Ashok Chavan and former state minister Laxman Dhoble, termed the incident unfortunate and said that such incidents are on the rise in recent times and the matter has also been discussed in Parliament. On Thursday evening, Maharashtra minister Chandrakant Patil promised action. A retired Navy man has developed a portable biogas plant that can be used for domestic and commercial purposes. The plant generates around two hours of cooking gas and 4kg of liquid manure daily after it is filled with organic waste including wet garbage generated from households, its developer said. Rajagopalan Nair, 68, retired from the Indian Navy in 1974 after serving the institution for nearly a decade. After retirement, he became a civil engineer. Nair then started his own civil construction firm in Vasai and still lives there. This is the first portable biogas plant manufactured in India, said Nair. My aim was to introduce a system that can eliminate wet wastage produced in scores of households like vegetable and fruit peels,discarded meat, chicken and fish waste,and other forms of wet garbage.With my plant the wastage produced in the household kitchen can be converted into different types of by-products like cooking gas and liquid manure,said Nair. Nair tested the plant in 2008 in Thrissur, his home town, in Kerala. The plant received ISO certification on May 22, 2018. Nair said he decided to introduce the plant in Vasai after getting the certification. The Vasai Virar Municipal Corporation (VVMC) already gives a 5 percent subsidy in house tax to residents of Vasai and Virar who install biogas plants in their homes, besides the subsidy that exists for the installation of rainwater harvesting system. Nair said the biogas plants currently available in India follow a floating model that have many drawbacks, including bad odour being produced during the process, attracting pests and other insects and so on. Weighing around 350kg and made of fibreglass, the digester (a large tank) is the main component of the plant. Inside the tank, bacteria convert organic matter into methane gas through the process of anaerobic digestion, Nair said.By providing a non-polluting energy source that is also renewable, the earth is being kept clean of harmful emissions, said Nair. The by-product produced by the plant, called slurry, can be used as bio-manure . Nair said that using his plant, one can on average get 4kg liquid slurry daily, which can be used as manure for plants. He also said that nearly 2 hours cooking gas would be available during the day. Besides the subsidy given by the Union Government for encouraging biogas in the country, the VVMC gives a 5 percent subsidy on house taxes, if the tax payer has installed a biogas plant in his house. The decision was taken in last years budget. Falguni Rajput, in-charge of the Swachh Bharat Abhiyan initiative in the Vasai civic body, said biogas is a good concept and has to be encouraged in the interest of waste management. The VVMC has taken the initiative and decided to give 5 percent subsidy to the residents of the twin cities in house tax, said Rajput. Hours after the forest department put a trap cage in place at Marol, Andheri (east), following reports that a leopard had been spotted in the locality, the animal was trapped early on Thursday. Forest officials said the leopard is full-grown male, between four and five years old. Around 3am, the leopard entered the cage, which we had set up in an abandoned industrial unit on Military Road. We had left chickens as bait, and once the leopard entered the cage, it was trapped, said Jitendra Ramgaokar, deputy conservator of forest, Thane forest range, who led the operation along with 25 other forest officers and staff from the Sanjay Gandhi National Park (SGNP). Based on veterinary examination, we will decide when to release the animal. The leopard seems to be a healthy specimen, said Dr Shailesh Pethe, veterinarian, SGNP. We have kept him in isolation and are in the process of carrying out various medical tests. However, he is eating well and has no health issues. Officials said locals had spotted the leopard at Halimabai Chawl near Marol Nand Dham Udhyog society on Sunday and had called up the forest department several times to set a trap and capture it. It strayed into Marol from the nearby Aarey Colony. The forest staff has made tremendous effort, carefully assessing the situation and carrying out a smooth rescue operation. They have been at the site since Sunday, said Mayur Kamat, wildlife warden, Mumbai. Residents welcomed the efforts of the forest department, but said it just shows how important it is to protect Aarey Colony from development. Such incidents clearly indicate that the big cats habitat is being encroached upon, forcing them to come closer to human habitations. Those developing infrastructure projects in Aarey need to realise this, said Marol resident Godfrey Pimenta. Census has confirmed 41 leopards in and around SGNP, with at least four animals documented in Aarey Colony. Over the past six months, the forest department has conducted four successful leopard rescue operations in Mumbai, in Andheri, Mulund, and Ulhasnagar. Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis dream project the Mumbai-Nagpur Super Communication Expressway will soon turn into a nightmare for farmers who have refused to sell their land for the 701-km road. The state government will invoke the Maharashtra Highways Act, to forcibly acquire the remainder land. Last week, it issued a notification for the compulsory acquisition. The move is likely to enrage farmers and opposition parties who have hit out at the state government for anti-farmer policies. The project requires 8,636 hectares of land, including 7,290 hectares of private land. The Maharashtra State Road Development Corporation (MSRDC), the nodal agency for the project, is yet to take over 1,485 hectares of private land or almost 20%. The government has given a June 25 deadline to the owners of the remainder land. After the deadline, the government will invoke section 18 of the MHW Act, to forcibly acquire land. After June 25, land owners will get less compensations only two to four times the ready reckoner price compared to five times in the normal circumstances. After acquiring the 20% private land, the state hopes to start construction as soon as possible. Of 8,636 hectares of land required, we have already acquired 7,145.21 hectares and only 1,485 hectares are yet to be acquired. Of the land to be acquired, 1,408 hectares could not be acquired owing to technical/legal reasons related to title disputes, ownership by religious trusts, forested land, etc. Once land is acquired by the government, we will compensate, said Radheshyam Mopalwar, vice-chairman and managing director of MSRDC. The state government recently amended the Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act 2013 by adding some provisions of the MHW Act in its schedule, to facilitate land acquisition for public projects. Under the amended land acquisition Act, the government has managed to bypass the mandatory social impact assessment studies and dilute requirement of public consent. Though the land acquisition has been hassle-free in Vidarbha district, where it has crossed 85%, farmers in Nashik and Thane have been resisting the governments move as large tracts of land here are irrigated. Activists have warned that the compulsory acquisition would lead to outrage among farmers. There will be huge uproar among farmers if they try to forcibly acquire land. It has become a norm for this government to secretly issue notifications by keeping farmers in the dark. Secondly, the percentage of land acquired is misleading. We exposed the authorities with the help of RTI on their lies about percentage related to the acquisition for Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridor, said Ulka Mahajan, an activist fighting against land acquisition As Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) chief Raj Thackeray turns 50 on Thursday, the next year -- 2019, which will witness both the Lok Sabha and assembly elections, will prove crucial to both him as well as the future of the party. The moot question is whether Raj be able to resurrect his political career as well as revive his party, which is now reduced to a minor force and whose workers remain demoralised. The 2014 Lok Sabha and assembly along with the 2017 civic polls proved to be a massive downslide for the MNS. In the backdrop of the discontent among the citizens over the exorbitant increase in petrol prices, MNS workers on the occasion of Rajs birthday gave discount on petrol in the range of Rs4-Rs9 in 36 constituencies across the city. This discount for two-wheelers attracted citizens and this resulted in a massive rush at these petrol pumps. The MNS bore the difference in cost. Raj also cut a cake that was in the shape of an Electronic Voting Machine (EVM). A message on the cake was a sarcastic jibe on how EVMs were being used to promote fair and transparent voting. Raj had done something similar during his birthday in 2016, when he cut a cake with All India Majlis-e-Ittehad-ul Muslimeen chief Asaduddin Owaisis (AIMIM ) face on it. Prior to the incident, Raj had been highly critical of the Owaisi brothers. However, political analysts doubt that reviving the MNS, which is now at its lowest ebb, will be easy for its chief. They blame Raj for the slide in popularity of the party, which recorded a spectacular performance in the 2009 polls. He was not able to build a strong organisational network unlike his mentor and uncle Bal Thackeray (founder of Shiv Sena). Everything in the MNS revolves around Raj Thackeray and he has not been able to create a second line of leadership, said political commentator Prakash Bal. Similar is the contention of political expert Surendra Jondhale, who said people have lost trust in Raj Thackeray. People no longer trust Raj as he has not been to deliver results after his 2009 polls success. There is no concerted effort by Raj to reinvent MNS as the son-of-the-soil agenda no longer appeals to the voters. The MNS workers are confused as they are not getting proper signals from Raj, said Jondhale. The extent of the MNS slide can be judged from the fact that the party, which bagged 13 seats in the state assembly polls in 2009, was reduced to just 1 in the 2014 elections. In addition, in the 2017 Mumbai civic polls, the MNS was reduced to 7 seats from the 28 it had bagged five years earlier. Now that figure has come down to 1 as six corporators defected to the Sena. In recent months, Raj has once again become active and has become a bitter critic of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and especially of Prime Mininster Narendra Modi. In his annual Gudi Padwa rally, he gave a clarion call for Modi-mukt Bharat (Modi-free India) and appealed to like-minded parties to forge a united opposition against the BJP for the 2019 election. He is also now touring Maharashtra in phases, trying to revive the MNS. However the MNS remains optimistic of its future and asserts that Raj remains an important factor in Maharashtra politics. The Maharashtra tour is a resounding success and the ground reality is changing in favour of MNS. Rajsaheb is working very hard and we are seeing results, said MNS leader Shalini Thackeray. In the current scenario, all political parties have failed the people and the MNS remains a very attractive alternative for them, she added. Raj was once a top leader in the Shiv Sena, groomed by Bal Thackeray as his heir apparent. However, problems began when Bal Thackerays son, Uddhav, started asserting his hold on the Sena and marginalising Raj. In 2005, Raj quit the Sena and the very next year, formed his own party, MNS. Though his 2007 civic polls debut was a disaster, Raj gained strength in 2008 by aggressively pursuing the son-of-the-soil agenda, as his party men targeted north Indians and blamed them for the woes faced by Maharashtrians in the city. This paid rich dividends in the 2009 polls and Raj became a figure to reckon with. Members of the citys transgender community have been invited to join the mohalla committees created for better policing in Zone VII, which includes police stations in Ghatkopar, Vikhroli and Bhandup among others. The invitation was extended in a workshop held between members of transgender community and police personnel from Zone VII (in the eastern suburbs). The meeting was held to give the police a better understanding of the community so that there is sensitivity in the way the police handle issues related to transgenders. The session, which was organised by Kinnar Maa Trust, a group representing transgenders, was held on Thursday at Chirag Nagar police station, Ghatkopar. It was attended by 70 senior police officers and their staff from Ghatkopar, Pant Nagar, Vikhroli , Parksite, Bhandup, Kanjurmarg, Mulund and Navghar police stations. This comes after three transgenders were brutally beaten in Thane allegedly by Maharashtra Navnirman Sena (MNS) workers around 15 days ago, following which one of them attempted suicide. When the members of the community told us about certain incidences that they faced in the past, we realised that more interaction is required amongst us. This is why it was decided they should become a part of mohalla committees, post which there can be discussion about various aspects of law that applies to them, said Rohini Kale, senior police inspector, Pant Nagar police station. Mohalla committees are a civil society initiative involving members of the police and the public. Akhilesh Kumar Singh, deputy commissioner of police (DCP), zone VII, said the aim is to inform all those working at these eight police stations about how to deal with transgenders. It has been decided that a counselling session would be held in cases that involve the community. Also, contact details of the members and social activist working for them in each area will be shared at our police station, so that they can become the first point of contact in cases that involve transgenders, said Singh. Salma Khan, Lok Adalat panel member and president of Kinnar Maa Trust, said that though the National Legal Services Authority (NALSA) judgement of the apex court was passed in 2014, there hasnt been an implementation of the verdict at ground level. The Nalsa judgement recognised transgenders as a third gender. The aim of this exercise was that we will be filing a petition in the high court soon after taking a feedback from the police members because there have been various cases where members of our community have been abused, instead of us being treated as equal, unlike the judgement given by the Supreme Court, said Khan. Musician Arko Pravo Mukherjee recently spoke about his love for collaborations, and that hell be working with the English pop-rock group The Kooks. It looks like the music Gods were listening when he expressed his interest in collaborations, as now, Arko is all set to work with the popular American music producer Brandon Friesen, once again. They earlier worked on the music production of two of Arkos songs the single, Aainda (2017) and Rangdaari for the film Daasdev. The two met in California, and discussed the possibility of yet another collaboration, and now they will work together on two tracks. They are planning one project in London and one in India, for which Brandon will visit the country for the first time. Read| Indian musicians realised the potential of collaborations quite late, says Arko Read| Arko Pravo Mukherjee detaches himself from work once its over, says thats important We celebrated and discussed the common art that ties people from all around the world Music. I had an amazing time with Brandon, Arko says, adding that he and Brandon have very similar musical tastes. It is always great to have friends who have similar taste and share same amount of energy and passion towards music. Im looking forward to our collaboration this year, he says, beaming. Brandon, who has worked with many musicians and bands such as Nickelback, Everlast, and Three Days Grace, too, is excited about the collaboration. It was an absolute pleasure meeting Arko. I have immense appreciation for his commitment to his artistry, and his vision toward crafting timeless songs that pull on your heart strings while transcending borders and languages. Arko and I have written English songs together that are turning out [to be] incredible, and he was generous enough to let me collaborate on a few Hindi film tracks with him last year, he tells us. About his plans to visit India, Brandon says, Im looking forward to coming over to Mumbai, later this year to work on a very cool concept the two of us created during our last meeting. I cant wait for the Indian music fans to see what we are cooking up. Interact with the author on Twitter/@sammysamarth Italian designer Stefano Gabbana has made headlines in the past for his public feuds and controversial comments, called actor Selena Gomez ugly on social media. The designer posted a collage of five red dresses worn by Gomez on Instagram and commented on it, calling her ugly, reports hollywoordreporter.com. E proprio brutta (She is really ugly) Gabbana commented on the photograph. Gabbana also responded to a users comment, agreeing that Gomez looks like a pomeranian dog and seemed to find the insult really funny. Gomezs fans were not happy with Gabbanas comments and were quick to defend the performer, calling the designers behaviour disgusting and disrespectful and shamed him for online bullying. This isnt the first time Gabanna has commented rudely. Most recently, he came under fire for commenting on a photograph of model Kate Moss wearing a black Saint Laurent romper, by simply writing, No. In the past, Gabanna has been in a feud with pop star Miley Cyrus and her brother Braison after Cyrus publicly announced she did not agree with his companys politics. Follow @htshowbiz for more Geeta Rani, the head girl of Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Lalru, loves studying, playing carrom and spending time with friends. A student of the medical stream who aims to be a doctor, she is an avid learner and an optimist. Born on: January 25, 1999 Badge of honour: Head girl, Government Girls Senior Secondary School, Lalru What turning 18 means to me Its a different feeling. I feel like a grown up ready to accomplish great things in life. What I want to be and why I want to be a doctor because I love studying biology. I want to heal the sick and help create a healthy society. My idea of India India is my country, I belong here. Indians live together with unity. It has all the facilities to make us competent in the world market. What makes me happy Im happiest in the company of my friends and family. I love helping my mother Uma Devi with her work and moving about in the city with my father Lalit Mohan. Studying and playing with friends makes me happy too. What makes me angry I get angry when someone disturbs me while Im studying, my brother Kushaal does it often (laughs). Narrow-mindedness in society and gossip mongers add to my anger. My fear and fantasy I dont fear anything as such. But that one moment inside the examination hall, before the question paper is handed over to me, is pretty scary. I have fantasies about going abroad, studying there and getting a job. Am I happy where I am? I am extremely happy. We are three sisters, Jyoti is the elder one and Lata is younger to me. I am the only one studying science. My father is very proud of me and that makes me happy. What money means to me Money is important in life. One cannot study without money. I want to earn a lot of money to provide all sorts of comforts to my family. My father, who works with the Anand Nishikawa Company Limited, Lalru, funds my education even though he has a low salary. I want to fulfil his dreams. What makes me proud of India I am proud of India because its my own country. The fact that Indian farmers are so hard working and feed the entire nation makes me take pride in my country. What I cant live without I just cant live without my parents. Even if they go away for some time, I miss them badly. What social media means to me Though I have a Facebook account, I dont use it. But I feel social media is a great platform to connect with people living miles away. It provides us with the latest information on current affairs and fashion trends. Its a reservoir of knowledge. Changes I would want to see in Lalru The lanes in Lalru are very narrow and people keep honking horns, creating noise pollution. Garbage dumping in the city needs to be checked and measures should be taken to promote cleanliness. Changes I want to see in India India is a great country but its education system is not good and standards need to be raised. Environmental changes due to pollution in India are harmful and steps should be taken to control it. What religion means to me I am not very religious. I have faith in God, but believe more in the power of action. My role model and why My physics teacher Meena Gupta is my role model. I like many of my teachers but she is the best. She clears the concepts of physics so well that I feel none of the students taught by her can fail. Allu Arjun is enjoying a family vacation in Paris and the actor took to Instagram to share some of the photographs that he has clicked of the city of love. Allu is passionate about photography and has been sharing pictures on and off from his shooting locations. Now, he shared shots of Palace of Versailles, Musee dOrsay, the painting of Monalisa, Gallery Lafayette, Jardin de Luxemborg, the famed Champs-Elysses, Louvre Museum and more. PARIS #postcardshot #aaclicks A post shared by Allu Arjun (@alluarjunonline) on Jun 11, 2018 at 12:05am PDT Allu Arjun has so far not signed another film. However, it is speculated that he might work with Vikram Kumar and Trivikram Srinivas next. There is also talk of Allu collaborating with the director of Sye Raa Narasimha Reddy. He is expected to make an official announcement about his next film soon. Follow @htshowbiz for more ott:10:ht-entertainment_listing-desktop On July 12, you can recite your favourite James Bond catchphrase while trekking 10,000 feet up Gaislachkogl Mountain in Soelden, Austria. On its snowy peak is 007 Elements, a first-of-its-kind, immersive James Bond museum. True Bond fans may recognize Soelden as the wintry backdrop from action sequences in the 24th James Bond film, Spectre, which came out in 2015. For the scene, director Sam Mendes asked production designer Dennis Gassner to find a cold location. We went to the Alps in Switzerland and Austria and Italy, says Gassner via phone. Luckily, we found Soelden in Austriaand a restaurant, the Ice Q, at the top of this ski lift, which became the foundation for what we needed. The first half of the installation features programmed sequences, and the remaining galleries are for exploration at guests own pace. Now the peak has been reimagined as a cinematic installation that places visitors inside the world of 007 while revealing how that richly layered and expensive world is made. Visitors will be able to see the latest AI-enabled Jaguar Land Rover tech, as well as the guts behind the C-X75 concept car that starred in a car chase through Rome in Spectre. Although Bond may be an Aston Martin man, Jaguar Land Rover vehicles have appeared in nine Bond films since Octopussy in 1983, when Roger Moore made a dramatic escape in a Range Rover Classic. Eight Bond films have featured a snowbound sequence, and 007 Elements is designed as a rugged environment to bring them to life. The first half of the installation features programmed sequences, and the remaining galleries are for exploration at guests own pace. Its closer to a movie than to a traditional museum. The space was designed and developed by Callow and Tino Schaedler, head of design at Optimist Inc., a creative agency in the U.S. and Europe. They collaborated with Austrian architect Johann Obermoser and his team at Arch Omo Architektur, who first designed the Ice Q, which Callow refers to as a shiny Alpine jewel. The only way to reach 007Elements is via the Gaislachkogl gondola. Land Rovers and Range Rovers used in the film were towed up the mountain by snowmobiles because there were no access roads. Visitors to Elements, on the other hand, will be transported the same way as Spectres crew, which arrived in spectacular fashion via a 10-person cable car system operated by Bergbahnen Soelden. Callow credits the cable car companys managing director, Jakob Falkner, with the crazy, wacky concept of hollowing-out a mountain to build a super-modern experiential exhibition. The majority of the museum is tucked inside of the mountain. Building at such elevation presented unusual challenges. Concrete was ferried up the slopes by helicopter, and the structure is stabilized at 33.8F (1C) so it doesnt unsettle the permafrost or geological fault lines. Once fully complete, rock and ice will be replaced around the edges and atop the building to minimize the visual impact amid the panoramic landscape. Our aim with 007 Elements is to tell the narrative of the Bond story in an emotional and engaging way, says Callow. We want to use this incredible location to bring stories to life in a unique and unforgettable way. While the museum will focus on Spectre, it will also touch on signature assets across the franchise, thanks to participation by Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer and EON Productions, the studio and production company that own Bond film rights. They were keen to give approval and have been involved from the outset, says Callow. We were lucky enough with this project to have a real movie set exactly where Spectre was shot. An authentic location is the backbone of the entire thing. From the first films, Bond has always been about being the first to do something, to test what can be done in an extreme way. Ian Flemings books raised the bar with technology, location, and character. So we wanted to make an experience that matched that progressive thinking of the 007 brand and brought it to the public in a new, unique way. Elements is not intended to make a profit, but to raise awareness of that long-time brand and to bring new guests to the Soelden Valley. Says Callow: Its an added component to whats already an amazingly wealthy region, in terms of things you can do. Admission to 007 Elements will cost 22 for adults, or 54 in combination with the mandatory gondola lift ticket. The attraction will operate daily from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m., from July 12 through Sept. 30, and from Oct. 26 through May 1. Follow @htlifeandstyle for more North Koreans are getting a new look at US President Donald Trump now that his summit with leader Kim Jong Un is over and its a far cry from the dotard label their government slapped on him last year. Previously, even on a good day, the best he might get was Trump. No honorifics. No signs of respect. Now, hes being called the president of the United States of America. Or President Donald J. Trump. Even supreme leader. The post-summit transformation of North Koreas official version of Trump, whos now being shown by state media looking serious and almost regal, underscores the carefully choreographed reality show the government has had to perform to keep its people, taught from childhood to hate and distrust the American imperialists, ideologically on board with the tectonic shifts underway in their countrys relationship with Washington. With a time lag that suggests a great deal of care and thought went into the final product, the Norths state-run television aired its first videos and photos of the summit on Thursday, two days after the event and a full day after Kim returned home to Pyongyang, the capital. To be sure, the star of the show was Kim. Trumps first appearance and the now famous handshake didnt come until almost 20 minutes into the 42-minute program. To the dramatic, almost song-like intonations of the nations most famous newscaster, the program depicted Kim as statesmanlike beyond his years, confident and polite, quick to smile and firmly in control. He was shown allowing the older American Trump, in his seventies, is more than twice Kims age to lean in toward him to shake hands, or give a thumbs up, then walking a few steps ahead to a working lunch. Before showing the two signing their joint statement, the newscaster said Trump made a point of giving Kim a look at his armoured Cadillac limousine, and noted that it is known to Americans as the Beast. She also at one point called them the two supreme leaders of their countries. The image-heavy news of Kims trip to Singapore was presented like a chronological documentary, starting with the red-carpet send off at the Pyongyang airport on, interestingly enough, a chartered Air China flight. That was followed by video of his motorcade making its way to the St. Regis Hotel in Singapore as throngs of well-wishers waved as though awaiting a rock star, and Kims night tour of the city-state on the summits eve. The state medias representation of the summit and Trump is extremely important because it gives the North Korean population, which has only limited access to other news sources, an idea not just of whats going on but also of how the government expects them to respond. For the average North Korean, the state medias coverage of Kims diplomatic blitz this year must seem nothing short of astonishing. After sending a top-level delegation that included his own sister to the Winter Olympics in South Korea in February, Kim has met twice each with South Korean President Moon Jae-in and Chinese President Xi Jinping and the state media have splashed all of the meetings across its front pages and newscasts though generally a day after the fact to allow time to make sure the ideological tone is right and the images as powerful as possible. In the run-up to the summit, the Norths media softened its rhetoric so as not to spoil the atmosphere as Kim prepared to sit down with the leader of the country North Korea has maligned and lambasted for decades as the most evil place on Earth, other than perhaps Japan, its former colonial ruler. It fired a few barrages against hard-line comments by US vice-president Mike Pence and National Security Adviser John Bolton and has stood ever critical of capitalist values, but has kept direct references to Trump to a minimum. Bolton, who has been a target of Pyongyangs ire since his service in the George W. Bush administration, was introduced in the Thursday program dead-pan and shown shaking Kims hand. What this all means for the future is a complicated matter. North Korea has presented Kims diplomatic strategy as a logical next step following what he has said is the completion of his plan to develop a credible nuclear deterrent to what Pyongyang has long claimed is a policy of hostility and nuclear blackmail by Washington. That was its message through the news on Thursday, which stressed that the talks with Trump would be focused on forging a relationship that is more in tune with what it called changing times most likely meaning North Koreas new status as a nuclear weapons state and its desire for a mechanism to ensure a lasting peace on the Korean Peninsula and, finally, denuclearization. Despite the respectful tone, there remains a clear undercurrent of caution. Kim remains the hero in the official Pyongyang narrative. Whether Trump will be his co-star, or once again the villain, is fodder for another episode. Call it stupidity or plain bad luck, a BMW owner in eastern China found his luxury car destroyed in fire after sparks from the incense sticks he lit during a religious ritual triggered a blaze. The incident happened in Yangzhou city on Tuesday. A video, posted by a neighbour and taken minutes before the incident, shows the man and his wife placing offerings in utensils and setting up giant incense sticks, as part of a ritual to thank god for blessing them with a new car and bring good luck. A screenshot of the video shows a man, his wife placing offerings in utensils and setting up giant incense sticks (Miaopai.com/Screengrab) According to reports, the fire department suspects the blaze began after the man burnt incense on the cloth, which was placed across the vehicles hood. Incidentally, the man had bought the car at twice the cost of the same model in the United States, thanks to the hefty tax imposed on imported cars in China, Beijings South China Morning Post reported. Photographs of the car taken after the incident showed the BMW reduced to a smoldering piece of metal, well beyond repair. A court in the Maldives on Wednesday convicted former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and the sitting chief justice for obstruction of justice and sentenced them to 19 months in prison. The trials are widely seen as part of a plan by President Abdulla Yameen to tighten his grip on power ahead of elections in September at which he seeks a second five-year term against an opposition yet to decide on a single candidate. The government denies this. The country of 400,000 people is popular with tourists but has seen political unrest since its first democratically elected leader, Mohamed Nasheed, was forced to quit amid a police mutiny in 2012. Nasheed was convicted of terrorism charges in 2015 and sentenced to 13 years after a trial criticized as unfair. Gayoom, who is the countrys longest serving leader, Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and Supreme Court Justice Ali Hameed were found guilty on Wednesday after they were charged for refusing to hand over their mobile phones for a police investigation. They received sentences of 19 months and six days. The Indian Ocean island chain has faced upheaval since February, when Yameen, half brother of Gayoom, imposed a 45-day state of emergency to annul a Supreme Court ruling that quashed the convictions of nine opposition leaders, including Nasheed. During the emergency, authorities arrested the three men and a Supreme Court administrator on charges of trying to overthrow the government. They still face those charges. Saeed and Hameed refused the opportunity to make a closing argument saying their lawyers had earlier quit, citing grave procedural defects with the trial. Criminal Court Judge Hassan Najeeb refused multiple appeals by the defendants to be given time to appoint new lawyers. Najeeb said it was clear from anonymous testimonies that the defendants had mobile phones and refused to comply with a police investigation and requests to hand over their devices and this represented obstruction of justice. The opposition has accused Yameens government of jailing leaders who could challenge Yameens re-election bid, a charge the government denies. Rights group Amnesty International said in a statement the convictions are politically motivated and should be quashed because the trials did not meet international standards. Athul Keshap, the US Ambassador for Maldives said in a tweet that an unfair trial with no defence witnesses or defence lawyers would always result in an unfair sentence. Judges cannot serve the cause of fair and impartial justice if they fear the Executive. When will the people of #Maldives see the restoration of rule of law?, Keshap said on Twitter. Gayoom told the court he denied the charges and said the trial was unfair. Najeeb said the trial was conducted in accordance with the law. Dunya Maumoon, the daughter of Gayoom, who resigned from Yameens government after her father was arrested, said her family was deeply shocked by the convictions. German prosecutors said Thursday theyve thwarted an Islamic extremist plot to launch an attack with the deadly toxin ricin. They said a 29-year-old Tunisian, identified only as Sief Allah H., who was arrested Wednesday, started procuring material online including seeds needed for the creation of ricin in mid-May. The suspect succeeded in creating the toxin this month and investigators found it in a search of his Cologne apartment, federal prosecutors in Karlsruhe said in a written statement. He procured 1,000 castor bean seeds online as well as an electronic coffee grinder, they said. The shell of the castor bean plant seed is highly poisonous and can be used to create ricin. The authorities are still investigating exactly how the suspect planned to use the toxin, but said he was working on a biological weapon attack in Germany. Prosecutors said they currently have no evidence of a connection with any extremist organization. They didnt immediately comment on a Bild newspaper report that American intelligence tipped off German investigators. Bild also reported that the suspect bought bomb-making material and chemicals used in the production of the ricin. The daily newspaper wrote that H. lived in the Chorweiler neighborhood of Cologne with his wife and four children. He supposedly used instructions for the making of a ricin bomb that had been posted online by the extremist Islamic State group. Former military ruler Pervez Musharrafs hopes of contesting Pakistans upcoming general elections were quashed on Thursday when the Supreme Court withdrew its conditional permission given to him to file his nomination papers. The court had earlier granted permission to Musharraf to file his nomination papers and contest the July 25 polls, provided the former president appeared in lower courts and contested cases against him. A four-member bench of the Supreme Court heard the case pertaining to Musharrafs return to run for the elections. On Wednesday evening, Musharraf had requested more time through a party official to return to Pakistan. The court refused to entertain his request after granting a day-long extension to the June 13 deadline. Musharraf, who faces charges of treason, left Pakistan in March 2016 to seek medical treatment and currently lives in Dubai in self-exile. His counsel, Qamar Afzal, appeared on his behalf in the apex court. I have spoken to Musharraf, he asks for more time. He plans to come to Pakistan but due to the Eid holidays and illness, he cant travel immediately, Afzal said. Alright, well adjourn the court hearing till indefinite time period, (we) will hold it on your wish, Chief Justice Saqib Nisar said. Earlier, APML secretary general Mohammad Amjad Chaudhry confirmed Musharraf would not be appearing before the apex court on Thursday. The court had set a deadline of 2pm for Musharraf to appear before the bench hearing a petition challenging a lifetime bar on the former dictator contesting polls. Chaudhry also said Musharrafs legal team will apply for an extension. We will request them to set a date after Eid-ul-Fitr. If they agree, Musharraf will return, he told the media. A UK-based Sikh NGO is making Ramzan special for over 5,000 Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Iraq by providing iftar food packets for thousands of people displaced due to the ongoing civil war. In collaboration with Sawa for Development and Aid, a local Lebanese charity, Khalsa Aid is providing iftar meals to more than 5,000 refugees through their Ramzan Kitchen. We are funding #Ramadan Fresh food ( Iftar ) for 5000 #Syrian Refugees daily in Lebanon ! Food is freshly prepared & served. Our thx to our friends @SawaForDev for their wonderful support. #Iftar pic.twitter.com/YYU4lyfglQ Khalsa Aid (@Khalsa_Aid) June 12, 2018 A period of intense prayer, dawn-to-dusk fasting and nightly feasts mark the holy month of Ramzan that culminates with Id-ul-Fitr. The charity also gifted new clothes and shoes to over 500 refugee children in Iraqs Mosul. Eid Gifts for refugee children of #MOSUL. As #Eid approaches many refugee children in a camp near Mosul remain without gifts or smilies. Our volunteers changed all that ! We purchased new shoes for over 500 children Refugees. Smiles are back ! #Ramadan @YasminQureshiMP pic.twitter.com/dUsxGocBJh Khalsa Aid (@Khalsa_Aid) June 13, 2018 These children were forced to leave their homes when war broke out in Mosul in 2014. The city has been left devastated. These clothes will be the only gifts many of these children will receive this Eid while suffering difficult conditions of a refugee camp, the organisation wrote on Facebook. According to Khalsa Aid founder, Ravinder Singh, the NGO carries out humanitarian operations in Lebanon, Turkey, Iraq, Zambia, Malawi, Haiti, Guatemala, Punjab, United Kingdom and Bangladesh. N ational Picnic Week runs from June 15 until June 24, giving you the perfect excuse to get out and enjoy the sunshine. But before you think about sandwich fillings and fruit for the Pimms, you've got to make sure you have the right accessories. The Tropicana-theme shows no sign of slowing down so jump on the bandwagon with this patterned picnic blanket, from George at ASDA and priced at 7. It boasts a slick monochrome chevron pattern with splashes of trendy pineapples and pretty flowers. Keep your sandwiches chilled in this bee-patterned cool bag. From John Lewis and priced at 32, there's even enough room for a couple of bottles of fizz. Keep your children and the big kids in the group entertained with this cool fabric picnic blanket complete with washable fabric pens, from Etsy. Priced at 35.95, it's covered in endless doodles, just waiting to be coloured in. Finally, this brass drinks caddy, from West Elm and priced at 23.20, is ideal for keeping spillages to a minimum. F urry toilet seat covers, taxidermy and avocado bathrooms have been named the worst interior design crimes of the past 50 years. Design experts brainstormed a list of the biggest home decor disasters before asking 2,000 discerning Brits to vote for what they consider the worst faux pas. Chintzy furniture, carpeted bathrooms, beaded curtains and installing a bar in your living room all made the final 25, as did animal print anything and shabby chic anything. It might be time to paint over that inspirational quote you stencilled onto your wall in the Nineties (Changing Rooms, we blame you), while those cheesy professional family portraits also leave many of us feeling nauseous. Textured walls, stone cladding and shag pile carpets all make the list, with living room bars, bidets, round beds and tribal carvings among the other no-nos for a modern home. Over a third of those surveyed called out Seventies trends as the worst, with the Eighties also faring badly thanks to toilet rugs and pink bathrooms. The Sixties, characterised by psychedelic patterns, lace doilies and clashing colour schemes, came third in the new study, led by British Institute of Interior Design president Daniel Hopwood for Samsung. I have lived through the Seventies, Eighties and Nineties and seen interior design trends come and go, he says. The interiors trends that home buyers love 1 /10 The interiors trends that home buyers love Granite worktops Getty Images/iStockphoto Conservatories Getty Images Laminate flooring Getty Images/iStockphoto Feature wall Getty Images/iStockphoto French windows Getty Images/iStockphoto Waterfall showers Getty Images/iStockphoto Wooden furniture Getty Images/iStockphoto Wet room bathrooms Getty Images/iStockphoto Marble Getty Images/iStockphoto Open-plan living space Getty Images/iStockphoto Its fascinating how our tastes have evolved over time. Toilet rugs, rag-rolled walls and TV cupboards should all be consigned to the dodgy decor history books. Industry Update Appointment 14 June 2018 Garrett Parker Appointed Hotel Manager At Hilton San Francisco Union Square - CA, USA Terry Lewis, Complex General Manager, has announced the appointment of Garrett Parker as the property's new Hotel Manager. Lewis comments, "Garrett is an amazing asset to the Hilton San Francisco Union Square team. He has been such a great influence on our complex of the two hotels and will bring all his strengths and leadership capabilities from the 1,024-room Parc 55 to the 1,921 -room Hilton San Francisco Union Square." Most recently, Parker served as Hotel Manager for San Francisco's Parc 55 - A Hilton Hotel where he facilitated all facets of hotel operations, sales and marketing, revenue management and finance. Additionally, he has held management positions with Embassy Suites DC Convention Center, Washington Hilton, Capital Hilton, Hilton Baltimore, Embassy Suites Austin Downtown and Doubletree Dallas Campbell Center.Parker received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and Finance from Schreiner University in Texas. Parker's global education also includes a range of exposure from his Cultural and Language Studies degree from Spain to General Manager Certification with Hilton's Shine Program. Terry Lewis, Complex General Manager, has announced the appointment of Garrett Parker as the property's new Hotel Manager. Lewis comments, "Garrett is an amazing asset to the Hilton San Francisco Union Square team. He has been such a great influence on our complex of the two hotels and will bring all his strengths and leadership capabilities from the 1,024-room Parc 55 to the 1,921 -room Hilton San Francisco Union Square." Most recently, Parker served as Hotel Manager for San Francisco's Parc 55 - A Hilton Hotel where he facilitated all facets of hotel operations, sales and marketing, revenue management and finance. Additionally, he has held management positions with Embassy Suites DC Convention Center, Washington Hilton, Capital Hilton, Hilton Baltimore, Embassy Suites Austin Downtown and Doubletree Dallas Campbell Center.Parker received his Bachelor of Business Administration in Management and Finance from Schreiner University in Texas. Parker's global education also includes a range of exposure from his Cultural and Language Studies degree from Spain to General Manager Certification with Hilton's Shine Program. Hilton Hilton (NYSE: HLT) is a leading global hospitality company with a portfolio of 17 world-class brands comprising nearly 6,000 properties with more than 954,000 rooms, in 117 countries and territories. Dedicated to fulfilling its mission to be the worlds most hospitable company, Hilton earned a spot on the 2019 Worlds Best Workplaces list, and has welcomed more than 3 billion guests in its 100-year history. more information Recent Appointments at Hilton Tamer Farouk - General Manager 13 October 2021 Tamer Farouk has been appointed as the General Manager of Hilton Bahrain, an upscale new hotel and residences expected to open in the first quarter of 2022. Located along Al Fateh Highway, the 348- room hotel will feature studios, one and two bedroom apartments with all the comforts of home and a stunning view of the sea from each unit's balcony. read more Kenneth Jarka - General Manager 29 September 2021 Kenneth Jarka has been named general manager of the iconic 1,107-room Washington Hilton, following the recent retirement of 39-year hospitality veteran, Tracy Marks. Located at 1919 Connecticut Ave NW, Washington, DC this historic hotel offers over 116,000 sq. read more Appointment 14 June 2018 Duncan has held several positions in the information technology sector including her 16 years responsible for the IT structure and operation of 110 Wendy's restaurants. Most recently, Duncan served as IT director for A&A Global industries where she provided IT support for the company's diverse business needs. As director of IT with Chesapeake, Duncan will be responsible for working with leadership to ensure each hotel property has secure computer operating systems and effective support resources in place. Duncan holds an Associate of Applied Science degree in computer network engineering from Westwood College online. Supplier News 14 June 2018 In collaboration with the Mexican Consulate in Frankfurt and the Los Cabos Tourism Board, Velas Resorts raised the bar on Mexican cuisine at IMEX Frankfurt. Chef Francisco Vargas, executive sous chef of the AAA Five Diamond Grand Velas Los Cabos, prepared an extensive number of dishes, with a focus on typical items from Baja California Sur and Mexico. From May 15 to 17, members of the MICE industry, hotel guests and tourists to the area enjoyed Chef Vargas' cuisine at the Lindner Hotel. Menu items included fish ceviche with red onion, Serrano Chile and cilantro; Baja fish and shrimp tacos with chili mayo, pico de gallo, and pickled red onions on a corn tortilla; tempura squash blossom stuffed with fresh cheese and topped with black bean salsa; sea bass pastor with pineapple puree, avocado, cilantro and corn strips; and duck breast with black mole over cauliflower. During the gastronomic week, Hotel Lindner invited various chef apprentices from 15 other Lindner properties in Germany to assist Chef Vargas in the kitchen. Chef Vargas shared new experiences and culinary inspirations to these students in their culinary training, which was received with great enthusiasm among the participants. In addition to the gastronomic week, the Meetings by Velas Resorts team conducted one-on-one appointments and an event to promote Los Cabos was organized with the support of the Tourism Trust. Consular staff, members of the business community, cultural institutions, regular clients of the resort collection and restaurant, and meetings and incentives-focused media attended. Chef Vargas offered a special tasting menu for this occasion, prepared in conjunction with Chef Johannes Hanspach of Lindner. Velas Resorts has catered to MICE Industry needs for over 25 years with resorts that feature excellence in service, world-class hospitality, beautifully appointed accommodations, signature Luxury All-Inclusive, superb facilities and expansive Convention Centers. For more information on Velas Resorts Meetings or to make a reservation, please call 1-888-505-8399 or visit http://velasmeetingsmexico.com/. Supplier News 14 June 2018 TrustYou, the world's largest guest feedback platform, in collaboration with Volara, the provider of custom voice-based solutions for the hospitality industry, developed a joint solution to focus on a highly popular communication trend: voice messaging. The outcome combines TrustYou's guest messaging feature with Volara's voice-based guest engagement software, through Amazon's "Alexa" and results in an innovative and hassle-free way of communicating on the spot, during a guest's on-site experience. TrustYou first released its Guest Messaging feature in 2016 and has been constantly improving ever since. In the company's most recent eBook, The Hotelier's Tech Stack Guide: Must-Have Technologies That Impact The Guest Journey, TrustYou recommended Volara's solutions, emphasizing their fruitful partnership. With the integration of the Volara-powered Amazon Echo into the TrustYou Guest Messaging tool, guests can now communicate with the hotel staff in the most effortless way: by only using their voices. 35.6 million Americans used a voice-activated assistant device at least once a month in 2017, per eMarketer a year-over-year increase of nearly 130 percent. This goes to show that voice-enabled devices are rising in popularity and have the ability to enhance the guest experience. "By providing an easy, innovative way of communication between guests and hosts, the overall experience of a hotel stay is boosted in a considerable manner", says Benjamin Jost, TrustYou's CEO and Co-Founder. "We are proud of our partnership with Volara since we have found a great way of combining two popular technologies and tools, to further enhance the guest journey and improve a hotel's reputation." The integration between the two technologies is fast and seamless and the overall voice-enabled messaging tool is meant to help hotels be a step ahead of the competition, as well as personalizing and improving the hotel service and the guest's on-site experience. "Modern hoteliers want to communicate with their guests efficiently and on their guests' preferred medium - whether live and automated voice from Volara or through the multiple text-based messaging channels offered by TrustYou. This joint solution packs a powerful multi-channel punch that is already increasing guest satisfaction in leading hotels across the United States. Volara is proud of its work with TrustYou and will continue to invest in innovative joint solutions", adds David Berger, CEO of Volara. To find out more about the TrustYou and Volara partnership and the resulting voice-messaging product, stop by booth 1009 at this year's HITEC in Houston. Find more information on TrustYou and the guest feedback platform on www.trustyou.com. Supplier News 15 June 2018 Boca Raton, FL, June 14, 2018 - Cendyn, the leading provider of hotel CRM and sales platforms, announced the next-generation release of its Cendyn eNgage guest intelligence solution. Advancements include enhanced user interface, reporting, rules engine and personalization options. Used in conjunction with Cendyn's eInsight hotel CRM, eNgage sits on top of a hotel's property management system or call center application, intelligently guiding staff to create authentic, meaningful encounters and upsell offerings based on guest history, preferences and loyalty status. The lightweight application can be accessed on any device and features configurable messaging prompts and data displays. Like all Cendyn products, eNgage integrates seamlessly with your other hotel systems, utilizing an open architecture that ensures the accuracy and completion of guest information for all team members at every touchpoint in the guest journey. "The right approach to personalization is critical for hotels to balance customers' increasing demand for unique, tailored experiences and apprehension around the use of personal data," said Charles Deyo, President & CEO at Cendyn. "Cendyn's eNgage solution helps hotels navigate this elegantly with customer service and upselling, so guests feel known and valued, not overly monitored. Our technology will always strive to enhance the strength of hospitality teams and help them put the guest at the forefront of what they do." About Cendyn Cendyn is a cloud-based software and services provider that develops integrated technology platforms for driving marketing, sales and event performance in the travel and hospitality industry. The Cendyn Hospitality Cloud offers the most complete set of innovative software and services in the industry, covering hotel marketing, guest engagement, group sales and event management. With offices in Boca Raton, Atlanta, Boston, San Diego, Toronto, Whistler, London, Munich and Singapore, Cendyn proudly serves more than 30,000 hotel clients in 143 countries with enterprise spend levels in excess of $1 billion. Contact Michael Bennett SVP Global Marketing & Business Development Cendyn [email protected] 561-419-2286 Yesterday Kim Kardashian flew from Los Angeles to Memphis to finally meet Alice Marie Johnson in person. After seven months of working with her attorney, Ivanka Trump, and other government officials Kim met with Donald Trump, coincidentally on Alice's birthday, to plead with the President to pardon Alice for her involvement in a non-violent drug ring. It became this mission that I just didnt want to give up, Kim said. Kim and Alice sat down with the Today Show to talk about the journey in full. Alice admittedly said that when she found out Kim Kardashian was working to get her freed, she had no idea who she was, having been locked up for 20 years. As soon as I found out who she was, I started getting every magazine I could find, she said. I started reading everything that I could about her. And everyone was amazed. And I was amazed, too. Alice now keeps a photo of Kim in her bible, that is a page ripped out of a tabloid magazine. "'Thank you' is not big enough. I think I have to walk it out. I have to walk my 'thank you' out. I have to live it out for her, for my family, for the supporters," she said. As for the future of Alice, she plans on helping those just like her. "I plan on continuing to magnify this issue. And I can't stop. I can't stop. I've lived it," she explained. "I've walked with them. I have cried with them. My life is completely intertwined forever with those who were left behind. So it can't end here." The Wrap reports how the upcoming Batman film will focus on a younger Bruce Wayne, effectively discharging Ben Affleck from the franchise. Affleck made his first appearance as Batman in Batman v. Superman: Dawn of Justice, before reprising his role as Gotham City's Finest in the ensemble film Justice League. According to The Hollywood Reporter, Matt Reeves had recently submitted the first act of The Batman, a title constructed by Affleck during his initial attempt as the film's screenwriter. Affleck was originally pegged to write, direct, and star in the upcoming DC Comics production, but decided to step down from his post and allow Reeves to helm the project and exercise creative control. Warner Bros. is apparently revising their strategy for its upcoming roster of DC superhero films, focusing more on standalone narratives as opposed to interconnected storylines between its roster of protagonists. Over the past several months, more and more popular male celebrities faced sexual misconduct and sexual assault allegations. Some of them caught the public by surprise but others, not so much. The #MeToo and #TimesUp movement have played a major role in helping sexual abuse victims stand up and speak their mind. Jamie Foxx is the latest actor to be accused of sexual misconduct. He's since denied it but his accuser filed a police report already. When the news got to Bow Wow, he had some words to say about the situation. Bow Wow shared his thoughts on Jamie Foxx's recent accusations and he's clearly not buying into it. Bow Wow explained that he didn't believe Morgan Freeman's accusations nor will he with Jamie Foxx's. He went on a lengthy rant on Instagram and explained that he feels the women accusing both actors are lying. "I was going to let this shit slide. After Morgan Freeman, I said 'get the fuck outta here.' Now, Jamie... get the fuck outta here." He said, "A lot of y'all women need to get up off your mothafuckin' ass and get a job man. Go get a fuckin' job. Stop trying to use celebrities as a scapegoat. Cut that shit out. Nobody believe you." Bow Wow also dove into a bit of a conspiracy behind the #MeToo movement and how each accuser has used Lisa Bloom to represent them in their cases. "They hire the same fuckin' woman to represent them. It's the same story. Every week, it's somebody new." he said, "Y'all makin' it bad for women that's really out here getting touched and abused by mothafuckas. 'Cause ain't nobody going to be believin' them." Chrissy Teigen legit just gave birth to her second-born, but she still has time for advocacy. She is encouraging her fans to donate to ACLU (American Civil Liberties Union). The organization is a proponent of human rights. Teigen chose this particular day to share her message as it happens to be President Donald Trump's birthday. She proposes a creative way of celebrating the nation's leader as he turns 72. This text post appears on her Instagram with the caption "happy birthday": The last time the ACLU got this type of attention was last year, amidst the "Delete Uber" debacle. Lyft donated millions to the organization. Bandcamp also made financial contributions in 2017. This particular initiative, led by Teigen and Legend, is clearly meant to be oppositional to Trump's brand, despite the message's positivity. Chrissy Teigen and her husband John Legend have publicly criticized the president and his administration on multiple occasions. Most notably, John Legend had reached out to his friend Kanye West, who has consistently professed his admiration for Trump, in attempt to have him reconsider the conclusions of his "free thought." Kanye's gentle curve sent by text message was made public, but Legend and his family continue to advocate against some of the Trump administration policies. Teigen is so vocal about Trump that she was part of the list of people he blocked from Twitter. She also happens to be considered one of the hottest women, according to Maxim. She's kind of a bad*ss. The last time Conor McGregor was in New York City he was throwing guard rails and hand trucks at a bus full of UFC fighters following the UFC 223 Media Day at Barclays Center. As a result of the melee that took place in early April, McGregor was charged with felony criminal mischief and misdemeanor counts of assault, attempted assault, menacing and reckless endangerment. It was a different scene in New York today when the 29-year old Irish superstar returned to Brooklyn Criminal Court for his hearing. According to the New York Post, Prosecutor Janet Gleeson said no grand jury action has been taken, which means McGregor and his co-defendant/training partner Cian Cowley, have not yet been indicted on felony criminal mischief charges. The hearing was reportedly brief, lasting just a minute or two, but there were plenty of reporters waiting to speak with McGregor has he left the courthouse. I regret my actions that led to today, McGregor read from a prepared statement, according to the New York Post. I understand the seriousness of this matter and I am hopeful this can get worked out. Thank you, everyone. McGregor and Cowley are scheduled to appear in court again on July 26. According to ESPN's Brett Okomato, McGregor's legal team and the Brooklyn District Attorney's Office said negotiations for a potential plea deal are ongoing. Once the legal issues are resolved, it is expected that McGregor will challenge current UFC lightweight champion Khabib Nurmagomedov, who was the alleged target of his attack at Barclays Center. Notable new analysis of US incarceration levels and recent (modest) changes | Main | Lamenting the ripples of Judge Persky's recall June 13, 2018 Another notable report on clemency suggesting Prez Trump will be "pardoning a lot of people pardons that even Obama wouldnt do" Vanity Fair is not usually my go-to source for sentencing news, but this new piece includes both White House gossip and a closing paragraph that suggest a lot of sentence news with be forthcoming from that building. The full headline of the piece reveals some of the gossip: "He Hate, Hate, Hates It: Sessions Fumes As Kushner Gets Pardon Fever; With Kim Kardashian and liberals like Van Jones, the princely Trump son-in-law is trying to reset his reputation. But not everyone in the administration is happy about it." And here are the most sentencing-specific parts of the piece: In recent months, Kushner has cultivated a close relationship with CNN host and criminal-justice reform advocate Van Jones. Jared is obsessed with Van, one Trump adviser said. Kushner invited Jones to the White House multiple times and the two communicate frequently, Jones told me. Jared and I have 99 problems but prison aint one, Jones said. Ive found him to be effective, straightforward, and dogged. Jones has lavished praise on Kushner publicly. In January, Jones wrote a CNN op-ed headlined, Kushners effort to sway Trump on prison reform is smart. The Kushner-Jones alliance has infuriated some Republican members of the administration, especially Attorney General Jeff Sessions. He hate, hate, hates it, a person close to Sessions said. But Sessions, who is hanging on for survival amidst frequent Trump attacks, has no power to move against Kushner. Sources say Trump may even like that Sessions is outraged because Trump is looking for anything that will get Sessions to quit so he can appoint an attorney general who isnt recused in the Russia investigation. (The White House did not respond to a request for comment.) Jones told me Trump liked the positive media coverage that followed his pardon of Alice Johnson at the urging of Kardashian and Kushner. Trump was pleasantly surprised, Jones said. I hope the president feels encouraged to do more. One person who recently spoke with Kushner said the presidents son-in-law is gearing up for a big pardon push. The source said Kardashian gave Kushner a list of people to pardon, some of whom are hip-hop artists. Theyre going to be pardoning a lot of peoplepardons that even Obama wouldnt do, the person said. A few of many recent related posts about recent Trumpian clemency activity: June 13, 2018 at 09:06 PM | Permalink Comments The cynical part of me says that this is all cover for when Trump pardons Manafort and Flynn (and maybe others involved). Trump can claim that they were treated unfairly just like that black grandma he pardoned, so shut up everyone... Posted by: Daniel | Jun 14, 2018 2:07:26 PM Post a comment Jada Pinkett Smith believes the bond between her and husband Will Smith is unshakable, effectively nullifying any tabloid fodder about a potential split between the two. "Here is the thing about Will and I, we are family, that is never going down. Its just not," she proclaims with an unyielding sense of assuredness. The Girls Trip star and her Fresh Prince of Bel-Air hubby have been married since 1997 and share two children together, Jaden, 19, and Willow, 17. "We are family, Pinkett Smith insisted. Take out all that whole marriage, relationship crap, at the end of the day Will and I are family. I am going to hold him down, doesnt matter. All that relationship and what people think ideas of a husband, partner and all that, man whatever. At the end of the day that is a man that can rely on me for the rest of his life period." The pair's bond is so resilient, that Smith periodically vacations with ex-wife Sheree and their son Trey, as the trio recently visited Jordan and Israel together. "I feel as though Trey needs to feel that dynamic between his two parents, she shared. Thats very important that he can feel that connection and feel where they do meet. So he can feel that parental connection. I think thats important." Kid Cudi rekindles the spark with Kanye West on Kids See Ghosts, putting rumors of infighting to rest. We've known Yeezy to be a great reductionist, helping him ponder fundamental questions about music, but less so when he tackles his own experiential learning. So when he happened upon the remote landscape of Wyoming, and called it his home temporarily, an expectation was rightly set. With the pressures of ordinary life turned aside, he could finally produce an acutely introspective record sadly lacking in his catalog. A few of those boxes checked out, but Ye sorely felt like lip service, and a man still yearning for an outward sign. Enter Kid Cudi, an equally speculative personality, into a partnership with his mentor, mutually benefiting both men. Ultimately Kanye West, a controlling person, grabbed Cudi by the collar, pushing him to find his feet, the push he needed, though. Imagine two reformed buds finding respite care in each others company, the course of which expires after they return from sedation. Cause when Kanye interprets chaos, it can be easily mistaken for new adventurism, or in the case of Kids See Ghost, a pattern of yelling which resonates fully. Kanyes utterances of "fear induced" bravado take aim like a blinding shot. The playing field is unbending, the resources unlimited as on Kids See Ghosts, every bit producorial conquest for Yeezy, as it is a reclamation project for Kid Cudi. Cudi and Kanye have two separate ways of knowing/doing. The result is favorable yes, but as youd expect, it hinges on a groupable model. Before he traded up for Tinsel Town, Kanye West relied upon an exigency of boredom as a creative kick start. Kid Cudi, although less persuasive a personality, is completely comfortable in this chaotic minefield (mis)directed by Yeezy. All he's asking for at first glance is a shared commitment from an artist on his level of consciousness. In turn, Cudi becomes a nagging source of stimulation for Kanye, and in some way, a better purveyor of folk wisdom. The simple aphorism dispensed by Cudi on Kids See Ghosts speaks louder than words do justice. Upon reflection, their shared sensibility is only commutable when they establish figurative roles: Cudi the Sentimentalist, Kanye his High School Shop Teacher. So, dont mistake Kids See Ghosts for new adventurism, at the risk of misrepresenting the root cause of their mutual needs. The music on Kids See Ghosts acts out a life-sustaining reflex both necessary and disparate from Ye. "But you don't hear me though, drama: we let it go," Cudi posits on 4th Dimension the song which samples Louis Prima to a slightly morose decibel. A generated feeling of disorder and confusion provokes a full catharsis of their physical pain, the weight of which is incalculable. Conjointly, a song like Feel The Love demonstrates how Kid Cudi's grumblings express an emotional grammar more soluble in their primordial form, seldom running the risk of superseded language. The phrase I can still feel love coos a reenactment of desire from one long lost friend to his itinerant host, because when Cudi fell out of favor with Kanye, the result was a scuttlebutt that ended in loss for both men. In many respects, the formation of Kids See Ghosts as a group patches up lost ground, without needlessly shaking hands in front of a camera. The phantom lines of his Gospel upbringing permeate every presentation of Kid Cudi, Kids See Ghost is similarly responsive to prayer. If I call you brother then you brother were words Lil Durk once uttered to describe a stunted relationship. If Durk can speak rather succinctly about grief, imagine the outcome when Cudi and Kanye West cover the same ground. Feel the Love therefore acts as the mission statement for an album with a stated purpose of clearing the emotional cache on all counts. Pusha T navigates audible gunfire in a supporting role, his unblemished record in the field playing a symbolic role of safeguarding his label mates from social vulnerability. Pusha T, like anyone with a self-described Machiavellian complex, experiences the highs in sublime fashion, whereas the lows ultimately sink below a clearly discernible line. As an amiable friend, King Push swallows the brunt of misfires, judged to be a metaphorical description of real life dissension for both Cudi and Kanye West in recent years. As the gunfire sails wide, the rattle of brrrat-tat-dadadadada proves to be less hostile than is the case. Cudi then turns his cheek, ushering in a new era of stability. "I can still feel the love I can still feel the love I can still feel the love Ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba-ba Ba-ba-ba-ba Rude-rude-rude-rude-woo" In many respects, Kid Sees Ghost is the album Kanye should have presented instead of Ye. The consortium of ideas flooded the scene like a weather trafficker causing a mild interruption of service. Ye did however score high for continuity as with most if not all works bearing his name or presence. The best way to describe this idea of continuity is through the overstepped bounds of conventional music. Within a time interval, as he does on "Freeee (Ghost Town Pt. 2)," Kanye West takes unpredictable turns in song progression to further his cause. Kanye and Cudi employ a metrical foot step at different intervals to contain the "rigid" borders of each song. When Reborn takes off after the raucous energy of "Freeee (Ghost Town Pt. 2)," credit goes to Kanye and Cudi for writing a musical refrain tying everything together in the space of several measures. There lies a solution to his beautiful madness where the foregone stress of reaching a musical summit is altogether scrapped, seeing as "Reborn" is completely on its own divergent path. Cudi and Kanye both embody a spirit of formlessness when they begin the songwriting process, unlike many artists who are more exacting and precise with lyric ideas and inspiration. The boys at Kids See Ghost understand how "feeling" is paramount. Conceptual framework is thereby secondary, but never an afterthought. The inception of "feeling," from Kanye's perspective, is like an instrument that best communicates urgency. The itch with Ye revolves around a lack of perspective-taking, indubitably a position of strength for Kid Cudi, echoing lucidity when the going gets tough. Kanye West's production is often a disfigured thing of beauty, with Kid Cudi more than capable of navigation in his reposeful state. Kanye's plaudits come in the form of audible details, to which there are many. Free of constraints, the 7-song structure allows narrative flow. Less flashy than Cudis previous works, denied a "genesis," Kids See Ghosts sparks the conversation of mental health through a series of reflective patterns. At one interval, Cudi flashes an entire clipboard of Kurt Cobain voice clippings ("Cudi Montage"). The intended purpose never more transparent. Every stylistic choice is proven advantageous, some more obvious than others. The crunchy drum pad on 4th Dimension allows Kanye West to rinse repeat. This air of invincibility which consumes him is sustained through juxtaposition, his body next to Cudi's evangelized spirit, one more subdued than the other. Yeezy unapologetically calls dispatch for fear of deafening silence, temporally lost but aware of his heartbeat and the clicking meniscus which charts his directional path. Kid Cudi is alternately more concerned with snapping out of cold shock in his introductory verse on "Cudi Montage." One aspect of Kids See Ghosts and any album associated with Kanye by name, is the deepening sense that the rapper/producer has become a contrarian by default. On Kids See Ghosts, every single politicized reference hits the ear like a callous instrument. When he or Cudi lashes out in brash confidence, its because as artists theyve learned through modes of self-expression, to trust their base instincts. Kids See Ghosts begs you to consider the nature of Kanye's moral ambivalence (towards World Peace) on "Cudi Montage." Even Kid Cudi offers a more nuanced position, like his regard for scar tissue on "Fire," his hair trigger the very physical embodiment of a memory. Tragically speaking, his long term memory is a poor inhibitor of control. So when you listen to Kids See Ghosts, do your mark-up after the final takeaways are rendered. Cudi and Kanye are paired up for a reason, but don't mistake their behavior as a mirrored effect born out of necessity. Cudi's clear vision on Kids See Ghosts just begs reconciliation, and yes...he steals the show. If youre unaware, Lil Scrappy was involved in a serious car accident a couple weeks ago when he fell asleep behind the wheel and crashed into a utility pole on a highway in Miami. Scrappy & his buddy who was riding with him, Casino Roulette, are lucky to be alive after both suffering serious injuries and having been hospitalized for a few days. Scrappy got the least of the injuries as he suffered a broken foot & probably a concussion, but his homie riding with him got the worst of it. Having spent 3 days in the ICU, Casino suffered broken ribs, concussion, bruised lungs, liver and kidneys, and two major surgeries to repair his ruptured large intestine. He was released a few days ago and is currently recovering in his home in South Carolina. However with all the expenses that are about to come from the hospital and his life being seriously threatened, Casino is reportedly lawyering up now. TMZ reports that Casino's attorney, Brett L. Schlacter, told them his client sustained life-altering injuries and is "lucky to be alive." He feels Scrappy was negligent and reckless when he fell asleep at the wheel, and should be accountable. Schlacter says Casino's pursuing legal action to cover medical expenses, and to get compensation for life-altering injuries and significant wage loss. This report ironically comes just hours after Scrappy came out and said that he drove 11 hours during the day and through 3 different states all prior to falling asleep behind the wheel the night of his accident. So he pretty much admitted his wrongdoing, which probably wont go good for him with this lawsuit now. Scrappy has yet to comment or respond to this news of the lawsuit so who knows if this will ultimately hurt or ruin their friendship, but I'm sure he'll speak soon. Well definitely keep you posted moving forward. [Via] The first week of sales after an album's release can be a crucial measurement of the record's success, and artists have been attempting all kinds of methods to drum up sales. No longer do we live in a world where 2-3 singles and a press junket will generate sales, now a days artists have to come up with some crazy scheme, or simply just drop their album completely out of the blue. Nicki Minaj isn't above all of that either. According to Hip-Hop N More, Nicki will be using a tried and true method to get people to purchase her album early. An e-mail sent to her fans state that every pair of tickets purchased for Nicki's upcoming "NICKIHNDRXX" tour with Future will earn her fans a single copy of her upcoming album, Queen. Just doing some rudimentary math, this deal could turn out very lucrative for Nicki. Her tour, which starts in September, is massive, with her hitting 50 different shows in numerous countries. Even on a low estimate of the arenas she's performing in holding a max of 1000 people each, if each pair of seats gets an album in return, she'll have already sold 25,000 copies of Queen before it even drops. Nicki isn't the first artist to bundle their album with their concert sales. Pop artist P!nk did a similar strategy with her 2017 album Beautiful Trauma, and two thirds of her 384k first week album sales came from fans buying tickets to her tour. Of course, if Nicki wanted to go platinum right way she could always sell a million copies of her album to Samsung like Jay Z did. Nicki Minaj has been feeling playful of late. Following up the lewd, lavish "Rich Sex," Minaj has come through with her second single this week, the Ariana Grande assisted "Bed." Though Minaj has been practicing abstinence of late, and Ariana Grande has been swept up in a whirlwind, Vegas-worthy puppy-love romance, both women have managed to find common ground. Employing a minimalist, tropical-infused instrumental, Minaj conjures up a fantasy of sorts, spitting evocative images of herself decked in "strawberry lingerie." Should you be one to infuse your bedroom play with original music, worry not, for Nicki keeps Tha Carter III on repeat. It is as of yet unclear what her reaction would be upon requesting Tha Carter II. As far as production, the beat is notably more pop-friendly than her recent singles, with a subdued take on afrobeat's minimalist grooves. In that regard"Bed" feels like a breezy addition to Queen, an obligatory radio effort, tailor made for summer play. Clearly, Nicki will be attempting to appeal to a wider audience with Queen, which may very well shape up to be her most definitive effort thus far. It bodes well that her most obvious "pop single" is far from the candy-coated grandiosity of "Super Bass," even with a feature from the recently lovesick Ariana Grande on deck. All things considered, "Bed" serves as intimate companion piece to "Rich Sex," and will no doubt appeal to a different set of ears. Quotable Lyrics Thousand on the sheets Waiting for you and some thousand other sheets I got Tha Carter III on repeat Back shots to the beat of "a milli" on you Got me acting like you got a milli' on you Teairra Mari has been flatly denied a restraining order against 50 Cent, she could use to build a case against him. Her high-powered attorney Lisa Bloom blames the judge for getting lost in the details, fundamentally disagreeing on a definition for "engaging" in a sexual act. Teairra Mari's lawsuit alleges both her ex Akbar Abdul-Ahad, and his friend 50 Cent, colluded against her when the accusations first came to light. If you recall, 50 Cent posted stills from the reported sex video, images depicting an ejaculatory discharge on her face. The pictures were quickly taken down by admins with 50 Cent calling foul over freedom of speech, asinine as it may sound. According to Lisa Bloom that judge vetoed the attestation because he wasn't convince the photo 50 Cent posted of Teairra Mari with ejaculation on her face wasn't sexually suggestive enough, of her engaging in a sexual act. The judge was also unconvinced that 50 Cent would ever post the photo again. If I were an officer of the Criminal Justice system, I wouldn't bet against the spread on this one. 50 Cent is not exactly a model of socially acceptable online behavior. As for her ex Akbar Abdul-Ahad, he is scheduled to meet the same judge in half a month's time. Wiz Khalifa and Kanye West don't have a relationship but they did have an infamous interaction on Twitter. Shortly before TLOP dropped, Kanye West fired shots at Wiz Khalifa on Twitter. 'Ye pretty much insulted everything from Wiz from his child, Amber Rose, his music and his fashion sense. However, the two of them have since patched things up and have no hard feelings about each other. This would become more evident when Kanye name dropped Wiz on "Yikes." Recently, Wiz Khalifa shared his thoughts on Kanye's record and revealed whether he's work with him in the future. Wiz Khalifa thought Kanye's bar about him on Ye track, "Yikes" was appropriate. On the track, 'Ye raps, "Uh, just a different type of leader/We could be in North Korea, I could smoke with Wiz Khalifa, uh." In a recent interview, Wiz Khalifa revealed his thoughts on the track. "It was cool. He was talking about smoking pot." he said with a stoner chuckle, "it made sense." He admitted the two of them have no relationship nor feud but he suggested he'd be open to working with him in the most diplomatic way possible. "I don't like to base my opinion on people off of other people's opinion. Or like, just things that could be miscommunicated." He said, "I love his beats. Yup, I love his beats." Peep the interview below where he speaks about Rolling Papers 2 and more. WASHINGTON - Imagine this storyline: One of the largest oil companies in the world becomes the victim of a left-wing conspiracy, funded by wealthy liberals who convince Democratic attorneys general across the nation to sue the company to stop it from offering different views about climate change. What sounds like the stuff of a bad Hollywood thriller is in fact the narrative Exxon Mobils attorneys are telling as they seek to defend the company from mryiad lawsuits and investigations into what oil companies knew about climate change and when they knew it. With a surprising procedural victory in a Texas court recently, Exxon is attempting to gain greater latitude in what it and other oil companies can say or not say about climate change and the impact on their businesses, seeking to build on legal rulings that have expanded corporations rights of free speech in recent years, legal scholars say. The U.S. government has long limited First Amendment protections for corporations, prohibiting them from making false statements to further business interests a staple of U.S. consumer protection laws going back to the days of snake oil salesmen peddling so-called magic elixirs. But Exxons case could test how far the courts are willing to go to uphold governments ability to regulate commercial speech. Exxon is arguing that the state and local governments suing the company have gone too far, trying to impose an Orwellian code of conduct to drown out those who call attention to uncertainties about how climate change will play out over the long term and affect the global economy. Exxon is framing [climate change] as a legitimate political debate in which they are a participant, rather than a for-profit company trying to make a buck, said Tamara Piety, a law professor at University of Tulsa. There has been a growing movement [among corporations] to raise the First Amendment. If something can be proven to be unconstitutional its completely off the table RELATED: Investigation into climate change fraud intensifies Over the past two decades, companies have successfully used the free speech strategy to challenge government regulations on everything from the placement of workplace signs explaining employee rights to the distribution of patients medical data. A key win for corporate America came in 2010 Citizens United case, when the Supreme Court ruled that limits on corporate spending in political campaigns violated companies free speech rights. Now Exxon is seeking to expand corporate rights one step further, arguing that the government legal action, based on the companys past statements, is little more than leverage to get oil companies to agree to a wide-arching climate change deal that would restrict what they can say about the issue - in violation of of Exxon Mobils constitutional rights. That includes investigations launched by the New York and Massachusetts attorneys general into whether Exxon lied to shareholders and consumers about the risks of climate change to the environment and its business, and lawsuits filed by cities and counties in California and Colorado, which are seeking damages from Exxon and other oil companies for the costs of rising sea levels and increased wildfires. Exxon in January asked a state court in Fort Worth to order more than a dozen city and county officials from California to sit for depositions by Exxons attorneys to determine whether they are conspiring with plaintiffs attorneys and environmentalist activists to force Exxon into accepting a deal. A New York federal judge in March dismissed a similar request by Exxon to depose the New York and Massachusetts attorneys general, ruling it was based on extremely thin allegations and speculative inference, but the Texas judge, R.H. Wallace Jr., decided to give the company more room to prove its claim, ruling in April that Exxon could begin making requests to depose specific officials. Exxon declined to comment. But James Coleman, a law professor at Southern Methodist University in Dallas and a contributor to the conservative Federalist Society, said Exxon, which has come out in support of the Paris climate accords and a national carbon tax, is simply protecting its First Amendment rights to communicate about climate change and the effects on its finances as it sees fit. Its an unusual claim [by Exxon] but it doesnt mean its wrong, he said. The government can make you give accurate information, but the government cant force you to say things you disagree with. For instance, the government couldnt make Exxon say climate change is the defining challenge of our time, even if they consider it a fact. San Francisco and other California communities are challenging Wallaces ruling in the Texas Second Circuit Court of Appeals, potentially setting the case on a path to the Texas Supreme Court. And considering the political makeup of the states high court, Exxon stands a good chance of winning its argument, said Tom McGarity, a law professor at the University of Texas, who sits on an advisory board to the California plaintiffs. It presents a very sympathetic venue, he said. Its a pro-business Supreme Court. Conspiracy The case in Texas comes three years into a legal campaign against Exxon and other oil companies. In Exxons telling, it all stems from meeting of environmental activists in the beach town of La Jolla, Calif. in 2012. RELATED: Exxon goes after California climate critics Activists and attorneys discussed a strategy for addressing climate change based on the tobacco lawsuits of the 1990s, which successfully argued tobacco companies were liable for smokers deaths because executives knew the risks, but still claimed publicly they did not, according to an account of the meeting published by the Union of Concerned Scientists, an environmental group that helped organize the event If Exxon and other oil companies could be shown to have known the risks to health and safety of climate change, but did nothing to warn the public and investors, then perhaps activists could create a groundswell of public outrage to change the political and economic landscape for oil companies, much as they had for tobacco companies. We wrote up a report so other lawyers and policymakers could pick up on those lessons [from tobacco] and use them, like you would any science you would hope is actionable, said Peter Frumhoff, head of policy and science at the Union of Concerned Scientists. The first tenet of good science is being transparent. But the activists also gave Exxon a potential weapon to counterattack. The companys lawyers have focused on one line in the Union of Concerned Scientists account, in which activists describe how they could could use litigation for maintaining pressure on the industry that could eventually lead to its support for legislative and regulatory responses to global warming. That game plan, Exxon lawyers said, was then adopted by government prosecutors, including the former New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman, who recently resigned amid allegations of sexual abuse. Wallace, the Texas judge, agreed with the company lawyers, writing that environmentalists who attended the La Jolla meeting aimed to chill and suppress Exxon Mobils speech. California and Colorado officials dismiss Exxons legal maneuvers as little more than intimidation tactics aimed at frightening and bogging them down in paper work. A spokesman for the New York Attorney Generals Office called Exxons strategy an attempt to distract and deflect from the facts at hand. Public Opinion Within conservative circles, Exxons conspiracy message seems to be gaining traction. Earlier this year, David Bookbinder, an attorney with the libertarian Niskanen Center, filed suit against Exxon and the Canadian oil company Suncor, claiming they were responsible for the costs sustained by Colorado local governments in fighting wildfires and other effects of climate change. A few weeks later, he began seeing his name pop up on conservative websites, including the Daily Caller and one owned by the U.S. Chamber of Commerce. Articles suggested Bookbinder and his colleagues were part of a conspiracy funded by the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, a New York charity with more than $900 million in assets that is overseen by the descendants of the late oil tycoon John D. Rockefeller, whose Standard Oil was the precursor to Exxon Mobil. RELATED: Shell joins Exxon in the climate change spotlight The claim was based on a $200,000 grant the Niskanen Center received shortly before the Colorado lawsuit was filed. Bookbinder said the grant had nothing to do with the lawsuit and scoffed at the idea his plaintiffs were part of a conspiracy to damage Exxon. My clients dont want Exxon out of business, he said. Then they dont get paid. In a statement, the Rockefeller Brothers Fund said,Litigation is one tool that can help to level the playing field by leaning into legal standards that are meant to serve the common good. In its legal filings, Exxon maintains that the Rockefellers and the hedge fund billionaire Tom Steyer, who is funding a campaign to impeach President Donald Trump, are behind the wave of litigation. Exxon lawyers cited a $30,000 campaign donation Steyer made to a former mayor of San Francisco shortly before that city filed suit, as well as a Columbia Journalism School investigation into how Exxons past statements questioning climate science conflicted with what its scientists were saying internally. The Rockefeller Family Fund, another charity controlled by Rockefeller descendants, funded the Columbia investigation. Theres nothing illegal about using money to try to influence a companys behavior. But thats besides the point for Exxon. Just as climate activists succeeded in convincing more Americans that climate change is a large and growing threat, Exxon wants to promote the idea of a liberal conspiracy to undermine a fossil fuel industry that employs hundreds of thousands of people and literally fuels the U.S. and global economies. Exxon is now considering an appeal of a ruling by the Massachusetts Supreme Judicial Court that found the states Attorney Generals Office had not violated the companys constitutional rights when it demanded the company turn over documents. Such an appeal would go to the U.S. Supreme Court, where Exxons success in convincing the public of its liberal conspiracy narrative could make the difference between winning and losing. I dont think the Supreme Court is completely oblivious to public opinion, said Piety, the Tulsa law professor, and the more Exxon can marshal public opinion, the better chance they have of convincing the courts. READ MORE: Carbon taxes, pricing sweeping statehouses james.osborne@chron.com Twitter: @osborneja NRG Energy got out of the renewables business earlier this year when it sold its wind and solar operations for $1.8 billion to satisfy shareholders seeking better returns. But now NRG, the biggest electricity seller in Houston, is getting back into the solar power business with a new approach. The company has teamed up with an independent solar power provider to develop 25 megawatts of solar projects that NRG hopes will attract environmentally-sensitive commercial and industrial customers. NRG is betting that solar installations provided by Cypress Creek Renewables of Santa Monica, Calif., will serve as the foundation for NRG to sell renewable energy plans to large businesses. The solar sites are expected to reduce about 37,000 tons of carbon dioxide emissions each year, the equivalent of taking 7,000 cars off the road. Last week, NRG announced its first solar customer, Sysco, the Houston food distribution company. Sysco signed a 10- year renewable energy agreement with NRG. Three solar installations including one near Houston and two near Dallas are expected to meet most of Syscos power needs in Texas. NRG is trying to fulfill a growing desire among image conscious companies to show their commitment to the environment, energy specialists say. "There are a lot of corporations that want to enhance their green profile and one of the ways to do that is to partner with a green energy provider," said Travis Miller, a strategist who follows NRG for investment research company Morningstar Inc., in Chicago. "There is certainly a large market there." The deal between Cypress Creek and NRG comes just months after NRG unloaded its renewables business as part of a corporate strategy to refocus on coal and natural gas-fired power production. The utility had invested in production of wind and solar power under the leadership of its one-time chief executive David Crane. Crane, however, was pushed out of the job by major shareholders, unhappy with the strategy and returns it was delivering. This time around, NRG will essentially outsource the production of solar power. Cypress Creek was once a competitor of NRG, but now Cypress Creek will buy the land, build the solar installations and sell the power to NRG. NRG will package it as green energy to customers seeking to build their sustainability credentials, said Robert Gaudette, president of business solutions at NRG Energy. "They get marketing opportunities and pointing opportunities to the solar farm," said Gaudette. Cypress Creek will own and operate the solar installations and deliver the electricity to NRG and its customers under power purchase agreements. Customers can obtain fix-priced, multi-year contracts and receive naming rights to designated solar facilities. NRG is based in Houston and Princeton, N.J., and owns several retail electricity companies including Reliant Energy, Cirro Energy, Green Mountain Energy Co. and Pennywise Power. Cypress Creek was founded four years ago. It has 2,300 megawatts of solar projects operating in a dozen states (One megawatt can power about 200 Texas homes on the hottest summer days). The company has raised $2 billion for project development, according to its website. lynn.sixel@chron.com twitter.com/lmsixel "We cannot remain silent in the face of the suffering of thousands of human beings seeking asylum in our country. The Gospel commands us to consider all men and women as our brethren." If you guessed that leading Christian representatives made this statement of faith in the wake of the government's roundup of immigrants arrests that frequently led to the forced separation of parents and children you are right. You are also right if you guessed that these words were followed by deeds, with clerics and congregations mobilizing on behalf of the victims of police actions. But guess again if you assumed these words and deeds were the work of Christian churches in Texas, dismayed by our government's newly instituted policy in regard to asylum seekers on our southern border. Instead, this heroic protest was issued slightly more than 75 years ago by French Christians horrified by the massive roundup ordered and orchestrated by French authorities of thousands of immigrant families. Remarkably, the Lone Star Republic and French Republic share not just a city named Paris, but several telling parallels when it comes to responses to illegal immigration. RELATED: Immigrant families separated at border struggle to find each other Last fall, the Department of Justice, under the direction of Attorney General Jeff Sessions, unleashed a "zero-tolerance" policy aimed at immigrants trying to enter the United States along our southern border. This policy, which entails the criminal prosecution of all offenders, applies to those individuals attempting to cross illegally into the U.S., but also to individuals who request asylum at border crossings. In effect, these men and women are arrested because they have obeyed the letter of our laws. This is where a sinister farce turns into tragedy. Because federal law requires the government to assume responsibility for the children of parents facing criminal charges, minors accompanying their parents to the border crossings are handed over to the Office of Refugee Resettlement. The flailing ORR can scarcely process, much less offer solace to, the influx of foreign children stripped from their parents' arms. The pace of such arrests and separations has quickened over the last few weeks. At just one border crossing located in McAllen, a city in the heart of the Rio Grande Valley more than 400 children were taken from their parents between May 21 and June 5. Last year, when the government cracked down on immigrants in southern Texas, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo of the Houston-Galveston diocese rapped, albeit gently, the Trump Administration's knuckles. Underscoring the humanitarian crisis in Central America that was driving northward terrified Hondurans and Salvadorans, the prelate warned, "We must not respond to this outflow with deterrence policies marked by family detention, interdiction and lack of due process." Christ himself, diNardo observed, "experienced the feeling of leaving one's homeland." RELATED: Beto O'Rourke visits immigrant detention center: 'I can only imagine the terror they felt' DiNardo's words echo those pronounced 75 years ago in occupied France. In the latter case, though, the words were spurred by the massive roundup in 1942 carried out by French police under the auspices of the racist and authoritarian regime led by Philippe Petain of refugee Jews fleeing the plagues of Nazism and Communism. The sight of gendarmes tearing children from their parents' arms on streets and at train stations shocked a public that, until then, had widely supported the policies of the regime and the person of Petain. Under the leadership of Pastor Marc Boegner, Protestant churches, appalled by these actions, issued the statement quoted at the top and, risking imprisonment and death, saved the lives of thousands of refugee and French Jews. As for Catholic authorities, the record is less brilliant. Apart from a handful of heroic exceptions, like Bishop Jules-Gerard Saliege of Toulouse, church leaders either spoke privately of their doubts or, most often, did not speak at all. In fact, the French Catholic Church issued a formal apology in 1997 for its damning silence and, at times, active collaboration, during the Occupation. If Catholic leaders had spoken up, the Church now acknowledged, they might have "formed a barrier against the irreparable." In the Lone Star Republic, the institutional roles have been reversed. Whereas the Catholic Church has supported the claims of sanctuary cities and defends the human rights of the thousands of asylum seekers, some of our city's most prominent Protestant authorities have not uttered a word. Neither Joel Osteen of Lakewood Church, which boasts the country's largest congregation, nor Ed Young of Second Baptist, whose three campuses dwarf Lakewood's membership, has criticized the tragic results of the government's policies now unfolding on our southern border. John Moore/Getty Images Of course, this silence in the face of our government's inhumane policies does not match the vocal support expressed by their colleague Robert Jeffress. Scorning those churches that have become sanctuaries for immigrants, Pastor Jeffress, leader of the Dallas mega-church First Baptist, helpfully recalls that "Jesus was not this wimpy little guy who walked around munching sunflower seeds ... The real Jesus of the Bible said: 'Render unto Caesar the things that are Caesar's.' That is obey the government." But wimpiness is not a quality that comes to mind when one thinks, for example, of the Protestant villagers of Chambon-sur-Lignon who saved the lives of hundreds of refugee children during the war. When threatened by the police for harboring Jews, the village's pastor, Andre Trocme, replied: "We do not know what a Jew is. We know only men." RELATED: Shelter says it takes good care of immigrant minors Though neither the treatment nor fate of today's asylum seekers in the U.S. matches those of refugee Jews in wartime France, the collaboration of figures like Jeffress, and silence of others like Osteen, is nevertheless damning. Rather than citing Matthews 22:21 which all too often is the last refuge of scoundrels Trocme would instead have them reread Luke 10:30-37. It is time to take the full measure of the command to love one's neighbor as oneself. Robert Zaretsky teaches at the University of Houston and is the author, most recently, of Boswell's Enlightenment. He's currently writing The Empress and the Philosophe: Catherine the Great, Denis Diderot and the Eclipse of the Enlightenment. Get the Gray Matters newsletter. It knows only men. Another notable report on clemency suggesting Prez Trump will be "pardoning a lot of people pardons that even Obama wouldnt do" | Main | "The New Dynamics of Mass Incarceration" June 14, 2018 Lamenting the ripples of Judge Persky's recall John Pfaff has authored this recent Washington Post commentary under the full headline "California ousts an elected judge. Everybody loses. The recall of Aaron Persky in the Stanford swimmer sexual assault case will make judges harsher, and thwart progress on perils of mass incarceration." Here are excerpts (and readers should click through to the original for the multitude of links supporting the various points presented): California voters last week recalled a judge for the first time in more than 85 years. The politics of punishment are already pathological; the recall will make them worse.... As an academic who studies criminal justice, I have opposed the recall effort since I first heard about it because of potential consequences that reach well past Perskys now-former courtroom: The recall will make judges more punitive, thwart progress toward scaling back mass incarceration and though Turner and Persky are both white hurt minorities disproportionately. A central reason the United States punishes its citizens more than any other country is that actors in our criminal justice system face more political pressure than they do elsewhere. Only this country allows judges to be elected, which 39 states choose to do. Its a consistent theme: We are also the only country that elects its prosecutors. While a concern in the Andrew Jackson era about corrupt appointment processes drove the decision to elect judges, more recent concerns about the costs of a politicized judiciary have led to increasing calls to return to appointing them. In criminal justice, the costs of politicization are unambiguous: They make judges more punitive. The empirical studies on judges and crime tell a consistent story. Judges sentence more aggressively as their election dates near and as their elections become more contested. Elections make judges nervous, and nervous judges are harsh judges. This harshness is entirely logical. Judges are harsh because the costs of mistakes are asymmetric. There is little downside to harsh sanctions, because the error costs are invisible: How do you show that someone would not have reoffended had they left prison sooner? The costs of being overly lenient, however, are inescapable. That sort of failure produces an identifiable victim for political opponents to capitalize upon. The recall turned on a slightly different asymmetry but one that equally pushes judges toward severity. An overly lenient sentence will be seen as insulting the victim, while an overly harsh one will be seen as unfair to the defendant. The former error, as the Persky recall demonstrates, is costlier (unless, perhaps, the defendant is politically powerful). Defenders of the recall dismiss this concern by pointing out that recalls are rare. But the lesson here isnt only about recalls. The Persky case makes clear to judges and their detractors alike that judges can lose their jobs in a recall, in a primary, in a general election if just one or two decisions anger someone with sufficient political capital to oppose them. The Persky recall campaign highlighted only five decisions out of thousands that the judge handed down. Persky was cleared of any wrongdoing by Californias Commission on Judicial Performance, and public defenders in Santa Clara were quick to argue that he was a fair judge. Even the prosecutor in Santa Clara opposed the recall. [Professor Michele] Dauber, however, is a politically well-connected professor at a nationally acclaimed law school with strong media ties. The success of her campaign tells judges, and the politically powerful who are unhappy with their decisions, that these campaigns can work even with little evidence, as long as there are one or two bad cases to point to. The recalls political costs are already apparent. Not only did Democratic legislators pass new mandatory minimum sentences for sex offenses in response to the recall to make sure they looked tough enough on crime, but public defenders in California also report that judges seem harsher now, out of fear of being targeted next. Some defenders of the recall concede that it may make judges harsher, but only regarding sex crimes. The judges, they say, are smart enough to limit what they have learned to the facts of the recall. But this is overly optimistic. Judges have no idea what issue will trigger the next recall or primary challenge, only that such campaigns can work.... The recall will make judges more aggressive, and in ways that will never be neatly confined to the issues in the Turner and Persky cases. More people will be sent to prison, and that increase wont make us safer. And since a majority of people in prison are black or Hispanic, the impact of this toughness will fall disproportionately on minorities. For those hoping to see the United States become a less punitive place, the recalls success is disappointing. A few of many prior posts on the Persky recall: June 14, 2018 at 08:22 AM | Permalink Comments No one who is not trying to reduce criminal penalties across the board would accuse the judges of Santa Clara County of being particularly aggressive or harsh in sentencing. Fifteen years ago, things were different, but times have changed. The Persky recall will have an effect, but it will be quite muted, and the effect will be localized to the crimes du jour, DV, sexual assault and human trafficking. I practice criminal law at ground zero of the Persky recall. If ithe effect is seriously muted here, I question whether it will have the broader impact implied by professor Pfaff. Posted by: Eric | Jun 14, 2018 9:48:02 AM Bad facts make bad law. Add in some politics and agendas and you get an unholy mess. Misguided and ill-informed popular opinion has had too large an adverse effect on the criminal justice system already. This represents a fairly substantial step backward. Posted by: Fat Bastard | Jun 14, 2018 10:38:43 AM To Eric: The question is; Does this recall increase or decrease the politicization of our judiciary system? I have yet to see a tempered, reasoned approach to our sentencing schemes throughout our country. As citizens, we still have to ask ourselves why we incarcerate more our citizens then any nation on earth. Posted by: tommyc | Jun 14, 2018 10:50:30 AM Love it. Nazi Feminism vs libtard decarceration. Judge Persky was totally biased against males when it came to false allegations of domestic abuse in the case of a friend. I support the firing of judges for their awful decisions. I support the replacement of all judges by sentencing robots, running algorithms written and owned by the legislature. These should be revised very two years as reliable and validated crime data come in. Posted by: David Behar | Jun 14, 2018 1:35:09 PM "[Professor Michele] Dauber, however, is a politically well-connected professor at a nationally acclaimed law school with strong media ties." And that is the problem. The problem here isn't the recall because as a general principle I support recalls as a legitimate expression of democratic will. The problem is the power asymmetries: thanks to tenure she had nothing to lose and everything to gain; he had everything to lose and nothing to gain. Once upon a time this would have been recognized as tyranny. Now, it is justice. To be precise any abuse of power is justified so long as it flatters the whims of the zeitgeist. Unlike Eric I don't see this as a sentencing story but as a political story. The recall was a political act and its consequences over the long run will be mostly political. Posted by: Daniel | Jun 14, 2018 2:18:15 PM David Behar | Jun 14, 2018 1:35:09 PM: I don't know what the answer is but we can't leave sentencing up to legislators. We know they are criminals. They have to be controlled. We must shrink Nanny Big Government to a tiny fraction of its current size. We should try to make America an actual free country. Death to all people that support $EX Offender Registries! War is the answer. Posted by: FRegistryTerrorists | Jun 15, 2018 5:49:41 PM Post a comment A Houston man and two other staff members are facing felony abuse charges including allegedly choking one young girl and breaking the arm of a second, arrests that followed a raid last month on a private Montgomery County residential treatment center for girls. The Care Cottage facilities, which houses more than 50 girls placed state child care workers in rural Willis, remains under investigation for alleged sexual and physical abuse. A criminal inquiry was begun after officials with the Willis Independent School District contacted Montgomery County Attorney J D Lambright to report numerous incidents involving girls who lived at the facility and attended classes at the district. Cottage Care staff members Hiram Thigpen, 41, of Houston, and ex-staffer Jasmin Sabrna Lyons, 23, of Huntsville, were arrested Tuesday and booked into the county jail, confirmed prosecutors with the Montgomery County District Attorneys Office. A third staff member, Jada Thompson, 22 of Huntsvilleis charged with felony injury to a child, and was arrested Thursday and is jailed in lieu of a $30,000 bail. Thigpen has been charged with a third degree felony of injury to a child, while Lyons is facing a third degree felony charge of injury to a disabled individual. Thigpen is being held on a $25,000 bail and Lyons was released after posting a $50,000 bond late Tuesday. Now Playing: Latest Local And State News Video: Houston Chronicle Thigpen and Thompson are still employed at the facility, while Lyons no longer works at Care Cottage, officials said. These are the first three arrests in a very active and ongoing investigation into the Care Cottage facility. Local law enforcement agencies are committed to protecting these children and we are aggressively pursuing any alleged criminal acts of violence that is or has occurred against these kids, said Tyler Dunman, chief of the DAs Special Crimes Bureau. On these arrests, we look forward to presenting the evidence to a Montgomery County jury. According to the arrest affidavits, on Oct. 10, 2017, Lyons allegedly injured a 14-year-old autistic girl by grabbing and twisting her arm. It wasnt until several weeks later that the girl received medical care after the girls mother intervened and took her to a doctor where she learned her daughters arm was broken, the affidavit states. On February 27, Thompson allegedly grabbed a 13-year-old girl by the neck impeding her breathing and blood circulation by applying pressure. The girl, the court documents state, told authorities Thompson choked her because she would not be quiet. The girl also alleged other girls at the facility has been restrained and hit on by staff. On April 11, Thigpen allegedly grabbed and threw a 13-year-old girl at the facility to the floor. He allegedly put his knee on the girls neck affecting her breathing and blood circulation by applying pressure because he believed the girl was lying about taking a shower before going to school, the affidavit states. Lambright said he was alerted by Superintendent Tim Harkrider of conditions at the facilities in April. after school officials made dozens of complaints to CPS officials regarding the care and treatment of the girls, he noted. The sworn statement from an investigator used to obtain the search warrant that was executed May 16 at the facilities outlined allegations reported by residents to Willis ISD officials and others concerning abuse and neglect, including leaving students unattended and staff parties involving alcohol. The investigator said some girls in the residential facility had been injured while being restrained and that others were hog-tied by staff members and placed face down. Others girls were injured after trying to escape by jumping out of a second-floor window that was not repaired. At least three staff members are accused of having sexual relations with girls in their care, according to the sworn statement. Additionally, girls who spoke to caseworkers with CPS during inspections were later punished by staff, who withheld snacks, phone privileges and other rewards, according to the affidavit. Stanley Schneider, a Houston attorney who is representing Care Cottage owners Howard and Tabitha Taylor, maintains his clients have followed all CPS protocols from its establishment. Despite the raid and arrests, the facility remains open and is housing about 56 girls. The Care Cottage facilities are operated by the private HTK Care Foundation Inc., which is registered to the Taylors. The nonprofit foundation that operates the homes receives up to $435 per day per resident to provide care. The foundations annual report in 2016 listed income of $1.1 million and expenses of $1.1 million, with the Taylors each drawing salaries of $80,000. cdominguez@hcnonline.com Readers might find this hard to believe, but I am a nerd. The same was true of David Dewhurst, who served three terms as lieutenant governor before being unseated in 2014 after losing the Republican primary runoff to state Sen. Dan Patrick, who cruised to victory in that years general election. The office at hand is arguably the most powerful one in state government, because the lieutenant governor presides over the Texas Senate. When Dewhurst was lieutenant governor, the Texas Senate sometimes had serious, substantive policy debates. After he left, things changed. In 2015, when Patricks plan to give property tax relief to Texas homeowners bumped up against the states constitutional spending cap, he decreed that property tax relief should not be counted as state spending. Problem solved. I own a home in Travis County, so I understand why many Texans are frustrated by their property tax bills. And, in candor, I have a soft spot for Patrick, a former talk radio host who served two terms in the Texas Senate before running statewide. Still, if the Legislature appropriates money to provide property tax relief, that relief would by definition be state spending. And Patrick has gone on to offer similarly baffling opinions on other high-profile issues. READ MORE: Santa Fe shooting reminds us to say our prayersthen get to work In the wake of the mass shooting at Santa Fe High School last month, for example, he drew international headlines after calling for a national conversation about abortion, video games and the fact that schools have doors. There are too many entrances and too many exits, Patrick said at a press conference. Patrick is running for re-election this year. Having fended of a primary challenge from public education advocate Scott Milder, he will face Democrat Mike Collier in November. No one is really paying attention to the race, for some reason. But Patrick is, I suspect, more vulnerable than he appears. About 24 percent of the Texans who voted in the Republican primary opted for Milder, who subsequently endorsed Collier. READ MORE: Texas Republicans cant coast to victory this year And Collier, as it happens, is a good candidate. Hes a Democrat who was the partys nominee for comptroller in 2014, but hes not a knee-jerk partisan. A CPA by profession, he was a Republican for much of his adult life. Beyond that, Collier clearly cares about whats best for our state. And he is, like me and Dewhurst, a nerd. Can I draw you a picture? he asked me on Tuesday afternoon, after explaining that hes met with many rural Texans who are seriously concerned about our states approach to water rights. I had actually come by Colliers campaign headquarters for the rollout of his health care plan, but I agreed. His interest in the issue was infectious. The same had been true of the presentation he had just given, summarizing the four major elements of his health care plan. I was ambivalent about Colliers suggestion that the state should encourage Texans to get covered via the exchanges established under the Affordable Care Act. The health insurance plans available there are not a particularly good deal for young workers in generally good health. And Ive been wary of the prospect of Medicaid expansion in Texas, which was the second element of Colliers plan. The money the state spends on health care cant be spent on public education; thats a cruel choice, perhaps, but its not exactly a false one. But Colliers call to promote technology geared toward cost containment was unobjectionable, as was his proposal for a Patient Financial Bill of Rights. And none of his ideas was half-baked, much less absurd. READ MORE: Rural Texans need more than a maverick doctor And in a sense, the best part of Colliers plan is that it exists. Some Texans might object to his approach. Donors probably doubt that hell have a chance to implement any of these ideas. And the problems with our health-care system, as Collier acknowledged, are legion. Some of them would have to be tackled at the federal level, even if Democrats regain power in the state. But there are some things the Legislature could do on behalf of the millions of Texans who lack reliable access to affordable care; Collier is absolutely right about that. This is, as he said, an issue that most Texans care about, even if it doesnt command the cable-news coverage routinely afforded to the latest social-media contretemps. The reason why Im running for lieutenant governor is because Im a problem-solver, Collier had said, at the beginning of his talk. In 2014, Patrick pitched himself the same way. But he never had a serious plan for tackling property tax burdens in Texas, even though that was was one of the problems he had declared a priority. And although I appreciate the lieutenant governors willingness to think outside the box, some of his off-the-cuff ideas have seemed like deflections rather than bursts of inspiration. Perhaps our schools do have too many doors; Im agnostic about that. But I will note that when I was in seventh grade my classmate Ronnie threw a chair through the window of the science classroom, then escaped through the exit he had made. Perhaps Collier doesnt have a chance, but he does have a plan and without a plan, nothing will change. Four Texas cities, including Houston, rank among the 15 metropolitan hotspots of vaccine exemptions, more than any other state, according to a new study. The study found Austin, Fort Worth and Plano also are among the nations cities with the highest number of kindergartners not getting vaccinated for non-medical reasons. Since 2009, the proportion of children opting out of such recommended vaccines increased in Texas and 11 other states, the study showed. There are some scary trends we were able to identify, said Dr. Peter Hotez, a Houston vaccine scientist and one of the study authors. Theyre a sign that anti-vaccine groups, such as Texans for Vaccine Choice, have been very successful at lobbying efforts both of the Texas legislature and through social media and other advocacy to convince parents not to vaccinate their kids. Hotez said the study, published Tuesday in the journal PLOS Medicine, should be a wake-up call for Texas and the 17 other states that allow non-medical exemptions to change their laws. Citing recent measles outbreaks in California and Minnesota, he said the growth of such exemptions puts children at risk of such deadly infections. Officials with Texans for Vaccine Choice did not respond to requests for comment on Wednesday. But Krystal Bettilyon, a LaPorte mother of four who stopped immunizing her children after her eldest out of concerns that the ingredients in vaccines are not meant to be injected into a forming brain and body, said shes noticed an increased interest among friends and others on Facebook. She said that her worry wasnt the autism scare, the belief popular in some circles that a trace amount of mercury in some vaccines can cause the disorder in some children sensitive to the neurotoxin. The Texas law allowing exemptions for personal beliefs is definitely a factor in the states increasing numbers, but the movements become broader all over, I think, said Bettilyon. Parents are talking more to other parents about the dangers of vaccines and were finding doctors who are giving their stamp of approval. RELATED: Vaccine exemptions more common in affluent Houston areas Public health officials emphasize vaccines are safe and that the theory they cause autism has been discredited. They credit vaccines with bringing seven major infectious conditions under some degree of control smallpox, tetanus, diphtheria, yellow fever, whooping cough, polio and measles and saving an estimated 9 million lives worldwide each year. The overall number of people invoking non-medical exemptions isnt yet high enough to threaten herd immunity, the idea that vaccination of most of the population provides protection for those individuals without immunity to a contagious disease. But public health officials fear pockets of anti-vaxxers could leave children vulnerable in those locations. Allison Winnike, president of the Houston-based Immunization Partnership, said that overall vaccination may fall below the minimum level needed for herd immunity in high non-medical exemption cluster areas, including around Austin, Fort Worth, Houston and Plano. She called the PLOS study important and said that it shows the negative consequences of the Texas Legislature expanding our non-medical exemption law. We live in a connected world, said Winnike. The next disease outbreak is just a plane ride away. The increasing exemptions in Texas have been well documented. Though the number is still small, they have spiked from less than 3,000 in 2003 to 50,000 of the states roughly 5.5 million schoolchildren today, about a 20-fold increase. RELATED: Vaccine exemptions on the rise among Texas students Hotez, dean of the National School of Tropical Medicine at Baylor College of Medicine and Texas Childrens Hospital, said he undertook the study because of the increase in Texas and because federal officials downplay the matter since national rates havent changed dramatically. He said he wanted to look at whether the Texas trend is a phenomenon unique to the state or if its mirrored elsewhere. Hotez said a future study will try to account for the differences by areas. He said he didnt know why cities as different as Austin and Forth Worth would share such an opposition to vaccination. The list of urban hotspots, cities and the rest of their county, is dominated by the West. In addition to the four in Texas, it includes Seattle, Spokane and Tacoma in Washington; Salt Lake City and Provo in Utah; Portland, Ore, and Phoenix, Ariz. The others are in the Midwest -- Detroit, Troy and Warren in Michigan and Kansas City, Mo. The study counted kindergartners in 2015-16 in Texas and Pennsylvania, and 2016-17 in the other locations. According to the study, the most non-medical vaccination exemptions, 2,947, were in Phoenix. Houston was No. 7 on the list with 592 in Houston, followed by Fort Worth at No. 8 with 518, Plano at No. 9 with 478, and Austin at No. 13 with 413. The study also includes a ranking of the 10 rural counties with the most non-medical vaccine exemptions. Eight are in Idaho. The other two are in Wisconsin and Utah. Editor's note: This story and map were changed Friday, July 15, to reflect a correction by PLOS Medicine. After re-examining its data, the journal removed Pittsburgh from the list of urban hotspots -- it was originally ranked No. 12 -- and added Tacoma at No. 15. todd.ackerman@chron.com twitter.com/chronmed Joe Rust Jr. was swimming with his family in his North Side pool Tuesday night when he heard people running along the alley behind his house, followed quickly by two police helicopters flying low. Alarmed by the scene, he quickly ushered all of his relatives from the pool into his home. The discovery of more than 50 undocumented immigrants in an air-conditioned tractor trailer parked in that alley transformed the normally quiet Leland Terrace subdivision into a scene of chaos. People ran from the truck in an attempt to elude officers, jumping over fences and climbing on the roofs of houses, several breaking bones. Squad cars prowled the neighborhood. Officers shone flashlights into residents darkened yards. Helicopters continued circling overhead for several hours. Now Playing: People could be seen sitting on the ground Video: Maxwell Bauserman, Brad Bauserman It was pretty scary and it went on for a while, Rust said. It was more than Im accustomed to. It was the latest stark reminder that human smuggling continues to be a pervasive, highly organized enterprise even as the Trump administration tries to seal the border. The discovery of the undocumented men, women and minors from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Brazil came almost a year after 10 migrants died and many others were injured after being smuggled into Texas aboard a sweltering tractor trailer found parked outside a South Side Walmart. In all, 54 people were apprehended in the latest incident, federal officials said at a news conference Wednesday. An affidavit filed by Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent Robert Cardenas said 53 people were captured, along with the man accused of driving the truck. Six people were hospitalized for minor injuries. Four of them had been released. Federal officials identified the accused driver as Gerardo Javier Carreon, 36, of Laredo. Carreon, a U.S. citizen, is expected to be charged in federal court with human smuggling, Homeland Security Investigations Special Agent in Charge Shane Folden said. Carreon remains in federal custody and faces up to 10 years in prison if convicted. One couple living in the neighborhood expressed skepticism that only 54 undocumented migrants were involved, noting the number appeared to be much larger. That couple who identified themselves only as Julia and John and declined to give their last name speculated that some of the migrants may have escaped. Julia, a nurse, said that some of the people running away suffered broken limbs when they fell off of the roofs of homes or jumped wooden privacy fences. She said one man had broken his legs, so she kept him isolated and gave him water and Tylenol. We had some broken people and some bleeding people and we just took care of them as best as we could until EMS got here, she said. They were all very kind and very receptive. None of them were hostile. Once they realized they werent going any further, they just stopped. Her husband said he saw a helicopter hovering low over their neighborhood as he arrived home Tuesday night. As I turned down the street, it was just World War III chaos, John said. He said he walked by one shrub outside his home four times, not knowing there was a man hiding inside. The man jumped out of hiding when another neighbor aimed a pistol at the bush. Authorities and neighbors still were finding people well into Wednesday, long after the tractor-trailer had been removed from the alley, the couple said. Julia and John said they continued to find remnants of the night before discarded shoes, shirts and water bottles. Another Leland Terrace resident, who asked that his name not be published because of safety and privacy concerns, said officers found a man hiding behind a thorny bougainvillea bush in his fenced back yard around 10 p.m. Tuesday. I think they had tracked this guy to our backyard, the resident said. He was hiding behind a bush up near the fence. The guy looked scared, but he was unarmed. They were speaking in Spanish to him, but I didnt hear him say anything back. Officers led the man to a squad car, he said. The resident said he was unsettled enough to remove his infant daughter from her bedroom and to keep her in his and his wifes bedroom. Its unsettling to have people wandering around. You never know people do desperate things at desperate times, he said. The sweep was prolonged, Rust said. It was a little unnerving, he said. My wife didnt sleep well at all. Local law enforcement officials alerted Homeland Security Investigations of the truck containing the migrants. It was not immediately known how the truck came to local officers attention. When federal agents arrived, they found Carreon with the truck in an alley near Loop 410 and Broadway. The doors to the trailer were open, and the people inside were apprehended while running from the vehicle, the affidavit states. Carreon was captured while running from the vehicle, that document shows. Those who didnt need to go to a hospital were taken to the U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement and Removal Operations office in San Antonio. Folden said he couldnt provide further details on their status Wednesday. Folden declined to discuss the ages of the immigrants, though an affidavit released late Wednesday indicated the youngest of the group is 16. Carreon admitted to federal agents that he was to be paid for the smuggling, according to a criminal complaint submitted by Cardenas, which was released by the U.S. District Court Western District of Texas. Carreon told authorities he left Laredo for San Antonio early Tuesday to pick up the undocumented migrants. He said an unknown driver had parked the trailer near the H-E-B warehouses near Rittiman Road and left the vehicle there because the driver did not want to deliver and unload the migrants, the affidavit states. Carreon then told the agents he parked his pickup, drove the trailer to the alley and used bolt cutters to break the seal of the trailer and opened the doors to get the people out. As the people began to climb out and saw police, they ran a short distance before being arrested, the affidavit states. The sky was clear Tuesday night, but the heat index was 90 degrees when police and firefighters responded to the tractor-trailer. The detained migrants were hungry, so firefighters fed them pizza, Fire Chief Charles Hood said. The pizza was ordered and delivered by a local tow truck driver Armando Colunga, 34. Just two months ago, Border Patrol agents reported an increase in migrants illegally crossing the border, and officials issued warnings about the dangerous conditions they face as the weather becomes increasingly hotter. Last nights incident could have turned out much, much worse, Folden said Wednesday. These criminal organizations are comprised of extremely callous individuals who disregard human life and make large profits on treating humans as a commodity. Smugglers know people wanting to get into the United States illegally wont contact law enforcement out of fear, Folden said. The only way to combat the crime is to hit smugglers financially, he said. If we want to make serious progress against organized alien smuggling in South Texas, we need to attack the criminal organizations and financial infrastructure that supports it, said Folden. At the end of the day, you can't put a price on human life. Public records shown Carreon was released from a Texas state jail in February 2016 after serving a two-year sentence for a drug possession conviction. Information from the Texas Department of Public Safety shows Carreon was arrested in May 2013 by the Bexar County Sheriffs Office on suspicion of possession of a controlled substance, 1 gram to 4 grams, which is a third-degree felony. He was convicted of a reduced state jail felony of possession of a controlled substance, less than 1 gram, in March 2014 and was sentenced to two years in a state jail. Carreon also was arrested in Jim Hogg County in March 2005 on a charge of possession of marijuana, less than 2 ounces, which is a Class B misdemeanor. He was convicted and served 18 months probation, records show. Jenny Hixon, director of education and outreach with RAICES, said they were called to the scene by police as part of an agreement between the organization and the city to inform the occupants of their rights and offer access to social workers. So that they know what they're facing now that they've been taken into custody, Hixon said. She said Homeland Security and Investigations agents were not allowing RAICES members to speak with the people as of Tuesday night. We need to respect the basic humanity of those folks and make sure they have access to information about their rights and that their rights are being respected at every stage, she said. Antonio Fernandez, CEO of Catholic Charities, said his organization also was there to follow up with any additional needs the people may have had. Hixon and Fernandez applauded the work of police and firefighters in how they treated the men, women and teenagers found inside the trailer. DHS and ICE Public Affairs Spokeswoman Nina Pruneda said those who were inside the tractor-trailer were being interviewed as material witnesses and that the investigation will continue. CORRECTION: This article was been updated to correct who provided the pizza. The article had incorrectly identified the purchaser of the pizza because of incorrect information from the San Antonio Fire Department. News Researcher Misty Harris and Staff Photographer William Luther contributed to this report. | Peggy O'Hare is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | pohare@express-news.net | @Peggy_OHare | Elizabeth Zavala is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of her stories here. | ezavala@express-news.net | @elizabeth2863 All most of us saw of the burning Arkema plant in Crosby during Hurricane Harvey were pictures of fire and smoke billowing into the air. Only later did we learn the details of what happened: how trailers full of volatile organic peroxides decomposed and started catching fire, how forklifts used to move containers of those chemicals became useless in the rising water, how workers riding out the hurricane tried to forestall a catastrophe by hand-carrying canisters of peroxides through floodwaters on a stormy night. The inside story of what happened during those disastrous days at the Arkema plant was sorted out by investigators with the U.S. Chemical Safety Board, the federal agency that produced a detailed report released last month. The CSB also issued a series of recommendations that executives and workers at other petrochemical plants can use to learn the lessons their colleagues at Arkema learned the hard way during Hurricane Harvey. Thats just the latest example of the good work the CSB has done for two decades: Studying accidents in the chemical industry so that similar mishaps can be avoided in the future. Its not a regulatory body. It does for petrochemical plant disasters what the National Transportation Safety Board does for airline crashes. The CSB is a no-nonsense, fact-finding agency whose reports and recommendations are widely respected within the petrochemical industry. And theres no telling how many lives it has saved. But now, for reasons that are baffling to industry experts, the CSBs future is in doubt because the Trump administration has recommended eliminating it. Our congressional representatives need to send the White House the message that this agency, which looks out for the safety of average people who work and live around petrochemical plants, needs to be saved. Were not talking about a bloated bureaucracy gone amok. The CSB is one of the smallest agencies in the federal government, with a budget of just $12 million. If this safety board has prevented just one petrochemical plant disaster and industry experts have no doubt it has thats a bargain. But as the Chronicles Matt Dempsey recently reported, its staff of 20 investigators has shrunk to 12; its hard to keep employees in a workplace thats threatened with elimination. Meanwhile, the chairwoman of its five-member board has resigned, and theres no indication shes going to be replaced. As a result of these staffing shortages, the CSB has been unable to investigate accidents happening in the Houston area. For example, a Valero refinery explosion in April injured 28 workers, but the short-handed CSB didnt deploy any investigators. And when it does study accidents, people still working for the agency worry that its not doing its job as thoroughly as before. A memo from a half-dozen of the CSBs investigators that was obtained by the Chronicle says the agency is advocating shorter investigations that avoid analyzing companies safety culture. Thats an important point to experts whove followed the CSBs history. After the 2005 explosion at the BP plant in Texas City, the board investigated not only the physical cause of the disaster, but also the corporate decisions leading up to the accident. BP executives took the report to heart, adding a board member focused on safety, instituting a new incident reporting system and appointing an independent panel examining safety issues within the company. Now theres serious question whether the CSB could handle another huge accident like the BP explosion. U.S. Rep. Gene Green, the retiring congressman whose district includes the Houston Ship Channel, bluntly predicts the agency wont have the staffing capacity for another BP-scale disaster. Green shouldnt be the only voice expressing concern. Our congressional delegation, particularly Sen. John Cornyn and Sen. Ted Cruz, know the importance of the petrochemical industry along the Texas Gulf Coast. Saving the modestly funded Chemical Safety Board should be one of their top priorities. Apple has long positioned the iPhone as a secure device that only its owner can open. That has led to battles with law enforcement officials who want to get information off them, including a well-publicized showdown with the FBI in 2016 after Apple refused to help open the locked iPhone of a mass shooter. The FBI eventually paid a third party to get into the phone, circumventing the need for Apples help. Since then, law enforcement agencies across the country have increasingly employed that strategy to get into locked iPhones they hope will hold the key to cracking cases. But now Apple is closing the technological loophole that let authorities hack into iPhones, angering police and other officials and reigniting a debate over whether the government has a right to get into the personal devices that are at the center of modern life. How spies use your cellphone to find you - and eavesdrop on your calls and texts, too Apple said it was planning an iPhone software update that would effectively disable the phones charging and data port the opening where users plug in headphones, power cables and adapters an hour after the phone is locked. To transfer data to or from the iPhone using the port, a person would first need to enter the phones password. (Phones could still be charged without a password.) more techburger Get more tasty tech news at TechBurger. And follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe to the Chronicle for regular access to TechBurger stories and to be able to comment. See More Collapse Such a change would hinder law enforcement officials, who have typically been opening locked iPhones by connecting another device running special software to the port, often days or even months after the smartphone was last unlocked. News of Apples planned software update has begun spreading through security blogs and law enforcement circles and many in investigatory agencies are infuriated. If we go back to the situation where we again dont have access, now we know directly all the evidence weve lost and all the kids we cant put into a position of safety, said Chuck Cohen, who leads an Indiana State Police task force on internet crimes against children. The Indiana State Police said it unlocked 96 iPhones for various cases this year, each time with a warrant, using a $15,000 device it bought in March from a company called Grayshift. But privacy advocates said Apple would be right to fix a security flaw that has become easier and cheaper to exploit. This is a really big vulnerability in Apples phones, said Matthew D. Green, a professor of cryptography at Johns Hopkins University. A Grayshift device sitting on a desk at a police station, he said, could very easily leak out into the world. In an email, an Apple spokesman, Fred Sainz, said the company is constantly strengthening security protections and fixes any vulnerability it finds in its phones, partly because criminals could also exploit the same flaws that law enforcement agencies use. We have the greatest respect for law enforcement, and we dont design our security improvements to frustrate their efforts to do their jobs, he said. Alexa and Siri can hear this hidden command. You can't. Apple and Google, which make the software in nearly all of the worlds smartphones, began encrypting their mobile software in 2014. Encryption scrambles data to make it unreadable until accessed with a special key, often a password. That frustrated police and prosecutors who could not pull data from smartphones, even with a warrant. The friction came into public view after the FBI could not access the iPhone of a shooter who killed 14 people in San Bernardino, California, in late 2015. A federal judge ordered Apple to figure out how to open the phone, prompting Tim Cook, Apples chief executive, to respond with a blistering 1,100-word letter that said the company refused to compromise its users privacy. The implications of the governments demands are chilling, he wrote. The two sides fought in court for a month. Then the FBI abruptly announced it had found an undisclosed group to hack into the phone, for which it paid at least $1.3 million. An Inspector General report earlier this year suggested the FBI should have exhausted more options before it took Apple to court. Since then, two main companies have helped law enforcement hack into iPhones: Cellebrite, an Israeli forensics firm purchased by Japans Sun Corp. in 2006, and Grayshift, which was founded by a former Apple engineer in 2016. Law enforcement officials said they generally send iPhones to Cellebrite to unlock, with each phone costing several thousand dollars to open. In March, Grayshift began selling a $15,000 GrayKey device that police can use to unlock iPhones themselves. How to sell your old phone safely Apple has closed loopholes in the past. For years, police used software to break into phones by simply trying every possible pass code. Apple blocked that technique by disabling iPhones after a certain number of wrong pass codes, but the Grayshift and Cellebrite software appear to be able to disable that Apple technology, allowing their devices to test thousands of pass codes, Green said. Cellebrite declined to comment. Grayshift did not respond to requests for comment. Opening locked iPhones through these methods has become more common, law enforcement officials said. Federal authorities, as well as large state and local police departments, typically have access to the tools, while smaller local agencies enlist the state or federal authorities to help on high-profile cases, they said. Law enforcement agencies that have purchased a GrayKey device include the Drug Enforcement Administration, which bought an advanced model earlier this year for $30,000, according to public records. Marylands state police has one, as do police departments in Portland, Oregon, and Rochester, Minnesota, according to records. Hillar Moore, the district attorney in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, said his office had paid Cellebrite thousands of dollars to unlock iPhones in five cases since 2017, including an investigation into the hazing-related death of a fraternity pledge at Louisiana State University. He said the phones had yielded crucial information, and he was upset that Apple planned to close such a useful investigative avenue. They are blatantly protecting criminal activity, and only under the guise of privacy for their clients, he said. Michael Sachs, an assistant district attorney in Manhattan, said his office uses workarounds he declined to specify which to access locked iPhones several times a week. That has helped solve a series of cases in recent months, including by getting into an iPhone to find videos of a suspect sexually assaulting a child. The man was convicted this year. In the first 10 months of 2017, the Manhattan district attorneys office said it had recovered and obtained warrants or consent to search 702 locked smartphones, two-thirds of which were iPhones. Smartphones running Googles Android software have been generally easier to access, partly because many older devices lack encryption. The encryption on smartphones only applies to data stored solely on the phone. Companies like Apple and Google regularly give law enforcement officials access to the data that consumers back up on their servers, such as via Apples iCloud service. Apple said that since 2013, it has responded to more than 55,000 requests from the United States government seeking information about more than 208,000 devices, accounts or financial identifiers. The tussle over encrypted iPhones and opening them to help law enforcement is unlikely to simmer down. Federal officials have renewed a push for legislation that would require tech companies like Apple to provide the police with a backdoor into phones, though they were recently found to be overstating the number of devices they could not access. Apple probably wont make it any easier for police if not forced by Congress, given that it has made the privacy and security of iPhones a central selling point. But the company has complied with local laws that conflict with its stated values. In China, for instance, Apple recently began storing its Chinese customers data on Chinese-run servers because of a new law there. Apples latest move is part of a longer cat-and-mouse game between tech companies and law enforcement, said Michelle Richardson, an analyst at the Center for Democracy and Technology, which supports protections for online privacy. People always expected there would be this back-and-forth that government would be able to hack into these devices, and then Apple would plug the hole and hackers would find another way in, she said. This article originally appeared in The New York Times. Get more tasty tech news at TechBurger. And follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe to the Chronicle for regular access to TechBurger stories and to be able to comment. Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Geng Shuang's Regular Press Conference on June14, 2018 2018/06/14 As agreed by China and the Arab states, the 8th Ministerial Meeting of China-Arab States Cooperation Forum will be held on July 10 in Beijing. State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, foreign ministers or representatives from the Arab states and Secretary-General of the League of Arab States will attend the meeting. At the meeting, the relevant parties will have comprehensive and in-depth discussions on further consolidating the traditional friendship between China and the Arab states, advancing the Belt and Road Initiative, jointly building a new type of international relations and forging a community with a shared future for mankind, enhancing the mechanism building of the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum and other international and regional issues of common interest. At the invitation of State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi, Minister of Foreign Affairs Anders Samuelsen of the Kingdom of Denmark will pay an official visit to China from June 20 to 22. During this visit, Yang Jiechi, member of the Political Bureau of the Communist Party of China (CPC) Central Committee and Director of the Office of the Foreign Affairs Commission of the CPC Central Committee will meet with Minister of Foreign Affairs Anders Samuelsen and State Councilor and Foreign Minister Wang Yi will hold talks with him, during which they will exchange views on bilateral relations and issues of mutual interest. Besides Beijing, Minister Samuelsen will travel to Shanghai. Denmark is one of the first western countries to establish diplomatic ties with China. This year marks the 10th anniversary of the China-Denmark comprehensive strategic partnership. We believe that Minister of Foreign Affairs Anders Samuelsen's visit to China will help step up political mutual trust, expand our practical cooperation across the board and elevate China-Denmark relations to a new level. Q: According to reports, US President Trump today is expected to have a meeting with his senior trade advisers to finally set the tariffs on Chinese goods, and the decision is expected to come out tomorrow. Is China prepared to win a trade war or are you confident that you can win it? A: We have said many times that the China-US economic and trade ties are win-win cooperation in nature. We always believe that the two sides should, on the basis of mutual respect, equality and mutual benefit, engage in dialogue and consultation to properly resolve the relevant economic and trade issues, bridge the differences, expand cooperation and deliver benefits to our two countries and two peoples. Early this month, US Secretary of Commerce Wilbur Ross led a delegation to China for consultations, which achieved positive and concrete progress. You may still remember that a statement was issued by the Chinese side after the trade talks. The statement says that none of the economic and trade outcomes of the talks will take effect if the US side imposes any trade sanctions including raising tariffs. Hereby, I would like to reaffirm this point. Q: According to Japanese media reports, Japanese businesses recently have stepped up their efforts to climb aboard the express train of China's Belt and Road Initiative. With the increase of the China-EU freight trains, some Japanese companies have launched freight transport services linking Japan and Europe via China, which will help export more Japanese products to Europe. In Poland and other countries along the Belt and Road, Japanese enterprises have also expanded equipment and technology exports through bidding for and conducting infrastructure projects. What's your opinion on that? A: We have seen relevant reports. They have shown that an increasing number of Japanese businesses are translating their readiness to engage in the Belt and Road Initiative into concrete actions, and more and more people in the world are fully confident in the prospect of the initiative. China always remains open to Japan's participation in the Belt and Road Initiative. In terms of conducting cooperation in third-party markets in particular, China and Japan enjoy notable complementary strengths. The two sides' cooperation in this regard will not only help expand China-Japan economic and trade cooperation, but also be conducive to the economic development of the third parties. Not long ago, the two sides signed the China-Japan Memorandum of Understanding on Third-Party Markets Cooperation and decided to set up an inter-agency working mechanism to promote China-Japan cooperation on third-party markets. We believe this will provide better institutional guarantees and an effective platform for Chinese and Japanese businesses to conduct cooperation on third-party markets. We support businesses in our two countries in achieving more cooperation outcomes regarding third-party market cooperation under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative, bringing benefits to the two peoples and realizing win-win results and mutual benefits. Q: Just now you announced that the 8th Ministerial Meeting of China-Arab States Cooperation Forum will be held next month. What new achievements have been reaped in terms of mechanism building since the last meeting? What policy measures will the Chinese side announce regarding the Arab world at the upcoming ministerial meeting? A: Over the past two years, the institutional activities under the China-Arab States Cooperation Forum have been advanced smoothly. The Senior Officials' Meeting, the Strategic and Political Dialogue at the Senior Officials' Level, the Seminar on China-Arab Relations and China-Arab Civilization Dialogue, the China-Arab Energy Cooperation Conference and the China-Arab Friendship Conference were held successfully. The cooperation consensuses under the framework of the forum have been implemented. We have established the China-Arab Research Center on Reform and Development, launched the Joint Training Program for Chinese-Arabic Translators and held the China-Arab States Beidou Cooperation Forum, Anti-extremism Roundtable and the China-Arab Forum for Development and Reform. The cooperation of the forum has been extended to cover such areas as post-war reconstruction, talents training, women exchanges and high-tech cooperation in more dimensions. At the upcoming ministerial meeting, we are willing to further strengthen communication and coordination with the Arab states, jointly champion mutual respect, fairness and justice and win-win cooperation and continue to play a positive role in upholding and promoting regional peace, stability and development. As far as I know, our two sides are stepping up consultations on relevant cooperation documents. We stand ready to enhance cooperation on production capacity, post-war reconstruction, humanitarian development and cultural and people-to-people exchanges with the Arab states under the framework of the Belt and Road Initiative and better support their efforts for national transformation and economic diversification. Q: US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo reportedly said that economic sanctions on the DPRK will not be eased or lifted until the denuclearization is realized. Does China agree with the US? A: I kept stating China's position on this issue most recently. I would like to reiterate here that sanctions per se are not the end. All parties should lend support and cooperation to the current efforts for diplomatic talks and denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and promote the political settlement process. Q: You just said that none of the economic and trade outcomes reached in negotiations between the two sides will come into effect if the US takes trade sanction measures, including imposition of tariffs. Apart from that, will China take other countermeasures? A: I would like to repeat the line in the statement for you: none of the economic and trade outcomes of the talks will take effect if the US side imposes any trade sanctions including raising tariffs. What we're talking about here is "all the economic and trade outcomes". As to the unilateral measures taken by the US against China, we have stated our position on that on many occasions. I believe we have made it very clear. Due to scheduling reasons, the regular press conference of the Foreign Ministry on June 15 will be held at 2:00 p.m. at the same venue. The Wilton Manors Gazette recently launched a Facebook group to keep readers up to date with the latest happenings and news in the city and to distinguish itself from its parent company, South Florida Gay News. What started out as a supplement to SFGN has really taken on a life of its own. Because of that we felt the Gazette needed a voice of its own, separate and apart from SFGN, said Publisher Norm Kent. We realize there is a community here in Wilton Manors that does not necessarily want all of SFGNs news, from around South Florida and the world, so the Gazette will focus on just hyper local news. By targeting just the Wilton Manors community SFGNs staff will be able to highlight even more relevant news, stories and events geared towards locals. For instance, the city recently stopped live streaming its commission meetings over concerns about a lawsuit happening elsewhere in the state. The Gazette decided to start uploading the meetings to its YouTube page and posting a link to it in its Facebook group so readers will still be able to have easy access to the citys meetings. In another hyper local example the Gazette recently assigned a photographer to capture the citys annual canoe race. An event like that would not appeal to the broader SFGN audience and so the Gazette would not have assigned it. But the Facebook group gives the Gazette a place to highlight local events such as the canoe race. We hope this Facebook group will provide a new way for readers and residents to interactive with our newspaper and their community, Kent said. Visit Facebook.com/groups/WMGazette to join the discussion. The Gazette welcomes feedback for its new community initiative. Email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. with comments, suggestions, etc. Ranveer Singh Says He Wants to Have Kids With Deepika Padukone: 'My Life Will be Set' These companies are predicted to turn ripples into waves in 2018. On Tuesday, the Wall Street Journal highlighted 25 startups on its list of technology companies to watch this year and beyond. Comprised only of ventures founded since the start of 2013, it's no surprise that more than half of the identified startups are making headway in the recently booming industries of artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, and blockchain. Here are the top 10 companies that have captivated investors, expanded operations, and engaged the tech community in recent years. 1. Bitglass A cybersecurity provider that protects against risks that may come with the use of cloud-based applications, ensuring data security and regulatory compliance. This startup out of Campbell, California has received over $80 million in funding since its 2013 debut. 2. Blockstream Blockstream develops technology to secure and streamline the transfer of Bitcoin--and investors have thrown in $77.5 million to help its cause. One of the Montreal-based company's innovations, Sidechain, offers more flexibility in Bitcoin exchanges. 3. Andela Andela is a New York City-based company that hires software engineers in Africa to work remotely in mostly U.S. companies--aiming to tap into an overlooked talent pool. With over 1,000 employees, $78 million in funding, and the support of big name philanthropy organizations run by Mark Zuckerberg and Priscilla Chan, Andela is quickly gaining traction. 4. Virta Health A new approach to combating Type 2 diabetes that uses data science and machine learning, Virta has gained $75 million in support from investors since it started in 2014. The San Francisco health tech firm offers remote and continuous care that forms part of a personalized treatment plan. 5. Eero Instead of using a single router, this Wi-Fi system uses multiple units to fill in dead spots around the home. Operating out of San Francisco, this company's approach to providing reliable Wi-Fi has pulled $90 million in venture funding. 6. R3 A blockchain built for enterprises, New York City-based R3 enables parties to transact directly. It was designed to operate complex transactions within finance and secure data during transactions. After a strong start in 2015, the company boasts $107 in funding. 7. Spoke Created only two years ago, this San Francisco-based automated help desk assistant is built to ease and organize responding to workplace requests. It's a chatbot that uses AI to automatically respond to questions from multiple platforms: Slack, e-mail, text, and the web. With $28 million in funding, it seems that Spoke is really speaking to investors. 8. Exabeam Another inhabitant of the Golden State, Exabeam--located in San Mateo, California--makes a cybersecurity system that logs and analyzes data to find risky behavior. Exabeam has partnered with companies like Hulu in the past, and boasts $65 million in funding. 9. SparkCognition SparkCognition has developed a technology that helps companies operate more efficiently by analyzing data through machine learning. Designed for companies in industries such as energy, defense, and finance, it helps make decisions about work flows, costs, and aids with administration and maintenance. Hailing from Austin, Texas, the company is gaining influence through partnerships with the likes of Google Cloud, IBM and National Instruments, and has raised $73.5 million in funding. 10. Stash Financial Amazon is no stranger to private-label products. Amazon Basics, its private-label brand, sells everything from yoga mats to iPhone chargers to bed sheets. But now the Everything Store--through Whole Foods' brand 365 Everyday Value--is going after the fast-growing sparkling water market. According to Quartz, Amazon is selling 12 packs of 365 Everyday Value flavored sparkling water at a deep discount for Amazon Prime members. If Prime members download the Whole Foods app and sign in, they can get two 12 packs for $3.99. "It's also a clear shot at LaCroix," Quartz writer Alison Griswold notes, pointing out that a 12 pack of the Millennial favorite goes for $5.99 at Whole Foods stores in San Francisco. "The deal highlights how Amazon is using Whole Foods ... to go after some of the hottest brands in consumer-packaged goods," Griswold writes. "Whole Foods introduced 365-branded canned sparkling water in September 2017, a month after Amazon closed the acquisition." A Whole Foods spokesperson told Quartz that the drink is available nationally. The spokesperson also said that Whole Foods' 365 seltzer was in the works before Amazon acquired the grocer. If Amazon plans to expand its private-label business into other consumer packaged goods, seltzer is a good place to start. According to Mintel, soda sales hit a 30-year low, and sparkling water sales have gone up 15 percent each year for the past three years, reaching $2.7 billion. "Seltzer is on fire. It is exploding right now and extremely competitive," says Chris Hunter, who co-founded the hit alcoholic drink Four Loko, and is now running plant-based protein drink company Koia. It's taken 30 years for LaCroix to become an overnight success. In the 1980s, the Midwestern sparkling water was marketed as the anti-Perrier. But in recent years--after being purchased by National Beverage Corp. in 1992--it's become a cult favorite among Millennials, with its Instagram-friendly colorful cans. According to Alex Beckett, associate director of market intelligence firm Mintel Food & Drink, the brand enjoyed 50 percent growth in 2017, becoming the fastest-growing brand in the sparkling water market. Now industry giants, from PepsiCo to Coca-Cola to Nestle, are all releasing their own sparkling water brands. Bubly, by PepsiCo, echoes LaCroix's playful branding style. Meanwhile, private-label sales continue to soar. According to another Mintel report, private-label sales, which reached $78.9 billion in 2017, will grow at a faster pace in the next five years and could reach $90 billion by 2022. Which means seltzer is likely the first hot product Amazon is eyeing with its Whole Foods private-label line. Who could be next? Any trendy, high-frequency, commoditized product, says Mintel. The likelihood that customers will buy store brands is only going up--about 61 percent of consumers say store-brand drinks and food are as good as name brands and only 43 percent say name-brand products use better ingredients. Koia's Hunter, who sells his plant-based protein drink in Whole Foods, says he's noticed how all retailers have "aggressively" expanded their private-label lines. "A lot is changing in the retail landscape. Retailers are always looking for ways to increase their margins, so private labels are real threats [to brands]," he says. Can political art be beautiful? Can beauty itself be a form of resistance? These are some of the questions posed by the British-Nigerian artist Yinka Shonibare in a new exhibition he has curated at the Stephen Friedman Gallery in London. The exhibition, Talisman in the Age of Difference, features works by artists mostly of African origin, ranging from rising talent to established players. Those with work in the show include the 2017 Turner Prize winner, Lubaina Himid; Kehinde Wiley, who recently painted Barack Obama for the National Portrait Gallery in Washington; the Egyptian artist Ghada Amer; and Marlene Dumas from South Africa. Shonibare is known for sculptures and installations that engage with the history of colonialism and globalisation. He is a member of the Royal Academy of Arts, and, in his work, he has restaged classic 18th century paintings with headless mannequins wearing brightly coloured, African prints. In 2012, he installed a giant ship in a bottle on the empty fourth plinth in Trafalgar Square in London that also featured richly patterned, African-style textiles for the vessels sails. Yinka Shonibares Nelsons Ship in a Bottle on the fourth plinth (Getty) Shonibare said that the exhibition was a reaction to the resurgence of extreme right-wing politics and xenophobia across the globe and in the spirit of African resistance. Here are edited extracts from a conversation with the artist at his studio in North London in May. Youre known as an artist, but this show puts you in the curators chair. How did it come about? The start of this project was actually based on a show I did at the Royal Academy in 2017. That show coincided with the Black Lives Matter protests in the United States. And I felt very strongly that, despite the various achievements the civil rights movement, Obama getting into power that the battle had not actually been won. I was talking to the gallery and they said they really liked what Id done at the RA, and can I do something along similar lines? They know how I feel about the sheer racism thats re-emerged. I work in the United States quite a bit. And Im shocked by whats emerging. America, for me is a kind of global, diverse continent; the whole thing was made from migrants, so its very shocking to see. I love America, I really do. So Im alarmed. I also wanted to globalise the issue. I wanted to raise the fact that Western art owes a hell of a lot to African aesthetics. Where would Picasso be without the encounter with African art? Where would many Modernist European artists be? And, most important, I was also thinking about, when I was young in Nigeria, there was a festival of black arts, Festac 77. It was in 1977. Yes, I remember that, too. Festac 77: The Second World Black and African Festival of Arts and Culture in Lagos, Nigeria. Stevie Wonder was there, Gilberto Gil from Brazil, Miriam Makeba from South Africa, and so forth. There was a kind of Africanism that was global in the Seventies. I just felt theres been a kind of rupture in that global African unity, that its become much more fractured. It wasnt the kind of feeling that I had when I was young. I grew up in Nigeria. Growing up in Africa, there is a dignity about blackness. But then coming to Europe and then encountering racism for the first time, I was kind of confused and baffled by that. It took me a while to unravel what that actually meant. Then I came across Frantz Fanon, Black Skin, White Masks, deconstruction and representation, and those were the kinds of things that started the journey for me: that actually there is a black aesthetic, but not just in relation to empire. I remember when I first saw your art years ago. The works were very witty; they made me smile. There was also their transgressive power. All of that is still there, and in the show, too. But do you think that something has changed? I think we kind of fell asleep. I think apathy sets in. When Obama got into power, people started talking about post-black. There seems to be a kind of backlash thats happened, a horrible one. Whats happened in the US, with the marches in Charlottesville, that was hair-raising. Horrific. I felt that it kind of crushed my self-esteem when I watched it. Recommended When cryptocurrency met conceptual art What do you mean when you say that? I felt that it reduced me to worthlessness. Im even more alarmed that people are not raising hell in the US. When you see this type of thing, you cant let it go. I think that any normal society would be shocked by this. And people have become so desensitised to these things that it really just doesnt seem to matter anymore. People will ask, Why is a show from the African diaspora necessary now? I feel that in the current climate, we have to assert our history. We should not be embarrassed or feel ashamed of our ancestors. Empowerment comes from acknowledging difference. Is there a big difference between the artists from the African diaspora and those working on the continent? All art is framed. There are people who make work with local sensibilities and there are people who make work with international sensibilities. And those people who can be located in both those spheres. But the differences are not always clear. Somebody may be living in London, they may be obsessed with African culture and African imagery and then end up making work, and you may not exactly know where they live. And thats a good thing? I think its a good thing. I started by saying that I regret that black activism does not seem as international as it was in the Seventies. People cant see that there is anything beyond their own circumstances, or outside their own circumstances. The reason for this show is affirming visibility on a global scale. There are artists here that live in Africa, and there are artists that live in the United States, and I think that some kind of global African solidarity is necessary. And through culture dancing, writing, whatever you can do its important to celebrate. Talisman in the Age of Difference is at Stephen Friedman Gallery, London until 21 July The New York Times Matt Tyrnauer, 99 mins, featuring: Steve Rubell, Ian Schrager, The glory days of disco are remembered in Matt Tyrnauers new feature documentary about New Yorks Studio 54. This was the nightclub that launched in 1977, stayed open for less than three years and yet is still regarded as one of the great cultural landmarks of its era. Studio 54s founders were two Brooklyn hustlers, the extrovert Steve Rubell and his introverted business partner, Ian Schrager. Timing was everything. As interviewees make clear, the club opened at the perfect moment, between the invention of the pill and the advent of Aids and just as the age of celebrity was about to begin. It fulfilled a longing for hedonism and escape after the squalor, violence and political scandal of the early Seventies. Everyone who was anyone went to the club: Truman Capote, Bianca Jagger, the young Michael Jackson, Elizabeth Taylor, Andy Warhol, Jack Nicholson, Mick Jagger etc etc. The celebrities were joined by assorted other beautiful people and plenty of bizarre characters as well. Those who visited the club talk about the tolerance and cosmopolitanism that characterised it. No one was judged on the basis of their sexuality or music tastes. At first, the New York media fawned over Studio 54. Then, the backlash began. Those who couldnt get past the notoriously picky bouncers and doormen deeply resented being kept out. Its like the damned looking into paradise, is how writer Anthony Haden-Guest remembers the plight of those on the outside. The IRS busted the club. Rubell and Schrager ended up in prison for not paying their taxes and for skimming the profits. By the early Eighties, the disco era was over anyway. Strangely, the second half of the documentary, the paradise lost section, is far more compelling than the part devoted to evoking Studio 54 in its prime. Tyrnauers key interview is with Schrager, who looks like Robert De Niro in his Goodfellas days and sounds like a character from a Damon Runyon story. Schrager is remarkably honest in his account of the rise and fall of the club, the time he and Rubell spent in prison, their move into the boutique hotel business and the untimely death of Rubell. This is a vivid enough story but Schrager himself might have made a better subject for the documentary than the club he helped set up. Studio 54 hits UK cinemas 15 June. I knew I wanted to write about society, says Johnny Marr, tucking into a lunchtime bowl of chips in a central London bar. Just not this society. So instead, the 54-year-old imagined his own reality. On his excellent semi-conceptual third solo offering Call The Comet, Marr conjures a part-utopian alternative society that resets the ridiculousness of the last few years: no Trump, no Brexit, a replenished ecosystem and humanity at its core. Can anyone sign up? I try and be as compassionate as I can, he says. Id say that everyone is welcome. But there are plenty of f***ers that dont make it. Theres nothing new in Marr looking to the future. Restless, obsessive, and consumed by ideas, hes been in perpetual forward motion his entire life: to the next riff, the next song, the next band, the next project. He flitted around bands in his teenage years before co-founding indies greatest group of all, The Smiths; since 1987 hes formed Electronic, had spells in The The, Modest Mouse and The Cribs and collaborated with everyone from Paul McCartney and Neil Finn to Maxine Peake and Hans Zimmer. Johnny Marr with his band Now there is a solo career that, by his own admission, has built more momentum than he ever dared think: the guitarists guitarist striking out on his own. Even the press liked it, he says with a smirk. Less than 48 hours before we meet, Marr was in LA. Jetlag means hes been pounding the streets of South Kensington at 5am as part of his fits and starts training regime. Hes vegan and hasnt had a drink since 1999, although is not, as many assume, drug-free: I quite like psychedelic drugs. I dont mind a bit of acid. Hes trim and compact at 5ft 8in and, as ever, stylishly clobbered in a floral pink shirt and skinny jeans. His devilishly black mod cut now has blonde tints either side. He looks just like Johnny Marr. These days he sounds like him, too. His two previous solo albums 2013s The Messenger and its equally direct and punchy follow up, 2014s Playland werent afraid to employ the jangling, dextrous riffs that defined The Smiths five year existence. But there was a time when anything that recalled the past was left on the cutting room floor. Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up The Smiths: a reunion is unlikely (Rex) I used to do that a lot in the Nineties, Bernard [Sumner, of Electronic] used to have a fit over it all the time, he laughs. I do have a signature sound, and Im happy with that now. He corrects himself. Well, Im OK with it. After a year of intense retrospection on finishing his endearing 2016 memoir Set the Boy Free, Marr was desperate to write on the guitar again. Then he went to New York two days after the US election: speaking to friends there and in LA who felt like they had no future sparked the germ of a notion that would thematically thread Call the Comet. The record then became like a lifeline, like sanctuary from the outside world. For once I followed my emotions, and wrote not about an idea but how I was feeling. Trying to find the right balance between meaning and ambiguity, Marr is offering up a message of hope from his despair. Some of it isnt even out of the realms of imagination. Is it that unbelievable we could have a sustainable environment? he asks. Conversely, theres a fervent hope something wont happen namely Brexit: Its an utter disaster and a travesty borne out of manipulation and deviousness. The record is not exclusively conceptual The Smiths-y Day In, Day Out deals with Marrs creative compulsion but, inspired by sci-fi writers HG Wells and David Wallis, its more far out than hes ever been: on the propulsive The Tracers, an evolved version of human life comes back to earth to guide us. It may seem fanciful, he smiles, but humankind has been worshipping some imaginary force in the sky for millennia. So sure as shit I can sing about it. It is a record of magic realism, and one to get lost in: atmospheric and dense, it swirls vividly with razor sharp riffs and jagged electronics. The drama in it is real: Marr would pull all-nighters at his new studio and HQ on the outskirts of Manchester, an old factory-style building overlooking the Pennines, projecting 15ft screens of Al Jazeera and Fox News onto the walls. He would spend hours experimenting with effects pedals stuff these days you can get from moving a mouse on the screen, but you dont get that level of performance to hone feelings of alienation and disconnect. It was quite a psychedelic experience, not in a Sixties trippy way, more industrial and modern. I was into jarring my senses. He smiles. I actually didnt need the drugs. Marr has always stood for things The Smiths defined 1980s anti-Thatcherite counterculture but it seems hes never been more politically vocal, from his infamous David Cameron tweet to his recent project with Maxine Peake raising awareness of homelessness. Increasingly, he sees his job as a badge of honour. As a human, I still feel bohemian. That feeling is something Ive identified with after everything thats happened in the last couple of years. Im almost more proud to be a musician now than I ever was. Johnny Marrs solo career has gone better than he ever expected As an act of defiance? Well yeah, but as an alternative mindset to those people and the people who support those people. You dont even have to make socially conscious music, just be about something other than that, something other than materialism. Being pro-art, poetry, acting, scripts, videos pro-creativity as an alternative lifestyle. Its something that Im proud to be a part of. Which brings us, with grim inevitably, to Morrissey. The recent views espoused by the ex-Smiths frontman encouraging fans to vote for far-right party For Britain, expressing sympathy with jailed EDL founder Tommy Robinson are polar opposite to Marrs. What does he make of his former bandmates comments? Look, its just something that happens out there, he says slightly exasperated, gesturing to the window. If I was that arsed I would be able to concoct something. But I cant even be f***ed concocting some answer. All anyone needs to know is that I oppose those views from Morrissey or anybody else. Marr has dealt with the fallout from The Smiths demise he was just 23 when he quit the band with rare dignity. Hes never taken the opportunity (and theres been plenty) to stick the boot in. Is that because, given everything, him and Morrissey are still mates? He spurts out a laugh. I wouldnt say that no. No, no, no. Haha, no were not mates. He composes himself. Were just very different. But we always were very different people. But everyone knows that! Everyone knows everything there is to know. One thing they would still agree on is the power of music. Marr certainly believes in it: his new songs, he says, make me remember that rock music can be modern. It can feel modern and it can sound modern. But can it ever be as culturally important as The Smiths again? Why not? This odd little island is always capable of producing many interesting young boys and girls with something to say and who have the balls to put themselves on a pedestal. Is that how he feels about Call the Comet? Look, I dont have any answers, he admits. If all Ive done is make a decent guitar record that makes people feel good when they listen to it, thats the best I can do. And you know what? he adds. Im all right with that. Call the Comet is out 15 June The teenage cellist who performed at the royal wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle won two prizes at this year's Classic Brit awards. Sheku Kanneh-Mason won male artist of the year and the critics' choice award after being handpicked to perform at the royal wedding ceremony last month. He made history in 2016 after becoming the first black winner of the BBC Young Musician competition, and surprised the industry with the cross-over success of his debut album Inspiration. Meanwhile Dame Vera Lynn picked up a lifetime achievement award, which her daughter accepted on her behalf, and Michael Ball and Alife Boe were named group of the year. Their LP Together Again was also voted album of the year. Dave Vera said it was "lovely" to still be acknowledged and expressed surprise at her award because it has been so long since she last performed. "That's something from the past unfortunately, but it's still nice to know that I'm remembered," she said. Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Show all 90 1 /90 Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures The Duke and Duchess of Sussex kiss on the steps of St Georges Chapel after their wedding WPA Pool/Getty Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Top gear: William and Kate had an Aston Martin with balloons and a JUST WED number plate. Harry and Meghan score extra points: this 1968 E-type Jag, which took them to the evening party at Frogmore House, has been converted to electric power. And the number plate, E190518? Its their anniversary AP Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Meghan Markle and Prince Harry leave St Georges Chapel at Windsor Castle after their wedding PA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Prince Harry and Meghan Markle leave St Georges Chapel in Windsor Castle after their wedding in Windsor Reuters Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Prince Harry and Meghan Markle stand at the altar Getty Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Kingdom Choir outside St Georges Chapel in Windsor, Berkshire, after performing at the wedding PA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures The pageboy whose smile went viral Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Guests toast as they attend a viewing party for the royal wedding at the Plaza Hotel in New York Getty Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Meghan Markle reaches the altar in St Georges Chapel Getty Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures John Major and his wife Norma Major attend the royal wedding ceremony EPA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Meghan Markle arrives for the wedding ceremony to marry Prince Harry PA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Fans attend a Royal Wedding watching party at Lillies Victorian Establishment in New York AFP/Getty Images Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex emerge from the West Door of St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Well-wishers lining the streets wave and cheer as Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex pass riding in the Ascot Landau Carriage during their carriage procession AFP/Getty Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures James Blunt and Sofia Wellesley attend the royal wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle EPA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Prince Harry and Meghan Markle kiss on the steps of St Georges Chapel in Windsor Castle after their wedding WPA Pool/Getty Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Charlotte Riley and Tom Hardy arrive for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle Getty Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and his wife Meghan, Duchess of Sussex begin their carriage procession in the Ascot Landau Carriage after their wedding ceremony AFP/Getty Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures James Corden and Julia Carey attend the royal wedding ceremony EPA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Harry and Meghan emerge from the West Door of St Georges Chapel AFP/Getty Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Left to right, Lady Louise Windsor, Sophie, Countess of Wessex and Princess Anne, Princess Royal arrive for the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle AP Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Prince Harry looks at his bride, Meghan Markle, as she arrives accompanied by the Prince of Wales in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for their wedding in Windsor, Britain REUTERS Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Serena Williams and Alexis Ohanian arrive at St Georges Chapel Reuters Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Prince Harry places the wedding ring on the finger of Meghan Markle during their wedding service, conducted by the Archbishop of Canterbury Justin Welby WPA Pool/Getty Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures The royal wedding cake has been revealed AP Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Members of the public view a live screening of the marriage ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Winchester Cathedral Getty Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Rex Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures The Duke of Cambridge (left), the Duchess of Cambridge and the Duke of York during the wedding service for Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle PA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle during their wedding service PA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures US actor Abigail Spencer (left) and Indian actor Priyanka Chopra (second from left) arrive with other guests for the royal wedding EPA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Meghan Markle and her mother Doria Ragland drive along the Long Walk for her wedding to Prince Harry in Windsor Getty Images Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Sir Elton John leaves St Georges Chapel PA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Meghan Markle and her mother Doria Ragland drive along the Long Walk for her wedding to Prince Harry in Windsor Getty Images Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Oprah Winfrey arrives at St Georges Chapel REUTERS Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Prince Harry's niece and bridesmaid Princess Charlotte arrives for the wedding ceremony of Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and US actress Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor AFP/Getty Images Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for their wedding PA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Bishop Michael Curry delivered a passionate sermon during the royal wedding ceremony PA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures In this frame from video, Meghan Markle walks down the aisle with Prince Charles for her wedding ceremony at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England AP Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall attend the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England Getty Images Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Meghan Markle is driven by the Long Walk to St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle for her royal wedding ceremony to Britain's Prince Harry, in Windsor, Britain EPA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Meghan Markle is driven down the Long Walk to St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle for her royal wedding ceremony to Britain's Prince Harry, in Windsor, Britain EPA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Meghan Markle arrives for the wedding ceremony to marry Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, at St George's Chapel, Windsor AFP/Getty Images Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge arrives at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle before the wedding of Prince Harry to Meghan Markle Getty Images Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Meghan Markle arrives at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for her wedding to Prince Harry PA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Bridesmaids and pageboys arrive for the royal wedding ceremony of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, in Windsor, Britain EPA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Meghan Markle (R) with her mother Doria Ragland arrive at Windsor Castle ahead of her wedding to Prince Harry on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England. Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales marries Ms. Meghan Markle in a service at St George's Chapel inside the grounds of Windsor Castle. Among the guests were 2200 members of the public, the royal family and Ms. Markle's Mother Doria Ragland Getty Images Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Princess Charlotte (right) arrives for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Windsor Castle PA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures The Prince of Wales and Duchess of Cornwall arrive at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for the wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry PA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Meghan Markle, right, and her mother Doria Ragland leave Cliveden House Hotel in Taplow, near London, England AP Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Meghan Markle arrives at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for her wedding PA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Doria Ragland arrives at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for the wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry PA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Prince Harry (right) sits with his best man the Duke of Cambridge in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle ahead of his wedding to Meghan markle wedding PA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Guests are pictured as they take their seats inside the Chapel ahead of the wedding ceremony of Britain's Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex and US actress Meghan Markle in St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor AFP/Getty Images Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Britain's Prince Harry (R) and his brother and best man, Prince William (C), Duke of Cambridge arrive at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle for his royal wedding ceremony to Meghan Markle, in Windsor, Britain EPA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Prince Harry (left) and the Duke of Cambridge arrive at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for the wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry PA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Meghan Markle leaves Cliveden House Hotel in Taplow, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018 before her wedding ceremony with Prince Harry at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castl AP Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Britain's Prince Harry (L), Duke of Sussex, arrives with his best man Prince William, Duke of Cambridge (R), at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle, in Windsor, on May 19, 2018 for his wedding ceremony to marry US actress Meghan Markle AFP/Getty Images Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures AFP/Getty Images Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures AFP/Getty Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures REUTERS Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures British Ministry of Defence shows around members of the Band of the Irish Guards entertaining the public ahead of the royal wedding ceremony of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Windsor, Britain, EPA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Princess Eugenie, The Duke of York and Princess Beatrice, from left, arrive for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle AP Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Key Newss Kay Burley enjoys the moment Rex/Shutterstock Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Sarah Ferguson leaves after the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle AP Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures A general view of guests arriving in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Windsor, Britain REUTERS Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Amal and George Clooney arrive for the wedding ceremony AFP/Getty Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Guests arrive at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle PA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures US tennis player Serena Williams (L) and her husband American Internet entrepreneur and investor Alexis Ohanian (R) arrive for the royal wedding ceremony of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, in Windsor, Britain EPA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Irish Guards marching band parades through Windsor for the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Windsor Castle PA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Members of the public gather ahead at Windsor Castle for the wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England Getty Images Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Alison Tinsley on the Long Walk ahead of the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle. PA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Police patrol the streets ahead of the royal wedding ceremony of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, in Windsor, Britain EPA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Royal fans wearing wedding dresses hold a sign reading When Harry met Meghan he hadnt met us first ahead of the royal wedding ceremony EPA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Well-wishers gather to watch the Royal Wedding of Britains Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex, and US actress Meghan Markle at the Pear Tree in Edinburgh AFP/Getty Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Members of the public gather near Windsor Castle prior to the wedding of HRH Prince Harry Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle on May 19, 2018 in Windsor, England Getty Images Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Guardsman play for the crowd ahead of the royal wedding ceremony of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle, in Windsor EPA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Royal fans wear wedding dresses near the castle before the wedding of Prince Harry Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle at St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle. Prince Henry Charles Albert David of Wales marries Ms. Meghan Markle in a service at St George's Chapel inside the grounds of Windsor Castle. Among the guests were 2200 members of the public, the royal family and Ms. Markle's Mother Doria Ragland Getty Images Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures War Veteran Phyllis Walker smiles during the wedding of Prince Harry Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle at Cambridge Gate Getty Images Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures David and Victoria Beckham arrive at St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle Reuters Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Band of the Irish Guards perform outside the castle prior to the wedding of Prince Harry Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle St George's Chapel, Windsor Castle Getty Images Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures A member of staff holds goodie bags ahead of of the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle PA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures A Royal fan waits for the wedding ceremony of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at St. George's Chapel in Windsor Castle in Windsor, near London, England, Saturday, May 19, 2018. (AP Photo/Frank Augstein) AP Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Royal fans within the grounds of Windsor Castle ahead of the wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry. PA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Royal fans gather behind the barriers on the Long Walk, in Windsor, ahead of the wedding and carriage procession of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle. PA Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Royal fans soak up the atmopshere during the wedding of Prince Harry Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle on The Long Walk Getty Images Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures A man sweeps the path outside St George's Chapel in Windsor Castle ahead of the wedding and carriage procession of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Windsor AFP/Getty Images Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Two men wearing wedding dresses buy train tickets to Windsor to watch the Royal Wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle at Waterloo train station Getty Images Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Crowds gather during the wedding of Prince Harry Harry to Ms. Meghan Markle on The Long Walk Getty Images Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Well-wishers draped in a Union flag with an image of Britain's Prince Harry and his fiancee Meghan Markle walk along the Long Walk leading to Windsor Castle ahead of the wedding and carriage procession of Britain's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle in Windsor AFP/Getty Images Royal Wedding - Prince Harry marries Meghan Markle in pictures Royal fans line the Long Walk in Windsor ahead of the wedding of Prince Harry and Meghan Markle PA Andrew Lloyd Webber and Andrea Bocelli were recognised for their services to the music industry, while other winners included Tokio Meyers and Renee Fleming. The Classic Brits awards ceremony took place at the Royal Albert Hall after a five-year hiatus, and was hosted by Classic FM presenters Myleene Lass and Alexander Armstrong. Recommended Novo Amor shares stunning music video with a powerful message Performing on the night were mezzo-soprano Katherine Jenkins, who appeared in her first televised show since the birth of her second child. Enjoy unlimited access to 70 million ad-free songs and podcasts with Amazon Music Sign up now for a 30-day free trial Sign up Brit Awards chief executive Geoff Taylor said he was pleased with the diversity of the winners recognised on the night. "It's wonderful to see great icons such as Dame Vera Lynn and Andrea Bocelli being rightly honoured but also very encouraging to witness a new wave bristling with talent," he said. "With such exciting new artists, classical music is evolving and embracing the opportunities that the streaming era offers to connect with new fans." When Andis A. Tamayo decided to create a South Florida nonprofit in 2015, he was aware of how some viewed the LGBT community, both from the outside and on the inside. When I was trying to figure out what kind of nonprofit I wanted to create I did research, Tamayo said. The feedback I received was: youre gay and so youll probably do something for the gay community. He did, and he didnt. As the founder and president of the Pompano Beach-based Renand Foundation, Tamayo oversees a Herculean effort to help communities in Haiti. The decision came about after he visited the Caribbean country, in close proximity to his native Cuba, with a friend. He was going to Haiti to take over an orphanage. I went to Renato and said: were going to Haiti. Once I was there I found out the problems and wanted to do something about it, Tamayo said. Renato Markus Silva is Tamayos husband of four and a half years. Silva is the chairman and cofounder of Renand. And this is where the name originates. Renand is the first three letters of each mans first name put together Ren(ato) and And(is). Both men have diverse professional backgrounds. Tamayo earned a doctorate in organizational development from Barry University in Miami Shores. Silva, from Brazil, has owned fitness studios and is a longtime personal trainer. What stuck out the most from their first visit was the plight of Haitis children and their roles as restaveks. A restavek is a Haitian child with parents who are so poor they cannot provide basic support. The child is often sent by the parents to work for a host household as a domestic servant. Every single one of the children was being sexually and physically abused, Tamayo said. Our work means parents are able to raise their children instead of enslaving them. Fast forward to 2018 and Tamayo and Silva have made many trips to Haiti, including the community of Bassin-Bleu. Theyve got a crew of eight Haitian staff working with the board of directors on projects that range from wellness programs to education and housing. Ive been recently working with local nonprofits and fellowship programs building houses to be earthquake and hurricane resistant, Tamayo said. Renand has also developed programs that specifically target Haitian women. Were educating them about family planning and even their menstrual cycle, he said. Were trying to establish a [health] clinic in the area. Theres a community with 17,000 people and no clinic. Three women had babies and I had to send them to another town at 10 p.m. on motorcycles to help them, Tamayo said. But what about the gay connection? Renand is an LGBT organization, Tamayo said. A lot of people think gay people only care about gay people, but thats not true. We also care for the world, whether youre gay or not. We wanted to show the world we can care for others, too. We chose Haiti in part for that reason, he said. Tamayo said his board is all gay and that most of his sponsors and donors are from the LGBT community. Up next is a trip with a group of teenagers in tow to help build a latrine. I wanted to bring teenagers to Haiti to give them a reality check about how the rest of the world is, Tamayo said. Tamayo said Renand stays afloat primarily through donations and sponsorships. Here in South Florida, the nonprofit will be the beneficiary of funds raised by Flockfest organizers, which takes place June 30 at Sebastian Beach in Fort Lauderdale. Visit Flockfest.com for more info on the event. For more on Renand visit RenandFoundation.org. A few decades ago, upgrading your wardrobe would require some serious groundwork, with just a few shops to hop between on your local high street. But the internet has changed all that. Now it has never been easier to find the perfect outfit, with a wealth of retailers available with just one click. From luxury brands to emerging designers, sustainable options, gowns for hire and independent boutiques, there has never been so much choice at our fingertips. But with so much on offer, it can be hard to know where to look. To help you on your hunt for a brand new look, we've tested hundreds of online clothes shops considering key factors such as delivery, garment quality, how user-friendly their websites are and customer service to give you the ultimate round-up of our fashion favourites. Our selection covers womens and mens clothing, as well as childrenswear, lingerie and more. Read on for your ultimate guide to online shopping. Read more: You can trust our independent reviews. We may earn commission from some of the retailers, but we never allow this to influence selections, which are formed from real-world testing and expert advice. This revenue helps us to fund journalism across The Independent. Monki's collections are bold and colourful, packed with design-led pieces (Monki) High Street Missguided, Missguided.co.uk Having established itself as a must-visit destination for on-trend fashion, Missguided is leading the way in showing you how to wear it too, with an interactive fashion blog and trend section. In The Style, Inthestyle.com In The Style has quickly become the go-to site for fashion-conscious women. A brand that doesnt shy away from the spotlight, its well known for its collaborations with celebrities like Charlotte Crosby, Billie Shepherd, Binky Felstead and Sarah Ashcroft. Lavish Alice, Lavishalice.com You'll be in good company with a purchase from Lavish Alice, which counts celebrity names including The Saturdays Mollie King and Little Mix among its growing fan base. Pretty Little Thing, Prettylittlething.com With hundreds of new products dropping daily, Pretty Little Thing takes the hassle out of deciding what to wear, whatever your budget. Covering everything from evening dresses to loungewear and even beauty, this site has it all. Monki, Monki.com This quirky shop is full of bold and colourful collections, packed with design-led pieces. The playful essence of the brand and the affordable price tags typically target a young, teenage audience. Linzi Shoes, Linzi.com From military style boots to fluffy slippers, Linzi Shoes offers an impressive array of footwear at prices that make it hard to check out with just one pair. Glamorous, Glamorousuk.com A daily delivery of new lines means you won't have to search far to find something you like. It's with dresses that this retailer really comes into its own, with hundreds of styles in rainbow-worthy colours and prints. Read more: The best high street wedding dresses that are cheap yet chic H&M, Hm.com A go-to destination on the British high street, H&M offers affordable fashion for women, men, teenagers and children. The range includes everything from basic T-shirts and underwear to luxury evening outfits and high-performance sportswear. Weekday, Weekday.com A contemporary fashion and denim brand, Weekday appeals to the style conscious with a distinct vision that blurs the feminine and masculine. Using the website, you can shop by gender, product type or collection. & Other Stories, Stories.com With a whole host of collections designed by ateliers in Paris, Stockholm and Los Angeles, & Other Stories produces everything from clothing to shoes, bags and accessories with a focus on detail and quality. Pull & Bear has fast become recognised for its fun styling and playful attitude (Pull & Bear) (Pull & Bear) Wallis, Wallis.co.uk Wallis offers stylish and modern fashion aimed at women in their 30s and 40s. Designed with a contemporary feel, its clothes focus on quality and fit, with new collections launching online every month. It also has a petite range which is designed especially for women 5ft 3in and under. Evans, Evans.co.uk The UKs market leader in womens clothing from sizes 14 to 32, Evans was the first high street brand designed for plus-size women. As well as catering to a wide range of sizes, it also offers items specifically designed for certain body shapes including its pear fit jeans and busty fit tops. New Look, Newlook.com If you like to keep up with the latest fashion trends then New Look should be your go-to destination. A stalwart on the high street, it also delivers 800 new products online every week so theres always something new to excite you. As well as womenswear, it also sells clothes for men and girls aged nine to 15. Zara, Zara.com Spanish retailer Zara has quickly become one of the largest international fashion companies and delivers the latest trends at affordable prices. Seriously stylish, its items are unique and of high quality, spanning everything from dresses and jumpsuits to shoes, bags and statement earrings. It also sells menswear and childrenswear. River Island, Riverisland.com With more than 60 years of fashion retailing experience, River Island is a renowned high street name. With almost all of its products designed in house, it delivers fabulous new fashions every single week including evening dresses, heels and swimwear. Mango, Mango.com Mango has accelerated in the style stakes of late with street-style stars and influencers choosing it as their go-to destination for pieces that look like they cost a whole lot more than they really do. Every year it designs 18,000 new garments and accessories for wearing the seasons trends across womenswear, menswear and childrens ranges. Read more: 9 best leather jackets for women that are a timeless wardrobe staple Miss Pap, Misspap.co.uk Another global online fashion brand, Miss Paps affordable clothing is inspired by catwalk, celebrity and street-style trends. If youre looking for a quick fix for a night out then its worth checking out their website for an outfit that reflects the latest styles at a fraction of the price of luxury options. Stradivarius, Stradivarius.com A sister brand to Zara, Stradivarius is a youthful store that interprets the latest trends into new and innovative styles for women. Online you can choose to shop by product or trend while its Stradilooks section lets consumers share their outfits. Oh Polly, Ohpolly.com Its pretty impossible to scroll through Instagram without seeing fashion bloggers wearing this brand. With 4 million followers on Instagram, Oh Polly was one of the first fashion brands who gained huge success through social media. Its clothing is designed in the UK and it is known for its two-piece sets and body-con dresses that are perfect for a special occasion, whether it be a big night out or a black tie event. Urban Outfitters, Urbanoutfitters.com In recent years Urban Outfitters has grown to deliver an expanded product range, but its curated mix of womenswear, menswear and accessories remains its most popular offering. The website sells a combination of in-house and branded products including denim, shoes and exclusive collaborations. Whistles, Whistles.com A contemporary fashion brand, Whistles is known for collections that are timeless, wearable and unique. Sitting at the higher end of the high street, its the perfect shopping destination for those looking to invest quality garb. Youll find everything from workwear to jackets, leather bags and even wedding dresses online. Bershka, Bershka.com Created in 1998 by Spanish group Inditex, Bershka is aimed at young men and women who want to tap into the latest trends. As well as its main range, it also offers BSK and Man, creating a wide range of products from casualwear to sports. Pull & Bear, Pullandbear.com With a mission to dress young, environmentally engaged and dynamic fashion lovers, Pull & Bear has fast become recognised for its fun styling and playful attitude. It offers two separate lines, one primarily intended for teenagers and another for adults with a love for eclectic style. Nasty Gal, Nastygal.com Founded in 2006, US brand Nasty Gal started with just an eBay account and a San Francisco flat full of vintage clothes now the brand has customers in over 60 countries. Known for its LA cool-girl vibe, its website has a range of clothing and accessories that wed describe as feminine with an edge. Wolf & Badger is the shopping destination of choice for something a little bit different (Wolf & Badger) (Wolf & Badger) Up-and-coming designers Wolf & Badger, Wolfandbadger.com For those in the know, Wolf & Badger is the shopping destination of choice for something a little bit different. Alongside its selection of pieces from established designers you'll find a host of inspiring new names that cover everything from womenswear and menswear to children and home. Young British Designers, Youngbritishdesigners.com Created in recognition of great British designers, this website is a stage for homegrown talent at the beginnings of their career. Designers include fashion week alumni Eudon Choi, Faustine Steinmetz and Phoebe English. Asos Marketplace, Marketplace.asos.com Marketplace is the democratic retail space created by online behemoth Asos. The site is made up of smaller boutiques showcasing under-the-radar labels, indie brands and vintage-clothing sellers for the ultimate eclectic fashion forum. Not Just a Label, Notjustalabel.com If your preferred sartorial tastes lie with off-the-beaten-track designers, then you've found your haven. Not Just a Label, with its thousands of brands, is the world's leading online platform for new designer talent. Vintage Vestiaire Collective, Vestiairecollective.com This is the online equivalent of a high-fashion car-boot sale, where the online community comes together to buy and sell each other's wares, with the added advantage of an online team who check over the quality of every item. Rokit, Rokit.co.uk One of the best names in the vintage market, Rokit started out almost two decades ago from a market stall in Camden. Its vintage clothing can now be enjoyed globally with worldwide shipping. Read more: 12 best womens sunglasses from high street favourites to trendy designer styles True Vintage, Truevintage.com The UKs leading online vintage clothing retailer, True Vintage sells iconic pieces from brands such as Adidas, Nike, Ralph Lauren, Tommy Hilfiger and more. As well as shirts, jackets and tracksuit bottoms, the website also sells vintage-style trainers and accessories. Beyond Retro, Beyondretro.com The East London-based shop has managed to open 10 shops in 13 years and the website stocks a wide range of eclectic the clothing and accessories curated by a team of vintage experts - it's become popular in the UK and Sweden. The Stellar Boutique, Thestellarboutique.com Having worked in the fashion industry for 10 years for brands like Topshop, Marks and Spencer and Levi Strauss, founder Stella knows her stuff. Teeming with one-off gems from designers all over the globe, the website sells everything from clothing to jewellery and even has its own blog. From the team behind Net-A-Porter, The Outnet is a site dedicated to selling designer womenswear at discounted prices (The Outnet) Discount eBay, Ebay.co.uk For those not wanting to go through the anxiety of bidding wars and buying from unknown sellers, eBay's Fashion Gallery provides a forum for discount clothing direct from the retailers, cutting out the middlemen but retaining the saving. Yoox, Yoox.com One of the largest fashion online retailers, Yoox's roster of brands includes Alexander McQueen and Prada, but where this site really comes into its own is with its carefully selected end-of-season product sales. Brand Alley, Brandalley.co.uk The supermarket of online sale shopping, Brand Alley features a daily line-up of brands from French Connection to D&G. In addition to the timed sales there's now also a year-round outlet section with no shortage of bargains up for grabs. Get The Label, Getthelabel.com Since its inception in 2009, Get The Label has been delivering knock-out prices and unbelievable discounts on iconic labels such as Nike, Adidas, Lipsy and Levis. With over 7,000 items online and up to 75 per cent off, it has everything you need to keep your style on point. Read more: 9 best vegan trainers that tread lightly on the planet Amazon Fashion, Amazon.co.uk With online giant Amazon providing the brain power behind this online store, it's safe to assume it won't disappoint. The retailer has really upped its game with its clothing and accessories offering, with Prime Wardrobe, a lesser-known section of its website that allows you to try before you buy, and the Local Label Hub, which showcases small and lesser-known fashion brands. Secret Sales, Secretsales.com There's nothing more exciting in the world of shopping than feeling like you're part of a private club. Secret Sales has nailed the members-only formula to bring amazing discounts on fashion and accessories with new sales every day. The Outnet, Theoutnet.com From the team behind Net-a-porter.com, The Outnet is a site dedicated to selling designer womenswear at discounted prices. It's worth signing up to email updates for the promotional sales with even further reductions. Lux Fix, Lux-fix.com Lux Fix showcases an ever-changing roster of designer collections, but this site is a rarity in that it offers stock from current-season collections at special (changing) prices. The only catch is that you'll have to sign up, as these special deals are open to members only. TK Maxx Gold Label,Tkmaxx.com TK Maxx has long been one of the leaders in discount designer fashion. It upped the ante, however, with an online presence and the introduction of Gold Label; reserved for only the most luxurious of designer labels. Cult Instagram brand De La Vali takes its inspirations from bohemian Ibizan style and is quickly becoming a go-to among celebrities (De La Vali) Boutiques Coggles, Coggles.com With 30 years under its belt, Coggles, which started life in York, has become a master of its trade: more than just an online clothes shop, you'll find books, homeware and vintage pieces alongside its established mens- and womenswear collections. The Dressing Room, The-dressingroom.com Based in Hertfordshire, this award-winning boutique has built up a dedicated clientele. Jeans lovers will enjoy its impressive array of premium denim brands including Hudson Jeans, Paige, Current/ Elliott and Mother. De La Vali, Delavali.com This cult Instagram brand that takes its inspiration from bohemian Ibizan style is quickly becoming a go-to among celebrities, with Josephine de la Baume, Gizzi Erskine and Sex Education star Emma Mackey all fans. Its the ultimate one-stop shop for summer dressing, with decadent silk gowns for formal affairs and girlish mini polka-dot dresses for daytime. Saks Potts, Sakspotts.com Scandinavian style never looked so chic. This Copenhagen-based label boasts an A-list fanbase consisting of Selena Gomez, Cardi B, Lady Gaga and even North West, daughter of Kim Kardashian West. Consider this your go-to for flamboyant fur outerwear. Read more: 9 best ethical and sustainable jewellery brands La Llama, La-llama.com Founded by British-born 25-year-old Lydia Cooper, this fledgling fashion label is one to note. With vivid corduroy flares and vintage-inspired coats, its a total embodiment of playful millennial style. Rouje Paris, Rouje.com This is the French fashion label founded by Paris-born Instagrammer Jeanne Damas, whose chic, nonchalant style is the epitome of French cool. Thankfully that translates into her designs, which are a mix of flattering straight leg jeans, girlish tea dresses and colourful blouses. Realisation Par, Realisationpar.com It started with a leopard print skirt. Not just any leopard print skirt a silk midi leopard print skirt that was seen all over Instagram during summer 2020. This propelled the humble label founded by two friends in 2015 to social media stardom. Everyone from Kaia Gerber to Bella Hadid has been photographed in their sophisticated and feminine designs. Rat and Boa, Ratandboa.com Take one look at this labels Instagram feed and youll see this is not a brand for those who want to blend into the background. The dresses are daring and feature low backs and easily slipped-off straps, while the co-ords are cute and quirky, though theyre best suited to the sun-kissed streets of Italy or Spain, given their midriff-exposing cuts. Uterque, Uterque.com Think of this label as Zaras older sister. The higher prices reflect its more refined approach to design, with pieces that fit like a glove and pay homage to the latest trends. Ganni, Ganni.com Its the Scandinavian brand famed for its colourful tea dresses and various leopard print staples. Ganni has exceptionally stylish offerings all year round, but its really a brand that comes into its own at summer, with its high-waisted pattern skirts and kitsch tie-dye bucket hats setting a playful trend agenda for the balmy months Stylebop has become a leading name in luxury labels online (Stylebop) Luxury Moda Operandi, Modaoperandi.com A first in online retail, Moda Operandi operates an online trunk-show concept in which you are able to make orders directly from the unedited collections of designers such as Zac Posen and Marchesa months before they go on general sale. Stylebop, Stylebop.com A decade since its inception, Stylebop has become a leading name in luxury labels online: two million users a month log on to check out the great mix of established designers such as Pucci and Balmain along with newer names such as Casadei and Raoul. LN-CC, Ln-cc.com LN-CC, or Late Night Chameleon Cafe, takes the same approach of fusing a retail concept within an art installation online as it does with its store. A progressive array of labels is on offer in addition to lesser-known Japanese brands and a selection of rare books and music. Farfetch, Farfetch.com On Far Fetch you'll find an online store that allows you to shop at the world's best boutiques all in one place. It hand picks the boutiques on offer to ensure the most diverse and luxurious offerings online. This autumn sees new signings from Miami-based boutique The Webster and London's Browns. Read more: 10 best mens summer hats for style and sun protection Net-a-Porter, Net-a-porter.com Since launching in 2000, Net-a-Porter has become a premier luxury fashion destination that champions designers from all over the globe. With worldwide shipping and its very own digital magazine The EDIT, its no wonder the site speaks to a monthly audience of 6 million people. Selfridges, Selfridges.com With stores in London, Birmingham and Manchester, Selfridges is a chain of high end department stores that sell luxury garb for women, men and children. Voted the best in the world, it hosts a long list of luxury designers such as Alexander McQueen, Burberry and Gucci. My Theresa, Mytheresa.com German-based online store My Theresa has established a reputation as one of the world's leading online retailers. The site boasts more than 160 international designers and stocks hard-to-find online labels such as Balenciaga and Tod's. Ssense, Ssense.com An international fashion platform, Ssense has become a leader in the luxury marketplace since it was launched in 2003. As well as producing its own editorial content, the website sells pieces from high-end brands such as Rick Owens, Chloe, J.W. Anderson and Valentino. Lingerie Boux Avenue, Bouxavenue.com A high street favourite, Boux Avenue sells everything from essentials and shapewear to basques and accessories. Whats more everything is available in sizes 28 to 38, A to G cups, and dress sizes six to 18. Ann Summers, Annsummers.com A brand thats been at the top of its game since 1972, Ann Summers has built an iconic lingerie empire. While its best known for its erotic pieces, the retailer also offers ultra-comfortable everyday essentials and matching sets in an impressive array of sizes, from 30A to 44H. Figleaves, Figleaves.com If you want a huge array of options then Figleaves could be the best online store for you. With an impressive range of brands, sizes, styles and shapes of lingerie, it really does have something for everyone. Rigby & Peller, Rigbyandpeller.com As the official corsetiere to the Queen, its fair to say that Rigby & Peller knows its stuff. Established in the 1930s, theres no doubt this is the site to visit if youre on the hunt for something well made and luxurious. As the official corsetiere to the Queen, its fair to say that Rigby & Peller knows its stuff (Rigby & Peller) Agent Provocateur, Agentprovocateur.com Since launching in 1994, Agent Provocateur has become an iconic lingerie brand. A destination for luxury lovers, it offers an extensive range of everyday underwear and premium lingerie in sizes 32B to 36E. Bluebella, Bluebella.com A relatively new brand, Bluebella has quickly become a popular choice for women looking for unique undies at an affordable price. The site sells bras, knickers, basques and body bows, and even has a dedicated section for products suited to cup sizes DD to G. Lingerie Outlet Store, Lingerieoutletstore.co.uk Your one-stop destination for underwear thats comfortable and stylish, Lingerie Outlet Store sells underwear, nightwear and swimwear from some of the biggest brands in the industry including Ultimo, DKNY and Gossard. Even better, they also offer a huge range of sizes from AA to J cups to meet every need. Wolford, Wolfordshop.co.uk A brand synonymous with sophistication and comfort, Wolford sells bras in sizes 32A to 38E as well as shapewear, bodysuits, beachwear and hosiery. Menswear Mr Porter, Mrporter.com From the same fashion team that forged Net-a-Porter is the menswear version Mr Porter equally as sleek and well stocked as its award-winning counterpart. Matches Fashion, Matchesfashion.com A luxury shopping destination, Matches Fashion is home to over 400 established and emerging designers from Balenciaga and Gucci to Saint Laurent. They also offer 24/7 advice through their MyStylist online system. Arket, Arket.com H&Ms newest brand, Arket is a lifestyle shop with minimalist Nordic roots that caters for men, women, children and the home. With a focus on sustainability and quality, its a gamechanger when it comes to staple pieces like T-shirts. Read more: 10 best hoodies for men: The brands to have on your radar Jacamo, Jacamo.co.uk A site that makes shopping easy, Jacamo offers affordable fashion for men of all sizes with most stock running from small right through to 5XL. As well as its own brand, Jacamo also offers products from brands like French Connection, Nike, Adidas and Firetrap. Goodhood, Goodhoodstore.com An award-winning retailer that sells well over 200 brands, Goodhood aims to redefine the idea of luxury. With brands like Norse Projects, Stan Ray, Dickies and Folk, this is definitely one for the cool kids. Percival, Percivalclo.com Starting in 2010, Percival's designs are intended for everyday use by young and older gents alike. By redefining menswear classics, the brand creates pieces that are built to last through and represent quintessential British style. Starting in 2010, Percival's designs are intended for everyday use by young and older gents alike (Percival) Dover Street Market, Doverstreetmarket.com Since its inception on Dover Street in Mayfair, Dover Street Market has expanded globally to become to the go-to place for limited-edition drops from some of the fashion worlds most esteemed designers. COS, Cosstores.com One for those who favour modern, functional and simplistic design, COS creates pieces that are made to last. Forget fast fashion, these wardrobe essentials are timeless but still stand out from the crowd. End Clothing, Endclothing.com An online destination for the Newcastle- and Glasgow-based store, End Clothing hones in on the latest menswear and sportswear designs from labels like Comme de Garcons, Gosha Rubchinskiy, Palace, Dries Van Noten and Thom Browne. Grailed, Grailed.com An online marketplace for mens clothing, Grailed allows users to buy or sell their loved pieces. It has a street style specialty with a mix of luxury and mainstream brands including Rick Owens, Saint Laurent, J Crew and Gap. Oliver Spencer, Oliverspencer.co.uk The brainchild of a self-taught tailor and shopkeeper, Oliver Spencer left art school to set up a stall on Portobello Road market. Now the brand is known for its premium tailoring with a relaxed, modern style. Uniqlo, Uniqlo.com If you like to fill your wardrobe with understated designs that dont break the bank then Uniqlo could be for you. The Japanese chain is one of Asias biggest clothing retailers and focuses on mass-producing affordable basics in dozens of colours. Grenson, Grenson.com A brand that dates back to 1866, its fair to say that Grenson knows its stuff when it comes to shoemaking. Made using a technique first invented in the mid-19th century, the brands products put an emphasis on quality using materials such as French and Italian calf leather and English suedes. Thread, Thread.com If you dont have the time or the inclination to browse through menswear websites, Thread has the answer. Simply answer a few questions about your style preferences and a stylist will send a box of clothes for you to choose from to your door. Even better, the stylist can show you how to wear new items with things you already own. Hackett, Hackett.com Founded in 1979, Hacketts collections are built around impeccable tailoring and luxurious casualwear. With a history of providing the very best formalwear, the website offers a wide range of products including shirts, trousers, blazers and luggage. Childrenswear Tobias & The Bear, Tobiasandthebear.com The brainchild of two mothers with a fashion background, Tobias & The Bear was founded in 2013. Frustrated by the lack of cool, comfortable clothing for their little ones, they created what is now a highly successful collection of unisex printed leggings, with an entire range of clothing for kids up to six. Trotters, Trotters.co.uk A family-owned and run business, Trotters originally concentrated on the zero-to-eight age group, however, due to customer demand it has since increased this to cater for kids up to 11. The website sells clothes, nightwear, swimwear and footwear as well as hair accessories, toys and gifts. Newbie kids, Newbiestore.com This Scandi-inspired shop focuses on sustainable organic clothes for newborn boys and girls up to age eight. Expect classic designs like stripes, florals and cute animal prints with a modern twist. Theres a huge array of collections and prints in everything from baby grows to pinafores and swimwear. Read more: The clothing brands that the British royal children love Turtledove London, Turtledovelondon.com A unisex organic cotton brand for little ones aged up to five years, Turtledove offers timeless designs in a simple, muted colour palette, which are made to last and pass down. The website sells everything from dungarees and leggings to dresses, swimwear and blankets. Tootsa, Tootsa.com Tootsa MacGinty (Tootsa for short) designs stylish alternatives to traditional gendered styles in bright paint-box shades. As well as childrenswear, it also sells items for babies and toddlers alongside homeware and even some adult clothing. Mini Rodini, Minirodini.com Founded by Swedish illustrator Cassandra Rhodin, this brand is on the more premium side but the quality is second to none. The website sells tops and dresses, outerwear and accessories, and can be shopped by individual collections. Monsoon, Monsoon.co.uk If you want to give your childrens wardrobe a stylish update look no further than Monsoon. The website sells a range of clothing and accessories for boys and girls from zero to 13 years including T-shirts, knitwear and embellished party outfits. Gap, Gap.co.uk Carrying all sorts of speciality items such as childrens shoes, swimwear and accessories, Gap has everything you need to keep your little ones wardrobe well-stocked. The website makes it easy to shop with dedicated sections for babies, toddlers and boys and girls. JoJo Maman Bebe, Jojomamanbebe.co.uk From humble beginnings as a kitchen start-up, Jojo Maman Bebe is going from strength to strength offering a range of quirky and practical designs. Its childrens range caters for every occasion, with casual outfits and formalwear made from soft, comfy fabrics ranging from newborn to age six. From humble beginnings as a kitchen start-up, Jojo Maman Bebe is going from strength to strength offering a range of quirky and practical designs (Jojo Maman Bebe) Next, Next.co.uk A stalwart on the British high street, Next is well known for its womenswear and menswear offerings but its also a popular destination for babies and young children. Its a great go-to for children's clothing from age zero to 16, covering everyday garb, school uniform essentials and swimwear. Lululemon is a technical athletic apparel company for yoga, running, training and almost any other sweaty pursuit (Lululemon) Sportswear Sweaty Betty, Sweatybetty.com Founded in 1998, Sweaty Betty designs unique sportswear for women with the goal of making every customer feel powerful and amazing. The brand sells everything from leggings and shorts to vests and sports bras. You can also choose to shop by clothing type, activity or look. Lululemon, Lululemon.co.uk Lululemon is a technical athletic apparel company for yoga, running, training and almost any other sweaty pursuit. Divided into menswear and womenswear, as well as offering standard sportswear, the brand also sell accessories like yoga mats, bags, water bottles and underwear. Read more: 9 best yoga leggings and pants that are comfortable and squat-proof Gymshark, Gymshark.com A fitness apparel and accessories brand, Gymshark was created in 2012 and has since become one of the most popular performance-wear brands. The website sells both mens and womenswear including base layers, hoodies, T-shirts and underwear. Adidas, Adidas.co.uk One of the biggest fitness brands in the world, Adidas sells clothing, footwear and accessories for men, women and children. Whatever your sport of choice, be it football, running, tennis or golf, the website really does have something for everyone. Theres even a special customise section where you can create your own pair of trainers. For Hire Girl Meets Dress, Girlmeetsdress.com The perfect solution for those looking for something a little bit special to wear, without the whopping designer price tag. Sustainable Reformation, Thereformation.com This is the US label with a difference. Reformation might be renowned for its silky gowns and cute crop tops, but its also one of the most sustainable fashion brands around, making it a great choice for shoppers with an environmental conscience. Mud jeans, Mudjeans.eu Based in the Netherlands, MUD is on a mission to reduce waste in the fashion industry, as denim is one of the worst polluters and uses a huge amount of water. The scheme MUD has come up with is to essentially hire your jeans, long term. You pay for them in monthly instalments, making them more affordable too, and then wear them for a year. Then you can trade them in for a new pair, or just keep them. Your used jeans are then recycled to make more jeans, keeping the materials out of landfill. Read more: 9 best sustainable denim brands you need on your radar Riley Studio, Riley.studio Using only recycled waste materials to make its clothes, Riley Studio steers away from designs for each season and instead focuses on wardrobe staples that are also gender neutral. The brand doesnt use new fibres, instead relying on biodegradable and infinitely recyclable fabrics, as well as fibres made from plastic water bottles that would otherwise be disposed of. It also uses organic cotton which uses less water. Voucher codes For the latest fashion discounts, try the links below: Looking for more style inspiration? Read our guide to the top sustainable clothing and accessories brands to know IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing. Does the word tequila bring to mind shudder-inducing shots on grotty bar nights? Youre not alone; tequila, unfortunately, still has a bit of an image problem (lets call it a hangover) here in the UK. But when people say they dont like tequila, what they usually mean is that they dont like *cheap* tequila. In truth, this spirit distilled from the blue agave plant in Mexicos Jalisco state is one of the most diverse out there. Taste enough, and youre almost guaranteed to find a tequila youll not just tolerate, but actually love drinking. Style is your first consideration. While sub-classifications abound, there are three main types of tequila blanco, reposado and anejo. Blancos, also known as silver, are crystal-clear unaged spirits, akin to vodka or white rum. Anejos are aged in barrel for at least a year, taking on honey-brown, whisky-style characteristics. Reposados, stylistically, tend to hover between the two shorter barrel ageing gives them some oaky character, but still with the freshness of blanco. Weve included all the styles in our round up below because theyre good for different things blanco tequilas for cocktail mixing (hello, margaritas!), and aged ones for meditative sipping. Weve also endeavoured to include a range of price points, while still keeping things affordable. Like with whisky, fine tequilas, especially those that have been aged, can come in at hundreds of pounds per bottle. Weve chosen to cap our inclusions at around 100, because unless youre a real aficionado, thats probably the most you should consider paying. Read more: One thing we were really strict about? Only including tequilas made from 100 per cent pure blue agave so no tequila mixtos that blend agave with corn or cane sugars. Each of the tequilas below was tasted in the same way: sipped straight from a spirit tasting glass, to let the true character shine. Aside from taste, we also took into account sourcing, story, packaging and value for money. And while in many cases we tasted a range of tequilas from the same brand, weve only included a maximum of one from each the one that we think is most worth your money. The best tequilas for 2021 are: Best overall G4 Blanco: 40.69, Coolchile.co.uk G4 Blanco: 40.69, Coolchile.co.uk Best for whisky lovers Storywood speyside 14 anejo: 47.99, Storywoodtequila.com Storywood speyside 14 anejo: 47.99, Storywoodtequila.com Best bargain El Jimador blanco: 26.35, Masterofmalt.com El Jimador blanco: 26.35, Masterofmalt.com Best sipping blanco Mijenta Blanco: 49.95, Thewhiskyexchange.com Mijenta Blanco: 49.95, Thewhiskyexchange.com Best for richer cocktails Cazcabel Reposado: 26.44, Masterofmalt.com Cazcabel Reposado: 26.44, Masterofmalt.com Best for T&Ts El Rayo plata: 33.23, Masterofmalt.com El Rayo plata: 33.23, Masterofmalt.com Best for tequila sceptics 1800 Cristalino tequila: 46.85, Masterofmalt.com 1800 Cristalino tequila: 46.85, Masterofmalt.com Best classic reposado Herradura reposado: 43.63, Masterofmalt.com Herradura reposado: 43.63, Masterofmalt.com Best traditional blanco Tapatio blanco: 25.12, Amazon.co.uk Tapatio blanco: 25.12, Amazon.co.uk Best for sweet tooths Padre Azul anejo: 107.95, Masterofmalt.com Padre Azul anejo: 107.95, Masterofmalt.com Best for summery drinking Codigo rosa: 49.95, Masterofmalt.com Codigo rosa: 49.95, Masterofmalt.com Best low-key celeb tequila AquaRiva reposado: 28.95, Thewhiskyexchange.com AquaRiva reposado: 28.95, Thewhiskyexchange.com Best for Instagramming Vivir blanco: 34.95, Masterofmalt.com G4 Blanco 40%, 75cl Best: Overall Rating: 10/10 Type: Blanco With such gorgeous complexity wafting from the glass floral, fruity top notes mingled in with classic agave, grass and a buttery undertone we could sit sniffing this premium tequila all day long. You dont make a drink this good by accident, and the mix of experience owner Felipe J Camarenas family has been producing tequila since the 1930s and prime terroir, with agave sourced from the Jalisco highlands, have gone into making G4 our winner. Its an artisan tequila through and through. They make it using a blend of spring water and, interestingly, captured rainwater talk about attention to detail and employ a rather laborious, old-school method of processing the agave to ensure they have maximum influence over flavour. And as weve said, the care shows in the glass. With an incredibly smooth mouthfeel and a long, minerally, delicate finish, this is a blanco you can definitely drink straight, as well as mix into cocktails; theres no place it wont shine. Buy now 40.69 , Coolchile.co.uk {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} Storywood speyside 14 anejo 40%, 70cl Best: For whisky lovers Rating: 9/10 Type: Anejo With their rich caramel hues and aged oak character, anejo tequilas are often compared to whiskies and this one really does fulfil the expectation, given its been rested for 14 months in ex-Speyside single malt Scotch casks. Those toasty, roasted and nutty notes from the barrel mingle gorgeously with the deep vegetal richness of agave, creating a smooth, sippable spirit with a rambling, complex and savoury finish. Its good value for an anejo its not unusual to see these bottles at double this price and were big fans of the fun, fresh artwork on the bottle. While Storywood is certainly delicious enough to drink on its own (and thats how the creators suggest enjoying it), if youre a cocktail fan wed also give it a go in place of whiskey in a classic Old Fashioned. Buy now 47.99 , Storywoodtequila.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} El Jimador blanco 38%, 70cl Best: Bargain Rating: 7/10 Type: Blanco Cheap tequilas are typically cheap for a reason many are, in fact, tequila mixtos which means that the blue agave base has been blended with other, less-costly fermentable sugars. In contrast, anything that states its 100 per cent blue agave on the label will be the pure, premium stuff including the impressively affordable, crystal-clear El Jimador. Citrussy, peppery notes lead to a gentle warmth on the palate; theres not huge amounts of complexity, but nor should you expect it at sub-20. A natural pick for when youre mixing up batches of tequila cocktails with plenty of big flavours, for example, a Paloma, made with lime juice and grapefruit soda. Buy now 26.35 , Masterofmalt.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} Mijenta blanco 40%, 70cl Best: Sipping blanco Rating: 8/10 Type: Blanco Given that this new-to-the-UK tequila brand was founded by a former Bacardi CEO, youd expect the branding to be pretty on-point and with its cool glass cork and powdery pink colourway, it certainly is that. But we all know that glossy branding only goes so far, so its a good thing that this artisan pour, crafted by meastra tequilera Ana Maria Romero in the Jalisco highlands, is clearly made with skill. Mijenta is incredibly complex on the nose, with a richly savoury backbone of roasted agave intermingled with honey and spice. The creamy, rich and full-flavoured palate suits neat sipping best a serve most often reserved for barrel-aged tequilas. Buy now 49.95 , Thewhiskyexchange.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} Cazcabel reposado 38%, 70cl Best: For richer cocktails Rating: 8/10 Type: Reposado Tequilas labelled as reposado which means, if your Spanish is rusty, rested get their honeyed hue from time spent aging in oak barrels. The legal minimum is 60 days, but this affordable bottling is aged for much longer than that: a minimum of nine months. The result? Golden, caramel flavours, with a gentle hint of dried fruit and spice though, in true quality reposado fashion, theres still plenty of enticing agave freshness, too. A great pick for richer tequila cocktails such as a Bloody Maria, the fiesta-ready cousin to our brunch-time favourite, the Bloody Mary. Buy now 26.44 , Masterofmalt.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} El Rayo plata 40%, 70cl Best: For T&Ts Rating: 9/10 Type: Blanco Launched out of London by two childhood friends, El Rayo is an interesting prospect: a modern tequila designed to be sipped with tonic, a la G&T styles. And you know what? It works. Tasted straight it was enjoyable, with vegetal, herbaceous notes on the nose and a subtle citrussy sweetness on the palate. But when mixed with tonic (for the record, we used London Essence) the drink really sparkled, with those lemon-lime notes really singing, and the savoury ones bringing in subtle complexity. If youre feeling a bit over gin, weve just found your new summer aperitif you can thank us later. Buy now 33.23 , Masterofmalt.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} 1800 Cristalino tequila 35%, 70cl Best: For tequila sceptics Rating: 7/10 Type: Anejos It looks like a blanco, but its not. A relatively new category of tequila, cristalinos are anejos that have subsequently been filtered to remove their amber colour. This process also tends to remove some of that trademark agave character, and while die-hard fans of the spirit might take exception to that, theres a whole lot of people out there who will love it: namely, anyone who isnt a big fan of tequila in the first place. This smooth, easy-to-drink pour from the 1800 brand has sweet vanilla, coconut and almond notes, with some butter and pepper creeping in. Try drinking it over a giant ice cube. Buy now 46.85 , Masterofmalt.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} Herradura reposado 40%, 70cl Best: Classic reposado Rating: 8/10 Type: Reposado Aged for 11 months in American white oak, this reposado has been flying off shelves since the 1970s it was the first commercial bottling of the style ever sold and it remains popular for a reason. An enticing caramel hue; dried fruit and cooked agave nose; a fruit and vanilla palate with hints of butterscotch it all comes together to make one serious crowd-pleasing pour. And like a good reposado should be, its incredibly versatile. Drink it simply over the rocks, if thats your thing, or try it in place of rum, whisky or even cognac in your favourite brown spirit-based cocktails. Buy now 43.63 , Masterofmalt.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} Tapatio blanco 40%, 50cl Best: Traditional blanco Rating: 9/10 Type: Blanco Theres plenty of spicy, savoury character packed into this flavourful agave tequila it just goes to show how complex a good blanco can be. Tapatio has been made using the same artisan methods since the 1930s, and that commitment to tradition might have something to do with all that richness. Green pepper, white pepper and sweet fruit on the nose, with a heavily spiced, savoury palate ending in a flash of roasted agave. You will either entirely love its bold intensity in your lime-drenched Margaritas or, if youre tequila-shy, find it a bit too much. And as tequila lovers, we are firmly in the former camp. Buy now 25.12 , Amazon.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} Padre Azul anejo 38%, 70cl Best: For sweet tooths Rating: 7/10 Type: Anejo The bottle is outrageous: topped with a giant silvery skull, and coddled in a leathery sleeve, its a love-it or hate-it kind of presentation. And when it comes to its liquid profile, this premium sipping tequila is no shrinking violet either. Rich chocolate, toffee and cinnamon spice on the nose are followed up with a syrupy-rich palate of brown sugar, pepper, coffee and vanilla. This is a sweeter, more contemporary style of tequila it will appeal to bourbon and rum drinkers especially but its a great (if pricey) gateway tipple if youre still working out if this spirit is for you. Trying pairing it with a dessert for a sweet ending to a meal; a chocolatey coffee cake would be perfection. Buy now 107.95 , Masterofmalt.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} Codigo rosa 35%, 70cl Best: For summery drinking Rating: 8/10 Type: Blanco Now heres a bit of an oddity: a blanco tequila thats been rested for a month in Napa Valley Cabernet wine barrels, imparting a blushing pink hue and a hint of fruity brightness. Tequila purists might baulk, but actually, its gorgeous to drink, especially in sultry summer; pour it over ice or mix with a splash of tonic and youve got agaves answer to pink gin. Dont expect the ripe, overtly red fruit notes youll find in most pink gins though. The main effect youre getting with Codigo rosa is a rounded mouthfeel, and gentle sweetness to balance out an underlying earthiness. Sublimely sippable. Buy now 49.95 , Masterofmalt.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} AquaRiva reposado 38%, 70cl Best: Low-key celeb tequila Rating: 8/10 Type: Reposado Celebrity-endorsed tequilas have become big business it seems like everyone from George Clooney to Justin Timberlake have launched their own brands. Cleo Rocos, a comedian, is behind this floral, honeyed reposado, made from 100 per cent agave sourced from the Jalisco highlands. A single sniff brings to mind a bouquet of summer blooms; a buttery, smooth but still bright palate is rippled with rose. A natural pick when youre mixing up a round of Palomas or Margaritas, especially given its fairly friendly price point. Buy now 28.95 , Thewhiskyexchange.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} Vivir blanco 40%, 70cl Best: For Instagramming Rating: 8/10 Type: Blanco With its slick, contemporary bottle and confident messaging it claims that this is tequila, but not as you know it this spirit feels as much like a lifestyle brand as it does a drink. But thats not a knock, as the quality is obviously there too. Its made with 100 per cent blue agave, harvested at a fully mature nine years of age, and blended with volcanic spring water. That mature agave brings complexity to your glass, with rounded vegetal and honey notes mingling in with citrus. A clean, fresh palate has a gentle savouriness while ending with a touch of sweetness. Basically, like some other modern tequilas, its crying out to be mixed with tonic in a T&T. Bottoms up! Buy now 34.95 , Masterofmalt.com {{#hasItems}} Price comparison {{/hasItems}} {{#items}} {{ merchant }} {{ price }} Buy now {{/items}} {{#hasItems}} {{/hasItems}} The verdict: Tequilas All the tequilas recommended above deserve their place on this list. But our favourite is the bottle that shows both classic tequila character and elevated finesse as well as great value for money. So, its hats off to G4s blanco: premium in profile and flavour, and yet still accessible price-wise, its a great tequila however you choose to drink it. When it comes to aged styles of tequila, we loved the complexity of Storywoods speyside 14 anejo. And as for contemporary tequilas that shine when mixing with tonic? El Rayo is a winner for all your summer T&T needs. Voucher codes For the latest alcohol deals, try the links below: Beer Hawk discount codes BrewDog discount codes The Whiskey Exchange discount codes Why not pair your favourite tequila with one of our best tonic waters, from quirky to zero-calorie options IndyBest product reviews are unbiased, independent advice you can trust. On some occasions, we earn revenue if you click the links and buy the products, but we never allow this to bias our coverage. The reviews are compiled through a mix of expert opinion and real-world testing. The International Monetary Fund (IMF) has warned that Donald Trumps controversial new import tariffs pose a stark threat to the global trading system and will ultimately damage the US economy. Christine Lagarde, the IMFs managing director, said President Trumps new tariffs could have a macroeconomic impact should other trading partners retaliate. Since Mr Trump and his administration announced plans to impose tariffs on aluminium and steel imports, staunch US allies the European Union, Mexico and Canada have already threatened to retaliate against Washington. Let us not understate the macroeconomic impact," Ms Lagarde said. It would be serious, not only if the United States took action, but especially if other countries were to retaliate, notably those who would be most affected, such as Canada, Europe, and Germany. In a new report, the IMF said: These measures ... are likely to move the globe further away from an open, fair and rules-based trade system, with adverse effects for both the US economy and for trading partners,. The IMFs warning comes ahead of the anticipated release of the Trump administrations decision to impose tariffs on $50 billion worth of Chinese products. The administration announced plans to publish a list of Chinese products subject to tariffs by 15 June. Mr Trump already shocked global leaders when he backed out of signing the joint G7 communique calling for free, fair and mutually beneficial trade last week. He notably called Justin Trudeau dishonest and weak in a Twitter tirade after Mr Trudeau said Canada would defend itself against the now tariffs. Canadian PM Trudeau says new tariffs announced Trump are unacceptable Based on Justin's false statements at his news conference, and the fact that Canada is charging massive Tariffs to our US farmers, workers and companies, I have instructed our U.S. Reps not to endorse the Communique as we look at [tariffs] on automobiles flooding the U.S. Market! Mr Trump wrote in a tweet. IMF also noted that recent spending and tax measures could threaten US economic growth by 2020 and beyond. While the organisations analysis predicts the US economy will grow by 2.9 per cent in 2018, it predicts it will slow significantly in coming years likely to 1.7 per cent in the long-term. US Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement that Washington and the IMF differ significantly on the medium and long term projections. 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 Lagarde previously said the global economy was getting darker by the day in a press conference in Berlin following the G-7 summit and Mr. Trumps decision to back out from the statement over trade. The clouds on the horizon ... are getting darker by the day, she said. The biggest and darkest cloud that we see is the deterioration in confidence that is prompted by [the] attempt to challenge the way in which trade has been conducted, in which relationships have been handled and the way in which multilateral organisations have been operating, she added. Scientists have seen the vast blast thrown out by a black hole eating a star for the first ever time. Researchers have finally watched the formation and expansion of the fast-moving jet of material that is thrown out when a supermassive black hole's gravity grabs a star and tears it apart. Scientists watched the dramatic event using highly specialised telescopes, which are trained on a pair of colliding galaxies called Arp 299, nearly 150 million light-years from Earth. At the centre of one of those galaxies, a star twice the size of the Sun came too close to a black hole that is more than 20 million times big as our Sun and was shredded apart, throwing a blast across the universe. Artist conception of a tidal disruption event (TDE) that happens when a star passes fatally close to a supermassive black hole, which reacts by launching a relativistic jet. (Sophia Dagnello, NRAO/AUI/NSF; NASA, STScI ) (Nasa) It was that blast that scientists were able to see happen for the first time ever. Theorists have long thought the events were common speculating that material torn from the star makes a rotating disk around the black hole, emitting intense X-rays and visible light, and also pushes jets of material outward from the poles of the disk at nearly the speed of light but have been yet to see it actually happen. "Never before have we been able to directly observe the formation and evolution of a jet from one of these events," said Miguel Perez-Torres, of the Astrophysical Institute of Andalusia in Granada, Spain. Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Show all 30 1 /30 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Solar Flare An image from Nasa's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) shows a 200,000 mile long solar filament ripping through the Sun's corona in September 2013 Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Nasa Celebrates 50 Years of Spacewalking For 50 years, NASA has been "suiting up" for spacewalking. In this 1984 photograph of the first untethered spacewalk, NASA astronaut Bruce McCandless is in the midst of the first "field" tryout of a nitrogen-propelled backpack device called the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space A Hubble Cosmic Couple The spectacular cosmic pairing of the star Hen 2-427 more commonly known as WR 124 and the nebula M1-67 which surrounds it ESA/Hubble & NASA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Veil Nebula Supernova Remnant Nasa's Hubble Space Telescope has unveiled in stunning detail a small section of the Veil Nebula - expanding remains of a massive star that exploded about 8,000 years ago Nasa's most stunning pictures of space The Soyuz TMA-15M rocket launch The Soyuz TMA-15M rocket launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, carrying three new astronauts to the International Space Station. It also took caviar, ready for the satellite's inhabitants to celebrate the holidays Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Earth from the ISS From the International Space Station, Expedition 42 Flight Engineer Terry W. Virts took this photograph of the Gulf of Mexico and U.S. Gulf Coast at sunset Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Black Hole Friday Nasa celebrated Black Friday by looking into space instead sharing pictures of black holes Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space NuSTAR X-rays stream off the sun in this image showing observations from by NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, or NuSTAR, overlaid on a picture taken by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Cassiopeia A c A false colour image of Cassiopeia A comprised with data from the Spitzer and Hubble Space Telescopes and the Chandra X-Ray observatory Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Orion Capsule splashes down The Orion capsule jetted off into space before heading back a few hours later having proved that it can be used, one day, to carry humans to Mars Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Earth Observations From Gemini IV in 1965 This photograph of the Florida Straits and Grand Bahama Bank was taken during the Gemini IV mission during orbit no. 19 in 1965. The Gemini IV crew conducted scientific experiments, including photography of Earth's weather and terrain, for the remainder of their four-day mission following Ed White's historic spacewalk on June 3 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Frosty slopes of Mars This image of an area on the surface of Mars, approximately 1.5 by 3 kilometers in size, shows frosted gullies on a south-facing slope within a crater. The image was taken by Nasa's HiRISE camera, which is mounted on its Mars Reconaissance Orbiter Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Yellowstone from space NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman shared this image of Yellowstone via his twitter account Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Saturn This near-infrared color image shows a specular reflection, or sunglint, off of a hydrocarbon lake named Kivu Lacus on Saturn's moon Titan Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Worlds Apart Although Mimas and Pandora, shown here, both orbit Saturn, they are very different moons. Pandora, "small" by moon standards (50 miles or 81 kilometers across) is elongated and irregular in shape. Mimas (246 miles or 396 kilometers across), a "medium-sized" moon, formed into a sphere due to self-gravity imposed by its higher mass Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Solar Flare An X1.6 class solar flare flashes in the middle of the sun in this image taken 10 September, captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy An image of the Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy seen in infrared light by the Herschel Space Observatory. Regions of space such as this are where new stars are born from a mixture of elements and cosmic dust Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Mars Rover Spirit Nasa's Mars Rover Spirit took the first picture from Spirit since problems with communications began a week earlier. The image shows the robotic arm extended to the rock called Adirondack Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Morning Aurora From the Space Station Nasa astronaut Scott Kelly captured this photograph of the green lights of the aurora from the International Space Station Nasa/Scott Kelly Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Launch of History - Making STS-41G Mission in 1984 The Space Shuttle Challenger launches from Florida at dawn. On this mission, Kathryn Sullivan became the first U.S. woman to perform a spacewalk and Marc Garneau became the first Canadian in space. The crew of seven was the largest to fly on a spacecraft at that time, and STS-41G was the first flight to include two female astronauts Nasa's most stunning pictures of space A Fresh Perspective on an Extraordinary Cluster of Galaxies Galaxy clusters are often described by superlatives. After all, they are huge conglomerations of galaxies, hot gas, and dark matter and represent the largest structures in the Universe held together by gravity Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Hubble Sees a Galactic Sunflower The arrangement of the spiral arms in the galaxy Messier 63, seen here in an image from the Nasa Hubble Space Telescope, recall the pattern at the center of a sunflower ESA/Hubble & NASA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Pluto image Four images from New Horizons Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) were combined with colour data from the Ralph instrument to create this enhanced colour global view of Pluto Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Fresh Crater Near Sirenum Fossae Region of Mars The HiRISE camera aboard Nasa's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter acquired this closeup image of a "fresh" (on a geological scale, though quite old on a human scale) impact crater in the Sirenum Fossae region of Mars. This impact crater appears relatively recent as it has a sharp rim and well-preserved ejecta Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Hubble Peers into the Most Crowded Place in the Milky Way This Nasa Hubble Space Telescope image presents the Arches Cluster, the densest known star cluster in the Milky Way NASA & ESA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space An Astronaut's View from Space Nasa astronaut Reid Wiseman tweeted this photo from the International Space Station on 2 September 2014 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Giant Landform on Mars On Mars, we can observe four classes of sandy landforms formed by the wind, or aeolian bedforms: ripples, transverse aeolian ridges, dunes, and what are called draa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Expedition 39 Landing A sokol suit helmet can be seen against the window of the Soyuz TMA-11M capsule shortly after the spacecraft landed with Expedition 39 Commander Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Soyuz Commander Mikhail Tyurin of Roscosmos, and Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA near the town of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan (NASA/Bill Ingalls) Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Jupiter's Great Red Spot Viewed by Voyager I Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system and perhaps the most majestic. Vibrant bands of clouds carried by winds that can exceed 400 mph continuously circle the planet's atmosphere Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Chandra Observatory Sees a Heart in the Darkness This Chandra X-Ray Observatory image of the young star cluster NGC 346 highlights a heart-shaped cloud of 8 million-degree Celsius gas in the central region Most galaxies have supermassive black holes, which can pull matter into them and form a huge disc around their outsides as they do. But for the most part, those black holes stay quiet, not devouring anything. That means that the violent events that scientists have finally seen can be a unparalleled insight into what actually happens around a black hole. "Much of the time, however, supermassive black holes are not actively devouring anything, so they are in a quiet state," Perez-Torres said. "Tidal disruption events can provide us with a unique opportunity to advance our understanding of the formation and evolution of jets in the vicinities of these powerful objects," he added. Recommended Scientists discover three baby planets hiding in our own galaxy "Because of the dust that absorbed any visible light, this particular tidal disruption event may be just the tip of the iceberg of what until now has been a hidden population," Mattila said. "By looking for these events with infrared and radio telescopes, we may be able to discover many more, and learn from them," he said. Researchers had initially turned their sights towards the doomed star as part of a search for supernova explosions in such colliding pairs of galaxies. They had initially thought that they were seeing was one such a supernova explosion but it kept expanding, confirming that it was in fact a jet being spewed out as the star was torn apart. The latest discovery of organic matter on Mars is the closest researchers have come to finding extra-terrestrial life, according to scientists. Experts welcomed the new results from Nasas Curiosity rover, which they say will be key in guiding future missions searching for aliens on the Red Planet. While the results obtained are not direct evidence for life, the presence of ancient organic molecules preserved in the soil of a dried up lake have bolstered the case that Mars was not always the lifeless place seen today. To understand Mars was habitable and the conditions for life could have been there part of the jigsaw was organics, Professor John Bridges, head of the Mars Science Laboratory at the University of Leicester, told The Independent. The case was further supported by the presence of fluctuating clouds of methane, which itself could be evidence of microbe activity on the planet surface. We find remnants of organics in 3.2-3.8 billion year old rocks, and we find them in an environment we discovered was habitable around the same time, Dr Inge Loes ten Kate, an astrobiologist at Utrecht University told The Independent. That means there could have been life. As these kind of substances can serve as starter materials, they are evidence that the arid planet could once have allowed life to flourish. Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Show all 30 1 /30 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Solar Flare An image from Nasa's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) shows a 200,000 mile long solar filament ripping through the Sun's corona in September 2013 Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Nasa Celebrates 50 Years of Spacewalking For 50 years, NASA has been "suiting up" for spacewalking. In this 1984 photograph of the first untethered spacewalk, NASA astronaut Bruce McCandless is in the midst of the first "field" tryout of a nitrogen-propelled backpack device called the Manned Maneuvering Unit (MMU) Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space A Hubble Cosmic Couple The spectacular cosmic pairing of the star Hen 2-427 more commonly known as WR 124 and the nebula M1-67 which surrounds it ESA/Hubble & NASA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Veil Nebula Supernova Remnant Nasa's Hubble Space Telescope has unveiled in stunning detail a small section of the Veil Nebula - expanding remains of a massive star that exploded about 8,000 years ago Nasa's most stunning pictures of space The Soyuz TMA-15M rocket launch The Soyuz TMA-15M rocket launches from the Baikonur Cosmodrome in Kazakhstan on Monday, Nov. 24, 2014, carrying three new astronauts to the International Space Station. It also took caviar, ready for the satellite's inhabitants to celebrate the holidays Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Earth from the ISS From the International Space Station, Expedition 42 Flight Engineer Terry W. Virts took this photograph of the Gulf of Mexico and U.S. Gulf Coast at sunset Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Black Hole Friday Nasa celebrated Black Friday by looking into space instead sharing pictures of black holes Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space NuSTAR X-rays stream off the sun in this image showing observations from by NASA's Nuclear Spectroscopic Telescope Array, or NuSTAR, overlaid on a picture taken by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory (SDO) Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Cassiopeia A c A false colour image of Cassiopeia A comprised with data from the Spitzer and Hubble Space Telescopes and the Chandra X-Ray observatory Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Orion Capsule splashes down The Orion capsule jetted off into space before heading back a few hours later having proved that it can be used, one day, to carry humans to Mars Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Earth Observations From Gemini IV in 1965 This photograph of the Florida Straits and Grand Bahama Bank was taken during the Gemini IV mission during orbit no. 19 in 1965. The Gemini IV crew conducted scientific experiments, including photography of Earth's weather and terrain, for the remainder of their four-day mission following Ed White's historic spacewalk on June 3 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Frosty slopes of Mars This image of an area on the surface of Mars, approximately 1.5 by 3 kilometers in size, shows frosted gullies on a south-facing slope within a crater. The image was taken by Nasa's HiRISE camera, which is mounted on its Mars Reconaissance Orbiter Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Yellowstone from space NASA astronaut Reid Wiseman shared this image of Yellowstone via his twitter account Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Saturn This near-infrared color image shows a specular reflection, or sunglint, off of a hydrocarbon lake named Kivu Lacus on Saturn's moon Titan Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Worlds Apart Although Mimas and Pandora, shown here, both orbit Saturn, they are very different moons. Pandora, "small" by moon standards (50 miles or 81 kilometers across) is elongated and irregular in shape. Mimas (246 miles or 396 kilometers across), a "medium-sized" moon, formed into a sphere due to self-gravity imposed by its higher mass Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Solar Flare An X1.6 class solar flare flashes in the middle of the sun in this image taken 10 September, captured by NASA's Solar Dynamics Observatory Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy An image of the Large Magellanic Cloud galaxy seen in infrared light by the Herschel Space Observatory. Regions of space such as this are where new stars are born from a mixture of elements and cosmic dust Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Mars Rover Spirit Nasa's Mars Rover Spirit took the first picture from Spirit since problems with communications began a week earlier. The image shows the robotic arm extended to the rock called Adirondack Nasa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Morning Aurora From the Space Station Nasa astronaut Scott Kelly captured this photograph of the green lights of the aurora from the International Space Station Nasa/Scott Kelly Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Launch of History - Making STS-41G Mission in 1984 The Space Shuttle Challenger launches from Florida at dawn. On this mission, Kathryn Sullivan became the first U.S. woman to perform a spacewalk and Marc Garneau became the first Canadian in space. The crew of seven was the largest to fly on a spacecraft at that time, and STS-41G was the first flight to include two female astronauts Nasa's most stunning pictures of space A Fresh Perspective on an Extraordinary Cluster of Galaxies Galaxy clusters are often described by superlatives. After all, they are huge conglomerations of galaxies, hot gas, and dark matter and represent the largest structures in the Universe held together by gravity Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Hubble Sees a Galactic Sunflower The arrangement of the spiral arms in the galaxy Messier 63, seen here in an image from the Nasa Hubble Space Telescope, recall the pattern at the center of a sunflower ESA/Hubble & NASA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Pluto image Four images from New Horizons Long Range Reconnaissance Imager (LORRI) were combined with colour data from the Ralph instrument to create this enhanced colour global view of Pluto Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Fresh Crater Near Sirenum Fossae Region of Mars The HiRISE camera aboard Nasa's Mars Reconnaissance Orbiter acquired this closeup image of a "fresh" (on a geological scale, though quite old on a human scale) impact crater in the Sirenum Fossae region of Mars. This impact crater appears relatively recent as it has a sharp rim and well-preserved ejecta Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Hubble Peers into the Most Crowded Place in the Milky Way This Nasa Hubble Space Telescope image presents the Arches Cluster, the densest known star cluster in the Milky Way NASA & ESA Nasa's most stunning pictures of space An Astronaut's View from Space Nasa astronaut Reid Wiseman tweeted this photo from the International Space Station on 2 September 2014 Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Giant Landform on Mars On Mars, we can observe four classes of sandy landforms formed by the wind, or aeolian bedforms: ripples, transverse aeolian ridges, dunes, and what are called draa Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Expedition 39 Landing A sokol suit helmet can be seen against the window of the Soyuz TMA-11M capsule shortly after the spacecraft landed with Expedition 39 Commander Koichi Wakata of the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency (JAXA), Soyuz Commander Mikhail Tyurin of Roscosmos, and Flight Engineer Rick Mastracchio of NASA near the town of Zhezkazgan, Kazakhstan (NASA/Bill Ingalls) Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Jupiter's Great Red Spot Viewed by Voyager I Jupiter is the largest planet in the solar system and perhaps the most majestic. Vibrant bands of clouds carried by winds that can exceed 400 mph continuously circle the planet's atmosphere Nasa's most stunning pictures of space Chandra Observatory Sees a Heart in the Darkness This Chandra X-Ray Observatory image of the young star cluster NGC 346 highlights a heart-shaped cloud of 8 million-degree Celsius gas in the central region This doesnt say anything about life actually being present, but there are ingredients for life, said Dr ten Kate. However, as the organic materials and the methane could well be explained by geological processes, further exploration of the planets surface will be crucial to confirm the presence of alien life in our solar system. The launch of ExoMars, a joint European-Russian programme that will take another rover to the planets surface, will take its cue from Curiositys latest findings. We are ramping up for ExoMars in 2020, and we will have a meeting in Leicester in November where we finally select the landing site, said Professor Bridges. Recommended Nasa and ESA to bring soil from Mars to try and find aliens Nasas discovery will inform this decision. Other targets in the search for aliens, such as the moons Enceladus and Europa, are just as valid, according to Dr ten Kate. The oceans found underneath the surface of these astronomical bodies seem promising potential homes for alien microbes, but the current case is nowhere near as strong as Mars. The thing with Europa and Enceladus is we dont have this kind of detailed data yet for Mars this is the closest we get. If life is ever found in other parts of our solar system, it will help scientists understand the origin of life on Earth as well. While Martians would support the idea of the first organisms emerging on the planets surface, Europa and Enceladus would suggest a deep-sea origin. Finding organics on Mars is the culmination of years of frustration and false alarms, after the Viking programme failed to provide convincing evidence in the 1970s. According to Professor Bridges, the latest news shows how far scientists knowledge of the red planet has advanced in recent years. If you look back before 2012, our view of Mars has really changed we guessed there had been water and so on but we didnt have the hard evidence there had been long-standing lakes and river systems, he said. Now we know they are there and now we know the mudstone in the lakes were organic-bearing. Were piecing it all together. A woman who wrote antisemitic songs mocking the Holocaust and calling gas chambers a proven hoax has been spared jail. Alison Chabloz was sentenced to 20 weeks imprisonment after being convicted of violating laws against offensive or menacing messages, but a judge suspended the punishment for two years. District judge John Zani banned the 54-year-old from posting anything on social media for a year and ordered her to carry out 180 hours of unpaid work. He told Westminster Magistrates Court that Chabloz had shown no proper remorse for her actions, adding: I don't know whether you want to be a martyr to your purported cause time will tell. This sentence will test your resolve. If you fail to abide by the terms of the suspended sentence you should expect to go to prison. The public gallery was packed with her supporters and members of the Campaign Against Antisemitism, which sparked the case with a private prosecution. Chairman Gideon Falter said the sentence sends a strong message that in Britain, Holocaust denial and antisemitic conspiracy theories will not be tolerated. Chabloz is a remorseless and repulsive antisemite who has spent years obsessively inciting others to hate Jews, principally by claiming that the Holocaust was a hoax perpetrated by Jews to defraud the world, he added, calling her a pathetic and insignificant figure. (PA (PA) Chabloz, a Swiss-British dual nation, had been convicted of three counts of gross offence over her songs, which she had performed on YouTube and at far-right events. Partly set to traditional Jewish folk music, with lyrics like: Did the Holocaust ever happen? Was it just a bunch of lies? Seems that some intend to pull the wool over our eyes." Chabloz told the court her songs were satire and claimed some Jewish people found them funny. Prosecutor Karen Robinson previously told the court: "They're not political songs. They are no more than a dressed-up attack on a group of people for no more than their adherence to a religion." While being cross-examined in March, Chabloz called for an official investigation into the number of victims killed in the so-called Holocaust, and claimed there was no proof that gas chambers existed. She told the court school children were being indoctrinated by being sent to Auschwitz, called Israel a criminal state and claimed that Jews are disproportionately influential. In mitigation, a defence lawyer for Chabloz said that the videos had not been widely viewed before the court case. Adrian Davies added that Chabloz has received death and rape threats since her conviction. 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 Judge Zani had previously dismissed an attempt by Mr Davies to argue his client was protected by the right to freedom of speech, saying her songs were grossly offensive. Chabloz, of Charlesworth in Derbyshire, was convicted of causing an offensive, indecent or menacing message to be sent over a public communications network after performing songs at a London Forum event in 2016. The Independent infiltrated a meeting of the far-right group the following year, where Chabloz played again, finishing her set with a parody of Edith Piafs I Regret Nothing and performing a quenelle salute. The event was compered by London Forum leader Jeremy Bedford-Turner, who was jailed for a year in May over a speech where he incited people to free England from Jewish control. Chabloz was sentenced a day after a group of neo-Nazis were jailed for posting racist stickers around a university in Birmingham, while another alleged member of National Action has admitted plotting to murder a Labour MP with a machete. Statistics released by the Home Office on Thursday showed the number of far-right terrorists in prison has tripled in the past year to 29. Islamists make up the majority of terror suspects in the UK, with arrests rising to a record level. Additional reporting by PA The number of far-right terrorists imprisoned in Britain has more than tripled in a year, new statistics reveal. There were 29 people in custody by the end of March, up from nine the previous year. Islamist extremists make up the majority of 228 people imprisoned for terror offences in the UK, at 82 per cent of the total, followed by 13 per cent far-right and 6 per cent driven by other ideologies including those linked to Northern Ireland. There have been steady increases in recent years in the number of terrorist prisoners across all the types of ideologies covered, a Home Office bulletin said. The proportion of prisoners holding far-right ideologies has increased steadily over the past three years. The number of terror-related arrests rose by 17 per cent to hit a new record of 441 in the 12 months to April, which saw large-scale police operations in response to the attacks at Manchester Arena, London Bridge, Finsbury Park and Parsons Green. British security services have been thwarting attack plots at the rate of one every month since the Westminster attack in March 2017, the head of MI5 revealed. Andrew Parker warned of an intense, unrelenting and multidimensional international terrorist threat last month. Neo-Nazi found guilty of terror attack plot at gay pride event Daesh [Isis] continues to pose the most acute threat, but al-Qaeda and other Islamist terrorist groups havent gone away, he added. With the police we are also actively monitoring the trajectory of extreme right-wing terrorism. As we see instances of it rearing its ugly head our response is equally firm. Scotland Yard said 12 terrorist plots and four extreme right wing attacks have been foiled since March 2017, and there are 600 active investigations into 3,000 of the highest priority suspects. A spokesperson said police were also using disruption tactics by arresting suspected extremists for criminal matters like fraud, robbery and drugs offences if there is not enough evidence for a terror charge. Assistant Commissioner Neil Basu, head of counter-terror policing in the UK said: With the terrorist attacks of 2017 we saw a genuine step-change in momentum. As a result, our operational activity increased to meet the new and emerging threats we now face. A year on and our activity continues to be at unprecedented levels; shown, not least, by the fact that, in the past year, working together with the security services we have stopped an average of one terrorist attack every month. Police, together with the security services, are determined to make the UK as hostile an environment for terrorists as possible. Mr Basu said there was no typical profile of a terrorist and urged the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activity to police. A relatively small number of terror-related arrests cover attack planning compared to lower-level offences including collecting or disseminating terrorist information. The vast majority of people arrested in the past year were men in the 30 and over age group, but 27 under-18s and 56 female suspects were detained. Around 40 per cent of suspects were recorded as being of Asian ethnic appearance, 34 per cent white and 1 per cent black, while 68 per cent defined themselves as British or dual nationals. 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 Other nationalities included Algerian, Pakistani, Iraqi, Afghan, Iranian, Somali, Turkish, Indian and Irish. More than half of suspects were released without charge, a quarter on bail pending further investigation and a third were eventually prosecuted. The number of stop and searches under the Terrorism Act increased by 70 per cent in the year, seeing police examine almost 800 people, of whom 64 were arrested. Ben Wallace, the security minister, said: These figures demonstrate yet again the impressive work done by the police, MI5 and wider criminal justice system to keep us all safe. Intervening early is central to our strengthened counter-terrorism strategy and through the Counter-Terrorism and Border Security Bill, we are introducing new laws giving the police the powers they need. The prison sentences handed to convicted terrorists could increase further under the proposed changes, which would criminalise viewing terrorist material more than three times online and making reckless statements that could invite support for a banned group. The figures were released a day after four members of the neo-Nazi terrorist group National Action were jailed for posting racist stickers on a university campus. Chad Williams-Allen, 26, Garry Jack, 21, and two other men who cannot be named for legal reasons posed performing Hitler salutes after posting the stickers at Aston University in Birmingham in July 2016. Foiled plots include teenage Isis supporter Safaa Boulars plan to target the British Museum (PA) They included slogans such as white zone and Britain is ours the rest must go set against images showing masked faces and Nazi images. Judge Paul Farrer QC said the stickers were recruitment tools for National Action and were intended to undermine British values and foment hatred and unrest in society. Williams-Allen, of West Bromwich, was jailed for 21 months and Jack, of Birmingham, received a 12-month suspended sentence at Birmingham Crown Court. The unidentified defendants were imprisoned for 12 months and 16 months each. All four defendants had been convicted of stirring up racial hatred. Sue Hemming, of the Crown Prosecution Service, said: Their hope was to inspire others to stoke racial tensions but their criminal attempt to incite others to despise, reject, and expel non-whites failed. Another member of National Action has admitted plotting to murder a Labour MP with a machete in an ongoing trial at the Old Bailey, where he and five co-defendants deny membership of a proscribed group. Among other plots foiled in the past year was a planned attack by Britains first known all-female Isis cell. Safaa Boular was just 17 when she planned a grenade and gun attack on the British Museum after she was prevented from joining her Isis fighter boyfriend in Syria. The teenager enlisted her sister after being arrested and their mother was also convicted for supporting the plot. A student who stabbed an autistic teenager to death after an online row over who was more gay has been jailed for life as new statistics show knife crime is at a six-year high. Paul Akinnuoye, 20, was part of a WhatsApp chat group with victim Jordan Wright where the pair traded insults. Akinnuoye, of Tunbridge Wells in Kent, called the 19-year-old a batty boy and he retorted: On your mums life Im straighter than you. As the argument escalated, the pair arranged to meet for a fight to settle their differences in Blackheath, southeast London, on 19 April last year. Akinnuoye was carrying a knife but Mr Wright, who was due to start a construction apprenticeship days later, thought it was a fist fight, the court heard. He was stabbed in the chest and collapsed after telling friends he felt unwell. He later died in hospital. Akinnuoyes knife was recovered from a bush in the park and he was convicted of murder earlier this year. Judge Philip Katz QC jailed Akinnuoye to life with a minimum term of 21 years, condemning friends who had stoked their WhatsApp row. Murder probe launched after man found stabbed in west London The trigger for this murder was an utterly trivial dispute on a WhatsApp group chat which involved you, Jordan and others, he told the Old Bailey. Jordan lost his life as a result of this pathetic goading on social media. Jordans death was as pointless as it was tragic. In mitigation, John Femi-Ola QC said Akinnuoye was a grade-A student from an academic family and had thrown away the opportunity to study pharmacy at Brighton University. Detective inspector Jo Sidaway, of the Metropolitan Polices Homicide and Major Crime Command, said the murder devastated the victims family and shocked the local community. While nothing will ever make up for this needless loss of life, I hope that todays sentencing will bring some closure for his loved ones, she added. Mr Wrights mother Katharine Alade said she had contemplated suicide because of the trauma of her sons death. There is not one day when I dont shed tears. I didnt think it was possible to feel such physical, psychological or mental pain until that fateful day last April, she said. I know I will never be the same. More than 600 mourners attended Mr Wrights funeral, with his mother describing him as a happy-go-lucky boy who did not understand the complexities of life because of his autism. He did not fully take on board the dangers on the streets these days, Ms Alade said. Jordan Wrights father described him as a very loving, funny and a very caring person (Metropolitan Police) I could have dealt with him dying at such a young age through illness, but not by the hands of a boy the same age as him, and over what? Mr Wrights father, Neville Wright, said his sons unfulfilled potential haunted him on a daily basis. He was very loving, funny and a very caring person, as well as a very popular person, he added. I think of him every day, of what he would have achieved in life he is gone, but not forgotten. Three other men were arrested on suspicion of murder but released with no further action. The killing was one of several attacks linked to arguments on social media, with a 16-year-old boy killed after a Snapchat debate over who was the toughest last year and two teenage girls stabbed following an argument on Instagram in April. The governments first-ever Serious Violence Strategy warned that social media had created an almost unlimited opportunity for rivals to antagonise each other and cause cycles of tit-for-tat violence. The strategy was heavily criticised for omitting a leaked report by the Home Office warning that police budget cuts had likely contributed to rising violence and encouraged offenders. It sparked the creation of a Serious Violence Taskforce, including charities and mental health services seeking to prevent young people carrying knives and turn them away from criminality. Voluntary groups have highlighted the impact of the closure of youth centres and other services for young people on deprived communities, while the Police Federation has pointed at the loss of more than 20,000 officers since 2010. 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 The mayor of London has given extra funding to Scotland Yard, which increased the use of blanket stop and search powers in areas deemed to be at risk of violence. Akinnuoye was sentenced as new government figures showed the highest number of knife and offensive weapon offences since 2012 are being committed in England and Wales. Amid alarm over a nationwide rise in serious violence including more than 70 murders so far this year in London alone, statistics showed more than 21,000 offences resulted in an arrest or caution in the year to April. Two thirds were possession of a blade, up 10 per cent in a year, while threatening with a knife was up a quarter. The Ministry of Justice said the number of first-time offenders has been rising for five years to almost 14,000 people, reflecting warnings that young people are increasingly carrying weapons in the mistaken belief it will protect them. Prison sentences for the offences are at the highest level on record, seeing 37 per cent of knife offenders jailed immediately, 12 per cent cautioned and others given a community or suspended sentences. Since 2015, courts have been required by law to impose a minimum tariff on offenders who are convicted of knife or offensive weapons offences for a second time. The measure was intended to act as a deterrent but the number of stabbings has continued to rise and prisons have been driven to crisis by staffing pressures and budget cuts. Rory Stewart, the justice minister, said: Knife crime is killing far too many people and leaving innocent victims, including the families and friends of those attacked. It is vital that we are prosecuting people for carrying knives, and that sentences reflect the seriousness of these crimes. Be in no doubt knife possession is a crime carrying a long jail term, and we must do all we can to deter future criminals and protect the public. Additional reporting by PA Britains contribution to fighting Russian organised crime is less than negative, one of Europes leading prosecutors has said. Jose Grinda, hailed as the man who "brought down the Russian mafia in Spain, condemned the UKs lack of cooperation in a fight which has gone increasingly global. We have a wonderful relationship with the United States, the Spanish prosecutor told The American Interest magazine. However we have a very serious problem in fighting organised crime with the UK. We have very serious problems in getting them to cooperatewith the exception of drug trafficking [cases]. Its zilch, its less than negative. It just doesnt exist. He said Britain was suffering economic contamination, that UK politicians had been linked to oligarchs and that the country was riddled with oligarchs that have taken dirty money, taken money from a criminal organisation. Mr Grinda, who lives with 24-hour protection, was assigned to work on Russian organised crime cases in 2006. His efforts have led to dozens of arrests and a number of sentences, including the jailing of mafia boss Zakhar Kalashov, who was was found guilty by a Georgian court in absentia of kidnapping and other crimes and sentenced to 18 years in prison. Jose Grinda says British cooperation on Russian organised crime cases 'doesn't exist' (Hudson Institute) The corruption and organised crime prosecutor shot to fame in 2010 after Wikileaks made public US Embassy cables, one of which quoted him as saying Belarus, Chechnya and Russia were effectively mafia states. Bill Browder, a prominent British-born businessman and a man wanted by Russia on dubious charges, told The Independent Mr Grindas pursuit of bad guys and state officials had been very humiliating for the Russians. The prosecutor, highlighting British failings, claimed authorities in the UK had failed to arrest a Russian-Israeli businessman, Michael Cherney, when he visited in 2009, despite an Interpol arrest warrant issued against him. Philip Hammond says Tories will not pay back Russian oligarchs' donations to party The Spanish believe Mr Cherney to be the leader of the Izmailovskaya, one of Russias most high-profile mafia groups. Mr Grinda said he subsequently raised the issue in 2012 with a British representative, who told him there would be a change in approach, a change he claims has not happened. The United Kingdom was not aware at the time of the danger these people represented, he said. They were just not involved in fighting it. A Home Office spokesperson told The Independent: The UK has taken a leading role in the global fight against illicit finance and criminals should be in no doubt that we will come for them, their assets and their money. We continue to bring all the capabilities of UK law enforcement to bear against serious criminals and corrupt elites - and we are committed to working with European and other partners to do so. 'Mafia underground lair' raided in Italy Show all 7 1 /7 'Mafia underground lair' raided in Italy 'Mafia underground lair' raided in Italy Police discover 'Mafia underground lair' Italian police climb down the ladder to the lair EPA 'Mafia underground lair' raided in Italy Weapons siezed by police The walls were lined with about dozens of automatic weapons, including pump-action shotguns, pistols and an AK-47 assault rifle AP 'Mafia underground lair' raided in Italy The exterior of the hideout Camouflage conceals the entrance AP 'Mafia underground lair' raided in Italy Giuseppe Ferraro Giuseppe Ferraro, a fugitive since 1998, was found guilty of murder and Mafia association decades ago AP 'Mafia underground lair' raided in Italy Giuseppe Crea Crea, 37, faces 22-years in prison for Mafia association, and eluded capture for some 10-years 'Mafia underground lair' raided in Italy Inside the bunker Half-drunk bottles of red wine sit on the table inside the bunker EPA 'Mafia underground lair' raided in Italy The arrest Police escort the two arrested members from the hideout in Calabria Mr Grinda was in the headlines again last month after Mr Browder was briefly arrested by Spanish police at the request of Russia. The businessman live tweeted the incident, explaining he was in Madrid to give evidence to Mr Grinda about money laundering. Mr Browder, who ran an investment firm in Russia at the turn of the millennium, claims he uncovered serious corruption at various state backed commodities firms that were central to the explosion of corrupt personal wealth that created Russias oligarchs. In 2009, after Mr Browder had been banned from travelling to Russia and described as a threat to national security, his lawyer Sergei Magnitsky was detained, and eventually died in police custody. He is alleged to have been tortured. He has since dedicated his life to convincing Western countries to pass Magnitsky Acts, named in honour of his lawyer, to prevent corrupt Russian officials stashing their wealth in foreign countries. Dementia sufferers at a care home in Northern Ireland suffered a horrific catalogue of inhuman and degrading treatment, an investigation has found. Launching a scathing report into standards at Dunmurry Manor Care Home, the Commissioner for Older People for Northern Ireland (COPNI) Eddie Lynch identified significant failures in the safeguarding and care of residents. Mr Lynch, who deployed his investigatory powers after receiving complaints from relatives and former staff, said he found evidence of patients turning on other patients and subjecting them to alleged physical and sexual assaults amid an unsafe environment where such risks were not properly managed. When I launched my investigation into Dunmurry Manor nothing prepared me for what I was about to uncover, he said, launching his Home Truths report. When a loved one is in a care home we expect them to be provided with good food, adequate drinks, and kept safe from harm, physical and sexual assault. It makes me extremely angry that this was certainly not the case for everyone living in Dunmurry Manor. I found that some residents who were extremely vulnerable, living with dementia, experienced a horrific catalogue of inhuman and degrading treatment, with many spending their last few months living in appalling circumstances. There were significant failures in the safeguarding and care of many residents in Dunmurry Manor, with residents suffering harm through physical and sexual assaults. Runwood Homes, which owns Dunmurry Manor, said the managing director of the 76-bed facility, Logan Logeswaran, has resigned. Chief executive officer of Runwood Homes Gordon Sanders apologised for the failures. I am truly sorry we failed to deliver the high standards of care our residents at Dunmurry Manor had the right to expect and that, because of those failures, they and their families have had to endure this distressing experience, he said. The Board of Directors acknowledge and take full responsibility for these failures and the lack of oversight that could have ensured they did not happen. He said a new senior management team had been put in place in August 2017, adding: We have worked hard to put things right at Dunmurry Manor as well as taking strenuous steps to ensure such a situation can never arise at any other Group home. Mr Lynch made 59 recommendations to the relevant authorities in Northern Ireland focusing on the way care for older people is commissioned, regulated, monitored and delivered. 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 He highlighted that many of the incidents he flagged happened at a time when inspectors at the RQIA (Regulation and Quality Improvement Authority) were reporting that the home met required care standards. Despite the regulator carrying out 23 inspections in a 39-month period, they did not find the extent of the problems experienced by many residents, he said. There was a failure by Dunmurry Manor and its parent company, Runwood Homes Ltd, to respond to the concerns identified by staff, relatives, and some inspections. This was compounded by a failure of statutory agencies to act to protect the basic human rights of residents and their families. The commissioner added: I am angry that this problem is not a new one. Over three years ago the previous Commissioner advised Government that a whole-system change to the culture of care provision in care home settings was required. Much of that change has still not happened. We have seen the devastating consequence of inaction and lessons must be learnt. A spokesman from the RQIA said: RQIA acknowledges the publication of the commissioners report into Dunmurry Manor Care Home, which we received today. We will carefully consider this report and provide a full response in due course. This report reflects the experiences of the residents, carers and families who submitted evidence to this investigation, and we recognise the distress they have experienced. We accept that only a small number of Dunmurry Manor relatives chose to contact RQIA with their concerns. We have taken steps to increase our visibility in care settings, to ensure we hear and take account of these voices. The key responsibility for providing safe and effective care in every care setting rests with the service provider. Health and social care trusts and the HSC Board also play a key role in the oversight and monitoring of the care they commission in care homes. Recommended Slightly higher blood pressure increases dementia risk We routinely inspect all care homes, and when problems arise, residents and their families can be assured that RQIA will intervene on their behalf. A Department of Health spokesman added: The Department will consider COPNIs report very carefully and provide a formal, comprehensive response. COPNI had alerted us during its investigation to areas of concern and we commissioned independent assessments, with a particular focus on the present day standard of care at Dunmurry Manor. We published the two independent assessments this week, providing assurance to residents and their families on current care standards. The second report detailed the work by RQIA to ensure the implementation of necessary improvements. Having secured these assurances on current standards of care, we can concentrate on a detailed examination of COPNIs findings and recommendations. Press Association An Iowa judge ruled in favor of two transgender women being able to have their gender reassignment surgery covered by Medicaid. Plaintiffs Carol Ann Beal and EerieAnna Good won over the Iowa Department of Human Service in Polk County court, according to KCCI. Iowa law previously said that the procedure could not be covered because it was thought of as cosmetic instead of medically necessary. "We are extremely relieved for our clients who now, after a very long wait, can finally get the care that they need, that all of our doctors agree is medically necessary for them," ACLU of Iowa legal director Rita Bettis said. The state has 30 days to file an appeal on the decision. According to KCCI, a spokesperson for Iowas attorney generals office said the state would not decide whether to appeal yet. This year, the Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr begins on the evening of Saturday 23 May. The holiday marks the end of Ramadan, a month-long period of fasting and deep reflection. Translated from Arabic as the feast of the breaking of the fast, Muslims observe the religious holiday by taking part in traditions such as holding prayer services and donating money to charity. Heres everything you need to know about Eid al-Fitr: What is Eid al-Fitr? Eid al-Fir follows Ramadan, the Islamic holy month which sees Muslims fast during daylight hours. Ramadan commemorates the Quran first being revealed to the Prophet Muhammad and is one of the Five Pillars of Islam. Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Show all 30 1 /30 Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Britain Muhammad, 4, and Sanaa, 6, (left) arrive for the Eid celebrations in Small Heath Park, Birmingham PA Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Pakistan Muslims girls show their hands painted with henna to celebrate the Eid al-Fitr at a Mosque in Peshawar AP Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Libya Muslim worshippers gather to perform Eid al-Fitr prayers at the Martyrs Square of the capital Tripoli. Muslims worldwide celebrate Eid al-Fitr marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan AFP/Getty Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Lebanon Palestinian girls ride on human-powered swings at an amusement park EPA Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Syria Syrians shop in the Bazurieh market in Damascus' historic bazaar ahead of Eid al-Fitr AFP/Getty Images Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Lebanon Children wave their hands as they pass in a mini transport car inside Sabra and Shatila Refugee Camp during Eid al-Fitr in Beirut EPA Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Pakistan Muslims greet each other after offering the Eid al-Fitr prayers at a Mosque in Peshawar AP Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Pakistan Muslims greet each other after a morning prayer session to celebrate Eid al-Fitr in Peshawar EPA Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Turkey Muslim worshippers perform Eid al-Fitr prayers at the Suleymaniye mosque in Istanbul AFP/Getty Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Romania Girls wait for the start of Eid al-Fitr prayers in Bucharest AP Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Afghanistan Muslims greet each other after a morning prayer session in Jalalabad EPA Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Romania A boy attends Eid al-Fitr prayers in Bucharest AP Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Bangladesh People cram onto a train as they travel back home to meet their families ahead of the Muslim festival of Eid al-Fitr, in Dhaka AFP/Getty Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Kenya Muslim women take pictures with their mobile phone after attending Eid al-Fitr prayers at the Pumwani grounds in Nairobi AFP/Getty Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Democratic Republic of the Congo Young Muslim worshippers are seen ahead of a mass prayer to celebrate Eid al-Fitr at the Stade des Martyrs, Kinshasa AFP/Getty Images Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Kosovo Young Muslim devotees perform Eid al-Fitr prayers at the grand mosque in Pristina AFP/Getty Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Kenya A muslim girl decorated with Hina on her hands at the Pumwani grounds in Nairobi AFP/Getty Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Afghanistan Children play during the first day of the Muslim holiday of Eid al-Fitr in Kabul Reuters Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Libya Men exchange Eid al-Fitr greetings at the port of Benghazi AFP/Getty Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Saudi Arabia Two women embrace each other to as they celebrate Eid al-Fitr, after prayers in the courtyard of the mosque of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh EPA Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Britain Two young worshippers eat ice cream during Eid celebrations in Small Heath Park PA Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Russia Muslims attend a morning prayer session to celebrate Eid al-Fitr on the street outside the Central Mosque in Moscow EPA Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Saudi Arabia Men embrace each other to as they celebrate Eid al-Fitr, after prayers in the courtyard of the mosque of the King Abdulaziz Historical Center in Riyadh EPA Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Turkey Muslims offer prayers during the first day of Eid al-Fitr at the Suleymaniye Mosque in Istanbul AP Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Afghanistan Men greet each other after offering Eid al-Fitr prayer at the presidential palace in Kabul EPA Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Saudi Arabia Adults take pictures of children in their new clothes after Eid al-Fitr prayers EPA Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Albania Muslims pray at Skenderbej square on the first day of the Muslim festival marking the end of the holy fasting month of Ramadan in Tirana AFP/Getty Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Afghanistan Men hug each other after offering Eid al-Fitr prayers during the Eid al-Fitr at the presidential palace in Kabul AP Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Albania Muslims attend the morning prayers of Eid al-Fitr, marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan in Skanderbeg square Tirana Reuters Eid 2019: Celebrations across the world Syria People shop in the old city of Damascus EPA Eid al-Fitr marks an end to the solemn period of reassessment that is Ramadan. When is the festival? Ramadan lasts between 29 and 30 days, depending on when a new moon is sighted by local religious authorities. The sighting of the new moon means that Eid al-Fitr can commence. Recommended Thousands worship at Grand Mosque in Mecca for Ramadan Precisely when followers choose to observe it varies because there is some discussion within the faith about whether the moon must be spotted with the naked eye and whether it needs to be seen in the country where the celebrations are happening. The date of Eid al-Fitr depends on the lunar calendar, which is why it falls on a different date on the Gregorian calendar on an annual basis. This year, Eid al-Fitr takes place from the evening of Saturday 23 May until the evening of Sunday 24 May. The festival is a day when Muslims thank god, known as Allah in Arabic, for strength and blessings, hoping the commemoration of Ramadan has brought them closer to god. It was first celebrated by Muhammad in 624CE following a victory in battle. How is it celebrated? Several traditions are observed on Eid al-Fitr, one of which involves the reciting of a certain set of prayers especially for the occasion called Salat al-Eid. Muslims will generally gather at mosques or in open-air locations such as parks to recite the prayers on the first morning of the festival. They will then sit down with their family and friends for breakfast, their first daylight meal following a month of fasting. However, this year traditional celebration practises may have significantly adapted due to the ongoing coronavirus pandemic. Traditionally, Eid al-Fitr is celebrated for three days and is a national holiday in Muslim countries. In the UK, Muslims tend to celebrate the festival for a day and may take time off work or school for the occasion. Another important tradition is Zakat al-Fitr the act of giving charity to the poor at the end of Ramadan. In 2016, it was estimated that British Muslims gave on average 371 each to charity during Ramadan. Support free-thinking journalism and attend Independent events Whats the difference between Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha? Eid al-Adha takes place later on in the year, and is considered a holier observance than Eid al-Fitr. It takes place on the 10th day of the final month of the Islamic calendar, and involves Muslims from around the world travelling the Mecca for pilgrimage. This year, Eid al-Adha takes place from the evening of Thursday 30 July to Monday 3 August. It is known as the sacrifice feast, and honours the prophet Ibrahims sacrifice of his son Ishmael, an act of submission under the order of Allah. How to wish someone a happy Eid The phrase commonly used by Muslims to wish someone a happy Eid is Eid Mubarak, which translates to Blessed Eid in Arabic. More than 200 homes bought by Kensington and Chelsea council (RBKC) to rehouse Grenfell survivors are empty a year on as scores of households remain in hotels because the properties are deemed unsuitable. Charities and lawyers have condemned the very poor quality of housing offers made to displaced households, with survivors offered rabbit hutch flats which lack basic facilities such as living rooms, while other properties purchased by the council are still in need of renovation and that will not be ready until 2019. With already long waiting lists for social housing in the borough, the council spent 235m on buying 307 properties intended for Grenfell residents in the immediate aftermath of the fire in a bid to get all of the survivors rehoused within a year. But 12 months on, just 81 of these have been moved into. A total of 129 Grenfell households more than half of those that escaped the blaze are yet to be permanently housed, with 72 of these stuck in emergency accommodation, many of them families with young children. The council has been accused of buying properties for survivors too hastily in order to cover themselves, without taking into account the needs of individual families or considering how long it would take to ensure the homes were up to standards. One family from the tower currently still in a hotel is facing another six months waiting for a home after being offered a house that will not be ready to move into until 2019. In another case, a man who spent six hours in the burning tower before he was rescued and is still in temporary accommodation told The Independent he had been offered totally unsuitable properties with no living rooms and in high storey blocks. Meanwhile, flats sold to the council for the purpose of rehousing people are lying empty months after the blaze. One local resident said she had sold her flat in Westbourne Park to the council last December to help victims, but that it still remained unfilled. Laure, who did not want to use her last name, said: I was happy it was going to go to Grenfell victims. But I noticed from walking past that the flat was still empty. I asked the council and they said it was being renovated to meet the councils requirements. Its strange because the flat was renovated to a high standard. They bought it in December and it is still empty I feel sorry for the families. A report earlier this week by the North Kensington Law Centre, which has provided free legal advice to around 250 households following the fire, found that the councils rehousing process had fallen way short to the point that it had added to the communitys suffering. Alex Diner, who wrote the report, told The Independent properties were standing still, idle because the council had bought them quickly and without ensuring they were suitable for survivors. Repair issues, damp, all the rest of it, access issues a lot of them are in basements. Weve even heard about fire safety checks being done after theyve been offered and accepted. Because they did it at such speed, they arent all suitable, and they cant make them suitable overnight, he said. He said there was also a whole range of issues around basic household needs which didnt come into the process when the council bought the properties, such as property sizes and considering proximity to hospitals, schools and carers. The Grenfell flats were reasonably sized a lot of the places people have been offered are rabbit hutches. They were promised at least like-for-like stuff. The council has bought a lot of street properties that require you to go down to a basement, which is obviously difficult for a lot of people, he said. What was become clear is that the quality of these housing units does not match the need, and its because before they bought the properties they didnt get a thorough three dimensional assessment of what the needs were. Antonio Olmos, 58, who was the penultimate person to be rescued from the fire, is living in a temporary flat and has turned down five properties since the start of the year because they have been totally unsuitable for him and his son. Antonio Roncolato is among the 129 households from Grenfell Tower and the surrounding area that have yet to move into permanent accommodation (Helen Hodinott/The Independent) The councils intentions were very good in the beginning. They assessed our needs. I said I wanted to be away from the tower and no higher than the fourth floor, he told The Independent. But Ive been offered places on the fifth floor. When youve been through what I did, this makes you feel very trapped. And some places have had no living room. I had a nice living room in Grenfell Tower. Why should I have no living room? And they have offered flats close to the tower. My son was traumatised by looking at the fire looking at the tower burning and me inside and not knowing if I would make it out or not. Why didnt they really check the assessment that we gave them? These are the basics. Of course, the council would like to rehouse and put us into the flats that they bought. But Im sorry, we are not things, we are human beings. We have needs and requirements. Roy Khalil, director of charity Grenfell Voices who has been supporting a number of families still in hotels and temporary accommodation, said the majority of households still in emergency accommodation were families with children, and had been harassed to accept unacceptable housing. One survivor we work with who has accessibility issues is transitioning into temporary housing after a year living in one hotel room with an infant. The home she accepted wont be ready until the start of 2019 due to making it accessibility friendly, he said. They put survivors like her on high floors initially, even next to fire alarms which needed to be tested weekly. The lack of leadership and wilful ignorance of the survivors plight has been startling, if not surprising, for this government. They have sent a very clear message through their lack of urgency and action that if you are working class and in social housing in Britain your lives and futures hold no value. Shadow home secretary Diane Abbott, who has been in touch with many survivors of the blaze, told The Independent some of the offers they made to Grenfell residents had been completely inappropriate. If the council was looking at it properly, they would have realised this, but they were so slow at engaging with the disaster and much more concerned about covering themselves, she continued. The council persisted with a way of managing housing and a way of managing their tenants which predated the fire. They brought the kind of disobliging attitudes from the way they ran housing generally to the way they engaged with Grenfell and it was just completely wrong. Now there seems to be a take it or leave it attitude. Unforgivably, they try to imply Grenfell residents are too choosy. All they want is a decent home, and to be closer to childrens school and their existing social connections. Theyve had 12 months. There is no excuse at all for not being able to offer people suitable housing. Their needs assessment was poor to begin with, and theyve just moved too slowly. As well as the families who fled the fire, a further 128 households from the surrounding Lancaster West Estate were evacuated on 14 June, of which 88 are either in hotels or temporary accommodation and only one has so far secured permanent accommodation. In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Show all 51 1 /51 In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police have released images from inside the tower where at least 58 people have died Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by polices what appears to be a stationary bicycle sitting among the ashes In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A still from a video shared by police shows the remnants of a burnt-out bathroom In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Picture showing the lifts on an unknown floor Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency crews outside the front entrance to the tower Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Fire crews inspecting flats in the burnt out tower London Metropolitan Police In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Grenfell Tower is seen in the distance PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A drone flies near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire 'Theresa May Stay Away' message written on the messages of support at Latymer Community Church for those affected by the fire Ray Tang/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire An aerial view of the area surrounding Grenfall tower Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Donated shoes sit in the Westway Sports Centre near to the site of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of support for those affected by the massive fire in Grenfell Tower are displayed on a well near the tower in London AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A local resident stands on her balcony by the gutted Grenfell Tower in Latimer Road Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Messages of condolence are left at a relief centre close to the scene of the fire that broke out at Grenfell Tower, EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A police officer stands by a security cordon outside Latimer Road station Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firemen examine the scorched facade of the Grenfell Tower in London on a huge ladder AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A search dog is led through the rubble of the Grenfell Tower in London as firefighting continue to damp-down the deadly fire AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn comforts a local resident (name not given) at St Clement's Church in west London where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn hugs councillor Mushtaq Lasharie as he arrives at St Clement's Church in Latimer Road, where volunteers have provided shelter and support for people affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Labour leader Jeremy Corbyn meeting staff and volunteers at St Clementis Church in Latimer Road David Mirzoeff/PA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Firefighters with a dog walk around the base of the Grenfell Tower REUTERS/Peter Nicholls In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emotions run high as people attend a candle lit vigil outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near the 24 storey residential Grenfell Tower block in Latimer Road, West London Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Debris hangs from the blackened exterior of Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman speaks to Mayor of London Sadiq Khan outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman holds a missing person posters near the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Sadiq Khan speaking with a resident James Gourley/REX In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Ken Livingstone walks near the scene of the Grenfell Tower fire Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan is confronted by Kai Ramos, 7, near Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Mayor of London Sadiq Khan speaks to a woman outside Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Yui Mok/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers distribute aid near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Family and friends of missing Jessica Urbano, 12, wearing photographs of Jessica pinned to their t-shirts gather near Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People gather to observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People light candles as they observe a vigil outside St Clement's Church following the blaze at Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People attend a vigil at Notting Hill Methodist Church near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man distributes food from the back of a van near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A firefighter is cheered near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A T-shirt with a written message from the London Fire Brigade hangs from a fence near The Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A young girl on her way to lay flowers near Grenfell Tower Getty Images In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire The remains of residential tower block Grenfell Tower are seen from Dixon House a nearby tower block Getty In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers prepare supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block which was destroyed in a fire REUTERS/Neil Hall In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Volunteers move a car to make space for a lorry picking up supplies for people affected by the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Stefan Wermuth In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire People distribute boxes of food near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower bloc REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A woman touches a missing poster for 12-year-old Jessica Urbano on a tribute wall after laying flowers on the side of Latymer Community Church next to the fire-gutted Grenfell Tower AP In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire A man looks at messages written on a wall near the scene of the fire which destroyed the Grenfell Tower block REUTERS/Paul Hackett In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Candles and messages of condolence near where the fire broke out at Grenfell Tower EPA In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry a stretcher towards Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Emergency services at Grenfell Tower Rick Findler/PA Wire In Pictures: Grenfell Tower after the fire Police carry out a body from Grenfell Tower in west London after a fire engulfed the 24-storey building Rick Findler/PA Wire Many of these families have been told that they must return to their homes before the end of June or lose their council tenancies. Polly Neate, chief executive of Shelter, said the tragedy had highlighted the grim reality of the UKs housing crisis, describing a situation in which communities are divided, social housing tenants are ignored, and we are desperately short of enough good quality social homes. A Kensington and Chelsea council spokesperson said: We have staff doing everything they can to rehouse families as quickly as possible and support them in rebuilding their lives. We have already committed 235m to secure 307 homes, so that people have maximum choice available. Hundreds of people thought to be traumatised by the fire at Grenfell Tower have dropped out of therapy in the year since the blaze, new NHS figures have shown. Grenfell health and wellbeing adults service manager Ross OBrien said the local community was still in a crisis period and warned ongoing problems rehousing survivors were harming their abilities to recover psychologically. He expressed concern the inquiry was re-traumatising survivors and said a deeply felt desire to seek justice after the fire that killed 72 people was slowing some peoples recovery. He also acknowledged the backgrounds of staff at the service did not mirror that of the community they served, but said it was working with community liaison officers to try to engage those affected by the tragedy. Sadiq Khan on Grenfell: I am angry at the institutional indifference from this Government Some 2,006 adults have been referred to the Grenfell Tower therapy service for post-traumatic stress in the year since the fire, 300 of whom have been sent on to other services, NHS figures showed. But only 903 of the remaining 1,706 were in or had completed therapy, leaving 803 people who appeared to have dropped out. Total withdrawal figures were not recorded by the health service, although 325 of those 803 were confirmed to have pulled out after attending one therapy session. They were deemed not ready. A year after the fire we still feel like were in the crisis period, Mr OBrien said. Weve got a concentrated cohort of residents that are waiting to be rehoused theyre still not rehoused. Because of that, and because of the inquiry, they arent anywhere near where they would normally be if they were, say, in a terrorist bombing. In order to move forward, theyre looking to the future for things to calm down and to be stable and get into new accommodation so they can concentrate on trying to get their lives back on track. Some 69 of the 203 households from Grenfell Tower are still living in hotels following the fire, while 52 more are living in temporary accommodation, according to the latest statistics released by the council. The majority have accepted an offer of a permanent home, but many survivors have said the council has not told them when they can move in. Weve had lots of referrals and weve had lots of people start therapy, but weve had more people than we would expect drop out early, Mr OBrien said. He said many people had deferred treatment and come back to them several months later, meaning the service had brought in a follow-up procedure. Well go back to them in three or six months time and say, how are you coping now? Because post-traumatic stress disorder commonly manifests itself when everything starts to calm down, he added. Thats when people start to get flashbacks. Thats when people start to get sleepless nights. It feels quite odd because they feel theyre moving on with their life, but its when the brain starts to feel safe enough that it can start to deal with the stuff thats happened that we start to get the onset of PTSD. The Grenfell mental health service was expecting another wave of referrals in the immediate aftermath of the inquiry, he said, but added that the community would need mental health support extending further into the future. The Central and North West London NHS Foundation Trust said it had spent 4.1m on mental health services in the last financial year and predicts it will spend 6.5m more in the year to April 2019. Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Show all 18 1 /18 Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Kitchen in flat 16 where the fire started Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began The kitchen from flat 16 ReutersGrenfell Tower Inquiry/Reuters Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began The kitchen from flat 16 PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Hallway in flat 16, leading to the kitchen where the fire started Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began The kitchen from flat 16 Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began The kitchen from flat 16 PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Bedroom in flat 16 Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Living room in flat 16 Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Toilet in flat 16 Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Living room in flat 16 Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Bedroom 2 of flat 16 Grenfell Tower Inquiry/Reuters Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Bedroom in flat 16 Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Bedroom 2 of flat 16 Grenfell Tower Inquiry/Reuters Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began The kitchen from flat 16 Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Kitchen in flat 16 where the fire started Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Door to flat 16 from the lobby on floor 4 Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Living room in flat 16 Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA Grenfell Tower Inquiry: photos of inside the flat where fire began Hallway in flat 16 Grenfell Tower Inquiry/PA The continuing danger posed by the Grenfell Tower fire to the mental health of Kensington residents was addressed by Muslim Aid in a review of the response to the disaster published in May. One of the most widespread and deep-seated challenges is around mental health and its multiple complex manifestations, the report said. There is concern that certain groups may be overlooked, such as older men who are culturally not comfortable airing their feelings, young Muslims who do not attend the mosque, or people from smaller minority communities. Mr OBrien admitted the backgrounds of staff at the Grenfell mental health service did not match the north Kensington community demographic, but said they had hired engagement workers to try to help meet their needs. What you find in the UK is weve got a disproportionate amount of female therapists they are generally middle class and they generally dont have that many language abilities, he said. Despite our best efforts to recruit staff from different backgrounds or particular language skills, theyre not out there. The service that we created has got highly trained excellent trauma specialists working with forced migration, torture, rape or victims of traumatic incidents like this, but they dont mirror the community they serve. Rather than us saying, Were from your culture, were regularly training up the staff to be competent to deliver therapy and to understand the nuances of different cultures. The NHS Grenfell Outreach Team provides free, confidential help on 020 8962 4393 (10am to 8pm). Grenfell victims were subject to "social apartheid" in North Kensington which meant fire safety in the block fell short of usual standards, Labour's Diane Abbott has told The Independent. The home secretary said the "yawning gulf" between different social classes in the neighbourhood must be considered in order to understand how the fire happened, saying questions must be asked around how people were able to burn to death in the "richest borough in one of the richest cities in the world". Speaking a year on from the tragedy, the Labour MP backed calls by Imran Khan QC, a lawyer representing a number of victims, last week for the inquiry to broaden the current terms of reference to probe whether race, religion or social class played any part in the disaster. You have to look at the social issues to get a good understanding of how Grenfell happened. You have blocks that are almost as high in Chelsea and Knightsbridge, but the private tower blocks, they all have sprinklers on every floor, and they all have two staircases, Ms Abbott said. It was almost a sense of, well this is good enough for these types of people. If youre building accommodation of that height in a wealthy area, the fire safety is taken for granted and is priced in. There was almost a sense that council tenants had to take what they were given, and clearly the fire safety standards are not what they would have been in a private sector block of a similar height. In an impassioned critique of the governments response to the tragedy, Ms Abbot accused Theresa May of acting too little, too late after the Prime Minister apologised earlier this week for not meeting victims in the immediate aftermath of the blaze, saying her absence depended the sense of abandonment among survivors. The fact that she could physically get to Grenfell and speak to senior fire officers but could speak to survivors is very telling, and deciding a year later to say shes sorry for that doesnt cut it with me Im afraid, the shadow home secretary said. It should have been obvious to her from the get-go how important it was to meet the actual survivors. I think it is quite meaningful that the Queen got down there and met survivors before Theresa May did. Highlighting the fact that more than half of the families displaced by the fire are yet to be permanently rehoused, the shadow home secretary condemned the Royal Borough of Kensington and Chelsea (RBKC) for being too slow at engaging with the disaster, and much more concerned about covering themselves. A total of 129 Grenfell households more than half of the those that escaped the blaze - are yet to be permanently housed, with 72 of these stuck in emergency accommodation - many of them being families with young children. There is no excuse, theyve had 12 months. I have spoken to survivors and various points, and they stress how unsuitable some of the offers have been. Often up tower blocks, which people found very upsetting. Offers too far from the community, when people have their schools and their friends and their job all in that area," she said. They seem to have adopted a take it or leave it attitude. Unforgivably, they seem to have tried to imply Grenfell residents are too choosy. All they want is a decent home, and to be closer to childrens school and their existing social connections." The Labour MP also spoke out against blaming the firefighters for the high death toll, saying the so-called "stay put" policy would likely have worked had there been a properly regulated regime in relation to making the block fire proof. "I would push back on any tendency to blame the fire brigade for what happened. It's not so much the stay put policy didn't work, it's that - it would appear at least - there were all sorts of failings in the way the cladding was put on and the way the refurbishment took place," she said. "The firefighters saved 65 people. Some of them went in twice, or even three times. To try turn the blame on them is ridiculous." Ms Abbott, who grew up in London and spent a lot of time in north Kensington, noted the neighbourhood now appeared "more socially divided than ever", with gentrification over recent years having formed a yawning gulf between social classes. Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Show all 31 1 /31 Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Jeremy Corbyn hugs a woman after the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Prince Harry leaving after the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures A woman appears emotional as she leaves the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Jeremy Corbyn consoles a mourner AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners carry pictures of victims of the fire and white roses as they leave St Paul's cathedral AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners carry white roses as they leave St Paul's cathedral after attending a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Jeremy Corbyn consoles a relative of a victim AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners leave after attending the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Labour opposition party leader Jeremy Corbyn embraces a mourner AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures People hold photos and flowers as they leave after the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners hold up photos of victims as they leave St Paul's cathedral after attending a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures People hold photos and flowers as they leave after the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Service members carry a Grenfell banner Rex Features Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures People at the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Prime Minister Theresa May attends the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Marcus Mumford, Adele and Carey Mulligan attending the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Attendees hold a banner at the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Prince Harry, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Duchess of Cornwall and The Prince of Wales attend the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures The Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott arrive at St Paul's Cathedral REUTERS Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Members of the public gather outside St Paul's Cathedral ahead of the Grenfell Tower national memorial service Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry attend the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners arrive at St Paul's cathedral for a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Firefighters arriving for the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners arrive at St Paul's cathedral for a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners arrive at St Paul's cathedral for a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service at St Paul's Cathedral PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures People arrive for the Grenfell Tower Memorial Service Rex Features Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners arrive at St Paul's cathedral for a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Former footballer Les Ferdinand (right) arriving for the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service at St Paul's Cathedral PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Police officers arrive at St Paul's Cathedral for a memorial service in honour of the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire REUTERS Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners arrive at St Paul's cathedral for a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images There is something in particular about the council and its attitude to the northern part of the borough and the people who live there. It is almost a form of social apartheid. There is a sense that they regard those parts of north Kensington with very diverse populations as some kind of Bantustan, she said. The home secretary compared the area when she was a child - when "the big wedding cake houses had four doorbells because they were houses of multiple occupation" - to the present day, when "one merchant banker owns a whole house". Its been a diverse area for as long as I can remember. I remember it all as one community. But the gentrification which has taken place is extraordinary," she said, adding: "Grenfell has shone a light on the profound inequalities." A British man filmed himself spraying a Muslim woman with stain remover in what some have claimed is a racist attack. Taken in a supermarket, the footage shows a spray bottle of Vanish to the camera, before saying in a northern accent: Lets see if this f****** thing works. He then repeatedly sprays the back of a woman wearing a hijab, who is apparently oblivious to the assault. No, no it dont f****** work, he says, before turning the camera on himself. At that point the clip ends. Social media users expressed their disgust at the video, with many calling for the unidentified man to be prosecuted. He has sprayed a chemical on someone. I hope he has been reported to the police, what he did here is illegal. This is an assault, one Twitter user wrote. CJ Werleman, a journalist and one of the first to share the video, wrote: While I'm hesitant to give oxygen to this racist's hate, it does illustrate the increasing marginalization and stigmatisation Muslims now face. Unidentified man turns camera on himself after appearing to spray Muslim woman with Vanish (Twitter/@AHudhayfah) It is unknown where the footage was filmed, or if the incident was reported to police. It comes after a report last year found Muslim women bore the brunt of rising Islamophobia in the UK. Of the 765 victims and 874 perpetrators identified in the findings by hate-monitoring group Tell MAMA, that group made up 56 per cent of victims. 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 Women were more likely to be attacked or abused if they were wearing Islamic clothing, as more than a third of victims were visibly Muslim females, the report said. The abuse had become so targeted, that a number of women were resorting to modifying their appearance. Some had resorted to wearing caps in place of headscarves to prevent being attacked. Super-strength skunk could be to blame for a spike in lung and heart problems among cannabis smoking women over 40, new report has found Researchers at the University of York found there has been a steep increase in cannabis users over the age of 40. Their findings demonstrate has been a 118 per cent rise among those in that age bracket going to specialist drug treatment services and citing cannabis as their primary health concern. The research also found there had been a 95 per cent increase in women stretching across all age groups going to treatment centres in the last decade. This is substantially higher than a 72 per cent increase in men presenting to treatment centres in the past 10 years. The new research found it was possible a mix of tobacco use and high potency cannabis could have contributed to the rise in the number of users aged of 40 getting health problems such as respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. Nevertheless, it currently remains unclear what factors are contributing to the increase in women of a variety of ages developing cannabis-related health problems. Researchers argue it is important treatment services adopt new methods to lend assistance to women seeking help for treatment. They said this needs to look at ways to adapt to the challenges of childcare. They also say the findings demonstrated the notion cannabis is predominantly the drug of choice for young men who later go on to develop health problems might no longer be the reality. Ian Hamilton, from the University of Yorks Department of Health Sciences, said: Research earlier this year showed that the UK street market for cannabis is increasingly dominated by very high potency varieties of the drug. In some cases, resin can be nearly three times stronger than drugs on the street in 2005. Long-term cannabis users, who are aged 40 or older, therefore, have been used to lower potency cannabis in the past, which can now no longer be sourced. Turning to higher potency cannabis could increase the likelihood of them developing health problems. If we also consider that cannabis users are often also smokers, and this age group will have been smoking for longer than younger drug users, then we can start to see how this rise in cannabis-related health issues has occurred. Add to this the fact that drug-users over the age of 40 may have dependent family members and other significant financial responsibilities, we can see that there might be more urgency for this age-group to seek medical help compared to some younger cannabis users. While cannabis remains the most popular illicit drug in Britain, the number of people using it had has reduced over the last 10 years falling from two million to 1.4 million. Mr Hamilton said: The most significant step forward to supporting cannabis users over the age of 40 is offering smoking cessation advice, which traditionally specialist drug treatment services haven't done as it is generally seen as a lesser problem compared to other drugs. The combination of tobacco and cannabis use, however, exacerbates health issues, and if we can tackle both ends of the addictive behaviour smoking and cannabis use then we have a better chance of reducing drug-related health problems overall. In February, a report found the UK cannabis market was dominated by high-potency skunk and weaker varieties of the drug have been pushed out. The study, conducted by Kings College London researchers, found high-potency varieties constituted 94 per cent of police seizures in 2016. The piece of research is the first comprehensive, wide-ranging survey of cannabis strength published in Britain for almost 10 years. 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 Researchers examined almost 1,000 police seizures of cannabis from London, Kent, Derbyshire, Merseyside and Sussex areas which were last investigated in 2005 and 2008. In 2016, 94 per cent of police seizures were high-potency sinsemilla colloquially referred to as skunk compared to 85 per cent in 2008 and just 51 per cent in 2005. Max Daly, a drug expert, said he was not remotely surprised the research found high-strength skunk dominates the UK market. Cannabis users, growers, dealers, drug workers, police Ive talked to have been saying the market has been dominated by strong weed for the last decade. This is backed up by research, forensics, experts, academics, the author of Narcomania: How Britain got hooked on drugs with Steve Sampson told The Independent at the time. Austrian chancellor Sebastian Kurz has called for the formation of an anti-migration axis of the willing with Germany and Italy, to push for more restrictive border policies at an EU level. Mr Kurz, a right-wing conservative who is in coalition with his countrys far-right party, said he wanted to increase cooperation between Rome, Vienna and Berlin on the issue of illegal immigration. The use of the term axis by Mr Kurz raised eyebrows across Europe, given its association with the Germany-Italy-Japan alliance during the Second World War, when Austria was part of Germany. Recommended Italy shuts ports to rescue boat carrying hundreds of migrants The provocative intervention comes after a tumultuous week on the European stage, with international rows triggered by Italys new populist right-wing government closing its ports to a rescue ship carrying over 600 refugees. Spains new centre-left prime minister Pedro Sanchez said his country would allow the Aquarius in, whose passengers included children, pregnant women, and people needing medical attention. French president Emmanuel Macron also criticised Italys handling of the situation, telling his cabinet that the new Five Star-League coalition government had acted cynically and irresponsibly in its refusal to welcome the ship.. Mr Macrons spokesperson sought to diffuse mounting tensions on Thursday, telling reporters: The French president emphasised that he never said anything meant to offend Italy and the Italian people. The vessel is in the process of making the four-day journey to the Spanish port of Valencia, escorted by two Italian coastguard ships whose berths have also been used to relieve overcrowding on the rescue boat. In our view, we need an 'axis of the willing' in the fight against illegal migration Sebastian Kurz Austrian chancellor Mr Kurz met with the German interior minister Horst Seehofer on Wednesday, afterwards telling reporters: In our view, we need an axis of the willing in the fight against illegal migration. I am happy about the good cooperation that we want to develop between Rome, Vienna and Berlin. I think it marks very sensible cooperation that will contribute to reducing illegal migration to Europe. Stranded migrants were transferred from the Aquarius to Italian ships (AP/SOS Mediterranee) (AP) One of Angela Merkels most senior ministers, Mr Seehofer, hails from her CDU partys independent Bavarian sister party, the CSU, which takes a more conservative stance on immigration. Tensions between the two German conservative groups have been growing over the issue, with the CSU worried that the far-right AfD party will make further gains at its expense, but Ms Merkel committed to a liberal an EU-wide approach to the refugee crisis. An immigration master-plan drawn up by Mr Seehofer was due to be published on Tuesday but was delayed, reportedly after opposition from Ms Merkel. A session of the Bundestag was interrupted on Thursday morning so that CDU and CSU MPs could hold separate meetings amongst themselves to discuss the policies. Mr Seehofer wants border states like Bavaria to be allowed to refuse asylum-seekers trying to enter Germany if they have already registered in another EU state. But Ms Merkel says any policy on the issue must be coordinated at an EU level. The refugee crisis - in pictures Show all 70 1 /70 The refugee crisis - in pictures The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict A Syrian refugee holding a baby in a lifetube swims towards the shore after their dinghy deflated some 100m away before reaching the Greek island of Lesbos The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict A refugee raises a child into the air as Syrian and Afghan refugees are seen on and around a dinghy that deflated some 100m away before reaching the Greek island of Lesbos The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Syrian and Afghan refugees fall into the sea after their dinghy deflated some 100m away before reaching the Greek island of Lesbos The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict A refugee cries as he holds a child on the Serbian side of the border with Hungary in Asotthalom Reuters The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Refugees stand in front of a barrier at the border with Hungary near the village of Horgos, Serbia Reuters The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict A refugee from Syria prays after arriving on the shores of the Greek island of Lesbos aboard an inflatable dinghy across the Aegean Sea from from Turkey. Greece sent troops and police reinforcements to Lesbos after renewed clashes between police and migrants, the public broadcaster said, while Syrian refugees on the island were targeted with Molotov cocktail attacks The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Police try to stop refugees going under a fence to board a train at a station near Gevgelija, Macedonia. Several thousand refugees in Macedonia boarded trains to travel north after spending a night in a provisional camp. Macedonia has organised trains twice a day to the north border where they cross into Serbia to make their way to Hungary The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Refugees push each other as they try to board a bus following their arrival onboard the Eleftherios Venizelos passenger ship at the port of Piraeus, near Athens, Greece The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Refugees are welcomed by locals after their arrival at the main railway station in Frankfurt, Germany. Over 1,000 more refugees arrived in Germany to cheers and "welcome" signs, but calls grew for a European solution to its worst refugee crisis since World War II The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict A young Syrian boy arrives on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing in a dinghy with other refugees from Turkey AP The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Refugees walk on the railway tracks between Bicske and Szar, some 40 kms west of Budapest, trying to reach Germany EPA The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Hungarian policemen stand by the family of refugees as they wanted to run away at the railway station in the town of Bicske, Hungary The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict A family is arrested by local police after their local train coming from Budapest and heading to the Austrian border has been stopped in Bicske, west of the Hungarian capital The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict A man is arrested by local police after his local train coming from Budapest and heading to the Austrian border has been stopped in Bicske, west of the Hungarian capital The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict More than 2,500 refugees have died trying to reach Europe this year and the struggle continues as they travel through the continent Getty Images The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Refugees protest in front of a train at Bicske railway station. Hundreds of people, were stranded on a train in Hungary for a second, demanding passage to Germany in a standoff with riot police The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Syrian refugees arrive on the shores of Lesvos island Getty The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Syrian refugees on the Greek Macedonian border Getty The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Refugees storm into a train at the Keleti train station as Hungarian police withdrew from the gates after two days of blocking their entry The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Refugees storm into a train at the Keleti train station in Budapest The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Refugees cross the border between the Former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and Greece, near the town of Gevgelija, Macedonia. The Gevgelija-Presevo journey is just a part of the journey that the refugees, the vast majority of them from Syria, are forced to make along the so-called Balkan corridor, which takes them from Turkey, across Greece, Macedonia and Serbia to Hungary, the gateway to the European Union, September 2015 The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict A refugee helps up an exhausted fellow refugee as they cross the border between Macedonia and Greece, near the town of Gevgelija, September 2015 The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict People breaking through a police cordon and crossing the border between Macedonia and Greece, September 2015 The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Refugees pass the border between Macedonia and Greece, September 2015 The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict A Macedonian policeman carries a child across the border between Macedonia and Greece, September 2015 The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Syrians sleep on railroad tracks waiting to be processed across the Macedonian border in Idomeni, Greece, September 2015 The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict A Czech police officer marks a refugee with a number after more than than 200 refugees were detained, mostly from Syria, on trains from Hungary and Austria at the railway station in Breclav, Czech Republic, September 2015 AP Photo, CTK/Igor Zehl The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict A baby is lifted on to the Norwegian vessel Siem Pilot during a search-and-rescue mission off the Libyan coast, September 2015 AP The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Budapest's main international railway station ordered an evacuation as hundreds of people tried to board trains to Austria and Germany, September 2015 The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict People wave their train tickets and lift up children outside the main Eastern Railway station in Budapest, September 2015 The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict People protest at the Eastern (Keleti) railway station of Budapest, September 2015 The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Refugee children sleep in the surrounding green area of the Keleti railway station in Budapest, September 2015 The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Syrians cross under a fence into Hungary at the border with Serbia, near Roszke, August 2015 Reuters The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Refugees who have just crossed the border from Serbia into Hungary walk along a railway track that joins the two countries, August 2015 Getty Images The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Police arrest refugees at Cobham Services on the M25 in Surrey, August 2015 Twitter: @bigwheeluk The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Men hold a boy as they are stuck between Macedonian riot police officers and fellow refugees during a clash near the border train station of Idomeni, August 2015 AFP/Getty The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict A Syrian father holds his children close as his arrives on the Greek Island of Kos, August 2015 Eyevine The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict A tourist offers water to Iranian refugees as they arrive by paddling an engineless dinghy from the Turkish coast (seen in the background) at a beach on the Greek island of Kos, August 2015 Reuters The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict A Syrian holds his 30-day-old baby on an overcrowded train as they travel through Macedonia. Tens of thousands of refugees, mainly from the Middle East and Africa, use the Balkans route to get into the European Union, passing from Greece to Macedonia and Serbia and then to western Europe, August 2015 The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict A man rests on a platform at the train station in Gevgelija, on the Macedonian-Greek border, August 2015 Getty The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Refugees react after boarding the Migrant Offshore Aid Station (MOAS) ship MV Phoenix some 20 miles (32 kilometres) off the coast of Libya. Some 118 refugees were rescued from a rubber dinghy off Libya. The Phoenix, manned by personnel from international non-governmental organisations Medecins san Frontiere (MSF) and MOAS, is the first privately funded vessel to operate in the Mediterranean, August 2015 The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Authorities are being overwhelmed as they try to fight off hundreds of refugees, prompting France to beef up its police presence, July 2015 AFP The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict People escape from the French Police as they try to catch a train to reach England, July 2015 EPA The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict A man jumps over a fence as he attempts to access the Channel Tunnel, in Calais, northern France, July 2015 PA/Thibault Camus The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Two men cling to the roof of a freight truck as it leaves the Eurotunnel terminal in Folkestone, July 2015 Getty The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict A man climbs a security fence of a Eurotunnel terminal in Coquelles near Calais, July 2015 The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Men help a man squeeze through a gap in a fence near the Eurotunnel terminal in Coquelles in Calais, July 2015 Getty The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Desperate for entry to the EU, the group of people risked being washed away by the sea at Ventimiglia rocks, June 2015 The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Stranded refugees spend night on rocks - they were supplied with emergency blankets after a cold night next to the sea, June 2015 The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Refugees climb in the back of a lorry on the A16 highway leading to the Eurotunnel in Calais, June 2015 Getty Images The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict A police officer sprays tear gas to men trying to access the Channel Tunnel on the A16 highway in Calais, northern France, June 2015 PHILIPPE HUGUEN/AFP/Getty Images The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Men jump out of a lorry after being discovered by French gendarmerie officers, June 2015 AP The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict A man sits under the trailer of a lorry, June 2015 AP The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict A Belgian navy sailor passes life vests to refugees sitting in a rubber boat as they approach the Belgian Navy Vessel Godetia, June 2015 AP The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict People on the Belgian Navy vessel Godetia after they were saved during a search and rescue mission in the Mediterranean off the Libyan coast, June 2015 AP The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Iraqis wait as they are detained by Hungarian police after crossing the Hungarian-Serbian border illegally near the village of Asotthalom, Hungary, June 2015 Reuters The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Syrian refugees walking on train tracks through Macedonia on the Western Balkans migration route, after entering Europe through Greece, June 2015 Reuters The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict A group of people huddle together during an operation to remove them from the Italian-French border in the Italian city of Ventimiglia. Italy and France engaged in a war of words as a standoff over hundreds of Africans offered a graphic illustration of Europe's migration crisis. Italian Interior Minister Angelino Alfano described images of refugees perched on rocks at the border town of Ventimiglia after being refused entry to France as a "punch in the face for Europe", June 2015 The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict A man is carried by Italian police in Ventimiglia, Italy. Police reportedly removed refugees from under a railway bridge, June 2015 EPA The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict People queue after disembarking from the Royal Navy ship HMS 'Bulwark' upon their arrival in the port of Catania on the coast of Sicily, June 2015 GIOVANNI ISOLINO/AFP/Getty Images The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict A Syrian child holds a drawing as he waits to disembark from Belgian Navy vessel Godetia at the Augusta port, Italy. Around 250 refugees from Syria arrived at the Sicilian harbour from a Damascus refugee camp, June 2015 The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict A dinghy overcrowded with Afghan refugees arrived on a beach on the Greek island of Kos, May 2015 The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict An Afghan child is helped off a rib on the Greek island of Kos, May 2015 The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict An Afghan girl holds the hand of a woman as they arrive on a beach on the Greek island of Kos, after crossing a part of the Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece, May 2015 The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Refugees crossed part of the Aegean Sea between Turkey and Greece, May 2015 The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Afghan refugees arrive on a beach of Kos, May 2015 The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Rescuers help children to disembark in the Sicilian harbor of Pozzallo, Italy in April 2015 The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict A boat transporting refugees arrives in the port of Messina after a rescue operation at sea, April 2015 Getty The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Armed Forces of Malta personnel in protective clothing carry the body of a dead man off Italian coastguard ship Bruno Gregoretti as surviving refugees watch in Senglea, in Valletta's Grand Harbour, April 2015 The refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees fleeing conflict Rescued people talk to a member of the Malta Order after a fishing boat carrying refugees capsized off the Libyan coast, is brought ashore along with 23 others retreived by the Italian Coast Guard vessel Bruno Gregoretti at Boiler Wharf, Senglea in Malta, April 2015 Mr Kurz has called Mr Seehofer a strong partner for Austria, and has at times appeared closer to him than his counterpart Ms Merkel. The formation of an anti-immigration Axis between the core EU states would build on the work of the Visegrad group. The V4 countries of the Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland and Slovakia have been resistant to migration, and led opposition to EU quotas to take pressure off southern European countries. Earlier this week the European Commission pledged to triple funding for border control during its next multiannual budget period. The proposal is still subject to negotiation by member states, who will agree the final budget. Prominent Brexiteer Jacob Rees-Mogg has defended the move by a City firm that he helped to found to establish an investment fund in Ireland ahead of the UK leaving the European Union. The Conservative MP faced questions when it emerged that Somerset Capital Management (SCM) had launched a new investment vehicle in Dublin amid concerns about being cut off from European investors. A prospectus for the new business, which was registered in March and will be governed by EU and Irish rules, listed Brexit as one of the risks, as it could cause considerable uncertainty. The disclosure is potentially embarrassing for Mr Rees-Mogg, who has been one of the most vocal advocates of a clean break from the EU through his role as chairman of the European Research Group (ERG), a powerful Eurosceptic group of backbench Tories. Referring to Brexit, the funds prospectus said: During, and possibly after, this period there is likely to be considerable uncertainty as to the position of the UK and the arrangements which will apply to its relationships with the EU and other countries following its withdrawal. This uncertainty may affect other countries in the EU, or elsewhere, if they are considered to be impacted by these events. As [the firm is] based in the UK and a funds investments may be located in the UK or the EU, a fund may as a result be affected by the events described above. The fund also warned its clients directly of the dangers of a hard Brexit, saying it would increase costs and make it difficult to pursue its objectives. Mr Rees-Mogg, who is a partner at SCM but does not make investment decisions, told The Daily Telegraph: A number of existing and prospective clients requested domiciled access to Somersets products. The decision to launch the fund was nothing whatsoever to do with Brexit. The Brexit warnings were guidance from lawyers rather than a policy statement from SCM, he added. It comes after a bruising two-day contest for the government in the Commons as ministers tried to overturn a string of amendments to the EU withdrawal) bill. Theresa May managed to head off a revolt with promises of a compromise amendment to her flagship Brexit bill, setting out more detail on the terms of the meaningful vote promised to MPs on the final Brexit deal. Brexit: 10 of the most ridiculous headlines Show all 10 1 /10 Brexit: 10 of the most ridiculous headlines Brexit: 10 of the most ridiculous headlines The Sun, March 9 2016 This wholly false headline merited the first ruling by IPSO (the press regulator) under clause 1 of the revised Editor's Code of Practice. Clause 1 makes specific reference to newspapers printing "headlines not supported by the text" Brexit: 10 of the most ridiculous headlines Daily Mail, November 4 2016 In perhaps the most notorious front page of the past few years, the Mail derides the High Court judges who ruled that parliament must have a vote on whether to trigger article 50 and start the Brexit process Brexit: 10 of the most ridiculous headlines Daily Express, November 4 2016 In the Express' take on the same story, they manage to incorporate the Union Jack, allude to First World War propaganda, invoke memories of Churchill and, of course, state "Brexit means Brexit" Brexit: 10 of the most ridiculous headlines The Sun, March 29 2017 The Sun marked the day on which Mrs May triggered article 50 by projecting a huge and terrible pun on to the Cliffs of Dover Brexit: 10 of the most ridiculous headlines The Sun, April 4 2017 Referencing their notorious eurosceptic headline from 1990 (See: Up Yours Delors), the Sun stokes the flames of the brief Gibraltar dispute, a dispute in which Spain, the supposed aggressors, only joined to note that there was "no need for it" Brexit: 10 of the most ridiculous headlines Daily Mail, April 19 2017 This headline followed Mrs May's snap election announcement, which gave the Mail hope that dissenting opinions on Brexit would disappear Brexit: 10 of the most ridiculous headlines Daily Mail, December 14 2017 In recent months, the Mail has often forgone catchy headlines in favour of rambling rants, this is an early example aimed at Tory Brexit rebels Brexit: 10 of the most ridiculous headlines Daily Mail, January 31 2018 This headline (?) takes aim at the Lords over their repeated amendments to the EU Withdrawal Bill Brexit: 10 of the most ridiculous headlines The Sun, June 12 2018 On the day that the EU Withdrawal Bill is to be debated in the Commons, the Sun offers two choices to MPs, desperately including all conceivable imagery that might make Brits feel patriotic, which apparently includes the Loch Ness Monster Brexit: 10 of the most ridiculous headlines Daily Express, June 12 2018 On the same day, the Express lets MPs know what the consequences of the vote may be Pro-EU Tories say they remain ready to rebel if their demands are not satisfied by the compromise amendment, while Eurosceptic MPs such as Mr Rees-Mogg attacked the plan for saying it made a no-deal Brexit more likely. It came after Jeremy Corbyn suffered a major rebellion, with six members of his shadow team among more than a third of Labour MPs who voted against the whip over the Brexit Bill. Theresa May has been plunged into a fresh Brexit crisis after her attempt to compromise with pro-EU rebels collapsed. Tory MPs who say the prime minister promised them plans that would give parliament more power to block a no-deal Brexit have said her proposals fall far short of what was pledged. Ex-Tory attorney general Dominic Grieve told The Independent he spent the morning negotiating with ministers and agreeing a wording to a new amendment, but claimed what was tabled later in the afternoon had been altered. Another pro-EU rebel and senior Conservative MP accused the government of adding a sneaky sting in the tail to the amendment after hours of negotiations with Mr Grieve, while another accused pro-Brexit MPs of threatening the government in order to make ministers water the compromise down. It means the prime minister now faces the prospect of having her proposals discarded by the Lords next week, after which pro-EU rebels will likely push for a vote in the Commons which could see parliament put in the Brexit driving seat if no deal is reached by November. Speaking to The Independent after the government published its amendment to Ms Mays EU (Withdrawal) Bill, Mr Grieve said: At the very last minute the government suddenly altered the words of the final part, which I thought had been agreed before lunch when I left. The row was sparked by the Lords last month passing a plan to give parliament power to direct Ms Mays actions if she failed to seal a Brexit deal later this year, meaning it would be unlikely she could take the UK out of Europe with no deal. Jeremy Corbyn asks Theresa May is she has let Donald Trump take over Brexit negotations Ms May was set to lose a vote on that plan in the commons on Tuesday, which would have made it law, and had also rejected a compromise from Mr Grieve but in a last minute move that saw her avoid a major defeat, she personally met pro-EU rebels and promised to bring forward her own compromise proposals. The MPs left the meeting believing parliament would at least be given power to approve or reject her approach in the event that no deal is reached with the EU, but what was published on Tuesday gave them no binding vote. What has been announced is not in the spirit of what we agreed, it completely cuts off its effectiveness Conservative MP Dominic Grieve Beaconsfield MP Mr Grieve went on: What has been announced is not in the spirit of what we agreed, it completely cuts off its effectiveness. I thought we had it resolved and I regret it hasnt happened. I am sorry about that. What we had agreed was a sensible arrangement it was good and flexible. The MP called the governments final proposal unacceptable, but would not speculate on why it had been changed at the last moment, adding only: I have nothing but praise for those people I was negotiating with. Managing Brexit is an incredibly difficult thing to do. Nicky Morgan: Parliament will have a 'real say' if the government fails to secure a Brexit deal But other rebels took a more cynical view, claiming that the working Mr Grieve had agreed with ministers had been blocked and rewritten under pressure from Brexiteers in the party. One told The Independent: Im sure they have called up and warned that I cannot pass. Taken a perfectly sensible arrangement agreed between MPs and the government and blocked it. Conservative MP Sarah Wollaston, who also chairs the health committee, said on Twitter: Ah ha, so just to be clear, we are now going to have to amend the unamendable after the agreed amendable amendment acquired a sneaky sting in the tail. What a time to be alive... Meanwhile shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said: The governments amendment is simply not good enough. Theresa May has gone back on her word and offered an amendment that takes the meaning out of the meaningful vote. Parliament cannot and should not accept it. 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 government spokesperson made no comment on whether their proposal was in the spirit of what was personally promised to pro-EU rebels by Ms May, instead saying that it respects the tests set out by the prime minister and the Brexit secretary. He went on: We have listened to those across the house who called for the ability to express their views, in the unlikely event that our preferred scenario did not come to pass. The spokesperson said there were three situations which would trigger a vote in both houses one, should parliament reject the governments deal, two, that no agreement can be reached, or, three, that there is no deal agreed by 21 January 2019. He said this would ensure that in all circumstances parliament can hold government to account, while also allowing government to deliver on the will of the British people but rebels said that unless the votes have some kind of effect on the governments actions then they have little meaning. Tory minister Phillip Lee announces his resignation over Brexit during think tank speech He added: This remains hypothetical and the government is confident we will agree a good deal with the EU, which parliament will support. But the words are unlikely to allow the government to avoid major collision with pro-EU Lords next week, who will most probably seek to rewrite the governments proposal along the lines of Mr Grieves original plan. Under those proposals, if Ms May has not secured a deal by November she will have to tell parliament what her next steps are and put them to a vote in parliament. Then, if she has still not secured a deal by February she would have to undertake whatever steps parliament decided up following a vote in both upper and lower chambers. If the Lords do pass Mr Grieves original plan and then it is also passed by the Commons, it means parliament will effectively strip Ms May of control of Brexit if she fails to secure a deal by February. Some in Westminster are already speculating that it would cause a constitutional crisis, that would precipitate the collapse of Ms Mays administration. Tom Tugendhat, the chair of the Commons Foreign Affairs Committee, has also said there would be a new government if MPs vote down the final agreement the prime minister makes with Brussels. MPs will be granted a vote which they believe would block a no-deal Brexit if the negotiations in Brussels fail, under a deal struck with Theresa May. The prime minister has agreed to the showdown, in February 2019, to avert a threatened revolt by pro-EU Tory rebels after talks today, The Independent has learned. Full details of the amendment to be tabled to the EU Withdrawal Bill will be published later, ahead of a 5pm deadline for debating it in the House of Lords on Monday. Recommended Corbyn suffers biggest Brexit rebellion as six frontbenchers resign Leading rebel Anna Soubry tweeted her delight with the outcome, saying: Dominic Grieve should be hailed a hero for what he has achieved for democracy. Deal or no deal parliament will have a meaningful vote and to be clear there will be no hard #Brexit when the EU Withdrawal Bill is passed. Mr Grieve, the former attorney general leading the revolt, had insisted that MPs must have the power to prevent a no deal threatening Ms May with defeat next week if she refused. 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 He was also pushing to force the government to give MPs a decisive say on the next steps if the talks are still deadlocked at the end of November or if the Commons has rejected a deal. It was unclear whether that part of his amendment would survive in the fresh text to be put forward for next weeks clashes. The prospects of leaving with no deal had appeared to be receding, amid criticism of the government for failing to prepare for border queues and warnings of shortages in shops and hospitals. One senior Tory, foreign affairs committee chairman Tom Tugendhat, claimed a protection was unnecessary because the prime minister would be toppled anyway if there was no deal and there would be a new government. But No 10 alarmed the rebels, when a spokesman said: We have to be in a position to honour the result of the referendum in all circumstances. There was no confirmation from No 10 of what had been agreed in the talks with backbenchers, ahead of publication of the new amendment. In a sign of caution among the rebels, Mr Grieves original amendment was set to re re-tabled in the Lords, to give them continued leverage over the government. One part would require ministers to obtain approval from MPs on what happens next if no agreement has been reached in Brussels by 30 November A further, tougher clause would then force the government to follow any direction given by MPs if there is no agreement by 15 February. Grant money to help transgender individuals during their transition doesnt really exist. Thats why Leland Koble is so grateful for Our Fund. Koble is president of New Beginnings, an organization that provides a place for transgender individuals to stay and recover before and after they go through surgical procedures. We are the only place like ours in the world that we know of. The organization helps male to female transgender individuals, female to male, non-binary, and anyone else. We just support them in whatever part of the transition phase . . . Our Fund has been a huge help for us. She said that previous grants from the Our Fund Foundation to her organization have helped during desperate times and shes glad Our Fund once again awarded New Beginnings money. About 10 people a month are helped by New Beginnings. Koble said that previous grants from Our Fund to her organization have helped during desperate times and this new grant will also be put to good use helping pay for the stays of about five individuals at New Beginnings facility in Broward County. The grant for New Beginnings, which Koble estimates will help fund the stays of five individuals, was part of the $112,500 in grants given out this month by Our Fund. A diverse group of community leaders from various backgrounds reviewed over 20 applicants to select the projects that were funded. Chaired by Our Fund Board member Scott Bennett, the committee included Dan Ayers, Peter Burleigh, Hiram Martinez-Cabrera, Ghenette Wright-Muir, Mark Reyes and Barbara Signer, who volunteered their time for this effort, reads the press release on the grants. Some of the other recipients include ArtServe, the Humanity Project, YES Institute, Lambda Living, Latinos Salud, Poverello, Gay Mens Chorus of South Florida, and Gildas Club. The stated purpose of some of the grant money awards will be an anti-bullying program, cancer awareness tailored to LGBT youth, opportunities for youth and adults to share their thoughts on gender and orientation, and support for LGBT seniors. Obed Caballero, Our Funds communications and administrative associate, said the organization tries to look for programs that focus on communities most in need, including transgender individuals as well as seniors and minority groups. The grants will be presented during Our Funds grant reception Wednesday, June 20 at 6 p.m. at the Stonewall Gallery, 2157 Wilton Drive, Wilton Manors. The deadline to apply for the next round of grants will be Aug. 31. Visit Our-Fund.org for more information. Ministers have been warned they risk further deaths in tower block fires because of unacceptable delays in learning the lessons of the Grenfell Tower disaster. On the one-year anniversary of the blaze, which left 72 people dead, experts told The Independent continued hold-ups in tightening safety regulations could prove to be fatal. They voiced fears that ministers refusal to extend government fire safety tests beyond one particular type of cladding, because it means two-thirds of building materials submitted for testing have not been checked. Fire chiefs, town hall leaders, charities and industry bodies also urged the government to commit to a ban on flammable building materials, and put a stop to a controversial shortcut that allows manufacturers and construction firms to avoid full fire safety tests. Ministers have recently caved to pressure to consult on banning both, but experts said they were taking too long to act leaving thousands of people at risk. The government has funded fire safety tests on the specific type of building cladding, known as Aluminium Composite Material (ACM), that was used on Grenfell and has been shown to be highly flammable. However, it has refused to extend the testing to other materials that could be just as dangerous. Because of this, only 657 of the 1947 samples submitted for fire tests have actually been tested. The remaining 1293 two-thirds of the total have not, leaving building owners in the dark about whether their buildings are safe. Samples were taken from residential housing blocks and also from schools, hospitals and other public buildings. Among the untested samples are likely to be materials such as high pressure laminate (HCL) a paper and resin combination that has been shown to be highly flammable. Some types of HCL have the same fire safety rating as the ACM panels use on Grenfell. HCL was blamed for enabling the spread of the Lakanal House fire in south London in 2009, in which six people died. Despite calls for testing to be extended to other building materials, ministers have so far refused to budge. Asked earlier this month whether the government would extend the testing, James Brokenshire, the housing secretary, said: The screening tests sponsored by the government are designed specifically to identify the type of core material that has been used in an aluminium composite material panel. As such these tests would not be suitable for assessing other products. Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Show all 31 1 /31 Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Jeremy Corbyn hugs a woman after the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Prince Harry leaving after the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures A woman appears emotional as she leaves the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Jeremy Corbyn consoles a mourner AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners carry pictures of victims of the fire and white roses as they leave St Paul's cathedral AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners carry white roses as they leave St Paul's cathedral after attending a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Jeremy Corbyn consoles a relative of a victim AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners leave after attending the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Labour opposition party leader Jeremy Corbyn embraces a mourner AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures People hold photos and flowers as they leave after the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners hold up photos of victims as they leave St Paul's cathedral after attending a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures People hold photos and flowers as they leave after the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Service members carry a Grenfell banner Rex Features Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures People at the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Prime Minister Theresa May attends the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Marcus Mumford, Adele and Carey Mulligan attending the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Attendees hold a banner at the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Prince Harry, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Duchess of Cornwall and The Prince of Wales attend the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures The Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott arrive at St Paul's Cathedral REUTERS Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Members of the public gather outside St Paul's Cathedral ahead of the Grenfell Tower national memorial service Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry attend the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners arrive at St Paul's cathedral for a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Firefighters arriving for the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners arrive at St Paul's cathedral for a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners arrive at St Paul's cathedral for a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service at St Paul's Cathedral PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures People arrive for the Grenfell Tower Memorial Service Rex Features Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners arrive at St Paul's cathedral for a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Former footballer Les Ferdinand (right) arriving for the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service at St Paul's Cathedral PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Police officers arrive at St Paul's Cathedral for a memorial service in honour of the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire REUTERS Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners arrive at St Paul's cathedral for a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images Ronnie King, who served as a firefighter and chief fire officer for 41 years and now acts as an adviser and honorary secretary to the All-Party Parliamentary Fire Safety and Rescue Group, said the failure to take action was putting lives at risk. He said: The delays are just unacceptable. We have got the evidence and they should take the action immediately. We expected that action on completion of the Hackitt Report. These things need happen now. A year on from Grenfell, people will have expected action by now rather than the government still consulting on it. He added: People shouldnt be dying like this when weve had warnings and professionals are talking about [what should be done]. Ive seen childrens lifeless bodies coming out of buildings and it doesnt please me that there are steps that can be taken and should be taken but, five years later and even a year after Grenfell, weve still got uncertainty. I feel desperately about what needs to be done. Action should be taken now and not five years after we first told them. Asked if the delays were putting lives at risk, he said: For as long as there is no decision, yes they are. Sadiq Khan on Grenfell: I am angry at the institutional indifference from this Government Of the 300 tower blocks found to have cladding similar to that used on Grenfell, only ten have had the dangerous material removed. And the failure to test other materials means private building owners could be removing ACM cladding only to replace it with something equally flammable. In addition, experts said there had been a series of delays in Whitehall in taking steps to reduce the risk of building fires. These include introducing a ban on flammable building materials and outlawing controversial desktop studies, which allow manufacturers and construction firms to bypass full fire safety tests. Fire chiefs, local councils and architect trade bodies have called for both to be banned. The government has launched consultations on both issues, but, a year after the Grenfell disaster, has yet to go further than say it is minded to consider introducing a ban. Ministers also commissioned a review of building regulations, led by Dame Judith Hackitt, but while this proposed a series of wider changes, it failed to recommend a single specific change to regulations. Mr King also said the government must commit to funding the fitting of sprinklers in tower blocks. He said: Automatic fire sprinklers will either extinguish or control the fire on 99 per cent of occasions. People dont die in buildings with sprinklers. Where we see sprinklers, we dont see outcomes like what happened at Grenfell. What else does the government need to do it? I dont really know what other evidence the government needs. Mr King said he feared concerns about the cost of installing sprinklers was a driving factor behind ministers appearing to drag their heels. Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Show all 31 1 /31 Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Jeremy Corbyn hugs a woman after the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Prince Harry leaving after the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures A woman appears emotional as she leaves the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Jeremy Corbyn consoles a mourner AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners carry pictures of victims of the fire and white roses as they leave St Paul's cathedral AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners carry white roses as they leave St Paul's cathedral after attending a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Jeremy Corbyn consoles a relative of a victim AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners leave after attending the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Labour opposition party leader Jeremy Corbyn embraces a mourner AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures People hold photos and flowers as they leave after the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners hold up photos of victims as they leave St Paul's cathedral after attending a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures People hold photos and flowers as they leave after the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Service members carry a Grenfell banner Rex Features Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures People at the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Prime Minister Theresa May attends the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Marcus Mumford, Adele and Carey Mulligan attending the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Attendees hold a banner at the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Prince Harry, The Duke and Duchess of Cambridge, The Duchess of Cornwall and The Prince of Wales attend the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures The Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Jeremy Corbyn and Diane Abbott arrive at St Paul's Cathedral REUTERS Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Members of the public gather outside St Paul's Cathedral ahead of the Grenfell Tower national memorial service Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Catherine, Duchess of Cambridge, Prince William, Duke of Cambridge and Prince Harry attend the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners arrive at St Paul's cathedral for a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Firefighters arriving for the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners arrive at St Paul's cathedral for a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners arrive at St Paul's cathedral for a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service at St Paul's Cathedral PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures People arrive for the Grenfell Tower Memorial Service Rex Features Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners arrive at St Paul's cathedral for a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Former footballer Les Ferdinand (right) arriving for the Grenfell Tower National Memorial Service at St Paul's Cathedral PA Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Police officers arrive at St Paul's Cathedral for a memorial service in honour of the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire REUTERS Grenfell Tower memorial service: in pictures Mourners arrive at St Paul's cathedral for a Grenfell Tower National Memorial service AFP/Getty Images However, Roy Wilsher, chair of the National Fire Chiefs Council and a member of the governments expert panel on building safety, said he believed ministers were willing to make changes but were having to follow due process. He said: I think weve done all we can. The machinery of legislation and standards does move incredibly slowly at times. Theres a whole work stream underneath the expert panel that is looking at other cladding systems. A broader shift is happening ... Ive personally made sure that government hasnt forgotten that this is about all cladding systems, even if ACM appears to be the most dangerous. My impression is ministers certainly want to make these systems safer. Local government leaders and charities expressed concerns about ongoing delays. Lord Porter, chair of the Local Government Association, said it was disappointing that combustible materials and the use of desktop studies had still not been banned. He said: We dont pretend to be experts, but it is abundantly clear that this is a no-brainer. We can no longer have a system in place which enables an argument about how flammable material can be before it is allowed to be put up on the outside of buildings where people live. It was good to see the new secretary of state James Brokenshire has listened to our concerns and recognised the urgent need to act by announcing a consultation on a ban. We continue to urge the Government to introduce this ban as quickly as possible. Polly Neate, CEO of Shelter, said: As we look at the lessons that must be learnt from this terrible tragedy, it is quite clear the government needs to act now and with urgency to remove Grenfell style cladding, and ban combustible materials. Grenfell has brought into sharp focus the desperate need for a bold new plan for social housing that empowers tenants, and delivers enough safe, decent and genuinely affordable homes. Labour called on the government to ban combustible materials and commit to funding the introduction of sprinklers. John Healey, the partys shadow housing secretary, said: Ministers have been off the pace at every stage in their response to the Grenfell Tower fire. Only 10 of more than 300 blocks with Grenfell-style cladding have had it removed and replaced, and ministers still cant even be sure that theyve identified all dangerous blocks. He added: Ministers shameful refusal to test some types of suspect cladding means that two-thirds of building samples sent to the governments testing centre havent been checked. One year on from the Grenfell Tower fire, Ministers must immediately ban combustible cladding on high-rise blocks, fund the retrofitting of sprinklers in social housing blocks, and put in place tough new sanctions for private block owners who fail to make their buildings safe. A Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government spokesperson said: Nothing is more important than ensuring people are safe in their homes. As the housing secretary said to parliament on Monday, having listened carefully to concerns, the government intends to ban the use of combustible materials on the external walls of high-rise residential buildings, subject to consultation. Our consultation on banning or restricting the use of desktop studies closed on 25 May. We are currently considering responses to this. Immigration rules capping the number of foreign doctors and nurses working in the UK are set to be relaxed to allow the NHS to recruit more staff, Downing Street has confirmed. Sajid Javid, the home secretary, has set out plans to remove overseas medical staff from the annual cap on skilled workers coming to the UK from Friday, currently limited to 20,700 tier 2 visas per year. The removal of medical staff from the cap will create more space for other skilled migrants to work in the UK, such as engineers and teachers. The move adds to growing pressure on Theresa May to ditch her partys goal of limiting annual net migration to the tens of thousands a target The Independent has been campaigning to remove. It also shows the gap between Mr Javid and the prime minister, who was known for her tough stance on immigration when she headed up the Home Office. Ms May has refused to roll back her controversial hostile environment crackdown despite Mr Javid indicating that he would review the policies to curb illegal immigration, which were blamed for British citizens facing threats of deportation during the Windrush scandal. The prime ministers official spokesman told a Westminster briefing: The PM will in due course be setting out our long term plan for the NHS. An important part of that is making sure that the NHS has more highly skilled doctors and nurses to deliver outstanding patient care. What we will be announcing is that doctors and nurses are being excluded from the cap on skilled working visas. That means more staff on hospital wards, higher standards and safer patient care. The Home Office will lay the regulations before parliament on Friday, which will come into force immediately, and will be dictated by need, the PMs spokesman said. Announcing the plans, Mr Javid said: I recognise the pressures faced by the NHS and other sectors in recent months. Doctors and nurses play a vital role in society and at this time we need more in the UK. That is why I have reviewed our skilled worker visa route. This is about finding a solution to increased demand and to support our essential national services. It comes in the wake of pressure from doctor and nurse leaders, as well as senior NHS figures, with family doctors warning of a desperate need to ease pressures on the health service. In a letter to Mr Javid, the head of the Royal College of General Practitioners (RCGP) said there were concerning cases where foreign GPs had been affected by the hostile environment policies first introduced by Ms May, while she was at the Home Office. More than 1,500 doctors from outside the European Economic Area (EEA) had visa applications refused between December 2017 and March 2018, according to the British Medical Journal. Earlier this month, Mr Javid signalled there could be a softer approach to immigration policy under his leadership at the Home Office, including looking again at the cap on tier 2 visas. Currently around one third of all tier 2 places go to the NHS and there are now record numbers working in the NHS, he added. He also admitted there was a perception problem with including foreign students within the cap, in another apparent softening of the stance. Campaigners and MPs welcomed the decision to scrap the visa cap for medical staff but urged ministers to go further by putting an end to their arbitrary immigration target. Home Affairs Committee chair, Yvette Cooper, said: This is the right decision. For months doctors and nurses the NHS needs have been turned away including over 1,500 doctors with job offers already. The Home Affairs Committee raised this repeatedly with the Home Office so it is welcome that they have acted. But there are now so many problems with the immigration system, the home secretary must not stop here. The net migration target regime just isnt working and should be replaced including by removing students from the target straight away. UK news in pictures Show all 50 1 /50 UK news in pictures 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 UK news in pictures 21 August 2021 People take part in a demonstration in solidarity with people of Afghanistan, in London Reuters UK news in pictures 20 August 2021 People zip wire across the sea from Bournemouth pier towards the beach. PA Labour MP Dr Paul Williams, a supporter of the pro-EU Peoples Vote group, said: Its time we dropped the arbitrary immigration target and instead had a sensible and serious debate about the benefits and necessity of immigration and about how we can address the social dislocation and stresses it has caused in some communities. But what is really damaging the NHS today is the loss of staff from other EU member countries ahead of Brexit. Matthew Fell, CBI chief UK policy director, said: If these changes are as reported, businesses will welcome these reforms as a good first move. International skills and talent are a core foundation of the global Britain employers want to help build. A successful migration system should focus on peoples contribution to the UK economy and society, not numbers. Until our immigration system is reformed to reflect this, including scrapping the net migration target, businesses will continue to struggle to get the people they need to create jobs and growth. The Independent, along with the pro-EU Open Britain group, has been running the Drop the Target campaign to scrap the tens of thousands net migration policy. Theresa May will be toppled as prime minister if she fails to get her Brexit deal through Parliament, a senior Conservative MP has warned. Tom Tugendhat, the chair of the Commons foreign affairs committee, said there would be a new government if MPs vote down the final agreement the prime minister makes with Brussels. He is the first senior Conservative to suggest Ms May would likely be removed as prime minister in such a scenario. Mr Tugendhats comments come amid a furious row in the Conservative Party over attempts to ensure Parliament is given a meaningful vote on the final Brexit deal. Pro-EU Tory MPs had threatened to vote in favour of a House of Lords amendment that would give Parliament more control if the governments deal is voted down, but were won over by a last-minute concession from Theresa May. The issue will rear its head again when the governments flagship EU Withdrawal Bill returns to the Lords next week. Mr Tugendhat said there would be a meaningful vote either way, because a rejection of the deal would be considered a vote of no confidence in the government. He told Sky News: I think were going to get a meaningful vote anyway. The meaningful vote is going to be either the governments deal is accepted, in which case thats the meaningful vote to accept it, or it is not accepted, in which case, frankly, theres going to be a new government. 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 However, he defended the governments handling of the Brexit process, saying: What were trying to do is exactly what the country expects and what the whole country is trying to do, which is find a way through what is frankly the hardest negotiation this country is going to undergo in peacetime." Earlier in the week, leading Brexiteer Jacob-Rees Mogg also appeared to raise the prospect of a change of government when he suggested the best way to express opposition to the final Brexit deal would be to hold a vote of no confidence. He told the Commons: "There is a perfectly reasonable way of ensuring that the government do the proper thing, and that is a vote of no confidence. "As long as the government maintain the confidence of this House, they ought to be able to negotiate international treaties, but if they fail in their negotiations, the House has a remedy that has been a remedy for very many years." South African police say two worshippers have been stabbed to death in an attack on a mosque in Malmesbury, Western Cape. The suspect, who was armed with a knife, was shot dead by police outside the mosque. Three others, including a police officer, were injured during the incident. The Muslim Judicial Council said in a statement that it was shocked to its core to learn of a brutal attack on the Malmesbury Masjied in Cape Town in the early hours of this morning. Recommended Dozens dead after bomb blasts target worshippers at Nigeria mosque The two people killed were in Itikaaf meaning they had been sleeping in the mosque for a period of days as an act of devotion. The attacker was not known to the mosque community, a spokeswoman for the Council said. Western Cape police spokesman Lieutenant Colonel Andre Traut said the suspect, believed to be in his thirties and armed with a knife, was still on the scene and charged at the police who tried to persuade him to hand himself over. He ignored the calls and tried to attack police. He was shot and killed in the process, Mr Traut said. The attack comes a month after another assault on a mosque in Verulam, north of Durban. In that attack, three men stormed the place of worship, killing one and injuring others. They then fled the scene, and no arrests have yet been made. Speaking to eNCA, Mishka Daries of the Muslim Judicial Council described the attack as brutal, saying it was a shocking and sad assault on what is probably the last day of Ramadan. Asked if she feared a spike in such incidents, Ms Daries said she understood these concerns within the Muslim community. 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 are still trying to come to terms with the attack, she said. A mosque, a church, a synagogue, any house of worship they are sacred places you feel safe, you feel secure, you know that this is your time with God and that is your focus. Unfortunately it seems this isnt the case. We would like to call for calm in the community, she added, urging people not to retaliate in any form while the facts surrounding the attack remain unclear. A 19-year-old Maryland man has been indicted on charges that he threatened to kill two high-profile liberal senators Bernie Sanders of Vermont and Kamala Harris of California and to injure marchers at a gun control rally in Washington earlier this year. The man, Nicholas Bukoski of Anne Arundel County, faces five felony counts: two for the alleged threats against Mr Sanders, an independent, and Ms Harris, a Democrat; and three that charge him with transmitting threats via interstate commerce. In the indictment which a federal grand jury returned on 11 April but was released only on Wednesday specifics were sparse. But a memorandum filed by a federal prosecutor on Wednesday, which requested the court order the pretrial detention of Mr Bukoski, detailed the alleged threats. Mr Bukoski, who faces robbery charges in an earlier unrelated episode, is suspected of sending Instagram messages to the offices of Mr Sanders and Ms Harris on 24 March, the day of the March for Our Lives rally, immediately before texting the Metropolitan Police Department tip line in Washington. Senator, I would watch your back as youre out today, read an Instagram message to Mr Sanders office. You wouldnt want to be caught off guard when I use my second amendment protected firearm to rid the world of you, you stupid, crazy old fool. Two minutes later, according to the memorandum, an Instagram message was sent to Ms Harris office. It used a profane and sexist slur, then added, I am going to make sure you and your radical lefty friends never get back in power you will never run for president, because you wont make it to see that day. The third communication was a text message to the Police Departments text tip line: I am intending to send the message that gun control, bomb control, or any other kind of weapons control will not stop attacks, it is an issue of the heart. My heart is messed up and evil, and part of me wants to see people suffer, goddammit, it read. Anyway, good luck and Godspeed finding my presents. This will be my only message. That text prompted the police to immediately determine who sent it, which led them that day to Mr Bukoskis home, about 30 miles from Washington. His father allowed police to enter, and the defendant, who appeared nervous, according to the memo, told the officers that he had studied police tactics and asked if the bomb squad was coming. At that time, Mr Bukoski was handcuffed and taken to the Anne Arundel Medical Center for emergency evaluation. The memo said that while there, he admitted to sending the threats, among others, and stated that he was frustrated with liberals and very supportive of the current president. Florida student Emma Gonzalez passionately calls for gun control at rally after school shooting The defendant said he did not have access to a firearm because his parents wont purchase a firearm based on his history and the strict gun laws in Maryland, and said that he probably wont be able to get one, the memo said. I dont want to kill people unless I absolutely need to, the defendant reportedly said. Mr Bukoski appeared in the US District Court for the District of Columbia on Wednesday and will remain in federal custody pending further proceedings, said Bill Miller, a spokesman for the US attorneys office in Washington. Another court date had not been set, Mr Miller said on Wednesday. A call and email to Mr Bukoskis lawyer was not immediately returned on Wednesday. Attempts to reach his parents were unsuccessful. Representatives for Mr Sanders and Ms Harris declined to comment on Wednesday. On 24 March, Mr Bukoskis father gave consent to the police to search the familys home as well as the laptop and cellphone used by his son. He also gave the officers two journals written by his son. Preliminary examination of the cellphone indicated that that day, the defendant had looked up how to contact Mr Sanders and the Police Department tip line, as well as a Wikipedia page titled Threatening government officials of the United States. He had also visited websites about murders, serial killers and murders of police officers, the memo said. On 9 April, Mr Bukoski was arrested on armed robbery charges in Anne Arundel County in connection with an 11 January knife-point robbery at a 7-Eleven convenience store. He is scheduled for a jury trial in that case on 6 September. The New York Times Illicit online opioid purchases surged after the government cracked down on prescription painkillers, a new study has found. With the United States grappling with a metastasising opioid addiction crisis, the US Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA) in 2014 tightened restrictions around drugs containing hydrocodone. The change made it more difficult to obtain and refill prescriptions for the widely user painkiller. Many of the people who have become addicted to opioids in recent years have first developed a dependency on the drugs after being legally prescribed painkillers. Law enforcement officials were seeking to dam that outlet to addiction. But in seeking to cut off access to opioids, the DEA instead pushed users into the online black market, a study published in medical journal the BMJ suggests. In the years since the DEA cracked down, the share of opioids sourced through 31 different cryptomarkets - sales portals on the encrypted dark web that allow anonymous online transactions - doubled, the studys authors found. In an editorial accompanying the study, Scott Hadland of Boston Medical Centers unit for pediatrics and addiction and Northeastern University associate professor Leo Beletsky warned that overdoses from illicit drug use were soaring as opioid prescription rates fell, suggesting that the addiction epidemic was increasingly being fed by less expensive, more available, and highly potent illicit market alternatives like heroin and fentanyl. 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 They warned that the studys findings reflected the governments misguided reliance on law enforcement, rather than on prevention and treatment programmes. Donald Trump's strategy for combatting opioid usage has included tougher penalties, with Mr Trump advocating sentencing drug dealers to death. Policies that suppress access to prescription opioids without reducing demand are known to fail, Mr Hadland and Mr Beletsky wrote. Trump says Mexico are sending 'drug dealers and rapists' to US The day before the studys release, a dark web drug trafficker who went by the moniker OxyMonster pleaded guilty in Florida to conspiring to distribute drugs and commit money laundering. The Department of Justice touted the outcome in a press release describing a sweeping collaboration between different law enforcement agencies. But Mr Hadland and Mr Beletsky cautioned that devoting resources to criminal investigations of dark web drug markets would to little to address the underlying causes. When large cryptomarkets are shut down, the number of online sellers drops temporarily but then rapidly recovers and marketplaces fragment, they wrote. Attempts to disrupt darknet sales are therefore likely to cause an endless game of whack-a-mole in which new cryptomarkets surface to replace old ones, and sellers and buyers simply migrate from one site to another. A former police chief in Florida who wanted to appear to be a successful crime fighter instructed two officers to arrest a 16-year-old for four burglaries, even though they had no evidence that the teenager was the culprit, authorities said. The chief, Raimundo Atesiano, and the officers, Charlie Dayoub and Raul Fernandez, were charged this week with conspiracy against the right to be free from unreasonable seizure by the police, and depriving the teenager, identified as TD, of that right, according to the indictment. An initial hearing for Mr Atesiano was held on Monday in US District Court for the Southern District of Florida, in Miami. He was granted a $50,000 (38,000) personal surety bond and will be arraigned on 25 June. The other two defendants are scheduled to have court appearances later this month, court records show. If convicted, they each face a maximum sentence of 11 years in prison, a statement from the US attorneys office said. Mr Atesianos lawyer, Neil M Schuster, declined to comment on Wednesday. The US attorneys office and city officials were not available on Wednesday to comment on Mr Atesianos career as a law enforcement official and what impact the accusations had on the teenagers life. The Village of Biscayne Park, a small community with a population of about 3,200, had 11 full-time police officers and two reserve officers in 2013, when Mr Atesiano headed the department. The department had just recorded a decrease in the number of burglaries in 2012, down to 19 from 36 in 2011. On 13 June, 2013, with three burglaries in April and one in May unsolved, Mr Atesiano caused and encouraged Mr Dayoub and Mr Fernandez to falsely arrest TD, the indictment said. Mr Fernandez, who was a reserve police officer, is said to have written and notarised arrest affidavits, while Mr Dayoub, a full-time officer, signed them. TD was given felony charges for the four burglaries of unoccupied residences, the indictment said. The next month, Mr Atesiano was able to present the city with a perfect record of solving burglaries, though the indictment called that fictitious. He did this to gain favour with elected officials and concerned citizens, the indictment said, telling a City Council meeting on 9 July 2013, that his department had a 100 per cent clearance rate for burglaries. The New York Times A Republican congressman has been criticised for retweeting a British activist who is a prominent Nazi sympathiser and has described himself as an admirer of Hitler. Steve King of Iowa has a history of making inflammatory statements about immigrants and promoting white nationalist views. The activist, Mark Collett, is the former chairman of the Young BNP, the youth arm of the far-right British National Party, and like Mr King he has often warned that influxes of immigrants pose a danger to Western countries. Mr Colletts tweet was a screenshot of a Breitbart article titled Vast Majority of Under-35 Italians Now Oppose Mass Migration, and his commentary: Sixty-five per cent of Italians under the age of 35 now oppose mass immigration. Europe is waking up... Mr Kings retweet included a comment of his own: Europe is waking up...Will America...in time? As of Wednesday afternoon, it had not been taken down. Mr Collett was the subject of a 2002 documentary on Channel 4 called Young, Nazi and Proud. In it, he says that Aids is a friendly disease because blacks, drug users and gays have it, HuffPost reported. Nick Ryan, a spokesman for anti-racism advocacy group Hope Not Hate, told HuffPost that no mainstream politician in their right mind should be retweeting Mark Collett. Mr Kings office declined to comment on the matter. It was not the first time Mr King, who was elected to Congress in 2002 and has displayed a Confederate battle flag on his desk in Washington, has promoted extreme anti-immigrant or white nationalist views. In 2013, he said that for every child of unauthorised immigrants whos a valedictorian, theres another 100 out there who weigh 130 pounds and theyve got calves the size of cantaloupes because theyre hauling 75 pounds of marijuana across the desert. 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 Speaking on MSNBC in 2016, he questioned the historical contributions of non-white sub-groups. Last year, he said that we cant restore our civilization with somebody elses babies, setting off widespread anger that included criticism from his congressional colleagues. But his comment drew praise from other figures, like former Ku Klux Klan leader David Duke. The New York Times Leading US Catholic bishops have escalated their criticism of the Trump administration's immigration policies, calling new asylum-limiting rules "immoral" and rhetorically comparing the crackdown to abortion by saying it is a "a right to life" issue. One bishop from the US-Mexico border region reportedly suggested "canonical penalties" - which could refer to withholding the sacrament of Communion - for Catholics involved in implementing the Trump policies. The comments came as the US Conference of Catholic Bishops - the organising body of bishops - gathered for a biannual meeting in Fort Lauderdale. The topics of migration and asylum have long been a focus for the US church; more than 50 per cent of US Catholics under the age of 30 are Latinos. Recommended Trump administration blocks victims of domestic abuse from asylum The statements, including by the Conference's president, Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, archbishop of Galveston-Houston, came two days after Attorney General Jeff Sessions ruled that fear of domestic violence or gang violence aren't clear grounds for seeking asylum in the United States. Mr Sessions said asylum claims have expanded too broadly. But the bishops said the ruling this week came on top of other Trump White House moves that they oppose. Those include ending a program that protected from deportation the "dreamers," young undocumented immigrants brought to the US as children, and reducing significantly the number of refugees allowed into the United States. "At its core, asylum is an instrument to preserve the right to life. The Attorney General's recent decision elicits deep concern because it potentially strips asylum from many women who lack adequate protection. These vulnerable women will now face return to the extreme dangers of domestic violence in their home country. This decision negates decades of precedents that have provided protection to women fleeing domestic violence," Cardinal DiNardo said in a statement in his capacity as USCCB president. The statement also condemned the "continued use of family separation at the US/Mexico border as an implementation of the Administration's zero tolerance policy. Our government has the discretion in our laws to ensure that young children are not separated from their parents and exposed to irreparable harm and trauma. Families are the foundational element of our society and they must be able to stay together." The bishops' statement came a day after representatives of the biggest Protestant group in the United States - the Southern Baptist Convention - voted for a resolution that calls for protection of US borders along with a "pathway to legal status" and an emphasis on protecting family units. According to the Religion News Service, Tucson Bishop Edward Weisenburger raised the possibility of implementing canonical penalties for Catholics "who are involved in this," referring to children being separated from their families at the border. Canonical penalties can range from denial of sacraments to excommunication, though Mr Weisenburger did not specify what he intended beyond referring to sanctions that already exist for "life issues," RNS reported. US attorney general Jeff Sessions to Oakland mayor: 'how dare you' expose immigration raid "Canonical penalties are there in place to heal," Mr Weisenburger said. "And therefore, for the salvation of these people's souls, maybe it's time for us to look at canonical penalties." Efforts to reach Mr Weisenburger for details were not immediately successful late on Wednesday. Some activists noted that it was rare for bishops to even talk about spiritual penalties in a political context, aside from warnings from some bishops to politicians who support abortion rights. John Gehring, a former USCCB staffer who is now a progressive faith advocate at Faith in Public Life, tweeted that "it's hard to overstate" the significance of Mr Weisenburger's remarks. Cardinal Joseph Tobin of Newark, RNS reported, "proposed that a group of bishops be sent to the border to inspect the detention facilities where children are kept as a 'sign of our pastoral concern and protest against the hardening of the American heart.' Bishop Oscar Cantu of Las Cruces, New Mexico, suggested 'public gestures' such as prayer vigils in front of federal courthouses." Cardinal Sean O'Malley, a confidant of Pope Francis who heads the Boston archdiocese, released a statement saying that while immigration policy is complex and must respect a variety of national and security needs, it is at its core "about people, young and old, alone or in families, often fearful and abandoned. Immigration policy is a moral question that cannot be separated from decisions of what it is right and wrong, of justice and injustice. It is about respecting and reverencing the dignity of the human person." The new US immigration policies, Cardinal O'Malley said, "fail to communicate a willingness to address the reality of widespread human suffering, and in many cases imminent danger, with compassion and care." "As a Catholic bishop, I support political and legal authority. I have always taught respect for the civil law and will continue to do so. But, I cannot be silent when our country's immigration policy destroys families, traumatises parents, and terrorises children. The harmful and unjust policy of separating children from their parents must be ended." It wasn't clear what leverage the bishops might have with the Trump administration, whose faith advisory council is composed exclusively of evangelicals. "When you have a social crisis of this magnitude, you have to look with two levels," said the Rev. Bryan Hehir, secretary for social services and health care for the Boston archdiocese. "You want to affect the policy, to make a counter-argument. Secondly I think from a historical perspective people will look back on this period of time and ask: 'Who said what?'" The Washington Post Donald Trump has claimed parents pleaded with him to bring back the remains of their sons who died in the Korean War 65 years ago. The US president made the remarks a day after signing a joint statement with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un, in which both countries agreed to immediate repatriation of identified soldiers. The soldiers that died in Korea, their remains are going to be coming back home, he told Fox News aboard Air Force One. And we have thousands of people that have asked for that, thousands and thousands of people. So many people asked when I was on the campaign, Id say Wait a minute, I dont have any relationship, but they said, When you can President, wed love our son to be brought back home. You know the remains. And I asked [Mr Kim], we had pretty much finished, and I said, Will you do me a favour? The remains of these great fallen heroes, can we do something? He agreed to it immediately. It was pretty great. The comments shocked viewers, who pointed out any parents still alive to make the request of Mr Trump during the 2016 presidential campaign would have been at least in their late 90s, and more likely well over a hundred. The Korean War armistice was signed in 1953. Donald Trump salutes North Korean soldier at Singapore summit My father was a Korean War veteran who would be 90 today, Maureen McFadden, a TV reporter, wrote on Twitter. His parents were long gone during the election, as was he. Angus Johnston, a US historian, said: An 18-year-old parent of an 18-year-old soldier killed on the last day of the Korean War would have been 99 years old in 2016. Trump says so many of them reached out to him personally during the campaign. It was not the only controversial claim made by Mr Trump in the interview with Fox News anchor Bret Baier. He hailed Chinese premier Xi Jinping an incredible guy, adding it was pretty good he was essentially president for life. He praised Mr Kim as a tough guy and a leader with rare ability in response to a questions about the dictator killing North Korean citizens. The 72-year-old also said he wanted Russia back in the G7 so he could dine with Vladimir Putin and ask him if you could get out of Syria. I could ask him to do things that are good for the world, he added. On Tuesday, Mr Trump hailed his historic meeting with Mr Kim in Singapore a success, despite scepticism from experts. Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Show all 20 1 /20 Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump and Mr Kim leave following their historic meeting AFP/Getty Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump and Mr Kim sign a document committing to peace between their nations, amongst other things EPA Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump holds up a document that both he and Mr Kim have signed AFP/Getty Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un The two leaders reach out to shake hands for the first time AP Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump and Mr Kim shake hands as they meet for the first time Reuters Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump and Mr Kim walk off stage, following their historic meeting Reuters Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump and Mr Kim take a stroll after their meeting on June 12 Reuters Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump and Mr Kim interrupt their stroll to talk to the media AP Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Kim and Mr Trump look out over a balcony at the Capella hotel, where they held their meeting on June 12 Reuters Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump takes questions at the press conference following his meeting with with Mr Kim AP Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump appreciates the crowd in the press conference following his meeting with Mr Kim Getty Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump travels to the Istana ahead of the summit with Kim Jong Un on June 12 Reuters Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Kim Jong Un travels to the Istana ahead of the summit with President Trump on June 12 Reuters Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Kim poses for a photo with Singapore's Finance Minister Vivian Balkrishnan and Education Minister Ong Ye Kung ahead of the summit with Mr Trump Twitter/Reuters Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump shakes hands with Singapore Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong, meeting on Monday June 11 in the Istana, Singapore's presidential palace AP Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un At a working lunch on Monday, Singapore's Prime Minister surprised Mr Trump with a birthday cake, in early celebration of his 72nd birthday later in the week EPA Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo answers questions about the summit at a press briefing in Singapore on Monday, June 11 Getty Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un US President Donald Trump arrives at the Paya Lebar Air Base in Singapore on June 10, two days prior to his summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un Reuters Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump and Mr Kim met on Tuesday June 12 in the Capella hotel on the island resort of Sentosa, just off the south coast of Singapore AFP/Getty Singapore Summit: historic first meeting between Trump and Kim Jong-un Mr Trump boards Air Force One following the summit AFP/Getty The president said he would stop expensive, provocative war games with the South, in return for a North Korean commitment to work toward complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula a phrase observers argue is open to different interpretations. The US committed to provide security guarantees to North Korea, according to an agreement signed by both leaders in Singapore following decades of hostilities between the two nations. Mr Trump said he expected the denuclearisation process to start very, very quickly. US secretary of state Mike Pompeo and North Korean officials will hold follow-up negotiations at the earliest possible date, the joint statement said. However, the document did not give a definition of denuclearisation or details of how it would be achieved This Pride month, while hundreds of thousands of LGBT and allied people take to the streets in marches and parades, the Gay Mens Chorus of South Florida will make a musical statement about the personal sacrifices and successes made to advance human and civil rights. The concert, Bold Voices, will be presented on Saturday, June 23 at the Parker Playhouse in Fort Lauderdale and will call attention to the struggles of LGBT people, women and communities of color to achieve equal rights and human dignity. Artistic director Harold Dioquino has assembled a program that includes heartfelt anthems like This is Me from The Greatest Showman and Petula Clarks Color My World, featured in Priscilla, Queen of the Desert. The 110-member chorus will also perform lighter works, such as If You Were Gay from the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Avenue Q and You Cant Stop the Beat from Hairspray. The music weaves a story reminding us of the people who fought for the rights we are enjoying now, noted Dioquino. The songs were selected because of their positive messages of encouragement, love, hope and acceptance. Michael Leeds, Tony-nominated associate director of Island City Stage, wrote a narrative for the program that will be delivered by professional stage and television actor Michael Focas. The concert will also include a first for the chorus: original animations and videos created by production director James Smith and projected on two large screens on the Parker Playhouse stage. Joining the chorus will be acclaimed local cabaret performer LeNora Jaye and the Unity on the Bay gospel choir from Miami. Both Jaye and the gospel choir will be performing individually and with the men of the chorus. Isabella Gonzales Diaz, a sophomore at Avant Garde Academy of Broward, will conduct the chorus. Diaz was the second local student to participate in the young conductors program begun last year. We love this program, said Dioquino, who began working with Diaz several weeks ago. Its a special opportunity for talented young musicians to work with a chorus and explore conducting. As the concert approaches, the 16-year-old has been rehearsing the chorus in her special number. She will also receive a $1000 scholarship funded by chorus member Dom Tomasello and his husband Bob Pagano. Dioquino hopes to expand the program to include performances by the chorus in local schools in the upcoming school year. Generation Z, the post-millennials in elementary and high schools today have a very different perspective on diversity. We hope to perform and tell our stories, he said. Music is such a powerful force to combat bullying and promote understanding. Weve come a long way, certainly, but have much further to go. The Gay Mens Chorus of South Florida presents Bold Voices at 8 p.m. on Saturday, June 23 at the Parker Playhouse, 707 N.E. 8th St. in Fort Lauderdale. Tickets start at $36.50 at GMCSF.org. Hundreds of migrant children are effectively being incarcerated in an immigration detention centre in Texas, according a journalist given access to the facility. Nearly 1,500 boys are crammed into overcrowded rooms and reportedly given only two hours fresh air a day at Brownsvilles Casa Padre, the largest centre of its kind in the US. Many were forcibly separated from their families under the Trump administrations zero-tolerance policy after illegally entering the country, according to MSNBC correspondent Jacob Soboroff. The number of unaccompanied migrant minors held across 100 centres has swelled to more than 11,000 in the weeks since the government launched the aggressive campaign to deter families crossing the border. A 20-per-cent rise in children being held has brought the facilities to the brink of capacity, with the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) now looking at building tent cities at military bases to hold thousands more minors. Mr Soboroff, one of the first reporters allowed to tour Casa Padre after the zero-tolerance policy was introduced, said most children slept five to a room in dormitories designed only for four. The government has allowed the centre, a converted supermarket run by private firm Southwest Key, to exceed that limit because of overcrowding. Kids here get only two hours a day to be outside in fresh air, Mr Soboroff said. One hour of structured time. One hour of free time. The rest of the day is spent inside a former Walmart. US congressman Luis Gutierrz speaks at Washington rally demanding end to family separations at US border He added: I have been inside a federal prison and county jails. This place is called a shelter but these kids are incarcerated. No cells and no cages, and they get to go to classes about American history and watch [Disney film] Moana, but theyre in custody. Children entering the facility for the first time are greeted by a mural of Donald Trump. Alongside images of the president, the American flag, and the White House, are words he once tweeted: Sometimes losing a battle you find a new way to win the war. [There are] presidential murals everywhere, Mr Soboroff. But that one is first. There is also a mural of Barack Obama. My fellow Americans, we are and always will be a nation of immigrants. We were strangers once, too, reads his quote, in English and Spanish, taken from a 2014 speech in which he announced protections for undocumented immigrants. Children line up for food in Casa Padre's canteen (The US Department of Health and Human Services ) (The US Department of Health and Human Services) Lights at the shelter go off at 9pm and come on again at 6am. Children eat and attend school in shifts. They are taught in numbered classrooms with tiny windows, through which they waved at reporters during the tour, also attended by the Washington Post and local media. You might want to smile, journalists were told by a Southwest Key employee. The kids feel a little like animals in a cage, being looked at. The centres detainees, all boys aged 10 to 17, stay an average of 52 days before they are placed in foster care or with other relatives. The lack of parental protection, and the hazardous journey they take, make unaccompanied alien children vulnerable to human trafficking, exploitation and abuse, a spokesman for the Administration for Children and Families at the HSS told The Independent. In some cases many violent gangs, including MS-13, are exploiting loopholes in US laws to bring gang members into the United States or recruit unaccompanied alien children once placed with a sponsor, he added. The spectre of gangs has been used by Mr Trump's administration as part of its justification for the crackdown on undocumented migrants and the detention of their children. However, staff at Casa Padre told MSNBC they had never had an MS-13 member here, ever. 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 The journalists visit to the shelter came days after a US senator was turned away and spoken to by police after trying to gain access. The HSS refused to arrange a tour for Jeff Markley, who said it was unacceptable that a member of Congress is not being admitted to see what is happening to children whose families are applying for asylum. Texas regulators have found hundreds of health violations, including a lack of supervision and medical care, at shelters for migrant children run by Southwest Key. The policy of separating detained immigrant parents from their children has been driven by attorney general Jeff Sessions, who hopes it will dissuade families from crossing the border. If people dont want to be separated from their children, they should not bring them with them, he said in an interview with conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt last week. A Honduran woman says US border officials snatched her infant child while she was breastfeeding her at a detention centre in southern Texas. Natalia Cornelio, an attorney with the Texas Civil Rights Project, told CNN the unnamed woman claimed in an interview that authorities had taken her daughter while the family was in custody. The woman had been detained under the Trump administrations zero-tolerance policy to illegal migrants or asylum seekers caught crossing the border between Mexico and the United States. Since the strategy was introduced in May, anyone found crossing the border unauthorised faces federal charges and are likely to be separated from any children they travelled with. Department of Homeland Security officials revealed in Senate testimony around 650 children were split from their families in detention centres within two weeks of the policys launch. The government is essentially torturing people by doing this, Ms Cornelio said. The Texas Civil Rights Project says in many cases federal agencies give no information to detained parents regarding their childrens whereabouts. It said on one occasion it was aware of, border patrol agents told a mother they were taking her daughter for a bath, only to never return the child. Carlos Diaz, a US Customs and Border Protection spokesman, disputed claims officials had separated a child from its mother as she breastfed. Nothing could be further from the truth and these allegations are unsubstantiated, he said. 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 Meanwhile, several members of Congress blocked off the entrance to the US Customs and Border Protection headquarters in Washington on Wednesday in protest over the separations. I cannot think of an act that is more cruel and more inhumane than to rip the child from the arms of the mother, Democratic congressman from Illinois, Luis Gutierrez, told crowds at the event. A mother who comes fleeing systematic torture, rape, death, gang violence. The cartels run her neighbourhood, run her nation and her government does not, will not, cannot protect her. She comes to the United States, not illegally, but following one of the greatest traditions in our country, to seek asylum, from death and from torture. We welcome her and her children to this country. US President Donald Trump blamed the global oil export organisation for high oil prices, but Iran retorted it was the US leaders fault for suddenly pulling away from the nuclear deal with the country. Mr Trump, on his favoured platform of Twitter, said oil prices are too high. Opec is at it again. Not good! in reference to the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, of which Iran, many middle eastern countries, five African nations, and Venezuela is part. It was Irans Opec representative, Hossein Kazempour Ardebili who said in a statement to Reuters: "You cannot place sanctions on two Opec founder members and still blame OPEC for oil price volatility. Recommended Indian chess star rails against compulsory headscarf rule "This is business, Mr. President - we thought you knew it, Mr Arbeili quipped. Oil prices have increased approximately 60 per cent over the last year after Opec and Russia, another exporter, began reducing supplies in 2017. The Iran nuclear deal was signed largely in part because six countries including Russia, China, France, Germany, the UK, and US were willing to reduce sanctions in exchange for Tehran halting development of its nuclear weapons programme. President Donald Trump states if Iran restarts their nuclear program there will be severe consequences The US pulled away from the agreement and planned to issue new sanctions on Iran. Mr Trump has also penalised Venezuela, amid its political turmoil as President Nicolas Maduro has refused to leave office and honour election results. He has also placed Venezuelan citizens on his latest iteration of the travel ban. As a result of the US action on the nuclear deal, European and Asian clients have stopped importing Iranian oil and have even ceased doing business with it. Saudi Arabia is the largest Opec producer, Irans rival, and already increased production of oil for the year. The country supported Mr Trumps decision about the agreement, unsurprising given its royal familys collegial relationship with him. 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 Russia is the worlds largest oil producer. It is not in Opec is a party to the nuclear deal, has also increased its production. In the US, gasoline pump prices nationwide have risen to near $3 a gallon during the peak summer travel season, still less than the $4 a gallon during the 2007-2009 Great Recession. Gasoline demand has remained strong, rising to an estimated 9.9 million barrels per day as of last week, according to US Energy Department data. Separately, a bipartisan group of lawmakers in the House was pushing legislation that would subject Opec to US antitrust law and fight what the group called artificial production controls. The measure would have to pass the full House and the US Senate before Mr Trump could sign it into law. Past presidents have not supported similar bills when they have been proposed. Opec meets 22-23 June in Vienna, and producers are seen as likely to raise production, perhaps before the limits are due to sunset at year-end. Rumours are swirling about White House Press Secretary Sarah Huckabee Sanders possibly leaving her role. The most visible member of the White House has told friends she plans to leave, according to sources who spoke to CBS News. She, along with deputy Raj Shah, would join the ranks of former press secretary Sean Spicer, communications director Hope Hicks, chief of staff Reince Priebus, and Anthony Scaramucci who lasted only 10 days as communications director, among several others. The lower level staff in the administration have also been plagued with issues and departures the last 18 months US President Donald Trump has been in power. Ms Sanders and Mr Shah have not responded to a request for comment from The Independent nor any other media outlets. She did tweet on Wednesday evening about an hour after the CBS News report that she love[s] her job and accused the media of not speaking with her about her alleged departure. The 35-year-old Ms Sanders did not, however, directly deny that she would be leaving by the end of 2018. CBS News retorted that it had made repeated requests for her comment on the matter. Sarah Huckabee Sanders refuses to admit Donald Trump will make money from new tax bill David Cay Johnston, author of The Making of Donald Trump, told BBC News: "Her denial is: 'I don't know anything about this.' She doesn't say: 'I'm not leaving'. It's what we call a non-denial denial. Ms Sanders has had contentious relationship with the press, as the president often takes matters into his own hands and makes announcements via Twitter rather than having his press secretary handle them. Sources told CBS News that it frustrates her more than journalists do, which is normal for a person in her position. 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 She has also reportedly received threats as well, which could be a possible reason for her departure. Ms Sanders and the White House also came under fire by critics in their response to the White House Correspondents Dinner comedian Michelle Wolfs routine that night. Mr Trump did not attend the dinner, meant as a light-hearted roast of the commander-in-chief. His adversarial relationship with mainstream is well documented in his numerous insults of fake news on Twitter and live comments. Ms Wolf jabbed harmlessly at Ms Sanders achieving her perfect smokey eye makeup with the ashes of burnt facts. Ms Sanders and other White House aides like Kellyanne Conway took that to be a criticism of the press secretarys physical appearance rather than a comedy routine. One worry, according to sources, is that Ms Sanders and Mr Shahs departures could mean even more consolidation and vacancies in an already-bare bones senior staff. "Nobody wants to come in," a source close to the administration told CBS News. "So they've gone through two rounds and now they're at third tier of people who are just lucking out -- battlefield promotion ends up promoting people who aren't qualified for the position. The New York attorney general has sued Donald Trump, his foundation and three of his children, alleging the charity has engaged in illegal conduct. Attorney general Barbara Underwood announced the lawsuit would be against the Donald J Trump Foundation, as well as its directors - Mr Trump, his sons Donald Trump Jr and Eric Trump, and his daughter Ivanka Trump, who is a White House adviser. The petition alleges a pattern of persistent illegal conduct occurring over more than a decade. As our investigation reveals, the Trump Foundation was little more than a chequebook for payments from Mr. Trump or his businesses to nonprofits, regardless of their purpose or legality, Ms Underwood said in a statement. This is not how private foundations should function and my office intends to hold the Foundation and its directors accountable for its misuse of charitable assets. Ms Underwood said she is seeking to dissolve the foundation and is also looking to bar President Trump from being the director of a New York not-for-profit enterprise for 10 years. A one-year ban would then also apply for each of the other board members including his children. The lawsuit, filed on the morning of Trumps 72nd birthday, also seeks $2.8m in restitution and penalties from Mr Trump and asks for the distribution of $1m in assets to other charities. The attorney general said the foundation engaged in extensive unlawful political coordination with Mr Trumps 2016 presidential campaign, conducted repeated and willful self-dealing to benefit his personal and business interests, and violated basic legal obligations for non-profit organisations. Mr Trump, soon after the lawsuit was filed, responded in a tweet suggesting that the investigation was a politically motivated attack on his charity and campaign, and suggested that former New York Attorney General Eric Schneiderman who resigned in May amid allegations of inappropriate sexual conduct was afraid of bringing the case forward. The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Show all 17 1 /17 The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Paul Manafort Mr Manafort is a Republican strategist and former Trump campaign manager. He resigned from that post over questions about his extensive lobbying overseas, including in Ukraine where he represented pro-Russian interests. Mr Manafort turned himself in at FBI headquarters to special counsel Robert Muellers team on Oct 30, 2017, after he was indicted under seal on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. Getty The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rick Gates Mr Gates joined the Trump team in spring 2016, and served as a top aide until he left to work at the Republican National Committee after the departure of former Trump campaign manager Paul Manafort. Mr Gates' had previously worked on several presidential campaigns, on international political campaigns in Europe and Africa, and had 15 years of political or financial experience with multinational firms, according to his bio. Mr Gates was indicted alongside Mr Manafort by special counsel Robert Mueller's team on charges that include conspiracy against the United States, conspiracy to launder money, unregistered agent of a foreign principal, false and misleading US Foreign Agents Registration Act statements, false statements, and seven counts of failure to file reports of foreign bank and financial accounts. AP The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation George Papadopoulos George Papadopoulos was a former foreign policy adviser for the Trump campaign, having joined around March 2016. Mr Papadopoulos plead guilty to federal charges for lying to the FBI as a part of a cooperation agreement with Special Counsel Robert Mueller's investigation. Mr Papadopoulos claimed in an interview with the FBI that he had made contacts with Russian sources before joining the Trump campaign, but he actually began working with them after joining the team. Mr Papadopoulos allegedly took a meeting with a professor in London who reportedly told him that Russians had "dirt" on Hillary Clinton. The professor also allegedly introduced Mr Papadopoulos to a Russian who was said to have close ties to officials at the Russian Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Mr Papadopoulos also allegedly was in contact with a woman whom he incorrectly described in one email to others in the campaign as the "niece" to Russian President Vladimir Putin. Twitter The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Donald Trump Jr The President's eldest son met with a Russian lawyer - Natalia Veselnitskaya - on 9 June 2016 at Trump Tower in New York. He said in an initial statement that the meeting was about Russia halting adoptions of its children by US citizens. Then, he said it was regarding the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. In a final statement, Mr Trump Jr released a chain of emails that revealed he took the meeting in hopes of getting information Ms Veselnitskaya had about Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. He and the President called it standard "opposition research" in the course of campaigning and that no information came from the meeting. The meeting was set up by an intermediary, Rob Goldstone. Jared Kushner and Paul Manafort were also at the same meeting. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jared Kushner Mr Kushner is President Donald Trump's son-in-law and a key adviser to the White House. He met with a Russian banker appointed by Russian President Vladimir Putin in December. Mr Kushner has said he did so in his role as an adviser to Mr Trump while the bank says he did so as a private developer. Mr Kushner has also volunteered to testify in the Senate about his role helping to arrange meetings between Trump advisers and Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Rob Goldstone Former tabloid journalist and now music publicist Rob Goldstone is a contact of the Trump family through the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant, which took place in Moscow. In June 2016, he wrote to Donald Trump Jr offering a meeting with a Russian lawyer, Natalya Veselnitskaya, who had information about Hillary Clinton. Mr Goldstone was the intermediary for Russian pop star Emin Agalaraov and his father, real estate magnate Aras, who played a role in putting on the 2013 pageant. In an email chain released by Mr Trump Jr, Mr Goldstone seemed to indicate Russian government's support of Donald Trump's campaign. AP images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Aras and Emin Agalarov Aras Agalarov (R) is a wealthy Moscow-based real estate magnate and son Emin (L) is a pop star. Both played a role in putting on the previously Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant in Moscow. They allegedly had information about Hillary Clinton and offered that information to the Trump campaign through a lawyer with whom they had worked with, Natalia Veselnitskaya, and music publicist Rob Goldstone. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Natalia Veselnitskaya Natalia Veselnitskaya is a Russian lawyer with ties to the Kremlin. She has worked on real estate issues and reportedly counted the FSB as a client in the past. She has ties to a Trump family connection, real estate magnate Aras Agalarov, who had helped set up the Trump-owned 2013 Miss Universe pageant which took place in Moscow. Ms Veselnitskaya met with Donald Trump Jr, Jared Kushner, and Paul Manafort in Trump Tower on 9 June 2016 but denies the allegation that she went there promising information on Hillary Clinton's alleged financial ties to Russia. She contends that the meeting was about the US adoptions of Russian children being stopped by Moscow as a reaction to the Magnitsky Act, a US law blacklisting Russian human rights abusers. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Mike Flynn Mr Flynn was named as Trump's national security adviser but was forced to resign from his post for inappropriate communication with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. He had misrepresented a conversation he had with Mr Kislyak to Vice President Mike Pence, telling him wrongly that he had not discussed sanctions with the Russian. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sergey Kislyak Mr Kislyak, the former longtime Russian ambassador to the US, is at the centre of the web said to connect President Donald Trump's campaign with Russia. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Roger Stone Mr Stone is a former Trump adviser who worked on the political campaigns of Richard Nixon, George HW Bush, and Ronald Reagan. Mr Stone claimed repeatedly in the final months of the campaign that he had backchannel communications with WikiLeaks founder Julian Assange and that he knew the group was going to dump damaging documents to the campaign of Democratic candidate Hillary Clinton - which did happen. Mr Stone also had contacts with the hacker Guccier 2.0 on Twitter, who claimed to have hacked the DNC and is linked to Russian intelligence services. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeff Sessions The US attorney general was forced to recuse himself from the Trump-Russia investigation after it was learned that he had lied about meeting with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Carter Page Mr Page is a former advisor to the Trump campaign and has a background working as an investment banker at Merrill Lynch. Mr Page met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republican National Convention in Cleveland. Mr Page had invested in oil companies connected to Russia and had admitted that US Russia sanctions had hurt his bottom line. Reuters The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Jeffrey "JD" Gorden Mr Gordon met with Russian Ambassador to the US Sergey Kislyak during the 2016 Republian National Convention to discuss how the US and Russia could work together to combat Islamist extremism should then-Republican presidential candidate Donald Trump win the election. The meeting came days before a massive leak of DNC emails that has been connected to Russia. Creative Commons The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation James Comey Mr Comey was fired from his post as head of the FBI by President Donald Trump. The timing of Mr Comey's firing raised questions around whether or not the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign may have played a role in the decision. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Preet Bharara Mr Bahara refused, alongside 46 other US district attorney's across the country, to resign once President Donald Trump took office after previous assurances from Mr Trump that he would keep his job. Mr Bahara had been heading up several investigations including one into one of President Donald Trump's favorite cable television channels Fox News. Several investigations would lead back to that district, too, including those into Mr Trump's campaign ties to Russia, and Mr Trump's assertion that Trump Tower was wiretapped on orders from his predecessor. Getty Images The biggest names involved in the Trump-Russia investigation Sally Yates Ms Yates, a former Deputy Attorney General, was running the Justice Department while President Donald Trump's pick for attorney general awaited confirmation. Ms Yates was later fired by Mr Trump from her temporary post over her refusal to implement Mr Trump's first travel ban. She had also warned the White House about potential ties former National Security Adviser Michael Flynn to Russia after discovering those ties during the FBI's investigation into the Trump campaign's connections to Russia. Getty Images The sleazy New York Democrats, and their now disgraced (and run out of town) A.G. Eric Schneiderman, are doing everything they can to sue me on a foundation that took in $18,800,000 and gave out to charity more money than it took in, $19,200,000. I wont settle this case! Mr Trump wrote in one tweet. Schneiderman, who ran the Clinton campaign in New York, never had the guts to bring this ridiculous case, which lingered in their office for almost 2 years. Now he resigned his office in disgrace, and his disciples brought it when we would not settle, he wrote in a follow-up tweet. The lawsuit alleges that the charity raised money in a way designed to influence the 2016 election, and that senior leadership in the Trump campaign including former campaign manager Corey Lewandowski directed timings, amounts, and recipients of grants by the Foundation to non-profits, as evidenced by communications between Campaign staff and Foundation representatives. Ms Underwoods statement notes that Mr Trump had decided to skip the Iowa Republican debate on 28 January 2016, and instead held a nationally televised fundraiser, which Mr Trump and his campaign claimed at the time was raising money to benefit American veterans. Mr Trump did not immediately disclose which veterans groups received donations following the event, but he later disclosed donations to veterans groups totalling $5.6m (4.2m) when pressured by the media. The press release detailing the lawsuit includes a copy of an email from Mr Lewandowski, sent on 29 January from his campaign email address, just days before the Iowa caucus, and at a time when the lawsuit alleges at least five $100,000 grants were made in Iowa. Is there any way we can make some disbursements this week while in Iowa? Specifically on Saturday, Mr Lewandowski wrote in the email addressed to Allen Weisselberg, the chief financial officer of the Trump Organization. Beyond the campaign, the lawsuit alleges that the foundation made at least five unlawful payments that benefited businesses of Mr Trumps. Those include a $100,000 payment to settle claims against Mr Trumps Mar-a-Lago resort, a $158,000 payment to settle claims against the Trump National Golf Club in 2008, and a $10,000 charity auction purchase of a painting of Mr Trump that was later hung in Trump National Doral in Miami which The Washington Post notably reported on during the campaign. After the attorney general investigation began in 2016, the statement says, Mr Trumps foundation paid excise tax on at least three of those payments and that Mr Trump reimbursed costs for others. The foundation is little more than an empty shell that functions with no oversight from its board of directors, the lawsuit alleges, claiming the board never met after 1999. Trump ran the foundation according to whim, rather than law. The lawsuit was filed with the New York State Supreme Court in Manhattan. The attorneys general office said that they had referred the case to the IRS and the US Federal Election Commission as well. In a statement, the Trump Organization mirrored the presidents claims that the lawsuit is politically motivated. This is politics at its very worst. The Foundation has donated over $19m to worthy charitable causes more than it even received. The president himself or through his companies has contributed more than $8m, a spokesman said in a statement. The reason the Foundation was able to donate more than it took in is because it had little to no expenses. This is unheard of for a charitable foundation. The Foundation currently has $1.7m remaining which the NYAG [New York attorney general] has been holding hostage for political gain, the statement continues. This is unconscionable particularly because the Foundation previously announced its intention to dissolve more than a year and a half ago. The prior NYAG, who was recently forced to resign from office in disgrace, made it his stated mission to use this matter to not only advance his own political goals, but also for his own political fundraising. The acting NYAGs recent statement that battling the White House is the most important work [she] have ever done shows that such political attacks will continue unabated. A phone call to Mr Lewandowskis lawyer though Mr Lewandowski was not named in the lawsuit itself was not immediately returned. It started with the n-word. White people had used the racial epithet to demean Teshawn Solomon in the past, he said, but until that point none of them had been a supervisor at his job. It was 2017 and Mr Solomon was working as a warehouse specialist in Sacramento for Vivint Solar, an energy company that specialises in home automation, security and residential solar energy systems. Without warning, the supervisor referred to him using the racist language, he recalled. Recommended Most Americans believe racism is still a major problem On another occasion, another supervisor told him to "reach his black hands out" when he was being handed a box, Mr Solomon alleged. The same supervisor used a banana to humiliate Mr Solomon at one point, according to the African-American father of four. "Monkeys like bananas," he said, offering Mr Solomon the piece of fruit. Eventually, Mr Solomon alleged, his white co-workers used cardboard boxes to build a protective fort around their desks. He said the structure was spray-painted with the words "white only" and remained intact for two weeks. With the racist incidents piling up, Mr Solomon said he felt increasingly isolated and began to fear for his safety when he was at work. "I was terrified," the 36-year-old said. "The only other African-American employee was usually at other warehouses, so I was alone, at night, looking over my shoulder, wondering what else could happen to me." "All I wanted was respect and the dignity of providing for my family," he added. The alleged incidents of racial harassment are detailed in a lawsuit filed late on Monday in California Superior Court in Sacramento County. In the suit, Mr Solomon accuses his former employer of racial harassment and discrimination, both of which are violations of California's Fair Employment and Housing Act. He also accuses Vivint Solar's managers of failing to prevent racial discrimination and actively encouraging him not to take his complaints to the company's human resources department. Mr Solomon said he knew he would have no opportunity to advance and make a better life for his family if he remained with Vivint Solar. After more than a year with the company, he resigned in March, deciding that he "could no longer tolerate the hostile work environment, brazenly racist conduct, and management's indifference to it," the suit states. "Management did nothing after I complained," Mr Solomon said. "They didn't hold anyone accountable. People continued joking about the fort for weeks because they knew management didn't care about racism." Vivint Solar has its headquarters in Lehi, Utah, and employs more than 4,000 people in 21 states. "We typically have a policy of not commenting on specific personnel matters or pending litigation," Vivint said in a statement released to The Washington Post. "However, in this case, we wish to extend a sincere apology to Mr Solomon for the deeply concerning and understandably upsetting situation he endured." Five ways to disrupt racism "Mr Solomon's experience was an isolated one and it has been addressed by our HR team to ensure something like this never happens again," the statement added. "Mr Solomon's experience simply does not reflect the values or culture of Vivint Solar and stands in direct contradiction to our core values as a company." Responding to Vivint Solar's statement, Mr Solomon's attorney, Corey Bennett, said his client was forced to choose between a "dehumanizing work environment" and unemployment. "When employees freely use racial slurs on a daily basis, brazenly construct a racist monument in plain sight and are then shielded by management, it is only because the culture allowed it," he said. Photos taken inside the warehouse and provided to The Washington Post by Mr Bennett appear to show several desks surrounded by cardboard boxes, filing cabinets and stacks of water bottles. Scrawled above the "white only" sign are the words "Inspections Department." Mr Bennett said the photos were taken by another employee who left the company after complaining about racial harassment and then passed the images to his client, who also took photos of the structure before it was taken down. Mr Bennett, a San Francisco-based lawyer specialising in employment law, said he is familiar with cases in which minority workers are harassed using nooses or swastikas. But he's never encountered a racist play fort inside a workplace. He called the structure "bizarre." "If you look at that photo you can get a sense they wanted to make their own little hideout," Mr Bennett said. "I think these people thought they could do whatever they wanted to without any oversight or accountability." Mr Bennett said his client grew up in Long Beach, California, and spent 12 years in prison before getting out in 2012. Ever since, he said, Mr Solomon has been trying to work hard and "do right by himself and his family." At Vivint, he was responsible for maintaining equipment and assisting with various tasks around the warehouse. Despite being subjected to racial discrimination, the attorney said, Mr Solomon excelled at his job and was promoted from a part-time to full-time role after six months. "He thought this company was actually going to be a place he could stay for a while," Mr Bennett added. "As an African-American, he's got to work harder as it is, and as an ex-convict he's got to work that much harder. Then he found himself at a workplace that made his daily life miserable." The Washington Post Secretary of state Mike Pompeo said North Korea will not see any sanctions relief until the country denuclearises, undercutting Pyongyangs suggestion that Donald Trump had agreed to ease economic restrictions. The top US diplomat clarified Americas position as he conferred with South Korean and Japanese officials after Mr Trumps high-stakes met with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un in a high-stakes effort to convince Mr Kim to scrap his countrys nuclear programme. After that meeting, North Korean state media said Mr Trump had agreed to lift economic sanctions. But Mr Pompeo shot down that claim, signaling that America would continue to hew to its maximum pressure campaign of choking sanctions until Pyongyang had verifiably dismantled its arsenal. We are going to get denuclearisation, Mr Pompeo said, adding that only then will there be relief from the sanctions. A joint statement released by Mr Trump and Mr Kim after their meeting pledged that North Korea would work toward complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula. Mr Pompeo said he expected North Korea to take steps towards denuclearisation over the remainder of Mr Trumps current four-year term. Administration officials credit a concerted international effort to isolate North Korea and stifle its economy as a key factor in bringing Pyongyang to the negotiating table. North Korea Military Parade Show all 6 1 /6 North Korea Military Parade North Korea Military Parade AP North Korea Military Parade AFP/Getty Images North Korea Military Parade AP North Korea Military Parade AP North Korea Military Parade AP North Korea Military Parade AFP/Getty Images While the Trump administration has rejected the notion of imminently lifting sanctions, Mr Trump offered a key concession in saying America would suspend joint military exercises that the North has long denounced as a prelude to an invasion. South Korean officials who met with Mr Pompeo hailed the summit for bringing the world back from the brink of potential armed conflict. President Moon Jae-in said the meeting helped shift from the era of hostility towards the era of dialogue, of peace and prosperity. Singapore Summit 2018: Donald Trump says North Korea will 'dismantle missile test site' America and its allies insist that any nuclear deal must entail complete and verifiable destruction of Pyongyangs nuclear weapons. In the months leading up to the summit, North Korea threatened the world with a series of bellicose statements as well as tests of ballistic missiles and a powerful hydrogen bomb. Australian troops killed an Afghan amputee and kept his prosthetic leg as a souvenir, which they took back to Perth and drank beer from, an investigation has found. The mans death is one of several alleged war crimes committed by a rogue Special Air Service Regiment (SASR) team deployed to Afghanistan. On the same mission, a rookie trooper on his first deployment was pressured by higher-ranking soldier into killing an unarmed, elderly detainee as a part of a blooding ritual, Fairfax Media reported. Special forces sources who witnessed the 2009 killing said the man was a suspected Taliban member but posed no threat when he was shot dead. Two senior soldiers had been overheard declaring the need to blood the rookie insiders said. In separate incident the same year, an Afghan man with a prosthetic leg was machine-gunned and killed by a soldier during a raid in Urozgan province. Troops kept the artificial limb and took it back to their headquarters, where it was reportedly fashioned into a novelty drinking vessel. A picture obtained by Fairfax showed the leg mounted onto a board reading Das Boot. Sources said the soldier who shot the amputee was also implicated in the killing of a handcuffed detainee during a SASR mission in the village of Darwan in 2012. It is alleged he kicked the man, named as Ali Jan, off a small cliff, leaving him badly injured. Troops then reportedly decided to put him out of his misery by shooting him dead. The soldiers involved in the incidents have not been named by Fairfax, which carried out a six-month investigation into a string alleged war crimes by members of SASR. Details of the killings emerged as Australias prime minister condemned troops from the same elite squadron photographed more than a decade ago flying a Nazi flag from a vehicle while on patrol in Afghanistan. The flag was briefly raised above the Land Rover in 2007, the Australian Defence Forces (ADF) said in a statement. It was shown flying over the vehicles bonnet in a photo published by the Australian Broadcasting Corporation. A broadcaster published the photograph of the red flag with a black swastika inside a white circle flying from a Land Rover Long Range Patrol Vehicle somewhere in Afghanistan in 2007. Australian prime minister Malcolm Turnbull described the flag incident as completely and utterly unacceptable and said the soldiers involved had been disciplined. It was absolutely wrong, and their commanders took action at the time, he said, 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 Vice-chief of the Australian Defence Force, Ray Griggs, said the flag was destroyed when the patrol returned to base and appropriate action had been taken in response. Neil James, executive director of the Australian Defence Association, a security policy think tank, said the flag was more likely a joke than a demonstration of ideology. Flying a red flag above a camouflaged vehicle doesnt make any sense from a tactical or professional point of view, he added But Ben Wadham, a Flinders University expert on the armed forces and a former military investigator, said the Australian army had previously had to deal with soldiers who were Nazi sympathisers Flying that flag in Afghanistan dishonours the ADF and those soldiers who fought in the Second World War, he added. ADF said an ongoing inquiry led by its inspector-general was investigating the conduct and culture of its special forces. The Afghanistan Inquiry has, for some time, been aware of allegations of significant issues involving the Special Operations Task Group in Afghanistan, which are within the scope of the inquiry, a spokesman said. Child refugees are being abused, detained and illegally sent back to Italy by French border guards, according to a new report from Oxfam. Some children as young as 12 were being held overnight in cells without food, water or blankets, or access to an official guardian, the report states. These conditions are contrary to French and European Union (EU) law. French police routinely stop unaccompanied children and put them on trains back to Italy after altering their paperwork, either to make them appear older or to make it look as though they want to be sent back, the report states. Border guards have also cut the soles of the childrens shoes or stolen their mobile phones SIM cards, Oxfam staff said. One Eritrean girl, described as very young, was forced to walk along a road with no pavement while carrying her 40-day-old baby. An estimated 16,500 refugees and migrants passed through the Italian border town of Ventimiglia in the nine months to April. The majority were fleeing war and persecution in countries such as Syria, Afghanistan, Sudan and Eritrea. Many were trying to reach other countries in the EU, such as the UK, France, Germany and Sweden. French police routinely stop unaccompanied children and put them on trains back to Italy after altering their paperwork, report alleges (Oxfam) Around a quarter are thought to be children, who have reported feeling abandoned in reception centres. They said they were given no opportunity to attend schools or training, while being provided with no information about how to claim asylum or reunite with family members in other European countries. After months or even years of waiting, many decide to continue their journey alone, while others are pushed out of the centres as soon as they turn 18. Many sleep under a motorway just outside the town of Ventimiglia, as the only nearby reception facility has a heavy police presence and compulsory fingerprinting which may deter them from staying there. Refugee crisis - in pictures Show all 27 1 /27 Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugee crisis - in pictures A child looks through the fence at the Moria detention camp for migrants and refugees at the island of Lesbos on May 24, 2016. AFP/Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Ahmad Zarour, 32, from Syria, reacts after his rescue by MOAS (Migrant Offshore Aid Station) while attempting to reach the Greek island of Agathonisi, Dodecanese, southeastern Agean Sea Refugee crisis - in pictures Syrian migrants holding life vests gather onto a pebble beach in the Yesil liman district of Canakkale, northwestern Turkey, after being stopped by Turkish police in their attempt to reach the Greek island of Lesbos on 29 January 2016. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees flash the 'V for victory' sign during a demonstration as they block the Greek-Macedonian border Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants have been braving sub zero temperatures as they cross the border from Macedonia into Serbia. Refugee crisis - in pictures A sinking boat is seen behind a Turkish gendarme off the coast of Canakkale's Bademli district on January 30, 2016. At least 33 migrants drowned on January 30 when their boat sank in the Aegean Sea while trying to cross from Turkey to Greece. Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A general view of a shelter for migrants inside a hangar of the former Tempelhof airport in Berlin, Germany Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees protest behind a fence against restrictions limiting passage at the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Since last week, Macedonia has restricted passage to northern Europe to only Syrians, Iraqis and Afghans who are considered war refugees. All other nationalities are deemed economic migrants and told to turn back. Macedonia has finished building a fence on its frontier with Greece becoming the latest country in Europe to build a border barrier aimed at checking the flow of refugees Refugee crisis - in pictures A father and his child wait after being caught by Turkish gendarme on 27 January 2016 at Canakkale's Kucukkuyu district Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants make hand signals as they arrive into the southern Spanish port of Malaga on 27 January, 2016 after an inflatable boat carrying 55 Africans, seven of them women and six chidren, was rescued by the Spanish coast guard off the Spanish coast. Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee holds two children as dozens arrive on an overcrowded boat on the Greek island of Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures A child, covered by emergency blankets, reacts as she arrives, with other refugees and migrants, on the Greek island of Lesbos, At least five migrants including three children, died after four boats sank between Turkey and Greece, as rescue workers searched the sea for dozens more, the Greek coastguard said Refugee crisis - in pictures Migrants wait under outside the Moria registration camp on the Lesbos. Over 400,000 people have landed on Greek islands from neighbouring Turkey since the beginning of the year Refugee crisis - in pictures The bodies of Christian refugees are buried separately from Muslim refugees at the Agios Panteleimonas cemetery in Mytilene, Lesbos Refugee crisis - in pictures Macedonian police officers control a crowd of refugees as they prepare to enter a camp after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A refugee tries to force the entry to a camp as Macedonian police officers control a crowd after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees are seen aboard a Turkish fishing boat as they arrive on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing a part of the Aegean Sea from the Turkish coast to Lesbos Reuters Refugee crisis - in pictures An elderly woman sings a lullaby to baby on a beach after arriving with other refugees on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A man collapses as refugees make land from an overloaded rubber dinghy after crossing the Aegean see from Turkey, at the island of Lesbos EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures A girl reacts as refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees make a show of hands as they queue after crossing the Greek border into Macedonia near Gevgelija Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures People help a wheelchair user board a train with others, heading towards Serbia, at the transit camp for refugees near the southern Macedonian town of Gevgelija AP Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees board a train, after crossing the Greek-Macedonian border, near Gevgelija. Macedonia is a key transit country in the Balkans migration route into the EU, with thousands of asylum seekers - many of them from Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq and Somalia - entering the country every day Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures An aerial picture shows the "New Jungle" refugee camp where some 3,500 people live while they attempt to enter Britain, near the port of Calais, northern France Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures A Syrian girl reacts as she helped by a volunteer upon her arrival from Turkey on the Greek island of Lesbos, after having crossed the Aegean Sea EPA Refugee crisis - in pictures Refugees arrive by boat on the Greek island of Lesbos after crossing the Aegean sea from Turkey Getty Images Refugee crisis - in pictures Beds ready for use for migrants and refugees are prepared at a processing center on January 27, 2016 in Passau, Germany. The flow of migrants arriving in Passau has dropped to between 500 and 1,000 per day, down significantly from last November, when in the same region up to 6,000 migrants were arriving daily. While sleeping rough, they have no access to clean water or toilets, and their tents or cardboard shacks are often destroyed on the orders of the local authorities. Children, women and men fleeing persecution and war should not suffer further abuse and neglect at the hands of the authorities in France and Italy, Elisa Bacciotti, campaigns director at Oxfam Italy, said. In too many cases, a lack of basic services and information in Italys reception system is forcing people into precarious and dangerous situations. People with a simple desire to claim asylum in a country where their family members live are being thwarted at every turn. She added: Europe must fix its asylum system, and share the responsibility for hosting asylum seekers. Governments and border officials should protect the special needs and rights of children instead of illegally pushing them back to other countries. Children should never be kept in jail cells or subjected to cruel abuse. French police clear refugee camp in Paris in latest anti-migrant crackdown The Oxfam report, titled Nowhere but Out, calls on EU member states to ensure responsibility for refugees is shared more equally. It also calls on the EU to take into account the legitimate needs of asylum seekers and to ensure families are reunited. It demands the French government immediately stops illegally returning children to Italy and works to put an end to the alleged abuse conducted by French police and border guards. The Independent has contacted the French and Italian embassies for comment, but neither replied before this article was published. A California teacher said she received a negative reaction after revealing her sexuality to students. Amy Estes, a middle school teacher in Rocklin, California, reported to her school district someone said derogatory comments to her, according to PinkNews. This included her being called a dyke and to join the Nazis. One night I received a really upsetting comment that said dont be stupid, be a smarty, you can join the Nazi Party now accepting dykes,' she said to . I had never revealed in those videos that I was gay and additionally when I looked at the profile it said that it was someone from Rocklin, California." Estes said she was critical of the school district after it took a month to meet with her. She is currently on leave for mental health reasons, according to PinkNews. Russia has vowed to retaliate if Norway invites the United States to more than double the number of Marines stationed in the country. In a statement on its Facebook page, the Russian Embassy said it made the Scandinavian country "less predictable", while warning it "could cause growing tensions, triggering an arms race and destabilising the situation in northern Europe, It added: We see it as clearly unfriendly, and it will not remain free of consequence. The response came after Oslo announced earlier this week that it would ask the US, its Nato ally, to send 700 marines to train in Norway from 2019. There are around 330 US Marines in Norway at present. Norway said the additional troops would be based closer to the Russian border. Oslo has grown increasingly concerned about Russia following Moscows annexation of Crimea from Ukraine in 2014. However, it said it does not consider its much larger neighbour a direct threat. Russian military hardware on display at the Victory Day parade 2018 The US Marines were scheduled to leave at the end of the year, after an initial contingent arrived in January 2017 to train for winter conditions. They were the first foreign troops to be stationed in Norway since the Second World War. The countrys foreign minister, Ine Eriksen Soereide, said the decision did not constitute the establishment of a permanent US base in Norway. There are no American bases on Norwegian soil, she said. In addition, the US wants to build infrastructure which could accommodate up to four US fighter jets at a base 40 miles south of Oslo, as part of a European deterrence initiative launched after Russia annexation of Crimea. Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War Show all 24 1 /24 Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War A legendary World War II era Soviet tank T-34 AP Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War Russian President Vladimir Putin shakes hands with military personnel during the Victory Day parade at Red Square AFP/Getty Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War Russian army MiG-29 jet fighters of the Strizhi (Swifts) and Su-30 jet fighters of the Russkiye Vityazi (Russian Knights) aerobatic teams fly in formation Reuters Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War Russia's newest robotic complex Uran-9 takes part in the Victory Day military parade EPA Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War Russian troops march during the Victory Day military parade AP Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War Russian servicemen drive military vehicles during the Victory Day parade Reuters Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War Russian servicewomen march at Red Square AFP/Getty Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War Russian President Vladimir Putin and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attend the Victory Day military parade EPA Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War Russian Msta S artillery vehicles AFP/Getty Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War People carrying picturers of fallen soldiers queue to pay their respect at the Soviet War Memorial AFP/Getty Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War Russia's new generation of strategic missiles Yars EPA Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War Russian President and the Supreme Commander-in-Chief of the Russian Armed Forces Vladimir Putin delivers a speech during the Victory Day military parade EPA Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War Army ATV-1 during the parade Rex Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War Russian military servicemen march during Victory Day parade in Moscow EPA Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War Buk-M2 air defence missile systems parade through Red Square AFP/Getty Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War A Russian World War II veteran is greeted by a young boy after the Victory Day military parade EPA Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War Russian servicemen ride on a military vehicle Reuters Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War Russian honour guards march AFP/Getty Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War Russian President Vladimir Putin, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu attend a wreath laying ceremony to the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier after the Victory Day parade EPA Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War EPA Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War WWII veterans take part in celebrations marking the 73rd anniversary of the Soviet Union's victory over Nazi Germany during World War II AFP/Getty Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War Russian President Vladimir Putin, Serbian President Aleksandar Vucic and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu take part in a wreath laying ceremony AFP/Getty Images Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War Russia's Msta-S self-propelled howitzers during the Victory Day military parade EPA Victory Day 2018: Russia commemorates end of Second World War Russian President Vladimir Putin, left, and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, right, toast during a reception after the Victory Parade AP Norway said the expanded invitation was about Nato training and improving winter fighting capability. Allies get better at training together, the countrys defence minister, Frank Bakke-Jensen, said. The initial decision to welcome the Marines prompted Moscow to say it would worsen bilateral relations and escalate tensions on Natos northern flank. Russias Northern Fleet launched a large naval exercise in the Arctic Barents Sea. Later this year, Norway will host its biggest Nato manoeuvre in decades. The deputy mayor of the northern Israeli town of Afula has joined a demonstration calling for a house in the community not to be sold to an undesirable Arab-Israeli family. Approximately 150 people marched through the towns streets on Wednesday afternoon to protest against the owners of a house in the Yizrael neighbourhood who decided to sell to Arabs. Flyers circulated before the protest called on Afulas residents to put a stop to this phenomenon the sale of homes to those who are undesirable in the neighbourhood from the beginning. Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu hail US recognition of Jerusalem as Israel's capital Demonstrators carried flags and placards, one of which read: Traitors against the Jews will get no rest. The protesters were joined by both Afula's deputy mayor, Shlomo Malihi, and its former mayor Avi Elkabetz, who is seeking a return to office. The residents of Afula dont want a mixed city, but rather a Jewish city, and its their right. This is not racism, Mr Malihi said, according to Haaretz. Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops: in pictures Show all 15 1 /15 Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops: in pictures Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops: in pictures A demonstrator uses a racket to return a tear gas canister fired by Israeli troops Reuters Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops: in pictures Palestinian demonstrators run for cover from tear gas fired by Israeli forces Reuters Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops: in pictures A demonstrator shouts Reuters Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops: in pictures Tear gas canisters are fired by Israeli forces at Palestinian demonstrators Reuters Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops: in pictures A wounded Palestinian is evacuated Reuters Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops: in pictures A demonstrator uses a sling to hurl stones at Israeli forces Reuters Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops: in pictures A female demonstrator uses a slingshot to hurl stones at Israeli forces Reuters Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops: in pictures A demonstrator with a slingshot looks on Reuters Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops: in pictures Female Palestinian demonstrators react to tear gas fired by Israeli forces Reuters Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops: in pictures Israeli forces fire teargas canisters toward Palestinian demonstrators AFP Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops: in pictures Female demonstrators run for cover from tear gas fired by Israeli forces Reuters Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops: in pictures Palestinian medics evacuate a wounded protester AP Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops: in pictures A demonstrator moves a burning tire Reuters Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops: in pictures A demonstrator uses a racket to return a tear gas canister fired by Israeli troops Reuters Palestinian protesters clash with Israeli troops: in pictures Palestinian demonstrators during clashes with Israeli forces AFP/Getty I hope that the house sale will be cancelled so that this city wont begin to be mixed. We do not have admittance committees like in the towns and kibbutzim around us, but we will not allow the character of the city to change. In 2016, Afula also saw protests after all the bids for lots in a new residential neighbourhood were won by Arab families. Approval for all 43 was eventually overturned by Nazareth District Court after technical errors were identified in the bidding process. Recommended Israel scores own goal as Argentina match cancelled Although around 20 per cent of Israels 8.6 million-strong population is Arab, a nation state bill currently being considered by the Knesset contains a clause that would allow the establishment of Jewish-only communities. The bill has been widely condemned by Arab politicians. The racism of ethnic superiority has become a legitimate reality under this right-wing government, Arab Joint List MK Yousef Jabareen said in response to the developments in Afula. This protest should rock the political system and keep up at night all those who care about equality and human dignity. Turkish-backed jihadi militiamen, who seized the Kurdish enclave of Afrin in northern Syria earlier this year, have put up posters carrying instructions about obedience to sharia law beside the outline of a woman wearing a full niqab a black garment shrouding the body and face. The posters sparked angry street protests by Kurds, who are mostly Muslim but have a secular tradition and have remained in Afrin since the invasion by the Turkish army and Syrian militiamen, often members of jihadi groups, of which Isis and al-Qaeda are more extreme examples. The posters were taken down after a few days by Turkish military police, but are only the latest sign of pressure on Kurdish women by the jihadis to accept second-class status and to wear the hijab (headscarf) or the niqab. Gulistan, 46, a teacher from Afrin, told The Independent that the aim of what she described as the wearing-the-hijab campaign is to force women to stay in their homes and not to take part in public life as Kurdish women have traditionally been able to do. Just because I wear jeans, I always hear words such as whore, disbeliever, dogs of Assad and the Shia from strangers in the street, she says. Recommended How the Syrian conflict became a war of ethnic cleansing A group of women held protest vigils to demand the removal of the posters, she adds, explaining that the wearing of the niqab is a social rather than a religious custom and not one that is part of Kurdish tradition. The demand that Kurdish women, who are mostly Sunni Muslims, wear the hijab or niqab comes from Arab militiamen and from settlers with similar fundamentalist Islamic beliefs who have been forced out of eastern Ghouta by a Syrian government offensive. Reported to number 35,000, they have taken over Kurdish-owned houses and land abandoned by some 150,000 Kurds who fled the Turkish invasion that began on 20 January and ended with the capture of Afrin city on 18 March. The United Nations says an estimated 143,000 Kurds remain in the enclave. Bave Misto, 65, a farmer from the town of Bulbul, north of Afrin city, confirms that Kurds are under pressure to abandon secular practices. His family is one of less than 100 Kurdish families ho remain in Bulbul, compared to 600 before the invasion. Footage reportedly shows Turkey-backed Syrian fighters celebrating in Afrin He says only older people are being allowed to return to their homes and that Arab militiamen, who say they belong to the Free Syrian Army, are barring young men and women from doing so. Mr Misto says the militiamen are calling on the Kurdish inhabitants of Bulbul to attend mosque, and Arab families displaced from Damascus and Idlib are praying there to five times a day and are asking our women to put on the hijab. He was told by one of his new neighbours, Abu Mohammad from eastern Ghouta, to get his wife to wear the hijab, saying: It is better for this life and the afterlife. Many Kurds in Afrin suspect that the enforcement of fundamentalist Islamic social norms on secular Kurds is intended to encourage the ethnic cleansing of Kurds from Afrin. During the invasion, several Arab militia units filmed themselves chanting sectarian anti-Kurdish slogans commonly used by Isis and al-Qaeda. Kurds in Afrin face extreme difficulties in making a living. Mr Misto owns a small field on the outskirts of Bulbul, in which there are olive and cherry trees, but when he tried to enter it he was told by Arab militiamen that it was full of mines planted by the PKK (the Turkish Kurd organisation, the Kurdistan Workers Party), though he was sceptical of this because the militiamen were grazing cattle there. Mr Misto was able to recover his house from an Arab family who had taken it over with the help of local police, headed by a Turk. This may be an indication of divisions between different parts of the Free Syrian Army, which is an umbrella organisation, about how to treat the Kurds and whether or not to confiscate their property. The UK-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights (SOHR) reports that Ahrar al-Sham, a jihadi movement closely allied to Turkey, has evicted at gunpoint seven families of displaced people from eastern Ghouta, who had been living in houses in Afrin, because they insisted on paying rent to the Kurdish owners. The displaced people from Ghouta, who were brought in convoys to Afrin, said that they themselves had been dispossessed of their homes by the Syrian government, but did not think it right to take the homes of others. SOHR says that Ahrar al-Sham has threatened to imprison the evacuees from eastern Ghouta if they return to the houses they had rented, on the charge of dealing with Kurdish forces. Turkish attack on Afrin, northern Syria in pictures Show all 9 1 /9 Turkish attack on Afrin, northern Syria in pictures Turkish attack on Afrin, northern Syria in pictures Smoke billows following a Turkish airstrike on a village in the Afrin district, on 28 January, 2018. Turkey launched operation "Olive Branch" on January 20 against the Kurdish People's Protection Units (YPG) militia in Afrin, supporting Syrian opposition fighters with ground troops and air strikes AFP Turkish attack on Afrin, northern Syria in pictures Smoke billows from surrounding villages during the Turkish military operation against the Kurdish enclave on 28 January, 2018 AFP/Getty Turkish attack on Afrin, northern Syria in pictures Twenty-year old Kifah al-Moussa, a Syrian Arab woman living among the Kurds of Afrin province, was working on a chicken farm in the village of Maryameen when a Turkish aircraft bombed the building at midday on 21 January, wounding her in the chest. When she recovered consciousness, she found eight people from one family lying dead around her Yara Ismail Turkish attack on Afrin, northern Syria in pictures Mohamed Hussein, a 58-year-old Kurdish farmer, lies in the Afrin hospital, wounded in the head and eye after his home was bombed by Turkish aircraft on the second night of the attack Yara Ismail Turkish attack on Afrin, northern Syria in pictures Syrian Kurds sit on benches overlooking a street in Afrin, on 28 January, 2018. Above is a memorial to martyrs who died in the fight against Isis AFP/Getty Turkish attack on Afrin, northern Syria in pictures Smoke is seen rising on the Syrian side of the border, at Hassa, near Hatay, southern Turkey as Turkish jet fighters hit People's Protection Unit (YPG) positions, on 28 January, 2018 AFP/Getty Turkish attack on Afrin, northern Syria in pictures A Turkish made T-155 Firtina (Storm) howitzer is dispatched to the border at Hassa near Hatay, southern Turkey, on 28 January, 2018 AFP/Getty Turkish attack on Afrin, northern Syria in pictures A Turkish soldier waves a flag on Mount Barsaya, northeast of Afrin, on 28 January, 2018 Reuters Turkish attack on Afrin, northern Syria in pictures Turkey-backed Free Syrian Army fighters are seen in Barsaya mountain, northeast of Afrin, on 28 January, 2018 Reuters Although there is sporadic guerrilla warfare waged by the Kurdish Peoples Protection Units in Afrin, it is unlikely that the demographic changes that followed the Turkish invasion will be reversed. Gulistan says that life for Kurds who have stayed in the enclave is chronically insecure because they are at the mercy of groups such as Ahrar al-Sham. She says that her uncle owns a grocery store but this is heavily taxed by the militias, who often take goods without paying for them. When he appealed to the police, the militiamen then mistreated him even more. She says one of her neighbours was kidnapped three weeks ago and his wife and brother received a demand for $50,000 in ransom for his release. SOHR confirms that there is widespread looting and fighting between militia factions, and that one Kurdish official has been tortured to death. It probably had to happen. All the stars were aligned: the perennial shortage of qualified medical staff in the NHS; the advance planning for next winters crisis; a loud chorus of special pleading led by the great and the good; frightened politicians, and a new home secretary keen to set a fresh tone on migration following the (totally unrelated) Windrush scandal. And so the government will announce that it is abolishing the cap for recruiting nurses and doctors from outside the EU and presumably, post-Brexit, from inside the EU, too. That such a decision had become inevitable, however, does not make it either right or desirable and I say that as someone who has recently found it nigh impossible to make a GP appointment without a delay of at least three weeks, or at all. Not that NHS staff shortages or the governments response to them are anything new. I keep a little collection of cuttings on the subject, which goes back a decade or more. My long-time favourite is a letter to the Financial Times from 2016, asking why, a full six years after the Department of Health contracted consultants to project future requirements so that sufficient doctors and nurses could be trained, there were headlines saying Englands hospitals are short of 15,000 nurses and blaming visa restrictions. As the correspondent noted, the drivers of demand for health and social care services are well-known, and restrictions on migrant workers have been in place for a considerable time. So why are we still seeing such headlines? Why indeed? And why, more than two years on from those headlines and that observation, are the shortage complaints as loud and as urgent as ever? Its no good the medical establishment wringing its hands and blaming us (the ignorant public) for not appreciating how long it takes to train even this inadequate number of nurses and doctors. That Department of Health consultation conducted, no doubt, at a cost that could have paid for several wards full of extra nurses dates back more than eight years now. Even with an entirely graduate profession of nurses and the long training required to produce a doctor, the NHS could have had four years worth of extra nurses by now and two years worth of new junior hospital doctors, with a new crop of fully trained GPs, surgeons and other specialists in the pipeline. Numbers of training places have increased a bit, but at nothing like the necessary rate. Which is how the NHS comes to be insisting once again that patients lives are in danger and clamouring successfully, as it turns out for the abolition of the migration cap. But why, after all this time, do the numbers still not add up? Jeremy Corbyn attacks Theresa May over NHS staff shortages, cuts and privatisation Well, one reason might be that the consultants projections were catastrophically wrong (in which case, the Department of Health should demand its money back). And it is no good anyone citing the Blair governments great EU migrant miscalculation; the scale of this particular blunder was already well known by 2010. A more justified reason might be the large pay rise agreed for GPs back in 2004, which enabled many to work part-time and still take home a comfortable amount an opportunity embraced with enthusiasm especially by women GPs (which makes it even more difficult than it was to see either a woman doctor, or the same woman doctor twice). Changes to GP pension arrangements have also had the effect of encouraging more to retire early. As for nurses, there has been the spread of the to my mind ill-advised 12-hour shift system which means a days absence leaves a bigger and more expensive gap than it would under an 8-hour shift system. But the biggest reason for the NHS to demand more imported medics is surely the same as it has always been: that bringing in fully, or nearly, qualified medical staff is a lot easier, more flexible, and above all cheaper than training them yourself. So here we go again. Whether the cash savings in the longer term are as great as they seem in the short term, however, may be less clear-cut. Language competency requirements may have been increased, but I know from experience that there can be quite severe communications problems. Doctors trained abroad are more likely to be struck off than those trained in the UK (though many argue this may reflect inbuilt discrimination in the cases that are brought). More significant, perhaps, were the findings of a peer-reviewed 2015 study, which concluded that the use of non-UK-educated nurses in English NHS hospitals is associated with lower patient satisfaction. Importing nurses from abroad to substitute for domestically educated nurses may negatively impact quality of care. Now you could, and perhaps will, respond that such conclusions reflect the prejudices of patients, on the one hand, and the medical elite (the GMC) on the other. No doubt more work needs to be done. And at least as compelling an argument against the recruitment of so many foreign medics is that it is immoral, because they invariably come from countries that can least afford to lose them. But it is not hard to see how the recruitment of medical staff abroad suits NHS managers and government ministers the rotas are staffed and the boxes ticked and that any downside is likely to be suffered disproportionately by the patients. 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 So what can be done to address the shortage? It seems to me that there are two routes: the organisational and the imaginative. Under organisational would come moves either to integrate the private sector better into the NHS or to separate the two completely. The current system blurs obligations (oh yes it does) to the disadvantage of NHS patients. There should also be a minimum period of service in the NHS for those expensively trained in the UK, or for those who leave a requirement to reimburse part of the cost. The extent of part-time working and early retirement also needs to be factored in to the training numbers in a way that has apparently not been done. Under imaginative, how about developing some accelerated training schemes for particularly neglected specialities? Could younger retired people not be encouraged to train as, say, adult carers, GPs or geriatricians? I can already hear the squeals from the Royal Colleges. School-leavers, they would object, need multiple A*s in the hard sciences to get near a medical course; then it is eight years or more of hard graft. But life experience bringing up children, tending to sick partners or elderly relatives has direct relevance to medicine and could be formalised in perhaps a year of modular training for a new sort of health branch tailored to the much-maligned ageing population. It is also what freshly minted medics most lack. A scheme has begun to train mature teachers; might there not be room for a medical equivalent? The NHS may have secured its new fix of ready-trained staff this time around, but ministers, managers and the medical establishment must bring their unhealthy addiction to an end. Keys must always be the symbol of the Palestinian Nakba the disaster the final, fateful, terrible last turning in the lock of those front doors as 750,000 Arab men, women and children fled or were thrown out of their homes in what was to become the state of Israel in 1947 and 1948. Just for a few days, mind you, for most of them were convinced or thought they knew that they would return after a week or two and re-open those front doors and walk back into the houses many had owned for generations. I always feel a sense of shock and awe when I see those keys and I held one in my hand again a few days ago. It was a heavy key, rather like the big iron keys for big iron locks that Britons and Americans used more than a hundred years ago, with a long wide shaft, a single bit and a bow where you hold the key with a slight double-curve at the bottom so that you can grip it firmly between two fingers and thumb. The farmer who owned this key lived in the Palestine border village of Al-Khalisa and locked up his home built of black basalt stones for the last time on 11 May 1948, when the Jewish Haganah militia refused the villagers request to stay on their land. Israeli and Palestinian historians have agreed on the history of the village. Today, al-Khalisa is the Israeli frontier town of Kiryat Shmona, and the few refugees who remain alive in the squalid camps of Lebanon can still see their lands if they travel to the far south of the country and look across the border fence. Few camps could be more vile than the slums of Chatila, where Mohamed Issi Khatib runs his equally shabby Museum of Memory in a hovel adorned with ancient Palestinian farm scythes, photocopies of British and Ottoman land deeds, old 1940s radio sets and brass coffee pots and keys. Just three of them. One, without even a proper bit, was probably used for an animal shed. The 'Museum of Memory' in Chatila (Duraid Munajim) (Duraid Manajim) The Khatib family lost their own key (the one I held belonged to the grandfather of a refugee called Kamel Hassan). Mohamed was born in Lebanon, just after his parents fled al-Khalisa, and a few days before the independence of the new state of Israel was declared. The UN General Assembly Resolution 194 of 1948 says the Arabs should return to their homes; hence the continued Palestinian demand justified but hopeless for a right of return to their own lands, which are now part of Israel. Israels Absentee Property Law of 1950 denies the return of any Arabs who fled their property during the Israeli independence war. Many Israelis agree that the Arab dispossession was unjust. But as the fine and liberal Israeli scholar Avi Schlaim once told me, Israel was admitted to membership of the UN in 1949. What is legal is not necessarily just, he said. This is not an argument you can put to Mohamed Khatib, who worked until his retirement 10 years ago as a doctor for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency, set up in 1949 to look after Palestinian refugees from the Nakba, and later for those who fled or were driven from their homes in the 1967 Middle East war. It cares for around 5 million Palestinians many of them children and grandchildren of the 1947-8 refugees, born in exile, almost half a million of them in Lebanon Khatibs museum of wretchedness smells of cigarette smoke not everyone there was abiding by the Ramadan fast before I arrived (which they cheerfully admitted), and there is a faint odour of rust and old paper. Mohamed Issi Khatib worked until his retirement as a doctor for the United Nations Relief and Works Agency (Duraid Munajim) (Duraid Manajim) The documents and brown passports are familiar to me. Over the years, Ive read through similar papers, land deeds and passports, usually surmounted by the crest of Mandate Palestines British protectors, that familiar crown, lion and unicorn, and the imprecation honi soit qui mal y pense may he be shamed who thinks badly of it. But shamed we Brits were by all this nonsense. Khatib blames us for the Palestinian disaster, and points to the keys. You did this, he says, smiling in complicity because we all know the history of the 101-year old Balfour Declaration, which declared Britains support for a Jewish homeland in Palestine, but referred to the majority Arab population as existing non-Jewish communities. But when I ask Khatib if he will ever return to his Palestine a consummation which many Palestinians have in reality abandoned he insists that he will, and explains his belief with a long and disturbing and quite chilling argument: that Israel is a foreign body in the region which cannot survive, which was implanted from outside. He sounds, I tell him, like the former Iranian president Mahmoud Ahmedinejad a crackpot of Trump-like proportions in my view and I conclude it must be goodbye to the two-state solution if this is how Arabs plan to regard their future neighbours. But Khatib says rightly, I fear that the early Palestinian desire for such a solution has long ago been abandoned in the face of Israeli violence. So what, I ask, did the Palestinians do wrong in all these years? Didnt they make any mistakes? They did, he says. Their mistake was to leave, to go out of Palestine. They should have stayed [in 1947 and 1948]. Our fathers and grandfathers should have stayed, even if they felt themselves in danger, they should have stayed on their land even if they died. My mother said to me once: Why did we leave? I should have kept you with me and stayed with you there. 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 What a bitter conclusion. Many Palestinians did stay. But many others stayed and died think Deir Yassin at a time, just after the Second World War, when the Wests sensitivities were blunted by conflict and did not care if a few hundred thousand more refugees were put out of their homes. I understand Mohamed because parents do not always make wise decisions but, if I was in their shoes holding my front door key Im not sure I would have stayed. Anyway, I would have thought I was only going away for a few days Ive gone back to his parents Palestine many times, taken some old keys with me to Israel the locks had been changed, of course and knocked on the front doors of those Arab houses that remain, and talked to the Israeli Jews who now live in them. One expressed his sorrow for the former Palestinian owner and asked me to pass on his feelings to him, which I did. Another, an old Jewish man originally from a city in southern Poland, a Holocaust survivor who had been driven from his home by the Nazis, his mother murdered in Auschwitz, drew me a map of where he and his parents once lived. I even travelled to Poland and found his old house and knocked on the front door, and a Polish woman answered and asked as Israelis might ask if they thought the Arabs were going to reclaim their property: Are they coming back? Polish law gives former Jewish citizens the right to seek restitution for Nazi-confiscated property. I acknowledge Mohamed Khatibs need to remind the world what actually happened to the Palestinians. He asks me why I am pro-Palestinian and I reply that I am pro-truth but I am not pro-Palestinian. Im not sure if he understood the point. His parents house had three rooms with a stream beside it, he says. His father was a policeman for the British mandate. I Ieave him, though, with the feeling that history stretches out into the future as well as the past, that he will never return and that his little museum and its keys are a symbol of regret rather than hope. The three appeal judges overturned an earlier ruling by a High Court judge (Andrew Matthews/PA) A doctors daughter who grew up Ireland and married in Italy but wanted to stage a multi-million divorce money fight in England has lost the latest round of a legal battle. Three appeal judges have concluded that Una Kelly, who is in her forties and has worked for the European Commission, is not domiciled in the legal jurisdiction of England and Wales, after estranged husband John Pyres, who is in his seventies, objected to any money-fight trial being staged in England. Lady Justice King, Lord Justice Newey and Mr Justice MacDonald have concluded that Ms Kelly does not regard England as home after analysing evidence at a Court of Appeal hearing in London. Judges said she maintained advantageous fiscal ties to England but said she appeared to have little if any affection for England and chose largely only to visit for medical treatment. Evidence suggested that she appeared to think of Italy as home, they said. The three appeal judges, who analysed the case at a hearing in March, overturned an earlier ruling by a High Court judge. Mr Justice Cobb had decided in March 2017 that Ms Kelly was domiciled in England and ruled that any fight over money should be staged in England. Appeal judges said the facts behind the dispute were unusual and complex. Mr Pyres, a retired civil servant, who had worked for the European Parliament in Luxembourg and the European Commission in Brussels, had been born in India and moved to England with his parents when 13. Ms Kelly had Irish parents but had been born in England because her father was a surgeon working in England at the time. She had returned to Ireland, Mr Justice Cobb had indicated that she lived in Dublin, when she had a baby and stayed there until she was 23. In 1995 she had moved to Manchester to study, and spent 18 months in England, before going to work for the European Commission in Brussels. She had met Mr Pyres in Brussels in the late 1990s and they had married at an Italian farmhouse he owned in 2005. The pair had at one stage spent nearly a year living in Fulham, London, when Ms Kelly was working for a company based in England and Mr Pyres owned a six-bedroom property in Fulham. Ms Kelly had gone on to work in Albania with a European Union delegation. Mr Pyres had spent the last three years of his working life in a European Commission job in Sarajevo, capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina. He argued that any money fight should be staged in Sarajevo. Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to either crash to come forward (Niall Carson/PA) Two people have died in separate road crashes in the Republic of Ireland. A woman was killed following a two-car crash in Co Mayo, while only minutes earlier a man died in a crash in Co Cork. The woman, aged in her mid-sixties, was driving the car when it collided with another vehicle. The crash happened on the N5 Westport Road outside Castlebar at around 8.30am on Thursday. She was taken to Mayo University Hospital where she died a short time later. A man in his mid-thirties who was driving the other car involved in the crash was also taken to Mayo University Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries. The road is currently closed and diversions are in place as Garda forensics investigate the scene. In Cork, a man aged in his late seventies died after a car struck a gate post at 8.15am on the Ballyhooley Road in Mayfield. He died at the scene. The female driver, who is also aged in her late seventies, was taken to Cork University Hospital with serious injuries. Gardai are appealing for any witnesses to either crash to come forward. A woman has died following a two-car crash in Co Mayo. The crash happened on the N5 Westport Road outside Castlebar at around 8.30am on Thursday. The woman, aged in her mid 60s, was driving the car when it collided with another vehicle. She was taken to Mayo University Hospital where she died a short time later. A man in his mid 30s who was driving the other car involved in the crash, was also taken to Mayo University Hospital where he was treated for minor injuries. The road is currently closed and diversions are in place as Garda forensics officers investigate the scene. Bank of Ireland is betting that a housebuilding revival will be the catalyst to boost profits over the next three years and help drive a 20pc expansion in its loan book. In a wide-ranging strategy plan released yesterday, new CEO Francesca McDonagh argued that the elimination of the current housing undersupply will underpin growth ambitions. She sees 65pc of the bank's targeted loan growth coming from the Irish market. The bet on growth in residential property output, off a low base, could pay off. But it hasn't happened through the past five years of sustained recovery. How soon will that change? The plan also sidesteps recent warnings that a new bubble is brewing in the economy, including from the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). But Ms McDonagh played down those concerns, arguing the group does not view the economy as being in bubble territory. "We are very diligent and outward-looking and risk aware" and stressed "we do not believe the [Irish market] is at risk of overheating", she said at a presentation to analysts in London. The bank's bullish outlook rests on three key assumptions: economic growth is real as opposed to credit-fuelled; a "rule-book change" continues to keep a lid on the pace of lending; and finally the market remains some way off its boom-time peak. Ms McDonagh claimed lending volumes remain 20pc below the height of the last cycle, "if anything" the scale of lending could "double for an economy of Ireland's size". With only half of the 40,000 units required annually built last year, the yawning gap between supply and demand remains to be filled. Yet banks have bet big on the property market in the past and history shows the dangers of relying too heavily on such a cyclical sector. From Boris Johnson's taped ramblings and UK government resignations to House of Commons votes on House of Lords amendments, Brexit has become messy and utterly confusing for many. The British government won the early votes on the Brexit Withdrawal Bill, but only after agreeing to something of a last-minute climb down on Tuesday. If its Brexit deal is voted down by the House of Commons in November, the British government will agree to a parliamentary motion, which will determine where it goes from there. This further weakens the British government's negotiating hand with the EU, and could be seen as helping a softer Brexit. However, it might also show how even in November (nearly two-and-a-half years after the referendum) this process could still be thrown into complete uncertainty. Predictions about the future and what will happen are now devalued to the level of sheer speculation. Nobody knows what will happen, not even the main protagonists. In an attempt to pick through the confusion and read the tea leaves, here are the reasons for optimism and the reasons for pessimism from an Irish point of view. I hasten to add there is no one "Irish point of view" or single positive outcome for this country. Additional FDI jobs to Dublin might do little for small firms along the border. The maintenance of an open Border with the North might be good for those who cross it regularly, but the cost of winning that could be a tariff and customs regime between Ireland and Britain, which is detrimental to Irish businesses that export across the Irish Sea. The best way of articulating an outcome that is good from an "Irish point of view" is to measure the final Brexit outcome against the current status quo. Put in very broad terms, the greater the change from the current Ireland/UK position, the worse the outcome. Reasons to be cheerful 1. Mr Johnson's outburst last week, which was caught on tape, clearly depicted a hard Brexiteer who is not happy with the way things are going. His dismissal of the importance of the Irish Border question and the weakness with which Brexit is being pursued, all suggested he is frustrated because he believes his government is heading towards a much softer Brexit than he would have liked. Throw into the mix the fact David Davis didn't get what he wanted on the date attached to the backstop proposal, and the fact that other Brexiteer ministers, like Michael Gove, are being more realistic about what kind of Brexit can be achieved, shows the hard Brexiteers are losing. 2. The British government did finally come up with a backstop proposal, which received a cautious welcome from the Irish government. It showed some progress in their thinking on the customs aspects of Brexit and how an open border could be achieved. It also acknowledged how aligning regulations is also necessary in resolving the Border issue. The fact all of the UK has been included in the backstop proposal could indicate that all of the UK would remain within some kind of customs union and regulatory alignment with the EU indefinitely. 3. Theresa May appears to be getting the upper hand at Cabinet, despite having a Brexit sub-committee with a small majority of hard Brexiteers on it. Dominic Cummings, the man who designed and led the Leave referendum campaign, recently wrote a lengthy blog on how the Brexit delivered through the referendum was not now going to happen because it was getting bogged down in complexity, lack of momentum and political mismanagement by Mrs May and her government. Seeing Mr Cummings so frustrated might give many people in Ireland a warm feeling that Brexit is getting softer and, therefore, will end up much closer to the status quo. Mrs May's early rhetoric around "Brexit means Brexit" and "no deal is better than a bad deal" is not being repeated much these days. Instead, she is talking about making "unpalatable" compromises. Previously bullish hard Brexiteers are talking about Brexit as a process not an event. They believe they will get to their Brexit destination, but it will take longer. This is a long way from bragging about signing up a new trade relationship in a matter of months. 4. The British government has had to back-track on everything so far. It began with the exit bill and has gone through the need for a transition period, a backstop on the Border, staying with EU standards and acknowledging that a new trading relationship will take longer to negotiate than originally thought. So, Brexit won't be that much different to what we have now? It may even be the so-called 'Bino': Brexit in name only. If only we could be that sure. Here is the other side of the Brexit coin 1. The backstop proposal is still a fudge. The fact the British government wants to keep all of the UK and not just Northern Ireland in a regulatory alignment has made Brussels jumpy. The EU's chief negotiator for Brexit, Michel Barnier, doesn't like the idea. We in Ireland don't care so much, but it could serve to drive a wedge between Dublin and Brussels in the months ahead. With the June summit deadline missed, we are heading for some late-night horse-trading in the run-up to an October deadline. Leaving so much to the last minute could be bad for Ireland. 2. The backstop proposal is still well short of guaranteeing an open Border and, in truth, unless the British decide to stay in a customs and regulatory union and not negotiate separate trade deals, they cannot guarantee a fully open Border. This unfixable problem stands in the way of an EU/UK Brexit deal and, therefore, could trigger a collapse of the talks and a very hard Brexit with no deal at all. 3. Mr Johnson was saying what he really felt on tape last week. As a Brexiteer, he is deeply frustrated with the direction of the process. As things are shaping up, Britain could end up with a 40bn bill to leave the EU and be tied to a customs union indefinitely, while not having a seat at the EU table to negotiate rules and deals in Brussels. It would be a rule-taker and not a rule-maker in terms of regulation. It could not negotiate significant new trade deals and would, as Mr Johnson put it, be permanently in the "EU's orbit" - not in the EU, but not circling around and unable to escape it. Because this is such a bad outcome for Brexiteers, they will be reluctant to accept it. So too might many of the more moderate backers of Brexit who will wonder why they were bothering to leave at all. This could encourage a more chaotic end to the process. 4. What did Mr Johnson mean when he predicted a "meltdown" was coming? He may have meant a meltdown from a Brexiteer's perspective, as they continue to be denied the kind of Brexit they want. Or he may have meant a collapse in the process, which will be difficult but (in his view) will work out all right in the end. Perhaps he knows there has to be a collapse in talks and sees that as inevitable. The EU will drive a very hard bargain between now and October, knowing no British government will want to have parliament running the process from November onwards. This could further soften up the Brexiteers for a more modest EU exit. Don't be surprised if by January 2019, many of these questions have still not been fully answered. All we know is the uncertainty will continue and this divisive issue could go on and on and on. Le Collectif Cheikh Yassine a organise un certain nombre dactivites et de festivites pour les enfants de Gaza sous le theme La joie des enfants de Gaza pour lAid . Ces activites ont commence le premier jour de lAid et continue jusquau 4eme jour de lAid dans la bande de Gaza. Plusieurs activites, ont ete organisees parmi lesquelles : des competitions recompensees par des prix, des jeux, des animations et des chants presentes par un groupe ainsi que des distributions de cadeaux et daides financieres. Theresa May is facing another parliamentary bust-up over her flagship Brexit legislation after a compromise designed to keep critics in her own party on board was denounced as "unacceptable" by Tory Remainers. The move was branded "sneaky" by one backbencher while another senior pro-EU Tory said the wording of a Government amendment was changed at the last minute to deny MPs the chance of blocking a "no deal" Brexit. A senior minister was forced to deny having lied to pro-EU Conservatives about the plan, which was signed off by the Prime Minisiter. Peers are to vote on Monday on a proposal to give MPs the power to dictate the Government's response if it fails to reach a deal with Brussels as a potentially bloody round of "parliamentary ping-pong" gets under way. Mrs May avoided almost certain defeat in the House of Commons on Tuesday by inviting potential rebels into her private office and assuring them that their concerns about having a "meaningful vote" on the final Brexit deal would be addressed. However, the amendment to the EU Withdrawal Bill tabled on Thursday leaves Parliament facing a "deal or no deal" choice. If MPs reject the agreement reached by Mrs May with Brussels - or if no deal has been obtained by January 21 - Parliament will be offered the opportunity only to vote on a "neutral motion" stating that it has considered a minister's statement on the issue. Crucially, the motion will be unamendable, meaning that MPs cannot insert a requirement for Mrs May to go back to the negotiating table, extend the Brexit transition or revoke the UK's withdrawal under Article 50. Leading pro-EU Conservative Dominic Grieve told the Press Association: "It is unacceptable in my view. It is not in accordance with the normal procedures of the House of Commons and it totally negates the point of the amendment, which was to give MPs a say." Mr Grieve indicated the final text of the amendment tabled by ministers on Thursday had been changed from the wording which he believed had been agreed earlier in the day. He told PA: "After what had been a very sensible negotiation, I thought we had an agreement, and at the last moment part of the text was changed to make the final motion unamendable if there isn't a deal by the end of January 21. "I think it is unacceptable because it seems to me to be contrary to what the whole intention was behind this whole amendment." Solicitor General Robert Buckland acknowledged that previous versions of the amendment had existed until the Prime Minister decided on the final proposal on Thursday afternoon. "There were various iterations of the motion, yes there were times in the day when we were looking at different iterations," he told Sky News. "The Prime Minister had a choice to make, she was given a range of options, she has delivered on the promise that she made." He added: "I have not lied, certainly not. I promised them that I would deal in good faith, we looked at iterations, they have been involved in the process - as have other colleagues - and in the end a decision was made by the Government to table the motion in these terms." While there may be "political consequences" from the vote promised under the amendment, "this particular approach does not tie the hands of the Government in the way that the original amendment that was proposed by Dominic Grieve and others did". Mr Grieve previously tabled his own proposals, which would have allowed Parliament to dictate the next steps the Government should take if no deal was reached by the end of February. However, the Grieve amendment was not forced to a vote on Tuesday after would-be rebels accepted "personal assurances" from the PM that a compromise would be found. Now Conservative peer Viscount Hailsham has re-tabled Mr Grieve's amendment in the House of Lords, setting the scene for a fresh Government defeat when the Bill returns to the Second Chamber on Monday. Pro-EU Tories were quick to voice their anger. Shortly before the text of the amendment was tabled, former minister Anna Soubry tweeted to say that "deal or no deal Parliament will have a meaningful vote and ... there will be no hard Brexit" but after the proposal was published she said "without consultation what was agreed earlier today has been changed". Sarah Wollaston tweeted: "So just to be clear we are now going to have to amend the 'unamendable' after the agreed amendable amendment acquired a sneaky sting in the tail. "Would be funny if only it wasn't such a serious issue." Shadow Brexit secretary Sir Keir Starmer said: "Theresa May has gone back on her word and offered an amendment that takes the meaning out of the meaningful vote. Parliament cannot - and should not - accept it." But senior Tory backbencher Tom Tugendhat said the issue of the "meaningful vote" was secondary as the Government would fall if it could not secure parliamentary approval for its Brexit deal. "If the government can't get the most important treaty through Parliament we'll be looking for a new government," said Foreign Affairs Committee chairman Mr Tugendhat. Large-scale investor funds may effectively be outbidding home buyers for apartments in sought-after areas of Dublin. At last weekend's conference of the Institute of Professional Auctioneers and Valuers (IPAV), the topic was raised by IPAV chief executive Pat Davitt. He said that it can be unfair on home buyers who may be getting ready to buy an apartment which is advertised for sale on the open market, only to have it taken off the market because a whole block has been sold to a large-scale investor. He called on the Government "to ban [such] sales where the investors themselves are not adding to the supply". While he has no objection to investors forward funding new supply, he feels that as taxation is also squeezing out smaller investors, there is an increasing likelihood that Irish residential rents will in future be dictated in foreign boardrooms. Mr Davitt also said that there have been a number of instances where large-scale investors have paid prices which reflect a premium to what the apartments might fetch if they were sold individually. Last month, Irish Life Investment Managers (ILIM) bought 262 apartments near Dundrum in south Dublin. The Irish Times reported that the deal, which may have been worth more than 100m, came as a surprise, as more than 1,000 people had previously responded to a marketing campaign by registering their interest in buying the apartments. Marketed as Fernbank new homes, the one, two and three-bedroom units are being developed by Irish firm Park Developments on a site which had been part of the Notre Dame school in Churchtown. The developer is reported to have bought the site 13 years ago for 30m and is expected to use the funds from the Fernbank sale to accelerate other developments that it plans for South Dublin. The scheme comprises 56 one-bedroom units, 188 two-beds and 17 three-bed apartments. Park is expected to complete the first units by the end of this year. A spokesperson for the agents, Lisney, indicated that the switch to build-to-rent reflected the changing market as the number of people buying rather than renting a home has fallen. "A number of factors are making it more difficult to secure home ownership. Younger buyers are more constrained by insufficient savings and prevailing mortgage rules mean it is taking longer to get into position to get on the property ownership ladder." Lisney also referred to how home ownership levels have fallen over the years from a peak of 79pc in 1991 to 68pc in 2016, while rental households have increased from 18pc to 28pc over the same timescale. While no prices were advertised for the Fernbank scheme, some guidance is suggested by prices achieved in April for secondhand apartments at nearby Wyckham Point, Dundrum. There, a one-bedroom, third-floor apartment of 49.2 sq m (527 sq ft) sold for 335,000 and a two-bedroom 89 sq m (958 sq ft) unit sold for 476,000. Savings for a first-time buyer can be considerable if they buy instead of rent. Daft.ie's most recent report shows it would cost a first-time buyer only 976 per month in mortgage repayments to buy a one-bedroom apartment in Dublin 14. That compares with a rent of 1,483 for the same unit - a 52pc cost difference. ILIM, which invests in property on behalf of thousands of its Irish policyholders, is returning to the residential market after withdrawing from it when it sold its Mespil apartments complex near the Burlington Hotel more than 20 years ago. Now with about 1bn to invest in this sector, ILIM may also be a candidate to purchase some of the build-to-rent projects currently being developed for the large-scale investor market. Among the opportunities currently available are the four Dublin Living build-to-rent projects being developed by Marlet which is headed by Patrick Crean and backed by London-based investment firm M&G. Last week Marlet announced that its deal to sell 1,205 apartments across four sites for 450m to Round Hill Capital would not proceed after negotiations ended. A spokesperson for Marlet said this week that work is continuing on each of the four sites. These include a Mount Argus development in Harold's Cross which "is on track to have occupation by the end of this year." A second Harold's Cross site, St Clare's, is currently being developed. Work has also started on both a former CIE site in Cabra and at the Carriglea site off the Naas Road. "All should be well on the way to completion by the end of 2019," the spokesperson added. Marlet also has plans to undertake apartment developments for sale to individual buyers. Last year Mr Crean told a meeting of residents in Dublin 14 that the 120 apartments planned for its Greenacres site on the Upper Kilmacud Road would be for sale to individual buyers. Moves by the Government, however, to accelerate supply of rental accommodation following pressure from multinational employers may well result in more apartments complexes being sold for the rental market. A few months ago the Minister for Housing, Eoghan Murphy, introduced new guidelines which allow developers to generate greater efficiencies and cost savings with build-to-rent apartments compared to those which developers could generate from build-to-sell units. For instance, with build-to-sell developments, more than half the units must be devoted to two or three-bedroom units, whereas no such restriction applies to build-to-rent projects. Furthermore, a majority of the units in build-to-sell projects need to be larger than the minimum unit in a development. The minimum-sized studio unit is 37 sq m (398 sq ft). Build-to-rent developers can also save space in common areas, such as entrance hallways and corridors and areas around elevators and stairwells because build-to-sell developments have a limit of 12 apartments per core, but no limit applies to build-to-rent cores. In suburban developments fewer parking spaces are also required for build-to-rent. At least nine parties have approached developer Pat Crean's Marlet Property Group to express their interest in acquiring the 'Dublin Living' apartment portfolio since negotiations were terminated last week with the scheme's expected purchaser, Round Hill Capital. While Mr Crean is understood to be assessing a number of options in relation to the portfolio's four sites at St Clare's and Mount Argus in Harold's Cross, Carriglea on the Naas road and on the former CIE lands in Cabra, the Irish Independent understands a number of international investors have been weighing the possibility of stepping into Round Hill's shoes to forward fund the delivery of the scheme's 1,205 Build-to-Rent (BTR) apartments. Included in the parties who are understood to have been in contact with Marlet since last Wednesday are: Hines, Kennedy Wilson, Tristan Capital Partners, Aberdeen Investments, Angelo, Gordon & Co.; LRC, Greystar, and the Deutsche Bank subsidiary, DWS Investments. Greystar and Tristan Capital Partners were amoung the parties who lost out to Round Hill Capital in the original bidding process last year. The 'Dublin Living' portfolio was brought to the market by Savills Ireland last June for a guide price of 425m. Prior to the breakdown of talks last week, Round Hill had reportedly been prepared to pay Marlet in the region of 450m to secure the scheme. A failure by the parties to reach agreement on the structure of the proposed deal however is understood to have scuppered the negotiations. While Marlet's next move in relation to the 'Dublin Living' portfolio remains unclear, a spokesperson for the company said that work is continuing on each of the scheme's four sites. These include the Mount Argus development in Harold's Cross which "is on track to have occupation by the end of this year". A second Harold's Cross site, at St Clare's, is currently being developed. Work has also started on both a former CIE site in Cabra and at the Carriglea site off the Naas Road. "All should be well on the way to completion by the end of 2019," the spokesperson added. Ireland's burgeoning build-to-rent (BTR) market is becoming a magnet for large-scale investors. Indeed, according to a report published by CBRE earlier this year, up to 5bn in capital is now targeting BTR opportunities here. The vast majority of investors' money is chasing opportunities in the Dublin market, where the demand for housing is at its most acute. Outside of the capital, CBRE noted Kennedy Wilson's acquisition of the Elysian Building in Cork in the face of keen competition from numerous rival bidders as being indicative of investor appetite for core product in the country's key population centres. The build-to-rent sector is popular with institutional investors such as pension funds as the rental income from residential units in large numbers provide steady returns over many years, and through the peaks and troughs of economic cycles. Just as markets seemed to be recovering from the era of insolvency, the liquidation of construction group Carillion, the examinership of Irish contractor Sammon, and a ripple effect for Irish sub-contractors, reminds us how vital it is to protect yourself against debts going bad. In any downturn, how you manage credit, could be the difference between the survival and the death of your business. One would have thought that the catastrophic losses suffered in the last collapse would have guaranteed that nobody would take chances with their credit management again. But human nature is a powerful thing. Business people are entrepreneurs, they take risks - they are 'glass half-full' people. With business and the economy improving quickly over the last few years, it's tempting to get caught up in the rush to win more business and boost profits. This is very easy to understand. As an estate agent, you are sales-oriented and there is a huge emphasis on winning new clients. The thrill is in doing the deal, and there is nothing more boring than going through pages of aged debtors at a monthly meeting with the accounts department. From my experience, some individuals are better at debt collection than others. It often takes being stung a couple of times for an agent to realise that all that work you do in winning the client and doing the deal is worthless, if you don't get paid. In fact, it's worse than that, because you could have been doing something else and getting paid. This is where it's vital that experienced staff train their juniors in how to balance the push for business, with good credit-management techniques. It's all about being well organised and the people and departments that suffer the worst losses will usually be those who didn't get Terms of Engagement signed by the client, those who have patchy records of agreements with clients on expenditure, and the ones who make mistakes in raising invoices. Every firm should have a monthly meeting between those raising invoices and the accounts department, to review why invoices aren't being paid, and what needs to be done. The accounts department must keep an overall eye on the firm's cash flow so they can spot where the firm has built up too much overall credit with an individual client or sector. I asked an expert in the area, Stephen Scott, a director with Smith & Williamson, Chartered Accountants for advice. He told me that the key to an effective credit management policy is do the basics well at each stage of the process. This starts with a proper evaluation of new clients, efficient invoicing and follow-up procedures, having systems that identify bad debts and taking appropriate action, including legal remedies, to recover funds. He advises against having a very large proportion of your turnover concentrated on a small number of clients, which can allow those clients to begin dictating credit terms. Firms must establish clear credit terms and have a robust collection policy. Companies may offer discounts for fast payment, which reduces capital and administration costs, but this is expensive. Other ways of reducing risk are to take out credit insurance, reserve title on stock or designs, train staff in the soft skills around collection, get personal guarantees, enforce judgements and to make debt collection a team effort, as opposed to being left to the accounts receivable clerk. Tom Parlon, Director General of the Construction Industry Federation (CIF) told me that "these are dangerous times, and so it's essential for contractors to have their paperwork in order" for the debt collection process. CIF provides training for its members, but Parlon believes that some sub-contractors are unfamiliar with it. The Act provides for contractors to be paid monthly and entitles them to withdraw labour in cases where they are not paid. Tom Parlon attributes much of the blame for a spate of insolvencies to poor procurement processes by government. He estimates that work is currently stopped on dozens of schools in Ireland because contracts are continuously awarded to contractors who don't appear to have the financial capability and are not paying sub-contractors. "The apparent lowest price is often a false economy" he said. "The kids, parents and sub-contractors pay the price." When it comes to debt collection, my advice is to hold a very strong line. You'll lose few clients and most will respect you more for it. Don't end up paying for other people's problems. Farmers risk losing control of their co-operative dairy businesses unless a pipeline of well-trained young board members is put in place. The failure to invest in future board members jeopardised the future of the co-operative model, particularly in dairying, outgoing ICOS president Martin Keane told the society's AGM. "We need to invest in training and development structures for current boards, and right down through our representative structures," Mr Keane said. "If we don't 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," he warned. "We employ increasingly more highly trained and motivated management teams, and we must, if we are to retain control of our businesses, demonstrate strong leadership, and competence," Mr Keane maintained. The former ICOS president, who recently took over as Glanbia chairman, accepted that farmers were running increasingly complex farm businesses, but he said it would be naive to think they could just walk into a boardroom and immediately demonstrate competence and authority. "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," Mr Keane said. Complex "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," he added. Mr Keane described the next generation of dairy farmers as well educated, well travelled, and both highly motivated and skilled. "They may not, however, have had the same level of induction in the co-operative model as some of our generation," he told delegates. "We need to challenge ourselves to reach out to those young people; get them involved in the co-op, provide training and development structures, and persuade them of the logic of co-operation," Mr Keane said. "Social media, and peer groups, are enormously important to this generation, and we need to embrace and engage whatever media are necessary to make the co-op an important part of their lives," he said. Regarding the co-op livestock marts, Mr Keane said that the recent hike in insurance costs as a result of accidents meant that changes to the way marts operate was inevitable. "Nobody wants to tell people who have supported a mart all their lives that they have to get out of the penning area, but we may have to," he said. Irish farmers will be pleased to hear that Phil Hogan is doing well in the Brussels minefield as the EU Agriculture Commissioner. It's always good to see one of our own doing well on the international stage. But the read at home on the big Kilkenny man will depend much on how he can balance the in-built conflict in being the 'European' Commissioner, while also meeting the reasonable demands of Irish farm lobbyists at a time of profound changes. Last week he published plans for fundamental changes in EU farm policy for the years 2021-27. It will see the overall agriculture budget share drop from 38pc to some 28pc, partly due to a 12bn hole caused by the UK's departure, and in part due to pressures for more spending on things like EU security, migration and other policy areas. And then there are pressures to deliver an EU trade deal with the South American Mercosur states which has considerable implications for agricultural trade - not least Irish beef. The former Fine Gael kingpin and environment minister has impressed in Brussels since his swearing-in for a five-year term back in November 2014. He is well liked for his affable and easy-going way of dealing with people, and rated as a politician who can cut a canny deal. It was notable during the Brexit campaign in 2016 that he was among the very few allowed by the Brussels machine to go and speak on the issue in England, Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Clearly, his interventions did not tip the balance, but more importantly they did not antagonise anyone. Hogan also had a big moment in December 2017 when he was credited with rescuing a major EU-Japan trade deal which was threatened by a bitter row over Japanese soft cheese. Using his political nous, he proposed a compromise which put things back on course. His detractors in Brussels are in a minority. But he has faced sharp criticism from people like the Bavarian MEP Albert Dess, and other more traditional MEPs from the French rural heartland. Their recurring criticism is that Hogan is unduly embracing of the 'green agenda' and too taken with things like the need to address climate change. They argue that these things are detrimental to what the traditional CAP should be doing for farm families and rural communities. It will amaze many in Ireland, but he has been dubbed as "just too green" by some critics in Brussels. Against these criticisms there is the realpolitik that these issues are not going to go away. If Hogan fails to confront them now, farmers and everybody else risk paying a much higher price very soon. Time is very short for him to shepherd his farm reform plans over the line ahead of the deadline of the European Parliament elections next May. It means next March, also the deadline for signing off a UK 'withdrawal agreement' is a big date for him and the EU generally. There will be some frenetic activity in the coming months in Brussels. Increasingly, the EU leaders' summit in October is emerging as the witching hour for Ireland's key Brexit interests, notably the future of the Border and our huge agri-trade with Britain. But a mid-December leaders' summit is also crucial for an overall budget deal which would include the future CAP funding framework. In his favour, Hogan's proposals are seen as flexible enough to avoid too many major obstacles. Losers But watch Poland in all of this. They see themselves as the biggest losers in the new farm funding regime and this may compound their already poor relationship with the EU. Of course, it is not Commissioner Hogan's job to help Ireland in the upcoming tough negotiations. But his knowledge of this country's specific problems and issues, and a personal relationship with his interlocutors in Dublin, will be no load to Ireland at all here. The major task will be for Agriculture Minister Michael Creed and Taoiseach Leo Varadkar. If they can come up with innovative approaches they should find the Agriculture Commissioner's door at least half-open to them in stemming losses estimated at up to 1bn amid 5pc cuts in direct payments. There is no doubt that Phil Hogan would get a very senior post in a new EU Commission post after November 2019. The Taoiseach of the day will have a big say in all of that. John Downing is an Irish Independent political correspondent Gardai discovered the original tags of the heifer stolen from Virginia show in a shed on the property. Stock image. In a case that presented like a detective novel, the outcome of a seven-year-old investigation was concluded at Cavan Circuit Criminal Court last week. Jerome Smith (65) pleaded guilty to stealing a Holstein Friesian, valued at 10,000 in 2010, and a second count of stealing the same breed of cow, valued at 5,000, in August of 2016. Two further charges of possession of a stolen tractor and an Ifor Williams trailer were entered as a nolle prosequi by the State. The case featured a search in the early hours of the morning, Garda deductive reasoning, DNA evidence, and the high value thefts. Liam Murphy brought his prize Holstein Friesians to Virginia show at 7:15am on August 24, 2016. When he went to collect the animal at 6:20pm, he was told the heifer was gone. Over 40 people helped Liam in his search to recover the animal, but it could not be found. The Gardai were called in and the investigation commenced. Five days later, at 1:30am, the authorities executed a warrant at Smith's farm at Aghaloory, Ballyheelan, Kilnaleck. Garda Barry Crudden gave evidence to Judge John Aylmer about the incident. He said confidential information had led them to the Kilnaleck farm. Gda Crudden spoke to Smith about the search. A number of animals were brought into the yard. Gardai discovered the original tags of the heifer stolen from Virginia show in a shed on the property. The officer told the judge that markings on Holstein Friesians are as unique as fingerprints. Gda Crudden said that Smith had no difficulty with the owner of the stolen animal attending at the scene to view the stock on the farm. He said Smith helped with the rounding up of the cows. While the search was taking place, officers discovered an Iffor Williams tailor with the chassis number cut out and a Massey Ferguson T93 with a 03 D reg plate. One of the officers pointed out that the model of the tractor had ceased manufacturing in the late 90s. The licence plate actually belonged to a Seat Ibiza car. Smith was arrested and brought to Bailieboro Garda station where he made no attempt to hide the fact he took the heifer. In interview he referred to the stolen cow, said he took the tags off, indicated he intended to breed the animal and, when asked why he had not returned it, replied: I wanted to keep her. The farmer maintained his innocence about the stolen tractor and trailer. He said he paid 3,000 for the trailer to a man called Joyce he met in Edgeworthstown. In interview, Smith said he purchased the tractor off the side of the road from Seamus Kane and he had an invoice for it. The garda contacted the man alleged to have sold the tractor. Although acknowledging dealing with the defendant, he denied selling him that tractor. Gda Crudden said suspicion was raised about another Holstein Friesian found on the farm. The evidence relating to the earlier theft was given to the court by Garda Adrian O'Hanlon. He told of attending the Smith farm with an inspector from the Department of Agriculture on September 6, 2016. This was an investigation into a cow stolen from Virginia Show in 2010. The victim, Ivan Robinson from County Down, had a 10 month old pure bred Holstein Friesian worth 10,000 taken in similar circumstances to the 2016 robbery. Garda O'Hanlon said: At the time of the original search of Mr Smith's farm, suspicions were raised about one of the animals. Mr Smith became a person of interest in regard to an older investigation. Accompanied by a vet, we took DNA samples from one cow in the herd that appeared extremely similar to the animal stolen in 2010. The court heard that, although the defendant presented registration papers for the animal, the DNA sample was sent to Weatherbys Scientific. This confirmed that the prize-winning cow belonged to Mr Robinson. Before the results were back, Smith admitted taking the animal. He had won prizes for the Friesian at four different shows in the intervening years. Garda O'Hanlon said of the dairy farmer: His life is about going to agricultural shows. A statement that the thefts could have put Virginia's Show in jeopardy by damaging its reputation was objected to by the defendant's counsel. Ashamed Smith was represented in proceedings by two different barristers. Breffni Gordon BL said his client was entirely co-operative, had apologised to the injured parties and was deeply ashamed and embarrassed. He explained how Smith found himself in straitened financial circumstances as a result of historic mortgages. He was separated from his wife and had limited means. He supplemented his income from a very small dairy farm by working in the local mart one day a week. Mr Gordon said his client "brought shame on his family. He said, although the defendant's daughter had recently been married, Smith was not invited to the wedding. Counsel handed in references from employers and a report from a medical doctor indicating that Smith suffers from depression. He said psychiatric problems were exacerbated by financial difficulties. The court heard that the animals were returned to their rightful owners and 4,000 in compensation was paid to Mr Robinson. In concluding the case, Judge Aylmer described it as an odd offence motivated by the desire to engage in showing and breeding quality animals at fairs. The judge said that the defendants financial circumstances would have precluded him from such activities. Noting that Smith was otherwise a man of good character the judge said he would not expect him to engage in this type of activity. Mitigating circumstances identified by Judge Aylmer included the defendant's co-operation, his disgrace in the community and the significant embarrassment to Smith and his family. The judge said he would reduce the appropriate sentence from 18 months to 12 months for each of the offences, but would direct that the defendant complete 240 hours of community service in lieu of the prison sentence. The judge also noted the nolle prosequi for the tractor and trailer offences. The IFA is to call for a substantial increase in the Rural Development Programme (RDP) speanding post 2020. This is despite fears that EU Agriculture Commissioner, Phil Hogan, has insistence that cuts to the BPS provided under Pillar I of CAP will be limited to around 4pc which could necessitate a 9pc lowering of Pillar II, which funds rural development. IFA Rural Development Chairman Joe Brady said it is unacceptable that the EU Commission is proposing to cut the EU funding and the co-financing rate in the RDP post-2020. At the level of EU funding proposed, to maintain the 4 billion RDP budget currently available, Irelands national contribution would have to increase from 1.8 billion to 2.24 billion. IFA is proposing that the RDP for CAP post-2020 increases by 25pc to 5bn over the period 2020- 2027. This would cover IFA proposals for: an increased annual allocation of 300 million for ANCs; a new agri-environment scheme with a payment of up to 10,000 for farmers, involving a whole farm payment and higher payments for those with designated Natura land; measures to help young farmers; and, a strong on-farm investment scheme. Joe Brady said significant details in the proposed EU legislative framework will have to be worked through to make farm schemes more effective so that they have a greater impact on farm income. He said, Minister Creed has go to show his teeth at Cabinet level to argue the case for a strong RDP post-2020, with additional national co-financing. The importance of establishing a robust RDP is critical as this is a 7 year programme and sends a strong signal to farmers about the role the Government sees for ongoing Rural Development supports, particularly for areas which have not benefited from the recent economic upturn. As a first priority it is vital that the funding available in the current RDP is fully utilised, Brady said. Minister Creed appears to be in denial about the fact that, as the situation stands, not all funding will be used. IFA has identified underspend across a number of schemes, in particular in TAMS, and to a lesser degree in Knowledge Transfer, GLAS, the Sheep Welfare Scheme and other measures. The Minister has got to realise that his hand will be strengthened in the CAP Budget discussions at EU level if the full RDP allocation of 4bn, which includes 2.1bn of EU funds, is fully utilised over the 7 years of the programme up to 2020, he said. Today - Grip: Today a crewmember deployed Grip hardware in the Columbus module central aisle and performed dynamic seated operations. ESA's Grip investigation tests how the nervous system takes into account the forces due to gravity and inertia when manipulating objects. Results from this investigation may provide insight into potential hazards for astronauts as they manipulate objects in different gravitational environments as well as support design and control of haptic interfaces to be used in challenging environments such as space. Additionally, this investigation hopes to provide information about motor control that will be useful for the evaluation and rehabilitation of impaired upper limb control in patients with neurological diseases. Multi-Omics: A 54S crewmember collected fecal samples for JAXA's Multi-Omics experiment and place them in a Minus Eighty Degree Celsius Laboratory Freezer for ISS (MELFI). The Multi-omics analysis of human microbial-metabolic cross-talk in the space ecosystem (Multi-Omics) investigation evaluates the impacts of space environment and prebiotics on astronauts' immune function, by combining the data obtained from the measurements of changes in the gut microbiological composition, metabolites profiles, and the immune system. Dose Distribution Inside the ISS - 3D (DOSIS 3D): Passive radiation detectors were installed in the Columbus module today in support of ESA's DOSIS 3D investigation. This experiment uses active and passive detectors to determine the radiation doses inside the ISS and provides documentation of the actual nature and distribution of the radiation fields. A concise three dimensional dose distribution map of all the segments of the ISS will be developed based on this data and data from JAXA and NASA monitoring devices. Human Research Program (Marrow, Cell-Free Epigenome (CFE) and Medical Proteomics): A 55S crewmember collected blood samples for their Flight Day 5 session of CSA's Marrow and JAXA's CFE and Medical Proteomics investigations. Air samples were collected for the Marrow investigation as well. Marrow looks at the effect of microgravity on bone marrow. It is believed that microgravity, like long-duration bed rest on Earth, has a negative effect on the bone marrow and the blood cells that are produced in the bone marrow. For the CFE study, blood samples are collected from astronauts and cellular genes are analyzed. The results provide insight into how human bodies function during space flight. The Medical Proteomics investigation evaluates changes of proteins in blood serum, bone and skeletal muscles after space flight, and also supports identification of osteopenia-related proteins. By combining research results for space mice, astronauts and ground patients, proteins related to osteopenia can be identified using the latest proteome analysis technique. It is anticipated that the use of the marker proteins related to osteopenia will be of benefit in the future for assessing the health of astronauts as well as osteoporosis patients on ground. Emergency Roles & Responsibilities Review: With the arrival of 55S, all crewmembers participated today in an Emergency Roles & Responsibilities Review. Items of discussion included crew accountability, access to escape vehicles, and ISS Commander responsibilities. Due to the complex nature of emergencies in space, it is imperative each crewmember is fully familiar with the various emergency procedures and strategies in place. Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Preparations: In preparation for this week's US EVA #51 Node 2 External Wireless Communications (EWC), the crew used computer-aided simulations to review EVA procedures via Dynamic Onboard Ubiquitous Graphics (DOUG). Later in the day, the crew participated in an EVA procedures conference to review their DOUG session and EVA procedures with ground specialists. Mobile Servicing System (MSS) Operations: Robotics specialists conducted a Mobile Transporter (MT) Translation from Work Site (WS)4 to WS3 this afternoon and maneuvered the Space Station Remote Manipulator System (SSRMS) to stow the Special Purpose Dexterous Manipulator (SPDM) on the Mobile Base System (MBS)-2. Once complete, they grappled the Node 2 (N2) Power Data Grapple Fixture (PDGF) with SSRMS. These activities put the MSS in the required configuration to support Thursday's US EVA #51 Node 2 External Wireless Communications (EWC). Marinara Service Pack (SP) Deploy: This morning, ground specialists deployed the Marinara SP on three crew-assigned Space Station Computers (SSCs). This update adds additional ground troubleshooting capabilities and supports upcoming payloads and Tech Demos. Remaining SSCs will be loaded with the SP during crew sleep pending a successful checkout of this morning's updated computers. Today's Planned Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. CSA Generic HRF Centrifuge Frozen Blood Collection CSA Generic HRF Centrifuge Frozen Blood Collection Configuration CSA Generic HRF Centrifuge Frozen Blood Collection Spin Conclude MELFI Insert for JAXA Blood Samples CSA Generic Sample MELFI Insertion CSA Generic HRF Centrifuge Frozen Blood Collection Conclude And Stow ISS Crew Orientation Multi Omics FOS Stow Auxiliary Laptop Computer System Virus Definition File Update Multi Omics FOS Preparation COSMOCARD. Preparing for and Starting 24-hr ECG Recording. GRIP Big Picture Words reading Multi Omics Fecal Sample Operations Photography of Plume Impingement and Deposit Monitoring Unit () position on MRM2 through SM window No.13 - preparation DOSIS 3D Passive Detector Pouch handover after upload of dosimeters with Soyuz. Multi Omics Fecal Sample MELFI Insertion Soyuz 739 Transfers and IMS Ops Installation of the DOSIS 3D passive detector packs in Columbus and photo documentation. Multi Omics Fecal Stow Treadmill 2 (T2) Handover Video Review Photography of Plume Impingement and Deposit Monitoring Unit () position on MRM2 from SM window No.13 XF305 Camcorder Setup FROST2 FOAM CORRECTION GRIP setup in the seated configuration SSC System HV5-Server Network Boot MATRYOSHKA-R. Transfer of Phantom Set kit from Soyuz 739 to MRM1, outfitting with detectors, setup at exposure location. Photography. Removal of HERO3 camera in Soyuz 739. Transfer of Video to Hard Drive. Flash card closeout ops. Start Charging Battery (6). SSC12 Ethernet Cable Swap Potable Water Dispenser (PWD) Sample Collect GRIP science performance in seated position Bringing ODF up to date using Soyuz 739 delivered files Coliform Water Processing Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Buffer Container (BC) Changeout Marrow Breath And Ambient Air Sample Setup Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Potable Water Dispenser (PWD) Sample Analysis Marrow Breath And Ambient Air Sample Setup Historical Photo Emergency Roles and Responsibilities Review Dynamic Onboard Ubiquitous Graphics (DOUG) Software Review maintenance Photography of 228 mockup temperature sensors on the external surface of MRM2 Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Procedure Review Deactivation of Soyuz 738 Gas Analyzer Deactivation of Soyuz 739 Gas Analyzer Checking -2 treadmill carriage position. Photograph position of -2 carriage relative to pullout roller by lifting -2 curtain. Downlink photo via OCA Treadmill 2 (T2) Handover Video Review T2 Crew Handover ARED Handover Video Review ARED Crew Handover Soyuz 739 HERO3 GoPro HEROS camera battery charge (6) termination and stowage. Wireless Compose SD Card Data Copy Multi Omics Item Gathering Onboard Training (OBT) Robotics On-board Trainer (ROBoT) Setup Exercise Data Downlink via OCA CSA Generic Frozen Blood Collection Setup IMS Update Total Organic Carbon Analyzer (TOCA) Sample Data Record Extravehicular Activity (EVA) Procedure Conference Completed Task List Activities: EVA Tool Configuration [GMT 160] SSC17 Power Cable Troubleshooting Ground Activities: All activities are complete unless otherwise noted. MT Translation and SSRMS Ops Marinara Service Pack Deploy Three-Day Look Ahead: Tuesday, 06/12: SUBSA T/S, EVA Prep (Cuff C/L Print, ROBO Procedure review, ROBoT, Equipment Lock Prep), MELFI-2 Dewar Clean, GRIP, Lab EWC Connect, CSA Blood Wednesday, 06/13: EVA Prep (Tool Config, Procedure Review/Conf, Equipment Lock Prep), RFID Tag, GRIP, EML Sample Chamber, Debrief, PROX activation Thursday, 06/14: EVA 51 (N2 EWC power and Ethernet cable routing from Lab to N2, Install WIF #16 and #17 Booms with HD Camera and EWC Connections, CP3 Light R&R, CP3 HD Camera R&R, CATS Door Closure) QUICK ISS Status - Environmental Control Group: Component - Status Elektron - On Vozdukh - Manual [] 1 - SM Air Conditioner System ("SKV1") - On [] 2 - SM Air Conditioner System ("SKV2") - Off Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Lab - Operate Carbon Dioxide Removal Assembly (CDRA) Node 3 - Standby Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Lab - Operate Major Constituent Analyzer (MCA) Node 3 - Idle Oxygen Generation Assembly (OGA) - Process Urine Processing Assembly (UPA) - Standby Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Lab - Full Up Trace Contaminant Control System (TCCS) Node 3 - Off Please follow SpaceRef on Twitter and Like us on Facebook. Christiane Lambert, President of France's farmer's union group FNSEA, talks to journalists as she stands on a tractor during a protest by French farmers to block the French oil giant Total refinery in Donges, France, June 11, 2018. REUTERS/Stephane Mahe French farmers began lifting a blockade of refineries and fuel depots yesterday after unions made progress in talks with the government over competition from cheaper imports, including palm oil. The protests, which blocked 18 sites in France and led to some petrol stations running dry, were triggered by Frances decision to allow oil and gas major Total to use imported palm oil at a biofuel plant, a cheaper alternative to biodiesel made from locally produced oilseed crops. That soured already-fragile relations between the European Unions biggest farm sector and the government of President Emmanuel Macron. Negotiations between the FNSEA union that called the protest and French Agriculture Minister Stephane Travert to resolve the dispute progressed on Wednesday after he sent the union a draft letter in the morning responding to some of their demands. We have made breakthroughs and many meetings are lined up (with the minister). Were going to ask our members to suspend with immediate effect their blockade of the different sites, Jeremy Decerle, leader of the FNSEAs young farmers section, told reporters. Travert called on Total to increase the share of locally grown rapeseed it would use as a feedstock at its La Mede biofuel refinery on the south coast, although he reiterated the governments refusal to go back on the palm oil authorisation. Total has already committed to use less than 300,000 tonnes of crude palm oil per year at its La Mede biofuel refinery out of a total processing capacity of 650,000 tonnes, and to use 50,000 tonnes of locally grown rapeseed. We would like Total to go beyond these 50,000 tonnes, Travert told reporters. What we are asking the Total group to do is to work with the rapeseed sector to develop supply contracts. Total Chief Executive Patrick Pouyanne is due to meet President Macron later this week. Junior ecology minister Sebastien Lecornu has also proposed France call for the EU to cap and progressively cut palm oil imports. However, FNSEA chief Christiane Lambert, who had initially refused to end the blockades after late-night talks on Tuesday, warned farmers wanted to see progress on a range of issues, including red tape and taxes. Were calling a suspension because were talking about issues that cant be resolved in the blink of an eye, she told the news conference. If we dont have meetings in the coming weeks over the points that need resolving, we will come back. Total said it expected the blockade, which had started on Sunday, to be over by Thursday. The groups French refineries were not impacted by the protests but 145 of its 2,200 petrol stations across the country saw fuel outages, a spokesman said. Natural resource exploration company Conroy Gold has announced plans to increase drilling at its gold deposit site in Monaghan. The gold exploration and development company, which is focused on Ireland and Finland, will increase the meterage drilled by around 70pc to over 1,700 metres at the Clontibret gold deposit. "We decided to materially increase the drilling meterage at Clontibret following the recent positive drilling results," Professor Richard Conroy, chairman of Conroy Gold, said. "The board is very enthusiastic that it now has reached the "drill ready" phase across its properties with a view to building a multi-million ounce resource in a first class mining country." Todays update follows an initial announcement in February this year to drill 1,000 metres to target an increased resource and to increase the existing Joint Ore Reserves Committee Indicated Resource of the known deposit. In February and April the company announced the discovery of additional extensive gold zones, with wide mineralised intersections reported and with grades of up to 24 grammes per tonne gold. Work is ongoing on this additional drilling and, in a statement to the Irish Stock Exchange today, the company said it will update the market as new findings are confirmed. Analysis of drill results and geotechnical studies is continuing and the company awaits assay results from the latter stages of the revised drill programme. The news is a welcome boost to the company, which in February announced losses of 458,222 for the six-month period to November 30, 2017, according to the group's financial report. The loss before taxation has increased from a loss of 178,660 in the same period in 2016. Last year, the company found itself embroiled in legal proceedings after Patrick O'Sullivan, a minority shareholder, claimed that he and his two nominees had been wrongfully stopped from becoming members of the board of directors at the company's EGM in August. Conroy Gold was successful against Mr O'Sullivan in the proceedings and costs were awarded to the company, with a stay on that order pending any appeal. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe has rejected a call for a fresh review of Ireland's corporation tax system, while economist Seamus Coffey warned TDs that Ireland was better off receiving corporate tax paid by multinationals - regardless of highly critical reports. The Oireachtas Public Accounts Committee (PAC) said yesterday that the high share of corporation tax paid by a small number of companies was "an unacceptable" risk to the sustainability of the tax regime and to overall Exchequer revenue. Earlier, a study by academics in the US and Denmark named Ireland as the world's biggest tax haven. In response, Mr Donohoe said his department had already had a review into the Irish corporate tax regime, carried out last year by UCC economist Mr Coffey. "The Public Accounts Committee need to reflect themselves on why they're calling for a review of our corporate tax code," Mr Donohoe said. "We've already done a review of our corporate tax code through the Coffey Report which we did last year... which I'm going to be acting on in the future." That report, last autumn, found a substantial boost in corporate tax receipts in 2015 could "be expected to be sustainable over the medium term to 2020" - but warned it was "impossible to be definitive and the volatility in receipts will remain". Mr Donohoe said he will outline within weeks a "roadmap for continued compliance of our tax code" with international standards laid down by the OECD. The OECD is carrying out a programme for reforming the way multinationals pay tax. Mr Donohoe echoed comments from IDA boss Martin Shanahan who said earlier this week Ireland needs to maintain its competitiveness with other countries in order to win vital foreign direct investment. The Finance Minister said Ireland needs a competitive tax code. Ashoka Mody, the former head of the IMF's operation in Ireland, has warned the country is too reliant on low corporate taxes. He said Ireland will need to develop a new growth model because of increased scrutiny on international tax havens, and the Apple tax ruling. Mr Coffey is now the chairperson of the Irish Fiscal Advisory Council (IFAC) budget watchdog and also addressed the PAC report yesterday. He told the budgetary oversight committee that the key issue is to "identify as a risk" the high concentration of corporation tax payments from a small number of companies. "I think there's no doubt that it's better to be receiving this money than not receiving it. If corporation tax had stayed around 4bn or 5bn [annual receipts were over 8bn last year], we mightn't be identifying it as a risk factor. "I'm not sure I'd consider it an unacceptable risk... I think it's just something we've identified as a potential issue," Mr Coffey said. Ireland can focus on building up indigenous companies as well as having a competitive foreign direct investment strategy, he said. However, the Government should not introduce permanent tax cuts or spending increases on the basis of corporate tax revenue, which is volatile, he said. Over the last number of years, as the tax revenue increased much of it has been used up without necessarily improving the Exchequer balance, he said. Michael O'Leary has backed his chief marketing officer's plea to solve the air traffic control crisis that has led to delays and cancellations across Europe. Ryanair CMO Kenny Jacobs came under fire when he posted about his delayed flight from Dublin to Naples on LinkedIn on Tuesday. In a later post, reacting to negative media reports, Mr Jacobs explained that he was not complaining about his own flight per se, but rather the knock-on impact the ATC issue was having for all passengers travelling across the region. "As a regular air passenger, I understand the frustration of customers when ATC staff shortages and strikes disrupt flights. It's important to note this is affecting all airlines in Europe," he wrote. Speaking at an event to celebrate Ryanair's first year in Naples on Wednesday, Mr Jacobs said that it's going to be "a bad summer for customers". "The only person that's losing here is the European consumer," he said. Last month, Ryanair cancelled over 1,100 flights as ATC strikes and staff shortages took its toll. According to the airline, more than 200,000 customers had flights cancelled during the month. CEO Michael OLeary has now called on the UK and German Governments, and the EU Commission, "to take urgent and decisive action". "Yet again this weekend, French ATC will strike on Saturday and Sunday leading to hundreds of flights being cancelled, disrupting the holiday plans of thousands of passengers. "Many of these flights dont even touch France, yet they will be disruptive because French ATC requires airlines to cancel overflights while they protect French domestic routes. Europes airlines are also suffering thousands of ATC delays/cancellations because of staff shortages especially in German and UK ATC providers." Mr O'Leary said that Europes ATC providers are "approaching the point of meltdown" with hundreds of flights being cancelled daily simply because they dont have enough staff to deal with them. "Urgent action must now be taken by the UK and German Governments, and the EU Commission, otherwise thousands more flights and millions of passengers will be disrupted, particularly in the peak months of July and August, unless this ATC staffing crisis is addressed". Gas Networks Ireland (GNI), the State body responsible for the gas grid, has said it will only extend the network to towns which are not yet connected to the network if a viable business case can be made for the project. Kerry Group's ingredients plant at Listowel is being powered by natural gas as the build-out of the gas grid to the town advances. The plant is an "anchor load" tenant, which has made the Gas Networks Ireland project viable. Work is continuing to hook up the rest of the town, and is expected to be finished by the end of next month. The project involves laying 41km of gas pipeline running from a transmission station at Foynes. Gas Networks Ireland (GNI), the State body responsible for the gas grid, has said it will only extend the network to towns which are not yet connected to the network if a viable business case can be made for the project. Large potential users like Kerry Group help generate the majority of the potential revenues needed to facilitate a project getting the green light. GNI head of commercial Ian O'Flynn said he was "enormously grateful to the local communities and businesses of Listowel and north Kerry for their patience during our construction works". "The delivery of natural gas to Listowel brings with it massive opportunity for local businesses and communities to benefit from safe, efficient and cost-effective heat and energy," he said. "We have also opened up the potential for customers to access renewable gas, which will be coming on stream and will be an increasingly important element of Ireland's energy supply for the future." Kerry Group spokesman Jim Lee said the move would allow the company to reduce emissions and waste substantially because of the connection. He said Kerry wanted to maximise the sustainability of its operations as part of a commitment to supporting the dairy sector. Kingspan CEO Gene Murtagh, left, with his father and company chairman Eugene Murtagh Kingspan chairman Eugene Murtagh has sold 40m of shares in the insulation maker. Mr Murtagh, who built the business into a world leader, is still the biggest shareholder in the company with a stake of more than 15.5pc. According to a stock market filing, he sold one million Kingspan shares at 40 each on Tuesday. A spokesperson declined to comment on the reason for the transaction. In March 2017, he sold the same number of shares at 30 each. He is the father of the current CEO Gene Murtagh, who netted around 3.4m from selling shares in the business last week. Kingspan shares were up more than 3pc in Dublin just after 1pm yesterday, with the transaction having been announced at 12.23pm. The share price rise valued the elder Murtagh's remaining stake in the business at more than 1.1bn. Gene Murtagh said at the company's April agm that the company had experienced a sluggish start to its current financial year, with sales up 1pc before factoring in currency and acquisitions in the three months to the end of March. He said the company had been hit by a prolonged winter. "Notwithstanding the present trading environment, the group remains well positioned for the year as a whole and for the longer term given the breadth of our product mix, our extended geography and the ongoing advancement of our high-performance technology," he said. "The order backlog across the group points towards a good second quarter." Kingspan has been pursuing an internationalisation strategy in recent times. That will lessen its exposure to the UK in the aftermath of the Brexit vote. The company has recently launched an assault on the massive Indian market with a new joint venture aiming to take advantage of the shift to modern construction methods in the country. It is understood Kingspan has a controlling interest in the joint venture (JV), alongside partner Jindal Mectec. "Investing in India is a key element of Kingspan's geographic growth strategy. "The JV will also cover Bangladesh, Sri Lanka and Nepal and Bhutan," said Gilbert McCarthy, managing director of Kingspan's insulated panels division. In 2017, it expanded its manufacturing footprint with partnerships in Brazil and Colombia, describing Latin America as a "new frontier for Kingspan". It also recently announced deals to expand in central and southern Europe. The Indian joint venture will be known as Kingspan Jindal. Jindal Mectec said the growth in modern construction in India was being fuelled by "strong domestic and foreign direct investment momentum in infrastructure". Ryanair said the new base at Southend should not be seen as a vote of confidence in the future of UK aviation. Stock Image: PA Shares in UK transport energy group Stobart soared as much as 10pc yesterday as it sealed a deal with Ryanair that will see the low-cost carrier establish a base at the company's London Southend Airport. Ryanair confirmed that it will base three aircraft at the airport, located to the east of London. From next summer, it will operate 13 routes to eight countries, with services to destinations including Dublin, Faro, Bilbao, Alicante, Corfu, Malaga and Venice. The expansion in the UK comes despite Brexit looming and the associated challenges it may pose for airlines and airports if the UK and the European Union can't ink a new agreement to enable flights to continue between the two jurisdictions after Britain exits the trading bloc next year. Ryanair chief commercial officer David O'Brien said the new base at Southend should not be seen as a vote of confidence in the future of UK aviation. Nevertheless, the Ryanair deal is a significant coup for Stobart, whose aviation unit also operates the Aer Lingus Regional service on a franchise basis. Stobart also operates some franchised routes for UK carrier Flybe. Stobart has been pushing hard to develop London Southend Airport as a viable alternative to other airports around the UK capital, including Stansted, which is Ryanair's largest base. But it had struggled to generate the momentum required to make Southend a real contender. Southend handled 1.09 million passengers last year, and 874,000 in 2016. Last year, Stobart, whose CEO is former EasyJet executive Warwick Brady, said it hoped to handle 2.5 million passengers at Southend in 2018. Ryanair said that its new services from Southend will add an expected one million passengers a year at the airport. "We have a clear and focused strategy to grow our airport to welcome over five million passengers a year by 2022," said Mr Brady. "Since joining Stobart Group over 12 months ago I have been working closely alongside the team at London Southend Airport to secure a major airline that will allow us to deliver on our growth targets. "This agreement demonstrates that we now have the right team, skill set and strategy in place to deliver on our stated ambitions." Stobart Group has been rocked by a boardroom battle in recent weeks. Stobart Air is likely to face at least two challengers when a contract to operate the Aer Lingus Regional service comes up for grabs in the next few years. Stobart Air currently holds a 10-year contract with IAG-owned Aer Lingus that sees it operate the Aer Lingus Regional service on behalf of the larger carrier on a franchise basis. A new wet lease operator, Hibernian Airlines, which was founded in Dublin last year, is among those now eyeing business with Aer Lingus. The CEO of Dublin-based CityJet, Pat Byrne, has also previously said he would be interested in tendering for the franchise contract. Hibernian Airlines is owned by Spain's Air Nostrum, which is controlled by building materials group Nefinsa and Spanish bank Caja Duero. Air Nostrum has been a partner of Spain's Iberia airline, also owned by IAG, for more than 20 years. It currently operates a large number of routes on a franchise basis for Iberia. Air Nostrum executive Miguel Oliver told industry publication 'Flight Global' in April that Hibernian Airlines hopes to have an Irish air operator's certificate by the end of this year. He said Hibernian Airlines will be used by Air Nostrum to secure wet lease contracts in central and northern Europe and that it will also try to win business from Aer Lingus. Irish engineering consultancy firm Nicholas O'Dwyer has signed a 10m contract to carry out work on the $1.2bn Lusaka to Ndola road in Zambia. The company, which was founded in 1932, will carry out the design review, technical and financial supervision of the project. As a result of the contract win 30 jobs will be created at the firm. In a statement today, Richard Crowe, managing director at Nicholas O'Dwyer, said that the project will upgrade a vital link for the Zambian economy, connecting the capital, Lusaka, to the country's copper belt in the North. Copper mining is the major economic contributor in Zambia, and the country is one of the largest producers of copper in the world. "Nicholas ODwyer has worked extensively on large infrastructure projects across the developing world for decades, and this is a major step forward for the company in its international operations and growth strategy," Mr Crowe said. Mr Crowe went on to thank both the Department of Foreign Affairs and Enterprise Ireland for their support and assistance. The project, which is expected to take about four years to construct, will see the construction of 350km of dual carriageway, and some significant ancillary infrastructure. Congratulating the company on its win, Ciaran Cannon, Minister of State for the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade said that international agreements such as this propel Irish companies onto a global stage. "Nicholas ODwyer is an excellent example of a company utilising Irish talent and innovation to provide effective solutions to aid developing world economies. I wish the company every success as they undertake this project." Did you know that there is research in existence that says the stress levels of people waiting for slow websites to load to a mobile device is equivalent to the stress of watching a horror film? And by waiting, we mean just three seconds or more. This is substantiated by other research - this time by Google - which shows that most websites accessed on mobile devices lose half their visitors if they leave them waiting for more than this magic three-second mark. At a time when 3.59 million people in Ireland have a smartphone, with 64pc accessing search engines via this device at least weekly and 16pc purchasing products or services at least weekly on their smartphone (Source: Statista, July 2017), one could rightly assume that most Irish brands and companies have their website speed sorted. This is not the case. We put the research to the test by conducting our own study of 100 websites from top brands across six categories - automotive, banking, insurance, media, grocery retail and telecoms. We focused on the amount of time it takes for the home pages of these websites to fully load on mobile. The average was 10.25 seconds -well wide of the three-second mark. The best-performing category were grocery retailers, with an average page load time of 7.4 seconds, while the slowest category was the media industry at 24.4 seconds. Based on the 'three-second rule', even the best-performing group is typically losing more than half their mobile site visitors. With more than half of the visitors to the websites we examined coming through mobile devices, this puts even more context on the size of the problem. Despite not everyone having access to high-speed broadband across the country, Irish mobile users have high expectations when they are online. If loading speed is slow, they will simply move to another website that doesn't make them wait. So, as well as offering an unsatisfactory customer experience, a slow loading mobile website also weakens potential for return on investment. Recent changes by Google are set to put even more pressure on brand owners to get their mobile experience right. In the past, the search engine used the desktop version of a website in its results pages. From March of this year, however, they are beginning to use the mobile version of a website instead. This means that if your mobile website experience is poor, smartphone owners who use Google to find your website will not see the best of your brand. Furthermore, from next month, if your web pages are slow to load on mobile, they will be ranked much lower in Google's results, potentially giving priority to your competitors. But all is not lost. Once you are aware your website speed is not up to par, there are several ways to improve it quickly. One solution that we have implemented for clients is the Accelerated Mobile Pages (AMP) project. This is an open source initiative aimed at creating faster and better-performing websites across all devices. For example, we used the AMP project for one client operating in the telco sector and reduced their mobile load time from eight seconds to four seconds. We then used their pay-per-click campaign to test the site performance, driving 50pc of site visitors to the old eight-second page and the other 50pc to the new four-second page. The cost they paid for a click leading to the new page was 10pc lower than the old page. More importantly, the conversions were higher and 40pc more cost effective on the new page. Not only were we able to keep more visitors on the website, more of them converted. AMP is not the only solution. With search engine optimisation techniques, we were able to improve the performance of a website belonging to a client in the automotive sector. By reducing the size of imagery on the website, dropping the amount of unnecessary code and updating some of the site architecture, we saw mobile site speed improve dramatically. Within a 12-month period, this delivered double the number of weekly visitors to the website through mobile. Alphabet's CEO, Larry Page, says "we are no longer living in a mobile first world, we are a mobile only world". Irish website owners need to echo this sentiment by concentrating more on the mobile experience for visitors and customers. Our research has shown there is still plenty of work to do in this area, but the top five things you can do now to stop being one of these statistics are: 1. Invest in a mobile optimised website; 2. Reduce the size of images on your site; 3. Eliminate unnecessary code on your site; 4. Consider implementing AMP; 5. Engage with a recognised search engine optimisation specialist. Aisling Blake is chief digital officer at Core, an Irish marketing communication company German mobile banking startup N26 is opening an office in Barcelona as it seeks to hire more than 100 experts in technology and product design in the Spanish city popular with technology companies. Barcelona will be N26's third base after Berlin and New York, where it currently employs around 430, the company said in a statement. The office will open on September 1, and N26 plans to complete staffing up by the end of next year. The city's "excellent ecosystem for technology and entrepreneurship" will allow N26 to "get new talent to support growth," it added. While the Barcelona office will be focused on technology and product development, it will also "deepen the ties" to Spain as one of N26's core markets, according to the statement. N26 has more than a million customers in countries including Germany, Austria, France and Italy, and plans to start in the US and UK this year. N26 raised $160m (135m) in March from investors led by German insurer Allianz and China's Tencent Holdings, bringing its total funding to $215m (182m). It didn't disclose the implicit valuation at the time. (Bloomberg) Left to right: Lory Kehoe, Ireland MD of ConsenSys and Joe Lubin, founder of ConsenSys and Ethereum If Joe Lubin is a billionaire, he really doesn't want to admit it. The 53-year-old Canadian was in Dublin this week to speak at MoneyConf and establish an Irish office for his new company, ConsenSys. But Lubin is slightly better known for being the co-founder of Ethereum, the best known cryptocurrency ecosystem after Bitcoin. While Ethereum has a market cap of around $50bn (42.5bn), Lubin is widely believed to hold one of the largest stashes of the four-year-old asset. So that's the first thing I ask him. Is he a billionaire? "Do you really think I would answer that?" he says, sitting in his Pearse Street Huckletree office. Why not, I tell him. Own your genius. But you don't get to where the former Goldman Sachs executive (and one-time reggae producer) is now by not knowing how to deflect such vulgar queries. "It's kind of an irrelevant question to us," he says. "We very explicitly don't talk about the price of Ether. "We love the fact that lots of value is coming into our ecosystem in the form of money, in the form of increased perception of value of the various different crypto tokens, in the form of talent, entrepreneurship and so on. All of that perceived growing value is drawing attention." Now he is talking about ConsenSys, the crypto-consultancy he heads up and which now employs some 900 people across 30 countries. The new Dublin office already has a handful of people and is, Lubin says, on track to hire 60 people by next year. ConsenSys helps to accelerate, or even launch, companies and projects that use Ethereum as a platform. This includes Ujo, a platform for musicians to get paid, and uPort, launched as an online identity verification tool. The company is expanding rapidly, with huge interest from entities as diverse as banks and big financial consultancies to utility companies and music labels. Blockchain is hot news and despite all the sideswipes over Bitcoin, the world's institutional bodies are starting to get closer to it. This was evident from the official launch of ConsenSys's Dublin office this week, where the fifth floor of the Guinness Storehouse was rammed with hundreds of bankers, lawyers and other card-carrying members of 'Official Ireland'. The guest of honour to give the welcome speech was Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe, who painted the new ConsenSys installation as the continuation of a tradition of "innovation" in Dublin. It wasn't long ago that European finance ministers were warning of crypto-economies being a scam, suitable only for suckers and scumbags. But all has changed. On Monday night, the capital's finest suits and frocks sipped Prosecco and nibbled on hors d'oeuvres as they toasted Lubin's arrival in the city. Such white-collar types love success. Wouldn't crypto developers? As ConsenSys needs them badly, I try again to get Lubin to don a billionaire's chapeau. "If that's why they're driven to the company, well... I guess that's ok if they're really talented," he says. "But I don't think most people are attracted to a company for reasons like that." A little more needling on the question reveals that I'm barking up the wrong tree. Lubin describes himself a 'hodler', someone who holds ('hodls') cryptocurrency no matter what. (The misspelling derives from an historical typo someone made on an internet notice board when describing why they were holding - or "hodling" - on to Bitcoin regardless of market movements. Crypto fans have ironically adopted the misspelling as a badge of honour.) Since the foundation of Ethereum and Ether in 2014, that 'hodl' principle has wielded extraordinary benefits to Lubin's asset portfolio. Ether started out at around 30 cents. Today, it's at $502 (427). (In January, it hit a high of $1,278.) That has made a small number of people very wealthy in a very short time. But it is, Lubin says, only an incidental facet of Ethereum and a new crypto age. Its main utility is not as some sort of substitute for gold, but as a completely new platform that makes many other processes far more efficient and secure. "Things like shares should be programmable and uncounterfeitable," he says. "There's no reason now not to have natively digital assets. We should be able to trade Beyonce tickets against bonds. You shouldn't have to trade them all against money." When he started ConsenSys, Lubin paid some staff using Ether. Will this be the case in Dublin or will people get a choice? "We still do that a little bit, but it's a bit of a contentious and embarrassing issue. We started paying a lot of people in cryptocurrencies and we just grew too fast. Our legal and HR teams needed to use systems for payroll and taxation and things that don't work really smoothly in cryptocurrencies. So in the United States, we had to shift everybody over [to legacy fiat currencies]," he says. "There are some little satellites around the world that are still sticking to the old Ether regime for as long as they possibly can. We also have a group that's trying to figure out how we can return to paying in cryptocurrencies and are coming up with interfaces to the kinds of software that we need." But if the company's legal and HR teams were confounded by dealing with cryptocurrencies on a daily basis, they're not the only ones. Despite being buzz terms for close to five years, the vast majority of ordinary working people don't know what blockchain is or how it works. Many who profess a basic understanding of cryptocurrencies, like Bitcoin, still seem to regard it solely as some sort of get-rich-quick thing. Does this matter to Lubin or ConsenSys? "It matters to us in that we go to tremendous lengths to educate naive consumers, developers, business people, regulators and politicians," he says. "But I often do tell people they're never going to use blockchain. The people that really need to use blockchain and pay attention to what blockchain is are the software developers that are going to be delivering applications to normal people. "Ordinary people will just keep using the world wide web. They'll just use it in better ways and healthier ways, so they won't have to spray around aspects of their identity, in the way that it's stored on corporate servers and monetised in an attempt to make those people their product." Is it a big deal that the Finance Minister - the second-most senior establishment figure in this country - is heralding the opening of Lubin's office here? "It is a big deal, but I delivered a keynote a few days back at the International Monetary Fund. There were members from around 70 countries in attendance, including lots of financial leaders. There's just great excitement around the technology," he says. "There's great trepidation as well because it represents real paradigm shifts in governance. We're adding a native representation of money, a natively digital representation of other kinds of assets, a native construct for identity. "We are re-architecting how companies or groups of people will offer services to consumers and other businesses and there are definitely some hot-button issues around cryptocurrencies, as there are hot-button issues with respect to securities law around the world. But I think we're about to move through that and get to a clean resolution before the end of this year in most countries around the world." Why do you say that? "Because we're having good conversations with all of these people." So you don't think that much will actually have to be changed or tweaked in relation to legislation and infrastructure? "I think lots will happen. I think regulators in different jurisdictions are going to call to task projects that are sold as security. There will be statements made by regulators that people should continue good projects but to do some legal homework, structure them properly, don't sell what's intended to be a consumer utility token in massive quantities to speculators," he says. The economic climate is brittle and trepidatious, with toxic G7 summits and looming trade wars. Does this help the crypto world or does it make any difference? "I think it's probably likely to be more constructive for our space than less constructive," says Lubin. "As you have greater uncertainty you have a flight to safe-haven assets. It's hard to believe but Bitcoin and Ether and others might now be considered safe-haven assets. So yes, because the last two US administrations have worked to devalue the US dollar, in terms of cryptocurrencies, that may be an opportunity. But in terms of crypto assets, I think they're going to be huge, no matter what the political climate is." Toshiba is buying back 700 billion yen (5.3bn) of its own shares in its first-ever stock repurchase after completing the two trillion yen (15.3bn) sale of its memory chip business almost two weeks ago. Shares of the electronics maker rose 6.7pc, the biggest gain since August, after the Tokyo-based company announced the buyback in a statement yesterday. Toshiba is aiming for a "healthy" capital structure for its shareholders, it said. Although Toshiba had agreed to sell the chip business at a time when it was desperate to raise cash and avoid a delisting, it no longer needs the money. The company also boosted its capital with the sale of 600 billion yen (4.65bn) of new stock and is raising 410 billion yen from a sale of nuclear assets, leaving it with a hefty cash pile. That prompted investor Argyle Street Management to urge Toshiba to buy back its shares. "A surprise," said Masahiko Ishino, an analyst at Tokai Tokyo Research Centre. "The move to maximise shareholder value shows that management is thinking ahead." Toshiba said it will complete the repurchase as soon as possible, without giving a specific timeframe. Last month, Hong Kong-based activist investor Argyle sent a letter to CEO Nobuaki Kurumatani, saying that Toshiba's board should set a 1.1 trillion yen (8.4bn) buyback programme before its annual shareholders' meeting on June 27. The amount represents the net cash left after the chip unit sale, Argyle's Kin Chan wrote in the May 28 letter obtained by Bloomberg. "We are 70pc happy," Mr Chan said after the buyback announcement. "It is an indication that they are listening to shareholders instead of doing mergers and acquisitions." The manufacturer should implement a "transparent policy of distributing 100pc of free cash flow after appropriate capital expenditure," it said. Argyle declined to comment on the size of its holding. Toshiba should refrain from spending its excess cash on mergers, Argyle said, describing the firm's track record as "value destructive" and having "brought the company to the brink of collapse." Mr Kurumatani, who took over as the CEO in April, had previously said the proceeds from the chip sale could be used for acquisitions. The former banker from one of Toshiba's main creditors has the unenviable job of rebooting growth at the 143- year-old conglomerate battered by accounting scandals without the key engines of semiconductors and nuclear power. The company is in a process of drafting a new restructuring plan that will shift Toshiba toward a business model centred on recurring revenues and new services for the internet of things, Mr Kurumatani said in April. It will cover the five-year period starting April 2019 and will be released by the end of this year. Bain Capital, which lead the group that bought Toshiba's semiconductor unit, is aiming for an IPO in three years. (Bloomberg) Canadian rapper Drake has announced the release date for his upcoming album, Scorpion (Ian West/PA) Drake has announced the date for his highly anticipated upcoming album. Titled Scorpion, the new music will be released on June 29, according to a post on the Canadian rappers Instagram account. The 31-year-old Toronto native posted a black-and-white image of himself, along with his signature and the phrase, Scorpion 2018. It is unclear if it is the albums artwork. The image caption read: June 29 2018 and was accompanied by a scorpion emoji. Scorpion will be Drakes fifth studio album and his first since 2016s Views. As well as announcing a release date, Drake reunited the cast of Degrassi, the teen drama he starred in before launching his music career, for the video for his previously released single Im Upset. It features his co-stars Ephraim Ellis (Rick Murray), Nina Dobrev (Mia Jones), Lauren Collins (Paige Brooks), Shane Kippel (Gavin Spinner Mason), Stefan Brogran (Archie Snake Simpson) as well as others. The video was directed by Karena Evans, who also oversaw the visuals for Nice For What and Gods Plan. Video of the Day Drake is currently embroiled in a feud with fellow rapper Pusha-T, who released two songs attacking the Nice For What star. On Wednesday, it emerged Drake had a writing credit on Kanye Wests latest album, Ye, contributing to the song Yikes. Love Island has proved a huge ratings winner for 3e, drawing in more than 100,000 viewers with its recent episodes. The reality show is currently in its fourth series and has taken viewers in Ireland and the UK by storm. This year's series, which sees young, bikini-clad singletons looking for love in an exotic location, scored ITV2's highest-ever viewing figures, with more than four million tuning in to the opening episode. The show is also proving to be hugely attractive to viewers here. Expand Close Rosie Williams on Love Island (ITV) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Rosie Williams on Love Island (ITV) Just over 105,100 people watched the first episode on 3e this year, with the overall figure rising to 142,000 for those who recorded the show or watched it at a later date, an increase of 35pc. Love Island's third series, which aired last year, saw the series experience a huge increase in popularity. Expand Close Love Island (ITV) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Love Island (ITV) This year's debut episode was up 192pc on last year's launch, which was watched by 36,000 viewers on 3e. The reality series has proved extremely popular with younger viewers, with 42pc of the audience for the debut episode aged between 16 and 34. Expand Close The first programme of the new series of Love Island had a consolidated audience of 4.1 million after seven days (ITV) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The first programme of the new series of Love Island had a consolidated audience of 4.1 million after seven days (ITV) Viewership increased for the show's next few episodes on 3e, with the second watched by 107,000 viewers while 116,000 saw the third. The fourth was watched by 110,000 while the fifth took a dip with 92,000. The most recent episode was seen by 134,000 on the night it aired. Expand Close Love Islands Rosie praised for defending herself against muggy Adam (ITV) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Love Islands Rosie praised for defending herself against muggy Adam (ITV) Video of the Day "We are absolutely delighted with the figures for Love Island," a spokesperson said. In the UK, the first episode of series four scored the highest viewing figures ever for ITV2. Expand Close Love Islands Adam Collard (ITV) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Love Islands Adam Collard (ITV) Airing on Monday, June 4, it had a consolidated audience of 4.1 million after seven days, and a share of 18.5pc. Compared with last year's equivalent episode, the opener was watched by 2.1 million more viewers. ITV said the episode had the biggest audience on a British digital channel since the London Olympics showed on BBC Three in 2012. The broadcaster also said that the show, which aired from 9pm until 10.35pm last Monday, was seen by a further million fans on devices other than TVs, in addition to the 4.1 million. The show follows a group of singletons who move into a luxurious villa on Majorca, where they have no contact with the outside world. Contestants pair up with each other, with the aim of finding love, with new entrants arriving throughout the series. People are gradually eliminated from the villa, with the winning couple receiving a cash prize of 50,000 (56,700). Derry Girls actress Nicola Coughlan has called out a theatre critic for referring to her weight in two separate reviews. Nicola (31), who is originally from Galway, plays Clare in the hit Channel 4 comedy which wrapped it's first series in February. She is currently starring in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie at Donmar Warehouse and previously appeared on stage in Jess and Joe Forever at the Orange Tree Theatre. Both shows were reviewed by Philip Fisher for the British Theatre Guide, an independent website featuring reviews, news and podcasts. In both reviews he made reference to Nicola's weight and she shared the excerpts with her 19,000 followers on Twitter. Hi @BritTheatreGuid, for the second time your reviewer Philip Fisher has come to see a show Im in, and as part of reviewing the show he has also reviewed my body. How can you continue to support this? pic.twitter.com/Rtd7mVBmSA Nicola Coughlan (@nicolacoughlan) June 14, 2018 I was in a show called Jess and Joe Forever @traversetheatre last August which he came to see and his opening sentence was Jess is a fat girl My weight has no relevance to either the performance I gave in that or in The Prime of Miss Jean Brodie Nicola Coughlan (@nicolacoughlan) June 14, 2018 Nicola also took issue with his description of a rape scene from another play, before saying she would review his body even though it has "no relevance" to his job, and stating that he was not welcome to review any of her work in future. Philip Fisher, I know you are a theatre reviewer and your body had no relevance to your job but maybe youd like me to cruelly review it for you and post it online? Nicola Coughlan (@nicolacoughlan) June 14, 2018 Just so you know @BritTheatreGuid I am so disappointed you let a man like this review for you. Let me state this clearly, he is not welcome to review any show I am in from now till forever. And I plan to be in a lot of damn shows. Peace. Nicola Coughlan (@nicolacoughlan) June 14, 2018 Video of the Day Derry Girls writer Lisa McGee retweeted Nicola's first tweet, with the caption, "This is not acceptable". Another London theatre reviewer suggested Fisher is "referring to a character in the play and the cruel jibes she receives, not maligning the actor". However, Nicola added, "Theres no reference to the characters weight at any point in the script, this was targeted to me, and not for the first time." Independent.ie has reached out to Nicola's agent, the British Theatre Guide and Philip Fisher for comment. The owner of Dublin bike shop said she was stunned upon receiving a 150 fine for a poster her young daughter had put on the side of the road advertising bike washes. Astrid Fitzpatricks daughter Erin had been washing peoples bikes for ice-cream money last Saturday and placed a sign on the side of the road so cyclists in the area would see it. The 11-year-old had written on Bike Wash 3 on the back of an old Irish Cargo Bike Champions corriboard and attached it to a pole on the side of the road near her familys business, The Dutch Bike Shop. On Wednesday morning, a fine arrived from Dun Laoghaire-Rathdown Co Council at the bike shop with photos of the sign attached dated Sunday. Expand Close The Dutch Bike Shop received a 150 fine for the poster. Photo: Astrid Fitzpatrick. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Dutch Bike Shop received a 150 fine for the poster. Photo: Astrid Fitzpatrick. I admit we should have taken the sign down over night, but things get hectic and it stayed up for an extra day, but it obviously wasnt a professional sign, it was for kids pocket money, Ms Fitzpatrick said. It wasnt for elections or referendums, it was just for Erin to have a bit of fun at the shop. Usually, the kids can get pretty bored if they are just hanging around the shop, but they get excited about making a bit of money themselves, so its just annoying that this had to come out of it. Ms Fitzpatrick said she received very positive responses from government officials she has contacted about the matter. She said Transport Minister Shane Ross immediately responded when she voiced concerns over the petty fine and his team have drafted a letter to the litter warden department. Expand Close Astrid's daughters Erin (left) and Roisin (right) enjoy hosting bike washes when accompanying their mother to the shop. Photo: Astrid Fitzpatrick. / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Astrid's daughters Erin (left) and Roisin (right) enjoy hosting bike washes when accompanying their mother to the shop. Photo: Astrid Fitzpatrick. It was all just for fun, and just seems a bit petty to fine someone over a childs sign, but Im hopeful it will be squashed, said Ms Fitzpatrick. It is understood the fine will now be written off by the council. Independent.ie has contacted the council for comment. The accountant who was in charge of a 2007 audit on Michael Lowry's company has said the TD informed him in 2013 that a 2006 payment should actually have been processed four years earlier. Neale O'Hanlon, who was working for BBT, told Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that he received a letter signed by Mr Lowry in January 2007 instructing him to account for 372,000, a commission received from a Finnish refrigeration firm, in the 2006 accounts. The letter stated that while the money was paid directly to Mr Lowry, it was properly due to the company and therefore should be reflected in the 2006 accounts. It instructed Mr O'Hanlon to set the payment against the director's loan. Mr O'Hanlon said the firm adjusted the accounts. Mr O'Hanlon was referred to a prepayments lead schedule and agreed that a figure of 372,000 written into the document was in his handwriting. "It looks like it, yes," Mr O'Hanlon said. He agreed that he met with Mr Lowry in 2013 after an investigation had been launched that March and said the TD informed him that the 372,000 was a 2002 transaction. Mr Lowry (64), of Glenreigh, Holycross, Co Tipperary, has denied four charges of filing incorrect tax returns between August 2002 and August 2007 in relation to 248,624 received by his company, Garuda Ltd, and one charge in relation to failing to keep a proper set of accounts between August 28, 2002 and August 3, 2007. He further denied on behalf of Garuda Ltd three similar charges over the company's tax affairs and one charge of failing to keep a proper set of accounts. The trial continues. Former solicitor Michael Lynn, who was extradited from Brazil to face multimillion euro theft charges, has been granted bail on strict conditions pending trial in 2020. Mr Lynn (49), with a last address in St Alban's Park, Sandymount, Dublin, is facing 21 charges at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court relating to the alleged theft of almost 30 million from seven financial institutions. In one of the sample charges before the court, Mr Lynn is accused of stealing 4.1 million from Irish Nationwide on April 4, 2007. In another sample count, he is charged with stealing 3.6 million from Ulster Bank on October 20, 2006. In March Mr Lynn was extradited to Ireland from Brazil, where he has been living for several years. He unsuccessfully sought bail in the District Court but was refused. He appealed this to the High Court and was again refused bail by Ms Justice Una Ni Raifeartaigh on April 6. He successfully appealed the High Courts decision today and he was accordingly granted bail by the Court of Appeal on a number of strict conditions. Giving judgment in the three-judge court, Mr Justice John Hedigan said Mr Lynn will have been in pre-trial custody for 22 months in Ireland by the time of his trial date in January 2020. Such a delay was indeed very disturbing and it was a factor the Court of Appeal had to take into account. In refusing bail, the High Court had held that Mr Lynn was a flight risk. Counsel for Mr Lynn, Michael OHiggins SC, said the risk was reduced given the length of time his client had already spent in custody. He said his client had been in custody since August 2013 in Brazil. By 2020, his continued incarceration would amount to a sentence of about eight years with standard remission. As such, Mr OHiggins said the bulk of any potential sentence, if Mr Lynn is to be found guilty, would have already been served. Mr OHiggins said Mr Lynns wife and children had moved back to Ireland. The youngest daughter was about to start school and I understand the family dog was brought back from Brazil. Moreover, there was now almost nowhere Mr Lynn can flee to from where he could not be retrieved and indeed jailed again pending such return. Mr OHiggins said the Ronnie Biggs scenario was no longer workable. Mr Justice Hedigan said it was clear there was at least some risk that one who has fled before will do so again. However, the situation had altered very considerably and it appeared clear the risk was now a very much diminished one. Mr Justice Hedigan said the Court of Appeal had to consider where the interests of justice lay and must pay full respect to the presumption of innocence. He said stringent bail conditions together with closely monitored compliance would meet the much diminished flight risk. Mr Lynn was granted bail on an independent surety of 100,000. He must surrender his passport and undertake not to apply for a new one. The passport of his wife and children, if any, must also be handed in to court. He must reside at a given address in Maynooth, observe a curfew between 9pm and 6am daily, carry a mobile phone and be available to gardai on that phone 24 hours a day and stay away from all ports and airports. Mr Justice Alan Mahon, who sat with Mr Justice John Edwards and Mr Justice Hedigan, said the court would admit Mr Lynn to bail on the basis of those terms. A change of tactics proved beneficial for Charlie Is A Joker ($5.40), who was all business in making his 2018 Grand River Raceway debut a winning one on Wednesday (June 13) in the featured $11,500 Preferred 2 Trot. After failed efforts from astern at Woodbine Mohawk Park, Mario Baillargeon put Charlie Is a Joker in play from the outset this night, and the pair had no trouble clearing Majestic Kat (Scott Young) before reaching the first turn before controlling early sectionals of :28.3 and :59.1. On the second circuit, the 10-year-old Angus Hall gelding faced steady but mild first-over pressure from Seeyou Men (Robert Shepherd), but did well to hold his ground after being pushed to a :29 third quarter. Not only did Charlie Is A Joker dispatch the threat of Seeyou Men, but he maintained 1-3/4 lengths of clearance in the stretch from runner-up Majestic Kat who re-emerged up the pegs from his pocket ride and So Not Cool (Colin Kelly), who circled three-wide around the stalled Seeyou Men off the home turn to just miss second. Charlie Is A Joker, who prevailed in 1:58 over fast going, earned the 44th win of his career. Ben Baillargeon trains the Thomas and Elizabeth Rankin homebred. In the sub-featured Preferred 3 Trot, carrying a purse of $8,500, Its Huw You Know ($3.30) made every pole a winning one en route to a 1:58.3 score the 16th of his career over Waikiki Hanover (Scott Coulter). Driver Ed Hensley and trainer Ashleigh Hensley share ownership of the six-year-old Holiday Road gelding. To view Wednesdays harness racing results, click the following link: Wednesday Results Grand River Raceway. A man serving a 20 year sentence arising from the shooting of publican Charlie Chawke has claimed he is illegally detained in an "alien" county where the people are "GAA supporters to a child". Frank Ward has been detained since 2010 in the Midlands Prison, Portlaoise, Co Laois. He failed in a High Court challenge claiming his rights were breached due to being detained in "internal exile" in a county "culturally foreign and alien" outside the geographical jurisdiction of the original sentencing court in Dublin. This detention came as a "monumental culture shock" to him, he claimed. In refusing an inquiry into the legality of his detention under Article 40 of the Constitution, Mr Justice David Barniville said the grounds advanced were "spurious" and "unmeritorious". There was "nothing unfair" or contrary to Mr Ward's fundamental rights in an order transferring him from Mountjoy Prison to the Midlands Prison, notwithstanding the people of Co Laois may be "GAA supporters", the judge said. Nor was there any basis for complaints of unfair geographical distance from the applicant's family as there were "excellent road and rail links from Portlaoise". The claim Mr Ward was internally exiled outside the geographical jurisdiction of the court that sentenced him, Dublin Circuit Criminal Court, has no merit, he ruled. There was also "no basis whatsoever" for claims the detention in the Midlands Prison breached the applicant's rights under the European Convention on Human Rights, including to liberty and security and not to have a heavier penalty imposed on him. Ward, aged in his sixties, of Knockmore Avenue, Tallaght, was sentenced in October 2007 for his role in an incident outside Mr Chawke's restaurant and bar, The Goat Grill, Goatstown, Dublin, on October 6, 2003. Mr Chawke was seriously injured in the shooting and his right leg was amputated five days later. Ward was given two life sentences on charges of intentionally causing serious harm to Mr Chawke and robbery of 48,652 in cash and cheques. The Court of Criminal Appeal in January 2012 quashed the life sentences and replaced them with sentences of 20 years on each count, to run concurrently from October 2003. During his detention, Ward has made several applications seeking his release. In the latest application, Ward, representing himself, applied for an inquiry, under Article 40 on grounds the circumstances of his detention in the Portlaoise prison amounted to unlawful detention. He argued the 2012 warrant of the appeal court was addressed to the Governor of Mountjoy Prison and directed the Governor to take him into custody at the Dublin prison. There was no basis for an Article 40 inquiry, Mr Justice Barniville said. A mother, who claimed her son missed almost two years of school because he was bullied for being a member of the Travelling community, has been spared a jail sentence and a conviction. The woman from Dublin faced prosecution by Tusla, Child and Family Agency and had been found guilty of breaking the Education (Welfare) Act for not complying with an official warning to ensure her child went to school. However, she was given the Probation Act yesterday after Judge John Brennan learned there had been a significant improvement in the boys attendance at school. The offence can result in a fine of up to one month and a 1,000 fine. Dublin District Court heard the teen missed 100 per cent of school days last year and the year before that he was absent on 71 per cent of days. The teenager was in secondary school, the court was told. Under the Act, the minimum school leaving age is 16 years, or the completion of three years of post-primary education. In April, the court heard that earlier this year he started in another school and has missed almost two thirds of days since he took up that placement. Prosecution solicitor Orla Crowe had said a meeting was arranged with the school but the mother did not show up. The boy had only gone to school on days when transport was arranged by the school, Judge John Brennan heard. The womans barrister told the court the boy was being bullied as a result of being a member of the Travelling community. The mother urges the boy to attend school and she knew there was support structures in place but should was unable to get him to go, the defence said. It was a 40-minute walk to school and there was no bus service, the defence said. However the prosecution solicitor said the school was two kilometres from the boys home and he had a bike. A report also stated the boy "mixes well with his peers". Ms Crowe said the boys school attendance problem went back to 2013. Judge Brennan had said he was giving the mother a final chance to improve attendance otherwise there would be serious consequences. When the case resumed on Wednesday, the prosecuting solicitor said that out of the past 62 school days the boy had been present on 31 days, a 50 per cent attendance rate. Since the last hearing on April 25 until the end of May, the boy had missed just two days out of 20, the court was told. Tusla was satisfied with her engagement now said Ms Crowe as she asked the judge to finalise the case. She also said the agency will continue to work with the woman. The defence pleaded with the court to note the mother had believed her son was being bullied be cause he was a Traveller. He was now in a new environment which suited him perfectly and his attendance rate had increased substantially, counsel said. The court heard the woman had no prior convictions and was illiterate. When letters were sent to her she had needed other family members to read them to her. Judge Brennan also noted she was a single mother with other children to look after. While he was clear in relation to finding her guilty and the facts had been proven in the case, he said he noted her difficult situation and the circumstances relating to a certain amount of unfair discriminatory bullying. He took these matters into account and said he was not minded to record a conviction as he applied the Probation Act. However, he warned the woman that the boy must maintain his attendance at school and if she came before the court again there will be more serious consequences. Crime journalist Paul Williams has denied he called a Garda press officer from the home of a woman who once made a sexual assault complaint against a whistleblower and said: "Guess where I am?" Mr Williams told the Disclosures Tribunal he interviewed the young woman who made the claims about Sgt Maurice McCabe for Irish Independent articles in 2014. However, he denied having any prior discussion about Sgt McCabe with then press officer Supt Dave Taylor, or that he was "negatively briefed" as part of a smear campaign. RTE crime correspondent Paul Reynolds also rejected Supt Taylor's claim that he too was negatively briefed by Supt Taylor, saying this "didn't happen". The two were giving evidence to the tribunal, which is investigating an alleged smear campaign by senior gardai against Sgt McCabe. Supt Taylor claims he negatively briefed journalists that Sgt McCabe was investigated over a historic allegation of child sexual assault. He alleges he was ordered to do so in mid-2013 by then Garda commissioner Martin Callinan and with the knowledge of then deputy commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan. They both deny his allegations. While Sgt McCabe was investigated over a complaint made by a woman known as Ms D, the DPP decided in 2007 there should be no charges and that what was described did not amount to a crime. Yesterday, Mr Williams testified that he went to Ms D's home to interview her after her father contacted him. He had heard "vague" rumours about Sgt McCabe but nothing specific until he went to her house. Mr Williams said he interviewed Ms D on March 8 and called Supt Taylor on March 10 to check the details. Supt Taylor confirmed to him that there had been an investigation, and there was no prosecution. He denied calling Supt Taylor from Ms D's house, saying: "Guess where I am?" Mr Reynolds said he first heard there had been an allegation about Sgt McCabe some time in 2013. It had been "circulating in media and Garda circles". Once he heard that the DPP decided there would not be a prosecution, "as far as I was concerned, it was nothing to do with me as a reporter". The tribunal heard Supt Taylor claimed he had "opportunistically" briefed Mr Reynolds during conversations. "That didn't happen and anybody who knows how reporters work in the field knows that couldn't happen," Mr Reynolds said. "The idea that the press officer would sidle over to you in the middle of a particular story and try to talk to you about something completely different is something that doesn't make sense." Mr Reynolds' evidence is due to continue today. A medical expert has told the trial of a Cavan childminder accused of causing serious harm to a baby that in his view there was "solid evidence" the child had been abused. On the second day of the trial of Sandra Higgins (37), consultant paediatrician Dr Christopher Hobbs read from hospital reports detailing the baby's injuries. These included brain haemorrhages, facial bruising, detached retinas and rib fractures. Dr Hobbs, a UK expert in physical signs of child abuse, told the jury at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court that a radiologist's report showed rib fractures on both of the baby's sides and that these injuries were at least seven to 10 days old. He said looking at the pattern of bruising and the rib fractures, there was "solid evidence" that the infant had been abused. He said the "triad" of brain injuries, that is bleeding on the brain, retinal haemorrhage and brain dysfunction, pointed to non-accidental trauma. Ms Higgins, of The Beeches, Drumgola Wood, Cavan, has pleaded not guilty to intentionally or recklessly causing serious harm to the 10-month-old baby at the accused's home on March 28, 2012. Dr Hobbs told Kerida Naidoo SC, prosecuting, that he had been asked for his expert opinion in the investigation. He said he agreed with other doctors that the baby had suffered a "serious, life-threatening, non-accidental injury". He accepted when Giollaiosa O Lideadha SC, defending, put it to him that a radiologist said the rib fractures were at least two or three weeks old, but said he couldn't put an age on the bruises. He agreed he was aware the baby's parents indicated that she had fallen and banged her head on at least one occasion while in their care. Dr Hobbs agreed the baby had been seen by her GP three times since the previous Christmas and that Ms Higgins had asked the parents if the doctor had done a full bodily examination. He accepted that nobody reported a concern before March 28, but added that this was "very common" in cases of child abuse. He agreed when Mr O Lideadha put it to him that Ms Higgins' diary entries of the baby vomiting on dates prior to her being hospitalised did not paint a picture of a perfectly well child. The trial, which is scheduled to last for three weeks, continues. Aaron McHugh, a pupil at Killeshandra National School in Cavan, pictured with Sums Up a maths game created by himself and his classmates for the Junior Entrepreneur Programme. Photo: Jerry Kennelly/JEP Move over, dragons! There are some new kids on the entrepreneurial block ready to breathe fire down your necks. Before the final school bell for 2017/18 rings, about 3,500 primary pupils are preparing to show the wider public the creative business skills they honed in the past year , And they are not simply showing off bright ideas, but money spinning enterprises that earned profits for the fifth and sixth class pupils involved. This year, it is estimated that participants in the annual Junior Entrepreneur Programme (JEP) had combined sales worth about 220,000, yielding a net profit of 140,000 for the teams. And, in an echo of the long-standing Young Scientist fair, pupils will showcase their projects at an exhibition in the RDS next Monday. This year is the first time that the organisers have brought a selection of the entries to a national platform for the All-Ireland Showcase Day. Expand Close Left to right: Aoibhe Horan, Abigail Moynihan and Abigail OSullivan, Pupils at Faha National School in Kerry, pictured with DIY Healthy Lifestyle, a cookbook created by their classmates for the Junior Entrepreneur Programme. Photo: Jerry Kennelly/JEP / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Left to right: Aoibhe Horan, Abigail Moynihan and Abigail OSullivan, Pupils at Faha National School in Kerry, pictured with DIY Healthy Lifestyle, a cookbook created by their classmates for the Junior Entrepreneur Programme. Photo: Jerry Kennelly/JEP JEP started in 2010 and, since then, it has inspired and challenged 50,000 11- and 12-year-olds to come up with a winning business idea. The programme has grown enormously in the past eight years, from about 500 pupils starting classroom businesses in 2010, to 12,000 in the current school year. The programme is the brainchild of Jerry Kennelly, a Co Kerry photographer who displayed significant entrepreneurial flair himself, when he set up a royalty-free digital photo archive called Stockbyte, which he later sold to the multinational, Getty Images for 110m. His latest venture is Tweak.com, an online service for small businesses, helping them to design their own marketing and advertising material. It underwrites JEP. Expand Close Sean OMairtin from Gaelscoil An Inbhier Mhoir in Wicklow pictured with Marching The Map, a game produced by the class pupils. Photo: Jerry Kennelly/JEP / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Sean OMairtin from Gaelscoil An Inbhier Mhoir in Wicklow pictured with Marching The Map, a game produced by the class pupils. Photo: Jerry Kennelly/JEP Kennelly says JEP is about children experiencing the joy of learning about entrepreneurship, conceiving an idea and bringing into reality with their own investment and reaping the rewards - all from the classroom. In 2015, a European Commission report found that students participating in entrepreneurship education were more likely to start their own business, and their companies tended to be more innovative and more successful than those led by persons without entrepreneurship education backgrounds. The report also found that entrepreneurship education alumni are at lower risk of being unemployed, and are more often in steady employment. Compared with their peers, they have better jobs and earn more money. While entrepreneurship education is not formally on the primary school curriculum, its value in terms of the wide-ranging educational benefits it delivers is recognised and programmes such as JEP are encouraged. Expand Close Leena May, a pupil at Griffith Barrack School in Dublin, pictured with one of the flowerboxes created for classroom business in the JEP. Photo: Jerry Kennelly/JEP / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Leena May, a pupil at Griffith Barrack School in Dublin, pictured with one of the flowerboxes created for classroom business in the JEP. Photo: Jerry Kennelly/JEP Education Minister Richard Bruton's Action Plan for Education commits to the development of entrepreneurship education guidelines, and a National Entrepreneurial Award for primary and post-primary schools, to encourage the development of such skills. Work is underway in the Department of Education on the entrepreneurship policy, with a view to publishing it in the autumn. JEP develops skills such as literacy and numeracy, but also key competencies, including problem-solving, technology, communication, team building, confidence and creative thinking, all so important in today's world. The programme runs on an all-Ireland basis and, in the Republic, it has been developed in collaboration with the primary teacher training college Mary Immaculate, in Limerick. In Northern Ireland, the materials have been reviewed by the Council for the Curriculum, Examinations and Assessment.According to Kennelly, every step of the programme mirrors strands of the primary curriculum and the links are clearly set out in an accompanying guide for teachers. JEP participants work in teams, allowing individual pupils to play to their strengths and take on roles in finance, marketing, design and production, or sales and storytelling. The programme also connects pupils with their local community. JEP involves local entrepreneurs who come into the school and tell their story, and that of their business, to inspire pupils to take a leap. JEP is already accepting applications for the next school year and the way it works is that pupils are introduced to the concept of entrepreneurship and identify entrepreneurs in their area. The next step is for all the pupils to come up with ideas and, with some expert guidance, they narrow it down to one. The ideas are usually products, although, sometimes, it's a service. A local entrepreneur visits the class to offer some inspiration, following which the pupils get to work in groups of four or five to turn their idea into reality. That involves designing, producing, costing, creating and marketing. To get a real understanding of risk and reward, pupils are given the chance to invest, about 5-10, with a view to turning a profit that goes back to the class. Kennelly says "they mimic what happens in the real world. There is a lot of thought and execution involved. They do things like market research and, if it's a product, they decide on colour, shape and size." He says teachers may find themselves out of their comfort zone but that there is a good JEP support network. Increasingly, parents are coming on board to help with projects. At the end of the day, he says, it lets children see what they like and don't like. "Some will want to be entrepreneurs and others won't, but they all have a better understanding." Next Monday's RDS showcase will also feature worskhops with some real life 'Dragons', such as Bobby Kerr and Alison Cowzer, from RTE's Dragons' Den, along with well-known business names, including fashion designers Louise Kennedy and Paul Galvin and food entrepreneur Peaches Kemp. During the RDS event, a range of awards will be handed out to different schools. The showcase is open to the public, but schools must register in advance. Emergency workers with the truck and car (covered by red tarpaulin on left) which collided on the N24 outside Dromkeen in Co Limerick. Photo: Press 22 An elderly couple have been killed in a head-on collision between a car and an oil lorry. The smash on the main Limerick to Tipperary Road yesterday afternoon has left the local community in shock. The English couple, a man in his 80s and woman in her 70s, were killed and the driver of the lorry was injured in the sudden crash around 10.30am. Gardai said the collision took place on the N24 at Gortnadromin near the village of Dromkeen. Emergency services were called to the site of the crash, but the occupants of the car were both pronounced dead at the scene a short time later. It is understood they had been visiting Ireland from their home in Britain. The driver of the lorry, a man in his 40s, was taken by ambulance to University Hospital Limerick, but his injuries not thought to be life threatening. Fine Gael councillor Gerald Mitchell said the accident "is a terribly sad misfortune and a huge shock to the community". "No one expects things like this to happen, so when they do it's always incredibly tragic. My sympathies go out to the families and loved ones of those involved. I can only imagine the pain they are going through," Mr Mitchell said. The scene was yesterday examined by Garda Forensic Collision Investigators and local divisional scene of crime officers. Fianna Fail councillor Eddie Ryan said the accident was "truly tragic". He added: "I understand the car was completely under the lorry, just a terrible accident." Mr Mitchell urged drivers in the area to "take extreme caution" when driving on the N24. Gardai in Bruff are appealing for witnesses to the collision and are asking any- one with information to contact them on 061-382940 or the Garda Confidential Line 1800-666111. An elderly man was killed and an elderly woman seriously injured in a single vehicle car crash this morning. Gardai in Mayfield, Cork are investigating the collision that occurred on the Ballyhooley Road at the junction with Gordon's Hill. The incident occurred at 8.15am this morning. Gardai report the car to have struck a gate post. The female driver, a woman in her late seventies, was rushed to Cork University Hospital with serious injuries. The male passenger, a man in his late seventies, was fatally injured and his body remains at the scene. The road is currently closed and local diversions are in place. Garda Forensic Collision Investigators are en route to the scene. Gardai are appealing to anyone who may have witnessed the collision or has information to contact Mayfield Garda Station on 01 - 4558510, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station. Health Minister Simon Harris has reiterated his "determination" to apply restrictions on protesting outside centres where abortion services are offered. It follows another incident involving the use of graphic imagery placed outside one the countrys busiest maternity hospitals. The Rotunda Hospital had to turn to twitter to warn patients of the grotesque imagery before attending the hospital. Im extraordinarily concerned with the scenes that we saw at our national maternity hospitals at the Rotunda," Minister Harris said. The idea that a maternity hospital would have to take to Twitter to issue guidance to women attending our maternity hospitals to make them aware of the fact that there were people protesting with vulgar images should be a cause of great concern for any decent person in this country regardless of their view on the Eighth Amendment." Women need to use our maternity services and they need to be able to use them in a way that is not in any way impeded by people carrying out protests. Im determined to do something about this in terms of exclusion zones." But, Mr Harris added that it shouldnt take the passing of any piece of law for people to act with basic decency at their core," and condemned the behaviour of the protestors. Meanwhile, Mr Harris confirmed that the Eighth Amendment remained intact in the Irish constitution and would do so until President Michael D. Higgins has the power to sign the completed referendum bill. The president is impeded in doing so due to three separate applications challenging the referendum result. The applications are due to be heard by the president of the High Court on June 26. The referendum can only take effect when legal challenges are finished. Meanwhile the minister says the legislation wont be ready until early Autumn, but says the government is 'on track' for the services to be in place by January 1st 2019. Crews are at the scene Photo: Dublin Fire Brigade Five fire engines and a water tanker from Dublin Fire Brigade are currently battling a gorse fire at Puck's Castle in Co Dublin. Crews from Dun Laoghaire, Tallaght, Rathfarnham and Dolphins Bar are at the scene. In May, the remains of young Filipino woman Jastine Valdez (24) were found in gorse in the Rathmichael area near Puck's Castle, almost 48 hours after she was abducted. Gardai launched a search for Jastine's handbag and iPad after her death but they have not yet been found. Garda search teams along with 60 members of the Defence Forces searched Cherrywood Road in Dublin and Kilcrony Road in Enniskerry, Wicklow, where Ms Valdez was abducted. Independent.ie contacted gardai for an update in relation to searches but no update is available at this time. Father-of-two Mark Hennessy, 40, was shot and died after being confronted by an armed Garda detective investigating Ms Valdez's disappearance. It was a family affair in the New York Sire Stakes for three-year-old pacing fillies on Wednesday night (June 13) at Buffalo Raceway, as the Cummings brothers Kevin and John swept both divisions of the series. Kevin Cummings won the $56,900 opening leg aboard Wisdom Tree ($2.50), who toured the Hamburg half-mile oval in 1:54, while John Cummings Jr. took the $58,000 second event with Checkered Past ($10.80) in gate-to-wire fashion with a 1:54.1 clocking. Both times were just off the track record of 1:53.3, established in 2015 by Mosquito Blue Chip. In the first division, Wisdom Tree looked like she was going to be the leader of the pack, but Pelican Clue Chip and Jim Morrill Jr. decided that they didn't want a pocket journey. Thus, they took over command and put up an opening panel of :28. "I expected to get a pocket trip," Kevin Cummings said of Wisdom Tree after getting shuffled back to second. Things remained status quo until just before the three-quarter pole, as Cummings went first-over and easily paced by Pelican Blue Chip, coasting to a 4-1/4 length victory. Betterthangraduate (Johnathan Drury) rolled into the third place position. "I think I might have surprised Pelican Blue Chip (and Morrill Jr.) when we pulled out when we did," Cummings stated. "I didn't want to sprint to the finish line." Co-owned by Thomas Pollack and Jeffrey Cullipher, Wisdom Tree (Betterthancheddar-Wisdom) is trained by Edward Hart. It was the fifth win in seven tries this year for Wisdom Tree, who has now put $81,950 in the bank in 2018 and $134,244 lifetime. In the second division, Checkered Past scored from the rail and never looked back in taking a relatively easy decision. With reasonable fractions of :29, :58 and 1:26, Checkered Past showed the way on the lead with Ms Cheesman (Jimmy Whittemore) giving chase the entire mile. In the stretch, Checkered Past used a :28.1 last panel to hold off a final surge by Ms Cheesman, who finished half a length behind. Liplock (Nicholas Boyd) rallied late for the show position. "She was good," Cummings Jr. said of Checkered Past in victory. "I was able to dictate the pace and keep soft fractions." Owned by All Star Racing Inc. and conditioned by Peter Foley, it was the second win in eight appearances in 2018 for Checkered Past (American Ideal-Character Flaw). The triumph upped her winnings to $50,073 this year and $107,461 in her career. Buffalo Raceway-based drivers ended up making it a clean sweep in the NYSS and Excelsior races. In the $15,000 Excelsior A Series, Drew Monti got things started with a $14.60 surprise on Majorette Angie. Ray Fisher Jr. found the winner's circle with Psychic Blue Chip ($4.40) in 1:56 while Kevin Cummings drove Mink Pink ($3.00) to victory in 1:56. Casies Believer ($5.90) found pay dirt in the lone $6,800 Excelsior B Series bracket as Monti steered her home. Morrill Jr. finished the evening with a driving triple while Kevin Cummings and Monti had doubles. Racing will continue on Friday evening (June 15) at 5 p.m. with a nine-race program on tap. For more information including the latest news, upcoming promotions, simulcast schedule, race replays, results and entries, go to www.buffaloraceway.com. (Buffalo Raceway) Gardai are investigating whether a reported incident in Co Carlow last week has any connection to an alleged attack and rape on a female in Co Kildare two days ago. A young woman has told gardai that she was approached by three men in the Bagenalstown area of Carlow and sexually assaulted. The incident is alleged to have happened at around 2am on Monday June 4. Independent.ie learned of this report after it emerged on Tuesday evening that a young woman was allegedly attacked by three men and raped by one of them while walking home in the Clane area of Kildare. The Kildare incident is alleged to have taken place on Millicent Road, Clane between 1am and 1.30am on June 12. The woman, who is Irish, was returning from a night out socialising at the time. It is believed the three suspects are foreign nationals and it has been alleged one of the men raped the young woman. It is understood the young woman then called into a house in a nearby estate and raised the alarm. The young woman has spoken to gardai and has said that she did not know the men prior to the attack. A garda spokeswoman told Independent.ie that it is not known if the alleged incidents are connected at this stage. "Investigations are ongoing," they added. Gardai are urging anyone with anyone information to contact them at Naas Garda Station on 045 884300, Bagenalstown Garda Station on 059 774120, the Garda Confidential Line 1800 666 111 or any Garda Station. Solicitor Cian OCarroll says CervicalCheck appears to have a policy of obstruction. Picture: Collins The medical expert heading the inquiry into the CervicalCheck scandal has admitted he does not have the power to force any health official or laboratory staff to give evidence. Dr Gabriel Scally told the Irish Independent: "I cannot compel anyone. "But anyone I have asked has accepted and I am not expecting any refusals." His comments come amid mounting concerns the inquiry will drag on for months or longer and he will continue to face delays and obstruction in securing crucial documents from the Department of Health, the HSE and CervicalCheck. Cian O'Carroll, solicitor for Vicky Phelan who has cervical cancer and exposed the scandal, said yesterday CervicalCheck appears to have a "policy of obstruction" in delaying the release of files. Health Minister Simon Harris is "clearly not in control of his own inquiry if he is giving instructions and they are not being carried out," he said. Dr Scally only received 4,000 pieces of documentation as late as last week and the format of much of it made it difficult to read and search. In response, Dr Scally said he had spoken to the HSE yesterday. "They are clear about my views, the speed required and accessibility of documentation," he said. "I don't think there is any misunderstanding between us." Asked if he is over-reaching in his probe, which was billed as a "scoping" inquiry to direct a wider investigation, he said he has no intention of curtailing his remit. "It was the Oireachtas that set up my terms of reference. It is comprehensive and I intend to do what I was asked. "I want to examine the facts in relation to a whole range of areas. "Let there be no doubt I intend to address the terms of reference including the operation of CervicalCheck, quality assurance and tendering." Dr Scally cannot access the names and contact addresses of the 209 women who developed cervical cancer after wrong tests or the relatives of those who have died. However, he said the HSE will be able to write to them and invite them to one of at least three meetings he will hold around the country giving them an opportunity to give an account of their personal experience. Modules He is receiving assistance as requested from experts including cytopathology, quality assurance, clinical audit and legal advice. Dr Scally said he has no civil servant or HSE staff working for him because he needs to remain independent. He is breaking down the work into modules which will result in separate reports. Once he has addressed a particular term of reference he will compile a report on that aspect and publish it, he added. In response to a series of questions from the Irish Independent yesterday the Department of Health confirmed it will take "several more weeks" to provide Dr Scally with all the documents he has requested. A dedicated team has been established to oversee the trawl with records to be released going back as far back as 2006. "This is a considerable undertaking covering paper, electronic and email records," he added. "Dr Scally sent a request to the Department for records on May 30. "In response, the Department provided Dr Scally with a significant volume of documents on June 7. "Since then, two further requests for documents have been received from Dr Scally and these are currently being processed. "Documents were provided to Dr Scally in a searchable PDF format where possible, considering the age of the document and the timelines set out by Dr Scally." Labour's health spokesman Alan Kelly said the inquiry appears to be "over reaching" and missing the point of its establishment. "I've no doubt Dr Scally is a very honourable person trying his best but unless Simon Harris actually goes in and pulls this forward we are not going to get answers in the timeframe necessary," he said. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar warned against the immediate establishment of a commission, saying it would probably slow the process down as it would likely take one to three years to set up. He added: "A lot of women, unfortunately and very sadly, do not have that kind of time." Religious people live on average four years longer than their agnostic and atheist peers, new research has found. The difference between practising worshippers and those who were not part of a religious group could be down to a mix of social support, stress-relieving practices and abstaining from unhealthy habits, the authors suggest. For the study, a team of Ohio University academics analysed more than 1,500 obituaries from across the US to piece together how the defining features of our lives affect our longevity. These records include religious affiliations and marriage details as well as information on activities, hobbies and habits, which can help or hinder our health, not otherwise captured in census data. The study, published in Social Psychological and Personality Science yesterday, found that on average people whose obituary mentioned they were religious lived an extra 5.64 years. Life expectancy was still 3.82 years longer in religious people when they statistically controlled for marriage rates, a factor which has been shown to increase life expectancy and help stave off disease. The study provides persuasive evidence that there is a relationship between religious participation and how long a person lives, said Baldwin Way, co-author of the study and associate professor of psychology at Ohio State University. The major part of the study used more than 1,000 obituaries from newspapers in 42 states. But a further analysis of 500 obituaries from the Des Moines Register, a paper in Iowa, found the effect was more pronounced and religion was associated with an extra 6.48 years of life, suggesting living in a more religious area might have an extra effect. Religious participation often goes hand-in-hand with increased participation in activities and social groups, which might help tackle loneliness and sedentary lifestyles that could also shorten life expectancy. But analysis of activities mentioned in the report found this accounted for a fraction of the effect. Anxious women waiting for the results of smear tests are facing delays of up to 12 weeks after a surge in demand for screening in the wake of the CervicalCheck scandal. Test results were previously returned as early as four to six weeks, but the extra lab workload has pushed this out to 12 weeks in some cases. The Government was forced to offer free retests after many women became concerned about the accuracy of their results. This followed revelations about mistakes involving 209 women who developed cervical cancer. Alison Begas, chief executive of the Well Woman Centre in Dublin, said it had told some women it could be eight to 10 weeks before a result comes through. "We are not saying it will always take that long but we want to ensure they are not worried if there is a delay," she added. The centre had been doing 125 to 135 smear tests a week but this escalated to 300 at the height of the controversy and demand is still high. The centre has all its tests read in the laboratory in the Coombe Hospital which is contracted by CervicalCheck to do the work. The Irish Family Planning Association also said it had a six-week turnaround, while it used to take four weeks. A spokeswoman said: "In May, 408 women had smears at our two clinics - that's compared to 235 for the same month last year. As of today, there are 346 appointments booked in for June. Last year's number was 240." The HSE confirmed that nationally over the past number of weeks there had been an increase in demand for cervical screening tests. "This is because some women have requested a test to ease any worry that they may be experiencing. There are also women who have missed screening test appointments with CervicalCheck in the past who are now having their tests done," the spokeswoman said. She said this meant that the CervicalCheck screening programme was processing about two times the number of tests than it usually does. "In the past, test results would be provided to doctors and nurses within four to six weeks following the test; at the current time, results should be available six to nine weeks following the test. "While this is no cause for concern, it is our aim to restore the reporting timeframe as quickly as possible. "In the meantime, CervicalCheck would like to reassure women that this longer timeframe, whilst not desirable, is highly unlikely to impact on their care." The spokeswoman stressed: "If women are experiencing symptoms, they should consult their doctor." Dr Gabriel Scally, who is conducting a scoping inquiry into the CervicalCheck scandal, has recommended clearer information for women on the limitations of testing. This will emphasise the failure rate involved in screening, which can lead to unavoidable failures. The 209 women at the centre of the scandal were given wrong test results as a result of an error rather than a test failure. In future women will be asked to sign a consent form which will clearly state that there will be full disclosure in the event of any error or missed diagnosis for any reason. It is important that women continue to have screening. Every year some 300 women receive a cervical cancer diagnosis, and 90 die from the disease, while hundreds of others are treated for pre-cancerous changes. Since CervicalCheck began, it has detected over 50,000 pre-cancerous changes in women without any symptoms as well as over 1,200 cancers. Loneliness is as prevalent in the young as the old - it just manifests itself differently, a new report has revealed. Dr Keith Swanick, a GP who founded the Loneliness Taskforce, said some of his patients - new mothers, recent migrants, home carers and young people - often came to his surgery with health issues when their real problem was loneliness. He was speaking at the launch of the first report of the taskforce which described the problem as the "public health crisis of this generation". ALONE chief executive Sean Moynihan said one person described their experience of loneliness as a feeling of "emptiness that is hard to describe, kind of like you ran out of petrol in the car". The report, titled 'A Connected Ireland', recommends that annual funding of 3m be allocated to combating loneliness. It said the money should be allocated to a specific minister and Government department and also be the subject of a public campaign. Dr Swanick, who is a Fianna Fail senator, said: "The goal of reducing unnecessary loneliness and isolation is a challenge, but it is achievable. "As a nation, Ireland is ageing with the percentage of people over 70 growing faster than the rest of the population. "It was very evident from the submissions that loneliness is not confined to the old." Image of a stun gun seized by gardai in Tallaght A consignment of stun guns and more than 1m of cannabis herb have been seized by gardai and Revenue in three separate operations in Dublin In Tallaght an operation involving Revenue, the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and The Special Crime Task Force conducted an operation at a residential address in Alderwood, Tallaght, Dublin 24 on Wednesday. A package was seized which contained stun guns imported from The Netherlands. A man, aged 24 was arrested. The man was brought to Tallaght Garda Station where he was detained under the provisions of Section 30 of the Offences Against the State Act. Gardai say he has since been released pending the submission of an investigation file to the Office of the DPP. Meanwhile, in Blanchardstown, an operation involving the Garda National Drugs and Organised Crime Bureau and The Special Crime Task Force intercepted a vehicle on the Mill Road, Blanchardstown at approximately 7.30pm on Wednesday. Cannabis herb was seized and two men, aged 42 and 39, and a woman, aged 46, were arrested. Expand Close The drugs discovered at Dublin Port today / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The drugs discovered at Dublin Port today The three people are currently detained being under Drug Trafficking legislation at Blanchardstown, Finglas and Lucan Garda Stations. Follow up searches by gardai took place in the Blanchardstown area resulting in the seizure of a further significant quantity of cannabis, at a premises in Fortlawn Drive. In total, drugs with an estimated street value in excess of 560,000 were seized in that operation. Today, at Dublin Port, a further 24kgs of herbal, valued at 480,000, was discovered by Revenue detector dog Meg in a consignment that arrived from Spain. Investigations are ongoing in to this find. A teenage girl who had her leg amputated following a horror crash that killed her father also tragically lost her mother just four years ago, her brother has revealed. Despite suffering life-changing injuries in the road accident, which also left her boyfriend in intensive care, Gerry McMullan has said that his sister Vanessa McMahon is "doing amazing" and has even said that she would love to compete in the Paralympics one day. The collision between the van Vanessa was travelling in and a tractor happened on the R522 in Co Cork at Ballincurrig on the Buttevant to Liscarroll Road shortly after 1pm on Monday, June 4. Patrick McMahon (30s) was killed in the incident, his daughter Vanessa (15) and her boyfriend, Thomas Crowley (17), were both critically injured. Expand Close Gerry McMullan with his sister Vanessa / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Gerry McMullan with his sister Vanessa Vanessa's brother Gerry (27) gave an update on his sister's condition and said she has had a remarkable recovery so far. Gerry, who loves in South London, told Independent.ie: "Straight after the crash they said it was basically going to be either her leg or her life, so she ended up having it amputated. "Her other leg was also badly damaged but luckily the doctors managed to save it, other than that she just had smaller injuries, cuts and bruises really. "She's doing so well, she's still in Cork University Hospital but she managed to get out of intensive care pretty quickly, she was actually awake and trying to speak on the day of the crash, she was mouthing, 'I love you.' "When she was able to write, she wrote, 'I have no leg' and then she said, 'I have no dad' - that broke my heart," Gerry said. "She's doing good though, she had her first physio session yesterday and she will hopefully get to go outside in her wheelchair today, it's her first time out of her bed since it happened. Expand Close Patrick McMahon was killed in a car crash / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Patrick McMahon was killed in a car crash "She might get to visit her boyfriend, he was in intensive care with swelling on his brain but thankfully they brought that down, he also broke his eye socket and jaw. "Thankfully now he's awake and fully compos mentis." Gerry explained that his mother had him and his two brothers in the UK. After she split from his father, Gerry's mother later met Patrick McMahon and they moved to Ireland. The couple had Vanessa and her brother in Cork and the family lived there for several years before returning to the UK. Gerry added: "She grew up in England, unfortunately we lost our mum in 2008, she had a heart attack. Expand Close Gerry with Vanessa before the crash / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Gerry with Vanessa before the crash "Patrick had to go back to Ireland to care for his own mother and we moved in with our nan, she's an absolute angel, she's in her 80s and she keeps us all together. "Vanessa moved to Ireland last summer to live with Patrick and in a strange way I'm glad she had that time to really get to know him and spend more time with him." He said that given the extent of the rehabilitation Vanessa will need, she would need to be transferred to Dublin, but as they have no family there they are hoping to bring her to a hospital in South London when she is ready. Gerry said: "She will need extensive care, at the moment my brothers and I are going back and forth to Cork to be with her and she has Patrick's partner and her other siblings in Cork. "We have nobody in Dublin so we would like to get her back to London when we can. "I'm training to become a personal trainer and we've joked about helping her to become strong enough for the Paralympics, she thinks it's an amazing idea. "She is so positive and she just wants to start her physio and to be able to move a bit more, I think rehab might be hard on her though." To help to pay for the Junior Cert student's prosthetic leg and treatment, Gerry is planning to run from John o'Groats in Scotland to Land's End in Cornwall in August to raise money. He has raised almost 1,800 in just three days and says the support has been overwhelming. "Basically, my mate and I had wanted to do it for years, we said that we would try to walk it. "Unfortunately he passed away from a brain tumour a couple of months ago so I want to do it for him. "I'm going to run it though as I want to inspire Vanessa and show her that you can do anything when you set your mind to it. "The support so far has been phenomenal, I didn't realise how much people care and it has restored my faith in humanity - everything else seems irrelevant now." The remains of 14 yr old Jamie Doherty (inset) are carried into St Columba's Church. (North West Newspix) A White Honda Civic led the funeral cortege of 14-year-old Jamie Doherty. The Donegal schoolboy died last Friday evening when the black Renault Clio he was driving crashed near his grandparents home in a remote part of the Inishowen peninsula. Students from Moville Community College - where Jamie had just finished second year - formed a guard of honour as Jamies remains were carried to and from St Columbas Church in Ballinacrea, outside the town of Moville. Jamie died instantly when the car he was driving spun out of control and crashed on a side road at Tullyally, Upper Clar, Redcastle. He had driven the short distance from his home when the tragic accident happened just before 6pm. His mum, Evelyn, spoke at the end of the Funeral Mass about the 14 special years the family had with their son who was too special for this world. Jamie doted on his younger brothers, Davin and Shay and grief-stricken parents, Evelyn and Shane, were among the pallbearers, carrying Jamies white coffin. Only the howls of Storm Hector and the haunting bell of St Columbas Church punctuated the sombre, silent air. Jamie was so very well liked by the community, by his school and by his class, said Fr Tony Mailey, who celebrated the Funeral Mass. I have talked and listened to his classmates this week and you can tell that he was a well-received young man. Fr Mailey said: An accident like this has really brought people together. We have seen peoples true colours with the kindness and attention they have given the family. Jamies family will get that, too, in the days, weeks and months ahead. This is something that will never leave the family. They will carry this until the end of time. Justice Minister Charlie Flanagan has questioned the "true motivations" of Sinn Fein after the party called for the end of non-jury trials for people facing allegations of terrorist activity. It has been the long-standing policy of Mary Lou McDonald's party that the Special Criminal Court should be abolished. But Mr Flanagan told the Dail last night that the "toxic legacy" of the Provisional IRA was a "rump of violent dissident republicans who vehemently oppose peace and democracy". "I am determined that these terrorists will not succeed - the bullet will not prevail over the ballot box," he said. The minister said there was a "close relationship between terrorist groups and serious crime gangs - indeed sometimes, they are indistinguishable from one another". He was speaking in response to Sinn Fein justice spokesman Donnchadh O Laoghaire who criticised non-jury courts. He said his party recognised there were circumstances where it was proportionate to provide the anonymity of jurors. "This can be done by screens in courtroom or in very specific circumstances where required by remote location of jurors with video links to courtrooms," he said. But Mr Flanagan said he was "deeply concerned" by the attempt to "undermine the Special Criminal Court". "The reason a Special Criminal Court exists is because of the threat to jurors' lives posed by the most violent and dangerous criminals in the State," he said. "The judges that serve on the court perform courageous public service, presiding without fear or favour over the prosecution of some of the most dangerous terrorists and ruthless criminals in the State." The row comes ahead of Sinn Fein's Ard Fheis this weekend. At the launch yesterday, party treasurer Pearse Doherty faced questions over the party's long-standing claim that TDs take home only the average wage. Earlier this year, the Irish Independent revealed that Dessie Ellis does not adhere to this policy - but Mr Doherty said he did not know if others were also in receipt of larger pay packets. One year ago, he was an unproven two-year-old with a mark of 2:16.2 taken at a fair track. A year later, he's a sophomore racing at one of the premier circuits in the world, has a sub-1:50 record and is set to face some of the best open horses in harness racing. While ten of his three-year-old counterparts will square off in the $1 million Pepsi North America Cup on Saturday evening (June 16) at Woodbine Mohawk Park, Adriano Sorella's Jimmy Freight will square off against eight of the continent's top older pacers in the $100,000 Mohawk Gold Cup Invitational. "It came as a pleasant shock to me," Sorella told Trot Insider with respect to Jimmy Freight contesting the Mohawk Gold Cup against older company. "I was looking at the entries to see the card for North America Cup Saturday, as I planned to attend. And there he was, right in the middle of all those great horses. (Trainer) Richard (Moreau) is the boss, and he's a top trainer for a reason. I'm just here to enjoy the ride." And what an unlikely ride it has been. Jimmy Freight, winning on the Iowa fair circuit in 2017 Jimmy Freight and his connections after his Somebeachsomewhere win in 2018 From humble beginnings on the Iowa fair circuit, the son of Sportswriter has blossomed into a force to be reckoned with in Ontario, riding a four-race winning streak into the Gold Cup. Following a 1:51.3 triumph in an Ontario Sires Stakes Gold event at Flamboro, one he won by 6-1/4 lengths, Jimmy Freight posted a dominant gate-to-wire score in his Somebeachsomewhere division on June 2, defeating Dan Patch Award winner Lost In Time by 4-1/2 lengths in 1:50.2. The Gold Cup will not be Jimmy Freight's first foray into older competition, as he earned his 1:49.4 lifetime mark last Saturday over the likes of Nirvana Seelster and Dr J Hanover. Granted, this Saturday's test will prove more difficult for Jimmy Freight and regular driver Louis-Philippe Roy, who landed right in the middle of the nine-horse field with post five. Among his rivals are double millionaire and 2014 Breeders Crown champion McWicked (post six, David Miller, 2-1), Dan Patch and Sam McKee Memorial winner Check Six (post two, Yannick Gingras, 8-1), and 2017 Canadian Pacing Derby winner Sintra (post seven, Jody Jamieson, 9-2). "At this point he hasn't done anything wrong, and deserves the shot he's given," continued Sorella. Thus far, Jimmy Freight has amassed 11 wins in 17 starts, and has banked $278,252. Despite not being staked to the either North America Cup or the Meadowlands Pace, some major dances remain on Jimmy Freight's horizon this season. "I did get a call from Dave Bianconi at Northfield inviting him to the Carl Milstein," Sorella said. "That's a pretty nice invite versus some of the best three-year-olds. He's still got plenty of Grand Circuit, including the Progress and Matron (at Dover Downs). It's a long season; I've only been here once with Vegas Vacation. It's been a long, long time since I've had hope." The Gold Cup, which is carded as the sixth of 15 races on Cup night, shares undercard billing with the $250,000 Armbro Flight for distaff trotters (race three), the $415,000 Fan Hanover for three-year-old pacing fillies (race nine), the $266,000 Goodtimes for sophomore trotters (race 10), and the $370,000 Roses Are Red for pacing mares (race 11). First post for the blockbuster card is 6:30 p.m. To view the entries for Saturday's stellar card of harness racing, click on one of the following links: Woodbine Mohawk Park - Saturday Entries - Program Pages (courtesy TrackIT). State agencies just "cant help themselves" as they engage in "foot-dragging" over cooperation with a probe into the smear test debacle, the Dail has heard. Labour TD, Alan Kelly, also accused the Health Minister Simon Harris, of "not being on top of problems" with the investigation now underway. He said the Dail summer recess must be curtailed to ensure the issue is effectively dealt with. The former Environment Minister warned that if progress was not made rapidly an early election could follow. Fianna Fail TD, Darragh OBrien, said the interim report of Dr Gabriel Scally, who is doing a preliminary examination of the smear test scandal, had revealed that it took a full month for him to get the documents he needed. And when these documents arrived, the relevant information "was buried under a mountain of paper". Mr OBrien repeated his partys call for a full commission of inquiry immediately which would have real powers to advance a swift investigation. "Its time to put the women and their families front and centre in all of this. Some state agencies just cant help themselves and thats why theyre dragging their feet," the Dublin Fingal TD said. Replying for the Government, Education Minister Richard Bruton said the Taoiseach and Health Minister had already made it clear that everyone must cooperate with Dr Scallys inquiry. Mr Bruton said that Dr Scally had said nobody had refused cooperation. He also argued that a commission of inquiry would lead to everyone "getting lawyered-up" and this would cause further delays. The Education Minister said that Dr Scally has already recommended some changes which are being acted upon. "We have seen these improvements coming just within weeks," Mr Bruton said. For Labour, Alan Kelly said the head of CervicalCheck, based in Limerick, had told a Dail committee that all the relevant records were readily available on computer and had been offered. But Mr Kelly said the head of the HSE had said it was the first he had heard of this. Mr Bruton rejected by calls by Mr Kelly that the Government tell Dr Scally to visit the CervicalCheck headquarters. The Minister said Dr Scally had been appointed to conduct an independent inquiry. Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy has vowed to fight back against Opposition attacks which he described as Trump-like. The minister, who marks one year in office today, is under increasing pressure from both Fianna Fail and Sinn Fein. Mary Lou McDonalds party are threatening a motion of no confidence which could spark a general election. But Mr Murphy defended his record today, citing figures showing 18,000 new homes had come on stream last year. Were a young government, were ambitious for the future of our country. Todays CSO figures confirm that Rebuilding Ireland is working. They say were not building, thats not true. They say were not tackling vacancy, thats not true, Mr Murphy said. Its a kind of Trump approach to doing business that I abhor, he added. He lashed out at Sinn Fein who earlier this week paid for a billboard with Mr Murphys image and a list of the problems in the housing sector to be driven around Dublin city centre. Were making progress, theyre making posters, Mr Murphy said. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar has said he stands firmly behind his embattled minister for housing. Opposition criticism has targeted Minister Eoghan Murphy on the first anniversary of his appointment. Speaking in Madrid today Mr Varadkar said nobody in Government believed that sufficient progress in respect of housing noting the rough sleeper figures and the number of people in their 20s and 30s who are unable to buy a home. "We are making progress but that progress is not sufficient," he said. The Taoiseach said the statistics compiled by the CSO today showing the number of houses built last year are statistics nobody can dispute. Mr Varadkar also confirmed he believed Sinn Fein were gearing up to table a motion of no confidence in the Government - and may target his housing minister directly. It would be a move that would be "entirely tactical and entirely cynical" he said. "It's just about undermining the Government and embarrassing Fianna Fail. And that's old politics," he said. There is deep suspicious in government circles that Sinn Fein will seek to oust the minister just before the Dail is due to take its summer break on July 12. Mr Varadkar told his party that if this occurs there is a strong likely of an immediate election. Under the confidence and supply arrangement Fianna Fail is obliged to back any minister in the event of such a vote. At a private Fine Gael meeting last night Mr Varadkar said that if a Sinn Fein motion were to fail in a Dail vote then Fianna Fail would take a kicking. One source told the Irish Independent: The Taoiseach put us on alert that there are two ways this can go. Either an election or Fianna Fail gets a kicking. Asked about those comments, Mr Murphy who was not at the meeting, said: I think what the Taoiseach was doing was speaking to the political opportunism that is being sought here by Sinn Fein. Finance Minister Paschal Donohoe also came to his colleagues defence today, saying there is nobody better placed in Dail Eireann to the deal with the housing crisis. There is nobody more aware of the anxieties and fears and at times of the great misery that people face when they cant get a home, or cant get a bed than Eoghan, he said. Mr Donohoe added: Sinn Fein are intent on exploiting the anxiety and worries of people who arent in homes or cant afford homes for political gain. The only thing Eoghan is focused on is making their lives better. Galway Feminist Collective members read the names of jailed Irish suffragettes as the Hanna Sheehy Skeffington plaque is unveiled by President Higgins. Photo: Brian Lawless/PA Wire President Michael D Higgins hailed Irish suffragettes and the contribution of women which has been forgotten by history. The President unveiled a commemorative plaque in honour of women's rights activist Hanna Sheehy Skeffington at the Ship Street Great entrance to Dublin Castle. It marks the spot where Skeffington smashed windows in 1912 in protest against votes for women being excluded from the Home Rule Bill for Ireland. The President said: "The struggle to create a truly just, inclusive republic of equal citizens continues and we are reminded that if we can summon the same courage as those women of 100 years ago, it is a struggle that we can win." TAOISEACH Leo Varadkar has warned Fine Gael to be on guard for a snap election in the coming weeks if opposition parties move on Housing Minister Eoghan Murphy. The minister, who took office a year ago today, faced a barrage of criticism in the Dail yesterday over the mounting problems in the housing sector. All parties rounded on Mr Murphy for the lack of progress on tackling key issues such as affordable homes, rising rents and homelessness. As a result, housing dominated a private meeting of Fine Gael TDs and senators last night where most were sympathetic to the minister's efforts. But sources say the growing unease over the housing crisis prompted the Taoiseach to issue a stark warning. For over a month Sinn Fein has been "considering" a motion of no confidence in Mr Murphy. There are deep suspicions in Government circles that they will place it just before the Dail is due to take its summer break on July 12. Mr Varadkar told his party that if this occurs there is a strong likelihood of an immediate election. Under the confidence and supply arrangement, Fianna Fail is obliged to back any minister in such a vote. However, Micheal Martin's party is becoming increasingly frustrated by the failure of the Government's 'Rebuilding Ireland' project to make an impact on the crisis. In the Dail yesterday, their recently appointed housing spokesman Darragh O'Brien accused Mr Murphy of spreading "absolute fantasy". "He said that the social and affordable housing supply is being dramatically increased. Is he kidding me? "We built 396 houses last year and he bought the rest. We are failing on this issue," Mr O'Brien said. At last night's meeting, Mr Varadkar said that if a Sinn Fein motion were to fail in a Dail vote, then Fianna Fail would take "a kicking". One source told the Irish Independent: "The Taoiseach put us on alert that there are two ways this can go. Either an election or Fianna Fail gets a kicking." Earlier this week Sinn Fein paid for a billboard with Mr Murphy's image and a list of the problems in the housing sector to be driven around Dublin city centre. Mr Murphy sought to defend his record yesterday after People Before Profit placed a Dail motion seeking new measures to deal with land hoarding and property speculation. The minister listed what he sees as the progress that has been made in the past year. Sinn Fein's Eoin O Broin, who is threatening the no confidence motion, said he was "running out of adjectives to describe the minister's speeches to the House". "The gap between what the minister is telling us week in and week out and the reality we are all experiencing in our constituencies is growing ever greater," he said. Brexit Amid speculation over his remarks at last nights meeting and fevered appraisals of his first year in office, the Taoiseachs focus has pivoted to Brexit as he continues his canvass of European leaders. He is meeting today with Spanish Prime Minister, Pedro Sanchez, in the Palace of Moncloa in Madrid where the pair are to share a working lunch with a small group of close advisors. The Taoiseach intends to push Irelands Brexit agenda and also to focus on Spanish and Irish relations, and a number of important foreign policy issues. The initial meeting between the pair was closed off to all but state media and the pair will not jointly address the media today. Mr Varadkar is the first EU leader to meet with Mr Sanchez since his election as head of his Government almost two weeks ago and he said he was "honoured" to meet with his Spanish counterpart. Mr Sanchez now leads a minority government, having staged a coup to usurp then-Prime Minister Mariano Rajoy. He is meeting Mr Varadkar fresh from dealing with his first crisis as leader, after his Sports and Culture minister, Maxim Huerta, resigned over a tax scandal last night. Meanwhile, at home criticism is mounting as Opposition parties seize on Mr Varadkars first anniversary as Taoiseach. The Labour party have accused the Government of not having enough courage to tackle the housing crisis. While Sinn Fein have accused Mr Varadkar of presiding over a year of chaos in respect of mental health services. I tried a few things after school. I went to England and came back, then I went for an interview for a job as an aircraft fitter and, to my surprise, I got the job. It was in north Co Dublin and I basically learned how to overhaul jet engines. When the company sold up and went to Kent in England, I went too. I worked there for a while and then headed to work in Belgium. That's where my love of iron work was sparked - it's the home of iron work in Europe, and every house had a little balcony that was beautiful. I became friends with really good people whose idea of a good day out was to go and look at examples of art nouveau. I began to realise that it was all forge work and the houses I saw held the metal work as an integral part of the building, not just an add-on. One day I was driving and I saw an anvil in a shop window. I said, 'I'm going to buy that and have a knock-around', so I made a little forge just to start off. In 2002 I moved back to Ireland with my wife Marie France, who I met in Ostend in Belgium - I call her my wife but we don't believe in marriage. I was trying to learn about blacksmithing, and I saw that in Belmullet there was a blacksmith's college. I had the full intention of going to college, but two weeks before the course was due to start, I heard it wouldn't be running. Expand Close Stephen Quinn heats up some metal. Photo: Andrew Downes, XPOSURE / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Stephen Quinn heats up some metal. Photo: Andrew Downes, XPOSURE One weekend I went to England to a gathering of blacksmiths. When I saw what they did, I didn't call myself a blacksmith for the next five years. I had a good engineering background and I wasn't afraid of the work or the heat and I started with the basics. I was thirsty for knowledge, and it's only in making something that you learn how to do it. I made a lot of mistakes and they're costly - you don't make them twice. If you have good eyes and can see things, you can work out how things are made. Blacksmithing has a couple of fundamentals: if you learn them, you can identify them in every other piece of work. If you see something you like, you break it down. You're learning every day of the week - you never stop learning. While we were driving one day, we were listening to something about moving to the west of Ireland. The only place we could find within our budget was there and now we live halfway between Tuam and Milltown. We moved in the middle of the economic downturn. The neighbours got to know I was handy and I'd get a few jobs that would keep me ticking over. We kept plugging away and I'd do a few arts and crafts shows. I got a call that there was a man in a museum looking for craft workers, and I now have a workshop in Dartfield Museum in Kilreekil. I do demonstrations there for people, and I have a gallery area as well as the workshop. You name the item and I have worked on it - door handles, coat hangers, balconies, knives, lighting and beds. When you hire a blacksmith, you get a one-of-a-kind bespoke piece. In England blacksmithing is a viable career choice. Word of mouth is the best advertisement you have. My main clients would have lived abroad or else they're not from here, and they usually come to me with a budget in mind. They know what they want and they know when they get a craftsperson they expect to pay a little bit more. They also know the work will not be run of the mill. According to one report, there's 2,500 blacksmiths in Ireland but I reckon that figure is as useful as used toilet roll. Personally I know 50 people who dabble, 30 of them would stand up loud and proud and call themselves blacksmiths. There's only between eight and 11 of them with a fire lit every second day. I've a fire lit every day of the week, and I only know about 14 others who do the same. I always feel optimistic about the future. What I'd really love to make is any shape or idea that comes into my head. Maybe I'm living in a fantasy because you also have to earn a crust. What I have to do once in a while is make something just for me. I like to make things, and although I was never really good at getting things on paper, I find I'm better if I can make a part of it. If I was working on a commission for a gate for example, I'd make one part of it. I'm a do-er rather than a drawer. My young lads Julian (14) and Luka (12) come in and give me a hand sometimes. They could go to the fire and make a small piece. They don't come in as much as I want them to - they're doing their own thing. I wouldn't want to force them into it. I also have a 22-year-old daughter, Saoirse. I still don't know what I love most about blacksmithing. I take it for granted that you go to the steel yard and you buy steel and through beating it and putting it in a fire, you can make whatever you want. With blacksmithing you've got all the elements: wind, earth, fire and the water you use to cool things down. They said years ago it was the king of all the crafts - if the carpenter wanted a chisel, he went to the blacksmith. I don't know if it still is. Over the years I've seen a lot of really good heritage iron work pulled out to make car parks. Some people are keen to get things reinstated. We should be really proud of it. Well-made iron work will increase the value of your property. You have to give someone time to make something special. Time is precious, and some people get it and some people don't. I have to have one or two jobs on the go at the same time. When you're stuck on one job, you'll figure out the answer for it if you're working on something else. If I've got one or two commissions at the same time, that works for me. Marie France has never once said to me, 'what are you doing?'. She has let me do this and there've been times when we haven't had a penny. Blacksmithing is tough. It's hard work and there's no easy way of doing it. A true recognition of your work is when you decide to create something you like and you put it up in a gallery and someone wants to buy it. In conversation with Kathy Donaghy Game of Throne actor Liam Cunningham was in Taste Of Dublin today enjoying some down time before he returns to set to finish filming the HBO epic-fantasy series. The actor told independent.ie that he plans to take a few months off once filming wraps up. We are very, very close to finishing the entire thing Im very close to getting rid of the beard, he joked. Im going to, whats known in the trade as 'decompress', so Im going to do nothing for the summer, and then of course Im going to start panicking that Ill never work again, and then well see what happens. He added that he's looking forward to supporting some Irish theatre productions this summer. The Snapper is starting up in the Gate, so Im a big fan of Roddy Doyle, and its very different for the Gate theatre so I think they should be given a bit of support. Liam, who plays Davos Seaworth in the series, recalled at Taste today his childhood memories of foods like coddle and crispy pancakes. He told Independent.ie: When I was growing up I spent most of my time eating Findus crispy pancakes and the odd coddle at the weekend. So having moved on, he joked, I do enjoy a bit of my grub. Myself and my son, whos here, we love cooking. Hes chef-ing as well at the minute. Video of the Day This year, Ireland empowered us women," says Anuja Patwarden. Anuja, from the Jaipur restaurant group in Dublin and Wicklow, explains why Jaipur is bringing a pink-themed menu to Taste of Dublin 2018 this weekend. It is to "commemorate women". The restaurant has created a menu which infuses pink elements like Rhubarb Achaar, Pink Gin, Rose Petal and Himalayan Pink Cockscomb. The chefs have reimagined their popular dishes like prawn curry to give them a "pink" twist, using alternative ingredients. Our inspiration for Taste of Dublin 2018 stems from the avant-garde women of India who have broken social norms and created history." "We dedicate a selection of specially-curated dishes telling the story of women who pioneered, inspired and fought for their causes in India, the restaurant says. Anuja adds: "Of course we got a 70pc yes vote, and so I thought we should do something along those lines. We decided to have a pink menu which is also a symbol of the city of Jaipur which is a pink city in India, and for women. A Ryanair flight from London to Cork was delayed for over 10 hours as there was no engineer available to change a tyre on the plane. Flight FR9853 was due to arrive in Cork from Gatwick Airport shortly after 1pm on Monday - but passengers did not land until 11.45pm that night. An engineer had to be flown in from another airport to change the tyre after a nail became stuck in it. Speaking to Cork's 96FM, disgruntled passenger Elaine Buckley said while nobody wants to travel on an unsafe plane, she felt there was a lot of miscommunication. We were told according to a text message by Ryanair to go back to the gate at 3.45pm. And then it came up on the screen in the main departures lounge at about 3.15 boarding at gate 22, proceed to gate. "If you hadnt seen that on the board people would have waited until the time on the text message." Passengers then boarded the flight and were on the plane for around 20 minutes before the captain announced there was "a nail in the front wheel of the plane". Obviously no one wants to fly on an aircraft thats unsafe. So we sat on the plane for about another hour when they assessed the situation, she said. Passengers then had to get off the plane again and head back to the terminal. It was the complete lack of information. We were just waiting around, no official Ryanair staff came to meet us. A Ryanair spokesman said customers were regularly updated by text message and email. This flight from London Gatwick to Cork (11 June) was delayed ahead of take-off due to the late arrival of the inbound aircraft, which experienced a minor technical issue. Customers were regularly updated by SMS text message and email and provided with refreshment vouchers, before boarding the aircraft. "However, due to a technical issue with the tyre, the departure was delayed. Customers disembarked, were provided with another set of refreshment vouchers and were again updated regularly by SMS text message and email. "To minimise delay, an engineer was sent from London Stansted airport, who cleared the fault, returned the aircraft to service and the aircraft departed to Cork. Ryanair sincerely apologised to all customers affected by this delay. Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall meet fishmonger Pat OConnell as they visit the English Market on June 14, 2018 in Cork, Ireland. Photo: Getty Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall meet fishmonger Pat OConnell as they visit the English Market on June 14, 2018 in Cork, Ireland Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall meet fishmonger Pat OConnell as they visit the English Market on June 14, 2018 in Cork, Ireland Prince Charles pictured with ladies from the Cobh animation team, after his visit to the English Market in Cork City. Picture: Frank McGrath Prince Charles pictured with Tanaiste Simon Coveney and Cork's Lord Mayor Tony Fitzgerald as he arrived for his visit to the English Market in Cork City. Picture: Frank McGrath Britain's Prince Charles reacts after cutting a cake during a visit to the English Market with Camilla, the Duchess of Cornwall, in Cork, Ireland, June 14, 2018. REUTERS/Clodagh Kilcoyne The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall during a visit to the English Market in Cork as part of their tour of the Republic of Ireland The Duchess of Cornwall during a visit to the English Market in Cork as part of her tour of the Republic of Ireland The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall during a visit to the English Market in Cork as part of their tour of the Republic of Ireland The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall observe a 72 second silence in memory of those who lost their lives and all those affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower during a civic reception at City Hall in Cork as part of their tour of the Republic of Ireland The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall (centre) with Minister for Foreign Affairs Simon Coveney (right) and Lord Mayor of Cork Tony Fitzgerald (2nd right) observe a 72 second silence in memory of those who lost their lives and all those affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower during a civic reception at City Hall in Cork as part of their tour of the Republic of Ireland HRH Prince Charles and Duchess of Cornwall, Camilla pictured during their visit to the English Market in Cork City. Picture: Frank McGrath Prince Charles and his wife Camilla began their visit to Cork today with a trip to the English Market where they left weighed down with gifts, including a large hamper of Irish smoked salmon, cheeses and relish. The couple arrived shortly before 10.40 am and were greeted by Corkman, Tanaiste Simon Coveney and the Minister for Agriculture Michael Creed. Camilla is wearing a cornflower blue coat and beige suede shoes while Charles is clad in a blue pinstriped suit with a white carnation in his buttonhole. A lively beat was provided by the Cork Barrack Street brass band as well as the bodhran playing of children from Saint Joseph's school cheering children from local schools. Expand Close Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall meet fishmonger Pat OConnell as they visit the English Market on June 14, 2018 in Cork, Ireland / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Prince Charles, Prince of Wales and Camilla, Duchess of Cornwall meet fishmonger Pat OConnell as they visit the English Market on June 14, 2018 in Cork, Ireland Inside, the couple met with fishermonger Pat O'Connell - who struck fame after his encounter with Queen Elizabeth in 2011 when he told her a joke about his wedding anniversary. Afterward, Pat said the Prince had informed him that he had been told by his mother that he "had to meet him." Charles had been very impressed by two wild salmon caught in the river Lee just meters from the gates of the English Market. He had also been fascinated with the locally made mozzarella at the Toon's Bridge stall and had expressed a regret that he had eaten "too large a breakfast", said Voureen Fayer. Expand Close The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall during a visit to the English Market in Cork as part of their tour of the Republic of Ireland / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall during a visit to the English Market in Cork as part of their tour of the Republic of Ireland The couple cut a cake celebrating 230 years of the English Market. Outside they met members of the Coal Quay shawlies group decked out in traditional black shawls- and Charles was tickled pink by the way the women had bank notes tucked into their stockings under their long skirts. Expand Close The Duchess of Cornwall during a visit to the English Market in Cork as part of her tour of the Republic of Ireland / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Duchess of Cornwall during a visit to the English Market in Cork as part of her tour of the Republic of Ireland Video of the Day "He never knew this was how it was done," said Breda scanlon. "He has a great laugh," she added. "We said we'd give him a loan while he's in Cork," said Suzanne Dillon. Expand Close The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall observe a 72 second silence in memory of those who lost their lives and all those affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower during a civic reception at City Hall in Cork as part of their tour of the Republic of Ireland / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp The Prince of Wales and the Duchess of Cornwall observe a 72 second silence in memory of those who lost their lives and all those affected by the fire at Grenfell Tower during a civic reception at City Hall in Cork as part of their tour of the Republic of Ireland The couple will continue their trip with a visit to UCC and a civic reception at City Hall where Charles will give a speech. Some three-year-old trotting colts who have the Earl Beal Memorial (eliminations Saturday, June 23), the Hambletonian and other major races on their minds will be gathering at The Downs at Mohegan Sun Pocono on Sunday (June 17) for three $30,000 divisions of the Pennsylvania All-Stars. The first All-Stars section is race eight, and it finds Whats The Word as the early choice as he leaves from post seven for driver Corey Callahan. The Donato Hanover colt had won three straight races, including two Pennsylvania Sire Stakes, after addingtrotting hopples, and last time he was in against tough older trotters on a sloppy track and did well to be third. His main opposition is expected to come from Samo Different Day, making his second start of the year from post four for Jimmy Takter after banking $337,000 as a two-year-old. The 11th-race section finds You Know You Do installed as the early favourite for driver Yannick Gingras despite drawing post eight. A $374,000 winner at two, You Know You Do won a Pennsylvania Sire Stakes at Pocono on May 26, but has only had a qualifying mile since then. He can expect strong challenges from two members of the Millers Team Orange Crush, Haveitalltogether and Maxs Beast. Race 12 will be the final of the nights All-Stars events, with Donatover accorded early favouritism for Trond Smedshammer off a 1:53.1 mark and a recent Pennsylvania Sire Stakes triumph. If youre looking for a long shot in this event, how about a 15-1 shot whose driver has never lost a race and who is a full brother to Father Patrick and Pastor Stephen? That would be Brothers N Arms and Josert Fonseca, who is undefeated in three career drives. Another $30,000 trot on the strong Sunday Pocono card, race 10, will be a Great Northeast Open Series event, with a full field of nine. Triple Crown winner Marion Marauder (post six, Scott Zeron), 2016 Trotter of the Year, has a first and a second in two seasonal starts, both in the Great Northeast. Just outside him will be Homicide Hunter (George Napolitano Jr.), who comes back to his home base after equalling the world record for older trotting geldings with a 1:50.3 triumph in the Charlie Hill Trot at Scioto last week. (PHHA/Pocono) Kim Kardashian West has discussed the moment she told Alice Marie Johnson she would be released from prison (Aurore Marechal/PA) Kim Kardashian West has spoken of the moment she told a great-grandmother whose case she championed she was being freed from prison after 21 years behind bars. Drug offender Alice Marie Johnson, 63, was released earlier this month after President Donald Trump commuted her sentence following an intervention from Kardashian West, 37. In an interview with NBCs Today, the reality TV star revealed she broke down when she told Johnson the news. WATCH: "You can go home now. Are you ready to go home?"@KimKardashian and Alice Johnson open up about the moment they got the news of Johnson's commutation in their first joint interview.@HodaKotb will have more tomorrow morning on @TODAYShow. pic.twitter.com/xVI3Lqxiii NBC Nightly News with Lester Holt (@NBCNightlyNews) June 13, 2018 She said: At first I thought she knew because the news was starting to break and we had to get her on the phone. She was kind of quiet on the phone and I know her personality enough to know that she would have been screaming, or something. And I said, wait, you dont know? and she said, know what? and I was like, you are going home. And screams, and cries and we all just cried on the phone. The pair met for the first time on Wednesday and Kardashian West showed Johnson how to use Snapchat, posting videos of them together. Expand Close Kim Kardashian West has spoken of her delight after a great-grandmother jailed for life was released from prison (Ian West/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Kim Kardashian West has spoken of her delight after a great-grandmother jailed for life was released from prison (Ian West/PA) On one of the videos, the wife of rapper Kanye West said: Alice has never used filters before so Im showing her the ropes. Love you Alice! Johnson was convicted in 1996 for her part in a cocaine trafficking operation involving more than a dozen people. Video of the Day She was sentenced to life in prison in 1997. In May, mother of three Kardashian West visited the White House to meet with Jared Kushner, Trumps son-in-law and senior adviser, to discuss prison reform. She also met the president in the Oval Office and a picture was released of the occasion. Queen Elizabeth II and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive to open the new Mersey Gateway Bridge on June 14, 2018 in the town of Widnes in Halton, Cheshire, England Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess of Sussex at the opening of the new Mersey Gateway Bridge, in Widnes, Cheshire Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess of Sussex at the opening of the new Mersey Gateway Bridge, in Widnes, Cheshire Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess of Sussex at the opening of the new Mersey Gateway Bridge, in Widnes, Cheshire Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess of Sussex arrive by Royal Train at Runcorn Station to carry out engagements in Cheshire Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess of Sussex at the opening of the new Mersey Gateway Bridge, in Widnes, Cheshire Queen Elizabeth II and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive to open the new Mersey Gateway Bridge on June 14, 2018 in the town of Widnes in Halton, Cheshire, England Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess of Sussex arrive by Royal Train at Runcorn Station to carry out engagements in Cheshire Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess of Sussex arrive by Royal Train at Runcorn Station to carry out engagements in Cheshire Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess of Sussex arrive by Royal Train at Runcorn Station to carry out engagements in Cheshire Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess of Sussex arrive by Royal Train at Runcorn Station to carry out engagements in Cheshire Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess of Sussex (second right) arrive to open the new Mersey Gateway Bridge, in Widnes, Cheshire Queen Elizabeth II and Meghan, Duchess of Sussex arrive to open the new Mersey Gateway Bridge on June 14, 2018 in the town of Widnes in Halton, Cheshire, England Meghan Markle has kicked off her first solo engagement with Britain's Queen Elizabeth in style. The new Duchess of Sussex paid suitable homage to her wedding day in a bespoke layered dress by Givenchy, with cape detail, after the French fashion house designed her divisive gown last month. As Meghan continues to find her feet her feet with her new work after marrying Prince Harry, her grandmother-in-law has taken her under her wing and is showing her the ropes of royal life. The duo made a somewhat uncharacteristic appearance in Cheshire, England, today as part of an overnight trip. And today's look is in stark contrast to the early days of her engagement last year. Gone are the flared jeans and low, messy bun; instead, she's opted for a form-fitting dress, a Givenchy clutch, black Sarah Flint heels and most important, a pair of flesh coloured tights - the one fashion rule Queen Elizabeth insists that all women in the family follow for public engagements. The pair arrived by royal train, a mode of transport which Harry, William and Kate Middleton are believed to haven't even set foot on, for a swift lesson in how to behave during an "away day". They were greeted at Runcorn station by flag waving children and royal watchers from around the area. Expand Close Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess of Sussex at the opening of the new Mersey Gateway Bridge, in Widnes, Cheshire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess of Sussex at the opening of the new Mersey Gateway Bridge, in Widnes, Cheshire Their visit will comprise of a visit to the Catalyst Museum in West Bank, Widnes and the official opening of the Mersey Gateway Bridge, before heading to Chester for more duties. It's believed the British monarch was eager to give her new granddaughter-in-law a crash course in royal life, particularly after becoming a key member of the royal family after just two years of knowing her new husband. Royal expert Ingrid Steward explained to People, "The Queen knows the potential pitfalls of not giving [new members] a guiding hand. "Its all about the monarchy. She cant expect Meghan to know everything without being shown. She doesnt want 70 years of hard work to be for nothing. Im sure she feels Meghan needs a steadying hand in these early days." Expand Close Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess of Sussex at the opening of the new Mersey Gateway Bridge, in Widnes, Cheshire / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Queen Elizabeth II and the Duchess of Sussex at the opening of the new Mersey Gateway Bridge, in Widnes, Cheshire In comparison, when Kate Middleton wed William in 2011, she waited nearly a full year before having her first official engagement without her husband. A potato lover has made a 1,000-mile round trip to Scotland in order to dig up his own supply. Jamie McCoo, from Deal in Kent, was brought up in Scotland and has travelled back in recent years to collect 25kgs of his favourite Ayrshire new potatoes. The 69-year-old had contacted Scotty Brand to check for stockists of Ayrshire potatoes in the south east of England but with no availability south of the Border he was invited to Girvan, South Ayrshire to dig his own batch with father and son farmers Drew and David Young. He said: My mother always told me that the first dig resulted in the best batch and Ayrshire potatoes are some of the finest new potatoes grown in the UK. Ayrshire potatoes come into season in June, so Ive been making the special trip for the last couple of years to stock up for summer. Scottys new potatoes are in my opinion the best out there, so its been great to meet the farmer Drew Young who allowed me literally to dig my own batch. Richard Allison, general manager of Scotty Brand, said the trip was a great way to start the production season. He said: We receive many requests from customers desperately searching for the best Scottish seasonal produce, but Jamie McCoos correspondence really stood out. Having emailed our customer service team to check for stockists of his favourite Ayrshires in the south east, he was disappointed to discover they werent available south of the border but made it clear that he was prepared to make a special visit. We invited Mr McCoo to select his crop personally from Scottys Girvan-based farmer, Drew Young and hes promised to share his four stone of potatoes with his Scottish friends in Kent. OCarroll is taking orders for her ceramics on Instagram, and commissions personalised tiles (Isabelle OCarroll) Isabelle OCarroll, a freelance journalist from London, is making beautiful artwork out of iconic memes. OCarroll creates blue tiles using a technique called Dutch Delftware to immortalise meme characters in ceramic, from Doge to Grumpy Cat. She said: Im a freelance writer most of the time and mostly make ceramics for myself, so its really nice when people contact me to put in order, or even if they get the joke, thats also a great compliment! I'm taking commissions for my Delft meme tiles. Choose your fave meme and I'll hand paint it! I also do pets and custom designs pic.twitter.com/D1V0a41KOt Isabelle O'Carroll (@IsabelleOC) June 7, 2018 OCarroll is taking orders for her ceramics on Instagram, and commissions personalised tiles. She said: I love Dutch Delftware, a style which started in the 16th century and featured popular motifs of the time, like animals, boats or people. I thought it would be funny to transpose our contemporary motifs, memes such as the IKEA monkey, Balegdeh, doge or the two otters onto Delft-style tiles. Im fascinated by the idea of creolisation, different cultures coming together can produce something new and exciting. OCarroll said her favourite memes to paint are the IKEA monkey, and the iconic Doge dog. She said: I love IKEA monkey, people dont always know who he is but hes so fun to paint. Doge is also fun because he has such a doubting, quizzical look in his eye. OCarroll said: Delftware artists were heavily inspired by Chinese pottery, they werent creating fine porcelain pieces like the Chinese but they used a lot of ingenuity to get as close as possible. It shows that throughout history, immigration and cultural exchange ushers in innovation and exciting creativity. As well as the meme tiles, OCarroll has been working on various styles and mediums of ceramics. She said: I love working in a medium where I can be experimental and free. Im continuously trying new things; the latest thing Im working on is a set of astronomy plates featuring constellations of stars rendered in gold. The United States will demand that North Korea undertakes "major, major disarmament" of its nuclear programme by the end of Donald Trump's first presidential term. Mike Pompeo, the US secretary of state, issued the first indication of a timetable for denuclearisation following the historic summit between Mr Trump and Kim Jong-un in Singapore. A joint statement from the leaders reaffirmed North Korea's commitment to "work toward complete denuclearisation of the Korean peninsula" but gave no details of when Pyongyang would give up its weapons. Mr Pompeo, speaking in Seoul, was asked if he would like to accomplish major nuclear disarmament within Mr Trump's current term, which ends on January 20, 2021. Expand Close Mike Pompeo arrives in South Korea yesterday / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mike Pompeo arrives in South Korea yesterday He said: "Most definitively. Absolutely. You used the term major, major disarmament, something like that? We're hopeful that we can achieve that in the two-and-a-half years." He said "understandings" had been reached with North Korea that did not appear in the statement. He added: "I am confident they understand that there will be in-depth verification." The US secretary of state is due to visit Beijing today to brief Chinese leaders about the Singapore summit. It came as Donald Trump yesterday told Americans they could "sleep well", safe in the knowledge that there was "no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea". In a series of triumphant Twitter posts as he flew home from Singapore, the US president hit out at "haters" who had doubted his strategy for dealing with Kim Jong-un. The summit was the first between a sitting American president and a North Korean leader and followed a flurry of North Korean nuclear and missile tests and angry exchanges between Trump and Kim last year that fuelled fears of war. "Everybody can now feel much safer than the day I took office," Mr Trump said on Twitter. "There is no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea. Meeting with Kim Jong-un was an interesting and very positive experience. North Korea has great potential for the future!" On Tuesday, Mr Trump told a news conference that he would like to lift sanctions against the North but that this would not happen immediately. North Korean state media lauded the summit as a resounding success, saying Mr Trump expressed his intention to halt US-South Korea military exercises, offer security guarantees to the North and lift sanctions as relations improve, a claim that was later dampened down in Washington. And it said both men had accepted reciprocal invitations to visit each other's countries. Mr Trump said the United States would stop military exercises with South Korea while North Korea negotiated on denuclearisation. "We save a fortune by not doing war games, as long as we are negotiating in good faith -which both sides are!" he said on Twitter. But his decision drew criticism from within the ranks of his own Republican Party as well as from political foes. Republican Senator Lindsey Graham said Mr Trump's reasoning for halting the exercises was "ridiculous". "It's not a burden on the American taxpayer to have a forward deployed force in South Korea," Mr Graham told CNN. "It's a warning to China that you can't just take over the whole region. So I reject that analysis that it costs too much, but I do accept the proposition, let's stand down [on military exercises] and see if we can find a better way here." Last night, however, there was confusion over precisely what military co-operation with South Korea Mr Trump had promised to halt. A major military exercise is due in August. The United States maintains about 28,500 soldiers in South Korea, which remains in a technical state of war with the North after the 1950-53 Korean War ended in a truce not a peace treaty. On Tuesday, just after the president's surprise announcement, a spokesman for US Forces Korea said they had not received any instruction to cease joint military drills. Mr Trump's administration had previously ruled out any concessions or lifting of sanctions without North Korea's commitment to complete, verifiable and irreversible steps to scrap a nuclear arsenal that is advanced enough to threaten America. ( Daily Telegraph, London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] Chinese President Xi Jinping wasnt invited to the Singapore summit but will have been pleased with its outcome Not so long ago, China was written off as a bystander to landmark events with regards to North Korea. Marginalised and some would say irrelevant, Beijing was seen as a witness to an unstoppable rapprochement between North Korea and the United States which reached a dramatic climax in Singapore. But Xi Jinping, the Chinese president, didn't need an invite to this week's historic summit to ensure his interests were represented and his objectives achieved. He got everything he would have wanted. The end of "war games" and a hint that US troops would be withdrawn from the Korean peninsula would remove two barriers to China's attempts to project its power across the region. Meanwhile, a softening of sanctions will only improve trade with its neighbour. China has long called for the end of military drills carried out by the United States and Seoul, as the first part of its "dual suspension' strategy", which Beijing believes will ease tensions on the Korean peninsula. The second part of the strategy - Pyongyang halting its missile tests - had already become a reality in recent weeks as North Korean leader Kim Jong-un seeks to present his country in a less belligerent light. Undoubtedly, the end of US military exercises in South Korea is a major concession for Pyongyang. In addition, Mr Kim does not appear to have given anything in return. But the drills are also aimed at China. Beijing views them as a significant part of the US strategy to contain it and a constant reminder Washington has a major role in the region. The potential withdrawal of more than 28,000 troops from the Korean peninsula would leave the path clear for China to assert itself as Asia's dominant superpower. So when US President Donald Trump said he would end the drills, China's vision for the future of north-east Asia was beginning to take shape. Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said the agreement in Singapore showed China's "dual suspension" proposals were practical. Sensing the momentum was swinging in China's favour, state media were also positive. "If the US stops joint military exercises with South Korea, it will be a big step forward on the Korean Peninsula," the nationalist 'Global Times' newspaper said, adding dual suspension becoming a reality would signal "a new leaf will be turned over". "With a cooling down of military activities, less US military participation, and possibly an eventual US troop withdrawal, the peninsula will completely walk out of the shadow of the Cold War," the newspaper added. Mr Trump's vow to end the drills - which he called "provocative" - was apparently made without first consulting Japan and South Korea. Seoul's Blue House spokesman said: "At this moment, the meaning and intention of President Trump's remarks requires more clear understanding." Such confusion among US allies in Asia is also a major win for China. It is likely that during Mr Kim's two visits to China in the weeks leading up to the Singapore summit, he discussed with the Chinese president goals that would benefit both Beijing and Pyongyang - including the end of US drills. And what other mutually beneficial policy adjustments could have been discussed by the two leaders? North Korea is desperate for the US to halt "maximum pressure" sanctions which are crippling its domestic economy. China, which has resumed its traditional close relationship with North Korea in recent weeks, would be more than willing to soften the economic measures. More than 90pc of North Korean overseas trade flows through China, and Mr Trump's administration is giving mixed signals on whether sanctions can be relaxed. Mr Trump said in Singapore that the China-North Korean border was "maybe more open than it was when we first started. But that is what it is". Sensing an opportunity, even before Mr Trump had left Singapore, China's Mr Geng reminded the world that if Pyongyang was seen to have turned a corner, then "sanction measures can be adjusted, including to pause or remove the relevant sanctions". US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is scheduled to visit Beijing today to provide "an update" on the summit, the diplomat said. Mr Pompeo also said he will seek to "underscore the importance of fully implementing all sanctions that are imposed on North Korea". His comments might suggest the US won't give up on pressuring Mr Kim's regime just yet. But in the current climate, they could also be seen as an indicator that a confident China might need to be reined in as it increasingly gets what it wants with regards to North Korea. ( Daily Telegraph, London) Telegraph Media Group Limited [2021] Former FBI director James Comey broke with protocol in his handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation but his decisions were not driven by political bias, a watchdog has reportedly found. The report from the inspector general also criticises Mr Comey for not keeping his superiors at the Justice Department, including then-attorney general Loretta Lynch, properly informed about his handling of the investigation, AP sources said. The reports findings are to be made public later on Thursday in the culmination of an 18-month review into one of the most controversial FBI investigations in recent history. The report has long been expected to criticise the FBIs handling of the Clinton email probe, stepping into a political minefield while examining how a non-partisan law enforcement agency became entangled in the 2016 presidential race. President Donald Trump is looking to the report to provide a fresh line of attack against Mr Comey and his deputy, Andrew McCabe, as he claims that a politically tainted bureau tried to undermine his campaign and, through the later Russia investigation, his presidency. Expand Close Donald Trump sacked FBI director James Comey (Evan Vucci/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Donald Trump sacked FBI director James Comey (Evan Vucci/AP) Mr Trump is certain to try to use the report to validate his firing of Mr Comey last year. But the report could do more to back Democratic claims that the FBI actually contributed to Mr Trumps victory, most notably by reopening in the final days of the race its investigation into whether Mrs Clinton mishandled classified information. That development unfolded as Mr Trumps own campaign unbeknownst at the time to the American public also came under FBI investigation for possible coordination with Russia. Inspector General Michael Horowitz, a former federal prosecutor appointed by President Barack Obama, prepared the report. Supporters from both parties regard him as apolitical. His most significant report before this was the 2012 study of the botched Obama-era gun operation known as Fast and Furious. The Clinton report will examine key actions by FBI leaders, including Mr Comeys decision to publicly announce in July 2016 his recommendation against criminal charges for Mrs Clinton, and his disclosure to Congress days before the election that the investigation was being revived because of newly discovered emails. An earlier inspector general report criticised Mr McCabe and led to his firing on allegations that he misled internal investigators about his role in a news media disclosure. He denies those charges. Picture taken with permission from the Twitter feed of @yusif0ali showing a fire on the 12th floor of a 20-storey tower block in Elmira Street, Lewisham, south London. Yusif Ali/PA Wire Firefighters were called to tackle a blaze at a high-rise block of flats in the early hours of Thursday morning. Crews were called to a fire on the 13th floor of the 20-storey block in Elmira Street, Lewisham, at 4.14am. London Fire Brigade (LFB) said around 150 people left the building before the fire brigade arrived and a sprinkler system "suppressed" the fire. Crews from Deptford, New Cross and Lewisham were among the 58 firefighters at the scene, while police and ambulance staff were also present. London Fire Brigade said it received 16 calls about the blaze, which was under control by 5.23am. The cause of the fire is under investigation, LFB added. A woman who has raised a civil legal action against a man cleared of raping her has told a court she thought she was going to die during the alleged attack. "I was just so afraid," the witness told a sheriff. She also described how she has suffered panics, flashbacks and night terrors, for which she has been prescribed a range of medication, in the wake of the alleged assault after a night out in 2013. The 23-year-old woman, who cannot be named for legal reasons, said she went on to became more reclusive and that her drinking in an attempt to block out thoughts "spiralled out of control". Stephen Coxen, 23, from Bury in Lancashire, is being sued by the woman who accuses him of raping her in St Andrews, Fife, that year. Coxen denied the charges and in November 2015 a jury found the case against him not proven, a verdict of acquittal. His alleged victim has launched a civil action, with her beginning her evidence at the Personal Injury Court in Edinburgh on Tuesday. Representing the woman, Simon Di Rollo QC asked her on Wednesday about an earlier statement she had made in which she said she "thought that was it" during the alleged attack. She said: "I think it was a reference to the next day as well. I thought that was it ... I was so afraid, I suppose. "I didn't know how it was going to end, I suppose. I was just so afraid, I didn't know what was going to happen next." Pressed to explain what she had meant by the phrase, she replied: "I thought I was going to die." She listed a variety of drugs she said she has been prescribed, including those to help with anxiety and depression. "(One), like a beta-blocker, stops when I panic. I can feel the heart rate in my neck. It stops me panicking too much if I'm having flashbacks or triggers," she told the court. She also described taking another tablet "because the night terrors have been getting quite bad now". "I'd wake up in the night and feel I couldn't breathe," she said. She also said she has been known to sleepwalk and said: "I don't sleep very well, I often wake up. Maybe once a week I wake up in a panic." The woman told how her memories of the alleged events return to her and she said she finds it quite difficult to talk about them. The witness said her friends would describe her as "reclusive" and that they became concerned about her drinking in the past. "It got quite bad. My friends were quite worried about my level of drinking. It sort of spiralled out of control," she told Sheriff Robert Weir QC. On Tuesday, the woman described waking up to find a stranger having sex with her after a night out. The court heard that she had been drinking alcohol earlier in the night, but her memory was blank for parts of the evening. Questioned on Wednesday by Stephen O'Rourke QC - representing Coxen, who contests the action - she agreed that she had consumed significantly more alcohol that night than she would have been used to. Asked whether she might have "overstated" the amount she had consumed, she replied: "I disagree with that." The witness told how people in St Andrews think it is a safe town in which someone can go home from a night out on their own - until "some monster takes advantage of that." Mr O'Rourke put it to her that she and the defender had consensual intercourse after meeting. The woman said she would not have been upset or alarmed if that were the case. "Clearly, from my evidence, I was very distressed," she said. She added: "I wouldn't have feared for my life, I wouldn't have had to have surgery on my tongue. "All these things wouldn't have happened if that was the case, what you just said." The action, understood to be the first of its kind in Scotland, continues on Thursday. WCC's Central Committee Set for Packed Agenda on Unity, Justice and Peace GENEVE, June 14, 2018 / Standard Newswire / -- Observing the 70th anniversary of the founding of the World Council of Churches (WCC) brings special focus and heightened attention to this year's Central Committee meeting, 15-21 June in Geneva. The WCC Executive Committee meets 13-14 June at the Ecumenical Institute of Bossey. Photo: The WCC Executive Committee gathers in Bossey 13-14 June 2018. Credit: Albin Hillert/WCC With a densely packed agenda on tap, the chief governing body of the WCC is gathering this week for its biennial meeting, followed immediately by a visit from Pope Francis on 21 June. Highlighting the 70th, participants will attend a Sunday ecumenical worship service with the congregation of St Pierre Cathedral in Old Town Geneva and enjoy an evening anniversary celebration focused on informal storytelling and presentations from the several regions of the fellowship. Church leaders from around the world, including His All Holiness Bartholomew I, the Ecumenical Patriarch, are traveling to Geneva for the festivities, and the week will close with the daylong visit of Pope Francis. But there is also a heavy business agenda. Along with reports from the moderator, Dr Agnes Abuom, and the general secretary, Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, thematic plenary sessions are devoted to the ongoing and evolving search for Christian unity, re-conceiving ecumenical diakonia, experiences and stories from the pilgrimage, and the shape of the "living fellowship" of member churches today. Among the Central Committee's chief tasks are a midterm review of the council's programmes, decisions about the venue and theme of the next WCC assembly in 2021, monitoring and evaluating the ongoing foundational work of the Pilgrimage of Justice and Peace, updates on the emerging Green Village real-estate development, reception of the new landmark study of ecumenical diakonia (the churches' service), and addressing a variety of public issues. As the general secretary noted, "This whole meeting of the Central Committee has been prepared as a comprehensive, significant, public, and quite dense event to commemorate, consider, and celebrate the life and work of the World Council of Churches." Side events include special gatherings for youth and women and launches of two new books: a new short history of the WCC and its assemblies; and a cross-regional, cross-confessional theological reflection on the pilgrimage. Elected from among the delegates to the last WCC assembly, in Busan, Republic of Korea, in 2013, the 150-member Central Committee gathers directly after a two-day meeting of its Executive Committee, the 25 members of which were chosen by the Central Committee. It meets every six months and works closely with the leadership to guide the WCC's activities and decisions between biennial Central Committee meetings. Members of the Central Committee represent nearly 40 percent of the WCC's 348 member churches across a dozen families in world Christianity. Observers from other churches, ecumenical partner organizations, and religious organizations, along with media, staff and stewards, bring attendance to around 300. The World Council of Churches promotes Christian unity in faith, witness and service for a just and peaceful world. An ecumenical fellowship of churches founded in 1948, today the WCC brings together 348 Protestant, Orthodox, Anglican and other churches representing more than 550 million Christians in over 120 countries, and works cooperatively with the Roman Catholic Church. The WCC general secretary is the Rev. Dr Olav Fykse Tveit, from the [Lutheran] Church of Norway. German prosecutors have obtained an arrest warrant from a judge for a Tunisian man suspected of planning an Islamist-motivated attack and the manufacturing of a "biological weapon" using ricin. The GBA Federal Prosecutor's Office said in a statement on Thursday that 29-year-old Sief Allah H. had been detained in the western city of Cologne on June 13 after a search of his apartment. It said the suspect had bought 1,000 grains of ricin, a naturally occurring poison found in castor beans, and an electric coffee grinder online. The prosecutors said they still had not determined how far the suspect was in the planning of an attack using ricin. "There is strong suspicion that he had deliberately produced chemical weapons," the GBA said. "In addition he faces the initial suspicion of preparing a serious act of violent subversion against the state." There is no evidence so far that the suspect is a member of a "terrorist organisation", it added. Prosecutors were also not aware that he had set a date and target for a possible attack. Russian President Vladimir Putin asked North Korean official Kim Yong Nam at their meeting on Thursday to pass an invitation to visit Russia in September to North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. Kim Yong Nam is head of the presidium of North Korea's Supreme People's Assembly. Putin also said he welcomed the meeting between the North Korean leader and U.S. President Donald Trump. More to follow... The parents of a four-year-old girl found dead three decades ago have been handed preliminary murder charges in a cold case resurrected by DNA testing, a French prosecutor said. The girl's body was found in a ditch along the A10 freeway close to the city of Blois in central France in August 1987. The girl, whose mutilated body had marks of long-term abuse, was known in France as the "little martyr of the A10". Her photo was circulated to authorities in 30 countries around the world. Blois prosecutor Frederic Chevallier said that a breakthrough has been possible in the case that baffled authorities for years "because of the evolution of science and DNA". The parents, who are both in their 60s, were identified and tracked by chance through their son's DNA, which was tested in an unrelated 2016 case and matched him as the dead girl's brother, Mr Chevallier said. The parents were arrested by French authorities on Tuesday. "Inass Touloub has at last a name," Mr Chevallier said. The girl was born in July 1983 in Casablanca, Morocco, and was the third of seven children. The father said he was "relieved" that he had been arrested and that "he was scared of his wife and lived under her domination", Mr Chevallier said. The mother gave an erratic account to authorities, claiming at one point that the girl was still alive, Mr Chevallier added. Majestic Wine has swung to a full-year profit, but warned trading was getting harder as retail woes show no sign of letting up (PA) Majestic Wine has swung to a full-year profit, but warned trading was getting harder as retail woes show no sign of letting up. The wine warehouse chain which has 210 branches in the UK and two in France recovered to an annual profit of 8.3 million for the 12 months to April 2, against losses of 1.5 million the previous year. It said, on an underlying basis, pre-tax profits rose 63% to 17.2 million on revenues 4% higher at 477.7 million. But chief executive Rowan Gormley said trading had worsened since the year-end. Expand Close Boss Rowan Gormley insists the group can weather the retail storm (Majestic Wine/PA) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Boss Rowan Gormley insists the group can weather the retail storm (Majestic Wine/PA) He said: We expect the UK market to remain tough, possibly even tougher than last year. Certainly trading since year-end has been harder than the prior year in the UK. The group still expects to hit City expectations for 2018-19 and see its retail arm continue to grow sales and profits in spite of the challenging conditions. It hopes to weather the storm by an ongoing cost-cutting drive, paying down debts and focusing on growing online without opening new stores, while also expanding outside of the UK. Mr Gormley said: If the UK is headed for a retail crisis, as some commentators are suggesting, then we are planning for a great crisis. We founded Naked Wines during the financial crisis of 2008 and proved that investing in acquiring customers and generating loyalty through great products and service, will drive profitable growth even in a tough market. The group is investing heavily in moves to attract new customers, which saw it warn in April over an earnings hit from the drive. It plans to invest an additional 9 million to 12 million over the 2019 financial year, which will mean taking a 2 million to 3 million hit on adjusted underlying earnings compared with 2018. Its annual results showed that Majestic Wine warehouse revenues rose 0.6%, or 1.9% higher on a 52-week underlying basis. Its profit margins were knocked, though, as it sought to maintain competitive pricing. The group also said retail trading worsened towards the end of the year, with a boost from the timing of Easter masking otherwise more difficult conditions. Its Naked Wines online offering delivered an 8.1% rise in sales up 11.3% on an underlying basis. But its commercial division suffered from recent business failures and the loss of customers, with revenues down 7%, while sales across its fine wine specialist arm Lay & Wheeler fell 1.1%. Tom Stevenson, investment director from Fidelity Personal Investings share dealing service, said: A big contribution from Majestic Wines 2015 acquisition of Naked Wines goes some way to justifying the companys decision to invest heavily in this online proposition. Naked Winess 11.3% sales growth compares to flat sales in Majestics traditional outlets. This chimes with the preference for online shopping demonstrated by results earlier this week by Ted Baker, Boohoo and New Look. Nasas seemingly unstoppable Mars rover Opportunity has been knocked out by a gigantic dust storm which is enveloping the red planet and blotting out the sun. Officials said they are hopeful the rover will survive the storm, which already covers a quarter of Mars and is expected to encircle the planet in another few days. It could be weeks or even months until the sky clears enough for sunlight to reach the Martian surface and recharge Opportunitys batteries through its solar panels. For now, Marss oldest working rover is stuck in the middle of the raging storm, in round-the-clock darkness. By no means are we out of the woods here, said John Callas, the Opportunity project manager at Nasas Jet Propulsion Laboratory in Pasadena, California. This storm is threatening, and we dont know how long it will last, and we dont know what the environment will be like once it clears. Flight controllers tried late on Tuesday to contact Opportunity, but the rover did not respond. The storm has been growing since the end of May with unprecedented speed. Nasa launched the twin rovers Opportunity and Spirit in 2003 to study Martian rocks and soil, and they landed in 2004. Spirit has not worked for several years, but Opportunity has kept exploring well past its expected mission lifetime. Scientists are not as concerned about the newer, nuclear-powered Curiosity rover on the other side of Mars, which is already seeing darkening skies. Dust storms crop up every so often on Mars, sending dust tens of miles into the atmosphere and turning day into night. Spacecraft orbiting Mars are too high to be affected. There is no chance of Opportunity being buried or getting a wheel stuck in dust. Even in the worst of storms, only a layer of fine dust is left behind. Managers said the main concern is that dust could temporarily cover its optical instruments. The rovers batteries are likely to be so low that only a clock is still working, to wake the spacecraft for periodic power-level checks, according to officials. If the clock also goes offline, then the rover will not know what time it is when it comes back on and could send back signals at any time. Expand Close A global map of Mars with a growing dust storm. The blue dot at centre indicates the approximate location of the Opportunity rover (Nasa/JPL-Caltech/MSSS/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp A global map of Mars with a growing dust storm. The blue dot at centre indicates the approximate location of the Opportunity rover (Nasa/JPL-Caltech/MSSS/AP) This isnt Opportunitys first major brush with dust. In 2007, a massive dust storm kept the rover silent for a few days. It jumped back into action after waking from its deep self-protecting slumber. This time, the rovers energy level is believed to be much lower. On the plus side, Martian summer is approaching and should keep temperatures up at night and prevent the batteries and other parts from freezing. Scientists are eager to learn as much as they can about the dust storm to hone their weather forecasting skills. Astronauts living on Mars would not want to get caught outside in a fierce dust storm, where winds can reach 70mph almost hurricane force. The Martian atmosphere is so thin that while the wind can lift dust off the surface, it doesnt topple a spacecraft. New Yorks attorney general has filed a lawsuit against Donald Trumps foundation, claiming it served as a personal piggy bank for his businesses, legal bills and presidential campaign. Democrat Barbara Underwood filed the suit against the Trump Foundation and its directors, Mr Trump and his children Donald Trump Jr, Eric Trump and Ivanka Trump. The suit seeks 2.8 million dollars (2.1 million) in restitution and the dissolution of the foundation. Ms Underwood said the foundation illegally helped support the Republicans campaign by raising money at a nationally televised fundraiser in January 2016, then allowing campaign staff to dictate how the money was spent in grants. Mr Trump insisted he would not settle the lawsuit, calling it a ridiculous case that former state attorney general Eric Schneiderman never had the guts to bring forward before he resigned his office in disgrace. Trump made a similar claim that he would not settle a lawsuit charging that his Trump University misled customers, but ultimately paid a 25 million dollar (18 million) settlement last year. The Trump Foundation said the new lawsuit is politics at its very worst. The foundation defended its record, saying it had donated over 19 million dollars (14 million) to worthy charitable causes. It said it had been planning to shut down for more than a year, but had been stopped from doing so because of the states investigation. Mike Pompeo visited Seoul to brief US treaty allies Japan and South Korea (Ahn Young-joon/AP) US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has said there will be no sanctions relief for North Korea until it denuclearises. Mr Pompeo was pushing back on a report from North Korean official state media that said President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un had agreed to a step-by-step process. Earlier Mr Trump boasted that his summit with Mr Kim had ended any nuclear threat from North Korea, though the meeting produced no details on how or when weapons might be eliminated or even reduced. While Mr Trump claimed a historic breakthrough at the most significant diplomatic event of his presidency, Mr Pompeo was more measured. He said that the US wants North Korea to take major nuclear disarmament steps within the next two years before the end of Mr Trumps first term in 2021. .@SecPompeo participates in a joint press availability following his meeting with Republic of Korea Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono, in Seoul. pic.twitter.com/xN6WZP7hkX Department of State (@StateDept) June 14, 2018 And while North Korean state media had claimed that Mr Trump and Mr Kim agreed to step-by-step actions an apparent euphemism for phased sanctions relief in exchange for phased denuclearisation Mr Pompeo ruled that out. He insisted that Mr Trump had been explicit about the sequencing from the start. Were going to get denuclearisation, Mr Pompeo said. Only then will there be relief from the sanctions. Shortly after arriving in Seoul to brief US treaty allies Japan and South Korea, Mr Pompeo also cautioned that the US would resume war games with close ally South Korea if the North stops negotiating in good faith. The president had announced a halt in the drills after his meeting with Mr Kim on Tuesday, a concession long sought by Pyongyang but generally opposed by Seoul and Tokyo. After a three-way meeting with Mr Pompeo and Japans top diplomat, South Korean foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha suggested the US still had some explaining to do, telling reporters that the issue of the drills was not discussed in depth. This is a matter that military officials from South Korea and the United States will have to discuss further and coordinate, Ms Kang said. The summit in Singapore did mark a reduction in tensions a sea change from last fall, when North Korea was conducting nuclear and missile tests and Mr Trump and Mr Kim were trading threats and insults that stoked fears of war. Mr Kim is now promising to work toward a denuclearised Korean Peninsula. But the details of what is sure to be a complex and contentious process have yet to be settled. Expand Close Mike Pompeo shakes hands with South Korean foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha as Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono looks on at their joint press conference (Ahn Young-joon/AP) / Facebook Twitter Email Whatsapp Mike Pompeo shakes hands with South Korean foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha as Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono looks on at their joint press conference (Ahn Young-joon/AP) Despite the uncertainties, Mr Trump talked up the outcome of what was the first meeting between a US and North Korean leader in six decades of hostility. The Korean War ended in 1953 without a peace treaty, leaving the two sides in a technical state of war. Just landed a long trip, but everybody can now feel much safer than the day I took office, Mr Trump tweeted early on Wednesday. There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea. Meeting with Mr Kim Jong Un was an interesting and very positive experience. North Korea has great potential for the future! Mr Pompeo said the brief, four-point joint statement that emerged from the summit did not encapsulate all the progress the US and North Korea had made. He said negotiations would recommence in the next week or so. He bristled at questions from reporters about the vague wording of the statement where North Korea commits to work toward complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula a promise it has made several times before in the past 25 years and reneged on. "The U.S. alliances with these two countries are absolutely ironclad." @SecPompeo at a joint press availability following his meeting with Foreign Minister Kang Kyung-wha and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono. pic.twitter.com/7P88wjxUni U.S. Embassy Seoul (@USEmbassySeoul) June 14, 2018 Although Mr Trump before the summit had insisted on complete, verifiable and irreversible denuclearisation, the deal he signed with Mr Kim made no mention of those last two conditions. Irrelevant, Mr Pompeo argued on Thursday in Seoul, noting that because the deal makes reference to a previous agreement that did include verification, it automatically incorporates verification without having to state it outright. On Thursday, the rival Koreas held rare high-level military talks to discuss reducing tensions across their heavily fortified border. It is possible North Korean officials will seek a firm commitment from the South on stopping its military drills with the United States. Seouls Defense Ministry said the talks would focus on carrying out agreements from a summit between Mr Kim and South Korean president Moon Jae-in where they vowed to take materialised steps to reduce military tensions and eliminate the danger of war. In public, at least, South Koreas leader sought to put a positive spin on the summits outcome. Meeting briefly with Mr Pompeo on Thursday morning, Mr Moon said he was eager to hear how the United States and North Korea could fully and expeditiously implement this great agreement. The summit was a truly historic feat which moved us from the era of hostility towards the era of dialogue, of peace and prosperity, Mr Moon said through a translator Mr Pompeo, the former CIA director, planned to fly to Beijing later Thursday to update the Chinese government about the talks. People inspect damage at a Doctors Without Borders medical facility after it was hit by an air strike in Abss, Yemen. A Saudi-led alliance of Arab states yesterday launched the largest assault of Yemen's war, with an attack on the main port city aiming to drive the ruling Houthi movement to its knees at the risk of worsening the world's biggest humanitarian crisis. Arab warplanes and warships pounded Houthi fortifications to support ground operations by foreign and Yemeni troops massed south of Hodeidah in operation "Golden Victory". The assault marked the first time the Arab states have tried to capture such a heavily defended major city since they joined the war three years ago against the Iran-aligned Houthis, who control the capital Sanaa and most populated areas. Care International, one of the few aid organisations still operating in Hodeidah, said 30 air strikes had hit the city within half an hour yesterday, causing thousands to look for escape routes from the city. "Some civilians are trapped, others forced from their homes. We thought it could not get any worse, but we were wrong," said Care acting country director, Jolien Veldwijk. The United Nations fears the assault could drastically worsen already desperate conditions in the region's poorest country. The city is home to 600,000, and the port is the main route for food and aid to reach most Yemenis, 8.4m of whom are on the verge of famine. "Under international humanitarian law, parties to the conflict have to do everything possible to protect civilians and ensure they have access to the assistance they need to survive," said Lise Grande, UN humanitarian co-ordinator for Yemen, who is in Sanaa. UN refugee chief Filippo Grandi said there was a danger of the crisis escalating further if Yemenis abandon their homes in large numbers. The bombardment began a three-day deadline set by the United Arab Emirates for the Houthis to quit the port expired. "The liberation of the port is the start of the fall of the Houthi militia and will secure marine shipping in the Bab al-Mandab strait and cut off the hands of Iran, which has long drowned Yemen in weapons that shed precious Yemeni blood," the Arab-backed government-in-exile said in a statement. Houthi leader Mohammed Ali Al-Houthi, who has threatened attacks on oil tankers, claimed his forces had struck a coalition barge. The UN, meanwhile, warned an attack on the port was "likely to exacerbate an already catastrophic humanitarian situation". Big Sponsors Flee Samantha Bee's Show Contact: The Catholic League for Religious and Civil Rights, 212-371-3191, pr@catholicleague.org NEW YORK, June 14, 2018 / Standard Newswire / -- Catholic League president Bill Donohue (photo) comments on Samantha Bee's problems with sponsors: On June 8, I issued a news release, "Verizon and P&G Asked to Drop Samantha Bee." We provided email addresses so our followers could contact both companies. A few hours later, we received a call from an official at Verizon indicating that the company might pull its ads. On June 12, I issued a news release, "Will Verizon Drop Ads for Bee's Show?" Email contacts for both Verizon and P&G were again provided. Good news: On the June 13 edition of Samantha Bee's TBS show, "Full Frontal," neither Verizon nor P&G advertised on her show. In fact, most of the advertisements were for movies or Turner Broadcasting shows. The word is out: sponsoring Samantha Bee's show is a very risky ordeal. Our work is not done. There was one new big sponsor on Bee's June 13 show: Wendy's. If Wendy's hears from you, it is likely they will follow in the footsteps of Verizon and P&G. No respectable company wants to be associated with a show whose host uses the "c-word" to describe women she hates. We would be remiss if we did not acknowledge that Bee's relentless anti-Catholicism is a key motivating force behind our campaign. In this edition of India Briefing Magazine, we make the case for why now is the right time for foreign firms t... The Pamunkey Tribe is moving forward with plans for a casino after securing federal recognition. The tribe's reservation in Virginia was one of the first ever set aside for an Indian nation. But the tribe doesn't want to use that land for a casino so its leaders have been looking elsewhere for development. "Our primary goal is economic self-sufficiency," Chief Robert Gray told WVTF. "If it didn't have to be casinos, that would be great. But the federal government has carved out certain rules that allow us to do this because they see it as an economic venture that works and allows gain the capital to find other opportunities to diversify." The tribe's financial backer has secured a 600-acre site outside of Richmond, the state capital, for a potential casino. But Gray told WVTF that the tribe hasn't made any final decisions regarding that property. Regardless of the site, the tribe will need to need to have land placed in trust before opening a casino. The process typically takes about a decade, due to legal, regulatory, political and other hurdles that tribes must overcome. Trojan TV Crew / Broadcast Class at New Kent High School: New Kent County Town Hall Meeting Despite the obstacles, some local officials and residents in New Kent County are worried about the development. The county held a public meeting on the issue last month but didn't invite the tribe. The social impact on the community is not going to be positive," a resident said at the May 25 meeting, The Virginia Gazette reported. "I think youll see an increase in crime, decrease in revenue and the citizens will have to make up the difference. The tribe gained federal recognition by going through the Bureau of Indian Affairs . As a result, the tribe should be eligible for all Indian services and programs, including the land-into-trust process But since its status wasn't finalized until 2015 , the tribe may have to address the U.S. Supreme Court decision in Carcieri v. Salazar . The ruling states that tribes must have been "under federal jurisdiction" in 1934 in order to qualify for the land-into-trust process. Six other tribes in the state went through Congress to confirm their status. H.R.984 , the Thomasina E. Jordan Indian Tribes of Virginia Federal Recognition Act, authorizes them to go through the land-into-trust process but it bars them from engaging in gaming, Read More on the Story: Opportunity And Opposition In Pamunkey Tribe's Casino Proposal (WWTF June 14, 2018) New Kent residents excited about reopening of Colonial Downs, wary about possible casino (The Virginia Gazette May 25, 2018) New Kent neighbors speak out on potential Pamunkey casino (WTVR May 25, 2018) Neighbors passionate about return of Colonial Downs and possible casino (WRIC May 24, 2018) Neighbors concerned about proposed casino in New Kent (WWBT May 24, 2018) Join the Conversation Related Stories Amitabh Bachchan is called a legend and time and again he proves he indeed is one. Not only has he contributed to Hindi cinema but he is also lauded for his contribution to social causes. He has already been supporting various social campaigns including Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan, the Beti Bachao Andolan and Polio Eradication Campaign. Twitter He had once said that more than the celebrities, social workers should be applauded for the contribution they make towards the welfare of the society. And rightly so! Now, doing his bit, the man has pledged to extend monetary support to army widows and farmers. vogue.in According to the latest reports, Amitabh Bachchan has set aside a sum of Rs. 1 crore for the family of army martyrs as well as farmers to repay the loan. With that, he has also allocated this job a specially-set team to make sure that the money goes in the right hands. We hope that the initiative inspires others too. Salman Khan and his father Salim Khan share a heartwarming relationship. Salim has always stood up for his son and slammed his haters. In fact, Salman has also been quite vocal about his relationship with father. From saying that he is an inspiration to him to revealing the fact that he often takes pocket money from him, Salman Khan never misses to publicly shower love upon his beloved father. Twitter The bond between this father-son duo is so beautiful that they are always oozing love for each other. Now that Fathers Day is around the corner, Salim Khan chose to surprise Salman Khan. On the sets of his show Dus Ka Dum, he sent a heartwarming video message for him. Watching that, Salman got emotional. Take a look: Salman Khan is undoubtedly a family man. And the fact that he still lives with his family is a proof of the same. Recently, there were reports doing the rounds that Salman Khans life is in danger and that gangster Sampat Nehra who wanted to kill Salman Khan has his aides out on the run to accomplish his mission. Mumbai Police has since been on high alert and safety for Salman Khan around his house has been beefed up. bollywooddhamaka.in Remember how Salman Khan had wished him Father's Day a few years ago? My dad strongest. Salim khan(dullu) urff prince Saleem the original bajrangi bhaijaan, happy father's day daddy. pic.twitter.com/UShuo4vHPQ Salman Khan (@BeingSalmanKhan) June 21, 2015 Even in this time, father Salim said that he isnt worried and he has full faith that his son will be safe and sound. There is added security for Salman, who has, in any case, always had a good team of security personnel deployed for him. It [threat] is not much of a concern [for the family]. We are only worried about his safety, and that is being taken care of. We have faith in the Mumbai police, and they are doing their job well. Also Read: Mumbai Police On High Alert As The Aides Of Gangster Who Wanted To Kill Salman Khan Are On The Run When propaganda thrives, truth becomes the first casualty. And we are living in the so-called 'post-truth world. This is what is happening in India our politicians and government officials are making statements that lack accuracy and there's no one stopping them. Well, the way social media is flooded with such statements, it looks we can only list them and hope that they end some day. US President Donald Trump, PM Modi and Rahul Gandhi are just a few names who were caught while serving their alternative facts. There seems to be an unending list of such alternative facts that have come up time and again over the years. We are beginning to count and put them down together. As the list is likely to grow, you will also this article getting longer in the coming days. afp 1. Coca-Cola maker was a Shikanji Wale Bhaiya Rahul Gandhi is the master of this as he has been doing for more than one decade now. His recently assault on his naivete was when he said that soft drink giant Coca Colas owner used to sell Shikanji. afp He said, Coca-Cola was started by a man who used to sell lemonade earlier in his life. 2. Two men raping a woman isnt a gang-rape In 2015, the then Karnataka Home Minister KJ George said how can a rape by two men be called a gang-raped as according to him, a gang-rape accounts for an assault where 4 or 5 men rape a woman. afp How can you say gangrape? Gangrape means four-five people, said the minister when asked questions regarding the rape of a BPO employee. 3. Impotency, love affair cause farmer suicides When asked about the causes of farmer suicides, the Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh in 2015 said that impotency and love affairs are causing farmer suicides and not the unfavourable conditions. BCCL/ File In a written reply to a question asking if the Lack of support to poor and small farmers by way of greater inputs and better support price for their produce, was the main reason for rising suicides, Agriculture Minister Radha Mohan Singh said: According to NCRB (National Crime Records Bureau), causes of suicides include family problems, illness, drug abuse/addiction, unemployment, property dispute, professional/career problems, love affairs, barrenness/impotency, cancellation/non-settlement of marriage, dowry dispute, fall in social reputation and unknown causes. 4. Rapes occur in India, not Bharat In 2013, RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat was said that rapes happen in India and not in Bharat. BCCL "Crimes against women happening in urban India are shameful. It is a dangerous trend. But such crimes won't happen in "Bharat" or the rural areas of the country. You go to villages and forests of the country and there will be no such incidents of gang-rape or sex crimes." 5. Flyover fell, people died, Modi called it Gods message In 2016 when the flyover fell in Kolkata which killed many people, PM Modi said it was Gods message against the rule of TMC in West Bengal. This is just in PM Modis endless list of alternative facts. afp The disaster was Gods message to the people to save West Bengal from Trinamool Congress. 6. PM Modi says Kerala is Somalia During election campaign in 2016, PM Modi compared Kerala which is among Indias top five states in all HDI parameters to Somalia. afp The unemployment rate in Kerala is at least three times higher than the national average. Infant mortality rate among the scheduled tribe (ST) community in Kerala is worse than Somalia. The state can meet only 13% of their requirement of agricultural products. Even after 70 years of independence, Kerala depends on other states for 70% of its power requirements. Similarly, most of the youth in Kerala are forced to leave their home state in search of jobs. Only through overall development, the state could be brought back to its past glory, Modi said at the rally. 7. Mumbai Attack was a chhoti si bat Over 160 people died in Mumbai Attack in 2008, but to some politicians, it was a Choti si bat. The NCP leader RR Patil had said, "Bade bade shehron mein aisi choti choti baatein hoti rehti hain, (small attacks keep happening in big cities)." pti Though he lost his post of Deputy CM after this horrific statement. 8. CM Yogi asked Kerala to learn healthcare from UP UP CM Yogi Aditynath in October last year said that Kerala should learn healthcare from UP. The moment he said that the irony ironically died an ironic death as the CM was visiting Kerala just after 70 children died in BRD hospital due to unavailability of Oxygen. This cant be an alternative fact as this is utter shamelessness. pti Adityanath also attacked the southern states healthcare system. Speaking to reporters, he said, In one year, there have been more than 300 deaths in Kerala due to dengue and several hundred deaths due to chikungunya. This shows the CPM government is not handling its responsibility.He also said, The Kerala government should learn from UP how to run hospitals. 9. Virgin means unmarried According to Bihar Health Minister Mangal Pandey, virgin means the same as unmarried and pure, and hence Patna's Indira Gandhi Institute of Medical Sciences did nothing wrong when it asked applicants to declare their virginity. Indian Express Virgin, as per the dictionary, means an unmarried and pure girl. So all these words are not objectionable, Pandey said. 10. PM Modi said India has 600 crore voters PM Modi last year in Davos said that India has 600 crore voters and it was too preposterous, even by the standard of PM Modi. Fact is India has more than 81 crore voters. afp Modi said, "In 2014 after 30 years, the 600 crore Indians provided a complete majority to any political party to form govt at the centre. We took the resolution for the development of everyone and not just a specific group." 11. Did Kabeer And Gorakhnath ever sat together, PM Modi Believes so On June 28 on the Sant Kabeer's death anniversary, PM Modi said that Sant Kabeer, Guru Gorakhnath and Guru Nanak sat together and discussed spirituality while paying homage to 13 century saint who professed harmony through Bhakti Movement. In his address, the Prime Minister extolled the greatness of Kabir and said,I once again salute Mahatma Kabir in this land of nirvana. It is said that Sant Kabir, Guru Nanak Dev and Baba Goraknath sat together at this place and discussed spirituality (translated). pti But did PM know that while Guru Nanak and Sant Kabeer were contemporaries as they were born in fifteenth centuries, Guru Gorakhnath was born in the twelfth century? PM Modi need to ask some serious questions to his speech writer. 12. No riots in last 4 years to 2000 riots and 389 deaths BJP leader Mukhtar Abbbas Naqvi said that there have been no major riots in India ever since BJP surged to power in 2014. But Ministry Of Home Affair's report claims otherwise as in last four years there have been over 2000 communal incidents in the country in which 389 people lost their lives. Naqvi sahab needs to revisit his statistics. To be continued... There seems to be no ending to lynchings in the name of cow vigilantism in the country. In yet another incident of brutality against fellow humans in the name of faith, one person was killed and another seriously injured after a lynch mob attacked them on suspicion of cow slaughter in Madhya Pradeshs Satna district, police said on Saturday. Cops said the mob attacked Shiraz, 45, and his acquaintance, Shakeel, 35 late on Friday night. AFP/Representational Image While Shiraz was killed on the spot, Shakeel was admitted to hospital, where his condition is said to be critical. He is recuperating but he is not in a condition to give any statement, Neeraj Sharma, manager of Metro Hospital in Jabalpur, told TOI. Cops have arrested four people Pawan Singh, 35, Vijay Singh, 26, Phool Singh, 36, and Narayan Singh, 28 for assaulting the two men. They were produced before a court on Saturday. Police have also booked the injured under cow slaughter prohibition Act merely on a verbal assessment by government doctor that the meat may be of beef. All four were arrested and produced before court , said sub divisional officer Maihar Arvind Tiwari, adding that Shakeel had named the accused before he was shifted to Jabalpur for treatment. Beef and skeleton was recovered from the spot, said Tiwari. AFP/Representational Image On being asked whether the meant sample was sent for tests, Tiwari said it wasnt. When asked how he concluded the seized meat was beef, Tiwari said, Civil surgeon has confirmed it. It is after the confirmation that the injured was booked under cow slaughter prohibition Act. A civil surgeon is a qualified MBBS doctor who treats humans but is not an expert to identify meat. Laboratory tests should be done to ascertain whether it was beef or not, say experts. BJP lawmaker from Madhya Pradesh Pannalal Shakya has been in news for the most fascinating reasons - giving unsolicited advise, and questioning people, especially women. Shakya is the same MLA who questioned Virat Kohli's patriotism when he got married abroad. Shakya also told girls not to have boyfriends because he thought that they would be safe if they did not have one. The lawmaker has come up with another gem. "Woman should rather remain infertile than produce kids who are not sanskari," said Pannalal Shakya on Wednesday, at a public rally in Guna, which he represents in the state assembly. ani In an apparent criticism of Rahul Gandhi and his party, the BJP lawmaker said "Congress came up with the slogan garibi hatao but instead wiped out the poor. There are women who give birth to such leaders. Women should rather remain infertile than produce kids who are not sanskari and who deform society," said Shakya. He said that Kaushalya, who gave birth to Lord Ram should be role model of all women. Back in March, the 57-year-old lawmaker have a tip to girls on safety issues. "They shouldn't make boyfriends; atrocities against them will stop," Shakya told the students. He also advised boys to "refrain from embracing the western culture of making girlfriends." The BJP had distanced itself from Mr Shakya's remarks after there was huge outcry on the social media. United Nations Human Rights Commission has released its first-ever report on the violation of human rights in the Kashmir valley. The report calls for an urgent need to address past and ongoing human rights violations and abuses and deliver justice for all people in the valley, who for seven decades have suffered a conflict that has claimed or ruined numerous lives. Misleading and mischievous India has termed the report on Kashmir as misleading and mischievous. In its response, India said that the report violates its sovereignty and creates a false narrative. The report violates Indias sovereignty and territorial integrity. The entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Pakistan is in the illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the Indian state through aggression. We have repeatedly called upon Pakistan to vacate the occupied territories. The incorrect description of Indian territory in the report is mischievous, misleading and unacceptable. There are no entities such as Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, the MEA statement said, adding that the report had ignored cross-border terrorism from Pakistan. The motivated report deliberately ignores that fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution to every Indian citizen, including in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, are protected also by an independent judiciary, human rights commissions, free and vibrant media and an active civil society. We are deeply concerned that individual prejudices are being allowed to undermine the credibility of a UN institution, the statement said. What the UN report says The 49-page report highlighting the human rights situation in Indian-Administered and Pakistan-Administered Kashmir sheds light on human rights violations and abuses on both sides of the Line of Control, and highlights a situation of chronic impunity for violations committed by security forces. The political dimensions of the dispute between India and Pakistan have long been centre-stage, but this is not a conflict frozen in time. It is a conflict that has robbed millions of their basic human rights, and continues to this day to inflict untold suffering, said UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Zeid Raad Al Hussein. AP This is why any resolution of the political situation in Kashmir must entail a commitment to end the cycles of violence and ensure accountability for past and current violations and abuses by all parties, and provide redress for victims, he said. Zeid said that India must take immediate steps to learn from the past examples of excessive use of force by security forces in Kashmir. The UN had been continuously denied, both from India and Pakistan, unconditional access to either side of the Line of Control undertook remote monitoring to produce the report which covers both Indian-Administered Kashmir and Pakistan-Administered Kashmir. The main focus of the report is the human rights situation in the Indian state of Jammu and Kashmir from July 2016 - when large and unprecedented demonstrations erupted after Indian security forces killed the leader of an armed group - to April 2018. The report says: Indian security forces used excessive force that led to unlawful killings and a very high number of injuries, the report says, citing civil society estimates that up to 145 civilians were killed by the security forces between mid-July 2016 and the end of March 2018, with up to 20 other civilians killed by armed groups in the same period. One of the most dangerous weapons used against protesters in 2016 and which is still being employed by security forces was the pellet-firing shotgun. According to official figures, 17 people were killed by shotgun pellets between July 2016 and August 2017, and 6,221 people were injured by the metal pellets between 2016 and March 2017. Civil society organizations believe that many of them have been partially or completely blind. Impunity for human rights violations and lack of access to justice are key human rights challenges in the state of Jammu and Kashmir, the report says, noting that the Armed Forces (Jammu and Kashmir) Special Powers Act 1990 (AFSPA) and the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act 1978 (PSA) have created structures that obstruct the normal course of law, impede accountability and jeopardize the right to remedy for victims of human rights violations. The report also says that Pakistan should end the misuse of anti-terror legislation to persecute those engaging in peaceful political and civil activities and those who express dissent. BCCL The rights office also said restrictions on freedom of expression and assembly make it difficult to get information about conditions in Pakistan-Occupied Kashmir. The AFSPA prohibits prosecution of security forces personnel unless the Indian Government grants prior permission to prosecute. This gives security forces virtual immunity against prosecution for any human rights violation. In the nearly 28 years that the law has been in force in Jammu and Kashmir there has not been a single prosecution of armed forces personnel granted by the central government, the report says. Sexual violence a key concern Perennial impunity towards sex crimes and sexual violence remains a major cause of concern in Kashmir. An emblematic case is the Kunan-Poshpora mass rape 27 years ago when, according to survivors, soldiers gang-raped 23 women. Attempts to seek justice have been denied and blocked over the years at different levels, the report says. The report highlights the evidence that the armed groups operating in Jammu and Kashmir since the late 1980s have committed a wide range of human rights abuses, including kidnappings and killings of civilians and sexual violence. India should urgently repeal the AFSPA; establish independent, impartial and credible investigations to probe all civilian killings since July 2016 and all abuses committed by armed groups; and provide reparations and rehabilitation to all injured individuals and to the families of those killed in the context of security operations, says the report. The report urges Pakistan to end the misuse of anti-terror legislation to persecute those engaging in peaceful political and civil activities and those who express dissent. India is changing. So is the behaviour of people towards any individual who they think is not conforming to the norms decided by a mob. An undefined group of people suddenly gather and decide to mercilessly end the life of anyone. Where and what is the reason for doing that? Nobody seems to know, but one thing is for sure, killing, perhaps, has become easy for our senses. We have accepted it, and rarely raise our voice against it. The concern is, where is our nation heading? Why people find it easy to pick up and kill others? And why the authorities have hardly made a move to stop such a nationwide phenomenon? On June 13, a mob lynched two Muslim men on suspicion of being involved in cattle theft at a village in Jharkhands Godda district. A video circulating on social media shows one of the victims with injury marks on his head, slung over a bamboo pole and being dragged on the ground. The victims have been identified by cops as Jirafuddin Ansari (35) and Murtaza Miyan (30) from Taljhari village in Godda, about 300km from Ranchi. Godda SP Rajiv Ranjan Singh said, The victims had previous criminal cases of cattle theft registered against them. This is the third lynching in the state. In March 2016, two cattle traders were killed and their bodies hanged from a tree in. In June 2017, a beef trader was lynched by a mob comprising largely of gau rakshaks in Ramgarh district. In the Ramgarh lynching, 11 including a local BJP leader were convicted and handed life sentences for murder in the name of cow protection. On June 8, two young men Nilotpal Das and Abhijeet Nath, were beaten to death in Assams Karbi Anglong district. According to reports, rumours about child kidnappers being on the prowl was making rounds on social media and that evening, word spread that the men had a child in their car. In the video, Das could be heard pleading to the perpetrators to not kill him. I am an Assamese. Do not kill me, he beseeched. He had long dreadlock, and perhaps that marked him as dangerous, going by the stereotypes. The mob battered the two men - who had driven to a secluded picnic spot in the area. In Jharkhand last year, rumours about child snatchers claimed the lives of seven people. Last month, a woman in Tamil Nadu was beaten to death after she offered chocolates to children. The rumours then wound through Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, Telangana and Uttar Pradesh, leaving a bloody trajectory of violence. NCRB to publish lynching data The National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) will publish a data on lynching in the Crime in India, 2017 Edition, reported Boomlive.in. This will be the first time the bureau will be publishing the data of this kind. Going through multiple media reports, 14 cases of mob lynching have led to the death of at least 21 people in the year 2018. Of the 14 cases, 11 were reported to have occurred based on suspicions of child kidnapping, 3 for alleged theft. Take a look at data compiled by BOOM: BOOMLIVE.IN Data compiled by The Quint points to around 99 deaths due to mob lynching since 2015. Indiatimes cannot independently verify these numbers. However, there is no denying that division on the basis of religion, cow vigilantism and rumour mongering have exacerbated killings in the past few years. An NCRB official was quoted at the time saying, With so much going on, we thought it would be prudent to collect authentic data on lynching across the country and analyse the reasons that actually lead to murderous behaviour by mobs. This, we hope, will help policymakers come up with cogent solutions for such ghastly incidents. Data is the first step to formation of policy on any subject. Can government protect minorities from lynching? Hafiz Junaid. DSP Ayub Pandith. Zafar Khan. Ravindra Kumar. Pehlu Khan. Nilotpal Das. Abhijeet Nath. The list is exhaustive and seems to be growing every day. In July 2017, a draft of Maanav Suraksha Kanoon (MASUKA), a new law to address the menace of mob lynching was unveiled at the Constitution Club. The law is being proposed by the National Campaign Against Mob Lynching founded by youth leaders Tehseen Poonawalla, Shehla Rashid, Kanhaiya Kumar and Jignesh Mewani as a response to a spate of lynching incidents that have rattled the nation over the last few years. The proposed law aims to provide effective protection to vulnerable people, punish acts of lynching, and provide compensation and rehabilitation to kin of victims. MASUKA proposes investigation into lynching be conducted by senior police officers and mandatory state government compensation within 30 days of incident. Prime Minister Narendra Modi has been widely criticised for not speaking up on the spate of hate crimes and lynching of Muslims and Dalits that have gripped the country. He religiously tweets on foreign tragedies, while keeping a studied silence on the murders in his home country. After #NotInMyName protests gripped the country last year, Modi finally spoke on the spate of lynchings. Today I want to say a few words and express sadness on some of the things going on: PM @narendramodi PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 29, 2017 We are a land of non violence. We are the land of Mahatma Gandhi. Why do we forget that: PM @narendramodi PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 29, 2017 No one spoke about protecting cows more than Mahatma Gandhi and Acharya Vinoba Bhave. Yes. It should be done: PM @narendramodi PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 29, 2017 As a society, there is no place for violence: PM @narendramodi PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 29, 2017 No person in this nation has the right to take the law in his or her own hands in this country: PM @narendramodi PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 29, 2017 Violence never has and never will solve any problem: PM @narendramodi PMO India (@PMOIndia) June 29, 2017 There have been criticisms that have said that calling India Lynchistan now is selective as lynchings have happened before with impunity. Silence of the government over such a grave issue is being seen as a part of a script in which the state provides covert and overt nod to the vigilantes carrying out the ideological violence in the national interest. Can the government ensure that the countrys citizens are protected irrespective of their religion, caste or community? Where will this monstrosity stop, or will it ever stop? Can the victims families be assured of justice? Though arrests have been made in most cases, it is yet unclear if justice has been delivered. The government evokes the name of Gandhi talking non-violence and inclusivity, but can it shelter its people? This is a duty bound by the constitutional duty of the state. The Central Government cannot wash its hand off these rampant killings on the basis that law and order is a State subject, and police will take its action against the accused persons. The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh appears to have cracked the case after they identified Amol Kale, a 37-year-old engineer from Pune as the brain behind the crime. He along with other accused were arrested last month in connection with another murder attempt, when plotted to kill rationalist KS Bhagawan. BCCL SIT said Kale who is associated with Hindutva outfits along with Nihal, alias Dada, who is still absconding are the masterminds behind the assassination. Kale who was a regular at right wing events met the other accused at such gatherings and recruited them for the murder. All the accused, KT Naveen Kumar, Sujith Kumar alias Praveen, Manohar Dundappa Edave alias Manoj,Parashuram Waghmare and Amit Degwekar alias Pradeep Mahajan were known to Kale. BCCL The group came together to eliminate those, they believed were against Hindu religion. PTI, quoting SIT reported that the group had hit list, which included the names of film and theatre personality Girish Karnad, politician-litterateur B.T. Lalitha Naik, pontiff Veerabhadra Chennamalla Swamiji of Nidumamidi Mutt and rationalist C.S. Dwarakanath. The SIT has recovered a diary from the suspects with entries in Devanagari script. The diary has the names of these personalities, known for their strong views against hardline Hindutva, who were to be targeted. Some entries, they said, are coded and efforts are on to decipher them. BCCL Kale himself recruited Parashuram Waghmare as the shooter and along with Amit trained him for the job. Naveen Kumar the first person who was arrested in the case was the alleged transport and he also bought the guns and bullets used in the assassination. According to the SIT, the group had first attempted to kill Lankesh on September 4, but failed to do so as she reached home late. The next day they attempted again and waited for her. As Lankesh returned home, the assassins followed her and Parashuram who was riding pillion opened fire at her, but missed. In a bid to make sure she is killed he fired 3-4 more bullets at Lankesh and fled the scene. Parashuram who is in police custody is said to have confessed of his role in the murder. He is said to have links with several Hindutva outfits, including Sri Ram Sene. A photo of him along with Sene chief Pramod Muthalik is doing rounds on the internet. It was taken a few years ago and has gone viral on social media. Muthalik, however, told reporters that he didn't know Parashuram and a lot of people clicked photos with him. In 2012 Parashuram was arrested in Sindagi for hoisting Pakistans national flag outside Tahsildars office to create communal tension. The SIT is yet to recover the murder weapon, which they had earlier said was the same used to kill rationalist MM Kalburgi. Senior Journalist Shujaat Bukhari was shot dead today by unknown assailants outside his residence in Srinagar, Kashmir. Bukhari, the editor of Rising Kashmir, a daily newspaper, was attacked when he was just stepping out of his office in Press Colony in the city, just a day before Eid. Reports suggest that he was hit by multiple bullets fired at a close range. He was reportedly leaving for an iftaar party when he was shot. While one of the personal security officers (PSO) guarding him was killed, another policeman and a civilian were injured, police said. This is the first attack on a journalist in a long time in Kashmir and has shaken the entire journalism fraternity across the country. "It's a very unfortunate incident. Today at about 7:30 pm when he was coming out of his office and boarding his car, three terrorists came on a motorcycle and opened fire. Two of his PSOs (personal security officers) were also hit and one of them is no more the other is under treatment. They were shot before they could react," Jammu and Kashmir police chief SP Vaid told NDTV. "They (the terrorists) chose the Iftaar time when everybody was rushing home. We will look into who these people are," he added. Bukhari was given police protection since an attack on him in 2000. He played an instrumental role in organising several conferences for peace in the Kashmir valley. The Journalist fraternity and politicians took to Twitter to express shock and grief: Voice of Sanity Silenced. When will this end ? When will good humans stop becoming the pawns of Power and Hate #ShujaatBukhari https://t.co/E1Hn8s04nA Teesta Setalvad (@TeestaSetalvad) June 14, 2018 My friend @bukharishujaat was a rare voice of moderation in Kashmir who pandered to no extremes. May those who did this to him rot in hell. And may this be a moment for Kashmir to take note of the absolute insanity it is slipping into #ShujaatBukhari barkha dutt (@BDUTT) June 14, 2018 Twitter fundamentalists ; pause carefully the next time journalists talk of death threats and pause before you tar people as anti-nationals. Shame on you and Shame on those fulminating primetime hate mongers. and most of all I wish Hell to those who did this to #ShujaatBukhari . barkha dutt (@BDUTT) June 14, 2018 Assassination of #ShujaatBukhari is a brutal attack on freedom of press. A cowardly and deplorable act of terror. Our fearless media is one of the greatest strength of our democracy and we are committed to provide a safe and conducive working environment to media persons. Rajyavardhan Rathore (@Ra_THORe) June 14, 2018 What an unspeakable shocking tragedy. #ShujaatBukhari's voice was resolute, strong, yet never shrill, always urging the common ground, constantly optimistic, a kind, thoughtful and wise person, a great friend, a fine journalist. Devastated to hear this news, what a sad sad day https://t.co/RxrCUwMZK1 Sagarika Ghose (@sagarikaghose) June 14, 2018 What kind of Ramadan are they celebrating in Kashmir,an army jawan abducted, a senior journalist killed just a day before Eid. Aweful!#ShujaatBukhari Geetika Swami (@SwamiGeetika) June 14, 2018 This is simply dreadful. #ShujaatBukhari was a voice of hope, moderation and rationality in an increasingly depressing landscape. He bore unjust criticism with fortitude - just worked harder in response. Anyone who cares about Indian constitutional values will miss and mourn him https://t.co/J2zJl70EWC Mihir Sharma (@mihirssharma) June 14, 2018 Shocking to know about murder of #ShujaatBukhari. One of the most brave journalists I have met in my career. This is great loss of India in the time of disturbance in valley. Rather his murder is the proof of how much we r in trouble. RIP Sir. amey tirodkar (@ameytirodkar) June 14, 2018 A recent spate of violence against journalists has hit the country. Right-wing critic Gauri Lankesh was shot dead outside her residence in Bengaluru on September 5, 2017. Shantanu Bhowmick, from Channel Dinrat was killed in Tripura on September 21, 2017. Sudip Datta Bhaumik, who wrote for Bengali newspaper Syandan Patrika, was killed in Tripura the same day. Navin Nishchal was killed on 25 March, 2018 in Bihars Bhojpur district. Known for their selfless service to humanity, the Sikh community has always won praises for helping those in need. Now, as the Muslims across the globe mark the fasting month of Ramadan, millions of refugees from Syria and Iraq, who are displaced and living refugee camps in neighbouring countries struggle to breakfast at the end of the day. Sikh volunteers of UK-based Khalsa Aid, is providing iftar food packages for Syrian refugees in Lebanon and Iraq. Khalsa Aid/ Twitter Khalsa Aid is funding Iftar, which is freshly prepared and served for 5000 Syrian Refugees daily in Lebanon along with local Lebanese charity called Sawa for Development and Aid, through their 'Ramzan Kitchen'. Khalsa Aid/ Twitter With Eid, which is a time of celebration for the Muslims just around the corner, not many displaced have much to celebrate. The Khalsa Aid has given some of them a reason to smile with Eid gifts which include new dress and shoes for 500 refugee children in Mosul, Iraq. Khalsa Aid/ Twitter Ravinder Singh, the founder and CEO of Khalsa Aid, who attended an open Iftar in London recalled how he came across the plight of refugees from Kosovo and the charity was founded in 1999. Singh said it was important for the world to stand together for the refugees, no matter what some people may feel or think about them. He also recalled how Khalsa Aid was targeted by the right wing in India, because they were in Bangladesh to feed the Rohingya Muslims. "As soon as we started, and our volunteers from India landed in Bangladesh, the right-wing groups in India started posting pictures of Sikh guys and Rohingya refugee children, and you know what they were posting? This was a concentrated effort to undermine our work - big snake feeding a small snake!". Singh said despite the hate campaign, they focused on their work, "and with our work we managed to change the narrative of most of the people in India." AP The report calls for urgent need to address past and ongoing human rights violations and abuses and deliver justice for all people in the valley, who for seven decades have suffered a conflict that has claimed or ruined numerous lives. Read more Here's more top news of the day: 1) Sikh Volunteers Work Selflessly To Serve Iftar To 5000 Syrian Refugees In Lebanon Khalsa Aid/ Twitter Now, as the Muslims across the globe mark the fasting month of Ramadan, millions of refugees from Syria and Iraq, who are displaced and living refugee camps in neighbouring countries struggle to breakfast at the end of the day. Read more 2) PNB Scam Accused Nirav Modi Believed To Have Escaped To Brussels, Possibly On Singapore Passport Twitter The diamond merchant, wanted in India's biggest-ever banking scam, is said to be travelling in and out of the UK freely, possibly on a Singapore passport, not an Indian one. Read more 3) How Kerala Fisherfolk Removed 25 Tonnes Of Plastic Waste From The Sea In Just Ten Months BCCL Oceans across the world are so choked with plastic waste that it is killing the marine life including fisheries, which is the lifeline of hundreds of millions of traditional fishermen world over. Read more 4) BJP MLA Advises Women To 'Produce Sanskari Kids Or Stay Infertile' ani BJP lawmaker from Madhya Pradesh Pannalal Shakya has been in news for the most fascinating reasons - giving unsolicited advise, and questioning people, especially women. Read more 5) Pune Engineer Amol Kale Was Mastermind Of Gauri Lankesh Murder, Wanted To Kill Girish Karnad BCCL The Special Investigation Team (SIT) probing the murder of journalist Gauri Lankesh appears to have cracked the case after they identified Amol Kale, a 37-year-old engineer from Pune as the brain behind the crime. Read more The Chinese government has is known for implementing a variety of surveillance measures to keep tabs on citizens. In the past its used AI-powered smart glasses, social credit scores, and even cameras in schools to achieve this. Its latest measure involves tracking citizens' cars using RFID chips. Reuters According to The Wall Street Journal, the Chinese government is fitting vehicles with radio frequency identification chips starting July 1. While it will be voluntary to begin with, itll be a mandatory addition for new vehicles starting 2019. The program is being implemented by the countrys MInistry of Public Security, as well as the Traffic Management Research Institute. The plan involves installing RFID chips on car windshields and installing readers on the sides of roads. RFID technology is the same as that place in tags on clothing in retail stores. By using these chips, the government hopes to study and reduce traffic congestion on Chinese roads, as well as its major pollution problem. Supposedly, though, the chips could also help prevent vehicular terrorist attacks. Unlike GPS, RFID cant locate a car at any given moment. Instead, it just stores data on the chip that can be accessed and transmitted by a reader, things like the colour, make, and license plate of the car. Its not exactly a novel system, as RFID is being used in other countries for a variety of car-focused purposes. However, this will likely be the biggest project of its kind, not just because of the size of Chinas population, but because of the governments tendency towards strict controls. That unfortunately also means there are severe security concerns. After all, nothing is stopping the Chinese government from turning this system into another way to monitor the population. Perhaps an RFID chip of this kind would also store the name and address of the owner. Then, it could be easily paired with the plentiful facial recognition cameras around the country to turn into a tracking system almost on par with GPS. Eventually, its just another step along the countrys road to total surveillance, with citizens lacking the most privacies and freedoms. Many domains across the world are considered to be driven by men and only men - the automobile industry is one of them. Just like many stereotypes that are slapped on women every now and then, their ability to be good with cars or have a remote interest in them is always judged by the paradigm set by men. In a first, General Motors said on Wednesday that Dhivya Suryadevara, currently, Vice President of Corporate Finance will succeed Chuck Stevens on September 1 as a Chief Financial Officer of the no. 1 U.S. automaker. GM names Dhivya Suryadevara its first female CFO, making it the first automaker with a female CEO-CFO team https://t.co/A2qslEOBXm pic.twitter.com/CQcYd6rEyF Crain's Detroit Business (@crainsdetroit) June 13, 2018 Suryadevara, 39, has played an integral role in some significant deals GM made as it restructured operations over the past several years. These include the divestiture of the company's European arm Opel and the acquisition of self-driving vehicle startup Cruise. She played a role in securing earlier this month a $2.25 billion investment in GM Cruise by Japanese tech giant SoftBank Group Corp, GM said in a statement. During her 13 years with the Detroit-based company, Suryadevara helped achieve rating upgrades from all three credit rating agencies, completed $2 billion in notes issuance to fund discretionary pension contributions and upsized and renewed GM's $14.5 billion revolving credit facility, the company said. As of Sept 1st TWO women will hold the top positions at $GM when Dhivya Suryadevara takes over as CFO. Their EVP of Global Manufacturing & Global Human Resources are also women. 5 of GM's 11 board members are women.#ClosingTheGap @carlquintanilla pic.twitter.com/Ym5tWPow6e Shannan Siemens (@ShannanSiemens) June 13, 2018 She was named Vice President, Corporate Finance, in July 2017, a job that included overseeing investor relations. Suryadevara, an Indian, was born the year after Stevens began his career in General Motors. She was named Automotive News Rising Star in 2016 and a Crain's Detroit Business 40 Under 40 winner last year. After completing her college in India, Suryadevara moved to the US at age 22 to attend Harvard. Suryadevara's first job was with the investment bank UBS and after a year working there, she joined GM at an age of 25. Only a handful of companies have CEO and CFO who are both women. Add @GM to the list. 39-year-old finance whiz Dhivya Suryadevara joins CEO @mtbarra in the exec suite via @forbes https://t.co/hi4mLDPg4B Joann Muller (@JoannMuller) June 13, 2018 Her family lives in New York, she often commutes between Detroit and New York to meet her husband and daughter there. I am proud to congratulate Dhivya Suryadevara on becoming CFO @GM. Dhivyas experience and leadership well positions her to continue playing a key role in driving strong business results. https://t.co/FXvniGN5It Mary Barra (@mtbarra) June 13, 2018 Stevens will remain with the company as an adviser until his retirement in March, the company said. He has worked at GM for 40 years and became CFO in January 2014. "We expect a smooth transition and status quo on the strategy," RBC Capital Markets analyst Joseph Spak wrote in a note on Wednesday. Road accidents take thousands of lives every year. But many lives are also saved by Good Samaritans who don't think twice before coming forward and helping a victim. One such incident was brought to our notice by an IIM-Kolkata professor, Mr Aloke Kumar. He penned a heartfelt note on Facebook, decribing the series of events that began with his son's accident and ended with strangers saving his life. aloke kumar facebook Also read: The Minimum Compensation Amount For Road Accident Victims To Be Increased By Ten Times Mr Kumar's son, Abhishek met with an accident while returning from the Parsee Fire Temple at Metcalfe St, Lal Bazar in Kolkata. Kumar wrote how many people voluntarily took his son to the hospital in time. On Facebook, Mr Kumar wrote, My son met with an accident Abhishek, whilst returning from a visit to the Parsee Fire Temple at Metcalfe St, Lal Bazar, While dismounting the flyover at Jawahar Lal Nehru Road, opposite to Virginia House, was hit by a Public Bus, which was speeding. He was thrown of his Vespa two-wheeler and hit the road with his helmeted-head. He completely blacked-out for 5 to 7 minutes. In the meantime, passers by and pedestrians gathered and got him back to senses. He was offered water. His vehicle twisted was lifted physically from the main road and parked in the foot-path. Some offered to take him to SSKM Hospital but he requested them to : Call his father at his mobile Reach him Home in a Taxi. Many called 100 for Police. They rushed him Home and one of them offered to stay until I arrived. I took him to Sri Aurobindo Seva Kendra where he was attended. A CT Scan of the brain was done. Xray of his rib cage, which was hurting. They started treating him and NOT insisting on Payment First. 24 Hours have passed and he is recovering. His iphone was intact. Not a single rupee missing from his wallet. Not a single item of value missing. My home full of antiques was NOT robbed. The Police was polite and courteous. When I told them that we will not be able to report to the Shakespeare Road Police Station they did NOT insist. Friends from automobile helped to lift the two-wheeler and park it in a nearby safe place. Who were these people who first came to his help, called the police, called me, reached him home, paid the cab out of their pocket?' I DO NOT know any of them. This is Calcutta I always knew. This is Calcutta I stayed behind. This is Calcutta I love. And as Mrinal Sen said in his film: "...eia bichitra sahar ka lok hai Bhuvan Shome" Thank You All. Also read: 72-Year-Old Delhi Man Who Lost His Son In A Road Accident Signs Up To Become A Traffic Volunteer Here's his original post. We hope that the strangers who helped Abhishek read this post, reach out to the professor and answer all his questions. With Eid just around the corner and the holy month of Ramadan coming to a close, a Kuwaiti television host is not having the best time. She was recently fired on air just minutes before her live show was about to end. According to reports, the reason behind the apparent let-go of Amal Al Awadhi from the state-run Kuwait Television (KTV1) could have been the angry complaints recieved over the clothes she wore on air. Al Awadhi took to social media to ask Kuwait's Ministry of Information for a clarification over what has officially been termed a 'suspension'. A post shared by Amal Alawadhi (@amalalawadhiofficial) on Jun 10, 2018 at 3:57am PDT Also read: Kuwait TV Presenter Gets Suspended After Calling Her Male Colleague 'Handsome' On Air The reported suspension came when Al Awadhi was co-hosting a popular game show called The Winning Touch during Ramadan. On her Instagram, a few photos from the day show her wearing a calf-length white dress. Social media users believe that her choice of dress could have caused her suspension. Some viewers reportedly deemed it 'inappropriate' for Ramadan. Arab Times reported, "She had provoked negative reactions during the last few episodes of the show, which led the management of KTV channel to suspend her from the show." Will miss u A post shared by Amal Alawadhi (@amalalawadhiofficial) on Jun 10, 2018 at 3:58am PDT According to StepFeed, Al Awadhi took to Snapchat and said, "I heard someone saying, 'Take Amal Al Awadhi off air now, or I'll shut down the channel.'" She added, "Because my show was airing during Ramadan... I took care of what I wore and how I spoke." Also read: Pakistani News Anchors Battling It Out On Live TV Is Pretty Much Like The Rest Of Us On Monday! On Instagram, she wrote that she hoped Kuwait's Ministry of Information would help shed light on exactly why she was suspended. She also wrote that she respected the modest dress code TV presenters employed with state TV are expected to follow. A post shared by Amal Alawadhi (@amalalawadhiofficial) on Jun 10, 2018 at 3:58am PDT One Instagram user wrote, "You got fired for that outfit? Are you kidding me? That's disgraceful. This is 2018 and men who are still treating women like this need to get a grip on reality. I'm really sorry this happened to you and I hope you are fighting this! And for the record, you look gorgeous." Even though it seems that some viewers were offended, the comments on her Instagram show that she has found support from her fans. We hope Al Awadhi gets her clarification soon. Not long ago, an endangered black-necked stork was found with a plastic ring around its beak that was slowly starving the bird to death. It was believed that the ring was made of plastic but it turned out to be made of rubber. But now, thanks to its rescuers from the wildlife department and birders, the stork has finally been rescued. toi After a week-long rescue operation, these people were able to catch the stork that since last week had eluded them. Also read: To Save More Endangered Tigers, Fifth Biggest Reserve Is Coming Up In Tamil Nadu We were trying to capture the stork since Sunday, but it had enough energy left and was flying up to a height of 100m. However, by Wednesday morning, it was so weak that it could only fly up to 50m. Seeing this, we divided the team into different groups and surrounded the bird. The last resort was to grab the bird wherever it landed. After struggling for an hour, Dalal was able to catch it, explained Ahlawat, field coordinator for cranes and wetlands at NCF. When they caught the bird, they saw the lower portion of the stork's beak to be full of mud and garbage and it was unable to open its beak. toi The bird is now under observation. We decided to keep the bird under watch as it had become weak, not having eaten anything for six days. The vet also gave it proper medical attention, including electrolytes, which helped it regain strength, said Vinod Kumar, additional principal chief conservator of forest. Also read: Green-Haired Turtle Known For Breathing Through Its Genitals, Is Now 'Endangered' Pankaj Gupta of Delhi Bird Foundation (DBF) said, The rubber ring allowed enough space for the stork to drink water, but it prolonged its agony. Keeping it under observation is a good decision. Black-necked storks are listed as near-threatened species by IUCN (International Union for Conservation of Nature). It has become imperative for landowners to clear their sites of any kind of waste that threatens such species. Everyone knows that if you haven't booked your train ticket well in advance, it's quite difficult to get it at the last moment. This is true especially when hundreds of other people are eyeing the same seats. But would you ever think that you will be kicked off your own seat, despite having bought the ticket? I don't think so! A 73-year-old man was recently forcibly asked to evict his seat from a train because his ticket was wrongly issued for 3013. Arcane to the fact that this would create a fuss since it was a typological error from railway's end, the man boarded the train for the issued date and faced the horror. Vishnu Kant Shukla, a retired professor boarded the Himgiri Express to travel from Saharanpur to Jaunpur on November 19, 2013. The ticket for the ride was booked for the same date, though 1,000 years later. The TTE examined the ticket which was dated for 3013 and asked Shukla to leave the train at the Moradabad station. I retired as head of the Hindi department from JV Jain Degree College in Saharanpur," Shukla told TOI. "In short, I am not a person who would travel by train with a fake ticket and here was a TTE who humiliated me in front of everyone, demanded I pay a penalty of Rs 800, and even got me evicted from the train. It was an important journey as I had to visit my friend whose wife had expired, he added. After the incidence, Shukla filed a case against Railways in the consumer court and it is now, after 5 years that Shukla got justice. He slapped a penalty of Rs 10,000 on the Railways for causing mental harassment an additional Rs 3,000 compensation. Bank Sohar Implements Latest Finacle Core Banking and Analytics Solutions to Drive Digital Transformation Infosys Finacle, part of EdgeVerve Systems, a wholly-owned subsidiary of Infosys (NYSE: INFY), today announced the successful implementation of the Finacle Core Banking and Analytics solutions, at Bank Sohar one of the fastest growing banks in Oman. The bank currently uses the Finacle Online Banking, Alerts and Treasury solutions; and the enhanced Finacle suite will enable Bank Sohar to accelerate its digital transformation journey, while providing a world-class banking experience to its retail and corporate customers across channels. Highlights Tailored dashboards and reports provided by the solution will offer a comprehensive 360 degree view of customer behavior and preferences, thereby facilitating relationship managers to engage customers with personalized services The integrated advanced analytics solution will help the bank gain deeper understanding of customer needs and enhance targeted cross-selling With an open API (application programming interface) framework, the latest Finacle core banking solution will allow the bank to effectively implement open banking and easily collaborate with its external ecosystem, including partners and FinTechs The solution will also enable the bank to swiftly create and launch new products across business lines such as Syndicated Loans, Leasing, Securitization and Liquidity Management The bank has been able to automate several processes, including Credit Card Origination, Retail and Commercial Loan Origination, as well as ensure paper free customer onboarding, thereby significantly improving operational efficiency and productivity Ahmed Al Musalmi, Chief Executive Officer, Bank Sohar, said, Along the lines of our vision to be the most preferred bank in Oman, Bank Sohar has successfully met its twin objective through this transformation. Primarily, to prime our banking systems for the digital banking era and secondly, to have systems that are able to deliver nothing less than the best banking experience to our customers. With this new platform, we look forward to realizing sustainable growth in every sector of our business, and be able to offer our customers what they need even before they ask. We want Bank Sohar to be known as the 'one-stop-financial-super-mall' catering to the diverse needs of our individual and corporate customer segments, across Oman. Mujahid Said Daud Al Zadjaly, DGM IT & Alternate Channels, Bank Sohar, said, With the new generation Infosys Finacle platform, our banking systems are much more flexible and agile. We are able to expose APIs to integrate with third-party solutions and partner products, and introduce innovative offerings to our clients swiftly. We are confident of understanding our customers needs better and make banking simpler and enjoyable for them. Sanat Rao, Chief Business Officer and Global Head, Infosys Finacle, said, A truly digital transformation of banking operations is no longer a choice for progressive banks, but an inevitable need today. To achieve this, banks need to take a holistic approach to digitization covering front-to-back office processes. The technology rejuvenation along with new solutions at Bank Sohar will provide the bank a robust foundation to drive growth and the agility to innovate continuously. About Infosys Finacle Finacle is the industry-leading digital banking solution suite from EdgeVerve Systems, a wholly owned subsidiary of Infosys. Finacle helps traditional and emerging financial institutions drive truly digital transformation to achieve frictionless customer experiences, larger ecosystem play, insightsdriven interactions and ubiquitous automation. Today, banks in over 100 countries rely on Finacle to service more than a billion consumers and 1.3 billion accounts. Finacle solutions address the core banking, omnichannel banking, payments, treasury, origination, liquidity management, Islamic banking, wealth management, analytics, artificial intelligence, and blockchain requirements of financial institutions to drive business excellence. An assessment of the top 1250 banks in the world reveals that institutions powered by the Finacle Core Banking solution, on average, enjoy 7.2% points lower costs-to-income ratio than others To know more, visit www.finacle.com Safe Harbor Certain statements in this press release concerning our future growth prospects are forward-looking statements regarding our future business expectations intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in earnings, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services including those factors which may affect our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, industry segment concentration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks or system failures, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which Infosys has made strategic investments, withdrawal or expiration of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability and regional conflicts, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, and unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. In addition, please note that any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable as of the date of this press release. The company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the company unless it is required by law. Infosys (NYSE: INFY), a global leader in consulting, technology and next-generation services, today announced a partnership with the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD) to foster the continued development of top designers at Infosys and explore new ways of solving complex challenges at the intersection of design, technology and industry. Over the next two years, Infosys will train 1,000 designers across the globe, and has chosen to partner with RISD to contribute to this goal because of the institution's ability to guide an immersive learning experience steeped in both studio practice and the liberal arts. Beginning with an eight-week pilot this summer, Infosys will partner with RISD to develop a curriculum to build the skills of these designers, helping them acquire design- and human-centric skills in technologies used to address challenges facing Infosys global clients. Infosys will focus on hiring designers with these specialized design skills as part of its commitment to hire 500 American workers in Rhode Island over the next five years. The innovative collaboration between Infosys and RISD will support the creation of a new, dedicated space on RISDs campus to further explore and incubate the insight and learning challenges that emerge from collaborative academic projects. Through an independent program of reflective experiment, symposia, exhibitions, and publication, this space will develop global thought leadership about complexity and uncertaintyoffering insights at the intersection of critical creative methodologies, new technologies and an evolving set of cultural challenges. It will provide underlying insight and methodologies to strengthen the skills of top talent to more effectively engage in several critical design domains, including: systems and platforms, user experience, strategy and organizational impact, privacy and security. Infosys also confirmed it will open a Design & Innovation Hub at 75 Fountain Street in Providence later this summer. The 25,000-square-foot facility will operate at the heart of art, design, humanities, data science and engineering to research and address the transformational challenges faced by organizations today. We are excited that Infosys is doubling down on its investment in Rhode Island by strengthening the design talent available to the industries in our local market, said Governor Gina Raimondo. The Infosys-RISD partnership will enable industry-leading innovation in design, catalyze economic growth in the state and equip Rhode Islanders with the skills and expertise they need to tackle the design challenges of the future. The partnership with Infosys will help RISD apply our creative insights to assist in building research capacity in Rhode Island. This fits within our mission of making lasting contributions to global society through critical thinking and innovation, said Rosanne Somerson, President of Rhode Island School of Design. In an increasingly complex global context, organizations that cannot understand, anticipate and embrace uncertainty will be less likely to succeed. RISDs unique model of education fosters the ability to work effectively in these environments. As a leader in digital transformation, were excited about the benefits this partnership between Infosys and RISD will bring to our clients, said Ravi Kumar, Infosys President and Deputy Chief Operating Officer. It will help close the global design talent gap and also prepare our designers to create client solutions at the junctures of several siloed disciplines, including the humanities, liberal arts, public policy, economics, and engineering. Our partnership with Rhode Island School of Design will operate at the meeting of design and technology and address complex and disruptive forces, which are both driving and enabling change across every aspect of our lives, businesses and institutions, said Scott Sorokin, Global Head of Infosys Digital Experience. This summer, we are launching a hackathon to recruit designers and, together with RISD, well explore new ways of working, conceive new models and develop skill sets, so we can help our clients positively embrace the rapid pace of digital change. Infosys and the Rhode Island School of Design are both globally important institutions. We are pleased that they are teaming up in the design domain - one of Rhode Island's great strengths - and that they're doing so in a way that will benefit the company, the university, and our state, said Rhode Island Secretary of Commerce Stefan Pryor. This partnership will also create further opportunities for lectures, symposia, hackathons and research to assist in the development of tailored curricula and workforce development in emerging practices. Infosys clients and industry partners will benefit from collaborating with RISDs exemplary faculty, internationally recognized scholars and subject matter experts interested in exploring emerging fields. About Infosys Ltd Infosys is a global leader in next-generation digital services and consulting. We enable clients in 45 countries to navigate their digital transformation. With over three decades of experience in managing the systems and workings of global enterprises, we expertly steer our clients through their digital journey. We do it by enabling the enterprise with an AI-powered core that helps prioritize the execution of change. We also empower the business with agile digital at scale to deliver unprecedented levels of performance and customer delight. Our always-on learning agenda drives their continuous improvement through building and transferring digital skills, expertise, and ideas from our innovation ecosystem. Visit www.infosys.com to see how Infosys (NYSE: INFY) can help your enterprise navigate your next. About Rhode Island School of Design Approximately 2,500 students from around the world are enrolled in full-time bachelor's or master's degree programs at RISD (pronounced "RIZ-dee"), where our immersive model of art and design education emphasizes robust liberal arts studies and conceptually driven studio-based learning within a choice of 19 majors. RISD's exceptional faculty foster student growth and development in extensive specialized facilities, enabling students to become confident, cross-disciplinary thinkers and nimble problem-solvers ready to confront the complexities of global practice in the 21st century. More than 27,000 alumni worldwide testify to the impact of a RISD education, exemplifying the vital role artists and designers play in defining global innovation. Founded in 1877, RISD and the RISD Museum help make Providence, RI among the most culturally active and creative cities in the region. For more information, visit risd.edu and our.risd.edu. Safe Harbor Certain statements in this press release concerning our future growth prospects are forward-looking statements regarding our future business expectations intended to qualify for the 'safe harbor' under the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, which involve a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in such forward-looking statements. The risks and uncertainties relating to these statements include, but are not limited to, risks and uncertainties regarding fluctuations in earnings, fluctuations in foreign exchange rates, our ability to manage growth, intense competition in IT services including those factors which may affect our cost advantage, wage increases in India, our ability to attract and retain highly skilled professionals, time and cost overruns on fixed-price, fixed-time frame contracts, client concentration, restrictions on immigration, industry segment concentration, our ability to manage our international operations, reduced demand for technology in our key focus areas, disruptions in telecommunication networks or system failures, our ability to successfully complete and integrate potential acquisitions, liability for damages on our service contracts, the success of the companies in which Infosys has made strategic investments, withdrawal or expiration of governmental fiscal incentives, political instability and regional conflicts, legal restrictions on raising capital or acquiring companies outside India, and unauthorized use of our intellectual property and general economic conditions affecting our industry. Additional risks that could affect our future operating results are more fully described in our United States Securities and Exchange Commission filings including our Annual Report on Form 20-F for the fiscal year ended March 31, 2017. These filings are available at www.sec.gov. Infosys may, from time to time, make additional written and oral forward-looking statements, including statements contained in the company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission and our reports to shareholders. In addition, please note that any forward-looking statements contained herein are based on assumptions that we believe to be reasonable as of the date of this press release. The company does not undertake to update any forward-looking statements that may be made from time to time by or on behalf of the company unless it is required by law. Indianapolis, Indiana Attorney for Plaintiff, Linda Matlow of Chicago, Illinois filed suit in the Southern District of Indiana alleging that Defendant, Rodgers Broadcasting Corp. of Richmond, Indiana, infringed its rights to the Parr Photo registered on December 7, 2011 with the U.S. Copyright Office, Registration Number VAu 1-085-861. Plaintiff is seeking actual and/or statutory damages, costs, attorneys fees, an injunction, and any other relief as is just and proper. Plaintiffs Attorney, Bell, has filed many lawsuits on his own behalf asserting copyright infringement in Indiana federal courts. Bell has been unsuccessful as a plaintiff in many of his own infringement cases and has been ordered to pay the Defendants fees as a result. See: According to the complaint, the Plaintiff took the photograph in question in the 1980s and proceeded to register the photograph with the U.S. Copyright Office in 2011. Plaintiff alleges that the Defendant infringed on her copyright when its subsidiary KMIX 106.9 published the photograph on their Twitter account in 2017. In addition to alleging copyright infringement, the Plaintiff alleges that the Defendant allowed third parties to copy the photograph from their Twitter account. Therefore, the Plaintiff alleges that the Defendant is vicariously liable for every instance that the photograph was downloaded from their account by a third party. Plaintiff is further seeking damages for all profits resulting from the third-party downloads. The case was assigned to Chief Judge Jane E. Magnus-Stinson and Magistrate Judge Mark J. Dinsmore in the Southern District and assigned Case 1:18-cv-01782-JMS-MJD. Matlow vs. Rodgers Complaint. 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. While those planning to attend may have been initially disappointed by the ban on live animals, Baldock said organisers had come up with an exciting alternative using hobby horses instead. Hobby horse racing is a craze currently sweeping Northern Europe, so we thought wed give it a go, Baldock told local news outlet, the Western Advocate. I think its going to be fun; were planning to do adults and kids events. Prize money is still being offered to those who can get their wooden steed over the line first but the traditional course will be shortened for this years less equestrian participants. Anyone interested in watching the unusual race alternative is encouraged to attend the Wattle Flat Bronze Thong in New South Wales, on November 03. Related stories: Far out Friday: Israeli insurer offers coverage for war damage Far out Friday: Nugget spill sparks insurance query Sponsored by QBE, the accolade is given to an individual broker who is deemed an inspirational role model for the wider broking community. The eventual winner of the regional competition will then be considered for the national Stephen Ball Memorial Award for Insurance Broker of the Year. NIBA CEO Dallas Booth congratulated both finalists and said there had been a high standard of entries for this years award. We are delighted to recognise Steven and Glen who have both demonstrated excellence in broking practice, he added. Hill, who has over 30 years experience in the industry, said he was surprised to be named as a finalist but appreciated the recognition. It certainly will help improve my profile professionally and will see me continue to promote what we do at every opportunity, he said. Ryan was also honoured to make the cut What a privilege to be named a state finalist even my children are thrilled and proud! he said. The Queensland region winner will be announced at the NIBA Queensland Gala Lunch on July 18 at the Royal International Convention Centre in Brisbane. The state winner will go on to compete for Insurance Broker of the Year, which will be announced at the 2018 NIBA Convention in Hobart, Tasmania. Related stories: NIBA announces latest award finalists NIBA reveals best young brokers in NSW/ACT When the various technologies are combined, it could one day lead to unmanned construction and civil engineering sites, perhaps as soon as 2050, read the sigma report. Instead, robots will be using dynamic new materials to build structures with drones constantly monitoring the site to inspect the work and identify or solve problems as they arise. However, on the flip side, there are cons that could impact the risk landscape. Remotely accessible systems, like BIM (Building Information Modelling), project management software, and autonomous vehicles can create opportunities for cybercriminals to breach defences, said the Swiss Re Institute. Data from integrated robotics that assist in builds, drones that monitor worksites, and IoT technologies could be vulnerable without their owners realising it. Technological innovations can also change the nature of traditional perils. Getting pre-fabricated building modules on site creates unique logistical challenges. Pre-fabricated units that include interior designs should not be exposed to weather, which makes transporting, delivering, and storing them risky. The report also noted that the adoption of high-value electronic and computer equipment in construction and engineering could affect the potential scale of damage in the event of an accident. Likewise, the expansion in scope of insurance to include more financial-related/non-damage risks may mean that even though the frequency of losses may be permanently lower going forward, the severity of claims might remain significant, it said. This is especially the case as global industries become increasingly interconnected, reflecting the higher potential for losses from the same incident to accumulate. The report also highlighted the key role played by engineering insurance in supporting economic activity, pointing out that many large construction and infrastructure projects could not be undertaken without such policies. For instance, Swiss Re said the use of industrial machinery would be severely constrained if operators were unable to protect themselves against losses. Related stories: Swiss Re reveals US$500 million senior exchangeable notes offering Swiss Re report reveals top emerging risks The study found that despite significant threats, many people remain unaware of the scale and breadth of the issue, though there is a growing demand for methods to mitigate damages to communities and businesses. According to the study, insurance is one promising strategy for boosting the risk management and financial preparedness of stakeholders against the threat of invasive species a sentiment echoed by Swiss Re, Reinsurance News reported. Insurance can help understand the impacts of these invasive species in terms of understanding risk, pricing risk, improving preparedness, and triggering rapid response mechanisms, said Alex Kaplan, senior vice president and head of global partnerships North America at Swiss Re. Related stories: Swiss Re looks at the impact of 'construtech' to risk landscape Swiss Re reveals US$500 million senior exchangeable notes offering It plans to sell MAPFRE Insurance Company of New York to Plymouth Rock Assurance Corporation, subject to approval by the New York Department of Financial Services. Additionally, the firm will transfer its private passenger and homeowners insurance books of business in New Jersey to Plymouth Rock affiliates, Palisades Safety and Insurance Association and Palisades Property and Casualty Insurance Company. Terms of the transactions, which are subject to regulatory approval, were not disclosed. These agreements support MAPFREs commitment to strengthen our foundation in our core states and lines of business, which will position us for profitable growth, said Alfredo Castelo, president and CEO of MAPFRE Insurance. We look forward to working with Plymouth Rock to ensure a seamless transition for our valued customers and independent agents. For Plymouth Rock Assurance Corporation, this acquisition follows an announcement in April that it had entered the New York auto and home insurance market by purchasing 21st Century National Insurance Company. Plymouth Rock was founded on the idea that our customers should come first, said Hal Belodoff, President of The Plymouth Rock Company. As we continue to grow, which is evidenced by our recent entrance into New York and Pennsylvania, and further expansion in New Jersey, our mission stays the same. We focus on new ways to improve our customers experience when it comes to insurance. Related stories: Liberty Mutual swoops for insurer's business in multiple states Plymouth Rock's plan to fix "broken" homeowner's insurance 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. Qualified NYSSPS members of The Doctors Company will also be made part of the latters Tribute Plan, which provides financial rewards to doctors for their loyalty and commitment to patient care. We chose to endorse The Doctors Company because, as an organization founded and led by physicians and owned by members, they share our commitment to address challenges faced by our members and our focus on legislative advocacy, said NYSSPS president Stephen Coccaro, MD. As the largest insurer of plastic surgeons in the nation, The Doctors Company also has an unparalleled understanding of liability claims against our specialty. NYSSPS joins a growing list of medical organizations that have also selected The Doctors Company as their exclusive medical malpractice insurance provider a list that includes the American Society of Plastic Surgeons (ASPS), and the New York County Medical Society. We are very pleased to welcome the NYSSPS as a partner, commented The Doctors Company chairman and CEO Richard E. Anderson, MD, FACP. We are strongly aligned with the societys focus on legislation and regulation. Through our national and state advocacy efforts, we defend existing reforms, prevent legislation that would undermine the defense of our members, and support measures that would limit liability exposure for physicians. Anderson explained that the insurer has a long history of advocating for plastic surgeons, adding that former ASPS president Mark Gorney, MD was a founding member of The Doctors Company. Related stories: Chubb adds dental malpractice insurance to small commercial platform KaMMCO cleared to sell medical professional liability insurance in state Massachusetts on Tuesday filed a lawsuit against Purdue Pharma LP, accusing the OxyContin maker of illegally promoting the use of opioids, and became the first state to sue the drugmakers executives and directors to hold them responsible as well. The lawsuit, brought by Massachusetts Attorney General Maura Healey, alleges that Purdue deceived doctors and patients by misrepresenting the risks of addiction and death associated with the prolonged use of its prescription opioids. The civil action, filed in Suffolk County Superior Court, adds to a growing list of lawsuits by states and local governments accusing the Stamford, Connecticut-based company of deceptively marketing opioid painkillers. But the lawsuit went a step further than those of other states by also naming 16 current or former Purdue executives and board members as defendants, including members of the Sackler family, which owns the company. Their strategy was simple, Healey said at a news conference. The more drugs they sold, the more money they made, and the more people died. Healey said more than 670 Massachusetts residents who were prescribed Purdues opioids have died of overdoses since 2009. Her lawsuit seeks damages and penalties. Purdue denied the allegations, arguing in a statement that Massachusetts wants to substitute its views in place of the judgment of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration, which has approved the use of its products. Opioids were involved in more than 42,000 overdose deaths in 2016, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Healey had been part of a group of 41 state attorneys general who were working together to investigate opioid manufacturers and distributors, including Purdue, and to negotiate settlements with the companies. But in a May 8 letter, Healeys office notified Purdue that while it would continue to engage in settlement talks, it believed the public deserved immediate resources to mitigate the crisis and planned to sue. The letter was disclosed when six other states participating in the multistate investigation decided to sue Purdue on May 15. In total, it faces lawsuits by 24 states and the territory of Puerto Rico. In 2007, Purdue and three executives pleaded guilty to federal charges related to the misbranding of OxyContin and agreed to pay a total of $634.5 million in penalties. That year, Purdue also reached a $19.5 million settlement with 26 states, including Massachusetts and the District of Columbia. But Healeys office alleges Purdue continued deceptively marketing opioids after 2007. (Reporting by Nate Raymond in Boston; Editing by Steve Orlofsky) Topics Lawsuits Massachusetts Federal Emergency Management Agency officials on Monday began assessing damage from a tornado and a macroburst that hit Connecticut during severe storms last month, a process that could lead to federal aid. Officials reviewed damage from an EF1 tornado with winds of up to 110 mph that ran 9 1/2 miles between Beacon Falls and Hamden, and from a macroburst packing 100 mph winds that struck Brookfield on May 15. A macroburst is a downdraft that can cause tornado-like damage. A total of four tornadoes touched down in six towns in the state during the storms. Two people died in Danbury and New Fairfield when trees hit their vehicles, and more than 120,000 homes and businesses lost power. Tornadoes also hit between Southbury and Oxford, and in Winsted and Barkhamsted. Gov. Dannel P. Malloy may issue disaster declarations based on the assessments, which could lead to federal aid for repairs and cleanup if President Donald Trump approves. We are committed to stay here as long as it takes to accomplish this mission, FEMA spokesman Diego Alvarado said. FEMA officials were joined in Hamden by U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, U.S. Rep. Rosa DeLauro and local officials and in Brookfield by U.S. Rep. Elizabeth Esty as the assessments began. FEMA also planned to calculate damage in other affected areas. It will be followed by a disaster declaration by the governor, Im quite confident, Blumenthal said. Then we will need to fight, and I mean fight, for the president to recognize that federal aid is absolutely necessary as a matter of fairness and justice. Hamden resident Jim Apuzzo said it will take another couple of weeks for him to finish clearing all the downed trees and other debris on his property. Hopefully, tornados are like lightning. They never strike twice in the same place, he said. Hopefully, this is the first and last time. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters USA Windstorm Connecticut Specialist insurance provider, CFC Underwriting, has launched its first insurance solution for financial institutions. CFCs Investment Management Insurance (IMI) policy is the first in a suite of products designed to address the challenging risk environment faced by investment managers. Combining its heritage in cyber and technology insurance with expertise in financial institutions, CFCs IMI product knits together the traditional cover that investment managers require with comprehensive cover for emerging risks including cyber and kidnap and ransom, into a single policy. Cover is provided for management liability, professional liability, crime, and regulatory investigations, the London-based company said, noting that cyber coverage can be easily included to protect against the financial impact caused by privacy and cyber-crime events. Should they need it, policyholders also have access to CFCs incident response team. Additional D&O limits are available for non-executive directors. The IMI policy also offers global coverage as standard, so that companies are covered for claims made anywhere in the world, not just in a single territory. CFCs IMI product is suitable for hedge funds, long-only equity funds, private equity and venture capitalists, real estate investment trusts (REITs) and other property (UK) and real estate (U.S.) funds as well as registered investment advisers. It provides investment managers and financial institutions with a maximum liability limit of $10,000,000 and minimum policy premiums start at $10,000. Financial institutions are not only changing how they do business by utilizing technology in new and different ways, theyre also subject to significant regulatory burden and an increasing threat of cyber crime, said Neil Beaton, Financial Institutions Practice leader at CFC. The insurance market has failed to adapt to these new exposures, so CFC is developing a modern, relevant suite of products that cater to the emerging risks that financial institutions face today, he added. We saw a clear gap in the market for a comprehensive product addressing the need for protection against emerging, complex risks in the investment management space. Being able to offer a fully blended policy reduces gaps and overlaps in cover, Beaton explained. CFC announced the creation of its financial institutions practice led by Beaton in November 2017. Beaton was recently joined by veteran financial institutions and cyber underwriter Josephine Tam, most recently of JLT Specialty and AXIS Insurance in New York. Source: CFC Underwriting Topics Cyber Underwriting The Iowa Insurance Division reported that a Madrid, Iowa, insurance agent has been charged with fraud after an investigation by the divisions fraud bureau. The IID said Joy Marie Heldt, age 48, was charged with Fraudulent Submissions (Class D Felony). The charge stems from an investigation that began in March. Heldt was arrested on June 6 and booked into the Polk County Jail. Iowa insurance regulators allege Heldt submitted a fraudulent application for insurance coverage to an insurer. Her insurance producer license was revoked in March. The Associated Press reported that Heldt is scheduled to appear in court for arraignment on July 23. Her attorney Tim McCarthy told the AP shell be entering a not guilty plea. Topics Agencies Fraud Abuse Molestation Iowa As Hurricane Irma bore down on Florida last September, the top U.S. disaster response official ordered all hands on deck. With 4,500 Federal Emergency Management Agency staffers already helping survivors of Hurricane Harvey in Texas, FEMA chief Brock Long told managers in an internal memo to ready every member of the agencys on-call reservist workforce for deployment. In the following months, thousands of FEMA reservists, who account for about half of the agencys disaster response personnel, would descend on Florida, Puerto Rico, California and elsewhere to help recovery efforts after an unprecedented string of natural disasters. But not all would respond. About 500 reservists, or one of every twelve workers, ignored FEMAs deployment request, current and former officials told Reuters. We didnt even hear from them, Patrick Hernandez, who oversees FEMAs disaster workforce, said in an interview. We need to get people in here who understand the system and adhere to the protocols. With the 2018 hurricane season already underway, FEMA is scrambling to hire more people who are willing to depart at a moments notice for assignments that can last months at a stretch. Internal documents obtained through a Freedom of Information Act request show the agencys disaster-response force is understaffed by 26 percent. And as last year revealed, many of those who sign up dont always respond when needed. That comes at a cost. At times, staffing shortages force FEMA to shuffle personnel from one disaster to the next and in some cases rely on workers who do not know how to do the job effectively, according to interviews with 15 current and former FEMA workers. Some local officials say the agencys central mission getting federal aid where it is needed is undercut by the constant turnover. They had no knowledge of the system. They had no knowledge about how to do anything but fill out forms, said Junior Shelton, mayor of Central, Louisiana, which experienced catastrophic flooding in 2016. Were still sitting around waiting for that money to get here. Hernandez said staffing issues have not affected FEMAs ability to get the job done. I would not agree with that statement wholeheartedly, he said. A VERY LOW NUMBER The extraordinary string of domestic disasters in 2017 continues to weigh on the U.S. agency. With thousands of workers still out in the field, official figures show that 33 percent of FEMAs disaster-response workforce is available for deployment, down from 56 percent at this time last year. Some specialties are stretched especially thin: Only 13 percent of the workers who direct federal aid to pay for rebuilding costs after a disaster hits are currently available. Thats a very low number, and that would be very scary going into more disasters, said Elizabeth Zimmerman, a former senior FEMA official. Unlike military reservists, those who work for FEMA dont have a guarantee that their regular jobs will be available when they return home. As a result, most are retirees who dont need steady work or recent college graduates who dont yet have a full-time job, current and former managers say. Reservists are allowed to turn down up to three assignments each year, meaning FEMA cannot count on a full reserve force during peak periods. According to internal figures, FEMAs reservist corps has grown by roughly 1,000 workers over the past year. Still, it remains 3,700 workers short of the 10,949 reservists it has determined it needs to be able to respond to several disasters at once. Some reservists say they are not in a position to accept months-long assignments far from their homes. I could get a phone call tomorrow telling me to go to Puerto Rico, but the truth is Im not going to go, said Alessandra Jerolleman, who said family obligations prevent her from leaving Louisiana. FEMA officials point out they can pull in other types of workers when needed. Some 22,000 federal employees from agencies like the Defense Department participated in disaster relief work with FEMA in 2017, for example. We rely on our reservists and we love them, said FEMAs Hernandez. But FEMAs made up of a lot of different elements. SECOND-CLASS CITIZENS FEMA also hires residents of disaster zones to help out, a practice that is widely praised for boosting employment and harnessing local knowledge. But some say it can hinder FEMAs effectiveness. Carlos Mercader, Puerto Ricos top lobbyist in Washington, said he received numerous complaints of poorly trained FEMA workers who assess damaged houses in a seemingly arbitrary manner. While one might be declared a total loss, another that appeared to suffer similar damage might be denied reconstruction assistance, he said. Local hires accounted for more than half of the 2,878 FEMA employees in Puerto Rico in May, according to agency figures obtained by Reuters. Only 100 are permanent FEMA employees. They probably should be sending us more people with as much experience as possible, Mercader said. FEMA officials say Congress could help with recruiting and retaining reservists by guaranteeing they can keep their regular jobs while on assignment, as is the case with military reservists. Officials have also asked Congress to change hiring laws to give reservists preferential status when they apply for a full-time FEMA job. Congress has yet to act on those requests. But FEMAs own actions may also drive away some who are willing to serve, reservists say. Paul Seldes, 59, said he tried unsuccessfully since 2011 to find an assignment that matched his background in field operations. Instead, the agency repeatedly asked him to report to a telephone call center to screen financial-aid requests from disaster survivors. By last fall, he no longer bothered to respond to such deployment requests, he said. I have this capability, I have this knowledge, I have this training why dont you want to listen to me? he said. (Reporting by Andy Sullivan Editing by Kevin Drawbaugh and Paul Thomasch) Topics Catastrophe Natural Disasters Hurricane Look around, and it seems more Americans are working outside traditional full-time jobs whether as freelance graphic designers or independent contractors or Uber drivers. Or maybe not. A government report this week suggested that the proportion of such jobs hasnt budged in the past decade. Yet the data carries limitations that indicate theres still plenty that isnt known about the evolving U.S. job market. The Labor Departments report concluded that more than 15 million Americans were working as independent contractors, on-call workers, temporary workers and for contract companies as of May 2017. Thats equal to about 10.1 percent of the American workforce, down slightly from 10.8 percent when the government last conducted the survey, in 2005. That conclusion contradicts a body of academic research that has found a significant increase in what economists call alternative work arrangements. Two leading economists, Lawrence Katz and Alan Krueger, found in a 2016 study that the number of people in alternative work had risen by more than 50 percent in 2015 from a decade earlier, to 23.6 million. Gig Worker Population Not as Big as Expected. Maybe. And the Federal Reserve released a report last month that said nearly one-third of Americans rely on side jobs or so-called gig work to supplement their incomes. So what might explain the disparities between the governments report and other research? Here are areas where economists agree with the reports conclusions, where they found it lacking and why it all matters: GIG ECONOMY HYPE IS OVERDONE You may be able to grab an Uber in every big city. But that doesnt mean the nation as a whole is engulfed by people finding work through mobile apps. The governments report appears to put the gig economy in proper perspective: Such jobs hardly seem to represent the future of work in America. Katz and Krugers study found that just 0.5 percent of workers engaged in online gig work in 2015. The growth they found had occurred mostly among independent contractors and workers for companies that provide contract services, such as cleaning services or security guards. A separate study by JPMorgan Chase Institute estimated that gig workers were leveling off at about 1 percent of the workforce in 2016. Still, Katz said he was surprised by the government reports overall conclusions. The improving economy and an unemployment rate at an 18-year low of 3.8 percent could have pulled some people into traditional full-time jobs in the tow and one-half years years since their report, Katz said. MORE DRIVERS, FEWER CONSTRUCTION WORKERS There are more independent workers in some industries, but they were offset in the government data by declines elsewhere, says Lucas Puente, chief economist at Thumbtack, an online marketplace for photographers, plumbers and other contractors. The number of independent contractors rose by about 200,000 in transportation from 2005 to 2017, the governments report found. That likely reflects the growth of ride-hailing services. But the number of independent contractors in construction fell by about 225,000 over the same period, probably because of the housing bust, Puente said. DRIVE FOR UBER PART TIME? YOU WERENT COUNTED Puentes and some other analysts said the governments report probably undercounted the number of people in alternative jobs. In considering whether to include someone as part of the alternative workforce, it considered only a workers primary job. So anyone who worked at a retailer for, say, 20 hours a week and drove for Uber 10 hours a week wasnt counted in the governments calculation of alternative workers. In most surveys, the Labor Department focuses on primary jobs and collects little information on secondary work. Yet roughly one-third of the contractors on Thumbtack use it only for secondary sources of income, Puentes said. And for some gig economy apps, that figure can reach 80 percent. In addition, the government asked people only whether theyd worked independently in the past week. Given the erratic work schedules of many gig workers _ most prize the flexibility it affords _ that narrowly phrased question might also have contributed to an undercount. TAX RECORDS POINT TO MORE INDEPENDENT WORK Another puzzle is that tax data suggests that more Americans are self-employed as freelancers or independent contractors, Katz said. The proportion of Americans filing Schedule C forms, used for business income, has risen steadily in the past decade, even while the Labor Departments surveys have found that self-employment has declined. It looks like it is increasingly difficult to measure self-employment, Katz said. CONTRACTED OUT? YOU MIGHT NOT HAVE BEEN COUNTED, EITHER Katz and Kruegers 2016 study found a sizable increase in Americans working for contracting firms companies that provide, for example, janitorial or security services. Many economists regard that as a bigger concern than gig workers: When a company contracts out its services, it typically does so to cut costs through lower wages or skimpier benefits. Successful companies typically pay even their lower-skilled employees above-average wages; theyre much less likely to do so for contractors. Yet the government counted only a subset of contract workers those who work for just one customer, like security guards at a specific building. It didnt include people who work for multiple customers, such as employees at a commercial laundry cleaning linen for a hotel that once did it in-house. The government wanted to avoid also counting higher-end consultants and others who serve multiple companies. A much more important phenomenon (than gig workers) is this domestic outsourcing, and we dont measure that very well, Eileen Appelbaum, co-director of the Center for Economic and Policy Research. They show up in the data as standard employees. SO WHAT DOES IT MATTER? The governments report was the subject of intense interest in part because of the impact it might have on the policy debates surrounding independent work. Freelance advocates say their ranks are growing steadily. Many say policymakers should consider ways to help them, such as by making health and retirement benefits more portable from job to job. But if independent work isnt growing much, than such changes arent as urgent. If we dont understand the labor market in the United States, we wont have policies that reflect how it works, said Stephane Kasriel, CEO of Upwork, an online freelance marketplace. Related: Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics USA Contractors Sharing Economy Ridesharing Uber The Insurance Council of Texas (ICT) in July will host what the association says is its largest student recruitment event ever held for insurance and risk management students. ITCs 3rd Annual Speed Interview and Network Session takes place on Thursday, July 12, at the Hyatt Regency Austin, prior to the beginning of its 26th Annual Property and Casualty Insurance Symposium. This year, 39 ICT scholarship recipients will be interviewed by 23 insurers representing companies, agencies and the Texas Department of Insurance. The event is an effort by ICT to provide students with an opportunity to interview and network with a group of insurance companies and others in one setting. Not only do we reward insurance and risk management students with scholarships, we also work hard to try and give them opportunities to find careers in insurance, ICTs spokesperson Mark Hanna said in the associations announcement. After every semester, we offer the resumes of our ICT scholarship recipients to ICT Member companies that are searching for applicants. The Speed Interview session gives the students a chance for a one-on-one conversation with employers, and helps to bring more graduating students into our aging industry. The students are recent graduates or near graduation and are recommended for ICT scholarships by their insurance and risk management professors. Many ICT member companies have participated in the event and we are hoping more will take advantage of this opportunity in the future. This is a great program, stated Travelers Aaron Garcia, who participated in the 2nd Annual Speed Interview and Network session. These students are prepared, theyre knowledgeable and extremely sharp. If I took this alongside a normal career fair where you do something along the same lines, this event blows it out of the water. This years students represent nine Texas universities that receive ICT academic funding and scholarships each year. The interview session lasts a total of two-hours and students will have approximately 3 minutes with each participating company. After the Speed Interview session, both company representatives and students have some time to network and exchange additional information. Afterwards, students and their professors are taken to lunch courtesy of QuestPro and then are taken on a two-hour tour and visit at the Texas Department of Insurance. That evening, students will attend a Welcome and Networking reception, which includes a silent auction, whose proceeds go to ICTs Education Foundation. The students also attend all of the ICT Symposium which ends Friday afternoon. Source: ICT Topics Texas Talent Gov. Greg Abbott has appointed Cassie Brown as Commissioner of Workers Compensation at the Texas Department of Insurance (TDI). She succeeds Ryan Brannan, who left the division on May 1. Browns term expires Feb. 1, 2019. TDIs Division of Workers Compensation regulates the workers compensation system in Texas, ensuring injured workers receive the necessary benefits to quickly return to work, and that workers compensation costs are kept at a reasonable level for Texas employers. Brown currently is deputy commissioner for Regulatory Policy at the Texas Department of Insurance, where she has served since 2011. Previously, she served as a policy advisor to Gov. Rick Perry. Brown received a Bachelor of Arts in political science from St. Edwards University and attended the Governors Executive Development Program at The University of Texas LBJ School of Public Affairs. Topics Texas Workers' Compensation Talent The West Virginia Supreme Court says a Rhode Island woman whose husband died of carbon monoxide poisoning at a hotel is entitled to West Virginia workers compensation benefits. The state Workers Compensation Board of Review had ruled Louise Moran could not receive the West Virginia benefits because she had earlier been awarded benefits in Rhode Island. The high court last week overturned the boards finding, saying Moran was eligible for benefits because those awarded in Rhode Island were suspended in December 2014 after she settled a civil action. William J. Moran of Warwick, Rhode Island, was employed by a Rhode Island contractor and was staying at a South Charleston hotel when a carbon monoxide leak from the swimming pools heating unit killed him and sickened several other people in January 2012. Copyright 2021 Associated Press. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed. Topics Workers' Compensation Virginia One of the interesting features of the foreign exchange market is that it is open 24 hours a day. Around the clock trading allows investors from across the globe to trade during normal business hours, after work, or even in the middle of the night. However, not all times of the day are created equal when it comes to trading forex. Although there is always a market for this most liquid of asset classes called forex, there are times when price action is consistently volatile and periods when it is muted. What's more, different currency pairs exhibit varying activity over certain times of the trading day due to the general demographic of those market participants who are online at the time. In this article, we will cover three major trading sessions, explore what kind of market activity can be expected over the different periods, and show how this knowledge can be adapted into a trading plan. Understanding the 24-Hour Forex Market A 24-hour forex market offers a considerable advantage for many institutional and individual traders because it guarantees liquidity and the opportunity to trade at any conceivable time. However, although currencies can be traded anytime, an individual trader can only monitor a position for so long. Key Takeaways The 24-hour forex trading session can be broken down into three manageable trading periods. Traders often focus on one of the three trading periods, rather than attempt to trade the markets 24 hours per day. Peak activity periods are the Asian, European, and North American sessions, which are also called Tokyo, London, and New York. Sometimes sessions will overlap, such as a four-hour period for peak activity in both Europe and North America. Volatility is sometimes elevated when forex trading sessions overlap. 1:40 Foreign Exchange (Forex) Definition Since most traders can't watch the market 24/7, there will be times of missed opportunities, or worsewhen a jump in volatility leads to a movement against an established position when the trader isn't around. For this reason, a trader needs to be aware of times of market volatility and decide when it is best to minimize this risk based on their trading style. Traditionally, the market is separated into three peak activity sessions: the Asian, European, and North American sessions, which are also referred to as the Tokyo, London, and New York sessions. These names are used interchangeably, as the three cities represent the major financial centers for each of the regions. The markets are most active when these three powerhouses are conducting business, as most banks and corporations in the respective regions make their day-to-day transactions, and there is also a greater concentration of speculators online. Asian Forex Session (Tokyo) When liquidity is restored to the forex (or FX) market at the start of the week, the Asian markets are naturally the first to see action. Unofficially, activity from this part of the world is represented by the Tokyo capital markets and spans from midnight to 6 a.m. Greenwich Mean Time (GMT). There are many other notable countries that are present during this period, however, including China, Australia, New Zealand, and Russia. Considering how scattered these markets are, it makes sense that the beginning and end of the Asian session are stretched beyond the standard Tokyo hours. Asian hours are often considered to run between 11 p.m. and 8 a.m. GMT, accounting for the activity within these different markets. European Forex Session (London) The European session takes over in keeping the currency market active just before the Asian trading hours come to a close. This FX time zone is very dense and includes a number of major financial markets that could stand in as the symbolic capital. London has taken the honors in defining the parameters for the European session to date. Official business hours in London run between 7:30 a.m. and 3:30 p.m. GMT. This trading period is also expanded due to other capital markets' presence (including Germany and France) before the official open in the U.K., while the end of the session is pushed back as volatility holds until after the close. Therefore, European hours typically run from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. GMT. The Stockholm International Peace Research Institute (SIPRI) has excellent data on military spending by nation. According to its research, the five biggest spenders in 2019 were the United States, China, India, Russia, and Saudi Arabia. Together, these countries made up around 60% of global military spending. In 2019, U.S. military expenditure increased by almost 5.3% to $732 billion. China increased its military spending by 5.1%, India increased its spending by 6.8%, Russia increased it by 4.5%, and Saudi Arabia decreased it by 16%. As with any government spending, these investments have an impact on the economies of the nations that make them. The Why of Military Spending Military spending is one area where there is no private solution. No single corporation or group of citizens is motivated and trustworthy enough to take financial responsibility for maintaining a nation's military. Key Takeaways Every dollar spent on defense is a dollar not spent on other public services. On the other hand, dollars spent on the military wind up in the private sector as payment for goods and services the military requires. Military spending may skew civilian technology development, but talent and applications flow both ways. Adam Smith, a father of free-market economics, identified the defense of society as one of the primary functions of government and a justification for reasonable taxation. The government is acting on behalf of the public to ensure that the military is capable of defending the nation. In practice, defending the nation expands to defending a nations strategic interests. And, the whole concept of sufficient is up for debate in any democracy. The Hole That Debt Built Capital is finite, and capital going into one spending category means less money for something else. This fact becomes more urgent when we consider that any government spending that exceeds revenues results in a deficit, adding to the national debt. A ballooning national debt has an economic impact on everyone. As the debt grows, the interest expense of the debt grows and the cost of borrowing increases due to the risk that increased debt represents. In theory, the increased debt will eventually drag on economic growth and drive taxes higher. The Cost of Borrowing The U.S. has historically enjoyed generous debt terms from domestic and international lenders. That tends to reduce political pressure to cut military spending in order to reduce the deficit. Some advocates for decreased military spending might tie it to a real or potential increase in the mortgage rates people pay, given the relationship between Treasury yields and commercial lending. This reasoning holds and military spending does sit as a large percentage of discretionary spending. In other nations, particularly ones that are still developing economically, a focus on military spending often means foregoing other important priorities. Many nations have a standing military but an unreliable public infrastructure, from hospitals to roads to schools. North Korea is an extreme example of what an unrelenting focus on military spending can do to the standard of living for the general population. The generous debt terms that the U.S. enjoys are far from universal, so the trade-off between military spending and public infrastructure is more painful for many nations. Employment and Military Spending Jobs are a big part of the economic impact of military spending. In addition to supporting the troops, military spending creates a considerable infrastructure to support the active-duty personnel. Then there are the private businesses that spring up as a result of the military spending, including everything from weapons manufacturers to the restaurants that pop up near military bases. Public vs. Private A free-market economist would point out that the public dollars supporting those may be sucking the equivalent number of jobsor moreout of the private economy due to the taxation required to create them. It really comes down to whether or not you believe a standing military is a necessity. If it is, then some jobs will need to be sacrificed in the private sector to make that happen. Technological Developments One argument for the negative economic impact of military spending is that it diverts critical talent and technical skills towards military research and development. Guns and Butter This famous model illustrates the balance between military and civilian spending priorities. On the other hand, technology and talent flow back and forth between military and civilian roles. Military research has been vital to the creation of the microwave, the internet, and global positioning systems (GPS), among other applications. We now have drones taking wedding photos and, at least in tests, delivering packages for Amazon.com. Much of the expense of creating the basic technology was covered through military spending. Guns and Butter The guns and butter curve is a classic illustration of how there is an opportunity cost to every expenditure. If you believe a standing military is a necessity for a nation, the size of that military can be disputed but its existence cannot. The economic cost of defense spending shows up in the national debt and in a dislocation of potential jobs from the private sector to the public. There is an economic distortion of any industry that the military relies on as resources are diverted to produce better fighter planes and weapons. All of these costs are necessary for a nation to bear if they are to defend themselves. We give up some butter to have guns. The Big Question The real question is what an adequate amount of military spending is, given that every extra dollar spent above the necessary level is a loss to public spending on any other purpose. In a democracy, that issue is debated by publicly elected officials and changes from year to year. In recent years, military spending in the U.S. as a percentage of the overall budget has been declining as military engagements abroad wind down. In non-democratic nations, however, the level of adequate spending is decided by a select few and may come at an even greater cost to the countrys citizens. A change in a country's balance of payments can cause fluctuations in the exchange rate between its currency and foreign currencies. The reverse is also true when a fluctuation in relative currency strength can alter balance of payments. Balance of Payments and Exchange Rates A balance of payment is a statement of all transactions made between entities in one country and the rest of the world over a specific time frame, such as a quarter or a year. Two dynamics are in play which link a country's balance of payment and changes in the value of its currency: the market for all financial transactions on the international market (balance of payments) and the supply and demand for a specific currency (exchange rate). Key Takeaways Balance of payments is the statement of a country's trade with other nations. The relationship between balance of payments and exchange rates under a floating-rate exchange system will be driven by the supply and demand for the country's currency and all transactions taking place with other countries. Suppose a consumer in France wants to purchase goods from an American company. The American company is not likely to accept euros as payment. It wants U.S. dollars. Somehow the French consumer needs to purchase U.S. dollars (ostensibly by selling euros in the forex market) and exchange them for the American product. Today, most of these exchanges are automated through an intermediary, so that the individual consumer doesn't have to enter the forex market to make an online purchase. After the trade is made, it is recorded in the current account portion of the balance of payments. The same holds true for investments, loans or other capital flows. American companies normally do not want foreign currencies to finance their operations, thus their expectation is for foreign investors to send them dollars. In this scenario, capital flows between countries show up in the capital account portion of the balance of payments. As more U.S. dollars are demanded to satisfy the needs of foreign investors or consumers, upward pressure is placed on the price of U.S. dollars. Put another way: it costs relatively more to exchange for U.S. dollars, in terms of foreign currencies. Special Considerations The exchange rate for U.S. dollars may not rise if other factors are concurrently weighing it down. For example, an expansionary monetary policy might increase the supply of U.S. dollars and decrease its value relative to other currencies. The relationship between balance of payments and exchange rates described here exists only under a free or floating exchange rate regime. The balance of payments does not impact the exchange rate in a fixed-rate system, because central banks adjust currency flows to offset the international exchange of funds. The world has not operated under any single rules-based or fixed exchange-rate system since the end of Bretton Woods in the 1970s. What Is Autotrading? Autotrading is a trading plan where buy and sell orders are automatically placed based on an underlying system or program. These orders are placed when the trade conditions in the underlying system or program are met. Key Takeaways Autotrading is when buy and sell orders are placed automatically based on a programmed strategy. Advanced autotrading, which limits human participation in the trading program, requires a sophisticated trading program. Autotrading allows for rapid execution of orders, as soon as a programmed strategy's conditions are met. Autotrading programs can be based on nearly any strategy, but the strategy must be programmable and thoroughly tested for profitability before attempting to run it. Understanding Autotrading Autotrading allows investors to capitalize on market opportunities in real time. It typically involves complex programming and, in some cases, sophisticated trading platforms that support external programming or plug-ins. Traders can design their application or connect to a program, to make automated trades based on a customized strategy. Basic forms of autotrading can be utilized by all types of retail investors. For example, setting orders that will execute in the future when certain criteria are met is the most basic form of autotrading. On a more advanced level, autotrading eliminates human input entirely. Once the software is programmed, it will continue to run without the need for human interference or input. In the advanced case, traders will still monitor their programs closely to make sure it is operating as expected. Overall, autotrading systems are used in a wide range of markets including stocks, futures, options, and forex. Autotrading Capabilities Autotrading requires a predetermined trading strategy. The strategy is the basis for the computerized program, defining when and why it will trade. It can be structured in various ways for all types of investors. Retail investors may deploy basic autotrading plans that make investments at regular intervals, or that place conditional orders in stocks that meet certain parameters. Conditional orders allow an investor to enter trades at specified levels for automatic execution when a price is reached. Institutional investors and technical traders will use complex systems that allow for conditional orders and strategies such as grid trading, trend trading, scalping, or fading. Many technical day traders will only work with brokers that allow plug-ins or external programs to connect to their platform, or that offer a coding program within the platform itself to create indicators and autotrading programs. Brokerage platforms such as TD Ameritrade and Interactive Brokers, for example, offer coding and autotrading capabilities. Institutional investors will typically have their own proprietary trading platforms that allow for autotrading through algorithmic programming. Autotrading Strategies Institutional investors may use complex algorithms that seek to place trades for investment portfolios based on defined criteria governed by a portfolios objective. This may include buying or selling securities automatically to maintain a specific percentage or dollar allocation to each stock, or matching the holdings in the portfolio to an index. Technical day traders will use autotrading to invest based on technical market signals. They commonly use complex conditional orders for auto trading. These types of orders allow an investor to specify an entry price and build a collar around the trade to institute predetermined profit and loss levels for risk management. Autotrading programs can be built to capitalize on developing trends, trade gaps, trade ranges, or scalp the bid/ask spread. There are countless strategies. Utilizing them is only limited by the trader's ability to come up with profitable strategies and effectively program them. Autotrading is also popular for investors in the forex market. Most brokers offer a platform that comes equipped with the ability to install applications offered by other traders and businesses. A word of caution: the widespread use of autotrading in the forex market has led to an abundance of low quality, untested software. The field is littered with scammers. Forex traders can also create their own trading programs by using MetaTrader 4 or MetaTrader 5 coding language called MQL4 and MQL5, for example. Autotrading Strategy Criteria Autotrading may sound simple, but programming even a simple trading strategy requires is complex. Rules need to be simple enough to be coded, and can't include subjectivity, as the computer needs defined rules. Things to consider include, but are not limited to: Position size, and how it will be defined; How trades will be entered, and what specific parameters will trigger a trade; How trades will be closed, and what triggers the closing of a trade; Constraints on the system, such as when it should or shouldn't trade; Need for safeguards. These topics are elaborated on in more detail below. Defining position size For example, a position size could be equal to 10% of account equity. Or it could be more advanced, first defining the difference between the entry price and stop loss, setting a maximum risk, such as 1% of the account capital, and then defining the position size based on the 1% risk and the distance between the stop loss and entry on the particular trade. This more advanced position sizing approach is sometimes called optimal position sizing since the position size changes based on the particulars of a trade. Entering trades For example, for a trade to be entered on a moving average (MA), crossover requires that the price first be on one side of the MA, and then be on the other. The data source must also be specified. How is the price determined: the last price? the bid price? the ask price? Closing trades This could be accomplished by placing limit orders and stop loss orders at the outset of the trade. These orders will close the trade at the order prices, whether the trade is profitable or unprofitable. A more complex strategy could be to program a trailing stop loss. System constraints This includes things like such as when the programmer shouldn't or should trade. For example, the programmer may not want the program to run until five minutes after the stock market opens. Therefore, they would need to put in a time constraint in the programming code. Safeguards For example, if more than 5% equity is lost, or an open trade is losing more than a defined amount, the program closes all trades and/or an email is sent to an administrator to check on the program. These are basic criteria to consider when making an automated trading program. The more complex the system, the more criteria and factors that need to be considered. What Is a Government Broker? A government broker is a senior British securities broker in the market for U.K. government gilts. The government broker is authorized to purchase and sell government gilt securities in the primary market and on the London Stock Exchange. A government broker is a British securities broker authorized to buy and sell government gilt securities. Gilt securities are high-grade bonds issued by governments and private organizations as a means of generating revenue. Prior to 1986, one company, Mullens & Co., was the main U.K. government broker. But in 1986, the "Big Bang" agreement deregulated and modernized financial markets. As a result, the Bank of England opened its own gilt-edged division. Since 1986, government brokers have had to have a special license and have taken on the name gilt-edged market makers (GEMMs). Understanding Government Brokers Prior to 1986, Mullens & Co. served as the primary government broker. But in 1986, Mullens & Co. was sold to bank SG Warburg amid the changes in the U.K. financial markets. In 1986, the Bank of England opened its gilt-edged division as part of the Big Bang agreement, which changed the operational activities for trading gilts. The Big Bang created massive market upheaval on the London Stock Exchange by abolishing fixed commission rates for stockbrokers and doing away with exchange rules that established a formal division between brokers and "jobbers" or wholesalers. The London securities market was in large part modernized and has since become a major force in the globalization of financial markets. Modern-Day Government Brokers After 1986, a key change in the gilt market was the classification for government brokers, which widened. Government brokers became required to have a special license and took on the name gilt-edged market makers (GEMM). Gilt-edged market makers are authorized to deal in the issuance and trading of gilt-edged securities. GEMMs must obtain a gilt trading license from the Bank of England for trading gilts. The license provides access to operational government reporting and authorization for trading gilts. Licensed GEMMs can trade both of the two types of gilts known as conventional and indexed. Requirements for GEMMs GEMMs participate in both the primary issuance of gilts and the secondary trading market. The U.K. Debt Management Office (DMO) has specific obligations that GEMMs must meet, including quotas for primary issuance and participation expectations in trading. The DMOs obligations and expectations are detailed in the GEMM Guidebook by the United Kingdom Debt Management Office. The DMO's Role The DMO is tasked with the daily management of the U.K.s government gilt debt including the holding of primary issuance auctions for debt securities. Conventional gilts are the simplest of the two gilt offerings. Conventional gilts are also the greatest outstanding and as such the largest liability of the DMO. Index-linked gilts make regular payments accounting for inflation. The DMO promises to pay gilt holders coupons and principal at maturity. Any individual or institutional investor can purchase gilts from the DMO or in the secondary market. Gilts are issued in 100-pound units. Bidders in primary issuance can buy through a GEMM as an intermediary or they may register as a member of the DMOs Approved Group of Investors for direct purchases. In secondary market gilt dealings, GEMMs are market makers for gilt debt trading. Active Buyers Pension funds are one of the most active buyers of gilts in both the primary and secondary markets. Individual investors are also active, choosing gilts for their steady income and low-risk characteristics. What Is a Runner? A runner is short-hand for a junior broker-dealer employee who delivers a trade order to the broker's floor trader for execution. Runners are often entry-level positions which lead to clerks and ultimately traders or brokers. Key Takeaways A runner is a junior employee on the floor of a securities exchange that transmits order information about trades to the appropriate destinations. While floor trading is giving way to electronic markets, runners still play a crucial role on the remaining trading pits. Runners are entry-level positions, where an individual can work their way up to trader or broker. Understanding Runners In the days of open outcry floor trading, orders for buying and selling securities were written down on paper tickets, which needed to be processed by the exchange and each counterparty's clearing firm. Runners were junior employees who worked on the floor of the exchange, running from trader to trader (or broker) in order to collect and disseminate trade ticket information to the correct location. Runners served an important task for floor trading. While automated technical communication takes a larger part in the execution of trades throughout the trading day, floor trading is still a component of some exchanges. The New York Stock Exchange still utilizes floor traders, many of which are also employee runners. Floor traders work for broker-dealers and execute large trades by physically working at exchanges where they may employ runners to support their trading activities. Exchange Floor Trading Floor trading continues to remain popular on some exchanges despite the growing use of technical trade automation. Many market participants and exchanges believe it is an important component for marketing and branding exchange trading across the financial industry. Depending on the operational procedures for each broker-dealer, they may or may not use a runner to execute trade orders. Some broker-dealers manage their own communication between clients by personally taking orders, writing orders, and executing orders in an exchange's pit. Broker-dealers who do utilize brokers will have them available to take customer orders from a trade clerk who manages and writes out incoming orders to be executed. If a runner is used, the runner will usually be responsible for delivering the trade order to the companys broker located in the exchange's trading pit. The runner communicates all terms associated with a market order as it was placed by the customer to the clerk. Runners are generally low paid employees receiving less than minimum wage. However, it is essential that they communicate orders correctly to ensure error-free executions. Runners are usually also responsible for returning executed orders to the broker-dealers clerk for final entry. Floor brokers are market makers who will work from the exchange's trading pit to match an order with a corresponding counterpart. Just like electronic market makers, floor brokers use a bid-ask quoting system. This system requires them to buy at the bid price from a seller and sell at the ask price to a buyer. Floor brokers can be responsible for either buying or selling securities on the trading floor. On the trading floor they do this by shouting orders, using hand signals or following the exchange's pit trading system. Once a corresponding position has been identified for their order, the broker will receive a payment for the spread. In all trading scenarios the ask must always be higher than the bid for a trade to execute. Floor brokers are also subject to certain rules and regulations of exchanges and regulators. By Louise Roseingrave A Dublin maternity hospital has apologised to the parents of a stillborn baby whose identical twin survived. Baby Ethan Carson was born unresponsive and pronounced dead 15 minutes later despite best efforts to save his life on September 11, 2015. His twin brother Andrew turns three this September. We have had to fight for two years and nine months to uncover the truth and finally get answers as to what happened to our baby Ethan," the Carson family said in their statement. Speaking after an inquest into baby Ethan's death at Dublin Coroner's Court, the family said the twins had grown in 'perfect unity.' "What should have been one of the happiest days of our lives turned into utter devastation. Ethan and Andrew grew alongside each other in perfect unity. They were absolute mirror images of each other. Andrew has been denied a lifetime of memories he should be sharing with his brother, the family stated. The Rotunda Hospital apologised to the babys parents for the distress they suffered at the loss of baby Ethan. The care afforded to you on September 10 and 11 2015 fell below the standard we would expect and aspire to, the hospital stated in its apology. The hospital noted that cardiotocography (CTG) tracings of the babys heartbeat and fetal monitoring in particular fell below expected standards. Baby Ethan's mother Barbara Carson, from Castleknock in Dublin, was admitted to hospital on September 9 2015 due to a suspected deep vein thrombosis. The twins were born by Cesarean section at 2.33pm and 2.34pm two days later but Ethan was pronounced dead shortly after birth. In her autopsy Pathologist Dr Emma Doyle found the baby died due to a complication of the umbilical cord that had gone undiagnosed. Staff at the Rotunda found no evidence of any complications prior to the birth, despite repeated CTG tracings. At autopsy, the pathologist identified a condition known as velamentous cord. This left the umbilical cord more vulnerable because it had inserted into the fetal membranes and not the placenta. Dr Doyle found evidence of compression of the cord, which in turn affected the babys oxygen levels. The autopsy revealed evidence of brain damage due to a lack of oxygen that affected the baby in the 24 hours before birth. Dr Doyle also found evidence of impaired fetal blood flow for up to a week before birth. The cause of death was brain damage due to vascular compression of a previously undiagnosed velamentous cord. Ultimately he died due to a lack of oxygen, Dr Doyle said. Coroner Dr Myra Cullinane returned a narrative verdict setting out the circumstances of the death. Speaking after the inquest, Raymond and Barbara Carson thanked their friends and family and their legal team. The hospitals apology speaks for itself," they said. By Gerard Cunningham RTE crime correspondent Paul Reynolds has told the Charleton tribunal his record speaks for itself in reporting on An Garda Siochana. The tribunal is looking at whether former commissioner Noirin O'Sullivan influenced or attempted to influence RTE broadcasts on 9 May 2016 in which Mr Reynolds discussed the leaked O'Higgins Commission report into complaints by whistleblower Sgt Maurice McCabe. Mr Reynolds said that he would ask whatever relevant questions needed to be asked when interviewing commissioners and that former Commissioner O'Sullivan had twice walked off during interviews, and RTE broadcast this. "It's a lazy assumption and unfair to say that I would be soft on people," Mr Reynolds said. "There are a number of interviews that have gone viral where I have asked difficult questions. My record speaks for itself, I will ask the hard questions when they need to be asked." Mr Reynolds said he had a brief encounter with former commissioner Martin Callinan on the day Mr Callinan appeared before the Public Accounts Committee to address the penalty points controversy in January 2014. "He shook his head and knew he shouldn't have said the word disgusting," Mr Reynolds said. Mr Reynolds said the former commissioner "never spoke to me in any way derogatorily about Sgt McCabe." In news reports broadcast on 9 May 2016, Mr Reynolds reported the O'Higgins Commission found Maurice McCabe acted out of "genuine concerns" but that allegations of corruption against a number of senior gardai were "unfounded". Reports also stated there was not a "scintilla" of evidence that Mr Callinan was corrupt, and said that Sgt McCabe "told a lie". Mr Reynolds said the evening before the first Morning Ireland report, he tried to contact Sgt McCabe and left a message, but Sgt McCabe did not respond. Sgt McCabe contacted RTE by phone and through his solicitor after the broadcasts to complain that the reports said he had "lied". "I knew it would be controversial because it's a big step to accuse someone of telling a lie," Mr Reynolds said. The Commission said Sgt McCabe told "an untruth" to his superior, Supt Michael Clancy, and Mr Reynolds said he consulted two dictionaries which defined an untruth as a lie. "I'm very sure we put it in the context that Justice O'Higgins said Sgt McCabe was nothing less than truthful in his evidence to the commission," Mr Reynolds said. Mr Reynolds said the responsibility of journalists was not to use parliamentary and diplomatic language they were given. The duty of a reporter is to tell it like it is, to get behind the word, Mr Reynolds said. Mr Reynolds said he obtained copies of the O'Higgins report from more than one source so that he could be sure he had the final copy and not draft versions. Mr Reynolds said he was claiming privilege over who gave him the copies. "I think the reports speak for themselves and if you compare the broadcasts with the final published report you can see that the broadcasts correlate with the report," Mr Reynolds said. Mr Reynolds said the scripts for his reports "were put through the full rigours of the RTE editorial process" and were looked at by several editors and "went right up to the top" including then acting director general Kevin Bakhurst. "I also thought the allegations of garda corruption was a huge issue," Mr Reynolds said. He said there were allegations made "against the highest police officer in the state" and four other senior officers." "Whatever I was preparing was being seen by my news editor, by different editors in Morning Ireland, News at One, online news, and television news broadcasts at 1pm, 6pm and 9pm," Mr Reynold said. "There is a chef news editor I was in correspondence with all week in relation to this, the managing editor of news above him, and then there is the acting director general," Mr Reynolds said. The tribunal saw several email exchanges between Mr Reynolds and news editors over the weekend before the news reports were broadcast. In one such exchange, chief news editor Ray Burke wrote that "it is certain that you and RTE News will be subject to suspicion that we are favouring the Gardai and therefore biased against McCabe" when suggesting editing changes in preparing the reports. "In fairness to Ray his antenna were up," Mr Reynolds said. Another email from managing editor Hilary McGouran advised Mr Reynolds: As you know it's a tricky one, so be conscious of your tone and delivery so it doesn't sound like you agree or otherwise with the various findings. You don't want to sound pro or anti anyone. "I thought it was good advice," Mr Reynolds said. "I thought it was vitally important I not be seen to be on anybody's side and that I just report factually and accurately the findings." Mr Reynolds was asked about an email from Mr Burke on avoiding bias and clarifying that an accusation of corruption against Mr Callinan was unfounded, which said "I think a lead-in like that does not put the boot into Sgt McCabe straight away. Mr Reynolds said the language used in exchanges was often "unparliamentary and robust", and "certainly not language that was intended to be pored over by teams of lawyers. Mr Reynolds said that in the context of the entire exchange, Mr Burke had meant that the reports had to make it clear that RTE were not making criticisms, that they were reporting the findings of the O'Higgins commission. "Everything we had to put on air had to be straight from the report," Mr Reynolds said. Mr Reynolds said it never made sense to him that Sgt McCabe might be motivated by bitterness because of a garda investigation into sexual abuse allegations, "because he was exonerated". "My belief was that his [McCabe's] motivation was genuine and legitimate and he was pursuing these cases," Mr Reynolds said. Mr Reynolds said that in speaking to people while preparing for his report on the O'Higgins commission, various people praised Sgt McCabe, and called him "a committed and diligent station sergeant. "This was positive briefing, if you like," Mr Reynolds said. The tribunal continues this afternoon. - Digital Desk By Sonya McLean A tax inspector said he carried out three assessments on Independent TD Michael Lowry and his company after it was discovered that a payment was accounted for in 2006 when it had actually been received four years earlier. It is the State's case that Mr Lowry's company received Stg 248,624 (372,000) in commission from Norpe OY, a refrigeration company based in Finland, in August 2002. It is alleged that Mr Lowry arranged for this payment to be made to a third party, residing in the Isle of Man, and therefore it didn't appear in the company accounts for that year, nor did he declare it as income. It is further alleged that the accounts were then falsified in 2007 to reflect that the payment was received in 2006. Mr Lowry (64) of Glenreigh, Holycross, Co. Tipperary, has pleaded not guilty at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court to four charges of filing incorrect tax returns on dates between August 2002 and August 2007 in relation to a sum of Stg 248,624 received by his company, Garuda Ltd and one charge in relation to failing to keep a proper set of accounts on dates between 28 August, 2002 and August 3, 2007. He further pleaded not guilty on behalf of Garuda Ltd to three similar charges in relation to the company's tax affairs and one charge of failing to keep a proper set of accounts on the same dates. The jury has seen a letter signed by Mr Lowry, dated January 2007 and addressed to Neale O'Hanlon, a partner in the accounting firm employed by Garuda. It was received while Mr O'Hanlon's practice, BBT, were auditing Garuda's accounts. The letter stated that while the payment from Norpe was paid directly to Mr Lowry, it was properly due to the company and therefore should be reflected in the 2006 accounts. It instructed Mr O'Hanlon to set the payment against the director's loan. Henry Oliver, inspector of taxes in the investigation unit of Revenue told Remy Farrell SC, prosecuting, that he carried out a corporation tax computation in August 2013 because he believed Garuda had a tax liability as a consequence of the 2002 Norpe payment being incorrectly accounted for in 2006. Mr Oliver said Garuda owed corporation tax on the sum of 372,000 at 16% which was the tax rate at the time. He said with penalties and fine, he assessed the company as owing 101,254. He said he allowed for the fact that Garuda paid corporation tax on the 372,000 figure in 2006 when they actually accounted for it, but noted that corporation tax at that time was 12.5%, 3.5% less than it had been four years earlier. Mr Oliver said he subtracted the corporation tax which was paid in 2006 against the payment which he assessed should have been paid in 2002, and found that Garuda had an additional tax liability of 6,111. He said with an interest and penalities the resulting figure was just over 11,000. The witness said he also determined that Mr Lowry should have paid income tax in 2002 on the 372,000 received from Norpe. He concluded that what the TD owed was just over 516,000 which included fines and penalties. Mr Oliver said in addition, Garuda should have paid PAYE and PRSI on the 372,000 and concluded that it too then owed 510,000, again including fines and penalties. Judge Martin Nolan asked the witness: Even if Garuda didn't know this money was paid directly to Mr Lowry they were obligated to pay tax on it? Mr Oliver said yes they were obliged to pay tax even if they were unaware of it. He agreed that BBT responded to his letter and refused to accept that the 372,000 constituted income. Instead it was accounted for in the director's loan for the company and it was taxed at 20%. Mr Oliver accepted a suggestion from Michael O'Higgins SC, defending Mr,Lowry that the figure he had computed as being tax owed was a multiple of the commission received from Norpe. Mr Oliver told the jury he had decided that the 372,000 was an emolument, a wage or salary, received by Mr Lowry, which meant it was subject to income tax. He agreed that the 1.1 million he had determined both his client and Garuda owed was successfully appealed at an Appeals Commission and set at zero. The witness refused to accept a suggestion from counsel that the question of whether it is an emolument or not is a complicated. I disagree, Mr Oliver replied. Would there be room for two views? Mr O'Higgins asked. No, Mr Oliver answered. He agreed that when the case went to the Appeals Commission, both Revenue and Mr Lowry were represented by senior and junior counsel and two appeal commissioners adjudicated the hearing. Mr Oliver accepted that it was quite unusual for two appeal commissioners to sit together as they did in this case, acknowledging that in his career he had only seen one incidence of this. However, he still refused to accept that it was, as Mr O'Higgins suggested, a complicated matter. They determined it was not an emolument and set it at zero, counsel said. They determined there was no evidence to support an emolument, Mr Oliver replied. The trial continues before Judge Nolan and a jury of eight men and three women after one juror was excused due to illness. As we, our children, and maybe our grandchildren too, will have to pay for our 2008 economic collapse it would be wise to learn the lessons that catastrophe offers. Many of them revolve around the banks indifference to the idea of social responsibility if that commitment limited their capacity to generate profits. The pre-collapse figures recorded by Anglo Irish Bank, when that institution was imagined a visionary business rather than a mad hucksters tea party, sparked a contagion that otherwise sober bankers found irresistible. If Anglo can do it why cant we? became the mantra. In reality, that envy-bleating should have been the death knell for the freewheeling capitalism that earned Dublin the unattractive tag as the Wild West of European finance. But was it? A report by American and Danish academics that describes Ireland as the worlds biggest corporate tax haven suggests not. Economists at Berkeley and the University of Copenhagen found that multinationals filtered 90bn through the Irish system in 2015. That was more than all of the multinationals profits redirected to all of the Caribbean islands. They processed just 83bn. Switzerland, a light touch banking and tax destination, processed a modest 49bn. Naturally, but increasingly implausibly, the Department of Finance rejected as overly simplistic many of the damning findings in the Berkeley-Copenhagn report, The Missing Profits of Nations by Gabriel Zucman, Thomas Torslov, and Ludvig Wier. The Government rejected the notion that this Republic is a top-of-the-range tax haven, with Paschal Donohoe saying we have a competitive tax policy. These refutations seem lonely voices faced by ever-increasing challenges, especially on the issue of corporation tax. The latest condemnation is just one of many. The Federal Bank of New York reached the same conclusion as did Oxfam which placed Ireland sixth in a list of 15 countries that facilitated corporate tax avoidance. Ireland was described by Oxfam as a cog in a toxic global system that facilitates worsening inequality. This week former Greek finance minister Yanis Varoufakis went further. He said Ireland is a tax haven free-riding on the rest of Europe. That Nicolas Sarkozy, hardly a bedfellow of Varoufakis, was as critical while the president of France is an indication of the range of voices unhappy with our role in international tax unity as does the EC ruling on Apples 13bn tax bill. The fact is, one we will have to face sooner or later, is that the vast majority of contributions to this debate cast us in the very worst light. Even if this is a highly-politicised debate we are edging towards pariah status. It would not be surprising if EU support on holding the line on Brexit was linked to a review of our tax laws. The 2008 collapse was driven by the banks understanding of how our ambitions and greed might be exploited. This latest report, and too many others like it, show that multinationals tax managers have recognised a similar vulnerability, one confirmed by our exchequers absolute dependency on revenues gathered from non-Irish entities. We have not learned the lessons of 2008 and this one, when it is eventually made unavoidable, will be at least as expensive. Judge Gerard OBrien imposed a sentence of 18 months with the last six suspended yesterday in the case against Finbarr Savage, aged 43, of 119 Glenamoy Lawn, Mayfield, Cork. Sinead Behan, defending, said at Cork Circuit Criminal Court that in a bizarre and deluded frame of mind the accused later said to gardai, I dont feel sorry for people, I feel sorry for horses. Apparently, Savage had spent some time tending horses in the course of previous work training horses for flat racing. He went on to develop a heroin addiction. After Judge OBrien imposed the one-year sentence on Savage, he directed that the accused would write a letter of apology to the gardai for his behaviour at Mayfield Garda Station on the night. Sgt James Buckley said Savage had been in custody since December when he was arrested. Garda Dermot Broughton charged him with causing criminal damage to a patrol van and producing two knives at Mayfield Garda Station. Sgt Buckley said Savage threatened to kill the guard if he was not sectioned (sent to a psychiatric hospital). He said later he wanted to cause carnage for the Garda response unit so they would shoot him. He said he had no remorse. Ms Behan said the accused had been receiving psychiatric treatment but was released earlier that day and he wanted to go back and this was his deluded plan to get back there. When he was first arrested Savage told gardai he was carrying a change of clothing in case he needed to evade capture if it worked out differently or to be used as a change of clothes if required in a mortuary. Sgt Buckley said gardai were not injured but that it was obviously a frightening experience. Halloween fun, for adults! The Lapeer Optimist Club held its annual Nightmare on Nepessing Halloween costume party fundraiser for adults Saturday evening under a tent in front of the... Murder suspect found guilty LAPEER Lydell Dukes, 40, of Detroit will be sentenced Nov. 22, and will likely spend the rest of his life in a Michigan prison... Hands-on lesson in fire safety The Hadley Twp. Fire Dept. visited students at Murphy Elementary School on Pratt Road in Metamora Township on Monday to provide children instructions in fire... The figure is contained in an interim report on measures to manage suicidal ideation among the homeless population, alongside the announcement of funding for a specific out-of-hours counselling service for the homeless. The report, entitled Opening the Door to Hope, involved 17 clients working with Dublin Simon Communitys Sure Step Counselling Service, and 30 Simon staff receiving collaborative assessment and management of suicidality (CAMS) training. According to the report, 64.7% of participants reported at least one previous suicide attempt a figure that echoes previous research in the area. According to the report: Recent national research has been conducted by the registry of deliberate self-harm in Ireland who monitors the incidence and repetition of self-harm presentations to hospital accident and emergency departments with the aim of identifying high-incidence groups for suicide. Self-harm has been identified as a high indicator of suicide vulnerability and is startlingly high among the homeless community. The researchers reported that homeless individuals were 22 times more likely to present in A&E for self-harm than domiciled individuals. Reasons provided for thinking about suicide among the client group in the study included escape general, from pain, or from the past. Family was given as the main reason for living. Those behind the interim report stressed that the findings were preliminary, but said there were indications of a reduction of core suicidal beliefs and other benefits, with the need for a full-service implementation as well as improvements to the CAMS training. There is ultimately a need to provide an alternative therapeutic intervention for people who are homeless who are expressing suicide ideation, which is fully funded, to allow a 24/7, round-the-clock service as an alternative to A&E for clients, they said. Meanwhile, John Meehan, head of the National Office for Suicide Prevention, announced funding for a pilot out-of-hours counselling service for Dublin Simon Community, a move welcomed by Derek Dempsey, manager of Dublin Simon Communitys Sure Steps Counselling Service. Many of the people we work with have been exposed to some form of previous trauma, and they can often have severe mental health and substance use issues, he said. Through our daily work we see the urgent need for interventions, at any time of the day. Read the report here Brittany Ferries chief executive Christophe Mathieu said some people who had booked trips to France with Irish Ferries had rebooked with his company for the Cork-Roscoff route, but space is now nearly at a premium. Around 19,000 people have had their summer sailings to France cancelled due to a delay in the delivery of a new ferry to Irish Ferries. Mr Mathieu made the comments yesterday at a special reception in Ringaskiddy, Co Cork, which marked 40 years since Brittany Ferries opened its Cork-Roscoff service. Brittany Ferries was only five years old when we launched services linking Roscoff and Cork back in 1978. In our first year of operations we carried just under 22,000 passengers on the MV Armorique, said Mr Mathieu. But the service really took off when we launched Bretagne, our first super ferry in 1989. Today we carry around 85,000 passengers, who enjoy the very best in the Brittany Ferries fleet, our flagship Pont-Aven. Mr Mathieu pointed out the companys shareholders still represent the same collective of French farmers who launched the business. He said he expects freight to increase on the Cork-Brittany route because of the uncertainty of whether there will be a hard border with the North post-Brexit. He said the main driving force behind the creation of the new Cork-Santander, Spain route was Brexit. Brittany Ferries Connemara made her first sailing on 9-10 May, opening a sea route between southern Ireland and Spain for the first time in history. Thousands of holidaymakers are working to rebook their trips to France after Irish Ferries was forced to cancel all summer sailings on its new vessel, the WB Yeats. Customers say they've been forced to completely change their holiday plans. pic.twitter.com/71CU8FcSrB RTE News (@rtenews) June 13, 2018 The first month of operation has shown encouraging signs and I am sure that more freight companies in particular will turn to us as the uncertainty and political turmoil of Brexit rumbles on, said Mr Mathieu. A number of dignitaries from the Santander region came to Cork yesterday to attend the event. Port of Cork chairman John Mullins said Brittany Ferries had shown true dedication in providing a reliable and attractive ferry service for both passengers and freight. He said the new Ro-Pax ferry service to Santander has brought an increase in Spanish tourism to Cork and provides a very useful connection for exporting freight from Ireland to mainland Europe. The Organisation of National Ex-Service Personnel (ONE) also wants the Government to carry out a survey on the number of ex-members of the Defence Forces who are sleeping rough, amid fears they lost homes due to poor pensions and relationship break-ups. ONE chief executive Ollie OConnor said 10 of the veteran support centres (VSCs) will be in barracks thanks to an agreement reached with the Defence Forces and the Department of Defence. The VSC in Cobh, Co Cork, which is intended to serve former navy members, will be opened at the towns former social welfare office. The purpose of the VSC is to provide veterans with a facility thats a marriage between a Citizens Information Centre and Mens/Womens Shed. A place to access information on entitlements, somewhere to meet with your comrades, to learn or share skills, to escape loneliness, Mr OConnor said. Volunteers are being trained in the area of welfare and support and in the past month 33 veterans have undergone a mental health first aid course to assist in their role in the VSC. Mr OConnor said 87 members of the Defence Forces have died while on missions with many more injured physically or mentally. The number of homeless veterans in Ireland cannot be quantified as there is no statistical data. However, ONE has seen over 700 ex-members of the Defence Forces pass through their homes since 2005. They provide accommodation for 44 veterans in Dublin, Letterkenny and Athlone. This suggests there is a requirement that a survey is undertaken to establish how widespread homelessness is among the Irish veteran community, he said. ONE gets some money from the Dublin Regional Homeless Executive and the Department of Defence, but has to raise around 600,000 each year to run its services. Its main fundraising comes from the annual Fuchia Appeal which will be launched on June 27 by Defence Forces Chief of Staff, Vice Admiral Mark Mellett. Peter Cassells, chair of the expert group whose report has been awaiting political decisions for two years, said the status quo is not a cost-free option. He said present funding arrangements affect the quality of student experience, exclude young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, and impose costs on Irish graduates future career opportunities. Education Minister Richard Bruton asked the Oireachtas education committee two years ago to find consensus on funding policy before he brings policy proposals to Cabinet. After months of hearings in 2016 and 2017, no report has come from the committee, which has asked Mr Brutons department for economic assessment of the options. They include a significant rise in state investment to facilitate removing the 3,000 fee for undergraduate students; retaining student fees along with a more moderate increase in public investment; or a moderate rise in state funding matched by higher student fees that would only be paid after graduates reached a set income threshold. Mr Cassells told an Institute of International and European Affairs (IIEA) conference on third-level funding that while there is general agreement that an extra 600m a year is needed by 2021 and 1bn annually by 2030, we must move beyond different stakeholders continuing to have a particular model as their first preference. Every funding instrument has a tangible negative aspect taxes, fees or student debt repayment, or a combination of these, Mr Cassells said. It is not realistic to cite the negative character of any one instrument in isolation as if there were a way of funding higher education that did not draw resources from some source. He pointed to a need for colleges to continue reforms, and for dramatic improvement to the unequal access for people from disadvantaged backgrounds, among other challenges. We should have an open and considered discussion on this challenge but one that ultimately leads to decisions and decisive action, he said. Higher Education Minister of State Mary Mitchell OConnor told the IIEA conference there has been a 9% cumulate increase in public spending on the sector subsequent to the crisis years of 2008 to 2014. A 100m increase this year over what was being spent when Mr Cassells report was published will help accommodate 2,100 extra full-time students this year, she said. But, she said, the sector must make the strongest possible case for future investment. The case for increased investment in any sector for any purpose must be built up step-by-step in a strongly evidenced-based way. It must demonstrate clearly...the significant positive outcomes to be achieved and why they are worth pursuing or indeed essential to achieve, she said. Earlier yesterday, a coalition for Publicly-Funded Higher Education survey showed 82% public support for increased investment on behalf of taxpayers. The group, which includes student and third-level academic unions, found weakest support among the self-employed, but over half of them agreed strongly with higher state funding for the sector. On Tuesday, the company announced that it has been forced to cancel some 6,000 bookings due to a delay in the delivery of the new WB Yeats ferry by German shipbuilder FSG. While a helpline is available for affected customers, some yesterday complained that they have been unable to get through to Irish Ferries. Catherine Dowling was one of a group of nine supposed to be heading in three cars to France. She said she and her husband would have to sail to the UK and drive for 10 hours with her six-year-old and four-month-old children to the Channel Tunnel to make it to France instead of sailing direct. Itd be a benchmark for other companies that are facing potential PR disasters. Can we manage it better than Irish Ferries managed the WB Yeats thing? Thatd be the bar they could set, she told Sean ORourke on RTE Radio 1. Its been really bad. To drop an email like that on people and then all of a sudden the phone line goes down. Theyre going to know that people are going to instantly ring, to try to salvage their holiday, and you cant get through on the phone, its terrible. Thousands of holidaymakers are working to rebook their trips to France after Irish Ferries was forced to cancel all summer sailings on its new vessel, the WB Yeats. Customers say they've been forced to completely change their holiday plans. pic.twitter.com/71CU8FcSrB RTE News (@rtenews) June 13, 2018 Daniel Magill said his family of four is supposed to travel, but the cancellation has left him in limbo. Were still very much in limbo because we havent actually been able to get through to Irish Ferries to have any discussions as to what our options are, he told the same programme. Weve no idea where we stand at the minute. Were frantically trying to get through yesterday evening and frantically trying to get through this morning again to absolutely no avail. Like everybody else you look forward to your holidays no matter what it is or where it is, it is a highlight of the year and at this stage its the uncertainty; not knowing what we have or what we havent got is quite stressful at the minute, he said. Irish Ferries said it is still experiencing very high levels of calls, emails, and messages and that it has dedicated teams in place. Tadhg ODalaigh of Woodview, Mount Merrion Avenue, Blackrock, Dublin, was convicted by a jury at Cork Circuit Criminal Court earlier this year on a charge of indecently assaulting the boy on an unknown date between September 1, 1980, and January 28, 1981, at the Sacred Heart college, also known as Colaiste An Chroi Naofa, Carraig Na Bhfear, Co Cork. Speaking through Sgt Anna Marie Guiney, the victim said he suffered depression, anxiety, low self-esteem and self-worth as a result of being sexually abused by ODalaigh at the age of 12. He said it impacted on his physical and emotional health and gave rise to suicidal ideation. The victim said he began to use alcohol when he was still in school in an effort to block out what happened to him and he went on to develop a self-destructive pattern. I feel my youth was taken from me and most of my future potential was taken from me. I know what happened was not my fault and not to feel ashamed. I carried this long enough. It rests 100% with the defendant. The last few years have been the best years of my life. I have peace of mind and am grateful to my wife. Judge Brian OCallaghan noted that ODalaigh, now 74, had previously served a total of six years in jail for other similar offences but he said, he must serve time for what he did. A jury took less than two hours to reach a unanimous guilty verdict earlier this year. The court heard the assault took place when the young boy was sick in bed. The victim said: He put his hand down and touched my testicles and penis. He did that. I just lay there. I didnt know what to do. It was probably a minute, a minute and a half. That is a long time when he is at me. He stopped. He left. I was left lying there. That is basically what happened. He said he did not tell anyone about it until about 30 years later. During the trial, ODalaigh denied the assault took place. However, yesterday the court was told he now accepted it happened although he had no memory of it. ODalaigh, through his lawyer, said he wanted to apologise sincerely and profusely to the injured party. Defence counsel said the accused is still a priest but did not have a congregation and was in effect under house arrest. Judge Brian OCallaghan imposed a two-year jail sentence with half of it suspended. This was not an off-the-cuff act on the part of the accused. It was a clear, intentional act on the part of the accused In terms of culpability and harm caused this is indeed a most grave offence. Her culinary philosophy, based on the primacy of using only the very best of local, seasonal, Irish produce, grown and harvested or even foraged in a sustainable way, is now so accepted by the global mainstream, that it can be hard to convey the revolutionary impact of her seemingly simple approach to cooking when she first opened a restaurant at Ballymaloe, the very first in the world to apply these principles to fine dining. Myrtle Hill, an architects daughter, was born in Cork City in 1924, marrying a progressive fruit and vegetable farmer, Ivan Allen, in 1943. In 1948, they bought a farm at Ballymaloe, in East Cork, which included the manor home that was to become the renowned Ballymaloe House. Initially, Ivan ran the mixed farm, growing a variety of fruit and vegetables while Myrtle raised their six children. Ivan not only grew a large variety of produce but, a keen gourmand, encouraged Myrtle to cook this produce imaginatively. She took cookery classes in the College of Commerce (designed by her father) in nearby Cork City and began to contribute a recipe column to the Irish Farmers Journal. But as her children grew older, she was faced with the prospect of the big house becoming emptier and increasingly more expensive to keep. Her solution was to open a restaurant, in 1964, converting a downstairs dining room into what would become the Yeats Room restaurant. The placement of a simple text-only ad in this newspaper was the full extent of her marketing drive, no photo or illustration, it simply read: Dine in a Historic Country House. Open Tuesday to Saturday. Booking essential. Phone Cloyne 16. Her own children, on returning from boarding school, were rather disappointed to find she wasnt serving up anything more exotic than the fare she had always cooked for the family dining table but her contemporary take on traditional Irish farmhouse food with an emphasis on using the very finest local produce rather than imported goods was radical in the extreme. The late Irish chef Gerry Galvin, also greatly influenced by Myrtle, once said: Myrtle served home cooking in a refined environment, using whatever fresh, local foods were available. This is a commonplace now, but it was fairly revolutionary then. At the time, anything really good was expected to have been imported. We were still suffering from the notion that anything that was our own was inferior. Myrtle Allen at Ballymaloe House, East Cork, on the occasion of her 90th birthday. Picture: Daragh Mc Sweeney/Provision Gradually, the other rooms in the house surrendered themselves up to become part of Ballymaloe House Hotel & Restaurant and its renown became international and it held a Michelin star from 1975 to 1980. Ross Lewis, chef/proprietor of Michelin-starred Chapter One, worked with Allen when he assumed the role of Irish Commissioner General of Eurotoques during a period of major transition. She had the ability to influence not just her peers in hospitality but politicians and other decision-makers as well and, in my opinion, she established the cradle of Irish hospitality, which is the Irish country house hotel that is where all modern Irish hospitality comes from. Speaking to this paper four years ago about the early years of the restaurant, Myrtle recalled: I used to have a nightmare that the cars were coming on and on and on, one after the other and I wasnt prepared for them at all. And they never stopped coming, the people never stopped pouring in and I didnt know what to give them to eat [laughs]. I was having a go, Id say, because I had no experience really. I knew I couldnt afford to lose money on it that was the main thing. Eventually, when the Egon Ronay Guide said, a good restaurant that could justly become famous, I knew then that I was on the right track. In 1981, Allen accepted an invitation to run a restaurant in Paris, La Ferme Irlandaise, regularly packing up her car with Irish produce to take the ferry to France, where she served up her contemporary Irish food to much acclaim, consistently placing in the top 10 non-French restaurants in the city during the several years of its existence. In 1986 she became a founding member of the chefs organisation, Eurotoques International, dedicated to preserving traditional produce and dishes. The other principle founding chefs, Paul Bocuse (France), Gualtiero Marchesi (Italy) and Juan-Mari Arzak (Spain), were giants in their field, so esteemed, Eurotoques meetings were afforded police escorts in France yet they soon came to appreciate and in time revere this simple Irish cook. Allen founded an Irish chapter and, within just three years, headed the entire Europe-wide organisation. An anecdote from the early days, when she castigated her fellow chef delegates for accepting their coffees served with UHT cream in little plastic containers, a practice completely contradicting the organisations founding philosophy, illustrates perfectly Allens fearless adherence to her own principles. At the inaugural Ballymaloe Literary Festival of Food and Wine, Claus Meyer, co-founder, along with chef Rene Redzepi, of Noma, the Copenhagen restaurant voted number one in the world for several years, recalled the very strong bonds formed between Danish and Irish members of Eurotoques under Myrtles tenure, when the two were very much seen as second-tier culinary nations, by the French and Italians in particular. It is no coincidence that the modern cuisines of both Denmark and Ireland now share a common belief in the primacy of finest local, seasonal produce and Meyer directly attributed Nomas world-renowned and globally influential locavore culinary philosophy to the influence of Myrtle, an ethos that came almost instinctively to her in the kitchen some 40 years before Noma even opened. US president Bill Clinton with Myrtle Allen. Picture: Denis Scannell She and husband Ivan had been heavily involved in the early Macra na Feirme before the opening of Ballymaloe House. Daughter-in-law Hazel Allen recalled: On her farming trips abroad, she realised the produce in Ireland was better than the produce in France, and this was her major point that the food in Ireland was very good, it just needed to be developed. So, from the very beginning she was only interested in using food that was literally a stones throw away other than olive oil, citrus fruits, things like that. Chef Rory OConnell was very much Myrtles protege in the Ballymaloe House kitchen, eventually heading it up for 10 years. Hazel Allen said: He could almost work from inside her head, and [could] understand exactly where her thoughts [were] coming from. People think of her as a home cook, says Rory OConnell. But she wasnt, there was real finesse, real mastery of the craft and thoughtfulness. When food is that simple yet beautiful the notion that someone might have thought about it doesnt come up but the truly great chefs think like that and Mrs Allen thought that way. She was so not a cheffy cook, there was no bluster, no ego, no masculine physicality. She brought a beautiful feminine sensitivity both to the ingredients and the techniques involved. She knew what worked together, she was brilliant at putting together dishes, at marrying textures. For example, she took Carrageen pudding from being a disgusting, stodgy thing that Irish people feared and turned it into a beautiful, ambrosial, almost ethereal dish. Mrs Allens place in Irish food is so important because she is the fount, the source of it all. As Ballymaloe celebrated its 50th birthday were, from left, Rory OConnell, Tash Harty, Rory Allen, Joe Cremin, Colm Macan, Darina Allen, Rachel Allen, Myrtle Allen and Hazel Allen. Consider this from the introduction to her The Ballymaloe Cookbook (1977), still one of the most important Irish cookbooks ever produced, as she applies the concept of terroir, long associated only with wine, to food in general, something the rest of the culinary world at large has only cottoned on to very recently: The butter your sister is sending us is very good, I said to my neighbour one day. Yes, he said, that field always made good butter. That is long ago and the fragrance is almost forgotten. That fragrance may be forgotten but it will be many, many generations before Myrtle Allen ever is. The royal couple will visit City Hall, the English Market, UCC, the Irish Guide Dogs for the Blind training centre, the National Maritime College of Ireland, and the Irish Naval Service headquarters in Haulbowline, before returning to the city for a VIP dinner in the evening. Hundreds of anti-incinerator campaigners plan to stage a silent, peaceful protest along the route they will take to Haulbowline in a bid to raise the profile of their campaign against plans to build a 160m incinerator in Ringaskiddy. Kevin Linehan, Cork City Council, painting road curbs outside City Hall. University College Cork has commissioned UCC music graduate Dr Fiachra O Corragain, to write a special piece for the harp to commemorate the visit. Dr O Corragain will perform The Planxty to Prince Charles when he visits the campus this morning. Charles will meet with students and graduates including electrical and electronic engineering alumna Fiona Edwards Murphy, from Kanturk, co-founder and chief executive of ApisProtect, which uses technology to help beekeepers prevent losses and increase productivity in their hives. Were rolling out 200 hives at key beekeeping locations in countries including the US, South Africa, and the UK, with plans to target New Zealand, Australia, Spain, Canada, and Germany over the next few years, she said. Business information systems graduate Paul Moore, founder of Cork food company Rebel Chilli, will present his products while Emily Duffy, a Quercus Active Citizenship scholar and commerce student, will talk to Charles about her Duffily Bag invention a sleeping bag designed for rough sleepers. UCC president Patrick OShea said: It is because of their stories and successes that UCC has become known as a hub for entrepreneurial excellence, and we are delighted to welcome his royal highness the Prince of Wales to our campus, to witness first hand how UCC students are changing the world. Meanwhile, Billy Forrester, of wine merchants Bubble Brothers, based in the English Market, has created a new drink which he hopes to serve to the pair during their tour of the English Market. The sparkling blend of Camel Valleys Cornwall Brut and Moineir Irish raspberry wine from Wicklow Way Wines has been named Deoch, the Irish for drink, and a play on words on the Princes title as Duke of Cornwall. The aperitif itself reflects a coming together of English and Irish elements, said Mr Forrester. We wanted to put a lively Cork welcome into a single glass, and the meeting of these innovative Irish and English wines seemed an appropriate way to mark the occasion. Gardai said todays visit will start at 10.30am and the public are welcome to visit and will be facilitated to view it. People have been advised to arrive in good time, and not to carry large luggage or bags. People going about their daily business will be facilitated but some minor delays may be experienced and people are advised to allow extra time for their journeys, said a spokesman. The royal couple will visit Kerry tomorrow where they will visit Derrynane, Tralee, and Killarney before departing in the evening. Gardai said Tralee and Killarney will be open for business as usual. She is survived by her six children, 22 grandchildren, and 36 great-grandchildren. What an extraordinary legacy this woman has left us. We all, each of the family, feel a deep responsibility to carry it on. And we will do so with great joy and pleasure, said Darina. Mrs Allen passed away at Cork University Hospital on Tuesday following a short illness. She was surrounded by members of her family. Funeral arrangements have yet to be finalised. Mrs Allen and her husband Ivan, a farmer and horticulturalist, bought Ballymaloe House in East Cork in 1948. She opened a restaurant in the family home in 1964 one of the first country houses in Ireland or Britain building its reputation by using top quality, locally sourced produce supplied by a network of trusted suppliers. She knew, having travelled, about the quality of Irish produce. She knew the flavour was there when the rest of us had to be told. She inspired a generation of chefs to have confidence to serve local Irish food proudly and as simply as possible, said Darina. Mrs Allen, who has said she just cooked the food she knew how to cook, went on to build a food empire, becoming the first Irish woman to be awarded a Michelin star. She is credited with leading a revolution in Irish food and hospitality. It was unheard of at the time to open a restaurant in your own home, especially miles from anywhere, said Darina. She wrote the menu every day based on what was available and what was in season. She gave me a little job in Ballymaloe in the late 60s, and I was like a sponge, just soaking everything up. I feel very fortunate that our paths crossed. She changed the course of my life and I loved her deeply. Not everybody feels like that about their mother-in-law. We have much to be grateful to her for. As Ballymaloe celebrated its 50th birthday were, from left, Rory OConnell, Tash Harty, Rory Allen, Joe Cremin, Colm Macan, Darina Allen, Rachel Allen, Myrtle Allen and Hazel Allen. Darina recalled Mrs Allens joy of sharing her knowledge in the internationally renowned Ballymaloe cookery school, in the belief that learning to cook was a wonderful skill that could make such a difference to the joy and health of a family. In all the years, I never heard Myrtle raising her voice or swearing in the kitchen. It just wasnt done. It was just not acceptable, said Darina. It became the way to be in the kitchen. It was a happy kitchen. She led by example. She had the highest of standards, she would taste and tweak, and you had to start again if it wasnt good enough, but it was done in a kindly way with the view that every mistake is an opportunity to learn. Taoiseach Leo Varadkar, as well as chefs such as Ross Lewis and Neven Maguire, were among those who paid tribute to Mrs Allen yesterday. The formal security guidance will be given at a closed-doors meeting next Wednesday after a series of recent incidents, including a surge in hate mail and one former senator who was warned she would be shot. In an email to all TDs and senators last week, Paul Conway, the superintendent of the Houses of the Oireachtas, said that, due to requests from some politicians, private advice would be made available over how to cope with and respond to threats. Supt Conway said a sergeant from Pearse Street Garda Station would hold a closed-doors meeting with TDs and senators next week to respond to the concerns. As part of a general security guidance to members, a talk on personal protection and crime prevention will be given on Wednesday, June 20, by Sergeant Sean OSullivan, crime prevention officer at Pearse Street Garda Station, wrote Supt Conway. The talk is aimed at members and their staff, and will cover general guidance in regard to constituency office security, threatening phone calls, personal security, and conducting risk assessments. While the meeting is not in response to a specific threat against TDs and senators, it comes after a series of difficulties in recent years which have seen the potential dangers to politicians gain centre stage. One of the most high-profile incidents happened in January of this year, when 28-year-old Stephen French of John McCormack Avenue, Walkinstown, Dublin, was spared jail for threats, in a series of online messages, to kill former Labour senator Lorraine Higgins. French, who apologised for his actions, wrote messages online three years earlier, including one that he would fill her rats mouth with lead. Ms Higgins later said she had been scared stiff by what happened and rarely left the confines of Leinster House while in Dublin due to her fears of being attacked. Last October, Solidarity-People Before Profit TD Ruth Coppinger received hand-written messages calling her a baby killer and saying she should be put in hell where you belong R.I.P. for her pro-choice views. The safety of politicians has been repeatedly highlighted since former tanaiste Joan Burton became the subject of controversial protests in Jobstown in 2014, regarding water charges. And in 2013, a man was able to run past Oireachtas security which has since been improved with a Samurai sword. Critics have said politicians must be able to withstand legitimate criticism, and that this could be limited further if increased security is imposed to tackle genuinely serious threats. Call to uphold social and political harmony for sustainable democracy Upholding social and political harmony is very important for institutionalising democracy as well as ensuring good governance everywhere in the society . Responsive and positive role by all quarters, including political leaders, becomes crucial for maintaining peace and social harmony for the overall development of the nation. That is why all should come forward and work together to build the country as a peaceful one. The views were expressed recently in a harmony festival at Charghat Upazila Auditorium in Rajshahi. Various development organisations, including peace pressure group, women network, mass-research forum and village development team, jointly organised the festival. More than 300 political leaders, public representatives, members of the civil society and students joined the event. Chaired by Convener of the festival Saiful Islam Badsha, the meeting was addresses, among others, by Country Director of the Hunger Project Bangladesh Dr Badiul Alam Mazumder, Upazila Chairman Abu Sayeed Chand, Upazila Nirbahi Officer Ashraful Islam, Union Parishad Chairman Hasanuzzaman Madhu, Awami League leader Fakhrul Islam, Jatiya Party leader Rafiqul Islam Chowdhury and Sujon upazila committee president Dr Rafiqul Alam. Badiul Alam Mazumder said the nation will get rid of conflicts and confusion if common people as well as the state machineries take a positive approach to establish peace in the society. He said all sorts of violence, crimes and other anomalies could be reduced to a greater extent in the country by maintaining social and communal harmony. "Political parties, professional leaders, development workers, influential persons and people in general should work together in this regard," he added. Other issues like communal harmony, people's right to information, prevention of violence against women and quality improvement in primary education were discussed in the meeting. Just one of the many anecdotes which emerged yesterday from friends of Ballymaloe founder and the mother of modern Irish cooking, Myrtle Allen, who died in Cork on Tuesday, aged 94. Potter Stephen Pearce, who established his Shanagarry pottery brand a few corn and barley fields from Ballymaloe cookery school, recalled how he met Mrs Allen in the departures area of an Irish airport at some stage during the 1980s as they were both about to board a flight for New York. She asked me to help her with a particularly heavy suitcase, he said. I lifted it and said, gosh Myrtle, whats in it? She told me she was bringing her own apples with her for a cookery class because she knew they didnt have the right apples in New York. I was initially stunned, but at the same time, not surprised that she would do that. She was just so passionate about Irish produce. He also revealed how after his father helped Myrtles late husband, Ivan, buy Ballymaloe House in the late 1940s, they shared the property with the Allens before they opened the restaurant. Myrtle was like a second mother to me, he said. My mother and her were best friends. We lived like a tribe in the house, until 1953, I think. I remember camping in an old army tent on the front lawn, visits to the many strands around this area, and having picnics. She and my mother would bring food and biscuits, and they had a tea-making machine. They were very, very nice occasions. But when we were young, we would never have guessed that she was going to be a woman of such importance. She was just so busy getting on with everything. He said Mrs Allen never set out to establish a smart restaurant or to be famous. She didnt care about that. She was an innovator and absolutely fearless. She just cooked the way she knew to cook and had the loyalty of all her suppliers. She expressed herself, and her ideas continued and developed with Darina, he said. He also said that he supported the Allens through difficult times, and that they, in turn, supported him when his business hit the rocks in 2008. We stood rock solid by each other through thick and thin, he said. The Taoiseach and Tanaiste were among hundreds of people, from local farmers and fishermen, to former cookery school students and Michelin-star chefs, who also paid tribute. Leo Varadkar said he had the pleasure of dining with Mrs Allen once in Ballymaloe and was among several people to describe her as a true lady. Sorry to hear of the passing of Myrtle Allen. A true lady. Had the pleasure of dining with her once in Ballymaloe. #RIP Leo Varadkar (@LeoVaradkar) June 13, 2018 Tanaiste Simon Coveney said she was a beautiful person who had a pioneering influence on Irish hospitality, ambition and food. When she and her husband, Ivan, opened a restaurant and hotel more than 50 years ago they could hardly have imagined that, not only would they put Ballymaloe House on the map, but also onto supermarket shelves throughout Ireland and the world, he said. Myrtle Allens success is down to her hard work, high standards, sheer determination and overwhelming pride in Irish produce. Many other successful Irish brands have followed the route she pioneered. TV chef Neven Maguire, who runs MacNean House and a cookery school in Cavan, described her as one of the greatest ambassadors for Irish food. I had the pleasure to interview her and meet her many times I always admired and looked up to her, he said. John and Sally McKenna, authors of the McKennas Guides, said she was one of the most important individual creative talents in the history of the Irish State. Eurotoques Ireland, the European-wide chefs group co-founded by Mrs Allen, also paid tribute. Its general secretary, Manuella Spinelli, said: Her innovative thinking, collaborative views and passion for Irelands culinary heritage will live on forever. Liam Kirwan, the head chef of Mikey Ryans, in Cashel, said the Ballymaloe cookbook was his very first cookbook, and played a big part in his love of cooking. JP McMahon, whose Cava Bodega, Aniar and Tartare restaurants in Galway specialise in local, artisan and seasonal produce, described her as a titan of Irish food. All that I do continues her legacy ... of making Irish food world class, he said. Darren Murphy, aged 41, of Dan Desmond Villas, Passage West, Co Cork, is on trial at the Central Criminal Court sitting at Angelsea St, Cork, on a charge of murdering Olivia Dunlea, aged 36, at her home at Pembroke Crescent, Pembroke Woods, Passage West, on February 17, 2013. He admits manslaughter. Tim OLeary, defending, called one witness yesterday as the prosecution closed its case, and that was retired pathologist for Northern Ireland, Jack Crane, who gave his evidence by video link. It is my view that one stab wound penetrating the spine [causing bleeding on the brain] was the cause of death, Prof Crane testified yesterday. Mr OLeary reminded Prof Crane of the findings presented by the prosecution from State pathologist Marie Cassidy, who told the jury the previous day that Ms Dunlea was alive and had not died when the fire started. Prof Cassidy outlined her findings and said: She was alive when the fire started and had been inhaling toxic fire fumes. Either the knife wounds or the toxic fire fumes could have caused death. Prof Crane said he would have expected a number of other findings to have been present if the victim had been alive when the fire started. He said that in terms of any sooty material found in the deceaseds lungs such was only visible under a microscope. He said that was not enough to convince him the deceased had inhaled hot gases from fire before death. That is one of the reasons I believe the cause of death was the stab wound, he said. Another reason for that conclusion was that a smoker could have up to 20% carbon monoxide in their lungs post-mortem in the absence of any fire. He said the finding of 24% was not persuasive enough and there should have been a test for other materials found in toxic smoke such as cyanide and that there was no test done for this by Prof Cassidy. He said even if cyanide was not tested for routinely this was an exceptional case where an investigation for it would have clarified the situation. He also attached more importance to the presence of alcohol in the deceaseds blood. He described it as a significant degree of intoxication coupled with the prescription drug, Tramadol, which he categorised as a morphine-like drug. Also, the pathologist said of Prof Cassidy: She is speculating there might have been spinal shock. It is a nebulous concept. There is no pathological evidence to say that is the case one way or the other. I did not mention spinal shock because it is a nebulous concept that one cannot show or prove. It is anticipated the prosecution and defence counsel will address the jury today before they are addressed by Mr Justice Pat McCarthy who will then ask them to deliberate on their verdict. UN rights office calls for intl probe in Kashmir A Kashmiri man shouts for help as a paramilitary vehicle runs over him during a protest in Srinagar, Indian controlled Kashmir. AP, Geneva : The U.N. human rights chief called Thursday for an independent, international investigation into reports of rights violations in the disputed region of Kashmir, laying blame for civilian deaths and injuries on the actions of both India and Pakistan. In its first report on the region, the office of Zeid Ra'ad al-Hussein, the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights, details "chronic impunity for violations committed by security forces." The report was written without visiting the region as both sides refused to grant unconditional access to the investigators. The decades-old dispute "has robbed millions of their basic human rights," Zeid said. He called for the U.N.-backed Human Rights Council that begins a new session on Monday to create a "Commission of Inquiry" to investigate alleged abuses in the region. The 49-page report adds to criticism about India's tactics in Kashmir, saying its security forces used "excessive force that led to unlawful killings" and caused many injuries. It cited a 20-month span starting in July 2016 in which 145 civilians were killed by security forces and a further 20 by armed groups, according to figures from civil society groups. It decried the use of pellet-firing shotguns that are still being used against protesters. As for Pakistan, the report cites experts' belief that its military continues to support the operations of armed groups across the Line of Control. It says violations in Pakistan-administered Kashmir are of a more "structural" nature. India and Pakistan have a long history of bitter relations over Kashmir, which both claim. They have fought two of their three wars since they won independence from British colonialists in 1947 over their competing claims to the region. India accuses Pakistan of arming and training rebel groups who demand that the territory be united either under Pakistani rule or as an independent country. Pakistan denies the charge and says it only provides moral and diplomatic support to Kashmiris fighting Indian rule. Thursday, June 14th, 2018 (8:24 am) - Score 1,268 New information suggests that around 56m from the proposed 383.4m North Wales Growth Bid could be invested (over a period of between 5 to 15 years) in order to help expand the availability of Gigabit and ultrafast capable full fibre (FTTP) style broadband networks in the countrys northern half. At present nearly 95% of Wales can already access a superfast broadband (24Mbps+) capable ISP network (here), which is partly thanks to the Superfast Cymru project with Openreach (BT) that has spent the past few years extending FTTC and FTTP services to areas that would have struggled to be connected without support from 225m of public investment. As that project is coming to an end the Welsh Government are already busy developing a follow-on scheme to tackle the remaining 80,000+ premises in the final 5% (here and here), which aspires to make fast reliable broadband (defined as 30Mbps+) available to every property in Wales. The potential value of this project is up to 200m, of which 62.5m has already been confirmed. Sadly the coverage of ultrafast (100Mbps+) and Gigabit (1000Mbps+) capable services in Wales remains behind most other parts of the United Kingdom (except N.Ireland) and can only reach roughly a third of all premises. Most of this comes from a little bit of FTTP from Openreach, while the bulk is delivered via Virgin Medias cable network (mostly in urban areas). The new scheme above is unlikely to radically improve this. However its now been revealed by the Daily Post that the long-running North Wales Growth Bid, specifically its Digital Connectivity proposals, will include a strong focus on boosting full fibre coverage. The North Wales Economic Ambition Board (NWEAB) suggests that 56m could be put toward this effort, although by the sounds of it most of their focus will be on connecting businesses and public sector sites. Colin Everett, CEO of Flintshire County Council, said: North Wales has lagged behind the rest of the UK for many years in terms of coverage and capacity. With the emergence of commercially available fibre optic technology towards the end of the 20th century, the widening of the digital divide now has the potential to increase even further, which is why this programme is so important. Businesses consulted as part of the wider Growth Vision have cited digital connectivity as the single most important aspect of it, so its crucial we begin to make inroads and deliver better infrastructure, to support industry and attract new business into the region. The official North Wales Growth Deal page and related documents havent previously fleshed out precisely what would be included in the Digital Connectivity side of their bid, so its good to know that theyre keeping in line with the wider direction of things and shifting their focus toward full fibre connectivity. At this stages the details are still a little thin, although theres talk of the same kind of public sector anchor tenancy as weve seen Cityfibre adopt in other UK cities (some of which are soon to be extended out to homes via a new 1Gbps FTTH network with Vodafone). Plus some as yet unspecified policy changes to help foster such builds. Overall its previously been suggested that the full growth deal could result in a wider economic boost to North Wales of 1.3 billion and the creation of 5,000 new jobs, although as usual we recommend taking such predictions with a pinch of salt. The bid is now in its final stages and a decision could be returned soon, which would enable implementation to begin during early 2019. The membership of the NWEAB comprises the six North Wales Councils, Bangor and Wrexham Glyndwr Universities, Grwp Llandrillo Menai, Coleg Cambria, the North Wales Business Council, the Mersey Dee Alliance and the Snowdonia, Anglesey and Deeside Enterprise Zone Chairs. UPDATE 5th July 2018 The Wrexham Borough Council in North Wales has published some more details of the North Wales Digital Connectivity Strategy (here), which is related to the above proposals and similarly hints at a plan that would see local councils owning and managing their own fibre optic duct network (we assume this network could then be offered to operators or ISPs like Cityfibre etc). A related meeting document also sheds more light on these plans and confirms that some of the planned investment (around 12 million) will be sought from the Governments 190m Local Full Fibre Networks (LFFN) fund. The draft LFFN bid is currently in preparation and will be considered by the North Wales Economic Ambition Board on 20th July 2018 prior to submission to UK Government. In a statement, the company said its new cloud offering would provide easy and convenient access to government services. Officially known as Macquarie Launch Health Cloud, all data that is stored will remain onshore and in a physically separate cloud which only hosts Australian health system data. Only Macquarie staff who have security clearance from the government will be able to access the data which will be stored on cloud infrastructure that is certified by the Australian Signals Directorate to comply with the standards for Protected cloud. The company said the service had been developed after the Department of Human Services issued directions about protecting the integrity of data entrusted to it. All third-party software connecting to the DHS has to meet certain standards. This is a great example of leadership by a government agency, and of the way organisations with a good understanding of cyber security can drive change beyond their own business, said James Mystakidis, group executive, Macquarie Cloud Services. Through the updated policy, the DHS is demonstrating how it is possible to transform ICT while at the same time elevating cyber security standards. This is particularly relevant as there has been a lot of talk about how supply chains can create cyber security risks. This is an example of how the government can use its supply chains to push secure transformation through an industry. This means that Australians will for the first time be able to be assured that their data which is moving from a health software companys cloud services into the Medicare system will be protected end-to-end to the same standard. The health system is a case study of an industry delivering an essential service, but which is widely dispersed across private and public organisations of many sizes in many places. Private data in such situations is only as secure as the weakest link in the chain. Macquarie is one of five companies that are certified to store top-secret government data, having been granted the so-called Protected cloud status from the ASD. The other four are Dimension Data, Sliced Tech, Vault Systems, and Microsoft. However in Microsoft's case, there are a number of additional requirements that the company has to meet. Additionally, the ASD has allowed overseas staff from the company who do not have security clearance to access the systems on which this class of data is stored. Federal Government agencies have told the Western Australian Government that they are not fazed by the fact that Chinese telecommunications company Huawei Technologies is very likely to win a $120 million Perth Transport Authority contract. The contract is for upgrading radio communications on the rail system in the city, according to a report on Perth Now. WA Transport Minister Rita Saffioti was quoted as saying that she could not comment on the preferred tender as the process was not yet complete. But she told reporters on Thursday that Federal Government agencies had indicated they were not bothered by the fact that Huawei would get the deal. "We have been in constant dialogue with the federal government," Saffioti said. "We're making sure the Federal Government is entirely comfortable with the process. "We can only take the advice that we're given from those agencies." Last year, Norman Frisch, the marketing director for Huawei's enterprise business group and transport sector, told iTWire during a visit to Melbourne that the company now had used GSM-R technology a wireless mobile trunking system which is widely deployed for mission-critical rail communication to upgrade 46,000 kms of rail in several countries and equip it for more efficient operation. On Thursday, there were reports that Huawei was likely to be frozen out of 5G contracts in Australia. The company has said that it has no indication to this effect from the government. John Lord: "...we're not really getting any concerns expressed to us at all, other than reports in the media." Huawei Australia chairman John Lord says the company has not been officially advised either way about its bid to participate in Australia's 5G rollout, even as reports claimed that the company would be excluded. The Australian Financial Review reported on Thursday, quoting security sources, that the country's security agencies had recommended against permitting the company to bid for 5G contracts. Asked about his reaction, Lord told the ABC's Radio National Breakfast program that he was "a little surprised, although I don't believe there's any truth in them, they come from various sources. As far as we're concerned we've not been advised of that and we are still talking openly with the government and passing information both ways. "And as late as last night I was briefed that our senior team had been down talking to the critical infrastructure centre only yesterday about cyber security and 5G." As to where the discussions were at, Lord responded: "We're getting a very receptive ear as we put forward how 5G works because we are one of the leaders. Three companies are leading the development of standards and we are one of them. So we are briefing them (the government) on that, we are briefing them on aspects of 5G, how it's structured, and they're accepting that advice. As the minister (Attorney-General Christian Porter) said this morning, they are taking advice from everyone. So we are being welcomed as we continue to talk to government in an open way." He said government officials had raised no real concerns other than to seek more information about the way 5G was being formed, its similarities to 4G, and how Huawei intended to take 5G forward. "So we're not really getting any concerns expressed to us at all, other than reports in the media." Asked about the possibility of backdoors being introduced through software updates after the network was built, Lord said that was part of the discussions with government officials and were had with any company. "Because we all explain how we achieve the very best cyber security. And the white paper we released yesterday on 5G and cyber security addresses those types of concerns from a Huawei and global perspective." He added: "They're just normal discussions people have, showing they protect their equipment and how you give surety to your customers and also to governments." Asked why he thought it was so difficult to convince some members of the government, some MPs and some in the intelligence establishment that Huawei had no links to the Communist Party, Lord responded: "I guess it's a matter of putting more information out there, trying to tell people about the situation in Huawei. "We've had this open dialogue with all countries around the world, particularly in the UK, Canada, France, Germany, Spain and Italy. They've accepted that and Huawei is working closely with them on implementing the next level of technology and going ahead. We've offered that to the Australian Government; we're having open dialogue with them, and have done for many years. "We're still hoping the Australian Government does come to Shenzhen to talk to Huawei some time in the future like other government departments do." He had no comment on a question as to how much pressure Australia was under from the US to block Huawei. "I can't really comment on that. That's a strategic level of discussion and I'm not in government anymore, so it's a matter of you talking to senior public servants or ministers," he said. Asked about public comments made by the FBI director Christopher Wray in February that Huawei may be indulging in espionage, Lord said he could not understand why members of government would listen to such claims. "I've seen the statements, (they are) unsubstantiated. I'm quite surprised seeing senior public servants as they are make those statements. Every time they have made them, Huawei has rebutted them and offered proof, offered visits, more information to explain why they are wrong." He was asked about the implications for Huawei if it did not get any 5G contracts. "That's a decision in the future. We hope we do not get to that point," was his response. And he added: "The future for us and the concern is that Australia will drop behind in the new technologies. Huawei is in the top five R&D companies in the world, not just in telecommunications, (we are) among the top five spending on R&D. We are leading in R&D in ICT and that's important." But he said that if the 5G work did not come through, there would still be business for company in Australia. "We've still got the 4G networks which are going to be around for a long time. People think 5G is going to come in and switch on (immediately). It's not, it'll move on from 4G to 5G. Which has been our argument - we are doing 4G and as 5G comes in we want to be part of that with our technology." Asked about claims that Huawei describes the US, Taiwan and Australia as hostile places and how difficult Australia was making it for the company to operate, Lord responded: "I don't think the Huawei global board or Australian board described these three as hostile. We accept the rules of every country in which we operate and we operate in all three. "Yes, there's a ground level of opposition to us, based on a lack of knowledge of Huawei, and it's up to us to get out there and continue to put the argument about our ownership, our independence as a company and our leading technology and how that can help each individual country." He was also asked about the undersea cable project between the Solomon Islands, Papua New Guinea and Australia; the contract was initially given to Huawei and then cancelled. Australia is now using aid money to the tune of more than $100 million to build it. Lord said there was a narrative about such things "and that's what we're here actually to try and weaken, to show the benefits of Huawei in Australia. Yes, there are some who are playing this same line, who won't accept an open dicsussion, who don't seem to want to participate in a two-way discussion. But we are still talking to government and governments make decisions and that's important." He said his employer was one of the most scrutinised companies in the world. "We are the most prodded and looked at and inspected company in the world. So you should feel even more secure. When i joined this company in 2011, its turnover was US$30 billion. It is reaching US$100 billion this year. "So around the world, Huawei is being accepted and so are its technologies. We have grown three times in Australia since I joined, in terms of revenue. So people are accepting that this new technology is good." Lord said he could not comment on why Huawei wanted the Solomons project as a different company, Huawei Marine, a joint venture with a UK company, had made the bid. He said big corporations like Huawei were operating in a very strategic environment "and that's why it's key that you keep an eye on UN sanctions, US sanctions, and the rules of every country you are in. It's hard, but that's the way you have to be if you are a global corporation." Technology company MGM Wireless has contracted 12 new bricks and mortar retailers to sell its Spacetalk childrens all-in-one smartphone, watch and GPS wearable device. MGM says the new stockists are specialist consumer electronics or computer retailers, primarily in the country areas of NSW, Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia. Ten are part of the Leading Edge Group an association of over 950 independent business and retailers across Australia and MGM says the rollout to additional members of the Leading Edge Group is continuing. According to MGM, it continues to receive strong interest in the Spacetalk product and is in discussions with many more bricks and mortar retailers, distributors and mobile network operators in Australia and internationally. It says it expects further announcements of significant bricks and mortar rollouts in the coming weeks. Contracting of the new stores, announced on Thursday, follows MGMs launch in April of a new family wearables division with the signing of two Telstra Shops franchises to retail Spacetalk. Launching the new division, MGM said the bricks and mortar rollout followed strong and growing online sales from its allmytribe IoT website, with March sales reaching 82% of the pre-Christmas sales levels achieved in December 2017. The deal with Telstra coincided with MGMs announcement that it would meet demand for the Spacetalk kids smartphone watch device through a capital raising of up to $1.5 million via a placement to institutional investors and existing shareholders via a Share Purchase Plan. Apple confirmed today it will close a security hole that has allowed law enforcement officials, working with forensic companies, to break into iPhones to retrieve data related to criminal investigations. In the upcoming release of iOS 12, Apple will change default settings on iPhones to shutter access to the USB port when the phone has not been unlocked for one hour. In its beta release of iOS 11.3, Apple introduced the feature known as USB Restricted Mode but cut it from iOS 11.3 before that version was released publicly. The documentation describes the new feature as a way "to improve security." [ Further reading: How to switch from Android to iPhone ] The USB port was a conduit through which at least two forensic companies were able to crack the iPhone's cryptographic security. Law enforcement agencies, such as the FBI, have been using the forensic companies' technology to break into iPhones related to criminal cases. "Of course, this is to prevent that particular attack if not to prevent the FBI from doing it, it's to prevent everybody from doing it," said computer security specialist Bruce Schneier. "This is why you encrypt your data; not to prevent the FBI from getting it, but to prevent criminals from getting it. "It's a way to improve security against a known attack, which I assure you good guys and bad guys are using. And, we are all safer because Apple is going to do this," Schneier added. In a statement, however, Apple said it was not targeting law enforcement with the security change. "We're constantly strengthening the security protections in every Apple product to help customers defend against hackers, identity thieves and intrusions into their personal data," Apple said. "We have the greatest respect for law enforcement, and we don't design our security improvements to frustrate their efforts to do their jobs." Law enforcement using blackbox tech to hack iPhones In February, reports surfaced that an Israel-based technology vendor, Cellebrite, had discovered a way to unlock encrypted iPhones running iOS 11 and was marketing the product to law enforcement and private forensics firms around the world. According to a police warrant obtained by Forbes, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security had been testing the technology. Shortly thereafter, Grayshift emerged as a different company that had developed an inexpensive black box that could unlock any iPhone; reports revealed local and regional U.S. police departments and the federal government have been purchasing the technology. For example, over the past year, the district attorney's office in Baton Rouge, La., paid Cellebrite thousands of dollars to unlock iPhones in five cases, according to The New York Times. Those investigations included the hazing-related death of a fraternity pledge at Louisiana State University. Baton Rouge District Attorney Hillar Moore told the Times he is "upset that Apple planned to close such a useful investigative avenue. "They are blatantly protecting criminal activity, and only under the guise of privacy for their clients," Moore told the Times. Nate Cardozo, senior staff attorney with the Electronic Frontier Foundation (EFF), a non-profit digital rights group, said law enforcement is in the "golden age of surveillance," with an unprecedented ability to look into people's lives and more data available than ever before. Tech firms, he said, shouldn't have to "weaken security for millions of innocent users, just to keep one exploit working longer. "And certainly not permanently weaken security with a mandated backdoor," Cardozo added. The brouhaha between law enforcement and Apple erupted after the FBI attempted to access data on an iPhone owned by San Bernardino gunman Syed Rizwan Farook, who in 2015 shot and killed 14 people and wounded 22 others in a terrorist attack. Apple refused to help the FBI crack the cryptographic security on the iPhone. Lawmakers also argued that Apple should install a backdoor in iOS to make it easier for law enforcement and the government to access data in criminal investigations. The Justice Department then petitioned the courts to force Apple to comply with an order to unlock the device; a judge granted the request, but delayed making a final decision until hearing arguments from both sides. The evening before a court hearing to decide the matter, the government announced it had gotten help from an outside group that allowed it to break into the iPhone; the case was dropped. In February, reports surfaced that Cellebrite had discovered a way to unlock encrypted iPhones running iOS 11 and were marketing the product to law enforcement and private forensics firms around the world. A 'win for every iPhone user' "With this change, Apple has closed a critical security loophole, which is a win for the security of every iPhone user," Cardozo said. "The security flaw that exists in all our phones if left open for law enforcement will be exploited by criminals, identity thieves, corporate spies, abusive partners, and foreign agents, just to name a few." Cellebrite states on its website it sells its technology to law enforcement, military, intelligence, and corporate customers. Grayshift doesn't say who its customers are. In April, however, reports arose that Grayshift was being extorted after its product's source code was exposed online. Attempting to keep cryptography-cracking technology in the bottle is impossible, Schneier said, which makes it all the more important that tech providers such as Apple do what they can to secure their devices. Even if Cellebrite and Grayshift claim to only sell to authorized user, such as governments and police agencies, there's no guarantee the governments are honest. "What about the company that does this in China to attack the dissidents? Yes, the company you interviewed may be moral and upstanding; they are not the only company on the planet with this capability," Schneier said. "As you know, most of these companies do sell to pretty questionable governments. So, a) they're lying and b), it doesn't matter if they're telling the truth. Jack Gold, principal analyst with J. Gold Associates, said Apple wants its mobile devices to be viewed as the most secure in the industry. But he questioned whether it's clear that Apple's latest attempt at security will do what the company thinks it will. "It will make it harder to break into their phones, but I'm confident that someone will find a way in, just as they did previously even though Apple said it was impossible," Gold said via email. "This is a never ending battle: I protect, you find a way in. I protect again and so forth..." Law enforcement efforts to crack mobile device security are also a "direct assault against Android," Gold said, in that it's not at all clear that most Android phones could claim the same level of anti-hacking security as Apple. The exception would perhaps be new Google at Work business devices with vaults, or Samsung Knox devices, which also have significant security barriers, Gold added." Overall, Gold said, "I think most Apple users will cheer this move to limit the ability to break into phones." US hopes for 'major' North Korea disarmament by 2020: Pompeo US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, right, walks with US General Vincent K. Brooks commander of United States Forces Korea, upon his arrival at Osan Air Base in Pyeongtaek on Tuesday. Reuters, Seoul : The US secretary of state has admitted there is still "a lot of work left to do" following the historic summit in Singapore. The US wants to see a "major disarmament" of North Korea within two and a half years - a timeframe taking it up to the end of Donald Trump's first term in office in 2020. US secretary of state Mike Pompeo admitted there was still "a lot of work left to do" following Tuesday's historic meeting between the president and Kim Jong Un in Singapore. The leaders pledged in a joint statement to work towards the "complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula" but it stopped short of US demands for the North to give up its arsenal in a "verifiable" and "irreversible" way. Critics have said the summit was more style than substance, producing a document short on details about the key issue of Pyongyang's atomic weapons, and that Mr Trump had made too many concessions to Mr Kim.Speaking in Seoul where he was due to meet South Korean officials, Mr Pompeo said there were "lots of other places" where understandings were reached between Washington and Pyongyang that were not included in the final signed document. The secretary of state said he was confident Pyongyang understands there will be an in-depth verification of its disarmament process. Mr Pompeo also defended Mr Trump's stance that joint military drills between the US and South Korea will end, insisting they could resume should negotiations with the North deteriorate. Earlier Mr Trump, on his return to the US, told the world it can "sleep well tonight" and said people can feel much safer now he has signed the document to promote peace. He wrote on Twitter: "Just landed - a long trip, but everybody can now feel much safer than the day I took office. "There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea. Meeting with Kim Jong Un was an interesting and very positive experience. North Korea has great potential for the future! "Before taking office people were assuming that we were going to war with North Korea. "President Obama said that North Korea was our biggest and most dangerous problem. No longer - sleep well tonight!" Mr Trump later stated the country's biggest enemy is "fake news", before claiming that NBC and CNN are fighting to "downplay the deal with North Korea".Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono is also heading to Seoul and is due to meet Mr Pompeo and his South Korean counterpart. Pompeo will then fly to Beijing to update the Chinese government on the talks. A spokesman for South Korean president Moon Jae-in said Washington and Seoul need to consider a "variety of ways to further facilitate dialogue" while they are engaged in nuclear negotiations with Pyongyang. World can `sleep well` after North Korea summit: Trump A jubilant-sounding President Donald Trump declared Wednesday that his "deal" with Kim Jong Un has ended the North Korean nuclear threat, as his top diplomat said he hoped to see "major disarmament" of the country by 2020. Despite the lack of detail, or binding terms in the joint statement agreed with Kim-which has alarmed a majority of observers of the nuclear standoff-Trump struck a resolutely bullish tone. "There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea," he tweeted in one of a series of early morning pronouncements. Trump added that everybody "can now feel much safer than the day I took office" and people could "sleep well tonight!" Critics said the unprecedented encounter between Kim and Trump was more style than substance, producing a document short on specifics about the key issue of Pyongyang's atomic weapons. But the US president trumpeted the outcome as a "deal" with North Korea and vowed there would be "no more rocket launches, nuclear testing or research!" Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, speaking to reporters in Seoul, said the United States hoped for "major disarmament" of North Korea by the end of 2020. In the summit statement, Kim pledged to "work toward the complete denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula"-a stock phrase favored by Pyongyang that stopped short of longstanding US demands for North Korea to give up its atomic arsenal in a "verifiable" and "irreversible" way. When questioned on the wording, Pompeo said Trump's intention was to allow the US the opportunity to pursue further productive conversations on the issue with Pyongyang. "Let me assure you that 'complete' encompasses verifiable in the minds of everyone concerned," Pompeo said. "One can't completely denuclearize without validating, authenticating." Pompeo said he expects the US would next speak to North Korean officials "fairly quickly after we return to our home countries," adding he was "very confident" that some form of engagement would occur in the next week. In North Korea, state media praised Kim for "opening a new chapter" in relations with the United States, and said Trump had accepted an invitation to visit the North. Reddit Email 108 Shares New York (Human Rights Watch) Israeli forces repeated use of lethal force in the Gaza Strip since March 30, 2018, against Palestinian demonstrators who posed no imminent threat to life may amount to war crimes, Human Rights Watch said today. Israeli forces have killed more than 100 protesters in Gaza and wounded thousands with live ammunition. The United Nations General Assembly should support a resolution that calls for exploring measures to guarantee the protection of Palestinians in Gaza, and a UN inquiry mandated to investigate all violations and abuses should identify Israeli officials responsible for issuing unlawful open-fire orders. The killings also highlight the need for the International Criminal Court to open a formal investigation into the situation in Palestine. Third countries should impose targeted sanctions against officials responsible for ongoing serious human rights violations. Israels use of lethal force when there was no imminent threat to life has taken a heavy toll in life and limb, said Sarah Leah Whitson, Middle East director at Human Rights Watch. The international community needs to rip up the old playbook, where Israel conducts investigations that mainly whitewash the conduct of its troops and the US blocks international accountability with its Security Council veto, and instead impose real costs for such blatant disregard for Palestinian lives. Kuwait has brought a resolution to the UN General Assembly that deplores Israels use of live ammunition against protesters in Gaza, as well as rockets launched by Palestinian armed groups at Israeli population centers, and calls for an end to the closure of Gaza and for the UN Secretary General to consider options to better protect Palestinians in Gaza. Kuwait sought General Assembly action after the US vetoed this resolution at the Security Council on June 1. Human Rights Watch interviewed nine people who witnessed Israeli forces shooting protesters in Gaza on May 14, the day with the highest toll of deaths and injuries so far when more than 60 people were killed, and another who saw a journalist shot and killed on April 6. Seven of these interviewees not only witnessed people being shot, but were also themselves shot. The shootings happened at places where protests were held near the perimeter fences that separate the Gaza Strip from Israel, including east of Jabalya, Gaza City, Khan Yunis, and Rafah. Their accounts, along with photographs and videos, show a pattern of Israeli forces shooting people who posed no imminent threat to life with live ammunition. Israel should pay adequate compensation in all cases in which its forces unlawfully shot people or killed their family members. Six of the witnesses Human Rights Watch interviewed said they were 200 to 300 meters from the two parallel fences, that in most places separate Gazas eastern periphery and Israel, on May 14 when Israeli forces shot them or people close to them with live ammunition. The victims include journalists, civil defense workers, and volunteers trying to evacuate the wounded, and a child running away from the fences. Three other witnesses said that soldiers shot them when they were between 30 and 40 meters from the fences. These three include a 14-year-old boy and a 48-year-old man, shot in separate incidents, who said they had not thrown stones or otherwise tried to harm Israeli soldiers. A third man said he had approached the fences and thrown stones at Israeli forces, but that he was shot later, while attempting to evacuate another man who was shot and wounded. The accounts are consistent with numerous news reports and videos that show Palestinians being shot while standing still or running away from the fences. Those Human Rights Watch interviewed said most of the shooting incidents they witnessed during the May 14 protests involved Israeli forces shooting people in the legs. But witnesses also described seven additional cases in which Israeli forces shot protesters who posed no imminent threat to life in the upper body, indicating that Israeli soldiers may have intended to kill them. One witness said he was shot in the back at a distance of 200 meters from the fences, with the bullet exiting his chest. Another said he saw a civil defense worker fatally shot in the chest 200 meters from the fences. Another witness said he saw a man in his 50s who was shot in the head when he approached to within 15 meters of the fences while holding a Palestinian flag. Two witnesses said they saw a man who was fatally shot in the head while being evacuated from close to the fences after being shot in the arm. From March 30 to June 8, Palestinians have engaged in weekly demonstrations near the fences between Gaza and Israel to protest against the 11-year closure of Gaza and to commemorate the expulsion and flight of hundreds of thousands of Palestinian refugees when Israel was established in 1948. Protests held on May 14 were also against the opening of the US embassy that day in Jerusalem. During the protests in this period, Israeli forces fired on demonstrators and killed 118 people during demonstrations, including 14 children, and wounded 3,895 with live ammunition who required hospitalization. At least 40 have needed to have limbs amputated, and hundreds more suffered severe injuries, medical officials reported. The Israeli closure of Gaza, backed by Egypt, as well as disputes over funding between the Palestinian Authority and Hamas have left medical facilities struggling to operate due to severe lack of electricity and essential drugs, medical disposables, and equipment. Doctors in Gaza have told Physicians for Human RightsIsrael they are powerless to provide needed treatment to many wounded patients. Israeli military authorities should reverse their policy of denying medical exit permits for Palestinians who were wounded in the protests. The Palestinian Authority should promptly issue required approvals for patients medical treatment. During the weekly protests, the Israeli military shot and killed protestors on the basis of a policy, according to public statements by Israeli officials and a submission to Israels supreme court, to use live ammunition against people who approached or attempted to cross or damage the fences. Israeli leaders rejected repeated calls from the UN and the EU and petitions by human rights groups to change those orders and praised the militarys actions. Israeli officials, including military commanders, apparently greenlighted the use of live ammunition against demonstrators. The officials include the chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot, Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The vast majority of protesters were unarmed. Some threw rocks and Molotov cocktails (improvised gasoline bombs), used slingshots to hurl projectiles, launched kites with incendiary materials, and sought to damage the fences between Gaza and Israel. In one instance, four armed men fired at Israeli soldiers during a protest in northern Gaza on May 14, a witness said. The UN reported that four Israeli soldiers have been wounded during the Gaza protests from March 30 to June 7, the first of whom was a soldier who was lightly wounded on May 14. An Israeli military spokesperson told the Guardian that no one had crossed the fences on May 14. Our troops have not taken any sustained direct fire, the spokesperson was quoted as saying. International human rights law standards on the use of force, which apply to law enforcement situations such as the Gaza protests, permit the use of live ammunition only as a last resort to prevent the imminent threat of death or serious injury. Israeli officials explicitly rejected human rights standards and argued that live ammunition was necessary to stop protesters from breaching the fences, because Hamas organized the protests so armed fighters could exploit the breaches to kill or capture soldiers or civilians. The use of live ammunition cannot be justified by automatically deeming every Palestinian who attempts to breach the fences to be an imminent threat to life, and in fact Israeli forces also shot medics, journalists, children, and others who were hundreds of meters away from the fences, Human Rights Watch said. In addition, because Palestinians in Gaza are entitled to protection under the Geneva Conventions as an occupied people, any wilful killing of them would constitute a war crime. A senior Israeli military official told the Washington Post that the only weapons Israeli forces used were live ammunition and tear-gas, not water cannon or other measures that Israel uses in the West Bank, which the official said lacked adequate range. In addition to the barbed wire fence separating Gaza and Israel, the two-meter-high fencing with electronic sensors, ditches, and military watchtowers along the Gaza periphery, in 2015 the Israeli military built fences around 12 Israeli communities near Gaza with electronic sensors that detect any contact with the fence and automatically alert the military. This further undercuts the claim that the protesters posed an imminent treat. Photographs, videos, and statements by surgeons indicate that Israeli forces fired on protestors using military assault rifles that fire bullets at high velocity. Medical journal articles, including by Israel Defense Forces trauma surgeons, have documented that gunshot wounds from assault-rifle bullets cause severe soft tissue damage, have a high incidence of complications, and that any delay at the scene of injury might jeopardize limb survival. The International Criminal Court (ICC) prosecutor, Fatou Bensouda, is examining alleged serious crimes committed in Palestine since June 13, 2014, including war crimes and crimes against humanity. On May 22, Palestine submitted a referral requesting the prosecutor investigate crimes under the ICCs jurisdiction, including crimes against humanity and the war crimes of willfully killing or willfully causing great suffering, or serious injury to civilians and the residents of an occupied territory. Crimes against humanity are criminal acts committed on a widespread or systematic basis as part of an attack on a civilian population, involving a plan or policy to commit the crime. Such acts include murder, persecution on political grounds, and other inhumane acts of a similar character intentionally causing great suffering or serious injury to body or to mental or physical health, according to the Rome Statute. Given strong evidence that serious crimes have been committed in Palestine since 2014, including new population transfers into occupied territories, Human Rights Watch has called on Bensouda to open a formal probe consistent with the ICCs Rome Statute. Impunity for unlawfully killing and maiming people in Gaza risks continuing the cycle where still more lives and families will be torn apart in the future, Whitson said. The UN Human Rights Council inquiry should identify and call for sanctions against officials implicated in ongoing serious human rights violations. The Gaza Protests and Israels Use of Live Ammunition Palestinians have held weekly protests beginning on March 30 near the fences along the eastern perimeter of the Gaza Strip. The protests were against Israels 11-year closure of the Gaza Strip and to commemorate the expulsion and flight of hundreds of thousands of Palestinians during Israels establishment, which Palestinians call the Nakba, or catastrophe. Dr. Ayman al-Sahabani, the head of the emergency department at al-Shifa Medical Complex in Gaza City, told Human Rights Watch that on May 14 alone the hospital received about 500 patients, most with bullet wounds to the legs, and 18 people who were dead on arrival. The emergency departments capacity is 20 beds. Many of the injuries are life-changing, according to medical personnel. Doctors Without Borders (MSF) stated on April 19 that their clinics in Gaza had treated more than 250 people where the bullet has literally destroyed tissue after having pulverized the bone, many of whom would require additional surgery. From March 30 to May 23, 40 people shot by Israeli forces, including at least three children, needed a limb amputated, 10 of whom lost a leg above the knee, according to information reported by the Gaza Health Ministry and other medical sources to the World Health Organization. Prior to the first mass weekly demonstration in Gaza on March 30, the Israeli government security cabinet which consists of the prime minister, defense minister, and other senior officials held two meetings to discuss the armys planned response. The Israeli military chief of staff, Lt. Gen. Gadi Eizenkot, briefed the security cabinet and later told Israeli media that a big portion of the army as well as more than 100 snipers would be present and that the orders are to use a lot of force. On March 29, Netanyahus Arabic spokesman posted a video of a man shot in the leg, stating, This is the least that anyone who tries to cross the security fence between Gaza and Israel will face. On March 30, the Israeli military, using live ammunition, killed 17 Palestinians, 12 of them demonstrators, and wounded hundreds. The next day, the chairperson of Meretz, a left-leaning Israeli political party, the EU, and the UN secretary-general separately called for an independent investigation into the events. Defense Minister Avigdor Lieberman rejected those calls and said that the IDF soldiers at the Gaza fences have my full backing. Netanyahu thanked our soldiers who are protecting the countrys borders. Protesters announced further demonstrations for the following Friday, April 6. Ahead of those protests, an Israeli military spokesperson stated that people could potentially be shot if they approached the fences or tried to damage them, and Lieberman stated that anyone who comes close to the fence endangers his life. During the April 6 protests, the Israeli military killed nine Palestinians in Gaza and injured hundreds more, according to the Israeli rights group BTselem, which had called on soldiers to disobey unlawful orders to fire on protesters who posed no threat to life. At a cabinet meeting on April 11, Netanyahu chastised critics of the militarys actions and said we will give [Israeli soldiers] all the backing they need to do their holy work. International Law and Israeli Claims The use of force outside of active armed conflict is governed by international human rights standards set out in the UN Basic Principles on the Use of Force and Firearms by Law Enforcement Officials. These standards, which apply to the Gaza demonstrations, prohibit shooting live ammunition except to prevent the imminent threat of death or serious injury or the perpetration of a particularly serious crime involving grave threat to life, and only when less extreme means are insufficient to achieve these objectives. The military did not publish its rules of engagement, but Israels state attorney disclosed some information in an April 29 response to a petition by Israeli human rights groups against the militarys use of lethal force against demonstrators in Gaza. The government response rejected applying human rights law applicable in law enforcement to the demonstrations, and claimed that only international humanitarian law, applicable in fighting in armed conflicts, applies, because the protests were organized, coordinated and directed by Hamas, a terrorist organization engaged in armed conflict with Israel. But even where the laws of armed conflict on targeting do apply, in any case where there is doubt as to a persons civilian status, they must be presumed to be a civilian and may not be targeted. Israeli officials argued that Hamas directed protesters to cross the fences so that armed fighters could run through the breach to kill or kidnap Israeli civilians or soldiers. The Israeli military spokesperson, Lt. Col. Jonathan Conricus, said on May 15 that there was no dilemma in deciding between having a lower amount of Palestinian casualties, and using lethal force in order to defend Israeli communities immediately behind the [Gaza perimeter fences]. The governments April 29 court response elaborated that soldiers could use potentially lethal force to prevent protesters from breaching the fences and crossing from Gaza to Israel if the evaluation is that the force is necessary at that time to remove the danger before it is realized, even if the danger itself has not yet become imminent, and that shooting demonstrators before they reach the fences is justified because if crowds breached them, it would operationally require live fire on a massive scale. In its efforts to justify the use of live ammunition to prevent Palestinians from crossing the fences, the government claimed in court to be following an open-fire policy that does not appear to account for the amounts of live ammunition used. The government stated to Israels supreme court that the orders only permit accurate shooting towards the legs of a major agitator or instigator, after giving verbal warnings and using non-lethal means to disperse demonstrations, as a last resort only and subject to stringent requirements of proportionality. The government stated that the orders do not permit live fire against a person because he is near the fences, took part in demonstrations, or supports Hamas. In fact, Israeli forces appear to have routinely exceeded these restrictions, firing from behind sand mounds and the fences separating Gaza and Israel at demonstrators in many cases more than 200 meters away. Netanyahu referred to a May 15 statement by a Hamas leader, Salah al-Bardawil, that 50 of 62 people killed by Israeli forces on May 14 were Hamas members in other words, members of a terrorist organization, Netanyahu said. Israeli military and political officials also claimed that Hamas strategically placed [civilians] in harms way because graphic media coverage of their injuries would harm Israels image. Hamass encouragement of and support for the protests and the participation of Hamas members in the protests do not justify the use of live ammunition against protestors who posed no threat to life. On May 25 Israels supreme court rejected petitions by human rights groups against the militarys live-fire orders without applying the clear standard on the use of lethal force set out in international human rights law, and substantially deferring to the governments discretion. The courts unwillingness to apply international law and to challenge a policy that authorizes lethal force even when there is no imminent threat to life highlights the importance of the International Criminal Court prosecutor opening a formal investigation into the situation in Palestine. Palestinians in Gaza are protected persons under the Geneva Conventions. Willful killings of protected persons by the occupying power outside what is permissible under human rights standards would constitute a grave breach of the laws of occupation. The prohibition of war crimes and crimes against humanity can be the basis for individual criminal liability in international courts, as well as in domestic courts in many countries under the principle of universal jurisdiction. Accounts from Witnesses In total, from March 30 to June 2, the Gaza Ministry of Health reported that hospitals in Gaza received 530 Palestinians who were wounded in the head or neck, and 311 in the chest or back. News media reported that a 14-year-old girl who had tried to breach the fences with wire-cutters was fatally shot in the head. The protesters were separated from the soldiers by the two fences and electronic sensors. Protesters had reached and torn down some of the barbed wire fence on April 27, and witnesses at the May 14 protests said that some protesters had cut or damaged sections of the barbed wire fence east of Gaza City, but that none had reached the electric fence beyond it. One witness said he was aware of a person who had joined the May 14 protests while carrying a firearm, but apparently did not fire it because members of Hamas warned him that doing so could prompt Israeli soldiers to target the area. Another man said that four members of an armed group had attempted to attack Israeli forces east of Jabalya, by concealing guns until they reached the first fence, where they fired at Israeli forces positioned behind sand mounds about 80 meters away, before being shot fatally. Israeli forces killed at least 17 people in that area on May 14. Israeli concerns that members of armed groups would use the protests as cover to fire at Israeli soldiers or plant explosives near the fences do not justify the repeated use of live ammunition, including with apparent lethal intent, against protesters who posed no imminent lethal threat, Human Rights Watch said. Witnesses consistently described the positioning of Israeli soldiers across the fences that separate Israel and Gaza, atop large earthen mounds overlooking the area where protesters congregated. The mounds were 10 to 30 meters apart, with 5 to 10 soldiers on each one. The Palestinian rights group Al Mezan reported that Israeli forces entered Gaza at 3 a.m. on May 14 and leveled the land in front of the fences in multiple areas, apparently to eliminate protestors cover. A freelance photojournalist, Mahmoud Abu Salama, 33, was covering demonstrations in an area east of Jabalya called Abu Safiyya, in the northern Gaza Strip, about 200 meters from the fences, where he saw a man shot in the groin at around noon on May 14, and a boy shot in the leg at about 3:30 p.m. Human Rights Watch has a photo he took of the boy. Abu Salama said: I still hear the voices of people who were screaming after being shot. One man was launching stones with a slingshot, he was just a meter-and-a-half from me when he was shot in the groin. He was bleeding so badly that the paramedics didnt know how to deal with him, his face color went between yellow and blue. The boy was also close to me when he was shot in his leg. I saw him while he was escaping from the teargas and running away with his back to the fence when they shot him. Mohammad Meqdad, 39, a civil defense worker, spoke to Human Rights Watch while awaiting surgery at al-Shifa hospital on May 15. Wearing an orange, reflective vest, like other civil defense workers, he had been evacuating wounded people east of Gaza City to ambulances throughout the morning on May 14, he said. At around 1:30 p.m., he was walking back toward the fences after evacuating a casualty, and was about 300 meters away when he was shot in the leg: My face was toward the fence. I was able to see soldiers on hills of sand and those hills were higher [on May 14] than they were on previous protest days. On each of the hills, there were about 10 soldiers. There were guys closer to the fence who were burning tires, chanting for Jerusalem, and throwing stones, but others were shot who were much farther away. The last people I evacuated before I was shot were three women, all in their late 20s, who were shot in the neck or in the head. They had been carrying flags and chanting, they were in a group of women that was about 150 meters from the fence, behind a group of men who were closer than they were to the fence. I evacuated one, and then another got shot, and then the other, over 5 or 10 minutes. One of them died immediately, but I dont know what happened to the other two. Mohaweya al-Ay, a 20-year-old student from the Tuffah neighborhood of Gaza City, spoke to Human Rights Watch on May 17, after surgery at al-Shifa hospital. He said that he had been helping three civil defense workers evacuate wounded protesters east of Gaza City at 1 p.m. on May 14 when Israeli forces fatally shot one of the civil defense workers, Mousa Abu Hassanein, in the chest. They were about 200 meters from the fences at the time, al-Ay said. A Canadian doctor, Tarek Loubani, told Human Rights Watch that Abu Hassanein had helped rescue him when he was shot in the legs about an hour before Abu Hassanein was killed. The Palestinian rights group Al Mezan reported that four paramedics were shot with live ammunition on May 14. On June 1, Israeli forces shot Razan al-Najjar in the chest, while the 21-year-old volunteer paramedic was wearing a white coat and treating wounded people at that days protest. The Israeli army has said no shots were deliberately or directly aimed towards her. Al-Ay was shot in the back later that afternoon in the same area, while he was trying to reach a young man who had been shot, who he later learned was an 18-year-old named Ahmad al-Zarqa: I saw a man was bleeding and walked toward him slowly. My back was toward the fence, no one was around me, throwing stones or anything else. Then a bullet hit my back from the right side and exited through my chest. I was about 200 meters away from the fence. There were no ambulances, they couldnt come to us because of the shooting. Two civil defense men were near me and pulled me behind a wall [for cover from gunfire], and another guy took my phone and called my family. Al-Ay said that he did not burn tires or throw stones. Israeli forces in that area had begun firing earlier in the day on a group of protesters who had reached the barbed-wire fence, tied a rope to it, and begun to pull it away, he said: No one reached the electric fence. There were a large number of martyrs. The soldiers were on high hills of dirt and the first shootings were toward the top of peoples heads. The International Federation of Journalists identified nine journalists who were wounded on May 14, including photojournalist Farhan Abu Hadayed, 26, who was shot at around noon. He and two other witnesses, whom Human Rights Watch interviewed separately, said that he was about 150 meters from the fences wearing a flak jacket marked Press when he was shot in the leg. Abu Hadayed said that about 15 journalists had begun to follow a large group of demonstrators who were walking in the direction of the fences when without any prior warning, and no firing of tear gas, they shot four people in the legs, and I was the fifth. A freelance photojournalist, Mohammad Qandil, said he also saw the shooting and held onto Abu Hadayeds camera when he was evacuated to an ambulance. Abu Hadayed had gone to the protests with Ramzi al-Shakhreet, the supervisor at his media company, Truth Pioneers Network. Al-Shakreet, 34, said he was five meters away when Abu Hadayed was shot, and that there was a clear line of sight from him to the soldiers at the fence. He was shot while he was taking photos. Al-Shakhreet also told Human Rights Watch that he saw two other protesters shot at around 1 p.m. A man in his 50s had approached to within 15 meters of the steel fence, waving a Palestinian flag, when he was shot in the head and apparently died instantly. A man in his mid-20s was about 150 meters from the fences when he was shot in the left leg: He was seven or eight meters from me, I was to his right side, and he was shot while standing in the middle of the group of protesters, not doing anything except watching, said al-Shakreet. On April 6, Israeli forces had fatally shot another journalist, Yasser Murtaja, in the abdomen between 1:30 and 2:30 in the afternoon while he was covering demonstrations east of Khan Yunis. Another journalist, Muthana al-Najar, said that Murtaja stepped forward to film someone who was injured on the ground, he had just turned to his right when he was shot in the left side of his waist. Al-Najar said that there was thick smoke near the fences because protesters had been burning tires, but that he had a clear view of some snipers on a hill of dirt on the opposite side of the fences. Murtaja was more than 200 meters from the fences and was wearing a vest marked Press when he was shot. Murtaja was holding a digital camera and had told al-Najar he was filming a documentary about the weekly demonstrations. The Israeli military has opened an internal inquiry into some specific deaths, including Murtajas. Human Rights Watch interviewed Abd el-Rahman Abu Qamar, a 14-year-old boy, at his bedside at al-Shifa hospital on May 17. He said he was running away from teargas and shooting and was about 200 meters from the fences east of Gaza City when he was shot in the leg at about 2 p.m. on May 14. His brother, Malek, 18, who went with his brother to the demonstration, said they were in a large group chanting for Jerusalem. Malek said Israeli forces fired on the group and he hit the ground to avoid the bullets, and then saw a paramedic and a civil defense worker evacuating Abd el-Rahman. Defense for Children International-Palestine reported the names of six boys and a girl who were killed with live ammunition on May 14, the youngest being 13-year-old Izz al-Samak. Five were shot in the head or neck, and two in the abdomen. Samer Nasser, 23, said he was part of a group east of Jabalya that was throwing stones and trying to approach the barbed-wire fence to cut it with wire-cutters when a man near him was shot in the arm. Nasser had driven a tuk tuk, a three-wheeled motorized vehicle, to the area. He loaded the wounded man onto it and was driving away to reach medical treatment when Israeli forces started shooting heavily, Nasser said. The injured man in my tuk tuk was shot again in the head and immediately died, and I was shot in the thigh. I was bleeding for 15 minutes, and had to crawl until I reached a woman who helped me. Human Rights Watch obtained a video from another Gaza resident, Jamil Barakat, who said he filmed the woman who helped Nasser. In the video she is shown seeking cover behind a rock, gesturing to Nasser and encouraging him to crawl toward her. Barakat was also taking shelter behind the rock. We were luckily not shot, but we were unable to move forward or backward for half an hour because they opened fire at us, Barakat said. Barakat confirmed that the wounded man whom Nasser had put on his tuk tuk died before he could be evacuated. Nasser said that he participated in the demonstration to protest the US embassy move to Jerusalem (which happened on the same day as the 14 May protest), and Israels closure of Gaza. Maher Harara, a 48-year-old from al-Shujaiya, a neighborhood east of Gaza City, said he saw a womans finger shot off as she was making a victory sign while facing the fences east of Gaza City at around 1 p.m. on May 14. She was about 40 meters from the fences. Harara was himself shot a few hours later. He had attended each of the protests since March 30 without being injured but was shot in his left leg at about 5 p.m. on May 14 in the same area, 40 meters from the fences: I was not holding anything, even my mobile phone was in my pocket, and I was standing by myself, but maybe they shot me because I was wearing black trousers and a black t-shirt so they thought I was a leader, but I wasnt. An 18-year-old youth said he was shot in the ankle in the Malaka area east of Gaza City, about 30 meters from the fences, in the afternoon of May 14: There were about 50 people in front of me, they were the front group of protesters. I was watching them. Suddenly I fell down on the ground, shot in the leg. I was completely peaceful, doing nothing, just there because of the situation [the opening of the US embassy] in Jerusalem. I stood behind the main group assuming that would be safe, but they hit me. Around me there were a few guys throwing stones, and others burning tires, flying kites, and using slingshots. I also saw an old man get shot in his leg, he was 15 meters in front of me toward the fence, but also just standing and watching. Featured Photo: Tear gas fired by Israeli forces fall near Palestinian protesters on May 14 east of Jabalya in the Gaza Strip. 2018 Mahmoud Abu Salama. Via Human Rights Watch HALIFAX, Nova Scotia, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Erdene Resource Development Corp. (TSX:ERD) ("Erdene" or "Company") is pleased to announce that it has launched a secondary listing of its common shares on the Mongolian Stock Exchange (MSE) and closed the associated offering of 4,000,000 common shares to Mongolian residents (Mongolia Offering). The Companys common shares issued under the Mongolia Offering will commence trading under the symbol ERDN on the MSE on or about June 19, 2018, as the first cross-listed and currently only precious metals exploration and development company listed on the MSE. The Government of Mongolia has long expressed interest in having international investors list their mining and exploration projects on the MSE as a means to develop its capital market while providing shared benefits to local investors, said Peter Akerley, President and CEO of Erdene. Our listing is the result of two years of active collaboration with the Government of Mongolia to develop the necessary framework to accommodate cross listing of companies that are listed on international exchanges. Today we have added a significant number of new Mongolian shareholders to Erdene by way of our offering in Mongolia and MSE listing. The high level of investor and public interest in this offering has only strengthened our belief in the important role the local capital markets have in financing mineral exploration and development opportunities. We would like to welcome Erdene on the Mongolian Stock Exchange as the first cross-listed company in Mongolia, said Altai Khangai, the CEO of the MSE. This opens tremendous opportunity for the Company to connect with its stakeholders in the country. Mr. Sumiyabazar Dolgorsuren, Mongolias Minister of Mining and Heavy Industry, added: Erdene Resource Development is the first to cross list its shares in Mongolia, and we are grateful that mining companies are looking to be transparent and open to the Mongolian public. Offering Terms Pursuant to the Mongolia Offering, Erdene has sold 4,000,000 common shares at a price of $0.34 (or 640 Mongolian Tugrik) per share for gross proceeds of $1,375,604 (based on todays Tugrik/CAD rate of 1861) under a prospectus prepared pursuant to Mongolian laws. The Company paid a cash commission of 7% of the gross proceeds to the underwriters of the Mongolia Offering. The Mongolia Offering was oversubscribed by 66%, however, the Company limited the issuance to 4 million shares, which were distributed to subscribers pro-rata. The shares issued under the Mongolia Offering are expected to commence trading on the MSE on or about June 19, 2018. Under current Mongolian regulations, the shares listed on the MSE may only be traded through the facilities of the MSE until de-listed or until cross-border trades are permitted by Mongolian authorities. In addition, all shares issued pursuant to the Mongolia Offering are subject to a four-month hold period in Canada from the closing date of the Mongolia Offering. Proceeds of the Mongolia Offering will be used to advance the Company's Bayan Khundii and Altan Nar gold projects, and to further explore and develop the Companys other gold properties in southwest Mongolia, as well as for general corporate purposes. About Erdene Erdene Resource Development Corp. is a Canada-based resource company focused on the acquisition, exploration, and development of base and precious metals in underexplored and highly prospective Mongolia. The Company has interests in four exploration licenses and a mining license in southwest Mongolia, where exploration success has led to the discovery and definition of several prospects and deposits including: Bayan Khundii the Companys flagship and newly discovered, high-grade, near-surface gold project; Altan Nar an extensive, high-grade, near-surface, gold-polymetallic project located 16 kilometres northwest of Bayan Khundii; Altan Arrow an early-stage, high-grade gold-silver project 3.5 kilometres north of Bayan Khundii; Ulaan a recently acquired copper-gold porphyry prospect adjacent to Bayan Khundii; Khuvyn Khar an early-stage, copper-silver porphyry project; Nomin Tal a narrow, high-grade copper-gold discovery; and Zuun Mod a large molybdenum-copper porphyry deposit. In addition to the above projects, Erdene has an Alliance with Teck Resources Limited on regional copper-gold exploration in the prospective Trans Altai region of southwest Mongolia. The Bayan Khundii and Altan Nar licenses have a 2% net smelter returns royalty (NSR Royalty) in favour of Sandstorm Gold Ltd. with a buy-back option to reduce the NSR Royalty to 1%. For further information on the Company, please visit www.erdene.com. After giving effect to the Mongolia Offering, Erdene has 161,682,041 issued and outstanding common shares and a fully diluted position of 183,141,320 common shares. Forward-Looking Statements Certain information regarding Erdene contained herein may constitute forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities laws. Forward-looking statements may include estimates, plans, expectations, opinions, forecasts, projections, guidance or other statements that are not statements of fact. Although Erdene believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements are reasonable, it can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to have been correct. Erdene cautions that actual performance will be affected by many factors, most of which are beyond its control, and that future events and results may vary substantially from what Erdene currently foresees. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration results, continued availability of capital and financing and general economic, market or business conditions. The forward-looking statements are expressly qualified in their entirety by this cautionary statement. The information contained herein is stated as of the current date and is subject to change after that date. The Company does not assume the obligation to revise or update these forward-looking statements, except as may be required under applicable securities laws. NO REGULATORY AUTHORITY HAS APPROVED OR DISAPPROVED THE CONTENTS OF THIS RELEASE VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Equinox Gold Corp. (TSX-V:EQX) (OTC:EQXGF) (Equinox Gold or the Company) is pleased to provide an update on construction progress at its Aurizona Gold Mine in Brazil (Aurizona). Construction remains on schedule to pour gold by late 2018 with the expectation of producing on average 136,000 ounces of gold per year, and construction spending is tracking in-line with the US$146 million project budget. Construction and Mining Progress More than 2,000 days with no lost-time incidents Overall project is 55% complete and EPCM (engineering, procurement and construction management) activities are 70% complete Plant construction is 45% complete and progressing on a number of areas including grinding, crushing, leaching, the thickener, and installation of agitators in the CIP circuit Concrete work is 70% complete Engineering is complete Construction progress at Aurizona is documented in a photo gallery on Equinox Golds website at www.equinoxgold.com and a number of photos are included at the end of this news release. The concrete foundations and pedestals for the SAG and ball mills are complete and ready for mill installation, which is expected to commence at the end of June. Concrete work is underway in the surge bin area, 90% complete in the leaching and thickening areas and 50% complete in the crusher area. Structural steel erection in the grinding area has commenced and the thickener tank is 90% complete. Refurbishment of the existing CIP circuit and detox tanks is complete while refurbishment of other equipment such as pumps, agitators, screens and motors is 90% complete. Engineering is complete and all major contracts have been awarded, including the mining fuel supply contract and the construction contract for electrical and instrumentation installation. Overall procurement of equipment and materials is 70% complete, all major purchase orders have been awarded and the majority of equipment will have been delivered to site by the end of August. More than 80% of the anticipated 1,230 tonnes of structural steel is on site. Pre-production mining activities, focused on removing waste from two locations in the Piaba pit and developing access roads, commenced in mid-April and are progressing on schedule. The mining contractor has removed more than 600,000 tonnes of waste to date and roadwork is underway in preparation for ore mining in Q3-2018. On Behalf of the Board of Equinox Gold Corp. Christian Milau CEO & Director Equinox Gold Contacts Christian Milau, CEO & Director Rhylin Bailie, Vice President Investor Relations Tel: +1 604-558-0560 Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. About Equinox Gold Equinox Gold is a Canadian mining company with a multi-million-ounce gold resource base, near-term and growing gold production from two past-producing mines in Brazil and California, and a diverse portfolio of gold and copper assets in North and South America. Construction is underway at the Companys Aurizona project in Brazil with the objective of pouring gold by late 2018, and a prefeasibility study is underway at the Companys Castle Mountain project in California with the objective of restarting production. Further information about Equinox Golds current portfolio of assets and long-term growth strategy is available at www.equinoxgold.com or by email at This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. . Cautionary Notes and Forward-Looking Statements Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as such term is defined in the policies of the TSX Venture Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. This document contains certain forward-looking information and forward-looking statements within the meaning of applicable securities legislation (collectively forward-looking statements). The use of the words will, will have been, to be, expected, objective, expectation, underway and similar expressions are intended to identify forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements contained in this news release include, but are not limited to, statements regarding construction activities underway at Aurizona, anticipated production from the Aurizona Gold Mine and Castle Mountain Gold Mine, the Castle Mountain prefeasibility study, the potential for other assets of the Company, and the growth potential of the Company. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in such forward-looking statements and/or information are reasonable, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements since the Company can give no assurance that such expectations will prove to be correct. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward-looking statements, including the risks, uncertainties and other factors identified in the Companys periodic filings with Canadian securities regulators, and assumptions made with regard to the Companys ability to complete construction at Aurizona on time and on budget or at all; the timing to achieve production; the Companys ability to extend the Aurizona mine life, develop the underground potential of the deposit or identify new mineralization in the Aurizona district; the Companys ability to complete the Castle Mountain prefeasibility study and the results of the study; and the Companys ability to achieve its expected growth and production potential. Furthermore, the forward-looking statements contained in this news release are made as at the date of this news release and the Company does not undertake any obligations to publicly update and/or revise any of the included forward-looking statements, whether as a result of additional information, future events and/or otherwise, except as may be required by applicable securities laws. Underground Exploration Commences at Historic Maria Luisa Gold-Copper Mine EDMONTON, June 13, 2018 /CNW/ - Altiplano Minerals Ltd. (TSXV: APN) (OTCQB: ALTPF) (FWB:9AJ1) ("APN" or the "Company") is pleased to report commencement of underground drilling at the historic Maria Luisa Gold-Copper Mine ("Maria Luisa") near La Serena, Chile. CEO John Williamson stated, "Recent underground sampling results from the lowest accessible level (841M) have confirmed the records of historic high-grade production at Maria Luisa. Based on this, APN has habilitated this level to accommodate underground drilling in order to confirm continuation of these grades at depth, and is planning to extract a 5,000 tonne bulk sample". Historic production records cited by Apex in their February 10, 2017 Technical Report (news released March 15, 2017) show that veins at Maria Luisa yielded an average grade of 6.85 g/t Au and 1.89 % Cu in 600 tonnes mined between 2011 and 2015, including approximately 14 tonnes with 25.8 g/t Au and 1.69 % Cu. In 2017, APN reported channel chip samples of up to 25 g/t Au across 1.6 m (news released June 21, 2017), and recent channel sampling results (see Figure 2 below) have confirmed the presence of these high-grades at the lowest level with up to 19.21 g/t Au and 2.27 % Cu across 1.1 m (see Figure 1 below). Figure 1. Showing channel sample #34789 at the 841M Level yielding a grade of 19.2 g/t Au and 2.3%Cu across 1.1m. Surface diamond drilling completed in 2017, intersected continuation of the veins ~50 m underneath the 841M Level, but poor core recovery of only 50% indicates that the grades assayed, albeit good (1 m @ 6.95 g/t Au and 0.03% Cu), may have underestimated the true grade. The Company will now conduct an underground drilling program of 3 fences of 3-4 short holes close to the observed high-grade sources to better test the opportunity at Maria Luisa. Between April and June 2018, the Company conducted underground work to expand the 841M level and improve access in order to accommodate new underground drilling where sampling and mapping have delineated high-grade gold and copper mineralization of similar tenor to the gold-copper ore mined and sold by historical operators. Following the drill testing the Company intends to extract a 5,000 tonne bulk sample to confirm the potential to produce a 43-101 resource estimation. In order to extract this sample, the Company is planning to rehabilitate and deepen a shaft that presently goes from surface to the 858M level. The shaft will be extended down to the 835M level (23 m deeper), and will enable extraction of mineralized vein material from the bottom. Figure 2. Showing the results of channel and grab sampling and planned underground drilling. Osbaldo Zamora Vega, Ph.D, P.Geol., Vice President of Exploration for Altiplano, is the Qualified Person as defined in National Instrument 43-101 who has reviewed and approved the technical contents of this press release. About Altiplano Altiplano Metals Inc. (APN: TSXV) is a mineral exploration company focused on evaluating and acquiring projects with significant potential for advancement from discovery through to production, in Canada and abroad. Management has a substantial record of success in capitalizing opportunity, overcoming challenges and building shareholder value. Additional information concerning Altiplano can be found on its website at www.altiplanominerals.com. ON BEHALF OF THE BOARD /s/ "John Williamson" President and CEO Tel: (780) 966-7014 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 release includes certain statements that may be deemed "forward-looking statements". All statements in this release, other than statements of historical facts, that address exploration drilling, exploitation activities and events or developments that the Company expects are forward-looking statements. 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 the forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continuity of mineralization, uncertainties related to the ability to obtain necessary permits, licenses and title and delays due to third party opposition, changes in government policies regarding mining and natural resource exploration and exploitation, and continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. Investors are cautioned that any such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those projected in the forward-looking statements. For more information on the Company, investors should review the Company's continuous disclosure filings that are available at www.sedar.com. VANCOUVER, June 14, 2018 /CNW/ - Nevsun Resources Ltd. (TSX: NSU) (NYSE AMERICAN: NSU) ("Nevsun" or the "Company") announced today that, together with its Eritrean partner ENAMCO, Nevsun has approved an extension to the Bisha zinc-copper mine in Eritrea, self-funded by existing cash flows from Bisha. The open-pit extension adds 3.3 million tonnes of high-grade ore to the mill and extends operations through the full year 2022, resulting in additional payable production of 470 million pounds of zinc and 52 millions pounds of copper over this time frame. In addition to incremental production and revenue, the extension provides time for Bisha to advance assessment of the Asheli and Harena underground deposits and to consider further open-pit extensions. Peter Kukielski, Nevsun CEO, said "The Bisha team has been working hard to optimize the mine plan and reduce the operational risk of the deeper ore from the main pit. The investment announced today increases the long-term cashflow from Bisha, reducing requirements for external funding for construction of our high-grade, high-return Timok project in Serbia. The extension of the Bisha mine life, combined with the planned ramp up of the Timok Upper Zone in 2022 and the longer term potential of the Timok Lower Zone, gives us confidence that Nevsun will continue to produce strong operating cash flows for many years to come." Mr. Kukielski continued, "This open pit extension is supported by the now fully implemented metallurgical improvements at Bisha, combined with continued strength in zinc and copper prices. We will have an additional open-pit extension to consider late next year and are actively evaluating underground mining at Asheli and Harena. We continue to work with our partner, ENAMCO, to maximize resource conversion to reserves." In August 2017, Nevsun decided to reduce the mine life at Bisha due to the operational risk of the original large open-pit cut-back. Since that time, Bisha has increased mining rates and significantly improved metallurgical performance, while metal prices have remained strong, leading the Company to re-visit the larger cut-back option. The open-pit extension accesses a portion of the previously envisaged cut back with an additional 3.3 million tonnes of ore over the existing reserve and assumed recoveries of 70% for copper to copper concentrate and 80% for zinc to zinc concentrate. Several million tonnes of additional high-grade resource in the original pit design could also potentially be brought back into the mine life. The Company expects to assess investment in an additional cut-back to access this resource in late 2019. Approval will depend on performance in delivering the cost targets and increased mining rates for the extension announced today. Updated Mining Schedule The following mining schedule includes ore from the Bisha Main pit (current reserves plus extension) and Harena: 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 LOM Total Bisha Main Ore Mined, Mt 2.3 2.1 2.0 2.4 0.3 9.2 Harena, Ore Mined, Mt 2.1 2.1 Waste Mined, Mt 20 30 24 14 6 95 Zinc grade, % 7.2 6.6 7.4 6.9 4.5 6.5 Copper grade, % 1.2 1.1 1.2 1.0 0.9 1.1 Updated Processing Schedule The following processing schedule includes ore from the Bisha Main pit (current reserves plus extension), Harena and stockpiles: 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 LOM Total Bisha Main Ore, Mt 2.3 2.2 2.0 2.4 0.4 9.3 Harena, Ore, Mt 2.0 0.1 2.1 Stockpile, Mt 0.2 0.4 0.6 Total Processed, Mt 2.3 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.2 0.1 12.0 Incremental Capital Cost In addition to the original guidance of $15 million in sustaining capital in 2018 and the life of mine ("LOM") sustaining capital in the Company's most recent technical report, the incremental capital to deliver the Bisha Main extension is as follows: 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 LOM Total Heavy Mining Equipment ("HME"), $M 20.1 0.6 0.1 0.1 20.9 Tailing Management Facility Lift ("TMF"), $M 4.5 4.5 Other, $M 6.1 2.6 2.4 0.7 2.5 14.3 Total, $M 26.2 3.2 7.0 0.8 2.5 39.7 HME capital is primarily to purchase larger mining equipment that is expected to yield a unit mining cost 23% lower than the existing fleet. The other costs include new maintenance facilities for the larger trucks as well as other initiatives and projects to deliver the mine life extension. All financial numbers are in US dollars unless otherwise indicated Forward Looking Statements The above contains forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward looking statements including statements with respect to Bisha zinc-copper mine in Eritrea and the Company's Timok upper-zone project in Serbia. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "hopes", "intends", "estimated", "potential", "possible" and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results "will", "may", "could" or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are statements concerning the Company's current beliefs, plans, objectives and expectations about the future. The actual achievements of the Company or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors. These risks, uncertainties and factors include general business, legal, economic, competitive, political, regulatory and social uncertainties; actual results of exploration activities and economic evaluations; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; changes in project parameters; changes in costs, including labour, infrastructure, operating and production costs; future prices of copper, gold, zinc, silver and other minerals; resource estimates and variations of mineral grade or recovery rates; operating or technical difficulties in connection with exploration; extension of mine life and the economic viability of underground deposits at Asheli and Harena and further open pit extensions; mining method, production profile and mine plan optimization; mine, performance and other development or mining activities, including plant operations, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; ability to resolve and the metallurgical challenges and the ability to maintain the improvements on variable ore materials being processed to produce concentrate; performance on ore production and waste movement and improvement in mining capability; delays in exploration, development; changes in government legislation and regulation; the ability to maintain and renew existing licenses and permits and the ability to obtain other required licences and permits in a timely manner or at all; the ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms and in a timely manner or at all; contests over title to properties; employee relations and shortages of skilled personnel and contractors; the speculative nature of, and the risks involved in, the exploration, development and mining business including, without limitation, other risks that are more fully described in the Company's Annual Information Form for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 (the "AIF") and the Company's management discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 (the "MD&A"), which are incorporated herein by reference. The Company's forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made and the Company assumes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements in the future, except as required by law. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. Further information concerning risks and uncertainties associated with these forward-looking statements and our business can be found in our AIF and MD&A, which is available on the Company's website (www.nevsun.com), filed under our profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and on EDGAR (www.sec.gov) under cover of Form 40-F. About Nevsun Resources Ltd. Nevsun Resources Ltd. is the 100% owner of the high-grade copper-gold Timok Upper Zone and 60.4% owner of the Timok Lower Zone in Serbia. The Timok Lower Zone is a partnership with Freeport-McMoRan Exploration Corporation ("Freeport") which currently owns 39.6% and upon completion of any feasibility study (on the Upper or Lower Zone), Nevsun Resources Ltd. will own 46% and Freeport will own 54%. Nevsun generates cash flow from its 60% owned copper-zinc Bisha Mine in Eritrea. Nevsun is well positioned with a strong debt-free balance sheet to grow shareholder value through advancing Timok to production. NEVSUN RESOURCES LTD. "Peter Kukielski" Peter Kukielski President & Chief Executive Officer Vancouver, British Columbia--(Newsfile Corp. - June 14, 2018) - B2Gold Corp. (TSX: BTO) (NYSE AMERICAN: BTG) (NSX: B2G) ("B2Gold" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has launched its second annual Responsible Mining Report. The report provides a detailed overview of the Company's economic, governance, environmental and social performance in 2017. Highlights from the 2017 report include: People B2Gold maintains a minimal expatriate employment rate at all of its operations by recruiting people at a local and national level, and by providing quality training. Across all of B2Gold's operations, only 4% of the total workforce are expatriate employees. In 2017, the Company completed construction of its Fekola Mine in Mali and managed to retain over 80% of its Malian team (B2Gold currently has 765 people in operations) through skills training from construction to operations roles. Health & Safety B2Gold's commitment to the health and safety of its people is a top priority. In 2017, the Company improved its already impressive company-wide safety performance record by reducing the Lost-Time Injury ("LTI") rate by 50%, with zero LTIs for 965 days or 2.6 years at the Masbate operations and 753 days or 2.1 years at the Fekola operations (as of May 30, 2018). Human Rights B2Gold continues its proactive approach to human rights due diligence. In 2017, the Company completed human rights assessments at its operations in Mali and the Philippines. The report summarizes the results of these initiatives and the Company's plans for continuing assessments and training, in alignment with the Voluntary Principles on Security and Human Rights at its other operations. Environment B2Gold is committed to minimizing the impact on, and conserving the quality of, the natural environment in the areas where the Company operates. The report showcases the new solar power plant at the Otjikoto Mine in Namibia (see news release dated 06/05/2018) and how B2Gold is going beyond compliance by restoring coral reef systems in a newly-established marine protection area in the Philippines. Damage to the reef has been caused by aggressive overfishing and destructive fishing practices. "Our principles of fairness, respect, transparency and accountability are enduring," said Clive Johnson, President & CEO, in the report's opening message. "B2Gold will continue to demonstrate to our stakeholders - government authorities, community members, and financial partners - that responsible mining practices are at our core." The report was compiled in accordance with the Global Reporting Initiative Standards, Core option, and the G4 Mining and Metals Sector Disclosures. To view or download a copy of B2Gold's 2017 Responsible Mining Report please visit Click Here. About B2Gold Corp. Headquartered in Vancouver, Canada, B2Gold Corp. is the world's new senior gold producer. Founded in 2007, today, B2Gold has five operating gold mines, and numerous exploration and development projects in various countries including Nicaragua, the Philippines, Namibia, Mali, Burkina Faso, Colombia and Finland. With the first full year of production from the large, low-cost Fekola Mine, B2Gold is achieving transformational growth in 2018. Consolidated gold production is forecast to be between 910,000 and 950,000 ounces, representing an increase in annual consolidated gold production of approximately 300,000 ounces in 2018 versus 2017. Based on current assumptions, in 2018, consolidated cash operating costs are projected to be between $505 and $550 per ounce, and consolidated AISC are projected to be between $780 and $830 per ounce. ON BEHALF OF B2GOLD CORP. "CLIVE JOHNSON" President & CEO For more information on B2Gold, please visit the Company website at www.b2gold.com or contact: Ian MacLean Vice President, Investor Relations 604-681-8371 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. Katie Bromley Manager, Investor Relations & Public Relations 604-681-8371 This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. The Toronto Stock Exchange and the NYSE American LLC neither approve nor disapprove the information contained in this news release. Production forecasts presented in this news release reflect the total production at the mines the Company operates on a 100% basis. This news release includes certain "forward-looking information" and "forward-looking statements" (collectively "forward-looking statements") within the meaning of applicable Canadian and United States securities legislation, including statements regarding anticipated exploration, operations, production and other activities and achievements of the Company, including but not limited to: consolidated 2018 gold production forecast being between 910,000 and 950,000 ounces of gold and such representing an increase in annual consolidated gold production of approximately 300,000 ounces for the Company in 2018 versus 2017; and estimated consolidated cash operating costs and AISC per ounce for 2018. All statements in this news release that address events or developments that we expect to occur in the future are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are statements that are not historical facts and are generally, although not always, identified by words such as "expect", "plan", "anticipate", "project", "target", "potential", "schedule", "forecast", "budget", "estimate", "intend" or "believe" and similar expressions or their negative connotations, or that events or conditions "will", "would", "may", "could", "should" or "might" occur. All such forward-looking statements are based on the opinions and estimates of management as of the date such statements are made. Forward-looking statements necessarily involve assumptions, risks and uncertainties, certain of which are beyond B2Gold's control, including risks associated with the volatility of metal prices and the Company's common shares; risks and dangers inherent in exploration, development and mining activities; uncertainty of reserve and resource estimates; risk of not achieving production, cost or other estimates; risk that actual production, development plans and costs differ materially from the estimates in the Company's feasibility studies; the ability to obtain and maintain any necessary permits, consents or authorizations required for mining activities; uncertainty about the outcome of negotiations with the Government of Mali; risks related to environmental regulations or hazards and compliance with complex regulations associated with mining activities; the ability to replace mineral reserves and identify acquisition opportunities; unknown liabilities of companies acquired by B2Gold; ability to successfully integrate new acquisitions; fluctuations in exchange rates; availability of financing; risks related to financing and debt, including potential restrictions imposed on the Company's operations as a result thereof and the ability to generate sufficient cash flows; risks related to operations in foreign and developing countries and compliance with foreign laws, including those associated with operations Mali, Namibia, the Philippine, Nicaragua and Burkina Faso and including risks related to changes in foreign laws and changing policies related to mining and local ownership requirements; risks related to remote operations and the availability of adequate infrastructure, fluctuations in price and availability of energy and other inputs necessary for mining operations; shortages or cost increases in necessary equipment, supplies and labour; regulatory, political and country risks including local instability (including the current ongoing instability in Nicaragua) or acts of terrorism and the effects thereof; risks related to reliance upon contractors, third parties and joint venture partners; risks related to lack of sole decision-making authority related to Filminera Resources Corporation, which owns the Masbate Project; challenges to title or surface rights; dependence on key personnel and ability to attract and retain skilled personnel; the risk of an uninsurable or uninsured loss; adverse climate and weather conditions; litigation risk; competition with other mining companies; changes in tax laws; community support for the Company's operations including risks related to strikes and the halting of such operations from time to time; risks related to conflict with small scale miners; risks related to failures of information systems or information security threats; the final outcome of the audit by the DENR in relation to the Masbate Project; ability to maintain adequate internal control over financial reporting as required by law, including Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act; risks related to compliance with anti-corruption laws; as well as other factors identified and as described in more detail under the heading "Risk Factors" in B2Gold's most recent Annual Information Form, the Company's current Form 40-F Annual Report and B2Gold's other filings with Canadian securities regulators and the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission (the "SEC"), which may be viewed at www.sedar.com and www.sec.gov, respectively (the "Websites"). The list is not exhaustive of the factors that may affect the Company's forward-looking statements. There can be no assurance that such statements will prove to be accurate, and actual results, performance or achievements could differ materially from those expressed in, or implied by, these forward-looking statements. Accordingly, no assurance can be given that any events anticipated by the forward-looking statements will transpire or occur, or if any of them do, what benefits or liabilities B2Gold will derive therefrom. The Company's forward-looking statements reflect current expectations regarding future events and operating performance and speak only as of the date hereof and the Company does not assume any obligation to update forward-looking statements if circumstances or management's beliefs, expectations or opinions should change other than as required by applicable law. The Company's forward-looking statements are based on the applicable assumptions and factors management considers reasonable as of the date hereof, based on the information available to management at such time. These assumptions and factors include, but are not limited to, assumptions and factors related to the Company's ability to carry on current and future operations, including development and exploration activities; the timing, extent, duration and economic viability of such operations, including any mineral resources or reserves identified thereby; the accuracy and reliability of estimates, projections, forecasts, studies and assessments; the Company's ability to meet or achieve estimates, projections and forecasts; the availability and cost of inputs; the price and market for outputs, including gold; the timely receipt of necessary approvals or permits; the ability to meet current and future obligations; the ability to obtain timely financing on reasonable terms when required; the current and future social, economic and political conditions; and other assumptions and factors generally associated with the mining industry. For the reasons set forth above, undue reliance should not be placed on forward-looking statements. Non-IFRS Measures: This news release includes certain terms or performance measures commonly used in the mining industry that are not defined under International Financial Reporting Standards ("IFRS"), including "cash operating costs" and "all-in sustaining costs" (or "AISC"). Non-IFRS measures do not have any standardized meaning prescribed under IFRS, and therefore they may not be comparable to similar measures employed by other companies. The data presented is intended to provide additional information and should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for measures of performance prepared in accordance with IFRS and should be read in conjunction with B2Gold's consolidated financial statements. Readers should refer to B2Gold's management discussion and analysis, available under B2Gold's corporate profile at the Websites or on its website at www.b2gold.com, under the heading "Non-IFRS Measures" for a more detailed discussion of how B2Gold calculates such measures and a reconciliation of such measures to IFRS terms. In The Gambia, according to local media, over 9,000 Gambians went through Yahya Jammehs so-called treatment program, with a majority of HIV patients. The testimony of survivors makes obvious that significant numbers of deaths resulted from Jammehs HIV cure, notes the international advocacy organization AIDS-Free World. Shocked and outraged by the actions of the former dictator of The GambiaAIDS-Free World is determined to defend people living with HIV who, like those who suffered at Jammehs hands, have experienced a gross violation of their rights, Sarah Bosha, Legal Research and Policy Associate at AIDS-Free World, declares to Justice Info. We have been moved by the strength and courage of Jammehs victims and we are amplifying the voices of the survivors to ensure that Jammehs actions against people living with HIV and AIDS are recognized as an integral part of the human rights violations committed by the former president, Sarah Bosha underlines. We continue to urge victims of Jammehs mistreatment to come forward and speak about the horrors they suffered and witnessed. We are determined to marshal all the facts necessary to ensure that justice is served against Jammeh, AIDS-Free Worlds Sarah added. On the ground, in The Gambia, one the Jammehs mistreatment victims supported by AIDS-Free World is Fatou Jatta. HIV and gender activist, Fatou was obliged by Jammeh to go through his so-called cure program. She spent about 9 months drinking Jammehs miraculous black and oily herbal products she did not know what they were made of; and also, like other patients, they were massaged by the president himself and his assistants. During all these nine months, they were under military monitoring and could not receive visitors. In this interview, Fatou Jatta gives her part of testimony of one of the most horrible practices of the formal regime of The Gambia. And she asks for justice. The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights, Zeid Raad Al Hussein, recently advocated a deeper form of education one that goes beyond reading, writing, and arithmetic to include skills and values that can equip people to act with responsibility and careguided by human rights education to make informed choices in life, to approach situations with critical and independent thought, and to empathize with other points of view. Education is an important part of transitional justice and calls for new ideas about what and how we teach young people. If the goal is to use education to secure the promise of transitional justice, then teachers need significant support. Teachers play a critical role in fulfilling the promise of education in transitional justice settings because they are the gatekeepers to information. Teachers need to come to understand their own position in the post-conflict setting, they need extensive training, and they need to rebuild bi-directional trust. Moreover, they need opportunities to improve their capacity to teach the skills, dispositions, and habits of mind their students will need to contribute to a more just, equitable, and peaceful future. This paper argues that we must pay closer attention to the fundamental role teachers play in transitional justice efforts. The intersection of education and transitional justice represents a growing body of literature (Bellino, Paulson, and Worden 2017; Paulson and Bellino 2017). A large portion of the research examines the phenomenon at the macro-level but should include a more robust conversation about teachers and how they operate at the micro-level. It is difficult to deny the influence teachers have with students and communities (Horner et al 2015). Teachers influence student thinking through their inclusion or exclusion of teaching methods, resources, and content (Thornton 1991). Furthermore, through the work they do with their students, teachers can influence entire communities. Teachers maintain a significant influence over their students while transmitting the official and unofficial or hidden curriculum. Research into textbooks and other curriculum materials illuminate the narrative and memory students and teachers co-construct in the classroom, but do not fully appreciate how teachers use the materials in the classroom and the resulting hidden curriculum that emerges. Teachers are largely responsible for constructing the hidden curriculum and it remains a powerful factor in student learning about which we know very little (Ramirez-Barat and Duthie 2017). Teachers contend with many competing interests when trying to address the past. All societies, but especially those emerging from conflict or mass atrocity, grapple to find meaning from their past. In his 2016 work, Confronting Evil, James E. Waller states, as a social construction, past cultural trauma can lead to a redefinition of collective social identity that becomes reified in memorials, museums, school textbooks, rituals, performances, commemorations, sacred routines and popular culture. Teachers sit at the confluence of these elements and help their students and communities confront the past. Thus, it is with teachers that students will begin to co-construct not only their knowledge of a violent past, but their identity from a violent past. Navigating these memories and narratives takes great care. If teaching about the past is done without the proper assets in place, then societies emerging from conflict run the risk of entrenching deeply held grievances and forcing underground the sentiments, contested memories, and historical narratives that need to be available for dissection and examination. History education, especially at the secondary level, has been a focus of many education efforts in transitional justice (Bellino, Paulson, and Worden 2017). Transitional justice societies need to thread an additional starting point for teaching about the past. Students need to learn critical and creative thinking skills in conjunction with learning about their communitys past. Well-honed critical and creative thinking can help students analyze and evaluate the competing and contested narratives. By establishing a strong foundation, teachers can leverage students critical and creative thinking skills to coordinate human rights education with a study of the past. There are no quick fixes for education. This notion is especially relevant when thinking about education in transitional justice settings. Education is multigenerational and requires a long-term view that includes empowering teachers and communities (Logan and Murphy 2017). In societies emerging from conflict, there needs to be a clear desire to empower local actors. Furthermore, transitional justice should value local knowledge and local pedagogical practices. Focusing on teachers means acknowledging the knowledge, skills, and dispositions needed to research, advocate, and teach in ways that confront a violent past. It is not easy to learn how to design and implement learning experiences that teach, develop, enhance, and allow students to learn how to think and act critically and creatively. And in many ways, teaching students to think and act critically and creatively demands a reexamining of the traditional education systems that rely on the memorization of discrete facts, and a shift to teaching in ways that give students the chance to make a choice. Conversely, teachers need support in the midst of a shift in education outcomes. Teaching in post-conflict settings demands intense professional support. Access to high-quality transformative education rests on building teacher capacity. Teachers need early pre-service training that helps them understand their bias and enhances their ability to think critically and creatively. Education programs should recruit talented and committed individuals who are trained and willing to work in collaboration with communities. In schools, teachers should receive continuous, ongoing, high-quality professional development. Action research combined with professional learning community networks that span across geographic and identity boundaries hold potential promise (Logan and Murphy 2017). Establishing robust professional learning communities encourages teachers to be curriculum developers and not curriculum deliverers (Logan and Murphy 2017). Teachers need to have the space and support within their professional learning communities to understand, appreciate, and deconstruct their own understandings and interpretations of the past. Teachers need to learn how to produce and consume research while also mastering the pedagogical and content skills needed to design and implement coherent instructional experiences for their students. Especially in divided societies and societies emerging from conflict, teachers need the support to address their own trauma and that of their students and communities. Supporting teachers and developing their teaching capacity can aid reconciliation efforts, establish a just society, and prevent future atrocities. Teachers are expected to do a lot, including helping to hasten world peace, and yet we can do more to support them. Ensuring that more students have access to quality instruction by developing teacher capacity to impart critical thinking skills, confront a violent past, and address historical injustices can move communities closer to reconciliation, the establishment of justice, and the prevention of future atrocities. Muslim Ummah must come more strongly to save Rohingya refugees LIVING in the makeshift houses which are sometimes merely plastic wraps, the Rohingyas in Cox's Bazar refugee camps are highly exposed to torrential rains. News media reported that landslides killed a two-year-old Rohingya infant and injured his mother on Monday while more than 100 shanties on hill slopes have been damaged, injuring two on Saturday. Local authorities and international aid agencies have long been warning about a looming natural disaster during the monsoon in the densely populated camps. But inadequate precautionary measures are taken due to poor aid inflow and lack of proper coordination against 11 lakh Rohingya refugees. It is feared that rain would help to break out water-borne diseases. Local and international communities should come up with humanitarian assistance to protect the most persecuted population of the world. A joint study carried out by UNHCR, IOM and Asian Disaster Preparedness Centre presented in February showed that around 200,000 Rohingyas are at risk of landslides and flash floods in the monsoon. Local sources said rains have already devastated some parts of the camps and turned some dirt roads into quagmires, hindering the movement of refugees and relief materials. It's just the beginning and the entire monsoon season is ahead of us. We know, Rohingya refugees are living in very congested and precarious locations. A majority of them still needs to be relocated to safer places. Several thousand Rohingyas have been affected in the rain that damaged about 1,300 shelters since June 9. Many Rohingyas have been taken to local schools, madrasahs, and nearby shelters as their sheds collapsed during the incessant rain. Bangladesh Meteorological Department has forecasted that heavy rains may continue in Cox's Bazar district for few more days. We sheltered the refugees in the biggest humanitarian crisis and now they need more assistance from us. Muslim Ummah should come up with their Zakat, Fitrah and other financial obligations to protect the lives of the Rohingya people - the prime lesson of Eid-ul-Fitr that is expected to be observed on Saturday. Colombias unprecedented reparations programme guarantees financial, land restitution, and holistic benefits for millions of victims. With only 7% payment to date, however, the government faces the challenge of making good on promises to its citizenry, undermining the potential for building lasting peace. In 2016, after four years of official negotiations, the Colombian government and the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC-EP, Spanish acronym) were finally able to negotiate a definitive peace, and the country is now in a full-scale transition away from its violent past. The Peace Accords have been heralded as some of the most comprehensive in the world, especially due to their differential inclusion of vulnerable populations like women, children, LGBTQ+ people, Afro-Colombian populations, indigenous groups, and peasants, among others. Unprecedented Inclusion: Victims in Colombias Peace Accords and Victims Law The move to bring justice to victims, however, began before the signing of the Accords. In 2011, the Colombian government passed the Victims Law (Ley 1448 de 2011) with the promise to provide reparations for the victims of countrys half-century long internal conflict. The Victims Unit and the Land Restitution Unit were created as the institutions in charge of meting out the various reparations guaranteed under the Law. Indeed, many saw the design of this Law as a response to criticism of the 2005 Justice and Peace Law (Ley 975 de 2005), which led to the demobilisation of over 30,000 paramilitary fighters, but did not adequately include provisions for truth-telling or victims justice. Reparations in the Victims Law are designed to be holistic, and include land restitution, access to education and healthcare, access to housing, educational training, and financial payments. Victims can apply as individuals and/ or as part of a group that collectively suffered violence. The last seven years have seen more than 8.6 million Colombians register with the Registro Unico de Victimas (RUV) as victims of the armed conflict. While national and international actors praise the multi-faceted nature of the Victims Law and the Peace Accords, it remains that more than one fifth of Colombias citizens are still waiting for the reparations to which they are entitled. The question emerges: has Colombia bitten off more than it can chew? The Challenges of Bringing Justice to the Most Vulnerable Of the 8.6 million victims, 7.3 million suffered displacement, a quarter million were killed, and 47,000 were forcibly disappeared. Many were the victims of multiple acts of violence. Besides direct victims, family members of those murdered or disappeared are also entitled to reparations. The real challenge of the Victims Law is its implementation. The exorbitant number of subjects of reparations represents a huge cost for the government. An ICTJ report highlights the financial challenges this represents and warns that the government has overpromised. The current estimated cost of the full programme is 148.34 trillion Colombian pesos (approximately US $52 billion). The most recent report on the progress of Law 1448 highlights that between 2009 and 2016, the government has paid reparations payments to 580,415 victims. This means that 93% of victims have not yet been paid. While 522 subjects of collective reparations are now recognised by the government (including groups of trade unionists, journalists, human rights NGOs, ethnic groups, and womens groups among others), the above mentioned report highlights a lack of effective mechanisms for ensuring the successful coordination of the national and territorial institutions and entities required to fulfil the comprehensive reparations packages. When it comes to land restitution, an article by Frances Thomson notes, less than a third of those eligible to apply have registered with the Land Restitution Unit (LRU). The Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development estimates that around 360,000 cases would be eligible, but the LRU has only received 112,177 applications (by April 2018). Thomson cites a lack of trust in authorities, disillusionment with government agencies, a limited understanding of the Law, or difficulty accessing institutions (including travel distances) as reasons for this low turnout. With the fall in the price of oil and minerals on international markets, the Colombian government is worried about where it will find the budget to finance remaining reparations. International donor countries have pledged hundreds of millions of dollars to funds dedicated to financing the Peace Process. Recently, however, countries including Norway, Sweden, and Switzerland have complained of corruption and mismanagement of funds meant to finance post-conflict programmes. The scandal saw Colombia fire the director of the Colombia Peace Fund, Gloria Ospina, from her position, and has raised serious doubts about the effective implementation of the peace process, reports inSight Crime. Furthermore, given political polarisation, upcoming elections mean an uncertain future for the ongoing implementation of the Peace Accords. Looking forward: Is Colombias Reparations Programme a Recipe for Disappointment? When it comes to building peace in a society tainted by 53 years of war, is it recommendable to promise vast reparations, or is the government setting itself up to disappoint its citizens and create distrust and cynicism? Extensive reparations programmes in Argentina and Chile (in the 1990s and 2000s) have provided money, psychological assistance, and scholarships to victims and their families. While widely touted as successful, these programmes served far fewer individuals, and did not necessarily guarantee cash payments, as does the Colombian programme. Brazil and Uruguay also had successful reparations programmes, but again, these were delivered to fewer people and over a much longer period of time. Sikkink et al.s 2015 evaluation report notes that Colombias reparations programme has admirable vision, but also faces huge challenges, particularly in terms of delivering reparations to so many people. Even at a rate of compensation that is high relative to that in other countries, the VU [Victims Unit] will not complete compensation for victims before the end of the law in 2021. Qualitative academic research shows that many victims feel frustrated at not having received their reparations, leading them to question the good faith of the government. This is not necessarily unique to Colombia; in many countries victims feel that reparations are too little too late. When reparations do come, they are often partial or intermittent, creating a sense of unpredictability which further frustrates and confuses victims. The above-mentioned ICTJ report suggests that perhaps a distinction could be drawn between the victims of forced displacement and the victims of killing, disappearance, torture or rape. As 64% of the budget is dedicated to reparations for the former category, this could be a way to effectively prioritise the victims of the most serious violations. Colombia finds itself between a rock and a hard place: reform of the Victims Law that would modify reparations would be taken as a clear sign of government reneging on its promises. On the other hand, it is unlikely that an its the thought that counts sentiment will satisfy those who continue to wait in poverty for their reparations to appear. Given the behemoth task at hand, however, the Colombian government has both the opportunity and challenge of rebuilding trust with its most marginalised citizens. Failure to do so has the potential to generate further rancour. New Challenges in the Post-Conflict Era While many wait for reparations to appear, the registry of victims grows ever longer. In the meanwhile, violence has taken on new dimensions. The most recent Annual Report of the U.N High Commissioner for Human Rights notes that 2017 saw 441 attacks, including 121 killings of human rights defenders. Of these murders, community, indigenous, peasant, Afro-Colombian and union leaders suffered most. More than 1,000 people were displaced in four days between 17 and 20 January 2018, and the National Ombudsman worries that unless government actions are taken, these numbers will increase. In light of new security challenges and burgeoning violent dynamics (particularly in areas previously occupied by the FARC), it is of key importance that the Colombian state fills power vacuums and begins to rebuild social capital with its citizenry. Making good on its promises of reparations is an important step towards re-establishing this trust. There is hope that other transitional justice measures, including the JEP (Special Jurisdiction for Peace, a tribunal which will judge and impose sanctions on demobilised FARC), and the CEV (Truth Commission) will be important in terms of establishing trust. These mechanisms alone, however, are not enough to guarantee restorative justice for victims. Sikkink et al. make a strong case for how reparations are an investment for good governance and long-term stability in Colombia. In the three years since their report was published, however, Colombia has not managed to include reparations at the core of any discussion of political economy. The above authors note that victims who have received reparations are more likely to have positive views about the State. Unfortunately, raising victims expectations only to have them crushed will likely have the opposite effect. *The author would like to thank Dr Francesca Lessa and Professor Leigh Payne for their comments. Actors Victims: studies show that the overwhelming number of victims of the countrys 53-year conflict are poor and live in rural areas. Among these, women, indigenous and Afro-Colombians, and the LGBTQ+ population suffered differential violence. Unidad para las Victimas: the institution in charge of organizing individual and collective reparations for Colombias more than 8 million victims. Colombian Government: under President Juan Manuel Santos the Colombian government was finally able to negotiate peace with the FARC-EP rebel group in 2016. Santos won the Nobel Peace Prize for his efforts. The country will hold presidential elections on 27 May 2018. [1] https://rni.unidadvictimas.gov.co/RUV International criminal courts and tribunals, such as the ICT for Rwanda, are commonly understood within legal scholarship as the primary tool that is utilized after mass human rights violations. This is so not only in addressing impunity, but also in uncovering the truth of what happened and why. Victims play a pivotal role in these processes of justice. However, there are significant limitations in legal collective understandings of the past. In legal transitional justice scholarship, these have received sparse critical investigation. Legal witnesses and their contribution to tribunals truth finding process The ICTR (1994-2015), located in Arusha, Tanzania, was tasked to prosecute those responsible for the 1994 Genocide against the Tutsi in Rwanda. From the outset, this international tribunal had far-reaching ambitions to not only deliver justice but also to aid reconciliation in Rwanda by producing a historical record of how and why the genocide occurred. [ICTR & M.N. Kinuthia (2011)] Central to the ICTRs ambitious mandate were the traumatic memories of victims, many of whom had experienced the bloodshed and horrors of the genocide first-hand. It is here, in seeking historical truths, that a fundamental tension exists in international legal institutions: specifically, between the pursuit of justice and reconciliation, both of which are understood to be essential for successful post-conflict transitions. One of the major reasons for this tension, as I see it, is the historical origins of the transitional justice scholarship and practice, which are embedded in the common assumption that international legal and human right norms serve to construct a perception of continuity and consistency in the rule of law during periods of transition. In short, legal norms are a set of western legal values that espouse the existence of a standardised framework of criminal law which functions as a universal paradigm for the international community. Saturated with legal norms, international criminal tribunals are often understood as being able to achieve not only legal judgement via a legal determination of guilt or innocence, which is the essence of what a court is there to do, but also contribute to restorative justice, such as recovering the truth. Herein, it is my aim to challenge the legal understanding of witnesses as a self-evident and a fundamental feature of international tribunals and courts contribution to historical truth. Firstly, the kind of truth that legal trials can reach is very different to the kinds of truth survivors, victims families and the society effected often want. For example, the importance of victims and their role to international criminal institutions in contributing to both, justice and reconciliation is a key component of the ICCs (2002- ) victim-oriented approach. According to the ICC chief prosecutor, legal trials can play an important role for victims by offering them a platform to tell the truth about their experiences of a traumatic past. Yet, the kind of historical truth which can be told through legal proceedings serves a very specific legal purpose contributing to the legal determination of guilt or innocence. What victims can say in international trials is tightly controlled and orchestrated. Prosecution and defense counsels ask a predetermined set of questions which contributes, explicitly, towards a legal judgment being reached. Also, prosecutors choose a fraction of the available victims to testify, leaving many people without a chance to tell their story. [Artist impression of ICTR] The primacy of human rights within the legal transitional justice scholarship indicates that legal norms are crucial to legal understandings of justice and reconciliation at international tribunals. From a human rights perspective, legal witnessing is situated within the wider human rights project. At the core of this project is the understanding that human rights define the highest realm of shared moral values for all humanity. In the context of this article it is specifically related to the Right to Truth. For human rights advocates, what legal witnesses are is self-evident, and a fundamental feature of international legal responses to mass atrocities. This places a strong emphasis on the importance of criminal tribunals and courts remembering human rights violations. Furthermore, the human rights discourse perceives victims testimonies at trials as being a human right in itself. The Right to Truth does not only include the right to hear the truth but also the right to impart the truth, which is often framed by advocates of the right within the judicial process of witness testimony. However, human rights discourse on witness memories fails to comprehend the contingent nature of the legal story tribunals produce. The construction of the legal story of past violations is comprised of fragments of individual and collective memories by legal counsels in order to tell a specific narrative to contribute to a legal judgment. The partial and fragmented nature of witness memories is directly at odds with the universality of human rights discourse. Academics and practitioners engaged with the human rights discourse on Right to Truth often participate in both analysis of the process of legal witnessing and advocacy for this process. Crucially, this awkward coexistence of analysis and advocacy often leads to faith-based, rather than fact-based prescriptions. Spaces of legal memory construction Scholars, such as Mark Osiel, emphasise the collective benefits of legal witnessing by stating that witness testimonies can construct a coherent collective memory of atrocities. This provides victims and affected societies with a collective narrative of past events. However, Osiels advocacy for a collective legal narrative of the past negates the contingent nature of memory, and importantly, the central role played by international legal institutions and actors. The construction of memory is understood here as something that is plural, multidimensional and transient, and it is for this reason that I challenge the claim that international criminal tribunals and courts are able to produce a collective memoryof atrocities. The main contention in the literature is that memory is a thing which can be recovered through witness testimony in trials and that these accounts will reveal previously hidden aspects of the past, contributing to a legal collective understanding of atrocities. Specifically, transitional justice legal scholarship has largely neglected to address the way that international legal institutions and the actors embedded in those judges, legal counsels, registrars, investigators can play a fundamental role in the construction of the past in the present. Thus, it is necessary to understand the construction of memory as amultidirectional process. Significantly, to specify agency is vital as it prioritises answering the central questions on the (legal) construction of memory: who remembers, when, why and how? Notwithstanding the benefits of international criminal proceedings, I propose here that there is a need for the legal transitional justice scholarship to critically engage with international legal institutions as spaces of legal memory construction, specificallychallenging the assumption that these institutions can and should produce a collective legal story of how and why the atrocities occurred. The ICTR is a crucial, albeit neglected, part of the post-conflict memory-scape. The ICTR archives: a site for exploring the legal construction of mass human rights violations The legacy debate surrounding the contribution of international criminal tribunal archives is construed as providing a historical legal record of the atrocities committed. Such historical records often orientate around a linear constructed narrative of mass violence, which can condense the complexity of past violations into an overly simplified account of past and present. Importantly, there has been little critical engagement by the transitional justice scholarship with legal archives. I challenge the perception that transitional justice archives as passive repositories of history (ICTR 2015). Importantly, I understand legal archives as a site where the judicial conditions that restrict which witnesses can speak and what they can talk about can be explored. [The new MICT facility which included the ICTR archives Arusha, Tanzania] In my doctoral thesis I conduct a conceptual enquiry into witnessing and memory, in which I analyse legal documents from the ICTR archive relating to the selection of witnesses, via engaging with conceptual insights from French philosopher Michel Foucault. It is Foucaults theoretical insights on discourse that is of interest. Like Foucault, I understand discourse to be where meaning and knowledge about the world is produced through speaking and writing. Specifically, I use Foucaults insights on the contingent nature of knowledge and subjects (identity) to conduct a discourse analysis of archived ICTR documents. Thus, using Foucaults insights, I suggest, provides a useful lens through which to explore the legal construction of past atrocities at international tribunals and courts. Therefore, with trials at the ICC and on-going conflicts in the Middle East and Myanmar, which some scholars argue should include trials at The Hague, difficult decisions will need to be made about what combination of justice, truth, and reconciliation is required during transition. It is thus necessary to critically engage with how international legal institutions and international actors play a central role in the construction of the past in the present. This is crucial in order to gain a fuller understanding of the scope, and limitations, that international legal institutions can have in contributing to the reconstruction of deeply divided societies. Through a reign of terror and a ruinous economic policy, the ZANU-PF Government of Zimbabwe [GoZ] not only violated the rights of Zimbabweans but broke the relationship between the Government and its citizens. In order to rebuild Zimbabwe, the broken relationship must be mended. As African elders say, the ruin of a nation begins in the homes of its people. The recently initiated transitional justice processes such as the national peace and reconciliation have the potential to fix the relationship between the GoZ and its citizens. Nevertheless, while scholars and organisations may agree on the need for transitional justice in Zimbabwe, the fundamental question is whether there can be transitional justice without a meaningful transition of political power first, and further, whether such transitional justice can succeed without taking into account victims of political persecution living in the diaspora. These are the questions that this post focuses on. Background Mugabes rule was characterised by gross human rights violations such as those in Gukurahundi (1983-7), where about 20000 civilians were massacred, Operation Murambatsvina (2005), where about 700000 people were displaced after the GoZ destroyed their houses and Operation Makavhotera Papi (2008) where thousands were tortured and killed for voting for opposition political parties. Many victims sought political asylum in foreign countries. While many victims lost the hope for justice during Mugabes reign, they hoped for transitional justice post-Mugabe. Eventually, Mnangagwa ousted Mugabe in November 2017 through a military coup. Less than two months into his presidency, Mnangagwa signed into law a critical legislation for transitional justice processes the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission Act [the Act]. Mnangagwa has since appointed Commissioners of the National Peace and Reconciliation Commission [the Commission]. These Commissioners are already reaching out to affected communities. Transitional justice without transition of power? It is unlikely for transitional justice processes to succeed without first attaining a substantive transition of political power. Often, justice cannot be served against powerful politicians in office because they wield the power to compromise the justice system, e.g. by covering the truth or intimidating witnesses.Victims are afraid to participate in a justice system that is weak in face of the powers of the perpetrator. The African proverb what is said over the dead lions body cannot be said to him alive reveals this important component of transitional justice. Transitional justice presupposes the removal of the perpetrator from power or at the very minimum, the weakening of their power. For victims, transitional justice entails seeing a once powerful perpetrator who, after power transition, is now just an ordinary man.The fall of Mugabe did not result in any meaningful transition of power. His counterparts in human rights violations people like Mnangagwa remain in power. Those accused of corruption and of being responsible for the suffering of Zimbabwean economic refugees are also still in power. In international human rights law, victims have a right to truth. Furthermore, Vroomen has correctly emphasised the importance of truth as one of the core elements of transitional justice processes. Yet, when those accused of human rights violations are still in power and interested in retaining that power, they cannot allow the truth to become public. There are already incidents in Zimbabwe that show the impossibility of knowing the truth while those accused of human rights violations are still in power. The GoZ appointed the Dumbutshena and Chihambakwe Commissions in 1981 and 1984 respectively to investigate the Entumbane and Gukurahundi Massacres. Both of the judge-led Commissions came up with reports which the GoZ refuses to publish. Victims have repeatedly demanded the publication of these reports and recently approached the courts. It is not surprising that victims refuse to cooperate with the current Commission because they feel there is no political will. Human rights violators in power also have a tendency of arrogating to themselves the right to be forgiven. It is the prerogative of victims to decide whether or not they want to forgive. After all, forgiveness and reconciliation only form part of transitional justice. As correctly noted by Jayakody, prosecution of perpetrators is an important part of transitional justice. Since his ascension to power, Mnangagwas mantra has been let bygones be bygones. Without the participation of victims, Mnangagwa unilaterally granted Mugabe an amnesty. He has also extended an amnesty to certain economic crimes without consulting victims. Such an approach reeks of what is summarised in the Zimbabwean proverb: chinokanganwa idemo asi muti haukanganwe, which can be loosely translated as it is easier for the axe to forget about the scars than it is for the tree that bears them. Unlike the Government of Lesotho whose Defence Forces recently apologised for human rights violations, Mugabe refused to apologise for Gukurahundi. Mnangagwa has followed Mugabes footsteps by showing reluctance to apologise for Gukurahundi and denies that there was political violence in the 2008 elections. This has led some commentators to observe that while the President may say that Zimbabwe is open for business, it is certainly closed for remorse. It is important to note that the difficulties that are experienced in Zimbabwe in attempting transitional justice for civil and political rights violations without the actual transition of political power are the same when attempting transitional justice for violations of economic rights in South Africa without the actual transition of economic power. Economic transitional justice in South Africa may not succeed as long as economic power remains in the hands of the white minority. Transitional justice processes and victims in the diaspora Many victims fled from Mugabe and his top leadership, including Mnangagwa. Some have been living in the diaspora for decades. Recently, victims living in South Africa protested about Gukurahundi when Mnangagwa visited South Africa to discuss business deals. This raises the fundamental question that has been ignored so far in Mnangagwas attempt on achieving transitional justice: are victims living in the diaspora catered for in these processes? The Act is silent on this salient issue. Inevitably, some victims living in the diaspora are unwilling to return and participate in a process that is presided over by those who victimised them. Transitional justice processes in Zimbabwe may be ineffective unless steps are taken to also cater for victims in the diaspora because a national healing process must be all-inclusive. Those who fled from ZANU PFs reign of terror and sought political and economic refuge in foreign countries are as equal victims as those who are in Zimbabwe. When major events happen in Zimbabwe, such victims seek to reconnect with their home country. Nothing better symbolises participation of a person in the affairs of their own country than the exercise of the right to vote. Mnangagwa continues to deny millions of diasporans this right to vote. It is important for the GoZ to understand the relatedness of things in this regard. Hopefully, the Constitutional Court of Zimbabwe that reserved judgment on diaspora vote on 14 March 2018 will be able to see the bigger picture. Conclusion Institutions that are tasked with transitional justice process must realise the unique and yet precarious situation of diasporan victims. It should not be a case of out of sight out of mind when it comes to diasporan victims. As a recommendation, the GoZ should appoint Commissioners to be stationed in certain foreign states to service diasporan victims. As for the consideration that transitional justice processes may not succeed if those accused of human rights violations are still in power, some may ask whether the processes should be deferred until such time when they are no longer in power. Of course, the immediate response may as well be the legal cliche justice delayed is justice denied. However, as once observed by Whiting, in certain situations, justice delayed may as well be justice delivered. Unless the Mnangagwa administration has genuine political will to account for past misdeeds, it is unhelpful to carry out transitional justice processes that are just a sham. Genuine political will can be proven by publishing the earlier Commissions reports and divulging the whereabouts of victims of enforced disappearances, such as Itai Dzamara. Itai is a human rights activist who became a victim of enforced disappearance for his criticism of Mugabe. It is understandable that victims want to hear the truth right away. The question, however, is whether they can get to know the truth under the current administration. A situation where human rights violators remain in power and seek to preside over transitional justice processes that are meant to redress the victim is like the case of a thief that pleads clemency for committing the crime but demands to keep the loot.The GoZ fired the shots and the citizens caught the bullets. At the moment, it is like the GoZ is attempting to stitch the bullet wounds without removing the bullets that are lodged in the citizens bodies. That is a flawed healing process. A militia opposed to Libyan strongman Khalifa Haftar on Thursday attacked oil sites under his control, inflicting fresh disruption on an industry that forms the chaos-hit countrys economic backbone. The attack was carried out by the Benghazi Defence Brigades, including fighters driven from Benghazi city by forces loyal to Haftar, a military source said. Rival political authorities and militias have been vying for control of territory and Libyas oil wealth since the 2011 uprising that ousted and killed dictator Moamer Kadhafi. The latest fighting took place south of Ras Lanuf and Al-Sidra, two terminals in eastern Libya severely damaged in clashes between the two groups in 2016 and 2017. One of the reservoirs was hit by a rocket fired by the attackers and set ablaze, the military source said. Libyas National Oil Company (NOC) said in a statement it had evacuated staff due to armed clashes in the area, with production falling around 240,000 barrels per day. It blamed the attack on Ibrahim al-Jadhran, head of a group opposed to Haftar that for years blocked the oil facilities. Jadhran has kept a low profile since 2016, but appeared in a video on social media on Thursday, saying he had formed a coalition to take over the oil sites. A spokesman for Haftars self-styled Libyan National Army, which controls most of the countrys east, said the attack had been repelled. The army and air force have been tracking down the Benghazi terrorist brigades, who fled the area, the spokesman said. It was not possible to independently verify this information. The spokesman said the attack aimed to reduce pressure on the terrorists in Derna, a coastal city that the LNA has been battling to capture from hardline Islamist fighters since launching an offensive on May 7. Derna, home to about 150,000 people, is the only major part of eastern Libya outside the LNAs control and is held by a coalition of jihadist militias, including groups close to Al-Qaeda. Haftars forces are preoccupied with Derna, hence the timing, said Jalel Harchaoui, an associate and Libya expert at North Africa Risk Consulting. Dangerous escalation The attack on the oil facilities comes after feuding Libyan leaders, including Haftar, agreed to try to hold elections this December in line with plans by the United Nations to stabilise the country. The UN mission in Libya, or UNSMIL, decried a dangerous escalation and said it puts Libyas economy in jeopardy and risks igniting a widespread confrontation. It also expressed concerns about allegations of serious human rights abuses in Derna. These included pillage, destruction of property, arbitrary detention and a video of summary executions, UNSMIL tweeted, adding that if proven to be true they could constitute war crimes. France, which brokered the election agreement, slammed the attack on the oil sites by extremists and said it remained committed to securing a durable political solution for Libya. For its part, the internationally backed government in Tripoli, which opposes Haftar, also condemned the assault. This irresponsible escalation pushes the country towards a civil war that all Libyans want to avoid given they have made significant progress towards finding agreement, said Prime Minister Fayez al-Sarraj. But despite the apparent support from Haftars foe, the administration in his eastern fiefdom still alleged the Tripoli government was behind the attack. Force redeployment The assault on oil sites served as a reminder that not everyone in eastern Libya supports Haftar, said Claudia Gazzini, an analyst for International Crisis Group. (It could) force redeployment of LNA forces away from Derna in order to allow some anti-LNA fighters to reposition themselves, she said. In September 2016, Haftars forces took control of Libyas four main oil terminals Zueitina, Brega, Ras Lanuf and Al-Sidra. The terminals were for years blocked by the Petroleum Facilities Guard led by Jadhran, opposed to both Haftar and the internationally recognised government. No oil was exported from these key terminals between the end of 2014 and their re-opening in 2016, costing Libya more than $130 billion (110 billion euros), according to NOC. In March 2017, the Benghazi Defence Brigades seized control of Ras Lanuf and Al-Sidra terminals, only for the LNA to take them back days later. The arrival of a tanker to load crude at the Al-Sidra terminal has been postponed and NOCs board of directors is following the situation closely, the oil firm said. Khaleda prefers only United Hospital for treatment: BNP Staff Reporter : Home Minister Asaduzzaman Khan Kamal said on Thursday at his Secretariat office in the city that if Begum Khaleda Zia apply for release on parole for better treatment the government will consider it and take steps as per the jail code. The Home Minister said she can also take treatment at BSMMU hospital or CMH Hospital as they have earlier suggested. In that case Begum Zia's personal physicians may also get involved. On possibility of her release on parole the home minister said the government has not received any such application for Begum Zia. He however said as per jail code there are also some restrictions for a prisoner for taking treatment at any hospital. The home minister made the comment apparently after a statement by senior lawyer and BNP vice chairman Khandker Mahbub Hossain demanding release of Begum Zia on parole for better treatment. But BNP senior joint secretary Ruhul Kabir Rizvi has immediately ruled out such demand saying it is not from the party or the family. They want her treatment at United Hospital and Begum Zia feels comfortable there. Meanwhile the Supreme Court Bar Association (SCBA), dominated by pro-BNP lawyers, also demanded yesterday in a statement that the government should immediately send BNP Chairperson Khaleda Zia to specialised United Hospitals for her treatment as she wishes it. "Khaleda Zia was the prime minister of the country for three times. She has a right to get treatment. She should be provided treatment as she wishes," SCBA President Zainul Abedin said while speaking at a press conference at the SCBA auditorium in Dhaka this afternoon. Advocate Zainul said the lawyers are anxious with the health of Khaleda Zia. The SCBA president disagreed with Khandker Mahbub Hossain's demand for her release on parole. Zainul, also a vice chairman of BNP, said Khandker Mahbub Hossain's statement for the release of Khaleda Zia on parole is his (Khandker Mahbub) personal opinion. "We will not make any statement on his (Khandker Mahbub) opinion," he said. "Since Khaleda Zia has been detained in prison for more than four months, her sickness has turned severe and an apprehension has been created over her life. It is not possible to release her quickly from jail through legal process, as both the Appellate and High Court Divisions and the lower courts are now closed due to Eid-ul-Fitr holidays," Advocate Khandker Mahbub said yesterday. BNP Senior Joint-Secretary General Ruhul Kabir Rizvi said at a press conference at the party's Nayapaltan central office yesterday again demanded she is shifted to United Hospital he said, "No more condition and delay; make arrangements for her admission to United Hospital as she prefers it. She would not take treatment at any place except that hospital," He said it is one's right to take treatment from physicians he or she likes. Rizvi also said that several members of the party's Standing Committee will meet with the party chief in the jail on Eid day. They have already applied for this. 702 Shares Share The worst enemy of a doctor is another doctor, said one of my professors during rounds when I was doing my internal medicine clerkship as a third-year medical student. I remained skeptical. That did not match the idea of becoming a doctor nor did it support what Dr. Pellegrini said: Medicine is the most humane of the sciences. Nonetheless, my old professor explained that when it comes to patient care planning and medical education, moderated discussion and positive feedback is what facilitates progress. Its not a deleterious fight of egos like when highly competitive colleagues are in place and want to show superiority more than often lacking what they claim to have as if they were begging for admiration. Many of you might disagree with the previous paragraph based on the argument that diversity of opinions and perspectives is a fundamental part in academic medicine and training of future doctors providing countless benefits to patient care, as well as it is the starting point for improvement as in any other field beside medicine. Sometimes, however, diversity of ideas can turn into a chain of negative thoughts that may result detrimental for other persons. Although I have no scientific evidence to support this and, contrary to what we are taught to believe in a fact-driven culture, common sense and empiric observations have turned out to be more than enough evidence that resulted in significant findings. John Snow and his empirical observations on a water street pump led to the end of the cholera epidemic in London in 1854 and is one clear example of this. Furthermore, its from an empiric knowledge that the scientific method we know and apply today was formulated many years ago and since then has changed many aspects of human life. All of that, again, started with simple observations like the one Ill share from my short experience as an internal medicine intern in a community hospital in New York. The first one comes from a conversation I had with one of my co-interns, and also a good friend of mine, after the end of the first rotation. I asked how was she doing. It was not a generic question you ask every day, but I really meant to know if she was doing well as I had noted her to be in a clearly different mood as the way I know she is from the orientation weeks before starting residency. Not surprisingly, she told me she was feeling like crap after reviewing the evaluation from her senior resident for that floor rotation. Diana, just to say a fictitious name, logged in to her new innovation account to show me: lacks the character that is needed to be a doctor, will not be a good doctor, and does not know how to act during stress situations were among those lines. Needless to say that after reading that, I knew exactly why she was feeling like that and also why she was lacking the motivation and enthusiasm the following months. T.I., another intern doing her preliminary year before going into radiology at a different hospital, is part of my second observation that took place during the ICU rotation. Shes the introvert and shy type of person that doesnt usually talk too much by her own initiative but that, after couple of questions, her face would flush and she would open herself up and spend hours talking about any topic. Unfortunately, she struggled to find the proper words and the right sequence of events during the sign out to the morning team despite spending a reasonable amount of time reviewing and trying to take note of any single detail of our critically-ill patients. Two or three sentences after starting her first patient presentation, day after day, she would be dismissed by one of our senior residents without warning, leaving an already struggling resident with no opportunity to participate in an activity that, in fact, was assigned to us interns as mandatory with the purpose of improving our presentation skills by being overseen and supported by senior residents. Instead, she likely encountered the worst two enemies of her internship: being ignored and feeling helpless. No reassuring words or attempts to help sufficed. And, as a consequence, she completed her only and last ICU rotation of her life without mastering something that she was supposed to be taught. The third and last observation derives from a face-to-face end-of-rotation evaluation I had with one of the floor attendings. He asked me questions on topics and patients encountered during that month. After several questions, he provided clear and constructive feedback in a very professional way. Overall, the attending had showed himself satisfied with my performance and politely reported feeling surprised as he had received negative critics about me from other attendings prior to my rotation. His words caught me by surprise. I wasnt expecting any compliment, but I was not anticipating that since I had received nothing but satisfactory end-of-rotation evaluations both person-to-person and electronically from eight different attendings from the prior rotations. According to the ACGME in the United States, program directors and trainees must fill out and receive evaluations and feedback on regular basis with aims to improve resident education. By doing so, participants comply with the requirements that were meant to assure at least on the records that trainees meet certain milestones to optimally perform as future independent physicians. Many, if not all, programs submit these by electronic means and it is reasonable for programs to do it face-to-face, however many times and similar to the situation with electronic health records (EHR), documented information does not match real-life encounters as exemplified in the aforementioned paragraphs. Unfortunately, the result of this information mismatch is unfulfillment of professionalism milestone (one of such ACGME requirements, by the way) by the two parts and suffering of patient care by giving conflicting and unconstructive feedback during the most critical stage of a physicians training. Hypocrisy, a common denominator found in my observations and what reminded me from my old professors saying, is a harmful and deleterious practice. Diversity of ideas should not result in conflict. Residency by itself is already challenging enough emotionally, physically and intellectually. And by adding unnecessary burden, not only our ethics and principles are violated but the entire health care system suffers the consequences of forming an already burned-out generation of physicians wary to meet the demands of our complex system. Optimal feedback, I suggest, should be frequent, timely, and specific. It should be delivered in a honest but yet professional way so that receivers are provided the tools necessary to take advantage of it and use it in their best interest that will benefit patients as a result. We should make use of the available tool and technologies to our advantage and for the benefit of our patients. We should not settle with documentation of misleading information, instead we should be able to recognize where trainees are failing at and to point it out clearly so that trainees can put all their effort to it and change for the best. To my dear fellow senior colleagues, who rely on the responsibility of forming the future generation of physicians I encourage you to strive for excellence in your commitment with your mission of being a doctor that includes compromise with medical education. Remind yourself that residency is a training stage and as such, trainees are supposed to learn and be taught. We, residents, need guidance more than ever as someday soon we will be out taking care of our own patients. Thats where residency differs more from medical school. Remember todays clinical practice is considerably different from decades ago and itll continue to change and become more demanding with the goal to provide the highest quality care possible to our patients and requires compromise from both ends to achieve this. Theres no doubt that receiving proper feedback is critical during this stage of physician training and that itll provide the tools needed to meet those demands. We should not settle for less, because if we do so we would be failing to fulfill our purpose of being advocates for and improve the well-being of our patients. Lastly, Im aware that my observations are only few and minor examples among the wide spectrum of unfortunate and unanticipated experiences encountered during residency (notably different for those in surgical specialties). And I do not pretend to be exhaustive, nor to be compared with great physicians like John Snow by any means, but to raise awareness and remind everybody in this great profession regardless of the field that, contrary to what my old medicine professor once said, the worst enemy of a doctor should never be another doctor. Edgardo Olvera Lopez is an internal medicine physician. Image credit: Shutterstock.com Local councillors have paid tribute to outgoing cathaoirleach David Fitzgerald, describing his chairing of meetings in particular as very fair. The Fine Gael councillor passed the chain of office over to Cllr Eamon Aylward at the council's AGM on Friday. On behalf of the Fianna Fail group, Cllr Matt Doran thanked him for the time and fairness he had shown, as well as giving everyone an opportunity to have a say. Cllr David Kennedy (Sinn Fein) also said Cllr Fitzgerald had been very fair, while Cllr Maurice Shortall (Labour) said he had elevated the position of cathaoirleach to a new level. Cllr Fitzgerald thanked the members for their support, as well as his leas-cathaoirleach Pat Dunphy for deputising for him on occasion. He thanked the council management in particular chief executive Colette Byrne for their support over the year. I believe we are lucky to have a chief executive so passionate and committed to Kilkenny, he said. He also paid special mention to Anne Maria Walsh for her assistance. He thanked his wife Paula, his four children, and his friends, family and supporters. Last but not least, I want to thank the people of Kilkenny themselves it has been a huge honour to represent the people of Kilkenny City and county, he said. Im bowled over by the reception at every function I attended. US wants probe into extra-judicial killings in BD The United States has expressed its concern over the anti-drug operations in Bangladesh and called for transparent investigations of all the extrajudicial killings during the counter-narcotics campaign. The Department of State's Spokesperson Heather Nauert issued a statement on Wednesday from Washington. "We are concerned by reports that at least 147 people have been killed and 21,000 arrested since early May by Bangladeshi security forces in a nationwide counter-narcotics campaign," read the statement. "We urge Bangladesh to conduct thorough and transparent investigations into all credible reports of extrajudicial killings." "While illegal drugs are a scourge across the world, Bangladesh should ensure its law enforcement respect human rights and that their conduct is consistent with international standards and Bangladesh's own constitution, which includes a presumption of innocence and the right to due process. "We look to the Government of Bangladesh to fully meet its human rights obligations," the State Department added. A plaque was unveiled at the headquarters of Community Radio Kilkenny City last week to formally recognise Kilkenny County Councils support for recent upgrading work at the station. The community radio station under went a major upgrade of its electrical and fire safety infrastructure, prior to its commencement of full time broadcasting last October. The works, which cost around 90,000, were carried out by local contractors, McStan Construction and Moroney Electrical Ltd. The project was overseen by Noel Lawler Consulting Engineers. A small crowd attended the unveiling, including then-Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council David Fitzgerald, Mayor of Kilkenny Michael Doyle, local councillors, as well as contractors and station personnel. Chairman of Community Radio Kilkenny City Cathal Cullen made a short speech, and talked about the importance of community. He spoke of the vital role played by community radio in helping to sustain a vibrant community, and thanked the county council for its contribution of 40,500 to the recent upgrade project. Mayor of Kilkenny Michael Doyle spoke warmly of his own experience of Community Radio Kilkenny City, and the value of the service it provides. Station chairman Cathal Cullen with then-Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council David FitzGerald In one of his last engagements as Cathaoirleach of Kilkenny County Council, David FitzGerald reflected upon the rich history of community radio in Kilkenny, going back several decades. He spoke about the diversity that community radio brings to the airwaves. Chairman Cathal Cullen specially thanked Stephen O Connor of the Community Section of Kilkenny County Council for his guidance and encourgagement. Concluding, the chairman also said that all at the radio station appreciated the swiftness with which the works were undertaken and completed by the contractors Moroneys and McStan, and overseen by Noel Lawler Consulting Engineers, ensuring that the station began full-time broadcasting as planned, on October 27 of last year. Duiske Abbey in the heart of Graignamanagh will be one of six locations nationwide where live performances will be taking place this June. Blessed with wonderful acoustics, the abbey which is also the parish church of the town will form part of the The Stella Maris Project - A quintet featuring some of the most renowned European musicians. The project takes its name from the Stella Maris church in Magherabeg, Donegal. The compositions they will perform for the audience at Duiske will have a unique beginning they are based on speech reverberations collected from Duiske Abbey and the other five churches included in the tour. The project is the result of a year-long process - the brainchild of long time musical collaborators, Irish drummer Sean Carpio and Danish guitarist Mikkel Ploug. Carpio and Ploug visited each of the six churches to record actor Genevieve Hulme-Beaman reciting the poem How To Disappear by Egyptian poet Haytham El-Wardany. Carpios grandfather was the architect of The Stella Maris Church making his visit there with cousin Hulme-Beaman, an especially personal one. While Genevieve recited the poem the same way each time, the connection of her voice with the acoustics of each individual church revealed six very different recordings which is really amazing. These were then used as the inspiration for the arrangement of an instrumental suite of new music for a quintet. The final step of this formidable project is to revisit each of the churches where the recordings initially took place and to perform the resulting compositions live for its local audience. To that end, Carpio and Ploug have put together a dream ensemble of five musicians hailing from Ireland, Denmark, New York and Belgium to perform what has become a beautiful set of musical pieces. The quintet features drums, electric guitars, saxophone, clarinet and double bass. In collaboration with Project Arts Centre, Dublin and with support from the Arts Council, this new group of old friends will perform in the abbey on Wednesday, June 27 at 8pm with tickets priced at 15 and 10. Stella Maris are: Sean Carpio (IRL) drum set; Mikkel Ploug (DK) Electric Guitar; Joachim Badenhorst (BE) Saxophone and clarinets; Simon Jermyn (IRL/US) Electric Guitar; Jeppe Skovbakke (DK) Double Bass. Simon Bridges points out: The Prime Minister is misleading New Zealanders by falsely claiming prisons are full of low level offenders in order to try and justify the mess her Government is making on law and order and its refusal to build a new prison, Opposition Leader Simon Bridges says. Yep the PM claimed prisons are full of low level offenders. Politik reports her words: The American style approach of building mega-style prisons and filling them with low-level criminals is not working. Did those second strikers I profiled look like low-level criminals? Her statement is just out of touch with reality. Bridges points out: The Governments own figures show that 98 per cent of prisoners are locked up for Category 3 and Category 4 crimes. These are offences punishable by two years in prison or more. These include murder, manslaughter, rape, aggravated assault and sexual violence. Very low level. It is also worth noting that people on remand or serving sentences in New Zealand prisons have an average of 46 convictions on their criminal record. The Sentencing Act actually requires Judges to only send someone to prison as a last resort. It says you must do a non custodial sentence if possible. The prison population comprises the following by offence category Category 1 (infringements and fines) zero Category 2 (term of imprisonment of less than two years) 224 (2.1%) Category 3 (term of imprisonment of more than two years) 9,698 (91.0%) Category 4 (murder, manslaughter, treason, piracy, slavery, public corruption) 738 (6.9%) Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn More Reddit Pinterest Print Tumblr Mike Yardley writes: Housing New Zealand is flagging a major attitudinal change when it comes to responding to illegal drug activity. You may recall two years ago a state house tenant was served with a 90-day termination notice, and suspended from accessing state housing for 12 months, after she admitted selling 60 tinnies of cannabis a day from her state rental. The drug-dealing mother had four children under 8 and the typical gaggle of bleeding hearts rounded on the state housing agency for booting her out. But since December, at Labours behest, Housing New Zealand has ushered in a zero-eviction policy for illegal drug activity. Yes, it was ridiculous that the agency wasnt conducting baseline meth-tests at the start of a tenancy. No doubt some tenants unfairly carried the can for the offending of previous tenants. They will all now have their records wiped-clean. But this new uber-lenient policy is an equally ridiculous over-reaction, whereby illegal drug use will no longer carry any sanctions. No stand down periods from accessing state housing and no evictions. There is a difference between recognising the health risk from residual P is minor (and refusing to allow anyone to live there) and saying that tenants can use or deal drugs as much they like in state houses. Surely obeying the law should be a requirement for tenancy. As Housing New Zealands Chief Executive, Andrew McKenzie, confirmed last week, where illegal drug use took place in its properties, the tenants would not be evicted or referred to police, it would instead help them to access the help they needed. Only drug manufacture would prompt a call to the police. Im with Nationals Housing spokeswoman, Judith Collins, who has denounced the new policy as a step too far. It should be that they get help, or they get out. Its not fair to taxpayers, to those on the waiting list, or to those living next door to these drug users some of whom are children. This will send completely the wrong signal to them. So you can use drugs and sell drugs as much as you want from state houses and Housing NZ wont even mention it to the Police. The only thing you cant do is manufacture it there. Share this: Facebook Twitter LinkedIn More Reddit Pinterest Print Tumblr By Arthur I. Cyr History encourages persistence, despite setbacks, and the Korean Peninsula is an especially important example. The summit between U.S. President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un underscores this. The meeting has been primarily symbolic, but may lead to diplomatic relations, at least. Regarding modern Korea history, two leaders stand out for strong defining roles _ President Harry Truman of the U.S. and Premier Joseph Stalin of the Soviet Union. On June 25, 1950, North Korea launched a surprise military invasion of South Korea. President Truman reacted quickly, deciding to support the United Nations military effort to oppose the invasion. For almost three years, the U.S. led the coalition that saved South Korea. After the collapse of the Soviet Union, state archives became available. They confirm Stalin was a prime mover of the invasion. The Korean War was enormously costly. Along with the communist victory in China, the war transformed the Cold War from being Europe-focused to a global conflict. President Dwight Eisenhower succeeded Truman and achieved the armistice ending the war. He also maintained a sustained practical policy focus on South Korea, and initiated detailed comprehensive development work. Secretary of Defense Charles Wilson, previously president of General Motors Co., received a broad mandate. Peter Drucker had written a book critical of GM management, which irritated other executives but impressed Wilson, who recruited Drucker to work on education. The success of South Korea today reflects that strong American helping hand. Eisenhower's initiative highlights not only the costs of war but also the difficulty of handling life after war, and the need for comprehensive, thorough planning. South Korea has repaid this vital support in various ways. In 2001, then President Kim Dae-jung made a point of being among the first heads of government to visit newly inaugurated President George W. Bush. Throughout the long costly Vietnam War, South Korea maintained approximately 50,000 troops in that country to fight beside the South Vietnamese and American forces, plus contingents from Australia and New Zealand. The South Korean troops were far from home in Southeast Asia because of a very powerful public as well as government commitment to the American alliance. This in turn provides a firm foundation for long-term diplomatic cooperation and more informal but comprehensive economic, educational and technical interchange. The human dimension is especially important in South Korea-U.S. relations. The historical background to current stable representative government in South Korea is a story of vital importance to Americans as well as Koreans. General Park Chung-hee was part of a military coup that seized control of the country in 1961. He solidified personal control of the government, and ruled with an iron fist. In 1979, his intelligence chief assassinated him. Park's harsh leadership had generated increasingly strong if uncertain currents of opposition. Two more generals, Chun Doo-hwan and Roh Tae-woo, succeeded him as president but growing pressure for democracy proved unstoppable. The capstone of democratic transition was the 1998 election of President Kim Dae-jung. Earlier, the Park dictatorship had imprisoned him. On another occasion, South Korean agents kidnapped him and were planning to kill him. U.S. CIA official Donald Gregg saved his life. Kim Dae-jung, with Eisenhower and Truman and many other Koreans and Americans, played vital roles in the evolution of South Korea. Current Presidents Trump and Moon Jae-in of South Korea have the opportunity to build on this remarkable legacy. Meanwhile, Stalin's world is gone. Kim Jong-un realizes that. Arthur I. Cyr ( ) is Clausen distinguished professor at Carthage College and author of "After the Cold War." Highest security for National Eidgah Staff Reporter : Facing the Eid festivity Dhaka Metropolitan Police (DMP) Commissioner Asaduzzaman Mia on Thursday said every measure has been taken to give safety to the people while ruling out any threat from militants at the moment. Despite peaceful environment, the DMP commissioner law enforcers have taken strict security measures keeping in mind past militant attacks on people and establishments including attack at Sholakia Eidghah in Kishoregonj in 2016. HE said necessary measures were also taken to give highest protection to Eid congreassion at National Eidgah in the High Court ground in the city. He said male devotees will be allowed to bring prayer mats and umbrellas. Female may also bring their hand bags to Eid prayer ground, he added. The militants who are on bail are under special monitoring. Multi-level security measures have been implemented in the city, the DMP Commissioner told reporters after inspecting the preparations of Eid prayers at National Eidgah. There will be CCTV cameras, dog squads, bomb disposal units, SWAT and cops in plainclothes on duty in and around the Eidgah along with law enforcers of other agencies, he said. 50 RMG factories fail to pay salary Special Correspondent : About 50 ready-made garments (RMG) factories have not paid their workers salaries and festival allowances even on Thursday, the last working day before Eid-ul-Fitr, ignoring the government's directive. Labour leaders said, all these factories are affiliated with the Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers. "Owners of at least 50 factories have failed to pay wages and festival allowances up to Thursday evening. This has created huge resentment among the workers," Samima Nasreen, President of the Swadhin Bangla Garment Sramik Federation, told The New Nation yesterday. The Labour Ministry at a meeting last month asked the garment owners to pay wages for May to their workers in the first week of June and festival allowance by June 14. "We have already talked with the owners. The issue will be settled peacefully," said Samima, adding, "Owners have begged time saying that they will clear the workers' due salaries and Eid bonus after Eid." "We want to find a solution Hopefully, we will reach a consensus over the payment." When asked, Samima said the factories failing to make payment are located at Ashulia in Savar, Narayanganj and Chattogram. Contrarily, Bangladesh Garment Manufacturers and Exporters Association (BGMEA) claimed that 100 percent RMG factories have already paid Eid bonus to the workers. "Workers of all the apparel units have already got their salaries and festival allowances," said BGMEA President M Siddiqur Rahman at a press briefing. The beefing was held at the BGMEA headquarters in Dhaka. "There were problems in some 35 garment factories regarding payment of wages and bonus ahead of Eid. "BGMEA has negotiated with the factory owners to ensure the workers' payment and finally they made full payment of their workers," said M Siddiqur Rahman. Rejecting the BGMEA's claim, Samima Nasreen said, "We have a list of non-payment factories. We are ready to talk to the BGMEA for verification." BGMEA President M Siddiqur Rahman could not be reached for comment despite several attempts on his cell phone. Admitting the mater, Sirajul Islam Rony, President of Bangladesh National Garment Workers Employees League (BNGWEL) said, "There are problems in some garment factories regarding payment of wages and bonus ahead of Eid. But the number is very insignificant." War crime witness Sumon found dead Staff Reporter : Police on Thursday morning recovered the slit-throat body of Sumon Zahid, 52, a witness of war crime case and son of martyred journalist Selina Parvin, on the rail track at Khilgaon Bagicha in Dhaka. A resident of Uttar Shahjahanpur, Suman Zahid was the key witness against convicted war criminals Chowdhury Mueen Uddin and Ashrafuzzaman Khan in the case filed in connection with the killing of intellectuals in December 1971. A team of Kamalapur Railway Police Station recovered the body from near the railway tracks in Khilgaon Bagicha area around 10:00am, Yasin Faruk, Officer-in-Charge (OC) of Dhaka Railway Police Station told the media. They recovered the body based on the information from Shahjahanpur Police Station, the OC said. Victim's brother-in-law ATM Emdadul Haque Bulbul told reporters at Dhaka Medical College and Hospital (DMCH) that Suman was called out at around 9:30 in the morning. "Who is the person who took him from the house of North Shajahanpur at 9:30 in the morning. After some time he was killed and we found his (Somun) body near the railway track." Emdadul Haque also said, "Somun was threatened in different ways before. For the last two years he had received many threats. So, we think he has been killed in a planned manner." The deceased's brother Sarwar said Sumon Zahid was the Second Officer of Shantinagar Branch of Farmers Bank. His village house is in Feni district. Sumon Zahid has two children. Elder one is in HSC second year student of T & T College while another one is a class seven student of Ideal School. People who threatened him with life earlier for being the witness in the war crimes case, might have killed him, family members alleged. Help remittance-receiving families build future: IFAD UNB, Dhaka : President of the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) Gilbert F Houngbo on Thursday called for continued efforts to help remittance-receiving families build a sustainable future for themselves and their communities. Houngbo's message comes as the UN General Assembly adopted a resolution on Tuesday which endorses the International Day originally created by IFAD's Governing Council. The resolution highlights that remittances play a key role in sustainable development, according to a message UNB received from Rome. In 2017, 200 million migrants sent $481 billion to remittances-reliant countries of which $466 billion went to developing countries, helping sustain about 800 million people across the world. This amounts to more than three times the annual official development assistance that countries give in aid. According to IFAD estimates, $6.5 trillion in remittances will be sent to developing countries between 2015 and 2030, involving over 1 billion senders and receivers. Close to half of remittances will go to rural areas where poverty and hunger are the highest. "Remittances are vital for millions of families, helping them address their own development goals, but we can help them do more and build their longer-term future," Houngbo said ahead of the International Day of Family Remittances that falls on June 16. According to IFAD analysis, families spend about 75 per cent of their remittances on basic needs such as food, housing, education and health. Remittances help reduce hunger and malnutrition, improve education and health levels, and lift people out of poverty. By doing so, remittances contribute directly to the Sustainable Development Goals set by the international community three years ago. According to IFAD, the remaining 25 percent, over $100 billion, can be invested in financial and tangible assets such as savings or small business development that help families build their future. These productive activities can also create jobs and transform economies, particularly in rural areas. "Given appropriate investment options, customised to their circumstances and goals, remittance families will invest more and become agents of change in their communities," Houngbo said. To this end, more than 400 decision-makers, representing the public and private sectors, civil society and IFAD, attending the Global Forum on Remittances, Investments and Development in Kuala Lumpur in May endorsed a set of recommendations to make remittances a full engine for development. In particular, the recommendations propose ways to develop access to basic financial services, such as saving and credit, which are fundamental for families to make productive use of their money. Today, most remittances are still received in cash and consumed immediately. Recommendations were also made to develop investment mechanisms and opportunities tailored to the needs of diasporas keen to invest back home. In recognition of the high cost of sending remittances, on the international day IFAD is calling for a further reduction in transfer fees. While the cost of sending money has been reduced by half over the last five years, it still represents, on average, 7.13 percent of the amount sent. Moon sighting body meets today UNB, Dhaka : The National Moon-Sighting Committee will sit on Friday evening to decide the date of Eid-ul-Fitr, the biggest religious festival of Muslims. The meeting will be held at the Islamic Foundation's Baitul Mukarram office at 7:15 pm with Religious Affairs Minister Motiur Rahman in the chair, said an Islamic Foundation release on Thursday. The committee will announce the date of Eid-ul-Fitr after reviewing information on the sighting of the Shawwal moon. People have been requested to inform over following phone and fax numbers if they see the Shawwal moon anywhere in Bangladesh sky. The phone numbers are: 9559493, 9559643, 9555947, 9556407 and 9558337 while the fax numbers are-9563397 and 9555951. Bogota, Jun 13 (AFP) Ten dissident members of Colombian former guerrilla group FARC were killed in a military operation on the border with Venezuela, the army said today. "We will not lower our guard against these criminals," President Juan Manuel Santos wrote on Twitter. The operation, which killed seven men and three women, was carried out in the municipality of Forful, in the South American country's department of Arauca, the army statement said. The statement gave few details of the military action, but Defence Minister Luis Carlos Villegas told reporters that a prominent rebel commander, Alex Rendon, could be among the dead. The army said the group was responsible for attacks on a local hospital, oil infrastructure and security forces in the area. It said the group had combined with local leaders of the National Liberation Army, or ELN by its Spanish acronym, to try to control drug trafficking in the departments of Arauca, Boyaca and Casanare, as well as coordinate "extortion activities, arms trafficking and the articulation of terrorist plans." The ELN is currently in peace talks with Santos' government. Santos signed a 2016 peace agreement with the Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia (FARC), the country's largest rebel group, which has since transformed into a political party. But around 1,200 dissident combatants refused to lay down their arms and continue to operate in various parts of Colombia. (AFP) KIS (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) The UN General Assembly has adopted a resolution condemning Israel for Palestinian deaths in Gaza and rejected a U.S. bid to put the blame on Hamas. The resolution was was put forward by Algeria, Turkey and the Palestinians in the General Assembly after the United States vetoed a similar resolution in the 15-member UN Security Council earlier this month. The resolution was adopted by a strong majority of 120 countries. At least 129 Palestinians have been killed by Israeli fire during protests near the border with Gaza that began at the end of March. No Israelis have died. The resolution put forward by Algeria and Turkey on behalf of Arab and Muslim countries won 120 votes in the 193-member assembly yesterday, with 8 votes against and 45 abstentions. The resolution text condemned the firing of rockets from Gaza into Israeli civilian areas, but did not mention Hamas, the Islamist group that controls Gaza. General Assembly resolutions are not legally binding but carry political weight. An amendment presented by the United States condemning Hamas for "inciting violence" along the border with Gaza failed to garner the two-third majority needed for adoption. Amid international condemnation of its use of lethal force, Israel claimed many of the dead were militants and that the Israeli army was repelling attacks on the fence separating Israel from Gaza. Palestinians and their supporters said most protesters were unarmed civilians and Israel used excessive force against them. "We need protection of our civilian population," Palestinian UN envoy Riyad Mansour told the General Assembly before the vote, adding that the resolution was "intended to contribute to a de-escalation of the volatile situation". "We cannot remain silent in the face of the most violent crimes and human rights violations being systematically perpetrated against our people," Mansour said. The resolution asked UN Secretary General Anthony Guterres to report back within 60 days on proposals "on ways and means for ensuring the safety, protection and well-being of the Palestinian civilian population under Israeli occupation, including ... recommendations regarding an international protection mechanism". Addressing the assembly, U.S. Ambassador Nikki Haley dismissed the resolution as biased against Israel and accused Arab countries of trying to score political points at home by seeking to condemn Israel at the United Nations. "For some, attacking Israel is their favourite political sport. That's why we are here today," said Haley. "I wish everyone supporting this one-sided resolution would put as much energy into encouraging President Abbas to the negotiating table," she said. The resolution deplored Israel's use of "excessive, disproportionate and indiscriminate force" against Palestinian civilians and called for protection measures for Palestinians in Gaza and the occupied West Bank. (With Agency inputs) (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 14, 2018 04:36 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). Jakarta [Indonesia], June 13 (ANI): At least 13 people died on Wednesday when a passenger boat, packed with holidaymakers, heading to home to celebrate the end of Ramadan, capsized off the Indonesian island of Sulawesi. Several media reports stated the boat was travelling from Makassar, provincial capital of South Sulawesi, to the resort island of Barrang Lompo, some 15kms northwest of the city's coast. At least 22 passengers were rescued and admitted to hospital for treatment. Many people are said to be still missing. The boat reportedly hit a large wave amid bad weather and capsized. Search operations for the missing people are underway. Ferry accidents are common in Indonesia, particularly during Eid when millions of Muslims across the country travel to their hometowns. (ANI) (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Copenhagen, Jun 14 (AP) Denmark's government said today it is widening a Parliament-appointed probe into how police handled pro-Tibet protesters during a 2012 Chinese presidential visit to include all official visits from China for the past 23 years. Justice Minister Soeren Pape Poulsen said questions have surfaced over how police tackled similar protesters during visits by Chinese leaders in 1995, 2002 and 2011. During former President Hu Jintao's 2012 visit, police vans blocked demonstrators' view of the Chinese delegation and Tibetan flags were taken from demonstrators. A 2015 investigation into the events concluded in December that police leaders had violated demonstrators' right to free speech. Two leading officers, who were in charge of the security, have since been transferred to other jobs. Eight protesters each were awarded compensations of 20,000 kroner (USD 3,160). Prime Minister Lars Loekke Rasmussen said new information has emerged "and it doesn't look good." He did not elaborate. Anders Hoejmark Andersen of the Danish Tibet Support Committee welcomed the move. He said "police did the opposite of what they were supposed to do, protect its citizens," he told The Associated Press. "For years we have said that we were pushed away (when demonstrating) but we never had any evidence backing it up. It's good that we have it in writing now," Hoejmark Andersen said. Earlier this month, Pape Poulsen received broad backing in Parliament for the probe after officials found copies of deleted emails that could shed light on who gave orders to block demonstrators in 2012. (AP) KIS (This is an unedited and auto-generated story from Syndicated News feed, LatestLY Staff may not have modified or edited the content body) Uttar Pradesh, June 14: At least 10 people were killed and 28 others injured after a deadly thunderstorm struck parts of Uttar Pradesh on Wednesday. Out of the 10 people, three died in Gonda, one in Faizabad and six in Sitapur. The Meteorological Centre, Lucknow had earlier issued warnings of thunderstorm accompanied with squall, dust storm and rain in parts of Uttar Pradesh. This comes after 15 people were reported dead and nine others injured after a thunderstorm hit various regions of the state on June 2. The causalities were reported from Moradabad, Muzaffarnagar, Meerut, Amroha, and Sambhal districts of the state. Yes, the decision belongs on the local level No, no one should be able to dictate whether people wear masks Vote View Results Eid in Moon Sighting in United Kingdom (UK), Live: Stay tuned here for the live crescent sightings in England, Scotland and Ireland | (Photo Credits: Getty) London, June 14: Eid-al -Fitr will be celebrated in the United Kingdom - England, Wales, Scotland and Ireland - tomorrow, June 15, if the crescent moon will be sighted today. Designated religious authorities, including those appointed by the Birmingham Central Mosque, will attempt to spot the moon around the sunset. Watch Live News Updates on Eid moon sighting in UK via the embedded link beneath in the copy. Nearly 5 percent of UK's population is comprised by Muslims, mostly of the South Asian origin. While a section of the Muslim population observed the Eid and Ramadan dates in accordance to what is maintained by the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, a large proportion waits for the Hilal crescent to be sighted in the heart of Europe. Meanwhile, click here for the live updates on Eid moon sighting in KSA. Watch Live News Updates on Eid Moon Sighting in UK on British Muslim TV: Click Here Meanwhile, catch below the live news updates on Eid moon sighting in Saudi Arabia on Makkah TV Online: Ramzan in UK began on May 17, along with most parts of the world. According to the International Astrological Centre (IAC), the crescent of Ramadan ending is likely to viewed today in Europe and Middle East. The South Asian region, however, is predicted to spot the crescent on Friday, thereby postponing the Eid celebration in that part of the world to Saturday. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 14, 2018 06:20 PM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). A court in the Maldives on Wednesday convicted former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom and the sitting chief justice for obstruction of justice and sentenced them to 19 months in prison. The trials are widely seen as part of a plan by President Abdulla Yameen to tighten his grip on power ahead of elections in September at which he seeks a second five-year term against an opposition yet to decide on a single candidate. Gayoom, who was the country's longest serving leader, Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and Supreme Court Justice Ali Hameed were found guilty on Wednesday after they were charged for refusing to hand over their mobile phones for a police investigation. They received sentences of 19 months and six days. The island nation has seen political upheaval since its first democratically elected leader, Mohamed Nasheed, was forced to quit amid a police mutiny in 2012. Nasheed was convicted of terrorism charges in 2015 and sentenced to 13 years after a trial criticized as unfair. This year saw President Yameen, half brother of Gayoom, impose a 45-day state of emergency to annul a Supreme Court ruling that quashed the convictions of nine opposition leaders, including Nasheed. The political clampdown on Yameen's opponents has not been well-received by the Indian government. The historic relationship between Male and New Delhi has seen a serious cooling and latest reports say the Maldives Immigration Authority has reportedly held up thousands of work permits to Indians. According to a report in The Hindu, new job ads are explicitly stating Indians need not apply, as they would not be given work permits. One post by the internationally renowned Marriott chain of hotels that advertised on Wednesday for 18 jobs said: Please note that work permits are not currently being issued to Indian Nationals. (The above story first appeared on LatestLY on Jun 14, 2018 09:41 AM IST. For more news and updates on politics, world, sports, entertainment and lifestyle, log on to our website latestly.com). A group of College Hill neighbors sued the City of Easton last week after city council enacted zoning changes that will make it easier for Lafayette College to expand into their neighborhood. The lawsuit filed June 8 in Northampton County Court says city council approved the changes without giving the city planning commission time to review them. The changes approved May 9 streamline the process for Lafayette College to get approval for the dorms, a diner, bookstore and wellness center in the area of McCartney, Cattell and High streets. The difference is the mixed-use residence hall envisioned by Lafayette is now a permitted use in the neighborhood, rather than a special exception requiring approval from the city zoning hearing board. Lafayette had not submitted construction plans for city approval as of Wednesday, Easton Planning and Development Director Tina Roseberry said. The planning commission would still need to approve the plans once they're filed. The residents' lawsuit says city council unfairly cut the planners out of the zoning change review. A similar set of changes was rejected by the city planning commission and failed to get the endorsement of the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission. Rather than abandon the changes, the city refined them and bypassed both planning commissions and went straight to city council for approval, the lawsuit says. The lawsuit asks a Northampton County judge to void the zoning amendments. The suit says the city colluded with Lafayette College to concoct the zoning changes. City solicitor William Murphy didn't immediately return a phone call seeking comment Thursday. Lafayette spokesman Mark Eyerly didn't immediately return an email. The lawsuit was filed by four College Hill residents: Caron Anderson, of the 600 block of Burke Street Janis Black, of the 200 block of Reeder Streeet Paul Felder, of the 900 block of Paxinosa Avenue Laura Spenadel, of the 800 block of Paxinosa Avenue The defendants are the City of Easton and Easton City Council. The proposed Lafayette College dormitories are part of a plan to increase the student body from 2,500 to about 2,900. That will allow the college to raise revenue and subsequently offer more financial aid and create a "need-blind" admissions process. Rudy Miller may be reached at rmiller@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @RudyMillerLV. Find Easton area news on Facebook. A 20-year-old Wilson Borough man is charged in a daytime burglary Wednesday in Palmer Township, and is expected to face charges from a break-in last month, as well, according to police. Zaire Wheeler, of the 1100 block of South 25th Street, was taken into custody by Palmer Township police after officers were called a little after 9 a.m. for a suspicious male knocking on the door of a home in the 2600 block of Anthony Court in the township, police said. Police said they arrived to observe Wheeler climbing into a rear window in a home. "A short time later the same male was observed exiting a second rear window of the same home, where police placed him in custody," police Detective Jim Alercia said in a news release. Wheeler's physical and clothing description matched that of a burglar who hit an Anthony Court home in late May, according to police. A second perpetrator may have also been involved, and is the subject of an ongoing police investigation, Alercia stated. Police executed a search warrant at Wheeler's home and recovered property stolen from the previous burglary, which also occurred during the daytime, police said. Wheeler was arraigned Wednesday on the charges from the morning break-in. Charges are expected to be filed later this week in the May burglary, according to police. Arraigned before District Judge Jacqueline Taschner, Wheeler is charged with burglary, criminal trespass and criminal mischief. He was sent to Northampton County Prison in lieu of $20,000 bail with a preliminary hearing tentatively scheduled June 27 before Taschner. Wheeler was one of three teens accused of stealing a truck and fleeing police through two New Jersey towns last August. Wheeler was charged with resisting arrest, burglary, conspiracy and theft in that case. Kurt Bresswein may be reached at kbresswein@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow him on Twitter @KurtBresswein and Facebook. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. It's been 20 years since former child actors Jenny Lewis and Blake Sennett formed the popular indie rock band Rilo Kiley. Lewis has since gone on to garner much critical acclaim with three solo albums released during the height of the band's success as well as since its breakup. What Jenny Lewis brought to the Musikfest Cafe in Bethlehem on Wednesday evening was a reaffirmation of her strong catalog with an eager look into the future, as just over a quarter of the set comprised yet-to-be-released material. The atmosphere was relaxed, complete with stage accessories like lamps, curtains and burning incense. The ambiance of the performance was complemented with smoky fog accentuated by soft purple, blue and pink lights. Lewis' voice was clear and full, and she showed off with each song the range she has commanded for years. Backed by five musicians, she would alternate between playing an acoustic or electric guitar and at times swiftly glide across the stage armed with just the microphone to interact with the front row, letting the performer within really shine through. This was particularly effective in emphasizing the dynamic Rilo Kiley hit "The Moneymaker" and her own "See Fernando" off the 2008 album "Acid Tongue." Lewis would retreat behind a piano for the majority of the new songs, possibly offering a cue to how they will sound upon their eventual release. "I swear I'll finish my (new) record real soon," she said. "It'll be cool." The new material was instantly well-received by the near-capacity standing-room crowd as they were most likely hearing them for the first time. The style was familiar, while the subject matter ranged from ideas of atonement in "Heads Will Roll" to an internal struggle through the conduit of rock 'n roll in "Do See Doh" and what Lewis described in "Party Clown" as a "Faustian tale about South by Southwest." While the new music was a treat, the back catalogue felt fresh and vibrant from the lush harmonies of "The Big Guns" to the fierce opus "The Last Messiah." Songs included from 2014's "The Voyager" provided a real thumping dance presence in "Head Underwater" and "She's Not Me." The genius of Jenny Lewis is her ability to shed the production if needed as she commanded a silent room, evidenced in singing the delicately fragile "Happy" and in closing with the anthemic "Acid Tongue." Full setlist: Heads Gonna Roll (new song) The Big Guns You Are What You Love Rise Up With Fists!! Melt Your Heart Just One of the Guys Slippery Slopes Happy Head Underwater Hollywood Lawn (new song) Party Clown (new song) Wasted Youth (new song) The Moneymaker Silver Lining Do See Doh (new song) The Charging Sky Pretty Bird See Fernando She's Not Me Encore: Dogwood (new song) The Next Messiah Acid Tongue Matt Smith is a contributing photographer. Follow him on Twitter @msmith_photo. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. A Pennsylvania State Police trooper shot and wounded in the line of duty was recognized Wednesday for exemplary service and devotion to law enforcement. Cpl. Seth Kelly was honored with the 17th annual Nathan Ogden Award by the Northampton County Chiefs of Police Association during a meeting held at the Northampton County 911 facility in the Gracedale Nursing Complex in Upper Nazareth Township. About 25 members of the county's law enforcement community were in attendance, including Kelly's wife, Forks Township police Detective Philomena Kelly. Seth Kelly was chosen from three nominations received by the association. Pen Argyl police Chief David Strawn, also chairman of the group's awards committee, said the decision was not easy; all three candidates were deserving because of their bravery, commitment and dedication to their communities. In the end, Kelly was chosen based upon the leadership skills shown daily and the bravery exhibited in the highway shootout last Nov. 7, Strawn said. Kelly, of Upper Nazareth Township, was promoted to corporal in 2016 after joining the state police in 2004. He later was reassigned within Troop M from the Belfast to the Bethlehem barracks. Line of duty Kelly was shot multiple times, allegedly by 22-year-old Monroe County resident Daniel Khalil Clary, during a traffic stop near the Route 191 exit of Route 33 in Plainfield Township. Clary is accused of fighting with Kelly and Trooper Ryan Seiple, before opening fire on the pair and fleeing. Police said during the 10:15 a.m. stop, Seiple believed Clary was under the influence of a controlled substance and called for backup. Kelly responded. Police believe Kelly likely saved his own life using a tourniquet he carried on his belt. After being shot in the throat and leg, Kelly put the tourniquet on himself to stop the bleeding from his wounds and returned fire at Clary. Seiple, who is the son of Colonial Regional police Chief Roy Seiple, suffered minor injuries in the fracas. Clary managed to drive himself to Easton Hospital. He remains in Northampton County Prison in lieu of $1 million bail, with a court appearance scheduled for June 25. Sgt. Patrick O'Malley, station commander at Troop M, Belfast, said Wednesday that Kelly has long been a proponent of carrying a tourniquet on duty gear, calling him a "front-line leader who is prepared for duty at all times." "He would educate members during roll call and other opportune times on the importance of having the tourniquet readily accessible and immediately available for deployment," O'Malley said. "He understood that time and circumstance may prohibit a member from being able to retrieve the tourniquet provided by the department from the patrol unit." Prior to the shooting, O'Malley said Kelly also dragged Clary, who fell into the right lane of travel, out of the lane and sacrificed his own safety. "He did so one handed ... ," O'Malley said. "The actor continued to forcefully resist efforts to place him in custody and was able to distance himself from the troopers momentarily. The actor retrieved a handgun from the passenger compartment of his vehicle. The actor immediately fired a round at Trooper Seiple and then focused on Corporal Kelly who was taking a tactical position of cover on the passenger side of the actor's vehicle." In a "close quarters exchange" of gunfire, Kelly suffered gunshot wounds to the upper left leg, left shoulder and left arm areas. Kelly was able to move to a better position of cover, reload his firearm and re-engage Clary in an effort to subdue him, O'Malley said. 'Professionalism and composure' The tourniquet was placed by Kelly around his upper leg to slow his massive loss of blood, O'Malley said. Seiple further aided Kelly until he could be airlifted to St. Luke's University Hospital in Fountain Hill. "Throughout the course of the incident Corporal Kelly maintained professionalism and composure," O'Malley said. "He exhibited an incredible degree of bravery during the incident and throughout his recovery process which continues to date." Strawn said Kelly's actions have inspired many police officers in the region to begin carrying lifesaving equipment in case of traumatic injury. Easton Hospital in January provided four Lehigh Valley police departments -- Easton, Forks Township, Palmer Township and Wilson Borough -- with $5,000 worth of life-saving, military-grade tourniquets. Kelly shook the hands of the police chiefs Wednesday upon receiving the award presented by O'Malley. A roar of applause followed from those who were gathered. "I just like to thank all the chiefs of police in Northampton County," Kelly said. "All the support from all the departments has been fantastic for me and my wife. We appreciate it. Be safe." About the Nathan Ogden Award The association instituted the Nathan Ogden Award Program in 2002. The award is named after the first known law enforcement officer to give his life for his community in the United States. Northampton County Deputy Sheriff Nathan Ogden was killed in the line of duty while trying to execute an arrest warrant on Jan. 20, 1771. Consistent with the Northampton County Chiefs of Police Association mission, the program seeks "to generate increased public support and awareness by commemorating the service and sacrifice to the law enforcement profession." Although a single heroic incident may be worthy of consideration, special consideration is given to those nominees who have distinguished themselves and their profession throughout their careers, the association said. Nathan Ogden Award Recipients 2002: 2003: 2004: 2005: 2006: 2007: 2008: 2009: 2010: 2011: 2012: 2013: 2014: 2015: 2016: 2017: Pamela Sroka-Holzmann may be reached at pholzmann@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @pamholzmann. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. The national discussion about suicide in the wake of two high-profile deaths is bolstering an effort to add fencing to some Pennsylvania bridges. Getting the Pennsylvania Department of Transportation to add fencing or barriers to certain state-owned spans has come up over the years, but it's garnering more attention following the suicides last week of Kate Spade and Anthony Bourdain. The U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention just issued a new report that found suicide rates increased in the United State by more than 25 percent since 1999. From 1999 to 2016, suicides increased 34.3 percent in Pennsylvania, according to the CDC report released earlier this month. It increased 19.2 percent in New Jersey. Last year, Pennsylvania state Sen. Gene Yaw proposed a bill for PennDOT to install protective fencing on new bridges and bridges undergoing repairs on interstate highways. Yaw, a Republican from northeastern Pennsylvania, proposed his bill about after the 2014 incident where a rock was thrown from an I-80 overpass, striking a car. The rock smashed through the car windshield and hit Sharon Budd, causing massive brain injuries and severe damage to one of her eyes. This week, state Rep. Mike Schlossberg proposed an amendment to the bill that would require PennDOT to consider adding protective fencing if the department has direct notice of a suicide or attempt at a specific bridge, or in cases where increased surveillance or warning signs have not decreased suicides or suicide attempts. "The unfortunate truth is that celebrity suicides help the conversation because they bring a lot of attention to the issue," said Schlossberg, D-Lehigh. "If we can make it harder for people to kill themselves, they are less likely to commit that act." The bill without Schlossberg's amendment passed the Senate unanimously. It heads to the House for a vote with the amendment, and would then go before the Senate again to be voted on with the amendment. The bill has PennDOT's support, said department spokesman Rich Kirkpatrick. Barring any changes, "I expect it to make it to the governor," Schlossberg said. The Lehigh Valley has a prime example of how effective the fencing can be in saving lives. Allentown's Eighth Street Bridge, officially the Albertus L. Meyers Bridge, was a notorious spot for people seeking to end their life. At 138 feet high at its highest point, the concrete bridge over the Little Lehigh Creek had sidewalks on either side and scale-able railings. The bridge opened in 1913, and Lehigh County Coroner Scott Grim said about 110 people committed suicide from it. For years city officials, residents and Grim himself lobbied to add some type of barrier to the bridge, said Vicky Kistler, director of Allentown's Health Bureau. "It's a whole different world now than when that lobbying started," Kistler said Wednesday. In this case, timing was everything. As the bridge approached its 100th anniversary, the state began moving forward with plans to repair and renovate the span. At the same time, there were a spate of suicides and attempts in 2011 and 2012. Since work was already planned, "it made sense for PennDOT at that time to add prevention barriers," Kistler said. A community meeting was held in city council chambers, and "that's when a lot of people came out," according to Kistler -- families of those who killed themselves, concerned residents and emergency personnel. Even then, a small number people were concerned with what the bridge would look like with the new fencing, Kistler said. The finished product is towering fencing that curves inward at the top, preventing someone from climbing over it. Since the fencing was added, no one has committed suicide from the bridge, Grim said. Kistler, who has lived in the area for most of her life, said she used to look up every time she drove under the Eighth Street Bridge. "Now I look up because I think the bridge looks great. I don't look up because I'm worried about someone coming over the side," she said. "I don't see any reason in the world why you wouldn't put those barriers up." "I am sure cameras and signs help some people. Barriers prevent all suicides off the bridge," Kistler said. "I'm not saying they shouldn't have signs telling people how to get help. I'm not saying the cameras aren't useful. Those barriers, they're preventing a whole lot of angst for a whole lot of people." That includes 911 operators, police officers and negotiators who respond to calls, and the families and friends left behind. PennDOT puts a priority of installing fencing on overpasses with sidewalks that cross interstates and railroads; highways and bridges with sidewalks that are used by children or a high volume of pedestrians; or are near schools and playgrounds, Kirkpatrick said. Between August 2014 and August 2017, PennDOT has spent roughly $3 million on protective fencing at about 70 locations. Those fencing projects were added as part of planned repairs or renovations of those locations, Kirkpatrick said. PennDOT has added fencing to bridges not undergoing other repairs, but only ion bridges near a school, where there have been instances of objects thrown, or where snow plowing pushes snow off the bridge onto another area, he said. The results in Allentown have shifted the focus to other PennDOT bridges, including the Route 33 bridge over the Lehigh River in Lower Saucon and Bethlehem townships. A Bethlehem man committed suicide there in April. The Norman Wood bridge connects York County to Lancaster County. The two-lane, 21-span bridge was built in 1968, according to PennDOT. (Pennlive.com file photo) Across the state, other PennDOT bridges where people have committed suicide include Bow Creek Bridge, carrying I-81 between Cumberland and Dauphin counties; Norman Wood Bridge, carrying Route 372 between York and Lamncaster counties; and the McNally Bridge, between Cambria and Somerset counties near Johnstown. The 192-foot high McNally bridge carries Route 219 over the Stonycreek River. After suicides from the bridge in 2016 and 2017, an online petition was started last fall on change.org to have fencing added. "I'm hoping that the spotlight can do nothing but help," Kistler said. "We need people to start talking about suicide. We need people to start talking about mental health needs and unmet mental health needs. "The topic has made people uncomfortable for far too long ... . People need to start getting comfortable asking people if they are OK." For Schlossberg, the bill is a small piece of what needs to be done to prevent suicides, and a lot of what is left is funding-related. If someone gets to the point where they want to take their life, they need increased access to mental health care and that means increasing the funding for those services, he said. "That going to take a lot more" effort, Schlossberg said. GET HELP If you or someone you know needs help, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 800-273-8255. Access free, 24-hour support from the Crisis Text Line by texting HOME to 741-741. WARNING SIGNS The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline says warning signs that someone may be at risk are: Talking about wanting to die or to kill themselves Looking for a way to kill themselves, like searching online or buying a gun Talking about feeling hopeless or having no reason to live Talking about feeling trapped or in unbearable pain Talking about being a burden to others Increasing the use of alcohol or drugs Acting anxious or agitated; behaving recklessly Sleeping too little or too much Withdrawing or isolating themselves Showing rage or talking about seeking revenge Extreme mood swings Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. BELLEFONTE, Pa. -- A former Penn State University fraternity brother on Wednesday entered the first guilty plea in the death of a pledge who was fatally injured after a night of heavy drinking and hazing. Ryan Burke, 21, of Scranton pleaded guilty Wednesday to all nine remaining charges he faced, including four misdemeanors alleging hazing. Other charges were previously dismissed or withdrawn. "There are too few words to describe a loss so great. This young man understands that," Burke's attorney, Philip Masorti, said outside the courthouse, putting his hand on Burke's shoulder. "This is a tragedy, and he is anxious to make amends." Engineering student Tim Piazza, 19, of Lebanon, New Jersey, drank a dangerous amount of alcohol and suffered fatal head and abdominal injuries in a series of falls during a bid acceptance ceremony and party last year. Members of the fraternity took half-hearted and even counterproductive steps to address his condition. Burke was accused of giving Piazza a bottle of vodka at the party. He'll be sentenced July 31. "We are pleased to see one individual accept responsibility and encourage others to follow in his steps," said Tom Kline, attorney for Piazza's parents. Twenty-five other defendants still face charges. A magistrate has previously thrown out the most serious charges -- involuntary manslaughter -- against five defendants. U-Haul trucks parked on Mundy Street in Wilkes-Barre Township, Pa., are damaged after a strong storm moved through the area on Wednesday, June 13, 2018. A powerful storm has pounded parts of Pennsylvania, damaging buildings, overturning cars and downing trees and power lines. (Christopher Dolan | The Citizens' Voice for the AP) Don't Edit Survey teams coming out UPDATE: Tornado confirmed in Wilkes-Barre area National Weather Service investigators will try to determine if a tornado hit northeast Pennsylvania Wednesday night. The weather service said two storm survey teams on Thursday will asses the "considerable storm damage" in the Wilkes-Barre area and in Bradford County around Franklindale. The powerful storm struck a shopping plaza late Wednesday night in Wilkes-Barre Township while the area was under a tornado warning. Township police wrote on their Facebook page that there were reports of "multiple collapsed buildings." Don't Edit Wow - tornado debris lofted in Bradford County, PA was up to at least 15,000ft. That could indicate a significant tornado (EF2 or greater). pic.twitter.com/uVeGQCajZu Ryan Hanrahan (@ryanhanrahan) June 14, 2018 Don't Edit Tornado warnings The National Weather Service first issued a tornado warning until 9:45 p.m. Wednesday for Shickshinny, Silkworth and New Columbus in Luzerne County. The service then issued a tornado warning for Wilkes-Barre, Kingston and Plymouth in Luzerne County until 10:30 p.m., followed by tornado warnings for East Stroudsburg, Stroudsburg, and Mount Pocono. Don't Edit Complete chaos tonight. @panerabread and other business near by are destroyed. See more exclusive photos on @nepascene #nepascene #wilkesbarre #storm #pennsylvania #photography @ Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania Posted by 1120 Studios on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 Don't Edit Don't Edit 6 people reported injured Fox43 reported at least six people were injured. A Civil Air Patrol aircraft took photos of the storm damage Thursday morning, Luzerne County Emergency Management said. WNEP posted drone footage Thursday morning showing a U-Haul dealership with trucks strewn about like Hot Wheels, and building roofs ripped to shreds. Don't Edit UPDATE AS OF NOON: National Weather Service confirmed it was a tornado. JUST IN: WNEPs SKYCAM 16 over the apparent tornado damage near Wilkes-Barre, PA. This is around the Arena Hub Shopping Plaza. The National Weather Service is expected here later today to determine if it was officially a tornado that caused all of this damage. If theres any good news...its that no one was seriously hurt. 6 people suffered minor injuries. Posted by Ryan Leckey on Thursday, June 14, 2018 Don't Edit Streets closed, power outages reported Mundy Street, between Bear Creek Boulevard and Highland Park Bouelvard, was closed Thursday morning due to the storm damage. PPL reported a little less than 400 customers affected by power outages Thursday. Township police also warned gawkers not to stop on I-81. Don't Edit Vehicles stopping on I-81 Souths shoulder without a legitimate emergency WILL be subject to citation. Dozens of... Posted by Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department on Thursday, June 14, 2018 Don't Edit Debris is scattered in a parking lot near the Wyoming Valley Mall in Wilkes-Barre Township, Pa., after a powerful storm moved through the area on Wednesday, June 13, 2018. A strong storm pounded parts of Pennsylvania, damaging buildings, overturning cars and downing trees and power lines. (Christopher Dolan | The Citizens' Voice for the AP) Don't Edit Don't Edit Every tornado recorded in the Lehigh Valley Tornadoes are not unheard of in northeast Pennsylvania. The Lehigh Valley area has seen 27 tornadoes since 1950, when National Weather Service records began for Lehigh, Northampton and Warren counties. In May, it was a confirmed tornado hit Wayne County. Alex Staarmann, a meteorologist with the weather service's office in Mount Holly, New Jersey, said investigators review patterns of damage to help determine if there was a tornado. Don't Edit Damaged cars are parked in a debris filled lot on Mundy Street near the Wyoming Valley Mall in Wilkes-Barre Township, Pa., after a powerful storm moved through the area on Wednesday, June 13, 2018. A strong storm has pounded parts of Pennsylvania, damaging buildings, overturning cars and downing trees and power lines. (Christopher Dolan | The Citizens' Voice for the AP) Don't Edit A tornado ripped through a shopping center in Wilkes Barre Pennsylvania on June 13th 2018. Here are aerial views of the aftermath. Posted by Access Aerial on Thursday, June 14, 2018 Don't Edit Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. The National Weather Service confirmed two tornadoes landed in northeast Pennsylvania on Wednesday night -- one in the Wilkes-Barre area and a second in Bradford County. A storm survey team determined it was an EF2 tornado, with estimated maximum wind speeds of 130 mph, that struck Wilkes-Barre Township in Luzerne County. The path was about 200 yards wide, and less than a mile long. The ranking refers to the six-level Enhanced Fujita Scale, and EF2 is a strong tornado with wind speeds between 111 and 130. The weather service confirmed six people were injured, but no fatalities. The team confirmed a tornado landed in Franklin Township, in Bradford County, earlier in the day. The team was still reviewing whether it was a tornado that hit Granville, Leroy and Franklin townships, also in Bradford County, on Wednesday night. Gov. Tom Wolf said he planned to survey the damage Thursday afternoon in Wilkes-Barre Township, along with Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency Director Rick Flinn, local emergency management officials and first responders. In Wilkes-Barre Township this afternoon with @ReadyPA to tour damage left by an EF-2 tornado that touched down last night and meet with first responders. pic.twitter.com/17ZjgkrK3g Governor Tom Wolf (@GovernorTomWolf) June 14, 2018 An estimated 15 businesses were damaged, with some partial structural collapse, and a half-mile radius around the damage site has been evacuated due to a leaking 750-pound propane tank, according to Wolf's office. The last tornado confirmed by the weather service in Luzerne County was Feb. 25, 2017. Officials said it was an EF2 tornado, with wind speeds of 120 mph, that hit Plains and Pittston in Luzerne County and Moosic in Lackawanna County. There were no injuries in that one, but severe damage to a barn and homes, and over one thousand trees were knocked down on the 12.8 mile-long path. Some pictures from the survey team in Bradford county in the Granville, Leroy & Franklin Townships. They are still assessing if the damage was due to straight line winds or a tornado from the storms on June 13. #pawx #storms pic.twitter.com/GNVPaUI2rE NWS Binghamton (@NWSBinghamton) June 14, 2018 Sarah Cassi may be reached at scassi@lehighvalleylive.com. Follow her on Twitter @SarahCassi. Find lehighvalleylive.com on Facebook. The Pennsylvania Legislature has decided that school kids need a better grounding in government and history. By overwhelming margins, the state House and Senate adopted a bill that will require all public school students to take a civics exam before graduation. Passing it won't be a graduation requirement, however. Gov. Tom Wolf said he will sign the bill. The bill is the brainchild of state Rep. Karen Boback, R-Luzerne, who decided to do something after reading about the state of civics knowledge among Americans. A 2016 survey by the University of Pennsylvania's Annenberg Public Policy Center found only one in four adults in the U.S. could name the three branches of the federal government. Pennsylvania does require school districts to teach civics, including the duties and rights of citizenship, and the workings of government. Should states go farther? Should they insist that students be knowledgeable about civics -- and prove it, in an exam -- to get a high school diploma? Have a say in our informal poll, and feel free to elaborate in the comments section. If you missed out on getting Electric Picnic tickets this year, get thee hence to Stradbally in Laois this week, because chances are high of winning a pair of weekend camping tickets. The Parents Council of St Colman's National School is selling lines for 2 each in shops in the town this Friday and Saturday June 15 and 16. The prizes are no less than two sets of tickets to the sold out festival, which this year features exciting acts like Kendrick Lamarr, George Ezra, Sigrid and N.E.R.D to name but a few. You can buy a card of 11 lines for 20, and the draw is limited to 350 cards, so the odds are pretty good, and you will be supporting a great cause. The draw takes place on Wednesday June 20 in the school. Each year the local community gets heavily discounted tickets from Festival Republic, organisers of Electric Picnic in the grounds of the Cosby estate. Laois clubs and charities also get a donation every year, in return for welcoming some 55,000 punters that descend on Stradbally to enjoy what is Ireland's biggest music festival. Laois was not covered by a Status Yellow warning Laois was one of many counties battered by Storm Hector overnight with power cuts the main impact. Laois Fire Service was out in the early hours of the morning clearing a tree from a road in Donaghamore. Almost 150 ESB Network customers in Portlaoise were without power on Thursday morning following winds of up to 125 km/h last night. Two separate outages on the Stradbally Road and the Timahoe Road happened around 07:30am on Thursday morning. Met Eireann did not include Laois in the Status Yellow warning alert for Storm Hector which covered Offaly and Kildare. Power is expected to be restored to these homes around noon as ESB Network work around the clock to fix power outages affecting 35,000 customers around the country. Mountrath has also been hit with power outages affecting 21 ESB customers. The head of communications with ESB has said the power cuts are mainly due to trees falling on power lines. Speaking on RTE's Morning Ireland, Bernardine Maloney said more than half - 18,000 homes, farms and businesses - are in the northwest. "Enormous trees in full leaf came down with the winds last night," she said. "The issue is we have summer-type trees in winter wind. "We have a number of trees in full leaf that have come down in the winter winds, so one tree down is affecting a large number of customers. "We expect a lot of people back in the earlier part of the day and we do expect everyone back by this evening. "We currently have 35,000 people out," she added. People are advised not to go near fallen trees due to potentially live power lines in the area. The ESB advises people who come across a fallen tree to call 1850-372-999. Forecasters issued two weather warnings yesterday afternoon, just days after the country basked in high temperatures and sunny conditions. Warning ESB Networks is also reminding customers of the precautionary measures to take in the event of a power cut: Never approach broken lines or damaged poles, and keep children and animals away report damage to ESB Networks at 1850 372 999 and listen to recorded messages carefully Turn off electric cookers, ovens, irons, etc. if electricity supply is lost Leave a light switched on so you know when power has been restored Take extra care if using candles, oil lamps or other naked flames Test smoke alarms with fresh batteries Ensure adequate ventilation if using gas heaters. Charlotte Stevens from Celbridge has been announced as the winner of the All-Ireland Eason Spelling Bee Final. The much-anticipated final took place in The Helix in Dublin and Charlotte from Primrose Hill National School in Kildare took home the top prize with her impressive spelling of, Irrespective. The 12 -year-old will now receive a collection of books for her school library to the value of 7,500 and she will receive a grand prize of books worth 500, plus the prestigious title of the 2018 Eason Spelling Bee champion. Speaking about her win, the 6th class student said; I love reading and Im really delighted to have won the competition!. Charlotte went up against extremely talented bees from Munster, Ulster and Connacht. Brendan Corbett, Group Head of Marketing at Eason, said; We are really proud to conclude the eighthyear of the Eason Spelling Bee competition today and huge congratulations to Charlotte on the win and to all who participated in the competition this year. Throughout the year we have seen huge talent from the students across Ireland and we would like to thank the teachers, students, schools andparents for once again contributing to and supporting the competition. There are more pressing issues affecting the lives of people living in South Kildare than the blasphemy referendum, according to Dep Fiona O'Loughlin. A referendum on the removal of the offence of blasphemy from the Constitution has been given the go ahead by the Cabinet and will be held in October. Under current legislation a person can face fines of up to 25,000 if they are found guilty of the offence of blasphemy. The law on blasphemy was written into the 1937 Constitution in Article 40 which states that the publication or utterance of blasphemous, Seditious, or Indecent matter is an offence which shall be punishable in accordance with law. In 2009, a new law made blasphemy punishable by a 25,000 fine. SEE ALSO: Kildare rents up 68 on average in first three months of 2018 While I understand this law is an anachronism, I feel that there are other referenda that would be more beneficial to the people I represent. An extension of the franchise to include citizens living abroad, the reduction of the voting age and a directly elected Mayor are just some of the Constitutional changes we should be looking at. The Taoiseach also committed to a referendum on keeping Irish Water in public hands and I think this urgently needs to be addressed. The last known prosecution in Ireland for blasphemy is thought to have been in 1855 so it clearly is not a matter of extreme urgency," she said. "The Blasphemy Referendum could be held on the same day as a Presidential election and alongside another referendum to remove the part of the Constitution that refers to a womans place in the home." She urged the Government to "prioritise matters affecting peoples everyday lives and not waste time and precious resources making Constitutional changes of no benefit to anyone." It is understood the controversial sale of a former community hall in Newbridge is still being adjudicated by the Charities Regulator. A local action group, set up to campaign for the retention of the building for community use, had called for clarity as to whether the sale of OModhrain Hall had been approved or not. They had asked the regulator to make a public statement. When contacted by the Leader, the Charities Regulator again declined to comment. Wilkinson & Price Solicitors, the firm acting on behalf of the trustees who sold the building, was also contacted. They were asked if the sale had been approved and if so, what arrangements would be made to give the proceeds to the local community. Cairbre Finan Snr said the query had been passed on to his clients. He said that any decisions about the whole situation would have to be made in consultation with the charities regulatory body and the sale was subject to their approval. The hall was sold at auction on July 26 for 270,000. The purchaser, Vincent Byrne, formed a new company called OModhrain Hall Ltd and applied for permission to replace the derelict building on Cutlery Rd with four shop units, two offices and six apartments. The council ruled the application invalid as the planning documentation was not completed. The plans can be lodged again. The planning process is separate to the sale and an applicant does not have to own a site to apply for permission. Former solicitor Michael Lynn, who was extradited from Brazil to face multimillion euro theft charges, has been granted bail on strict conditions pending trial in 2020. Mr Lynn (49), with a last address in St Alban's Park, Sandymount, Dublin, is facing 21 charges at Dublin Circuit Criminal Court relating to the alleged theft of almost 30 million from seven financial institutions. In one of the sample charges before the court, Mr Lynn is accused of stealing 4.1 million from Irish Nationwide on April 4, 2007. In another sample count, he is charged with stealing 3.6 million from Ulster Bank on October 20, 2006. In March, Mr Lynn was extradited to Ireland from Brasil, where he has been living for several years. He unsuccessfully sought bail in the District Court but was refused. He appealed this to the High Court and was again refused bail by Ms Justice Una Ni Raifeartaigh on April 6. He successfully appealed the High Courts decision today, Thursday, June 14, and he was accordingly granted bail by the Court of Appeal on a number of strict conditions. Giving judgment in the three-judge court, Mr Justice John Hedigan said Mr Lynn will have been in pre-trial custody for 22 months in Ireland by the time of his trial date in January 2020. Such a delay was indeed very disturbing and it was a factor the Court of Appeal had to take into account. In refusing bail, the High Court had held that Mr Lynn was a flight risk. Counsel for Mr Lynn, Michael OHiggins SC, said the risk was reduced given the length of time his client had already spent in custody. He said his client had been in custody since August 2013 in Brasil. By 2020, his continued incarceration would amount to a sentence of about eight years with standard remission. As such, Mr OHiggins said the bulk of any potential sentence, if Mr Lynn is to be found guilty, would have already been served. Mr OHiggins said Mr Lynns wife and children had moved back to Ireland. The youngest daughter was about the start school and I understand the family dog was brought back from Brasil. Moreover, there was now almost nowhere Mr Lynn can flee to from where he could not be retrieved and indeed jailed again pending such return. Mr OHiggins said the Ronnie Biggs scenario was no longer workable. Mr Justice Hedigan said it was clear there was at least some risk that one who has fled before will do so again. However, the situation had altered very considerably and it appeared clear the risk was now a very much diminished one. Mr Justice Hedigan said the Court of Appeal had to consider where the interests of justice lay and must pay full respect to the presumption of innocence. He said stringent bail conditions together with closely monitored compliance would meet the much diminished flight risk. Mr Lynn was granted bail on an independent surety of 100,000. He must surrender his passport and undertake not to apply for a new one. The passport of his wife and children, if any, must also be handed in to court. He must reside at a given address in Maynooth, observe a curfew between 9pm and 6am daily, carry a mobile phone and be available to gardai on that phone 24 hours a day and stay away from all ports and airports. Mr Justice Alan Mahon, who sat with Mr Justice John Edwards and Mr Justice Hedigan, said the court would admit Mr Lynn to bail on the basis of those terms. A mother-of-the-bride took legal action against a Naas boutique after the dress she bought for her daughter's wedding started to come apart on the big day. A judge, sitting at Naas District Court last Thursday, made an order that the owner of Evita boutique must pay the customer 800 after she took a claim against him to the Small Claims Court. Judge Bernadette Owens heard evidence from Sandra Maguire, with an address listed as 18 Thormanby Lodge, Howth, that she had bought a dress for 800 from Evita on South Main Street, Naas, last September for her daughters wedding. SEE ALSO: Still time for teams to join Kildare Relay for Life 2018 Paul Ferris, proprietor of the shop, with an address listed in court documents as 23 South Main Street, Naas, did not appear at the court sitting. During the course of the the wedding day, Ms Maguire noticed that the hem of the dress had fallen and that a clasp had come loose, which was noted by other guests at the wedding. When she contacted the shop after the wedding day, she was asked initially to send pictures and then to come to the shop where an assistant, she said, had told her that it had never happened to any other similar dress. While at the shop, it was noticed that a seam in the dress had split. She was asked to contact Mr Ferris who, when she contacted him, offered to have the dress fixed and to give her a 100 gift voucher. However, when a seamstress saw the dress, she said that it would need to be taken in an inch in order to be repaired. This was not possible, Ms Maguire said, rendering the dress unwearable from then on. She could not contact Mr Ferris from there on, she told the court. The case was listed for hearing last May 3, she said, and Mr Ferris did not turn up then either. Ms Maguire had checked the Companies Registration Office that Mr Ferris was the owner of the business, and she had brought copies of all the email correspondence with her to court. Judge Owens found in her favour, in the sum of 800. A number of changes to local electoral areas in county Kildare have been recommended by the Local Electoral Area Boundary Committee No 1 Report. In a report released this week, the committee, which was established by Minister of State, John Paul Phelan (Department of Housing) last December, recommended that the number of Local Electoral Areas (LEAs) rise from five to eight. Currently there are five areas (number of elected members in brackets), Athy (6), Naas (9), Kildare-Newbridge (9), Celbridge-Leixlip (7) and Maynooth (9). There are 40 members on Kildare County Council. The committee can allow a variance of 10% of population per member between areas, suggesting a population 5,006 and 6,119 people per elected councillor, based on the Census 2016. It has recommended eight new areas (number of members in brackets): Athy (5), Celbridge (4), Clane (5), Kildare (5), Leixlip (3), Maynooth (5), Naas (7) and Newbridge (6). It also recommended that the five Municipal Districts in Kildare are constituted as follows: Athy (Athy LEA), Celbridge-Leixlip (Celbridge and Leixlip LEAs), Clane-Maynooth (Clane and Maynooth LEAs), Kildare-Newbridge (Kildare and Newbridge LEAs) and Naas (Naas LEA). See www.housing.gov.ie for full report. A WEST Limerick man extradited from the UK has been charged in connection with a burglary totalling 62,000. Bernard Casey, aged 29, of Templegreen, Newcastle West, was arrested by Garda Denis McCarthy at Dublin Airport on Monday at 3.50pm. The burglary Mr Casey is charged with took place at a house at 5 Crossroads, Rathkeale on June 25, 2012. It is alleged that a mans Rolex watch, worth 27,000; a womans Rolex watch, valued at 6,000; a Louis Vuitton and a Coco Chanel handbag; a television; Waterford Crystal; candlesticks and a number of gold and diamond rings were taken. At Tuesdays Kilmallock Court, Garda McCarthy said Mr Casey was conveyed to Newcastle West garda station after he was arrested at the airport. He faces three charges - burglary and two criminal damage offences. He made no reply to the charge after caution, said Garda McCarthy, of Rathkeale garda station. The book of evidence was served on Mr Casey. Inspector Dermot OConnor said the DPP consents for the accused to be sent forward for trial to the current sitting of Limerick Circuit Court. Judge Marian OLeary gave the alibi warning and sent Mr Casey forward for trial on indictment on the three charges. Kenneth Kerins BL, who represented Mr Casey, made no bail application on behalf of his client. A person found guilty of burglary is liable on conviction on indictment to a fine or imprisonment for a term not exceeding 14 years or both. Mr Casey was remanded in continuing custody. LIMERICKs metropolitan district will have three super-seven districts in next years local election, with the shake-up set to be announced this week. The Limerick Leader has learnt that two of the three existing electoral areas will change in terms of the number of councillors. City North will gain one seat, City East will lose a seat, with City West the only constituency unaffected. There are currently eight members in the massive City East area which stretches from the city centre out to Castleconnell and Montpelier. However, in reforms due to be announced this Thursday, this will be cut down to seven. Many of the urban parts of this constituency, including Garryowen, Pennywell and Mulgrave Street will all likely transfer to a new City North ward, which will move from six seats up to seven. This will continue to cover St Marys Park and areas north of the River Shannon. City West, which covers the central business district, as well as Raheen, Dooradoyle, and Patrickswell, will also remain at seven seats, the Limerick Leader understands. Senator Kieran ODonnell has welcomed the reforms, saying: It means we will have a more consistent representation across the three areas in the metropolitan district area. Some areas were too big, and it was proving hard to provide effective representation. As the areas are now uniform in size and population, it will allow that little bit more cohesion. This is a logical, common sense reform. Senator Maria Byrne added: By my guidelines it looks like three sevens, which would make sense, as each area should be equal. Fianna Fail councillor James Collins said: This can only be a good thing. I only wish they could look at the metropolitan district and its 21 councillors in isolation. At the moment, were on the same footing as the other municipal districts in the county when they have six or seven members. This seems to be a bit of anomaly. Meanwhile, Fine Gaels Daniel Butler feels the proof will be in the pudding, saying: I think it makes sense to try and more evenly distribute the council representation across the metropolitan area. But I feel it might be hard to make three sevens work. There will be some anomalies in it. While there are big changes in the city, it is a case of steady-as-she-goes in rural Limerick, with the election fought along broadly similar lines as was four years ago. At present, rural Limerick elects seven members to the constituency of Cappamore-Kilmallock, and six each to Newcastle West and Adare-Rathkeale respectively. The Boundary Commissions report which outlines the number of members in each area was set to be released by Junior Minister John Paul Phelan this Wednesday but is put back to Thursday. Its based on the 2016 census. Ireland will go to the polls on May 24, 2019. LIMERICK councillor Daniel Butler has called for measures to tackle rush-hour tailbacks from the M7 motorway. The Dooradoyle-based Fine Gael member, who sits on the travel and transport committee, said there is an urgent need for special measures to address tailbacks at Junctions 28 (Carew Park), 29 (Ballysimon Road) and 30 (the Mackey Roundabout). It comes with an increase in employment in the National Technology Park primarily. I have received a number of complaints from road users who use the junctions primarily on their way to work who are experiencing tailbacks of up to 2km onto a motorway with traffic travelling at between 100kph and 120kph. With traffic at a standstill and cars travelling at those speeds we have already seen accidents because of this; its only a matter of time before we see a fatality, he predicted. Cllr Butler, who is pictured, has held talks with Transport Infrastructure Ireland, and he says they are looking at a number of measures including traffic light timing changes, warning signs and lane changes to alleviate the issue. The junctions are used by people who are on their to work in the University of Limerick, Plassey Industrial and Technology Park that houses companies like Cook Medical, Northern Trust and Johnson and Johnson to name but a few. It also provides access to employers at the Delta Retail Park and Northern Trust in that area and many more employees in the neighbouring industrial estates, he explains. My primary motivation is the safety of the road users and we need to address that in the short term but in the long term we need a more comprehensive plan to address the extreme congestion in this area. THE LIMERICK man in charge of the CervicalCheck programme was embroiled in a battle of words at the Public Accounts Committee this Thursday morning, over the assumption that all doctors had informed women of the smear test audit. John Gleeson, CervicalCheck programme manager, State Claims Agencys chief Ciaran Breen and HSE director general John Connaghan were at the centre of a tough line of questioning from a number of TDs at Leinster House. The PAC chairperson Sean Fleming told the HSE director general that the exchange at the meeting was not helpful to women involved in the audit. The HSE told the PAC that the number of women affected is expected to increase beyond 209, as an additional 46 cases are being audited, of which 12 are close to completion. Mr Breen informed the PAC that Mr Gleeson told the agency in a teleconference on April 20 that all women whose smears had been audited had been informed, or assumed to have been informed. Mr Gleeson said that he assumed that all clinicians had informed women affected had been informed. Questioning Mr Gleeson, Sinn Fein deputy Johnathan OBrien said: Why did you not say that at the [previous] meeting? He responded that he tried to clarify adding that he said he had said that he did not think anyone in CervicalCheck could have said that all women had been informed as it couldnt have been our understanding. Mr OBrien accused Mr Gleeson of trying to play with words. The impression given to the State Claims Agency during that teleconference call on April 20, was that all women had been informed, regardless if they were informed directly by you or by their clinicians. The impression was that all women had been informed. Mr Gleeson said that he didnt think that was the impression that the State Claims Agency received. Questioning Mr Breen, Deputy OBrien said: Was it your impression that, after that teleconference call, that all women had been informed? Mr Breen replied: Certainly, that was our assumption, yeah. What would you say to Mr Gleeson, who is now saying that that couldnt have been the information he gave to you because nobody from CervicalCheck would have been aware of that? the Sinn Fein TD asked. The State Claims Agency head responded: I can tell you, Deputy OBrien, I have personally examined the legal note. It was very clear; senior counsel asked if all of the women affected had been informed. And the specific reply was that all women, and I think I am on record to this committee in writing in saying this, that all womens whose smear was part of the audit have now been informed or assumed to have been informed by their treating clinicians. Thats the exact reference. Speaking after Mr OBrien, Deputy Fleming said to Mr Connaghan: This exchange is not doing the HSE or you any good. It is my personal observation. We should have been able to deal with this more up front, more clearly, and we are arguing about words, about assumption, whether it is a fair assumption or did you assume it. He said that Mr Gleesons assumption was valid. I thought this was going to be a cleaner operation for the women who are watching and to get some confidence in the HSEs openness and transparency, and I havent felt that here today, so far. Mr Breen said that Mr Gleeson was always extremely helpful to us in relation to the supply of documentation and anything that we needed. Deputy Catherine Murphy asked Mr Breen if he talked to Mr Gleeson about women not being informed after Vicky Phelans case had been settled. Not at that stage because they were reacting to it themselves and they were handling the situation themselves, and it wouldnt be normal for us to try and interfere with what the HSE would be doing to inform the women. We were assured that they were now in a process with the women. A WOMAN who sued Irish Water after catching her foot in a hole on a public footpath near her home in Limerick settled the case on her birthday. Noreen Fitzgerald, 64, who has an address at St Patricks Road, initiated Circuit Court proceedings for negligence and breach of duty relating to an incident which happened at or near Garryowen on March 13, 2014. In court papers, the woman alleged that works carried out by Irish Water had resulted in the creation of a pothole on the path and that the State-owned utility had caused, permitted or allowed the plaintiff to trip and fall by not repairing it. It was further claimed that Irish Water had failed to carry off, rail off, or fence off part of the public footpath on which the said hole was located. Ms Fitzgerald, who described the incident as sudden, unexpected and frightening attended her GP following the fall complaining of discomfort to her neck. During a follow-up examination a number of months later, the plaintiff complained that she had developed pain in her right leg, right ribs and cervical spine. She was prescribed an anti-inflammatory and it was stated that she was discommoded in her private, social, family and recreational life as a result of the incident. The matter came before Judge Gerald Keys at Limerick Circuit Court after the proceedings were authorised by the Personal Injuries Assessment Board in September 2015. When the case was called, barrister Philip Moloney, representing Ms Fitzgerald, said there had been discussions between the parties and that the matter had been settled and struck out. Details of the settlement were not disclosed to the court. THE LIMERICK mother-of-two Vicky Phelan, who was told she had just months to live in January, has revealed that her tumours have shrunk significantly, thanks to new drug treatment. Vicky, the 43-year-old Annacotty woman, was responsible for lifting the lid of the CervicalCheck scandal after her High Court case with a US laboratory was settled for 2.5m. Her doctor told her that, after having three doses of an immunotherapy drug, the effects are proving to be positive. In an interview with RTEs Ray DArcy, Ms Phelan said: I said If this is bad news, I really dont want to know. He nearly cut across me, he said: Absolutely not, Vicky. He was bursting to tell me to be honest. He said This is just absolutely fantastic news. He said: Youre just absolutely not going to believe it. He said there is significant shrinkage in your tumours. There was mascara running down faces, the makeup being touched up, but it was worth it, she told the RTE personality. Vicky, who will be conferred with an honorary doctorate at University of Limerick on June 28, said the drug allows the immune system to identify the cancer cells in the tumours and, in turn, attack the disease. She believes it may allow her to manage the disease longterm. Vicky said she there are around 100 people in the country who are on the drug, which are all clinical trials. When youre put in a situation like mine, when youre given a terminal diagnosis and nobody gives you any hope, you know, youll do whatever you have to do to get the drug if you think its going to work, she said. TWO teenagers from west Limerick were on a night out in Limerick city to celebrate their schools graduation when they were attacked by a gang of youths brandishing broken glass bottles. The two 17-year-old friends were walking back to a bus which was due to take them home after spending the evening in the Habitat nightclub. They were set upon by a gang of eight youths at a point between Michael Street and Arthurs Quay Park. One of the boys was knocked unconscious and broke his jaw and his nose, as well as suffering a deep gash on the head. The other boy also had his head split open in the attack, as well as suffering a deep cut to the ear. Both of them required a significant number of stitches after the incident. The boys were very lucky, they could have been killed, said a parent of one of the boys. No town is safe, you just have to be aware. The buses collect them so you have to walk up, they could be parked a bit away. The teenagers were out for their schools graduation night, for which a private bus was organised to bring the students home. It can happen to anybody the students were out having a graduation night. The unfortunate thing about it is that they would have been with a big group, but as they were walking down they happened to break away from the posse, said the concerned parent. They both got stitches on the back of the head. The gang used broken bottles, and if the bottles had struck anywhere else like the neck or throat, it would have been a lot worse. They were lucky and they were unlucky. Its some scene, when you have blood everywhere. Unfortunately, we heard that there were lots of incidents that night. We know for the garda presence that they cant have everything because they havent got the resources. But when this is happening, they know the gangs, but they [the gangs] are so cute with the way theyre operating things in hoodies, and they can always blame someone else. Its very difficult to try and get the exact person who did it. Then if you go to court you have the technicalities of the legal system to contend with. They were in the hospital from half 3 in the morning until the following evening. Gardai confirmed that they are investigating a reported assault on the night by a group of youths in the Arthurs Quay area. Jun 14, 2018, 4 AM The first-day ceremony for the O Beautiful stamp set will take place during the evening on July 4 in Colorado Springs, Colo. Each stamp in the set of 20 reflects imagery from the patriotic song America the Beautiful. A few of the locations pictured on the new O Beautiful stamps have been featured on previous United States stamps. These two airmail issues from 2006 show scenery from Great Smoky Mountains National Park on the 75 stamp at left and Yosemite National Park on the 84 stamp at right. A photograph of Bailey Island, Maine, on one of the 20 stamps in the O Beautiful set being issued July 4 by the United States Postal Service. The full pane of 20 is pictured on page 12. The U.S. Postal Service prepared two pictorial postmarks for the O Beautiful first-day cancels. The black postmark features one scenic view. The color postmark reproduces segments of scenes similar to those on stamps in the set. The theme of America the Beautiful has been featured before on U.S. stamps. These examples are from the 1981 Flag and Anthem issue (left), and the 2008-12 Flags of our Nation commemorative coil series (right). By Michael Baadke A new set of United States stamps captures the beauty of the nations natural scenery while paying tribute to a stirring song that praised that beauty more than a century ago. The O Beautiful pane of 20 nondenominated (50) forever stamps will be issued July 4 at Memorial Park, 1605 Pikes Peak Ave., in Colorado Springs, Colo. The 7:30 p.m. MDT first-day ceremony is planned as part of the Colorado Springs Philharmonics July 4th Summer Symphony event. Kevin Romero, a U.S. Postal Service district manager, will participate in the ceremony, as will the orchestra. For more information, and to register in advance for the ceremony, visit https://uspsonlinesolutions.wufoo.com/forms/o-beautiful. Twenty different photographs have been selected as stamp images and arranged on the pane to echo familiar phrases from America the Beautiful, the song composed by Katharine Lee Bates with music by Samuel Augustus Ward. As the song is sung today, the lyrics in the first verse are O beautiful for spacious skies, for amber waves of grain, For purple mountain majesties, above the fruited plain. America! America! God shed His grace on thee, and crown thy good with brotherhood from sea to shining sea. The Postal Service explained in a May 17 press release: Each of the stamps features a photograph that helps illustrate one of five phrases from the songs first verse: Spacious Skies (top row), Waves of Grain (second row), Mountain Majesties (third row), The Fruited Plain (fourth row), and Sea to Shining Sea (bottom row). Inscriptions along the left margin identify the themes of the five horizontal rows, while the banner margin across the top features the first words of the song and the title of the stamp issue O Beautiful. The stamps were designed by USPS art director Ethel Kessler using existing photographs by several different photographers. Following are descriptions of the scenes pictured and the photographers credited, as grouped in each of the five horizontal rows of four stamps. (After the initial identification here, photographers are credited by last name only.) Spacious Skies: Sunlight on Death Valley National Park by Gary Crabbe of San Francisco, Calif.; Three Fingers Mountain in Mount Baker-Snoqualmie National Forest in Washington by Kevin Ebi of Lynnwood, Wash.; a field near Grove City, Kan., in a photograph named Daydream by Sean Ramsey of Yukon, Okla.; Great Smoky Mountains National Park in North Carolina and Tennessee by Tim Fitzharris of Santa Fe, N.M. Waves of Grain: A Wisconsin wheat field in Calumet County by Larry Michael of Green Valley, Ariz.; plowed wheat fields in Palouse Hills, Wash., by Yva Momatiuk and John Eastcott of Hurley, N.Y.; a farm windmill in Grasslands Wildlife Management Area, Merced County, Calif., by Crabbe; fields of wheat in Montana by Momatiuk and Eastcott. Mountain Majesties: Yosemite National Park in California by Crabbe; Crater Lake National Park in Oregon by Crabbe; Monument Valley Navajo Tribal Park in Arizona and Utah by David Muench of Bozeman, Mont.; Maroon Bells peaks in White River National Forest, Colo., by Fitzharris. The Fruited Plain: Sunrise near Orinda, Calif., by Crabbe; Pigeon Point near Pescadero, Calif., by Fitzharris; vineyards in Edna Valley, San Luis Obispo County, Calif., by Crabbe; sunlight on green hills in spring in the Tassajara region near Livermore, Contra Costa County, Calif., by Crabbe. Sea to Shining Sea: Napali Coast State Wilderness Park, Kauai, Hawaii by Timothy T. De La Vega of Hannapepe, Hawaii; Lone Ranch Beach at Samuel H. Boardman Scenic Corridor, Oregon by Fitzharris; storm clouds at Apollo Beach, Canaveral National Seashore, Florida by Fitzharris; and Bailey Island, Maine by Benjamin Williamson of Brunswick, Maine. Although a few of these locations have been highlighted previously on U.S. stamps, the majority have not. Great Smoky Mountains National Park and Yosemite National Park, for example, are featured on airmail stamps issued consecutively in 2006 (Scott C140-C141) as part of the Scenic American Landscapes series. That airmail series and the 2016 National Parks set of 16 forever stamps (Scott 5080) also made use of photographs to display various scenic areas across the country. The new stamp set is not the first to make use of lines from America the Beautiful as a theme. Flag definitives issued in 1981 celebrated the song with for amber waves of grain inscribed on an 18 sheet stamp showing a harvester in a grain field, from sea to shining sea on an 18 coil stamp depicting a lighthouse and coastline, and for purple mountain majesties on an 18 booklet stamp featuring purple mountains. That older booklet stamp, by the way, shows part of the Grand Teton mountain range near Jackson Hole, Wyo., according to the 1981 Postal Service philatelic release No. 22. It is widely claimed that when Bates wrote about purple mountains, she had in mind Pikes Peak in Colorado Springs, which she had recently visited. When the Flags of our Nation commemorative coil series was issued from 2008 to 2012, the U.S. flags interspersed with the state and territorial flag stamps in each coil roll featured background images again matching up with the song lyrics, including spacious skies (Scott 4273), amber waves of grain (4302), purple mountains (4303) and fruited plain (4332). Connect with Linns Stamp News: Sign up for our newsletter Like us on Facebook Follow us on Twitter The Postal Service provided background details about the writing of America the Beautiful: First published as a poem on July 4, 1895, America the Beautiful was written by poet Katharine Lee Bates (1859-1929) and set to the music of Materna, a melody composed by Samuel Augustus Ward (1848-1903). Considered by many to be our unofficial national anthem, the song consists of four verses, each punctuated by the anthemic cry America! America! Today it remains one of the countrys most popular patriotic songs. Bates was born in Massachusetts and became an English professor at Wellesley College, and eventually the head of its English department. She revised her original poem in 1904 and again in 1913. It was joined with Wards melody early on, though according to the Library of Congress, Bates lyrics were occasionally sung to the tune of Auld Lang Syne. When the National Federation of Music Clubs sponsored a 1926 contest to elicit new music for Bates poem but failed to find a winner, Wards music prevailed, the Library of Congress reports. The Postal Service has created two pictorial postmarks for first-day covers franked with the new stamps. A black postmark features a single scenic view, while the color postmark is a composite of five views representative of the stamps and the song. The Postal Service has not disclosed plans for its own prepared FDCs or press sheets. That information has not been provided for recent issues until after the issue date is past. It is presumed but unconfirmed that FDCs and press sheets will be offered for the O Beautiful issue. Ashton Potter (USA) Ltd. is printing and processing 60 million stamps, a fairly large order for what will likely be a popular commemorative set. There's something strange about the five newly discovered snakes in Ecuador: Unlike most snakes that dine on rats, lizards and other small animals, these slithery reptiles eat snails. And that's pretty much all these snakes can eat. There are now 75 known species of snail-eaters, according to a new study on the reptiles. "The jaws of these snakes are modified so much that they cannot eat anything that isn't a snail or a slug," said lead study author Alejandro Arteaga, a doctoral student with the American Museum of National History in New York. "Sometimes, you can see [one] hanging from vegetation with a snail in its mouth," he said. [7 Shocking Snake Stories] Indeed, snail-eating snakes have a jawline that has evolved to slurp the snail right out of its shell but the snakes do this without suction (in other words, it's not the way we slurp oysters from a shell). To extract their escargot, the snakes push their lower jaws into the shell and grasp the flesh of the slimy critter with their curved teeth. Once the snakes have a firm grasp, they pull the prey out without crushing the shell a process that usually takes a few minutes. This snail-slurping "is an interesting adaptation," Arteaga told Live Science. Because not many snakes feed on these snails, the predators don't have much competition for food, he added. But the snakes have other things to worry about. Arteaga and his team are proposing that three of the five species should be listed as "vulnerable" under the International Union for Conservation of Nature's Red List of Threatened Species and that one should be listed as endangered. "Four of them are facing the possibility of extinction. Only one is safe," Arteaga said. The reason? A lack of cover for the snakes to hide in. In western Ecuador, "only 2 percent of the original vegetation cover remains," Arteaga said. The rest of the forest cover and vegetation was destroyed by activities like logging and clearing land for cattle farming and human settlement. Ultimately, there's "not really much forest left," Arteaga said, and that's not good for the snakes, who need forest cover, vegetation, moisture and nearby streams to survive. "They cannot survive in open cattle ranch [or] grassland." Arteaga and his team recently held an auction for the "naming rights" to the snakes. With the money from that auction, the researchers will purchase a 178-acre (72 hectares) plot of currently unprotected land where some of these snakes live and thereby expand the Buenaventura Reserve in Ecuador. The findings were published today (June 14) in the journal ZooKeys. Originally published on Live Science. Ground-based lasers developed by the USSR decades ago conceptually illustrated here by artist Edward L. Cooper were capable of interfering with some U.S. satellites. Russian. Space. Lasers. That's right, Russian scientists are developing cosmic guns capable of blasting some of the half-million bits of space junk orbiting our planet into oblivion. Precision Instrument Systems a research and development arm within the Russian space agency, Roscosmos recently submitted a proposal to the Russian Academy of Sciences (RAS) for transforming a 3-meter (10 feet) optical telescope into a laser cannon, the RT network reported. Scientists at Russia's Altay Optical-Laser Center will build this debris-monitoring telescope. Then, to turn it into a debris-vaporizing blaster, the researchers plan to add an optical detection system with an onboard "solid-state laser," according to the Sputnik news agency. [How Do Laser Weapons Work? (Infographic)] After that, it's sizzle time. The cannon will train laser beams on pieces of orbiting detritus in low Earth orbit, heating up the bits of floating junk until they are entirely demolished, according to RT. Human-made space junk consists of discarded or broken parts of spacecraft, launch vehicles and other objects sent into space, and it comes in many sizes. Approximately half a million bits whizzing around the planet are the size of a marble or bigger, and about 20,000 of those are at least the size of a softball, NASA reported in 2013. These bits travel at speeds of up to 17,500 mph (28,164 km/h), and at such speeds, even a relatively small particle of debris could seriously damage a spacecraft or satellite. Low Earth orbit, the region of space within 1,242 miles (2,000 kilometers) of the planet's surface, is the most concentrated area for orbital debris. (Image credit: NASA) In 2015, Japanese researchers presented plans for a spacefaring, debris-blasting laser mounted on a powerful telescope intended to detect cosmic rays, Space.com previously reported. Their study described combining many small lasers to produce a single powerful beam that would vaporize matter on the surface of space junk, generating a plume that would propel the debris lower in its orbital path, eventually causing the object to burn up in Earth's atmosphere. And earlier this year, researchers in China published a report proposing another laser-based approach to dealing with space garbage; their solution also suggested using satellite-mounted lasers to nudge orbiting debris into a lower orbit. Clearly, space debris is a problem that would likely benefit from a futuristic solution like a laser cannon. However, while Precision Instrument Systems representatives confirmed the existence of their report to Sputnik, they "declined to elaborate further" on any details related to the project's production time frame or its technical requirements. Original article on Live Science. Stephen Hawking's family plans to broadcast a recording of his voice toward a black hole while his ashes are interred at Westminster Abbey, according to a report in the Telegraph. Hawking's most important work was on the structure of black holes. The famous physicist showed in 1974 that, contrary to popular belief at the time, black holes do in fact emit radiation. So it seems appropriate that a bit of radiation associated with Einstein will make its way back into a black hole. [Stephen Hawking: A Physics Icon Remembered in Photos] His daughter, Lucy Hawking, told the British press in a statement that the recording will be set to an original piece of music by the Greek composer Evangelos Odysseas Papathanassiou (more commonly known as Vangelis) and broadcast toward a black hole in the binary system 1A 0620-00, which at more than 3,000 light years away is the nearest black hole to Earth. She said that the recording is a "beautiful and symbolic gesture that creates a link between our father's presence on this planet, his wish to go into space and his explorations of the universe in his mind." Stephen Hawking died March 14 at the age of 76. His ashes will be buried between the remains of Charles Darwin and Isaac Newton, following a memorial service Friday (June 15), according to the Telegraph's report. Originally published on Live Science. This hair-like material actually consists of fine strands of volcanic glass known as Pele's hair that came from lava within Kilauea volcano, in Hawaii Volcanoes National Park. Golden, sharp strands of so-called goddess hair are covering parts of Hawaii's Big Island. But what are these potentially dangerous threads called Pele's hair and where did they come from? The mats of Pele's hair a product of the ongoing eruption from Kilauea volcano consist of thin glass fibers that form when gas bubbles within lava burst at the lava's surface, said Don Swanson, a research geologist at the Hawaiian Volcano Observatory. "The skin of the bursting bubbles flies out, and some of the skin becomes stretched into these very long threads, sometime[s] as long as a couple of feet [0.6 meters] or so," Swanson told Live Science. [Photos: Fiery Lava from Kilauea Volcano Erupts on Hawaii's Big Island] These gossamer strands are thin, just a micron (one-thousandth of a millimeter) or two in diameter, although some of them are coarser. "Often, they are really like human hair, so the name is very apt," Swanson said. A microscopic view of Pele's hair (Image credit: U.S. Geological Survey) These strands of lava-turned-glass usually have a small sphere at the end, but this usually gets broken off, Swanson added. Pele's hair named after Pele (peh-leh), the Hawaiian goddess of fire and volcanoes is so lightweight that it usually gets blown downwind from where it formed. Because these glass fibers have sharp ends, they can be dangerous to pick up, Swanson noted. In previous volcanic eruptions, Pele's hair has caused trouble for the many Hawaiians who collect rainwater for drinking water. These glass strands land in rainwater that falls on people's roofs and is then funneled into a catchment system. "If the filters aren't fine enough to filter out the hair, then you can get hair in the water," which can harm anyone who drinks it, Swanson said. "Imagine inhaling tiny slivers of glass. That's what the Pele's hair is," he said. "It can inflame and irritate anything that comes in contact with it." Moreover, there are cattle ranches downwind of Kilauea volcano. In the past, Pele's hair floated downwind and fell into the cattle's water troughs, where thirsty bovids slurped it up. This likely injured the cattle's esophagi and stomachs, Swanson said. However, he hasn't heard any reports of people or cattle hurt by drinking water contaminated with Pele's hair from the current eruption, Swanson said. Pele's hair carpets the ground in Hawaii. (Image credit: U.S. Geological Survey) Rather, Pele's hair has been more of a nuisance this time around, albeit a rather beautiful one, he said. "You can get drifts of Pele's hair that may be a foot or two thick interwoven with one another," Swanson said. "It can be quite striking." Original article on Live Science. Upstate By James Wood Farrar Straus Giroux. 224 pp. $26 --- In one of my worst parenting moments, my younger daughter screamed, "Why are you always criticizing me?" and I screamed back, "Because you never do anything right!" We laugh about it now - (BEGIN ITAL)I do(END ITAL), anyway. She lives in New York City, studying acting and working as a modern dancer; waitressing pays the bills. I know enough to keep my concerns vague and my support enthusiastic. We fathers eventually become like wildlife photographers, quiet but hyperattentive, grateful for any sighting. "Upstate," a new novel by the literary critic James Wood, brought this into focus for me as never before. It's a slim book with a tiny cast doing little in a remote place, but it captures the anxious plight of a loving father with exquisite delicacy. Indeed, "Upstate" feels like a finely cut rebuttal to the hysterical realism of those sprawling social novels that Wood has famously criticized. But its affections are large, and its wisdom deep - a wonderful exception amid the voluminous literature of bad fathers. The story takes place over a few days in early 2007 when a British real estate developer named Alan Querry is just starting to smell the smoke that will eventually burst into flame and destroy the world's economy. At the moment, though, Alan is more alarmed by a cryptic message about his 40-year-old daughter in upstate New York. Vanessa, a philosophy professor at Skidmore College, seems to have fallen into a dangerous bout of depression. Determined to figure out what's wrong, he and his younger daughter, Helen, go for a visit. If there were any tragedy grinding away in Vanessa's house, it appears to have ended before Alan and Helen arrive. Vanessa is delighted to see them. She brushes off their concern. She displays her handsome new boyfriend. Alan wants to believe in this tableau of romantic bliss, but he knows his daughter's mental history; he's sensitive to the spores of despair floating around her house. And so what unfolds is a week of sideways investigation calibrated not to arouse suspicion or give offense: a typical endeavor in the endless comedy of parental affection that any good father will recognize. Alan is determined to "act as that Pope, the liberal one from the 1960s, put it: see everything, correct a little." Vanessa's house in the frozen little town of Saratoga Springs can feel claustrophobic, but Wood is a master of introspective domesticity. If his palette looks small, his attention to the subtle hues of human emotion is revelatory. He's attuned to every fluctuation in the room's frequencies, the frayed wires of sibling rivalry, the cloying taste of parental concern. To read "Upstate" is to realize just how much of each other we usually miss or ignore. For instance, in a rare tense conversation with Helen, Alan says, "You know you're being hurtful and completely impossible, and above all ... extremely (BEGIN ITAL)unhelpful(END ITAL)." And then Wood adds, "He hadn't meant to use that last word and it struck them both comically. But because they were imprisoned in their argument they were not permitted to smile, and instead lapsed into a childish, stubborn silence." Such wry observations are the currency of this novel, and one can't help but feel enriched by the treasure of Wood's sweet-tempered wit. Despite living in this country for years - he was born in England in 1965 - Wood still demonstrates an ironic attitude toward the peculiarities of the United States. "Upstate" is flecked with amusing if slightly worn comments about the country's cheeriness, its obsession with weather and especially its engorged size. "He'd read somewhere," Wood writes, "that Americans used, per capita, three times as many sheets of toilet paper a day as the global average, which told him what he needed to know. It was an enormous, religious, largely reactionary place, with no real tradition of socialism, where the car parks were larger than many European villages." But in "Upstate," Wood never abandons the darker concern of Alan's visit, and the novel's real substance stems from its tender exploration of the mystery of temperament. "Is happiness just a trick of birth," Vanessa wonders, "a completely accidental blessing, like having perfect pitch?" Alan isn't sure, but he's still afraid for his daughter. "Despair was the color blindness that afflicted those who could not see hope," he thinks with a rising sense of helplessness. "Why did Helen find happiness easy, when her sister found it hard? The girls had always been so different. ... What could Alan possibly do? That has always been his torment; how little he could do. He couldn't make Van see life through his eyes." In 2009, Richard Powers explored happiness in a provocative novel called "Generosity," but his approach was concerned largely with genetics and pharmaceuticals. For Wood, raised by a minister in the Church of England, the battle remains essentially spiritual and philosophical. "Despair was like a sea," Alan thinks of his daughter's struggle. "It threshed restlessly, just out of sight, always there: the deep enemy of human flourishing, inching away at its borders." You don't have to catch the allusion to Matthew Arnold's "Dover Beach" to hear the profound vibrations of that metaphor. "To see them grow older was to realize that they would only climb higher and higher," Alan thinks, "and that all he could do was silently watch, as they jumped." But watching is not nothing. Watching can make all the difference on this darkling plain, as Wood's thoughtful novel shows. Halo For Hire: The Complete Paul Pine Mysteries By Howard Browne Haffner Press. 901 pp. $60 --- A guy named X first told me about the Paul Pine mysteries. It was years ago now that I'd wandered into a warren-like used bookstore in Silver Spring (Md.), looking for detective stories similar to Raymond Chandler's "The Big Sleep" and "Farewell, My Lovely." X - everyone called him that, and I never learned his real name - rummaged around and came up with a couple of battered paperbacks titled "Halo in Blood" and "Halo for Satan," both by John Evans. As I eventually learned, Evans was really Howard Browne (1908-1999), once an editor of Amazing Stories and, later, a Hollywood script writer. Browne's four Paul Pine novels - now gathered together in "Halo for Hire" - are quite consciously written in the wise-cracking, tough-guy mode of Chandler's fiction and 1940s Humphrey Bogart films. Yet even with their faint tongue-in-cheek air (and an astonishing amount of cigarette smoking), they make for heavenly reading: Who doesn't sometimes long to wander down mean streets while listening to the world-weary voice of a down-at-heels private eye? Browne's alliterative shamus even quips like Chandler's Philip Marlowe, regularly encounters gorgeous dames with bedroom eyes, swallows a lot of scotch, and frequently stares out through the half-open Venetian blinds of his dingy office while rain falls steadily on all the living and the dead. As an omnibus, "Halo for Hire" gets everything right, starting with Laurel Blechman's cover art, which features - against the backdrop of big-city apartments - a Bruce Willis look-alike in a fedora and two baby-doll blondes. Inside, an introduction by popular-culture critic Richard A. Lupoff recounts Browne's professional career and is followed, nearly 900 pages later, by a memorial afterword from the writer's daughter Melissa Flagstad. Just as important, this hefty volume doesn't falsely economize by printing the text in minuscule type (which isn't the case, alas, for Soho Crime's recent and otherwise very welcome "Collected Millar," the complete mystery and suspense fiction of Margaret Millar). Besides "Halo in Blood" (1946), "Halo for Satan" (1948), "Halo in Brass" (1949) and "The Taste of Ashes" (1957), editor Stephen Haffner also reprints the single Paul Pine short story, "So Dark for April" (1952, from the magazine Manhunt), and a sizable chunk of an unfinished novel called "The Paper Gun." Let me describe just two of the mysteries. In "Halo for Satan," Paul Pine is hired by Chicago's Bishop McManus to locate a manuscript expert named Raymond Wirtz. Why? Because Wirtz claims he's come into possession of several pages of parchment, written in Aramaic, by none other than Jesus Christ. He wants $25 million for this priceless treasure, and the Catholic Church will pay it - if the document can be proved genuine. Unfortunately, Wirtz has gone missing from his seedy, run-down apartment, leaving a body in the closet. It seems that several stop-at-nothing individuals are interested in Wirtz's discovery, among them a dying Chicago racketeer (clearly based on Al Capone) and a ruthless criminal mastermind - whom nobody has ever seen - named Jafar Baijan. There will be other corpses before the double-whammy finish. Along with the pleasures of an intricate plot, Browne offers plenty of those beloved stock characters who are de rigueur in the commedia dell'arte of hard-boiled detective fiction, including a tired homicide cop named Overmire and an ingenue with big eyes called Lola. Nor does he neglect the genre's penchant for striking, often deliberately extravagant turns of phrase: "It was the kind of street where people lived who had hardly anything except their lives." A stunning redhead, married but not letting that stop her, has "a face to bring hermits down out of the hills, to fill divorce courts, to make old men read up on hormones." In his introduction, Lupoff notes that the last completed Pine novel, "The Taste of Ashes," blends the usual "cynical Chandleresque mannerisms" with the "darker and more pessimistic atmosphere" of James M. Cain ("Double Indemnity," "The Postman Always Rings Twice"), concluding that the result is "nothing short of brilliant." He's right. Nonetheless, "The Taste of Ashes" regularly calls to mind Philip Marlowe's encounter with the dysfunctional Sternwood family in "The Big Sleep." Someone is attempting to extort $20,000 from Serena Delastone, the coldhearted matriarch of the Delastone clan, which tightly controls the wealthy town of Olympic Heights. Serena wants Pine to shake down the blackmailer, but he refuses. Later that night, his phone rings. It's Linda Jellco, the wife of a fellow private eye named Sam Jellco - who once worked for the Delastones. For some reason, Linda explains, her husband has unaccountably failed to return any of her calls to his hotel. He's on a case, she knows, but could something be wrong? In short order, Pine discovers Sam's body but also learns that the ultra-polite Olympic Heights police don't want the death investigated, possibly because of a connection to the ostensible suicide of Serena's bad-apple son Edwin a few months earlier. As Pine probes ever deeper, he encounters the two Delastone daughters, the wild and gorgeous Karen and the studious and plain Martha, while the case grows increasingly complex and sordid. There are other murders, one by a least likely character. Though Browne slightly tones down his metaphors throughout, they still crackle: "I tried the knob with all the delicacy of a husband hearing a man's voice in his bedroom"; "the silence of a bankrupt funeral parlor." What's more, the novel closes with perhaps the most archetypal and bittersweet last words in all of noir fiction. So, if you're looking for some terrific retro-reading for the summer, look no further than "Halo for Hire: The Complete Paul Pine Mysteries." As X said long ago, when handing me those two battered paperbacks, "Enjoy." Renowned Spanish artist Daniel Munoz spent nine months researching and learning about San Antonio while developing his concept for a large-scale outdoor mural made up of a patchwork of scenes that celebrate the citys history, culture, people and architecture. Munoz, who recently completed a commission in the Spanish Embassy in Washington, D.C., said he talked to people, read a lot and looked at photos to familiarize himself with the symbols and iconography of San Antonio. The concept of the mural is that, using these different visual images, I can make a portrait of the city, he said while taking a break from his sketching and painting to talk about the work. Titled 25 Windows and a Frame, the mural is being painted on the north side of the Magik Theatre building, overlooking Hemisfair. The frame referenced in the title is a large rectangular area on the outside wall of the buildings third floor. The windows refer to the long-boarded-up window frames that have been prepared for the project. All will eventually contain images celebrating the citys Tricentennial. Among scenes already sketched out are San Fernando Cathedral, the Sunset Station train depot, a Dia de los Muertos image and a pinata store. Ive never worked on this kind of canvas before, said Munoz, referring to the 26 separate pieces that will make up the whole. Im enjoying playing with the architecture. He pointed to a pair of windows containing a sketch of a King William home and separated by a brick column. That drawing continues beneath that column. Painting outdoors during the heat of summer poses special challenges, he said. The paint dries faster in the heat, so I have to paint smaller sections and be more careful. He began sketching and painting 25 Windows on June 12 and said he expects to finish on June 22. In the meantime he hopes people will stop by to follow the progress of the work. The mural, an official Tricentennial art project, is a collaboration of Public Art San Antonio, which is a division of the citys Department of Arts and Culture, Luminaria, which produces the annual contemporary arts festival, and the the Spanish art project Ink and Movement. The Magik building itself has a long history. Built in 1895 as Beethoven Hall, it housed the Beethoven Mannerchor, a popular social club and singing group made up of some of the citys most prosperous German families of the day. The building was destroyed by fire in 1913, only to be rebuilt the next year. Today, much changed, its home to the Magik Theatre childrens theater company. rmarini@express-news.net | Twitter: @RichardMarini The Bexar County Sheriff's Office will soon step into the national spotlight on the show COPS, with the department's first episode set air next week. On Thursday, the sheriff's office confirmed its deputies' first segment will air on Monday, June 18. Two separate motorcycle accidents took a San Antonio teen's parents from her, but her boyfriend made sure they were by her side on graduation day. Icee Villarreal, 18, is a recent John Paul Stevens High School graduate. The teen said the accomplishment is in honor of her parents, Jessica and Victor Villarreal, who she lost in 2010 and 2011, respectively. Villarreal's boyfriend, Julian Vasquez, wanted to make sure they were watching their little girl walk the stage "from heaven." With the help of his family, he enlarged a photo of Villarreal's parents to surprise her with on the morning of her graduation. The teen snapped a photo of herself holding the poster-sized portrait and tweeted it. More than 5,000 people responded in the form of likes, retweets and replies, many commenting on how much of a tear-jerker the gift was. "I'm crying," Twitter user @kaelygomez_2 said. "This is when you know they truly care about you." RELATED: North Star Mall shoppers mourn 'Kittye,' who was half of San Antonio's favorite love story Another supporter told Villareal her dad was "probably popping wheelies" for her a testament to his love of motorcycles. According to San Antonio Express-News archives, the Villarreals were leaders of the Sentinels Motorcycle Club and formed the husband-wife heavy metal band, One of Sixx. Jessica Villarreal died en route to her 37th birthday at Medina Lake. Exactly a year later, young Icee lost her dad when he was involved in another motorcycle accident on Potranco Road. Both were wearing helmets at the time of their accidents, according to the reports. Icee Villarreal said she now considers her boyfriend's family her own and they do everything they can to help her honor her parents' memory. "They always find a way to include my parents in everything I do," she added. "They treat me like I'm their own daughter." She said his family brought the photo with them to the graduation, but Alamodome staff did not allow it into the venue due to its size. As soon as the teen stepped outside after the ceremony, the photo was waiting to be including in her graduation memories. Icee Villarreal will be attending Northwest Vista College to complete her basics, then plans on majoring in forensics at UTSA before attending medical school to earn a Ph.D in pathology. Madalyn Mendoza is a digital reporter for MySA.com. Read more of her stories here.| mmendoza@mysa.com | Twitter: @MaddySkye 1 Colorado wildfires: The threat of hot, windy weather and thunderstorms Thursday posed more problems for firefighters battling a Colorado wildfire that has forced residents of more than 1,000 homes to evacuate and led to warnings for others to get ready to leave. The fire 13 miles north of Durango is in the Four Corners Region where Colorado, Arizona, New Mexico and Utah meet the epicenter of a large U.S. Southwest swath of exceptional drought, the worst category of drought. Moderate to extreme drought conditions affect larger areas of those four states plus parts of Nevada, California, Oregon, Oklahoma and Texas, according to the U.S. Drought Monitor. 2 Keystone pipeline: South Dakotas Supreme Court has dismissed an appeal from opponents of the Keystone XL oil pipeline, saying a lower court lacked jurisdiction to hear their cases. Groups fighting TransCanada Corp.s pipeline appealed a judges decision last year upholding regulators approval for the pipeline to cross the state. But the high court ruled this week that justices didnt reach the merits of the case because the lower court lacked jurisdiction to hear the appeal of the Public Utilities Commissions decision. The project would move crude oil from Canada across Montana and South Dakota to Nebraska, where it would connect with existing pipelines feeding refineries along the Gulf Coast. WASHINGTON - Sen. Orrin Hatch, R-Utah, a socially conservative 84-year-old Mormon, was long one of the most outspoken critics of gay people in Congress. In 1977, as a freshman, Hatch said gay people should never be allowed to teach in public schools because they have a "psychological deficiency." "I wouldn't want to see homosexuals teaching school anymore than I'd want to see members of the American Nazi Party teaching school," he told a group of students. In 1988, he referred to Democrats as "the party of homosexuals." In the 1990s, he championed the Defense of Marriage Act - which prohibited the federal government from recognizing same-sex unions and barred couples from receiving benefits. When the Supreme Court struck down the law in 2013, Hatch ripped the justices for relying on their "personal opinion." But the times, they are a changin'. Hatch, retiring after 42 years as the longest-serving Republican senator in American history, appears to have had a change of heart. In honor of Pride Month, Hatch took to the Senate floor on Wednesday to send "a message of love" to "my LGBT brothers and sisters." "These young men and women deserve to feel loved, cared for and accepted for who they are," the senator said in a heartfelt speech. "I don't think they chose to be who they are. They're born the way they are. And we ought to understand that. They deserve to know that they belong and that our society is stronger because of them. . . . "No one should ever feel less because of their gender identity or sexual orientation," he continued. "LGBT youth deserve our unwavering love and support. They deserve our validation and the assurance that not only is there a place for them in this society, but that it is far better off because of them. These young people need us - and we desperately need them. We need their light to illuminate the richness and diversity of God's creations. We need the grace, beauty and brilliance they bring to the world." These comments are especially notable because PresidentDonald Trump and Vice President Mike Pence have pointedly declined to acknowledge Pride Month. After Barack Obama issued proclamations all eight Junes he was in office, the White House chose not to do so last year or this year. It's not that Trump has been stingy about such things. He's signed proclamations that this month is Great Outdoors Month, National Ocean Month, National Homeownership Month and African-American Music Appreciation Month. Instead, Trump has ordered that transgender people should be banned from serving in the military. He's also removed references to LGBTQ people from various federal websites, rolled back protections for transgender inmates, employees and students and disbanded the Presidential Advisory Council on HIV/AIDS. While Secretary of State Mike Pompeo issued a short statement acknowledging Pride Month, senior leaders at the Pentagon declined to formally acknowledge the observances for the first time since the practice became routine after Obama repealed the military's ban on homosexuals serving openly. (Trump's transgender ban has not gone into effect because of court challenges.) Against this backdrop and his own history, Hatch pleaded with his fellow conservatives to not just tolerate, but love, those who are lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender. "Mr. President, ensuring that our LGBT friends feel loved and accepted is not a political issue," said Hatch, who as president pro tempore is third in line to the presidency. "We all have a stake in this. We all have family or loved ones who have felt marginalized in one way or another because of gender identity or sexual orientation - and we need to be there for them. . . . Regardless of where you stand on the cultural issues of the day - whether you are a religious conservative, a secular liberal or somewhere in between - we all have a special duty to each another. That duty is to treat one another with dignity and respect. It is not simply to tolerate, but to love." An epidemic of teen suicides drove Hatch to reconsider his previous thinking. A report published last week by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention showed Utah has the fifth highest suicide rate in the nation. About 630 of Hatch's constituents kill themselves each year - around one every 14 hours. Many of the victims are gay or transgender teenagers who experience bullying and discrimination. The stigma is especially strong in a state as conservative and religious as Utah, where some young gay people still become ostracized and estranged from their families. Hatch came to understand this by talking to parents, visiting schools and studying various reports. The CDC has found that LGBT youth seriously contemplate suicide at almost three times the rate of their straight peers and are almost five times as likely to have attempted suicide. A separate study in 2015 found that 40 percent of transgender people have attempted suicide in their lifetime. That's nine times the American population at large. The senator believes that publicly acknowledging being gay is not a choice is the only way to address this rampant problem. "There are people out there who really suffer, who didn't choose to be the way they are but who are, and we have to be compassionate enough to help them," said Hatch. "So I hope that we will, and I hope that our wonderful country will take these things to heart." Hatch is trying to shepherd into law a bill that would create a new simple three-number national hotline for suicide prevention, akin to 9-1-1. The legislation already passed the Senate and cleared a House committee on Wednesday. The senator hopes that the high-profile suicides of chef Anthony Bourdain and designer Kate Spade will give fresh urgency to bringing up the bill for a vote on the House floor. But he emphasized that the suicides which get less attention are equally important. "Mr. President, if there were ever a time to show our LGBT friends just how much we love them, it is now - in a world where millions suffer in silence," said Hatch. We owe it to each other to love loudly!" Hatch's change in tone mirrors a broader shift in public attitudes.A Pew study released last October showed that 7 in 10 Americans now believe gay people should be accepted by society, compared to 24 percent who say it should be discouraged. The share supporting acceptance rose 7 percent just last year, and it's up 19 points in the last decade. But there's still a significant partisan divide. While 83 percent of Democrats and Democratic-leaning independents say homosexuality should be accepted by society, only 54 percent of Republicans and Republican leaners do. Four in 10 think it should be discouraged. There's also a strong correlation based on age. For instance, 83 percent of those between the ages 18 to 29 say gay people should be accepted by society, compared with only 58 percent of those who are 65 and older. This is also not the first time that the octogenarian has spoken up in defense of the LGBT community when others on the right would not. Hatch opposed Trump's ban on transgender troops last year, and he's endorsed the Employment Nondiscrimination Act. During the Republican National Convention in Cleveland in 2016, when Ben Carson said transgender identity "doesn't make any sense" and called it "the height of absurdity," Hatch criticized him. "Of course there are people who are transgender," the senator said during a radio interview. "I don't think they choose to be that way. They are human beings who deserve the best we can give them." But critics respond that Hatch's actions matter more than his rhetoric. Yes, he condemned Carson. But then he voted to confirm him as secretary of housing and urban development, where he's rolled back protections for transgender people who live in homeless shelters. He also voted for Betsy DeVos to be secretary of education, a perch she's used to roll back protections for transgender students. And he's supported the confirmation of many Trump judicial nominees who have been critical of transgender rights. Zack Ford, the LGBTQ editor for the liberal blog Think Progress, argues that Hatch's speech "rings hollow": "Hatch is a co-sponsor of the so-called 'First Amendment Defense Act' (FADA), which would create a religious license to discriminate against LGBTQ people. And just last week, he 'applauded' the Supreme Court's ruling in the Masterpiece Cakeshop case. . . . If Hatch is looking to support LGBTQ youth, he might consider instead co-sponsoring the Equality Act, which would create federal nondiscrimination protections for the LGBTQ community. Not a single Republican in the Senate currently supports it." - - - With The Washington Post's Breanne Deppisch and Joanie Greve. House Republicans put forward a proposal this week to impose hefty fees on states that do not approve of drilling for oil and natural gas off their coasts, a move that would pressure local leaders who oppose the Trump administration's plan to expand offshore leasing. The administration's plan has been met with stiff resistance from many Democrats and even Republicans in coastal communities. Elected leaders in several seaside states even vowed to block the federal government from allowing offshore leasing off their shores. The draft proposal, which was discussed at a hearing of the House Natural Resources Committee on Thursday, says that states will be allowed to disapprove of drilling offshore in up to half of the lease blocks off its coast without incurring a penalty. But any state with a proposed lease sale that wants to put more than 50 percent of the blocks off-limits would be required to pay a fee equal to at least one-tenth the estimated government revenue that would have been generated from lease sales, royalties and other revenue streams, if oil and gas drilling had taken place. The bill would also create revenue-sharing scheme for states that do decide to drill. Under current law, only Alabama, Louisiana, Mississippi and Texas receive a share of offshore oil and gas receipts. Democrats objected to the idea of dinging states for protecting their coastlines, saying the plan if enacted could cost individual states hundreds of millions, if not billions, of dollars in fees. "This bill is a ransom note in a cheap disguise," Rep. Raul Grijalva of Arizona, the committee's top Democrat, said in a statement Wednesday. "Penalizing states for protecting their own beaches is what you'd see in a petro-state, not in a modern democracy. The Republicans on this committee seem to think we're here to do industry's bidding regardless of the consequences, and until control of Congress changes, this is the best the American people can expect." But when coastal states cut off federal waters from offshore development, Republicans note, it deprives the rest of the country of revenue that supports the federal government. "While states are highly involved in the offshore lease planning process, they do not have a veto power over lease sales," Rep. Paul Gosar, R-Ariz., chair of the Natural Resources subcommittee on energy and mineral resources, said at the hearing Thursday. What is lost in state-level initiatives to stymie drilling, Gosar added, is that "such attempts to strand federal assets comes at the expense of the American taxpayer." The staff for Republicans on the committee led by Rep. Rob Bishop, R-Utah, emphasize that the draft bill is subject to change. Lois Epstein, Arctic program director for the Wilderness Society environmental group, said she thought the draft needed work, noting that it empowers the interior secretary to estimate the value of offshore reserves when calculating the potential penalty. "You could come up with almost any number there," Epstein said. "This is very bad policy." At the beginning of the year, the Trump administration initially called for opening nearly every corner of U.S. waters in the Arctic Ocean, Pacific Ocean, Gulf of Mexico and the Atlantic Ocean for petroleum exploration. But the plan was met with skepticism and, at times, outright hostility from many local politicians of both parties who still had the 2010 Deepwater Horizon disaster, the largest oil spill in U.S. history, still fresh in their minds. That unplugged well released more than 200 million gallons of oil into the Gulf of Mexico, killing billions of animals of sea creatures and economically and medically imperiling thousands of Gulf of Mexico residents. In response to the proposal from Trump's interior secretary, Ryan Zinke , state legislators in New York, South Carolina and Rhode Island began considering legislation to block oil and gas infrastructure from being built in state waters. Leaders in California, which has decades-old restrictions on offshore development since a 1969 oil spill near Santa Barbara, promised to block the transportation of oil from any new offshore rigs through the state. And by April, New Jersey became the first Atlantic state to adopt a legal barrier to offshore drilling when its new governor, Democrat Phil Murphy, signed a law prohibiting oil exploration in state waters, which extend three miles from shore. By that month, Zinke acknowledged there was "a lot of opposition" to drilling outside of the Gulf region already dotted with oil rigs. Zinke told Congress that month that he will scale back the offshore administration's plan. Among the dissenters in Congress to the Trump administration's offshore plan are GOP Sens. Lindsay O. Graham of South Carolina, who has called it "horrible public policy," and Marco Rubio of Florida, who also opposes drilling off the coast of his state. With the lack of support from the full Republican Senate caucus, it will be difficult to get a measure penalizing states for blocking offshore drilling through the upper chamber, which the GOP controls by a slim 51-to-49 margin. WASHINGTON - Deep in his 500-page report blasting the FBI's handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation, Inspector General Michael Horowitz assessed a topic of keen interest to President Donald Trump: the bureau's former deputy director, Andrew McCabe, and political donations received by his wife. Trump has highlighted the donations in recent months, suggesting that Jill McCabe's taking hundreds of thousands of dollars from a group controlled by then-Virginia Gov.Terry McAuliffe, D, to support her run for a state legislative seat might have biased her husband in favor of Clinton, a longtime McAuliffe ally. The report, though, largely seemed to rebut the president's claims. Even an extended, law-enforcement-sensitive version of Horowitz's report found that McCabe was not required to recuse himself from Clinton-related investigations, though he did so voluntarily in late November. Horowitz also found that McCabe rightly recused himself from a separate investigation into McAuliffe for his finances and possible violations of the Foreign Agents Registration Act. The report raises questions about whether McCabe honored his recusals completely, and it faults FBI ethics officials as not appreciating "the potential significant implications to McCabe and the FBI" from the campaign contributions. But the blows are glancing at best - a far cry from the April inspector general report that alleged McCabe misled investigators exploring a media leak. Those findings ultimately led to McCabe's ouster from the FBI, and he is now facing an investigation by the U.S. Attorney's Office in the District into whether he committed a crime. Michael Bromwich, McCabe's lawyer, said in a statement, "In short, the report demonstrates that any and all claims that political bias or political influence affected Mr. McCabe's actions, including charges from the President and other critics, are entirely baseless." He added that he was "troubled" by the inspector general's decision to not release all of his findings about McCabe's recusal publicly. The inspector general attached to the report a "law enforcement sensitive" appendix about the FBI's former No. 2 official. "We believe that anything and everything relating to Mr. McCabe's recusals should be made public, and neither DOJ nor the OIG should do anything to conceal any aspect of it," Bromwich said. The law-enforcement-sensitive version of the report does not offer any dramatic new information about McCabe compared with the public version, according to a copy reviewed by The Washington Post. It appears to have been deemed law-enforcement sensitive because it mentions the ongoing investigation of McAuliffe. That case has been well-publicized. Bromwich said in his statement, "The explanations we were given for the last minute course correction, which we found completely unconvincing, center on the need to protect the confidentiality of a law enforcement matter that has in fact been publicly known for many years." The inspector general found that McCabe rightly recused himself from the McAuliffe investigation and that there was no evidence he "participated in making or supervising substantive decisions" in the case. The inspector general also found no evidence to suggest McAuliffe directed money to McCabe's wife for any purpose other than to help her win the election, and when he encouraged her to run for office, there was no evidence to suggest the governor knew he was under FBI investigation. The inspector general said investigators found "several instances" in which McCabe did not fully comply with his recusals, and they suggested that he should have sought guidance from ethics officials before, on March 7, 2015, he and his wife met with McAuliffe at the governors mansion before a political event. At the time, McCabe was running the FBI's Washington Field Office. McCabe's noncompliance with his recusals seemed to be limited mostly to participating in discussions about cases, and the evidence for some incidents was mixed. The inspector general found a Feb. 25, 2016, email in which a senior FBI official messaged others that, per McCabe's instructions, they should try to schedule an interview with McAuliffe with at least 48 hours of lead time so the director could be briefed. But McCabe said he had merely given broad instructions about interviews of high-profile political subjects that those below him applied to McAuliffe. Similarly, the inspector general found a July 2016 email in which a supervisor told investigators in Washington who were probing the Clinton Foundation that they could not obtain bank records that the Los Angeles Field Office had picked up in an unrelated case and that the directive had come from McCabe. But the supervisor told the inspector general he did not actually have personal knowledge of McCabe's giving such a command, according to the report. Investigators in Washington ultimately obtained the records through other means, according to the report. The Clinton Foundation case is a separate investigation from the examination of Clinton's use of a private email server while she was secretary of state. The report generally describes a climate in which FBI officials, reacting to an October 2016 Wall Street Journal report about the donations McAuliffe directed to McCabe's wife, fretted over how McCabe's situation might be perceived by the public. Though the report notes the law would not have required McCabe to step aside, as ethics officials advised, it raises questions about why the bureau seemed to want to keep the recusal quiet. In particular, the report faults the FBI for not revealing the decision when asked about the topic by Sen. Charles Grassley, R-Iowa, in December 2016. "We do not believe the FBI acted wisely in deciding not to reveal McCabe's recusal to Senator Grassley," the inspector general wrote. UPPER THUMB State Sen. Phil Pavlov recently announced his 2018 Be a Senator for a Day summer reading contest in coordination with most local libraries in the district. The contest begins Friday, and runs through Aug. 10. It is open to all first- through fifth-graders who have completed their local public librarys summer reading program in Huron, Sanilac and St. Clair or the reading program at the Blue Water YMCA. The U.S. Army's Black Hawk helicopters are less capable for some missions conducted by Afghanistan's Air Force than the Russian-made ones they're replacing, according to the Pentagon's inspector general. It's a setback six years after lawmakers started pushing for the U.S. to stop buying the Mi-17 sold by Rosoboronexport, Russia's state-owned weapons exporter, in light of President Vladimir Putin's interventions abroad. The Afghan military, which is working to develop its Air Force's capabilities, has been flying the Russian-made chopper since the 1980s. The transition to Black Hawks made by Lockheed Martin Corp.'s Sikorsky Aircraft unit "presents several challenges that have yet to be fully addressed," Pentagon Inspector General Glenn Fine wrote in his latest quarterly assessment of U.S. expenditures in Afghanistan, posted in May, the same month the first Black Hawk was flown in an Afghanistan operation by the nascent air force. "Black Hawks do not have the lift capability" of the Russian aircraft, Fine wrote. The helicopters also "are unable to accommodate some of the larger cargo items the Mi-17 can carry, and in general it takes almost two Black Hawks to carry the load of a single Mi-17," Fine said. "Unlike the Mi-17, Black Hawks cannot fly at high elevations and, as such, cannot operate in remote regions of Afghanistan where Mi-17s operate." As the Mi-17 is phased out in favor of the Black Hawk, the challenges "will become more pronounced," Fine wrote. Army Lt. Col. Kone Faulkner, a Pentagon spokesman, said in an email that the Defense Department determined that Black Hawks, which are designated UH-60s, could perform as much as 90 percent of the missions the Mi-17 fleet was performing. The saga began in 2012 when lawmakers started pushing the Pentagon to replace the Mi-17, after it was disclosed the helicopters were being used against civilians by President Bashar al-Assad's regime in Syria. The Defense Department agreed in 2013 not to buy Mi-17s beyond the 86 already purchased. In fiscal 2017, after heavy lobbying by lawmakers from Connecticut, where the Black Hawk is built, Congress appropriated $814 million to deploy 159 of them over time. The Mi-17 is being phased out in Afghanistan, from about 47 today to 12 by December 2022. Faulkner said that the Black Hawk "can fly at the required mission altitudes at which the Afghan Mi-17 missions are typically flown." He said "in many cases the UH-60 is as, or more, capable than the Mi-17" and that one version "provides more firepower than the Mi-17 variant, which is limited to rockets only and is less maneuverable." Aside from flying capabilities, Fine wrote that the Afghan Air Force performs 80 percent of maintenance on the Mi-17 but will have to depend on contractors "in the near to mid-term" for the more complex Black Hawk. That's because the Mi-17's maintenance tasks are "much more conducive to the educational level available in the general Afghan population," Air Force officials in Afghanistan told Fine's auditors, according to his report. "Virtually all militaries that have operational aviation fleets are reliant on contractors for maintenance," Faulkner, the Pentagon spokesman, said. "The Afghan Air Force is no different, and as we are in the early stages of maintenance training, they will be more reliant" on contractors initially "but this reliance will diminish over time." Black Hawks have "significantly lower" operating costs than Mi-17s, and the changeover will "enable a shift from a Russian supply chain to a well-established and reliable U.S. supply chain," Faulkner said. LONDON - The pain, the grief, the anger - a year after the Grenfell fire disaster, emotions are still raw as people struggle to come to terms with the deadliest fire in modern British history. On Thursday, Britons marked the one-year anniversary of the tragedy with 72 seconds of silence across the nation, one to represent each person who died. Survivors and the bereaved observed the silence at the foot Grenfell Tower, where a new mosaic was unveiled. Queen Elizabeth II and her new daughter-in-law, Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, also took part in the national silence during an outing together in the northwest of England. Overnight, starting at 12.54 a.m., exactly when the first call was made to the emergency dispatch service, Grenfell Tower was floodlit green. It was among several landmarks across the country - including the London Eye and 10 Downing Street - that were lit up green, the color adopted by survivors to symbolize Grenfell. On Friday, school children across the country will also wear green in remembrance. On June 14, 2017, a fire broke out in the kitchen of a fourth floor apartment in Grenfell Tower, a 24-story public housing block in North Kensington. The fire spread fast - alarmingly fast - leading to questions about the recent refurbishment of the building and in particular the plastic and aluminum cladding panels, which many believe caused the fire to crawl up the building with ferocious speed. The fire came to symbolize the glaring gaps of inequality in London, the stark divide between the haves and have nots. It raised awkward questions: Was Britain looking after its most vulnerable? Were the repeated concerns from Grenfell residents about dangerous living conditions ignored because they weren't coming from the rich and powerful, like those who lived just a few blocks away? British Prime Minister Theresa May said that the initial response from the government and local authority "wasn't good enough," and personally apologized for not meeting survivors and residents immediately after the fire. "I am sorry for not having met them then," she said in an interview this week with Grenfell Speaks, a social media channel. "I regret that because I think people perhaps felt that they wanted those of us in power to know that we had understood and recognized what had happened, and perhaps felt that not meeting them immediately meant that I didn't care, and that was never the case." The aftermath has been difficult for many - for the survivors, the bereaved, the neighborhood residents - who call the ethnically-diverse area of North Kensington home. A year on, less than half of the households from Grenfell Tower are in permanent housing - 43 households are still living in hotels. A stroll around the neighborhood is one haunting reminder after another of that heartbreaking night. There is the tower, a charred ruin recently covered in white sheeting with a banner on the top floors featuring a green Grenfell heart. There are tribute walls filled with messages voicing anger and sorrow. Flowers and rain-soaked teddy bears are tied to railings. Banners that read "Justice for Grenfell" hang from apartment balconies. Like many locals, Samia Badani can vividly remember that tragic night. The balcony on her low-rise brick building faces Grenfell Tower. "We heard children screaming, saw people jumping, the people from higher floors could look down and see us. It was really difficult," she said. And it's not easily forgotten. "People say, 'I can't understand why local people are still stressed.' We're not stressed, we are traumatized," she said. As chair of a local residents' association, she has been campaigning for support for local residents. "There is an expectation we have to go and beg for services," she said. She was one of many locals to take part in the various memorial services around west London. A service of remembrance was held at St. Helen's church where the names of all 72 victims were read out. In the evening, the Al-Manaar mosque will host special prayers and has invited the community to join for an evening meal with those fasting during the Muslim holy month of Ramadan. Also on Thursday evening, a silent walk will take place through the streets around the tower. Every month since the fire, on June 14, hundreds walk through the streets in silence in an eerie-yet-powerful display of solidarity and remembrance. Zeyad Cred, one of the organizers of the walk, spoke about the first silent walk in "Grenfell," a documentary aired this week on BBC. "In the midst of all the despair, that silence just neutralized everyone and we walked through the streets that felt like a warzone in peace and in silence and it was so empowering," he said. The government-backed public inquiry into the fire, which has already revealed a litany of failures, has paused for a week out of respect for the anniversary. As thousands of applications for student debt forgiveness poured into the U.S. Education Department, the Trump administration cut the staff working on the claims and ordered a halt to an overhaul of the system, according to the agency's inspector general. The result: Claims lingered month after month. A letter from the agency watchdog to Sen. Richard J. Durbin, D-Ill., obtained Wednesday by The Washington Post, sheds light on the Education Department's controversial handling of more than 100,000 debt relief claims submitted by defrauded student loan borrowers. The unit charged with sifting through applications began developing protocols to simplify the process in January 2017. But James Manning, then an acting undersecretary, directed the unit to stop, according to the letter. Education Department staff wanted to create more categories to sort the allegations made by former Corinthian College students, who constituted the lion's share of applications. Manning quashed that plan and halted the entire approval system, arguing that the new administration needed more time to review existing polices. While Manning evaluated those policies and asked the inspector general to do the same, the Office of Federal Student Aid reduced the number of contractors staffing the unit by more than two-thirds. Not a single application was approved or denied for almost a year, though the Trump administration had received more than 25,000 new submissions. "If Mr. Manning wants to provide the flimsy excuse that this work was halted as part of a routine review by the new administration, I have a simple question for him: Have you ordered that work to be restarted, and provided the necessary personnel and resources to carry it out?" said Durbin, who in May requested more information on the claims process from the inspector general. Education Department spokesman Chris Greene said the agency has hired more contractors since restarting the claims process in December. The department has the authority to forgive federal student loans when a college uses illegal tactics to persuade a student to borrow money, under a federal statute known as borrower defense to repayment. "After the administration announced its new [borrower defense] policies, [the Office of Federal Student Aid] began ramping up contractor staff to support [borrower defense] claim processing under the new policies," Greene said. "While that ramp-up process is ongoing, today [Federal Student Aid] has approximately 16 contractor staff in place supporting claim processing." Greene noted that while the inspector general reviewed the process, the claims unit continued to develop a database to manage applications and test methods of improving the system to "ensure they met policy objectives and legal requirements." The department instituted a policy providing relief to Corinthian borrowers by comparing the average earnings of students in similar vocational programs - a strategy that is the basis of an ongoing lawsuit. Shortly before that policy was unveiled in December, the inspector general issued a report admonishing the department for failing to clear the backlog of debt relief applications. The report acknowledged that the procedure for processing claims needed improvement, but it said the system worked well enough that there was no excuse for the Trump administration and Education Secretary Betsy DeVos to halt operations. "The DeVos administration requested an [inspector general] report that found there were no substantive flaws in a debt relief program that the department continues to pause," said Aaron Ament, a former staffer at the Education Department under Obama who now heads the National Student Legal Defense Network, a legal aid service. "The real inquiry should now be into why Secretary DeVos continues to refuse to even decide on tens of thousands of claims from defrauded student loan borrowers." Scores of applicants who attended ITT Technical Institute, DeVry University and other for-profit colleges are still awaiting a decision about their cases from the department; some had submitted claims during the Obama administration. The Century Foundation, a left-leaning think tank, said a Freedom of Information Act request revealed that as of early March, the department had at least 127,817 applications on hand. "The inspector general's revelation that Mr. Manning ordered staff to halt work - work that was gathering the basis for additional relief for Corinthian and other defrauded students - proves that Secretary DeVos and the Trump administration have no interest in providing the relief to which defrauded student borrowers are entitled under the law," Durbin said. "Borrowers who were defrauded by Corinthian, ITT Tech, Westwood and other for-profit colleges should be outraged." THURSDAY Denison, James L. Jim. 11 a.m. Thursday at Pittsfield United Methodist Church. Burial with military graveside rites will be at Griggsville Cemetery. Visitation will be from 9:30 a.m. Thursday until the time of the service at the church. Airsman-Hires Funeral Home in Pittsfield is in charge. FRIDAY Black, Charlie O. Bud Jr. Memorial service with military rites 7 p.m. Friday at Williamson Funeral Home. The family will meet friends from 5 to 7 p.m. Friday at the funeral home. DeOrnellas, Barbara Lou. Graveside service 10 a.m. Friday at East Cemetery in Jacksonville. Following the service, the family will meet friends at a luncheon at Community of Christ Church. Williamson Funeral Home is in charge. Fellhauer, Gary Joseph. Funeral Mass 10 a.m. Friday at Church of Our Saviour. Rosary 4:45 p.m. Thursday with visitation to follow until 7 p.m. at Daws Family Funeral Home in South Jacksonville. SATURDAY Hamm, Sherry Elizabeth. 10:30 a.m. Saturday at First Baptist Church north of Greenfield. Visitation 4 to 8 p.m. Friday at the church. Shields-Bishop Funeral Home in Greenfield is in charge. Johnson, Richard H.Rick. Celebration of life 11 a.m. Saturday at Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Jacksonville. The family will meet friends at the funeral home from 4 to 6 p.m. Friday. Koehm, Roy Adam. 4 p.m. Saturday at Shields-Bishop Funeral Home in Greenfield. Visitation 2-4 p.m. Saturday at the funeral home. Kruse, Dale. 11 a.m. Saturday at Sager Funeral Home in Beardstown. Family will meet friends one hour prior to services at the funeral home. Rankin, Nancy Lou. Graveside service 2 p.m. Saturday at Oakland Cemetery in Meredosia. Buchanan & Cody Funeral Home in Meredosia is assisting. FRIDAY, JUNE 22 Peak, Ronald Lee. Graveside services 11 a.m. Friday, June 22, 2018, at Camp Butler National Cemetery, in Springfield. The procession to the cemetery will leave from Wood Funeral Home in Rushville at 9:30 a.m. Friday, June 22. A Celebration of Life will be at a later date. Wood Funeral Home in Rushville is assisting the family. SATURDAY, JUNE 30 Horton, Edward Robert. Memorial service 2 p.m. Saturday, June 30, at Saint Andrews Episcopal Church in Downers Grove. Yurs Funeral Homes in St. Charles is in charge. A 47-year-old woman accused of killing and dismembering her San Francisco roommate pleaded not guilty to murder during an arraignment Thursday. Lisa Gonzales appeared briefly in Superior Court Judge Victor Hwangs courtroom before deputies took her back to San Francisco County Jail, where shes being held without bail. Gonzales is accused of killing 61-year-old Maggie Mamer, dismembering her body and stuffing it into a plastic tub that she put in a storage area under her Mission District apartment. Police responded to a missing person report June 2 and discovered the decomposing remains. Gonzales was arrested at the scene and charged with one count of first-degree murder. The case hangs on a forthcoming autopsy report that will list the cause and manner of Mamers death. Dismemberment alone is a violation of the states health and safety code and can be charged as a misdemeanor. The cause of death is the most important issue here, said Gonzales attorney, Deputy Public Defender Alex Lilien. What happens after is less important. Dr. Judy Melinek, a forensic pathologist unaffiliated with the case, said the medical examiner can often tell whether wounds happened before or after a person is dead. Any wounds that occur after death during the dismemberment process will not have signs of bleeding into the tissues, since the heart would not have been pumping, she said. But because of the postmortem mutilation of the body, some dismemberment cases make it difficult to determine a cause of death, Melinek said. More for you Dismembered victim mourned as motive theory emerges in grisly SF killing Such cases, she said, generally rely on the scene and circumstantial evidence to make the legal case of murder or manslaughter. The city medical examiner is expected to have a full report in two to three weeks, Assistant District Attorney Adam Maldonado said in court Thursday. The body has been examined, but the nature of how it was presented at the medical examiners office, obviously, is causing more work to be done in this case than in others, he said. Maldonado wrote in court papers filed last week that the evidence shows Mamer died from blunt force trauma. Gonzales allegedly killed Mamer after a months-long dispute between the roommates in the apartment on the 200 block of 14th Street. Gonzales had lived at the home for most of her life and fought an eviction attempt in 2014. Her daughter also lived at the home. Mamer moved into the home in August 2017 and was paying $400 a month after being forced out of her previous residence for not paying rent, records show. The relationship between the women quickly soured and Gonzales told Mamer she had to move out, prosecutors said, but when faced with the ultimatum of moving out or getting evicted, Mamer decided to stay put. Sometime around May 15, Maldonado said, Gonzales confronted Mamer in the apartments hallway, and Gonzales told police she flipped during the encounter. Another unnamed roommate in the home told police she smelled rotten eggs and heard sawing sounds coming from the bathroom of the home around the time Mamer disappeared, prosecutors said. Gonzales has a criminal history and spent a year in jail after being accused of assault with a deadly weapon in 2004. Evan Sernoffsky is a San Francisco Chronicle staff writer. Email: esernoffsky@sfchronicle.com Twitter: @EvanSernoffsky Judson Independent School District trustees voted to name Jeanette Ball, currently the superintendent of the Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District, as the lone finalist for the districts next superintendent. By law, the board must wait 21 days before voting to make Ball their choice to replace Superintendent Carl Montoya, who had announced plans to retire by the end of the year. Montoya has been superintendent since March 2015, succeeding Willis Mackey, who had been superintendent the previous eight years. Ball, 46, began her education career in 1998 as a history and English Second Language teacher at McNair Middle School. She held various leadership roles in Southwest ISD before leaving to be superintendent at Uvalde CISD in 2013. She said she looks forward to building on Judson ISDs academic success and early education programs. Judson stands for putting students first, Ball said. Thats what Im about When we got into the business of education, it was to do whats best for students. The Austin-based Walsh Gallegos conducted the search. In recent weeks the board has interviewed candidates from among the dozens who applied, including a final interview Wednesday before its vote on a finalist, district spokesman Steve Linscomb said It also held two periods for public comment in order to get residents ideas about the qualities and traits of the next superintendent. Linscomb has said the district received more than 300 suggestions. Linscomb has said the school board likely will ask Montoya, 68, to remain for a period of time heading into the fall semester to ease the transition. Montoyas contract with Judson expires in mid-2019. He also has been superintendent of Brownsville ISD and Aransas Pass ISD and has been a principal and administrator for Dallas ISD and a teacher in New Mexico. Ball and her husband, who works in real estate, plan to move to the Judson ISD district, she said. Staff Writer Jeff Flinn contributed to this report. | krista.torralva@express-news.net Houston ISD trustees have a loaded agenda ahead of Thursday's school board meeting, highlighted by discussion about the superintendent job, possible approval of $51 million in budget cuts and movement on a performance audit. Here's a preview of what to expect from the meeting, which starts at 4 p.m. with a budget hearing at the Hattie Mae White Educational Support Center: A permanent superintendent? Thursday's agenda includes an unexpected item: whether to make Interim Superintendent Grenita Lathan the district's permanent leader. Although it's on the agenda, it appears unlikely that trustees will remove Lathan's interim tag Thursday. Several trustees have said they want to conduct a wider search for a permanent superintendent after HISD's former leader, Richard Carranza, left to become chancellor of New York City Public Schools in March. Some trustees have also called for a more transparent selection process that involves the public. HEAD-ON: How one Houston high school is dealing with HISD budget cuts Nevertheless, it's notable that HISD Board President Rhonda Skillern-Jones put the item on Thursday's agenda. Skillern-Jones declined to comment on why it was added, but she noted the item had to be publicly listed on the agenda for trustees to discuss it. Lathan, the district's former chief academic officer, became HISD's interim superintendent in late March. Trustees have given no public timeline for selecting a permanent superintendent. Budget cuts near approval After months of hand-wringing over HISD's budget deficit, trustees are expected to finalize the district's spending plans Thursday. HISD administrators have proposed about $83 million in cuts, with will likely result in hundreds of layoffs. About $34 million would come from the campus level, representing a 3 percent cut, while administrative and support services would cut about $49 million, or 10 percent. HISD leaders have said they don't yet know how many teachers will lose jobs, but they are hopeful the vast majority of positions will be eliminated through attrition. Trustees voiced relatively little opposition to the recommended cuts at a meeting earlier this month. However, trustees made several last-minute requests before approving last year's budget. Performance audit to LBB? HISD trustees unanimously have supported a comprehensive performance audit of the district's spending and operations. There's been less agreement about who should perform the audit, a debate that likely will be resolved Thursday. AT HOUSTONCHRONICLE.COM: Despite serious challenges, HISD is headed in right direction Members of HISD's audit committee are recommending the district ask the Texas Legislative Budget Board, which conducts financial and legislative analyses for the state Legislature, to conduct the performance review. Going with the LBB has benefits: the board is experienced at conducting performance audits, it would cover 75 percent of the costs to conduct the review and it could finish the review in time to guide next year's budget cycle. Some trustees, however, are expected to oppose the move. Although the LBB is supposed to be nonpartisan, some trustees are wary of using an organization with any connection to the Republican-led Legislature. Verdict on Furr principal's job status Trustees are expected to vote on whether to end the employment of Bertie Simmons, the acclaimed Furr High School leader accused of overseeing widespread grade and attendance records manipulation. HISD administrators have said a months-long investigation uncovered evidence of misconduct by administrators at Furr High School, which has undergone a dramatic transformation during Simmons' 17-year tenure. Simmons has denied the allegations and is suing HISD for age and racial discrimination. She is 84 years old and white. Holiday honoring labor leaders Trustees are considering a district-wide holiday in recognition of iconic activists Cesar Chavez and Dolores Huerta, who helped win greater rights for farm workers and inspired Hispanics worldwide. If approved, classes would not be in session on the Monday that falls on or precedes March 31. Hundreds of San Antonians gathered downtown Wednesday evening to light the River Walk for La Procesion de San Antonio, commemorating the feast day of the citys patron saint, St. Anthony of Padua. The SA 300 Tricentennial event started with a Mass, with a capacity crowd filling San Fernando Cathedral. Outside, volunteers started congregating during the Mass, ready to help attendees participate in the procession when they emerged. One such volunteer, 16-year-old Jude Garcia of Central Catholic High School, held a large map with directions for participants to follow down to the River Walk. My favorite part so far is seeing all the people come I enjoy that, Garcia said. I enjoy seeing people come together and do something as a whole. When I first got here there wasnt that many people, but now were starting to get a lot more people, Garcia remarked. So it should be nice. Down at the River Walk, participants prepared as well. In one barge, dozens of young members of Hope for the Future the Archdiocese of San Antonios program that provides tuition assistance for Catholic schooling held candles and waited to depart. As of this morning there were over about 1,200 people that were signed up on our website to volunteer to either be candle bearers or to assist with the river procession, said Jordan McMorrough, director of communications for the Archdiocese of San Antonio, which put on the tricentennial event. As Mass ended, rows of white figures emerged from the cathedral, occasionally turning around to snap pictures of the archbishop. As song and the smell of incense wafted through the air, candle-bearing parishioners followed the crowd from the cathedral through Main Plaza and down to the waterfront. From there, the barges departed, as more candle-bearing attendees lined the edge of the River Walk. We have about 50 designated parishes from the city of San Antonio that will have spots along the routes of the San Antonio River. Theyll be holding candles and singing as the barges make their way to a bronze statue of St. Anthony and then to the Marriage Island, a landscaped islet in the river channel often used for weddings, McMorrough said before the event. Its very beautiful, said Carlos Martino Campos as he exited Main Plaza with the crowd, candle in hand. Down on the water, others agreed. I came here to volunteer for the city, and just make my school Central Catholic really proud, explained Nico Flores, who was watching the barges pass, candle in hand, with three of his friends. It was great; it was nice, said Deacon Larry Lindsey of the Holy Name Parish, who came to observe the procession but did not see the Mass. 1 Duchess Meghan: The former Meghan Markle made her first joint appearance with Queen Elizabeth II on an official royal visit to the northwest of England. The queen and the Duchess of Sussex, as Markle is now known, traveled by a special royal train for a series of events Thursday. They joined the rest of Britain in observing a minute of silence at midday to honor the victims of the Grenfell Tower fire on the anniversary of the deadly London blaze. The two royals were greeted by cheering crowds in the center of the city of Chester, where they observed the minute of silence. 2 Greece reforms: Greek lawmakers approved Thursday the last batch of economic reforms required by creditors, as the country approaches the end of its international bailout. The lawmakers voted 154 in favor in the 300-member parliament to approve the bill, which includes a raft of reforms on issues, from pension cuts to health care and tax reforms. During the parliamentary debate ahead of the vote, around 3,000 demonstrators marched through central Athens in protest. The bill was the last step Greeces government was required to make ahead of a meeting next week of finance ministers of the 19-nation eurozone, where Greece and its creditors are to reach a final deal on its bailout exit. Local News, Community, Charity & Cause By Long Island News & PR Published: June 14 2018 Over the years, Mildner has served as Treasurer, Vice President, and President of the Truck 2 Ladies Auxiliary, as well as Treasurer of the Department Ladies Auxiliary. Elmont, NY - June 14, 2018 - Marie Mildner, a 50-year member of Marie Mildner, a 50-year member of Elmont FD , was honored at the 90th Annual Installation Dinner and Dance on April 28, 2018 by the Elmont Ladies Auxiliary. Over the years, Mildner has served as Treasurer, Vice President, and President of the Truck 2 Ladies Auxiliary, as well as Treasurer of the Department Ladies Auxiliary. She was a presented with a gift and plaque commemorating her five decades of service in the community. Mildner has not only contributed to the department through the fire service, but she is also known for serving food at parades, picnics, and the famous firehouse luau. She has worked at all the department fundraisers, comedy nights, bingo games, and pancake breakfasts. Her dedication shows in all situations, and she is always there to lend a hand to raise money for fellow fire department members. In March, she was honored by the American Legion Post 1033 for her service with the Elmont Fire Department. Its such an honor to serve my community every day for the past 50 years, Mildner commented. My family has been in this community since the 1870s, and it brings me great joy to protect and support it through the fire service and through other channels. I hope to continue to serve for the next 50 years! Outside the department, Mildner is an active member of the community. She is a member of St. Boniface and participated on various School Board and Parish Council committees. She has helped with organizing fundraisers and volunteered as a teaching aide for many years. Her involvement in the Elmont Mercy League is also of note, where she has sewn linens for Mercy Hospital Mildners family has been involved in the Elmont Fire Department since the 1930s. Her husband Jack Mildner, his father, uncle, and aunts were all members, and the Mildners children have followed in their footsteps as well. Their three daughters have all served or currently serve in volunteer departments or EMS, and her son-in-law and grandson serve in the United States Army. About Elmont Fire Department The four scouts wanted to do their Eagle Scout Community Service Projects for several Smithtown-based organizationsand the Hauppauge Fire Department. Kevin Caunter built a brick raised flower bed around the Hauppauge Fire Department s sign, flag pole, and digital clock. He also refurbished the companys sign. Matt Garcett replaced the 200-foot split rail fence at Hoyt Farm in Commack , which will protect the animals and enhance the grounds of the park. Chris Golden worked with the Suffolk County Parks Department to create the Rassapeague County Park on county-owned property in Nissequogue. He built a parking lot, created a marked trail and cleaned up more than 1,000 pounds of debris from the site. Matty Kalinsky designed and constructed an agility ramp, platform, and a suspended bridge to train the puppies at the Guide Dog Foundation in Smithtown. Once the dogs are ready, they become guidedogs for the blind and/or wounded veterans. If youre a student, the summer break is about re-evaluating the next year of your studies, whether thats starting college or simply continuing the course youre already on. One important thing to consider is the devices youll be working on to achieve your educational goals. And if your target is a new Mac or iPad, know that Apple has a dedicated Education Store that offers specific discounts for students. In this article well tell you how to get these discounts and whats on offer. Its not just the ones paying attention in class that are eligible for getting the best deal, eitherparents of students, faculty, staff, and home-school teachers can also buy from the Education Store. Apple clearly recognizes the opportunities that the education market offersjust look at the student ID card and Apple Wallet and Watch integration announced at WWDC. Although there isnt a specific verification portal to access the store (as there is in the UK), and the customer isnt asked to provide any evidence of their student or teacher status, such as an ID card or an institution email, Apple routinely audits any purchases made. Theres no way of knowing how often audits are carried out, but if your purchase is flagged, youll be required to show evidence that youre eligible for the discount. Failure to provide proof of eligibility will result in an invoice for money owed. Failure to pay that will result in legal action, so its not worth the risk of pretending to be a student. Apple Students can save on a selection of Apple desktops and portables from the Educational Store. MacBook deals on the Apple Education Store If youre all about portability, the MacBook Air with a 1.8GHz processor and 128GB storage is available for $849, saving $150 from the usual price. Its the only device on the store with a discount higher than $50. But if youre looking for something that packs more of a punch, the MacBook might suit you better. Or consider the MacBook Pro, which sits nicely at $1,249 down from $1,299. Or maybe youre more interested in a desktop. In that case, the iMac starts out at $1,049, which is more affordable than the MacBooks. You can even find savings on an iMac Pro, although its $4,599 price will likely exceed most students budget. However, if youre looking for a system with broad capabilities that can connect multiple monitors, it could be worth investing in the Mac Pro, which is available on the education store starting at $2,799. If, on the other hand, youre interested in getting the the cheapest machine possible on the Education Store, that would be the Mac mini, which starts at $479. Bear in mind, these prices reflect the minimum specs. If you need more storage space or a faster processor, there are other options available, which would obviously be more expensive but still carry a $50 savings over the standard store. iPad deals on the Apple Education Store If youre looking for a tablet to use in or out of class, the Education Store also offers a selection of iPads. The cheapest iPad starts off at $309, working up (or down) to the iPad Mini 4 at $379. If youd prefer the premium option, look at the iPad Pro for $629, or the larger 12.9-inch version of the iPad Pro for $779. Apple From the 12.9 inch iPad Pro to the wee iPad mini 4, theres a tablet for every type of student. Can you get an iPhone on the Apple Education Store? Alas, iPhones and iPods arent available on the Education Storebut you shouldnt be on your phone in class anyway. Neither are any of the device accessories discounted, but youre still able to purchase extras in the same transaction. There is a cost-efficient app package, however: the Pro Apps bundle for Education, which is an extra $199.99 on top of whichever device you purchase. It comes with Final Cut Pro X, Motion and Compressor, Logic Pro X, and MainStage. If youre on a creative path, it could be a worthy investment. Will I get money for trading in my old Mac? If youre looking to get rid of your current device to buy a newer model, luckily theres a trade-in scheme. It allows you to get credit for your current device, be it an iPhone, Android or Samsung device, MacBook, or iMac: Apple accepts trade-ins from all brands. Youll be given an in-store gift card, meaning youll be able to spend less and get more. Apple Music student discount Also available to students is a monthly discount on Apple Music, with the first three months completely free. Students can get a subscription to the service at $4.99 per month, for up to four years. Youll need to use the online service UNiDAYS to prove youre enrolled in university or college. It will occasionally check to validate that youre still a student, and it will automatically swap over to an individual subscription rate of $9.99 if your status changes. Its worth remembering that if you work for a school, college, or university, its also possible to bulk buy Apple devices for classrooms across your campus. Check out Apples education institution site here for further discounts. If youre buying for yourself, youll be given a choice of picking up your order from the nearest Apple store or having it delivered. If youre heading in-store, dont forget to take some government-issued identification with you alongside evidence that youre eligible for the student or teacher discounts, whether thats a letter or separate ID card. SPRINGFIELD -- People passing through Union Station earlier this week had plans to travel, whether on a PVTA bus across town or a series of Amtrak trains across the country to Washington state. But few had ever heard of, and fewer had plans to ride, the new CTrail service from Springfield to New Haven via Hartford and other Connecticut River valley towns. "It won't work for me," said Scott Deschaine, of Westfield. He's a frequent traveler to Waterbury, Connecticut, where his children live. But Waterbury isn't on the route, and he doesn't want to transfer from train to bus. He'd rather stick to the bus. CTrail's Hartford Line begins service Saturday. CTrail and Amtrak trains will provide a total of 34 daily trips on weekdays, 12 trips on Saturdays, and 13 trips on Sundays and holidays. A timetable is available at hartfordline.com. On Friday, U.S. Rep. Richard E. Neal and others will cut a ribbon at Springfield Union Station for a ceremonial launch. A party of officials from Springfield will take a train to Hartford, where they'll meet Connecticut Gov. Dannel Malloy, who's planning to take a train north from New Haven. Ray Smith of Springfield said he is excited to take CTrail to Hartford, figuring that, with a top speed of 110 mph, the train will be faster than the bus. "The bus has all these stops," he said. Timetables show CTrail making Hartford from Springfield in about 34 minutes, and that includes a few station stops. Now it's the job of the Connecticut Department of Transportation and rail boosters in Massachusetts not only to get the word out but also to convince folks used to getting around by other means, especially people used to driving, that CTrail is the way to go. "This expanded service will transform travel options in the corridor between New Haven and Springfield, Massachusetts, and it will be a catalyst for economic development and business and recreational travel," said ConnDOT Commissioner James P. Redeker. "Getting new service on this line has been a monumental undertaking that has taken years of intense coordination to ensure the successful opening of service." "I want to commend the team that has made this a reality. Even before the commencement of service, the state's investment has already attracted new commercial and residential development and has become the latest engine driving Connecticut's economy," he said. CTrail is ready after $760 million in construction on the rail lines and stations along the Connecticut River valley in the Nutmeg State and the $95 million rehab of Springfield's Union Station. The idea is to take cars off the roads by giving people a quick, convenient way to get to downtown Springfield, Hartford or New Haven, travel for pleasure to attractions like MGM Springfield, or connect in New Haven with Amtrak Northeast Corridor Service or Metro North commuter service to New York City. Connecticut also hopes CTrail will spur transit-oriented development with housing, offices and retail near stations on the route. When Joseph Caputo Jr., 96, was growing up in Springfield, he enjoyed building model airplanes; years later he landed in a World War II hitch in the Army/Air Force working with communications systems. Though he worked for a few months after the war as an air traffic controller at what is now Westover Air Reserve Base in Chicopee, Caputo made his living as an electrician. And a few years ago his interest in model planes again took off, and he is now working on a kit for a C-47, made of balsa wood and paper -- his second project since resuming the hobby. It has a wingspan of about three feet, and he is not in a hurry to finish it, even though he has been working on it "on and off" for about six months. "He wants perfection," said his daughter, Joyce Carreira. "He wants everything done right." "That's the way I did my air traffic control," he added. Caputo, a widower and father of five, has a keen interest in planes, and he plans to go to the next Great New England Air Show at Westover, which is scheduled for July 14-15. The U.S. Air Force's demonstration team, the Thunderbirds, is the headline act, and there will be several other military and civilian acts. He's been to at least a half dozen air shows -- including one in California -- and he especially appreciates the pilots' ability to maneuver the planes. "These guys have hours and hours of training," he said. Caputo was honorably discharged from the military in 1946, having served States side for more than three years. The year before he had been certified to be an air- traffic control-tower operator. He recalls working at Westover when a plane would take off every 15 seconds during the day, headed to Europe with food and supplies for rebuilding after the war as part of the Marshall Plan. Officially called the European Recovery Program, this was an American initiative to aid Western Europe, to which the United States gave more than $13 billion in economic assistance to help rebuild Western European economies after the end of World War II. And it was because of World War II that the Westover base was built. The plans for it were made as a result of the German invasion of Poland in 1939. Westover Field was created by a war-readiness appropriation signed that year by President Franklin D. Roosevelt; it opened in 1940 and was assigned to the United States Army Corps Northeast Air District. During the course of the war, it became the largest military air facility in the Northeast. Westover was a base for anti-submarine operations against German U-Boats in the early years of World War II, and it served as a bomber-training base and port of embarkation/debarkation during that war. Besides attending air shows at Westover and making model planes, Caputo exercises regularly. Before breakfast he draws his legs to his chest 30 times while lying in bed and does six leg lifts with each leg, 10 standing waist twists and six knee bends. "He keeps active both physically and mentally," Carreira said, adding that he has inspired her to ride a stationary bike every day, something he used to do and row a rowing machine when she was growing up 50 years ago. "The body is a wonderful machine. All you have to do is take care of it," Caputo said. For more information about the upcoming air show, go to greatnewenglandairshow.com. By Mark Berman and Frances Stead Sellers The Washington Post An appeals court in New York on Thursday rejected an attempt by President Donald Trump to halt a defamation lawsuit filed by a former "Apprentice" contestant, the latest legal setback for Trump in the case. The New York Court of Appeals, the state's highest court, rebuffed Trump's appeal on the same day the New York attorney general filed a lawsuit against him, accusing the president of "persistently illegal conduct" at his charitable foundation. The court's decision marks the third time this year that a judge or court in New York has blocked Trump's efforts to stymie the lawsuit filed by Summer Zervos, who during the 2016 presidential campaign accused him of sexual harassment. Trump has denied her accusations, calling Zervos and all of the other women who made accusations against him "liars," prompting her lawsuit early last year. This string of legal stumbles leaves open the possibility that Trump could be deposed in the case. A judge last week set a deadline of January - two years after the suit was filed - for Zervos and Trump to sit for depositions. The courts have also allowed attorneys to move forward in gathering evidence. Attorneys for Trump have argued that the president cannot be sued in state court and that his comments were political opinion. They have decried Zervos's lawsuit as politically motivated. Those arguments have not found much traction. In March, New York Supreme Court Justice Jennifer Schecter ruled that the Zervos lawsuit could proceed, bluntly writing, "No one is above the law." Last month, another appeals court in New York denied Trump's request to stay proceedings in the case. The New York Court of Appeals denied the appeal Thursday and also dismissed a motion to stay the case. Trump's attorneys said the latest court decision was procedural and argued that the larger issues they have raised - including whether a sitting president can be sued in state court - were not answered. "The New York State Court of Appeals' decision today was on purely procedural grounds - that the order appealed from was not within that court's jurisdiction because it was not the final order in the case," Kasowitz Benson Torres, the firm representing Trump, said in a statement. "The Court of Appeals did not address the merits of the issue at stake here (an issue first raised by the U.S. Supreme Court in Clinton v. Jones) - namely, that, under the Supremacy Clause of the U.S. Constitution, state courts do not have jurisdiction over a sitting President." It was not immediately clear whether Trump had any other appeals pending or what his next legal step would be in the case, and his attorneys declined to respond to questions on both fronts. David Ferstendig, an expert on New York civil procedure, described Thursday's ruling as a "technical dismissal." Ferstendig echoed the statement from Trump's attorneys in saying the appeals court's ruling did not focus on the merits of their arguments, but he said the practical result is the same: The trial court case should go forward. The U.S. Supreme Court rarely hears appeals from the highest state court, Ferstendig said, adding, "I do not see how that would be successful here." Zervos' legal team, meanwhile, praised the appeals court's decision. "This is now the third time the courts have rejected [Trump's] effort to block the progress of this case," Mariann Wang, Zervos' attorney, said in a statement. "We look forward to continuing the discovery process and exposing the truth." Maria Glover, a professor of civil procedure at Georgetown Law, said the president's attorneys have tried to take advantage of New York's unusually liberal appeals rules. "The courts aren't buying their argument," she said. The case, she said, raises arcane aspects of state law, but Thursday's ruling limits options for the president going forward. While other lawsuits against the president have garnered more media attention - including those filed by Stormy Daniels, the adult-film star - the Zervos case has lingered for more than a year despite Trump's efforts to stop or delay the proceedings. Last week, Schecter, the same justice who ruled that the case could move forward, set some deadlines in the case, including one stating that Trump and Zervos must both be deposed by the end of January. Stephen Gillers, a law professor at New York University, said the deadlines meant those depositions must be completed by that time unless the New York Supreme Court or a higher court rules otherwise. The Washington Monument at sunset. (Gintautas Dumcius/MassLive) Could you pass a citizenship test? Massachusetts Gov. Charlie Baker has signed into law a requirement that "American history, social science and civics must be taught in all public schools, including information on the state and U.S. constitutions and the Declaration of Independence, local history and government, the branches of government, the United States flag, [and] disenfranchised voter populations," among other topics, according to the State House News Service. And as part of becoming a US citizen, you have to pass a civics test if you're an immigrant, and you have to get six out of 10 questions right. There are some exceptions depending on age and time as a permanent resident. Here are 20 sample questions via the US Citizenship and Immigration Services, a federal agency. If you want to see whether you got them right, keep scrolling to the end. Don't Edit Michael Farris, CEO of the conservative Christian group Alliance Defending Freedom, looks at the decision in front of the Supreme Court, Monday, June 4, 2018 in Washington. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Question 1 Who is the Chief Justice of the United States? A. Joe Biden B. John Roberts C. Anthony Kennedy D. Barack Obama Don't Edit The Capitol is seen at dawn as overnight storm clouds pass. (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Question 2 What is the capital of the United States? A. Philadelphia, PA B. New York, NY C. Washington, D.C. D. Boston, MA Don't Edit Pedestrians pass a sign promoting prayer and voting outside Old South Church in Boston, Tuesday, Nov. 8, 2016. (AP Photo/Michael Dwyer) Question 3 There are four amendments to the Constitution about who can vote. Describe one of them. A. Citizens by birth only can vote. B. Citizens eighteen (18) and older can vote. C. Citizens seventeen (17) and older can vote. D. Only citizens with a job can vote. Don't Edit A young man fishes during a rainy downpour on a river. (HECTOR RETAMAL/AFP/Getty Images) Question 4 Name one of the two longest rivers in the United States. A. Colorado River B. Mississippi River C. Rio Grande River D. Ohio River Don't Edit Don't Edit The statue of Ben Franklin outside the Trump hotel in Washington, D.C. (Gintautas Dumcius/MassLive) Question 5 What is one thing Ben Franklin is famous for? A. Inventing the airplane B. Being a US diplomat C. Serving as the third president of the United States D. Being the youngest member of the Constitutional Convention Don't Edit (Photo by Win McNamee/Getty Images) Question 6 What do we show loyalty to when we say the Pledge of Allegiance? A. The President B. The United States C. The state in which you live D. Congress Don't Edit Members of the press receive a document about the economy before a press briefing. (Photo by Brendan Smialowski / AFP/Getty) Question 7 Who's in charge of the executive branch? A. The Chief Justice B. The Prime Minister C. The Speaker of the House D. The President Don't Edit (AP Photo/Pablo Martinez Monsivais) Question 8 We elect a president for how many years? A. Ten/10 B. Eight/8 C. Four/4 D. Two/2 Don't Edit A couple enjoys a parasail ride along a beach. (Photo by JEWEL SAMAD/AFP/Getty Images) Question 9 Name two national US holidays. A. Valentine's Day and Presidents' Day B. Citizenship Day and Columbus Day C. April Fool's Day and Labor Day D. Labor Day and Thanksgiving Don't Edit Don't Edit (Photo by Eduardo Munoz Alvarez/Getty Images) Question 10 Where is the Statue of Liberty? A. New York Harbor B. Boston Harbor C. San Francisco Bay D. Long Island Don't Edit Vice President Mike Pence and President Donald Trump (Photo by Yuri Gripas - Pool/Getty Images) Question 11 If both the President and the Vice President can no longer serve, who becomes president? A. The Speaker of the House B. The Secretary of State C. The President Pro Tempore D. The Secretary of the Treasury Don't Edit Thousands of people lined the streets of the Northampton village of Florence to view the 150th Memorial Day Parade. (Photo by Don Treeger/The Republican) Question 12 Who is the Commander in Chief of the Military? A. The President B. The Secretary of Defense C. The Vice President D. The Attorney General Don't Edit Susan B. Anthony circa 1855 Question 13 What did Susan B. Anthony do? A. Founded the Red Cross B. The first woman elected to the US House of Representatives C. Made the first flag of the United States D. Fought for women's rights Don't Edit (Photo by Seth Perlman/AP) Question 14 The Federalist Papers backed the passage of the US Constitution. Name one of the writers. A. Thomas Jefferson B. John Adams C. George Washington D. James Madison Don't Edit Don't Edit The golden dome of the Massachusetts State House. (Photo by Gintautas Dumcius/MassLive) Question 15 Under our Constitution, some powers belong to the states. What is one power of the states? A. Provide schooling and education B. Coin or print money C. Create an army D. Make treaties Don't Edit Pilot Tom Travis is shown in the cockpit of "Fifi," one of few flyable B-29 Superfortress vintage World War II-era bombers in the world, at the John Murtha Johnstown-Cambria County Airport in Johnstown, Pa., Monday, June 4, 2018. (John Rucosky/The Tribune-Democrat via AP) Question 16 Who did the US fight in World War II? A. Japan, China and Vietnam B. Japan, Germany and Italy C. Austria-Hungary, Japan and Germany D. The Soviet Union, Germany and Italy Don't Edit The crowd began to gather at 5 a.m. to register for possibly 90,000 federal relief jobs during the Great Depression. (AP Photo) Question 17 Who was the President during the Great Depression and World War II? A. Herbert Hoover B. Calvin Coolidge C. Franklin Roosevelt D. Harry Truman Don't Edit (J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo/File) Question 18 Name one branch or part of the federal government. A. United Nations B. Congress C. State government D. Parliament Don't Edit (AP Photo) Question 19 The House of Representatives has how many voting members? A. One hundred (100) B. Four hundred thirty-five (435) C. Two hundred (200) D. Four hundred and forty-one (441) Don't Edit Don't Edit (Photo by Kristin LaFratta/MassLive) Question 20 When you become a US citizen, what's the one promise you make? A. Disobey the laws B. Never travel outside the US C. Give up loyalty to other countries D. Not defend the Constitution and US laws Don't Edit (Photo by JIM WATSON/AFP/Getty Images) Answer to Question 1 The answer is B. John Roberts is the Chief Justice and heads up the judicial branch. Roberts serves as one of nine justices on the US Supreme Court. He is also chancellor of the board overseeing the Smithsonian museums and research centers. Don't Edit Washington Capitals' Alex Ovechkin, from Russia, holds up the Stanley Cup trophy during the NHL hockey team's Stanley Cup victory celebration. (AP Photo/Jacquelyn Martin) Answer to Question 2 The answer is C. Washington, D.C. has been the capital since 1800. The D.C. stands for District of Columbia. Don't Edit (Gintautas Dumcius/MassLive Answer to Question 3 The answer is B. Citizens eighteen (18) and older can vote. An amendment to the Constitution, No. 26, was added in 1971 allowing the minimum voting age to be 18. Don't Edit The Oosterschelde, a three-masted schooner from the Netherlands, makes its way up the Mississippi River past the French Quarter in New Orleans, La. (Max Becherer/The Advocate via AP) Answer to Question 4 The answer is B. The Missouri River and the Mississippi River are the two longest in the United States. Missouri River starts in Montana, and joins up with the Mississippi in Missouri. The Mississippi runs through 10 states, starting in Minnesota near Canada and ending in Louisiana. Don't Edit Don't Edit A porcelain sculpture produced in the Niderviller ceramics factory in France to commemorate The Treaty of Alliance and The Treaty of Amity and Commerce, shows King Louis XVI (L) and Benjamin Franklin (R) is seen in the State Department on May 24, 2016 in Washington, DC. (Photo by MANDEL NGAN/AFP/Getty Images) Answer to Question 5 While Boston native Ben Franklin invented many things - the Franklin stove, bifocal eyeglasses, the US postal system -- he did not come up with the airplane. He was a US diplomat, and during the Constitutional Convention, he was its oldest member. The answer is B. Don't Edit New U.S. citizens wave American flags during the naturalization ceremony at the MFA in Boston. (Kristin LaFratta/MassLive) Answer to Question 6 The answer is B, the United States. "I pledge allegiance to the Flag of the United States of America, and to the Republic for which it stands, one Nation under God, indivisible, with liberty and justice for all." Don't Edit U.S. President Donald Trump waves as he steps off Air Force One.(AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Answer to Question 7 The answer is D. The president leads the executive branch, signing and enforcing laws, and representing the US in dealing with other countries. Don't Edit (AP Photo/Alex Brandon) Answer to Question 8 The answer is C. Presidents are elected to 4-year terms. Someone who is elected president can only serve two terms at four years each. Don't Edit The Jefferson Memorial in Washington, D.C. (Gintautas Dumcius/MassLive) Answer to Question 9 The correct answer is D. National holidays include: Martin Luther King Jr. Day, Columbus Day, Veterans Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Presidents' Day, Thanksgiving, Independence Day, Christmas and New Year's Day. Don't Edit Don't Edit (AP Photo: John Minchillo) Answer to Question 10 The answer is A. The Statue of Liberty, given to the US by France in 1886, is located on an island in New York's harbor. Don't Edit (AP Photo/J. Scott Applewhite) Answer to Question 11 If both the president and the vice president can't serve in office, the Speaker of the House becomes the president. The current Speaker of the House is Paul Ryan, R-Wis. The answer is A. Don't Edit U.S. paratroopers from the 82nd Airborne Division from Fort Bragg in North Carolina, jump out of the US Air Force C-17 aircraft during military exercises 80 miles west of the capital Vilnius, Lithuania. (AP Photo/Mindaugas Kulbis) Answer to Question 12 The answer is A. The president is the commander in chief of the military. Don't Edit Answer to Question 13 The answer is D. Susan B. Anthony was a leader in women's rights and civil rights. A top proponent of women's right to vote, she died in 1906. Fourteen years later, the Nineteenth Amendment, giving women the right to vote, was added to the US Constitution. Don't Edit Answer to Question 14 The answer is James Madison (D). He joined Alexander Hamilton and John Jay in writing the Federalist Papers, laying out the case for the new government. Don't Edit Don't Edit Answer to Question 15 The answer is A. State governments have the power to provide schooling and education. Don't Edit Answer to Question 16 The answer is B, a group also known as the Axis powers. The US fought Germany, Italy and Japan, entering in 1941 after the bombing of Pearl Harbor. Don't Edit (AP Photo/File) Answer to Question 17 The answer is C. Franklin Roosevelt moved into the White House in 1933, amid a weak economy. He launched government programs and then later, led the US when the country joined World War II in 1941. He died in 1945, with Harry Truman succeeding him. Don't Edit Answer to Question 18 The answer is B. There are three branches: Congress (legislative), president (executive) and the courts (judicial). Don't Edit Answer to Question 19 The answer is B. According to USCIS, "There are 435 voting members in the House of Representatives. Each state is divided into districts. Each district elects one representative. California is the state with the most people. It has more than 50 representatives. States with fewer people, like Alaska, have only one representative." Don't Edit Don't Edit Answer to Question 20 The answer is C. You give up loyalty to other countries and take the Oath of Allegiance to the US. This post was updated July 25 with information from the State House News Service. This post was updated on November 12 with additional information on Gov. Baker signing a civics bill into law. Don't Edit (Kristin LaFratta/MassLive) Read more: A Western Massachusetts woman has a plea for thrift store shoppers: Does this dress look familiar? Rachele Familia, a native of Springfield, married her husband, Greg, in 2004. Following the ceremony, an aunt took Familia's dress to preserve it as a wedding gift. In the years since, Familia's family expanded and they moved to California while her husband serves as an active duty member of the military but her dress remained with family in Western Massachusetts. She recently decided it was time to bring the dress back home with her only to find out it had been accidentally donated to Goodwill. Familia said she believes it was donated to the Goodwill location in Palmer three months ago. Hoping to recover the dress, Familia has turned to social media, sharing photos and a plea for help. "This would mean the world to me if I could get my dress back. I have a daughter that I wanted to some day share that memory with her." she wrote. Anyone with information about the dress is asked to contact her via Facebook. Cardinal Sean O'Malley, the Archbishop of Boston, echoed fellow Catholic bishops across the country on Wednesday when he denounced current immigration policy as "hostile" and "morally unacceptable." The United States Conference of Catholic Bishops is the latest to criticize the recent "zero-tolerance" immigration policy by the administration of President Donald Trump and the United States Attorney General Jeff Sessions which separates migrant parents from their children if they are detained crossing the U.S. border. Sessions' overruled a court decision on Monday to deny asylum to a Salvadoran woman who said she was sexually, emotionally and physically abused by her husband in El Salvador. Sexual violence, like rape, is recognized by the United Nations as a basis for refugee status. Sessions, in his overruling decision, wrote that "the asylum statute is not a general hardship statute." Boston Cardinal O'Malley published a full statement on Wednesday to harshly criticize Sessions' new zero-tolerance policy, part of which accuses the Trump administration of using children as pawns: "These individuals and families are fleeing documented violence, chaos and murder in the neighborhoods of Central America. The United States is now openly before the world using children as pawns to enforce a hostile immigration policy. This strategy is morally unacceptable and denies the clear danger weighing upon those seeking our assistance. As a Catholic bishop, I support political and legal authority. I have always taught respect for the civil law and will continue to do so. But, I cannot be silent when our country's immigration policy destroys families, traumatizes parents, and terrorizes children. The harmful and unjust policy of separating children from their parents must be ended." O'Malley also criticized the policies that reduce the number of refugees admitted by the U.S., the end of Temporary Protected Status for families already living inside the country and the stalled controversy over the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals program. O'Malley, 75, is the ninth bishop and sixth archbishop in Boston's 200-year-old Archdiocese. The Ohio native developed a commitment to new immigrants and social justice issues in his early days of his priesthood, when he worked for Hispanic communities and the Office of Social Ministry in the 1970's, according to the Boston Archdiocese. He actively participates in the national USCCB board, which vocally criticized Sessions' recent immigration rulings. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of the USCCB and archbishop of Galveston-Houston, said on Wednesday that Sessions' policies hurt vulnerable women, children, and families. "At its core, asylum is an instrument to preserve the right to life," DiNardo said in a statement. "We urge courts and policy makers to respect and enhance, not erode, the potential of our asylum system to preserve and protect the right to life." A Brigham and Women's doctor has been charged with sexually assaulting a coworker. WBZ reports that Boston police charged Raymond Malapero III with sexual assault after he allegedly grabbed a staffer's buttocks outside of an operating room inside the hospital. If convicted, he could face up to five years in prison and be required to register as a sex offender. The television station aired a story about the cardiothoracic anesthesiologist last month and Malapero stayed on staff in the fellowship program. After the criminal charges were lodged he was placed on leave, WBZ reports. In December the staffer sought a protection order against the doctor telling a judge she felt "extremely unsafe," the television station reports. A judge granted the order and told Malapero to stay away from the woman and limit his access to two operating rooms at the hospital. Trish Powers, a member of the Nurses Union, told WBZ that at least five women complained to her about Malapero's inappropriate behavior. Three of those women reported what happened to Human Resources. "Why the administration has allowed this is baffling," Powers told the television station. "Who's' protecting him that's the question." CHICOPEE - One School Committee member is asking for a serious study of a long-discussed idea to merge the city and school maintenance departments to increase efficiency and save money. School Committee member Donald J. Lamothe asked for the proposal to be sent to the board's finance subcommittee. Members approved it in a 10-0 vote last week. "I would like to investigate how best to merge facilities departments," Lamothe said. "I would like the mayor to consider forming a task force." Lamothe said the task force ideally would have members of the School Committee and City Council as well as representatives from the school and city maintenance departments to best find a way to merge the departments. The School Department has one department that cleans, makes repairs and provides overall maintenance to the 17 school buildings, while the city maintenance department oversees City Hall, the library, the senior center and several other buildings. The idea to merge school and city departments that essentially do the same thing has long been discussed but action has never been taken. In 2010 then-Mayor Michael D. Bissonnette tried to get School Committee and City Council members together to study the possibilities, but the group never met. The issue has been brought up regularly ever since. "If you are going to do it, let's get it done," Lamothe said. In March 2017 the city hired the Edward J. Collins Jr. Center for Public Management at the University of Massachusetts Boston to examine the idea of merging departments to see if it could work and if the move would save any money using a state grant. No findings from that study have been reported yet. This year, a task force Mayor Richard Kos convened to study school finances advised a serious look at merging city and school departments as one of its more than 30 recommendations. While Superintendent Richard W. Rege Jr. has been resistant to merging the school and city's human resources departments because of complex teacher certifications and other education-specific issues, he has supported the idea of joining maintenance and other departments. The issue has come to the forefront again because of the budget struggles the School Department has been facing. This year the School Committee adopted an $86.4 million budget after cutting $2.5 million in spending, including laying off two employees, cutting more than 35 other positions through retirements and resignations and consolidating other services. The budget is technically unbalanced because it relies on the city spending an additional $3.25 million above the amount the state requires. It has not been approved by the City Council yet. It is also an ideal time to examine the issue since the School Department's maintenance director, Ronald Simard, is planning to retire this summer, officials said. When City Councilor Frank Laflamme ran for office the first time nearly 10 years ago, one of his issues was merging departments. He has brought up the issue time and time again. Laflamme, who works professionally in facilities and holds multiple contracting licenses, said he will ask to be put on the task force. "I see a lot of waste of talent," Laflamme said. "Taxpayers should get their best value." Since by law the school and city budgets are separate and controlled by different boards, sharing between the two sides is discouraged, although they are both funded by the same taxpayers, he said. The School Department, for example, has an electrician and a mason on staff while the city does not and has to hire private contractors at a higher cost to do those jobs. Meanwhile, sometimes there is no electrical work to be done at the schools and the electrician may be doing a different job, he said. Departments will share on occasion and students in the career technical division of Comprehensive High School have also done needed work in city buildings, saving the city money and giving students valuable experience, but it isn't an organized system, Laflamme said. If the two departments were merged, work orders could be submitted to one director who would assign work on the basis of what needs to be done first, instead of the current system of having employees assigned to work on buildings in their department first, he said. Laflamme said he remembers the first time he saw inter-department sharing when the city clerk at the time needed to move voting machines and ended up using an available truck from the School Department. "I thought this needs to be done all the time," he said. NORTHAMPTON -- The Leadership Pioneer Valley program held its graduation ceremony for the class of 2018 Wednesday at the Smith College Conference Center. This was the seventh graduating class for LPV, which results in more than 240 alumni. Some 29 participants in this year's class formed four teams and presented their partnership projects and then received their certificates of graduation. Each team project explored community issues and addressed a local or regional challenge. In order to graduate from the program, each participant attended day-long sessions monthly from October until May featuring leadership development seminars and hands-on field experiences in local communities. The projects presented included: working with Treehouse Foundation to organize a "friend-raiser" event and create a marketing plan; a composting plan for the Massachusetts Building at The Big E and working with the Center for EcoTechnology for implementation; working with Incarceration Support Services in Hampden County to create a plan and exchange with the Springfield regional Chamber of Commerce; and providing resources to Compost Co-op to launch a compost collection business for individuals post-incarceration in Franklin County. Members of this year's class are a culturally diverse group of men and women representing nonprofit, private, educational and public organizations throughout Hampden, Hampshire and Franklin counties, LPV said. HOLYOKE -- Robert Peirent, who previously worked as public works superintendent and acting town manager in East Longmeadow, is the new city engineer here. "Bob brings almost 35 years of municipal engineering experience to the city having worked in both the public and private sectors," said a press release from Mayor Alex B. Morse's office Tuesday. Besides the East Longmeadow positions, Peirent worked as senior vice president and a member of the board of directors for Tighe & Bond of Westfield overseeing services to municipalities, the press release said. Peirent, who lives in Easthampton, began work here June 4. His yearly salary will be $91,021, according to the press release and the salary listed in the city budget. City engineer is not among municipal positions with a residency requirement, said Rory Casey, Morse's chief of staff. Peirent has a master's in civil engineering from the University of Massachusetts in Lowell and a bachelor's from UMass. He is licensed as an engineer in all six New England states and licensed in water treatment and distribution with the state of Massachusetts, the press release said. City engineer is part of the Holyoke Department of Public Works (DPW). Duties include, according to the city website: oversight of development to ensure compliance with city, state and federal laws and standards supporting operations and maintenance of municipal facilities and infrastructure review stormwater management plans inspect construction review driveway permit applications review sewer connection permits evaluate and establish traffic improvements maintain city addresses maintain municipal infrastructure maps, including sewer and drainage systems respond to public information requests. Matthew J. Sokop left after 10 years as city engineer in 2015. Yem Lip held the job briefly and for the past few years, DPW General Superintendent Michael McManus has handled city engineer duties. HOLYOKE -- The city is trying to become an even bigger part of the marijuana industry conversation by proposing legislation to let businesses offer on-site consumption of pot. The City Council June 5 referred to its Ordinance Committee an order supported by Mayor Alex B. Morse to have the Council and mayor petition the Massachusetts Legislature to allow on-site consumption where marijuana is sold. The Ordinance Committee discussion about the proposed on-site consumption legislation has yet to be scheduled. Exactly how permission for on-site consumption would be established and when are unclear. The Massachusetts Cannabis Control Commission (CCC) plans to establish rules to regulate the "social consumption and delivery to consumers" of marijuana in February, according to the board's website. The Commission perhaps as soon as its meeting scheduled for today could determine which applicants will be granted recreational marijuana licenses to begin operating in July. The board meets at 10:30 a.m. in the board room of the Department of Transportation, 10 Park Plaza, Boston. The process for allowing on-site consumption is likely to involve cities and towns having to place a binding question before voters on an election ballot asking whether the community should permit consumption of pot where it's sold, state Rep. Aaron M. Vega, D-Holyoke, has said. But questions include how soon cities and towns can begin the process of arranging to offer such ballot questions, such as whether Holyoke could put a question on this year's state election ballot Nov. 6, Vega said. Morse said that for Holyoke, letting folks use the product at point of sale is another way to view the marijuana industry as economic development, with the jobs and tax revenue such businesses would bring. Morse has won praise from the marijuana industry and advocates of making pot available for his early support of state ballot measures that legalized medical marijuana in 2012 and recreational marijuana four years later. Proposed state legislation in Holyoke City Council for on-site consumption of marijuana: by Mike Plaisance on Scribd Two Norwegian lawmakers have nominated President Donald Trump for the 2019 Nobel Peace Prize for his historic efforts to stabilize the North Korean government. Two conservative parliamentary members Christian Tybring-Gjedde and Per-Willy Amundsen told Norway's NRK state media that they had nominated Trump for the Peace Prize. On Tuesday, Trump and Kim Jong Un signed an agreement that commits North Korea to working toward nuclear disarmament. The lawmakers told NRK that a fragile process to ensure world peace is underway, and that they must do what they can to ensure the agreement is successful. They added that their nomination for Trump to receive the Nobel Peace Prize would send a clear signal to the U.S. and world to finish what was started. House Republicans also nominated Trump for the Peace Prize in May for "working tirelessly" "to end the Korean War, denuclearize the Korean peninsula, and bring peace to the region," according to a letter by lawmakers to the Norwegian Nobel Committee. But the nomination by Norwegian lawmakers brings the nomination closer to home: the Nobel Peace Prize is awarded by the five members of the Norwegian Nobel Committee, who are all appointed by the Norwegian Parliament (a task that reportedly dates back to a request by Alfred Nobel himself). Critics of the agreement between Trump and Kim Jong Un include some lawmakers in Massachusetts, who said Trump agreed to a vague and weak deal that did not outline concrete commitments for the North Korean government to follow. "We will of course follow the development closely, but the fact that we have come this far is in my opinion worthy of a peace prize," Per-Willy Amundsen told NRK, per a translated article. SPRINGFIELD- Faculty from Springfield Technical Community College's health programs are bound for Gambia in West Africa as part of a medical mission trip to assist poor communities. Three STCC faculty members will be part of a team administering medication and medical supplies as well as providing health education to people living in the village of Tankular. The team also will distribute school items and clothing for children. "We are excited to participate in this opportunity to help a population in need," said Esther Perrelli Brookes, chair of the Respiratory Care Department at STCC. "We will be bringing supplies and caring for those in need as well as helping with a medical clinic that is being built." STCC President John B. Cook praised the faculty members for their efforts. "This medical mission trip to Africa illustrates our faculty's passion for helping others," Cook said. "They are shining examples of how we can transform lives here on campus and far beyond our borders." Perrelli Brookes, respiratory care clinical instructor, Nfamara "Fams" Taal, and Kathleen Sawtelle, a surgical technology instructor, are planning to leave June 17 for the two-week-long medical mission. They will join other healthcare workers, from doctors and nurses to dental care and eye care professionals, to help people living in the village of Tankular. "There is a desperate need for access to medical care services especially in rural villages," said Taal, a native of Tankular, where the medical clinic is under construction. He created the Sam Taal Global Foundation, based in Chicopee where he now lives, to raise money to provide access to medical care and promote education in developing nations such as Gambia. To prepare for their mission, Taal recently brought equipment and supplies to New York City to be shipped across the Atlantic. The clinic will have access to medical diagnostic equipment, including blood pressure machines, paid for through fundraising efforts. "Diabetes is common there," Taal said. "Some of these folks don't have a way to get prescriptions. They don't have the ability to check their blood sugar." What's more, villagers don't have easy access to medications that many Americans might take for granted - Tylenol or ibuprofen. "We'll be bringing all these pain medications to help these folks," Taal said. "They have nothing to take for a headache or migraine besides a local remedy." The STCC team, who paid for their own expenses, will put their expertise to work when they arrive in Gambia. Sawtelle will teach school children about nutrition. Perrelli Brookes will discuss smoking cessation and show them posters from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) illustrating heart and lung problems related to tobacco use. She also will educate people about chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), which is a common problem. As of 2016, the average life expectancy in Gambia was only 61, according to data from the World Bank. The villagers have no easy access to medical care. When they get sick, they often cannot receive proper treatment in a timely manner. "We will give them some hope, because our presence will be known," said Perrelli Brookes, of Holland. "We will be there before the clinic is built, so maybe that will give them a sense of hope and faith that there will be medical people to one day fill the clinic." Sawtelle said ongoing fundraising efforts through the Sam Taal Global Foundation will make a significant impact on the village. "We're still trying to finish the clinic," said Sawtelle, of Enfield, Conn. "For months, we've been collecting items to hand out to the kids and the grownups: clothing, school supplies, dental care items. After we get back home to our lives, it's our hope that the supplies will continue to improve their lifestyle." Taal added, "This is our first trip and hopefully it's not our last. At least we can leave them with something. We can leave them with some sort of education tool for their benefit." 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. NORTHAMPTON -- Two sets of political candidates hoping to represent Western Massachusetts on Beacon Hill fielded questions from Northampton High School students Wednesday night. Six Democrats vying for the Hampshire, Franklin, and Worcester district seat once held by Stan Rosenberg (D-Amherst), the former Senate president who resigned last month amid an ethics scandal involving his husband Bryon Hefner, expressed their views on gun control, social and economic justice, the environment, and other top issues of the day. Two Democrats hoping to fill the shoes of Peter Kocot (D-Northampton), the longtime 1st Hampshire District representative who died in February, responded to a similar set of questions. The 1st district consists of Northampton, Southampton, Hatfield, Westhampton and Montgomery. Each of the eight agreed on the basic progressive slate, calling for reform in the way public education is funded, higher taxes on the wealthy, tighter gun control, universal health care, and the like. Each promised to fight for the region if elected. Diana Szynal of Hatfield was Kocot's district director, and has continued to run the office. Lindsay Sabadosa of Northampton runs her own translation agency, and is director of the Pioneer Valley Women's March. "I believe with every fiber of my being that the status quo must be challenged," said Sabadosa, who highlighted her credentials as an activist and community organizer. Szynal suggested that she would not have a steep learning curve. "My 16 years of working with Peter Kocot gave me experience and understanding of the legislative process," she said. The Hampshire-Franklin Senate District is made up of 24 communities, 17 in Franklin County, 6 in Hampshire County, and 1 in Worcester County. The Senate candidates are Chelsea Kline of Northampton, Jo Comerford of Northampton, David Murphy of Amherst, David Morin of Amherst, Ryan O'Donnell of Northampton, and Steve Connor of Northampton. Only Kline's name will appear on the ballot. Her rivals, who waited to declare until Rosenberg resigned, must wage write-in campaigns. Kline is an educational administrator at Bay Path College, and earned a bachelor's degree from Smith College and a master's from Harvard Divinity School after climbing from poverty as a teen mother. She said that she would work to help those who are the most vulnerable. "I tell my story because I believe that our experiences inform our advocacy," she said. "I fundamentally believe that state government has the power to lift up all marginalized communities." Comerford worked for the progressive group MoveOn, and headed the National Priorities Project. She worked for The Food Bank of Western Massachusetts, the American Friends Service Committee and the Center for Human Development. She touted her policy chops and status as a "strategic, experienced fighter." "Our district and this region is in the midst of a seismic shift," she said. "I see this as an opportunity for great regional transformation." Murphy is a Newton lawyer and political consultant who moved back to his home town of Amherst to run for the seat. He is a former aide to Massachusetts Sen. Ted Kennedy former legislative director in Gov. Deval Patrick's administration. He said that he would be able to advocate for the district "starting on day one." "I spent most of my adult life working in government, because I believe the purpose of life is to make the world a better place for all, and to inspire others to do the same," he said. Morin is a graduate assistant at UMass Amherst, where he is pursuing a master's degree in English. He said he would not accept any campaign contributions at all, to avoid any potential conflicts. "If elected, I will take my 1997 Toyota Corolla and drive it to the State House," he said. "I am not taking money from anyone." O'Donnell is president of the Northampton City Council, and formerly worked for Common Cause and FairVote on issues of government transparency, campaign finance and election reform. He said his experience as a local legislator would transfer well to the State House. "I believe in public service. I believe in the political process as a way to make our society better," he said. Connor is director of Central Hampshire Veterans' Services. A Northampton High School graduate, Connor served in the U.S. Navy in the 1970s. He previously worked as an advocate for children with special needs, and said he gained insight into social needs while working as a cook at a Head Start day care center. "I work with veterans and families now," he said. "Aging veterans, veterans with Agent Orange and traumatic brain injury, veterans who experienced sexual trauma, homeless veterans." No Republicans have emerged in the race. Cosponsors of the event were Northampton High School Democrats, Northampton High School Environmental Club, Northampton High School Feminist Collective, the Northampton High School Gender Sexuality Alliance, Our Revolution Youth Caucus, Pioneer Valley Students for Gun Control, and Youth Rise Together. The Federal Aviation Administration has awarded $1 million to Worcester Regional Airport, supporting ongoing maintenance and goals for further expansion. The grant will fund the rehabilitation of 7,300 square yards of existing apron pavement at the airport that is in need of repair. It wasn't that long ago the Massport-owned airport, then owned by the city of Worcester, had no commercial airlines or daily passenger flights, but it has experienced a slow revitalization in recent years. In 2013, two JetBlue daily flights to Florida were offered from the airport and today there are additional flights to New York via JetBlue and to Philadelphia via American Airlines. At its peak in 1989, Worcester Regional Airport served more than 340,000 people. Massport has projected that the airport will easily surpass that in the future, estimating that it will see 500,000 people annually by 2023. However, the current annual figures are well below that estimation. It took five years for 500,000 passengers to travel through Worcester since flights to Florida were first offered in 2013. Halfway through its 10-year timeframe, Massport has invested $147.3 million in Worcester Regional Airport. In fiscal 2017, the airport had $1.6 million in operating revenues. In addition to renovations, the Worcester Airport is looking to expand its reach, with Worcester City Manager Edward Augustus Jr. saying he is hopeful that a third airline and fifth destination will be announced by the end of this summer. Massport has confirmed that they are in conversation with other airlines, but there have been no announcements to date. Congressman Jim McGovern is optimistic about the airport's prospects since receiving the $1 million grant from the FAA. He said, "The exciting renewal happening at Worcester Airport has not only increased their capacity to offer new flights - it has bolstered economic vitality across Central Massachusetts." With two and a half weeks to go before legal marijuana shops were expected to open in Massachusetts, the Cannabis Control Commission has not granted a single license. "We're going to get it right," Cannabis Control Commission Chairman Steven Hoffman said Thursday. "If that means we have few or no stores on July 1 and it takes a few more weeks, I hope and expect that everyone in the state believes it's the right thing to do. We believe it's the right thing to do." The commission opened the licensing application process for marijuana businesses on May 1 and June 1, depending on the type of business. State law gave the commission authority to begin issuing licenses June 1. But the commission is still reviewing the applications. Hoffman said the commission is "working as hard as we can," and he expects licenses will be granted "shortly." He said the holdup is because the commission is waiting for background checks to be completed and for municipalities to confirm their support for applicants. As of Wednesday, 53 applicants from 28 companies or individuals had submitted the entire application to open a marijuana business. The applicants include 18 marijuana cultivators, 17 retailers and 12 product manufacturers, plus a handful of transportation, research and microbusiness applicants. Hoffman has said in the past that he believes the Massachusetts marijuana industry will be "sparse" come July. Industry experts have said it will take time for the industry to ramp up, since cultivators need time to grow enough marijuana to meet the demand. Hoffman noted that having retail stores open July 1 has always been a goal, not a legislative mandate. He said other states that rushed to meet an "arbitrary deadline" ended up with no inventory, no licenses in place, no background checks or no online inventory being done. "We are not going to do that," Hoffman said. Based on the license applications submitted so far, Worcester County is emerging as a center for marijuana businesses. Of the 53 complete applications, 16 came from Worcester. No other county has more than five applicants so far. In Western Massachusetts, there were five applicants from Franklin County, three from Hampden County, and two each from Berkshire and Hampshire counties. The statistics do not break down the type of business geographically, so it is not clear how many of those are, for example, retail stores or growers. The majority of the applications - 36 - are from registered medical marijuana dispensaries that were approved for priority review to open a recreational business. Those applicants have a leg up because they have had more time to build their businesses and go through the approvals process for their medical dispensaries. The number of applicants is likely to grow significantly as times goes on. Currently, there are 1,145 applications that have been started in the online licensing system, according to Cannabis Control Commission executive director Shawn Collins. BOSTON -- A month after the Massachusetts Senate passed a bill that would overhaul education funding in the state, House leaders will not commit to taking it up. "There's a lot of thought and discussion about it, and whether or not we get to it remains to be seen," said House Education Committee Chairwoman Alice Peisch, D-Wellesley. Peisch and House Ways and Means Committee Chairman Jeffrey Sanchez, D-Boston, sent a letter to their House colleagues on Tuesday stressing the efforts the House has made already to increase education funding. "There has been a push to adopt more aggressive and sweeping reforms," Peisch and Sanchez wrote. "However, the availability of resources and the lack of a reliable revenue source in the proposals offered remains a concern for the fiscal well-being of the Commonwealth and the numerous other vital programs serving our most vulnerable residents which would likely be impacted as a result." The Senate in May passed a bill, based on a 2015 report by the Foundation Budget Review Commission, that would update the funding formula used to calculate public education costs. If fully implemented, the updated formula would cost more than $1 billion above the state's current education spending each year, although it would be up to lawmakers each year to decide how much to spend. It is now up to House leadership to decide whether to consider the legislation. Massachusetts Education Justice Alliance, a group formed to support public education, has been asking its members to call House lawmakers and urge them to bring the Senate bill to a vote. Rep. Aaron Vega, D-Holyoke, circulated a letter signed by 87 representatives calling for a House vote. Peisch said she had gotten a number of questions from members about the status of the bill, which prompted her and Sanchez to send the letter. In the letter, the House leaders say they have already made some progress toward addressing the Foundation Budget Review Commission's changes: adding $64 million over two years into the state budget to address rising employee health care costs, and adding an extra $222 million in their fiscal 2019 budget proposal over the current year's spending for various education-related line items. Peisch and Sanchez wrote that the House believes in the values of the Foundation Budget Review Commission report and "will continue to be open and thoughtful in addressing ways to make necessary and meaningful investments to benefit and educate students." With many families displaced by Hurricane Maria facing potential homelessness when federal aid runs out on June 30, Massachusetts lawmakers again urged the Trump administration this week to provide long-term housing assistance to Puerto Rico evacuees. All 11 members of the state's congressional delegation signed a letter calling on Federal Emergency Management Agency Administrator Brock Long to reconsider the decision to not utilize support available through the U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development to help the hundreds of families still living in mainland hotels months after the September storm. The Massachusetts Democrats, who recently met with 100 people displaced by Hurricane Maria, said many evacuees have raised concerns about returning to Puerto Rico, which is still rebuilding its infrastructure in the midst of the 2018 hurricane season. They urged Long to initiate HUD's Disaster Housing Assistance Program to help Puerto Rican residents whose homes were destroyed or damaged last fall, arguing that it has played critical roles in helping those impacted by Hurricanes Katrina, Sandy and Rita. "People living on Puerto Rico, and those hoping to return, deserve housing opportunities as they continue to rebuild their lives. ... We request your agency to initiate the process just as the governor of Puerto Rico did in December 2017," they wrote. The Democrats stressed that the island "needs support to continue recovery, but also build sustainable infrastructure for the future." Initiating the HUD program, which provides subsidies to help families pay rent, put down security deposits or pay utilities, "will be another tool for the Puerto Rican community for these undertakings," they added. Hurricane evacuees living in hotels through FEMA's Transitional Sheltering Assistance program have until June 30 to find new lodgings. They may also access federal support to return to Puerto Rico, officials announced in May. Some hurricane survivors, who relocated to Western Massachusetts after the storm, said they will likely become homeless if the federal government fails to step in, as efforts to connect them with long-term, stable housing have largely stalled due to waiting lists and landlords refusing to accept rent vouchers from charitable groups, among other things. U.S. Sens. Elizabeth Warren and Ed Markey, D-Massachusetts, urged FEMA and HUD officials in late-April to immediately enter an agreement "to stand up the Disaster Housing Assistance Program and address the medium- and longer-term housing needs" of Puerto Rican evacuees. Weeks later, FEMA's Federal Coordinating Officer Michael Byrne announced that the agency would not implement DHAP for Puerto Rico's recovery efforts, offering that both FEMA and HUD had offered "multiple housing solutions that are better able to meet the current housing needs of impacted survivors." The senators, in response to FEMA's decision, announced legislation to require officials to activate DHAP to help hurricane evacuees transition into stable living situations. Warren and Markey signed onto the newest letter to FEMA and HUD officials -- an effort reportedly led by U.S. Rep. Richard Neal, D-Springfield. Also lending their signatures to the request were: U.S. Reps. Jim McGovern, D-Worcester; Michael Capuano, D-Somerville; Stephen Lynch, D-South Boston; Niki Tsongas, D-Lowell; Bill Keating, D-Bourne; Joe Kennedy III, D-Brookline; Katherine Clark, D-Melrose; and Seth Moulton, D-Salem. by Thom Forbes @tforbes, June 14, 2018 Like homeowners in states like New York and California who also pay high state and local taxes, H&R Block is not expected to do as well as others may under the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act passed by Congress last December. On Tuesday, it said it expected revenue to drop in fiscal 2019, sending its shares plunging 18% yesterday. Block CEO Jeffrey Jones also said the company would close about 400 of its company-owned retail locations, although he does not anticipate any layoffs. On the post-earnings-report conference call with analysts, chief financial officer Tony Brown said fiscal 2019 revenue was expected to be between $3.05 billion and $3.1 billion, according to a transcript provided by FactSet. That was below 2018s $3.16 billion, as well as the FactSet analyst consensus as of May 31 of $3.14 billion, writes Tomi Kilgore for MarketWatch. advertisement advertisement The disappointing outlook comes after the stock had run up 20.4% since April 2 to close Tuesday at a 10-month high, Kilgore also points out. One wonders why. One of the key aspects of our bearish thesis on H&R Block (HRB) has been that tax simplification arising from the U.S. tax reform enacted in December 2017 ultimately would have a negative impact on the company's revenues and earnings, BTIG analyst Mark Palmer wrote in a note to clients Tuesday cited by CNBCs Tae Kim. The 4Q18 report that HRB delivered today after the market close saw simplification finally take a bite out of the company's future prospects. In fiscal 2018, Block said in its release about its earnings report, revenues increased 4% to $3.2 billion, driven by improvement in the company's U.S. assisted and do-it-yourself (DIY) businesses. According to a company fact sheet, an H&R Block branded retail office is located within five miles of 95% of Americans covering all demographics and income levels. That is over-saturation, it realizes, particularly given the trend toward digital solutions. The company does not plan to cut any jobs as a result of the closures, a spokeswoman for H&R Block tells CNNMoneys Paul R. La Monica, pointing out that offices being closed are all within five miles of other locations. H&R Block may be suffering from a Starbucks-like phenomenon having a bunch of locations that are too close to other ones, La Monica writes. The closures are part of a broader strategy to better position the company to retain customers and attract new one, Aisha Al-Muslim writes for the Wall Street Journal. We arent as relevant as we need to be to todays consumer, [Jones] said during a conference call, Al-Muslim continues. By differentiating ourselves and demonstrating why we are the best choice for consumers, we will position H&R Block as a modern brand with momentum, Jones says. As firms such as Intuit Inc., maker of the popular TurboTax products, and personal-finance portal Credit Karma Inc. gain customers, H&R Block expects to succeed as a cross-channel player, where users can easily move between filing returns online or getting in-person assistance. As part of the new strategy, the company plans to invest more in the ability to seamlessly go between the two channels, Al-Muslim continues. Block itself offers do-it-yourself tax software, but Jones a marketing-oriented veteran of Uber, Target, Gap, Coca-Cola and Leo Burnett noted that many people, including Millennials, still want assistance when doing their taxes, CNNs La Monica writes, and says that half of the company's new customers are under the age of 35. Meanwhile, Kathy Collins, former chief marketing and strategy officer for Block, is getting out of town. Collins, who is also a director of The Ad Council, has accepted a job as chief marketing officer for Massage Envy and is moving to Scottsdale, Ariz. Collins, a native of Overland Park, Kan., told the Business Journal that she hates to be leaving Kansas City, but is excited for the opportunities that lie ahead, writes James Dornbrook for the Kansas City Business Journal. The future is probably looking rosier for massage therapists than it is for tax preparers. From 2012 to 2017, revenue from alternative/complementary healthcare providers, which includes massage therapists, increased 4%, and employment increased 3.3%. Revenue growth is projected to continue at an average rate of 4% per year through 2022, according to a IBIS World Industry Report Alternative Healthcare Providers in the U.S. cited by the American Massage Therapy Association. But is it deductible? H&R Block knows. by Laurie Sullivan @lauriesullivan, June 14, 2018 Another day, another lawsuit against Google. This time it involves an Australian man who alleges Google slandered him by publishing photos of him linked to hardened criminals of Melbourne's underworld. Milorad Michael Trkulja has earned the right to sue Google by the High Court after allegedly being defamed by Google in autocomplete search results, according to one report. Trkulja was shot in the back in 2004 while in a Melbourne, Australia restaurant, according to one report. Apparently, the event and a handshake between and Mick Gatto was enough to link the man to the "underworld" in Google search queries. Wikipedia describes Gatto as "a perfectly legitimate Italian-Australian businessman, widely suspected to be involved in the Melbourne underworld." Trkulja successfully sued Google for defamation in the Victorian Supreme Court in 2012, receiving damages of AU$200,000 (roughly $150,000). He launched a second defamation action a year later, which he lost, around Google's autocomplete feature in which his lawyer reportedly says returns phrases like "is a former hit man," ''criminal" and "underworld." advertisement advertisement The allegation of slander and many long years of fighting to get Google to undo the damage earned Trkulja the right to go back to court to sue the Mountain View, California-based company after the Australian court ruled in favor of Google and then the Victorian Court of Appeal overturned the decision. Trkuljas suit remains one of the latest to go public. Others recently reported include a former YouTube technical recruiter allegedly for pressuring recruiters to only look for female, black, and Hispanic applicants, to eliminate the applications of people who didnt fit those categories. The suit brought about by Arne Wilberg, a white male who worked at Google for nine years as a recruiter and staffing specialist, filed a discrimination suit in January, The Wall Street Journalreported Thursday. Wilberg also claims that Google retaliated against him for refusing to follow these recruiting policies, firing him in November 2017. The lawsuits are not only brought about by people, but entire states. Earlier this month Washington sued Googles parent company Alphabet for allegedly violating a state campaign finance law by failing to maintain information about who buys election ads. This eventually led Google to stop accepting political ads in the state after the company, and several others such as Facebook and Twitter, created new guidelines in May for political ad guidelines. by Melynda Fuller , June 14, 2018 Earlier this year, the Vienna Tourism Board launched an ad campaign to celebrate the anniversary year of Viennese Modernism featuring the work of artist Egon Schiele, who died 100 years ago. The images in question were a selection of Schieles iconic nudes, and the campaign was quickly met with a swift backlash, given regional public nudity laws. Even cities like Hamburg rejected the campaign in its original state. A century after the artists death, his work is still deemed too controversial to be viewed in its uncensored state. The board, rather than scrap the campaign, cheekily censored it, in the process spawning an international dialogue about censorship. Where a hint of pubic hair once was, a pixilated blur appeared. In other variations, a banner covered the indecent flesh in question, reading Sorry, 100 years old but still too daring today. advertisement advertisement The images were accompanied by the hashtag #ToArtItsFreedom. New York also hosted the campaign. Across the city, Schieles censored works appeared on digital bus shelters, newsstands and the subway. The citys campaign differed in one key way: an uncensored hand-painted mural appeared on the southwest corner of Lafayette and Spring Streets in SoHo. To see a Schiele painting is to experience the frenetic energy of ones own flesh. His figures seemingly move on the canvas, refusing to adhere to such simplistic ideas as defined lines or the natural angles of the human body. Schieles figures explode with the brutality of what it feels like to live the human experience. How ironic, then, that we live in a time when violent images are regularly consumed, be it on Twitter, Facebook, cable TV or watching the evening news. People easily access brutal videos, yet Schieles figures still strike a nerve. Why are horrific events consumed so easily, but a painting depicting a naked man, hard angles and electrified hair exploding from his being, considered taboo? One idea: Schieles figures remind viewers they have a body that feels pain. Acknowledging such realities, at a time when people are likely more connected to their smartphones than their upstairs neighbors, breeds empathy. That's a dangerous tool to discover as governing bodies attempt to seize greater control of the media and human bodies themselves. The ad campaign has ended, but Schieles work still features heavily in the Vienna art scene, where much of his artwork is collected. However, this summer, four art shows will open in New York the Neue Galerie, the Met Breuer, W + K Gallery and Galerie St Etienne giving the public a chance to experience the artists work uncensored a century after his death. by Sara Guaglione , June 14, 2018 Bill Nagel is the new publisher of the San Francisco Chronicle. He succeeds Jeff Johnson, who was named president of Hearst Newspapers in February. Nagel previously served as vice president, shared audience for Cox Media Group, where he led a shared services business for four markets. Hearst Newspapers poached another Cox Media Group executive last month, tapping Mark Medici, former vice president of audience and newspaper operations at the company, as executive vice president and Chief Marketing Officer of Hearst Newspapers, a new position. advertisement advertisement Before joining Cox Media Group in 2016, Nagel was executive vice president of marketing-business services at Tribune Publishing. From 2009 to 2013, Nagel was executive vice president of business services at the Los Angeles Times. He was also an executive at San Diego Union-Tribune. Nagel said in a statement that he is excited to return to California. The San Francisco Chronicle is the largest newspaper in Northern California. Hearst acquired the paper in 2000. Hearst president and CEO Steven R. Swartz noted Nagels audience engagement and consumer revenue experience will make him a terrific leader for the newspaper. Hearst Newspapers publishes 24 dailies and 64 weeklies, including the San Francisco Chronicle, Houston Chronicle, The New Haven Register and Albany Times Union. It also owns LocalEdge, which operates digital marketing services and directories businesses. by Wendy Davis @wendyndavis, June 14, 2018 Two New York residents who are suing Turn argue in new court papers that they should be allowed to proceed with allegations that the ad company violated their privacy by using a controversial tracking technology to recreate deleted cookies. Turn -- which previously settled Federal Trade Commission charges related to its tracking technology -- recently argued that its practices were too "mundane" to warrant a federal lawsuit. Anthony Henson and William Cintron are now asking a judge to reject the company's contentions, arguing that Turn's tracking amounted to "serious misconduct." "Turn tracked and compiled data from mobile device users by secretly thwarting industry-standard privacy protections intended to prevent Turns intrusions," they argue in in papers filed Wednesday with U.S. District Court Judge Jeffrey White in Oakland, California. "Turn seeks to minimize its serious misconduct, but actions speak louder than words: within days of its practices being made public, Turn promised to stop them." advertisement advertisement The legal dispute dates to 2015, when Henson and Cintron sued Turn for allegedly violating a New York consumer protection law prohibiting deceptive practices. Their lawsuit came soon after reports emerged that Turn was tracking Verizon Wireless users via "headers" -- 50-character alphanumeric strings -- that the carrier previously injected into all unencrypted mobile traffic. Those headers became known as "supercookies" or "zombie cookies," because they enabled ad companies like Turn to recreate cookies that users delete. Verizon originally said ad networks were not likely to draw on the headers in order to compile profiles of Web users. But in January of 2015, researcher Jonathan Mayer reported that Turn was drawing on Verizon's headers to collect data and send targeted ads to mobile users who delete their cookies. Turn, now owned by Amobee, initially acknowledged Mayer's report, and defended use of the tracking headers. Several days later, the company changed its position and stopped using the tracking headers. Turn recently asked White to dismiss the suit, arguing that its alleged use of "zombie" cookies didn't violate New York's consumer protection laws, and that Henson and Cintron didn't suffer any injury as a result of the alleged tracking and ad-targeting. Henson and Cintron counter in their new papers that a federal judge in New York previously allowed web users to sue over a tracking technology. That matter involved ad company Interclick, which allegedly tracked people via "history-sniffing" technology -- which involved exploiting a vulnerability in browsers to discover which sites users previously clicked on. "The point is not, as Turn repeatedly argues, that Turn delivered advertisements to Plaintiffs," they argue. "The point is that Turn secretly thwarted mobile users privacy safeguards, including affirmative efforts to delete past browsing history and cookies." White is slated to hold a hearing in the case on July 20. New research showcases an innovative method of delivering vaccines straight to our white blood cells, strengthening the immune system against cancer and serious infections. Share on Pinterest Spider silk was the inspiration in a new study that showcases a more effective type of vaccine. Immunotherapy , which is a widely used form of treatment against cancer, boosts the bodys immune system in the fight against tumors. Be it checkpoint inhibitor drugs or adoptive cell transfer, immunotherapy works primarily with T cells, which are a type of white blood cell, or lymphocyte. Largely, our immune systems rely on B lymphocytes and T lymphocytes. The former are active in a variety of infections, whereas the latter must be activated when combating cancer or more serious infections such as tuberculosis. But T cells are more difficult to trigger than B lymphocytes. To activate T cells, healthcare providers must inject a peptide that often deteriorates before reaching its destination. But now, an international team of researchers from different universities across Europe has devised a type of resilient microcapsule that can help to deliver vaccines straight to the core of T cells. The scientists created these microcapsules using an unconventional material: synthetic spider silk. The research was led by Prof. Carole Bourquin, who is a specialist in cancer immunotherapy at the faculties of medicine and science of the University of Geneva in Switzerland. She says, To develop immunotherapeutic drugs effective against cancer, it is essential to generate a significant response of T lymphocytes. As the current vaccines have only limited action on T cells, it is crucial to develop other vaccination procedures to overcome this issue. Advertisement Releasing the Accelerated Plan for Elimination of Lymphatic Filariasis (LF) 2018 for India, he said he was sure the accelerated plan will also expedite the last leap for its elimination.Stating that India will always welcome newer initiatives and research, he said that the strategy to eliminate LF here is based on twin pillars of MDA once in a year for interruption of transmission (no new case) and to cater to the patients already afflicted with the disease.There is urgent need for total integration of different departments to mobilize the community, he said.He also gave GAELF awards to 11 countries -- Cambodia, Cook Islands, Egypt, Maldives, Marshall Islands, Niue, Sri Lanka, Thailand, Togo, Tonga and Vanuatu -- for successfully interrupting the transmission, the Health Ministry said in a statement."I am sure during the three days of deliberations, experts will come out with pragmatic approach towards elimination of LF. There is a need for all stakeholders to work in an integrated manner in order to eliminate lymphatic filariasis as public health problem," said Minister of State for Health Ashwini Kumar Choubey.is one of the oldest and neglected disease, which is currently endemic in 73 countries, including India. It is caused by Wuchereria bancrofti and spread by Culex mosquito, which grows in dirty accumulated water, the ministry said.LF does not kill the affected people, but may cause permanent disfigurement like swelling in the arms and legs, reduced productivity and social stigma. The skin may become thicker and the condition may become painful.GAELF is an alliance of partners from 72 LF endemic national country programmes, NGOs, private sectors, academic and research institutes and international development agencies that assists WHO's Global Programme to Eliminate Lymphatic Filariasis.Source: IANS Advertisement 12.3% of homeless people had a range of autistic 'traits' in line with diagnostic criteria. This is substantially higher than the general population autism prevalence of 1%. It is not clear that this 12% were actually autistic, but the screening suggested that they could be.Writing in the journal, Autism, the researchers said: "If autistic difficulties are common among homeless populations, then this has important implications. Many people are homeless in the United Kingdom; the most recent estimate is that there are almost 5000 rough sleepers at any one point (Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government, 2017), and there is a much larger group of people with no stable accommodation who are termed the 'hidden homeless' (Crisis, 2017). There may therefore be a considerable number of homeless autistic adults who are not having their needs met and who are in an extremely vulnerable position."Alasdair Churchard has a doctorate in Clinical Psychology from University College London and worked on this study alongside Morag Ryder, William Mandy and Andrew Greenhill. He said: "Our research shows that autistic people may be at higher risk of becoming homeless than the general population."It is well-known that life for homeless people is extremely mentally and physically hard, and those who are autistic are likely to have additional vulnerabilities which would only make their lives more difficult."Further research is required in this area, and we have been working with professionals in the homelessness field to raise awareness about the potential links between autism and homelessness."Sarah Lambert, Head of Policy at the National Autistic Society, said: "This is an important and robust study, which suggests that there could be a significant number of autistic adults who are homeless - and potentially living without an understanding of their needs or appropriate support."It's well established that many autistic people struggle to get the support they need and face huge difficulties throughout their lives, including high rates of mental health problems, underemployment and social isolation. We've heard anecdotal reports of autistic adults falling through gaps in support and into homelessness but there's very little research into this or awareness of this as an issue."This is the first peer-reviewed study to provide initial evidence of a link between autism and homelessness and provides an important platform to get to grips with this issue. We now need further research to investigate this link, and to develop the right support for homeless autistic people and to prevent those at risk from falling into homelessness in the first place.""Homeless autistic people have gone unrecognised and unsupported for far too long."Case studyDr. Andrew Greenhill, a clinical psychologist also involved in the research, said: "One person that stands out for me is an older man who had lived on the street for 45 years, in an inner city."He ran away from his family home because his relationship with his father was so poor and physically abusive. He then survived by following a regular routine and sleeping in the same place every night, relying on the food made available at day-centres and drop ins. He refused all professional help or contact, and existed in a 'bubble' whereby he refused all attempts to engage. It was clear that he found social engagement of any kind very distressing and was highly motivated to avoid this."Eventually he was admitted to hospital after it appeared he'd had a stroke, and was unable to care for himself. He eventually accepted a room in a low intensity 'cottage hotel' hostel, where there were few, if any expectations about things like form filling, attending meetings or assessments. He has since managed to maintain his preference for privacy and solitude whilst having his basic needs met, with support workers around to keep an eye on him and to help out if any difficulties arise."Source: Eurekalert A rare fact that many people don't know about noted chef Vikas Khanna is that, every year during the holy month of Ramadan, he fasts for a day to honour and pay his gratitude to a certain Muslim family in Mumbai.During the 1992 riots, when Vikas was new to Mumbai, he had to rush to Ghatkopar to check on his brother. He lost his way around the city when a Muslim family warned him of the rioters and asked him to take shelter in their home. During a time when no one was helping anybody in the city, the family not only gave him shelter but when a few people came knocking on their door, they told them that Vikas was their son. Two days ago, the celebrity chef tweeted that he had managed to track down the same family and was ecstatic about the reunion that awaited him. Heartwarming evening. All Heart. Tears. Pain. Pride. Courage. Humanity. Gratitude. This will be the most significant and important EID of my life. Thank you everyone to connect me with my souls. pic.twitter.com/apdposBSDe Vikas Khanna (@TheVikasKhanna) June 12, 2018 Vikas Khanna has had his fair share of struggles in life which have only humbled him further. The story of his hardships has been captured wonderfully in a movie called 'Buried Seeds'. He truly is destiny's child, if one may put it like that. Whenever something happens, we can always count on the Sikh community to do everything in their power to help. This is not up for debate, it's just a fact. We hear this kind of news all the time and each and every time it needs to be thanked and appreciated. Khalsa Aid Khalsa Aid, a UK-based international NGO, has been serving iftar meals to about 5000 Syrian refugees daily in Lebanon and Iraq during the fasting month of Ramadan. Collaborating with Sawa for Development and Aid, a local Lebanese charity, they have been providing fresh food for a lot people through their 'Ramzan Kitchen'. We are funding #Ramadan Fresh food ( Iftar ) for 5000 #Syrian Refugees daily in Lebanon ! Food is freshly prepared & served. Our thx to our friends @SawaForDev for their wonderful support. #Iftar pic.twitter.com/YYU4lyfglQ Khalsa Aid (@Khalsa_Aid) June 12, 2018 The kitchen has been open for the past five years and donations help fund everything. Along with the food, this initiative also provides a sense of belongingness to all the people who had to flee their homeland. With Eid being a time for a celebration, they are also making refugee kids smile by giving them new clothes and shoes. Eid Gifts for refugee children of #MOSUL. As #Eid approaches many refugee children in a camp near Mosul remain without gifts or smilies. Our volunteers changed all that ! We purchased new shoes for over 500 children Refugees. Smiles are back ! #Ramadan @YasminQureshiMP pic.twitter.com/dUsxGocBJh Khalsa Aid (@Khalsa_Aid) June 13, 2018 Not only they are doing such incredible work but turns out they are the first ones. Khalsa Aid is the first ever cross-border international humanitarian aid organisation based on the Sikh principles. The charity was formed back in 1999 when Ravinder Singh, the founder and CEO of Khalsa Aid, saw the plight of refugees from Kosovo and decided to take action. We are funding #Ramadan food for #Syrian refugees in Lebanon all next week. We are once again working with our friends @SawaForDev to assist the refugees. #RefugeeWeek2018 pic.twitter.com/LVZzIdPndd Khalsa Aid (@Khalsa_Aid) June 11, 2018 He also remembers the incident where his great organisation was targeted by the right wing in India just because they were in Bangladesh to feed the Rohingya Muslims. He said, As soon as we started, and our volunteers from India landed in Bangladesh, the right-wing groups in India started posting pictures of Sikh guys and Rohingya refugee children, and you know what they were posting? This was a concentrated effort to undermine our work - big snake feeding a small snake! Khalsa Aid Despite all unwarranted hate, they kept on doing the good work and the pictures are proof that this kind of selflessness and generosity is much needed in the world. DECKERVILLE An executed search warrant led to the arrest of a 32-year-old Deckerville man at a home in the village. According to the Sanilac County Drug Task Force, authorities responded around 10:17 a.m. June 6 to a residence on Pine Street with an authorized search warrant for illegal drugs. Seized during the raid were drugs, including Fentanyl, Suboxone, Diazepam, and several other prescription drugs not prescribed to the occupants of the home. Investigators also removed evidence connected to heroin use, sales and other illegal drug issues. UBLY An investigation into alleged misuse of funds by a former Ubly village official ended without charges. The Michigan Attorney Generals Office forwarded a complaint against former Ubly Village President David Jaroch to St. Clair County Prosecutor Michael D. Wendling to review for possible charges. Wendling determined the allegations were unfounded. The investigation stemmed from a disagreement over money spent on a section of sidewalk allegedly without council approval in October. I have reviewed the information and made the ultimate decision on it. We did not file charges on the matter, Wendling said. We reviewed the evidence that was provided by the investigating agency. We felt it did not meet the statute they were requesting a charge for so there are no charges being filed. Jaroch learned the case was closed only after he was contacted by Huron Daily Tribune this week for comment. Im disappointed in the fact that I wasnt contacted during any of this," Jaroch told the Tribune. "I only knew what is going on from what I read in the newspaper. I read there is an investigation going on, and then a state (trooper) showed up a few months later asking questions for five minutes. That is the only contact." I want to thank the newspaper for covering this. All of the information that Ive gotten about this and what is going on has been from the paper," he added. "Its not fair to the person being charged to not be kept informed and have to learn about what is happening by reading the paper. The investigation started when a sidewalk expense was called to the attention of the Ubly Police Department, which turned over the investigation to the Michigan State Police (MSP) to avoid any conflict of interest. The charge that was investigated was the unauthorized use of public funds or inappropriate use of funds. MSP Detective Jeff Hook completed the investigation. He turned the information over to Huron County Prosecutor Timothy J. Rutkowski, who in turn forwarded it to the state's Attorney General's Office because he was related to one of the council members. The attorney generals office turned it over to the St. Clair County Prosecutor's Office for review. Once we reviewed the case, there wasnt any evidence of personal enrichment, or personal benefit to the person (Jaroch) who made the decision, said Wendling. There was no unlawful benefit. It was a decision in the course of management." The only real question was, 'Did he have authorization to make that decision?' Whether he did or didnt, it isnt a criminal matter. It is an internal political matter," he added. The controversial sidewalk is less than half a block long. It is along Garfield Street between Main and Bingham streets. There is a sidewalk in front of the bank and its parking lot, and to the north there is a driveway. From that driveway to the corner is where the new sidewalk was added. That new section of sidewalk helps those walking back and forth from the park so they dont have to walk in the street. When the issue started, Jaroch explained he had told Department of Public Works supervisor a sidewalk would be nice to have along Garfield Street, and his suggestion was taken literally because the sidewalk was built. The legal review started when a council member questioned spending roughly $224 on a sidewalk, and the amount spent for sand that brought the total cost to $4,000. Because of the brouhaha over the sidewalk, Jaroch resigned in March. Im glad this is over, but Im disappointed because the village was in the process of doing a lot of different projects that were started but stopped, and we lost some really good council members during this," he said. When Jaroch resigned so did other council members. And, we have a new DPW supervisor now that last one retired quickly and unexpectedly with two weeks notice, Jaroch said. There is rebuilding to do. There is not much experience left on the council, and there are a lot ins and outs to learn. Last fall, the popular Google Flights fare search tool received a long-anticipated facelift. The world's largest search engine - and an excellent portal for finding cheap flights - implemented a new interface, adding a few visual and technical upgrades while keeping nearly everything else. However, there is a definite learning curve getting accustomed to the new interface, leading many users to revert to the previous version via a small link on the bottom of the page. Google took away that link last month, which means fare searchers have to embrace the new tool, or find another one. But who wants to give up on the power that Google Flights brings to fare search? Not me! Since I'm crawling slowly out of the learning curve, I've asked Jared Kamrowski, Founder / CEO of the helpful flight deal email service, Thrifty Traveler, to help shed some light on the new interface. Below is his guest post. --Chris As a power user of Google Flights who finds some of the best flight deals on a daily basis, I can confidently tell you that you should embrace change and use the revamped Google Flights search engine. Let's cover the top five reasons Google Flights should be your go-to flight search engine. 1- Improved Calendar Google Flights One of the most underreported improvements is how Google Flights identifies the cheapest dates. Previously, Google only searched the two months chosen in the calendar viewer to find the cheapest dates and highlighted them in green. The new version now searches all 11 months available to highlight the cheapest flights on a given route. This is a major improvement since you'll be able to quickly isolate the cheapest time to fly available all year long, rather than over a two-month span. Since half the battle in scoring cheap flights is flying at the right time, this new feature is a major asset. 2- Basic Economy Filter Google Flights Basic Economy fares have slowly snuck into almost every domestic and international fare we try to book. Airlines big and small are charging extra for so-called amenities like seat selection and carry-on luggage - the basics that we once got for free. And worst of all, airlines are charging the same for these bare bones fares as we previously paid for a normal economy ticket. Consumers had it rough when these fares first started to spread, as there was no easy way to filter out basic economy fares when searching for flights. That changed in April, when Google Flights rolled out a "Bags" filter to remove any fares that don't include overhead bin access. This new feature filters out most basic economy fares except Delta, the only major domestic airline whose basic economy includes free carry-on bags. I can't imagine the airlines are a fan of this filter, but it's a must for all cheap flight-loving gurus. 3- Price Alerts Google Flights There's an old myth that the cheapest day to book a flight is on a Tuesday. The reality isn't quite so simple: The best day to book a flight is the day you find a cheap fare. Luckily, Google Flights price alerts makes that easy. It may not be a new feature, but it's key to booking the cheapest flight possible. Once you've decided on your itinerary, you'll be given the option to track the price at the bottom of the page, Once that's active, you'll receive emails with price change information. This works especially well when your travel dates are not flexible. One small caveat: you'll need a Gmail account to track prices. Google continues to refine this feature and it's one of our favorite ways to monitor flight pricing in the days, weeks, or months leading up to a flight. When Google sends you an email alert notification that prices have dropped, it may be time to book. 4- Legrooms Extension Google Flights Legrooms is a free Chrome Extension that provides valuable info on legroom for your next flight. If you're spending a significant amount of time onboard an aircraft, you know how important an extra inch or two of legroom can be. The Legrooms extension will tell you whether the aircraft will have WiFi, what the aircraft type is, and what the legroom is. Always go for aircraft which feature a minimum of 31-32 inches of seat pitch and never settle for anything less. Avoid Spirit, whose seats have just 29 inches of legroom. On the flipside, go for a roomier seat on airlines such as jetBlue which provides around 34 inches of pitch. 5- Stop Clearing Your Cookies Google Flights does not collect cookies and increase prices after several visits. I see so-called "travel hackers" frequently post how it's imperative that you clear your cookies before searching for flights. I can unequivocally tell you that if you are searching with Google Flights, then cookies will not impact your fare pricing. What you see is what you get, regardless of how many times you've searched for a flight. Once you find a cheap fare through Google Flights, follow the prompts and book directly with the airline. Booking through Expedia or Priceline also won't be impacted by cookies if you get there via Google Flights. Bottom Line Google Flights is the most powerful flight search tool. If you're new to Google Flights, check out our step-by-step guide which highlights some of the best tips & tricks to book the cheapest flight possible. With its new facelift and familiar features, Google Flights is leaps and bounds better than any other flight searching tool. And it's the key ingredient in what makes our Thrifty Traveler Premium flight deal subscription service such a powerful and easy-to-use service. We recommend giving Google Flights a shot. Your wallet will thank you. -Jared Kamrowski, Thrifty Traveler Which fare search tool or site do you use most often? Why? What do you think of the new Google flights? Please leave your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page. Read all recent TravelSkills posts here Get twice-per-week updates from TravelSkills via email! Sign up here Chris McGinnis is the founder of TravelSkills.com. The author is solely responsible for the content above, and it is used here by permission. You can reach Chris at chris@travelskills.com or on Twitter @cjmcginnis. Are you a frequent flyer whos been thinking about shifting your loyalty to another airline? If Southwest is on your radar, now is a great time to do it. Elite benefits definitely come in handy during peak summer travel season! Southwest is currently offering an elite status promotion, providing A-List status in its Rapid Rewards program to elite members of other airlines loyalty programs. To take advantage of the promotion, you have to provide Southwest with your name, Rapid Rewards number, and proof of elite status at another airline by attaching a screen shot from your account at that airline. Details and a link to register are here, or you can register by email. If youre not a Rapid Rewards member, you have to join. If youre already a member, look for a targeted email inviting you to participate. There is one catch the promotional A-List status, once you receive it, is good for just 90 days (very helpful during the summer travel crush!) To have it extended for 12 months, participants will have to rack up three roundtrips or six one-way flights on Southwest within 90 days of enrollment. A-List status in Rapid Rewards entitles members to priority boarding, priority check-in and security lane access, a dedicated customer phone line, free same-day standby, and a 25 percent points earning bonus. Normally, Rapid Rewards A-List status requires a member to take 25 one-way flights or earn 35,000 tier-qualifying points in a calendar year. Frequent flyers are likely familiar with other airline status match offers. For example, Delta SkyMiles has an option called the Medallion Status Match Challenge for those with elite status in another airline's program: Delta offers elite status for three months to give you a taste of the benefits and then extends your status beyond that point if you fly a certain amount. Alaska Airlines has a similar offer. Hotel chains are in on the act, too-- one that is nearly always available it Best Western's "Status Match No Catch" promotion. Are you an A-List member or want to be? Why? Please leave your thoughts in the comments. Read all recent TravelSkills posts here Get twice-per-week updates from TravelSkills via email! Sign up here Chris McGinnis is the founder of TravelSkills.com. The author is solely responsible for the content above, and it is used here by permission. You can reach Chris at chris@travelskills.com or on Twitter @cjmcginnis. MIDDLETOWN A student at Macdonough Elementary School has solved a Rubiks Cube in record time. As part of the team that participated in the Waterford Rubiks Cube Competition, Jackson Drew solved a three-by-three-inch puzzle June 11 in 56.2 seconds during the solo portion of the competition, according to a press release. Drew, the son of Mayor Dan Drew and his wife Kate, is ranked second in Connecticut among elementary school students at You CAN Do the Rubiks Cube competitions during the 2017-18 school year. We decided to offer a Rubiks Cube after-school program after I noticed that Jackson was getting other students interested in learning about the cube. Using and memorizing the Algorithms needed to solve the cube is a great extension of our STEM focus at Macdonough, John Ferrero, STEM teacher at Macdonough School, said in a prepared statement. His speed has earned Drew Elite Cuber status and a top spot in the You CAN Do the Rubiks Cube Speed League, the release continued. During the timed competition, teams of eight students work collectively to solve 25 Rubiks Cubes in the fastest time. Members of teams who solve the handheld puzle in under two minutes could also compete in solo events to solve one cube in the fastest time. The Speed League is the national leaderboard of the fastest elementary, middle and high school teams and solo competitors in the country who have solved the Rubiks Cube during You CAN Do the Rubiks Cube competitions. The leaderboard shows the rank, school and time of the fastest teams and solo competitors. Results can be filtered by event, state, date and/or division. Visit YouCanDoTheCube.com for Speed League results and to learn more about participating in or hosting a competition. MIDDLETOWN A serendipitous meeting between a local veteran and Vietnamese student at a recent Memorial Day parade has led to a friendship Jerry Augustine is convinced may become a lifelong bond. The Vietnam veteran was wearing his Disabled American Veterans uniform a couple weeks ago at the procession in Cromwell and was approached by Sister Mary Oanh Nguyen, who is studying English at Holy Apostles College and Seminary in Cromwell. They have been in Connecticut for eight months and plan to return home to teach the language after eight years at the seminary. The two got to talking and exchanged email addresses. Shortly afterward, Augustine invited her to attend the Russell Library veterans writing group he has been a member of since its inception six years ago. He laughed when recalling her enthusiasm. She emailed back, asking Can I bring four of my friends and my teacher? The young women sang two songs from their homeland. The first we sang in Latin, the Salve Regina. It is a song to Mary, the mother of Jesus. This song is important to us because we always sing this song at night in our communities and we remember Mary and ask her to pray for us, Nguyen said Thursday by email. The other song we sang in Vietnamese. It is a song of thanksgiving. It is a song of giving thanks to God for everything that has happened in our lives. That song is called Khuc Cam Ta, she said. It was like being in a concert hall, Augustine said. The visit brought back positive memories of interactions between the veterans and the Vietnamese people they met during their tours, writing group co-leader Liz Petry, who is married to Larry Riley, a Vietnam vet and commander of American Legion Post 75, said by email. The veterans group, which has drawn a number of area vets over the years, received a grant from the Community Foundation of Middlesex County to publish their stories. Petry leads the veteran writers with librarian Christy Billings. Petry marveled at the womens melodious voices and ineffable harmonies. The emotion they conveyed made me cry, and the veterans were obviously moved, too. Everyone used a map to compare places where the men had been stationed with the villages where the sisters grew up. The veterans also were fascinated by the description of changes in the country that Saigon is no longer a beautiful city and that the government is slowly relaxing its restrictions on religious practice, Petry said. While younger, Augustine, a military vehicle enthusiast who also writes for Garage Magazine, won both the Mr. New England and Mr. Northeast America competitions, something, along with running, he took up to help him ease repercussions he feels from combat decades ago. He ran to the top of the Empire State Building nearly 10 times, said Augustine, who spoke from Trumbull where he was preparing to row and kayak. I had such an interesting experience while I was in Vietnam that I just want to get it all down, said Augustine, who is working on a biography. It had a devastating effect on my family life. I have to get this all out, he said. The seminary students were delighted to meet the men, Nguyen said. We were also surprised because we did not expect that they would remember so much about their time in Vietnam. We saw that each person had different emotions when we talked to them about when they served in the war in Vietnam, she said. We noticed from their photographs how much they loved the children they met in Vietnam. We were very surprised when one man spoke to us in Vietnamese that he could still remember and speak Vietnamese to us, Nguyen added. Writer Harvey Goldstein, who retired from the Air Force after serving in Vietnam as an airman first class, tried communicating with the women. I tried to speak to (the sisters) in Vietnamese, but, unfortunately, my dialect and their dialects arent the same. They probably understood about 25 to 30 percent of what I said. Theyre pretty well-versed in English, but some of them are having more difficulty than others, said the Branford resident. Goldstein has been putting his thoughts to paper for 50 years since high school. I dont know many things well (but) Ive always written well, he said. He and his photographer brother had a studio in Middletown for some time and Goldstein, who grew up in Middletown, spent his career editing various photography publications in the area. Already, his and others friendships have paid dividends. The members were slated to attend an end-of-school-year party Thursday night during which the women planned to cook Vietnamese dishes, something Goldstein and Augustine are excited about. I was in Cayman Province, 35 miles northwest of Saigon, near the Cambodian border, right on the Ho Chi Minh trail. Our mission was to stop the infiltrating coming down from North Vietnam down toward the capitol city in 1966-67, said Augustine, who retired as a specialist fourth class. I have so many stories to tell. I almost lost my life six times, he said. A bomb landed on his foot but didnt explode. Turned out, it was a dud. The (enemy) could have just shot me from a hole in the ground where they were, things like that, Augustine said. I was inside a well, underwater luckily my sergeant pulled me back out. I had 50 pounds of gear on me. I feel I had a guardian angel, and got to come home. Theres a reason for me to be here because now I help out veterans, he added. Stories such as these and others allow the veterans to express their feelings through the written word. Members are given a prompt and 30 minutes of writing. The next week, each reads his work. They meet Thursdays at 6:30 p.m. at the Russell Library, 123 Broad St., Middletown. All are welcome. For information, visit russelllibrary.org or call 860-347-2528. Managing Editor Cassandra Day can be reached at cassandra.day @hearstmediact.com or Twitter @cassandrasdis. Based on the suggestion of Victor Morris of Hartford, Conn., the Continental Congress' adopted a U.S. flag design on June 14, 1777. Almost a century and a half later, in 1916, President Woodrow Wilson issued a proclamation that officially made June 14 the day to observe Flag Day. In August 1946, National Flag Day was established by an Act of Congress, according to Wikipedia. The Family Business Council - Gulf (FBCG), a leading membership organisation for GCC family businesses, has announced the appointment of Omar K Alghanim as its new chairman of the Board of Directors. Alghanim will succeed Abdulaziz Abdulla Al Ghurair, the founder of the organisation who served as chairman of the board since April 2013. Al Ghurair will continue to sit on the board to support the organisation and provide advisory support on the strategic direction. Al Ghurair said: We are proud of the Family Business Council Gulfs accomplishments over the last five years. With the support of the Board of Directors and FBCG founding members, we have built an organisation capable of effectively addressing the challenges of GCC family businesses. With a clear vision in place, an exciting future lies ahead for the organisation. We welcome our new Chairman to continue this journey, and we wish him all the best in shaping the future of FBCG. Alghanim, CEO of Alghanim Industries and chairman of Gulf Bank, has served as a board member of FBCG and has been part of the executive committee of the board since the organisations establishment in 2013. Alghanim said: I am honoured to have been selected by the FBCG Board of Directors to serve as Chairman, and to work alongside these talented and visionary industry leaders. His Excellency Abdulaziz Abdullah Al Ghurair has left behind a strong and long-lasting legacy, for which we are all grateful. His dedication and leadership have played an instrumental role in successfully launching a productive platform for GCC family businesses. Moving forward, I know we can continue to count on his guidance and support. Weve accomplished a lot over the past five years and well be building on these successes as we move ahead. But family businesses represent a significant part of the GCC economy, and if our work has taught us anything, its that there are real challenges. To succeed in our mandate, we will maintain a sharp focus on continuity, collaboration, knowledge sharing and fostering strategic relationships among our members, he added. TradeArabia News Service When you're in an airport, you typically want to get out of there and on your way, fast. But if you're stuck waiting for a flight, at least you want the airport's free Wi-Fi to be fast. Ookla, which makes the popular Speedtest.net app for gauging Wi-Fi and cellular data speeds, gathered data on airports in the United States and Canada with free Wi-Fi between January and April of this year. The company did a similar survey in 2017, so they could also see which airports' Wi-Fi had improved in speed, and which had faltered. Drive time: PC Mag ranks Houston's 4G mobile networks Unfortunately, Houston's Bush Intercontinental Airport didn't do so well, coming in at No. 16 with download speeds of 14.53 megabits a second. Its upload speed was faster, at 20.89 Mbps, which should make sending airport selfies a snap. Ookla IAH's download speeds were a slight improvement over 2017, when they were measured at 13.64 Mbps. (Hobby Airport wasn't included in the survey.) Even though those speeds aren't as fast as many other airports, they are actually faster than they are supposed to be. That's because the speed of the Wi-Fi networks at both IAH and Hobby is set at 8 Mbps for both uploads and downloads, according to Houston Airport System spokesman Bill Begley. That Ookla got significantly faster speeds two years running is a mystery. "We guarantee 8 Mbps to make sure that everyone has an opportunity to use the free Wi-Fi," Begley said. "For today's travelers, Wi-Fi is kind of like water. It's not a luxury, it's a necessity." He said the airport recent doubled the overall bandwidth at the airport to meet demand. "About the only thing you really can't do on our network is stream 4K video," Begley said. Ookla spokesperson Adriane Blum said the data comes from "real people" using the Speedtest app in airports. "For this piece, our analysis was isolated to Wi-Fi tests taken on the SSID [or Wi-Fi network name] identified as [IAH's] public network," Blum said. Tests run on cellular networks or private hotspots weren't included. Top honors in the survey went to Seattle-Tacoma International Airport, which had a whopping download speed of 103 Mbps, and an even more impressive upload speed 155.93 Mbps. How to: Improve the Wi-Fi reception in your home The most-improved was Atlanta's Hartsfield-Jackson International Airport, which went from a piddling 2.68 Mbps download speed in 2017 to 59.62 Mbps this year. That's a 2,124 percent increase. Ookla Dwight Silverman is the technology editor for the Houston Chronicle and the grillmaster for the TechBurger tech news site. Follow him on Twitter and Facebook. Get more tasty tech news at TechBurger. And follow us on Twitter and Facebook. Subscribe to the Chronicle for regular access to TechBurger stories and to be able to comment. ASGC, one of the leading construction groups in the UAE, is expanding a number of its internal training and development initiatives to keep its growing workforce on the cutting edge of technological and engineering advancements. Recent reports suggest that sentiment around the future of the UAEs construction industry has improved year-on-year, with the Gulfs largest construction markets determined to grow in 2018, said a statement from the company. At the same time, the UAEs construction industry is rapidly evolving. The Fourth Industrial Revolution and digital automation are already influencing the skills and types of jobs required of todays workforce, it stated. According to ASGC, this is creating a skills gap in the way that technical professionals across the region approach project planning, execution and supervision within the construction industry. Building on global best practices, the company is therefore placing additional investments into a number of programmes for continuous learning and development, it added. One of these is the ASGC Employee Academy, which first launched in 2017 to provide young, talented construction professionals across each of the companys departments with the education needed to help them progress more rapidly. Selected individuals participating in the academy programme adopt their own passion projects which include the development of ideas, innovations and technologies that enhance ASGCs operations, processes and procedures steering the organisation towards boosting efficiency and growth, said the statement from ASGC. In addition, the company has recently launched an ASGC Labour Academy, which is an independent facility owned by ASGC and is fully equipped for all kind of trade and HSE training. The academy is now operational and is helping in skill upgradation of more than 200 workers per month covering various trades with a target to reach the full capacity of 400 plus trained workers per month by the end of 2018, it stated. The emirati construction group also hosts various HSE (health, safety and environment) training programmes in line with the projects requirements. The aim of the Labour Academy is to provide development programmes that improve the capabilities and skills of ASGCs workforce while at the same time opening doors to career progression, it stated. In the area of academia, ASGC has also bolstered its post-graduate education programme, which have been running for several years. Under this programme, ASGC covers the cost of the post-graduate degree tuition fees - whether it is in engineering, finance, HR or other related field, said its top official. "As the UAE transitions towards a knowledge-based economy, the construction field is also evolving so that projects can be done smarter and more efficiently than ever before," remarked CEO Bishoy Azmy. Across the industry this means a shift in skill sets required. It is our responsibility to ensure that the workforce of the future not only has the necessary skills for employment, but the ability to make a meaningful contribution to the wider community, he added.-TradeArabia News Service The above image is being widely circulated by American news media, who report that it's taken from a North Korean state media documentary on President Donald Trump's meeting with Kim Jong Un in Singapore. See the video for yourself. In the video, Trump offers to shake the general's hand. The general salutes the president. Trump salutes back. Medal of Honor recipient Col. Jack Jacobs criticized the president's aides on NBC News, calling Trump's salute a "reflexive action." Jacobs said, "If I had been his military aide I would have told him, 'They're going to salute you, but don't return the salute, just move smartly down the line.'" What do you make of this? Should the Leader of the Free World ever salute a foreign military figure? How do our Korean War veterans feel about image? Or do you think that (yet again) Trump's military veteran critics are making a big deal out of nothing? Sound Off! We celebrate the Armys Birthday on June 14 to commemorate the Continental Congress 1775 resolution to create a united fighting force for the thirteen colonies in the war against Great Britain. Created over a year before the Congress declared independence, the Army served as a unifying symbol for the colonies even before the nation was officially formed. With the new nation emerging victorious in 1783, the fate of its Army remained fragile. The important story of how the nations nascent government defined the Armys role in times of peace and conflict and established the Army we know today will be one of many stories told at the future National Museum of the United States Army (NMUSA), located at Fort Belvoir, Virginia. Whether to maintain a standing army following the Revolutionary Wars end in 1783 was a significant issue for the new nation, some Americans believed in the necessity of a permanent army to ensure national security, while others considered the force not only expensive, but a threat to the newly formed government. In the Foundations of the Army exhibit, located in NMUSAs Founding the Nation Gallery, visitors will explore the issues surrounding this important debate which culminated during the Constitutional Convention of 1787. Visitors will learn about the stipulations written in the U.S. Constitution that granted Congress the power to raise and regulate an army, while naming the President as Commander-in-Chief of the Army. Through this system of checks and balances, no single person would have sole control of the new nations armed forces. The exhibit will explain that the U.S. Army is governed by the delicate relationship between Congress and the President, and therefore it cannot legally take action in its own accord. Having an army during peacetime was a major point of contention during the early years of our nations founding. In the exhibit, visitors will learn about the ongoing debate of the time to determine the Armys future. Because of the sometimes tenuous relationship between the states, particularly in the nations infancy, representatives from different states believed that individual state militias would be more than sufficient in providing defense against outside threats. While the Constitution does not require the maintenance of an army at all times, the U.S. Army has remained an important part of the nations history, its size and influence fluctuating based on the demand in times of peace or times of conflict. The Foundations of the Army exhibit will also highlight the Newburgh Conspiracy, an important moment in the American and Army history. In March of 1783, Army officers, disgruntled for not being paid, met at Newburgh, New York, to take action against Congress. Army officers were considering mutiny against the new government, but General George Washington intervened and convinced them to pledge their loyalty to the government. This event came to represent the concept of civilian authority over the armed forces which remains a fundamental value in America today. The exhibit will explore the many important issues the new nation grappled with in forming a new government and maintaining a national army. The compromises made during this crucial period of American history continue to impact the Army today. As we celebrate the Armys 243rd Birthday we can appreciate the Armys lasting legacy throughout our nations history. The National Museum of the United States Army will preserve this storied history for generations to come. To learn more about the Army Historical Foundations campaign to build the National Museum of the United States Army, visit www.armyhistory.org. Emily C.R. George is the Army Historical Foundations Editor and Media Manager. Army Gen. Vincent Brooks met Secretary of State Mike Pompeo's plane in South Korea on Wednesday to get a briefing on what President Donald Trump meant by freezing joint military exercises and broaching the possibility of a withdrawal of U.S. forces. Brooks, who is triple-hatted as commander of U.S. Forces Korea, the U.S.-South Korea Combined Forces Command, and the United Nations Command, was in need of "guidance," as his staff put it in a carefully worded statement Tuesday. Brooks, who is expected to step down later this summer as commander in South Korea, was on the tarmac as Pompeo's plane landed at Osan Air Base, south of Seoul. In remarks to reporters traveling with him, and at a later news conference, Pompeo said Trump had ordered a cessation of joint military exercises with Republic of Korea (ROK) forces, but added they would resume if North Korea fails to show good faith in upcoming denuclearization talks. U.S. and South Korean forces recently concluded the annual Foal Eagle joint exercises and were preparing for the annual Ulchi Freedom Guardian exercises later this summer. Last year, Ulchi Freedom Guardian involved about 50,000 ROK and more than 17,000 U.S. troops. In response to Trump's announcement Tuesday of a cessation of the exercises, U.S. Forces Korea put out a statement: "In coordination with our ROK [South Korean] partners, we will continue with our current military posture until we receive updated guidance from the Department of Defense and/or Indo-Pacific Command." Pompeo was not asked, and did not comment, on how the freeze on joint exercises might affect the traditional "fight tonight" readiness of the 28,500 troops in U.S. Forces Korea. The freeze on exercises was not included in the joint declaration by Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un after the Singapore summit, which ended Tuesday, but Pompeo said Trump discussed it in his closed meetings with Kim. Trump "made very clear that the condition precedent for the exercises not to proceed was a productive, good-faith negotiations being ongoing and, at the point it's concluded that they're not, the president's commitment to not have those joint exercises take place will no longer be in effect," he said. Pompeo said he expects talks with the North Koreans to resume next week. Trump will be providing overall direction, but "I will be the person who takes the role of driving this process forward," he said. Pompeo also expressed confidence that significant progress could be made in dismantling North Korea's nuclear and ballistic missile programs before Trump's first term ends. At a news conference before leaving Singapore, Trump said, "Under the circumstances that we're negotiating a very comprehensive complete deal, I think it's inappropriate to have war games. "It is something that [North Korea] very much appreciated," he said of the cessation. In addition, "the war games are very expensive." Trump also speculated on the possibility of withdrawing U.S. troops from South Korea. "I want to get our soldiers out. I want to bring our soldiers back home," he said, "but that's not part of the equation right now. I hope it will be eventually." Trump's freeze on the exercises was hailed in North Korea but caused concern in Seoul and in Japan. "For now, there still is a need to find out the exact meaning and intention of President Trump's remarks," said Kim Eui-kyeom, a spokesman for South Korean President Moon Jae-in. However, he said, "We believe there is a need to consider various ways to further promote dialogue as long as serious discussions are being held between the United States and North Korea for the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula and establishment of peace." Moon has called a meeting of his National Security Council for Thursday to discuss the implications of the freeze and "follow-up measures to implement the agreement reached at the summit," his spokesman said. Japanese Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera said Wednesday that the joint military exercises are "vital" to regional security. "We would like to seek an understanding of this between Japan, the U.S. and South Korea," he added. In glowing coverage of Kim Jong Un's performance at the Singapore summit, North Korea's official Korean Central News Agency noted Trump's use of the term "provocative" in referring to the joint military exercises. North Korea has long called the exercises a "provocation" and practice for an invasion. KCNA said Kim returned to Pyongyang aboard a plane provided by China to "enthusiastic and passionate" greetings for "steering the geopolitical situations surrounding the Korean Peninsula and opening a new chapter in relations between North Korea and the U.S. with energetic external activities." Kim stressed the importance of Trump's move to suspend military exercises as a "bold decision on halting irritating and hostile military actions," KCNA said. KCNA and Rodong Sinmun, the Workers Party newspaper, also suggested that the North would take a "step-by-step" approach on disarmament while expecting quick action on the lifting of sanctions. "Kim Jong Un clarified the stand that if the U.S. side takes genuine measures for building trust in order to improve the [Democratic People's Republic of Korea]-U.S. relationship, the DPRK, too, can continue to take additional goodwill measures [in the] next stage commensurate with them," KCNA said. China, North Korea's ally, called the Singapore summit a success and appeared to favor a go-slow approach on denuclearization. "The results of the DPRK-U.S. summit are a correct and important step to achieve denuclearization," Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said at a press briefing. "The issues concerning the Korean Peninsula are both unique and complex. It is hard to solve them overnight." In a series of Tweets on Wednesday, Trump touted his success at the summit and declared that the nation was no longer under threat from nuclear attack by North Korea. "Just landed -- a long trip, but everybody can now feel much safer than the day I took office. There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea," he wrote. "Before taking office people were assuming that we were going to War with North Korea," Trump said. "President Obama said that North Korea was our biggest and most dangerous problem. No longer -- sleep well tonight!" He dismissed charges that he made concessions to Kim while getting little in return as "Fake News." -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. Sailors who refuse the shot can be reassigned while their cases are heard, and will not be promoted or given any other orders... The drug trade in Afghanistan, which helps fund the insurgency and impedes reconstruction efforts, has grown stronger despite billions of dollars spent by the U.S. to fight it, a government watchdog said Thursday. The Special Inspector General for Afghanistan Reconstruction, or SIGAR, said in a report that the U.S. needed a new strategy to fight drugs in the country. It also questioned the military's latest counternarcotics endeavor, which includes a U.S. and Afghan air campaign targeting Taliban drug labs. SIGAR said while similar campaigns achieved short-term tactical successes in the past, they "only had limited impact on longer-term efforts to dismantle drug trafficking networks and cut off financing for the insurgency." "Ultimately, it is unclear whether targeting drug labs through an aerial bombing campaign is cost-effective or strategically wise," the watchdog's report said, adding that if the strikes mistakenly caused civilian deaths, they could alienate rural populations and strengthen the insurgency. No program initiated by the United States has resulted in a lasting reduction in poppy cultivation or opium production, the report said. When the U.S. and its allies intervened in Afghanistan in late 2001, poppy cultivation was at a historic low. Last year, cultivation jumped by 63 percent from the year before to a record high of about 1,265 square miles, or more than 20 times the land area of Washington, D.C., according to the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime. The country currently produces about 90 percent of the world's illicit opium. "To put it bluntly, these numbers spell failure," SIGAR boss John Sopko said Thursday at the report's launch at the Washington-based think tank New America. "We must do a better job if we want to mitigate the ways that the drug trade undermines our goals in Afghanistan." Not only has the U.S.'s counternarcotics work been expensive -- costing $8.6 billion between 2002 and 2017 -- but many American troops, contractors and Afghan civilians have been killed or wounded in related missions, the report said. Land controlled or contested by the Taliban, like that used for poppy cultivation, has reached an all-time high since 2001, according to official figures. The insurgents are now said to control or contest 44 percent of the country's 407 districts. "It is simply unrealistic to expect significant progress from counternarcotics efforts without being able to exert reasonable and persistent levels of control over land area and transport routes," Sopko said. U.S. Forces-Afghanistan has said the purpose of the strikes is to cut off Taliban revenue, not fight the drug trade itself. Those attacks have included American B-52 and F-22 aircraft and Afghan A-29s, as well as high-mobility artillery rocket systems, aircraft carrier-based F/A-18s, aircraft for inflight refueling and joint surveillance radar systems. "Operating these aircraft costs anywhere from $9,798 per hour for an F/A-18 to $35,294 per hour for an F-22," SIGAR said. "Destroyed labs, on the other hand, are quickly and easily replaced with minimal cost." USFOR-A estimates that 20 percent of total narcotics revenue ends up in Taliban hands. SIGAR said better intelligence is needed to disrupt financial flows to insurgent and terrorist groups. The watchdog called on the U.S. director of national intelligence to annually assess funding obtained by the insurgency from the drug trade, which would help to develop better polices to cut off the financing. The SIGAR report said a new U.S. counternarcotics strategy should include promoting legal work options for rural communities and fighting drug-related corruption within the Afghan government. It also recommended eradication efforts be focused in government-controlled areas to increase the likelihood of lasting reductions in poppy cultivation and reduce the risk of alienating rural communities. "The findings of todays report may be a bit depressing," Sopko said Thursday, "but in the long run, we need to face the facts and build upon them to improve the future." One fateful evening in 1974 after dropping his girlfriend at home in Shelby County, Alabama, Bob Trainor heard a U.S. Coast Guard radio ad that would change his life. "Within those 60 seconds, I was hooked," said Trainor. "I visited the recruiter the next day and within a couple of months was on my way to Alameda, California." Trainor decided to join the United States Coast Guard because he wanted to drive boats and save lives. Little did he know at the time he was about to become a life-long "Black Hull" sailor who would help maintain the U.S. Aids to Navigation (ATON) system, the buoys and beacons that help to keep mariners and the U.S. economy on course. The U.S. Coast Guard maintains over 48,000 buoys and beacons across more than 25,000 miles of the U.S. navigable waterways that make up the U.S. Marine Transportation System (MTS). The Coast Guard ATON system mitigates maritime transit risks by promoting the safe, economic and efficient movement of vessel traffic. The U.S. MTS contributes more than $4.6 trillion to the U.S. economy annually. "Joining the ATON community was blind luck but once assigned to the Coast Guard buoy tender Rambler (WLIC-298) in 1975 out of Mobile, Alabama, I never looked back," said Trainor, who was born in White Plains, New York, and raised in upstate New York and Massachusetts before moving to Alabama, while still in high school. Trainor served 24 of his 31 active duty years in the Coast Guard's ATON mission. Of his 18 years of sea duty, he served on seven different ATON cutters and two Aids to Navigation Teams, including two commanding officer tours and one officer in charge tour. From the Gulf Coast to the Pacific Northwest to the East Coast, he traveled thousands of miles and helped maintain thousands of the buoys and beacons that safely guide mariners transiting the MTS. Early in his career on the Corpus Christi-based construction tender Anvil (WLIC-75301), Trainor and his crewmates demonstrated the multi-mission capabilities of ATON cutters following the 1979 blowout of a Campeche Bay, Mexico, oil rig. Working from sunup to sundown for six weeks, the Anvil crew set oil containment booms across many of the inlets along the coast to protect Texas wetlands. ATON units also perform search-and-rescue missions. While on the Seattle-based seagoing buoy tender Fir (WLB-213), then Chief Petty Officer Trainor and Chief Warrant Officer Tom Murray rescued a man and his young son who were stranded on a rock island in Deception Pass, Washington, after their boat crashed into pieces on the rocks. While serving as the commanding officer of the Coast Guard Cutter Sledge (WLIC-75303), a Baltimore-based construction tender, Trainor helped to restore the ATON system in the waterways of North Carolina, Virginia, and Maryland following the 1999 Category 4 Hurricane Floyd. For three weeks following the hurricane, Sledge traveled more than 1,200 miles, rebuilt 45 beacons and corrected many other ATON discrepancies, restoring several critical waterways. "There is a sense of accomplishment when a construction tender spuds down at severely damaged range light and within a few hours you're underway with new aid to navigation in your wake lighting the way for our nation's mariners," said Trainor. Trainor retired as a chief warrant officer in 2006 and immediately went to work as a civil servant at Coast Guard Headquarters in Washington, D.C. He was assigned to the Office of Navigation Systems, Aids to Navigation and Position, Navigation and Timing Division. As a Coast Guard civilian, Trainor capitalized on his deckplate experience to help shape policy and introduce initiatives, improving both the design and maintenance of the ATON system. In addition, he helped shape global ATON standards as a committee member of the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities. One of his most memorable contributions was the establishment of range project in the Delaware River that vastly improved ship transits through a narrow bridge. One of the Delaware Bay Pilots commented, "You guys just made the most dangerous part of the river much safer." From the Coast Guard Headquarters to the deckplates of the Black Hull fleet, Trainor has helped to make U.S. waterways safer, more efficient, and more resilient. "Saving lives is the foundation of everything the Coast Guard does," said Trainor. "From actual rescues to keeping drugs out of the country to maintaining a system of signals to mitigate transits risks, all Coast Guard missions aim to save lives." More than four decades after he joined the Coast Guard, Trainor retired for a second time, wrapping up his 43 years of uniformed and civilian Coast Guard service during a ceremony in Washington, D.C., in May 2018. His wife Cynthia, who was his girlfriend in 1974 on the night he heard the life-changing radio ad, was there with him. The Dubai Airport Freezone Authority (Dafza), one of the UAEs leading free zones, has announced a new strategic partnership with the Daegu-Gyeongbuk Free Economic Zone Authority (DGFEZA) in South Korea, a media report said. The memorandum of understanding (MoU) will aim to increase collaboration between the two parties and expand bilateral trade between the free zones, reported Emirates news agency Wam. The MoU was signed in the presence of Mohammed Al Zarooni, director-general of Dafza, and Inseon Lee, commissioner of DGFEZA. Dafza is a regional hub for leading Korean companies including KOLON GLOBAL, Halla Holdings, MOORIM, LEADERS, ATLASBX and SB and others. Dafza runs a number of initiatives focused on increasing cooperation and business opportunities with South Korea, including recently welcoming a high-level official trade delegation from the Republic led by Hyun-Soo Kim, Consul General of South Korea. As part of the agreement, Dafza and DGFEZA will work together to promote mutually beneficial investments and increase levels of knowledge transfer and information sharing on markets and trade. A major focus of the partnership will be on cooperation in information technology, innovation, cross-border e-commerce, shipping and logistics. DGFEZA will encourage South Korean investors to set up their businesses in Dafza while at the same time Dafza will facilitate offers and incentives to the companies from DGFEZA that have been referred as a result of the partnership. Dafza will also encourage Dubais financial investors to invest in Korean-Dubai joint venture companies. Both parties will conduct high-level visits and consultations, particularly focusing on economic policies and business advisory services. Al Zarooni said, "The UAE and South Korea have strong economic and social ties and we believe this partnership will help strengthen the bonds that unite our two nations. This strategic agreement will create new trade and investment opportunities and allow us to showcase our world-class infrastructure and services. We will support South Korean companies interested in Dubai to set up operations and advise them on market conditions and opportunities. Ultimately, this will support Dubais long-term vision of creating sustainable economic development, a diversified and balanced economy as well as increased foreign investment from key international markets." "This is an important MoU with Dafza and strengthens the strategic partnership between South Korea and the UAE. This was highlighted during the recent visit of the South Korean President, Moon-Jae In, to Dubai in which he showcased the collaboration between the two countries in key areas such as oil, gas, technology, IoT and smart-city projects," Lee said. Retired Adm. Harry Harris, the nominee to be the U.S. ambassador to South Korea, said Thursday that North Korea still poses a nuclear threat to the United States despite President Donald Trump's Tweets to the contrary. Harris, the former commander of U.S. Pacific Command (now the Indo-Pacific Command), also backed the suspension of joint military exercises with South Korea during the current thaw in relations with North Korea and ongoing negotiations on denuclearization. "The whole landscape has shifted" following the Singapore summit between Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un, Harris said at his confirmation hearing before the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. "I believe we should give exercises, major exercises, a pause to see if Kim Jong Un is in fact serious about his part of the negotiations, he added, citing Vice President Mike Pence in stating that joint training with the South Koreans could continue on a smaller scale. In a Tweet on Wednesday, Trump said, "Everybody can now feel much safer than the day I took office. There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea." However, Harris warned that North Korea, with an estimated 30 to 60 nuclear weapons and intercontinental ballistic missiles (ICBMs) capable of hitting the U.S. mainland, would remain a threat to the U.S. and its allies until the dismantling of its weapons programs can be verified. "I think we must continue to worry about the nuclear threat," he said. "Until that is dismantled, I don't think we can rest comfortably." The suspension of joint military exercises by U.S. and South Korean forces -- Trump called them "war games" -- was not included in the joint declaration signed by Trump and Kim at the Singapore summit. Trump made the announcement of the freeze at a news conference following the summit and initially appeared to catch U.S. Forces Korea, the Pentagon and the South Koreans by surprise, although Defense Secretary Jim Mattis said through a spokeswoman that he had been told beforehand. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo met privately for an hour in Seoul on Wednesday with Army Gen. Vincent Brooks, commander of U.S. Forces Korea, the Combined Command of the U.S. and South Korea, and the United Nations Command, and said later that the cessation of exercises would remain in effect as long as the North continued negotiating in good faith. In Seoul on Thursday, South Korean President Moon Jae-in said in a statement issued by the presidential residence (the "Blue House") that his country would go along with the freeze on exercises "if North Korea implements denuclearization measures and sincere dialogue continues between South Korea and the North, the North and the United States, to ease their hostile relations." Moon said South Korea "needs to flexibly change its military pressure against the North in the spirit of building mutual trust as agreed in the Panmunjom Declaration," a reference to his own earlier meeting with Kim at the truce village in the Demilitarized Zone separating the two Koreas. He urged caution in predicting the outcome of continuing negotiations with the North on a range of issues. "A clear direction is set, but specific ways to realize the goal still remain a question," Moon said, South Korea's Yonhap news agency reported. In the lead-up to the Singapore summit, Moon said he had received assurances from Kim that the continuation of military exercises would not be a roadblock to negotiations. In his questioning of Harris at the confirmation hearing, Sen. Bob Menendez, D-N.J., the ranking member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, said Trump's announcement of a freeze on military exercises had "blindsided" the U.S. military and South Korea. Menendez told Harris, who was initially nominated to be ambassador to Australia, that he would be going to Seoul "at a time when our allies and adversaries are questioning our commitment to Asia." "I think the president blindsided everyone including South Korea when he carelessly conceded to Kim Jong Un this week something North Korea has long wanted -- the cessation of South Korean joint military exercises [with the U.S.] in exchange for, well, apparently nothing," Menendez said. Harris, who sported a new mustache and wore a Hawaiian lei as a former PACOM commander based in Hawaii, said, "In my previous capacity, I spoke very strongly about the need to continue military exercises, most notably in 2017. "We were in a different place in 2017. North Korea was launching missiles," he said, and "if war wasn't imminent, it was likely. Today, following the [Singapore] summit, we are in a dramatically different place" and the freeze on exercises could encourage the North Koreans to disarm. As ambassador, Harris said he would be wary of China's using the thaw with North Korea to press for the early lifting of sanctions against North Korea and the removal of the Army's THAAD (Terminal High Altitude Area Defense) anti-missile system from South Korea. In Beijing on Thursday, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said China had agreed not to press for quick sanctions relief. Harris also said the U.S. and South Korea had to be focused in the long term on the removal of the threat posed by North Korea's massive array of conventional rocket and artillery emplacements along the DMZ. "I think all of those things are on the table, but we start there" with North Korea's nuclear weapons, he said. "I think the administration has that realism at heart." "I don't know how China will react" in the coming talks with North Korea, he said. "I do know based on my previous job that China is very unhappy with the placement of the THAAD system, but that was an alliance decision" between the U.S. and South Korea. South Korea initially balked on the THAAD placement but ultimately allowed it last year despite the protests of local residents. Harris said it is still in the U.S.'s national security interests to keep THAAD in South Korea to defend against North Korean tactical missile threats. THAAD was put in place "because of the threat from North Korea -- not for China, Russia or anything else." THAAD was designed to counter short-range missiles and not the long-range threat posed by ICBMs, he said. If North Korea gave up its missiles, and the dismantling could be verified, "there would be no need for it." Harris, who had held the title of "Old Goat" as the longest serving active-duty graduate of the Naval Academy, acknowledged that he has a steep learning curve ahead as a beginner diplomat. "I fully appreciate that I will have to come up to speed quickly," he said. But after 40 years in the Navy, "I do understand diplomacy as an instrument of national power." -- Richard Sisk can be reached at Richard.Sisk@Military.com. Commodity List 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 Entries shown in red are rocks recorded for this region. Metamorphic rock Schist Entries shown in red are rocks recorded for this region. Regional Geology Paddy Hannan was born in Ireland, arriving in Victoria in 1862, where he worked underground at the Ballarat goldfield. He then spent six years from 1868 on the New Zealand goldfields. After this he began gold prospecting across various Australian goldfields, eventually arriving at Southern Cross then Coolgardie. With Thomas Flanagan and Daniel O'Shea they explored an area north-east of Coolgardie.In June 1893, they came across rich alluvial gold, and within a few days obtained the equivalent value in gold to cover several years wages. Hannan travelled to Coolgardie to register the claim, and since he has been the one out of the three credited with discovering gold at Kalgoorlie.Flanagan died far from wealthy at Bendigo in 1900. O'Shea lived to 1908, and also died poor. Hannan spent some more years exploring the goldfields, then in 1910 retired at age 67 to Brunswick Melbourne, where he lived with relatives. He died in 04 November 1925, and left an estate of 1400 pounds. A statue of Hannan, with drinking fountain, is along Kalgoorlie's main street, also named Hannan Street.A tremendous amount of alluvial gold was found in the area, by thousands of men who rushed the field. In time, the discoveries further south around the Golden Mile eclipsed Paddy Hannan's find.A group of claims, including Hannan's reward claim, had been amalgamated and a company was formed called Hannans Reward Limited. A large open pit was developed, and underground shaft. A 20 head battery was erected. The company went through a couple of reconstructions.The deposit turned out to be large, low grade, with small auriferous quartz veins. There were three parallel lodes, separated by 10 feet of country rock.In 1906, three masked men burst into the battery, tied up the employees, and stole 400 pounds worth of slimes. One, Charles Best had befriended a local businessman, who put up bail, however Best dis-appeared.Tributer Joseph Dobrigh was killed in a fall of earth in 1907, and Frederick Walter Taylor, also in a fall of earth in 1909.In 1902, the company amalgamated with neighbouring Mount Charlotte, forming Hannans Reward and Mount Charlotte Limited. Operations continued at Hannans Reward until around 1923, but mainly by tributers.In 1897, a tree was planted in the vicinity of the original gold discovery. It died in 1935, and was replaced by a kurrajong, planted by Hannan's granddaughter. This tree in turn was replaced on the 100th anniversary of the discovery June 1993. The map here marks this spot, although the Hannans Reward mine is across the road, bordering to the north of the Mount Charlotte mine.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 colluvium 38491 Age: Pleistocene (0 - 2.588 Ma) Description: Colluvium and/or residual deposits, sheetwash, talus, scree; boulder, gravel, sand; may include minor alluvial or sand plain deposits, local calcrete and reworked laterite Comments: regolith; synthesis of multiple published descriptions Lithology: Regolith 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 volcanic rocks Age: Archean (2500 - 3200 Ma) Comments: Yilgarn Craton Lithology: Greenstone belt; mafic-ultramafic volcanic rocks Reference: Chorlton, L.B. Generalized geology of the world: bedrock domains and major faults in GIS format: a small-scale world geology map with an extended geological attribute database. doi: 10.4095/223767. Geological Survey of Canada, Open File 5529. [154] Data and map coding provided by Macrostrat.org, used under Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 License This page contains all mineral locality references listed on mindat.org. This does not claim to be a complete list. If you know of more minerals from this site, please register so you can add to our database. This locality information is for reference purposes only. You should never attempt to visit any sites listed in mindat.org without first ensuring that you have the permission of the land and/or mineral rights holders for access and that you are aware of all safety precautions necessary. References Sort by Year (asc) | by Year (desc) | by Author (A-Z) | by Author (Z-A) Kalgoorlie Miner newspaper (1899), Hannans Reward, 16/11/1899 Kalgoorlie Western Argus newspaper (1902), Hannans Reward, 21/01/1902 Kalgoorlie Miner newspaper (1906), The Hannans Reward Robbery, 07/09/1906 Kalgoorlie Miner newspaper (1909), Hannans Reward Fatality, 27/04/1909 Kalgoorlie Western Argus newspaper (1907), The Hannans Reward Fatality, 23/07/1907 Kalgoorlie Miner newspaper (1907), Hannans Reward and Mt. Charlotte, 02/12/1907 The Sun newspaper (Kalgoorlie) (1906), Best the Bolter. Concealed in Kalgoorlie. Waiting for a Chance to Get Away, 30/09/1906 The Evening Star newspaper (Boulder) (1906), Friendship Rewarded. How a Businessman Befriended an Ex-Convict and How Vengeance is Now Sought. The History of the Hannans Reward Robbery, 26/09/1906 External Links How to use the mindat.org media viewer Click/touch this help panel to close it. Welcome to the mindat.org media viewer. 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Note that while images are loading this option will not be available but will be automatically activated when the animation has loaded. Once active you can spin the image/change the animation by moving your mouse or finger on the image left/right or by pressing the [ or ] keys. The button switches to move mode so that you can use your mouse/fingers to move the image around the screen as with other media types. The button, or the P key will start playing the animation directly, you can interrupt this by using the mouse or finger on the image to regain manual movement control. Controls - 3D Stereoscopic images If a stereoscopic 3D image is opened in the viewer, the 3D button appears in the bottom right corner giving access to "3D settings" menu. The 3D images can be viewed in several ways: - without any special equipment using cross-eyed or parallel-eyed method - with stereoscope - with anaglyph glasses. - on a suitable 3D TV or monitor (passive 3D system) For details about 3D refer to: Mindat manuals: Mindat Media Viewer: 3D To enable/disable 3D stereo display of a compatible stereo pair image press the 3 key. If the left/right images are reversed on your display (this often happens in full-screen mode) press the 4 key to reverse them. Controls - photo comparison mode If a photo with activated comparison mode is opened in the viewer, the button appears in the bottom right corner giving access to "Comparison mode settings" menu. Several layouts are supported: slider and side by-side comparison with up to 6 photos shown synchronously on the screen. On each of the compared photos a view selector is placed, e.g.: Longwave UV . It shows the name of currently selected view and allows to select a view for each placeholder. Summary of all keyboard shortcuts JaCoby Jones, mired in a slump and with two strikeouts today, crushes a 3-1 pitch to left-center for a 2-run homer. I believe Lance Lynn may have been left in one batter too long, as they say. Tigers up 3-1 in 7th. Evan Woodbery Even as the blockchain technology market is expected to reach $9.6 billion by 2024, device-to-cloud cybersecurity company McAfee sees a big potential for cybersecurity risks that could threaten the technologys rapid growth. Even as the blockchain technology market is expected to reach $9.6 billion by 2024, device-to-cloud cybersecurity company McAfee sees a big potential for cybersecurity risks that could threaten the technologys rapid growth and its quickly expanding pool of adopters. McAfee has released a report detailing the numerous cybersecurity risks associated with blockchain-based cryptocurrencies, and asserts the necessity of making cybersecurity a top priority as industry builds out the foundations for the widespread implementation of blockchain technologies. The company points to security events associated with cryptocurrencies, the area where blockchain technology has been most extensively implemented and used at large scale by millions of people. According to the McAfee report, bad actors have aggressively sought to take advantage of the rapid adoption of cryptocurrencies and the early adopters who use them. McAfee sees this activity in four key attack vectors: phishing or fraud schemes, malware, implementation exploits, and technology vulnerabilities. Many attacks spanning these categories apply both old and new cybercrime techniques and have proven highly lucrative for cybercriminals. The McAfee report details a 2017 cryptocurrency phishing scam in which a cybercriminal set up a fraudulent cryptocurrency wallet service. After collecting authentication information from the services users over the course of six months, the thief drained $4 million from unsuspecting customers accounts. McAfees researchers provide examples of how cybercriminals using malware have been empowered by the proliferation of cryptocurrencies. The explosion of ransomware over the last few years has become operationally possible in large part due to the use of cryptocurrencies, which cloak cybercriminals identities associated with ransom payment transfers. McAfee research illustrates the growing trends of malicious miners and cryptojacking, which create a vector for infection (via malware) and monetization (via mining). Recent McAfee Labs research in this cybercrime category found that total coin miner malware grew a stunning 629% in Q1 2018from around 400,000 samples in Q4 2017 to more than 2.9 million samples in the first quarter of this year. Finally, the cryptocurrency exchanges themselves have been attacked, suggesting that cybersecurity measures must be an important consideration in the development of blockchain technologies and the critical implementation and operational processes upon which they rely. Earlier this year, Coincheck, one of Japans most popular exchanges, lost $532 million, affecting 260,000 investors. McAfees researchers illustrate that there are detrimental costs to rapid implementation of blockchain technologies at the expense of proper cybersecurity measures. Like so many other new robust technologies, blockchain can have a revolutionary impact in solving very real business problems, but only so long as security does not fall victim to urgency in the rush to adopt the technology, said Raj Samani, chief scientist at McAfee. Given blockchains potential for creating value, and the tremendous enthusiasm to implement it, cybercriminals will seek every opportunity to strike at all available technical and human vulnerabilities in the emerging blockchain ecosystem. Governments, cybersecurity vendors, and businesses must be diligent in understanding the threats and minimizing the risks. Without adequate education for users and industry, secure implementation best practices, and strong technical security standards, the widespread adoption of blockchain by major industries and governments could end up costing billions of dollars and impacting millions of people, Samani added. TradeArabia News Service Bahrain has declared Friday (June 15) as the first day of Eid Al Fitr after official announcements were made in Saudi Arabia of sightings of the new Shawwal crescent. UAE has also announced that Eid will begin tomorrow. The Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs Council (SCIA) moon-sighting committee announced that tomorrow, Friday, will be the first day of Eid Al-Fitr, reported BNA. The SCIA congratulated His Majesty King Hamad bin Isa Al-Khalifa, His Royal Highness Prime Minister Prince Khalifa bin Salman Al Khalifa and His Royal Highness Prince Salman bin Hamad Al Khalifa, Crown Prince, Deputy Supreme Commander and First Deputy Premier. The panel, which met at the (SCIA) headquarters, announced the advent of Eid Al-Fitr, based on the Saudi confirmed sighting of the Shawwal moon, said the report. The council also extended Eid Al-Fitr congratulations to the Royal Family, the loyal people of Bahrain and to the Islamic World, praying to Allah the Almighty to bless the Arab and Islamic nations with peace, security and prosperity, it added. Ebrahim K Kanoo, the sole distributor of Toyota vehicles in Bahrain, said it is extending its Ramadan Service promotion campaign for both the Toyota and Lexus customers following an overwhlming demand. Both these promotions will run until the extended date of June 22, said a statement from the company. Under the campaign, Toyota owners can avail a 25 per cent discount on labour and parts charges, 25 per cent discount on Michelin tyres, and up to 25 per cent discount on LLumar and Ziebart car care services, it said. In a similarl fashion, Ebrahim K Kanoo has extended its Ramadan service offer for Lexus vehicles as well. The campaign offers Lexus owners a 25 per cent discount on labour and parts charges; 25 per cent discount on Michelin tyres; and up to 25 per cent discount on LLumar and Ziebart car care services. Lexus owners will get to enjoy the luxury of being welcomed at the exclusive Lexus lounge at Toyota Plaza; where dedicated service advisors will provide customers with personalised service to ensure their utmost peace of mind. Announcing the promotion extension, Michael Goode, the senior general manager of service at Ebrahim K Kanoo, said: "We have had an extraordinarily positive response to our special offers during Ramadan, and we are happy to extend the offer period until June 22 to ensure that our loyal customers benefit from the special discounts and offers." Customers have been taking advantage of the discounts in light of the upcoming summer months when cars will need more regular maintenance check-ups to maintain factory quality, noted Goode. With us, they can also guarantee the genuine spare parts and factory approved service by our team of experts, he added. On the Lexus offer, Goode said: We have decided to extend our service offer for Lexus customers to ensure their peace of mind and guarantee the safety of their vehicles in the upcoming summer months. Our service offer has received positive feedback from our loyal customers and extending its period is the perfect way to reward them, he added.-TradeArabia News Service ABB, a leading power and automation technology company, said it has completed the Maritime Link, formally handing over the interconnector to Emera, a leading energy and services company headquartered in eastern Canada. The Maritime Link is a 500 megawatt (MW) high-voltage direct current (HVDC) connection that will enable clean, renewable energy, generated in Newfoundland and Labrador to be transmitted to the North American grid in Nova Scotia reducing dependence on fossil fuels. The Maritime Link HVDC project completed, will enable the exchange of clean, reliable electricity between the Islands of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia in the North American grid, said a statement from ABB. The link made history on December 8, 2017, by conducting the first exchange of electricity between the islands of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. It went into service on January 15, 2018, as ABB continues to work with Emera and the system operators in each province during initial operation, it said. The stabilising features of ABBs solution will also allow Nova Scotia to integrate additional renewables such as wind power and contribute to Canadas emission-reduction efforts, it added. The HVDC Light technology, used in the design of the Maritime Link, is the first bipolar configuration of its kind in the world using proven and reliable voltage source converters (VSC). This solution enhances system availability, reduces losses and increases grid reliability, as power continues to flow even if one conductor or converter is not in use, said a statement. The converter stations are equipped with the ABB Ability based advanced MACH control and protection system which acts like the brain of the HVDC link. It monitors, controls and protects the sophisticated technology in the stations and manages thousands of operations to ensure power reliability. Its advanced fault registration and remote control functions also help protect the link from unexpected disruptions, such as lightning strikes. Patrick Fragman, head of ABBs grid integration business, a part of the companys power grids division, said: Our proven HVDC Light technology will enable the historical Maritime Link project to integrate and deliver clean renewable energy while enhancing grid stability and enabling power sharing. HVDC transmission, a technology we pioneered and lead, is an important element of our Next Level strategy, reinforcing our position as a partner of choice for enabling a stronger, smarter and greener grid, he said. In addition to the two converter stations for the 200 kilovolt (kV) HVDC link, the project scope also includes two 230 kV alternating current (AC) substations in Newfoundland, one 345 kV AC substation in Nova Scotia and two cable transition stations, it said. ABB pioneered HVDC technology 60 years ago and has been awarded approximately 120 HVDC projects representing a total installed capacity of more than 130,000 MW, accounting for about half of the global installed base. The company also pioneered VSC-based HVDC Light technology 20 years ago and is the market leader, now having delivered 20 of the 26 VSC HVDC projects commissioned around the world, it added.-TradeArabia News Service It seems that tricksters on Google Play have found another way to make their deceptive apps appear more trustworthy to users that is, at least at first sight. The trick takes advantage of the fact that apart from app icon and name, there is one more element the user sees when browsing apps the developer name, displayed just below the app name. And since unknown developer names are no use for popularity-boosting purposes anyway, some app authors have been setting fictitious, high numbers of installs as their developer names, in an effort to look like established developers with vast userbases. We have discovered hundreds of apps using this and similar tricks to deceive users. The apps weve analyzed were either misleading users about their functionality or had no functionality at all, yet most display many advertisements. The freedom to set any number of choice as developer name has inspired some remarkably ambitious claims one game developer, for instance, would like users to believe his games have been installed more than five billion times. (Note: the highest-ranking apps in terms of number of installs fall into the category 1,000,000,000+ at the time of writing; this category includes Google Play itself, Gmail, Facebook, WhatsApp, Skype, etc.) In one particular case, we saw a developer change his name from a fake installation number to an actual developer name over time, which might indicate the trick is used as a temporary measure aimed at boosting the popularity of newly uploaded apps. Besides using fake installation numbers to attempt to manipulate users into downloading their apps, some app authors have also been using phrases indicating legitimacy, such as Legit Apps, Verified Applications, and Trusted Developers App. Some also incorporate a check mark symbol, similar to those used as verified badges for the accounts of well-known personalities and brands on various social media sites. These are variously included in app icons and names, as well as in developer names. As Google Play probably does not offer a developer account verification service, any app sporting such a tag should necessarily be considered suspicious. How to stay safe The tricks described in this article are simple, yet potentially effective, ways to mislead users, particularly those who choose apps based on popularity. While none of these apps were outright malicious, these techniques could easily be misused by malware authors in the future. Fortunately, the tricks are also simple to spot, if you know what to focus on: Make sure to only take the number of installations for each app from the apps Google Play page, as this is the official number. This will be visible in the Additional Information section at the bottom of the page. Keep in mind that Google Play does not have a Verified badge signifying the legitimacy of apps. It does have the Editors Choice category, marked by the Editors Choice badge in the top right corner of the apps Google Play page. Make sure you read user reviews before downloading any app. If an app only has a small number of real installs, and/or was only released within the last few days, leave it for others to be the guinea pigs no matter how much you think you want it. About the author Lukas Stefanko is a malware researcher at Eset, a leading IT security solutions company Mark Makela/Getty Images(WASHINGTON) -- James Wolfe, a former 30-year Senate staffer, entered a plea of not guilty in federal court Wednesday to making false statements. The government has accused Wolfe - a longtime Director of Security for the Senate Select Committee on Intelligence, who had access to classified information - of lying about passing non-public information to two reporters. One - Ali Watkins - was recently identified by her current employer, The New York Times. The indictment indicated the FBI had accessed a year of her records - including communications with Wolfe, with whom she was reportedly having a romantic relationship - when she worked for a previous news outlet. Wolfe was allegedly communicating with four reporters in total using an encrypted app. Defense attorney Preston Burton told Magistrate Judge Deborah Robinson that he was concerned about a Justice Department press release on Wolfes arrest that contained atmospherics suggesting he may have disclosed classified information. That has been compounded by some glib remarks by the President about Mr. Wolfe. Burton said he intends to file a motion asking the court to impose a gag order on the case. Were going to vigorously defend Mr. Wolfe from this unfair and unjustified prosecution, Benjamin Klubes, a second member of Wolfes defense team told reporters outside the court. We intend to file a motion seeking an order from the court prohibiting the government including all levels - that means including President Trump - from making improper and prejudicial statements regarding this case. After Wolfe's arrest last week, President Trump told reporters when asked about the aide, "I'm a very big believer in freedom of the press, but I'm also a believer that you cannot leak classified information." Klubes said, I want to emphasize that there is absolutely no allegation that Mr. Wolfe leaked classified information. This was the first known incidence of the Trump administration accessing reporter records in a leak investigation. This raises serious questions about the First Amendment and freedom of the press, Klubes told reporters. Under the terms of Wolfes release, he is prohibited from traveling abroad without prior approval of the court and must notify pre-trial services before he travels outside the Washington metro region. He is also prohibited from obtaining a job that requires handling classified information throughout the remainder of the case. Copyright 2018, ABC Radio. All rights reserved. Etihad Airways may be on the brink of cancelling or deferring orders for Boeing's 777X jets, estimated to be worth billions of dollars, a report said. The order is for 25 777X jets, the largest and most efficient twin-engine carrier, said a report in bizjournals. The Abu Dhabi-based airline is reviewing its fleet plan and may be willing to incur penalties for cancellations rather than take all 25 jets, the report added. Etihad is a launch customer of the 777X: an upgrade to Boeings successful mini-jumbo series that includes plans for the worlds largest twin-engined jetliner - the 406-seat 777-9 - which is due to enter service in 2020. Coca-Cola (Image: Reuters) In a bid to take on rival brands such as Pepsis Tropicana, Coca-Cola is bringing its acquired juice brand Rani Float to India, according to a report by The Economic Times. The report cites changing global trends which show that juice and related beverages are growing two times faster than carbonated drinks as consumers now moving away from drinks with sugar. Confirming introduction of Rani in India, a spokesperson told the newspaper, Rani Float has real fruit pieces along with higher juice content, reduced sugar and real fruit flavour. The report adds that the juice brand is currently being imported and being seeded in major metropolitan cities and will be scaled up by the end of the year. Coca-Cola already has juice beverages in the country including Minute Maid and Maaza. In 2012, Coca-Cola had acquired 50 percent equity in Bahrain-based Aujan Industries beverage business for nearly $1 billion, according to the report. The business included Rani juice brand and Barbican malt beverage. Aujan was one of the largest independent beverage companies in the Middle East. Coca-Cola had said that the deal would allow it to expand into the juice sector, the report adds. In a move to push the use of cost-effective generic medicines - India's drug regulator has written to all state regulators asking them to ensure every pharmacy retail store maintains a separate rack specifically for generic drugs. It has been decided that every retail outlet should provide a separate shelf/rack reserved exclusively for stocking generic medicines in the licensed premises separated from other medicines, which shall be visible to the consumers, said S Eswara Reddy, Drugs Controller General of India (DCGI), in a letter to all state regulators on June 13. DCGI directed state regulators to ensure that generic medicines are visible to consumers. Moneycontrol has seen a copy of the letter. The Drugs Technical Advisory Board (DTAB), India's highest drug advisory body, in February recommended pharmacies to maintain a separate rack reserved solely for the storage of generic medicines, which should be visible to consumers. The directive of DCGI is part of the Union government's efforts to promote cost-effective drugs to patients. The government, through its 3,000 Jan Aushadhi stores, provides cheaper drugs to patients. Not binding The All India Organisation of Chemists and Druggists (AIOCD), the trade body representing pharmacy retailers and wholesalers, said that the advisory of the DCGI may not be binding, as there is no law on providing separate storage space for generic drugs. "The only condition imposed is that the storage condition has to be to the satisfaction of the licensing authority. They have requirements such as having a refrigerator to maintain certain temperature and air conditioner in the premises," AN Mohan, President of AIOCD told Moneycontrol from Trichur. "How do you define what is a generic drug. In India most of the drugs sold are generics," Mohan said. He added that by merely displaying generic drugs doesn't help patients - because as per the law a chemist can't substitute a drug prescribed by the physician with a generic drug. "Also the price difference between a generic drug and branded generic isn't that significant -as prices of both the drugs come under price control, unless if you are buying from Jan Aushadi where government procures medicines in bulk," Mohan stressed. Unlike the US and a few other developed countries, where the term 'branded drugs' refers to patented drugs and the off-patent ones are called generics, branded drugs are nothing but generic drugs promoted as brands. Myntra (Image: Company website) Almost a month after US-based retail giant Walmart agreed to acquire 77 percent stake in domestic e-tailer Flipkart, one of its group companies, Myntra, has witnessed a senior-level exit. Former country manager of eBay India, Muralikrishnan B, who was hired by Jabong in 2016 and recently redesignated as the senior vice-president (SVP) of Myntra, has exited the firm, according to two sources privy to the matter. He was hired by Jabong as its chief operating officer (COO) and redesignated as the SVP of Myntra in January, as per his Linkedin profile. Moneycontrol was the first to report in December that a restructuring was happening in Jabong and that Muralikrishnan, the then COO of Jabong, was expected to be given some other role within the Flipkart Group which consists of Flipkart, Myntra and Jabong. According to one of the sources quoted above, Muralikrishnan was with the company till May-end. "It has been a wonderful journey with Jabong, contributing to its turnaround and further driving growth and scale, customer experience enhancement and efficiencies. A big thanks to the teams at Jabong and Myntra for making this so fulfilling. I'm now looking forward to the next adventure in my career," Muralikrishnan told Moneycontrol, confirming his exit. Myntra, however, declined to comment for the story. As the COO of Jabong, Muralikrishnan was responsible for product management, supply chain and customer experience, among other segments. He had joined Jabong as the COO just about five months before the company got acquired by Myntra in July 2016. He used to report to Sanjeev Mohanty, who was brought in as the chief executive officer from Benetton Group to turn around Jabong, which had lost significant market share to then competitors Myntra and Amazon. However, Jabong was acquired in a few months in a stressed deal of USD 70 million by Myntra. Around the same time, Mohanty had moved out of the company to join Levi Strauss as the managing director of its South Asia operations. A masters in business administration from Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, Muralikrishnan was the country manager of e-commerce firm eBay India for over two years, ending 2013. Overall, he worked with eBay for almost eight years across multiple positions. Immediately before joining Jabong, he was working with property search and buy platform indiaproperty.com as its chief operating officer. A few months ago, Rahul Taneja, the chief business officer of Jabong, had also exited the company. Fortis Healthcare has decided to call off the demerger of its diagnostics business, SRL, into listed subsidiary Fortis Malar Hospitals citing headwinds in healthcare industry and less than optimum performance of the business. Fortis had approved the demerger of SRL in August 2016 to unlock value of the diagnostic business and focus on its core hospital business. The company, in February 2017, had approached National Company Law Tribunal (NCLT), Chandigarh Bench, for approval of the composite scheme of arrangement and amalgamation between the company, Fortis Malar Hospitals, SRL and their respective shareholders and creditors. Since then the approval was pending before the NCLT. Under the scheme of arrangement, Fortis was to transfer SRL to Fortis Malar. Fortis Malar would have sold its hospital business in Chennai to Fortis on slump sale basis for Rs 43 crore. "The entire process was expected to take 6-8 months, however, due to reasons beyond the companys control, the process has taken over 19 months and is still not complete," said Fortis in a statement to stock exchanges. "During this period of 19 months, healthcare sector has witnessed strong headwinds and performance of diagnostics business has not been optimum. Given the challenges/headwinds in the sector and less than optimum performance of the diagnostics business during the period of delay, the demerger and a subsequent listing may result in value unlocking that may not be optimum for Fortis shareholders at this point of time," the company said. The company said it had decided to initiate a fresh, time-bound process to optimise the companys and shareholders short and long-term interests. SRL is India's largest diagnostics firm with network of 376 laboratories across India, Dubai, Sri Lanka and Nepal. Private equity firms hold around 31 percent stake in SRL, while the rest is held by Fortis Healthcare. Shares of Fortis dropped 0.80 percent and were trading at Rs 137.10 on BSE at 10.10 am, the benchmark Sensex declined 0.44 percent and was trading at 35,580.73 points. Prepare to be dazzled by Mickey Mouse and his friends this Eid as they perform spectacular ice-skating feats in an all-new live family musical show at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre. Visitors and residents in Bahrain can join in on the fun with "Disney On Ice presents Passport to Adventure", which will be held at the Bahrain International Exhibition and Convention Centre from June 16 and 20. During the show, audiences will discover four unique landscapes, each filled with Academy Award-winning musical scores and world-class skating, making "Disney On Ice" presents Passport to Adventure a magical experience family will cherish forever. The Bahrain Tourism and Exhibitions Authority (BTEA) recently hosted an exclusive behind the scenes tour for media representatives and social media influencers. The fun-filled backstage tour featured production numbers, costume and makeup demonstration segments followed by a meet and greet session. Tickets are available in four categories: Bronze, Silver, Gold and Platinum, and are sold on manama.platinumlist.net and at Bahrain City Centre. Family packages are also available for the action-packed ice spectacular and offer 15 per cent discount on all categories upon the purchase of five tickets. Tickets are priced from BD10 ($26.3) to BD85 ($223.7) for individuals and from BD42.5 ($111.8) to BD170 ($447.4) for families (five persons). - TradeArabia News Service Hotel companies reported an overall improvement in Q4 FY18 performance, supported by favourable overall demand and supply situation in the hotel industry in India and internal efficiencies. With limited rooms entering the system and rapid uptick in demand, room rates saw an improvement, translating in an improvement in revenue per available room (RevPAR). With expectation of an improvement in occupancies, this uptick is expected to continue in coming quarters. The current market correction offers an opportunity to look at some of the leaders in this space as the sector dynamics have changed for the better. Indian Hotels reported a healthy 8.7 percent year-on-year (YoY) topline growth, led by improved revenues from the domestic operations. Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortisation (EBITDA) margin improved 350 basis points with RevPAR growing 6 percent versus the industry average of around 3.2 percent. The company reduced its debt which led to around 33 percent savings in interest cost. Other income too was higher. Consequently, net profit improved 70 percent YoY. Lemon Tree Hotels, which listed in March, reported its first full year numbers post listing. After consecutive years of losses due to high initial operating expenses, the company has turned profitable on an annual basis. It reported a 19 percent YoY increase in revenue on the back of improved average room rate (ARR) and a 16 percent growth in rooms despite some weakness in occupancy (-2 percentage points YoY). EBITDA margin expanded 320 bps YoY with limited increase in operating costs, leading to a 33 percent expansion in EBITDA. It now has a debt-to-equity ratio of 0.78 times and an interest cover of 1.3 times. The company reported a strong uptick in revenue and profits with the reopening of one of its main properties in Delhi. EBITDA margin improved 750 bps with reduced employee cost. Despite a reduction in other income and an uptick in interest costs, net profit increased 11 percent YoY in Q4 FY18. With the reopening of the Delhi property, occupancies and revenues are expected to improve further in coming quarters. Moreover, it has a strong pipeline of rooms which will help drive growth in the longer run. The D/E ratio at 0.2 times is lower than its peers. With an interest cover of 9.8 times, the company has cushion for raising funds for the development of new upcoming properties. Royal Orchid reported a decent 8 percent YoY uptick in revenue with improvement in both occupancies and ARRs. For FY18, occupancies rose 8 percent while ARR was up 4 percent leading to a RevPar uptick of 16 percent. The company has turned profitable at the consolidated level. Tight cost controls led to a 7 percent uptick in EBITDA. The company reported a substantial increase in net profit for the quarter gone by with annual profit nearly doubling. The management was able to reduce cost and size of debt. It expects to reduce its debt further in the coming year. Royal Orchid added almost 8 hotels during the year and has plans to add around 15 more properties in FY19. This would lead to an additional 1,000 rooms in the portfolio. Due to the long phase of low occupancies and suppressed room rates on account of strong supply, the industry was under pressure in the past. Q4 saw a healthy performance on account of a seasonally better second half in FY18, recovery in occupancies, improving domestic room rates and RevPARs, rise in domestic leisure spends and favourable demand-supply scenario. We expect the same to continue in coming years. Around 25 percent of the Indian hotel industry falls under the branded category, unlike 40 percent in major developed economies. Owing to higher disposable incomes and deeper penetration of technology, awareness and reach, there has been a flight of customers from unbranded to the branded segment globally. Most major hotel chains are aiming to capture the branded economy segment. The Indian hotel industry in expected to benefit from the rapid uptick in demand.Tourism being an important employment generator, it would continue to receive support from the government going forward. This should have a positive rub off on the hotel industry. The overall demand-supply situation is improving with slowdown in supply and rapid uptick in demand. This is leading to improvement in rates. With an improvement in occupancy growth, we expect revenue and profits to improve in the coming year. An across the board improvement in margins and profitability, which was witnessed in FY18, is an early signal of changed dynamics in the hotel sector. We have high conviction on Indian Hotels and it remains our top pick. From the midcap space, we like Royal Orchid. While we take note of the improved performance in Lemon Tree and East India Hotels, their valuation makes us cautious. Hence, we would recommend accumulating these stocks on a decline. Follow @Ruchiagrawal For more research articles, visit our Moneycontrol Research page Union Minister Nitin Gadkari With 2019 Lok Sabha elections on the mind, Union Minister for road transport and highways has asked officials to complete 280 projects by March 2019 as against a deadline of June next year. Before the election commission imposes the electoral code of conduct, I want all the projects with June deadline to be completed by March 2019, Gadkari told reporters. The Union Minister held a two-day review meeting in Goa to have a state-wise project appraisal. All the projects worth more than Rs 100 crore were up for review. Out of 427 projects of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and 311 projects of the ministry and NHIDCL reviewed, 127 projects by the former and 153 projects by latter are to be completed by March next year. The year 2018 has been declared as a construction year by the ministry. Out of over 700 projects being reviewed, about 300 projects will be identified for completion before March 2019, the ministry said in its statement. Out of approximately 300 projects selected by the ministry, 100 projects are to be completed by December this year. Gadkari reviewed projects from 20 states out of 29 but lauded performance of southern states. Performance of states like Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, Telangana and Kerala was good Even Gujarat and Uttar Pradesh have shown great work However, work in Bihar, Odisha and West Bengal was slow, he said. The minister said that land acquisition, utility shifting and forest clearance continue to mar the progress in the sector. I am saddened to see situation due to land clearance Work is being delayed Even forest and environment clearance is an issue to be tackled, he said. Meeting with bank chiefs Due to lack of lending enthusiasm among bankers, the Union Minister has decided to hold a meeting with all bank chiefs in Mumbai later this month. I would apprise the banks about the steps taken by our ministry to avoid NPAs, how loans in this sector were returned on time and why this sector is important, he said. Gadkari said that NPAs worth Rs 3.85 trillion were avoided by the ministry after reviewing project conditions, changing the terms and putting the work back on track. He also said that to further improve the sector, a performance audit of all contractors would be done to contain menace and delay in project completion. Performance of all contractors will be audited. If found guilty, the contractor would not be allowed to take up future projects, he said. As climate change makes itself more and more felt, fossil fuels are being looked at as something that needs to be changed. In an effort to move towards something more sustainable auto companies have no doubt started moving towards the electric path. And while the road will be long and hard, it is not undoable. Here are the electric cars that are already on sale in India. The government is planning to make fuel efficiency norms tighter so that automobile manufacturers shift to electric vehicles (EVs) from the conventional internal combustion engines (ICEs) as soon as possible, The Times of India reported. Sources said tighter CO2 emission norms can be achieved by producing a certain share of EVs nearly 4-6 percent. A panel headed by road transport secretary YS Malik prepared a report with this recommendation as a part of its 15-point strategy. He argued that fuel efficiency norms will have to be brought down by 20-25 percent over FY18 data to induce 3-5 percent EVs in India. This approach has to be adopted for cars, three-wheelers and two-wheeler industry, he said. Fuel efficiency norms mandated by the transport ministry require cars to be 30 percent more fuel efficient by 2022, thereby reducing CO2 emission. The panel further suggested offering deductions in scientific research and development other than disincentivising imports by providing protection to domestic manufacturing. This, according to the panel, will help in pushing the EV sales. Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) asked industrial houses to bid for transfer of the domestically developed lithium-ion cell technology to help set up production facilities in India. K Sivan, head of ISRO, told TOI that Automotive Research Association of India were allowed to use 50Ah and 100Ah cells for developing prototypes of electric scooters or cars, and they were apparently making progress. Reduced margin money to buy EVs for the first five years is another recommendation made by the panel. Price is one of the major concerns holding back sales of EVs. The panel also suggested that the government should consider low-interest loans for EVs for public transport and taxi services. The report also suggests including EV charging infrastructure in building norms and parking areas since the availability of charging points encourages people to go for EVs. CSR could also be a reasonable source for funds to set up charging facilities. London has emerged as the leading European destination for Indian entrepreneurs with the technology sector bringing in a large chunk of investments from India, according to new data released today. London & Partners (L&P), the Mayor of London's official promotional agency, found that since the Brexit vote, London has attracted more investment projects from India than any other major European city. Further analysis of the findings, released to coincide with the ongoing London Tech Week festival, shows that the British capital remains the leading European city for Indian tech companies, with London attracting more foreign direct investment (FDI) from Indian tech businesses than any other European tech hub in the past two years. London's tech companies have attracted over 4 billion pounds of investment since the European Union (EU) referendum vote in June 2016 ahead of Paris (1.14 billion pounds), Berlin (814 million pounds) and Stockholm (542 million pounds). The findings come as the UK government announced plans to launch a new start-up visa route, which is expected to attract more such investors to Britain. The new route, announced by UK home secretary Sajid Javid during London Tech Week, will make the visa process faster and smoother for entrepreneurs from countries like India coming to the UK. It will replace a visa route which was exclusively for graduates, opening it up to a wider pool of talented business founders. The UK can be proud that we are a leading nation when it comes to tech and innovation, but we want to do more to attract businesses to the UK and our migration system plays a key part in that, said Javid. The new expanded route will launch in the first half of 2019, with further details yet to be announced. London has strong cultural and economic ties with India, and Indian businesses make an important contribution to our city. Following my visit to India last year, I see lots of opportunities to strengthen investment between London and Indian cities, said London Mayor Sadiq Khan, as he welcomed a strong delegation of Indian tech companies to London Tech Week, which runs until Sunday. Hyderabad-based Fintech company Paymatrix, New-Delhi's Artificial Intelligence start-up ThirdWatch, Bangalore-based MedTech business Mimyk, Staqu (Delhi), DineOut (Delhi), Ayasta Technologies (Hyderabad), and CropIn Technology (Bangalore) are the Indian companies joining the tech festival as part of a delegation organised by the UK's Department for International Trade. These companies are part of the UK government's Tech Rocketship Awards programme and are visiting the UK to explore investment opportunities in London and Manchester. The UK is a great market for technology and food & beverage. London being the financial capital gives us access to both growth capital as well as some of the largest chains in the food and beverage space such as Pizza Express, Dishoom and Gaucho to name a few, said Ankit Mehrotra, Co-Founder & CEO of Dineout, who plans to set up in London by the end of the year. London Tech Week is Europe's largest festival of technology, involving over 200 events hosted across the UK capital and attracting over 50,000 visitors from across the world. I think Indian entrepreneurs love the creative energy of London and the inclusiveness and welcome of our tech community, not to mention the time zone, access to capital and world-class talent," said Laura Citron, CEO London & Partners. "We're opening an office in Bangalore so that we can do even more to bring the London and Indian tech communities closer together, she added. live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Here are stocks that are in news today: Ex-Bonus - LG Balakrishnan and Brothers Ex-Split - B C Power Controls and Swadeshi Industries Leasing Company Ex-Dividend - Infosys and Asian Paints ICICI Bank to sell 2% stake in life insurance arm Cipla receives final approval for generic Isuprel Tata Power: It has signed a power purchase agreement with GE for 5 MW solar projects. City Union Bank: The bank allotted 6.23 lakh shares under the ESOP scheme. Adani Transmission: The firm has received a letter of intent of one Intra State Transmission Project in Uttar Pradesh Bank of Maharashtra: R Thamodharan appointed as elected Director of the Bank. Canara Bank: Vinay Mohta appointed as company secretary from June 13, 2018 Triveni Engineering's subsiadiry Mathura Wastewater Management incorporats SPV for implementation of a project of Rs 438 cr awarded by Yamuna Pollution Control Unit, UP Lupin: Launches Generic Tobramycin Inhalation Solution USP In The US. It is used to treat lung infections. HDFC Bank: The Cabinet has approved HDFC Bank's Rs 24,000 crore FDI Proposal. Dish TV India: Rare Enterprises bought 130,00,000 shares at Rs 71.30 per share Kansai Nerolac Paints commencement commercial production for sale at the new manufacturing unit in Gujarat Infosys partners Rhode Island School of Design to train 1,000 designers in 2 yrs Hindusthan National Glass to sell 11.23 percent stake in HNG Float Glass joint venture Canara Bank to raise up to Rs 7,000 cr in FY19 Container Corp and Bangalore Airport Terminal Services signed MOU to work together for providing Ground Handling and various other airport related services on PAN India basis Fitch downgrades viability rating of SBI, BoB on poor asset quality HCL Technologies seeks govt nod to set up SEZ in Andhra Pradesh Oberoi Realty's QIP committee meeting to be held on or after June 19 Sicom sold 44,00,000 shares of Kwality at Rs 26.48. Evershine Oleochem sold 25,00,000 shares of Ruchi Soya at Rs 12.66 Smallcap World Fund Inc sold 13,00,000 shares of Supreme Industries at Rs 1,250.20. Corporate office of Maruti Suzuki India Limited is pictured in New Delhi live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Maruti Suzuki India today said it will set up 400 skill training and enhancement centres in partnership with its vendors by 2020 with an aim to bring global quality standards at its suppliers. The facilities, christened DOJO centres, are training grounds for fresh workmen and re-skilling for existing workforce. Over 90 such centres are operational at the facilities of the company's partners, Maruti Suzuki India Ltd (MSIL) said in a statement. "To meet the ever evolving customer expectations, ensuring quality at vendor-end is critical. To help achieve this, Maruti Suzuki has institutionalised the concept of DOJO centre to be set up at our partners' facilities," MSIL Executive Director (Corporate Planning) A K Tomer said. MSIL said while DOJO is a place to train in martial arts, in manufacturing parlance, a DOJO centre serves as a workshop that helps in skilling, re-skilling and right skilling workers. These centres help to acclimatise professionals and thoroughly preparing them, especially new workforce before they join work on the shop floor at manufacturing plants, it added. "By 2020, our over 400 tier-I partners will have DOJO centres. These state-of-the-art centres develop skills in areas of quality, safety and productivity," Tomer said. This effort is to bring global quality standards and complement the Make in India initiative, he added. The company will help with the concept, while its vendor partners make the investment towards setting up of the skill training and enhancement facility. A new worker is trained for up to 2-weeks before joining the shop floor. An assessment test is conducted at the end of the training, and only qualified workers are sent to the shop floor, it said. Moreover, re-skilling of existing workforce is also undertaken at DOJO centres to refresh manufacturing concepts and educate them about technological advancements, the company said. Myntra (Image: Company website) A franchise partner of online shopping portal Myntra today opened here a fashion store 'Roadster Go' which is loaded with some of the advanced technologies in fashion retail. The shop, opened at the Mantri Mall, has some of the advanced technologies in product description and billing details. Claimed to be the first in the country in the fashion retail segment, the store started by Myntra's franchise partner has 100 percent RFID (radio frequency identification) enabled digital screens that will help the customers get checkout in 30 seconds. Once the product is dropped in the RFID tray, the entire description with rates and total tally of the amount would appear on the touchscreen. Customers can pay either digitally or in cash. "Once the payment is done, the RFID is deactivated and you can walk out of our store freely. But if you step out with the product without payment, the system will raise an alarm," chief executive officer of Myntra-Jabong Ananth Narayanan told media persons. The launch of Roadster Go, according to Narayanan, would redefine the overall offline fashion shopping experience and mark the beginning of a new era in the fashion retail industry. Speaking on the future plans, Narayanan said Myntra would open 100 more stores of different brands, including 50Roadster stores in the next two years. Manohar Kamath, head of Myntra FashionBrands, said the store offers multiple breakthrough innovations in offline shopping experience through a special amalgamationof fashion and technology. The store provides the prevailing rates of the products in Myntra online for the benefit of the customers. US Senate, White House gear up for battle over China's ZTE Air quality in Delhi remains beyond severe for third day India's May veg oil imports down seven percent at 1.3 million tonnes Mahindra Electric may join hands with Ola, Uber to shore up e-vehicle sales June 14, 2018 / 10:07 PM IST That's all for today, readers. Thanks for staying on with our coverage of the day's action. Your enthusiasm encourages us to better our coverage every day. Do come back tomorrow for more news, views and insights. June 14, 2018 / 09:55 PM IST Rahul Gandhi criticises Modi govt's foreign policy over cancellation of work visas by Maldives Congress President Rahul Gandhi on Thursday criticised the Modi government's foreign policy, holding it responsible for the cancellation of work visas for Indians by the Maldives. He alleged the BJP government's foreign policy was only about "photo-ops" and "no agenda meetings". "Maldives, once one of our closest allies and beneficiary of massive aid, is cancelling Indian work visas and putting up 'Not Hiring Indians' signs. "This happens when foreign policy becomes about photo ops and 'no agenda meetings' instead of strategic intent," he tweeted. Gandhi cited a media report claiming a downturn in the ties with the Maldives had hit Indian job opportunities in the island country. (PTI) June 14, 2018 / 09:22 PM IST Rail Neer case: ED attaches Rs 17.55-crore assets of caterers The ED today said it has attached assets worth Rs 17.55 crore of two catering firms in connection with its money laundering probe into the selling of cheaper packaged water in place of Rail Neer in Rajdhani and other super-fast trains, according to a report by PTI. The agency said it has issued a provisional order for attachment of assets under the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA) against Ms R K Associates and Hoteliers Pvt Ltd, Ms Satyam Caterers Pvt Ltd and five other firms. "During investigation, it is established that above licensees laundered the amount received from railway department in lieu of supply of the packaged drinking water of other brands, which was proceeds of crime," the agency said in a statement. June 14, 2018 / 08:50 PM IST India suffering worst water crisis in history, says NITI report India is suffering from 'the worst water crisis' in its history with about 60 crore people facing high to extreme water stress and about two lakh people dying every year due to inadequate access to safe water, NITI Aayog said in a report on Thursday. The report, titled 'Composite Water Management Index' released by Minister for Water Resources Nitin Gadkari, further said the crisis is only going to get worse. "By 2030, the country's water demand is projected to be twice the available supply, implying severe water scarcity for hundreds of millions of people and an eventual 6 percent loss in the country's GDP," the report noted. Citing data by independent agencies, the report pointed out that with nearly 70 per cent of water being contaminated, India is placed at 120th amongst 122 countries in the water quality index, PTI has reported. June 14, 2018 / 08:40 PM IST June 14, 2018 / 08:23 PM IST Govt extends sale of pre-GST goods with stickers of revised price till July 31 Sale of pre-GST packaged goods has now been allowed with stickers of revised rates till July 31, the government today said. After implementing GST from July 1, 2017, the government had allowed use of stickers with revised rates, alongside the printed MRP for pre-packaged items to reflect changes in selling price for three months till September 30. The deadline has been extended several time and the latest was April 30. (PTI) June 14, 2018 / 08:14 PM IST June 14, 2018 / 07:56 PM IST Rising Kashmir Editor-in-Chief Shujaat Bukhari has been shot dead by unknown people in Srinagar, J&K, CNN-News 18 has reported. June 14, 2018 / 07:47 PM IST June 14, 2018 / 07:25 PM IST Railway mulls proposal to post undercover sleuths at trains, stations to rate services Railways is mulling a proposal to have undercover sleuths manning railway stations and trains to check for anomalies in the services offered by the national transporter, a senior official said today. Called, "Mystery shoppers" they will look like normal passengers, but will keep a keen eye on the amenities - food, staff behaviour, and quality on trains and at stations - and rate them on their performance, according to a PTI report. This system was developed in the early 20th Century in the US and the UK by firms wanting to evaluate standards being maintained by employees. Now, it is the chosen method of big companies to rate their services from the standpoint of consumers. June 14, 2018 / 06:55 PM IST Govt shortens time frame of 300 highway projects by 3 months: Nitin Gadkari The government has decided to reduce time frame by three months of 300 projects scheduled for completion in June 2019, and now those are likely to be completed by March next year, Union Minister Nitin Gadkari said today. The move, which comes at a time when less than a year has been left for 2019 Lok Sabha elections, Gadkari said is aimed at fast-tracking schemes to deliver world-class infrastructure to people with no "political interest". He said the sole intention of the government was to work on a "mission mode" to bolster development. (PTI) Rahul Gandhi hosted his first iftar party as the president of Congress at Taj Palace Hotel in New Delhi yesterday. However, prominent leaders from the Opposition parties were missing from the event. TMCs Mamata Banerjee, BSPs Mayawati, NCPs Sharad Pawar and SPs Akhilesh Yadav were among leaders who did not attend the event. In fact, there was no representative of the Samajwadi Party at all. Among those present were Congress veterans Manmohan Singh, former President Pratibha Patil, former Vice-President Hamid Ansari and former President Pranab Mukherjee. This was the first time Rahul and Pranab met face-to-face after the latter decided to address the valedictory event of the RSS and there were subsequent rumors of him joining the BJP. Sonia Gandhi could not attend the event as she is abroad. Good food, friendly faces and great conversation make for a memorable Iftar! We were honoured to have two former Presidents, Pranab Da & Smt Pratibha Patil ji join us, along with leaders from different political parties, the media, diplomats and many old & new friends. pic.twitter.com/TM0AfORXQa Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 13, 2018 CPI(M)s Sitaram Yechury, JMMs Hemant Soren and DMKs Kanimozhi were prominent leaders from the Opposition parties who attended the party. A seemingly gratified Rahul tweeted: The absence of prime leaders compels a comparison with the iftar party that then Congress president Sonia Gandhi had hosted in 2015. That party had seen JD(U) leader and Bihar Chief Minister, Nitish Kumar, seated next to Rahul. Sharad Pawar and National Conference Leader Omar Abdullah had also made it to the party, although they werent present yesterday. RLDs Ajit Singh and RJDs Tejashwi Yadav were also among the absentees from Rahul's party. On Wednesday, arch enemies CPI(M)s Sitaram Yechury and TMCs Dinesh Trivedi shared the table as against in 2015, when the CPI(M) had given Sonias party a miss because it was allegedly uncomfortable sharing the table with the TMC. During the iftar party, Rahul also took a dig at Prime Minister Narendra Modis tweet on Fitness Challenge that he had put up earlier on Wednesday. He was seen as saying, Did you see the PMs fitness video? It is bizarre Recently, fund houses, namely ICICI Prudential AMC, Reliance Mutual Fund and Birla Sun Life Mutual Fund, have launched an add-on feature, which is providing life insurance cover to the investors. The life insurance cover provided is available to investors of select schemes of these fund houses and is directly proportional to the monthly SIP investments being made by the investor. This feature provides coverage against the uncertainties of life besides enabling investors to accumulate wealth. B Ramakrishna, Executive Vice President, ICICI Prudential AMC, said, The thought behind offering such a feature was to make the investing experience more special for investors. We seek to inculcate the habit of regular investing for longer duration and this insurance cover is a reward to investors for investing consistently to achieve long-term financial goals. The feature is an add-on optional one and that too at no additional cost. The premium for such insurance cover is funded by the fund houses. Investors aged above 18 years and not more than 51 years at the time of the first investment are eligible to opt for the insurance cover. Further, the cover ceases as the investor crosses the maximum age as prescribed by the fund house.In order to be eligible for the insurance cover, the SIP registered should be for a period of three years and above. The cover is 10 times the monthly SIP instalment in the first year, which increases to 50 times in the second year and then 100 times third year onwards. There are caps to maximum cover by these AMCs. The following table gives an idea of how this life cover feature works: Ramakrishna explained, If the investor discontinues the monthly investment before three years, the insurance cover under SIP Plus stops immediately. However, in case the SIP Plus is discontinued after three years, the insurance cover is available equivalent to the value of SIP Plus units so allotted as per the valuation on the first business day of the month in which renewal confirmation is given. Sundeep Sikka, ED and CEO, Reliance Mutual Fund said, In case the investor discontinues SIP insure after completion of minimum period of contribution i.e. for three years, the sum assured will be equivalent to the fund value subject to maximum of 120 times the monthly SIP instalment or max sum assured limit i.e. Rs 50 lakh, whichever is lower. Further, the insurance cover will cease to exist in the following circumstances: Partial or full redemption / switch-out of units purchased under Reliance SIP Insure before completion of the mandated SIP tenure / instalments or till attaining 55 years of age, whichever is earlier; discontinuation of SIP instalments before completing the minimum period of contribution i.e. for three years of the opted SIP tenure, Sikka added. One of the key advantages of SIP with insurance cover is that the scheme provides a free group insurance cover to the investor without any extra cost. This insurance coverage shall continue to pay the SIP amount in case of premature death of the investor to achieve his investment goals, said Taranpreet Singh, senior consultant with TASS Advisors. Anil Rego, CEO and founder of Right Horizons, added, It's virtually free insurance for a mutual fund investor. To get a bigger life cover, an investor would need to boost his / her systematic investment plans. This indirectly boosts their wealth creation chances. This add-on insurance feature is not available under all schemes and therefore it provides limited choice to the investor in terms of selecting the funds. Singh said, The insurance claim, if any, needs to be settled with the insurance company directly and AMC does not provide any support in this aspect. Further, the insurance coverage is provided to only the first unit holder and is not extended to joint/ second unit holder. Buying this cover as the only protection is not a smart move. Rego said, This is because life covers in these features are only a multiple of your SIP. Ideally, insurance should be taken on a multiple of annual income. Further, any insurance whose cover ends before you turn 60 is not a good cover . Most of us retire at 60. So, the cover should exist till you turn 60. Rego said, Opting for this scheme merely because they provide a free life insurance cover is a sub-optimal decision. While investing in mutual funds, it is the fund track record, fund manager's consistency and risk adjusted return strategy that investors should be more bothered about, than a simple life cover added benefit. Ideally, an investor needs a 10-20 times annual income life cover. If total life insurance sum assured across different schemes do not get the same, you are under-insured. So, the investor needs to take a term insurance coverage to support his family members in case of untimely death. Singh said, This add-on feature can be explored by new investors with lower risk appetite. This provides them with additional protection to achieve their financial goals in the case of untimely death. However, this feature is not available with all the funds and therefore this restricts the choice of good fund for investment. By TCN News, West Bengal: The habitats of Sunderban Island region and the Bankura Forest are perhaps the most remote areas of the rural Bengal. The lack of connectivity makes this region inaccessible and its impoverished population the most isolated poor of the nation. Indian Muslim Relief and Charities (IMRC), a US-based dedicated humanitarian organization through its sister association Sahayata Trust, Hyderabad has taken the uphill task of distributing the Ramadan food ration to the impoverished and isolated poor families of the rural West Bengal and with its dedicated network of volunteers succeeded in executing its Ramadan feeding program, bringing a ray of hope and happiness in the holy month. Support TwoCircles In Sunderban Island Region and in the Bankura District Forest area Muslim population is minimal, and due to their low numbers they are often been neglected from the community charity map, even though its habitants are one of the most needy persons in India. IMRC conducted a survey in this remote region and targeted villages for the implementation of the feeding program where the most deserving families reside. The main criteria was to find villages with Muslim families who are doing work of physical labor and are fasting butand cannot afford more than a single meal in a day, said Mr. Zaidul Haque, a senior journalist based in Kolkata, and local IMRC volunteer. A single Ramadan Ration Kit includes items such as Rice, Mustard Oil, Dates, Sugar, Chickpea, Puffed Rice, Potato, Chllli, Salt, Onion and Turmeric. It is calculated and weighted in a manner to make it sustainable for a family of four for the whole month of Ramadan. Through their painstaking work IMRCs and Sahayata Trusts local volunteers implemented the Ramadan Ration Distribution at regions of Sunderban Islands and at Bankura Forest area and several other districts of rural Bengal. At the conclusion of the program a total of 700 poor Muslim families benefited and were blessed with food grains enough to sustain three times a meal for a whole month of Ramadan. In Sunderban Island region, Mousuni Island and Pathankhali Delta Island are tiny Islands situated near Bay of Bengal, its the last field of India in West Bengal. When IMRC volunteers reached the Isolated Islands with the cargo of happiness its residents were more than surprised but jubilant at the same time. A 45-year old resident Hafizul Islam expressed his joy on the noble community service they have received. He said, Our Islands poor community has been neglected not just by the private parties but by the government agencies as well, as a result we are suffering a lot, this is the first time our poor communitys suffering has been given an attention and its the first time an organization has taken an initiative to reduce the suffering of poor and needy here. Aklima Beoa a 48-year old widow at the end of the distribution pleaded Its feels really wonderful to know that someone cares for you, this feeling alone gives us hope and helps us to struggle for our basic needs. The widow said the island contains small community of Muslims who are practicing and start fasting since a very young age. She said almost all the families on the Island breaks their fast with water and crushed ginger, and this will be the first time the poor families will have the fortune of having food grains and cooked meals for Ramadan. At the villages around Bankura forest region scene was no different, poor villagers of Asna, Tentuia, Telijant, Kadambandi villages took the distributed ration as a no less than a fortune. Muslim families of these villages are forest dwellers who survive and eke out their livelihood by collecting woods from the forest. The 50-year old Rejina Bibi is fasting and carrying bundles of wood on her bended back. She is fasting and continues to do backbreaking task to survive in their forsaken villages. She said during Ramadan she desires that her work load to be reduced so she can have a peaceful fasting, seeing the ration distribution center being formed at her village she could not hold her contentment and tells the fellow villagers that her prayers have been answered. The Jama Masjid of Shimlapal was one of the distribution center for the program, Imam of the mosque Hafiz Muhammad Mujtaba Ali monitored the distribution to the needy and most deserving of the village said Bankura forest region villages covers some of the most economically distressed Muslim families in whole of West Bengal, but they have been often neglected in the radius of aid and charity due to their low numbers. Imam Mujtaba Ali said For every poor beneficiary of the villages the ration stock packet is considered to be a gift from Allah. No other organization has extended a helping hand here before, the poor forest dwellers of the villages has first time experienced community assistance. Apart from the concentrated efforts on these regions, IMRCs volunteers also organized Ration distribution at Muslim dominated villages of South 24 Parganas, Malda, Nadia, Murshidabad and West Mednapur Districts, where over 7,800 poor and deserving Muslims benefited with the program and had a ration stock to peacefully endure through whole of Ramadan. The most important and notable beneficiaries among this villages were the more than 100 widows of Sangrampur village of South 24 Parganas District. Due to the menace of illicit liquor many men of the village in their prime age lost their lives living behind widows and families without any support. This year IMRC extended a whole-hearted support through food distribution and made sure that in this holy month of Ramadan no widow in the village is left unfed Besides the Ration distribution, under its Ramadan Feeding Program for the poor and needy IMRC and Sahayata Trust through its vast network of local volunteers has also organized village community Iftar in several districts across the state. For the past 36 years IMRC through its sister organization Sahayata Trust is organizing Ramadan Ration Kit distribution program as part of its Ramadan Feeding Project. Through its vast network of volunteers every year IMRC organizes 100 distribution centers of Ramadan food ration across 22 states in India providing relief to thousands of deserving poor and needy families. Whether travelling within the country or abroad, it always involves some element of risk. Then, why not to get travel insurance even for domestic travel, as one does for foreign travel? In most cases, individuals buy a travel insurance when they are visiting foreign nations. This is done because the country makes it mandatory to purchase insurance and lists as a condition for issuance of visa. However, only a few people opt for domestic travel insurance as they dont feel the need to spend that extra money to secure their trip. , Antony Jacob, CEO, Apollo Munich General Insurance said that in a country like India, where there is a chance of flights being unduly delayed or cancelled due to fog, heavy rains etc., domestic travel insurance comes handy and provides an umbrella cover from such unexpected emergencies. Hence, domestic travel insurance is essential in mitigating the risk and protects travellers against unforeseen circumstances such as cancellation of the trip, loss of baggage, unexpected accidents and medical emergencies, he said. Why you should have domestic travel cover Tarun Mathur- Chief Business Officer- General Insurance, Policybazaar.com said buying domestic travel insurance is definitely relevant like any other insurance. However, one needs to ensure purchasing an overall travel insurance and not just an accident cover which most travel portals or agents offer and customers too end up buying without much validation. It is often done due to lack of awareness on the product. An accident cover which is generally sold by most of the travel portals only covers accident related risk like death and hospitalization. Whereas a domestic travel insurance covers flight delay, cancellation, hospitalization due to an accident, death, baggage loss, baggage delay, etc, he explained. However, Jacob said that in case of total loss of checked-in baggage, documents required are signed claim form, statement of claim furnishing the details of items contained in the checked-in baggage, property irregularity report issued by the common carrier clearly accepting the total loss of checked in baggage along with Compensation details and address proof. It is important to take a look at the exclusions and caveats before buying a policy in terms of the amount of claim settled and extent of premium repayment in case of policy cancellation, he said. Exclusions in domestic travel insurance include the following: -- Any 'non-accident' incident (such as illness) that happens during the travel-- Any existing medical ailment/condition-- Any accidents caused due to non-normal activities like horse riding, adventure activities, skydiving etc.-- Only a few provide cover if you are a member of armed forces.-- Being a part of any activity which is against the Indian Penal Code.-- Working or learning to handle any aircraft or carrying out duties as a crew member on any airline.--Loss attributable to the insureds actions (Example: travelling against the doctors advice) -- All non-medical expenses etc. The above were some uniform exclusions across insurers. Vijay Kuppa, Chief Business Officer and Chief Operating Officer, Oro Wealth said that there are some more relevant exclusions that some insurers have and some don't. Here are some of them: --A common exclusion is if one falls ill during the journey (non-accident). Hence, it is best to have a regular health insurance plan (not related to travel insurance). This will ensure that one will not worry about falling ill while travelling -- Another common exclusion is if the carrier/railway voluntarily cancels or suspends the services. This is actually the most common form of delay during travel. Vijay Kuppa said another issue during claims processing is that in most of the cases you need to get a sign-off from the airline/railway/hotel for any damage or loss or delay which is not very forthcoming. So, many claims don't get processed as a result. In general, there are only a few providers of domestic travel insurance like Tata AIG, Bajaj Allianz, Apollo Munich and a couple more. Their policies are fairly adequate and cover most of the items. The very process of purchase of domestic travel insurance is also very easy, he added. Aditya Kumar Fintech companies are the talk of the town for all the right reasons. One, they have literally transformed the way people borrow, right from the loan application process till the final stages of disbursal. Two, the absolute ease in applying for a loan and the not-so-stringent eligibility parameters have made fintechs the primary choice among borrowers seeking unsecured credit. Three, supreme interfaces and brilliant technological integration have helped fintechs widen their reach. What are instant loans? Instant loans are personal loans that are delivered almost instantly or within the span of one working day. These loans are largely associated with fintech companies at present as traditional lenders like banks and established financial institutions dont offer instant personal loans. Their application process takes about 7-8 working days. Whats working in favour of fintechs? Recent statistics indicate that fintech companies have captured the lions share of the personal loan market and surpassed the market share that several top lending institutions once prided themselves on. If there is one reason why fintechs have literally dislodged traditional lenders in the merciless lending arena, it is their speedy application process. The turnaround time for loan applications is minimal. Traditional lenders take over 7-8 days to disburse a personal loan. Features that make fintechs the most preferred choices for instant loans Listed below are some attributes that have allowed fintechs to revolutionise the instant loan space in India. Instant loan approval When you apply for a personal loan with a fintech, you can expect to receive instant approval or rejection based on certain facets in your credit profile. Most companies use risk-assessment algorithms to evaluate the borrowers credit profile in real-time and consequently generate temporary approval or rejection. Some parameters that determine initial approval or rejection include income, current organisation (whether listed or unlisted), credit score and age. Digital verification The best thing about choosing a fintech company for an instant loan is the digital application process and subsequent verification. For instance, say you apply for a personal loan from a fintech. Right from start to finish, you can complete the application process online. One can also upload their identification, income and residential documents online. The documents will then be digitally verified, thus saving you from submiting physical copies of the same. The process is so advanced and seamless that a visit from an executive/representative to verify your details and collect your documents is also not necessary. Same-day loan disbursals If you thought instant approvals were the best thing about instant loans from fintech companies, well theres something that is way sweeter, perhaps the ideal icing on the cake. After your documents and other information are verified digitally, you will receive the loan amount the very same day. This is path-breaking development and miles ahead from traditional practices adopted by top banks. Traditional practices here can refer to physical document collections, physical verifications, et al. Flexible loan amounts and tenures Most private banks that offer personal loans (they dont really offer instant loans) requires one to borrow a minimum of Rs 50,000 with tenures starting from 12 months and stretching up to 60 months. There isnt a limit on the maximum loan amount that can be borrowed though, although most banks quote a maximum loan amount of at least Rs 25 lakh. In the case of fintechs, however the ballgame is starkly different. One can borrow loans for as little as Rs 20,000, with tenures starting from just 3 months up to 60 months: another reason why fintechs are today the more popular and fitting choice for personal loans. Loans to employees of unlisted companies A major reason why many applicants face loan rejections is because their company/employer is not listed. Top lending institutions have a list of companies in their database and offer loans only if you are employed in one of the listed companies. Fintechs, however, arent very stringent in their eligibility criteria. So, even if you are working in a start-up that is fairly established but not listed in the database of top private financial lending institution, there is no reason to be afraid that your application may be rejected on the basis of this parameter at least! Loans to individuals living in shared accommodations Fintechs offer loans to individuals living as paying guest and in shared accommodations. Private banks, however, dont do that. So, if you stay in a shared accommodation and you havent been hesitant to apply for a loan thinking that your application will face rejection, think differently! Think fintech! (The writer is Founder & CEO Qbera.com) Full service carrier Vistara today became eligible to fly on overseas routes with the induction of the 21st aircraft in the fleet. The 21st aircraft, an Airbus A320 Neo plane landed at Delhi's Indira Gandhi International Airport at 0336 hours today, the airline said in a release. The new aircraft will be deployed to further strengthen the airline's domestic network, it added. "There's great excitement among all of us at Vistara, as we prepare ourselves for taking the next leap in our journey to fly international. The arrival of our 21st aircraft makes this phase even more special," Leslie Thng, CEO, Vistara said. "It enables us to strengthen our network further, which gives us the opportunity to offer more choices in terms of frequencies to our ever-growing base of loyal customers," he added. Vistaras A320 neo aircraft comes in its unique cabin configuration of 158 seats (8 Business Class, 24 Premium Economy and 126 Economy Class). The New Delhi-based Vistas currently operates over 800 flights per week to 22 destinations across India. The air quality index has been ranging between poor to very poor across the Delhi NCR region, with the levels peaking at 350 and above at several points between March and May, according to a new report. The CPCB in compliance with the National Green Tribunal (NGT) order has released monthly data that highlights the air quality index (AQI) of the Delhi NCR region in the last three months. The report showed that the air quality levels have been peaking at 350 and above at several points between March and May. An AQI between 0-50 is considered Good, 51-100 Satisfactory, 101-200 Moderate, 201-300 Poor, 301-400 Very Poor, and 401-500 Severe. Experts say that the deterioration of air quality is due to dust storm in the west. A few recommendations that the monthly report gave to improve the air quality included control of vehicular emissions, control of road dust and re-suspension of dust and other fugitive emission and control of air pollution from bio-mass burning. The particulates (PM2.5/PM10) are the main issue of concern, necessary steps to control dust emission from roads, construction activity, traffic and industries may be strictly adopted. Increase in NO2 (nitrogen oxide) may also be attributed to vehicle and high ambient temperature, the report said. The daily city-wise AQI values for Delhi-NCR for the month of March, April and May was found largely lying between moderate to poor category. The Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) said the three reports are monthly reports that was submitted to NGT to tell more about the air quality index of the city. Karti Chidambaram Former Union minister P Chidambaram's son Karti controlled two firms which allegedly received Rs 1.16 crore as bribe money in the Aircel-Maxis money laundering case, the Enforcement Directorate (ED) said in its charge sheet filed before a Delhi court. Though the name of P Chidambaram, who was also quizzed recently by the CBI and the ED in the INX media and the Aircel-Maxis money laundering cases respectively, was mentioned in the charge sheet, the Congress veteran has not been arrayed as an accused in the probe report which would now be considered by the court on July 4. The ED filed the charge sheet before Additional Sessions Judge Ruby Alka Gupta for consideration and subsequent issuance of summons to the accused including Karti. Reacting to the filing of the charge sheet, which is called prosecution complaint in official parlance, P Chidambaram said that it would be "vigorously contested" before the special court. "The complaint filed by ED against Karti Chidambaram and others is seriously flawed. Since the matter is in Court, I shall not make a public comment. The complaint will be vigorously contested before the Special Court," the former minister tweeted. The ED probe report said the payments of Rs 26 lakh to Advantage Strategic Consultancies Private Limited (ASCPL) and Rs 90 lakh to Chess Management Services Pvt Limited (CMSPL) respectively were made as alleged bribe money by parent company of Aircel Ltd, namely Aircel Televentures Ltd (ATVL) and Maxis and its associate Malaysian companies respectively. Referring to contents of the charge sheet, special public prosecutors Nitesh Rana and N K Matta said that Karti was controlling ASCPL and CMSPL, the alleged beneficiaries of bribe amount of Rs 1.16 crore, and Karti was trying to project this as untainted money. The probe agency also made clear that it may file supplementary charge sheets in the case which apparently keeps open the chances of arraying more persons as accused. Apart from Karti, the agency has also named ASCPL and its directors Padma Bhaskararamana and Ravi Viswanathan, and CMSPL and its director Annamalai Palaniappa in the charge sheet under section 4 (punishment for money laundering) of the Prevention of Money Laundering Act (PMLA). "Investigation carried out under the PMLA so far as revealed that Karti P Chidambaram is linked with individuals and companies involved in financial transaction and companies holding such companies as per diagram... "Investigation has revealed that ASCPL and CMSPL are controlled and owned by Karti Chidambaram and his close associate S Bhaskararaman. Investigation has further revealed that ASCPL received money from ATVL, parent company of Aircel Ltd., in close proximity to receipt to FIPB (Foreign Investment Promotion Board)," the charge sheet, filed through advocate A R Aditya, said. It alleged that Karti received Rs 26 lakh from ATVL in ASCPL, on April 11, 2006, immediately after the approval under the head of payment of consultancy services, it said. "Similarly CMSPL received an amount of approximately USD 2,02,447 between period 2007-11 against invoices raised between 2007-09. The payments were received from Maxis and its associates in guise of charges for a software which was designed for use by an Indian company and could not at all of any use by a Malaysian company," it said. The ED had registered the case under the sections of PMLA on February 7, 2012 on basis of an FIR registered by the CBI. It said that during the investigation it was found that ASCPL was already in financial transaction with the other companies namely Chess Healthcare Care Solutions Pvt LTD, M/s Chess Management Services Pvt LTD (CMSPL) and M/s Halidon Marketing Pvt LTD since the financial year 2005-06. The agency said that a total of Rs 1.16 crore allegedly belonging to Karti has already been attached by it so far. The agency mentioned that the former Union minister's son has been linked with various individuals and companies involved in the Foreign Investment Promotion Board (FIPB) approval given to the Aircel-Maxis deal. It also alleged that Karti was in the process of alienating the property involved in the money laundering in order to frustrate the proceedings under PMLA. The agency told the court that it might file a supplementary charge sheet in the case. The court has already granted interim protection from arrest till July 10 to Karti in two cases filed by the CBI and the ED in 2011 and 2012, respectively in the Aircel-Maxis matter arising out of 2G spectrum cases, while his anticipatory bail plea is pending before the court. P Chidambaram has also been granted protection from arrest till July 10 by a court here in the present money laundering case while his anticipatory bail is pending before the court. The matter pertains to grant of FIPB clearance to M/s Global Communication Holding Services Ltd for investment in Aircel. Representative Image Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will take the final call on extension of unilateral ceasefire during the holy month of Ramzan in Jammu and Kashmir today. The decision on whether or not to extend Ramzan ceasefire until Amarnath Yatra, which is scheduled to begin on June 28, will be taken by the Centre today in a security meeting to be held at the Ministry of Home Affairs. Jammu and Kashmir Director General of Police SP Vaid has also been asked to report in New Delhi. The meeting will also take into consideration the slew of measures that need to be taken up ahead of the Amarnath Yatra. Last year, a militant attack on a bus carrying pilgrims had killed eight people. Rajnath had visited the Valley for two days last week to take stock of the situation. It has also been reported that the number of youths joining militant organisations has fallen after suspension of ceasefire. According to a report in The Times of India, 13 youths from Kashmir joined militancy after the announcement of Ramzan ceasefire as against 71 youths before May 15. Out of the 13, two youths returned home, bringing down the effective figure to 11. The report also points out that fewer incidences of violence were reported during Ramzan. In addition, suspension of cordon-and-search operations saw a significant decline in killings of security forces as well as civilians. Mob attacks involving stone-pelting have also reduced. However, grenade attacks have reportedly seen a rise during Ramzan. The overall situation seems to be under control. A police officer said schools and colleges have been functioning normally during the suspension of ceasefire and that politicians have visited their constituencies without being heckled or threatened. However, a report in The Indian Express has said a top leader of the BJP suggested that Ramzan ceasefire will end on Eid because the corridors need to be sanitized before the Amarnath Yatra begins. BJP national general secretary Ram Madhav was also in Srinagar on Tuesday and met BJP and PDP leaders, including Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti. He hinted at the Ramzan ceasefire not being extended until the Amarnath Yatra. Madhav was quoted by ANI as saying, Ramzan is the holy month for Muslims so the Indian government had decided to announce suspension of operations during this period as a goodwill gesture. We also wanted that the same be reciprocated but there was no change in the actions of separatists and terrorists. BJP sources have reportedly indicated that they did not see encouraging signs on ground and that it will be difficult to oblige the demand for extension of halting operations. Moneycontrol News A mob lynched two Muslim men on allegations of cattle theft at a village in Jharkhand on Wednesday morning. The incident took place in the state's Godda district, which is about 300 km from Ranchi. The police have identified the deceased as Sirabuddin Ansari, 35, and Murtaza Ansari, 30. Four people have been arrested in connection with lynching, and an FIR has been filed against unidentified persons for stealing buffaloes. Munshi Murmu, Kaleshwar Soren, Kishan Tudu and Harjohan Kisku are the four people who have been arrested. "The victims had previous criminal cases of cattle theft registered against them," Godda SP Rajiv Ranjan Singh said, as quoted by The Times of India. Bodies of the victims have been handed over to their families after the postmortem was conducted. A video of the the incident has gone viral on social media. It shows one of the victims with injury marks on the head, slung over a bamboo pole and being dragged on the ground, The Times of India reports. Five people, including the two victims, had gone to Dhulu village to steal buffaloes. Three out of the five people managed to flee the scene, but two were lyched by the mob. The five people allegedly stole 13 buffaloes from Murmu, News18 reports. "There is resentment among villagers about cattle thefts in the area. I am collecting reports about the incident." Godda MLA Pradeep Yadav of Jharkhand Mukti Morcha (JMM) said, as quoted by The Times of India. A fast-track court in Ranchi recently convicted 11 out of 12 accused of lyncing Alimuddin Ansari, a meat trader. Union minister Arun Jaitley is writing "hollow and wasteful" blogs to regain political relevance, the Congress said, hitting back at the BJP leader for questioning the party's "ideology" and its president Rahul Gandhi's "wisdom". Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said Jaitley's blogs are a clear case of finding lost political relevance by "churning unadulterated lies". He alleged that the "minister without a portfolio" is desperately trying to "outwit his juniors" who have surpassed ahead to "impress the Badshah by weaving blatant lies and falsehood". Earlier, Jaitley while taking a jibe at Gandhi for "anti-Narendra Modi tirade" questioned the Congress president's wisdom, saying it has to be acquired through learning and cannot be inherited. The Congress party has become "ideology-less" because its "only obsession is a person called Narendra Modi (prime minister)", Jaitley said in a Facebook post. Surjewala dubbed Jaitley as the "worst" Finance minister in India's history who pushed a resilient Indian into an unprecedented financial gloom. The economy under Jaitley has become the biggest NPA (non-performing asset) for the country, he said. "Myopic memory, selective amnesia and weaving lies have become the characteristic style of Modi government's minister without a portfolio Arun Jaitley. "We understand his desperation of seeking political relevance by writing hollow rhetoric, unadulterated falsehood and plain distortion of facts through his hollow blog," the Congress leader said in a statement. "Has the BJP and Shri Jailtey become agenda-less, achievement-less and argument-less?" he asked. Instead of worrying about job creation, providing adequate MSP to farmers and national security, the prime minister is busy throwing "fitness challenges" and putting odd videos on social media, while Jaitley is busy writing some hollow blogs, he alleged. "The Congress wants to remind the prime minister and Jaitley that they have ruined this country's economy through their Modinomics + Jaitleynomics, and this country now needs a break from them," Surjewala said. Jaitley in his blog had earlier said, "For a president of a national party (Congress) not to understand this basic procedure of bank functioning should be a matter of concern to the entire party as also the country." "In dynastic parties political positions are heritable. Unfortunately wisdom is not heritable. It has to be acquired through learning," he said in a post titled "Is Congress Becoming Ideology-less? Is Anti-Modism its only ideology?". Various Dalit groups are considering a nation-wide bandh to protest the government's decision to allow individuals to laterally enter the bureaucracy, according to a report by Times of India. The groups have already expressed their discontent over the Modi government's move to invite individuals from the private sector to apply for Joint Secretary- level posts directly. They are now threatening the government with a repeat of the nation-wide protest held on April 2, after the Supreme Court allegedly 'diluted' the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act. The Dalits reportedly see this move as bypassing the constitutional mechanism of recruiting through Union Public Service Commission (UPSC). Dalit activist Ashok Bharti told the newspaper that it also ignores the compulsory reservation criteria for scheduled castes and scheduled tribes. The nation-wide protest is being planned for August, during the monsoon session of Parliament, in order to ensure maximum possible impact, TOI reported. "The protest is meant to send out the message that if the concerns are not addressed by the government, the community will give the ruling party a befitting reply in the 2019 Lok Sabha polls," Bharti was quoted as saying. He also said that the Modi government has already "appropriated" independent institutions like the Election Commission, and it now intends to "bypass the UPSC". BSP supremo Mayawati had earlier termed the move "an administrative failure of the Modi government" and a dangerous trend that will "increase the influence of capitalists in policy making". The Dalit community was irked by the Supreme Court's amendment of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act, and launched protests at various places across the country, despite the Modi government having promptly filed a review petition that is still pending with the top court. Congress President Rahul Gandhi addressing a Corner Meeting ahead of Karnataka Assembly elections at KGF Municipal Ground in Kolar on 7th April 2018. (PTI Photo) Stepping up his attack on Narendra Modi, Congress President Rahul Gandhi today alleged the Prime Minister's intentions were not clean and instead of addressing the problems being faced by farmers, he was helping his industrialist friends. He charged that rather than focusing on real issues like unemployment, agriculture, education and health, Modi was busy doing yoga, Swachh Bharat Mission and "making people fight among themselves". Gandhi, who visited Nanded village in Chandrapur district in Vidarbha region today to meet the kin of late Dadaji Khobragade, the rural inventor who revolutionised rice farming, later spoke at a 'chaupal', an interactive session with the local residents there. "Prime minister Narendra Modi is giving away thousands of crores of bank money to Nirav Modi and his other friends... How many jobs did Nirav Modi create after taking Rs 35,000 crore from the banks?," Gandhi asked. "Had Dadaji Khobragade been given just Rs 5 crore, he would have generated 5,000 jobs. The one who has knowledge, who works hard everyday is not supported by the government... just showering awards does not help," he added. He said the bank money should have been directed towards farmers ,small businesses and researchers, which would have created more employment opportunities. "Modi is channelising the bank money to waive loans of 15 to 20 industrialists and filling their pockets. Nirav Modi ran away with Rs 35,000 crore...This is the amount which the UPA government had put in MNEREGA. The PM did not fulfil any of his promises because his intentions are not clean," the Congress chief said. Modi had promised two crore jobs and the youth of the country were expecting that the government money would be directed towards those who would create jobs for them. However, four years have passed and the youth is feeling cheated, Gandhi alleged. "Today, the main issues before the country are employment, agriculture, education and health. But if you look Modi, his focus is yoga, Swachh Bharat and making people fight among themselves, and not the major issues," Gandhi alleged. "The leader of the country has to show the way to its people and instil a sense of trust in them...The PM or a CM can do a lot for the people if their intentions are clean," he said. Replying to a query on farmers suicides, Gandhi said, "I want to help the people who have been long forgotten. Today, our farmers are in pain and frightened. "We want to instil hope in them by addressing the farm loan issues and by building farm-to-market infrastructure facilities like cold storages, roadways and giving bank support," he added. Before the public gathering, Gandhi met the kin of Khobragade and apologised for the nation's "apathy" towards his achievements. Khobragade had invented the revolutionary HMT variety of paddy, but died "largely forgotten and in penury", Gandhi alleged. The 78-year-old rice innovator died earlier this month after a prolonged illness in Gadchiroli district. "Dadaji Khobragade, a Dalit farmer-scientist, invented the revolutionary HMT variety of paddy. But, he died largely forgotten and in penury. I visited his home in Nanded, Maharashtra, to condole with his family and to apologise for our apathy as a nation, to his achievements," Gandhi said on Twitter. Congress general secretary Ashok Gehlot, senior leader Mohan Prakash, party's Maharashtra unit chief Ashok Chavan and Leader of Opposition in the state Assembly Radhakrishna Vikhe-Patil accompanied Gandhi during the visit. "Rahulji enquired about the various rice varieties he has developed. Rahulji was also keen to know how did their father (Khobragade) become so successful in developing so many varieties of paddy," Chavan said. The issue of patenting the rice varieties was also discussed at the meeting with his family members, he said. "Dadaji Khobragade developed 11 varieties of rice. However, none of them have been patented. The Congress has decided to follow up this issue with the state government and the Centre," Chavan said. Gandhi had a 20-minute meeting with Khobragade's family members, he said. Cheques of Rs 2.5 lakh by the Congress and Rs 5 lakh by Radhakrishna Vikhe Patil was handed over to the kin of Khobragade. As climate change makes itself more and more felt, fossil fuels are being looked at as something that needs to be changed. In an effort to move towards something more sustainable auto companies have no doubt started moving towards the electric path. And while the road will be long and hard, it is not undoable. Here are the electric cars that are already on sale in India. A committee of senior bureaucrats has recommended to the Niti Aayog that tightening fuel efficiency norms for four-wheelers with combustion engines could stimulate the electric vehicle (EV) market. According to a report by CNBC-TV18, the rationale is that the automobile industry will be left with no other option but to manufacture and sell more EVs once fuel efficiency norms for petrol- and diesel-powered vehicles are tightened. The committee proposed, to have approximate induction of 3-5 percent EVs, as against total manufactured vehicles, the fuel efficiency norms have to be lower by 20-25 percent over FY 2017-18 data. Earlier this year, the Transport Ministry assigned fuel efficiency norms that require cars to be 30 percent more fuel efficient by 2022. This move was expected to help India meet the global CO2 emission norms and also reduce its carbon footprint. While the proposal is only in a discussion phase, the industry has naturally expressed shock. Top industry sources as per the report said, We are busy transitioning from BS-IV to BS-VI. All technical resources are geared up for this. To throw in more challenges at this stage would be completely unfair. Such a move could impact auto companies, the components industry and also the economy. Another top executive at one of Indias leading carmakers said, Let us not forget the consumer in all of this. What is the guarantee that the product will be acceptable to the consumer? Also, battery prices will have to come down substantially which they havent so far. Industry experts warned that the move would force them to make diesel and petrol vehicles more expensive. They also believe that cross-subsidisation could invite trouble from tax authorities and have repercussions under the Competition Act.Another recommendation in the report is that cab aggregators like Ola and Uber should have minimum 2 percent of their vehicle fleets as electric. IT security solutions provider QuickHeal has detected Trojan malware and virus that steal sensitive financial data from banking apps on a smartphone. Considering the high number of financial transaction and actions taking place online, this new development is worth noting. QuickHeal's security lab in Pune, India have detected two banking Trojans, specifically designed to steal users financial or banking data from a smartphone. QuickHeal shared a blog post regarding this malware and Trojans, and how to detect such app malware in a smartphone. What is a banking Trojan? A banking Trojan steals users banking data via an app or software. This data could be a user's auto-saved bank passwords and login-in credentials and even the user's visits to banking sites and other activities related to banking. Information on Banking Trojans detected by Quick Heal QuickHeal's lab has discovered two apps from the Play Store that steal user data from a smartphone. The first app has an icon of Adobe Flash Player and second app with the name "update" for smartphones. These apps trick users with official names and icons. How do these Trojans work? When any user installs such an app from Google Play Store, the app requests the user to grant few permissions which include device administrator settings. These settings include changing device password, set password rules, lock the screen and much more. Even if the user selects 'cancel' to deny the permission, it pops up again and again to gain the permission. Some users may uninstall the app, but there are others who give in and grant the permissions. This Trojan-embedded app waits for the user to launch any banking app on the phone, and when it happens, these Trojans automatically start working in the background. In some cases, a fake window asking for credit/debit card details for donation may appear. If the user logs in, these Trojans send the login info to the server controlled by the attacker. After the info is collected, the details received can be misused. Google India said on Thursday that security was the most important thing in its cloud service offerings, which have seen greater adoption in India over the past few months. Google has three data centres that went live in Mumbai in November last year and offers services like big data, storage and networking. Google competes with the likes of Amazon Web Services and Microsoft in the clud computing space. According to a Rightscale Report on public cloud adoption, AWS is the market leader in the public cloud space, followed by Microsoft Azure. Google has an 18 percent market share and was aiming to catch up with competitors. He said Google was seeing "interest and momentum" in India from startups and small and medium businesses (SMBs), as well as large enterprises. During an interaction in New Delhi on June 14, Google Cloud Asia-Pacific Managing Director Rick Harshman said that the bedrock of Google's cloud offering is around security, "making sure that we provide the highest levels of security and operational excellence for companies to be able to run successful and scalable businesses." Google's cloud customers in India include Ashok Leyland, goibibo.com, Hero MotoCorp, Policybazaar.com, Quikr, Yaatra, SBI Cards, Hike Messenger, Vistara, ShareChat among others. "Security is always going to be top of mind for customers," he said, adding that they don't get as many questions and concerns from customers about security as they do about privacy, given the recent controversy surrounding data mining around Facebook and Cambridge Analytica. India is working on guidelines around data protection under retired Supreme Court judge BN Srikrishna, which are expected to be released this month. The recently-released telecom policy also mentions some proposed standards for data encryption, which could have a potential impact on cloud providers in India. "We need to be aware of what governments are potentially proposing and if there is need of any potential changes, we will evaluate that," Harshman said. Due to downturn in India-Maldives ties, an estimated 2,000 Indians have their applications pending for work permits, reports The Hindu. Why are Indians being denied work permits? Since February, when Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen ordered an Emergency and India took a strong stand against it, the Maldives Immigration Authority has reportedly held up thousands of work permits to Indians. India-Maldives ties have been on the downswing since 2015, when Prime Minister Narendra Modi cancelled his visit to Male over the treatment of opposition leaders by President Yameen. Since then, Chinas growing presence and a free trade agreement with Beijing as well as President Yameens emergency declaration and arrest of opposition leaders have led to protests from India, further straining ties. The job crisis And the strain in ties is not restricted to work permits alone. Even job advertisements are putting out the disclaimer that Indians cant apply. Public advertisements from companies that are hiring clearly say Indians need not apply, as they would not be given work permits. One post by the internationally renowned Marriott chain of hotels that advertised on Wednesday for 18 jobs said: Please note that work permits are not currently being issued to Indian Nationals. The general manager of the St Regis in Vommuli, Alexander Blair, also advertised for the chef of an Indian speciality restaurant, adding on his page on the online jobs network LinkedIn, Unfortunately, with the current situation that Work Permits are not being granted to Indian Nationals, we are ideally searching for an Indian who is holding another passport or is the spouse of a Maldivian." Is the Indian government offering any help? Despite the increasing numbers of desperate job-seekers, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) has refused to take up the matter and the Embassy of India in the Maldives (EoI) has replied to queries from job-seekers by saying it cannot help. The Maldivian Embassy in Delhi declined to comment on the issue. On March 12, Immigration Department spokesman Hassan Khaleel told the Maldives Independent newspaper that reports of visa delays for Indians were completely false". However, officials who agreed to speak on the condition of anonymity said thousands of Indians face a squeeze on their work permits from the Maldivian government in place since February, and there appeared to be a strict directive from the Maldivian Presidents office against work permits to Indians, as well as against facilitating other requests from Indian companies there. Around 29,000 Indians live and work in the Maldives. SAIL Q4 | Profit at Rs 2,647.52 cr versus Rs 548 cr, revenue at Rs 16,172 cr versus Rs 18,492 cr YoY. (Image: PTI) live bse live nse live Volume Todays L/H More Prime Minister Narendra Modi today dedicated to the nation the modernised and expanded Bhilai steel plant of state-owned SAIL. With this, the Steel Authority of India (SAIL) has completed around Rs 72,000 crore modernisation and expansion programme, taking its production capacity to 21 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) from 13 MTPA earlier. The prime minister, while addressing a rally said the Bhilai steel plant will make the foundation of 'New India' stronger than steel. "Before coming here, I went to Bhilai steel plant. After spending more than Rs 18,000 crore, this plant (Bhilai Steel Plant) has been modernised and expanded with latest technology," Modi said. "I am fortunate to have been given an opportunity to dedicate this modernised and expanded the plant to the nation," he added. Bhilai, he said, has not only made steel but has also improved the lives of the people. Since Independence, from Kutch to Cuttack and Kargil to Kanyakumari, it is Bhilai plant that has provided tracks to Indian Railways, he said. The prime minister was on a day-long visit to Chhattisgarh where he inaugurated various projects worth Rs 22,000 crore. He visited SAIL's Bhilai steel plant located in Durg district. Steel Minister Chaudhary Birender Singh said four years back the steel industry was going through a tough time and facing challenges but today India is the second largest steel producer. "I want to say that today we are not only fulfilling the needs of the country but also the needs of the world," he added. When the BJP came to power at the Centre, "India was at the fourth place in steel production. But two years back we left behind America to become the third largest steel producer and four months back we left behind Japan to become the second largest steel producer," he said. In the last two years, Singh said, India has become a net exporter of steel. "In the last two-and-a-half years we have stopped 40 per cent of the steel which used to come from other countries to India." Bhilai plant, he said, is producing 130-metre long single piece rail track which is the longest in the world. Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Raman Singh and Telecom Minister Manoj Sinha were among others present during the occasion. Implemented with an investment of more than Rs 18,800 crore, the new Bhilai steel plant would have an enhanced production capacity of 7.5 MTPA hot metal against 4.7 MTPA earlier, which will be the highest among all steel plants of SAIL. The Google homepage gets 620 million users every day and at any second, there are two million searches happening on the website. (Image: Reuters) An Australian man has won the first battle to sue the search engine giant, Google, for defamation since Googles images and search results link him to the Melbourne criminal underworld. Milorad Michael Trkulja, a Melbourne resident, claims that on searching for Melbourne criminal underworld photos, the results display his picture alongside the gangland figures like Mick Gatto, Carl Williams, Chopper Reid, Mario Condello and Mark and Jason Moran. As per a report by ABC, in 2004, Trkulja was shot in the back in a Melbourne restaurant by an unknown gunman, when a series of underworld killings had taken place in the city. Trkulja claims that his photos circulated post the shooting incident are probably linking him to the search. He had first sued Google for defamation in 2012 and won. He then began another proceeding where he alleged that defamatory text, autocomplete predictions and images showed him alongside convicted felons when searching phrases such as "Melbourne underworld criminals". Four years later, a Victorian Court of Appeal overturned the decision since the case had no prospect of proving defamation. Trkulja moved the High Court who granted him the right to sue Google and ordered the company to bear Trkuljas legal costs. Googles lawyers claimed that the search engine had not published any defamatory search results and was entitled to immunity. However, the High Court felt otherwise. While the Court acknowledged that some of the images were not criminal figures, the judgement said, But in each of the pages on which images of such persons appear, there are also images of persons who are notorious criminals or members of the Melbourne criminal underworld coupled with images of persons, such as Mr Trkulja whose identity is relatively unknown. According to legal experts, this case might offer further clarity on the application of defamatory laws for online content. Kim Jong Un understands that denuclearisation must happen "quickly", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said today, warning there will be no sanctions relief for Pyongyang until the process is complete. Washington remained committed to the "complete, verifiable and irreversible" denuclearisation of North Korea, Pompeo added, after the historic US-North Korea summit in Singapore drew criticism for its vague wording on plans for Pyongyang to give up its nuclear weapons. "We believe that Kim Jong Un understands the urgency... that we must do this quickly," he said of the effort to have North Korea abandon its nuclear weapons. Washington's top diplomat was in Seoul to brief his South Korean and Japanese counterparts after President Donald Trump's post-summit comments sparked confusion and concern in Tokyo and Seoul. But Pompeo insisted at a joint press conference with the two countries' foreign ministers that there was no daylight among the allies on how to achieve the denuclearisation of North Korea. Contrasting the Trump policy with previous US administrations, Pompeo said: "In the past, they were providing economic and financial relief before... complete denuclearisation had taken place." "That is not going to happen, President Trump made that clear." Pompeo's comments came after North Korean state media reported Wednesday that Trump had not only offered to stop military exercises during dialogue, but also lift sanctions imposed on Pyongyang. Trump said after his meeting with Kim -- the first between sitting US and North Korean leaders -- that Washington would halt its joint military exercises with South Korea, an announcement that caught Seoul -- and apparently the Pentagon -- by surprise. The US and South Korea conduct several large drills every year to maintain readiness for operations on the peninsula, a source of irritation for Pyongyang, which considers them preparations for an invasion. Kang Kyung-wha, the South Korean foreign minister appeared to sidestep the issue at the joint press conference, saying the matter would be left to military authorities to discuss, and that the US-South Korea alliance remained "as robust as ever". Earlier, South Korean President Moon Jae-in acknowledged that "there may be very conflicting views" about the summit, but it had still helped mitigate fears of a nuclear war. "So in this way I believe it was very successful." While it is not directly involved, Japan also considers the drills vital. The "deterrence based on them (plays) an essential role for security in northeast Asia", Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono said after the "frank" trilateral talks today. "The US will advance the discussion on provision of security guarantees while carefully monitoring whether North Korea takes concrete steps to fulfil its commitment to denuclearisation," Kono added. "No security guarantees have been given yet." Pompeo said the suspension of the drills depended on productive negotiations in "good faith". Trump had raised eyebrows on Tuesday by describing his own country's drills on the Korean peninsula as "provocative", a term used by the North for the exercises. Pyongyang describes its nuclear weapons and long-range missiles as a shield against US aggression, and has in the past linked denuclearisation to the removal of US forces from the peninsula. After his meetings in Seoul, Pompeo left for Beijing, where he was expected to meet Chinese President Xi Jinping and Foreign Minister Wang Yi. Despite some concerns among allies and analysts, the Trump administration continues to tout the summit as a success, and Pompeo said earlier that he hopes to see "major disarmament" of North Korea by 2020. A bullish Trump declared the nuclear threat from North Korea no longer exists, and tweeted Wednesday that people "can now feel much safer than the day I took office" and can "sleep well tonight!". The US leader also defended his decision on the military drills with South Korea: "We save a fortune by not doing war games, as long as we are negotiating in good faith -- which both sides are!" The president's latest comments are in stark contrast to his threats to unleash "fire and fury" last year in response to Pyongyang's nuclear and long-range missile tests. The North retaliated by boasting it could annihilate the US. After months of tensions which saw Trump and Kim trade personal insults, whirlwind diplomatic efforts were launched earlier this year, catalysed by the Winter Olympics in South Korea. The remarkable de-escalation saw Kim reach out to Trump, conduct a historic summit with South Korean President Moon Jae-in, and visit Xi in Beijing -- his first trip abroad as leader of the North. The reclusive regime in Pyongyang has long craved international legitimacy, and has played up the summit as a major victory for Kim, with state media calling it the "meeting of the century". Auto giant Volkswagen said today it would pay a one billion euro (USD 1.2 billion) fine imposed by German prosecutors for diesel emissions cheating. "The Braunschweig public prosecutor issues an administrative order against Volkswagen AG in the context of the diesel crisis and imposes a fine of EUR1 billion on Volkswagen AG", the company said in a statement. The German car giant said it had "accepted the fine" and would not lodge an appeal. "Volkswagen AG, by doing so, admits its responsibility for the diesel crisis and considers this as a further major step towards the latter being overcome." The prosecutors said the penalty was "one of the highest fines ever imposed on a company in Germany" and stressed that it was unrelated to civil cases seeking compensation or ongoing criminal investigations against the people involved. The mammoth carmaker admitted in 2015 to fitting 11 million vehicles worldwide with "defeat devices" -- software designed to trick regulators into thinking cars met emissions standards. In fact, output of harmful fine particulates and nitrogen oxides (NOx), which can cause respiratory and heart diseases, was far higher than legally permitted. VW's admission had so far cost it more than 25 billion euros in buybacks, fines and compensation, and the company remains mired in legal woes at home and abroad. VW's chief executive at the time of the diesel scandal Martin Winterkorn stepped down soon after the news broke, while successor Matthias Mueller was hastily replaced earlier this year. Both are suspected of knowing earlier than they have so far admitted about the cheating, meaning they failed in their duty to inform investors in the car giant about the financial risks. US prosecutors also indicted Winterkorn last month saying he knew of the company's emissions cheating as early as May 2014 but decided to continue. The "dieselgate" saga has cast a pall over Germany's vaunted car industry, with suspicions of emissions manipulation since spreading to other companies. Luxury carmaker BMW and Mercedes-owned Daimler have both had their offices raided by investigators searching for evidence of possible cheating. In the spiralling scandal, Germany ordered Monday the recall of some 774,000 Daimler vehicles across Europe, citing illegal defeat devices. VW said in its statement that prosecutors had found that "monitoring duties had been breached ... in the context of vehicle tests". This had led to 10.7 million cars "being advertised, sold to customers and placed on the market with an impermissible software function" in the US, Canada and worldwide between mid-2007 and 2015, the company said. Beleaguered retailer Hudsons Bay is still not taking advantage of the red-hot Toronto real estate market to turn around its fortunes, which has led to bafflement and even irritation among investors. Shareholders have noted that this reticence is unusual, given that Hudsons Bay is already angling to sell its prime location in Vancouver, following the $850-million sale of Lord & Taylors flagship store in Manhattan last year. The retailers handling of its real estate has been previously condemned by activist investor Land & Buildings Investment Management LLC. Over the past year, the available housing space for seniors in British Columbia and Ontario has steadily gone downward, according to new data from the Canada Mortgage and Housing Corporation. In B.C., while the number of total seniors spaces grew by 340 units over the past year, overall vacancy for independent living in seniors residences stood at 3.0% in 2018 so far, compared to the 4.5% during the same time in 2017. Monthly rental rates for B.C.s independent living spaces increased by 3.3% year-over-year, a trend brought about by growing demand and operation costs. Permian Basin operators looking east to ship their production to Corpus Christi or Houston to find its way overseas are also looking south to Texas' southern neighbor. "All projects connecting the Permian Basin with Corpus Christi also connect it to northern Mexico," said Brandon Seale, president of Howard Energy Mexico. Seale, who was in Midland recently to participate in a panel discussion on Mexico's potential at Hart Energy's Midstream Texas conference, said producers are "trying to move their production to market but to premium markets" that create an outlet for getting better prices. The San Antonio-based company, initially active in South Texas, is also active in northern Mexico, "playing off our South Texas assets. We have pipelines running from South Texas into Monterrey, Mexico," he said. The company has also partnered with WPX Energy to develop WPX's Delaware Basin assets and recently completed a refined products terminal in Corpus Christi that is directly tied to the Permian Basin and northern Mexico. Mexico is a "market that is that much bigger for West Texas and South Texas production. With our Corpus Christi terminal and pipelines, combined with announced pipeline projects, the Permian Basin is now connected to Corpus Christi and northern Mexico and the gateway to Latin America," Seale said. He pointed out that Mexico imports 4 billion cubic feet to 5 billion cubic feet of natural gas a day and more than 800,000 barrels of refined products a day. More from Oil Report San Andres gets fresh look with new technology "There's a real hunger for all this natural gas and refined products," he said. Michael Moss, vice president, business development at Rangeland Energy III LLC, agreed. He said Mexico has been a big market for refined products and liquefied petroleum gases. "The U.S. is long on both products (so) it's a natural fit for pipeline projects and infrastructure to import into Mexico," said Moss, who also discussed at the conference opportunities in Mexico. And Texas' close proximity makes it even more competitive because transportation can be considerably cheaper, he said. Infrastructure is still in its early stages, but Rangeland is building a rail terminal in Corpus Christo to export into Mexico. "We need similar facilities in Mexico to receive the products," Moss said. Some facilities are under development, either under construction or in the process of being planned or permitted, but more are needed, he said. A lot of the natural gas being imported will go toward power generation as Mexico transitions from predominantly fuel oil, which is dirtier, to natural gas, Seale said. "Our theory is demand for natural gas in Mexico is artificially suppressed," said Seale. He said Mexico consumes 9 billion cubic feet per day, compared to the 90 Bcf consumed daily by the U.S."It's unrealized potential." The biggest challenge, Seale said, is related to timing and getting infrastructure online quickly because markets change and if Mexico isn't ready to receive that production, it will go to other markets instead. Developing markets in Mexico is different and requires advanced planning, Seale said. Moss predicted it will take several years of infrastructure development. And he said there are challenges to developing new markets in Mexico. One challenge is the current trade tensions between the U.S. and Mexico. A second challenge is the upcoming presidential election in Mexico, he said. "People are scrutinizing that election: Who will win? What will his energy policy be? Energy policy reform and the shift to free markets is never smooth. As new companies establish their own brands and stations in Mexico, they'll look to develop their own supply chains," Moss said. "The government is trying to manage this transition. The Mexican government wants lower energy costs and a more efficient marketplace that will bring energy security and storage, things they don't currently have. "What's good for Mexico is good for the U.S. and vice versa. Our economies are so intertwined, and reliable energy sources is good for both countries," he said. What was old in Permian Basin oil fields has become new again as technological advances have unlocked reserves operators knew existed but couldn't technically or economically develop until now. Those efforts in the Midland and Delaware portions of the Wolfcamp have drawn international attention, but reliable formations such as the San Andres are starting to see new activity. "The San Andres has been one of the most prolific fields in the Permian Basin historically," said Rob Liddell, principal and co-chief executive officer of Stakeholder Midstream LLC, in a phone interview from his San Antonio office. With acreage in the Midland and Delaware basins so cost-prohibitive, he said when the company was founded in 2015, it began looking at less-active areas such as the Central Basin Platform and Northwest Shelf. "Anyone can build a 200 million cubic feet-per day plant in the Delaware," Liddell said. "We felt we had more value for producers in the San Andres than in the Delaware. We knew new technology would let operators go in and develop that acreage." Within six months of Stakeholder's founding with financial backing from EnCap Flatrock Midstream company management realized developing in the San Andres was expanding and "we began working it and building relationships with producers. We even hosted conferences for producers," he said. "What had happened was the vertical fields had been drilled up," he continued. Major producers in the San Andres not only owned the production but the midstream infrastructure due to their secondary waterflood and tertiary carbon dioxide enhanced oil recovery projects, he said. "Our producers are targeting areas between those vertical fields" known as residual oil zones, Liddell said. Those producers wanted expanded midstream infrastructure, he said. The company's work is supported by the dedication of more than 100,000 acres from companies active in the Horizontal San Andres. Stakeholder also has a crude oil system that Gaylon Gray, principal and co-chief executive officer, estimates includes 100 miles of gathering lines, a storage terminal and multiple downstream pipeline connections. The system, in Yoakum County, is being expanded with additional gathering lines and pump stations and more storage capacity at the crude terminal. The company is also looking to expand the gathering system into surrounding counties. The company's foray into natural gas began with the purchase of a gas gathering system in Lea County, New Mexico. "Last fall, we felt we had reached critical mass on natural gas and negotiated contracts with producers," said Liddell. The San Andres is challenging because its natural gas is very rich -- high in carbon dioxide and hydrogen sulfide and methanes, among other gases that can't be processed by a traditional gas processing plant, Liddell said. Gathering lines have been laid and processing equipment is on site. Gray said the system will be comprised of low-pressure gas gathering lines from Yoakum County into Lea County. The new state-of-the-art facility in Yoakum County will include front-end liquids handling, an amine treater and acid gas injection well, cryogenic processing plant with a capacity of 60 million cubic feet per day and a nitrogen rejection unit. That design was prompted by the different constituents in the natural gas, Gray said. "It's a complicated process," he said. "It's more than even what your standard rich gas plant installs. It's tied to the complexity of the play." Liddell said he, Gray and the company's backers at EnCap Flatrock Midstream are confident in the future of the San Andres play. "What got us excited, and EnCap Flatrock excited, was the economics producers were getting from their wells," he said, estimating breakeven costs in the low $30 range. And as producers increase drilling activity in the play and step out into surrounding acreage, he's confident more acreage will be dedicated to the company's operations in the next three to nine months. Mavity to sign positivity book Author Thomas Mavity of Pleasant Hill will sign copies of his book, T.H.A.N.K. Y.O.U.: Positive Words and Actions with Gratitude Lead to Success at 6:30 p.m. today at Jacksonville Public Library. Mavity, a career law enforcement officer, also will talk about the book and his inspiration for writing it. He will have copies of the book available for purchase. Chosen Ones to play Friday The Chosen Ones and The Erwins will share the bill for a concert Friday at Lincoln Avenue Baptist Church. The concert will begin at 6:30 p.m. Admission is free, though a love offering will be taken. For more information, contact Clint Everetts at 217-371-9876. Harmony on bill for Pilot concert Harmony will perform at 6 p.m. Sunday at the big bandstand in Community Park as part of Pilot Club of Jacksonvilles Concerts in the Park series. Admission is free. Those attending are encouraged to bring a lawn chair or blanket for seating and a picnic dinner, if desired. Kids series has Boss Baby Illinois Theaters Summer Kids Movie Series will feature the animated comedy Boss Baby at 10 a.m. Wednesday at the theater on the downtown Jacksonville square. The 2017 movie follows a suit-wearing, briefcase-carrying baby as he pairs up with his 7-year old brother to stop the dastardly plot of the CEO of Puppy Co. Featuring the voices of Alec Baldwin, Steve Buscemi and Jimmy Kimmel, it is rated PG. Admission for the series is 50 cents a person or free with the donation of a non-perishable food or personal hygiene item. Doors open at 9:30 a.m. Donations benefit the Jacksonville Food Center. The series continues through July 25. Pushing Chain plays museum The duo of Boyd Blomberg and Adam Moe otherwise known as Pushing Chain will be the featured artist at 7 p.m. today for the Illinois State Museums Music at the Museum concert. The pair, who have been playing together since 1997 and recorded their first album in 1998, believe in strong harmonies, kazoos and sad songs, according to the museum. The Illinois State Museums Music at the Museum concert series is hosted by Chris Vallillo and focuses on a range of musical styles by a diverse group of performers. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for museum members and children under 12. Desserts and drinks will be available for purchase during the break. For more information about the series, go to museumconcerts.com. The museum is at 502 S. Spring St. in Springfield. Iles House hosts chats The Iles House in Springfield will host another Summer Porch Chat at 5:30 p.m. Wednesday at the house, 628 S. Seventh St. The theme for the series of chats, which run through June, is Growing Up in Springfield. During Wednesdays chat, Adm. Ron Thunman, the child of Swedish immigrants, and his wife, Owsley Brown Thunman, the daughter of a well-established Springfield family, will talk about their individual and different childhoods and the circumstances that brought them together. Admission to the chats is free, as is parking at Iles House, the oldest surviving house in Springfield. Compiled by Angela Bauer Two arrested on kidnapping, assault charges GREENFIELD Two Alton men were being held Wednesday in the Greene County Jail after their arrest on aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault charges. According to the Greene County Sheriffs Department, Kenneth D. Harris, 29, of Alton and Perry Rondell, 31, of Alton were arrested after police were called to an altercation between Harris and Rondell and two others at U.S. 267 and Illinois Route 108. Rondell and Harris are accusing of forcing the two people to go with them. Sheriffs deputies and Greenfield Police officers pursued the two to Madison County, where they were arrested. Both were charged with aggravated kidnapping and aggravated assault. Rondell was also charged with possession of a weapon by a felon. Morgan County Jacksonville Police ARRESTS, CITATIONS John C. Turley, 34, of 1223 Park Place was arrested about 10:40 p.m. Tuesday on a forgery charge. Lexani F. Thomas, 18, of 800 Hoagland Blvd. was booked into the Morgan County jail at 1:06 p.m. Wednesday on a theft charge. Joshua L. Fudge, 18, of 925 N. East St. was booked into the Morgan County jail at 7:16 p.m. Wednesday on a criminal damage to property charge. ACCIDENTS Clifford S. Alexander, 86, of Jacksonville was cited on a charge of improper lane usage after police say he turned out of a private drive and his vehicle hit a vehicle being driven by Tracy M. Birdsell, 46, of Jacksonville about 11:10 a.m. Wednesday in the 300 block of East Morton Avenue. Greene County Sheriff ARRESTS, CITATIONS Jack A. Bockholdt, 53, of Eldred was lodged in the Greene County Jail at 11:56 p.m. Monday on a theft charge. Roodhouse Police ARRESTS, CITATIONS Stephanie N. Hagan, 36, of Roodhouse was lodged in the Greene County Jail at 9:51 p.m. June 2 on a charge of driving while license is expired for more than one year. White Hall Police ARRESTS, CITATIONS Jeffrey T. Taylor, 50, of Jacksonville was lodged in the Greene County Jail at 9:50 p.m. June 5 on a charge of driving while license is suspended. Kyle R. Baumgartner, 33, of Eldred was lodged in the Greene County Jail at 10:12 p.m. Tuesday on a Greene County arrest warrant for a petition to revoke probation. Russell A. Baker Jr., 38, of Roodhouse was lodged in the Greene County Jail at 1:08 p.m. Tuesday on an aggravated criminal sexual assault charge. Sean A. Groves, 22, of White Hall was lodged in the Greene County Jail at8:57 p.m. Saturday on a Greene County arrest warrant for a petition to revoke probation. Desarae E. Swarringim, 24, of Roodhouse was lodged in the Greene County Jail at 9:20 p.m. Friday on a charge of driving while license is suspended. Compiled by Greg Olson, Nick Draper, Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree and David C.L. Bauer West-central Illinois continues to shrink. New estimates from the U.S. Census Bureau show 13 of the counties in west-central Illinois have shown a pretty steady decline since 2010, continuing into 2017. Morgan County declined by more than 1,700 people since 2010. The U.S. Census Bureau reported a population of 35,547 people in the county in 2010, compared to the estimated 33,798 residents last year. Jacksonville Mayor Andy Ezard said many municipalities and counties in the state are seeing declines and it isnt unique to west-central Illinois. Many counties are seeing a decline, Ezard said. This is a statewide issue. Many people are just leaving the state. Illinois has seen a decrease of about 28,609 since 2010. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated Illinois population to be 12.802 million in July of last year, down from 12.831 million in April 2010. Brown County saw the smallest decrease of just over 200 people since 2010, leaving the county with an estimated 6,716 people in 2017. With the exception of a slight increase from 2011 to 2012 of 10 people, Brown County showed a continuous downward pattern since 2010. Madison County saw the largest decrease of 3,854 people from the 2010 population of 269,282 to 265,428 last year. Calhoun County had the smallest population in the region, losing 256 people since 2010. The U.S. Census Bureau estimated a population of 4,833 in Calhoun in 2017. Cass County showed a decrease of 1,137 people since 2010, with the U.S. Census Bureau estimating the 2017 population to be about 12,505. Greene County lost an estimated 712 people in the past seven years, with roughly 12,174 people inhabiting the county. Pike County decreased from 16,430 people in 2010 to 15,821 in 2017. Scott County had the second smallest population in 2017 within the region with 5,002 residents, losing 353 since 2010. Ezard said the continuing downward treads in the counties is something many municipalities are trying to change through increased opportunities and increased attractiveness. We do things to try and prevent people from leaving, Ezard said. We try to do the best we can and we are trying to build a foundation and hopefully get back on track and build up the population in the next 10 years. Samantha McDaniel-Ogletree can be reached at 217-245-6121, ext. 1233, or on Twitter @JCNews_samantha. MOUNT STERLING An investigation is under way after a prisoner at the Western Illinois Correctional Center was sent to the hospital after an altercation, but authorities are releasing few details. According to a statement given by a representative of the Illinois Department of Corrections, an incident occurred May 17 at the prison. One person involved in the altercation remains in the hospital. America benefits when qualified, enthusiastic women and men seek to serve their country and run for elected office. For too long, women shied away from getting into campaigns as the candidate for a variety of reasons: Some women are reluctant to fund-raise or take on the grueling schedule and public scrutiny that can come with modern campaigns. Party leaders sometimes failed to encourage women to seek elected positions. This is changing: Twice as many Republican women are seeking House seats this election as compared to 2016; Democrats also have record numbers of females running for office. This is great news: More choices for voters should lead to better representatives in office. Yet Americans shouldnt cast their vote for a woman, simply because she is a woman, anymore than they would cast their vote for a man because hes a man. In either case, its sex discrimination and a bad way to select a public representative. The desire to have more women in leadership positions is understandable. It is exciting to see people from under-represented groups getting the recognition and opportunities they deserve. It shows that we are leaving the vestiges of discrimination and sexism behind as a country. However, voters arent asked to choose between two candidates who represent their sex and race. Rather, we choose among individuals who are unique and complex, and who often have very different priorities and beliefs about the best policy choices to make to support all Americans and for the country at large. We need to weigh all of these factors and the different positions that candidates take on issues as important as our national security, tax and budget plans, and the best path forward for our health care system. These matters can and should overwhelm any tribal sense of wanting to vote for someone simply because they share our gender. Too many political commentators missed this obvious point and seemed to assume that women would and had a duty to support Hillary Clinton for president, simply because she was a fellow female. That was insulting to Clinton and to women voters. Clintons supporters surely didnt believe that the fact that she was a woman was enough of a reason to put her in office. Presumably they thought that her background, experience and her vision for the country was superior to her opponents. Female voters didnt overwhelmingly vote for Clinton out of a duty to the sisterhood. In fact, in spite of all the hype about Clintons historic candidacy and media coverage suggesting that Donald Trump was a particular threat to women women voted in 2016 much like they did in 2012 and 2008. Trump received 41 percent of the votes cast by women, while Mitt Romney had receive 44 percent and John McCain 43 percent. Those women who voted for Trump over Clinton werent rejecting the idea of having a female president, but had decided that they preferred what Trump promised to do as president, over what Clinton promised. Surveys show that Americans of all political ideologies are willing to cast their votes for female candidates and are comfortable with the idea of female political leaders. This means that sooner or later, we will have a female president. When this happens, she will take office because voters believe she was the best person to lead the country, not because anyone decide it was just time for a woman. Thats as it should be and isnt sexism, but the absence of it. Carrie Lukas is president of Independent Womens Forum. She wrote this for InsideSources.com. Does the NDC have one face ... Tuolumne County Economic Development Authority View Photos Update at 5:45pm: The Tuolumne County Economic Development Authority has provided Clarke Broadcasting with a copy of the lawsuit filed by Kenneth Perkins. The opening paragraph states that he is seeking public records to back up claims that the TCEDA has helped generate tens of millions of dollars in economic benefits and assisted in over $392-million in investment projects. You can find the legal document by clicking below. This information provided here is an update to the earlier story. Kenneth Perkins vs. Tuolumne County Economic Development Authority Original story posted at 5:15pm: Sonora, CA Tuolumne County Economic Development Authority (TCEDA) Director Larry Cope received formal notice today that a lawsuit has been filed against him and the TCEDA. The plaintiff is Tuolumne County resident Kenneth Perkins who has been publicly outspoken against the TCEDA and has written multiple newspaper letters to the editor questioning the need for the entity. Perkins has been critical of the agencys performance and transparency. Cope tells Clarke Broadcasting, The TCEDA just received the complaint and we will be discussing it with our legal counsel. Clarke Broadcasting also reached out to Perkins this afternoon, and he was not currently ready to provide us the full document. He did indicate though that he has filed multiple California Public Records Act requests over the past several months and hopes the lawsuit will force the county to comply with his requests. We also this afternoon formally requested a copy of the lawsuit from the county. As for Perkins background, a few years ago he, along with his wife, former Tuolumne County Community Resources Agency Director Bev Shane, founded the AP Fund, which awards grants to various groups. The organizations website notes that Perkins previously served as Tuolumne Countys Environmental Health Director and also worked as a director and vice president for various companies, before retiring in 2013. The Tuolumne County Economic Development Authority is a joint powers entity that is funded by the City of Sonora and Tuolumne County to promote economic growth and prosperity. Well pass along more information when it becomes available. Katy led the state of Texas as the best place to retire, a SmartAsset study showed, with a plentiful amount of doctors' offices and recreation centers elevating it to the top. SmartAsset, a financial technology company and website, determined the ranking by examining three factors that affect the quality of life: income and sales taxes, the number of doctors' offices and opportunity for recreation and social life. Environmentalists criticized CPS Energys plan to reduce its reliance on fossil fuel generation, arguing during a public hearing that the municipal utility is not moving fast enough to help address the threat of climate change. The hearing, which drew more than 150 people Wednesday night, was the first open to the public since CPS unveiled its flexible generation plan in March. The plan aims to provide 55 percent of the utilitys electricity from renewable sources, such as wind and solar, and grid-scale batteries that store it by 2040. Only 20 percent would come from coal and natural gas, with another 9 percent from nuclear. The remaining 16 percent of CPS Energys generation would be from so-called flex gen resources, which could include new storage technology or small-scale natural gas generation. The plan, however, shows coal and natural gas-fired generation staying in CPS Energys energy mix through 2042. Environmentalists say the utility is not making the transition from fossil fuels, which are blamed for accelerating climate change, fast enough. Last week, for example, the local environmental group Climate Action SA called for the utility to eliminate coal by 2025 and all fossil fuels by 2030. As certain as we are that smoking causes cancer, said Greg Harmon of the Sierra Club, an environmental advocacy group, we know that burning fossil fuels has radically damaged the planets life support system and we know who will be bearing the cost of that reality, and thats the poorest among us. The hearing at downtown Villita Assembly Building, next to CPS Energys headquarters stretched for more than two hours. CPS Energy CEO Paula Gold-Williams stressed that the plan, which gives the utility five years to determine which new generation it will invest in, is subject to change. She told reporters before the end of the meeting that the utility is trying to listen to and consider a broader set of views. I think people were passionate and clear and have suggestions that we really are going to take time to think about and be thoughtful along the way, Gold-Williams said. This is really about community input and transparency and engagement and listening more about what people think. Gold-Williams said in an interview that shutting down its coal and gas plants by the end of the next decade would be a pretty complicated scenario that would require it to buy power to replace lost generation. The CEO warned that just in this year prices have doubled in wholesale power markets run by the Electric Reliability Council of Texas, or ERCOT. Electricity reserves in the grid which covers 90 percent of the states power users shrunk to around 10 percent due to the closure of three large coal-fired power plants in January and February. A sticking point for those trying to remove fossil fuels from CPS Energys mix has been the Spruce 2 coal-fired power plant, which was completed in 2010 at a cost of $1 billion. While the power plant has state-of-the art environmental controls, many environmentalists worry that CPS Energy wants to keep it running through the 2040s. Coal produces more greenhouse gases than other fossil fuels, such as oil and natural gas. Rye Druzin is a San Antonio Express-News energy reporter. Read more of his stories here. | rdruzin@express-news.net | @druz_journo A British e-commerce company could receive $750,000 in tax incentives from city and county officials next week in a deal that would bring more than 100 jobs to downtown San Antonio. Under the incentive deals, The Hut Group which operates more than 100 websites for companies selling health, beauty and lifestyle products would relocate the U.S. headquarters of its Ingenuity division, its e-commerce platform, to San Antonio from Utah. The company would have to create at least 165 jobs paying a minimum of $70,000 within five years to receive a $500,000 economic development grant from the city and a $250,000 grant from Bexar Countys innovation fund. RELATED: USAA to move 400 IT workers downtown this summer The project would generate $113 million in economic impact within five years, according to an estimate from local economist Steve Nivin. San Antonios secret is out: our cost competitiveness, growing tech workforce supported by military talent, and downtown development opportunity cannot be matched by other U.S. cities, Jenna Saucedo-Herrera, San Antonio Economic Development Foundation president & CEO, said in a statement. For tech companies looking to grow in a community and make an impact, San Antonio should be on the list and along with our partners at Geekdom, we were able to make that case for THG. THG is eyeing the 36,000-square-foot Commerce Building at 314 E. Commerce St. for its San Antonio headquarters. Local architecture firm CREO is renovating the building to include retail and office space, slated to be completed in 2019, according to the firms website. RELATED: H-E-B plans distribution center on San Antonio's East Side, adding 300 jobs Bexar County commissioners will vote on the proposed county incentives at their Tuesday meeting. City Council members are slated to take up the citys tax incentive proposal June 21. THG will announce its site selection decision after the votes, the San Antonio Economic Development Foundation said in a news release. Joshua Fechter is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | jfechter@express-news.net | Twitter: @JFreports A long-term acute-care hospital in downtown San Antonio will remain open under a new owner after its parent company announced it would close the hospital and lay off more than 130 employees. AMG Integrated Healthcare Management which runs 10 long-term acute-care hospitals and two physical rehabilitation hospitals throughout the U.S. will acquire major assets from Acuity Hospital of South Texas at 718 Lexington Ave., the company announced Thursday. The San Antonio hospital was slated to close July 14 after parent company Acuity Healthcare faced declining revenue and industry changes, Acuity said in May. The renamed, 30-bed AMG Specialty Hospital in San Antonio will treat patients with ailments including respiratory failure, ventilator weaning, complex wound care, cardiac-related disorders with telemetry monitoring, post-operative complications and infectious diseases among other conditions, the health care group said Thursday. We wanted to make sure that the hospital has a future in the community, August Rantz, president of AMG Integrated Healthcare Management, said in a statement. We are excited to build upon the wonderful work that Acuity has done for the community. This is a perfect fit for our footprint and we are committed to the San Antonio community. Acuity had previously sought a buyer for the three-story, 34,000-square-foot facility and had been attempting to restructure loans and leases but those efforts failed, Acuity told the Texas Workforce Commission in a layoff notice last month. We worked tirelessly with AMG to ensure that the hospital had a future, Ed Cooper, president and chief executive officer of Acuity Healthcare, said in a news release. As part of our ongoing commitment to our employees, physicians and the community, our team was committed to supporting AMG during its transition. Its unclear how many of the hospitals 137 workers will ultimately remain with AMG. Ben Miller, the groups senior vice president of hospital operations, said in an email that the company will keep as many positions as possible as we make sure the hospital has a bright future in the community. Joshua Fechter is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | jfechter@express-news.net | Twitter: @JFreports Canada's top diplomat has a message for the U.S.: The West isn't infallible, and everyone needs friends. Foreign Minister Chrystia Freeland delivered a keynote speech Wednesday in Washington amid fraught trade talks and after a volley of criticism by President Donald Trump and top aides toward Canada's Justin Trudeau. Freeland ignored those and hardly mentioned trade. Instead, the minister tasked with taming the Trump administration acknowledged a brewing skepticism while imploring the U.S. not to abandon the global order that America did so much to build. It wasn't all sunshine: She warned that the West's relative power will inevitably decline amid a rise of China and other powers, and the U.S. will be less able to go it alone. "You may feel today that your size allows you to go mano-a-mano with your traditional adversaries and be guaranteed to win. But if history tells us one thing, it is that no one nation's pre-eminence is eternal," Freeland said, according to remarks prepared for an event where she received a Diplomat of the Year award from Foreign Policy Magazine. "Allow me, as your friend, to make the case that America's security, amid the inexorable rise of the rest, lies in doubling down on a renewed rules-based international order. It lies in working alongside traditional allies." It's a message that is, of course, at odds with Trump's "America First" vision, which has upended multilateral systems. "International multilateral organizations are not going to determine American policy, I think the president's made that very clear," White House Economic Adviser Larry Kudlow said earlier this month. In her speech, Freeland made little mention of ongoing North American Free Trade Agreement talks -- "fortunately, I have the NAFTA talks to keep me humble," she joked after receiving the award. Earlier in the day, she'd urged the Trump administration to continue to try to reach a three-way deal, rather than starting two-way talks with both Canada and Mexico. She told reporters after the speech that a deal was still possible. "We are all still very much in touch, very much talking, very committed to moving forward," she said. "I feel at the end of the day that the realities of the Canada-U.S. economic relationship are going to prevail. And the reality is it's a mutually beneficial, very balanced relationship." In the speech, she warned against U.S. steel and aluminum tariffs, saying the decision to impose them on Canada -- a military ally and the top source of U.S. imports of both steel and aluminum -- on the grounds of national security was "hurtful." She gave the same message to senators earlier in the day. "No one will benefit from this beggar-thy-neighbor dispute," Freeland said. "The price will be paid, in part, by American consumers and by American businesses." Freeland warned of a series of risks facing the U.S., Canada and other like-minded allies. She dismissed the "seductive argument" that the collapse of the Soviet Union meant liberalism had won out over authoritarianism once and for all. Instead, the world is seeing countries like Venezuela and Russia retreat from liberalism, democracy and capitalism, she said. China, despite successes, "stands as a rebuke to our belief in the inevitability of liberal democracy," she said. Liberal democracy is "under assault" as regimes are "actively seeking to undermine us with sophisticated, well-financed propaganda and espionage operations." She thanked the U.S. "For the past 70 years and more, America has been the leader of the free world," she said. Canada understands that "many Americans today are no longer certain that the rules-based international order - of which you were the principal architect and for which you wrote the biggest checks - still benefits America." And at home, she warned that neo-Nazis, anti-globalists and "incels" threaten to upend things from within - the latter is a reference to a van attack in the city where she lives, Toronto. Populist anti-establishment sentiment takes hold when the middle class is hollowed out, she said. She made no mention of any particular politician. People "believe their children have fewer opportunities than they themselves had in their youth," she said. "That's when people are vulnerable to the demagogue who scapegoats the outsider, the other - whether it's immigrants at home or foreign actors." She didn't identify any demagogues. The world should fight that by beefing up trade deals to introduce labor standards, update the World Trade Organization and tear down non-tariff barriers to trade, Freeland said. Domestic policy needs to support jobs of the future, while supporting education, healthcare and retirement, she added. She closed by quoting Ronald Reagan, who dreamed of "a tall, proud city built on rocks stronger than oceans," open to commerce and people. Canada is trying to defend that vision of the international order, she said. "Our friends among the world's democracies - in Europe, in Asia, in Africa, and here in the Americas - are shoulder to shoulder with us. We all know we will be strongest with America in our ranks." Puerto Rico was struggling long before Hurricane Maria devastated the island in September 2017. The Puerto Rican government had been looking for potential solutions toward economic recovery, and it had turned to Chile with the goal of emulating its successful government-funded accelerator, Startup Chile. Sebastian Vidal was a member of the founding team of Startup Chile. The goal of the program, he describes, was to attract talent to Chile to help change the entrepreneurial mentality towards the global-minded entrepreneur. Over the course of five years, he worked with key government and business stakeholders and the World Bank on how countries could best empower and attract entrepreneurs with a global scope. In 2015, Vidal accepted an invitation from the Puerto Rico to design an accelerator on the island. Today, that program, Parallel18, is nearly three years old. Related: How Entrepreneurship Is Helping to Save Puerto Rico Parallel18 has adapted its program in the wake of Hurricane Maria, first ensuring that those who remained on the island had their basic survival needs met, then pivoting to focus on local entrepreneurs for the time being. In an interview with Entrepreneur, Vidal shares how circumstances in Puerto Rico have affected entrepreneurship on the island in a way that has accelerated, rather than limited, innovation and growth. This interview has been edited for length and clarity. 1. What is Parallel18 and what were the initial goals of the organization? Parallel18 is a global accelerator based in Puerto Rico. It aims to attract but also retain local companies that can set operations in Puerto Rico, but grow in bigger markets like the United States or Latin America. We take companies that have a product in the market already, that are making $5,000 to $25,000 in revenue a month. We do this with the goal of creating a new generation of local entrepreneurs that have a global vision and feel that they can do something on the island. Fifty percent of the engineers that graduate from the University of Puerto Rico leave the island after they graduate. We believed, at that time, that Parallel18 would help retain that talent. And for the talent that is already here, if we built a global program, where we created interaction between global startups and local startups, we would change that mentality and create a new economy. We started in December 2015, and we opened an application process at that time where we offered a 20 week -- five months -- acceleration process. I would say 80 to 90 percent of the mentors were from the U.S., so most of the expertise that they got was how to market to the U.S., how to price. That was the curriculum. We also do funding. We give $40,000 equity-free grants. We help startups open their bank accounts, if they dont have one. Besides that, we allocated a small fund to invest in some of the companies weve accelerated. We typically invest about 10 percent of the whole cohort. We select up to 40 companies per cohort, and we do two cohorts per year. So far, we have accelerated over 100 companies from 15 different countries, and we have received more than 2,000 applications from 50 different countries. 2. What happened when Hurricane Maria hit? We had to postpone the program. All of our international companies left -- we asked them to leave. Even the local companies, we had to relocate them to other places either in Latin America or in the U.S. The biggest thing was how uncertain everything was. A month later, we decided to resume the program in January 2018. One hundred percent of the companies that we had been accelerating came back. We also designed a new program that focuses only on Puerto Rican startups, just to create a recovery initiative to help and support them. We werent leaving our core, to support innovative companies, but we understood that there was a big amount of entrepreneurs thinking about doing something about what was happening on the island in terms of the hurricane. We launched that program, called Pre18, like a pre-accelerator. More than 300 companies in Puerto Rico applied, and we ended up selecting 40 early-stage local companies. 3. What challenges did startups face given the storm, and how did you support them through those difficulties? If you dont have power, you cannot load your computer. The first thing that we did was to figure out a way for our coworking space to have the minimum things working, like a generator. In our building, we have fiber internet, so after two to three days, we already had internet in the office. We opened the office to the entrepreneurs, and it became like their home. Theyd spent the whole week, including Saturdays, Sundays and nights. And me, too -- it was kind of our home. Our team became some sort of a support service. How do we relocate this guy? Find an office for this startup? How do we find food? How do we find water? Those were the day-to-day tasks for our team. The first week, it was all about basic needs. We got together and did some pasta for 40 to 50 people. Then water, then transportation. The a week later, we had a gas crisis -- there was no gas. I remember going on my bike, running around everywhere finding stuff, communicating with people, going to meetings. Everything was devastated at that time. The entrepreneurs, themselves, got much more attention than before. I see the ecosystem now, and it is definitely more resilient. 4. Why do you think its more resilient? Entrepreneurs are problem-solvers. That was one of the reasons behind building Pre18, the pre-accelerator. The key for us was maintaining the focus on supporting the entrepreneurs and the needs they had at that moment. We had companies growing 400 percent after Maria, like EntregaMeds, a prescription-medicine delivery company. After Maria, you didnt have a way to go to a pharmacy, or medications werent available. A startup called BrainHi does artificial intelligence for virtual assistance for physicians, and they have their grown 70 percent a month in the past five months. Its the fastest early-stage growing company in Puerto Rico, and its because theyre problem solvers. There are a lot of people coming to the island just to offer help. There are a lot of donations that were given to the island focusing on small businesses, startups and other economic development initiatives. I think that is going to keep growing. I dont know how to prove it, but it has been a mindset since the hurricane. I think the only proof that we have is, we launched a program just for Puerto Ricans, and we received 300 applications. Our average is 50 companies from Puerto Rico. So getting 300, I couldnt have imagined it. 5. Were the fast-growing companies founded after the hurricane? The companies that grew after the hurricane had gone through the Parallel18 accelerator. They already had a company, they were growing their business and grew even more after the hurricane. One of these companies is one that sells insurance online, Aseguratec. They figured out that people would be buying insurance, because they wouldnt want to pass through another natural disaster like this. StageBoom is a marketplace that offers a big pool of musicians to different events and hotels. Right after Maria, musicians were leaving Puerto, heading to Miami or New York. But music is so important for Puerto Ricans that StageBoom decided to launch an event to give them hope and happiness -- Im talking about mid-October 2017, people were stressed, panicking, sad. They held a concert and more than 600 people attended. Musicians and event organizers learned about the platform, and it started growing and growing. It recently raised money and has been growing sustainably for the last four to five months. Thats another good example of a company that saw an opportunity and is growing around that. 6. What are the programs preparations for the upcoming hurricane season? We recently launched the new application process for the Parallel18 program despite the risk of future hurricanes. And we got another record -- we received almost 600 applications from about 40 different countries. So that gave us a lot of hope that Parallel18 will keep growing. 7. How are you incorporating the international community and companies back into Parallel18? On the Pre18 side, we are actively looking for funds that can allow us to keep supporting local entrepreneurs with this program. We have seen that people are interested, but we dont have enough funds, so we are actively fundraising on that side. 8. In addition to funding, how else can people support entrepreneurship efforts to support Puerto Rico? Its not about asking for money. Its about asking people to understand what happened here, to come here, to help us rebuild and to support local entrepreneurs. Its very important for people to see how Puerto Rico is dealing with this. The amount of people who are still without power. But also, its important that they see that theres a group of entrepreneurs that want to grow, that are growing and are part of a community that needs help. The first step is for people to come to the island, to support and help entrepreneurs, and then, if they want to support with funding, they are more than welcome. 9. What about support in the form of information or consulting, that could potentially be done via phone or email? What kinds of support do the entrepreneurs in the accelerator today need from experienced entrepreneurs? Were working with 40 local early-stage companies at the moment, and we know that not all of those business models are new. Some are similar to others that worked in the U.S. Anyone who worked in a company that was really similar and made it grow could offer to sit down with one of the entrepreneurs for an hour and tell them about some things that they dont have to do, as well as how to avoid the same mistakes. And for the growing companies, they need to learn about growth strategies and fundraising opportunities -- how to fundraise, how to approach investors. If there are investors interested in coming to the island to sit down and teach companies how to fundraise, that would be fundamental. Then, for entrepreneurs themselves, Puerto Rico is a great place to be an entrepreneur. In San Juan, you can have a great lifestyle, the bilingual workforce -- all of that is attractive. As of today, there are a lot of problems to solve. 10. How would you categorize the primary industries that are ripe for innovation? Forty to 45 percent of Puerto Ricos GDP is manufacturing. Then, you have services and tourism, which is a small percentage. Agriculture is even smaller. I think theres an opportunity for innovation in those industries. In the tourism industry, how to attract more people and make it more efficient within the island. In agriculture, how to be efficient and create more produce, because Puerto Rico imports almost 90 percent of the produce it consumes. The third one is energy. Energy in Puerto Rico is very expensive, and we need to figure out and understand alternative energy supplies to the island. This story has been updated to accurately state the dollar amount of equity-free grants Parallel18 awards. Related: Copyright 2018 Entrepreneur.com Inc., All rights reserved European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker said he was labeled a "killer" by President Donald Trump at a tumultuous Group of Seven summit in Canada, signaling the increasing personal and policy strains between the U.S. and its closest allies. "Trump told me last week, 'You are a brutal killer,' " Juncker, a Luxembourger, said during a speech to the Bavarian Parliament in Munich on Thursday. "That's the first time that Luxembourg has grown into such a threat to the U.S. I think he meant it as a compliment, but I'm not so sure." The comments illustrate the confusion that Trump is sowing among U.S. allies with his protectionist tilt, withdrawal from landmark international agreements to fight climate change and to prevent Iran from developing nuclear arms, and criticism of defense spending by fellow North Atlantic Treaty Organization members. Late last month, when Trump decided to revoke a waiver for the EU from U.S. tariffs on foreign aluminum and steel, Juncker said that "whenever I'm thinking about Trump, I'm lost." Juncker's remarks on Thursday are also further evidence of the discord that occurred between the U.S. and other members of the G-7 group of leading industrialized countries at a June 8-9 summit in Quebec. Trump upended the meeting just as it wound up by disavowing a joint statement the U.S. had agreed to and lashing out at Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau. While on his way to Singapore for a meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on nuclear disarmament, Trump complained about comments made by Trudeau and called him "very dishonest & weak." White House trade adviser Peter Navarro chimed in by saying there was a "special place in hell" for Trudeau, who had pushed back against the U.S. metals tariffs in his closing press conference at the G-7 summit. Juncker made the "brutal killer" comment in the context of renewed criticism of his own of those U.S. levies, which Trump has justified on national-security grounds dismissed by countries around the world. The White House didn't immediately respond to a request to comment on Juncker's remark."The trade problem that we have with the U.S. is sad," Juncker said. "We can't let the tariffs on steel and aluminum by the American administration go unanswered." Earlier on Thursday in Brussels, EU governments gave the green light to the planned first phase of European retaliation against the U.S. over its metal levies, clearing the way for special duties on American goods as soon as June 20. Representatives of the bloc's governments agreed to impose a 25 percent duty on $3.3 billion (2.8 billion euros) of EU imports of a range of U.S. products including Harley-Davidson Inc. motorcycles, Levi Strauss & Co. jeans and bourbon whiskey. The officials also signed off on a planned 10 percent levy on one other product imported from the U.S.: playing cards. --With assistance from Margaret Talev . Mark Garlick/Science Photo Library | Getty Images Academic researchers at the University of Texas have concluded at least half of Bitcoin's rise to a peak price of nearly $20,000 last year was due to manipulation by traders on Bitfinex, the primary Bitcoin exchange, using another cryptocurrency called Tether to boost prices when they dipped on other exchanges. The paper by John Griffin, a finance professor at the University of Texas, and graduate student Amin Shams, examined trading between March 2017 and March 2018 with particular focus on 87 periods each lasting one hour when Tether, which is issued exclusively by Bitfinex, flowed onto other exchanges when the price of Bitcoin was dropping. "These 87 events account for less than 1 percent of our time series (over the period from the beginning of March 2017 to the end of March 2018), yet are associated with 50 percent of Bitcoin's compounded return, and 64 percent of the returns on six other large cryptocurrencies (Dash, Ethereum Classic, Ethereum, Litecoin, Monero and Zcash),'' the researchers wrote. As a raccoon spent much of Tuesday climbing a 25-story skyscraper in downtown St. Paul, Minnesota, the world watched, terrified that this suspense story would end in a tragic plummet. (It didn't.) Suzanne MacDonald, a York University psychologist who studies urban raccoons, was similarly gripped, but she wasn't worried about its hero. Why? Because raccoons - as their black masks might suggest - have "quite a few superpowers," she explained not long after the drama ended Wednesday morning. The most obvious of those talents: a crack climbing ability. The furry carnivores, which are native to North America and have thrived in its cities, possess limbs with great strength and five-toed paws with long claws and incredible dexterity. Those allow them to break open clams and trash bins, and to scale construction cranes and chimneys and soaring trees. Their hind feet can rotate 180 degrees for easy descent. Vertigo almost certainly doesn't afflict them. "Their dexterity is really remarkable," said Sarah Benson-Amram, a University of Wyoming assistant professor who runs a lab that studies raccoon cognition. "If you watch videos of raccoons in the wild, you see moms carrying kits in their mouths, climbing up really tall trees with arms outstretched around the trunk, working their way up." St. Paul's UBS Tower, with its pebbly surface, presented no major challenge other than its height, which would have exhausted even an Ironman raccoon. By the time MacDonald tuned into the drama Tuesday evening, the animal was napping on the 23rd-floor window ledge, and she said she knew it was "headed for the top and was just taking a break." Both raccoon experts - there are not many in the world of academia, despite the animal's reputation for intelligence - said they cheered the Minnesota critter's feat as a chance for raccoons to be admired rather than maligned as pests, "trash pandas" and disease carriers. Sure, they can be all those things, they say. But raccoons are also impressive survivors and clever, in their own go-for-it way. Not that #MPRraccoon would have been happy about having gone for the peak. MacDonald said it probably got into that spot thanks to another power that is only sometimes super: neophilia. Urban raccoons, unlike their rural brethren, tend to approach new things. That can get them warm nesting spots in attics but also get them sheepishly stuck atop cranes. This one, which the company that trapped it early Wednesday told the Star-Tribune was a young female - probably started out by pursuing eggs in pigeon nests on a lower ledge of the office complex, MacDonald said, then got spooked and went up when construction workers offered it a makeshift ladder to help it reach the ground. "They don't plan things out. They don't say, 'If I climb this building, I will be stuck.' They just do the thing and regret it later. It makes them very successful in the city, because they grab onto things and do things and fiddle around with things," MacDonald said. The animal would have been tired and thirsty, but probably not too scared, hundreds of feet above the pavement, she added. "If I were to caption it, it'd be like: 'Oh my god, I've made a terrible decision. I deeply regret this now. I shouldn't have gone up,' " MacDonald said. Another raccoon superpower: paw sensitivity that allows them to "see" an object best by touching it. This is heightened underwater, which is why they have a false reputation for washing their food, MacDonald said. They're actually feeling it out - and figuring it out. But are raccoons supersmart? The answer depends on the definition, but it's not clear in any case because there's been little research done on them. In the first half of the 20th century, they were the subjects of a few comparative behavior tests. But they turned out to be poor lab animals because of their talent for breaking out of cages. "So eventually, [the researchers] just gave up and went back to rats and pigeons," Benson-Amram said. MacDonald said she's not sure they possess intelligence in a critical thinking way so much as an "insatiable curiosity" that leads them often enough to success. This is particularly true of urban raccoons, which she has found are far better than their rural counterparts at breaking into garbage cans bound by bungee cords. More recently, MacDonald has tested raccoons' sense of object permanence, or the understanding that objects that disappear from sight aren't gone forever. It's what makes peek-a-boo fun for human babies, who start to figure out that secret between 4 and 7 months of age. Puppies begin to develop this awareness at around five weeks, according to some research. But the baby raccoons MacDonald tested - by placing food under a cup as they watched - didn't figure it out even at 160 days old. Adult raccoons did manage to get the food, but that's because "they just attack and destroy the cups," MacDonald said. One of Benson-Amram's doctoral students gleaned some similar insights after using a classic cause-and-effect test to see whether three captive raccoons could get a marshmallow floating in a column of water. They could use a heavy ball, which if dropped would raise the water level to the point where the marshmallow was reachable, or a light ball, which wouldn't. In the end, the subjects got their treats, but not how the researchers expected: One knocked the heavily-weighted column over. Two sometimes used the heavy ball but sometimes pushed the light ball into the water, which worked by splashing bits of marshmallow upward, turning "the nonfunctional object into a functional one," Benson-Amram said. "They have a very unique way of approaching the world, and I think they're very intelligent in their own way, although we're just starting to study this systematically," said Benson-Amram, who somehow missed the raccoon news out of Minnesota until Wednesday morning. "When I saw it, I wasn't shocked. I was like: 'Oh, OK, it's a raccoon. They do amazing things all the time, things we don't know they're capable of." MacDonald missed the first part of the raccoon thriller because she was watching a heist comedy, "Ocean's 8," and then dining with friends, where she politely did not check her phone. "I was off Twitter for like three hours, and it was the most exciting three hours ever!" she said. She said she wished the raccoon's trappers, who told Minnesota Public Radio that the animal would be released on private property in the suburbs, would let it go near the UBS Tower. That's because urban raccoons tend to have a very small turf, and adapting to the country won't be easy - even for a critter able to mount an office building, she said. "We certainly attribute a lot of intelligence and intent to them, which I don't think we should," MacDonald said. "They are not evil geniuses. An evil genius wouldn't have ended up on top of a skyscraper." WASHINGTON - In a ballroom filled with glitz and sparkling decor, members of Sandy Hook Promise came together Wednesday evening for one of their more poignant nights of the year. The organization hosted its fourth annual benefit gala at the Mellon Auditorium in Washington, alongside more than 200 sponsors and families affected by gun violence. Mark Barden, a co-founder of the organization who lost his son Daniel in the 2012 shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, said the evening highlights the successes of the groups grassroots movement to prevent suicide and acts of violence. He said that since Sandy Hook Promise started violence prevention programs in schools, members of the organization have begun to receive reports from teachers about incidents where a suicide or act of violence was stopped. For me its the juxtaposition of the beauty and the impact and the scale of this organization and where it came from, Barden said in an interview. Of course, it goes back to the roots of my little boys murder, and those two will never be separated from me. Sens. Bob Casey, D-Pa., and Cathy McMorris Rogers, R-Wash., were honored for their legislative work with mental health and gun reform issues. Barden said that as a nonpartisan organization, members choose the honorees from each side of the political spectrum. Casey said the Sandy Hook shooting had a profound impact on his approach to gun reform as an elected official. He has spearheaded or sponsored several gun reform bills, including ones on background checks and hate-crime prevention. We must continue to do all we can to stop gun violence in America, including passing common-sense gun reform in Congress, Casey said. I remain hopeful that my colleagues will come together to solve this all-too-common problem. Nicole Hockley, a co-founder of Sandy Hook Promise who lost her son Dylan during the 2012 shooting, highlighted the organizations advocacy work over the past year. Hockley noted several gun violence prevention programs the group spearheaded in school districts and a public service announcement video, called Evan, that garnered more than four million views just days after it aired. Were making incredible progress toward our long-term goal to drastically reduce the incidents of gun violence, she said. Our common-sense strategy resonates with everyone that wants to protect their children without being part of a divisive debate. The event was hosted by MSNBC reporter Stephanie Ruhle. Sens. Charles Schumer, D-N.Y., and Connecticuts two senators, Richard Blumenthal and Chris Murphy, also made appearances. The three applauded the legislative work passed and the work that lays ahead in a Congress resistant to gun reform. There is an awakening happening in this country, there really is, Murphy said. Poll after poll, Americans will tell you that they have decided that they want laws in this nation to change, they want to make sure that the work of Sandy Hook Promise is fully funded. sarah.roach@chron.com WASHINGTON - The Senate sided with the Trump administration Thursday to vote down a GOP plan that would have given Congress greater oversight over deals between foreign and U.S. firms that could affect national security. The legislation, pushed by Sen. Patrick Toomey, R-Pa., failed to clear a procedural hurdle when the Senate blocked it with a 35-to-62 vote. Sixty "yes" votes would have been required for the measure to advance. The vote was another instance of the Senate declining to assert authority over Trump administration decision-making on trade-related issues. Earlier this week, GOP leaders blocked an amendment by Sen. Bob Corker, R-Tenn., that would have given Congress veto power over certain tariff decisions by the administration. And a fight is looming over the Senate's attempt to enact tough penalties opposed by the administration on the Chinese telecommunications company ZTE. That legislation has been included in the National Defense Authorization Act, which is headed toward Senate passage in coming days, but the White House announced Wednesday that it intends to try to kill the ZTE measure when a final compromise defense bill is written by House and Senate negotiators. The Toomey legislation Thursday involved the Committee on Foreign Investment in the United States, or CFIUS, an interagency committee chaired by the treasury secretary that conducts national security reviews of attempted takeovers of U.S. firms by foreign companies. Toomey wanted to give Congress a vote on major CFIUS decisions. "It's a simple question of whether we think that we ought to be accountable, that we ought to take authority for the legislative authority we delegate," Toomey argued ahead of the vote. "A 'no' vote is really a vote to shirk our own responsibility." But talking points circulated by the Trump administration to Senate offices argued that Toomey's legislation "could potentially result in CFIUS being unable to establish regulations, thereby undermining national security." Democrats also opposed Toomey's move, noting that it derived from a longstanding drive by conservatives to rein in the rule-making authority of the executive branch on various fronts, long-predating the Trump administration and ranging well beyond CFIUS. The underlying defense bill itself includes language to expand the purview of CFIUS, so that its jurisdiction goes beyond deals where a U.S. firm would be acquired by a foreign one. Under the proposed Senate changes, CFIUS would also be able to review other types of transactions where a foreign firm is trying to acquire a stake in a U.S. company. That change, supported on a bipartisan basis, reflects senators' concerns about China's spreading influence and attempts to obtain access to U.S. technology and businesses. Sen. Sherrod Brown, D-Ohio, who supported the provisions expanding CFIUS' jurisdiction, said that Toomey's legislation could end up having the opposite effect by making it harder for U.S. regulators to stop potentially dangerous deals. "China is aggressively trying to steal American technologies and put our national security at risk," Brown said. "Why on earth would we make it harder for our watchdogs to stop them?" Some GOP senators said they were voting "no" on Toomey's amendment because a defense policy bill was not the right place to attempt such a change. On the changes to expand the CFIUS jurisdiction, earlier proposals to do so had run into opposition from some high-tech firms arguing that government scrutiny of technology transfers would increase to an unwieldy degree, but the final language addressed those concerns and won support from senators along a wide ideological spectrum. Proponents said that China had begun structuring details in such a way that they would not trigger a CFIUS review, and changes were necessary to address that problem. Administration officials have testified in support of expanded authority for CFIUS, increasing the likelihood that the changes would make it into a final version of the defense bill. Most Republican senators voted in favor of Toomey's amendment, but 14 joined Democrats in voting "no": Sens. John Boozman and Tom Cotton, Ark., Richard Burr, N.C., Deb Fischer, Neb., Susan Collins, Maine, John Cornyn, Texas, Lindsey Graham, S.C., John Hoeven, N.D., Lisa Murkowski, Alaska, Jim Risch, Idaho, Pat Roberts, Kansas, Marco Rubio, Fla., Steve Daines, Mont., and Richard Shelby, Ala. SEOUL, South Korea - At a place of reflection - a Buddhist temple with a centuries-old tree - a 70-year-old woman walked the perfectly swept grounds Wednesday and thought about what possible peace with North Korea would mean for her children and their children. "It's everything," said Kim Ji-hye. "Does it matter what deals are done? Peace and reunification are everything." "Wait a minute," interrupted her husband, Park Byung-hun, 74. "At any cost? Peace at any cost? That is wrong. This process with North Korea is wrong." Multiply this conversation by millions at kitchen tables, rail stations, parks and just about anywhere across South Korea as a conflicted country tries to digest everything thrown at it from the Singapore summit. No place has more at stake with the outreach to North Korea's leader, Kim Jong Un. Yet so much has happened so quickly that arguments and viewpoints of just last week suddenly seem old. Now, South Koreans are trying to decide how they feel about once-unimaginable changes, among them the apparent halt of U.S.-South Korean military exercises and the direct line to the White House that Kim now possibly enjoys. The main divisions in South Korea trace established political lines. Backers of President Moon Jae-in generally favor South Korea's engagement with the North, which has included talks on many fronts over the past months. Moon's right-wing opposition, like the husband at the temple, claim his government is being foolish to open to Kim's regime without getting anything clear in return. The summit and its suggestions of progress, however, are likely to boost Moon's hand. Elections for local councils and other regional seats across South Korea on Wednesday were expected to tip strongly in favor of Moon's liberal Minjoo Party. But the fissures run deeper than just party identity. Some pro-military South Koreans feel deeply betrayed by President Donald Trump's surprise announcement about suspending joint armed forces drills, which have been the most vivid display of the U.S.-South Korea alliance since the Korean War. Rights activists complain that Moon and Trump are letting the North off the hook over its atrocious record of abuses and repression. Fiscal-minded South Koreans wonder if possible reunification could drain the South's treasury. And the list goes on. Moon's government welcomed Tuesday's summit as a "historic event that has helped break down the last remaining Cold War legacy on earth." But the post-summit statement avoided any mention of the suspension of military drills or Trump's suggestion that he could pare down U.S. troop levels in South Korea at some point. A top government official, speaking on condition of anonymity, said officials here were still trying to figure out if Trump's reference to "war games" really meant all the drills, whose biggest maneuvers can include more than 300,000 U.S. and South Korean soldiers and others. Secretary of State Mike Pompeo has been assigned to decipher the summit for South Korea and another bedrock ally, Japan. Pompeo met Thursday in Seoul with Moon and Japanese Foreign Minister Taro Kono before heading to Beijing. Nothing about the summit sat well with Moon Seong-mook, a former South Korean military official. He said Trump's comments reinforced fears that North Korea could attempt to drive a wedge between Washington and Seoul. "The core of the U.S.-South Korea alliance is the U.S. troops stationed in South Korea and the joint U.S.-South Korea military drills, but the American military presence in South Korea wouldn't mean much if the militaries don't practice through joint drills," Moon, a senior analyst for the Seoul-based Unification Strategic Center, told South Korean media. Ihn Ji-yeon, a Seoul mayoral candidate from the far-right Korean Patriots' Party, has campaigned on one overriding message: Reaching out to Kim's regime will end badly. "Seeing the North Korean flag hanging side-by-side with the American flag in the summit venue, I thought the state of U.S.-South Korea alliance is at risk," she said. "Kim Jong Un is not to be trusted. This summit and the dialogues that follow will definitely put us into greater danger." This idea casts a wide net. Even some professed liberals see the military drills as more than just soldiers training. To 38-year-old artist Cho Ki-seob, from the southern island of Jeju, the exercises were a symbol of the generational bonds with the United States. "I don't think [South Korea and the United States] hold joint military drills just because of North Korea," he said. "Even when the North Korea issues are solved, the joint military drills shouldn't be stopped immediately. Instead, I think they should be continued, even on a smaller scale, for the sake of the alliance." Yet it's not hard to hear very different voices. Groups of protesters gather often to call for the full exit of American forces. "Withdraw, withdraw, withdraw," they chant. Human rights campaigners complain that North Korea's Kim is being rewarded with concessions and international prestige even as the government punishes dissent with political prisons and torture, according to U.N. reports and other groups. "It gives me an odd feeling," said Lee Hee-moon, an activist with a Christian group. "This isn't a person who was elected into office. He's a dictator. North Korea is the most oppressive country for religious freedom." The South Korean government tries hard to keep the focus on its parallel talks with the North, which began after the ice-breaking moves by both sides during the Winter Olympics in February in Pyeongchang. So far, the negotiations have broken some ground on efforts for family reunifications and other exchanges. On Tuesday, South Korea approved opening talks on exchange students between Seoul National University and the North's Kim Il Sung University. Military envoys from both Koreas met Thursday in the truce village of Panmunjom, with a possible hotline and other items on the agenda. Peace on the Korean Peninsula would have a ripple effect, said Lee Jong-sik, who watched the summit unfold on a big-screen TV at Seoul's main railway station. "That would be good for China, for Japan, for worldwide peace," said Lee, who applauded when he watched Trump and Kim shake hands and sat stunned as Trump talked about inviting Kim to visit the United States. Choi Jeong-suk was waiting for her train with one eye on the TV screens during the summit. She wrongly called Kim president, but the point was made. "A young president and an old president were brought together by their desire for peace," she said. "I think that's good. I'm so happy." - - - Min Joo Kim and The Washington Post's Joyce Lee contributed to this report. WASHINGTON - The Trump administration on Thursday defended its overture to North Korea, insisting that it is not leaving Pacific allies vulnerable and that vague language in the 1.5-page agreement signed by President Donald Trump and Kim Jong Un represents a solid commitment from North Korea to get rid of its nuclear weapons. Completing a round of diplomatic visits to brief South Korea, Japan and China on the summit outcome, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said sanctions on North Korea will not be lifted until "after the full denuclearization, the complete denuclearization" that he said Kim has agreed to. The document Kim and Trump signed Tuesday in Singapore does not contain an explicit pledge to "complete, verifiable, irreversible, denuclearization," the standard Pompeo had said would be the only acceptable outcome for U.S. engagement with Pyongyang. Pompeo has since said it is "silly" to think that the document's wording, which calls for "complete" denuclearization but includes no deadline, does not meet the test he had set. "With respect to the pace at which the denuclearization will take place, I think we both agreed that we need to do it in as timely a fashion as is possible to achieve the outcome," Pompeo said before leaving Beijing, his final stop after diplomatic visits in South Korea and Japan. The stop in China, which also covered U.S. trade disputes, was largely intended to ensure Beijing remains committed to enforcing sanctions on North Korea, its neighbor and ally. "China has reaffirmed its commitment to honoring the U.N. Security Council resolutions. Those have mechanisms for relief contained in them, and we agreed that at the appropriate time that those would be considered," Pompeo said. "But we have made very clear that the sanctions and the economic relief that North Korea will receive will only happen after the full denuclearization, the complete denuclearization, of North Korea." North Korea has previously pledged to denuclearize, only to expand its arsenal of nuclear weapons and test missiles that could reach U.S. shores. As Pompeo addressed concerns that the administration did not take a tough enough negotiating stance during the summit, North Korean state television broadcast video showing Trump saluting a North Korean military officer at the historic meeting with Kim - an apparent protocol misfire. The awkward encounter, not visible to American cameras at the summit site in Singapore, shows Trump greeting a line of North Korean officials in a hallway just moments after the two leaders posed for cameras outside. The unformed officer, military chief No Kwang Cho, saluted as Trump extended his hand for a handshake. Trump then moved to follow suit with his own salute, while No responded with an outstretched hand, and the two men shook hands, smiling. In Washington on Thursday, Trump's pick for ambassador to South Korea, Harry Harris, faced a barrage of questions on the agreement struck between Trump and Kim. The former Navy admiral and commander of Pacific Command, speaking at his confirmation hearing before a Senate panel, defended Trump's decision to suspend "major" military exercises, saying those drills should be paused to "see if Kim Jong Un is in fact serious about his part of the negotiations." Harris was a vocal supporter of joint miliary exercises when he was in uniform, calling them essential for U.S. readiness and an important signal to Pyongyang that the United States would defend both itself and its ally Seoul. When asked Thursday about Trump's comments that such routine exercises are "provocative," as Trump called them, Harris said, "they are certainly of concern to North Korea and to China." He said he believed the U.S. suspension would only apply to "major exercises," and regular readiness and training exercises would continue. The top Democrat on the panel, Sen. Robert Menendez of New Jersey, criticized Trump's assurance following the summit that Americans could "sleep well tonight" and that North Korea no longer posed a nuclear "threat." "I didn't sleep much better," said Menendez. When asked if he believes Pyongyang still poses a real threat, Harris said, "it is real." "I think we must continue to worry about the nuclear threat," he said. Harris reiterated that sanctions should not be loosened until North Korea makes progress but declined to say when in that process sanctions relief should happen. "I don't know where along that timeline toward complete denuclearization that we should start to relax sanctions," he said. Democrats raised concerns about the lack of specifics on the U.S.-North Korean joint statement and asked if the U.S. was loosening its security commitments to South Korea, a point Harris pushed back on. "I'm convinced that our alliance commitments to South Korea remain ironclad and have not changed," he told the Senate Foreign Relations Committee. The job of U.S. ambassador to South Korea has been vacant since Trump took office in January, a point of bipartisan consternation given the need for strong collaboration with Seoul during the sensitive nuclear discussions. Harris earned broad praise from lawmakers on Thursday, however, and he is expected to easily be confirmed. Republicans refrained from criticizing the agreement on Thursday, though some expressed concern about falling into a protracted negotiation with the North Koreans. Republican Sen. Marco Rubio of Florida said he worried about fissures opening up between the U.S. and its ally South Korea. "One of the biggest dangers in all of this is going to be an attempt by the Chinese and North Koreans to split the alliance," said Rubio, an opponent of lifting sanctions before North Korea denuclearizes. He also expressed concern that the missile defense system the U.S. helped install in South Korea, known as THAAD, could be negotiated away in a potential deal. Harris had pointed to that missile system as evidence of U.S. commitment to South Korea when testifying before Congress in February, when he was still in command in the Pacific. At that time, he also welcomed initial signs of progress with North Korea, including participation in the Olympic Games in South Korea. But he said the United States and South Korea must "maintain a high military readiness posture" and project " credible combat deterrence." Also on Thursday, Trump continued to face criticism for downplaying human rights concerns about Kim's regime after he called the North Korean leader a "tough guy" in an interview that aired Wednesday night and said that "a lot of bad things" have taken place in other nations. The praise was Trump's latest positive assessment for Kim, a dictator who has directed murders of family members and starved his own people, since the two held a summit in Singapore earlier this week to discuss denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula. The president's take on Kim's record echoed past assessments of the leadership of Russian President Vladimir Putin in which Trump brushed aside questions about killings of journalists and political opponents. In an interview that was taped aboard Air Force One while Trump was flying back to the United States from Singapore, he was pressed by Fox News's Bret Baier on Kim's human rights record. Baier noted that Trump had praised Kim as "a very talented person" and had said they have good chemistry. "You know you call people sometimes killers; he is a killer," Baier said. "He's clearly executing people." "He's a tough guy," Trump replied. "Hey, when you take over a country, tough country, with tough people, and you take it over from your father, I don't care who you are, what you are, how much of an advantage you have. If you can do that at 27 years old, I mean that's one in 10,000 that could do that. So he's a very smart guy. He's a great negotiator. But I think we understand each other." "But he's still done some really bad things," Baier said. "Yeah, but so have a lot of other people done some really bad things," Trump said. "I mean, I could go through a lot of nations where a lot of bad things were done." Trump said he was making his assessment of Kim based on the period during which they had gotten to know one another. "I am going from today," he said. "I am going from maybe 90 days ago. Because we really started this." Trump's comments were condemned on social media Wednesday night by several Democrats, including Rep. Adam Schiff, D-Calif. "Trump can't conceal his admiration for despots, or his disdain for democratic leaders like Justin Trudeau. And still, Republicans stay silent," Schiff wrote on Twitter, referring to the Canadian prime minister, who Trump accused of unfairly undermining him on trade over the weekend. - - - The Washington Post's John Wagner contributed to this report. With the number of migrant children in government custody rising fast, the Trump administration said Thursday that it will open an additional temporary shelter in the desert outside El Paso. The shelter site, at the Tornillo-Marcelino Serna port of entry, is about 20 miles east of El Paso along the Mexico border. It was last used in 2016 to house migrant children and families in large, dormitory-style canvas tents. Children will begin arriving in the next few days, according to the Department of Health and Human Services, which is responsible for their care. The site will have 360 beds, according to HHS officials, with the potential to add more. HHS said Thursday that it had 11,432 migrant children in its custody, up from fewer than 9,000 at the end of May. The numbers include minors who arrived at the border without a relative as well as children separated from their parents as part of the administration's "zero tolerance" push to file criminal charges against anyone who enters the United States illegally. The Tornillo site belongs to the Department of Homeland Security. It will have recreation areas and educational programming, and its tents are air-conditioned, according to HHS spokesman Kenneth Wolfe. "HHS is legally required to provide care and shelter for all unaccompanied alien children referred by DHS, and works in close coordination with DHS on the security and safety of the children and community," Wolfe said in a statement. The shelter would not interfere with operations at the border crossing, Wolfe added. "This effort has no impact on the ability of DHS to conduct its primary missions," he said. Texas state Rep. Mary Gonzalez, D, whose district includes the Tornillo area, said in a statement Thursday that the port of entry is unable to care for hundreds of children. "This is not a place that was built to house children, nor is it a location that has adequate numbers of counselors or therapists to assist these children," she said. On average, migrant children spend more than 50 days in HHS care while the agency identifies and screens potential sponsors - usually a relative living in the United States - who can assume custody. The vast majority are held in a network of about 100 shelters around the country, including one at a repurposed Walmart with nearly 1,500 boys in Brownsville, Tex., visited by The Washington Post and other news outlets this week. Homeland Security opened the Tornillo-Guadalupe Temporary Holding Center in 2016 to house families and unaccompanied minors, but the facility shut down after a few months. With a sharp increase this spring in the number of children taken into government custody, HHS officials said they have been scouting locations where they could install thousands of additional beds. Rep. Will Hurd, R-Texas, whose district includes the Tornillo area, sponsored legislation in 2016 to name the port of entry there for Marcelino Serna, the most-decorated Texas soldier in World War I. Serna joined the Army in 1917 to avoid deportation to his native Mexico. --- The Washington Post's Robert Moore in El Paso contributed to this report. The Bexar County Sheriff's Office has named a person of interest in the disappearance of a 15-year-old Smithson Valley High School student. Authorities believe Julie Argueta is with Johnathen Soto, 18, and the two may be headed to New Mexico, California or Colorado. Argueta was last seen June 7 in the Lookout Canyon area, on the edge of San Antonio. She told her family she was going for a walk and never returned. RELATED: Bexar County authorities searching for missing teen Officials said she recently changed her haircut and color. Prior to her disappearance, Argueta was living with her aunt, Patricia Cole. Cole previously told mySA.com that she believed Argueta was with someone but was unsure at the time. "I just want everybody to keep an eye out for her because she needs to come home safely," Cole said. "She doesn't always recognize what safety is. She's been exposed to some really bad things in her life, so she doesn't really know too much good, so she's just barely learning. She really needs a helping hand to get home safely." Anyone with information on the Argueta's whereabouts is encouraged to call the Bexar County Sheriff's Office at (210) 335-6000. Chase Karacostas is a staff writer for mySA.com. | Chase.Karacostas@express-news.net | Twitter: @ChaseKaracostas San Antonio police on Thursday arrested a man who allegedly sexually assaulted a 17-year-old girl in his car. Maurice Lovie Bristow, 20, kept his head down as he was taken into custody. "I'm innocent," he said. Bristow, who was recently discharged from the military, met the girl Friday near Military Drive and Highway 90, as she was walking down the street with a group of friends, according to San Antonio police spokesperson Jennifer Rodriguez. READ ALSO: SAPD says man sexually assaulted 14-year-old girl, left her tied up The two exchanged numbers and met again Saturday night, when Bristow picked the girl up and took her to the West Side, Rodriguez said. Rodriguez said Bristow offered the girl drugs and alcohol before making sexual advances on her. The girl repeatedly turned him down and tried to leave the car but Bristow got her back into the vehicle and sexually assautled her, Rodriguez said. She flagged down a police officer later that night, after Bristow let her go. She underwent a sexual assault exam and later identified Bristow in a photo lineup, Rodriguez said. MUGSHOTS: 23 arrested, indicted on child sex charges in Bexar County in May "The victim was very brave and we certainly commend her for coming forward," Rodriguez said. Police were unsure what branch Bristow served in and whether or not he was discharged honorably. Bristow is charged with sexual assault, a second-degree felony. If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison. Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here. | fsabawi@mysa.com | Twitter: @FaresInSA SAN ANTONIO - A man is recovering at an area hospital after he was shot twice Wednesday night in the parking lot of an East Side motel. San Antonio Police Department Sgt. Paul Mendoza said the man, 24, was shot at about 9:20 p.m. in the Super 7 Inn parking lot, 138 N. W.W. White Road. A woman was arrested Wednesday after she lied about her fugitive boyfriend, according to San Antonio police. Taylor Davidson, 26, was charged with hindering penal apprehension and evading arrest, jail records show. On May 16, Department of Public Safety agents were conducting surveillance in hopes of arresting Jonathan Martin Valdez, who was wanted on charges of unlawful restraint and unlawful carrying of a handgun, according to an arrest affidavit. RELATED: Man recently discharged from military accused of sexually assaulting San Antonio teen The agents saw Davidson walk toward her pickup and stopped her to question her about Valdez, according to the affidavit. When they asked Davidson if her boyfriend was in her apartment, she said no, according to the affidavit. Then, Davidson asked the agents to see the warrants for Valdez. When the troopers went to their car to get the documentation, Davidson allegedly drove off in an effort to avoid them. Agents pulled her over again and asked her if Valdez was in her apartment, and this time Davidson said yes, according to the affidavit. Authorities released Davidson at the scene after she convinced her boyfriend to turn himself in, according to the affidavit. However, the agents told her they would forward the charges to the district attorney's office to make a determination on whether to pursue charges. The warrant for her arrest was signed on June 11, and Davidson was arrested on a $20,000 bond a few days later. Fares Sabawi covers crime in San Antonio and Bexar County for mySA.com. Read more of his stories here. | fsabawi@mysa.com | Twitter: @FaresInSA A robbery suspect was arrested by San Antonio police after he allegedly brandished a knife while stealing soda at Gatorade -- and then returned to try to steal beef jerky. George Rodriguez, 24, was arrested Wednesday in connection to the pair of robberies committed on June 11 and June 12, according to his arrest affidavit. Gina Ortiz Jones, the Democratic nominee in Texas 23rd Congressional District, announced Thursday she is challenging incumbent Rep. Will Hurd, R-Helotes, to a series of six televised debates. The San Antonio Chamber of Commerce has already invited both candidates to debate, and Jones said in a news release she plans to accept the invitation contingent on an agreement with Hurd about a larger debate plan to include five others. Jones, a former Air Force intelligence officer, proposed four other locations: El Paso, Del Rio, Eagle Pass, Alpine and at least one additional debate in San Antonio. This election must be accessible to all voters in this district, allowing them the chance to hear from the candidates on a variety of important issues facing our district, and not just from the sort of special interests that are already advertising on your behalf, Jones wrote to Hurd in a letter. I know these issues cannot be covered properly in just one debate, in one community. Hurds campaign manager, Justin Hollis, responded to the challenge in a statement. Were shocked that Ginas boss, Nancy Pelosi, is letting Gina take six days vacation from fundraising in California, Hollis said. Nevertheless, were happy to debate in the fall. Though Jones won a convincing primary victory, she has ground to make up against Hurd in the sprawling district that covers most of southwest Texas, including more than 800 miles of the U.S.-Mexico border. But Hurd, already defending the most competitive congressional seat in Texas, faces a difficult electoral climate; most national polling so far has favored Democratic candidates, and the presidents party typically fares poorly during midterm elections. Hurd, who previously served as a CIA officer, narrowly beat former U.S. Rep. Pete Gallego in the previous two elections. But the playing field will look different this time because Gallego drew much of his support from a West Texas base, while Jones a San Antonio native received her strongest primary support in Bexar County. Jones has already released statenents attacking Hurd for his positions on health care and tying him to President Trumps zero tolerance immigration policy. In a letter to Hurd asking for the debates, she again raised the topic of health care, indicating she will likely make that the central issue in the campaign. Hurd has broken from Trump on several major issues, including a repudiation of his recent tariffs and opposition to a border wall, though Jones has said she does not believe Hurds moderate reputation is authentic. On Wednesday, Hurd and a contingent of moderate Republicans and Democrats relinquished their effort to force the House to cast floor votes on several immigration bills, including Hurds bipartisan proposal. The coalition came within two signatures of the 218 needed on a discharge petition to sidestep Republican leadership. Jasper Scherer is a San Antonio Express-News staff writer. Read more of his stories here. | jscherer@express-news.net | @jaspscherer An optimistic take on Donald Trumps historic meeting Tuesday with Kim Jong Un is that its Geneva Redux a reprise of the 1985 summit between Ronald Reagan and Soviet leader Mikhail Gorbachev that established their rapport, fundamentally altered the tenor of relations between the superpowers and led within a few years to the end of the Cold War. Another take is that its the Plaza Redux, meaning the 1988 real estate debacle in which Trump hastily purchased New Yorks Plaza Hotel because it looked like an irresistible trophy, only to be forced to sell it at a loss a few years later as part of a brutal debt restructuring. The case for Geneva Redux, made this week by Peter Beinart in The Atlantic, sees parallels between Trump and Reagan Republican presidents whose hawkish rhetoric and ignorance of policy details disguised an inner pragmatism and visionary imagination. Its true that Reagan was able to raise his sights above the technical arcana to something few others could see. To wit: The Cold War didnt need to last forever. Personal chemistry with a Soviet leader could go a long way to changing the relationship. Could the same scenario unfold with North Korea? Probably not. First, Trump isnt Reagan. Reagan generally acted in concert with allies. Trump brazenly acts against them. Reagans negotiation method: Trust but verify. Trumps self-declared method: My touch, my feel. Reagan refused to give in to Soviet demands that he abandon the Strategic Defense Initiative. Trump surrendered immediately to Pyongyangs long-held insistence that the U.S. suspend military exercises with South Korea while getting nothing in return. Reagans aim was to topple Communist Party rule in Moscow. Trumps is to preserve it in Pyongyang. Second, Kim isnt Gorbachev. Gorbachev was born into a family that suffered acutely the horrors of Stalinism. Kim was born into a family that starved its own people. Gorbachev rose through the ranks as a technocrat with no background in the regimes security apparatus. Kim consolidated his rule by murdering his uncle, half brother and various ministers, among other unfortunates. Gorbachev came to office intent on easing political repression at home and defusing tensions with the West. Kim spent his first six years doing precisely the opposite. Third, Kim may pursue a version of perestroika to stave off economic collapse, but there will be no glasnost. The survival of his regime depends domestically on state terror and internationally on his nuclear arsenal. He will abandon neither. Fourth, the timetables are incompatible. Trump wants a foreign policy achievement by the midterms, and maybe a Nobel Peace Prize sometime before the 2020 election. Kim plans to be ruling North Korea when one of Chelsea Clintons kids is president. Fifth, Trump is a sucker. Kim is not. Say what you will about the North Korean despot, but consolidating power in his vipers nest regime, fielding a credible nuclear arsenal, improving his economy without easing political controls, playing nuclear brinkmanship with Trump and then, within weeks, getting the prestige of a superpower summit are political achievements of the first order. Machiavelli smiles from the grave. As for Trump, the supposed success of the summit after the debacle in Quebec appeals to innate love of drama. He is where he loves to be: at the center of a stunned worlds attention. But he is also in the place where he always gets himself, and everyone else in his orbit, into the worst trouble: panting for the object of his desire. Thats been true whether its the Plaza Hotel, Stormy Daniels and now the ultimate deal with Pyongyang. Oilman T. Boone Pickens had the smartest line on this when on Monday he tweeted: Negotiating advice 101. When you want to make a deal real bad you will make a really bad deal. Id be happy to be proved wrong. For now, however, its hard to see what the Singapore summit has achieved other than to betray Americas allies, our belief in human rights, our history of geopolitical sobriety and our reliance on common sense. A needed caveat: It is always better to talk than to lob missiles. In that sense, the recently concluded meeting in Singapore between President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong Un was a success, unprecedented even. What was once a relationship so tense and bellicose that many feared we were on the brink of war, is now considerably less so for now. This is all to the good. But basically all we have here is a start with promises of future negotiations. And there was nothing comprehensive about what the two nations signed off on, despite the presidents assertion. In fact, right out of the gate, this nation gave up much and got in return a vaguely worded document much weaker than previous agreements Trump has criticized that the two sides would work toward the denuclearization of the peninsula. Missing here is specificity, including a definition of denuclearization. North Koreas definition has meant removal of the U.S. nuclear umbrella that protects South Korea and Japan. Trump said the U.S. will suspend military exercises with South Korea news to even our military there with the president using North Koreas own language by describing them as provocative. And he spoke of withdrawing all U.S. troops from South Korea. This is a bad idea that suits Kim as well as China and Russia. The potential message to South Korea and other Asian allies such as Japan is that, even as China flexes its muscle in the Pacific in obvious ways to push the U.S. out and cow its neighbors, we will acquiesce. Our security relationship with South Korea now seems to be on the table and shouldnt be. Security guarantees for North Korea shouldnt necessarily mean shirking on security for the South. Also troublesome: In comments later, Trumps kind words about Kim went beyond the necessary niceties of diplomacy. I like him, he said. Hes smart, loves his people, he loves his country. He acknowledged the human rights abuses in North Korea but added, Its rough in a lot of places, by the way. Mr. President: North Koreas concentration camps, torture, starvation, murder and other brutalizations of its own people, its violent squelching of all dissent and freedoms has few, if any, current police-state equivalents, though, sadly, a lot of historic ones. Think, Hitler, Stalin and Pol Pot. I think you have somebody that has a great feeling for them (North Koreans). He wants to do right by them and we got along really well, he told Voice of America. Compare that with what he said of Canadian Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, an ally, days earlier. For noting not the first time that Canada was displeased with U.S. tariffs on steel and aluminum imposed on it and other allies recently and would retaliate, Trudeau was labeled very dishonest and weak. For Kim, however, kind words and no human rights on the agenda. Missing from the weakly worded commitment toward a non-nuclear peninsula were mentions of what that might look like. Namely, what this country has demanded: complete, verifiable and irreversible nuclear disarmament. Later, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said all of that is implicit in the joint communique and is what the two sides will work toward. And he said that sanctions wont be lifted without North Korean denuclearization. But all that is post-summit and should have been Trumps starting point. No doubt, however, this talking is far better than war. No one expected complete North Korean capitulation out the chute. And there is value in two world leaders with nuclear buttons developing a relationship that could make negotiations easier ahead. But as high-stakes negotiation, this summit fell considerably short. The weakly worded commitment to negotiate further could have been achieved without the concession suspension of exercises in South Korea and soothing words about withdrawing U.S. troops altogether. Moreover, the meeting also conferred on Kim the legitimacy he craved. Was it worth it? Well, the talks will continue and thats worth much if they are conducted more shrewdly on our part than Round One. Planting a "For Sale" sign in front of the house is probably the very first way anyone ever spread the word that they're selling their home. Only these days, this simple sales tactic seems to be on the chopping blockone town in Connecticut may soon ban "For Sale" signs completely. The Board of Realtors in New Canaan, CT, has voted to take down all such signs in front of homes on July 1. After a six-month trial period, the board will assess its impact on the market and, if positive, make this ban permanent. But why? "We wanted to declutter our residential neighborhoods with what has become an obsolete and archaic form of advertising," John Engel, a Realtor and chairman of the Town Council (New Canaan's legislative body), told realtor.com. "Signs have been replaced by more modern forms of communicationparticularly search engines and cellphone mapping." True, most people shop for real estate online, but don't "For Sale" signs still catch at least a few drive-by buyers? Perhaps, although more and more experts are subscribing to the idea that in an upscale market (like Connecticut's Fairfield County), signs can potentially undermine a real estate marketespecially if the signs are tackily done (think huge photo of a smiling agent) or planted in front of numerous houses (which suggests everyone's trying to flee). "The benefits of a sign ban far outweigh the risks," Engel says. And the town's residents tend to agree. "The signs disrupt the charm and quaintness of the town," one resident told Fox News. Or, in the words of another, If you drive around this town, it looks like a yard sale. ... It starts to look ugly and desperate." 'For Sale' signs: Too 'tacky' in today's market? New Canaan is hardly alone in thinking "For Sale" signs are a real estate relic better off scrapped. "Other towns like Nantucket, MA, and Greenwich, CT, have long imposed restrictions on real estate signs, and we believe it contributes to the success of their real estate markets," Engel says. "I believe other towns will recognize this as an opportunity to make an improvement and will follow our lead." It's hard not to notice that all of the aforementioned towns (New Canaan, Nantucket, and Greenwich) have median home prices above $1.5 million, according to data on realtor.com/local. So apparently, if you're in a hoity-toity rich town, "For Sale" signs are considered pushy and gauche? "Almost predominantly wealthy communities are banning 'For Sale' signs, and I believe it predominantly benefits wealthy home owners," says William Fastow, a real estate agent at Appleton Properties Group in the Washington, DC, area. "'For Sale' signs give buyers a visual representation of how much inventory is available on the market. A buyer who drives down a street and sees a half-dozen 'For Sale' signs might ask why everyone is moving. By placing a moratorium on signs, these communities maintain an image of desirability and exclusivity, regardless of real estate market conditions." Reasons to keep 'For Sale' signs alive But some agents argue that this hurts home sellers and the whole neighborhoodeven rich areasmore than it helps. "This is unfortunate," says Cedric Stewart, a real estate agent in Washington, DC. "According to the National Association of Realtors, 7% of buyers found their home via yard or open house signs. If 10,000 people are searching, that eliminates 700 potential buyers. Who would you want to do that?" The fact is, not everyone is glued to online listings 24/7particularly if they aren't actively looking, but might buy if they spotted a "For Sale" sign in front of their perfect home. "I cant tell you how many clients Ive had call me and say, 'We werent looking to buy, but we just saw this "For Sale" sign on a house weve always loved and we want to make an offer,'" says mortgage expert Todd Huettner. "These people would never wind up buying these homes were it not for yard signs." "I have clients in the high-end market that often prefer not to have a sign, but I always push them to put one up," says Haven Duddy, a real estate agent in the Philadelphia area. "I think its a great way to let people who might not necessarily be searching for a home know that your home is on the market. Or if someone lives in a neighborhood and has a friend that they know is looking, they can communicate that a house came up that they might be interested in seeing." However, agents agree that "For Sale" signs should be tastefully done, and that many cross the line. "I have seen some ugly, inappropriate signs, so limiting the size, number, placement to commercially reasonable standards is understandable," says Atlanta real estate agent Bruce Ailion. "Often condos and townhouses will only allow signs in the windows. I was in Florida a few years ago in a community that only allowed 6-by-12-inch signs." Probably the biggest no-no? Showing a photo of a real estate agent grinning ear to ear, or showing two thumbs up. "The sign should not have agents' faces on them," Duddy adds. "That I find to be very tacky." But all in all, New Canaan's real estate agents had better think twice about banning signs entirely. "If I were serving high-end clients, I'd be violating my fiduciary responsibility if I didn't post a 'For Sale' sign," says California land developer Tyler Drew. "What's happening here is a case of real estate agents too invested in the towns they live in making dangerous decisions that have unknown consequences." The post Sorry, Sellers: Your 'For Sale' Sign May Be 'Ugly and Desperate'Here's Why appeared first on Real Estate News & Insights | realtor.com. Barely 24 hours before the nomination Court sits to confirm the candidates taking part in the July 30 harmonised elections, President of Multi Peoples Democratic Party (MPDPZ), Bishop Emmanuel Moyana, has pulled out from the race citing lack of resources. Moyanas decision comes a few days after the Zimbabwe Development Party (ZDP) led by Kisinoti Mukwazhi as well as the Voice of the People (VOP) led by Moreprecision Muzadzi pulled out of the race bemoaning the unavailability of the voters roll as an impediment to the nomination process. Sources within the little-known party shared Moyanas chats from the partys group and which he confirmed that he was no longer in the running for the countrys top post. I want to take this opportunity to thank all of us for the good work that you did in running this party from the day you were appointed as executive members. You have stood with me and the party at large and you have used your special time to attend all meetings giving very vital information to push the party business ahead. As the leader of MPDP Zimbabwe, I have searched long and wide for resources to finish the assignment we started as a team but I have to speak with a heavy heart this day to all leaders here that resources have not been forthcoming of late, therefore, causing us to lag behind in our meetings and rallies. This has put us in a very serious position that leaves us without any alternative but to withdraw our participation in the forthcoming elections as Party. I know most of us will be very disappointed in this decision that I have reached but I also want you to look at the positives that we have done so that your judgements remain balanced. it was our hope that we would field some candidates in some areas that we hoped to fare well but unfortunately, we didnt have resources as expected to reach out the constituencies, reads part of the message seen by this publication. The source also told this paper that some members with the party suspected that Moyana was a Zanu-PF project, sent to spy on voters In his long message, Moyana said he would be back in the 2023 elections to continue with his vision It is my prayer that we remain United as we approach the forthcoming elections supporting those who are pushing for true change. It is not in my Democratic right to tell you who to support as we approach the elections but definitely, change is needed. We hope to work with other political parties in making this dream a success. We will, therefore, work towards 2023 as a party to continue with our vision, he said. There are reportedly 133 political parties which will participate in the July 30 elections and the number is expected to be trimmed when the nomination court sits tomorrow. 263Chat Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News The fledgling National Patriotic Front (NPF) the new political outfit which is linked to former president Robert Mugabe and his wife Grace reiterated yesterday that it was in advanced discussions with the MDC Alliance on the two parties working together. At the same time, analysts warned that the countrys main opposition risked receiving a massive hiding in next months eagerly anticipated national elections if it goes ahead with the plan to work with the new political formation. This comes as the NPF and the main MDC formation led by Nelson Chamisa are said to have recently held a top secret meeting in Cape Town, South Africa where it was alleged Mugabe and his wife wanted to be involved in choosing the MDC Alliances vice president. It also comes as a large cross-section of Zimbabweans, including civic society leaders, have warned the MDC Alliance about the dangers of embracing the NPF which last week sacked its interim leader Ambrose Mutinhiri, moments after announcing it was backing Chamisa in next months presidential poll. Yesterday, the NPFs secretary-general, Shadreck Mashayamombe, also moved to give the clearest indication to date that the Mugabe-backed party would contest elections under the MDC Alliance banner disclosing that negotiations had reached an advanced stage. There is only one game in town and that is the (MDC) Alliance. We have not agreed on seats yet, but we will certainly get there, a cagey Mashayamombe told the Daily News. Other well-placed sources said the MDC Alliance had apparently given the NPF four seats including in Harare South where Mashayamombe was MP before he was sacked from Zanu PF after Mugabe resigned as the countrys president on the back of military intervention. The other three constituencies involved one in Chiredzi, another in Kwekwe Central which was once occupied by Masango Matambanadzo (Blackman) who was sacked also from Zanu PF and the last one in Bulawayo. At the weekend, NPF interim president Eunice Sandi Moyo also suggested that they were likely to get more seats in the MDC Alliance, despite spirited denials by the main opposition. The sudden appearance of the NPF in the opposition mix, which was first hinted during the Alliances hugely successful demonstration against the Zimbabwe Electoral Commission (Zec) last week, has thrown the chances of Zapu joining the pact into serious doubt. Last week, Chamisa was on the verge of inking a coalition deal with veteran politician and Zapu leader Dumiso Dabengwa, who yesterday revealed that there was no movement on the talks. We have met with the MDC. Actually, we met last week and we gave them our proposal and now we are waiting for their response. We will make a decision tomorrow (today) if there is nothing from them, Dabengwa said. Chamisa, the MDC Alliance presidential candidate, has emerged as a serious challenger to President Emmerson Mnangagwa in next months elections. The looming national elections have generated such interest among both ordinary Zimbabweans and ambitious politicians alike that a number of opposition leaders are set to contest Mnangagwa in the presidential plebiscite. The polls themselves will be the first in the past two decades not to feature Mugabe and the late MDC founding leader Morgan Tsvangirai who lost his valiant battle with cancer of the colon in February. Chamisa has been packing rally venues to the rafters, but the MDC Alliances dalliances with the NPF have unsettled some people within the opposition including dashing talks to mend an ugly rift with the leader of the splinter MDC faction led by Thokozani Khupe, whose party said it would not tolerate any association with the Mugabes. Robert Mugabe is yesterdays man. Theres absolutely no doubt about that. The sun has set on Mugabes political career. Thats for sure. For almost four decades, Mugabe was at the helm of a repressive, fascist, dictatorial and deeply corrupt regime. He brooked no opposition, both internal and external. For anyone to therefore think that they can reap political capital from embracing Mugabes political cadaver simply boggles the mind. The MDC-T led by Dr. Thokozani Khupe will not collaborate with any political formation that is repressive, oppressive and corrupt. We are a very principled political party. We dont believe in adopting desperate and opportunistic political alliances and associations. We dont sup with the devil. We are not Machiavellian, Khupes deputy Obert Gutu said. Meanwhile, political analysts warned that the MDC Alliance was at the risk of losing some support by hobnobbing with the NPF. As for Mugabes political cachet and whether the Alliance needs him, my sense is that it is impossible to say at this juncture. The Afrobarometer survey shows a continued measure of support for Mugabe, but you cant just add that to Chamisas numbers. Many in his ranks revile Mugabe and his wife. How would they react if such a pact was foisted on them. I think the negative blowback amongst Alliance partners for such a deal would probably outweigh any gains, Piers Pigou, a senior consultant with the International Crisis Group, said. Professor of World Politics at the London School of Oriental and African studies Stephen Chan said the MDC should exclude NPF from its pact with other political parties. Such an alliance would be purely opportunistic, but strange things happen in politics. Having said that, I think the NPF brings very little to the MDC. The entire MDC SMART platform (manifesto) is about moving away from the past so incorporating this part of the past is a mistake. Having said that also, if the NPF brings with it personnel and experience in electoral malpractice, it may be that the MDC wishes to benefit from this kind of knowledge to prevent any malpractice in July. As a purely political move, I do not think Mugabe holds any significant residual affection amongst the voting public. I think everyone wants to move on. Indeed, what can an old man with a very small party do, especially if it is part of a large alliance with many small party leaders? So the NPF would have little clout within the MDC but, at the same time, the MDC actually doesnt need the NPF in voting terms, Chan said. Another political analyst, Maxwell Saungweme, said Mugabe should not be accommodated in any coalition because when people marched on the streets of Harare last year, along with the military, they were giving him marching orders. People are fed up with Mugabe and marched with the military in November to remove Mugabe. They still dont like him. The (MDC) Alliance is fooling itself to think that Mugabe has any political currency that can help them win votes. Its enough in the Alliance to have a couple of principals bringing nothing but themselves alone. Its unnecessary to complicate matters by bringing Mugabe who was retired to Blue House by all to an Alliance that has a lot of sleeping partners already! This development confirms various issues . . . that there may be Zanu PF infiltration in the Alliance in high places and that the Alliance is not about what the people want but just power grab, Saungweme said. Mugabe resigned from office late last year, a few hours after Parliament had initiated proceedings to impeach him after he had refused to leave office during eight tense days that began with the military intervening in the governance of the country. But the 94-year-old has stunned Zimbabweans in recent months by re-entering the political arena and holding several meetings with opposition leaders and some former Zanu PF bigwigs including openly lending his support to the NPF. DailyNews Breaking News via Email Loading... Related Zimbabwe Latest News Unconfirmed report has it that President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed Justice Adebukola Banjoko as chairman of Court of Conduct Tribunal (CCT). Banjoko recently sent two ex-governors including a serving senator to jail. However, the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) has denied the reports. The Tribunal insists that Justice Danladi Umar remains its chairman. The head of press and public relations of the tribunal, Malam Ibraheem Alhassan, said Justice Danladi Yakubu Umar is still in his position as chairman. Independent had previously reported that President Buhari appointed the tough female judge to lead the Tribunal, following her recent sentencing of two ex-governors to jail on corruption charges. READ ALSO: Federal High Court sacks Kogi senator from National Assembly Recall that Legit.ng previously reported that Justice Adebukola Banjoko is rapidly becoming a symbol of fearless and impartial justice in the Nigerian judiciary. In what can be considered an unprecedentedly fearless and bold move, the tough female judge successfully convicted and sent Jolly Nyame, former governor of Taraba, and Joshua Dariye, former governor of Plateau state to jail. Nyame was sentenced to 14 years in prison without an option of fine, on May 3; and on Tuesday, June 12, Justice Banjoko delivered another landmark judgement, when she sentenced Joshua Dariye, a former governor of Plateau state, to 14 years in prison. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Nyame was found guilty of 27 out of 41 counts of alleged diversion of public funds while he served as governor of Taraba state. Dariye was charged for diverting N1.162 billion while he served as governor of the North-central state. He was brought to court on a 23-count charge for the alleged offence by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission in 2007. The EFCC stages a walk against corruption - on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit - The political conversation is Osun is getting intense by the day as the state prepares for a governorship election in September - A prominent indigene of the state, Abdulyekin Abilagbo, is concerned about the language used by political actors to advance their arguments - He cautions against divisive comments capable of throwing the state into crisis A former Ambassador of Nigeria to the Republic of Sierra Leone, Ambassador Abdulyekin Abilagbo has chided gubernatorial aspirants in the forthcoming governorship election in Osun state over their divisive statements. Abilagbo specifically singled out aspirants under the ruling All Progressives Cingress (APC) for polarizing the brotherhood strings and unity that held together the 27 year old state. The Iwo-born envoy said: It is so worrisome that most of those aspiring to govern the state has not come up with the blueprints and programmes of vision for the state; instead most of those aspirants are busy championing the issue of sectionalism and zoning. Is it not laughable in this time and age that people are still fanning the ember of religion and ethnicity. We were alive and can bear testament to the 1993 presidential election where MKO Abiola and Baba Gana Kingibe, both Muslims contested on the same platform and enjoyed wide acceptability in all zones of Nigeria purposely because he ran qualitative and people friendly manifesto, what has become of us today, are we retarding or what? PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android, read best news on Nigerias #1 news app Abilagbo who was at different times Nigeria's diplomatic representative to Egypt, Chad, Saudi Arabia and Russia lamented that most of his kinsmen from the Osun West zone of the state are crusaders of zoning, stressing that they have completely neglected the basic ingredients of democratic principles which involve consultation and robust selling of programmes and policies to the populace till date. He hailed the Chief of Staff to Aregbesola; Gboyega Oyetola, for expressly communicating his designs and plans for our state. He continued: The imaginable difference and deduction from this is that he seems to be the only who understands the strengths, opportunities and challenges of the state and more prepared to administer Osun, he stressed further. At the moment, the state government is unable to meet her full statutory obligations to civil servants, none of my kinsmen is talking about improvement in IGR for sustainability and sufficiency, what should be paramount in the mind of every right-thinking aspirants is how to further project our state into greater heights, formulate policies that will make our state the food basket of the south-west, that will industrialize the state and bring improved turnaround in our internally generated revenue so as to drive our economy. Osun is no longer at a pedestrian level, Aregbesola has raised the bar of governance beyond ordinary, and only people who have the mental, intellectual capacity can continue and consolidate with the already laid foundation. READ ALSO: NLC protests Mimikos return to Labour Party Meanwhile, the speaker of Osun state House of Assembly, Dr. Najeem Salaam, has debunked some media reports suggesting he has ditched his governorship ambition based on a Lagos meeting he had with the national leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, in company of Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the state chairman of the party, Prince Gboyega Famodun. According to the speaker, at no time was he asked to step down for any aspirant during the Lagos meeting. He made this known in a statement sent to Legit.ng by his chief press secretary, Goke Butika, stressing that he is currently engaged on how the political atmosphere would be managed in the state without any hitch. PDP Chieftain, Chief Chyna Iwuanyanwu speaks about the party's crisis - on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit - Comrade Adams Oshiomhole is no doubt the leading contender for the national chairmanship of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) - His endorsement by President Buhari and the party governors gives him an advantage over other contenders - Oshiomhole has since been talking about his plans for the party if he emerges the ruling party's chairman APC national chairmanship aspirant, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, has promised that he will not be a dictator if he emerged winner at the national convention of the party scheduled for Saturday, June 23. Oshiomhole also said he would not be caged by a select group of powerful individuals in the APC to do their bidding at the detriment of others because his support base cuts across all interests in the party. He stated this when he visited the headquarters of Media Trust Limited, the publishers of Daily Trust titles in Abuja on Wednesday, June 13, adding that he had always exercised persuasive powers and negotiating skills in the execution of his responsibilities. READ ALSO: Breaking: Buhari to sign 2018 budget next week - Adesina His words: If I have prominent people from the north, the south, the east and the west, it means I will be at the centre. No one will say without my support, you wouldnt have been there. But if you are a product of one section, then you might remain detained by that section if you feel that to retain the office, you must service that section as your support base. But when you have the privilege of a broad support from many leaders, then no one leader will say I put you there. You must listen to me. Conventionally, in our political environment, we hear that who has the deepest pocket tends to buy the support. But this support is being offered by people that cannot be procured. It flows from their knowledge of my person because I have been fortunate to work with all the governors, including past governors. Those I didnt meet in office, I met them when I was president of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). We have engaged one-to-one, they know what I stand for. So, they have offered this support based on their understanding of my person, not inducement. That makes a difference. When told that there were fears in some quarters that due to his stand as former NLC president, he might end up becoming a dictator as APC National Chairman, Oshimhole said: One of the things that NLC job equipped all of us with is that, although you are the boss, in truth, you cannot hire or fire any of those people with whom you have to work with in the process of decision making. Unlike what I was able to do as governor of a state, I hired all the commissioners, including my permanent chief of staff. When we say the executive council has resolved, everybody at that council except the deputy governor is my appointee. READ ALSO: Nigeria to receive another $500 million Abacha loot - Malami And as they talk, whether they admit or not, they know that if I smile or frown, it can define in one way or the other, how long they stay in the cabinet. But in the trade union, when I was elected as president, my deputy was elected not as my running mate, he contested for the office on his own. So, where it matters, he is not obliged to side with me. The vice president is not my running mate. The treasurer, which is equivalent to finance minister, is not my appointee. The trustee, known as accountant general, who signs cheque, is not my appointee. When I presided over National Executive Council (NEC) of the NLC, I am the leader. But every member has a role to play. In our meetings, we begin to have progressive and conservative sides. Im used to presiding over affairs and making decisions not on the basis of fear. So, its not possible for me to be a dictator as APC national chairman. What my background prepares me for is to be able to listen. That is why I keep saying at every forum that contestations and disputes are not dysfunctional if you have the skills that I have to manage divergencesI have never exercised dictatorial powers. I have always exercised persuasive powers and negotiating skills. Those are my tools. When I negotiate with you, I persuade you and you accept, you will feel obliged to do what you have to do. If I dictate to you, you will only do it when Im watching. When Im not watching, you will follow your heart. So, Im not capable of being a dictator by the very nature of my background. PAY ATTENTION: Read the news on Nigerias #1 news app Meanwhile, a chieftain of the APC in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, Mathias Aliu, has said the policies of the party are transforming the lives of Nigerians across the country. Aliu, aide to Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairman on inter-governmental affairs, stated this at the presentation of bags to rice to polling units chairman in Wuse and wards executive of the APC in Abuja on Wednesday, June 15. He said the progress that has been made by the Buhari administration in various sectors of the country's economy is unprecedented. APC chieftains in Benue state say PDP has nothing to offer on Legit.ng TV Source: Legit The palace of the Ooni of Ife has always been one of the main landmarks in Ile Ife. It is also a sacred place occupied by the paramount ruler of not only Ile Ife but also that of Yoruba land. As it is the tradition, the palace is always renovated upon the emergency of a new king. This is the standard practice for the Yoruba people. Palaces in Yoruba land do not only have aesthetic and practical uses, but also spiritual motives. The history of the Ile Ife palace is quite long and interesting. The Oonis palace is situated at Enuwa on the territory of Ile-Ife as far back as 500 BC. It accommodates both the Ooni , his wives and children, it is the traditional residence of the royal family. The palace is also a meeting place for Yoruba leaders and a place where decisions are made, feuds are settled. PAY ATTENTION: Install our latest app for Android and read the best news about Nigeria His Royal Highness Late Sir Adesoji Tadeniawo Aderemi I Ooni Of Ife (KCMG) Ooni Adesoji Aderemi. Photo credit: Official Oba Adesoji Aderemi Alayeluwa Ooni Adesoji Tadeniawo Aderemi I was the first modern and literate Ooni of Ife to have ruled. Oba Aderemi was born on November 15, 1889. He reigned for 50 uninterrupted years as the number one Yoruba ruler between 1930 and July 1980. He was a quintessential Yoruba monarch. Aderemi was a member of the Oshinkola ruling house of Ife. He succeeded Ooni Ademiluyi Ajagun who died on the June 24, 1930 and built the first storey building in Ile-Ife in. Because of his education and exposure, he desired a more befitting home better than the mud house occupied by his predecessor, though a story building, thus he laid the foundation of his home on August 16, 1937. Ooni Adesoji Aderemi's residence. Photo Credit: Lorenzo Dow Turnerpic Ooni Aderemi was once the governor of the western region of Nigeria before independence. he was the first black African governor. Ooni Okunade Sijuwade Ooni Okunde Sijuwade. Photo credit: Official Oba Sijuwade Ooni Okunade Sijuwade was born on January 1, 1930, to the royal family of the Ogbooru ruling house. He ascended the throne of the highly coveted Ooni of Ile-Ife on December 6, 1980. He reigned for an uninterrupted period of 35 years until his passing on to glory on July 28, 2015. Ooni Olubuse was a well-travelled man and a successful businessman that had his hand in many businesses. He was known for his flamboyancy and this reflects in his choice of a home. Exclusive photo the palatial home of Ooni Ounade Sijuade READ ALSO: Why no other female has been crowned Ooni of Ife after Queen Luwoo Rather than move into the home of the late Ooni Aderemi, Ooni Olubuse II decided to make for himself a residence he thinks befits his status. His house, which still stands in the palace, is a beauty to behold. It is a tourists attraction in the ancient palace. It speaks style and class of the late quintessential monarch while he was alive. It is a bungalow with well laid artificial green tuft. Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi. Photo credit: Ooni official photographer Rather than waste resources erecting another building as his residence on attaining the throne, Ooni Ogunwusi decided to renovate the existing now old-fashioned home of late Ooni Adesoji Aderemi. The house was initially built with baked clay and turned around and renovated and then painted in all white and gold colour with a touch of purple which depicts royalty. The old palace was transformed into a work of architectural art. READ ALSO: The story of the longest Ooni to have reigned, Obalufon Ogbogbodirin, he allegedly lived for over 400 years Legit.ng editor in front of the renovated residence of Ooni Aderemi Adesoji by Ooni Adeyeye Ogunwusi On why he decided to live in Ooni Aderemi's home, Ooni Ogunwusi noted that: Built 80 years ago by Alayeluwa Ooni of Ife Oba Adesoji Aderemi, this structure stands as my home and a monument from decades past. With structures older than 400 years still standing in the palace, we have successfully been able to blend tradition and modernity; in line with my advocation for the passing knowledge to the new generation and generation yet unborn, we are in the process of securing special recognitions for several monuments around the nation. This will protect the history around them and allow their stories to be told for years to come; in hindsight protecting our culture and traditions. As a nation, we need to show respect and value for heritages laid down by our heroes past. The labour of our heroes past shall never be in vain There is light at the end of the tunnel - Ooni of Ife on Legit.ng TV: Source: Legit High-Climbing Raccoon Finally Reaches Top Of St. Paul Skyscraper And America Exhales Huffington Post. I hate to say it but I was pretty certain shed fall and I didnt like thinking about that. So we have a rare happy ending. The Plight of Birds and the Hand of Man in the Sixth Great Extinction Counterpunch 78 indigenous languages are being saved by optical scanning tech Fast Company (Chuck L) Einsteins travel diaries reveal physicists racism BBC How Fuel Breaks Actually Fuel Wildfires (and Spread Invasive Weeds) Counterpunch (Chuck L) The rate of Antarctic melting has nearly tripled in the past five years Abc.net.au (Kevin W) If iPhone Moves to USB-C, We Must Embrace One Last Dongle Motherboard (Kevin W) Seawater yields first grams of yellowcake: Yarn-like material collects largest amount of uranium to date PhysOrg. Chuck L: Just what the world needs. An inexpensive method for obtaining uranium by anyone within hailing distance of sea water. Then all we need is for someone to come up with a similarly easy way to separate the isotopes. Dual-gender macrochimeric tissue discordance is predicted to be a significant cause of human homosexuality and transgenderism Hypotheses in Life Sciences (UserFriendly) NHS picking up the pieces of mental illness epidemic caused by social media Telegraph Pychedelic Drugs Reshape Cells to Repair Neurons in Our Brains Inverse (David L). A wee bit incautious China? Ivanka Trumps Chinese proverb tweet mystifies China Reuters EM: I liked the bit in the article where one Weibo user admits that Chinese people like to make up ancient Chinese proverbs as much as westerners do. North Korea The high price of New Looks low-cost strategy Guardian (UserFriendly) ECB Seen Signaling the End of Bond-Buying Program Wall Street Journal Brexit Grenfell Tower: Commemorative events held to mark one year since fire Guardian (Biologist) France and Italy ramp up dispute over migration Financial Times (UserFriendly) Migrants put mafia mobsters behind bars in Palermo DW. Palermo was also one of the cities willing to take the migrant ship now headed for Spain. 113: Number of Mexican Politicians Killed Since September Telesur (Bill B) Syraqistan Big Brother is Watching You Watch Tariff Tantrum U.S. Prepares to Proceed With Tariffs on Chinese Goods Wall Street Journal (Kevin W) Trump Transition Trump tightens grip on GOP The Hill. We compared to a hostile takeover when he won the primary. Judge green-lights kill list lawsuit Politico Thomas Frank on the Democratic Party, Their Credibility Trap, and the Beleaguered Middle Class Jesse Obamas retirement fail Politico (UserFriendly). Sadly not his personal retirement. Anticipation builds for report on FBIs Clinton probe The Hill Will just note that even "single-payer" the much less popular slogan is still polling at 48 to 32 (+16), despite limited support from leading Dem figures. Kaiser polling puts Obamacare's favorability at +6 Medicare for All at +29 https://t.co/YcB7kPgqNR Jeff Stein (@JStein_WaPo) June 13, 2018 Looks like the Bernie Bros are still up to their old tricks pic.twitter.com/bfKP1KqvZZ Carlgoyle Beijer (@CarlBeijer) June 13, 2018 Under Health Law, Hospitals Charity Care Has Dropped Significantly California Healthline Daily Edition Plan to split California into 3 states eligible for November ballot ABC7 (UserFriendly) Fake News GM will soon have a female CFO and CEO. Thats rare CNN (Kevin W) I was fired from the CFPBs Consumer Advisory Board last week Medium Federal Reserve raises US interest rates again amid trade relations fears Guardian (Kevin W) Fed hikes rates despite no inflationary signs in data Economic Policy Institute Fed's #FOMC meeting translated: "Too many people have jobs" "And firms want to hire more" "uh-oh, they may be forced to raise wages" "Hm, how many people shall we throw out of work to help them out" "Dunno, but better raise rates & slow down econ growth" #interestrates Pavlina R Tcherneva (@ptcherneva) June 13, 2018 Class Warfare Antidote du jour (Tracie H): And a bonus video: See yesterdays Links and Antidote du Jour here. Yves here. The Real News Network is making a departure from its usual segment format to showcase Paul Jay giving his views on Trumps latest foreign policy moves and pundits reactions. Jay argues that Trump and his team remain focused on Iran. Notice, however, that the White House acts as if it can proceed in the Middle East as it see fit and not worry about the need to deal with a rising China. AARON MATE: Its The Real News. Im Aaron Mate. Returning from his summit with Kim Jong-un in Singapore, President Trump tweeted that there is no longer a nuclear threat from North Korea. Now, that is premature, as negotiations between the U.S. and North Korea have just begun. But the summit is a step forward. The leaders of the U.S. and North Korea met for the first time, and Trump even pledged to halt war games on the Korean Peninsula. DONALD TRUMP: I want to get our soldiers out. I want to bring our soldiers back home. We have right now 32000 soldiers in South Korea. And Id like to be able to bring them back home. But thats not part of the equation right now. At some point I hope it will be, but not right now. We will be stopping the war games, which will save us a tremendous amount of money, unless and until we see that the future negotiation is not going along like it should. But well be saving a tremendous amount of money. Plus, I think its very provocative. AARON MATE: Now, one of the countries voicing skepticism of Trumps commitment to peace in Korea is Iran, which, based on its recent experience with the nuclear deal and Trump, has warned Kim not to get his hopes up. And Irans concerns raised another question. Even if there is an eventual deal with North Korea, could Trump and the right-wing hawks around him use that triumph as a cover for a war against Tehran? Well, joining me to discuss is Paul Jay, senior editor here at The Real News. All right, Paul. So, interesting dynamics going on around this Trump-Kim summit. You have got partisan Democrats and liberals here in the U.S. voicing alarm at the sight pf Kim being treated as an equal, and Trump raising the prospect of withdrawing U.S. troops, and even halting war games. But at the same time also, not much attention is being paid to maybe possible ulterior motives by Trump and his people, and how this summit could be used for their agenda, including in Iran. And this is a point that you raised to me earlier this week. And Im wondering if you expand on your thoughts on this issue, what you think Trump and his people might be up to here. PAUL JAY: Well, I think you cant judge whats going on in North Korea without putting it into the overall strategy of both U.S. foreign policy in general, and in particular this clique thats in charge of the White House right now. And if you want to understand the overall strategy, one only needs to go back to the document in the late 1990s, I think it was 98. There was organization created, of which John Bolton, the former national-, the current national security adviser, was one of the people that helped create this document called the Project for a New American Century. And people like Wolfowitz and Rumsfeld and Cheney were all part of this vision, and we saw how this vision got executed during the Bush administration. And thats essentially a vision that in the, after the collapse of the Soviet Union, the United States is now a single superpower. The world is a single superpower world, and should stay that way. And number two, the United States should use its military power to reshape the world as it would like it to be. Most specifically, regime changes in various countries, which includes Syria, I believe including Libya, and of course, the big target was Iran. The, the current cabal, which I include Trump in, is very focused on Iran. Its the single issue that was really different from the Obama administration, where the Obama administration saw that it was worth reaching a compromise with Iran on the nuclear issue and accepting that Iran is a regional power. Even in the debates, the primary debates when Obama was there in the vice presidential debates, Biden, they both talked about you need to accept that Iran is now a real regional power, and thats how life is. Well, this group around Trump and the people they represent do not want to accept Iran as a regional power. And that, of course, includes Saudi Arabia and Netanyahus Israel. They want to weaken Iran as much as possible, so that if, so if nothing else, its a weak regional power. And they are very open about the fact that they would much prefer regime change. And how you get to regime change in Iran is you try to destabilize the place. You try to have sectarian warfare in Iran. You try to create an Iraq out of Iran internally. I dont think at this point theyre talking about troops in Iran, but the people around Trump, especially John Bolton and Pompeo, but especially Bolton, who knows what theyre thinking, because who would imagine invading Iraq? But John Bolton was one of the architects of that. John Bolton is a war criminal. I say that in every sense of the word. John Bolton helped fabricate, knowingly fabricate, evidence of weapons of mass destruction in Iraq, excuse me, in order to instigate a war that led to the deaths of at least a million civilians, millions of refugees, and more or less destruction of the country. John Bolton has suggested the same thing for North Korea. He was certainly very much in favor of destroying Libya. And hes very much for regime change in Iran. So now look at the issue of Korea in all this. Well, one of the, excuse me, one of the points of that Project for a New American Century document was that the American people have war fatigue after Vietnam. Its very hard to launch military adventures when the American people have enough of this stuff. And it actually says in the document, this is late 1990s, that without another Pearl Harbor kind of event, Americans wont support this kind of, they dont use the word aggressive war, but that, thats what it was. And lo and behold, we get a Pearl Harbor event on September 11, 2001. We can have a whole other conversation about how and who and how that took place, and its worthy of much more conversation thats ever taken place in mass media. But that being said, North Korea is not part of the strategic vision of this administration. Everything goes back to getting ready for preparing public opinion for Iran, the same way post 9/11 everything was about Iraq. So even though the attacks, to a large extent, were organized from Afghanistan, al Qaeda, bin Laden from Afghanistan, I dont think theres any doubt about that, the war in Afghanistan and the chase for bin Laden was very secondary. It was even half-hearted because we know from all kinds of books and articles, and people from the administration that have said so, it was always about invading Iraq. Well, now its all about Iran. And so of course its not another 9/11 event. What this is is a big propaganda event. So what we have is a mutually advantageous propaganda event that helps make Trump look like a peacemaker. Hes not a completely rabid war hawk, which clearly with Bolton and Pompeo and others there he looks like, and is. And so they get a propaganda win, and the North Koreans get a propaganda win. And lost in all this is two things. One, the real yearning and desire of the peoples of both South and North Korea for a real, genuine rapprochement and an end to this almost-war. And of course the other, whats being ignored is what they have planned, which is essentially the destruction, if they can achieve it, of Iran as a modern society. AARON MATE: Let me ask you, though, about what you make then of the hawkish pushback that Trump is getting from the right. And that right in this case, this week at least, includes Democrats in terms of them being upset at the prospect of withdrawing U.S. troops from Korea. And let me actually play a clip. This is a sample, a good sample, of the sort of liberal discourse thats been going on on MSNBC. And it comes from a former NATO Commander James Stavridis. And he explained what he saw as the real reasons for us the U.S. troop presence in South Korea. JAMES STAVRIDIS: We ought to remember, our troops are there not as an act of goodwill to South Korea. They are there to enhance U.S. influence in the region, to ensure that we keep those sea lanes of communication open, that are trade can flow freely, that we have a voice in the events there. For the exact same reason that we still have about 50000 troops in Europe. Theyre not there as an act of goodwill. Theyre there to accomplish U.S. national security objectives. So we draw them down at risk to those objectives. And it is very short-sighted to say, oh, yeah, this will be a twofer. We can reduce tension and save some money by getting our troops off the peninsula. Not the right way to think about this one. AARON MATE: Thats former NATO Commander James Stavridis speaking to MSNBC. And I should clarify, that wasnt actually a great sample of liberal opinion because he actually was honest there, Paul. Hes saying that were not there in South Korea for goodwill, were there so we can have influence and have a voice, and keep sea lanes open for our own good. So Im wondering, your thoughts on what hes saying there, and the overall reaction of liberal hawks when it comes to the prospect of reducing the U.S. military presence in South Korea. PAUL JAY: Well, first of all, I agree with you. I think what he said is a more or less honest appraisal of why troops are actually in South Korea, and Europe, for that matter. It is for the geopolitical strategic objectives of traditional U.S. foreign policy, and how they see that Brzezinskian chessboard playing out. And of course in South Korea, its all about China. And so to have so many troops so near China is not something Pentagon and traditional foreign policy people are at all interested in. I think theres something specific happening here. And one, well, let me just say on the question of the base, U.S. troops in South Korea, so far its just a propaganda event. Trump lies 50 times a day. He sees these kinds of pronouncements as just tactical moves in terms of how he communicates his whims of the day. Not to say they dont have a bigger plan, which again I say is Iran. But it doesnt mean anything that he can make a promise that someday theyll take these troops out. Its dangling something as the great negotiator. But there is something going on thats a little specific about Trump. They are so focused on the issue of a war against Islam, although they call Islamic terrorism or extremism. Its truthfully not at all a war against Islam, really, because if it was you couldnt, they couldnt be so allied with Saudi Arabia. Its really, again, as I say, about Iran. They cant, do not want a major regional power that isnt under American control. So every, every time you want to talk about anything to do with foreign policy, youve got to work your way back from what does this mean in terms of Iran, and what does it mean in terms of China? And that includes the Trump strategy towards Russia. The traditional foreign policy establishment wants to maintain this new Cold War with Russia because it serves the arms industry to have an existential threat. You dont need a dozen multibillion dollar Ford-class aircraft carriers to fight ISIS. You need a big power threat. You cant have these kind of military budgets without without a Russia, and then later at some point China. So far the narrative from, from the foreign policy establishment is more focused, focused on Russia because the economic intermingling with China is just so complicated that they cant raise the level of tension with China to the level they require. So this is whats kind of interesting about Trump, is Trump wants to lower tensions with Russia partly because he was involved with Tillerson and Exxon and a big energy play they want to do in Russia. They want to reopen, Putin was ready to kind of reopen Russian oil fields, and kind of, he wants to get back into the G8, Putin. They wanted the sanctions lower, lifted. And Trump was willing to play with Putin on this because his target is Iran and China. So lower tensions with Russia get focused on your strategic, strategic objective. This does not play well with the traditional foreign policy establishment, the neocons, who are very linked to the arms industry. And then the Democrats, many of whom themselves are up to their eyeballs with the arms industry themselves, and they see partisan advantage. Because theres such, so many decades of Cold War and Russian rhetoric they can play that card to see if they can wound Trump electorally. This is why, I think, you see Rachel Maddow going on and on and on about Russiagate, and Russia this and Russia that. Because, well, first of all its a ratings win. Look at how MSNBC is doing. You know, Fox throws red meat to their base, and now MSNBC is throwing meat, red meat to people that hate Trump. AARON MATE: Paul, Paul, speaking of which, let me play for you a clip from Rachel Maddow just last night connecting the North Korea issue to Russia. RACHEL MADDOW: Russia has just this tiny little border, 11 mile long border, with North Korea, with one crossing on a train. And theyve got a troubled and varied history over the decades with that country. But Russia is also increasingly straining at its borders right now, and shoving back U.S. and Western influence, especially U.S. and Western military presence anywhere near what it considers to be its own geopolitical interests. And one of the things that they have started to loudly insist on is that the U.S. drop those joint military exercises with South Korea. The U.S. has kept those going as a pillar of U.S. national security strategy for 70 years now. Until last night, when Trump casually announced that thats over now, hes doing away with those. Blindsided everybody involved, and gave North Korea something they desperately want and would do almost anything for, except he gave it to him for free. How come? AARON MATE: Paul, so there you go. You have the top liberal cable news host not just lamenting the possible end of U.S. military exercises on the Korean peninsula which he says have been going on for 70 years since, by the way, the U.S. basically destroyed most of North Korea, but then also putting the blame for that development by Trump on Russia. PAUL JAY: I hadnt seen that clip. And its honestly, its astounding to me. I have seen how Rachel Maddow has, who will say anything to try to get on this anti-Russia bandwagon. But to go so far as to call this massive troop buildup a pillar of-, in South Korea a pillar of national security? How does this defend the borders of America, to have thousands of troops extending American power into Asia? Thats not national security. Thats empire. Thats trying to control the world. Thats trying to have your influence to try to dominate Asia, and not allow China, which is, again, a regional power. Not a global power, but the United States doesnt even want obvious regional powers to emerge. And she calls that national security like South Korea, North Korea is a threat to the United States. I mean, its ridiculous. Even the intercontinental ballistic missiles are obviously there for defensive purposes. At the very least for negotiating- at the most for negotiating purposes. I mean, to throw a few missiles Americas way. I mean, whats the answer? Its the end of North Korea. I mean, its ridiculous to consider it a threat. So what is the real threat? What, China? This is this is the thinking of neoconservatives. Its the thinking of the Project for a New American Century. Rachel Maddow, this Rachel Maddow, would be at home in the Cheney-Bush administration. But its all about partisan advantage, because oh, shell critique Bush-Cheney over the Iraq war. Actually, I dont know where she was in the buildup to the Iraq war. I actually dont know what side of it she was on. AARON MATE: She opposed it. She opposed it back then. But thats thats, it speaks to where we are now. PAUL JAY: Yeah. Its just partisan advantage. Its ratings. And its horrible. Because its, its getting peoples eye off the real threats, which is look at what Trump said when he went to the CIA. Just a few weeks after hes inaugurated he goes to the CIA, makes a public speech. We have it on The Real News. More than once weve weve reported on this. And he says to the CIA, which had time you had some conflict with. This is his kiss and make up meeting. He says, he says, you guys, number one, are going to be able to, quote, fight without restraint. That means dont worry about killing civilians. And two, he says, Im quoting almost verbatim, I always said we should have grabbed the oil in Iraq, and haha, he laughs, I think you guys are going to have a second chance. So the idea of destabilizing, stabilizing, weakening Iran, perhaps even going after the oil in Iraq, which is the greatest source of light crude in the world right now that isnt being exploited anywhere near to the extent it could be, the reshaping of the Middle East, the regime changes they want. I mean, this is where weve got to be looking at. We cant get-, you know, what is a con man? A con man is a magician, which is look over here, look over here, look over here, because over here is where the real things happening. And everyones either playing along with this Trump game, or even worse, what Rachel Maddow, with, with a kind of liberal mask, is actually pushing a John Bolton kind of hawkishness about Russia. AARON MATE: Paul Jay, senior editor of The Real News, thanks very much. PAUL JAY: Any time. AARON MATE: And by the way, we are launching our summer fundraising drive. We cannot do this content without you, our viewers, so please go to our website TheRealNews.com to support us. Thank you for joining us on The Real News. The Poor Peoples Campaign, a young movement, has already gotten an audience in Congress and has been holding protests around the US. The anti-poverty, anti-racism effort takes its name from the initiative launched 50 years ago by Martin Luther King and cut short by his assassination, and is now led by Reverends William Barber and Liz Theoharis> However, it is currently in the first they ignore you phase of protest as far as major press outlets concerned. Well do what we can to remedy that. The Poor Peoples Campaign website describes how it has enlisted tens of thousands in over 30 states, documenting their suffering and using that information to develop a broad-based critique and a program, which they call a Declaration of Fundamental Rights and Poor Peoples Moral Agenda. Their issues include racism, such as the erosion of voting rights, poverty and inequality, and ecological devastation, such as lack of access to affordable water. For instance, in Jefferson County, where sewer charges for a family easily run to a few hundred dollars a month, low income families often have to choose between having water or electricity. The last issue is National Morality, where they take on fundamentalists and libertarians. For instance: In the history of this country, moral justifications have been offered for the genocide and forced removal of indigenous people from their lands, slavery, resisting the Brown v. Board of Education school segregation case and opposing the Roe v. Wade abortion case. Today, religious extremists focus on issues like prayer in school, abortion, and gun rights that distort the national moral narrative. This distorted narrative became integral to the well-funded libertarian movement to redefine liberty as freedom from government. In 2016, Franklin Graham invested $10 million of the Billy Graham Evangelistic Associations money in his 2016 Decision America Tour to each state house in the country. Billed as nonpartisan prayer rallies, these gatherings framed the moral crisis as a decision between progressive atheist values and God. After the election, Graham called Trumps victory an answer to prayer. Huffington Post did cover the Congressional hearing earlier this week: At the congressional hearing, convened by Sen. Elizabeth Warren (D-Mass.) and Rep. Elijah Cummings (D-Md.), members of the House and Senate listened to leaders of and participants in the Poor Peoples Campaign, a new movement co-led by the Rev. William Barber against poverty and racism in America. About half a dozen lawmakers attended, including Sens. Cory Booker (D-N.J.) and Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.). Among those who testified were Pamela Rush from Alabama, who spoke in tears of her struggles living in a mobile home with two kids and open sewage in their yard, and Christopher Olive, a 27-year-old veteran from Washington state, who said he started taking opiates for pain relief for pancreatitis which led to homelessness and a 10-year bout with opioid addiction. Sanders responded after peoples testimonies, saying, How did this happen? Ill tell you exactly, he continued. Because most of the members here in Congress are not here to represent you all but to represent billionaires who fund their campaigns. Thats how. Warren kicked off the hearing Tuesday afternoon by reading statistics on the state of poverty in America, including that more than 40 percent of U.S. adults dont have $400 in savings to cover an unexpected emergency. Cummings pointed out that 40 million Americans are living in poverty. All the while, corporate profits in America are skyrocketing, Warren said. It is a moral crisis. Lee Camp also featured some of the protests in a segment on Wednesday: The Topeka campaign that Camp mentioned has been underway for five weeks. From the Topeka Capitol-Journal: Mondays rally centered on wages, income inequality, education and child welfare. The burden of low wages coupled with cuts to social services hurts working families who struggle to support children, said Topeka Unitarian-Universalist pastor Sarah Oglesby-Dunegan, who led the rally and was later arrested. She was critical of the growing number of children in foster care. Neglect, either physical or lack of supervision, was the dominant reason children were placed in foster care, she said. And we know why that is, right? Because were not getting paid enough, she said relating the child welfare to the rallys larger theme of financial stability for families. Oglesby-Dunegan was also critical of move to hire unlicensed staff to assist in child protection cases and called for higher wages for social workers. The movement is also finding allies. Again from the Capitol-Journal account: The topic of stagnant wages hit home for Luke Domme and Brent Hall, members of the Bakery, Confectionery, Tobacco Workers and Grain Millers union, which represents Frito-Lay employees. Union workers at the plant picketed Saturday in front of the Topeka facility and plan additional demonstrations Tuesday ahead of contract negotiations later this week. Union officials say Frito-Lays wages combined with rising insurance coasts place workers in a hole. In the last three-year contract, which expired in September, workers received a 1 percent bonus for years one and two, which was $600 to $800 for most workers, and then a 1 percent wage increase the third year. The proposed contract for the next three years, which the BCTWGM union workers rejected in April, also proposed bonuses and a 1 percent wage increase. Domme said the union stood in solidarity with the Poor Peoples Campaign on wages and was critical of companies who receive tax benefits without raising wages. As Camp indicates, the Kentucky, Washington D.C, and Michigan protest were also Poor Peoples Campaign initiatives. While the movement has an extensive list of demand, including free higher education and a debt jubilee, the local protests appear to focus on subsets of issues that are hot buttons for that community. Moreover, the leaders recognize that this is a campaign, and being able to have meaningful-sized rallies on a regular basis sends a message that these citizens will no longer be ignored. I hope readers will send information about events in their communities so we can include them in Links and Water Cooler. World Missions Ireland, Pope Francis official charity for overseas mission, have announced the winner of their nationwide competition to design a set of vestments for Pope Francis. The winner is schoolgirl Jane Boland, aged 11, from 5th Class in Carrig National School, Ballycommon, Nenagh, Co Tipperary. Wishing to give Pope Francis something very special to commemorate his time in Ireland, the charity invited over 3,000 Irish Catholic schools to enter their Pope Francis Competition. With a massive response of over 4,500 individual entries, the charity had a tough time picking the winner. Julieann Moran, from World Missions Ireland said, we were knocked off our feet by the number of entries, and totally blown away by the standard! However, Janes design really jumped out. It depicts so much thats positive and important in our ever changing world creativity, community, embracing different cultures, nature, and technology to name but a few. We can all learn something wonderful from the children who entered they care about those less fortunate. They care about their family, about their friends. They care about their communities and their Churches. They care about their planet. In fact, wed love to see all the entries being made into real vestments to be worn by our priests celebrating Mass. It would certainly bring much colourful conversations, and endless joy! Janes winning entry will now be sent to tailors in Rome, wholl recreate it into a life-sized garment. The charity will gift the vestments to his Holiness when he attends for the World Meeting of Families in August. World Missions Ireland will also display a replica of the winning vestment at their stall, number 23 & 24, during the World Meeting of Families in the RDS from the 22nd 24th August. SOCIAL ENTREPRENEURS IRELAND has announced the 17 finalists for the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awards 2018, supported by DCC plc. Of the seventeen, up to eight will go on to receive an initial 200,000 in funding and support for their projects for social change with potential for further investment and development opportunities. Peadar Kirby, from Cloughjordan, Tipperary, has been announced as a finalist for the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awards programme for his project, Cloughjordan Ecovillage Education for Sustainability. The mission of the Cloghjordan Ecovillage is to act as a model for sustainable living in the 21st century and to share the lessons widely through education and research activities. On reaching the finalist stages of the competition Peadar said, Cloughjordan Ecovillage is delighted at this recognition of the national significance of its place-based education for resilient sustainable communities Cloughjordan Ecovillage Education for Sustainability and the sixteen other applicants now enter the final stages of the selection process, having pitched their projects to panels of judges in the hope of winning a place on the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awards programme. The highly competitive programme offers critical funding and mentorship opportunities to high-potential social entrepreneurs to enable them to scale the impact of their projects. The seventeen finalists have come through a rigorous process with 102 applicants competing for eight places on the programme. Announcing the Finalists Social Entrepreneurs Ireland CEO Darren Ryan said: We have been very impressed by the calibre of applications we have received this year and we would like to congratulate the finalists for reaching this point in the process. We look forward to working closely with the 2018 Awardees to scale the impact of their projects in Ireland. DCC plc, the international sales, marketing and support services group, is the flagship supporter of the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awards. Speaking of DCCs partnership with Social Entrepreneurs Ireland, Donal Murphy, CEO of DCC plc, said: "We take great pride in our role as flagship sponsor of the annual Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awards. DCC has backed commercially focused entrepreneurship for more than 40 years and we equally believe in the creativity and passion of Irish social entrepreneurs to make a significant contribution to solving our greatest challenges as a society." The Award winners will be announced at the Social Entrepreneurs Ireland Awards Ceremony in the Mansion House on October 9th, 2018. The NATO Secretary General, Mr. Jens Stoltenberg, will travel to Berlin on Thursday, 14 June and Friday, 15 June 2018. On Thursday 14 June, Mr. Stoltenberg will meet the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr. Heiko Maas. On Friday 15 June, the Secretary General will meet Chancellor Dr. Angela Merkel. The Secretary General will also meet with the leader of the Social Democratic Party and SPD Parliamentary Group in Bundestag, Ms. Andrea Nahles, MdB, members of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committees in Bundestag, and participate in an event hosted by Korber-Stiftung. Media Advisory On Friday, 15 June 14:10 Joint press point by the NATO Secretary General and Chancellor Merkel Chancellery The press point will be web streamed live on the NATO website. Still and video images will be available on the NATO website after the event. Follow us on Twitter (@NATOPress and @jensstoltenberg). (Natural News) Provisions are among the biggest challenges for manned spaceflight missions. Food must not take up so much space or weight that the spacecrafts performance suffers. In an Alpha Galileo article, therefore, German researchers suggested that spacecraft should carry zooplankton as a lightweight source of essential nutrients for astronauts. One potential candidate is the water flea (Daphnia), a tiny critter that lives in freshwater environments and produces plenty of biomass for its size. A University of Bayreuth (Bayreuth) research team recently subjected a population of this zooplankton to zero gravity environments. The trials took place aboard a New Shepard suborbital spacecraft run by the private company Blue Origin. The water flea experiment was one of the first biological experiments ever conducted aboard this type of spacecraft. (Related: Floating food isnt easy to digest: Scientists think this may be the reason astronauts lose weight.) Zooplankton can provide food for astronauts and starving populations Zooplankton might be tiny, but they play a disproportionately big role in the food chain. They consume micro-algae and serve as an important food source for aquatic animals like fish. Most of these creatures are small crustaceans such as the water flea. Bayreuth professor Dr. Christian Laforsch has studied them for many years and he thought that Daphnia could produce just as much biomass in space as they do in Earths waters. In particular, he and his colleagues believe water fleas can be integrated into biogenerative life support systems (BLSS). These are man-made ecosystems that can provide nourishment for humans over long periods of time. BLSS are receiving increasing interest for their potential use in areas deprived of food, be they in space or on Earth. A different but related study by a Bayreuth research team indicated the potential of zooplankton as food for astronauts. Researcher Jessica Fischer reported that another type of zooplankton ostracods can produce nutrients in BLSS. Fischer published the results of her research in the journal Microgravity. She said that ostracods behaved very differently in zero gravity environments, but they were able to reproduce and survive for several months. The Bayreuth experiments aboard the Blue Origin-operated spacecraft investigated the effects of space on the behavior of water fleas. German biologist Dr. Miriam Knie reported that the results were very promising. Recent space trial suggest promise for zooplankton as food sources Blue Origin is a U.S. private company based in Texas. Its flagship spacecraft series is named after Alan Shepard, the first American astronaut to travel in space New Shepards most recent mission carried the Scientific Pathfinder Flights, a project funded by the German Aerospace Center (DLR). Participating experiments like the Bayreuth study are intended to assist manned spaceflight. The suborbital flight lasted all of 11 minutes before the New Shepard spacecraft touched down in Texas. Knie said her team will study the data on Daphnia behavior at zero gravity environments. The newest findings will be analyzed alongside earlier data collected by Bayreuth. The experiment will show if water fleas can survive and even thrive in BLSS installed aboard space stations and manned spacecraft on long-endurance missions, such as months-long voyages to Mars. Knie promised to report their findings in the shortest time frame. She and her colleagues believe their new data can shed light on certain questions, such as the evolutionary process that produced organisms which are sensitive to gravity. But above all the experiments in space are designed to give us an understanding of the extent to which plankton organisms can be used also on Earth for a sustainable food supply, said Laforsch. Want more articles on the technologies that keep astronauts fit and healthy? You can visit Space.news. Sources include: AlphaGalileo.org Nature.com (Natural News) For quite some time now, conservatives have warned that Googles efforts to combat what it considers to be fake news or hateful content is really just an all-out attempt to censor Internet content that doesnt conform to the progressive narrative. With each passing day, it becomes more and more apparent that this warning has proven to be terrifyingly accurate. Indeed, Google has turned into one of the most constitutionally hostile, anti-First Amendment companies in the United States. Google and Big Pharma One of the ways that Google seeks to control the narrative is by establishing strict rules and guidelines regarding what types of medical content are permitted on their platform. As reported by Government Slaves, on the bottom of page 108 in Googles 160-page handbook, the company states that the following content would not be deemed acceptable: Pages that directly contradict well established scientific or medical consensus for queries seeking scientific or medical information, unless the query indicates the user is seeking an alternative viewpoint. In other words, Google is deciding what medical information is inaccurate based on whether or not there is a consensus for it and then taking steps to hide said content from users. Google may be one of the largest, most profitable companies on the face of the earth, but that doesnt give them the right to infringe on our freedom of speech. The Constitution is the law of the land, and it needs to be respected by all. (Related: Google censored Natural News and removed 140,000 pages from its index.) Google censoring firearm-related language Its not only medical information that Google is suppressing; its also words not even information, but mere words related to firearms and the Second Amendment. Google will be adding words like gun-grips and scopes and sights to its list of prohibited AdWords later this month, Breitbart News reported on Monday, adding that Google officially announced the changes in an email, with a subject line that read Google AdWords Policy Update Change to Dangerous products or services Policy. Breitbart was able to obtain this email, and learned that words like stocks, conversion kits, scopes and sights, tripods and bipods, gun-grips, and gun-making instructions will all be banned on Googles platform. Of course, this policy change comes on the heels of yet another controversial move on Googles part, which involved the banning of all gun demonstration videos on the Google-owned video sharing site YouTube. In addition to being yet another example of how Google is utterly destroying the freedom of speech of their users, its worth mentioning that the content they are censoring is, at least in this case, not even controversial. How is excluding words like stocks or tripods going to decrease gun crime in this country, or prevent a psychopath from getting his hands on a firearm and killing innocent people? It does nothing but stifle the peoples First Amendment rights, and quite frankly, thats something that everybody should be outraged over, regardless of political affiliation. Where does this end? Theres an old saying that says what you allow is what will continue. If the American people do not take a stand against this growing censorship which, by the way, exists on dozens of Internet platforms, not just Google then it will continue until freedom of speech is practically non-existent. (Related: If Google and Facebook are not regulated, their politically-motivated censorship will drive America to open warfare in the streets.) Natural News can proudly say that it has been working to expose Googles oppressive campaign for quite some time now, but if more Americans dont join the fight, then the future of Internet freedom looks dismal at best. Sources include: GovtSlaves.com Breitbart.com (Natural News) Concerned that someone on the vast and undefinable gender spectrum might be offended by the continued use of the longtime acronym, the University of Wisconsin Madison is officially scrapping LGBT from the name of its LGBT Center, which will now be known as the Gender and Sexuality Campus Center. In a recent announcement, the university explained that the new name is designed to be more inclusive and less intolerant because, in case you didnt know, there are far more sexual orientations and genders beyond just gay, lesbian, bisexual, male, female and transgender these days. So after careful consideration, the announcement adds, the center decided to rename itself to better align with its stated mission, which involves using an array of other language to describe people of varying gender and sexual identities. There is a responsibility for institutions to uplift and support the voices of the students on its campus often silenced, in the most inclusive and effective way possible, stated undergraduate student Simone Williams, whose grammatically-incorrect gender pronoun preferences include they and them. Changing the name to Gender & Sexuality Campus Center tells students across all identities they can be heard, Williams added. There is a space here that doesnt require labels or binaries. As culture shifts we must shift, Im glad the staff in the Center know that. The name change was reportedly unveiled during the University of Wisconsins Rainbow Graduation Ceremony, which is specifically tailored to students who dont accept their natural biological sex or gender identity. The school apparently spent a lot of time and money coming up with the new name, as it evaluated feedback from students in the form of school paper editorials, in-person open sessions, and anonymous feedback. It was ultimately determined that nobody would feel left out if the name was simply a generic reference to any and all forms of gender identity and sexual preference. Institutions of learning all across the country are going sexuality and gender identity crazy as they strive to keep up with all the changes In a statement made to Campus Reform, UW-Madison spokesperson Meredith Mcglone explained that the decision to change the LGBT Centers name also largely hinged upon the fact that many other schools across the country are doing the same thing. Duke University, for example, recently changed the name of its LGBT Center to The Center for Sexual and Gender Diversity, which its director claims is more inclusive. What do these centers do, exactly? At least at UW-Madison, they offer education courses on things like Beyond the Binary: Gender 101, which teaches students how to make up new gender identities with which they can demand that other people refer to them by new, made-up gender pronouns. There are also classes on LGBTQ-affirming healthcare, which instructs students about how to modify their physical attributes in order to look like another gender or sex. The Gender and Sexuality Campus Center provides education, outreach, advocacy, and resources for UW-Madison student communities and their allies to improve campus climate and their daily experiences, Mcglone explained to Campus Reform. Some campuses like the City University of New York (CUNY) Guttman are even going so far as to actually enforce the use of alternate, made-up gender pronouns on campus by normal students, claiming that adhering to other peoples chosen gender identities is important to help to eliminate the gender binary. If you have this privilege (of having an obvious gender identity that matches your biological sex) yet fail to respect someone elses gender identity, it is not only disrespectful and hurtful but also oppressive, explains a document recently put forth by CUNY Guttman that attempts to justify forcing people to adhere to its new gender pronoun agenda. Sources for this article include: Students.Wisc.edu CampusReform.org Today.Duke.edu NaturalNews.com (Natural News) Venezuelas crumbling socialized healthcare system has been making headlines as the government has struggled to dole out the funds being demanded for vaccines. Propagandists are already inciting outrage, claiming that low vaccination rates in the South American nation will lead to epidemics of disease. In a recent piece that smacks of pro-vaccine fake news, The Daily Caller claimed that a lack of vaccines was causing polio to return in Venezuela, but is that really true? A single child from the Venezuelan state of Delta Amacuro has displayed one symptom of polio, according to reports. More importantly, however, is the fact that this alleged case of polio has not been officially confirmed, according to a statement from the World Health Organization. [A]n acute flaccid paralysis case is currently being investigated, the WHO told CNN. Final results are expected over the coming weeks. Acute flaccid paralysis is caused by a number of different causalities, poliovirus being just one of them, the WHO explained in their statement. Acute flaccid paralysis is a common symptom of polio; its described as the sudden onset of weakness or loss of mobility in any part of the body in children under age 15. But, as the WHO contends, until lab testing is completed and the results are in its too early to know if this child has polio or another condition. In other words, all these vaccine-happy media outlets are jumping the gun, inciting fear and outrage for no reason. The notion that this child has been afflicted with a not-yet-determined illness because they werent vaccinated is fear-mongering at its finest. The Daily Caller, it seems, is pushing pro-vaccine fake news just like the corporate-run media. Other diseases can look like polio Not long ago, there were fears that polio had returned to the United States, too. Recall the great polio scare of 2014 and 2015, when dozens of children were afflicted with mysterious and sudden paralysis. It was ultimately determined that while the illness was similar to polio and was part of the same viral family, the affected children did not have polio. In 2014, multiple children came down with polio-like symptoms in the state of California. Dr. Keith Van Haren, a pediatric neurologist at Lucile Packard Childrens Hospital Stanford, wrote a report on five of the cases. All five children had received the polio vaccine. Beyond the fact that the alleged case of polio in Venezuela could be anything but, its also important to look at the cold, hard truth about polio vaccinations. Polio vaccines as a source of disease While the mainstream media is reluctant to report on the truth about the polio vaccine, it turns out that the polio vaccine can be even more dangerous than the actual disease. In 2017, it was revealed that polio vaccinations were causing more paralysis than wild polio. Mutant strains of the disease spread by vaccination led over 20 children to experience paralysis last year while just six children were infected with wild polio. No nation showcases the potential harms of polio vaccines like Syria. In 2017, dozens of children were harmed. World Health Organization representative Elizabeth Hoff reported, As of 18 August 2017, 33 children under the age of five have been paralyzed. But, as usual, the response from global health organizations was to deepen their efforts at vaccinating more children. Raul Andino, a professor of microbiology at the University of California at San Francisco conducted research which explains how and why vaccine-derived polio causes disease. The virus is capable of replicating and mutating fairly quickly in the human intestinal tract, within just a month or two of vaccination. As the virus starts circulating in the community, it acquires further mutations that make it basically indistinguishable from the wild-type virus. Its polio in terms of virulence and in terms of how the virus spreads, Andino said. In areas with poor sanitation, this means vaccine-derived polio can spread with ease. Even if the child affected in Venezuela does have polio, there is a substantial chance that its actually vaccine-derived polio. Past numbers show that more children get vaccine-derived polio than wild polio. Furthermore, Venezuela is under extreme duress and basic health supplies are hard to find. Discover more truth about inoculations at Vaccines.news. Sources for this article include: DailyCaller.com NPR.org (Natural News) Honeybees are known to clean up dead individuals and remove them from the hive. A study by researchers from the University of British Columbia looked into the mechanisms that drive this behavior and examined how it can be used to breed healthier colonies. Honeybees (Apis mellifera) are highly social insects known for their extreme devotion to their hive. When individuals die, living workers remove them from the colony to prevent pathogens from infecting and killing young bees. Alison McAfee, a British Columbia researcher and head author of the study, and her colleagues sought to understand this behavior and why some colonies are more hygienic than others. They suspected that the response had something to do with two chemicals, oleic acid and beta-ocimene, that bees produce. Oleic acid is released by many types of insects when they die. Beta-ocimene, on the other hand, is released by infant bees as a signal for food. The researchers believed that it was the odor of the two chemicals that made bees go into clean-up mode. In one test, they applied both oleic acid and beta-ocimene to live brood to trick workers into thinking the baby bees were dead. The worker bees removed more members of the brood compared to tests where the researchers applied a control chemical or just one of either chemical. Strangely enough, while honeybees generally engage in such behavior, some colonies are not as fastidious as other about cleaning up. The authors believe that their findings can be used to find colonies that are more hygienic and are, therefore, healthier than others. The importance of bees The studys findings are crucial at a time when bees are facing decline from a number of factors. Their size belies their importance and it is thought that their disappearance could have a severe negative impact on the planet and even humanity. To understand the value of bees, one needs to look into pollination. This is the process in which pollen is transferred from the male part of the flower to its female part, leading to fertilization and the production of seeds. Pollination is a vital part of plants reproductive process. Unfortunately, many plants cannot pollinate on their own and require the assistance of animals to do so. Bees are some of the most prolific pollinators among animals. Their tendency to visit the same flowers maximizes means that pollen is more likely to go to the same plant species instead of flowers that do not need them. Without bees, humanity would lose access to a wide variety of fruits and vegetables that are dependent on animal pollinators. These include broccoli, apples, watermelons, almonds, and blueberries, among others. Honey has been a favorite among humans for thousands of years. This sweet fluid is made from nectar that bees regurgitate and store in honeycombs as reserve food. It is used for a wide variety of applications, including cosmetics, industry, and even as a natural remedy for various diseases. The disappearance of bees would also mean the disappearance of sweet honey which, despite numerous attempts, has not been entirely replicated in terms of flavor and actual health benefits. Today, bees are dying in large numbers for several reasons. Apart from diseases, the use of pesticides in agriculture and the loss of food sources are causing bee populations to go into decline. The findings of the study could help in identifying breeds of honeybees that have a better chance of survival. To learn why honey and natural products are good for you, follow Remedies.news. Sources include: ScientificAmerican.com New-Ag.info (Natural News) Ear cleaning is about to get a long-deserved equipment upgrade. Seattle-based start-up SafKhan has come up with the OtoSet, an ear-cleaning device that can suction out impacted earwax in less than one minute, according to a report from GeekWire. The OtoSet resembles an ordinary pair of comfortable headphones. But it is an automated ear-cleaning device that will take just 35 seconds to clear out the earwax from your ear canal. SafKan announced that it has raised enough seed money for the first stage of its market launch. It will debut the OtoSet at selected hospitals in the West Coast. According to Sahil Diwan, the co-founder and CEO of the company, the Seattle Angel Conference contributed the most amount to the first round of funding. Another important contributor was the VC fund created by angel investors. Diwan adds that primary care doctors and otolaryngologists will get the first shot at using the OtoSet in 2018. The device will be tested on patients and clients at University of Washington Medicine, Stanford Medicine, Cedars-Sinai, and Providence Saint Johns Health Center. The initial batch of OtoSets will be restricted to medical professionals. Diwan promises that SafKan will eventually make the ear-cleaning device available to general consumers. SafKan OtoSet loosens impacted earwax with water before sucking it into nozzles Diwan founded SafKan along with his brother, Aadil. In addition to serving as the chief technology officer (CTO), Aadil also invented the OtoSet, the very first device they are marketing. According to the Diwan brothers, the OtoSet specializes in removing impacted earwax. A recurring problem that plagues many Americans, impacted earwax can cause pain, injuries, and even hearing loss in a patient. The established treatment for impacted earwax has a health professional use a blunt syringe to shoot water into the ear canal and loosen the earwax. The method was first used in 1821. Health professionals warn against using Q-tips to clean out earwax. Despite being tipped with cotton, the bud can damage the fragile skin inside the ear canal, which would result in a ruptured eardrum. (Related: More children are admitted to the emergency room each day for cotton tip swab injuries than for firearm injuries.) After going through that crude and time-consuming method one too many times, Aadil decided he could do much better. His efforts led to the creation of the OtoSet. The headset parts contains nozzles that spray warm water and hydrogen peroxide into the ear canal of the patient. The mixture quickly loosens the impacted earwax from the canal and flushes it out. Once the earwax is out of the canal, the nozzles work in reverse. They suck the water-hydrogen peroxide mixture back into the device, and the earwax is dragged along as well. This keep the mess from spilling out of the OtoSets headset. Turning ear-cleaning into a money-making procedure for health professionals In a previous interview with GeekWire, Sahil Diwan said the OtoSet makes ear-cleaning easier, quicker and more comfortable for patients and health professional alike. It also offers an additional benefit from a business perspective. Diwan believes physicians and health service providers lose money whenever they have to clean a patients ears. He chalks this up to labor costs. The health professional is forced to refer the patient to an ear-cleaning specialist. He believes the OtoSet will make ear-cleaning profitable for health professionals. There will be no more need to refer to specialists since the physician can perform the process himself. And since the automated device makes the process very quick, the physician has more time to devote to other patients. For more articles on interesting inventions, visit Inventions.news. Sources include: GeekWire.com DailyMail.co.uk Albert Einstein, renowned as a humanitarian as much as a physicist, once wrote less than charitable thoughts on Chinese people and other races. A newly released book titled "The Travel Diaries of Albert Einstein" offers a peek at his most private thoughts and as with any other human it isn't exactly all impressive. Einstein On Chinese People The entries, written between October 1922 and March 1923, detailed Einstein's journey that took him and his wife to Asia, Palestine, and Spain. It is his musings on the Chinese citizens that appear particularly controversial, especially in current times. "It would be a pity if these Chinese supplant all other races," he wrote, describing them as industrious, filthy, and obtuse, according to Quartz. "For the likes of us the mere thought is unspeakably dreary." He also mused on the working habits of China's population, noting that even those who worked "like horses" doesn't appear to be suffering, the Guardian reports. "A peculiar herd-like nation ... often more like automatons than people," Einstein continued, then wrote about how he doesn't quite understand the attraction of men to Chinese women since there's little difference between them and Chinese men. On Other Countries, Races Einstein's travels also brought him to Colombo in Ceylon (now Sri Lanka), where he described how citizens "live in great filth and considerable stench at ground level." While he admits to loving Japan and its people, the physicist also notes how the country's intellectual needs seem to be weaker than their artistic needs. He suggests natural disposition as a reason. Einstein As A Humanitarian Ze'ev Rosenkranz, who is behind the new translation of Einstein's travel diaries, acknowledges to the Guardian that there is a stark contrast between the famed scientist's private journals to his public image. He points out that the entries implying the biological inferiorities of Chinese, Indian, and Japanese people indicate a racist ideology. Rosenkranz is also the senior editor and assistant director of the Einstein Papers Project at the California Institute of Technology. Although he says that racist ideologies may have been the norm in Einstein's time period, it was not universal even back then. "That's usually the reaction I get 'we have to understand, he was of the zeitgeist, part of the time' but I think I tried here and there to give a broader context. There were other views out there, more tolerant views," Rosenkranz explains. It's worth noting that Einstein didn't intend for these ideologies to make it to the public and he did go on to be a great humanitarian. "There is separation of colored people from white people in the United States," he once said during a commencement speech at Lincoln University, according to Washington Post. "That separation is not a disease of colored people. It is a disease of white people. I do not intend to be quiet about it." It is mind-boggling, then, to find out that the humanist icon had racist and xenophobic ideas at one point. "It seems that even Einstein sometimes had a very hard time recognising himself in the face of the other," Rosenkranz says. A 24-year-old man on trial for robbery in San Mateo County now faces jury tampering charges after he allegedly went to the homes of two jurors in Burlingame and Redwood City, prosecutors said. Rommel Narvaez, a San Francisco resident, was on trial for two counts of armed robbery from 2013, and last Tuesday allegedly contacted an alternate juror and one who had been excused, according to the San Mateo County District Attorney's Office. San Mateo County Sheriff's Office The teenage daughter of one of the jurors found him peeking in the window of their home after she had gotten out of the shower. He also allegedly left a written note at the other juror's home, prosecutors said. "He said he was seeking to meet and talk about what she thought of the case," District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe said. Judge John Grandsaert then declared a mistrial in the 2013 robbery case and prosecutors filed new charges of jury tampering, violating a court order and prowling. Narvaez made his initial appearance on the new charges Friday and will return to court Wednesday to possibly enter a plea, then will come back Thursday to set a new trial date in the robbery case, prosecutors said. He remains in custody on no bail-status. Wagstaffe said he is aware of only a few jury tampering cases in San Mateo County during the four decades he's been with the district attorney's office. Narvaez was initially charged with robbery for cases in April 2013 in which he allegedly lured victims to locations in Daly City by posting phony Craigslist ads and then robbed victims at gunpoint, prosecutors said. While out on bail on the robbery charges, Narvaez in October 2013 was shot by San Francisco police after allegedly hiding in a bush and brandishing a gun following an attack in the city's Marina District, San Francisco police said. A San Francisco city employee died after a vehicle being loaded onto a tow truck became unhitched and hit her. The deadly crash was reported Wednesday in the area of the 500 block of 28th Street. The city employee has been identified as 34-year-old Lilianna Preciado, who worked for the water district. She was in a ditch with two co-workers when the crash occurred, officials said. Officials said Preciado was a mother of a 2-year-old child. A witness said the tow truck driver had been complaining about defective equipment on the truck just before the car broke loose. SFPUC San Francisco police and other agencies are conducting a full investigation. "Everything will be measured," police spokeswoman Officer Grace Gatpandan said. "Cal OSHA is also part of this investigation as well as the Department of Public Health." San Francisco Public Utilities Commission General Manager Harlan Kelly released the following statement late Wednesday: We are beyond devastated to learn that we lost one of our own employees this afternoon. Lilianna was a dedicated public servant who proudly served as one of only a few female plumbers on our team. Our hearts and prayers are with her family, friends and coworkers tonight as we all mourn this terrible loss. SFPUC is working with SFPD to investigate the incident. Witnesses on scene said the tow truck driver complained about equipment just before the accident. San Francisco Mayor Mark Farrell released the following statement: "Our City family is mourning today following the death of Lilianna Preciado, a valued employee with the Public Utilities Commission. "We are incredibly saddened anytime a member of the City family passes away, but it is particularly painful when an individual perishes while working on the behalf of San Francisco. "My most sincere thoughts and deepest condolences are with the friends, family members and professional colleagues of Lilianna at this time." A retired United States Air Force colonel with Northern California ties is taking advantage of Flag Day to push forward a new way to offer help to veterans. Chris Stricklin, who works with the Warriors Heart Foundation, said the program is raffling and auctioning two hand-crafted flags in order to raise money. Those behind the program assist veterans in coping with PTSD and mental health issues. They say one specific activity that helps veterans is creating handmade flags. "I think it's important because we have to protect those who protect us," Stricklin said. "People who serve, whether it's veterans or first responders, devote their lives, their families' lives to the flag, to what our freedom stands for. And in their time of need, we need to give back to them and take care of them." Learn more about the fundraiser by visiting warriorsheart.com. Immigration advocates on Thursday held rallies in the Bay Area and across the nation in protest against a Trump administration policy that separates some undocumented immigrant families. Local rallies, united by the battle cry "Families Belong Together," took place at San Jose City Hall and Hayward City Hall. NBC News reported that Casa Padre, the largest licensed child care facility for undocumented immigrant youngsters in the nation, housing nearly 1,500 boys between the ages of 10 and 17, "looks more like incarceration than temporary shelter." The boys in the converted former Walmart in Texas crossed into the country by themselves or became separated from their parents as a result of the Trump administration's new zero-tolerance policy. Roughly 700,000 families are waiting for a court date as a result of the policy. Attorney General Jeff Sessions said he is assigning more prosecutors and judges to move the cases along. With Congress poised to change the law allowing families to be separated next week, Republicans are agreeing to address immigration. "We can come together on the fact that families need to be unified," Republican Rep. Mark Meadows from North Carolina said. A Texas man delivered boxes of pizza to dozens of undocumented immigrants who were found in the back of a tractor-trailer in San Antonio, Telemundo San Antonio reported. Armando Colunga saw a news report covering the discovery of 54 immigrants, some as young 16 years old, in the back of an 18-wheeler and felt compelled to act. "I could see they only had water and didnt know how long they had been there before they were found. I assumed they were hungry and hadnt been fed so I decided to get them food," Colunga told Telemundo. Colunga, who is of Mexican decent, drove to the scene where U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement agents were still interviewing and processing the immigrants. He stopped at a Little Caesars pizza shop nearby and bought seven pizzas, without knowing if authorities would allow him to feed them. Colunga told CNN that two detectives escorted him closer to the group, eventually handing the pies off to a fireman who distributed them. "They were happy they were eating something," Colunga told local media. Among the group of undocumented immigrants were men and women from Mexico, Guatemala, El Salvador and Brazil, Homeland Security Investigations officials said in a news release. It was not immediately clear how they cross the U.S.-Mexico border or how long they had been inside the trailer. San Antonio Fire Department chief Charles Hood says all the passengers appeared to be in good health. "This truck was air-conditioned, thank God," Hood said. "This truck had water, so they were hydrated." Five of the detainees were taken to a local hospital. Four were treated and released and one remained hospitalized Thursday, ICE said. "The people rescued from this tractor-trailer were very lucky to have been discovered before the Texas heat took its toll, said HSI spokesman Shane M. Folden said in a press release. We have recently seen how smuggled people have died under the dangerous circumstances human smugglers transport their human cargo. These horrific instances show how no one should trust their lives or the lives of their loved ones to these criminal organizations. The driver of the big rig, identified as 36-year-old Gerardro Javier Carreon, a U.S. citizen, was arrested and appeared in federal court Wednesday facing human smuggling charges. No futher details were immediately available. "These are human beings. They dont deserve to be treated that way, Colunga told Telemundo. What to Know The serial killings between 1986 and 1995 began with the stabbing death of a college student The case went cold for years, during which the bodies of several women were found in Riverside and San Diego counties Andrew Urdiales, 53, was arrested in three Illinois killings in 1996, then connected to the Southern California killings A jury on Wednesday recommended the death penalty for an Illinois killer who was convicted of murdering five more women in Southern California more than two decades ago. The Orange County Superior Court jurors made the recommendation after the penalty phase hearing for Andrew Urdiales, 54. The former Marine was convicted in May of killing five women in California between 1986 and 1995. He is scheduled to be sentenced by a judge on Aug. 31. Urdiales was previously sentenced to death for killing three women in Illinois in 2002 and 2004. That sentence was commuted to life without parole after Illinois barred the death penalty. Authorities said Urdiales, who moved to Southern California as a 19-year-old Marine, killed four women while in the military and a fifth while vacationing in Palm Springs in 1995. He attacked 23-year-old Robbin Brandley after a piano concert at an Orange County community college in 1986 and stabbed her to death in the parking lot. He picked up 29-year-old prostitute Julie McGhee two years later and drove her to a remote area where he had sex with her, shot her in the head and left her body in the desert, authorities said. Urdiales attacked and killed six more women in California and in Illinois who were working as prostitutes, authorities said. The California murders went unsolved for years until Urdiales was arrested after he returned home to Illinois. Authorities stopped Urdiales in 1996 and found a weapon in his truck, prosecutors said. That weapon was matched the following year to the one used to kill the Illinois women. A 57-year-old woman died after falling from a swing Tuesday afternoon at the NeoCon show held at the Merchandise Mart in River North. Jacqueline E. Albertine, 57, fell from a swing that was on display at the David Edward booth on the third floor of the building, according to authorities. Albertine, of Miami Beach, Florida struck her head and was taken to Northwestern Memorial Hospital, where she was pronounced dead at 4:23 p.m., the Cook County Medical Examiners Office said. An autopsy Wednesday found she died of blunt force head trauma and her death was ruled an accident. Albertine worked in commercial furniture sales at Corporate Design Choice Inc. in Miami, according to her LinkedIn page. Albertine was attending the NeoCon show on behalf of the company, where she had worked for 14 years, company president Shawn MacMullin said. It is hard to comprehend the tragic loss of our beloved Jacqui Albertine, MacMullin wrote in a statement. She was loved by so many friends, customer[s] and coworkers. A Mart spokeswoman offered her condolences to Albertines family. We are saddened by the tragic death of a woman who was visiting one of our showroom tenants and was involved in an accident with one of the tenants products, the statement said. An Ashford resident will be the superintendent of the Connecticut Captive Insurance Company charged with paying out claims to homeowners with collapsing basements. Michael Maglaras is the principle of Michael Maglaras and Company, a firm thats been running and starting captive insurance companies for more than 30 years, while Maglaras himself has been in the industry for 41 years. He used that experience as part of his sales pitch to homeowners Thursday, at a meeting of a committee formed by the Capitol Region Council of Governments tasked with dealing with crumbling foundations. "I will assure you absolutely on a 41-year reputation that help is on the way, Maglaras told the group. It's coming soon. And we're moving as quickly as we humanly can." The insurance company was laid out in state law by the Connecticut General Assembly to be the states mechanism to help homeowners who have basements crumbling around them. The issue was brought to light by the NBC Connecticut Troubleshooters in 2015. The captive insurance company will be governed by a superintendent, Maglaras, who will also work with a board of directors that will decide how claims are handled and determine the parameters for paying them out. Maglaras, who was born in New Hampshire and later lived for 30 years in Greenwich, said the single most important issue facing the board is having enough capital to pay out claims. "We're going to be responsible for paying claims for which we receive no premium. Maglaras said. It is an unusual insurance arrangement, but it is what it is." The Connecticut General Assembly approved a $12 surcharge on all homeowners insurance policies to go into effect this year to help pay for crumbling foundations relief. Thats on top of the $100 million also authorized by lawmakers earmarked for repairing foundations. The goal, Maglaras said, is to develop a captive insurance company that is both efficient in the way its managed and the way it pays out claims. He said if that happens, then private insurers and the federal government could step in to provide even more cash for relief, knowing that the company will handle the money properly. Any insurer who would like to make a statement to the citizens of the state of Connecticut should be welcome to make that statement with a tax-deductible check and I'll accept it and that puts us in line I think for more funding to broaden our reach and to make more funding available through additional efforts with the feds and others." While Maglaras is confident he can deliver a credible company, he did tell homeowners that this undertaking is one of the biggest and most consequential of his career. A fisherman has died after being pulled from the water near Savin Lake Dam on the Colchester-Lebanon line Thursday morning, according to Connecticut State Police. Fire officials were called to the scene at 11 a.m. and said the man was fishing in the area with his friend when he went into the water. The 72-year-old man was rushed to Backus Hospital where he was pronounced dead. They were on the side of the pond and his friend looked over and he was in the water, Deputy Chief Mark Elliott, of the Lebanon Fire Department, said. Whether there was a medical emergency prior or whether he lost his footing and ended up in the water, were not sure. Crews had also mobilized a dive team, but the man was already out of the water. "When our crews arrived the man had already been removed from the water by, I believe, the Colchester Police, the first arriving unit. So, he was out of the water when we arrived so we didnt have to launch a boat," Elliott added. State police are leading the investigation. The fishermans name has not been released. The former president of a Connecticut nonprofit that provides housing to people with HIV and AIDS has been charged with stealing federal funds and spending the money on himself. Federal prosecutors say 53-year-old Steven Harvin, of New Haven, was president of Zezzo House in Hartford from August 2015 to September 2016. Between January 2016 to September 2016, Harvin took the money from a U.S. Department of Housing and Urban Development program called Housing Opportunities for Persons with AIDS, federal officials said. Zezzo House received more than $70,000, some of which Harvin spent on personal expenditures. He is also accused of diverting rent checks from Section 8 tenants for personal use. He was released on $50,000 bond after he was charged Tuesday with wire fraud and theft. His public defender didn't return a call for comment, according to the Associated Press. The Region 10 school district will arm security guards next year, according to a letter sent to parents Wednesday. The move is one of several steps meant to enhance safety and security in the district, which is made up of students from Burlington and Harwinton. The measures were agreed upon by the Board of Education with input from Connecticut State Police, the Burlington Police Department, selectmen, board and town attorneys, insurance carriers and other law enforcement experts. The measures are being put in place to have staff prepared in the event of an active shooter situation. According to the letter, the Region 10 security staff will all be armed. Over the summer, the staff will be retrained and licensed. The security team is made up of retired police officers. The school resource officer, who is also a retired Thomaston police chief will supervise and train the team. "Initially I was concerned because anytime you have guns in schools, it's scary," said parent Melanie Mills. Mills told NBC Connecticut that after attending Monday night's Board of Education meeting, she believes the steps the district is taking will make their schools safer. She also believes it's important to discuss the changes with her kids. "Once we talked about it and they learned a little bit more. I think it depends how it's introduced to everybody, but I have confidence they'll do a good job," she said. The district is also planning to train volunteer staff in first aid using the nationally recognized Stop the Bleed program, and has several operational and communications initiatives in the works. Schools will also offer a social curriculum for students. In addition to securing our facilities, Regional School District 10 is also committed to a positive school climate and increased social and emotional supports for students and families. Both elementary schools have enhanced their social curriculum for grades PreK-4, a guidance counselor has been added to Grade 5 to begin this Fall, and a comprehensive focus on social and emotional well-being that addresses mental health is being planned for our PreK-12 staff. These improvements to our curriculum and learning environments will include staff training, programs for students, and improved connectedness in all of our schools, the letter explained. The Board of Education also plans to establish a Safety and Security Board of Education Committee. A longtime Dallas attorney who has advertised the highest level of integrity was indicted after police said he stole $365,000 from a client. The indictment came weeks after the FBI seized money from the lawyer in a separate case, according to forfeiture.gov, a government website that posts seizure notices. Walter Thomas Finley, 70, is charged with felony theft in a case involving the trust fund of an East Texas woman. He has not yet been arrested and did not return phone calls or text messages seeking comment. The womans family gave Finley $416,000 in late 2012 to set up the fund and make quarterly payments to her, but he stopped after a year, according to a Highland Park police report and court records. The woman, Deborah Edge of Talco, hired another lawyer and sued Finley in 2015. Her lawsuit includes copies of emails in which she asked Finley about the missing payments. I apologize for the delay. Thank you for your patience, Finley wrote back. In another email, he indicated he had invested the money in a hedge fund. I am working with the hedge funds to get released as much as is possible under the terms of the hedge fund agreements, he said. Finley didnt respond to the lawsuit or show up to court, and the woman was awarded $671,150 in damages and attorney fees, according to court records. Her new attorney, Mark Heidenheimer of McKinney, said Finley has never paid the money. Heidenheimer filed a criminal complaint in Highland Park because the documents were signed in that city. The indictment was handed up May 25. FBI SEIZURE On April 2, the FBI seized $91,000 from Finleys account at a Dallas bank, according to forfeiture.gov. FBI spokeswoman Melinda Urbina in Dallas declined to give any details of the investigation. But the records show that at the same time, agents also seized money from an Addison company Finley formed called Greenview Investment Partners. Greenview invested in the "legal marijuana" business, according to the Dallas Business Journal. The firm is no longer in business. Finley filed a document last year with the Securities and Exchange Commission identifying himself as corporate secretary and indicating the company planned to raise between $5 million and $25 million from investors. In the same case, the government seized a 2017 Bentley worth $205,000 and a 2018 Range Rover valued at $52,000 from two other people linked to Greenview. LAW LICENSE SUSPENDED The Texas Bar Association suspended Finleys license for two months beginning in May 2017 for violating its rules of professional conduct. He also was put on probation until October 2018. The bars website noted the suspension but gave no details. But according to the Texas Bar Journal, which tracks lawyers discipline, Finley failed to give settlement funds to a client, did not answer the clients questions, and failed to keep the money separate from Finleys own property. He was ordered to pay $4,500 in restitution and $5,000 in attorneys fees. In July 2017, in another case, Finley was paid $2,500 to represent a man in a tax matter but neglected to work on the case and keep his client informed, the bar said. Just last month, Finley was issued a formal reprimand in that case, ordered to repay the client and pay an additional $2,000 in legal fees. Finley is the only attorney in his office which is located on Turtle Creek Boulevard. His website said he offers a wide range of legal services, including tax issues and estate planning. We aim to exceed your expectations, it says. Our balanced approach combines expert knowledge in crucial practice areas with the highest level of integrity. HISTORY OF FINANCIAL PROBLEMS Separate from any criminal investigation, public records reviewed by NBC DFW show Finley has a history of financial problems. In May 2010, the IRS filed a $448,197 lien on his Dallas home for tax years 2004 and 2005. He then defaulted on his mortgage and the bank foreclosed on the house, according to Dallas County court documents. In February 2015, American Express Bank sued Finley over $45,244 in unpaid credit card bills. He was ordered to pay $1,200 a month. The defendant represents that due to his financial condition he is unable to make larger payments, the receiver wrote in a court filing. It was unclear from the court records if he ever repaid the debt. In March 2016, Finley and his wife were evicted from another Dallas home, according to a court filing. Mammas dont let your babies grow up to be cowboys. Or, in some cases, college graduates. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, a professional degree which includes a wide range of certifications and education levels ranging from law school to a technical education resulted in the lowest unemployment rate nationwide in 2017 when compared to all other levels of educational attainment (1.5 percent, tied with doctorate degree) in addition to the highest median usual weekly earnings ($1,836). That news could help shape schooling and career decisions for some. If that is not enough to convince someone that seeking a technical education will not be worth their while, a new report from the Federal Reserve Bank of Dallas might help. It shows that, increasingly, Texas is becoming a state that makes things. What the Federal Reserve calls Factory Activity was up 10 points in the month of May, the highest rise of any month since 2006, which was considered to be a banner year for manufacturing in the Lone Star State. In addition, a Federal Reserve quarterly survey of 250+ manufacturing employers in the state revealed that 70 percent of them noted they were struggling to find qualified candidates to fill open positions. That percentage was up from February when 65 percent of them noted being in the same situation. On top of that, a majority of those same companies stated that their primary strategy to recruit and retain qualified candidates will be to raise wages in the next 12 months. The timing of this news is music to the ears of the administration at Collin College. The school is in the process of an all-new Technical Campus in Allen. The campus, set to open in the fall of 2020, will focus on automotive technology, construction trades, HVAC, health sciences, information technology, manufacturing, supply chain management, welding and other areas supporting local businesses and industries, according to a news release. [The new venture] is exciting, but it is also taking a risk, said Abe Johnson, Ed. D., Vice President and Provost of the Collin College Plano campus. And in higher education, especially in technology as it is evolving as we have seen, we have to be able to take a risks to be able to meet the needs of our local community. Johnson credits multiple recent think tanks meetings with local manufacturing and engineering employers with helping Collin College to shape the curriculum they will teach at the new technical campus. Among the firms that have contributed to those think tanks is UNICOM Engineering of Plano. UNICOM builds hardware solutions based on technology from industry giants like Intel and Dell for leading software companies. We design, build, ship and support hardware equipment that runs software for things like email, web filtering, data protection, storage solutions, explained Lisa Ryan, VP of Marketing for UNICOM Engineering. UNICOM added staff to their manufacturing and engineering rosters within the last quarter, according to John Ryan, UNICOM Engineerings VP of Global Manufacturing Operations. Ryan said that the necessary skills for his employees are changing rapidly, and that a partnership with local schools like Collin College can go a long way. I think in five years we will be talking about things that don't exist today, Ryan said. The advances in storage, in data transmission speeds, in capability are absolutely going to change the way we do things day-to-day. And five years is almost a lifetime. Dallas police say a wrong-way driver caused a four-vehicle crash that closed a portion of US-75 late Wednesday night. According to police, a vehicle traveling north in the southbound lanes of US-75 collided with other vehicles near the Caruth Haven Lane overpass. The wrong-way driver ran away before police arrived. One person was transported to a hospital with injuries not considered life threatening. The investigation into the crash is ongoing, police said. A jogger who was caught on camera last week tossing a homeless man's possessions into Lake Merritt is facing a felony robbery charge after he was confronted by someone who identified him as the man in the viral video. Henry William Sintay, 30, was scheduled to appear at Alameda County courthouse Wednesday after he was arrested Tuesday on suspicion of robbery. Matt Nelson confronted Sintay on Saturday asking him why Sintay rummaged through a homeless man's possessions and tossed some of them into Lake Merritt and a nearby garbage can. A jogger who was caught on camera tossing a homeless man's possessions into Lake Merritt on Friday was arrested Tuesday, according to the Oakland Police Department. Anser Hassan reports. Nelson said Sintay attacked him and stole his cell phone which recorded the incident. "While what happened to me was horrible, it does not begin to compare with the daily mistreatment of our neighbors who are unhoused, homeless or unsheltered," Nelson said. Officials charged Sintay with a felony of second degree robbery for allegedlyusing force and fear to take personal property from Nelson's possession. Sintay was booked into Santa Rita Jail in Dublin on Tuesday. The video of the initial incident that led to the violent confrontation was captured by Oakland resident John Harris and posted on Facebook last week. Oakland PD Sintay appeared to have stopped in the middle of his run along the lake to rummage through a homeless man's things that were on the ground, and he threw some of it in the water. Harris said police told him they couldn't do anything because the homeless mans possessions are considered debris, and that the jogger may only get a fine for littering. Later Friday night, community activist Kenzie Smith attempted to find the homeless man to donate a backpack with some stuff inside. He shared it in a Facebook Live video and then called on the Lake Merritt community to bring items like blankets and toiletry for the homeless man known only as Drew. Smith and Harris have started a crowd-funding campaign to help out Drew. The GoFundMe raised over $10,000, exceeding the $3,000 goal, in three days. Congressional Republicans distanced themselves Thursday from the Trump administration's aggressive policy of separating children from their parents at the southern border even as the White House cited the Bible in defending its "zero tolerance" approach to illegal border crossings. "I can say that it is very biblical to enforce the law. That is actually repeated a number of times throughout the Bible," said White House press secretary Sarah Sanders. "It's a moral policy to follow and enforce the law." Attorney General Jeff Sessions also cited the Bible in his defense of the border policy that has resulted in hundreds of children being separated from their parents. Speaking Thursday in Fort Wayne, Indiana, Sessions pointed to a verse in the Book of Romans on obeying the laws of government, saying, "God has ordained them for the purpose of order." The comments came as House Speaker Paul Ryan and other Republicans said they were not comfortable with family separations, which spiked dramatically after the Justice Department adopted a policy in April of referring all illegal border crossers for prosecution. "We don't want kids to be separated from their parents," Ryan said. Sen. James Lankford, R-Okla., tweeted Thursday that he told a constituent that, "I am asking the White House to keep families together as much as we can." In an unusually tense series of exchanges in the White House briefing room, Sanders blamed Democrats for the policy separating children from parents and wrongly insisted the administration had made no changes increasing the tactics' use. "The separation of illegal alien families is the product of the same legal loopholes that Democrats refuse to close and these laws are the same that have been on the books for over a decade, and the president is simply enforcing them," she said. Ryan and other GOP lawmakers said they are seeking to resolve the problem in a compromise immigration bill House Republicans are racing to finish. That bill is set to receive a vote next week. Ryan claimed Thursday that the family-separation policy is being dictated by a court ruling that prevents children who enter the country illegally from being held in custody for long periods. But House Democratic leader Nancy Pelosi pushed back on that assessment, saying that President Donald Trump could "stop the practice on a dime." She called the Trump administration's separation policy "barbaric," adding: "It has to stop." Meanwhile, over a dozen states, from California and Texas to Michigan and New York, have planned marches and other demonstrations against the [Trump] administration's cruel and inhumane treatment of immigrants and asylum seekers, according to a statement from Families Belong Together, a citizen group opposed to families being separated at the border. As parents, it is unconscionable that the U.S. government is actively tearing apart immigrant families, organizers of the group said, NBC News reported. This is violent abuse and as concerned citizens and voters we state, unequivocally, that this is not in line with American values." The family separations are occurring as a result of the Trump administration's "zero tolerance" policy for those entering the country illegally. Under the directive, families crossing the border are routinely referred for criminal prosecution. Previously, families were often sent to civil deportation proceedings, which allow children to remain with their parents. During the criminal proceedings, the children are usually released to other family members or foster care. Rep. Kevin Yoder, R-Kan., said he's "heartbroken" by the separations and is working to find a solution to keep families together. His comments were in response to a letter from local officials urging him to demand that the Department of Homeland Security end the practice. "As a father to two young girls it is unimaginable what these parents are suffering," Yoder said. With horror stories of babies and young children being taken from their mothers receiving heavy news coverage, the White House sought to shift the narrative by providing some media groups with a tour of a former Walmart near the border in Texas that houses several hundred immigrant children. The tour was tightly controlled and the Health and Human Services Department did not allow any photographs or video or interviews, instead releasing a government-produced video of the shelter. The tour came after a Democratic senator tried to enter a federal facility in Texas where immigrant children are being held, NBC News reported. Police were called and Sen. Jeff Merkley of Oregon was told to leave. Merkley said he was able to enter another facility used for processing migrants and run by the Department of Homeland Security. He said he saw men, women and children crowded in cages. "It reminds me a little bit of a dog kennel, constructed of cyclone fencing," Merkley told the AP. The U.S. Conference of Catholic Bishops also weighed in, saying U.S. officials have discretion to keep families intact. "Separating babies from their mothers is not the answer and is immoral," said Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of the bishops group. The cardinal's rebuke is what drew the response from Sessions, who insists the policy of separating families is necessary to deter illegal border-crossings. Historically, immigrants without serious criminal records have been released from custody while they pursued asylum or refugee status. The Trump administration has moved to detain more people, including asylum seekers. Lawmakers are considering several ideas to prevent family separations, though it remains to be seen if any proposal can garner enough support to pass. One idea is to revisit longstanding rules under the so-called Flores agreement, a decades-old legal settlement that prevents children who enter the country illegally from being held in custody for long periods. Critics say the settlement leaves few options but to separate families as parents are being detained. If Republicans really wanted to tackle the issue of separating families, they could bring a bill to the House floor on an expedited basis, Pelosi said, adding that she sees no prospect for a legislative fix in the Republican-controlled Congress in an election year. Ryan, R-Wis., said the House would vote next week on two competing immigration measures, but said he "won't guarantee passage." House Republicans are reviewing a discussion draft of a sweeping immigration bill that includes a visa system for young "Dreamers" and other immigrants and $25 billion for Trump's promised border wall with Mexico. The measure released Thursday sticks to Trump's immigration priorities while trying to unite the party's conservative and moderate factions. It limits visas for extended family members and shifts to a merit-based immigration system. The young Dreamers, who have been living in the United States illegally since childhood, could apply for legal status for six years. Applicants could gain points for education or other skills. Eventually, they could apply for citizenship. The bill beefs up enforcement of immigration laws and ends the diversity visa lottery for immigrants from underrepresented countries, among other things. With Republicans battling to keep their House majority in November's elections, merely staging the immigration votes, win or lose, achieves some political objectives. The plan helped party leaders block unhappy moderates trying to force the House to consider immigration bills considered too liberal by many Republicans, and will let lawmakers assert that they moved to address the issue. Ryan said Trump backs the GOP efforts to find a compromise. The junior ROTC programs in South Florida high schools provide several benefits to students. Leadership skills, discipline, and personal responsibility come to mind. Now, thanks to a summer camp funded by the Army, you can add science training to that list. 300 JROTC cadets, each selected by his or her commander, are spending a week at what you might call STEM boot camp at Florida Atlantic University in Boca Raton. They come from Broward, Palm Beach, and Hillsborough counties. Theyre building on knowledge theyve learned at school. But this takes it to another level, you have to apply those skills, while these kids can ace a test, thats easy for them, but when it comes to apply that in a real-world environment, thats when it starts getting shaky, so the more we introduce them to that environment, the better they are and prepared they are to move on to bigger and better things, said Major Thomas Johnson, the JROTC leader at Blanche Ely High School in Pompano Beach. The camp includes courses in a variety of STEM fields, including aerospace engineering, in which students build gliders. Jamie Gagnon, a student at Coconut Creek High School, described her airplane to us just before she tossed it to demonstrate its flight capabilities. Everything is very symmetrical, so with symmetry comes great flow with the air, so you dont get that much force going to the front of it, Jamie said. In another class, the kids design and build miniature drag racing cars out of balsa wood. The cars zoom down a sixty-foot track at speeds approaching 30 miles per hour. How do they know how fast theyre going? Its all about math. I love doing the calculations and dividing and multiplying, multiplying again and then dividing back to find the ultimate miles per hour, said Samantha Semas, a student at Hollywood Hills High School. The campers are learning rocket science by building and launching rockets. We take the tangent and we extrapolate the height from that using Pythagorean theorem, so there is a lot of math involved behind this little device here, explained Katherine Metheny, a student at Newsome High near Tampa, as she held a rocket in her hand. Another group of students showed off their catapult and their knowledge of physics at the same time they launched a wiffle ball. We have the potential energy when you pull it down like that and then once its being released its kinetic energy and then while its in the air, thats gravitational potential energy, said Alexis Vera, a student at Alonso High School in Hillsborough County. The cadets get a full immersion STEM experience while they also experience life on a college campus. Major Johnson says the idea is to get them ready for life away from home and for potential careers in the STEM fields. Theyre more ready for lift-off than ever before. What to Know Officers said the body was found near Northwest 25th Avenue and 38th Street Police have released new details in the gruesome murder of a woman whose body was found along the side of the road in Northwest Miami. Officers said the body was found near Northwest 25th Avenue and 38th Street early Wednesday morning. "At approximately 6:20 in the morning, a citizen that was walking by observed the body of a white female laying on the sidewalk and called police. Once we arrived we saw there was a white adult female that was just laying on the sidewalk. Fire rescue was called and pronounced her dead on the scene," Miami Police spokesman Michael Vega said. Surveillance footage from a nearby business showed a dark-colored Honda pull up to the area before the driver dumps what appears to be a body out of the passenger side, then drives off. The victim was identified as 42-year-old Ann Farran. On Saturday, the Miami Police Homicide Unit arrested 38-year-old Juan Carlos Hernandez-Caseres in connection to the murder. Hernandez-Caseres told police he met the victim for "the purpose of offering money to pay for sex," an arrest report said. According to Hernandez-Caseres, the pair started arguing and he became enraged, punching the victim in the throat and neck. He then told police he left the woman's unconscious body on the sidewalk. The cause of death was determined to be strangulation, according to the Miami-Dade Medical Examiner. Stay tuned to NBC 6 on air and online for updates What to Know A Dix Hills man has been arrested after he was captured on cellphone video throwing a 12-year-old boy to the ground The man was apparently angry that the boy was recording his wife driving in a car The boy says he was responding after the woman began recording him first -- apparently a response to aggressive teens on bikes recently A man's shocking attack on a 12-year-old boy on Long Island was captured on cellphone video, and led to the man's arrest -- but some neighbors say they sympathize with the man. The boy, Alex Anderson, tells News 4 New York he was on his bicycle with three friends in Dix Hills Tuesday when a woman in a car began taking cellphone video of them. Anderson responded by doing the same to the woman, taking photos of her and the car's license plate, following his dad's instructions in a case like that. That's when the woman's husband apparently saw the boy recording his wife, and he charged at him, throwing him to the ground and smashing the boy's cellphone. "After it happened, I was scared and worried what he was going to do next," said Anderson. William Conte was arrested on charges of criminal mischief and harassment. Attorney information for the man wasn't immediately available, and no one answered the door at his home Thursday. Anderson's father, Christian Anderson, called Conte a coward, but some neighbors defended Conte, saying aggressive kids on bikes have been a big problem in the neighborhood for weeks. "There's video of these kids running around with their bikes, stopping cars, getting in front of cars where they almost basically force you to hit them," said neighbor Michael Shain, who lives across the street from where the confrontation happened. He added that before the video, the kids were taunting the woman in the car and trying to toss a dead snake in with her two children. "These kids are not innocent by any means. They started it, and unfortunately, the father went to protect his wife and two small kids," said Shain. But Christian Anderson said his son didn't do anything to warrant an attack. "They didn't do anything vicious. Even if they throw a rock at the car, it doesn't justify beating up a child. It just doesn't," he said. Gov. Andrew Cuomo Wednesday refused to say whether he has visited a mosque during his seven years in office. News 4 New York asked the question during a visit to a yeshiva in Sheepshead Bay, after the Cynthia Nixon campaign flagged complaints by Muslim New Yorkers that Cuomo has not visited a mosque. When asked if that was true, Cuomo replied that he was not going to respond -- a departure from his ordinarily detailed rebuttals when criticized. Cuomos team of spokespeople also declined to give a direct answer to the question, eventually issuing a statement touting his support for Muslims. "Governor Cuomo has proudly stood with the Muslim community in New York with actions -- not just words," spokeswoman Abb Fashouer said in a statement. "As governor, he has aggressively fought Trump's Muslim ban, took landmark action to combat hate crimes, and in 2010 was a forceful advocate for the mosque at ground zero -- a position for which he faced vicious political attack ads. He's always stood with the Muslim-American community, and always will." But this is not the first time Muslim New Yorkers have voiced frustration that Cuomo had not visited their places of worship, according to sources who attended a roundtable meeting of Muslim leaders convened at the governor's office in December 2015. One source, who requested anonymity for fear of angering the governor, tells News 4 that members of Cuomos senior staff were told by Muslims during that meeting that the governor appeared to be avoiding visiting a mosque. Senior Cuomo aides assured the group that it would happen, but it never did, the source said. The Muslim Democratic Club of New York praised Nixon's visit to a mosque on Monday, saying it was a good first step in the campaign's engagement with the 1 million Muslims in the New York City metro area: "The next Governor needs to meet and engage with Muslims if they truly want to represent all New Yorkers," the group said. "For Governor Cuomo to have never interacted with Muslim New Yorkers in their communities is at best a gross oversight and at worst a deliberate shutting out of an entire religious group. Its easy to issue soundbites like Im a Muslim from afar, but for someone to be able to credibly claim that their governorship is a guard against Trumps bigotry, they need to engage with communities at the grassroots level, added Mohammad Khan, MDCNY Board Member On Wednesday afternoon, Cuomos spokeswoman said they were looking through governors schedules. What to Know The Justice Department's internal watchdog is expected to criticize the FBI's handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation A boy in Idaho is in recovery mode after he somehow contracted plague, the first human case in the state in more than 20 years Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have reached a new custody agreement for their six kids following a judge's rebuke Get the top headlines of the day in your morning briefing from NBC 4 New York, Monday through Friday. Sign up for our newsletter here. Report on FBI Actions in Clinton Email Case Set for Release The Justice Department's internal watchdog is expected to criticize the FBI's handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation, stepping into a political minefield while examining how a determinedly nonpartisan law enforcement agency came to be entangled in the 2016 presidential race. The inspector general's report is set for release in the afternoon. It's likely to be painstakingly detailed, the culmination of an 18-month review into one of the most consequential FBI investigations in recent history. President Trump will look to the inspector general report to provide a fresh line of attack against two former top FBI officials, Director James Comey and his deputy, Andrew McCabe, as he claims that a politically tainted bureau tried to undermine his campaign and, through the Russia investigation, his presidency. Trump will almost certainly use the report to validate his firing of Comey last year. But the report could do more to back Democratic claims that the FBI contributed to Clinton's defeat, most notably by reopening in the final days of the race its investigation into whether she mishandled classified information. That development unfolded as Trump's own campaign unbeknownst at the time to the American public also came under FBI investigation for possible coordination with Russia. A Year on, Horrific Grenfell Tower Fire Haunts Britain In the shadow of London's Grenfell Tower, the pain is as fresh as the newly laid flowers for the dead. One year ago, the residential high-rise was destroyed by a fire that killed 72 people. It was the greatest loss of life in a fire on British soil since World War II, a horror that left the neighborhood and the country in shock. Survivors, bereaved families and people around Britain are marking the anniversary of a local tragedy that's also a national shame one for which blame still is being assigned and traded. For the somber anniversary rituals, survivors will gather near the base of the tower's shell before a nationwide minute of silence at noon. There will be vigils and marches across Britain, while landmarks will be lit up in green, the color of remembrance adopted after the lethal fire. A year on, the west London neighborhood around Grenfell echoes with sounds of construction. The ruined tower, which stood for months like a black tombstone on the skyline, is covered in white sheeting. After Summit, North Korea Shows Trump in New Light North Koreans are getting a new look at President Trump now that his summit with leader Kim Jong Un is over and it's a far cry from the "dotard" label their government slapped on him last year. Previously, even on a good day, the best he might get was "Trump." No honorifics. No signs of respect. Now, he's being called "the president of the United States of America." Or "President Donald J. Trump." Even "supreme leader." The post-summit transformation of North Korea's official version of Trump, who's now being shown by the state media looking serious and almost regal, underscores the carefully choreographed reality show the government has had to perform to keep its people, taught from childhood to hate and distrust the "American imperialists," ideologically on board with the tectonic shifts underway in their country's relationship with Washington. Boy in Idaho Gets Plague, the 1st Human Case in More Than 20 Years A boy in Idaho is in recovery mode after he somehow contracted plague, the first human case in the state in more than 20 years, health officials tell the Washington Post. The child has not been publicly identified, but officials say he is back home and is doing well. He was treated with antibiotics. After the child became ill, the Post reports health officials got confirmation from a laboratory that said he had bubonic plague. Bubonic plague causes swollen lymph nodes. Its not clear if he got the disease in the state or during a recent trip to Oregon. Jolie, Pitt Reach New Custody Agreement After Judge's Rebuke Angelina Jolie and Brad Pitt have reached a new custody agreement for their six kids following a judge's rebuke that the children were not spending enough time with their father. According to court documents obtained by E! News, a judge in Jolie and Pitt's divorce case determined that "not having a relationship with their father is harmful" to their children, adding it is "critical that each of them have a healthy and strong relationship with their father and mother." Jolie and Pitt are parents to 16-year-old Maddox, 14-year-old Pax, 13-year-old Zahara, 12-year-old Shiloh and 9-year-old twins Vivienne and Knox. It's been almost two years since Jolie filed for divorce from Pitt, citing irreconcilable differences. The documents outline the summer arrangement for the Jolie-Pitt children, not including Maddox who is 16 and is being allowed to decide how much time he wants to spend with each of his parents. Pitt will have custody of the kids from June 8 until June 17 for four hours per day while he's in London, where Jolie has a rental home. Reality Star Farrah Abraham Arrested at Beverly Hills Hotel Police say former reality TV star Farrah Abraham has been arrested after attacking a security guard at the Beverly Hills Hotel. Beverly Hills police said in a statement that Abraham was arrested on suspicion of misdemeanor battery and trespassing. Police say the security guard was asking Abraham to leave the hotel because she refused to stop shouting at other guests. The guard said she hit him in the face with her forearm, grabbed his ear and pushed him in the face. The guard had only minor injuries. A representative for Abraham did not immediately respond to a request for comment. The 27-year-old is known for her roles on MTV's "16 & Pregnant" and "Teen Mom." In a stinging rebuke, the Justice Department watchdog declared Thursday that former FBI Director James Comey was "insubordinate" in his handling of the Hillary Clinton email investigation in the explosive final months of the 2016 presidential campaign. But it also found there was no evidence that Comey's or the department's final conclusions were motivated by political bias toward either candidate. President Donald Trump and his supporters had looked to the much-anticipated report to provide a fresh line of attack against Comey and the FBI as Trump claims that a politically tainted bureau tried to undermine his campaign and through the later Russia investigation his presidency. Read the report here. Clinton and her supporters, on the other hand, have long complained that she was the one whose election chances were torpedoed by Comey's investigation announcements about her email practices, in the summer and then shortly before the election. Yet the report's nuanced findings that the FBI repeatedly erred, though not for politically improper reasons complicated efforts by Republicans and Democrats alike to claim total vindication. The conclusions were contained in a 500-page report that documents in painstaking detail one of the most consequential investigations in modern FBI history and reveals how the bureau, which for decades has endeavored to stand apart from politics, came to be entangled in the 2016 presidential election. The report also underscores efforts by senior FBI and Justice Department leaders in the final stages of the presidential race to juggle developments in the Clinton investigation - she had used private email for government business while secretary of state - with a separate probe into potential coordination between the Trump campaign and Russia. The Russia investigation, though diverting bureau resources and attention away from the final stages of the Clinton probe, was unknown at the time to the American public. Comey, whom Trump fired shortly after taking office, bore the brunt of the report's criticism. It says the FBI director, who announced in July 2016 that Clinton had been "extremely careless" with classified material but would not be charged with any crime, repeatedly departed from normal Justice Department protocol. Yet it does not second-guess his conclusion that Clinton should not have been prosecuted despite assertions by Trump and his supporters that anyone less politically connected would have been charged. It also disputed the Trump talking point that the FBI favored Clinton over him, saying, "We found no evidence that the conclusions by the prosecutors were affected by bias or other improper considerations; rather, we determined that they were based on the prosecutors' assessment of the facts, the law and past department practice." Still, Trump supporters quickly focused on the report's recounting of anti-Trump text messages from two FBI officials who worked the Clinton probe and later the Russia case, including one in which an agent says, "We'll stop it" with regard to a possible Trump victory. The report suggests that text from Peter Strzok, who was later dropped from Mueller's team, "implies a willingness to take official action to impact the presidential candidate's electoral prospects." It did not find evidence that those views seeped into the investigation. Spokeswoman Sarah Huckabee Sanders said the report "reaffirmed the president's suspicions about Comey's conduct and the political bias amongst some of the members of the FBI." FBI Director Chris Wray told reporters the FBI accepted the report's findings and was making changes, including requiring further training for FBI employees and reemphasizing the importance of objectivity. In a New York Times opinion piece released after the report, Comey said he disagreed with some conclusions but respected the watchdog's work. The inspector general faulted Comey for his unusual July 5, 2016, news conference at which he disclosed his recommendation against bringing charges, even though cases that end without prosecution are rarely discussed publicly. Comey did not reveal to Attorney General Loretta Lynch his plans to make such an announcement. "We found that it was extraordinary and insubordinate for Comey to do so, and we found none of his reasons to be a persuasive basis for deviating from well-established Department policies in a way intentionally designed to avoid supervision by department leadership over his actions," the report says. Comey has said he was concerned that the Justice Department itself could not credibly announce the conclusion of its investigation, in part because Lynch had met days earlier aboard her plane with former President Bill Clinton. Both said they did not discuss Hillary Clinton's case. Concerned about the "appearance that former President Clinton was influencing" the probe, Lynch began talking to her staff the next morning about possibly recusing herself from overseeing the investigation, the report says. She told the inspector general she decided not to step aside because it might "create a misimpression" that she and the former president had discussed inappropriate things. Bill Clinton, also interviewed in the IG investigation, said he had "absolutely not" discussed the probe. Also criticized was Comey's decision, despite the discouragement of the Justice Department, to reveal to Congress that the FBI was reopening the investigation following the discovery of new emails. The FBI obtained a warrant nine days before the presidential election to review those emails, found on the laptop of former Rep. Anthony Weiner, and ultimately determined there was nothing that changed its original conclusion. The report faulted the FBI for failing to act with more urgency in reviewing emails from Weiner's laptop, saying the inaction had "potentially far-reaching consequences." Clinton supporters say her name could have been cleared well before the election had the FBI moved faster to review the emails. And Comey said had he known earlier about the laptop's import, it might have affected his decision to notify Congress. The Weiner laptop was discovered as the FBI was upgrading the nascent Russia investigation. Though there's no evidence the device was put on the back-burner to protect Clinton, the watchdog said it could not be certain that Strzok's decision to prioritize the Russia probe over examining the Weiner laptop was "free from bias," especially because Strzok was exchanging anti-Trump text messages during that same period. The report lambastes Strzok and a now-retired FBI lawyer, Lisa Page, for text exchanges that it says were "deeply troubling" and created the appearance "that investigative decisions were impacted by bias or improper considerations." Most of the problematic texts relate to the FBI's Russia investigation, the report notes. Both Strzok and Page acknowledged that some of their texts could be read as showing bias against Trump, but both insisted bias played no part in their work. The report also notes that Comey, despite chiding Clinton for mishandling government business, occasionally used personal email himself to discuss FBI matters. "But my emails," she said, reacting in a three-word tweet. A little girl was abducted from her bedroom in the early morning hours Sunday and raped behind a nearby shed in Chester County before a suspect was caught a short time later, authorities said. Humberto Guzman-Garcia was arrested when police found him hiding in an abandoned vehicle near the site of the attack in Avondale, the Chester County District Attorney's office said Thursday. The 35-year-old man's last known address is on Lake Road in Avondale, but District Attorney Tom Hogan said he is a stranger to the little girl and her family. A state police detective confirmed that investigaotrs are still trying to determine why the little girl was targeted. Guzman-Garcia allegedly abducted the girl after tapping on her bedroom window. The girl's parents noticed she was missing about 3:30 a.m. Her father found Guzman-Garcia allegedly sexually assaulting his daughter some 50 yards from their home, the DA's office said. Provided "This crime is every parent's nightmare," Hogan said in a statement. "A monster comes out of the night, abducts your child, and sexually assaults her. This is proof that evil exists in this world." Guzman-Garcia is charged with kidnapping, aggravated indecent assault, attempted rape and other offenses. He is being held at Chester County Prison. He was born in Mexico, according to the criminal complaint. The DA's office said he is a U.S. citizen. Police arrested a man accused of trying to lure a boy into the bathroom of a Walmart in Montgomery County, Pennsylvania for sex. Brian J. Whiting, 41, of Pottstown, is charged with luring a child into a motor vehicle or structure, unlawful contact with a minor, criminal attempt at involuntary deviate sexual intercourse with a child, criminal attempt at indecent assault of a person less than 13 years of age and corruption of minors. Police say Whiting solicited a boy for sexual favors near the bathroom inside of the Walmart on South Trooper Road in West Norriton Township back on May 19 shortly before 11 p.m. Police were called to the Walmart and spoke with the boy who gave them a description of the suspect and told them which direction he traveled. Whiting was found in the area and the victim identified him as the man who solicited him, police said. Police also say surveillance video captured Whiting entering the Walmart on more than one occasion wearing different clothes. Whiting was remanded to the Montgomery County Correctional Facility in default of $100,000 cash bail. Alaska Airlines is giving San Diegans a new way to visit Eastern Washington. The airline is now offering new, daily nonstop service between San Diego and Spokane, Washington. "We're excited to add another connection between the Pacific Northwest and California with our new nonstop service between Spokane and San Diego, one of our key focus cities for growth," said John Kirby, vice president of capacity planning at Alaska Airlines, in a statement. "Alaska continues to emphasize our commitment to continued growth and investment throughout the West Coast." The service will begin on Oct. 1. The flight, which will take off at 5:40 p.m. daily from San Diego International Airport, will be the only nonstop flight between the two cities. The route will be flown with Embraer 175 jets with a three-class cabin, including First Class and Premium Class. Alaska Airlines currently has the most nonstop flights to Mexico and Hawaii from San Diego. To purchase tickets, which go on sale today, visit their website or call 1-800-ALASKAAIR (800-252-7522 for Hearing & Speech Impaired (TTY): Dial 711 for Relay Services). Police busted a spa Thursday in Salisbury, Massachusetts, for allegedly offering sexual services in exchange for money. After a 3-month investigation by police in Salisbury, Rowley and Groveland, alongside Homeland Security Investigations, authorities executed a search warrant at 111 Lafayette Road, Unit 2 in Salisbury on Thursday morning. Police say the Yoga Spa was offering sex to male customers for a fee. During several undercover operations, police say officers were offered sex by employees. The officers denied the services after an exact cash price was quoted, according to authorities. The business was still open Thursday night after the raid. Women at the spa didn't respond to questions, and they closed down after NBC10 Boston left. Neighbors say the spa, in a tiny strip mall, used to be a dog grooming business. "I know the food place is always busy over there, but never see anyone go in any other place," said one neighbor across the street. "I was going to bring my son there to get a massage done and I'm kind of glad I didn't now, after finding this out," said another neighbor. Detectives and a homeland security agent identified two Chinese nationals seeking asylum in the U.S. who were working at the spa. Fudi Fan, 49, and Yuhua Li, 61, both of Salisbury, were both identified by undercover officers as being the same female employees who offered them sexual services in exchange for money. They are both expected to face criminal charges. Pair sought in connection with kidnapping case Police are appealing for help to trace two men who are wanted in connection with a kidnapping case. Matthew Finn, aged 28, whose last known address is Cuckmere Lane, Southampton, and Thierry Mpia, aged 31, whose last known address is Pinchfield, Maple Cross, are both being sought by police. Both have links to Newbury. Hertfordshire Constabulary said that the pair should not be approached and people should contact Hertfordshire Constabulary on 999 immediately. The pair also have links to Hertfordshire, North London, Basingstoke and Southampton in Hampshire. Matthew Finn Thierry Mpia 22-year-old was stopped by officers in Cheap Street A LONDON-based dealer has been jailed for three-and-a-half years after being caught with Class A drugs in Newbury. Mary Upfold, 22, of Lessingham Avenue, Wandsworth, was sentenced at Reading Crown Court last Friday. She previously pleaded guilty to possession of heroin and crack cocaine with intent to supply. At 3.10pm on February 18, Upfold was stopped and searched by officers in Cheap Street. A Section 23 drugs warrant was subsequently carried out by officers along with a further search of Upfold when she was in custody. It was suspected drugs were secreted inside her body, so she was taken to hospital where a large quantity of crack cocaine and heroin were uncovered. Upfold was charged in connection with the offences on the following day (19/2). She is the latest in a string of 'county lines' dealers being jailed. Investigating officer PC Jess Lodge, based at Newbury police station, said: This is a great example of how proactive policing has successfully prevented county line drug dealers from distributing drugs in the Newbury area. We will not tolerate this and continue to crack down on those who exploit the weak and vulnerable, often using extreme lengths to do so. Thames Valley Police is dedicated to reducing the harm caused by drugs supply and drug related activity, namely through our Stronghold campaign. Newbury MP Richard Benyon on the SNP walkout during PMQs I have made a study of flouncing. Some do it well and some dont. The Scottish Nationalists got it wrong in Prime Ministers Questions on Wednesday. The best flounce is at a table. You stand up, ostentatiously throw your napkin on the table, gaze down pityingly at your aggressor, turn on your heel and leave. Even this flounce is not risk free. One person I saw do this left his phone on the table and had to return and pick it up, which rather ruined the effect. Flouncing from a TV studio mid-interview is problematic. They usually shove a microphone up your shirt which in the heat of the moment the flouncer forgets. This results in about a yard of flounce, a sudden yank and an embarrassing minute or two disentangling wiring and retrieving electronic machinery that has been pulled to the floor. In my experience the House of Commons is not a good place from which to flounce. A single flouncer ends his or her speech with a flourish of rhetoric and then has to squeeze past colleagues through the narrow foot space apologising for treading on toes or handbags. Worse still is the group flounce. The first of these I saw was in about 2008 when the Liberal Democrats threw a hissy when they were foiled in their demands, ironically, for a referendum on the Lisbon Treaty. Their former leader, the very decent Tim Farron, is self-deprecating enough to admit that their tortuous exit from the Chamber felt shallow and pointless. Which brings me to yesterday. The Scottish Nationalists have made grievance an art form. They can find in everything a dark plot to do down Scotland. If the sun shines in England but it rains in Scotland, it is the fault of the Tories, the Act of Union and the entire panoply of the British state. Brexit actually means more powers for Holyrood and the Scottish Government but they have decided to pretend it doesnt and so contrived to make their point by using an arcane Parliamentary device which involves asking for a vote on the House meeting in private. When this was not allowed until PMQs had finished, their well-prepared and choreographed flounce began. Though their ranks have thinned a bit since the last election they were too many for an effective indignant exit. It took too long and the inevitable stragglers looked embarrassed and silly. The remainder of PMQs included a number of Scottish Nationalists who were listed to ask a question, when, no doubt, they could have raised pithy points of grievance but, Banquo-like, were not there. Flouncing should be left to the professionals. Hollywood divas not Holyrood dunces. Trish Haldin / The public is encouraged to offer their feedback about community centers in town to the New Milford Community Center Committee that will be included in a report to Town Council. Residents can share their comments in person at the committee meeting at 7 p.m. on June 21 at the John Pettibone Community Center. Suggestions and questions can also be emailed to communitycentercommittee@newmilford.org. WASHINGTON Wearing a white hard-hat featuring the Gunnerys crest, Tony-nominated producer Thomas S. Perakos broke ground Saturday on the schools new arts and community center, which soon will bear his name. The adrenaline and the joy are indescribable, Perakos said after the ceremony. This building is going to unify and bring (the arts) to a state-of-the-art program, and its going to attract professors and a curriculum that will make it sing. Perakos, who graduated from the school in 1969, became the namesake for the 32,000-square-foot center after making a multimillion-dollar gift for it to be built. Head of School Peter Becker told the crowd at the groundbreaking ceremony that since Perakos donation several months ago, the school has raised $16.5 million of its $22 million goal for the center. We needed someone to step up and believe in this project, Becker said. If it wasnt for Tom ... we wouldnt be here. It unleashed this passion and enthusiasm and the belief that we could get this thing done. Becker thanked other alumni, attending alumni weekend, who have made donations. An alumni parade followed the ceremony, which came just one day before the Tony Awards, where musicals that Perakos was involved with are nominated for a combined 32 awards. He is personally nominated for Best Musical for The Bands Visit and for Best Revival of a Musical for Rodgers & Hammersteins Carousel The Thomas S. Perakos Arts and Community Center will also feature areas named for other donors, including a 415-seat performing arts theater named after the Tisch family and an art wing named after alumni Richard C. Colton Jr. Construction will include relocating a parking lot and creating a landscaped green space between the building and the schools dining hall. Gunnery teachers and chairs of the performing arts, Jennifer Wojcik, and visual arts, Andrew Richards, told the crowd that the new space will take their programs to the next level. The Gunnerys arts program is held in different places all over campus. Wojcik said the new center will allow her to focus solely on the students during performances, rather than worrying about technical difficulties that often occur in the current spaces. (This is) going to be the next generation of art for our school and our families, she said. The plan for the arts center was first developed as part of the Gunnerys long-term capital plan for adding to the school. The plan includes moving all facilities to the western side of Route 47 and creating new venues for certain programs. This is the first of what will hopefully be the start of more projects to transform our campus, Becker said. aquinn@newstimes.com The Environmental Protection Agency was ordered to reduce smog that drifts into the Northeast from Midwestern states in a U.S. District Court ruling Wednesday that sided with Connecticut and New York. The Clean Air Act protects the people of Connecticut from other states pollution, and the EPA is obligated to enforce these commonsense air quality standards, Gov. Dannel P. Malloy said. The lawsuit, filed by Connecticut and New York State in January, alleged the EPA failed to perform its duty under the Good Neighbor Provision of the federal Clean Air Act for 2008 ozone standards. The suit claimed that inadequate air pollution laws in states such as Pennsylvania and Ohio required the EPA to take steps to reduce the impact on downwind states such as Connecticut. Smog from coal-fired electric plants in Midwestern states is carried by prevailing winds into the Northeast, causing bad air days in the summer and harming the health of residents, the suit alleged. As a downwind state, our residents have suffered for too long from other states lax clean-air standards, Malloy said. The EPAs recent failure to hold upwind states accountable is not acceptable. An EPA spokesman said in a statement that the agency is working on a plan to address good neighbor obligations related to ozone gas. As we have already publicly announced, we intend to propose by the end of June, and finalize by December, an action that will address any remaining good neighbor obligations related to the 2008 ozone standard for these and other states, EPA said. Connecticut has long maintained that ozone pollution has made it impossible for the state to meet federal clean air standards. State officials say the ozone also impacts economic development and the health of residents. Chris Collibee, a spokesman for the state Department of Energy and Environmental Protection, said the EPAs Federal Implementation Plan will not provide a full remedy to the problem of interstate pollution. Connecticut believes it will continue to violate the ozone national ambient air quality standard and force DEEP to challenge the FIP, Collibee said. But Collibee stressed the legal victory is good news for the state. This is the outcome we hoped for and is a credit to the attorney general offices in Connecticut and New York State, Collibee said. This will hopefully result in much needed emission reductions in the named upwind states. Attorney General George Jepsen said the courts decision is a step in the right direction. Connecticut suffers from air quality problems due to pollution sources in other states that are out of our control, Jepsen said. Under the Clean Air Act, the EPA has a duty to take action when upwind states do not meet certain air quality standards and, in this case, the EPA clearly failed to do so. Jepsen added we are gratified by the district courts ruling in this matter, and we will continue to work with our partners in New York to hold EPA accountable on this and other matters where it has not met its legal obligations. bcummings@ctpost.com Can a person's religious practices impact their sleep quality? That's the focus of a new study by Christopher Ellison in The University of Texas at San Antonio (UTSA) Department of Sociology and his collaborators. Ellison worked with Terrence D. Hill, associate professor of sociology at the University of Arizona, and Reed T. Deangelis '15 '17, a UTSA alumnus and a doctoral student at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, on a paper published in Sleep Health: Journal of the National Sleep Foundation. The researchers reviewed several large studies of religious involvement and sleep-related outcomes that included people from different age groups and religions. They analyzed several measures of religious involvement, including religious attendance, religious importance and frequency of prayer. After examining these studies, the researchers concluded that people who have higher levels of religious involvement tend to have healthier sleep outcomes than their less religious counterparts. Ellison believes the data suggests a person's religious involvement benefits their mental health by reducing stress, promoting social engagement and support from fellow church members, providing psychological resources (hope, optimism, sense of meaning) and promoting healthier lifestyles (lower levels of substance abuse). "This research is relatively unchartered territory that allows us to better understand the way in which religion and spirituality affect a person's health and overall quality of life," said Ellison. Ellison and his collaborators plan to present new research findings on this topic at the Association for the Sociology of Religion (ASR) meetings in Philadelphia in August 2018. This follow-up project is based on data from a large, recent nationwide survey of U.S. adults. With this data, Ellison and his associates discovered that persons with a greater sense of assurance of spiritual salvation tend to enjoy better sleep quality and tend to have fewer negative sleep consequences due to stressful life events and chronic conditions. Ellison said much of the benefit of perceived spiritual salvation among the faithful is because these persons have lower levels of psychological distress, i.e., feelings of depressed affect and anxiety. In 2011, Ellison co-authored a study that linked measures of religious involvement (religious attendance, prayer and secure attachment to God) with sleep outcomes (sleep quality, restless sleep, use of sleep medications). In the study, researchers used data collected from a national probability sample of active elders and other active members of the Presbyterian Church (USA) (2005-2007). The data showed that religious attendance and frequency of prayer were positively associated with overall sleep quality but unrelated to restless sleep and use of sleep medications. Ellison and his collaborators concluded religion could decrease psychological distress, substance abuse and stress exposure, which are all associated with sleep outcomes. Ellison's research areas include religious influences on mental and physical health and mortality risk, religious variations in family life, the role of religion in racial and ethnic minority populations and religious influences on social and political attitudes. He has published two books and nearly 200 peer-reviewed articles and book chapters on these and other topics. Replacing potatoes or rice with pulses can lower your blood glucose levels by more than 20 per cent, according to a first-ever University of Guelph study. Prof. Alison Duncan, Department of Human Health and Nutritional Sciences, and Dan Ramdath of Agriculture and Agri-Food Canada, found that swapping out half of a portion of these starchy side dishes for lentils can significantly improve your body's response to the carbohydrates. Replacing half a serving of rice with lentils caused blood glucose to drop by up to 20 per cent. Replacing potatoes with lentils led to a 35-per-cent drop. "Pulses are extremely nutrient-dense food that have the potential to reduce chronic diseases associated with mismanaged glucose levels," said Duncan, who worked on the study with PhD student Dita Moravek and M.Sc. students Erica Rogers, Sarah Turkstra and Jessica Wilson. Yet very few Canadians eat lentils, she added. "Canada has a huge production of lentils, but we export most of it and only 13 per cent of Canadians eat them on any given day," said Duncan. "We are hoping this research will make people more aware of the health benefits of eating pulses." Published and specially featured in the Journal of Nutrition, the study involved 24 healthy adults fed four dishes - white rice only, half white rice and half large green lentils, half white rice and half small green lentils, and half white rice and half split red lentils. Researchers measured glucose levels in the participants' blood before they ate and during two hours afterward. They repeated the process for white potatoes alone and the same combinations of potatoes and lentils. "We mixed the lentils in with the potatoes and rice because people don't typically eat pulses on their own, but rather consume them in combination with other starches as part of a larger meal, so we wanted the results to reflect that." Blood glucose fell by similar amounts when half of the starch was replaced with each of the three types of lentils. Blood glucose comprises sugar found in the blood during digestion in the upper digestive tract and depends on the starch content of foods consumed. Pulses, such as lentils, can slow digestion and the release of sugars found in starch into the bloodstream, ultimately reducing blood glucose levels, said Duncan. "This slower absorption means you don't experience a spike in glucose. Having high levels over a period of time can lead to mismanagement of blood glucose, which is the hallmark of Type 2 diabetes. Essentially, eating lentils can lower that risk." Pulses contain components that inhibit enzymes involved in absorption of glucose, and fiber contained in these foods can encourage the production of short-chain fatty acids, which can also help to reduce blood glucose levels, added Duncan. Health Canada requires a 20-per-cent reduction in blood glucose levels before a health claim about blood glucose lowering can be approved, said Duncan. "We are hoping that building evidence for approval of a health claim for pulses will further encourage people to add pulses to their side dishes." 40th Anniversary Draws International Attendees to Milwaukees Discovery World Starting an environmental company in the late 1970s was not nearly as well received as it would be today, but Gene Anguil, Founder of Anguil Environmental Systems, persevered. Four decades later, Anguil is recognized as a worldwide leader of industrial air pollution control and wastewater treatment technologies. On August 12th, the company is hosting a 40th anniversary party that will be truly international, drawing attendees from across the United States, Asia, and Europe. Held in downtown Milwaukee, the private celebration will be one of the first events in the new wing at Discovery World overlooking Lake Michigan. Approximately four-hundred people are expected at the Sunday evening party. Guests will consist of employees, both current and former, as well as partners, key suppliers, sales representatives and close family friends. Its important that we recognize the people and companies that helped us get where we are today, said Gene. While my wife was our first, and arguably most-important employee, there were also a lot of other vital contributors to our success. Related Stories Treating volatile exhaust streams in the pharmaceutical industry: an interview with Jeff Kudronowicz The night will include a multimedia presentation focused on Anguils Recipe for Success: Vision, Expertise, Leadership, Employees, Resilience, Fun, Community, and Family. Dinner and dancing will follow a series of speeches by key Anguil personnel. According to Chris Anguil, son of Gene and President of the company, August 12th also happens to be Genes 80th birthday, so there may be some surprises. Throughout the past four decades, the company has celebrated countless successes, but also persevered through some challenges. Major milestones include several moves into increasingly larger facilities, the establishment of international operations, development of an extensive global sales representative network, and a continuous garnering of awards like the employee-driven Top Workplace distinction and the Environmental Business Journal Achievement Award. The tragic passing of Genes oldest son Jeff in 1993, then company President, was one of those challenging moments that tested the companys resiliency while cementing the family culture that still exists today. The 40th anniversary celebration comes at a time of widespread enthusiasm for the companys mission and steady growth, including the hiring of several third generation Anguil employees, aggressive global sales targets, and the completion of a remodel of their corporate headquarters in Brown Deer. This investment buoys the optimism of employees and the surrounding community, looking ahead to many more years of success. Source: https://www.anguil.com/ A new resource has been launched based on the first-hand experiences of parents whose baby died before, during or shortly after birth at 20 to 24 weeks of pregnancy. The resource aims to support parents, loved ones and health professionals. Visitors to the website can watch videos of parents talking about topics such as finding out something was wrong, experiences of labor and giving birth, seeing and spending time with their baby, making memories and the long term emotional impact. This work was led by Dr Lucy Smith at the University of Leicester and Dr Lisa Hinton at the University of Oxford who traveled around the UK talking to 38 parents in their own homes about experiences of baby loss. Pregnancy normally lasts for 40 weeks. The death of a baby who is born alive and dies shortly after birth is officially registered whatever stage of pregnancy they are born at. However there is no formal registration of babies born showing no signs of life before 24 weeks of pregnancy. The researchers found this impacts on parents in both practical and emotional ways. When a parent's loss was referred to as a "miscarriage" they often felt unprepared for the experience of labor and birth and the lack of an official birth or death registration meant that many parents felt their loss was not acknowledged and they suffered additional stress as they were not eligible for parental leave and maternity pay. The work is part of Healthtalk.org which is a resource offering access to people's experiences of over 100 health conditions and health related issues. Dr Lucy Smith, an NIHR Career Development Fellow from the University of Leicester, said: "The experience of losing a baby is devastating but the impact of losing a baby just before the legal stillbirth registration limit of 24 weeks is rarely recognized. "We hope this resource will provide support to these families who often feel overlooked and welcome the Department of Health and Social Care review of parents' rights to register their baby. "We really want to thank all of the parents who offered to share their personal experiences and the help of support organizations (Sands, the Miscarriage Association and Antenatal Research and Choices)." A tricked-out cholera vaccine starts protecting against the deadly disease within a day, experiments in rabbits suggest. The rapid protection offered by this designer vaccine may one day limit the spread of cholera outbreaks, says Howard Hughes Medical Institute (HHMI) Investigator Matthew Waldor. Waldor and his colleagues discovered an ability unique to the vaccine, called HaitiV: It protects rabbits from cholera-causing bacteria almost immediately even before an immune response begins. That effect, described June 13 in Science Translational Medicine, suggests the vaccine will be particularly good at curbing fast-spreading cholera, which is responsible for between 21,000 and 143,000 deaths worldwide each year. The researchers haven't yet tested the vaccine in people, but Waldor, a microbiologist at Brigham and Women's Hospital, is optimistic that the vaccine will hold great promise. "We think this is going to be a very good vaccine, and could induce immunity after a single dose." Cholera is an intestinal infection that can quickly kill without treatment. The disease is caused by Vibrio cholerae, bacteria that take up residence in the small intestines and produce toxins that can trigger vomiting and diarrhea, leading to severe dehydration. After tracing the genetic origins of the V. cholerae strain responsible for the 2010 outbreak in Haiti, Waldor and his colleagues realized that the bacteria had changed in the decades since existing cholera vaccines were designed. "The last vaccines were made a long time ago, and they don't incorporate a lot of our modern understanding of this pathogen," Waldor says. He and his team decided to create a new version of the vaccine using a toothless V. cholerae as a protective shield. These harmless, lab-designed bacteria don't cause cholera. Instead, they seem to prevent the dangerous pathogen from causing trouble. Waldor and his colleagues began with the DNA sequence of the current version of the virulent V. cholerae. Using sophisticated genetic tricks, the researchers tweaked the bacteria's genome, essentially engineering out anything that might make it dangerous. If the bacteria were ever to acquire the DNA sequence for making toxins, for example, a CRISPR-based gene editing safeguard would chew up that DNA. The researchers also hamstrung the bacteria so that they wouldn't be able to swap genes easily and pick up toxic capabilities from other bugs. "We have many different engineering steps to make this an incredibly safe, genetically stable, live vaccine," Waldor says. His team tested HaitiV in rabbits, which respond to V. cholerae similarly to humans. The engineered bacteria colonized rabbit intestines, but with none of the ill effects of the regular V. cholerae bacteria. And vaccinated rabbits that were infected with pathogenic V. cholerae 24 hours later didn't get sick. Mathematical modeling suggests that in people, such a vaccine would drastically curb the number of people infected during an outbreak. Waldor and his colleagues suspect the vaccine protects in a similar way to a probiotic, such as the helpful live bacteria in yogurt and other fermented foods. "It's a living therapeutic that has good effects on health," Waldor says. But it's not yet clear how this probiotic effect might work. It's possible that the engineered bacteria somehow interfere with toxin production of regular V. cholerae, he says. Or perhaps the engineered bacteria use up some of the nutrients the dangerous bugs need to survive. An early clinical trial in people is in the works. Waldor and his colleagues are also focused on practical improvements to the vaccine, such as making it stable in environments where cholera is present. The researchers are combing through the genes of V. cholerae, searching for spots that could be altered to promote a longer vaccine shelf life. Source: https://www.hhmi.org/news/fast-acting-cholera-vaccine-could-curb-outbreaks Despite being a routine laboratory activity, the quantification of DNA is crucial for subsequent applications like next generation sequencing (NGS). Here the FLUOstar Omega microplate reader is used instead of the Qubit handheld fluorometer for assessment of the broadly utilized Qubit nucleic acid stains. The DNA quantification with Qubit chemistry and Qubit fluorometer offers a quick, easy, and intuitive method to estimate dsDNA but is restricted in throughput as only one specimen can be evaluated at a time. The Qubit device determines fluorescence directly in specimen preparation tubes, and the DNA-concentration is subsequently calculated based on two standards measured simultaneously. The utilization of Qubit dsDNA HS fluorophore to measure dsDNA on a BMG LABTECH microplate reader is described in this application note. The Qubit kit read on the CLARIOstar, FLUOstar Omega, and PHERAstar obtained a high linearity (R2 > 0.9999). It also yielded the measurement of DNA dilutions of 50 pg/l-100 ng/l. Using Qubit chemistry on BMG LABTECH microplate readers enhances throughput, and at the same time retains the simplicity of the measurement technique. Read the full article including the methods, results and discussion. Quantifying double-stranded DNA with fluorescent dyes About BMG Labtech BMG LABTECH has been committed to producing microplate readers for more than twenty years. By focusing on the needs of the scientific community, the companys innovative microplate readers have earned the company the reputation of being a technology leader in the field. BMG LABTECH has developed a wide range of dedicated and multi-mode microplate readers for life sciences applications and high-throughput screening. All BMG LABTECH microplate readers are "Made in Germany" and are conceived, developed, assembled, and tested entirely at our headquarters in Germany. Since our establishment in Offenburg, Germany in 1989, BMG LABTECH has expanded to offer a worldwide sales and support network with offices in the USA, UK, Australia, Japan and France. Our subsidiaries, regional offices and distributors are committed to bringing you innovative microplate reader technology with the quality and reliability you expect from a German company. Our staff includes engineers and scientists from the fields of biology, biochemistry, analytical chemistry, and physics. Sponsored Content Policy: News-Medical.net publishes articles and related content that may be derived from sources where we have existing commercial relationships, provided such content adds value to the core editorial ethos of News-Medical.Net which is to educate and inform site visitors interested in medical research, science, medical devices and treatments. Houston: An Indian-American woman, Dhivya Suryadevara has been named the Chief Finance Officer of the US' largest automaker, General Motors. Dhivya Suryadevara, currently the vice president of corporate finance, will succeed Chuck Stevens, the GM's present CFO, on September 1, the company said in a statement. Chennai-born Suryadevara, 39, has been GM's vice president of corporate finance since July 2017. She will report to Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mary Barra, 56, who has been head of the automaker since 2014. Barra and Suryadevara are the first women in their respective positions in the auto industry, as no other major global automaker has a female CEO, nor a CEO and CFO who are both females. GM will join a very short list of S&P 500 companies, including Hershey Co. and American Water Works Co., with women serving as CEO and CFO. Suryadevara earned her bachelor's and master's degrees in commerce from the University of Madras in Chennai, India She moved to the US at the age of 22 to pursue her MBA from Harvard University. She is a chartered financial analyst and accountant and worked at UBS and PricewaterhouseCoopers before joining the Detroit-based GM in 2005 at the age of 25. "Dhivya's experience and leadership in several key roles throughout our financial operations position her well to build on the strong business results we've delivered over the last several years," Barra said in a statement. Stevens, 58, has been CFO at the largest US automaker since January 2014 and will retire in March next year as a more than 40-year veteran of the company. He will remain with the company as an adviser until his retirement, the statement said. Stevens began at the Buick division in 1978 and, like Barra, was educated at General Motors Institute, which became Kettering University. He had a key role in GM establishing its joint venture in China with SAIC Motor Corp. and was a crucial player in GM selling its long-struggling Opel business to French automaker PSA Group. Mumbai: A day after getting the government's nod to raise up to Rs 24,000 crore capital, private sector lender HDFC Bank on Thursday said it will use the funds to grow in semi-urban and rural pockets. "The additional capital will go a long way in supporting our growth plans over the next few years, especially in semi-urban and rural India," its deputy managing director Paresh Sukthankar said in a video message. He also welcomed the Union Cabinet's nod and added that the decision bodes will for the overall investment climate as well as foreign inflows into the country. In a statement, the bank said it had to get the go ahead from the Cabinet Committee on Economic Affairs (CCEA) as this was an FDI (foreign direct investment) proposal in excess of Rs 5,000 crore not under the automatic route. The bank has been given the nod provided the overall foreign ownership does not breach the 74 per cent mark. The Rs 24,000-crore capital infusion plan includes raising Rs 8,500 crore from parent HDFC such that the mortgage major's holding in the bank is retained at 25.60 per cent, while the rest is likely through a qualified institutional placement (QIP) of shares. Media reports say at Rs 15,500-crore, this will be the highest ever QIP, exceeding the Rs 15,000 crore done by largest lender SBI in 2017. The bank scrip closed 0.09 per cent up at Rs 2,037.15 a piece on the BSE as against a 0.39 per cent correction in the benchmark. Celebrity chefs have been all over the news in the past week. First, the food community mourned the death of widely loved Anthony Bourdain. Then, the Indian-origin chef Atul Kochhar stirred up a controversy with his Islamophobic comments. And now, the Internet janta is gushing over Vikas Khanna's reunion with a Muslim family. Last year, Indian-American chef Khanna, in a candid interview with actor Anupam Kher, revealed that every year since 1992, he has fasted for a day during the holy month of Ramadan to honour the Muslim family he credits for saving his life during Mumbai riots of 1992. Calling it the happiest day of this life, the chef tweeted on Monday he had finally tracked down the family and would break his Ramadan fast with them. This is one of the happiest day of my life. @AnupamPKher ji had interviewed me last year for @republic & I shared the story of Muslim family that saved my life during riots. WE FOUND THEM & today I shall break the fast with themvikas khanna Anupam Kher https://t.co/wldNhL5it2 Vikas Khanna (@TheVikasKhanna) June 11, 2018 Khanna, in a Facebook post dated back to 2015, had shared the horror that had unfolded during the 1992 Mumbai riots. #RamadanMubarak to all. May this Holy month be filled with blessings of peace, prosperity and love. I was training in the kitchen of SeaRock Sheraton, Mumbai in 1992 December when riots broke and whole city was under fire. We were stuck in the hotel for days. Iqbal Khan and Wasim Bhai ( Trainee Chef and a waiter, whom I lost touch with forever) and their families sheltered me and nurtured me during this time. Since that year, I fast for 1 day during the Holy Month to thank them and keep them in my prayers. Love you all. V, the chef had shared with his fans 3 years ago on Facebook. During his interview in 2017, Khanna, who was working with Sea Rock Sheraton hotel in Mumbai at the time when the riots broke out, narrated how staff members couldn't enter or exit the hotel premises. Someone at the hotel then informed him about the rampage taking place at Ghatkopar where his brothers family lived. Without thinking twice, Khanna left the hotel in a bid to find his brother. Undetered by an angry mob that approached him during his quest, Khanna somehow lost his way, furthering his turmoil. Sensing the risk of being out in the open, a Muslim family then invited him into their house and sheltered him to save him from the rioters. When a mob demanded to know who Khanna was, the family said, Hes our son. The chef was treated with immense love over the two days of his stay and the family also ensured that his brother was safe. On Tuesday, after presumebly meeting the family, the chef took to his Twitter page and wrote, "Heartwarming evening. All Heart. Tears. Pain. Pride. Courage. Humanity. Gratitude. This will be the most significant and important EID of my life. Thank you everyone to connect me with my souls." Srinagar: Two militants and an Army jawan were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district on Thursday, officials said. "Two terrorists have been killed in an ongoing operation in Panar forest area of Bandipora district (in north Kashmir)," a defence spokesman said here. He added that a jawan also lost his life in the operation. Further details are awaited, the spokesman said. Two days ago, five CRPF jawans were injured in a grenade attack by militants in Anantnag district of Jammu and Kashmir. "Militants hurled a grenade on CRPF party at Janglat Mandi in Anantnag. Five CRPF personnel got minor injuries," a police spokesman had said. He said all the injured were shifted to hospital for treatment. Ahmedabad: A 13-year-old Dalit boy was allegedly beaten up by four Rajput men for wearing a "mojdi", a type of ethnic leather shoes, police said on Thursday. The incident, which came to light after a video of it went viral on social media, occurred on Thursday in Bahucharaji town of Gujarat's Mehsana district. Based on the minor's complaint on Tursday, an FIR was registered against the four men, said Bahucharaji police Sub Inspector R R Solanki. "It is alleged that these four Rajput youth, including one Bharatsinh Darbar, thrashed the victim for wearing a mojdi. We have booked them on charges of kidnapping, assault as well as under relevant sections of the SC/ST (Prevention of Atrocities) Act," Solanki informed. In his complaint, the minor boy, a resident of Vitthalapur village of Ahmedabad district, stated that the incident happened in Bahucharaji town on Thursday. "When I was sitting near the bus stop, a group of youths came to me and asked me my caste. When I said that I am a Dalit, they asked me why I was wearing mojdi despite being a Dalit. When I tried to save myself by claiming that I am a Rajput, they forcibly took me to a place and thrashed me," his complaint stated. "They slapped and punched me and beat me with a stick. They accused me of trying to be a Rajput by wearing such shoes. I somehow managed to escape and came home," the complaint added. In the video, which was allegedly shot and circulated by one of the accused, the Dalit boy can be seen sobbing and pleading for mercy. While beating him, two of the accused can be heard in the video saying that one cannot become a Rajput by donning such footwear. The person who was shooting the video can be heard saying that he will send this video to Vitthalapur, the minor's place of residence, apparently to give a message to others. While begging for mercy, the victim can be heard saying that he is a Dalit and will never try to be a Rajput. This is the latest incident involving upper caste men allegedly attacking Dalits and OBCs for trivial reasons. Last month, a group of Rajputs clashed with Dalits in Dholka town in Ahmedabad district over a Dalit man's decision to add the suffix 'Sinh' to his name. Chennai/Palakkad: The alleged inhuman treatment meted out to an accident victim in a Tamil Nadu hospital has set alarm bells ringing about a possible organ donation racket in the state. The issue came to the fore about two weeks ago when Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan wrote a letter to his Tamil Nadu counterpart, complaining about the treatment provided to an accident victim from his state at a private hospital in Salem district. In his letter on May 26, Vijayan sought an enquiry into the unethical medical practices. Manikandan (the victim) was declared brain dead and kept on ventilator Since the relatives were not in a position to settle the medical bills of Rs 3 lakh one person claiming to be a lawyer got signatures from relatives for donation of vital organs no documents were provided such incidents should never occur in a humane civilised society all victims of road accidents deserve critical life-saving care and unfortunate victims should not be seen as commodities, Vijayans letter stated. Reacting with immediacy, the Tamil Nadu government ordered a probe into the incident. Authorities of Vinayaka Super Speciality Hospital, which is at the centre of the row, claim they have sufficient proof of a counselling session for the relatives, adding that they also signed a consent form, all of which was captured on the hospitals CCTV. However, Manikandans relatives back home in Kerala have a different story to tell. Hari, a relative of the deceased, told News18 that the hospital authorities asked them if they were willing to donate the organs when Manikandan was still on ventilator. We refused to do so. That is when they asked us to pay the hospital bill of Rs 2.5 lakh and said we can claim the body after settling the bill. They started pressurising us to donate the organs and said they will adjust the bills. They utilised our weakness and continuously pressurised us. Doctors told us organ donation is for free and its not business, he said. The family claimed that it asked the doctors to remove Manikandan from the ventilator to see his response, but they were turned down. The only thing we wanted was to take back his body by any means. It was practically impossible to remove him from ventilator and take him to another hospital as they did not agree to that and were insisting to make the payment and take the body We were clueless about what to do as we were mentally upset, Hari said. He added that the bills were waived within hours, the organs sent to four different hospitals and Manikandans body was sent by ambulance to his native home free of cost. Both Manikandans family and chief minister Vijayan raised questions about why the accident victims were taken to the particular hospital though it was about 120km away. However, Manikandans family is not the only victim. In October 2017, questions were raised about the similar fashion in which a 19-year-old accident victim at the Tanjavur Medical Hospital was air-lifted in his brain-dead state to a private hospital in Chennai where M Natarajan, the husband of Jayalalithaas aide VK Sasikala, was being treated for liver failure. The teenagers organs were then used to save 74-year-old Natarajans life, but he lived barely six months more. Even then, the easy availability of a donor and the quick process had raised eyebrows. The incidents have not only brought the focus on hapless families being forced to part with their kins organs, but also how foreign nationals seem to have benefited from organ donations in Tamil Nadu, probably at the cost of Indians who are waiting for a similar miracle. News18 accessed the data of organ transplants facilitated by the Transplant Authority of Tamil Nadu (TRANSTAN) for the past two years. Statistics show that 25 percent hearts and 33 percent lungs harvested from brain-dead persons in Tamil Nadu went to foreigners in 2017. In 2018 so far, 10 foreigners have received Tamil Nadus hearts as compared to 50 Indians. The number may seem less, but percentage-wise, it shows a huge disparity there are 53 foreigners registered in the waiting list, as against 5,310 Indians. Rules say foreigners can be considered for transplants only if there are no Indians to match the criteria of the brain-dead patients in the country. Even then, NRIs must be given preference. If you cant find a recipient in the same district or state, then it goes to the respective Regional Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (ROTTO) that looks for a beneficiary in the same region. If there is no match even then, the organs are offered to the National Organ and Tissue Transplant Organisation (NOTTO), said NOTTO director Dr Vimal Bhandari. He added that there was a requirement of stricter guidelines to enforce this. If there is no match, we can offer to foreigners, provided that foreigners are registered in that hospital, Bhandari said. When asked if it was a possibility that despite over 5,000 patients in the waiting list, there was no match within the country, he said: I dont know. There are other factors also affordability, group match, distance, money Sometimes it takes Rs 15 lakh for a transplant If they (Tamil Nadu authorities) deny there is anything wrong, what can we do? I am not some inspector that I can conduct an inquiry. Tamil Nadu health minister C Vijaya Bhaskar told the state assembly on Tuesday that TRANSTAN was a transparent body, and the government was further working towards improving its transparency. We have ensured all transplants are done as per seniority on the wait list. We have to transplant a heart within six hours of harvesting it, else it is wasted. If we get decline messages for the organs from the respective donors due to non-compatibility, foreign patients are checked for suitability, he said. Vascular surgeon and former member-secretary of TRANSTAN, Dr J Amalorpavanathan, also dismissed charges of a racket. The reason is that not many Indians come forward for the surgery because it is very complicated. It was only after we gained sufficient experience and expertise in liver transplants that our costs went down and we had more Indians coming for it. Likewise, when we reach the same level for heart transplants, we will probably have more Indians coming forward too, he told News18, pointing out that there have been no complaints from any Indians so far about being overlooked. New Delhi: In a state of crisis for over four years, madrasas in West Bengal can finally appoint new teachers as a "stop gap arrangement". The Supreme Court has lifted its restraint order against appointing teachers, enabling 614 government-aided madrasas in West Bengal to appoint more than 2,600 teachers after a hiatus of four years. A bench of Justices Arun Mishra and Uday U Lalit, taking into account the "interest of the education of children", decided to pave way for filling up vacancies to ensure madrasas can efficiently impart education. "Due to acute shortage of teachers, the cause of education is at sufferance. Considering the fact situation, which has been created by the legal imbroglio in the case, we deem it appropriate to pass this order relaxing the earlier order, putting a restraint upon the declaration of the result with respect to the recruitment process initiated in the year 2014," stated the order issued recently by the Court. By way of an interim order, it allowed the the declaration of the result for the recruitment process of the year 2014, under which more than 2,600 teachers were to be recruited. The bench made it clear that no further recruitment shall take place and those appointed under the 2014 notification shall be informed that their job is subject to final decision of the Court. "No equity shall be claimed on the basis of the appointment so made on stop-gap arrangement. Let such conditions be also mentioned in the order and that would be subject to the final outcome of these matters, and that may also be specifically incorporated in the order," directed the bench. The apex court also gave liberty to individual madrasa to take a decision whether it wants to appoint teachers declared eligible and successful under the 2014 process and clarified that the West Bengal Madrasa Service Commission (WBMSC) shall sponsor candidates only if a madrasa is interested in hiring such teachers. The bench has fixed July 12 as the next date for final hearing of the matter. The top court is hearing a batch of appeals arising out of the Calcutta High Court decision that the West Bengal Madrasah Service Commission is unconstitutional and illegal since the Commission trampled upon minority institutions' right to administer, including the right to appoint teachers. The High Court gave the responsibility of recruitment to the respective managing committees of the madrasas. While the matter was taken to the Supreme Court in appeal, the recruitment came to a standstill, leaving madrasas in West Bengal in a state of decay. New Delhi: With his pleas to Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal falling on deaf ears despite being on a sit-in for the fourth consecutive day, chief minister Arvind Kejriwal has now turned to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to help end the deadlock between the Delhi government and the bureaucracy. In a letter on Thursday, Kejriwal requested the Prime Minister to help get pollution review meetings restarted, among other things. The Delhi chief minister claimed the meetings had not been held for the past three months because bureaucrats refused to attend them. The request comes at a time when particulate matter has increased in the national capitals air. For the last three months, Delhis IAS officers have been on strike. They have stopped coming to meetings called by ministers. Because of this, the work of the Delhi Government has been affected adversely. Delhi's IAS officers are under the control of the LG and the Centre. Their transfer, suspension etc. are all in the hands of the Centre and the LG. That is why Delhi Government has been unable to end this strike, Kejriwal wrote to the Prime Minister. Listing the works that were being affected by the strike, Kejriwal wrote, Pollution is a major problem in Delhi. Earlier, a review and planning meeting would be held every 15 days, as was supposed to be done. Because of the strike of IAS officers, Delhi has not had this meeting for the last three months. He also said de-silting of drains ahead of monsoon, painting of government schools in summer holidays, review meetings to plan for dengue, construction of Mohalla Clinics, Polyclinics and drains as well as the Signature Bridge were stalled because of the stir. Only you or the L-G can end this strike. The L-G is not helping us end the strike. Given this situation, the people of Delhi have a lot of hopes from you. We request you with folded palms to help end the strike so that work can begin in Delhi again, Kejriwal told the PM. Srinagar: The dead body of the soldier who was abducted by militants from Jammu and Kashmir's Shopian district was found in Pulwama on Thursday night, police said. The soldier, identified as Aurangzeb of the 44 Rashtriya Rifles (RR), was travelling to Rajouri district when the militants stopped his vehicle in Kalampora area and kidnapped him. The abduction comes on a day when Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh discussed the extension or calling off of the Ramadan ceasefire that is set to end on Friday. A month ago, anti-terror cordon and search operations were suspended in Jammu and Kashmir under a peace initiative of the Central government on the occasion of Eid. Security officials say during this period, the state has witnessed a huge spurt in terror activity as well as crime. Earlier on Thursday, two militants and an Army jawan were killed in an encounter in Jammu and Kashmir's Bandipora district. "Two terrorists have been killed in an ongoing operation in Panar forest area of Bandipora district (in north Kashmir)," a defence spokesman said here. New Delhi: Indiscriminate discharge of untreated sewage into Bengaluru's Bellandur lake has resulted in an "environmental emergency", a committee has told the National Green Tribunal, adding that there is not even one millilitre of clean water in the lake. The NGT-mandated committee said the biggest lake of the beautiful city of Bengaluru had become the largest septic tank of the city due to "sheer callousness and indifference" of the authorities. "According to the material collected, the water holding capacity of Bellandur lake has rapidly shrunk due to indiscriminate dumping of construction and demolition waste, municipal solid waste and due to vast spread of hydrophyte and microphytes in the lake water. Hydrophytes are aquatic plants that grow in or near water and provides cover for fish and other aquatic organisms. "The commission during the inspection was shocked to notice a road that has been constructed on the Varthur lake by dumping construction and demolition waste under the garb of laying a pipeline," the report, filed by the three-member committee, said. The report, filed by the committee comprising senior advocate Raj Panjwani and advocates Sumeer Sodhi and Rahul Chaudhary, also states that Bellandur lake has caught fire 12 times since the first incident on August 12, 2016. "During the inspection of Bellandur lake, it came to the commission's notice that the storm water drain outlets near the lake were discharging nothing but sewage and effluent and the same was being released into the so-called lake. "After an almost circumferential tour of the lake, the commission further observed that there is not even one millilitre of clean water in the lake, but the same was filled up with sewage, effluent, solid waste, weed, debris, etc.," the report said. An estimated 480 million litres per day (MLD) of sewage from Bellandur lake flows into Varthur lake and in addition, approximately 60-70 MLD of additional sewage flow from the local storm water drains. "The commission during its visit observed that the condition of Varthur lake is no better, in fact worse than Bellandur lake in almost every aspect from fire to froth and from sewage to stink. Varthur is an aggravated calamity by the sheer volume of filth that is dumped in it without any ecological sensitivity," it said. The committee has also recommended that CCTVs should be installed at appropriate locations for ensuring that no construction and debris waste is dumped in the buffer zone area of the lake. "Security guards should be deployed at the most vulnerable locations to keep vigilance on illegal dumping of debris and to prevent encroachment activities. "In case anyone is found to be dumping construction and debris waste or debris into the lake or its buffer zone, a penalty of Rs 5 lakh be imposed for each offence," it said. The panel has recommended constitution of a task force of experienced senior officers consisting of Bangaluru Development Authority, Karnataka State Pollution Control Board, Central Pollution Control Board and others for strict and timely implementation of the suggestions. The NGT had earlier slammed the Karnataka government over its action plan on Bengaluru's Bellandur lake and formed a committee to inspect the lakes in the city. On January 29, the green panel had directed Indian Institute of Science (IISc) in Bengaluru to carry out a pilot study on the visible aquatic plants. Earlier, the green panel had come down heavily on the Karnataka government for not taking active measures to prevent recurring incidents of fire at the severely polluted Bellandur lake. New Delhi: Delhi's deteriorating air quality levels have sparked off a war of words between political parties. Even as chief minister Arvind Kejriwal continues with his sit-in at Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijals residence, the Delhi Congress unit called for a protest against the government and senior Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) leaders continued their demonstration at the chief ministers office. Responding to the criticism, Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) leaders said Delhi environment minister Imran Hussain had issued 12 notices to IAS officers, including one on Thursday afternoon. IAS officers dont turn up for pollution or education or waterlogging meetings. But they provided mattresses to BJP leaders. Imran Hussain has requested multiple meetings since February 22 and IAS officers have simply refused to come. Not a single IAS officer has turned up for meetings called by any minister, said AAP leader Atishi Marlena. AAP Rajya Sabha MP Sanjay Singh said, We are very concerned with the rising pollution, which is why we have urged the L-G to end the IAS strike. It is not right that the elected government keeps calling for meetings but IAS officers dont turn up. Delhi government sources said Hussain was heading to the L-Gs House to participate in an emergency meeting on rising pollution levels. Kejriwal also wrote to Prime Minister Narendra Modi to intervene in the crisis and help end the strike. Listing the works that were being affected by the strike, Kejriwal wrote, Pollution is a major problem in Delhi. Earlier, a review and planning meeting would be held every 15 days, as was supposed to be done. Because of the strike of IAS officers, Delhi has not had this meeting for the last three months. He also said the de-silting of drains ahead of monsoon, painting of government schools in summer holidays, review meetings to plan for dengue, construction of Mohalla Clinics, Polyclinics, Signature Bridge and drains in unauthorised colonies were being stalled because of the bureaucratic stir. With Southwest Monsoon gradually covering almost all the Northeastern states a little before time, parts of Assam, Mizoram, Manipur and Tripura are reeling under flash floods and road closures. Heavy rains across Northeast in the past 24 hours have led to flash floods and landslides in several places. Assam: With Kids on Back, Residents Wade Through Flooded Roads to Arrive at Schools Incessant rainfall on Tuesday night caused rapid flooding in the southern part of Bokakhat subdivision of Assams Golaghat district. The rise in water level of the Diphlu river, a tributary of the Brahmaputra originating from Karbi Anglong Hills and passing through Kaziranga National Park, has submerged at least 10 revenue villages in Bokakhat. According to reports, almost 500 affected people are living at a single relief camp in Borkhola LP School. Heavy downpour has inundated a major stretch of the National Highway 37 in Latabari area. Four teams of the State Disaster Response Force (SDRF) assisted by the district administration are engaged in rescue and relief operations. We are prepared to tackle the situation. We have asked for more boats from Kaziranga. If need arises, more relief camps will be opened. A part of NH-37 remains closed for now. SDRF teams are helping in rescue operations. The whole area is under close flood watch, said Vivek Shyam, sub-divisional officer (civil). Meanwhile, flood affected villagers are worried about the availability of safe drinking water and adequate food at the relief camp. There has been no supply of drinking water and bread to the relief camp yet. We demand of the administration to make immediate arrangements, said Ashim Bora, one of the affected villagers at Kolakhua. A collapsed culvert at Amlokhi area has disrupted road links, leaving nearly 1,500 people stranded. Waterlogging has also been reported at the Centre for Wildlife Rehabilitation and Conservation (CWRC), the International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW)-Wildlife Trust of India (WTI) wildlife care facility supported by Assam Forest Department at Panbari near Kaziranga National Park. The approach road to the facility remains submerged in rain water. In Gohpur, an overflowing Chatrang river, a tributary of the Brahmaputra flowing from neighbouring Arunachal, has inundated 3-4 villages in the district. The dyke along the river was breached at Balubari area early Wednesday morning. Villagers blamed it on sub-standard construction work that led to the breaching of the embankment. The road link connecting over a dozen villages along the Assam-Arunachal border remain cut off due to rains. Schools remained opened even as elders were seen carrying little children to safety on their backs. Manipur: Holiday Declared for Schools, Government Offices The Manipur government declared a holiday for all government offices and educational institutions except essential services, flood control and revenue department on Tuesday following flash floods. Heavy rains have resulted in landslides at several places along the Imphal Jiribam National Highway 37. Vehicular traffic came to a halt at NH-37 between Kotlen and Tupul, while the road leading to K Senam village, 40km from Imphal, remain cut off due to landslides. The All India Radio, Imphal also stopped its transmission temporarily due to the flood waters flowing into the studio complex. According to the Water Resources Department, the rivers Imphal, Thoubal, Lilong, Iril, Nambul and Nambol are flowing above the danger level. Among other places, Kangpokpi recorded 36mm rainfall while Jiribam recorded 39.2mm rainfall till the filing of this report on Wednesday. The Relief and Disaster Management Department has cautioned all Deputy Commissioners to keep a flood and landslide watch for the next couple of days. The Meteorological (MeT) department has predicted heavy downpour in some parts of Manipur till June 15. Imphal East District Deputy Commissioner Th Chitra Devi issued a notification on Tuesday, directing all departments concerned to be fully prepared in the wake of heavy floods. (With inputs from Noren Ningombam) Mizoram: Three-digit Rains Recorded in Past 48 Hours, Schools Closed for 2 Days More than 900 families have been evacuated to safe areas in Mizoram due to heavy rainfall in past 48 hours, triggering floods and landslides. Rescue operations by the District Emergency Operation are in progress with assistance from local NGOs and police. The affected families have been shifted to temporary shelters in schools and community halls. A massive landslide that occurred near Serchhip town on Thursday has cut off National Highway-54. Both the roads connecting Serchhip to south Mizoram have been cut off. There were no reports of casualty, however, a number of vehicle and passengers are stranded on the highway. Three houses near the landslide area in Serchhip have been evacuated to safer areas. With at least 200 metres of the road being cut off, the town is currently inaccessible from south Mizoram. However, there is an alternate route towards Lunglei district. Schools have been closed for two days following heavy floods. Lunglei district has been the worst affected in the first spate of floods 175 houses have been submerged in Tlabung town and hundreds displaced. Moreover, at least 480 houses in several villages of Lunglei remain inundated. According to Mizoram Disaster Management and Rehabilitation department, 88 houses were submerged in Kolasib district. The border town of Bairabi has been badly affected. At least 260 houses at Kanghmun village in Mamit district remain flooded. A visual of a flooded area in Mamit district (News18) Meanwhile, the road connecting Aizawl to Lengpui airport has been blocked since Tuesday with PWD authorities working overtime to clear the road of debris. A number of vehicles have been stranded on National Highway 54. Communication remains snapped because of power failure in several villages. The number of affected families are expected to be higher. Aizawl recorded 148 mm rain on Monday while Lengpui recorded 104mm. (With inputs from Embassy Lawbei) Tripura: 3,000 People Left Stranded, More Rains Likely in 24 hours At least 3,000 people have been left stranded in Tripura with torrential rains in the last 24 hours bringing the state to a standstill. Official sources said around 50 relief camps have been set up for flood-affected people with several low lying areas still remaining submerged. Vehicular movement on the national highway was disrupted due to heavy landslides at the Atharamura hill range. PWD authorities were engaged till late Tuesday night to clear debris and make the road operational. The Teliamura, Kanchanpur, Kumarghat, Sabroom and Sonamura subdivisions have been worst affected by heavy downpour. Kailashahar in Unakoti dictrict recorded 137 mm rain on Monday. (With inputs from Tanmoy Chakraborty) New Delhi: In a first, the HRD Ministry has issued directions to the Indian Institutes of Technology (IITs) to release a supplementary merit list for admission this year. IIT Kanpur, the organising institute for JEE-Advanced this year, has been asked to release a merit list with the number of candidates, which is twice the number of total seats on offer in each discipline and each category (general and reserved categories). The institute will have to release the supplementary merit list before choice-filling for joint seat allocation for IITs and NITs begins this week. "Responding to requests from students and IIT community to proactively ensure that all reservation seats are duly filled, I have directed @IIT Kanpur conducting JEE advanced to make available candidates, strictly as per merit, twice the number of seats in each category," Union HRD Minister Prakash Javadekar tweeted. The number of candidates who qualified the exam has always been at least twice the number of seats on offer. This year, however, the 18,138 students on the merit list are only 1.6 times the total seats, making it the smallest number of qualified candidates since 2012. new delhi: Hours after India voiced its concerns over the upcoming presidential elections in the Maldives, the Maldivian ambassador to India said things were being done with due regard to the law. Maldives foreign ministry will send a response to ministry of external affairs (MEA), assuring that things are being done in compliance with our laws, ambassador Ahmed Mohammed told News18. Lodging a strong protest, India on Thursday said there was serious doubt over the credibility of the elections in Maldives later this year. In a statement, the MEA said the government of Maldives had given long prison terms to the former President (Maumoon Abdul Gayoom) and the Supreme Court chief justice. This casts doubt on the commitment of the government of the Maldives to uphold the rule of law and will also call into question the credibility of the entire process of presidential elections in September this year, the ministry said. It added that India had repeatedly urged the Maldivian government to allow institutions to function in a free and independent manner and to permit genuine political dialogue among all political parties. It reiterates its advice to the government of the Maldives to restore the credibility of the electoral and political process by immediately releasing political prisoners, including former President Gayoom and Chief Justice Ali Hameed, and creating the necessary conditions for the participation of all political forces in the presidential elections, India said. In March earlier this year, a day before lifting the Emergency, the Maldivian government under President Yameen charged Gayoom with terrorism. Along with Gayoom, senior judges and police officials have also been charged for attempting to orchestrate an act of terrorism. The nine other people charged are Gayoom, Supreme Court chief Justice Abdulla Saeed, Justice Ali Hameed, Gayooms son and four other lawmakers. A former police commissioner has also been charged. Yameen imposed a state of emergency on February 5 for 15 days to annul a February 1 Supreme Court ruling that quashed convictions against nine opposition leaders and ordered his government to free those held in prison. He later extended the state of emergency for another 30 days with parliament approval, a move challenged by the opposition. India has repeatedly voiced its concern over the state of governance in Maldives and ties have hit an all-time low. Maldives has asked India to take back two of the copters it was gifted a few years ago. Recently, a top Maldivian parliamentarian was denied entry into India for which the Indian envoy in Maldives was summoned. The parliamentarian, Ahmed Nihan, had termed Indias actions as bullying. New Delhi: Protests erupted in the national capital against the central governments plan to introduce direct Lateral Entry at the Joint Secretary level for ten ministries on Thursday as demonstrators said it would "render the UPSC as a helpless body" and "rupture the reservation process". The government had recently issued an advertisement, opening the joint secretary posts in ministries to private sector. It stated that 'talented and motivated' officials working in Multi-National Companies (MNCs) or corporate houses can be directly recruited in Administrative Services of the government. Shouting slogans that they would not allow the Indian Administrative to turn into the Indian Ashirvad Service, Rozgar Mange India, an ad hoc group of government employees and activists, held a protest march in Delhi. They said the move would lead to only "loyal and faithful to government" individuals associated with MNCs "willing to invest in BJP's 2019 campaign" getting appointed. Union Public Service Commission, the body which trains and selects IAS, IFS and other officers have not been primarily given a role in the lateral entry process. Protestors termed this exclusion as a "well planned move" of the government to bypass the UPSC". "UPSC used to select candidates before. Now there is no mention of who will appoint them and it's anonymous. Government will select their own members. In UPSC too, around 40% seats were reduced. There will be no independence and autonomy of such a structure," said Niraj Kumar, member of the protesting group. Another question that was raised on the lateral entry process was the date of reservation. "What will happen to the reservation in the structure? This is there in the constitution from Article 315 to Article 323. But the constitution has gone for a toss under this government, said Sucheta De, convener of the group. Why do you want to destroy the constitution to appoint your own bureaucrats? Joint Secretaries are such an important part and keeping them aloof from reservation will destroy the very constitutional spirit of reservations, she added. Joint Secretaries are a crucial cog in senior management at the Centre and they lead policy-making as well as the implementation of various programmes and schemes. The primary criteria for selection to be joint secretaries according to the government advertisement was that the individual needs to be talented, motivated and be willing to work for the country. However, protesters demanded a rollback of this move as this "would lead to bypass any screening process. "They want talented, motivated and must love the country. So according to the government, UPSC is useless and government will decide this now," said one UPSC aspirant. The group stated that earlier cadre allocation in UPSC was done on the basis of ranks but now the government has made it dependent on performance. "It will now depend on how well you match the ideological preference of your trainer and not on rankings which have determined cadre allocation till now. This shows that the present government has clear intention to influence the expected neutrality of bureaucracy and appoint people in important positions based on loyalty to the ruling party," said another former government employee who did not wish to be named. This years UPSC advertisement also had massive seat cuts. The seats this year were reduced to 781 as compared to 1291 in 2014. This is a 40% reduction in vacancies. Earlier, NITI Aayog also recommended lateral entry of professionals as joint secretaries to tackle the shortage of officers. But way before all of this, in 2015, Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal recommended replacing bureaucrats with professionals and sector experts to infuse fresh energy and ideas in governance. New Delhi: In a first of its kind report, the United Nations Human Rights Office has called for a probe into alleged human rights violations in Kashmir by both India and Pakistan. The Office of the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) on Thursday said that it was not given full access to the area for a detailed investigation. India in its response said that the report violates its sovereignty and creates a false narrative. The report violates Indias sovereignty and territorial integrity. The entire state of Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. Pakistan is in illegal and forcible occupation of a part of the Indian state through aggression. We have repeatedly called upon Pakistan to vacate the occupied territories. The incorrect description of Indian territory in the report is mischievous, misleading and unacceptable. There are no entities such as Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan, the MEA statement said, adding that the report had ignored cross border terrorism from Pakistan. What India Says The MEA stated it is disturbing that those behind this report have chosen to describe internationally designated and UN-proscribed terrorist entities as armed groups and terrorists as leaders. This undermines the UN led consensus on zero tolerance to terrorism. The motivated report deliberately ignores that fundamental rights and freedoms guaranteed under the Constitution to every Indian citizen, including in the state of Jammu & Kashmir, are protected also by an independent judiciary, human rights commissions, free and vibrant media and an active civil society. We are deeply concerned that individual prejudices are being allowed to undermine the credibility of a UN institution, the statement said. The ministry also said that such malicious reports could not undermine the will of the people and the government of India to protect the territorial integrity of the country. The UN Report The report states that shortly after protests broke out after the killing of Hizbul Mujahideen commander Burhan Wani in July, 2016, the High Commissioner of Human Rights Zeid Raad al-Hussein met officials from both Pakistan and India and the two sides had two different versions of the situation. Husseins report further stated that both countries were asked for unconditional access to Kashmir. India rejected the request while Pakistan said that the office of the High Commissioner would be given access to Pakistan-administered Kashmir only if the latter obtained access to the Indian side as well. When the request for full access was rejected, OHCHR undertook remote monitoring of human rights violations. The report stated that the conclusions were based on information that was available on public domain, including some information that was obtained by the Right to Information Act. The OHCHR said that special laws in place like AFSPA and the Jammu and Kashmir Public Safety Act created structures that obstructed the normal course of law, impede accountability and jeopardize the right to remedy for victims of human rights violations. Section 7 of AFSPA 1990 prohibits the prosecution of security forces personnel unless the Government of India grants a prior permission or sanction to prosecute. This gives security forces virtual immunity against prosecution for any human rights violation. In the nearly 28 years that the law has been in force in Jammu and Kashmir, there has not been a single prosecution of armed forces personnel granted by the central government, the report said, adding that despite Supreme Court order to probe extra judicial killings in Manipur, there had been no such initiative in Kashmir. PSA has reportedly been widely used by the authorities in J&K to stifle dissent. It has been used to target human rights defenders, 75 journalists, separatists, 76 political leaders, suspected members of armed opposition groups and people involved in protests, the report further said, adding that during the 2016 unrest, several minor were detained under PSA, despite the Act having been amended to exclude minors from it. The report also slams India for using pellet guns and also condemns the arbitrary detentions and arrests. As a State party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, which prohibits torture under any circumstances (Article 7), India is obliged to ensure that no person is subjected to torture or to cruel, inhuman or degrading treatment or punishment. There have long been persistent claims of torture by security forces in Kashmir, Hussein said in his report, mentioning the incident of Farooq Dar being strapped to an Army vehicle as a human shield. Husseins report also states that enforced disappearances continue in the valley and slams the terrible state of law and order, which was evident from the Kunan-Poshpora mass rape, which took place 27 years ago and for which attempts to seek justice have been denied and blocked over the years by the authorities at different levels. On Pakistan, the OHCHR said that there was rampant misuse of Pakistans anti-terrorism Act against young activists and that there was violation of land rights, restrictions on freedom of religion and belief. What UN Recommends The OHCHR said that there needs to be an urgent need for meaningful dialogue that includes people of Kashmir. Consider the findings of this report, including the possible establishment of a commission of inquiry to conduct a comprehensive independent international investigation into allegations of human rights violations in Kashmir, Husseins report states. It also asked India to repeal AFSPA and to establish impartial and credible investigations to probe all civilian killings. Investigate all deaths that have occurred in the context of security operations in Jammu and Kashmir following the guidelines laid down by the Supreme Court of India Bring into compliance with international human rights standards all Indian laws and standard operating procedures relating to the use of force by law enforcement and security entities, particularly the use of firearms: immediately order the end of the use of pellet-firing shotguns in Jammu and Kashmir for the purpose of crowd control, Hussein said. It asked Pakistan to immediately release from prison or house arrest any political activists, journalists and other civil society actors who have been convicted for peacefully expressing their opinions. End the misuse of anti-terror legislation to persecute those engaging in peaceful political and civil activities and expressions of dissent, and amend the Anti-Terrorism Act to bring it in line with international human rights standards, including by incorporating human rights safeguards, the report further said. Jaipur: The Shree Rajput Karni Sena has threatened to chop off Rajasthan education minister Kiran Maheshwaris nose and ears for allegedly equating Rajputs with rats. The Rajput organisation has demanded an immediate apology in the case, even as the minister said she was not referring to the community. In a routine media briefing on Monday, Maheshwari, asked to respond to the fact that the Sarv Rajput Samaj Sangharsh Samiti had started a campaign against the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) ahead of the upcoming assembly polls, said: Aise bhi log hain jo barsati choohe (rats) hain, jo chunav aate hi bilon se nikal aatein hain (There are people like rainy rats who come out of their holes during election time). At its meeting on Tuesday, the Karni Sena warned the minister to apologise or face dire consequences, adding that she should have remembered the Deepika Padukone incident during the Padmaavat controversy before making such remarks. The BJP has come strong in Rajasthan with the help of the Rajput community. Maheshwari had won the last assembly elections with the help of these rats and hence, we will teach her a lesson in the coming elections. There are 40,000 Rajput voters in her constituency (Rajsamand). She should apologise immediately. Also, the state government should issue a statement, said Karni Senas state chief Mahipal Makrana in a video that went viral soon. He added that although they hold women in high regard, they will not tolerate women insulting the community. However, Maheshwari denied using any offensive language against the Rajputs and sought to clarify that her statements against the Congress were twisted to incite the community. Congress Rajasthan chief Sachin Pilot also condemned the incident and said Maheshwari should apologise to the Rajput community. The BJP has been hurting the sentiments of common man, communities and political parties with their derogatory comments which is highly objectionable. The education minister should apologise to the Rajput community, he said. Slamming Maheshwari, state Congress vice-president Archana Sharma said: When things aggravated and her comment drew flak from all parts of the state, Maheshwari changed her stand to come out clean and said she was targeting Congress with her rat remark. This shows poor mentality of the BJP which can come down to any level to prove themselves clean. Kolkata: A second-year college student was arrested for allegedly trying to supply banned drugs to her boyfriend during a visit to Dum Dum Correctional Home, in the northern fringes of the city on Wednesday. The college student was caught red-handed when she tried to supply heroin to her boyfriend on Tuesday, a senior official of the state Correctional Home department said. Tuesday was the woman's second visit to meet her boyfriend, an under-trial prisoner. "Guards were suspicious while the woman was handing over a case containing talcum powder to the inmate. When challenged her they found about 200 grams of heroin was found inside the powder case," the officer said. The jail authorities immediately contacted the Dum Dum Police station and cops arrested her. When contacted state Correctional Services minister, Ujjal Biswas said the matter would be dealt "very seriously". The woman was booked under various charges including the supply of narcotics. She was granted bail by a court at Barasat. On June 8, a doctor working at Alipore Correctional Home in Kolkata was arrested for allegedly supplying drugs, alcohol and mobile phones to inmates. Arunachal Pradesh: Injuries sustained by a man during a routine training exercise in which a bomb was dropped from a Su-30 MKI fighter jet has become a flashpoint between the Indian Air Force and villagers in the Kamle district of Arunchal Pradesh. The training mission was being carried out at the IAFs bombing and firing range at Dollongmukh circle when Bini Todum, a retired Sashastra Seema Bal jawan from Rigyu village, sustained shrapnel injuries and had to be rushed to the hospital. Locals alleged that the bomb was dropped beyond the designated range, leading to the mishap, a charge denied by the air force. The IAF has ordered a Court of Inquiry into the incident stating that tactical and technical reasons will be ascertained, and if any negligence is found, the victim will be compensated. TS Bini, a local and former Anchal Samiti Member (ASM) of Dollongmukh, alleged that this was not the only such incident. Three bombs were dropped from fighter jets from June 6 to June 8. It was a close shave for labourers on June 7 - they had just left the site when the bomb was dropped. On June 6, four Mithuns (the state animal) were killed. We did not let the authorities bury the carcasses and marched to the IAF office and left the bodies outside their gate as a mark of protest, Bini said. He further added that not a single paise has been paid as compensation for the losses incurred by the villagers. In September 1992, another person of Rigyu village named Bini Tabom was killed during one of IAFs bombing exercise. Locals also staged protests demanding that the range be shifted to another place where there is no threat to civilian life. Google images of the Dollungmukh range shows a number of villages have come up within the demarcated zone. Raga MLA of Kamle district cum parliamentary secretary Tamar Murtem wrote to Minister of State (Home) Kiren Rijiju on Tuesday, demanding that the bombing exercises be immediately stopped. Small firing can be practiced, but dropping heavy bombs is dangerous for our people. The IAF has earmarked firing range, but the bomb fell outside the dropping zone injuring one of our villagers, said Murtem. Official sources in the IAF told News18 that rapid encroachment by people in the restricted area and cutting down of trees along the demarcated range has put people at risk. The 4,150 acre site is used to train IAF air and ground crews in bomb deliveries, rocketry and gunnery. Citing that the training missions are in interest of national defense, IAF sources said that all exercise procedures are well in place, and that the Range Officer clears the area, controls range access and safety before each bombing exercise. However, the pressure on range security arises when people choose to enter despite restrictions. Google images of the Dollungmukh range shows a number of villages had come within the demarcated zone. In 2015, the IAF had lodged an FIR with the Ziro police station in Arunachal Pradesh alleging encroachment by locals in the range following which the Deputy Commissioner instructed the concerned authorities to take appropriate action. While villagers at Dollungmukh alleged that the live bombings were carried out without permission from the Arunachal government, it has been learned that approval was granted by both the Assam and Arunachal government. In an order issued by the Assam government in January 2018, a clearance was given to IAF to use the Dollungmukh range within the jurisdiction of Lakhimpur district for bombing and gunnery training from January-July 2018. A copy was also sent to the Deputy Commissioner of Lower Subansiri district, Ziro, Arunachal Pradesh and others concerned, and a directive was issued to clear the area of civilians and cattle, and restrict the entry of any vehicle during this time period. Another notification was issued by the government of Arunachal Pradesh on May 4, 2017, directing the district administration to take necessary precautions to protect life and property of the villagers living around the range during the period of live bombings from August 2017 to July 2018. In September 1965, a temporary transfer agreement was signed between Indian Air Force and Government of Assam over the formal handing and taking over of the Dulung Reserve Forest land under North Lakhimpur, sub-division of Lakhimpur district. Later, the government of Arunachal Pradesh leased the area to the Indian Air Force in 1975 for 50 years up to 2025. At the time of signing the agreement, the area was not as thickly populated as it is today. Over the years, government establishments including 10 government schools were built in Dollungmukh area. The Lower Subansiri hydroelectric project of National Hydroelectric Power Corporation (NHPC) is also not too far from the human settlement area. The Dollungmukh bombing and firing range in northeast is one of the four established ranges in the country. Ghaziabad: A man was arrested on Wednesday for concocting the story of his abduction after his live-in partner put pressure on him to marry her. The police have arrested Abhijeet Tiwari, a resident of Jhandapur village here and a native of Allahabad, Superintendent of Police (SP), City, Akash Tomar said. He had also demanded a "ransom" of Rs 20,000 from the woman, he said. The man had introduced himself to the woman as a bank employee and had also asked her to marry him. She was unaware that Tiwari was married and had two children, the SP said. The officer said around 15 days ago, he called her from Allahabad to Ghaziabad and during this period, they stayed at a rented accommodation in Jhandapur village as live-in partners, he said. On Monday, the woman put pressure on Tiwari for marriage, and a day later, he made a call in a female's voice and demanded a "ransom" of Rs 20,000, the SP said. The woman informed the Link Road police station that Tiwari had been abducted. On the basis of the call details, the police traced his location and arrested him from Jhandapur, the official said. During interrogation, he told the police that he had concocted his abduction to leave her. Police have sent him to jail, Tomar said. New Delhi: Maharashtra residents were in for a surprise on Thursday morning when they were informed that a special gift was awaiting them at petrol pumps on Raj Thackeray's birthday. Since then, long queues of two-wheelers could be seen at the fuel stations with people extending their greetings to the Maharashtra Navnirman Sena president, who turned 50 on Thursday. A warm birthday greetings to #RajThackeray ...Wish a long & healthy life...I post a some photo of 4 Rs. ... at mangatram petrol pump, bhandup west...... pic.twitter.com/OexfbbIBM6 Rajesh Nishad (@RajeshNishad_) June 14, 2018 Thackeray had announced a cut of Rs 4 to 9 per litre on petrol prices at select fuel station in Maharashtra on his birthday. The petrol price in the state was Rs 84.26 on Thursday. The waiver is being offered since 8 am in the morning and will continue till afternoon. Two-wheeler owners will be paying Rs 4-5 less at selected petrol stations in Maharashtra, one of the party workers told ANI. In Mumbai's Shivadi Assemby Constituency, we are giving a relief of Rs 9 per litre on petrol, he added. People could be seen getting their tanks full. Sagar, a two-wheeler vehicle owner, said that they have been hit the most by recent fuel price hike. It's for the first time that I have been able to get a tank full in my vehicle. Its a huge relief, he said. On @RajThackeray s bday his followers decided to give Rs 9 discount on Petrol and look what has happened. A sea of bikers at one of Mumbais petrol pump. pic.twitter.com/AhbSAGReHh Singh Varun (@singhvarun) June 14, 2018 Thackeray has been very vocal in his criticism of the BJP government's inaction over curbing fuel price rise. He also posted a cartoon showing PM Modi and BJP president Amit Shah making the common man suffer. New Delhi: Hours after the United Nations released a first of its kind report on human rights violation in Kashmir, Pakistan on Thursday said that it welcomed the international investigation into the issue, as proposed by the UN. India, earlier in the day, quashed the report calling it mischievous and misleading. In a statement, the Pakistan Foreign Office said that the proposal for an international investigation was consistent with its calls to this effect since 2016, even as India has continued to ignore legitimate demands for probe into gross and systematic violations, including pellet guns excessive use of force, arbitrary arrest and detentions as well as continued sexual violence as part of overall impunity enjoyed by Indian security forces. On Pakistan, the Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OHCHR) said that there was rampant misuse of Pakistans anti-terrorism Act against young activists and that there was violation of land rights, restrictions on freedom of religion and belief. The report also said that the Gilgit-Baltistan Empowerment and Self-Governance Order 2009 imposes similar restrictions on freedom of expression and association of people under its jurisdiction. The report also called for federal and local authorities to amend the constitutions of Azad Jammu and Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan to end the criminalization of the Ahmadiyya Muslims and to allow to them to freely and safely exercise their freedom of religion or belief. Further, OHCHR recommended abolishing blasphemy provisions in Azad Jammu Kashmir and Gilgit-Baltistan to facilitate the enjoyment of freedom of religion and belief by all people. The report by Office of the High Commissioner for Human Rights (OCHCR) clearly stipulates that its main focus is on the Indian Occupied Jammu & Kashmir. The contents, scale and the narrative of killings, maiming, abuse and impunity articulated in the report is a reaffirmation of what Pakistan has long highlighted for the international community, the statement by Pakistan FO said, adding that references to human rights concerns in Azad Jammu and Kashmir (AJK) and Gilgit-Baltistan should in no way be construed to create a false sense of equivalence with the gross and systematic human rights violations in India-occupied Kashmir. Pakistan further said that the lasting solution of the Jammu & Kashmir dispute is an essential imperative for peace, security and stability of South Asia and beyond. India's continued denial of this imperative, its unwillingness to engage in a dialogue process with Pakistan and suppression of Kashmiri aspirations for freedom continue to endanger regional and international peace and security, it said, adding that the UN had a clear role to play in the resolution of the dispute. Srinagar: Veteran journalist and Rising Kashmir editor Shujaat Bukhari was shot dead outside the newspaper's office in the heart of Srinagar by bike-borne gunmen on Thursday evening. Two personal security officers assigned to him by Jammu and Kashmir police were also killed whereas a civilian was injured in the attack, police said. Fifty-three-year-old Bukhari, who had worked as the state correspondent for national daily 'The Hindu' for several years, was shot dead soon after he boarded his car from his office located at Press Enclave in Lal Chowk. "While Shujaat Bukhari was travelling in a car near Press Enclave, he was fired (upon) indiscriminately which resulted in instant death of Bhukari and a PSO who was with him. The other PSO who was shifted to the hospital in critical condition has succumbed to his injury," the statement said. "Preliminary investigation...indicates this as a terror attack. Police is investigating the case and condemn this gruesome terror act," the statement said. The unidentified militants, believed to be three in number, were waiting as it is believed that they had the knowledge about the time Bukhari was to leave office. They fired indiscriminately on the vehicle carrying him and fled on a motorcycle along with a weapon of a Personal Security Officer (PSO) Abdul Hamid, who was also killed on the spot. Bukhari is survived by his wife and one son and a daughter. Police and locals inspect the damaged vehicle after suspected militants attacked senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari and his PSO's in Srinagar on Thursday. (PTI Photo) Grief-stricken relatives and friends of Shujaat Bukhari inside a police control room in Srinagar on Thursday. (PTI Photo) Another PSO, identified as Hameed, and a civilian were injured in the attack. The policeman later succumbed to his injuries at the hospital. The journalist is the brother of Bashrat Ahmed Bukhari, a minister in the Mehbooba Mufti government. An anguished Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti broke down while denouncing the "mindless" killing of Bukhari as she recalled her meeting with the renowned journalist a few days ago. "What can I say. Only a few days ago he had come to meet me," an emotional Mufti said, struggling to hold back her tears. Several organisations of journalists also condemned the killing. Hours before he was killed, Bukhari distinguishable by his over six-foot tall frame and husky voice was steadfastly defending his work on microblogging site Twitter when he was accused by some Delhi-based journalists of biased coverage. "...In #Kashmir we have done Journalism with pride and will continue to highlight what happens on ground," he had said in the tweet. As the news of his cold-blooded killing spread, the social media reacted with shock and disgust about the cowardly act as politicians, journalists and common people expressed their condolences and condemnation of the barbaric act. Mufti said in a message that she was shocked and saddened by Bukhari's "sudden demise". "The scourge of terror has reared its ugly head on the eve of Eid. I strongly condemn this act of mindless violence & pray for his soul to rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family," the chief minister said on Twitter. Terrorism, she said, has hit a new low with Bukhari's killing, "that too on the eve of Eid". "We must unite against forces seeking to undermine our attempts to restore peace. Justice will be done," Mehbooba said. Home minister Rajnath Singh said he was extremely pained by Bukharis death and called it an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He said he did not have an iota of doubt that terrorists killed Bukhari. The killing of @RisingKashmir editor, Shujaat Bukhari is an act of cowardice. It is an attempt to silence the saner voices of Kashmir. He was a courageous and fearless journalist. Extremely shocked & pained at his death. My thoughts and prayers are with his bereaved family, he tweeted. Rahul Gandhi also offered his condolences to the family and said Bukhari would be missed. Im anguished to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of @RisingKashmir. He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu & Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed, tweeted. Leader of Opposition in Rajya Sabha Ghulam Nabi Azad termed him a close friend and lauded his role during the floods of 2014. "In him we have lost a fearless journalist and a great social worker," he said. BJP national General Secretary Ram Madhav also termed the senior journalist's killing a cowardly act by the terrorists. In a tweet, he said, "Shocked to hear about d attack on d Editor-in-Chief of Rising Kashmir Shujaat Bukhari in Srinagar. Reprehensible n condemnable cowardly act of d terrorists (sic)" Former Jammu and Kashmir chief minister and National Conference (NC) leader Omar Abdullah said, "Shocked beyond words. May Shujaat find place in Jannat & May his loved ones find strength at this difficult time." Abdullah also posted a screenshot of his last conversation with Bukhari on Twitter. Bukhari was instrumental in organising several conferences for peace in the Kashmir Valley. He was also part of the Track II process with Pakistan. Survival is the first challenge for any journalism venture in Kashmir Shujaat Bukhari wrote three months ago in an editorial to commemorate the tenth anniversary of his newspaper, Rising Kashmir. On Thursday, he was killed by a hail of bullets outside his newspapers office in the heart of Srinagar by bike-borne gunmen. His personal security officer assigned to him by Jammu and Kashmir police was also killed in the attack. Bukhari, an eminent journalist from Kashmir, was known to be a bold voice from the Valley. He had survived three assassination attempts on previous occasions. He was the brother of Basharat Bukhari, who is a PDP leader and an MLA from the Sangrama constituency in North Kashmir. Bukahri had extensively worked with The Hindu and was Bureau Chief of the esteemed daily. Recipient of World Press Institute USA fellowship, Bukhari had done his Masters in Journalism from Ateneo de Manila University, Manila as a fellow of Asian Centre for Journalism. Bukhari was also a fellow at East West Centre at USAs Hawaii. Known for his balanced editorials, Bukhari frequently wrote on the Kashmir issue. In one of his recent columns for Rising Kashmir, Bukhari had written about the Ramzan Ceasefire and how it was a positive step in normalizing the situation in Kashmir. Bukhari had written: Despite the scepticism from various quarters and even outright rejection, the announcement came as a glimmer of hope for the common people who have been suffering due to the continuous grind of violence. Death of both the militants who have joined the ranks in past few years and the civilians who become the collateral damage has become unbearable. Another of Bukharis recent column in the newspaper Rising Kashmir which he edited, talked extensively about the need of revocation of the Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFPSA) from the valley. In the column, Bukhari had written: Why is AFSPA despised in Kashmir? It is not just the law that has infringed upon civil liberties in the state, but also the large footprint of the armed forces in the name of security, who have abused their unbridled powers. Examples of Pathribal, Bandipore, Ganderbal, Handwara and Machil staged encounters are still fresh in the minds of the people. Bukhari, in many of his written works, had called for an end to the cross-border firing along the Line of Control (LoC). In an article on March 3 this year when the LoC was witnessing rampant cross-border firing, Bukhari had written how the ceasefire violations ended up harming both the countries. As things have gone from bad to worse what is missing is a Standard Operating Procedure that could be followed in a ceasefire. A mechanism is also missing and nearly no contact between the two countries is adding to the woes of the people, Bukhari had written in the article. Bukharis last column for Rising Kashmir was on fake news, which he called a multifarious challenge that had come mostly with fast changing technology. The article was written after he had come back from Lisbon, where he participated as a speaker during the Global Editors Network summit. Bukhari was also a known face in events that focused on the Kashmir conflict. His recent appearance was during the book launch of The Spy Chronicles: RAW, ISI and the Illusion of Peace jointly authored by former RAW chief Amarjit Singh Dulat and former ISI chief Mohammad Asad Durrani, besides journalist and author, Aditya Sinha. During the event, Bukhari had put forth his views on the recent spurt in militancy in Kashmir. Bukhari, during the event, had said: The generation born after 1989 only saw barrel of guns and the incidents like the speed tracking of execution of Muhammad Afzal Guru that only fueled militancy in the State. Being critical of the Modi government at the center, Bukhari said, New Delhis Kashmir policy since the beginning had not been based on justice and fairness while the Modi government had pushed them to the wall. New Delhi: An Unidentified Flying Object (UFO) was seen hovering near Prime Minister Narendra Modis Lok Kalyan Marg residence on June 7, sparking fears of a security threat. The incident sent security personnel into a tizzy but police are still clueless about what the flying object was. The area around the Prime Ministers house till a 2km radius is a no-fly zone. On spotting the flying object, SPG officials posted at Modis residence immediately made a PCR call but by the time a police team arrived, the object was out of sight. After the incident was reported at 7.30pm that day, the message was conveyed to the National Security Guard and Delhi Air Traffic Control. The Central Industrial Security Force (CISF) and Delhi Airport authority were also informed by the PMs security unit. However, even after a massive search for several hours, the UFO could not be found. Deputy commissioner of police, New Delhi district, Madhur Verma, told CNN-News 18, We have not registered any FIR. It could have been a drone, which is common. I cannot disclose more information. London: India has been informed by the UK's Crown Prosecution Service (CPS) that it can initiate extradition proceedings against Indian diamantaire Nirav Modi even though his exact whereabouts remain uncertain, a senior Indian official said on Thursday. The Central Bureau of Investigation (CBI) has begun the process of filing an extradition request for Modi, which will then have to be approved by the UK Home Office following which an extradition warrant can be issued. "There is no confirmation about Nirav Modi's whereabouts. He could be in the UK or indeed left the UK since his last reported exit on a flight to Paris. We have now been advised by the CPS that we can proceed with an extradition request so that a warrant can be issued and he can be arrested on being traced," the official said. According to information available in the UK, Modi wanted in India for an alleged Rs 13,500 crore Punjab National Bank (PNB) fraud arrived in London earlier this year on an Indian passport. The UK government was informed about the revocation of that particular passport via a formal Note Verbale from the Indian authorities on February 19, following which the UK Home Office indicated that the businessman had already entered the UK on that travel document but there was no record of him exiting the country. This gave rise to speculation in India that Modi may be hiding out in the UK. However, subsequently the Indian authorities became aware of multiple Indian passports being used by the diamond merchant, with his last documented exit from the UK at the end of March by air to Paris. It remains unclear exactly how many passports Modi has been travelling on in the last few months and strict data protection laws in the UK have prevented the British government from confirming if he has indefinite leave to remain (ILR) in the UK or if he has sought to apply for political asylum. If he has ILR in the UK, he would have to be extradited. However, if that is not the case, he can be deported on the basis of illegally travelling to Britain using fraudulent travel documentation. We are pursuing both these lines, the senior Indian official said. If Modi goes ahead with a political asylum request in the UK, it is likely to delay any extradition proceedings at the very least. It is much harder to succeed in an asylum claim from a constitutional democracy like India. However, if there was evidence of an unfair trial, a person's claim might succeed, said Mark Symes, a senior immigration barrister who has represented another wealthy Indian national in the past who was refused asylum by the UK Home Office but won the claim before an independent judge on appeal. Generally speaking, a person needs to prove they face persecution rather than prosecution. So, a legitimate prosecution that leads to a lawful conviction following a fair trial could not give rise to a viable claim. However, if the charges were politically motivated or the trial was very unfair or excess punishment might result, the claim might succeed, he explains. A non-bailable warrant was issued against Modi and 10 other accused, including his family members, in the PNB fraud case following a chargesheet filed by the Enforcement Directorate (ED) last month. The businessman is believed to have left India with his family around a month before the PNB filed its first complaint with the CBI at the beginning of this year. Since then there has been a flurry of media speculation over his whereabouts and the kind of passport he is travelling on. Most of these reports have either been officially denied or remain unsubstantiated. The UK Home Office has refused to comment on individual cases. Passersby cheered and cars honked as the couple in wedding clothes posed for pictures on the iconic Paulista Avenue of Brazil's bustling economic hub Sao Paulo. Husband and wife Ademir Avelino, 52, and Glaucia Sudan, 45, laughed and waved, enjoying the attention. They're used to it. The Brazilian husband and wife have the unusual hobby of traveling around the world pretending they've just got hitched again. After posing in full wedding garb from Europe to the Middle East and Australia, they returned to do it all over in their native city just ahead of Brazil's version of Valentine's Day on Tuesday. The obsession started after they didn't get any pictures at their actual wedding in Sao Paulo in 2014. They've made up for lost time. "Now it's become a hobby: wherever we go, we put a day aside for a shoot," Sudan said. The pair, both business consultants, post their adventures on Facebook and Instagram, under the title "Getting married there," or "Casando por ai" in Portuguese, to encourage others to do the same. New Delhi: In 2013, as Sheila Dikshits 15-year-long tenure as Chief Minister of Delhi inched to closure, several of her close confidantes in the bureaucracy took voluntary transfer out of the city. Around the same time Manohar Parrikar had come to power in Goa and was forming his team. Since Arunachal Pradesh, Goa, Mizoram and Union Territories have a common pool of all India service officers to draw from, several of these officers got transferred to Goa. One morning a newspaper headline screamed, Sheilas confidants now part of Parrikars team. This sums up the nature of bureaucracy in this country apolitical. The political leadership should have the wherewithal to make the bureaucracy work, which owns its final accountability to the blue book drafted by a gentleman called Dr Bhimrao Ambedkar, laws passed by the Parliament and rules of the business drawn thereafter, and not the whims and fancies of elected body of law makers which are sought to be camouflaged as desire of the people. The permanent executive, as the bureaucracy is defined in the lexicon of public administration, is expected to keep checks and balances on the elected representatives and vice-versa. This arrangement has friction inherent in it. In physics, which Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal must have studied at IIT, its said, Friction provides required energy. Good part of friction is it help us move about without falling all the time. If Kejriwal and his ministers feel that the citys bureaucracy failed to abide by their legitimate orders, they could have moved the court and sought a direction. Instead they have decided to sit on dharna at the Raj Niwas. This move certainly is more than an attempt at making the bureaucracy work; its actually directed at the resuscitating fast weakening political sinews of the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP). When Kejriwal vied for Assembly elections in Delhi in 2013 and again 2015, he could not have been unaware of the governmental structure of the National Capital Territory of Delhi, having run his NGO in Delhi for over two decades and at times in partnership with the Delhi government. Thus, he should have known about the checks and balances which he would have to encounter to govern the city. Its another matter that he said that his belief was that the power should rest with him and not the Lieutenant Governor, as ordained under the National Capital Territory Act 1993. He went to the court, and then in August 2016, the Delhi High Court ruled that the Lieutenant Governor was the administrative head of Delhi and declared that the decisions taken by the Delhi government without consulting the LG were illegal. Having been shown his place by the court, Kejriwal has no other option but to get into histrionics to keep himself politically relevant. After-all, Congress president Rahul Gandhi refused to extend an invitation to the AAP leaders for the iftar which he hosted on Wednesday, keeping them out of the frame of the opposition unity. Coming to the question of statehood for the national capital, without the grant of which Kejriwals deputy Manish Sisodia would not break his indefinite fast, is financially untenable for the city. Elected city government may complain about not being allowed a free run, as in the case of other states but it should not be forgotten that the pampered and prime status of Delhi is all thanks to the Centres intervention. Delhis annual state budget today is almost Rs 50,000 crore. The sum is much bigger than the budget of several full-fledged state governments. In addition, the budget does not include the expenditure on Delhi Police, which is part of the Union Budget. Even the responsibility for pension liabilities of former Delhi government employees lies with the Centre. Moreover, the Delhi governments budget only includes part funding of the three municipal corporations. It contributes no funds to the New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC) and Delhi Development Authority (DDA). These civic bodies raise their own revenues and the shortfall is met by the Central government. Given the situation, if Centre was to give full statehood to the national capital, along with control over the NDMC area, Delhis Budget outlay would jump to at least Rs 80,000 crore. Where will the additional sum come from? However, it should also not be forgotten that in the past whenever Delhi lived within its means, it has enjoyed unlimited fiscal autonomy, like any other state. This has been possible by positive cash balance. But, whenever the state government tries to live beyond the means, it has to go to the centre as a supplicant as it has very meagre means of its own revenue. In such situations, all financial decisions, which in turn also affects all administrative decisions, becomes subject to the central nod. Thus, the delivery of rations at doorsteps would need funds, which have to be provided by the Centre; so would putting security guards on buses, and CCTV cameras in every nook and cranny. The promises which the Aam Aadmi Party made in the run-up to the 2015 assembly elections all need a huge injection of capital to deliver on the assurances. A subsidy propelled poll campaign has is now proving to be a political albatross around the neck of the Kejriwal government. The AAP government in Delhi has so far found it difficult to wriggle itself out of the situation created by itself. With dates of polls drawing close, its trying various means to remain relevant, including seeking an alliance with the Congress. Since the alliance has failed to materialise so far, it has to seek other means to remain the frame, for which dharna is their time-tested tool. (The writer is a senior journalist. Views are personal) Chennai: The Madras High Court gave a split verdict on petitions challenging the disqualification of 18 AIADMK MLAs owing allegiance to TTV Dinakaran. Chief Justice Indira Banerjee upholds Speaker's order disqualifying the MLAs, while Justice M Sundar striked it down. The verdict comes as a breather for the EPS-OPS faction of the AIADMK, while the TTV Dinakaran faction may pin its hopes on a larger bench. The EPS-OPS faction might use this time to entice some of the 18 MLAs back into fold. Dinakaran said the verdict only gives two-three months time to the Tamil Nadu government and the 18MLAs will continue to support him. These 18 MLAs were choosen by 'Amma' (late Jayalalithaa). Just because some of the MLAs didn't turn up today it doesnt mean they are not with me or they will betray me. None of these people will be tempted by money. This is an ideological battle. AIADMK government is anti-people, he said. The opposition DMK has been claiming that with the disqualification of the MLAs, the Palaniswami government had been reduced to a minority. The ruling AIADMK has a strength of 116 MLAs excluding the Speaker but including S Karunaas (Mukkulathor Pulipadai), M Thamimun Ansari (Manithaneya Jananayaga Katchi) and U Thaniyarasu (Tamil Nadu Kongu Ilaignar Peravai), who had won on the ruling party's two leaves symbol in the 2016 polls. While 18 MLAs owing allegiance to Dinakaran were disqualified, the DMK has 89 MLAs, its allies Congress eight and the IUML one in the 234-member strong House. Dinakaran got elected from RK Nagar last year and is the lone Independent member of the House. Dinakaran, nephew of VK Sasikala, had been claiming that the Palaniswami government would not last long. The MLAs were disqualified after they had called on Tamil Nadu governor expressing lack of confidence in the leadership of Palaniswami and seeking a change of guard. Lucknow: Putting speculations to rest, former chief minister and Samajwadi Party national president Akhilesh Yadav has announced that he will contest the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha elections from Kannauj, his wife Dimples seat. Samajwadi Party patriarch Mulayam Singh Yadav will give Azamgarh a miss and contest from Mainpuri instead. News18 had reported in January this year about the leaders planning to contest from Kannauj and Mainpuri. Akhilesh announced his move during an interaction with the media ahead of his meeting with SP workers at the party headquarters in Lucknow on Thursday. Accompanied by his wife, he said, I have decided to contest from Kannauj as it has been the bastion of Lohia ji and then Neta ji (Mulayam Singh Yadav). Kannauj has always been good to me and also my wife Dimple won from there. People of Kannauj will give a befitting reply to the Opposition. He added, Neta ji will contest from Mainpuri and we all will make sure that he wins by a huge margin. The decision on seat sharing in the gathbandhan (alliance) will be taken with time. But all the Samajwadi workers should make sure they win their booths, no matter who the candidate is. The decision comes in the backdrop of the partys defeat in the traditional strongholds of Kannauj, Mainpuri, Firozabad and other districts during last years state assembly and municipal elections. Mulayam is currently a Member of Parliament from Azamgarh. However, he decided to contest from Mainpuri to revive the partys traditional vote bank in its home turf. On the other hand, rumours were rife that Dimple would not contest from Kannauj after Akhilesh, while replying to allegations of dynasty politics, said his wife would not contest in the next elections. New Delhi: Delhi Lieutenant Governor Anil Baijal has been working from home for the past three days as Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his three ministerial colleagues continued their sit-in at his office, sources said on Thursday. Baijal has been holding meetings with officers at the camp office at his residence, which is just behind the L-G Secretariat where Kejriwal and his three ministers have been staging the sit-in since Monday evening. The sources said the L-G was going through files related to Delhi Police, Delhi Development Authority and other departments at his residence, but he did not receive any Delhi government files as the chief minister and his three ministers continued their protest. "Today's emergency meeting on severe dust pollution was also held at the L-G's residence. He (L-G) has been working from his residence since the sit-in by the chief minister and his ministers began," one of the sources told PTI. Delhi minister Imran Hussain, who is not taking part in the protest by the chief minister, attended the meeting at the L-G's camp office on Thursday. Kejriwal and ministers Manish Sisodia, Gopal Rai and Satyendar Jain have been staying put at the waiting room of the L-G office over their demands, including a direction to IAS officers to end their "strike" and action against those who have struck work. They also want the L-G to approve the proposal for doorstep delivery of ration. Meanwhile, the chief minister's wife Sunita Kejriwal alleged that families of the ministers were not being allowed to meet them. "Respected L-G sir, are we four ladies, mother and wife of CM, wife of Dy CM and wife of Satyendar Jain threat to your security that you are not allowing us to enter the road leading to your house? Kindly intervene. Please do not feel so threatened by everyone. Regards (sic)," Sunita Kejriwal tweeted. AAP leader Sanjay Singh also alleged that nobody was being allowed to meet the chief minister during his sit-in at the L-G Secretariat and asked if he had been arrested. The sources said that ministers' family members can meet them outside the L-G office as no restriction has been imposed on such meeting. U.S. Senator Roger Wicker, head of the Helsinki Commission, introduced a bipartisan resolution urging President Donald Trump to sanction seven countries including Turkey for violating religious freedoms. As Ahvalnews writes in an article "Top U.S. senator proposes sanctions on Turkey", Resolution 539 called for measures against Turkish officials who are responsible for the imprisonment of pastor Andrew Brunson, jailed since 2016 on terrorism charges. Turkey accuses Brunson of collaborating with the Fethullah Gulen movement, which it blames for orchestrating a failed military coup in July 2016 and designates as a terrorist organization. Brunson denies the charges, which are seen by some observers as hostage diplomacy in reaction to the failure of the United States to comply with a Turkish request to extradite Gulen from his home in Pennsylvania. Turkey recently granted Brunson belated medical treatment and approved his request for a jail transfer as a court case continues. Helsinki Commissioner Sen. Jeanne Shaheen is the lead co-sponsor of the resolution, Hurriyet said. Other co-sponsors include Helsinki Commissioners Sen. Thom Tillis, Sen. John Boozman, Sen. Cory Gardner and Sen. James Lankford. The resolution also called for the re-designation of three nations -- Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, and Uzbekistan -- as Countries of Particular Concern. Individual violators in all seven countries should be prevented from entering the United States and given financial sanctions, the document said. This resolution is a blueprint for action in a region where governments have often attacked religious freedom instead of protecting it, Wicker said. When governments take steps toward improvement, as Uzbekistan has done, we should support and bolster their efforts. Bengaluru: Ignoring the patch-up efforts by the leadership to end disquiet within Karnataka Congress over denial of ministerial berths, disgruntled legislators continued to mount pressure on the party to address their grievances. Some Congress MLAs are likely to meet on Friday under the leadership of senior legislator and former minister MB Patil to discuss their further course of action. They are also likely to demand a second round of cabinet expansion soon. PTI reported. Discontent within the Congress had surfaced soon after the cabinet expansion on June 6, with disgruntled MLAs holding separate meetings and expressing displeasure openly over being left out of the ministry. In an attempt to quell the brewing discontent, Patil, who has emerged as the leader of a group of dissident MLAs, was recently called to Delhi where he met Congress President Rahul Gandhi. Also, AICC secretaries Manickam Tagore and Vishnunath in the last two days have met several party MLAs who have been holding meetings under the leadership of another senior Congress leader and former minister H K Patil, and have heard their grievances. Meanwhile, Congress General Secretary in-charge of Karnataka K C Venugopal, who is in the city on Thursday to attend Congress-JD(S) coalition Coordination and Monitoring Committee meeting, met several upset MLAs, including H K Patil, Tanveer Sait and Shivalli among others, in an effort to pacify them. Speaking to reporters after the meeting, H K Patilsaid, Venugopal has assured him a meeting with Rahul Gandhi. Responding to a question, he said, "whatever responsibility party gives me, recognising me as an honest worker of the party, I'm ready to take it up. I believe that our high command and people of the state know my ability," he added. Stating that the party has ignored providing a leadership to the Muslim community, Sait, a former minister after meeting Venugopal, expressed unhappiness over Congress giving ministership to other Muslim MLAs U T Khaderand Zameer Ahmed Khan and questioned their ability in providing leadership to the community. He also alleged that Zameer Ahmed Khan, who joined Congress from JD(S) ahead of the assembly polls had conspired against him during the state assembly elections. Lucknow: Politics over Uttar Pradeshs missing taps has put former chief minister and national president of Samajwadi Party (SP) Akhilesh Yadav on the back foot as he struggles to protect Brand Akhilesh ahead of the 2019 elections. The row over the alleged damage caused to the bungalow vacated by the former chief minister has provided political ammunition to the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). By demolishing Brand Akhilesh, the saffron party aims to create fissures in the opposition unity. For the party, the political narrative has shifted seamlessly from the erstwhile Daulat ki Beti (in reference to former chief minister Mayawati) to labelling Yadav Toti Chor or tap thief. An administrative issue between the governments department of state property and the former chief minister has now escalated into a full-fledged political war between the BJP and the Samajwadi Party where Yadav seems to be getting no support from his allies such as the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP), Rashtriya Lok Dal (RLD), Congress or the Left. Talking about the BJPs strategy, state general secretary and MLC Vijay Bahadur Pathak said, Yadav has no answers to charges of theft from the bungalow he was allocated. Till the time he answers, we will continue to question. The fact that the BJP and the state government chose to go soft on Mayawati when she vacated her bungalow compared to the aggressive stand against Yadav is also a well thought out strategy. The BSP chief, while vacating her bungalow, put the government in a fix by declaring that the property concerned was also a memorial for Dalit leader and party founder Kanshi Ram. Though the government now has the keys to the property, it still carries the board of the Kanshi Ram Memorial Vishram Sthal. Sources said for the time being, the government had decided to maintain the status quo. The property will not be allocated as a residence and security personnel have been deployed at the site to prevent any damage to the memorial. Political observers feel this has been a win-win situation for the BJP. While it may help the party create fissures in the opposition unity by discrediting a senior opposition leader, silence on Mayawati would also reflect concern for the strong Dalit vote bank. Prashant Trivedi, assistant professor at the Lucknow-based Giri Institute of Development Studies said, The BJP government has drawn a lot of criticism on the issue of governance and has also faced humiliation in bypolls. In such a scenario, targeting a key opposition leader can be both a diversionary tactic as well as an effort to break opposition unity. He added, Its politically prudent for the BJP to not open a joint front against both Akhilesh and Mayawati at the same time. Unlike his predecessor, Yadav has, so far, been unable to build a strong counter to the BJPs onslaught. This was evident during his press conference on Wednesday when brandishing bathroom taps in his hand, he accused the BJP of acting out of hate and anger after it was defeated in the bypolls. Further, he claimed that he took only those fittings that he installed using his own money. Yadavs defence, however, backfired as Uttar Pradesh cabinet minister Siddharth Nath Singh called it a proof of the SP leaders ill-gotten wealth. Singh said, If he accepts that he spent from his pocket on the government bungalow, then its a fit case for the Income Tax department to probe the sources of such huge expenditure. Ahmedabad: Patidar quota agitation leader Hardik Patel on Thursday stirred a controversy by making a claim about the resignation of Gujarat Chief Minister Vijay Rupani, who rubbished it as "lies" and "false rumours". Rupani said there was no question of resigning and that he will complete his five-year term. During his visit to Rajkot today, Patel claimed that Rupani had resigned during yesterday's cabinet meeting after being asked by his party to do so. "Rupani had resigned yesterday during the cabinet meet. I am saying this with full confidence. Rupani was asked to resign because he has failed to handle the administration properly," the 24-year-old quota agitation spearhead told reporters. "A new chief minister will be appointed within 10 days. The party (BJP) will chose either a Patidar or a Rajput as the new chief minister," he further claimed. Upon learning about such claims, Rupani said, "Hardik is spreading blatant lies to be in media. I wonder if he is aware about the procedure that the resignation has to be handed over to the governor at Raj Bhawan, not in the cabinet meeting." Talking to reporters in Gandhinagar, he said there was absolutely no discussion going on in the party or government or at the senior leadership level about it (resignation). "I have not given any resignation and there is no question of doing so because people have given us their mandate to serve them for five years," said Rupani. Terming Patel as a "Congress agent", he said some people were spreading such false rumours to derail Gujarat's journey of development. "It is possible that some people did not like the poll outcome. People know that he (Hardik) has worked as a Congress agent for many years. Thus, it is natural that he is feeling uncomfortable. Otherwise, what he has claimed is totally false," Rupani added. Deputy Chief Minister Nitin Patel also rubbished such claims, saying it was the handiwork of the BJP's opponents. "Our chief minister has not resigned. No such development took place yesterday. These all are false and baseless rumours being spread by the BJP's opponents to stir controversies. But, we (BJP leaders) will always remain together despite such rumours," he asserted. Patna: As the nation awaits Eid celebrations after Ramzan, political alliances in Bihar are counting on gains and losses arising out of the several Iftar parties hosted by them during the last fortnight. The biggest Iftar parties were hosted by leader of opposition and Lalu Yadavs heir apparent Tejashwi Yadav and Chief Minister Nitish Kumars Janata Dal (United) on Wednesday evening. Tejashwi Yadav turned his event into a platform to showcase that all was well within the Lalu family, timed as it was in the backdrop of his elder brother Tej Pratap Yadavs sharp criticism against the party leadership. On Wednesday, the Yadav brothers showed bonhomie and affection for each other and kept a place of honour for party veteran Ramchandra Purve, who was said to be reason for Tej Prataps outburst. BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha attended the iftar party hosted by Tejashwi Yadav and Tej Pratap Yadav. However, the presence of disgruntled BJP MP Shatrughan Sinha stole the show. The Yadav brothers along with Misa Bharti were heard openly telling him to fight the next Lok Sabha elections on an RJD ticket. Tej Pratap went ahead and said, RJD inhi ki party hai. Ye jahan se chahen chunav ladh sakte hain (RJD is his party. He can fight election from wherever he wants). Another surprise guest was Ghulam Gaus, a JD(U) leader who only four days ago had hosted Iftar dinner that was attended by Nitish Kumar himself. Nitish had chosen to skip NDA ally Upendra Kushwahas Iftar party hosted the same day. Tejashwi not only showcased unity in the grand alliance but tried to mirror chinks within the ruling NDA through his Iftar party. He openly said the time had come for Kushwaha to join him as well. It is only a matter of time, he quipped. Just a kilometre away in Haj house, JD(U) also held its Iftar dinner. While Tejashwhis event had two surprising faces, the JD(U)s had three. But it was not smooth sailing as it was almost derailed by confusion and bitterness within the NDA. As no big leader from JD(U), BJP or LJP had attended the Iftar hosted by RLSP leader Kushwaha, he two denied receiving any invitation extended to his party by JD(U). But in a last minute effort, JD(U) president Bashishtha Narayan Singh himself called Kushwaha and invited to join Iftar. Although he still did not turn up, he sent his juniors to the venue. As the Iftar went by, all were surprised to see three people - Congress MLAs Munna Tiwary and Sudarshan and RJD MLA Maheshwar Yadav, who like Shatrughan Sinha has been a vocal critique of his own party leadership. When asked about his presence there instead at Tejashwis bungalow, he said Nitish was his leader and the RJD was free to take action against him. At the end it was 3-2 in favour of NDA, but Tejashwhi got the bigwigs in his favour. There was no denying that both the camps had to do a lot of firefight to keep the folks together and there is no guarantee of what their future plans hold. New Delhi: The sit-in by Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and his ministers, on Thursday, received more political support including from Tamil actor Kamal Haasan and parties like the RJD, CPI (M) and the CPI which accused the BJP-led central government of creating hurdles in the work of AAP government. CPI (M) general secretary Sitaram Yechury alleged that the central government was using the office of the L-G to "obstruct" the elected government in Delhi in discharging of its constitutional duties. "This is despicable. The Centre must abandon this course of confrontation right away," Yechury tweeted. Kejriwal and his three cabinet colleagues Manish Sisodia, Gopal Rai and Satyendar Jain have held a sit-in the L-G's office since Monday evening over their demands, including a direction to officers to end their "strike" and action against those who have struck work. They also want the L-G to approve the proposal for doorstep delivery of ration. Haasan, who in February launched his own political party Makkal Needhi Maiam (MNM) in Tamil Nadu at an event attended by Kejriwal, said that interference in the functioning of an elected government is "unacceptable in a democracy". "Interference in the functioning of an elected government is unacceptable in a democracy. In fact what is happening in Delhi and in TN/Puducherry are not too different. It is frustrating for people who want a change for the better," he tweeted. RJD leader Tejashwi Yadav said that the "dictatorial Centre" has made a "mockery of democracy" in Delhi and Puducherry. In a Hindi tweet, Yadav said that interference in the functioning of elected governments through "pawns of the Centre is bloodying the contexts and aspirations of the democracy". Rebel JD (U) leader Sharad Yadav also came out in support of Kejriwal, saying "the elected government is not being allowed to work for one reason or the other." "It is not a good precedent being set that the elected government is not allowed to work. It may be mentioned that this is not a failure of the state government, but the people of Delhi are being neglected due to the unnecessary tussle between the L-G and the state government," he said in a statement. According to the statement, Yadav urged the central government to take "initiative" to settle the issues of Delhi government once for all so that the people of Delhi "feel comfortable". The Delhi unit of Communist Party of India (CPI) also strongly condemned the attitude of Lt Governor Anil Baijal "by not meeting" the chief minister and his ministers who are sitting since Monday in the waiting hall of the L-G Secretariat office. "The CPI is of the view that no constitutional authority in Delhi can be an agent of any political party or its ideology and cannot bypass or neglect the elected government of Delhi," the party said in a statement. Yesterday, West Bengal Chief Minister and Trinamool Congress (TMC) chief Mamata Banerjee said that the elected chief minister, who is sitting in a dharna at L-G's office, must get due respect. "@ArvindKejriwal, CM of Delhi is sitting in a dharna in L-G's office for the last few days in the capital city of the country. Elected CM must get due respect. May I appeal to the Govt of India and @LtGovDelhi to resolve the problem immediately so that people do not suffer (sic)." Banerjee tweeted. Earlier, the RLD too had supported Kejriwal on the issue. Neural Machine Translation (NMT) technology is what helps users make sense when trying to directly translate expressions and phrases from their native language to that of another. Previously only available on the online version, Google Translate this week announced that NMT is now able to run directly from users' devices, whether Android or iOS. An offline mode of Google Translate isn't exactly new, it's been helping those traveling abroad for a while now -- but with limited accuracy. However the technology that provides more accurate translations to the online version is now available to those with limited or no connectivity. This is particularly useful for those without a data plan when on holiday in a country that speaks a language that you don't know. The neural system translates whole sentences at a time, rather than piece by piece. It uses broader context to help determine the most relevant translation, which it then rearranges and adjusts to sound more like a real person speaking with proper grammar. This makes translated paragraphs and articles a lot smoother and easier to read explains the announcement. For improved accuracy both online and offline, Google advises following a few simple steps. Once the Google Translate app is open, click on the banner that should appear on the home screen to update offline files. Anyone just hearing about the offline version now and interested in making use of it can head over to the offline translation settings and click on the arrow next to whichever language is desired to download the package. Google is rolling out the update in 59 languages over the next few days. Watch: Top 5 iOS 12 Features Announced at Apple WWDC 2018 Minnesota: A raccoon that climbed to the top of a 25-storey St. Paul, Minnesota, skyscraper early on Wednesday was captured after becoming a star on the web, where it won the hearts of followers across the United States and around the globe. After a delicious meal of soft cat food, #mprraccoon has been caught and will be picked up by Wildlife Management. Goodbye friend! said a tweet issued by the buildings management, UBS Plaza. At a little before 3am local time, the animal made it to the roof of the building after it took an hours-long break on a 17th floor window sill, according to live feed posted by local media. Atop the building, animal control officers put pungent cat food in traps, the St. Paul Pioneer-Press reported. A reporter for the newspaper also tweeted that a private wildlife management company will release the animal somewhere safe. I am so proud of this little rascal - such a fricking champ!!!! said Dana Frazer as she watched a live feed of the raccoon's climb on Periscope, a live streaming site. The raccoons saga began about two days ago when the brown, masked critter was spotted stranded on a ledge of the office tower. On Tuesday, the raccoon slowly scaled the building, reaching the 23rd floor as its legend grew on social media with every floor it climbed. As it ascended, well-wishers gathered on the sidewalk below to take photos and root for its safety. On Twitter, office workers posted photos and videos of the raccoon resting on sills and climbing up the building's pebbled concrete exterior. The hashtag #mprraccoon was trending on Wednesday where fans anxiously watched developments of the raccoons stunt. Way to go little raccoon. The world was watching & rooting for you! said a Twitter user that goes by The Lockwood Echo in the United Kingdom. One Twitter post said the celebrity raccoon had succeeded in uniting the country the way no politician could. London: The plight of hundreds of highly-skilled Indian professionals, caught up in a row over their Right to Live and Work in Britain, was taken up by cross-party MPs in a Westminster Hall debate in the UK Parliament this week. Labour Party MP, Ruth Cadbury, made a plea on behalf of her Indian constituents in west London who have been denied their Indefinite Leave to Remain (ILR) by the UK Home Office on "spurious" grounds. "They are all from India and are highly qualified, well paid and well-respected IT professionals. They came to answer this country's skill shortage, a shortage that has not gone away," Cadbury, MP for Brentford and Isleworth, said during the debate on Wednesday. "Even those with pending appeals or judicial review applications who can work are losing jobs because nervous employers have asked them to resign. Many cannot travel to see family and cannot explain to their family why they cannot visit them," she said. The debate entitled 'Immigration Rules: Paragraph 322(5)' was called by Cottish National Party's Alison Thewliss to highlight the problems being faced by foreign teachers, doctors, lawyers and engineers under Paragraph 322(5) of the immigration rules. The discretionary clause is intended to expel terrorists from the UK, but MPs warned it is being "abused" to deny Residency Rights to professionals over minor and legal amendments to their tax records. "None of those whom I have spoken to have any issues which would cause them to be considered a threat to national security," Cadbury added. "A substantial number of refusals appear to be predicated on nothing more than the individual making an honest mistake and as far as HMRC [Her Majesty's Revenue and Customs] are concerned, when the correction has been made, the case is closed. Some of the sums involved in these corrections are only a few pounds, and often this was several years ago," she noted. UK Home Office Minister for Immigration, Caroline Nokes, countered the claims made by MPs on behalf of their constituents mostly Indian, Pakistani and Bangladeshi nationals. She informed the debate that the first phase of a review of the issue affecting those who had entered the UK on a Tier 1 (General) visa had looked at 281 uses of Paragraph 322(5) and found it had been used correctly in all cases. Nokes said the second phase, assessing a further 1,671 cases, was still under review and until then all such cases would remain suspended. "This process is leaving hundreds in further limbo," said Aditi Bhardwaj, coordinator of the Highly Skilled Migrants Group which was lauded by many of the MPs for bringing the issue to light through lobbying and four major protests outside the UK Parliament in the last few months. The crisis involves professionals from countries like India, Pakistan and Bangladesh entitled to apply for (ILR) or Permanent Residency Status after a minimum of five years' lawful residency in UK. While the Tier 1 (General) visa they used was discontinued in 2011, former applicants were eligible to apply for ILR until April this year if they made up the required number of points on their application. However, legal experts noted a pattern of many such applications being turned down by Home Office caseworkers citing clause 322(5) of the UK Immigration Act, a discretionary rule aimed at denying convicted criminals and terrorists the right to live in the UK. The Home Office questioned the "good character" of these professional over apparent differences in their declared earnings to the UK tax department and the Home Office, resulting in hundreds facing potential deportation unless their appeals are accepted. Nokes informed that an operational assessment of the Tier 1 (General) route in 2010 found that 29 per cent of Tier 1 migrants were in low-skilled jobs and the employment of a further 46 per cent was unclear. She confirmed that a policy of "rigorous checks" was brought in following the assessment. "I want to be really clear: we do not have a policy of refusing people for making minor tax errors... We give applicants the opportunity to explain, and we take their explanation and all available evidence into account," she said. Colombo: A firebrand Buddhist monk was sentenced to six months in jail by a Sri Lanka court Thursday for intimidating a woman whose cartoonist husband has been missing since his abduction by the military. The court in Homagama, near the capital Colombo, also fined Galagodaatte Gnanasara 1,500 rupees ($10) and ordered him to pay 50,000 rupees ($310) in compensation to Sandya Eknaligoda for abusing her in January 2016. This is the first time Gnanasara has been put behind bars although he has faced several previous cases on charges of hate crimes against minority Muslims in Buddhist-majority Sri Lanka. He was found guilty of criminally intimidating Eknaligoda during a hearing at the same court on the abduction of her cartoonist husband Prageeth, who went missing in January 2010. Gnanasara had been there to voice his support for the military officers accused of abducting Prageeth, whose cartoons lampooned former strongman president Mahinda Rajapakse. In ugly scenes inside the courthouse, he accused Eknaligoda and her husband of supporting Tamil extremists and bringing the military into disrepute. Eknaligoda's perseverance in campaigning to find out what happened to her husband earned her an "International Women of Courage" award last year from US First Lady Melania Trump. Following Thursday's sentencing, saffron-robed Gnanasara sat on a bench inside the packed courthouse awaiting a prison vehicle to take him away. Last year the monk spent a month on the run as police pursued him in connection with a string of attacks against Muslims. He later surrendered and was granted bail. His Buddhist Force, or BBS, has denied allegations it was behind riots against Muslims in 2017 and 2014 that left four people dead. Gnanasara maintains close ties with Wirathu, an extremist monk based in Myanmar, whose hate speech has stoked religious tensions in the country. Wirathu visited Sri Lanka as a guest of Gnanasara shortly after the 2014 violence in Sri Lanka's tourist resort of Aluthgama. Seoul: North Korean television presenter Ri Chun Hee has for years announced the biggest news in her own effusive style, and this week she returned to the airwaves to herald Kim Jong Un's historic meeting with U.S. President Donald Trump. "The historic meeting pioneered a new history," Ri said on Wednesday, wearing her traditional pink Korean dress and flashing a wide smile. "The great leader of our party, the nation, and military, Kim Jong Un, adopted a joint statement with the president of the United States." Kim's summit with Trump in Singapore on Tuesday was the first meeting between sitting leaders of the two countries. In recent years, Ri has taken a high-profile role in publicising North Korea's tests of nuclear bombs and ballistic missiles. Late last year, for example, she announced North Korea's test of what it said was a hydrogen bomb, telling viewers it was a "perfect success". With the test of an intercontinental ballistic missile with the range to strike anywhere in the United States, "the state nuclear force" was complete, she gushed. This year, however, Ri's broadcasts have charted the easing of tension. She reported in April on the first summit between North and South Korea in a decade, and then on Trump's meeting with Kim. "The supreme leader cherishes her voice and North Koreans notice it as well, so there is no reason for Kim Jong Un to replace someone who has been called a treasure in North Korea," said Ahn Chan-il, a North Korean defector who now lives in South Korea. "Even if the North Korean regime opens their country for revolution, this announcer will declare that decision." Ri famously wept on air when announcing the death of North Korea's founder Kim Il Sung in 1994. When his son, Kim Jong Il, died in 2011, it was Ri - clad in black funeral clothes and her voice quavering - who delivered the news to North Koreans. Despite officially retiring in 2012, Ri has come back from time to time to make big announcements. Ri's image has often appeared on South Korean coverage of major events in North Korea, meaning some South Koreans, associating her with ominous developments, dread her appearance. "Whenever I see her on TV, I always think that North Korea had made trouble again," said Jun Seung-ho, who works at a travel agency in Seoul. "I feel uncomfortable seeing her on news although I know that she's been presenting North Korean news for a long time." A comment made by Donald Trump in the passing during a press conference, following the historic summit with North Korean leader Kim Jong Un on Monday, left South Koreas department of defense disheveled. As The International Business Times writes in an article "US-South Korea Military Drills Suspension Announcement Surprised Seoul, Welcomed By Russia, China", without any prior warning, Trump announced he will be suspending the annual U.S.-South Korean military drills and move forward with the plan to remove the 28,500 American troops stationed in Seoul. I want to bring our soldiers back home, Trump said, adding that it was not part of the equation right now. Next he said: We will be stopping the war games, which will save us a tremendous amount of money unless and until we see the future negotiation is not going along like it should. But well be saving a tremendous amount of money. Plus, I think its very provocative. The POTUS remarks came as a big surprise to South Korea, which said on Tuesday that Washington has not reached out to them to discuss halting the military drills. At this current point, there is a need to discern the exact meaning and intent of President Trumps comments, Seouls Defense Ministry said, Twin Cities Pioneer Press reported. However, at the same time, the executive office of South Korean President Moon Jae-in told their state media outlet Yonhap News that the suspension of joint military drills may be a necessary step in urging North Korea to enter denuclearization talks. Also, the U.S. forces stationed at South Korea admitted that Department of Defense or the Indo-Pacific Command had given them no updated guidance on the execution or cessation of training exercises and hence will continue to coordinate with their Seoul counterparts and maintain their current positions until further notice. Trumps primary reason for suspending the war games was that it drained money, although he provided no estimate of the expenditure a decision that has got mixed reactions from Americas political allies around the globe. Japans Minister of Defence Itsunori Onodera told reporters Wednesday that joint military exercises were vital for East Asian security and hence should not be suspended. We would like to seek an understanding of this between Japan, the U.S. and South Korea, he said, Reuters reported. On the other hand, Russia and China, who joined North Korea in criticizing the joint military drills in the past, welcomed Trump's decision. In fact, the Chinese foreign ministry hinted before Trumps press conference that it knew about the presidents decision in advance. Our suspension for suspension process is right and has been realized," a spokesperson for the ministry stated, a BBC correspondent in China reported. Similar sentiments were echoed by the Russian foreign ministry on Tuesday. "We welcome the negotiations of chairman of the State Affairs Commission of North Korea Kim Jong-un and US President Donald Trump," the Ministry said in a statement. We assess positively the statement of US president after the meeting saying that it was inappropriate to hold military exercises during the negotiations. We are convinced that the cessation of provocative actions is a necessary step towards decreasing tensions on the peninsula and establishing an atmosphere of trust there. Seoul: North Korea's Kim Jong Un understands that denuclearisation must happen "quickly", US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo said Thursday, warning there will be no sanctions relief for Pyongyang until the process is complete. Pompeo said Washington remained committed to the "complete, verifiable and irreversible" denuclearisation of North Korea, after the joint statement from the US-North Korea summit in Singapore drew criticism for lack of detail on the key issue. "We believe that Kim Jong Un understands the urgency... that we must do this quickly," he said of the effort to have North Korea abandon its nuclear weapons. Washington's top diplomat is in Seoul to brief his South Korean and Japanese counterparts on Tuesday's historic talks -- the first between sitting leaders of the two countries -- after which a triumphant President Donald Trump said the world can "sleep well". Following the summit, Trump said the US would halt its "provocative" joint military drills with South Korea as long as negotiations are ongoing with the North, an announcement that caught Seoul by surprise. But the US-South Korea alliance remains "as robust as ever", Seoul's foreign minister Kang Kyung-wha said at a press conference with Pompeo and Japanese foreign minister Taro Kono. Pompeo is scheduled to fly to Beijing to meet his Chinese counterpart after the meetings in Seoul. Lahore: A Pakistani law student has emerged as a women's rights crusader after she was stabbed 23 times in a busy street only to see her alleged attacker walk free, igniting outrage across the deeply patriarchal country. Khadija Siddiqui, 23, survived the frenzied attack in broad daylight outside her sister's school on a busy thoroughfare in the teeming eastern city of Lahore, Pakistan's cultural capital, in May 2016. Her sister was also injured as she tried to defend her, and the brazen attack only ended when her driver managed to pull the assailant off and rush Siddiqui to a hospital, where she was admitted to intensive care with her neck slashed, her arms wounded, and a deep injury to her back. Siddiqui named her attacker as Shah Hussain, a classmate whom she had rejected romantically. He was convicted and sentenced to seven years in prison in July 2017. But Hussain, the son of a prominent Lahori lawyer, appealed the decision -- and in a shocking judgement released on June 4, the Lahore High Court acquitted him on all charges. The decision was greeted with an uproar in Pakistan, where hundreds of women are murdered and attacked by men each year, with many struggling to get justice in a sluggish court system that advocates say is often slanted against them. "I was shocked," Siddiqui, who spent three weeks in hospital after the attack and whose back still pains her, told AFP. "But unfortunately it was true." Siddiqui's long struggle to put her attacker behind bars had already drawn attention from women's rights campaigners, but when Hussain walked free it unleashed a wave of anger. "I am heartbroken, speechless, shattered after hearing what our judiciary system did to you @khadeeeej751 - But do not give up , keep fighting, and we shall overcome this together," tweeted actress Urwa Hocane. Hamza Ali Abbasi, another TV personality and activist, commented: "We must all unite & be Khadija's voice & leave no stone unturned to get her justice against this barbarian! #WeAreWithKhadija". The hashtag was trending in Pakistan within hours of the acquittal. The reaction intensified when the court's judgement was released, with critics accusing it of "victim-blaming" after it poked holes in Siddiqui's credibility. The judgement questioned why she did not name Hussain as her attacker immediately, despite testimony saying she had fallen unconscious; and noted that at one point prior to the assault she had written a letter proposing marriage to him. The outcry was so great that Pakistan's Supreme Court has now taken up the case and will hold hearings later in the summer, it announced Wednesday. Hashmi, Hussain's father, has told AFP that his child is innocent. "My son is a brilliant student," he said. "How can he be a criminal?" Prejudice Against Women Siddiqui's case highlights how Pakistan's judicial system fails women, says Hina Jilani, a leading lawyer and human rights activist. The young law student is lucky in that she received high-profile support and it came to the Supreme Court's attention, Jilani says -- but that is rare. "There is a prejudice against women," she argues. Pakistan is deeply conservative, and violence against women remained "pervasive and intractable" in 2017, according to a yearly report by the country's Human Rights Commission. It documented thousands of reported violent incidents including rapes, assaults, sexual harassment, acid attacks, murders, and even four examples of "stove burning" -- understood to be when a woman is taken into a kitchen, covered in kerosene and set alight; then the perpetrators claim she was burned by the stove. The real figures, the commission said, are likely to be much higher. Many cases of violence against women are not reported to authorities. In rural areas such cases often bypass the formal justice system and are dealt with by village "jirgas" or councils, often in a manner that is punitive for women. But even for those cases which do enter the court system, the conviction rate is "below one percent", says Rabeea Hadi, an activist with the Aurat Foundation, a women's rights watchdog. In cases of domestic violence and sexual abuse, it is "almost zero", adds Anbreen Ajaib, the executive director of another women's rights group, Bedari. Siddiqui says women, including herself, are often pressured to drop their cases, and can face blackmail and harassment. But she is determined to see hers through, and says the attention it has received has prompted many women to contact her to say they, too, are encouraged to stand up for themselves. "I have been told by the prosecutors... that I'm probably the first woman who is fighting so hard to get justice," she told AFP, sounding calm and confident. "It has proved that if women fight, they can turn things around, so they should never give up... they should not tolerate injustice, violence and blackmail." Vatican City: Pope Francis called on Thursday for a "change in mindset" on migration policies, saying international cooperation was vital, as Italy and France engaged in a diplomatic spat over the issue. Francis made his comments in a message to participants at a conference on international migration being held in the Vatican. He called for the "shared global management of international migration in the values of justice, solidarity and compassion". Italy summoned France's envoy on Wednesday and angrily rejected French criticism of its immigration policies, escalating a diplomatic row that is widening one of Europe's main political fault lines. A day after French President Emmanuel Macron said Rome had acted with "cynicism and irresponsibility" by closing its ports to a migrant ship, Italy's economy minister cancelled a Paris meeting with his counterpart and Prime Minister Giuseppe Conte weighed postponing a meeting with Macron scheduled for Friday. Francis, who has made defence of migrants and refugees a major plank of his papacy, said overcoming the current migration crisis "demands a change in mindset". He said countries "must move from considering others as threats to our comfort to valuing them as persons whose life experience and values can contribute greatly to the enrichment of our society." Rome's clash with Paris centres on the charity ship Aquarius, which both Italy and Malta refused to let dock at their ports. It was carrying 629 migrants and is now heading to Spain, which offered safe harbour, escorted by two Italian ships. The pope said the trans-national dimension of the migration crisis required "the assistance of the entire international community" because it exceeded the capacity of individual states. "Such international cooperation is important at every stage of migration: from departing ones country of origin all the way to reaching ones destination, as well as facilitating reentry and transit," Francis said. "In each of these countries, migrants are vulnerable, feeling alone and isolated. The recognition of this fact is vitally important if we wish to give a concrete and dignified response to this humanitarian challenge," he said. The conference, organised by the Vatican and Mexico, was attended by many ambassadors accredited to the Vatican. London: Britain's newest royal Meghan, the Duchess of Sussex, will join Queen Elizabeth on Thursday for her first official engagements without husband Prince Harry. Meghan, who married the monarch's grandson in a glittering ceremony at her Windsor Castle home last month, will travel by the Royal Train to northwest England for a day of events. While millions around the world watched the pomp and pageantry of her wedding, Thursday's visit will be more typical of the engagements that the former American actress, a star of the TV drama "Suits", will carry out as a working member of the British royal family. The queen, 92 and Meghan, 36, will first officially open the Mersey Gateway Bridge, a new toll bridge over the River Mersey and one of the UK's biggest infrastructure projects in recent years. They then will travel to Chester to open the Storyhouse, a library, theatre and cinema complex in the city, and to watch a dance performance and listen to songs performed by local schoolchildren before having lunch at the town hall. Earlier this week, Harry's office announced that the prince and Meghan would travel to Australia, Fiji, Tonga and New Zealand later this year. Sydney: An Australian army vehicle flew a Nazi swastika flag during an operation in Afghanistan, the prime minister confirmed Thursday in an act he called "completely and utterly unacceptable". National broadcaster ABC published a leaked photo of the 2007 incident and cited a defence source as saying it was more a "twisted joke" than evidence of genuine neo-Nazism. Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull said displaying a Nazi flag was "absolutely wrong". "Completely and utterly unacceptable," he told reporters. "It was reported (to officials) in 2007, that incident, and the flag obviously was removed and the personnel involved were disciplined," he told reporters. "But the incident, it was wrong ... it was absolutely wrong, and their commanders took action at the time." The defence department said in a statement to AFP that "neither the flag nor its use are in line with defence values". "The flag was briefly raised above an Australian Army vehicle in Afghanistan in 2007. The commander took immediate action to have the offensive flag taken down," it said, adding that it was later destroyed and those involved cautioned. "Additionally, steps were taken to reinforce education and training for all personnel who witnessed the flag." Australian forces have been active in Afghanistan in various roles since 2001, when the conflict there began. Around 900 were in the country in 2007, predominately in Uruzgan and Kandahar provinces. The photograph has emerged as the actions of Australia's special forces in Afghanistan come under intense scrutiny. Earlier this month, elite troops were accused of committing war crimes in a secret defence report obtained by local media that described a "complete lack of accountability" from top military brass. The investigation, reported by Fairfax Media, quoted special forces insiders saying some Australian troops engaged in the "unsanctioned and illegal application of violence on operations" with "a disregard for human dignity". In response, Australia's former spy chief David Irvine was appointed last week to conduct a third inquiry into the nation's special forces in two years. Some 300 Australian defence personnel remain in Afghanistan. Moscow: President Vladimir Putin on Thursday conveyed to a senior North Korean official an invitation for Kim Jong-un to visit Russia as he praised the results of his summit with Donald Trump. Hosting Kim Yong Nam, North Korea's ceremonial head of state, Putin said the historic summit with the US president was "without doubt just the first step towards a full-blown settlement". "Thanks to this meeting a possible negative scenario has been cast aside," Putin said. "Certainly it creates conditions for further forward movement and decreases general tensions around the Korean peninsula," he added. Trump and Kim made history on Tuesday holding a summit in Singapore. It was an unprecedented encounter that saw the leader of the world's most powerful democracy shake hands with the third-generation scion of a dynastic dictatorship. But critics said the Kim and Trump summit was more style than substance, producing a document short on specifics about the key issue of Pyongyang's atomic weapons. Putin said he would be happy to welcome Kim to Russia, suggesting they meet during an economic forum in the far eastern port city of Vladivostok this September. The youthful North Korean leader has never visited Russia, unlike his father, Kim Jong-Il, who travelled to the country in his armoured train in 2011 for talks with Dmitry Medvedev, Russia's president at the time. Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov became the first ever Russian official to meet Kim when he travelled to Pyongyang in late May. The two countries share a short land border and have a history of long-standing ties. Whilst on passage the fire broke out due to the explosion in one of the container and gradually the fire spread over to 60 containers and became out of control despite efforts by ships crew. (Image: Special Arrangement) Palestinians shop in a market ahead of the upcoming Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the end of the Muslim holy month of Ramadan, in the old city of Nablus in the occupied West Bank. (Image: Reuters) Sorry! This content is not available in your region OPEC nation Iran said it expects the group to stick with its pact to restrain oil supply as world markets dont need more crude. As Bloomberg writes in an article "Iran Expects OPEC to Stick to Supply Limits", the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries and its partners will meet next week and debate whether to restore output halted last year. Saudi Arabia and Russia have said its time to reverse the cuts and appear to have begun reviving supplies, but face opposition from Iran, Iraq and Venezuela. There is no need for a change in the level of production, said Irans OPEC governor, Hossein Kazempour Ardebili, who serves as one of the countrys representatives to the group. Any increase should be limited to the production allocation in the agreement, which is valid to the end of 2018. The International Energy Agency -- which advises consuming nations -- said earlier Wednesday that output from Iran and Venezuela could drop by 1.5 million barrels a day, or almost 30 percent, by the end of next year because of U.S. sanctions and economic upheaval. Kazempour rejected the IEAs scenario, saying there is no reduction in Iranian production, which for the remaining part of the year shall continue as is. Venezuela will stem declines in its output, he said. Strengthening Demand On Tuesday, the U.S. governments Energy Information Administration raised estimates for global oil demand in 2018. The EIA and the IEA are trying to instigate the increase in production of OPEC, Kazempour said. U.S. President Donald Trump repeated criticism of OPEC in another tweet on Wednesday, blaming the group for keeping prices too high. Oils recent rally to a three-year peak above $80 a barrel in London has prompted warnings that prices could hurt economic growth. Yet Kazempour insisted that OPEC will resist pressure to raise production. The Trump administration is trying to intervene in the affairs of a sovereign organization, he said. Such attempts have failed in the past and they will also fail this time. The groups decisions must be unanimous, and Iraq and Venezuela have also shown opposition to the proposal to boost supply. Other countries in the group will support Iran and Venezuela -- two of the five countries that founded OPEC -- in the face of U.S. sanctions, Kazempour said. There are also nations in the broader 24-strong alliance that oppose increasing output as global markets are already well supplied, he added. Moscow Meeting Russian President Vladimir Putin and Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman plan to discuss the OPEC accord and oil markets at talks in Moscow on Thursday, a spokesman said. Russia has already boosted supply above the level agreed on in the deal with OPEC, according to a person familiar with the matter. Many oil analysts say that, even without a full OPEC agreement, Saudi Arabia and Russia will likely just go ahead and raise production. Any country, individually or bilaterally, may do anything they want, but when it comes to OPEC its 14 sovereign states who have to reach a collective decision, Kazempour said. We have an agreement which is valid to the end of the year. OPEC will abide with the production agreement. Three people have been killed and several injured in an attack on members of Turkeys ruling Justice and Development Party (AKP) during an election campaign event in the southeast of the country. Members of AKP, including MP Ibrahim Halil Yildiz, came under attack in Suruc, just across the Syrian border from Kobane on Thursday, Rudaw reported citing state-run Anadolu Agency. "There are wounded people. First aid has been given to them. There was need for an air ambulance, it has been dispatched," said Turkey's Health Minister Ahmet Demircan, adding that "we will share information as we receive it." Three people were reportedly shot dead and at least eight more injured. Sean Penn's Wife Leila George Files for Divorce After One Year of Marriage It's over between Sean Penn and wife Leila George. On Friday, Oct. 15, the 29-year-old Australian-born actress filed for divorce from the 61-year-old Oscar... Michael Caine announces retirement from acting while promoting last film 'Best Sellers' In an interview on BBC Radio 5's "Kermode and Mayo's Film Review," the 88-year-old actor claimed that his latest film, "Best Sellers," would be his last. Moderate Quake Rocks Indonesia's Bali, Killing at Least 3 A moderately strong earthquake and an aftershock hit Indonesia's resort island of Bali early Saturday, killing at least three people and destroying dozens of... Sir David Amess stabbing: Everything we know so far MP Sir David Amess died yesterday after a fatal stabbing Netflix employee fired in wake of Chappelle special furor LOS ANGELES (AP) Netflix said Friday that it had fired an employee for disclosing confidential financial information about what it paid for Dave... AFC Wimbledon v Sheffield Wednesday BBC Local News: Sheffield and South Yorkshire -- Live coverage of Saturday's League One game between AFC Wimbledon and Sheffield Wednesday. New electoral boundaries strip Quebec of a seat, give Alberta three more Quebec is slated to lose one seat in the next redrawing of federal ridings in Canada going from 78 to 77 seats. Leaders pay tribute at church where British lawmaker killed Leaders from across the political spectrum came together Saturday to pay tribute to a long-serving British lawmaker who was stabbed to death in what police have... Manchester City v Burnley BBC Local News: Manchester -- Preview followed by live coverage of Saturday's Premier League game between Manchester City and Burnley. Soldier dies during exercise on Salisbury Plain An investigation has been launched after a soldier died during a military exercise on Salisbury Plain. Johnson leads tributes in show of unity at scene of MP's fatal stabbing Boris Johnson has laid flowers at the scene of the fatal stabbing of Conservative MP Sir David Amess in Essex - an attack which police believe could be linked to... Baby boomers are snatching houses out of the hands of millennials Baby boomers and millennials are in a housing war. A Zillow report lays out how boomers are winning, and it's really not even close. Donald Trump signed a book for Giuliani in 2000, writing, 'I promise never to run against you.' It just sold for $54,143 in an online auction. A copy of former President Donald Trump's 2000 book, "The America We Deserve," inscribed to Rudy Giuliani sold for $54,143 this week. Trump allies Lin Wood and Marjorie Taylor Greene exchange right-wing insults in a public feud Lin Wood told Insider that he and Greene were no longer "aligned" in trying to overturn the 2020 election results. Ronaldo sets Solskjaer straight with declaration Man Utd fans will love Cristiano Ronaldo has informed Ole Gunnar Solskjaer of a desire that will be music to the ears of Manchester United fans. Hut Group founder Moulding to give up golden share in bid to restore City confidence Matthew Moulding, the boss of the online beauty, nutrition and technology services group THG, is to surrender his golden share in the company in an attempt to... Boy, 16, on murder charge after teenager stabbed to death on playing field A 16-year-old boy has been charged with murder over the fatal stabbing of a teenager on a playing field. Kyle Coetzer excited by strength of Scotland squad ahead of T20 World Cup Kyle Coetzer believes Scotland possess the strongest squad that the country has ever assembled at a Twenty20 World Cup. Senior Tory MP calls for face-to-face meetings with constituents to be paused in wake of Amess killing A senior Conservative MP has called for a temporary pause in face-to-face meetings between parliamentarians and their constituents following the killing of Sir... Fiorentina formulate swap plan to put Arsenal striker hunt against the clock Arsenal must act fast if they are to secure a bargain striker deal in 2022 after Fiorentina formulated a clear swap plan for an Italy hitman Global tax accord could earn Canada up to $4.5 billion per year, says Freeland Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland says Canada stands to make as much as $4.5 billion dollars a year through a landmark deal involving 136 countries that will... Democrats freak out as Supreme Court rules in favor of Ohio voter purge law that eliminates dead people from voter rolls Democratic presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton, had a conniption fit when, during one of her debates with then-GOP nominee Donald Trump, he said hed take a wait-and-see approach before conceding on election night. I will take a look at it at the time, Trump said when asked if he would concede to Clinton following claims that the election could be rigged against him. What he was talking about was an issue that is near and dear to the hearts of tens of millions of Americans voter fraud, and more specifically, fraudulent voting that benefits Democrats. As president, shortly after taking office, Trump commissioned a panel to look into the issue but the effort stalled after too many states refused to turn over information the panel sought in its quest to determine how many people may be voting illegally across the U.S. The administration has now turned to the Census Bureau for help. For the first time since 1950, officials will include a question about citizenship for the 2020 census which Democrats are loudly complaining about because they say it will lead to fewer people turning in data and loss of congressional seats in deep blue states like California (which, not so ironically, is home to perhaps millions of illegal aliens). And now, the administration has received some help from the Supreme Court in its battle to ensure our elections are as fraud-free as they can be. (Related: Voter fraud may have handed New Hampshire to Hillary Clinton) In a 5-4 decision on Monday, the high court upheld Ohios voter purge law that calls for the removal of names from voter registration lists of people who have not voted in four years. As The Hill reported: Under the state policy, voters who have not voted in two years are flagged and sent a confirmation notice. Voters who fail to respond to the notice and dont vote within the next two years are removed from the rolls. The process is one of two methods state officials use to identify voters who are no longer eligible to vote due to a change of residence. Democrats and their allies whined that the Ohio statute violated a federal law barring states from removing people from voter registration rolls because they havent voted in a while (interesting that Democrats only seem interested in defending federal laws when their party benefits). Dead people at the polls? Most justices disagreed, however. Writing for the majority, Justice Samuel Alito, one of the big courts constitutionalists, said that the Ohio law does not violate the National Voter Registration Acts failure-to-vote Clause or any other provisions. The notice in question here warns recipients that unless they take the simple and easy step of mailing back the preaddressed, postage prepaid card or take the equally easy step of updating their information onlinetheir names may be removed from the voting rolls if they do not vote during the next four years, Alito noted. It was Congresss judgment that a reasonable person with an interest in voting is not likely to ignore notice of this sort. Democrats primary argument was predictable and a complete fabrication. They, along with the Left-wing American Civil Liberties Union, argued that the state law was racist and hurt low-income people, two groups that already have low turnout in elections. The majority wasnt buying it. The fact is, Democrats have long been suspected of using the names of dead people and those who have moved to other jurisdictions to commit voter fraud. Thats why theyre complaining so loudly; the Ohio law and others like it will dramatically reduce phony voter registrations and, hence, Democratic election results. And in an era where Democrats have lost more than 1,000 elected seats nationwide, every vote counts even if its being made on behalf of someone who doesnt exist. This was the right call for SCOTUS to make. Democrats keep crying about how important it is to ensure every vote is counted, but they oppose all efforts by Republicans to ensure that votes which are counted come from real people. Read more about voter fraud a VoteFraud.news. J.D. Heyes is a senior writer for NaturalNews.com and NewsTarget.com, as well as editor of The National Sentinel. Sources include: TheHill.com NewsTarget.com FoxNews.com A presentation of Bakus bid to host the World Expo 2025 was held at the 163rd Session of the General Assembly of the Bureau International des Expositions (BIE) in Paris yesterday, the Baku Expo 2025 Operations Secretariat said. The Azerbaijani delegation was led by Prime Minister Novruz Mammadov. It was noted at the presentation that Baku is ready to host the World Expo 2025. The Azerbaijani delegation pointed out that the project proposed by Baku for the Expo 2025 has a diverse and universal significance. It was noted that the general plan prepared for the World Expo is part of the renovation work intended for expanding Baku to the East. The theme of the project, 'Developing Human Capital Building a Better Future', covers the spheres of health, education and employment, and is of interest to all countries, cultures and people. The next session of the BIE General Assembly will be held in November 2018. At the session, representatives of the BIE member states will select by secret ballot the city to host the World Expo 2025. Azerbaijan's Minister of Finance, Chairman of the Working Group on the nomination of Baku, Samir Sharifov, said that this presentation is an important opportunity to convey the wish of Azerbaijanis, especially Azerbaijani youth, to host the World Expo 2025. Azerbaijan, which has been actively participating in 6 Expo exhibitions held by the International Exhibitions Bureau for 18 years and has won three awards for the high quality of the pavilions, demonstrates a strong commitment to Expo-movement. Is this really called freedom? Missouri finally passes law allowing black people to braid hair without requiring a 1500-hour cosmetology license African-style hair braiders who conduct business in the state of Missouri are rejoicing after the passage of new legislation that no longer forces them to undergo 1,500 hours of cosmetology training, a total of none of which has anything to do with learning how to braid hair. The change comes after the Institute for Justice (IJ) filed a lawsuit against the Show Me State, arguing that its unfair to force African-style hair braiders to spend an average of $12,000 for tuition and many months worth of training that has nothing to do with their jobs. Instead, they will now simply have to pay a $20 extortion fee and watch a 4 to 6 hour instructional video, as well as submit to routine board inspections. Many are calling it a major win for freedom, as those who practice the art of African-style hair braiding will now have a lot more time and money in their pockets to support their loved ones. The changes will also make it easier for new hair braiders to enter the business without having to wade through a litany of bureaucratic red tape. The new braiding license is a dramatic improvement from Missouris incredibly burdensome requirement that African-style braiders waste a thousand or more hours and spend tens of thousands of dollars to obtain a full cosmetology license, just to braid hair, stated IJs Dan Alban, the lead attorney representing Missouri braiders. Rep. Shamed Dogan has been tireless in his commitment to pushing forward on braiding freedom bills over several years. Missouris natural hair braiders are extremely grateful that Rep. Dogan kept fighting for their right to earn a living and provide for their families, particularly after more than a decade of failed legislative reforms. Freedom means NOT having to jump through unnecessary bureaucratic hoops At the same time, Missouris insistence that all African-style hair braiders still submit to a $20 licensing fee, as well as watch hours of instructional video that probably isnt relevant to their duties, represents an infringement on their constitutional rights at least that seems to be IJs view on the matter from a legal perspective. The instructional video requirement is completely unnecessary, IJ insists. And the inspection requirements could further violate the Fourth Amendment to the Constitution, which prohibits unreasonable searches without cause. Both of these mandates show that Missouri isnt about to give African-style hair braiders the full freedom thats afforded to them under federal law. While it is good that the state of Missouri finally realized that the cosmetology license has nothing to do with braiding, we should remember that 25 states dont require braiders to acquire a license at all, points out Paul Avelar, a senior attorney at IJ and head of IJs Braiding Freedom Initiative. Missouri, like all states, should still consider whether government should license something as safe and common as braiding hair. IJs argument with regards to this issue which applies to all other types of economic activity conducted by free Americans, by the way hinges upon the constitutional right of citizens to engage in economic activity with the liberty afforded them by the Constitution. IJ has referred to the requirements as needless and wasteful, something that both the U.S. District Court and the 8th Circuit Court of Appeals deny. But the braiders are taking the matter all the way to the U.S. Supreme Court in the hopes that it will make a different ruling. Should the Supreme Court decide that the requirements being imposed on the braiders are unconstitutional, it could set a precedent for people in many other professions who are similarly having their rights infringed upon. Sources for this article include: IJ.org NaturalNews.com DANBURY Parents of students in a Broadview Middle School special education class again demanded information about an investigation into their childrens teacher at the Danbury school board meeting Wednesday night. The parents are upset about what they say are unanswered questions surrounding the sudden removal of long-time Broadview educator Bill Herzog in May and they have taken their complaints public at the boards meeting this month and last. We just want answers, said Bob Evans, whose twin sons were in Herzogs class and came to the meeting. Theyre not telling us everything and we only want (the school board) to give us basic information that we deserve. Herzog remains on unpaid leave during a state investigation amid accusations he has used harsh and arguably abusive language with his students to try to control his classroom, according to portions of his personnel file made public last week. It is the second such investigation into Herzogs conduct this school year, including previous allegations he forced one student to clean up mucus she had spread on the floor and stuffed a rag in one students mouth to discourage him from humming, the documents show. Herzog has defended the mucus incident and denied the rag accusation in a letter included in the files, but he was still reprimanded by Superintendent Sal Pascarella. About a dozen parents of students in Herzogs class have remained outspoken supporters of him in the wake of both investigations and argue the district has not been forthright about the circumstances of his departure. They were infuriated last month when school officials cut off their comments about Herzog, citing privacy concerns about the ongoing investigation. Board Chairman Pat Johnston announced the board would take the parents comments Wednesday, however, and read a statement outlining rules that the parents not make specific references to any names involved in the investigation. Instead, parents and two former students of Herzog referred to him only as BH or Mr. H while speaking in support of his character. Several have argued his absence has led their children with severe educational and behavioral needs to regress. BH is not only a teacher, he is a role model, a volunteer and he is an outstanding leader in his field, said Theresa Lopez, whose son was in Herzogs class. He is a teacher that all teachers should set their standards by. Lori Hickey, whose son is now at Danbury High School, argued the school board should investigate district administrators handling of the situation. We the parents need to know the administration is also a member of that team and truly working with us, not against us, she said. School officials have refused to discuss the situation with parents and a reporter, citing the ongoing investigation. Herzog also is barred from discussing any of the incidents, per a reprimand filed against him following the first investigation. Last month, Herzog was honored again as one of 22 teachers nationwide and the only one from Connecticut to receive the Outstanding Special Education Teacher Award given each year by the National Association of Special Education Teachers. zach.murdock@hearstmediact.com This appeared in Thursday's Washington Post: --- While the world was focused on the U.S.-North Korea summit, two U.S. allies in the Middle East launched a reckless and potentially catastrophic military offensive in Yemen, a country already enduring the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Troops led by the United Arab Emirates and backed by Saudi Arabian warplanes are attempting to seize the port city of Hodeida, which is held by the Houthi forces who make up one side in Yemen's civil war. Because 70 percent of Yemen's food and aid shipments come though the port, the United Nations and every major humanitarian agency have warned of dire consequences for the 22 million Yemenis who already depend on outside assistance, including 8 million on the brink of famine. They pleaded with the Saudis and Emiratis to hold off and allow more time for a diplomatic solution. The attack nevertheless went ahead early Wednesday after receiving what amounted to passive assent from the Trump administration. That means the United States, which already has been supplying its two allies with intelligence, refueling and munitions, will be complicit if the result is what aid officials say it could be: starvation, epidemics and other human suffering surpassing anything the world has seen in decades. As it is, Yemen's escape from full-blown famine during the past two years has been something of a miracle, the result of heroic efforts by aid groups that have kept trucks rumbling up the dangerous roads from Hodeida to regions where food and medicine are in desperately short supply. But humanitarian assistance has not prevented what has become the worst cholera epidemic in history, with more than 1 million people infected. Though Yemen has always been a poor country, this crisis is man-made. It was triggered by the intervention of the Saudis and Emiratis in Yemen's war three years ago. Promising quick action to drive the Houthis out of the capital, Sanaa, and other cities they had captured, the two countries carried out bombing campaigns that killed thousands of civiliansbut failed to recapture much of the country. The Saudis claim the intervention was necessary to counter Iranian sponsorship of the Houthis, who have been firing missiles into Saudi Arabia. But the Houthis are a homegrown force, and many experts believe they were driven into Iran's arms by the intervention. The UAE's minister of state for foreign affairssays the Houthis are not willing to negotiate and that the seizure of Hodeidais necessary to bring them to the table. But that claim is contradicted by the U.N. envoy seeking to broker peace talks, who tried to stop the attack. A better explanation is that of David Miliband, the former British foreign secretary who now heads the International Rescue Committee: The "attack on the port," he says, is "an assault on the chances of a political settlement in addition to a danger to civilian life." The Trump administration could have prevented the assault on Hodeida; instead, Secretary of State Mike Pompeo equivocated, thereby allowing it to go forward. Congress, which has long been uneasy with U.S. support for the Yemen war, must now act. All funding for U.S. support for the intervention should be halted and further arms sales put on hold until the offensive ends, humanitarian assistance flows freely and peace talks are underway. British Prime Minister Theresa May said she would push for enhanced sanctions against Russia at a summit of EU leaders later this month. She stressed that there are many issues that the European Union leaders will be discussing at the June European summit, including the important issues of sanctions against Russia. "I will be pressing to ensure that we maintain sanctions against Russia. Indeed, I think there are some areas where we should be enhancing that sanctions regime," Reuters cited her as saying. According to May, the Minsk agreements have not been put in place. DENVER, June 14, 2018 /CNW/ -- GCL New Energy, Inc., a subsidiary of the world's leading clean energy conglomerate GCL Group, has signed a long-term power purchase agreement (PPA) with Intermountain Rural Electric Association (IREA), a local power company, for its Pioneer 110MW greenfield project in Colorado. The Pioneer 110MW project is located on 611-acre site 35 miles east of Denver, Colorado where the land is flat and has good irradiance. The total annual yield of the Pioneer project is around 215 million kWh, and plans to call for connection to the grid in 2020. The PPA has a fixed initial contract term of 10 years, with 3 optional 5-year extensions, for a possible 25-year lifetime. The project requires no security deposit and has low grid connection costs. Through the Pioneer project, GCL New Energy will gain valuable experience developing a U.S. greenfield project, and can create a development model for future projects. The process includes land lock-up, an on-grid feasibility study, negotiating and signing a grid connection agreement, securing land permits, and PPA negotiation and signing. By controlling development costs and altering its PPA negotiation strategy to adapt to fast-changing circumstances, GCL New Energy beat all well-known, established American developers to secure the agreement. GCL New Energy has shifted its development strategy from focusing solely on the Chinese market to aggressively expanding in both the Chinese and overseas markets, and has been stepping up its capacity in overseas solar farm development. GCL New Energy has three regional headquarters in North America, Japan, and Africa. In 2017, it launched "Overseas Seeding Initiative" in key overseas target markets. GCL New Energy is also pushing forward with its global goal of realizing 3GW+ of solar projects by 2020, and actively seeking strategic partners. It is exploring domestic and international markets with partners such as Power China, CEEC, CGGC, and Shanghai Electric, and has built close ties with internationally renowned companies such as Mitsui, Marubeni, Softbank, ACWA, Masdar, KEPCO and Macquarie. About GCL New Energy, Inc. GCL New Energy, Inc. is the wholly-owned international renewable energy IPP subsidiary of GCL New Energy Holdings Ltd (0451.HK) with offices in San Ramon, California. The company focuses on developing, owning and operating utility scale solar projects, and has experience in the United States, Puerto Rico, Latin America, and numerous other international markets. SOURCE GCL System For further information: Zhang Ning, +86 512 6853 2729, [email protected] SAN ANTONIO, TX, June 14, 2018 /CNW/ - Alternate Health Corp., ( 'Alternate Health' or the 'Company' ) (CSE: AHG) (OTCQB: AHGIF), an international leader in software solutions for the medical cannabis industry, is pleased to announce that Jeff Langenbach has been appointed to the Company's Board of Directors. Mr. Langenbach has over 25 years of experience in management, finance, corporate development, and mergers and acquisitions. In addition to his financial expertise, Mr. Langenbach will strengthen the Board's international perspective, with his significant experience managing business activity in over 30 countries, spanning six continents. "This is an exciting new addition to the Company's Board of Directors," says Dr. Michael Murphy, Chairman and CEO of Alternate Health. "Jeff's experience and expertise comes at a key moment for the Company, as we ramp up our operations across all our verticals." Mr. Langenbach spent 12 years on Wall Street with DLJ, CS-First Boston, and Credit Suisse, raising debt and equity capital, advising on M&A transactions and helping form joint ventures. During this period, he helped raise over $10 billion, advised on numerous cross-border M&A assignments and participated in over 20 IPOs. For the past 10 years, Mr. Langenbach has been part of the senior management team at Vanta Education (FKA Apollo Education Group). Mr. Langenbach led the formation of Apollo Global, an international subsidiary, which had worldwide operations in Australia, Brazil, Chile, South Africa, Germany, Mexico, the UK, India, and the United States, with revenues exceeding $500 million. "As one of the earliest investors in Alternate Health, Jeff has been a committed and long-term supporter of the Company from day one," says Dr. Murphy. "We are confident his appointment will strengthen the Board's representation of shareholder and investor interests." Mr. Langenbach's education includes a Master's Degree in Management from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and a Bachelor's Degree in Business Administration from the University of Wisconsin-Madison. Company Updates and Insider Buying As discussed during a recent shareholder call, Alternate Health will be releasing an update to investors within the next seven to 10 days. Dr. Murphy, Chairman and CEO, will provide insight on the Company's operations and ongoing strategy in a letter to shareholders. About Alternate Health Alternate Health Corp. (CSE: AHG, OTCQB: AHGIF) Alternate Health has established multiple arms-length operations within the medical cannabis industry, each of which drives consumers, data and strategic opportunities to the company's other verticals. This sophisticated cross-integration of the company's enterprises has positioned Alternate Health as one of the only cannabis companies that delivers consistent revenue and intellectual property without growing, manufacturing or distributing the cannabis plant. Through its software solutions, data analytics, and patented delivery systems, Alternate Health's goal is to be the global authority on scientific and clinical support for cannabis in regulated markets. Alternate Health is well positioned to reinvest internal operating cash flow in its platform over the long term, creating an attractive investment profile for its shareholders. Alternate Health resides in the cannabis sector along with companies like GW Pharmaceuticals, AXIM Biotechnologies Inc., Canopy Growth Corporation, and Aphria Inc. Alternate Health is differentiated from other cannabis companies by its focus on ancillary services for patients, healthcare professionals and regulatory providers rather than selling a commodity. For more information about Alternate Health Corp., visit www.alternatehealth.com. Neither the CSE nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the CSE) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. Statements included in this announcement, including statements concerning our plans, intentions and expectations, which are not historical in nature are intended to be, and are hereby identified as "forward-looking statements". Forward-looking statements may be identified by words including "anticipates", "believes", "intends", "estimates", "expects" and similar expressions. The Company cautions readers that forward-looking statements, including without limitation those relating to the Company's future operations, business prospects, financing plans and spin off plans, are subject to certain risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ materially from those indicated in the forward-looking statements. SOURCE Alternate Health Corp. For further information: Investor Relations Contact: Nancy Goertzen, CPIR, 1.604.512.7122, [email protected]; Jim Griffiths, Director, 1.416.607.5757, [email protected] Related Links http://www.alternatehealth.ca/ KELOWNA, BC, June 14, 2018 /CNW/ - Marapharm Ventures Inc. (CSE: MDM) (OTCQX: MRPHF) (FSE: 2M0) ("Marapharm" or the "Company") Announced on May 24th, 2018, by news release, the timeline of its final inspections to obtain the Certificates of Occupancy for its cultivation facilities in North Las Vegas, Nevada. On June 4th, a member from the State of Nevada, Department of Taxation met with Kurt Keating, Director of Operations, to perform a "walk-through" of both buildings. Final approval from the state will be granted, contingent on the city providing the Certificates of Occupancy. The Public Works Department is satisfied that we have met their criteria successfully and have acknowledged all utilities are installed to code. Final adjustments are being made to the fire suppression system which required testing of sensors and relays. Once complete, The North Las Vegas Fire Department approval allows the building inspector to recommend issuance of this permit. The City of North Las Vegas Building Department is on stand-by to "sign-off" on the pending Certificates of Occupancy. Upon approval, the State of Nevada, Department of Taxation will complete their "closing" review and allow the transfer of operations to the new buildings. Six City of North Las Vegas Recreational and Medical Cannabis Cultivation and Production Business Licenses have been renewed and reissued for 2018-2019. Three State of Nevada Medical Certificates for Production and Cultivation have been renewed and reissued for 2018-2019. Three Recreational Certificates are currently being processed for annual renewal and reissuance. Three Secretary of State, Nevada State Annual Business Licences for Marapharm Las Vegas LLC, Econevada LLC and Phenofarm NV LLC have all received state acceptance and renewal for 2018 -2019. The next phase of construction is the 65,000 sq. ft, three storey cultivation and production facility, (Corporate Update news release dated January 1, 2018). Marapharm is pleased to report that the deposit has initiated the collaboration between the American Buildings Company and Corporate Architects and Engineers. Las Vegas Cannabis Market As reported by the Las Vegas Review Journal on May 24th, 2018, Las Vegas recreational cannabis sales topped $41 million in March 2018, the highest number since legal sales began state wide in July of last year. To date, cannabis sales for medical or recreational purposes have totaled $385.99 million. 50% of purchases made were cannabis flower or bud. Average flower which has roughly 16% THC content and a moderate terpene profile sells for approximately $2,300 - $2,600 per pound. Reported by MJ Business Daily on March 15th, 2018. "The Las Vegas cannabis market continues to exceed projected revenues. Marapharm's flagship facilities will produce triple organic certified strains which will soon be featured in dispensaries throughout Las Vegas, Nevada". Linda Sampson, CEO ABOUT MARAPHARM VENTURES INC. www.marapharm.com Marapharm is a publicly traded company investing in the medical and recreational cannabis space, since 2014. Marapharm has rapidly expanded to include having cultivation, production and dispensary locations in the key North American states of Washington, Nevada, and California, and are seeking expansion opportunities worldwide. SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: facebook.com/marapharm Twitter: twitter.com/marapharm Web Program: marapharm.tv STOCK EXCHANGES: Marapharm trades in Canada, ticker symbol MDM on the CSE, in the United States, ticker symbol MRPHF on the OTCQX, and in Europe, ticker symbol 2M0 on the FSE. Marapharm also trades on other recognized platforms in Europe including Stuttgart, Tradegate, L & S, Quotnx, Dusseldorf, Munich, and Berlin. Neither the CSE, the FSE nor the OTCQX has approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the CSE, the FSE nor the OTCQX accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. MARIJUANA INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT: Canadian listings (CSE) will remain in good standing as long as they provide the disclosure that is rightly required by regulators and complying with applicable licensing requirements and the regulatory framework enacted by the applicable state in which they operate. Marapharm owns marijuana licenses in California and Nevada. Marijuana is legal in each state however marijuana remains illegal under US federal law and the approach to enforcement of US federal law against marijuana is subject to change. Shareholders and investors need to be aware that adverse enforcement actions could affect their investments and that Marapharm's ability to access private and public capital could be affected and or could not be available to support continuing operations. Marapharm's business is conducted in a manner consistent with state law and is in compliance with licensing requirements. Copies of licenses are posted on Marapharm's website. Marapharm has internal compliance procedures in place and has compliance focused attorneys engaged in jurisdictions to monitor changes in laws for compliance with US federal and state law on an ongoing basis. These law firms inform any necessary changes to our policies and procedures for compliance in Canada and the US. FORWARD - LOOKING STATEMENTS: Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward looking statements. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", 'may", "will", "project", "should", 'believe", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward- looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward- looking statements are based on reasonable assumption but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and the forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. SOURCE Marapharm Ventures Inc. For further information: www.marapharm.com or Linda Sampson, CEO 778-583-4476 email [email protected] Related Links www.marapharm.com VANCOUVER, June 14, 2018 /CNW/ - Nevsun Resources Ltd. (TSX: NSU) (NYSE AMERICAN: NSU) ("Nevsun" or the "Company") announced today that, together with its Eritrean partner ENAMCO, Nevsun has approved an extension to the Bisha zinc-copper mine in Eritrea, self-funded by existing cash flows from Bisha. The open-pit extension adds 3.3 million tonnes of high-grade ore to the mill and extends operations through the full year 2022, resulting in additional payable production of 470 million pounds of zinc and 52 millions pounds of copper over this time frame. In addition to incremental production and revenue, the extension provides time for Bisha to advance assessment of the Asheli and Harena underground deposits and to consider further open-pit extensions. Peter Kukielski, Nevsun CEO, said "The Bisha team has been working hard to optimize the mine plan and reduce the operational risk of the deeper ore from the main pit. The investment announced today increases the long-term cashflow from Bisha, reducing requirements for external funding for construction of our high-grade, high-return Timok project in Serbia. The extension of the Bisha mine life, combined with the planned ramp up of the Timok Upper Zone in 2022 and the longer term potential of the Timok Lower Zone, gives us confidence that Nevsun will continue to produce strong operating cash flows for many years to come." Mr. Kukielski continued, "This open pit extension is supported by the now fully implemented metallurgical improvements at Bisha, combined with continued strength in zinc and copper prices. We will have an additional open-pit extension to consider late next year and are actively evaluating underground mining at Asheli and Harena. We continue to work with our partner, ENAMCO, to maximize resource conversion to reserves." In August 2017, Nevsun decided to reduce the mine life at Bisha due to the operational risk of the original large open-pit cut-back. Since that time, Bisha has increased mining rates and significantly improved metallurgical performance, while metal prices have remained strong, leading the Company to re-visit the larger cut-back option. The open-pit extension accesses a portion of the previously envisaged cut back with an additional 3.3 million tonnes of ore over the existing reserve and assumed recoveries of 70% for copper to copper concentrate and 80% for zinc to zinc concentrate. Several million tonnes of additional high-grade resource in the original pit design could also potentially be brought back into the mine life. The Company expects to assess investment in an additional cut-back to access this resource in late 2019. Approval will depend on performance in delivering the cost targets and increased mining rates for the extension announced today. Updated Mining Schedule The following mining schedule includes ore from the Bisha Main pit (current reserves plus extension) and Harena: 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 LOM Total Bisha Main Ore Mined, Mt 2.3 2.1 2.0 2.4 0.3 9.2 Harena, Ore Mined, Mt 2.1 2.1 Waste Mined, Mt 20 30 24 14 6 95 Zinc grade, % 7.2 6.6 7.4 6.9 4.5 6.5 Copper grade, % 1.2 1.1 1.2 1.0 0.9 1.1 Updated Processing Schedule The following processing schedule includes ore from the Bisha Main pit (current reserves plus extension), Harena and stockpiles: 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 LOM Total Bisha Main Ore, Mt 2.3 2.2 2.0 2.4 0.4 9.3 Harena, Ore, Mt 2.0 0.1 2.1 Stockpile, Mt 0.2 0.4 0.6 Total Processed, Mt 2.3 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.2 0.1 12.0 Incremental Capital Cost In addition to the original guidance of $15 million in sustaining capital in 2018 and the life of mine ("LOM") sustaining capital in the Company's most recent technical report, the incremental capital to deliver the Bisha Main extension is as follows: 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 LOM Total Heavy Mining Equipment ("HME"), $M 20.1 0.6 0.1 0.1 20.9 Tailing Management Facility Lift ("TMF"), $M 4.5 4.5 Other, $M 6.1 2.6 2.4 0.7 2.5 14.3 Total, $M 26.2 3.2 7.0 0.8 2.5 39.7 HME capital is primarily to purchase larger mining equipment that is expected to yield a unit mining cost 23% lower than the existing fleet. The other costs include new maintenance facilities for the larger trucks as well as other initiatives and projects to deliver the mine life extension. All financial numbers are in US dollars unless otherwise indicated Forward Looking Statements The above contains forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward looking statements including statements with respect to Bisha zinc-copper mine in Eritrea and the Company's Timok upper-zone project in Serbia. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "hopes", "intends", "estimated", "potential", "possible" and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results "will", "may", "could" or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are statements concerning the Company's current beliefs, plans, objectives and expectations about the future. The actual achievements of the Company or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors. These risks, uncertainties and factors include general business, legal, economic, competitive, political, regulatory and social uncertainties; actual results of exploration activities and economic evaluations; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; changes in project parameters; changes in costs, including labour, infrastructure, operating and production costs; future prices of copper, gold, zinc, silver and other minerals; resource estimates and variations of mineral grade or recovery rates; operating or technical difficulties in connection with exploration; extension of mine life and the economic viability of underground deposits at Asheli and Harena and further open pit extensions; mining method, production profile and mine plan optimization; mine, performance and other development or mining activities, including plant operations, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; ability to resolve and the metallurgical challenges and the ability to maintain the improvements on variable ore materials being processed to produce concentrate; performance on ore production and waste movement and improvement in mining capability; delays in exploration, development; changes in government legislation and regulation; the ability to maintain and renew existing licenses and permits and the ability to obtain other required licences and permits in a timely manner or at all; the ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms and in a timely manner or at all; contests over title to properties; employee relations and shortages of skilled personnel and contractors; the speculative nature of, and the risks involved in, the exploration, development and mining business including, without limitation, other risks that are more fully described in the Company's Annual Information Form for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 (the "AIF") and the Company's management discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 (the "MD&A"), which are incorporated herein by reference. The Company's forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made and the Company assumes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements in the future, except as required by law. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. Further information concerning risks and uncertainties associated with these forward-looking statements and our business can be found in our AIF and MD&A, which is available on the Company's website (www.nevsun.com), filed under our profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and on EDGAR (www.sec.gov) under cover of Form 40-F. About Nevsun Resources Ltd. Nevsun Resources Ltd. is the 100% owner of the high-grade copper-gold Timok Upper Zone and 60.4% owner of the Timok Lower Zone in Serbia. The Timok Lower Zone is a partnership with Freeport-McMoRan Exploration Corporation ("Freeport") which currently owns 39.6% and upon completion of any feasibility study (on the Upper or Lower Zone), Nevsun Resources Ltd. will own 46% and Freeport will own 54%. Nevsun generates cash flow from its 60% owned copper-zinc Bisha Mine in Eritrea. Nevsun is well positioned with a strong debt-free balance sheet to grow shareholder value through advancing Timok to production. NEVSUN RESOURCES LTD. "Peter Kukielski" Peter Kukielski President & Chief Executive Officer SOURCE Nevsun Resources Ltd. For further information: Heather Taylor, Nevsun Investor Relations, Tel: +1 604 623 4712, Toll free: 1 888 600 2200, Email: [email protected], Website: www.nevsun.com CALGARY, June 14, 2018 /CNW/ - Paramount Resources Ltd. (TSX:POU) ("Paramount" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has entered into a purchase and sale agreement with Strath Resources Ltd. ("Strath") pursuant to which Strath will acquire Paramount's oil and gas properties and related infrastructure at Resthaven / Jayar in the Kakwa region (the "Assets") for total consideration of $340 million, subject to customary purchase price adjustments (the "Transaction"). The consideration to be received by Paramount under the Transaction is comprised of $170 million in cash, 85 million Strath common shares and 10-year warrants to acquire 8.5 million Strath common shares. The Strath common shares will be issued at a price, and the warrants will have an exercise price, equal to the issue price per share under Strath's most recent equity capital raise in 2018. Upon closing, Paramount will hold a 16% equity interest in Strath and Jim Riddell, Paramount's President and Chief Executive Officer, will join Strath's Board of Directors. The Assets include 201 (152 net) sections of land, with proved reserves of approximately 6.3 MMBoe (95% developed producing) and proved plus probable reserves of approximately 8.1 MMBoe (94% developed producing), as of December 31, 2017 (based on the evaluation by Paramount's independent reserves evaluator, McDaniel & Associates Consultants Ltd.). Sales volumes from these lands were approximately 5,300 Boe/d (36% liquids) in April 2018 on a restricted basis. Paramount had minimal capital spending planned for the Assets for the balance of the year. Strath is a Waterous Energy Fund-backed private oil and gas exploration and production company with a liquids-rich Montney land base that is immediately adjacent to the Assets. Strath advises that pro forma for the Transaction it will have approximately 21,300 Boe/d of production (48% liquids). The Transaction allows Paramount to capture the upside of Resthaven / Jayar through Strath's development of the combined Montney asset-base in the area, while Paramount continues to focus on developing its core Montney assets at Karr and Wapiti in the Grande Prairie Region and Montney and Duvernay assets in the Kaybob Region. Cash proceeds from the sale will be used to partially fund Paramount's 2018 capital expenditure program. Upon closing, Paramount will have achieved its 2018 disposition target, and as a result, the Company is evaluating whether to continue with its process to sell all or a portion of its fee simple and royalty lands in southern Alberta. Paramount also continues to evaluate other non-core dispositions. "We believe this transaction provides our shareholders with a compelling opportunity to realize meaningful value on our assets in the Resthaven / Jayar area. The cash consideration being received will be re-deployed to continue to develop and grow production from our core assets and further strengthens our already strong balance sheet and liquidity position. In addition, our shareholders will participate in the upside of Strath's combined Montney asset-base at Kakwa, through our significant shareholdings in Strath. We have tremendous respect for the Strath team, including their financial sponsors, and are excited to be partnering with them as they execute their development plan," said Jim Riddell. "The cash proceeds from this transaction not only satisfies our disposition target for 2018, but affords us the flexibility to be selective for the remainder of the year. Our focus remains on value maximization and we will continue to opportunistically pursue non-core dispositions in the context of evolving commodity prices and market conditions," said Rodrigo Sousa, Vice President, Corporate Development. The Transaction is expected to close in early July and is subject to customary closing conditions. ABOUT PARAMOUNT Paramount is an independent, publicly traded, liquids-focused Canadian energy company that explores and develops unconventional and conventional petroleum and natural gas prospects, including long-term unconventional exploration and pre-development projects, and holds a portfolio of investments in other entities. Paramount's principal properties are primarily located in Alberta and British Columbia. Paramount's Class A common shares are listed on the Toronto Stock Exchange under the symbol "POU". ADVISORIES Forward Looking Information Certain statements in this news release constitute forward-looking information under applicable securities legislation. Forward-looking information typically contains statements suggesting future outcomes or an outlook. Forward-looking information in this news release includes, but is not limited to, estimated reserves volumes, Paramount's equity position in Strath following the completion of the Transaction, Paramount's use of proceeds from the Transaction, the anticipated timing for closing of the Transaction, plans with regards to non-core asset dispositions, and Paramount's general business strategies and objectives. The forward-looking information in this news release is based on a number of assumptions which may prove to be incorrect. The forward-looking information in this news release is also based on expectations, estimates and projections that involve a number of risks and uncertainties which could cause actual results to differ materially from those anticipated by Paramount and described in the forward-looking information. See the sections titled "Note Regarding Forward Looking Statements and Advisories" and "Risk Factors" in Paramount's current annual information form for a description of the assumptions and risks applicable to Paramount's business and the forward-looking information herein. The forward-looking information contained in this news release is made as of the date hereof and, except as required by applicable securities law, Paramount 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. Oil and Gas Measures This news release contains disclosures expressed in "Boe/d" and "MMBoe". Natural gas equivalency volumes have been derived using the ratio of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil. Equivalency measures may be misleading, particularly if used in isolation. A conversion ratio of six thousand cubic feet of natural gas to one barrel of oil is based on an energy equivalency conversion method primarily applicable at the burner tip and does not represent a value equivalency at the well head. During the three months ended March 31, 2018, the value ratio between crude oil and natural gas was approximately 40:1. This value ratio is significantly different from the energy equivalency ratio of 6:1. Using a 6:1 ratio would be misleading as an indication of value. The estimates of reserves for individual properties may not reflect the same confidence level as estimates of reserves for all properties, due to the effects of aggregation. SOURCE Paramount Resources Ltd. For further information: Paramount Resources Ltd.: B.K. (Bernie) Lee, Executive Vice President, Finance and Chief Financial Officer, Rodrigo Sousa, Vice President, Corporate Development, Phone: (403) 290-3600, Fax: (403) 262-7994 Who is taking a New York state pension? Search our database to see the names, amounts and last employers for more than 215,000 people currently taking a New York state pension. New York State Comptroller Thomas DiNapoli's office provided the information in response to a Freedom of Information law request. It is a snapshot from March 2017 for people enrolled in both the NYS Employees Retirement System and the New York State Police and Fire Retirement System. The data includes each retiree whose annual pension is greater than $20,000. It includes retirees from local police and fire departments, public water authorities and other utilities as well as prisons, some hospitals, some colleges and state government agencies. Just hit 'search' to see all retirees ranked by the highest pension amount. Or use one of the filters to look for a specific name or see all retirees of a specific agency. More than 3,800 people are taking annual pensions of more than $100,000 a year, records show. to load this Caspio Contact Michelle Breidenbach anytime: Email | Twitter | 315-470-3186. Elon Musks Boring Co. has won a bid to build a multibillion-dollar high-speed express train to Chicagos OHare International Airport. Were really excited to work with the Mayor and the City to bring this new high-speed public transportation system to Chicago! https://t.co/cL1e0YfZSw The Boring Company (@boringcompany) June 14, 2018 It is unclear exactly what the Boring Co. high-speed airport link would involve, but last year Musk tweeted about his ideas for Chicago. Electric pods for sure, he wrote. Rails maybe, maybe not. The project is unusual in that no government funding is involved, forcing the winner to finance the entire construction cost itself. They will negotiate for one year over details of the project, which aims to connect downtown Chicago with OHare, about 15 miles and a $40 taxi ride away. A final go-ahead requires approval from the city council. In its request for proposals, the city set a goal of connecting downtown with the airport in 20 minutes or less, with service every 15 minutes for the majority of the day. The Venture Capital World Summits is holding events around the world. The next event is June 28, 2018 in New York ($399 will be discounted to $299.25 with nextbigcoins code). The New York Venture Capital activity is ranked 2nd in the U.S. and terms of data also in the World. As an example between 2013 and 2014, Venture Capital funding produced a 53% growth in the City. New York 2018, attendees will be able to learn, debate, invest, pitch and connect with leaders on the future challenges facing Venture Capital in dynamic Markets. Nextbigfuture and Nextbigcoins are a media partner. Readers can use the code nextbigcoins to get a 25% off discount on cart. To detail since the start of 2009, venture capital investors produced over $8 billion into New York startups. In 2013, New York recorded its largest investment exit at Yahoos acquisition of Tumblr which has been one of the New Yorks five largest investments exits since 2009 from Venture Capital. Investors will have the opportunity to meet dynamic pre-selected companies with high growth potential, senior public Sector Representatives and VIPs from across the world. Startups can join to meet dynamic pre-selected investors presenting high growth potential, senior public Sector Representatives and VIPs from across the world. Based on the growth in New Yorks tech startup scene are several companies that have raised large amounts of funding and continue to provide momentum onto the ecosystem with IPOs. The agenda for the event is structured into five distinct sections: * Expert discussion panels * International Pitching * Keynote speakers * Networking * Awards Other events Cardiff 26 October 2018 249 discounted to 186.75 with nextbigcoins code London 03 October 2018 349 discounted to 261.75 with nextbigcoins code Silicon Valley 29 Nov 2018 $399 will be discounted to $299.25 with nextbigcoins code Paris 24 April 2019 299 Euros discounted by 25% to 224 Euros MILFORD Jonathan Law High School class president Jordan Beck told fellow graduates at commencement Wednesday to embrace the new adult in the mirror and understand that you cannot be distinct until you experience failure. Beck said it is poignant to think that we entered Law as an eclectic band of freshmen and will leave as a brilliant group of minds with a range of amazing qualities. He said each student wrote their own guides to coping with the turbulence of high school the sudden independence and theres value in that uniqueness and in the ability of humans to adapt. Valedictorian Oreoluwatomiwa (Ore) Opayemi, said, Thank you, to all who helped the grads get where they are, saying a motto she lives by is, No one ever gets where they are by themselves. She said students should recognize that everyone theyve encountered in life good or bad has helped them get to the day of graduation. Whether its parents, teachers, the third-grade bully, or the custodians in our schools, each has contributed one way or another to the betterment of our lives, making us who we are now, Opayemi said. Opayemi thanked God for all shes accomplished, and said students should thank their parents for all theyve done in helping them get this far. She implored classmates to become the kind of people others want to thank. We must try to show kindness and compassion to those we interact with. We must be willing to give more of ourselves so others can benefit; this could occur through volunteering our time at the local food bank, or just sitting with a lonely person at lunch, she said. Salutatorian GraceAnne Piselli said after taking advantage of opportunities in high school, she has found what she truly wants out of life. Each passion is unique and admirable, and has put each of us on our own paths which we will begin walking once we graduate, she said. These paths will vary. Some will contain extensive detours which can alter or lengthen our journey. Other paths will be smooth and effortless, leading some of us to achieve our goals rather quickly. But, no matter the path we travel, we must remember to persevere and trust the process. She said she and fellow graduates are part of a generation that is an agent of change. We have grown up in an age where we face weekly tragedies, tumultuous leaders, and growing social and political polarization, Piselli said. After experiencing these issues for so long, our peers have gathered the courage to stand up and make changes to improve our world. She urged that as young adults classmates take advantage of our power; we must harness our passions, and use them to cause major world shifts. She quoted Mahatma Gandhi said, If we are to reach real peace in this world we shall have to begin with children. Former Finance Minister of Georgia Mamuka Bakhtadze has recently been named as a candidate for the Prime Ministers post, which became vacant after Giorgi Kvirikashvili's resignation. The decision was made at the meeting of the parliamentary majority held today, InterPressNews reported. According to the Constitution of Georgia, within seven days of the prime ministers resignation, the president of Georgia has to name a new candidate for Prime Minister, nominated by the Parliamentary Majority. Following to it, the PMs candidate should name his/her Cabinet of Ministers within seven days. The candidate for prime minister can maintain the previous Cabinet or change some ministers and submit them to the Parliament of Georgia for confirmation. A candidate will need support of at least 76 lawmakers in the 150-seat Parliament to be confirmed as a Prime Minister. NEW HAVEN City police Lts. John Healy and David Zanelli are trying to open a dialogue with the communities they serve. Healy and Zanelli are district managers for the Dwight/Chapel and Fair Haven districts, respectively, who engaged with residents in an event this week in an effort to build bridges between two communities often at odds. It was held by Project Longevity New Haven and the Urban League of Southern Connecticuts New Haven office. Our goal here is to bring the community together with law enforcement to create an environment thats open, civil, where people are open to interacting with police, said Stacy Spell, project manager for Project Longevity of New Haven and a retired New Haven police officer. The focus of the event was for the officers and community to share stories about what, or who, has inspired them. The police and community are inspired by similar or some of the same people, Spell said. Its a chance to create a dialogue that doesnt normally happen. It was the second time such as dialogue was held and Spell said the hard part about holding the event is getting the community to show up, which is needed to rewrite the narrative that cops dont care about communities they serve Were trying to fuel police/community reconciliation, Spell said. When community and police are on the same accord, we can really work together and thats when you really save lives. When do you find that opportunity? Zanelli said the dialogue is a good informal setting where people can ask questions about policing in their neighborhoods. Theres no stress to it and people are more open to it, Zanelli said. People are more comfortable asking about community events and procedures and it also helps because were able to educate the public about what we do and get them to understand why were trained a certain way and why we do a certain thing and it really is in the best interest of public safety Daniel Hunt, who works with student support services at Engineering and Science University Magnet School, said he used to be wary of police but his trust has been building since he started engaging with the community walks police hold throughout the districts. Trust is building in one neighborhood at a time and were going to keep doing them, he said, and its outreach events such as Wednesdays that help open the dialogue of the community getting to know officers in a different way. During the event, people from the Housing Authority, New Haven Family Alliance, Yale New Haven Hospital and others shared personal stories and what was on their minds regarding the Police Department. Katie ONeill, a general surgery resident at Yale New Haven Hospital, came with questions about conflict and deescalation and police interactions with gunshot wound patients, whom she sees often. New Haven has come far in its community policing model, ONeill said. She said shes interviewed gunshot wound victims whose interactions with police in the last 10 years have been bad and seemingly uncaring, but hasnt found that as the case recently. Zanelli, district manager for Fair Haven, said the bonds between the community have gotten tighter over the years through the increased outreach by police, which has always been positive and well received. Were doing more to engage the public than we ever have before, he said. Were looking for more community dialogue to spread the message of partnership. As the public begins to trust the officers more, the sharing of information begins to lead to the solving of multiple crimes, from violent to property, he said. We see that here in Fair Haven where theyve had active role in solving multiple cases and Im not sure we wouldve seen that 10 years ago, Zanelli said. Events like this help open the dialogue. I have seen trust and understanding build through these events. In turn, he said hes seen pickup in the number of people helping with crime leads. The whole idea is changing the perception of the police department and getting to see them as human beings, Spell said. Its the little efforts. We dont need to take giant steps to reach the top of the mountain. Its the little steps that will get us there and this is a little step. Project Longevity is a community and law enforcement initiative to reduce serious violence in three of Connecticuts major citiesNew Haven, Bridgeport and Hartford. NEW HAVEN Career High School Principal Zakia Parrish had effusive praise for the Connecticut RISE Network at a school board committee meeting Wednesday, arguing the nonprofit has played a significant role in reducing attendance issues at the school. The nonprofit Connecticut RISE Network, funded through the Dalio Foundation run by hedge fund founder and richest man in Connecticut Ray Dalio and his wife, Barbara takes student data reported by school districts and displays it in interactive charts, allowing teachers to view the attendance records, grades, disciplinary records, demographic information and more of every student in their school. In total, there are 23 of these data dashboards, said RISE director Emily Pallin. We wanted to build tools that would be actionable for teachers for their students, Pallin said at Wednesdays Teaching and Learning Committee meeting. The organizations charts, which update nightly, also have the ability to help schools with predictive surveillance, identifying the most frequent spots for disciplinary action. For instance, a school might have more fights in a hallway, which allows educators to strategize for passing time. Currently, RISE works with schools in New Haven, Meriden, Hartford and East Hartford at no cost to the districts. At Career, preliminary data suggests that 16.4 percent of freshmen missed 10 percent or more of all school days, a one-year decline of 5.8 points. Juniors had a preliminary 8.6-point drop in chronic absenteeism in one year. Parrish said the use of data has helped her teachers give specific interventions and support. Were shifting from teaching content to teaching students, she said. We wanted to see which students were on the cusp and which were in danger of not matriculating to the next grade. This dashboard for us was like a godsend. She said in the past, teachers used data, but they would need to pull information from various areas in order to get a fuller picture. Still, committee members Joe Rodriguez and Mayor Toni Harp appeared hesitant to embrace the system. Rodriguez brought up ethical issues about the district giving student data to outside sources. Pallin said the nonprofit has a data-sharing agreement with the district and will only give student data to teachers within that students school. As a nonprofit, we have no intention of ever going out of business. We want to stay working with your district long-term, she said. Harp wondered what could happen if the Dalio family moved on from funding urban education as an area of philanthropic interest. All the data are completely erased if the partnership should ever end, Pallin said. All the same, she said the group is in the process of looking for more funding streams should that ever happen. Harp wondered why the district would need an outside vendor for displaying student data if the data belongs to the district, but Pallin said RISE packages the data to be accessible to teachers for their needs. Harp also said she would want an intuitive tool that shows parents some limited school-based data, so parents would feel motivated to improve their students learning were it below average. Dan Wick, a data fellow who works in the city for RISE, displayed some charts with student data to challenge assumptions about how students should be targeted for interventions. Twenty-six percent of students who scored below grade level in reading in eighth grade were struggling in freshman English, he said, whereas 11 percent of students who demonstrated an exceptional reading skill in eighth grade received a D or F average in freshman English. A different metric, one which places students into risk categories based on attendance and grade point average in eighth grade, was more predictive, he said. Several supervisors provided feedback about how interventions are already in place for many of the students identified as high risk or below basic in reading. Reading supervisor Lynn Brantley said that many of the students who are below basic in reading already receive intervention support in high school, which could explain the passing rates for those who make it. Science supervisor Richard Therrien said students could fail for reasons outside of preparedness or ability. We never say to teachers, Dont worry about certain kids, said foreign languages supervisor Jessica Haxhi. brian.zahn@hearstmediact.com NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg will travel to Germany today, the NATO press service reported. On 14 June, Stoltenberg will meet the Minister of Foreign Affairs Heiko Maas in Berlin. On 15 June, the Secretary General will meet Chancellor Angela Merkel. The Secretary General will also meet with the leader of the Social Democratic Party and SPD Parliamentary Group in Bundestag, Andrea Nahles, members of the Foreign Affairs and Defense Committees in Bundestag, and participate in an event hosted by Korber-Stiftung. To reach the ultimate goal of nuclear disarmament on the Korean peninsula, we must first achieve a ban on nuclear weapons testing. North Koreas six nuke tests have advanced its weapons program. The Trump-Kim summit in Singapore may be the first step toward disarming the Norths nuclear arsenal. But it will take time and confidence building. The United States and North Korea can get the post summit effort rolling now by ratifying the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty (CTBT), which bans all nuclear test explosions. A commitment by North Korea to end nuke test explosions would demonstrate its seriousness about peace and disarmament. The United States ratifying the CTBT would be a powerful goodwill measure. North Korea and the U.S. are among eight nations holding out from ratifying the CTBT. (India, Pakistan, Israel, Iran, Egypt and China are the others) The CTBT can serve as an opening step toward disarmament agreements needed to denuclearize the peninsula. The verification system of the CTBT can detect secret nuclear explosions, so we need this treaty in effect. The system features stations all over the world that can detect nuclear blasts from thousands of miles away. China, as North Koreas ally and neighbor, should likewise ratify the CTBT right away to strengthen the peace movement. North Korea's nuclear testing has caused major international tensions over the last decade. We don't want to see any more tests by North Korea or any nation. The United States has not tested a nuclear weapon since 1992 and relies on the computer technology of the Stockpile Stewardship program to maintain the arsenal. Its time the United States Senate to ratify the CTBT and President Trump to give his signature. Its been 60 years since President Dwight Eisenhower first proposed nuclear test ban treaty negotiations with the Soviet Union. Ikes efforts, followed by President F. John Kennedy, led to a limited test ban treaty banning atmospheric, underwater and outer space nuke explosions. Kennedy signed the treaty one year after the Cuban Missile Crisis. The Soviet Union had placed nuclear missiles in Cuba during the fall of 1962 and both sides test exploded nukes while a standoff ensued. The Limited Test Ban Treaty was a dramatic turnaround from that near catastrophe. But now its time for a comprehensive ban ending nuke tests forever. This will help North Korea and the U.S. build the peace we need desperately today. The Trump-Kim Summit will ultimately be judged on what it leads to in terms of disarmament and other agreements, including other critical issues such as human rights. None of it will happen overnight. But we must get started right away on reducing the nuclear threat which hangs over us all. It's time for the United States, North Korea and other holdouts to ratify the Comprehensive Nuclear Test Ban Treaty. By closing the door on nuclear testing, we can start building a bridge to disarmament. William Lambers is the author of Nuclear Weapons the Road to Peace. I dont like Susan Bysiewicz for a variety of reasons. Whenever an election comes, I get bombarded by emails from every dreaming candidate of all ideologies at Central Connecticut State University; my workplace. That is her legacy. As a secretary of the state, she unethically collected the email addresses of thousands of state employees. The list itself has been subsequently submitted to a Freedom of Information request by all political wannabes. Reading those emails from every aspiring candidate while on state time, instead than focusing on answering those from my students is a waste of taxpayersmoney. Thanks Susan. As a politician, she has tried to entice the Latino community with limited success. Many years ago, my beloved friend John Soto, a hero of our community, held a reception for her at his house in Orange. He was the owner of Spacecraft Industries, one of the most important Latino manufacturers of aviation parts in the United States. Secretary of the State Bysiewicz arrived more than an hour late in her state-issued Crown Victoria, treated everyone with sweet political disdain, distributed business cards and left as she came. Despite having met her many times before, she still had the social grace of telling me pleasure to meet you. I think it must have been the fifth time she had told me so. Like the church lady from Saturday Night Life says: Isnt that nice. She has an arrogance that deflates me. I once saw her return a plate at a Thai restaurant three times. Apparently, it was neither to the taste of her palate or the customs instilled in her at Yale or Duke. I scratch my head when the Democratic Party endorses a women like Bysiewicz to be the lieutenant governor. She should not have been bestowed with that recognition. She believes she is entitled to the position and above the common folk. The good news is for the next elections we have choices. First, we have Eva Bermudez. My favorite as of now. She is only 30 and she doesnt wear black pumps. Nor is she part of the corporate legal world. Ms. Bermudez been a community activist for most of her professional life both here and in Brazil. As a member of the Working Families Party, she is fully familiar with issues of income inequality, poverty, disenfranchisement and the needs of the community and the state. She has walked the walk and understand those from the working class. She understand what is to be black, white and Latino poor. She understand that there are some fundamental structural imbalances in Connecticut and what the solutions may be. If Eva is not got going to be a candidate of choice, there is my dear former student Erin Steward. She is community-minded, a great administrator, color- and race-blind and a person with a great heart. Look at what Erin has done for New Britain. I have a soft spot in my heart for her. Susan Bysiewicz, thinks she can be Ella Grasso. No! We have had some great woman politicians in the state. Some of them have even great taste in selecting their shoes. Substance and style go together, I am afraid that with this one we are getting none of them. Serafin Mendez-Mendez is a professor of communications at Central Connecticut State University. Mercedes-Benz Superdome operators face federal litigation after an Assumption Parish resident claimed in a lawsuit the arena violates the Americans with Disabilities Act. A lawsuit filed Thursday (June 14) by the Bizer & DeReus law firm alleges Shelby Bailey has struggled for years to get accessible Superdome seating offering an unobstructed view of the field. Bailey, who was diagnosed with muscular dystrophy, uses a motorized wheelchair for mobility and a ventilator to breathe, the document added. The lawsuit, filed in the Eastern District Court of New Orleans, names defendants as the Louisiana Stadium and Exposition District, which manages the state-owned Superdome, LSED chairman Kyle France and SMG, the company contracted to manage the Superdome's day-to-day operations. A representative for LSED did not immediately respond to requests for comment. Savannah Chamblee, SMG's event marketing and media coordinator, said in an email Thursday the Superdome has "always taken and will continue to take steps to accommodate individuals with disabilities." She said it would not be "appropriate" for SMG to provide further comment since the matter is under litigation. The lawsuit alleges accessibility has dwindled amid the Superdome's multi-million dollar renovations in recent years. Bailey has been a New Orleans Saints season ticket-holder for 30 years, according to the lawsuit, and his first tickets for wheelchair accessible seats were located on a raised platform in the 100-level section of the Superdome around the 10-yard line. The number of accessible field-level seats was reduced, however, after Louisiana completed an $85 million Superdome renovation in 2011, the document stated. The price of tickets to access those seats also increased, the lawsuit says, though Bailey's view from them was blocked by players and on-field personnel. Additional wheelchair seating was moved to the very last row of the 100-level section, and the lawsuit states those seats are not raised high enough for Bailey to see the field when a crowd in front of him stands. A concrete overhang also completely obstructs Bailey's view of the video boards installed as part of the $40 million renovation project in 2016, as well as his view of kicks, punts and long passes, the document added. "Put another way, Saints fans with disabilities were reassigned to some of the worst seats in the stadium," the lawsuit states. 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 issues raised by Bailey come after the U.S. Department of Justice uncovered ADA violations for a lack of accessibility for persons with disabilities at the Superdome in 2008, according to the lawsuit. The lawsuit also stated the arena was sued in 2010 for ongoing ADA accessibility violations, but the parties eventually entered into a confidential settlement agreement. Bailey has tried to get arena officials to make seating renovations for several years, according to the lawsuit. His efforts included a 2013 appearance on WWL-TV to discuss his concerns and making complaints to Saints management during the 2015 and 2016 seasons. The lawsuit stated officials moved him to different seats in the 100-level section, but Bailey noticed every wheelchair accessible seat had the same sight obstructions. Bailey was also offered wheelchair seating in the 600-level area of the arena, but the lawsuit states accessible rows there are too narrow. The section also lacks handrails, and although the rows are positioned behind a metal guardrail, the lawsuit stated that rail is positioned directly in the sight of wheelchair users. "Because of the lack of accessibility in these 600-level terrace designated seats, Mr. Bailey is deterred from seeking a season ticket subscription for these accessible seats," the lawsuit stated. The lawsuit notes Bailey chose to sue the Superdome now because he is "gravely concerned" the next round of renovations will continue to neglect people with disabilities. State officials recently approved funding to research options for Superdome renovations, which could range in cost from $150 million to $500 million. Bailey also seeks an unspecified financial compensation, and the lawsuit claims the LSED has discriminated against him by failing to make the Superdome readily accessible. The lawsuit states Bailey wants the LSED to alter its Superdome policies to make the arena fully accessible and usable under ADA law. The ADA was signed into law in 1990 by President George H.W. Bush as civil rights legislation designed to prohibit disability discrimination and was meant to guarantee people with disabilities the same opportunities as able-bodied citizens. Former U.S. Attorney and former Orleans Parish District Attorney Eddie Jordan is under investigation for allegedly providing an inmate with drugs, according to a release by the Orleans Parish Sheriff's Office. A courtroom deputy observed Jordan, who now works as a private attorney, allegedly handing an envelope to his client in criminal court. The deputy searched the envelope and discovered "illegal narcotics," the release said. "This incident highlights the constant efforts made to introduce contraband into our facility even by attorneys. We commend Deputy Wilbert Charles and Deputy Prisca Christopher's diligent efforts to ensure that this contraband never successfully made it into the hands of an inmate," concluded the release. OPSO declined to give further information on the timing of the incident, length of the investigation and whether the incident was isolated or part of a trend, citing the active nature of the investigation. As U.S. Attorney, Jordan convicted former Gov. Edwin Edwards of corruption charges. Jordan took over the Orleans Parish District Attorney's seat from Harry Connick in 2003. During his embroiled tenure, a jury ruled that Jordan systematically discriminated against white employees. Two weeks after taking office, Jordan cleaned house, firing 43 employees-- all white but for one Hispanic. Within six months of his administration, Jordan had hired 68 people, 92 percent of them African-American. A federal jury of eight white and two black jurors unanimously found that Jordan enacted the changes because of the employees' races. 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 He eventually resigned in 2007 with a year left in his term. In the days before his resignation, an armed robbery suspect was revealed to have been visiting Jordan's girlfriend Cherylynn Robinson before robbing a West Bank gas station. The suspect returned to Jordan's and Robinson's home immediately following the robbery. The charges against that suspect were eventually dropped because of "severe and irreconcilable inconsistencies" between key witnesses' versions of events. Jordan did not immediately respond to requests for comment on the contraband allegations. Stay with NOLA.com as more details develop. LSU Health New Orleans announced Thursday (June 14) it will collaborate with a Nashville-based company called Cumberland Emerging Technologies Inc. to develop and commercialize new biomedical products. According to their website, Cumberland Emerging Technologies works to identify promising biomedical technologies being developed by researchers, universities and entrepreneurs seeking a corporate partner to help them develop and commercialize those products. The partners will work together to identify ongoing therapeutic research at LSU Health New Orleans that could be developed into new biomedical products, according to a press release. Some of the areas of development include therapeutics for cardiovascular diseases, cancer and anti-fungals. Cumberland will also pursue new sources of funding for the LSU Health New Orleans projects through the Small Business Technology Transfer and Small Business Innovation Research and other grant opportunities, according to the press release. "We're confident that CET will prove to be an excellent partner to bring our technologies to the market for public benefit," said Patrick Reed, the director of the office of technology management at LSU Health New Orleans. 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 . Thirty to 40 St. Tammany Parish government employees could lose their jobs at the end of the year due to the loss of millions of dollars in revenue from two sales taxes, Parish President Pat Brister said Thursday (June 14). Brister, briefing the media on cost-cutting recommendations made by a citizens committee, said the government's budget is set for this year but a workforce reduction looms at the end of 2018. Voters on three occasions rejected separate sales tax renewals to fund the operations of the parish jail and courthouse, telling parish government to live without that money, Brister said. "We are going to do our very best to do that." Brister said her administration is moving to restructure and reduce the size of government to free up money to cover some $27 million in annual state-mandated costs associated with the operations of the jail and courthouse, both in Covington. With cost savings and the use of fund balances, the parish will be able to meet those financial obligations - but not for long, she said. "Eventually there has to be a (permanent) revenue source," Brister said. "We can get through the next two to three years. Then people have to decide if that's the parish they want and are they ready to look at it (a tax of some sort) again." The committee's recommendations call for selling, leasing or entering into a cooperative agreement to run the Towers Building in Slidell, the old levee board building in the Slidell area, the Bush community center, the Folsom polling location, a modular building at the Parish Fairgrounds in Covington and the public defender's building. Even if the Towers Building is sold, the government services offered there would remain in Slidell but at some another location, Brister said. The administration will also consider raising utility rates and other fees, such as those for development and licenses for dogs and cats, officials said. Some fees have not been increased in 15 years, said committee member Kyle France, president of Kehoe France Northshore School. Animal licenses cost $5 in St. Tammany, compared to $25 in Jefferson Parish, Brister said. Other recommendations from the committee include: 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 Privatizing services. Brister said that could include security at the courthouse, which is now provided by the Sheriff's Office. "We will look at every suggestion they gave us with careful consideration, as we continue to create our 2019 budget," Brister said. Brister noted that a hiring freeze has been in place for some time, with 100 to 108 positions left unfilled. The freeze has since been lifted in the Public Works Department, which was hard hit by the move. Chief Administrative Officer Gina Campo said the moves are aimed at freeing up $11.5 million in unrestricted general fund money to put toward the mandated costs. With $27 million in mandated costs and only some $11.5 million in general fund dollars available, "You can see we have a serious problem," France said. "It's clear to us what has to happen. We have to find some revenue, somewhere . . ." Quarter-cent sales taxes that provided $11 million annually each for the jail and courthouse expired in March. Voters turned down an effort to renew the taxes at the same rate and twice rejected scaled-back versions at one-fifth cent, which would have generated $9 million annually for each. The parish government is now operating under a $139 million operating and capital budget, a $10 million reduction from 2017. Committee members Kim Carver, senior vice president at Gulf Coast Bank & Trust, and Will Wainwright, chancellor of Northshore Technical Community College, also attended Thursday's briefing. "When I came in, I expected to find lots of low hanging fruit," Carver told reporters. However, the parish government had already made significant efforts to address the shortfall, he said, calling it "a lean and mean operation." Nonethless, Carver said, "There's a hole here that has to be filled." Armenia's Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan, who is on a working visit to Russia, met with president and chairman of VTB Bank Management Board Andrey Kostin. The PM underscored VTB Banks presence in the financial market of Armenia and its active investments in the economy of the country, the press office of the Armenian PM said. Pashinyan presented the Armenian governments priorities toward the improvement of Armenias business climate and economy, and he stressed the need for the banking systems adequately responding to the signals by the business sector. The sides also discussed the avenues for expanding VTB Banks activities in Armenias economy, News.am reported. Despite a slow down because of Hurricane Ida, eight casinos as of Thursday have applied to offer sports betting in Louisiana, according to the Louisiana Gaming Control Board, the agency that oversees gambling in the state. Learn about the common reasons that workers comp claims are deniedand what you can do about it. If you were injured on the job or developed a medical condition because of your worksuch as a cumulative trauma like a repetitive strain injury (RSI) or lung disease from exposure to toxic chemicalsyou're no doubt hoping to be eligible for workers' compensation benefits. But what can you do if your claim has been denied? The answer could depend on the reasons for the denial. Common Reasons for Denial of Workers' Comp Claims Employers or their insurance companies sometimes look for any possible reason to deny workers' comp claims. Of course, that reason should be a valid one under the law. There are several common reasons for claim denials, including: Missed deadlines. In order to receive workers' comp benefits, you must report your injury or illness to your employer right away. After that, you generally have to file a workers' comp claim with the state agency (although in some states, your employer or the insurance company will take care of this step after you've notified them of the injury). States have different time limits for reporting injuries and filing claims. If you miss the deadlines, your claim will probably be denied. In some states, you won't be penalized for missing the reporting deadline (by not giving your employer written notice of the injury), as long as your boss actually knew that it happened. Still, your claim has to be filed in time. In order to receive workers' comp benefits, you must report your injury or illness to your employer right away. After that, you generally have to file a workers' comp claim with the state agency (although in some states, your employer or the insurance company will take care of this step after you've notified them of the injury). States have different time limits for reporting injuries and filing claims. If you miss the deadlines, your claim will probably be denied. In some states, you won't be penalized for missing the reporting deadline (by not giving your employer written notice of the injury), as long as your boss actually knew that it happened. Still, your claim has to be filed in time. Disputes about whether injury is work-related. Your employer may say that you weren't working when you were injured, that you were involved in some kind of misconduct at the time, or that your current medical condition isn't actually a result of a workplace accident or exposure. Whatever the reason for the dispute over whether your injury or illness is work-related, you'll need to gather evidence to support your claim. Maybe you need witness accounts about the circumstances of the accident. Or you may need more medical evidence. If your treating doctor has already attributed your condition to your work, but the insurance company disagrees, you may need to attend an independent medical examination to get another doctor's opinion. Your employer may say that you weren't working when you were injured, that you were involved in some kind of misconduct at the time, or that your current medical condition isn't actually a result of a workplace accident or exposure. Whatever the reason for the dispute over whether your injury or illness is work-related, you'll need to gather evidence to support your claim. Maybe you need witness accounts about the circumstances of the accident. Or you may need more medical evidence. If your treating doctor has already attributed your condition to your work, but the insurance company disagrees, you may need to attend an independent medical examination to get another doctor's opinion. Your condition doesn't meet state guidelines. The law in your state may have special restrictions on workers' comp claims for cumulative trauma or psychological conditions. Some states rule out workers' comp benefits for illnesses caused by long-term emotional stress at work. Or your injuries might not be severe enough to meet the requirements for a workers' comp claim. The law in your state may have special restrictions on workers' comp claims for cumulative trauma or psychological conditions. Some states rule out workers' comp benefits for illnesses caused by long-term emotional stress at work. Or your injuries might not be severe enough to meet the requirements for a workers' comp claim. You filed the claim after you left your job. Insurers usually deny claims that were filed after the employee was fired, laid off, or quit. But you might have had a good reason for the delay. Maybe you reported the injury while you were still at the job, or you were injured in the period after you gave (or were given) notice but before your last day. Or maybe you were fired in retaliation for reporting a workplace injury (which is illegal). Some states have special rules for workers' comp claims filed after you left your job. If you qualify for one of the exceptions in your state's law, you may be able to contest the denial. What to Do When Your Workers' Comp Claim Is Denied Don't give up your right to workers' comp benefits just because your claim was initially denied. First, look closely at the letter telling you that your claim was denied. It will probably include the reasons for the denial. If you think it was simply a matter of mistaken paperwork or something similar, you might consider contacting the claims adjuster to see if you can clear up the problem. But this route isn't likely to be successful unless your employer or the insurance company made a bona fide mistake and admits it. More likely, you'll have to consider appealing the denial. Appealing a Workers' Comp Claim Denial The letter you received may include information about how to appeal the denial of your claim. If so, read it carefully. The appeals process varies in each state. Often, the first level of appeal will be at a hearing before an administrative law judge, where you'll have to present medical and other evidence to support your claim. The hearing can be through a state labor department or a state board of workers' compensation. There are additional levels of appeal beyond the initial administrative levels as well, which vary depending on the state. When You Need a Lawyer Unless your claim was denied due to a simple mistake that was immediately cleared up, it would be smart to speak with a workers' comp lawyer as soon as possible. An attorney can help you determine whether an appeal would be the best course of action for you. The timelines for workers' comp appeals are short and strict, and you don't want to lose your rights to benefits just because you missed a deadline. Before you consider filing any appeal yourself, you should definitely talk to an attorney. Appeals are complicated legal processes, involving rules of evidence and civil procedure that the judge will expect you to know. If you don't win at the initial levels, you may not be able to present additional evidence later in the process. One of the reasons that many injured employees lose their appeals is because they didn't have an experienced workers' compensation attorney at their side to help them prepare a strong case. Also, most workers' comp lawyers charge only a percentage of the benefits you actually receive, so it won't cost you anything unless you win. North Augusta, SC (29841) Today Partly cloudy. Slight chance of a rain shower. High 82F. Winds WNW at 10 to 20 mph.. Tonight Clear skies. Low around 50F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph. 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. The meeting between US President Donald Trump and North Korean leader Kim Jong-un has reduced the risk of a large military conflict on the Korean Peninsula, Russian President Vladimir Putin said at a meeting with President of the Presidium of the Supreme Peoples Assembly of North Korea Kim Yong-nam. "It was raising concerns across the world and could have serious consequences, up to a large military conflict," Putin said. "Thanks to this meeting, this unfavorable scenario was postponed and new prospects of settling all problems in peaceful and diplomatic ways appeared." He also welcomed the contacts between the leaders of North and South Korea. "We have always sought the settlement of all problems around the Korean Peninsula," TASS cited the Russian leader as saying. "In this context I would like to stress that we certainly welcome these contacts which began between the leader of the Democratic People's Republic of Korea and the president of the Republic of Korea," Putin added. Well-known Russian film director and Chairman of the State Duma Culture Committee Stanislav Govorukhin passed away at 10:37 Moscow time at the Barvikha Sanatorium outside Moscow, State Duma Speaker Vyacheslav Volodin said at a lower house meeting. "Our colleague Stanislav Govorukhin passed away after a severe long illness at 10:37 Moscow time at the Barvikha Sanatorium. He fought his illness to the end, but it got the upper hand," Volodin said. After that, lawmakers paid homage to Govorukhin with a moment of silence. Russian President Vladimir Putin has offered his condolences over the prominent film directors death, Presidential Spokesman Dmitry Peskov said. "Just like the whole country, Putin considers him a brilliant film director, a very active and much-respected public figure, a Russian citizen who was always actively involved in the life of his country," TASS cited Peskov as saying. Stanislav Govorukhin was awarded the honorary title of Peoples Artist of Russia in 2006. He directed such movies as The Meeting Place Cannot Be Changed, Vertical and The Rifleman of the Voroshilov Regiment and wrote scripts for the Russian Revolt and In June 1941 films. Govorukhin was a member of Russias State Duma since 1993. Im a recovering alcoholic, havent had a drink in almost 27 years, and these days the thought of drinking rarely crosses my mind. Yet when I think about those eight novels by Ms. Tartt and Mr. Franzen not enough to fill even a quarter of a library bookshelf Im reminded of a lunch I had with my wife not too long after I sobered up. There were two older ladies at a nearby table. They were conversing with great animation over their meals, while their half-finished glasses of white wine stood forgotten in the middle of the table. I felt a strong urge to rise from my place and speak to them. Only thats not right. I felt an urge to actually hector them. To say, Why dont you drink your wine? Its sitting right there, for Christs sake. Some of us cant drink wine, we dont have that privilege, but you can, so why the heck dont you do it? The long gaps between books from such gifted writers make me similarly crazy. I understand that each one of us works at a different speed, and has a slightly different process. I understand that these writers are painstaking, wanting each sentence each word to carry weight (or, to borrow the title of one of Jonathan Franzens finest novels, to have strong motion). I know its not laziness, but respect for the work, and I understand from my own work that haste makes waste. But I also understand that life is short, and that in the end, none of us is prolific. The creative spark dims, and then death puts it out. William Shakespeare, for instance, hasnt produced a new play for 400 years. That, my friends, is a long dry spell. This is not a roundabout way of justifying my own prolificacy. Yes, Ive published more than 55 novels. Yes, I have employed a pseudonym (Richard Bachman). Yes, I once published four books in one year (shades of James Patterson except mine were longer, and written without the aid of a collaborator). And yes, I once wrote a novel (The Running Man) in a single week. But I can say, with complete honesty, that I never had any choice. As a young man, my head was like a crowded movie theater where someone has just yelled Fire! and everyone scrambles for the exits at once. I had a thousand ideas but only 10 fingers and one typewriter. There were days Im not kidding about this, or exaggerating when I thought all the clamoring voices in my mind would drive me insane. Back then, in my 20s and early 30s, I thought often of the John Keats poem that begins, When I have fears that I may cease to be / Before my pen has gleand my teeming brain I imagine it was that way with Frederick Schiller Faust, better known as Max Brand (and best known as the creator of Dr. Kildare). He wrote at least 450 novels, a feat rendered more remarkable by his ill health and premature death at the age of 51. Alexandre Dumas wrote The Count of Monte Cristo and The Three Musketeers and some 250 other novels. And theres Isaac Asimov, who sold his first short story at 19, hammered out more than 500 books, and revolutionized science fiction. A contestant on the ABC reality series The Bachelorette was convicted last month in connection with a 2016 groping episode, putting the shows vetting process under scrutiny for the second time this season. The contestant, Lincoln Adim, 26, pleaded guilty in May to indecent assault and battery for groping a woman on a harbor cruise in Boston in May 2016, according to Jake Wark, a spokesman for the Suffolk County District Attorneys Office in Massachusetts. The conviction, on May 21, came a week before the premiere of the current season of The Bachelorette, a reality television dating and marriage show. The third episode aired this week, and Mr. Adim remains in the running for the hand of Becca Kufrin, this seasons bachelorette. The episodes are filmed weeks or months in advance, but the fact that court records indicate Mr. Adim was charged in 2016 raises questions about whether the show knew, or should have known, of his history before casting him. In a statement Wednesday evening, Warner Bros., which produces the show, said no one in the production had any prior knowledge of the incident, and that when Mr. Adim was cast, he denied ever having been engaged in or charged with sexual misconduct. The statement also said that a well-respected and highly experienced third party entrusted with the shows background checks made no mention of the incident, and that the omission was being investigated. RE: THE EMPOWERMENT CULT Vanessa Grigoriadis wrote about Nxivm and its founder, who preached female empowerment and now stands accused of sex trafficking. This story deeply hits home for me. At one point in my life, one that seemingly had everything going for it, I got lost in a cycle of despair that nothing could touch. Eventually, through a friend, I was introduced to a group led by a woman with a radical approach to therapy and group work that mirrors much of what Nxivm does for its followers. I threw myself hook, line and sinker into all of it. We cried, danced, yelled, even at times fought physically with one another and were led into the deepest parts of ourselves and our pain. It was intoxicating, and its intensity was exactly what I craved. After nine months, I had learned enough about myself to contemplate leaving. The training wheels needed to come off. That realization coincided with our dear leaders new plan for our greater healing. Under her direction, we were to become peddlers for a nutrition company. I demurred and at the same time announced my retirement from the group. I knew full well from what befell others who left what would follow: total condemnation and excommunication from all contact with people who had become dear to me. So be it. All the more reason to leave. I had no desire to be in thrall to this leader forever. It seemed to me she needed us so much more than we needed her. Why else this clinging? I learned so much in my time there, but leaving them behind was essential. Whats the point of empowerment if you cant shake the guru and his influence over your life? Memi Von Gaza, Canada A Rensselaer County district attorney accused of lying to a grand jury after an investigation into his handling of a 2016 shooting of an unarmed black man in upstate New York had his criminal case dismissed this week by a state judge. The district attorney, Joel Abelove, was indicted in December by the state attorney general at the time, Eric T. Schneiderman, on a single felony count of perjury and two misdemeanor counts of official misconduct. The charges arose from the investigation into the death of Edson Thevenin, who was shot eight times and killed by a police sergeant during an April 2016 traffic stop in Troy, N.Y. After the shooting, Mr. Abelove, a Republican, quickly convened a grand jury, something that the attorney generals office believed was intentionally meant to ensure that the officer, Sgt. Randall French, did not get charged in the killing. Mr. Abelove had also conferred immunity on Sergeant French before the grand jury voted, Mr. Schneidermans office said, and was alleged to have lied to a separate grand jury about another immunity case. Prosecutions of county prosecutors by a state attorney general are rare. But Mr. Schneiderman, a Democrat who resigned in disgrace last month after allegations that he had physically abused romantic partners, was empowered to investigate Mr. Abelove under a 2015 executive order from Gov. Andrew M. Cuomo. The order allowed the state attorney general to serve as a special prosecutor for investigations into the deaths of unarmed civilians caused by law enforcement officers. Douglas J. Bennet, who took over National Public Radio when it faced an uncertain future and spearheaded a decade of growth, died on Sunday at his home in Essex, Conn. He was 79. The cause was complications of a fall sustained five years ago, his family said. In a wide-ranging career, Mr. Bennet also led Wesleyan University in Connecticut for 12 years and served in various political and government positions. He was known for bringing financial and organizational stability to whatever institution he took on, a skill honed as an assistant to political figures like Chester Bowles, a diplomat and a former governor and congressman; and Vice President Hubert H. Humphrey. When Mr. Bennet took the helm at NPR in 1983, during the fiscally conservative administration of President Ronald Reagan, the organization was in financial distress. Mr. Bennet made structural changes that reversed the decline. He restored NPRs financial stability and directed its further growth, Ralph Engelman wrote in Public Radio and Television in America: A Political History (1996). HONG KONG More than two dozen of Hong Kongs young pro-democracy activists have been convicted of minor offenses in recent weeks, and some have received lengthy jail terms. Most are being put away for their involvement in the so-called Fishball Revolution, a spontaneous protest that turned violent on the first night of Chinese New Year in 2016 in the popular shopping district of Mong Kok. On Monday, Edward Leung, the charismatic former spokesman of a young party that has called for Hong Kongs independence from mainland China, was given a six-year jail sentence for mere skirmishes with the police. He is one of the leading figures among those known here as localists: activists, many of them separatists, who cut their political teeth during the 2014 Umbrella Movement. That night in early 2016 Mr. Leung and colleagues from his party, Hong Kong Indigenous, rose to the defense of street hawkers selling fish balls and other delicacies to New Year revelers as food inspectors tried to clear them out, in front of police officers standing by. In April, during a hearing at his trial, Mr. Leung said that he had confronted an officer who was manhandling a female protester. He was arrested and charged with attacking the police, rioting (two counts) and, a far more serious offense, instigating a riot. (He also pleaded guilty to hitting and kicking an officer.) In the end, Mr. Leung was found guilty of one count of rioting, even though witnesses say that his skirmishes with the police happened before the rioting proper even began. City officials hope for construction to begin within a year, and to last less than three years. But much remains uncertain. Mr. Emanuels administration must still negotiate a contract with the company. The Chicago City Council must give its blessing. Even if the project comes at no cost to taxpayers, it is unclear how extensive the costs would be: Early estimates have reached close to $1 billion. A project like this appears never to have been completed before. Mr. Musks company describes the Chicago project as a taste of the transportation future, a way to reduce congestion and to get around faster by traveling in underground tunnels on a platform on wheels propelled by multiple electric motors. Mr. Musks company, the Boring Company, is already working on a test tunnel project in Hawthorne, Calif. It has applied to build another tunnel in Los Angeles and is proposing another between Washington and Baltimore. The companys plans have run into regulatory questions and skepticism from local officials in California and on the East Coast. In Chicago, Mr. Musks project would be a way for taxpayers to recoup their investment on an unused transit superstation beneath a downtown shopping center that had been envisioned in the early 2000s as a starting point for express trains to OHare. That site which has at various times been described as a money pit and a superstation to nowhere reportedly cost more than $250 million, and was eventually mothballed. At OHare, a new station would have to be built to accommodate the new service with skates. For Mr. Emanuel, a Democrat, the new project is in line with his plans for OHares future. An expected expansion will increase the airports gate capacity by 25 percent, city officials say, and nearly $500 million has been promised to modernize the L line to the airport. The city solicited proposals last year for companies that could build a transportation option delivering passengers to OHare in 20 minutes or less, and in November, Mr. Musk said on Twitter that his company was vying for the contract. If completed as planned, subterranean rides to the airport would cost no more than a trip via taxi or Uber, but probably significantly more than the L train, which takes about 40 minutes to get from the Loop to the airport and offers round trips for $7.50. Mr. Emanuel, who is up for re-election in early 2019, faces a vast field of challengers, and it is unclear whether they would move forward with the project if elected. They include Garry F. McCarthy, a former Chicago police superintendent; Lori E. Lightfoot, a former Chicago Police Board president; and Paul G. Vallas, a former chief executive of the citys school system. US President Donald Trump doubled down on his calls to readmit Russia to the Group of Seven (G-7), arguing it would give him an opportunity to engage with Russian President Vladimir Putin. "You know we spent probably 25% of our time talking about Russia. And I said to myself 'wouldnt it be better if they were here'," Trump said during an interview with Fox News. "Now, Im not for Russia. Im for the United States," Trump stressed. "But, as an example, if Vladimir Putin were sitting next to me at a table instead of one of the others.'" "If he were at that meeting, I could ask him to do things that are good for the world, that are good for our country that are good for him," the Hill cited the US president as saying. Trump first expressed support for Russia's readmission into the group before leaving for last weekend's G-7 summit in Canada. Italy's new prime minister, Giuseppe Conte, backed Trump's position, saying the move would be "in everyone's interest." MANASSAS, Va. He once stood proudly before a Confederate flag, declaring it was not a symbol of hatred, but about our heritage. After the march of torch-carrying white supremacists in Charlottesville last year, which led to the death of a counterprotester, he criticized weak Republicans who couldnt apologize fast enough. As officials around Virginia have grappled with whether to remove Confederate statues, he has compared those politicians to leaders of the Islamic State. Now Corey Stewart, a county official who for years has played to the hard-right fringe, captured the Republican nomination for Senate in Virginia. A former fraternity member at Penn State University on Wednesday became the first person to plead guilty in a case stemming from the death of a pledge after a binge-drinking hazing ritual, an episode that roiled the campus and prompted a move to toughen anti-hazing laws. Ryan Burke, 21, a former member of the universitys Beta Theta Pi chapter, pleaded guilty in a Pennsylvania court to nine misdemeanor charges, including four counts of hazing and five counts involving unlawful acts related to alcoholic beverages. He is to be sentenced on July 31. Timothy Piazza was 19 when he died in February 2017 after drinking copious amounts of alcohol at the instruction of fraternity members and falling numerous times, injuring his brain and rupturing his spleen. Mr. Burke, who is from Scranton, Pa., had been accused of forcing Mr. Piazza to drink from a bottle of vodka at the party, according to prosecutors. Twenty-five other defendants have entered not-guilty pleas and are awaiting trial, Tom Kline, a lawyer for Mr. Piazzas parents, Evelyn and James Piazza, said in an interview Wednesday afternoon. Mr. Bukoski, who faces robbery charges in an earlier unrelated episode, is suspected of sending Instagram messages to the offices of Senators Sanders and Harris on March 24, the day of the March for Our Lives rally, immediately before texting the Metropolitan Police Department tip line in Washington. Image Nicholas Bukoski, 19, faces five felony counts. Credit... Anne Arundel County Police Department Senator, I would watch your back as youre out today, read an Instagram message to Mr. Sanderss office. You wouldnt want to be caught off guard when I use my second amendment protected firearm to rid the world of you, you stupid, crazy old fool. Two minutes later, according to the memorandum, an Instagram message was sent to Ms. Harriss office. It used a profane and sexist slur, then added, I am going to make sure you and your radical lefty friends never get back in power you will never run for president, because you wont make it to see that day. The third communication was a text message to the Police Departments text tip line: I am intending to send the message that gun control, bomb control, or any other kind of weapons control will not stop attacks, it is an issue of the heart. My heart is messed up and evil, and part of me wants to see people suffer, goddammit, it read. Anyway, good luck and Godspeed finding my presents. This will be my only message. WASHINGTON President Trump wasnt on the ballot or even stateside for Tuesdays primary elections in Virginia and South Carolina. But he loomed over both states, just as he has in nearly every nominating contest this year, underscoring how the Republican Party has become the party of Trump and that its politicians cross him at their peril. As Representative Mark Sanford of South Carolina found out the hard way, in his surprise primary defeat, having a conservative voting record is less important than demonstrating total loyalty to Mr. Trump, who now enjoys higher approval ratings in his own party than any modern president except George W. Bush following the attacks of Sept. 11. And in Virginia, a far-right candidate, Corey Stewart, won the Republican Senate nomination after waging an incendiary campaign and portraying himself as a disciple of Mr. Trump. The presidents transformation of the G.O.P. its policies, its tone, even the fate of its candidates has never been so evident. A party that once championed free trade has now largely turned to protectionism under Mr. Trump. Sermons about inclusivity have been replaced with demagogic attacks on immigrants and black athletes. A trust-but-verify approach to foreign policy has given way to a seat-of-the-pants style in which rogue regimes like North Korea are elevated and democratic allies like Canada are belittled. Mr. Trumps harsh attacks, including describing the news media as the countrys biggest enemy Tuesday, draw muted responses or silence from most Republicans these days. The partys lawmakers have seen what he can do to their campaigns, having witnessed how Senators Jeff Flake of Arizona and Bob Corker of Tennessee saw their standing with conservative voters plummet after they tangled with him. Neither is seeking re-election. LOS ANGELES Antonio R. Villaraigosa was the high-riding mayor of this city for eight years. His election as its first Latino chief executive in modern times was an electrifying moment. Mr. Villaraigosa, a Democrat, has over the years expressed high ambitions for his future: a cabinet secretary in a Hillary Clinton White House. Governor of California. A next-generation leader for Latinos across the nation. But Mr. Villaraigosa saw those ambitions dashed last week in a dispiriting third-place finish in the primary for governor of California, a showing that not only eliminated him from contention for that office but probably, as he acknowledged in a ruminative interview at his home in the Hollywood Hills on Wednesday, from elected life. He drew just 13 percent of the vote after a campaign calling for California to confront an economic divide that he warned threatened its future. It was a stunningly poor showing given the arc of his career: City Council, State Assembly, Assembly speaker, mayor, chairman of the 2012 Democratic National Convention. And it came even after charter school advocates financed a $23 million independent campaign on his behalf. My message resonated in areas where people are struggling it didnt resonate where people are doing well, Mr. Villaraigosa said, sitting at a dining room table in his home, near wraparound windows that offered views of the Hollywood sign, downtown Los Angeles, the Pacific Ocean and Griffith Park. I understand Latinos voted two to one for me. They just didnt come out in big numbers. Criticism of Israels lethal force against Palestinian protesters at the Gaza border shifted on Wednesday to the United Nations General Assembly, which overwhelmingly passed a resolution that basically blamed the Israelis for the casualties in 10 weeks of clashes. Loud applause greeted the outcome of the vote posted on a digital board in the cavernous General Assembly chamber, broadcast on the United Nations website. Israel and the United States, which voted against the resolution, called it blatantly one-sided and unhelpful. The resolution, which deplored excessive use of force by Israel, also requested recommendations to protect Palestinians. It did not explicitly criticize Hamas, the militant group that controls Gaza, which Israel and the United States have accused of instigating the clashes. While the resolution, proposed by Arab and Islamic members, carries no legal weight, the outcome was seen by the Palestinian delegation and its supporters as a moral victory. The vote also was a reminder of the isolation facing Israel and its American ally at the United Nations when it comes to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. Hidden from the world four floors below, a sweaty sea of partygoers all twisting, turning and swiveling transform the Dancesport ballroom studio into one of the citys largest salsa parties. Walk along 34th Street on a Sunday evening and you may catch a hint of the dueling trumpets and insistent rhythms swirling in the air. This is Las Chicas Locas (the Crazy Girls), a weekly salsa party that takes over the ballroom late each Sunday afternoon and doesnt end until early Monday morning, when most New Yorkers are fast asleep. Around 300 to 400 dancers descend on the darkened space set aglow by a mix of multicolored and Christmas lights for the party that inherited its name from a now-shuttered restaurant in Chelsea where it began. There are also smaller classrooms for other Latin and African dances (like bachata and kizomba), but most of the party stays out front, where the rooms temperature rises as the bodies multiply. The notion that female choreographers are underrepresented at major dance companies has hit the mainstream, so much so that just about any program with the word women in its title is starting to feel more than merely unimaginative: It has an air of pandering. On Wednesday night, Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater continued the trend by opening its season at the David H. Koch Theater with Celebrate Women, featuring works by Jessica Lang, Judith Jamison and Jawole Willa Jo Zollar, and concluding with Revelations, Alvin Aileys 1960 masterpiece and the companys meal ticket. It keeps the crowds coming back (just in case an all-female choreographer program doesnt), Leading off the companys brief Lincoln Center season was Ms. Langs EN, her first work for the company and her 100th dance in total. Ms. Lang and Robert Battle, Aileys artistic director, have known each other since their days at the Juilliard School. Ms. Langs husband, Kanji Segawa, is a member of the Ailey company and previously danced with Mr. Battles troupe, Battleworks Dance Company. (He was featured in EN, naturally.) It was a chance, you hoped, for Ms. Lang to dig beneath her usual sleek, designed surface. But while handsome, EN, named after a Japanese word with multiple meanings a circle, destiny, fate or karma fizzled out. WASHINGTON Its a huge word, Africa. Only six characters long, but with inflections, extensions and complications that go on and on. Even people who say it often can forget that reality. The National Museum of African Art is here to remind us of it with a pearl of an exhibition cool, glowing, somewhat opaque called World on the Horizon: Swahili Arts Across the Indian Ocean. Youll notice that Africa doesnt appear in the title, and its absence makes interesting sense. Swahili, or Kiswahili, is a language, one that seems to have originated in East Africa, where the continent meets the Indian Ocean. But that language belongs to no particular ethnic group or place. Its the product of a crossroads culture in which Africa, South Asia and the Middle East blend. To historians its a centuries-long occupation of East African soil by seafaring merchants and middlemen from foreign lands. The day that Florence Welch got Always Lonely tattooed in blocky print on her left arm, she wasnt lonely at all. Shed spent a blissful day traipsing around New York with a close friend, visiting bookstores, savoring ice creams and coffee, feeling enamored and alive with the citys possibilities. She wrote a poem about it, New York Poem (for Polly), which contained a line that became the title of the fourth Florence and the Machine album, High as Hope: Heady with pagan worship/of water towers/fire escapes, ever reaching/high as hope. And yet there she was, in an East Village tattoo shop, getting that sad phrase inked on her body while her friend (Polly) looked on. Ms. Welch, the effervescent leader and songwriter of the British rock band Florence and the Machine, has made a specialty of wringing joy from despair, so she didnt think twice about exposing her loneliness. I thought that I would just cement it, she said, because maybe if I just had it on there, I could own it somehow, make it a part of myself, or embrace that part that I find difficult. Ms. Welch, 31, is lately very ready to showcase her self-acceptance. Her New York poem is collected in Useless Magic, a book of her lyrics, poetry and drawings thats out July 10. High as Hope, due June 29, is full of secrets she never thought shed share, let alone sing and dance about in front of fans. Even for an artist who makes anthems out of the confessional a painful breakup fueled How Big, How Blue, How Beautiful, the groups last album High as Hope represents a new openness, and a new confidence, for Ms. Welch. US President Donald Trump told G7 leaders that Crimea belongs to Russia because the peninsulas residents speak the Russian language, Buzzfeed reported. The White House hasn't commented on his words. During a G7 dinner on June 8, Trump also called Ukraine one of the most corrupted countries in the world and questioned why the Group of Seven leaders support it, Buzzfeed reported, citing two diplomatic sources. It was unclear if Trump was joking or signaling a dramatic change in the US administrations policy, the media outlet said, adding that the White House did not respond to their request for comment, Sputnik reports. QUINTA DO ANJO, Portugal Across the River Tagus from central Lisbon, at a venue surrounded by fruit warehouses and storage units, one of Portugals most exciting dance music producers was deep in concentration behind the decks. She was not banging out electronic beats at a sold-out club, however. A crowd jostled around a buffet table. In the corner stood a tiered cake. And the producers mother was busy pouring glasses of sparkling melon wine and showing guests family photographs on her phone. It was unusual to see the music producer, Nidia Borges, 21, in this setting, playing wedding D.J. for a cousin, but this afternoon was the only time she had to meet before setting off on tour across the United States. Ms. Borges is known onstage as Nidia, though she used to call herself Nidia Minaj in tribute to her favorite rapper, Nicki Minaj. She dropped the last name because, she said later in an interview, Today I have my own identity. Im not going to imitate something that someone has done already. Indeed, Ms. Borgess uniquely hectic music has caught the ear of the global dance floor. Her debut album, Nidia e Ma, Nidia e Fudida (Nidia Is Bad, Nidia Is Dope), was named in Rolling Stones 20 best electronic albums of 2017, and she was called on by Fever Ray to contribute some off-kilter drums to the Swedish artists latest record, Plunge. Nowadays, its easier to catch Ms. Borges at a European music festival such as Sonar in Barcelona, Spain, where she plays on Thursday than on her home turf. The New York Philharmonic, the only major American orchestra that doesnt permit its female players to wear pants for formal evening performances, makes an exception for the popular concerts in the citys parks. So it appeared that many of the women had jettisoned their usual skirts on Wednesday, when the Philharmonic came to the Great Lawn at Central Park on this years tour. And it was a lovely evening. Though the forecast had been iffy, the weather was clear and breezy. The parks conservancy estimated the crowd at 28,000. The dynamic conductor James Gaffigan, whose international career is rising, led an appealing program of works by Saint-Saens, Bernstein and Rimsky-Korsakov all standards of parks concerts. This time, however, the proceedings included results from an educational venture, and a wonderful surprise. Two, actually. Mr. Gaffigan conducted short new pieces, three minutes each, by a pair of participants in the Philharmonics Very Young Composers initiative. How young? Well, Jordan Millar, a student at Poly Prep Country Day School in Brooklyn, and Camrym Cowan, a student at P.S. 11 in Brooklyn, are both 11. A court in Los Angeles issued a temporary restraining order on Wednesday against a man who has claimed to be a caregiver for the Marvel Comics legend Stan Lee, court documents and a lawyer for Mr. Lee said. The court order came just two days after the Los Angeles police say they arrested the man, Keya Morgan, and booked him into jail on a warrant charging him with filing a false report in connection with Mr. Lee, who is 95. Mr. Morgan was released on bond, according to court documents. The developments mark the latest bizarre turn in the strange mix of tragedy and scandal that have engulfed Mr. Lee, the co-creator of Spider-Man, X-Men and Black Panther, since the death of his wife, Joan Lee, in July. In court documents, Tom Lallas, a lawyer who said he had agreed to act as guardian ad litem for Mr. Lee, said Mr. Lee suffered from hearing, vision and memory impairments and was unable to resist undue influence. He said Mr. Lees estate was worth more than $50 million, making him vulnerable to financial predators. Welcome to Best of Late Night, a rundown of the previous nights highlights that lets you sleep and lets us get paid to watch comedy. If youre interested in hearing from The Times regularly about great TV, sign up for our Watching newsletter and get recommendations straight to your inbox. An Odd Couple Appears On Wednesdays Late Show, Stephen Colbert welcomed an odd couple that we just might be seeing more of in the future: Michael Avenatti, the lawyer for the pornographic film actress Stephanie Clifford, and Anthony Scaramucci, the short-lived White House communications director. Avenatti and Scaramucci who represent two diametrically opposed political views, especially when it comes to President Trump have been floating the idea of a joint talk show. On Wednesday, they refused to address that, leaving Colbert to ask them simply why they were there together. Neither man gave a direct response. The topic of race is never far, though Pardlo appears conflicted. He asserts he isnt a practicing black, but also says: I dont want to be considered American to the exclusion of my African-Americanness. I dont want to be considered post-black or ex-colored. Those statements beg deeper explication. And there are other moments that would have benefited from a more sustained investigation. For example, he reveals he wants to reinvent America forgive us our history of slavery, and the crackpot invention of race. Later, he mentions a diagnosis of bipolar disorder but doesnt expound on the role it may have played in his personal trials. The lack of reflection and omissions often seem calculated, as if Pardlo plans to revisit these subjects in future work. One hopes too that hell come to terms with the emotional legacy of a proud and overbearing father who could never find it in himself to offer his son unconditional praise. When Pardlo won the Pulitzer, his father texted him, When a Roman general conquered a town, Cesar [sic] would send a slave to ride alongside the general in the victory parade, and remind the general that he was only human. Pardlo is perhaps most vulnerable and incisive on the topic of addiction. He acknowledges his grandparents struggle with alcoholism, reflects on his fathers and brothers fights with substance abuse and his own decades-long battle. To save Pardlos brother, Robbie, the family once appeared on the docudrama Intervention. At the time of the taping, Pardlo was drinking himself to blackout. The intervention didnt work on his brother, but did inspire Pardlos sobriety. Because it is eternal, he writes, alcoholism is the closest thing I have to religion. A runner-up might be literature, or, in a broader sense, art. Somewhere in the rusty catacombs of my mind lies the belief that great art requires great sacrifice, and a hope that there are artists presently on earth capable of making such sacrifices, he writes. His father died in 2016, and never read the most recent art Pardlo made about their lives. Had he lived long enough to read Air Traffic, one hopes he could have seen past his hubris and their strained relations to offer what might be Pardlos most coveted review: Well done, son. You did good. The pivotal event in Upstate centers on the daughter responsible for the gathering. Her bouts of melancholy are an old story with the family. From earliest childhood she has been unaccountably unhappy shy and moody, without friends or interests unable, like the others, to just get on with it. No one in the family has ever grasped that for this daughter the simple act of being alive has, almost from birth, been a trial. Consciousness itself is, for her, an ongoing agony. Whether a circumstance or an event proves trivial or dramatic, her distress is of a uniformly high order. She suffers intensely from the constant fear that her lover is about to leave her, her anguish on this score so great she cannot sleep. In the morning, after a particularly restless night, she lies rigid with exhaustion: Just the prospect of showering, or having to make breakfast seemed an immense task. On the other hand, when something as small as the breaking of a favorite bowl occurs, her agitation is equally severe because it means that everything that is most dear to you will eventually be taken from you. Image This woman knows after all, shes a philosopher that its natural to wonder whether life has meaning and design, and equally natural to consider that it doesnt. In which case, she thinks, as multitudes before and after her have also thought, why not, then, face down the burden of our lives instead of caving to naked fear? But she cannot. For her, it is impossible to stop obsessing over the pointlessness the brevity and meaninglessness of things when despair awful, awful despair kept on returning. It is not necessary that we, the reader, understand, as an analyst might seek to understand, the origin in such a character of a constitution permanently afflicted by the dread of existential nothingness. However, it is very necessary if the book is to lift itself from the quotidian to the metaphorical that we feel that dread; and feel it so strongly we connect anew with our own experience of the humdrum anxiety embedded in daily life. If we do not, all is summary and surface. And the latter, I am much afraid, is what prevails in Upstate. James Wood is famously not only among the most highly regarded literary critics of our moment, he is also one of the most beloved. His detractors, mainly rival critics, may be numerous but his celebrants in the ranks of the educated common reader are legion. For the latter, Wood is the writer whose passion for literature is not only commanding, it is transformative. Clearly a man for whom life without literature is tantamount to life without material nourishment, Wood brings to the practice of literary criticism the ardor of the artist the quality John Keats proclaimed most necessary to the making of all art. In his critical work it is revealed that whatever else he may be husband, father, teacher, transplanted American, pained agnostic it is as a reader that Wood does indeed qualify as an artist. His philosophical views of literature often seem to serve a narrow, somewhat prescriptive orthodoxy, but no matter. When he is reporting on a book that has fired his imagination, his readers feel themselves in the presence of a writer immersed in his natural element, drawing on the resources of his deepest self, vibrating very nearly, pencil in hand, with a responsiveness that almost always overwhelms our reservations. In fact, such is his devotion to his calling that it is almost as though he prizes writing only because it leads to reading. 1. I do not agree with all of the inspector generals conclusions, but I respect the work of his office. That was James Comey, in an Op-Ed for The Times, after a Justice Department report found that he was insubordinate in his handling of the Clinton investigation during the 2016 election. Above, Mr. Comey speaking in Canada last week. The report does not challenge the decision not to prosecute Hillary Clinton for her use of a private email server to store classified information. Nor does it conclude that political bias at the F.B.I. influenced that decision. HONG KONG Goldman Sachs once made a lot of money in Malaysia. Now Malaysia wants some of it back. The Malaysian government intends to seek restitution from Goldman Sachs, its new finance minister said this week, as it moves to resolve a huge scandal that led to the disappearance of billions of dollars and helped put the country deeply in debt. That could add significantly to the venerable Wall Street banks problems in Malaysia, where it has become ensnared in the scandal. It already faces investigations in the United States and elsewhere related to its activity in the country, where it was once a dominant financial force. We intend to seek some claims from them, Lim Guan Eng, Malaysias new finance minister, said in an interview this week in Kuala Lumpur. The finance minister did not give any details about what kind of claims his government would seek, but he said that the authorities were likely to move cautiously and that the process will take time. But he added that Malaysias new leaders had reopened communication lines with American authorities that the countrys previous leaders had shut off. Masayoshi Son, the founder of the Japanese technology giant SoftBank, has seen the future and he wants to buy a slice of it. Mr. Son believes that, not long from now, our lives will be dominated by robots, artificial intelligence and other advanced technologies. He wants to invest in the companies that will build that future through his companys nearly $100 billion Vision Fund. Price hasnt deterred him. SoftBank is in talks to invest in the co-working company WeWork for the second time in a year, at more than double the $17 billion valuation of its last investment. The rationale: The head of the Vision Fund said this week that WeWork could, someday, be worth $100 billion. To date, the fund has made two dozen investments across a wide variety of high-tech industries, from autonomous cars to virtual reality. Here are some more areas that the Vision Fund might be interested in. (Of course, Mr. Son and his team may already be investing in them, but if they are, the discussions and deals havent yet been made public knowledge.) BEIJING Didi Chuxing, Chinas answer to Uber, wanted to make sure its car-pooling service was absolutely safe for female passengers. So when it relaunches the late-night version of the service this week after the shocking murder of a female passenger by a driver made headlines across China, it will include a rule designed to protect women: It wont let male drivers pick up female passengers in the after-hours. The new measure left many of Didis female customers perplexed. As anyone who has ever hitched a ride through Didi can tell you, finding a female driver can be a tall order regardless of the time of day. Must women using Didi Hitch, as the car-pooling service is called, wait late into the night until a female driver happens by? Its just not the right solution, said Chen Xiaoyan, a 22-year-old university student and user of the Didi Hitch service in the city of Guangzhou. Its just avoiding responsibility." Turkey's Minister of National Defense Nurettin Canikli said that the intention of the US to refuse to supply F-35 fighters to Turkey is dangerous and suspicious. Canikli noted that the US do not have the right to refuse, as Turkey is a NATO member. "Turkey will pay $11 billion to get 100 F-35 fighters. So far we have paid more than $ 800 million," Turkish media cited him as saying. The agreement between the Turkish Government and Lockheed Martin Company on the F-35 supply was signed in May 2017. Earlier, representatives of the US Democratic Party took the initiative to cancel the supply to Turkey of the fifth-generation F-35 fighters due to the purchase of Russian S-400 air defense systems by this country. However, the Justice Department still has 60 days from the date of the ruling to file an appeal, even if the companies close the merger, and such a filing remained a possibility. We are still considering whether or not to appeal, a spokesman for the department said Thursday. There was a time limit on when the government could seek an injunction, because the merger agreement between the companies expires on June 21. If an injunction had been granted, the companies would have had to extend the date or AT&T would have had to pay Time Warner $500 million in what is known as a reverse termination fee. AT&T can now take advantage of Time Warners business to develop new lines of revenue. The phone giant plans to marry its subscriber data with Time Warners TV networks to sell targeted advertising, which sells at higher rates. The company is also looking to tap its creative engine to generate new forms of video for mobile devices. Jeff Bewkes, the chief executive of Time Warner, has agreed to stay on as a senior advisor during a transition period, according to the statement. The leaders of Time Warners units Richard Plepler at HBO, Kevin Tsujihara at Warner Bros. and John Martin at Turner will now report to John Stankey, a 30-year veteran of AT&T and chief executive of its media division. Senators Marco Rubio and Elizabeth Warren introduced a bill on Thursday that would prevent states from suspending residents drivers and professional licenses over unpaid federal student loans. Critics have called the practice a self-defeating approach that denies borrowers the means to pay their debts. The bipartisan proposal came after a November report by The New York Times revealed that 20 states had laws allowing government agencies to seize licenses from residents who had defaulted on their education debts. Records requests turned up 8,700 cases in which borrowers had lost their credentials in recent years, although that figure most likely understated the true tally. It makes no sense to revoke a professional license from someone who is trying to pay their student loans, Mr. Rubio, Republican of Florida, said in a statement. Ms. Warren, Democrat of Massachusetts, called the policies wrong and counterproductive. The most successful wines seemed rich enough to accommodate the natural acidity without being dominated by it, Christy said. They were also marked by the graceful integration of oak flavors. Some of the wines that did not make our top 10 were clumsily oaky. Our top wine was the 2015 La Source from Evening Land, lively and energetic, while also rich and nimble. Evening Land had a change of ownership a few years ago, after which Mr. Lafon left to work with Lingua Franca. It is now run by Rajat Parr, a sommelier and author, and Sashi Moorman, a winemaker, who are also the team behind Sandhi and Domaine de la Cote in the Santa Rita Hills in California. Our second pick was the 2015 Willamette Valley from Adelsheim, one of the pioneers of the modern Oregon wine industry. The chardonnay was tense, well-balanced and savory not a complicated wine, but a satisfying one. And, at $22, it was also our best value. Rounding out the top echelon was the 2015 Ribbon Ridge Cascadia from Brick House, lively and stony, with flavors of herbs and lemon. In the fourth spot was the 2015 Cuvee Lunatique from J. Christopher, a producer whose main focus is on single-vineyard pinot noirs. As the name indicates, it is an unpretentious wine, just $17 and intended to be fresh, vibrant and uncomplicated. Needless to say, it succeeds quite well. We also very much liked the tightly coiled, herbal 2016 Stoller from the Dundee Hills, the floral 2014 Lemelson Reserve and the rich, well-textured 2015 Morgen Long Yamhill Vineyards from the Yamhill-Carlton district. Its important to point out that our tasting offered a cross-section of the bottles that were available in local retail outlets. It did not include wines that are made in minute quantities or bottles that are in high demand like Lingua Franca, Antica Terra or some other cuvees from Walter Scott that I have preferred over the Freedom Hill bottling, the No. 8 wine on our list, which was rich and lively but straightforward foursquare, as the Brits might say. We also did not have bottles from some of Oregons earliest and still best producers, like Eyrie and Bethel Heights. Several, though not all, of our top 10 wines were entry-level bottles. The point is that our list does not suggest that our favorites are the best Oregon chardonnays. They were simply our favorite bottles in a representative tasting, indicating Oregons direction with the grape. On Wednesday afternoon, in a basement kitchen in the NoLIta neighborhood of Manhattan, a cheerful woman in blue sneakers and pink-striped leggings chopped piles of parsley and mint leaves, making quick work of it with her 12-inch chefs knife. Rings on, hair up, she was testing a new Iranian-style falafel sandwich for the menu of Taim restaurant. In Iran, we eat falafel with torshi, she said, opening a jar of tart, pureed pickles she had made by cooking eggplant with vinegar and dried mint. The cook, who would share only her first name, Nasrin, for fear of endangering her family still in Iran, is a refugee in the United States. She left Tehran in 2014, heading for Turkey, worried for the safety of her three children. The four of them have been living in Queens since the fall of 2016. On Thursday and Saturday, Nasrin, 43, will cook in two New York restaurants for the Refugee Food Festival, founded by French citizens, and developed by the nonprofit group Food Sweet Food, in collaboration with UNHCR, the United Nations Refugee Agency. Dries Van Noten, one of the last of the independent names at the top of Europes fashion sector, has sold a majority stake in his business to the Spanish luxury group Puig. The move reflects the difficulty that a stand-alone brand faces today in a global marketplace, with its continual pressure for technological innovation and growth. In an announcement on Thursday, Mr. Van Noten, a Belgian, said that the deal had been made to fuel the long-term growth of his namesake business. As part of the partnership with Puig which is primarily a fragrance group, although it also owns fashion brands with strong scent businesses, such as Carolina Herrera, Paco Rabanne, Nina Ricci and Jean Paul Gaultier Mr. Van Noten will continue to be chief creative officer and chairman of the board. The value of the sale of the majority stake, which came after months of talks with other interested parties, including several private equity firms, was not disclosed. Raphael Albert was a successful British entrepreneur who did more than just promote beauty pageants: he photographed them. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, he documented pageant life, his images a continuum of enthusiastic contestants strutting down runways in swimsuits, modeling the latest fashions and being crowned. It might be easy to dismiss Mr. Alberts photographs as relics from a sexist past. Except for one significant detail: his subjects were black. For these women, members of West Londons Afro-Caribbean communities, pageants nurtured racial pride and self-expression. These exuberant photographs are the subject of Raphael Albert: Miss Black and Beautiful, an exhibition organized by Autograph ABP in London and, now, at Mac Birmingham. Curated by Renee Mussai, the exhibition offers insights into a consequential, but largely overlooked, aspect of black culture and political expression in Britain. A PAGE OF MADNESS at the Film Society of Lincoln Center (June 19, 7 p.m.). A movie that pushes the expressive and experimental possibilities of silent filmmaking to their limits, Teinosuke Kinugasas 1926 classic of Japanese cinema takes place in a mental institution. The oblique storytelling there are no intertitles and innovative editing may make viewers themselves question their sanity. The Alloy Orchestra, whose percussive music always adds a modern, immersive layer to the experience of watching a silent movie without ever disrespecting the art, will provide live accompaniment with one of its best scores. 212-875-5601, filmlinc.org PUTINS RUSSIA: A 21ST CENTURY FILM MOSAIC at the Museum of the Moving Image (June 15-July 15). This monthlong series of films from 2000 to the present aims to provide a panorama of life in Russia since Vladimir V. Putin came to power. (Well, Russia or somewhere meant to evoke it abstractly: Adapted from a 1964 science-fiction novel, Aleksei Germans Hard to Be a God, showing on July 8, is set on planet with a medieval milieu.) Some of the titles such as Andrey Zvyagintsevs Leviathan and Loveless, both screening on July 7 have already played to wide acclaim in the United States, while others, like the opening-night selection, Moscow (showing on Friday), from 2000, are little known here. The director of that film, Alexander Zeldovich, will appear at the screening. 718-784-0077, movingimage.us The Yellow Birds, based on the novel by the Iraq War veteran Kevin Powers, is a thoughtful, melancholy drama whose performances and photography are so strong that we keep waiting for the story to catch up. Watch it once, and you could come away a little underwhelmed; watch it twice, and you begin to suspect that its almost humdrum rhythms are exactly the point. In addressing a conflict that has lasted over 15 years, maybe our movies are as exhausted as the troops themselves. Here, two young soldiers (perfectly embodied by Alden Ehrenreich and Tye Sheridan) leave for Iraq, but only one comes home and hes not talking. What happens before, during and after their deployment is largely, tragically unremarkable scenes that have unfolded in similar fashion in more than a few war dramas before them. Their potency, however, is no less for that, given how closely the director, Alexandre Moors, attends to his small band of brothers (including a terrific Jack Huston as their sergeant) and how compassionate his gaze. More than a quarter of the teachers have been in the pool for at least five years, the report stated. About a third of the teachers are there because of a past legal or disciplinary case against them, according to the latest statistics provided by the city. Mayor de Blasio vowed to shrink the pool, and his efforts have had an impact. The number of teachers in the pool at the start of the 2017-18 school year, compared to four years earlier, was down by 39 percent, the city said. In the 2016-17 school year, the pool cost the city $152 million, $16 million more than this year. In an effort to get that number down further, the city last year offered financial incentives for schools to hire teachers from the pool and said that it would place as many as 400 teachers in vacancies, whether principals wanted them or not. They would have a year to prove their abilities, after which the city would consider taking steps to dismiss them if they didnt measure up. But according to the report, only 75 teachers actually got placed because, the city said, there were fewer vacancies than expected. The city said 372 more teachers were hired by schools under the incentive program. And an additional 170 teachers in the pool took buyouts earlier this year, saving the city about $23 million. Will Mantell, a spokesman for the education department, said, Weve made common-sense reforms to the Absent Teacher Reserve, cut the pool down by 450 teachers in two years and are on track to reduce the pool by half for next year. Independent studies have raised concerns over where these teachers ended up. Most of the reserve pool teachers were placed in low-performing schools with higher than average populations of black students, according to an analysis done by the Education Trust-New York. Some cities have time limits for unassigned teachers. In Chicago, teachers without placements have 10 months to search for a new position, and are then let go. In Washington D.C., they have 60 days to find a new job. After that, those with unsatisfactory performance reviews can be let go, while those with satisfactory reviews can either take a $25,000 buyout, retire or spend one more year looking for a job, the report stated. Maria Doulis, vice president of the Citizens Budget Commission, agreed that Mr. de Blasios efforts to shrink the pool have had some effect. Theyve been trying, and there is some modest movement, she said. But the trajectory is that more and more teachers and other personnel are ending up in the ATR, so its just a constant hustle and grind to get these folks placed. The question is: How long should we subsidize their employment? The developers offered $54 million for air rights, in exchange for building a pair of tall towers next door, in what seemed like a deal too good to refuse. But on Thursday, the board of the Seward Park Cooperative on the Lower East Side said that the deal had failed to win approval from residents, in what some shareholders said was a symbolic message about overdevelopment. Id like to think this would send a signal to the general community in favor of sensible, incremental development, said Bill Ferns, a resident of the complex who opposed the deal. We dont want the character of who can live in this neighborhood to change radically. The vote only blocks the builders from erecting two towers taller than zoning laws permit; the developer, Ascend Group, has said it still intends to build, though at a lower height. After 17 months of negotiations, the board of the Seward Park co-op had recommended approving the lucrative sale of 162,000 square feet of unused development rights as a way to ease the financial pressure on the four-building residential complex. Turkish Defense Minister Nurettin Canikli slammed the US demand to give up the deal to purchase S-400 air defense missile systems from Russia as blackmail, TASS reported citing the Anadolu news agency. "Such a demand goes beyond any permissible norms of diplomacy and trade relations. The fulfillment of this demand is unacceptable. The situation can be characterized as blackmail," the Turkish defense minister said. Canikli also said that Turkey "is fulfilling all its commitments" and expected "timely deliveries of F-35 fighter jets" from the United States. A 96-year-old federal judge in Brooklyn had a Hey, kids, get off my lawn moment this week. The kids in question: the United States Supreme Court. The (metaphorical) lawn: the publics power to hold the police accountable for misconduct and abuse. In a spirited decision issued Monday, the judge, Jack B. Weinstein, argued that the justices had gone too far in a pair of recent rulings expanding qualified immunity, a legal doctrine that protects law-enforcement officers from being sued for actions they perform on the job. Judge Weinstein complained that the broadened doctrine now protects all but the plainly incompetent. The Supreme Courts recent emphasis on shielding public officials and federal and local law enforcement means many individuals who suffer a constitutional deprivation will have no redress, he wrote. It may be hard to believe that this is happening in the United States in 2018, that hundreds of children are being snatched from their parents, frequently under false pretenses, often screaming, and placed in vast warehouselike centers like the former Walmart in Brownsville, Tex., where nearly 1,500 boys now spend their days. The parents often dont know where their children are, or when they will see them again. In 2014 the Obama administration detained hundreds of families and unaccompanied minors crossing the border, a practice that the federal courts quickly curtailed. But separating families as a matter of unofficial policy is something new and malicious, a function of President Trumps obsession with undocumented immigrants. This spring, the administration ordered that everyone caught crossing illegally into the United States be prosecuted. And since children cannot accompany grown-ups to jail, people who had crossed illegally with children had their children taken away. Hundreds upon hundreds of children, of all ages, creating a new industry in mass shelters. The United Nations human rights office called this new practice a serious violation of the rights of children and demanded an immediate halt. Catholic bishops denounced it as immoral. The American Psychological Association warned that the separations threatened the mental and physical health of the children. All to no avail. The administration has come back with a mix of just-following-orders and falsehoods. The Department of Homeland Security said it had no policy for separating families; it was just catching criminals. President Trump feigned sympathy for the separations but claimed he was the victim of bad legislation passed by the Democrats, which nobody could find. Only John Kelly, the White House chief of staff, offered what appeared to be a plausible, if shocking, explanation: that separating parents from their children could be a tough deterrent. But even in hindsight I think we chose the course most consistent with institutional values. An announcement at that point by the attorney general, especially one without the transparency our traditions permitted, would have done corrosive damage to public faith in the investigation and the institutions of justice. As painful as the whole experience has been, I still believe that. And nothing in the inspector generals report makes me think we did the wrong thing. Similarly, I never imagined the F.B.I. would face a choice in late October 2016 either to tell Congress we had restarted the email investigation in a significant way or to conceal that fact. But to have concealed it would have meant to hide vital information: That what I and others had said publicly and under oath to Congress was no longer true. I chose to speak and tell the truth. I was not certain I was right about those things at the time. Thats the nature of hard decisions; they dont allow for certainty. With the added benefit of hindsight, the inspector general sees some things differently. My team believed the damage of concealing the reopening of our investigation would have been catastrophic to the institution. The inspector general weighs it differently, and thats O.K., even though I respectfully disagree. I encouraged this intensive review when I was F.B.I. director and continued to support its work after I was fired. The inspector generals conclusions are important. But the real, historical value of the report is its collection of facts, which, as John Adams said, are stubborn things. If a future F.B.I. leadership team ever faces a similar situation something I pray never happens it will have the benefit of this important document. This is what institutions devoted to the rule of law and accountability look like. They look back at their hardest decisions and collect the facts, and are transparent with the world about those facts and decisions. The leaders of those institutions are best served by welcoming that oversight and that process of second-guessing. Thats why I urged the investigation in the first place. As F.B.I. director, I wanted a second set of eyes on the agonizing decisions we made during the 2016 election, knowing full well the inspector generals office could draw different conclusions. I also was confident that even if it disagreed with our decisions, it would find the F.B.I. team made them without regard for political favor or partisanship. The inspector generals office has now reached that very conclusion. Its detailed report should serve to both protect and build the reservoir of trust and credibility necessary for the Department of Justice and the F.B.I. to remain strong and independent and to continue their good work for our country. Our nations institutions of justice are up to the task of protecting the rule of law and defending truth and transparency. All of us should stand up and support them. Donald Trump is well known for liking people he thinks are tough. Not war heroes like Senator John McCain, or Gold Star parents like Khizr and Ghazala Khan, but authoritarians like Vladimir Putin of Russia, whom hes hailed as a strong leader, or Chinas president for life, Xi Jinping, a good man for whom the president has great respect. Now the president has discovered a new figure of admiration. In an interview that aired on Fox Wednesday evening, Bret Baier asked Mr. Trump about Kim Jong-un: You sometimes call people killers. He is a killer. Hes clearly executing people, said the Fox News anchor, all but spelling out the right answer for Mr. Trump. Heres how the president responded: Hes a tough guy. Hey, when you take over a country, a tough country with tough people, and you take it over from your father I dont care who you are, what you are, how much of an advantage you have. If you could do that at 27 years old, I mean, thats 1 in 10,000 that could do that. Lets talk, Mr. President, about toughness. Tough is Yeonmi Park. As a young child, Ms. Park believed that Kim Jong-il, Mr. Kims father, was so powerful that he could read her mind. At 9 years old she witnessed the public execution of her friends mother. The state had decided that death was the proper punishment for the crime of watching a Hollywood movie. One of the lessons of a life in journalism is that people are always way more complicated than you think. We talk in shorthand about Trump voters or social justice warriors, but when you actually meet people they defy categories. Someone might be a Latina lesbian who loves the N.R.A. or a socialist Mormon cowboy from Arizona. Moreover, most actual human beings are filled with ambivalences. Most political activists I know love parts of their party and despise parts of their party. A whole lifetime of experience, joy and pain goes into that complexity, and it insults their lives to try to reduce them to a label that ignores that. Yet our culture does a pretty good job of ignoring the uniqueness and depth of each person. Pollsters see in terms of broad demographic groups. Big data counts people as if it were counting apples. At the extreme, evolutionary psychology reduces people to biological drives, capitalism reduces people to economic self-interest, modern Marxism to their class position and multiculturalism to their racial one. Consumerism treats people as mere selves as shallow creatures concerned merely with the experience of pleasure and the acquisition of stuff. Back in 1968, Karol Wojtyla wrote, The evil of our times consists in the first place in a kind of degradation, indeed in a pulverization, of the fundamental uniqueness of each human person. Thats still true. To the Editor: Re Detained Near the Border, on a June 14 front-page photo of a 2-year-old Honduran girl crying as her mother was searched near the United States-Mexico border: Where is the party of family values? This is inhuman. The G.O.P. has lost its mind and heart. MYRA SAUL, SCARSDALE, N.Y. When Congress enacted the Anti-Merger Act of 1950, the law by which American courts still adjudge corporate mergers, it did so with the repeatedly stated goal of fighting excessive economic concentration. The dominant concern, as the Supreme Court wrote in a 1962 merger case that analyzed the law, was about a rising tide of economic concentration in the American economy. At the time, the court explained, a wave of corporate consolidation posed the threat of an accelerated concentration of economic power and also a threat to other values, like the independence of smaller businesses and local control of industry. In particular Congress had said it intended the new law to stop a wave of mergers in its incipiency. Thats why, for the 1950 Congress, the law would surely have allowed the Justice Department to block the recent AT&T-Time Warner merger. The merger, which a federal judge approved on Tuesday, combines AT&T, the nations largest wireless provider and a major seller of pay TV, with Time Warner, one of the most powerful media companies, in an $85 billion deal. No one can deny that the new AT&T will have more economic power and also more political power than before, even as it now carries more debt ($181 billion) than many industrialized nations. The ruling, by Judge Richard J. Leon of United States District Court in Washington, implicitly encourages the rest of the industry to integrate as well, and AT&Ts comrades have taken the hint: Comcast has already announced its intent to acquire much of 20th Century Fox, while other deals are said to be imminent. Judge Leons decision shows just how far the law has wandered from congressional intent. The law has become a license for near-uncontrolled consolidation and concentration in almost every sector of economy. Whether involving airlines, hospitals, the pharmaceutical industry, cable television or the major tech platforms, mergers leading to oligopolies or monopolies have become commonplace. Reading Judge Leons opinion makes it clear how this has happened. The decision barely touches on Congresss concerns about excessive concentration of economic power or other guiding principles or values. Instead, the opinion is mostly a tedious dissection of whether customers might end up paying an extra 45 cents per month for pay-TV service. How did a battle over 45 cents become how we decide the future of the media industries? Yes, higher prices for consumers are a bad thing, but they are not the only thing, and certainly not what Congress cared most about. In fact, the law itself doesnt even mention prices: It instructs courts to bar mergers when the effect may be substantially to lessen competition, or to tend to create a monopoly. The study had a complicated design, and I invite readers who are so inclined to ascertain the details for themselves. Here is Enoss description of his experiment: Under the assumption that people with similar characteristics tend to ride the train at the same time, I selected pairs [of trains] that were close together in time so that the treatment units [train platforms onto which Spanish-speaking confederates had been inserted] within each station would have similar passengers. Within a matched pair of train times at each station, one was randomly assigned to treatment and one to control, resulting in 18 matched pairs of train times. This design means that we should expect subjects in the treatment and control conditions to be, in expectation, identical. Enos continues: Subjects were exposed to the same Spanish-speaking persons in a location near their homes for an extended period, as would be the situation if immigrants had moved into their neighborhood and used the public transportation. The Spanish-speaking confederates reported to Enos that persons noticed and displayed some unease with them: for example reporting that Because we are chatting in Spanish, they look at us. I dont think it is common to hear people speaking in Spanish on this route. After the experiment, the confederates reported that other passengers were generally friendly to them but also reported that they felt people noticed them for not being like them and being Latino. Members of the treatment groups and control groups were surveyed before and after the two weeklong experiments in an effort to identify the effect of exposure to Spanish-speaking people. In both surveys, respondents were asked three questions about immigration along with other more general questions: 1. Do you think the number of immigrants from Mexico who are permitted to come to the United States to live should be increased, left the same, or decreased? 2. Would you favor allowing persons that have immigrated to the United States illegally to remain in the country if they are employed and have no criminal history? 3. Some people favor a state law declaring English as the official language. Some other people oppose such a law. Would you favor such a law? How did the respondents answers change? Treated subjects were far more likely to advocate a reduction in immigration from Mexico and were far less likely to indicate that illegal immigrants should be allowed to remain in this country. The experiment, Enos wrote, demonstrated that exclusionary attitudes can be stimulated by even very minor, noninvasive demographic change: in this case, the introduction of only two persons. In his 2017 book, reflecting on the results of his experiment, Enos is more direct: The good liberal people catching trains in the Boston suburbs became exclusionary. Exposure to two young Spanish speakers for just a few minutes, or less, for just three days had driven them toward anti-immigration policies associated with their political opponents. Enos examined national precinct and county-level voting results in recent elections to see what effect a black president, Barack Obama, had on whites living in segregated areas as opposed to those living in unsegregated areas. In the 2008 election, Enos found that with a black Democratic nominee, white voters in the most-segregated counties were between five and six percentage points less likely to vote for Obama than white voters in the least-segregated counties. That pattern had not emerged in the previous four presidential elections when the Democratic nominee was white. Every time a white Democrat had run going back to 1992 segregation had had no such effect on the vote, Enos wrote: In 2008, this was a massive effect of segregation: the gap between the most and least-segregated counties was almost equivalent to the gap between men and women. Enos then looked at results from 124,034 precincts, almost every precinct in the United States. Again: A white voter in the least-segregated metropolitan area was 10 percentage points more likely to vote for Obama than a white voter in the most-segregated area. These voting patterns, according to Enos, reflect what might be called a self-reinforcing cycle of prejudice. In the national memory of 1968 dominated by images of student protests, police riots and assassinations the Boston conspiracy trial of Benjamin Spock, the worlds most famous baby doctor, and four other antiwar activists is too often forgotten. Yet, as a courtroom drama, unfolding at the height of the Vietnam War, in a season of upheaval, the trial which ended on June 14, 1968 captivated the nation and foreshadowed a prolonged series of legal struggles arising from protest against the war. The indictment of the Boston Five shocked the nation, not least because Spock was one of the most admired figures in America. To millions of parents who had bought his Common Sense Book of Baby and Child Care, first published in 1946, Spock had been a familiar, reassuring presence. Even as he moved into politics in the early 1960s campaigning against nuclear arms testing and proliferation he did so as a pediatrician, worrying about the effects on children. By 1968, Spocks outspoken opposition to the Vietnam War and his support of draft resisters had drawn praise from his letter-writing public; many parents seemed to appreciate his risking his reputation to protest against the war, for sticking his neck out on behalf of their now draft-age children. But just as many wrote to condemn him. Last-ditch diplomatic efforts could not stop the Saudi Arabian and Emirati coalitions offensive on the Yemeni port city of Al Hudaydah this week. With no real prospect for peace talks of any kind, the city, a fief of the Houthi rebels who control much of the country and a hub for humanitarian assistance for millions of desperate Yemeni civilians, could fall within days. If the offensive goes according to the Saudis and Emiratis plan, promptly after that, the Houthis, who also control the capital Sana, will sue for peace. The maritime blockade in place since 2015 could then be lifted. After that, a vast humanitarian operation could unfold, saving Yemen from a devastating famine. But nothing in this war has gone according plan so far, and the risks of mass starvation are greater than ever, even if Al Hudaydah falls fast. And yet the United Nations Security Council has not seized on the emergency, and in my conversations with diplomats in New York on Wednesday, that passivity was laced with cynicism: If the Yemenis could survive the hardships of the past few years of war, some were saying, they would be fine for a bit longer. The Georgian Dream - Democratic Georgia ruling party will hold consultations today on the candidacy of the new Prime Minister, the secretary general of the party, Tbilisi Mayor Kakha Kaladze said. According to Rustavi 2, this positon may be taken by the acting minister of finance, 36-year-old Mamuka Bakhtadze. He has been minister of finance since November 2017, before that he was head of the Georgian Railways JSC, Sputnik-Georgia recalls. The Pirveli TV channel claims that it could be the acting Interior Minister, Vice Prime Minister Giorgi Gakharia, or acting Minister of Regional Development and Infrastructure Maya Tskitishvili. Georgia's Prime Minister Giorgi Kvirikashvili said yesterday that he quits his post due to the controversies on economic and other fundamental issues with the Georgian Dream ruling party and the party head Bidzina Ivanishvili. Kvirikashvili came to power in 2012 as that year the Georgian Dream Coalition led by Ivanishvili defeated the nine-year rule of the United National Movement government. Before appointing as prime minister on December 30, 2015, Kvirikashvili had served as the minister of economy and the minister of foreign affairs. Under the Georgian constitution, the entire cabinet is obliged to follow the prime minister in stepping down. It is up to Ivanishvili and his Georgian Dream to submit a list of new names for a cabinet to President Giorgi Margvelashvili within seven days. He then has an additional seven days before he in turn submits the cabinet nominees to parliament for approval. The candidate for prime minister and the updated Cabinet of Ministers needs to be confirmed by the majority of Parliament Members, meaning they must gain at least 76 votes out of the 150-seat Parliament. If parliament of Georgia failed to approve the candidate for prime minister or the updated Cabinet of Ministers three times, the countrys President has the right to dissolve Parliament and appoint snap parliamentary elections. The head of the Institute of Management Strategy, Petre Mamradze, speaking to Vestnik Kavkaza, noted that Bakhtadze's candidacy was agreed with Ivanishvili. "Ivanishvili personally decides personnel matters. But I emphasize that he acts with the best of intentions - he is looking for a candidate who could bring the greatest benefit to the country," he said. At the same time, the expert drew attention to the fact that the chairman of the Georgian Dream does not have the necessary political experience. "Ivanishvili's career preferences are not always optimal. For example, he was delighted with the current president Giorgi Margvelashvili, but after just two months, he was disappointed in him," the head of the Institute of Management Strategy recalled. In addition, Mamradze expressed fears that after Kvirikashvili, who was pursuing a course aimed at strengthening the free economic market, resigned from the post of prime minister, his successor's possible attempts to speed up the solution of social problems by administrative methods, can cause great harm. "I do not know Mamuka Bakhtadze personally, but there is no guarantee that he will be a better prime prime minister than Kvirikashvili. Kvirikishvili is an educated economist who studied in the US and knows what a free market is. Instead of achieving social justice, it can happen that GDP will begin to decrease," the expert noted. Answering the question whether Ivanishvili could become the Prime Minister of Georgia again, the head of the Institute of Management Strategy noted that the probability of such scenario is extremely small: "This can happen only if in his opinion the situation in the country requires urgent and personal intervention," the expert said. At the same time, the political scientist noted that Kvirikashvili's resignation was inevitable. "Despite the economic growth, it turned out that the real purchasing power has decreased, and consequently life of socially vulnerable groups of people has deteriorated. There was a situation in the country that Kvirikashvili could not cope with," Mamradze concluded. We realize many readers are skeptical about the credibility and motivation of unnamed sources; some even question whether the sources exist. We have rules and procedures to try to address those concerns. Besides the reporter, at least one editor must know the identity of the source. Use of anonymous sources in any story must be approved by a high-ranking editor, usually a department head like the International editor or the Washington bureau chief, or their deputies. When the anonymous sourcing is central to the story, it generally must be approved by an even higher-ranking editor like a deputy managing editor. That was something unexpected that you wouldnt think of having in New York, said Ms. Lopez, who anticipated the fun of having friends over in the summer. She loved the apartment which later sold for $160,000 but had no idea how to go about buying it. So she called her bank to ask about mortgages, and was advised to take a class for first-time home buyers. Online, she found one that cost $100, run by the nonprofit Housing Partnership Development Corporation. I think I was the youngest there, Ms. Lopez said. Several months later, with the help of the teacher, Emily C. McIntosh, Ms. Lopez settled on a budget of no more than $200,000 for a studio or one-bedroom in a co-op building, preferably close to the subway and to her family in Elmhurst. Housing prices in New York City, though, were a deterrent. Dreaming of warm weather, she considered moving to Southern California. Thousands of asteroids are passing through Earths neighborhood all the time. Although the odds of a direct hit on the planet any time soon are slim, even a small asteroid the size of a house could explode with as much energy as an atomic bomb. So scientists at NASA are charged with scanning the skies for such dangerous space rocks. If one were on a collision course with our planet, information about how big it is and what its made of would be essential for deflecting it, or calculating the destruction if it hits. For the last couple of years, Nathan P. Myhrvold, a former chief technologist at Microsoft with a physics doctorate from Princeton, has roiled the small, congenial community of asteroid scientists by saying they know less than they think about these near-Earth objects. He argues that a trove of data from NASA they rely on is flawed and unreliable. Since 2011, a NASA project known as Neowise has cataloged the sizes and reflectivity of 158,000 asteroids, and it claimed that its diameter estimates were often within 10 percent of the actual size. Dr. Myhrvold said the uncertainties were much greater, largely because NASA researchers were using data from a satellite designed for observing distant objects, not nearby asteroids. The science is terrible, he said. It was perhaps inevitable that two of the sociopolitical phenomena that have defined our times, the #MeToo movement and the focus on fake news and the role of the media in public discourse, should collide and find expression in fashion. Sometimes a limited-edition capsule line is just a capsule line, and sometimes it is a reflection of history. This is one of those second times. Still, it may not have happened if not for the serendipity of a new college graduate with a nascent denim line and a highly developed activist streak meeting a former jeans designer with personal experience of sexual harassment. In 2017, Gabriella Meyer, a senior at the University of Michigan, began to get drawn into the growing womens empowerment movement. She went to the Womens March in Chicago and started tracking stories on sexual harassment revelations and the way women in numerous industries were speaking out about their experiences. For her senior thesis, Ms. Meyer experimented with laser-printing news stories on upcycled denim, and immediately after school she graduated with a B.F.A. in art and design she founded her own line, Denimcratic, a jeans label with a political bent. So whats a nice guy like him doing with a bad-boy resume like his? Blame that face. The Cro-Magnon look, he calls it wide forehead, frostbit eyes, a chin so square it must make mathematicians swoon. Even before he was cast as Peter Quinn, the C.I.A. assassin he played for five seasons on Homeland, people would assume hed come to kill them. It stopped them picking fights, he said. That face was a brilliant fit for Quinn, introduced in Season 2 as a coldhearted operative with a soft spot for Carrie Mathison, the shows lead, played by Claire Danes. Alex Gansa, the showrunner for Homeland, said that he had cast Mr. Friend, then a relative unknown, because he had these leading man looks and yet there were deep currents running underneath. Quinn was meant to die in Season 5, a victim of sarin gas poisoning. But when he learned that his character would perish, Mr. Friend was asked to draft the not-quite-a-love-letter that Quinn leaves Carrie from his deathbed: Just think of me as a light on the headlands, a beacon, steering you clear of the rocks. It was so beautifully composed and wonderful, Mr. Gansa said, that the producers brought Quinn back for Season 6. In a way he saved himself. The Quinn who returned was a damaged man, weakened by a stroke, tormented by his shortcomings. Fans were drawn to Mr. Friends mix of reserve and vulnerability, his portrait of a man soldiering on despite serious PTSD. When Quinn finally met his end, taking a hail of bullets to protect the president-elect, some fans were so incensed that they bought a full-page ad in The Hollywood Reporter, shaming the producers for, among other things, Quinns incapacity for loving and being loved. Why did it take so long? And how did a trailblazer like Denes, whose most flamboyant work was easily accessible to millions of New Yorkers, fade from view? Maybe Wheatfield was just too ephemeral; it wasnt a triumph of heavy equipment over dirt like the best-known earthworks of the day, but a meditation on the tension between the man-made and the natural. It was also an experiment in urban farming that was a solid 30 years ahead of its time. Denes had a lot working against her: She was an artist whose signature work existed for only three months; a woman and, in her early 50s at the time of Wheatfield, not even a young woman whose peers in the earthworks movement were defined by their heedless machismo; and a conceptual artist with huge ideas at a time when galleries and museums were more interested in the bright canvases of the Neo-Expressionists. At long last, time has caught up with her, and the very things that cut her off from the mainstream her boldness, her theoretical concerns have made her, and especially her Wheatfield project, more necessary than ever. DENES, 87, WAS born in Budapest and has lived in the same loft, just below Houston Street, since 1980. Her home is a throwback to an earlier SoHo, more like a warehouse than a living space, crammed with her artwork. There are pieces in almost every possible medium, tracing Deness free-ranging exploration of math, science and the nature of the universe. That has not been the attitude taken at recent art fairs. At Frieze New York last month, Matthew Marks Gallery showed a speckled and contorted coil by the ceramic artist Ken Price, while Parrasch Heijnen showed craggy forms by Julia Haft-Candell, one of Prices artistic heirs. On the walls of Martos Gallerys booth were paintings by Dan Asher; in the center, several small sculptures of his modest unglazed stacks of what looked to be clay scraps. A low-slung table at the Blum & Poe booth was set as if for coffee with friends or, dare I say, a craft fair with pretty but plain-looking mugs and bowls by J.B. Blunk. In a way, it was among the most provocative displays at an event so focused on remarkably high prices, underscoring how, by placing ceramic works in this context, these artists and gallerists are not merely signaling a stylistic shift, but asking age-old questions about what qualifies as art. Image Betty Woodman, Striped Napkin Holder, 1983. Credit... Courtesy of Charles Woodman/The Estate of Betty Woodman and David Kordansky Gallery, Los Angeles; photo: Thomas Muller Of course, plenty of modern artists have at least dabbled in ceramics most of the Fauves took a turn painting on pitchers and platters, and then there are the several thousand ceramic works by Picasso, from plates with faces to vases with tails, some of which were recently on view at the Louisiana Museum of Modern Art outside Copenhagen. As Picasso worked in Vallauris, France, an emerging band of California sculptors (Viola Frey, Peter Voulkos, John Mason) made strides in establishing clay as a primary fine art medium. As did Betty Woodman, who started out as a precocious studio potter, says Stuart Krimko, the research and editorial director at David Kordansky Gallery, which works closely with the artists estate, and who ended up being the first living woman to have a retrospective at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in 2006. Woodman struggled for most of her career to be taken seriously, in part because she was a woman, in part because she worked in a medium that was relegated to the realm of decorative arts, but her work resisted easy classification. (Krimko mentions her sort of proto-pillow pitchers that she dubbed erotic burritos.) According to the sculptor Arlene Shechet, a friend of Woodmans and a witness to her ongoing frustration with her lack of acceptance, Shed ask me, Why should we agree to be in any of these ceramic shows? Page 76 What Happens on Page 76 in Four of This Seasons Books The artist Erwin Wurm envisions new releases by Mary Karr, Rebecca Makkai, James Wood and Tommy Orange. Read in app LONDON Suddenly, it seems, the London stage is wreathed in stardust. Laura Linney is here for a blink-and-youll-miss it run, lending her luminosity to the solo outing My Name Is Lucy Barton. Across town, Orlando Bloom and Alfred Molina are upping the wattage of two other dramas: Mr. Molina in the return of a gripping two-hander, Red, and Mr. Bloom comfortably adapting to the Southern Gothic environs of Killer Joe. Well, wasnt it ever thus? Not exactly. Londons biggest nonmusical success in recent years, and the winner of six Tony Awards last Sunday, was Harry Potter and the Cursed Child. Jack Thornes play boasts a global brand and doesnt need big names. Its West End iteration, at the Palace Theater, just welcomed a third cast, which represents the sort of success more often found in musicals, where a well-known title offers sufficient attraction. (Most people going to The Phantom of the Opera these days surely have no idea who is playing the title role.) An added issue in London is the gradual disappearance of a generation of actors now in their 70s and 80s who once defined the citys stage and could be relied on to return there, even as they found a wider audience onscreen. That explains the excitement about the West End opening next month of Ian McKellen in King Lear. Mr. McKellen, at 79, remains one of the increasingly few actors of his vintage who still tread the boards at a time when many colleagues (Michael Gambon, Albert Finney, Maggie Smith) have given up the theater. Another star returning to her stage roots is Glenda Jackson, 82, who just won her first Tony. Our guide to plays and musicals coming to New York stages and a few last-chance picks of shows that are about to close. Our reviews of open shows are at nytimes.com/reviews/theater. Previews and Openings CONFLICT at the Beckett Theater at Theater Row (in previews; opens on June 21). Alls fair in love and electoral politics. Or is it? In this play by Miles Malleson, the second that the Mint Theater has staged, Lady Dare Bellingdon, a freethinking woman, finds herself in the middle of a closely fought Parliamentary contest in the 1920s. Jenn Thompson directs. 212-239-6200, minttheater.org FAIRVIEW at Soho Rep (in previews; opens on June 17). With We Are Proud to Present a Presentation Jackie Sibblies Drury managed the just-about impossible: She wrote a comedy about genocide. So if you need a woman to reinvent the American family play, you could do worse. This one, directed by Sarah Benson, is set on Grandmothers birthday. 866-811-4111, sohorep.org FIRE IN DREAMLAND at the Public Theater (previews start on June 19; opens on July 16). In Rinne Groffs play, a Dutch filmmaker sees the trash-strewn shores of Coney Island and envisions a paradise. In this three-character drama about hope and disaster, directed by Marissa Wolf and starring Kyle Beltran, Enver Gjokaj and Rebecca Naomi Jones, real worlds clash with imagined ones. 212-967-7555, publictheater.org Ankara is looking forward to the joint production of a new generation S-500 air and missile defense system with Russia, Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said. "I have contacted President Putin with a proposal about the joint production of the S-500," the Turkish president said in an interview with 24 TV. He didnt mention the Russian presidents response to the idea or when exactly it had been pitched to Putin. Erdogan added that Russia had given Ankara a loan to buy the S-400 missile systems on "very acceptable terms." "During the second and third stages we will proceed to the joint production of the S-500 systems," Anadolu news agency cited Erdogan as saying. Turkish Airlines, for example, has a stopover program for passengers who are departing from the United States and have more than 20 hours of connection time in Istanbul on their way to more than 305 destinations worldwide. Fliers who qualify get one night of free accommodations in a centrally located neighborhood (economy passengers stay at a four-star hotel and business-class passengers stay at a five-star hotel), breakfast and return transfers between the airport and their hotel. Singapore Airlines offers a Singapore Stopover Holiday package for passengers connecting through Singapore that has a starting cost of $35 a person but is valued at more than $380 a person, according to James Boyd, a spokesman for the airline. Fliers get a one-night hotel stay, free unlimited rides on the airlines Hop- On Bus and access to more than 20 different attractions in the city such as the Adventure Cove Waterpark, the National Gallery Singapore and a river cruise. The offer also includes free meals at several restaurants such as the popular chicken-rice chain Boon Tong Kee. The stopover program from TAP Air Portugal allows fliers to spend up to five nights in Lisbon or Porto for no extra charge on their way to more than 65 destinations in Europe and Africa via Lisbon or Porto. Final destinations within Portugal like Madeira and the Azores also qualify for the program, which includes discounts at more than 150 hotels, a free bottle of wine at select restaurants, free activities including tuk-tuk rides and free admission to several museums. With the stopover program from Qatar Airways, residents from 80 countries, including the United States, receive visa-free entry into Qatar, along with a free night s hotel stay in Doha (fliers can choose from a list of properties), round-trip transfers between the airport and their hotel, early check-in, late checkout, free breakfast and discounts for activities. Emirates flies to more than 150 destinations globally through Dubai but wants its customers to see Dubai, too. Its stopover program includes a meet-and-assist at Dubai International Airport, discounted rates at more than 90 hotels and apartments in the city, breakfast and round-trip transfers between the airport and hotel. Some polling analysis has treated these two surveys as evidence of a Comey effect, because they showed Mrs. Clintons lead slipping, and they were released after the letter. But all of the survey interviews were completed before the letter was public, even if the results were released after. The letter could not have affected either result. Its hard to be too sure of how far Mrs. Clintons standing declined before the Comey letter because there were few polls conducted in the days leading up to it. But on average, five national daily tracking polls showe d Mrs. Clintons lead falling to three points in the surveys ending on Oct. 28 (but released after), according to analysis after the election by the American Association of Public Opinion Research. That was down from six points on Oct. 22 . The overall national poll average showed less weakening in Mrs. Clintons standing, since they included nontracking surveys conducted at various points over the previous week. Most important, Mrs. Clintons lead didnt decline further after the letter, at least not in these five polls. The American Association of Public Opinion Research analysis concluded that public data did not offer a definitive answer about the effect of Mr. Comeys letter on the election. An alternative narrative suggests that the Comey letter had no discernible effect at all. According to this theory, Mrs. Clinton had already bottomed out around the time of the Comey letter, as post-debate coverage faded and Republican-leaning voters finally decided to back the Republican nominee. This is possible, but there isnt enough data to prove it either. The burden of proof is fairly high, given the size of Mrs. Clintons post-debate lead, the number of polls that supported it, and the short amount of time between the third debate and the Comey letter. Even if the Comey letter did affect the race, the effect might have faded in the final days of the campaign. By then, Mr. Comeys letter was more than a week old , and he would issue a second one, stating that the new information had not altered his conclusion that Mrs. Clinton should face no charges over her handling of classified information . In some accounts, the second letter may have hurt her more than the first. A judge in Arizona on Thursday dismissed disorderly conduct charges against a black man whose beating by several police officers during an arrest last month was recorded on video and led to four of them being put on leave. The man, Robert Johnson, 35, was speaking on a cellphone at an apartment building on May 23 when the Mesa Police Department officers arrived, apparently in response to a domestic disturbance call, and started to question him. Mr. Johnson was told to sit down but did not, the officers later reported. Surveillance camera video showed what happened next: The officers repeatedly punched Mr. Johnson, who was unarmed, and kicked and pushed him to the ground, where he was handcuffed. The Mesa police chief, Ramon Batista, released the video to local news outlets this month, saying that he did not feel that this situation needed to go in the way that it went. The officers were put on administrative leave. SAN FRANCISCO Earthquakes are part of the California bargain, a risk that residents accept in exchange for the states natural beauty, sunshine and plentiful jobs. This unspoken seismic trade-off came into sharp focus last month when, for the first time, a government earthquake study included a list of potentially vulnerable high-rise buildings in San Francisco. The list includes some of the citys most prominent hotels and office buildings. Engineers have known about a major defect in certain steel-frame buildings since 1994, when shaking from the Northridge earthquake in Los Angeles fractured critical joints in more than 60 buildings, bringing at least one very close to collapse. The building code was rewritten to eliminate the flawed technique. Yet nearly a quarter of a century later, California is still wrestling with what to do with the hundreds of buildings, many of them high rises, that were constructed during the more than three decades when the defective connection system was widely employed. Last year Santa Monica, which has identified more than 70 steel-frame buildings believed to have the problem, became the first city in California to order mandatory retrofits. A similar law in nearby West Hollywood comes into effect in August. This is an issue that structural engineers should have been dealing with continuously since the mid-1990s and we just dropped it, said Keith Porter, an earthquake engineering expert who helped lead the United States Geological Survey study that published the list of San Francisco high rises. We dont know how to deal with a problem this big. A student at the University of Central Florida shared videos of sexual encounters he had with his girlfriend in a secret Facebook group for his fraternity brothers without her permission, the woman alleges in a lawsuit filed on Thursday. Kathryn Novak, a student in Arizona, said she learned in March that her intimate photos and videos had been shared in a secret Facebook group when she saw someones text message to her long-distance boyfriend that mentioned a sexual video. Her boyfriend, Brandon Simpson, did not deny sharing the video in the Facebook group named Dog Pound in October, according to the lawsuit. Ms. Novaks lawyer, Michael Avenatti who is best known for representing Stephanie Clifford, the porn actress professionally known as Stormy Daniels, in her lawsuit against President Trump said in an interview on Thursday that the sharing of Ms. Novaks images had been devastating to her. The fact that you had a basically frat-boy atmosphere, both literally and figuratively, that was centered on the exploitation of women without their knowledge or consent is outrageous, he said. A jogger in Oakland, Calif., who was filmed disposing of a homeless mans belongings last week was charged on Wednesday with a felony count of second-degree robbery in a related altercation. The jogger, Henry William Sintay, took the phone of a man who recorded him at the same spot the day after the encounter, the authorities said. The original video, recorded last Friday night, spread quickly online and crystallized concerns frequently voiced about the Bay Area, which is being transformed by rapid gentrification and rising rents. The video shows Mr. Sintay kicking through sheets, bags and other items under a gazebo-like structure near the shore of Lake Merritt in Oakland before collecting the items and moving them to a nearby trash can. When the Board of Regents of the University of Wisconsin wanted to address the issue of free speech on campus last fall, it adopted a three-strikes policy that is the strictest of its kind: Any student found to have disrupted the free expression of others is expelled after a third infraction. The goal was to foster an atmosphere of civility, respect and safety, and avoid the kind of violent, unruly disruptions that prevented conservatives from speaking at schools like the University of California, Berkeley, and Middlebury College. Those protests had focused national attention on the question of whether college campuses were shutting out politically unpopular points of view. Wisconsin is not alone. Republican-led state legislatures in Arizona, Georgia and North Carolina have imposed similar policies on public colleges and universities, and bills to establish campus speech guidelines are under consideration in at least seven other legislatures. These efforts, funded in part by big-money Republican donors, are part of a growing and well-organized campaign that has put academia squarely in the cross hairs of the American right. The spate of new policies shows how conservatives are successfully advancing one of their longstanding goals: to turn the tables in the debate over the First Amendment by casting the left as an enemy of open and free political expression on campuses. It was at schools like Berkeley, after all, that the free speech movement blossomed in the 1960s. While the inspector general report does not take a new look at the officials judgment that the evidence in the Clinton case clearly fell short of that standard, it backs their key interpretation of the law, saying it was consistent with the departments historical approach in prior cases under different leadership, including in the 2008 decision not to prosecute former Attorney General Alberto Gonzales for mishandling classified documents. The report adds support for the bottom-line outcome of the email investigation. Mr. Trump and his supporters have repeatedly insinuated that the process was rigged and that a fair investigation would have resulted in charging Mrs. Clinton with a crime an idea underlying calls for the appointment of a second special counsel to reinvestigate her. But the reports endorsement of how investigators interpreted the law undermines that view. Charlie Savage Another politicized F.B.I. text emerged, as did three more texters. The text was sent by Peter Strzok, a senior F.B.I. official who worked on both the Clinton email server and Russia investigations. Responding to a question by Lisa Page, an F.B.I. lawyer, that Mr. Trump is not ever going to become president, right? Right?! Mr. Strzok responded: No. No hes not. Well stop it. The report also says that three other unnamed F.B.I. officials working on the investigation expressed political views, saying their conduct has brought discredit to themselves, undermined confidence in the email investigation and damaged the reputation of the bureau. Republicans could use this fact as new ammunition to portray the F.B.I.s investigation of the Trump campaigns links to Russia as unfair. The inspector general said it found no evidence that the F.B.I. officials political views had influenced the outcome of the email server case, although the report said it could not be sure whether one decision made by Mr. Strzok to prioritize the Russia investigation over swiftly following up on the discovery in late September 2016 of possible evidence in the email case was free from bias. Nevertheless, the report said the officials had damaged the bureaus reputation for neutral fact-finding and political independence. That conclusion seems likely to become fodder for fresh accusations of bias by Mr. Trump and his allies who have sought to discredit the Russia investigation by portraying its early stages as scandalous. Charlie Savage Democrats have yearned for a moment of political exoneration ever since Hillary Clintons defeat in 2016. They have looked to Russian interference in the campaign, claims of bias in the media and allegations of Republican lawbreaking to explain an upset that few in the party foresaw. Perhaps most of all, Democrats have vented indignation at the F.B.I. and its former director, James B. Comey, for reviving the issue of Hillary Clintons private email server in the last days of the race. On Thursday, Clinton supporters won a powerful kind of validation from the unlikeliest source: President Trumps Department of Justice. The inspector generals report criticizing Mr. Comey for his flamboyant handling of the Clinton investigation sent an angry thrill through the ranks of Democrats and Mrs. Clintons allies. Michael E. Horowitz, an investigator not appointed by Mr. Trump, concluded that Mr. Comey had twice breached the bureaus traditional discretion: first by holding a July news conference to announce he would not charge Mrs. Clinton with mishandling classified information, and then later sending a letter to Congress disclosing that the agents were scrutinizing new evidence in the matter. The Flores settlement required immigration officials to place each detained minor in the least restrictive setting appropriate for example, providing food, water and toilets. The government also agreed to release immigrant children without unnecessary delay under an established preference ranking for custody. After a surge of families from Central America began arriving at the United States southwestern border in 2014, the Obama administration opened family detention centers. That prompted more lawsuits, which argued that doing so had breached the Flores settlement by not releasing children swiftly. In 2016, the Ninth Circuit of Appeals ruled that the Flores settlement unambiguously applies both to minors who are accompanied and unaccompanied by their parents. It also overturned a Federal District Courts decision that the government must also release the parents. Attorney General Jeff Sessions announced a zero tolerance policy in April, stating that our goal is to prosecute every case that is brought to us thus leading to the detention of migrant parents. In other words, without the Trump administrations new enforcement policy, the Flores settlement and subsequent rulings clarifying its scope alone would not have caused family separation at the border. As The New York Times reported last month: Spurred on by the president, Attorney General Jeff Sessions last month announced a zero tolerance policy in which people who cross the border illegally are to be subject to criminal prosecution. On Tuesday, the administration officials argued that the two directives, taken together, essentially left them with no option other than to take children from their parents at the border. Under Flores, the government has three options: releasing families together, passing a law that would allow for family detention or breaking up the families. The Trump administration has so far chosen the third option. Source: Flores settlement text, Ninth Circuit of Appeals, The New York Times, Congressional Research Service, office of Representative Paul D. Ryan The tarmac meeting was not a good idea. In the final days of the Clinton investigation, the attorney general at the time, Loretta E. Lynch, held an impromptu private meeting with former President Bill Clinton when the two found themselves unexpectedly on the same tarmac at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. The meeting led to calls for Ms. Lynch to recuse herself from the investigation. She did not, but said she would defer to the F.B.I. and career prosecutors on whether to prosecute Mrs. Clinton. The tarmac meeting, as well as Ms. Lynchs half-in-half-out response, are expected to be criticized in Thursdays report. Ms. Lynch has already said she regrets the meeting. What about those text messages? Two F.B.I. officials, who were assigned to both cases, exchanged text messages that revealed strong anti-Trump sentiment. They said Mrs. Clinton just has to win and described a potential victory by Mr. Trump as terrifying. Mr. Trumps supporters have seized on these messages as evidence that the F.B.I. was biased against him. The inspector general is expected to criticize the officials, Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, but his conclusions on the matter will be closely watched. F.B.I. regulations allow agents to express opinions both privately and publicly on political subjects and candidates. Will Giuliani make an appearance? Mr. Horowitz has said he is investigating whether officials improperly disclosed information about the Clinton case to journalists. But one of the most intriguing questions involves the potential leak of information to one of Mr. Trumps key campaign surrogates, Rudolph W. Giuliani. Mr. Giuliani appeared on Fox News in October 2016 and hinted that big news was about to break: I mean, Im talking about some pretty big surprises, he said in one interview. In another, he referenced Mrs. Clinton and said he expected the surprises to surface in the coming days. Two days later, Mr. Comey broke the news that the F.B.I. was once again investigating Mrs. Clinton and her emails. Mr. Comey has said he ordered an investigation into that disclosure but it is not clear what came of it. Mr. Giuliani is now a lawyer for Mr. Trump, who has railed against inappropriate disclosures to reporters. Was the F.B.I. slow to respond? The inspector general is expected to criticize officials at F.B.I. headquarters for the speed at which they responded to the discovery of new emails on a laptop belonging to the estranged husband of one of Mrs. Clintons top aides. Critics, including some inside the F.B.I., have suggested that officials at headquarters were uninterested in revisiting the investigation before the election. But the report initiated in response to a chorus of requests from Congress and the public was far from an exoneration. Mr. Horowitz was unsparing in his criticism of Mr. Comey and referred five F.B.I. employees for possible discipline over pro-Clinton or anti-Trump commentary in electronic messages. He said agents were far too cozy with journalists. And he described a breakdown in the chain of command, calling it extraordinary that the attorney general acceded to Mr. Comey during the most controversial moments of the Clinton investigation. The result, Mr. Horowitz said, undermined public confidence in the F.B.I. and sowed doubt about the bureaus handling of the Clinton investigation, which even two years later remains politically divisive. Mrs. Clintons supporters blame Mr. Comey for her election loss. Mr. Trump believes that Mr. Comey and his agents conspired to clear Mrs. Clinton of wrongdoing because they were openly hostile to his candidacy. Mr. Horowitz repeatedly said he found no evidence that the F.B.I. rigged the outcome. Our review did not find documentary or testimonial evidence directly connecting the political views these employees expressed in their text messages and instant messages to the specific investigative decisions we reviewed, the report said. The report is especially critical of two F.B.I. officials, Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, who exchanged texts disparaging Mr. Trump. Many of those text messages had already been released, but the report cites a previously undisclosed exchange: Mr. Trump is not ever going to become president, right? Right?! Ms. Page wrote. No, Mr. Strzok wrote. No he wont. Well stop it. Ms. Page has left the F.B.I. and Mr. Strzok has been reassigned to human resources. Like other top F.B.I. officials, they were involved in both the Clinton case and the investigation into the Trump campaigns ties to Russia. So while the inspector generals report focuses entirely on the Clinton case, it has ramifications for the investigation being carried out by the special counsel, Robert S. Mueller III. Any evidence of bias or rule-breaking in one case could be used to undermine confidence in the other. But, he concluded, the inspector generals office found no evidence in emails, text messages, instant messages, or documents that suggested an improper purpose in the direction that Mr. Strzok took the investigation. Mr. Strzoks lawyer, Aitan Goelman, said that Mr. Horowitzs conclusion about whether Mr. Strzok may have had political bias was critically flawed and bizarre. Mr. Goelman said that while pundits and politicians had used Mr. Strzok as a way to advance their political agenda, the truth about Special Agent Strzoks character and professionalism is found in the fact that every witness asked by the inspector generals office said that Strzoks work was never influenced by political views. But those politicians kept at it. Its a very damning indictment on Peter Strzok, said Representative Mark Meadows, Republican of North Carolina and a close ally of the presidents. I dont see any way that he can continue to serve with the confidence of D.O.J. and F.B.I. officials. Part of the report focuses on how Mr. Strzok handled the Clinton email investigation in the weeks before the election. In September 2016, senior F.B.I. officials in Washington including Mr. Strzok learned that the bureau had obtained a laptop from former Representative Anthony D. Weiner, the estranged husband of Huma Abedin, Mrs. Clintons longtime aide. The officials were told there may be emails on the laptop from Mrs. Clintons personal account. Mr. Horowitz said the F.B.I. did not move quickly enough to look into what was on the laptop. That ensured that when Mr. Comey informed Congress that he had reopened the investigation Mrs. Clintons email account, it came only 11 days before the election. Mr. Horowitz said that Mr. Strzoks text about stopping Mr. Trump from becoming president showed that he may be willing to take an official action to affect the election. He said that Mr. Strzok had prioritized the Trump investigation over the Clinton one, and that had raised questions about the bureaus delay on looking into the laptop. WASHINGTON As deputy attorney general during the George W. Bush administration, James B. Comey clashed repeatedly with the White House over its interrogation and warrantless wiretapping programs, earning a reputation of fighting for his view of what was right no matter whom he angered. That same impulse that he knew best, no matter the consequences underpinned Mr. Comeys decisions in 2016 to flout Justice Department norms and update the public on the investigation into Hillary Clintons handling of classified information. Democrats have said he cost her the presidential election. Mr. Comey was faulted for those decisions in a highly critical Justice Department report released on Thursday about the F.B.I.s handling of the Clinton inquiry. By trying to protect the bureau, the departments inspector general found, Mr. Comey instead damaged the F.B.I.s reputation. Comey chose to deviate from the F.B.I.s and the departments established procedures and norms and instead engaged in his own subjective, ad hoc decision making, the report said. It added, The decisions negatively impacted the perception of the F.B.I. and the department as fair administrators of justice. Democrats sharply criticized the nations top bank regulator, Joseph M. Otting, during hearings before the Senate Banking Committee on Thursday, a day after he answered a question about the existence of lending or housing discrimination by saying he had never personally observed it. Mr. Otting, a longtime bank executive who is close to Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin, pulled back on his previous comments, telling senators that while he had not personally experienced discrimination, he does believe that it exists. But he went considerably further, distancing himself from other Trump administration officials who have publicly and privately rejected the idea that racial, ethnic and gender prejudice is an endemic part of the nations housing and banking systems. Under intense questioning before the House Financial Services Committee on Wednesday, Mr. Otting, the comptroller of the currency, said that I have personally never observed housing discrimination, adding, Many of my friends from the inner city across America will tell me that it is evident today. Chief Justice Roberts said that went too far. States remain free to decide that some forms of advocacy should be excluded from the polling place, he wrote. He cited with seeming approval more focused laws in California and Texas aimed at classic electioneering. Casting a vote is a weighty civic act, akin to a jurys return of a verdict, or a representatives vote on a piece of legislation, the chief justice wrote. It is a time for choosing, not campaigning. The state may reasonably decide that the interior of the polling place should reflect that distinction. But Minnesota, Chief Justice Roberts wrote, had failed to articulate some sensible basis for distinguishing what may come in from what must stay out. There is no problem with banning items supporting or opposing candidates or ballot measures, he indicated. But Minnesota also barred materials designed to influence or impact voting, which officials interpreted to cover messages touching on any subject that had been addressed by candidates and their parties. A rule whose fair enforcement requires an election judge to maintain a mental index of the platforms and positions of every candidate and party on the ballot is not reasonable, Chief Justice Roberts wrote. The state also barred apparel and insignia that promoted groups with political views. Chief Justice Roberts said that could cover the American Civil Liberties Union, AARP, the World Wildlife Fund, Ben & Jerrys and the Boy Scouts. When the case was argued in February, a lawyer for the state was peppered with questions about what was and was not allowed. His answers, Chief Justice Roberts suggested, betrayed no consistent theme. WASHINGTON The White House is expected on Friday to release a final list of Chinese goods that it plans to subject to tariffs and could soon begin putting some of those levies into effect, potentially reigniting a trade war that had been on the back burner while President Trump engaged in delicate nuclear diplomacy with North Korea. The Trump administration has vacillated between threatening tariffs on China and putting the trade war on hold as it tries to negotiate a deal with Beijing that would give American companies greater access to the Chinese market. Those negotiations have produced little in the way of a firm commitment, however, with China offering to purchase nearly $70 billion in energy, agricultural and manufactured products from the United States, but only if the White House suspends tariffs on Chinese products. So far, the White House has given no indication that it plans to back away from its threat of tariffs, which President Trump and his advisers see as giving the United States leverage in negotiations with Beijing. But while the administration is expected to detail on Friday the final list of goods that it plans to subject to the tariffs, it may phase those in to allow for continuing discussions, according to people familiar with the administrations plans. In early April, the Trump administration outlined a preliminary list of roughly $50 billion in Chinese products that would be subject to 25 percent tariffs including televisions, medical devices, aircraft parts and batteries. It has since refined the list based on feedback from business owners, trade groups and other industry representatives, who testified at public hearings in Washington in mid-May. Conservative religious leaders who have long preached about the sanctity of the family are now issuing sharp rebukes of the Trump administration for immigration policies that tear families apart or leave them in danger. The criticism came after recent moves by the administration to separate children from their parents at the border, and to deny asylum on a routine basis to victims of domestic abuse and gang violence. Some of the religious leaders are the same evangelicals and Roman Catholics who helped President Trump to build his base and who have otherwise applauded his moves to limit abortion and champion the rights of religious believers. The Rev. Franklin Graham, a son of the famed evangelist the Rev. Billy Graham and an outspoken defender of President Trump, said in an interview on Tuesday on the Christian Broadcasting Network, I think its disgraceful, its terrible to see families ripped apart and I dont support that one bit. CHICAGO In a conference room at Northwestern Memorial Hospital on a recent evening, a group of men sat down for a class on pregnancy and childbirth led by Dr. Craig Garfield, a pediatrician who specializes in studying new fathers. The class is one of many that Northwestern offers to new parents, including some that are designed for moms, for grandparents and in the case of one class called Bowser & the Baby for dog owners. Dr. Garfields parenting class is for expectant fathers, most of whom are here after their pregnant partners signed them up for it. As the class got underway, the soon-to-be dads seemed uneasy. But with some prodding from Dr. Garfield, they began to open up, sharing some of their hopes and fears about becoming first-time fathers. One man said he hoped to raise a strong and confident daughter. Another said he was fearful about holding his baby for the first time because babies are fragile and he had never held one before. Others said they worried about their finances, losing sleep, the health of their babies and their partners, and not having enough time to spend with their children. MEXICO CITY If the candidate was nervous about his chances, few could tell. Ricardo Anaya was 21 years old and running for elected office for the first time. The prize was a congressional seat in the Mexican state of Queretaro, representing a poor, rural area far from his home in the state capital where he had grown up on a country club. It was enemy territory: His party had never won the seat, and this time would be no different. But until the final vote tally was announced, the candidate betrayed no sense, beyond his inner circle of confidants, that he might lose. He was giving everyone confidence that he could win, said Jacob Morado Garcia, who was then the local president of Mr. Anayas party, the center-right National Action Party, or PAN, in the municipality of Pinal de Amoles. He did everything possible to win. Eighteen years later, Mr. Anaya now finds himself in a somewhat similar position, though the stakes are many orders of magnitude higher. Kashmir has long been embroiled in bloody conflict between Hindu-majority India and Muslim-majority Pakistan, which both claim parts of the rugged, Himalayan territory. In three decades of fighting, tens of thousands of people have been killed and injured, and in the last couple of years, the conflict has worsened. Earlier on Thursday, the United Nations released its first report on human rights violations in Kashmir, calling for an international investigation into accounts of torture, disappearances and sexual violence committed by India and Pakistan. Mr. Bukhari, who is survived by a wife and two children, was seen as a centrist and a strong voice for peace. He had been attacked in the past, including in an abduction attempt nearly a decade ago. For over a decade, Mr. Bhukari was a columnist and the editor in chief of Rising Kashmir, a leading English-language daily published in Srinagar. He published work in Kashmiri, Urdu and English and worked for many years as a correspondent for The Hindu, one of Indias major newspapers. Mr. Bukhari was also attuned to the political pulse of the region, organizing conferences in the United States and India to discuss ways to resolve the Kashmir conflict. In a February interview with The New York Times, Mr. Bukhari said that violent clashes between Indian security forces and protesters in the area had hardened many Kashmiri youth, whose views had shifted from anti-India to hate India. One of his last columns for Rising Kashmir concerned the Ramadan cease-fire. Mr. Bukhari wrote that the continuous grind of violence was becoming unbearable. The cease-fire was a glimmer of hope for the common people, he wrote, but there was much more ground to cover. GENEVA The United Nations human rights office on Thursday called for an international investigation into abuses by India and Pakistan in the disputed region of Kashmir, criticizing the Indian security forces in particular for inflicting mass civilian casualties in response to escalating protests there. Zeid Raad al-Hussein, the world bodys high commissioner for human rights, said he would urge the Human Rights Council to open an investigation when it convenes next week. His office released a report that detailed abuses by the authorities on both sides of Kashmirs Line of Control and accused India of letting its security forces operate in a state of chronic impunity. The 49-page report was the first by the United Nations on human rights concerns in the Himalayan territory, according to the rights office. Kashmir has been at the center of three wars between India and Pakistan and the scene of escalating violence since mid-2016. India announced in May that it was halting military operations against Muslim militants for the holy month of Ramadan in a bid to calm tensions in the Kashmir Valley. Protests had been mounting amid an offensive by Indian security forces that killed dozens of militants, as well as cross-border shelling that inflicted civilian casualties. PUTRAJAYA, Malaysia Racing to figure out the depth of the fiscal crisis that awaited him after his inauguration, Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad and his aides first entered the Malaysian government offices last month to find an alarming sight: oversize garbage bags filled with shredded documents, a snowstorm of loose papers on the floor, even half-consumed food left by former occupants in a hurry to get out. At the Finance Ministry down the street, Lim Guan Eng, Malaysias new finance minister, found computers in which even the highest-ranking bureaucrats were locked out of certain accounts. In some cases, vital files were accessible only to a single person: Najib Razak, the nations scandal-tainted former prime minister, who had also served as finance minister. Evidence of financial malfeasance by Mr. Najib and his cronies helped Mr. Mahathirs opposition alliance win national elections on May 9, unseating a political force that had governed Malaysia since it gained independence in 1957. But the euphoria surrounding a historic democratic transition has given way to a more sobering reality. Even without piecing together a single shredded document, Mr. Mahathir, who previously served as prime minister from 1981 to 2003, has discovered that the country is in far worse financial shape than he and his allies had feared. The national debt, tallied at $170 billion by Mr. Najibs administration, has been reassessed, along with other government liabilities, at $250 billion. That is 80 percent of Malaysias gross domestic product. BEIJING Secretary of State Mike Pompeo told Asian powers on Thursday that President Trump was sticking to demands that North Korea surrender its nuclear weapons, as he sought to hold together a fragile consensus on maintaining tough sanctions against the North despite Mr. Trumps declaration that it was no longer a nuclear threat. At a news conference in Seoul, South Korea, Mr. Pompeo softened some of the presidents recent comments but did not retract them and insisted that United Nations sanctions would remain in place until North Korea had accomplished complete denuclearization. We are going to get the complete denuclearization, Mr. Pompeo told reporters. Only then will there be relief from sanctions. He made the same point later Thursday in Beijing, where he met with Chinas president, Xi Jinping. But China had already shown signs of breaking ranks on tough enforcement of the sanctions against its neighbor and trading partner, saying that with North Korea now at the negotiating table, they could legitimately be eased. Footage of President Trump saluting a top North Korean general during this weeks summit meeting with the Norths leader, Kim Jong-un, set off debate on Thursday over military and diplomatic protocol. The scene was part of a 42-minute documentary that aired on state television two days after the two leaders met in Singapore, offering another window into the historic encounter. While greeting North Korean dignitaries after his initial handshake with Mr. Kim, Mr. Trump proceeded down the line shaking hands, the video shows. When Mr. Trump offered his hand to Gen. No Kwang-chol, who was recently promoted to defense chief, the general saluted instead. Mr. Trump quickly raised his own hand and saluted back. Maj. Gen. Paul Eaton, a retired United States Army general, criticized the gesture in a statement. HONG KONG An American citizen was among dozens of people arrested in Vietnam this week during protests against proposed special economic zones that have raised fears of Chinese encroachment. The American, Will Nguyen, was visiting Ho Chi Minh City ahead of his graduation this summer from a masters program at the University of Singapore, according to a statement from his family and friends. Mr. Nguyen, 32, a Houston native who graduated from Yale, took part in protests on Sunday. He was beaten over the head and dragged into the back of a police truck, after the authorities moved to quash the demonstrations that day, according to the statement. A video from the protests shows Mr. Nguyen, with blood smeared across his face, being dragged by a group of men. He is later shown standing in the bed of a pickup truck topped with emergency lights. LONDON In 1922, the same year he received the Nobel Prize in Physics, Albert Einstein set out with his wife, Elsa, on a five-and-a-half-month odyssey of discovery of a new world: the Far East and Middle East. Along the way, he was feted by a Japanese empress and had an audience with the king of Spain. He also kept a travel diary, noting in stark, often racist terms his impressions of the people he encountered on stops in Hong Kong and Singapore, China, Japan, India and Palestine. The personal writings do not only reveal the musings of a man grappling with a jolt to his view of the world. They also expose Einsteins stereotyping of members of various nations and raise questions about his attitudes on race, according to Princeton University Press, which has published the first full English-language edition. The first volume in a planned series his writings were previously available in German is now available under the title The Travel Diaries of Albert Einstein. It complicates the portrait of a man often described as the most brilliant physicist of the modern era. The tragedy unfolded as the largest flow of refugees in Europe since World War II reached crisis levels, and a summit meeting of the continents top leaders was convened in the Hofburg palace in Vienna. By August, more than 2,500 men, women and children had drowned making the treacherous voyage across the Mediterranean in rickety boats and rafts that year, and an untold number had died trekking across the Continent. As politicians debated what to do, before dawn on Aug. 26, a desperate group of 59 men, eight women and four children from Afghanistan, Iran, Iraq and Syria were herded into a refrigerated truck in southern Hungary. Smugglers had promised safe passage to Germany. Three hours later, the migrants were all dead. They were found the next morning, in sweltering heat, on a highway leading to Vienna, just 31 miles or so from the Hofburg. Days later, a visibly shaken Chancellor Angela Merkel announced that Germany would open its borders to those clamoring to get into the country a policy decision that reverberates across the Continent to this day. Italy recently refused entry to a rescue ship carrying hundreds of migrants, and an increasing number of European Union nations adamantly oppose any plan requiring them to share the responsibility of sheltering refugees and asylum seekers. Beyond the politics, though, the case in Hungary offers a reminder of an unavoidable fact: Desperate people will take desperate measures, even if it can cost them their lives. The tragedy also highlighted how many people, including some former refugees, had taken advantage of the crisis to enrich themselves by turning humans into cargo. PARIS The French presidents fondness for the gilt-edged aspects of his job the fancy backdrops in chateaus, his big makeup bills, the proximity to the wealthy is no longer a secret to his countrymen. Emmanuel Macron dislikes being called president of the rich, but of all the labels affixed to him, it is the one he cant shake. A dust-up over the cost of the new presidential dinner service is unlikely to help. Like presidents before him, Mr. Macron is ordering his 1,200 plates from a porcelain factory in Sevres that is heavily subsidized by the state and has supplied Frances rulers since the 18th century. At a moment when Mr. Macron was seen complaining in a government video that French welfare spending costs a truckload of cash, those fancy new plates from the Manufacture de Sevres have caused a small ruckus. Mr. Sayed, the director, tells people to come together and try to make it through the day in a way that is as normal as possible while recognizing the survivors pain. The more they are not reminded of the tragedy, the better it is for them, he said. It is a far cry from the scene a year ago. Within the first few hours of the fire, when Mr. Sayed and others were distributing water and dates that had been stocked for the breaking of the fast, it became clear that the community was facing a disaster. After the fire broke out, the mosque filled with volunteers of all faiths and nationalities, as the emergency response coincided with typical Ramadan activities. Food and clothing donations piled up in local churches, community centers and the mosque, sometimes spilling out onto the streets. And in the weeks and months that followed, as the remains of the victims were slowly identified, Al Manaar hosted prayers for the missing, burials and funeral receptions. It became one of the locations where grievances with the authorities slow response were aired in heated meetings. It has provided a psychotherapist for counseling and is planning to train its imams to recognize the signs of people who may need professional help in their congregation. BJPs Bengaluru bug: What ails the party in its once upon a time strong bastion Bengaluru oi-Vicky Nanjappa The Congress added one more to its kitty and ironically for the BJP, it was yet another seat from Bengaluru, considered to be its bastion. The Congress took its Bengaluru tally to 15 with back to back wins in Rajarajeswhari Nagar and Jayanagar. The current tally- out of the 28 seats, the Congress has 15, BJP, 11 and JD(S) 2. In 2008, the BJP had 14, Congress 13 and JD(S). In the 2013 elections, the tally was 13, 12 and three in favour of the Congress, BJP and JD(S) respectively. Many within the BJP would agree that it was the Bengaluru mishap which stood in its way for forming the government in Karnataka. The BJP ended up with 104 seats which was 8 short of the magic number. The elections in Jayanagar, the results of which were announced yesterday was won by Sowmya Reddy, daughter of veteran Congressman Ramalinga Reddy. She beat B N Prahlad of the BJP. He is the brother of the late B Vijaykumar who passed away while he was campaigning, as a result of which the elections to the Jayanagar seat was postponed. The BJP had held this seat for ten years and losing it has hurt the party. The BJP would have hoped that it could gain from the sympathy factor. In the candidature of Prahlad, there was some opposition at first. Some within the party said that he is a lesser known face. There was also a rebellion within the party by six BJP councillors, all of whom were aspirants for a ticket. While the party managed to convince some of them, it appeared to be too late as four councillors joined the campaign at the last moment. The rebellion by N Nagaraju from Byrasandra was an open one and he was seen with the Congress all the time. BJP insiders agree that the infighting should have been sorted out earlier. This cost the party and if one looks at the narrow victory margin, it become clear that the infighting did go against the party. BJP leader, Ananth Kumar said that the party humbly accepts the voters' mandate in a tightly contested election. The party lost by only 2,889 votes inspite of an unholy tie up between the Congress and JD(S). B S Yeddyurappa said that the vote share has increased when compared to the 2013 elections. Jayanagar ward wise breakdown: JP Nagar: BJP, 8,492, Congress, 4984 Sarakki: BJP, 9097, Congress, 4490 Shakambarinagar : BJP, 9,637, Congress, 3,555 Pattabhiramaganar: BJP, 9,538, Congress, 4,282 Byrasandra: BJP, 6,595, Congress, 9,809 Jayanagar East: BJP, 5,523, Congress, 7,777 Gurrapana Palya: BJP, 2,710, Congress, 19,560 The Bengaluru bug: From the 2008 elections onwards, the BJP has seen a decline in Bengaluru. Considered to be its bastion, the decline has been steady. Even when the party was at its lowest ebb in 2013, it had managed to 12 and in 2018, it would have hoped to put up a better performance. The BJP has been bitten by several bugs which includes the choice of candidates, infighting and also the pathetic voter turn out. It is clear that in several constituencies the voter turn out was low and the middle class voters could be blamed for it. The BJP would need to do more in Bengaluru which would include pushing the voters out of their homes and also get their candidate selection right. While the Jayanagar contest was a close one, the one in Rajarajeshwari Nagar was a no fight. This despite an allegation of a voter ID scam against the Congress. At the end of it the Rajarajeshwari Nagar elections appeared to be a walk-over for the Congress. There are two more elections that would be held in the days to come. A by-election at Jamakhandi became necessary following the death of Congress leader, Siddu Nyamagouda in a road accident. By-elections would also be held at Ramanagara after H D Kumaraswamy gave up the seat to retain Channapatna. No one will accept if MGR is misrepresented: G K Vasan Disqualification of 18 AIADMK MLAs: TTV Dinakaran questions split verdict Chennai oi-Chennabasaveshwar By Chennabasaveshwar RK Nagar MLA TTV Dinakaran raised doubts over the divided verdict in the disqualification of 18 AIADMK MLAs case on Thursday. Dinakaran speaking after the Madras High Court judgment, said, "In today's split verdict, one judge has said the speaker's decision was wrong. The Chief Justice who has upheld the speaker's order had struck down Puducherry speaker's decision. How can the law be different for Tamil Nadu and Puducherry?" "There is a question mark on judiciary after this decision. The verdict has shown that this is an anti-people government," Dinakaran told a private TV channel. He called the incumbent EPS-OPS as 'anti-people government'. "These 18 MLAs were chosen by Amma(Jayalalithaa) and the people. They have undergone severe trauma over the last few months. No matter what the temptation, all my MLAs are with me and we will continue to fight. This is a fight of our ideology," he said. Dinakaran further said that this government has got a few more months. The expiry date has been extended and I don't see this government continuing for more than few months. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 14, 2018, 14:37 [IST] The iftaar that never happened: BSF jawans were killed while buying bread Ramadan 2021: When does it begin? Know Shehri and iftar timings, check moon sighting in India In villages along Indo-Pak border in Rajasthan, Hindus, Muslims fast together during Ramzan Feature oi-Oneindia Staff By Oneindia Staff Jaipur, June 14: At a time when vested interests are trying to divide people in the name of religion, caste and community, villages along the Indo-Pak border in Rajasthan are setting great example of love, brotherhood and togetherness. As the Muslims across the world are observing roza (fast) daily as a part of the holy month of Ramzan, Hindu brethren staying in various villages in the border areas of Rajasthan too have joined them in their religious duties. According to a report by The Times of India, members of the Meghwal community in Barmer and Jaisalmer districts of the state have been observing fast during Ramzan since ages. In spite of summer heat at its peak, as the temperature is hovering around 47 degree Celsius in these parts of Rajasthan these days, Hindus and Muslims are fighting all odds to observe fast. If Hindus observe fast during Ramzan, their Muslim brothers and sisters too celebrate all Hindu festivals including Diwali and Navratri in these villages. Speaking to The Times of India, Gauhad Ka Tala (Barmer) residents Khemaram and Mohan Ram said they have been observing roza since past many decades because they have faith in Dargah Hazrat Saiyad Kasam Shah Marati situated in Pakistan. Most of the Hindu residents in these border villages of Godhad Ka Tala, Rabasar, Sata, Sinhania, Bakhasar, Kelnore and others are refugees who have crossed the border from Pakistan to stay in India during the 1965 and 1971 wars. The villagers are also making elaborate plans to celebrate Eid al-Fitr--which is expected to begin on the evening of June 14 (Thursday) and end on the evening of June 15 (Friday)--in a grand manner. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 14, 2018, 6:46 [IST] Nobody on Earth can dare to doubt Muslim's patriotism in Lakshadweep: Rajnath Singh Our prosperity largely linked to our seas since we are an arriving maritime power: Defence Minister India has over 5,000 years of history, can't consider Gandhi as father of nation: Savarkar's grandson Will provide financial support to 7 new defence companies if required: Rajnath Singh Rajnath Singh reviews security arrangements for Amarnath yatra India oi-Deepika By Deepika Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh on Thursday reviewed security arrangements for the forthcoming Amarnath Yatra here on Thursday. More than three lakh pilgrims visit the Amarnath Shrine every year and the administration is taking all steps to provide facilities for them. Security is being deployed at the base camp for the pilgrims. Other facilities like drinking water, toilets, clean halls for stay, inquiry counters, transport, communication, and banking have been set up at the Yatri Niwas in Jammu. Singh had reviewed the security arrangements for the Amaranth Yatra during his two-day visit to Jammu and Kashmir recently. He was told that a multi-tier security will be in place to ensure no untoward incident takes place. The annual pilgrimage to the shrine dedicated to Lord Shiva in Amarnath begins on June 28.The shrine attracts lakhs of pilgrims each year. A total of 2.6 lakh pilgrims offered prayers at the shrine last year. The state police has sought additional 22,500 paramilitary personnel for deployment along the route of the pilgrimage. On July 10 last year, at least nine Amarnath pilgrims were killed and 19 others were injured in the attack on the bus in Anantnag district In view of last year's terrorist attack on pilgrim bus, the authorities have planned a multi-tier security arrangements. Tracking of pilgrims' movement through satellites, installation of jammers, CCTV cameras and bulletproof bunkers, deployment of dog squads and quick reaction teams will be part of the security drill along pilgrimage routes. A total of around 40,000 personnel are expected to be deployed during this year's pilgrimage. Around 35,000 troops were deployed during the Amarnath pilgrimage in 2017. Bengaluru urban naxals specific brief was to coordinate with Maoist outfits across the world India oi-Vicky Nanjappa The arrest of Abhay Devdas Nayak, an alleged member of the urban naxal network has thrown up a plethora of details on how the system works. Nayak, a resident of Bengaluru is alleged to have not just raised funds through international sources, but also wrote press releases for the naxalites. The police says that Nayak had attended school in Bengaluru. He belongs to the Hanumanthnagar area and had completed his BBA between 2002 and 2005. He is said to have been influenced by Saket Rajan, a top naxal who was gunned down in Karnataka by the security forces. The Bengaluru based urban naxal who travelled the world to raise funds for Maoists Further the police say that after his completing his BBA from the Bangalore University, he obtains a masters degree in psychology from the Annamalai University, through distance learning. The police say that he was also well versed in website design, digital marketing, HTML and stock trading. Describing his website, indiamicrofinance.com. On the about page, the website says that it is one of the leading blogs on financial inclusion. The publication information states that Abhay Nayak is the editor and publisher. The website is registered at No 73, 10th Main, 34th A Cross, Jayanagar, Bengaluru 560011, India. The police say that he would write on the website, apart from working in a few financial institutions. He would try and hide his illegal activities, the police also said. Nayak who was brought before the media said that the police have got the wrong man. He said that he is not the Nayak that the police were referring to. I am a freelance journalist, he also said. Propaganda: The probe being conducted into the role of urban naxals states that their job was to bring pressure on the government to stop the action against the naxalites. The urban naxalites are the ones who spread propaganda and try and stop action against their friends in the jungles. It may be recalled that the police had last Wednesday arrested Dalit activist Sudhir Dhawale, lawyer Surendra Gadling, activists Mahesh Raut and Shoma Sen and Rona Wilson from Mumbai, Nagpur and Delhi, respectively, in connection with 'Elgar Parishad' held in December and the subsequent Bhima-Koregaon violence in the district. The police say that the action would continue and there are many such propaganda artists and spokespersons on their radar. Nayak was under the scanner for two years and there was a look out notice issued against him in 2017. The police are currently scrutinising his visits to various countries that include Luxembourg, Belgium, France, the Netherlands, England, Mexico, Guatemala, Ecuador, Bolivia, Cambodia, Singapore, Indonesia, Russia, Vietnam and Nepal. The police has been scrutinising the statements given by such persons and also trying to find out with whom they are communicating. The police say that Nayak had visited Bastar twice. He was also made part of the Coordination Committee of Maoist Party and Organisations in South Asia (COCMPOSA). This meant his brief was to keep in touch with Maoist organisations from across the world. The police allege that he had received funds for the naxalites from various international organisations. The case for which Nayak has been booked however pertains to the the IED recovery in 2017. The naxalites had planted an IED in the Darbha area and during the probe the police had recovered pamphlets which had the name of Nayak. He has been booked under Sections 120(b) of the Indian Penal Code and also under the provisions of the Explosives Act and UAPA. BJP asks state media team for 10 names of ideologically sound people India oi-Vinod New Delhi: Office bearers of the state media departments of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have been asked to come prepared with a list of ten young men and women each who are articulate enough to handle the media. These men and women should not be more than the age group 30 years and should be able to put works of the BJP government to media in a better manner and most importantly they must be ideologically sound. The meeting of the BJP media team from across the country is scheduled for Friday in New Delhi. The meeting is likely to be attended by the Party President Amit Shah and National organising secretary of the party Ram Lal. The BJP has already started its election preparations by slew of measures and activities in the past month. The party is trying every bit to prepare not only the party workers but also how to handle campaign led by the opposition parties against it. Sources said that the party has asked its state media department and others people with the media team to come prepared with the list of state leaders, MLAs, MPs, district Presidents and others who have been entrusted with the responsibility of meeting imminent persons. They have also been asked to prepare the profile of such people with whom these leaders have already met in their Sampark for Samarthan campaign. The Party is expected to deliberate upon these activities and to choose the next course of action in tomorrow's meeting in which national media in-charge of the BJP Anil Baluni will have an important role to play. The BJP is still continuing with its Sampark for Samarthan campaign and it will go on till June 30. Sources said that with the profile of these people the party will try to analyze the mood of the people and these eminent personalities which will help the party to decide its next course. The 4000 party workers have plans to meet 1 lakh imminent people from across the country. Can Centre afford to extend peace truce in the back-drop of the Amarnath Yatra India oi-Vicky Nanjappa The Union Home Ministry will take a call on whether the unilateral ceasefire or the truce in Jammu and Kashmir should be extended. While the interlocutors are in favour of the truce being extended, some within the security establishment feel that it should not be done, keeping in mind the upcoming Amarnath Yatra. Sources in the Union Home Ministry say that there are several dissenting voices and many do not want the truce to be continued especially at such a crucial time. An attack on the Amarnath Yatra would be a big blow and embarrassing for the Union Government. It may be recalled that the Yatra was attacked last year. Union Home Minister Rajnath Singh will hold discussions with senior officials which would also include the Director General of the Jammu and Kashmir police, S P Vaid. If the government does not take any call, then it must be understood that the truce period has lapsed. While security agencies are against the extension, those who are talking peace want the same extended. The truce, as a result of which search and combat operations were halted comes to an end on Eid. The Centre's interlocutor in Kashmir has been trying to broker peace in the Valley. He wants the truce to be extended. Irrespective of what the government's decision would be, he would still meet with the Hurriyat leaders after Eid. The government has been trying to get the Hurriyat leadership to talk. Rajnath Singh too made comments to this effect. Some have advised the Home Minister that if the truce is not extended then the Hurriyat could use that as an excuse and avoid coming to the talks table. Sources say that following the meeting, the Home Ministry is unlikely to make any major announcement. If this takes place, then the truce would be deemed as lapsed. An official said that they need to be sensitive to the concerns of the Armed Forces as well, who do not want the truce to be extended. In the wake of the Amarnath Yatra coming up, the forces cannot afford to have their hands tied. After all terrorists had last year broken the unwritten rule that the Yatra will not be attacked. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 14, 2018, 11:26 [IST] Crackdown continues: 19 naxalites held at Chhattisgarh India oi-Staff By Oneindia Staff Writer As many as 19 naxals, two of them carrying cash rewards on their heads, were arrested from separate places in Chhattisgarh's insurgency-hit Bastar division, police said. While 16 ultras, including a woman, were apprehended by a joint team of security forces from Narayanpur district, three others were held in Bijapur district, a senior police official told PTI. In Narayanpur, a joint squad of the Chhattisgarh Armed Force (CAF) and district force (DF) had lunched the search operation in the villages of Musnar, Toyameta, Pugarpal and Irpanar under Chhotedongar police station area when they nabbed the ultras, he said. Of them, Sukhram Usendi (40), who was active as head of Aderbeda Janatana Sarkar squad of Maoists, was carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh on his head, he said. Similarly, the woman cadre, Janila Mandavi (30), who was working as the head of Toyameta's Dandakaranya Adivasi Kisan Majdoor Sangthan (DAKMS), a frontal wing of Maoists, was also carrying a reward of Rs 1 lakh on her head, he added. Rest of the 14 cadres was associated with the outlawed CPI (Maoist) as militia or DAKMS members, according to the official. In another operation, three ultras, identified as Somaru Vekko, Asharam Vekka and Rajman Mandavi, were arrested by a team of District Reserve Guard (DRG) from Keshkutul Surakhada forest in Bhairmgarh area of Bijapur, he added. While Vekko was active as a militia commander, Vekka was working as the deputy commander of CNM (Chetna Natya Manch-a cultural wing of Maoists) and Mandavi as its member, he said. They all were allegedly involved in naxal-related incidents like loot, attempt to murder and attacks on police personnel, the official said. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 14, 2018, 5:52 [IST] HCM CITY Taiwanese beverage company Gong Cha Viet Nam on Wednesday officially launched its new brand identity. The new brand identity has been in a trial period since the beginning of the year, with the first Gong Cha Thu uc store opening on Dan Chu Street in HCM City. The new brand identity will now be applied at all stores in Viet Nam, following the change at nearly all 3,000 Gong Cha stores in 20 countries and territories worldwide. Nguyen Hoai Phuong, director of Golden Trust, the company that brought Gong Cha to Viet Nam, said the change in brand identity had been implemented following the roadmap that Gon Cha used in the rest of the world. The change aims to improve our brand name. Along with the new identity, we hope that service and quality will also improve, he said. Gong Cha first came to the Vietnamese market in 2014 under the franchise method. As of May, about 37 stores had opened in the country. Established in 2016, Gong Cha means serving the best tea to the emperor. In 2013 and 2014, the company was voted the most popular food and beverage brand in Singapore. Also in 2014, Gong Cha was honoured as the most popular tea brand in South Korea. In 2012, the company introduced fashion tea beverages to the South Korean market, and created a modern tea shop culture that originated in Taiwan. The company now has nearly 400 stores in South Korea. VNS Delhi chief minister's dharna at Raj Bhawan continues while the city reeling under water crisis India oi-Oneindia Staff By Oneindia Staff New Delhi: At the time when the Delhi city is reeling under severe drinking crisis, Delhi chief minister Arvind Kejriwal along with his three cabinet colleague - Deputy CM Manish Sisodia, Home Minister Satyendra Jain and Labour Minister Gopal Rai - are continuing with his dharna at Raj Niwas waiting room since June 11. The Aam Aadmi Party leaders claimed that Lt. Governor Anil Baijal was not honouring their demands. After meeting Baijal in his chamber, they sat in the waiting room and later slept on the sofas there. Their demand was for the LG to order an end to the four-month-long 'strike' by IAS officers in Delhi. But the main opposition party in Delhi, the Bharatiya Janata Party called the entire episode as a gimmick. Speaking to One India, New Delhi Lok Sabha MP Meenakshi Lekhi said, "The entire Delhi is reeling under severe water crisis and the Delhi government is sitting on dharna at LG house. There are certain areas in Delhi where water crisis is continuing for months but the government is on perpetual dharna." She quipped at the Delhi chief minister that how the elected representative behaving in Delhi? Kejriwal wants to end strike of IAS officers and see how he behaves. Kejriwal calls up Delhi chief secretary for a meeting and his MLAs beats him up. In the other case he goes to meet the LG and sits on Dharna there, what kind of leader he is? The waiting room at the Raj Niwas has no sleeping arrangements. So these four leaders were sleeping on sofas and use the waiting room toilet. Food, pillows, books and blankets are supplied from home as is Kejriwal's insulin for diabetes. They get tea from Raj Niwas. There are two waiting rooms with sofas and two of them retire to one waiting room at night. These leaders handed over a letter of demands to the LG in which they requested him to issue orders that all IAS officers who did not return to work would have proceedings initiated against them and, if necessary, ESMA would be invoked against them. They also wanted the LG to act against the officers who have stalled work till now. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 14, 2018, 21:54 [IST] Eid 2018: Kerala to celebrate tomorrow, rest of India on Saturday India oi-Madhuri Eid-ul-Fitr will be celebrated across the country except Kerala on Saturday as the moon was not sighted today, Jama Masjid Shahi Imam Syed Ahmed Bukhari said. The festival will be celebrated tomorrow in the southern state as the moon was sighted in Kozhikode district, around 370 kms from the state capital Thiruvananthapuram. When is Eid 2018 in India? Significance of the festival and how is it celebrated? Jama Masjid Shahi Imam made the announcement tonight after a meeting of the moon-sighting committee, a senior official at the city's historic mosque said. Eid-ul-Fitr, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramzan, symbolises peace and brotherhood. Meanwhile, Australia and New Zealand will also celebrate the holy festival of Eid ul-Fitr on Saturday as the crescent of the moon was not sighted today. In Malaysia and Indonesia, the Ruet-e-Hilal Committee has announced that the Eid celebrations will start tomorrow. In Pakistan, the Pakistan Meteorological Department said that it is unlikely that the Shawal moon will be sighted on Thursday. In Turkey, Eid will be celebrated starting on June 15 until June 17, marking the end of 30 days of fasting during the holy month of Ramadan. How is Eid celebrated? On the day of the festival, worshippers wake up early and offer Salat ul-Fajr (daily prayers). People wear new clothes and eat sewayi. After breakfast, they go to the mosque to offer Eid prayers, Salat al-Eid. Eid al-Fitr is a popular Islamic festival, which is celebrated across the world. The Muslim community gathers at masjids to pray. After the common prayer, the community interchanges the festival greetings and gifts. The festival is celebrated for 2-3 days. Businessman in Kolkata shot at after his car was stopped by 18 men Fire onboard MV SSL Kolkata: 22 crew members rescued by Indian Coast Guard India oi-Madhuri 22 crew members of Merchant Vessel SSL KOLKATA have been rescued by Indian Coast Guard ship Rajkiran from Haldia on Thursday. The vessel had caught fire last night. On getting the message of fire, the coast guard ship immediately sailed from Haldia. Due to very rough sea and strong winds and inclement weather, the fire spread rapidly. The coast guard ships Rajkiran and Dornier reached the venue within three hours of the distress call. #WATCH Merchant Vessel SSL KOLKATA caught fire last night; 11 out of 22 crew members rescued by Indian Coast Guard ship Rajkiran from Haldia, rescue operation for remaining crew members underway pic.twitter.com/FS6KccSSQA ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 Speaking about the incident, nspector General Kuldeep Singh Sheoran, Coast Guard Commander said,''No spill of fuel as of now, however, if such has happened coast guard will take care of it. Merchant Vessel SSL KOLKATA was carrying 464 containers. We have successfully rescued all the crew members and they are safe.'' The company to which the container belongs - Shreyas Shipping & Logistics - announced that MV SSL Kolkata. It was on a voyage from Krishnapattinam to Kolkata. There was an explosion on the vessel's deck yesterday (Wednesday) around 22:15 hrs, followed by fire on Vessel's deck. Currently, the vessel is off Sandheads near Kolkata port and all available resources are being mobilised. The incident comes after another merchant ship MV Nalini on Wednesday caught fire off the coast and one crew member has suffered major burn injuries. The Indian Navy has launched a rescue operation, news agency PTI reported, quoting a defence official. The ship was in flames while it was being anchored 14.5 nautical miles south-west off Kochi, as per the news agency and had lost power on board. (with PTI inputs) For once govt, opposition on the same page; Congress slams UN report on Kashmir India oi-Vikas By Vikas In times when the opposition parties are on their toes to oppose any stand taken by the government, it is nice to see that the Congress has decided to back the Centre over sensitive Kashmir issue. The Congress on Thursday rejected the United Nations' report on alleged human rights violation in Kashmir. India earlier today rejected the UN report alleging human rights violations in Kashmir as "fallacious, tendentious and motivated". In a strong reaction, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the report is "overtly prejudiced" and seeks to build a "false narrative". "UNHRC report on Jammu and Kashmir is mischievous and misleading. We reject any such ploy to interfere in the internal affairs of India as Jammu and Kashmir is an integral part of India. The government deserves our full support to deal with the report," senior Congress leader Ahmed Patel told ANI. Condemning the United Nations report, the Congress said the UN report needs to be junked as it has not taken into account the ground realities in Kashmir and has encouraged terrorists by terming them militant groups. The report has been prepared without understanding the ground situation in Jammu and Kashmir, Congress communications in-charge Randeep Surjewala said and asked if the United Nations should overlook state-sponsored terrorism being exported on Indian soil by Pakistan. "Jammu and Kashmir is an integral and inseparable part of India. We reject UN Human Rights Report as a prejudiced attempt by vested interests to hurt India's sovereignty and national interests," he said. "Congress party supports the government's stand in dismissing the report," he added. Addressing reporters at the AICC headquarters, Congress leader and former Union minister Rajeev Shukla also condemned the report and said the Congress party supports the stand taken by the government of India on the issue. He also said terrorists cannot be termed militant groups fighting for their cause. "I feel the United Nations report has been prepared without visiting the ground and I do not consider it right. The Congress supports the stand taken by the government of India... terming terrorists as militant groups and encouraging them should be rejected and condemned. The report is "not right" and should be rejected outright," he said. Earlier in the day, the United Nations released the first of its kind report on alleged human rights violations in both "Indian-administered and Pakistan-administered Kashmir" and sought an international inquiry into these abuses. The global human rights watch body also asked Pakistan to end its "misuse" of anti-terror legislation to persecute peaceful activists and quash dissent. Asserting that there was an "urgent need" to address the past and ongoing human rights violations, the report said, "any resolution to the political situation in Kashmir should entail a commitment to ending the cycles of violence and accountability for past and current human rights violations." The report said, "the people on both sides of the Line of Control have been detrimentally impacted and suffer from limitations or denial of a range of human rights." The UN "Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Kashmir: Developments in the Indian State of J-K from June 2016 to April 2018, and General Human Rights Concerns in Azad J-K and Gilgit-Baltistan" also noted since the late 1980s, "a variety of armed groups has been actively operating in the Indian state of J-K." For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 14, 2018, 19:47 [IST] A UP Man given death penalty for rape and murder of 8-year-old 'I will fully cooperate in the investigation,' says, self-styled godman Daati Maharaj on rape case India oi-Madhuri Self-styled godman, identified as 'Daati Maharaj', who has been accused of raping a 25-year-old woman, on Thursday said that he will fully cooperate in the investigation. Speaking to ANI, Daati Maharaj said,''I will fully cooperate in the investigation.'' Earlier on Wednesday, the case was transferred from the district police to the Crime Branch on Tuesday, 12 June. The woman had filed the complaint at the Fatehpur Beri police station in south Delhi on Sunday, 10 June. The victim had alleged that she was sexually assaulted inside Shani Dham two years ago. Because of fear and social stigma, she didn't file a complaint earlier as she was intimidated by the self-styled godman who has a huge following in Delhi and NCR. She also alleged that a female disciple of the godman would force her into his room and if she refused, would tell her that other disciples too slept with him, the police said. A case was registered against self-styled godman and he has been booked under Indian Penal Code, Sections- 376, 377, 354 and 34. The victim revealed, there were several other women who were physically assaulted by the God-man. Sonia ji unwell, Rahul Gandhi should take over as Congress chief: Siddaramaiah as party preps up for CWC meet Is Opposition unity against BJP strengthening day by day? Rahuls iftar party sends mixed signals India oi-Oneindia Staff By Oneindia Staff New Delhi, June 14: On Wednesday evening, Congress president Rahul Gandhi hosted his first iftar party as the party chief at Delhi's Taj Palace Hotel. The Congress hosted its last iftar party in 2015 during the presidentship of Sonia Gandhi. Iftar or fatoor is the customary evening meal with which Muslim devotees around the world break their fast daily during the holy month of Ramzan. Now, since the gala event was hosted by the Congress, the politics behind the iftar party could not be missed so easily. Top leaders from various opposition parties broke bread together with Rahul and his Congress colleagues at the party. But many well-known faces from the "anti-BJP" brigade remained conspicuous by their absence in the political event. The last time the Opposition came out together in full force against the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) was during the swearing-in ceremony of Karnataka chief minister HD Kumaraswamy in May. The photographs of politicians--Mamata Banerjee, Sonia, Rahul, Mayawati, Arvind Kejriwal, HD Deve Gowda, Chandrababu Naidu, Akhilesh Yadav and Sitaram Yechury to name a few--standing together, smiling and holding hands sent the BJP into a tizzy. The top leaders from various opposition parties have been stressing on the need to fight the upcoming 2019 Lok Sabha elections scheduled in April/May next year together to defeat the "divisive and communal politics" of the BJP. In spite of a couple of meetings between the opposition leaders in the last few months, a formal declaration regarding the "Mahagathbandhan" or coalition of opposition parties is yet to be sealed. In Rahul's iftar party, the Congress once again attempted to bring together leaders of various opposition parties together. There were a few notable faces who attended the party and enjoyed food and conversation with each other. But absence of leaders like Akhilesh and Kejriwal in the party did once again raise questions about the feasibility of an alliance of various parties having their individual interests and many of which shared pretty hostile relationship in the past. Moreover, several parties sent only their second-rung leaders as representatives to attend Rahul's get together. Some top opposition leaders who attended the party were--CPM's Sitaram Yechury, DMK's Kanimozhi, RJD's Manoj Jha and Sharad Yadav. "West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee sent Dinesh Trivedi as her representative, and Mayawati sent SC Mishra. Danish Ali, leader of Karnataka's Janata Dal Secular, was also present," stated a report by NDTV. The "main attraction" of the party was none other than former President Pranab Mukherjee who was at the receiving end of the Congress and other opposition parties after he visited the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) headquarters in Nagpur, Maharashtra a few days ago. In spite of all the criticism heaped on Mukherjee, Rahul decided to invite the former Congress leader to his party and the 82-old-year veteran graced the occasion too. Along with Mukherjee, former President Pratibha Patil and former Vice-President Hamid Ansari too attended the iftar party. The videos from the party show all the guests enjoying a fun-filled evening. Tweeting about the gathering, Rahul wrote, "Good food, friendly faces and great conversation make for a memorable Iftar! We were honoured to have two former Presidents, Pranab Da & Smt Pratibha Patil ji join us, along with leaders from different political parties, the media, diplomats and many old & new friends." Good food, friendly faces and great conversation make for a memorable Iftar! We were honoured to have two former Presidents, Pranab Da & Smt Pratibha Patil ji join us, along with leaders from different political parties, the media, diplomats and many old & new friends. pic.twitter.com/TM0AfORXQa Rahul Gandhi (@RahulGandhi) June 13, 2018 Only time will tell how much of "good food, friendly faces and great conversation" will help the Opposition to further strengthen its unity against the might of the BJP. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 14, 2018, 9:46 [IST] J&K: Terrorists open fire at CRPF, police Joint Naka party in Pulwama India oi-Madhuri Terrorists opened fire at a joint check point of CRPF and police near Pulwama's Gangoo in Jammu and Kashmir, as reported by ANI on Thursday. Confirming the incident SSP Pulwama Mohammad Aslam Choudary told GNS that from some distance, the militants fired upon the party near Gangoo. However, no one was reported injured in the incident so far. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 14, 2018, 9:58 [IST] Jawan abducted in Kashmir: All possible angles under probe India oi-Vicky Nanjappa The abduction of an Indian Army jawan, identified as Aurangzeb has sent the security mechanism into a tizzy. While a massive search operation has been launched to secure the release of the soldier, it must be noted that he was on the radar of the terrorists for sometime now. While a manhunt has been launched to find him, the agencies are also looking into the possibility whether he went on his own. All angles are under probe, a security official told OneIndia. Aurangzeb was part of the team that undertook the Sameer Tiger encounter. The dreaded Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist was taken down in an encounter April 2018. The abducted soldier along with a Major and his team were on the radar of the Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist. The threat perception to this team of the Rashtriya Rifles was high. The jawan was a PSO to Major Rohit Shukla who it may be recalled was challenged by Sameer Tiger ahead of the encounter. The killing of Tiger was a big blow to the Hizbul Mujahideen. He was a close aide of Burhan Wani and one of the last few surviving members of the gang. Since the killing of Tiger, there has been a major lull in the activities of the Hizbul. Intelligence Bureau officials say that the entire team which undertook the operation was under the radar of the outfit. Tiger, just hours before he was killed had threatened Major Rohit Shukla of the 44 Rashtriya Rifles. The video in which he made the threat was circulated by the social media team of the Hizbul Mujahideen. In 2016, he was booked for stone pelting. He was 21 at that time. He rose in the ranks of the Hizbul Mujahideen soon and had gone on to become a lethal terrorist. He was graded A++ by the Army and was on the hit-list for long. In the video clip, Tiger is heard handing out a threat to Major Shukla. He says, "If you have drank your mother's milk then come forward." Hours later the Major and Tiger was face to face with each other. Major Shukla took Tiger down, but in the bargain suffered bullet injuries. Govt needs to give sense of security to people cutting across religions in J&K: Omar Top Lashkar involved in killing of two policemen gunned down in J&K Kashmir: Army jawan Aurungzeb who was abducted by terrorists found dead India oi-Vikas By Vikas Army jawan, Aurangzeb, who was abducted by the terrorists earlier today, was found dead at Gusoo area in Pulwama, Jammu and Kashmir. The abduction of Aurangzeb had sent the security mechanism into a tizzy. A massive search operation was launched to secure the release of the soldier. He was on the radar of the terrorists for some time. Aurangzeb was part of the team that undertook the Sameer Tiger Encounter. The dreaded Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist was taken down in an encounter April 2018. The abducted soldier along with a Major and his team were on the radar of the Hizbul Mujahideen. [Jawan abducted in Kashmir: All possible angles under probe] Aurangzeb was a resident of Rajouri district in Kashmir. He was on his way in a private vehicle when the abduction took place. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 14, 2018, 22:53 [IST] These are countries clearly guilty of aiding terror, India tells UN India voices serious concern over increasing spread of terrorism in Africa at UN 'Malicious and motivated': India rejects UN report on human rights violation in Kashmir India oi-Deepika By Deepika India on Thursday rejected a UN report alleging human rights violations in Kashmir as "fallacious, tendentious and motivated". In a strong reaction, the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) said the report is "overtly prejudiced" and seeks to build a "false narrative". It violated the country's sovereignty and territorial integrity, it said. "India rejects the report. It is fallacious, tendentious and motivated. We question the intent in bringing out such a report, said the official spokesperson in response to a question on the report by the UN commission. "It is a selective compilation of largely unverified information. It is overtly prejudiced and seeks to build a false narrative," it added. Earlier in the day, the United Nations released the first of its kind report on alleged human rights violations in both "Indian-administered and Pakistan-administered Kashmir" and sought an international inquiry into these abuses. The global human rights watch body also asked Pakistan to end its "misuse" of anti-terror legislation to persecute peaceful activists and quash dissent. Asserting that there was an "urgent need" to address the past and ongoing human rights violations, the report said, "any resolution to the political situation in Kashmir should entail a commitment to ending the cycles of violence and accountability for past and current human rights violations." The report said, "the people on both sides of the Line of Control have been detrimentally impacted and suffer from limitations or denial of a range of human rights." The UN "Report on the Situation of Human Rights in Kashmir: Developments in the Indian State of J-K from June 2016 to April 2018, and General Human Rights Concerns in Azad J-K and Gilgit-Baltistan" also noted since the late 1980s, "a variety of armed groups has been actively operating in the Indian state of J-K." The report also talked about killing of Hizbul Mujahideen terrorist Burhan Wani by the Indian forces which triggered unprecedented protests in the Valley during this period. There has been documented evidence of these groups committing a wide range of human rights abuses, including kidnappings and killings of civilians and sexual violence, it added. This is for the first time the UNHRC has issued a report on the alleged human rights violations in Kashmir and PoK. HA NOI Litchi fruit lovers can enjoy Luc Ngan litchi at the 2018 Luc Ngan Bac Giang Litchi Week which began at Big C Thang Long Supermarket today in Ha Noi. This is the third year Big C has hosted this event, which will run until June 20. It is part of activities to promote the consumption of Bac Giang Provinces Luc Ngan District litchi, which is famous for its sweet taste, thick flesh and tiny seeds. Speaking at the ceremony, Hoang Anh Tuan, deputy head of the Ministry of Industry and Trades Domestic Market Department, said the litchi week was a useful activity to promote the brand of high-quality Luc Ngan litchi, which is grown according to VietGAP and GlobalGAP standards, to Ha Noi consumers. Tuan said litchi is present in most provinces and cities nationwide. The promotion activities have been fostered and helped avoid pricing pressure from domestic and foreign traders, thereby improving the value of litchi and income of farmers. According to Tran Quang Tan, director of the Bac Giang Industry and Trade Department, this years event was hosted earlier than two years ago as it aimed to connect with businesses to sign consumption contracts in both domestic and foreign markets. Litchi is planted in a total area of 15,200 hectares in Luc Ngan District with annual yeild of about 100,000 tonnes, with the production area in line with VietGAP criteria reaching 11,400 hectares. Luc Ngan litchi has been registered with the Trademark and Geographical Indication in seven countries and exported to 30 countries, including China, the US, Australia, Britain, France and Thailand. Big C Vietnam said the first shipment of Luc Ngan litchi this year will be exported to Thailand by Central Group Vietnam and Big C Vietnam with the amount three times higher than in 2017. To promote this event, Big C Thang Long will showcase the fruit together with other attractive promotions. Eight kind of food and drinks processed from litchi will also be introduced to customers during the event. VNS PM in Chhattisgarh: 'Bhilai steel plant will now help in developing new India', says Modi India oi-Madhuri Prime Minister Narendra Modi visited Chhattisgarh on Thursday to dedicate the modernised and expanded Bhilai Steel Plant to the nation. On the occasion, the PM also addressed a public meeting. Addressing the rally, Modi said,'Bhilai did not only make steel, but also lives and society and the country. This new modern steel plant will now help develop new India.'' ''Earlier where there were no roads, now airports are being constructed along with roads. Naya Raipur has become the country's first greenfield smart city. Water, electricity, street lights, sewage, transport and security of the city all will be managed from this centre. This will be an example for smart cities across the country,'' he said. Earlier in the day, Modi dedicated the modernized and expanded Bhilai Steel Plant, to the nation. The modernization includes installation of cutting-edge technologies for improvement in productivity, yield, quality, cost competitiveness, energy efficiency and environmental protection. Modi will also distribute laptops, certificates and cheques to beneficiaries under various schemes. During the same event, Modi will lay the foundation stone for the permanent campus of IIT Bhilai. He will unveil also a plaque to mark the commencement of phase-2 of BharatNet. The BharatNet project envisages connecting Gram Panchayats with the underground optical fibre network. Before arriving in Bhilai, the Prime Minister will visit Naya Raipur Smart City, where he will inaugurate the Integrated Command and Control Centre for the city. Nirav Modi flees from London, lands in Brussels India oi-Vicky Nanjappa A day after the Central Bureau of Investigation requested an Interpol notice, PNB fraud accused, Nirav Modi is said to have fled from London to Brussels. The media had flashed the news that Nirav Modi had landed in London and sought political asylum. However now it is reported that he may have left London either on Tuesday or Wednesday for Brussels. The question is which passport is Nirav Modi travelling on. His Indian passport has been revoked and hence the possibility of him travelling on a Singapore passport is the only possibility. The non-bailable warrant cannot be issued on the Singapore passport and hence the Interpol needs to come into the picture. While a non-bailable warrant cannot be issued on a Singapore passport, India can still obtained an Interpol notice on Nirav Modi. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 14, 2018, 5:43 [IST] Pakistan provokes: These brave hearts laid down their lives trying to save their own India oi-Vicky Nanjappa On Wednesday, the nation woke up to a sad news. Four BSF personnel were martyred in unprovoked firing by the Pakistanis. The incident took place at around 10.45 am on Tuesday. Assistant Commandant Jitendra Singh (34), Sub-inspector Rajneesh Kumar (32), Constable Hansraj Gurjar (28) and Assistant SI Ram Niwas (52) were martyred when firing, using both precision weapons and mortars, was launched from the Asraf post of the Pakistan Rangers. Officials said while ASI Ram Niwas, manning the 'morcha' (observation post), was hit first from the cross-fire, the other three were killed in the subsequent mortar firing, as they were trying to evacuate the ASI. "Amidst ongoing fire during evacuation a mortar shell fired from Pakistan side exploded and injured the evacuation party," a BSF spokesperson said. While Singh hailed from Jaipur in Rajasthan, Rajneesh Kumar was from Etah in Uttar Pradesh, Ram Niwas hailed from Sikar and Hansarj Gurjar from Alwar in Rajasthan. The BSF said the unprovoked firing in this area started around 9:40 PM yesterday and continued till the wee hours today and the paramilitary kept on the retaliation. Loss of lives peaks: Eleven BSF troops have been killed in cross-border firing incidents along the International Border (IB) in Jammu and Kashmir till date in 2018, the highest casualty figure for the border force in a year in the last five years, a latest data revealed. Four Border Security Force (BSF) personnel, including an Assistant Commandant-rank officer, were killed in a similar incident in the Ramgarh sector of Jammu today alone. As per the data , over 320 firing incidents have taken place this year till date, leading to the killing of 11 BSF personnel and injuring 37 others. In comparison to this, a total of 111 unprovoked cross-border firing instances took place last year along this front (Jammu IB) while the figures were 204 incidents (in 2016), 350 (in 2015) and 127 during 2014. Two BSF personnel were killed and seven injured due to sniping and mortar shelling last year while three BSF personnel were killed and 10 injured in such incidents in 2016. Similarly, a BSF soldier was killed and five were injured in 2015 and two of its men were killed while 14 were injured in 2014. "Despite ceasefire agreements, Pakistan has resorted to blatant violations and continues with unprovoked cross border fire also on Jammu IB. "After DGMO level talks on May 29 and sector commander level meeting of BSF and Pak Rangers on June 4 and telephonic talk on June 12, it was agreed to maintain peace and tranquillity on the Jammu IB," a BSF spokesperson said. On June 3 similarly, two BSF personnel were killed and 10 persons, mostly civilians, injured in heavy shelling and firing by Pakistan Rangers along the IB in Pragwal, Kanachak and Khour sectors. The latest casualties take the overall number of those killed in ceasefire violation by Pakistan along the IB and the Line of Control (LoC) in Jammu and Kashmir this year to 50, including 24 security personnel. The BSF had launched three special assault operations-Rustam (2016), Arjun (2017) and Bheem (2018)as part of the government mandated 'befitting reply' policy for retaliation of the such firing incidents. The latest spell of the cross-border firing began when Pakistan Rangers and their other units started shelling areas along the IB from May 15. Relatives and friends of Shujaat Bukhari crying inside a police control room in Srinagar Senior Journalist Iftikhar Gilani said that he was shocked to hear about Bukhari's killing, adding that the scribes are not safe in the valley. "Had a conversation with him just 20 minutes before the incident. It's really shocking.This is the situation of journalists in Kashmir. Jinke haath khoon se range huye hain, unko introspect karna hoga (Those who have blood on their hands must introspect)," he said. "This is a shameful act. Media is free in India. The state govt and the central govt are committed for the freedom of press in the country and the state," Union Minister Rajyavardhan Singh Rathore told ANI. The police bodyguard of Shujaat Bukhari being carried away Congress president Rahul Gandhi said that the veteran scribe fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu and Kashmir. "'I'm anguished to hear about the killing of Shujaat Bukhari, editor of Rising Kashmir. He was a brave heart who fought fearlessly for justice and peace in Jammu & Kashmir. My condolences to his family. He will be missed," Gandhi tweeted. Mehbooba Mufti listens to relatives of senior journalist Shujaat Bukhari Jammu and Kashmir Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti met the family of Shujaat Bukhari to express her grief. "This is really shocking. He came to meet me a few days back. This is upsetting," she told the media. "The scourge of terror has reared its ugly head on the eve of Eid. I strongly condemn this act of mindless violence & pray for his soul to rest in peace. My deepest condolences to his family," the chief minister said on Twitter. Three militants who killed journalist Shujaat Bukhari caught on CCTV camera The unidentified militants, believed to be three in number, were waiting as it is believed that they had the knowledge about the time Bukhari was to leave office. They fired indiscriminately on the vehicle carrying him and fled on a motorcycle along with a weapon of a Personal Security Officer (PSO) Abdul Hamid, who was also killed on the spot. Explained: What is Sharia law? What it means for Afghan Women under the Taliban Women should give birth to only sanskari children: Bizarre advice from MP BJP MLA India oi-Oneindia Staff By Oneindia Staff Bhopal, June 14: Every day as our politicians take the mike in a stage and address crowd, expect some bizarre and outrageous comments from them. As "hate speeches" have been normalised by politicians cutting across party lines, the leaders from the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) definitely rule the roost. A BJP MLA from Madhya Pradesh wants women to give birth to only "sanskari" children. Now, he did not define who is a sanskari (follower of great traditions of India) child, but he had targeted Congress leaders before making the bizarre statement. According to Pannalal Shakya, who is a BJP MLA from Guna, Madhya Pradesh, women should stay "infertile" than "produce kids who are not sanskari" as it "deform society". Before that he said that the Congress "came up with the slogan of Garibi Hatao" but "instead wiped out the poor", as per a report by news agency, ANI. "Congress came up with slogan of 'Gharibi Hatao' but instead wiped out the poor. There are women who give birth to such leaders. Women should rather remain infertile than produce kids who are not 'sanskari' & who deform society: Guna BJP MLA Pannalal Shakya (13.6.18) #MadhyaPradesh," tweeted ANI. Congress came up with slogan of 'Gharibi Hatao' but instead wiped out the poor.There are women who give birth to such leaders. Women should rather remain infertile than produce kids who are not 'sanskari' & who deform society: Guna BJP MLA Pannalal Shakya (13.6.18) #MadhyaPradesh pic.twitter.com/6qhfV8LOyM ANI (@ANI) June 14, 2018 Such bizarre comments by BJP leaders are not uncommon. From Tripura chief minister Biplab Kumar Deb, who said that the internet existed during the Mahabharata era, to Uttar Pradesh minister Dinesh Sharma, who said that journalism began in the Mahabharata era, every day BJP leaders are busy making unscientific remarks in an attempt to highlight the achievements of ancient India to promote their "Hindutva ideology". While they make such comments, the hatred with which they speak against other religions and communities can't be missed. 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. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 14, 2018, 8:00 [IST] Where did the 'out of control' Chinese rocket debris land after re-entering Earth? Planning a trip to Maldives: You can do so from July 15 As India-Maldives relation plummet, people-to-people contacts get hit International oi-Shubham By Shubham Their sizes might differ; so might their economic power. But yet, for tiny Maldives, matching its giant maritime neighbour India eyeball-to-eyeball hasn't been difficult. According to a report published in the Hindu on Wednesday, June 13, the dip in the relations between the two South Asian countries has affected several Indians' whose work permits have reportedly been held by Maldives' Immigration Authority. The diplomatic ties between the two nations were hit after India took a strong stand against the Maldivian President Abdulla Yameen's call for an emergency in February this year after the country's Supreme Court scrapped the conviction of several Opposition leaders, including former president Mohammed Nasheed, who is known to be pro-India. A Supreme Court administrator was jailed during the emergency which was then extended despite India's protests. That Yameen is in no mood to spare his country's democracy became known on Wednesday when former president Maumoon Abdul Gayoom, Chief Justice Abdulla Saeed and Supreme Court Justice Ali Hameed were found guilty after charges were levelled against them for not allowing their mobile phones to be investigated by the police. According to observers, these are parts of Yameen's bigger scheme of winning the elections scheduled in September this year. According to the Hindu report, Maldivian companies are clearly saying in their public advertisements that "Indians need not apply" since they could not be given work permits. The report also said that despite the problem snowballing and more and more people are being hit, the Ministry of External Affairs has shown little interest on the issue and the Indian Embassy in the island-state even stating its helplessness citing it as the "prerogative of the Maldivian immigration to issue visa or not". The Hindu report cited sources as saying India was trying to convince Maldives through diplomatic channels to resolve the matter fast but those at the receiving end have literally no other hope but to depend on External Affairs Minister Sushma Swaraj to show them light. India's relations with the Maldives deteriorated in 2015 when Prime Minister Narendra Modi ignored the country featuring in his travel itinerary over the treatment which was being meted out to Yameen's opponents. Meanwhile, China, too, has increased its presence, in the region and the signing of a free trade between Beijing and Male has cemented their relations more and New Delhi has been left out in the cold in its own backyard. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 14, 2018, 14:03 [IST] India, Pak to join SCO war games in August; Chinese media expresses satisfaction International oi-Shubham By Shubham When India and Pakistan officially became members of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation (SCO), many said that the security bloc will now crippling problems that the two new members will bring with them. But China's Global Times on Wednesday, June 13, came up with a piece titled 'Under SCO, India and Pakistan find common ground' which praised the fact that militaries from both India and Pakistan will train jointly under the framework of the SCO' counter-terror exercise RATS (Regional Anti-Terrorist Structure) between August 20 and 29 this year. The joint exercise has been named 'Peace Mission-2018'. It will be the first time that troops from India and Pakistan, the two hostile South Asian neighbours, will jointly engage in war game drills though they have taken part in UN missions and operations in the past. "The SCO's role in maintaining regional peace has started to display," the piece said reflecting China's elation. "Since the partition of India in 1947, conflicts between New Delhi and Islamabad have been occurring one after another. Contradictions between the two have presented enormous obstacles for South Asian regional integration," the piece said. "Against this backdrop, it is good to see the two agree to take part in joint military training. When India and Pakistan were accepted as full members of the SCO in June 2017, some observers worried that the long-term foes might turn the organization into a platform to fight against each other. Now, it seems that the SCO has instilled a spirit of collaboration between the two." China's top leaders have always tried to prove that the entries of India and Pakistan in the SCO will help things both ways. One one hand, it will bolster the SCO's strength, something Chinese President Xi Jinping said, while on the other, it will help the two neighbours improve their ties, as China's Foreign Minister Wang Yi felt. Russian President Vladimir Putin also expressed hope that the two neighbours could be able to make use of the multilateral platform at the SCO to resolve their disputes. Jinping also hailed the presence of Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Pakistani President Mamnoon Hussain at the recent SCO summit in Qingdao, China, where the two leaders shook each other's hands. The Global Times piece also rang the bell of reality by saying both India and Pakistan want peaceful development and know that it is high time they leave the antagonism between them the seeds of which were created by the British seven decades ago. "New Delhi and Islamabad share quite a lot of common interests. They both want to crack down on terrorism, resolve their domestic economic problems and raise the living standard of their people. But without peace and stability or regional integration, these goals are certainly out of reach," it said adding while Pakistan has held India back from playing a crucial role internationally, it has also drained substantial resources to meet challenges with India. According to the Chinese news site, the two rivals can focus on economic development and become more relevant strategically and diplomatically by breaking away from their age-old enmity. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 14, 2018, 14:31 [IST] Secretary Blinken begins India visit today: Here is what is on the agenda At Global COVID-19 Summit, PM Modi says India has seen humanity as one family India, US to hold comprehensive talks soon over trade issues International oi-Shubham By Shubham Amid Washington's growing protectionism, India and the US have agreed to have comprehensive official level talks to address their trade and economic issues. The decision came in the wake of US President Donald Trump's accusing India of imposing 100 per cent tariff on some imports from the US. Trump said this after the recent G7 summit in Canada, while accusing a number of countries of robbing the US as a piggybank. The decision to hold the talks was taken during a series of meetings between Union Commerce and Industry Minister Suresh Prabhu and US Commerce Secretary Wilbur Ross and US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer. Prabhu also had talks with Agriculture Secretary Sonny Perdue and Senators John Cornyn and Mark Warner -- co-chairs of the Senate India caucus. He told the media at the end of his two-day visit to Washington on Tuesday, June 12, that they would now work together to expand trade between them. Prabhu said India will send a team soon to chalk out the details and initiate a detailed negotiation on all issues concerning trade and economic ties between the two nations. Prabhu acknowledged that India and the US have mutual trade and tariff issues and the officials will have words on them. Trump had also targeted India earlier this year on the tariff issue saying the latter imposed high tariffs on the import of Harley-Davidson motorcycles. The India-US ties have also seen some concerns over India's entering a military deal with Russia to procure S-400 Triumf air defence missile systems for it could see India earning Washington's legal wrath for engaging with Russia. Meanwhile, Indian Ambassador to the US Navtej Singh Sarna said New Delhi has communicated to the US over the steel and aluminium tariffs seeking waiver on them and the engagement has been positive. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 14, 2018, 7:55 [IST] Will come back to haunt you: Jaishankar in veiled reference to Pakistan Pakistan elections 2018: 13 transgenders to contest, mostly as independents International oi-Shubham By Shubham Thirteen transgender people will contest the upcoming elections in Pakistan on July 25, All Pakistan Transgender Election Network (Apten) announced at a press conference in Peshawar on Wednesday, June 13, the Dawn reported. The rights group which works on leaders from the transgender community, comprises regional bodies like the TransAction KP, the Sindh Transgender Welfare Network, the Balochistan Alliance for Transgender and Intersex Community and the Punjab Transgender Foundation. According to the report, Apten, led by Farzana Jan, the president of TransAction KP, presented a charter of demands seeking removal of systematic barriers for transgender people from entering politics and for the parties to invite more members from the community into their ranks and positions. The group appealed to the parties to stop confining themselves to gender binaries and sought security and an end to the thought that typecasts the community besides presenting other demands, the report added. Two of the 13 transgender candidates - Nayab Ali and Lubna Lal - will contest the election on the tickets of Pakistan Tehreek-i-Insaf Gulalai (PTI-G), said the Dawn report. PTI-G was launched early this year by dissident PTI leader MNA Ayesha Gulalai to serve what she referred to as the downtrodden people of Khyber Pakhtunkhwa. The other 11 transgender candidates will contest as independents. Apten also said that at least transgender persons - in Peshawar and Haripur - could not submit nominations for the election as they were beaten up and harassed for expressing interest in contesting the polls. The group also said that it would form its own political party after the elections get over and was aiming to get it registered before the local elections. Pakistan gave legal recognition to allow the third sex to get identity cards in 2009 but despite their substantial numbers in the country, the transgenders' representation in politics and other spheres of public life has remained restricted. Saudi Arabia has long sought to raise prices to fund economic and social reforms at home, the main goal being to eventually reduce the kingdom's reliance on oil-related income, the Dawn report added. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 14, 2018, 9:25 [IST] Pakistan Elections: Hafiz Saeed's MML to contest under banner of AAT International pti-PTI Islamabad, June 14: Hafiz Saeed-linked Milli Muslim League has decided to use the platform of a little known party to contest the upcoming general election, a day after Pakistan's poll panel rejected for a second time an application by the MML, an offshoot of the Mumbai attack mastermind's banned Jamat-ud-Dawah, to register it as a political party. Around 200 candidates backed by the MML will contest the July 25 election under the banner of the Allah-o-Akbar Tehreek (AAT), which is already registered with the Election Commission of Pakistan (ECP), the Express Tribune reported. The decision was taken after the ECP again dismissed the MML's application for registration yesterday. The MML has announced that candidates backed by the party will be participating from the platform of the AAT if higher courts do not rule in their favour before the election. The AAT is listed at number 10 in the ECP's list of approved parties. The AAT, a little known party, is headed by Mian Ihsan Bari from Bahawalpur. The party has already been allotted the 'chair' as an election symbol by the ECP. A four-member ECP bench dismissed the MML application on basis of an interior ministry report that said the party followed the ideology of JuD chief Saeed. An office bearer of the group alleged that the interior ministry in its letter to the ECP falsely claimed that Saifullah Khalid, the MML president, is a son-in-law of Saeed. "In fact they are not even distant relatives," he said. "The interior ministry requested the ECP to keep its letter secret, however, this has been told to our lawyer by one of the members of the bench," he added. MML spokesman Tabish Qayum said his party will challenge the ECP's decision in the higher courts. He said a case about the party's registration is already pending with the Islamabad High Court. During the hearing, MML counsel Rizwan Abbasi said the federal government could not oppose registration of any political party. "No one can predict if a political party will affiliate with banned outfits in the future," he said. The government through a presidential ordinance has said that any individual or organisation which has been declared proscribed by the UN would be deemed as a banned outfit in the country. The MML was formed in August last year. The group, however, denies any link to LeT or any other banned outfit even though Saeed was already campaigning for the MML since last month. In April, the US designated the MML as a foreign terrorist organisation, saying the banned Lashkar-e-Taiba's (LeT) members make up MML's leadership and the so-called party openly displays Saeed's likeness in its election banners and literature. The Jamat-ud-Dawah (JuD) is believed to be the front organisation for the LeT which is responsible for carrying out the 2008 Mumbai attack that killed 166 people, including six Americans. The US Department of the Treasury has designated Saeed as a Specially Designated Global Terrorist, and the US, since 2012, has offered a USD 10 million reward for information that brings Saeed to justice. The first rejection of MML's application by the poll panel was set aside by the Islamabad High Court earlier this year. PTI HCM CITY Three international exhibitions Paper Vietnam, Rubber and Tyre Vietnam, and Coatings Expo Vietnam opened in HCM City yesterday. They are showcasing a wide range of machinery and equipment and products used in the paper and pulp, rubber and tyre, and coating, dyeing, and inking industries. They have attracted 250 companies from 15 countries and territories, including India, Japan, South Korea, China, Taiwan, the US, Germany, the UK, Malaysia, and Viet Nam. There will be several seminars on their sidelines, a business matching programme to help exhibitors and visitors learn about the latest trends and market demands, find business opportunities and more. Speaking at the opening ceremony, K Srikar Reddy, the Indian consul general in the city, said 50 Indian companies are exhibiting their products at the expos. They include 42 at Coating Vietnam, where an India Pavilion has been set up by the Basic Chemicals, Cosmetics and Dyes Export Council (CHEMEXIL) of India. The three trade fairs provide an excellent opportunity for the Indian exhibitors to showcase their products and build bridges with their Vietnamese partners in order to establish a long-term beneficial business relationship. Vo Hoang An, deputy chairman of the Viet Nam Rubber Association, said amid deeper integration and increasing competition, the association and businesses have enhanced trade promotion. Trade fairs and exhibitions are an effective forum for Vietnamese firms to introduce their new products and technologies and brands to local and international customers, he said. Organised by the Minh Vi Exhibition and Advertisement Services Co, Ltd, and CNCIC China, Paper Vietnam, Rubber and Tyre Vietnam and Coatings Expo Vietnam, being held at the Saigon Exhibition and Convention Centre until June 15, are expected to welcome 7,000 trade visitors. Viet Nam, India chemical sector eyes closer ties On the same day, the Indian consulate organised a B2B meeting between Indian exhibitors at the three expo and Vietnamese companies. According to the General Statistics Office, Viet Nam imported chemicals and chemical products worth US$8.63 billion last year, a year-on-year increase of 23 per cent, including $206 million from India. Its exports grew by over 26 per cent to $2.15 billion, with exports to India being worth $299 million. Indian consul general K Srikar Reddy said there had been an impressive growth in bilateral trade in the area of chemicals and chemical products between both countries during the year 2017. "However, there is great potential for bilateral co-operation as consumption of chemicals and chemical products has increased considerably in Viet Nam in recent times and a significant portion of the total consumption is met by imports, he said. India is the sixth largest producer of chemicals globally and ranks third globally in the production of agro-chemicals, he added. VNS Trump-Kim summit hangover continues: After Singapore and Seoul, Mike Pompeo visits Beijing today International oi-Shubham By Shubham Even though US President Donald Trump had his historic meeting with North Korean leader Kim Jong-un concluded two days ago, US Secretary of State Mike Pompeo was still not done with his engagements with the Far East. Pompeo, who was in Singapore during the Trump-Kim summit, flew to South Korea thereafter to brief its leadership about the outcome of the summit and on Thursday, June 14, he was set to flow to China to discuss with its leadership the ways to implement deals that were made during the talks as well as the ongoing trade dispute between Washington and Beijing, Chinese experts said on Wednesday, June 13, China's Global Times reported. Pompeo will make his first visit to China as the US secretary of state at the invitation of his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi, the Chinese foreign ministry said on Wednesday. China hopes that through the discussions during Pompeo's visit, Beijing and Washington could better their mutual understanding and seek ways to handle the disputes, strengthen cooperation and steer the bilateral ties in the right direction. China though did not divulge the specifics of Pompeo's visit, the latter had tweeted on June 12, saying: "Tomorrow Seoul, then on to Beijing to continue to build the team to achieve the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula." What are the observers saying on Pompeo's visit? Li Haidong, a professor at China Foreign Affairs University's Institute of International Relations in Beijing, told Global Times that the US-North Korea agreements are at best frameworks and needed to be "processed into tangible stages before implementation". "As the US side increasingly recognizes the China-proposed "double suspension" and "dual track approach" as the best option to handle the Korean Peninsula issues and the irreplaceable role played by a cooperative China on the matter, it would be on the top of Pompeo's agenda to listen to China's opinion on how to transform the agreements into reality," the Times quoted Li as saying. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 14, 2018, 9:54 [IST] How to Book Sabarimala Virtual Q Tickets Online 2021? Know Date, Price and Other Details DUTA to continue evaluation boycott New Delhi oi-Staff By Oneindia Staff Writer The Delhi University Teachers' Association (DUTA) will continue with its evaluation boycott, it said , even as the university again appealed to them to return to evaluation work. DUTA has been boycotting the evaluation for a month now to protest the new faculty reservation mechanism in universities and a host of other issues. In a General Body Meeting, the DUTA decided to continue its evaluation boycott by adopting a resolution, the teachers' body said. "DUTA has categorically demanded that the UGC's roster notification of March 5 must be put in abeyance to ensure that no working ad-hoc or temporary teacher is displaced in the new academic session," it said. On other pending issues regarding counting of past services for promotions and, absorption and regularisation of all ad-hoc and temporary teachers, DUTA has demanded holding meetings with the vice-chancellor, which he has evaded so far, they said. Meanwhile, the university again appealed to the teachers to end their evaluation boycott in the larger interest of students. This is the third time in two weeks that the varsity has issued such an appeal to the teachers. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 14, 2018, 6:19 [IST] How to Book Sabarimala Virtual Q Tickets Online 2021? Know Date, Price and Other Details Kejriwal's sit-in protest enters day 4: AAP to hold candlelight march at Raj Ghat New Delhi oi-Deepika By Deepika As the sit-in protest of Delhi Chief Minister Arvind Kejriwal and three of his cabinet colleagues at Lieutenant Governor (LG) Anil Baijal's house entered the fourth day on Thursday, the Aam Aadmi Party has planned to hold a candlelight march at Raj Ghat to keep the momentum going. Kejriwal, along with Manish Sisodia, Satyendar Jain and Gopal Rai, has been staging a sit-in at the L-G's office since Monday, 11 June, to protest against agitating IAS officials and to get an approval for the doorstep ration delivery scheme. Extending their support to Kejriwal and company, hundreds of AAP workers and leaders marched to the L-G's house and raised slogans against Anil Baijal - "LG sahab, Delhi Chhodo (LG, quit Delhi)". On Wednesday, West Bengal Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee appealed to the centre to resolve the problem "immediately". "Elected Chief Minister must get due respect. May I appeal to the government of India and the LG to resolve the problem immediately so that people do not suffer", tweeted Banerjee. AAP leader Sanjay Singh has also reportedly written to President Ram Nath Kovind, asking for an appointment to discuss the situation in Delhi, reported News18. The chief minister had said that he and his colleagues would not leave Baijal's office until their demands were met. The demands include a direction to IAS officers working in the Delhi administration to end their "strike", action against officers who have struck work for "four months" and approval to his government's proposal for doorstep delivery of rations to the poor. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 14, 2018, 9:41 [IST] No sealing in Delhi: SC to hear matter on July 11 New Delhi oi-Oneindia Staff By Oneindia Staff There will be no sealing activity in Delhi until the Supreme Court hears the matter. The Supreme Court will take up the matter on July 11 for hearing next. The court said that the sealing on the 351 roads will not take place until the hearing commences. Recently monitoring committee, which is mandated by the court to identify and seal unauthorised constructions in Delhi, claimed in the Supreme Court that civic bodies have refused to carry out sealing drive on the ground that amendments in Master Plan of Delhi-2021 were not finalised yet. Master Plan of Delhi-2021 is a blueprint for urban planning and expansion in the metropolis to ensure overall development and the proposed amendments are aimed at bringing a uniform floor area ratio (FAR) for shop-cum-residential plots and complexes on par with residential plots. FAR is the ratio of a building's total floor area (gross floor area) to the size of the piece of land on which it is built. The matter was mentioned before a vacation Bench of Justices U U Lalit and Deepak Gupta which said it would hear the issue on June 14. Senior advocate Ranjit Kumar, who is assisting the top court as an amicus curiae in the sealing matter, mentioned the issue before the bench and referred to the court's May 15 order which had said that the monitoring committee would continue with its duties and responsibilities. He placed before the bench a report of the monitoring committee and said that government authorities have said that since the amendment in the Master Plan of Delhi-2021 was not finalised, they would not allow sealing to go on. Kumar said that on June 8, the monitoring committee had inspected some areas in South Delhi and asked authorities concerned of South Delhi Municipal Corporation (SDMC) to take action against some unauthorised structures. "They (authorities) said we will not seal them," he said. To this, the bench asked him to serve the copy of the report to the counsel appearing for the Delhi government, the Union of India as well as SDMC and said that the matter would be heard on June 14. Additional Solicitor General Maninder Singh, who is appearing for Delhi Development Authority (DDA) in the matter, said that he would inform the DDA about it. The monitoring committee, comprising K J Rao, former advisor to the Election Commissioner; Bhure Lal, chairman of Environment Pollution (Prevention and Control) Authority; and Major General (Retd) Som Jhingan, was set up on March 24, 2006, by the top court. The court had on May 24 rejected the Centre's plea seeking modification of its order in which the DDA was asked to invite suggestions from the public on amending the Master Plan of Delhi-2021. The top court had on May 15 accepted DDA's action plan in which it had listed out steps including launching of an interactive website and a smart phone application to enable the public register their grievances regarding illegal constructions and given the authority 15 days time to make it operational. The DDA had also proposed to fix responsibility on officials in cases of illegal construction activities in the national capital and violation of the master plan and building bye-laws. In its five-page action plan, the DDA had earlier said that it intends to check all ongoing and future unauthorised constructions in the city under the supervision of a special task force which was constituted on April 25 following an court order. The court had on March 6 stayed any "further progress" in amending the Master Plan of Delhi-2021 to protect unauthorised construction from ongoing sealing drive in the national capital, sternly observing that this 'dadagiri' (bullying tactics) must stop. For Breaking News and Instant Updates Allow Notifications Story first published: Thursday, June 14, 2018, 13:22 [IST] UFO spotted over PMs residence: Nothing to worry say security agencies New Delhi oi-Vicky Nanjappa The sighting of an unidentified flying object over the Prime Minister's residence in Delhi had left security agencies worried. However a thorough probe into the matter and a search found nothing. The spotting of a UFO over the PM's residence at Lok Kalyan Marg on June 7 had caused a stir in the security establishment. However the probe revealed that there was nothing dangerous, following which an OK report was given to the Delhi police. Following the sighting at 7.30 pm on June 7, the Intelligence Bureau , Delhi Air Traffic Control and the National Security Guards were tipped off. However a detailed probe found nothing suspicious. It may be recalled that in October 2017, a similar sighting was reported over the Parliament area. The same month, the Delhi Police had informed the ATC about the sighting of an object over a hospital. However nothing suspicious was found and an all clear was issued by the security agencies. In 2019, people are going to vote for Modi again: Fadnavis Pune pti-PTI Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be voted back to power in the 2019 general elections, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis has said emphasising that the Indian leader is addressing basic problems of the common man through flagship schemes of constructing toilets, providing bank accounts and gas connections. Fadnavis is currently visiting the US following a trip to Canada. After meeting investors and CEOs and attending a community reception in the city, he will visit Washington and San Francisco. In 2019, people are going to vote Narendra Modi again because what India could not achieve in 67 years, we have achieved a lot in the last four years, Maharashtra Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis said in an interview on Wednesday. I won't say that nothing happened in 67 years but the path on which the country has begun its journey now, is something which was never thought of, he said. Fadnavis said at a time when India is the fastest growing economy in the world, is developing infrastructure and technology, Modi is simultaneously addressing the problems of a common man. We may talk about missions to the moon but even today 50% of the population does not have toilets. Look at that disparity. That disparity is being addressed by Modi, he said. Unless we address this disparity, it will result in a very divided society. According to official data, Maharashtra has constructed the maximum number of individual household toilets under the Centre's flagship Swachh Bharat Mission scheme, followed by Gujarat and Madhya Pradesh. Till November last year, as many as 42.72 lakh household toilets have been constructed against the target of 66.42 lakh. Fadnavis said citizens of the country are now getting basic requirements like gas connections and bank accounts. From providing gas connections to electricity connections, every single step is changing the country and that is why I am very sure that people will vote for Narendra Modi again in 2019. Asked about the electoral losses suffered by the BJP in the recently held by-elections in Kairana and Noorpur seats in Uttar Pradesh and Bhandara-Gondiya Lok Sabha seat in Maharashtra as the country gets ready for the 2019 general elections, Fadnavis said by-elections cannot be a yardstick since in the by-elections the voting is low. On the threat letters allegedly by Maoists containing a plot to target Modi, Fadnavis said the letter have been recovered from a hard disk and there is other corroborating evidence that an assassination attempt was being planned against Modi. NCP chief Sharad Pawar had said the BJP was playing a "threat letter card" to gain sympathy. Fadnavis reiterated that it was very unfortunate when senior leaders like Pawar make such comments. With all the damaging evidence, if somebody says that it is a letter to get sympathy, I don't expect that from such a person, he said. PTI HA NOI Binh Son Refining and Petrochemical Co Ltd (BSR) will hold its first shareholders meeting on June 21 in Quang Ngai City - five months since its initial public offering (IPO) at the beginning of the year. The meeting is expected to endorse the companys post-IPO important issues such as transforming into a joint stock company model, charter capital, corporate governance regulations, management board members and 2018 business targets. BSRs charter capital will be more than VN31 trillion (US$1.36 billion) at the time of the shareholders meeting, equivalent to more than 3.1 billion shares. After changing into a joint stock company, PetroVietnam will gradually decrease its holdings in BSR in comply with the Governments direction. In the January IPO, BSR sold nearly 242 million shares, equivalent to a 7.79 per cent capital, to the public, earning the State budget about VN5.5 trillion. It marked Viet Nams largest IPO this year, valuing the company at $2 billion. According to Tran Ngoc Nguyen, BSR general director, market demand for refined products tends to decline in many countries, while petrochemicals market demand continues to rise. BSR hopes to seek foreign strategic investors to help the company develop petrochemicals business, as well as increase its product quality and competitiveness. BSR plans to sell a 49-per-cent stake to strategic investors after the IPO. As of end-March, Petrolimex and Indial Oil Corp have filed to be BSRs strategic investors while others such as Pertamina (Indonesia) and Bangchak Corporation Public Co Ltd (Thailand) are considering. First-half business results The operator of $3 billion Dung Quat oil refinery has targeted total sales of VN78.1 trillion ($3.5 billion) for the whole year, of which its first-half revenue is estimated at VN55.36 trillion ($2.4 billion), equivalent to 70.9 per cent of the yearly goal and up 42.9 per cent against the first-haft target. Its net profit is expected to reach VN2.95 trillion ($129 million) by the end of June, exceeding the six-month target by 70.7 per cent and completing 84.7 per cent of the target set for the whole year. With this result, BSR continues to be the second largest profitable company in PetroVietnam (after PV Gas), contributing 30 per cent of PetroVietnams total profits. Its total output will likely reach 3.6 million tonnes in the first half, equivalent to 56.6 per cent of the yearly goal of 6.3 million tonnes. Its sales volume is expected at 3.6 million tonnes, completing 57.2 per cent of the yearly target. According to Nguyen, lower crude oil consumption and production optimisation helped the company reduce cost and increase profit. In the next six months, Nguyen said BSR aimed to produce and consume more than 3.18 million tonnes of products and earn after-tax profit of VN1.75 trillion. VNS HA NOI Viet Nam needed a set of specific and measurable criteria for sustainable development, Deputy Prime Minister Vu uc am said at a council meeting in the capital on Tuesday. am, who is chairman of the National Council on Sustainable Development and Competitiveness Improvement, said Viet Nam had launched numerous programmes and action plans to achieve the criteria for sustainable development set by the United Nations, but did not have specific criteria of its own. He urged ministries to define specific criteria based on their fields of expertise. He also asked the Viet Nam National Academy of Social Sciences to study a set of indicators to assess sustainable development according to international trends across all areas. The Ministry of Industry and Trade and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment should focus on clean energy development and climate change, particularly rising sea levels and landslides in the Mekong Delta. According to am, ministries should also look at the issues relating to culture and people, such as the habit of leaving litter and use of plastic bags. Those are part of the many criteria used to assess a countrys development level. Regarding education, am said more attention should be paid to teaching moral values as well as knowledge. The council should focus on the issue and give policy advice to the government, he added. To take advantage of the Fourth Industrial Revolution, aside from common tasks such as building e-governance and ensuring the activities at all administrative agencies are transparent, the council must choose areas with the potential for development, such as textiles and logistics, according to am. He also gave specific feedback on the organisation and operation of committees under the council, emphasising the councils role of gathering core expert groups with professional qualifications and reputations to integrate science into the councils operations. During the meeting, members focused their discussions on the coordination and working mechanisms within the council, especially in issues of public concern. Minister of Natural Resources and Environment Tran Hong Ha suggested the council should undertake practical activities on monthly, quarterly and yearly bases to advise the Prime Minister. Vice President of the Viet Nam National Academy of Social Sciences Nguyen Quang Thuan underlined that sustainable development was only achievable if growth was rapid, the environment was protected and social problems were resolved. He said it was necessary to take advantage of new scientific and technological achievements and look towards reducing the proportion of agricultural labour and increasing the number of labourers working in the industry and service sectors. To Hoai Nam,vice chairman of the Viet Nam Association of Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises (SMEs), asked the council to look at promoting untapped strengths, adding that Viet Nam lacked businesses capable of leading SMEs to create value chains or building connections among enterprises. VNS Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. Learn more HCM CITY Swedens Waynes Coffee opened its first cafe in Viet Nam on Wednesday with the aim of establishing the coffee chain all over the country. By applying the companys Swedish and international standards, Waynes Coffee Viet Nam will serve certified organic coffee that is approved by KRAV (Sweden and Europe) through rigorously testing, as well as Vietnamese coffee. The store is situated at 285, Cach Mang Thang Tam Street, HCM City. Waynes Coffee currently has over 140 branches in Sweden, England, Germany, Holland and the Middle East, including in Jordan, Saudi Arabia and Oman. Pereric Hogberg, ambassador of Sweden to Viet Nam along with many entrepreneurs, attended the event. The project in Viet Nam was co-developed by Arya Consumer JSC and Viet Nam-Oman Investment Fund (VOI), with an aim of enabling the company to get a foothold in Asia. VOI is a joint venture between the State General Reserve Fund of Oman (SGRF) and the State Capital Investment Corporation of Viet Nam (SCIC). VOI pursues a philosophy of investing in value and long-term growth. VOI has invested over US$200 million over 10 years, becoming a leading Middle Eastern investor in the country. Speaking at the opening ceremony, inh Nguyen Dung, CEO of Arya Consumer Viet Nam said that the project aimed to open 15 to 20 stores in the country over the next two years. We will start franchising to partners in 2019, mostly in the big cities, Dung added. He further added that Vietnamese coffee has good quality, and they aim to attain organic certification for local coffee in the future. VNS HA NOI Authorities in central Quang Tri Province have initiated moves to build Quang Tri Airport through a public-private-partnership (PPP). The Peoples Committee of Quang Tri asked the Ministry of Transport (MoT) for permission to conduct a study and file a proposal for investment projects to build the airport through a cooperative agreement between the public and private sectors. The chairman of the committee, Nguyen uc Chinh, also wanted the MoT to allow the locality to update some tasks in the detailed planning dossier of Quang Tri Airport, particularly the forecast of transport demand and divergent investment period in line with planning on the transportation and traffic development of Viet Nams aviation sector. These serve as the basis for the call for investors to participate in the project and determine the route and suitable time for investment in accordance with plans to operate Quang Tri Airport after 2020. Quang Tri Province will allocate a part of its provincial budget, exploit its build and transfer form, and call for investors to participate in the establishment of the airport, Chinh said. According to Decision No. 236/Q-TTg of the Prime Minister approving the adjustment of planning on air transport in the 2020-30 period, Quang Tri is one of 28 domestic airports which will be put into operation between 2020 and 2030. The airport will span an area of 312ha. Quang Tri Airport is located in Gio Quang Commune, Gio Linh District, in a relatively untouched area of forest trees and without residential areas and cultivated fields. The airport is about 93km from ong Hoi National Highway 1 and 88km away from Phu Bai International Airport in Thua Thien - Hue Province. VNS CAN THO The Netherlands seeks to establish a partnership with Viet Nams Mekong Delta city of Can Tho in hi-tech agriculture. The two sides share many similarities in soil and climatic conditions as well as major agricultural products, said Dutch Consul General in HCM City Simon van der Burg at a working session with representatives of the municipal Peoples Committee on Wednesday. He said local authorities and businesses had developed the farming sector and upgraded machines and technologies, which attracted many Dutch firms, including De Heus, Friesland Campina and Nova Exhibitions. He also pointed out bottlenecks in the local agricultural sector regarding logistics services and planning of high-tech agricultural areas. Besides, investors face challenges relating to capital, market and partners in organisation and management, Burg said. He suggested Can Tho to improve legal documents and review planning schemes of agricultural production areas. The city should also raise the quality and competitiveness of products and focus on personnel training and technological transfer to businesses, he added. According to Burg, the Dutch Consulate General would like to coordinate with the municipal authorities to connect local businesses and farming households with foreign partners, including those from the Netherlands. In addition to this, the Netherlands will send experts in post-harvest technologies to Can Tho, helping the locality reduce its post-harvest losses, while assisting the city in importing model machines and equipment for agricultural production processing, preservation and packaging. Burg urged Can Tho to form a business-friendly legal network, improve the local infrastructure system and quality of human resources as well as intensify promotion activities to lure enterprises that target sustainable development, social responsibility and eco-friendly operations. Instead of devising planning schemes for short terms of five or 10 years, Can Tho should set long-term and specific goals, Burg suggested. Speaking at the working session, Nguyen Thi Kieu, deputy director of the municipal Department of Agriculture and Rural Development, said Can Tho regarded advanced technology as key to the local agricultural sector amidst international integration. She briefed the Dutch diplomat on high-tech application in the city in the past, which, she said, had brought positive results. Vice chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee Truong Quang Hoai Nam expressed his belief in cooperation prospects between the two sides and pledged to offer the most preferential policies along with an open and favourable investment environment to Dutch businesses. VNS Bailey McCann, Opalesque New York: The Bahamas have long been a destination for high net worth individuals seeking to manage their wealth offshore. Now as the Commonwealth looks toward expanding its role in the investment industry, the concentration of private wealth already on the ground is going to support new ventures and capital formation. Delegates that the recent Opalesque Bahamas Roundtable discussed how the cluster effect is working on the ground. "The Bahamas have a very healthy and growing cluster effect because of our early focus on private wealth," said Ryan Pinder, Partner at Graham Thompson and former Minister of Financial Services and Trade for The Bahamas. "We got a very visible boost when Sir John Templeton decided to build his international component of what is now Franklin Templeton from within The Bahamas many decades ago." Pinder points to several local development and infrastructure projects which have been supported by local ultra high net worth individuals and families. "The Bahamas are really unique, I actually call it the Cluster of Benefits: You have long-standing political stability and a long-standing financial stability, so we don't have a history of significant volatility in the banking and finance sector," he adds. The city of Nassau is also becoming a local financial hub. "There is this fruitful cross-section of activity that is available in The Bahamas for foreign high-net-worth individuals and other foreign residents who move...................... To view our full article Click here CHICAGO An honourary street naming in Detroit for the King of Pop was cancelled on Wednesday. Michael Jackson Avenue was supposed to be officially unveiled on Friday in Motor City, just as the late artists surviving brothers prepared to perform at a weekend concert. But the ceremony was called off, as members of the Jackson 5 the family act where Michael Jackson got his start -- wondered why the entire group wasnt being honoured. Under city rules, honourary street names cannot be granted to groups or organisations, only persons, the Detroit Free Press newspaper reported. A city official told the newspaper that the naming ceremony was called off while a solution is sought. "Were still working through the process," Stephen Grady told the Free Press. The street naming was announced in mid-May with much fanfare and two of the Jackson 5 present at a news conference. The tribute was to come 50 years after the family group birthed their career with a successful recording contract audition in Detroit, which has a rich history of nurturing American artists. But Marlon and Jackie Jackson told reporters at the May event that they wanted the entire group to be honoured. Michael Jackson, who started with the group, went on to become one of the most famous performers in pop music history. He died in 2009 at the age of 50 from a fatal dose of drugs, including the powerful anesthetic propofol. Had the street naming gone ahead, the King of Pops honorary stretch of road would have been near the one named after the Queen of Soul Aretha Franklin. Her street naming was last year. AFP 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. Taiwan Civil Government lobbyist Neil Hare doesn't have much to say (Image by Heritage Foundation) Details DMCA Neil Hare, head of Global Vision Communications, is a Washington lobbyist for Taiwan Civil Government. Hare remains silent on the fraud arrests of his client Roger Lin and others in the TCG group. Lin is accused in Taiwan of masterminding an elaborate and expensive financial scam based on political ideology. Meanwhile, TCG has been spending heavily in Washington in a bid to gain influence. When asked why he had not issued any statement about the Taiwan arrests Hare said it was not part of his job description. "Our mandate is to articulate the TCG's vision and mission in Washington D.C. and globally and not handle public relations on legal matters on the ground in Taiwan." Hare said he had not been questioned yet by Republic of China investigators and seemed nonplussed about the news coming out of Taiwan. However, if Hare watched Taiwanese television he might have a different view of things. Hare refused to say how much money TCG has spent on lobbying, "We do not discuss clients' budgets and fees." Hare gave the same no comment when asked if he was concerned about receiving his final $186,666 payment due in September under terms of his lobbying contract. Hare's contract for 2018 calls for a total payment of $560,000. As a registered Foreign Agent, Hare's contract with TCG is a matter of public record at the Justice Department. When asked about future events Hare explained: "Our public relations efforts on behalf of TCG are ongoing. The TCG has made tremendous strides in disseminating their message and advancing their policy agenda in Washington, D.C. and globally, We look forward to continuing this effort in the future." The tremendous strides Hare was talking about include a "great partnership" with the Heritage Foundation, the sponsorship of events featuring Members of Congress, and a connection at the White House with Kellyanne Conway, a top Trump advisor. Taiwan's longstanding unresolved status since the end of World War II has created a proliferation of groups and organizations trying to find a way to the future for the stateless residents of the island ruled by an exiled Chinese government. Taiwan Civil Government urges the United States, which has responsibility over the fate of Taiwan under terms of the San Francisco Peace Treaty, to expel the Republic of China in-exile. TCG wants an American military government as an interim measure until a sovereignty referendum, free from ROC interference, can be held. Hare should be paying more attention to the "legal matters on the ground in Taiwan" as Roger Lin, who signed Hare's contract and has been paying the bills, is currently, along with his wife Julian and one other TCG officer, being held incommunicado, in solitary confinement and without bail in a Taiwan jail. The great strides forward in Washington are offset by more than little steps backwards in Taiwan where the Lins are being treated like political prisoners. (Article changed on June 14, 2018 at 18:33) 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 Alon Ben-Meir Website By Alon Ben-Meir and *Arbana Xharra To listen to an audio version of this article, click here. Turkey's President Erdogan makes no secret of his ambition to spread his neo-Ottoman wings all over the Balkans. He views Macedonia as another Turkish satellite in the making, which sadly the Macedonian government seems to have embraced without carefully assessing the long-term adverse ramifications. Very few Albanian voices in Macedonia have the courage to publicly criticize Erdogan, fearful of becoming a target of threats and insults by a huge propaganda machine directed by many of his cronies. Erdogan has been extremely successful in influencing the majority of Albanians in the country, many of whom consider him as their one and only trusted leader. For more than a decade, Erdogan has invested heavily in spreading his influence among Albanians, through building mosques and Turkish schools, and funding media, religious institutions, and most recently political parties, which are directly controlled by his close associates and have dramatically increased his influence over the Albanian community. Anyone who dares to criticize Erdogan or discuss his personal ambitions in Macedonia is attacked publicly by the 'internet brigade' as an Islamophobe or traitor. "I was personally a target of these attacks twice," says Xhelal Neziri, an experienced investigative reporter from Macedonia. "They cannot stop me from telling the truth, but it is a fact that many of my colleagues do not want to talk about this topic, because of the 'lynching threats.'" A majority of Albanians in Macedonia identify themselves as Muslims rather than by their Albanian national identity. There are voices within these fanatical religious groups saying that Albanians should not recognize Mother Theresa as a saint, even though she was an Albanian from Macedonia, because she does not represent the interests of the Muslim community. The number of those who believe that other national Albanian heroes like Gjergj Kastrioti "Skenderbeg," who led a rebellion against the Ottoman Empire in the 1400s, should not be recognized because they were Christians, is increasing rapidly. Compared to other Balkan states where Albanians live who don't consider religion to be a dominant factor in their lives, Albanians in Macedonia are the staunchest supporters of Erdogan and his Islamic agenda. Erdogan's strategy for restoring Turkey's influence in the Balkans, akin to what the Ottoman Empire once enjoyed, had early success with the Albanians in Macedonia. Nearly two-thirds of the population in Macedonia are ethnically Orthodox Christian Macedonians, and the other third of the population are predominantly Albanian Muslims. In 2001, tensions between the two groups escalated into an armed conflict between government security forces and the Albanian National Liberation Army (NLA). The conflict was short-lived and ended with the Ohrid Agreement -- a peace treaty that saw NLA commanders rebranded as legitimate politicians, gaining enhanced social and political rights which were granted to Macedonia's Albanian citizens. While armed hostilities ended nearly 17 years ago, relations between the different groups are still raw. Albanians are disadvantaged and neglected, and continue to suffer from inequality. Macedonia denied their basic human rights. The Albanian language was not recognized until March of 2018, when Macedonia's parliament passed a law extending the official use of the Albanian language, despite massive Macedonian protests from the right-wing opposition. The country's Slavs and Albanians still live largely separate and do not enjoy equal rights. Erdogan has used ethnic and political problems between Macedonians and Albanians as a "golden opportunity" to portray himself as the greatest defender of the Albanians. Meanwhile, all of Turkey's economic investments and trade deals are focused on the Macedonian side. According to the World Bank, in 2016 Turkey's exports to Macedonia totaled $378 million and imports amounted to $82.6 million. The Turkish Statistics Institute (TUdegreesK) reports that around 100 Turkish businesspeople currently have investments worth 1.2 billion ($1.47 billion) in Macedonia. These investments are focused in the parts where Macedonians live, while in the Albanian side Erdogan has invested in religious institutions to promote his Islamic agenda. 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 Common Dreams Our planet and our children's futures depend on us liberating ourselves, seeing the ghosts in the machine for what they truly are. For several years now, I have been writing regular posts on my blog with one end in mind: to help open a door for readers and encourage them to step through. I select issues, usually those that dominate western media coverage and represent a consensus that we might term the Great Western Narrative, and try to show how this narrative has been constructed not to inform and enlighten but to conceal and deceive. It is not that I and the many other bloggers doing this are cleverer than everyone else. We have simply had a chance -- an earlier one -- to step through that door ourselves, because of a jarring life experience that the Great Western Narrative could not explain, or because someone held the door open for us, or more usually because of a combination of the two. My personal awakening It is easy for me to identify my own process of awakening. It began with the dislocation of moving to Nazareth and being immersed in someone else's narrative -- that of the Palestinians. Then, I faced for the first time in my career as a journalist an impenetrable wall of opposition, even from my own former newspaper, the Guardian, as I tried to explain that counter-narrative. In fact, I found that the Palestinian narrative was invariably misrepresented as anti-semitism. These were dark years of disillusionment and the loss of a professional and ideological compass. In fact, the Great Western Narrative has been developed and refined over centuries to preserve a tiny elite's privileges and expand its power. The role of journalists like me was to keep feeding these illusions to readers so they would remain fearful, passive and deferential to this elite. It is not that journalists lie -- or at least, not most of them -- it is that they are as deeply wedded to the Great Western Narrative as everyone else. It is in such a moment of bereavement -- deprived of the consolation of the Great Western Narrative -- that one searches for a door to enlightenment. It can be a long journey to find it. My door appeared while reading about the Propaganda Model of Ed Herman and Noam Chomsky in their book "Manufacturing Consent," as well as stumbling across a website called Media Lens. They helped me understand that the narrative problem was not restricted to Israel-Palestine, but was a much more general one. Once one is prepared to step through the door, to discard the old script, the new narrative takes its hold because it is so helpful. It actually explains the world, and human behavior, as it is experienced everywhere. It has genuine predictive power. And most importantly, it reveals a truth understood by all figures of spiritual and intellectual enlightenment throughout human history: that human beings are equally human, whether they are Americans, Europeans, Israelis, Palestinians, Syrians, Russians, Venezuelans, or Iranians, whether they are North or South Koreans. The term "human" is not meant simply as a description of us as a species, or a biological entity. It also describes who we are, what drives us, what makes us cry, what makes us laugh, what makes us angry, what elicits compassion. And the truth is that we are all essentially the same. The same things upset us, the same things amuse us. The same things inspire us, the same things outrage us. We want dignity, freedom, safety for us and our loved ones, and appreciate beauty and truth. We fear oppression, injustice, insecurity. Hierarchies of virtue The Great Western Narrative tells us something entirely different. It divides the world into a hierarchy of "peoples," with different, even conflicting, virtues and vices. Some humans -- westerners -- are more rational, more caring, more sensitive, more fully human. And other humans -- the rest -- are more primitive, more emotional, more violent. In this system of classification, we are the Good Guys and they are the Bad Guys; we are Order, they are Chaos. They need a firm hand from us to control them and stop them doing too much damage to themselves and to our civilized part of the world. The Great Western Narrative isn't really new. It is simply a reformulation for a different era of the "white man's burden." 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. From Common Dreams A different kind of law is closing in on the cheating Donald. The law has never caught up with Trump. In his bullying and bankrupting business career, he laughed at the law -- hiding behind corporations, tying up plaintiffs -- workers, creditors, consumers, and shareholders -- with court battles of attrition. His snarling lawyers either wore down Trump's pursuers or settled disputes for less than the legitimate claims by those harmed. Trump's lawyers pushed for gag orders to hide the settlements. Trump always emerged with the gold by profiting at the expense of those around him. Trump made a profit out of the ruins of his companies, flouted the law by hiring undocumented Polish workers, cheated the students who were lured into the Donald Trump University, and often failed to pay his contractors... Now, a different kind of law is closing in on the cheating Donald. As the Mueller investigation into Russian or related connections to the Trump campaign advances, Mr. Trump may be wondering what it means to be an unindicted co-conspirator (Justice Department rules prohibit indicting a sitting president). Or, more likely, the Mueller Special Counsel team is reviewing the case for an "obstruction of justice" charge against Trump, who has all but openly admitted that he can obstruct justice, though he would characterize his actions as justified. Predictions in politics dominate the political discourse. But the proximity of a major constitutional crisis may be only a few months away. Here is why the Mueller team is not going away. They may subpoena Trump -- either for documents, or for his deposition under oath, or both. Mr. Trump's lawyers know the peril of perjury presented by Donald's lying, cheating M.O. Several times since last year, Trump, under pressure from Mueller regarding Trump's associates and dealmakers, has slanderously and publicly lashed out against Attorney General Jeff Sessions, Deputy Attorney General Rod Rosenstein, and Special Counsel Robert Mueller. He regularly declares he could fire these government officials. On May 9, 2017, Trump fired FBI director James Comey. Trump believes, as president, he can fire anybody and pardon anyone, including himself. Bolstered by an ideologically aligned five-judge Supreme Court majority, it is unlikely he is going to accept a dribbling out role as a defendant, especially on the serious charge of obstruction of justice, the charge that led to Richard Nixon's downfall. Indeed, Trump could take a chapter right out of Nixon's playbook to fire the Justice Department officials, and dare this "witch hunt" to use the courts to bring him down, Trump is counting on the Republican-dominated Congress to block any impeachment trial. Richard Nixon, as you may recall, got embroiled in what he called a "third-rate burglary" in 1972 by Republican operatives at the Democratic Party headquarters inside the Watergate complex in Washington, D.C. There was a lot of interference and intrigue by Nixon and his associates to obstruct the efforts of Special Prosecutor Archibald Cox, working, like Mueller, out of the Justice Department. As Cox started to subpoena the production of White House documents, Nixon reacted by ordering then-Attorney General Richardson to fire Cox. Richardson, unwilling to comply, resigned, then Deputy Attorney General Ruckelshaus followed suit. Robert Bork, then solicitor general, was willing to fire Cox. The resultant uproar led to an impeachment investigation by the House of Representatives. Nixon, abandoned by many Republicans, resigned before the House of Representatives could vote for impeachment, believing he was doomed in both the House and the Senate. (Three members of Congress and I had already won a lawsuit against Nixon, with Federal Judge Gesell declaring his firing of Cox unlawful). Firing Mueller and his superiors, replacing Attorney General Jeff Sessions with Rudy Giuliani, and abolishing Mueller's office would be uproariously dramatic theater. With his adversaries in divided disarray, Trump can dominate the mass media with hourly tweets to his 50 million followers and distract attention with foreign skirmishes and belligerent threats. Sure, Mueller could name Trump as an unindicted co-conspirator and lawfully take his files to Congressional committees. The ensuing judicial process could drag on for months. 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. As birds become fewer, wildflowers vanish, butterflies disappear, and animals in the wild are threatened, extinction and a grim future haunts. How often does Rumi write about birdsong ... there is a reason. Nature revives the spirit. World Environment Day has come and gone. It was June 5th. A UN outreach program, hosted by a different country each year, is designed to draw attention to the country's environmental challenges and to offer it support. This year the host is India and the theme is beating plastic pollution. But plastics are not just a blight on the landscape, they are in the seas destroying coral and the species it shelters, painfully killing whales and other creatures ... including birds. Yet, it is far from the only cause of bird distress and their sharply declining numbers. One example comes from the Arctic, where receding ice has taken with it the nutritious cod, which favor cold waters, and has endangered the black guillemot now forced to feed chicks on the bony and difficult-to-digest fourhorn sculpin. When the EU commissioned a State of Nature report, they expected bad news but not quite as dire a result. Prepared by the European Environment Agency and sourced from EU-wide data, it found one in three bird species threatened and only a little over half secure. It also drew a bleak picture of European habitats finding over half of those studied to be unfavorable. Habitat loss, pesticides particularly neonicotinoids, even excessive hunting, notably in southern Europe, are all to blame. Earlier, a comprehensive study conducted by University of Exeter (UK) professor Richard Inger and colleagues had analyzed avian biomass across 25 countries over 30 years. Using data from Birdlife International and the Pan-European Common Bird Monitoring Scheme, they discovered a surprisingly large and troubling loss: from 1980 to 2009 the estimated total avian population had declined by 421 million birds. Meanwhile, new research in the US with far-reaching consequences places blame squarely on human action. It examines avian consequences of noise pollution. If certain constant noises irritate us -- think of road repair and a pneumatic drill -- then birds are no exception. Noise from oil and gas operations is stressing out birds and harming reproduction. They exhibit signs of chronic stress, lay fewer eggs or fewer eggs hatch, and nestling growth is stunted. So reports a study by Nathan Kleist and colleagues in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences (unfortunately not available to the general public without a fee). The authors study three species of cavity-nesting birds (the ash-throated flycatcher, the mountain bluebird and the western bluebird) breeding near oil-and-gas operations -- located on Bureau of Land Management property in New Mexico's San Juan Basin. The researchers placed 240 nest boxes on 12 pairs of sites , close to and at varying distances from the drilling pads where loud compressors operated non-stop. The team took blood samples of adult females and nestlings from all the nest boxes for three years. They examined nestling body size and feather length and found them to be less well developed in both noisy and lower noise areas, suggesting any level of irritating noise is disruptive. 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. Congress Switchboard: 202-224-3121 "Kall's well-researched book integrates knowledge from philosophy to economics and ecology. He shows us how, all over the world and across many fields of endeavor, we humans are organizing new and rewarding ways of acting for the common good. His book is both idealistic and realistic and gives us a vision of what we all most need -- hope for the future" Mary Pipher, psychologist, and #1 New York Times best-selling author of Reviving Ophelia and Writing to Change the World SONGWON underlines commitment to packaging industry and presents new ink binders and adhesives at ProPak SONGWON underlines commitment to packaging industry and presents new ink binders and adhesives at ProPak. (Photo: SONGWON Industri www.songwon.com www.songwon.com Ulsan, South Korea June 13, 2018 SONGWON Industrial Group is exhibiting its expanding range of ink binders and adhesives at ProPak, Asias number one show for food, drink & pharmaceutical processing and packaging. A leading specialist in polyurethane ink binder technology for gravure and flexography printing inks and polyurethane laminating adhesives used in flexible packaging laminates, SONGWON will showcase its latest high-performance products and solutions.Our presence at ProPak demonstrates SONGWONs commitment to the packaging industry, emphasizes Kyuyeol Lee, Leader Business Unit TPP. We are innovating continuously in the packaging field, leveraging our many years of industry knowledge and manufacturing experience to develop, produce and market a broad range of high-performance polyurethane ink binders and laminating adhesives. Our customized solutions for flexible packaging are designed to give manufacturers of plastic film for packaging competitive edge and help them meet their end-use requirements.Highlights at the show will include several recently launched products. HI-THANE A-9135T and HI-THANE A-9107T are aliphatic, solvent-based polyurethane ink binders suitable for both gravure and flexographic printing inks. They confer excellent bonding strength to various plastic films and their high heat resistance makes them particularly suitable for retort applications such as retort pouches, which are typically made from a laminate of flexible plastic and metal foil and suitable for instant curry meals and field rations, for example, says Hyeonsik Bae, Technical Service TPP. With their strong anti-blocking properties, they are formulated to prevent film layers from sticking to one another. This can ultimately boost productivity.HI-THANE A-7332 is a solvent-free polyurethane laminating adhesive with high bonding strength on various plastic films. This general performance adhesive has exceptionally good wetting properties, which play a key role in helping film laminate manufacturers to reduce coating weights and film lamination costs, explains Hyeonsik Bae.SONGWONs packaging experts look forward to welcoming visitors to ProPak at stand AT45, Bangkok International Trade Exhibition Centre (BITEC), Thailand from June 13-16.For more information please go toAbout SONGWON Industrial Co., Ltd.SONGWON, which was founded in 1965 and is headquartered in Ulsan, South Korea, is a leader in the development, production and supply of specialty chemicals. The second largest manufacturer of polymer stabilizers worldwide, SONGWON Industrial Group operates companies all over the world, offering the combined benefits of a global framework and readily accessible local organizations. Dedicated experts work closely together with customers to develop tailor-made solutions that meet individual requirements.For further information, please go to:Marketing SolutionsKevin NoelsBox 62950 KapellenBelgiumTel: +32 3 31 30 311E-mail: knoels@marketingsolutions.be By Minh Thu Comparing herself to a sponge, French artist Marianne Smolskas inspiration is derived from all thats around her. She has travelled all over world but decided to settle in Viet Nam where she discovered the endless motivation to create using the materials that fascinate her. With ink on traditional paper combined with embroidery, she expresses both feminity and strength through the issues she addresses in her works. Smolska was born in 1969 in France. She initially studied social sciences and anthropology, but in 1994, she turned her back on anthropology for painting and graphic arts. At that time, she travelled to Naples, Italy, and settled in a studio. She visited Viet Nam for the first time in 2011, and decided to return to live and work in Ha Noi The discovery of this country has been a very beautiful experience, Smolska said in English. I have been very touched by the culture of this country, its history, the beauty of landscapes and especially the kindness and sense of welcome of Vietnamese people. Haunting past Smolska has always been sensitive to issues related to history and social affairs, which is probably due to her former studies in anthropology, she said. When she was a child, she lived in an eastern part of France that had been witness to terrible battles during the First World War. The forest near her house is still covered with the deadly legacy of war: trenches, craters and bullets scattered over the terrain. As a child, she sometimes thought she heard the ghosts of dead soldiers talking, and during the Second World War, trains carrying deportees crossed the landscape on their way to Nazi concentration camps. Frozen: An artwork combining ink on handmade paper and traditional embroidery by Smolska. So for me the place where I grow up was full of ghosts and it became the soil of my inspiration and motivated my desire to paint, said Smolska. I know the injuries of history are also still present in the Vietnamese society. In every country who has faced war, children hear the voices of soldiers, of all those who have disappeared in the chaos of history. Painting and drawing are an absolute necessity for Smolska as searches for a meaning of life. Sympathy with Vietnamese culture When Smolska arrived here, she felt a long way from her own culture, but somehow in an environment that was familiar to her. So different but strangely so close, she said.Understanding parts of Vietnamese culture is a daily interest for her. The Vietnamese culture is rich and complex, so the more I know, the less I understand. Its a paradox. Smolska discovered the handmade paper in Viet Nam and Laos, a very beautiful material, she said. I waited a while before working on this material that fascinated me. Step by step, I tamed it, with ink, paint, ballpoint pen and then embroidery. This paper, both fragile and resistant, allows the use of different techniques, she said. The idea of using embroidery probably came to her from her experience of Vietnamese culture. There is indeed here a traditional practice of embroidery that has somewhat disappeared in Europe. It was interesting for me to combine my way of expression with materials and techniques from Vietnamese culture, she added. As a graphic designer, she works for a permanent exhibition at the Old Quarter Cultural Exchange Centre at 50 ao Duy Tu Street, Ha Noi. The exhibition focuses on the history and the cultural heritage of Ha Nois Old Quarter. I was in charge of designing graphics and signage for this exhibition. It was a very rewarding experience for me, she said. Of her works currently on display at ong Phong Gallery, many were inspired by her immersion in Vietnamese culture. Some use the cloud patterns found in pagodas while others draw inspiration from fauna such as the roots of betel nut trees and flowers. The exhibition is running until June 23 with the title Phu Du (Ephemeral), and is also inspired by the spiritual dimension of worshipping ancestors and deities. Smolska loves life in Viet Nam, and has many friends who are painters, movies directors and musicians. The dialogue with all those people is very rewarding for me, for two main reasons, art and human, she said. She has taken classes in Vietnamese but its a very difficult language for Europeans to grasp, she said. This difficulty with the Vietnamese language is my biggest frustration. But thanks to the kindness of the people here, the communication often goes through a nonverbal, very touching relationship. She has also hired a small studio near Ton uc Thang Street in a little courtyard with lots of plants and trees. The owner, an old man, lives in the same building, and often invites her to drink green tea. Every day, she goes to the street markets to buy food like other Vietnamese housewives. She also often eats pho (noodle soup), bun cha (rice vermicelli with grilled pork) and bun au mam tom (fermented shrimp paste with fried tofu and rice vermicelli). I love living in this country and especially living among the Vietnamese, such an endearing people, said Smolska. VNS Global Pulp and Paper Machinery Market 2018 Analysis by Key Manufacturers : Kugler-Womako, Valmet, Leizhan China Qyresearchreports https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1818200&type=S https://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-pulp-and-paper-machinery-market-professional-survey-report-2018.htm/toc http://www.qyresearchreports.com Qyresearchreports include new market research report "Global Pulp and Paper Machinery Market Professional Survey Report 2018" to its huge collection of research reports.The global Pulp and Paper Machinery 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.Market experts who create reports for QY Research Reports are extremely talented and experienced and know exactly what information to portray and what not to include so that readers, potential investors, established market players and those who are new to the Global Pulp and Paper Machinery Market are not confused and are given the information which are of utmost importance. Some of the highlights of the report on the global Pulp and Paper Machinery Market include segmentation and sub segmentation of the market, analysis of which segment will lead or decline, and the fastest growing segment.Get Free Research Summary of the Report:This report studies the global Pulp and Paper Machinery market status and forecast, categorizes the global Pulp and Paper Machinery market size (value & volume) by manufacturers, type, application, and region. This report focuses on the top manufacturers in North America, Europe, Japan, China, India, Southeast Asia and other regions (Central & South America, and Middle East & Africa).The major manufacturers covered in this reportBosch Rexroth AGANDRITZ GroupSamarth Paper MachinesKugler-WomakoMetso CorporationVoith Paper HoldingValmetGEIN-MachineryGeographically, 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 AmericaEuropeChinaJapanIndiaSoutheast AsiaOther regions (Central & South America, Middle East & Africa)Key StakeholdersPulp and Paper Machinery ManufacturersPulp and Paper Machinery Distributors/Traders/WholesalersPulp and Paper Machinery Subcomponent ManufacturersIndustry AssociationDownstream VendorsThe Pulp and Paper Machinery Market has been studied regionally as well as globally. In terms of regional analysis, North America, Latin America, Asia-Pacific, Europe, and the rest of the world have been studied in the report. The report also reveals which of these reasons will be the fastest growing Regional segment for the Pulp and Paper Machinery Market as well as the region which is currently leading. The region which is expected to lead in the future as well as that reason which is expected to witness sluggish growth in the near future are pointed out and this helps readers to look in a positive manner as to which region to invest so as to reap maximum benefits.Read Complete Table of Content @Table of Contents1 Industry Overview of Pulp and Paper Machinery1.1 Definition and Specifications of Pulp and Paper Machinery1.1.1 Definition of Pulp and Paper Machinery1.1.2 Specifications of Pulp and Paper Machinery1.2 Classification of Pulp and Paper Machinery1.3 Applications of Pulp and Paper Machinery1.4 Market Segment by Regions2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Pulp and Paper Machinery2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Pulp and Paper Machinery2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Pulp and Paper Machinery2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Pulp and Paper Machinery3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Pulp and Paper Machinery3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Pulp and Paper Machinery Major Manufacturers in 20173.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Pulp and Paper Machinery Major Manufacturers in 20173.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Pulp and Paper Machinery Major Manufacturers in 20173.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Pulp and Paper Machinery Major Manufacturers in 2017List of Tables and FiguresFigure Picture of Pulp and Paper MachineryTable Product Specifications of Pulp and Paper MachineryTable Classification of Pulp and Paper MachineryFigure Global Production Market Share of Pulp and Paper Machinery by Type in 2017Figure North America Pulp and Paper Machinery Market Size (Million USD) (2013-2025)Figure Europe Pulp and Paper Machinery Market Size (Million USD) (2013-2025)Figure China Pulp and Paper Machinery Market Size (Million USD) (2013-2025)Figure Japan Pulp and Paper Machinery Market Size (Million USD) (2013-2025)About Us:QYResearchReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYResearchReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us:1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Web: LED BACKLIGHT DISPLAY DRIVER ICS IN CHINA MARKET BY MANUFACTURERS, REGIONS (PROVINCE), TYPE AND APPLICATION, FORECAST TO 2022 China LED Backlight Display Driver ICs https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1374782 https://www.researchmoz.us/china-led-backlight-display-driver-ics-market-by-manufacturers-regions-province-type-and-application-forecast-to-2022-report.html/toc Press Release - 13 June 2018Research and Development News --. .Latest Update "China LED Backlight Display Driver ICs Market by Manufacturers, Regions (Province), Type and Application, Forecast to 2022" with Industries Survey | Global Current Growth and Future.' 'The liquid crystal display itself is a non-active light-emitting element that must be illuminated with a backlight Display Driver ICs to read the image of the panel.- - Scope of the Report:- -This report focuses on the LED Backlight Display Driver ICs in China market, to split the market based on manufacturers, Regions (Province), type and application.- - Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers- -Texas InstrumentsMacroblockMaxim IntegratedAdvanced Analogic TechnologiesLinear TechnologyNXP SemiconductorsInfineon TechnologiesON Semiconductor. . Get Sample Report_' 'ToshibaSTMicroelectronicsAustria MicrosystemsIntersiliWattPower IntegratorsROHMSemtechSilicon Touch TechnologySupertex- Market Segment by Regions (Province), coveringSouth ChinaSouthwest ChinaEast ChinaNortheast ChinaNorth China- Market Segment by Type, covers8 channel16 channel32 channelOthers- Market Segment by Applications, can be divided intoMobile Computing DevicesTVsAutomotive infotainment systemsThere are 18 Chapters to deeply display the China LED Backlight Display Driver ICs market.- Chapter 1, to describe LED Backlight Display Driver ICs Introduction, product type and application, market overview, market analysis by Region (province), market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the manufacturers of LED Backlight Display Driver ICs, with profile, main business, news, sales, price, revenue and market share 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 China market by Regions (Province),covering South China,East China,Southwest China,North China,Northeast China,Northwest China and Central China,with sales, price,revenue and market share of LED Backlight Display Driver ICs,for each region,from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5 and 6, to show the market by type and application, with sales, price, revenue, market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 7,8,9,10,11,12 and 13 to analyze the key Province by Type and Application,covering South China,East China,Southwest China,North China,Northwest China,Central China and Northeast China,with sales,revenue and market share by types and applications;Chapter 14, LED Backlight Display Driver ICs market forecast, by Regions (Province), type and application, with sales, price, revenue and growth rate forecast, from 2017 to 2022;. . More Clear Details get Table of Contents_' 'Chapter 15, to analyze the manufacturing cost, key raw materials and manufacturing process etc.Chapter 16, to analyze the industrial chain, sourcing strategy and downstream end users (buyers);Chapter 17, to describe sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers etc.Chapter 18, to describe LED Backlight Display Driver ICs Appendix, methodology and data sourceContinue.....ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Researchmoz Global Pvt. Ltd.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States,Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free),Tel: +1-518-621-2074 Carbon Black Market 2018 Global Key Players, Trends, Share, Industry Size, Segmentation, Opportunities, Forecast To 2025 Global Carbon Black Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3123006-global-carbon-black-market-research-report-2018 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3123006-global-carbon-black-market-research-report-2018 Global Carbon Black MarketThis report studies the global Carbon Black market status and forecast, categorizes the global Carbon Black market size (value & volume) by manufacturers, type, application, and region. This report focuses on the top manufacturers in North America, Europe, Japan, China and other regions (India, Southeast Asia, Central & South America, and Middle East & Africa).Request a Sample Report @Carbon black, also known as carbon black, is an amorphous carbon.Light, loose and extremely fine black powder, with a large surface area, is the product of incomplete combustion or thermal decomposition of carbon-containing substances under insufficient air conditions.Emerging trends, which have a direct impact on the dynamics of the carbon black industry, include growing usage of recycled and bio-based carbon black, and shifting focus from commodity to more specialize grade carbon black.The major growth drivers for this market are increasing tire production, and rising demand for specialty carbon black in plastic, ink, and coating applications.The major manufacturers covered in this reportBirla CarbonOrion Engineered CarbonsCabotorationOmsk Carbon GroupPhilips Carbon BlackChina Synthetic RubberorationTokai CarbonSid Richardson Carbon & Energy CoGeographically, 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 AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaOther Regions (India, Southeast Asia, Central & South America and Middle East & Africa)We can also provide the customized separate regional or country-level reports, for the following regions: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 intoPigment BlackRubber BlackConductive Carbon BlackSpecial Carbon BlackOn 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, includingTire RubberNon-Tire RubberPlasticInkCoatingOthersThe study objectives of this report are:To analyze and study the global Carbon Black capacity, production, value, consumption, status (2013-2017) and forecast (2018-2025);Focuses on the key Carbon Black 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 Carbon Black 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 StakeholdersCarbon Black ManufacturersCarbon Black Distributors/Traders/WholesalersCarbon Black Subcomponent ManufacturersIndustry AssociationDownstream VendorsAvailable CustomizationsWith the given market data, Researcher 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 Carbon Black market, by end-use.Detailed analysis and profiles of additional market players.Table of Contents-Key Points CoveredGlobal Carbon Black Market Research Report 20181 Carbon Black Market Overview7 Global Carbon Black Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 Birla Carbon7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Carbon Black Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 Birla Carbon Carbon Black Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Orion Engineered Carbons7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Carbon Black Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Orion Engineered Carbons Carbon Black Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Cabotoration7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Carbon Black Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Cabotoration Carbon Black Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 Omsk Carbon GroupContinuedComplete 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 Global Mobile Storage Systems Market Forecast 2018-2025 Spacesaver, Pipp Mobile Storage Systems, Caslon Corporation, Montel Mobile Storage Systems Market https://bit.ly/2l8hJ9z https://www.qyresearchstore.com/report/global-mobile-storage-systems-market-1004 https://www.qyresearchstore.com/ Recently added detailed market study "Global Mobile Storage Systems Market" examines the performance of the Mobile Storage Systems market 2018. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Mobile Storage Systems market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Mobile Storage Systems market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.The Global Mobile Storage Systems Market 2018 report includes Mobile Storage Systems market Revenue, market Share, Mobile Storage Systems industry volume, market Trends, Mobile Storage Systems Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report. It shows manufacturing capacity, Mobile Storage Systems Price during the Forecast period from 2018 to 2025.Firstly, the report covers the top Mobile Storage Systems manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Market Forecast Report on Top Manufacturers companies are Bradford Systems Corporation, Spacesaver, Pipp Mobile Storage Systems, Caslon Corporation, Montel, Rolex India Engineering Co., Madix.To Get Sample Report Click Here:Mobile Storage Systems Market By Application are Warehouses, Frozen Warehouses, Cold Storage Facilities, OtherMobile Storage Systems Market By Type are Light Medium Type, Heavy-Duty TypeFurther, the Mobile Storage Systems report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Mobile Storage Systems industry, Mobile Storage Systems industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Mobile Storage Systems Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Mobile Storage Systems 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 Mobile Storage Systems market revenue worldwide.Finally, Mobile Storage Systems 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:"QYResearchStore.com" is a leading market intelligence team which accredits and provides the reports of some of the top publishers in the field of technology industry. We are as a firm expertise in making extensive reports that cover all the necessary details about the market assessments such as major technological improvement in the industry.Contact Us:3626 North Hall Street (Two Oak Lawn),Suite 610,Dallas, TX 75219, USAContact No. +1-214-661-1669Web:Email: sales@qyresearchstore.com Release Liner Market Opportunity upto 2021, From 2015 - 2021 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3531 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3531 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Release liner is a carrier web material made up of paper or plastic. Release liners are coated on one or both the sides with release agent (chemical used to prevent one material from bonding to surfaces of another material). These releasing agents provide a releasing effect when kept in contact with any kind of stick materials. Adhesive (substance when applied to the surfaces of any materials binds them together and resists separation) and mastic (kind of gum) are of the stick material used for releasing agents. Release liners are available in different colors in the market; it can be a printed or non-printed release liner. Commercial coating companies are engaged in the manufacturing of release agent, providing unique solutions to their clients, based on a wide variety of substrates used to manufacture releasing agents. Commonly used releasing agents for release liner are cross linkable silicone and other coating materials that have low surface energy.Request for Report Sample:On the bases of materials used to manufacture release liner, global release liner market can be fragmented into paper release liner (super calandered kraft paper, clay coated kraft paper, machine finished kraft paper and machine glazed paper), plastic film release liner and others (poly coated kraft papers and poly coated BO-PET film). Release liner can be used as pressure-sensitive labels and pressure-sensitive tape. Release liners have major application in label stocks industry and packaging industry. Other major application of release liners are in the field of graphic arts, envelopes, medical, tapes and hygiene.North America has the largest market share for release liner products, followed by Europe and Asia Pacific. The U.S. and China are the largest markets for release liner in the global market owing to increased food and pharmaceutical business in these countries. North America is expected to maintain its dominance in the forecasted period with Europe showing marginal growth. However, Asia Pacific region is expected to witness highest growth in the coming future owing to increasing domestic demand by the food and pharmaceutical industry in the developing countries such as India and China.Request for Report TOC:Increasing demand from the end-user industry for better labeling is driving the global release liner market. Additionally, with increasing investment in the food and pharmaceutical industry, demand for better quality packaging is expected to increase, in turn demand for release liner is expected to increase. Also, with increasing population paired with rising international trade, demand for quality packaging and labeling is expected to increase, further increasing the demand for release liner products in the global market.Owing to increasing demand from the food and pharmaceutical companies paired with increasing demand from the other end-user industry for better packaging and labeling. The multinational players operating in the market are influenced to invest in the emerging markets of Asia-Pacific. Also, the regional players have increased their production to some extent to compete in the market. Global release liner market is dominated by multinational companies. However, there are some companies operating in the market, but at niche level. Some of the major companies operating in the global release liner market are Gascogne Laminates, 3M Company, Rayven Inc and Sil TechAbout UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes.Contact UsPersistence Market Research305 Broadway7th Floor, New York City,NY 10007, United States,USA,Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353Email: sales@persistencemarketresearch.comWeb: Wireless Portable Medical Devices Market Opportunities, Size, Share, Trends, Revenue, Growth and Demand by 2023 https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/wireless-portable-medical-devices-market/report-sample https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/wireless-portable-medical-devices-market www.psmarketresearch.com Wireless portable medical devices are the medical devices that are not restricted to hospitals and can be used in schools, offices, homes and aircrafts to ensure earlier diagnosis and better healthcare monitoring. Rising urbanization and increasing demand of the devices from healthcare industry are the key factors for the growth of wireless portable medical devices. Wireless portable medical devices are widely used in healthcare monitoring application, home diagnosis, medical therapeutics, and for fitness monitoring.Request for a free sample copy of this research report @Increasing cellular connectivity, coupled with wireless communication advancement is supporting the growth of wireless portable medical devices market. Due to rising income levels and increasing chronic disorders, such as respiratory, diabetes and cardiovascular diseases, the market for wireless portable medical device is expected to gain momentum during the forecast period.Increasing geriatric population is another important driver for wireless portable medical devices market, as the elderly people are more prone to illness and often seek hospitalization. With increasing government support to medical establishments in rural areas, the adoption of advanced medical devices has surged.The portable medical devices market can be segmented on the basis of application, technology, and equipment type. Based on various applications, the global portable medical devices market can be categorized into diagnosis, monitoring, medical therapeutics, fitness and wellness and others. Based on technology, wireless portable medical devices can be categorized into Wi-Fi, ZigBee, BT/BLE, ANT+ and others. Based on type of equipment, wireless portable medical devices can be segmented as insulin pumps, pulse oximeter, medical imaging, digital hearing aid, hemodynamic monitors and others.North America is the largest market of wireless portable medical devices market, owing to large number of patients suffering from various chronic diseases in the region. Europe is also one of the major wireless portable medical devices market. The large populations of baby boomers coupled with the patients convenience, such as home based health monitoring in the region, are some of the most dominant drivers of the market. The wireless portable medical devices market is expected to grow at a fast pace in developing countries, such as India and China, of Asia-Pacific. The healthcare sector in these countries has grown multifold in the past few years and the government investment is further expected to boost the growth of sector. This in turn, is also expected to create opportunities for the wireless portable medical devices market during the forecast period.Explore report description @Some of the major players in global wireless portable medical device market include, Renesas Electronics Corporation Texas Instruments, Omron Healthcare, Renesas Electronics Corporation, GE Healthcare, STMicroelectronics N.V., Maxim Integrated, ON Semiconductor Corporation, Medtronic, Inc., Freescale Semiconductor Inc., and Analog Devices Inc.About P&S Market ResearchP&S Market Research is a global market research and consulting company. We provide market research reports, industry reports, business intelligence and research based consulting services across a range of industries.With the help of our professional corporate relations with various companies, our market research offers the most accurate market forecasting. Our analysts and consultants interact with leading companies of the concerned domain to substantiate every single data presented in our publication. Our research assists our client in identifying new and different windows of opportunity and frame informed and customized strategies for expansion 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: Global CVT Automotive Torque Converter Market 2018 - Kapec, ZF, Valeo, Schaeffler Global CVT Automotive Torque Converter Market https://bit.ly/2JKKbsP https://bit.ly/2JCPWwq www.apexmarketreports.com Apex Market Reports, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the CVT Automotive Torque Converter Market across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of CVT Automotive Torque Converter Market from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global PP Pipe industry, and estimates the future trend of CVT Automotive Torque Converter on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares CVT Automotive Torque Converter performance both in terms of volume and revenue.The market research report explores the CVT Automotive Torque Converter Market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of CVT Automotive Torque Converter Market. The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the CVT Automotive Torque Converter Market based on major product types, application and end users industries of CVT Automotive Torque Converter. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for CVT Automotive Torque Converter Market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportEXEDYYutaka GikenKapecZFValeoSchaefflerAerospace PowerPunch PowertrainAllison TransmissionPrecision of New HamptonHongyuThe competitive landscape of the global market for CVT Automotive Torque Converter is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, CVT Automotive Torque Converter Markets production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the CVT Automotive Torque Converter Market globally.Inquire Before Buying @The Global CVT Automotive Torque Converter Market 2018 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, CVT Automotive Torque Converter production volume, data pertaining to demand and CVT Automotive Torque Converter supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of CVT Automotive Torque Converter along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for CVT Automotive Torque Converter across the world.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 - Automotive Air Filters Market to Record an Exponential CAGR by 2020 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3478 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3478 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Air filters are essential component of an automotive which serves basically two purposes based on its type. There are two types of automotive air filters namely intake air filters and cabin air filters. Where the former acts as a barrier against foreign particles such as dust to enter engines combustion chamber, the latter restricts the entry of dust in the cabin of the vehicle through the vent of HVAC system. Non-performance of intake air filters may lead to inefficiency of engine and increase in its emission levels. Therefore, it becomes necessary for the vehicle user to clean it at regular intervals and replace it with new once it completes its lifetime.Request for Report Sample:Automotive air filters have both OEM as well as replacement markets wherein the latter dominates the global sales. The automotive air filter market is driven by increasing demand for automobiles, strict emission norms and changing lifestyles. The increasing number of vehicles with air-conditioned cabins is boosting the market for cabin air filters. The increasing health consciousness of people wherein they require resistance from dust, pollution, harmful exhaust gases and other contaminants while driving is attracting the car users for the cars with cabin air filter. According to The World Health Organization (WHO), the urban outdoor air pollution causes about 1.3 million deaths every year worldwide. Apart from the developed countries, the developing countries are also becoming conscious about their safety from outdoor pollution which is a positive sign for the growth of cabin air filters market in the long term.Based on vehicle type, automotive air filter market can be segmented under passenger cars, light commercial vehicles and heavy commercial vehicles. However, there exist certain restraints for automotive air filters market including large interval of their replacement in the developing countries and increasing market for duplicate automotive air filters.Request for Report TOC:Growing per capita income in other Asian countries such as India is propelling the demand for passenger cars. On the other hand, the increasing industrialization and commerce in Asian countries are boosting the market for commercial vehicles which is driving the automotive air filters market in the region. Commercial vehicles in the developing countries need more care and maintenance as the quality of parts used in them is low as compared to the commercial vehicles manufactured in the developed countries. Moreover, due to less developed infrastructure the chances of entry of dust and dirt in the combustion compartment are high. Due to these factors, the replacement market in the developing markets including Asia Pacific is high as compared the developed countries. However, cabin air filters finds very less usage in commercial vehicles as the requirement for cabin convenience is very less in their case.Among the regions, Asia Pacific dominated the global sales of automotive air filters followed by North America. China surpassed U.S. in 2010 to become the country with largest automotive population. Some of the key companies operating in automotive air filter market include AC Delco Inc., Affinia Group, Denso Corporation, Hengst GmbH and Company KG, Cummins Inc, Toyota Boshoku Corporation and Hollingsworth & Vose Company 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: Security Printing Market Opportunities, Size, Share, Trends, Revenue, Growth and Demand by 2023 https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/security-printing-market/report-sample https://www.psmarketresearch.com/market-analysis/security-printing-market www.psmarketresearch.com Security printing involves printing of items that requires authentication such as banknotes, postage stamps, product authentication, identity cards, stock certificates and passports. Security printing includes holograms, intaglio printing, special paper, watermarks, micro-printing, security threads, anti-copying marks, magnetic inks and serial numbers. Based on end-user applications, security printing market can be categorized as tickets, financial, personal ID, brand protection and others. Coatings, substrates and inks are expected to be the largest product category in the security printing market in near future.Request for a free sample copy of this research report @Increasing fraudulent activities by anti-social elements is one of the reasons for growing demand of security printing market. Counterfeit activities are invading the supply chain network of companies, where goods with altered packaging are introduced for shipment. Fraudulent activities are also on rise in tax stamps, forged documents and bank notes. Furthermore, increasing awareness about various fraudulent activities in consumer groups is anticipated to generate new opportunities for the global security printing market.Asia-Pacific dominated the global security printing market in 2014. Due to increasing awareness towards the surging counterfeit and forgery activities in the developing countries, the demand for security printing is expected to increase during the forecast period. North America holds a small share in the global security printing market. Due to increasing awareness among consumer groups and companies about document security, growth for security printing market in North America is expected to revive in next few years. The security printing market in Europe is expected to grow at a moderate pace. Western Europe is expected to witness significant growth in the security printing market during the forecast period.Explore report description @Global security printing market has a consolidated structure with few players accounting for majority of market share. Some of the key competitors in the global security printing market include Madras Security Printers, 3M, Giesecke & Devrient, Tungkong Co Ltd, and Thai British Security Printing Public Co. Ltd.About P&S Market ResearchP&S Market Research is a global market research and consulting company. We provide market research reports, industry reports, business intelligence and research based consulting services across a range of industries.With the help of our professional corporate relations with various companies, our market research offers the most accurate market forecasting. Our analysts and consultants interact with leading companies of the concerned domain to substantiate every single data presented in our publication. Our research assists our client in identifying new and different windows of opportunity and frame informed and customized strategies for expansion 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: Global Feed Probiotics Sales Market Professional Survey Report 2025: By Product, Application, Manufacturer, Sales and Segmentation https://www.qyresearch.com/sample-form/form/73229/global-feed-probiotics-sales-market https://www.qyresearch.com/index/detail/73229/global-feed-probiotics-sales-market www.qyresearch.com This report studies the global Feed Probiotics market status and forecast, categorizes the global Feed Probiotics 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).Request Sample Copy of the Report @Probiotics are products that contain living microorganismsbacteria and/or yeasts. Use of probiotics in animal feeds has been shown to benefit digestion,animal performance and the immune system.The worlds population is expected to reach more than 9 billion by 2050, imposing foodsecurity challenges particularly for developing countries. Moreover, economic growth hasincreased the demand for livestock products putting pressure on the livestock sector toproduce more with limited resources. Nevertheless, the livestock sector is one of the fastestgrowing agricultural sectors contributing about 40 percent of the global value of agriculturalproduction (Bruinsma, 2003), supporting the livelihoods and food security of almost 1.3 billionpeople. This expansion poses issues regarding: the most efficient use of resources to producefood for humans; effects of land conversion and more intensified use on conservation ofenvironmental services and biodiversity; effects of ruminant methane production on climatechange; and effects of climate change-induced temperature rise on animal production.The dry form of probiotics in animal feed accounted for the largest market share in 2017. Dry probiotics help in enhancing the shelf life of feed products, resulting in lower storage costs for feed manufacturers, thus increasing the demand for dry probiotics in animal feed.Click to view the full report TOC, figure and tables:Asia-Pacific accounted for the largest market share for probiotics in animal feed in 2017, owing to a large livestock base, high meat consumption, and increasing consumer awareness about the positive impact of probiotics on animal health. Major countries contributing significantly toward the growth of the Asia-Pacific region include China, India, Japan, Australia, and New Zealand.The global Feed Probiotics market is valued at xx million US$ in 2017 and will reach xx million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of 7.5% during 2018-2025.The major players covered in this reportChr. Hansen A/SKoninklijke DSM N.V.Lallemand, Inc.Lesaffre & CIEE. I. Dupont De Nemours and CompanyNovozymes A/SCalpis Co., Ltd.Land Olakes, Inc. (Purina Animal Nutrition)Schouw & Co.Evonik Industries AGAlltechMitsui & Co., LtdQY Research established in 2007, focus on custom research, management consulting, IPO consulting, industry chain research, data base and seminar services. The company owned a large basic data base (such as National Bureau of statistics database, Customs import and export database, Industry Association Database etc), experts resources (included energy automotive chemical medical ICT consumer goods etc.QY Research, INC.17890 Castleton,Suite 218,City of industry, CA - 91748USA: +1 626 295 2442Email inquiry@qyrsearch.comWeb HA NOI The Party and State of Viet Nam will create optimal conditions for the Vietnamese and Indian defence ministries to co-operate closely, deepening the comprehensive strategic partnership between the two countries, said President Tran ai Quang. At a reception in Ha Noi on Wednesday for Indian Defence Minister Nirmala Sitharaman, President Quang urged leaders of the two ministries to instruct agencies to implement defence co-operation contents, including delegation exchange and collaboration in personnel training, defence industry, information-technology, strategic research and UN peacekeeping. The partnership would help maintain peace and development in each country and the region, he said, asking the ministries to continue their consultation mechanisms at regional and international forums. Noting with pleasure the enhancement of the Viet Nam-India partnership, President Quang stressed that Viet Nam backs the Indian Governments Act East policy. The Vietnamese State, people and army appreciate the support from their Indian counterparts over the years, he said. Recalling his visit to India in March, the President said the two sides reached many important common perceptions to reinforce their ties. The leader believed that bilateral friendship will be consolidated thanks to the political resolve of senior leaders of the two countries along with mutual trust and will for co-operation and development. In reply, Minister Sitharaman said that India treasures and wants to beef up its partnership with Viet Nam and the two nations still boast potential for stronger co-operation, especially in security-defence. During talks with his counterpart the same day, Vietnamese Defence Minister General Ngo Xuan Lich said the Indian Defence Ministers visit would strengthen ties between Viet Nam and India and promote bilateral defence collaboration for the benefit of each countrys people and for peace, stability, co-operation and development in the region and world. Reviewing bilateral defence partnership over the years, both sides reached consensus on measures to boost their ties. They underscored the importance of maintaining existing co-operation mechanisms such as deputy ministerial-level defence policy dialogue, meetings of the Joint Working Group on bilateral defence co-operation and consultations between Vietnamese and Indian officers of naval, land and air forces. Host and guest looked into the partnership between the two countries military forces, and co-operation in personnel training, defence industry, strategic research, post-war recovery and the UN peacekeeping. They also discussed regional and global issues of shared concern. VNS Technology Overview: Global Next Gen LMS market for Higher Education to grow at a CAGR of 31.70% during 2017-2021 https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1267278 https://www.researchmoz.us/global-next-gen-lms-market-for-higher-education-2017-2021-report.html/toc The education technology market can be broadly categorized into two segments, i.e. technological architecture and collaborative tools. Technological architecture comprises hardware, software, and services. The hardware segment consists of interactive whiteboards, interactive displays, educational PCs, and projectors. The software segment constitutes document management systems, classroom management systems, classroom collaboration systems, student information systems, classroom assessment scoring systems, student response systems, learning content management systems (LCMS), and learning management systems (LMS). Software services include digital interactive resources of imparting knowledge to students such as digital text, graphics, and audio-visual aids. Collaborative tools are supporting tools, which help in the enhanced coherent use of technology.The Global Next Gen LMS Market for Higher Education to grow at a CAGR of 31.70% during the period 2017-2021. The report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global next gen LMS market for higher education for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from the next gen LMS for the higher education sector.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- APAC- Europe- North America- ROWClick to get Sample PDF:Technavio's report, Global Next Gen LMS Market for Higher Education 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- D2L- Docebo- Growth Engineering- INSTRUCTURE- JenzabarOther prominent vendors- Blackboard- Edmodo- PowerSchool Learning- N2N Services- Saba Software- SchoologyMarket driver- Need for cost-effective LMS for higher education- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- Lack of operating expertise- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend- Increasing learning experiences using SMAC- For a full, detailed list, view our reportView Complete TOC with Tables and Figures at:Key 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?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Mr. NachiketAlbany NY - 12207United StatesTel: +1-518-621-2074Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free)Email: sales@researchmoz.us Heavy Trucks Market Greater Revenue Share by 2021 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3580 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3580 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Trucks market can be classified as light, medium and heavy based on their dimensions and load capacity. Heavy trucks market is solely dependent on the industrial progress in a country as it is used in carrying the raw materials for the industries as well as the finished goods from manufacturing location to its intended market. The logistics industry includes transportation modes in land, air and waterways. Land transport is further segmented into rail transport and road transport. The finished goods, especially the consumer goods are mostly transported by heavy trucks.Heavy trucks are basically of two types namely heavy combination and multi combination. Heavy Trucks have three or more axles and have the same GVM 8,000-9,000 kilograms. Heavy combination and Multi combination trucks have Gross Vehicle Mass (GVM) of over 9,000 kilograms. A mover plus semi-trailer combination is an example of heavy trucks, whereas road trains are the types of multi combination commercial trucks.Request for Report Sample:Heavy trucks market suffered downturns during economic recession in the U.S. and Europe wherein their industrial processes, especially automobile manufacturing suffered severe setbacks. However, the U.S. has emerged out of its recessionary period and making swift advancements in its industries. Europe, on the other hand is recovering from Euro-zone crisis and its heavy trucks market is expected to recover in 2015. Heavy trucks with diesel engines account for the largest market among their types based on fuel consumption.The increase in raw material prices is one of the biggest hurdles for truck industry wherein the soaring iron and steel prices are compelling the truck manufacturers to increase prices of their final product. The economically volatile environment and unstable crude oil prices are restraining fleet owners (the consumers for truck industry) to purchase new trucks. Poor road infrastructure in the developing countries has been a prevailing challenge for the trucks manufacturing market which is making the trucking activities strenuous and prone to frequent breakdowns. The global heavy truck manufacturers have been increasing the number of their service stations in order to build customer relationships which are to a great degree dependent on servicing facilities provided by the companies.Request for Report TOC:Germany is known to be the logistics hub of Europe due to its high level of industrial and commercial activities. Commerce and trade are developing at a fast pace in Brazil and the Middle East countries. The increasing number of vendors for the components of truck is providing ample growth opportunities for the truck manufacturing market. The fast pace of industrial development in China is boosting the production and sales of heavy trucks market in the country. Indian heavy truck market is also growing at a fast pace due to increasing demand for consumer goods on account of rising population. The next eleven countries (Bangladesh, Egypt, Indonesia, Iran, Mexico, Nigeria, Pakistan, Philippines, South Korea, Turkey and Vietnam) are expected to lay strongest growth opportunity for the heavy trucks market due to their increasing rate of industrialization.Among the regions, Asia Pacific accounted for the largest share in the global heavy trucks market, followed by Europe. Some of the major players in truck manufacturing market include Doengfeng, Daimler Trucks, FAW, China National Heavy Duty Truck Corporation (CNHTC), TATA Motors, Volvo Global Trucks, Torch, Beijing Automotive Industry Corporation (BAIC) and MAN. Daimler, Navistar and Paccar were the leading players in heavy trucks market in North America, whereas Daimler, Volvo and MAN dominated the sales in Western Europe. The heavy trucks market in Asia Pacific was led by Doengfeng, FAW, CNHTC and TATA motors. China became the worlds largest consumer of heavy trucks in 2010, leaving behind Germany at second place.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: Color Detection Sensors Market to Reflect Robust Expansion During 2015-2025 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-806 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-806 www.futuremarketinsights.com Global color detection sensors market includes advanced sensors which apart from differentiating light produced by the target, also helps in recognizing various colors of the light. Global color detection sensors market find its application in monitoring consistency in color which is useful in case of production of plastics, textiles and various other processes. Global color detection sensors market has become a necessity for the accomplishment of industrial automation. The increasing technological advancements and rise in industries is leading to the increase in demand for global color detection sensors market. For further enhancing the global color detection sensors market, players are offering customization, easy-to-use and portability of the product as well as mechanization of the product.Color Detection Sensors Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe increase in global automation industry is the major driving factor for the growth of global color detection sensors market. Automation of various processes in the industries, increasing demand from the end users such as packaging, food & beverage, petrochemicals, hardware, chemicals, textiles, etc., being more cost effective, faster and easier to replace than image sensors, technological advancements, global investments outlines are some of the reasons for the growth of global color detection sensors market. The cost and increasing requirement for more features and accuracy are some of the challenges for the growth of global color detection sensors market.Request For Report Sample@Color Detection Sensors Market: SegmentationOn the basis of product type, global color detection sensors market can be segmented into:Color sensingRGB sensorsLuminescence sensorsContrast sensorsBrightness sensorsOthersOn the basis of market verticals, global color detection sensors market can be segmented into:AutomotiveFood & BeveragePackagingTextilesPharmaceuticalProduction unit automationChemicalLighting & signageOthersOn the basis of end-user industry, global color detection sensors can be segmented into:HealthcarePrintingConsumer electronicsLighting and signageIndustrial automationFluid analysisOthersColor Detection Sensors Market: Region-wise OutlookAsia-Pacific region is anticipated to have a robust growth in global color detection sensors market due to increasing demands from various industries establishing their plants in these regions and requiring automation of the processes such as extraction of oil & gas, healthcare industries, wastewater treatment, etc. in the developed countries due to continuous technological advancements and innovations, the demand for global color detection sensors market is stable. Global detection sensors market is expected to grow with compound annual growth rate of single digit during the forecast period.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC):Color Detection Sensors Market: Key PlayersSome of the key players in global color detection sensors market include SICK AG, Banner Engineering Corp., SensoPart Industriesensorik GmbH, Rockwell Automation, Inc., ifm electronic gmbh, Hamamatsu photonics K.K., Pepperl+Fuchs GmbH, Omron Corporation and Keyence Corporation.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Global Metal Security Door Market 2018 - Wangli, Simto, Buyang, Mexin Global Metal Security Door Market https://bit.ly/2t53kyz https://bit.ly/2t5o0Xa www.apexmarketreports.com Apex Market Reports, recently published a detailed market research study focused on the Metal Security Door Market across the global, regional and country level. The report provides 360 analysis of Metal Security Door Market from view of manufacturers, regions, product types and end industries. The research report analyses and provides the historical data along with current performance of the global PP Pipe industry, and estimates the future trend of Metal Security Door on the basis of this detailed study. The study shares Metal Security Door performance both in terms of volume and revenue.The market research report explores the Metal Security Door Market across the globe along with major regions and countries. The research report provides a detailed study on each and every aspect of Metal Security Door Market. The research report studies the entire value chain from raw material to end user industries. The report also shares import/export statistics along with production and consumption for all major regions and countries. Moreover, the research study classifies the Metal Security Door Market based on major product types, application and end users industries of Metal Security Door. Besides, the report also covers geographical segmentation for Metal Security Door Market. The report further provides production, capacity, price per region, gross margin, production cost, for all major regions and countries listed in report.Get Free Sample Copy of Report Here:Top Manufacturers Analysis of This ReportLarsonGrishamPrecision DoorProviaAndersen CorporationRBDierreHormannASSA ABLOYWangliSimtoBuyangMexinXingyueshenFeiyunThe competitive landscape of the global market for Metal Security Door is determined by assessing the major industry participants, production capacity, production capacity utilization rate, Metal Security Door Markets production chain, pricing by each manufacturer and the revenue generated by each manufacturer in the Metal Security Door Market globally.Inquire Before Buying @The Global Metal Security Door Market 2018 is further analyzed on the basis of product pricing, Metal Security Door production volume, data pertaining to demand and Metal Security Door supply, and the revenue garnered by the product. The report provides upstream and downstream analysis covering major raw material used in manufacturing of Metal Security Door along with detailed manufacturing sources. The report also shares list of major raw material manufacturers along with their manufacturing locations. Detailed raw material price trend analysis along with manufacturing cost analysis is also incorporated into the report. Various methodical tools such as investment returns, feasibility, SWOT analysis and market attractiveness analysis has been implemented in the research study to present a comprehensive, detailed study of the industry for Metal Security Door across the world.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 - Metal Stamping Market to Actively Foray into Emerging Consumer Market places During 2015-2025 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-812 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-812 www.futuremarketinsights.com The rising competition in the automotive industry has led to the growth in demand for the global metal stamping market. In global metal stamping market, the desired shape of the metal is achieved by pressing or punching process with the help of stamping dies. The process of punching or the application of pressure can be done either manually or mechanically as per the requirement. Metals predominantly used in the global metal stamping market are aluminium, steel, brass, copper and stainless steel. Global metal stamping market is expected to grow with a single digit compound annual growth rate during the forecast period.Metal Stamping Market: Drivers & RestraintsThe increasing technological advancement and development in the automotive industry is the major driving force for the growth of global metal stamping market. In case of an automobile, global metal stamping market finds its usage in side panels, brackets, bonnets, roofs, hangers, etc. The growing demand in consumer electronics, aerospace, electrical & electronics, engineering machinery, defence and telecommunication are some of the other driving factors for the growth of global metal stamping market. The evolution of metal stamping of next generation has generated a dynamic pull for the growth of global metal stamping market. In this, the usage of dies is optional thus it saves time and optimises the cost for the company. The increasing usage of other processes specially casting and forging during the formation of metal as they produce quality products and also have the flexibility in being used in the formation of heavy metals and also the high cost of raw materials are the challenges faced by the global metal stamping market.Request For Report Sample@Metal Stamping Market: SegmentationOn the basis of product type, global metal stamping market can be segmented into following segments:Vehicle stampingJob stampingOthersOn the basis of end users, global metal stamping market can be segmented into:AutomotiveAerospaceConsumer electronicsTelecommunicationElectrical & electronicsOthersMetal Stamping Market: Region-wise OutlookGlobal metal stamping market in North America and Europe is anticipated to grow at a good pace due to the growing demand in the automotive industry. The global metal stamping market is estimated to grow with a single digit CAGR in North America during the forecast period. The industry is replacing ferrous materials with non-ferrous materials in order to reduce the vehicle weight. In the developing regions, Asia and Latin America are expected to be the prospective market due to the expansion of capacity utilization and also the growing trend of outsourcing.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC):Metal Stamping Market: Key PlayersSome of the few key players in global metal stamping market are: American Industrial Company, Martinrea International Inc., Magna International Inc., Hayes Lemmerz International, Harvey Vogel Manufacturing Co., Haitong Metals, D&H Industries, Inc., Dongguan Fortuna Metal Stamping Company, ThyssenKrupp AG, Alcoa Inc. and American Axle & manufacturing, Inc.Some of the key vendors in global metal stamping market are: Fiat Chrysler Automobiles, Toyota Motor Corporation, Ford Motor Company, General Motors, BMW AG, Whirlpool and Boeing.ABOUT US:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.CONTACT:Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Animal Feed Enzymes Market To Increase at Steady Growth Rate https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=1375 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/animal-feed-enzymes.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The global animal feed enzymes market is expected to witness significant growth attributed to increasing production of the livestock such as poultry, fish and pigs. Prevalence of various food-borne and zoonotic diseases is further expected to impact growth of the global animal feed enzyme market positively. Manufacturers are increasingly adopting nanotechnology for enhanced production. Moreover, manufacturing companies are focusing on entering into collaborations in order to gain a competitive edge over the other market players globally.Request to view Sample Report:The report reveals an in-depth insight on crucial aspects of the global animal feed enzymes market and further provides information on related to the competitive landscape, factors fuelling growth of the global market, important segments and growth patterns.Growth of the global animal feed enzymes market is mainly bound by various macro-economic and micro-economic factors. The report reveals that the global animal feed enzymes market is mainly driven by increasing production of livestock such as poultry, pigs and fish. Increasing demand to improve quality of the product and keep the energy values and metabolism rate intact has fuelled sales of the animal feed enzymes significantly. Growing prevalence of the food-borne diseases and zoonotic diseases is expected to contribute towards growth of the global animal feed enzymes market. Zoonotic diseases such as campylobacteriosis and avian flus will continue to boost sales of the animal feed enzymes globally.Read Report Overview @Key players in the global animal feed enzymes market are BASF SE, E. I. Du Pont De Nemours and Company, Novozymes, Azelis Holdings SA, Novus International, Inc., Associated British Foods PLC, Bio-Cat, Alltech Inc., Rossari Biotech Ltd and Lesaffre.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: Tilt Sensor Market Analysis 2018 (By Segment, Key Players and Applications) and Forecasts To 2023 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2318828-global-tilt-sensor-market-analysis-forecast-2017-to-2023 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/2318828-global-tilt-sensor-market-analysis-forecast-2017-to-2023 www.linkedin.com/company/4828928 https://twitter.com/WiseGuyReports https://www.facebook.com/Wiseguyreports-1009007869213183/?fref=ts Market Scenario:Tilt sensors can be explained as a device which helps to produce an electrical signal in an angular manner. The sensors provides information about the vertical as well as horizontal inclination of the device so that it can easily understand how to tackle the obstacles. Tilt sensors plays a vital role in various applications for instance, to understand how to assist the driver while turning the steering of the vehicle.GET SAMPLE REPORT @The global tilt sensor market is a very dynamic market and is expected to witness stable growth over the forecast period. The growth of the tilt sensor market is influenced by the increasing usage of tilt sensors in the construction & mining equipments, high implementation of these sensors in the gaming sectors and increasing adoption of non-metallic materials in different end-users industries. Furthermore, high implementation of tilt sensors MEMS technology in tilt sensors is expected to boost the growth over the forecast period. However, the complexity of technologies and high costs are the factors hindering the growth of the tilt sensor market.The global tilt sensor market is estimated to grow from USD 167.66 million in 2017 to USD 257.64 million by 2023, growing at a CAGR of 7.42% from 2017 to 2023.Objective Study of Tilt Sensor Market: To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast of the various segments and sub-segments of the global tilt sensor market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyze the global tilt sensor market based 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 type, end-users and region. 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 Tilt Sensor market.SegmentsFor the purpose of this study, Market Research Future has segmented the market of Tilt Sensor into type, end-users and region.Type- Switch Based Tilt Sensors Proportional Tilt Sensors Optical Tilt SensorEnd-users- Mining Construction Automobile Transportation Robotics Gaming Aviation OthersKey PlayersThe key players in the global tilt sensor market include- Pepperl+Fuchs Vertrieb GmbH & Co. KG (Germany), TE Connectivity Ltd. (Switzerland), MEMSIC, Inc (U.S.), SICK AG (Germany), Murata Manufacturing Co., Ltd. (Japan), Level Developments Ltd. (UK), Spectron Sensors (U.S.), Tamagawa seiki Co,.Ltd (Japan), The Fredericks Company (U.S.) among others.Regional Analysis-North America is the leading economy in tilt sensor market followed by Europe. However, Asia-Pacific is the fastest growing economy in the market majorly due to growing automotive sector and increasing demand from the construction sector. Also, Middle East & Africa has a slow economic growth.In 2017, North America is estimated to generate the largest revenue of USD 53.23 million followed by Europe with USD 49.92 million generated in 2017. This trend is projected to change by 2023, where Asia-pacific would raise its revenue to USD 78.92 million from USD 46.48 million in year 2017. Asia-Pacific is predicted to show a high revenue growth at a CAGR of 9.22% from 2017 to 2023. Middle East & Africa is expected to grow with slow growth rate of 3.93% during forecast period 2017 to 2023.Key Findings- Global Tilt Sensor market has reached USD 167.66 million in 2017 and is projected to exhibit USD 257.64 million by the end of 2023 with a growing CAGR of 7.42%. By type segment, the switch based tilt sensor segment among all is growing with a highest revenue value of USD 59.99 million in 2017 and it is estimated to reach USD 93.09 million by the end of 2023 and the segment is estimated to grow with CAGR of 7.60% By application segment, the Aviation segment accounted for the largest market share with a revenue of USD 29.71 million in 2017 and is estimated to reach USD 51.22 million by the end of 2023 with a CAGR of 9.50% over the forecast period. By region, in 2017, North America is estimated to generate the largest revenue of USD 53.23 million and expected to reach USD 83.53 million by 2023, with 7.80% CAGR followed by Europe. Asia-Pacific is growing with a CAGR of 9.22% thereby would increase its revenue from USD 46.48 million to USD 78.92 million by 2023.Table of Content: Key Points1 Introduction2 Research Methodology3 Market Dynamics4 Executive Summary5 Market Factor Analysis6 Global Tilt Sensor Market, By Type7 Global Tilt Sensor Market, By Application8 Global Tilt Sensor Market, By Region9 Competitive Landscape10 Company ProfileContinuedACCESS REPORT @Get in touch:LinkedIn:Twitter:Facebook:Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your needs.WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Organic Yogurt Market To Increase at Steady Growth Rate https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=33146 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/organic-yogurt-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Organic yogurt is a good source of fats, proteins, vitamins, carbohydrates as well as numerous minerals. It is considered as a super food owing to its huge health related benefits. It can be prepared from cow milk or goat milk. When using cow milk the nutrition value it provides is enhanced even further and whey proteins, magnesium, calcium, omega 3 fatty acids, vitamin D, probiotics, potassium and other enzymes content is maximized. The advantages of organic yogurt is associated with healthy metabolism of the body, healthy blood pressure and a healthy triglyceride level.Request to view Sample Report:Transparency Market Research, in its new report on global organic yogurt market, has included several research insights associated with this market. These include numerous trends, developments in manufacturing, various key players or manufacturers, drivers impacting growth of the organic yogurt market as well as few restraints. Moreover, a future projection for the period of five years has been covered which includes forecasts on every segment of the organic yogurt market.According to this analytical research report, the global market for organic yogurt is predicted to expand at a stellar CAGR during the period of forecast and is anticipated to reach a valuation of around US$ 15.5 Bn by 2022 end.The specialty stores segment by distribution channel is anticipated to be a potential channel for the distribution of organic yogurt market. This segment has been a much preferred choice since last few years. During the course of 2012-2016, specialty stores gained high traction for distribution of several products in food and beverage sector. In case of organic yogurt, in 2017, specialty stores marked a remarkable valuation and dominated other distribution channels in terms of market share. This is expected to grow over the next few years and the specialty stores segment is estimated to reach a noteworthy value of more than US$ 4 Bn by 2022 end. It is also expected to gain the highest BPS during this period. The modern trade segment in the distribution channel category is also catching steam. It is the second largest segment by value share and growth rate.Read Report Overview @Spoonable yogurt is highly preferred by consumers. It is convenient to consume, store and carry. The spoonable yogurt segment by form type is a highly potential category produced on a large scale. The growth of spoonable yogurt segment is high and during the forecast period of 2017-2022, spoonable yogurt segment is expected to reflect a robust CAGR of 14.4% to reach a significant market value by 2022 end.The extensive market research report on organic yogurt includes analysis on various key players operating in the yogurt industry. Details such as company overview, key financial aspects such as market share and valuation, product portfolio, new product innovations, development in manufacturing techniques, a complete SWOT analysis, geographical reach, etc., of the key players has been covered in this section. The in-depth research report has profiled major players such as Aurora Organic Dairy, Ben & Jerry's Homemade Inc., Wallaby Yogurt Company, Inc., Horizon Organic Holding Corp., Kroger Co., Purity Foods, Inc., Safeway Inc., Stonyfield Farm, Inc., Whole Foods Market Inc., and BJ's Wholesale Club.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: USB-C docking solution lets new Philips monitors take centre stage in today's digital workplace Plug in and work thanks to the new Philips 349P7FUBEB and 272B7QUPBEB USB-C docking solution https://www.philips.co.uk/c-m-so/monitors www.mmd-p.com A 34" curved UltraWide display puts the user in the middle of a large viewing area with high colour fidelity and great image contrast A 27" QHD monitor steps up the docking station concept for business usersAmsterdam, 14 June 2018 MMD, the leading technology company and brand license partner for Philips monitors, is announcing a new 34" UltraWide QHD curved display and a new 27" QHD monitor, both equipped with the practical USB-C docking solution.The emerging importance of USB-CWelcomed by early adopters at the time of its introduction as a true revolution in the making, USB-C is now rapidly becoming a standard requirement for business and power users alike. As a real enabling technology, it provides a whole lot more than its practical reversible connector or its support for higher data transfer speeds, also allowing users to charge, transfer audio and video signal with different protocols, and connect to the Internet with just one single cable. USB-C thus transforms displays into the critical hubs around which the modern digital workplace thrives.A recharging station for mobile devices and notebooks; a docking station for peripherals and sundry accessories such as cameras or headphones; or a linking station for multiple displays: choosing a Philips monitor with the USB-C docking solution is a sure way to redesigning your everyday tasks, reclaiming desktop space and focussing on your work instead of losing time and patience whilst dealing with the quirks and the clutter of multiple, incompatible ports and cables.Plenty of screen real estate for the ultimate 34" set-upFor this reason, MMD constantly expands its rich portfolio of high quality displays equipped with the USB-C docking solution meeting the needs of a diverse range of discerning users. A great addition to its flagship Philips Brilliance P Line, the new 349P7FUBEB is a 34" curved UltraWide display designed for no-compromise WQHD (3440 x 1440) applications. Producing vivid, more natural CrystalClear images featuring an extended UltraWide Color gamut with a 21:9 format high density, high contrast MVA panel, this advanced display provides a subtle immersion effect enveloping the user in the task at hand, helping to stay more focussed and productive.And for more demanding applications requiring even more display space, the dedicated Philips MultiView technology enables an active dual connect feature allowing users to simultaneously view multiple devices such as PCs and notebooks side-by-side thanks to the available Picture-by-Picture and Picture-in-Picture modes. With its 100Hz refresh rate, the new Philips 349P7FUBEB also grabs the eye with its lag-free, ultra-smooth images, never missing a critical frame however advanced your video requirements may be.Eco, ergo, enhancedBusiness users working with general purpose office applications or bespoke professional software have long discovered the benefits of larger displays, especially those models that are equipped with hub capabilities which can be easily and quickly connected to notebook PCs to extend their limited screen space. With its USB-C docking feature, the new Philips 272B7QUPBEB provides an ideal solution to those seeking a 27" QHD monitor to power up their workplace and boost their productivity.With just one USB-C cable, the new 272B7QUPBEB transfers data and high resolution video at USB 3.1 speeds while supplying up to 60 watts to power or recharge external devices. A built-in RJ-45 10/100/1000 Ethernet port allows to immediately plug into any standard IT environment and gives peace of mind to security conscious users, while DisplayPort out makes it easy to daisy chain two or more monitors together for thrilling configurations.Producing crisp, CrystalClear Quad HD (2560 x 1440 or 2560 x 1080 pixel) images with the advanced technology of its IPS display, the new Philips 272B7QUPBEB offers a 90-degree Pivot mode to ergonomically work with vertically oriented visual content such as DTP applications, while helping to cut energy costs with its PowerSensor feature, a smart, harmless infrared sensor which automatically reduces monitor brightness when the user is away from the display.Rounding up a great feature setAdding to this, both the 349P7FUBEB and the 272B7QUPBEB monitors share a rich feature set including LowBlue Mode, a special setting that takes advantage of a dedicated software technology to reduce shortwave blue light emissions which can cause eye damage over time; SmartErgo Base, a height adjustable stand complete with swivel, tilt and pivot functions for the best customisation possible; and Ultra Narrow Border, a smart design feature that minimises distractions and maximises viewing size in multi-display or tiling setups giving the feeling of using a single, large display.Targeted toward users who require high-performance monitors for precise, accurate and colour-critical work, the top range Brilliance Philips 349P7FUBEB will be available in July 2018 with an RRP of 749. For enterprise and environmentally-conscious users, Philips 272B7QUPBEB will also be available in July 2018 with an RRP of 399.More information on Philips monitors:Technical Specifications: Display Philips 349P7FUBEBLCD panel type, size LCD panel type: MVABacklighting technology W-LEDPanel size 34 / 86.36 cmEffective viewing area 797.22 (H) x 333.72 (V) at a 1800 R curvatureOptimal resolution 3440 x 1440 @ 60 HzViewing angle 178 (H) / 178 (V), @ C/R > 10Brightness 300 cd/mContrast ratio (typical): 3000:01:00Display colours 16.7 million coloursColour gamut (typical) NTSC 99.8% (CIE1976), sRGB 117.3% (CIE1931)Convenience Built-in Speakers: 5 W x 2 Power On/Off, Menu/OK, User/Down, SmartImage/Return, MultiView/Up, Kensington lock, VESA mount (100x100mm) Plug & Play Compatibility: DDC/CI, Mac OS X, sRGB, Windows 10 / 8.1 / 8 / 7Connectivity Signal Input: DisplayPort 1.2, HDMI 2.0 x 1, USB-C (PD 60 W) - 60 W) - USB: USB 3.0x3 (1 w/fast charging) - Input: Separate Sync, Sync on - Sync Input: Separate Sync, Sync on Green - Audio (In/Out): PC audio-in, Headphone outSustainability Environmental and energy: RoHS, Lead-free, Mercury Free, WEEE Recyclable packaging material: 100 %Compliance and standards Regulatory Approvals: CE Mark, CU-EAC, RCM, CB, GS, TUV/ISO9241-307, SEMKO, MEPSCabinet Colour: Black Foot: Black / Silver Finish: TextureTechnical Specifications: Display Philips 272B7QUPBEBLCD panel type, size LCD panel type: IPSBacklighting technology W-LEDPanel size 27 inch / 68.5 cmEffective viewing area 596.7 (H) x 335.7 (V)Optimal resolution 2560 x 1440 @ 60 HzViewing angle 178 (H) / 178 (V), @ C/R > 10Brightness 350 cd/mContrast ratio (typical): 1000:1Display colours 16.7 million coloursConvenience Built-in Speakers: 2 W x 2 SmartImage, Input, PowerSensor, Menu, Power On/Off, Kensington lock, VESA mount (100x100mm) Plug & Play Compatibility: DDC/CI, Mac OS X, sRGB, Windows 10 / 8.1 / 8 / 7Connectivity Signal Input: DisplayPort 1.2 x 1, HDMI 1.4 x 1 - USB: USB-C 3.1 x 1 Gen 2 (upstream), USB 3.1 x 3 (downstream, w/fast charging) Output: DisplayPort x 1 - Sync Input: Separate Sync, Sync on Green - Audio (In/Out): Headphone outSustainability Environmental and energy: PowerSensor, EnergyStar 7.0, EPEAT Gold*, TCO edge, RoHS, WEEE Recyclable packaging material: 100 % Post-consumer recycled plastic: 85%Compliance and standards Regulatory Approvals: CE Mark, FCC Class B, SEMKO, cETLus, CU-EAC, TUV Ergo, TUV/GS, EPA, UKRAINIAN, ICES-003, CCC, CECP, PSB, CEL, CBCabinet Front bezel: Black Rear cover: Black Foot: Black Finish: TextureAbout MMDMMD is a wholly owned company of TPV established in 2009 through a brand license agreement with Philips. MMD exclusively markets and sells Philips branded LCD displays worldwide. By combining the Philips brand promise with TPVs manufacturing expertise in displays, MMD uses a fast and focused approach to bringing innovative products to market. MMD serves the Western European, Middle East and African markets from its headquarters in Amsterdam. The Eastern European and CIS markets are served by a local office in Prague. Through its network of local sales teams MMD works with all major IT distributors and resellers. The companys design and development centre are located in Taiwan.Press contact:united communications GmbHElena StrzelczykRotherstr. 1910245 BerlinTel.: +49 30 7890760Philips.Displays@united.deCompany contact Europe:MMD Monitors & Displays B.V.Xeni BairaktariPrins Bernhardplein 200, 6th floor1097 JB AmsterdamTel.: +31 205046945xeni.bairaktari@tpv-tech.com Essential Oil Market: Strong Demand for Natural and Bio-based Products Bodes Well https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=31019 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/essential-oil-market.html http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com With the increasing preference for natural products among consumers, the global market for essential oil is observing a tremendous rise in its valuation. The market is anticipated to remain reporting high growth over the next few years, thanks to the expanding application base of essential oil, from the cosmetics and the food and beverages industry to the aromatherapy and the pharmaceuticals sectors. This research study offers a decisive overview of the worldwide market for essential oil by analyzing this market thoroughly on the basis of its past performance and current status. The future market potential has also been evaluated in details to provide the readers with future projections and forecasts.Request to view Sample Report:The overview section also includes a qualitative assessment of the overall market, emphasizing the influencing factors and various market dynamics, such as the growth drivers, limitations, market trends, challenges, and opportunities, together with potential customer evaluation. In addition to this, an analysis of the markets attractiveness, coupled with the key strategies adopted by the leading players, have been examined thoroughly in this report to explain the intensity of the competition within the market.Based on the type of the product, the market has been bifurcated into spice oil, spice seed oil, citrus oil, herb oil, and perfumery oil. The performance of these market segments has been assessed at length on the basis of their utility, efficiency, sales, and the geographic presence. By extraction method, the market has been classified into distillation, solvent, and cold pressing. On the basis of application, the market is categorized into the personal care and cosmetic, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals, aromatherapy, and the industrial sectors. Based on the sales channel, specialty store, modern trade, drug stores, and online stores have surfaced as the key segments of this market.Read Report Overview @Geographically, the market has been segmented into six regions: North America (Canada and the U.S.), Latin America (Argentina, Mexico, and Brazil), the Middle East and Africa (Israel, South Africa, Turkey, and GCC countries), Asia Pacific excluding Japan (India, South Korea, China, Australia, Indonesia, and Singapore), Europe (the U.K., Germany, Italy, Spain, France, and Nordic countries), and Japan. The market revenue for all the segments have been provided here in terms of US$ Mn for the period from 2017 to 2022, together with the cumulative average growth rate (CAGR %) between 2017 and 2022.In conclusion, the market study offers a thorough review of the key players in the global essential oil market on the basis of a number of attributes, such as the overview of the enterprise, with respect to an assessment of its financial status, brand recognition, and the business. The product portfolio, recent developments, and business strategies have also been discussed in this research report. The leading players profiled in this research study are Young Living Essential Oils, DoTERRA International LLC, Givaudan SA, Enio Bonchev Production Ltd., The Lebermuth Co. Inc., Symrise AG, International Flavors & Fragrances Inc., Citrus and Allied Essences Ltd., Biolandes SA, and China Flavors and Fragrances Co. Ltd.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: HCM CITY The number of bids for medicine and medical equipment has risen dramatically in HCM City, according to the citys Health Department. Many of the bids, which are worth a total of thousands of billion of Vietnamese ong, occurred in the past two weeks after the department selected the slate of potential pharmaceutical suppliers. The bidding stages, including the hiring of consultants and preparation of bidding documents as well as financial arrangements, have also been completed, according to the department. Last week, Thong Nhat Hospital in Tan Binh District announced that it would invite bids for three packages to buy medicine and medical equipment, including a bid package for generic drugs worth VN600 billion (US$26.29 million). This attracted the attention of many pharmaceutical suppliers. The other two bid packages include 309 kinds of special brand drugs (or the equivalent), with a total bidding package value of VN260 billion (11 million). Cho Ray Hospital last week also invited bids for two packages to buy medical equipment, of which the bid security payment was already VN600 million ($26,000). Bidders have also been interested in three bidding packages from the HCM City Oncology Hospital to buy radioactive substances and marking compounds and other medical equipment with total value of VN82 billion ($3.5 million). Severe competition Winning the bids can be highly profitable as the annual procurement value has reached thousands of billion of Vietnamese ong, experts said. However, there is severe competition among contractors. A representative of Minh Chau Health Co., Ltd, a major pharmaceutical company in HCM City, said: Contractors must increase their capacity in terms of quality, service delivery, and, of course, price competition to be able to win the bid. At a recent bidding event for generic drugs by District 2 Hospital, 140 contractors submitted bids. For a package of VN142 billion (medium-sized package), this was considered a very high number, according to the hospital. The hospital also invited bids for two other packages, including one to purchase special drugs and one to buy traditional medicine and herbs, with total bidding value of more than VN45 billion. The three packages at District 2 Hospital have attracted more than 30 tenders, including major contractors in Viet Nam and around the world such as Domesco, Bidiphar, Agimexpharm, Pymepharco, USS Pharma, Zuellig, Yteco and Ben Thanh. Bui Manh Con, director of An Binh Hospital, said that 121 contractors had submitted bids worth a total of VN80 billion for one package. During a tender event, a representative of the contractor, Mekong Company, said it had already participated in many bid packages. All of the packages have rigorous standards. Contractors must ensure many criteria, including GSP (Good Storage Practice), GDP (Good Distribution Practice) and GMP (Good Manufacturing Practice), he said. To win the bid, contractors have to prove their capability and experience, including the number of contracts they have signed, experience in production and business, and financial capacity of contractors. We have tried to offer the most competitive price, said the company representative. Three levels According to the Health Ministry, drug bidding is being conducted at three levels in the country: national, provincial and hospital. Viet Nam Social Security (VSS) is the State agency in charge of organising bidding. The ministry said this year it would open national centralised bidding for 30 of the most commonly used drugs. It will also extend the list of drugs eligible to be bid at the provincial level. In addition, the ministry will negotiate prices of eight types of highly used patented medicine. Speaking at a recent meeting, Deputy Prime Minister Vuong inh Hue, said that centralised drug bidding would be a vital solution to reduce drug prices. Extending the list of biddable drugs would not only be economically beneficial but also a humanitarian imperative, especially to ensure that the poor can buy drugs without worry about price hikes, he said. Hue asked the Health Ministry to conduct open, transparent and competitive bidding on medical equipment and other supplies at some Health Ministry hospitals. VNS Global Cardiomyopathy Market Research and Forecast 2018-2023 https://www.omrglobal.com/industry-reports/cardiomyopathy-market/ https://www.omrglobal.com/reports-category/medical-devices/ https://www.omrglobal.com/reports-category/pharmaceuticals/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/omr-global-research/ Cardiomyopathy is a disease of the heart muscle. It affects any age group and is a serious lifelong condition. The major factors that contributes in the growth of the market are advancement in understanding and managing cardiomyopathy and rise in incidences of congestive heart failure, coronary heart disease, and heart attack. Further, increasing trend of minimally invasive technology and availability of remote monitoring solutions are estimated to contribute in the growth of the market. However, high cost of diagnosis & treatment and lack of public awareness are considered to be the major restraining factors in the growth of the market. Increasing medical tourism in emerging countries and increasing research and development for the cardiomyopathy treatment are developing numerous opportunities for the growth of the cardiomyopathy market.For Browsefull Reports At:The major types of cardiomyopathy include dilated cardiomyopathy, hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and restrictive cardiomyopathy. These types of cardiomyopathy can be inherited. Further, it can be caused by viral infection in heart or heart attack. Dilated cardiomyopathy occurs when the muscles of heart begin to stretch and become thinner. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy happens when the muscles of heart cells enlarge and cause the walls of the heart to thicken. Restrictive cardiomyopathy tends to affect older adults. The heart becomes rigid as the abnormal tissue replaces the normal heart muscle so the heart muscle is unable to relax.On the basis of the geography, the global cardiomyopathy market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and Rest of the World. North America is estimated to account for major share in the global cardiomyopathy market owing to increasing incidence of heart diseases such as coronary heart disease or heart attack in this region. Asia Pacific is estimated to be the fastest growing region during the forecast period owing to increasing medical tourism in emerging countries such as India and China. Key players of the cardiomyopathy market are Array Biopharma, Inc., Boston Scientific Corporation, Cisbio Bioassays, Covance, Critical Diagnostics, Mylan N.V, Pfizer, Inc., Becton and Dickson & Co., BG Medicine Inc., Biomerieux and Bio-Rad Laboratories.Research Methodology:The market study of global cardiomyopathy market is incorporated by extensive primary and secondary research conducted by 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 macro-economic 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 such as research-papers and news blogsCompany websites and their product catalogue.The Report is intended for Researchers in healthcare segment, medical 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.The Report Covers:Comprehensive research methodology of global cardiomyopathy marketIn-depth analysis of macro and micro factors influencing the market guided by key recommendations.Analysis of regional regulations and other government policies impacting the global cardiomyopathy marketInsights about market determinants which are stimulating the global cardiomyopathy marketDetailed and extensive market segments with regional distribution of forecasted revenuesExtensive profiles and recent developments of market playersFor Related Reports At:For More Info Follow At Linkedin:The global pharmaceuticals revenue has reached over one trillion USD and expected to grow across the globe. North America is predicted to contribute more than 40 percent of the total market revenues followed by Europe. Product launch, partnership, Mergers & Acquisitions are the key strategies adopted by the pharmaceutical giants to stay competitive. The market is expected to grow significantly due to global rise in life style oriented diseases, huge investment in research and development and huge opportunity created by emerging economies. Additionally, the rise in life expectancy, rising lingering disease are creating demand for innovative drugs.OMR provides Key company analysis which comprise of various strategies, product portfolio, pipeline analysis and in-depth analysis of R&D scenario in pharmaceutical domain. We provide detailed analysis of regional and global regulations and policies such as public funding, FDA regulations and tax exemption.Orion Market Research Pvt Ltd116, Shagun Arcade, Vijay Nagar Square,Indore, Madhya Pradesh India- 452010Email: info@omrglobal.comIndia: +91 780-304-0404Global: +1 646-755-7667 Patient Engagement Solutions Market Report Till 2024 - Latest Trend, Growth & Forecast Analysis decisiondatabases http://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/download-sample-20914 http://www.decisiondatabases.com/contact/buy-now-20914 www.decisiondatabases.com The new Patient Engagement Solutions Market Research Report recently added by DecisionDatabases.com offers an exhaustive coverage of the latest market outlook, demand, growth, size and share over the forecast period 2017-2024. The report on global patient engagement solutions market evaluates the growth trends of the industry through historical study and estimates future prospects based on comprehensive research. The report extensively provides the market share, growth, trends and forecasts for the period 2017-2024. The market size in terms of revenue (USD MN) is calculated for the study period along with the details of the factors affecting the market growth (drivers and restraints).Download FREE Sample Copy Of this Report:The major market drivers are increasing usage of mobile health solution and growing geriatric population. The market growth might be restricted due lack of skilled professionals under the study period.Furthermore, the report quantifies the market share held by the major players of the industry and provides an in-depth view of the competitive landscape. This market is classified into different segments with detailed analysis of each with respect to geography for the study period 2017-2024. The comprehensive value chain analysis of the market will assist in attaining better product differentiation, along with detailed understanding of the core competency of each activity involved. The market attractiveness analysis provided in the report aptly measures the potential value of the market providing business strategists with the latest growth opportunities.The report also covers the complete competitive landscape of the worldwide market with company profiles of key players such as Allscripts Healthcare Solutions, Inc., Athenahealth, Inc., Cerner Corporation, GetWellNetwork, Inc., Lincor Solutions Ltd., McKesson Corporation, MEDecision, Inc., Orion Health Ltd., Phytel, Inc., and YourCareUniverse, Inc. Geographically, this market has been segmented into regions such as North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America and Middle East & Africa. The study details country-level aspects based on each segment and gives estimates in terms of market size.Table Of Contents- Overview1. Introduction2. Executive Summary3. Market Analysis4. Patient Engagement Solutions Market Analysis By Type of Delivery5. Patient Engagement Solutions Market Analysis By Component6. Patient Engagement Solutions Market Analysis By End-Use7. Patient Engagement Solutions Market Analysis By Application8. Patient Engagement Solutions Market Analysis By Therapeutic Area9. Patient Engagement Solutions Market Analysis By Geography10. Competitive Landscape Of The Patient Engagement Solutions Companies11. Company Profiles Of The Patient Engagement Solutions Industry (Company Overview, Financial, Major Products & Recent Development)Purchase Complete Global Patient Engagement Solutions Market Research Report:DecisionDatabases.com is a global business research reports provider, enriching decision makers and strategists with qualitative statistics. DecisionDatabases.com is proficient in providing syndicated research report, customized research reports, company profiles and industry databases across multiple domains.Our expert research analysts have been trained to map clients research requirements to the correct research resource leading to a distinctive edge over its competitors. We provide intellectual, precise and meaningful data at a lightning speed.3rd Floor, Fountain chambers,Nanabhai Lane, Fort, Mumbai - 1E-Mail: sales@decisiondatabases.comPhone: +91 99 28 237112Web: Hilton Pattaya Runs a Fundraising Campaign to Support the Habitat for Humanity Thailand www.facebook.com/PattayaHilton www.pattaya.hilton.com Hilton Pattaya led by Mr. Rudolf Troestler, general manager, Hilton Pattaya (2nd from the right) donated THB 200,000 for the fourth consecutive year by fundraising from Teddy for Charity campaign to Mr. Timothy Loke, chief executive officer, Habitat for Humanity Thailand for sponsorship of a greenhouse for Wat Don Lan School in Phak Hai District, Ayutthaya.To support Hiltons mission of strengthening the local community and creating sustainable living, Teddy for Charity campaign has been created since 2015 to donate the contribution from selling teddy bears for community development.On July 24, Hilton Pattayas volunteers will join with Habitat of Humanity Thailand team for building a greenhouse and hosting for lunch at Wat Don Lan School in Phak Hai District, Ayutthaya.For more information of Hilton Pattayas news and activities, please visitAbout Hilton PattayaUnique by design and centrally located, Hilton Pattaya rises 34 levels above CentralFestival Pattaya Beach, South East Asias largest beachfront shopping complex, with spectacular views North and South over Pattaya Bay and the Gulf of Thailand. Styled with the propertys beachfront location in mind, all Hilton Pattaya rooms and suites feature ocean views with private balconies. This unique position forms the core of Hilton Pattayas design concept and philosophy. Panoramic views, high quality design and finishes, and impeccable service play an integral part of the experience that is on offer to both leisure and business travelers. From the moment you arrive you will know that a new standard for style and sophistication has been set. A unique combination of light, textures and finishes create an atmosphere of pure indulgence. Just 90 minutes from Bangkok Suvarnabumi International Airport and with so much luxury to offer, the Hilton Pattaya is your new recreation and business destination of choice. For information, please visitor contact the hotel directly on + 66 (0)3 825 3000.Hilton Pattaya333/101 Moo 9, Nong Prue, Banglamung, Chonburi 20260 ThailandTel. +66 (0)38 253 000 Global Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment Market Forecast 2018-2025 Ignyta, Redx Pharma, Biofrontera AG, Medivir AB Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment Market https://bit.ly/2JWtAW2 http://www.qymarketstudy.com/report/global-basal-cell-carcinoma-treatment-sales-market-11464 www.qymarketstudy.com/ A comprehensive market study on "Global Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment Market 2018-2025" examines the performance of the Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment market. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.Leading Manufacturers Analysis such as - Adgero Biopharmaceuticals Holdings Inc, Biofrontera AG, Biosceptre International Ltd, BLR Bio LLC, Cannabis Science Inc, Genextra Spa, Ignyta Inc, Laboratories Ojer Pharma SL, MediGene AG, Medivir AB, Merck & Co Inc, Provectus Biopharmaceuticals Inc, Redx Pharma Plc, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals Inc, Shanghai Fudan-Zhangjiang Bio-Pharmaceutical Co Ltd, Transgene SA.The Global Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment Market 2018 report includes Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment market Revenue, market Share, Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment industry volume, market Trends, Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report. It shows manufacturing capacity, Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment Price during the Forecast period from 2018 to 2025.Request Sample Copy of Report:Firstly, the report covers the top Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment Market Segmented Based on Application - Hospital, Clinic, Research Center.Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment Market Segmented Based on Type - Cemiplimab, CS-S/BCC-1, DAC-060, Fluorouracil, Imiquimod SR, Others.Further, the Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment industry, Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment 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 Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment market revenue worldwide.Finally, Basal Cell Carcinoma Treatment 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 Luxury Hotels Market Study Reveals Growth Factors and Competitive Outlook for Future MRRSE https://www.mrrse.com/sample/284 https://www.mrrse.com/luxury-hotels-market https://www.mrrse.com/ The healthy growth of the travel and tourism industry is allowing the global luxury hotels market to gain significant momentum. Rapid globalization and urbanization along with rising disposable are encouraging people to travel for vacations and business purposes, which in turn is escalating the development of the hotel industry worldwide. According to a report by Transparency Market Research, the global luxury hotels market will expand at a CAGR of 4.0% from 2015 to 2021, reaching a valuation of US$195.2 bn by the end of 2021.Get Full Report Details & PDF Report Copy @Branding and promotions play a critical role in the growth of the market. In order to suit the constantly changing consumer requirements, luxury hotels are constantly trying to enhance their services. Their owners are paying high attention to implementing new services, including complimentary services and customization of rooms, with properly trained hotel staff in order to satisfy customers. Moreover, as people are becoming increasingly brand conscious, successful branding and marketing can increase the awareness and affinity of consumers and in turn loyalty. Apart from this, the increasing organization of international events is providing a tremendous boost to the luxury hotels market.Business Hotels to Remain Most Prominent Segment through 2021On the basis of type, the global luxury hotels market is divided into suite hotels, business hotels, resorts, airport hotels, and others, which include service apartments, casino hotels, and conference and convention centers. The business hotel segment will continue to account for the lions share in the market until 2021. The growing number of multinational companies and rapid globalization are contributing to the growth of the segment. Apart from this, aggressive branding and marketing strategies undertaken by existing players are also anticipated to boost the popularity of business hotels.The segment will be closely trailed by airport hotels. The target consumers of this type of hotel are airline passengers with overnight layovers or cancelled flights, airline crew and staff, and business clientele. The increasing air traffic is supplementing the growth of the airport hotels segment. Resorts will be the most promising segment during the forecast period. The growing popularity of all-inclusive resorts along with the rising spending power is providing a significant push to the segment.Request Full TOC with Figures, Charts, Tables Here:Changing Lifestyles of Populace to Help North America Retain Dominance until 2021From the geographical standpoint, the report classifies the global luxury hotels market into North America, Asia Pacific, and Europe. In Rest of the World, the report primarily focuses on Saudi Arabia and Brazil. North America will continue to be the frontrunner in the global market until 2021. The growth of the region can be attributed to the high disposable income and change in consumer lifestyles. The increasing inclination towards all-inclusive resorts is also propelling the luxury hotels market in the region.Europe will also hold a prominent position in the global arena, thanks to the rising spending power of the populace. Besides this, the highly lucrative travel and tourism industry in the region is positively impacting the European luxury hotels market. Asia Pacific, on the other hand, will rise at a noteworthy CAGR during the review period. The growth of the region is largely driven by the growing disposable income and rapid infrastructural development. The demand for luxury hotels in regions in Rest of the World is augmented by the rising number of international events and the improving standard of living.Some of the prominent chain of luxury hotels around the world are Four Seasons Holdings Inc., InterContinental Hotels Group PLC, Starwood Hotels & Resorts, Jumeirah International LLC, Kerzner International Resorts Inc., The Indian Hotels Company Limited, Mandarin Oriental International Limited, ITC Hotels Limited, Shangri-La International Hotel Management Ltd., and Marriott International Inc.About MRRSEMarket Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE) is an industry-leading database of market intelligence reports. MRRSE is driven by a stellar team of research experts and advisors trained to offer objective advice. Our sophisticated search algorithm returns results based on the report title, geographical region, publisher, or other keywords.MRRSE partners exclusively with leading global publishers to provide clients single-point access to top-of-the-line market research. MRRSEs repository is updated every day to keep its clients ahead of the next new trend in market research, be it competitive intelligence, product or service trends or strategic consulting.ContactState Tower90, State Street Suite 700Albany, NY 12207 (United States)Telephone: +1-518-730-0559Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite: Smartphone Biometric Sensors Market - Easy Availability of 4G Network Connectivity Accelerates Growth https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=29228 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/smartphone-biometric-sensors-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=T&rep_id=29228 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The global smartphone biometric sensors market is predicted to witness a steady growth in the near future because of the high-growing trend of the adoption of wearable and smart devices. Besides smartphones, ear pods, eyeglasses, smart bands, and smartwatches are equipped with modern capabilities such as biometric identification. Such devices possess the ability to identify biometric traits of an individual, such as blood pressure and heart rate.Request a PDF Research Brochure @The easy availability of 4G network connectivity and rising usage of smartphones have proven to be extremely crucial for the adoption of mobile biometrics, which is prognosticated to be one of the latest developments of the global smartphone biometric sensors market.Obtain Report Details @Today, there is a growing requirement of securing the financial data of an individual which could be fulfilled with the use of mobile biometrics. Factors such as the use of mobile payments could also augment the demand in the market. The move toward biometric-based systems from smartcard-based systems adopted by several organizations is foretold to increase market growth in the foreseeable future.Download and View Report TOC, Figures and Tables @The global smartphone biometric sensors market could witness the presence of well-diversified regional and international players. Affordable pricing of products offering a high accuracy level could be a leading factor that local players would want to cash in on. Established players, on the other hand, are expected to compete on the basis of service, quality, and features.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.Contact UsState Tower,90 State Street,Suite 700,Albany NY - 12207United StatesUSA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Smart Lighting Market 2017 Global Leading Players: Osram Licht AG, General Electric Company, Acuity Brands Lighting, Honeywell International, Schneider Electric SE, CREE, Digital Lumens https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/960 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/global-smart-lighting-market-960 Market Research Future published a research report on Smart Lighting Market Research Report - Global Forecast to 2023 Market Analysis, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast to 2023.Smart Lighting Global Market - OverviewThe global smart lighting market is showing immense growth; mainly due to the growing need for energy-efficient lighting systems. Smart lighting refers to lighting technology designed for energy efficiency. Smart lighting can help in changing the atmosphere of the home with the touch of a button. With the advancements in technology, smart lighting also allows controlling of the lights with a voice command.According to a recent study report published by Market Research Future, The global market of smart lighting is booming and expected to gain prominence over the forecast period. The market is projected to demonstrate a spectacular growth by 2023 with a striking CAGR during the anticipated period (2017 2023). Increasing demand for smart lighting is being driven by the modernization and development of infrastructure such as smart cities is one major factor driving the growth of Smart Lighting Market. Also, growing need for energy-efficient lighting systems is another major factor responsible for fuelling the market growth. Technological advancements and growing acceptance of standard protocols for lighting control is boosting the growth of smart lighting market. Also, increasing demand for smart lighting from various end users like residential, government, commercial and industrial is another major factor driving the market growth. The Smart Lighting market is highly competitive due to the increase in implementation of cloud based technologies and developments in the field of internet of things. On the other hand, lack of awareness regarding installation costs and payback periods are major factors hindering the growth of smart lighting market. Also, security and privacy issues are other factors that may hamper the market growth.Get Sample of Report @Industry NewsJan 2018 Razer teams up with Philips to bring Chroma lighting to the entire house. Razer has spent the last few years building out their Chroma lighting system to a huge array of products, from keyboards to mice to controllers to headphones to mouse pads to LED strips for custom desktop builds to an honest-to-god mug holder, all of which can be synced perfectly in time to the gaming PC. And now it can be synced perfectly with the rest of the house too.Jan 2018 GE expands its smart lighting line-up ahead of CES. The company has announced several new devices including a smart ceiling fixture that reduces the need to litter various table spaces with Echo Dot or Google Home smart speakers. There's also a new smart wall switch, and improvements to its funky Sol lamp and C by GE bulbs.Jan 2018 GE is making a smart ceiling light and light switch with Alexa and Google Assistant. Both the switch and the ceiling light have built-in hubs that let them control other C by GE lights, too. GE also plans to add HomeKit support to all of its smart lights. That support is still expected to arrive within the next few months.Key PlayersThe prominent players in smart lighting market are Philips Lighting Holding B.V. (The Netherlands), Acuity Brands Lighting, Inc. (U.S.), General Electric Company (U.S.), Osram Licht AG (Germany), Honeywell International Inc. (U.S.), Legrand S.A. (France), Schneider Electric SE (France), CREE, Inc. (U.S.), Cooper Industries, Inc. (Ireland), Digital Lumens, Inc. (U.S.) and others.Regional Analysis:The regional analysis of smart lighting market is being studied for regions such as Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and Rest of the World. It has been observed that Europe is estimated to account for the largest share of the market, whereas Asia-Pacific is projected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. The major growth in smart lighting market in Europe is attributed to technical advancements and increasing investments in infrastructure modernization projects in that region. The growth in Europe is followed by North America region.Smart Lighting Global Market - SegmentationSmart lighting market has been segmented on the basis of component, product type, light source, communication technology and application. The communication technology segment is bifurcated into wired and wireless communication technology. Out of which, the wired communication technology segment is expected to hold the largest market share of smart lighting market whereas, wireless communication technology segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. This is owing to the increasing popularity of internet of things and growing demand for connected things. This replacement of wired with wireless will also avoid the hassle of laying wires and improve flexibility.Get Complete Report @Intended Audience Technology investors Research/Consultancy firms Technology providers Residential end-users Commercial end-users Industrial end-users Government bodiesAbout Us:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have 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.Media Contact:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Wearable computing Market Report 2018: Economic Indicators and Product Offerings Worldwide With Future Prospects 2025 Wearable computing https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/request-sample/994523 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/report/global-wearable-computer-market-professional-survey-report-2018 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/send-an-enquiry/994523 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/check-discount/994523 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com Worldwide Wearable computing Market is a well-defined and in-depth research of Global Wearable computing Market 2018. The Wearable computing report contains an extensive study of Wearable computing industry along with the Wearable computing market status, growth rate, and trends. The Wearable computing report also provides the latest information about the Wearable computing market for the current year and detailed study to offer a definite estimation of the Wearable computing industry for the forecast period 2018-2025. In addition, this Wearable computing research document is an informative bunch of Wearable computing market prepared by comprehensive analysis of Wearable computing industry using SWOT analysis, which will help customers to get a brief overview of Wearable computing market.Get a sample of report@Wearable computing market is projected to witness a compound annual growth rate of 29.05% to reach a total market size of US$ 57.427 billion by 2025, from US$ 22.514 billion in 2018.The wearable computing market has managed to register a healthy growth over the past few years. This market is expected to show tremendous growth in the next five years. Increasing adoption of smart wearables such as, activity trackers, smartwatches, and smart clothing in consumer markets are the major driving forces of the overall wearable computing market. The growing importance of wearables in multiple application areas including industrial, tourism, and military areas would also further drive the wearable computing market.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. Development policies and plans are discussed as well as manufacturing processes and Bill of Materials cost structures are also analyzed. This report also states import/export consumption, supply and demand Figures, cost, price, revenue and gross margins.Global Wearable Computer Market report provides a basic overview of the industry including definitions, classifications, applications and industry chain structure. Upstream raw materials and equipment and downstream demand analysis is also carried out. The Wearable Computer industry development trends and marketing channels are analyzed. Finally the feasibility of new investment projects are assessed and overall research conclusions offered.Browse full report with Table of Content@Reason to Buy :- Highlights key business priorities in order to assist companies to realign their business strategies.- The key findings and recommendations highlight crucial progressive industry trends in the Digital Asset Management market, thereby allowing players to develop effective long term strategies.- Develop/modify business expansion plans by using substantial growth offering developed and emerging markets.- Scrutinize in-depth global market trends and outlook coupled with the factors driving the market, as well as those hindering it.- Enhance the decision-making process by understanding the strategies that underpin commercial interest with respect to products, segmentation and industry verticals.Make An Enquiry@TOC :Global Safety Lancets Market Professional Survey Report 20181 Industry Overview of Safety Lancets1.1 Definition and Specifications of Safety Lancets1.1.1 Definition of Safety Lancets1.1.2 Specifications of Safety Lancets1.2 Classification of Safety Lancets1.2.1 Side Button Safety Lancet1.2.2 Pressure Activated Safety Lancet1.2.3 Push Button Safety Lancet1.3 Applications of Safety Lancets1.3.1 Hospitals1.3.2 Diagnostic Center & Pathology1.3.3 Home Diagnostics1.3.4 Others1.4 Market Segment by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 Europe1.4.3 China1.4.4 Japan1.4.5 Southeast Asia1.4.6 India2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Safety Lancets2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Safety Lancets2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Safety Lancets2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Safety Lancets3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Safety Lancets3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Safety Lancets Major Manufacturers in 20173.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Safety Lancets Major Manufacturers in 20173.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Safety Lancets Major Manufacturers in 20173.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Safety Lancets Major Manufacturers in 20174 Global Safety Lancets Overall Market Overview4.1 2013-2018E Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2013-2018E Global Safety Lancets Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2017 Safety Lancets Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales Analysis4.3.1 2013-2018E Global Safety Lancets Sales and Growth Rate Analysis4.3.2 2017 Safety Lancets Sales Analysis (Company Segment)4.4 Sales Price Analysis4.4.1 2013-2018E Global Safety Lancets Sales Price4.4.2 2017 Safety Lancets Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment)Check Discount @We at QY Research Groups provide the most upgraded and beneficial data to enhance your knowledge about the ongoing trends in the market, drivers, restraints and leading players in the market.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- Global Ophthalmic Excimer Laser Curer Market Forecast 2018-2025 Novartis AG, Abbott Laboratories, Lumenis, Quantel Group Ophthalmic Excimer Laser Curer Market https://bit.ly/2l9zdCA http://www.qymarketstudy.com/report/global-ophthalmic-excimer-laser-curer-market-11386 www.qymarketstudy.com/ A comprehensive market study on "Global Ophthalmic Excimer Laser Curer Market 2018-2025" examines the performance of the Ophthalmic Excimer Laser Curer market. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Ophthalmic Excimer Laser Curer market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Ophthalmic Excimer Laser Curer market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.Leading Manufacturers Analysis such as - Abbott Laboratories, Carl Zeiss Meditec AG, Ellex Medical Lasers Limited, Novartis AG, Ziemer Ophthalmic Systems, IRIDEX Corporation, Lumenis, NIDEK, Quantel Group, SCHWIND eye-tech solutions, Topcon Corporation, Valeant Pharmaceuticals International.The Global Ophthalmic Excimer Laser Curer Market 2018 report includes Ophthalmic Excimer Laser Curer market Revenue, market Share, Ophthalmic Excimer Laser Curer industry volume, market Trends, Ophthalmic Excimer Laser Curer Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report. It shows manufacturing capacity, Ophthalmic Excimer Laser Curer Price during the Forecast period from 2018 to 2025.Request Sample Copy of Report:Firstly, the report covers the top Ophthalmic Excimer Laser Curer manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Ophthalmic Excimer Laser Curer Market Segmented Based on Application - Hospitals, Ambulatory Surgical Centers, Ophthalmic Clinics.Ophthalmic Excimer Laser Curer Market Segmented Based on Type - Diode Lasers, Femtosecond Lasers, Excimer Lasers, Nd:YAG Lasers, Argon Lasers, SLT Lasers.Further, the Ophthalmic Excimer Laser Curer report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Ophthalmic Excimer Laser Curer industry, Ophthalmic Excimer Laser Curer industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Ophthalmic Excimer Laser Curer Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Ophthalmic Excimer Laser Curer 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 Ophthalmic Excimer Laser Curer market revenue worldwide.Finally, Ophthalmic Excimer Laser Curer 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 Gas Engines Market Size Worth USD 4480 Million by 2023 https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/1143833/ https://www.marketstudyreport.com/enquiry-before-buying/1143833/ https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/global-gas-engines-market-2018-by-manufacturers-regions-type-and-application-forecast-to-2023/?utm_source=OPR-SP https://www.marketstudyreport.com/reports/global-gas-engines-sales-market-report-2018/?utm_source=RR-SP https://www.marketstudyreport.com https://www.marketstudyreport.com/blog/ The Gas Engines Market Research Report Forecast 2018-2023 is a valuable source of insightful data for business strategists. It provides the Gas Engines industry overview with growth analysis and historical & futuristic cost, revenue, demand and supply data (as applicable). The research analysts provide an elaborate description of the value chain and its distributor analysis.A gas engine is an internal combustion engine which runs on a gas fuel, such as coal gas , producer gas , biogas , landfill gas or natural gas . The worldwide Gas Engines Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of roughly 6.1% over the next five years, will reach 4480 million US$ in 2023, from 3330 million US$ in 2017, according to a new research report.As one of the most important equipment for Oil & Gas, electricity generation, Gas Engines plays a valuable role in energy industry. The larger and larger downstream demand drives Gas Engines industry developing.Due to its manufacturing and application characteristics, the price of Gas Engines is at a fluctuation state. According to QY Research, the average price is about 1643.7 K USD/Unit in 2015.Despite the presence of competition problems, due to the clear global recovery trend, investors are still optimistic about this area. There will be more new investors entering into this industry in the future.Request a sample of this premium report atScope of the Report:This report focuses on the Gas Engines Market, especially in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, regions, types and applications.Gas Engines Market Segment by Top Manufacturers Including:General Electric, Caterpillar, Kawasaki Heavy Industries, Rolls-Royce, Dresser-Rand, Cummins, Wartsila, MAN SE, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries, Liebherr and JDEC.An inherent sub-vertical of the Manufacturing and Construction Industry space, Gas Engines market stands to gain remarkable proceeds over 2018-2023, as per a recently compiled report Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers:North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Table of Contents:Global Gas Engines Market OverviewGlobal Gas Engines Market Manufacturers ProfilesGlobal Gas Engines Market Competition, by ManufacturerGlobal Gas Engines Market Analysis by RegionsGlobal Gas Engines by CountriesGlobal Gas Engines Market Segment by TypeGlobal Gas Engines Market Segment by ApplicationGas Engines Market Forecast (2018-2023)Sales Channel, Distributors, Traders and DealersResearch Findings and ConclusionMarket Segment by Type, covers 0.5-5MW 5-10MW Above 10MWMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into: Oil & Gas Power Generation OthersQuestions? Get them answered viabefore taking a buying decision on this premium reportThere are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Gas Engines market.Chapter 1, to describe Gas Engines Market Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Gas Engines, with sales, revenue, and price of Gas Engines, 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 Gas Engines, for each region, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 12, Gas Engines market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2018 to 2023;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Gas Engines sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceFor more information on this report, Please visit at:Related Reports: -Global Gas Engines Sales Market Report 2018This report studies the global Gas Engines market status and forecast, categorizes the global Gas Engines 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).Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Market Study Report4 North Main Street,Selbyville, Delaware 19975USAPhone: 1-302-273-0910US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email:sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:Blog:Industry News: news.marketsizeforecasters.com HA NOI The Transport Ministry wants to transfer some administrative services to the control of private enterprises and organisations, and has been developing a plan to achieve this. Vice secretary of the ministrys office, Nguyen Thi Kieu Nguyet, said that public administrative services are now provided by State agencies which have the authority to grant licences, permits and certificates. Currently, there are about 490 administrative procedures and about 250 types of licences in the transport sector, Nguyet said, adding that agencies under the transport ministry are reviewing and selecting some administrative services to transfer to private certificators, Giao Thong (Transport) newspaper reported on Monday. Vice Director of the Directorate for Roads of Viet Nam, Phan Thi Thu Hien, supported the plan, suggesting that administrative procedures should be classified into three groups: those entirely provided by State agencies, those partly provided by private certificators and those entirely provided by private agencies. She called for a clear criterion to select qualified companies or organisations who could provide administrative services. Deputy Director General of the Civil Aviation Authority of Viet Nam Nguyen Van Hao said that the most important criterion in the selection of private certificators is to ensure security and safety. Head of Inland Waterway Traffic Hoang Hong Giang said that the waterway traffic sector deals with about 300,000 procedures per year, most of which relate to training and granting permits to enter or depart from ports. A man submits an application to get a driving licence at HCM Citys Transport Department. VNA/VNS Photo Hoang Hai As each procedure is priced at VN70,000 (US$3), the yearly revenue from administrative procedures totals around VN21 billion ($920,000), Giang said, adding that few companies are interested in providing such services across 63 cities and provinces nationwide to gain such an amount each year. The private sector could take over stages like receiving, delivering or checking applications which are currently completed by State agencies, Giang said. Vice head of Viet Nam Register ang Viet Ha said that in recent years, the Viet Nam Register - a State body with functions and jurisdictions on the organisation and performance of technical supervision and certification for quality and safety of means of transport had some administrative procedures completed by private companies. Its worth noting that companies care about profit. If they cannot get profit, there is high possibility for wrongdoings to happen, Ha said. Le Van ai, director of a vocational training centre under Ha Noi-based No2 Automobile Transport Company told Giao Thong Newspaper that private companies could help with driver training, but driving licences must be granted by State bodies because no-one should be a judge in his own case. Nguyen Tien Minh, Director General of Vu Linh Automobile Joint Stock Company said that it would increase competitiveness if two or three certificators can evaluate the quality of new vehicles instead of just one as currently. Companies would have more options to choose service providers, he said. Minh added that few companies are interested in offering services relating to vehicles emissions because of the high investment required, but it could still lure investors if there was a favourable legal climate. VNS Global Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy Market Forecast 2018-2025 Nikon, Carl Zeiss AG, Olympus, Thorlabs Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy Market https://bit.ly/2JRjPIF http://www.qymarketstudy.com/report/global-laser-scanning-confocal-microscopy-sales-market-11050 www.qymarketstudy.com/ A comprehensive market study on "Global Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy Market 2018-2025" examines the performance of the Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy market. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.Leading Manufacturers Analysis such as - Leica microsystems, Nikon Corporation, Olympus Corporation, Carl Zeiss AG, Thorlabs, Brucker and Asylum, Others.The Global Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy Market 2018 report includes Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy market Revenue, market Share, Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy industry volume, market Trends, Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report. It shows manufacturing capacity, Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy Price during the Forecast period from 2018 to 2025.Request Sample Copy of Report:Firstly, the report covers the top Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy Market Segmented Based on Application - Industrial And Scientific Groups, Typically In Material Science, Semiconductor Inspection, Life Sciences.Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy Market Segmented Based on Type - Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopes, Multiphoton Laser Confocal Microscopes, Disk Scanning Confocal Microscopes, Dual Spinning Disk.Further, the Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy industry, Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy 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 Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy market revenue worldwide.Finally, Laser Scanning Confocal Microscopy 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 Industrial Filtration Equipment Sales Market Report 2018 : MANN+HUMMEL, Pentair, Donaldson Company, Inc., Clarcor Inc, Eaton, https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1786751 https://www.researchmoz.us/global-industrial-filtration-equipment-sales-market-report-2018-report.html/toc http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG https://marketsizeinfo.blogspot.in/ Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Sales Market Report 2018" to its huge collection of research reports.This report studies the global Industrial Filtration Equipment market status and forecast, categorizes the global Industrial Filtration 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 Industrial Filtration 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 reportMANN+HUMMELPentairDonaldson Company, Inc.Clarcor IncCamfil ABAmerican Air Filter CompanyCECO EnvironmentalEaton3MAhlstromNedermanWuxi YNT Petrochemical Machinery EquipmentTo 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 AsiaIndiaThe 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 intoAirLiquidDustOn 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, includingPower GenerationMining & Metallurgy IndustryOil & GasHealthcare & PharmaceuticalsThe study objectives of this report are:To analyze and study the global Industrial Filtration Equipment 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 Industrial Filtration Equipment 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 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 Industrial Filtration Equipment 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 StakeholdersIndustrial Filtration Equipment ManufacturersIndustrial Filtration Equipment Distributors/Traders/WholesalersIndustrial Filtration Equipment Subcomponent ManufacturersIndustry AssociationDownstream VendorsTable of ContentsGlobal Industrial Filtration Equipment Sales Market Report 20181 Industrial Filtration Equipment Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Industrial Filtration Equipment1.2 Classification of Industrial Filtration Equipment by Product Category1.2.1 Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Air1.2.4 Liquid1.2.5 Dust1.3 Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Power Generation1.3.3 Mining & Metallurgy Industry1.3.4 Oil & Gas1.3.5 Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals1.4 Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Market by Region1.4.1 Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2013-2025)1.4.2 United States Industrial Filtration Equipment Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.3 Europe Industrial Filtration Equipment Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.4 China Industrial Filtration Equipment Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.5 Japan Industrial Filtration Equipment Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Industrial Filtration Equipment Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.7 India Industrial Filtration Equipment Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Industrial Filtration Equipment (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2025)More Clear Details get Table of Contents @2 Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Industrial Filtration Equipment (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Sales and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.2.2 Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Revenue and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.3 Global Industrial Filtration Equipment (Volume and Value) by Region2.3.1 Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Sales and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)2.3.2 Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Revenue and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)2.4 Global Industrial Filtration Equipment (Volume) by Application3 United States Industrial Filtration Equipment (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Industrial Filtration Equipment Sales and Value (2013-2018)3.1.1 United States Industrial Filtration Equipment Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2018)3.1.2 United States Industrial Filtration Equipment Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2018)3.1.3 United States Industrial Filtration Equipment Sales Price Trend (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 @ Embedded Hypervisor Software Market 2018 Global Leaders: Citrix Systems, Red Hat, Sierraware LLC, SYSGO AG, Mentor Graphics, Blackberry, Microsoft, Oracle https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/4067 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/embedded-hypervisor-software-market-4067 Market Research Future published a research report on Embedded Hypervisor Software Market Research Report - Global Forecast 2023 Market Analysis, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast to 2023.Global Embedded Hypervisor Software Market - OverviewA hypervisor (also called a Virtual Machine Manager) is a software, firmware or hardware component that creates and runs virtual machines. Virtual machines are the virtual representation of a hardware platform with an OS. A hypervisor provides a software execution environment, which is separated from the underlying physical hardware resources.Hypervisors provide several benefits to the enterprise data center. Firstly, the ability of a physical host system to run multiple guest VMs can vastly improve the utilization of the underlying hardware. Where physical servers might only host one operating system and application. A hypervisor virtualizes the server, allowing the system to host multiple VM instances, each running an independent operating system and application on the same physical system using far more of the system's available compute resources.Get Sample of Report @Hypervisors are important to any system administrator or system operator because virtualization adds a crucial layer of management and control over the data center and enterprise environment. Storage hypervisors are a key element of software-defined storage. Networks are also being virtualized with hypervisors, allowing networks and network devices to be created, changed, managed and destroyed entirely through software without ever touching physical network devices. As with storage, network virtualization is appearing in broader software-defined network or software-defined data center platforms.Hypervisors minimize the cost of hardware by consolidating them to a single, cheaper hardware platform. However, they will leave user by paying high licensing and possibly royalty fees for software platforms. While helping user to change to less expensive hardware, hypervisors dont help to reduce software expenses like software tools, device drivers, middleware etc.Key PlayersThe key players in the global Embedded Hypervisor Software Market include- Oracle Corporation (U.S.), Microsoft Corporation (U.S.), IBM Corporation (U.S.), Mentor Graphics Corporation (U.S.), Blackberry (Canada), SYSGO AG (Germany), Sierraware LLC (U.S.), Citrix Systems, Inc (U.S.) and Red Hat, Inc (U.S.) among others.Competitive AnalysisThe trend for diversification in the industry has enabled the competitors to access the profitable circumstances accessible in this market are being applied by candidates who are trying to increase their market coverage by focused development which can encourage the expansion of this business sector. The merchandise are also being diversified to large extent to keep up with the robust pace of technological discoveries. The companies are trying to create and capture economic value together in an appropriate manner. This has raised the possibilities for the approaching growth period significantly. This consequence has further proven to be fruitful for companies so they can fix target that can uphold their commercial enterprise's liquidity to take the most active decisions in terms of strategy execution and designing.Industry SegmentsThe market segment for the embedded hypervisor software market includes the category of applications, component, technology, region and tools By Applications: Aerospace, IT/Telecommunications, Industrial, Automotive, Transportation and Others By Component: Software, Services By Tools: Design, Compile, Debug Virtual Platforms and Others By Technology: Desktop Virtualization, Server Virtualization and Data Center Virtualization By Region: Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and RoWRegional AnalysisThe embedded hypervisor industry globally is segregated into the following geographies such as America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Middle East & Africa. The embedded hypervisor technology industry was valued at USD 1,825.60 million value in the year 2017. The North American market has the biggest market share with USD 629.89 million in the year 2016. The Asian region has a huge growth potential for embedded hypervisor technology owing to rapid technological expansion and presence of a huge number of industries. The Asian countries are scheduled to account for the main CAGR of 7.88 per cent over the forecast period from 2017 to 2023, due to an upsurge in demand in investments and technology by several producers in the region.Industry NewsOct. 2017 - Lynx Software Technologies, a market leader in secure virtualization, released LynxSecure 6.0, the latest version of its Kernel Hypervisor. This new version brings LynxSecure to the Arm architecture for the first time, providing military-grade security coupled with highly efficient virtualization to multi-core Arm SoC-based designs. The initial port for LynxSecure 6.0 will be available on the Xilinx Zynq Ultrascale+ MPSoC.November, 2017 - Tata Elxsi and BlackBerry Limited (NYSE:BB)(TSX:BB) today announced they are partnering to help companies design and develop secure, mission-critical solutions for industries such as automotive, industrial, medical and network communication using BlackBerry QNX technologies. Tata Elxsi will provide integration and customization services for the following embedded software solutions from BlackBerry: QNX Neutrino Real-time OS, QNX Momentics Tool Suite, QNX Hypervisor, QNX SDK for Apps & Media, QNX Wireless Framework, QNX OS for Safety, QNX OS for Medical, QNX CAR Platform for Infotainment, QNX Platform for Acoustics, and QNX Platform for ADAS.Get Complete Report @Intended Audience Device manufacturers Network Operators Distributors Suppliers Research firms Software Developers Commercial Banks Vendors Semiconductor Manufacturers End-user sectors Technology InvestorsAbout Us:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.MRFR team have 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.Media Contact:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Global Report - Industrial Filtration Equipment Market Forecast 2018-2025 Clarcor, Eaton, Nederman, 3M, Donaldson Company Industrial Filtration Equipment Market https://bit.ly/2y9X8eb http://www.qymarketstudy.com/report/global-industrial-filtration-equipment-sales-market-11397 www.qymarketstudy.com/ A comprehensive market study on "Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Market 2018-2025" examines the performance of the Industrial Filtration Equipment market. It encloses an in-depth Research of the Industrial Filtration Equipment market state and the competitive landscape globally. This report analyzes the potential of Industrial Filtration Equipment market in the present and the future prospects from various angles in detail.Leading Manufacturers Analysis such as - MANN+HUMMEL, Pentair, Donaldson Company, Inc., Clarcor Inc, Camfil AB, American Air Filter Company, CECO Environmental, Eaton, 3M, Ahlstrom, Nederman, Wuxi YNT Petrochemical Machinery Equipment.The Global Industrial Filtration Equipment Market 2018 report includes Industrial Filtration Equipment market Revenue, market Share, Industrial Filtration Equipment industry volume, market Trends, Industrial Filtration Equipment Growth aspects. A wide range of applications, Utilization ratio, Supply and demand analysis are also consist in the report. It shows manufacturing capacity, Industrial Filtration Equipment Price during the Forecast period from 2018 to 2025.Request Sample Copy of Report:Firstly, the report covers the top Industrial Filtration Equipment manufacturing industry players from regions like United States, EU, Japan, and China. It also characterizes the market based on geological regions.Industrial Filtration Equipment Market Segmented Based on Application - Power Generation, Mining & Metallurgy Industry, Oil & Gas, Healthcare & Pharmaceuticals.Industrial Filtration Equipment Market Segmented Based on Type - Air, Liquid, Dust.Further, the Industrial Filtration Equipment report gives information on the company profile, market share and contact details along with value chain analysis of Industrial Filtration Equipment industry, Industrial Filtration Equipment industry rules and policies, circumstances driving the growth of the market and compulsion blocking the growth. Industrial Filtration Equipment Market development scope and various business strategies are also mentioned in this report.Browse Full Report Here:The Industrial Filtration Equipment 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 Industrial Filtration Equipment market revenue worldwide.Finally, Industrial Filtration Equipment 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 Third-party Logistics Market SWOT Analysis & Key Business Strategies by Leading Industry Players (C.H. Robinson, Deutsche Bahn, Deutsche Post, KUEHNE+NAGEL, NIPPON EXPRESS) ReportsWeb http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW00012064016/sample http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW00012064016/buying http://www.reportsweb.com/global-third-party-logistics-market-2018-2022 Publishers market research analysts have predicted that the third-party logistics market will register a CAGR close to 6% by 2022. This industry research report presents a comprehensive analysis of the global third-party logistics market by application such as transportation services, warehousing and distribution services, and others. The report also presents a detailed analysis of the markets growth prospects across regions such as the Americas, APAC, and EMEA.Get Sample Copy atCovered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the third-party logistics market. To calculate the market size, the report considers the revenue generated from third-party logistics.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:- Americas- APAC- EMEAPublisher's report, third-party logistics market 2018-2022, has been prepared based on an in-depth market analysis with inputs from industry experts. The report covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years. The report also includes a discussion of the key vendors operating in this market.Key vendors- C.H. Robinson- Deutsche Bahn- Deutsche Post- KUEHNE+NAGEL- NIPPON EXPRESSMake an InquiryMarket driver- Growth of e-commerce and the need for integrated shipping services- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket challenge- High operational cost and competitive pricing- For a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trend- Emergence of big data analytics- For a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this report- What will the market size be in 2022 and what will the growth rate be?- What are the key market trends?- What is driving this market?- What are the challenges to market growth?- Who are the key vendors in this market space?- What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?- What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?For More Information about This Report:Contact Us:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.com is a one stop shop of market research reports and solutions to various companies across the globe. 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We provide best in class customer service and our customer support team is always available to help you on your research queries.Pune, India Global Ethernet Gateway Market Rising Trends and New Technologies https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1667622&type=S https://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-ethernet-gateway-sales-market-report-2018.htm/toc https://reportanalysis.blogspot.in Qyresearchreports include new market research report Global Ethernet Gateway Sales Market Report 2018 to its huge collection of research reports.In this report, the global Ethernet Gateway market is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2017 and 2025.On the face of intensifying competition, leading companies in the global Ethernet Gateway market are looking for valuable information on the prevailing trends. The report on the global Ethernet Gateway market offers the same. It offers a comprehensive overview of the market covering various growth drivers and restrains influencing its trajectory. It offers an in-depth study on the market for the period from 2018 to 2025. It presents insights into lucrative sales prospects and gauges the investment feasibility. Using analytical tools the report also examines the threat from the entry of new players and availability of substitutes. It also includes expert opinions besides valuable information obtained from leading industrial sources. The report is therefore intended to offer market intelligence to consumers as well as the market players.Get A Free access TO Report Sample :the top players includingAdtranAdvantechB&b ElectronicsCiscoDigi InternationalHPIogearJuniper NetscreenLinksysTo provide a detailed overview, the global Ethernet Gateway market is segmented in terms of diverse criteria. The report studies various factors facilitating growth in the market across these segments. Furthermore, the report classifies the market in terms of region. It studies the factors affecting growth across these regions and gauges the impact of prevailing economic trends. The effect of recent government regulations on the market forces is also studied at length.On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoEthernetFast EthernetGigabit EthernetOn 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, includingServersEmbedded SystemsConsumer ApplicationsRouters and SwitchesDesktop SystemsOthersIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Read Complete Table of Content @Table of Contents1.4 Global Ethernet Gateway Market by Region1.4.1 Global Ethernet Gateway Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2013-2025)1.4.2 United States Ethernet Gateway Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.3 China Ethernet Gateway Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.4 Europe Ethernet Gateway Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.5 Japan Ethernet Gateway Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Ethernet Gateway Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.7 India Ethernet Gateway Status and Prospect (2013-2025)2 Global Ethernet Gateway Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global Ethernet Gateway Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global Ethernet Gateway Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Ethernet Gateway Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Ethernet Gateway (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Ethernet Gateway Sales and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.2.2 Global Ethernet Gateway Revenue and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)3 United States Ethernet Gateway (Volume, Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Ethernet Gateway Sales and Value (2013-2018)3.1.1 United States Ethernet Gateway Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2018)3.1.2 United States Ethernet Gateway Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2018)3.1.3 United States Ethernet Gateway Sales Price Trend (2013-2018)Read More........About Us:QYResearchReports.com delivers the latest strategic market intelligence to build a successful business footprint in China. Our syndicated and customized research reports provide companies with vital background information of the market and in-depth analysis on the Chinese trade and investment framework, which directly affects their business operations. Reports from QYResearchReports.com feature valuable recommendations on how to navigate in the extremely unpredictable yet highly attractive Chinese market.Contact Us:1820 AvenueM Suite #1047Brooklyn, NY 11230United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948 (USA-CANADA)Tel: +1-518-621-2074Email: sales@qyresearchreports.comBlog: French Door Refrigerators Market 2018 Global Industry Analysis & Forecast to 2023 https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/1143962/ https://www.marketstudyreport.com/check-for-discount/1143962/ https://empowerednews.net/author/gminsights/ https://www.marketstudyreport.com https://www.marketstudyreport.com/blog/ The Global French Door Refrigerators Market report provides comprehensive analysis of French Door Refrigerators Production, Supply, Sales and Demand of the French Door Refrigerators Market. The purpose of the French Door Refrigerators Market report is to support beginner as well as existing players in gaining insightful business intelligence and make appropriate decisions based on it. French Door Refrigerators market report also covers geographical analysis of the market with growth forecast till 2023French Door Refrigerators market. French door refrigerators are named after the architectural structure of French doors: they are refrigerators with the same features of French doors. These machines also have a bottom freezer door with a separate handle. French door refrigerators are fairly new in terms of appliances since they didn't become widely available for sale until 2005. The main advantage of this type of refrigerator is that only one side of the fridge needs to be opened at one time.Scope of the Report:The worldwide market for French Door Refrigerators is expected to grow at a CAGR of roughly 5.9% over the next five years, will reach 10800 million US$ in 2023, from 8130 million US$ in 2017This report focuses on the French Door Refrigerators 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.Haier dominated the market, with accounted for 15.224% of the French Door Refrigerators sales market share in 2016. F Haier, PreSonus Audio Electronics, Inc, Whirlpool Corporation and Electrolux are the key players and accounted for 36.116% of the overall French Door Refrigerators market share in 2016.Global giant manufactures mainly distributed in Asia-Pacific, North America and Europe. They have unshakable status in this field. North America takes the consumption revenue market share of 32.28% in 2016, Asia-Pacific followed by with 30.14% in 2016.The market is not only influenced by the price, but also influenced by the product performance. The leading companies own the advantages on better performance, more abundant product?s types.Looking to the future years, prices gap between different brands will go narrowing. Similarly, there will be fluctuation in gross margin.Despite the presence of competition problems, due to the global recovery trend is slightly, investors are still optimistic about this area; the future will still have more new investment enter the field.Request a sample copy of French Door Refrigerators Market Research Report @Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers Haier, Whirlpool Corporation, Electrolux, Midea, Samsung, Bosch, LG, Meiling, Panasonic, Arcelik A.S., Sharp.French Door Refrigerators market stands to gain remarkable proceeds over 2018-2023, as per a recently compiled report Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers:North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, covers Under 15 cu.ft.15 - 20 cu.ft20 - 25 cu.ft.Above 25 cu.ft?Market Segment by Applications, can be divided into On-lineOff-lineEnquire For Discount on French Door Refrigerators Market Research Report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global French Door Refrigerators market.Chapter 1, to describe French Door Refrigerators Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of French Door Refrigerators, with sales, revenue, and price of French Door Refrigerators, in 2016 and 2018;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2018;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of French Door Refrigerators, for each region, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 12, French Door Refrigerators market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2018 to 2023;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe French Door Refrigerators sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceMore Report At:Market Segment by Table of Contents:1 Market Overview1.1 French Door Refrigerators Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Liquid Accelerator1.2.2 Powdered Accelerator1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Mining and Tunneling1.3.2 Construction Repair Works1.3.3 Water Retaining Structures1.3.4 Others1.4 Market Analysis by Regions1.4.1 North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)1.4.1.1 United States Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.1.2 Canada Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.1.3 Mexico Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2 Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)1.4.2.1 Germany Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.2 France Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.3 UK Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.4 Russia Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.5 Italy Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)1.4.3.1 China Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.2 Japan Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.3 Korea Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.4 India Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.5 Southeast Asia Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4 South America, Middle East and Africa1.4.4.1 Brazil Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.2 Egypt Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.3 Saudi Arabia Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.4 South Africa Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.5 Nigeria Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.5 Market Dynamics1.5.1 Market Opportunities1.5.2 Market Risk1.5.3 Market Driving ForceCentralize market research purchases across your entire organization in one place.Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Market Study Report4 North Main Street,Selbyville, Delaware 19975USAPhone: 1-302-273-0910US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email:sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:Blog:Industry News: news.marketsizeforecasters.comConnect with us:Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter Major Overview of Global Industrial and Bar-b-que Charcoal Market 2017 - 2025 ; Namchar, Maurobera SA, Timber Charcoal Co. https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1488436 https://www.researchmoz.us/industrial-and-barbque-charcoal-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2017-2025-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/industrial-and-barbque-charcoal-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2017-2025-report.html http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG https://marketreserch1.blogspot.com Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Industrial and Bar-b-que Charcoal Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025" to its huge collection of research reports.Global Industrial and Bar-b-que Charcoal Market: OverviewCharcoal has been used as an industry fuel since decades; however, it being replaced by mineral coal such as coke. The shortcomings of coke as a fuel which has high CO2 emissions made to look back for charcoal again. Charcoal is gaining importance as a new sustainable industrial fuel. The application of modern technology and development of new kilns can efficiently increase the conversion ratio of wood to charcoal, this has made charcoal as popular as other fuels. During steel manufacturing charcoal as a fuel emits less greenhouse gases and also improves the quality of steel. Hence the steel produced by burning charcoal as fuel is termed as Green steel.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Latin America dominated the industrial & bar-b-que charcoal market both in terms of volume and value and is likely to remain dominant during the forecast period with a significant CAGR compare to other regions. Brazil is largest consumer of industrial charcoal. Lump charcoal is mostly consumed in Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa regions. Charcoal briquettes are mostly popular for bar-b-ques across North America and Europe.Global Industrial and Bar-b-que Charcoal Market: Key Trends and OpportunitiesIncrease in demand for charcoal briquettes by bar-b-que sector and improved modern kilns efficiency for converting wood to charcoal are the major factors which are anticipated to drive the charcoal market during the forecast period. In recent times, there is a steep development in kiln designs where the efficiency of the kiln is as high as 50%. Modern kilns require less amount of wood to convert the same amount of charcoal that is produced by traditional kilns. Some of the improved and modern kilns are Casamance Kiln, Brick Kiln, Steel Kiln, Adam Retort, and Mobile Adam-retort.Global Industrial and Bar-b-que Charcoal Market: Scope of the StudyThis report analyzes and forecasts the market for industrial & bar-b-que charcoal market at the global and regional level. The market has been forecast based on volume (in Kilo tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) from 2016 to 2025, considering 2016 as the base year. The study includes drivers and restraints of the global charcoal market. It also covers impact of these drivers and restraints on demand for charcoal market during the forecast period. The report also highlights opportunities in the charcoal market at the global and regional level.View Complete TOC with tables & Figures @The report includes detailed value chain analysis, which provides a comprehensive view of the global charcoal market. Porters Five Forces model for the charcoal market has also been included to help understand the competitive landscape in the market. The study encompasses market attractiveness analysis, where in product, and application are benchmarked based on their market size, growth rate, and general attractiveness. The study also includes regional level price trend analysis and the U.S. charcoal manufacturing pre-feasibility study.The study provides a decisive view of the global charcoal market by segmenting it in terms of product, and application. In terms of product, charcoal are classified as Lump Charcoal, Japanese Charcoal (Black Charcoal, White Charcoal) Extruded Charcoal, Charcoal Briquettes, Sugar Charcoal. In terms of application, it is segmented into Industrial (Metal Industry, Chemical Industry, Cement Industry), Bar-b-ques (excluding primary cooking fuel). The primary cooking application segment is not considered for the scope of the study. These segments have been analyzed based on present and future trends. Regional segmentation includes current and forecast demand for charcoal in North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa.Browse Report @The report provides the actual market size of charcoal for 2016 and estimated market size for 2017 with forecast for the next eight years. The global market of charcoal has been provided in terms of volume and revenue. Market volume has been defined in Kilo tons and revenue in US$ Mn. Market numbers have been estimated based on product, and application of charcoal. Market volume and size have been provided in terms of global, regional and country level markets.Global Industrial and Bar-b-que Charcoal Market: Research MethodologyIn order to compile the research report, we conducted in-depth interviews and discussions with a number of key industry participants and opinion leaders. Primary research represented the bulk of research efforts, supplemented by extensive secondary research. We reviewed key players product literature, annual reports, press releases, and relevant documents for competitive analysis and market understanding. Secondary research includes a search of recent trade, technical writing, Internet sources, magazines and statistical data from government websites, trade associations, and agencies. This has proven to be the most reliable, effective, and successful approach for obtaining precise market data, capturing industry participants insights, and recognizing business opportunities.Secondary research sources that are typically referred to include, but are not limited to company websites, annual reports, financial reports, broker reports, investor presentations, SEC filings, and external proprietary databases, and relevant patent and regulatory databases such as ICIS, Hoovers, oneSOURCE, Factiva and Bloomberg, national government documents, statistical databases, trade journals, market reports, news articles, press releases, and webcasts specific to companies operating in the market.We conduct primary interviews on an ongoing basis with industry participants and commentators to validate data and analysis. These help validate and strengthen secondary research findings. These also help develop the analysis teams expertise and market understanding.Companies Mentioned in ReportThe report comprises profiles of major companies operating in the global industrial & bar-b-que charcoal market. The global Charcoal market is fragmented with many local and global players operating in the market. Some of the key players include Gryfskand sp. z o.o, Namchar, Maurobera SA, PT Dharma Hutani Makmur, Duraflame, BRICAPAR SAE Charcoal Briquettes, The Saint Louis Charcoal Company LLC, Royal Oak Enterprises LLC, Timber Charcoal Co., Mesjaya Abadi Sdn Bhd, Parker Charcoal Company, and Kingsford.Industrial & Bar-b-que Charcoal Market: By Product TypeLump CharcoalJapanese CharcoalBlack CharcoalWhite CharcoalExtruded CharcoalCharcoal BriquettesSugar CharcoalIndustrial & Bar-b-que Charcoal Market: By applicationIndustrialMetal IndustryChemical IndustryCement IndustryBar-b-ques (excluding primary cooking fuel)Industrial & Bar-b-que Charcoal Market: Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeGermanyU.K.FranceSpainItalyRest of EuropeAbout 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 Blogger at: Wi-Fi Hotspot Devices Market Trends Exhibits Big Growth by 2025 | Leading key players- Nokia Networks, Boingo Wireless, Netgear, Ericsson Wi-Fi Hotspot Devices Market Analysis by 2025 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/1008451-china-wi-fi-hotspot-devices-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=1008451 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/1008451-china-wi-fi-hotspot-devices-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/1008451-china-wi-fi-hotspot-devices-market A new research study from HTF MI with title China Wi-Fi Hotspot Devices Market Research Report 2018 provides an in-depth assessment of the Wi-Fi Hotspot Devices including key market trends, upcoming technologies, industry drivers, challenges, regulatory policies, key players company profiles and strategies. The research study provides forecasts for Wi-Fi Hotspot Devices investments till 2022.Access Sample Copy @:If you are involved in the Wi-Fi Hotspot 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 Financial Services, Healthcare, Transportation, Telecom & IT, Educatio & Retail, Hotspot Gateways, Hotspot Controllers & Mobile Hotspot Devices and major players. 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.Buy this research report @The Study is segmented by following Product Type: Hotspot Gateways, Hotspot Controllers & Mobile Hotspot DevicesMajor applications/end-users industry are as follows: Financial Services, Healthcare, Transportation, Telecom & IT, Educatio & RetailGeographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions such as South China, East China, Southwest China, Northeast China, North China, Central China & Northwest China, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), and market share and growth rate of China Wi-Fi Hotspot Devices in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast)Early buyers will receive 10% customization on reports. Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @Major companies covered in the report are Ubiquiti Networks, Nokia Networks, Boingo Wireless, Netgear, Ericsson, Motorola Solutions, Cisco Systems, Ruckus Wireless, Alcatel-Lucent, Aptilo Networks & Aruba NetworksThis study also contains company profiling, product picture and specifications, sales, market share and contact information of various international, regional, and local vendors of China Wi-Fi Hotspot Devices Market. 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. The new vendor entrants in the market are finding it hard to compete with the international vendors based on quality, reliability, and innovations in technology.Some of the key questions answered in this report: Detailed Overview of China Wi-Fi Hotspot Devices market helps deliver clients and businesses making strategies. Influential factors that are thriving demand and constraints in the market. What is the market concentration? Is it fragmented or highly concentrated? What trends, challenges and barriers will impact the development and sizing of Wi-Fi Hotspot Devices market? SWOT Analysis of each key players mentioned along with its company profile with the help of Porters five forces tool mechanism to compliment the same. What growth momentum or acceleration market carries during the forecast period? Which region is going to tap highest market share in future? What Application/end-user category or Product Type may see incremental growth prospects? What would be the market share of key countries like United States, France, UK, Germany, Italy, Canada, Australia, Japan, China or Brazil etc.? What focused approach and constraints are holding the market tight?Make inquiry before purchase @There are 15 Chapters to display the China Wi-Fi Hotspot Devices market.Chapter 1, About Executive Summary to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of Wi-Fi Hotspot Devices market, Applications [Financial Services, Healthcare, Transportation, Telecom & IT, Educatio & Retail], Market Segment by Regions;Chapter 2, to analyze objective of the study.Chapter 3, to display Research methodology and techniques.Chapter 4 and 5 , to show the Overall Market Analysis, segmentation analysis, characteristics;Chapter 6 and 7, to show the Market size, share and forecast; Five forces analysis (bargaining Power of buyers/suppliers), Threats to new entrants and market condition;Chapter 8 and 9, to show analysis by regional segmentation[South China, East China, Southwest China, Northeast China, North China, Central China & Northwest China ], comparison, leading countries and opportunities; Regional Marketing Type Analysis, Supply Chain AnalysisChapter 10, focus on identifying the key industry influencers, overview of decision framework accumulated through Industry experts and strategic decision makers;Chapter 11 and 12, Market Trend Analysis, Drivers, Challenges by consumer behavior, Marketing Channels and demand & supply.Chapter 13 and 14, describe about the vendor landscape (classification and Market Positioning)Chapter 15, deals with China Wi-Fi Hotspot Devices Market sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.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, NJNew Jersey USA 08837sales@htfmarketreport.com+1 (206) 317 1218 New Research on Global Document Imaging Market Highlights Growth Overview and Estimates Market Size by 2025 MRRSE https://www.mrrse.com/sample/3203 https://www.mrrse.com/document-imaging-market https://www.mrrse.com/enquiry/3203 https://www.mrrse.com/ The sector for document imaging is majorly centered at tools such as printers, software, scanners etc. In the present time, the market for document imaging is gaining popularity due to numerous benefits to organizations such as increasing efficiency, cost effectiveness, risk reduction of losing documents in transit. In order to learn about the market in-depth, a new study has been included in the wide database of Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE). This research report is titled Document Imaging Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 2025, which includes information about the important data such as current market status, forecast and active market regions.Get Full Report Details & PDF Report Copy @Document imaging is a technique which works to control large volumes of documents in a simplistic manner. In the past few years, document imaging services have achieved more traction across different fields of business. This is primarily due to increased focus towards security and confidentiality of precious data. The report initiates with the market assumptions and research methodology followed by a deep focus on market dynamics. The readers can gain knowledge about the prime market drivers, restraints and opportunities so as to gain better insight into the document imaging sector. Furthermore, a precise forecast evaluation comprising of market revenue and market size for the period 2016-2025 is mentioned in the report.The following section discusses the market segmentation linked to the document imaging market based on service, component, and end use. Considering the service factor, the market is segregated into cloud and on-premises. On the basis of the component, the prime segments include hardware and software. Presently, the primary end-users of document imaging are law firms, educational institutions, government organizations, physician practice among others.Request Full TOC with Figures, Charts, Tables Here:Moving ahead, the geographical segmentation of the document imaging market covers North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa and Latin America. Interestingly, North America which includes U.S. and Rest of North America (Canada and Mexico) acquired the largest market share in 2016 due to the growth in production facilities and rising demand of digitalized documentation.The final section of the report highlights the company profiles of the prominent players actively functional in the document imaging market. Companies such as Fujitsu Ltd. (Tokyo, Japan), Hewlett-Packard Company (California, U.S.), Canon Inc. (Tokyo, Japan), Xerox Corporation (Connecticut, U.S.) and Kodak Alaris (Hemel Hempstead, U.K) are carefully studied in this report.Enquire about this Report @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: IEN BIEN The northern mountainous province of ien Bien used to be a hot spot of heroin trafficking. While the problem still exists in the province today, it has eased dramatically thanks to the brave efforts of the police and security services. One of those involved in solving the problem is Colonel Pham Duy Canh, head of the drug crime investigation sub-department, often named PC47, under the ien Bien Police. Canh is among 70 outstanding people who were honoured during celebrations to mark the 70th anniversary of late President Ho Chi Minhs call for patriotic emulation. Canh was honoured for his achievements in upholding national security. He was nominated for the title of Hero of the Peoples Armed Forces. Canh started working at PC47 in December 2009, and has since dedicated himself entirely to easing the issue of heroin trafficking in the region. Canh has worked on a number of heroin trafficking cases, and the work of himself and his colleagues has led to the arrest of hundreds of traffickers and the destruction of several trafficking rings. Canh said that one of his most memorable cases was known as Case 1110T. The traffickers under investigation were sly and prepared to die rather than be caught, he said. Under the case, towards the end of 2010, the PC47, under Canhs instruction, caught Trang A Do, 30, from ien Bien ong District, in the act of transporting close to a kilo of heroin. The police decided to investigate the case further. On November 12, 2010, Canh continued to guide the police as they caught Hang A Tho and Hang A Chinh in Muong Cha District. The two were hailing a taxi to transport more than 4.5 kg of heroin. They were part of the Trang A Dos ring. When the case ended, 13 people had been prosecuted. They admitted to the police to trafficking 49.52 kg of heroin. Their sentences included 20 years imprisonment, life imprisonment and the death sentence. To conduct the case, I directly questioned the suspects and presented evidence from the scene, said Canh. During the investigation, many field trips were implemented to the China Viet Nam border area in Tung Chung Pho Commune, Muong Khuong District in Lao Cai Province . Canh said that Lo A Chaus house, one of members of the ring, was close to the border, if the police were not vigilant enough, the traffickers could easily have escaped over the border and the mission would be a failure. Leaders skill and spirit In another case with code number 716, the police had to withdraw twice because the traffickers were too dangerous. Canh said that the traffickers, most of whom were Lao, joined hands with many people living in the border area to take heroin from Laos to ien Bien Province and then sold it to a third country. The most dangerous thing was that the traffickers had weapons, and knew the area of the locality very well. After withdrawing our troops twice, I realised that all of the police were quite tired, I encouraged them and decided to move forward and execute the case, said Canh. At 7.30am on July 29, 2016, the PC47 caught Lo Van ia, 26, Laos nationality, in Si Pa Phin Commune, Nam Po District. He was transporting more than 7.3 kilos of heroin. ia fought against the police violently, moreover, it rained heavily together with strong winds at that time, but he was still caught after one hour. Global Paperboard Trays Market : Industry Size, Share, Growth, Forecasts 2018 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/1741216 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/1741216/global-paperboard-trays-professional-survey-market-research-reports https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/1741216/global-paperboard-trays-professional-survey-market-research-reports/toc https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/ Latest industry research report on: Global Paperboard Trays Market : Industry Size, Share, Research, Reviews, Analysis, Strategies, Demand, Growth, Segmentation, Parameters, ForecastsThis report studies Paperboard Trays in Global market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2013 to 2018, and forecast to 2025.Request Sample Copy of the Report @This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringHuhtamaki OyjInternational Paper Co.ESCO Technologies Inc.Mondi Group plc.UFP Technologies, Inc.Henry Molded Products, Inc.Brodrene Hartmann A/SFibercel Packaging LLC.Pactiv LLCOrCon Industries CorporationOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoCorrugated BoardMolded PulpBoxboardOtherComplete Report Details @By Application, the market can be split intoFood & BeveragesConsumer ElectronicsCosmetics & Personal CareHealthcareOtherBy Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaRequest For TOC Report @Table of ContentsGlobal Paperboard Trays Market Professional Survey Report 20181 Industry Overview of Paperboard Trays1.1 Definition and Specifications of Paperboard Trays1.1.1 Definition of Paperboard Trays1.1.2 Specifications of Paperboard Trays1.2 Classification of Paperboard Trays1.2.1 Corrugated Board1.2.2 Molded Pulp1.2.3 Boxboard1.2.4 Other1.3 Applications of Paperboard Trays1.3.1 Food & Beverages1.3.2 Consumer Electronics1.3.3 Cosmetics & Personal Care1.3.4 Healthcare1.3.5 Other1.4 Market Segment by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 India2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Paperboard Trays2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Paperboard Trays2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Paperboard Trays2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Paperboard TraysAbout 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:Email: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Automotive Push Rods Market Overview 2018-2025 : Wuxi Xizhou Machinery, Rane Engine Valve, Yuhuan Huiyu Tappets Automotive Push Rods Market https://www.marketexpertz.com/sample-enquiry-form/11851 https://www.marketexpertz.com/checkout-form/11851 https://www.marketexpertz.com/industry-overview/automotive-push-rods-market The latest report, Automotive Push Rods market enables stakeholders to gain insights into their potential consumers to construct more effective marketing strategies for the forecast period, 2018 to 2025. With an exclusive coverage of the top vendors, the study enables business owners to know more about the local market and locate potential consumers.Now you can download the FREE Sample Copy of Automotive Push Rods Market spread across 102 PAGES, profiling 10 companies and supported with Tables & Figures is now available at @Market Segment on the basis of Top Manufacturers Lunati, COMPcams, Schaeffler, Smith Bros. Pushrods, Wuxi Xizhou Machinery, Rane Engine Valve, Yuhuan Huiyu Tappets, JINAN WORLDWIDE AUTO-ACCESSORY, TRW, RossignolThe research further examines and provides data on the market by type, application and geography interspersed with illustrations and other graphical representations. The market analysis not only determines the attractiveness of the industry but also the evolving challenges and opportunities and their association with the weaknesses and strengths of prominent market leaders. Most importantly, the document empowers business owners to seek information about potential consumers and where they can find them. Apart from this, the literature sheds light on how major vendors operating in the Automotive Push Rods market are making the best use of their marketing campaigns.Click here to Purchase Automotive Push Rods Market Report @Market Segment on the basis of Product, the report covers: Bronze-insert Push Rods Solid H13 Push Rods OtherMarket Segment on the basis of application, the report covers: Passenger Vehicles Commercial VehiclesKey Topics Covered: Automotive Push Rods Market Overview Global Automotive Push Rods Market Competition by Manufacturers Global Automotive Push Rods Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018) Global Automotive Push Rods Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018) Global Automotive Push Rods Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type Global Automotive Push Rods Market Analysis by Application Global Automotive Push Rods Manufacturers Profiles/AnalysisComplete report is available now @The study segments the complete Automotive Push Rods market on the basis of different application, end-use, end-user, and production capability. From a business standpoint, the industry has been thoroughly examined across various countries located in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, and others. The size of the industry for the forecast period 2018 - 2025 is evaluated on the basis of current sales figures and past financial report can be used to forecast the future sales.About US:Planning to invest in market intelligence products or offerings on the web? Then marketexpertz has just the thing for you - reports from over 500 prominent publishers and updates on our collection daily to empower companies and individuals catch-up with the vital insights on industries operating across different geography, trends, share, size and growth rate. There's more to what we offer to our customers. With marketexpertz you have the choice to tap into the specialized services without any additional charges.Contact US:40 Wall St. 28th floor New York CityNY 10005 United Statessales@marketexpertz.com+1-800-819-3052 Geranium Oil Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 202 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/1621684 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/enquiry/1621684 Geranium essential oil is derived from the geranium flower. This oil is extracted by distilling the leaves and other green parts of the plant. Geranium oil has a very sweet and floral aroma. Geranium oil is not same as rose geranium oil, as rose geranium has a stronger scent of floral kind, because of which it is commonly used in perfumes and cosmetic industry. Geranium oil is known for its properties such as anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antibacterial, owing to which it is used in treatment of wounds or any other type of injury. This property of geranium oil helps in beautifying the skin. The major driver for the growth of the geranium oil market is due to increased demand for natural fragrance ingredients and rise of interest in aromatherapy.Geranium Oil Market: SegmentationThe Germanium oil market can be segmented on the basis of Type, Application and distribution channel.On the basis of type geranium oil market is segmented as Pure Geranium Oil, Rose Geranium Oil, Geranium Egypt Oil and others. On the basis of Application geranium oil market is segmented as Aromatherapy, Skin Care, Massage and Others.Get the sample copy of this report:On the basis of the distribution channel, the geranium oil market can be segmented on the basis of Institutional sales, store-based retailing and online retail. The store-based retailing can be further segmented into modern grocery retail and traditional grocery retail. The modern grocery retail can be segmented as hypermarkets/supermarkets, convenience stores, beauty stores, spas and discount stores. The traditional grocery retailing can be further segmented as specialty stores, and others.Geranium Oil Market: Drivers, Restraints, and TrendsThe geranium oil market is currently experiencing a revival in the world due to renewed interest of people in aromatherapy. The major factors driving the growth of the market are its ability to minimize wrinkles, heal acne, it also helps in toning the muscle by tightening and contracting muscles due to its astringent properties, it also has circulatory properties due to which it exits the body through perspiration, which makes it a very good deodorant. Apart from all these properties it is also used as an insect repellant and bug bite healer. The European and African markets are the largest contributors to the growth of the geranium oil market. Growth in increased use of geranium oil regions like North America is also expected to boost the growth of the overall geranium oil market.Geranium oil Market: Regional OutlookIn North America, the trend in the essential oil industry and the usage of geranium oil as a massage oil or in aroma therapy is a major factor in fuelling the growth geranium oil market, as the U.S. is a very potential market for geranium. In Asia Pacific, China is the biggest market for geranium as the imports and exports of geranium were greatly affected by Chinas macroeconomic conditions. Apart from China, India and Japan are also expected to contribute to the growth of the geranium oil market. In Middle East and Africa, geranium oil is mostly used as a high-end product and the germanium oil market is expected to have a very slow growth in the forecast period. In Europe, the geranium oil market is expected to grow steadily despite declining economies.Geranium oil Market: Key PlayersAlbert VieilleBerjeElixensErnesto VentosFleurchemH.InterdonatiINDUKERN INTERNACIONALPenta Manufacturing CompanyRobertet GroupUltra internationalThe report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.Request to send an enquiry, click here :The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)The report has been compiled through extensive primary research (through interviews, surveys, and observations of seasoned analysts) and secondary research (which entails reputable paid sources, trade journals, and industry body databases). The report also features a complete qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry analysts and market participants across key points in the industrys value chain.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.Highlights of the report:A complete backdrop analysis, which includes an assessment of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsMarket segmentation up to the second or third levelHistorical, current, and projected size of the market from the standpoint of both value and volumeReporting and evaluation of recent industry developmentsMarket shares and strategies of key playersEmerging niche segments and regional marketsAn objective assessment of the trajectory of the marketRecommendations to companies for strengthening their foothold in the marketNote: Although care has been taken to maintain the highest levels of accuracy in TMRs reports, recent market/vendor-specific changes may take time to reflect in the analysis.MRRbiz supports your business intelligence needs with over 700,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz Hop Pallet Market Will Reflect Significant Growth Prospects during 2017 2025 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/methodology/13063 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/13063 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Hop Pallet is a brewing component used commonly in making beer for commercial and personal purposes. In the year 2000, a journal of Agricultural & Food Chemistry listed hops as anti-oxidant. Later in 2005, Journal of Molecular Nutrition listed Hops as Anti-Infective. Due to its properties, Hops became a critical ingredient in beer production and achieved a significant role in the same. In 1405, Hops was first legalized in Flanders (currently Belgium) which witnessed high growth in production since then. In 1516, REINHEITSGEBOT (German Beer Purity Law) passed a bill in Bavaria State of Germany which requires only water, barley malt, hops, and yeast may be used for crafting beer. This is one of the oldest law still applied globally. Almost all the countries have a market for Hop and Hop Pallet. During the time, many unique Hop Pallet are developed in order to satisfy the taste buds of people and their preferences.Hop Pallet are used to give flavor, aroma, color and taste to a beer when mixed in appropriate proportions during the brewing process. While many factors create overall beer flavors, hops will have the biggest impact on how beer is perceived. Hop pellet is produced by crushing up dried hop flower and pressing them into pellets. Hops are commonly used for bittering and aroma in beer. Hop Pellet have a higher extraction efficiency that Hop flower when it is used for bittering purpose. Hop Pellet is more stable than Hop Flower due to grinding, compression and removal of moisture. Nowadays, Hop pellets is commonly used in commercial brewing and home brewing purposes. Hop Pallet market is strong in Americas and Europe because a large portion of the population consumes beer which is driving the Hop Pallet market.While a large population of APEJ and MEA still don't drink alcoholic beverages which have restricted the Hop Pallet market in these regions. However, countries like India, have shown significant growth in beer consumption; India is the most growing beer market in the world is likely to become next home of many international Hop Pallet producers in next 5 to 10 years. Although, India doesnt produce Hops which create a great opportunity for companies to start producing hops in the country. Apart from India, China and Hong Kong are also one of the most growing markets of Hop Pallet in APEJ region due to their historical relation with beer. Hop Pallet market is expected to witness an escalating demand among the consumers because of its significant use and increasing presence of beer, ale and other beverages throughout the globe.Request for Table of Contents @Hop Pallet: Market DynamicsGrowing demand for beer and ale is driving the Hop Pallet market globally. Consumers all around the world are getting attracted towards Hop Pallet because of its ease and low production costs which is driving the market. Hop Pallet save time and energy while producing beer. Hops are generally added in Wort in order to give bittering, aroma and flavour to beer. Countries like China, India, and Hong Kong, are the future markets for alcoholic beverage and thus a promising market for Hop Pallet. Perception towards alcoholic beverage in the Middle East and APEJ is changing, and with the rise of per capita income, people changed their way of living and shifted towards beer from fruit juices. Hop Pallet serves best for the purpose of brewing when one needs to save time which won't be possible without Hop Pallet. However, Hence, Hop Pallet market is expected to grow during the forecast period due to its versatile benefits.However, Hop Pallet comes along with some restraints. Hop Extracts is a substitute of Hop Pellet which can be used much easier as compared to Pellets. Most of the people have no knowledge of Hop Pallet in most of the countries which is a big restraint for this market because of limited advertisement. Hop Pallet market has an opportunity to expand in APEJ and MEA region. In the past decade, hundreds of Hop Pallet players entered China because of decent Hop production in the country and all of them are doing great. There is a need to increase the presence throughout the region.Hop Pallet: Regional OutlookRegional coverage for Hop Pallet market includes North America, Latin America, Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ) and the Middle East and Africa (MEA). Hop Extracts market witnesses a high demand in North America and Europe because of the high consumption of beers in the region. However, the Hop Pallet market is expected to grow significantly in APEJ region as consumers have widely adopting beer and ale.Hop Pallet: Market PlayersThe market players in Hop Pallet market are Hopsteiner, BSG Craft Brewing, Northern Brewers, The Malt Miller, Charles faram and many more.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: New Business Opportunities of Global Folding Bikes Market 2017 - 2026 ; Dawes Diamond, Dahon, STRiDA EVO, Vilano, and SwissBike https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1483496 https://www.researchmoz.us/folding-bikes-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2017-2026-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/folding-bikes-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2017-2026-report.html http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG https://marketreserch1.blogspot.com Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Folding Bikes Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2017 - 2026" to its huge collection of research reports.Report SnapshotThis report on the global folding bikes market offers an in-depth analysis for the period 2017 to 2026, keeping 2016 as the base year. The report includes key dynamics including drivers, opportunities, trends and restraint, which are expected to influence the global folding bikes market during the forecast period. The report also offers a comprehensive analysis of the overall market in terms of revenue (in US$ Mn), across different regions.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Segmental AnalysisIn the report, the global folding bikes market has been segmented on the basis of product type, wheel size, application, price range and region. Based on product type the market has been segmented into mid-fold, vertical fold, triangle hinge, magnet folding and suspension system and others. By wheel size, the market has been segmented into 20 Inch, 24 Inch, 26 Inch, 700c and other wheel size. By application, the market has been segmented into sports, fitness and commercial. By price range, that market has been segmented into premium, economy and low. Segment trends have also been analyzed in the report. In addition, the reader will also come across segment wise comparison matrix, market positioning and market attractiveness index of key market participants.On the basis of region, the market has been segmented into Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Europe, Latin America, Middle East & Africa (MEA), North America and Japan. The above mention regions have been analyzed in terms of revenue. Moreover, this section of the report also offer analysis of the market in Key countries. In the following section, information regarding the competitive landscape of the global folding bikes market has been provided.View Complete TOC with tables & Figures @The competitive landscape section of the report comprise competition matrix, market share of leading companies operating in the global market for folding bikes. This section offers a complete profiling of major market players along with their market position, R&D focus, recent development, infrastructure facilities, capabilities and potentials to grow. Key players profiled in the report include, Montague Crosstown, Bickerton Junction 1707 City, Di Blasi, Gocycle, LightSpeed, Independent Fabrication, Tern Joe, Strida LT, Schwinn, Tern Link, Pacific Cycles, Tern Verge X20, Brompton, Raleigh Evo-2, Bobbin, Dawes Diamond, Dahon, STRiDA EVO, Vilano, and SwissBike.Reasons to invest in the reportThis research report focusses of providing highly accurate results along a comprehensive market analysis. A tried and test research methodology has been used in order to ensure data and statistical accuracy. The set of data provided in the report is an outcome of a combination of primary and secondary research. The information offered in the report is extremely credible as it undergoes multilevel verification process. The states are presented in a systematic manner with graphs and charts that helps readers grasp the key outcomes in the report at much ease and convenience.Browse Report @Table of Content1. Global Economic Outlook2. Global Folding Bikes Market - Executive Summary3. Global Folding Bikes Market Overview3.1. Introduction3.1.1. Global Folding Bikes Market Taxonomy3.1.2. Global Folding Bikes Market Definition3.2. Global Folding Bikes Market Size (US$ Mn) and Forecast, 2012-20263.2.1. Global Folding Bikes Market Y-o-Y Growth3.3. Global Folding Bikes Market Dynamics3.4. Supply Chain3.5. Cost Structure3.6. Pricing Analysis4. Global Folding Bikes Market Analysis and Forecast 2012-20264.1. Global Folding Bikes Market Size and Forecast By Product Type, 2012-20264.1.1. Mid-fold Market Size and Forecast, 2012-20264.1.1.1. Revenue (US$ Mn) Comparison, By Region4.1.1.2. Market Share Comparison, By Region4.1.1.3. Y-o-Y growth Comparison, By Region4.1.2. Vertical Fold Market Size and Forecast, 2012-20264.1.2.1. Revenue (US$ Mn) Comparison, By RegionAbout 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. 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The report aims to provide an overview of global Computer Assisted Coding Systems market with detailed market segmentation by product/application and geography. The global Computer Assisted Coding Systems market is expected to witness high growth during the forecast period. The report provides key statistics on the market status of the Computer Assisted Coding Systems players and offers key trends and opportunities in the market.Computer Assisted Coding Systems Market Players: 3M Company Artificial Medical Cerner Corporation Dolbey Systems Mckesson Corporation Nuance Communications OptumInsight Precyse Solutions Trucode Phoenix Health Mediccio MedKoder Leidos HealthGet Sample Copy of This Report Now @Market segment by Type, the product can be split into Cloud Based CACS On-Premise CACSMarket segment by Application, split into Hospitals Physician Practices Clinical Laboratories Academic Medical Centers OtherMajor regions are as follows: United States Europe China Japan Southeast Asia IndiaThe report provides a detailed overview of the industry including both qualitative and quantitative information. It provides overview and forecast of the global Computer Assisted Coding Systems market based on product and application. It also provides market size and forecast till 2025 for overall Computer Assisted Coding Systems market with respect to five major regions, namely; North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific (APAC), Middle East and Africa (MEA) and South America (SAM), which is later sub-segmented by respective countries and segments. The report evaluates market dynamics effecting the market during the forecast period i.e., drivers, restraints, opportunities, and future trend and provides exhaustive PEST analysis for all five regions.Inquire before Buying @Also, key Computer Assisted Coding Systems market players influencing the market are profiled in the study along with their SWOT analysis and market strategies. 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Karaya Gum Market to Significant Growth Foreseen by 2027 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3832 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-3832 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/protein-hydrolysate-ingredient-market https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/micronized-salt-market www.futuremarketinsights.com Karaya gum is a sap-like material derived from a soft-wooded tree Sterculia urens which is native to India and Pakistan. It is used in the preparation of various pharmaceuticals, food and beverages, and cosmetics. It is majorly used as a laxative to reduce constipation and as an aphrodisiac to stimulate sexual desire. Karaya gum is known by several other chemical and native names including Sterculia villosa, Sterculia urens, Sterculia tragacantha, Sterculia Gum, Sterculia, Mucara, Kullo, Katila, Kadira, Kadaya, Indian Tragacanth, Gomme de Sterculia, Gomme Sterculia, Gomme Kuteera, Gomme Karaya, Goma Karaya, Bassora Tragacanth, etc. Karaya Gum is denoted by E416 number in some food products. It is also used in conditions such as high plasma lipid levels, adhesive for dental implants, adhesive plasters, sore throat, diabetes, and wounds & bed sores.Global Karaya Gum Market: Dynamics: Improving industrial sector especially for food and pharmaceutical especially in Asia Pacific primary drives the global karaya gum market growth during the forecast period. Additionally, macroeconomic factors making a positive impact on the global karaya gum market include increasing employment rate, changing consumer lifestyle, increasing per capita income as well as population, and growing domestic income. The significant trending factor for global karaya gum market includes merger and acquisition of karaya gum suppliers with end-use industry such as food and pharmaceuticals. The company manufacturing karaya gum products has a substantial opportunity in regions such as North America, Europe, and Asia Pacific, attributed to rapidly growing healthcare sector over the forecast period.Request For Report Sample:The global karaya gum market is segmented by end-use industry, application, and by region. By end-use, the global karaya gum market is classified as food and beverages, cosmetic, and pharmaceutical industry. Among the aforementioned segments, the food and beverages industry segment accounts for relatively high revenue share in the global karaya gum market over the forecast period followed by pharmaceutical industry, owing to rapidly growing food and pharmaceutical market across the globe. Based on the end-use Industry, the global karaya gum market is segmented into: Food and Beverages, Pharmaceutical, Cosmetic; Based on the application, the global karaya gum market is segmented into: Laxative, Emulsifier, Thickening Agent, Adhesive, Stabilizer, Aphrodisiac.By geographies, the global karaya gum market is segmented into seven regions North America, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific except Japan (APEJ), Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East & Africa, and Japan. Among the regions, North America dominates the global karaya gum market in terms of value, owing to a significant revenue share of the region in the pharmaceutical market. Western Europe is followed by North America in the global karaya gum market, attributed to high demand for food products in the region. The APEJ is expected to account for relatively high volume share in the global.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC):karaya gum market, owing to rapidly growing food and pharmaceutical industry over the forecast period. Eastern Europe and Japan accounts for a moderate value share in the global karaya gum market. Latin America and Middle East Africa is expected to have a relatively low opportunity for the karaya gum market, owing to the moderately growing economy and industries in the regions.Some of the prominent karaya gum market players include Andina Ingredients Ltd, Sigma-Aldrich Co. LLC, AEP Colloids, Parchem fine & specialty chemicals, AEP Colloids Inc., Spectrum Chemical Mfg Co, PPA Inc., Gum Technology Corporation, and Sarda Gums & Chemicals.Related Reports:Protein Hydrolysate Ingredients Market:Micronized Salt Market:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Face Mask for Anti-pollution Market 2018 Global Technology, Development, Trends and forecasts to 2025 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Industry https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3229302-global-face-mask-for-anti-pollution-market-research-report-2018 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3229302-global-face-mask-for-anti-pollution-market-research-report-2018 https://www.linkedin.com/company/wise-guy-research-consultants-pvt-ltd-?trk=biz-companies-cym Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution IndustryNew Study on 2018-2025 Face Mask for Anti-pollution Market Global Key Player, Demand, Growth, Opportunities and Analysis Forecast added to Wise Guy Reports DatabaseThis report studies the global Face Mask for Anti-pollution market status and forecast, categorizes the global Face Mask for Anti-pollution market size (value & volume) by key players, type, application, and region. This report focuses on the top players in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa.Face Mask are designed for people's health, and for preventing the harmful substances which is visible or invisible in the air, so as not to be a bad influence to the human body.Currently, a major challenge affecting the market growth is the limitation of downstream market. As large demand of healthy products at home and abroad, many companies began to enter the field.Despite the presence of competition problems, due to the global recovery trend is clear, investors are still optimistic about this area, the future will still have more new investment enter the field. In the next five years, the consumption volume will keep slow increasing, as well as the consumption value.The global Face Mask for Anti-pollution market is valued at 2310 million US$ in 2017 and will reach 4670 million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of 9.2% during 2018-2025.The major manufacturers covered in this report3MHoneywellCMKimberly-ClarkShanghai DashengKOWATe YinUvexSinotextilesDACHMaskinBDSResproTotoboboHakugenVogmaskTry Sample Report @Geographically, this report studies the key regions, focuses on product sales, value, market share and growth opportunity in these regions, coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaWe can also provide the customized separate regional or country-level reports, for the following regions: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 intoReplaceable Particulate RespiratorsDisposable Particulate RespiratorsOn 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, includingIndustrial UseGeneral Consumer UseLab UseOthersThe study objectives of this report are:To analyze and study the global Face Mask for Anti-pollution sales, value, status (2013-2017) and forecast (2018-2025).Focuses on the key Face Mask for Anti-pollution manufacturers, to study the sales, value, market share and development plans in future.Focuses on the global key manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the market competition landscape, SWOT analysis.To define, describe and forecast the market by type, application and region.To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks.To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth.To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high growth segments.To strategically analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trend and their contribution to the marketTo analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the marketTo strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Face Mask for Anti-pollution 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 StakeholdersFace Mask for Anti-pollution ManufacturersFace Mask for Anti-pollution Distributors/Traders/WholesalersFace Mask for Anti-pollution 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 Face Mask for Anti-pollution market, by end-use.Detailed analysis and profiles of additional market players.For Detailed Reading Please visit WiseGuy Reports @Some points from table of content:Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Market Research Report 20181 Face Mask for Anti-pollution Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Face Mask for Anti-pollution1.2 Face Mask for Anti-pollution Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Replaceable Particulate Respirators1.2.4 Disposable Particulate Respirators1.3 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Segment by Application1.3.1 Face Mask for Anti-pollution Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Industrial Use1.3.3 General Consumer Use1.3.4 Lab Use1.3.5 Others1.4 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Market by Region (2013-2025)1.4.1 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution 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 Face Mask for Anti-pollution (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Revenue Status and Outlook (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2013-2025)2 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.1 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.3 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Average Price by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.4 Manufacturers Face Mask for Anti-pollution Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Face Mask for Anti-pollution Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Face Mask for Anti-pollution Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Face Mask for Anti-pollution Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)3.1 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Capacity and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.2 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Production and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.3 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.4 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.5 North America Face Mask for Anti-pollution Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.6 Europe Face Mask for Anti-pollution Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.7 China Face Mask for Anti-pollution Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.8 Japan Face Mask for Anti-pollution Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.9 Southeast Asia Face Mask for Anti-pollution Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.10 India Face Mask for Anti-pollution Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)4 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018)4.1 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Consumption by Region (2013-2018)4.2 North America Face Mask for Anti-pollution Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.3 Europe Face Mask for Anti-pollution Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.4 China Face Mask for Anti-pollution Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.5 Japan Face Mask for Anti-pollution Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.6 Southeast Asia Face Mask for Anti-pollution Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.7 India Face Mask for Anti-pollution Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)5 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Production and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)5.2 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Revenue and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)5.3 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Price by Type (2013-2018)5.4 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Production Growth by Type (2013-2018)6 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Market Analysis by Application6.1 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Consumption and Market Share by Application (2013-2018)6.2 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2013-2018)6.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6.3.1 Potential Applications6.3.2 Emerging Markets/Countries7 Global Face Mask for Anti-pollution Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 3M7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Face Mask for Anti-pollution Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 3M Face Mask for Anti-pollution Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Honeywell7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Face Mask for Anti-pollution Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Honeywell Face Mask for Anti-pollution Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 CM7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Face Mask for Anti-pollution Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 CM Face Mask for Anti-pollution Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 Kimberly-Clark7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Face Mask for Anti-pollution Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 Kimberly-Clark Face Mask for Anti-pollution Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 Shanghai Dasheng7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Face Mask for Anti-pollution Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 Shanghai Dasheng Face Mask for Anti-pollution Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015-2018)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 KOWA7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Face Mask for Anti-pollution Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 KOWA Face Mask for Anti-pollution Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 Te Yin7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 Face Mask for Anti-pollution Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 Te Yin Face Mask for Anti-pollution Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.8 Uvex7.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.8.2 Face Mask for Anti-pollution Product Category, Application and Specification7.8.2.1 Product A7.8.2.2 Product B7.8.3 Uvex Face Mask for Anti-pollution Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.9 Sinotextiles7.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.9.2 Face Mask for Anti-pollution Product Category, Application and Specification7.9.2.1 Product A7.9.2.2 Product B7.9.3 Sinotextiles Face Mask for Anti-pollution Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.10 DACH7.10.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.10.2 Face Mask for Anti-pollution Product Category, Application and Specification7.10.2.1 Product A7.10.2.2 Product B7.10.3 DACH Face Mask for Anti-pollution Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2020)7.10.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.11 Maskin7.12 BDS7.13 Respro7.14 Totobobo7.15 Hakugen7.16 Vogmask8 Face Mask for Anti-pollution Manufacturing Cost Analysis8.1 Face Mask for Anti-pollution Key Raw Materials Analysis8.1.1 Key Raw Materials8.1.2 Price Trend of Key Raw Materials8.1.3 Key Suppliers of Raw Materials8.1.4 Market Concentration Rate of Raw Materials8.2 Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure8.2.1 Raw Materials8.2.2 Labor Cost8.2.3 Manufacturing Expenses8.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Face Mask for Anti-pollution9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers9.1 Face Mask for Anti-pollution Industrial Chain Analysis9.2 Upstream Raw Materials Sourcing9.3 Raw Materials Sources of Face Mask for Anti-pollution Major Manufacturers in 20179.4 Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders10.1 Marketing Channel10.1.1 Direct Marketing10.1.2 Indirect Marketing10.1.3 Marketing Channel Development Trend10.2 Market Positioning10.2.1 Pricing Strategy10.2.2 Brand Strategy10.2.3 Target Client10.3 Distributors/Traders ListContinued.For more information or any query mail at 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Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available.Contact Us:Norah Trent+1 646 845 9349 / +44 208 133 9349Follow on LinkedIn: Smartphone 3D Cameras Market Technological Innovation by 2025 | Key Players (Toshiba, Sharp, SONY, Samsung) Smartphone 3D Cameras Market by 2025 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/1089336-asia-pacific-smartphone-3d-cameras-market-2 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=1089336 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/1089336-asia-pacific-smartphone-3d-cameras-market-2 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/1089336-asia-pacific-smartphone-3d-cameras-market-2 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/request-discount/1089336-asia-pacific-smartphone-3d-cameras-market-2 A new research study from HTF MI with title Asia-Pacific Smartphone 3D Cameras Market Report 2018 provides an in-depth assessment of the Smartphone 3D Cameras including key market trends, upcoming technologies, industry drivers, challenges, regulatory policies, key players company profiles and strategies. The research study provides forecasts for Smartphone 3D Cameras investments till 2022.Access Sample Copy @:If you are involved in the Smartphone 3D Cameras 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 Android Smartphone, IOS Smartphone, Windows Smartphone & Other, Below 8MP, 8-16MP & Above 16MP and major players. 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.Buy this research report @The Study is segmented by following Product Type: Below 8MP, 8-16MP & Above 16MPMajor applications/end-users industry are as follows: Android Smartphone, IOS Smartphone, Windows Smartphone & OtherGeographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions such as China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Southeast Asia & Australia, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), and market share and growth rate of Asia-Pacific Smartphone 3D Cameras in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast)Early buyers will receive 10% customization on reports. Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @Major companies covered in the report are Toshiba, Sharp, SONY, Samsung Electronics, LG Electronics, Microsoft, Infineon, Softkinectic, PMD Technologies, Pelican Imaging, Amkor Technologies, Bevel & HTC CorporationThis study also contains company profiling, product picture and specifications, sales, market share and contact information of various international, regional, and local vendors of Asia-Pacific Smartphone 3D Cameras Market. 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. The new vendor entrants in the market are finding it hard to compete with the international vendors based on quality, reliability, and innovations in technology.Some of the key questions answered in this report: Detailed Overview of Asia-Pacific Smartphone 3D Cameras market helps deliver clients and businesses making strategies. Influential factors that are thriving demand and constraints in the market. What is the market concentration? Is it fragmented or highly concentrated? What trends, challenges and barriers will impact the development and sizing of Smartphone 3D Cameras market? SWOT Analysis of each key players mentioned along with its company profile with the help of Porters five forces tool mechanism to compliment the same. What growth momentum or acceleration market carries during the forecast period? Which region is going to tap highest market share in future? What Application/end-user category or Product Type may see incremental growth prospects? What would be the market share of key countries like United States, France, UK, Germany, Italy, Canada, Australia, Japan, China or Brazil etc.? What focused approach and constraints are holding the market tight?Make inquiry before purchase @Check for discount @There are 15 Chapters to display the Asia-Pacific Smartphone 3D Cameras market.Chapter 1, About Executive Summary to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of Smartphone 3D Cameras market, Applications [Android Smartphone, IOS Smartphone, Windows Smartphone & Other], Market Segment by Regions;Chapter 2, to analyze objective of the study.Chapter 3, to display Research methodology and techniques.Chapter 4 and 5 , to show the Overall Market Analysis, segmentation analysis, characteristics;Chapter 6 and 7, to show the Market size, share and forecast; Five forces analysis (bargaining Power of buyers/suppliers), Threats to new entrants and market condition;Chapter 8 and 9, to show analysis by regional segmentation[China, Japan, South Korea, Taiwan, India, Southeast Asia & Australia ], comparison, leading countries and opportunities; Regional Marketing Type Analysis, Supply Chain AnalysisChapter 10, focus on identifying the key industry influencers, overview of decision framework accumulated through Industry experts and strategic decision makers;Chapter 11 and 12, Market Trend Analysis, Drivers, Challenges by consumer behavior, Marketing Channels and demand & supply.Chapter 13 and 14, describe about the vendor landscape (classification and Market Positioning)Chapter 15, deals with Asia-Pacific Smartphone 3D Cameras Market sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.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 Car Shock Absorber Market Analysis 2018 Forecasts To 2023 : ZF, Tenneco, KONI, Hitachi, Endurance Global Car Shock Absorber Market Growth, Global Car Shock Absorber Market Share, Global Car Shock Absorber Market Size https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3180285-global-car-shock-absorber-market-analysis-2012-2017-and-forecast-2018-2023 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3180285-global-car-shock-absorber-market-analysis-2012-2017-and-forecast-2018-2023 Global Car Shock Absorber MarketDescription:-Wiseguyreports.Com Adds Global Car Shock Absorber Market 2018: Global Analysis, Industry Size, Share, Trends, Application Analysis and Growth Opportunities Forecast to 2023 To Its Research DatabaseThe global Car Shock Absorber market will reach xxx Million USD in 2018 and CAGR xx% 2018-2023. The report begins from overview of Industry Chain structure, and describes industry environment, then analyses market size and forecast of Car Shock Absorber 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.):By StructureTwin-tube TypeMono-tube TypeBy Control MethodHydraulic TypePneumatic TypeCompany Coverage (Sales Revenue, Price, Gross Margin, Main Products etc.):ZFKYBTennecoShowaBilsteinAnandMandoMagneti MarelliKONIHitachiRide ControlEnduranceALKOEscorts GroupS&T MotivDuroshoxChuannan AbsorberJiangsu Bright StarCVCTYaoyong ShockFaw-TokicoNingjiang ShanchuanChongqing SokonChengdu JiudingZhejiang SensenLiuzhou CarreraBWI GroupZhongxing ShockWanxiangChongqing ZhongyiRequest a sample copy @Application Coverage (Market Size & Forecast, Different Demand Market by Region, Main Consumer Profile etc.):Automotive Shock AbsorberMotorcycle Shock AbsorberRegion Coverage (Regional Production, Demand & Forecast by Countries etc.):North America (U.S., Canada, Mexico)Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Italy, Russia, Spain etc.)Asia-Pacific (China, India, Japan, Southeast Asia etc.)South America (Brazil, Argentina etc.)Middle East & Africa (Saudi Arabia, South Africa etc.)Table of Content1 Industry Overview1.1 Car Shock Absorber Industry1.1.1 Overview1.1.2 Development of Car Shock Absorber1.2 Market Segment1.2.1 Upstream1.2.2 Downstream1.3 Cost Analysis2 Industry Environment2.1 Policy2.2 Economics2.3 Sociology2.4 Technology3 Car Shock Absorber Market by Type3.1 By Structure3.1.1 Twin-tube Type3.1.2 Mono-tube Type3.2 By Control Method3.3 Market Size3.4 Market Forecast4 Major Companies List4.1 ZF (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.2 KYB (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.3 Tenneco (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.4 Showa (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.5 Bilstein (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.6 Anand (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.7 Mando (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.8 Magneti Marelli (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.9 KONI (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.10 Hitachi (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.11 Ride Control (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.12 Endurance (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.13 ALKO (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.14 Escorts Group (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.15 S&T Motiv (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.16 Duroshox (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.17 Chuannan Absorber (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.18 Jiangsu Bright Star (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.19 CVCT (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.20 Yaoyong Shock (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.21 Faw-Tokico (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.22 Ningjiang Shanchuan (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.23 Chongqing Sokon (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.24 Chengdu Jiuding (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.25 Zhejiang Sensen (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.26 Liuzhou Carrera (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.27 BWI Group (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.28 Zhongxing Shock (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.29 Wanxiang (Company Profile, Sales Data etc.)4.30 Chongqing Zhongyi (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 Automotive Shock Absorber6.1.2 Demand in Motorcycle Shock Absorber6.2 Regional Demand Comparison6.3 Demand Forecast7 Region Operation7.1 Regional Production7.2 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 Import & Export7.5 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 Marketing Channel9 Research Conclusion Table Upstream Segment of Car Shock AbsorberBrowse 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 THAI BINH A lack of capital has made the Thai Binh 2 Thermal Power Plant fall behind schedule to pay credit loans even as the deadline approaches, reported Vietnam Finance newspaper. Petro Vietnam (PVN), the projects main investor, plans to release bonds as a possible solution. The Thai Binh 2 Thermal Power Plant project includes two machine units with a designed capacity of 1,200MW. The project has an investment of nearly VN41.8 trillion (US$1.8 billion) and is featured in the list of emergency electricity power projects issued in 2013 by former Prime Minister Nguyen Tan Dung. The project is expected to provide 6.7 billion kWh of electricity to the national power grid per year, for which it will consume an estimated three to 3.5 million tonnes of coal. The disbursement values of the project during its start in 2011 and its completion in 2017 were some VN10 trillion ($440 million) and VN29.3 trillion ($1.3 billion), respectively. Regarding foreign loans, PVN, in its latest report to the government, said the total loans signed were valued at $937 million. Until now, $432 million have been disbursed while $81 million of the original debt have been paid. The remaining $505 million are yet to be allocated. According to PVN, the final disbursement deadline mentioned in the contract is September 28, 2018, which was based on the completion of the projects two machine units. Decision No. 428 on the national electricity development plan during 2011-20 approved by Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc in 2016 says the Thai Binh 2 Thermal Power Plant will put machine unit No. 1 and No. 2 in operation in 2017 and 2018, respectively. However, PVN asked to extend the deadline to June 2019 for machine unit No. 1 and September 2019 for the other. The proposal is yet unapproved. Meanwhile, the Ministry of Finance (MoF) recently issued a debt reminder document for the disbursement of loans to credit institutions by September 2018. MoF said since it did not allow the extension of loan contracts after September 28, PVN had no choice but to find an alternative. PVN said it would be a huge challenge for the company to allocate capital without government guarantee. To solve the crisis, PVN has proposed releasing bonds valued at VN10 trillion to related agencies. VNS Structured Cabling Market to Witness Exponential Growth by 2026 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-1454 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/toc/rep-gb-1454 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/ Structured cabling system is defined as the combination of set of cables & associated hardware used to provide comprehensive telecommunication infrastructure to various management systems, this telecommunication infrastructure enables the transmission of data, voice & video signal through a communication network from one point to other or from one system to another system. For the establishment of well-organized network connection, different types of cables & connecting devices for the connections, services & softwares for installation, maintenance monitoring & designing are required.As the communication network is the backbone of any infrastructure & the need for advanced and fast communication technique has continuously been increasing in the global market, hence the global structured cabling market is expected to show the growth during the forecast period.A sample of this report is available upon request @Global Structured Cabling Market: Market DynamicsThe key trends of global structured cabling market is the increase in demand of optical fibers cabling market in the industries because of its ability of higher speed data transfer. The key drivers responsible for the growth of global structured cabling market are drastic rise in internet penetration, high adoption rate of automation for home and industries, high bandwidth demand across the industries, rising trend of communication infrastructure & also the convergence of data centers. On the flip side there are also some key restraints which are inhibiting the growth of global structured cabling market & framed as; poor electromagnetic compatibility impedance tolerance of Unshielded twisted pair cable because of which efficiency of communication decreases, high cost of optical fiber cable and its components, fluctuations in the price of copper, compatibility issue of older communication infrastructure with the new ones & also the price issue among cable vendors because of higher competition.Global Structured Cabling Market: SegmentationSegmentation of the global structured cabling market is done on the basis of product type, service type, applications & Geography. On the basis of product type, global structured cabling market is segmented as cables (Optical Fiber Cable & Copper cable), communication outlets, patch panels & cross connects, racks & cabinets, patch panels, cables accessories & some tools used up in the installation. By service type global structured cabling market is segmented as installations & consultation, maintenance and support, software & managed service.On the basis of applications, the segmentation of global structured cabling market is done as; in residential & commercial sectors, IT & telecommunication, Government organization, military & defense sector, industrial applications, healthcare sector, transportation & others. These segments further be sub segmented as; telecom operators & datacenters are the sub segments of IT & telecommunication. Energy & power, oil & gas, metals & mining, Food & beverages come under the industrial segments. Among all the segments, IT & telecommunications segment is expected to cover highest market share of global structured cabling market. The reason behind highest market share of IT & telecommunication segment is higher demand of cabling structure service and its product from data centers and telecom providers.Geographically, the global structured cabling market is segmented into seven regions, North America, Latin America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific (excluding Japan), Japan as a separate region and Middle East & Africa. North America is expected to holds the highest market share of global structured cabling market the reason behind this is the expansion of communication network architecture and also the data center convergence.To view TOC of this report is available upon request @Global Structured Cabling Market: Key PlayersThe key players of the global structured cabling market are Nexans S.A., CommScope, Inc., Schneider Electric SE, Panduit Corp., Legrand, Belden, Inc., Corning, Inc. ABB Ltd., Panduit Corp., Siemon, Teknon Corporation & others.About UsFuture 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.FMIs 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.Contact UsU.S. Office616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWeb: Depth Research of Polyaspartic Coatings Market in Global Industry 2018 to 2025; Competitive Landscape, Market Segmentation, Research Methodology https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1476676 https://www.researchmoz.us/polyaspartic-coatings-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2017-2025-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/polyaspartic-coatings-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2017-2025-report.html https://marketinfo247.wordpress.com/ Albany, NY, 14th June : Recent research and the current scenario as well as future market potential of "Polyaspartic Coatings Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025" globally.Polyaspartic coatings is a new class of coating technology and is a derivative of aliphatic polyisocyanate and a polyaspartic ester. They are widely used for protecting steel structures from corrosion and also used in various commercial, automotive, and power generation industry.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @They possess high chemical, abrasion, impact, and UV resistance. They emit low VOC as compared to their counterparts and are highly durable in nature. polyaspartic coatings doesnt turn yellow and require less curing time as well as maintenance compared to epoxy, polyurethane, etc. coatings.The report estimates and forecasts the polyaspartic coatings 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 product 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 polyaspartic coatings 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 polyaspartic coatings market on the global and regional level. Drivers, restraints, and opportunities mentioned in the report are justified through quantitative and qualitative data. These have been verified through primary and secondary resources. Furthermore, the report analyzes global average price trend analysis of polyaspartic coatings.The report includes Porters Five Forces Model to determine the degree of competition in the polyaspartic coatings market. The report comprises a qualitative write-up on market attractiveness analysis, wherein end-user and countries have been analyzed based on attractiveness for each region. Growth rate, market size, raw material availability, profit margin, impact strength, technology, competition, and other factors (such as environmental and legal) have been evaluated in order to derive the general attractiveness of the market. The report comprises price trend analysis for polyaspartic coatings between 2017 and 2025.View Complete TOC with tables & Figures @Global Polyaspartic Coatings Market: Research MethodologySecondary research sources that were typically referred to include, but were not limited to company websites, financial reports, annual reports, investor presentations, broker reports, and SEC filings. Other sources such as 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.Global Polyaspartic Coatings Market: Market SegmentationThe study provides a comprehensive view of the polyaspartic coatings market by dividing it into following types: by Technology, by End-user, and by Geography. The polyaspartic coatings market based on Technology type has been segmented into water, solvent, and powder. End-user segments have been analyzed based on historic, present, and future trends, and the market has been estimated in terms of volume (Tons) and revenue (US$ Mn) between 2017 and 2025.Regional segmentation includes the current and forecast demand for Polyaspartic coatings in North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa (MEA). Additionally, the report comprises country-level analysis in terms of volume and revenue for end-user and Technology type segments. Key countries such as the U.S., Germany, the U.K., India, China, Japan, South Africa, Mexico, and Brazil have been included in the study. Market segmentation includes demand for individual end-user and products in all the regions and countries.Global Polyaspartic Coatings Market: Competitive LandscapeThe 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 Akzo Nobel N.V, The Sherwin Williams Company, PPG Industries, Covestro AG, Sika Corporation, Cipy Polyurethanes Pvt. Ltd, and Rust-Oleum Corporation. Company profiles include attributes such as company overview, number of employees, brand overview, key competitors, business overview, business strategies, recent/key developments, acquisitions, and financial overview (wherever applicable).The global polyaspartic coatings market has been segmented as follows:Polyaspartic Coatings Market Technology AnalysisWaterSolventPowderPolyaspartic Coatings Market End-user AnalysisConstructionResidentialCommercialIndustrialTransportationAutomotiveRail carOthersPower generationOthersPolyaspartic Coatings Market Regional AnalysisNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeGermanyFranceU.K.ItalySpainRest of EuropeAsia PacificChinaIndiaJapanASEANRest of Asia PacificMiddle East & AfricaGCCSouth AfricaRest of Middle East & AfricaBrowse Report @Latin AmericaBrazilMexicoRest of Latin AmericaResearchMoz 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 : Smart Pills Global Market 2018: Key Players Cerner Corporation, GE Healthcare, Olympus Corporation, Bio Images Research Ltd. https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3193375-smart-pills-global-market-outlook-2017-2026 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/3193375-smart-pills-global-market-outlook-2017-2026 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=3193375 https://www.wiseguyreports.com Smart Pills IndustryDescriptionWiseguyreports.Com Adds Smart Pills -Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities and Analysis Of Top Key Player Forecast To 2023 To Its Research DatabaseGlobal Smart Pills Market is accounted for $0.55 billion in 2017 and is expected to reach $3.72 billion by 2026 growing at a CAGR of 23.7% during the forecast period. Increasing occurrence of Gastro-intestinal diseases, favorable reimbursement in region and rising cancer screening awareness programs are some of the key factors propelling the market growth. However, technological ineffectiveness of capsule endoscopes and high price of smart pills are hindering the growth of the market. Need for rapid drug development process provides ample of opportunities for the market growth.Smart pills are the medical devices which are utilized in invasive surgeries and have efficiently decreased the gap between healthcare and technology. It contains drug and ingestible sensor which make contact with stomach fluid identifies the type of pill taken by body. It consists of elements such as sensors, cameras and trackers that assist in better diagnostics and supervising. These devices can be easily consumed and offer a non-invasive detailed examination of the gastrointestinal (GI) tract. It is used for screening and treatment of diseases such as gastric ulcers, colorectal cancer and gastroesophageal disorders. Customers of smart pills mainly include aged population, immobile patients, and paralysis patients.By Application, Capsule endoscopy is the part of endoscopy in which a small capsule and pill shaped wireless camera used to examine the digestive system. Factors such as increase in cancer screening awareness programs and raise in prevalence of Crohns disease and bowel cancer are fueling the capsule endoscopy market growth. It is intended to provide whole examination of GIT including images of esophagus, stomach, small intestine and large intestine. It causes minimum discomfort and also non-invasive. It is used for identifying colonic disorders, small bowel diseases and esophageal disorder.By Geography, North America is anticipated to dominate the market due to the technological improvement in healthcare sector, raise in prevalence of colorectal cancer, and regulatory approval of new products. Asia Pacific is the fastest growing market owing to disposable income, compulsory healthcare insurance, and increase in healthcare expenses are expected to drive the market.Request for Sample Report @Some of the key players in Smart Pills Market include Cerner Corporation, GE Healthcare, Olympus Corporation, Bio Images Research Ltd., Acamp, Boston Scientific Corporation, Medimetrics, Fujifilm Holdings Corporation, Capsovision, Inc., Pentax Medical Company, Proteus Digital Health, Inc., Karl Storz Gmbh & Co. KG, Given Imaging, Inc, Medisafe and Medtronic.Target Areas Covered: Stomach Large Intestine Esophagus Small IntestineApplications Covered: Drug Delivery Patient Monitoring Capsule Endoscopy ToolsRegions Covered: North Americao USo Canadao Mexico Europeo Germanyo Franceo Italyo UKo Spaino Rest of Europe Asia Pacifico Japano Chinao Indiao Australiao New Zealando South Koreao Rest of Asia Pacific South Americao Argentinao Brazilo Chileo Rest of South America Middle East & Africao Saudi Arabiao UAEo Qataro South Africao Rest of Middle East & AfricaLeave a Query @What our report offers:- Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments- Market share analysis of the top industry players- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants- Market forecasts for a minimum of 9 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancementsList of TablesTable 1 Global Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Region (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 2 Global Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Target Area (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 3 Global Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Stomach (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 4 Global Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Large Intestine (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 5 Global Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Esophagus (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 6 Global Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Small Intestine (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 7 Global Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Application (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 8 Global Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Drug Delivery (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 9 Global Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Patient Monitoring (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 10 Global Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Capsule Endoscopy (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 11 Global Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Tools (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 12 North America Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Country (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 13 North America Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Target Area (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 14 North America Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Stomach (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 15 North America Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Large Intestine (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 16 North America Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Esophagus (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 17 North America Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Small Intestine (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 18 North America Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Application (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 19 North America Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Drug Delivery (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 20 North America Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Patient Monitoring (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 21 North America Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Capsule Endoscopy (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 22 North America Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Tools (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 23 Europe Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Country (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 24 Europe Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Target Area (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 25 Europe Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Stomach (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 26 Europe Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Large Intestine (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 27 Europe Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Esophagus (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 28 Europe Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Small Intestine (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 29 Europe Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Application (2016-2026) ($MN)....Table 66 Middle East & Africa Smart Pills Market Outlook, By Tools (2016-2026) ($MN)Buy Now @Continued...Contact Us: Sales@Wiseguyreports.Com Ph: +1-646-845-9349 (Us) Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (Uk)About Us:Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Addres:Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt LtdPune 411028Maharashtra, GlobalPh: +91 841 198 5042 Antibacterial Drugs Market : Technological Advancements, Evolving Industry Trends and Global Insights 2017-2025 https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=174477 https://www.researchmoz.us/antibacterial-drugs-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2013-2019-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/antibacterial-drugs-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2013-2019-report.html https://marketinfo247.wordpress.com/ Albany, NY, 14th June : Recent research and the current scenario as well as future market potential of "Antibacterial Drugs Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025" globally.This report provides in-depth region wise and country wise analysis of the antibacterial drugs market. Stakeholders of this report include manufacturers of antibacterial drugs, raw material suppliers, researchers and new players planning to enter the market.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @The report provides qualitative and quantitative analysis of the global antibacterial drugs market. Qualitative analysis comprises market dynamics, trends, product overview, and country-level market information. Quantitative analysis includes market share held by companies, market size, and forecast for the global antibacterial drugs market in major countries globally such as the U.S., Canada, Germany, France, United Kingdom, Japan, China,, India, Brazil, Mexico, South Africa GCC countries and others. Market revenue is provided in terms of US$ Mn from 2015 to 2025 along with the compound annual growth rate (CAGR %) from 2017 to 2025 for all the segments, considering 2016 as the base year. The executive summary of the report provides a snapshot of the antibacterial drugs with information on leading segments, country wise market information with respect to the market size, growth rate (CAGR %), and growth factors.Global Antibacterial Drugs Market: Scope of the StudyThe market overview section comprises impact factors such as drivers, restraints, and opportunities for the global antibacterial drugs market. These factors would aid the stakeholders in establishing a strong foothold in the global antibacterial drugs market. Furthermore, the market overview section comprises key industry events, product overview, market attractiveness analysis and emerging trend in the antibacterial drugs. The market attractiveness analysis provides a graphical view comparing the growth and market dynamics in various segments and country wise to identify the most attractive market.View Complete TOC with tables & Figures @Global Antibacterial Drugs Market: Key SegmentsBased on drug class, the global antibacterial drugs market is classified into B lactams, quinolones, macrolides, tetracycline, aminoglycoside, sulfonamide, phenicols, and others. In terms of routes of administration, the global antibacterial drugs market has been segmented into enteral, parenteral and others. Likewise, the global antibacterial drugs market has been further segmented into hospital pharmacies, drug stores and retail pharmacies and online sales, in terms of distribution channel. The retail stores and drug stores segment is anticipated to experience the largest market share in 2016 and this segment will grow by a significant rate during the forecast period.Global Antibacterial Drugs Market: Regional OutlookGeographically, the antibacterial drugs market has been categorized into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East & Africa. Moreover, analysis for the major countries comprising U.S. Canada, Germany, U.K., France, Japan, China, India, Brazil, Mexico, and South Africa and others have also been provided in the report. A detailed qualitative analysis of the factors responsible for driving and restraining the growth of the antibacterial drugs market in various regions has been provided in this section.Global Antibacterial Drugs Market: Competitive OutlookThis report also includes various ups and downs about particular country or geography that has impacted the overall market globally. The report provides a detailed outline/blueprint of the antibacterial drugs market globally that will assist new companies in establishing their presence and market players in expanding their market share in the market. The report concludes with the company profile section which includes company overview, financial overview, SWOT analysis, product portfolio, business strategies and recent developments for market players. Prominent key players are Bayer AG, Pfizer Inc., Sanofi, GlaxoSmithKline Plc. (GSK), Merck & Co., Inc., AstraZeneca, Johnson and Johnson, Bristol Myers Squibb Company, Novartis AG, and Allergen plcGlobal antibacterial drugs market is segmented as given below:Global Antibacterial Drugs Market, by Drug ClassB lactamsQuinolonesMacrolidesTetracyclineAminoglycosideSulfonamidePhenicolsOthersGlobal Antibacterial Drugs Market, by Routes of AdministrationEnteral,ParenteralOthersGlobal Antibacterial Drugs Market, by Distribution ChannelHospital PharmaciesDrug Stores and Retail PharmaciesOnline SalesGlobal Antibacterial Drugs Market, by GeographyNorth AmericaU.S.CanadaEuropeGermanyFranceU.K.Rest of EuropeAsia Pacific (APAC)ChinaJapanIndiaRest of APACLatin America (LATAM)BrazilMexicoRest of LATAMBrowse Report @Middle East & Africa (MEA)GCCSouth AfricaRest of Middle East & AfricaResearchMoz 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 : Ongoing Market Research Report Offers a Roadmap For Expansion of Polysorbate 40 Market During 2017-2027 http://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3837 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-3837 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/protein-hydrolysate-ingredient-market https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/egg-white-protein-powder-market www.futuremarketinsights.com Polysorbate 40 is a non-ionic, hydrophilic surfactant produced by reacting the ethylene oxide with polyol and sorbitol. Then the polyoxyethylene sorbitan is reacted with fatty acids, resulting in the formation of polyoxyethylene sorbitan mono-oleate. Fatty acids are derived from vegetable fats and oils such as oleic acid, stearic acid, palmitic acid, and lauric acid. It is also known as polyoxyethylene sorbitan mono-oleate or polyoxyethylene (20) sorbitan monopalmitat.Polysorbate 40 has a wide range of applications such as surface coating type antistatic agents, emulsifier for water based metal process cutting oils, emulsifier for adjuvant of agrochemicals, stabilizer for emulsion polymerizationsstabilizer for color materials, emulsifier for pharmaceuticals, fragrances solubilizer, detoxifying agent in shampoos, emulsifier and conditioning agent in cosmetics. Global polysorbate 40 market is expected to expand at substantial growth rate over the forecast period. Asia-Pacific is projected to dominate the global polysorbate 40 market over the forecast period, owing to the increasing consumption of colorants in food and cosmetics products in the region.The major factor driving the global polysorbate 40 market include growing industry such as food & beverages, personal care, cosmetic, textile, pharmaceuticals, etc. over the forecast period. Moreover growing dyes and pigment market is also influencing the global polysorbate 40 market.Request For Report Sample:The significant trending factor for global polysorbate 40 market includes merger and acquisition of polysorbate 40 suppliers with end-use industry such as food, cosmetics, pharmaceuticals, etc. The company manufacturing polysorbate 40 products has a substantial opportunity in Asia-Pacific, attributed to rapid rate of industrialization and growing population in the region.The global polysorbate 40 market is segmented by end-use industry, application, product form, and by region. By end-use industries, the global polysorbate 40 market is classified as food and beverages industry, persona care industry, cosmetic industry, pharmaceutical industry, textile industries and others including herbicides, insecticides, and polishes.Among the aforementioned segments, the food and beverages industry segment accounts for relatively high revenue share in the global polysorbate 40 market over the forecast period followed by person care industry, owing to significant demand for dyes and pigments across globe. Polysorbate 40 Market Segmentation By End Use Food and Beverages Industry, Personal Care Industry, Cosmetic Industry, Pharmaceutical Industry, Textiles Industry, Others (Herbicides, Insecticides, and Polishes); By Application Surfactants, Emulsifiers, Antistat Agent, Lubricant, Levelling Agent, Penetrant, Dispersant; By Product Powder, Liquid.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC):By geographies, the global polysorbate 40 market is segmented into seven regions North America, Western Europe, Asia-Pacific except Japan (APEJ), Eastern Europe, Latin America, the Middle East & Africa, and Japan. Among the regions, Asia-Pacific dominates the global polysorbate 40 market in terms of value as well as volume, owing to a significant share of the region in industries such as personal care, food and beverages, and pharmaceuticals. North America is followed by Asia-Pacific in the global polysorbate 40 market, attributed to significant value share of textile industry in the region. The Western Europe is expected to account for significant value share in the global polysorbate 40 market, owing to rapid growth of additives market.In terms of value, Eastern Europe is expected to account for a moderate growth rate in the global polysorbate 40 market. Latin America and Middle East Africa is expected to have a relatively low opportunity for the polysorbate 40 market compared to other regions across the globe, owing to the moderately growing economy and industries such as cosmetic, pharmaceutical, food, etc. in the regions. Overall, the outlook for the global polysorbate 40 market will have a positive growth over the forecast period.Few of the polysorbate 40 market players include Kao Corporation, Zhejiang Taizhou TU-POLY, Mohini Organics, Lonza Group, Sinopharm Chemical Reagent Co, Ltd., Adamas Reagent, Ltd., J & K SCIENTIFIC LTD., TCI Development Co., Ltd., Fine Organics, and IRO GROUP INC.More Related Reports:Protein Hydrolysate Ingredients Market:Egg White Protein Powder Market:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Growing Industry of Polyimide Film Market | Top Key Companys (DuPont, Kaneka, SKC Kolon, Taimide Tech, MGC, Rayitek, Huajing, Shengyuan, Tianyuan) | Global Business Outlook till 2025 Polyimide Film Market https://www.businessindustryreports.com/sample-request/84160 https://www.businessindustryreports.com/buy-now/84160/single https://www.businessindustryreports.com/check-discount/84160 Global Polyimide Film 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 Polyimide Film Market Overview:The report spread across 104 pages is an overview of the Global Polyimide Film Market Research Report 2018. The Global Polyimide Film 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 Polyimide Film Market is expected to grow at an impressive Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2018 to 2025. Increased demand from the consumer electronics industry, growing automotive industry, and superior thermal and mechanical properties of polyimide films in comparison to other polymers are the key factors driving the growth of the polyimide films market.The Global Polyimide Film Market is segmented on basis of Application, End-Use Industry and Region. On the basis of Application, the Flexible Printed Circuit segment is projected to grow at the highest CAGR from 2017 to 2025. Flexible Printed Circuit is widely utilized by various End-Use Industries, major ones being Automotive and Electronics. There is a high demand for Polyimide Films in this segment as the Flexible Printed Circuits help in reducing the size of the Electronic Devices and improving Functionality.Regionally, the polyimide films market in the APAC region is expected to grow at the highest CAGR during the forecast period. Innovation, price deflation and rising household incomes, especially in emerging markets in Asia have resulted in a high demand for consumer electronic products in the region, which is expected to be the fastest-growing market for Polyimide Films during the forecast period.Purchase this report online with 104 Pages, List of Tables & Figures and in-depth Table of Contents on Global Polyimide Film Market Research Report 2018 @Major Key Players:1 DuPont (US)2 Kaneka (Japan)3 SKC Kolon (Korea)4 Ube (Japan)5 Taimide Tech (China)6 MGC (Japan)7 I.S.T Corp (Japan)8 Rayitek (China)9 Huajing (China)10 Shengyuan (China) and More.On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split into -1 Pyromellitic Polyimide Film2 Biphenyl Polyimide Film and OtherGeographically, 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 and Other Regions (India, Southeast Asia, Central & South America and Middle East & Africa).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?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 Polyimide Film Market.Major Points in Table of Contents:Global Polyimide Film Market Report 20181 Polyimide Film Market Overview2 Global Polyimide Film Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Polyimide Film Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)4 Global Polyimide Film Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018)5 Global Polyimide Film Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global Polyimide Film Market Analysis by Application7 Global Polyimide Film Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis8 Polyimide Film Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Polyimide Film 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 Impressive Growth of Global Electric Balance Market 2018 ; Including Key Players- Sartorius AG, Acculab Inc., Ohaus Corp., RADW AG https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1786998 https://www.researchmoz.us/global-electric-balance-market-professional-survey-report-2018-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/global-electric-balance-market-professional-survey-report-2018-report.html http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG https://marketreserch1.blogspot.com Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Electric Balance Market Professional Survey Report 2018" to its huge collection of research reports.This report studies Electric Balance in Global market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2013 to 2018, and forecast to 2025.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringA&D Company Ltd.Mettler-Toledo International Inc.Sartorius AGThermo Fisher Scientific Inc.Acculab Inc.Avery Weigh-Tronix Inc.Adam Equipment Co.BEL Engineering srlTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Bonso Electronics Ltd.CAS Corp.Contech Instruments Ltd.Gram Precision S.L.Intelligent Weighing Technology Inc.Kern & Sohn GmbHOhaus Corp.Precisa Gravimetrics AGRADW AGScientech Technologies Pvt. Ltd.Setra Systems Inc.On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoTop Loading BalanceAnalytical BalanceBy Application, the market can be split intoPharmaceutical ResearchScientific ResearchIndustrialFood ResearchEducational ResearchOthersView Complete TOC with tables & Figures @By Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaTable of ContentsGlobal Electric Balance Market Professional Survey Report 20181 Industry Overview of Electric Balance1.1 Definition and Specifications of Electric Balance1.1.1 Definition of Electric Balance1.1.2 Specifications of Electric Balance1.2 Classification of Electric Balance1.2.1 Top Loading Balance1.2.2 Analytical Balance1.3 Applications of Electric Balance1.3.1 Pharmaceutical Research1.3.2 Scientific ResearchBrowse Report @2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Electric Balance2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Electric Balance2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Electric Balance2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Electric Balance3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Electric Balance3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Electric Balance Major Manufacturers in 20173.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Electric Balance Major Manufacturers in 20173.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Electric Balance Major Manufacturers in 20173.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Electric Balance Major Manufacturers in 20174 Global Electric Balance Overall Market Overview4.1 2013-2018E Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2013-2018E Global Electric Balance Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2017 Electric Balance Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales Analysis4.3.1 2013-2018E Global Electric Balance Sales and Growth Rate Analysis4.3.2 2017 Electric Balance Sales Analysis (Company Segment)5 Electric Balance Regional Market Analysis5.1 North America Electric Balance Market Analysis5.1.1 North America Electric Balance Market Overview5.1.2 North America 2013-2018E Electric Balance Local Supply, Import, Export, Local Consumption Analysis5.1.3 North America 2013-2018E Electric Balance Sales Price Analysis5.1.4 North America 2017 Electric Balance Market Share Analysis5.2 China Electric Balance Market Analysis5.2.1 China Electric Balance Market OverviewAbout 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 Blogger at: Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Market analysis 2018 and forecasts to 2025 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Industry https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3229305-global-ultra-pure-water-purification-units-market-research-report-2018 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3229305-global-ultra-pure-water-purification-units-market-research-report-2018 https://www.linkedin.com/company/wise-guy-research-consultants-pvt-ltd-?trk=biz-companies-cym Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units IndustryNew Study on 2018-2025 Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Market Global Key Player, Demand, Growth, Opportunities and Analysis Forecast added to Wise Guy Reports DatabaseThis report studies the global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units market status and forecast, categorizes the global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units 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).Ultra-pure water is water nearly or completely devoid of contaminants. Ultrapure water systems are an important component for laboratories across markets including manufacturing and the semi-conductor industry.In the past several years, some manufacturers from USA have transport their production to Taiwan and China due to increasing labor cost. In Taiwan, manufacturers like Aquapro will export product to USA and Europe.China is an large consumption market of ultra-pure water purification units. While most native manufacturers which can just produce low-end ultra-pure water purification units in the face of fierce competition from abroad and still has a gap with product imported.The global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units market is valued at 410 million US$ in 2017 and will reach 450 million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of 1.1% during 2018-2025.The major manufacturers covered in this reportELGA (Veolia Water Technologies)Merck MilliporeThermo ScientificSartorius AGAqua SolutionsEvoquaPURITEAquaproAurora InstrumentsULUPUREEPEDChengdu HaochunPALLBiosaferHitech InstrumentsZeal QuestTry Sample Report @Geographically, 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 AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaWe can also provide the customized separate regional or country-level reports, for the following regions: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 intoCommon Ultra-pure Water Purification UnitsHigh Quality Ultra-pure Water Purification UnitsOn 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, includingSemiconductor industryPharmaceutical industryThe study objectives of this report are:To analyze and study the global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units capacity, production, value, consumption, status (2013-2017) and forecast (2018-2025);Focuses on the key Ultra-pure Water Purification Units 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 Ultra-pure Water Purification Units 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 StakeholdersUltra-pure Water Purification Units ManufacturersUltra-pure Water Purification Units Distributors/Traders/WholesalersUltra-pure Water Purification Units 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 Ultra-pure Water Purification Units market, by end-use.Detailed analysis and profiles of additional market players.For Detailed Reading Please visit WiseGuy Reports @Some points from table of content:Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Market Research Report 20181 Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Ultra-pure Water Purification Units1.2 Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Common Ultra-pure Water Purification Units1.2.4 High Quality Ultra-pure Water Purification Units1.3 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Segment by Application1.3.1 Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Semiconductor industry1.3.3 Pharmaceutical industry1.4 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Market by Region (2013-2025)1.4.1 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units 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 Ultra-pure Water Purification Units (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Revenue Status and Outlook (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2013-2025)2 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.1 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.3 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Average Price by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.4 Manufacturers Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)3.1 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Capacity and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.2 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Production and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.3 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.4 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.5 North America Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.6 Europe Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.7 China Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.8 Japan Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.9 Southeast Asia Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.10 India Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)4 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018)4.1 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Consumption by Region (2013-2018)4.2 North America Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.3 Europe Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.4 China Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.5 Japan Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.6 Southeast Asia Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.7 India Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)5 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Production and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)5.2 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Revenue and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)5.3 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Price by Type (2013-2018)5.4 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Production Growth by Type (2013-2018)6 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Market Analysis by Application6.1 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Consumption and Market Share by Application (2013-2018)6.2 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2013-2018)6.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6.3.1 Potential Applications6.3.2 Emerging Markets/Countries7 Global Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 ELGA (Veolia Water Technologies)7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 ELGA (Veolia Water Technologies) Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 Merck Millipore7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 Merck Millipore Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 Thermo Scientific7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 Thermo Scientific Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 Sartorius AG7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 Sartorius AG Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 Aqua Solutions7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 Aqua Solutions Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015-2018)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 Evoqua7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 Evoqua Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 PURITE7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 PURITE Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.7.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.8 Aquapro7.8.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.8.2 Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Product Category, Application and Specification7.8.2.1 Product A7.8.2.2 Product B7.8.3 Aquapro Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.8.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.9 Aurora Instruments7.9.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.9.2 Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Product Category, Application and Specification7.9.2.1 Product A7.9.2.2 Product B7.9.3 Aurora Instruments Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.9.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.8 ULUPURE7.10.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.10.2 Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Product Category, Application and Specification7.10.2.1 Product A7.10.2.2 Product B7.10.3 ULUPURE Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.10.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.11 EPED7.12 Chengdu Haochun7.13 PALL7.14 Biosafer7.15 Hitech Instruments7.16 Zeal Quest8 Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Manufacturing Cost Analysis8.1 Ultra-pure Water Purification Units Key Raw Materials Analysis8.1.1 Key Raw Materials8.1.2 Price Trend of Key Raw Materials8.1.3 Key Suppliers of Raw Materials8.1.4 Market Concentration Rate of Raw Materials8.2 Proportion of Manufacturing Cost Structure8.2.1 Raw Materials8.2.2 Labor Cost8.2.3 Manufacturing Expenses8.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Ultra-pure Water Purification UnitsContinued.For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comAbout UsWise 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 understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available.Contact Us:Norah Trent+1 646 845 9349 / +44 208 133 9349Follow on LinkedIn: Smart Strategies of Global Electric Vehicles and Fuel Cell Vehicles Market 2018 ; Including Key Players- Zhong Tong, King-long, TOYOTA, Audi https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1786644 https://www.researchmoz.us/global-electric-vehicles-and-fuel-cell-vehicles-sales-market-report-2018-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/global-electric-vehicles-and-fuel-cell-vehicles-sales-market-report-2018-report.html http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG https://marketreserch1.blogspot.com Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Electric Vehicles and Fuel Cell Vehicles Sales Market Report 2018" to its huge collection of research reports.This report studies the global Electric Vehicles and Fuel Cell Vehicles market status and forecast, categorizes the global Electric Vehicles and Fuel Cell Vehicles 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 Electric Vehicles and Fuel Cell Vehicles 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 reportBYDTeslaNissanBMWMitsubishiVolkswagenRenaultBAICTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @GMFordJACYutongSAICZhong TongZOTYEKANDIKing-longVOLVOMercedes-BenzCheryAudiTOYOTAGeographically, this report studies the key regions, focuses on product sales, value, market share and growth opportunity in these regions, coveringUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaThe regional scope of the study is as follows:North AmericaUnited StatesCanadaMexicoAsia-PacificChinaIndiaJapanSouth KoreaAustraliaIndonesiaSingaporeView Complete TOC with tables & Figures @On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoEVPHEVOn 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, includingHome UseCommercial UseThe study objectives of this report are:To analyze and study the global Electric Vehicles and Fuel Cell Vehicles 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 Electric Vehicles and Fuel Cell Vehicles 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 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.Browse Report @In this study, the years considered to estimate the market size of Electric Vehicles and Fuel Cell Vehicles 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 StakeholdersElectric Vehicles and Fuel Cell Vehicles ManufacturersElectric Vehicles and Fuel Cell Vehicles Distributors/Traders/WholesalersElectric Vehicles and Fuel Cell Vehicles 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 Electric Vehicles and Fuel Cell Vehicles market, by end-use.Detailed analysis and profiles of additional market players.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 Blogger at: Thin Film Solar Cells Market expected to grow significantly https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/1092 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/thin-film-solar-cells-market https://www.gminsights.com http://algosonline.com/news UK thin film solar cells market share in 2015 accounted for over 25% of the regional share in terms of revenue and is projected to exceed 4 GW by 2024. Favorable government subsidies including feed-in tariff schemes along with government focus for sustainable energy adoptions will positively influence the business outlook.South Africa thin film solar cells market in 2015 was valued for above 20 MW and is projected to witness substantial growth owing to developing off grid technology. The South African Department of Energy targets to install up to 8.4GW of solar photovoltaic capacity by 2030.Request for a sample of this research report @Global Thin Film Solar Cells Market is projected to witness growth over 16% and exceed USD 30 billion by 2024. Strict government regulations to reduce carbon footprint will enhance the industry outlook. Financial incentives including net metering, tax rebate, FIT, subsidies, tax credit and low import duty will positively impact the business landscape.Growing environment concerns coupled with rising measures for sustainable energy generation for building envelope will augment the thin film solar cells market. In 2015, then U.S. president issued an Executive Order 13693 regarding planning for federal sustainability for the next 10 years. The policy mandates the building to consume 30% of the total energy consumed by renewable sources and simultaneously reduce GHG emissions by 30% from 2014 reference levels by the end of 2025.Regulatory measures toward energy conservation among developing economies along with growing electricity demand from rural area will further stimulate the thin film solar cells market growth. In 2016, the National Bureau of Statistics of China reported that the total electricity consumption in rural areas was above 2.35 trillion kwh in 2015 varying over 69 billion kwh from 2014.U.S. contributed over 90% of regional thin film solar cells market share in 2015 and is anticipated to surpass 15 GW by 2024. Favorable government renewable portfolio standards along with extension of investment tax credit in residential and commercial sector will complement industry landscape.Cadmium telluride thin film solar cells Market is projected to withstand dominant share by 2024 owing to its high conversion efficiency and low manufacturing cost. Widespread applications in terrestrial power generation of CdTe modules will further enhance the product demand.Browse key industry insights spread across 117 pages with 368 market data tables & 11 figures & charts from the report, Thin Film Solar Cells Market Size By Component (Cadmium Telluride (CDTE), Amorphous Silicon (A-Si), Copper Indium Gallium Diselenide), By Connectivity (On-Grid, Off Grid), By Application (Residential, Commercial, Utility), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Mexico, UK, Germany, Spain, France, China, India, Japan, Australia, UAE, South Africa, Brazil, Chile, Argentina), Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016 2024 in detail along with the table of contents:Chile thin film solar cells market share accounted for over half of the total regional revenue share in 2015 and is projected to exceed 300 MW by 2024. Huge untapped potential coupled with increasing investments in renewable generation will augment the industry landscape. In 2015, the government of Chile introduced 2050 Energy Agenda with an objective to generate 70% of the national electricity from renewable sources.Key participants in the Thin Film Solar Cells Market are Oxford Photovoltaics Ascent Technologies, MiaSole Hi-Tech, SOLAR FRONTIER K.K., Hankey Asia., Xunlight Kunshan, First Solar, Global Solar and Trony.Table of Content (TOC-)Chapter 3 Thin Film Solar Cells Industry Insights3.1 Industry segmentation3.2 Industry Size and forecast, 2013 20243.3 Thin film solar cells industry ecosystem analysis3.4 Vendor matrix3.5 Innovation & sustainability3.6 Regulatory framework3.6.1 U.S.3.6.2 India3.6.3 Europe3.6.4 China3.7 Price trend analysis3.8 Thin film solar cells industry impact forces3.8.1 Growth drivers3.8.1.1 Growing demand for sustainable energy3.8.1.2 Decreasing solar component price3.8.1.3 Favorable government initiatives3.8.1.4 stringent emission control norms3.8.2 Industry pitfalls & challenges3.8.2.1 Lack of awareness3.9 Growth potential analysis3.10 Porters analysis3.11 Competitive landscape, 20153.11.1 Strategy dashboard3.12 PESTEL analysisAbout 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.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog: National Assembly deputies continued discussions on the countrys amended anti-corruption laws yesterday during the NAs fifth meeting in Ha Noi. VNA/VNS Photo HA NOI National Assembly deputies continued discussions on the countrys amended anti-corruption laws yesterday during the NAs fifth meeting in Ha Noi. While many deputies voiced support for the amended bills effort to address corruption in the private sector, others criticised the State anti-corruption forces limited manpower and the bills legal complexity and feasibility. Deputy Mai Thi Phuong Hoa said corruption in the private sector has risen in recent years. According to a report released by the Vietnam Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Development and Policies Research Centre, corruption was among the top five factors with the most impact on the countrys business environment. The private sector is often used to launder money gained from corruption from the public sector. An effective anti-corruption policy cannot afford to ignore the private sector, Hoa said. She also noted that corruption in the private sector not only undermines domestic consumers trust in the countrys products and services, it also damages international investors faith in the economy because of the hidden costs of doing business. Meanwhile, others advised caution as the top priority for the country to fight corruption in the public sector. The amended bill may include public companies and credit funds as they call for capital from the public but the public sector must remain our highest priority in the fight against corruption, said deputy Luu Binh Nhuong. For the States anti-corruption forces, having too many targets to go after may be counter-productive now that the fight against corruption in the public sector is getting more difficult. Deputy Nguyen Thi Thuy questioned the lack of anti-corruption regulations for private businesses. It will be very difficult, to say the least, for private business as we have no legal framework for them to follow. In the absence of a clear guideline, there will be a lot of grey areas that inspection units can take advantage of to harass businesses, an issue the Government is trying very hard to address, she said. Another area where the bill may get even more complex is how it will deal with businesses with foreign shareholders, which have seen a sharp rise in number in the last two decades. Of the total 1,800 public companies and 128 credit organisations that will be included in the amended law, many are owned in part or fully by foreign owners. Should foreign owners be found to be dishonest in their asset decleration forms, who will be responsbile for going overseas to verify the facts? Do the laws of their country of origins even allow that? Thuy said. Lawmakers urged the NAs Legal Commission to continue working on the amended law to address the questions before the next meeting of the NA, typically scheduled before the end of the year. Deputies argue over handling of undeclared assets NA deputies were split in opinions during this mornings session on how to handle assets that were not declared by Government officials. The Government is currently proposing two options: to collect a personal income tax at 45 per cent of the undeclared assets, or to impose a fine, also amounting to 45 per cent. Neither of the options, however, excluded the individuals in question from being prosecuted if they were found to have broken the law. Deputies noted that given Vietnamese societys traditions and characteristics it is understandable that some people may not have the liberty or feel comfortable revealing their entire assets. For instances, people who have been entrusted with real estate by their parents who may wish to avoid conflicts with their siblings, or single parents who may not wish to reveal the identity of their childrens benefactors. A rigid rule that reduces all cases to either a fine or tax is unreasonable and may prove not to be feasible and a hinderence to development, said deputy Trinh Ngoc Thuy. Other deputies, however, noted that a simple solution is to make it mandatory for Government officials to declare all of their income. They reasoned that in most cases, public servants income sources are salaries, bonuses, and inheritances, none of which are exempted from income tax. Why are we not demanding high-ranking officials not only declare their assets but also their personal income tax? It is almost impossible that someone who is only paying one or two million dong a year on income tax can afford houses and automobiles, said deputy Nguyen Lan Hieu. VNS Oral X-Ray Machines Market Registering a Strong Growth by 2021 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3839 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Medical imaging is a process of creating high-quality imagesof the interior of the body for the diagnosis of various diseases. Medical imaging technologies are used by medical specialists and practitioners in the diagnostics of diseases in order to produce actual and visual representation of the structure and functions of organs.Medical imaging techniques include X-ray, computed radiography (CR), computed tomography (CT), ultrasound, MRI, endoscopy, positron emission tomography (PET), and single-photon emission computed tomography (SPECT). X-ray technology includes analog and digital X-ray. Oral X-ray machines refer to X-ray machines that are used for medical imaging via buccal cavity.Oral X-ray machines find applications in various end users such as hospitals, freestanding clinics, and equipment leasing companies .X-ray is a form of electromagnetic ionizing radiation, which is produced using X-ray machines. It is one of the best diagnostic imaging techniques,which help in producing high-resolution images with detailed internal structures of a human body, particularly the bones. X-ray facilitates in early diagnosis of a disease or serious medical injury. The extremely-short wavelengthsenable X-ray to penetrate materials that reflect or absorb ordinary light.Rise in imaging population and patients with chronic diseases drive growth of theX-ray market.Oral X-ray machinesproduce images using radiographic technique.Oral X-ray machines find application in diagnostic applications, therapeutic applications, cosmetic applications, and forensic applications.North Americahas the largest market for oral X-ray machines, followed by Europe. Increasing prevalence of buccal cavity problems and technological advancements in North America boost its position in the market. In addition, growing incidences of chronic diseases and improved healthcare facilities in the region are driving the North America oral X-ray machines market. Asia is expected to witness high growth rate in the oral x-ray machines market in the next few years due to improving healthcare infrastructure,government initiatives , increasing aging population, and rise in incidences of chronic diseases in the region.Some of the major factors driving the oral X-ray machines market are rise in aging population,technological advancements, and improvement in healthcare facilities. However, factors such as high cost, lack of reimbursement policies, and lack of experienced medical professionalsrestraingrowth of the oral x-ray machines market.Growing populationand economies in the developing countries such as India and China are expected to create substantial opportunities for the oral X-ray machines market. Also, innovation of new products with improvedefficiency is expected to create substantial opportunities for the global the oral X-ray machines market. Management of high volume image data is one of the major challengesfor the global oral X-ray machines market.Some of the latest trends in the oral X-ray machines market include increasing number of mergers and acquisitions, and rise in collaborations and partnerships, and technological innovations.Request Sample Report @Some of the major companies dealing in the global oral x-ray machines market are Gendex, Sirona Dental Systems, Inc., Carestream Health, and KaVo Dental GmbH. Other companies with significant presence in the global oral x-ray machines market are C-Dental, Vatech America, and Sota Precision Optics, Inc.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 CanadaToll Free: 800-961-0353Web: North America Bubble Tea Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2023 https://www.futuregenicreports.com/Request-Sample/101965 "Bubble tea (also known as pearl milk tea, bubble milk tea, boba juice, boba tea, or simply boba) is a Taiwanese tea-based drink invented in Tainan and Taichung in the 1980s. Most bubble tea recipes contain a tea base mixed with fruit or milk, to which chewy tapioca balls (known as bubbles, pearls, or boba) and fruit jelly are often added. Ice-blended versions are usually mixed with fruit or syrup, resulting in a slushy consistency. There are many varieties of the drink with a wide range of ingredients. The two most popular varieties are bubble milk tea with tapioca and bubble milk green tea with tapioca.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Bubble Tea in North America market, especially in United States, Canada and Mexico. This report categorizes the market based on manufacturers, countries, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversKung Fu TeaGong ChaBoba GuysChatimeShareTea8tea5QuicklyCoCo FreshVIVI BUBBLE TEARequest For Free Sample Of The Report @Market Segment by Countries, coveringOriginal Flavored Bubble TeaFruit Flavored Bubble TeaOther FlavorsMarket Segment by Type, coversKids (About Future Genic ReportsFuture Generic Reports is a market research and consulting organization, offering premium collection of market research reports, custom research and consulting services to corporations, no-profit organizations and government institutions across the globe.The wide range of information is presented by a team of well-trained researchers of specific sectors through exhaustive research. We deliver premier market research services that cover all industry verticals, including chemicals and material, automotive, healthcare, electronics & semiconductor, food and beverage, pharmaceuticals and technology and media.We believe in building an eternal bond with our clients through offering them inclusive research study meeting their specific requirements. Our services are tailored specifically to our clients by proposing them the potential outcome, based on our in-depth analysis and insights for exploring the growth strategies through providing the best possible decision for quality production.Contact us-USA Office244 , Madison AvenueNew York City, NY - 10016United StatesUK Office109 ,Straford Street,LeedsWest Yorkshrie LS11 6JGUnited KingdomSend Us An EmailE-mail: sales@futuregenicreports.comCall UsToll Free: +1- 844-445-2861Phone: +1- 347-983-9688 Cored Wire Industry 2018 Top Manufacturers - Henan Xibao, Harbin KeDeWei, Anyang Changxin Special Alloy, Wuxi Novel Special Metal Cored Wire Industry https://www.marketexpertz.com/sample-enquiry-form/11854 https://www.marketexpertz.com/checkout-form/11854 https://www.marketexpertz.com/industry-overview/cored-wire-market A new market assessment report on the Cored Wire market provides a comprehensive overview of the Cored Wire industry for the forecast period 2018 - 2025. The analytical study is proposed to provide immense clarity on the market size, share and growth rate across different regions.Download FREE Sample Copy of Cored Wire Market spread across 114 PAGES, profiling 12 companies and supported with Tables & Figures is now available at @Scope of the Report:This industry assessment for the forecast period, 2018 - 2025 incorporates projections pertaining to the investment feasibility, gross margin, profits, consumption volume, production capability and major market vendors. Likewise, statistics associated with the competitive landscape, shifting consumer behaviour and spending power is showcased and well-explained with the help of treasured resources such as charts, graphs and graphic images, which can be easily incorporated in the business or corporate presentations.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers:Sarthak Metals, Anyang Chunyang, Anyang Tiefa, Anyang Wanhua, Henan Xibao, Harbin KeDeWei, Anyang Changxin Special Alloy, Wuxi Novel Special Metal, TUF Group, Sanxiang Advanced Materials, OFZ,a.s., McKeownMarket Segment On the basis of Application, Report covers: Steelmaking CastingPurchase Cored Wire Market Report@Market Segment On the basis of Product, Report covers: Ca Solid CaSi Al Solid OthersThe research provides answers to the following key questions: What is the estimated growth rate and market share and size of the Cored Wire market for the forecast period 2018 - 2025? What are the driving forces in the Cored Wire market for the forecast period 2018 - 2025? Who are the prominent market players and how have they gained a competitive edge over other competitors? What are the market trends influencing the progress of the Cored Wire industry worldwide? What are the major challenges and threats restricting the progress of the industry? What opportunities does the market hold for the prominent market players?Browse the Full Report@Subject matter experts conducting the study also take a closer look at the products at their development stage and in the pipeline to help business owners conclude on the business strategies that can lower their cost and promise great returns or profits. Strong emphasis on new launches, acquisition and mergers, collaboration, import and export status and supply chain management empowers the business evangelists, manufacturers and business owners build a robust strategy when it comes to making an investment.About US:Planning to invest in market intelligence products or offerings on the web? Then marketexpertz has just the thing for you - reports from over 500 prominent publishers and updates on our collection daily to empower companies and individuals catch-up with the vital insights on industries operating across different geography, trends, share, size and growth rate. There's more to what we offer to our customers. With marketexpertz you have the choice to tap into the specialized services without any additional charges.Contact US:40 Wall St. 28th floor New York CityNY 10005 United Statessales@marketexpertz.com+1-800-819-3052 Concrete Fiber Market Outlook 2023 Major Key Player are BASF SE, Bekaert SA, Cemex, ABC Polymer Industries, Sika AG, Propex Operating Company, LLC., The Euclid Chemical Company, Fibercon International Inc., Nycon Corporation https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/2085 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/concrete-fiber-market-2085 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/2085 Concrete fiber Market Market OverviewMarket Research Future Published a Half Cooked Research Global Concrete fiber Market Research Report - Forecast to 2023 - Market Analysis, Scope, Stake, Progress, Trends and Forecast up to 2023.Concrete fiber also known as fiber reinforced concrete. It is concrete containing fibrous material which increases its structural integrity. It contains short discrete fibers that are uniformly distributed and randomly oriented. It is made up from concrete, steel fibers, glass fibers and natural fibers. For many applications, it is becoming increasingly popular to reinforce the concrete with small, randomly distributed fibers. Their main purpose is to increase the energy absorption capacity and toughness of the material, but also increase tensile and flexural strength of concrete.Get Sample Copy@Concrete reinforced with fibres which are usually steel, glass or plastic fibres is less expensive than hand-tied rebar, while still increasing the tensile strength many times. Shape, dimension and length of fibre is important. Fibres are usually used in concrete to control plastic shrinkage cracking and drying shrinkage cracking. They also lower the permeability of concrete and thus reduce bleeding of water. Some types of fibres produce greater impact, abrasion and shatter resistance in concrete. Generally fibres do not increase the flexural strength of concrete, so it cannot replace moment resisting or structural steel reinforcement. Some fibres reduce the strength of concrete. Whereas, major manufacturers based in this region are experiencing various challenges such as, competition from new & existing players, pressure from environmental agencies, demand for substitute and eco-friendly products, and calculating the cost efficiency of the final product.Accrediting the colossal growth the Concrete fiber market is witnessing currently and the potential the market is demonstrating to accrue pervasively further in the years to come; the Market Research Future has recently published a meticulous study report giving out the complete market insight up till 2023. According to which, continuing with the same trends the global Concrete fiber market is projected to perceive an outstanding growth by 2023 registering a striking CAGR during the anticipated period (2017 2023).Concrete fiber Market Competitive AnalysisConcrete fiber market appears to be highly fragmented and competitive owning to the presence of numerous large and small players active in regional market. The key strategies traced from the analysis of recent developments of the key players include product launch, agreement & partnership, acquisition and expansion. Strategic partnerships between key players support the growth and expansion plans of the key players during the forecast period. On the product and sales side, companies are investing in innovation/R&D, brand building, and fostering strong relationships with customers to support their competitive position.Manufacturers operating in the market strive to deliver innovative solutions that improve the design and manufacturing processes of business around the world. Focusing upon the competitive edge, manufacturers strive to develop products that can deliver optimal adhesion, convenience and reliability. Utilizing their international and regional presence, these manufacturers assure their customers with the consistency in product & service quality. Manufacturers strive to develop their product portfolio with a wide range of products for flat steels for every application.Access Complete Report @Industry Overview:Increasing demand from developing economies, such as China and India for concrete fibers, and growing population of concrete fibers as compared to other composites are factors that drive the concrete fiber market in the Asia Pacific region. In contrast to this, high operating costs and lack of required R&D investments and technical knowledge are the key restraining factors hampering the market growth.Concrete fiber Market SegmentsFor the convenience of the report and enhanced understanding; The Concrete fiber Market is segmented in to 3key dynamicsSegmentation by Type: Synthetic Fiber, Steel Fibers, Glass Fibers and othersSegmentation by Application: Construction, Industrial, Road industry and otherSegmentation by Regions: Comprises Geographical regions - North America, Europe, APAC and Rest of the World.Concrete fiber Market Regional AnalysisThe global Concrete fiber market by region has been segmented into North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific and Rest of the world. This market has seen a substantial growth over the past few years and it has been experienced that the market will remain on the same growth level till forecast period. Among the regions covered, Asia-Pacific has accounted the largest market for Concrete fiber market followed by Europe and North America. China leads the concrete fiber market, rise in construction activities due to an increase in population has aided China and other developing economies.Key Player: BASF SE Bekaert SA Cemex, ABC Polymer Industries Sika AG Propex Operating Company, LLC. The Euclid Chemical Company Fibercon International Inc. Nycon CorporationAsk Query to Our Expertise@About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.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.Contact:Market Research FutureOffice No. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Copper Ammonium Carbonate Market to See Incredible Growth During 2015 - 2023 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=4034 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=4034 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Copper ammonium carbonate is an inorganic fungicide primarily utilized for wood treatment and in copper tolerant crops such as wheat, tomato, barley, sugarbeets, cherries, carrots, strawberries, almonds, apples, lettuce and bananas among several others. The fungicide is available in aqueous solution formulation in the market. Copper Ammonium Carbonate fungicide is utilized as a broad spectrum fungicide employed against eyespot, early leaf spots (Mycosphaerella arachidis), Fusarium spp., net blotches, phoma leaf spots, powdery mildew, Septoria nodorum, Rhynchosporium secalis, Sclerotium rolfsii, Sclerotinia sclerotiorum, Septoria tritici, rust and tan spots. Copper ammonium carbonate fungicide is phytotoxic in nature and must be employed after dilution with water. Copper ammonium carbonate fungicide is applied through seed treatment or foliar application. It is a systemic fungicide that acts as a curative, preventive as well as eradicative solution. Copper ammonium carbonate fungicide after being absorbed moves to the target fungal cells and interferes with sterol synthesis leading to membrane disruption of the target pathogen. Copper ammonium carbonate fungicide is toxic to aquatic flora and has low bio-accumulation potential. The material becomes toxic over acute exposure on regular basis to animals. Prolonged exposure may cause skin and eye irritation in humans.Request to view sample of this report at:Copper ammonium carbonate fungicides are primarily used as broad spectrum fungicides for use on wheat barley, oats, oilseed rape, rye, and durum wheat. They are extensively used by Indian wheat farmers and other well irrigated crops. Copper ammonium carbonate is sold in combined formulation with several other fungicides, such as fluoxastrobin, spiroxamine, tebuconazole, trifloxystrobin, bifaxen, and floupyram among others.The copper ammonium carbonate fungicide market is driven by its rising food demand for the booming global population and reducing arable land. Rising food security concerns and limited arable land area is putting pressure on farmers to increase yields to meet the global demand. However, rising awareness about the harmful effects of fungicides and other toxic agrochemicals among the general population along with stringent environmental regulations, especially in developed countries of North America and Europe is expected to be the major restraining factor for the copper ammonium carbonate fungicide market. This opposition to use of chemicals in agriculture has caused a shift towards organic farming and development of better and less harmful substitutes for these chemicals.Request PDF Brochure of this report at:In terms of geography, Asia Pacific is the largest consumer of copper ammonium carbonate fungicide riding on high sales of fungicide products to its large population base. Major agricultural economies including China, India and Indonesia are the major consumers of copper ammonium carbonate fungicide for application in a variety of crops. Two of the most populated countries, China and India are situated in Asia. Both these countries are growing rapidly and witnessing rising disposable income and purchase power parity of the general population. This in turn is expected to drive demand for food grains and further for copper ammonium carbonate fungicide. Major market players have established their production facilities in Asia owing to the availability of cheap labor and land and comparatively lenient norms and regulations against chemicals. North America is another major consumer for copper ammonium carbonate fungicide especially in the well irrigated southern land in the Mississippi and Missouri areas of the U.S. In Rest of the World, Brazil, South Africa and Central Africa contribute to major demand for the market. Europe is expected to witness comparatively slower growth than other regions due to stringent government control over potentially harmful agrochemicals and general tendency of farmers towards sustainable organic farming techniques.Some of the market players include Monsanto, Bayer CropScience, Syngenta AG, SinoHarvest Corporation, Shanghai Mingdou Agrochemical Co. Ltd. and Shanghai Tenglong Agrochemical Co. Ltd., among others.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: Carnauba Wax Market to Reflect Impressive Expansion During 2017-2027 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/sample/rep-gb-3868 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/askus/rep-gb-3868 https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/protein-hydrolysate-ingredient-market https://www.futuremarketinsights.com/reports/cook-up-starch-market www.futuremarketinsights.com Natural waxes are obtained through ecological process of biogenesis without any involvement of chemical process. Natural waxes can be derived from plant as well as animal source and represents renewable source of wax. Thereby, gaining traction among wax manufacturers. Carnauba wax is plant-based resin wax, which is obtained from palm leaves of Copernicia prunifera, found exclusively in Brazil. The wax is attained by beating the dried leaves of palm and then refining it. Carnauba wax is considered to be naturally occurring hardest wax.Due to its durability and high melting point, carnauba wax finds extensive use in various sectors such as cosmetics, automobiles, pharmaceuticals among others. Carnauba wax consists various exclusive properties such as it swells when exposed to water, has potential to retain oil and exhibits prominent glossy characteristics differentiating it from other naturally occurring wax. Apart from natural source, carnauba wax can also be obtained organically by filtering the highest quality of untreated carnauba wax.Request Report Sample@Global Carnauba Wax Market: Drivers and Restraints,Segmentation,Region wise Outlook And Key PlayersIncreasing inclination of consumers towards naturally-derived products is driving the market for carnauba wax. Carnauba wax is hypo allergic in nature and easy to swallow hence finds extensive use in pharmaceutical industry for pills coating. As food & beverage industry is under continuous innovation, product such as carnauba wax that exhibit excellent emulsifying properties and binding capacity for oils, are gaining traction.Moreover, due to its high melting point and glossy characteristics it is becoming a desired natural additive choice among manufacturers of cosmetic industry for manufacturing of lip balms, lipsticks, mascaras among others. Thus, broad spectrum applicability of carnauba wax is propelling the market growth. Moreover, due to its hardness and viscosity modifier properties, it is extensively used as polish wax in automobile industry. Carnauba wax is gaining traction among consumers over the bee wax due to broad base of application hence accelerating the market growth.However, the tropical variety of carnauba wax may cause some side effects such as skin rash, contact dermatitis, inflammation of hair follicle. Thereby, restraining the growth of carnauba wax market. Moreover, owing to less commercialisation, carnauba wax market offers low profitability margins to the manufacturers across the globe.Request For Report Table of Content (TOC):Carnauba wax is used in the manufacturing of chewing gums, coated chocolates, lip balms, lipsticks, and dental floss, owing to its glossy and stabilizing characteristics. Moreover, due to its hardness characteristics it is extensively used as polish wax for car, furniture and surf board.On the basis of end-use, carnauba wax market is segmented into:Food & Beverages,Automobiles,Personal Care,Pharmaceutical,Others.On the basis of source, carnauba wax market is segmented into:Natural,Organic.On the basis of form, carnauba wax market is segmented into:Powder,Flakes,Pellet.The global carnauba wax market is categorised into seven regions, namely, Western Europe, Eastern Europe Middle East and Africa (MEA), Asia Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ), Japan, Latin America and North America. Brazil accounts for the major share of the market as carnauba wax is exclusively cultivated in the North-eastern Brazil. Asia pacific region is considered to be prominent segment for growth due to opportunistic investment and manufacturing hub for various industries under which carnauba wax finds extensive use. North America exports its major share of carnauba wax from Brazil.Some of the prominent players identified in the global carnauba wax market includes:Strahl & Pitsch, Inc.,Poth Hille & Co Ltd,Koster Keunen, LLC.,Calwax,Kahl GmbH & CO. KG,Frank B. Ross Co., Inc.,Akrochem Corporation.More Reports:Protein Hydrolysate Ingredients Market:Cook-up Starch Market:Future Market Insights (FMI) is a leading market intelligence and consulting firm. We deliver syndicated research reports, custom research reports and consulting services, which are personalized in nature. FMI delivers a complete packaged solution, which combines current market intelligence, statistical anecdotes, technology inputs, valuable growth insights, an aerial view of the competitive framework, and future market trends.Future Market Insights616 Corporate Way, Suite 2-9018,Valley Cottage, NY 10989,United StatesT: +1-347-918-3531F: +1-845-579-5705Email: sales@futuremarketinsights.comWebsite: Major Depressive Disorder Market to Reflect Steady Growth Rate by 2021 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4190 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Major depressive disorder, also known as major depression and clinical depression, is a mental disorder characterized by loss of interest and pleasure in enjoyable environment. People are affected in different ways by major depression. Some people have trouble sleeping, feel agitated and irritable, and have sudden weight loss. Moreover, they can have other mental and physical symptoms such as fatigue, memory loss, feeling of hopelessness, body aches, headaches, and thoughts of suicide.Major depressive disorder can affect people in any stage of life. In adults, major depressive disorder is most common in those who are 25-44 years of age. Within an entire lifetime, major depression affects 10% - 25% of women and 5% - 12% of men.It is estimated that 10% - 25% of people who develop major depressive disorder are previously diagnosed with dysthymia (dysthymic disorder), a form of depression. Some people may suffer from dysthymia and major depressive disorder at the same time. The presence of both conditions at the same time is known as double depression.The development of major depressive disorder may be related to certain medical conditions. Approximately 20% - 25% of people who have cancer, diabetes, stroke, and myocardial infarctions are likely to develop major depressive disorder.The global major depressive disorder market is categorized based on various types of therapeutic drugs used to manage this medical condition. Based on type of therapeutic drug, the report covers selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors, serotonin-norepinephrine reuptake inhibitors, antidepressants, and antipsychotics. Major brands of selective serotonin-reuptake inhibitors include Lexapro (Escitalopram), Viibryd (Vilazodone), Effexor (Venlafaxine), Cymbalta (Duloxetine), Pristiq (Desvenlafaxine), Fetzima (Levomilnacipran), and Savella (Milnacipran). Antidepressants, such as Noradrenaline, Specific Serotonergic Antidepressants, Norepinephrine-Dopamine Reuptake Inhibitors, Tricyclic Antidepressants, Monoamine Oxidase Inhibitors, and Brintellix (Vortioxetine), are commonly used in the management of major depressive disorder. Major brands of antipsychotics include Abilify (Aripiprazole) and Seroquel XR (Quetiapine).In terms of geography, North America dominates the global major depressive disorder market due to increased awareness about various depression conditions in the region. The U.S. represents the largest market for major depressive disorder in North America, followed by Canada. In Europe, Germany, France, the U.K., Italy, and Spain account for a major share of the major depressive disorder market. This market in Asia is expected to expand at a significant rate over the next five years. This is due to various companies setting up manufacturing facilities in the region. Moreover, increasing awareness about various depression episodes and rise in geriatric population are also driving the growth of the market in the region. India, China, and Japan are expected to be the fastest growing major depressive disorder markets in Asia.In recent times, increased demand for therapeutic products for the treatment of this medical condition is a key driver for the global major depressive disorder market. Increased investments in R&D in the pharmaceutical sector and introduction of innovative drugs have also fueled the growth of this market. The ongoing development of drugs with properties, such as improved safety and high patient compliance, are also supporting the growth of the global major depressive disorder market. Therapies, such as biological therapy, meditation, and physiotherapy, have immense potential to spur the growth of this market.However, stringent regulations imposed by various governments hamper the growth of global major depressive disorder market. Moreover, the patent expiries of some blockbuster drugs (drugs that have an annual sale of USD 1.0 million and above) and risk of complications and side-effects associated with antidepressants have hindered the growth of the market. Increasing mergers and acquisitions of drug manufacturing companies and rapid product launches are some of the major trends in the global major depressive disorder market.Request Sample Report @The major companies operating in this market are H. Lundbeck A/S, Otsuka Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd., AstraZeneca Plc, Alkermes, Takeda Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Naurex, Euthymics Bioscience, Inc., e-Therapeutics plc, Eli Lilly and Company, and Pfizer Inc.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 CanadaToll Free: 800-961-0353Web: Strategic Overview of the N-decylamine hydrochloride Market https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=4509 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=4509 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com N-decylamine hydrochloride is used as a cationic surfactant with cobalt or copper. N-decylamine hydrochloride has been used in the preparation of lyotropic liquid crystals. Soaps and detergents demonstrate lyotropic liquid crystalline behavior. In pharmaceutical industry, a lyotropic liquid crystal is used to coat a drug to keep it from being destroyed in the digestive tract. This drug can be taken orally and gets broken down in the body where it is released. Furthermore, lyotropic liquid crystals have been used to make stable hydrocarbon foam. When lyotropic liquid crystal molecules change from inverse micelles to lamellar sheets, they lower the surface tension enough for foam to form. The surfactant and hydrocarbon can dissolve in each other, and the surfactant cannot dissolve in water, although water can dissolve in the surfactant and mix into the liquid crystal. Lyotropic liquid crystals are able to dissolve non polar and polar substances, a mixture of water and an amphiphilic compound can be pumped into a depleted oil well in order to remove much of the residual oil.Request to view sample of this report at:The continued expansion and growth of cosmetics, pharmaceuticals and detergent Industry is expected to increase demand for n-decylamine hydrochloride. The rise in standard of living and increase in per capita income in emerging economies of Asia Pacific and Latin America is expected to increase spending on detergents and cosmetics. The pharmaceutical industry is growing at a significant rate especially in emerging economies like China and India which has a large population and a rising income level. The growth in pharmaceutical industry is expected to significantly boost demand for n-decylamine hydrochloride. However, availability of substitutes and government regulations could hamper the growth of this market.Request PDF Brochure of this report at:The Asia Pacific market is projected to be the fastest growing market for n-decylamine hydrochloride based products due to increasing demand for personal care products. The BRIC (Brazil, Russia, India, China) countries are a major market for soaps and detergents. Most of the major international skin care product manufacturers are focusing on expanding their base in BRIC. Large population, rise in disposable income and availability of international products will contribute to the growth of personal care industry in emerging economies such as China and India. In addition, emerging countries like Vietnam, Mexico, Thailand and Turkey are expected to show incremental growth. Europe is currently the largest market for n-decylamine hydrochloride followed by Asia Pacific, North America and rest of the world.N-Decylamine hydrochloride market is dominated by large and medium chemical and material companies. Some of the key players in this market are Shanghai Soyoung Biotechnology Inc. (China), Wuxi Sigma Chemical Product Co., Ltd.(China), Jiangyin Lanyu Chemical Co., Ltd.(China), Sinochem Qingdao Co., Ltd.(China), Beijing Mesochem Technology Co., Ltd.(China), Hangzhou Think Chemical Co., Ltd. (China), Wuhan Kemi-Works Chemical Co., Ltd. (China), Beijing Herbal Health Biotech Limited Liability Company (china), Hangzhou Pharma & Chem Co., Ltd.(China), - Hangzhou Imagine Chem Co., Ltd.(China), Shangqiu Kangmeida Bio-Technology Co., Ltd. (China), Anhui Jin'ao Chemical Co., Ltd. (China), Hangzhou Hyper Chemicals Limited (China),Shanghai Worldyang Chemical Co., Ltd (China), BASF (Germany), Bayer (Germany), PPG Industries (U.S.), E. I. du Pont de Nemours and Company (U.S.) and BOC Sciences (U.S.) among others. Companies are using strategic acquisitions and mergers to increase their market share. In addition, companies are investing in research and development to develop new and innovative products for the end user industries.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: Web Design Software Market 2018 - Coda, RapidWeaver, Google, Microsoft, Pinegrow, Bluefish, CoffeeCup ReportsWeb http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW00011962189/sample http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW00011962189/discount http://www.reportsweb.com/buy&RW00011962189/buy/3500 Web Design Software Market by Global Brands, Countries, Type and Applications 2018 updated report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Web Design Software market focusing on the market size and trends with industry structure reviewThis report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringAdobeWebflowH5PCodaRapidWeaverGoogleMicrosoftPinegrowBluefishCoffeeCupRequest a Sample on Web Design Software Market atThe study objectives of this report are:To study and forecast the market size of Web Design Software 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.On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoType IType IIBy Application, the market can be split intoEnterprisePersonalBy Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaCheck Discount on Web Design Software Market atTable of Contents:1 Industry Overview of Web Design Software2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Web Design Software3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Web Design Software4 Global Web Design Software Overall Market Overview5 Web Design Software Regional Market Analysis6 Global 2013-2018E Web Design Software Segment Market Analysis-by Type7 Global 2013-2018E Web Design Software Segment Market Analysis-by Application8 Major Manufacturers Analysis of Web Design Software9 Development Trend of Analysis of Web Design Software Market10 Web Design Software Marketing Type Analysis11 Consumers Analysis of Web Design Software12 Conclusion of the Global Web Design Software Market Professional Survey Report 2018Purchase Complete Report atContact Info:Name: Sameer JoshiEmail: sales@reportsweb.comOrganization: ReportsWebPhone: +1-646-491-9876ReportsWeb.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 Big Data As A Service Market | key players: HP, IBM, SAP, SAS Big Data As A Service Market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/214076-global-big-data-as-a-service-market-1 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/214076-global-big-data-as-a-service-market-1 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/214076-global-big-data-as-a-service-market-1 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=214076 https://www.linkedin.com/company/13388569/ https://www.facebook.com/htfmarketintelligence/ https://twitter.com/htfmarketreport https://plus.google.com/+AdityaBhavsar?rel=author Latest research study from HTF MI with title Global Big Data As A Service by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2023. The Research report presents a complete assessment of the market and contains Future trend, Current Growth Factors, attentive opinions, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry validated market data. The study is segmented by products type, application/end-users. The research study provides estimates for Global Big Data As A Service Forecast till 2023.If you are involved in the Big Data As A Service 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 Financial Services, Healthcare, Telecom, Oil and Gas, Retail, Product Types such as [] and some major players in the industry. If you have a different set of players/manufacturers according to geography or needs regional or country segmented reports we can provide customization according to your requirement.Request Sample of Global Big Data As A Service Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022 @:Key Companies/players: HP, IBM, SAP, SAS, Teradata, 1010data, Accenture, Alteryx, Altiscale, Atos, Attivio, Chartio, Cirro, ClearStory Data, Cloudera, Continuum Analytics, Datameer, DataStax, Doopex, EMC, Enthought, Hortonworks, MAANA, MapR Technologies, Microsoft, MongoDB, Mu Sigma, Predixion Software.Application: Financial Services, Healthcare, Telecom, Oil and Gas, RetailThe research covers the current & Future market size of the Global Big Data As A Service market and its growth rates based on 5 year history data. It also covers various types of segmentation such as by geography [North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific etc]. 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 Big Data As A Service market research offered by HTF MI. Check how key trends and emerging drivers are shaping this industry growth as the study avails you with market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional breakdowns, competitive landscape, shares, trend and strategies for this market. In the Global Big Data As A Service Market Analysis & Forecast 2018-2023, the revenue is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2018 and 2023. The production is estimated at XX million in 2017 and is forecasted to reach XX million by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2018 and 2023.Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @Key questions answered in this report - Global Big Data As A Service Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022What will the market size be in 2023 and what will the growth rate beWhat are the key market trendsWhat is driving Global Big Data As A Service Market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in Big Data As A Service Market space?What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the Global Big Data As A Service Market ?What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the Global Big Data As A Service Market?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the Global Big Data As A Service market? Get in-depth details about factors influencing the market shares of the Americas, APAC, and EMEA?Enquire for customization in Report @There are 15 Chapters to display the Global Big Data As A Service market.Chapter 1, to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of Global Big Data As A Service, Applications of Big Data As A Service, 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 North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific etc, Big Data As A Service Segment Market Analysis (by Type);Chapter 7 and 8, to analyze the Big Data As A Service Segment Market Analysis (by Application [Financial Services, Healthcare, Telecom, Oil and Gas, Retail]) Major Manufacturers Analysis;Chapter 9, Market Trend Analysis, Regional Market Trend, Market Trend by Product Type, Market Trend by Application [Financial Services, Healthcare, Telecom, Oil and Gas, Retail];Chapter 10, Regional Marketing Type Analysis, International Trade Type Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis;Chapter 11, to analyze the Consumers Analysis of Global Big Data As A Service by region, type and application ;Chapter 12, to describe Big Data As A Service Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data source;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Big Data As A Service 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.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 HOA BINH Bui Van Mien was sentenced to four years of imprisonment on Wednesday for wildlife trafficking, reported the Vietnam News Agency. Mien is a resident of Xuan Phong Commune, Kim Boi District, in the northern mountainous province of Hoa Binh. On January 2, 2018, Kim Boi district police inspected a car, numbered 28A-00427, and arrested Mien. They seized a box containing the bodies of three Asiatic golden cats. According to Miens testimony, the cats were from Laos, and he was hired to transport them to Ha Noi. Mien was arrested soon after the 2017 Penal Code became valid, raising sentences for wildlife violations to 15 years of imprisonment or a fine of VN2 billion (US$88,000) for individuals and up to VN15 billion ($660,000) for legal entities, along with suspension of operations ranging from six months to three years or permanent closure of operations. With the new regulation in place, Mien has been charged under the provisions of Clause 2, Article 211 of the 2017 Penal Code, which lists five to 10 years in prison. However, due to some extenuating circumstances, Mien was sentenced to only four years in prison under the mentioned law. The police are currently expanding the investigation into the case to find the person who had provided the three Asiatic golden cats to Mien. The Asiatic golden cat is an endangered and rare species protected at the highest level under Vietnamese and international laws. The animal features in the list of endangered species in need of priority protection issued in 2013 in Viet Nam and the Annex I of Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora. VNS Credit Insurance Market 2023 by Top Brands - Euler Hermes, Atradius, Coface, Zurich, Credendo Group, QBE Insurance, Cesce ReportsWeb http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW00011943168/sample http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW00011943168/discount http://www.reportsweb.com/buy&RW00011943168/buy/4960 A new report, recently added to the vast repository of ReportsWeb.com, presents a comprehensive assessment of the global market for Credit Insurance. The report, titled 2018 Top 5 Credit Insurance Players in North America Europe Asia-Pacific South America Middle East and Africa, takes the key trends and important market factors in consideration to carry out this research.Request a Free Sample atThis report studies the global Credit Insurance market, especially in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, Middle East and Africa, focuses on the top 5 Credit Insurance players in each region, with sales, price, revenue and market share from 2013 to 2018, the top players includingEuler HermesAtradiusCofaceZurichCredendo GroupQBE InsuranceCesceCheck the Discount Offers atMarket Segment by Regions, this report splits Global into several key Regions, with sales, revenue, market share of top players in these regions, from 2013 to 2018 (forecast), likeNorth America (United States, Canada and Mexico)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Southeast Asia, India and Korea)Europe (Germany, UK, France, Italy and Russia etc.South America (Brazil, Chile, Peru and Argentina)Middle East and Africa (Egypt, South Africa, Saudi Arabia)Split by Product Types, with sales, revenue, price, market share of each type, can be divided intoType 1Type 2Split by applications, this report focuses on sales, market share and growth rate of Credit Insurance in each application, can be divided intoDomestic TradeExport TradeBuy this Report Now atGlobal Credit Insurance Players Profiles/Analysis1 Euler Hermes1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors1.2 Credit Insurance Product Types, Application and Specification1.2.1 Type 11.2.2 Type 21.3 Euler Hermes Credit Insurance Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)1.4 Main Business/Business Overview1.5 Euler Hermes News2 Atradius2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors2.2 Credit Insurance Product Types, Application and Specification2.2.1 Type 12.2.2 Type 22.3 Atradius Credit Insurance Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)2.4 Main Business/Business Overview2.5 Atradius News3 Coface3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors3.2 Credit Insurance Product Types, Application and Specification3.2.1 Type 13.2.2 Type 23.3 Coface Credit Insurance Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.4 Main Business/Business Overview3.5 Coface News4 Zurich4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors4.2 Credit Insurance Product Types, Application and Specification4.2.1 Type 14.2.2 Type 24.3 Zurich Credit Insurance Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)4.4 Main Business/Business Overview4.5 Zurich News5 Credendo Group5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors5.2 Credit Insurance Product Types, Application and Specification5.2.1 Type 15.2.2 Type 25.3 Credendo Group Credit Insurance Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)5.4 Main Business/Business Overview5.5 Credendo Group News6 QBE Insurance6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors6.2 Credit Insurance Product Types, Application and Specification6.2.1 Type 16.2.2 Type 26.3 QBE Insurance Credit Insurance Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)6.4 Main Business/Business Overview6.5 QBE Insurance News7 Cesce7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2 Credit Insurance Product Types, Application and Specification7.2.1 Type 17.2.2 Type 27.3 Cesce Credit Insurance Sales, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 Cesce NewsContact Information:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.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 Comprehensive Assessment of China Soft Magnetic Materials Market 2022 ; Including Key Players- MAGNETICS, DMEGC, HEC GROUP, FERROXCUBE https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1374790 https://www.researchmoz.us/china-soft-magnetic-materials-market-by-manufacturers-regions-province-type-and-application-forecast-to-2022-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/china-soft-magnetic-materials-market-by-manufacturers-regions-province-type-and-application-forecast-to-2022-report.html http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG https://marketreserch1.blogspot.com Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "China Soft Magnetic Materials Market by Manufacturers, Regions (Province), Type and Application, Forecast to 2022" to its huge collection of research reports."Soft magnetic materials are those materials that are easily magnetised and demagnetised. They are used primarily to enhance and/or channel the flux produced by an electric current.Soft magnetic materials are used extensively in power electronic circuits, as voltage and current transformers, saturable reactors, magnetic amplifiers, inductors, and chokes. These magnetic devices may be required to operate at only 50/60 Hz, or at frequencies down to dc or over 1 MHz."Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Soft Magnetic Materials in China market, to split the market based on manufacturers, Regions (Province), type and application.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversTDKDMEGCVACUUMSCHMELZEMAGNETICSTDGAcme ElectronicsFERROXCUBENanjing New CondaHaining Lianfeng MagnetHEC GROUPJPMFKaiYuan MagnetismNBTM NEW MATERIALSSamwha ElectronicsToshiba MaterialsMarket Segment by Regions (Province), coveringSouth ChinaSouthwest ChinaEast ChinaNortheast ChinaNorth ChinaView Complete TOC with tables & Figures @Market Segment by Type, coversMetallic Alloys Soft Magnetic MaterialSoft Ferrites MaterialsMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoConsumer ElectronicsHousehold appliancesCommunicationAutomotiveLEDOtherThere are 18 Chapters to deeply display the China Soft Magnetic Materials market.Chapter 1, to describe Soft Magnetic Materials Introduction, product type and application, market overview, market analysis by Region (province), market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the manufacturers of Soft Magnetic Materials, with profile, main business, news, sales, price, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2017;Browse Report @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 China market by Regions (Province),covering South China,East China,Southwest China,North China,Northeast China,Northwest China and Central China,with sales, price,revenue and market share of Soft Magnetic Materials,for each region,from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5 and 6, to show the market by type and application, with sales, price, revenue, market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 7,8,9,10,11,12 and 13 to analyze the key Province by Type and Application,covering South China,East China,Southwest China,North China,Northwest China,Central China and Northeast China,with sales,revenue and market share by types and applications;Chapter 14, Soft Magnetic Materials market forecast, by Regions (Province), type and application, with sales, price, revenue and growth rate forecast, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 15, to analyze the manufacturing cost, key raw materials and manufacturing process etc.Chapter 16, to analyze the industrial chain, sourcing strategy and downstream end users (buyers);Chapter 17, to describe sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers etc.Chapter 18, to describe Soft Magnetic Materials Appendix, methodology and data sourceAbout 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 Blogger at: Intelligent Virtual Assistant (IVA) Market Forecast & Business Opportunities 2016-2024 https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/1094 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/intelligent-virtual-assistant-iva-market https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/1094 https://www.gminsights.com/toc/detail/intelligent-virtual-assistant-iva-market https://www.gminsights.com http://algosonline.com/news North America is anticipated to dominate the overall IVA market owing the early technological adoption. In addition, increasing adoption of smartphones coupled with the implementation of BYOD business model is expected to boost the demand for IVA in the region. Asia Pacific IVA market is expected to witness significant growth pertaining to the growth in emerging economies such as China and India.Intelligent Virtual Assistant (IVA) Market is set to exceed USD 10 billion by 2024. Increasing demand across various industrial verticals such as BFSI, healthcare is expected to drive the IVA market growth over the forecast timeline. Deployment of this technology in mobile devices, social media and company websites provide lucrative growth opportunities for the IVA market growth. The personalized experience provided by the virtual assistants such as interaction in natural language eliminates the possibility of being in touch with the support team thus improving customer satisfaction.Request for a sample of this research report @To minimize the overall operational cost, various firms are deploying virtual assistants for purposes such as training, advertising as well as interviewing. Increasing penetration of smartphones coupled with the acceptance of corporate BYOD programs is anticipated to propel the IVA market demand. The development of advanced IVA technology with enhanced features such as Apples Siri and Amazons Alexa is providing ample growth opportunities to IVA industry.Speech recognition technology is expected to observe significant growth at over 35% CAGR from 2016 to 2024. Rising demand for speech recognition technology across automotive and medical applications is expected to boost the demand for speech recognition technology over the years. Gradual increase in the adoption of mobile devices coupled with the implementation of speech recognition technology on such devices provides impetus to the IVA market growth. Voice recognition technology will grow at a considerable rate followed by large scale implementation of this technology in biometric authentication devices.Based on services, the customer assisted segment is predicted to witness high growth over the years pertaining to the improvised response provided by the IVAs fulfilling the potential customer needs. However, the capability of this technology to manage many requests enabling the companies to concentrate on their core competencies also contributes to the growth of the IVA market.IVA technology is expected to witness high demand in automotive applications. This can be attributed to the increasing use of this technology by key automotive players to optimize the maximum potential. For instance, in 2016, Nuance announced the launch of IVA platform for connected car, Dragon Drive Automotive Assistance allowing the driver to enhance the overall experience. The growing adoption of this technology for automotive applications owing to the features such as driving assistance in order to eliminate risks is expected to fuel the demand for IVA market over the forecast timespan.Browse key industry insights spread across 180 pages with 130 market data tables & 100 figures & charts from the report, Intelligent Virtual Assistant (IVA) Market Size By Technology (Speech Recognition, Text-To-Speech, Voice Recognition), By Service (Customer Service, Marketing Assistant), By Application (Automotive, BFSI, Retail, IT & Telecom, Healthcare, Education), By End-Use (SMBs, Large Enterprises, Individual Users), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Spain, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Mexico), Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016 2024 in detail along with the table of contents:Factors such as reduced operational cost coupled with the enhancements in business quality are responsible for the growth of IVA technology among the SMBs. The high adoption rate of IVAs in enterprises can be attributed to the fast & convenient user-friendly features offered by them. Also, the reduced demand for hiring full time resources and operational spaces are expected to drive the industry growth over the forecast timeline.Key companies operating in the IVA market include IBM Corporation, eGain communications, Nuance, Clara Labs and Creative Virtual. Other prominent players in the market include Anboto, InteliWISE, CX Company, Artificial Solutions and 24/7 Customer Inc. among others. The IVA industry is currently witnessing rising investments on the R&D to bring in new innovations. Furthermore, companies are increasingly partnering with the third-party technology vendors which helps in enhancing the technology base and meet the potential customer demands.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @Table of Content (TOC-)Chapter 6 Intelligent Virtual Assistant Application Insights6.1 Intelligent virtual assistant market share by application, 2015 & 20246.2 BFSI6.2.1 Market demand in BFSI, 2013 - 20246.2.2 Market demand in BFSI, by region, 2013 - 20246.3 Healthcare6.3.1 Market demand in healthcare, 2013 - 20246.3.2 Market demand in healthcare, by region, 2013 - 20246.4 Education6.4.1 Market demand in BFSI, 2013 - 20246.4.2 Market demand in education, by region, 2013 - 20246.5 Automotive6.5.1 Market demand in automotive, 2013 - 20246.5.2 Market demand in automotive, by region, 2013 - 20246.6 Retail6.6.1 Market demand in retail, 2013 - 20246.6.2 Market demand in retail, by region, 2013 - 20246.7 IT & Telecom6.7.1 Market demand in IT & telecom, 2013 - 20246.7.2 Market demand in IT & telecom, by region, 2013 - 20246.8 Others6.8.1 Market demand in other applications, 2013 - 20246.8.2 Market demand in other applications, by region, 2013 - 2024Browse Full Toc of This Report @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.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog: Business Trends of United States Solar Charger Market 2022 ; Including Key Players- Powertraveller, LittleSun, Instapark, RAVPower https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1374802 https://www.researchmoz.us/united-states-solar-charger-market-by-manufacturers-states-type-and-application-forecast-to-2022-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/united-states-solar-charger-market-by-manufacturers-states-type-and-application-forecast-to-2022-report.html http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG https://marketreserch1.blogspot.com Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "United States Solar Charger Market by Manufacturers, States, Type and Application, Forecast to 2022" to its huge collection of research reports.A solar charger employs solar energy to supply electricity to devices or charge batteries. They are generally portable. Solar chargers can charge lead acid or Ni-Cd battery banks up to 48 V and hundreds of ampere-hours (up to 4000 Ah) capacity. Such type of solar charger setups generally use an intelligent charge controllers. These devices have high degree of flexibility and highest efficiency as compared to any other green charger.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Solar Charger in United States market, to split the market based on manufacturers, states, type and application.Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report coversAnkerGoalZeroLetsolarRAVPowerECEENPowertravellerSolioLittleSunVoltaic SystemsYOLKTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Solar Technology InternationalNOCOInstaparkXtormAllpowers Industrial InternationalHanergyMarket Segment by States, coveringCaliforniaTexasNew YorkFloridaIllinoisMarket Segment by Type, coversBelow 5 Wattage5 Wattage to 10 Wattage10 Wattage to 20 WattageAbove 20 WattageMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided intoPortable Consumer ElectronicsAutomotiveOtherView Complete TOC with tables & Figures @There are 17 Chapters to deeply display the United States Solar Charger market.Chapter 1, to describe Solar Charger Introduction, product type and application, market overview, market analysis by States, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the manufacturers of Solar Charger, with profile, main business, news, sales, price, revenue and market share 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 United States market by States, covering California, New York, Texas, Illinois and Florida, with sales, price, revenue and market share of Solar Charger, for each state, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 5 and 6, to show the market by type and application, with sales, price, revenue, market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2012 to 2017;Chapter 7, 8, 9, 10 and 11, to analyze the key States by Type and Application, covering California, New York, Texas, Illinois and Florida, with sales, revenue and market share by types and applications;Chapter 12, Solar Charger market forecast, by States, type and application, with sales, price, revenue and growth rate forecast, from 2017 to 2022;Chapter 13, to analyze the manufacturing cost, key raw materials and manufacturing process etc.Chapter 14, to analyze the industrial chain, sourcing strategy and downstream end users (buyers);Chapter 15, to describe sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers etc.Chapter 16 and 17, to describe Solar Charger Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data source.Browse Report @Table of Contents1 Market Overview1.1 Solar Charger Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Below 5 Wattage1.2.2 5 Wattage to 10 Wattage1.2.3 10 Wattage to 20 Wattage1.2.4 Above 20 Wattage1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Portable Consumer Electronics1.3.2 Automotive1.3.3 Other2 Manufacturers Profiles2.1 Anker2.1.1 Profile2.1.2 Solar Charger Type and Applications2.1.2.1 Type 12.1.2.2 Type 22.1.3 Anker Solar Charger Sales, Price, Revenue, Gross Margin and Market Share (2016-2017)2.1.4 Business Overview2.1.5 Anker News2.2 GoalZero2.2.1 Profile3 United States Solar Charger Market Competition, by Manufacturer3.1 United States Solar Charger Sales and Market Share by Manufacturer (2016-2017)3.2 United States Solar Charger Revenue and Market Share by Manufacturer (2016-2017)3.3 United States Solar Charger Price by Manufacturers (2016-2017)3.4 Market Concentration Rate3.4.1 Top 3 Solar Charger Manufacturer Market Share3.4.2 Top 5 Solar Charger Manufacturer Market Share3.5 Market Competition Trend4 United States Solar Charger Market Analysis by States4.1 United States Solar Charger Sales Market Share by States4.2 United States Solar Charger Sales by States (2012-2017)4.3 United States Solar Charger Revenue (Value) by States (2012-2017)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 Blogger at: Herbal Oil Market 2018 - The Lebermuth Company, Moksha Lifestyle Products, Young Living Essential Oils, Ungerer Limited, RK-Essential Oils, Meena Perfumery ReportsWeb http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW00012060628/sample http://www.reportsweb.com/global-herbal-oil-market-research-report-2018-2025 http://www.reportsweb.com/buy&RW00012060628/buy/2900 The global Herbal Oil market is valued at million US$ in 2017 and will reach million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of during 2018-2025.This report studies the global Herbal Oil market status and forecast, categorizes the global Herbal Oil market size (value & volume) by key players, type, application, and region. This report focuses on the top players in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa.Request a Free Sample atThe major manufacturers covered in this reportBiolandesEssential Oils of New ZealandFarotti EssenzeFalconH.Reynaud & Fils (HRF)The Lebermuth CompanyMoksha Lifestyle ProductsYoung Living Essential OilsUngerer LimitedRK-Essential OilsMeena PerfumeryTFS CorporationGeographically, this report studies the key regions, focuses on product sales, value, market share and growth opportunity in these regions, coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoOrangeCitronellaCorn MintEucalyptusClove LeafOthersOn 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, includingFood & BeveragesPharmaceuticalCosmetics & Personal Care ProductsSpa & Salon ProductsHousehold Cleaning ProductsOthersComplete report on Herbal Oil Market is now available atKey Point from Table of Contents:1 Herbal Oil Market Overview2 Global Herbal Oil Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Herbal Oil Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)4 Global Herbal Oil Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018)5 Global Herbal Oil Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global Herbal Oil Market Analysis by Application7 Global Herbal Oil Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis8 Herbal Oil Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Herbal Oil Market Forecast (2018-2025)13 Research Findings and ConclusionOrder a copy of Global Herbal Oil 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 Organic Rice Market Growth of 2.8% CAGR till 2025 by Top Players - Vien Phu, SUNRISE foodstuff JSC, KHAOKHO TALAYPU, BEIDAHUANG, Yanbiangaoli, Jinjian, HUICHUN FILED RICE ReportsWeb http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW00012061365/sample http://www.reportsweb.com/global-organic-rice-market-research-report-2018-2025 http://www.reportsweb.com/buy&RW00012061365/buy/2900 Organic farming is defined as a production system which largely excludes or avoids the use of fertilizers, pesticides, growth regulators, preservatives and livestock feed additives and totally rely on crop residues, animal manures, legumes, green manures, off-farm wastes, mechanical cultivation, mineral nutrient bearing rocks and biological pest control to maintain soil health, supply plant nutrients and minimize insects, weeds and other pests.First, the organic rice industry concentration is not high; there are more than one hundreds manufacturers in the world, and high-end products mainly from America.In China, the manufacturers focus in Heilongjiang and Hunan province.Request a Sample atSecond, many company have several farms. They can also sign contract to other regions small or family farm to produce organic rice.Third, all manufactures in the world are committed to the improvement of product. Developed countries deep processing products is relatively mature, like organic rice milk, protein and ready meal products. Developing regions take more directly eating of organic rice.The global Organic Rice market is valued at 1120 million US$ in 2017 and will reach 1390 million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of 2.8% during 2018-2025.The study objectives of this report are:To analyze and study the global Organic Rice sales, value, status (2013-2017) and forecast (2018-2025) .Focuses on the key Organic Rice manufacturers, to study the sales, value, market share and development plans in future.Focuses on the global key manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the market competition landscape, SWOT analysis.To define, describe and forecast the market by type, application and region.To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks.To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth.To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high growth segments.To strategically analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trend and their contribution to the marketTo analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the marketTo strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.Complete report on Organic Rice Market is now available atKey Point from Table of Contents:1 Organic Rice Market Overview2 Global Organic Rice Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Organic Rice Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)4 Global Organic Rice Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018)5 Global Organic Rice Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global Organic Rice Market Analysis by Application7 Global Organic Rice Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis8 Organic Rice Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Organic Rice Market Forecast (2018-2025)13 Research Findings and ConclusionOrder a copy of Global Organic Rice 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 Blood Banking Market: 2018 Global Industry Trends, Growth, Share, Size and 2022 Forecast Research Report Research for Markets http://www.researchformarkets.com/sample/global-blood-banking-market-9433 http://www.researchformarkets.com/reports/global-blood-banking-market-9433 http://www.researchformarkets.com/buy-now/global-blood-banking-market-9433/one Blood Banking Market report offers a detailed Outlook and future prospects of the Blood Banking Industry with analysis of major players that helps Industry experts, analysts and business decision makers to decide their business strategies and achieve proposed business aims.This report studies the Blood Banking market, and blood banking refers to the process of collecting, separating, and storing blood. A blood bank is a center where blood gathered as a result of blood donation is stored and preserved for later use in blood transfusion. The term "blood bank" typically refers to a division of a hospital where the storage of blood product occurs and where proper testing is performed (to reduce the risk of transfusion related adverse events). However, it sometimes refers to a collection center, and indeed some hospitals also perform collection.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Blood Banking 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 Free Sample Copy of Report atMarket Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers American Red Cross, Japan Red Cross Society, New York Blood Center, Sanquin Blood Supply Foundation, Americas Blood Centers, Canadian Blood Services, Shire (Baxalta), CSL, Grifols, Octapharma, Kedrion, LFB Group, Biotest, BPL, RAAS, CBPO, Hualan Bio, Sichuan Yuanda Shuyang, Abbott, Beckman Coulter, BD, Bio-Rad Laboratories, bioMerieux, Cerus, Haemonetics, Immucor, Fresenius Kabi, MacoPharma, Ortho-Clinical, Terumo BCT and Kawasumi.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)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Browse Complete Report atTable of Content1 Market Overview2 Manufacturers Profiles3 Global Blood Banking Market Competition, by Manufacturer4 Global Blood Banking Market Analysis by Regions5 North America Blood Banking by Countries6 Europe Blood Banking by Countries7 Asia-Pacific Blood Banking by Countries8 South America Blood Banking by Countries9 Middle East and Africa Blood Banking by Countries10 Global Blood Banking Market Segment by Type11 Global Blood Banking Market Segment by Application12 Blood Banking Market Forecast (2017-2022)13 Sales Channel, Distributors, Traders and DealersPlace Direct Purchase Order of Blood Banking 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 Research Report of Global Vacuum Shrink Films Market 2017 - 2027 ; Including Key Players- Amcor Limited, Winpak Ltd., Schur Flexibles https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1825149 https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=1825149 https://www.researchmoz.us/vacuum-shrink-films-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2017-2027-report.html http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG https://marketreserch1.blogspot.com Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Vacuum Shrink Films Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2027" to its huge collection of research reports.Global Vacuum Shrink Films Market: IntroductionVacuum shrink films are also termed vacuum shrink wraps, which are essentially plastic films. The most commonly used process for wrapping using vacuum shrink films is to hermetically seal the product. Vacuum packaging technology is rapidly gaining market share as one of the most preferred meat packaging technologies. Vacuum shrink films protect the food product from microbes, and enhance the shelf life of the product. Shrink wrapping includes the placing of small vent holes in the shrink film, which allow the film to allow air to escape the package. Hence the package is not completely sealed from external elements.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Due to the exposure to oxygen, vacuum shrink packaging gains an edge over its counterpart vacuum skin packaging, which does not allow exposure to oxygen. Vacuum skin packaging results in a purple appearance of the meat product, due to the unavailability of Oxygen. Since more consumers have the perception of associating the reddish appearance of a food product with the term fresh, vacuum shrink packaging might witness an increase in preference, during the forecast period. Therefore, vacuum shrink films are anticipated to witness moderate to high growth, during the forecast period.Global Vacuum Shrink Films Market: Market DynamicsThe global food packaging industry has undergone significant changes in the past couple of decades. Active, smart, and intelligent packaging technologies are expected to significantly gain market share, across the world. Food packaging technologies such as Vacuum Skin Packaging, Vacuum Shrink Packaging, and Modified Atmosphere Packaging are anticipated to become the ideal packaging formats for products such as fresh produce, meat, poultry, and seafood, among others. Several factors are expected to play a key role in the growth of the global vacuum shrink films market. These include, change in consumer preferences in developing countries, and an inclination towards packaged food and case-ready meals. This is a result of increasing ease of access, with growing penetration of modern retail formats.Make An Enquiry @In addition, growth in modern trade, and rising disposable per capita income also contribute significantly to the increasing preference for vacuum shrink packaged food. Rising demand from end markets such as food industry is increasing the demand for multi-layer films. In May 2016, packaging firm Krehalon based in Netherlands rolled out a new line of shrink films brand known as SSL. SSL uses a material that fuses the inner layer of films through vacuum packaging and hot water shrinkage. Therefore, innovative concepts such as this, are expected to continue to shape the global vacuum shrink films market, during the forecast period.Global Vacuum Shrink Films Market: Market SegmentationThe global vacuum shrink films market is segmented based on type, material type, end-use industry and geographyOn the basis of type, the global shrink film market is segmented intoForm-shrink filmsSingle-Layer FilmMulti-Layer FilmFlow-pack filmsSingle-Layer FilmMulti-Layer FilmBrowse Report @On the basis of material type, the global vacuum shrink films market is segmented intoPolyolefin (PA)Polyethylene (PE)Polypropylene (PP)Polyvinyl chloride (PVC)OthersOn the basis of end-user industry, the global vacuum shrink films market is segmented intoFood & BeveragesOthersGlobal Vacuum Shrink Films Market: Geographical OutlookThe global vacuum shrink films market has been bifurcated into seven key regions such as North America, Western Europe, Eastern Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan, Middle East and Africa, Latin America and Japan.Vacuum shrink films are mostly used in packaging of food products such as meat.Global Vacuum Shrink Films Market: Key playersTier 1 (Revenue generated from vacuum shrink films > US$ 100 Mn)Flexopack S.A.Winpak Ltd.Sealed Air CorporationCoveris Holdings S.A.KurehalonBemis Company, Inc.Mondi GroupBollore GroupAmcor LimitedAbout 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 Blogger at: Fixed Satellite Service Market Capital expenditure, SWOT Analysis till 2023 Fixed Satellite Service Sales Market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/306869-global-fixed-satellite-service-sales-market-1 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/306869-global-fixed-satellite-service-sales-market-1 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/306869-global-fixed-satellite-service-sales-market-1 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=306869 https://www.linkedin.com/company/13388569/ https://www.facebook.com/htfmarketintelligence/ https://twitter.com/htfmarketreport https://plus.google.com/+AdityaBhavsar?rel=author Latest research study from HTF MI with title Global Fixed Satellite Service by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2023. The Research report presents a complete assessment of the market and contains Future trend, Current Growth Factors, attentive opinions, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry validated market data. The study is segmented by products type, application/end-users. The research study provides estimates for Global Fixed Satellite Service Forecast till 2023.If you are involved in the Fixed Satellite Service 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 some major players in the industry. If you have a different set of players/manufacturers according to geography or needs regional or country segmented reports we can provide customization according to your requirement.Request Sample of Global Fixed Satellite Service Sales Market Report 2017 @:Key Companies/players: SES, Intelsat, Eutelsat Communications, Telesat, SKY Perfect JSAT, SingTel Optus, Star One, Arabsat, Hispasat, AsiaSat, Thaicom, Russia Satellite Communication & China Satellite Communications.The research covers the current & Future market size of the Global Fixed Satellite Service market and its growth rates based on 5 year history data. It also covers various types of segmentation such as by geography [North America, Europe, Asia (Excluding China), China & South America]. 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 Fixed Satellite Service market research offered by HTF MI. Check how key trends and emerging drivers are shaping this industry growth as the study avails you with market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional breakdowns, competitive landscape, shares, trend and strategies for this market. In the Global Fixed Satellite Service Market Analysis & Forecast 2018-2023, the revenue is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2018 and 2023. The production is estimated at XX million in 2017 and is forecasted to reach XX million by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2018 and 2023.Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @Key questions answered in this report - Global Fixed Satellite Service Sales Market Report 2017What will the market size be in 2023 and what will the growth rate beWhat are the key market trendsWhat is driving Global Fixed Satellite Service Market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in Fixed Satellite Service Market space?What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the Global Fixed Satellite Service Market ?What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the Global Fixed Satellite Service Market?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the Global Fixed Satellite Service market? Get in-depth details about factors influencing the market shares of the Americas, APAC, and EMEA?Enquire for customization in Report @There are 15 Chapters to display the Global Fixed Satellite Service market.Chapter 1, to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of Global Fixed Satellite Service, Applications of Fixed Satellite Service, 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 North America, Europe, Asia (Excluding China), China & South America, Fixed Satellite Service Segment Market Analysis (by Type);Chapter 7 and 8, to analyze the Fixed Satellite Service Segment Market Analysis (by Application) Major Manufacturers Analysis;Chapter 9, Market Trend Analysis, Regional Market Trend, Market Trend by Product Type, Market Trend by Application;Chapter 10, Regional Marketing Type Analysis, International Trade Type Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis;Chapter 11, to analyze the Consumers Analysis of Global Fixed Satellite Service by region, type and application ;Chapter 12, to describe Fixed Satellite Service Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data source;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Fixed Satellite Service 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.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 Halal Market 2018 - Eggelbusch, Cleone Foods, Reinert Group, Pure Ingredients, Reghalal, Tariq Halal, Casino, Tesco plc ReportsWeb http://www.reportsweb.com/inquiry&RW00012071013/sample http://www.reportsweb.com/global-halal-market-research-report-2018 http://www.reportsweb.com/buy&RW00012071013/buy/2900 The Arabic word for "permitted." Halal is commonly seen as "Halal" which means food that is permitted under Islamic guidelines as found in the Qu'ran Most food and drinks are considered Halal unless they are clearly stated as forbidden in the Qur'an (holy book of Islam) and hadith (prophetic traditions).The halal industry is based on a belief that Muslims should eat food and use goods such as cosmetics that are "halalan toyibban", which means permissible and wholesome. In fact, the halal market is non-exclusive to Muslims, and has gained increasing acceptance among non-Muslim consumers who associate halal with ethical consumerism.Actually, the halal industry has now expanded beyond the food sector to include pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, health products, toiletries and medical devices as well as service sector components such as logistics, marketing, print and electronic media, packaging, branding, and financing. In addition, the halal food marketplace is emerging as one of the most profitable and influential market arenas in the world food business today.Request a Sample atThe study objectives of this report are:To analyze and study the global Halal sales, value, status (2013-2017) and forecast (2018-2025).Focuses on the key Halal manufacturers, to study the sales, value, market share and development plans in future.Focuses on the global key manufacturers, to define, describe and analyze the market competition landscape, SWOT analysis.To define, describe and forecast the market by type, application and region.To analyze the global and key regions market potential and advantage, opportunity and challenge, restraints and risks.To identify significant trends and factors driving or inhibiting the market growth.To analyze the opportunities in the market for stakeholders by identifying the high growth segments.To strategically analyze each submarket with respect to individual growth trend and their contribution to the marketTo analyze competitive developments such as expansions, agreements, new product launches, and acquisitions in the marketTo strategically profile the key players and comprehensively analyze their growth strategies.Downstream growth in demand prompted the rapid growth of halal food in Europe, which is because of both growth of population of Muslim and the growth of Muslim income in these countries.European halal food industry is quite fragmented with a large number of companies can produce halal food but the companies passed the halal certification are limited. Although halal certification is considered a key enabler for the successful development of the global halal industry, the industry is still plagued by the issue of differing certification standards. The lack of a single, unified global halal standard is a pressing issue within the halal industry.Halal food is going to be main-stream in Europe. And the downstream consumption market is constantly expanding, not only the Muslims, but also non-Muslim began to join the ranks of the consumer. As for the age of consumption, the young generation of Muslims is agents of change for the halal industry. Supermarkets, hypermarkets and food distribution chains are increasing their share of halal distribution, capitalizing on young halal consumers' interests in having the same choices as non-halal consumers.Complete report on Halal Market is now available atKey Point from Table of Contents:1 Halal Market Overview2 Global Halal Market Competition by Manufacturers3 Global Halal Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)4 Global Halal Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018)5 Global Halal Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type6 Global Halal Market Analysis by Application7 Global Halal Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis8 Halal Manufacturing Cost Analysis9 Industrial Chain, Sourcing Strategy and Downstream Buyers10 Marketing Strategy Analysis, Distributors/Traders11 Market Effect Factors Analysis12 Global Halal Market Forecast (2018-2025)13 Research Findings and ConclusionOrder a copy of Global Halal Market atContact Information:Call: +1-646-491-9876Email: sales@reportsweb.comReportsWeb.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 HA NOI People living in the capital city of Ha Noi will have access to more clean water by 2020, thanks to six new projects. A plan to build new water plants and upgrade the capacity of existing ones has been approved by the chairman of the municipal Peoples Committee, Nguyen uc Chung. The proposal details plans to build the uong River water supply system, the Hong (Red) River water plant, the Xuan Mai water plant, with a capacity of 300,000cu.m per day, and the water plant in the Tien Thinh Commune in Me Linh District, which will have a capacity of 25,000 cu.m per day. The a River water plant project will be redesigned in the second phase of the project to improve its capacity by 300 to 600 cu.m per day. The Phu Son water plant in Ba Vi District will have its capacity upgraded by 50,000 to 100,000 cu.m per day. The city will conduct a study to use water from the Quan Son Lake in My uc District as a domestic water supply source. Ha Noi will also implement nine water supply system projects in 78 communes to serve nearly 700,000 residents. Funds will be sourced from the budget of local authorities and mobilised from the private sector. A number of people living in the city, especially in outlying districts, do not have access to clean water. Residents in the Yen So Ward of Hoang Mai District have been suffering from allergic reactions caused by contaminated domestic water, vov.vn reported last month. In Linh Quy Village, Kim Son Commune, Gia Lam District, thousands of people live by sewers and use highly-polluted ground water. Residents there have to spend their own money to purchase water filter systems. VNS Female Infertility Menopause Contraceptive Drugs Market is Set to Experience Revolutionary Growth by 2021 Menopause, also termed as climacteric, refers to cessation of menstruation. It usually occurs in females aged between 45 and 55 years. Female infertility refers to a condition of infertility in females. Various causes for female infertility are polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS), hypothalamic dysfunction, premature ovarian insufficiency, and hyperprolactinemia. Contraceptives are drugs and devices that are used to prevent pregnancy and sexually transmitted infections. Contraceptive drugs are further classified as contraceptive pills, topical contraceptives, and contraceptive injectables. The female infertility, menopause, and contraceptive drugs market is growing at a significant rate due to increasing disorders related to fertility and menopause and rising awareness about different menopause, female infertility and contraceptive drugs. In addition, government initiatives for improving female health are driving the market for female infertility, menopause, and contraceptive drugs. North America dominates the global market for female infertility, menopause and contraceptive drugs due to the increasing prevalence of disorders related to menopause and female infertility in the region. In addition, high usage of contraceptive pills in the region due to the high efficiency provided by the drugs is driving the overall market for contraceptives. Asia, followed by Europe, is expected to experience high growth rate in the next few years in the female infertility, menopause, and contraceptive drugs market. China and India are expected to be the fastest growing female infertility, menopause, and contraceptive drugs markets in Asia. Some of the key driving forces for the female infertility, menopause and contraceptive drugs market in emerging countries are large pool of patients and rising government initiatives by funding and strict laws. Increasing awareness about different disorders in female fertility, menopause, and complications in female health by not using birth control measures is contributing to the growth of the market for female infertility, menopause and contraceptive drugs. In addition, the increasing prevalence of female sexual disorders and improvement in healthcare facilities and technological advancements in the field have been driving the female infertility, menopause, and contraceptive drugs market. However, the side effects associated with the intake of contraceptive drugs and lower adoption rates for drugs associated with treatment of female infertility and menopause have been restraining the market. Growing populations and developing economies in countries such as India and China are expected to offer good opportunities for the global female infertility, menopause, and contraceptive drugs market. The arrival on the market of some new products with better efficiency is expected to offer good opportunity for the global female infertility, menopause, and contraceptive drugs market. The growing number of mergers and acquisitions, new product launches, and increasing number of collaborations and partnerships are some of the latest trends that observed in the global female infertility, menopause and contraceptive drugs market. The side effects associated with intake of female infertility, menopause, and contraceptive drugs are a challenge for the market. Request Sample Report @ https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/4280 Some of the major companies dealing in global menopause, fertility and contraceptive drugs market include Aventis SA, Bristol-Myers Squibb Company, Johnson & Johnson, and Merck & Company, Inc. Other significant players in the global menopause, fertility, and contraceptive drugs market include Novartis International AG, Bayers AG, Pharmacia & Upjohn, Inc., Organon, Inc., Berlex Laboratories, Parke-Davis, G. D. Searle & Company, TAP Holdings Inc., The Ares-Serono Group, and American Home Products Corporation. Persistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance. To support companies in overcoming complex business challenges, we follow a multi-disciplinary approach. At PMR, we unite various data streams from multi-dimensional sources. By deploying real-time data collection, big data, and customer experience analytics, we deliver business intelligence for organizations of all sizes. CONTACT: Persistence Market Research 305 Broadway 7th Floor, New York City, NY 10007, United States, USA Canada Toll Free: 800-961-0353 Web: http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com This release was published on openPR. Permanent link to this press release: Copy Please set a link in the press area of your homepage to this press release on openPR. openPR disclaims liability for any content contained in this release. Emerging Display Technology Market Trends & Size is expected to grow Upcoming Years 2018-2023 Emerging Display Technology Market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/289873-global-emerging-display-technology-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/289873-global-emerging-display-technology-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/289873-global-emerging-display-technology-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=289873 https://www.linkedin.com/company/13388569/ https://www.facebook.com/htfmarketintelligence/ https://twitter.com/htfmarketreport https://plus.google.com/+AdityaBhavsar?rel=author Latest research study from HTF MI with title Global Emerging Display Technology by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2023. The Research report presents a complete assessment of the market and contains Future trend, Current Growth Factors, attentive opinions, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry validated market data. The study is segmented by products type, application/end-users. The research study provides estimates for Global Emerging Display Technology Forecast till 2023.If you are involved in the Emerging Display Technology 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 Mobile Devices, TVs, PCs & Other, Product Types such as [OLED, Digital Holography, VRD & True 3D Display] and some major players in the industry. If you have a different set of players/manufacturers according to geography or needs regional or country segmented reports we can provide customization according to your requirement.Request Sample of Global Emerging Display Technology Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022 @:Key Companies/players: Samsung, LG Display, RiTdisplay, Nippon Seiki, Pioneer, Segme, EON Reality, Lyncee Tec, RealView Imaging, LEIA, AU Optronics, Futaba, Holoxica, Zebra Imaging, Ovizio Imaging Systems, Avegant, MicroVision, OSD Displays, Accelink Technologies, AOC Technologies, Ascentta, Edmund Optics & Microwave Photonic Systems.Application: Mobile Devices, TVs, PCs & Other, Product Type: OLED, Digital Holography, VRD & True 3D Display.The research covers the current & Future market size of the Global Emerging Display Technology market and its growth rates based on 5 year history data. It also covers various types of segmentation such as by geography [United States, EU, Japan, China, India & Southeast Asia]. 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 Emerging Display Technology market research offered by HTF MI. Check how key trends and emerging drivers are shaping this industry growth as the study avails you with market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional breakdowns, competitive landscape, shares, trend and strategies for this market. In the Global Emerging Display Technology Market Analysis & Forecast 2018-2023, the revenue is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2018 and 2023. The production is estimated at XX million in 2017 and is forecasted to reach XX million by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2018 and 2023.Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @Key questions answered in this report - Global Emerging Display Technology Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022What will the market size be in 2023 and what will the growth rate beWhat are the key market trendsWhat is driving Global Emerging Display Technology Market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in Emerging Display Technology Market space?What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the Global Emerging Display Technology Market ?What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the Global Emerging Display Technology Market?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the Global Emerging Display Technology market? Get in-depth details about factors influencing the market shares of the Americas, APAC, and EMEA?Enquire for customization in Report @There are 15 Chapters to display the Global Emerging Display Technology market.Chapter 1, to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of Global Emerging Display Technology, Applications of Emerging Display Technology, 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, EU, Japan, China, India & Southeast Asia, Emerging Display Technology Segment Market Analysis (by Type);Chapter 7 and 8, to analyze the Emerging Display Technology Segment Market Analysis (by Application [Mobile Devices, TVs, PCs & Other]) Major Manufacturers Analysis;Chapter 9, Market Trend Analysis, Regional Market Trend, Market Trend by Product Type [OLED, Digital Holography, VRD & True 3D Display], Market Trend by Application [Mobile Devices, TVs, PCs & Other];Chapter 10, Regional Marketing Type Analysis, International Trade Type Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis;Chapter 11, to analyze the Consumers Analysis of Global Emerging Display Technology by region, type and application ;Chapter 12, to describe Emerging Display Technology Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data source;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Emerging Display Technology 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.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 Operational Digital Oilfield Solutions Market Recent Study Including Growth Factors, Applications, Regional Analysis, and Forecast to 2023 Operational Digital Oilfield Solutions Market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/269431-global-operational-digital-oilfield-solutions-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/269431-global-operational-digital-oilfield-solutions-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/269431-global-operational-digital-oilfield-solutions-market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=269431 https://www.linkedin.com/company/13388569/ https://www.facebook.com/htfmarketintelligence/ https://twitter.com/htfmarketreport https://plus.google.com/+AdityaBhavsar?rel=author Latest research study from HTF MI with title Global Operational Digital Oilfield Solutions by Manufacturers, Regions, Type and Application, Forecast to 2023. The Research report presents a complete assessment of the market and contains Future trend, Current Growth Factors, attentive opinions, facts, historical data, and statistically supported and industry validated market data. The study is segmented by products type, application/end-users. The research study provides estimates for Global Operational Digital Oilfield Solutions Forecast till 2023.If you are involved in the Operational Digital Oilfield Solutions 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 Onshore Oilfield & Water Oilfield, Product Types such as [Production Optimizations, Drilling Optimizations & Reservoir Optimizations] and some major players in the industry. If you have a different set of players/manufacturers according to geography or needs regional or country segmented reports we can provide customization according to your requirement.Request Sample of Global Operational Digital Oilfield Solutions Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022 @:Key Companies/players: Schlumberger Limited, Halliburton Company, Baker Hughes Incorporated, National Oil Well Varco, Weatherford International PLC, Paradigm Limited, HIS, Point Cross, Katalyst Data Management, Rockwell Automation, Siemens AG & Pason System.Application: Onshore Oilfield & Water Oilfield, Product Type: Production Optimizations, Drilling Optimizations & Reservoir Optimizations.The research covers the current & Future market size of the Global Operational Digital Oilfield Solutions market and its growth rates based on 5 year history data. It also covers various types of segmentation such as by geography [United States, EU, Japan, China, India & Southeast Asia]. 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 Operational Digital Oilfield Solutions market research offered by HTF MI. Check how key trends and emerging drivers are shaping this industry growth as the study avails you with market characteristics, size and growth, segmentation, regional breakdowns, competitive landscape, shares, trend and strategies for this market. In the Global Operational Digital Oilfield Solutions Market Analysis & Forecast 2018-2023, the revenue is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2018 and 2023. The production is estimated at XX million in 2017 and is forecasted to reach XX million by the end of 2023, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2018 and 2023.Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @Key questions answered in this report - Global Operational Digital Oilfield Solutions Market Size, Status and Forecast 2022What will the market size be in 2023 and what will the growth rate beWhat are the key market trendsWhat is driving Global Operational Digital Oilfield Solutions Market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in Operational Digital Oilfield Solutions Market space?What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the Global Operational Digital Oilfield Solutions Market ?What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the Global Operational Digital Oilfield Solutions Market?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the vendors in the Global Operational Digital Oilfield Solutions market? Get in-depth details about factors influencing the market shares of the Americas, APAC, and EMEA?Enquire for customization in Report @There are 15 Chapters to display the Global Operational Digital Oilfield Solutions market.Chapter 1, to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of Global Operational Digital Oilfield Solutions, Applications of Operational Digital Oilfield Solutions, 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, EU, Japan, China, India & Southeast Asia, Operational Digital Oilfield Solutions Segment Market Analysis (by Type);Chapter 7 and 8, to analyze the Operational Digital Oilfield Solutions Segment Market Analysis (by Application [Onshore Oilfield & Water Oilfield]) Major Manufacturers Analysis;Chapter 9, Market Trend Analysis, Regional Market Trend, Market Trend by Product Type [Production Optimizations, Drilling Optimizations & Reservoir Optimizations], Market Trend by Application [Onshore Oilfield & Water Oilfield];Chapter 10, Regional Marketing Type Analysis, International Trade Type Analysis, Supply Chain Analysis;Chapter 11, to analyze the Consumers Analysis of Global Operational Digital Oilfield Solutions by region, type and application ;Chapter 12, to describe Operational Digital Oilfield Solutions Research Findings and Conclusion, Appendix, methodology and data source;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Operational Digital Oilfield Solutions 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.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 Drilling Fluids Market to Reflect Impressive Growth Rate of 10.1% by 2026 | Top Key Players (Weatherford, Anchor Drilling Fluids USA, China Oilfield Services, Baker Hughes, Catalyst, Halliburton) Drilling Fluids Market https://www.marketprognosis.com/sample-request/14158 https://www.marketprognosis.com/buyReport/14158 https://www.marketprognosis.com/enquiry/14158 https://www.marketprognosis.com Marketprognosis.com Publish a New Market Research Report On Drilling Fluids - Global Market Outlook (2017-2026) which contains global key players survey information and forecast to 2026.Overview of the Global Drilling Fluids Market:The Global Drilling Fluids Market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 10.1% during the forecast period. Increasing crude oil & natural gas demand in various energy-intensive industries and growing demand for increasing production rates, efficiency and mitigating gas related capital expenditures are some of the key factors fueling the market growth. However, rising environmental, health and safety concerns regarding mud discharge and disposal of cuttings are hindering the growth of the market.One of major opportunities in the market is technological developments to modify the fluid rheology for efficient extraction in various formations.Get a Sample Copy of this Report @Drilling Fluids refers to the liquid and gaseous fluid or mixtures of fluids and solids used in drilling operations. Drilling fluids aids to control pressure in a well by equalizing the pressure of the rock formations and the hydrocarbons. It is used for a particular task to avoid formation damage and to limit corrosion. It is also known as drilling mud. It is generally classified as water based, oil based and synthetic fluids.By Product, Water-based mud (WBF) segment is anticipated to grow the market owing to possess high penetration and expansion rate on account of cost-effectiveness and reduce environmental impacts of the discharged cuttings and mud. Common categories of water-base muds are fresh water, seawater, salt water, lime, potassium and silicate.Purchase this report online with 152 Pages, Top Key Players Analysis and List of Tables & Figure @Major Key Players:1 Weatherford International2 Anchor Drilling Fluids USA, LLC3 China Oilfield Services Limited4 Baker Hughes, Inc.5 Catalyst LLC6 Halliburton, Inc.7 Schlumberger Limited8 Petrochem Performance Chemicals Ltd. LLC and More.Market Segment by Products:1 Water based fluids (WBF)2 Oil based fluids (OBF)3 Synthetic based fluids (SBF)4 Pneumatic Fluid and Other ProductsAny Query? Ask to our Expert @This study answers to the below key questions:1 What will the market size be in 2026 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 Drilling Fluids Market.About us:We at Market Prognosis believe in giving a crystal clear view of market dynamics for achieving success in todays complex and competitive marketplace through our quantitative & qualitative research methods.We help our clients identify the best market insights and analysis required for their business thus enabling them to take strategic and intelligent decision.We believe in delivering actionable insights for your business growth and success.Contact us:Market PrognosisPlot. No: 435, Sadanand Chs, B-Cabin Road,Ambernath (E). 421501India.sales@marketprognosis.com+1 973 241 5193 Demand of Beacon Technology Market in Global Industry : Technology, Applications, Growth and Status 2017-2025 https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1445930 https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=1445930 https://www.researchmoz.us/beacon-technology-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2017-2025-report.html https://marketinfo247.wordpress.com/ Albany, NY, 14th June : Recent research and the current scenario as well as future market potential of "Beacon Technology Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025" globally.The Bluetooth business has experienced a change in the current years, prompting development and development of the beacons business. Bluetooth is supplanting heritage innovations, for instance, Near Field Communication (NFC) and ZigBee to fortify beacon arrangements. The beacon business is adjusting to suit more mind boggling modern applications. As the underlying applications were restricted to retail and promoting, the industry is required to push toward a divided market where beacons can spend significant time in a specific industry vertical.Get PDF for more Professional and Technical insights @The presentation of beacons innovation has altered the users operations by driving another level of client engagement through personalization. The development prospects can be ascribed to the surging distinction of area based promoting in the retail business. Joining the advantages of physical shopping background with advanced biological community has turned out to be vital for physical retailers. Also, interests in vicinity arrangements are seeing an upward swing, accordingly diminishing their showcasing and publicizing costs.Global Beacon Technology Market: Trends and OpportunitiesPayPal has built up a beacon convention to keep away from utilization of money or swipe cards.This convention incorporates with the PayPal application to empower sans hands installments. This could majorly affect accelerating checkout process by diminishing lines, and furthermore opens up the possibility of advising clients about offers.The iBeacon innovation overwhelmed the business in 2016. This development can be ascribed to the requirement for giving area based cautions and data to close-by cell phones good with the iBeacon convention. The across the board appropriation of items, for instance, iPads and iPhone, is required to push the portion development over the coming years. 2017 will be the year that versatile installments at long last turn into the standard! This will be driven by area/proximity based installment advancements like NFC and beacons. Chinese players like Alipay and WeChat to join forces with huge name retailers and brands in the U.S. to get the market moving, with Apple and Android Pay benefiting from this to make it standard before the end of the forecast duration.Global Beacon Technology Market: Geographical AnalysisGeographically, the worldwide sensor patch market is arranged into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa (MEA). North America is required to overwhelm the worldwide beacon innovation market over the forecast duration 2017 to 2025, inferable from developing appropriation of beacon administrations and most astounding entrance of composed retail. Moreover, Europe is relied upon to add to the worldwide beacon innovation market. This is because of the product dispatch in the retail business and developing multichannel advertising over these locales. APAC area is expected to witness vigorous reception of beacon innovation.Make An Enquiry About TOC with tables & Figures @Global Beacon Technology Market: Key CompaniesSome of the major players offering beacon technology market include Kontakt.io, Inc., Samsung, Onyx Beacon Ltd., Bluvision Inc., ROXIMITY, Apple Inc., Accent Advanced Systems, SLU., Aruba, Qualcomm, Blue Sense Networks and Accent Advanced Systems.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.The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysisThe regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)The report has been compiled through extensive primary research (through interviews, surveys, and observations of seasoned analysts) and secondary research (which entails reputable paid sources, trade journals, and industry body databases). The report also features a complete qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry analysts and market participants across key points in the industrys value chain.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.Browse Report @Highlights of the report:A complete backdrop analysis, which includes an assessment of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsMarket segmentation up to the second or third levelHistorical, current, and projected size of the market from the standpoint of both value and volumeReporting and evaluation of recent industry developmentsMarket shares and strategies of key playersEmerging niche segments and regional marketsAn objective assessment of the trajectory of the marketRecommendations to companies for strengthening their foothold in the marketResearchMoz 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 : Database Management Platform Market 2018 2023 Global Key Leaders: Oracle Corporation, KBM Group LLC, Rocket Fuel, Salesforce Inc, Informatica https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/6120 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/database-management-platform-market-6120 Market Highlights:Data management platforms allow to collect, organize, and activate data from any source to gain a holistic view of the consumers, in order to provide efficient and effective marketing campaigns. Also, growing popularity of internet is one major factor fuelling the growth of data management platform market. Data management platform end users are classified into ad agencies, marketers and publishers.The global Database Management Platform Market is segmented by data type, data source, and end-user. By data type, the market is sub-segmented into First Party Data, Second Party Data, and Third Party Data. By data source, the market consists of Web Analytics Tools, Mobile Web, Mobile Apps, CRM Data, POS Data, Social Network and others. By end-user, the market is segmented into ad agencies, marketers and publishers.Rising number of customers connected through data-sharing devices is eventually expected to fuel the adoption of data management platforms among advertising agencies & PR agencies. Data management platforms help in decreasing ad wastage and increasing return on investment. This helps in improving the overall efficiency of the marketing campaigns. For marketers, it is beneficial to deploy data management platforms in order to improve their campaign performance and also increase customer engagement across screens. Customer engagement is basically driven by relevance and with proper content personalization, it can help in reaching the right audience at the right time for providing maximum engagement.According to Market Research Future Analysis, the global database management platform market is estimated to generate revenue of approximately USD 3,506.7 million by 2023 growing at a CAGR of 15% during the forecast period 2017-2023.Request a Sample Report @Major Key Players: Oracle Corporation (U.S.) KBM Group LLC (U.S.) Rocket Fuel, Inc. (U.S.) Salesforce Inc.(U.S.) Lotame Solutions Inc. (U.S.) Turn Inc. (U.S.) Neustar, Inc. (U.S.) SAS Institute (U.S.) Cloudera Inc. SAP SE (Germany) Informatica (U.S.) V12 DataSegments:The global database management platform market is segmented by data type, data source, and end-user. By data type, the market is sub-segmented into First Party Data, Second Party Data, and Third Party Data. By data source, the market consists of Web Analytics Tools, Mobile Web, Mobile Apps, CRM Data, POS Data, Social Network and others. By end-user, the market is segmented into ad agencies, marketers and publishers.Key Findings: By Data Type: First party data type is dominating the market of Database Management Platform by data type and has reached USD 526.30 Million in the year 2017, and the third party is expected to grow at the fastest CAGR of 17.76%. By End-User: Ad Agencies is dominating the market for database management platform by end-user and has reached USD 530.59 Million in the year 2017. The publisher is the fastest growing at a 16.36% CAGR.Regional Analysis:The regional analysis of database management platform market is being studied for the region such as Asia Pacific, North America, Europe and Rest of the World. It has been observed that North America is estimated to account for the largest share of the market, whereas Asia-Pacific is projected to grow at the fastest rate during the forecast period. The major growth in database management platform market in North America is attributed to due to rising in the online customer and internet usage.As growth in technological advancements, the rise of connected devices increases the usage of data sharing across different platforms. Asia Pacific region is estimated to be fastest growing owing to the presence of major IT players which generate large volumes of data and presence of small and medium-size enterprises that provides database management services.Access Report Details @Intended Audience: Retailers Research Firms Software Developers IT enablers Database providers Cloud service providers Media agencies Advertising agencies Telecommunication companiesTable of Contents1.1 Market Growth Factors1.1.1 Growing Demand for Content Personalization1.1.2 Increasing Popularity of Artificial Intelligence1.1.3 Multichannel Integration1.2 Restraints1.2.1 Regulatory Restrictions1.2.2 Technical Complexities1.3 Market Opportunities1.3.1 Digital AdvertisingContinued..List of TablesTable 1 Global Database Management Platform Market by Database Type, 2017-2023(Usd Million)Table 2 Global Database Management Platform Market, by Database Sources, 2017-2023 (Usd Million)Table 3 Global Database Management Platform Market, by End User, 2017-2023(Usd Million)Continued..List of FiguresFigure 1 Global Database Management Platform Market: Drivers Challenges & OpportuinitiesFigure 2 Global Database Management Platform Market: Porters Five Forces AnalysisFigure 3 Global Database Management Platform Market by Database Type, 2017-2023 (Usd Million)Continued..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 Solutions, 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.Contact:Market Research FutureOffice No. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Walkie Talkie Market Global Key Leaders: Motorola Solutions, Hytera Communications, JVCKENWOOD, ICOM, Tait Communications, Abel, Cobra Electronics, Kirisun Communications https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/4347 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/walkie-talkie-market-4347 Walkie Talkie Market Overview:The market is growing due to several major factors such as the rising adoption of radio communication spectrum in commercial usage. Although there are standards being set by the government of different countries that must comply with frequency range and spectrum allocation. In most of the European countries, PMR446 is used as a radio communication standard. This is an open licence standard, however this standard cannot be used in other countries, that are not complying with it.Walkie talkie is device used to communicate over a short distance by using radio waves. Walkie talkie have a huge market in military and defence and now is seeing a huge implications in commercial and security applications. Many of the central and local government authorities are investing in walkie talkies for their enforcement for an efficient and congestion free radio communication for their officers.Another major factor that fuels the market growth is the rising concern of security and incidence of crime. The U.S., the Middle East and parts of Asia Pacific have seen a continuous rise in crime rates. This has encouraged the government authorities to deploy walkie talkies for efficient and hassle free radio communication among the law enforcement.Request a Sample @Major Key Players:The prominent players in the walkie talkie market are Motorola Solutions, Hytera Communications, JVCKENWOOD, ICOM, Tait Communications, Abel, Cobra Electronics, Kirisun Communications, Shenzhen HQT Science and Technology, Uniden, and Wintec among others, are profiled in Market Research Future analysis and are at the forefront of competition in the global walkie talkie market. The prominent vendors are aiming to invest more in technology, research and development to innovate and expand their present product portfolio.Industry News:February 2018, Walkie-talkie edge for RMC team. The municipal corporation of Ranchi (India) is set of deploy walkie talkies for their officers to enhance the mode of communication over a radius of 1 km. the corporation committee stated that Walkie Talkie Market will benefit the enforcement officers by network congestion on mobile communication and will decrease the need of cell towers.January 2018, Orion Labs Launches App Talk, Extending the Simplicity of Walkie-Talkies to All iOS Devices. The company recently launched their smartphone application, known as App Talk. This application in a smartphone can enable the smartphones to work as walkie talkie by simply enabling a talk button.This technology was earlier introduced in Nokia mobile phones known as Push-to-Talk communication, in-built in the handsets, where the communication took place on radio waves. The users of this application will be able to enhance their voice based communication. The company had been targeting government, enterprises and students and will look forward to target these sectors.Walkie Talkie Global Market Segmentation:Segmentation by product type: analog walkie talkie, digital walkie talkieSegmentation by application: government and public safety, commercial, industry and commerce, othersSegmentation by region: North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Middle East & Africa.Browse Full Report Details @Walkie Talkie Global Market Regional Analysis:The geographical analysis of the walkie talkie market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific and rest of the world. Out of these regions, North America market is mainly dominating the walkie talkie market. This is majorly due to rising need of security communication in commercial sectors, the growing advancement in technology adoption, presence of one of the major walkie talkie manufacturer, Motorola Solutions.On the other hand, Europe claims the second spot in this market. However, there has been a high growth during the forecast period by Asia Pacific. This growth is majorly due to growing advancement and globalization, growing number of walkie talkie usage in tourism, retail and other commercial sectors, in India, China, Malaysia, Singapore, Australia, and Japan.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. 524/528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Global Enterprise Mobility Management Software Market Size, Status and Forecast 2025 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3169371-global-enterprise-mobility-management-software-market-size-status https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3169371-global-enterprise-mobility-management-software-market-size-status This report studies the global Enterprise Mobility Management Software market, analyzes and researches the Enterprise Mobility Management Software development status and forecast in United States, EU, Japan, China, India and Southeast Asia. This report focuses on the top players in global market, likeVmwareBlackBerryMobileIronCitrixMicrosoftIBMSAPDellOpenPeakJAMF SoftwareKaspersky LabIntelFancyFonCA TechnologiesRequest a Sample Report @Market segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Type, the product can be split intoOn-premisesCloud-BasedMarket segment by Application, Enterprise Mobility Management Software can be split intoLarge EnterpriseSMBIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Table of ContentsGlobal Enterprise Mobility Management Software Market Size, Status and Forecast 20251 Industry Overview of Enterprise Mobility Management Software1.1 Enterprise Mobility Management Software Market Overview1.1.1 Enterprise Mobility Management Software Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Enterprise Mobility Management Software 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 Enterprise Mobility Management Software Market by Type1.3.1 On-premises1.3.2 Cloud-Based1.4 Enterprise Mobility Management Software Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Large Enterprise1.4.2 SMB2 Global Enterprise Mobility Management Software Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Enterprise Mobility Management Software 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 Vmware3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Enterprise Mobility Management Software Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.1.5 Recent Developments3.2 BlackBerry3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Enterprise Mobility Management Software Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.2.5 Recent Developments3.3 MobileIron3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Enterprise Mobility Management Software Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.3.5 Recent Developments3.4 Citrix3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Enterprise Mobility Management Software Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.4.5 Recent Developments3.5 Microsoft3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Enterprise Mobility Management Software Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.5.5 Recent Developments3.6 IBM3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Enterprise Mobility Management Software Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.6.5 Recent Developments3.7 SAP3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 Enterprise Mobility Management Software Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.7.5 Recent Developments3.8 Dell3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 Enterprise Mobility Management Software Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.8.5 Recent Developments3.9 OpenPeak3.9.1 Company Profile3.9.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.9.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.9.4 Enterprise Mobility Management Software Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.9.5 Recent Developments3.10 JAMF Software3.10.1 Company Profile3.10.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.10.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.10.4 Enterprise Mobility Management Software Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.10.5 Recent Developments3.11 Kaspersky Lab3.12 Intel3.13 FancyFon3.14 CA Technologies4 Global Enterprise Mobility Management Software Market Size by Type and Application (2013-2018)4.1 Global Enterprise Mobility Management Software Market Size by Type (2013-2018)4.2 Global Enterprise Mobility Management Software Market Size by Application (2013-2018)4.3 Potential Application of Enterprise Mobility Management Software in Future4.4 Top Consumer/End Users of Enterprise Mobility Management Software5 United States Enterprise Mobility Management Software Development Status and Outlook5.1 United States Enterprise Mobility Management Software Market Size (2013-2018)5.2 United States Enterprise Mobility Management Software Market Size and Market Share by Players (2013-2018)5.3 United States Enterprise Mobility Management Software Market Size by Application (2013-2018)6 EU Enterprise Mobility Management Software Development Status and Outlook6.1 EU Enterprise Mobility Management Software Market Size (2013-2018)6.2 EU Enterprise Mobility Management Software Market Size and Market Share by Players (2013-2018)6.3 EU Enterprise Mobility Management Software Market Size by Application (2013-2018)ContinuedAccess Complete Report @ABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.ADDRES:WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Sudan Long Term Refinery Market Outlook 2018-2025: By Fuel Oil, Planned Refineries, FIDs, Competition and New Opportunities http://orbisresearch.com/contacts/request-sample/2135843 http://orbisresearch.com/contacts/enquiry-before-buying/2135843 http://www.orbisresearch.com/reports/index/2018-sudan-long-term-refinery-market-outlook-report-supply-demand-of-gasoline-lpg-diesel-fuel-oil-planned-refineries-fids-competition-and-new-opportunities-to-2025 Summary:- New Report On 2018 sudan Long Term Refinery Market Outlook Report-Supply-Demand of Gasoline, LPG, Diesel, Fuel Oil, Planned Refineries, FIDs, Competition and New Opportunities to 2025 added to Orbisresearch.com store which has 80 pages.Request a Sample Report! Get PDF Sample Copy@During 2018, increase in investor confidence is observed across refining markets including sudan. Petroleum product consumption is witnessing significant increase with surge in economic activity and growth in construction and transportation demand. New refinery construction activities also witnessed significant progress worldwide driven by recovering oil prices.New petroleum product consumption mix is emerging in sudan, forcing refiners to redesign their growth strategies for better refining margins and profitability. In this context, the leading industry publisher has released its 10th version of sudan Long-term Refinery outlook report, offering analysis on sudan downstream oil and gas markets. The sudan refining report provides detailed insights into emerging market trends, new dynamics, shifting strategies and the future role of sudan in global and regional refining markets.The sudan report is a comprehensive research work covering details of sudan refining patterns, key refiners, production, consumption and trading of major petroleum products, volumes and values, refining industry revenues, current and planned refinery details and competitive scenario. At the asset level, different capacities including crude distillation unit, coking capacity, fluid catalytic cracking capacity and hydrocracking capacity are forecast to 2022. In addition, refinery complexity and other key details are also provided in the report.To Make an Enquiry on Report@The sudan research work also presents detailed outlook of sudan gasoline, diesel, LPG, fuel oil consumption and production, together with trends and challenges of investing in sudan market. In addition, details of refineries, storage assets, prices are provided. Further, demographic, economic outlook of sudan together with latest refining industry developments are covered in detail.Strategic Analysis Review-This chapter presents detailed SWOT Analysis along with emerging trends in the market. Further, key strategies of operating companies in sudan refining sector are analyzed.sudan Oil Sector Analysis-The chapter presents complete analysis of sudan oil markets including details of trends in oil markets, oil reserves, major oil fields, crude oil production and consumption forecasts along with the role of oil demand in primary energy are detailed.Refining Capacity Forecasts-At both country level and refinery levels, annual historical and forecasted data on Refining (CDU) Capacity, Coking Capacity, Fluid Catalytic Cracking Capacity, Hydrocracking Capacity is provided to 2022.Refining Infrastructure Details10+ details for each of the operational and planned refineries in sudan are provided, which include- basic details, operator, ownership, complexity, status, type, details. Further, capital expenditure and construction details are provided.Market Value and Investment Outlooksudan country wise refining market value along with capital investment planned to be spent in the industry are forecast to 2022sudan Refinery Market Benchmarkingsudan refining industry is compared with five peer markets in the region based on four pillars to determine the competitiveness of the country in regional scaleCompetitive ScenarioCompanies currently operating in the industry and the companies planning to foray into the market are detailed along with their strategies and SWOT profiles. Further, net weighted capacities by company are also forecast in the report.The sudan report presents both historical and forecasted data for sudan petroleum products from 2007 to 2025. Further, sudan CDU capacity, sudan coking capacity, sudan fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) capacity, sudan hydrocracking capacity are forecast to 2022. The report also forecasts crude oil production and demand in sudan between 2007 and 2025.Major Point from Table of Content:1. Table of Contents2. Executive Summary3. Sudan Oil Storage Strategic Analysis Review, 20184. Sudan Crude Oil Market Analysis and Outlook5. Sudan Petroleum Products Production Outlook6. Sudan Petroleum Products Consumption Outlook7. Sudan Oil Storage Capacity Outlook to 20228. Sudan Oil Storage Infrastructure Details9. Sudan Oil Storage Market Investment Opportunities to 202210. Sudan Oil Storage Capex and Construction Details11. Sudan Oil Storage Market Benchmarking12. Sudan Oil Storage Market- Competitive Landscape13. Sudan Demographic and Economic Outlook14. Company Profiles of Leading Oil Storage Companies in South Africa15. Sudan Oil Storage Industry News and Recent Developments16. AppendixContinue read moreBrowse full report@About Us:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Contact Us:Hector CostelloSenior Manager Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019Email ID: sales@orbisresearch.com Global Neonatal Ventilator Market Report 2018: Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Demand, Trends and Forecasted by 2028 https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=758 https://www.factmr.com/report/758/neonatal-ventilator-market https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=D&rep_id=758 https://www.factmr.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/factmr/ Recently, a novel report developed using proven research methodologies at the headquarters of Fact. MR has identified various prominent factors and trends prompting market growth ofNeonatal Ventilator Market. The study is titled as Neonatal Ventilator Market Forecast, Trend Analysis & Competition Tracking: Global Review 2017 to 2022, which deeply analyses the global market trends, with historical data from 2016 and 2017, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) during the mentioned forecast of 2017-2026. For the benefit of the readers, the report concludes with a special focus on the detailed profiles of the major vendors in the GlobalNeonatal Ventilator Market.Request For Sample Report @Introduction of ventilators for neonates were one of the time changing and life-saving innovations that manufacturers developed to provide life-saving support for neonates having respiratory ailments. With advances in medical technologies, such as replacement surfactant therapy and administration of antepartum corticosteroids, neonatal ventilators have improved the infant survival quotient, specifically for preterm infants that suffer from immature functioning of lungs.An insight based research report on neonatal ventilator market by a leading research firm Fact.MR reveals that the market for neonatal ventilator is projected to expand at a value CAGR of 5.6% throughout the period of assessment, 2018-2028.Concern for Respiratory Health Grows With Increasing Number of Preterm Births and Mortality RatesPreterm births are one of the leading causes of infant mortality, especially due to respiratory failures in neonates. Developed countries such as United States have witnessed a significant growth in preterm births since past decade. In the United States witnessed a 2 percent increase in the preterm birth rate, which is expected to further increase in the coming years.Mortality rate associated with preterm births is largely due insufficient care in terms of respiratory monitoring and nutrition consumption. Moreover, lungs of neonates are small in size that require additional support for regulating their respiration. This has led to the adoption of neonatal ventilators that can provide the required amount of oxygen to the lungs, sufficient enough for neonates to survive even in ill respiratory conditions. According to analysis of United Nations Childrens Fund (UNICEF), around 2.6 million deaths were observed worldwide in the first month of birth. The increasing mortality rate is a clear growth determinant for the use of neonatal ventilators which is a positive growth influencer for neonatal ventilator market during the period of forecast.NICUs to Present Lucrative Growth OpportunitiesNeonatal Intensive Care Units (NICUs), particularly developed for providing extreme care for neonates have witnessed an increase in the number of admissions. In United Kingdom, around 95,000 babies are born in NICUs owing to higher preterm births in the country. In addition, with the growing preterm birth statistics, the number of NICUs have also increased with higher intake capacity and enhanced patient care facilities. This is expected to auger well for the neonatal ventilator market with respect to high volume sales of the product in NICUs across various regions.View Report @Lung Injuries Associated With Neonatal Ventilators a Major ChallengeNeonatal ventilators used for supporting respiratory function of the infant can result in lung injuries owing to excess airway pressure, flow, tidal volume, inflammatory and infection mediators coupled with recurring closing and opening of alveoli. Lungs of neonates being smaller in size and not completely developed, their injuries can lead to critical complications such as BPD (Bronchopulmonary Dysplasia), even death owing to respiratory failure. This has challenged the use of neonatal ventilators and is expected to hinder the growth of the neonatal ventilator market.However, addressing this challenge, manufacturers have developed techniques to reduce the occurrence of lung injuries. Continued efforts have been carried out, particularly focused on developing new technologies that include the adoption of early CPAP (Continuous Positive Airway Pressure) in neonates that are at risk from neonatal RDS (Respiratory Distress Syndrome) as well as techniques to maintain adequate gas exchange to reduce lung injuries.Check Discount @About Fact.MRFact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized Healthcare MarketResearch Reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFact.MR11140 Rockville PikeSuite 400Rockville, MD 20852United StatesEmail: sales@factmr.comWeb:Follow us on LinkedIn: A video clip featuring a teacher in a secondary school in HCM City giving cash rewards to students has gone viral. Du Thi Lan Huong, a guest teacher of Chu Van An Secondary School, appeared with some bundles of cash, awarding the money to a long line of students who gained scores of 6.5 points or more in their exams. The students looked joyful and excited. According to Huongs rule, students would show their test papers as proof, and receive VN 20,000 ($0.8) for each. This is not the first time the teacher has given such bonuses to her students. Previously, she offered VN 2,000-3,000 ($0.08-0.13) for those who scored at least 8 points in their exams. The amount of money is small and was used as a way of praising students and encouraging them to study harder in upcoming tests. The clip has received thousands of shares and comments from the public, mostly showing their interest and praising the teachers special method of rewarding students good behaviour and motivation. Looking at the smiles on both teachers and students in the clip, I believe that the students had gained good test results, and the teacher had her own joy giving her students cash incentives to boost their test scores an incentive she took from her own pocket. Its true that do this and get that rewards can provide an initially positive result. Cash - in this case improved students grades and gave them something to be excited about. However, I cant help asking myself if offering cash bonuses is good solution in the long-term. Is it possible that children will keep doing their best only because of the price tag an adult puts on good behaviour? In my own experience, rewards were not ineffective in the long term, and even caused worse results over time. My parents once offered me cash if I gained good scores in math the subject that I struggled with most when I was a student. At that time, the VN5,000 ($0.2) they offered me was a good sum that could buy a box of candy or a small toy. The bonus pushed me to study hard and I made progress in the subject, but it didnt last long. The feeling of excitement and fun quickly became boring, the reward itself was no longer attractive. Le Mai Huong, a teacher at a secondary school in Ha Nois Hai Ba Trung District said that offering rewards for children when they make good progress is necessary. A little treat such as pens, stickers for younger students or a certificate of achievement for teenagers can motivate them to study harder. Huong said rewards drive students to get things done. However, cash incentives may not be a good idea, she said. Children work well in the beginning, but they may come to expect money regularly. This means parents or teachers need to hand over more frequent payments or increase the payment to keep them studying hard, she said. In the worst case, it could foster a demanding attitude from students in other areas. They could develop a selfish attitude whenever they are asked to behave or do a task, she said. Prof Pham Tat Dong, vice president and general secretary of the Vietnam Association for Learning Promotion told Lao ong (Labour) newspaper that there are many ways to encourage students, and cash bonuses are a rare choice, and should not be implemented. Dong said he has not seen any teacher use that kind of bonus during his years of teaching. Cash rewards for students with good grades can not become the norm as, for one thing, teachers arent wealthy enough to maintain the system of rewards. More importantly, educating students through cash rewards has never been a method mentioned in the pedagogical environment. If the reward was money for good grades, it sends the message that the reason to work hard in school is more to earn money than to improve knowledge, he said. The school should have a discussion to find an appropriate method to encourage students that doesnt involve this. Dr Virginia Shiller, a psychologist and instructor at the Yale Child Study and co-author of the book Rewards for Kids wrote that rewards can help parents teach their children new habits. The key is in how the incentives are given, in setting appropriate, realistic goals, and in figuring out a strategy to achieve them. Indeed, money cant buy motivation or academic success. It cant nurture children to cultivate a love of learning and a sense of responsibility for their own education. Parents and teachers cant give the carrot as a means of motivation forever. Good scores will not totally guarantee their future success. Children should be guided to behave for the betterment of themselves. Good behaviour should always be its own reward. VNS Research: Solar Cells Market to reach $100bn by 2024 https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/304 https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/304 https://www.gminsights.com/toc/detail/solar-cells-market https://www.gminsights.com http://algosonline.com/news China accounted for over 45% of the global solar cells market share in 2015. Rising investment in the photovoltaic industry along with tax credits, soft loans, and other special grants by the government will stimulate the business outlook. According to the Ministry of Industry and Information Technology, photovoltaic industry has witnessed record investment of USD 12.3 billion in 2015.Global Solar Cells Market is expected to grow at over 12% to surpass USD 100 billion by 2024. Increasing inclination towards sustainable energy adoption will stimulate the global solar cells market share over the forecast timeframe. Rising demand for off grid electricity along with reducing photovoltaic component cost will propel the industry landscape. As per the World Energy Outlook 2016, around 1.2 billion people in the world have no access to electricity.Request for a sample of this research report @Government initiatives towards conservation of energy coupled with ambitious targets to reduce carbon emission will further propel the solar cells market. In June 2015, Government of India has set revised solar mission target at 100 GW by 2022. As per the Ministry of New and Renewable Energy (MNRE), an estimated total investment of USD 94 billion is expected for upgradation to 100 GW solar power capacity. International Finance Corporation and World bank have also introduced programs including Lighting Africa with an aim to encourage the adoption of photovoltaic over conventional product source among off grid population.Rising demand for the decentralized generation systems in developing nations will enhance the penetration of the sustainable energy during the forecast period. Increasing investment towards rural electrification in off-grid locations in various countries including India, China, and Africa will fuel the solar cells market growth. In September 2015, African Development Bank (AfDB) approved USD 121 million loan and grant for the electricity expansion of rural households in Uganda.The U.S. in 2015 was valued over USD 4 billion and is anticipated to expand over 14% owing to increasing utility scale installation. Government measures towards energy efficiency and carbon emission reduction will further complement the U.S. solar cells market growth. As per the Solar Energy Association, the solar industry in the U.S. installed 7,286 MW of solar photovoltaics in 2015 where the utility-scale sector represented more than 50% of the total solar PV installation.Ultra-thin film cells technology was valued over USD 3 million in 2015 and is anticipated to expand over 30% by 2024 in terms of volume. Higher efficiency and light weight compared to other alternate technology will positively encourage the industry landscape.Key participants in the solar cells market include Jinko, Sunedison, Canadian, Trina, Yingli, First Solar, Moser Baer, SunPower Corporation, GreenBrilliance, Indosolar, Tata Power, Solar World, and Mitsubishi Electric Corporation.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @Table of Content (TOC-)Chapter 3 Solar cells Industry Insights3.1 Industry segmentation3.2 Industry Size and forecast, 2013 20243.3 Industry ecosystem analysis3.4 Vendor landscape3.5 Innovation & sustainability3.6 Regulatory framework3.6.1 U.S.3.6.2 India3.6.3 Europe3.6.4 China3.7 Price trend analysis3.7.1 Cost structure3.8 Industry Impact forces3.8.1 Growth drivers3.8.1.1 Growing demand for clean fuel electricity3.8.1.2 Decreasing solar component price3.8.1.3 Favorable government initiatives3.8.1.4 Strict government norms towards emission3.8.2 Industry pitfalls & challenges3.8.2.2 Lack of awareness3.9 Growth potential analysis3.10 Porters analysis3.11 Competitive landscape, 20153.12 PESTEL analysisChapter 4 Solar cells Technology Insights4.1 Solar cells market share by technology, 2015 & 20244.2 Crystalline Silicon PV Cells4.2.1 Global solar cells market estimates and forecast from crystalline silicon PV Cells, 2013 - 20244.2.2 Global solar cells market volume from crystalline silicon PV Cells, by region, 2013 - 20244.2.3 Global solar cells market revenue from crystalline silicon PV Cells, by region, 2013 - 20244.3 Thin Film PV Cells4.3.1 Global solar cells market estimates and forecast from thin film PV Cells, 2013 - 20244.3.2 Global solar cells market volume from thin film PV Cells, by region, 2013 20244.3.3 Global solar cells market revenue from thin film PV Cells, by region, 2013 - 20244.4 Ultra Thin Film PV Cells4.4.1 Global solar cells market estimates and forecast from ultra thin film PV Cells, 2013 - 20244.4.2 Global solar cells market volume from thin film PV Cells, by region, 2013 20244.4.3 Global solar cells market revenue from thin film PV Cells, by region, 2013 2024Browse Full Toc of This Report @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.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog: Car Insurance Market Global Industry Trend, Research, Insights and Forecast 2025 http://orbisresearch.com/contacts/request-sample/2141834?utm_source=r0h!t http://www.orbisresearch.com/reports/index/global-and-chinese-car-insurance-industry-2013-2023-market-research-report?utm_source=r0h!t http://orbisresearch.com/contact/purchase/2141834?utm_source=r0h!t The global Car Insurance report is the key to gaining deep insights and inside knowledge about the Car Insurance for those who are either looking to foray into the Car Insurance or else further expanding into the market. The global Car Insurance report has been made to provide the customers a 360 degrees view of the Car Insurance and ensuring their market information is updated in the most efficient manner possible. The global Car Insurance report is an essential reference and covers all topics which a knowledge hungry customer desires such as market definition, its growth rate, various segmentations across all parameters possible, and the reasons assisting its current upward or downward trend, and also the market forecast for the period of 2017 2022.Request a sample of this report @In the top line, the global Car Insurance report takes the customer through the industry chain analytics that covers the current regulatory status of the Car Insurance, the Porter five forces model, and the cost structure of the market. This provides the customer accurate information about the monetary workings of the Car Insurance. This is followed by a detailed analysis of the working forces on the Car Insurance such as the drivers, challenges, and trends in the global Car Insurance. The analysis of drivers and restrains enable the customers to plan their actions accordingly to conduct certain activities which will benefit them and that are in-line with the trends in the market. This can help the customers gain the maximum advantage in the Car Insurance.The factor which decides how lucrative the market is depends on the demand and supply in the market, and hence this topic covers a generous space in the global Car Insurance report. For any customer who is a player in the Car Insurance, understanding the lay of the land in terms of the customers availability and other competition in the market holds the key. Due to this, the global Car Insurance report also covers a major section that includes all the top players in the Car Insurance along with their detailed company profiles and product analysis. This helps the customer gain insights into the activities of the competition in the Car Insurance and hence can create a plan of action to counter it efficiently.Browse the complete report @To further aid the customer in accessing the deep intricacies of the Car Insurance, the global Car Insurance report covers a detailed regional segmentation that provides information on the leading regions in terms of value and volume, as well as the fastest growing region. The regions covered in the report include the following: North America South America APAC MEA, and EuropeApplication and end users are two parameters which hold a major influence on the regional Car Insurance market analysis.Place a purchase order of this report @The global Car Insurance report presented by Orbis Research has been selected very carefully by ensuring that the information covered in the report is cent percent accurate, including the Car Insurance market predictions for the period of 2017 2022. Customers with monetary or academic interests in the Car Insurance, both can find great value in the global Car Insurance report.About Us:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Contact Information:Hector CostelloSenior Manager Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas, IBM Watson Services Market Report 2018: Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Demand, Trends and Forecasted by 2028 https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=759 https://www.factmr.com/report/759/ibm-watson-services-market https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=D&rep_id=759 https://www.factmr.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/factmr/ Recently, a novel report developed using proven research methodologies at the headquarters of Fact. MR has identified various prominent factors and trends prompting market growth ofIBM Watson Services Market. The study is titled as IBM Watson Services Market Forecast, Trend Analysis & Competition Tracking: Global Review 2017 to 2022, which deeply analyses the global market trends, with historical data from 2016 and 2017, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) during the mentioned forecast of 2017-2026. For the benefit of the readers, the report concludes with a special focus on the detailed profiles of the major vendors in the GlobalIBM Watson Services Market.Request For Sample Report @IBM Watson is considered to be the first-ever commercialized cognitive computing platform, designed specifically for underpinning the development of various enterprise solutions. IBM Watson services continue to tap immense opportunity in the rapidly evolving cognitive computing field, which has been reshaping the nature of business operations, thereby determining their growth. Fact.MRs recent study projects the IBM Watson services market to record a spectacular rise in the period of forecast (2018-2028). Over US$ 20,000 Mn worth of IBM Watson services are estimated to be sold globally by 2028-end.Although cognitive computing is yet at its nascent phase, the technology is expected to have a significant influence on transformation of various businesses and industrial sectors. Leading companies such as Deloitte have joined IBM by investing time, manpower, and funds for implementing Watson technologies, in a bid to effectively resolve their clients business shortcomings.IBM Watson Reforming Diagnostic Procedures of DoctorsSupercomputers such as IBM Watson effectively consume huge amount of healthcare data and to provide doctors with relevant intelligence, and access to better & actionable diagnostic information. Imminent integration of IBM Watson Genomics into the TruSight Tumor 170 tool or Illumina, for speeding up recommendations of tailored drugs for cancer patients, promises a time-effective way of diagnosing conditions for doctors.IBM Watson Genomics holds potential in scanning patient data in a very short time-period, to create report based on alterations in genetic sequencing by leveraging Illuminas tool. The report will also incorporate medical literature and clinical trials apropos of relevant drugs for precise recommendation, facilitating diagnostic procedures for doctors and patients alike. This will further rub off on demand for IBM Watson services in the healthcare sector.IBM Watson Facilitating Prevention of Cyber-AttacksRecent revelation of IBM Watsons special version, which is designed for preventing cyber-attacks, has gained traction as language of security. This cybercrime-fighting and cloud-based software is capable of analyzing research into potential threats for locating suspicious or malicious activity in a computer system. The software has become an effective solution for growing concern of hacks in the digital world.IBM Watsons security system holds potential in saving resources spent by an organization on chasing false alarms every year. Combining unique abilities of machine and human intelligence for fighting against advanced cybercrime, IBM Watson is set to witness increased penetration among organizations with data security requirements.Browse Full Report with TOC @IBM Watson Services Market: Fundamental Shortcomings to Confine Growth PotentialIBM Watson services involve time-intensive laborious training, with the need for experts to feed enormous quantity of well-organized data into the platform for drawing insightful conclusions. Additionally, it can draw conclusions based only on body of data that it has been or being trained on. Well-organized requirement is a key challenge confining penetration of IBM Watson services, as unprepared sets of data are typically insufficient.Another drawback of IBM Watson is its inability to make connections with different corpora, which in turn makes gleaning even basic insights challenging. Training Watson on oncology has been seen to provide no insights on heart disease a limitation that drastically constrains its deployment in clinical settings.Check Discount @About Fact.MRFact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized ICT MarketResearch Reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; that's why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFact.MR11140 Rockville PikeSuite 400Rockville, MD 20852United StatesEmail: sales@factmr.comWeb:Follow us on LinkedIn: Electronic Warfare Market Size Worth $38.31 Billion by 2026 | Global Key Players (General Dynamics, Northrop Grumman, Textron, Lockheed Martin, Bae Systems, Boeing, Leonardo) Electronic Warfare Market https://www.marketprognosis.com/sample-request/14162 https://www.marketprognosis.com/buyReport/14162 https://www.marketprognosis.com/enquiry/14162 https://marketprognosis.com Marketprognosis.com Publish a New Market Research Report On Electronic Warfare - Global Market Outlook (2017-2026) which contains global key players survey information and forecast to 2026.Overview of the Global Electronic Warfare Market:The Global Electronic Warfare market is accounted for $22.19 Billion in 2017 and is expected to reach $38.31 Billion by 2026 growing at a CAGR of 6.2%. Factors driving the market growth are increasing reliability, efficiency and effectiveness with the introduction of travelling-wave tube- (TWT) technology which is used for electronic warfare application and development of cognitive electronic warfare technology, growing demand for Integrated EW systems, rising importance of piezoelectric and ferromagnetic materials and expanding conductive technologies. Huge capital investments required for developing EW systems and lack of technical skills are some of the major factors hindering the market growth.Get a Sample Copy of this Report @Electronic warfare engages the use of electromagnetic spectrum or direct energy weapons. They are used to control the spectrum or an enemy attack. Electronic warfare ensures uninterrupted access to the electromagnetic spectrum. Electronic warfare also ensures to collect an enemys radio signals.Based on capability, electronic support segment has witnessed huge growth as modern warfare techniques are widely adopted in developing countries such as Asia Pacific and Middle East regions. North America is dominating the Electronic Warfare market and the factors favoring the growth of this region are territorial disputes, political disputes, terrorism and rising insurgencies. Asia Pacific has acquired largest market share owing to India and China investing substantially on strengthening defense sector.Purchase this report online with 157 Pages, Top Key Players Analysis and List of Tables & Figure @Major Key Players:1 General Dynamics2 Northrop Grumman3 Textron4 Elbit Systems5 Teledyne Technologies6 Lockheed Martin7 Bae Systems8 Boeing9 Leonardo10 Israel Aerospace Industries and More.Market Segment by Product Types:1 Operational Support2 EquipmentMarket Segment by Capabilities:1 Electronic Attack2 Electronic Protection3 Electronic SupportMarket Segment by Platform:1 Ground2 Airborne3 Space4 NavalAny Query? Ask to our Expert @This study answers to the below key questions:1 What will the market size be in 2026 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 Electronic Warfare Market.About us:We at Market Prognosis believe in giving a crystal clear view of market dynamics for achieving success in todays complex and competitive marketplace through our quantitative & qualitative research methods.We help our clients identify the best market insights and analysis required for their business thus enabling them to take strategic and intelligent decision.We believe in delivering actionable insights for your business growth and success.Contact us:Market PrognosisPlot. No: 435, Sadanand Chs, B-Cabin Road,Ambernath (E). 421501India.sales@marketprognosis.com+1 973 241 5193 Electrostatic Precipitator Market expected to grow strongly by 2024 https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/798 https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/798 https://www.gminsights.com/toc/detail/electrostatic-precipitator-market https://www.gminsights.com http://algosonline.com/news Global Electrostatic Precipitator Market is expected to grow at over 5% CAGR to surpass USD 8 billion by 2024. Stringent government regulation to curb air pollution along with rising concern towards carbon footprint will drive the industry growth. The Clean Air Act under EPA regulates the air emissions from mobile and stationary sources. This law sets National Ambient Air Quality Standards (NAAQS) with an objective to protect public health care as well as public welfare and regulate hazardous air pollutant emissions.Increasing use electrostatic precipitator in thermal power plant owing to its ability to remove fly ash from the electric utility boiler emissions will positively encourage the growth of electrostatic precipitator market share. The use of this equipment is increasing rapidly on account of environmental laws and new strict air code.Request for a sample of this research report @China electrostatic precipitator Market for 2015 was valued over USD 885 million and is predicted to witness substantiate growth in future subjected to high installation of coal fired power plants. Increasing number of manufacturing industries present in the region will further complement the industry landscape.Wet electrostatic precipitator Market for 2015 was valued over USD 500 million and is anticipated to witness a steady growth on account of its potential to capture submicronic particle with over 90% efficiency compared to dry electrostatic precipitator. It has varied application in paper, sulfuric acid manufacturing, cement and textile industry.France electrostatic precipitator Market is anticipated witness significant growth subjected to increasing investment towards development of geothermal energy. In 2015, investment of around USD 318 million was made to develop geothermal energy. In June 2016, Fonroche announced to start 8 geothermal projects in France. The company plans to build a 30 MW thermal and 5 MW electric plant with an investment of USD 65 million.Cement industry accounted for over 13% of global electrostatic precipitator market share in 2015 and is projected to witness gain at over 4% owing to increasing investment on infrastructure development. In March 2016, the federal government of Germany announced to invest USD 299 billion on infrastructure in 14 years.South Korea electrostatic precipitator market share is predicted to grow at a steady rate on account of the focus of industry players on offering advanced solutions to improve efficiency of conventional systems & reduce energy costs.Metal electrostatic precipitator market is projected to witness reach over USD 1 billion by 2024. Rapid urbanization and industrialization coupled with increasing demand for steel may foster the metal industry growth. In October 2016, voestalpine Group opened new plant in the U.S. with an investment of USD 740 million. The plant will manufacture 2 million tonnes of high-quality hot briquetted iron (a pre-material used in steel production).Subsequent newer technology adoption and existing power plant renovation in emerging as well as developed economies are anticipated to stimulate the global electrostatic precipitator market. In January 2016, Itochu Enex announced to renovate the hydroelectric power plant in Niigata with an aim to boost its output by renovating the aging facilities.Major participants in the industry are Siemens AG, Thermax, GEECO Enercon, Ducon Technologies, Fujian Longking, Total Air Pollution Control, Hamon, Clean Tunnel Air, Blacke-Durr, Mitsubishi Hitachi Power System, Mitsubishi Heavy Industries Mechatronics Systems, Babcock & Wilcox Enterprises and Trion.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @Table of ContentChapter 1 Methodology & Scope1.1 Research Methodology1.1.1 Initial data exploration1.1.2 Statistical model and forecast1.1.3 Industry insights and validation1.1.4 Research scope and assumptions1.2 Data Sources1.2.1. Secondary1.2.2. PrimaryChapter 2 Executive Summary2.1 Electrostatic Precipitators industry 3600 synopsis, 2013 - 20242.1.1 Current business environment2.1.2 Product trends2.1.3 Application trends2.1.4 Regional trendsBrowse Full Toc of This Report @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.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog:Connect with us: Facebook | Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter Global Underground Mining Equipment Market Expected to Reach 27400 Mn US$ by the end of 2025 QyResearchReports https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1821349&type=S https://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-underground-mining-equipment-market-research-report-2018.htm/toc http://www.qyresearchreports.com Qyresearchreports include new market research report Underground Mining Equipment to its huge collection of research reports.The global market for Underground Mining Equipment has been thoroughly studied with every detail in the market intelligence study with increased emphasis on various important factors such as restraints, market opportunities, and growth drivers. Each of the elements that pertain to the shaping of the market dynamics that has been analyzed and studied in detail by the research analysts, so as to offer the best and most evaluative and exhaustive study to the buyers of the report. The overview or the executive summary that has been provided in the market intelligence study has been designed in such a way so as to give a quick overview of the market for receiving information on the go. This could help readers with hands-on data needed to make quick decisions anytime during their growth journey in the market.This report studies the global Underground Mining Equipment market status and forecast, categorizes the global Underground Mining Equipment 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).For more info, get sample report for FREE here:Underground Mining Equipment is the mining equipment used in the underground. Underground mining is a technique used to access ores and valuable minerals in the ground by digging into the ground to extract them.Underground mining involves mineral production by extracting natural resources such as metals, coal, and minerals, including iron ore, titanium, bauxite, and copper, and various non-metallic products from beneath the earths surface. The mining methods required for underground extraction are selected based on parameters such as geographical conditions, spatial and geometric characteristics, the economic value of ore, estimated operational costs, and availability of raw materials. Globally, APAC region generates the highest consumption value, followed by the North America, Europe, South America and Africa. The growing mining activities in developing countries of APAC such as China, India, and Australia, are the major factors influencing the growth of the market. Also, the growing demand from coal industry will drive the underground mining equipment market.The coal mining sector was the highest revenue generator with over 40.21% market share in 2016, and this growth will continue through the forecast period. The energy industry is a significant end-user of mined coal products, as coal being a vital resource for energy production. Also, following the rapid growth in urbanization and industrialization, the demand for power generation has increased, thus triggering coal mining activities.The global Underground Mining Equipment market is valued at 17300 million US$ in 2017 and will reach 27400 million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of 6.8% during 2018-2025.The major manufacturers covered in this reportCaterpillarKomatsu (Joy Global)VolvoHitachi Construction MachinerySandvikAtlas CopcoMetsoThyssenKruppLiebherr-InternationalRead Complete Table of Content of the Report at:Table of Contents1 Underground Mining Equipment Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Underground Mining Equipment1.2 Underground Mining Equipment Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Underground Mining Equipment Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Underground Mining Equipment Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Longwall1.2.4 Room and Pillar1.3 Global Underground Mining Equipment Segment by Application1.3.1 Underground Mining Equipment Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Coal Mining1.3.3 Metal Mining1.3.4 Mineral Mining2 Global Underground Mining Equipment Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Underground Mining Equipment Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.1 Global Underground Mining Equipment Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Underground Mining Equipment Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Underground Mining Equipment Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.3 Global Underground Mining Equipment Average Price by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.4 Manufacturers Underground Mining Equipment Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Underground Mining Equipment Market Competitive Situation and Trends3 Global Underground Mining Equipment Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)3.1 Global Underground Mining Equipment Capacity and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.2 Global Underground Mining Equipment Production and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.3 Global Underground Mining Equipment Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.4 Global Underground Mining Equipment Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.5 North America Underground Mining Equipment Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.6 Europe Underground Mining Equipment Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (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 Credit Insurance Market Research 2018: Global Industry Top Key Players (Euler Hermes, Atradius, Coface, Zurich and Credendo Group) Credit Insurance Market http://www.researchformarkets.com/sample/global-credit-insurance-market-38794 http://www.researchformarkets.com/buy-now/global-credit-insurance-market-38794/one http://www.researchformarkets.com/reports/global-credit-insurance-market-38794 The global Credit Insurance market is highly fragmented and the major players have used various strategies such as new product launches, expansions, agreements, joint ventures, partnerships, acquisitions, and others to increase their footprints in this market. The report includes market shares of orthopedic trauma devices market for global, USA, Europe, Japan, China, India, Southeast Asia, South America, South Africa and Others.Looking for More Information on This Market Get Free Sample Report @Some of the major players operating in the Credit Insurance market are:Euler HermesAtradiusCofaceZurichCredendo GroupQBE InsuranceCesceMarket Analysis by Regions:United StatesEUJapanChinaIndiaSoutheast AsiaMarket segment by Application, Credit Insurance can be split intoDomestic TradeExport TradePlace a Purchase Order for Credit Insurance @Table of Content1 Industry Overview of Credit Insurance2 Global Credit Insurance Competition Analysis by Players3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 Euler Hermes3.2 Atradius3.3 Coface3.4 Zurich3.5 Credendo Group3.6 QBE Insurance3.7 Cesce4 Global Credit Insurance Market Size by Application (2013-2018)5 United States Credit Insurance Development Status and Outlook6 EU Credit Insurance Development Status and Outlook7 Japan Credit Insurance Development Status and Outlook8 China Credit Insurance Development Status and OutlookLooking for more insights from this report @About Research for Markets:Research for Markets indulges 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.Our purpose is to serve you, the most customized in-depth Market access data. Our plethora of titles made us one of the most searched market research library across the globe. We work with the most esteemed Publishers around the globe who caters vast industries. We are quick and fragile, when it comes to your various queries, and we ensure our team caters your needs to the best of our abilities, we promise to stay by your side for both pre and post sales servicing, as we believe in long everlasting symbiotic relationship.Contact:Mr. A NaiduResearch for MarketsTel: +44 8000-4182-37 (UK)Email: alan.naidu@researchformarkets.com Growth of Nuclear Waste Management System Market Is Increasing Rapidly in Worldwide, by 2025 QyResearchReports https://www.qyresearchreports.com/sample/sample.php?rep_id=1673601&type=S https://www.qyresearchreports.com/report/global-nuclear-waste-management-system-market-research-report-2018.htm/toc http://www.qyresearchreports.com Qyresearchreports include new market research report Nuclear Waste Management System to its huge collection of research reports.The global market for Nuclear Waste Management System has been thoroughly studied with every detail in the market intelligence study with increased emphasis on various important factors such as restraints, market opportunities, and growth drivers. Each of the elements that pertain to the shaping of the market dynamics that has been analyzed and studied in detail by the research analysts, so as to offer the best and most evaluative and exhaustive study to the buyers of the report. The overview or the executive summary that has been provided in the market intelligence study has been designed in such a way so as to give a quick overview of the market for receiving information on the go. This could help readers with hands-on data needed to make quick decisions anytime during their growth journey in the market.Global Nuclear Waste Management System market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingAreva SAVeolia Environment ServicesBechtel CorporationUS EcologyAugean PlcBHI Energy...For more info, get sample report for FREE here:Table of Contents1 Nuclear Waste Management System Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Nuclear Waste Management System1.2 Nuclear Waste Management System Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Nuclear Waste Management System Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Nuclear Waste Management System Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Low Level Waste1.2.4 Intermediate Level Waste1.2.5 High Level Waste1.3 Global Nuclear Waste Management System Segment by Application1.3.1 Nuclear Waste Management System Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Boiling Water Reactors1.3.3 Gas Cooled Reactors1.3.4 Pressurized Water Reactors1.3.5 Pressurized Heavy Water Reactors2 Global Nuclear Waste Management System Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Nuclear Waste Management System Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.1 Global Nuclear Waste Management System Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Nuclear Waste Management System Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Nuclear Waste Management System Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.3 Global Nuclear Waste Management System Average Price by Manufacturers (2013-2018)Read Complete Table of Content of the Report at:3 Global Nuclear Waste Management System Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)3.1 Global Nuclear Waste Management System Capacity and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.2 Global Nuclear Waste Management System Production and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.3 Global Nuclear Waste Management System Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.4 Global Nuclear Waste Management System Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.5 North America Nuclear Waste Management System Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.6 Europe Nuclear Waste Management System Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)4 Global Nuclear Waste Management System Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2013-2018)4.1 Global Nuclear Waste Management System Consumption by Region (2013-2018)4.2 North America Nuclear Waste Management System Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.3 Europe Nuclear Waste Management System Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2013-2018)4.4 China Nuclear Waste Management System Production, Consumption, Export, Import (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 Equatorial Guinea Long Term Refinery Market Outlook 2018-2025: by Application, Types, Segment, Opportunity & Industry Demand http://orbisresearch.com/contacts/request-sample/2135862 http://orbisresearch.com/contacts/enquiry-before-buying/2135862 http://www.orbisresearch.com/reports/index/2018-equatorial-guinea-long-term-refinery-market-outlook-report-supply-demand-of-gasoline-lpg-diesel-fuel-oil-planned-refineries-fids-competition-and-new-opportunities-to-2025 Summary:- New Report On 2018 Equatorial Guinea Long Term Refinery Market Outlook Report-Supply-Demand of Gasoline, LPG, Diesel, Fuel Oil, Planned Refineries, FIDs, Competition and New Opportunities to 2025 added to Orbisresearch.com store which has 80 pages.Request a Sample Report! Get PDF Sample Copy@During 2018, increase in investor confidence is observed across refining markets including Equatorial Guinea. Petroleum product consumption is witnessing significant increase with surge in economic activity and growth in construction and transportation demand. New refinery construction activities also witnessed significant progress worldwide driven by recovering oil prices.New petroleum product consumption mix is emerging in Equatorial Guinea, forcing refiners to redesign their growth strategies for better refining margins and profitability. In this context, the leading industry publisher has released its 10th version of Equatorial Guinea Long-term Refinery outlook report, offering analysis on Equatorial Guinea downstream oil and gas markets. The Equatorial Guinea refining report provides detailed insights into emerging market trends, new dynamics, shifting strategies and the future role of Equatorial Guinea in global and regional refining markets.The Equatorial Guinea report is a comprehensive research work covering details of Equatorial Guinea refining patterns, key refiners, production, consumption and trading of major petroleum products, volumes and values, refining industry revenues, current and planned refinery details and competitive scenario. At the asset level, different capacities including crude distillation unit, coking capacity, fluid catalytic cracking capacity and hydrocracking capacity are forecast to 2022. In addition, refinery complexity and other key details are also provided in the report.To Make an Enquiry on Report@The Equatorial Guinea research work also presents detailed outlook of Equatorial Guinea gasoline, diesel, LPG, fuel oil consumption and production, together with trends and challenges of investing in Equatorial Guinea market. In addition, details of refineries, storage assets, prices are provided. Further, demographic, economic outlook of Equatorial Guinea together with latest refining industry developments are covered in detail.Strategic Analysis Review-This chapter presents detailed SWOT Analysis along with emerging trends in the market. Further, key strategies of operating companies in Equatorial Guinea refining sector are analyzed.Equatorial Guinea Oil Sector Analysis-The chapter presents complete analysis of Equatorial Guinea oil markets including details of trends in oil markets, oil reserves, major oil fields, crude oil production and consumption forecasts along with the role of oil demand in primary energy are detailed.Refining Capacity Forecasts-At both country level and refinery levels, annual historical and forecasted data on Refining (CDU) Capacity, Coking Capacity, Fluid Catalytic Cracking Capacity, Hydrocracking Capacity is provided to 2022.Refining Infrastructure Details10+ details for each of the operational and planned refineries in Equatorial Guinea are provided, which include- basic details, operator, ownership, complexity, status, type, details. Further, capital expenditure and construction details are provided.Market Value and Investment OutlookEquatorial Guinea country wise refining market value along with capital investment planned to be spent in the industry are forecast to 2022Equatorial Guinea Refinery Market BenchmarkingEquatorial Guinea refining industry is compared with five peer markets in the region based on four pillars to determine the competitiveness of the country in regional scaleCompetitive ScenarioCompanies currently operating in the industry and the companies planning to foray into the market are detailed along with their strategies and SWOT profiles. Further, net weighted capacities by company are also forecast in the report.The Equatorial Guinea report presents both historical and forecasted data for Equatorial Guinea petroleum products from 2007 to 2025. Further, Equatorial Guinea CDU capacity, Equatorial Guinea coking capacity, Equatorial Guinea fluid catalytic cracking (FCC) capacity, Equatorial Guinea hydrocracking capacity are forecast to 2022. The report also forecasts crude oil production and demand in Equatorial Guinea between 2007 and 2025.Major Point from Table of Content:1. Table of Contents2. Executive Summary3. Equatorial Guinea Oil Storage Strategic Analysis Review, 20184. Equatorial Guinea Crude Oil Market Analysis and Outlook5. Equatorial Guinea Petroleum Products Production Outlook6. Equatorial Guinea Petroleum Products Consumption Outlook7. Equatorial Guinea Oil Storage Capacity Outlook to 20228. Equatorial Guinea Oil Storage Infrastructure Details9. Equatorial Guinea Oil Storage Market Investment Opportunities to 202210. Equatorial Guinea Oil Storage Capex and Construction Details11. Equatorial Guinea Oil Storage Market Benchmarking12. Equatorial Guinea Oil Storage Market- Competitive Landscape13. Equatorial Guinea Demographic and Economic Outlook14. Company Profiles of Leading Oil Storage Companies in South Africa15. Equatorial Guinea Oil Storage Industry News and Recent Developments16. AppendixContinue read moreBrowse full report@About Us:Orbis Research (orbisresearch.com) is a single point aid for all your market research requirements. We have vast database of reports from the leading publishers and authors across the globe. We specialize in delivering customized reports as per the requirements of our clients. We have complete information about our publishers and hence are sure about the accuracy of the industries and verticals of their specialization. This helps our clients to map their needs and we produce the perfect required market research study for our clients.Contact Us:Hector CostelloSenior Manager Client Engagements4144N Central Expressway,Suite 600, Dallas,Texas - 75204, U.S.A.Phone No: +1 (214) 884-6817; +912064101019Email ID: sales@orbisresearch.com Global Gas Boiler Market Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Forecast 2022 https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/1054521/ https://www.marketstudyreport.com/check-for-discount/1054521/ https://www.marketstudyreport.com https://www.marketstudyreport.com/blog/ MarketStudyReport.com has added New Report Global Gas Boiler Market The report focuses on global major leading players with information such as company profiles, product picture and specification.The Report Gas Boiler Market research 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.The report includes the forecasts, Analysis and discussion of important industry trends, market size, market share estimates and profiles of the leading industry Players.Request a sample of this premium report at:Global Gas Boiler Market: Product Segment Analysis:By Features: KS-Q, CLHS/CWNS, LHS/WNSBy Structure: Vertical, HorizontalGlobal Gas Boiler Market: Application Segment AnalysisSchoolHospitalGuesthouseFactoryFamilyOtherGlobal Gas Boiler Market: Regional Segment Analysis:USA, Europe, Japan, China, India, South East Asia.Market Segment by Manufacturers/Key Players, this report covers:Slant/FinViessmann Werke GmbH & Co KGSellers ManufacturingWeil-McLainU.S. Boiler CompanyPB HeatUtica BoilersRequest a discount on standard prices of this premium report at:The Major objectives of the study are as follows: Define, analyzes and forecast Gas Boiler Market by Product type, applications, key players and region. Forecast the market size with the help of value & volume for various segments regarding main regions (United States, Canada, Mexico and Rest of the World). Provide detailed information concerning the major factors (opportunities, drivers, restraints, and industry-specific challenges) influencing the growth of Gas Boiler market. Analyze the industry with respect to individual growth trends, prospects and contributions to the total Gas Boiler market. Analyze opportunities in the market for various stakeholders by identifying the high-growth segments of Gas Boiler market. Profile the key players and comprehensively analyses their market position in terms of ranking and core competencies along with detailing the competitive landscape for the market leaders.Key questions answered in the report include: What are the key role in Gas Boiler market report? What was the market size in 2017 to 2022? How will market change over the forecast period and what will be the market size in 2022? Who are the key market players and what are their strategies in the Gas Boiler market? What are the key market trends impacting the growth of the Gas Boiler Industry? What are the market opportunities and challenges faced by the vendors Gas Boiler market? What trends, drivers and barriers are influencing its growth? What are the key outcomes of the five forces analysis of the Gas Boiler market?About Us:Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Contact Us:Market Study Report4 North Main Street,Selbyville, Delaware 19975USAPhone: 1-302-273-0910US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email: sales@marketstudyreport.comWeb site:Blog:Industry News: news.marketsizeforecasters.com ROME Italy postponed high-level talks with France on Wednesday after Paris branded Rome irresponsible for refusing to take in a migrant rescue ship. Italys new economy minister shelved a meeting with his French counterpart in Paris as their countries traded barbs over the treatment of more than 600 migrants rescued off the Libyan coast at the weekend. The migrants were stranded on the NGO vessel Aquarius until Spain said the ship could land at its port of Valencia. It is expected to arrive there late on Saturday. French President Emmanuel Macron accused Italys new populist government of "cynicism and irresponsibility" for closing its ports to the 629 migrants. Rome called his comments "unacceptable" and summoned Frances ambassador on Wednesday. "Such statements are undermining relations between Italy and France," Italys foreign ministry said in a statement. Macron later appealed for the two sides not to "give in to emotions that certain people are manipulating". In a speech in the western French town of Mouchamps, he insisted that France was "working hand in hand with Italy" to handle migration. Italy demands apology Italys far-right Interior Minister Matteo Salvini had suggested that a planned meeting between the leaders of the two countries should be cancelled if France did not issue an "official apology". "If an official apology doesnt arrive, Prime Minister (Giuseppe) Conte would be right not to go to France," Salvini told reporters. A French presidential source said the country had not received any formal demand from Italy for an apology. Conte and Macron are due to hold talks on Friday ahead of a European summit. Late Wednesday Italian media citing sources said Conte was leaning toward postponing the meeting, rather than cancelling it. Their talks are meant to focus on the contentious issue of migration. The European Parliaments president on Wednesday said the contentious issue was threatening "the survival" of the 28-nation bloc. "The EUs own survival depends on the handling of migration," Antonio Tajani tweeted, calling it "the biggest challenge of our times." Italys new Economy Minister Giovanni Tria meanwhile announced he was cancelling a meeting with his French counterpart Bruno le Maire in Paris. But the French economy ministry later said the ministers had "agreed that Mr Tria will come to Paris in the coming days". Axis of the willing European Union member states are deeply divided over how to deal with asylum seekers. Austrian Chancellor Sebastian Kurz on Wednesday hailed cooperation between the hardline interior ministers of Austria, Germany and Italy on the issue. "I think it marks very sensible cooperation that will contribute to reducing illegal migration to Europe," said Kurz, whose country assumes the EUs rotating presidency on July 1. "We believe an axis of the willing is needed to fight illegal migration." EU leaders in December set an end-June deadline for an overhaul of rules to create a permanent mechanism to deal with migrants. German Chancellor Angela Merkel said Wednesday that the issue of migration was "something of a litmus test for the future and the cohesion of Europe". The International Organisation for Migration on Tuesday warned against the closing of EU borders. "I fear a major tragedy if states start refusing to accept rescued migrants," its director general William Lacy Swing said. A sign of generosity Salvini has repeatedly accused fellow EU members of abandoning Italy as it struggles to cope with migrants making the perilous journey from Africa across the Mediterranean. The country has seen more than 700,000 migrants arrive on its shores since 2013. In Geneva, the head of the UN refugee agency (UNHCR), Filippo Grandi, also Italian, said Wednesday Italy was "right" to say it could not accept all the migrants crossing the Mediterranean. Under EU rules, migrants must apply for asylum in the European nation where they first arrive. Speaking to the Senate Wednesday, Salvini accused France of only receiving 640 of the 9,816 migrants it had promised to take from Italy. He said that between January and May, France had sent 10,249 migrants back to Italy. He demanded that France move from "words to action and offer a sign of generosity" by taking more in. AFP Mechanical Hand Tools Market Analysis 2018 (By Segment, Key Players and Applications) and Forecasts To 2023 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/2229614-global-mechanical-hand-tools-market-research-report-forecast-2023 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/2229614-global-mechanical-hand-tools-market-research-report-forecast-2023 www.linkedin.com/company/4828928 https://twitter.com/WiseGuyReports https://www.facebook.com/Wiseguyreports-1009007869213183/?fref=ts IntroductionMechanical hand tools are widely used in the construction industry. The rise in the number of manufacturing plants, increase in demand for professional hand tools kit and demand for wooden furniture are some of the factors which will help to push the market towards growth. The need for mechanical hand tools is gradually rising owing to factors such as, growing demand from construction industry coupled with increasing industrialization, growing application industries, increasing demand from household applications and among others. Mechanical hand tools are widely used in the construction industry. The rise in the number of manufacturing plants, where hand tools are majorly used, will lead to the growth of mechanical hand tool market. The industrial sector is expected to grow and would increase in demand for professional hand tools kit, thus leading to the growth of the market. On the other hand, the need for hand tools is likely to increase with the increase in the demand for wooden furniture. The key factors responsible for the growth of the furniture market is growth in construction and renovation activities. Increase in the number of single-person and two person households, has resulted in the increase in demand for small and convenient furniture.GET SAMPLE REPORT @The market has been analyzed based on the three segments of types, application and end-use in the regions of North America, Europe, APAC and Rest of the World. Based on type, it has further been segmented as edge tools, hand service tools, handsaw and other. Hand service tools accounted for the largest market share of 36.80% in 2016, with a market value of USD 5,904.2 million. Based on application, the segments include construction industry, decoration industry and household application. Construction industry is responsible for major investment and contributes to the economic development of the economy.This market was valued at USD 16,044.1 million in 2016 and is poised to reach USD 20,516.3 million with a CAGR of 3.67% during the forecast period.Regional AnalysisGeographically, North America has emerged as the leading market for mechanical hand tools market consuming around 35.3% market share in 2016. US is one of the leading country in terms of consumption owing to the rising construction sites and rapid industrialization. Asia-Pacific region has registered itself as the fastest growing region with a CAGR of 4.00% during forecast period. Whereas Europe stood on third rank in terms of value.Key PlayersWe recognize the key players in the global mechanical hand tools market as Robert Bosch Tool Corporation (U.S), Stanley Black & Decker, Inc. (U.S.), Snap-on (U.S.), TOYA SA (Poland), Metabowerke GmbH (Germany), Hilti Corporation (Liechtenstein), Techtronic Industries Co. Ltd (TTI) (Hong Kong), Makita Corporation (U.S.) Wurth Group (Germany), Klein Tools (U.S.) and others.Objective of the Report To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast for the next 6 years of various segments and sub-segments of the mechanical hand tool market To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth To analyze the global mechanical hand tool market based on various tools such as Value Chain Analysis, and Porters Five Forces Analysis To provide historical and forecast revenue of the market segments and sub-segments with respect to regions and their respective key countries 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 segments by type, application and region 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 mechanical hand tool marketTarget Audience Organizations Manufacturer Research Institute / Education Institute Potential InvestorsKey Findings Hand Service Tools segment expected to witness growth in global mechanical hand tools market with share of 36.8% in 2016, in terms of value. It is expected to grow at 4.15% CAGR during the forecast period Construction industry segment is expected to witness highest growth of 3.81% CAGR from 2017 to 2023 North America dominate the global mechanical hand tools market with a share of 35.3% in 2016, in terms of value. It is expected to grow at a CAGR of 3.50% during the forecast periodTable of Content: Key Points1 Executive Summary 122 Introduction 143 Research Methodology 164 Market Dynamics 205 Market Factor Analysis 246 Global mechanical Hand Tools Market, By Type 277 Global Mechanical Hand Tools Market, By Application 308 Global Mechanical Hand Tools Market, By Region 33ContinuedACCESS REPORT @Get in touch:LinkedIn:Twitter:Facebook:Wise Guy Reports understand how essential statistical surveying information is for your organization or association. Therefore, we have associated with the top publishers and research firms all specialized in specific domains, ensuring you will receive the most reliable and up to date research data available. We also provide COTS (Commercial off the Shelf) business sector reports as custom exploration agreeing your needs.WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Behavioral Mental Health Software Global Market 2018: Key Players AdvancedMD, Inc, Cerner Corporation, Welligent Inc, Credible, Meditab Software (India) Pvt. Ltd https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3193374-behavioral-mental-health-software-global-market-outlook-2017-2026 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/3193374-behavioral-mental-health-software-global-market-outlook-2017-2026 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=3193374 https://www.wiseguyreports.com Behavioral Mental Health Software IndustryDescriptionWiseguyreports.Com Adds Behavioral Mental Health Software -Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities and Analysis Of Top Key Player Forecast To 2023 To Its Research DatabaseGlobal Behavioral/Mental Health Software market is accounted for $1.32 billion in 2017 and is expected to reach $4.77 billion by 2026 growing at a CAGR of 15.3%. Increasing government initiatives towards EHR in behavioral health organizations, growing number of health reforms, large pool of people looking for behavioral health support pose, rising adoption of BHs and growing aging population are favouring the market growth. Data Privacy issues, lack of It-Knowledgeable Personnel are some of the major restraints hampering the market. Increasing significance on subscription models and increasing demand for behavioral health software in developing markets are driving their growth during the forecast period.Behavioral/Mental Health Software is software used by psychologists to help guide, deal and inform the treatment of mental disorders such as addiction, stress, depression of each individual patient. It also facilitates users to retrieve pharmacy, laboratory and radiology data observations on the patients been treated.Depending on functionality, clinical functionality segment is dominating with the largest market share and the growth of this segment is due to rising government support towards need for this software to give quality care for patients at low costs by clinicians. North America is dominating the market and the growth of this region is mainly attributed to increasing aging population requiring behavioral health services, growing number of health reforms in the US. Asia pacific is leading the market and the growth of this region is due to growing awareness about mental health software in India and China.Some of the key players in global Behavioral/Mental Health Software market include AdvancedMD, Inc, Cerner Corporation, Welligent Inc, Credible, Meditab Software (India) Pvt. Ltd, Compulink, Advance Data Systems, Kareo, Qualifacts Systems Inc, The Echo Group, NextGen Healthcare Information, Valant, Core Solutions, Netsmart Technologies and Mindlinc.Request for Sample Report @Components Covered: Software Support ServicesFunctionalities Covered: Financial Functionality Clinical Functionality Administrative FunctionalityDelivery Models Covered: Ownership Models Subscription ModelsEnd Users Covered: Patients Payers ProvidersRegions Covered: North Americao USo Canadao Mexico Europeo Germanyo UKo Italyo Franceo Spaino Rest of Europe Asia Pacifico Japano Chinao Indiao Australiao New Zealando South Koreao Rest of Asia Pacific South Americao Argentinao Brazilo Chileo Rest of South America Middle East & Africao Saudi Arabiao UAEo Qataro South Africao Rest of Middle East & AfricaLeave a Query @What our report offers:- Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments- Market share analysis of the top industry players- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants- Market forecasts for a minimum of 9 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancementsList of TablesTable 1 Global Behavioral/Mental Health Software Market Outlook, By Region (2016-2026) (US $MN)Table 2 Global Behavioral/Mental Health Software Market Outlook, By Component (2016-2026) (US $MN)Table 3 Global Behavioral/Mental Health Software Market Outlook, By Software (2016-2026) (US $MN)Table 4 Global Behavioral/Mental Health Software Market Outlook, By Standalone Software (2016-2026) (US $MN)Table 5 Global Behavioral/Mental Health Software Market Outlook, By Integrated Software (2016-2026) (US $MN)Table 6 Global Behavioral/Mental Health Software Market Outlook, By Support Services (2016-2026) (US $MN)Table 7 Global Behavioral/Mental Health Software Market Outlook, By Functionality (2016-2026) (US $MN)Table 8 Global Behavioral/Mental Health Software Market Outlook, By Financial Functionality (2016-2026) (US $MN)Table 9 Global Behavioral/Mental Health Software Market Outlook, By Revenue Cycle Management (2016-2026) (US $MN)Table 10 Global Behavioral/Mental Health Software Market Outlook, By Accounts Payable/General Ledger (2016-2026) (US $MN)Table 11 Global Behavioral/Mental Health Software Market Outlook, By Managed Care (2016-2026) (US $MN)Table 12 Global Behavioral/Mental Health Software Market Outlook, By Payroll (2016-2026) (US $MN)Table 13 Global Behavioral/Mental Health Software Market Outlook, By Clinical Functionality (2016-2026) (US $MN)Table 14 Global Behavioral/Mental Health Software Market Outlook, By Telehealth (2016-2026) (US $MN)Table 15 Global Behavioral/Mental Health Software Market Outlook, By E-Prescribing (2016-2026) (US $MN)Table 16 Global Behavioral/Mental Health Software Market Outlook, By Electronic Health Records (EHRs) (2016-2026) (US $MN)....Table 33 Global Behavioral/Mental Health Software Market Outlook, By Hospitals (2016-2026) (US $MN)Buy Now @Continued...Contact Us: Sales@Wiseguyreports.Com Ph: +1-646-845-9349 (Us) Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (Uk)About Us:Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Addres:Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt LtdPune 411028Maharashtra, GlobalPh: +91 841 198 5042 Next-Gen Innovations to Revolutionize Industrial Machinery Market by 2024 https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/801 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/industrial-machinery-market https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/801 https://www.gminsights.com/toc/detail/industrial-machinery-market https://www.gminsights.com http://algosonline.com/news Need for advanced vehicles in Asia Pacific market equipped with emission control systems is likely to propel the industrial machinery market growth. Government regulations and regulatory support in the form of tax benefits have positively affected the infrastructure activities in China, India, Japan, and South Korea. Escalating focus on infrastructure developments coupled with the growing need for modernization of industrial procedures is expected to drive the industrial machinery market growth.Industrial Machinery Market is anticipated to grow at a CAGR of over 5% to reach over USD 700 billion by 2022. Increasing adoptions and high demand for machines in several manufacturing sectors ranging from packaging to auto making will provide an impetus to the market over the coming years. Moreover, highly industrialized environment across companies is anticipated to support the industry growth over the forecast timespan.Request for a sample of this research report @The growth in industrial machinery market sales for 2016 is being driven by several factors such as an increase in the living standard and increasing spending on nutrition which will profit the food and packaging machinery sectors. The packaging sector is slated for high growth over the coming years owing to high investments in lighter packaging.Developments in packaging technologies such as food wrapping in cartons, ready-to-cook enclosures, and new sterile packaging technology are generating high demand for machines in packaging sector, thereby providing positive growth aspects for the industrial machinery market. Moreover, the increasing investments in technology from several manufacturers will boost the demand for semiconductor equipment, mining, robotics, and oil & gas machinery.Health & safety concerns and lack of skilled labor & technicians will pose as challenges to the industrial machinery market growth. Manufacturing jobs have changed compared to the old jobs and have now become automated. The jobs in the manufacturing industry are majorly focused on maintaining, operating, or programming the industrial machines which require and lack skilled labor and technicians.By application, the construction segment is anticipated to hold a high market share owing to the increased demand for commercial buildings, infrastructure and housing, which is benefiting the construction equipment sectors. Growing social awareness of green technologies is resulting in high demand for industrial machinery in wind turbines and in photovoltaics (PV) which is further expected to boost the industrial machinery market.Browse key industry insights spread across 130 pages with 82 market data tables & 13 figures& charts from the report, Industrial Machinery Market Size By Application (Agriculture, Construction, Packaging, Food Processing, Mining, Semiconductor Manufacturing), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Mexico, Germany, UK, France, Italy, Russia, China, India, Japan, South Korea, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, UAE, South Africa), Growth Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016 2024 in detail along with the table of contents:The industrial machinery market in agriculture segment is witnessing an augmented demand for machinery owing to economic development in several regions around the globe. These demands are majorly for harvesting, haying, plowing, planting & fertilizing, livestock machinery and farm tractors, as well as planters, cultivating machinery and liquid fertilizer sprayers/spreaders.Some of the major manufacturers in the global industrial machinery market includes Caterpillar Inc., CNH Industrial, Honeywell International Inc., Volvo Construction, Terex Corp, Komatsu Ltd, Ingersoll Rand, Hitachi Construction Machinery and Gerdau S.A. The players are majorly focusing on technological advancements, strategic initiatives to increase customer reach and R&D to come up with enhanced industrial machinery performances.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @Table of Content (TOC-)Chapter 3 Industrial Machinery Industry Insights3.1 Industry segmentation3.2 Industry Size and forecast, 2013 - 20243.3 Industry ecosystem analysis3.3.1 Distribution channel analysis3.3.2 Vendor matrix3.4 Technology & innovation landscape3.4.1 Agriculture3.4.1.1 Soil compaction3.4.1.2 Mapping fields and crops3.4.2 Construction3.4.2.1 Wearable smart sensors3.4.2.2 Tool tracking3.4.2.3 Tablets and Wi-Fi3.4.2.4 Mobile apps3.5 Regulatory landscape3.5.1 U.S.3.5.1.1 Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA)3.5.1.1.1 ANSI Standards3.5.1.1.2 National Fire Protection Association(NFPA)3.5.1.2 Canada3.5.1.2.1 Duty-Free Manufacturing Tariff Regime3.5.1.3 Mexico3.5.2 EU3.5.2.1 Machinery Directive 2006/42/EC3.5.3 China3.5.3.1 MEP (Ministry of Environmental Protection, the Peoples Republic of China)3.5.3.2 CCC Mark3.5.3.3 Protection of intellectual property rights3.5.4 India3.5.4.1 Occupational Health and Safety (OH&S)3.5.4.2 Emission standards for diesel construction machinery3.5.4.3 Emission standards for diesel agricultural tractors3.6 Industry Impact forces3.6.1 Growth drivers3.6.1.1 Increasing mechanization of farming operations3.6.1.2 Escalating infrastructure spending3.6.1.3 Rising adoption of smart packaging solutions3.6.1.4 Surging globalization to trigger food processing sector3.6.2 Industry pitfalls & challenges3.6.2.1 Health and safety concerns3.6.2.2 Lack of skilled labor and technicians3.7 Growth potential analysis3.8 Company market share analysis, 20153.8.1 Strategic landscape3.9 Porters analysis3.10 PESTEL analysisBrowse Full Toc of This Report @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.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog: Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Market Share and Forecasts Research Report 2018 https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/1143944/ https://www.marketstudyreport.com/check-for-discount/1143944/ https://empowerednews.net/author/gminsights/ https://www.marketstudyreport.com https://www.marketstudyreport.com/blog/ MarketStudyReport.com Add New Global Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Market by Manufacturers, Countries, Type and Application, Forecast to 2023 to its research database. The report presents a deep study of the market growth factors and drivers. The report spread across 146 pages with table and figures in it.AAC is a highly thermally insulating concrete-based material used for both internal and external construction. Besides AAC's insulating capability, one of its advantages in construction is its quick and easy installation, because the material can be routed, sanded, or cut to size on site using standard carbon steel power tools.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC 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.As for the global residential Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) industry, the industry concentration rate is highly dispersed. The top 5 manufacturers have 19.97% sales revenue market share in 2016. The Xella Group which has 13.67% market share in 2016, is the leader in the Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) industry. The manufacturers following Xella Group are Aercon AAC, H+H International A/S, which respectively has 4.33% and 2.52% market share globally.Third, as for the Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) market, it will still show rapid growth, and technological trends in the market will stay stable.Although sales of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) products bring a lot of opportunities, the study group recommends the new entrants who just have money but without technical advantage, raw materials advantage and downstream support, do not enter into the Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) field hastily. This is the end of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) report.The worldwide market for Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) is expected to grow at a CAGR of roughly 9.4% over the next five years, will reach 10800 million US$ in 2023, from 6870 million US$ in 2017, according to a new GIR (Global Info Research) study.Request a sample copy of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Market Research Report @Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers Xella Group, Aercon AAC, H+H International A/S, ACICO, Masa Group, Eastland, Biltech, AKG Gazbeton, Ultratech, Hansa Baustoffwerke, J K Lakshmi Cement, DOMAPOR, Eco Green, Schlamann KG, Dongying City Franshion, YABALANG Building.Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) market stands to gain remarkable proceeds over 2018-2023, as per a recently compiled report Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers:North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Colombia)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria and South Africa)Market Segment by Type, covers BlocksLintelsPanelsOthersMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into IndustrialCommercialResidentialOthersEnquire For Discount on Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Market Research Report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) market.Chapter 1, to describe Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC), with sales, revenue, and price of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC), in 2016 and 2018;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2018;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC), for each region, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 5, 6, 7, 8 and 9, to analyze the key regions, with sales, revenue and market share by key countries in these regions;Chapter 10 and 11, to show the market by type and application, with sales market share and growth rate by type, application, from 2013 to 2018;Chapter 12, Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2018 to 2023;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceMore Report At:Market Segment by Table of Contents:1 Market Overview1.1 Autoclaved Aerated Concrete (AAC) Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Liquid Accelerator1.2.2 Powdered Accelerator1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Mining and Tunneling1.3.2 Construction Repair Works1.3.3 Water Retaining Structures1.3.4 Others1.4 Market Analysis by Regions1.4.1 North America (United States, Canada and Mexico)1.4.1.1 United States Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.1.2 Canada Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.1.3 Mexico Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2 Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia and Italy)1.4.2.1 Germany Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.2 France Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.3 UK Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.4 Russia Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.2.5 Italy Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3 Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India and Southeast Asia)1.4.3.1 China Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.2 Japan Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.3 Korea Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.4 India Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.3.5 Southeast Asia Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4 South America, Middle East and Africa1.4.4.1 Brazil Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.2 Egypt Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.3 Saudi Arabia Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.4 South Africa Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.4.4.5 Nigeria Market Status and Outlook (2013-2023)1.5 Market Dynamics1.5.1 Market Opportunities1.5.2 Market Risk1.5.3 Market Driving ForceCentralize market research purchases across your entire organization in one place.Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Market Study Report4 North Main Street,Selbyville, Delaware 19975USAPhone: 1-302-273-0910US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email:sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:Blog:Industry News: news.marketsizeforecasters.comConnect with us:Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter Energy Efficient Windows Market: Segmented by Application and Geography Trends, Growth and Forecasts to 2024 https://www.gminsights.com/request-sample/detail/705 https://www.gminsights.com/industry-analysis/energy-efficient-windows-market https://www.gminsights.com/inquiry-before-buying/705 https://www.gminsights.com/toc/detail/energy-efficient-windows-market https://www.gminsights.com http://algosonline.com/news Key players in energy efficient windows market are Milgard Manufacturing, Marvin Windows & Doors, Pella, Associated Material, Atrium, Soft-Lite, Andersen, YKK AP, Jeld-Wen, and Kolbe & Kolbe.Global Energy Efficient Windows Market is expected to grow at over 10% CAGR to surpass USD 15 billion by 2024. Significant growth in global construction accompanied with several government initiatives including energy efficient and zero emissions buildings will propel the industry growth. Majority of emissions around the globe contributed by industrial, commercial, and residential buildings, it is mainly contributed by space cooling, ventilation, lighting, space heating, water heating and refrigeration. In 2014, mayor of New York city announced 80*50 initiative, with an aim to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 80 percent by 2050 when compared with 2005 levels. It also includes retrofitting of around 3000 buildings by 2025.Request for a sample of this research report @Rising awareness towards energy efficiency along with pressure from international & government bodies to minimize annual electricity consumption will significantly increase the energy efficient windows market. It helps to maintain room temperature by reflecting outside heat, which reduces the heating and air conditioning energy consumption.Increasing awareness to curb carbon emissions and rising energy conservation demand will drive the energy efficient windows market. High fluctuating temperature across different zones coupled with improved standard of living will further complement the industry outlook. European Union commitment to reduce GHG emissions by 20 % when compared with 1990 levels.Triple Low-E glazing is anticipated to expand over 11% from 2016 to 2024. Initiatives including energy star ratings and increasing investment in R&D by private sector to reduce energy consumption in buildings is playing an active role in fueling the energy efficient windows market share.Replacement adoption dominated the energy efficient windows market share in 2015. Buildings which are comparatively old requires replacement instead of insulation which will positively encourage the industry growth.Residential energy efficient windows market is anticipated to witness significant growth owing to growing customer awareness towards minimizing energy consumption and increasing residential construction project. Commercial application is projected to exceed over 10% CAGR during the forecast period due to rapid commercialization and promotion of energy efficient buildings.Browse key industry insights spread across 90 pages with 93 market data tables & 13 figures & charts from the report, Energy Efficient Windows Market Size By Glazing (Double Glazing, Triple Low-E), By Adoption (Replacement, Insulation), By Window (Up to 6, >6 to 10, >10), By Application (Residential, Commercial), Industry Analysis Report, Regional Outlook (U.S., Canada, Germany, UK, France, Italy, China, Japan, Australia), Application Potential, Price Trends, Competitive Market Share & Forecast, 2016 2024 in detail along with the table of contents:The U.S energy efficient windows market is anticipated to reach over USD 7 billion in 2024 owing to increasing renovation activities to minimize annual electricity consumption. Building Technologies Program (BTP) by the U.S Department of Energy has made huge investment in R&D to minimize to increase energy efficiency and minimize carbon emissions in the buildings.France going to witness substantial growth energy efficient windows market due to improved living standards and increase in dual income families. In 2014, France introduced energy transition bill which aims to reduce consumption of energy to 50% by 2050 from 2012 level, and to generate 32% of total energy from clean sources by 2030.Rapid industrialization and growing need to minimize utility bill is expected to be key factor propelling India energy efficient windows market growth. In 2014, Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) set a target to register 10 billion square foot green building projects by 2022.Make an inquiry for purchasing this report @Table of Content (TOC-)Chapter 3. Energy Efficient Windows Industry Insights3.1. Industry segmentation3.2. Industry Size and forecast, 2013 - 20243.3. Industry ecosystem analysis3.3.1. Distribution channels3.3.2. Vendor matrix3.4. Industry Impact forces3.4.1. Growth drivers3.4.1.1. Rising energy conservation demand3.4.1.2. Increasing awareness to minimize carbon footprints3.4.1.3. Rapid industrialization and commercialization3.4.2. Industry pitfalls & challenges3.4.2.1. High Initial Investment3.5. Growth potential analysis3.6. Porter's analysis3.7 Company market share analysis, 20153.8. PESTEL analysis3.9 Pricing trendsBrowse Full Toc of This Report @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.Contact Us:Arun HegdeCorporate Sales, USAGlobal Market Insights, Inc.Phone: 1-302-846-7766Toll Free: 1-888-689-0688Email: sales@gminsights.comWeb:Blog: Primary Battery Global Market 2018: Key Players Duracell, Energizer, Hitachi Maxell , Sony, Toshiba, Saft, EXCELL Battery Group https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3193369-primary-battery-global-market-outlook-2017-2026 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/enquiry/3193369-primary-battery-global-market-outlook-2017-2026 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/checkout?currency=one_user-USD&report_id=3193369 https://www.wiseguyreports.com Primary Battery IndustryDescriptionWiseguyreports.Com Adds Primary Battery -Market Demand, Growth, Opportunities and Analysis Of Top Key Player Forecast To 2023 To Its Research DatabaseGlobal Primary Battery market is expected to grow at a CAGR of 4.6% from 2017 to 2026. The factors that are driving the market are high demand for portable medical devices, replacement of carbon-zinc with alkaline batteries and high adoption rate of primary batteries in toys and remote control. Increasing demand for other alternative rechargeable batteries is the major factor hindering the market.A primary battery is designed to be used once and discarded, and not recharged with electricity like secondary battery. These primary batteries are used in households and other portable devices.Based on battery type, alkaline batteries are widely used in low-end applications such as watches and wearable devices. However, the alkaline battery market will see a major decline in growth during the forecast period as most batteries have limited usage in small energy-consuming applications.By geography, the North America is expected to dominance the market during the forecast period but will witness a slight decline its market shares owing to the shift towards secondary batteries. The United States is expected to continue to produce primary batteries for defence and industrial applications. As part of cost cuts, various manufacturers have shifted production overseas. Branded products are facing tough competition from no-label and own-label batteries.Some of the key players in the market include Duracell, Energizer, Hitachi Maxell , Sony, Toshiba, Saft, EXCELL Battery Group, Quallion, Panasonic , GP Batteries, Dongguan Large Electronics, Shenzhen Shirui Battery, Gao Huan photoelectric technology, Wuhan Fanso Technology, Enersys and Varta (Consumer batteries).Request for Sample Report @Battery Types Covered: Lithium Alkaline mercury zinc-carbon battery silver-oxide zinc-airRegions Covered: North Americao USo Canadao Mexico Europeo Germanyo UKo Italyo Franceo Spaino Rest of Europe Asia Pacifico Japano Chinao Indiao Australiao New Zealando South Koreao Rest of Asia Pacific South Americao Argentinao Brazilo Chileo Rest of South America Middle East & Africao Saudi Arabiao UAEo Qataro South Africao Rest of Middle East & AfricaLeave a Query @What our report offers:- Market share assessments for the regional and country level segments- Market share analysis of the top industry players- Strategic recommendations for the new entrants- Market forecasts for a minimum of 7 years of all the mentioned segments, sub segments and the regional markets- Market Trends (Drivers, Constraints, Opportunities, Threats, Challenges, Investment Opportunities, and recommendations)- Strategic recommendations in key business segments based on the market estimations- Competitive landscaping mapping the key common trends- Company profiling with detailed strategies, financials, and recent developments- Supply chain trends mapping the latest technological advancementsList of TablesTable 1 Global Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Region (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 2 Global Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Battery Type (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 3 Global Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Lithium (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 4 Global Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Alkaline (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 5 Global Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Mercury (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 6 Global Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Zinc-carbon battery (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 7 Global Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Silver-oxide (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 8 Global Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Zinc-air (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 9 North America Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Country (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 10 North America Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Battery Type (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 11 North America Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Lithium (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 12 North America Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Alkaline (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 13 North America Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Mercury (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 14 North America Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Zinc-carbon battery (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 15 North America Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Silver-oxide (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 16 North America Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Zinc-air (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 17 Europe Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Country (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 18 Europe Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Battery Type (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 19 Europe Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Lithium (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 20 Europe Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Alkaline (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 21 Europe Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Mercury (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 22 Europe Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Zinc-carbon battery (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 23 Europe Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Silver-oxide (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 24 Europe Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Zinc-air (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 25 Asia Pacific Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Country (2016-2026) ($MN)Table 26 Asia Pacific Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Battery Type (2016-2026) ($MN)...Table 48 Middle East & Africa Primary Battery Market Outlook, By Zinc-air (2016-2026) ($MN)Buy Now @Continued...Contact Us: Sales@Wiseguyreports.Com Ph: +1-646-845-9349 (Us) Ph: +44 208 133 9349 (Uk)About Us:Wise Guy Reports Is Part Of The Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. And Offers Premium Progressive Statistical Surveying, Market Research Reports, Analysis & Forecast Data For Industries And Governments Around The Globe. Wise Guy Reports Features An Exhaustive List Of Market Research Reports From Hundreds Of Publishers Worldwide. We Boast A Database Spanning Virtually Every Market Category And An Even More Comprehensive Collection Of Market Research Reports Under These Categories And Sub-Categories.Addres:Wise Guy Research Consultants Pvt LtdPune 411028Maharashtra, GlobalPh: +91 841 198 5042 Retailing Market In Denmark Market Trends, Segmentation, Analysis Forecast | Euromonitor - 2022 Retailing, Retailing Market , Retailing Market Growth, Presses Release, RetailingManufacturers, RetailingStatus, Retailing Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/946933-retailing-in-georgia https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/946933-retailing-in-georgia http://www.wiseguyreports.com Description :In 2017, the Georgian lari again encountered a few waves of devaluation against the US dollar and the euro. Georgian retailing, being quite dependent on imports, was affected by a devalued local currency, but not as much as in previous years when the first shocks of devaluation were encountered. Importers and local producers started to adapt to the new value of the Georgian currency, with Georgian retailing posting current value growth in 2017, but lower than in 2016. Higher value growth in 2016Euromonitor Internationals Retailing in Georgia report offers insight into key trends and developments driving the industry. The report examines all retail channels to provide sector insight. Channels include hypermarkets, supermarkets, discounters, convenience stores, mixed retailers, health and beauty retailers, clothing and footwear retailers, furniture and furnishing stores, DIY and hardware stores, durable goods retailers, leisure and personal goods retailers. There are profiles of leading retailers, with analysis of their performance and the challenges they face. There is also analysis of non-store retailing: vending; homeshopping; internet retailing; direct selling, as available.Request For sample Report @Product coverage: Non-Store Retailing, Store-based Retailing.Data coverage: market sizes (historic and forecasts), company shares, brand shares and distribution data.Why buy this report?* Get a detailed picture of the Retailing market;* Pinpoint growth sectors and identify factors driving change;* Understand the competitive environment, the markets major players and leading brands;* Use five-year forecasts to assess how the market is predicted to develop.Euromonitor International has over 40 years experience of publishing market research reports, business reference books and online information systems. With offices in London, Chicago, Singapore, Shanghai, Vilnius, Dubai, Cape Town, Santiago, Sydney, Tokyo and Bangalore and a network of over 800 analysts worldwide, Euromonitor International has a unique capability to develop reliable information resources to help drive informed strategic planning.Complete Report Details @Devalued Local Currency Still Contributes To Growth of Retailing, But Not As Much As in Previous YearsQuick Expansion of Modern Grocery Retailers Results in the Evolution of Georgian Retailing; Some Lose, Some WinMergers and Acquisitions in 2016 and 2017 Are Expected To Bring Competition Within Health and Beauty Specialist Retailers To A New LevelInternet Retailing Is EmergingPerformance of Retailing Expected To Decline To An ExtentOperating EnvironmentInformal RetailingOpening HoursSummary 1 Standard Opening Hours by Channel Type 2017Physical Retail LandscapeCash and CarrySeasonalityPayments and DeliveryEmerging Business ModelsMarket DataTable 1 Sales in Retailing by Store-based vs Non-Store: Value 2012-2017Table 2 Sales in Retailing by Store-based vs Non-Store: % Value Growth 2012-2017Table 3 Sales in Store-Based Retailing by Channel: Value 2012-2017Table 4 Sales in Store-Based Retailing by Channel: % Value Growth 2012-2017Table 5 Store-Based Retailing Outlets by Channel: Units 2012-2017Table 6 Store-Based Retailing Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2012-2017Table 7 Sales in Non-Store Retailing by Channel: Value 2012-2017Table 8 Sales in Non-Store Retailing by Channel: % Value Growth 2012-2017Table 9 Retailing GBO Company Shares: % Value 2013-2017Table 10 Retailing GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2014-2017Table 11 Store-based Retailing GBO Company Shares: % Value 2013-2017Table 12 Store-based Retailing GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2014-2017Table 13 Store-based Retailing LBN Brand Shares: Outlets 2014-2017Table 14 Non-Store Retailing GBO Company Shares: % Value 2013-2017Table 15 Non-Store Retailing GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2014-2017Table 16 Forecast Sales in Retailing by Store-based vs Non-Store: Value 2017-2022Table 17 Forecast Sales in Retailing by Store-based vs Non-Store: % Value Growth 2017-2022Table 18 Forecast Sales in Store-Based Retailing by Channel: Value 2017-2022Table 19 Forecast Sales in Store-Based Retailing by Channel: % Value Growth 2017-2022Table 20 Forecast Store-Based Retailing Outlets by Channel: Units 2017-2022Table 21 Forecast Store-Based Retailing Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2017-2022Table 22 Forecast Sales in Non-Store Retailing by Channel: Value 2017-2022Table 23 Forecast Sales in Non-Store Retailing by Channel: % Value Growth 2017-2022DefinitionsSourcesSummary 2 Research SourcesHeadlinesProspectsChanging Consumer Habits To Support the Expansion of Modern Grocery RetailersStricter State Authorities and Stronger Media Coverage Support the Expansion of Modern Grocery RetailersForecourt Retailers To Remain A Small ChannelCompetitive LandscapeGbo Carrefour Continues To GrowCompetition Between Convenience Stores Is Boosted by An Acquisition Back in 2015Tough Competition Results in Some Players Losing OutChannel DataContinued.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. Construction Estimating Software Market Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Industry Demand, Trends, Forecast To 2023 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3108734-2018-global-construction-estimating-software-industry-depth-research-report https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3108734-2018-global-construction-estimating-software-industry-depth-research-report The report provides a comprehensive analysis of the Construction Estimating Software 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 Construction Estimating Software 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 (%).UDA TechnologiesBluebeamRedTeamMicrosoftSmartBidTakeoff LiveFastESTVision InfoSoftQuoteSofteTakeoffProEstBuildingConnectedPrioSoftAdvanced Electrical TechnologiesAppliCadRequest 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.Cloud, SaaS, WebInstalled - MacInstalled WindowsMarket Analysis by Applications: Each application is studied as Sales and Market Share (%), Revenue (Million USD), Price, Gross Margin and more similar information.SMEsLarge OrganizationOtherTable of Content1 Construction Estimating Software Market Overview1.1 Product Overview of Construction Estimating Software1.2 Classification of Construction Estimating Software1.2.1 Type 11.2.2 Type 21.2.3 Type 31.2.4 Type 41.3 Applications of Construction Estimating Software1.3.1 Application 11.3.2 Application 21.3.3 Application 31.3.4 Application 41.4 Global Construction Estimating Software 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 Construction Estimating Software Industry Development Factors Analysis1.5.1 Construction Estimating Software Industry Development Opportunities Analysis1.5.2 Construction Estimating Software Industry Development Challenges Analysis1.6 Construction Estimating Software Consumer Behavior Analysis2 Global Construction Estimating Software Competitions by Players2.1 Global Construction Estimating Software Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Players2.2 Global Construction Estimating Software Revenue (Million USD) and Share by Players (2017-2018)2.3 Global Construction Estimating Software Price (USD/Unit) by Players (2017-2018)2.4 Global Construction Estimating Software Gross Margin by Players (2017-2018)3 Global Construction Estimating Software Competitions by Types3.1 Global Construction Estimating Software Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Types3.2 Global Construction Estimating Software Revenue (Million USD) and Share by Type (2013-2018)3.3 Global Construction Estimating Software Price (USD/Unit) by Type (2013-2018)3.4 Global Construction Estimating Software Gross Margin by Type (2013-2018)3.5 USA Construction Estimating Software Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.6 China Construction Estimating Software Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.7 Europe Construction Estimating Software Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.8 Japan Construction Estimating Software Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.9 India Construction Estimating Software Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.10 Southeast Asia Construction Estimating Software Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.11 South America Construction Estimating Software Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type3.12 South Africa Construction Estimating Software Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Type4 Global Construction Estimating Software Competitions by Applications4.1 Global Construction Estimating Software Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications4.2 Global Construction Estimating Software Revenue (Million USD) and Share by Applications (2013-2018)4.3 Global Construction Estimating Software Price (USD/Unit) by Applications (2013-2018)4.4 Global Construction Estimating Software Gross Margin by Applications (2013-2018)4.5 USA Construction Estimating Software Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications4.6 China Construction Estimating Software Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications4.7 Europe Construction Estimating Software Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications4.8 Japan Construction Estimating Software Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications4.9 India Construction Estimating Software Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications4.10 Southeast Asia Construction Estimating Software Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications4.11 South America Construction Estimating Software Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications4.12 South Africa Construction Estimating Software Sales (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Applications5 Global Construction Estimating Software Production Market Analysis by Regions5.1 Global Construction Estimating Software Production (Unit) and Market Share (%) by Regions5.1.1 USA Construction Estimating Software Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.2 Europe Construction Estimating Software Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.3 China Construction Estimating Software Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.4 Japan Construction Estimating Software Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.5 India Construction Estimating Software Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.6 Southeast Asia Construction Estimating Software Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.7 South America Construction Estimating Software Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.1.8 South Africa Construction Estimating Software Market Production Present Situation Analysis5.2 Global Construction Estimating Software Production Value (Million USD) and Share by Region (2013-2018)5.3 Global Construction Estimating Software Price (USD/Unit) by Region (2013-2018)5.4 Global Construction Estimating Software Gross Margin by Region (2013-2018)ContinuedAccess Complete Report @ABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.ADDRES:WISE GUY RESEARCH CONSULTANTS PVT LTDOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, HadapsarPune - 411028Maharashtra, India Automotive Thermostat Market Is Projected to Reflect a High Double-Digit CAGR through 2025 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/21682 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/methodology/21682 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com This market is significantly fragmented, and is characterized by the presence of a number of regional players. Widespread adoption for safety towards high performance cars is being witnessed in developing countries, and manufacturers are focusing on providing a complete range of automotive thermostats. According to the recently published report by Persistence Market Research titled, Automotive Thermostat Market: Global Industry Analysis (2012-2016) and Forecast (2017-2025), the global automotive thermostat market valued at US$ 1,598.3 Mn in 2017, and is projected to be valued at US$ 2,094.5 Mn by 2025 end. The market value is slated to expand at a CAGR of 3.4% over the forecast period.Request Sample Report @Global Automotive Thermostat Market: TrendsTechnological developments fuelling the growth of global automotive thermostat marketIncreased import of aftermarket automotive parts from Asian countriesExpansion of product portfolio to become a one stop shop solution and higher investment to be observed in research & developmentUtilization of high range thermostats to curb vehicular emissionsIncreasing localization of component manufacturing and focus on product innovation and developmentGovernment incentives to attract companiesFocus on manufacturing products that adhere to guidelines & standards issued by regulating bodiesFocus on providing high quality services in order to fulfill the growing consumer expectationsGlobal Automotive Thermostat Market: Forecast by RegionPersistence Market Research has covered five regions of North America, Latin America, Europe, APAC and MEA while examining any market. It has been observed that the APAC automotive thermostat market is estimated to be the most attractive owing to growing automotive production and the strong demand for passenger cars and commercial vehicles from emerging economies such as China, India, and other APAC countries. Growing automotive production in Mexico, followed by Brazil, and the demand for advanced auto parts is estimated to contribute to growth of the Latin America automotive thermostat market during the forecast period. North America automotive thermostat market is anticipated to show relatively steady growth owing to a slowdown in automotive production in U.S. and Canada.Global Automotive Thermostat Market: Forecast by DesignOn the basis of design, global automotive thermostats market is segmented into single valve and dual valve. The single valve segment is expected to emerge as the most attractive component type segment in the automotive thermostat market over the forecast period. The segment has a higher index value in terms of CAGR and incremental $ opportunity. On the other hand, the dual valve segment is expected to hold a minimal share in the global automotive thermostat market throughout the forecast period. However, this segment will witness a steady growth rate over the forecast period.Global Automotive Thermostat Market: Forecast by Sales ChannelSales channel segment includes OEM and aftermarket segments. Growth of OEM segment is largely supported by the changing preference of automakers towards advanced auto components, and the growing adoption of automotive thermostats. The OEM segment accounted for a value share of 56.62% in 2017, and is estimated to reach 57.04% in 2025.Global Automotive Thermostat Market: Forecast by Vehicle TypeOn the basis of vehicle type, the global automotive thermostat market is segmented into passenger car, light commercial vehicle and heavy commercial vehicle. The passenger vehicle segment accounted for a value share of 73.1% in 2017, and is estimated to reach 73.6% in 2025. The passenger vehicle segment is estimated to gain in 60 BPS point. The heavy commercial vehicle segment is estimated to reach 4.7% in 2025. LCV and HC segment is expected to show steady growth in automotive thermostat market.Request to View TOC @Global Automotive Thermostat Market: Key ManufacturersBorgWarner Inc., Continental AG, Denso Corporation, Hella KGaA Hueck & Co., MAHLE GmbH, MotoRad Ltd., Robert Bosch GmbH, Sogefi S.p.A., Valeo SA, Stant Manufacturing, Inc., Tama Enterprises Co., Ltd., Nippon Thermostat Co. Ltd., Vernet SAS, Ningbo Xingci Thermal Electric Appliances Co. Ltd., and K?raca Holding Enterprise are some of the key manufacturers operating in the global market for automotive thermostats.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: Future of the Jordanian Defense Industry-Market Attractiveness, Competitive Landscape and Forecasts to 2023 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/sample/sample/1829066 https://www.marketresearchreports.biz/reports/1829066/future-of-the-jordanian-defense-market-research-reports/toc The Future of the Jordanian Defense Industry - Market Attractiveness, Competitive Landscape and Forecasts to 2023, published by Strategic Defence Intelligence, provides readers with detailed analysis of both historic and forecast defense industry values, factors influencing demand, the challenges faced by industry participants, analysis of industry leading companies, and key news.SynopsisThis report offers detailed analysis of the Jordanian defense industry with market size forecasts covering the next five years. This report will also analyze factors that influence demand for the industry, key market trends, and challenges faced by industry participants.Request to get the sample copy of this report:In particular, it provides an in-depth analysis of the following -- The Jordanian defense industry market size and drivers: detailed analysis of the Jordanian defense industry during 2019-2023, including highlights of the demand drivers and growth stimulators for the industry. It also provides a snapshot of the countrys expenditure and modernization patterns- Budget allocation and key challenges: insights into procurement schedules formulated within the country and a breakdown of the defense budget with respect to capital expenditure and revenue expenditure. It also details the key challenges faced by defense market participants within the country- Import and Export Dynamics: analysis of prevalent trends in the countrys imports and exports over the last five years- Market opportunities:list of the top ten defense investment opportunities over the next 5 years- Competitive landscape and strategic insights: analysis of the competitive landscape of the Jordanian defense industry.Scope- Jordans defense expenditure rose from US$1.6 billion in 2014 to US$2 billion in 2018, at a CAGR of 6.66% due to the countrys precarious security environment, aggravated by the responsibility of hosting a large refugee population.- Attempts to modernize its military equipment will therefore drive its defense expenditure over the forecast period, which is projected to rise from US$2.1 billion in 2019 to US$2.6 billion by 2023, at a CAGR of 5.60%.- Jordan will maintain its budget allocation for capital expenditure at an average of 3.3% over the forecast period, with the US providing military aid.Get full report TOC:Reasons to buy- This report will give the user confidence to make the correct business decisions based on a detailed analysis of the Jordanian defense industry market trends for the coming five years- The market opportunity section will inform the user about the various military requirements that are expected to generate revenues during the forecast period. The description includes technical specifications, recent orders, and the expected investment pattern by the country during the forecast period- Profiles of the top domestic and foreign defense manufacturers . This will provide the user with a total competitive landscape of the sector- A deep qualitative analysis of the Jordanian defense industry covering sections including demand drivers,Key Trends and latest industry contractsMRRbiz supports your business intelligence needs with over 700,000 market research reports, company profiles, data books, and regional market data sheets in its repository. Our document database is updated by the hour, which means that you always have access to fresh data spanning over 300 industries and their sub-segments.State Tower90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207United StatesToll Free: 866-997-4948(USA-Canada)Tel: +1-518-621-2074E: sales@marketresearchreports.biz WASHINGTON A jubilant-sounding President Donald Trump declared Wednesday that his "deal" with Kim Jong Un has ended the North Korean nuclear threat, as his top diplomat said he hoped to see "major disarmament" of the country by 2020. Despite the lack of detail, or binding terms in the joint statement agreed with Kim -- which has alarmed a majority of observers of the nuclear standoff -- Trump struck a resolutely bullish tone. "There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea," he tweeted in one of a series of early morning pronouncements. Trump added that everybody "can now feel much safer than the day I took office" and people could "sleep well tonight!" Critics said the unprecedented encounter between Kim and Trump was more style than substance, producing a document short on specifics about the key issue of Pyongyangs atomic weapons. But the US president trumpeted the outcome as a "deal" with North Korea and vowed there would be "no more rocket launches, nuclear testing or research!" Secretary of State Mike Pompeo, speaking to reporters in Seoul, said the United States hoped for "major disarmament" of North Korea by the end of 2020. In the summit statement, Kim pledged to "work toward the complete denuclearisation of the Korean Peninsula" -- a stock phrase favoured by Pyongyang that stopped short of longstanding US demands for North Korea to give up its atomic arsenal in a "verifiable" and "irreversible" way. When questioned on the wording, Pompeo said Trumps intention was to allow the US the opportunity to pursue further productive conversations on the issue with Pyongyang. "Let me assure you that complete encompasses verifiable in the minds of everyone concerned," Pompeo said. "One cant completely denuclearise without validating, authenticating." Pompeo said he expects the US would next speak to North Korean officials "fairly quickly after we return to our home countries," adding he was "very confident" that some form of engagement would occur in the next week. Meeting of the century In North Korea, state media praised Kim for "opening a new chapter" in relations with the United States, and said Trump had accepted an invitation to visit the North. Just months ago, Kim and Trump were trading threats and personal insults as the North conducted its sixth and most powerful nuclear test. Victor Cha, a former US pointman on North Korea wrote in The New York Times: "Despite its many flaws, the Singapore summit represents the start of a diplomatic process that takes us away from the brink of war." Pyongyang has reason to feel confident after the meeting, where Kim stood as an equal with Trump in front of their nations flags. In North Korea, the official KCNA news agency described the summit as an "epoch-making meeting" that would help foster "a radical switchover in the most hostile (North Korea)-US relations." KCNA also asserted Trump had "expressed his intention" to lift sanctions against the North -- something the US president had said would happen "when we are sure that the nukes are no longer a factor." With the headline: "Meeting of the century opens new history in DPRK-US relations," the Norths ruling Workers Party official daily Rodong Sinmun splashed no fewer than 33 pictures across four of its usual six pages. In Pyongyang, commuters crowded round the spread of images. U Sung Tak, 79, said the future was looking "bright" because Kim was "leading the worlds political trend on the Korean peninsula, steering the wheel of history." Ordinary North Koreans consistently voice unequivocal support for the leadership when speaking to foreign media. War games In his post-summit press conference, Trump made the surprise announcement that the US would halt joint military exercises with its security ally Seoul -- something long sought by Pyongyang, which claims the drills are a rehearsal for invasion. He defended that decision Wednesday, tweeting: "We save a fortune by not doing war games, as long as we are negotiating in good faith - which both sides are!" The Pentagon could not immediately provide an estimate of how much the drills cost. Both Seoul and US military officials have said they had no idea the announcement was coming, while Japans Defense Minister Itsunori Onodera warned the drills played a "vital role in East Asias security." Still, Japan joined fellow world powers from China to the European Union and Russia in welcoming the summit -- while cautioning it was only a first step towards resolving the stand-off with Pyongyang. Echoing that stance, Akira Kawasaki of the ICAN anti-nuclear group said the summit was "a great photo-op," but that "the substance needs to be followed up." AFP During 2017 to 2025, The U.K. Private Healthcare Market is set to Witness a CAGR of 2.8% https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/16030 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/methodology/16030 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com The decline in individual purchases of private medical insurance and low medical cover pay-outs to clinics and hospitals will continue to negatively impact the U.K. private healthcare market. Besides, the country has a well-defined public healthcare structure for its permanent residents. At the point of need, public healthcare coverage is subsidized or offered completely free and is usually paid through general taxation. Persistence Market Research in its latest study reveals that the U.K. private healthcare market is set to expand at a sluggish 2.8% CAGR during the forecast period (20172025). In addition, this market is anticipated to represents an absolute $ opportunity of US$ 321.4 Mn in 2018 over 2017. According to PMR findings, the U.Ks private healthcare sector is much smaller than the public sector. However, a rise in self-pay elective procedures and introduction of attractive packaged pricing is expected to support the countrys private healthcare sector in the near future.PMRs report titled Private Healthcare Market: U.K. Industry Analysis, 2012 2016 and Forecast, 2017 2025 further identifies some of the key trends governing the U.K.s private healthcare market under the influence of multiple factors. Leading private healthcare providers in the country are now offering several fixed packages for various procedures and treatments in an attempt to lure more patients. The focus has shifted toward a more meticulous marketing of medical services to patients. Some of the private companies are using local media and medical scheme membership brochures to reach out to more number of people. Market players are also investing in improving out-patient services, setting up day clinics and sub-acute beds in order to increase their services offerings.Request Report Sample@Hospital of St. Johns & St. Elizabeth, Care UK, CIRCLE HOLDINGS PLC, BMI Healthcare, Nuffield Health, HCA Management Services, L.P., Ramsay Health Care, Spire Healthcare Group plc., The London Clinic, Aspen Healthcare (A Sub. Of Tenet Healthcare), Bupa Cromwell Hospital, The Huntercombe Group, KIMS Hospital, 3fivetwo Group, London Welbeck Hospital, The Bournemouth Private Clinic Limited, Alliance Medical, King Edward VII's Hospital, The Private Clinic, and Vein Centre Limited are the key players operating in the regions private healthcare market. Currently, Ramsay holds the top position in the market, maintaining around 21.1% share despite the growing competition.As per the report, increasing waiting times for various treatment and procedures at public healthcare centers is prompting patients to opt for private healthcare services. This, in turn, is expected to create lucrative market opportunities for private healthcare organizations during the forecast period.Additional Excerpts of the Report Include:The demand for private acute care services, private specialist services, and private patient care services is projected to remain higher as compared to other private healthcare services over 2025. By 2017-end, private hospitals that provide acute care services are expected to account for more than 57% value share of the market.Visit For TOC@Based on end-users, self-pay individuals and NHS referrals are expected to collectively account for a massive market share in terms of revenue. Over the next couple of years, increasing out-of-pocket spending on healthcare expenses is projected to create further demand for private healthcare services in the country.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: Case Packers Market to Register an Impressive CAGR of 5.2% During 2017 2026 | Global Key Players (Blueprint Automation (BPA), Schneider, JLS Automation, Robert Bosch, Massman, Hartness, Brenton, Marchesini) Case Packers Market https://www.marketprognosis.com/sample-request/14137 https://www.marketprognosis.com/buyReport/14137 https://www.marketprognosis.com/enquiry/14137 https://marketprognosis.com Marketprognosis.com Publish a New Market Research Report On Case Packers - Global Market Outlook (2017-2026) which contains global key players survey information and forecast to 2026.Overview of the Global Case Packers Market:The Global Case Packers market is accounted for $1458.4 Million in 2017 and is expected to reach $2314.9 Million by 2026 growing at a CAGR of 5.2% during the forecast period. Demand in the packaging industry and high growth of corrugated packaging, advent of dual function case packers are driving the market growth. However, huge costs requirements and non-compatibility with flexible packaging products are hampering the market growth.Get a Sample Copy of this Report @On the basis of Application, food & beverage industry has acquired largest market share and expected to be largest consumer of case packers market among other applications during the forecast period. On considering machine type, Robotic case packers are expected to remain highest market share due to increasing demand as they behave in similar way as the human arm.By Geography, North America and Europe holds largest market share on huge demand of case packers in terms of capital. However, Asia-Pacific regions are expected to surpass others and remain fastest growing market on establishing industries such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics and personal care and food & beverage. The growing manufacturing and industrial units in the countries such as China and India are also affecting Asia Pacific region.Purchase this report online with 156 Pages, Top Key Players Analysis and List of Tables & Figure @Major Key Players:1 Blueprint Automation (BPA)2 Schneider3 JLS Automation4 Robert Bosch5 Massman LLC6 Hartness International7 Brenton8 Marchesini Group9 Langen Group and More..Market Segment by Machine Types:1 Horizontal2 Overwrapping3 Robotics4 Vertical and Other Machine typesAny Query? Ask to our Expert @This study answers to the below key questions:1 What will the market size be in 2026 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 Case Packers Market.About us:We at Market Prognosis believe in giving a crystal clear view of market dynamics for achieving success in todays complex and competitive marketplace through our quantitative & qualitative research methods.We help our clients identify the best market insights and analysis required for their business thus enabling them to take strategic and intelligent decision.We believe in delivering actionable insights for your business growth and success.Contact us:Market PrognosisPlot. No: 435, Sadanand Chs, B-Cabin Road,Ambernath (E). 421501India.sales@marketprognosis.com+1 973 241 5193 Dental Implant Abutment Systems Market growing at a robust CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period 2017-2027 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/13666 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/methodology/13666 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Dental implant abutment systems is related to the dental implants that take place after finishing the recuperating procedure. These are used to join a crown or bridge to the embedded fixtures. Pre-assembled or stock implants are fabricated in different sizes and shapes and are typically provided by manufacturing organizations along with the implants. A new research report by Persistence Market Research titled Dental Implant Abutment Systems Market: Global Industry Analysis (2012 2016) and Forecast (2017 2027) gives a brief overview of the global dental implant abutment systems market.This exhaustive research report delivers data analytics, analysis on key trends, drivers and restraints of the market along with the revenue forecast for the 10 year period 2017-2027. The report highlights the macroeconomic factors that are responsible for the growth of the market and presents the market size during the forecast period. According to the report estimations, the global dental implant abutment systems market is projected to be valued at more than US$ 1,000 Mn in 2017, and this is expected to reach a value above US$ 1,900 Mn by the end of 2027, growing at a robust CAGR of 6.6% during the forecast period.Request Report Sample@Global Dental Implant Abutment Systems Market: DynamicsSeveral factors are responsible for the growth of the global dental implant abutment systems market. One major driver of the markets growth is the increase in incidences of dental disorders. Also, the CAD/CAM technology is advancing at a fast pace, which has led to its growing adoption for implants. This technology is considered a relatively simple and cost-efficient solution in the implant procedure. Recent production improvements have made the technology cheaper than other technologies currently available in the market.However there are also a few factors that may hamper the markets revenue growth. Mostly it is seen that manufacturers are unable to meet the increasing market demand. This, along with increasing reimbursements and restrictions in dental treatments by regulatory boards is likely to hamper revenue growth of the market over the forecast period.Global Dental Implant Abutment Systems Market: Segmental HighlightsThe global dental implant abutment systems market is divided into various segments. The segmentation is done on the basis of product type, application, end user and region.By product type, stock/prefabricated abutment systems is the dominating segment in terms of market size with a market value of around US$ 711 Mn in 2017. However the custom abutment systems segment is expected to take over the global market with a higher growth rate, registering a CAGR of 7.6% during the forecast period.In terms of application, pre-mill is the leading segment with a market share of over US$ 790 Mn in 2017. However, CAD/CAM segment is ahead of pre-mill in terms of a higher CAGR of 7.5% during the forecast period.By end user, the dental clinics segment is expected to be the largest with a market value of US$ 788 Mn in 2017 and is estimated to reflect a valuation of more than US$ 1,500 Mn by 2027 end, growing at the highest CAGR of 7.0% during the period of forecast.On the basis of region, North America is ahead of all the other regions with the maximum market value of US$ 400 Mn in 2017, which is expected to cross US$ 705 Mn by the end of 2027. The region in the second position is Western Europe, which is expected to reach a market value of around US$ 407 Mn by the end of 2027.Visit For TOC@Global Dental Implant Abutment Systems Market: Competitive LandscapeThe research report includes brief profiles of the key players in the global dental implant abutment systems market. Some of the companies mentioned in the report are Zest Anchors, Friadent GmbH, Zimmer Dental, Ditron Dental, Nobel Biocare Services AG, Institut Straumann AG, Dynamic Abutment Solutions etc.About UsPersistence Market Research (PMR) is a third-platform research firm. Our research model is a unique collaboration of data analytics and market research methodology to help businesses achieve optimal performance.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: Wood Activated Carbon Market Growth Continues to be Driven by Growing Awareness on Resources Conservation Market Research Hub https://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=725236 https://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/wood-activated-carbon-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2016-2024-report.html Consumption of coal in the production of activated carbon has declined, leading to a surge in the adoption of wood as a raw material in activated carbon production, contributing substantially towards the growth of wood activated carbon market. A comprehensive report added to the database of Market Research Hub (MRH) titled, Wood Activated Carbon Market- Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 2024 renders clarity on the impact of various market trends and developments on the growth of wood activated carbon market.Click here for Free Sample Report@Enhanced Product Line and Business Expansions Spearhead Wood Activated Carbon MarketManufacturers in wood activated carbon market are investing ample resources to precisely cater to the rising demand of wood activated carbon. Veterans and new entrants in the market have adequately devised policies that fulfill their objective of customer satisfaction and subsequent retention.A pioneer in wood activated carbon, Cabot Corporation has unleashed new business strategies to harbor its precedence on the growth chart of wood activated carbon market. Launch of new products in wood activated carbon and corporate acquisitions continue to be potent business tools for Cabot, an ace player in wood activated carbon market. Introduction of PROPEL X, a variant of wood activated carbon and recent acquisition of Tech Blend, a leading manufacturer of black masterbatches has ascertained Cabots lead in the wood activated carbon market.Alongside, Carbon Activated Corporation, a veteran in wood activated carbon market has enhanced its business objective to cater to larger wood activated carbon end-users by enunciating a new warehouse in Texas. With this initiative, the company aims to reach out to a larger wood activated carbon customer base.Browse Full Report with TOC@Comprehensive analysis of perspectives contained in the report briefs the readers about the segments that prevail in wood activated carbon market. This section of the report identifies application as the dominant segment. Based on application the market is bifurcated as gas adsorption, removal of impurities, decolorization, and others. This detailed report on wood activated carbon gives the readers thorough understanding about the segments contribution in maximization of revenues, coupled with its influence on wood activated carbon market.Further the report details about the effective business strategies devised by market players in various regions of wood activated carbon market globally. The regions identified in the report include, Europe, North America, APAC, and MEA.Key Players in Wood Activated Carbon MarketThe report is also comprehensive in detailing the marketing tools devised by leading companies of wood activated carbon such that new market entrants and even established companies draw veritable insights that can enhance their investment policies to maximize profit. Key players in wood activated carbon market are Cabot Corporation, Calgon Carbon Corporation, Carbo Tech AC GmbH, Carbon Activated Corporation, and CECA SA among others.About Market Research HubMarket Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports of different sector like chemicals industry research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of industry reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Us90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 800-998-4852 (US-Canada)Email: press@marketresearchhub.com Dysphagia Management Market Revenues Expected to Reach US$ 4,101.3 Million by 2024 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/12988 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/methodology/12988 Rapid improvement of healthcare services is ensuring a qualitative development of medical treatments for dysphagia. The number of outpatients seeking dysphagia management services is also expected to be on a rise globally. More patients are opting for OTC (over-the-counter) drugs over prescription-based medications, which will continue to be a key determinant for growth in demand for dysphagia management since such diseases can be cured orally, without a mandatory medical supervision.According to Persistence Market Researchs report, titled Dysphagia Management Market: Global Industry Analysis & Forecast, 2016-2024, by the end of 2024, the global dysphagia management revenues are likely to reach US$ 4,101.3 million value, a majority of which will be accounted by nutritional solutions products. The report also predicts that global sales of thickeners in nutritional solutions (as dysphagia management products) will net revenues worth over US$ 1,700 million during the forecast period.Request Report Sample@According to the report, over the forecast period, the global dysphagia management market will expand at a healthy CAGR of 6.2%. Growth in global demand for dysphagia management will be paralleled with improvement of medical services & facilities in the global healthcare sector. Increasing presence of specialty clinics and retail pharmacies will further add to the distribution of dysphagia management drugs and treatment solutions.In terms of global revenues, however, hospital pharmacies will continue to lead the worldwide dysphagia management market by reaping more than US$ 1.5 billion by 2024. Although, growth of the global dysphagia management market is likely to be restrained by side-effects of products sold as dysphagia drugs & tubes. Additionally, losing out on market exclusivity is also a key challenge incurred during sales of dysphagia drugs as OTC medications.Global Dysphagia Management Market: Regional AnalysisNorth Americas dysphagia management market is projected to grow substantially, owing to the surging incidences of strokes. Excessive addiction to smoking and binge-drinking is a major factor triggering occurrence of dysphagia-related disorders in North America. By 2024, nearly US$ 1,500 million revenues from sales of dysphagia management will be accrued in North America, among which, oropharangeal dysphagia indications will account for more than a billion dollars in revenues. Europe is also projected to be a key region, lucrative for the growth of dysphagia management market.In terms of global market share, Europes dysphagia management revenues will be contributing to about 27% of global revenues throughout the forecast period. Likewise, increasing production of pharmaceuticals in Asia-Pacific (APAC) region is also expected to favor the growth of dysphagia management in that region. By 2024-end, the APAC dysphagia management market will expand rampantly, registering the highest regional CAGR at 6.9%. On the other hand, Latin America and Middle East & Africa (MEA) regions are likely to incur nascent growth in terms of dysphagia management market value, over the projection period.Visit For TOC@Global Dysphagia Management Market: Competitive LandscapeJapanese pharmaceuticals manufacturer, Eisai Co. Ltd. is globally recognized for specializing in production of drugs for treatment of peptic ulcers and dysphagia. The company is also projected to be developing its businesses in generics production, and will continue co-marketing medications developed by industry leaders such as Johnson & Johnson. North American drugmakers, C. R. Bard, Inc. and Cook Medical Inc., along with Louisiana-based Kent Precision Foods Group, Inc. are also leading players in the global dysphagia management market. Besides, Nutricia Advanced Medical Nutrition, Cipla Ltd., Nestle Health Science, and Astra Zeneca plc. are other leading companies profiled in the 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.com A Comprehensive Study exploring Lighting as a Service (LaaS) Market: Key players in the study (Acuity Brands Lighting, Cooper Industries, Inc, Cree, Inc, Future Energy Solutions) Service (LaaS) Market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/879934-global-lighting-as-a-service-1 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=879934 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/879934-global-lighting-as-a-service-1 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/879934-global-lighting-as-a-service-1 https://www.linkedin.com/company/13388569/ https://www.facebook.com/htfmarketintelligence/ https://twitter.com/htfmarketreport Global Lighting as a Service (LaaS) Market Size, Status and Forecast 2025 is latest research study released by HTF MI evaluating the market, highlighting opportunities, risk side analysis, and leveraged with strategic and tactical decision-making support. The study provides information on market trends and development, drivers, capacities, technologies, and on the changing capital structure of the Global Lighting as a Service (LaaS) Market.This report studies the global Lighting as a Service (LaaS) market size, industry status and forecast, competition landscape and growth opportunity. This research report categorizes the global Lighting as a Service (LaaS) market by companies, region, type and end-use industry.Lighting as a Service (LaaS) Market Overview:If you are involved in the Lighting as a Service (LaaS) 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 Municipal, Commercial, Industrial & Other, Indoor & Outdoor and major players. 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.You can get free access to samples from the report here:Lighting as a Service (LaaS) Market: Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2025Research study is to define market sizes of various segments & countries in previous years and to forecast the values to the next 5-8 years. The report is designed to comprise each qualitative and quantitative elements of the industry facts including: market share, market size (value and volume 2012-17, and forecast to 2025) with admire to each of the areas and countries concerned inside the examination. Furthermore, the report additionally caters the detailed statistics about the vital elements which includes drivers & restraining factors which will define the future growth of the market.Furthermore, the years considered for the study are as follows:Historical year 2013-2017Base year 2018Forecast period** 2018 to 2025 [** unless otherwise stated]Moreover, it will also include the opportunities available in micro markets for stakeholders to invest, detailed analysis of competitive landscape and product services of key players.The designated segments and sub-section of the market are explained below:The Study is segmented by following Product Type: Indoor & OutdoorMajor applications/end-users industry are as follows: Municipal, Commercial, Industrial & OtherSome of the key Manufacturers Involved in the Market are Acuity Brands Lighting, Cooper Industries, Inc, Cree, Inc, Future Energy Solutions, General Electric Lighting, IGOR Inc, Koninklijke Philips N.V, Lunera Lighting & SIB LightingFor each region, market size and end users are analyzed as well as segment markets by types, applications and companies. If opting for the Global version of Lighting as a Service (LaaS) Market analysis is provided for major regions as follows: North 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)Buy this research report @Key Answers Captured in Study areWhich geography would have better demand for product/services?What are the strategies adopted by big players in the regional market?Which country would see the steep rise in CAGR & year-on-year (Y-O-Y) growth?What is the current & expected market size in next five years?What is the market feasibility for long term investment?What opportunity the country would offer for existing and new players in the Lighting as a Service (LaaS) market?What is risk involved for suppliers in the geography?What factors would drive the demand for the product/service in near future?What is the impact analysis of various factors in the Global Lighting as a Service (LaaS) market growth?What are the recent trends in the regional market and how successful they are?Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @There are 15 Chapters to display the Global Lighting as a Service (LaaS) market.Chapter 1, About Executive Summary to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of Global Lighting as a Service (LaaS) market, Applications [Municipal, Commercial, Industrial & Other], Market Segment by Regions United States, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia & India;Chapter 2, objective of the study.Chapter 3, to display Research methodology and techniques.Chapter 4 and 5, to show the Overall Market Analysis, segmentation analysis, characteristics;Chapter 6 and 7, to show the Market size, share and forecast; Five forces analysis (bargaining Power of buyers/suppliers), Threats to new entrants and market condition;Chapter 8 and 9, to show analysis by regional segmentation[United States, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia & India ], comparison, leading countries and opportunities; Regional Marketing Type Analysis, Supply Chain AnalysisChapter 10, focus on identifying the key industry influencers, overview of decision framework accumulated through Industry experts and strategic decision makers;Chapter 11 and 12, Market Trend Analysis, Drivers, Challenges by consumer behaviour, Marketing Channels and demand & supply.Chapter 13 and 14, describe about the vendor landscape (classification and Market Positioning)Chapter 15, deals with Global Lighting as a Service (LaaS) Market sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.Enquire 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 or Oceania [Australia and New Zealand].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 Retailing Market In Philippines Market Trends, Segmentation, Analysis Forecast | Euromonitor - 2022 Retailing, Retailing Market , Retailing Market Growth, Presses Release, RetailingManufacturers, RetailingStatus, Retailing Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/946938-retailing-in-the-philippines https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/946938-retailing-in-the-philippines http://www.wiseguyreports.com Description :The sustained strong economy in the Philippines led to an increase in consumer spending, which was felt across all retail channels. 2017 was a good year for retailing in the Philippines, as the majority of key players increased their outlets and sales, brands emerged to provide more options for Filipinos, and companies continued to improve the shopping experience, with a special focus on convenience. Retailers also benefited from more frequent shopper visits, the continued growth in the basket sEuromonitor Internationals Retailing in Philippines report offers insight into key trends and developments driving the industry. The report examines all retail channels to provide sector insight. Channels include hypermarkets, supermarkets, discounters, convenience stores, mixed retailers, health and beauty retailers, clothing and footwear retailers, furniture and furnishing stores, DIY and hardware stores, durable goods retailers, leisure and personal goods retailers. There are profiles of leading retailers, with analysis of their performance and the challenges they face. There is also analysis of non-store retailing: vending; homeshopping; internet retailing; direct selling, as available.Request For sample Report @Product coverage: Non-Store Retailing, Store-based Retailing.Data coverage: market sizes (historic and forecasts), company shares, brand shares and distribution data.Why buy this report?* Get a detailed picture of the Retailing market;* Pinpoint growth sectors and identify factors driving change;* Understand the competitive environment, the markets major players and leading brands;* Use five-year forecasts to assess how the market is predicted to develop.Euromonitor International has over 40 years experience of publishing market research reports, business reference books and online information systems. With offices in London, Chicago, Singapore, Shanghai, Vilnius, Dubai, Cape Town, Santiago, Sydney, Tokyo and Bangalore and a network of over 800 analysts worldwide, Euromonitor International has a unique capability to develop reliable information resources to help drive informed strategic planning.Complete Report Details @2017 Is A Good Year for Retailing in the PhilippinesA Move Into Underserved MarketsConvenience Stores Continue To Increase in Popularitythe Development of E-commercePositive Prospects for RetailingOperating EnvironmentInformal RetailingOpening HoursSummary 1 Standard Opening Hours by Channel Type 2017Physical Retail LandscapeCash and CarrySeasonalityPayments and DeliveryEmerging Business ModelsMarket DataTable 1 Sales in Retailing by Store-based vs Non-Store: Value 2012-2017Table 2 Sales in Retailing by Store-based vs Non-Store: % Value Growth 2012-2017Table 3 Sales in Store-based Retailing by Channel: Value 2012-2017Table 4 Sales in Store-based Retailing by Channel: % Value Growth 2012-2017Table 5 Store-based Retailing Outlets by Channel: Units 2012-2017Table 6 Store-based Retailing Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2012-2017Table 7 Sales in Non-Store Retailing by Channel: Value 2012-2017Table 8 Sales in Non-Store Retailing by Channel: % Value Growth 2012-2017Table 9 Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2012-2017Table 10 Grocery Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2012-2017Table 11 Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: Value 2012-2017Table 12 Sales in Grocery Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2012-2017Table 13 Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2012-2017Table 14 Grocery Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2012-2017Table 15 Non-Grocery Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2012-2017Table 16 Non-Grocery Specialists: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2012-2017Table 17 Sales in Non-Grocery Specialists by Channel: Value 2012-2017Table 18 Sales in Non-Grocery Specialists by Channel: % Value Growth 2012-2017Table 19 Non-Grocery Specialists Outlets by Channel: Units 2012-2017Table 20 Non-Grocery Specialists Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2012-2017Table 21 Mixed Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space 2012-2017Table 22 Mixed Retailers: Value Sales, Outlets and Selling Space: % Growth 2012-2017Table 23 Sales in Mixed Retailers by Channel: Value 2012-2017Table 24 Sales in Mixed Retailers by Channel: % Value Growth 2012-2017Table 25 Mixed Retailers Outlets by Channel: Units 2012-2017Table 26 Mixed Retailers Outlets by Channel: % Unit Growth 2012-2017Table 27 Retailing GBO Company Shares: % Value 2013-2017Table 28 Retailing GBN Brand Shares: % Value 2014-2017Continued.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. Depth Research of Global Micro SD Cards Market, 2018 https://www.qyresearch.com/request-discount/form/252688/global-micro-sd-cards-market https://www.qyresearch.com/sample-form/form/252688/global-micro-sd-cards-market www.qyresearch.com This report studies the global Micro SD Cards market status and forecast, categorizes the global Micro SD Cards 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 Micro SD Cards 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.Ask for Discount on Research Report@The major manufacturers covered in this reportSanDiskTranscend InformationADATA TechnologiesPanasonicKingston TechnologyMicron TechnologySonySamsung ElectronicsToshibaPNY TechnologiesLexarGeographically, 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 RegionsFor 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 StakeholdersMicro SD Cards ManufacturersMicro SD Cards Distributors/Traders/WholesalersMicro SD Cards Subcomponent ManufacturersIndustry AssociationDownstream VendorsRequest Sample Copy of Report@About Us:QY Research established in 2007, focus on custom research, management consulting, IPO consulting, industry chain research, data base and seminar services. The company owned a large basic data base (such as National Bureau of statistics database, Customs import and export database, Industry Association Database etc), experts resources (included energy automotive chemical medical ICT consumer goods etc.Contact USQY Research, INC.17890 Castleton,Suite 218,City of industry, CA 91748 ?USA: +1 626 295 2442Email ? enquiry@qyrsearch.comWeb ?For other region, contact number given below+86 108 294 5717 Beijing+86 208 665 5165 Guangzhou+86 215 160 1757 Shanghai+852 3062 8839 HK+1 613 366 5094 Canada+81 903 800 9273 Japan+49 176 813 78371Germany+44 203 734 8135 UK+33 172 813 308 France+55 613 181 0478 Brazil+91 114 046 9822 India Global Block Margarine Market Demand by Top Key Players Like Unilever, Bunge, ConAgra, Fuji Oil, BRF, Bunge and Others 2018 - 2025 https://www.researchtrades.com/discount/1505441 https://www.researchtrades.com/request-sample/1505441 https://www.researchtrades.com/report/global-block-margarine-market-professional-survey-report-2018/1505441 www.researchtrades.com This report studies Block Margarine in Global Market, especially in North America, China, Europe, Southeast Asia, Japan and India, with production, revenue, consumption, import and export in these regions, from 2013 to 2018, and forecast to 2025.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market, with production, price, revenue and market share for each manufacturer, coveringGet 15% Discount on this Report@UnileverBungeConAgraDairy CrestZydus CadilaWilmar-InternationalGoodman FielderFuji OilBRFYidiz HoldingUnileverBungeConAgraDairy CrestZydus CadilaWilmar-InternationalOn the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoHardSoftBy Application, the market can be split intoHouseholdFood IndustryOtherBy Regions, this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaIf you have any special requirements, please let us know and we will offer you the report as you want.Request for free sample atTable of ContentsGlobal Block Margarine Market Professional Survey Report 20181 Industry Overview of Block Margarine1.1 Definition and Specifications of Block Margarine1.1.1 Definition of Block Margarine1.1.2 Specifications of Block Margarine1.2 Classification of Block Margarine1.2.1 Hard1.2.2 Soft1.3 Applications of Block Margarine1.3.1 Household1.3.2 Food Industry1.3.3 Other1.4 Market Segment by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 India2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Block Margarine2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Block Margarine2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Block Margarine2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Block MargarineBrowse complete report at3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Block Margarine3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Block Margarine Major Manufacturers in 20173.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Block Margarine Major Manufacturers in 20173.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Block Margarine Major Manufacturers in 20173.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Block Margarine Major Manufacturers in 20174 Global Block Margarine Overall Market Overview4.1 2013-2018E Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2013-2018E Global Block Margarine Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2017 Block Margarine Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales Analysis4.3.1 2013-2018E Global Block Margarine Sales and Growth Rate Analysis4.3.2 2017 Block Margarine Sales Analysis (Company Segment)4.4 Sales Price Analysis4.4.1 2013-2018E Global Block Margarine Sales Price4.4.2 2017 Block Margarine Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment)Who we areResearch Trades has team of experts who works on providing comprehensive analysis pertaining to market research on a global basis. This comprehensive analysis is obtained by a thorough research and study of the ongoing trends and provides predictive data regarding the future estimates, which can be utilized by various organizations for growth purposes.We distribute customized reports that focus on meeting the client's specific requirement. Our database consists of a large collection of high-quality reports obtained using customer-centric approaches, thus providing valuable research insights.Contact us:Email: sales@researchtrades.comCall us: +1 6269994607 (USA), +91 7507349866 (IND)Web:Skype ID: researchtradescon Dental Consumables Market Import | Export Outlook and Global Foresight 2024 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/statistical-reports/enquiry/2873 Global Dental Consumables Market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 6.5% and is expected to reach USD 28,345.3 million by 2024. In Global Dental Consumables Market, dental implants accounted for the largest market share in 2015.Global Dental Consumables is segmented according to the types of dental consumables like dental implants, dental prosthetics, dental restorative material, dental regenerative material, and others. This market is studied including four major regions like America, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Middle East & Africa. Europe holds maximum market share followed by America. In 2015, dental implants had highest market share followed by Dental Prosthetics and Dental Restorative Material. Change in demographic trends, increasing awareness of oral health among people and increasing dental treatments are the reasons growth of dental consumables market globally. Increased competition has been observed between and within the countries as dental care units want to become first choice of patients for theirs dental treatment. Researches reveal that heart disease, flu transmission and low birth weight are associated with periodontal diseases thus underlining the importance of oral health.Global Dental Consumables market statistical report published by Market Research future contains a brief overview of Global Dental Consumables market. By country, the market has been segmented as America, Asia-Pacific, Europe and Middle East & Africa. Europe commands the largest share and is expected to grow continuously during the forecasted period of 2016-2024. The report analyzed the Global Dental Consumables market and presents systematic data of market share on the basis of segments and countries, and its growth rate for 2013 to 2017, along with forecast till 2024.Market Research future through this report aims to provide understanding of the Global Dental Consumables market based on segments & countries, and also assists identification of ongoing trends along with anticipated growth during the forecasted period. For this report, extensive primary research was conducted to gain a deeper insight of the market performance. Various industry experts and Key Opinion Leaders (KOLs) were contacted and interviewed to get an idea of Global Dental Consumables market.List of TablesGlobal Dental Consumables market value by region 2013-2024 US$ MillionGLOBAL DENTAL RESTORATIVE MATERIAL MARKET, BY REGION, 2013-2024 (US$ MILLION)Global Dental Implants Market, By Region, 2013-2024 (US$ Million)Global Dental Prosthetics Market, By Region, 2013-2024 (US$ Million)Global Dental Regenerative Material Market, By Region, 2013-2024 (US$ Million)Global Others Market, By Region, 2013-2024 (US$ Million)List of FiguresFigure 1 Global Dental Consumables market value by region 2013-2024 US$ MillionFigure 2 Global Dental Consumables market share by region 2015(Get our exclusive statistical reports at $299 only, for details, cordially enquire)Enquire now: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.Office No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Global Stent Grafts Sales Market 2018 | Medtronic, Cook Medical, Gore, Endologix, Bard, Terumo, Bolton Medical and Others https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1705431 https://www.researchmoz.us/global-stent-grafts-sales-market-report-2018-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Stent Grafts Sales Market Report 2018" to its huge collection of research reports.In this report,the global Stent Grafts market is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2025,growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2017 and 2025.Geographically,this report split global into several key Regions,with sales (K Units),revenue (Million USD),market share and growth rate of Stent Grafts for these regions,from 2013 to 2025 (forecast),coveringUnited StatesChinaEuropeJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Global Stent Grafts market competition by top manufacturers/players,with Stent Grafts sales volume,Price (USD/Unit),revenue (Million USD) and market share for each manufacturer/player; the top players includingMedtronicCook MedicalGoreEndologixBardTerumoBolton MedicalJotecMicroPortLombard MedicalLifeTech ScientificMerit MedicalOn the basis of product,this report displays the production,revenue,price,market share and growth rate of each type,primarily split intoAAA Stent GraftsTAA Stent GraftsOn 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,includingPeripheral Stent GraftsAortic Stent GraftsOtherTable of ContentsGlobal Stent Grafts Sales Market Report 20181 Stent Grafts Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Stent Grafts1.2 Classification of Stent Grafts by Product Category1.2.1 Global Stent Grafts Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Stent Grafts Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 AAA Stent Grafts1.2.4 TAA Stent Grafts1.3 Global Stent Grafts Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Global Stent Grafts Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Peripheral Stent Grafts1.3.3 Aortic Stent Grafts1.3.4 Other1.4 Global Stent Grafts Market by Region1.4.1 Global Stent Grafts Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2013-2025)1.4.2 United States Stent Grafts Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.3 China Stent Grafts Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.4 Europe Stent Grafts Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.5 Japan Stent Grafts Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Stent Grafts Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.7 India Stent Grafts Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Stent Grafts (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Stent Grafts Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Stent Grafts Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2025)2 Global Stent Grafts Competition by Players/Suppliers,Type and Application2.1 Global Stent Grafts Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global Stent Grafts Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Stent Grafts Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Stent Grafts (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Stent Grafts Sales and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.2.2 Global Stent Grafts Revenue and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.3 Global Stent Grafts (Volume and Value) by Region2.3.1 Global Stent Grafts Sales and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)2.3.2 Global Stent Grafts Revenue and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)2.4 Global Stent Grafts (Volume) by ApplicationGet Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @3 United States Stent Grafts (Volume,Value and Sales Price)3.1 United States Stent Grafts Sales and Value (2013-2018)3.1.1 United States Stent Grafts Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2018)3.1.2 United States Stent Grafts Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2018)3.1.3 United States Stent Grafts Sales Price Trend (2013-2018)3.2 United States Stent Grafts Sales Volume and Market Share by Players (2013-2018)3.3 United States Stent Grafts Sales Volume and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)3.4 United States Stent Grafts Sales Volume and Market Share by Application (2013-2018)4 China Stent Grafts (Volume,Value and Sales Price)4.1 China Stent Grafts Sales and Value (2013-2018)4.1.1 China Stent Grafts Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2018)4.1.2 China Stent Grafts Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2018)4.1.3 China Stent Grafts Sales Price Trend (2013-2018)4.2 China Stent Grafts Sales Volume and Market Share by Players (2013-2018)4.3 China Stent Grafts Sales Volume and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)4.4 China Stent Grafts Sales Volume and Market Share by Application (2013-2018)5 Europe Stent Grafts (Volume,Value and Sales Price)5.1 Europe Stent Grafts Sales and Value (2013-2018)5.1.1 Europe Stent Grafts Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2018)5.1.2 Europe Stent Grafts Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2018)5.1.3 Europe Stent Grafts Sales Price Trend (2013-2018)5.2 Europe Stent Grafts Sales Volume and Market Share by Players (2013-2018)5.3 Europe Stent Grafts Sales Volume and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)5.4 Europe Stent Grafts Sales Volume and Market Share by Application (2013-2018)6 Japan Stent Grafts (Volume,Value and Sales Price)6.1 Japan Stent Grafts Sales and Value (2013-2018)6.1.1 Japan Stent Grafts Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2018)6.1.2 Japan Stent Grafts Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2018)6.1.3 Japan Stent Grafts Sales Price Trend (2013-2018)6.2 Japan Stent Grafts Sales Volume and Market Share by Players (2013-2018)6.3 Japan Stent Grafts Sales Volume and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)6.4 Japan Stent Grafts 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 @ Global Solar Charge Controller Market Expected to Grow at a CAGR 16.2% by 2025 end Market Research Reports Search Engine https://www.mrrse.com/sample/4445 https://www.mrrse.com/solar-charge-controllers-market https://www.mrrse.com/enquiry/4445 https://www.mrrse.com/ An insightful study, titled Solar Charge Controller Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2025 has been freshly broadcasted to the vast research repository of Market Research Reports Search Engine (MRRSE). This 172 page 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.Request ForSample Report @As governments around the world focus their efforts on curbing pollution, the demand for alternative means of deriving power will surge. Against this backdrop various markets recorded tremendous growth in the recent past, the global solar charge controller market being one among them. Transparency Market Research has opined that the market is currently in a transitional phase, chiefly driven by various government initiatives and the shifting preference toward renewable sources to derive energy. Coupled with this, technological innovations and commercialization of solar charge controllers will ensue robust growth in the market.Contrary to aforementioned growth drivers, the market players often incur huge expenses on installation. Furthermore, the maintenance cost of solar charge controllers is really high, thus hindering the smooth sail of the market. Nonetheless, the rising investment in infrastructural development and continued advancements in technology will offer immense opportunities for the growth to the global solar charge controller market in the coming years.To present an in-depth overview, the report segments the global solar charge controller market in terms of type and end use, part from region. Based on type, the solar charge controller market is classified into pulse-width modulation (PWM) charge controller, maximum power point tracking (MPPT) charge controller, and simple 1 or 2 stage controls. Of these, MRRSE has observed rising penetration of PWM across diverse end-use industries. A PWM solar charge controller snips excess solar voltage, which in turn results in a loss of total power. As a result, the excess voltage generated by the solar array is reduced to the voltage value of the battery. Over the last couple of years, PWM solar charge controllers is therefore witnessing high demand. However, in the coming years, the MPPT segment is likely to gain momentum, as it has been established through tests that MPPT charge controllers outperform PWM charge controllers in cold and temperate climates.Browse Full Report with TOC @By end use, utility scale, commercial and industrial buildings, and solar home systems constitute the key segments in the global solar charge controller market. Of these, holding the largest share in the market, utility scale emerged dominant in 2016. Besides this, impressive growth is on cards for industrial and home systems segments as the world realizes the benefit of solar power.In terms of region, the global solar charge controller market has been classified into North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and the Middle East & Africa. Among these regions, Asia Pacific holds the maximum share in the global solar charge controller market. The rising demand for solar charge controllers from economies such as India, China and Japan will create lucrative prospects for the market in the region. The Asia Pacific market is also estimated to be exhibit the highest growth during the course of the reports forecast period due to the increase in the demand from industrial and residential segments. Demand witnessed in Europe and North America might get a little affected in the coming years as they are mature markets, while the Middle East & Africa and the Latin America are identified as emerging markets and are expected to show considerable growth opportunities during the forecast period.Key players in the global solar charge controller market are expected to benefit from the emerging market. Prominent players in the global solar charge controller market are OutBack Power Inc, Xantrex Technologies, Genasun LLC, Luminous Power Technologies Pvt. Ltd, Wenzhou Xihe Electric Co., Ltd, Phocos, Beijing Epsolar Technology Co., Ltd, Steca Elektronik GmbH, and Sollatek among others.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(toll free no)Email: sales@mrrse.comWebsite: Find out Why Business Process Management Software Market Is Thriving Worldwide? Key Manufacturers & Strategic Analysis 2025 Business Process Management Software Market https://www.htfmarketreport.com/sample-report/1148114-global-business-process-management-software-market-1 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/buy-now?format=1&report=1148114 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/reports/1148114-global-business-process-management-software-market-1 https://www.htfmarketreport.com/enquiry-before-buy/1148114-global-business-process-management-software-market-1 https://www.linkedin.com/company/13388569/ https://www.facebook.com/htfmarketintelligence/ https://twitter.com/htfmarketreport https://plus.google.com/u/0/+NidhiBhawsar-SEO_Expert?rel=author Global Business Process Management Software Market Size, Status and Forecast 2025 is latest research study released by HTF MI evaluating the market, highlighting opportunities, risk side analysis, and leveraged with strategic and tactical decision-making support. The study provides information on market trends and development, drivers, capacities, technologies, and on the changing capital structure of the Global Business Process Management Software Market.This report studies the global Business Process Management Software market size, industry status and forecast, competition landscape and growth opportunity. This research report categorizes the global Business Process Management Software market by companies, region, type and end-use industry.Business Process Management Software Market Overview:If you are involved in the Business Process Management Software 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 Government & Defense, BFSI, IT & Telecom, Healthcare, Retail & Manufacturing, Cloud & On-Premise and major players. 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.You can get free access to samples from the report here:Business Process Management Software Market: Demand Analysis & Opportunity Outlook 2023Research study is to define market sizes of various segments & countries in previous years and to forecast the values to the next 5-8 years. The report is designed to comprise each qualitative and quantitative elements of the industry facts including: market share, market size (value and volume 2012-17, and forecast to 2023) with admire to each of the areas and countries concerned inside the examination. Furthermore, the report additionally caters the detailed statistics about the vital elements which includes drivers & restraining factors which will define the future growth of the market.Furthermore, the years considered for the study are as follows:Historical year 2013-2017Base year 2018Forecast period** 2018 to 2023 [** unless otherwise stated]Moreover, it will also include the opportunities available in micro markets for stakeholders to invest, detailed analysis of competitive landscape and product services of key players.The designated segments and sub-section of the market are explained below:The Study is segmented by following Product Type: Cloud & On-PremiseMajor applications/end-users industry are as follows: Government & Defense, BFSI, IT & Telecom, Healthcare, Retail & ManufacturingSome of the key Manufacturers Involved in the Market are Ibm, Appian, Oracle Corporation, Agile Point, Pegasystems, K2 Software, Fujitsu, Bizagi, Tibco Software, Global 360, Red Hat, Intalio & Open TextFor each region, market size and end users are analyzed as well as segment markets by types, applications and companies. If opting for the Global version of Business Process Management Software Market analysis is provided for major regions as follows: North 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)Buy this research report @Key Answers Captured in Study areWhich geography would have better demand for product/services?What are the strategies adopted by big players in the regional market?Which country would see the steep rise in CAGR & year-on-year (Y-O-Y) growth?What is the current & expected market size in next five years?What is the market feasibility for long term investment?What opportunity the country would offer for existing and new players in the Business Process Management Software market?What is risk involved for suppliers in the geography?What factors would drive the demand for the product/service in near future?What is the impact analysis of various factors in the Global Business Process Management Software market growth?What are the recent trends in the regional market and how successful they are?Read Detailed Index of full Research Study at @There are 15 Chapters to display the Global Business Process Management Software market.Chapter 1, About Executive Summary to describe Definition, Specifications and Classification of Global Business Process Management Software market, Applications [Government & Defense, BFSI, IT & Telecom, Healthcare, Retail & Manufacturing], Market Segment by Regions United States, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia & India;Chapter 2, objective of the study.Chapter 3, to display Research methodology and techniques.Chapter 4 and 5, to show the Overall Market Analysis, segmentation analysis, characteristics;Chapter 6 and 7, to show the Market size, share and forecast; Five forces analysis (bargaining Power of buyers/suppliers), Threats to new entrants and market condition;Chapter 8 and 9, to show analysis by regional segmentation[United States, Europe, China, Japan, Southeast Asia & India ], comparison, leading countries and opportunities; Regional Marketing Type Analysis, Supply Chain AnalysisChapter 10, focus on identifying the key industry influencers, overview of decision framework accumulated through Industry experts and strategic decision makers;Chapter 11 and 12, Market Trend Analysis, Drivers, Challenges by consumer behaviour, Marketing Channels and demand & supply.Chapter 13 and 14, describe about the vendor landscape (classification and Market Positioning)Chapter 15, deals with Global Business Process Management Software Market sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data source.Enquire 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 or Oceania [Australia and New Zealand].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 Cyber-Physical System 2018 Market Segmentation,Application,Technology & Market Analysis Research Report to 2025 Cyber-Physical System Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3232779-global-cyber-physical-system-market-size-status-and-forecast-2025 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3232779-global-cyber-physical-system-market-size-status-and-forecast-2025 WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On Cyber-Physical System 2018 Market Segmentation,Application,Technology & Market Analysis Research Report to 2025.This report studies the global Cyber-Physical System market size, industry status and forecast, competition landscape and growth opportunity. This research report categorizes the global Cyber-Physical System market by companies, region, type and end-use industry.A cyber-physical (also styled cyberphysical) system (CPS) is a mechanism that is controlled or monitored by computer-based algorithms, tightly integrated with the Internet and its users. In cyber-physical systems, physical and software components are deeply intertwined, each operating on different spatial and temporal scales, exhibiting multiple and distinct behavioral modalities, and interacting with each other in a myriad of ways that change with context. Examples of CPS include smart grid, autonomous automobile systems, medical monitoring, process control systems, robotics systems, and automatic pilot avionics.Get a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comWestern Europe is in the limelight in the global market because of the presence of leading players in the region who are constantly innovating in order to stay competitive in the market and also to retain their user base in both Western and Eastern Europe.In 2017, the global Cyber-Physical System 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, coveredIBMMicrosoftDellVmwareHPSchneiderSAPHoneywellHitachi VantaraOracleMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report coversUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaMarket segment by Type, the product can be split intoHardwareSoftwareServicesMarket segment by Application, split intoAerospace and DefenseAutomotiveEnergy and UtilityHealthcareManufacturingConsumer ElectronicsOthersComplete Report Details @Table Of Contents Major Key PointsGlobal Cyber-Physical System Market Size, Status and Forecast 20251 Industry Overview of Cyber-Physical System1.1 Cyber-Physical System Market Overview1.1.1 Cyber-Physical System Product Scope1.1.2 Market Status and Outlook1.2 Global Cyber-Physical System Market Size and Analysis by Regions (2013-2018)1.2.1 United States1.2.2 Europe1.2.3 China1.2.4 Japan1.2.5 Southeast Asia1.2.6 India1.3 Cyber-Physical System Market by Type1.3.1 Hardware1.3.2 Software1.3.3 Services1.4 Cyber-Physical System Market by End Users/Application1.4.1 Aerospace and Defense1.4.2 Automotive1.4.3 Energy and Utility1.4.4 Healthcare1.4.5 Manufacturing1.4.6 Consumer Electronics1.4.7 Others2 Global Cyber-Physical System Competition Analysis by Players2.1 Cyber-Physical System Market Size (Value) by Players (2013-2018)2.2 Competitive Status and Trend2.2.1 Market Concentration Rate2.2.2 Product/Service Differences2.2.3 New Entrants2.2.4 The Technology Trends in Future3 Company (Top Players) Profiles3.1 IBM3.1.1 Company Profile3.1.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.1.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.1.4 Cyber-Physical System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.2 Microsoft3.2.1 Company Profile3.2.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.2.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.2.4 Cyber-Physical System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.3 Dell3.3.1 Company Profile3.3.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.3.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.3.4 Cyber-Physical System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.4 Vmware3.4.1 Company Profile3.4.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.4.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.4.4 Cyber-Physical System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.5 HP3.5.1 Company Profile3.5.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.5.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.5.4 Cyber-Physical System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.6 Schneider3.6.1 Company Profile3.6.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.6.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.6.4 Cyber-Physical System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.7 SAP3.7.1 Company Profile3.7.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.7.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.7.4 Cyber-Physical System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.8 Honeywell3.8.1 Company Profile3.8.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.8.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.8.4 Cyber-Physical System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.9 Hitachi Vantara3.9.1 Company Profile3.9.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.9.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.9.4 Cyber-Physical System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)3.10 Oracle3.10.1 Company Profile3.10.2 Main Business/Business Overview3.10.3 Products, Services and Solutions3.10.4 Cyber-Physical System Revenue (Million USD) (2013-2018)4 Global Cyber-Physical System Market Size by Type and Application (2013-2018)4.1 Global Cyber-Physical System Market Size by Type (2013-2018)4.2 Global Cyber-Physical System Market Size by Application (2013-2018)4.3 Potential Application of Cyber-Physical System in Future4.4 Top Consumer/End Users of Cyber-Physical System5 United States Cyber-Physical System Development Status and Outlook5.1 United States Cyber-Physical System Market Size (2013-2018)5.2 United States Cyber-Physical System Market Size and Market Share by Players (2013-2018)5.3 United States Cyber-Physical System Market Size by Application (2013-2018)Continued..For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Office No.528,Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road,Hadapsar,Pune-411028. Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Market 2018 Global Share,Trend,Segmentation and Forecast to 2025 Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/3232719-global-sauces-dressing-and-condiments-market-research-report-2018 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/3232719-global-sauces-dressing-and-condiments-market-research-report-2018 WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Market 2018 Global Share,Trend,Segmentation and Forecast to 2025.This report studies the global Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments market status and forecast, categorizes the global Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments market size (value & volume) by key players, type, application, and region. This report focuses on the top players in North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, South America, and Middle East & Africa.Sauces,dressings and condiments are the blend of herbs, spices, tomato paste, soy sauces, pasta sauces, purees, cooking sauces, ketchup, mayonnaise, mustard, salad dressings, dips and other sauces such as dressings and condiments.Sauces, dressings and condiment are used in sea food products, bakery, fruits and vegetable products, baby foods, ice-cream and dairy productsThe global Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments market is valued at xx million US$ in 2017 and will reach xx million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of 4.5% during 2018-2025.Get a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comThe major manufacturers covered in this reportConAgra Foods Inc.The Kraft Heinz companyGeneral Mills Inc.Unilever Plc.Frito-Lay Co.McDonalds Inc.Nestle S.A.Mars Inc.Hormel Foods CorpKroger Co.Geographically, this report studies the key regions, focuses on product sales, value, market share and growth opportunity in these regions, coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaWe can also provide the customized separate regional or country-level reports, for the following regions: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 intoHouseholdsIndustrial consumersOn 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, includingWholesaleRetailComplete Report Details @Table Of Contents Major Key PointsGlobal Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Market Research Report 20181 Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments1.2 Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Households1.2.4 Industrial consumers1.3 Global Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Segment by Application1.3.1 Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Wholesale1.3.3 Retail1.4 Global Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Market by Region (2013-2025)1.4.1 Global Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments 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 Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Revenue Status and Outlook (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2013-2025).7 Global Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Manufacturers Profiles/Analysis7.1 ConAgra Foods Inc.7.1.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.1.2 Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Product Category, Application and Specification7.1.2.1 Product A7.1.2.2 Product B7.1.3 ConAgra Foods Inc. Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.1.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.2 The Kraft Heinz company7.2.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.2.2 Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Product Category, Application and Specification7.2.2.1 Product A7.2.2.2 Product B7.2.3 The Kraft Heinz company Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.2.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.3 General Mills Inc.7.3.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.3.2 Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Product Category, Application and Specification7.3.2.1 Product A7.3.2.2 Product B7.3.3 General Mills Inc. Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.3.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.4 Unilever Plc.7.4.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.4.2 Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Product Category, Application and Specification7.4.2.1 Product A7.4.2.2 Product B7.4.3 Unilever Plc. Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.4.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.5 Frito-Lay Co.7.5.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.5.2 Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Product Category, Application and Specification7.5.2.1 Product A7.5.2.2 Product B7.5.3 Frito-Lay Co. Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2015-2018)7.5.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.6 McDonalds Inc.7.6.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.6.2 Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Product Category, Application and Specification7.6.2.1 Product A7.6.2.2 Product B7.6.3 McDonalds Inc. Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.6.4 Main Business/Business Overview7.7 Nestle S.A.7.7.1 Company Basic Information, Manufacturing Base, Sales Area and Its Competitors7.7.2 Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Product Category, Application and Specification7.7.2.1 Product A7.7.2.2 Product B7.7.3 Nestle S.A. Sauces, Dressing, and Condiments Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)7.7.4 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. Terminal Management System Market 2018-2023 Grow at 13% CAGR with Trending Key Players: Global Key Players by Honeywell, International, Siemens AG and Rockwell Automation https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/3132 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/terminal-management-system-market-3132 Market Highlights:The global terminal management system market is a very dynamic market and is expected to witness stable growth over the forecast period. The growth of the terminal management system market is influenced by the growing demand for security solutions, growing demand for installation of automation solutions and increasing need for providing various training and maintenance services. Furthermore, high implementation of terminal management solutions is expected to boost the market over the forecast period. However, the complexity of the system is hindering the growth of the terminal management system market.Request a Sample Report@The factors contributing to the growth of the Terminal Management System Market are growing implementation of terminal management solutions in brownfield projects, low operational cost, increasing awareness about security solutions and the increasing awareness about installing automation solutions.Also, the system manages critical issues faced in bulk terminals such as complexity in handling multiple products and regulatory requirements while improving safety and productivity. The benefits of implementing these solutions reduces the risk of loading incorrect quality of product, the solutions are also used to configurable and improves terminal efficiency among others.Terminal Management System Market:According to Market Research Future, market has been segmented into component, project type, vertical and region.On the basis of project type, the market has been segmented into green field and brownfield. Out of these project type, brownfield accounted for the largest market share. The reason is attributed to operational efficiency, increasing awareness regarding automation and increasing demand for training and maintenance services.Key Players:The key players in the global terminal management system market include Honeywell International, Inc. (US), Electric Corporation (Japan), ABB Ltd. (Switzerland), Siemens AG (Germany), Rockwell Automation, Inc. (US), Yokogawa Electric Corporation (Japan), Schneider Electric (France), Implico GmbH (Germany), Emerson Electric Corporation (US), Endress+Hauser Management AG (Switzerland), General Atomics Corp. (California) among others.Market Research Future Analysis:The global terminal management system market is expected to grow significantly over the forecast period, 2017-2023. Oil & Gas segment of terminal management system market globally drives the market majorly due to increasing demand for innovative technologies. The market is expected to have higher growth rate as compared to the previous years.Asia-Pacific region expected to grow at a fast pace over the forecast period, 2017-2023. Countries such as India, Malaysia and Philippines contributes largely to the overall growth of the market, majorly due to the number of automation projects in this region. For instance, Yokogawa Electric Corporation (Japan) signed a contract with Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited (India) in 2015 for better automation of truck loading terminals. Hence, a terminal automation system was provided by both the companies.North-America accounted for the largest market share majorly due to increasing number of green field projects in this region and increasing demand for flexible field device connectivity among othersSegments:For the purpose of this study, Market Research Future has segmented the market of terminal management into component, project type, vertical and region.Component Hardware SoftwareProject Type Greenfield BrownfieldVertical Oil & Gas Chemicals OthersRegion North-America Europe Asia-Pacific RoWAccess Report Details@Intended Audience: Device manufacturers Network Operators Distributors Suppliers Research firms Software Developers Commercial Banks Vendors Semiconductor Manufacturers End-user sectors Technology InvestorsTable of Contents1 Market Introduction1.1 Introduction1.2 Scope of Study1.2.1 Research Objective1.2.2 Assumptions1.2.3 Limitations1.3 Market StructureContinues...List of TablesTable 1 Terminal Management System Market, By ComponentTable 2 Terminal Management System Market, By Project TypeTable 3 Terminal Management System Market, By VerticalContinues...List of FiguresFigure 1 Research MethodologyFigure 2 Terminal Management System Market, By Component (%)Figure 3 Terminal Management System Market, By Project Type (%)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 ENT Devices Market: Global Industry Analysis and Forecast to 2015 to 2021 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3673 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3673 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Ear, nose and throat are some of the most important parts of the human body. It is very essential to keep these parts function properly. There are many factors, such as aging and sinusitis, affect the normal function of these organs. ENT, one of the most important branches of medical science, primarily focused to diagnosis and treatment of the various problems associated with ear, nose and throat.In addition, various ENT devices are available for the diagnosis and treatment of these organs associated diseases. Some of the most common ENT devices are diagnostic devices, surgical devices and therapeutic devices. Deficiencies related to hearing, smelling and speaking are diagnose and treated by the help of these ENT devices.Request to Sample Report @The global ENT devices market is segmented into hearing aid devices, voice prosthesis, diagnostic devices and hearing implants.In terms of geographic, North America dominates the global ENT devices market due to technological advancement in ENT arena in the region. The U.S. represents the largest market for ENT devices followed by Canada in North America. In Europe, France, Germany and the U.K. holds major share of ENT devices market. However, Asia is expected to show high growth rates in the next five years in global ENT devices market. This is due to many companies constructing their device manufacturing facilities in the region. In addition, increasing awareness about ear, nose and throats related medical conditions is also supporting in the growth of ENT devices market in the region. Moreover, rapid urbanization in developing countries of the Asia has also contributed to the growth ENT devices market. Rapid urbanization has increased the prevalence of ENT disorders in the region. This has resulted in significant rise in the demand of ENT devices in Asia. Japan, China and India are expected to be the fastest growing ENT devices markets in Asia.In recent time, increasing aging population and prevalence of ENT disorders are some of the major drivers of global ENT devices market. Aging enhances the probability of hearing loss and disorders of nose and throat. To overcome this problem, aged people require ENT devices for treatment of hearing loss and disorders of nose and throat which further increase the demand of devices.Technological advancement in hearing aid devices has also fueled the growth of global ENT devices market. For instance, introduction of rechargeable consumer hearing aid devices offers numerous advantages compared to the conventional hearing aid devices. Rechargeable hearing aid devices are smaller in sizes. Moreover, these rechargeable hearing aid devices are environmentally friendly and easy to use.However, problem associated with voice prosthesis and high cost of ENT devices are some of the major restraints of global ENT devices market. In addition, less battery life of hearing aid devices and lack of adequate number of professionals to dispense and fit ENT devices also hamper the growth of global ENT devices market. Increasing mergers and collaborations between ENT devices manufacturing companies is key trend of the market.Request Report for TOC @Some of the major companies operating in the global ENT devices market are Cochlear Ltd., Sonova Holding AG, Siemens Healthcare, Starkey Laboratories Inc., William Demant Holding A/S, Widex A/S, GN ReSound A/S, Sonic Innovations Inc., Panasonic Corp., Beltone, Rexton Inc., Avada Hearing Care, Miracle-Ear Inc., MED-EL GmbH, Nuear Hearing Aids Inc., Audiosync Inc., Bernafon, American Hearing Systems Inc., Unitron Hearing Inc. and Zounds 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: Dysthymia Clinical Trial Market Poised to Expand at a Robust Pace Over 2021 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/3745 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/3745 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com Dysthymia is often characterized by chronic depression. Symptoms of dysthymia are the same as for depression and usually not as severe as major depression. Key symptom of dysthymia is daily depressed mood for at least two years. Another symptom of dysthymia include lowered energy, appetite and sleep disturbances and low self-esteem. Dysthymia does not tend to weaken sufferers to perform all their daily routines, although the disorder is severe enough to cause distress and interference with important life relationships, roles and responsibilities. It changes thinking, feelings, and behavior and physical well-being capabilities of the sufferer.In dysthymia, sufferers experienced concentration, decision making difficulties with short term memory and forgetting things all the time. Some of the major thinking disabilities in dysthymia are pessimism, negative thoughts, lowered confidence and self-criticism. In addition, feeling sad for no reason and no longer enjoying activities may be experiencing by sufferers in dysthymia cases.Request to Sample Report @In case of behavior changes, sufferers have eating habits problems, excessive crying and anger and temper problems. Loss of appetite, slowing down and aches and pains are all extremely common physical changes in sufferers. Although all of these physical symptoms would have a debilitating affect on the sufferers life which develop fatigue. The sufferer may go to bed earlier or stay in bed longer, however the amount of sleeping that the person is getting does not add up to the amount that they need.In terms of geographic, North America dominates the global dysthymia clinical trial market. This is due to increased awareness about various signs and symptoms of the disorder in the region. In addition, improved healthcare infrastructure is also supporting in the growth of dysthymia clinical trial market. The U.S.represents the largest market for dysthymia clinical trial market followed by Canada in North America. In Europe, Germany, the U.K., Spain, Italy and France holds major share of dysthymia clinical trial market. However, Asia is expected to show high growth rates in the next five years in global dysthymia clinical trial market. This is due to increasing government supports in the region. Less stringent wages has also boosts dysthymia clinical trial market in Asia. In addition, increasing awareness about various signs and symptoms of the disorder is also supporting in the growth of dysthymia clinical trial market in the region. Japan, China and India are expected to be the fastest growing dysthymia clinical trials markets in Asia.In recent time, improving healthcare infrastructure and rising number of dysthymia cases are some of the major drivers of the global dysthymia clinical trial market.However, strict regulations to enroll patients for clinical trial hamper the growth of global dysthymia clinical trial market. In addition, longer approval time for clinical trials also obstructs the growth of global dysthymia clinical trial market.Request Report for TOC @Some of the major companies and government organizations operating in the global dysthymia clinical trial market are Sanofi, Auckland UniServices Limited, Columbia Northwest Pharmaceuticals, New York State Psychiatric Institute, University of Washington, Centre for Addiction and Mental Health, University Hospital Freiburg, University of Barcelona, St. Lukes-Roosevelt Hospital Center, Sheba Medical Center, University of California, Oregon Health & Science University and Sunnybrook Health Sciences Centre.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 Bioelectronics and Biosensors Market Projected to Grow at a CAGR of 10% to 2025 https://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1825984 https://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/global-bioelectronics-and-biosensors-sales-market-report-2018-report.html http://www.marketresearchhub.com/ https://www.industrynewsanalysis.com/ The market for Bioelectronics and Biosensors is growing with the expansion of this Industry Sector Worldwide. Market Research Hub (MRH) has added a new report titled Global Bioelectronics and Biosensors Market which offer details about the current trends and analysis, as well as scope for the near future. This research study also covers information about the production, consumption and market share based on different active regions. Furthermore, an anticipated growth at a double-digit CAGR for the Bioelectronics and Biosensors sector is highlighted in the report which indicates a prosperous future.Request Free Sample Report:This report studies the global Bioelectronics and Biosensors market status and forecast, categorizes the global Bioelectronics and Biosensors 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).Bioelectronics contribute and evaluate the new technologies to expand the biological sector that enable in raising the efficiency of the medical community. Bioelectronics adopted various number of ideas, methods and technology which are bio electromagnetics, instrumentation, neural networks, robotics, and sensor technologies.First of allthe reason for growth of Bioelectronics and Biosensors market is that Increasing demand for diagnostic as well as monitoring devices such as blood cardiac pacemakers, glucose level and other implantable medical devices.Rising incidence and prevalence rate of diabetes positively influence the biosensors market. Second-North America is expected to gain the dominance due to large number of application in numerous healthcare sectors is expected to boost the demand in the regionThe global Bioelectronics and Biosensors market is valued at 16500 million US$ in 2017 and will reach 32200 million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of 10.0% during 2018-2025.The major players covered in this reportBayerAbbott Point of CareF. Hoffmann-La RocheAgaMatrixMedtronicNova Biomedical CorpLifeSensors...Geographically, this report studies the key regions, focuses on product sales, value, market share and growth opportunity in these regions, coveringUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaWe can also provide the customized separate regional or country-level reports, for the following regions: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 intoElectrochemical BiosensorsThermal BiosensorsPiezoelectric BiosensorsOptical BiosensorsOn 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, includingCare TestingHome Healthcare DiagnosticsFood IndustryResearch LaboratoriesBrowse Full Report with TOC:Table of Content:Global Bioelectronics and Biosensors Sales Market Report 20181 Bioelectronics and Biosensors Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Bioelectronics and Biosensors1.2 Classification of Bioelectronics and Biosensors by Product Category1.2.1 Global Bioelectronics and Biosensors Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Bioelectronics and Biosensors Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Electrochemical Biosensors1.2.4 Thermal Biosensors1.2.5 Piezoelectric Biosensors1.2.6 Optical Biosensors1.3 Global Bioelectronics and Biosensors Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Global Bioelectronics and Biosensors Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.1 Care Testing1.3.2 Home Healthcare Diagnostics1.3.3 Food Industry1.3.4 Research Laboratories1.4 Global Bioelectronics and Biosensors Market by Region1.4.1 Global Bioelectronics and Biosensors Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2013-2025)1.4.2 United States Bioelectronics and Biosensors Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.3 Europe Bioelectronics and Biosensors Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.4 China Bioelectronics and Biosensors Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.5 Japan Bioelectronics and Biosensors Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Bioelectronics and Biosensors Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.7 India Bioelectronics and Biosensors Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Bioelectronics and Biosensors (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Bioelectronics and Biosensors Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Bioelectronics and Biosensors Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2025)2 Global Bioelectronics and Biosensors Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global Bioelectronics and Biosensors Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global Bioelectronics and Biosensors Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Bioelectronics and Biosensors Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Bioelectronics and Biosensors (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Bioelectronics and Biosensors Sales and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.2.2 Global Bioelectronics and Biosensors Revenue and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.3 Global Bioelectronics and Biosensors (Volume and Value) by Region2.3.1 Global Bioelectronics and Biosensors Sales and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)2.3.2 Global Bioelectronics and Biosensors Revenue and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)2.4 Global Bioelectronics and Biosensors (Volume) by Application.. @@ ContinuedAbout Market Research HubMarket Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of semiconductor market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Us90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 800-998-4852 (US-Canada)Email: press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite:Read Industry News at - Global Solar PV Backsheets Market Survey 2018 | Coveme, DUNMORE, Isovoltaic, Toppan, KREMPEL GmbH, Toray and Others https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1705838 https://www.researchmoz.us/global-solar-pv-backsheets-market-professional-survey-report-2018-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Solar PV Backsheets Market Professional Survey Report 2018" to its huge collection of research reports.This report studies Solar PV Backsheets in Global market,especially in North America,China,Europe,Southeast Asia,Japan and India,with production,revenue,consumption,import and export in these regions,from 2013 to 2018,and forecast to 2025.This report focuses on top manufacturers in global market,with production,price,revenue and market share for each manufacturer,coveringCovemeDUNMOREIsovoltaicToppanKREMPEL GmbHTorayTaiflexToyal3MSFCMadicoSuzhou Sunshine New Materials TechnologyShanghai SCH FilmtecFUJIFILMZTTTargrayHangzhou Hongfu TechnologiesHoneywellJolywoodHANGZHOU FIRST PV MATERIALRenewSysTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @On the basis of product,this report displays the production,revenue,price,market share and growth rate of each type,primarily split intoComposite TypeCoating TypeOthersBy Application,the market can be split intoResidentialCommercial UseBy Regions,this report covers (we can add the regions/countries as you want)North AmericaChinaEuropeSoutheast AsiaJapanIndiaTable of ContentsGlobal Solar PV Backsheets Market Professional Survey Report 20181 Industry Overview of Solar PV Backsheets1.1 Definition and Specifications of Solar PV Backsheets1.1.1 Definition of Solar PV Backsheets1.1.2 Specifications of Solar PV Backsheets1.2 Classification of Solar PV Backsheets1.2.1 Composite Type1.2.2 Coating Type1.2.3 Others1.3 Applications of Solar PV Backsheets1.3.1 Residential1.3.2 Commercial Use1.3.3 Application 31.4 Market Segment by Regions1.4.1 North America1.4.2 China1.4.3 Europe1.4.4 Southeast Asia1.4.5 Japan1.4.6 India2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Solar PV Backsheets2.1 Raw Material and Suppliers2.2 Manufacturing Cost Structure Analysis of Solar PV Backsheets2.3 Manufacturing Process Analysis of Solar PV Backsheets2.4 Industry Chain Structure of Solar PV BacksheetsGet Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @3 Technical Data and Manufacturing Plants Analysis of Solar PV Backsheets3.1 Capacity and Commercial Production Date of Global Solar PV Backsheets Major Manufacturers in 20173.2 Manufacturing Plants Distribution of Global Solar PV Backsheets Major Manufacturers in 20173.3 R&D Status and Technology Source of Global Solar PV Backsheets Major Manufacturers in 20173.4 Raw Materials Sources Analysis of Global Solar PV Backsheets Major Manufacturers in 20174 Global Solar PV Backsheets Overall Market Overview4.1 2013-2018E Overall Market Analysis4.2 Capacity Analysis4.2.1 2013-2018E Global Solar PV Backsheets Capacity and Growth Rate Analysis4.2.2 2017 Solar PV Backsheets Capacity Analysis (Company Segment)4.3 Sales Analysis4.3.1 2013-2018E Global Solar PV Backsheets Sales and Growth Rate Analysis4.3.2 2017 Solar PV Backsheets Sales Analysis (Company Segment)4.4 Sales Price Analysis4.4.1 2013-2018E Global Solar PV Backsheets Sales Price4.4.2 2017 Solar PV Backsheets Sales Price Analysis (Company Segment)5 Solar PV Backsheets Regional Market Analysis5.1 North America Solar PV Backsheets Market Analysis5.1.1 North America Solar PV Backsheets Market Overview5.1.2 North America 2013-2018E Solar PV Backsheets Local Supply,Import,Export,Local Consumption Analysis5.1.3 North America 2013-2018E Solar PV Backsheets Sales Price Analysis5.1.4 North America 2017 Solar PV Backsheets Market Share Analysis5.2 China Solar PV Backsheets Market Analysis5.2.1 China Solar PV Backsheets Market Overview5.2.2 China 2013-2018E Solar PV Backsheets Local Supply,Import,Export,Local Consumption Analysis5.2.3 China 2013-2018E Solar PV Backsheets Sales Price Analysis5.2.4 China 2017 Solar PV Backsheets Market Share Analysis5.3 Europe Solar PV Backsheets Market Analysis5.3.1 Europe Solar PV Backsheets Market Overview5.3.2 Europe 2013-2018E Solar PV Backsheets Local Supply,Import,Export,Local Consumption Analysis5.3.3 Europe 2013-2018E Solar PV Backsheets Sales Price Analysis5.3.4 Europe 2017 Solar PV Backsheets Market Share Analysis5.4 Southeast Asia Solar PV Backsheets Market Analysis5.4.1 Southeast Asia Solar PV Backsheets Market Overview5.4.2 Southeast Asia 2013-2018E Solar PV Backsheets Local Supply,Import,Export,Local Consumption Analysis5.4.3 Southeast Asia 2013-2018E Solar PV Backsheets Sales Price Analysis5.4.4 Southeast Asia 2017 Solar PV Backsheets Market Share Analysis5.5 Japan Solar PV Backsheets Market Analysis5.5.1 Japan Solar PV Backsheets Market Overview5.5.2 Japan 2013-2018E Solar PV Backsheets Local Supply,Import,Export,Local Consumption Analysis5.5.3 Japan 2013-2018E Solar PV Backsheets Sales Price Analysis5.5.4 Japan 2017 Solar PV Backsheets Market Share Analysis5.6 India Solar PV Backsheets Market Analysis5.6.1 India Solar PV Backsheets Market Overview5.6.2 India 2013-2018E Solar PV Backsheets Local Supply,Import,Export,Local Consumption Analysis5.6.3 India 2013-2018E Solar PV Backsheets Sales Price Analysis5.6.4 India 2017 Solar PV Backsheets Market Share Analysis6 Global 2013-2018E Solar PV Backsheets Segment Market Analysis (by Type)6.1 Global 2013-2018E Solar PV Backsheets Sales by Type6.2 Different Types of Solar PV Backsheets Product Interview Price Analysis6.3 Different Types of Solar PV Backsheets Product Driving Factors Analysis6.3.1 Composite Type of Solar PV Backsheets Growth Driving Factor Analysis6.3.2 Coating Type of Solar PV Backsheets Growth Driving Factor Analysis6.3.3 Others of Solar PV Backsheets Growth Driving Factor AnalysisContinue...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 @ Global Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Market Expected Grow at a CAGR of 0.2% to 2025 https://www.marketresearchhub.com/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1825998 https://www.marketresearchhub.com/report/global-circulating-fluidized-bed-cfb-sales-market-report-2018-report.html http://www.marketresearchhub.com/ https://www.industrynewsanalysis.com/ The market for Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) is growing with the expansion of this Industry Sector Worldwide. Market Research Hub (MRH) has added a new report titled Global Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Sales Market Report 2018 which offer details about the current trends and analysis, as well as scope for the near future. This research study also covers information about the production, consumption and market share based on different active regions. Furthermore, an anticipated growth at a double-digit CAGR for the Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) sector is highlighted in the report which indicates a prosperous future.Request Free Sample Report:This report studies the global Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) market status and forecast, categorizes the global Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) 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).Power Fluid circulating fluidized bed (CFB) boilers are used for steam and power generation. They are characterized by their unmatched fuel flexibility and cover nearly all solid fuels from coal and biomass to alternative fuels and wastes. The clean combustion technology delivers high efficiency and reliability with lowest emissions.The CFB boiler allows for using a wide range of fuels, from conventional fuels such as coal to biomass as a primary fuel. Co-firing with waste materials, sludge or RDF is a typical application of CFB technology.Worldwide, Europe is the technology beginning source of CFB; but China is the largest market of CFB as thermal power accounts quite large percentage of total power demand in China. And countries such as India, Australia and Brazil are regarded as emerging market.Currently, there are few enterprises own designing and manufacturing technology of CFB boiler; the market is quite concentrated. Some enterprises in China had successfully entered into the CFB industry by importing technology from enterprises such as Alstom and Foster Wheeler.Chinese CFB boiler enterprises are actively open the overseas market, in the next few years, Chinese CFB boiler exports is forecasted to grow year by year.The global Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) market is valued at 950 million US$ in 2017 and will reach 970 million US$ by the end of 2025, growing at a CAGR of 0.2% during 2018-2025.The major players covered in this reportGE-AlstomFoster WheelerBabcock & WilcoxMHIRafakoDongfang BoilerHarbin BoilerShanghai Industrial BoilerJinan BoilerZhengzhou BoilerWuxi Huaguang BoilerGeographically, this report studies the key regions, focuses on product sales, value, market share and growth opportunity in these regions, coveringUnited StatesEuropeChinaJapanSoutheast AsiaIndiaWe can also provide the customized separate regional or country-level reports, for the following regions: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 intoSubcritical Circulating Fluidized Bed BoilerSupercritical Circulating Fluidized Bed BoilerUltra-supercritical Circulating Fluidized Bed BoilerOn 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, includingThermal Power PlantWaste DisposalIndustrial BoilerBrowse Full Report with TOC:Table of Content:Global Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Sales Market Report 20181 Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB)1.2 Classification of Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) by Product Category1.2.1 Global Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Market Size (Sales) Comparison by Type (2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Market Size (Sales) Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Subcritical Circulating Fluidized Bed Boiler1.2.4 Supercritical Circulating Fluidized Bed Boiler1.2.5 Ultra-supercritical Circulating Fluidized Bed Boiler1.3 Global Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Market by Application/End Users1.3.1 Global Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Sales (Volume) and Market Share Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.1 Thermal Power Plant1.3.2 Waste Disposal1.3.3 Industrial Boiler1.4 Global Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Market by Region1.4.1 Global Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Market Size (Value) Comparison by Region (2013-2025)1.4.2 United States Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.3 Europe Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.4 China Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.5 Japan Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.6 Southeast Asia Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.7 India Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.5 Global Market Size (Value and Volume) of Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Sales and Growth Rate (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Revenue and Growth Rate (2013-2025)2 Global Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Competition by Players/Suppliers, Type and Application2.1 Global Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Market Competition by Players/Suppliers2.1.1 Global Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Sales and Market Share of Key Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Revenue and Share by Players/Suppliers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) (Volume and Value) by Type2.2.1 Global Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Sales and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.2.2 Global Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Revenue and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)2.3 Global Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) (Volume and Value) by Region2.3.1 Global Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Sales and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)2.3.2 Global Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) Revenue and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)2.4 Global Circulating Fluidized Bed (CFB) (Volume) by Application.. @@ ContinuedAbout Market Research HubMarket Research Hub (MRH) is a next-generation reseller of research reports and analysis. MRHs expansive collection of machinery market research reports has been carefully curated to help key personnel and decision makers across industry verticals to clearly visualize their operating environment and take strategic steps.MRH functions as an integrated platform for the following products and services: Objective and sound market forecasts, qualitative and quantitative analysis, incisive insight into defining industry trends, and market share estimates. Our reputation lies in delivering value and world-class capabilities to our clients.Contact Us90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United StatesToll Free: 800-998-4852 (US-Canada)Email: press@marketresearchhub.comWebsite:Read Industry News at - Threat Intelligence Market Prophesied to Grow at a Faster Pace by 2025 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/samples/20140 https://www.persistencemarketresearch.com/toc/20140 http://www.persistencemarketresearch.com The growth of cyber-attacks against organizations and entities have made traditional cybersecurity measures virtually outdated which has given rise to the requirement of threat intelligence. It is the knowledge that helps organizations to comprehend the risks caused by common and severe external threats. Many a time the organizations face risks like zero-day threats, and exploits. These threats exploit the vulnerability and generate an incident which can cause harm to the company. Thus, solutions like threat intelligence help to inform an organization about prevailing or emerging hazard to their resources and provides with intelligent decisions as a response to them.The industries using threat intelligence the most are healthcare, manufacturing, and financial services since they are most regularly targeted for attacks. Also, the most common type of attacks to any organization is coming in the form of emails and malware. These are the latest trends in the threat intelligence market.Threat Intelligence market: Drivers and RestraintsIn organizations, it is hard to determine the indicators which are causing them threats. Thus, threat intelligence is necessary to save an organization from any attack. Also, the information security offices have no control over the threats or attacks to any organization. Such factors are driving the use of threat intelligence in the market.The threat intelligence is a very complex concept to understand and any new analyst coming to a company will not be able to understand the information provided by it and thus wont be able to take necessary actions. Also, training of professions is difficult. Such factors are challenging the growth of the market. Also, the organization must know where this threat intelligence has to be applied exactly.Request Sample Report @Threat Intelligence market: SegmentationSegmentation based on components of Threat Intelligence in Market:Software PlatformSupport ServicesSegmentation based on format type of Threat Intelligence in Market:Internet based SolutionFile based SolutionMobile based SolutionSegmentation based on applications of Threat Intelligence in Market:Information security ManagementLog ManagementRisk ManagementIdentity & Access managementOthersSegmentation based on Industries of Threat Intelligence in Market:BFSITelecommunicationRetailHealthcareEnergy & UtilitiesManufacturingOther IndustriesThreat Intelligence market: Competitive LandscapeThe key players in the market are iSIGHT Partners Inc., Symantec Corporation, Looking Glass, Inc., Dell EMC, VeriSign, Inc., Crowdstrike Inc., Alienvault, Inc., EclecticIQ BV, Anomali, Inc. and ThreatQuotient Inc.Request to Browse Full Table of Content, figure and Tables @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: Global Plasma Protein Therapeutics Market - Industry Analysis, Forecast 2017 - 2024 Plasma Protein Therapeutics https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=789845 https://www.researchmoz.us/plasma-protein-therapeutics-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2016-2024-report.html/toc "Plasma Protein Therapeutics Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast 2017 - 2024" with coming years Industries Trends, projections of Global Growth, Major key player and Case study, Review, Share, Size, Effect.' '-Global Plasma Protein Therapeutics Market: OverviewTransparency Market Researchs new report on the global plasma protein therapeutics market presents detailed insights into growth of the market for the 2017-2024 forecast timeframe. The growth analysis of this market for the aforementioned forecast period is presented based on past and current growth scenario. The report comprises a detailed executive summary, wherein a market snapshot provides information on various segments and sub-segments. Included in this section is valuable insights into leading segments in terms of product type, application, and geography. The report presents revenue projections of leading segments in terms of US$ Mn.. . Get Sample Report_' 'The market overview section provides qualitative analysis of the overall plasma protein therapeutics market, which looks into growth indicators and factors governing this market through 2024. In addition, market attractiveness analysis based on growth in key regional markets and competitive outlook of the plasma protein therapeutics market are a highlight of this section. The competitive hierarchy has been evaluated based on market share analysis of companies in the plasma protein therapeutics market. Insights into competitive landscape will help existing as well as new participants to formulate lucrative strategies to establish in this market.-Global Plasma Protein Therapeutics Market: Research MethodologyThe report is a result of a meticulous primary and secondary research phase. Primary research constitute major part of research efforts wherein analysts reached out to industry experts and opinion leaders for insights on the growth of plasma protein therapeutics market. Analysts conducted face to face interviews, telephonic interviews along with e-mail interactions to reach out to industry experts. Participants reached out in the primary research phase typically include biologists, academicians, researchers, and medical personnel.Secondary research comprised study of company websites, press releases, relevant business documents, annual reports, and various national and internal databases. Science journals, industry publications, trade publications, technical literature, and webcasts specific to companies were some other secondary sources reached out for the study. The extensive secondary research phase helped evaluate market size, top products, top industry players, industry associations, etc.. . More Clear Details get Table of Contents_' 'Following primary and secondary research, data triangulation method along with inputs from in-house experts validated the growth analysis of plasma protein therapeutics market. Using MS-Excel, data was sorted to further aid determine the growth chart of plasma protein therapeutics market. Finally, insights obtained from industry experts and information scrutinized were collated in PDF format.-Global Plasma Protein Therapeutics Market: Competitive OutlookIncluded in the report is a competitive dashboard of the plasma protein therapeutics market. It identifies leading players operating in the plasma protein therapeutics market along with an elaborate competitive profile of each of them. Technological advancements, product portfolio, business strategy, and financials are some of the parameters based on which key players in the plasma protein therapeutics market have been profiled. An analysis of strength, weakness, threat, and opportunities of key players through 2024 is a highlight of this report.Continue.....ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Researchmoz Global Pvt. Ltd.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States,Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free),Tel: +1-518-621-2074 Pharmaceuticals Packaging Market Set for Rapid Growth and Trend by 2023 https://www.marketstudyreport.com/request-a-sample/1143906/ https://www.marketstudyreport.com/check-for-discount/1143906/ https://www.marketstudyreport.com https://www.marketstudyreport.com/blog/ MarketStudyReport.com published Pharmaceuticals Packaging Market from its database which covers the market landscape and its growth prospects over the coming years.Pharmaceutical Packaging market is the packages used for medicine. It includes glass packaging, plastic packaging, aluminum foil packaging, and other pharmaceutical packaging. And applications of pharmaceuticals packaging are oral drugs, injectable and other areas.Scope of the Report:This report focuses on the Pharmaceuticals Packaging 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.New, environmentally friendly, and convenient India pharmaceutical packaging is the future development trend of pharmaceutical packaging market.ith the aging process accelerated, the pharmaceutical packaging market for the drugs for older persons will have a considerable development.The worldwide market for Pharmaceuticals Packaging is expected to grow at a CAGR of roughly xx% over the next five years, will reach xx million US$ in 2023, from xx million US$ in 2017, according to a new GIR (Global Info Research) study.Request a sample copy of Pharmaceuticals Packaging Market Research Report @Market Segment by Manufacturers, this report covers Gerresheimer, Amcor, ACG, Gerresheimer, Schott, DuPont, West-P, Bilcare, Nipro, AptarGroup, Svam Packaging, Bemis Healthcare, Datwyler, NGPACK, Jal Extrusion, SGD.Market Segment by Regions, regional analysis covers:North 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)Market Segment by Table of Contents:Global Pharmaceuticals Packaging Market OverviewGlobal Pharmaceuticals Packaging Market Manufacturers ProfilesGlobal Pharmaceuticals Packaging Market Competition, by ManufacturerGlobal Pharmaceuticals Packaging Market Analysis by RegionsGlobal Pharmaceuticals Packaging by CountriesGlobal Pharmaceuticals Packaging Market Segment by TypeGlobal Pharmaceuticals Packaging Market Segment by ApplicationPharmaceuticals Packaging Market Forecast (2018-2023)Sales Channel, Distributors, Traders and DealersResearch Findings and ConclusionAppendixMarket Segment by Type, covers Plastic and PolymersPaper & PaperboardGlassAluminum FoilOthersMarket Segment by Applications, can be divided into Oral DrugsInjectableOthersEnquire For Discount on Pharmaceuticals Packaging Market Research Report @There are 15 Chapters to deeply display the global Pharmaceuticals Packaging market.Chapter 1, to describe Pharmaceuticals Packaging Introduction, product scope, market overview, market opportunities, market risk, market driving force;Chapter 2, to analyze the top manufacturers of Pharmaceuticals Packaging, with sales, revenue, and price of Pharmaceuticals Packaging, in 2016 and 2018;Chapter 3, to display the competitive situation among the top manufacturers, with sales, revenue and market share in 2016 and 2018;Chapter 4, to show the global market by regions, with sales, revenue and market share of Pharmaceuticals Packaging, for each region, from 2012 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 2012 to 2018;Chapter 12, Pharmaceuticals Packaging market forecast, by regions, type and application, with sales and revenue, from 2018 to 2023;Chapter 13, 14 and 15, to describe Pharmaceuticals Packaging sales channel, distributors, traders, dealers, Research Findings and Conclusion, appendix and data sourceCentralize market research purchases across your entire organization in one place.Marketstudyreport.com allows you to manage and control all corporate research purchases to consolidate billing and vendor management. You can eliminate duplicate purchases and customize your content and license management.Market Study Report4 North Main Street,Selbyville, Delaware 19975USAPhone: 1-302-273-0910US Toll Free: 1-866-764-2150Email:sales@marketstudyreport.comWebsite:Blog:Industry News: news.marketsizeforecasters.comConnect with us:Google+ | LinkedIn | Twitter Egg Allergy Market 2018 2023 Expectance | By Top Most International Prestigious Players; Genentech, Inc., Novartis AG., Pfizer, Etc Egg Allergy Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/4734 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/check-discount/4734 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/enquiry/4734 The report predicts the Global Egg Allergy Market to grow with a CAGR of 6.5% over the forecast period of 2017-2023. The study on Egg Allergy Market covers the analysis of the leading geographic such as America, Europe, Asia-Pacific. The report on Egg Allergy Market is a comprehensive study and presentation of drivers, restraints, challenges, demand factors, market size, forecasts, and trends in the Global Egg Allergy Market over the period of 2017 to 2023.Egg allergy is defined as an allergic reaction induced due to immunological nature of egg proteins. The condition includes other allergic syndromes as well such as atopic dermatitis and eosinophilic esophagitis. Egg allergy is more prevalent in children and can outgrow before adolescence.Increasing prevalence of egg allergy, consumer awareness and improved allergy diagnosis, increasing incidences of asthma, and increasing incidences of asthma promote the growth of Egg Allergy Market. As per the study published in Pediatric Clinics of North America journal in 2014, the prevalence rate of egg allergy in German children is 0.0004%, 0.6% in children from Mexico, and 1.6% in Danish children. In the United States, 1.3% of prevalence rate was reported.It is estimated that egg allergy market is expected to grow at a CAGR 6.5% during the forecast period of 2017-2023.Get Sample Copy of Report @Regional Analysis of Egg Allergy MarketThe Americas dominate the Egg Allergy Market owing to the increasing consumer awareness among people, and high healthcare expenditure. According to the study published in the JAMA Pediatrics journal in 2013, the overall cost incurred by the food allergy in the United States was nearly USD 25 billion annually.Europe holds the second position in an Egg Allergy Market. It is found that increasing incidence of egg allergy due to egg protein will drive the market in Europe region.Asia Pacific represents the fastest growing Egg Allergy Market owing to the increasing innovation in allergen-free food products, and increasing per capita spending on healthcare.Key Players of Egg Allergy MarketSome of key the players in the Egg Allergy Market are Genentech, Inc., Novartis AG., Pfizer Inc., Sun Pharmaceutical Industries Ltd., Bayer AG, Abbott, Astellas, Sanofi, Merck & Co., Inc., Creative Diagnostic Medicare Pvt. Ltd., and ImmuneTech.Key Questions Answered In This Report:What will the market size and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?What are the market opportunities and threats faced by the key vendors?What are the strengths and weaknesses of the key vendors?Get Prime Discount on Report @Some Brief Table of ContentChapter 1. Report PrologueChapter 2. Market Introduction2.1 Definition2.2 Scope Of The Study2.2.1 Research Objective2.2.2 Assumptions2.2.3 LimitationsChapter 3. Research Methodology3.1 Introduction3.2 Primary Research3.3 Secondary Research3.4 Market Size EstimationChapter 4. Market Dynamics4.1 Drivers4.2 Restrains4.3 OpportunitiesTOC ContinuedIf you have specific Requirement, ask to our Experts @About Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Statistical Report, Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.Contact Us:Market Research FutureHadapsar, Pune 411028Maharashtra, IndiaPhone: +1 646 845 9312Email: sales@marketresearchfuture.com Global NGS Data Analysis Market Overview with Size, Share, Growth, Industry Demand, Forecast and Application Analysis To 2026 https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=505 https://www.factmr.com/report/505/ngs-data-analysis-market https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=D&rep_id=505 https://www.factmr.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/factmr/ Recently, a novel report developed using proven research methodologies at the headquarters of Fact. MR has identified various prominent factors and trends prompting market growth of ngs data analysis market. The study is titled as NGS Data Analysis Market Forecast, Trend Analysis & Competition Tracking Global Review 2017 to 2026, which deeply analyses the global market trends, with historical data from 2017 and 2018, and projections of compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) during the mentioned forecast of 2017-2026. For the benefit of the readers, the report concludes with a special focus on the detailed profiles of the major vendors in the global ngs data analysis market.Request for Sample Report-A new report of Fact.MR envisages the global market for NGS data analysis to record a spectacular growth during the forecast period (2017-2026). Approximately US$ 280 Mn revenues are estimated to be generated by sales of NGS data analysis solutions worldwide by 2026-end.3 Key Future Projections of NGS Data Analysis Market for Forecast Period 2017-20261. On the basis of technique, sequencing by synthesis (SBS) has been estimated to remain dominant in the global NGS data analysis market, in terms of revenues. Ion semiconductor sequencing will also endure as a lucrative technique for NGS data sequencing worldwide. Revenues from real-time (SMRT) technology will continue to be sluggish in the market.2. Academic research institutes will remain the most remunerative end-users of NGS data analysis. Sales of NGS data analysis solutions in academic research institutes are projected to record the fastest expansion through 2026.3. Hospitals are also expected to prevail as lucrative end-users of NGS data analysis, with revenues poised to exceed US$ 60 Mn by 2026-end.North America to Remain Largest Market for NGS Data AnalysisNorth America is home to several well-established organizations of NGS data analysis. A significant number of NGS research projects are being carried out in Canadian universities, which in turn has resulted into huge demand for NGS data analysis, thereby affecting the revenue growth in the region. North America is set to remain the fastest-expanding and largest market for NGS data analysis.View Report-Asia-Pacific excluding Japan will also record an impressive expansion in the market through 2026, mainly driven by rising number of research grants related to sequencing projects in its developing nations such as China and India. Incorporation of high-throughput screening encouraged by positive research & development outcomes in the region will further drive the market growth in APEJ.Of all end-users in the global NGS data analysis market, academic research institutes are projected to account for the largest market revenue share during 2017 to 2026. Dominance of academic research institutes in the market can be attributed to robust utilization of high-throughput sequencing in university-based and academic research projects.Competition TrackingMajor companies providing the NGS data analysis solutions have been undertaking strategic collaborations & partnerships, in a bid to increase their existing product portfolios, meanwhile maintaining a competitive edge in the market. These collaborations & partnerships are primarily focused at developing feasible infrastructure solutions for enabling researchers in performing a population-scale genomic analysis. Key market participants supporting growth of the global NGS data analysis market include ABM, Inc., Agilent Technologies, Biomatters, Ltd, DNAnexus, Dovetail Genomics, LLC, Edge Biosystems, Genestack, Illumina, and Roche.Table of Contents:1. Global Economic Outlook2. Global NGS Data Analysis Market Executive Summary3. Global NGS Data Analysis Market Overview3.1. Introduction3.1.1. Global NGS Data Analysis Market Taxonomy3.1.2. Global NGS Data Analysis Market Definition3.2. Global NGS Data Analysis Market Size (US$ Mn) and Forecast, 2012-20263.2.1. Global NGS Data Analysis Market Y-o-Y Growth3.3. Global NGS Data Analysis Market Dynamics3.4. Supply Chain3.5. PEST Analysis3.6. Market Positioning and Behaviour Assessment4. Global NGS Data Analysis Market Analysis and Forecast 2012-20264.1. Global NGS Data Analysis Market Size and Forecast By Service Type, 2012-20264.1.1. Whole-genome Sequencing Market Size and Forecast, 2012-20264.1.1.1. Revenue (US$ Mn) Comparison, By Region4.1.1.2. Market Share Comparison, By Region4.1.1.3. Y-o-Y growth Comparison, By RegionContinuedCheck Discount-About Fact.MRFact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized Healthcare market research reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; thats why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFact.MRSuite 988427 Upper Pembroke Street,Dublin 2, IrelandTelephone: +353-1-6111-593Email: sales@factmr.comWeb:follow us in Linkedin: Cyber-Physical System Market Size, Status and Forecast 2025 Cyber-Physical System Market https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/request-sample/994129 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/check-discount/994129 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com/send-an-enquiry/994129 https://www.qyresearchgroups.com Cyber-Physical System connects the physical world with the virtual world of information processing. Advances in Cyber-Physical System have resulted in superior adaptability, resilience, security, capability, scalability, safety, and usability features that have driven competition and innovation in a number of sectors, including energy, building design and automation, manufacturing, agriculture, transportation, and healthcare.A cyber-physical (also styled cyberphysical) system (CPS) is a mechanism that is controlled or monitored by computer-based algorithms, tightly integrated with the Internet and its users. In cyber-physical systems, physical and software components are deeply intertwined, each operating on different spatial and temporal scales, exhibiting multiple and distinct behavioral modalities, and interacting with each other in a myriad of ways that change with context. Examples of CPS include smart grid, autonomous automobile systems, medical monitoring, process control systems, robotics systems, and automatic pilot avionics.This report focuses on the global top players: IBM Microsoft Dell Vmware HP Schneider SAP Honeywell Hitachi Vantara OracleGet Sample Copy of this Report @Market segment by Type, the product can be split into Hardware Software ServicesMarket segment by Application, split into Aerospace and Defense Automotive Energy and Utility Healthcare Manufacturing Consumer Electronics OthersMarket segment by Regions/Countries, this report covers United States Europe China Japan Southeast Asia IndiaCyber-Physical System Market is a particular analysis of the Cyber-Physical System industry with an attention on the worldwide market trend. The report intends to give a review of global Cyber-Physical System market with detailed market division by product, end users/applications and regional. The Cyber-Physical System market is required to witness high development amid the forecast period. This report provides in depth study of Cyber-Physical System market using SWOT analysis i.e. Strength, Weakness, Opportunities and Threat to the organization.Check Discount @Major Points Covered in Table of Contents 1 Industry Overview of Cyber-Physical System2 Global Cyber-Physical System Competition Analysis by Players3 Company (Top Players) Profiles4 Global Cyber-Physical System Market Size by Type and Application (2013-2018)5 United States Cyber-Physical System Development Status and Outlook6 Europe Cyber-Physical System Development Status and Outlook7 China Cyber-Physical System Development Status and Outlook8 Japan Cyber-Physical System Development Status and Outlook9 Southeast Asia Cyber-Physical System Development Status and Outlook10 India Cyber-Physical System Development Status and Outlook11 Market Forecast by Regions, Type and Application (2018-2025)12 Cyber-Physical System Market Dynamics13 Market Effect Factors Analysis14 Research Finding/Conclusion15 AppendixMake An Enquiry @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- Automotive Instrument Cluster Market 2018 - Global Industry Analysis, Segments, Industry News, Emerging Technologies, Major Geographies, Key Players and Current Industry Forecast 2023 Automotive Instrument Cluster Market https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/5241 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/automotive-instrument-cluster-market-5241 Automotive Instrument Cluster Market Share, Size, Trends, And Business Opportunity Analysis Report 2018 include historic data, with forecast data to 2023. Automotive Instrument Cluster Market report is helpful for future strategy development, and to know about Market Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities, And Global market size, share, Growth, Trends, key players forecast to 2023Automotive Instrument Cluster Market Information Report by Technology Type (Analog, Digital, and Hybrid), Vehicle Type (passenger car and commercial vehicle), and region.Market HighlightsThe instrument cluster includes the display system that guides the driver about the speed of the vehicle on the speedometer, and other display system such as fuel indicator, infotainment, traffic condition, and notifier. It ensures that the driver is equally safe and comfortable with driving. Automotive instrument clusters comprise various technologies such as HMI (Human Machine Interface), and ADAS (advanced driver assistance system), to provide better display information to the drivers. The use of smartphones has been increasing every day. The integration of these systems with smartphones in vehicles, in highly demanded by the customers. The hardware and software integration is speeding up due to ease of use. HMI is a technology that is expected to boost the demand for instrument cluster market. It is consists of hardware and software so that the user can input the signal that has to be translated by the machine. It allows the driver to interact with the vehicle such as providing feedback from the vehicle to user. Some of the most trending technology that uses HMI are Head-Up Display system, keyless entry, power seats control, occupant detection, and others. The ease of interaction with the vehicle will result in the growth of the automotive instrument cluster market in future.On the basis of region, the market is segmented based on North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World. In Asia Pacific region, there has been an increase in the production of new vehicles such as India, China, and Japan. Cut throat competition in the automotive industry has made major manufacturers offer integrated solution for instrument cluster in both, passenger and commercial vehicles. The availability of such integrated features in passenger and commercial vehicles will result in the new revenue streams for the manufacturers of these systems. This will boost the automotive instrument cluster market in the future. As a result, it is expected that the market would grow at CAGR of 10.56%, during the forecast period. North America is expected to be the second largest region in automotive instrument cluster market due to the existence of major manufacturers in this region combined with availability of sophisticated technologies. The existence of major manufacturers will boost the production of vehicles in the future. The boost in the vehicle production will result in the growth of the market in future. Europe is expected to be the third largest region in the automotive instrument cluster market. Germany is the largest market in Europe, in terms of market share and value. The flourishing automotive industry in Europe directly translates into the growth of automotive instrument cluster market. With manufacturers installing instrument cluster panels in entry level vehicles for acquiring greater market share, the automotive instrument clusters are expected to witness healthy growth during the forecast period.Get Sample Report of Automotive Instrument Cluster Market@Scope of the ReportThis study provides an overview of the global instrument cluster 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 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 instrument clusters market by its technology type, vehicle type, and regionBy Technology TypeAnalogDigitalHybridBy Vehicle TypePassenger CarCommercial VehicleBy RegionNorth AmericaEuropeAsia PacificRest of the WorldKey PlayersThe key players in automotive instrument cluster market are Continental AG (Germany), Mentor Graphics (U.S), Visteon (U.S), Delphi (U.S), Qualcomm (U.S), Bosch (Germany), Denso (Japan), Alpine Electronics (Japan), Japan Display Inc. (Japan) and Innolux (Taiwan).Get Details Information of Automotive Instrument Cluster Market @Table of Content1 Executive Summary2 Scope Of The Report3 Market Landscape4 Market Dynamics5 Global Automotive Instrument Cluster Market, By Technology Type6 Global Automotive Instrument Cluster Market, By Vehicle Type7 Global Automotive Instrument Cluster Market, By Region8 Competitive Landscape9 Company ProfileContinued.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 US:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312sales@marketresearchfuture.com Smart Fleet Management Market 2018-2023 Global Prominent Key Players: Denso, IBM Corporation, Continental, Cisco Systems, Sierra Wireless, Calamp, OTTO Marine, Precious Shipping, and Globecomm Systems Smart Fleet Management Market 2018 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/sample_request/5226 https://www.marketresearchfuture.com/reports/smart-fleet-management-market-5226 Smart Fleet Management Market Share, Size, Trends, And Business Opportunity Analysis Report 2018 include historic data, with forecast data to 2023. Smart Fleet Management Market report is helpful for future strategy development, and to know about Market Drivers, Restraints, Opportunities, And Global market size, share, Growth, Trends, key players forecast to 2023Global Smart Fleet Management Market Information Report by Transportation (Automotive, Rolling Stock, Marine), by Hardware (Tracking, Optimization, ADAS, and Diagnostic), by Solution (Tracking and Optimization), and by Regions - Global Forecast To 2023Market ScenarioSmart fleet management, essentially, a system through which operators keep track of variable factors such as fuel consumption, maintenance and route management. Smart fleet management systems provide a dedicated server for fleet data and security in a single system, which enables operators to analyze and make informed and cost effective decisions or enhance safety. Such availability of integrated data through smart fleet management systems attract customers, toward these solutions, across the globe. With the entire automotive industry pushing for higher fuel efficiency in vehicles combined with high speed networks, the market for smart fleet management is expected to witness significant growth during the forecast period. Rising demand for connectivity and government regulations are expected to augment the smart fleet management market. Reduction of both, transportation cost and operating cost has come forth as a major trend in the automotive industry, which encourages the players in the smart fleet management market.High costs associated with the smart fleet management systems is expected act as a major hindrance for the market. Additionally, continuous increase in fleet sizes and travel routes, successively, result in higher complexity of the system, which is expected to act as another major restraint for the smart fleet management market.Get Sample Report of Smart Fleet Management Market @Key PlayersThe key players of global smart fleet management market are Harman International Industries, Inc., Robert Bosch GmbH., Siemens AG, Denso Corporation, IBM Corporation, Continental AG, Cisco Systems, Inc., Sierra Wireless, Inc., Calamp Corp., OTTO Marine Ltd., Precious Shipping Co. Ltd., and Globecomm Systems, Inc. In 2016, these companies accounted for a share of XX% of the global market.Industry/ Innovation/ Related News:March, 2018 Siemens recently announced about US R&D investment which is likely to be increased by $175 million year after year to $1.3 Billion in 2017 a straight 16% increase from the previous baseline. In Chicago, Siemens is planning to invest close to $13 million on a yearly basis in a brand new R&D unit which will be focussing purely on cloud computing to support the management and automation of the other related business activities. Globally, Siemens said it plans to increase its R&D expense in 2018 and will invest additionally $600 million increasing R&D budget from $6 billion in 2017 to $7 billion in 2018March, 2018 The local unit of German engineering giant Bosch will start building a new transport R&D center in Budapest in the summer, business daily Vilaggazdasag reported on Thursday. The center will include a 10,000 square-meter test track suitable for testing self-driving vehicles. Robert Bosch Kft. will build the Campus II center over three years on a 60,000 sqm plot close to its existing Budapest Development Center in District 10 of the capital, essentially doubling the area of the facility including the necessary infrastructure developments and employing 5000 engineers.Smart Fleet Management Market SegmentationThe Global Smart Fleet Management Market is segmented in to 4 key dynamics for the convenience of the report and enhanced understanding;Segmentation by Transportation : Comprises Automotive, Rolling Stock, Marine.Segmentation by Hardware : Comprises Tracking, Optimization, ADAS, and Diagnostic.Segmentation by Solution : Comprises of Tracking & Optimization.Segmentation by Regions : Comprises Geographical regions - North America, Europe, APAC and Rest of the World.Regional AnalysisThe Asia Pacific region is expected to provide lucrative opportunities to layers in the smart fleet management market. Stringent government regulations, combined with improving transportation facilities and infrastructure are expected to aid the growth of the smart fleet management market in this region. Government authorities in countries such as India and China encourage original equipment manufacturers to implement such systems in vehicles, mainly to enhance driver safety. The market for smart fleet management is expected to thrive in this region. Additionally, improving socio-economic conditions in countries such as India, Thailand, and Indonesia have resulted in the growth of demand for premium segment fleets, which positively impacts the market growth during the forecast period.Other regions such as North America and Europe are also poised for rapid growth. Existence of sophisticated technology and major manufacturers, provides solid groundwork for the smart fleet management firms in this region. Established automotive industry also aids the growth of the market in these regions. Rising number of commercial fleets in Europe and United States, widen the customer base to accommodate major smart fleet management system manufacturers. Significant technological development and research and development activities in the North America and Europe are expected to provide high opportunities for the smart fleet management market to rapidly growth during the forecast period.The report for Global Smart Fleet Management Market of Market Research Future comprises of extensive primary research along with the detailed analysis of qualitative as well as quantitative aspects by various industry experts, key opinion leaders to gain the deeper insight of the market and industry performance. The report gives the clear picture of current market scenario which includes historical and projected market size in terms of value, technological advancement, macro economical and governing factors in the market. The report provides details information and strategies of the top key players in the industry. The report also gives a broad study of the different market segments and regions.Get Details Information of Smart Fleet Management Market @Table of Content1 Introduction2 Research Hardwareology3 Market Dynamics4 Market Factor Analysis5 Smart Fleet Management, By Solution6 Smart Fleet Management, By Transportation7 Smart Fleet Management, By Hardware8 Smart Fleet Management, By Region9 Company Landscape10 Company Profile11 AppendixList Of TablesTABLE 1 EUROPE SMART FLEET MANAGEMENT, BY REGION 2011-2027, ($ MILLION)TABLE 2 EUROPE SMART FLEET MANAGEMENT FOR AUTOMOTIVE, BY REGION 2011-2027, (MILLION)TABLE 3 EUROPE SMART FLEET MANAGEMENT FOR ROLLING STOCK, BY REGION 2011-2027, (MILLION)TABLE 4 EUROPE SMART FLEET MANAGEMENT FOR MARINE, BY REGION 2011-2027, (MILLION)TABLE 5 EUROPE SMART FLEET MANAGEMENT FOR TRACKING, BY REGION 2011-2027, (MILLION).List Of FiguresFIGURE 1 Supply Chain: AODD Pumps 16FIGURE 2 Porters Five Forces 17.ContinuedAbout Market Research Future:At Market Research Future (MRFR), we enable our customers to unravel the complexity of various industries through our Cooked Research Report (CRR), Half-Cooked Research Reports (HCRR), Raw Research Reports (3R), Continuous-Feed Research (CFR), and Market Research & Consulting Services.CONTACT US:Market Research FutureOffice No. 528, Amanora ChambersMagarpatta Road, Hadapsar,Pune - 411028Maharashtra, India+1 646 845 9312sales@marketresearchfuture.com Global Opportunity in the Advanced Wound Care Market will be US$12571.4 Mn by 2025 https://marketprognosis.com/sample-request/14292 https://marketprognosis.com/discount-request/14292 https://marketprognosis.com/enquiry/14292 Industry Analysis:Global advanced wound care market was valued at USD 12,571.4 million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD 24,054.5 billion by 2025 at a significant CAGR in the forecast period 2018 to 2025. The new market report contains data for historic years 2016, the base year of calculation is 2017 and the forecast period is 2018 to 2025.Advanced wound care products and traditional wound care products are used to treat acute and chronic wounds. Chronic wounds take considerable time to heal and are expensive to treat. Due to its high cost, advanced wound care has emerged as a standard solution for treating chronic wounds. Advanced wound care products are gradually replacing the traditional wound care products due to their efficacy and effectiveness in managing wounds by enabling faster healing.Request Sample Copy of this report@Top Players:Acelity L.P. Inc dominated the advanced wound care market accounting largest market share followed by Smith and Nephew, and Molnlycke Healthcare AB along with other players such as Convatec Inc Baxter, Coloplast, Ethicon. Inc Integra Life Sciences Corporation Derma Sciences Inc. Organogenesis Inc,, B.Braun Melsungen AG Paul Hartmann LimitedStudy Objectives To provide detailed analysis of the market structure along with forecast of the various segments and sub-segments of the global Advance Wound Care market. To provide insights about factors affecting the market growth. To analyze the global Advance Wound Care market based porters five force analysis etc. 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 component, deployment, application, vertical and region. 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 Advance Wound Care.Request Discount on this repots @Market Segments: Based on type, the market is segmented into dressings, biologics and therapy devices. In 2017, dressing segment is expected to dominate the global advanced wound care market with 56.4% market share. However biologics segment is expected to grow at the highest CAGR of 10.8% in the forecast period 2018 to 2025. On the basis of Wound type, market is segmented into surgical wounds, diabetic ulcers, pressure ulcers, venous ulcers and burns. In 2018, surgical wound segment is expected to dominate the Global advanced wound care market with highest market. However diabetic ulcers is growing with the highest CAGR of in the forecast period 2018 to 2025. On the basis of end users, market is segmented into hospitals, wound care centers, ambulatory centres, home healthcare, clinics and community healthcare. In 2018, hospitals segment is expected to dominate the Global advanced wound care market with highest market share. However home healthcare segment is and growing with the highest CAGR in the forecast period 2018 to 2025. On the basis of distribution channels, market is segmented into direct drivers, retails. In 2018, direct tender is likely to rule the market and is also projected to grow with the highest CAGR in the forecast period 2018-2025Based on geography, the market is segmented into 5 geographical regions: North America Europe Asia-Pacific South America Middle East and AfricaEnquiry Before Buying @About Market PrognosisWe at Market Prognosis believe in giving a crystal clear view of market dynamics for achieving success in todays complex and competitive marketplace through our quantitative & qualitative research methods.We help our clients identify the best market insights and analysis required for their business thus enabling them to take strategic and intelligent decision.We believe in delivering actionable insights for your business growth and success.Contact us:Market Prognosis435, Sadanand Chs,B-Cabin Road,Ambernath(E). 421501Contact No: +1 973 241 5193Email: sales@marketprognosis.com past daily news Sep 13 (1) Sep 09 (15) Sep 06 (12) Sep 04 (10) Sep 03 (10) Aug 31 (17) Aug 29 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(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) Global Fully Automatic Coffee Machine Market Is Expected To Expand At A CAGR Of 2.8% To Be Valued At Approximately US$5,359.2 Mn https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1647971 https://www.researchmoz.us/fully-automatic-coffee-machine-market-global-industry-analysis-and-opportunity-assessment-2017-2025-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=1647971 https://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Fully Automatic Coffee Machine Market - Global Industry Analysis and Opportunity Assessment 2017 - 2025" to its huge collection of research reports.Transparency Market Research offer 8-year forecast for the Global Fully Automatic Coffee Machine market between 2017 and 2025. The Global Fully Automatic Coffee Machine market is expected to register a CAGR of 2.8% in terms of value during the forecast period. The primary objective of the report is to offer insights about the present product demand scenario in the Fully Automatic Coffee Machine market. The study demonstrates market dynamics that are expected to influence the current challenges and future status of the Global Fully Automatic Coffee Machines market over the forecast period. This report also offer updates on trends, drivers, restraints, value forecasts, and opportunities for manufacturers operating in the global and regional Fully Automatic Coffee Machine market.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Fully automatic coffee machines automatically grind the coffee beans, tamp it, and extract the coffee. Only the bean hopper is to be filled and, if the machine is not connected to a water line, water inlet is added to a reservoir. It includes the bean-to-cup philosophy. Fully Automatic Coffee Machines are being manufactured by the various large scale companies with manufacturing units, where they are packaged and supplied globally. The majority of European based manufacturers are supplying the products globally. Expansion of coffee chains and outlets globally is expected to drive the market in the forecasted period due to rising population, the advent of western culture, and rising awareness among people mainly youngsters.Global Fully Automatic Coffee Machine Market: SegmentationBy HoReCa Type, the fully automatic coffee machine market is segmented into Quick service restaurants and the Full service restaurants. Both the segments are expected to significantly grow due to the rising cafe culture, advent of westernization, changing preferences on eating habits and increasing tourism resulting in growth of quick service and full service restaurants globally.On the basis of price point, the Fully Automatic Coffee Machines market can be segmented into Less than US$ 2000, US$ 2000-4000, US$ 4000-6000 and more than US$ 6000. The market is likely to grow in APAC and MEA region where the rising millennial population is giving rise to cafe culture as well as simultaneous demand for fast food.Get Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @The report includes market share of each segment according to the region with analysis towards market trends respectively. A section of the report highlights Fully Automatic Coffee Machines restraints. It also provides a market outlook for 20172025 and sets the forecast within the context of the Fully Automatic Coffee Machines, including the new product developments as well as better product offerings in the Global Fully Automatic Coffee Machines market. This study discusses key trends of the Global Fully Automatic Coffee Machines market, as well as analyses the degree to which drivers and restraints are influencing the global market.Global Fully Automatic Coffee Machine Market: Competitive DynamicsIn the final section of the report, a competitive landscape has been included to provide report audiences with a dashboard view. Key categories of providers covered in the report are Fully Automatic Coffee Machines key players of the global Fully Automatic Coffee Machines market. Detailed profiles of the providers are also included in the scope of the report to evaluate their long-term and short-term strategies, key offerings and recent developments in the Fully Automatic Coffee Machines space.Key players in the global Fully Automatic Coffee Machines market includes Bravilor Bonamat B.V., Wilbur Curtis Co., N&W Global Vending S.p.A., Franke Holding AG, Rex-Royal AG, Group SEB, Gruppo Cimbali SpA, BSH Home Appliances Corporation, JURA Elektroapparate AG, Rancilio Group S.p.A., Animo B.V., DeLonghi Group, Eversys AG, Crem International AB and Bunn-o-matic Corp.In addition, it is imperative to note that in an ever-fluctuating global economy, we not only conduct forecasts in terms of CAGR, but also analyze on the basis of key parameters such as year-on-year (Y-o-Y) growth to understand the predictability of the market and to identify the right opportunities. Also, another key feature of this report is the analysis of all key segments in terms of absolute dollar. This is traditionally overlooked while forecasting the market. The market value and volume is used to identify the potential of the global Fully Automatic Coffee Machines market.Key Segments CoveredHoReCa TypeQuick Service Restaurants- Fast Food Restaurants- Cafeterias- Carryout RestaurantsFull Service Restaurants- Fine Dining Restaurants- Casual Dining Restaurants- Hotel & Club FoodserviceMake an Enquiry of this report @Price Point- Less Than US$ 2,000- US$ 2,000- US$ 4,000- US$ 4,000 US$ 6,000- More Than US$ 6,000Region- North America- Latin America- Europe- APAC- MEAAbout 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 @ Processed Chicken in India Market 2018 Sales,Price,Revenue,Gross Margin and Market Share Processed Chicken in India Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/1706474-indian-processed-chicken-market-outlook-2022 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/1706474-indian-processed-chicken-market-outlook-2022 WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On Processed Chicken in India Market 2018 Sales,Price,Revenue,Gross Margin and Market Share.The Indian processed chicken industry has reported a significant growth in recent years, and is presenting ample opportunities to the industrys players. With cold storage infrastructure enhancement and rising awareness about packaged processed chicken products, the Indian processed chicken market is poised to scale newer acmes. Moreover, introduction of frozen snacks, entry of new players, rising investments, evolving government policies and infrastructure projects are set to further boost the markets growth. Growth in disposable income, rising urbanization, government support and schemes have also acted as a catalyst for the processed chicken sector.Get a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comIndian Processed Chicken Market Outlook 2022 unfolds the market dynamics of the Indian poultry market. The report shows the Indian poultry industry being split into two distinct segments viz.: live chicken and processed chicken, depicting their current and future outlook to 2022. The processed chicken market is further segmented into two sub-segments: frozen chicken products and ready-to-serve chicken products, with each sub-segment scrutinized in detail. The report identifies and highlights the segments that offer maximum opportunity for growth in the Indian processed chicken market.Our industry analysts studied all the facets of the Indian processed chicken market to portray a crystal clear picture of the current as well as the expected market outlook. Major drivers and trends have been identified that are set to act as catalysts towards boosting the industrys growth, along with roadblocks hindering the markets growth. Also, the highest chicken producing and consuming states have been identified to focus on the area of opportunities for new players.The report further highlights the competitive landscape of the Indian processed chicken market, describing the business, strengths and weaknesses of the major industry players. The section is therefore expected to clearly help the reader gain crucial insight into the key market players performances and strategies for growth. Holistically, the research provides all the pre-requisite information for clients looking to make a debut in this industry, and facilitates them to formulate schemes while going for an investment/partnership in the Indian processed chicken industry.Complete Report Details @Table Of Contents Major Key Points1. Analyst View2. Research Methodology3. India Demographics3.1 Population3.2 Top 10 Chicken Consuming States in India by Population4. Poultry Industry Outlook5. Trade Scenario of Poultry Products5.1 Exports5.2 Imports6. Raw Chicken- Pricing Trend7. Indian Chicken (Broiler Meat) Market Outlook to 20227.1 Types of Broilers7.2 Broiler Meat Production7.3 Broiler Meat Industry7.4 Production of Broiler's Meat in Top 10 States7.5 Regional Demand Analysis8. Broiler's Meat Market Segmentation8.1 Live Chicken Market8.2 Processed Chicken Market8.2.1 Frozen Chicken Market8.2.2 Ready to Serve Chicken Market9. Drivers9.1 Increasing Affordability9.2 Increasing Health Consciousness9.3 Rise in Urbanization10. Challenges10.1 Low Awareness10.2 Expensive Products10.3 Under Developed Cold Chain11. Government Initiatives to Promote Processed Chicken (Processed Food)12. Regulatory Overview13. Competitive Analysis13.1 Al Kabeer13.2 Innovative Foods Limited (Peepul Capital)13.3 Godrej Tyson Food13.4 Venky's (Venkateshwara Hatcheries)13.5 Darshan Foods (Meatzza)14. Setting up Chicken Processing Unit India15. Opportunities in Indian Processed Chicken Market15.1 Player Level15.2 Product Level15.3 Regional LevelContinued..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 Safety PLCs Market 2018 | ABB, Siemens, Pilz Automation Safety, Rockwell Automation, Mitsubishi, Koyo and Others https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1705073 https://www.researchmoz.us/global-safety-plcs-market-research-report-2018-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Safety PLCs Market Research Report 2018" to its huge collection of research reports.In this report,the global Safety PLCs market is valued at USD XX million in 2017 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2025,growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2017 and 2025.Geographically,this report is segmented into several key Regions,with production,consumption,revenue (million USD),market share and growth rate of Safety PLCs in these regions,from 2013 to 2025 (forecast),coveringUnited StatesEUChinaJapanSouth KoreaTaiwanTo Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Global Safety PLCs market competition by top manufacturers,with production,price,revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingABBSiemensPilz Automation SafetyRockwell AutomationMitsubishiKoyoSchneider (Modicon)PanasonicOmronIdecB&R IndustrialKeyenceGE FanucBeckhoffToshibaFujiOn the basis of product,this report displays the production,revenue,price,market share and growth rate of each type,primarily split intoHardwareSoftwareServicesOn 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,includingIndustryMedicalMarineMilitaryAviationAutomationTable of ContentsGlobal Safety PLCs Market Research Report 20181 Safety PLCs Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Safety PLCs1.2 Safety PLCs Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Safety PLCs Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2013-2025)1.2.2 Global Safety PLCs Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20171.2.3 Hardware1.2.4 Software1.2.5 Services1.3 Global Safety PLCs Segment by Application1.3.1 Safety PLCs Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2013-2025)1.3.2 Industry1.3.3 Medical1.3.4 Marine1.3.5 Military1.3.6 Aviation1.3.7 Automation1.4 Global Safety PLCs Market by Region (2013-2025)1.4.1 Global Safety PLCs Market Size (Value) and CAGR (%) Comparison by Region (2013-2025)1.4.2 United States Status and Prospect (2013-2025)1.4.3 EU 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 Safety PLCs (2013-2025)1.5.1 Global Safety PLCs Revenue Status and Outlook (2013-2025)1.5.2 Global Safety PLCs Capacity,Production Status and Outlook (2013-2025)2 Global Safety PLCs Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Safety PLCs Capacity,Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.1 Global Safety PLCs Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.1.2 Global Safety PLCs Production and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.2 Global Safety PLCs Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.3 Global Safety PLCs Average Price by Manufacturers (2013-2018)2.4 Manufacturers Safety PLCs Manufacturing Base Distribution,Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Safety PLCs Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Safety PLCs Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Safety PLCs Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions,ExpansionGet Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @3 Global Safety PLCs Capacity,Production,Revenue (Value) by Region (2013-2018)3.1 Global Safety PLCs Capacity and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.2 Global Safety PLCs Production and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.3 Global Safety PLCs Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2013-2018)3.4 Global Safety PLCs Capacity,Production,Revenue,Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.5 United States Safety PLCs Capacity,Production,Revenue,Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.6 EU Safety PLCs Capacity,Production,Revenue,Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.7 China Safety PLCs Capacity,Production,Revenue,Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.8 Japan Safety PLCs Capacity,Production,Revenue,Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.9 South Korea Safety PLCs Capacity,Production,Revenue,Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)3.10 Taiwan Safety PLCs Capacity,Production,Revenue,Price and Gross Margin (2013-2018)4 Global Safety PLCs Supply (Production),Consumption,Export,Import by Region (2013-2018)4.1 Global Safety PLCs Consumption by Region (2013-2018)4.2 United States Safety PLCs Production,Consumption,Export,Import (2013-2018)4.3 EU Safety PLCs Production,Consumption,Export,Import (2013-2018)4.4 China Safety PLCs Production,Consumption,Export,Import (2013-2018)4.5 Japan Safety PLCs Production,Consumption,Export,Import (2013-2018)4.6 South Korea Safety PLCs Production,Consumption,Export,Import (2013-2018)4.7 Taiwan Safety PLCs Production,Consumption,Export,Import (2013-2018)5 Global Safety PLCs Production,Revenue (Value),Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Safety PLCs Production and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)5.2 Global Safety PLCs Revenue and Market Share by Type (2013-2018)5.3 Global Safety PLCs Price by Type (2013-2018)5.4 Global Safety PLCs Production Growth by Type (2013-2018)6 Global Safety PLCs Market Analysis by Application6.1 Global Safety PLCs Consumption and Market Share by Application (2013-2018)6.2 Global Safety PLCs Consumption Growth Rate by Application (2013-2018)6.3 Market Drivers and Opportunities6.3.1 Potential Applications6.3.2 Emerging Markets/CountriesContinue...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 @ Global Inventory Tags Market To Grow At A CAGR Of 5.00% During The Period 2017-2021 : 3M, AVERY DENNISON, Alien Technology, Brady https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1378188 https://www.researchmoz.us/global-inventory-tags-market-2017-2021-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Global Inventory Tags Market 2017-2021" to its huge collection of research reports.As a business grows, keeping track of inventory can become an unmanageable task without the use of an inventory management system. One of most low-cost and easiest methods of managing large inventories is the use of inventory tags. Inventory tags are simple attachments made from paper, plastic, metals, and some other materials that are tagged to every item in an inventory, and contain the specific details and information of that item. Inventory tags are usually sequentially numbered to keep track of each item within that inventory. Each inventory tag, irrespective of the type or application, may usually consists of some basic information, such as type of product, number of units, lot number, price, and item stock number. However, inventory tags may contain even less or more information depending on the application.Technavios analysts forecast the global inventory tags market to grow at a CAGR of 5.00% during the period 2017-2021.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @Covered in this reportThe report covers the present scenario and the growth prospects of the global inventory tags market for 2017-2021. To calculate the market size, the report considers the demand from end-users.The market is divided into the following segments based on geography:AmericasAPACEMEAGlobal Inventory Tags 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 vendors3MAVERY DENNISONAlien TechnologyBradyTyco SensormaticOther prominent vendorsCheckpoint SystemsConfidexGeneral DataHoneywell InternationalImpinjInvengo TechnologyMetalcraftMotorola SolutionsNXP SemiconductorsOmni-IDSATOSMARTRACWavetrendZIHMarket driverGrowing demand for advanced inventory tracking and management solutionsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportGet Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @Market challengeSlowdown in Chinese economyFor a full, detailed list, view our reportMarket trendInnovations in inventory management solutionsFor a full, detailed list, view our reportKey questions answered in this reportWhat will the market size be in 2021 and what will the growth rate be?What are the key market trends?What is driving this market?What are the challenges to market growth?Who are the key vendors in this market space?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 @ Global Market For Active Implantable Medical Devices Is Likely To Present An Opportunity Worth US$20.73 Bn By 2025, Expanding At A CAGR Of 4.40% https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1641586 https://www.researchmoz.us/active-implantable-medical-devices-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-volume-growth-trends-and-forecast-2017-2025-report.html/toc https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=E&repid=1641586 https://www.researchmoz.us/ http://bit.ly/1TBmnVG Researchmoz added Most up-to-date research on "Active Implantable Medical Devices Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Volume, Growth, Trends, and Forecast, 2017 - 2025" to its huge collection of research reports.Active Implantable Medical Devices are medical implantable devices like cochlear implants, implantable defibrillators, Implantable cardiac monitoring devices, implantable nerve stimulators, ventricular assist devices (VAD) and implantable cardiac pacemakers primarily used to detect, monitor, avert, alleviate or treat disease or conditions in the patients. This report analyzes the current and future prospects of the active implantable medical devices market based on product, procedure, end user and geography.To Get Sample Copy of Report visit @The research is a combination of primary and secondary research, conducted for understanding and arriving at trends, used to forecast the expected revenue of active implantable devices used in medical procedures in the near future. Primary research formed the bulk of our research efforts with information collected from in-depth interviews and discussions with a number of key industry experts and opinion leaders. Secondary research involved study of company websites, annual reports, press releases, investor presentations, analyst presentation and various international and national databases.Global Active Implantable Medical Devices Market: Scope of the StudyThe report provides estimated market size in terms of US$ Mn for product, procedure, end user, and geography for the period 2016 to 2025. The revenue generated from product type was calculated by considering the adoption rate of active medical implants across all geographies, number of product launched, average cost of products, trends in industry, and end user trends, among others. It comprises an elaborated executive summary, which includes market snapshot that provides information about various segments of the market.It also provides information and data analysis of the market with respect to market segments based on product, procedure, end user, and geography. The market overview section of the report analyzes market dynamics such as drivers, restraints and opportunities that influences the active implantable medical devices market in the current and future scenario. The report also provides Porters five force analysis that studies five factors and their impact on the active implantable medical devices market.Market share analysis among the market players is analyzed to signify the contribution of these players in the market in terms of percentage share. All these factors will help the market players to decide about the business strategies and plans to strengthen their positions in the global market. Based on geography, the market has been analyzed for major regions: North America, Europe, Latin America, Asia Pacific, and Middle East & Africa. The study also covers detailed country analysis contributing majorly in the active implantable medical devices market.Get Complete TOC With Tables and Figures @Companies Mentioned in the ReportThe report also profiles the major players in the market and provides various attributes such as company overview, financial overview, product portfolio, business strategies, and recent developments. Major companies profiled in the active implantable medical devices market include Boston Scientific Corporation, Medtronic Plc., Abbott Laboratories, Sonova Holding AG, BIOTRONIK SE & Co. KG, LivaNova PLC, Cochlear Ltd., Nurotron Biotechnology Co. Ltd., William Demant Holding A/S and MED-EL Medical Electronics. Collaboration agreements was the primary strategy adopted by the major market players to enter into the active implantable medical devices.The global active implantable medical devices market has been segmented as follows:By Product- Cardiac Pacemaker- Single Chamber Pacemaker- Dual Chamber Pacemaker- Others- Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators (ICD)- Transvenous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators- Subcutaneous Implantable Cardioverter Defibrillators- Nerve Stimulators- Cochlear Implants- Ventricular Assist Devices (VAD)- Insertable Cardiac Monitor (Implantable Monitoring Devices)By Procedure- Cardiovascular Implants- Neurological Implants- Hearing Implants- OthersBy End User- Hospitals- Ambulatory Surgery Centers- Specialty ClinicsMake an Enquiry of this report @By GeographyNorth America- U.S.- Canada- Europe- U.K.- Germany- France- Spain- Italy- Rest of EuropeAsia Pacific- India- China- Japan- Australia & New Zealand- Rest of Asia PacificLatin America- Brazil- Mexico- Rest of Latin AmericaMiddle East & Africa- South Africa- Israel- GCC countries- Rest of MEAAbout 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 @ Cold Chain In India 2018 Industry Size, Share, Trends, key Players Analysis, Applications, Forecasts to 2022 Cold Chain In India Market https://www.wiseguyreports.com/sample-request/1706484-indian-cold-chain-industry-outlook-2022 https://www.wiseguyreports.com/reports/1706484-indian-cold-chain-industry-outlook-2022 WiseGuyReports.Com Publish a New Market Research Report On Cold Chain In India 2018 Industry Size, Share, Trends, key Players Analysis, Applications, Forecasts to 2022.The Cold Chain Industry is developing at a faster pace in India due to shift in focus from increasing the production to better storage and transportation facility of the commodity. The industry has now become an integral part of the supply chain industry comprising of refrigerated storage and refrigerated transportation. The cold storage infrastructure has the ability to maintain the shelf life of perishable goods by maintaining proper temperature of the products from the farm gate to the end-consumer. Owing to the rising need of the infrastructure to reduce wastage, the cold chain industry in India is forecasted to grow at a CAGR of 19% during the period of 2017-2022.Get a Sample Report @For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comThe report, Indian Cold Chain Industry Outlook 2022, portrays the current and future scenario of cold chain industry in India. The report highlights the Indian standing in the global context of this industry, followed by the Indian industry trends. The industry has been growing significantly owing to the increasing government initiatives, rising need for the cold chain facilities, increasing private sector investments of both domestic and foreign players, etc.Additionally, the report provides insights on the industry segmentation in terms of storage and commodity. Regional analysis was carried out in order to analyze the current storage capacity of the commodities, along with the required demand in the cold chain market. The section of regulatory analysis provides the regulations followed by cold chain industry in India for its accreditation. The challenges witnessed by the cold chain players in the current scenario have also been highlighted in order to build better understanding of the industry.Furthermore, the report also provides key understanding of the major players in the industry, such as ColdEx Pvt. Ltd., Dev Bhumi Cold Chain Ltd., Gati Kausar India Ltd. etc., through business overview and recent activities resulting in development of the cold chain industry. Overall, the research provides comprehensive and pre-requisite information of the industry to the clients, and helps understand the market along with the structure and growth in the coming years.Complete Report Details @Table Of Contents Major Key Points1. Analyst View2. Research Methodology3. Indian Cold Chain Industry in Global Context4. Industry Trends and Drivers4.1 Growth of underlying Sectors Leading to Increasing Infrastructural Demand4.2 Rising Investments Propelling Expansion in Cold Storage Industry4.3 Government Initiatives encouraging Infrastructural Development4.4 New Entrants thriving Cold Chain Industry5. Cold Chain Industry Outlook to 20225.1 By Storage5.1.1 Refrigerated Storage5.1.2 Refrigerated Transportation5.2 By Commodity5.2.1 Potatoes5.2.2 Multipurpose5.2.3 Fruits and Vegetables5.2.4 Meat & Fish5.2.5 Milk & Milk Products5.2.6 Others6. Regulatory Environment7. Industry Challenges8. Key Players8.1 ColdEx Pvt.Ltd.8.2 Kelvin Cold Chain Logistics Pvt. Ltd.8.3 Fresh and Healthy Enterprises Ltd8.4 Gubba Cold Storage Ltd8.5 Dev Bhumi Cold Chain Ltd.8.6 Snowman Logistics Pvt. Ltd.8.7 Gati Kausar India Ltd.8.8 M.J. Logistics Services Ltd.8.9 R.K.Foodland Pvt. Ltd.8.10 Cold Star Logistics Pvt. Ltd.Continued..For more information or any query mail at sales@wiseguyreports.comABOUT US:Wise Guy Reports is part of the Wise Guy Consultants Pvt. Ltd. and offers premium progressive statistical surveying, market research reports, analysis & forecast data for industries and governments around the globe. Wise Guy Reports features an exhaustive list of market research reports from hundreds of publishers worldwide. We boast a database spanning virtually every market category and an even more comprehensive collection of market research reports under these categories and sub-categories.Office No.528,Amanora Chambers,Magarpatta Road,Hadapsar,Pune-411028. Global Pine-derived Chemicals Market 2018 | Forchem, Eastman Chemical, Harima Chemicals, Mentha & Allied Products Pine-derived Chemicals https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1617298 https://www.researchmoz.us/global-pine-derived-chemicals-market-research-report-2018-report.html/toc Global Research and Development News --. ."Global Pine-derived Chemicals Market Research Report 2018" with coming years Industries Trends, projections of Global Growth, Major key player and Case study, Review, Share, Size, Effect.' '-In this report, the global Pine-derived Chemicals market is valued at USD XX million in 2016 and is expected to reach USD XX million by the end of 2022, growing at a CAGR of XX% between 2016 and 2022.-Geographically, this report is segmented into several key Regions, with production, consumption, revenue (million USD), market share and growth rate of Pine-derived Chemicals in these regions, from 2012 to 2022 (forecast), coveringNorth AmericaEuropeChinaJapan. . Get Sample Report_' 'Southeast AsiaIndia-Global Pine-derived Chemicals market competition by top manufacturers, with production, price, revenue (value) and market share for each manufacturer; the top players includingKraton company(Arizona Chemical Company)Ingevity CorporationWestRock(MeadWestvaco)ForchemEastman ChemicalHarima ChemicalsMentha & Allied ProductsArakawa Chemical IndustriesFlorachemGeorgia-Pacific ChemicalsDRTWuzhou Sun Shine Forestry and Chemicals?Guilin Songquan Forest ChemicalForeverest Resources-On the basis of product, this report displays the production, revenue, price, market share and growth rate of each type, primarily split intoGum Rosin (GR)Tall Oil Fatty Acid (TOFA)Tall Oil Rosin (TOR)Gum Turpentine (GT)Others-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, includingAdhesives & SealantsPrinting InksPaints & CoatingsSurfactantsOthers. . More Clear Details get Table of Contents_' '-Global Pine-derived Chemicals Market Research Report 20171 Pine-derived Chemicals Market Overview1.1 Product Overview and Scope of Pine-derived Chemicals1.2 Pine-derived Chemicals Segment by Type (Product Category)1.2.1 Global Pine-derived Chemicals Production and CAGR (%) Comparison by Type (Product Category)(2012-2022)1.2.2 Global Pine-derived Chemicals Production Market Share by Type (Product Category) in 20161.2.3 Gum Rosin (GR)1.2.4 Tall Oil Fatty Acid (TOFA)1.2.5 Tall Oil Rosin (TOR)1.2.6 Gum Turpentine (GT)1.2.7 Others1.3 Global Pine-derived Chemicals Segment by Application1.3.1 Pine-derived Chemicals Consumption (Sales) Comparison by Application (2012-2022)1.3.2 Adhesives & Sealants1.3.3 Printing Inks1.3.4 Paints & Coatings1.3.5 Surfactants1.3.6 Others1.4 Global Pine-derived Chemicals Market by Region (2012-2022)1.4.1 Global Pine-derived Chemicals 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 Pine-derived Chemicals (2012-2022)1.5.1 Global Pine-derived Chemicals Revenue Status and Outlook (2012-2022)1.5.2 Global Pine-derived Chemicals Capacity, Production Status and Outlook (2012-2022)2 Global Pine-derived Chemicals Market Competition by Manufacturers2.1 Global Pine-derived Chemicals Capacity, Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.1 Global Pine-derived Chemicals Capacity and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.1.2 Global Pine-derived Chemicals Production and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.2 Global Pine-derived Chemicals Revenue and Share by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.3 Global Pine-derived Chemicals Average Price by Manufacturers (2012-2017)2.4 Manufacturers Pine-derived Chemicals Manufacturing Base Distribution, Sales Area and Product Type2.5 Pine-derived Chemicals Market Competitive Situation and Trends2.5.1 Pine-derived Chemicals Market Concentration Rate2.5.2 Pine-derived Chemicals Market Share of Top 3 and Top 5 Manufacturers2.5.3 Mergers & Acquisitions, Expansion3 Global Pine-derived Chemicals Capacity, Production, Revenue (Value) by Region (2012-2017)3.1 Global Pine-derived Chemicals Capacity and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.2 Global Pine-derived Chemicals Production and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.3 Global Pine-derived Chemicals Revenue (Value) and Market Share by Region (2012-2017)3.4 Global Pine-derived Chemicals Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.5 North America Pine-derived Chemicals Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.6 Europe Pine-derived Chemicals Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.7 China Pine-derived Chemicals Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.8 Japan Pine-derived Chemicals Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.9 Southeast Asia Pine-derived Chemicals Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)3.10 India Pine-derived Chemicals Capacity, Production, Revenue, Price and Gross Margin (2012-2017)4 Global Pine-derived Chemicals Supply (Production), Consumption, Export, Import by Region (2012-2017)4.1 Global Pine-derived Chemicals Consumption by Region (2012-2017)4.2 North America Pine-derived Chemicals Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.3 Europe Pine-derived Chemicals Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.4 China Pine-derived Chemicals Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.5 Japan Pine-derived Chemicals Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.6 Southeast Asia Pine-derived Chemicals Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)4.7 India Pine-derived Chemicals Production, Consumption, Export, Import (2012-2017)5 Global Pine-derived Chemicals Production, Revenue (Value), Price Trend by Type5.1 Global Pine-derived Chemicals Production and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.2 Global Pine-derived Chemicals Revenue and Market Share by Type (2012-2017)5.3 Global Pine-derived Chemicals Price by Type (2012-2017)5.4 Global Pine-derived Chemicals Production Growth by Type (2012-2017)Continue.....ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Researchmoz Global Pvt. Ltd.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States,Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free),Tel: +1-518-621-2074 Global Skin Diseases Treatment Market - Industry Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024 Skin Diseases Treatment https://www.researchmoz.us/enquiry.php?type=S&repid=1358875 https://www.researchmoz.us/skin-diseases-treatment-market-global-industry-analysis-size-share-growth-trends-and-forecast-2016-2024-report.html#table-of-content Global Research and Development News --. ."Skin Diseases Treatment Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2016 - 2024" with coming years Industries Trends, projections of Global Growth, Major key player and Case study, Review, Share, Size, Effect.' '-Skin Diseases Treatment Market: OverviewThe dermatology industry, on the whole, has been undergoing several changes over the past decade on account of the rising prevalence of skin diseases and the development of innovative therapies to combat them. The global skin diseases treatment market has been gaining much prominence as small to large companies dedicate resources in the R&D of more effective and affordable treatment options.. . Get Sample Report_' 'The report has been segmented on the basis of various key parameters so as to give readers a 360-degree overview of the skin diseases treatment market and also shed light on the nuances that define this market.By product type, the market can be categorized into medicated creams and ointments, antibiotics, vitamins and steroids, antihistamines, laser therapy, antifungals, and various targeted prescription medications. Based on type of disease, the market for skin disease treatment can be segmented into genetic skin diseases, autoimmune skin disorders, allergic skin diseases, cancers, and infectious skin diseases, which can be fungal, bacterial, or viral. By way of end use, the skin disease treatment market comprises dermatology clinics, skincare clinics, hospitals, and aesthetic centers. Geographically, the global market covers Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, North America, and the Middle East and Africa.The evaluation of the vendor landscape makes for an interesting read as research analysts have not only identified the top-notch players but also profiled them in detail. Key aspects such as company overview, business strategies, financial standing, product portfolio, and recent developments have been taken into consideration to gauge the performance of the prominent players in the skin diseases treatment market. With the help of a SWOT analysis, readers are given a clear understanding of each companys strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.-Skin Diseases Treatment Market: Trends and OpportunitiesThe creation of tissue engineered skins substitutes is perhaps one of the most revolutionary developments in the treatment of skin diseases. Artificial or bioengineered skin has given hope to many patients around the world and advancements such as these bode well for the skin disease treatment market. The market is also considerably driven by the high frequency of various skin diseases in developed as well as developing countries. For instance, more than 3.5 million people across the U.S. alone are diagnosed with skin cancers each year, according to the US Department of Health and Human Services.Analysts note that the presence of a number of leading players makes the skin diseases treatment market immensely competitive. Product and technology differentiation in terms of the devices and equipment used during procedures and OTC products such as creams and ointments enables companies to enhance their marketability and also helps them survive the competition. Product innovation and unique marketing initiatives can also lend players a strong boost to increase or sustain their share in the skin diseases treatment market.. . More Clear Details get Table of Contents_' '-Skin Diseases Treatment Market: Regional OutlookNorth America is perhaps the most prominent market for skin disease treatment, followed by Europe. There are several factors driving the demand for these treatments in the region, the primary one being ongoing technological advancements and subsequently, the availability of the latest products and devices for the treatment of skin diseases. Skincare management has been a growing market in the developed regions of North America as well as Europe on account of these advancements, and also owing to the fact that the incidence of skin cancers and allergic skin reactions has been steadily rising.The Asia Pacific skin diseases treatment market is slated to witness strong growth in the coming years, thanks to increasing awareness about skin disorders and their repercussions, a massive population base, and the ongoing development of new treatment methods and devices. Economic development in several APAC countries has resulted in improving purchasing power and greater spending on healthcare. In addition to this, growing medical tourism in countries such as Thailand, India, Singapore, South Korea, and Malaysia has spurred the demand for skin disease treatment from countries around the world.-Companies Mentioned in the ReportSome of the key players in the global skin diseases treatment market are Pfizer, Inc., Allergen, Plc., Celgene Corporation, AbbVie, Inc., Eli Lilly and Company, GlaxoSmithKline plc., Galderma, Incyte Corporation, Valeant Pharmaceuticals International, Inc., and Almirall S.A.-This report gives you access to decisive data such as:Market growth driversFactors limiting market growthCurrent market trendsMarket structureMarket projections for the coming years-Key highlights of this reportOverview of key market forces propelling and restraining market growthUp-to-date analyses of market trends and technological improvementsPin-point analyses of market competition dynamics to offer you a competitive edgeAn analysis of strategies of major competitorsAn array of graphics and SWOT analysis of major industry segmentsDetailed analyses of industry trendsA well-defined technological growth map with an impact-analysisOffers a clear understanding of the competitive landscape and key product segmentsThe 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.-The study is a source of reliable data on:Market segments and sub-segmentsMarket trends and dynamicsSupply and demandMarket sizeCurrent trends/opportunities/challengesCompetitive landscapeTechnological breakthroughsValue chain and stakeholder analysis-The regional analysis covers:North America (U.S. and Canada)Latin America (Mexico, Brazil, Peru, Chile, and others)Western Europe (Germany, U.K., France, Spain, Italy, Nordic countries, Belgium, Netherlands, and Luxembourg)Eastern Europe (Poland and Russia)Asia Pacific (China, India, Japan, ASEAN, Australia, and New Zealand)Middle East and Africa (GCC, Southern Africa, and North Africa)The report has been compiled through extensive primary research (through interviews, surveys, and observations of seasoned analysts) and secondary research (which entails reputable paid sources, trade journals, and industry body databases). The report also features a complete qualitative and quantitative assessment by analyzing data gathered from industry analysts and market participants across key points in the industrys value chain.A separate analysis of prevailing trends in the parent market, macro- and micro-economic indicators, and regulations and mandates is included under the purview of the study. By doing so, the report projects the attractiveness of each major segment over the forecast period.-Highlights of the report:A complete backdrop analysis, which includes an assessment of the parent marketImportant changes in market dynamicsMarket segmentation up to the second or third levelHistorical, current, and projected size of the market from the standpoint of both value and volumeReporting and evaluation of recent industry developmentsMarket shares and strategies of key playersEmerging niche segments and regional marketsAn objective assessment of the trajectory of the marketContinue.....ResearchMoz is the worlds fastest growing collection of market research reports worldwide. Our database is composed of current market studies from over 100 featured publishers worldwide. Our market research databases integrate statistics with analysis from global, regional, country and company perspectives. ResearchMozs service portfolio also includes value-added services such as market research customization, competitive landscaping, and in-depth surveys, delivered by a team of experienced Research Coordinators.Researchmoz Global Pvt. Ltd.90 State Street,Albany, NY 12207,United States,Tel: 866-997-4948 (Us-Canada Toll Free),Tel: +1-518-621-2074 Low Temperature Coatings Market Size to Expand Significantly by the End of 2025 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/low-temperature-coatings-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=25856 www.transparencymarketresearch.com/ Low Temperature Coatings Market: OverviewLow temperature coatings are two-component epoxy-based coatings. The low temperature coatings have the ability to cure down to 0C. These coatings are used in cool weather conditions, where other coatings require adequate measures for curing purposes. Though the rate of corrosion at lower temperatures is much slower compared to the rate at other temperatures, still corrosion occurs. Some chiller rooms will have high humidity. The high humidity will accelerate corrosion. The low temperature coatings are capable of retaining flexibility and impact resistance to metals at shallow temperatures. They also provide low moisture permeability and maintain excellent dielectric and mechanical properties of the metallic substance.The low temperature coatings are available in two variants, liquid, and powder, and are employed in many applications. These are more likely used to apply coatings to valves, pipes, fittings, welds, and many other components which exposed to lower temperatures. Whenever a metal product is placed in colder environments, there will be a need for low temperature coatings.View Report Preview:Low Temperature Coatings Market: Dynamics and TrendsThe low temperature coatings are more eco-friendly compared to other coatings. They will also reduce the risk of volatile organic compound (VOC) emissions into the atmosphere. The eco-friendly nature of the low temperature coatings is determined to drive the low temperature coatings market. As the demand for environmentally friendly products across the world is increasing, the need for low temperature coatings is also expected to grow significantly.The growing demand for low temperature coatings is driven by the increased employment of low temperature coatings across various industry verticals. These coatings are used in industry verticals like automotive, manufacturing, and others. The growing demand for the protection of components in all the industry verticals is giving an additional boost to the low temperature coatings market growth.This market also provides a good number of opportunities to the new entrants into Asia Pacific and Europe region. As the automotive industry in these regions is growing at a rapid pace, the demand for low temperature coatings is also expected to rise.Low Temperature Coatings Market: SegmentationRegarding type, the low temperature coatings market has been divided into powder coatings and liquid coatings. The powder coatings are again bifurcated into thermoplastic and thermoset powders. The powder coatings segment is expected to have the largest share in the entire period as they are eco-friendly than liquid coatings. The powder coatings also emit less volatile organic compounds (VOC) than liquid coatings.Regarding resin type, the low temperature coatings market can be segmented as epoxy, acrylic, polyurethane (PU), and others. Among all the resins, the acrylic resin is anticipated to be the fastest growing resin segment. The demand for acrylic resins primarily comes from the automotive, and paints and coatings, industries. The acrylic resins are used in wide range of applications, due to its chemical properties.Based on end-user industry, the low temperature coatings market can be bifurcated into oil & gas, automotive, manufacturing, construction, and others. The automotive industry vertical is predicted to hold the highest market share. The increasing demand for the protection of automotive parts from corrosion is expected to drive this segment at a significant growth rate over the forecast period. The oil & gas industry is projected to compete with the automotive industry vertical regarding market size. The low temperature coatings are applied to pipelines where the pipes are exposed to very low temperatures.Low Temperature Coatings Market: Regional OutlookThe North America region is predicted to be the major consumer and producer of low temperature coatings. As most of the regions of the United States, and Canada experience mostly very lower temperatures, the use of low temperature coatings is expected to be huge. This growing demand is also anticipated to grow in the coming years and make this region lead regarding consumption of low temperature coatings.Geographically, the Asia Pacific region is determined to become the most mature market by the end of the forecast period. The increasing manufacturing units in this region is expected to drive the demand for low temperature coatings over the coming years. The growing automotive, and manufacturing industry verticals are expected to propel the demand for the low temperature coatings over the forecast period. Also, the tightening regulations towards the environmental conservation in countries like China, and India are expected to attribute to the growth of low temperature coatings market in the Asia Pacific region.The growing automotive industry in Europe region accounted for the growth of Europes low temperature coatings market. In Europe, Germany is predicted to account for a significant share. The increasing automobiles in this region have created a high demand for low temperature coatings, thereby predicted to escalate this market in the coming years.Request to view Sample Report:Low Temperature Coatings Market: Key PlayersSome of the prominent players in this market include PPG Industries, Inc., DuPont, Bowers Industrial, Axalta Coating Systems, DSM, The Valspar Corporation, Specialty Polymer Coatings Inc., Phygen Coatings, Inc., Michelman, Inc., and Vitracoat 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.About UsTransparency Market Research (TMR) is a market intelligence company, providing global business information reports and services. Our exclusive blend of quantitative forecasting and trends analysis provides forward-looking insight for thousands of decision makers. TMRs experienced team of Analysts, Researchers, and Consultants, use proprietary data sources and various tools and techniques to gather and analyze information.Our data repository is continuously updated and revised by a team of research experts, so that it always reflects the latest trends and information. With a broad research and analysis capability, Transparency Market Research employs rigorous primary and secondary research techniques in developing distinctive data sets and research material for business reports.Contact UsTransparency Market Research90 State Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Global CRISPR Market Size, Dynamics, Trends, Competitor Analysis, and Forecast to 2024 Global CRISPR Market https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/crispr-market/#ulp-4H8Z4LpNMLEuOnnx https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/crispr-market/#ulp-c654SbFYO64MsOhu https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/crispr-market/#ulp-14mlyhjMGhVjZqa3 https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/crispr-market/ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com Global CRISPR Market: By Product Type (Vector-based Cas, DNA-free Cas), By Application (Functional Genomics, Knockdown/activation, Genome Engineering, Disease models, Other Applications), By Distribution Channel (Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Companies, Academic & Government Research Institutes, Others), and Geography - Dynamics, Trends, Competitor Analysis, and Forecast to 2024Market Outline: CRISPR MarketCRISPR is an acronym for Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat. CRISPR is also called as CRISPR/Cas9. The scientific world is attracted by this revolutionary technology. CRISPR technology is a simple yet powerful tool that is used for editing genomes. This technology is used to alter the DNA sequence and modify gene function. Its major application includes correcting genetic defects, treating, and preventing the spread of diseases and is also used improving crops.Market Dynamics: CRISPR MarketThe technological advancements are the key factors attributed for the growth of the CRISPR market. Increase in the prevalence of genetic and growing drug discovery activities are expected to boost the market revenue growth. The growing demand for synthetic genes and increase in the R&D expenditure on biotechnology and raising government expenditure on genetic research is enriching the growth of the CRISPR market. However, complications such as gene editing of germ line cells are hindering the growth of the market. Since the changes made in germ line cells are transferred to the next generations. The gene editing of germ line cells also has ethical issues and is illegal in most of the countries such as the UK. Limited awareness is another factor hindering the growth of the CRISPR market.Free sample of this report is available upon request @Market Scope: CRISPR MarketCRISPR market is segmented based on the product type, application, and end userBased on the product type, the market is segmented into the following: Vector-based Cas DNA-free CasBased on the application, the market is segmented into the following: Functional Genomics Knockdown/activation Genome Engineering Disease models Other ApplicationsBased on the end user, the market is segmented into the following: Biotechnology & Pharmaceutical Companies Academic & Government Research Institutes OthersFree TOC of this report is available upon request @Regional Analysis: CRISPR MarketGeographically, global CRISPR market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. North America CRISPR market expected to be dominant market when compared with that of the other regional markets. The technological advancements, increase in the R&D expenditure, and the increasing government funding expected to create demand for CRISPER. The Asia Pacific is expected to show significant growth over the forecasted period. The growing prevalence of the genetic disorders in the emerging economies such as China and India are expected to boost the market growth of the CRISPR market.Need more information about this report @Competition Assessment: CRISPR MarketSome of the players in the global CRISPR market include: Transposagen Biopharmaceuticals (U.S) Agilent Technologies, Inc. (U.S) Merck KGaA (Germany) Rockland Immunochemicals, Inc. (U.S) Applied StemCell, Inc. (U.S) Cellecta, Inc. (U.S) GeneCopoeia, Inc. (U.S) Horizon Discovery plc (UK) Mirus Bio LLC (U.S) New England Biolabs (U.S)Notable Market Developments: CRISPR Market In February 2018, Millipore Sigma has received the Korean Intellectual Property Office and the Israel Patent Office patents for the company's CRISPR technology used in a genomic-integration method for eukaryotic cellsGet access to full summary @About Precision Business InsightsPrecision Business Insights is one of the leading market research and business consulting firm, which follow a holistic approach to solve needs of the clients. We adopt and implement proven research methodologies to achieve better results. We help our clients by providing actionable insights and strategies to make better decisions. We provide consulting, syndicated and customised market research services based on our client needs.Contact to Precision Business Insights,Kemp House,152 160 City Road,London EC1V 2NXContact Person: Rajesh BabuRole: Marketing LeadEmail: sales@precisionbusinessinsights.comToll Free (US):+1-866-598-1553Website @ Global Dozer Market Research: Sales of Dozer are Estimated to Cross 34,500 Mn units, to Exceed Revenues Worth US$ 2,700 Mn by 2026-end https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=S&rep_id=385 https://www.factmr.com/report/385/dozer-market https://www.factmr.com/connectus/sample?flag=D&rep_id=385 https://www.factmr.com/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/factmr/ The rapidly expanding dozer market is the focus of a new report added to the market intelligence repository of Fact.MR. This 170-page broad study is headlined as Dozer Market Research Forecast, Trend Analysis & Competition Tracking: Global Review 2017 to 2026 which noticeably examines the prospects of the global dozer industry till the end of 2022, using the markets development trajectory in the recent past as the key indicator of actionable insights into the markets growth pattern. A blend of primary & secondary research has been implemented for offering estimates and forecasts on the concerned market.Request Sample Report@OEMs focusing on Development of Compact Dozer Capable of Operating in Uneven & Small TerrainsEarthmoving and construction equipment have witnessed a rapid transformation on the basis of technological shifts, from the conventional equipment to advent of enhanced capacity machinery such as dozers. The organized construction industry plays a pivotal role in demand for dozers. Apart from the construction sector, mining, irrigation and several other infrastructure segments such as power plants and railways also contribute to adoption. In addition several developing countries have been making enormous investments on infrastructure development. This along with higher degree of urbanization are anticipated to create opportunities for adoption of various dozers for earthmoving purposes. OEMs are focusing on the design of compact dozers capable of operating in uneven and small terrains, which in turn will attract new customers and pave growth opportunities for the global dozer market.APEJ to Remain Most Remunerative Market for DozerIncreasing urbanization in developing countries of Asia-Pacific excluding Japan (APEJ) such as China and India will fuel the market growth in this region. Large infrastructural investments are being made across a wide range of sectors in the region, such as education, healthcare, utilities, energy and transportation, which in turn are anticipated to boost adoption of dozer in the near future. APEJ will continue to be the most remunerative market for dozer, followed by North America and Europe. Combined revenues from the markets in North America and Europe are expected to remain relatively lower than those from the market in APEJ by 2026-end.Competition TrackingKey companies profiled by Fact.MRs report that are actively contributing to expansion of the global dozer market include Zoomilion, SHANDONG SHANTUI CONSTRUCTION MACHINERY IMP&EXP CO, CNH Industries, Guangxi Liugong Machinery Co., Ltd., Bell Equipment Co SA, Komatsu, Liebherr, Deere & Company, and Caterpillar.View Report@Table of Contents:Global Economic OutlookGlobal Dozer Market Executive SummaryGlobal Dozer Market Overview3.1. Introduction3.1.1. Global Dozer Market Taxonomy3.1.2. Global Dozer Market Definition3.2. Global Dozer Market Size (US$ Mn) and Forecast, 2012-20263.2.1. Global Dozer Market Y-o-Y Growth3.3. Global Dozer Market Dynamics3.4. Supply Chain3.5. Cost Structure3.6. Pricing Analysis3.7. PESTLE Analysis3.8. Porters Five Force Analysis3.9. Key Participants Market Presence (Intensity Map) By RegionGlobal Dozer Market Analysis and Forecast 2012-20264.1. Global Dozer Market Size and Forecast By Operating Weight, 2012-20264.1.1. Under 20,000 lb Market Size and Forecast, 2012-20264.1.1.1. Revenue (US$ Mn) & Volume Comparison, By Region4.1.1.2. Market Share Comparison, By Region4.1.1.3. Y-o-Y growth Comparison, By RegionContinued..Check Discount on this Report@About Fact.MRFact.MR is a fast-growing market research firm that offers the most comprehensive suite of syndicated and customized market research reports. We believe transformative intelligence can educate and inspire businesses to make smarter decisions. We know the limitations of the one-size-fits-all approach; thats why we publish multi-industry global, regional, and country-specific research reports.Contact UsFact.MR11140 Rockville PikeSuite 400Rockville, MD 20852United StatesEmail: sales@factmr.comWeb:Follow Us on Linkedin: Global Oral Solid Dosage Pharmaceutical Formulation Market Size, Dynamics, Regional Share, Trends, Competitor Analysis 2013 to 2017 and Forecast 2018 to 2024 Oral Solid Dosage Pharmaceutical Formulation Market https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/oral-solid-dosage-pharmaceutical-formulation-market/#ulp-4H8Z4LpNMLEuOnnx https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/oral-solid-dosage-pharmaceutical-formulation-market/#ulp-c654SbFYO64MsOhu https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/oral-solid-dosage-pharmaceutical-formulation-market/#ulp-14mlyhjMGhVjZqa3 https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com/market-reports/oral-solid-dosage-pharmaceutical-formulation-market/ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com Global Oral Solid Dosage Pharmaceutical Formulation Market: By Product Type (Tablets, Lozenges, Capsules), By Drug Release Mechanism (Sustained Release, Extended Release, Instant Release, Chewable Tablets, Effervescent Tablets, Enteric Release), By Disease Indication (Asthma, Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Pulmonary Arterial Hypertension, Others), By Distribution Channel (Hospital Pharmacies, Retail Pharmacies, Drug Stores, Online Pharmacies), and Geography - Market Estimation, Dynamics, Regional Share, Trends, Competitor Analysis 2013-2017 and Forecast 2018-2023Global oral solid dosage pharmaceutical formulation market was valued at US $ XX Mn and expected to grow at XX% Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) over the 2018 to 2024.Market Outline: Oral Solid Dosage Pharmaceutical Formulation MarketOral solid dosage pharmaceutical formulation are most widely used dosage forms. They are easy to manufacture and transport due to its increased chemical and physical stability. The Oral solid dosage formulations are cost effective when compared with the other kind of dosage forms. These can be formulated in various flavors in order to mask the unpleasant taste of the formulation and increase the patient compliance. The technological advancements are enabling the manufacturers to formulate new drugs such as sustained release dosage forms which minimize the frequent administration of the drug.Market Dynamics: Oral Solid Dosage Pharmaceutical Formulation MarketMarket players are majorly focused on oral solid dosage forms due to convenience and safe way of administration. Increased sedentary and fast paced lifestyle is leading to adopt lifestyle related diseases such as obesity, diabetes. The manufacturers are targeting the population in developing countries in order to enhance the market. A significant boost is observed in the Asia Pacific region owing to increased population. Moreover, the generic manufacturers are playing a major role in the growth of the oral solid dosage pharmaceutical formulation market by introducing generic drugs in the local market. However, the high regulatory requirement is expected to hamper the market.Free sample of this report is available upon request @Market Scope: Oral Solid Dosage Pharmaceutical Formulation MarketOral solid dosage pharmaceutical formulation market is segmented based on the type, drug release mechanism, and distribution channelBased on the type, the market is segmented into the following: Tablets Lozenges Capsuleso Hard Gelatin Capsuleso Soft Gelatin CapsulesBased on the Drug Release Mechanism, the market is segmented into the following: Sustained Release Extended Release Instant Release Chewable Tablets Effervescent Tablets Enteric ReleaseBased on the distribution channel, the market is segmented into the following: Hospital Pharmacies Retail Pharmacies Drug Stores Online PharmaciesFree TOC of this report is available upon request @Regional Analysis: Oral Solid Dosage Pharmaceutical Formulation MarketGeographically, global oral solid dosage pharmaceutical formulation market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and Middle East and Africa. North America dominates the oral solid dosage pharmaceutical formulation market and expected to grow at significant CAGR over the forecasted period. North America being more lucrative showing the higher expectancy of market growth. Asia Pacific oral solid dosage pharmaceutical formulation market is expected to show higher growth rate. The emerging countries such as India and China are showing a significant growth due to the entry of local market players which formulate the generic drugs.Need more information about this report @Competition Assessment: Oral Solid Dosage Pharmaceutical Formulation MarketSome of the players in the global oral solid dosage pharmaceutical formulation market include: AstraZeneca Plc. (UK) Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (U.S) Novartis AG (Switzerland) Pfizer Inc. (U.S) AbbVie Inc. (U.S) Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH (Germany) Johnson & Johnson (U.S) Merck & Co. Inc. (U.S) Gilead Sciences (U.S)Notable Market Developments: Oral Solid Dosage Pharmaceutical Formulation Market In Feburary 2018, Colorcon, Inc., has introduced the Opadry EZ, Easy Swallow Film Coating System, a new product aimed at addressing the difficulty faced by many patients in swallowing oral solid dosage forms.Get access to full summary @About Precision Business InsightsPrecision Business Insights is one of the leading market research and business consulting firm, which follow a holistic approach to solve needs of the clients. We adopt and implement proven research methodologies to achieve better results. We help our clients by providing actionable insights and strategies to make better decisions. We provide consulting, syndicated and customised market research services based on our client needs.Contact to Precision Business Insights,Kemp House,152 160 City Road,London EC1V 2NXContact Person: Rajesh BabuRole: Marketing LeadEmail: sales@precisionbusinessinsights.comToll Free (US):+1-866-598-1553Website @ New Chief of F110 Frigate Programme to Present Keynote Address at Maritime Information Warfare Conference 2018 www.maritimeinfowarfare.com/openpr http://www.smi-online.co.uk SMi Reports: Captain Antonio Gonzalez Garcia, Spanish MoD, has been announced as the newest keynote speaker at this years Maritime Information Warfare conference in London.The new chief of the Spanish Navy's F110 programme, Captain Antonio Gonzalez Garcia, has been recently announced as the newest speaker, set to present a keynote address at SMi's 2nd annual Maritime Information Warfare conference, taking place 26th 27th November 2018 in London, UK.F110 Frigate Programme Manager Captain Antonio Gonzalez Garcia's career in the Navy began as an engineer. He was responsible for implementing a plethora of programmes such as the F100 frigate, Navy Intranet, the Military Satellite Communications programme, and the Joint Military Telecommunications system. In recent years, he has been appointed head of the Scomba Combat Management programme and is currently responsible for managing the new F110 frigate programme.Captain Antonio Gonzalez Garcia is set to present on day two of the event in November, putting forward his vast experience to present a keynote presentation on: Developing combat information systems in the Spanish F110 Frigate Programme.The presentation will focus on: How the F110 Frigate programme is strengthening Spanish information warfare capacities The role of IT-enabled data capture within building operational information superiority Development of SCOMBA combat system to integrate and display data from a range of sensors Utilisation of open source architecture within SCOMBA to ensure multimission interoperability How future Spanish naval acquisition programmes will prioritise combat information systemsIn addition to the Spanish MoD, senior experts from the Royal Navy, NATO MARCOM and the US Navy will also be presenting keynote addresses at this years conference in London.The highly-anticipated two-day meeting will give attendees the opportunity to explore how naval information exploitation can be optimised through new technologies, systems and enhanced data management.The latest conference brochure is now available to download on the event website, where attendees can also register and receive real-time updates in the lead up to the conference. Register by the 29th June and receive a 300 discount on your booking.Maritime Information Warfare26th 27th November 2018London, UK---ENDS---For sponsorship and exhibition queries please contact Justin Predescu at jpredescu@smi-online.co.ukFor delegate queries please contact Andrew Gibbons at agibbons@smi-online.co.uk.For media queries please contact Natasha Boumediene at nboumediene@smi-online.co.uk.About SMi Group:Established since 1993, the SMi Group is a global event-production company that specializes in Business-to-Business Conferences, Workshops, Masterclasses and online Communities. We create and deliver events in the Defence, Security, Energy, Utilities, Finance and Pharmaceutical industries. We pride ourselves on having access to the worlds most forward thinking opinion leaders and visionaries, allowing us to bring our communities together to Learn, Engage, Share and Network. More information can be found atSMi Group Ltd1 Westminster Bridge Rd, South Bank, London SE1 7XWNatasha Boumedienenboumediene@smi-online.co.uk New Speakers from Roche and Imperial College London Announced for SMis ADMET Event www.admet-event.com/PR6 www.admet-event.com/PR6 SMi Group Reports: With less than 4 weeks left until the 13th annual ADMET Conference commences in London, SMi announces two new speakers joining the event.There is less than 4 weeks until SMis 13th annual ADMET conference, which takes place on the 9th and 10th July 2018 in London, UK, with places becoming increasingly limited. In the run up to the conference, SMi is proud to announce two new speakers from Roche and Imperial College London, who will be joining the event.One of the latest expert speakers to join the highly-anticipated event is Neil Parrott, Scientist in Modelling and Simulation, Pharmaceutical Research, Roche Pharma Research and Early Development, Roche, who will be speaking on day two of the conference.Neil works in the preclinical Modelling and Simulation group, part of the Pharmaceutical Sciences department of Roche Pharmaceutical Research and Early Development in Basel, Switzerland. He specializes in physiologically-based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) modelling and its applications to Roche projects from early discovery, to the market.Neils presentation In vitro and In silico tools to predict food-drug interactions will explore: How pharmacokinetics of drugs can be affected by the physiological changes induced by a meal and how food-effect bioavailability studies are needed to support new drug applications How the food effect is determined by a compounds properties and physiologically based pharmacokinetic (PBPK) absorption models integrating drug-specific data are useful predictive tools. Regulators currently lack confidence in food effect predictions and cross industry alignment on best practice is needed to support wider confidence. A case study which will illustrate preclinical and clinical impact for a Roche molecule.Dr Marie Therese Rached, Post-doctoral training fellow, Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics, The Institute for Cancer Research and Imperial College London, will also be joining this years conference and presenting her expertise on breast cancer on day one of the conference.Marie Therese Rached obtained her PhD in metabolic signalling from Imperial College London. She is currently a senior postdoc investigating signalling pathways in breast cancer within a multidisciplinary team at the Molecular Pathology and Cancer Therapeutics departments, ICR, Imperial College London.Maries presentation An Introduction to Breast Cancer- From Basic Science to Novel Therapies will explore: The biology of breast cancer Breast cancer models Signalling pathways and drug discovery Computational biology and drug discoveryAs the event enters its 13th year, attendees can expect an unrivalled opportunity to hear exclusive updates on case studies, as well as the experience and findings of scientific pioneers and industry leaders who will be exploring the optimisation of ADMET modelling techniques, preclinical DMPK applications and development of biopharmaceuticals.Download the latest brochure, plus more exclusive free content including speaker interviews, and register onlineInterested in sponsoring, exhibiting or speaking at this event?Contact Alia Malick, Director, on +44 (0) 20 827 6168 or email amalick@smi-online.co.ukFor media enquiries, contact Simi Sapal on +44 (0) 20 7827 6162 or ssapal@smi-online.co.ukADMET9th 10th July 2018Holiday Inn Kensington Forum, London, UKFollow us @SMiPharm#SMiADMETAbout SMi Group: Established since 1993, the SMi Group is a global event-production company that specializes in Business-to-Business Conferences, Workshops, Masterclasses and online Communities. We create and deliver events in the Defence, Security, Energy, Utilities, Finance and Pharmaceutical industries. We pride ourselves on having access to the worlds most forward-thinking opinion leaders and visionaries, allowing us to bring our communities together to Learn, Engage, Share and Network.SMi Group1 Westminster Bridge RoadLondonSE1 7XW Phototherapy Equipment Market to Exhibit a CAGR of 4.4% Between 2016 and 2024 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=18065 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=D&rep_id=18065 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/report-toc/18065 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The global phototherapy equipment market is highly competitive in nature and is expected to witness an increased level of competition throughout the forecast period, states a new research report by Transparency Market Research. The leading players in the market, namely Dragerwerk AG & Co. KGaA, Herbert Waldmann GmBH & Co. KG, Phoenix Medical Systems Pvt. Ltd, Natus Medical Incorporated, GE Healthcare, Atom Medical Corporation, and The Daavlin Company are emphasizing on research and development activities in order to lunch new products in the coming years. In addition, these players are entering into collaborations with end users and provide them support in the form of insurance reimbursement, equipment refurbished services, and post-sale services in order to maintain their position and penetration in the phototherapy equipment market in the coming years.Request Sample for more Comprehensive Analysis @According to the research study by Transparency Market Research, in 2015, the global market for phototherapy equipment was worth US$415.0 mn. The market is estimated to reach a value of US$603.2 mn by the end of 2024 and register a healthy growth of 4.40% CAGR between 2016 and 2024.Among the key segments, North America is expected to witness a high growth in the global phototherapy equipment market in the next few years. In 2015, North America held a share of 40% of the global market and is expected to maintain its dominance throughout the forecast period. The high growth of this region can be attributed to the increasing prevalence of neonatal jaundice and other skin diseases. In addition to this, the rising awareness among consumers regarding the availability of advanced treatments and improved healthcare services are estimated to accelerate the growth of the North America market in the next few years. Furthermore, Asia Pacific is likely to experience a significant growth in the coming years.Enquire for Discount @From the end user perspective, the hospital segment is estimated to register a progressive growth rate throughout the forecast period. In 2015, this segment held a share of 47% of the global market in terms of revenue and is likely to maintain its position in the coming years. The increasing consumer preference for hospitals and the favorable reimbursement policies are the key factors that are projected to encourage the growth of the hospital segment in the global phototherapy equipment market in the near future.The increasing cases of neonatal jaundice and the rising number of low-weight and preterm birth are projected to accelerate the market growth. In addition, the advent of technologically advanced phototherapy equipment and the spending capacity of patients are likely to offer promising growth opportunities for the market players. On the flip side, the stringent government regulations and the rising use of alternative treatments are estimated to restrict the growth of the overall market in the next few years. Nonetheless, the development of low-cost phototherapy equipment is expected to encourage the growth of the global market in the next few years.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 Tracking Device Market 2018 Size, Share, Growth, Trends, Type, Application, Analysis and Forecast by 2024 Global GPS Tracking Device Market Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024 http://databridgemarketresearch.com/request-a-sample/?dbmr=global-gps-tracking-device-market A Comprehensive Analysis of the Global GPS Tracking Device Market is been done in this intelligence report. It includes the investigations done on the past progress, on going market scenarios, and future prospectsGlobal GPS Tracking Device Market accounted to USD 1.5 billion in 2016 growing at a CAGR of 13.0% during the forecast period of 2017 to 2024. The upcoming market report contains data for historic years 2015, the base year of calculation is 2016 and the forecast period is 2017 to 2024.FREE | Sample Copy is Available@Global GPS Tracking Device Market By Type (Standalone Tracker, PBD Device, Advance Tracker) By Deployment type (Commercial Vehicle, Cargo and Container, Others), By Application (Transportation & Logistics, Construction, Oil & Gas, Metals & Mining, Government, Others) By Geography (North America, Europe, Asia-Pacific, Europe, South America, Middle East and Africa) Industry Trends and Forecast to 2024Major Market Competitors:Calamp Corporation,Sierra Wireless, Inc.,Orbocomm Inc.,Queclink Wireless Solutions Co., Ltd,Shenzhen Concox Information Technology Co., Ltd,Laird PLC.,Tomtom International Bv,MeitrackGroup,Teltonika UAB,Atrack Technology Inc.,Trackimo LLC,Geotab Inc.,Shenzhen Coban Electronics Co., Ltd,Xirgo Technologies, Inc.,Maestro Wireless Solutions Ltd.,Ruptela UAB, Spy tech, Inc.,Verizon Wireless among others.In 2017, Volkswagen sign a deal with Sierra wireless Inc. to use the GPS tracking devices in their cars.Competitive Analysis:GPS Tracking Device Market is highly fragmented and is based on new product launches and clinical results of products. Hence the major players have used various strategies such as new product launches, clinical trials, market initiatives, high expense on research and development, agreements, joint ventures, partnerships, acquisitions, and others to increase their footprints in this market. The report includes market shares of flow cytometry market for global, Europe, North America, Asia Pacific and South America.Major Market Drivers and Restraints:Commercial Vehicles increment leading to large supply of GPS systemSmaller Size, Longer Life, and High ROILow PricesSeveral Environmental Factors Leads to Poor User ExperienceAdvancement in the SoftwareSome Major Countries Covered in This Report:-US.,Canada,Germany,France,UK.,Netherlands,Switzerland,Turkey,Russia,China,India,South Korea,Japan,Australia,Singapore,Saudi Arabia,South Africa,Brazilamong others.In 2017, North America is expected to dominate the market.About Data Bridge Market Research:Data Bridge Market Research set forth itself as an unconventional and neoteric Market research and consulting firm with unparalleled level of resilience and integrated approaches. We are determined to unearth the best market opportunities and foster efficient information for your business to thrive in the market. Data Bridge endeavors to provide appropriate solutions to the complex business challenges and initiates an effortless decision-making process.Contact:Data Bridge Market ResearchTel: +1-888-387-2818Email: sopan.gedam@databridgemarketresearch.com Global Device Circuit Breakers Market Huge Demand in Year 2018-21 Analysis by Segment, by Type & Covers & Future Growth Analysis https://www.researchnreports.com/request_sample.php?id=55423 https://www.researchnreports.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=55423 www.researchnreports.com The global market has been meticulously and expansively evaluated in an in-depth market research publication added by Research N Reports, titled Global Device Circuit Breakers Market Professional Survey Report 2018. The analysts have put forth a brilliant and in-depth research about the current and future status of the global market. The forecast period considered by the analysts in this publication is 20182021 and the review period is 20112017.For sample copy request:This provides a thorough overview of the revenue of the Device Circuit Breakers market in various key regions, including an understanding of how the revenue generation patterns have changed over the recent past. The relation between the overall revenue generation figures and the sales structure of the industry in each regional segment is also explained in the report.The Major players reported in the market include: Phoenix Contract, E-T-A, Murrelektronik, Eaton, Siemens, ABB, Culter-Hanmmer, Westinghouse, Schneider.The report is a comprehensive analysis of the various factors fueling the growth of the market and those that hold back of restraining the growth of the market from reaching its fullest potential. The impact analysis of both the drivers and restraints has been given in this research report. The forecast of the sales growth of market products sales have also been calculated on the basis of type, application, and region. A section on the evaluation of market effect factors has shed light upon some of the most crucial aspects such as an environmental change due to economic or political reasons, change in consumer preference, and technological evolution in associated sectors. This study has been expected to provide the much-required insight of how the sales will fare in the foreseeable future.The report provides 2018-2021 statistics for each key segment of the global Device Circuit Breakers market in order to shed light on the development patterns exhibited by the market. Recent statistics exemplifying the performance of the market are provided in depth in the report, in order to provide a granular picture of the markets latest situations. This provides the base for reliable predictions regarding the markets growth till 2021.Avail discount on this report:Some of the leading players operating in the global Device Circuit Breakers market are profiled in the report for the purpose of detailed case study. The business and financial overview of these companies along with their key strategies adopted have been given in this report.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,sales@researchnreports.com, Washer Fluid Market Report 2018: Segmentation by Product (Ready to Use Fluid, Concentrated Fluid, Others) by Application (Individual Consumers, Auto Beauty & 4S Store, Others) Washer Fluid Market https://bit.ly/2LMHMye http://marketreportscompany.com/report.php?report=automotive/global-washer-fluid-market-report-2018-/39975 https://bit.ly/2LMHMye Global Washer Fluid market research report provides company profile for Prestone, Soft 99, Bluestar, Sonax, Turtle Wax, ITW, 3M, SPLASH, Reccochem, ACDelco and Others.This market study includes data about consumer perspective, comprehensive analysis, statistics, market share, company performances (Stocks), historical analysis 2012 to 2017, market forecast 2018 to 2025 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2018 to 2025, etc. The report also provides detailed segmentation on the basis of product type, application, end user and regional segmentation. The regional segment is further bifurcated on country level.Automotive Windshield Washer Fluid is a fluid for motor vehicles that is used in cleaning the windshield with the windshield wiper while the vehicle is being driven.Request for Free sample copy of ready Report @Report Coverage:Top Manufactures/vendors of Washer Fluid market:ITW3MSPLASHReccochemACDelcoPrestoneSoft 99BluestarSonaxTurtle WaxOthers (Note: We can profile additional players without any additional charges)Washer Fluid Product Type:Ready to Use FluidConcentrated FluidOthersApplication of Washer Fluid:Individual ConsumersAuto Beauty & 4S StoreOthersRegions covered in Washer Fluid Market Research Report:North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Others)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia and Others)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and Others)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Others)(Note: We can provide country or region specific report on request; please contact us for your specific requirement)The Global Washer Fluid Market analysis report covers detailed value chain analysis of Global Washer Fluid Market. The value chain analysis helps to analyze major upstream raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. The report also provides Porter analysis, PESTEL analysis and market attractiveness which helps to better understand the market scenario on macro and micro level. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities occurred in the market during current and past few years. The Global Washer Fluid Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors. The report also covers import/export data across all major regions covered in this report. Moreover, we can exclusively provide information about import/export data across any particular country as per requirement.How helpful this report will be? Washer Fluid Market share (regional, product, application, end-user) both in terms of volume and revenue along with CAGR from 2018 to 2025 Key parameters which are driving this market and restraining its growth What all challenges manufacturers will face as well as new opportunities and threats faced by themEnquire before Buying @...Table of Content:1 Market Overview1.1 Washer Fluid Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Ready to Use Fluid1.2.2 Concentrated Fluid1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Individual Consumers1.3.2 Auto Beauty & 4S Store1.3.3 Others........................Continue (What does Report Include?Historic Data: What was the Washer Fluid Market data (Size, competition, company share, YoY growth rate, etc.) from 2013 to 2018.Current Market Status: A comprehensive analysis of current market Size, trends, growth drivers, industry pitfalls, challenges and opportunities for players.Market Forecast: Report will comment and provide details about market growth and forecast till year 2025.Customization: We can provide following things 1) On request more company profiles (competitors) 2) Data about particular country or region 3) We will incorporate the same with no additional cost (Post conducting feasibility).Contact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website: marketreportscompany.comEmail: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States Robotic Arm (RA) Market Research Report 2018: Market status (2013-2018) and Foresight (2018-2023) https://www.researchnreports.com/request_sample.php?id=76641 https://www.researchnreports.com/ask_for_discount.php?id=76641 https://www.researchnreports.com/enquiry_before_buying.php?id=76641 www.researchnreports.com The report, titled Global Robotic Arm (RA) Market Report 2023, offers a deep and extensive view of this market to all users looking to magnify their business profiles in any aspect. The report establishes a solid foundation for all users looking to enter the Global Robotic Arm (RA) Market in terms of market trends, opportunities, limitations, and competitive scenario.Get Sample copy of this report :Key Players: Ross,AR+,MR Motion Control,Camerobot,PhotoRobot,Electric Friends,Dongxu Robotics,Hanson CreativeThe market for Global robotic arm ra market professional survey report 2018 has been undergoing a transitional phase over the recent past. The continual advancements in technologies and the swift increase in infrastructural development projects have influenced the demand for Global robotic arm ra market professional survey report 2018 substantially over the past few years. The swift rise in urbanization and the significant increase in the disposable income of people are likely to maintain the demand pace of Global robotic arm ra market professional survey report 2018 in the near future. The augmenting interest of investors, government funding, and the rising trend of automation are also projected to reflect positively on this market in the years to come.Avail Discount on this report :The research study examines the Global robotic arm ra market professional survey report 2018 on the basis of a number of criteria, such as the product type, application, and its geographical presence. The whole supply chain of this market has been explained with statistical details with a special emphasis on various upstream and downstream components. The current trends pertaining to the demand, supply, and sales of Global robotic arm ra market professional survey report 2018, together with the recent developments have been given here to provide an exhaustive picture of this market.For more information on this report:In this research report, the prominent trends, driving factors, restraints, opportunities, and challenges have been taken into consideration in order to identify the markets future. It also discusses the production cost structure of Global robotic arm ra market professional survey report 2018. As per the research study, raw material and equipment are two major components of the Global robotic arm ra market professional survey report 2018 manufacturing process. Here, researchers have studied the costs of raw materials and equipment with a special mention to their suppliers. Furthermore, the labor and other operational costs experienced in the production of Global robotic arm ra market professional survey report 2018 have also been discussed at length in this market report.Further, the research study analyzes the regulatory framework of the Global robotic arm ra market professional survey report 2018, offering stakeholders a better understanding of the various policies, rules and regulations, and future projects, which are expected to influence numerous proceedings in this market. It also collects in-depth information gained through extensive primary and secondary research methods, which has been assessed with the help of several effective analytical tools. Based on the data attained from such systematic research, the research report presents near-accurate estimates for the market players as well as the readers. Readers will also gain significantly from the references and case studies given in the research study.The research report also presents a thorough assessment of the competitive landscape of the Global robotic arm ra market professional survey report 2018 by reviewing the company profiles of the leading players functioning in this market. The market hierarchy has also been identified in this study by analyzing the current developments and future prospects of these players.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,sales@researchnreports.com, Potassium Phosphite Market Report 2018: Segmentation by Product (Liquid, Solid, Others) by Application (Fungicide, Fertilize, Others) Potassium Phosphite Market https://bit.ly/2l6IPOm http://marketreportscompany.com/report.php?report=chemicals-and-materials/global-potassium-phosphite-market-report-2018-/39983 https://bit.ly/2l6IPOm Global Potassium Phosphite market research report provides company profile for Australian Agricultural Chemicals, Rudong Huayun Chem, Currie Chemical, AGRI Nova, Agrowchem, Plant Food Systems, Pacific Agriscience, Van Iperen, PHOENIX ENVIRONMENTAL CARE, Suzhou Coonit Fine Chemical Technology, Luxembourg-Pamol, Plant Food Company, Growth Products and Others.This market study includes data about consumer perspective, comprehensive analysis, statistics, market share, company performances (Stocks), historical analysis 2012 to 2017, market forecast 2018 to 2025 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2018 to 2025, etc. The report also provides detailed segmentation on the basis of product type, application, end user and regional segmentation. The regional segment is further bifurcated on country level.Potassium Phosphite is obtained by the neutralization of phosphonic acid and an alkali salt; typically potassium hydroxide (KOH). It is the active ingredient in Alude, Magellan, Vital, Vital Sign, Resyst, and other phosphonate fungicides. Potassium phosphite is also the main ingredient in several phosphite fertilizer products, including K-Phite, Ele-Max Foliar Phosphite, and Nutri Phite P + K.Request for Free sample copy of ready Report @Report Coverage:Top Manufactures/vendors of Potassium Phosphite market:Van IperenPHOENIX ENVIRONMENTAL CARESuzhou Coonit Fine Chemical TechnologyLuxembourg-PamolPlant Food CompanyGrowth ProductsAustralian Agricultural ChemicalsRudong Huayun ChemCurrie ChemicalAGRI NovaAgrowchemPlant Food SystemsPacific AgriscienceOthers (Note: We can profile additional players without any additional charges)Potassium Phosphite Product Type:LiquidSolidOthersApplication of Potassium Phosphite:FungicideFertilizeOthersRegions covered in Potassium Phosphite Market Research Report:North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Others)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia and Others)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and Others)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Others)(Note: We can provide country or region specific report on request; please contact us for your specific requirement)The Global Potassium Phosphite Market analysis report covers detailed value chain analysis of Global Potassium Phosphite Market. The value chain analysis helps to analyze major upstream raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. The report also provides Porter analysis, PESTEL analysis and market attractiveness which helps to better understand the market scenario on macro and micro level. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities occurred in the market during current and past few years. The Global Potassium Phosphite Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors. The report also covers import/export data across all major regions covered in this report. Moreover, we can exclusively provide information about import/export data across any particular country as per requirement.How helpful this report will be? Potassium Phosphite Market share (regional, product, application, end-user) both in terms of volume and revenue along with CAGR from 2018 to 2025 Key parameters which are driving this market and restraining its growth What all challenges manufacturers will face as well as new opportunities and threats faced by themEnquire before Buying @...Table of Content:1 Market Overview1.1 Potassium Phosphite Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Liquid1.2.2 Solid1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Fungicide1.3.2 Fertilize1.3.3 Other........................Continue (What does Report Include?Historic Data: What was the Potassium Phosphite Market data (Size, competition, company share, YoY growth rate, etc.) from 2013 to 2018.Current Market Status: A comprehensive analysis of current market Size, trends, growth drivers, industry pitfalls, challenges and opportunities for players.Market Forecast: Report will comment and provide details about market growth and forecast till year 2025.Customization: We can provide following things 1) On request more company profiles (competitors) 2) Data about particular country or region 3) We will incorporate the same with no additional cost (Post conducting feasibility).Contact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website: marketreportscompany.comEmail: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States Confectionery Market Report 2018: Segmentation by Product (Sugar confectionery, Chocolate, Gum, Others) by Application (Wedding, Festivals, Others) Confectionery Market https://bit.ly/2HMk5DY http://marketreportscompany.com/report.php?report=food-and-beverages/global-confectionery-market-report-2018-/40061 https://bit.ly/2HMk5DY Global Confectionery market research report provides company profile for Arcor(AR), Perfetti Van Melle(NL), Haribo(DE), Lindt & Sprngli(CH), Barry Callebaut(CH), Mars(US), Mondelez International(US), Nestle(CH), Meiji Holdings(JP), Ferrero Group(IT), Hershey Foods(US) and Others.This market study includes data about consumer perspective, comprehensive analysis, statistics, market share, company performances (Stocks), historical analysis 2012 to 2017, market forecast 2018 to 2025 in terms of volume, revenue, YOY growth rate, and CAGR for the year 2018 to 2025, etc. The report also provides detailed segmentation on the basis of product type, application, end user and regional segmentation. The regional segment is further bifurcated on country level.Confectionery refers to a large rang of food items that mainly contain or wrapped by chocolate, sugar and some fillings like sweeteners, texturizers, emulsifiers etc.Request for Free sample copy of ready Report @Report Coverage:Top Manufactures/vendors of Confectionery market:Mars(US)Mondelez International(US)Nestle(CH)Meiji Holdings(JP)Ferrero Group(IT)Hershey Foods(US)Arcor(AR)Perfetti Van Melle(NL)Haribo(DE)Lindt & Sprngli(CH)Barry Callebaut(CH)Others (Note: We can profile additional players without any additional charges)Confectionery Product Type:Sugar confectioneryChocolateGumOthersApplication of Confectionery:WeddingFestivalsOthersRegions covered in Confectionery Market Research Report:North America (USA, Canada and Mexico)Europe (Germany, France, UK, Russia, Italy and Others)Asia-Pacific (China, Japan, Korea, India, Southeast Asia and Others)South America (Brazil, Argentina, Columbia and Others)Middle East and Africa (Saudi Arabia, UAE, Egypt, Nigeria, South Africa and Others)(Note: We can provide country or region specific report on request; please contact us for your specific requirement)The Global Confectionery Market analysis report covers detailed value chain analysis of Global Confectionery Market. The value chain analysis helps to analyze major upstream raw materials, major equipments, manufacturing process, downstream customer analysis and major distributor analysis.The report also covers in-depth description, competitive scenario, wide product portfolio of prime players active in this market and business strategies adopted by competitors along with their SWOT analysis. The report also provides Porter analysis, PESTEL analysis and market attractiveness which helps to better understand the market scenario on macro and micro level. Side by side, it also explicitly provides information about mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and all the other important activities occurred in the market during current and past few years. The Global Confectionery Market report explores manufacturers competitive scenario and provides market share for all major players of this market based on production capacity, sales, revenue, geographical presence and other major factors. The report also covers import/export data across all major regions covered in this report. Moreover, we can exclusively provide information about import/export data across any particular country as per requirement.How helpful this report will be? Confectionery Market share (regional, product, application, end-user) both in terms of volume and revenue along with CAGR from 2018 to 2025 Key parameters which are driving this market and restraining its growth What all challenges manufacturers will face as well as new opportunities and threats faced by themEnquire before Buying @...Table of Content:1 Market Overview1.1 Confectionery Introduction1.2 Market Analysis by Type1.2.1 Sugar confectionery1.2.2 Chocolate1.2.3 Gum1.3 Market Analysis by Applications1.3.1 Wedding1.3.2 Festivals1.3.3 Other........................Continue (What does Report Include?Historic Data: What was the Confectionery Market data (Size, competition, company share, YoY growth rate, etc.) from 2013 to 2018.Current Market Status: A comprehensive analysis of current market Size, trends, growth drivers, industry pitfalls, challenges and opportunities for players.Market Forecast: Report will comment and provide details about market growth and forecast till year 2025.Customization: We can provide following things 1) On request more company profiles (competitors) 2) Data about particular country or region 3) We will incorporate the same with no additional cost (Post conducting feasibility).Contact UsJason Smith,Sales Manager, Global Business Development,Website: marketreportscompany.comEmail: jasonsmith@marketreportscompany.comContact us: +1-888-220-3424Address: 20 N State Street, Chicago, Illinois, 60602 United States Financial Services Cybersecurity Systems and Services Market Size will Escalate Rapidly in the Near Future https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=30866 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Organizations working in the overall financial services cybersecurity systems and services market are expected to take advantage of the open doors birthing from building hearty hazard and security administration programs for financial establishments, states Transparency Market Research (TMR) in a research report. Such projects could help financial firms to enable their IT security while getting a charge out of the certainty to improve and contend unequivocally in their business. Merchants, for instance, Akamai Technologies, Inc., AlienVault, Inc., VMware, Inc., Alert Logic, Inc., and Avast Software S.R.O. could be among the best names in the market. The report gives a comprehensive profile record of every seller examined.The worldwide market for financial services cybersecurity systems and services is anticipated to enlist a CAGR of 14.1% amid the figure time allotment 2017 2022. By 2022 end, the market could post an income of US$24.3 bn. In 2017, it earned around US$12.5 bn. As indicated by end client grouping, the universal financial services cybersecurity systems and services market is anticipated to offer open doors in sections, for example, saving money, protection, credit unions, stock businesses, stock trade, venture reserves, purchaser financing services, installment card and portable installment services, and government-related financial services. Regionally, North America is guessed to make the cut in the global financial services cybersecurity systems and services market with an income of US$7.6 bn forecasted to be collected before the finish of 2022. Different markets, for instance, Japan and Europe could likewise offer promising prospects in the coming years.Prevention of Client Data to Add as Core Advantage of Market in Coming YearsThe worldwide financial services cybersecurity systems and services market is prognosticated to pick up driving force from the order of government statutes, for example, the Gramm-Leach-Bliley (GLB) Act which require financial organizations to guarantee the classification and security of clients close to home information. Such client information could incorporate standardized savings numbers (SSNs), records, wage, account numbers, telephone numbers, locations, and names. Besides, an increased reaction is normal from financial firms taking a gander at the taking off pervasiveness and advancement of cybercrimes since the most recent decade and a half.Get PDF Sample of This Report @Banks to Provide Lucrative Prospects for GrowthThe worldwide financial services cybersecurity systems and services market is imagined to be marked as a quicker and bigger growing one for private division cybersecurity. Financial foundations and banks, for instance, Bank of America are anticipated to set no bar or requirement on cybersecurity expense because of the desperation of the time and energetically augmenting range of crimes pertaining to the internet. The American Bankers Association Banking Journal proclaimed in 2016 that digital connected hazards are presently located higher by CEOs than those related with resource bubbles, vitality costs, and financial emergency. Force point, in its 2015 Industry Drill Down Report, surefire that security occurrences in the financial services industry occur 300 times more often than in different business parts.The global financial services cybersecurity systems and services market is visualized to grant versatile undertaking administration as a commanding fragment anticipated that would secure a more grounded income of US$4.7 bn by 2022. Be that as it may, there could be more markets for financial services cybersecurity systems and services according to services and arrangement division indicating face. These could be character, endpoint security, and admission to administration, multipurpose security, datacenter security, occasion administration and security data, information misfortune aversion (DLP), firewall, and content security.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: Mobile Point-of-Sale (mPOS) Market: Industry Analysis And Detailed Profiles Of Top Industry Players https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=6742 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com With the increasing penetration of mobile point-of-sale (mPOS) solutions, a number of companies have been encouraged to extend their product portfolios, among which Bixolon Co. Ltd., First Data Corp., Hewlett-Packard Development Co., Oracle Corp., PayPal Holdings, and VeriFone Systems Inc. are the leading ones. A new study by Transparency Market Research (TMR), a shift in the focus of mPOS solution vendors toward emerging economies that are considered to be mPOS-ready, such as India, China, Mexico, and Brazil can be observed over the next few years on account of the rising base of card users, increasing penetration of smart phones and tablets, and the technological advancements, states the research report.According to the research study, the global market for mPOS will reach US$4.2 bn by 2017. Further, expanding at an exceptional CAGR of 35.40% during the period from 2017 to 2025, the opportunity in this market is anticipated to attain a value of US$47.7 bn by the end of the forecast period. Currently, the demand for card reader accessories is much higher than integrated card reader solutions and the trend is projected to remain so over the next few years. NFC, EMV chip and pin, and hybrid technology are predicted to maintain their demand in this market in the near future. Among end users, the retail industry is likely to continue commanding a high number of mPOS solutions over the forthcoming years. Geographically, Europe is at the forefront of the global mPOS market at present. Researchers expect the scenario to remain same throughout the period of the forecast, notes the research study.Promising Opportunities in U.K., U.S., and Japan Propel Markets GrowthWith favorable conditions, such as increasing penetration of cards and a burgeoning installed base of smartphone and Internet users, many a countries, particularly the U.K., the U.S., and Japan, are offering advantageous opportunities for the growth of the global market for mPOS, states a TMR analyst. People across the world are preferring cashless transactions, especially mobile payments, which is the main factor behind the significant growth of this market. The rising popularity of cloud-based solutions in the information technology sector is another important factor that is fueling the usage of mPOS, globally.Get PDF Sample of This Report @Over the forthcoming years, developing economies are anticipated to witness a healthy inflow of investments from leading solution vendors, owing to the presence of a combination of favorable macroeconomic factors, such as a large pool of small and micro merchants and implementation of positive government policies. This, as a result, will reflect greatly on the global market in the near future, states the report.High Installation and Maintenance Cost to Act as HindranceWhile the worldwide mPOS market is expected to expand steadily in the near future, it may be deterred by the high cost incurred in the installation and maintenance of mPOS solutions. Apart from this, the unorganized state of mPOS in various emerging countries, particularly in India, may also hinder the growth of this market over the forthcoming years. However, this factor also points out the scope for organized retail and the large-scale rollout of mPOS technologies and services in developing domestic markets, leading to a thriving future, reports the market study.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: TD-LTE Ecosystem Market: Understanding The Key Product Segments And Their Future https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=27581 http://www.transparencymarketresearch.com A fresh study by Transparency Market Research (TMR) suggests that a number of companies are currently connected to the value chain of the global TD-LTE ecosystem market, which is a clear indication of widespread opportunities in a developing market scenario. The report identifies Huawei Technologies Co. Ltd., Nokia, Samsung Electronics Co. Ltd., Telefonaktiebolaget L. M. Ericsson, AT&T, Inc., ZTE Corporation, Qualcomm Inc., MediaTek, Inc., Broadcom Corporation, and Spreadtrum Communications Inc. as some of the most prominent companies in the global TD-LTE ecosystem market.As per the projections of the report, the demand in the global TD-LTE ecosystem market will increase at a phenomenal CAGR of 24.4% during the forecast period of 2017 to 2025, estimating it to achieve a global worth of US$264.00 bn by 2025, mounting from its evaluated valuation of US$40.80 bn in 2016. The report notes that a number of significant TD-LTE network deployments have occurred in the past three years, such as Sprint in The U.S., Bharti Airtel in India, and SoftBank in Japan, as a result of spectrum availability and decreased deployment costs. China based vendor, Huawei, is a highly respectable name in the global TD-LTE ecosystem market. The company signed a US$45.0 mn contract with Italian ISP Tiscali in September 2016. On the other hand, Ericsson also holds a significant chunk of shares in the global TD-LTE ecosystem market, capitalizing on upcoming deployment opportunities in both Asia Pacific and Europe.Equipment-wise, macro cells have considerably more demand than small cells, whereas on the basis of device type, notebooks serve maximum revenue share of the market, than other segments including PCs, smartphones, routers, and tablets. Application-wise, the market for TD-LTE ecosystem has been classified into retail, banking institutes, healthcare, and personal uses. Geographically, North America currently is the most lucrative regional market, although Asia Pacific offers widespread opportunities too.Get PDF Sample of This Report @Ubiquity of Smartphones Driving DemandEscalating demand for LTE with growing ubiquity of smartphones is the primary driver of the global TD-LTE ecosystem market. Apart from smartphones, the growing propagation of an array of other Internet enabled mobile devices such as tablets and e-readers has led to increasing consumer need to access on the go rich content. Popularity of social media has caused an explosion of mobile data traffic, generating exceptional demand on the network of wireless operators. Bandwidth concentrated applications, especially video-based, render the restricted access and the gap that the clients are progressively facing between peak rates in actual experiences every day and perfect conditions. Therefore, it is vital for operators to confirm that the average mobile experience of the users is not negotiated especially in high traffic areas.Cost Factors Hindering ProsperityDespite a highly prosperous future, there are a few factors obstructing the proper growth of the global TD-LTE ecosystem market. Complexity and backward compatibility is one such restraint. The operators who are considering a network update, must choose the appropriate technology. Either they upgrade to an evolved version of 3G like HSPA and HSPA+ or they opt for LTE. Upgrading within the 3G family does not require network architectural changes as such, whereas transforming to LTE needs core network expansion and new radio access technology. This process is highly complicated as well as cost intensive.As per the author of the report, Advancement in wireless infrastructure is one of the major opportunities in the global market of TD-LTE ecosystem. Advancement in wireless infrastructure is likely to create opportunities in the global TD-LTE ecosystem market. Various standardization bodies are developing higher frequencies and higher data rates having shorter transmission ranges. Early use of some technologies like 802.11ac assures a Gigabit per second from a single access point.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: Rear Axle Commodity Market: Worldwide Industry Analysis and New Market Opportunities Explored https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/rear-axle-commodity-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=4255 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=S&rep_id=4255 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Transparency Market Research has published a new report that presents a comprehensive overview of the global real axle commodity market. The report provides insights into the factors driving the global real axle commodity market and the restraints that the market is likely to face in the forthcoming years. The report is titled Rear Axle Commodity Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2020 and is available on the company website for sale.Browse the full Rear Axle Commodity Market - Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends and Forecast 2014 - 2020 report atBased on in-depth research, the report states that the global real axle market, which stood at US$35.8 bn in 2013, will reach US$45.9 bn in 2020. If the figures estimated in the report hold true, the market will exhibit a moderate yet positive CAGR of 3.7% during 2014-2020. Rear axle commodity affixed to a vehicle is crucial for its functioning, since it bears the entire weight of the vehicle, cargo, as well as passengers.Automotive axles also provide torque to wheels, apart from ensuring stability of the vehicle. Since real axles bear the maximum mechanical wear and tear, manufacturers strive to provide maximum safety, comfort, efficiency, and cost-effectiveness in their product offerings. Presently, manufacturers are focusing on developing more efficient yet lightweight rear axles with enhanced ratios and lesser power loss. This has led to the launch of improved rear axles with enhanced power, which in turn boosts the global market for rear axle commodity.Obtain Brochure Of Report @For the purpose of the study, the report segments the rear axle commodity market into lift axle, dead axle, and drive axle. Of these, the drive axle segment accounts for a majority share of the global real axle commodity market. In terms of application, the market is classified into economy vehicles, heavy vehicles, luxury vehicles, SUVs, MUVs, executive vehicles, and railways. Economy vehicles dominate the global rear axle commodity market at present. The use of rear axles is also very significant for railways, since it lends stability to the engine and wagons, particularly under difficult conditions.Obtain Sample Of Report @Key regional segments of the global rear axle commodity market include North America, Asia Pacific, Europe, and Rest of the World. At present, Europe dominates the global market. However, the report cites that the automotive industry in North America and Europe has already reached maturity, hence the rear axle commodity market will not experience much gains from these markets. On the other hand, emerging markets in Asia Pacific exhibits impressive opportunities, making the region the fastest growing market for rear axle commodity. Robust development of the automotive industry in Asia Pacific is anticipated to boost the demand for rear axle commodity in the region.To study the competitive landscape of the market, the report profiles some of the leading players in the market such as ROC Spicer Ltd., GNA Axles Ltd., American Axle & Manufacturing Holdings, Inc., Talbros Engineering Limited, Meritor, Inc., and Daimler Trucks North America LLC.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.Transparency Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Aircraft Synthetic Vision Market: Key Players and Production Information analysis https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/aircraft-synthetic-vision-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=27413 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Aircraft synthetic vision system is an aviation technology that provides the database of runways, terrains, airports, obstacles, and flight plan information to build a virtual environment that corresponds to the real world. It combines this database with the computing platform, position sensor, and display to provide a computer generated perspective view to the pilot. This system helps to enhance the situational awareness of the pilot by providing a lucid image of the external environment during night time or low visibility conditions.The aircraft synthetic vision system gives the pilot a very intuitive and natural view of the terrain features ahead. Thus, aircraft synthetic vision systems have enhanced the operational capability of aircrafts by reducing the chances of accidents. It consists of a low cost synthetic flight bag portable system which implements moving map, synthetic vision, and route planning in a single hardware and software package. Synthetic vision technology helps to reduce accidents which are caused due to loss of control, CFIT, and runway incursion.Obtain Report Details @The major factor which is driving the growth of the aircraft synthetic vision system market is the rising Controlled Flight into Terrain (CFIT). CFIT is an event in which an aircraft which is under pilot control accidentally flows into the water, ground, mountain, or any obstacle. In such conditions, pilots are generally unaware of the danger before it is too late. CFIT has led to constant safety improvements in commercial aircrafts and general aviation sectors, thereby increasing the demand for aircraft synthetic vision systems.The major cause of CFIT accidents is the lack of awareness of the surrounding terrain, while working in poor visibility due to bad weather or at night. With current cockpits, pilots rely heavily on paper charts in order to understand their ongoing operations with the nearby threatening terrain. For this purpose, pilots locate their position on the charts with the help of radio navigation aids, thereby projecting their relative location on the chart. This adds to the workload of the pilot, especially during descent landing and climb to cruise altitudes. Research activities conducted by NASA under the Aviation Safety Program (AvSP) are paving the way for aircraft synthetic vision systems.The major opportunity for the market lies in the incorporation of more advanced and innovative technology in existing aircraft synthetic vision systems. This would facilitate aircrafts to work in more demanding environment conditions having very low visibility. Moreover, global positioning system (GPS) is expected to provide an alternative source of approach for navigating these aircrafts in future. Growing demand for synthetic surveillance systems (SVS) and rotorcraft platforms, growing retrofit market, and improved safety standard are also some of the drivers for market growth.Obtain Brochure Of Report @The aircraft synthetic vision system market is segmented on the basis of applications and geographical regions. Based on applications, the market is segmented into general aviation aircraft, business jets, rotorcraft, and commercial transports including both passenger and goods. Aircraft synthetic vision systems contribute to the use of cost-effective vision displays, global navigation, obstruction, terrain and airport databases. The application aircraft synthetic vision system to low-end general aviation (GA) aircraft will advance the existing technologies to control the GA CFIT and loss of control accidents.Geographically, the market is expected to grow tremendously in the North America and Europe region due to growth of the aerospace sector along with regulations that necessitate aerospace companies to deploy enhanced vision systems in these regions. Asia Pacific is also expected to rapidly grow with China, Japan, India, and South Korea contributing majorly in this region.Various vendors are developing a new and improved range of SVS products for diverse aircrafts. Some of the key players in the aircraft synthetic vision system market include Honeywell International, Inc., Garmin Ltd., Hilton Software, ADB Airfield Solutions LLC, ATG Airports Ltd., Rockwell Collins, Astronics Corporation, L-3 Avionics Systems, Rockwell Collins, Universal Avionics System, Multi Electric Manufacturing Inc., Hilton Software, Aspen Avionics, Systems Interface Ltd, ForeFlight, SAAB Sensis, and Rockwell Collins, Inc.The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.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.Transparency Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Airport Digitalization Market: Global Industry Analysis, Size, Share, Growth, Trends, and Forecast https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/airport-digitalization-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=27416 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com The acceptance and presence of digital technologies at airports has successfully created ecosystems inside airports that can cater to any and all needs of the consumer, while also ensuring a smooth and safe functioning of the airport itself. From mobile boarding passes and text messages for flight schedules to sensor-based traffic control and even big data analytics, the global airport digitalization market is currently teeming with innovations aimed at making the entire process smoother, faster, safer, and cost effective.Biometric technology is allowing airports to create user profiles that allows staff and even fliers to manage processes such as self-check in, guidance through the airport, and immediate updates on flight schedules. The global airport digitalization market also includes a number of digital experiments that can help resolve common traveler issues and improve the operational efficiency of the airport.From the perspective of safety, the global airport digitalization market is at the top of its game, with numerous players providing state of the art security and safety based digital technologies and services. The growing rates of crime and terrorist activities across the world is creating a heightened need for airport security, giving rise to digital measures for safeguarding baggage transport and passengers alike.Obtain Report Details @The most prominent factor driving the market for airport digitalization is the increase in crimes and terrorist activities in airports leading to human casualties as well as infrastructure damage. Companies across the globe are developing robust technologies for passenger screening, baggage screening, and security measures which helps in scrutinizing every passenger while entering the airport as well as their baggage.This factor has increased interest among airport authorities to incorporate these security measures in order to secure the airport. Moreover, the development of software using Big Data that aids passengers during check in or ticketing using self-service kiosks is helping airport authorities to digitalize the airports. The influence of Big Data in the digitalization of airports has had a positive impact and is greatly helping the market for airport digitalization to expand in future.The growth rate of the market for airport digitalization is however hampered by the increasing need for data privacy and protection. The world is facing a challenge from cyber-attacks, which is also negatively impacting digitalization in every sectors. Data regarding passengers, baggage, staff, as well as airport operations is growing rapidly on a daily basis. This data can be converted into important information with the objective of improving airport operations by increasing business flexibility and minimizing operational risks. The risk of losing this valuable information can lead to unavoidable situations at an airport. In developing nations, airport authorities are limiting the incorporation of such software in order to reduce the risk of cyber-attacks, which in turn is inhibiting the airport digitalization market to expand in the coming years.Obtain Brochure Of Report @The airport digitalization market is poised to grow over the years due to certain factors extensively impacting market growth such as evolution of mobile based applications, introduction of facial recognition and retina recognition systems in airports, as well as baggage scanning software. Mobile based applications allow passengers to check-in before arriving at the airport, also help ticketing to get done easily. The facial or retina recognition systems helps law enforcement officers to scrutinize every passenger entering an airport. Baggage scanning software allows the crew and the police to scan the baggage or cargo before loading them on to the aircraft. Thus, these factors are expected to fuel the market for airport digitalization in the coming years.The market for airport digitalization is segmented on basis of application and geography. Based on application, the market is categorized as passenger screening and security, baggage services, passenger assistance, and retail. The rapid escalation of terrorist activities and crimes in airports have led the introduction of various passenger screening and security measures such as retina scan, facial recognition, self-service kiosks, and biometric sensors. These safety measures have enabled the passenger screening and security segment (in the application segment) to dominate the market and the segment is anticipated to retain its dominance in the next few years.The market for airport digitalization is segmented on the basis of five strategic regions globally, namely, North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East and Africa, and Latin America. The market is led by North America due to a number of companies developing different software in order to offer enhanced safety in airports and to the crew as well as provide easy passenger assistance. Moreover, airports authorities across North America are rapidly adopting these safety and easy measures, which is leading the region to dominate the market.The major players operating in the airport digitalization market includes Microsoft Corporation (U.S), IBM (U.S), Cisco Systems Inc. (U.S), Siemens AG (Germany), Apple Inc. (U.S), Living PlanIT SA (Portugal), Scarabee (Netherlands), Wind River (U.S), Daifuku Co. Ltd. (JAPAN), and SITA (Belgium).The report offers a comprehensive evaluation of the market. It does so via in-depth qualitative insights, historical data, and verifiable projections about market size. The projections featured in the report have been derived using proven research methodologies and assumptions. By doing so, the research report serves as a repository of analysis and information for every facet of the market, including but not limited to: Regional markets, technology, types, and applications.About UsTransparency Market Research 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.Transparency Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Moving Boxes Market: Quantitative Market Analysis, Current and Future Trends https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/moving-boxes-market.html https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=B&rep_id=39914 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com/sample/sample.php?flag=T&rep_id=39914 https://www.transparencymarketresearch.com Moving Boxes Market: IntroductionRising worldwide population migration and globalization are influencing the demand for moving boxes. Working class as well as students often shift their residence to new places and so they also need to move their belongings from one place to another place often. Moving boxes are generally made of corrugated boxes with or without handles. Easy to carry and lightweight properties make them consumers first choice. One can find large varieties of moving boxes according to their packaging needs.Moving boxes are manufactured by paper and paperboard packaging products manufacturers. Moving boxes market is highly driven by urbanization, population migration, etc. In emerging economies working class as well as students move to other cities and towns in search of new jobs or education purpose. This trend is highly visible in India, South Africa, Nigeria and China. This growing trend is increasingly pushing the demand for moving boxes market. Moving boxes market is expected to grow at a lucrative compound annual growth rate (CAGR) over forecast period.Read Report OverviewMoving Boxes: Market DynamicsChanging lifestyle and rising trend of population migration in emerging economies is expected to drive the global moving boxes market. Compared to conventional corrugated boxes and folding cartons, moving boxes differ in size, shape and design, because these are intended for storage as well as transportation of goods from one place to another unlike corrugated boxes and folding cartons. Corrugated boxes and folding cartons are basically intended for storage purpose.Moving boxes are available in many sizes and shapes which exactly match packaging needs of consumers. Household as well as personal belongings like TV, computer, cloths, bed, kitchen wares, etc. can be conveniently packed and transported from one place to another place. Increasing penetration of moving boxes in Latin America, Asia and Middle East regions is expected to drive the moving boxes market over forecast period. Rising middle class population, disposable income levels are also expected to drive the global moving boxes market.PDF Brochure For Future AdvancementsElectronic goods and kitchen wares are expected to be the fastest growing moving boxes segments globally. This is due to the need of extra high protection when moving electronics goods and kitchenware from one place to another place.Moving Boxes Market: Regional outlookMoving Boxes market has been segmented on the basis of region into North America, Latin America Eastern Europe, Western Europe, Asia Pacific Excluding Japan (APEJ), Middle East & Africa (MEA), and Japan. North America followed by Western Europe moving boxes market is expected to dominate the global market. Eastern Europe followed by Latin America is expected to expand at highest CAGR during the forecast period.Download TOCMoving Boxes Market: Key playersSome of the players associated with the global moving boxes market are International Paper Company, Mondi Group, Northwest Paper Box, Salazar Packaging, Inc., Accurate Box Company, Inc., Shanghai DE Printed Box, Guangzhou Huaisheng Packaging Co., Ltd. Kapstone, West Rock Packaging Company, Packaging Corporation of America, Sappi Limited, DS Smith, Oji Paper Company, Smurfit Kappa, Georgia-Pacific, 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.Transparency Market Research90 Sate Street, Suite 700Albany, NY 12207Tel: +1-518-618-1030USA - Canada Toll Free: 866-552-3453Email: sales@transparencymarketresearch.comWebsite: Liberti ready for town council after serving as deputy supervisor For close to a year, Joseph Liberti has been learning all he can about the inner workings of the town council and town government, serving as deputy supervisor. Upon being... Risman looks to bring wealth of municipal experience to board When it comes to municipal government, youd be hardpressed to find a candidate with a more extensive background than Michael Risman. Risman is a partner with Hodgson Russ, where he... Portland might soon require warnings posted on older brick buildings that are vulnerable to collapse in earthquakes. But it likely won't require building owners to make fixes to help prevent collapses for at least 20 years, a longer timeline than an advisory committee had recommended. The city council on Wednesday directed its staff to write regulations for unreinforced masonry buildings over the next year. They would require owners of most unreinforced brick buildings to bolt the building's roof to its walls and reinforce the parapet, the short wall that extends around the roof of most brick buildings. That's intended to prevent the wall from peeling away during a quake, damage that can occur in even light shaking, posing danger to people inside and outside the building. It would not require interior floors to be bolted to walls, more invasive an expensive fix that can further help prevent multistory buildings from collapsing. And it would extend the timeline to 20 years. In the meantime, the city will convene a new committee to study the cost of the fixes and possible subsidies for building owners. "We all acknowledge the life safety issue," said Mayor Ted Wheeler, who proposed the timeline. "We agree there is a degree of certainty to this issue. But between now and 12 months from now, statistically there's no increased risk to this community, but there's a real financial risk to the building owners and operators." Building owners have told the council that the fixes would likely be prohibitively expensive. They've warned that a mandate without financial assistance could lead to buildings being bought at fire-sale prices and demolished. Some also criticized the city's outreach to owners of unreinforced brick buildings. A number of pastors from predominantly African American churches that meet in unreinforced brick buildings told the council that they were unaware of the discussions. "We deserve a right to know what's going on and to be at the table to speak," said Minister Alonzo Chadwick of the Maranatha Church of God. At least two commissioners, Chloe Eudaly and Amanda Fritz, said they were unlikely to support a retrofit mandate without a plan in place to help pay for them. Commissioner Dan Saltzman, who isn't running for reelection and won't be on the council when it takes up the mandate again in a year, said he was concerned about the 20-year timeline. "Twenty years is so far over the horizon that no one will take it seriously," Saltzman said. "We're all going to be gone and there's going to be a new council that will have to wrestle with these issues again. And God help us that there's not another major earthquake that happens in those 20 years." The council also directed city staff to draft rules that would require a placard on unreinforced masonry buildings that would read: "This is an unreinforced masonry building. Unreinforced masonry buildings might be unsafe in the event of an earthquake." California has required such signs for 23 years, though a state commission found in 2004 that only 276 unreinforced brick buildings out of roughly 22,000 statewide complied with the law. -- Elliot Njus enjus@oregonian.com 503-294-5034 @enjus The Clackamas County Sheriff's Office's brushed off a sergeant who complained that a detective had ignored sex crime reports and rejected a suggestion that an outside agency examine the role of supervisors in failing to deal with the detective's substandard work, a new consultant's report concludes. Top sheriff's officials also refused to take responsibility for mishandling the whistleblowing complaint, according to the report obtained Tuesday by The Oregonian/OregonLive after a public records request. The 59-page report offers an unsparing analysis of the agency's history of responding to problems involving its deputies. The county commissioned the review after the sergeant, Matt Swanson, went to his supervisors with concerns about Detective Jeff Green's pattern of ignoring cases, including child sex abuse allegations. Green pleaded guilty last year to two misdemeanors for failing to investigate reports of child abuse. He retired in 2015. Earlier this year, Swanson sued the county, alleging that his supervisors created a hostile work environment after he complained. The consultants, OIR Group of California, said they were struck by the lack of any "public pronouncement" from the Sheriff's Office about how the agency "could have handled any aspect" of the Green matter better. "We urge the Sheriff's Office to re-evaluate the way it responds to critique and controversy and recognize that it is not expected that it will always be perfect; what is expected is that it acknowledge when it is not," the consultants wrote. The report highlights the agency's overall failure to follow up on Green's poor work evaluations and makes clear that Green's performance issues were well-known. The sheriff himself spoke about them in a 2016 meeting, saying Green's poor work had almost ruined a case. Green's final evaluation was in 2013 and he wasn't reviewed after that despite a history of failing to meet agency standards. The consultants made 51 sweeping recommendations for reform, including changing how the Sheriff's Office carries out internal affairs investigations. They also called for the agency to notify prosecutors when an employee is investigated for potentially criminal conduct, immediately respond when an employee complains of "gross misconduct" by another employee and work with an outside evaluator to review or audit its progress in transparency, accountability, internal investigations and training. "Even when the Sheriff's Office finally recognized the gravity of Green's actions and inactions, the outcomes of its various inquiries and investigations were driven more by the persistence of a lone sergeant than by institutional adherence to a standard of integrity and performance," the consultants wrote. In a statement issued by the county, the Sheriff's Office said it would review the report "with the goal of strengthening" the agency. It's unclear whether Sheriff Craig Roberts plans to adopt the recommendations; he didn't respond to an email seeking further comment. The report condemned an "inexplicable delay" of six weeks from when Swanson notified the agency about Green and when he was first interviewed. It took the agency nearly a year to refer the matter to Milwaukie police for criminal investigation. When the sergeant made repeated pleas for help processing Green's backlog of cases -- some that approached the statute of limitation -- his supervisors told him no one was available to help. When Swanson first told then Lt. Jeff Smith, his boss, that he worried Green had engaged in "gross misconduct," Smith put him off, telling him they would meet the following week, the report said. Smith is not named in the report but Sheriff's Office emails obtained by The Oregonian/OregonLive show that Swanson first approached Smith with his concerns about Green. "When a supervisor receives a communication from a first-level supervisor that he may have uncovered 'gross misconduct' by a sworn employee, it is incumbent upon that second level supervisor to respond quickly and vigorously to address the problem even if it means meeting 'after hours' or speaking on a day off," the consultants wrote. Smith, who has since been promoted to captain, oversees the agency's patrol functions. The report criticized the agency's decision to abandon an internal investigation once Green retired, saying such an inquiry could have shed light on how the detective was allowed to function as he did for so long. A captain who isn't identified in the report told Undersheriff Matt Ellington that the agency should ask an outside agency to examine potential deficiencies by supervisors who dealt with Green. That suggestion was apparently rejected, the consultants noted. They also found it troubling that Ellington did little to follow up when a captain told him that Green allegedly made racist comments about crime victims. According to the report, Swanson alleged that Green accused Mexican women of reporting "rapes so their families can come to this country." County commissioners paid OIR Group $40,000 for the review after they learned Swanson accused Sheriff's Office command staff of ignoring his complaints about Green. -- Noelle Crombie 503-276-7184 @noellecrombie Oregonian file photo (Clackamas County Sheriff Craig Roberts has come under intense scrutiny for the way his agency has handled the case of a detective with a history of poor work performance.) The chairman of the Clackamas County Board of Commissioners wants to meet with the sheriff to discuss a sweeping set of recommendations issued this month by consultants hired to review the troubled agency. Chair Jim Bernard said he'd like the California-based consultants to brief the board in-person on their findings. Two former prosecutors carried out the detailed review and issued what Bernard called "great recommendations." "We are going to expect the sheriff to implement those recommendations where possible," he said. "When I talk to him today, that is what I am going to tell him. I hope we can work together to make sure we do this." The county commissioned the $40,000 review after Sgt. Matt Swanson went to his supervisors with concerns about Detective Jeff Green's pattern of ignoring cases, including child sex abuse allegations. Green pleaded guilty last year to two misdemeanors for failing to investigate reports of child abuse. He retired in 2015. Earlier this year, Swanson sued the county, alleging that his supervisors created a hostile work environment after he complained. OIR Group concluded that the Sheriff's Office repeatedly failed to act on Swanson's complaint.. The consultants said they were struck by top sheriff's officials' refusal to take responsibility publicly for mishandling the Green matter. Sheriff Craig Roberts said he received the final report Tuesday. In an email to The Oregonian/OregonLive, Roberts said he is "still carefully reviewing the report with an open mind, discussing it with staff and soliciting feedback." "We certainly recognize there were things that we could have done differently and handled in a better manner in the Green case," he said, adding that he is "committed to reviewing the OIR recommendations in detail, and improving our organization wherever possible." Stephen Steinberg, president of the Clackamas County Peace Officers' Association, the union that represents deputies and sergeants among other staff, said he did not have time this week to comment on the consultants' findings. Here are some of the takeaways from the report and its 51 recommendations: Don't Edit Oregonian file photo (Sgt. Matt Swanson blew the whistle on former Detective Jeff Green's poor performance. His efforts led Clackamas County commissioners to commission an outside group to review the agency.) Greens poor work was widely known and had been documented for years by multiple supervisors. Supervisors knew about Greens work problems as far back as 1998 and he was disciplined at least once for incompetence, according to the report. In 2002, a supervisor noted that three-fourths of Greens cases were overdue. Ten years later, another supervisor expressed similar concerns, saying the detective had trouble keeping up with cases and his backlog grew. The report noted that Greens slow pace meant some cases werent solved within the statute of limitations thus eliminating the chance that offenders would be held accountable. The discipline came in 2013 after Green was assigned to a suspected stolen car case. He wrote the search warrant affidavit, planned the strategy to serve the warrant and briefed officers. Police found weapons and other indicators of a much higher level of danger than anticipated, prompting complaints from officers that they werent properly prepared. A sergeant, the consultants said, was troubled by what he saw as Greens lack of diligence and preparation and the dangers posed to police on the case. Supervisors initiated an internal affairs investigation, which found Green had violated a policy regarding performing his duties in a competent manner. Don't Edit Oregonian file photo (Former Detective Jeff Green pleaded guilty last year to two misdemeanors for failing to investigate reports of child abuse. He retired in 2015.) An internal audit of Greens cases found dozens of allegations of rape, sodomy, child sex abuse had not been investigated. A detective audited 154 of Greens cases and found he hadnt properly investigated 59 of them. The detective also found a pattern of neglect in Greens work on child abuse reports submitted from the state Department of Human Services. More than half of the 59 cases involved allegations of rape, sodomy, child sex abuse or physical abuse of a child. Many of them sat for years uninvestigated, the consultants said. When Green was told to clear his cases, the report noted, he would simply suspend them with generic justifications such as, The victim told her father she didnt want to pursue this case,' 'I couldnt locate the suspect for a statement' or 'They never returned my calls.'" In one case involving a child abuse allegation, Green determined the mother had no criminal intent when she hit her child, even though he never interviewed the woman. In a forcible sodomy case, Green knew the suspects identity but never interviewed the person. Don't Edit Oregonian file photo Undersheriff Matt Ellington tried to get back damaging Green-related information that had been submitted to the district attorney. During the process of reviewing Greens work, a spreadsheet with information about the detectives cases was submitted to the district attorneys office. At one point, Ellington asked the detective if he could subtly get back the spreadsheet from the DA because it would look bad for the Sheriffs Office. Don't Edit Oregonian file photo Consultants called out Ellington, the agencys second-in-command, for how he reported Greens retirement to the state. Ellington alerted the Oregon Department of Public Safety and Standards of Green's retirement as required, but the form didn't note the circumstances surrounding the detectives departure. The department certifies and trains police officers and requires notification when they leave their positions. The Sheriffs Office, wrote the consultants, knew that it was not coincidental that Green decided to retire once allegations were brought forward and an investigation had been initiated. The consultants called Ellingtons failure to explain that Green retired while under investigation a serious misstep. Don't Edit Don't Edit Oregonian file photo (Sheriff Craig Roberts said said little publicly since the report was released Tuesday.) The Sheriffs Office misled the public when it said Green was the subject of an active internal affairs investigation when he retired. When Green was charged with a crime, the Sheriffs Office issued a statement saying the agency had an active internal affairs investigation of Greens workplace conduct that involved possible administrative violations of Sheriffs Office policies at the time of the detectives retirement. While the investigation was technically open, the only person questioned was Swanson, the report notes. Once Green retired, the case was closed the next day, the report notes. The description of the investigation as active was misleading at best, as no investigative work had been done nor contemplated, the consultants wrote. OIR Group added that even after Swanson complained that the press statement was wrong, there was no apparent consideration by CCSO of retracting or clarifying the statement. Don't Edit Oregonian file photo (Undersheriff Matt Ellington came under particular scrutiny in the report, which found he asked a detective to retrieve information already submitted to the DA because "it would look bad" for the Sheriff's Office.) Only one supervisor was disciplined over Greens misconduct. The consultants noted that the only discipline handed down involved a captain who sent communications to Swanson, the sergeant who complained about Green, regarding an Oregonian/OregonLive article on Green. Officials determined some of those communications were unprofessional and violated policy and could be seen as retaliatory. The sheriff agreed. The captain, who isnt named in the report, received a written reprimand that included a finding that he had contributed to the agencys failure to prevent and discover Detective Greens malfeasance. OIR Group said that the discipline imposed on this captain was the only formal adverse outcome relating directly to deficiencies in the supervision of Green. Don't Edit Oregonian file photo Green received inconsistent evaluations. The report notes that Sheriffs Office supervisors tried to address Greens performance through evaluations and work plans aimed at improving his work. But those werent effective for avoidable reasons that reflect managerial lapses, the consultants said. They recommended having a central unit responsible for making sure evaluations are regularly prepared. Don't Edit Oregonian file photo The Sheriffs Office lacks an early intervention system that flags potentially troubled employees. After an off-duty Sheriffs Office sergeant fatally shot his wife and two of her friends in 2010, the agency said it supported creating an early intervention system for potential problems. But officials told the consultants that said inadequate funding complicated implementation of the the program. The consultants urged the Sheriffs Office to develop a robust early warning system, even though they made clear that such a system may not have helped in the Green matter since his management issues were already widely known. -- Noelle Crombie ncrombie@oregonian.com 503-276-7184 @noellecrombie Updated at 4 p.m. A man reported to be jumping onto parked cars in the Vancouver-area Wednesday was later shot by a responding Clark County sheriff's deputy after authorities say he attacked the deputy upon arrival. The man, who hasn't yet been identified by the Clark County Sheriff's Office, was taken to a hospital after being shot in the 11500 block of Northeast 126th Avenue in Brush Prairie. His condition has not been released. The sheriff's office said the deputy received apparent minor injuries. Someone called 911 around 2 p.m. due to the disturbance the man was causing. A struggle ensued between the man and the deputy after the initial attack. The man was shot after the deputy called for back-up, according to the sheriff's office. Why the man was in the area is still being determined, the sheriff's office said, and an investigation is ongoing. -- Everton Bailey Jr. ebailey@oregonian.com 503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey The nation's top teen artists and writers in grades seven through 12 are honored at Carnegie Hall as part of the annual Scholastic Art & Writing awards. Portland's Ester Petukova, third from right in red dress, waves to the crowd. By BETSY HAMMOND The Oregonian | OregonLive A teen painter from David Douglas High was honored as one of the nations best high school artists during a Carnegie Hall ceremony last week. Ester Petukhova was one of two high school juniors honored as best-in-nation artists in the Scholastic Arts & Writing Awards. She also won one national gold medal and three silvers for four of her works. She was one of two Oregon students judged to be in the most elite top tier of student artists nationwide and celebrated at the New York City ceremony. Don't Edit Kana Heitzman Grant High's Mackie Mallison Mackie Mallison, who graduated from Grant High this month, was one of just 16 seniors nationwide to receive the art contests highest honor. Mallison was awarded a gold medal for his senior portfolio. That award comes with a $10,000 scholarship. Mallison, a filmmaker, fell in love with the way I could express thoughts through camera work at a young age. As he matured, he was drawn to express others peoples most intense emotions, thoughts and struggles in his films. Don't Edit Diane Bondareff / Alliance for Young Artists & Writers Mackie Mallison, in orange fifth from left, was among the nation's 16 high school seniors with gold-medal winning portfolios. The elite group posed backstage at Carnegie Hall with Ansel Elgort, who starred in films Baby Driver and The Fault in Our Stars. As a gold medal portfolio winner, Mallison was in the small group of students given the most time with award-winning adult authors, illustrators and actors, some of whom were past winners in the high school contest. His winning portfolio included beautifully rendered and heart-wrenching documentaries detailing the experiences of schoolmates who experienced racism, lost a parent and wrestled with addiction and recovery. Don't Edit Ester Petukhova This portrait, "Aditi," won a national gold medal in painting and sealed Ester Petukhova's status as the nation's top painter among high school juniors and seniors. Petukhova's painting of a friend, "Aditi," which she painted when she was just 16 was the lone work that Scholastic officials chose to adorn their announcement of all 24 national best-in-grade awards. Petukhovas high school art teacher, Maria Galati, also was honored as a best-in-grade educator due to Petukhovas win. Don't Edit Maria Galati Ester Petukhova poses with her award-winning artwork, which is on display in New York City. Galati reported that Ester was all smiles and big waves as she accepted her award on stage, bedecked with the medals around her neck. After the ceremony, Petukhova was swept off to a VIP reception with donors and top medalists, Galati reported. Don't Edit Don't Edit Ester Petukhova Ester Petukhova painted this image as a fresh take on Caravaggio's depiction of David having beheaded Goliath. Petukhova's willingness to portray herself as executioner is the sort of edgy and surprising work she sometimes creates. Her teacher pronounced it "beautifully executed." The Oregonian/OregonLive had previously profiled Petukhova for her winning artistry. Born in Russia and brought to Oregon as an infant, she is bilingual and bicultural and uses painting and drawing to help negotiate her space between the two cultures. Don't Edit Ester Petukhova Many of her works are self-portraits. Her paintings and drawings continue to draw attention, including from local art collectors. Don't Edit Amy Matthews Ester Petukhova poses with her mother, Tatyana Abramchuk, at Carnegie Hall in New York City. Petukhovas mother, accompanied Ester on her Big Apple adventure, which included college tours and a trip to the Metropolitan Museum of Art. Petukhova's attendance at the Awards' Maker Prom was also a highlight, Gallati reported. This festive event, scheduled because many of the national award-winners have to miss their own proms to be at the award ceremony, was held at the historic Roosevelt Hotel and featured professional dancers and art-making stations. Don't Edit Maria Galati The crowd at Carnegie Hall for the 2018 Scholastic Art & Writing award ceremony. -- Betsy Hammond betsyhammond@oregonian.com A rare right whale dolphin washed up on the Oregon coast last week, marking only the fourth time in more than 20 years one of the creatures has been spotted along the Northern Oregon coastline. On Friday, the animal, a 5-foot-long female, was found at Manzanita Beach and staff from Nehalem Bay State Park quickly reported the beached cetacean to the Marine Mammal Stranding Network, a group that works to save stranded animals and learn how and why they became stranded. Despite being identified in the 1800s, lIttle is known about right whale dolphins, so named for their resemblance to right whales. They look like a cross between an orca and a bottlenose dolphin, usually sporting black skin with a white stripe on their bottom sides, and they are highly social, sometimes travelling in groups of up to 2,000. They range all across the North Pacific, as far east as Japan and from Alaska in the north to Baja California in the south. It's unclear what, if any, migratory pattern they follow and there is no estimate for their global population, though experts think there are roughly 14,000 of them swimming off the North American coast. Globally, the right whale dolphin's primary threat comes from high-sea drift nets, which hang like virtual walls in the water, sometimes 10-miles wide at depths of up to 50 feet. These nets, which were unregulated until recently, catch anything that swims into them, including right whale dolphins. Experts say these nets are responsible for a 24 to 73 percent population decline in right whale dolphins. In Oregon and California, fishing outfits are now required to use pinging devices, which warn unwitting cetaceans to the presence of the nets. On June 9th, 2018 a 5.5 foot female northern right whale dolphin (Lissodelphis borealis) washed ashore on Manzanita... Posted by Seaside Aquarium on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 It was unclear what killed the creature discovered in Oregon. The animal was taken to Portland State University for a necropsy, but the results were inconclusive. More tests were being run to see if experts could pin down an exact cause of death. -- Kale Williams kwilliams@oregonian.com 503-294-4048 They look the stuff of nightmares. The Pacific lamprey might not be the most photogenic species of fish in the Columbia River basin, but despite their eel-like appearance and fang-filled mouth, conservationists and tribal members have been working for decades to save the fish from extinction in some of its native habitat. It appears some of those efforts are beginning to show success. The Bonneville Power Administration announced Tuesday that the lamprey has returned to the Umatilla River in numbers not seen in years, marking a victory not just for the fish, but also for the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla, for which the species is of great value, both culturally and as a food source. "Lamprey are culturally important and a critical First Food for tribes. And while they've been around for millions of years, until rather recently, managers failed to understand their importance within the food web," Aaron Jackson, fisheries biologist with the Confederated Tribes of the Umatilla Indian Reservation, said in a press release. "Our focus now is to continue lamprey supplementation actions to bolster the overall numbers of lamprey in the Umatilla and other ceded area basins." Just five years ago, there were only a few hundred lamprey in the Umatilla River, a tributary that feeds into the Columbia River in northeastern Oregon. For more than two decades, the tribes have been working to bolster those numbers, moving adult fish to the spawning grounds in the Umatilla. This year, more than 2,600 lamprey were counted making the journey upriver to breed. "We understand the cultural significance of Pacific lamprey to the tribes which is one reason we've funded lamprey projects in the Umatilla," Lorri Bodi, vice president of Environment, Fish and Wildlife with the Bonneville Power Administration, said in a statement. The administration has invested more than $5 million in helping the tribes with their lamprey work since 1990/ "As a food source for other creatures, lamprey are also very important to a healthy functioning ecosystem such as in the Umatilla River so it's great to see our efforts paying off," Bodi said. -- Kale Williams kwilliams@oregonian.com 503-294-4048 Rejoice, Columbia gorge hikers: A slew of new trails are now open for the first time since a massive wildfire swept through the area last year. You can now trek the Pacific Crest Trail -- arguably the country's most famous footpath -- and hike several trails east of Cascade Locks, a tourist town that's home to the famed Bridge of the Gods. You can also access Benson Lake from its namesake park. Still, don't head out the door thinking you can show up at any Columbia River Gorge trailhead: Many are still closed in the aftermath of the nearly 49,000-acre Eagle Creek fire, which sparked last September. Here's a primer on what destinations have reopened and when we can expect other trails to reopen. Don't Edit Jamie Hale/The Oregonian Open now Officials released a list of trails and other destinations that reopened Thursday: - Benson State Recreation Area - Benson Ruckel Trail (No. 405A) - Benson Way Trail (No. 405B) - Benson Spur Trail (No. 405C) - Bridge of the Gods Trailhead (access to the Pacific Crest Trail) - Casey Creek Trail (No. 476) - Gorge 400 Trail between Cascade Locks and Wyeth (milepost 25 - 35) - Gorton Creek Trail (No. 408) - Green Point Ridge Trail (No. 418) - Herman Bridge Trail (No. 406E) - Herman Creek Cutoff Trail (No. 410) - Herman Creek Trailhead and Trail (No. 406) - Mud Lake Trail (No. 406A) - Nick Eaton Trail (No. 447) - Pacific Crest Trail (No. 2000) - Plateau Cutoff Trail (No. 412) - Ridge Cutoff Trail (No. 437) - Wyeth Trailhead and a short stretch of Wyeth Trail that connects to Gorge No. 400; the rest of Wyeth No. 411 is closed until the junction with Green Point Ridge Trail (No. 418) Don't Edit Jamie Hale/The Oregonian Still closed National Forest System trails in the gorge west of Multnomah Falls are anticipated to reopen by the end of the year, officials say. That includes the popular Angels Rest, Wahkeena and Larch Mountain trails. There's no timeline for reopening National Forest System trails between Cascade Locks and Larch Mountain Trail, which runs to the top of Multnomah Falls and beyond. There's also no timeline for reopening the northern part of Wyeth Trail because of severe damage. There's no timeline for reopening a six-mile stretch of the Historic Columbia River Highway that's been closed since September. Don't Edit Jamie Hale/The Oregonian Court case A judge last month ordered the teen who admitted to starting the fire to pay over $36 million but acknowledged the teen can't pay the sum in full. Read more about the court case here. Don't Edit Were live in the Eagle Creek fire burn area, as crews work on the Pacific Crest Trail. Posted by The Oregonian on Thursday, February 1, 2018 Follow along on a Pacific Crest Trail hike The Oregonian/OregonLive accompanied a group of workers earlier this year on an excursion along a closed part of the PCT, as it's known, getting an on-the-ground look at conditions inside the burned area for the first time. The nearly 6-mile hike, which also included time on the Herman Bridge and Herman Creek trails, showed hearty evidence of the historic blaze: Scorched rocks sat exposed, their mossy covering burned away, and downed trees looked like they weathered a massive bonfire. Wide swaths of greenery had been singed. But moss and other vegetation lined parts of the trail. The canopy remained green. And the PCT offered many of the same redeeming qualities it did before the blaze. Watch a video from the trail above and read more about the trip here. Don't Edit Don't Edit More info Check out the Columbia River Gorge National Scenic Area's website for more information. View a map of the closure area and full list of trail statuses here. And learn more about the newly reopened trails -- including information about backpacking and safety -- here. Don't Edit Jamie Hale/The Oregonian Read more about the fire and its aftermath -- Jim Ryan jryan@oregonian.com 503-221-8005; @Jimryan015 If you were looking for another reason to glare at the billionaires flying first class on Alaska Airlines cross country flights, here you go: Starting Saturday, they will be treated to Salt and Straw in the air, and you will not. The Portland-based ice creamry will launch their new single serving scoops, with packaging created by Portland designer Ziba Design on cross country flights. The ice cream will be delivered twice a week to Alaska's kitchens and kept cold using dry ice during flights. "Our ice cream is taking flight," Salt and Straw CEO and co-founder Kim Malek said in a phone interview Wednesday. "We're so excited." "Nowadays flying is known to be harder and harder," she said. "I personally feel like over the years Alaska Airlines has moved in the opposite direction." When asked if ice cream would ever be available to the everyman in the economy class, she said, "That's everyone's dream." But, she added they need to "walk before they run," meaning Alaska and Salt and Straw need to iron out how to serve a small amount of ice cream effectively in the sky, before they can deliver it everyone. Head Ice Cream Maker, and Kim Malek's cousin, Tyler Malek, said he was excited about the challenge of finding the right flavors for airline travelers. "Once you're up in the air, your palate is kind of muted a little bit," he said Wednesday over the phone. His goal with the new project was, he said, to "make sure that our ice cream still has a punch" even up in the clouds. The main flavors people crave when flying, he said, are salt and acid. So he settled on two flavors to start with: meyer lemon custard with blueberries, which is currently only available in southern California, and sea salt with caramel ribbons. The lemon ice cream will be available on westbound flights and the sea salt will be available on eastbound flights. Later this summer, they will switch out one of the flavors for a toasted white chocolate with a fresh strawberry jam. -- Lizzy Acker 503-221-8052 lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker Where there once was a Taco Time at the busy intersection of Southeast 50th Avenue, Powell Boulevard and Foster Road, a burger joint is coming to life. The building has been repainted, an icon of a cheeseburger appearing on its facade, and now a sign reading "Super Deluxe" has been installed on the post that used to hold the Taco Time sign. But what is Super Deluxe? The sleuths on Reddit Portland found a job posting on Zip Recruiter for the restaurant, looking for "Drive Thru General Managers" for "a new gourmet drive thru launching soon." "Looking to flip the drive thru model on its head," the post says, "Super Deluxe aims to serve the highest quality food from the proven convenience of a drive thru." That job posting is now closed, but another post is now up, looking for staff for Super Deluxe. According to the postings, this new drive-thru is "from the team that brought Portland Blue Star Donuts, Boxer Ramen, and Sweet Heart Pizza." Micah Camden and Katie Poppe created Blue Star Donuts, Boxer Ramen and Little Big Burger, as well as now closed Son of a Biscuit and Hop Dog. The duo sold Little Big Burger to Chanticleer Holdings, the company that also owns Hooters of a America, for $6.1 million in 2016. Now, according to Oregon business records, Camden owns Boxer Ramen and is the also the owner of Sweet Heart Pizza, along with Matt Lynch. In an email, Poppe said she is now the majority owner of Blue Star. Super Deluxe is another Camden and Lynch project, she said. "Matt was my very first hire at LBB," Poppe said Thursday. "He rose quickly through the ranks and eventually became a partner at Boxer Ramen "I'm not involved with Super Deluxe and sure what all the details are," she added, "but I know that Matt and Micah are very excited!" We've reached out to Lynch and will update this story with his comments. -- Lizzy Acker 503-221-8052 lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker A woman in Deschutes County died recently of a rare, untreatable virus that is passed to humans through contact with rodent droppings. Only 23 people have contracted hantavirus pulmonary syndrome in Oregon since 1993, or less than one a year, according to the Oregon Health Authority. Six cases were in Deschutes County, while the rest were mostly clustered in eastern and southern Oregon. Multnomah County recorded two cases and Washington County had one. The Bend Bulletin reports that the 67-year-old Redmond victim had gone into a loft to clean it with a Shop-Vac, which stirred the hantavirus into the air. Most people don't realize they are at risk of hantavirus when they clean up the urine, feces or nests of mice or rats. But hantavirus can be breathed in during that process, especially if those droppings are vacuumed or disturbed in a way that sends the virus into the air. People can also contract the virus if they touch infected materials and then their eyes, nose or mouth. Hantavirus cannot be passed between humans or from pets to humans. Symptoms can show up as early as one week from exposure to as late as six. Someone infected might feel tired; dizzy; get a fever and chills; have muscle aches, headaches, nausea, stomach pain, or vomit and cough. As the disease gets worse, the symptoms progress to shortness of breath or severe difficulty breathing. The Deschutes County public health office has warned residents to take precautions when around rodents, especially deer mice, which are the most likely carriers of hantavirus. To keep homes, workplaces, cabins and campsites free of rodents, the county recommends: blocking openings that might let rodents in storing food, water and garbage in containers with tightly fitted lids placing mousetraps throughout buildings keeping your yard clean stacking woodpiles away from buildings When cleaning and disinfecting an area with rodent droppings: Wear rubber or plastic gloves. If you are cleaning in a confined space, wear a high-efficiency particulate air (HEPA) filtered respirator. Do not sweep or vacuum rodent droppings. This will release particles into the air, which you could then breathe in. Spray droppings with a household disinfectant or a mixture of 1 part bleach to 9 parts water. Let the area soak for 10 minutes to make sure any virus within the droppings will be killed. Wipe up wet droppings with paper towels or a wet mop if dealing with a large area. Wash gloves in disinfectant and hot soapy water before taking them off. Afterwards, wash your hands thoroughly. If a wet mop was used to clean the area, use disinfectant and hot soapy water to clean the mop. -- Molly Harbarger mharbarger@oregonian.com 503-294-5923 @MollyHarbarger A 20-year-old man is accused of murder in connection with the 2017 killing of another man in Hillsboro. Langston A. Harris was arrested Monday and was arraigned in Washington County Circuit Court on Tuesday. He is suspected of fatally shooting Jose R. Boyzo-Hernandez, 22, on Sept. 20, 2017, court records show. The shooting occurred near Boyzo-Hernandez's apartment in the 900 block of Southeast 13th Avenue and Boyzo-Hernandez was initially suspected of shooting himself, said Lt. Henry Reimann, a Hillsboro police spokesman. The death was later determined to likely have been caused by someone else, he said. Reimann declined to release further details about the case, saying detectives are still interviewing people as part of the investigation. An arrest warrant affidavit for Harris filed in Washington County Circuit Court has been sealed. -- Everton Bailey Jr. ebailey@oregonian.com 503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey By Cal Thomas The unprecedented, historic and weird summit (Dennis Rodman might be there) between President Trump and North Korea's Kim Jong Un, scheduled to begin Tuesday, if there are no surprises, could produce the denuclearization of the Korean Peninsula, or just more of the same lies and dissembling from North Korea we have seen before. These days, world events do not occur in a vacuum. Former Israeli diplomat Yoram Ettinger advises President Trump to see an interconnection between a potential deal with North Korea and the flawed nuclear deal with Iran made by the Obama administration. On his blog "The Ettinger Report," he writes: "the overall conduct of both rogue regimes -- as far as abandoning or advancing nuclearization, ending or expanding terrorism, subversion and ballistic capabilities -- has been immensely impacted by the U.S. negotiation posture. Thus, the less assertive and more eager is the U.S., and the more reluctant it is to use the military option, the less deterred and the more radicalized are Iran and North Korea." He goes on to make a point that should be obvious from even a cursory study of history, which is that dictators look for weaknesses in their adversaries and exploit what they find. That President Trump demonstrated strength and resolve when he wrote Kim a letter, initially canceling the summit after some of Kim's associates threatened the United States, is likely what led to a quick re-scheduling of the event. Trump lawyer Rudy Giuliani demonstrated his gift for overstatement when he said Kim got "back on his hands and knees" begging for the get-together, but with some hubris modification he has a point. What has perceived weakness in both the Clinton and Obama administrations produced? Ettinger, who remembers more than these administrations would like us to forget, writes: "Since the July 2015 Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (the Iran Nuclear Agreement), the Ayatollahs have radicalized and intensified their military involvement in Iraq, Syria, Lebanon and Yemen, as well as their subversive and terrorist operations, aiming to topple all pro-U.S. Arab regimes in the Persian Gulf, the Arabian Peninsula (primarily Saudi Arabia and Bahrain), Jordan and Egypt, as well as multitude of pro-Western regimes in Asia and Africa, and entrenching their anti-U.S. presence in Latin America." Furthermore, he notes, "Since July 2015, The Shia' Ayatollahs have escalated their subversive efforts to annex the Saudi-supported island of Bahrain, which they consider an Iranian province, where a 70 percent Shia' majority is ruled by the Sunni House of Khalifa. In the process, Teheran has smuggled military systems to its terrorist network in Bahrain." It is why Ronald Reagan's slogan (and more than a slogan) "peace through strength" worked and why peace through appeasement never does. Iran behaves as if the nuclear agreement with the U.S. gave it a green light to step up their support of terrorism. They are already tops in that category. Ettinger concludes his analysis with this: "Since July 2015, the Ayatollahs have bolstered their military assistance to the anti-Saudi Houthi (mostly Shia') rebels in Yemen. They consider Yemen - Saudi Arabia's southern neighbor - a platform to launch missiles into Saudi Arabia, in an attempt to destabilize and topple the House of Saud. Simultaneously, the Ayatollahs have expanded their incitement of - and subversive initiatives in - the oil-rich, Shia'-dominated regions of Al Hassa' and Qatif in the eastern part of Saudi Arabia." One hopes President Trump has done at least a quick study of history - past and more recent - and is learning that only strength deters dictators from their ambitious goals. Any agreement with North Korea should be treated with the same skepticism one would have when dealing with Satan himself. -- Readers may email Cal Thomas at tcaeditors@tribpub.com. BY E.J. DIONNE JR. WASHINGTON -- One of the costs of the Trump Era is that all opinions become suspect because, even more than usual, everything is seen through the prism of whether you are for or against the president. Consequently, criticism of Trump is regularly assumed by his supporters to be rooted in bad faith. The retort to any judgments against his statements or his policies typically begins with "You wouldn't say this ..." and ends with "if Obama (or Bush or Clinton) were doing it." In the interest of candor, let's acknowledge that many of us are automatically suspicious of everything Trump says because he not only is a documented liar but came close to copping to the fact during a news conference in Singapore. In explaining what he'd do if he proved to be mistaken about his big bet this week on the integrity of Kim Jong Un, Trump said: "I may stand before you in six months and say, 'Hey, I was wrong.'" Then he caught himself and added: "I don't know that I'll ever admit that, but I'll find some kind of an excuse." This was our salesman-in-chief reveling in his skill at covering up and deceiving. But charges of hypocrisy against those who question Trump extend to the substantive matters as well. It's thus important to take on two deeply flawed but predictable arguments that have been offered in defense of Trump's lovefest with North Korea's brutal dictator and the president's approach to negotiation. The first is that because the United States has sometimes allied (and frequently negotiated) with dictators, chastising Trump for ignoring North Korea's loathsome human-rights record represents a double standard. It's true that human rights have often taken second place behind calculations about national security based on realpolitik. The U.S., rightly, joined with Stalin to defeat Hitler because, between the two murderous regimes, Hitler's posed the imminent danger. During the Cold War, the U.S. at times supported the installation of right-wing dictatorships to foil the communists or to protect American businesses. But our wrongful indifference to human rights in the past should not be used as an excuse to justify apologias for dictatorships in our time. Moreover, previous American presidents (including Obama, both Bushes, and Clinton) have managed to negotiate with unsavory adversaries without pretending they were embodiments of George Washington or Nelson Mandela. Trump did not simply overlook the astonishing brutality of North Korea's regime. He heaped praise on Kim as someone "very open," "very honorable," "very smart," "very worthy," and "very talented" who "wants to do the right thing." Most appallingly, Trump, fresh off nasty rebukes of the leader of friendly and democratic Canada, told ABC's George Stephanopoulos of Kim: "His country does love him. His people, you see the fervor." Yes, fear of a gulag can produce a lot of "fervor." Sorry, Trump defenders, but this is obscene. The second canard is that those who once expressed alarm over Trump's loose talk about nuclear war have no right to critique his diplomacy. Never mind that he made real concessions to North Korea -- beginning with the legitimacy that the Singapore extravaganza conferred on Kim and Trump's decision to call off joint military exercises with South Korea -- without winning anything concrete in return. Trump himself tweeted out this line of thinking, asserting that "pundits & talking heads" who were "begging for conciliation and peace" were now saying "you shouldn't meet, do not meet." But as usual, Trump was distorting what his critics were saying. True, we wondered why he gave Kim the meeting without extracting anything of substance in advance. Yet his harshest detractors were among those pleased that Trump was talking rather than brandishing "fire and fury." This just goes to show how low he has set the bar. And Mr. President, that flimsy piece of paper you signed guaranteed absolutely nothing and contained far weaker promises than those wrung out of North Korea by earlier administrations -- promises, by the way, that the "very honorable" regime broke. On MSNBC's "Morning Joe" on Wednesday, Sen. Chris Murphy, D-Conn., summarized the case against Trump nicely: "We're not against diplomacy. We're just against bad diplomacy, and this was really bad diplomacy." And deluded diplomacy as well. Consider that upon returning home, Trump tweeted that "There is no longer a Nuclear Threat from North Korea." When the most optimistic scenario is that the president doesn't really believe what he's tweeting, we have ample reason to doubt his competence and his motivation. And, fortunately, we're not required to demonstrate our "fervor." -- E.J. Dionne's email address is ejdionne@washpost.com. Twitter: EJDionne. (c) 2018, Washington Post Writers Group By Jeanne Atkins In 1988, the Reagan Administration announced regulations prohibiting family planning clinics, which received federal funds, from providing information about, or making referrals for, abortion services. I was serving as public affairs director for our local Planned Parenthood affiliate in 1991, when the courts decided that rule could move forward. One of my first actions was to contact then-Governor Barbara Roberts and ask that she speak out on the devastating impact these rules would have on Oregon women seeking pregnancy testing and counseling through county health departments and Planned Parenthood clinics. Within hours, Gov. Roberts was standing outside her office in the Capitol holding a press conference on the subject. "Not in my state, not on my watch" are the words I remember. "We will never withhold information from women seeking family planning services in our state." Luckily for women across the country, the clock ran out on the Reagan administration and those rules never went into effect. But now, 30 years later, the Trump Administration is back at it. Who will stand with women this time? Knute Buehler wants Oregonians to see him as a "different kind" of Republican candidate, calling himself "pro-choice." Yet in the same breath, he has been complaining that reproductive health advocates are holding him to some "new litmus test" by criticizing his vote against the Oregon Reproductive Health Act in 2017, among other things. That's right, in his one and only opportunity to vote in support of women's right to choose, he voted "no." Buehler's complaints reveal how little he knows of the damage that the wrong government policies can do not just to women's autonomy, but to their physical health and the well-being of their families. In states across the country, legislators are making it more difficult to provide abortion services. We have a president who wants nothing more than to please the radical right anti-abortion movement. Meanwhile in Oregon, anti-abortion forces want to take away the option of abortion for poor women entirely. Yes, Rep. Buehler, women in 2018 have a right to expect more from a candidate for governor than just saying the words "pro-choice." You may choose to mince words and use labels, but women know that what's most important is your record of voting against choice. When Planned Parenthood seeks help this time around, I know that Gov. Kate Brown will be there to stand with them. I know this because it's what she has always done -- as an advocate, a legislator and as Oregon's Governor. Based on what I've seen to date, I expect Buehler to duck and weave and talk about his support for abortions that are "medically necessary," an undefined standard not applied to any other health care service. The women of Oregon need a governor who will stand with them and against groups like Oregon Right to Life and elected officials like Donald Trump. With choice under threat, there's only one candidate that we can truly rely on to protect women's access: Kate Brown. Jeanne Atkins served as Secretary of State, and is currently the chair of the Democratic Party of Oregon. She lives in Cedar Hills. Share your opinion Submit your essay of 800 words or less on a highly topical issue or a theme of particular relevance to the Pacific Northwest, Oregon and the Portland area to commentary@oregonian.com. Please include your email and phone number for verification. Trump and Kim go it alone. I hope it works out. I am skeptical because the Kim/Trump Summit is between two known egocentrics who have little or no respect for each other and the rest of the world. This meeting is in sharp contrast to the Iran Nuclear Deal (Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action) and the Paris Agreement: Climate Action, which included multiple countries setting firm benchmarks requiring verification by international agencies. If North Korea does get rid of nuclear weapons and peace is achieved on the Korean Peninsula credit should be given to all the parties involved. But, before we get too excited about this prospect, more details need to emerge and independent verification of denuclearization has to take place to prove this summit and subsequent meetings are more than a typical Trump sideshow. -- Mark Oldani, Northeast Portland A Bend man admitted earlier this week to shooting a trumpeter swan near Sunriver last Thanksgiving, leading to the bird being euthanized. Jordan A. Dupuis, 23, pleaded guilty Monday to a wildlife violation and will be sentenced in Deschutes County Circuit Court on June 22, court records show. Prosecutors and Dupuis' attorney plan to recommend he be sentenced to two days in jail, two years of probation, 80 hours of community service, a 3-year hunting ban as well as other restrictions, according to a plea petition. Hunting trumpeter swans, a protected species in Oregon, is illegal. The swan in this case, Chuck, had been living on Lake Aspen as part of a breeding program to reintroduce trumpeter swans in the area. He was found shot in the neck on the Deschutes River. -- Everton Bailey Jr. ebailey@oregonian.com 503-221-8343; @EvertonBailey Brad Holbrook's 19-year ordeal appears over. Holbrook lost his law license and served more than six years in prison for a child sex abuse conviction based on questionable evidence, featured in an investigation by The Oregonian/OregonLive. In December, the Oregon Court of Appeals overturned Holbrook's first-degree sexual abuse conviction. The Oregon Department of Justice has since decided not to appeal the ruling, and the prosecutor won't retry the case. In a court motion filed two weeks ago, Yamhill County District Attorney Brad Berry said Holbrook has served a full prison term "and the interests of justice do not favor a new trial." A judge immediately dismissed Holbrook's criminal case. That means Holbrook, 51, can start the process of reinstating his law license and can apply to expunge his 1999 arrest. "Its still kind of a shock that its over," Holbrook said Thursday. "Its going to take a while to sink in. Holbrook's attorney, Matt McHenry, added: "He's overjoyed in some sense. He's also guarded. I think after fighting the same thing for almost 20 years, there's a sense 'Is it really over? What else can they do now?'" In 1999, Holbrook was 32 when police arrested him after a 10-year-old girl reported that he had brushed up against her vaginal area and buttocks while she was clothed in her Yamhill County home. There were no witnesses -- and it was the girl's account versus his. Problems with her story soon surfaced. In her only taped interview, she told investigators that it could have been an accident, that Holbrook "probably didn't mean to" and that she "couldn't, like, feel it." After Holbrook was tried for the first time in 2001 and the jury deadlocked, four of the jurors were so troubled by the pursuit of charges against Holbrook that they filed sworn statements complaining about the prosecutor. They also did something virtually unheard of: They helped Holbrook's defense lawyer prepare for the second trial. A second jury, however, convicted him in 2002 of touching an intimate part of the girl. Holbrook subsequently was disbarred. Last year, the Appeals Court ruled that Holbrook's defense attorney at the time, Kent Gubrud, inadequately performed by failing to do enough to stop then-prosecutor Cal Tichenor from asking a specific line of questions of Holbrook's character witnesses. The questions were based on unconfirmed rumors, dug up by the prosecutor, that Holbrook was suspected of having a relationship with "a little girl" and secretly was writing her letters. No witness could substantiate those rumors. But by the time the Appeals Court ruled, Holbrook had long finished serving his sentence. After prison, he worked in manual labor -- painting houses and helping people move. Then he set up his own business working as a paralegal, a job he could do even with his felony conviction. He married in 2012 and has two young children. He now lives in Newberg. Holbrook said part of him has wanted his case retried, so he could feel the vindication of a jury exonerating him. But he said he thinks the facts that have come out about his case have cleared his name. He said he's still astonished he was accused of the crime. "It seems so unbelievable," Holbrook said. "I look back and say 'How could that happen to me?' Its so shocking. But he said he has had to consciously put his past behind him, and focus on the present. He said he's a runner, and the daily exercise has helped clear his mind. If you try to go back and think about things that happened, its painful," Holbrook said. "The key is to move forward and not live in yesterday." -- Aimee Green AP Photo/Rick Bowmer, file By Hillary Borrud | The Oregonian/OregonLive With the U.S. Supreme Court poised to issue a major decision on union fees in the next two weeks, much is at stake for Oregons unions and their members. The case Janus v. AFSCME centers on whether public employees covered by union contracts can be required to pay fees even if they opt out of membership. Those fees are supposed to cover the cost of negotiating and administering labor contracts, but Illinois public employee Mark Janus says they still fund political work and violate his First Amendment rights. Oregon is one of 22 states where these types of fees are still allowed, and organized labor remains relatively strong in the state, particularly public employee unions. They also are a major force in state politics and have been able to pour huge sums into ballot initiatives and candidate campaigns. Heres a roundup of some key numbers that help tell the story of Oregons unions in recent decades. Don't Edit Motoya Nakamura | The Oregonian/OregonLive Public employees rally at the state Capitol in this 2011 file photo. How does Oregon compare nationally? Oregon remains among the most unionized states in the nation, both in terms of the share of workers represented by unions and their willingness to pay for membership. "Oregon consistently outpaces the U.S. in union membership as a share of total employment," Gail Krumenauer, a senior economic analyst at the state Employment Department, wrote in 2017. The state ranked 12th in the nation for the portion of workers covered by union contract (15.7 percent) and for the percentage of those represented workers who choose to be dues-paying union members (14.9 percent) in 2017, according to The Oregonian/OregonLives analysis of federal data. Oregon comes in even higher when states are ranked by their public sector unionization. The state had the eighth-highest membership rate in 2016 and remained there in 2017, according to the state and federal data. Don't Edit Public vs. private sector union membership Despite Oregons position as a union stronghold, the portion of workers represented by a union has declined over the years just as it has nationally. Three decades ago, nearly a quarter of Oregon's workers were represented by a union. By last year, it had fallen to just under 16 percent, according to an analysis of federal statistics. Similar to much of the nation, organized labor is strongest here among government workers. More than 144,000 public employees in Oregon were covered by union contracts last year, compared with 132,000 in non-government jobs, according to federal data. Whereas 16 percent of Oregons private sector employees were represented in 1987, only 8.8 percent were last year. Sixty percent of public employees were represented by unions three decades ago, compared with nearly 56 percent in 2017. Don't Edit How has political spending changed? One way Oregons public employee unions flex their financial muscle is by lobbying state lawmakers and other officials such as the governor. In 2017, the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees reported spending nearly $315,000 on lobbying. The union reported spending $165,000 on lobbying in 2007, according to state records. The Service Employees International Union Local 503 reported spending nearly $178,000 on lobbying in 2017, down slightly from $193,000 a decade ago. The teachers union Oregon Education Association reported spending nearly $399,000 on lobbying last year, up dramatically from $195,000 in 2007. Don't Edit Don Ryan/ AP Photo All three unions also spend large amounts on campaigns and other political initiatives. As The Oregonian/OregonLive reported, SEIU 503s official political action committee reported spending more than $10 million on a variety of races and other initiatives over the last decade and the unions also support a political nonprofit which allows much of the spending to remain out of public view. Don't Edit Don't Edit Hillary Borrud | The Oregonian/OregonLive Private sector unions also play a role in Oregon politics. Last month, The Oregonian/OregonLive reported that the largest contribution to Gov. Kate Brown's reelection campaign was $150,000 from a political action committee tied to the Laborer's International Union. That union supports the Jordan Cove natural gas export terminal and pipeline project in southern Oregon, on which the governor has said she will not take a position. -- Hillary Borrud hborrud@oregonian.com 503-294-4034; @hborrud Gov. Kate Brown has ordered tighter oversight of day cares after The Oregonian/OregonLive revealed that authorities licensed a woman previously stripped of her ability to care for children in California. A child attending the woman's Oregon day care was found last month inappropriately tied up, prompting regulators to intervene. State officials last week blamed the woman for being dishonest on her application and said she likely would not have been licensed had they known about problems in California. But officials did not pledge to prevent a future occurrence and said only that they would "look at the feasibility" of verifying information for out-of-state licenses. In response, Brown this week issued a written directive to bridge what she described as "gaps in regulatory practices that must be addressed." Brown ordered the Office of Child Care to review out-of-state license histories for day care workers previously licensed elsewhere. The directive will affect new applicants as well as providers who currently are licensed. She also called for the state to share more information with parents. This marks the second time in less than a year that Brown has effectively overrode Oregon's childcare agency and its policymakers after reporting by The Oregonian/OregonLive. Last fall, Brown required day cares to check lead levels in drinking water after a state board said testing would be too expensive. Oregon's childcare oversight system has come under increasing scrutiny over the past year as The Oregonian/OregonLive highlighted systemic problems. Brown, who oversees the Early Learning Division that includes childcare monitoring, called for reform. Brown last year hired a new director for early learning, Miriam Calderon, and praised recent efforts to increase enforcement tools, hire additional staff and more aggressively safeguard children. "However, there is much more the state can and should do to fulfill our obligation to families who rely on child care facilities to care for their children," Brown wrote in a letter to Calderon, dated June 11. The existence of the letter was first reported by OPB. Brown also called on the Office of Child Care to better communicate with families when problems are known. That's not what happened in the case of Melinda Hagen and Sunnyside Sprouts Playschool, as The Oregonian/OregonLive reported last week. Hagen had been operating in Southeast Portland for years without a license. When state regulators identified the issue in December, they worked with Hagen to license her business but did not notify parents who sent their kids to the in-home day care. State officials say they were unware of Hagen's 2005 license revocation in California because she did not disclose it on her application. Five months after issuing a license to Hagen, regulators intervened. They suspended her license in May after receiving photographic evidence that a 1-year-old child had been inappropriately tied up in a crib. Other allegations are still being investigated. Parents criticized Oregon's lack of due diligence for missing the California revocation. And at a minimum, they said, regulators should have disclosed to them that Hagen had been operating in Oregon without a license. Betty Bernt, a spokeswoman for the Office of Child Care, last week said the agency was "looking at adding some requirements for providers about communicating licensing information to families." This isn't the first time that regulators failed to notify parents. Last year, officials tried to shut down a day care by refusing to renew its license after the owner acknowledged illegal drug use. But regulators didn't tell parents, the owner ignored the state and remained open, and kids kept attending. Brown is now demanding concrete action. She called on the Office of Child Care to make families "aware immediately" when the state finds a day care operating without a license. Rule changes may be necessary, however. In the interim, Brown said licensing staff "must make every effort to notify families." Brown also told the state to require childcare facilities to provide notices to parents for any serious issues found by regulators. In addition, facilities will be told to post information about the state's online portal where licensing violations can be reviewed. It's not immediately clear when Brown and her staff first learned about the issues involving Sunnyside Sprouts. Kate Kondayen, a spokeswoman for the governor, said the Office of Child Care notified Brown's office. But she did not address whether the information was shared before or after The Oregonian/OregonLive inquired about it. Calderon, the early learning director, is now supposed to provide an update to Brown within 30 days tracking the agency's progress. Calderon said the safety and well-being of children is the number one priority for her agency. "We appreciate the Governor's direction and support and look forward to implementing these vital changes to protecting young children in Oregon," she said in a statement. "This is a critical step toward ensuring every young child in our state is cared for in a safe and nurturing environment." -- Brad Schmidt 503-294-7628 @_brad_schmidt WASHINGTON -- The Trump administration is analyzing decades-old fingerprints in an unprecedented effort to rescind American citizenship from immigrants who may have lied or falsified information on their naturalization forms. Revoking citizenship, a process known as denaturalization, has long been treated as a rare and relatively drastic measure by immigration authorities, reserved for foreigners who commit egregious crimes, acts of fraud, or pose a threat to national security. But under a new policy memo issued by Francis Cissna, director of U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services, the agency is investigating thousands of old fingerprint records and files to determine whether foreigners made false or fraudulent statements in their attempts to obtain legal residency in the United States. According to USCIS officials and documents reviewed by The Washington Post, Homeland Security investigators are digitizing fingerprints collected in the 1990s and comparing them to more recent prints provided by foreigners who apply for legal residency and American citizenship. If decades-old fingerprints gathered during a deportation matches those of someone who did not disclose that deportation on their naturalization application or used a different name, that individual could be targeted by a new Los Angeles-based investigative division. Violators will be referred to federal courts where they can be stripped of citizenship and potentially deported. Cissna said the effort was crucial to upholding the integrity of the U.S. immigration system. "The people who are going to be targeted by this -- they know full well who they are because they were ordered removed under a different identity and they intentionally lied about it when they applied for citizenship later on," Cissna said in a statement posted on Twitter. "It may be some time before we get to their case, but we'll get to them," he said, echoing comments made in an interview with the Associated Press, which first reported the plan. According to the latest agency data, 2,536 naturalization cases have prompted an in-depth review so far, and of those, 95 cases have been referred to the Justice Department. Those numbers are expected to rise as additional fingerprints are digitized by ICE, but only an immigration judge -- not USCIS -- has the authority to revoke citizenship. USCIS officials said Cissna is acting on a 2016 report by the agency's inspector general that found at least 858 instances of previously deported foreigners applying for citizenship under a different identity. The report said U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement has 315,000 old fingerprint records being digitized and uploaded to the Homeland Security IDENT database. Those prints can be compared to those already in the database. Foreigners who obtained American citizenship years ago and have been otherwise living quietly in the United States could be at risk of a knock at their doors. A hypothetical example: A woman from the Philippines comes to the United States on a work visa in the 1980s and overstays. She is arrested and deported. A few years later, the woman marries an American citizen and returns. On her naturalization form, she does not disclose the previous deportation, and eventually earns U.S. citizenship. Twenty years later, when the fingerprints from her first deportation are digitized, the woman is notified she will be stripped of her citizenship for lying on her application forms. According to Matthew Hoppock, an immigration attorney in Kansas who tracks such proceedings, the Justice Department has filed just 305 denaturalization cases since 1990, a sign of how sparingly the procedure has been used. Several of those cases involved aging former Nazis, Hoppock said. "There have been some years that the government didn't file a single case," he said. "Our hope is that (USCIS) will focus on people who actually committed fraud and deliberately made up new identities." -- The Washington Post The Portland Police Bureau responded Thursday to rumored threats to Portland's Pride Week, saying, "while the Bureau has been unable to verify any plans to disrupt events, we recognize the fear and uneasy feelings felt by many in our community." Earlier in the week, gay nightclub Scandals PDX and dance party Blow Pony posted about possible threats from "Proud Boys/Alt Right/ White Supremacist" who may be "planning to disrupt and possibly attack individuals leaving Pride events." "No specifics have been given to what events or locations are planned," the posts both said, nor did they say where they had heard of the threats. Neither Blow Pony nor Scandals PDX could be reached for comment Thursday morning. "Members of the Portland Police Bureau will be participating in Pride events as usual," Portland Police Chief Danielle Outlaw said in the release. "We celebrate that we are an inclusive organization, with LGBTQ members and we want to show our support for them as well as our community," Outlaw continued. "We remind community members that we take bias crimes seriously and I want to ensure this message is clear: Portland Police Officers are sworn to protect and dedicated to serve everyone." -- Lizzy Acker 503-221-8052 lacker@oregonian.com, @lizzzyacker When "The Shining" premiered in 1980, moviegoers were creeped out by Stanley Kubrick's adaptation of Stephen King's novel. Who can forget Jack Nicholson's terrifying portrayal of writer Jack Torrance slowly going mad at the remote Overlook Hotel, and terrorizing his wife, Wendy (played by Shelley Duvall) and young son, Danny (Danny Lloyd)? Now, Variety and other sources report that the scary story will continue with a sequel. Ewan McGregor is set to star as a grown-up Danny Torrance in "Doctor Sleep," adapted from King's sequel to "The Shining." Variety reports that in "Doctor Sleep," we find Danny Torrance still haunted by the horror of what his father did at the Overlook Hotel. Torrance has become, Variety's Justin Kroll writes, "a reflection of his murderous father, with lingering rage and a drinking problem that dulls his pain as well as his 'shining' powers." But once Torrance gets sober, his powers come back and he establishes a "psychic connection" with a young girl he meets while helping dying people at a hospice. The plot thickens from there. Oregonians may feel a kinship with the original movie, because the snowy exteriors of the Overlook Hotel were filmed at Timberline Lodge, on Mount Hood. We don't yet know if Timberline Lodge may get another moment of big-screen fame. According to Wikipedia, in "Doctor Sleep," Torrance moves to New Hampshire, but not before getting a settlement from the Overlook Hotel owners. Oh, and don't forget the "angry ghosts" from the hotel who crave the "shining" power that Torrance has. So powerful is "The Shining" effect for fans of the movie that, according to the Timberline Lodge website, guests still ask to stay in Room #217 -- the creepy number King used in the book, which Kubrick changed to #237 in the movie. -- Kristi Turnquist kturnquist@oregonian.com 503-221-8227 @Kristiturnquist Free breakfast and lunch for anyone age 18 and younger will be available on weekdays starting Monday thanks to a program now in its fifth year in Midland. "Meet Up and Eat Up" is a federally funded program, administered by the Michigan Department of Education, being offered at several sites locally by Midland Public Schools Food Services. "It is a wonderful program to be able to provide children meals during the summertime when we're not in session so that they have it available in case they need it," said MPS Food Services Director Tina Malzahn. The end of school means the end of regular meals for some children, and the program -- also known as the Summer Food Service Program -- is a way of bridging the gap. Malzahn credited "word of mouth" for the growth of the program. About 2,500 breakfast meals were served in the first year, which grew to more than 6,000 last year. The number of lunch servings soared from 5,840 the first year to 16,400 last year. "We've increased quite dramatically since the start of the program," she said. MPS tries to bring the program to areas "where there are more kids." These spots include the Curling Center -- across the parking lot from the Midland Community Center -- and at Gerstacker Spray Park, downtown near the Midland Area Farmers Market, and at Plymouth Park. Breakfast will be served Monday through Friday at the Curling Center from 7:45 a.m. to 9:30 a.m. and lunch from 11:30 a.m. to 1:15 p.m., through Aug. 31. At the parks, lunch will be served Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. to 1 p.m., through Aug. 24. A few other sites have more limited hours. At Plymouth Elementary School, breakfast will be served Monday through Thursday, 8-9:30 a.m. and lunch 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m., through Aug. 30. Breakfast will be served at Midland High School Monday through Thursday, 7:45-9 a.m. and lunch noon-1 p.m., through Aug. 23. At Central Park Elementary School, starting July 10 and ending Aug. 2, breakfast will be served Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday 8-9 a.m. and lunch 11:30 a.m.-1 p.m. Service will not be provided at any location on Wednesday, July 4; and Midland High will be closed July 3. Malzahn said activities are sometimes provided for the kids, and said the menu items are tasty and nutritious. Breakfast at the Curling Center might be bacon egg pizza, French toast sticks, ham, egg and cheese burrito or pancake on a stick, while lunch on a given day could be sloppy joe, chicken nuggets, sweet and sour chicken or a beef nacho. In the parks, the program offers "more of a cold lunch service," Malzahn said -- salads, sandwiches, fresh fruits and vegetables. Program regulations require that the meal be consumed onsite, she added. Activities such as coloring sheet stations are sometimes provided. "It's not just 'come and eat your meal.' We try to have activities lined up to encourage the kids to come," Malzahn said. The "Meet Up and Eat Up" service also is provided at a few other locations in the area. To find a location, call 2-1-1, text "FOOD" to 877-877 or visit the Michigan Department of Education Summer Food Service Program website: www.mcgi.state.mi.us/schoolnutrition. Also this week, the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services announced that Midland County is among 16 areas in the state chosen for the Summer EBT for Children program. Funded through a grant from the U.S. Department of Agriculture, the program "helps WIC-eligible families feed their children nutritious meals during the summer months when school meals are not readily available," according to a MDHHS press release. Eligible students from schools in the Midland County Educational Service Agency area (including Midland, Bullock Creek, Meridian and Coleman schools) will receive $30 of nutritious food per month for June, July and August. Benefits expire Sept. 1. For more information, visit www.sebtc-mi.com. The Economic Development Corp. of Midland County is one step closer to acquiring 11 acres of Fisher Sand and Gravel property located off Jefferson Avenue. The Midland City Council unanimously approved the land acquisition at its meeting this week. Various entities across the community approached Fisher properties to sell the land, said Midland Tomorrow President Becky Church, who also serves on the Economic Development Corp. Four different entities came to the Economic Development Corp. asking the body to pull the project together, Church said. The plan will "solidify more industrial property within the city of Midland, creating jobs, creating more usable area within the city to attract companies," Church said. The City of Midland Planning Commission unanimously supported the land acquisition of 11.077 acres of Fisher property at its May 22 meeting. Along with surrounding land owned by Midland Tomorrow, there will be about 25 acres of shovel-ready land for new development. "This plan is just the 11 acres," Church said. "We will be coming into the council at a later date as we have a development plan for the entire 100-acre parcel." The surrounding South Midland Redevelopment Area has been identified for redevelopment for a mixture of uses, primarily high-tech, said Grant Murschel, City of Midland director of planning and community development. The Fisher company plans to move its operation to 3401 Contractor Drive, near the intersection of Waldo Avenue and Bay City Road. The move will benefit the Midland community and divert 32,000 trucks from coming through downtown on an annual basis, helping with the flow of traffic, Church said. County commissioners gave unanimous support on March 20 for the corporation to issue $4 million in bonds to acquire the property. The plan must still get approval from other governing bodies, with the goal of getting necessary support form all constituents by September, Church said, before it comes back to Midland County commissioners. Midland County commissioners are working to set a public hearing on the proposed land acquisition in the near future. Midland County voters will decide the renewal of two millage proposals on Aug. 7. They will be outlined at a Lunchtime Learners Program on June 22. Sponsored by the League of Women Voters of the Midland Area, the meeting is from 11:45 a.m. to 1 p.m. at Trailside Center, 4700 Dublin Ave. The proposals are for the Midland County Educational Services Agency and for Senior Services. Both are 4 mill renewals. Saginaw Valley State University is stepping up its efforts in sexual assault prevention with help from a $25,044 grant from the State of Michigan. The funds will support SVSU's Bringing in the Bystander program, which is based on an initiative created by the University of New Hampshire. SVSU has participated in the program since 2015. The recently-awarded $25,044 grant from the State of Michigan Campus Sexual Assault Grant Program funded training for more students through the Bringing in the Bystander initiative. Normally the most hackish way to begin an article is to say the dictionary definition of X is but America refuses to agree on a common set of facts, so in order to discuss our crimes against humanity seriously, we really do need to establish the playing field first. Encyclopedia Britannica defines concentration camps as: Internment centre for political prisoners and members of national or minority groups who are confined for reasons of state security, exploitation, or punishment, usually by executive decree or military order. Persons are placed in such camps often on the basis of identification with a particular ethnic or political group rather than as individuals and without benefit either of indictment or fair trial. They define ethnic cleansing as a war crime: The attempt to create ethnically homogeneous geographic areas through the deportation or forcible displacement of persons belonging to particular ethnic groups. Keep those definitions in mind as you read this alarming report from McClatchy: The Trump administration is looking to build tent cities at military posts around Texas to shelter the increasing number of unaccompanied migrant children being held in detention. The Department of Health and Human Services will visit Fort Bliss, a sprawling Army base near El Paso in the coming weeks to look at a parcel of land where the administration is considering building a tent city to hold between 1,000 and 5,000 children, according to U.S. officials and other sources familiar with the plans. The reason why there is such a dramatic increase in the number of children concentrated in these camps is due to Jeff Sessions expensive policy of separating families at the border, McClatchy continued: Leon Fresco, a deputy assistant attorney general under President Barack Obama, who defended that administrations use of family detention, said the Trump administration is also likely going to need to return to Congress soon for more money if it wants to keep up this aggressive detention approach. He said its much more expensive to separate the parent and children and hold them in two different facilities than keeping them together using a monitoring system. The point is separating families is not only controversial, its also inordinately more expensive, Fresco said. The United States of America separating families and spending more money than it would cost not to do that in order to build concentration camps for children. Despite all the legitimate criticism directed at the president who deported more people than anyone ever, Barack Obama, separating families and detaining them at this scale is a new frontier in our immigration policy. This is who Jeff Sessions is. He endures near-daily humiliation at the hands of our manchild-in-chief over his recusal from the Russia investigation because he derives that much joy from horrific episodes like this KUOW report from a SeaTac prison in Washington: In most cases, they were taken into a different room like, Here were going take your photograph, said U.S. Rep. Pramila Jayapal. Then after the photo was taken, they were taken to a different room from their child. So they never got to say goodbye. They could hear their children screaming in the other room, Jayapal said. Screaming for their moms, asking for their moms. And they had to sit there and listen to that and still not be able to see them or hold them. This is the logical conclusion of white nationalism. Concentration camps and ethnic cleansing. Its happening right now. As you read this. Thousands of children are sitting in American detention centers, screaming for their parents. This is the agenda endorsed by the Republican Party. If you sympathize with Jeff Sessions because you believe these children broke the law, not only are you a garbage person, but you also dont understand the law at all. It is not illegal to walk up to the border and ask for asylum (let alone be separated from your family after you do), and being in the United States illegally isnt even a misdemeanorits a civil violation. Do you think you should lose your kid because you got a parking ticket? Thats also a civil violation. This is infuriating, disheartening, and every other adjective you can find associated with those two. America is building concentration camps. For children. If youre not outraged, youre part of the problem. I would say something like if this doesnt spur us to take real action, then were lost, but six years ago, we witnessed 20 children between the ages of six and seven gunned down at school and our government loosened gun laws afterwards. Were already a lost people. This is America. Jacob Weindling is a staff writer for Paste politics. Follow him on Twitter at @Jakeweindling. In the latest is there a glitch in the simulation? news, the good people of Nye County, Nev. have voted for a pimp in a Republican primary for state legislature. You heard us right, a pimp. Dennis Hof is the owner of half a dozen legal brothels in Nevada, according to the Associated Press. He also stars on the HBO adult reality series Cathouse. You may also remember Hof from that time in 2015 when Lamar Odom was found unconscious at his Love Ranch brothel in Crystal, Nev. Hof, who calls himself The Trump of Pahrump, defeated three-term lawmaker and hospital executive James Oscarson, taking 43 percent of the vote to Oscarsons 36 percent. The remaining 21 percent went to a third candidate. Hof will face Democrat Lesia Romanov in November and is favored to win in the right-leaning rural district. The people of Nye County can thank President Donald Trump for Hofs perseverancehe lost to Oscarson in 2016 as a Libertarian candidate. In a phone call with the AP, Hof said, Its all because Donald Trump paved the way for me. Hof also held a rally with longtime Trump adviser Roger Stone. We are living in the future, where truly anything can happen and apparently, anyone with even an inkling of political inclination can clinch a legislative position. Here's a look at some of the most destructive tornadoes to have hit Pennsylvania. Do you know of any that should be included in this list? Let us know in the comment section. May 31, 1985 A devastating outbreak of tornados on May 31, 1985 spanned several states, and hit Pennsylvania particularly hard. In fact, since May 31, 1985, only two tornado days have been deadlier in the entire United States. Don't Edit In this May 25, 2011 photo, Tom Stanton, a former councilman and mayor of the community, stands by the memorial dedicated in honor of the victims of the devastating tornadoes of May 31, 1985, in Wheatland, Pa. (AP Photo/Keith Srakocic) Forty-three tornadoes and numerous damaging thunderstorms tore across Ohio, Pennsylvania, New York, and Ontario on May 31, 1985, killing a total of 89 people, injuring more than 1,000 others and causing more than $600 million in property damage. Don't Edit Debra Bennett of Silver Spring, Maryland, begins salvaging at the home of her 95-year-old relative in Albion, Pennsylvania, June 3, 1985. A killer tornado swept the roof off the house and leveled many others in the small northwestern Pennsylvania town. Seven people lost their lives in the twister. (AP Photo/Gene J. Puskar) In Pennsylvania along, 21 tornadoes touched down that day, including a rare F5 -- the most powerful classification on the Fujita scale. The twisters killed 65 in Pennsylvania, injured more than 700 more, destroyed more than 1,000 homes with damages totaling $375 million. Don't Edit One of the first tornadoes to hit Pennsylvania is known as the Albion tornado. It started two miles west of the Ohio state line, then moved into Pennsylvania through Pennside and Albion, to three miles eastnortheast of Cranesville. In Albion, an eight to ten block area and two trailer parks were leveled, with nine dead. In Cranesville, two trailer parks were destroyed, with three deaths and thirteen trailers destroyed. It was an F4. Don't Edit Another F4 that day was the Atlantic tornado. This tornado also began in Ohio, and moved east into Pennsylvania, through Mercer Crawford and Venango counties. It caused 23 deaths and damaged or destroyed about 371 homes The small town of Atlantic was practically totaled. Don't Edit Don't Edit The only F5 tornado in Pennsylvania history was part of the May 31, 1985 outbreak. That tornado also started in Ohio, and moved east, destroying much of the town of Newton Falls and continuing through three other Ohio towns before moving into Pennsylvania and striking Wheatland, two miles southwest of Mercer. It killed 18 people -- most of the deaths occurred in Ohio -- and injured more than 300. In the Wheatland area, more than 100 buildings were leveled, about 59 homes and and several industrial facilities were severely damaged. "The storm path was continuous and destruction was total in many areas," the National Weather Service noted. Don't Edit Don't Edit Another May 31, 1985 tornado moved through Beaver Falls, Zelienople, Evans City and Saxonburg, to one mile south of Sarver. It killed nine people, two in Evans City, one in New Sewickley, two at a shopping center in Beaver Boro, and four in Saxonburg. More than 300 structures were damaged or destroyed and more than 100 cars in a parking lot were damaged or destroyed. Don't Edit The Tornado Project lists these as the deadliest tornados in Pennsylvania history. Note that six of the 10 listed here occurred on the same day: May 31, 1985. Don't Edit June 23, 1944 An outbreak of tornadoes across West Virginia and Pennsylvania killed more than 150 people on this day. According to the History Channel website: "It was a very hot afternoon when atmospheric conditions suddenly changed and the tornadoes began in Maryland. At about 5:30 p.m., an F3 tornado (with winds between 158 and 206 mph) struck in western Pennsylvania and killed two people. Forty-five minutes later, a very large twister began in West Virginia, moved into Pennsylvania, and then tracked back to West Virginia. By the time this F4 tornado ended, it had killed 151 people and leveled hundreds of homes. "Another tornado that afternoon struck at a YMCA camp in Washington, Pennsylvania. A letter written by a camper was later found 100 miles away. Coal-mining towns in the area were also hit hard on June 23. There were some reports that a couple of tornadoes actually crossed the Appalachian mountain range, going up one side and coming down the other." Don't Edit Don't Edit The Limerick twister On July 27, 1994, a tornado touched down in Limerick around 11:45 p.m. It intensified to an F3, with peak wind speeds between 158 and 206 mph, according to the National Weather Service. The twister caused major devastation to "the Hamlet," a housing development that was under construction at the time. It destroyed 20 of the 27 occupied homes, killed a family of three and injured 25 others. It tore through the town's business area, causing more than $5 million in damage. A savings bond owned by one of the victims, a 10-month-old child, was found the next day in Bath, Pennsylvania, about 40 miles north, according to officials. Don't Edit June 7, 1947 A tornado formed June 7, 1947 a few miles southeast of Warren, Ohio, and tracked east into Pennsylvania. The F4 tornado, with winds of more than 206 mph, killed three people and injured 40 others in an area south of Vienna, Ohio, damaging or destroying 150 buildings before moving into Mercer County, Pennsylvania, where it caused more than $1 million in property damage. Seventy homes were destroyed, factories collapsed and three Pennsylvanians were killed. The tornado injured about 300 people in northwestern Pa. Source: The Pennsylvania Weather Book Don't Edit Aug. 21, 1914 Another tornado struck the Wilkes-Barre area on Aug. 21, 1914. A local newspaper offered this report: "Five people were killed, seven seriously injured and 25 others less painfully hurt in this city yesterday when a severe electrical storm, approaching a cyclone in force, swept the southern section known as the Heights and part of Wilkes-Barre township. "The dead: Anna Brunetsky, aged 18, Joseph Griffiths, fifty, watchman; Katie Smith, seventeen; Helen Brazitski, five; Joseph Acikazeg, nine. "The watchman and two of the dead girls lost their lives in the ruins of McFarlane's silk mill, which was unroofed and partially collapsed. Several other girl employes at the mill were injured." Don't Edit Aug. 3, 1963 On August 3, 1963, the glass plant in Glassport, Pa. was damaged by a tornado, and its 80-foot water tower collapsed through the building's roof. When that happened, all the furnaces shut down and the liquid glass cooled and hardened -- leaving a 250-ton block of solid glass. After the tornado, there were plans to re-open, but that never happened because of the high price of rebuilding. The August 3, 1963, the tornado also damaged the Petrosky Hotel in Glassport, and two people died there. Sources: History of The Sypniewski Family of Glassport, PA; The Antiquarian Don't Edit BRAD BOWER / AP Photo The Eastern Tornado Outbreak The 1998 Eastern Tornado Outbreak of June 2, 1998, spawned 47 tornadoes over 9 states from New York to South Carolina and caused an estimated $42 million in damage, 80 injuries and 2 deaths. Pennsylvania was among the hardest hit. A total of 45 tornadoes moved through parts of the state between May 31 and June 2, with 22 of those occurring on June 2, 1998 The most damaging tornado hit Carnegie, in Allegheny County, injuring 50 people and causing $13 million in damage. The deadliest was an F3 tornado that killed two and injured 15 in Wyoming County. Source: National Weather Service Don't Edit Don't Edit Campbelltown tornado On July 14, 2004, an F3 tornado with winds greater than 160 mph tore through Cambelltown in Lebanon County. No deaths results, but dozens of people were injured and more than 100 homes were damaged or destroyed. Don't Edit In its 2004 coverage of the aftermath of the Campbelltown tornado, The Patriot-News quotes Denise Vivas of Manor Circle in Campbelltown, who described being in her home as the tornado swept through: "It was terrible. The whole house was shaking. You could see things flying around. The noise everywhere was just terrible." And when the storm subsided, "I saw the house in front of mine was completely gone." Don't Edit Follow PennLive's coverage of the Wilkes-Barre tornado 'We were very lucky last night': Latest from scene of Wilkes-Barre tornado Tornado confirmed by National Weather Service in Wilkes-Barre Township Tornadoes do damage in northeastern Pa.: What we know so far Here are the details on the Wilkes-Barre tornado from National Weather Service A barn in Lancaster County went up in flames Wednesday night. Firefighters responded to the fire around 10:48 p.m. in the first block of Snyder Hollow Road in Providence Township. The barn was fully involved in fire, and water had to be shuttled in from a pond. About two dozen fire companies reportedly responded. MOUNT OLIVER, Pa. (AP) -- A child has died after becoming trapped in a home that caught fire in Pennsylvania. The fire broke out around 4:40 p.m. Wednesday at a home in Mount Oliver. A 5-year-old perished in a Mount Oliver house fire Wednesday. Neighbors and emergency responders tried to rescue him. @angolds and @JKayWardarski: https://t.co/kS60KIfrlK pic.twitter.com/fQAQ4VYN69 Adam Smeltz (@asmeltz) June 14, 2018 Allegheny County Fire Chief Matt Brown tells the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette first responders tried to rescue a boy who'd been trapped on the second floor but were unable. The Allegheny County medical examiner's office identified the boy as Aiden Moore, the Post-Gazette reported. Multiple firefighters had to be treated at the scene for smoke inhalation. Brown says the cause of the fire is still under investigation, but it does not appear to be suspicious. A single bullet found in a stairwell prompted a lockdown at a Pennsylvania middle school Wednesday. State police said no written or oral threat accompanied the ammo discovered at Eyer Middle School in Lehigh County's Lower Macungie Township around 7:30 a.m. No "credible" threat was identified after officers and police dogs searched the building and interviewed students, troopers said. Still, students were dismissed early. The governor and Pennsylvania Emergency Management Agency director will be visiting the Wilkes-Barre area this afternoon to assess damage from the possible tornado. Gov. Tom Wolfe, along with Richard Flinn Jr., PEMA director, will be touring areas possibly damaged by a tornado in Wilkes-Barre, said Molly Dougherty, PEMA external affairs director. The governor's office says they will tour the area around Wilkes-Barre Township Commons and Arena Hub Plaza at 1:30 p.m. They will receive updates from officials from PEMA's eastern area office, as well as county emergency management officials and local responders. PEMA is coordinating with the county emergency management agency and the Civil Air Patrol to provide NWS with aerial reconnaissance information for the assessment, said Ruth Miller, PEMA spokeswoman. JUST IN: @WNEPs SKYCAM 16 over the apparent tornado damage near Wilkes-Barre, PA. The National Weather Service is expected here later today to determine if it was officially a tornado that caused all of this damage. @WNEPWeather pic.twitter.com/11qRMuL70x Ryan Leckey (@RyanLeckey) June 14, 2018 "The National Weather Service will be out to confirm if it was a tornado and what magnitude it was," she said. "It's too soon to tell if a disaster will be declared by the governor," Dougherty said. That decision will be made after damage is further assessed. WILLIAMSPORT - It will cost the average in-state student $390 more to attend the Pennsylvania College of Technology next year. The board of directors of the special mission affiliate of Penn State Thursday set tuition and fees in adopting a $161.8 million total budget. The tuition increase of 2.81 percent compares with a 1.99 hike this past year for in-state students. It is the fourth straight year the tuition increase has been less than 3 percent. The in-state rate for tuition and fees in 2018-19 will be $558 per credit hour, an increase of $13 per credit. A full-time, Pennsylvania student enrolled for the typical two 15-credit semesters will pay $16,740. READ MORE: Former state lawmaker known as the father of Penn College dies at 93 Tuition and fees for out-of-state students will increase $20 per credit to $796 per credit hour. A full-time nonresident student enrolled for two 15-credit semesters will pay a total of $23,880, an increase of $600. Pennsylvania residents account for 90.2 percent of college's total enrollment of 5,465. Residence life increases for student housing will be 2 percent for all apartment/room configurations with board plans offered by dining services rising 1.5 percent. The total budget represents a 4.07-percent increase over 2017-18, the college says is driven mostly by building and renovation projects including expansion of facilities for welding instruction that will allow 60 more students in that program. Renovations to a facility gifted by UPMC Susquehanna will enable the college to offer practical nursing instruction to a third more students in Wellsboro, college President Davie Jane Gilmour said. Due to retirements and the ongoing focus on strategic needs, total employee salary expenses are budgeted to increase less than 1 percent. LEWISBURG - Three federal lawmakers want to know why the Bureau of Prisons plans to move its special management program from the Lewisburg Federal Penitentiary to a newer prison in Illinois. Sens. Robert P. Casey Jr. and Pat Toomey along with Rep. Thomas A, Marino in a letter Wednesday asked acting BOP Director Hugh J. Hurwitz to provide details on the decision-making process that led to the change. They also want to know the effects the transfer will have on staffing and urge Hurwitz to do everything possible to preserve jobs at Lewisburg. The BOP last week announced the special management unit that has been at Lewisburg for nearly a decade would be transferred to a high-security prison in Thomson, Illinois. The transfer of inmates is to begin late this year and continue throughout 2019. SMU inmates are considered the worst of the worst because they have caused problems in other prisons. They are locked in their cells 23 hours a day and their recreation time is in cages. The announcement did not state a reason for the transfer but a BOP spokesman told PennLive on Wednesday that Thomson "was constructed as a maximum security prison that allows for secure housing and controlled inmate movement thereby ensuring safety of staff and inmates. "The facility is well suited to house high security inmates in the special management unit (SMU) and other specialized missions for high security inmates," the spokesman said. The BOP says the new mission of Lewisburg, which opened in 1932, has not been determined. READ MORE: Inmates accuse Lewisburg prison guards of using excessive force Casey, Toomey and Marino reminded Hurwitz of the March letter they sent his predecessor voicing concern about understaffing at federal prisons in the commonwealth and the safety risks it poses to staff and inmates. "As you recalibrate staffing levels at USP Lewisburg, we urge you to implement an inmate-to-staff ration that will ensure that our correctional officers and prison staff can be secure on the job and return home safely," the letter states. If staff cuts are unavoidable, the lawmakers ask the BOP to prioritize assisting those whose positions will be phased out. The BOP would not say if several federal lawsuits alleging mistreatment and torture of SMU inmates were a factor in the transfer decision. One of the allegations is Lewisburg forces inmates to take hostile cellmates by punishing them with tight hard restraints for extended periods if they refuse. Covering the cell window is considered a "sign of imminent violence" and would justify the use of restraints, a Lewisburg official is quoted in a document in U.S. Middle District Court. Inmate Sebastian Richardson, the plaintiff in one of the cases, testified at a deposition he covered his window to get the attention of a higher-ranked officer after guards ignored his requests. He cites former Warden Bryan Bledsoe's deposition in which he testified an inmate's silence in response to staff questions could be construed as a threat of imminent violence and result in the use of restraints. What commonly is called The Big House has a staff of 500. There are approximately 950 inmates behind the wall and another 485 in a satellite minimum-security camp. A little over 15 years ago, right after The Boston Globe published a bombshell investigation exposing decades of widespread sexual abuse of children at the hands of hundreds of priests in the Archdiocese of Boston, Lynne Abraham hit upon the notion that if it was happening there it was surely happening in her hometown. Then Philadelphia's district attorney, Abraham launched what would become a legal benchmark in state history: She organized an investigation into child sexual abuse in the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. It would be the longest-running investigation into clergy sex abuse and put Pennsylvania on the map of jurisdictions that most aggressively have gone after child sex predators. Abraham dogged the investigation for several years, amassing a team of investigators numbering in the hundreds and subpoenaing church documents and officials from every rank - from the lowliest priest to the highest ranking cardinal. Empaneled grand jurors heard hours of gut-wrenching testimony from hundreds of victims, all giving credence to the attorney general's ultimate conclusion: that the archdiocese for years knew about the scores of predator priests in its midst and, not only did it not turn them over to law enforcement but shielded them from the public and parishioners. In 2005, Abraham delivered a blistering indictment against the archdiocese in reporting the findings of the grand jury investigation. The 400-plus page report gave detailed account of horrific abuse of hundreds of children by more than 60 priests and the complicit cover-up by church officials, including former archbishops Anthony Bevilacqua and Cardinal John Krol. This 2005 photo shows Lynne Abraham, then Philadelphia's district attorney, as she released the findings of the nation's longest-running grand jury probe into priest abuse. The scathing report documented assaults on children by more than 60 priests, and alleged that former archbishops Anthony Bevilacqua and Cardinal John Krol covered up the abuse. In the background was Ron Eisenberg, then Deputy District Attorney. (AP Photo/H. Rumph Jr) Assailed by the Roman Catholic Church for waging a campaign against the million-plus strong Philadelphia Catholic community, Abraham was lauded by victims, their families and victims groups. At one time, she was dubbed "America's deadliest DA." But Abraham walked away disappointed and empty handed. With the exception of one major conviction - that of Monsignor William Lynn - Abraham was unable to prosecute predators due to the fact that in almost every case the statute of limitations had expired. Abraham was angry then and remains so today just weeks ahead of the release of a grand jury report into the six remaining dioceses in Pennsylvania. "My speculation is that this new report will be similar, if not a copy, of the abuses we found in our 2005 report on clergy sexual abuse in the Philadelphia Archdiocese," Abraham said in a Wednesday interview with PennLive conducted via email. "It appears to me almost as if a script is passed around to every parish in the world reflecting the words and actions in the event of a new revelation of clergy sexual abuse. . . . This 'script' is what is found in every revelation - mock surprise, denial, lies, cover-ups, blaming the investigators, offers of therapy, and promises to help the victims, and see that this 'never happens again, followed by pious nonsense of the Sunday homily about 'if anyone has hurt anyone we profoundly apologize and will pray for their peace." The 2005 grand jury report out of Philadelphia and a subsequent one that in 2016 investigated similar systemic abuse in the Diocese of Altoona-Johnstown, made the same conclusion: State laws needed to be reformed and expanded to afford victims a broader and more comprehensive shot at justice. State law was tweaked in 2006 after the Philadelphia report, and again in 2012 in the wake of the Jerry Sandusky/Penn State sex abuse scandal, but in general, the parameters of the law with regards to how predators named in the upcoming report might be prosecuted for past crimes are largely unchanged. Similarly, the influence church powerbrokers leveled during Abraham's investigation and that out of Altoona-Johnstown remain unchanged. "The fact that the same things persist necessitating another investigation, this time across Pennsylvania should come as no surprise to anyone attuned to the corruption of the church," Abraham said. "The popes have known about sexual predators in the church for generations but thought the church was more important to protect than the children in their care and control. Nothing much has changed over these years. Their response consistently has been 'lie, deny and cover-up.' " The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference, the church's legislative branch, and the insurance industry among others have for years pushed back on any reform legislation that would broaden and expand child sex crime laws, in particular any retroactivity elements that would give adults who were abused as children a chance to bring predators to justice. "Many of the legislators were also too pusillanimous for words refusing, or afraid, to stand for the children and against the bishops to force change. Why? Because legislators like nothing more than being re-elected and wouldn't risk the wrath of the church on their electorate," Abraham said. "As for the church and the insurance companies they were more concerned about the costs of lawsuits rather than fixing the problem and admitting their culpability of sexual predation." The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference, and the insurance industry, along with the business sector, have long argued that retroactive reforms to the state's child sex crime law would be unfair and detrimental to their interests. The Pennsylvania Catholic Conference has said that a retroactive window would bankrupt a church that in many ways carries out hundreds of critical social services to at-risk communities. Church officials have also argued that memories fade with the passage of time so that testimonies of events that in some cases may have happened decades ago could be flawed. In general, the church supports expansion of extensions of the statute of limitations prospectively, not retroactively. Pennsylvania Catholic Conference is declining to comment on this legislative issue pending the release of the upcoming grand jury report. A former Common Pleas Court judge, Abraham was voted into the district attorney's office in 1991 to finish out the term vacated by predecessor Ronald D. Castille, who had resigned to run for mayor. The Philadelphia native went on to win four full four-year terms before retiring in 2009. She ran for mayor in the 2015 Democratic primary election, finishing third in the six-candidate field, and these days continues to practice law in Philadelphia. She notes - civil law - not criminal. "After 50 years of criminal law I wanted to see if my brain still works," Abraham quips. "It does." Abraham's investigative efforts are also the subject of a newly released independent Amazon documentary entitled, "Dark Secret," which chronicles the two investigations into the archdiocese. Abraham didn't pull punches then, and she still doesn't: She remains critical of Philadelphia Archbishop Charles Chaput, the head of the state Catholic Conference. The archdiocese in the 2005 investigation repeatedly concealed secret files of predator priests from investigators. "He talks about abuse and mouths platitudes while in the background he has mounted obstacles to this important legislation and a true accounting of the many priests who have been rapists, pornographers, and pedophiles," Abraham said. Chaput's office could not be immediately reached on Wednesday in time for this report. File photo of the late Cardinal Anthony J. Bevilacqua and former Archbishop Justin F. Rigali, right at a news conference in Philadelphia in 2003. Philadelphia. Bevilacqua, who was implicated in the investigation into clergy sex abuse in his archdiocese, died in his sleep in 2012 one day before he was to testify. (AP Photo/Jacqueline Larma, File) To be sure, the archbishop has, as almost every diocesan head ,installed a commission dedicated to protecting minors. But he has engendered the outrage of victims, most famously with seemingly callous reflections made in 2015 after Pope Francis excoriated American bishops for failing to adequately handle abusive priests. Chaput then told reporters: "In some ways, we should get over this wanting to go back and blame, blame, blame. The church is happy to accept its responsibility, but I'm really quite tired of people making unjust accusations against people who are not to be blamed -- and that happens sometimes." To be sure, Pope Francis is largely signaling a new day across the 1.2 billion strong Catholic Church. Earlier this week, the pontiff accepted the resignations of three bishops from Chile, a Catholic country steeped in a clergy sex abuse scandal. His acceptance of the resignation of Bishop Juan Barros of Osorno, the city at the center of the uproar, signals a pontifical intent to restructure the country's battered Catholic community. The move affirms the pope's zero-tolerance policy and comes amid the trial of Cardinal George Pell in Australia and the recall to Rome of a papal emissary in Washington for viewing and exchanging child pornography over the internet. Abraham takes it all in cautious stride. "I haven't heard one prelate hollering from the pulpit or the rooftops, 'get these perverts out of our church!" she said. Abraham has seen too many high-ranking church officials in the past get a pass from the Vatican and live out their days in its opulent surroundings, as was the case with former Boston Cardinal Bernard Law. She awaits the grand jury report and bemoans the seismic shifts in the church. "I'm a regular foreign traveler and the Catholic churches I visit are almost empty every Mass," Abraham said. "Only some elderly women go to church. . . . Parishes and schools are closing, the faithful are sleeping in, and the cash register has stopped ca-chinging. This is all self-inflicted consequences and comes from centuries of crimes against the most vulnerable." National Weather Service teams are on their way to survey damage in Wilkes-Barre and also Franklindale in Bradford County to determine if a tornado touched down. JUST IN: @WNEPs SKYCAM 16 over the apparent tornado damage near Wilkes-Barre, PA. The National Weather Service is expected here later today to determine if it was officially a tornado that caused all of this damage. @WNEPWeather pic.twitter.com/11qRMuL70x Ryan Leckey (@RyanLeckey) June 14, 2018 The National Weather Service says a crew will visit Bradford County, PA to determine if a tornado touched down Wednesday night. Police reported there were a number of collapsed buildings & damage to more than a dozen homes. RE-09TH pic.twitter.com/7cKh4sfdIa CNN Newsource (@CNNNewsource) June 14, 2018 Still photo from viewer video on @WNEP of what looks like a tornado as it hit Franklin Twp., Bradford County, Pennsylvania. This may be part of the same system that held together and did significant damage in the Wilkes-Barre area in Luzerne County. #pawx pic.twitter.com/k88zRNutlD Michael Erat (@MichaelErat) June 14, 2018 "They were connected to the same line of storms - it hit Bradford county first, then moved through Wilkes-Barre," said Brian Tentinger, meteorologist at the National Weather Service in Binghamton, N.Y. Damage in Central New York will also be assessed. The storm hit Bradford County between 8 and 8:30 p.m., and then Wilkes-Barre, which is about 50 miles away, around 10 p.m. "There was a little more damage in Wilkes-Barre, which is more populated," he said. "We were expecting severe weather across a good portion of New York and northeastern Pennsylvania, as a cold front was moving through. The conditions were ripe for severe weather," Tentinger said. Severe thunderstorm watches were issued first, and each storm had its own warnings, he said. "In northeastern Pa., it's not unusual to get one or two tornadoes throughout a summer season," said NWS meteorologist Joanne LaBounty. "This time of year, when we get a warm humid air mass in place like yesterday, and a cold front coming through that spawns thunderstorms, there is the risk of severe thunderstorms," she said. In Wilkes-Barre, police say drivers will be cited if they stop along I-81 south to look at the storm damage, reports the Times-Leader. Wilkes-Barre Township police have closed Mundy Street between Bear Creek and Highland Park boulevards due to damage. The Wyoming Valley Mall will be closed today due to power outages, although there is no significant structural damage there. The Red Cross is assisting first responders on the scene. Buildings and businesses in Wilkes-Barre Township were damaged by a powerful storm Wednesday, and weather officials will determine if a tornado was the culprit. The storm struck the area at around 10 p.m., Times Leader reports. Shortly after the storm's impact, police reported multiple damaged buildings, and more than 7,200 customers with PPL Electric were without power. Photos of the area show numerous buildings with extensive damage. There were also unconfirmed reports of looting in some stores that were damaged, and the damage prompted response from emergency crews throughout Luzerne County, according to the report. Police also posted on social media about reports of numerous collapsed buildings. Multiple collapsed/damaged buildings area of Mundy Street, drivers are asked to avoid Mundy Street around the Wyoming... Posted by Wilkes-Barre Township Police Department on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 James Rohena, a JC Penney employee, was working inside the store when he heard the tornado warning. "At first I didn't take it seriously because we're not supposed to get tornados here. But, then the rain started coming down in waves, with flashes of lightning," Rohena said. "So I shut the doors and locked them and the next thing I knew, it felt like I was in the movie 'Twister.'" Bruno Isles, a Panera employee, told the Times Leader that he was washing dishes in the back of the restaurant at the time. "My manager had us secure the doors," he said. "We had tables and chairs flying through the windows." Isles said he suffered a minor scrape on his arm while he helped to get other people in the restaurant to safety. Crews from National Weather Service in Binghamton, New York, will be sending to crews to northeastern Pennsylvania to survey the damage. Two storm survey teams will be heading to NEPA on Thursday to assess areas of considerable storm damage in the... Posted by US National Weather Service Binghamton NY on Wednesday, June 13, 2018 Associated Press contributed to this report. Luzerne County officials are continuing to assess the damage to businesses from Wednesday night's tornado near Wilkes-Barre, a process that is expected to take days, if not longer. Luzerne County Manager David Pedri said crews are still working with a number of utility and structural issues. WNEP Transmitter Camera: Severe Weather Rolls Into Wilkes-Barre, PA CHECK THIS OUT! This incredible video was captured at the WNEP-TV transmitter site in Luzerne County. In the background, you can see the storm rolling into the Wilkes-Barre area and at the bottom of the screen you can see deer run by just before the high winds and rain begin. FULL STORY: http://via.wnep.com/swpc0 Posted by WNEP-TV on Thursday, June 14, 2018 "The main thing right now is public safety," he said, adding that if the storm hit just a few hours earlier, the area would have been much more populated. "We were very lucky last night," he said. Only six minor injuries were reported. David Nicosia, meteorologist with NWS, said 2x4 pieces of lumber were literally driven into the sides of buildings, calling them "incredible sights." "There is a lot of roofing material that's gone, and it's still blowing around," he said. Nicosia explained the narrow path of damage, which increased in severity, helped officials determine a tornado touched down. He pointed out in one lot, a flower tent stood untouched -- in a lot over, cars were overturned and debris scattered. Wilkes-Barre Township Police Chief Ron Smith encouraged those who work in the area to contact their managers before approaching the area. He also warned that due to major power lines being pulled down in the area, Mundy Street where the bulk of the damage happened is expected to remain closed for some time. Crews are also waiting for propane to vent from a storage tank at Uhaul to vent before work on the power lines could begin. Onlookers were kept far back from the scene due to the propane leak. The power to the nearby Wyoming Valley Mall is gradually being restored, and it could be reopened by Friday. The National Weather Service at Binghamton confirmed a tornado touched down, and Gov. Tom Wolf and PEMA director Rick Flinn are meeting this afternoon with local officials and responders. Attorney General Jeff Sessions on June 11 reversed an appeals court ruling that granted asylum to a Salvadoran woman who had fled sexual, emotional and physical abuse back home, upending nearly a decade of legal precedent about who should qualify as a refugee. In 2009, the Obama administration determined that foreign women who suffer severe sexual or domestic abuse from which they are unable to escape, in countries where the government cannot protect them, may deserve asylum as members of a persecuted "particular social group." This ruling opened the door for women who feared dying at their partners' hands to seek the same protection as those fleeing, for example, female genital mutilation - though in practice only a handful of asylum-seekers have successfully argued a domestic violence case in U.S. immigration court. Sessions' decision, which immigration experts say will primarily impact immigrant flows from Central America, reopens a long-running argument over what constitutes a need for asylum. Here, The Conversation's scholars illuminate this complex immigration debate. 1. What is asylum? Under international law, countries must offer asylum to migrants who can prove they have a "credible fear" of certain kinds of violence at home. Asylum-seekers must have suffered persecution related to race, religion, nationality, political opinion or their particular social group. "The rights of refugees - those forced to leave their country because of war or persecution - are enshrined in the 1951 Convention for Refugees and its subsequent 1967 protocol," explains Parvati Nair of the United Nations University. But individual countries may decide how to interpret these U.N. agreements. With Sessions' ruling, the Trump administration has taken the position that domestic abuse is "private violence," not persecution. The boundary between migrant and asylum-seeker can indeed be blurry, Nair says. "Many displaced people today defy the parameters used by policymakers to define who is entitled to what rights." Those parameters, passed in the aftermath of WWII, are more than a half-century old. 2. Women's particular fears Persecution also looks different for men and women, says Ariadna Estevez, a North American studies scholar at the National Autonomous University of Mexico. "According to my research, Mexican men are usually displaced for reasons of criminal and state violence," she says. They are police informants who have been exposed, business owners who refuse to pay extortion to cartels, journalists, activists or victims fleeing drug-related crime. "For women, however, sexual violence is the major push factor," Estevez explains. Her studies find that rape, gender-based violence and sex trafficking are the main reasons Central American and Mexican women are forced to migrate. 3. The danger of being a Latin American woman That is not surprising since, as Estevez writes, "several studies have shown that Latin America is the worst place in the world to be a woman." She cites a 2014 Gallup survey showing that Latin Americans were the least likely in the world to say that women are treated with respect and dignity. The study attributes these feelings to widespread sexual violence and harassment against women and children, in combination with "machista" culture. For the past few years, El Salvador has been listed among the world's deadliest countries for women. And in Mexico, Estevez says, "the systemic killing of women since the mid-1980s has been so severe that it led to the coining of the word 'feminicide,' and its codification as a serious crime." Rampant violence against women persists in Mexico despite the launch of a national institute for women's issues, the establishment of official protocol for investigating gender-based crimes and legislation against domestic abuse. According to a 2016 joint report by the Mexican government and the U.N., a "good part" of the 40,000 female homicides that occurred between 1985 and 2014 in Mexico were never even investigated. Sessions' June 11 ruling specifically rejects the Obama-era notion that women abused in a such a context - places with pervasive violence against women, which the government cannot or will not control - have a "credible fear" of violence. 4. Are Central Americans migrants or refugees? Abused women were not the only refugee group Sessions has specifically excluded. The attorney general also said that violent recruitment by gangs is not grounds for asylum in the U.S. "An increasing number of individuals are now arriving at the U.S. southwest border because of crime, violence and insecurity in Central America," says Jonathan Hiskey, a migration scholar at Vanderbilt University. With 60 murders per 100,000 people in 2017, El Salvador was one of the world's deadliest places. Almost 4,000 people were killed there last year. Honduras' murder rate has dropped markedly in recent years, but with 42.8 murders per 100,000 people in 2017, it is still one of the world's most dangerous places that's not a war zone. Hiskey's research shows that fear - not American jobs, as Trump has often suggested - is what drives many migrants to leave home. "The strongest predictor of someone having an 'intent to emigrate,'" he writes, "was whether they had been the victim of crime multiple times in the previous 12 months." Rather than trying to sneak across the U.S. border, Hiskey says, these migrants typically voluntarily surrender and request asylum in the United States. The odds of getting it were always incredibly slim. Now, these refugees stand no chance. The Conversation Editor's note: This article is a roundup of stories from The Conversation's archive. Catesby Holmes is Global Affairs Editor at the The Conversation, where this piece first appeared By Alvin S. Goodman Seventy years ago, Israel became an official country of the Jewish people with the approval of the United Nations. It is now time for the U.N., as the world's peace-keeping organization, to take steps to establish a nation for the Palestinian people, but not by taking away half of tiny Israel's territory and its capital of Jerusalem. The United Nations should gather representatives of Muslim-majority countries of the Middle East and North Africa to discuss this issue and encourage these nations to set aside uninhabited or sparsely populated land for a Palestinian state. It would make much more sense to build new cities, plant forests and establish irrigated farms where necessary than to displace and relocate people to and from existing communities in Israel. Newly developed cities, with residential dwellings, factories, schools, hospitals, shopping centers, mosques, hotels, restaurants, utilities and infrastructure - streets, bridges, sidewalks, etc. - would be so much easier than to move people into existing areas. Think of the cost of relocating people, taking away homes and businesses without remuneration from displaced persons, let alone the costs of relocation. Jews and Christians living in the West Bank of Israel would undoubtedly have to move out for their own safety as occurred when Jews in Gaza settlements were forced to leave by the Israeli government. And many Muslims living and working in the Israeli half would not want to move into a new Palestinian state. Muslims live not only in the West Bank but throughout Israel. And Gaza, for instance, is located along the Mediterranean coast and would be separated from a Palestinian state on the West Bank of the Jordon River on the east side of Israel. Moving people to and from a Palestinian state would be a logistic nightmare. The fact is that Jerusalem has been the capital of Israel for more than 3,000 years, when King David established it as such and reigned there for 33 years and Solomon, his son, built the First Temple, destroyed by the Babylonians, and the Second Temple, razed by the Romans in 70 C.E. Ancient Israel has always been a Holy Land to Christians and Jews. On the other hand, there is no evidence that Mohammed, who was born six centuries after Jesus, ever lived in or even visited ancient Israel. According to Rabbi Yechiel Eckstein, founder and president of the International Fellowship of Christians and Jews, Jerusalem is mentioned 806 times in the 660 times in the Old Testament and 146 times in the New Testament -- whereas there is no mention whatsoever of this city in the Koran. During the 19 years Israel's Arab neighbors illegally occupied the West Bank and the old walled city of Jerusalem, Jews were denied access to it, and Jewish shrines and cemeteries were defiled and destroyed. Under current Israeli rule, the state is open to residents and tourists of all religious faiths. But the Palestinians deserve a place to call their home and their Islamic brothers should do something to give them this chance. Perhaps two adjacent nations can give up some adjoining territory. If the Arab nations in the Middle East and Northern Africa are unwilling to provide a homeland, they should at least give the Palestinians the opportunity to assimilate, to become useful productive citizens in their country. Most Palestinians who fled Israel in 1948 are deceased and their children and younger generations grew up in refugee camps and have no ties with Israel to return to. This is a chance for the UN to earn its keep and endeavor to convince Arab countries to be their brothers' keepers. It should be made clear that Israel will never give up half of its land and its capital to those who would do them harm and have grown up to hate the Jews, Christians and Americans. Alvin S. Goodman is a retired state employee and a freelance writer who lives in Lower Paxton Township. Passing the Keystone Exams would be prevented from becoming a sole graduation requirement for Pennsylvania students under legislation that is advancing in the state Senate. The bill, which has drawn widespread bipartisan legislative support as well as the backing from education groups and Gov. Tom Wolf's administration, would allow districts to choose from a variety of alternatives for students to prove their graduation-readiness. The proposed legislation, which unanimously passed the Senate Education Committee on Wednesday, would extend the moratorium that exists on requiring students to achieve a score of "proficient" or "advanced" on the Keystone Exams to graduate through 2019-20. The alternative pathways provided for in the legislation to prove career or college readiness would take effect starting in 2020-21. Under this legislation, students would still be required to take the three Keystone Exams to meet the high school accountability requirement of the federal Every Student Succeeds Act. Those exams in Algebra I, biology and literature are administered at the end of those courses, which in the case of the literature exam is often in 10th grade. The scores on the exams would serve as a default way of measuring a student's graduation readiness. If a student doesn't pass any portion of those exams, they could prove their proficiency through any of the other avenues listed in the bill instead of being required to be remediated and retake that portion or portions of the Keystone exam they failed as would be the case if this mandate remained in effect. The alternatives include such options as: Meeting a department-set composite score on three exams although it would require students to achieve a proficient score on at least one exam and at least a basic score on the other two; Achieving passing grades in their classes and passing scores on an alternative assessment such as the SAT or ACT or even just getting admitted into a post-secondary education; Demonstrating competency through course grades or attaining a industry-recognized credential for career technical education students. More generally, presenting evidence of graduation readiness through other means including acceptance into an apprenticeship program, landing full-time employment in a field consistent with a student's portfolio, completing an internship, or satisfactory completion of a community service project. Sen. Tom McGarrigle, R-Delaware County, the bill's sponsor, said the graduation requirement of having to attain a passing score on the Keystone Exams has been an ongoing concern of many school boards, teachers, parents and administrators. "Across the board, people just did not like these tests," he said. "These were kids that were going to Ivy League schools that were having difficulty passing these tests." According to information provided by McGarrigle's office, only 51 percent of the Class of 2015 scored proficient or advanced on all three exams where as about 72 percent of the 114,392 students who graduated that year achieved at least a proficient score on one exam and at least basic on the other two. The governor and state Education Secretary Pedro Rivera Wolf have encouraged lawmakers to take a more holisitic look around graduation requirements and "allow multiple pathways to graduation so that students, parents and schools can plan and graduates are prepared to earn livable wage employment," said education department spokeswoman Nicole Reigleman. While many people have been vexed over this graduation requirement, Cumberland Valley School District Superintendent Fred Withum doesn't appear to be among them. "Not that test scores fail to matter," he said, noting that his district fares well above state averages on various standardized tests. "But if we attend to the education our students need to pursue the careers they are passionate about and pay well, the test scores will take care of themselves." The State Board of Education in 2009 adopted the regulations that made passing the Keystone Exams a graduation requirement. Employers, retired military officers, and higher education officials all supported the move to make a high school diploma more meaningful. Then-board Chairman Joe Torsella, now the state treasurer, said at the time, it would mean that all Pennsylvanians could "have confidence that a young man or woman with a Pennsylvania high school diploma is ready for college and the work force. Through this regulation, we are clearly saying that we will have the same set of expectations for every Pennsylvanian." Torsella declined comment about the proposed bill. The State Board set 2016-17 as the year that passing the Keystone Exams would begin to be a graduation requirement. Twice, though, the Legislature delayed its implementation after catching heat from parents and education officials over the testing mandate. Critics feared it would lead to higher dropout rates. School officials say they lacked the resources to remediate students who failed the exams or the funding to provide the necessary instruction to adequately prepare students to take the tests. Others complained that it was discriminatory. Over time, the pushback also came from concerns about one-size-fits-all tests being unfair and that not all students, including former ones who now serve on the Senate Education Committee, are good standardized test takers. "I went through high school, college and law school and struggled all the time to keep my head above because I couldn't take these daggone tests," said Sen. Rich Alloway, R-Franklin County. "I just don't think it's fair to fit everyone in the same mold." Sen. Andy Dinniman, D-Chester County, who too admitted he was a poor standardized test taker, was overjoyed that the legislation to kill this graduation requirement had finally come together. He has been fighting against it ever since it was enacted so he hailed the committee vote as "a good moment." Senate Education Committee Chairman John Eichelberger, R-Blair County, said since becoming head of the committee almost two years ago, he has found public education advocates resisting accountability measures at every turn. "They don't want peer review. They don't' want standardized tests. They don't want someone monitoring them. They don't want to consider what parents and students have to say. They don't want anything," he said. "So we're trying to craft something here that gives us some reasonable way to ascertain that [students] are getting some information in school so that they can function when they graduate. So I think we have a sweet spot here." The Pennsylvania State Education Association and the Pennsylvania School Boards Association both voiced support for the bill. "What's clear is standardized tests are not the only way to measure a student's ability and certainly not the best way," said PSEA spokesman David Broderic. "It's clear to us that there is too much standardized testing in public education today and that's why Senator McGarrigle's bill is so important. It recognizes that every kid deserves different alternatives to standardized tests as a way to demonstrate academic achievement." Further, Nathan Means, CEO of the school boards association, said too often students lose instructional time to remediate and retake Keystone Exams, "which may not have a bearing on their post-graduation goals and preparation. The provisions in [this bill] are necessary to finally give clear direction and stability to our schools and children regarding graduation requirements." The Pennsylvania Chamber of Business & Industry, one of the organizations that advocated for putting meaning into a high school diploma, is not ready to take a position on this particular bill. However, its President and CEO Gene Barr said employers want some means of knowing that kids who are graduating possess a certain base of knowledge. He said that is particularly important in a state with 500 school districts. "We're willing to be flexible on these things. We're not saying it has to be done this way. We're saying let's come up with an objective measure," Barr said. "Come up with something that demonstrates to the employer or the potential employer that we're turning out a product - I hate to call them products because they're kids - that can be utilized in their operation, that's going to be a good citizen, that's going to be a good employee. Work with us and tell us how you are basically certifying that that's the case because I will tell you the confidence right now is not there." The bloom season for Pennsylvanias official state flower has arrived, ushering in the calendar change from spring to summer. Roads through forested areas statewide are arriving in their annual burst of clusters of white to pink blossoms. Mountain laurel is a familiar site to most Pennsylvanians, but here are some things you might not know. Don't Edit Marcus Schneck | mschneck@pennlive.com May 5, 1933 Mountain laurel (Kalmia latifolia) has been Pennsylvanias official state flower since 1933, when Governor Gifford Pinchot signed into law one of two competing bills. The Pennsylvania General Assembly had passed two bills naming a state flower one the mountain laurel and the other the pink azalea. Pinchot chose to sign the mountain laurel bill into law on May 5, 1933. Don't Edit Also Connecticut's state flower With a range stretching from southern Maine to northern Florida and west to Indiana and Louisiana, in addition to being the state flower of Pennsylvania, its the state flower of Connecticut and the namesake of the Laurel Highlands of Pennsylvania, Laurel County in Kentucky and the city of Laurel in Mississippi. Don't Edit Marcus Schneck | mschneck@pennlive.com Prelude to summer In most of Pennsylvania, mountain laurel typically blooms from late May through mid-June, just before summer arrives on June 21. Many areas of Pennsylvania appear to be experiencing a later than normal bloom this year, although some like the Laurel Highlands have reported full blooms have arrived. Don't Edit Part of the heath family Mountain laurel is a member of the heath family, Ericaceae, which also includes azaleas, blueberries, cranberries, huckleberries and rhododendron. Don't Edit Don't Edit Marcus Schneck | mschneck@pennlive.com A shrub species Mountain laurel average 4-10 feet in height, although in the southeastern U.S. some specimens have been documented at 40 feet. Don't Edit Marcus Schneck | mschneck@pennlive.com Broad-leaved and evergreen Mountain laurel is one of the few broad-leaved plants native to Pennsylvania that do not lose their leaves in the winter. Its leaves are lance-shaped, leathery, glossy and dark green, and measure 3-4 inches in length. Don't Edit Sheep laurel, bog laurel A pair of close relatives to mountain laurel also are native to Pennsylvania. Sheep laurel (Kalmia angustifolia) is found in limited spots of northeastern Pennsylvania, which is the southern extreme of its range. Bog laurel (Kalmia polifolia) occurs in sphagnum bogs of northeastern Pennsylvania, which is again the southern extreme of its range. Don't Edit Look to the mountains Mountain laurel is found across most of the Pennsylvania and is particularly abundant in the mountainous regions. Don't Edit Marcus Schneck | mschneck@pennlive.com Loads of variety More than 75 named cultivars of mountain laurel have been developed in the nursery trade. Don't Edit Don't Edit No special protection Contrary to popular myth, having the official designation of state flower does not give mountain laurel any more protection than any other wild plant in Pennsylvania. According to the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources, No one may remove any plant from public or private land without the landowner's or land manager's permission. But there are no legal restrictions on the cultivation of mountain laurel." In addition, on public land in Pennsylvania, cutting, picking, digging, damaging or removing, in whole or in part, a living or dead tree, shrub or plant is illegal. Don't Edit Marcus Schneck | mschneck@pennlive.com Spring-like stamen The bell-like flower of the mountain laurel has an unusual way to dispense its pollen. The stamens, which are the male, pollen-producing part of the flower, are arched with their tips held under the rim of the flower. When a pollinator lands on the flowers, its weight releases the stamen, which flips its pollen like a catapult. Don't Edit Poisonous potential All green parts of the mountain laurel are poisonous and can be fatal to both humans and animals. According to the U.S. Department of Agriculture, after initial consumption, the victim will experience burning lips, mouth, and throat, followed 6 hours later by nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, low blood pressure, drowsiness, convulsions, weakness, and progressive paralysis, followed by coma and death. Children have been poisoned by merely sucking on the flowers of this plant. Even honey made from mountain laurel pollen is toxic. Don't Edit Marcus Schneck | mschneck@pennlive.com Free from the overstory Mountain laurel has become more abundant in the past century, as the overstory of American chestnut trees declined under the assault of blight and then the subsequent overstory of oak trees was defoliated by gypsy moths. Don't Edit Pennsylvania State Laurel Festival The 77th annual Pennsylvania State Laurel Festival runs through Sunday, June 17, in Wellsboro. The event includes a juried arts and crafts fair, queens pageant, pet parade, childrens health fair, foot races, a gospel sing and several musical concerts, as well as the traditional two-hour Laurel Festival Parade. The first festival was held in 1938. It was the brainchild of local businessman Larry Woodin, who was hoping to boost a sagging economy by promoting the Pennsylvania Grand Canyon. Don't Edit Don't Edit Doug Kerr Western Pennsylvania Laurel Festival The Western Pennsylvania Laurel Festival will run Saturday, June 16, through Sunday, June 24, in Brookville. The festival includes a carnival, family games and activities, parade, pet parade, bands, car and truck show, ice cream social, author signing event, street performers, plastic duck races and the Fat Tire Challenge mountain bike race through the Laurel Fields in Clear Creek State Forest. Don't Edit More about wildflowers in Pennsylvania After 23 years, 9&10 News' Adkins still loves to 'tell a good story' With over two decades of traveling around Northern Michigan, 9&10 News special projects executive producer Corey Adkins says he has the best job. In the late 1950s and 60s, Italian ballerina Carla Fracci won the world over with her definitive interpretations of romantic ballets like La Sylphide, La Sonnambula, and, of course, Giselle. At just 22 years old, she left her home stage at La Scala in Milan to begin guesting internationally, eventually forming a famous partnership with the dashing danseur Erik Bruhn at American Ballet Theatre. The two appear together in this film of ABTs Giselle, in which Fraccis Act I variation is as near to perfection as any Giselle before or after. Aside from the videos faded colors, this performance hardly looks like it was filmed 50 years ago. Fraccis aesthetic is distinctly modern, with her long lines and quick turns. She abandoned the softer, wilted look that had previously defined the Romantic idiom, conveying Giselles gentleness through delicate but dynamic movement. The phrase at 0:32 captures the essence of her style: She steps onto pointe and beats her foot with the utmost care, but then flips her back into a joyous renverse. Her attitude pirouettes are elevated and brilliant, but then she stops her turns on a dime to float into fondu. As she hops across the stage on pointe, Fracci keeps her port de bra low and simple, indicating Giselles natural humility. She also makes the challenging sequence seem like a stroll through the park. Do you still love ballet? I ask David Hallberg as we sit in a drab conference room at American Ballet Theatre discussing his new memoir, A Body of Work: Dancing to the Edge and Back. The book details Hallbergs grueling return from a series of injuries that left him questioning whether he would ever dance again. Yes, I love it even more, he says almost hungrily, as he stares me down with his searching, slightly hollow gaze. A Body of Work is not an easy read. Its final section, devoted to the long road back from injury and despair, is the most distressing, but what comes before is not much lighter. The self-portrait Hallberg has outlined is stark: a boy, and later a man, propelled by a single-minded drive, subjected to savage bullying at school in Arizona; ostracism during a year of studies at the Paris Opera Ballet School; arduous private training that has his parents half-joking about appealing to child services; un-empathetic partners; a punishing work schedule that leaves his body broken. All this, in order to satisfy the gravitational force of ballet, which he feels pulling [him] in deeper and deeper, he writes. Hallberg after one of his first performances back with ABT in May 2017. Photo by Kent G. Becker, Courtesy Simon & Schuster, Inc. What explains this drive? Early on, Hallberg writes, I was attracted to the idea of perfection, to the fact that there are precise ways to execute every turn, jump, and step. I savored the nonnegotiable structure of the work. I couldnt get enough. Later, there was the ego boost of success and fame. In 2011, already a principal at American Ballet Theatre, he became the first American to be invited to join the Bolshoi Ballet as a principal dancer. He split his time between New York City, Moscow and a multitude of guest stages. I felt an adrenaline rush journeying to one company after another, each vastly different from the previous ones, he writes. He was on top of the world. Hallbergs first dance recital at age 11. Photo Courtesy Hallberg. Until he wasnt. This frenzy of travel and performance, which left little time to prepare his body, led to fatigue and, eventually, injury. I was already running on empty, but the difference in style [at the Bolshoi] was (as I look back now) potentially the tipping point, he writes. First he twisted an ankle, then he broke his fifth metatarsal, and later developed an acute chronic pain in his left foot. Then surgery, then more surgery. As one year away from the stage became two, he began to seriously question whether he would ever make it back. Do you ever regret going to the Bolshoi? I ask him. There is a pause. The answer is no, he says. Because of my experience there, I now have in my body and in my mental reserve how the greatest company in the world exists. But where I feel some hesitation is that I didnt know myself physically well enough, so I didnt know my physical limits. He is still unsure of when, or whether, he will perform with the Bolshoi in the future. Were in talks, he says, simply. Hallberg backstage with ABT physical therapist Peter Marshall. Photo by Henry Leutwyler, Courtesy Simon & Schuster, Inc. One of the most insistent motifs of Hallbergs book is solitude. In the final chapters, as he remakes his dancing body in long sessions at a rehabilitation program at The Australian Balletwhich has one of the best rehab teams in the worldhe spends the evenings and weekends alone. He whiles away the hours sitting on a park bench, watching families enjoy themselves or drinking pint after pint at the pub. That solitude forced me to go through what I went through, he says now. He sees it as part of his recovery. Hallberg at age 15 in The Sleeping Beauty. Photo Courtesy Hallberg. Among the lessons he has learned, perhaps the most important is how to say no. And with it, the realization that dancing has become less about pleasing others and more about finding meaning and freedom onstage. He writes with awe about his experiences partnering the Russian ballerina Natalia Osipova, both at ABT and at the Bolshoi. At last, he writes of their first Romeo and Juliet, what I felt onstage was total honesty. The memory of these performances is still fresh. In fact, as he tells me, she is one of the reasons I came back from all of this. To dance with her again. Every day, I thought of what I felt with her onstage. Now, the ordeal behind him, he will get his wish. This March, if all goes well, they will be reunited in Giselle at The Royal Ballet. Union dismayed by lack of arrests one year after Grenfell disaster Scotland Yard continues to investigate series of potential criminal offences including manslaughter. Grenfell Tower (centre) in west London is illuminated in green along with its surrounding towers to mark a year since the moment the devastating fire took hold (PA) Date - 14th June 2018 By - Press Association - 14th June 2018 0203 119 3303 or alternatively get in touch via the Do you have an interesting news story? Contact the newsdesk onor alternatively get in touch via the contact form Authorities and business owners who failed to keep Grenfell Tower safe should be prosecuted, a union has said as it expressed dismay at the lack of arrests one year on. The Fire Brigades Union (FBU) said convictions should follow where appropriate,... LONDON (Reuters) Lawyers for Brexit campaigner Arron Banks ordered the European Parliaments chief Brexit coordinator on Wednesday to retract a claim that Banks colluded with Russia to deliver Britains vote to leave the European Union. Guy Verhofstadt, who leads the European Parliament Brexit coordination team, said on Twitter on Wednesday that far-right and right wing leaders across Europe made up a fifth column of cheerleaders for Russian President Vladimir Putin. In a letter to Verhofstadt, Banks lawyers, Mishcon de Reya, quoted the tweet which mentioned former UK Independence Party leader Nigel Farage as a cheerleader and said Banks colluded w/ Russians to deliver #Brexit. Anyone reading the tweet would be left in no doubt that it defames our client, Mishcon de Reya said in the letter to Verhofstadt. Please now delete the tweet and tweet a retraction. Banks said Verhofstadts remark was an outrageous statement. We are not funded by the Russians, he told Reuters. If he does not retract the statement, we will go ahead and sue him for defamation. So he can save himself a whole load of time and money and just retract it. Verhofstadt did not immediately reply to a request for comment made outside normal business hours. (Reporting by Guy Faulconbridge; editing by Michael Holden) 1.2k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Democratic Rep. Ted Lieu slammed Donald Trump and Fox News on Wednesday, saying their partnership is alarming and that the right-wing news network has become state TV. The congressman said the combination of Trumps attacks on the free press and Fox News propaganda machine are destroying the country. Video: The Democratic congressman said the combination of Trump and Fox News is bad for the country: Its very alarming for the President of the United States to attack the First Amendment and a free press in this manner. Unfortunately, when you watch Fox primetime news, it looks like its turned into state TV. Thank you MSNBC and other networks for not doing that. Trump is attacking the free press while embracing actual fake news Just after Trumps meeting with brutal North Korean dictator Kim Jong Un, the president took to Twitter to attack the free press. He said the media is the biggest enemy of the United States, specifically attacking NBC and CNN. So funny to watch the Fake News, especially NBC and CNN. They are fighting hard to downplay the deal with North Korea. 500 days ago they would have begged for this deal-looked like war would break out. Our Countrys biggest enemy is the Fake News so easily promulgated by fools! Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 13, 2018 And while Trump attacks news networks that are actually reporting the facts about his dangerous administration, he is embracing Fox News a network that creates an alternate reality for its throngs of Trump sheep. This dynamic may help Trump in the short term as he looks to create a bubble to protect himself and the minority of the country who supports him, but its dangerous in the long term. The free press cannot survive if a large fraction of the country including the man in the White House doesnt accept simple truths about the reality-based world. And America cannot survive without a free press. Right now, Trump and his protectors at Fox News are tearing it to shreads. 259 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard By John Whitesides WASHINGTON (Reuters) U.S. Representative Mark Sanford is the latest Republican to learn a tough lesson challenging President Donald Trump can be political suicide. The South Carolina Republican congressmans upset loss on Tuesday to a primary opponent who questioned his commitment to Trump, along with a recent setback for Trump critic Martha Roby in Alabama and the Senate nomination of a controversial anti-establishment Trump supporter in Virginia, reinforced the degree to which loyalty to Trump has become a party litmus test. While fealty to the Republican president may be a requirement to win low-turnout Republican primaries dominated by conservative activists, it could prove a tougher sell against energized anti-Trump Democratic forces in midterm elections this fall. A lot of Republicans who hid behind Trumps toga in the primary are going to pay a price in November, said veteran Republican consultant Rich Galen, a former aide to ex-U.S. House of Representatives Speaker Newt Gingrich. Its the tyranny of small numbers, Galen added. In a primary in an off year, a few votes make a difference. But the 35 percent that are Trump voters will represent a small minority in the general election. Democrats need to pick up 23 seats in the House and two seats in the Senate in the Nov. 6 elections to regain control of those chambers, allowing them to block Trumps agenda and possibly launch investigations or even impeachment of the president. While Trump is popular with Republicans, opinion polls show his general approval hovering in the low 40s percent overall. Many key political battles of the midterms will be fought in swing House districts and big battleground states where loyalty to Trump is not necessarily a badge of honor. If those are the candidates we are nominating in swing districts those who are pro-Trump first and foremost that could cause problems in November, Republican strategist Doug Heye said. Trumps power among Republicans in nominating primaries was evident when Sanford lost just hours after Trump issued a tweet criticizing him and endorsing his opponent. The result is likely to be a cautionary tale for other Republicans considering questioning Trumps personal or policy choices, even when the president strays from long-held party principles on issues like free trade and federal debt. Its Trumps party now. If you criticize the president, you will face the wrath of the Trump voter, said Republican strategist John Feehery, a former congressional aide. A CULTISH THING Republican Senator Bob Corker, who declined to run for re-election in conservative Tennessee after tangling with Trump, said on Wednesday the party was now in a strange place, and not a good one. Its becoming a cultish thing, isnt it? And its not a good place for any party to end up with a cult-like situation as it relates to a president that happens to be of, purportedly, of the same party, Corker told reporters. Corker, whose efforts to block Trump on tariffs have been rejected by congressional party leaders, is not the only Republican to step aside. Arizona Senator Jeff Flake, a harsh critic of Trump, is retiring at the end of the year. In the House, more than 40 Republicans will not return next year, including Speaker Paul Ryan, with some citing the strain of partisan politics under Trump as a factor. In Alabama last week, Republican U.S. Representative Roby was forced into a runoff by voters angered that she dropped her support for Trump during the 2016 campaign after the Access Hollywood video surfaced showing him bragging about assaulting women. On Tuesday, Virginia Republicans rejected the party establishment to nominate pro-Trump Corey Stewart, an immigration hardliner and supporter of Confederate monuments whose aggressive campaign style recalls that of the president. He will challenge Democratic Senator Tim Kaine. While Kaine was already expected to have an easy ride to re-election, Republicans fear Stewarts harsh style could hurt other candidates by association, including endangered incumbent Representative Barbara Comstock, whose suburban Washington district is a top target for Democrats. Comstock got a surprisingly low 61 percent of the vote in her primary against a little-known challenger who attacked her willingness to criticize Trump. A brothel owner who calls himself the Trump from Pahrump even won the Republican nomination to the Nevada State Assembly. But in South Carolina, Republican Governor Henry McMaster, an early Trump supporter, was forced into a runoff later this month with a political novice, businessman John Warren. The governor has faced questions over corruption in state government. Trumps mostly winning touch in Republican primaries has not translated to general elections. He backed Roy Moore for Senate in Alabama and Ed Gillespie in the Virginia governors race last year, as well as Rick Saccone in a Pennsylvania special House election earlier this year. They all lost. Trump can flip a congressional primary given his strong support among Republican voters, said Texas-based Republican strategist Matt Mackowiak. We will see if he can flip U.S. Senate races in red states this fall. (Reporting by John Whitesides,; Additional reporting by Ginger Gibson; Editing by Colleen Jenkins and Bill Berkrot) 965 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard When ex-GOP official Katon Dawson compared Donald Trump to Barack Obama on Wednesday, MSNBCs Ari Melber and former Hillary Clinton staffer Jess McIntosh were quick to shut him down with the truth. Instead of acknowledging the reality Republican voters and lawmakers have sold their souls to blindly follow Trump, Dawson acted like it was no big deal. Im going to compare it to Barack Obama, he said. They got a solid core base that politicians could kill to have. Melber offered up Trumps recent North Korea movie trailer as further proof that this president is nothing like Barack Obama or any other U.S. leader. Video: Responding to the disturbing Trump propaganda video, Katon said: I saw the hand of peace. I saw it. It was waving too, waving at the electorate, an electorate that likes Donald Trump. They are solid. Theyre with him. And the example of what I think the Democratic Party is missing that we saw as Republicans. We took eight years of Barack Obama and this is what Republicans should fear. Eight years of Barack Obama and 1436 legislative seats. Couple of five or six governors. Redraw the lines Jess McIntosh quickly shut him down: Barack Obama never got Democrats to abandon their progressive principles en mass. Donald Trump has gotten the Republicans in the House and Senate to completely throw away whatever their party stood for before he got there or supposedly stood for before he got there. He literally alienated our allies and cuddled up to a dictator last week and he has Republicans everywhere saying that thats a good thing and they always thought it was. Thats some 1984 stuff right there. The GOP has become a cult in the Trump era Since Donald Trump took office, the Republican Party has blindly followed his every move, supporting him as he shreds U.S. credibility abroad and trashes American institutions at home in order to protect himself from his growing legal trouble. This never happened under Barack Obama. Democrats never abandoned their partys principles or American values in order to appease a president with whom they happened to share a political affiliation. As Tennessee GOP Sen. Bob Corker said yesterday, Its becoming a cultish thing, isnt it? Its not a good place for any party to end up with a cult-like situation as it relates to a president that happens to be of, purportedly, of the same party. Hes right. Its not a good place for a major political party to be. But sadly, its exactly where the Republican Party is in the era of Donald Trump. The country has never seen anything quite like it. If Republicans want their party and, more importantly, the country to survive, its time for them to stop protecting a dangerous president just because he has the same letter next to his name. 1.5k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Michael Cohen appears to be ready to flip on Donald Trump, and that could have some very serious ramifications, not just for the ongoing Stormy Daniels legal battle but also for the ongoing investigation into Trump-Russia collusion. As Rachel Maddow pointed out on Wednesday, citing a Buzzfeed report from last month, Cohen was in frequent contact with foreign individuals about Trump Tower Moscow and that some of these individuals had knowledge of or played a role in 2016 election meddling, according to two FBI agents. If this is true, as the MSNBC host said, it would spell big trouble for the president and his legal team. Video: Maddow said: Cohen was in frequent contact with foreign individuals about Trump Tower Moscow and that some of those individuals had knowledge of or had played a role in Russias 2016 election meddling. That Buzzfeed report cited two FBI agents as the source of that information. If, in fact, that is true, that means during the campaign, while secretly trying to arrange a major business deal for Donald Trump in Russia, Michael Cohen was in repeated contact with people who were directly involved in Russias election meddling at that time to try to elect Donald Trump. If thats true, that would obviously be a serious concern for the Trump White House. Particularly if Cohen is going to start cooperating with prosecutors and telling them what he knows about that. Cohen is the piece that connects all of Trumps scandals The Michael Cohen investigation isnt just about paying hush money to Trumps many mistresses. Its about whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia, a foreign adversary, and whether the president himself was directly involved. What we do know is that Cohen the presidents personal lawyer and confident appears to have been right in the thick of it. In fact, everywhere we look secret business deals, porn star payoffs, campaign finance violations and Russian collusion Michael Cohen is front and center. Its no wonder that, as Jason Easley pointed out earlier today, Cohen is essentially begging Trump for a pardon. Ultimately, the fact that Michael Cohen has now parted ways with his legal team and looks ready to cooperate with federal investigators should scare the hell out of the White House. 769 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard By Valerie Volcovici WASHINGTON (Reuters) Republican senators on Wednesday said embattled Environmental Protection Agency chief Scott Pruitt should testify before the U.S. Congress to address the list of ethics scandals he faces, but stopped short of calling for his resignation. Pruitt came under fire earlier on Wednesday after a report by the Washington Post alleged that the EPA administrator tasked one of his aides and sought help from Republican political donors to find his wife a job. The report prompted Fox News television and radio host Laura Ingraham to call on Pruitt to resign. She is one of the most prominent Conservative voices to call for his resignation. The EPA chief has been under scrutiny the last few months amid reports involving questionable spending on travel and use of security detail, connections with lobbyists and industry groups and use of his office for favors. Pruitt currently faces a dozen investigations by the Office of the Inspector General, Congress and the White House. An EPA spokesperson was not immediately available for comment. President Donald Trump has so far defended Pruitt and praised him for carrying out his policies despite the barrage of negative media reports. On Ingrahams radio show on Wednesday, fellow Oklahoman and Pruitt ally Republican Senator James Inhofe stopped short of calling for his resignation but said if the stream of scandals does not stop, he would be forced to ask him to step down. I think something needs to happen to change that, he told Ingraham. One of those alternatives would be for him to leave that job. A spokeswoman for Inhofe later told Reuters that while the senator is not ready to call for resignation, he has concerns about the reports coming out and wants to hear directly from Pruitt in a hearing. Other Senate Republicans have started to call for more action against the administrator in recent days. I support Sen. @JimInhofes call for a hearing on EPA Administrator Pruitts scandals; and I continue to urge the President to take a hard look at Mr. Pruitts actions as I do not feel that Mr. Pruitt is serving @RealDonaldTrumps best interests, Iowa Republican Senator Joni Ernst wrote on Twitter on Wednesday. Wyoming Senator John Barrasso, chair of the Senate environment committee that has oversight of the EPA, said that he plans to call Pruitt to testify before his panel about his scandals later this year, his spokesman Mike Danylak said. Barrasso also sent a letter this week to Alaska Republican Senator Lisa Murkowski, who chairs the appropriations committee for Interior and Environment, to request that there be sufficient funding for the EPAs Inspector Generals office to carry out several open investigations into Pruitts conduct. The Office of Inspector General has not only expanded a number of ongoing reviews, but has also initiated additional reviews concerning a wide range of allegations related to the Office of the Administrator, his letter said. (Reporting By Valerie Volcovici; editing by Diane Craft) 1k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard The White House is anxious that Michael Cohen is going to cave and tell Robert Mueller all of the dirty details about Trumps business dealings. The Washington Post reported, The dual investigations of Cohen are fueling anxiety inside the White House. After working for a decade as Trumps personal attorney, Cohen has extensive knowledge of the presidents personal dealings and the Trump family business. The presidents allies are worried that prosecutors in Manhattan are attempting to build a criminal case against Cohen to push him to cooperate with the special-counsel probe a prospect they see as potentially dire. For his part, the Trump attorney has been frustrated by the lack of outreach by the president, whom Cohen has vowed to defend, according to people with knowledge of the situation. In other words, Cohen knows where the bodies are buried and the White House is scared that the New York case is going to put so much pressure on Cohen that he will cooperate with Robert Mueller. Given that the prosecutors in New York already have a million Cohen documents and tapes of Trump, it looks like they have already got Trumps former lawyer dead to rights, but Robert Mueller is playing the long game. He wants the big fish in the Russia scandal, and getting Michael Cohen to talk would bring him a giant step closer to Trump. Innocent presidents dont worry about special counsels The White Houses reaction to the potential Cohen flip tells the American people all that they need to know about Trumps guilt or innocence. An innocent president would have nothing to hide, and his or her staff would have nothing to worry about. It is a guilty president who spends all of his time worrying about what the special counsel is going to find and his staff frets over whether or not they are on the way out. The White House is freaked because if Michael Cohen sits down with Robert Mueller, it will be the end for Trump. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. 1.4k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard In another example that Donald Trump holds savage dictators in high regard, the American president went on Fox News and defended North Korean leader Kim Jong Un. After Fox News Brett Baier said, [Kim Jong Un] is a killer. Hes clearly executing people, Trump cut him off and started to heap praise on the North Korean tyrant. Hes a tough guy, Trump said, praising Kims leadership style. Hes a very smart guy. Hes a great negotiator, but I think we understand each other. Video: Trump downplays Kim Jung Uns totalitarian dictatorship. BAIER: He has done some really bad things. TRUMP: Yeah, but so have a lot of other people have done some really bad things. I mean, I could go through a lot of nations where a lot of bad things were done. pic.twitter.com/AZxnuXQTqi Aaron Rupar (@atrupar) June 13, 2018 When Trump was done showering the North Korean leader with praise, Baier pushed back again, reminding the U.S. president that Kim has done some really bad things. Trump shrugged it off, telling the Fox News host that a lot of other people have done some really bad things. I mean, I could go through a lot of nations where a lot of bad things were done, he added. The presidents praise of the brutal dictator comes after his sham Summit with the North Korean leader in Singapore in which the United States gave Kim Jong Un everything he wanted and got nothing in return. Trump idolizes brutal dictators because he wants to be one Trumps praise of Kim Jong Un is not an isolated incident. He has repeatedly praised not just the North Korean dictator, who leads one of the most brutal and repressive regimes in the world, but he has lauded other authoritarian leaders, too, like Russian president Vladimir Putin and Philippines leader Rodrigo Duterte. Contrast Trumps rhetoric toward dictators with his treatment of American allies, and it becomes even more startling. At the end of the day, Trump doesnt care about human rights violations, international norms or American values. All he cares about is power, and he admires leaders who have been able to seize that power, regardless of the means. Donald Trump may think it makes him look strong to talk tough, push away U.S. allies and hold brutal dictators close, but it only exposes his insecurities and reveals what type of leader he wishes he could be. 542 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard By Sarah N. Lynch WASHINGTON (Reuters) The U.S. Justice Department said on Wednesday it was planning to ramp up efforts to bring more civil rights lawsuits against municipalities that try to discriminate against houses of worship. The new initiative, outlined by Attorney General Jeff Sessions, marks the latest action in the Trump administrations efforts to prioritize protecting religious freedoms. It was announced in conjunction with a new case filed against Woodcliff Lake, New Jersey, over allegations it illegally denied zoning approval to an Orthodox Jewish congregation seeking to build a synagogue. In recent years, the cultural climate has become less hospitable to people of faith and to religious belief. Many Americans have felt that their freedom to practice their faith has been under attack, Sessions said, speaking before the Orthodox Union Advocacy Centers annual meeting in Washington, D.C. This feeling is understandable. Religious Americans have heard themselves called deplorables. Theyve heard themselves called bitter clingers. Sessions has come under scrutiny by civil rights groups who say his focus on religious liberty could give individuals and private businesses leeway to discriminate against other groups, such as gay, lesbian and transgender people. The Justice Department under Sessions has taken several actions to champion the cause, including backing anti-abortion centers in a case over a California law requiring notices be provided on where women can receive state-funded abortions. Last fall, Sessions issued interpretive legal guidance to all U.S. government offices declaring that the free exercise of religion includes the right to act or abstain from action. The memo was used as the legal basis for the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services to try to block requirements under the Obamacare law for employers to cover womens birth control. The new Place to Worship Initiative aims to help the Justice Departments Civil Rights Division bring more cases against towns and others who use zoning laws to block churches, mosques or synagogues from building, renting or expanding houses of worship. Too often, religious schools and their students face discrimination, Sessions said. Some local officials even try to keep them out of their backyard by abusing zoning laws. Sessions discussed the new religious liberty initiative at the Washington offices of the law firm Jones Day. Lawyers at the firm represent President Donald Trumps campaign and are currently defending it against a lawsuit filed by the Democratic party over allegations it colluded with Russia to meddle in the 2016 U.S. presidential election. Many Jones Day alumni now work for Sessions and have played key roles in reversing Obama-era legal positions on civil rights. They include the departments current acting head of the Civil Rights Division, John Gore, and acting head of the Civil Division Chad Readler. According to Sessions, the Justice Department has settled 24 civil cases with 90 plaintiffs over what he called the previous administrations wrong application of the contraception mandate to objecting religious employers. (Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch; Editing by Bill Berkrot and Tom Brown) 420 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard Its supposed to be a temporary shelter for children but life in the largest licensed child care facility in the nation looks more like incarceration. The facility is a former Walmart converted for children brought into the U.S. illegally. It currently is home to about 1,500 boys ranging in age from 10 to 17 years. According to NBC News, the first news organization to visit the overcrowded facility which is called Casa Padre the boys spend 22 hours per day during the week locked inside the building. Some of the children crossed into the United States without any adult accompanying them. Others are the ones who have been separated from their parents under Attorney General Jeff Sessions new zero-tolerance policy. Currently the facility is very overcrowded and this is expected to get worse as the new policies take effect. It is now home to about 25% more children than it was designed to hold. The converted former Walmart has rooms for the boys but five are living in rooms that were built to hold only four. The ACLU has sued the government for the new immigration policy which forcibly separates migrant children from their parents at the border. The average stay at Casa Padre (which is in Brownsville, Texas) is 52 days, or nearly two months. After they leave the children are placed by government workers into homes with temporary foster parents called sponsors. The workers in charge of the facility told NBC that the Department of Justice did not give them advance notice of their new policies which has led to the overcrowding. Sessions recently announced the new policy of arresting and prosecuting 100 percent of immigrants crossing into the United States without proper documentation. The children who are arrested with their parents are in all cases now immediately separated from their parents who have been arrested, incarcerated, and referred for criminal prosecution. As might be expected, these new policies and enforcement practices have resulted in a large increase in the number of children being held in the detention facility. Because it is so far above its legal capacity, government officials are now planning to open temporary tent cities throughout Texas and possibly in other states. Dr. Juan Sanchez, the president of the nonprofit that operates the facility, said that these new makeshift locations will not have to be licensed and they will be staffed by untrained workers. He said that if the new detention shelters for children are established on federal land, which the Trump administration has been considering, then they dont have to be either licensed or staffed by trained child welfare professionals. The United States Department of Health and Human Services currently houses nearly 12,000 immigrant children and is investigating new locations such as U.S. Air Force bases to house the large influx of new detained children which has been caused by the DOJs new policies. Casa Padre is the facility where Sen. Jeff Merkley, D-Ore., was turned away from earlier this month after he came unannounced and said he wanted to enter the building to inspect living conditions. According to NBC, the reception area of the building has a note hanging on the wall which directs facility employees to Immediately notify PD, or the police department, if approached by the media. Journalists who toured the building also reported that inside is a mural painted on a wall with a quote from President Barack Obama. It reads: We are and always will be a nation of immigrants. We were strangers once, too. 1.2k SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard House Intelligence Committee ranking member Rep. Adam Schiff (D-CA) said the IG report shows that James Comeys actions helped Trump win. Rep. Schiff said in a statement provided to PoliticusUSA: Todays Office of the Inspector General report is an exhaustive review of the decisions made by the FBI and DOJ in the course of the Clinton email investigation. The IG found no evidence that former FBI Director James Comey and other FBI and DOJ officials acted on the basis of political bias or other improper considerations. Instead, their decisions were made on the basis of the facts and the law. Nothing in the IGs report calls into question the legitimacy or conduct of the Special Counsels Russia investigation, or the importance of allowing the Special Counsel to complete his work without political interference. If anything, the report only highlights the impropriety of sharing information on pending investigations with Congress in a manner that is likely to be made public, an ongoing concern given Republican attempts to obtain information about the Russia investigation that can be utilized by the Presidents lawyers and surrogates. Although the Inspector General found no evidence that political bias affected decision-making in the Clinton email investigation, it nevertheless criticized many of the actions and judgments of former Director Comey and others. The consequence of these serious errors of judgment, however, is now clear: the actions of the FBI and DOJ in the run up to the 2016 election benefited Donald Trumps candidacy and harmed that of Hillary Clinton. If anti-Trump bias had influenced the conduct of the FBIs investigations, then Comey would have disclosed the Russia investigation and its details to the public and the Congress before the election. And, of course, by keeping the investigation into the Trump campaign secret while so publicly discussing the Clinton investigation and reopening it in the final days of the election, Comeys poor exercise of judgment greatly inured to Trumps benefit. Though he now criticizes Comey for his handling of the Clinton investigation, at the time, Trump praised Comey for reopening the Clinton email investigation precisely because Trump knew it helped his campaign. Importantly, the IG confirms that it continues to investigate improper disclosure of non-public information by DOJ and FBI employees involved in the Clinton email investigation and plans to submit a separate report once these investigations are concluded. It will be vital that the IG thoroughly review whether these leaks informed public statements by Trump campaign surrogates, including Rudy Giuliani, who boasted of foreknowledge about DOJ and FBI actions in the weeks prior to election day. There is no witch hunt, and Comey did helped Trump Rep. Schiff nailed it. There was no political bias at the FBI or a witch hunt against Donald Trump. Comeys actions didnt hurt Trump. They helped him win, and the bigger problem coming down the pike for Trump is the investigation into if Rudy Giuliani was getting information from an FBI field office that helped the Trump campaign. Schiffs statement should have the White House running scared because in a matter of months he could be leading the House Russia investigation. The lies, excuses, and deceptions behind Trumps attacks on the FBI and Justice Department are being blown up. James Comey helped Trump win the election, which means that the Russia investigation is the only reason why Trump fired Comey. For more discussion about this story join our Rachel Maddow and MSNBC group. 294 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard A very prominent evangelical leader has issued a rare rebuke to President Donald Trump and has severely criticized the actions of his administration. Franklin Graham, the son of famous evangelist Billy Graham, has been one of Trumps strongest supporters since he announced he was running for president. But now he has come out strongly against an administration policy which has been separating children from their parents at the US-Mexican border, calling it disgraceful. Earlier this week we reported that: Nearly 1,800 immigrant families were separated at the U.S.-Mexico border from October 2016 through February of this year, according to a senior government official, as President Donald Trump implemented stricter border enforcement policies. While Graham has joined the growing chorus of those critical of this policy he said the blame lies elsewhere, with policies put in place by earlier administrations. Appearing on CBN News yesterday Graham said: First of all, I think its disgraceful. Its terrible to see families ripped apart and I dont support that one bit. And I blame the politicians for the last 20, 30 years that have allowed this to escalate to the point where it is today. We are a country of laws; laws need to be obeyed, no question about that. But the situation that we have today is a result of our lawmakers in Washington over generations ignoring this and Im hopeful that soon something could be done to fix it. Trumps attorney general Jeff Sessions last month began a new zero tolerance policy to deal with people captured while entering the US illegally. Under Sessions new policy, people who are caught at the border will be charged with crimes, and children will be separated from their parents. US Catholic bishops have also become very vocal in their criticisms of the new policies. The latest developments are consistent with the sort of cardiosclerosis that has begun in our country, and it concerns across-the-board life issues, said Cardinal Joseph Tobin of New Jersey. He said many bishops will be traveling to the border to protest and as a sign of our pastoral concern and protest against this hardening of the American heart. Cardinal Daniel DiNardo, president of the US conference of Catholic bishops, issued the following statement: At its core, asylum is an instrument to preserve the right to life. The Attorney Generals recent decision elicits deep concern because it potentially strips asylum from many women who lack adequate protection. These vulnerable women will now face return to the extreme dangers of domestic violence in their home country. Families are the foundational element of our society and they must be able to stay together. While protecting our borders is important, we can and must do better as a government, and as a society, to find other ways to ensure that safety. Separating babies from their mothers is not the answer and is immoral. Earlier this month we reported that the United Nations had called on the Trump administration to immediately halt its policy of separating children from their parents at the U.S. border with Mexico. In May, we reported that President Trump was blaming Democrats for his policy of separating children from parents at the border. At that time Trump tweeted: Put pressure on the Democrats to end the horrible law that separates children from there parents once they cross the Border into the U.S. Catch and Release, Lottery and Chain must also go with it and we MUST continue building the WALL! DEMOCRATS ARE PROTECTING MS-13 THUGS. Put pressure on the Democrats to end the horrible law that separates children from there parents once they cross the Border into the U.S. Catch and Release, Lottery and Chain must also go with it and we MUST continue building the WALL! DEMOCRATS ARE PROTECTING MS-13 THUGS. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) May 26, 2018 Then in early June Trump tweeted: Separating families at the Border is the fault of bad legislation passed by the Democrats. Border Security laws should be changed but the Dems cant get their act together! Started the Wall. Separating families at the Border is the fault of bad legislation passed by the Democrats. Border Security laws should be changed but the Dems cant get their act together! Started the Wall. Donald J. Trump (@realDonaldTrump) June 5, 2018 With Trump and Sessions now being criticized by Catholic bishops and prominent evangelical leaders, and with very few people believing that the Democrats are at fault for the current policies, it is possible that these cruel policies will be changed. If not, children will continue to suffer. If that happens all we can hope for is that Republicans will pay the price politically, and we will get new leadership in Washington. Donald Trumps television lawyer Rudy Giuliani was back in front of the cameras on Wednesday night giving his opinions about Trumps fixer-lawyer Michael Cohen. According to Giuliani the president has nothing to worry about. Yesterday there were several media reports that Cohen will soon be arrested, has lost his legal counsel, and will soon begin to cooperate with federal prosecutors. The former New York City mayor told Laura Ingraham on Fox News that Cohen will not flip on Trump and more importantly that Cohen does not even have any information that would incriminate the president. Hes not cooperating nor do we care because the president did nothing wrong, Giuliani told Ingraham. I am absolutely certain of that. Michael Cohen, I think, would tell you hes got nothing incriminating with the president, the presidents lawyer added. Asked what would happen if Cohen did in fact begin cooperating with prosecutors, Giuliani said that he would be very comfortable if that happened. I empathize with Michael. I do not believe he is going to tell a falsehood. I think hes going to tell the truth and we are very comfortable with that, Giuliani maintained to the Fox News host. Giuliani also brought up the possibility that special counsel Robert Mueller filed new witness tampering charges against Paul Manafort because Muellers original charges of tax fraud and money laundering against Manafort were going under. Giuliani told Ingraham that in his opinion Cohens case was like Manaforts and then made the preposterous suggestion that both men were completely innocent and none of Muellers charges would stick. Look at Manafort. Manafort was probably totally innocent in talking to these people, he wanted to find out what was going on with his case. And theyve turned it into another charge against him, Giuliani said. Last week Mueller charged Manafort and a Russian colleague with witness tampering and suborning perjury. Manafort will be in court on Friday for his arraignment on the new witness tampering charges. At the same time of the arraignment his judge in the prior criminal cases will listen to attorney arguments concerning whether or not Manaforts $10 million bail should be revoked or revised. After filing the new charges Mueller had requested last week that Manaforts bail be revoked. If that happens the former Trump campaign manager will probably go to jail while he is waiting for his first of two criminal trials, which will begin on July 25th. Since his indictment by Mueller, Manafort has been free on bail and has been confined to his home. By Sarah N. Lynch and Mark Hosenball WASHINGTON (Reuters) The U.S. Justice Departments internal watchdog will release a long-awaited report on Thursday on the FBIs handling of the Hillary Clinton email probe that she said contributed to her 2016 presidential election loss to Republican Donald Trump. The report by Inspector General Michael Horowitz, which will be released at 2 p.m. (1800 GMT), arose from a review he launched about a week before Trump took office in January 2017. The inquiry has focused on whether former FBI Director James Comeys public statements about the bureaus probe of Clintons use of a private email server while secretary of state were based on improper considerations. In July 2016, Comey held an unusual news conference to explain why the FBI would not be recommending criminal charges against Clinton over her use of the private server. He chastised her for being extremely careless but said there was insufficient evidence to charge her with a federal crime. In October 2016, less than two weeks before Election Day, Comey sent members of Congress a letter disclosing that the probe was being reopened after new emails were found on the computer of former U.S. Representative Anthony Weiner, the husband of top Clinton aide Huma Abedin. Two days before the Nov. 8 election, Comey said the FBI had found no new evidence. Comey was fired by Trump in May 2017 while leading an investigation into whether the Trump campaign colluded with Russia, an allegation the president has denied. The Inspector General also examined whether FBI employees leaked information about investigations of the Clinton Foundation charitable organization and emails in a bid to help Trumps campaign. Law enforcement officials previously told Reuters the information was leaked to former New York Mayor Rudy Giuliani, an adviser to the Trump campaign. He now represents Trump in Special Counsel Robert Muellers probe into whether Russia interfered in the 2016 election. The report will also discuss Peter Strzok and Lisa Page, two FBI staffers whom Republicans accused of bias against Trump after thousands of text messages sent via their work-issued mobile phones were made public. While some of their messages were anti-Trump, others took aim at lawmakers such as U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders, whom Clinton defeated for the Democratic presidential nomination. Page and Strzok were involved in both the Clinton and Russia probes. Mueller removed Strzok from his team after Horowitz disclosed the texts to him. Members of several key U.S. House and Senate committees are expected to be briefed on the report in the early afternoon before its public release, according to documents seen by Reuters. (This version of the story corrects year in paragraph 7 to 2017 from 2018) (Reporting by Sarah N. Lynch and Mark Hosenball; Editing by John Walcott and Peter Cooney) 465 SHARES Facebook Twitter Whatsapp Pinterest Reddit Print Mail Flipboard The Koch Brothers political network has announced it will not support the Republican candidate for U.S. Senate in Virginia, in another indication of the groups growing independence from the GOP. Americans for Prosperity (AFP), the political arm of the Koch network, will not endorse either partys candidate or contribute money to either side in the U.S. Senate race in Virginia after immigration hard-liner Corey Stewarts victory in the Republican primary Tuesday. Stewart has also been accused of being a racist and a white supremacist. AFPs decision to withhold support from Stewart is the latest sign that the powerful network of wealthy donors and conservatives is becoming more independent this year as we approach the midterm elections. For many years they have been closely connected to Republican campaigns but recently have grown frustrated with the GOPs positions on several key issues. AFP and the Koch network have been seeking action from Congress on its key policy priorities and have said they will work with people in either party who support their positions on those issues. For example, earlier this month we reported: Americans for Prosperity, a member of the powerful Koch network supported by conservative billionaire industrialists Charles and David Koch, has launched a digital advertising campaign supporting Senator Heidi Heitkamp of North Dakota for her co-sponsorship of the Economic Growth, Regulatory Relief and Consumer Protect Act. And just last week we reported: Charles and David Koch have been the largest and most powerful financial backers of Republican candidates, but they will no longer support any candidate who supports President Donald Trumps trade tariffs. The Kochs have sent a message that Republicans cannot take their support or their money for granted. Heitkamps Republican opponent in North Dakota has been shocked and dismayed that the Kochs seem to be helping the Democrat in that key senate race. Despite Republicans being in charge of Congress, some of the Kochs most important legislative goals have not been achieved, including free trade, immigration reform, and reduced government spending. This has led to growing frustration with the GOP and as a result the libertarian power brokers are now searching for support in both parties. In Virginia, Stewart campaigned as a Trump supporter, and this seems to have served him well in the primary. He has been very vocal about his anti-immigration views and his support for the presidents policies. But the Koch network and AFP have been seeking permanent protection for the 700,000 dreamers, who are beneficiaries of the Deferred Action for Childhood Arrivals (DACA) program. AFP in Virginia said they will not be involved in any way in the Senate campaign in the state this November. We will continue to stand with those who support policies that will enable people to improve their lives and communities, the group said in a statement. Virginia Democratic U.S. Senator Tim Kaine is expected to win reelection, and his odds of winning went up after Stewarts primary victory. Without support from the Kochs, as well as from many moderate Republicans, Stewart is looking more and more like a long-shot. AFPs announcement about remaining neutral in Virginia could have repercussions throughout the country and could affect GOP efforts to remain in control of Congress. Since most Republicans now support President Trumps positions on immigration reform, DACA, and tariffs they are increasing at odds with the Koch Brothers. These Republican candidates may find that by staying loyal to the president they have given up money and support from AFP and the Koch network. And in close elections, even small amounts of money and support can make a big difference. By Jonathan Stempel NEW YORK (Reuters) New York states highest court on Thursday rejected U.S. President Donald Trumps latest bid to avoid potentially having to answer questions under oath in a defamation lawsuit by a former contestant on his television show The Apprentice. The states Court of Appeals dismissed Trumps request to halt Summer Zervos lawsuit for calling her a liar after she accused him of sexual misconduct. It said the underlying ruling from which Trump was appealing was not a final ruling, warranting the appeals dismissal. Trump and his lawyer Marc Kasowitz have argued that the U.S. Constitution deprives state courts of jurisdiction over sitting presidents, and that Trump is immune from lawsuits over private conduct predating his entering the White House. Thursdays order marked the third time Trump failed to end Zervos lawsuit or at least delay it until after he left office. Emily Thall, a spokeswoman for Kasowitz, said Thursdays order was on purely procedural grounds and did not address the merits of Trumps case. Mariann Wang, a lawyer for Zervos, said: We look forward to continuing the discovery process and exposing the truth. Zervos, an Apprentice contestant in 2005, accused Trump of kissing her against her will at a 2007 meeting in New York and later groping her at a Beverly Hills hotel. She came forward in October 2016, the month before Trump was elected, and soon after the release of a 2005 Access Hollywood recording in which Trump spoke in vulgar terms about women. Several women have accused Trump of sexual misconduct or that he had affairs with them. Trump has denied wrongdoing. At a June 5 hearing, Justice Jennifer Schecter of the state Supreme Court in Manhattan set a Jan. 31, 2019 deadline for the completion of depositions in the Zervos case, without directing that Trump be questioned. Kasowitz said at the hearing he might ask the U.S. Supreme Court to decide whether Trump can be sued in state court. (Reporting by Jonathan Stempel in New York; Editing by Cynthia Osterman) Insignificance: Hong Kong Stories is the latest collection by Xu Xi, an Indonesian-Chinese writer raised in Hong Kong who writes primarily in English. The stories are readably crafted, the majority of them essentially snapshots of life in early 21st century Hong Kong. These slice-of-life pieces are rewarding in their subtlety, and contain significant kernels of creative potential, but are on the whole underdeveloped. Dialogue is simple, narrative tends to be formulaic and the characters themselves one-dimensional. The pieces are mostly set among elites and the upper-middle class, who work in investment banks and other globalized corporate firms, wine and dine at upscale bars and lust after each other. Unremarkable though all this is, the stories are thoughtfully framed, and this is where their creative potential lies. Longevitys Eyebrow is told from the perspective of an artist, and touches on the question of creative authenticity in the corporate art world, illustrating how an artists worth, even in the eyes of their so-called friends, is often reduced to their capital value. Several stories The Loan and Off the Record, for example deal with the yearning for love amid the alienation of modern corporate life. The latter illustrates a common characteristic of these stories: theyre most sincere when it comes to the authors subtle asides. The uninteresting main narrative in that tale is interrupted by a pointed bit of character background about a journalist turned travel hack: Easy, churning out travel writing for younger editors who were always frenzied, undisciplined, and seldom rigorous. Once upon a time he had been a real news journalist for hawk-eyed editors, but that life was over now, as perhaps was real journalism. At least for Asian media. You couldnt report the news when everything was sanitized along the sightlines of a region in awe of China. This is the sort of insight that makes a story interesting, not characters devouring each other with their eyes, a recycled cliche thats astonishing to read in a story written in this day and age. The Umbrella RevolutionHong Kongs Occupy-style movement that took place in 2014 is a backdrop to several of these tales, but no more than a backdrop. By and large the characters go about their lives and pursue their lust in a corporate elite world far removed from the protests, which are a mere curiosity or irritant for the most part. If there is intended to be some metaphor or statement here, its so obscure as to be essentially invisible. That said, the stories offer rewarding, if very brief illustrations of the merging of tradition and modernity. The expectations and demands of large extended families and elderly great-aunts and grandmothers are navigated amid the breakneck pace of international corporate finance. In Coincidence, a young mixed-race woman struggles with the double-edged identity this has imposed on her since birth. She was made fun of and bullied in school, but also realizes she never felt the need to pursue surgery, unlike her countrywomen who sought unconsciously to pursue beauty standards to make them more like her, the woman they bullied for being different. The story is cleverly told, but the cleverness is almost an aside; the main action, concerning an unrequited lust, is rather unremarkable. The 15th Annual Anniversary brings Hong Kongs national identity into clearest relief, depicting the protagonists 35th high school reunion, which just so happens to coincide with the 15th anniversary of Hong Kongs handover to China. The anniversary party offers our protagonist the opportunity to reflect on his own mediocrity and lack of achievement compared to his classmates, all of whom attended an elite school from whose graduates greatness was expected. As with the other stories, political parallels and metaphors are hinted at, but too undeveloped to achieve any especial literary resonance. Its as though the author recognized a number of ingredients that had potential to produce a superb dish, but either didnt know how to combine them or lacked the enthusiasm and spirit to bring the stories to life. Theres tremendous potential in these tales, but more often than not it falls flat. Its puzzling that the Umbrella Revolution plays centre-stage in the books promotion when in fact the stories have very little to do with it; theyre mostly short snapshots of love and lust among the corporate elite. Xu worked for many years with multinationals in international marketing, so she writes from experience, but it doesnt come across as a very interesting experience. The stories offer a certain perspective on a certain narrow niche of contemporary Hong Kong lifestyle, certainly, but theres no real effort to craft narrative, plot, or even characters in these stories. If theres a larger message hereand theres probably notits perhaps summed up in the view of the key protagonist of Off the Record: Governments came and went, but people carried on, surviving as best they could, smiling when the heavens smiled upon them, weeping when tragedy befell. Well, maybe. But it doesnt make for very compelling reading. Arguably, the stories illustrate individuals who are yearning not to achieve greatness, but just to achieve something that will reduce, in some small way, their own sense of insignificance in the face of the two forces that appear to define their lives: the global economy on the one hand, local cultural tradition on the other. These are simple aspirationsa boyfriend, job success, a bit of public or even just private acknowledgement of their worthand the stories fairly formulaic in their telling. They depict privileged characters pursuing ambitions rooted in their own mediocrity. Where tension exists, its often resolved by characters sexually harassing each other and then having sex (the sex isnt even described, resulting in a sort of hollow sexiness, which isnt even sexy given that its more often harassment than sex). Xu has been credited with challenging tradition by crafting fiction featuring Asian women with sexual agency, but the repeat sequence of corporate seduction and characters casually sleeping together comes across as more Hollywood than literary. Where Xu excels is in the final set of three stories in this collection: fantastical, allegorical pieces that verge on sci-fi. Here I Am is a sort of ghost story, told from the perspective of a newly deceased who finds himself in a strange liminal space between the material and spectral worlds. Kaspars Warp is a short piece about a group of friends growing up over the years, which would fall under the unremarkable batch of other contemporary stories but for the narrator, half living in the world of fiction that hes struggling to produce. All About Skin is the collections crowning glory, an absurdist sci-fi story about a future whose citizens are able to purchase and exchange skin colours and identities at will. Its a brilliant, clever, allegorical tale that succeeds on many levels commenting on identity politics, colonialism and post-colonialism, national rivalries, neoliberal capitalist globalization, fashion, and popular culture. If Xus other stories hint at potential yet fall far short, this one succeeds brilliantly. There are a couple of stories that serve as bridging pieces between the more contemporary realism and the fantasy. Canine News and The Transubstantiation of the Ants are light-hearted and absurdist stories and while they have potential, the political metaphors they convey (the former depicting racism as an infectious disease, the latter an insect-world metaphor for Hong Kongs handover to China) are a bit too forced and disjointed to work. Nevertheless, Xus writing is clearly at its strongest when she gives her imagination free rein; theres a great deal more potential in the fantastical stories than in the realist contemporary ones. Its difficult to be critical of a work such as this: Xu has received praise for her novels, and the West certainly needs exposure to more Asian women writers depicting life in a part of the world that remains all too often orientalised and misrepresented in English-language literature, even today. Unfortunately, the stories in this collection mostly fall flat. Still, there are some creative sparks here and theyre decently crafted, and while the realist corporate tales fail to challenge theyre not unpleasant to read. Her fantasy stories, on the other hand, are first-rate and make the collection just about worthwhile. Jethro Tull is undoubtedly among the greatest progressive rock acts of all time. Founded in 1967 as a blues outfit, the groupdominated by flautist/vocalist/guitarist Ian Anderson and guitarist Martin Barre, with numerous other remarkable players rounding out multiple line-ups over the yearsnow ranks as the most influential progressive folk band of all time (which isnt to undermine the importance of peers such as Fairport Convention, Steeleye Span, Gryphon, Strawbs, and Pentangle, among others). Blending complex arrangements and song structures with warm English timbres, fetching melodies, and humorous yet boldly germane cultural/social storytelling, their impact can be felt not only on modern stylistic siblings like the Decemberists, Big Big Train, Unitopia, and Ayreon, but on the entirety of popular music as a whole. In celebration of their legacy (which commercially began with the release of 1968s debut LP, This Was), Rhino/Parlophone Records is issuing a three-disc retrospective of their discography (with selections chosen by Anderson). What better opportunity, then, to propose my own breakdown of their best albums (in conjunction with David Chius recent interview with Anderson, of course)? From multilayered masterworks and radio hits to biting remarks on religion, parenting, and love, these are the creme of the crop when it comes to Jethro Tulls cumulative cups of wonder. Note: Although lists like this are intrinsically comprised from personal preferences, they inevitably lead to vehement reactions from devotees, so feel free to respectfully share your thoughts on my top picks in the comments below. Also, while Jethro Tull did exceptional work into the 80s and 90s, few fans would deny that their utmost influential and impressive era was the 1970s, so its no surprise that those are the records highlighted below. 6. Benefit (1970) Released less than a year after Stand Up, Jethro Tulls third studio albumtheir first with keyboardist John Evan and last with bassist Glenn Cornickis the best of the early bunch. More focused, sundry, and daring than its predecessors, it saw the quartet move away from the bluesy bounciness of its predecessors and towards a heavier, catchier, and overtly darker rock sequence in which just about every inclusion is a classic. While traces of their prior sound remain on a few entriesnamely, the gorgeously penitent Nothing to Say, the playfully reserved Inside, and the gruffly dense A Time for Everything?several songs suggest a progression towards later styles. For instance, both To Cry Youre a Song and Son hint at the razor-sharp punch that would permeate Aqualung (the latter also brilliantly alludes to the many-sided scores and cerebral storytelling of later epics). Elsewhere, opener With You there to Help Me and the subsequent For Michael Collins, Jeffrey, and Me merge morose acoustic ballad and enticing rocker very well, while the US-only Teacher conjures the infectious flute dominance of later gems within Jethro Tulls most beguiling single yet. Above all else, Benefit is a strong transitional album that that still stands as one of their finest in terms of pure songwriting and overarching consistency. 5. Minstrel in the Gallery (1970) After receiving poor reception for 1973s A Passion Play (more on that in a bit), Jethro Tull decided to scale back the track lengths on the follow-up collection, War Child. While still a very good effort, it felt a tad regressive as well, which is why 1975s Minstrel in the Gallery was such a delight. Packing fuller and lengthier compositions, it was a robust callback to their epic golden regality and a testament to how well Anderson and company could still infuse extended arrangements with top-notch melodies and lyricism. Cold Wind to Valhalla and Black Satin Dancer are certainly sufficient vocally, yet its their jubilantly feisty and spiritedly rugged instrumentation, respectively, that really entices. Later, however, Anderson pens three of his most serenely commanding acoustic odes with Requiem One White Duck / 010 = Nothing at All, and coda Grace, each of which unite tender singing, poetic sentiments, and delicate orchestral accompaniments to completely captivate. Of course, the true standouts of the Minstrel in the Gallery are its bookend suites, the title track and Baker St. Muse. The former entrances with its theatrical opening and impeccable evolution from charming folk chronicle to full-blown progressive rock outburst (featuring some of the most hypnotic sophistication the band ever achieved, with Barres unparalleled edge leading the charge). As for the nearly seventeen-minute finale, it essentially packs the same level of conceptual continuity and intertwined narrative/structural excellencewith plenty of mesmerizing shifts between sectionsthat made their prior two single-song LPs benchmark opuses. Be it the symphonic pleasures of its early fragments, the fanciful intermission of Nice Little Tune or the somber segues of its latter half, Baker St. Muse condenses the accessible warmth of 1972s Thick as a Brick and the arresting chill of 1973s A Passion Play into a far shorter tour-de-force. As a result, itlike its older siblingsstands as a superlative entry in the entire genre. 4. Songs from the Wood (1977) Often considered the first of Jethro Tulls formal folk rock trio (rounded out by successors Heavy Horses and Stormwatch), 1977s Songs from the Wood found the group reducing their contemporary hard rock power in favor of welcoming pastoral splendors and legends. More specifically, it presented them combining the simple yet engrossing songwriting flavor of Benefit and the intricate grandeur of Minstrel in the Gallery with an increased emphasis on countryside elegance, culminating in their most lusciously endearing release thus far. (Even the album cover is appropriately rustic and calming.) Naturally, the title track is among their most impressive feats, with its opening portion evoking the harmonious vocal rows of Gentle Giant. From there, the piece remains wholly inviting as the band scurries around some very tricky rhythmic changes and counterpoints, infusing each moment with striking movements and idyllic textures. Similar complex contrasts also permeate later standouts (the slightly experimental Pibroch (Cap in Hand) and the gleeful Velvet Green), yet its the ways in which multifaceted festiveness and ominous undertones carry throughout the albumand often within the same song, as on the energetic Hunting Girl and haunting The Whistlerthat make Songs from the Wood truly shine. Couple those enchantments with the joyful catchiness of Cup of Wonder and wistful allure of closer Fire at Midnight and you have the ultimate Jethro Tull forest fairytale. 3. Aqualung (1971) Jethro Tulls fourthand arguably most well-knownalbum, Aqualung, was a game-changer for several reasons. In addition to offering both softer and harsher temperaments in the midst of more varied and challenging compositions (marking their first proper foray into progressive rock territory), it also saw Anderson repeating unexpectedly weighty subject matter (including pedophilia, homelessness, and religion) between selections. Thus, Aqualung was a huge step forward intellectually, sonically, and commercially, and it still stands as their finest collection to date. Just about everyone knows the magnitude of opener Aqualungits a staple of classic rock radioyet its still worth acknowledging how advanced it was in terms of lyrical and melodic intrigue, as well as polarized instrumental prowess (including a supreme guitar solo). This one alone signaled a palpable evolution from Benefit, and the subsequent entries maintained that growth. For instance, Cross-Eyed Mary directly connects to Aqualung while taking Andersons singing and Barres riffs to sinister new heights (as did My God); conversely, pieces like Cheap Day Return, Wondring Aloud, and Slipstream are sublimely introspective acoustic ballads whose faint orchestral touches enhance their somber loveliness. Add in the arena rock fervor of Locomotive Breath and youve got a highly distinguished sequence, to say the least. Surely one of Aqualungs most important and transparent deeds is how its second side deals primarily with a commentary on faith. In particular, the aforementioned My God expertly fuses fiery antagonismincluding lines like So lean upon Him gently / And dont call on Him to save you / From your social graces / And the sins you used waivewith theological chants, whereas Hymn 43 offers a more straightforward rocker and dynamic closer Wind Up exudes the bands light-heavy-light formula well as Anderson reflects on his own experiences, concluding, You had the whole damn thing all wrong / Hes not the kind you have to wind up on Sundays. Such personal and philosophical boldness, in conjunction with more ambitious arrangements, made Aqualung a profound development thematically and musically. 2. Thick as a Brick (1972) Thick as a Brick is one of modern musics best ironies. Initially conceived as a humorous response to both the self-indulgent nature of prog rock and the insistence that Aqualung was a concept album (which Anderson still refutes), Jethro Tulls first full-length piece (clocking in at around 44 minutes) ended up being an utterly brilliant suite that housed all of those traits. In other words, in trying to ridicule the lofty pretenses of their peers, the band ended up surpassing them with one of the greatest works the genre has ever seen. Physically, the record committed to its silly gimmickthat a fictional schoolboy named Gerald Bostock won a contest with his poem Thick as a Brickby presenting itself as a newspaper from Bostocks school, The St. Cleve Chronicle and Linwell Advertiser. (If only modern releases put so much effort into packaging.) Fittingly, it dealt with the troubles of English boyhood while offering wordplay both thoughtfully elegiac (The do-er and the thinker / No allowance for the other / As the failing light illuminates / The mercenarys creed) and jokily clever (Well, let me make you a present of song / As the wise man breaks wind and is gone / While the fool with the hour-glass is cooking his goose / And the nursery rhyme winds along). Of course, all of it was delivered via some of the most attractive melodies in their catalog, so the songwriting alone was extraordinary. As for the music, it would be far too extraneous to discuss it in detail. Suffice it to say, though, that every section is hypnotic and seamlessly linked, serving as a pinnacle example of how music can be simultaneously elaborate and enthralling. From the iconic opening stanzaswhich have infiltrated pop culture via a car commercial and The Simpsons, among other instancesand sunny dispositions to its labyrinthine tangents (where every member earns a few ornate stints in the spotlight), Thick as a Brick never fails to mesmerize. It pushed Jethro Tull to their compositional peak whilst influencing the possibilities and boundaries of progressive rock for decades to come (including works like Echolyns Mei, Dream Theaters Six Degrees of Inner Turbulence, Phideauxs Snowtorch, and BTBAMs Parallax II: Future Sequence). Consequently, it would definitely rank as their greatest achievement if not for its superior successor. 1. A Passion Play (1973) Ian Anderson is nothing if not striving and resourceful, so its no surprise that he upped the ante with the sixth Tull recordand second 40-plus-minute compositionA Passion Play (which was originally going to be a double album whose discarded excerpts later appeared on the Nightcap compilation). As the Christian allusion of its name suggests, it revolves around a recently deceased man, Ronnie Pilgrim, who journeys into the afterlife, meets an assortment of characters as he wrestles with purgatory and purpose, and ultimately finds catharsis. Clearly, its a weighty listen. Although its become more valued over the years (despite still being vastly underrated in general), the LP was mostly hated by critics and fans at the time for being too esoteric, bizarre, and self-indulgent. In actuality, those are exactly the traits that make it so outstanding. Far more ambitious, avant-garde, theatrical, and musically/cognitively demanding overalland with more decorative physical components as wellA Passion Play made Thick as a Brickas incredible as it isfeel like a warm-up by comparison. Whereas Thick as a Brick is a superficially pleasing ride, A Passion Play requires deeper investment to fully appreciate its more dynamic, experimental, and scholarly voyages. Be it the subtly foreboding Life Beats (in which Anderson boomingly narrates over Pilgrims funeral), the ominously seductive Critique Oblique, the heartbreaking edge of The Foot of Our Stairs, or the intoxicatingly tricky chase of Flight from Lucifer, the work was on a whole new level in terms of lyricism, construction, and timbres. (Even its interludeThe Story of the Hare Who Lost His Spectaclesdeserves acclaim for its fairytale creativity, as well as the superbly nuanced score beneath it all.) In bucking expectations and pushing themselves further than ever (in every possible way), Jethro Tull achieved something truly special with A Passion Play. While every other album in their catalog is admittedly more welcoming and easily digestible, A Passion Play outdoes them all precisely because of how brazenly it commits to its boundless, unexpected idiosyncrasies and challenges its audience to comprehend its multilayered procession. Difficult? Yes. Ostentatious? Yes. Bizarre? Yes. A work of genius? Absolutely. New York Citys evolution from a den of crime and more crime to a bastion of extreme capitalism and parking stalls that cost more than an entire city block in Detroit is, to say the least, remarkable. What remains intact is the unique spirit of the citys dwellers, those rugged, independent, hardened, wise and proudly over the top types ready to espouse the towns virtues and the virtues of its vices. Witness Ghosts, the new video from Stringer, a band based in the Big Apple that will issue My Bad on July 13 via Wiretap Records. The tune itself is a quick and dirty blast of attitudinal rock n roll that slides and glides like classic punk and feels like the kind of furious throat punch that only NYC music can deliver. You could call it garage rock but one suspects there are few garages in the heart of the heart of that city and so perhaps alley rock or gutter rock is better nomenclature. But Stringer manages to elevate the gutter to art. Vocalist Max Kagan says of the punk poems origins, I was cold, I was wet. My mouth tasted like an ashtray filled with the butts of a thousand cigarettes and yet, on the South Brooklyn waterfront, in an industrial park, I kissed the glorious fish mouth of God and found redemption Featuring a cameo from Stringers close friends in the band the So So Glos, it was shot and directed by Chris Elia, his mind capable of juxtaposing the old, dirty New York with the updated version which may just hide its crumbs and crumbling a little bit better. Elia echoes Kagans sentiments, adding, In the wake of a sustained and soused misadventure, the Stringer crew takes a trip down memory lane and experiences the joys of Chinese food and aromatic hydrocarbons in an industrial park on the South Brooklyn waterfront. Stringer has earned a reputation on the citys underground circuit becoming a fixture and the defunct underground venue Shea Stadium and having recently been featured in the Rolling Stone documentary DIY in NYC. The band, formed around Kagan and friend Mark Fletcher, is rounded out by drummer Johnny Spencer and bassist Riley Zimmer. My Bad, produced by Adam Reich (So So Glos, ex-Titus Andronicus) is out digitally on July 13. The vinyl edition may be ordered here. Charleston, SC (29403) Today Sunshine to start, then a few afternoon clouds. A stray shower or thunderstorm is possible. High 86F. Winds WSW at 10 to 15 mph.. Tonight Partly cloudy skies. Low around 55F. Winds NNW at 10 to 15 mph. South Carolina Republican Katie Arrington invoked President Donald Trump's name early and often in her congressional bid against U.S. Rep. Mark Sanford, pledging her allegiance to the president three times in her first TV ad. Her gamble paid off. His didn't. The Trump steamroller that has ended political careers around the country surfaced with a zeal in South Carolina Tuesday, blindsiding Sanford who thought he could survive his primary by playing upon the logic of the average Republican voter. The veteran congressman and former lawmaker who was considered among the most conservative in the country was defeated by the one sin GOP primary voters couldn't accept: bad-mouthing President Trump. "What was decisive was that Sanford's 89 percent support of the president, apparently, is not high enough," said Jordan Ragusa, a College of Charleston political science professor who has been researching the #NeverTrump effect on Republican House members. Sanford joins the ranks of U.S. Sens. Jeff Flake and Bob Corker, in a group of outspoken and departing conservatives who do not think Trump should be the defining feature of the Republican Party. The Arrington victory came from some of the most conservative parts of the 1st Congressional District, indicating that her Trump support, while a major factor, was not the only one. She won by a margin of 50.56 percent to 46.49 percent, with the remainder going to third candidate Dimitri Cherny. Arrington bested Sanford in Beaufort County, where he grew up and has a home, by 1,800 votes. After issuing a pro-Arrington tweet on the afternoon of Tuesday's primary, Trump did a victory lap of sorts, doubling-down on his contention that he was right to issue the 11th-hour endorsement and step in to the South Carolina landscape. "My political representatives didn't want me to get involved in the Mark Sanford primary thinking that Sanford would easily win - but with a few hours left I felt that Katie was such a good candidate, and Sanford was so bad, I had to give it a shot," Trump wrote. "Congrats to Katie Arrington!," he also boasted. Sign up for updates! Get the latest political news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! Arrington and her campaign said Wednesday they never sought Trump's endorsement but privately hoped for it. Her campaign manager said flatly, "We don't have the president's number." And yet minutes after Trump's endorsement, Arrington's campaign sent out press releases touting the support and issued a robocall to some 35,000 voters in the district reading the tweet aloud verbatim. Trump on Wednesday called Arrington to congratulate her. She said they spoke for 10 minutes. "He stressed that South Carolina is a very important state and that what goes on there matters," Arrington told The Post and Courier of the phone call. Trump could look to make it two for two in the state if he chooses to step into the governor's race as well, where he long ago endorsed Gov. Henry McMaster who now faces newcomer Greenville businessman John Warren in a June 26 runoff. While McMaster did not win his race outright in a five-candidate field, he had a late surge that included a tweet from the president over the weekend. He received more than 40 percent of the vote, a mark that improves his chances in a runoff against Warren. Even Warren tries sell to Trump on the trail, telling voters that has more in common with the president than McMaster because he's a political newcomer who runs a business. McMaster was first endorsed by Trump last fall during fundraising visit to Greenville. Video clips from the president's speech are staples of ads from McMaster's campaign and a pro-McMaster group. The governor takes every opportunity to tout his support from the White House. In the state's conservative hub in the Upstate, a dozen Republicans vying to succeed congressman Trey Gowdy all told voters how much they admired Trump's policies and work for his agenda, including building the wall along the U.S.-Mexico border. S.C. Republican Party Chairman Drew McKissick said the singular issue for Republican voters in South Carolina is whether or not a candidate stands with Trump. He too saw that as Sanford's weakness as he tried to defend the logic behind his stances and votes. "There's an old adage in politics that if you're explaining, you're losing," McKissick said. Congressman Mark Sanford returned to Washington on Wednesday, marking the beginning of the end of his days representing South Carolina in the U.S. House. By the evening, though, he was on Fox News fielding questions about his nationally watched defeat and whether his criticism of President Donald Trump led to his own downfall in the 1st Congressional District. "I've never said anything about him personally," Sanford said, appearing on the conservative news network in a red tie. "What I have disagreed with were certain stands that he took, and I think that's legitimate." Sanford lost his GOP primary Tuesday to Republican state Rep. Katie Arrington of Summerville. She bested him narrowly, with 50.56 percent of the vote to his 46.49 percent. The remainder went to a third candidate Dimitri Cherny, who has previously run as a Democrat. Sanford's defeat was the first in his lengthy political history, which began in 1994 with his first bid for Congress. He reflected on the significance of his loss to a challenger who, throughout the campaign positioned herself as someone who would support Trump's agenda. He echoed talking points from his own concession speech. "I do think that this is a wake-up call about the institutions of our country, what we believe in on that front and, ultimately, what we believe in regard to the Republican Party," Sanford said. Asked if this loss marked the end of his political career, Sanford flashed a grin. "I've learned never to say never," the former governor said. Sign up for updates! Get the latest political news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! Was a 2020 presidential run on his mind? "No. I'm a day out of my election," Sanford said, urging the media to take things one step at a time. Moments later, Trump's former White House press secretary Sean Spicer weighed in on the loss, too. After describing Sanford as a South Carolina institution, Spicer said this election sends a message. "What this came down to was style. He was attacking the president and the president's style," Spicer said. "The vote is clear: The people of South Carolina took Katie Arrington's position over Mark Sanford's." Speaking to members of the Washington media after a Wednesday morning press conference, House Speaker Paul Ryan acknowledged the political change that had taken place overnight in the Palmetto State. "It was a very close election. Some of our members have lost primaries. That's just what happens in contested primaries. Every cycle people lose primaries. That happens," Ryan said. About 15 minutes after the House opened for legislative business in the afternoon, U.S. Rep. Joe Wilson, R-Lexington, approached the podium. "Congratulations, state representative Katie Arrington on the dynamic primary victory yesterday to represent the historic 1st District of South Carolina," Wilson said. It is unclear whether Sanford was in the House to hear it. Sanford did, however, vote in favor of a resolution to amend the Controlled Substances Act. COLUMBIA Greenville businessman John Warren picked up endorsements from two former rivals in the South Carolina Republican governor's race in a merger of anti-establishment candidates who managed to keep Gov. Henry McMaster from winning the primary outright. The endorsements from Lt. Gov. Kevin Bryant and two-time state agency chief Catherine Templeton are not a huge surprise. All three campaigns were like-minded in pushing for state government reforms, ending corruption in Columbia and criticizing McMaster for being a career politician. "What you are seeing is unification of the conservative part of the Republican Party," Warren told reporters Thursday. Warren, a political newcomer who finished second in Tuesday's primary with 28 percent of the vote, is facing a tough June 26 runoff against McMaster, the choice of President Donald Trump. The governor received 42 percent support in the previous five-candidate field. Templeton and Bryant combined to win 28 percent of primary votes while finishing third and fourth. Together, the trio of McMaster's top challengers accounted for nearly six out every 10 votes on Tuesday while spending a combined $8 million. If many of their supporters come back for the runoff, it could put pressure on McMaster when he appears on a statewide ballot June 26, the sixth time in 16 years. In the runoff, McMaster can count on how he dominated Warren outside of the GOP voter-rich Upstate. The election first-timer did edge the governor by about 2,000 votes in the Upstate while winning Greenville and Pickens counties. Warren could benefit in the Upstate from Bryant, a former state senator who co-owns an Anderson pharmacy, and also the runoff for Republican Trey Gowdy's open seat in Congress in Greenville and Spartanburg counties that should draw a number of change-minded conservatives. "I have been conservative activist all my life," Bryant told The Post and Courier on Thursday. "(Warren) will take on the trough feeders and restore integrity to state government and the taxpayers." Templeton won four counties on primary day, including Beaufort, a hub for Republican retirees. She also did well in Aiken. The Mount Pleasant attorney was seen as McMaster's biggest challenger until Warren gained momentum in the final weeks of the race. Templeton said both campaigns reached out to her on Wednesday seeking her endorsement. Warren traveled to Charleston to meet her. Templeton praised Warren for having "fresh eyes" about fixing problems in state government like what Nikki Haley brought when she ran in 2010. She told reporters her campaign team could not find any major issues with Warren when they looked into his past. "This gentleman is honorable," she said. Sign up for updates! Get the latest political news from The Post and Courier in your inbox. Email Sign Up! During the primary campaign, they all criticized McMaster for his ties to the Statehouse corruption probe that focused on the political dynasty built by his former longtime political consultant Richard Quinn. Bryant mentioned Thursday that Warren would not invite someone like Quinn to the Governor's Mansion, which McMaster did right after he was sworn-in last year. Quinn was not indicted until months later. His consulting firm pleaded guilty to failing to file as a lobbyist. McMaster is not a reported target of the investigation. Warren and Templeton also took swipes at each other as they fought for the second runoff spot. Warren launched a webpage calling Templeton "conveniently conservative" after backing Democratic candidates. Templeton ran ads that said Warren was not conservative enough on gun rights and abortion, even suggesting he was pro-choice. "I think during the campaign we were all fighting for conservatives, we were all fighting for our state, and thats in the past," Warren told reporters Thursday. "It was less animosity and more passion for us wanting to get our views and and have an opportunity to make the runoff and run against Gov. McMaster." Warren is the youngest candidate in the race at age 39 and the one who entered the latest, just four months ago. He was unknown even around his hometown. But he spent $3 million of his own money in the campaign to hire pollsters and strategists used by Trump in his 2016 presidential run and developed a brand promoting him as an conservative businessman and Marine. The straightforward message appealed to voters who wanted a new face in the Governor's Mansion. While Warren likes to say he's the candidate most like Trump in the race because he owns a business, it's McMaster who has the president's endorsement. McMaster is reaping the rewards from being the first statewide elected official to back Trump's 2016 presidential bid when he was lieutenant governor. Trump flew to Greenville for a campaign fundraiser last year after McMaster was promoted to governor with Haley's departure to the United Nations. Trump also tweeted support for McMaster over the weekend. "John Warren is wrong when he says that South Carolina is losing and it doesn't come as much of a surprise that Gov. McMaster's challengers, who don't understand that our state is headed in the right direction, support him," McMaster spokeswoman Caroline Anderegg said. The winner of the runoff will meet Democratic primary winner state Rep. James Smith of Columbia in the November election. Smith won the endorsement from one of his challengers, Charleston technology consultant Phil Noble. Jamie Lovegrove contributed to this report. More information on how to stay or get healthy has to be added to the public health campaigns to help bolster our islands overall ability to Read more The chief of radiology at Guam Memorial Hospital has submitted written testimony to the Legislature, which describes in detail a poorly run government hospital stymied by alleged leadership shortcomings, political ploys and an atmosphere of fear of speaking up even when safety might be an issue. Dr. Nicole Dhanraj wrote in her testimony she has been coerced to "bend" the rules in favor of certain vendors. "The reason given to me was that we should sole source in order to expedite the process," Dhanraj wrote. She said her testimony is not intended to point fingers. Her reasons are "solely based on my personal moral accountability to provide information in support of my ethical obligation as a health care provider, which is doing the right thing for the patients, as a leader to provide the tools needed for staff to perform their job in a safe manner," Dhanraj said. "The intent of this statement is to highlight a mixture of poor management practices, inappropriate resource allocation, as well as misrepresented information as it relates to the overall operation of the hospital." She said she is neither in favor of, nor against, the proposed 2 percent sales tax. Various statements were submitted about the state of GMH in a recent legislative hearing on legislation that would repeal the new sales tax, which takes effect in October. The sales tax is partially meant to provide additional funding for GMH, but senators are considering whether it's necessary in light of audit reports finding the local government hasn't fully collected taxes based on longstanding laws such as on real estate and tobacco taxes. Dhanraj described what she called a "political ploy" at GMH. 'The full story of what's happening' "I was recently asked to provide testimony to help support leadership's plead to our need, but the intent behind it was purely a political one and not one to reveal the true issues we had," Dhanraj wrote. "I unwillingly said yes but at the court hearing, I opted not to participate. We paint an inaccurate picture, pictures do not tell the full story of what's happening within GMHA's walls." When she came on board in 2015, Dhanraj wrote, she was "appalled how broken ... neglected and mismanaged" it had been. Success! An email has been sent to with a link to confirm list signup. Error! There was an error processing your request. "I came to a wiped hard drive, archaic manual processes, old policies, nonexistent department procedures, and a framework that did not support safe or optimal practices," states Dhanraj. She notes that GMHA leadership has said the problems at the hospital are primarily due to lack of funding. She recognizes that "there is some value to this," but argues that "the majority of the deficiencies are again due to poor management at various levels." Unbilled revenue, coding, procurement issues In contrast to statements by GMHA management that physicians have been pressed to complete their medical charts and in some cases suspended for unbilled revenue, Dhanraj writes that "radiologists failed to complete their chart notes and were not suspended but maintained employment for years." Dhanraj expressed concern about the number of denials of payment by insurance companies because of the "improper billing of radiology services." She points out that radiology has "never had a radiology trained coder, and billing was left to the radiology clinical staff, who had no training in billing. "Codes are outdated, nonexistent, erroneous," Dhanraj states, "but this continues to fall on what apparently seems to be deaf ears." Dhanraj wrote she raised questions about procurement processes and possible safety issues, and certain vendors' pricing on supplies, but she wrote she was "indirectly told to stay in my lane, that procurement has to follow standard 'Guam' rules." 'Incompetence and failures' "I saw incompetence, and persons in roles where their experience was limited," she wrote. "I saw reasons for incompetence and failures as a result of people without the needed skills, knowledge and abilities to carry out the duties assigned to them, and an overall ignorance of items that needed to be addressed," Dhanraj wrote. Dr. Kozue Shimabukuro, the assistant administrator for medical services at GMH, also recently provided testimony describing alleged lies and corruption at GMH. GMH management quickly rebutted Shimabukuro's statements. PR-Inside.com: 2018-06-14 17:18:01 HOUSTON, June 14, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Alert Logic, the leading provider of Security-as-a-Service solutions, announced new executives have joined the company's leadership team to accelerate adoption of the company's security platform and analyst services that protect organizations at a lower cost with less effort and faster time to value. Sydna Kelley joins as Senior Vice President of Customer Success & Technology Operations, Matt Selheimer as Chief Marketing Officer, Sheila Flaherty as Chief Legal Officer, and Tim Alguire as Chief Financial Officer. The executive appointments will strengthen customer service delivery, marketing, and business management to help organizations simplify and slash the cost, effort, and risk of security and compliance. Alert Logic provides customers with best-in-class threat protection and streamlined compliance combined with proactive analyst services. "With this new leadership team, Alert Logic is building on our position as the leader in Security-as-a-Service to capitalize on the multi-billion-dollar market opportunity for companies seeking to manage cyber risk," said Bob Lyons, Alert Logic CEO. "Threats to technology assets and reputations have never been greater. Increasingly, organizations are looking for complete solutions that offer both leading product capabilities and proactive expert services for security and IT compliance teams who lack the staff and skills to address today's threats. The addition of these proven leaders to our executive team will enable Alert Logic to scale our capabilities and directly address the needs of security buyers today and in the future." Sydna Kelley assumes the newly created role of Senior Vice President of Customer Success & Technology Operations. With a focus on customer success and support services, Kelley brings with her a proven track record developing and leading high-performing teams that deliver innovative products to dynamic markets, as well as increasing customer value through improved execution and business productivity. An accomplished former CIO, she has held a variety of executive technology roles at companies including Ascend Learning, Pfizer, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and Freightquote.com. assumes the newly created role of Senior Vice President of Customer Success & Technology Operations. With a focus on customer success and support services, Kelley brings with her a proven track record developing and leading high-performing teams that deliver innovative products to dynamic markets, as well as increasing customer value through improved execution and business productivity. An accomplished former CIO, she has held a variety of executive technology roles at companies including Ascend Learning, Pfizer, Wyeth Pharmaceuticals and Freightquote.com. Matt Selheimer joins the company as Chief Marketing Officer. An experienced software and solutions marketer with more than 20 years of expanding leadership roles at companies including Deloitte, Compaq and Informatica, he most recently served as Vice President of Marketing for Houston-based BMC, a multi-billion-dollar IT operations software provider. Selheimer's previous roles have included software sales and business development, as well as all disciplines of marketing including brand building to product and solutions marketing, influencer relations and communications, customer advocacy and community-building, field marketing and global programs, partner marketing, and marketing operations and analytics. His experience spans companies of all sizes, including both public and private firms, and includes establishing an early-stage company which led to a successful acquisition. joins the company as Chief Marketing Officer. An experienced software and solutions marketer with more than 20 years of expanding leadership roles at companies including Deloitte, Compaq and Informatica, he most recently served as Vice President of Marketing for Houston-based BMC, a multi-billion-dollar IT operations software provider. Selheimer's previous roles have included software sales and business development, as well as all disciplines of marketing including brand building to product and solutions marketing, influencer relations and communications, customer advocacy and community-building, field marketing and global programs, partner marketing, and marketing operations and analytics. His experience spans companies of all sizes, including both public and private firms, and includes establishing an early-stage company which led to a successful acquisition. Sheila Flaherty assumes the newly created role of Chief Legal Officer. She is a seasoned executive with deep experience creating seamless customer and partner experiences at software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies. Flaherty brings extensive experience managing legal affairs at successful public and private corporations and has taken numerous companies public on the NYSE. Flaherty has overseen significant growth; managed debt and equity financings, both private and public; structured mergers and acquisitions; and managed expansive intellectual property portfolios, including patents, copyrights and trademarks. Most recently, she served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of Demandware, Inc. an on-demand e-commerce software company. assumes the newly created role of Chief Legal Officer. She is a seasoned executive with deep experience creating seamless customer and partner experiences at software-as-a-service (SaaS) companies. Flaherty brings extensive experience managing legal affairs at successful public and private corporations and has taken numerous companies public on the NYSE. Flaherty has overseen significant growth; managed debt and equity financings, both private and public; structured mergers and acquisitions; and managed expansive intellectual property portfolios, including patents, copyrights and trademarks. Most recently, she served as the Executive Vice President and Chief Legal Officer of Demandware, Inc. an on-demand e-commerce software company. Tim Alguire joins as Chief Financial Officer, bringing with him over 20 years of experience in finance and accounting in a diverse group of industries including software, logistics, manufacturing, and distribution. Alguire is responsible for all the financial functions within Alert Logic and will oversee the company's continued growth. Most recently, he was the Vice President and Chief Financial Officer of United Vision Logistics, a provider of logistics services to the oil & gas industry. Additionally, the company announced the promotion of Fritz Maxwell to Senior Vice President of Worldwide Sales. Maxwell previously led North America sales and brings a proven track record of high-growth and customer value delivery to his expanded role. "Alert Logic is doing something extraordinary in the cybersecurity space," said Lyons. "These executive appointments meaningfully strengthen our leadership team with experts in their respective business disciplines and who have a passion for security to help the more than 200,000 mid-market organizations in the US, Canada and UK secure their IT infrastructure and applications on-premises and in the cloud." Additional Resources Available: Blog @alertlogic on Twitter LinkedIn About Alert Logic Serving more than 4,000 customers, Alert Logic is the leader in security and compliance solutions that deliver deep security insight and continuous protection at a lower cost than traditional security solutions. Alert Logic, founded in 2002, is headquartered in Houston, Texas, with offices in Austin, Seattle, Dallas, Cardiff, Belfast and London. For more information, please visit www.alertlogic.com. Dex Polizzi W2 Communications 703-877-8106 dex@w2comm.com PR-Inside.com: 2018-06-14 12:00:17 Press Information Published by ACCESSWIRE News Network 888.952.4446 e-mail http://www.accesswire.com # 395 Words ACCESSWIRE News Network888.952.4446 FSCwire / Press ReleaseThe following press release was disseminated by FSCwire for EVITRADE Health Systems Corp.--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---Vancouver, British Columbia (FSCWire) - EVITRADE Health Systems Corp. (CSE:EVA). has issued a press release with the following headline:EVITRADE Health Systems Signs Definitive Agreement to Bring Best of Breed Science to the Cannabis IndustryTo 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 EVITRADE Health Systems Corp., or to see additional press releases issued by this company, please either click on the link below, or copy and paste the link into your browser: http://www.fscwire.com/public-company/EVITRADE Health Systems Corp.Source: EVITRADE Health Systems Corp. (CSE: EVA, OTCQB: AXHLF)Date: June 14, 2018Time: 6:00 AM EDT--- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- --- ---The story mentioned above was issued on behalf of EVITRADE Health Systems Corp. and disseminated through FSCwire.About FSCwireFSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.), is a global newswire dissemination, SEDAR, SEDI, and EDGAR / XBRL service provider.FSCwire is a full service global newswire dissemination company and is fully approved by all exchanges in Canada and the U.S. Press releases can be distributed for all sizes of public, private or not for profit companies and any other organization requiring news distribution. In addition to individual companies; public relations, communications and investor relations firms trust FSCwire to distribute press releases for their respective clients.In addition to newswire dissemination FSCwire also offers EDGAR, XBRL, SEDAR, SEDI, and additional services for publicly traded companies. For more information, please go to our website: http://www.fscwire.com Maximum News Dissemination by FSCwire. http://www.fscwire.com Copyright 2018 - FSCwire (a division of Filing Services Canada Inc.) An Intensive 10 - Day Training Course on the Financial-Economics Approach to Forecasting the Prices of Crude-Oil, Natural-Gas and Refined Products. Forecasting the Prices of Crude-Oil, Natural-Gas and Refined Products: A Financial-Economics Approach to Forecasting PR-Inside.com: 2018-06-14 11:18:32 Press Information GLOMACS 35th Floor, Business Central Towers, Tower A Dubai Media City Dubai, U.A.E www.glomacs.com WhatsApp: +97155-8601246 Susan Collie Business Development Manager Tel: +971 (04) 425 0700 email http://glomacs.ae/seminars/forecasting-the-prices-of-crude-oil-natural-gas-and-refined-products # 693 Words 35th Floor, Business Central Towers, Tower ADubai Media CityDubai, U.A.Ewww.glomacs.comWhatsApp: +97155-8601246Business Development ManagerTel: +971 (04) 425 0700 Crude oil is the worlds most actively traded commodity, accounting for over 10% of total world trade. The reason for this large volume of trade in crude oil is two-fold: its key role in the world economy and the worldwide dependence on crude oil for meeting energy demands.West Texas Intermediate (WTI) and Brent Crude oil market are two of the worlds most important crude oil markets. While Brent Crude oil is sourced from the North Sea and is primarily used in Europe, while WTI crude oil is refined mostly in the Midwest and Gulf Coast regions in the United States of America, and is mainly supplied to the North American market. Although crude oil prices in these two markets have a significant interrelationships, for instance, price fluctuations in one market impact prices in the other, price movements in these markets are not always similar because of differing crude oil quality characteristics and the diverse locations they cater to.A fluctuation in crude oil prices may significantly impact a nations economy. Forecasts assist in minimizing such risks arising from the uncertainty surrounding future crude oil prices. To this end, it is critical to engage in prediction exercises modeled for forecasting crude oil prices. Although many business practitioners and researchers have attempted to develop various forecasting methods to predict crude oil prices, it is extremely difficult to design a model that captures the various dimensions affecting future crude oil prices. Crude oil prices are strongly influenced by several factors, including gross domestic product (GDP) growth, political events, conflicts and wars, and financial policies relating to the US dollar (since crude oil is priced in US dollars), among others. Additionally, since crude oil sourced from different locations have varying qualities and transport costs at different rates are involved in shipping crude oil from one location to another, crude oil prices vary in different parts of the world. All these factors together contribute to strong fluctuations in the world market for crude oil, which has subsequently acquired the characteristics of complex non linearity, dynamic variation, and high irregularity.This GLOMACS training course on Forecasting the Prices of Crude-Oil, Natural-Gas and Refined Products will develop an understanding of pricing, risk management, asset valuation and derivatives within the energy markets:Learn to use financial models to analyze and forecast energy prices; extrapolate forward prices beyond the liquidity tenorUnderstand the risk of and return from futures and options contracts on energy commoditiesManage and optimize your organizations energy risk exposureLearn to estimate and calculate volatility in energy pricesUtilize real options theory to value energy assets; use information from futures / option prices to make optimal production decisions: Optimal timing for extraction, optimal rate at which to extract oil (gas) from a field; value oil fields, pipelines and storage facilities, power plantsTo find out more about GLOMACS training courses, or to discuss the Forecasting the Prices of Crude-Oil, Natural-Gas and Refined Products with one of our Consultants, please do not hesitate in contacting us.Contact DetailsAddress:35th Floor, Business Central Towers, Tower ADubai Media CityDubai, U.A.EP.O. Box 74653Tel: +971 (04) 425 0700Fax: +971 (04) 425 0701Email: info@ glomacs.com Web: www.glomacs.com GLOMACS Training is one of the worlds leading training & development firm. By providing continuing professional training on various industry relevant topics, we help clients meet their training needs. Our expertise includes training topics on Management & Leadership, Strategy & Planning, Public Relations, Customer Service, Corporate Communication, Office Administration, Sales & Marketing, Human Resource Management, Learning & Development, Quality and Productivity, Project Management, Purchasing, Logistics & Supply Chain Management, Contracts Management, Finance & Budgeting, Electrical Engineering, Mechanical Engineering, Maintenance Engineering, Instrumentation & Process Control, Health, Safety & Environment, Oil & Gas Technology, Civil & Construction Engineering. Headquartered in Dubai, GLOMACS run programmes in Amsterdam, Budapest, Geneva, Istanbul, London, Marbella, Paris, Prague, Vienna, California, Houston, Miami, New York, Toronto, Abu Dhabi, Doha, Dubai, Jeddah, Kuwait, Muscat, Hong Kong, Jakarta, Kuala Lumpur, Singapore.GLOMACS Trainings are designed to unlock the Potential of Real People in Real Situations. People need Emotional Investment and they also need to feel time is being invested in them & GLOMACS Training is a great way of doing that. Healthcare API Market PR-Inside.com: 2018-06-14 14:56:12 Press Information Precision Business Insights Kemp House, 152 160 City Road, London EC1V 2NX Satya Marketing Lead +1-866-598-1553 email https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com # 602 Words Kemp House,152 160 City Road,London EC1V 2NXMarketing Lead+1-866-598-1553 Global healthcare API market was valued at US$ XX Mn in 2017 and expected to grow at significant Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) from 2018 to 2024Market Outline: Healthcare API MarketHealthcare application programming interfaces (APIs) provide the means for one software to access the service of another. The rising number of the healthcare providers in the healthcare industry is finding the uses for the web in order to deliver the information to the patients. Application programming interfaces (APIs) allow working more intelligently with partner providers, patient support service, government agencies, and insurance companies.Market Dynamics: Healthcare API MarketTechnological advancements are the key factors attributing the growth of the healthcare API market. The growing demand from healthcare sector and adoption of the API-integrated electronic health records (EHRs) is adding fuel for the growth of the healthcare API market. The ease of the data accessibility with the use of application programming interfaces (APIs) is boosting the growth of the market. However, the lack of access to effective tools for designing, testing, and monitoring the information is limiting the growth of the healthcare API market.Free sample of this report is available upon request @Market Scope: Healthcare API MarketHealthcare API market is segmented based on the service, deployment model and end userBased on the service, the market is segmented into the following: Medical deviceo Wearable Payment Remote Patient Monitoring Appointments Electronic Health Record AccessBased on the deployment model, the market is segmented into the following: Cloud-based On-premiseBased on the end user, the market is segmented into the following: Vendors Patients Healthcare providersFree TOC of this report is available upon request @Regional Analysis: Healthcare API MarketGeographically, global healthcare API market is segmented into North America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Latin America, and the Middle East and Africa. North America healthcare API market is the dominant market owing to its well-built healthcare infrastructure. The high demand for the improvement in the healthcare service is driving the growth of the healthcare API market in the region. Europe healthcare API market falls next to North America. The Asia Pacific healthcare API market is a huge market that is projected to grow at a fast pace owing to the growing economies. The growth of the healthcare API market is expected to be significant over the forecast period due to growing government initiatives towards the development of the healthcare sector.Ask Analyst about this report @Competition Assessment: Healthcare API MarketSome of the players in the global healthcare API market include: General Electric Company (U.S) Greenway Health, LLC (U.S) eClinicalWorks LLC (U.S) Practice Fusion, Inc. (U.S) Apple, Inc. (U.S) MuleSoft, Inc. (U.S) Practo Technologies Pvt. Ltd. (India) Epic Systems Corporation (U.S) Microsoft Corporation (U.S) Allscripts Healthcare Solutions Inc. (U.S)Notable Market Developments: Healthcare API Market In January 2017, Oracle has acquired API development startup ApiaryGet access to full summary @About Precision Business InsightsPrecision Business Insights is one of the leading market research and business consulting firm, which follow a holistic approach to solve needs of the clients. We adopt and implement proven research methodologies to achieve better results. We help our clients by providing actionable insights and strategies to make better decisions. We provide consulting, syndicated and customised market research services based on our client needs.Contact to Precision Business Insights,Contact Person: Rajesh BabuRole: Marketing LeadEmail: sales@ precisionbusinessinsights.com PR-Inside.com: 2018-06-14 07:45:59 Press Information Published by ACN Newswire +65 6304 8926 e-mail https://www.acnnewswire.com/ # 589 Words ACN Newswire+65 6304 8926 SYDNEY, AUS, June 12, 2018 - (ACN Newswire) - Asia-Pacific specialist CRO Novotech announced today it has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the China Medical University Hospital (CMUH) in Taiwan to facilitate high-quality and rapid feasibility, start-up and recruitment processes. http://www.cmuh.cmu.edu.tw/ The CMUH is a 2,054-bed facility with a dedicated Clinical Trials Centre (CTC).The CMUH deal is designed to give Novotech clients:- Faster start-up times- Access to the CMUH patient database- World-class clinical research - regulatory compliance with FDA, PMDA and EMEA- Outstanding recruiters across many therapeutic areas: breast cancer, lung cancer, colorectal cancer, Hepatitis, SLE, RA, Stroke, Diabetes, etc.- Leading principal investigatorsThe CTC of CMUH was established in 2008 and has been led by distinguished Professor Chung Y. Hsu since 2010.According to the CTC, Professor Hsu's management principle is to deliver international standard clinical research to facilitate market approval of new drugs and devices for domestic and global pharmaceutical companies.In 2016 CTC CMUH joined the "International Clinical Trials Center Network" (ICN) which includes Switzerland Zurich University, US Harvard University, UK Cambridge University and HK University.Clinical trials in Taiwan are regulated by the Taiwan FDA, Ministry of Health and Welfare - who establish and enforce compliance with ICH-GCP standards.Under the terms of the MOU, the CMUH will provide professional and medical clinical trial advice to the Novotech team including feasibility, principal investigator selection, and assistance with patient recruitment. Novotech will promote the clinical research capabilities of CMUH internationally, in particular their Phase 1 unit.Novotech Executive Director, Asia Operations Dr. Yooni Kim said Taiwan with a population of 23.3 million has a world-class medical system and is well established as a premier clinical research location with a rich diversity of patient ethnic groups."The MOU means Novotech will also have dedicated clinical experts within the CMUH to support and prioritise rapid clinical processes for Novotech biopharma clients," Dr. Kim said."Novotech is the Asia-Pacific CRO, so is committed to establishing ongoing engagement with leading medical institutions in each country across the Asia-Pacific region. We have offices and teams on the ground as well as MOUs and long-term relationships with major hospitals that directly benefit our clients." "Our in-country relationships enable a more comprehensive understanding of local regulatory changes, access to leading PIs, strong site connections, and productive patient populations to deliver success for our clients within timelines and budgets." Novotech is the Asia-Pacific specialist contract research organization (CRO) established in 1996, headquartered in Australia with offices in 11 countries across the region, and 5 MOUs with major health providers.See the latest data on Asia clinical trials here:About Novotech - www.novotech-cro.com Headquartered in Sydney, Novotech is internationally recognised as the leading regional full-service contract research organisation (CRO). With a focus on clinical monitoring, Novotech has been instrumental in the success of hundreds of Phase I - IV clinical trials in the Asia Pacific region.Novotech provides clinical development services across all clinical trial phases and therapeutic areas including: feasibility assessments; ethics committee and regulatory submissions, data management, statistical analysis, medical monitoring, safety services, central lab services, report write-up to ICH requirements, project and vendor management. Novotech's strong Asia Pacific presence includes running clinical trials in all key regional markets. Novotech also has worldwide reach through the company's network of strategic partners.For RFP enquiries: Please fill out the form available at www.novotech-cro.com/contact-us-0 Media ContactSusan Fitzpatrick-Napier, team@ dmgpr.com , AU: +61 2 8218 2144, USA: +1 415 951 3228, Asia: +65 3159 3427 Population healthcare management market is projected to witness upward growth during the forecast period due to increasing prevalence of chronic disease worldwide Population Health Management Solution PR-Inside.com: 2018-06-14 10:30:29 Press Information Coherent Market Insights 1001 4th Ave, #3200 Seattle, WA 98154 Mr.Shah CEO 2067016702 email https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ # 518 Words 1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154CEO2067016702 Population health management solution aggregates all the data from different healthcare platform (Diagnostics, Pharmacy, and Billing Department in healthcare facility) related to the patient. The data is analyzed and presented in comprehensive actionable form to healthcare providers for efficient clinical outcome and save overall healthcare cost. Population healthcare management tracks individuals amongst vast group of patients by applying business intelligence tools to different set of data and create single document, which is easy to analyze and clinical decision can be taken over same by each member across the healthcare ecosystem. Population healthcare management provides various advantages. It improves quality of healthcare due to comprehensive picture provided by collection of multiple data points on one platform with better tracking of patient. Pharmaceutical healthcare management solutions saves unnecessary healthcare cost. Also, it allows better clinical management in case of chronic disease using information technology based approaches.Request Sample Copy Of This Report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/1732 According to population Prospect report by United Nations in 2017, an estimated 962 million people were aged 60 or above in the world, which accounted for 13% of the global population, by 2030 number of older people in the world is projected to be 1.4 billion, which is growing at annual rate of 3%. Increasing healthcare cost is projected to drive growth of population health management market. Advancement in big data analytics are expected to fuel growth of population health management, owing to ease in management of vast data with precision in quality healthcare to individual.Regional InsightsOn the basis of Geography, population health management solution market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. North America is projected to lead the population health management system due to various reasons. U.S. currently has one of highest per capita expenditure on healthcare amounting US$ 9146 according to statistics given by World Economic Forum in 2016. This cost could be saved with the greater application of population health management solutions resulting in quality comprehensive care with reduces hospital admissions. This would also lower the burden on health care infrastructure with shortage of physicians and hospitals beds. Furthermore, increasing number of patients with chronic disease is another driver for growth of market. According to National Cancer Institute around 1,735,350 new cases of cancer would be diagnosed in the U.S. in 2018, cancer would cause around 609,640 death in same year.Request TOC of the Report @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/toc/1732 Competitive LandscapeSome of the key players operating in the population health management solution market include Allscripts, Inc., Cerner Corporation, Conifer Health Solutions, Healthagen, LLC, OptumHealth, Epic Corporation, Inc., Philips Wellcentive, eClinicalWorks, Health Catalyst, LLC, IBM Corporation, i2i Population Health, Verscend Technologies, Inc., Caradigm, and Care Evolution.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 Infection of swine with porcine parvovirus (PPV) is reported worldwide, which may lead to reproductive failure in swine or cutaneous lesions in piglets. Porcine Vaccines PR-Inside.com: 2018-06-14 13:37:04 Press Information Coherent Market Insights 1001 4th Ave, #3200 Seattle, WA 98154 Mr.Shah CEO 2067016702 email https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ # 637 Words 1001 4th Ave,#3200Seattle, WA 98154CEO2067016702 1 ViewsVaccines are the most imperative mediations for disease control among animals and humans. Under veterinary pharmaceuticals, vaccination is considered as a windfall for maintaining animal health by preventing spread of several endemic diseases. Such diseases which can be endemic are porcine reproductive and respiratory virus (PRRSV), swine influenza, diarrhea, porcine circovirus associated disease (PCVAD). Furthermore, cholera, high fever, foot and mouth diseases in swine have been significantly eliminated in North America through immunization.Request Sample Copy Of This Report: https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/insight/request-sample/1685 Increasing demand for gelatin is projected to support the growth of the market, as porcine gelatin is used as a stabilizer to ensure safety and efficacy of vaccine during storage. Furthermore, rising demand for meat, milk, eggs, & animal protein and concerns regarding the increasing incidences of zoonotic diseases are expected to propel the growth of the porcine vaccines market during the forecast period. For instance, Vietnam is the third country in the world by per-capita pig meat consumption, with an average of 29.14 kilos of meat consumed in 2015.Request TOC of the Report @ https://www.coherentmarketinsights.com/ongoing-insight/toc/1685 Researchers are also engaged in developing vaccines for major disease such as African swine flu (ASF), which is augmenting growth of the market. This disease is present in sub-Saharan Africa, Sardinia, the Russian Federation, and number of Eastern European countries. To date, there is no vaccine for this economically devastating disease however, in 2017, Researchers in Australia and the U.S. uncovered genetic data that may help in developing a vaccine for African swine fever, in turn boosting growth of the porcine vaccines in near future. However, the high cost of maintaining, handling, and storage of vaccines is one of the major factor restraining growth of the porcine vaccine market to some extent.Porcine Vaccines Market - Regional AnalysisOn the basis of geography, the global porcine vaccines market is segmented into North America, Latin America, Europe, Asia Pacific, Middle East, and Africa. North America holds the largest market share in the global porcine vaccines market, attributable to highly organized farming structure, increased demand for animal protein, and rising expenditure on animal health by farm owners. Moreover, export and import permits among contract manufacturers or distributer firms and low estimated cost of products are expected to make the porcine vaccine market more popular in Europe. For instance, in 2016, a UK-based Cranswick Foods company initiated a project to set up pork processing plant in Punjab, which would act as a catalyst to hasten the process of value addition in animal husbandry sector and give boost to the farm diversification, providing high quality pork to the consumers across the state. The market in Asia Pacific (including Vietnam, the Philippines, etc.) is estimated to grow at a significant CAGR during the forecast period as this countries have large consumption of pig meat, which in turn is fostering growth of the market.Porcine Vaccines Market Competitive LandscapeKey players are introducing porcine vaccines with new features such as such as DNA vaccines, recombinant vaccines, and conjugate vaccines. This advanced vaccines are expected to improve the efficiency and effectively of swine production practices with reduction in overall vaccination cost.Major players operating in porcine vaccines market include Bayer AG, Bimeda Animal Health, Boehringer Ingelheim GmbH, Ceva Sante Animale, Eli Lilly and Company, Merck & Co., Inc., Sanofi S.A, and Vetoquinol, Zoetis, Inc.Click To Continue Reading On Porcine Vaccines MarketAbout 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 Proteomics 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 Proteomics Market PR-Inside.com: 2018-06-14 14:50:40 Press Information Precision Business Insights Kemp House, 152 160 City Road, London EC1V 2NX satya Marketing Lead +1-866-598-1553 email https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com # 756 Words Kemp House,152 160 City Road,London EC1V 2NXMarketing Lead+1-866-598-1553 Proteomics 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 2024Increment popular for customized prescription, mechanical headways for recognizable proof, increment in R&D exercises by open and private parts, and ascend in the pervasiveness of hereditary issue anticipated that would help the proteomics showcase over the conjecture time frame. Besides, ascend in the quantity of biopharmaceutical and pharmaceutical organizations, developing social insurance use, and expanding advancements in the genomics field anticipated that would impel the proteomics showcase. Be that as it may, stringent administrative strategies, absence of experts for R&D exercises, and high cost of the gadgets and medications may hose the proteomics advertise income development over the figure time frame.A sample of this report is available upon request @Proteomics market is segmented on the basis of product type, application, service type, and end userBased on the product type, proteomics market is segmented into the following: Instruments Protein micro array Spectroscopy X-ray Crystallography Chromatography Electrophoresis Protein fractionation system Others Reagents SoftwareBased on the service type, proteomics market is segmented into the following: Analytical laboratory services Protein sequencing Protein identification Protein separation Data analysis and maintenance OthersBased on the application, proteomics market is segmented into the following: Diagnosis Treatment Drug discovery OthersBased on the end user, proteomics market is segmented into the following: Biopharmaceutical and Pharmaceutical Companies Chemical industries Research institutes OthersTo view TOC of this report is available upon request @Proteomics market is growing at a significant CAGR owing to increase in the demand for personalized medicine and rise R&D activities by Biopharmaceutical companies and research institutes. Governments initiatives for prevention the genetic disorders are a key factor for fuel the proteomics market over the forecast period. Acquisitions & mergers, collaborations, and innovations are some key strategies followed by the companies for increase their revenue in the proteomics market. For instance, in April 2014, Thermo Fisher Scientific has collaborated with Harward Medical School for the innovation of newer techniques for proteomics quantification. Similarly, in January 2012, Merck Millipore (Merck KGaA) has collaborated with Proteomics International for the evaluation of newly identified protein biomarkers under Mercks multiplex immunoassays.Need more information about this report @Geographically, proteomics market is segmented into North America, Asia Pacific, Latin America, Europe, and Middle East and Africa. The major factors anticipated to drive the North America proteomics market include the increase in funding from public and private sectors, developed healthcare infrastructure, increase in R&D activities, and increase in the demand for personalized medicine. Europe holds a key share in proteomics market, which is attributed to increase in the R&D activities for preventing the genetic disorders, technological advancements of instruments, and innovation of newer techniques are expected to propel the market in the region. Asia Pacific expected to exhibit lucrative growth over forecast timeframe owing to increase in the funding from public and private sectors, rise in demand for quality healthcare and personalized medicine in the region.Some of the players in proteomics market are Merck KGaA (Germany), Waters Corporation (U.S.), Thermo Fisher Scientific, Inc. (U.S.), Agilent Technologies Inc. (U.S.), Bruker Corporation (U.S.), Bio-Rad Laboratories, Inc. (U.S.), PerkinElmer Inc. (U.S.), GE Healthcare (U.S.), Danaher Corporation (U.S.), and Luminex Corporation (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 Sickle Cell Diseases Treatment 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 Sickle Cell Diseases Treatment Market PR-Inside.com: 2018-06-14 14:34:29 Press Information Precision Business Insights Kemp House, 152 160 City Road, London EC1V 2NX satya marketing lead +1-866-598-1553 email https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com # 735 Words Kemp House,152 160 City Road,London EC1V 2NXmarketing lead+1-866-598-1553 Sickle Cell Diseases Treatment 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 2024Sickle cell disease treatment market is driven by the increasing prevalence of sickle cell anaemia in the developed, developing as well as under developed economies. In addition to this unmet needs are highly available, rise in product pipelines for the treatment of SCD is anticipated to pose great demand for the market. Sickle cell disease treatment market is propelled by rising support by the regulatory bodies and government in the form of investments, fast track approvals for the discovery of newer treatments. Sickle cell anaemia treatment market is restrained by slow adoption of treatments due to the cost associated with it, the absence of a permanent cure for this disease and complications associated with treatment.A sample of this report is available upon request @Sickle Cell Diseases Treatment Market is segmented on the basis of disease type, therapy, drug class, distribution channel, and geography.On the basis of disease type, the global sickle cell disease market treatment is segmented as: Sickle beta thalassemia Sickle hemoglobin C disease Sickle cell anemia OthersOn the basis of therapy, the global sickle cell disease treatment market is segmented as: Bone Marrow Transplant Blood Transfusion Gene TherapyOn the basis of the drug class, the global sickle cell disease treatment market is segmented as: Antibiotics Analgesics Antimetabolite (Hydroxyurea) OthersOn the basis of the distribution channel, the global sickle cell disease treatment market is segmented as: Hospital Pharmacies Retail Pharmacies OthersTo view TOC of this report is available upon request @Burgeoning prevalence of sickle cell disease has expected to drive the market. As per Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, in 2016, about 100,000 individuals in U.S. are affected by the sickle cell diseases. Black or the African Americans are commonly more susceptible to sickle cell diseases. One in thirteen babies who belongs to the black race are born with SCDs. Researchers has moved ahead to treat SCD by antibiotics to genome level. Researchers from the Stanford School of Medicine corrected the genes successfully which are carrying gene for SCD and transplanted them with the healthy cells. With the help of Clustered Regularly Interspaced Short Palindromic Repeat technique (CRISPR), researchers has replaced the SCD cell genes with one which doesnt carry those genes. In 2016, Infosys has donated USD 1.11 million for the stem cell research to develop gene therapies for the disorders like haemophilia and sickle cell disease.Need more information about this report @Based on the geographical regions, global sickle cell diseases treatment market is segmented into Latin America, Europe, North America, the Middle East and Africa, and Asia Pacific. North America is dominating the sickle cell anaemia treatment market due to the increase in activities in R&D, high accessibility of developed healthcare infrastructure, and high reimbursement policies are attributing for the growth of the SCD treatment market in the region. Owing to the high prevalence rate of disease in Asia pacific and African regions is favouring the growth of SCD treatment market. Asia-Pacific is one of the speedy growing market due to the funding of the various industry players for stem cell researchSome of the sickle cell disease treatment providers are Biogen (U.S.), Gamida Cell (Israel), Genetix Pharmaceuticals Inc. (U.S.), Sangamo Biosciences (U.S.), Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, Inc. (U.S.), Acceleron Pharma (U.S.), Global Blood Therapeutics Inc. (U.S.), Emmaus Medical, Inc. (U.S.), Novartis AG (Switzerland) and Bristol-Myers Squibb Company (U.S.).Get access to full summary @About Precision Business InsightsPrecision Business Insights is one of the leading market research and business consulting firm, which follow a holistic approach to solve needs of the clients. We adopt and implement proven research methodologies to achieve better results. We help our clients by providing actionable insights and strategies to make better decisions. We provide consulting, syndicated and customised market research services based on our client needs.Contact to Precision Business Insights,Kemp House,152 160 City Road,London EC1V 2NXEmail: sales@ precisionbusinessinsights.com Toll Free (US): +1-866-598-1553Website @ https://www.precisionbusinessinsights.com PR-Inside.com: 2018-06-14 06:02:02 Government lists St Georges University as recognized education provider St Georges University, Grenada, signs Memorandum of Understanding with Government of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates Raitt Orr Henry Gilliver Henry@raittorr.co.uk 020 7922 7719 St Georges University (SGU), the international medical school on the Caribbean island of Grenada, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the Government of Fujairah, United Arab Emirates. The MOU recognizes the benefits of mutual cooperation, and both institutions will now explore potential educational collaboration in medical related studies. As part of the agreement, SGU will be listed on the Government of Fujairahs website as a recognized education provider, meaning SGU can now accept students from the Emirate of Fujairah. The agreement, which is now in effect, expresses the commitment of both parties to increase access for the Government of Fujairahs students to a US postsecondary education through SGU. The MOU further strengthens SGUs relationship with the UAE, following last years announcement that the Ministry of Education had recognized the universitys MD degree programme. I am pleased that students in Fujairah will now have the option of studying at St Georges University in Grenada where they will receive a top international medical education, said Dr G Richard Olds, President of SGU. The University will also benefit, increasing the diversity and breadth of experience of our student body. Adding his remarks, Mohamed Khalifa Alzyoudi, Employee Affairs Director, Government of Fujairah, said: SGU is a world-leading institution, and I am very happy that our students will now have the opportunity to study medicine at their campus in Grenada. This MOU marks the beginning of a fruitful relationship, and I look forward to working with SGU to further our collaboration in the near future. St. Georges University School of Medicine is one of the largest in the world, drawing students and faculty from 140 countries. Key to the universitys success has been developing enthusiasm in students to practice medicine in their home countries, often in areas where physician numbers are low. Approximately 1% of all practicing doctors in the USA are graduates of St Georges University, with that figure rising to around 15% in Trinidad and Tobago, and 20% in Botswana. ENDS Issued by Raitt Orr & Associates on behalf of St. Georges University. Notes to editors: About St. Georges University St Georges University is a centre of international education, drawing students and faculty from over 140 countries to the island of Grenada, West Indies. St. Georges is affiliated with educational institutions worldwide, including in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland. The University has contributed over 18,000 physicians, veterinarians, scientists, and public health and business professionals who are practicing across the world. The University programs are accredited and approved by many governing authorities. About Fujairah Fujairah holds a unique position in the UAE. It is the only emirate that lies on the eastern side of the UAE, along the Gulf of Oman, while other six emirates are along the Arabian Gulf. The Emirate derives its name from a spring of water located beneath one of the mountains. Education is a top priority for building the future and ensuring sustained prosperity in the Emirate of Fujairah. The Emirate of Fujairah is proud to have one of the best high school passing rates in the Middle East, and the highest in the UAE. The Emirate offers a superior learning environment with excellent schools and leading academic institutions and training facilities offering a range of options, including childhood education and career development. View source version on businesswire.com: https://www.businesswire.com/news/home/20180613006 Two worshippers were killed when an unidentified assailant attacked a mosque in Malmesbury in Western Cape Province, South Africa early Thursday. Provincial spokesperson, Andre Traut, said police rushed to the scene and found two worshippers stabbed to death. Mr Traut said the attacker was shot dead at the scene by police. Witnesses described the attacker as a foreigner in his 30s. This was the second attack on a mosque in the country since May. On May 10, three knife-wielding attackers stormed a mosque in Verulam, KwaZulu-Natal Province, killing one worshipper and seriously wounding two others. The suspects, reportedly from Egypt, escaped from the scene before setting the mosque on fire. No arrest has been made so far. The motivation for the killing is still unknown. Religious organisations said there is no doubt that the knife attacks had been orchestrated by terrorists. But authorities said they need evidence to link the attacks with terrorism. (Xinhua/NAN) President Emmerson Mnangagwa of Zinbabwe on Thursday filed his nomination papers to contest as the ruling partys presidential candidate in elections set for July 30. His papers were filed by his election agent and justice minister, Ziyambi Ziyambi, who immediately declared that the ruling party ZANU-PF was ready for the polls. Mr Mnangagwa becomes the partys first presidential candidate after former President Robert Mugabe resigned in November last year amid a military intervention, which ended his 37 years stay in power. We send our papers Wednesday as the law allows us to submit our papers a day before for scrutiny and when we came in today (Thursday) our papers were in order and it was announced that we had filed our papers successfully, Mr Ziyambi told reporters. Mr Mnangagwas main challenger, 40-year-old leader of the opposition MDC Alliance, Nelson Chamisa, also filed his papers with the Nomination Court. His papers were filed by his election agent, Jameson Timba. Three other presidential candidates including former Zimbabwean vice president and leader of the opposition National Peoples Party, Joice Mujuru, also filed their nomination papers. The nomination courts are sitting countrywide Thursday to receive papers of candidates that will contest in the presidential, National Assembly and council elections. (Xinhua/NAN) The U.S. on Thursday returned a stolen copy of a 500-year-old letter by Italian explorer, Christopher Columbus, about his discovery of America to the Vatican Library. U.S. ambassador to the Vatican, Callista Gingrich, handed over the manuscript to Vatican Library officials, a Vatican spokesman confirmed to dpa. The letter is one of several original Latin translations of the 1493 report Columbus wrote to King Ferdinand and Queen Isabella of Spain, who had financed his voyage. According to a statement by the U.S. embassy, the Vatican acquired the letter in the 1920s, but seven years ago, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security received a tip that the document had been replaced by a fake. The Vatican was notified of the forgery and confirmed by experts, while the original was traced to an actuary from the southern U.S. city of Atlanta, Robert Parsons. Mr Parsons said he bought the letter from a rare book dealer in New York in 2004, unaware of its stolen status. After his death, his widow agreed to return the manuscript. The U.S. embassy said two more stolen Latin copies of the Columbus letter were recovered by US authorities in recent years. They were returned to libraries in Florence, Italy, and Barcelona, Spain. Women from some violence-prone communities in Nigeria on Tuesday testified to how a skill acquisition programme they attended has impacted their lives. The three-month training was organised by the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA), in partnership with UN Women. It was held in Abuja and Kaduna and taught the women skills including bead making, hairdressing, makeup, catering and tailoring. NACA said the exercise was organised following concerns over the spread of HIV/AIDS and vulnerability of women to violence in conflict prone areas. Some of the women attended the training which started last year shared their experiences with Premium Times at their graduation ceremony on Tuesday in Abuja. Catherine Abah, who lost her husband during a religious crisis in Kaduna, said she acquired a new skill and also learnt how to live peacefully with people of other religions. I am a Christian. Due to the crisis between Moslems and Christians in our community, we now distance ourselves from Moslems in our community, she told Premium Times. But during the training we were taught how to peacefully live together. We visited a Moslem colleague who just had a baby, this is something we were not doing before, Mrs Abah who learned catering said. Janet Lot learnt how to make cream and other cosmetics products. Ive already started the business and people are buying my cream. They are even requesting that I start making perfume, she said. NACAs Director of Committee for Prevention and Utility, Alex Ogundipe, said the project aimed to improve the livelihood of women who became impoverished as a result of violence and conflict. These challenges can make women more vulnerable to HIV and other diseases, that is why we want to empower them. What this programme presents is improved skills and start-up seed money for these women. In the course of this project, we have seen that we dont even need millions to train, empower, give voice and dignity to women. All we need is the right plan and partnership. It is a pilot project which has opened our eyes and we encourage other government agencies, NGOs to grab this opportunity to empower poor women. It builds there self-esteem. The skill set improves their confidence that they can do more with their lives. NACA, UN train 100 women from conflict-ravaged Nigerian communities She said the beneficiaries were expected to train other women so the skills will keep passing around. Patience Etoba, the national programme officer for UN WOMEN who expressed concern over the increase in the number of vulnerable women in conflict prone communities, said her organisation partnered with NACA on the project to improve the lives of such women. She said women living with HIV/AIDS were among the 100 women selected for the training. Women used to illustrate the story. We are not just looking for women vulnerable to HIV but those in violent areas. Some women sell their bodies just to get food. Survival has taken the dignity of womanhood in these communities and that is why we are doing this. Its good to empower women economically, socially and politically. Their voices become more audible when they have something in their pockets. The twist we brought to this project is that we are looking at poor vulnerable women living in conflict infested communities. NACA, UN train 100 women from conflict-ravaged Nigerian communities The conflict situation in Nigeria has become pervasive and increasingly a lot of people are losing livelihood, so we are targeting women whose families have faced one form of conflict or the other. We want to uplift them. The women received certificates at the end of the ceremony. The United Nations Entity for Gender Equality and the Empowerment of Women, also known as UN Women, is a United Nations entity working for the empowerment of women. It became operational in January 2011. Peter Nielsen, the Danish man who allegedly killed his wife and daughter is to remain in prison custody until his trial begins in October. A Lagos High Court sitting in the Igbosere gave the order on Thursday following Mr Nielsens arraignment by the Lagos State Government, Channels Television reports. The suspect appeared before Justice Bola Okikiolu-Ighile on two counts of murder, an offence contrary to Section 223 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos, 2015. The Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Lagos, Adeniji Kazeem, led the state prosecution team at the proceedings. He told the court that Mr Neilsen, 53, allegedly killed his 37-year-old musician wife, Zainab, and his three-year-old daughter, Petra, on April 5, at about 3:45 a.m. at their Banana Island residence in the Ikoyi, Lagos. The defendant pleaded not guilty to the charges while the Attorney General consequently asked the court for a trial date. The counsel to the defendant and a former Attorney-General of Lagos, Olasupo Shasore, who had no objections to the request, told the court that the defence team would like to carry out a test. He said, We are interested in taking the blood sample of the defendant; I thought it will be better to inform this court that his blood sample would be taken for DNA, analysis. Justice Okikiolu-Ighile then asked the defendant if he would like to give his consent for his blood sample to be taken for the DNA test. Mr Nielson, in his response, said, Yes I give my consent for my blood sample to be taken for DNA. Mr. Shasore further informed the court that the defence team needed the results of an autopsy report earlier conducted by the prosecution team for trial. We are interested in the autopsy report and the prosecution has assured us that we would get it in four weeks. We need to consult some of our experts for analysis of the test as we would need it during the trial, he added. The commissioner, on his part, promised to make same available to the defence team, noting that the state governments forensic lab would collect the blood sample of the defendant. He explained that this was because of the pending medical tests and the fast-approaching annual court vacation scheduled to commence in July. In her ruling, Justice Okikiolu- Ighile ordered that the defendant be remanded in prison custody. She then adjourned the case till October 8 and 9 after the courts vacation, for the commencement of trial. PREMIUM TIMES reported how Zainab and her four-year-old daughter, Petral, were found dead on April 5 at their Banana Island resident, Ikoyi, where she resided with her husband, Peter Nielsen. The Commissioner of Police in the state, Edgal Imohimi, said the forensic report revealed that there were bloodstains from the couples bedroom to the kitchen. A Kaduna-based Islamic scholar, Ahmad Gumi, has said he has no sympathy for any political party in Nigeria. He also said he stands by his call on President Muhammadu Buhari to resign due to alleged failure of his government. Mr Gumi, a very influential Islamic cleric, particularly in Northern Nigeria, stated this at the closing of Ramadan Lecture for 2018 at Shaikh Sanusi Khalil Mosque at Rigachikun, Kaduna on Thursday. He was reacting to rumours in the state that he was critical of the government of the All Progressives Congress (APC) because of his sympathy for the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). The rumours arose from a picture of him with two PDP leaders and strident criticism of the administration of President Buhari But the cleric on Thursday said his criticisms are based on his quest for justice in Nigeria. On the picture of him sitting between former Vice President Atiku Abubakar and former Kaduna State governor, Ramalan Yero, the cleric said the shot was taken at a public event long ago. There was a picture that was snapped at a mosque in Rigachikun. When I was invited to attend a wedding fatiha, on arrival I met him (Mr Yero) and former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar, at the mosque. Then he (Atiku) was still in APC as a member and contested against President Buhari at the primaries, while Yero was then in PDP as a governor in the state. I was asked to sit in their middle so I did. Now the picture is in circulation that I am a PDP member, that PDP paid me to work for them. Mr Gumi said he does not look at any Muslim as a PDP or APC member. Rather, I see him as a Muslim brother. If he does justice Im with him whoever he is. L-R Former Vice President and chieftain of APC, Atiku Abubakar and Dr Ahmad Abubakar Gumi. [Photo credit: Fresh News in Nigeria & Breaking News] He said Nigerians should not discriminate among themselves on the basis of politics. Anything that we know will bring misunderstanding among us as Muslims we must try to do away with it, he said. Mr Gumi recently came under criticism by loyalists of President Buhari and APC in the state for speaking against the anti-corruption fight in the country. He had accused Mr Buhari as prone to mistakes and falling to render good governance, asking the president to resign. In his regular Ramadan Tafsir on June 9, the cleric said he would not stop pointing fingers at President Buharis mistakes, saying his government was a total failure. He recalled also criticising the government of former President Goodluck Jonathan and asking the president to resign or be impeached. Nigerias newspaper carried a headline in 2012, when I said Jonathan has failed Nigerians and should resign. So I also find it a duty upon me to tell this government the truth, that it is full of mistakes, or else I become a hypocrite. Why I blamed Jonathan was because of blood in his hands because Boko Haram were putting bombs everywhere and the government was not doing enough. Anybody killed under your regime, you are responsible for that blood. If you have done your best, I can say yes, Allah can forgive you. But if you are relaxed, no; Allah will not forgive you. So it is the same thing now. The bloodshed now is more than during Jonathans regime. So now you judge yourselves to be fair. Our religion is a religion of fairness. Now more blood is shed from negligence, from sleeping, from laziness, from I-dont-care, he said. If I am true to myself, as I called for the resignation of Jonathan, I should call for the resignation of President Buhari, and with immediate effect! And government paper should carry it also, if there is truth. The cleric insisted Mr Buharis style of leadership is full of errors. Buhari is full of mistakes. Full of mistakes! He is a human being like anybody. And I swear to God that there are many people here in the North that can perform better than him. The mother of Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau, has given what appears to be her first media interview. Falmata Abubakar spoke with the Voice of America, VOA, in the village of Shekau, Yobe State. In a report published Thursday, VOA said elders and leader of the village took its team to the woman. The report also said Mr Shekaus late father was the Imam of the village mosque before his death. Ms Abubakar said she had no idea where her son was or his situation. I dont know whether he is dead or alive, only God knows, I have not seen him in the last 15 years, she said. Residents of the village said they always hid the identity of their village for fear of being associated with the Boko Haram leader. Mr Shekau is notorious for his leadership of the deadly group responsible for the deaths of tens of thousands of people in Nigeria, Cameroon, Chad and Niger. He has personally carried out the execution of several people including members of the sect he leads. He has also carried out many raids leading to death and destruction of many towns and villages across the North-eastern part of Nigeria. His mother said Mr Shekau left the village for Maiduguri, the Borno State capital as a young boy in search of Islamic knowledge. She said he was an almajiri boy who walks around the streets of Maiduguri looking for food. She said it was in the course of seeking Islamic knowledge that her son came into contact with the founder of Boko Haram, Mohammed Yusuf. She said the late Boko Haram leader was the one who indoctrinated her son. I did not set my eyes on him since he came into contact with Mohammed Yusuf, she said. I know he is my son, and everyone knows a mothers love for her son, but our attitude to life is different, she said. She also said He has put so many people in serious difficulty, I pray that God guides him right. Ms Falmata said she will not curse her son, saying he has chosen a path different from the one we put him on, only God knows what he has become now. The Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs has announced that the new moon for the Islamic month of Shawwal has been sighted. The head of the NSCIA and Sultan of Sokoto, Saad Abubakar, confirmed the sighting of the moon on Thursday night. He announced Friday for the celebration of the Islamic festival, Eid-el-Fitr. Nigeria will thus join other countries like Saudi Arabia, Qatar and UAE for the celebration on Friday. The federal government had declared Friday and next Monday as public holidays to celebrate the Islamic festival. President Muhammadu Buhari has also congratulated Muslims on the conclusion of the Ramadan fast. In his Sallah message to mark the end of the Ramadan fasting period, President Muhammadu Buhari stressed the importance of putting the virtues of Islam into practice beyond the fasting season. While congratulating Muslims on completing this spiritually significant month of sacrifice, the president urged them to reflect on the importance of Ramadan in becoming good ambassadors of Islam at all times. According to the president, religion should be the moral compass for all believers in their public and personal lives, adding that if people allow the teachings of their religions to influence their conducts, problems such as corruption, which diverts public funds to private pockets, would have been eliminated in the society. He regretted, however, that selfishness and greed have overcome peoples conscience so much that they dont have moral inhibitions in the pursuit of their greed. He said it is impossible to separate morality from religion, and removing this connection encourages corrupt leaders and other exploiters to commit atrocities against the society. I always wonder why any true believer, be they politicians, civil servants or businessmen, would seek to make profits from the misfortunes of others, the president added. He also urged ordinary Nigerians to stop glorifying thieves by treating them with disdain for bringing hardships to others. President Buhari enjoined religious leaders to always pray for peace and unity in the country and avoid making inflammatory utterances that endanger peace or promote conflicts. The president also appealed to fellow citizens to forgive one another and embrace peace. In this respect, President Buhari lauded the families of recipients of national honours for showing good examples to Nigerians and urged our country men and women to copy their good examples. He thanked Nigerians for their patience and assured that their sacrifices will not be in vain, adding that reforming a country that was pushed into near decay on account of corruption comes with teething pains. But these pains are temporary, the APC administration which I am privileged to lead, is beholden to the ordinary Nigerians and will leave no stone unturned to make their security, welfare and happiness our priority, the president further reassured. The National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) has released the contact number for persons with complaints over ongoing Umrah exercise. Umrah, also called lesser hajj, is an Islamic pilgrimage Muslims do to Saudi Arabia mainly during the last days of Ramadan. Umrah pilgrims who thronged Saudi Arabia last year during the last ten days of Ramadan experienced lots of delays as they sought to return home. Many were left stranded for several days in Makkah and Jeddah airports by tour operators and airlines. NAHCON in a statement Wednesday by its spokesperson, Fatima Usara, said in order to avoid a repeat of the ugly situation this year, the commission as part of its supervisory duties, has already dispatched a team to Makkah, to monitor, evaluate, take necessary action and report on Umrah activities of pilgrims as well as licensed service providers. The commission asked people with complaints to contact its relevant officials or its team at NAHCON Head Office in Ummul Jood District, Makkah. However, NAHCON would like to enjoin all Umrah pilgrims to, henceforth, verify and determine the package they are paying tour operators/service providers for even before embarking on the journey. Doing this is important to facilitate any role NAHCON would be playing in the interest of the Umrah pilgrim-whether in sanctioning defaulting tour operators or even the Umrah pilgrims themselves. Doing this will eliminate any chances of being shortchanged and reducing the pilgrims tendency of expecting too much from his/her service provider, the statement said. NAHCON also advised Umrah pilgrims to ensure that they do not overstay their visa expiry date. It said such an overstay carries with it multiple penalties including arrest, detention, six months imprisonment, a fine of 50,000 Saudi Riyals and deportation. Similarly, it said, for service providers/ tour operators who fail to report visa violators to necessary authorities or aid overstaying of Umrah pilgrims in the holy city, they risk a fine of 100,000 Saudi Riyals per violator. While NAHCON calls upon Umrah pilgrims to abide by the regulations of the Saudi Arabian authorities, and to remain good ambassadors of their country, the commission reiterates its commitment to safeguard the rights of all Umrah pilgrims as well as those of licensed service operators. The commission is determined to ensure that service providers meet their obligations to their clients, the statement said. Paul Arkwright, British High Commissioner to Nigeria, has said that the United Kingdom will continue to support the anti-corruption crusade in Nigeria as is being spearheaded by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). We are pleased to see how the EFCC operates, and we are assuring you of the endless support of the British government in the fight against corruption, he said. Mr Arkwright, who was accompanied by Daniel Murphy, on a visit to the FFCC Headquarters, Abuja, commended the Commissions efforts in ridding the country of corruption. The UK and Nigeria have evolved and made progress in the fight against corruption, and the EFCCs achievements have been impressive, he added. He urged the EFCC to work hand in hand with the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, in ensuring a free and fair political process, in the buildup to the 2019 elections. He said: INEC and EFCC should be there to preserve the integrity of the political process, including taking forward investigations without any prejudice on one side or the other, following the evidence and taking action where it is justified. He further gave assurances of the British governments support both in technical assistance, in investigation and of course broadening support of this great independent institution of the EFCC. Ibrahim Magu, the acting EFCC Chairman, appreciated the British government for its support, and assured him of the independence of the EFCC in the discharge of its mandate. He said: I assure you that there is no political interference in what we do. We will continue to work with stakeholders like INEC who we have an agreement with to ensure that there is no interference to ensure free and fair election in Nigeria and we will stop people using money to buy votes. According to him, the EFCC operates under international best practices, and does diligent preliminary investigation. Paul Arkwright, British High Commissioner to Nigeria at the EFCC HQ on a courtesy visit Paul Arkwright, British High Commissioner to Nigeria presenting an award to Ibrahim Magu, Ag. Chair of EFCC at the EFCC HQ on a courtesy visit Paul Arkwright, British High Commissioner to Nigeria presenting an award to Ibrahim Magu, Ag. Chair of EFCC at the EFCC HQ on a courtesy visit Paul Arkwright, British High Commissioner to Nigeria in the EFCC HQ on a courtesy visit We do not invite anybody here if he is not found to be involved in one offence or crime and that is why when you come here, it takes a lot of effort to be off the chain whatever case that comes to EFCC is investigated to the logical conclusion. We take the case to court who gives the final decision, he added. Four men, who allegedly raped a 15- year-old girl and impregnated her were on Thursday in Lagos remanded at Kirikiri Prisons by an Ikeja Magistrates Court. Henry Edmond, 47, metal fabricator; Richard Effiong, 22, businessman; Simeon Michael, 30, self employed; and Ashumu Muhammed, 33, security guard are being tried for defilement. Magistrate B.O. Osunsanmi refused to take the plea of the accused but ordered that they should be kept behind bars pending advice from the State Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP). Based on the sensitivity of the case, it is difficult to grant bail. Bail will be at the discretion of the court. Case file should be documented and sent to the office of the DPP for advice, she said. The accused allegedly committed the offences between December 2016 and May 2018 at different parts of Ajah and Lekki, Lagos, the Police prosecutor, ASP Ezekiel Ayorinde, told the court. He said that the accused unlawfully assaulted the girl by penetrating into her private parts on separate occasions. The accused have been having sexually intercourse with the girl which resulted in pregnancy. Ayorinde said that when the girls aunty discovered that she was pregnant, she questioned her. The girl, who is five months pregnant, mentioned all the men that have been sleeping with her since her aunty brought her to Lagos in 2016 to be helping her take care of her children. Her Auntys husband, Henry Edmond, was the first to start having sex with her and he always threatened to kill her if she tells the aunty. The other accused sleep with her in their houses and shops in the process of hawking `puff puff for her aunty. The case was reported and the accused were arrested, the prosecutor said. The offence contravened Section 137 of the Criminal Law of Lagos State, 2015(Revised). The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the section prescribes life imprisonment for defilement. The case was adjourned until July 23 for mention. (NAN) The head of communications for President Muhammadu Buharis reelection organization, Festus Keyamo, has said that the controversial reinstatement of Abdulrasheed Maina, fugitive former chairman of the Presidential Task Team on Pension Reforms, cannot be used to criticise the president. Mr Keyamo, who said this in the current edition of The Interview Magazine, added that the Maina saga is a credit to president Buhari and he would use it to campaign in support of the president, because the president reacted promptly to the issue. Nigerians roundly criticised Mr Buhari when the Maina scandal first broke out. Mr Keyamo also gave his views on whether his late boss, Gani Fawehinmi, would have supported the controversial reinstatement of Mr Maina and the reluctance of President Buhari to fire and prosecute former SGF, David Babachir and Ayo Oke, a former NIA boss. Where are all those people now? Are they in office? Deziani, of all story of sleaze, did she not remain in office till the end? he asked, taking a jab at ex-president Goodluck Jonathan under whom petroleum minister Allison Deziani served. The former minister is currently facing corruption charges. People should not make silly comments in the public. The Head of Service, the Attorney general of the Federation, including the Minister of Internal affairs, they all appeared before the National Assembly. They told us in graphic terms, how these memos were raised. And these memos moved from one office to the other. All of these memos from HoS to SGF, minister to AGF, all of these, was there one to the chief of staff to the president? We should not be pessimistic or cynical for nothing. All of these memos that moved up and down, was there one to the president before the HoS was queried? Mr Keyamo asked. When there were reports that Maina had been recalled, it took the president less than 24hrs to order his sack. So, what is the criticisms; that the moment it became clear, it took less than 24hrs to sack him? So, I will not want to dance to the tune of the opposition that will keep repeating a sing song hundred times and make people believe the sing song. Maina cannot, by any stretch of imagination, be a point of criticism to the president. For me, the Maina saga is credit to the president. The Maina saga, I will use it to campaign. You will use it to criticise but I will use it to campaign. That is because the man reacted to issue of corruption and back-door handling of an issue when it came to his knowledge, Mr Keyamo said. PREMIUM TIMES exclusively reported how Maina, who was in 2013 dismissed by the Federal Civil Service Commission following a recommendation by the Office of the Head of Service, was secretly reinstated as director in charge of human resources in the Ministry of Interior October 20, 2017. He is still on the run. The Committee to Protect Journalists will honour journalists from Sudan, Ukraine, Venezuela, and Vietnam with its 2018 International Press Freedom Awards. The journalists have faced legal action, physical attacks, threats, and arrests in retaliation for their work. CPJ is also honoring Philippine journalist Maria Ressa, founder and chief executive officer of the news website Rappler, with the Gwen Ifill Press Freedom Award. CPJs 2018 IPFA awardees are: Amal Khalifa Idris Habbani, a freelance journalist and contributor to the Sudanese news outlet Al-Taghyeer, who during her decade-long career in Sudan has faced physical attacks, imprisonment, and threats by the authorities in connection with her coverage of protests and official wrongdoing. Nguyen Ngoc Nhu Quynh, one of Vietnams most prominent independent bloggers, who is best known by her pen name, Mother Mushroom. She has been imprisoned since 2016 on charges connected to her coverage of sensitive issues censored by the state-controlled media, including official land-grabbing, environmental degradation, and police brutality. Luz Mely Reyes, a Venezuelan investigative reporter and co-founder of the independent news website Efecto Cocuyo, who has covered politics in Venezuela for more than 25 years amid increasingly dangerous and repressive conditions for journalists. Anastasiya (Nastya) Stanko, a journalist and TV presenter who is a member of the Stop censorship movement, an anti-censorship group made up of journalists and media organizations in Ukraine. A co-founder of the independent media channel Hromadske, in 2014 she covered the Russian annexation of Crimea and was taken hostage in eastern Ukraine. At a time when journalism is being vilified, mocked, and undermined by so many political leaders, CPJ is recognising some of the worlds most courageous and dedicated reporters for their contribution to informing their communities and the world, said CPJ Executive Director, Joel Simon. These journalists put their lives and liberty on the line every day just to do their job. There can be no greater affirmation that journalism matters. CPJs Gwen Ifill Press Freedom Award will be presented to Maria Ressa, who in 2012 founded Rappler, a Philippine news website renowned for its unflinching coverage of President Rodrigo Dutertes controversial policies and actions. Ressa has been a celebrated journalist in Asia for more than 30 years, most of them as CNNs bureau chief in Manila, then Jakarta. Maria is the pioneering leader of an inventive organisation that aggressively reports news in the Philippines and constantly innovates to keep audiences engaged, said CPJ Board Chair Kathleen Carroll. Her bravery in the face of personal and professional attacks is inspiring. We are proud to present her with this award. Winners will be honoured at CPJs annual award and benefit dinner. This years dinner will be chaired by Meher Tatna, president of the Hollywood Foreign Press Association. The evening will be hosted by veteran CBS journalist and 60 Minutes correspondent Bill Whitaker. The event is at the Grand Hyatt New York in New York City on November 20, 2018. Three persons have been killed in Eket, Akwa Ibom State, in the past four days in a renewed cult war in the city. Eket, which has significant presence of workers of Mobil Producing Nigeria, a subsidiary of the American oil giant, ExxonMobil, is among the four local government areas mostly affected by perennial cult-killings and related violence in the state. The latest killings, which started over the weekend, is said to be as a result of a clash between two rival cult groups, the Vikings, and the Black Axe. The police spokesperson in Akwa Ibom, Odiko MacDon, confirmed the killing in an interview with PREMIUM TIMES, Thursday. A contract worker with Mobil is said to be among those killed. He was reportedly shot in the head at close range while drinking at a pub, somewhere in the city. Sixteen persons have been arrested in connection with the killing, said Mr MacDon, a deputy superintendent of police. We are yet to get to the bottom of it to know the extent of their culpability. They will be profiled and we will determine who are actually connected with it. Those culpable will be charged to court, the police spokesperson said, adding that the situation in the town has been brought under control. He added, Theres more police visibility in the town. The commissioner of police yesterday deployed more policemen to the town. A journalist in Eket said the cult clash is traceable to Heritage Polytechnic, Ikot Udota, which is a few kilometres away from the city centre. A female student of the polytechnic also told PREMIUM TIMES that she left Eket for Uyo, the state capital, on Thursday because of the fear that violence could erupt in the school. The polytechnic, however, denied any connection between it and the killing. We dont have any problem with the cult clash that is going on, said the Rector of the school, Udoyiu Udoyiu. Information reaching us has it that the incident took place in Eket main town which is 10 killometres away from the school. Apart from that, we dont have any report that our students were involved in the clash. The rector said the school has zero tolerance for cultism and that the school premises is heavily fortified. Once we find out that you are involved in it, we send you out of the school, he said Apart from Eket, the three local government areas notorious for cult-killings in the state are Etim Ekpo, Ukanafun, and Ikot Ekpene. The Akwa Ibom state government had proscribed 32 cult groups, as well as imposed curfew in some of the local government areas recently in order to check the menace. Some cultists recently abducted three female students from their hostel at Obong University, Etim Ekpo. A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Willy Ayegoro, has been shot dead by yet-to-be apprehended persons. Mr Ayegoro, registered with the APC in Ado Ekiti local government, was reportedly shot in the head at Atikankan, on Wednesday night, an area of the state capital notorious for crime. An eyewitness said the killers immediately fled the scene, just as the shooting scared those nearby. The people around that place ran after the men but they were faster and escaped on a bike that conveyed them, the source said. The Police Public Relations Officer of the Ekiti Command, Caleb Ikechukwu, said the command had not been briefed yet. Mr Ikechukwu said proper actions would be taken if the incident is confirmed to be true. Meanwhile, the state chapter of the party has come short of accusing the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state of being responsible for the attack. It condemned the shooting, saying the continued hounding of its members whould not be allowed. A statement by its Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, noted that Ekiti State was sliding into a murderous era years of political killings. The party said the killing came hours after an early morning gun attack on the hotel owned by a former APC governorship aspirant, Wole Oluyede, by suspected thugs, who were allegedly heard by a night guard raining curses on Mr Oluyede and threatening to destroy his hotel . Early yesterday morning, Oluyedes hotel was invaded by gunmen who issued threats to the physician, the statement said. The assailants didnt leave the hotel premises until they destroyed the billboard Oluyede donated to APC governorship candidate, Dr Kayode Fayemi, to be followed in the night by gun attack on Willy, who was confirmed dead at the Ekiti State University Teaching Hospital, Ado-Ekiti. We call on the security agencies to investigate these incidents to get to the root of the matter and bring the perpetrators to justice. But we warn that our party will not be intimidated by all these violent attacks to cow our members. We say no to needless bloodletting . Ekiti people in the last three years have been able to know who loves them between our candidate, Dr Kayemi, and Governor Ayodele Fayose. Ekiti people have made up their minds to vote against an oppressive system run by Fayose and there is no amount of intimidation that will distract APC from ensuring that Ekiti people have a peaceful election that will return our candidate as governor so that our people can return to the peace and security they enjoyed during Fayemis first term between 2010 and 2014, the party said. If you're in the market for an over-the-top estate with high society pedigree, the Vallejo Street address once home to Billy and Vanessa Getty checks off all the right adjectives: polished, palatial, and unattainableat least for you, you silly plebeian. Built in 1912 by the Bay Area architect Louis M. Uptona favorite among Pac Heights mansion dwellers back in the daythe Italian Renaissancestyle estate is pretty much the ultimate in lavish living: Not only can you sleep where Vanessa slept and bathe where Vanessa bathed, you can luxuriate in knowing that your abode also has much sought-after flourishes by the luxury design firm, Chartwelland, apparently, in the knowledge that you could afford to overpay. The 9,700-square-foot house is for sale off market with an asking price of $30 millionBilly and Nessy only fetched $12.5 million for it back in the summer of 2015. (And that's just a measly mil more than the couple paid for it in 2002, three years after they wed.) But in 2015, developer Enrique Landa began renovations, leaving no interior corner untouched, though the original architectureincluding carved pilasters, stone balustrades, and alfresco balconies with views of the Golden Gate Bridgeremain. First, the old castle got a seismic retrofit so that all five levels (yes, all five levels) would be connected by steel to the bedrock. Then the more than century-old floor plan was reimagined, elliptical stairs were added, and a staggering retractable glass awning was installed over the sky lounge (because of course there is a sky lounge). In the kitchen, a full calacatta ora slab was used for the updated island, custom mill work cabinets by Phoenix were installed, as well as custom lighting and a Wolf appliance suit. In a house like this, you'd expect a grand foyer and even the snobbiest among you will not be disappointed. The dramatic entry here leads to a gallery hall and a balcony overlooking the surrounding neighborhoods. Because you are a wannabe Getty, you are sure to host the most lavish of parties and you'll need a nice backdrop for your soirees. Will the Golden Gate Bridge do? We hope so, because there's a panorama of it through the bay windows in the spacious dining room. Before dinner, you'll likely invite your guests to join you through the French doors for glasses of Krug on the terrace. (The kitchen, from we can tell, is kind of whatever. But since you'll be eating dinner most nights at Gary Danko and can afford to hire help to prepare those home-cooked meals, you'll never go in there anyway.) The lords and ladies of the house must, of course, seek refuge from the madding crowd of the entertainer's first floor, and so the master suite is located in the northern wing of the second floor, which also has vistas of the bridge and bay. Swathed in natural light, the airy living quarters have a fireplace, hers-and-hers walk-in closets (c'mon, you know Nessy got both closets), and a pair of white marble bathrooms lit with alabaster chandeliers. The second story also has its own cozy living room with a wood-burning fireplace and massive picture windows (again with the views). Two bedrooms with en suite baths take up the third floor, where you'll also find a sprawling family room where, warmed by the fireplace, you can tuck in to watch something interesting on Fx. There are also guest quarters with their own living room, dining area, and kitchenette, as well as a fitness room and wine cellar. A house like this scoffs at street parking, so t here are two garages to hold a total of four cars. And the four upper levels are accessible by elevator, as well as by an opulent spiral staircase. But the piece de resistance is the pent room. (Don't bother to look up the wordit's a fancy San Francisco thing.) With windows wrapping around two walls and a magical retractable skylight, this space provides the ultimate in indoor/outdoor living. Just roll back the roof like a drop-top and soak in the sun from the sofa. When it gets chilly, snuggle up by the fireplace across the room. Location: 2900 Vallejo St. (Pacific Heights) Size: 9,700 sq. ft. Bedrooms: 6 Bathrooms: 8.5 Asking price: $30,000,000 // For more information, contact Ludovico Mazzola, ludovico@mazzolaproperties.com, 415.652.7483; or Michelangelo Mazzola: michelangelo@mazzolaproperties.com, 408.373.6320; mazzolaproperties.com. 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. A young San Francisco woman's passion for the plight of refugees has resulted in our city's first Refugee Food Festival, slated to touch land here in time for World Refugee Day. First launched in Paris in 2016, the now-global festival invites restaurants to "...open and entrust their kitchens to refugee chefs, to share tasty and united moments." This year's event includes more than 100 restaurants in 15 cities around the worldthink Amsterdam, Athens, and Cape Townwith San Francisco (and New York) representing for America for the first time. And the lineup looks delicious. For more than a year, 23-year old Sara Shah has been working to bring the Refugee Food Festival to SF and, to her credit, the rewards are looking sweet. Over the course of five nights (June 19th through the 23rd), five pop-up dinners will be prepared by refugee chefs alongside top local chefs from Hog Island Oyster Co., Tawla, Dosa, Son's Addition, and Jardiniere. Each meal will consist of special dishes from the refugee cook's home country, including Myanmar, Iraq, Bhutan, and Senegal. Refugee Food Festival's San Francisco project manager Sara Shah (left) with Iraqi refugee chef Muna Anaee. (Renee Alexander) As project manager for the San Francisco event, Shahwho is fluent in English, Spanish and Urdu, and speaks conversational French and Arabicsought approval from the United Nations to host the event here and sourced all the local refugee chefs. She then had the hard (not) task of taste-testing their dishes, and then of rounding up SF restaurants willing to open their kitchens. Matches were made based on cuisine and personality. Translators were then brought in so the refugee chefs could communicate with local chefs and their kitchen crews. "I am so very humbled to be working with the amazing and resilient refugee chefs who have made it all worthwhile," says Shah who, as a political science major and Arab Studies minor at North Carolina's Davidson College, spent a summer living with a Jordanian family in Amman, studying Arabic and interviewing Syrian refugees. She hopes to help spread the Refugee Food Festival across the U.S. the way it has spread across Europe, where it was founded by a few well-traveled Parisian citizens who wanted to improve the welcoming and integration of refugees. "I know Refugee Food Festival's message of using the power of food to break down walls and foster positive conversations about refugee issues will be welcome in cities across the USA," Shah adds. No tickets are needed to attend San Francisco's Refugee Food Festival, which is supported by the Golden Gate Restaurant Association. Diners simply make reservations at their chosen restaurant(s) during dinner service on the appropriate date and order directly from the evening's special menu. Partial proceeds will be donated to local organizations working to welcome and integrate refugees into the community. Most menus are still being developed and won't be finalized till last minute, but each culinary team will prepare foods that are specific to the home country of the refugee chef and in keeping with the style and values of the hosting restaurant. The Sched June 19: Myanmarese Cuisine Where: Hog Island Oyster Co., One Ferry Building (Embarcadero), hogislandoysters.com Pull up a chair for a feast prepared by Pa Wah, who was born in the Karen state in Myanmar. As a child, her family fled on foot to Thailand, where she spent the majority of her life in the Mae La refugee camp, where she ran her own business selling home-cooked food to other refugees. She moved to the U.S. six years ago with her five children. June 20: Iraqi Cuisine Where: Tawla, 206 Valencia (Mission), tawlasf.com Iraqi chef Muna Anaee, along with her husband and two children, escaped the violence and despair in Baghdad. Her ESL teacher in Oakland encouraged her to pursue a culinary career after tasting the dishes she brought to share with classmates. She hopes to eventually open her own Iraqi restaurant in the Bay Area. June 21: Bhutanese Cuisine Where: Dosa, 1700 Fillmore St. (Fillmore), dosasf.com Ever had Bhutanese food? Anu Mapchan, a Bhutanese chef who arrived in the U.S. in 2011 with her husband and their children, is doing the cooking tonight. After immigrating to Oakland, her family began a tradition of gathering with other families on New Year's Day for a celebratory meal, where she cooks for more than 100 people, sharing dishes she learned from her mother. June 22: Iraqi Cuisine Where: Son's Addition, 2990 24th St. (Mission), sonsaddition.com Muna Anaee, the same Iraqi chef who is cooking at Tawla on Wednesday, is making a second appearance tonight. Call 415-500-2817 or email info@sonsaddition.com to make reservations. June 23: Senegalese Cuisine Where: Jardiniere, 300 Grove St. (Hayes Valley), jardiniere.com The iconic Hayes Valley restaurant welcomes Vito, a Senegalese chef who will prepare, among other items, thieboudienne, his country's national dish of red rice and fish. The bar will serve a bissap cocktail made with refreshing Senegalese hibiscus tea. // San Francisco Refugee Food Festival, June 19-23; for more information, go to refugeefoodfestival.com. DUBLIN, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The "Miticides Market by Crop Type (Fruits & Vegetables, Cereals & Grains, and Oilseeds & Pulses), Mode of Application (Foliar Spray and Soil Treatment), Source (Biological and Chemical), Form (Dry and Liquid), and Region - Global Forecast to 2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The miticides market is projected to grow at a CAGR of 5.7%, to reach a value of USD 1.55 Billion by 2023 from USD 1.17 Billion in 2018. Miticides are crop protection chemicals that specifically target plant mites. They constitute an important group of crop protection chemicals used to protect plants from harmful mites and insects such as spiders and ticks. Miticides often vary on the basis of the mites they target and the promptness of their killing rate and are effective against eggs and larval stages as well as adult mites. On the basis of source, the chemical segment dominated the miticides market in 2017. The use of synthetic chemical miticides for plant and crop protection is constantly growing. Many specific miticides have been introduced, which are less toxic to predaceous mites than phytophagous mites are and help in controlling the population of phytophagous mites. On the basis of crop type, the fruits & vegetables segment accounted for the largest market share; this can be attributed to growing health-consciousness among consumers and rising incomes, which result in increased consumption of a wide variety of products, particularly fruits & vegetables. Developing regions such as Asia Pacific offer opportunities for the miticides market, due to the large fruit-growing industries in major countries such as India, China, and Southeast Asian countries and the rise in awareness about the benefits of miticides in the market. On the basis of formulation, the miticides market was led by the liquid segment in 2017. Liquid formulations are mainly preferred as they do not cause dust formation on spraying, do not cause toxicity or flammability, provide high efficiency due to smaller particle size, and low packaging volume. Moreover, foliar spray is the most widely used mode of application, owing to its ease and high effectiveness. The Asia Pacific region is projected to be the fastest-growing market for miticides between 2018 and 2023. The increasing awareness about miticides and continuous technological advancements are factors contributing to the growth of this market. In addition to this, the growing demand for crops and rising cultivation in the countries of Asia Pacific have forced agribusiness companies to expand their supplier and manufacturing base in the region. Many countries have banned several chemical pesticides because of their hazardous nature. For instance, the US banned around 64 synthetic pesticides by 2003, and the number is still increasing. This has led to high consumption of biological miticides in the European and North American regions due to stringent environmental regulations. These stringent rules and regulations for miticides are generally associated with the toxicity of miticides, which affects animal and human health, along with leading to environmental degradation. Health hazards such as the presence of carcinogens, increasing pollution, and concerns about the environment are the main reasons for enforcing these restrictions, which is a restraint for the miticides market. Key Topics Covered: 1 Introduction 2 Research Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Premium Insights 4.1 Attractive Opportunities in the Miticides Market 4.2 Miticides Market Size, By Region (KT) 4.3 North American Miticides Market Share, By Crop Type & Country, 2018 4.4 Miticides Market, Fastest Growing Countries in Each Region 5 Market Overview 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Market Dynamics 5.2.1 Drivers 5.2.1.1 Advancements in Farming Practices and Technology 5.2.1.2 Growth in Agricultural Productivity 5.2.1.3 Heavy Crop Loss Due to Pest Attacks 5.2.2 Restraints 5.2.2.1 High Residue Levels of Miticides on Excessive Use 5.2.2.2 Stringent Government Regulations 5.2.2.3 Easy Availability of Substitutes and Alternatives 5.2.3 Opportunities 5.2.3.1 Rapid Growth in Biopesticides Market and Organic Agriculture 5.2.3.2 Increasing Demand in Developing Countries 5.2.3.3 Increasing Adoption of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) 5.2.4 Challenges 5.2.4.1 Resistance of Mites to Miticides 5.2.4.2 Evolution of Biotechnology and Increasing Acceptance of GM Crops 5.3 Supply Chain 6 Miticides Market, By Crop Type 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Fruits & Vegetables 6.2.1 Berries 6.2.2 Pome Fruits 6.2.3 Citrus Fruits 6.2.4 Root & Tuber Vegetables 6.2.5 Other Fruits & Vegetables 6.3 Cereals & Grains 6.3.1 Corn 6.3.2 Wheat 6.4 Oilseeds & Pulses 6.4.1 Cotton 6.4.2 Soybean 6.4.3 Sunflower & Rapeseed 6.4.4 Others 6.5 Other Crop Types 6.5.1 Turf & Ornamentals 6.5.2 Cash Crops 7 Miticides Market, By Mode of Application 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Foliar Spray 7.3 Soil Treatment 7.4 Others 8 Miticides Market, By Formulation 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Liquid 8.3 Dry 9 Miticides Market, By Source 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Chemical 9.3 Biological 10 Miticides Market, By Region 11 Competitive Landscape 11.1 Overview 11.2 Expansions 11.3 Agreements 11.4 Mergers & Acquisitions 11.5 New Product Launches 11.6 Partnerships, Investments, and Collaborations 12 Company Profiles BASF Bayer AG Syngenta Nihon Nohyaku Co., Ltd. Gowan Company, LLC Dowdupont ADAMA Platform Solutions (Arysta Lifescience) FMC Corporation Nufarm Limited Valent Biosciences Certis OHP, Inc. Nissan Chemicals Industry For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/tj6rjt/1_55_billion?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 DETROIT, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The field of more than 500 Detroit business owners who applied to pitch at Quicken Loans Detroit Demo Day has been narrowed down to 15 finalists, all set to take the stage at Detroit Music Hall on June 22. The 15 finalists were chosen by a panel of 12 local business leaders from a wide variety of industries. These entrepreneurs were selected because of the viability of their businesses, their ability to scale, their competitive advantage and the skills of their leadership team. The finalists' pitches will be judged, and the winners decided, by nationally recognized entrepreneurs from across the country. The seven winning companies from three categories - Start, Grow and Scale - will receive a total of $1.2 million in funding from Quicken Loans. The Start Category is for companies that have recently introduced a product or service to market. Businesses in the Grow Category are more established and are trying to expand locally. The companies in the Scale Category, on the other hand, have achieved local success and are ready to expand into other markets. The capital will be provided as grants, interest-free loans and convertible notes depending on the category. The following companies will compete for the funding: An additional $25,000 grant will be awarded to one people's choice winner in each category, as decided by audience vote. "This is the biggest opportunity of the year for Detroiters to come out and celebrate some of the city's best and brightest entrepreneurs," said James Chapman, Director of Entrepreneurship for the Quicken Loans Community Investment Fund (QLCIF). "These businesses are the life-blood of Detroit their success will have a huge multiplier effect that will impact the community as a whole, creating more job opportunities for Detroiters." As an introduction to the pitch competition, Quicken Loans Detroit Demo Day will kick off with James Chapman interviewing Quicken Loans Founder and Chairman Dan Gilbert. The conversation will focus on some of the lessons learned in 33 years of building a business from a three-person office to becoming the nation's largest mortgage lender. The competition will then get started with the leaders of 15 of the best businesses in Detroit presenting their companies, successes and growth strategies to the panel of judges made up of nationally recognized entrepreneurs. The judges include Charles Adler, the co-founder of Kickstarter; Ron Bartell, Former Detroit Lion and founder of Kuzzos Chicken & Waffles and Anne Sempowski Ward, Detroit native and CEO of CURiO brands. Since no business can survive without a vibrant community surrounding it, Quicken Loans Detroit Demo Day also has a community component that will award a total of $150,000 to five organizations focused on youth entrepreneurship. One student from each organization will pitch their business idea and the audience will select the winners. The event will wrap up with a special performance by a Grammy Award-winning Def Jam recording artist. This entrepreneurship contest takes place during Techstars Startup Week Detroit, which aims to increase awareness around the local startup community and the opportunities available to get involved. More details are available at DetroitStartupWeek.com. Detroit Demo Day is a key component of QLCIF's larger philanthropic strategy to invest in housing stability, entrepreneurship, education and workforce development, public space activation and community sponsorship in Detroit. Through its for-more-than-profit model, QLCIF brings together for-profit businesses and non-profit investments. The team is dedicated to investing alongside community partners to build financial, social, and racial equity throughout Detroit and all of the Rock Family of Companies' home cities. About Quicken Loans Detroit-based Quicken Loans Inc. is the nation's largest home mortgage lender. The company closed more than $400 billion of mortgage volume across all 50 states from 2013 through 2017. Quicken Loans moved its headquarters to downtown Detroit in 2010. Today, Quicken Loans and its Family of Companies employ more than 17,000 full-time team members in Detroit's urban core. The company generates loan production from web centers located in Detroit, Cleveland and Phoenix. Quicken Loans also operates a centralized loan processing facility in Detroit, as well as its San Diego-based One Reverse Mortgage unit. Quicken Loans ranked highest in the country for customer satisfaction for primary mortgage origination by J.D. Power for the past eight consecutive years, 2010 2017, and also ranked highest in the country for customer satisfaction among all mortgage servicers the past four consecutive years, 2014 2017. Quicken Loans was once again named to FORTUNE magazine's "100 Best Companies to Work For" list in 2018 and has been included in the magazine's top 1/3rd of companies named to the list for the past 15 consecutive years. In addition, Essence Magazine named Quicken Loans "#1 Place to Work in the Country for African Americans." For more information and company news visit QuickenLoans.com/press-room. SOURCE Quicken Loans DENVER, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Revenue cycle departments in hospitals of all sizes and types continue their mass migration to automation, Recondo Technology reported today. The company noted that climbing rates of claims and prior authorization complexity and requests, paired with patients struggling to understand and pay for medical services, are accelerating the industry shift from manual to automated revenue cycle. In response, the company is further investing in its already powerful automated solutions with advanced machine learning and other AI capabilities. "We've already seen expansion within our customer portfolio as word is getting out among health systems that revenue returns from automating revenue cycle management are in the tens of millions," said Jay Deady, Recondo CEO. New customers include a large integrated care delivery networks, several major universities and an affiliated large physician group. Existing customers are expanding bookings for additional automation products, specifically for AuthInitiate, an automated prior-authorization offering, and SurePayHealth, Recondo's patient estimation solution. In total, Recondo has secured close to $5 million in new SaaS booking contract value in 2018 to date, with direct bookings up by 70% year-over-year and channel bookings up 50% year-over-year. Advancing hospital revenue cycle management With Recondo's AI-driven, automated solutions, hospitals end the need to assign armies of staff to communicate with payers about patient cost estimates, authorization requests and claim status. The company's patented ReconBotsTM perform the vast majority of this work instead, including routing the insurer's answers to assigned systems and routing accounts needing remediation to specialized staff. In short, automation moves toward near "touchless" revenue cycle management transactions. "Recondo was the pioneer of robotic process automation in revenue cycle management. Now we are making it even smarter. Our machine learning-enhanced engines now get the most accurate information with even fewer requests, yielding direct savings for our clients," noted Eldon Richard, Recondo's Chief Technology Officer. He continued, "We have also applied machine learning to improve patient estimates, reducing errors by as much as 33 percent while learning the impact of downstream practice and billing patterns to improve predictions." New offerings from Recondo are also helping hospitals leverage their investments in hospital information systems. Recondo's RevSmart platform, for example, fully integrates intelligent payer content into Epic using Recondo's deep rule engine. Within the first weeks of usage, organizations are already seeing a 25 percent efficiency gain by using RevSmart to automate prior authorizations. Partnerships driving automation New partners are also joining forces with Recondo to drive efficiency for healthcare, which already includes Ontario Systems, the leading provider of revenue cycle automation solutions that accelerate payments from both payers and patients; VisiQuate, the enterprise analytics provider utilizing AI and Chatbot technology; and The SSI Group, a provider of revenue cycle, EDI gateway and clinical data interoperability solutions. These new collaborations include five additional partners to yield access to the pre-acute and post-acute markets where the company has traditionally not competed except for facilities owned by a health system. These partners include: eSolutions, the revenue cycle workflow automation and data analytics company DataFile Technologies, the medical records, patient access and revenue cycle outsourcer Queuelogix (a Scribe America Company), a provider of medical records, patient access, and physician scribe services 2018 is showing signs of being one of Recondo Technology's most fruitful years yet, from the January announcement that the company had earned the 2018 Best in KLAS ranking for Patient Access Software and Services to a productive first and second quarter, spanning business development, sales and product enhancements. Visit Recondo at HFMA Annual Conference Recondo will demonstrate its solutions at Booth 801 at HFMA's Annual Conference from June 24 to June 27 in Las Vegas. Members of the media working on healthcare automation stories are encouraged to reach out to Stephanie Janard, Amendola Communications for Recondo Technology, at [email protected] to schedule an interview with Recondo CEO Jay Deady. About Recondo Technology Recondo's cloud-based solutions deliver industry leading automated, accurate, and actionable financial clarity to all participants within the healthcare revenue cycle. Recognized by Black Book Research as one of the top three leaders in revenue cycle management software, Recondo empowers more than 900 hospitals with solutions that connect providers, payers, and patients to ensure proper payments across the care continuum. The company's patented software and expertise streamline operations and allow providers to be paid more, faster, and at a cheaper cost. Recondo brings efficiencies and cost savings to patient access through to payment processinga continuum today where inaccuracy and inefficiencies currently cost U.S. healthcare a staggering $480 billion per year. Learn more at www.recondotech.com. SOURCE Recondo Technology Related Links http://www.recondotech.com WASHINGTON, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Thycotic, a provider of privileged account management (PAM) solutions for more than 7,500 organizations worldwide, announced that Abacus Group, a leading managed service provider of hosted IT solutions for alternative investment firms has expanded and customized its use of Secret Server for more than 350 clients to date. Managing up to 3,000 passwords for privileged access daily "would be impossible without an automated solution such as Secret Server," stated Paul Ponzeka, Managing Director of Engineering at Abacus. Thycotic Secret Server software enables enterprises to discover, store, secure and manage privileged account passwords while streamlining the management process. As Abacus Group accelerated its growth adding more and more clients, Secret Server proved its value in scalability, flexibility and adaptability. "We initially started with the Secret Server free edition on a trial basis that lasted about a week," Ponzeka explained. "We found it easy to deploy and very straightforward to use without requiring any training on our part. Credentialing that previously would take a week or more with manual processes involving a full-time staff person, can now be done with Secret Server in about 10 minutes." "We are pleased that in the expanding managed services marketplace, Abacus Group has chosen to grow with Thycotic Secret Server as a trusted partner in securing and streamlining its privileged access management," said James Legg, President and CEO at Thycotic. "The ability to manage multiple clients across highly diverse IT environments makes Secret Server an optimal choice for Privileged Access Management among managed service providers." According to Ponzeka, savings in helping to provision users could easily save the company two engineering positions in time that can then be devoted to more important tasks. Using Secret Server to manage credentials has made Abacus Group's IT help desk operations more efficient, in many cases allowing Level 3 tasks to be accomplished by Level 1 personnel. "Almost every employee now uses Secret Server," Ponzeka concluded. "It has gone from being an engineering team tool to a business tool that helps secure and drive our whole business. We wouldn't be as successful as we are today without the benefits of the Secret Server solution." To learn more about Thycotic, please visit https://thycotic.com/ and follow Thycotic on Twitter at @Thycotic. About Thycotic Thycotic, a global leader in IT security, is the fastest growing provider of Privilege Management solutions that protect an organization's most valuable assets from cyber-attacks and insider threats. Thycotic secures privileged account access for more than 7,500 organizations worldwide, including Fortune 500 enterprises. Thycotic's award winning Privilege Management Security solutions minimize privileged credential risk, limits user privileges and controls applications on endpoints and servers. Thycotic was founded in 1996 with corporate headquarters in Washington, D.C. and global offices in the U.K. and Australia. For more information, please visit www.thycotic.com. About Abacus Group Abacus Group, LLC is a leading provider of hosted IT solutions and service focused on helping alternative investment firms by providing an enterprise technology platform specifically designed for the unique needs of the financial services industry. The innovative and award-winning Abacus Private Cloud platform allows investment managers to source all technology needs as a service, offering the capacity to scale on demand to meet current and future cybersecurity, storage and compliance requirements. More than 350 investment firms rely on Abacus to connect directly to their data and applications via direct circuits with minimal on-site equipment. Abacus has offices in New York, NY; San Francisco, CA; Boston, MA; Dallas, TX; Greenwich, CT; Los Angeles, CA; Charlotte, NC; and London, England. For more information visit www.abacusgroupllc.com. For further information, please contact: Steve Kahan Jacqueline Velasco Thycotic Lumina Communications T: 202-802-9399 T: 408-680-0564 E: [email protected] E: [email protected] Laura Scott Articulate Communications T: 212-255-1203 E: [email protected] SOURCE Thycotic Related Links http://www.thycotic.com SANTA CLARA, California and BANGALORE, India, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Acceliant, a global leader in e-clinical data management solutions, today announced having won a Stevie Award at the 16th Annual American Business Awards, a premier business awards program in the US. Acceliant was honored with a Bronze Stevie Award in the 'New Product or Service of the Year - Software - Healthcare Technology Solution' category. For close to two decades now, Acceliant has been helping companies in the clinical trials segment streamline their processes, monetize costs, better manage risks, shorten product development lifecycles, and increase operational efficiencies. The company recently unveiled a new version of its eClinical Trial Management Solution (eClinical Suite), Acceliant 7.0.2. This version, powered by Study Data Tabulation Module (SDTM), has new upgrades on randomization, multi-trial management and an improved mobile app user interface. Speaking on receiving the recognition, Prashant Bhavaraju - Chief Marketing Officer at Acceliant, said, "We're delighted about Acceliant being named the 'Product of the Year' by the American Business Awards. Our eClinical Suite version 7.0.2 offers a comprehensive set of solutions facilitating faster, smoother, and efficient clinical research. The Stevie Award from industry experts further reinforces the value we bring to our clients." About the Stevie Awards Stevie Awards are conferred in seven programs: the Asia-Pacific Stevie Awards, the German Stevie Awards, The American Business Awards, The International Business Awards, the Stevie Awards for Women in Business, the Stevie Awards for Great Employers, and the Stevie Awards for Sales & Customer Service. Stevie Awards competitions receive more than 10,000 entries each year from organizations in more than 60 nations. Honoring organizations of all types and sizes and the people behind them, the Stevies recognize outstanding performances in the workplace worldwide. Learn more about the Stevie Awards at http://www.StevieAwards.com. About Acceliant Acceliant provides real-time, integrated clinical trial solutions for life sciences, CROs and pharma tools and expertise to take intelligent and smarter decisions. Its eClinical Suite allows users to build studies, design electronic case report forms (eCRFs), capture data through multiple sources (EDC), capture data directly from patients (ePRO), and manage other clinical data management functions. Media Contact: Prashant Bhavaraju Chief Marketing Officer Acceliant [email protected] +1-408-387-5800 https://www.acceliant.com SOURCE Acceliant LAKE ZURICH, Ill., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE:ACCO), one of the world's largest designers, marketers and manufacturers of branded academic, consumer and business products, today announced that it has signed a definitive agreement to acquire GOBA Internacional, S.A. de C.V. ("GOBA"), a leading provider of school and craft products in Mexico, for a cash purchase price of approximately US$31 million, subject to working capital and other adjustments. The estimated full-year incremental sales contribution to ACCO Brands would be approximately US$41 million and would raise total annual sales of the company's business in Mexico to approximately US$90 million. The transaction is expected to result in modest adjusted earnings per share accretion and adjusted EBITDA of US$6 million on an annualized basis. The transaction is expected to be consummated in the next 60 days. "We are very excited to increase our presence in faster-growing consumer and school product segments with the addition of strong brands such as Barrilito," said Boris Elisman, Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer of ACCO Brands. "These brands and products increase our penetration with wholesalers and retailers throughout Mexico and complement our existing distribution in the country." About GOBA GOBA is a premier marketer and seller of school and craft products in Mexico. Its leading brands include Barrilito, Colop, Delta, Sizzix and Acme. About ACCO Brands Corporation ACCO Brands Corporation is one of the world's largest designers, marketers and manufacturers of branded academic, consumer and business products. Our widely recognized brands include Artline, AT-A-GLANCE, Derwent, Esselte, Five Star, GBC, Hilroy, Kensington, Leitz, Mead, Quartet, Rapid, Rexel, Swingline, Tilibra, Wilson Jones, and many others. Our products are sold in more than 100 countries around the world. More information about ACCO Brands, the Home of Great Brands Built by Great People, can be found at www.accobrands.com. Non-GAAP Financial Measures This press release contains forward-looking non-GAAP adjusted earnings per share and adjusted earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization ("EBITDA"). We do not provide a reconciliation of forward-looking adjusted earnings per share or adjusted EBITDA to the most directly comparable GAAP financial measure because the GAAP financial measure is not accessible on a forward-looking basis and reconciling information is not available without unreasonable effort due to the inherent difficulty of forecasting and quantifying certain amounts that are necessary for such a reconciliation, including adjustments that could be made for restructuring, integration and acquisition related expenses, the variability of our tax rate and other charges reflected in our historical numbers. The probable significance of each of these items is high and, based on historical experience, could be material. We use these non-GAAP financial measures both in the internal evaluation and management of our business and to explain our results to stockholders and the investment community. In addition, senior management's incentive compensation is derived, in part, using adjusted earnings per share. We believe these measures provide management and investors with a more complete understanding of our underlying operational results and trends, facilitate meaningful comparisons and enhance an overall understanding of our past financial performance and our future prospects. These non-GAAP financial measures provide an indication of our baseline performance before gains, losses or other charges that we considered to be outside our core operating results. These non-GAAP financial measures exclude certain items that may have a material impact upon our reported financial results such as unusual income tax items, restructuring and integration charges, acquisition-related expenses, foreign currency fluctuations, and other one-time or non-recurring items. These measures should not be considered in isolation or as a substitute for, or superior to, the directly comparable GAAP financial measure and should be read in connection with the company's financial statements presented in accordance with GAAP. Forward-Looking Statements Statements contained in this press release, other than statements of historical fact, particularly those anticipating future financial performance, business prospects, growth, operating strategies and similar matters are "forward-looking statements" within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995. These statements are subject to certain risks and uncertainties and are made as of the date hereof. We undertake no duty or obligation to update them. Because actual results may differ materially from those suggested or implied by such forward-looking statements, you should not place undue reliance on them when deciding whether to buy, sell or hold the company's securities. Among the factors that could affect our results or cause our plans, actions and results to differ materially from current expectations are: the risk that material conditions to the closing of the acquisition of GOBA may not be satisfied; the risk that the acquisition of GOBA may not be completed; the length of time necessary to consummate the acquisition of GOBA; our ability to realize the synergies, growth opportunities and other potential benefits of acquiring GOBA and successfully combining it with our existing business; the effect of foreign currency fluctuations, and other risks and uncertainties described in "Part I, Item 1A. Risk Factors" in our Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2017, and in other reports we file with the SEC. SOURCE ACCO Brands Corporation Related Links http://accobrands.com "The incredible support of mental health awareness from Sen. Newell, Mr. Torlakson, and Ms. Dittmar has proven that they are true advocates. Their commitment to making changes in policy through both statewide legislation and personal action have made a difference in their communities, and made them all allies in AFSP's mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide," said John Madigan, vice president of public policy for AFSP . Colorado State Senator Linda Newell In the Colorado Senate, Sen. Newell successfully introduced multiple bills aimed at helping to expand suicide prevention efforts and resources for Colorado residents, addressing children, families, and mental and behavioral health. Tom Torlakson, California State Superintendent of Public Instruction As California's state superintendent of public education, Mr. Torlarkson played a direct role in the 2012 creation of the Student Mental Health Policy Workgroup, which aims to improve student mental health through policy recommendations on early identification, referral, and access to services. Allysa Dittmar, Communications and Policy Manager for Maryland Gov. Larry Hogan Ms. Dittmar has been instrumental in bringing about positive policy change throughout Maryland, and worked closely on the "text-to-911" system, a policy initiative to allow people with hearing or speech disabilities to send and receive text messages with 911 operators that was recently adopted in Maryland. Over 200 advocates from AFSP, from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, were present to acknowledge the work of these life-saving champions. The AFSP advocates were in Washington, D.C. for four days to meet with their members of Congress to encourage them to invest in mental health and suicide prevention. The awards program included other awards given to volunteers who have lost loved ones to suicide or who have their own lived experience with a suicide attempt and advocate for suicide prevention, along with other state elected officials along with other leaders in the field. ** Photos of the awards being presented available upon request. ** About the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. AFSP celebrates 30 years of service to the suicide prevention movement. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Related Links http://www.afsp.org IRVINE, Calif., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- AIVITA Biomedical announced today the randomization of its first patient in the Company's Phase II clinical trial for newly diagnosed advanced ovarian cancer. The double-blind study will enroll approximately 99 patients who will receive AIVITA's patient-specific ovarian cancer vaccine, or a control agent. This milestone achievement is the first application of AIVITA's new ROOT OF CANCER technology, a revolutionary immunotherapy that targets cancer-initiating cells. AIVITA has received seven patient tumor specimens from a single clinical site, and has successfully generated a treatment for each patient, yielding a 100% manufacturing success rate. Given the success of patient recruitment and manufacturing, AIVITA will now expand the clinical study to multiple centers. "I'm very proud that our AIVITA team has so clearly demonstrated feasibility and reproducibility in manufacturing these patient-specific treatments," said Dr. Robert Dillman, AIVITA's Chief Medical Officer. "Quick, reliable and cost-effective production is critical for the viability of both patient and company." AIVITA's ROOT OF CANCER technology may soon be applied to both melanoma and glioblastoma multiforme patients. The Company is seeking approval to commercialize the treatment of melanoma patients in Japan and was recently approved to conduct a Phase 2 clinical study in glioblastoma multiforme by the US FDA. About Ovarian Cancer Ovarian cancer is the fifth most common cause of female cancer deaths, with an estimated 22,240 new diagnoses in 2018 and 14,070 deaths. The median age at diagnosis is 63, with a 5-year survival rate of less than 50% for all, and about 35% for the two thirds who have advanced disease (stage III or IV) at the time of initial diagnosis. Current standard of care includes surgical debulking and several courses of chemotherapy. About ROOT OF CANCER AIVITA's treatment is a platform technology applicable to most solid tumor types and consists of autologous dendritic cells loaded with autologous tumor antigens from autologous self-renewing tumor-initiating cells. The ovarian Phase II double-blind study will enroll approximately 99 patients who will be randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive either the autologous dendritic cell vaccine or autologous monocytes as a comparator. Patients eligible for randomization and treatment will be those (1) who have undergone debulking surgery, (2) for whom a cell line has been established, (3) who have undergone leukapheresis from which sufficient monocytes were obtained, and (4) have an ECOG performance grade of 0 or 1 (Karnofsky score of 70-100%). For additional information about AIVITA's AVOVA-1 trial patients can visit www.clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02033616 About AIVITA Biomedical AIVITA Biomedical is a privately held company engaged in the advancement of commercial and clinical-stage programs utilizing curative and regenerative medicines. Founded in 2016 by pioneers in the stem cell industry, AIVITA Biomedical utilizes its expertise in stem cell growth and directed, high-purity differentiation to enable safe, efficient and economical manufacturing systems which support its commercial line of skin care products and therapeutic pipeline. All proceeds from the sale of AIVITA's skin care products support the treatment of women with ovarian cancer. SOURCE AIVITA Biomedical Related Links http://www.aivitabiomedical.com JERUSALEM, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- More than 1,000 people from around the world attending the 2018 AJC Global Forum gathered yesterday at Jerusalem's Davidson Center in a public display of love of Israel, devotion to Jerusalem, and solidarity with diaspora and Israeli Jews seeking religious equality. Among the speakers were former ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro and member of Knesset Rachel Azaria (Kulanu). The Davidson Center lies adjacent to the Azarat Yisrael, a section of the Western Wall set aside for pluralistic prayer services. Harriet Schleifer, Chair of AJC's Board of Governors and the former president of her Conservative synagogue, addressed the issue head-on in her opening remarks. "The controversy over pluralistic prayers at the Western Wall symbolizes unresolved tensions within Israeli society over what kind of state Israel will be," she said. Schleifer pointed out that these tensions not only affect Israel, but also play a significant role in Israel's relations with diaspora Jewry. "American Jews, 85% of whom identify themselves as conservative or reform, often feel alienated by statements emanating from Israel's Jewish establishment," Schleifer said. "[Lack of] full equality and pluralism in Israel over time may weaken American Jewish support for Israel." MK Azaria, who describes herself as an Orthodox Jew, echoed Schleifer's concerns from an Israeli point of view. "We recognize that the organization responsible for the tear between the Israeli and American Jewish community is the Rabbinate," she said. "We have to break the monopoly of the Rabbinate," she continued, to applause. However, Azaria also added that this could take 10-15 years, given political realities. Shapiro, who also stressed the need for a greater sense of Jewish unity and mutual understanding, addressed the results of a recent survey conducted by AJC. It shows a wide gap between the views of American and Israeli Jews on a number of issues, including attitudes toward the peace process, views of President Donald Trump, and the role of American Jews in Israel. "Let those of us living in the diaspora reinvigorate our commitment to Israel in the face of threats, of terror, of unconscionable calls for its destruction. Let those in Israel express with open minds and open hearts that Jews based in communities not in the Jewish homeland are fully part of the Jewish people," Shapiro said. Kim Pimley, an AJC officer and also a former president of a Conservative synagogue, concluded with her own call for Jewish unity. "We're not here to judge each other, but to work together, pull it together and be a light unto the nations," she said. The overriding importance of the relationship between American and Israeli Jews has been one of the core themes of this year's AJC Global Forum. It is the first time in AJC's 112-year history that the global Jewish advocacy organization's signature annual event has been held in Jerusalem or anywhere outside the United States. Earlier in the week, AJC leaders met with lawmakers at the Knesset and expressed concern over the growing rift between Diaspora Jews and Israel, especially about younger Jews potentially distancing themselves from Israel. SOURCE American Jewish Committee Related Links http://www.ajc.org ROHNERT PARK, Calif., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The skyrocketing cost of higher education is a huge problem, and there is plenty of blame to go around. Going to college has been the dream for millions of people and, once finished, the ability to advance onto the career track is almost inevitable. However, with the cost of education increasing, fewer individuals are able to see college as worthwhile. Ameritech Financial, a document preparation company that assists borrowers with federal repayment plan applications, recognizes this. Credit: Dean Drobot/Bigstock "As the price to attend college increases, we see our clients worry about whether or not they can justify the loans they took out to attend the college of their choice," says Tom Knickerbocker, Executive Vice President of Ameritech Financial. According to Adam Looney at Brookings Institution, "the share of students graduating with more than $50,000 in student debt has more than tripled since 2000. Among these borrowers, we're seeing a troubling trend: They're repaying their loans more slowly, if at all." Though repaying slowly doesn't sound ideal, for many people this does turn out to be the best option. Low-income borrowers and those with large families can benefit from income-driven repayment plans (IDRs), which could mean fewer defaults and greater financial success in the long term. With the cost of attending college skyrocketing, people are pausing before making the critical decision whether or not to attend. Often times, in order to attend they turn to private loans which tend to be less flexible than federal loans that have various repayment options, including IDRs. "At Ameritech Financial, we help borrowers apply for IDRs that can potentially reduce payments and hopefully improve their financial situation," said Knickerbocker. "We hope that our services will enable them to work toward their goals and not worry as much about their student loans." 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 living-the-dream.jpg Living the Dream Credit: Dean Drobot/Bigstock image2.png Related Links Ameritech Financial home page Related Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRza8MbLvuM SOURCE Ameritech Financial Related Links https://ameritechfinancial.com MESA, Ariz., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Angry Crab Shack, a leading full-service Cajun seafood restaurant specializing in boiled shellfish flavored with signature sauces, is gearing up for nationwide expansion with the recent announcement of its franchise opportunity. Following initial success with seven locations open across Arizona, the brand looks to continue momentum by partnering with local entrepreneurs in metropolitan cities across the southwestern United States. In five years, the brand aims to have awarded 100 locations nationwide. With Americans increasing their seafood intake every year, Angry Crab Shack is capitalizing on the growing trend of seafood boils to bring family and friends together for a memorable and unique dining experience. With simple interiors and kitchen operations, and low entry cost, Angry Crab Shack locations have experienced high success, with average unit volume above $3 million, as well as dramatic year-to-year sales increases. Targeted franchise expansion states include Arizona, Colorado, Nebraska, Nevada, New Mexico, as well as Utah in 2018. "We have built the infrastructure to grow through the franchise model and we're confident we'll flourish in metropolitan cities," said Ron Lou, Founder of Angry Crab Shack. "We truly pride ourselves on the originality and high-quality we serve our guests and are seeking franchise partners who are passionate about the restaurant and seafood industry as we elevate our brand to new heights." Angry Crab Shack draws on Cajun and Asian flavors as well as a fun food presentation and a laid-back environment to create an unparalleled dining experience for guests. Best known for using the freshest ingredients, Angry Crab Shack sources lobster from the East Coast, Dungeness Crab from the Pacific Northwest, King and Snow Crab from Alaskan waters, and crawfish from the Gulf of Mexico. Guests can expect a fun family experience where they can throw on a bib, roll up their sleeves, and dig in. The brand offers a variety of boils including, shrimp, crawfish, lobster, crab and more. "Our passion is to give our guests high-quality and delicious seafood in a fun and vibrant casual dining environment," added Lou. "We love groups both big and small and celebrations of every kind. Every visit to an Angry Crab Shack should be one that creates lasting memories between family and friends while sharing an unforgettable meal. Our affordable price point allows guess of all kinds to visit, while our low operating costs keep franchise owners thriving." Low operating costs paired with a second-generation real estate strategy, exceptional corporate support, and fantastic sales positions Angry Crab as an attractive investment opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to enter the full-service restaurant industry - initial investment ranges between $450,000 to $850,000. For more information about the Angry Crab Shack franchise opportunity, visit https://www.angrycrabfranchise.com/ About Angry Crab Shack Founded in 2013 by Ron Lou, Angry Crab Shack is a fun, casual Cajun seafood restaurant specializing in boiled shellfish flavored with signature sauces. Headquartered in Mesa, Ariz., the brand began franchising in 2017 and currently operates six corporate locations with one franchise location. Angry Crab Shack aims to have 100 locations open and operating by 2023. For more information, visit https://www.angrycrabfranchise.com/. SOURCE Angry Crab Shack SAN DIEGO, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Avelas Biosciences, Inc., a clinical stage oncology-focused platform technology company that is developing products to advance a new standard-of-care for cancer surgery and therapeutic intervention, today announced that Carmine N. Stengone, President and Chief Executive Officer, will present at the JMP Securities Life Sciences Conference on Thursday, June 21, 2018, at 1:30 p.m. EDT (10:30 a.m. PDT) in New York City. About Avelas Biosciences Avelas Biosciences is a San Diego-based biotechnology company focused on developing products to advance a new standard-of-care for cancer surgery and therapeutic intervention. The company's lead candidate, AVB-620, has completed a Phase 1b clinical trial assessing safety, pharmacokinetics and fluorescence properties using tissue image analysis. A Phase 2 clinical trial for AVB-620 in breast cancer is ongoing. In addition, the company is advancing a therapeutic program, which utilizes the same technology platform. Avelas was founded on technology from Roger Y. Tsien, Ph.D., co-winner of the 2008 Nobel Prize in chemistry. For additional information, please visit www.avelasbio.com. SOURCE Avelas Biosciences, Inc. Related Links http://www.avelasbio.com NEW YORK, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Award-winning actress/producer Nyle Lynn stands her Brooklyn ground opposite acting heavyweight Vincent Pastore (The Sopranos) in the new indie film, THE KIDS MENU, screening as an 'Official Selection' at the SOHO International Film Festival on June 17th. Nyle has already earned 5 'Best Actress' awards for her role as the headstrong 'Kat' at the LA Shorts Awards, Los Angeles Film Awards, London Independent Film Awards, NYC Indie Film Awards and New York Film Awards. 'THE KIDS MENU' starring Nyle Lynn and Vincent Pastore to screen at SOHO Int'l Film Festival on June 17, 2018 Award-winning Actress/Producer NYLE LYNN (photographer: Shane Maritch) Directed by the award-winning Paul Borghese from a script by Pulitzer nominated writer Richard Vetere, THE KIDS MENU tells a clashing tale of Old School Brooklyn vs. New School Brooklyn at the local pizzeria. When set-in-his-ways Italian pizzeria owner Pete 'Pugs' Puglisi (Pastore) meets modern mom Kat (Nyle), tensions and calorie counts rise. The result is a comedic look at the serious issue of hyper-gentrification that is closing so many beloved 'mom-and-pop' shops all over New York. For his role, Pastore earned the Spirit of New York Award at the Big Apple Film Festival, adding "Nyle Lynn is a wonderful actor and a great first time producer." Borghese also shares, "Nyle Lynn is easy to direct and she's also a natural comedic actress!" Nyle immediately knew the film was special, explaining, "I go to a lot of script reading workshops and as soon as I heard this one, I told Richard (Vetere) -- I wanna make your play into a movie. He was excited and very generously offered to bring on his friends, Vinny (Pastore) and Paulie (Borghese), to act and direct." Produced under her Collaborative Media Productions banner, Nyle also brought in executive producers Maayan Schneider, Michelle Felice Hartley, Massiel Hernandez and Kelly Karavites; and editor Shane Maritch, executive consultant Mim Paquin, celebrity makeup artist Gina Nicora and casting director Helene Galek to name a few. Plus, Borghese enlisted actor Mario Macaluso (Boardwalk Empire), who allowed them to shoot at his local pizzeria, Pete's Brooklyn Eats. After SOHO, THE KIDS MENU will continue on its successful festival run at the Jersey Shore Film Festival this August. THE KIDS MENU - SOHO International Film Festival / 'NY Filmmakers Series' Date/Time: Sunday, June 17, 2018 at 11:00AM 2:00PM Venue: Village East Cinema (189 2nd Avenue, Auditorium # 1, NYC 10003) Tickets/Info: www.sohofilmfest.com Watch THE KIDS MENU movie trailer at: https://vimeo.com/274775707 For more about NYLE LYNN visit: www.NyleLynn.com THE KIDS MENU visit: facebook.com/KidsMenuMovie Media Contact: Tammy Lynn, Spotlight PR Company 310-867-1952 / [email protected] SOURCE Collaborative Media Productions SAN FRANCISCO, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Bank of the West today announced that it will join Early Warning's Zelle Network to offer customers a fast, safe and easy way to make person-to-person (P2P) payments. To be embedded into the Bank of the West digital banking app, Bank of the West customers will have access to payments with Zelle in the second quarter of 2018. "Bank of the West is excited to be able to partner with Zelle to provide our retail customers with a quick and easy way to send and receive money to people they know and trust, directly from the Bank of the West app," said Ryan Bailey, Bank of the West Executive Vice President, Head of the Retail Banking Group. "As the banking world becomes increasingly digital, Bank of the West is committed to meeting our customers at their conveniencewhether in a local branch or on a smartphone." Changing the way money moves, Zelle allows for funds to be sent from one bank account to another generally in minutes1, using only a recipient's email address or mobile number. Send Money with Zelle is conveniently available within the Bank of the West mobile banking app, alongside other helpful tools, such as Quick Balance, Mobile Deposit, Scan-to-Pay and an ATM and Branch Locator. Download the Bank of the West mobile app for your Apple or Android device here. For more information about Bank of the West, visit BankoftheWest.com and The Blog. About Zelle Brought to you by Early Warning, an innovator in payment and risk management solutions, Zelle makes it easy, fast and safe for money to move. The Zelle Network connects the nation's leading financial institutions, enabling consumers to send fast person-to-person payments to friends, family and people they trust with a bank account in the U.S. Funds are available directly in consumer bank accounts generally within minutes when the recipient is already enrolled with Zelle. To learn more about Zelle and participating financial institutions, visit http://www.zellepay.com. About Bank of the West Bank of the West is a financial services company headquartered in San Francisco with $89.5 billion in assets as of March 31, 2018. Founded in 1874, Bank of the West provides a wide range of personal, commercial, wealth management and international banking services through more than 600 branches and offices in 23 states and digital channels. Bank of the West is a subsidiary of BNP Paribas, a leading bank in Europe, which has a presence in 74 countries with more than 192,000 employees. To learn more about Bank of the West, visit About Us via BankoftheWest.com. Deposit and loan products offered by Bank of the West, Member FDIC and Equal Housing Lender. In South Dakota, Bank of the West operates under the name Bank of the West California. Bank of the West Wealth Management offers products and services through Bank of the West and its various affiliates and subsidiaries. Zelle and the Zelle related marks are wholly owned by Early Warning Services, LLC. Connect with us 1 Transactions typically occur in minutes between enrolled users. If the recipient is not enrolled with Zelle, the transfer could take between 1 and 3 days once they enroll. SOURCE Bank of the West Related Links http://www.bankofthewest.com ESPOO, Finland, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Basware, the global leader in networked source-to-pay solutions, e-invoicing and innovative financing services, has entered into a reseller and implementation partnership with Consus Global. The agreement strengthens Basware's reseller base especially in APAC. "We are happy to announce that Consus will start selling and implementing Basware offering as a value-added reseller in Asia as well as in the US and the UK. Consus is a great addition to Basware's partner ecosystem and yet another example of our strong focus on partnerships," says Ilari Nurmi, SVP Business Development & Alliances, Basware. "With the rising demand in opportunities around accounts payable automation in many of the markets that we operate, we are very excited about the partnership with Basware. Basware clearly has best-in-class solutions and processes built into their accounts payable and e-invoicing solutions and open B2B network. We look forward to making a significant impact with our customers on optimizing their working capital, automating accounts payable and providing smart analytics," continues Shantanu Bhowmick, Chairman & CEO, Consus Global. Consus Global is a procurement solutions integrator and services provider with offices in Malaysia, Philippines, India, Singapore, UAE, UK, USA and Canada. In 2017, Consus was rated in the top 10 procurement services providers for Asia by APAC CIO Forum. Contact: [email protected] About Basware: Basware is the global leader in providing networked source-to-pay solutions, e-invoicing and innovative financing services. Basware's commerce and financing network connects businesses in over 100 countries and territories around the globe. As the largest open business network in the world, Basware provides scale and reach for organizations of all sizes, enabling them to grow their business and unlock value across their operations by simplifying and streamlining financial processes. Small and large companies around the world achieve significant cost savings, more flexible payment terms, greater efficiencies and closer relationships with their suppliers. Find out more at www.basware.com. Follow Basware on Twitter: @Basware, join the discussion on the Basware LinkedIn, Basware Facebook and Basware Blog. SOURCE Basware Related Links http://basware.com "BJ's is committed to nourishing our communities and helping families thrive, and we're excited to support Feeding Tampa Bay's Hunger-Free Summer Mobile Pantry Program," said Kirk Saville, executive director, BJ's Charitable Foundation. "Hunger-relief programs are crucial for children and families who lose access to school lunches in the summer. Through our partnership with Feeding America, we're helping to provide access to fresh, healthy food to families when school is out for the summer." With BJ's $50,000 grant, Feeding Tampa Bay will increase the number of mobile food pantries it operates to 114, enabling the food bank to reach more children and expand its efforts to mitigate childhood hunger. "Feeding Tampa Bay tries to reach more families and children each year through our mobile pantry program," said Thomas Mantz, executive director, Feeding Tampa Bay. "During the summer, child hunger spikes as students no longer receive their daily meals at school. With BJ's generous support, we will be able to increase the number of healthy meals and snacks we distribute and increase our impact on child hunger this summer." During the school year, more than 22 million children receive free or reduced-price meals through the National School Lunch and Breakfast Programs. In the summer months, fewer than 4 million children receive free or reduced-priced meals through the USDA Summer Food Service Program. From mobile and school pantries to congregate meal sites in public areas like summer camps, the Feeding America network operates different program models to increase the number of meals provided to children over the summer. Since 2009, BJ's has provided ongoing support to Feeding America through the BJ's Charitable Foundation and BJ's Feeding Communities program, helping local food banks successfully expand their programs to reach wider and more diverse audiences. In addition to summer programming and capacity-building grants from the BJ's Charitable Foundation, BJ's has secured over 70 million pounds of donated food, including fresh produce, frozen meats and fish, baked goods and dairy items, and helped distribute 58 million meals to neighbors in need through the BJ's Feeding Communities program. To learn more about the BJ's, visit BJs.com. About BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. Headquartered in Westborough, Massachusetts, BJ's Wholesale Club Holdings, Inc. is the leading operator of membership warehouse clubs in the Eastern United States. The company currently operates 215 clubs and 134 BJ's Gas locations in 16 states. BJ's provides a one-stop shopping destination filled with top-quality, leading brands, including its exclusive Wellsley Farms and Berkley Jensen brands, along with USDA Choice meats, premium produce and delicious organics, many in supermarket sizes. BJ's is also the only major membership warehouse club to accept all manufacturers' coupons. About Feeding Tampa Bay Founded in 1982, Feeding Tampa Bay is the largest food rescue and distribution organization in the community, serving a food-insecure population of more than 700,000 people in a 10-county area. Feeding Tampa Bay recovers surplus food donations from local growers, manufacturers, supermarkets, and organized community food drives and distributes it to those in need through a partnership network of more than 500 faith-based and other incorporated nonprofit hunger relief organizations. Over the past five years, Feeding Tampa Bay supplied more than 100 million pounds of food, enough to provide more than 3 million meals every month to those who would otherwise go hungry. www.FeedingTampaBay.org SOURCE BJ's Wholesale Club Related Links http://www.bjs.com PANAMA CITY, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. ("Bladex" or "the Bank") today announced the signing of its participation in the Trade Guaranties Program of Banco Nacional de Comercio Exterior (or "Bancomext Program" or "Program"), to foster Mexico's commercial activity and enhance its integration with the rest of the Latin-American and Caribbean Region. The guaranties under the Bancomext Program are applicable to the import and export of Mexican goods and services, as well as to the execution of projects supporting both, the cross border expansion of Mexican companies, and foreign direct investment towards Mexico. Bladex, through its participation in the Program, contributes to the regional economic integration and boosts the trade flows dynamics across the Region. The Program aims to cover financing transactions mainly in the consumer, intermediate and capital goods sectors, transportation equipment, and project finance. Bancomext is a Mexican development bank and export credit agency, founded in 1937 to promote and finance exports of goods and services. Bladex, a multinational bank originally established by the central banks of Latin-American and Caribbean countries, began operations in 1979 to promote foreign trade and economic integration in the Region. The Bank, headquartered in Panama, also has offices in Argentina, Brazil, Colombia, Mexico, Peru, and the United States of America, supporting the regional expansion and servicing its customer base, which includes financial institutions and corporations. Bladex is listed on the NYSE in the United States of America (NYSE: BLX), since 1992, and its shareholders include: central banks and state-owned banks and entities representing 23 Latin American countries; commercial banks and financial institutions; and institutional and retail investors through its public listing. For further information on Bladex, please access its website at www.bladex.com or contact: Monica Cosulich VP, Finance and Investor Relations E-mail address: [email protected]. Tel.: +(507) 210-8563 Head Office Address: Torre V, Business Park, Avenida La Rotonda, Urb. Cosa del Este, Panama, Republic of Panama SOURCE Banco Latinoamericano de Comercio Exterior, S.A. (Bladex) Related Links http://www.bladex.com The Pod Hotels' Pod Pads are living suites varying from 600-800 square feet, designed for those interested in extended-stay options or even long-term leases. On the heels of the successful launch of the brand's flagship hotel, the implementation of this new residential offering continues to revolutionize the way guests travel, offering smart design, affordability, and convenience. Further adding to that flexibility is the extreme ease of leasing a Pod Pad; unlike typical New York apartments, there is no broker fee or security deposit needed. Guests are free to pay by credit card with no fee, and even receive priority access to The Polynesian, the property's tiki-themed bar that opened in May by Major Food Group , with a charge account. This is in addition to all the perks one can expect from a Pod Hotel: vibrant communal spaces and events, bar and full-service restaurant, housekeeping, cable and WiFi, and downstairs concierge. With rates starting at $4,000 per month, Pod Pads can be booked directly through The Pod Hotels website for up to four months; for longer stays, guests can contact the hotel. Guests can choose from three layouts one bedroom, one bath; small two bedroom, two bath; and large two bedroom, two bath with each unit featuring a kitchen and living room. The design concept for the Pod Pads is mid-century modern and features walnut flooring, Maharam living room rugs, and Kitchen Aid appliances. Decor is classic and sophisticated, with pops of bright colors to create a cheerful and inviting atmosphere. Each unit features floor-to-ceiling windows to maximize light and showcase the city's surroundings. Exclusively available for Pod Pad tenants, the property will feature two floors of amenities, including a fitness center and indoor/outdoor guest lounge on the top floor boasting stunning panoramic views of the city's West Side and Hudson River. True to its flagship status, Pod Times Square boasts 665 rooms across 28 floors in addition to the 45 Pod Pads which include queen and bunk bed configurations averaging around 115 square feet each, with features like built-in storage and high-tech amenities allowing guests to stream media content from smartphones or other devices. Pod Times Square is just minutes away from the lively Hell's Kitchen neighborhood, which offers some of New York City's best cuisine, as well as trendy bars and nightlife. A short walk to the Times Square subway hub, guests and tenants can explore all of what the city has to offer in its convenient location. Pod Times Square rates start at $159/night. "With the opening of our newest addition to The Pod Hotels family, we are excited to introduce the concept of Pod Pads our innovative version of extended-stay living," says Richard Born, co-founder of BD Hotels. "We have designed these residences to blur the lines between apartment and hotel living." About The Pod Hotels Hoteliers Richard Born and Ira Drukier developed The Pod Hotels' successful micro-hotel concept to accommodate the needs of today's savvy, "young-minded" traveler. The Pod Hotels was the first to introduce the micro-hotel model to New York City in 2007 with the launch of the original Pod Hotel, Pod 51, in Midtown East. Offering guests efficient, clean accommodations averaging 120 square feet, and vibrant communal spaces and high-tech amenities, the hotel's values of affordability, community, and innovation immediately became a success. The Pod Hotels launched a second outpost, Pod 39, in June 2012, expanding on the formula of the original, introducing guests to a rooftop lounge, a vibrant communal "Play Room," Salvation Taco restaurant, and wall-mounted iPads and projection screens. Continuing with the micro-hotel phenomenon, The Pod Hotels launched the third Pod Hotel, Pod DC, making it the first property to be established outside of New York City. The fourth property, Pod BK, opened in late 2017 and the fifth and flagship property, Pod Times Square, opened its doors in January 2018. The brand also recently broke ground on Pod Philly, located on the corner of 19th and Ludlow Street in Philadelphia's Center City. The DC and Philadelphia properties are operated by Modus, a Washington, D.C. lifestyle hotel group. Pod Times Square rates start at $159/night. thepodhotel.com / @thepodhotels Media Contact Michael Olson / Morgan Shapiro NJF, an MMGY Global Company (212) 228-1500 [email protected] / [email protected] SOURCE The Pod Hotels Related Links http://www.thepodhotel.com Bright Pattern has propelled its product and team forward over the last 6 months to unveil a customer service platform at CCW with unparalleled cloud-first omnichannel technology. Bright Pattern will be at CCW booth #908 giving live demos of key features from our Spring 2018 release, including: Our easy-to-use agent workplace with all-new UI Customer identification and context recognition Unique disaster containment management Enterprise process automation Modular Artificial Intelligence (AI) assist and bots At the CCW event, see why Bright Pattern's cloud customer experience platform is the most effortless solution available. Easier and faster for customers: Enable customers to have a single continuous conversation across all channels. Allow them to start on the channel of their choice and move to different channels naturally, as needed, with the same agent. Enable customers to have a single continuous conversation across all channels. Allow them to start on the channel of their choice and move to different channels naturally, as needed, with the same agent. Engaging and efficient for agents: Agents can see each step of the customer journey in the omnichannel desktop. Whether a customer chats on the website and then calls, texts, or visits a mobile app, agents have a complete view of the customer, in context. The entire customer journey and all history is available to agents so they can offer a personalized customer experience. Agents can see each step of the customer journey in the omnichannel desktop. Whether a customer chats on the website and then calls, texts, or visits a mobile app, agents have a complete view of the customer, in context. The entire customer journey and all history is available to agents so they can offer a personalized customer experience. AI and bots for better customer experience: Companies of any size can easily include bots or other emerging messaging channels with AI as part of the omnichannel conversation. Self-service bots can handle easier transactions and route complex interactions to a live agent with all context passed as one easy conversation. Bright Pattern is led by industry veterans, including Michael McCloskey as Chief Executive Officer, Konstantin Kishinsky as Chief Technology Officer, and Brian Hays, who joined as Senior Vice President of Sales in Q1 of 2018. More recently, Sergey Menshikov was appointed as Senior Vice President of Product Management, and Ted Hunting was hired as Senior Vice President of Marketing. "The executive hires and our recent product innovation all come as an effort to help customers deliver on their promise to provide exceptional customer experience," said Michael McCloskey, CEO of Bright Pattern. "Our product management and development organizations have done a phenomenal job, allowing Bright Pattern to unveil a product to the market that is powerful yet easy to use. We believe that the Bright Pattern solution will transform the contact center industry of today and set a new standard in customer service for the future." Visit Bright Pattern at CCW booth #908 to learn more about our cloud customer experience platform. If you can't stand the Vegas heat and are missing the event, click here to learn more about transitioning your contact center to the cloud! About Bright Pattern Bright Pattern's cloud contact center software simplifies omnichannel customer service for customers, agents, and contact center managers. Bright Pattern's cloud contact center solutions are used globally in over 26 countries and 12 languages by companies of all sizes. SOURCE Bright Pattern Related Links http://www.brightpattern.com CANDOR, N.Y., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Candor school district is now leveraging energy produced by its own solar power array, constructed with the help of BOCES, the state of New York and Renovus Solar. Due to the energy credits generated by the school's solar system, the district is on track to save more than $125,000 in electrical costs in 2018. The project is the brain-child of Candor Superintendent, Jeff Kisloski, and BOCES energy services coordinator Alwyn John. The solar array's construction was grafted on to existing plans to redevelop the districts transportation infrastructure. By re-designing a new bus garage and investing in solar, Jeff and his team were able to save local taxpayers more than $6.5 million on project costs and energy expenditures. "When we dove into the numbers, we found that it was financially irresponsible NOT to invest in this project," Jeff remarks. "With State Aid, we were able to offset 90% of the costs of the solar system, and the $125,000 we save a year on energy equals what would be a 2.5% savings on the tax burden." The project was completed within four months by Renovus Solar, Central New York's largest residential and commercial solar contractor. Kate Millar, VP of Development led the effort. "It was a pleasure to work with Jeff and his team, and we couldn't think of a better way to utilize solar power," says Ms. Millar. "Continuing to engage with the school district and its students will be a focus of our team moving forward. Solar is more than a way for the district to save money, it's a way to set an example for their students and educate them about the future of responsible energy production." Mr. Kisolski agrees and hopes that Candor's students can learn from the sound decision making of its administrative leaders. "The kids are going to grow up in a different world than we grew up in...I hope they see that their school district was creative and responsible when it came to making decisions about its energy consumption." Renovus and the school district hosted about 60 students on the farm to teach them about the investment in early May and will continue touring the school throughout the year. SOURCE Renovus Solar PETALUMA, Calif., Jun 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Planning is essential for a business' long-term success. But the way business leaders approach that planning can vary in both appearance and effectiveness. While some leaders have more of a big-picture mindset, others are able to dive into the nitty-gritty and focus on daily to-do lists. Brandon Frere, CEO of Frere Enterprises and other ventures, recommends a combined approach. "It's important to know where you want your business to be in three or five years, but you should also be able to establish concrete steps to get there," said Frere. "It's hard to do both, so I suggest hiring people who can cover your blind spots in both the planning stages and the follow-through." For the big picture plan, business owners may examine their hopes for where their business will be in three, five or even 10 years. Some individuals create vision boards or other visualizations that may help them get a comprehensive view of their goals. Once that big picture view is established, business leaders should create large projects that will help them work toward those goals. Then, they should focus on breaking down the project into actionable tasks that can be crossed off a to-do list. Projects might cover marketing, hiring, training, the customer experience, product or service delivery, and other components of the business. These projects may be complex, which can make planning actionable to-do lists difficult. When a project requires many moving parts, team leaders can approach roadblocks in a couple of different ways. Teams can try to collaborate with other teams to solve common problems or resolve issues within each team to save time for everyone. There are pros and cons to each, but the focus is on completing those to-do lists in service of the long-term projects and goals. "There are many ways to run a business, but keeping both long-term and short-term goals in mind is a good practice to stay on track," said Brandon Frere. "Of course, not everything goes to plan and those plans might need to be adjusted, but that's where the focus on both the long game and daily tasks is important. You never want to get buried under the daily to-do and end up in a future that you don't want for your business." About Frere Enterprises Brandon Frere is an entrepreneur and businessman who lives in Sonoma County, California. He has designed and created multiple companies to meet the ever-demanding needs of businesses and consumers alike. His company website, www.FrereEnterprises.com, is used as a means to communicate many of the lessons, fundamentals and information he has learned throughout his extensive business and personal endeavors, most recently in advocating on behalf of student loan borrowers nationwide. As experienced during his own student loan repayment, Mr. Frere found out how difficult it can be to work with federally contracted student loan servicers and the repayment programs designed to help borrowers. Through those efforts, he gained an insider's look into the repayment process and the motivations behind the inflating student loan debt bubble. His knowledge of the confusing landscape of student loan repayment became a vital theme in his future endeavors, and he now uses those experiences to help guide others through the daunting process of applying for available federal repayment and loan forgiveness programs. FrereEnterprises.com Related Images planning-for-the-future.jpg Planning for the Future Credit: PixelsAway/Bigstock image2.png Related Links Frere Enterprises home page SOURCE Frere Enterprises Related Links https://frereenterprises.com As a leading North American building products manufacturer, CertainTeed has been a dedicated partner of HFOT by donating an extensive portfolio of products to approximately 120 homes of the more than 250 completed by the HFOT initiative. CertainTeed's involvement has evolved over time from donating various building products to a more formal partnership over the past five years, being an exclusive provider of roofing, insulation, drywall and siding/outdoor living products. Additionally, CertainTeed's involvement with this top-rated charity, based on the rating of Charity Navigator, has included many CertainTeed employees who actively participate in HFOT community build events. "We're excited to extend our support and continue our partnership with Homes For Our Troops by donating our innovative products to help build specially adapted custom homes for post-9/11 Veterans and their families," said Mark Rayfield, CEO of CertainTeed. "It's an honor to serve our community and pay it forward to the Servicemembers and Veterans that help keep our nation safe." CertainTeed is proud to continue its commitment to provide products to the approximately 30 specially adapted custom homes built annually for post-9/11 Veterans. With the breadth and depth of products CertainTeed donates to the HFOT initiative, Veterans will have access to a variety of innovative and reliable options to seamlessly coordinate a home tailored to their personal taste. Each home is engineered to provide complete comfort to the Veteran, going beyond ADA compliance. In honor of Military Appreciation Month, representatives from Homes For Our Troops visited CertainTeed's headquarters to celebrate the commitment and to share their mission with CertainTeed employees. They also toured CertainTeed's building, which is a "living laboratory" in commercial building design focused on sustainability and comfort. "We are incredibly grateful to have CertainTeed as a national partner," said Bill Ivey, Executive Director of Homes For Our Troops. "Over the years, their exceptional support in product and in-kind donations has exceeded $1.6 million and has greatly accelerated our mission of building and donating specially adapted custom homes to severely injured post-9/11 Veterans. We are looking forward to continuing to work with CertainTeed and its great employees." To learn more about CertainTeed's Homes For Our Troops partnership, visit www.certainteed.com. About Homes For Our Troops Homes For Our Troops (HFOT) is a privately funded 501(c) (3) nonprofit organization that builds and donates specially adapted custom homes nationwide for severely injured post-9/11 Veterans, to enable them to rebuild their lives. Most of these Veterans have sustained life-altering injuries including multiple limb amputations, partial or full paralysis, and/or severe traumatic brain injury (TBI). These homes restore some of the freedom and independence our Veterans sacrificed while defending our country and enable them to focus on their family, recovery and rebuilding their lives. Since HFOT's founding in 2004, nearly 90 cents of every dollar has gone directly to the program services for Veterans. HFOT builds these homes where the Veterans choose to live and continues its relationship with the Veterans after home delivery to assist them with rebuilding their lives. www.hfotusa.org About CertainTeed Through the responsible development of innovative and sustainable building products, CertainTeed, headquartered in Malvern, Pennsylvania, has helped shape the building products industry for more than 110 years. Founded in 1904 as General Roofing Manufacturing Company, the firm's slogan, "Quality Made Certain, Satisfaction Guaranteed," inspired the name CertainTeed. Today, CertainTeed is a leading North American brand of exterior and interior building products, including roofing, siding, fence, decking, railing, trim, insulation, drywall, and ceilings. A subsidiary of Saint-Gobain, one of the world's largest and oldest building products companies, CertainTeed has more than 6,300 employees and more than 60 manufacturing facilities throughout the United States and Canada. The company had total sales of approximately $3.7 billion in 2017. www.certainteed.com. SOURCE CertainTeed Related Links http://www.certainteed.com AURORA, Ill., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Chronos Imaging, the US based manufacturer and distributor of diagnostic imaging medical devices and solutions, today announced it has shipped its one hundredth CT X-Ray tube, just two months following the company's acquisition of the Aurora, Illinois manufacturing plant. The company surpassed the 100th tube milestone during the third week of May late last month. The rapid ramp up of the facility since February and return to quality production are a tribute to the dedication and experience of the existing Chronos team that was secured as part of the acquisition, inclusive 100% of the functional leadership team from the facility. The return to operation included a relentless focus on operational efficiency, yield optimization and a new framework for the Quality and Regulatory system deployed within the organization. The Company has also renewed its commitment to the highest quality of operational standards and regulatory compliance, and has received its FDA license, another 13 local, state and federal licenses and its ISO 13485 medical device certification as part of its regulatory program. A healthy new business pipeline and strong forward order book give a positive outlook for revenues and demonstrate that customer demand for the existing product portfolio continues to be robust. Given the growing market demand for new replacement tubes that are not available today in the market as well as new entrants into OEM CT manufacturing, the Company instituted an active recruitment program which is already yielding additions to the R&D, Engineering, Operations and other critical functional roles as the Company seeks to support its new product portfolio roadmap. Tamer Abbas, Director of Chronos Imaging commented: "We are delighted to announce the shipping of our one hundredth CT scanner tube. We returned to full production within weeks after the acquisition of the Aurora manufacturing plant with a more streamlined and productive operation ready to take advantage of the market opportunity. Today's news is testament to the hard work of the Aurora team and endorsement of the ongoing growth that we see in the CT market globally." Talking of the Company's operating priorities, Enza Pierce, Director of Operations added: "Chronos Imaging has an unmatched experience set and team of experts in manufacturing complex CT tube technologies that we are not only leveraging to support our current product portfolio but perhaps most importantly will be utilized to rapidly introduce new innovations in line with our R&D and product roadmap. We will continue to push improvements in yield, operating efficiency, quality and cost streamlining in conjunction with our R&D, Engineering and Supply Chain teams given the increasingly high expectations of customers and an aggressive competitive landscape." About Chronos Imaging Chronos Imaging is a US based company which focuses on the development, manufacturing and distribution of diagnostic imaging medical devices and solutions. Based in Aurora, Illinois, the company serves global healthcare operators and healthcare service companies to provide solutions that support the highest quality and delivery of patient care. Please visit our website www.chronosimaging.com to request more information. For questions regarding Chronos Imaging, please contact Rudy Piskule, email: [email protected] For recruitment enquiries or to send a CV, please email: [email protected] Related Links Website Recruitment Enquiries SOURCE Chronos Imaging Related Links http://www.chronosimaging.com SANTA BARBARA, California, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Clearwater Living has adopted the Yardi Senior Living Suite to prepare for fast growth of its senior living property portfolio, which includes both owned and managed assets, over the next 24 months. (Logo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/676064/Yardi_Logo.jpg ) The senior living provider is committed to providing top-quality amenities and experiences for its residents and chose Yardi as its software provider due to the company's longevity in the industry, focus on continued innovation and responsive customer support. "As we grow our company, one of the questions we face is how to best support the next generation of senior living residents with robust technology and systems," said Breck Austin, vice president of support services for Clearwater Living. "As our company is evolving we're attracting new limited partners and capital investors. When we say we're using Yardi, they don't ask us much more about our reporting processes. There's a strong reputation that comes with Yardi." Clearwater Living opened three senior living communities in the Western U.S. this spring and expects to manage 18 more by early 2020. The Yardi Senior Living Suite allows providers to manage resident care, finance, operations, marketing and leasing with a single connected solution. An important piece of the platform for Clearwater Living is the RENTCafe Senior Living portal, which residents and family members can use to make payments online and access resident records, statements and care details. A convenient resident app allows users to access the portal from any browser and mobile device. "To have your medical and electronic health care records all housed in one place with your property management and accounting database and an online portal for family members or residents, that's a great advantage in providing service in our space," Austin said. "We're proud to be part of the Clearwater Living vision to provide a standard-setting senior living experience," said Ray Elliott, vice president of senior living for Yardi. "The Clearwater Living team clearly sees the future when it comes to supporting residents and families through the use of standout software, and our platform is designed to make that support possible." Sign up for a webinar to learn more about the Yardi Senior Living Suite and how your community can benefit from RENTCafe Senior Living. About Clearwater Living Clearwater Living is committed to providing the most superior customer service and living experiences in the industry. The company is skilled in the acquisition, development, marketing and operations of senior living communities throughout the western United States. Clearwater communities are designed to include cutting-edge technologies and care services that improve the daily lives of seniors. About Yardi Yardi develops and supports industry-leading investment and property management software for all types and sizes of real estate companies. Established in 1984, Yardi is based in Santa Barbara, Calif., and serves clients worldwide. For more information on how Yardi is Energized for Tomorrow, visit yardi.com. SOURCE Yardi ALEXANDRIA, Va., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Code of Support Foundation today introduced PATRIOTlink, the nation's first cloud-based resource solution that enables any user free access to vetted, direct, cost-free, veteran services. PATRIOTlink users can include individuals such as service members, veterans, caregivers, and their families as well as social service agencies and government organizations who support veterans and the caregiver population. PATRIOTlink.org - The First Cloud-based Solution that Provides Access to Vetted, Direct, Cost-free Veteran Services Nationwide. "We developed PATRIOTlink as a result of our own veteran peer navigators' experience in seeking the resources needed by our clients in crisis," said MG Alan B. Salisbury, USA (Ret.) and CEO of Code of Support Foundation. "There are tens of thousands of resources purporting to help veterans and their families, all with varying scope and eligibility requirements. PATRIOTlink's cloud-based service solution effectively navigates through this enormously complex landscape and quickly identifies appropriate resources, based on the veteran's specific needs and ability to meet the eligibility requirements." PATRIOTlink's exclusive navigation design guides the user through a custom intuitive search for direct and cost-free veteran services using two key features. The first is the Eligibility Criteria feature which concentrates the user's search based on key demographics to include service era, disability rating, discharge status, deployment history, and geographic coverage. The second is the Service Tag feature which allows the user to identify a range of resources, e.g., mental health, legal services, employment, housing, and financial counseling he or she is seeking, augmented by sub-tags to more precisely target needed services. The result is a significant reduction in the amount of time it takes the user to find the specific assistance that is often lacking from other platforms or search engines. Just as importantly, PATRIOTlink also has an Analytics Dash Board that captures search data in communities and across the nation. This feature can help identify a lack of services as well as trends in the veteran and caregiver population within a community or nationally in real time, allowing policy makers and key leaders to make more informed decisions. PATRIOTlink is both a tactical and strategic holistic solution that facilitates the much-needed integration of efforts among veteran support organizations. Since 2016, Code of Support Foundation has piloted PATRIOTlink in over 50 organizations across the country including Catholic Charities, National Guard, The American Red Cross National Military and Caregiver Network, Psych Armor, Elizabeth Dole Foundation, Volunteers of America, USO, Service Women Action Network, Homes For Our Troops, and Project Sanctuary. These pilot users have provided valuable feedback which has helped guide the development efforts. For an organization to be qualified for inclusion in PATRIOTlink, it must meet these essential requirements: Provide a direct and a cost-free service or opportunity (i.e., legal, mental health, retreats) Be fiscally responsible and financially transparent Ensure capacity to serve additional troops, veterans and their families Be responsive when contacted by phone and email PATRIOTlink is different than other resource directories or services because of Code of Support Foundation's continued dedication to ensuring that the verified data in PATRIOTlink remains accurate. Each resource undergoes a thorough vetting process, which requires telephonic verification and continuous resource updates by Code of Support's PATRIOTlink program specialists to ensure data integrity. Users can create a free account to access PATRIOTlink at patriotlink.org. Premium upgrades are available based on a user's needs. PATRIOTlink has been made possible through the generous support of Code of Support Foundation's development underwriters Bristol-Myers Squibb Foundation and Noblis, Inc., and the assistance of partners GuideStar and American Express Serve2Gether. About Code of Support Foundation Code of Support Foundation (COSF) is a national 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides essential and critical one-on-one assistance to service members, veterans and their families who have the most complex needs and are on the brink of crisis. COSF is dedicated to leveraging the nation's full spectrum of resources to ensure all members of our military, veterans and their families receive the support services they need and, through their collective sacrifice, have earned. COSF's integrated programs include personalized, holistic, long-term case coordination services that serve all service eras across the nation and PATRIOTlink a cloud-based resource solution designed by COSF to facilitate integrated efforts among veteran support organizations and enable users to access vetted, direct, cost-free veteran services. Media Contact: Amy McWethy [email protected] 703-629-2875 SOURCE Code of Support Foundation ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Community Brands, the leading provider of cloud-based software solutions for associations, nonprofits, schools and faith-based groups, today announced it has acquired Expo Logic, a global event technology company. The addition of Expo Logic strengthens the Community Brands event management suite, which already includes event registration, mobile event fundraising and conference content video capture. "Meetings and events play an integral role in enhancing our customers' organizational performance and our national economy," said Jean-Paul (JP) Guilbault, president and CEO of Community Brands. "As we further advance into the events market, this is an important step to increase the value of more than 100,000 events we support each year. Our innovative technology will only improve the experience of our customers and their attendees, and we're excited to see the positive effect our service enhancements will have on these face-to-face events." Expo Logic provides event and onsite registration, attendee tracking and lead retrieval solutions. The two companies share an existing integration, allowing data to seamlessly flow between Expo Logic's event management technology and the Community Brands membership management platform. Customers using the integrated solutions can enhance event experiences, gain greater insights into attendee behavior, and easily recognize event revenue. "We're excited to take the next step in our journey as a part of Community Brands, and the opportunity to really grow and develop our event management technology to its fullest potential," said Jeff Cooper, president and CEO of Expo Logic. "We look forward to working with the teams to integrate with Community Brands solutions and services, and help organizations meet and surpass their event revenue goals through stronger data and analytics." With the acquisition, Cooper will become Senior Vice President and General Manager of Event Technology Applications at Community Brands. A longstanding partner of Community Brands, Expo Logic recently provided event registration and onsite facial recognition check-in for nearly 1,500 attendees at Xperience 2018, the annual Community Brands technology conference for the social good community. Details of the deal were not disclosed. To learn more about Community Brands and its Membership Solutions, Nonprofit Solutions and K-12 Solutions, visit CommunityBrands.com. About Community Brands Community Brands is the leading provider of cloud-based software to associations, nonprofits, K-12 schools and faith-based groups. Through innovation and technology, the company empowers more than 100,000 clients and partners to succeed faster, grow stronger and achieve social good. Organizations adopt Community Brands software to manage memberships, career centers, learning, accounting, mobile giving, peer-to-peer fundraising, donations, admissions, enrollments and events. Using these engagement platforms, customers of all sizes create meaningful and lasting experiences for their members, donors, volunteers and families. Headquartered in St. Petersburg, Florida, USA, Community Brands serves the social good community in more than 30 countries. To learn more, visit www.communitybrands.com or follow the company on Twitter and LinkedIn . About Expo Logic Expo Logic is an award-winning, global event technology and service company specializing in integrated registration, lead retrieval and attendee tracking solutions. Expo Logic services more than 450 domestic and international events a year, including some of the largest events in the United States and Europe. Providing clients with innovative technology and excellent customer service is the hallmark of the company. To learn more about Expo Logic services, visit expologic.com and connect with the company on Facebook, Twitter and LinkedIn. Media Contact Michael Piotrowski [email protected] 727.497.5975 SOURCE Community Brands Related Links http://www.communitybrands.com SAN DIEGO, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Cubic Corporation (NYSE: CUB) today announced its Cubic Transportation Systems (CTS) business division participated in a roundtable discussion with United Kingdom Prime Minister Theresa May focusing on strengthening the United Kingdom's position as a world-leading destination for technology investment. The roundtable, which took place at No. 10 Downing Street, was attended by Chancellor of the Exchequer Philip Hammond; Secretary of State for International Trade Liam Fox; Secretary of State for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport Matthew Hancock; as well as leading figures from the tech industry. Cubic was one of 12 companies invited to participate in this exclusive event, which forms part of London Tech Week, a celebration of London's vibrant technology scene, taking place from June 11-17 and featuring a range of events convening global leaders from technology and business. Representing Cubic was Roger Crow, executive vice president and managing director of Europe, CTS. Crow spoke about the United Kingdom's unique tech environment, which attracts top investors and talent from around the world, the ways to build on that strength and how to capitalize on emerging opportunities in the sector. "Cubic is a long-time investor in the United Kingdom. Both CTS and our defense business, Cubic Global Defense, have invested heavily in the country," said Crow. "CTS has substantially invested in research and development in the region and many of our strategic investments are located here including our Global Operations Center in the North East of England and our Global Innovation Centre in London." Cubic's public transit technologies including Oyster and contactless ticketing are exported around the world through a licensing agreement with Transport for London to places such as Miami, New York and Boston. "We are excited about the future of transportation in the United Kingdom and look forward to continue investing in our U.K. operations, allowing us to bring innovation to customers worldwide," said Crow. About Cubic Corporation Cubic is a market-leading, technology provider of integrated solutions that increase situational understanding for transportation, defense C4ISR and training customers worldwide to decrease urban congestion and improve the militaries' effectiveness and operational readiness. Cubic Transportation Systems is a leading integrator of payment and information technology and services to create intelligent travel solutions for transportation authorities and operators. Cubic Mission Solutions provides networked Command, Control, Communications, Computers, Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (C4ISR) capabilities for defense, intelligence, security and commercial missions. Cubic Global Defense Systems is a leading provider of live, virtual, constructive and game-based training solutions, special operations and intelligence for the U.S. and allied forces. For more information about Cubic, please visit the company's website at www.cubic.com or on Twitter @CubicCorp. SOURCE Cubic Corporation Related Links http://www.cubic.com GOLETA, Calif., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Deckers Brands (NYSE: DECK), a global leader in designing, marketing, and distributing innovative footwear, apparel and accessories, today announced Dave Powers, President & Chief Executive Officer, Tom George, Chief Financial Officer, and Steve Fasching, Senior Vice President Corporate Strategy, Planning & Investor Relations will present at the Jefferies 2018 Global Consumer Conference on Tuesday, June 19, 2018 at 3:00 pm Eastern Time. The visual portion of the presentation will be available on the Company's investor relations site on Monday, June 18, 2018. To access the visual portion of the presentation, please visit www.deckers.com/investors. The information to be made available in this presentation may contain forward-looking statements based on management's current expectations. Forward-looking statements are identifiable by words such as "believe," "anticipate," "expect," "intend," "plan," "will," "may" and other similar expressions. In addition, any statements that refer to expectations, projections or other characterizations of future events or circumstances are forward-looking statements. Forward-looking statements are subject to known and unknown risks and uncertainties, including those described in the Company's filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, actual results could differ materially from those suggested by the forward-looking statements, and therefore you should not place undue reliance on the forward-looking statements. About Deckers Brands Deckers Brands is a global leader in designing, marketing and distributing innovative footwear, apparel and accessories developed for both everyday casual lifestyle use and high performance activities. The Company's portfolio of brands includes UGG, Teva, Sanuk, HOKA ONE ONE, and KOOLABURRA. Deckers Brands products are sold in more than 50 countries and territories through select department and specialty stores, Company-owned and operated retail stores, and select online stores, including Company-owned websites. Deckers Brands has a 40-year history of building niche footwear brands into lifestyle market leaders attracting millions of loyal consumers globally. For more information, please visit www.deckers.com. SOURCE Deckers Brands SEATTLE, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Deloitte Digital announced today that it is the recipient of the 2018 SAP Hybris Global Partner of the Year Award. In this long-standing tradition, SAP recognizes businesses in its partner ecosystem that have made outstanding contributions in driving business, elevating commitment to co-innovation and aiding customers in achieving their goals. "SAP Hybris has been invaluable in helping our clients take the lead in the digital economy, and we are thrilled to be honored for the fourth year in a row," said Pete Sedivy, global SAP Hybris capability leader, Deloitte Digital, with Deloitte's member firm in Germany. "This recognition is an acknowledgement of the quality and innovation that our global teams have demonstrated while using the SAP Hybris suite to strengthen brands and grow our clients' businesses. We are grateful to our clients for selecting Deloitte for some of the largest and most complex SAP Hybris and SAP full stack implementations in the world and we look forward to continuing to work with SAP Hybris to unlock new business value in our clients' businesses." Selected from an elite group of 55 Platinum and Gold level partners, nominations for the SAP Hybris Partner of the Year Awards were based in part on delivery track record and customer feedback; capabilities and certifications; innovation; and global coverage. Deloitte Digital will be honored during the SAP Hybris LIVE Global Summit in Barcelona, Spain, in October, a gathering that brings together thousands of leaders, industry experts, customers and partners each year. "Deloitte Digital's unique consultancy model combining business depth, data-driven insights, top-tier creative and deep technology experience uniquely positions us to help clients realize and achieve their full business potential," said Kashif Rahamatullah, U.S. SAP Hybris leader, Deloitte Digital, and principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP. "We are proud to work with SAP to help our clients become leaders in their respective fields through digital innovation and unprecedented customer engagement." Together with SAP Hybris, Deloitte Digital is committed to the customer journey from inception to finish, meeting the client and customer's needs each step of the way. Deloitte Digital uses technology to help businesses engage individual audiences with data-driven messages across channels, ultimately delivering meaningful engagement and an unparalleled customer journey. Learn more about Deloitte Digital's work with SAP Hybris by visiting: https://www.deloittedigital.com/us/en/about/alliances/SAPHybris.html About Deloitte Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world's most admired brands, including more than 85 percent of the Fortune 500 and more than 6,000 private and middle market companies. Our people work across more than 20 industry sectors to make an impact that matters delivering measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in our capital markets, inspire clients to see challenges as opportunities to transform and thrive, and help lead the way toward a stronger economy and a healthy society. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ("DTTL"), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as "Deloitte Global") does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the "Deloitte" name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms. SAP, Hybris 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. SOURCE Deloitte Digital Related Links http://www.deloittedigital.com WASHINGTON, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Demonstrating the power of student data scientists and researchers, Deloitte and the National Institutes of Health's (NIH) National Library of Medicine (NLM) celebrated two student-led research teams that made significant new virus and antibiotic resistance discoveries. These student teams, from San Diego State University (SDSU) and Kingsborough Community College of The City University of New York (KCC CUNY), used novel computational techniques to identify patterns in DNA data, provided by the NLM National Center for Biotechnology Information (NCBI) Sequence Read Archive (SRA). At KCC CUNY, students learned to perform bio-surveillance on public metagenomic datasets, identifying fungal and other micro-eukaryotic, bacterial, archaeal, and viral sequences within these datasets. The students analyzed HIV, HPV and Lyssavirus datasets, among others. Their findings reinforced the fundamentals of computational biology utilizing Next Generation Sequencing (NGS) technology, a critical tool in determining metagenomics data sets. Further plans are underway to developing this as a research opportunity for all interested CUNY students and beyond. SDSU students enrolled in the Microbial Metagenomics Discovery Challenge learned how to use the "cross assembly" program that sorts through the DNA and RNA present in a sample, separates out the known microbes, and locates the genetic signatures of a virus. Led by Professor Edwards, students applied those skills by hunting for new virusesas well as looking for the genetic hallmarks of antibiotic resistancein real datasets of DNA. The SDSU winning team examined viruses present in California mosquitoes, how often those viruses were carried by California mosquitoes and their threats to humans. "To make more medical breakthroughs happen, more students and young researchers need to be getting their hands dirty in these biomedical datasets," said Dr. Juergen Klenk, principal, Deloitte Consulting LLP and federal health precision medicine leader. "The next generation of researchers are digital natives, familiar with data science and crowdsourcing. This discovery challenge offers an innovative model for biomedical research of the future. "It also demonstrates how to incentivize a vast community with an open data philosophy and a prize-based competition, to effectively advance research that could not be performed with traditional models due to the sheer size of the dataset. In this challenge, a simple crowdsourcing mechanism generated many valuable, viable ideas, and we are excited about the ones that surfaced to the top." "Viral discovery is critical for understanding how viruses evolved inside of us and in other ecosystems, and what they mean for human and ecosystem health. This course and support from Deloitte has helped to inspire a new generation of scientists to find the next crAssphage," said Dr. Robert Edwards, professor of computer science, San Diego State University. "Student engagement is the key to their academic success and Deloitte's support has helped them to achieve that," said Dr. Dmitry Brogun, professor of biological sciences, Kingsborough Community and Brooklyn College, City University of New York. In the Microbial Metagenomics Discovery Challenge, professors from KCC CUNY and SDSU designed an undergraduate course to teach students computational methods and then set the students loose on the largest repository of DNA sequencing data to apply what they learned and make new discoveries. More than 60 students participated in the challenge and formed teams that combed through the SRA over the past three months. The SRA makes biological sequence data available to the research community to enhance reproducibility and allow for new discoveries by comparing data sets. The SRA stores raw sequencing data and alignment information from high-throughput sequencing platforms. Students summarized their findings in short videos, and the most important discoveries will be published. The winning teams received a $5,000 prize sponsored by Deloitte presented at the NLM Data Science Innovation Conference. A committee of judges from participating universities selected the winners based on the importance of their discoveries and the quality of their presentations. "There are so many important lifesaving and life-improving discoveries and breakthroughs just waiting to be found in immense amounts of data," said Klenk. "Prizes and challenges are a great way to mobilize talent and fresh thinking. Prize designs succeed where many efforts fail because they activate a crowd of solvers from diverse perspectives and give them access to tools and data." About Deloitte Deloitte provides industry-leading audit, consulting, tax and advisory services to many of the world's most admired brands, including more than 85 percent of the Fortune 500 and more than 6,000 private and middle market companies. Our people work across more than 20 industry sectors to make an impact that matters delivering measurable and lasting results that help reinforce public trust in our capital markets, inspire clients to see challenges as opportunities to transform and thrive, and help lead the way toward a stronger economy and a healthy society. Deloitte is proud to be part of the largest global professional services network serving our clients in the markets that are most important to them. Deloitte refers to one or more of Deloitte Touche Tohmatsu Limited, a UK private company limited by guarantee ("DTTL"), its network of member firms, and their related entities. DTTL and each of its member firms are legally separate and independent entities. DTTL (also referred to as "Deloitte Global") does not provide services to clients. In the United States, Deloitte refers to one or more of the US member firms of DTTL, their related entities that operate using the "Deloitte" name in the United States and their respective affiliates. Certain services may not be available to attest clients under the rules and regulations of public accounting. Please see www.deloitte.com/about to learn more about our global network of member firms. SOURCE Deloitte SAN DIEGO, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- San Diego-based tour company, Discover Corps, launches a new 6-day itinerary to Cuba. Called the Cuba: Family Island Exploration, the trip allows travelers to enter Cuba on a "Support for the Cuban People" visa. Travel to Cuba experienced a massive surge when President Obama loosened restrictions in 2016. Since then, President Trump has tightened these restrictions and issued a travel warning, creating confusion about Americans' ability to legally travel to Cuba. New Cuba trip for families directly works to support the Cuban people through hands-on projects, interactions with Cuban families, and supporting small-scale entrepreneurs. Discover Corps is known for using responsible travel to improve the world. With this in mind, it has created an itinerary to allow families to discover the island in a meaningful way that supports the Cuban people. "Now more than ever it is imperative for Americans to become unofficial ambassadors of goodwill around the world. We need to show the world - and especially the Cuban people - that the American people care for them and want to build bridges of friendship and understanding. Politics aside, these trips build direct connections between American and Cuban families," said Andrew Motiwalla, Founder of Discover Corps. "As the father of two young daughters, I designed a trip that is fun for kids but will also shape the next generation of global citizens." While the trip includes fun activities such as beach visits, convertible car rides, and art workshops, it also directly works to support the Cuban people through hands-on projects, interactions with Cuban families, and supporting small-scale entrepreneurs. For a limited time, Discover Corps is offering free roundtrip flights to Havana from Miami International Airport on all Discover Corps Cuba itineraries below. If flying out of another destination, the organization will offer a $200 rebate per traveler. Havana Weekend Getaway Four-day trip covering culture and life in Havana . . Building Bridges Eight-day volunteer vacation promoting community development in Havana , with time spent in Cienfuegos and Trinidad . , with time spent in Cienfuegos and . Celebration of Arts & Culture Eight-day cultural immersion visiting Havana , Trinidad , and Cienfuegos. , , and Cienfuegos. Preserving Natures' Wonders Eight-day exploration of the Cuban countryside in Vinales Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Family Island Exploration Six-day exploration focusing on families in Havana , Vinales Valley, and the coast. All trips qualify as "Support for the Cuban People" programs and are therefore permitted under current State Department regulations. Discover Corps also vows that in the event the Trump Administration ends legal travel to Cuba, all trips are 100% refundable. About Discover Corps The mission of Discover Corps is to inspire travelers to become advocates for our planet's natural wonders, cultural treasures, and local communities. Accomplished through immersive and sustainable travel experiences, the company operates programs for families and adults in 15 countries around the world. Contact: Amanda DiSilvestro (609) 758-3030 [email protected] SOURCE Discover Corps ATLANTA, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Discovery Point, a national leader in the childcare industry, is celebrating its 30th year in business with new expansion plans. After opening its first childcare center in an Atlanta suburb in 1988, Discovery Point has grown to nearly 50 centers, providing year-round childcare to children ages six weeks to 12 years. With a recently signed multi-center development agreement in China, as well as plans to expand into the Texas market, Discovery Point is gearing up for the next 30 years. A Timeline of Childcare Success "We are excited to build off of the momentum we have had for the past 30 years and continue to grow and expand our reach in the coming years," says Cliff Clark, CEO and Founder, Discovery Point. A Legacy 30 Years in the Making Thirty years ago, Cliff Clark, alongside his wife Diane, saw a need for high-quality childcare in their community near metro Atlanta, Ga. Combining Cliff's business knowledge and Diane's professional education experience, the Clarks understood what a successful childcare center would need and decided to start their own. Now with 47 locations throughout the Southeast, including centers in Florida, Georgia, Tennessee, and North Carolina, Discovery Point has proven to be the excellent childcare franchise they sought to build. Additionally, Discovery Point has spent the past 30 years providing entrepreneurs with unrivaled franchise support. Through its strategic guidance, community-forward approach and nationally renowned curriculum, combined with its own proprietary language and literature-based curriculum, Discovery Point has been incredibly successful. "Our business model with a turnkey solution has been extremely successful over the past 30 years," Clark says. "We help our franchisees with site selection, construction, licensing and training, which provides a sense of security for our entrepreneurs who know they are set up for success." About Discovery Point Child Development Centers With nearly 50 locations throughout the Southeast, Discovery Point Child Development Centers provide safe, educational, and nurturing environments for growing children. Discovery Point partners with Teaching Strategies in using the nationally recognized early childhood education program, Creative Curriculum System for Preschool. Since opening its first location in an Atlanta suburb in 1988, Discovery Point has been a leader in childhood education and care, expanding beyond its Georgia roots into Florida, North Carolina, and Tennessee with plans under way to reach new markets nationwide. For more information, visit www.discoverypointfranchise.com. Media Contact: Kate Laird (404) 214-0722 ext. 125 [email protected] SOURCE Discovery Point Related Links http://www.discoverypointfranchise.com MOSCOW, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ElcomSoft updates Elcomsoft Phone Breaker, the company's mobile extraction tool. Version 8.30 becomes the first forensic tool to remotely extract encrypted iMessage conversations from Apple iCloud and synchronized by iOS 11.4 and newer. "The communication protocol used for exchanging iMessages is extremely secure," says Vladimir Katalov, ElcomSoft CEO. "Before iOS 11.4, sent and received text messages and iMessages could be only accessed by analyzing a physical iPhone device or iPhone's full system backup. Our new tool enables remote access to iMessage conversation histories stored in Apple iCloud, which is a breakthrough achievement considering how well-protected the iMessages and the iPhone itself are." In addition, Elcomsoft Phone Viewer is updated to display iMessages extracted by Elcomsoft Phone Breaker 8.30. iMessage Extraction Elcomsoft Phone Breaker 8.30 extracts iMessages from the user's iCloud account, and requires iCloud/Apple ID authentication credentials and a passcode (iPhone/iPad) or system password (Mac) of an enrolled device. iMessage sync is exclusively available on Apple accounts with Two-Factor Authentication. As a result, access to the secondary authentication factor is mandatory when pulling iMessages from iCloud. In addition, a valid passcode or system password is required from one of the user's devices enrolled in iMessage sync. About Elcomsoft Phone Breaker Elcomsoft Phone Breaker is an all-in-one mobile acquisition tool to extract information from a wide range of sources, decrypt cached passwords, obtain synced authentication credentials to a wide range of resources and pull communication histories and retrieve photos that've been deleted by the user a long time ago. Pricing and Availability Elcomsoft Phone Breaker 8.30 is offered for Windows and macOS in Home, Professional and Forensic editions. EPB Pro is available to North American customers for $199. The Forensic edition enabling over-the-air acquisition of iCloud data and support for binary authentication tokens is available for $799. The Home edition is available for $79. Local pricing may vary. System Requirements Windows 7, 8, 8.1, 10, Windows 2008, 2012 and 2016 Server. Mac version: Mac OS X 10.7 and newer. iCloud Keychain access in Windows requires iCloud for Windows, Mac users must run macOS 10.11 or newer. About ElcomSoft Founded in 1990, ElcomSoft Co.Ltd. develops state-of-the-art computer forensics tools, provides computer forensics training and computer evidence consulting services. Since 1997, ElcomSoft has been providing support to businesses, law enforcement, military, and intelligence agencies. ElcomSoft tools are used by Fortune 500 corporations, governments, and major accounting firms. Product information: https://www.elcomsoft.com/eppb.html SOURCE ElcomSoft Co. Ltd. "We are excited to welcome Bryson to our senior leadership team as we continue to invest heavily in data security and enhance our information technology infrastructure," said Mark Begor, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) at Equifax. "Bryson is known for his deep technical and cloud skills, consistent, focused, and strong performance within the industry, and for being a creative problem solver who has achieved business goals by leveraging the innovative use of technology. This is paramount to our future success as we advance our technology capabilities; and enhance data security and the speed, simplicity, and reliability of our products. We are thrilled to have a leader of Bryson's caliber joining Equifax at such a pivotal time in our history." As the CTO for IBM's Watson and Cloud Platform, Koehler led a global team of cloud engineers, architects, security professionals, product and offering managers, technical communications specialists, research and development activities and operational systems reliability engineers. With Koehler's support, IBM reset its core strategic direction to be cloud-native and has radically advanced its cloud capabilities. By driving technical and cultural change and the way the company designed, built, and operated its core technology assets, Koehler helped accelerate IBM's transformation. With security being a central priority for IBM, he brought all of the security teams together to ensure IBM had the world's most compliant cloud, strengthening the company's technical credibility. Prior to his role at IBM Watson and Cloud Platform, Koehler was Chief Technology and Information Officer at The Weather Channel Companies (TWCC), before it was acquired in 2015 by IBM. In this position, he was responsible for setting the strategic vision, development, technical operations, financial planning, and execution of all technology initiatives for TWCC. Under his leadership, the company launched its largest public, cloud-based API platform and migrated from 13 legacy data centers into a fully cloud-based company. Additionally, Koehler established leading partnerships with global technology companies such as Google, Apple, and Microsoft, as well as an independent developer network. Before joining TWCC, Koehler served as Senior Vice President of Global Revenue and Guest Technology at the Intercontinental Hotels Group (IHG). At IHG, he oversaw a direct team of almost 500 technology resources across seven countries that defined, developed, and operated products and platforms that delivered $25 billion in annual revenue. "The world of AI is unlocking massive potential in how data can be used, and cloud-based AI technology is a game changer for developing secure and reliable data-driven products," said Koehler. "I see tremendous opportunity for Equifax to become a leading data-driven technology company, and I'm excited to join its highly-talented team to bring new energy that accelerates Equifax's transformation into a leader of insight forecasting." Koehler, who will be based in Atlanta and report to the CEO, holds bachelor's degrees in political science and communications from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. He currently serves on the Boards of Directors of Atlanta Habitat for Humanity and the Technology Association of Georgia, and has provided long-time service to the Georgia CIO Leadership Association and TechBridge. About Equifax Equifax is a global information solutions company that uses unique data, innovative analytics, technology, and industry expertise to power organizations and individuals around the world by transforming knowledge into insights that help make more informed business and personal decisions. Headquartered in Atlanta, Ga., Equifax operates or has investments in 24 countries in North America, Central and South America, Europe and the Asia Pacific region. It is a member of Standard & Poor's (S&P) 500 Index, and its common stock is traded on the New York Stock Exchange (NYSE) under the symbol EFX. Equifax employs 10,400 employees worldwide. FOR MORE INFORMATION 1550 Peachtree Street, NE Atlanta, Georgia 30309 Marisa Salcines Media Relations 770-752-2574 [email protected] Corporate SOURCE Equifax Inc. Related Links http://www.equifax.com LONDON, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Experian has been named among the top 100 most innovative companies in the world for the fifth year in a row by Forbes magazine. In the publication's eighth annual list of the "World's Most Innovative Companies," Experian climbed to the rank of 57th and was amongst the top 10 most innovative companies headquartered in Europe. Technology, innovation and new sources of data are fusing to create an unprecedented number of new ways to solve pressing business and consumer challenges. This accolade underscores Experian's commitment to innovation, and using the power of data and technology to transform lives, businesses and economies for the better. "It is an honour to be recognised for innovation for the fifth year running," said Brian Cassin, CEO, Experian. "We have created a culture of continuous innovation focused on opportunities for businesses and consumers in today's digital and data economy." Experian has jumped up 40 places in this year's ranking, placing it alongside some of the world's leading technology companies including Tesla, Netflix and Amazon. Forbes' ranking identifies firms that investors believe to be innovative at present, and that will continue to achieve profitable new growth through innovation in the future. This recognition demonstrates investors' confidence in Experian's ability to innovate both today and in the years ahead. Learn more about Experian's commitment to innovation at http://www.experian.com/blogs/news/2018/06/14/forbes-2018/. About Experian Experian is the world's leading global information services company. During life's big moments from buying a home or a car, to sending a child to college, to growing a business by connecting with new customers we empower consumers and our clients to manage their data with confidence. We help individuals to take financial control and access financial services, businesses to make smarter decisions and thrive, lenders to lend more responsibly, and organisations to prevent identity fraud and crime. We have 16,500 people operating across 39 countries and every day we're investing in new technologies, talented people and innovation to help all our clients maximize every opportunity. We are listed on the London Stock Exchange (EXPN) and are a constituent of the FTSE 100 Index. Learn more at www.experianplc.com or visit our global content hub at our global news blog for the latest news and insights from the Group. Experian and the Experian marks used herein are trademarks or registered trademarks of Experian Information Solutions, Inc. Other product and company names mentioned herein are the property of their respective owners. Contact: Michael Troncale Experian Public Relations 1 714 830 5462 [email protected] SOURCE Experian Related Links http://www.experian.com NEW YORK, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- EY announced that Isaac Oates, CEO and founder of Justworks, the fastest growing HR technology platform, received the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2018 Award in the Software as a Service (SaaS) category for the New York Region. This annual award recognizes top entrepreneurs for excellence in innovation, financial performance, and personal commitment to their businesses and communities. Oates was selected by an independent panel of judges. "I am honored to be a winner of EY's Entrepreneur of the Year Award," said Oates. "I am especially thankful for the hard work of the bright, kind, and mission-focused Justworks team, which is now over 300 employees strong, and their commitment to helping entrepreneurs and businesses grow with confidence. This year has been incredibly exciting for us, so it's wonderful to be recognized on behalf of the whole company." Justworks is building a world in which starting, running, and joining a growing business is an accessible option for all. The easy-to-use platform automates benefits, payroll, HR tools, and compliance support changing the way growing businesses run. In March 2018, Justworks announced a $40 million Series D funding round, bringing total funding raised to $93 million. As the first and only truly global awards program of its kind, Entrepreneur Of The Year celebrates those who are building and leading successful, growing, and dynamic businesses, recognizing them through regional, national, and global awards programs in more than 145 cities in more than 60 countries. As a regional award winner, Oates is eligible for the Entrepreneur Of The Year 2018 national program. Award winners in several national categories, as well as the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Overall Award winner, will be announced at the Entrepreneur Of The Year National Awards gala in Palm Springs, California, on November 10, 2018. The awards are the culminating event of the Strategic Growth Forum, the nation's most prestigious gathering of high-growth, market-leading companies. About Justworks Justworks takes the busyness out of running a business and alleviates the unknown. Founded in 2012, Justworks combines a simple platform and exceptional 24/7 customer service with the power of a PEO, so all teams have more time to focus on what matters. Growing businesses get access to corporate-level benefits, seamless payroll, HR tools, and compliance supportall in one place. To learn more about visit www.justworks.com, follow us on Twitter @JustworksHR and Instagram @Justworks_HR. SOURCE Justworks Related Links https://www.justworks.com CARLSBAD, Calif., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Bringing targeted pain relief to the masses, CBD Naturals will be introducing Fast CBD Relief to attendees of the International Cannabis Business Conference in Vancouver. Launching on June 25, Fast CBD Relief is available as a patch, cream, shot or serum, all with specific pain relieving or other lifestyle benefits. CBD Naturals, exhibiting at booth 16 in the conference center, developed Fast CBD Relief as a solution for the millions of Americans struggling with pain and other lifestyle discomforts. According to the American Academy of Pain Medicine, 100 million people face chronic pain, more than diabetes, heart disease and cancer combined. Fast CBD Relief is available in the following forms: 'The Patch': The patch delivers fast and targeted pain relief; it can be cut to size and applied to the area needed, delivering relief up to 12 hours; 'The Cream': Ideal for smaller areas of discomfort, this cooling cream supplies instant relief and can be applied to fingers, knees, ankles, neck and any other areas of discomfort; 'The Shot': A concentrated shot in four varieties that taste great and target specific issues, including RESCUE (relieves tension), SLEEP (promotes rest), IMMUNE (boosts immunity), and FOCUS (enhances concentration); 'The Roll-On': Promoting a sense of calm and relaxation, this topical serum is fast and effective. "If you are looking for immediate pain relief and instant gratification, Fast CBD Relief is your solution," said Jared Berry, founder and CEO of Carlsbad Naturals and founder of Isodiol; which now share a strategic partnership. "No one wants to live in pain or with the side effects of stress and we couldn't be happier to offer an answer to this epidemic." All of the products contain phytocannabinoids along with other terpenes or botanicals, which work synergistically to create an entourage effect of greater results. CBD Naturals new Fast CBD ReliefTM products also include other powerful supportive ingredients such as extracts, vitamins and essential oils known to boost the body and mind. About CBD Naturals Launched in 2011 by industry trailblazer Jared Berry, CBD Naturals has logged an impressive list of industry firsts, including becoming the first CBD brand to ever be filed with the USPTO for trademark. Prior to filing for this intellectual property, a "CBD marketplace" didn't exist, marking Berry and his team of scientists the original trailblazers of the space. CBD Naturals continues to pioneer scientific advancements in uncovering the full wellness potential of the cannabis plant. Using proprietary technology and industry leadership, they aim to bring the nutritional benefits of this plant to those interested in living a healthier life. For more information, please visit https://cbdnaturals.com/ Contact: Logan Lidster [email protected] 844-877-7908 SOURCE CBD Naturals Related Links https://cbdnaturals.com LEXINGTON, Ky., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Fazoli's, America's largest elevated quick service Italian chain, announced today the opening of its newest franchised location in Paragould, Arkansas, marking the brand's second restaurant in Arkansas. The newly built restaurant is located at 1515 W Kingshighway Blvd. The Fazoli's restaurant officially opens its doors on June 26th and will showcase Fazoli's new contemporary interior deign, as well as a drive-thru. The new Paragould restaurant is owned and operated by longtime franchisee Rob Hearden, who has been with the brand since 2002. Rob has over 40 years of restaurant operations experience, and owns three other Fazoli's locations in Tennessee, Mississippi and Jonesboro, Arkansas. Since becoming a franchisee, Rob has had over eight years of positive sales growth within his Fazoli's restaurants, as well as low turnover rates among employees. "Thanks to its refined menu and customer satisfaction with the brand, Fazoli's has proved to be an extremely successful franchise for me and we are thrilled to be bringing the newest location to Paragould," said Rob Hearden, Fazoli's franchisee. "We are excited to serve the local community of Paragould and be a place for friends and family to enjoy hearty Italian food with fresh ingredients at a great value." The Paragould restaurant will open with Fazoli's recently refined menu, introducing more flavor and menu options to meet ever-changing consumer tastes and preferences. The modernized menu uses premium ingredients and includes offerings such as tableside grated Parmesan, upgraded plateware, as well as new dishes such as "Spicy Penne with Chicken or Sausage," and "Brownie Gelato Sundae." The Paragould location will serve guests Sunday-Thursday from 10:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. and Friday-Saturday from 10:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. For more information, visit www.fazolis.com. Local residents are encouraged to join the Fazoli's eFamily to receive the latest happenings and deals from their local restaurant by signing up at fazolis.com/efamily. As a testament to its achievements, Fazoli's franchisees are experiencing nearly three times the industry average growth rate with new franchised restaurants continually setting new system-wide records. With nearly 220 restaurants in 27 states, Fazoli's is currently seeking single- and multi-unit operators to join its growing, successful franchise network and is targeting new markets across the U.S. Incentives are also available for new franchisees looking to grow their portfolios with the brand. For more information about franchise opportunities, contact Jeff Sturgis, Chief Development Officer, at 859.825.6212 or [email protected]. About Fazoli's With approximately 220 restaurants in 27 states, Fazoli's is America's largest elevated QSR italian chain, serving freshly prepared pasta entrees, Submarinos sandwiches, salads and pizza. One of Franchise Business Review's top ranked franchises in franchisee satisfaction and a FastCasual.com Brand of the Year, Fazoli's franchisees are experiencing record sales growth. Visit www.ownafazolis.com for details on development opportunities. Contact: Courtney Whelan Fish Consulting 954-893-9150 [email protected] SOURCE Fazoli's Related Links http://www.ownafazolis.com DUBLIN, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The "FinTech Blockchain Market by Provider, Application (Payments, Clearing, and Settlement, Exchanges and Remittance, Smart Contract, Identity Management, and Compliance Management/KYC), Organization Size, Vertical, and Region - Global Forecast to 2023" report has been added to ResearchAndMarkets.com's offering. The FinTech blockchain market is expected to grow from USD 370.3 Million in 2018 to USD 6,228.2 Million by 2023, at a Compound Annual Growth Rate (CAGR) of 75.9% during the forecast period. The major drivers of the market include the higher compatibility with financial industry ecosystem, the rising cryptocurrency market cap and Initial Coin Offering (ICO), faster transaction, and reduced total cost of ownership. The future growth opportunities for market include the rising adoption of blockchain applications, such as payments, clearing, and settlements, smart contracts, and identity management, and a new breed of programmable blockchain platform. The FinTech blockchain market study aims at estimating the market size and future growth potential of the market across different segments, such as providers, applications, and regions. The application segment includes payments, clearing, and settlement, exchanges and remittances, smart contracts, identity management, compliance management/Know Your Customer (KYC), and others (cyber liability and content storage management). The payments, clearing, and settlement segment is expected to dominate the application segment in terms of contribution to the overall market, as financial companies are deploying blockchain-based smart contracts to bring reduction in costs of verification, execution, arbitration, and fraud prevention. The FinTech blockchain market has been segmented on the basis of providers into 3 categories: application and solution providers, middleware providers, and infrastructure and protocols providers. These providers offer infrastructure to develop in the blockchain-based platforms. Among these types, the application and solution providers segment is the fastest-growing segment in the overall market. The introduction of technologically advanced blockchain solutions has witnessed a certain level of adoption in financial companies, thereby fueling the overall market growth. FinTech blockchain applications are witnessing an increasing demand across the financial industry. Applications such as payments, smart contracts, and compliance management/KYC are assisting banks, investment banks, and insurance companies to enhance their efficiency and reduce infrastructure cost. The non-banking financial services, such as asset management and wealth management, are expected to dominate the market during the forecast period, due to the growing importance of FinTech blockchain applications. This, in turn, is expected to enhance the customer satisfaction, prevent fraudulent transactions, provide faster transactions, and reduce total cost of ownership. The large enterprises segment is expected to dominate the market in terms of market size, as large enterprises are focusing on implementing blockchain applications to improve the customer loyalty and have an overall reduced infrastructure cost. However, the Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) segment is expected to grow at a higher CAGR, owing to the easy availability and scalability of cloud-based deployments. In terms of geographic coverage, the FinTech blockchain market has been segmented into 5 regions, namely, North America, Asia Pacific (APAC), Europe, the Middle East and Africa (MEA), and Latin America. North America is expected to account for the largest share of the overall market in 2018. North America is considered the most advanced region with regard to technology adoption and infrastructure. The wide presence of the key industry players of the blockchain technology solutions in this region is the major driving factor responsible for the growth of the FinTech blockchain market. Financial companies in this region are moving toward the adoption of the blockchain technology. Furthermore, APAC is expected to account for the highest growth rate during the forecast period, due to the increase in the overall investments in the blockchain technology solutions to change the business processes in the finance industry. The key financial hubs, including Hong Kong and Singapore, provide huge opportunities for the adoption of blockchain applications in the financial industry. However, lack of awareness and technical understanding about the blockchain technology can act as a restraining factor in the market across various regions. Key Topics Covered: 1 Introduction 2 Research Methodology 3 Executive Summary 4 Premium Insights 4.1 Attractive Market Opportunities in the FinTech Blockchain Market 4.2 Market By Provider 4.3 Market By Application 4.4 Market By Organization Size 4.5 Market By Region 5 Market Overview and Industry Trends 5.1 Introduction 5.2 Market Dynamics 5.2.1 Drivers 5.2.1.1 High Compatibility With Financial Services Industry Ecosystem 5.2.1.2 Rising Cryptocurrency Market Cap and Ico 5.2.1.3 Faster Transactions 5.2.1.4 Reduced Tco 5.2.2 Restraints 5.2.2.1 Uncertain Regulatory Standards and Frameworks 5.2.2.2 Lack of Blockchain Applications and Use Cases 5.2.3 Opportunities 5.2.3.1 High Adoption of Blockchain Technology for Payments, Smart Contracts, and Digital Identities 5.2.3.2 New Breed of Programmable Blockchain Platforms 5.2.4 Challenges 5.2.4.1 Security, Privacy, and Control Issues 5.2.4.2 Scalability and Latency Challenges 5.3 Industry Trends 5.3.1 Types of Blockchain Technology 5.3.1.1 Public Blockchain 5.3.1.2 Private Blockchain 5.3.2 Blockchain Associations, Regulatory and Policy Makers, and Consortiums 5.3.2.1 CLS Group 5.3.2.2 R3cev Blockchain Consortium 5.3.2.3 Hyperledger 5.3.2.4 Global Payments Steering Group (GPSG) 5.3.2.5 Financial Blockchain Shenzhen Consortium (FBSC) 5.3.2.6 Cu Ledger 5.3.2.7 Blockchain Collaborative Consortium (BCCC) 5.3.2.8 Wall Street Blockchain Alliance (WSBA) 5.3.2.9 International Monetary Fund (IMF) 5.3.2.10 New York Department of Financial Services (NYDFS) 5.3.2.11 Financial Conduct Authority (FCA) 5.3.3 Blockchain in Banking, Financial Services, and Insurance 5.3.3.1 Examples of FinTech Blockchain Across Financial Sectors 5.4 Market Evolution 6 FinTech Blockchain Market, By Provider 6.1 Introduction 6.2 Application and Solution Providers 6.3 Middleware Providers 6.4 Infrastructure and Protocol Providers 7 Market By Application 7.1 Introduction 7.2 Payments, Clearing, and Settlement 7.3 Exchanges and Remittance 7.4 Smart Contract 7.5 Identity Management 7.6 Compliance Management/ KYC 7.7 Others 8 FinTech Blockchain Market, By Organization Size 8.1 Introduction 8.2 Large Enterprises 8.3 Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises 9 Market By Vertical 9.1 Introduction 9.2 Banking 9.3 Non-Banking Financial Services 9.4 Insurance 10 FinTech Blockchain Market, By Region 11 Competitive Landscape 11.1 Overview 11.2 Prominent Players in the Global FinTech Blockchain Market 11.3 Competitive Situations and Trends 11.3.1 Partnerships, Agreements, and Collaborations 11.3.2 New Product Launches/Product Upgradations 11.3.3 Expansions 11.3.4 Venture Funding 12 Company Profiles 12.1 AWS 12.2 IBM 12.3 Microsoft 12.4 Ripple 12.5 Chain 12.6 Earthport 12.7 Bitfury 12.8 BTL Group 12.9 Oracle 12.10 Digital Asset Holdings 12.11 Circle 12.12 Factom 12.13 Alphapoint 12.14 Coinbase 12.15 Abra 12.16 Auxesis Group 12.17 Bitpay 12.18 Blockcypher 12.19 Applied Blockchain 12.20 Recordskeeper 12.21 Symboint 12.22 Guardtime 12.23 Cambridge Blockchain 12.24 Tradle 12.25 Blockchain Advisory Mauritius Foundation For more information about this report visit https://www.researchandmarkets.com/research/3mnnjn/fintech?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 VANCOUVER, British Columbia, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Future Farm Technologies Inc. (the "Company" or "Future Farm") (CSE: FFT)(CSE: FFT.CN)(OTCQX: FFRMF) is excited to announce that the build out of its cultivation and extraction operation in Attleboro, Massachusetts has entered the next phase of development with the procurement of bids from general contractors. Future Farm is also pleased to announce that it has completed the demolition of the interior of its Providence, Rhode Island building, which allows for the build-out of a cultivation facility to commence in earnest. The building is located in an M-1 zone, which legally permits the cultivation of cannabis by right. As previously announced, the Company intends to lease this property to a local, licensed cultivator who will use the property as a licensed medical marijuana cultivation space, providing wholesale cannabis to Rhode Island's state-sanctioned dispensaries. Future Farm has already received a Letter of Intent to lease the property from a provisionally licensed cultivator and lease negotiations are currently underway. Due to their geographic proximity to each other, Future Farm and its Rhode Island lessee have carefully curated these tandem efforts to maximize efficiencies and secure competitive pricing from vendors and suppliers. Chief project manager Derek Ross has accepted bids from four general contractors who are competing strongly to work on these high profile projects. The bids each represent local contractors, laborers and craftsmen. "Southeastern Massachusetts and Providence, Rhode Island are traditionally underserved areas in the New England cannabis ecosystem," says Mr. Ross. "We are now positioned to make a significant contribution to a part of the country struggling to keep up with supply demands, especially as Massachusetts progresses towards adult use and Rhode Island contemplates licensing twelve additional dispensaries, potentially leaving both states very unprepared from a supply perspective. We expect to change that landscape in a few short months." With the bids now in hand, Future Farm and its Rhode Island lessee will be carefully vetting each candidate. Future Farm expects to break ground in Attleboro by the first week in July. On behalf of the Board, Future FarmTechnologies Inc. William Gildea, Chairman & CEO About Future Farm Technologies Inc. Future Farm is a Canadian company with holdings throughout North America including California, Massachusetts, Florida, Maine, Puerto Rico and Newfoundland. The Company's mission is to advance sustainable agriculture through production of wholesale and retail cannabis products, including hemp. As a leader in its field, Future Farm is committed to using only the highest quality processes and products. Towards this goal, the Company acquires or partners with licensed-cannabis operators, and acquires or develops leading technologies in cannabis production, breeding, genetics, and Controlled Environment Agriculture (CEA). Future Farm's scalable, indoor CEA systems utilize minimal land, water and energy resources. The Company holds an exclusive, worldwide license to use a patented vertical farming technology that, when compared to traditional plant production methods, generates yields up to 10 times greater per square foot of land. Neither the Canadian Securities Exchange nor its Market Regulator (as that term is defined in the policies of the Canadian Securities Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. The Canadian Securities Exchange has not in any way passed upon the merits of the proposed transaction and has neither approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. This news release may include forward-looking statements that are subject to risks and uncertainties. All statements within, other than statements of historical fact, are to be considered forward looking. Although the Company believes the expectations expressed in such forward-looking statements are based on reasonable assumptions, such statements are not guarantees of future performance and actual results or developments may differ materially from those in forward-looking statements. Factors that could cause actual results to differ materially from those in forward-looking statements include market prices, exploitation and exploration successes, continued availability of capital and financing, and general economic, market or business conditions. There can be no assurances that such statements will prove accurate and, therefore, readers are advised to rely on their own evaluation of such uncertainties. We do not assume any obligation to update any forward-looking statements except as required under the applicable laws. For further information, contact William Gildea Director +1(888)387-3761 SOURCE Future Farm Technologies Inc. (Photo: https://mma.prnewswire.com/media/705863/Neil_Young_and_Padaig_Canavan.jpg ) (Logo: http://mma.prnewswire.com/media/523210/FlowForma_Logo.jpg ) Multinational clients like, Aon (insurance), Uniphar (healthcare suppliers), Grant Thornton (professional services) and Grafton Group (construction) highlight how FlowForma's appeal is unconstrained by sector as well as geography. Neil Young, CEO said, "Our goal when we launched two years ago was to offer an alternative to the inefficient workflows and excessive paperwork that plague every business, an alternative that would be attractive to non-technical process owners. Our success is testament to the strength of our vision, the veracity of our product, and the global opportunities that cloud affords." FlowForma's international ambitions were signposted at the outset when Padraig Canavan was made Chairperson. A pioneer in BPM solutions, Canavan built a global business with Singularity, which was sold to Kofax in 2011 for US$48.1m. FlowForma is the second spin-off from Ergo, a leading Irish cloud and managed services company. The first was Fenergo, which received $75 million investment in 2015 from New York-based private equity firm Insight Venture Partners. The popularity of FlowForma reflects a growing appetite among businesses for self-service applications that can be developed and deployed without technical expertise, part of "the consumerization of IT" that is transforming enterprise technology. Its "no-code" approach has caught the attention of analysts as well as customers. Forrester praised FlowForma in its New Wave report for its "easy on-ramp and rich process tools", describing it is a strong and proven low code platform. Winning the Microsoft People's Choice App award at Orlando, Florida, in 2017 helped rubberstamp the firm's reputation and emphasized strong ties with Microsoft - the application integrates seamlessly with Office 365 and SharePoint to give organizations a powerful BPM solution that's up and running in hours. All of this has put FlowForma on a strong footing for further expansion, according to Neil Young. "We have a thriving business in the UK that we're looking to build on and we're starting to make inroads into the US. We've grown from three to 30 employees in two years and fully expect to double that number again in the next two years," he said. Supporting Resources To learn more about FlowForma visit: www.flowforma.com/who-we-are To find out how the FlowForma BPM tool works visit: www.flowforma.com/how-it-works To download a free trial of FlowForma BPM visit: www.flowforma.com/start-your-flowforma-trial About FlowForma FlowForma, the leading provider of Digital Business Automation (DPA) tools for Microsoft Office 365 has been revolutionizing the traditional BPM space with an innovative approach to developing award winning products that empower users to create and streamline processes smarter and faster, utilizing the familiar SharePoint platform, without any coding. FlowForma is a Microsoft Gold Partner, with over 150,000 users across Europe, America and Asia. The company is headquartered in Dublin with offices in London and Boston and is motivated by its values to innovate, evolve and achieve with employees, customers and partners. For further information, visit www.flowforma.com SOURCE FlowForma SAN FRANCISCO, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Today, GoodTime, the leading talent operations platform for interview scheduling and interviewer training, announced its official partnership with Lever, whose technology streamlines hiring processes with an intuitive applicant tracking and recruiting CRM system. The seamless integration of GoodTime and Lever makes it easier for recruiting teams to coordinate phone and complex on-site interviews with multiple panelists. This move benefits recruiting coordinators and recruiters who spend up to 60% of their day arranging interviews. Traditionally, when recruiting coordinators scheduled interviews, they used applicant tracking systems (ATS) such as Lever to find candidates who had passed the initial resume screening. From there, they switched to manual calendar searching and emails to personally schedule interviews with candidates. With this new integration, recruiting coordinators can simply click a button in the candidate profile within Lever to schedule an interview with that candidate. The system uses customized templates that clearly lay out the timeline for the entire interview process. These go out as company-branded invitations that prompt the candidate to provide their availability. GoodTime's platform uses potential interviewers' calendars to find an optimal set of interviewers and an interview time that is suitable for everyone involved. When a preferred time is found, the information is synchronized in Lever. This lets recruiting coordinators schedule interviews 90% faster, saving them hours of time every day. It also improves the candidate experience, as candidates can schedule their interview through one simple email instead of dozens of back-and-forth communications. "At GoodTime, we're deeply committed to streamlining processes and saving time for our clients. That's why we've seamlessly integrated with Lever, a leading ATS partner," said Ahryun Moon, CEO of GoodTime. "Our mutual customers can now spend less time coordinating interviews and more time on their strategic work." "With Lever and Goodtime, customers can automate even more of the time-consuming, manual parts of recruiting while improving the overall candidate experience," said Sarah Nahm, CEO of Lever. About GoodTime GoodTime is the first talent operations platform that provides intelligent interview scheduling for recruiting teams. GoodTime integrates with major ATS software and helps companies scale efficiently by seamlessly scheduling high-volume phone interviews and complex on-site interviews. GoodTime also facilitates interviewer training and provides comprehensive metrics around interviewing processes. The San Francisco-based company is backed by investors from Big Basin Capital, Alchemist Accelerator, Facebook, Twitter, Yelp, Yahoo, Tripit, and Udemy. GoodTime improves hiring efficiency for fast-scaling companies such as Box, Shopify and MuleSoft. To learn more or request a demo, visit goodtime.io. About Lever Lever's applicant tracking and sourcing technology draws the entire team together to source, nurture, interview, and hire top talent through effortless collaboration. Lever has been intentionally designed with integrated ATS and CRM functionality, and features a modern interface that helps employers develop stronger candidate relationships in fewer clicks. Lever was founded in 2012 in San Francisco. The company has raised more than $73 million in funding from Adams Street Partners, Scale Venture Partners, Matrix Partners, Y Combinator, Redpoint Ventures, and Correlation Ventures among others. Lever supports the hiring needs of over 1,500 companies around the globe including the teams at Netflix, Hot Topic, KPMG New Zealand, and Cirque du Soleil. For more information, visit https://www.lever.co. SOURCE GoodTime Related Links http://www.goodtime.io "We are excited to invest in Pillo Health and to support the development of the Pillo in-home care companion technology,'' said Robert C. Garrett, co-CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. " We see this as a landmark moment for Hackensack Meridian Health and for our commitment to leveraging innovation to improve the lives of our patients and countless others.'' Boston-based Pillo Health, a leading in-home digital care management company, created Pillo to serve as a medical hub in the home. Pillo leverages voice-first technology and artificial intelligence to connect patients at home with their care teams and family members. "Innovation is in our DNA at Hackensack Meridian Health,'' said Andrew Pecora, M.D., president of physician enterprise and chief innovation officer. "This first project funded less than a year after launching our ideation center is a major achievement to improve health care.'' Sitting on a table or countertop, the voice- and video-enabled Pillo device reminds people to take medication at the appropriate time, dispenses their medications, digitally coordinates prescription refills and connects individuals in their homes with physicians, caregivers and loved ones. For example, Pillo can alert a family member if an elderly relative misses a medication dose. Pillo can also connect a patient or family member with a physician via videoconference and provide an on-screen display of essential medical data as obtained from the patient's electronic medical record. "The Pillo Health team has tremendous respect for Hackensack Meridian Health and for its commitment to innovation,'' said James Wyman, Pillo Health co-founder and COO. "We're excited to engage with experts at Hackensack Meridian Health to revolutionize the way health care is coordinated, managed and delivered in patients' homes.'' Hackensack Meridian Health joined with the New Jersey Innovation Institute, an affiliate of the New Jersey Institute of Technology, bringing together engineers, scientists, health care experts and others to launch innovations to improve health care delivery. Hackensack Meridian created an Innovation Center where aspiring companies present their concepts to the center's ideation group. Those deemed ready are presented to the "Bear's Den" group of Hackensack Meridian's Innovation Center to decide on investment. The health network's novel incubator has vetted many products and strategies to streamline care delivery, reduce infections, lower hospital readmissions and help patients partner in their care with physicians. The best ideas have reached the Bear's Den, a panel of experts headed by Dr. Pecora and including venture capitalists, a patent attorney, medical and financial experts, and Hackensack Meridian Health Co-CEOs Robert C. Garrett and John K. Lloyd. Through investments from the $25 million fund, the network will help bring exceptional innovations to market. Together, the Pillo Health team and experts from Hackensack Meridian Health will now look to identify novel use cases for the technology within the hospital system and develop a pilot and commercialization road map to bring Pillo to market. One of Pillo Health's primary goals is to support improvements in medication compliance. Prescription noncompliance adds a huge financial burden to the U.S. healthcare system, costing billions of dollars per year, according to the federal Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Hospital admission rates increase for non-adherent patients with chronic illness by up to 69 percent, according to the CDC. Increasingly, healthcare organizations are turning to technology to help achieve the "Triple Aim'': to improve patient outcomes, enhance the patient experience and reduce costs. While U.S. healthcare spending has grown from five percent of GDP in 1960 to 17 percent in 2016, life expectancy in the U.S. has decreased in the last two years for the first time since the great flu epidemic from 1916 to 1918. Hackensack Meridian Health is a leader in improving the quality of health care while lowering costs. For example, one of our ACO's is ranked 3rd in the nation with an exceptional quality score of 92 and savings of $50 million in 2016. Through advances in technology and enhanced care coordination, the ACO decreased emergency visits by 33 percent, hospital readmissions by 47 percent and days in skilled nursing facilities by 39 percent two years ago. ABOUT HACKENSACK MERIDIAN HEALTH Hackensack Meridian Health is a leading not-for-profit health care organization that is the most comprehensive and truly integrated health care network in New Jersey, offering a complete range of medical services, innovative research and life-enhancing care. Hackensack Meridian Health comprises 16 hospitals from Bergen to Ocean counties, which includes three academic medical centers Hackensack University Medical Center in Hackensack, Jersey Shore University Medical Center in Neptune, JFK Medical Center in Edison; two children's hospitals - Joseph M. Sanzari Children's Hospital in Hackensack, K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital in Neptune; 11 community hospitals - Ocean Medical Center in Brick, Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank, Mountainside Medical Center in Montclair, Palisades Medical Center in North Bergen, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Perth Amboy, Southern Ocean Medical Center in Manahawkin, Bayshore Medical Center in Holmdel, Raritan Bay Medical Center in Old Bridge, and Pascack Valley Medical Center in Westwood, JFK Johnson Rehabilitation Institute in Edison and Shore Rehabilitation Institute in Brick. Additionally, the network has more than 180 patient care locations throughout the state which include ambulatory care centers, surgery centers, home health services, long-term care and assisted living communities, ambulance services, lifesaving air medical transportation, fitness and wellness centers, rehabilitation centers, and urgent care and after-hours centers. Hackensack Meridian Health has 33,000 team members, and 6,500 physicians and is a distinguished leader in health care philanthropy, committed to the health and well-being of the communities it serves. The Network's notable distinctions include having one of only five major academic medical centers in the nation to receive Healthgrades America's 50 Best Hospitals Award for five or more consecutive years, four hospitals among the top 10 in New Jersey, including Hackensack University Medical Center which is ranked No. 1 by U.S. News and World Report. Other honors include consistently achieving Magnet recognition for nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, recipient of the John M. Eisenberg Award for Patient Safety and Quality from The Joint Commission and the National Quality Forum, a six-time recipient of Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work For," one of the "20 Best Workplaces in Health Care" in the nation, and the number one "Best Place to Work for Women." Hackensack Meridian Health is a member of AllSpire Health Partners, an interstate consortium of leading health systems, to focus on the sharing of best practices in clinical care and achieving efficiencies. For additional information, please visit www.HackensackMeridianHealth.org. About the Pillo Health Platform and the Pillo Device - www.pillohealth.com Boston-based Pillo Health offers an in-home digital care management platform that provides personalized care for adults with chronic conditions seeking to live healthier, more independent lives. Built exclusively for healthcare, the Pillo device is a companion robot that leverages voice-first technology, facial recognition, and artificial intelligence to proactively engage users. Pillo provides medication management, care plan delivery, conversational interactions, and video check-ins with caregivers and family members. Pillo Health is bringing healthcare into the home. SOURCE Hackensack Meridian Health Related Links https://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/ AUSTIN, Texas, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Hanger, Inc. (OTC PINK: HNGR), a leading provider of orthotic and prosthetic patient care services and solutions, today announced the filing of its Quarterly Report on Form 10-Q for the three months ended March 31, 2018 with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The Company is now current with its periodic filings. The Company intends to commence the process of relisting on a national securities exchange during the third quarter of 2018. As disclosed in the recent investor conference call held on May 15th, the Company does not plan to host a conference call regarding first quarter 2018 results. Vinit Asar, President and Chief Executive Officer of Hanger, Inc., stated, "Our first quarter results were in-line with the preliminary expectations that we provided in May. Adjusted EBITDA growth outpaced revenue increases, as we benefited from lower operating expenses compared to the year-ago period." Mr. Asar continued, "We are pleased to report a continuation of the Patient Care growth trends we re-established during 2017. We've achieved a good start to 2018 and anticipate a solid performance for the year." Financial Highlights for the First Quarter of 2018 Net revenue of $234.0 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 , compared to $233.7 million for the same period in 2017. for the three months ended , compared to for the same period in 2017. GAAP net loss of $22.6 million for the three months ended March 31, 2018 , compared to $17.7 million for the same period in 2017. Adjusted EBITDA was $16.2 million in the first quarter of 2018 compared to $14.3 million in the first quarter of 2017, an increase of $1.9 million . for the three months ended , compared to for the same period in 2017. Adjusted EBITDA was in the first quarter of 2018 compared to in the first quarter of 2017, an increase of . GAAP net loss includes $17.0 million in costs for the extinguishment of debt associated with the Company's first quarter re-financing. in costs for the extinguishment of debt associated with the Company's first quarter re-financing. GAAP diluted loss per share was $0.62 for the first quarter of 2018, compared to a loss of $0.49 per share in the first quarter of 2017. Adjusted diluted loss per share was $0.13 for the three months ended March 31, 2018 , compared to a loss of $0.17 per share in the same period in 2017. for the first quarter of 2018, compared to a loss of per share in the first quarter of 2017. Adjusted diluted loss per share was for the three months ended , compared to a loss of per share in the same period in 2017. The Company's first quarter results are affected by seasonality. The first quarter is normally the lowest net revenue quarter of the year and the fourth quarter is ordinarily the highest. Complete reconciliations of GAAP to non-GAAP financial measures are provided in the tables located at the end of this press release. Detailed Results: Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 Patient Care Segment For the three months ended March 31, 2018, the Company's Patient Care net revenue totaled $188.5 million, an increase of $0.9 million compared to the same period of 2017. The net revenue growth was primarily the result of higher same clinic revenue growth in the first quarter of 2018. Same clinic revenue per day grew 1.1 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2018 . The Company reported year-over-year growth in prosthetics revenue of 6.0 percent, which caused prosthetic revenue as a percentage of total revenue to increase to 51 percent as compared with 49 percent in the first quarter of 2017. Growth in prosthetics was partially offset by a decline in orthotics, specifically lower-margin off-the-shelf devices and corrective footwear, which the Company has deemphasized within its Patient Care clinics. . The Company reported year-over-year growth in prosthetics revenue of 6.0 percent, which caused prosthetic revenue as a percentage of total revenue to increase to 51 percent as compared with 49 percent in the first quarter of 2017. Growth in prosthetics was partially offset by a decline in orthotics, specifically lower-margin off-the-shelf devices and corrective footwear, which the Company has deemphasized within its Patient Care clinics. The Company adopted Accounting Standards Codification Topic 606, " Revenue from Contracts with Customers" ("ASC 606"), a new revenue accounting standard, in the first quarter of 2018, which had the effect of reclassifying $0.9 million in charges for the Patient Care segment from bad debt expense to a reduction of revenue during the period. The standard did not apply to the comparative prior year first quarter period. ("ASC 606"), a new revenue accounting standard, in the first quarter of 2018, which had the effect of reclassifying in charges for the Patient Care segment from bad debt expense to a reduction of revenue during the period. The standard did not apply to the comparative prior year first quarter period. The percentage of Patient Care's disallowed gross revenue was 4.2 percent and 3.7 percent for the three months ended March 31, 2018 and 2017, respectively. The first quarter of 2018 disallowance rate was consistent with Patient Care disallowed revenue of 4.2 percent for the full year of 2017. While the Company is pursuing continued improvements in disallowed revenue, it does not currently anticipate a downward trend during 2018 similar to those seen over the past three years. Income from operations in the Patient Care segment was $17.1 million during the first quarter of 2018, which reflected an increase of $2.6 million, or 17.5 percent, over the $14.5 million reported in the prior year. Adjusted EBITDA for the segment was $23.0 million, which reflected a $2.2 million, or 10.5 percent increase over the prior year period. In addition to the favorable effect of earnings from the growth in same clinic sales during the first quarter of 2018, the Patient Care segment also benefited from a decline of approximately $2.6 million in personnel and other operating expense reductions, primarily lower benefit and bad debt expense. These declines were partially offset by higher cost of materials, salary and travel expenses in the Patient Care segment. in personnel and other operating expense reductions, primarily lower benefit and bad debt expense. These declines were partially offset by higher cost of materials, salary and travel expenses in the Patient Care segment. Income from operations also benefited from a $0.5 million decrease in depreciation and amortization expense, as compared to the prior year quarter. Products & Services Segment For the first three months of 2018, the Company's Products & Services net revenue totaled $45.5 million, a $0.6 million decrease compared to the same period of 2017, which was a decline of 1.2 percent. The revenue decline was due to a $1.3 million decrease in revenue for therapeutic solutions, which are services primarily provided to the post-acute market within skilled nursing facilities. The Company recognized approximately $14.1 million in revenues from therapeutic solutions in the first three months of 2018. The first quarter 2018 result is consistent with the Company's expectations as provided on its May 15 th investor call that it anticipates a potential decline of approximately $8 million in revenue from these services in 2018. The Company is currently pursuing strategies to stabilize and maximize value from these services. in revenues from therapeutic solutions in the first three months of 2018. The first quarter 2018 result is consistent with the Company's expectations as provided on its investor call that it anticipates a potential decline of approximately in revenue from these services in 2018. The Company is currently pursuing strategies to stabilize and maximize value from these services. Revenue from the distribution of O&P componentry to independent providers increased by $0.7 million , or 2.4 percent, for the first three months of 2018, partially offsetting the decline in therapeutic solutions. This was consistent with the Company's expectations for modest growth of these offerings during 2018. Income from operations for the Products & Services segment declined by $0.2 million to $5.9 million in the first three months of 2018. Adjusted EBITDA for the Products & Services segment was $8.7 million during the first quarter of 2018, which reflected a $0.3 million decline as compared with Adjusted EBITDA of $9.0 million in the same period of 2017. Net Loss; Interest Expense For the first three months of 2018, net loss was $22.6 million compared with a net loss of $17.7 million in the same period of 2017. The higher net loss was due to the $17.0 million charge for extinguishment of debt discussed above, recognized in the first quarter of 2018. charge for extinguishment of debt discussed above, recognized in the first quarter of 2018. Professional accounting and legal fees of $4.8 million reflected a decrease of $7.8 million as compared to the first quarter of 2017. This decrease was the result of a reduction in activities associated with the Company's ongoing financial remediation efforts. Interest expense for the first quarter of 2018 declined to $12.3 million from $14.0 million in the same period of 2017. This $1.7 million decrease resulted from a partial quarter of lower interest expense associated with the Company's debt refinancing in March 2018. Liquidity On March 31, 2018, the Company had liquidity of $127.0 million, comprised of $32.9 million in cash and cash equivalents, and $94.1 million in available borrowing capacity under its revolving credit facility, compared to liquidity of $87.9 million on December 31, 2017, comprised of $1.5 million in cash and cash equivalents, and $86.4 million in available borrowing capacity under its revolving credit facility. The increase in liquidity from year-end 2017 resulted from the refinancing of the Company's outstanding debt with a new, $605 million Senior Credit Facility, completed on March 6, 2018. 2018 Outlook As previously disclosed on May 14th, for the full year 2018, the Company anticipates net revenue and Adjusted EBITDA to be generally consistent with actual 2017 results. Although the Company's Adjusted EBITDA for the period ended March 31, 2018 reflected an increase over the comparable period in 2017, the Company believes this to be primarily related to the favorable timing of its expenses in that period. All amounts relating to the full year 2018 are subject to material change as the Company continues to evaluate its expectations for annual results. Additional Notes A reconciliation of GAAP and non-GAAP financial results is included in the tables provided at the back of this press release. The Company has provided certain supplemental key statistics relating its results for certain prior periods. These key statistics are non-GAAP measures used by the Company's management to analyze the Company's business results that are being provided for informational and analytical context. Accompanying supplemental information will be posted to the Investor Relations section of Hanger's web site at www.hanger.com/investors. About Hanger, Inc. Built on the legacy of James Edward Hanger, the first amputee of the American Civil War, Hanger, Inc. (OTC PINK: HNGR) delivers orthotic and prosthetic (O&P) patient care, and distributes O&P products and rehabilitative solutions to the broader market. Hanger's Patient Care segment is the largest owner and operator of O&P patient care clinics with approximately 800 patient care locations nationwide. Through its Products & Services segment, Hanger distributes branded and private label O&P devices, products and components, and provides rehabilitative solutions. With over 150 years of clinical excellence and innovation, Hanger's vision is to lead the orthotic & prosthetic markets by providing superior patient care, outcomes, services and value. For more information on Hanger, visit www.hanger.com. This press release contains certain "forward-looking statements" relating to the Company. All statements, other than statements of historical fact included herein, are "forwardlooking statements." These forward-looking statements are often identified by the use of forward-looking terminology such as "preliminary," "intends," "expects," "plans," "anticipates," "believes," "views" or similar expressions and involve known and unknown risks and uncertainties. Although the Company believes that the expectations reflected in these forward-looking statements are reasonable, they do involve assumptions, risks, and uncertainties, and these expectations may prove to be incorrect. Investors should not place undue reliance on these forward-looking statements, which speak only as of the date of this press release. The Company disclaims any intention or obligation to update or revise any forward-looking information, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise, except as required by applicable securities laws. These uncertainties include, but are not limited to, the risk that additional information may arise during the course of the Company's ongoing financial statement preparation and closing processes that would require the Company to make additional adjustments or revisions to its estimates or financial statements and other financial data, to identify additional material weaknesses, or to take any other necessary action relating to the Company's accounting practices; the time required to complete the Company's financial statements and other financial data and accounting review; the time required to prepare its periodic reports for filings with the Securities and Exchange Commission; the impact of the Tax Cuts and Jobs Act on the Company's financial statements; any regulatory review of, or litigation relating to, the Company's accounting practices, financial statements and other financial data, periodic reports or other corporate actions; changes in the demand for the Company's O&P products and services; uncertainties relating to the results of operations or recently acquired O&P patient care clinics; the Company's ability to enter into and derive benefits from managed-care contracts; the Company's ability to successfully attract and retain qualified O&P clinicians; federal laws governing the health care industry; uncertainties inherent in investigations and legal proceedings; governmental policies affecting O&P operations; and other risks and uncertainties generally affecting the health care industry. For additional information and risk factors that could affect the Company, see its Form 10K for the year ended December 31, 2017 as filed with the Securities and Exchange Commission. The information contained in this press release is made only as of the date hereof, even if subsequently made available by the Company on its website or otherwise. Investor Relations Contacts: Thomas Kiraly, Executive Vice President and Chief Financial Officer, Hanger, Inc. Seth Frank, Vice President, Treasury and Investor Relations, Hanger, Inc. 512-777-3690, [email protected] Table 1 Hanger, Inc. Consolidated Balance Sheets (dollars in thousands) March 31, December 31, 2018 2017 ASSETS Current assets: Cash and cash equivalents $ 32,913 $ 1,508 Net accounts receivable, net 127,010 146,346 Inventories 70,051 69,138 Income taxes receivable 824 13,079 Other current assets 20,004 20,888 Total current assets 250,802 250,959 Non-current assets: Property, plant and equipment, net 91,302 93,615 Goodwill 196,343 196,343 Other intangible assets, net 19,971 21,940 Deferred income taxes 75,449 68,126 Other assets 10,416 9,440 Total assets $ 644,283 $ 640,423 LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS' EQUITY Current liabilities: Current portion of long-term debt $ 10,312 $ 4,336 Accounts payable 50,722 48,269 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities 64,695 66,683 Accrued compensation related costs 17,216 53,005 Total current liabilities 142,945 172,293 Long-term liabilities: Long-term debt, less current portion 505,235 445,928 Other liabilities 49,678 50,253 Total liabilities 697,858 668,474 Commitments and contingent liabilities Shareholders' deficit: Common stock 369 365 Additional paid-in capital 334,169 333,738 Accumulated other comprehensive loss (4,268) (1,686) Accumulated deficit (383,149) (359,772) Treasury stock, at cost (696) (696) Total shareholders' deficit (53,575) (28,051) Total liabilities and shareholders' deficit $ 644,283 $ 640,423 Table 2 Hanger, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Operations and Comprehensive Loss (dollars in thousands, except per share amounts) Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Net revenue $ 233,995 $ 233,681 Material costs 76,356 74,405 Personnel costs 86,108 87,955 Other operating costs 31,096 32,689 General and administrative expenses 25,636 25,386 Professional accounting and legal fees 4,846 12,650 Depreciation and amortization 9,330 10,137 Income (loss) from operations 623 (9,541) Interest expense, net 12,263 14,009 Loss on extinguishment of debt 16,998 - Non-service defined benefit plan expense 176 184 Loss before income taxes (28,814) (23,734) Benefit for income taxes (6,196) (6,000) Net loss $ (22,618) $ (17,734) Basic and Diluted Per Common Share Data: Basic and diluted loss per common share $ (0.62) $ (0.49) Weighted average shares used to compute basic and diluted earnings per common share 36,498,482 36,084,630 Table 3 Hanger, Inc. Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows (dollars in thousands) Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Cash flows from operating activities: Net loss $ (22,618) $ (17,734) Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash from operating activities: Depreciation and amortization 9,330 10,137 Provision for doubtful accounts (94) 2,360 Stock-based compensation expense 2,585 2,164 Benefit for deferred income taxes (6,355) (6,050) Amortization of debt issuance costs 1,701 1,952 Loss on extinguishment of debt 16,998 - Gain on sale and disposal of fixed assets (594) (672) Changes in operating assets and liabilities: Accounts receivable, net 19,425 15,367 Inventories 1,085 (4,653) Other current assets 650 39 Income taxes 12,255 849 Accounts payable 552 6,333 Accrued expenses and other current liabilities (5,067) (683) Accrued compensation related costs (35,789) (19,171) Other liabilities (2,537) (1,901) Net cash used in operating activities (8,473) (11,663) Cash flows from investing activities: Purchase of property, plant and equipment (4,388) (2,348) Purchase of therapeutic program equipment leased to third-parties under operating leases (2,034) (629) Purchase of company-owned life insurance investment (598) (555) Proceeds from sale of property, plant and equipment 840 2,179 Net cash used in investing activities (6,180) (1,353) Cash flows from financing activities: Borrowings under term loan, net of discount 501,467 - Repayment of term loan (431,875) (5,625) Borrowings under revolving credit agreement 3,000 49,500 Repayments under revolving credit agreement (8,000) (31,500) Payment of employee taxes on stock-based compensation (2,150) (1,338) Payment on seller note and other contingent consideration (1,749) (3,498) Payment of capital lease obligations (364) (278) Payment of debt issuance costs (6,757) - Payment of debt extinguishment costs (8,436) - Net cash provided by financing activities 45,136 7,261 Increase (decrease) in cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash 30,483 (5,755) Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, at beginning of period 4,779 9,412 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, at end of period $ 35,262 $ 3,657 Reconciliation of cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash Cash and cash equivalents, at beginning of period $ 1,508 $ 7,157 Restricted cash, at beginning of period 3,271 2,255 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, at beginning of period $ 4,779 $ 9,412 Cash and cash equivalents, at end of period $ 32,913 $ 1,414 Restricted cash, at end of period 2,349 2,243 Cash, cash equivalents and restricted cash, at end of period $ 35,262 $ 3,657 Table 4 Hanger, Inc. Segment Information: Revenue, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (dollars in thousands) EBITDA is defined as operating income before depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as operating income before certain charges, impairments of intangible assets, third-party professional fees in excess of normal amounts incurred in connection with our financial statement remediation, debt extinguishment costs, expenses associated with equity-based compensation, severance expenses associated with significant reductions in force and expenses incurred in connection with our acquisitions. We use EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as measures to assess the relative level of our indebtedness and our compliance with certain debt covenants which are based on these measures. Additionally, we utilize these measures to assess our operating and financial performance. We believe that these measures enhance a user's understanding of normal operating income excluding certain charges, depreciation and amortization. Neither EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA are measures of financial performance computed in accordance with Generally Accepted Accounting Principles ("GAAP") and should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for operating income, net income, cash flows from operations, or other statement of operations or cash flow data prepared in conformity with GAAP, or as a measure of profitability or liquidity. In addition, the calculation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is susceptible to varying interpretations and calculations, and the amounts presented may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may not be indicative of historical operating results, and we do not intend these measures to be predictive of future results of operations. Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Net Revenue (a) Patient Care $ 188,507 $ 187,637 Products & Services 45,488 46,044 Net revenue $ 233,995 $ 233,681 EBITDA (b) Patient Care $ 21,991 $ 19,972 Products & Services 8,381 8,739 Corporate & Other (20,419) (28,115) EBITDA (Non-GAAP) $ 9,953 $ 596 Adjusted EBITDA(b) Patient Care $ 23,011 $ 20,816 Products & Services 8,651 8,993 Corporate & Other (15,425) (15,468) Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) $ 16,237 $ 14,341 (a) Excludes intersegment revenue. (b) EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are "Non-GAAP" measures. Please refer to both Table 6 and Table 7 for a reconciliation of these measures to GAAP net income. Table 5 Hanger, Inc. Reconciliation of net loss and loss per share to adjusted net income and adjusted earnings per share (dollars in thousands, except share and per share amounts) Earnings Per Share (or "EPS") is defined as net income divided by our diluted common shares during the applicable period. Adjusted EPS is defined as EPS adjusted for impairments of intangible assets, third-party professional fees in excess of normal amounts incurred in connection with our financial statement remediation, debt extinguishment costs, severance expenses associated with significant reductions in force and expenses incurred in connection with our acquisitions and certain other charges. We utilize Adjusted EPS to assess our operating and financial performance. We believe that this measure enhances a user's understanding of normal operating results excluding certain charges. Adjusted EPS is not a measure of financial performance computed in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for operating income, net income, cash flows from operations, or other statement of operations or cash flow data prepared in conformity with GAAP, or as a measure of profitability or liquidity. In addition, the calculation of Adjusted EPS is susceptible to varying interpretations and calculations, and the amounts presented may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. Adjusted EPS may not be indicative of historical operating results, and we do not intend these measures to be predictive of future results of operations. Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Net loss - as reported (GAAP) $ (22,618) $ (17,734) Adjustments: Impairment of intangible assets - - Amortization expense 1,953 2,452 Third-party professional fees 3,700 11,537 Loss on extinguishment of debt 16,998 - Severance expenses associated with reduction in force - 43 (Income) loss from discontinued operations before taxes - - Specified adjustments prior to tax effect $ 22,651 $ 14,032 Tax effect of specified adjustments (a) (4,717) (2,313) Specified adjustments after taxes 17,934 11,719 Adjusted net income (Non-GAAP) $ (4,684) $ (6,015) Basic and diluted loss per share - as reported (GAAP) $ (0.62) $ (0.49) Effect of above listed specified adjustments 0.49 0.32 Adjusted diluted income per share (Non-GAAP) $ (0.13) $ (0.17) Shares used to compute basic and diluted earnings per common share 36,498,482 36,084,630 (a) "Tax effect of specified adjustments" reflects the difference between the Company's effective provision for taxes and the application of a combined federal and state statutory tax rate of 24% and 38% respectively for the 2018 and 2017 periods to the Company's earnings from continuing operations before taxes, after the incorporation of the identified above adjustments. Table 6 Hanger, Inc. Reconciliation of net loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (dollars in thousands) EBITDA is defined as operating income before depreciation and amortization. Adjusted EBITDA is defined as operating income before certain charges, impairments of intangible assets, third-party professional fees in excess of normal amounts incurred in connection with our financial statement remediation, debt extinguishment costs, expenses associated with equity-based compensation, severance expenses associated with significant reductions in force and expenses incurred in connection with our acquisitions. We use EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as measures to assess the relative level of our indebtedness and our compliance with certain debt covenants which are based on these measures. Additionally, we utilize these measures to assess our operating and financial performance. We believe that these measures enhance a user's understanding of normal operating income excluding certain charges, depreciation and amortization. Neither EBITDA or Adjusted EBITDA are measures of financial performance computed in accordance with GAAP and should not be considered in isolation nor as a substitute for operating income, net income, cash flows from operations, or other statement of operations or cash flow data prepared in conformity with GAAP, or as a measure of profitability or liquidity. In addition, the calculation of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA is susceptible to varying interpretations and calculations, and the amounts presented may not be comparable to similarly titled measures of other companies. EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA may not be indicative of historical operating results, and we do not intend these measures to be predictive of future results of operations. Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Net loss - as reported (GAAP) $ (22,618) $ (17,734) Adjustments to calculate EBITDA: Depreciation and amortization 9,330 10,137 Interest expense, net 12,263 14,009 Loss on extinguishment of debt 16,998 - Non-service defined benefit plan expense 176 184 Benefit for income taxes (6,196) (6,000) (Income) loss from discontinued operations, net of income taxes - - Specified adjustments - net loss to EBITDA 32,571 18,330 EBITDA (Non-GAAP) 9,953 596 Further adjustments to calculate Adjusted EBITDA: Impairment of intangible assets - - Third-party professional fees 3,700 11,537 Equity-based compensation 2,584 2,165 Acquisition-related expenses - - Severance expenses associated with reduction in force - 43 Specified further adjustments - EBITDA to Adjusted EBITDA 6,284 13,745 Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) $ 16,237 $ 14,341 Table 7 Hanger, Inc. Segment reconciliation of net loss to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA (dollars in thousands) Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Patient Care Income from operations - as reported (GAAP) $ 17,093 $ 14,543 Depreciation and amortization 4,898 5,429 EBITDA (Non-GAAP) 21,991 19,972 Further adjustments to calculate Adjusted EBITDA: Impairment of intangible assets - - Third-party professional fees - - Equity-based compensation 1,020 771 Severance expenses associated with reduction in force - 73 Specified further adjustments - EBITDA to Adjusted EBITDA 1,020 844 Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) 23,011 20,816 Products & Services Income from operations - as reported (GAAP) 5,879 6,069 Depreciation and amortization 2,502 2,670 EBITDA (Non-GAAP) 8,381 8,739 Further adjustments to calculate Adjusted EBITDA: Impairment of intangible assets - - Third-party professional fees - - Equity-based compensation 270 284 Severance expenses associated with reduction in force - (30) Specified further adjustments - EBITDA to Adjusted EBITDA 270 254 Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) 8,651 8,993 Corporate & Other Income from operations - as reported (GAAP) (22,349) (30,153) Depreciation and amortization 1,930 2,038 EBITDA (Non-GAAP) (20,419) (28,115) Further adjustments to calculate Adjusted EBITDA: Impairment of intangible assets - - Third-party professional fees 3,700 11,537 Equity-based compensation 1,294 1,110 Severance expenses associated with reduction in force - - Specified further adjustments - EBITDA to Adjusted EBITDA 4,994 12,647 Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) (15,425) (15,468) Adjusted EBITDA (Non-GAAP) $ 16,237 $ 14,341 Table 8 Hanger, Inc. Indebtedness (dollars in thousands) March 31, December 31, 2018 2017 Revolving credit facility $ - $ 5,000 Term B loan, due 2025 505,000 - Term B loan, due 2019 - 280,000 Seller notes 4,163 5,912 Term loan, due June 2018 - 151,875 Financing leases and other 16,812 18,169 Total debt before unamortized discount and debt issuance costs 525,975 460,956 Unamortized discount (9,017) (5,556) Debt issuance costs, net (1,411) (5,136) Total debt $ 515,547 $ 450,264 Reported as: Current portion of long-term debt $ 10,312 $ 4,336 Long-term debt 505,235 445,928 Total debt $ 515,547 $ 450,264 Table 9 Hanger, Inc. Key Operating Metrics Three Months Ended March 31, 2018 2017 Same clinic revenue growth per day (a): Growth rate on net revenue 1.1% (0.3)% Growth rate excluding effect of change in rate of disallowances 1.6% (0.9)% Clinical locations: Patient care clinics 683 701 Satellite clinics 108 112 Total clinical locations 791 813 (a) Same Clinic Revenue per Day - Same Clinic Revenue per Day normalizes sales for the number of days a clinic was open in each comparable period. This measure is both non-GAAP and unaudited. SOURCE Hanger, Inc. Related Links http://www.hanger.com NEW YORK, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Harvard Library in New York (HLNY) and the Fund for Public Schools along with The Chapman Perelman Foundation yesterday announced the winners of the Second Annual Young Readers Prize. The Young Readers Prize was awarded to two 8th grade public school students: Melissa Alcantara from PSMS 161 (Manhattan) and Alicia Galarza from MS 582 (Brooklyn). The prize is intended to recognize students who show a deep love of reading for its own sake irrespective of academic or testing performance and show thoughtfulness about what they read and how it impacts them. HLNY Board members Richard Chapman and daughter Dr. Anna Chapman spearheaded the effort to create the annual prize in 2017 as an opportunity encourage the next generations of thoughtful, young readers. Guest speaker, author Jacqueline Woodson, National Book Award Winner and National Ambassador for Young People's Literature, attended the event and read from her award-winning book Brown Girl Dreaming. Anna Chapman and Richard Chapman, along with the Sherman siblings in honor of their late father and Harvard alumnus, Julius Sherman, sponsored this award which included a $250 gift certificate to the Strand Bookstore, a signed copy of Brown Girl Dreaming, as well as a selection of four of Jacqueline Woodson's favorite coming-of-age books: If Beale Street Could Talk by James Baldwin Roll of Thunder Hear My Cry by Mildred D. Taylor In the Land of Words by Eloise Greenfield Honey, I Love and Other Love Poems by Eloise Greenfield "As a member of the Harvard Library of New York Board of Trustees for over twenty years, a love of books and reading has long played an important role in my own life. We have created this award to encourage a similar affection for literature amongst young New Yorkers," said Anna Chapman. "We wanted to do something that would make our father happy and this seemed like a perfect fit. He was a lifelong learner and voracious reader," said Valerie Sherman, one of the four Sherman siblings. "We hope that his love of reading will inspire young readers to continue reading throughout their lives." "For the second consecutive year, the Harvard Library in New York has recognized middle school students purely for their love of reading, a pursuit that helps young people embark on a lifetime of learning," said Julianne Rana, deputy executive director at the Fund for Public Schools. "We thank Dr. Chapman and her fellow board members for celebrating NYC public school students, and congratulate this year's Young Readers Prize recipients." The celebration was held on Wednesday June 13th at the Harvard Library's Gordon Reading Room, where the two selected students, Melissa Alcantara and Alicia Galarza, were announced and each was awarded the Young Readers Prize. To be considered for the prestigious award, the students were asked to write a personal statement highlighting why reading is important to them; how reading has changed their perspective, or helped them better understand the world and themselves; share thoughts or impressions on their favorite books and authors; and describe how they hope and expect books will play a role in their future lives. "Before I got into reading, there was always a barrier to how far I could imagine things, how much new knowledge I gained, and how deeply my emotions could be moved by mere words," wrote Young Readers Prize recipient, Melissa Alcantara from Don Pedro Albizu Campos at PSMS 161 in Manhattan. "Reading is important because it exposes me to new ideas and concepts. I feel that reading has allowed me to be a more open-minded person and has allowed me to better understand others' points of view," wrote Alicia Galarza, Young Readers Prize recipient from MS 582 in Brooklyn. "I fell in love with the ability to go into a different world and see it through someone else's eyes." About the Harvard Library of New York Since its founding, The Harvard Library in New York has remained true to its mission "to stimulate and maintain interest in good literature by raising, administering and expending funds for the establishment and maintenance of a library in the city of New York to be located at the Harvard Club of New York City." In addition to preserving and caring for all documents, memorabilia and literature relating to Harvard and Harvard Club members, the Library is home to a significant collection of rare books and archival materials. As a public benefit and a public service, the Library has made these documents available for research and scholarship to members of the Harvard community and to the broader community of scholars and researchers world-wide. Research requests must be made in advance however, and are made by appointment only. About the Fund for Public Schools The Fund for Public Schools has consistently and rigorously dedicated itself to supporting New York City's public schools since 1982. The Fund has secured unprecedented investment from foundations, businesses, and individuals, raising more than $440 million for the city's 1,800 public schools and 1.1 million students. As a partner to the NYC DOE, the Fund sits in a unique position. We facilitate partnerships between the philanthropic community and the NYC DOE to pilot innovative projects; accelerate promising, outcome-driven initiatives; and respond quickly and strategically to emerging needs across the NYC public school system. We support some of the most innovative programs in K-12 education at the largest school district in the country. With our partners, we have the potential to make significant impact in the lives of millions of New Yorkers. SOURCE The Chapman Perelman Foundation PETALUMA, Calif., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Having a business run as smoothly as possible is ideal for turning out maximum efficiency and top quality work. Getting to that point can first require some ground rules for employees inside the workplace. Brandon Frere, successful entrepreneur, CEO and President of Frere enterprises, has some suggestions on different ideas to consider as a framework for policies for employees in the workplace. Different policies will be more applicable to certain businesses over others, but many policies still have to be heavily thought about before being implemented or decided on as unnecessary. "Businesses are unique, and they're meant to be, or else we wouldn't need so many in our world. That means different practices may work better for some over others. Careful thought should be had before implementing drastic changes, but it isn't always a bad idea to test out ideas and be able to toss aside those that don't seem to be working out," says Frere. Policies about dress code expectations are fairly standard. Policies regarding food at a specific work area may be needed, as well as phone restrictions, depending on the type of work being done. There can be certain policies that are intrinsic to a business, such as certain topics that can't be discussed with a client, to avoid unnecessary issues (i.e. discussing politics). Special exceptions will occasionally happen that bend the rules a little, and that should be expected to happen as circumstances will appear that require it, like a worker who is a parent and waiting on a phone call about his or her child. Putting careful thought into anything is important for a business. That includes the smaller details like basic rules that can sometimes seem too little to be concerned with. "To avoid complications in the future, it can be best to have policies set in the first place, and amend them as needed. A business dynamic should welcome change that improves the workplace," says Frere. About Frere Enterprises Brandon Frere is an entrepreneur and businessman who lives in Sonoma County, California. He has designed and created multiple companies to meet the ever-demanding needs of businesses and consumers alike. His company website, www.FrereEnterprises.com, is used as a means to communicate many of the lessons, fundamentals, and information he has learned throughout his extensive business and personal endeavors, most recently in advocating on behalf of student loan borrowers nationwide. As experienced during his own student loan repayment, Mr. Frere found out how difficult it can be to work with federally contracted student loan servicers and the repayment programs designed to help borrowers. Through those efforts, he gained an insider's look into the repayment process and the motivations behind the inflating student loan debt bubble. His knowledge of the confusing landscape of student loan repayment became a vital theme in his future endeavors, and he now uses those experiences to help guide others through the daunting process of applying for available federal repayment and loan forgiveness programs. FrereEnterprises.com Related Images image1.png business-leader.jpg Business Leader leungchopan/Bigstock.com Related Links Frere Enterprises SOURCE Frere Enterprises "With 67 percent of buyers considering new construction, there is a huge addressable market whose needs aren't being fully met," said Tim Costello, CEO of HomLuv.com's parent company, Builders Digital Experience (BDX). "Research shows that home buyers are frustrated with real estate websites that don't effectively cater to new home buyers. HomLuv's visual, design-forward approach gives buyers and builders a shared language, eliminating confusion, streamlining the process and creating a great experience for both." Design Forward HomLuv gives shoppers an inspiring and fun way to find what they like and then helps them identify and partner with a builder to design and develop a home that matches their tastes and lifestyle. With millions of visual assets, HomLuv features a wide range of floor plans and styles, all expertly curated by the nation's top home builders and designers. HomLuv contributors are renowned experts on custom homes, interior trends, green features, architecture, landscaping, design, budgeting, and project management. Collaboration HomLuv eliminates co-buyer frustrations by giving them a way to share images using a simple and intuitive pin-board format. Buyers and their partners can also add comments on their "likes" and "dislikes." Builders gain a more holistic view of the homebuyers' preferences and a "common language" emerges between all parties, enabling the builder to deliver the perfect home, within budget. How it works in 4 simple steps: Explore: HomLuv shoppers start by entering the location they want to live, anywhere in the nation, followed by a few traditional search criteria such as number of bedrooms, baths, and price range. Luv: Shoppers are introduced to interior and exterior images of new homesfrom master baths to man caves and craft rooms to kitchens, in myriad styles from traditional to ultra-modern. When a shopper sees something she likes, she pins it to her board and begins to create a canvas of her favorites. HomLuv's AI engine then begins presenting more ideas that match her tastes. Collaborate: Co-buyers can share their boards to see where their favorites overlap, and where they diverge. And shoppers can also invite designers, friends, and family to view their boards. Recommend: HomLuv learns shopper preferences, ultimately matching them with builders in their specific location who can complete their vision. About HomLuv.com HomLuv.com is the first AI-based visual search and discovery platform for new homes. Design-driven with a broad range of styles and floor plans, HomLuv helps co-buyers discover what they like and continues to deliver targeted results that suit their taste and budget. HomLuv's collaboration tools give co-buyers a seamless way to share and prioritize their favorites, and then matches them with a builder. HomLuv features more than one million images from more than 100,000 homes across the US, provided by hundreds of the nation's top builders. HomLuv is based in Austin, TX, and is owned by Builders Digital Experience. About Builders Digital Experience For more than 17 years, Builders Digital Experience (BDX) has been a leading provider of digital marketing and sales solutions for the home building industry. In addition to running the top new home listing site (NewHomeSource.com), and providing distribution of new home listings to hundreds of real estate websites, BDX offers website development, virtual reality solutions, interactive floor plans, photo realistic renderings, and sales center kiosks. BDX's Envision is the industry leading online design center solution. Together, these online and interactive resources help builders and manufacturers create a true digital experience for their buyers. BDX is owned by the industry and works with more than 1,000 clients. HomLuv Media Contact: Jen Colton [email protected] 415-420-5516 SOURCE HomLuv.com Related Links http://HomLuv.com ROHNERT PARK, Calif., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Many Americans with student loan debt complain of how paying back their loans feels impossible and controls their every move, from financial, like wanting to buy a house, to professional, such as wanting to try a new career. They worry about how their financial restraints are taking years off of following their passions. Others have to contend with underemployment when joining the workforce after graduation, which varies from obtaining jobs beneath their skill level or receiving wages lower than they are worth. A potential solution to their problems is to seek out a new loan repayment plan, such as those offered by the Department of Education. With the help of Ameritech Financial, a document preparation company that assists borrowers with federal repayment plan applications, borrowers could alleviate the burden of their debt by switching to an income-driven repayment plan (IDR). Paying off their student debts faster also has multiple implications for the health of America's economy. For instance, there is currently $1.5 trillion dollars in student debt, which could indicate there is less money flowing to goods and services. In addition, several sources suggest that Americans with high student debt are less likely to take out mortgages on homes, because either their creditworthiness is low or they simply cannot add the additional monthly payments to their budget. This, in turn, could drag the national economy, and many are concerned another big recession could occur as soon as 2020. Where is the silver lining? While various stakeholders are working on solutions to these problems, graduates do not have to passively wait for a better future. The longer they wait to make a positive change on their debt situation, the more likely it is that they will default on their federal student loans, which is what happens to 3,000 people every day. These borrowers have resources, such as various federal repayment programs. "It can feel as if student loan debt is preventing you from pursuing your true passions, such as world travel or buying a house, and instead, the monthly payments are absorbing your budget, leaving you with little to live on," said Tom Knickerbocker, executive vice president of Ameritech Financial. "For these types of situations, we recommend that borrowers examine their own situation and if they are struggling, they might be the right fit for help through a federal repayment program." The future may also hold improvements and systemic changes to the student debt crisis. For example, bills like SIMPLE (Streamlining Income-driven, Manageable Payments on Loans for Education) continue to be introduced in the hopes of ameliorating the issue. Until then, others argue that enrollment in IDRs lessens delinquency and increases credit-worthiness of borrowers, which they suggest could also encourage them to buy homes and therefore stimulate the economy. Ameritech Financial is a private company that assists borrowers in understanding IDRs and completing the necessary application paperwork. "Student loans don't have to drag the economy down and organizations like Ameritech Financial are attempting to offer borrowers an alternative to the burdensome status quo," said Knickerbocker. 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 idrs-can-change-lives-like-this.jpg IDRs Can Change Lives, Like This Happy Couple Credit: nruboc/Bigstock image2.png Related Links Ameritech Financial home page Related Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRza8MbLvuM SOURCE Ameritech Financial ARLINGTON, Va., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- In conjunction with its presence at the Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM) Annual Conference, Bloomberg Law for HR Professionals today released its HR Department Benchmarks and Analysis 2018 report. The annual survey results reveal that HR departments have a median of 1.5 employees for every 100 in the workforce, which represents an all-time high in the survey's 40-year history. A complimentary copy of the HR Department Benchmarks and Analysis 2018 executive summary infographic is available at http://on.bna.com/AulS30ku1Gz. The report, first issued by BNA in 1978, is a vital source for human resources executives at organizations of all types and sizes, providing benchmarking data and insights required to plan for the future and manage the function more effectively and strategically. Bloomberg Law will demonstrate how its HR solutions provide timely news, expert analysis, and essential tools at booth #3050 at SHRM, which will be in Chicago from June 17-20. "This report is a must-have for HR executives who want to compare how their departments stack up to similarly sized organizations when it comes to staffing, expenditures, responsibilities, priorities, and influence," said Molly Huie, manager of survey reports for Bloomberg Law. "In this year's report, there are year-over-year comparisons of the new metrics added last yearincluding details of how HR departments are using their allotted budgetsallowing readers to identify trends in the industry and make more informed planning decisions." Key findings of this year's survey include: HR spending per employee increased slightly this year, though levels are still near a 10-year low. The median ratio of human resources staff to total employee headcount is at an all-time high of 1.5 full-time equivalent HR employees for every 100 workers served by the human resource department. The HR salary ratio comparing HR salaries to total payroll also hit an all-time high at 2.8, indicating HR staff continue to make more than the workers they serve. Employee and workforce satisfaction, compensation competitiveness, training, and diversity and EEO have seen jumps in priority over the past 5 years and are currently as important as they have ever been. About Bloomberg Law Bloomberg Law helps legal professionals provide world-class counsel with access to actionable legal intelligence in a business context. Bloomberg Law delivers a unique combination of practical guidance, comprehensive primary and secondary source material, trusted content from Bloomberg BNA, news, time-saving practice tools, market data and business intelligence. For more information, visit www.bna.com/bloomberglaw. SOURCE Bloomberg Law Related Links http://www.bna.com/bloomberglaw NEW YORK, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Bradford Waddell, MD, hip and knee surgeon at Hospital for Special Surgery (HSS), has been named chair of the Young Arthroplasty Group (YAG) Committee in the American Association of Hip and Knee Surgeons (AAHKS). Founded in 1991, the mission of AAHKS is to advance hip and knee patient care through education and advocacy. "About two years ago, my colleague Dr. Jeff Lange and I sought to connect recently graduated hip and knee fellows for research and collaboration," said Dr. Waddell. "We began with 10 to 12 surgeons, creating this new informal group and then brought the idea to AAHKS, where it has now grown into a larger group and committee." The mission of YAG is to connect young arthroplasty surgeons (with under 5 years of practice) in order to promote collaboration and young surgeon activity within AAHKS, with a particular focus on research, leadership and advocacy. At the inaugural YAG meeting at AAHKS' Annual meeting in 2017, over 100 surgeons were in attendance. Dr. Waddell has been a member of AAHKS since 2014 and began his term as chair on June 1, 2018. Previously, as a Health Policy Fellow for AAHKS, he was charged with finding new ways to bring younger surgeons into the organization. "Bringing our informal group to AAHKS was the perfect way to fulfill this duty," says Dr. Waddell, who also practices in CT at HSS Stamford. The YAG Committee's co-founder, Jeffrey Lange, MD, orthopedic surgeon at Brigham and Women's Hospital, serves as vice-chair, with 5 liaisons to different AAHKS committees comprising the rest of the committee. "This group recruits young arthroplasty surgeons and works to encourage and empower them to take advantage of the full benefits of the organization whether it is in research, advocacy or leadership," added Dr. Waddell. "I'm happy to say we've had 250 surgeons sign up for the group to date!" Dr. Waddell joined HSS in October 2017; however he was no stranger to the organization as he completed his fellowship at HSS. He specializes in reconstruction of the hip and knee, specifically primary and revision hip and knee replacement. Devoted to getting his patients back to an active lifestyle, Dr. Waddell currently researches patient safety, new technologies and value-based care. About HSS | Hospital for Special Surgery HSS is the world's leading academic medical center focused on musculoskeletal health. At its core is Hospital for Special Surgery, nationally ranked No. 1 in orthopedics (for the eighth consecutive year) and No. 3 in rheumatology by U.S. News & World Report (2017-2018). Founded in 1863, the Hospital has one of the lowest infection rates in the country and was the first in New York State to receive Magnet Recognition for Excellence in Nursing Service from the American Nurses Credentialing Center four consecutive times. The global standard total knee replacement was developed at HSS in 1969. An affiliate of Weill Cornell Medical College, HSS has a main campus in New York City and facilities in New Jersey, Connecticut and in the Long Island and Westchester County regions of New York State. In 2017 HSS provided care to 135,000 patients and performed more than 32,000 surgical procedures. People from all 50 U.S. states and 80 countries travelled to receive care at HSS. In addition to patient care, HSS leads the field in research, innovation and education. The HSS Research Institute comprises 20 laboratories and 300 staff members focused on leading the advancement of musculoskeletal health through prevention of degeneration, tissue repair and tissue regeneration. The HSS Global Innovation Institute was formed in 2016 to realize the potential of new drugs, therapeutics and devices. The culture of innovation is accelerating at HSS as 130 new idea submissions were made to the Global Innovation Institute in 2017 (almost 3x the submissions in 2015). The HSS Education Institute is the world's leading provider of education on the topic on musculoskeletal health, with its online learning platform offering more than 600 courses to more than 21,000 medical professional members worldwide. Through HSS Global Ventures, the institution is collaborating with medical centers and other organizations to advance the quality and value of musculoskeletal care and to make world-class HSS care more widely accessible nationally and internationally. SOURCE Hospital for Special Surgery Related Links http://www.hss.edu NEW YORK, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Hunt Mortgage Group, a leader in financing commercial real estate throughout the United States, announced today it provided an FHA mortgage in the amount of $36.55 million to finance the construction of West End 38 Apartments, a mixed-use property located in Wheat Ridge, Colorado. "West End 38 Apartments will be the first truly integrated mixed-use project in the City of Wheat Ridge that will provide market rate housing for the working professional and families, along with commercial retail space," explained Stephen Wessler, Director - FHA Originations in the Affordable Housing Group at Hunt Mortgage Group. The to-be built property will feature 165 apartment units, 7,269 square feet of retail space, and a mix of outdoor public courtyards and gathering spaces. The four-story building will consist of three-stories of multifamily apartments above a street-oriented retail space along 38th Avenue. Retail tenants are expected to include a mix of local restaurants and retailers. The project will also include the first structured parking facility in the City of Wheat Ridge, serving both apartment residents and retail customers. The borrower is West End 38 LLLP, a Colorado limited liability limited partnership, backed by Chris Downs and Tyler Downs. The general contractor is Shaw Builders and they estimate a 19-month construction schedule. "This mixed-use project is expected to be a catalyst for further re-development along the 38th Avenue corridor and will serve as the anchor project for Main Street in Wheat Ridge," added Wessler. The property is supported by the City and included within the Urban Renewal Plan to eliminate and prevent blight by facilitating redevelopment; support and advance actions related to the development of vacant and under-utilized parcels and provide public infrastructure and make more efficient use of existing land to promote sustainability. Per the City of Wheat Ridge's Urban Renewal Plan, the loan qualifies under the Section 220 eligibility requirements for new construction of a mixed-use housing project within an urban renewal area. The project is also classified as green/energy efficient housing. West End 38 Apartments is situated on a 2.8-acre site at the northwest corner of West 38th Avenue and Upham Street, in the Town Center neighborhood which fully embraces the City's Main Street Vision for 38th Avenue. The City of Wheat Ridge is located in Jefferson County, Colorado. "The borrowers also own Wazee Partners, a Denver based real estate development and investment company. They are very active in the development and acquisition/rehabilitation of multifamily, senior housing, retail, and land properties throughout the west mountain region," added Wessler. "They have extensive knowledge and experience and have developed or acquired over 800 units across eleven projects during the past eight years. We were pleased to partner with them on this deal to help revitalize the local area and provide quality housing to local residents." The property will feature on-site management and maintenance, secured access entries, a community room, business center, a swimming pool, spa/jacuzzi, cyber cafe, fitness center, yoga room, BBQ/outdoor kitchen area, bicycle storage and repair area, dog wash and additional storage lockers. The project will have a total of 255 on-site parking spaces, including 25 surface spaces and 230 garage spaces. Each of the 165 apartments will have one parking space included in the rent. West End 38 Apartments will consist of 22 studio, one-bathroom units, 100 one-bedroom, one-bathroom apartments and 43 two-bedroom, two-bathroom units. About Hunt Mortgage Group Hunt Mortgage Group, a subsidiary of Hunt Companies, Inc., is a leader in financing commercial real estate throughout the United States. The Company finances all types of commercial real estate: multifamily properties (including small balance), affordable housing, office, retail, manufactured housing, healthcare/senior living, industrial, and self-storage facilities. It offers Fannie Mae, Freddie Mac, FHA in addition to its own Proprietary loan products. Since inception, the Company has structured more than $27 billion of loans and today maintains a servicing portfolio of more than $14.8 billion. Headquartered in New York City, Hunt Mortgage Group has 229 professionals in 25 locations throughout the United States. To learn more, visit www.huntmortgagegroup.com. MEDIA CONTACTS Brent Feigenbaum Hunt Mortgage Group 212-317-5730 [email protected] Pam Flores 773-218-9260 [email protected] SOURCE Hunt Mortgage Group Related Links http://www.huntmortgagegroup.com MADISON HEIGHTS, Mich., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The International Association of Business Communicators (IABC) Detroit chapter is helping communicators power up their awards potential by offering a "dynamic duo" of awards programs this year. IABC Detroit is partnering with the Heritage Region to give communicators a chance to compete at the local level (IABC Detroit Renaissance Awards) as well as the regional level (Heritage Region Silver Quill) at the same time, using a single entry. The super-hero-themed competition urges entrants to share their communications management, skills and creative initiatives by the June 24, 2018 deadline. "Communicators in this day and age often feel like they are being asked to 'leap tall deadlines in a single bound,'" said Ed Walters, co-chair of the IABC Detroit Renaissance Awards program. "Our IABC chapter provides a unique opportunity to have their work recognized at the local and regional levels." Nancy Sarpolis, co-chair, IABC Detroit Renaissance Awards, agreed: "Entrants will save time, money and gain the recognition of peers and other communications professionals who will marvel at their superior communication capabilities." Ready to fly? Visit the Silver Quill website for categories and entry details. To make sure your entry is considered for both competitions, be sure to click on "Michigan SQ + RA" when entering. Awards for both competitions will be announced in October 2018. ABOUT IABC DETROIT RENAISSANCE AWARDS The IABC Detroit Renaissance Awards debuted 37 years ago to recognize excellence in communications in southeast Michigan. Today, it is the premiere communications awards program in the state. ABOUT THE HERITAGE REGION SILVER QUILL AWARDS The IABC Heritage Region Silver Quill awards have been a hallmark of communications excellence for more than 15 years. Silver Quill recognizes outstanding accomplishments within its geographic area: Connecticut, Delaware, Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, D.C. and West Virginia. SOURCE IABC Detroit Every company's commercial relationships are governed by contracts, managing every dollar in and every dollar out of the enterprise. The Icertis Contract Management (ICM) platform , combined with Microsoft technology, turns contracts from static documents into strategic assets. This past year, Icertis won numerous high-profile customers with Microsoft, building on the growing list of global enterprise customers such as 3M, BASF, Becton Dickenson, Daimler, Johnson and Johnson, Neiman Marcus, Roche and Wipro. "Winning with Microsoft has been an Icertis tradition since our founding," says Samir Bodas, CEO and Co-founder Icertis, "Over the years, our relationship has grown exponentially to encompass global go-to-market reach, region-specific field engagement, and cutting-edge product innovation. This award recognizes the unique and substantial value that we are jointly delivering to enterprises as they digitally transform their commercial foundations." The ICM platform was born on Microsoft Azure and natively integrates with other Microsoft technologies including Microsoft Teams, Microsoft Office 365 and Microsoft Dynamics 365 to deliver an innovative approach that transforms how organizations interact with their contracts. Icertis is closely partnering with Microsoft Engineering teams on a suite of new AI-infused ICM applications based on the Microsoft AI platform. "We are honored to recognize Icertis of the US as a Microsoft Country Partner of the Year," said Gavriella Schuster, corporate vice president, One Commercial Partner, Microsoft Corp. "Icertis has distinguished itself as a top partner, exemplifying the remarkable expertise and innovation we see in our Microsoft partner community to deliver transformative solutions." The Microsoft Partner of the Year Awards recognize Microsoft partners that have developed and delivered exceptional Microsoft-based solutions over the past year. For example in the past year, Icertis and Microsoft combined efforts to standardize Daimler procurement operations as part of a larger effort to modernize the procurement system the auto maker uses to manage 400,000 suppliers. Awards were presented in several categories, with winners chosen from a set of more than 2,600 entrants from 115 countries worldwide. Icertis will be recognized at Microsoft Inspire taking place July 1519, 2018, in Las Vegas, Nevada. For more information about Icertis, visit www.icertis.com About Icertis Icertis, the leading provider of enterprise contract management in the cloud, solves the hardest contract management problems on the easiest to use platform. Icertis helps companies transform their commercial foundation ensuring compliance, improving governance, mitigating risk and enhancing user productivity, thereby improving the bottom line. The Icertis Contract Management (ICM) platform is used to manage 5+ million contracts by 2+ million subscribers at companies like 3M, Daimler, Microsoft, Roche and Wipro in 40+ languages across 90+ countries. The AI-powered platform allows customers to increase contract velocity and agility, proactively manage entitlements and obligations as well as surface commercial insights and intelligence. Media Contact Rob McMurtrie Director of Corporate Communications, Icertis [email protected] +1 (425) 869-7649 SOURCE Icertis Related Links http://www.icertis.com LONDON and CHICAGO, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- CONNECTIONS Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), the global leader in CRM, today announced that British department store Fenwick has selected Salesforce Commerce Cloud, Marketing Cloud and Service Cloud to deliver new digital shopping experiences. With nine stores in the UK and 135 years trading, Fenwick faced the challenge of rising customer expectations in a world that is fast becoming digitized. Fenwick needs to be able to support all points of commerce and service across multiple channels. The new ecommerce platform and personalized experience powered by Salesforce will help the British retailer meet the expectations of today's connected and digitally savvy customers. "Fenwick has always offered customers an experience that is unique and tailored to the local market," said Kate Smyth, Digital Director at Fenwick. "With Salesforce, we have the tools to continue that experience through digital." Commerce Cloud will support Fenwick customers in their purchasing journeys, across multiple devices, with agility and consistency. With an understanding of how each customer is interacting and shopping online, Fenwick will be able to deliver unique content, offers and recommendations. With Marketing Cloud, Fenwick will create and send personalized and relevant communications for each customer, using intelligent customer journeys. "As our shoppers become more sophisticated and new channels emerge, their expectations rise," said Sam O'Neill, Head of Ecommerce at Fenwick. "Our shoppers want the opportunity to browse and shop online, and they want that experience to be as consistent and personal as when they walk into one of our iconic stores. Salesforce is enabling Fenwick to excel in this new and exciting chapter." The competitive nature of the British retail scene also provides an opportunity for brands to delight customers with innovative and frictionless customer service solutions. With Service Cloud, Fenwick shoppers will have access to improved personalized and connected customer service experiences across multiple channels including phone, email, social and webchat. "Having that single view of the customer in one unified desktop view will help our customer service team resolve issues faster and with greater accuracy," said Ben Parsonson, Head of Customer Service at Fenwick. "It is the foundation of creating a memorable and effective customer first-experience." "We're excited to be supporting this iconic brand to bring the 'world of Fenwick' further into the world of digital," said Chris Wood, Regional Vice President, Retail, UK, Salesforce. "Fenwick's strategy puts the customer at the core of their innovation and that's something we firmly believe in at Salesforce. This initiative is a great example of how a brand with Fenwick's history can accelerate to bring their luxury experience to any device and channel while keeping that personal touch." Fenwick's implementation of both Service Cloud and Marketing Cloud is supported by Salesforce partner, eMark and the implementation of Commerce Cloud by Salesforce partner Astound Commerce. About Fenwick Fenwick, founded in Newcastle in 1882, is the largest independent department store group in the UK with stores in London's New Bond Street and Brent Cross, Newcastle, York, Canterbury, Tunbridge Wells, Colchester, Bracknell, and Kingston upon Thames. About Salesforce Salesforce, the global CRM leader, empowers companies to connect with their customers in a whole new way. For more information about Salesforce (NYSE: CRM), visit: http://www.salesforce.com. SOURCE Salesforce Related Links http://www.salesforce.com REDWOOD CITY, Calif., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Informatica, the enterprise cloud data management leader, today announced the launch of its enhanced partner enablement program to support Informatica's rapidly growing global partner ecosystem. The extended program is designed to accelerate partners' ability to enable their customers' data-driven digital transformations and to achieve new growth opportunities across key customer journeysNext Generation Analytics, Data Governance and Compliance, 360 Engagement, and Cloud/Hybridleveraging the Informatica Intelligent Data Platform. Global Elevate Events The new Elevate events take the Informatica Partner Program to a new level by bringing together members of Informatica's executive team, technical experts and regional sales to provide partners with expert hands-on training and tools to upskill and reskill their sales, pre-sales, and customer success teams on Informatica's solutions. The Elevate events also provide the opportunity for partners to satisfy the Informatica Partner Program accreditation requirements. The global tour of Elevate events, which kicked-off in Copenhagen, continues through 2018 in Bangkok (July 9-12) and Denver (August 20-23). The Informatica partner network added more than 150 new partners over the past year, extending its expertise, scale and global reach. The most recent partners to have joined include Tech Data France, SYSBack in Germany, SHI in North America, and enterprise IT and ISW for the Australia and New Zealand region. Supporting Quotes "Informatica's Elevate 2018 was of great value for Tech Data and we were very pleased to have been one of this year's key sponsors," said Ian Belton , sales director analytics, EMEA at Tech Data. "Understanding the complete customer journey and how Informatica uniquely positions itself as a core part of technology ecosystems, alongside other leading vendors in cloud and big data, was of particular value to our team in attendance." , sales director analytics, EMEA at Tech Data. "Understanding the complete customer journey and how Informatica uniquely positions itself as a core part of technology ecosystems, alongside other leading vendors in cloud and big data, was of particular value to our team in attendance." "Deloitte is thrilled to join Informatica at their new Elevate events," said Tracy Ring , vice president, alliances at Deloitte Consulting LLP. "Our participation in the Elevate program reflects Deloitte's continued commitment to help our joint customers leverage the Informatica suite of products to transform data management capabilities." , vice president, alliances at Deloitte Consulting LLP. "Our participation in the Elevate program reflects Deloitte's continued commitment to help our joint customers leverage the Informatica suite of products to transform data management capabilities." "Entity Group and Informatica have partnered for many years to deliver successful data-driven projects for our joint customers," said Kate Tickner , business development director at The Entity Group. "Informatica's reimagined global partner program with its emphasis on partner sales and technical enablement will be immensely helpful to our teams in driving new pipeline and continuing to ensure our mutual customers see value from their organizational data. The annual partner enablement conferences will be an essential part of our calendar and the recent Elevate we attended was no exception. The quality of the content, event organization and delivery were excellent. Informatica's commitment to its global partner network has never been more obvious." , business development director at The Entity Group. "Informatica's reimagined global partner program with its emphasis on partner sales and technical enablement will be immensely helpful to our teams in driving new pipeline and continuing to ensure our mutual customers see value from their organizational data. The annual partner enablement conferences will be an essential part of our calendar and the recent Elevate we attended was no exception. The quality of the content, event organization and delivery were excellent. Informatica's commitment to its global partner network has never been more obvious." "SYSBack strives consistently to deliver the best in big data solutions for our customers," said Antonio Mastrolorito, vice president, digital evolution services at SYSBack. "We're delighted to partner with Informatica, a leading provider in enterprise data management. Their big data and analytics solutions will enable our customers to develop the actionable insights needed to drive their business forward." "The Informatica team has a real focus on enabling and empowering partners unlike any other partner I've worked with," said Devin Deen , director at enterprise IT. "Our partnership with Informatica and their full suite of solutions will help our customers harness the volume and complexity of today's data and turn it into the trusted currency they need to grow their business." , director at enterprise IT. "Our partnership with Informatica and their full suite of solutions will help our customers harness the volume and complexity of today's data and turn it into the trusted currency they need to grow their business." "ISW's strong reputation for delivering smart business technology paired with Informatica's leading enterprise data management solutions will empower our IoT and analytics specialists to help customers unlock more value from their data and accelerate their journey into the cloud," said Tim Royle , executive director at ISW. , executive director at ISW. "The investments Informatica is making in our partner enablement are fundamental to the success of our channel partners. The new Elevate events, just one example of our commitment to accelerating partners' commercial success, are designed to give our partners direct access to Informatica executives and domain experts so they can experience the same high-grade enablement as our own field teams," said Richard Ganley , senior vice president, Global Partners and Digital Transformation Solutions, Informatica. "Our relentless commitment to enabling customers to achieve significant advantages over their competitors by unleashing the power of their data is driven by our passion for the power of data to transform companies." Tweet this: News: @Informatica launches new global partner program with enablement events, hands-on labs and new global partnerships https://infa.media/wp180405a. About Informatica Informatica is the only Enterprise Cloud Data Management leader that accelerates data-driven digital transformation. Informatica enables companies to fuel innovation, become more agile and realize new growth opportunities, resulting in intelligent market disruptions. Over the past 25 years, Informatica has helped more than 9,000 customers unleash the power of data. For more information, call +1 650-385-5000 (1-800-653-3871 in the U.S.), or visit www.informatica.com. Connect with Informatica on LinkedIn, Twitter and Facebook. Note: Informatica and Intelligent Data Platform are trademarks or registered trademarks of Informatica in the United States and in jurisdictions throughout the world. All other company and product names may be trade names or trademarks of their respective owners. Contact: Ariel Roop Alexia Russell Informatica Informatica +1 650 385 5976 +44 (0)7788 394 219 [email protected] [email protected] SOURCE Informatica Related Links http://www.informatica.com Cardioflex Q10 is a supportive nutritional supplement that maintains cardiovascular health. It is powered with Vitamin C to metabolize fats and proteins, collagen to connect tissue formation, L-Lysine amino acid to maintain good health and collagen formation, magnesium to metabolize macronutrients and maintain proper muscle function, Vitamin D to maintain strong teeth and bones, and to absorb calcium and phosphorous; and folate to firm red blood cells. "We believe multiple approaches to healthcare are best for different health needs," Innotech CEO Wayne Friesen said. "There are areas of the body that holistic nutritionists are better adapted for, and areas where modern medicine is crucial. Innotech Nutrition takes from the best approaches of different healthcare sectors, including Western doctors, holistic healers, herbalists, and chiropractors." Family-owned, Innotech Nutrition is based in Canada and produces diverse products that are focused on all aspects of health and well-being. These products, formulated by doctors, holistic nutritionists, biochemists and herbalists, are distributed to health food stores, pharmacies, doctors and e-commerce sites throughout North America. "Our Wholy Tea Detox, which contains Milk Thistle Seed, Blessed Thistle, Dandelion Root, Marshmallow Root, Senna, Cascara, Turmeric, Aloe Leaf Gel, Ginger Root, help support your natural ability to cleanse by counteracting the accumulation of toxins and waste," Friesen said. Innotech Nutrition detoxification products include vegan-friendly teas, Wholy Tea Detox & Cleanse and VIGR Wild Chaga Mushroom Chunks, a birch chaga mushroom that is brewed into a tea for immunity boosting properties and antioxidants. For more information on Innotech Nutrition products, available now on www.stackednutrition.com, visit www.innotechnutrition.com. Please direct inquiries to: Chloe Sommers, 561-544-0719 [email protected] SOURCE Innotech Nutrition Related Links https://innotechnutrition.com NEW YORK, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Italian Trade Agency launches "Innovation Days 2018", initiative aimed at highlighting Italy's position as a top solution provider to the US while encouraging engagements between some of the country's leading companies and universities to create and further enhance existing partnerships with their US counterparts in commercial and research areas. The "Innovation Days" program is articulated in five individual sector initiatives, which will be followed by an institutional event in early 2019. Here is the calendar of events: June 25-29, 2018 : Detroit & Chicago (Automotive and Advanced Manufacturing); : & (Automotive and Advanced Manufacturing); October 10-12, 2018 : San Francisco (Startups); : (Startups); November 27-28, 2018 : Houston (Aerospace); : (Aerospace); December 4-6, 2018 : Orlando (Renewable Energy); : (Renewable Energy); January 7-10, 2019 : San Francisco (Biotech and Life Science); : (Biotech and Life Science); Beginning of 2019: Washington DC (Bilateral and Institutional). "Innovation Days" has the goal of identifying and spreading practices and strategies useful to strengthen the competitiveness of the Italian offer in the US, providing American companies with the latest Italian technological solutions and advancements. More specifically, each stop will host seminars, lectures, bilateral meetings, presentations and on-site visits aimed at facilitating debates and exchanges of ideas as to foster stronger cooperation between the US and Italian participants both in terms of business opportunities and of academic and research dialogue. In several occasions, Innovation Days will be inserted in the larger context of leading international sector-specific conferences such as Launch Festival for the field of startups, SpaceComExpo for aerospace research, Power-Gen in the field of Renewable Energy, and the JP Morgan Annual Healthcare Conference for biotech and life science. The itinerary will conclude with a final stop in Washington DC at the beginning of 2019. This will be the ideal setting to reflect on the overall institutional framework between Italy and the United States, as to strengthen a network of information and bilateral investments while concurrently facilitating the rooting of Italian companies in the US. The initiative is hosted thanks to the support of the Italian Ministry of Economic Development, leading Italian manufacturing associations, research centers and universities. Innovation Days will also count on the support of institutional American counterparts and many distinguished universities across the fifty states. Follow the event on the official social media pages: Facebook @ExtraITATech Twitter @ExtraITATech LinkedIn @ITA Italian Trade Agency For more information, visit http://id.ice.it SOURCE The Italian Trade Agency LONDON, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- We are delighted to announce and welcome the next 11 companies to the 2018 Tel Aviv Barclays Accelerator, powered by Techstars. The programme, which has been running since 2014, has become one of the most selective FinTech accelerators in the world, with a growing list of alumni that are shaping the future of financial services. This is the 3rd cohort in Tel Aviv, and the 11th globally. The successful candidates - unveiled during a launch event at Rise Tel Aviv, fought off competition from more than 200 applicants, representing 39 countries. This is the first week of the programme, which will run for the next thirteen weeks. Demo day will take place in Tel Aviv in the first week of September, where the investor community will get the chance to hear our FinTech companies' pitches first-hand. The Barclays and Techstars partnership The programme brings together two powerful networks: Barclays, the transatlantic consumer and wholesale bank with over 325 years of history and expertise in banking, operating in over 40 countries, and Techstars, the worldwide network that has 1,300 portfolio companies who have raised over $4.6 billion in capital. Together, the two companies open up their extensive global networks of mentors, entrepreneurs, partners and clients, to give each company the best chance to succeed. Michal Beinisch, Innovation Officer for Barclays Israel said: "We're thrilled to be launching the 3rd cohort of the Barclays Accelerator, powered by Techstars in Tel Aviv. With hundreds of new companies starting up in Israel each year, it's clear that the entrepreneurial spirit is truly engrained in Israeli culture, and Barclays is committed to helping Israel remain a global hub for financial services innovation. Alongside our partners from Techstars, we have identified the top FinTech prospects from local and global ecosystems and are primed to change the face of finance as we know it." Hilla Ovil Brenner, Managing Director of the Barclays Accelerator, powered by Techstars, in Tel Aviv, said: "The unique partnership between Barclays and Techstars provides a great opportunity for Fintech and cyber companies. Following the success of the accelerators powered by Techstars in London and New York, we are excited to launch this exceptional 2018 class in Tel Aviv (startup nation). 11 international companies will get the opportunity to grow under Techstars' and Barclays' networks and benefit from the knowledge and connections we have to offer. The companies are fortunate to join the family of Techstars, the leading network that helps entrepreneurs succeed, in over 40 programs around the world." Introducing our 11 companies joining our Accelerator programme: 1. MADA Analytics: a predictive analytics company for optimising renewables. madaanalytics.com/ 2. Cred: a personalised investment portfolio tool that matches a client's existing worldview and long-term investing need. credinvest.co 3. LiST: Transforms life insurance policies into blockchain technology based tokens, and provides a market place for trading life settlement tokens. listsettlements.com 4. Safehouse: Military grade security to Internet users with one button (or less). safehousetechnologies.com 5. Kriptos: sophisticated software that classifies and labels company information using Artificial Intelligence. www.kriptos.io 6. OKO Weather: An Insurtech company bringing crop insurance to emerging markets. oko.finance 7. InFront Compliance: Automated compliance for companies and third party vendors. infrontcompliance.com 8. Cubbit: the first distributed data-centre, built on a peer-to-peer network made of small, local domestic servers. cubbit.net 9. MoreMoney: Instant, off-the-shelf Artificial Intelligence (AI) platform powering a new generation of financial AI advisors. moremoney.me 10. Homelend: A blockchain solution for the mortgage industry. homelend.io 11. Integer: Providing liquidity to illiquid markets through the tokenization of underlying securities and assets About the Barclays Accelerator The Barclays Accelerator, powered by Techstars, is an award-winning 13-week intensive startup programme designed to shape and scale the next generation of FinTech businesses. Since 2014, It's connected startups to mentors from across Techstars' and Barclays' global network of clients, partners and experts, with a focus on creating breakthrough solutions to solve some of our industry's biggest challenges. For more information on the Barclays Accelerator, visit barclaysaccelerator.com SOURCE Barclays PHOENIX, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- IoniCell for Women, the newest product introduced by Mineral BioSciences, has taken the United Kingdom by storm via the online retailer, Victoria Health. IoniCell for Women is marketed specifically for women's health, with a focus on improving the condition of skin, hair and nails. Scientific studies have shown a: 142% increase in nail growth 14% improvement in hair appearance 33% increase in skin texture; 30% increase in collagen stimulation The active ingredient for IoniCell for Women is Ioniplex, a fulvic ionic mineral complex with two patents, one patent pending and over 15 scientific studies. This highly bioavailable fulvic ionic compound, in addition to skin, hair, nails and collagen benefits, also provides cellular energy, detoxifies heavy metals and toxins from cells, provides cellular protection and reduces free radicals, among others. IoniCell for Women provides the ultimate in anti-aging protection. Victoria Health is a major UK online retailer with a focus on health and beauty products. IoniCell for Women was first noticed by the owners of Victoria Health when they attended the Natural Products Expo West (Anaheim, CA) in early March, where it was being shown for the first time. What followed was a series of purchase orders that effectively depleted the initial inventory. UK national sales have been brisk and new records have been set for a new product launch, according to Victoria Health. The Victoria Health May newsletter states that IoniCell for Women is the "absolute epitome of the next-generation product in the hair, skin and nails category." IoniCell for Women is currently available in the US on Amazon and, with inventory levels returning to normal, will soon be introduced to other US retailers. It is available in bottles of 60 capsules, with a recommendation to take two per day as part of your morning and evening beauty routine. About Mineral BioSciences Mineral BioSciences is an affiliate of the larger Global Organics Group of companies. Founded over 20 years ago on the belief that "Nature Knows Best," Global Organics develops signature mineral products that are proven to enhance the health of people, animals, and the environment. CONTACT: Sarah Van Wyk, [email protected] SOURCE Mineral BioSciences BILOXI, Miss., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Jeffrey M. Nuskind, M.S., DABR is recognized by Continental Who's Who as a Pinnacle Lifetime Member in the field of Medicine in recognition of his role as Senior Medical Physicist at Keesler Air Force Base. Home to over 28,000 new students annually, offering over 400 courses and 37 different career paths, Keesler Air Force Base is located in the panhandle of the Mississippi area. A joint training facility, Keesler not only trains the Air Force but specializes in implementing training to several facets of military and federal agency personnel. The Keesler Air Force Base is home to the, "81st Training Wing, the base's host wing, as well as 2nd Air Force, the 403d Wing, 85th Engineering Installation Squadron and the Mathies NCO Academy." An illustrious professional in the field of Medicine, Jeffrey M. Nuskind is commended for his role as Senior Medical Physicist at Keesler Air Force Base. Revered for his remarkable contributions to the profession, Nuskind has attained extensive experience within the areas of stereotactic radio-surgery, and handles quality assurance of patients undergoing radiation therapy. In his current capacity as a distinguished physicist, Nuskind is responsible for calibrating medical equipment, working with physicians, and analyzing the response from radiation. "There are three different sub disciplines within my branch of medicine: therapeutic, nuclear and diagnostic," Nuskind said. "I specialize in the therapeutic aspects of medical physics." Prior to joining the team at the U.S. Air Force 81st Medical Group at Keesler Air Force Base, Nuskind worked at St. Francis Care, Landauer Medical Physics, and St. Vincent Hospital at Green Bay. Early in his career, Nuskind attained both his Master of Science degree in Health and Medical Physics from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1981. In his previous years, Nuskind earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Applied Physics. Board certified in Therapeutic Radiologic Physics by the American College of Radiologists, Nuskind is a Licensed Therapy X-Ray Inspector for the State of Virginia. Currently, Nuskind acts as Radiation Oncology Physicist and Health Physicist for the States of Indiana and Florida. To further advance his professional career, Nuskind is an esteemed member of several organizations including the AAPM- which regularly brings him to events as a public speaker. Additionally, Nuskind is an affiliate of Elite American Healthcare Professionals, the International Association of Radiologists, the Radio-surgery Society, the American Society for Radiation Oncology and the American College of Radiology. When he is not working, Nuskind enjoys flying and utilizing the pilot's license he acquired in 1973. Nuskind dedicates this recognition in loving memory of his parents, Arnold (Ret. Vet, WWII) and Shirley Nuskind. For more information, visit www.keesler.af.mil. Contact: Katherine Green , 516-825-5634 [email protected] SOURCE Continental Who's Who Related Links http://www.continentalwhoswho.com NEPTUNE, N.J., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Hackensack Meridian Health Jersey Shore University Medical Center celebrated the grand opening of HOPE Tower, a 10-story, 300,000-square-foot facility, in a ceremony with more than 300 community members in attendance, including Hackensack Meridian Health leadership, team members and elected officials last evening. The $265 million state-of-the-art facility, located on the east side of the hospital's campus in Neptune, features a world-class cancer treatment center, modern clinical offices for pediatric and adult specialties, and high-tech academic and research space, creating a groundbreaking outpatient facility that focuses on all aspects of health and wellness. "At Jersey Shore University Medical Center, we are cultivating a culture of compassion, focused on providing high-quality care and enhancing the patient experience," said Kenneth N. Sable, M.D., MBA, FACEP, president of Jersey Shore University Medical Center and K. Hovnanian Children's Hospital. "HOPE Tower expands upon Jersey Shore's services, serving as a hub of clinical excellence while elevating the human experience. We are continuing to bring humanity back to health care, putting our patients at the center of everything we do." HOPE Tower represents a new Healing OutPatient Experience, where advanced technology and unsurpassed medical expertise is combined in a stunning facility that has been designed with patient convenience, easy access and peace of mind as core elements in care delivery. "The new tower will foster a new healing outpatient experience for the communities we serve, setting the bar for the next generation of care," notes Dr. Sable. "Hackensack Meridian Health is committed to transforming health care through innovation and education, with HOPE Tower leading the way in providing cutting-edge care, an exceptional patient experience, and novel learning," said Robert C. Garrett, FACHE, co-CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. "HOPE Tower, designed to support medical education, research and clinical care, is the embodiment of our core mission to deliver high-quality family- and patient-centered care, world-class education, and tomorrow's research." The first two levels of the tower is a 58,000-square-foot state-of-the-art cancer center, designed with patients' needs in mind. The warm and welcoming layout is intended to treat the whole person as well as the disease, offering patients cancer diagnosis, consultation and treatment planning with multidisciplinary teams, all under one roof. In addition, the new center offers the latest in technology and treatment options, including dedicated areas for infusion, radiation therapy with the most advanced TrueBeam linear accelerators, counseling and supportive care, all in one convenient location. The new cancer center is also part of Hackensack Meridian Health's historic partnership with Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, transforming cancer care for communities across Monmouth and Ocean counties. "This world-class outpatient facility is a perfect setting for cancer patients, giving them access to highly trained surgeons, medical oncologists, radiation oncologists and clinical trials, all under one roof. This encourages collaboration and a multidisciplinary approach to better serve our patients," said Thomas L. Bauer II, M.D., FACS, thoracic surgeon and clinical medical director of oncology for Hackensack Meridian Health. HOPE Tower also brings together a wide range of pediatric and adult physician and medical specialties across several floors of the facility. The pediatric specialties housed in the tower include gastroenterology, endocrinology, infectious disease, neurology and hematology/oncology. The adult specialties are internal medicine, psychiatry and behavioral health, infectious disease, rheumatology, endocrinology, uro-gynecology, obstetrics and gynecology, maternal/fetal medicine, and surgery. "By putting so many specialists and resources in one location, we are truly redesigning our approach to patient care. Care coordination is so important in delivering the most comprehensive and innovative treatment plans for our patients," added Dr. Bauer. HOPE Tower also serves as a home to Jersey Shore's medical education programs and research services. The new facility houses team members involved in research and clinical trials, and supports patients who are participating in trials with high-tech exam rooms for treatment and evaluation. HOPE Tower features a 6,500+ square foot, state-of-the-art innovative simulation laboratory. The lab fosters experiential and simulation-based learning with an emphasis on patient safety, quality, innovation and patient interaction. "The integration of simulation-based and experiential learning into interdisciplinary education programs builds upon Hackensack Meridian Health's continued commitment to leadership in health care education," said Dr. Sable. On the 10th floor of HOPE Tower is a conference center, featuring the John K. Lloyd Amphitheater. It is a 200-seat theater-style auditorium that includes the latest audio-visual technology with the ability to stream live broadcasts and record sessions. The conference center provides a state-of-the-art meeting space to host a variety of educational, clinical and community events. "This is a significant moment for Jersey Shore University Medical Center that has been years in the making. HOPE Tower is a culmination of more than a decade of hard work, perseverance and partnership with the community," said John K. Lloyd, co-CEO of Hackensack Meridian Health. "This groundbreaking facility builds upon a longstanding tradition of health care excellence and will help us meet the growing needs of our patients, families and the communities we serve. We have truly created a remarkable health care landscape in this region." U.S. News & World Report ranked Jersey Shore University Medical Center the 4th best hospital in New Jersey and 11th best hospital in the New York metropolitan area in 2017. Jersey Shore University Medical Center is the region's only academic university-level teaching center. "HOPE Tower demonstrates our deep commitment to this community. We have made a significant investment in innovation and first-class physicians, nurses and team members, to provide high-quality health care services that our patients deserve close to home," said Dr. Sable. HOPE Tower is slated to open the first four levels at the end of the month, and phase in the opening of the upper levels by the end of the summer. About Hackensack Meridian Health Hackensack Meridian Health is a leading not-for-profit health care organization that is the most comprehensive and truly integrated health care network in New Jersey, offering a complete range of medical services, innovative research and life-enhancing care. Hackensack Meridian Health comprises 16 hospitals, including three academic medical centers, two children's hospitals and nine community hospitals, two rehabilitation hospitals, physician practices, more than 160 ambulatory care centers, surgery centers, home health services, long-term care and assisted living communities, ambulance services, lifesaving air medical transportation, fitness and wellness centers, rehabilitation centers, and urgent care facilities. Hackensack Meridian Health has 33,000 team members, more than 6,500 physicians and is a distinguished leader in health care philanthropy, committed to the health and well-being of the communities it serves. The Network's notable distinctions include having one of only five major academic medical centers in the nation to receive Healthgrades America's 50 Best Hospitals Award for five or more consecutive years, four hospitals ranked among the top 10 in New Jersey, including Hackensack University Medical Center, the No. 1 hospital, Jersey Shore University Medical Center at No. 4 and Ocean and Riverview Medical Centers tied at No. 8., as ranked by U.S. News and World Report. Other honors include consistently achieving Magnet recognition for nursing excellence from the American Nurses Credentialing Center, recipient of the John M. Eisenberg Award for Patient Safety and Quality from The Joint Commission and the National Quality Forum, a six-time recipient of Fortune's "100 Best Companies to Work For," one of the "20 Best Workplaces in Health Care" in the nation, and the number one "Best Place to Work for Women." Hackensack Meridian Health is a member of AllSpire Health Partners, an interstate consortium of leading health systems, to focus on the sharing of best practices in clinical care and achieving efficiencies. For additional information, please visit www.HackensackMeridianHealth.org. SOURCE Hackensack Meridian Health Related Links http://www.hackensackmeridianhealth.org/ As a young girl, hair was a constant topic of conversation amongst the women in Camila's life. Camila first discovered John Frieda Frizz Ease while flipping through a fashion magazine and the product quickly became an essential part of her hair arsenal, no matter what style she was trying to achieve. "I've been using John Frieda Frizz Ease since I was in fifth grade it's a must-have in my beauty routine and integral in creating the hair look I'm trying to achieve, regardless of the style," explains Camila. "I'm excited to share my personal hair journey with the Your Hair Talks, Make a Statement community and celebrate hair as a form of expression." As part of the Your Hair Talks, Make a Statement campaign, Camila is joining the conversation by creating exclusive content with the brand as well as hosting events and social activations throughout the year. Additionally, her personal John Frieda Hair Care routine featuring her favorite products will be available for purchase later this month via Amazon.com. "We have really loved working with Camila for our Your Hair Talks, Make a Statement campaign," says Heather Warnke, Director of Marketing, Kao USA Inc. "She has a wonderful hair story that we have been lucky enough to capture and watch come to life on film. We're very excited to share it with everyone!" Born in Virginia to parents of Brazilian descent, Camila was predominantly raised in Miami before moving to New York to attend the New York University Tisch School of the Arts. Not long after her graduation in 2016, she was cast as a lead in a popular high school television drama series, quickly solidifying her as a beloved up-and-coming actress. Her role on the show along with her real-life bubbly personality has made her a fan-favoriteand with 8.3 million followers on Instagram, she's cemented herself as a style star to be watched. ABOUT KAO USA INC. Kao USA Inc. is a leading manufacturer of premium beauty care brands that are recognized around the world for their innovation and quality. The Kao USA Inc. portfolio includes Ban antiperspirant deodorants and Total Refresh Cooling Body Cloths; Jergens and Curel hand and body lotions; Biore facial care; John Frieda Frizz-Ease, Luxurious Volume, Sheer Blonde, Beach Blonde, Brilliant Brunette, Radiant Red and Precision Foam Colour professional hair care products. Founded in 1882, Kao USA Inc. is a wholly owned subsidiary of Kao Corporation. @johnfriedaus #YOURHAIRTALKSMAKEASTATEMENT Lauren Donner/Tractenberg & Co/212.929.7979/[email protected] SOURCE John Frieda Hair Care BROOMFIELD, Colo., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Kidrobot teamed up with artist Tara McPherson on the Wonder Woman 10" Art Figure and J*RYU on the Arcane Divination Mini Series 3" Figures, winning the awards for their categories at the Designer Toy Awards in Brooklyn NY on June 1, 2018. The Designer Toy Awards (DTAs) are the leading award event honoring excellence and innovation in the designer toy art world. Reflecting the tremendous and ongoing growth of the designer toy community, the DTAs celebrate the best of the industry's artists, designers, and brands. Winning these awards further establishes Kidrobot as the leading creator of trend-setting designer art toys. Best Licensed Toy For the Wonder Woman licensed figure, Kidrobot teamed up once again with New York City based artist, Tara McPherson in conjunction with DC Comics. Standing 10" tall, Tara McPherson has reimagined the unconquerable female warrior. Holding her signature lasso of truth, this collectible art piece brings a unique take to comic and art lovers alike. "My actual favorite superhero is Wonder Woman always has been," says McPherson. "I even have her golden lasso of truth tattooed around my wrists. Getting to create my version of Wonder Woman with Kidrobot was seriously a dream come true!" Best Mini Series Arcane Divination is a Kidrobot multi-artist Dunny series curated by Los Angeles based artist J*RYU. The series features a collection of designs based on tarot cards with Dunny designs by J*RYU, Tokyo Jesus, Godmachine, Camilla D'Errico and Jon Paul Kaiser. "I am so honored to be recognized alongside Kidrobot for the hard work that went into the creation of the Arcane Divination series," says Yu. "It was truly a team effort. Everyone worked so hard to ensure that the artistic vision was kept intact and I thank Kidrobot for giving me this incredible opportunity." ABOUT KIDROBOT Founded in 2002, Kidrobot is acknowledged worldwide as the premier creator and dealer of limited edition art toys, signature apparel and lifestyle accessories. An innovative cross between sculpture and conceptual art, Kidrobot offers not only a powerful medium for today's international designers, illustrators and artists, but also the creative canvas for emerging street trends and pop art. Our products can be found online at Kidrobot.com and in select retailers worldwide. Media Contact: Craig Spalding 303.217.9388 [email protected] SOURCE Kidrobot Related Links http://Kidrobot.com ATLANTA, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Koridor, a hospitality technology company pioneering the next generation of guest personalization, today announces the launch of the MyRoom platform. A first-of-its-kind software solution, MyRoom enables hotels to market rooms more effectively and curate features using dynamic content and analytics, while empowering guests to self-select their room, upgrade or choose features that best suit their preferences. Koridor will debut the MyRoom technology while attending HITEC Houston, the world's largest and oldest hospitality technology exposition and conference (June 18-21). "For many years, the hotel industry lagged other elements of the travel experience when it comes to offering a mechanism to select a specific unit of inventory. With the MyRoom platform, the hotel industry finally leads the travel industry by offering guests an immersive, engaging experience that enables a much higher degree of personalization," said Koridor CEO Larry Hall. "The Koridor team has a very deep understanding of the hotel industry and we found a way to leverage the unique attributes of hotels and hotel operations and deliver a platform that benefits the guest and the hotel." Creating Immersive Guest Experiences Koridor applies consumer behavior principles, innovative merchandising techniques and personalization to the mundane process of room assignment, transitioning the task from the front desk to the guest during the post-reservation, pre-arrival engagement cycle. The MyRoom platform invites guests to view and select available rooms and upgrade options based on desired attributes and personal preferences. It presents floor plans, room-specific imagery, room features, available upgrades and window views through a combination of augmented reality, 3D imagery and virtual tours, engaging the guest in an immersive experience while transforming room self-selection and personalization into an integral part of the guest journey. Koridor advisor Helen Chun, Ph.D., associate professor of services marketing at Cornell University's School of Hotel Administration, believes this personalization is critical to a hotel's long-term success. "Contrary to popular belief, an experience itself does not make a great guest experience. The pleasure of that experience goes well beyond the boundaries of the stay anticipation, or the act of savoring a future experience, actually increases the pleasure of the experience," Chun notes. Enhancing Satisfaction, Boosting Loyalty, Driving Revenue MyRoom offers hotels the ability to better merchandise their rooms and the full range of available amenities and features through rich, dynamic content that lets guests virtually experience and self-select a key component of their future stay, their ideal room. To create these experiences, Koridor works closely with hotel clients, managing the entire process of capturing digital assets and swiftly configuring the platform to best highlight the attributes of each property. Analytics are a fundamental component of the MyRoom offering. The platform uses data to closely track consumer behavior, patterns and preferences, generating information that properties can use to fine-tune their merchandising and personalization approach to create highly tailored experiences and drive revenue. With MyRoom, hotels have the opportunity to create emotional connections with guests even before they arrive on-site taking control of a previously missed opportunity to enhance the guest experience while increasing loyalty, satisfaction and incremental revenue. To learn more or request a demo, visit www.koridor.com or contact [email protected]. About Koridor Koridor delivers the global hotel industry's first and only guest personalization platform, enabling hotels to better merchandise their room inventory and empowering guests with the ability to self-select their ideal room based on desired attributes and personal preferences. The Koridor MyRoom application offers guests an immersive experience as they self-select their room, leveraging rich media and extensive consumer behavior research conducted at Cornell University to understand the emotional triggers of a traveler. With U.S. headquarters in Atlanta, the company works with innovative hotels seeking a more personalized experience for their guests. For more information, visit www.koridor.com. MEDIA CONTACT Morgan Tatum 404-214-0722x127 [email protected] SOURCE Koridor Related Links http://www.koridor.com "Ms. Marine, Dr. Hackman, and Mr. and Mrs. Ojakian demonstrate the true spirit of grassroots advocacy in their work to bring true and lasting change about mental health in their communities. Their commitment to both lobbying for statewide legislation and advocating through personal action have truly made a difference, and made them all allies in AFSP's mission to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide," said John Madigan, vice president of public policy for AFSP . Susan Marine Colorado As chair of the Advocacy Committee for the Suicide Prevention Coalition of Colorado (SPCC), Ms. Marine has been remarkably effective, helping to pass HB12-1140, which directed the Office of Suicide Prevention (OSP) to work with hospitals to provide information to those treated for suicidal behavior and their families, as well as SB14-088, which created the Suicide Prevention Commission in Colorado. Dr. Hollis Hackman Wyoming As a founding board member for AFSP's Wyoming chapter, Dr. Hackman worked to ensure mental health parity protections and continued state funding for Wyoming's network of local suicide prevention groups. Dr. Hackman has worked for many years as a psychologist with the Veterans Administration, serving veterans who struggle with PTSD, depression, and risk for suicide. Mary and Vic Ojakian California Mary and Vic Ojakian are regular attendees of their chapter's campus and community walks and the California State Capitol Day, have testified on several legislative bills supported by AFSP, and were key contributors to the K-12 Toolkit for Mental Health Promotion and Suicide Prevention. Over 200 advocates from AFSP, from all 50 states and the District of Columbia, were present to acknowledge the work of these life-saving champions. The AFSP advocates were in Washington, D.C. for four days to meet with their members of Congress to encourage them to invest in mental health and suicide prevention. The awards program included other awards given to volunteers who have lost loved ones to suicide or who have their own lived experience with a suicide attempt and advocate for suicide prevention, along with other state elected officials along with other leaders in the field. ** Photos of the awards being presented available upon request. ** About the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP creates a culture that's smart about mental health through education and community programs, develops suicide prevention through research and advocacy, and provides support for those affected by suicide. Led by CEO Robert Gebbia and headquartered in New York, AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube. SOURCE American Foundation for Suicide Prevention Related Links http://www.afsp.org BATON ROUGE, La., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Louisiana Healthcare Connections announced the launch of its Community Health Grants initiative today. Three awards of up to $15,000 each will be awarded to eligible non-profit organizations or schools who are addressing the issues of hunger and food access in Louisiana. Applications are due no later than July 20, 2018. Grant awards will be announced August 1, 2018. "One of the harsh realities of food insecurity is its negative impact on health and health outcomes for families across our state," said Chelsea Graves, Community Relations Principal at Louisiana Healthcare Connections. "This grant program represents an opportunity for us to work together with community-level organizations to improve access to nutritious foods for Louisiana families, and in turn, to help families build healthier lives." According to the Louisiana Food Bank Association, hunger affects every parish and community in Louisiana. One in four Louisiana children live in households that are food insecure. The U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) defines food insecurity as a lack of access to enough food for an active, healthy life. Food insecurity often requires a household to choose between basic necessities, such as medical needs or housing, and purchasing healthy foods. "Our objective is to improve the health and well-being of not only our members, but also the communities in which they live and work," said Jamie Schlottman, Plan President & CEO. "We recognize the effect that social determinants like food insecurity have on health, and we want to partner with community organizations that share our commitment to addressing these issues." Additional information about this initiative as well as the Community Health Grants RFP are available on the organization's website, www.LouisianaHealthConnect.com/grants. Questions concerning the grant application, application process, or reporting requirements may be directed to [email protected]. Since 2012, Louisiana Healthcare Connections has been dedicated to transforming health in Louisiana with a priority focus on healthy communities. The Community Health Grants Program is an effort to financially assist programs that target food support, food security, and food sustainability in local communities. Support will be targeted to programs that contribute to strengthening individuals, families, and communities by providing food resources coupled with nutrition, health, and wellness education. About Louisiana Healthcare Connections Established to deliver quality healthcare through local, regional and community-based partners, Louisiana Healthcare Connections is a Healthy Louisiana Plan headquartered in Baton Rouge, La. Louisiana Healthcare Connections exists to improve the health of its members through focused, compassionate and coordinated care. Because Louisiana Healthcare Connections believes healthy is a way of life, its members benefit from programs and services designed for personal well-being. For more information, visit www.LouisianaHealthConnect.com. SOURCE Louisiana Healthcare Connections Related Links http://www.LouisianaHealthConnect.com SAN FRANCISCO, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Loyyal, the industry leader in applying blockchain technologies to loyalty and incentive programs, is pleased to announce Chief Commercial Officer Thom Kozik as a speaker at HITEC 2018's Blockchain Super Session in Houston, Texas on Wednesday June 20, 2018. HITEC is the world's largest hospitality technology exposition and conference. The event brings together the brightest minds and hottest technology for an unparalleled expo, top-notch education program and networking. Having now expanded internationally to Europe and The Middle East; HITEC's regional conferences serve as a counterpart to the tentpole North American event. HITEC 2018's Blockchain Super Session will center on the potential for this technology to disrupt nearly every aspect of the hospitality industry imaginable. Gregory Simon, CEO & Founder of Loyyal said: "It's an honor for Loyyal to be recognized in this way, pioneering blockchain technology applications for the Hospitality industry," says Loyyal CEO & Founder Gregory Simon. "Thom's a respected voice in the loyalty industry, and we're excited to share his thought-leadership with HITEC 2018 attendees." Prior to joining Loyyal Thom served as VP, Loyalty for Marriott International since 2014, and has been a frequent conference speaker and university lecturer on gamification, identity marketing, and behavioral economics. Having been involved with the cryptocurrency community since 2013, Mr. Kozik quickly saw the advantages of Distributed Ledger Technology and has been a vocal industry advocate in how blockchain technology can radically advance the customer experience, operational efficiencies, and even the underlying financial models for Loyalty programs. HITEC Houston will be held at the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, TX on June 18th, 19th, 20th, and 21st, 2018. For more information on HITEC, go to: https://www.hftp.org/hitec/houston/ About Loyyal Loyyal, the Internet of Loyalty, is reinventing how loyalty is created, rewarded, and managed. Using proprietary blockchain and smart contract technology, Loyyal's interoperable loyalty and rewards platform brings a host of benefits to a highly fragmented industry and offers brands an innovative way to unlock the billions of dollars in value held captive in legacy loyalty programs today. For information about Loyyal, please visit www.loyyal.com or email [email protected]. About Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) Hospitality Financial and Technology Professionals (HFTP) established in 1952, is an international, nonprofit association, headquartered in Austin, Texas USA, with offices in Hong Kong, United Kingdom, The Netherlands and Dubai. HFTP is recognized as the spokes group for the finance and technology segments of the hospitality industry with members and stakeholders spanning across the globe. HFTP uniquely understands the industry's pressing issues and assists its stakeholders in finding solutions to their challenges more efficiently than any organization. It does this via its expert networks, research, certification programs, information resources and conferences/events such as HITEC. HFTP also owns the world's only hospitality-specific search engine, PineappleSearch.com. For more information please visit https://www.hftp.org/ Contact: Chelsea Ferriday Phone: 415-627-7121 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Loyyal Corporation Related Links http://www.loyyal.com "I grew up in a mariachi family and was taught great love and respect for the talent and music of these great legends," says Jose. "I was fortunate to work with Miguel Aceves Mejia and the amazing Vicente Fernandez, but all of them hold a special place in my Mariachi Heart. I recorded these musical homages in gratitude and dedicate the new album to each of them as well as to my parents and my siblings and to the fans who allow me fulfill my mission: To keep the Mariachi Legacy alive." Watch video . The new release kicks off with a listening party by invitation on Wednesday, June 27th at Cielito Lindo Restaurant in South El Monte, California. The CD goes on sale Saturday, June 30, in tandem with the group's appearance at La Mirada Theatre for the Performing Arts in La Mirada California, continuing a Summer tour which begins at RiverEdge Park in Aurora, Illinois on June 23 and will take the ensemble to San Francisco, Albuquerque as well as Mexico City. See schedule. Leyendas de mi Pueblo is comprised of a series of medleys, each a revue of every star's greatest hits. The music is arranged, directed and produced by Jose Hernandez and performed by Mariachi Sol de Mexico. The CD brings back some of the greatest mariachi hits made famous by these superstars and fulfills the mission of Jose Hernandez to keep the legacy of mariachi music alive and thriving throughout the world. Read full release. Facebook Twitter Instagram Contact: Gabriel Reyes - [email protected] SOURCE Hernandez Productions KELOWNA, BC, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Marapharm Ventures Inc. (CSE: MDM) (OTCQX: MRPHF) (FSE: 2M0) ("Marapharm" or the "Company") Announced on May 24th, 2018, by news release, the timeline of its final inspections to obtain the Certificates of Occupancy for its cultivation facilities in North Las Vegas, Nevada. On June 4th, a member from the State of Nevada, Department of Taxation met with Kurt Keating, Director of Operations, to perform a "walk-through" of both buildings. Final approval from the state will be granted, contingent on the city providing the Certificates of Occupancy. The Public Works Department is satisfied that we have met their criteria successfully and have acknowledged all utilities are installed to code. Final adjustments are being made to the fire suppression system which required testing of sensors and relays. Once complete, The North Las Vegas Fire Department approval allows the building inspector to recommend issuance of this permit. The City of North Las Vegas Building Department is on stand-by to "sign-off" on the pending Certificates of Occupancy. Upon approval, the State of Nevada, Department of Taxation will complete their "closing" review and allow the transfer of operations to the new buildings. Six City of North Las Vegas Recreational and Medical Cannabis Cultivation and Production Business Licenses have been renewed and reissued for 2018-2019. Three State of Nevada Medical Certificates for Production and Cultivation have been renewed and reissued for 2018-2019. Three Recreational Certificates are currently being processed for annual renewal and reissuance. Three Secretary of State, Nevada State Annual Business Licences for Marapharm Las Vegas LLC, Econevada LLC and Phenofarm NV LLC have all received state acceptance and renewal for 2018 -2019. The next phase of construction is the 65,000 sq. ft, three storey cultivation and production facility, (Corporate Update news release dated January 1, 2018). Marapharm is pleased to report that the deposit has initiated the collaboration between the American Buildings Company and Corporate Architects and Engineers. Las Vegas Cannabis Market As reported by the Las Vegas Review Journal on May 24th, 2018, Las Vegas recreational cannabis sales topped $41 million in March 2018, the highest number since legal sales began state wide in July of last year. To date, cannabis sales for medical or recreational purposes have totaled $385.99 million. 50% of purchases made were cannabis flower or bud. Average flower which has roughly 16% THC content and a moderate terpene profile sells for approximately $2,300 - $2,600 per pound. Reported by MJ Business Daily on March 15th, 2018. "The Las Vegas cannabis market continues to exceed projected revenues. Marapharm's flagship facilities will produce triple organic certified strains which will soon be featured in dispensaries throughout Las Vegas, Nevada". Linda Sampson, CEO ABOUT MARAPHARM VENTURES INC. www.marapharm.com Marapharm is a publicly traded company investing in the medical and recreational cannabis space, since 2014. Marapharm has rapidly expanded to include having cultivation, production and dispensary locations in the key North American states of Washington, Nevada, and California, and are seeking expansion opportunities worldwide. SOCIAL MEDIA: Facebook: facebook.com/marapharm Twitter: twitter.com/marapharm Web Program: marapharm.tv STOCK EXCHANGES: Marapharm trades in Canada, ticker symbol MDM on the CSE, in the United States, ticker symbol MRPHF on the OTCQX, and in Europe, ticker symbol 2M0 on the FSE. Marapharm also trades on other recognized platforms in Europe including Stuttgart, Tradegate, L & S, Quotnx, Dusseldorf, Munich, and Berlin. Neither the CSE, the FSE nor the OTCQX has approved nor disapproved the contents of this press release. Neither the CSE, the FSE nor the OTCQX accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. MARIJUANA INDUSTRY INVOLVEMENT: Canadian listings (CSE) will remain in good standing as long as they provide the disclosure that is rightly required by regulators and complying with applicable licensing requirements and the regulatory framework enacted by the applicable state in which they operate. Marapharm owns marijuana licenses in California and Nevada. Marijuana is legal in each state however marijuana remains illegal under US federal law and the approach to enforcement of US federal law against marijuana is subject to change. Shareholders and investors need to be aware that adverse enforcement actions could affect their investments and that Marapharm's ability to access private and public capital could be affected and or could not be available to support continuing operations. Marapharm's business is conducted in a manner consistent with state law and is in compliance with licensing requirements. Copies of licenses are posted on Marapharm's website. Marapharm has internal compliance procedures in place and has compliance focused attorneys engaged in jurisdictions to monitor changes in laws for compliance with US federal and state law on an ongoing basis. These law firms inform any necessary changes to our policies and procedures for compliance in Canada and the US. FORWARD - LOOKING STATEMENTS: Certain statements contained in this news release constitute forward looking statements. The use of any of the words "anticipate", "continue", "estimate", "expect", 'may", "will", "project", "should", 'believe", and similar expressions are intended to identify forward- looking statements. These statements involve known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors that may cause actual results or events to differ materially from those anticipated in such forward- looking statements are based on reasonable assumption but no assurance can be given that these expectations will prove to be correct and the forward-looking statements included in this news release should not be unduly relied upon. SOURCE Marapharm Ventures Inc. Related Links www.marapharm.com CANTON, Mass., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Massachusetts Nurses Association, the state's largest union and professional association for registered nurses and health care professionals, announces its endorsement of Sabrina Heisey for State Representative in the 36th Middlesex District. "We need more people like Sabrina in state government," said MNA President Donna Kelly Williams, a registered nurse at Cambridge Hospital. "Sabrina supports the issues that matter most to nurses and their patients expanding access to quality health care and ensuring that patients receive the care they are entitled to when they are in the hospital." In 2017 Heisey was elected to the Dracut School Committee, where she has focused on adequately funding public education and addressing the high out-of-pocket costs families face for school activities. A mother of six, Heisey is also a founder of the Greater Lowell League of Women Voters. "I have worked in hospitals for more than a decade and I believe nurses are the hardest working, most dedicated front line staff," Heisey said. "I am thrilled to have the support of the Massachusetts Nurses Association. They truly care about their patients, the family of the patient, high quality care and patient safety." The 36th Middlesex District is comprised of the towns of Dracut and Tyngsborough. MassNurses.org Facebook.com/MassNurses Twitter.com/MassNurses Instagram.com/MassNurses Founded in 1903, the Massachusetts Nurses Association is the largest union of registered nurses in the Commonwealth of Massachusetts. Its 23,000 members advance the nursing profession by fostering high standards of nursing practice, promoting the economic and general welfare of nurses in the workplace, projecting a positive and realistic view of nursing, and by lobbying the Legislature and regulatory agencies on health care issues affecting nurses and the public. SOURCE Massachusetts Nurses Association Related Links http://www.massnurses.org SPARKS, Md., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- McCormick & Company, Incorporated (NYSE: MKC), a global leader in flavor, is scheduled to conduct a conference call and webcast of its Second Quarter 2018 financial results on Thursday, June 28, 2018, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern time. Lawrence Kurzius, Chairman, President & CEO; Mike Smith, Executive Vice President & CFO; and Kasey Jenkins, Vice President Investor Relations will be hosting the call. What: McCormick & Company presentation of Second Quarter Fiscal 2018 Results When: June 28, 2018, at 8:00 a.m. Eastern Time Where: ir.mccormick.com How: Live over the Internet: Log onto the Web at ir.mccormick.com, click on "Webcast" and follow the directions to listen to the call. If you are unable to attend the live webcast, the presentation will be archived on our website at ir.mccormick.com. To listen to an audio replay, call 877-660-6853 in the United States or 201-612-7415 internationally. When prompted, enter the conference ID number 13680238. The replay will be available until 12:00 midnight Eastern time on July 19, 2018. About McCormick McCormick & Company, Incorporated is a global leader in flavor. With $4.8 billion in annual sales, the company manufactures, markets and distributes spices, seasoning mixes, condiments and other flavorful products to the entire food industry retail outlets, food manufacturers and foodservice businesses. Every day, no matter where or what you eat, you can enjoy food flavored by McCormick. McCormick Brings the Joy of Flavor to Life. For more information, visit www.mccormickcorporation.com. For information contact: Investor Relations: Kasey Jenkins (410-771-7140 or [email protected]) Corporate Communications: Lori Robinson (410-527-6004 or [email protected]) SOURCE McCormick & Company, Incorporated Related Links http://mccormick.com SAN DIEGO, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Medical Marijuana, Inc. (OTC: MJNA), the first publicly traded cannabis company in the United States, announced today that the company applauds the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) for its recent statement on the legality of cannabidiol (CBD) -- which further clarifies that some CBD products, such as hemp-derived CBD products sold by Medical Marijuana, Inc., are legal to distribute freely throughout the United States and do not fall under the regulations of the Controlled Substances Act (CSA). The statement clarified: "Products and materials that are made from the cannabis plant and which fall outside the CSA definition of marijuana (such as sterilized seeds, oil or cake made from the seeds, and mature stalks) are not controlled under the CSA. Such products may accordingly be sold and otherwise distributed throughout the United States without restriction under the CSA or its implementing regulations." The statement continued, "The mere presence of cannabinoids is not itself dispositive as to whether a substance is within the scope of the CSA; the dispositive question is whether the substance falls within the CSA definition of marijuana." Medical Marijuana, Inc. sells hemp-derived CBD products through its distribution subsidiaries HempMeds, Kannaway and Phyto Animal Health. These products range from tinctures and liquids to topicals and edibles. The company was the first company to ever bring hemp-based CBD oil products to market in the U.S. in 2012 and the first to receive federal government import approvals in Mexico, Paraguay and Brazil. "This is great news for the cannabis industry, especially for those who are complying with the decision made by the Ninth Circuit Court of Appeals," said Medical Marijuana, Inc. CEO Dr. Stuart Titus. "We urge Congress to pass the 2018 Farm Bill, which would permanently remove hemp and hemp products from the purview of the Controlled Substances Act." 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 http://www.medicalmarijuanainc.com NEW YORK, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- The Mesothelioma Victims Center is the top ranked source in the United States for pulp and paper mill workers with mesothelioma receiving the very best possible financial compensation. The group is an advocate for people with mesothelioma and not a law firm. Their simple mission is to ensure a pulp or paper mill worker with mesothelioma has better options when it comes to legal experts to help with a financial compensation claim, as the group would like to discuss anytime at 800-714-0303. http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com Pulp & Paper Mill According to the Mesothelioma Victims Center, "We fear that most pulp and paper mill workers with mesothelioma do not realize the true potential of their financial compensation claim. Most will end up settling for a few hundred thousand dollars, when we have seen countless compensation claims carried out by the attorneys we suggest start out around five hundred thousand dollars or more. If you are pulp and paper mill worker anywhere in the nation and you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma, or you are the person's immediate family, please call us anytime at 800-714-0303 and make certain you have direct access to some of the nation's top rated, best known mesothelioma attorneys." http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com The types of people with mesothelioma because of asbestos exposure at a pulp and paper mill typically had the following type of job: Cutting operators, tenders, or slicing machine operators Maintenance crew members or electricians Truck or heavy equipment operators Mechanics Print machine technicians and operators Floor managers The Mesothelioma Victims Center says, "Pulp and paper mill workers have one of the toughest and most demanding jobs out there. Asbestos was used in all pulp and paper mill plants prior to the 1980s as the fear of fire breaking out was constant. If you have been diagnosed with mesothelioma our top priority is to see to it that you or your family member receives the very best possible financial compensation. If you call us at 800-714-0303 we will do everything in our power to see to it that you have the nation's top mesothelioma attorneys working hard to obtain the best financial compensation." http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.Com For more information about the pulp and paper industry in the USA please refer to the following website: http://theconversation.com/is-the-paper-industry-getting-greener-five-questions-answered-76274 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, based on the calls the Mesothelioma Victims Center receives a former pulp and papermill worker with mesothelioma could now live in any state including New York, Florida, California, Texas, Iowa, Indiana, Missouri, North Carolina, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, Alabama, Oklahoma, Arkansas, Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Wyoming, Colorado, New Mexico, Utah, Nevada, Arizona, Idaho, or Alaska. High-risk work groups for exposure to asbestos include US Navy Veterans, power plant workers, shipyard workers, oil refinery workers, steel mill workers, manufacturing/factory workers, pulp or paper mill workers, plumbers, electricians, auto mechanics, machinists, miners, construction workers, insulators, rail road worker, roofers, or firemen. As a rule, these types of workers were exposed to asbestos in the 1950's, 1960's, 1970's, or 1980's. US Navy Veterans make up about one-third of all US Citizens who are diagnosed with mesothelioma each year. http://MesotheliomaVictimsCenter.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 800-714-0303 [email protected] SOURCE Mesothelioma Victims Center Related Links http://mesotheliomavictimscenter.com RPM Oklahoma City is offering free estimates to commercial and residential property owners. The property management agency in Oklahoma City, OK, performs complete landlord services throughout the area. The demand for quality rental properties is always around, and RPM Oklahoma City is leading the way in connecting quality tenants with property owners. The property management company in Oklahoma City, OK, is converting empty properties to lucrative businesses. By beginning every service with a free estimate, property owners have the tools necessary to find renters and make smarter investments. Owning a property presents good business opportunities, but they also require a dedicated team. Between marketing, ensuring its move-in readiness, finding and managing quality tenants, facilitating maintenance, and performing accounting roles, property management is a multifaceted responsibility. By working with an experienced property management agency, building owners are well-prepared to meet and overcome the various challenges they might face. The free estimate that the agents at RPM Oklahoma City perform give property owners a fair assessment of their holdings viability as an enterprise. Interested property owners can request more in-depth consultations to steer toward renting out their properties. The team will discuss what they can do for them. These consultations are a great way to set expectations, including the extent of landlord services and terms of payment. The team at RPM Oklahoma City is robust and adaptive, providing a complete approach to landlord services. Their landlord package includes marketing, tenant relations, property maintenance, lease enforcement, accounting, and bookkeeping. With their experience and expertise, the property management team empowers owners to make a return on their investments. Call (405) 353-0030 or visit the website to learn more about landlord services. RPM Oklahoma City serves property owners throughout Oklahoma City, OK, as well as Edmond, Choctaw, Midwest City, Harrah, and the surrounding area. Media Contact Company Name: RPM Oklahoma City, OK Contact Person: Lanelle Butterfield Email: Send Email Phone: (405) 353-0030 Address:3141 NW 63rd Street City: Oklahoma City State: OK Country: United States Website: http://realpropertymgmt-okc.com/ NEW YORK, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Middlemarch Securities, the investment banking arm of Middlemarch Partners, LLC ("Middlemarch") acted as the investment banking advisor to Channel Partners Capital ("Channel"), a leading provider of small business loans. Middlemarch secured a significant equity investment from Funds advised by Elliott Management Corporation ("Elliott"), a private investment firm with approximately $35 billion in assets under management. Concurrent with the growth equity investment, Channel also refinanced its balance sheet with an expandable asset-backed facility led by CIBC Bank USA. Middlemarch advised Channel on its growth strategy, capital needs and executing a complex transaction structure to achieve the goals of multiple stakeholders. Demetris Papademetriou of Middlemarch Partners stated, "After raising over $750 million dollars for a variety of alternative finance companies, we immediately recognized Channel's strong management, unique customer acquisition strategy and superior performance metrics. Channel's profile made a compelling investment candidate. With its investment from Elliott and CIBC, Channel is positioned to achieve its near-term goal of $300M in funded working capital loans." This transaction further solidifies Middlemarch Partners' role as the advisor of choice in the Alternative Lending sector. Channel, a company providing working capital solutions for small to mid-sized companies through its proprietary network of over 400 equipment leasing partners will use the growth capital to scale its loan originations, operations, and technology platform; enabling more efficient financing for its clients. Brad Peterson, CEO of Channel Partners Capital LLC., stated "This is a major milestone for Channel Partners Capital and we appreciate Middlemarch's efforts to make it happen. They prepared us to meet many highly qualified investors and guided us through a complex transaction, culminating with finding the right partner to fuel our growth in Elliott Management." About Channel Partners Capital LLC. Based in Minnetonka, Minn., Channel Partners Capital ("Channel") is a leading provider of small business loans utilizing customized technology and business processes. Channel delivers loans to small businesses through partnerships with equipment finance companies, helping these companies provide their customers access to capital needed to grow their businesses. Since its founding in 2009, Channel has originated over 7,000 loans generating loan receivables of over $350 million. Channel is one of a limited number of full-service, non-bank, small business lenders successfully filling the gap in small business credit availability. About Elliott Management Elliott Management Corporation manages two multi-strategy investment funds which combined have approximately $35 billion of assets under management. Its flagship fund, Elliott Associates, L.P., was founded in 1977, making it one of the oldest funds of its kind under continuous management. The Elliott funds' investors include pension plans, sovereign wealth funds, endowments, foundations, funds-of-funds, high net worth individuals and families, and employees of the firm. About Middlemarch Partners Middlemarch Partners is a New York, NY based merchant bank that works with companies looking for well-structured and thoughtful solutions to their capital raising, M&A, and strategic partnering needs. Middlemarch is particularly active within the alternative finance, payments, financial technology and business services sectors where companies require sophisticated equity and debt investment solutions. Middlemarch Partners conducts investment banking through Middlemarch Securities, LLC, member FINRA, SIPC. For more information on Middlemarch Partners, LLC please visit www.middlemarchllc.com. Media Contact: Demetris Papademetriou Phone: 212-913-9660 URL: www.middlemarchllc.com Securities offered through Middlemarch Securities, LLC, Member FINRA, SIPC. SOURCE Middlemarch Partners NEW YORK, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- Milstein Medical Asian American Partnership (MMAAP) Foundation announced their 2018 Fellowship and Project Awards in Geriatrics (under the Irma and Paul Milstein Program for Senior Health), Dermatology, Hematology, Translational Medicine and Reproductive Medicine. The mission of the MMAAP Foundation, established in 2011, is to bring together promising researchers, talented medical professionals and institutions from the U.S. and China, as well as greater Asia. Each year fellowships and research projects are awarded in these five medical fields. The Fellowship Award supports a gifted investigator in clinical or basic research from China for one year of training at a distinguished host institution in the U.S. The Project Award supports a research project, conducted in China and in partnership with a top U.S. institution, with the potential to make a measurable impact on healthcare within two years. Since its founding, MMAAP Foundation has awarded over 50 Fellowships and Project Awards to support the work of exceptional scientists and investigators demonstrating the vision, drive and dedication to find innovative advancements in these targeted medical fields. These outstanding award recipients represent nearly 30 prestigious Chinese medical institutions including, Peking Union Medical College Hospital, Xijing Hospital at the Fourth Military Medical University, Peking University Institute of Hematology, West China Hospital at Sichuan University, Hushan Hospital at Shanghai Fudan University, and Ruijin Hospital at Shanghai Jiaotong University. "The visionary leadership and continued commitment of MMAAP Foundation Chairman and Founder, Howard P. Milstein, has brought together and funded exchanges between outstanding researchers, medical talent, and institutions in these regions," said Sean X. Leng, MD, PhD, President of MMAAP Foundation. "The 2018 recipients are among the most talented researchers in their fields and our support of their work is crucial to furthering medical research and strengthening relations between the U.S. and China." Grant applications were evaluated through a two-step peer review process in accordance with National Institute of Health standards. Panels of Chinese and U.S. experts in their respective fields jointly reviewed all proposals, and finalists were submitted for approval by the MMAAP Foundation. The U.S. panels in Geriatrics, Dermatology, Hematology, Reproductive Medicine, and Translational Medicine include experts from the American Geriatrics Society, Medical Advisory Committee of American Skin Association, as well as experts at other leading U.S. academic institutions in each field. AWARDEES: IRMA AND PAUL MILSTEIN PROGRAM FOR SENIOR HEALTH 2018 Fellowship Award Project Name: Effects of Osteocalcin on Monocytic IL-6 Production as well as Cytomegalovirus Infection and CMV-induced Cellular Senescence Fellowship Awardee: Suifeng Liu Institution: Zhongshan Hospital, Xiamen University U.S. Institution: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine 2018 Project Award Project Name: Establishing a Physiological Model for Frailty in China Principal Investigator: Lina Ma Institution: Xuanwu Hospital, Capital Medical University U.S. Institution: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine MILSTEIN MEDICAL ASIAN AMERICAN PARTNERSHIP FOUNDATION AWARDS IN SKIN DISEASE 2018 Fellowship Award Project Name: Therapeutic effects of Smad7 on diabetic wounds via Nrf2-dependent antioxidant signaling pathway Fellowship Awardee: Yao Ke Institution: School of Stomatology, Fourth Military Medical University U.S. Institution: University of Colorado Anschutz Medical Campus (UC AMC) 2018 Project Award Project Name: The role of eosinophils in the pathogenesis of bullous pemphigoid Principal Investigator: Jinbo Chen Institution: Wuhan No.1 Hospital, the fourth Affiliated Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology U.S. Institution: The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill MILSTEIN MEDICAL ASIAN AMERICAN PARTNERSHIP FOUNDATION AWARDS IN HEMATOLOGY 2018 Fellowship Award Project Name: Immunotherapeutic Targeting of IL1RAP to Eliminate Leukemia Stem Cells in Acute Myeloid Leukemia Fellowship Awardee: Liang Huang Institution: Tongji Hospital, Tongji Medical College, Huazhong University of Science and Technology U.S. Institution: Beckman Research Institute, City of Hope National Medical Center 2018 Project Award Project Name: Role of ZEB2, a master EHT regulator, in controlling hematopoietic stem cell differentiation and its therapeutic potential in targeting myeloid disorders Principal Investigator: Tong Chen Institution: Huashan Hospital, Fudan University U.S. Institution: Johns Hopkins University School of Medicine MILSTEIN MEDICAL ASIAN AMERICAN PARTNERSHIP FOUNDATION AWARDS IN TRANSLATIONAL MEDICINE 2018 Fellowship Award Project Name: Artificial intelligence assisted navigation development and application in brain surgery Fellowship Awardee: Nidan Qiao Institution: Huashan Hospital Fudan University U.S. Institution: Massachusetts General Hospital 2018 Project Award Project Name: The role of fibrillin-1 in cervicocephalic artery dissection: from bench to bedside Principal Investigator: Zhu Zhu Institution: Huashan Hospital, Fudan University U.S. Institution: Massachusetts General Hospital, Harvard Medical School MILSTEIN MEDICAL ASIAN AMERICAN PARTNERSHIP FOUNDATION AWARDS IN REPRODUCTIVE MEDICINE 2018 Fellowship Award Project Name: Long-term risk evaluation of mouse offspring conceived from mitochondria DNA genome editing Fellowship Awardee: Yang Yu Institution: Peking University Third Hospital U.S. Institution: The Salk Institute for Biological Studies, ABOUT MILSTEIN MEDICAL ASIAN AMERICAN PARTNERSHIP FOUNDATION The mission of the Milstein Medical Asian American Partnership (MMAAP) Foundation is to improve world health by developing mutually beneficial partnerships between the U.S. and China, as well as greater Asia. Working with some of the premier health organizations in the world, the MMAAP Foundation brings together and funds exchanges between top researchers, medical talent, and medical institutions. For more than 50 years, the Milstein family has been actively involved in health-related and medical philanthropy. The MMAAP Foundation builds upon this distinguished history in five areas: Geriatrics (under the Irma and Paul Milstein Program for Senior Health), Dermatology, Hematology, Translational Medicine and Reproductive Medicine. The MMAAP Foundation works in close collaboration with other medical organizations supported by the Milstein family, including American Skin Association, the Milstein Melanoma Research Program at the Rockefeller University, and the Program for Translational Chemical Biology at New York-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center. The MMAAP Foundation is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. For more information, please visit the MMAAP Foundation's website at mmaapf.org. SOURCE Milstein Medical Asian American Partnership Foundation Related Links http://www.mmaapf.org/ NEW YORK, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Global superstar and multi-platinum recording artist Nicki Minaj announces a new fragrance partnership with prestige beauty company LUXE Brands. Minaj has proven that her success transcends the music industry. Her award-winning signature fragrance, Pink Friday, and her immensely successful and sought-after collaborations with MAC Cosmetics are just the beginning for Minaj. Just as she's done time and again with her music and stage persona, Minaj's new partnership with LUXE Brands provides the opportunity for her to reinvent her fragrance franchise with fresh innovation. Coming off the heels of her revealing MET Gala appearance and stellar Saturday Night Live performance with a new long-awaited album Queen dropping on August 10th, the upcoming fragrance promises to break barriers! Nicki added, "I am very excited to partner with LUXE Brands. Their passion for greatness has always been second to none! There's no better feeling than working with a brand that genuinely wants to get it right for my fans. My fans know I always come with the best for them. The next fragrance is by far my favorite. I'm very excited, to say the least." "Undeniably, Nicki encompasses authenticity and creativity in everything she does. She is an authority on breaking barriers and building successful brands and partnerships across product categories. LUXE Brands is pleased to welcome Nicki to our brand family and to have the opportunity to partner with her to drive further global success for her fragrance portfolio," added Joel B. Ronkin, Chief Executive Officer of LUXE Brands. LUXE Brands is a growing force in the beauty category specializing in the development, marketing and distribution of fine fragrances and beauty products globally. The company's most recent milestone earlier this year includes the incredible success of Ariana Grande's fragrance franchise which has already exceeded $150 million in retail sales globally since launching in 2015. LUXE Brands' expertise spans key fragrance markets including North America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East. ABOUT LUXE BRANDS LUXE Brands, Inc. is a prestige beauty company with a portfolio of brands distributed in over 70 countries. The company's portfolio includes Ariana Grande and DDF skincare, as well as the distribution rights in North America for the Jennifer Lopez, Hawaiian Tropic, Jean Patou and Porsche Design fragrances. SOURCE LUXE Brands OLATHE, Kan., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- National Asset Services (NAS), one of the Country's leading commercial real estate companies, has successfully delivered a 115% cumulative return on investment to investors in PineCrest Townhomes in Olathe, Kansas. The impressive cumulative return was realized with the recent sale of the property to a well-known Kansas City area developer. PineCrest Townhomes, Olathe, KS NAS is a commercial real estate management company that works with over 90 investment groups in properties of a nationwide portfolio valued at over $2 billion. The company manages a wide range of diverse commercial real estate: Office, medical office, multifamily, retail, student housing, assisted living and industrial flex properties. The company manages solely owned and multi-owner properties. NAS, which has a reputation as a turn-around specialist for underperforming properties, assumed asset management responsibility of PineCrest Townhomes in 2010. Company executives took quick, aggressive action to increase occupancy to over 99%, while implementing rigid money management procedures that included negotiating new payment terms with local vendors. In 2011, NAS was one of the first management companies to lead property investors through an innovative strategy involving reorganizing and consolidating a group of 27 tenant-in-common co-owners into a new limited liability company. The formation of the newly created company enabled ownership to take advantage of an IRS code that enabled the contribution of the property to the new ownership entity with realizing a gain or loss. The newly created company then became the Borrower under a new loan. "NAS took over the management of PineCrest at a time when the property was experiencing issues due to mismanagement that caused unacceptable vacancy and poor communication with the investors," commented Bill Heiden, PineCrest Investor. "NAS worked with the investors to organize refinancing, hire a new property manager and was instrumental in turning the property around with refreshing transparency to all investors, culminating in the recent successful sale of the property." "PineCrest is a great example of our company's ability to move quickly to reverse a trajectory of poor performance and stabilize the asset, while working to appreciate the property's value," commented Karen E. Kennedy, President and Founder of National Asset Services. "We have experienced a very gratifying, long term relationship with the investors in PineCrest Townhomes and are extremely pleased to have delivered such an extraordinary return." Built in 2003, a group of tenant-in-common investors purchased PineCrest Townhomes in 2004. The 556,584 square foot, multifamily property consists of 144 luxury townhome-style units, situated on 12.65 acres. PineCrest Townhomes is located in the Kansas City submarket of Olathe, KS. Among cities with populations of over 100,00, Olathe was ranked as the 19th fastest growing community by the U.S Census and ranked as the 13th most desirable place to live in the U.S by Money Magazine. About National Asset Services (NAS) NAS is a commercial real estate management company that works with over 90 investment groups in properties of a nationwide portfolio valued at over $2 billion. The company manages a wide range of diverse commercial real estate: Office, medical office, multifamily, retail, student housing, assisted living and industrial flex properties. The company manages solely owned and multi-owner properties. NAS offers a wide-range of asset management capabilities. They include: Real estate strategy analysis; long-range business objectives; monitoring changing market conditions; investor relations; real estate and investor accounting; loan modification and workout solutions; exit and hold strategies; leasing & marketing; tenant retention plans; research studies; site selections; feasibility studies; insurance risk management; capital improvement planning and tracking; property tax appeal services and cost segregation services. Headquartered in Los Angeles, California, NAS operates regional offices in Chicago, Illinois, and Austin, Texas. For more information about NAS, visit www.nasassets.com. Contact: JW Robison [email protected] 424.227.6888 SOURCE National Asset Services Related Links https://www.nasassets.com/ The program, which was open to the public, included: Colors presented by the US Marine Corp and the national anthem sung by nationally admired local recording artist Jeff Jimerson . National outdoor advertising campaign presented by Lamar Adverting supporting Flag Day across the country, highlighting the many positive attributes of the American flag. The National Flag Foundation announced the building of a Flag Education Center to be located on the first floor of the Koppers Building. The Center, which will be open to the public the first half of 2019, will contain historic and high-tech virtual displays concerning the U.S. flag. Students from Pittsburgh elementary schools including St. Benedict the Moor lead the audience in the Pledge of Allegiance, and conveyed together with Jimerson some personal thoughts about "What the Flag Means to Me." "This organization has a historic past including a connection to many U.S. presidents, involvement at the Federal level regarding the Flag Code as well as a relationship with over 7,000 U.S. schools to help foster knowledge, good citizenship and patriotism among our young people," said Romel Nickolas, chairman of the National Flag Foundation. "It is these relationships and character-shaping values that are the tenants of our organization, built upon respect for our flag, our country and the values that unite us as one." In addition, NFF created a print advertisement to run at the discretion of local and national media outlets to reinforce the original intent of the Flag, to stand as a symbol of unity. A NFF video scoreboard moment was also played at the event. "NFF Moments" are short videos to air on Jumbotrons prior to the singing of our National Anthem in professional sporting venues throughout the country. "Pennsylvania was the first state to celebrate Flag Day as a state holiday June 14, 1937, and it is appropriate that on this date we also celebrate the 50th anniversary of the National Flag Foundation being headquartered in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania," said Nickolas. The National Flag Foundation was founded to honor and respect our nation's greatest symbol, the Flag of the United States of America. We bring awareness and remembrance to the Flag's history while representing the protocol for care, handling and etiquette of our nation's symbol. To learn more, visit www.nationalflagfoundation.org. CONTACT: Brian E. Goerke (412) 979-0304 SOURCE National Flag Foundation Related Links http://www.nationalflagfoundation.org VANCOUVER, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Nevsun Resources Ltd. (TSX: NSU) (NYSE AMERICAN: NSU) ("Nevsun" or the "Company") announced today that, together with its Eritrean partner ENAMCO, Nevsun has approved an extension to the Bisha zinc-copper mine in Eritrea, self-funded by existing cash flows from Bisha. The open-pit extension adds 3.3 million tonnes of high-grade ore to the mill and extends operations through the full year 2022, resulting in additional payable production of 470 million pounds of zinc and 52 millions pounds of copper over this time frame. In addition to incremental production and revenue, the extension provides time for Bisha to advance assessment of the Asheli and Harena underground deposits and to consider further open-pit extensions. Peter Kukielski, Nevsun CEO, said "The Bisha team has been working hard to optimize the mine plan and reduce the operational risk of the deeper ore from the main pit. The investment announced today increases the long-term cashflow from Bisha, reducing requirements for external funding for construction of our high-grade, high-return Timok project in Serbia. The extension of the Bisha mine life, combined with the planned ramp up of the Timok Upper Zone in 2022 and the longer term potential of the Timok Lower Zone, gives us confidence that Nevsun will continue to produce strong operating cash flows for many years to come." Mr. Kukielski continued, "This open pit extension is supported by the now fully implemented metallurgical improvements at Bisha, combined with continued strength in zinc and copper prices. We will have an additional open-pit extension to consider late next year and are actively evaluating underground mining at Asheli and Harena. We continue to work with our partner, ENAMCO, to maximize resource conversion to reserves." In August 2017, Nevsun decided to reduce the mine life at Bisha due to the operational risk of the original large open-pit cut-back. Since that time, Bisha has increased mining rates and significantly improved metallurgical performance, while metal prices have remained strong, leading the Company to re-visit the larger cut-back option. The open-pit extension accesses a portion of the previously envisaged cut back with an additional 3.3 million tonnes of ore over the existing reserve and assumed recoveries of 70% for copper to copper concentrate and 80% for zinc to zinc concentrate. Several million tonnes of additional high-grade resource in the original pit design could also potentially be brought back into the mine life. The Company expects to assess investment in an additional cut-back to access this resource in late 2019. Approval will depend on performance in delivering the cost targets and increased mining rates for the extension announced today. Updated Mining Schedule The following mining schedule includes ore from the Bisha Main pit (current reserves plus extension) and Harena: 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 LOM Total Bisha Main Ore Mined, Mt 2.3 2.1 2.0 2.4 0.3 9.2 Harena, Ore Mined, Mt 2.1 2.1 Waste Mined, Mt 20 30 24 14 6 95 Zinc grade, % 7.2 6.6 7.4 6.9 4.5 6.5 Copper grade, % 1.2 1.1 1.2 1.0 0.9 1.1 Updated Processing Schedule The following processing schedule includes ore from the Bisha Main pit (current reserves plus extension), Harena and stockpiles: 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 2023 LOM Total Bisha Main Ore, Mt 2.3 2.2 2.0 2.4 0.4 9.3 Harena, Ore, Mt 2.0 0.1 2.1 Stockpile, Mt 0.2 0.4 0.6 Total Processed, Mt 2.3 2.4 2.4 2.4 2.2 0.1 12.0 Incremental Capital Cost In addition to the original guidance of $15 million in sustaining capital in 2018 and the life of mine ("LOM") sustaining capital in the Company's most recent technical report, the incremental capital to deliver the Bisha Main extension is as follows: 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022 LOM Total Heavy Mining Equipment ("HME"), $M 20.1 0.6 0.1 0.1 20.9 Tailing Management Facility Lift ("TMF"), $M 4.5 4.5 Other, $M 6.1 2.6 2.4 0.7 2.5 14.3 Total, $M 26.2 3.2 7.0 0.8 2.5 39.7 HME capital is primarily to purchase larger mining equipment that is expected to yield a unit mining cost 23% lower than the existing fleet. The other costs include new maintenance facilities for the larger trucks as well as other initiatives and projects to deliver the mine life extension. All financial numbers are in US dollars unless otherwise indicated Forward Looking Statements The above contains forward-looking statements or forward-looking information within the meaning of the United States Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995, and applicable Canadian securities laws. All statements, other than statements of historical facts, are forward looking statements including statements with respect to Bisha zinc-copper mine in Eritrea and the Company's Timok upper-zone project in Serbia. Forward-looking statements are frequently, but not always, identified by words such as "expects", "anticipates", "believes", "hopes", "intends", "estimated", "potential", "possible" and similar expressions, or statements that events, conditions or results "will", "may", "could" or "should" occur or be achieved. Forward-looking statements are statements concerning the Company's current beliefs, plans, objectives and expectations about the future. The actual achievements of the Company or other future events or conditions may differ materially from those reflected in the forward-looking statements due to a variety of risks, uncertainties and other factors. These risks, uncertainties and factors include general business, legal, economic, competitive, political, regulatory and social uncertainties; actual results of exploration activities and economic evaluations; fluctuations in currency exchange rates; changes in project parameters; changes in costs, including labour, infrastructure, operating and production costs; future prices of copper, gold, zinc, silver and other minerals; resource estimates and variations of mineral grade or recovery rates; operating or technical difficulties in connection with exploration; extension of mine life and the economic viability of underground deposits at Asheli and Harena and further open pit extensions; mining method, production profile and mine plan optimization; mine, performance and other development or mining activities, including plant operations, equipment or processes to operate as anticipated; ability to resolve and the metallurgical challenges and the ability to maintain the improvements on variable ore materials being processed to produce concentrate; performance on ore production and waste movement and improvement in mining capability; delays in exploration, development; changes in government legislation and regulation; the ability to maintain and renew existing licenses and permits and the ability to obtain other required licences and permits in a timely manner or at all; the ability to obtain financing on acceptable terms and in a timely manner or at all; contests over title to properties; employee relations and shortages of skilled personnel and contractors; the speculative nature of, and the risks involved in, the exploration, development and mining business including, without limitation, other risks that are more fully described in the Company's Annual Information Form for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 (the "AIF") and the Company's management discussion and analysis for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2017 (the "MD&A"), which are incorporated herein by reference. The Company's forward-looking statements are based on the beliefs, expectations and opinions of management on the date the statements are made and the Company assumes no obligation to update such forward-looking statements in the future, except as required by law. For the reasons set forth above, investors should not place undue reliance on the Company's forward-looking statements. Further information concerning risks and uncertainties associated with these forward-looking statements and our business can be found in our AIF and MD&A, which is available on the Company's website (www.nevsun.com), filed under our profile on SEDAR (www.sedar.com) and on EDGAR (www.sec.gov) under cover of Form 40-F. About Nevsun Resources Ltd. Nevsun Resources Ltd. is the 100% owner of the high-grade copper-gold Timok Upper Zone and 60.4% owner of the Timok Lower Zone in Serbia. The Timok Lower Zone is a partnership with Freeport-McMoRan Exploration Corporation ("Freeport") which currently owns 39.6% and upon completion of any feasibility study (on the Upper or Lower Zone), Nevsun Resources Ltd. will own 46% and Freeport will own 54%. Nevsun generates cash flow from its 60% owned copper-zinc Bisha Mine in Eritrea. Nevsun is well positioned with a strong debt-free balance sheet to grow shareholder value through advancing Timok to production. NEVSUN RESOURCES LTD. "Peter Kukielski" Peter Kukielski President & Chief Executive Officer SOURCE Nevsun Resources Ltd. BOISE, Idaho, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Kount Inc., a leading innovator of solutions for fraud and risk management, along with The Fraud Practice LLC, today announced findings from the sixth annual 2018 Mobile Payments & Fraud Survey (MPFS), which measures the state of mobile payments and mobile channel fraud from each prior survey year. In surveying nearly 600 merchants, the report found that several major mobile wallets have lost traction, with the percentage of respondents accepting Apple Pay in 2018 down from 48 to 35 percent, the most drastic decline of all mobile wallets, and Google Pay down from 38 to 25 percent. Since the inaugural MPFS was conducted in 2013, merchants have steadily reported an increased awareness of mobile fraud risks, however about 35 percent of merchants still do not track mobile fraud or do not know whether mobile fraud attempts increased or decreased from last year. The share of merchants who say that the mobile channel requires specialized tools for risk management is at the lowest recorded level in all six years of this study. Only half of surveyed merchants believe the mobile channel requires additional or specialized tools, compared to between two-thirds and three-quarters of merchants in each of the past studies. "For the third consecutive year, merchants are showing signs of complacency and even regression in terms of managing mobile fraud risk," said Don Bush, Vice President of Marketing at Kount. "Despite the increase in mobile fraud and the evolution of tactics carried out by criminals to commit fraud in this channel, the number of merchants implementing specialized tools has decreased, demonstrating that merchants struggle to properly address fraud in the mobile channel, including both apps and mobile browsers." Additional survey findings include: More Money, MorePayment Options Support is up across the board for Near-Field Communication (up from 29% to 37%) and other mobile payments at the physical point-of-sale, while 26 percent of merchants plan to increase or add support for social commerce (purchases made directly through social media channels such as Instagram, Twitter etc.) this year, and merchants' support for mobile wallets climbed from 22 to 29 percent. However, this increase in choice and support comes at the detriment to specific mobile wallets: Most notably, online merchant support for Apple Pay has gone down from 48% to 35% Google Pay (previously Android Pay), is down from 38% to 25% Support for PayPal increased (from 48% to 64%) while 10% accept AliPay and 10% accept other e-wallets The share of merchants who accept Samsung Pay, Visa Checkout, MasterPass, and Chase Pay all stayed constant from last year, while AMEX Express Checkout enjoyed the biggest gain in support, growing acceptance from 9% to 16% of merchants Mobile Pains and Gains As is typical for any emerging technology, commerce in the mobile channel has faced its fair share of growing pains, from issues with ease of use to payment processor compatibility in mobile apps. The most commonly cited challenges by mobile channel merchants today include: Maintaining ease of use for the consumer (60%) The ability to detect fraudulent order attempts (52%) Nearly one-third of merchants surveyed believe the mobile channel will represent at least half of their total revenue by 2020 Of the merchants who track abandonment rates: About 42% of merchants report a mobile checkout abandonment rate of less than 20% 25% say their abandonment rate is more than 40% 11% say their abandonment rate is at least 60% Channel Risk: Varies by Vertical About half of merchants (49%) stated that traditional eCommerce, consumers shopping from desktop browsers, is still their highest risk channel. Mobile web browser transactions are the next most likely to be considered the highest fraud risk, as indicated by about 21 percent of merchants, followed by 18 percent of merchants who say mobile app payments are the highest risk. However, this varies by vertical: More than 75% of financial institutions and lenders, as well as food and beverage merchants, say that mobile fraud attempts increased last year More than two-thirds of digital streaming/download, health/beauty merchants, and dating social sites say the same More than 38% of merchants overall consider the mobile channel higher risk than desktop eCommerce, or 43% of merchants when excluding those who don't support the mobile channel today. This is up from just over 25% of merchants last year, and back in-line with what merchants reported in 2015 and 2016 Money movement or remittance organizations are the most likely to report the mobile channel as being highest risk, as half of these merchants list either mobile app or mobile web browser transactions as the highest fraud risk Dating and social sites (80%) and health/beauty merchants (73%) are the most likely to say desktop web browser transactions are the highest fraud risk Just 17% of merchants definitively state they have separate risk management strategies for mobile versus desktop eCommerce channels More than 35% of each digital download or streaming, hardware/home improvement, and jewelry merchants indicated that mobile app or mobile web browser transactions are their highest risk channels Mobile App-titude Among the industries that prioritize mobile, merchants selling jewelry (71%), electronics and computers (63%), health/beauty products (63%), and apparel or accessories (56%) are the most likely to consider the mobile channel very important to their overall strategy. The mobile sales channel increased as a source of total revenue once again after remaining stagnant last year, while mobile sales as a portion of total revenue have grown significantly since 2013. The percentage of merchants who earn the majority of their revenue via mobile channels grew five-fold between 2015 and 2018: Just 2-3% of merchants earned more than half of their total revenue in the mobile channel between 2013 and 2015, compared to 17% of merchants earning that much of their revenue in the mobile channel today Nearly one-third of merchants surveyed believe the mobile channel will represent at least half of their total revenue by 2020, while 60% of merchants say the mobile channel will represent at least 30% of their total revenue by then Few Merchants in Fraud-Fighting Shape The majority of merchants surveyed (52%) indicated using third party tools or service providers to manage risk and detect fraud in the mobile channel, while one-third do not use third party services, either managing mobile channel fraud entirely in-house or not managing it at all. And 15 percent of respondents were uncertain, suggesting little or no fraud prevention strategy. The most-utilized risk management tools for detecting fraud in the mobile channel include: CVV or card verification value check (62%) Fraud scoring (43%) Address Verification Services (AVS) (39%) Although steadily increasing over the years, less than 20 percent of merchants are making strides by adopting one of the most effective fraud fighting tools available to merchants. AI/machine learning was utilized by just five percent of merchants for mobile channel transactions in 2015, compared to over 18 percent of merchants today. True Detectives The ability to detect transactions coming from mobile devices has grown considerably since the inaugural Mobile Payments and Fraud Survey, from just 16 percent of merchants who could detect and differentiate between types of mobile device in 2013 to 46 percent of merchants with this capability today. While the share of merchants unable to detect when a transaction is coming from a mobile device increased to 27% from 14% last year, this is still significantly lower than the 55% of merchants overall who were unable to differentiate desktop eCommerce from mobile eCommerce in 2013 Just over half of merchants (52%) can tell which mobile operating system is in use (iOS, Android, Windows, etc.), while 46% can differentiate the specific type of mobile device, for example whether the consumer is using a smartphone or tablet Tech, Tools, and Techniques More than 83 percent of merchants are using two or more fraud prevention tools or techniques in the mobile channel, while two-thirds are employing three or more, and 25 percent are utilizing seven or more tools or services. One-in-three merchants use identity authentication in the mobile channel, while about one-in-four are currently using velocity checks, device identification, and a rules engine Mobile geolocation and 3D secure consumer authentication programs like Verified by Visa and MasterCard SecureCode are each used in the mobile channel by about one-in-five merchants "It's been remarkably insightful to compare data across the six years of this study, enabling us to monitor trends around support for mobile commerce and risk management, as well as areas of weakness and concern expressed by merchants over this time," said Justin McDonald, Senior Risk Management Consultant at The Fraud Practice. "While merchants are more likely to distinguish between a mobile and desktop transaction today than they were two years ago, fewer are taking the next step to secure the mobile channel with a dedicated fraud strategy. Although mobile fraud attempts increased for 60 percent of merchants last year, just 17 percent employ a separate risk management strategy for the mobile channel." To view the full report, please visit: http://info.kount.com/white-paper/mobile-payments-and-fraud-report About the Survey Kount's Mobile Payments and Fraud Survey: 2018 Report is the sixth edition of this annual study, in association with Braintree, a PayPal service, and The Fraud Practice. The report seeks to understand and measure the state of mobile payments and mobile channel fraud. Now with six years of data, this study is able to identify persistent findings and changing trends around many aspects of mobile channel payments and risk. The survey was conducted online from January 2018 to March 2018 with nearly 600 merchants from 29 vertical industries and ranging from under $5 million to more than $250 million in revenue. About Kount Kount helps businesses boost sales by reducing fraud. Our all-in-one, SaaS platform simplifies fraud detection and helps online businesses accept more orders. Kount's turnkey fraud platform is easy-to-implement and easy-to-use. Kount's proprietary technology reviews billions of data points and provides maximum protection for some of the world's best-known brands. Merchants using Kount can accept more orders from more people in more places than ever before. For more information about Kount, please visit www.kount.com. SOURCE Kount STOCKHOLM, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Nobina signed an agreement today to acquire the leading player in special public transport services in the Stockholm market, Samtrans Skol- och Handikapptransporter Stockholm AB ("Samtrans"), from TransportIT Group AB. The acquisition encompasses Samtrans' entire operations, including the brand and contract portfolio. In 2017, the company reported total annual sales of SEK 746 million, and the majority of its contracts will extend until 2020. The acquisition is in line with Nobina's strategy to expand its business in public transport and to develop its offering to both society and customers. The purchase price comprises a fixed consideration of SEK 225 million and a potential additional consideration of up to SEK 225 million. The acquisition, which is conditional on the approval of the Swedish Competition Authority, is expected to be concluded in the third quarter of 2018. Samtrans is currently the leading expert and operator in special public transport in Stockholm County. The company performs, administrates and coordinates travel for individuals with special needs and school transport services. Public transport using specialised vehicles is often essential if individuals with special needs are to remain mobile in society and have a functioning daily life. Samtrans' clients are primarily in the public sector in Stockholm County. The acquisition includes approximately 100 employees in administration and order booking, with operations being conducted as a subsidiary of Nobina Sweden. Samtrans' passenger transportation is carried out by some 175 affiliated passenger carriers with their own vehicles and drivers all with collective agreements. These contracts will continue as usual. The acquisition is not expected to affect Samtrans' daily operations, employees or customers. Following several years of solid growth, Samtrans reported sales of SEK 746 million, distributed between 24 contracts, and profit before tax of SEK 106 million in 2017. The acquisition will create growth and is expected to make a positive contribution to the Group's earnings and margin from the outset. "The acquisition of Samtrans will strengthen Nobina's strategic market position with clear synergies to expand the contract market and create the conditions for offering qualitative comprehensive solutions in the Nordic market," says Magnus Rosen, President and CEO of Nobina AB. "The acquisition provides a basis for Samtrans to continue to grow and will enable us to use the combined pool of knowledge to develop personnel, quality and contractual models for both customers and society," says Jan Bosaeus, MD of Nobina Sweden. "We are pleased to have reached this agreement with Nobina. It feels good to pass on the baton to an established and long-term operator with strong values that will continue to develop the business, employees and quality for Samtrans' customers," says Leif Zetterberg, Chairman of the Board of TransportIT Group. The purchase price comprises a fixed consideration of SEK 225 million (on a cash and debt free basis), which will be paid upon the transfer of Samtrans' shares, and a potential additional consideration of up to SEK 225 million, which is based on the outcome of certain predefined financial targets and forecasts and will be paid in installments during the period 20192020. This information is such that Nobina AB (publ) is obligated to publish in accordance with the EU Market Abuse Regulation. The information was published, through the agency of the abovementioned contact persons, on 14 June 2018, at 6:55 p.m. CONTACT: For further information, please contact: David Erixon, Head of Communications, +46 72 967 02 84 Mattias Gelinder, Head of IR, +46 72 967 02 61 This information was brought to you by Cision http://news.cision.com http://news.cision.com/nobina-ab/r/nobina-acquires-samtrans,c2548875 The following files are available for download: http://mb.cision.com/Main/1420/2548875/860625.pdf Nobina acquires Samtrans SOURCE Nobina AB IRVING, Texas, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- OKI Data Americas, a world-class printing technology leader, today announced the addition of Southeastern Sign Supply, a leading supplier of sign materials, supplies and support, including large format printers, to its ColorPainter Authorized Dealer Network. "At Southeastern Sign Supply, we are proud to offer one of the largest selections of sign supplies and materials on the east coast," said Ryan Thigpen, President of Southeastern Sign Supply. "We offer everything a sign manufacturer needs from digital printers, new software, vinyl and vehicle wrap kits, as well as heat transfer materials, ballasts and electricsbut we don't stop there. We bring ongoing educational opportunities to our clientele so they can stay ahead in a competitive and rapidly changing business climate." An outstanding source for sign manufacturers for the past 16 years, Southeastern Sign Supply equips sign manufacturers with the latest technology in digital printing, from software and plotters to banners, vinyl and other substrates. Located in Apex, N.C., Southeastern Sign Supply is known for its excellent customer service and competitive pricing for sign manufacturers across the U.S. "OKI is steadfastly committed to the ColorPainter brand and to our Authorized Dealer Network. We actively recruit first-rate dealers who mirror our best-in-class customer service and support and who are dedicated to providing end-users with ongoing educational opportunities," said Tomohiro Ikeda, Deputy General Manager of the Wide Format Division at OKI Data Americas. "An excellent partner and addition to OKI's Authorized Dealer Network, Southeastern Sign Supply provides not only a wide selection of substrates and equipment, they also offer quality seminars and videos which keep their clients current on trends in the marketplace." About OKI ColorPainter Printers OKI's ColorPainter line of wide format inkjet printers for the sign and graphics market delivers rich, glossy color with unrivaled image quality at phenomenal speeds. With SX eco-solvent inks that last longer outdoors without fading, cost less per square foot and provide industry-best color density, ColorPainter printers are well suited for both indoor and outdoor applications including banners, backlit, fleet and vehicle graphics, as well as wallpaper, POP displays, floor and exhibit graphics and more. Backed by performance guarantees from well-respected media brands like Avery Dennison and 3M, ColorPainter printers enable print shops of any size to provide additional quality and assurance to their customers. Support and Availability OKI's ColorPainter printers are available through OKI's ColorPainter authorized dealer network. For additional information, visit www.oki.com/us/colorpainter. About OKI Data Americas OKI Data Americas, headquartered in Irving, Texas, is a subsidiary of OKI Data Corporation and is backed by Tokyo-based parent company OKI Electric Industry, a $4.0 billion multinational public corporation which has been a leader in telecom, infrastructure, and mechatronics systems since 1881. OKI began its innovation in the printing industry more than four decades ago, first marketing some of the earliest dot matrix printers before pioneering the LED print technology that continues to drive OKI's product portfolio today. With its catalog of Office Products, including single and multifunction digital color and monochrome LED printers, and serial impact dot matrix printers, OKI is a reliable presence in printing-intensive environments around the world. In the graphics and signage industries, OKI's Industrial Printers including the ColorPainter line of eco-solvent wide format printers and proColor series of digital production printers deliver world-class print output that is made to last. For more information, visit www.oki.com/us and follow OKI on Twitter at @OkiData. OKI OKI Electric Industry Co., Ltd. proColor OKI Data Americas. ColorPainter is a trademark of OKI Data Infotech Corporation. SOURCE OKI Data Americas Related Links http://www.oki.com/us "Over the last 148 years, Old Forester has had its share of memorable moments and enduring accomplishments. Today marks yet another chapter to a story that has survived Prohibition, world wars and the changing palates and tastes of consumers across the globe," said Campbell Brown, Old Forester President and Fifth Generation Brown Family Member. "We are delighted to now welcome friends old and new into our new, old Home." The distillery is a culmination of a nearly 150-year legacy that began in 1870 when George Garvin Brown, a young pharmaceutical sales rep, changed the spirits industry forever when he sealed whisky in a glass bottle. He signed his name - as a guarantee of consistency and quality, declaring "there is nothing better in the market." It was an innovative approach at a time when whisky was commonly sold by the barrel. He set up shop on Louisville's Main Street - dubbed Whiskey Row - the hub of the Bourbon business in Kentucky. Old Forester Distilling Co. will add production capacity of approximately 100,000 proof gallons annually. Visitors will follow the Bourbon making process in an immersive experience that leads them from fermentation and distillation, to the on-site cooperage where handcrafted barrels will be raised and fired, then aged in an on-site maturation warehouse before bottling and shipment across the globe. "As Brown Forman's founding brand, Old Forester has stood the most difficult test of all...the test of time," said Paul Varga, CEO, Brown-Forman Corp. "We are thrilled to open our doors today on Louisville's historic Whiskey Row, inviting the world to a unique experience in urban distilling, brand and company history, and Bourbon hospitality." Distillery tour follows whisky's journey from grain to glass The tour experience at Old Forester begins with a primer on Bourbon history and the role played by both Old Forester and its hometown of Louisville, Kentucky. From there, guests follow the whiskey's journey through the distillery. Four 4,500 gallon tanks guide guests to a glass elevator, where they ascend through a light-filled atrium in full view of the 44-foot-tall copper column still, designed and constructed by Vendome Copper & Brass Works in Louisville, bringing the distillation process to life. Guests then make their way to the cooperage. Brown-Forman is the only major spirits company to craft its own new barrels, and the process is seamlessly integrated into the new downtown distillery. Tour guests will look on as coopers hand raise each barrel and will feel the heat as they witness the charring of a barrel. In full view, barrels are tested and filled before making their way to the aging warehouse. Down a charred, wood-lined hallway, guests are guided through the colors, flavors and aromas that whisky takes on during its time in a barrel. Unique to Old Forester Distilling Co., guests enter the on-site, three-story warehouse from the highest rack, offering a bird's eye view. A catwalk leads guests down through the warehouse, where roughly 900 barrels will age. Old Forester Distilling Co. joins ten other distilleries as an official member of the Kentucky Bourbon Trail tour. Distillery tours will be offered seven days a week, with production Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. The tour and tasting will be offered at $16. Online reservations are suggested, though not required. Full tour details and tickets are available at OldForester.com, and photography and video of the distillery are available here. "There's a tremendous amount of pride - as a member of the Brown Family and a Louisvillian - in the fact that we're able to return to this building and bring added life to a block that was once destined for the wrecking ball. It's a true homecoming for this hometown Bourbon, which is entirely produced in the confines of Louisville," said Brown. About Brown-Forman For nearly 150 years, Brown-Forman Corporation has enriched the experience of life by responsibly building fine quality beverage alcohol brands, including Jack Daniel's Tennessee Whiskey, Jack Daniel's & Cola, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Honey, Jack Daniel's Tennessee Fire, Gentleman Jack, Jack Daniel's Single Barrel, Finlandia, Korbel, el Jimador, Woodford Reserve, Old Forester, Canadian Mist, Herradura, New Mix, Sonoma-Cutrer, Early Times, Chambord, BenRiach, GlenDronach and Slane. Brown-Forman's brands are supported by over 4,800 employees and sold in more than 170 countries worldwide. For more information about the company, please visit brown-forman.com. About Old Forester Bourbon: Old Forester is Brown-Forman's founding brand, founded in 1870 by George Garvin Brown. Brown believed Old Forester was so pure and consistent that he sealed it, signed it, and pledged, "There is nothing better in the market." PLEASE SIP RESPONSIBLY. Old Forester Straight Bourbon Whisky, 43-57.5% Alc./Vol., Old Forester Distilling Company at Louisville in KY. OLD FORESTER is a registered trademark. 2018 Brown-Forman Distillers. All rights reserved. All other trademarks and trade names are properties of their respective owners. Please do not share or forward this content to anyone under the legal drinking age. CONTACT: Holly Weyler McKnight 502.836.8715 (cell) [email protected] SOURCE Old Forester Kachi Drilling Reinforces Confidence in Scale of Discovery Brisbane, June 14, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Argentine-focused lithium exploration and project development company Lake Resources NL ( ASX:LKE ) is pleased to provide an update on drill results and ongoing exploration activities at its 100%-owned Kachi Lithium Brine Project in Catamarca Province.- Initial drilling confirms the Kachi Lithium Brine Project is an exciting maiden discovery of a very large and deep salt lake basin, of similar size to globally significant lithium producers.- Kachi is likely to be a partially covered salt lake over 22 x 8 kilometres that hosts a very large lithium brine body with potential to increase further.- Eight rotary and diamond drill holes ended in lithium brine-bearing sediments. Results reported for 7 resource drill-holes, from 3 drill platforms, with variable depths up to 405 metres.- Highlight is drill-hole K03R03 (northern area), with higher brine grades closer to the centre of the basin averaging 306mg/L lithium, low impurities and low average Mg/Li ratio of 4.3, a ratio similar to large Argentine projects of Galaxy and Neo Lithium.- K03R03 results indicate higher concentrations of lithium bearing brines occur at depth in the northern area compared to shallow drilling (<150m) from platform K03. Drilling is underway to explore deeper sections below the best results from K03.- Passive Seismic Geophysical survey indicates lake sediments continue to depths greater than 600m. Drilling results from site K06 correlate with seismic survey results.- Excellent passive seismic data vindicates the exploration approach and aids planning of additional drilling sites. The results of K03R03 in the north are being followed up to establish the lateral and depth extent of higher lithium grades and to assess flow rates.- Drilling continues to expand the data set for an initial resource estimate in the coming months.- Work in Jujuy province continues, aimed at gaining drill access to the Cauchari area.The Company can now definitively demonstrate that lithium brine is present from near surface to over 400m depth in drill holes spaced 11km apart (see Figure 1 in link below) across the project. Drilling and seismic geophysical surveying also confirms Kachi is a very large-scale partially covered salt lake over an area of at least 22 x 8 kilometres (more than 150 km2). Brine is interpreted to continue in sandy sediments beneath gravels and volcanic rocks with the potential to increase this area significantly as they may hide the true size of the basin.Lake has been conducting two concurrent phases of drilling operations:1. Resource and exploration drilling utilising a diamond drill rig to collect drill cores for porosity assessment and to obtain brine samples for resource estimation, and2. Production well drilling using rotary drill rigs for additional resource estimation data and construction of wells for test pumping purposes. These will be available to pump lithium brine into trial evaporation ponds and test the brine evaporation and chemical evolution under site environmental conditions. A total of eight drill holes have been completed on three separate drill platform locations (see Figure 1 in link below).Note: A change in naming convention for drill sites and drill hole identification has been undertaken for management purposes where D represents diamond drill holes and R rotary drill holes.Resource Drilling - Kachi Lithium Brine ProjectLake Resources' 100%-owned Kachi Lithium Brine Project in Catamarca province, Argentina covers over 50,000 hectares of mining leases owned 100% by Lake's Argentine subsidiary, Morena del Valle Minerals SA. These are held over the centre of the known Kachi salt lake in the deepest part of the basin. Surface sampling has revealed positive lithium results in brines, which are being explored at depth through the drilling and geophysics programs.The current status of resource diamond drilling comprises the completion of four diamond drill-holes on four platforms and analysis of brine samples. A further diamond drill hole is currently underway at a new location (platform K05). Four rotary wells have also been drilled to date with a further drill hole recently started on platform K03 in the west of the project. Table 1 (see link below) provides drill hole location details and lithium results which are averaged where multiple samples have been taken at a single interval.Recent drilling intersected different interlayered lithologies which are dominated by sandy sediments. Samples have been collected for porosity tests in a laboratory in the USA with extensive experience in analysing salt lake sediments for their porosity characteristics, in particular the specific yield (also known as drainable porosity). Given the success of exploration in confirming elevated lithium concentrations and favourable sandy sediments for brine extraction the company intends to conduct a resource estimate for the project in accordance with the JORC reporting code as soon as practical. This will include the porosity data and systematic brine analyses from the drilling samples.Analytical results for lithium to date have been highest in drill-hole K03R03 (northern area). Brine samples in this hole display encouraging densities with a favourable Mg/Li ratio of 4.3. This area is a key target for ongoing investigation. In the short term drilling will return to this area and target deeper unconsolidated brine bearing sediments confirmed by the passive seismic geophysical survey. Figure 2 (see link below) shows an extensive area with potentially very deep lake sediments in the vicinity of K03 that is yet to be investigated.Diamond drilling intersected thick intervals of intercalated sands, gravels and sandy clays with some clay horizons. The predominant litho-type of lake sediments is sand-dominant, and poorly consolidated, with relatively low core recoveries in sandy material. Initial indications from field hydraulic testing indicate high permeabilities for the sandy material, which will be further tested with the installation of large diameter production test bores.The deepest drilling to date at 405m has been undertaken in the south of the project area in diamond drill hole K06D08 (see Figure 1 in link below).Brine ChemistryBrines with high density (1.18 - 1.22 g/cm3) have been intersected in thick sandy and gravelly aquifers, with the best results to date being 306 mg/L after 27 hours of airlifting from hole K03R03, installed with filters over an interval of 3 - 242m. This is located further towards the centre of the northern area of the salt lake. To date the lithium brines analysed show positive chemistry with low combined impurities (boron, sulphate, calcium, magnesium, iron). A number of sample results are pending from recent drilling from site K05 and regular updates will be provided as drilling progresses.Average lithium grades from deeper levels (350 - 400m) in the south at K06 also show high density (1.2 g/cm3), however the brine grade of 180 mg/L suggests that the brine is distinct from that at the K03 site. Deeper horizons are now being targeted in the vicinity of site K03 where positive results have been previously found with the aim of locating higher grades and extend the potential size of the brine mineralisation.Geophysical SurveyA seismic geophysical survey is being undertaken using passive seismic techniques, with the aim of developing an understanding of basin geometry and thickness of the sediments hosting the brine. This method distinguishes lithologies with highly contrasting seismic velocities such as unconsolidated lake sediments and harder cemented sediments, basement rocks or ignimbrites (compact volcanic ash units) and has been used very successfully on a number of salt lake projects in South America and Australia. To date 170 stations have been processed.The distinct reflectors identified in the survey correlate well with dense lithologies such as a number of ignimbrite units within the predominantly sandy sediments and probable basement rocks intersected at 300m depth in K06D08 in the south of the project area (see Figure 2 in link below). Drilling at K06 provides a correlation with the seismic survey and indicates the presence of unconsolidated sediments to a depth in excess of 500m under gravel cover away from the areas of surface salt where drilling is currently being conducted and in excess of 600m in the vicinity of site K03. Figure 2 (see link below) shows a schematic cross-section and raw data used for the interpretation.Importantly the seismic survey also suggests the majority of the basaltic volcanic material visible at surface forms a thin veneer overlying lake sediments, which is very positive for the project as it further increases the volume of sediments that potentially host brines.To view tables and figures, please visit:About Lake Resources NL Lake Resources NL (ASX:LKE) (OTCMKTS:LLKKF) is a clean lithium developer utilising clean, direct extraction technology for the development of sustainable, high purity lithium from its flagship Kachi Project, as well as three other lithium brine projects in Argentina. The projects are in a prime location within the Lithium Triangle, where 40% of the world's lithium is produced at the lowest cost. This method will enable Lake Resources to be an efficient, responsibly-sourced, environmentally friendly and cost competitive supplier of high-purity lithium, which is readily scalable, and in demand from Tier 1 electric vehicle makers and battery makers. BEACHWOOD, Ohio, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- OMNOVA Solutions (NYSE: OMN) will hold its conference call to discuss second quarter 2018 results on Thursday, June 28, 2018 at 11:00am ET. The call will be hosted by OMNOVA Solutions' President and Chief Executive Officer Anne Noonan, and Senior Vice President and Chief Financial Officer Paul DeSantis. OMNOVA will release earnings before the market opens on June 28 for the quarter ending May 31, 2018. The call will be webcast and participants may log on from OMNOVA's website located under Company News Releases under the Investor Relations tab at www.omnova.com. OMNOVA will archive the call on its website until noon ET, July 12, 2018. Or, to listen to a digitized telephone replay (available from 1:00pm ET, June 28 until 11:59pm ET, July 12, 2018), callers should dial: (USA) 800-475-6701, Access Code 450415 (Int'l) 320-365-3844, Access Code 450415 OMNOVA Solutions Inc. is a global innovator of performance-enhancing chemistries and surfaces used in products for a variety of commercial, industrial and residential applications. As a strategic business-to-business supplier, OMNOVA provides The Science in Better Brands, with emulsion polymers, specialty chemicals, and functional and decorative surfaces that deliver critical performance attributes to top brand-name, end-use products sold around the world. OMNOVA's sales for the last 12 months ended February 28, 2018, were $787 million. The Company has a global workforce of approximately 1,800. Visit OMNOVA Solutions on the internet at www.omnova.com. SOURCE OMNOVA Solutions Inc. Related Links http://www.omnova.com NEW YORK, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM), operator of financial markets for 10,000 U.S. and global securities, today announced The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. (TSX: TGOD;OTCQX: TGODF), a research & development company licensed under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations to cultivate medical cannabis, has qualified to trade on the OTCQX Best Market. The Green Organic Dutchman begins trading today on OTCQX under the symbol "TGODF." U.S. investors can find current financial disclosure and Real-Time Level 2 quotes for the company on www.otcmarkets.com. "Trading on OTCQX will enable The Green Organic Dutchman to efficiently provide their U.S. investors with current information and transparency," said Jason Paltrowitz, Executive Vice President of Corporate Services at OTC Markets Group. "We are pleased to welcome The Green Organic Dutchman to our Best Market and look forward to supporting the company as it builds long term shareholder value." "OTCQX allows us to have greater visibility with U.S investors," said Rob Anderson, TGOD's CEO. "We have a strong U.S investor base and this will allow us to provide greater transparency to our current and future shareholders in that market." The Green Organic Dutchman was sponsored for OTCQX by McMillan LLP, a qualified third-party firm responsible for providing guidance on OTCQX requirements and recommending membership. About Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. The Green Organic Dutchman Holdings Ltd. is a research & development company licensed under the Access to Cannabis for Medical Purposes Regulations ("ACMPR") to cultivate medical cannabis. The Company carries out its principal activities producing cannabis from its facilities in Ancaster, Ont., pursuant to the provisions of the ACMPR and the Controlled Drugs and Substances Act (Canada) and its regulations. The Company grows high quality, organic cannabis with sustainable, all-natural principles. TGOD's products are laboratory tested to ensure patients have access to a standardized, safe and consistent product. TGOD has a funded capacity of 116,000 kg and is building 970,000 sq. ft. of cultivation facilities in Ontario and Quebec. The Company has developed a strategic partnership with Aurora Cannabis Inc. (TSX:ACB) whereby Aurora has invested approximately C$78.1 million for an approximate 17.5% stake in TGOD. In addition, the Company has raised approximately C$290 million dollars and has over 5,000 shareholders. TGOD's Common Shares and warrants issued under the indenture dated November 1, 2017 trade on the TSX under the symbol "TGOD" and "TGOD.WT", respectively. About OTC Markets Group Inc. OTC Markets Group Inc. (OTCQX: OTCM) operates the OTCQX Best Market, the OTCQB Venture Market and the Pink Open Market for 10,000 U.S. and global securities. Through OTC Link ATS and OTC Link ECN, we connect a diverse network of broker-dealers that provide liquidity and execution services. We enable investors to easily trade through the broker of their choice and empower companies to improve the quality of information available for investors. To learn more about how we create better informed and more efficient markets, visit www.otcmarkets.com. OTC Link ATS and OTC Link ECN are operated by OTC Link LLC, member FINRA/SIPC and SEC regulated ATS. Subscribe to the OTC Markets RSS Feed Media Contact: OTC Markets Group Inc., +1 (212) 896-4428, [email protected] SOURCE OTC Markets Group Inc. Related Links http://www.otcmarkets.com More than 50 attendees gathered at the Hyatt Regency Coconut Point Resort and Spa in Bonita Springs, Florida to discuss the ever-changing climate of today's Healthcare environment. This year's topics of conversation centered on contract modeling strategies and negotiations, improvements in revenue and profitability, and the impact of artificial intelligence on hospitals, specifically on its potential to affect revenue cycle efficiency. Parathon CEO James Dudley said, "It is always a great treat to meet with healthcare leaders. We are proud of the positive feedback we received at this year's conference and are already brainstorming ways to make next year's event even more beneficial to our clients and attendees." For a full recap of Parathon's 2018 Annual Revenue Cycle Summit, visit www.Parathonevents.com or the Parathon blog at www.Parathon.com. SOURCE Parathon Related Links http://www.Parathon.com NEW BRUNSWICK, N.J., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- ParkMobile, the leading provider of mobile parking solutions in the US, announced today a partnership with the New Brunswick Parking Authority (NBPA) to provide reservation parking at select locations around the city. Reservation parking will be available at the following locations: Church Street Deck, Gateway Deck, Morris Street Deck, New Street Deck, Paterson Deck, Plum Street Deck and the Wellness Deck. Users can purchase reservation parking at approximately 700 spaces throughout the city. Using their mobile devices, users can easily book a reservation ahead of time to guarantee parking. To book parking, users can download the app for Apple and Android devices. Additionally, users can reserve parking on ParkMobile.io. "In our continuing effort to make parking in New Brunswick more accessible and user friendly, we are excited to be able to offer online parking reservation through ParkMobile. Now you will be able to reserve a parking space in one of our parking garages as soon as you make that dinner reservation or when buying tickets for a show. This is just another reason to come visit New Brunswick and enjoy all it has to offer," Mitch Karon said, Executive Director of NBPA. ParkMobile and the New Brunswick Parking Authority have partnered since 2013 to provide citywide on-street parking allowing users to pay for parking on their mobile devices. "Our partnership with the New Brunswick Parking Authority has thrived over the past 5 years and we're excited to continue to show users a smarter way to park. Within minutes, users can book reservation parking on the app to guarantee a parking spot while out for dinner, a show or a meeting. We offer users a more efficient, smarter way to park and we're thrilled to expand our reservation capabilities to New Brunswick," stated Jon Ziglar, CEO of ParkMobile. ParkMobile is available in surrounding areas including Hoboken, Ocean City, Fairlawn, Montclair, Trenton, West New York, Lambertville, Englewood among many more. Users can book reservation parking in major cities such as New York City, Washington DC, Chicago and more. With availability in 350 cities across the US and with over 9 million people using ParkMobile's services over 60 million times per year, ParkMobile is excited to make a difference leveraging our large network of users. About ParkMobile ParkMobile, LLC is the leading provider of parking solutions in North America, helping millions of people easily find and pay for parking on their mobile device. The company's technology is used in over 3000 locations across the country, including 7 of the top 10 cities as well as college campuses, airports and stadiums. People can use ParkMobile solutions to quickly pay for on-street and garage parking without having to use a meter or kiosk. Additionally, ParkMobile offers parking reservations at stadium venues for concerts and sporting events. Reservations are also available in metro areas, allowing people to drive into the city without having to worry about finding parking. ParkMobile was recently named by Deloitte as a Technology Fast 500 winner, recognizing the fastest growing technology companies in North America. For more information, visit Parkmobile.IO or @ParkMobile on Twitter. SOURCE ParkMobile, LLC Related Links https://parkmobile.io Nearly 1,200 crewmen of the USS Arizona were killed during the Pearl Harbor attack, almost half of all the casualties from the initial encounter. Stratton is one of five remaining crewmen from the sunken battleship. Over the years, Stratton has ventured from his home in Holiday Village to the USS Arizona memorial in Hawaii on several occasions to pay tribute to his fallen comrades and reconnect with fellow survivors. "I hope that when people see the bridge and the proud name of USS Arizona, they will remember the 1,177 men who died defending our great country," said Stratton, who holds the distinction of being the only living veteran to fight in both the first and last battles of World War II. "Remember those who gave their lives to protect our freedoms." Don also gifted a memorial plaque to Joe Anne George Taylor, who was in attendance at the ceremony. Joe Anne is the daughter of Joe George, the U.S. Navy sailor, now deceased, who saved Don Stratton and five others from the USS Arizona in 1941. "Being fortunate enough to participate in such a historic event recognizing Don's patriotism and heroism is an incredible experience that the community of Holiday Village will always remember," said Ryan Baker, Vice President representing Holiday Village. "We could not be more honored to have a hero of Don's stature living with us at Holiday Village." About Holiday Village Holiday Village is an age-qualified manufactured home community located in Colorado Springs, CO. Holiday Village is part of the myMHcommunity.com network of more than 200 resort-style communities nationwide. MyMHcommunity.com offers affordable housing options with resort-style amenities for active adults and families in some of the most desirable housing markets in the country. SOURCE myMHcommunity.com Related Links http://www.myMHcommunity.com SUSSEX, Wis., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- PIC Wire & Cable A Division of The Angelus Corporation, specializing in aerospace cable, connectors and cable assemblies, proudly announces its quality management system is certified to the new AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 standards. PIC Wire & Cable passed the rigorous AS9100D and ISO 9001:2015 audits and certified to the new standards by Lloyd's Register Quality Assurance, Inc. These internationally recognized quality management standards establish a framework for organizations to build robust quality systems that provide reliable products and services. AS9100D is a supplement to ISO 9001:2015 that is specifically designed to meet rigorous aerospace industry requirements and enhance product safety and quality. PIC Wire & Cable is committed to designing and manufacturing premium aerospace products. "By achieving our AS9100D certification, we are letting our customers know that The Angelus Corporation values exceptional quality and robust processes. We are committed to exceeding the stringent needs of the aerospace and defense market," said Paul Dieck, Chief Operations Officer. The AS9100D certification illustrates PIC Wire & Cable's dedication to continuously improving and upholding strong quality management processes that ensure high quality products. For more information on PIC Wire & Cable's quality certifications, please visit www.picwire.com/about-pic. About The Angelus Corporation The Angelus Corporation is a global product and services provider for aerospace and defense industry solutions. The Angelus Corporation divisions include PIC Wire & Cable, specializing in aircraft cable, connectors and cable assemblies for over 45 years, and CertifyNation, offering engineering, certification, and kitting solutions, with decades of experience in the commercial aviation industry. Together, these divisions advance The Angelus Corporation's mission to make its customers' jobs easier. For more information, visit www.TheAngelusCorp.com. SOURCE The Angelus Corporation Related Links http://www.theangeluscorp.com The accelerator is eager to place its footprint on the global stage, the selected companies come from China, United States, United Kingdom, Singapore, Nigeria, India and Pakistan. They will leverage blockchain, big data, AI and other cutting edge technologies to provide "Finance + Technology" solutions with multiple scenarios. The ten selected companies, renowned advisors and mentors, industry leaders, experts and scholars in various fields from around the world were formally announced and introduced. They included Jessica Tan, Deputy Group CEO, Group COO and CIO of Ping An Group, Ericson Chan, CEO of Ping An Technology, Jonathan Larsen, CEO of Ping An Global Voyager Fund and other industry thought leaders such as on the advisor group; Ricky Ou, Chief Product Officer of Ping An Technology, Jay McCarthy, Managing Partner of Pacific Advisers, Emmanuel Pitsilis, former Senior Partner of McKinsey and 60 additional global corporate executives that are part of the mentor group. Ericson Chan, CEO of Ping An Technology states, "Ping An Group continuously drives Finance + Technology dual innovation strategy. Technology is penetrating the core of traditional finance industry, and the Ping An Accelerator is keen to develop a technology hub that integrates innovation, capital, talent and thought leadership to discover, acquire and monetize technological assets. In the past decade, Ping An expanded rapidly into the FinTech, healthcare, AI and other verticals. Ping An Technology is the technology incubator of Ping An Group and capable of deploying Ping An Cloud ecosystem resource to global enterprises. Meanwhile, Ping An Fin+Tech Accelerator will become a key component of this ecosystem, empowering and optimizing solutions for the entire tech industry. The 3-month program will equip and empower the selected companies with education and resources to optimize their product, technology and business model at scale. The program includes extensive corporate partnership of Ping An Group's network, professional global mentors, workshops, Ping An Cloud service which provides invaluable support to the participating companies during their product development and a large Demo Day at the end of the program to help them drive market localization and secure next round of funding. Ping An endeavors to become a world-leading technology-powered personal financial services group upholding the belief of "technology-powered financial services for a better life" and pursuing "finance + technology" and explore "finance + ecosystem". Peter Ma, President of Ping An Group stated, "the era of intelligent technology is coming, technology is the key to success for the future. Ping An Group is transforming from a capital-driven company to a technology-driven company." Ping An has invested over 50 billion in FinTech, healthcare, artificial intelligence industries in the past decade; developed over 200 projects in the following areas: financial service, transportation, accommodation and government service with AI capability. With the support of Ping An Group and Ping An Cloud ecosystem, Ping An Fin+Tech Accelerator will focus on finding and partnering with advanced FinTech companies from around the globe to drive the finance revolution and industry transformation. SOURCE Ping An Technology PLYMOUTH, Mich., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Plastipak Holdings, Inc. (the "Company") announced today that it will file its Form 10-Q Equivalent Report for its fiscal quarter ended May 5, 2018 electronically with Wells Fargo National Bank, as Trustee for the holders of its 6.250% Senior Notes due 2025 (the "Senior Notes"), by the close of business on Tuesday, June 19, 2018. The Company is not required by the Indenture for the Senior Notes to file annual, quarterly or periodic reports with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission ("SEC"), and therefore does not plan to file these reports with the SEC. Holders, authorized prospective holders and securities analysts may obtain a copy of the Company's Form 10-Q Equivalent Report by contacting Investor Relations at (734) 455-3600 or by emailing [email protected]. The Company will host an investor teleconference call for holders, authorized prospective holders and securities analysts on June 21, 2018 at 2:00 p.m. ET. Details for the call are available to holders, authorized prospective holders and securities analysts by contacting Investor Relations. Qualified bondholders and lenders may obtain copies of the Form 10-Q Equivalent Report and details of the investor teleconference call by logging on to the secure bondholder section of the Company's website (www.plastipak.com). SOURCE Plastipak Holdings, Inc. Related Links http://www.plastipak.com TAMPA, Fla. and LOS ANGELES, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- While media pundits and other experts debate the impact Russia had on the 2016 election, a riveting short documentary exposing the harsh voter suppression laws that prohibit 6.1 million Americans from voting, "Let My People Vote," is fast becoming a rallying call for youth to participate in the midterm elections. The film won an Audience Award at the Florida Film Festival and will be the subject of a conversation in Los Angeles at the Peacemaker Organizing & Awards Summit hosted by the Community Justice Reform Coalition and the LIVE FREE Campaign. Directed by Gilda Ann Brasch of Los Angeles-based VUSI Filmworks,"Let My People Vote" will also be featured in The Color of Conversation Film Series, an extension of the prestigious Martha's Vineyard African American Film Festival. It will be held June 29th at the American Film Institute Silver Theatre and Cultural Center located in the DC area. "We are honored to be selected to participate in these landmark events, both of which seek to promote positive conversation on the issue of structural discrimination," said Brasch. "Let My People Vote" follows voting rights activist, Desmond Meade, as he mobilizes his team to help get Tampa residents to the polls. Meade discovers that a senior citizen they encouraged to go vote is unable to cast a ballot due to a suspended license violation from 1993. This situation struck home with Meade. He's an ex-felon whose right to vote has not been restored even though he turned his life around many years ago. Although he can't vote, Meade still participates in the process. As president of the Florida Rights Restoration Coalition he helped to gather more than one million signatures to place Amendment 4, the Second Chances Voting Restoration Amendment, on the ballot this November. Florida's Jim Crow era voter suppression laws have a disparate impact on African Americans, Latinos and other minority groups. "About 1.7 million Floridians are disenfranchised," adds Brasch. "The 2000 election was decided by 537 votes in Florida, so these votes clearly matter." During the midterm election cycle the filmmakers are working with partner organizations to host screenings paired with panel discussions designed to bring awareness to voter suppression and educate voters on Florida's Amendment 4. Partners include: AFL-CIO of Central Florida, Latino Leadership Institute, LIVE FREE Campaign, United Faculty of Florida at the University of Central Florida, Orange County Teachers Association, Georgia and Florida Black Youth Vote, Levi Strauss Foundation, and the International Documentary Association. Musical artist and activist, Moby, contributed his new single "This Wild Darkness" (Mute Records), to the film. An award-winning producer and director, Brasch tells tales of underdog heroes. She helped produce and direct Oprah Winfrey's ABC primetime special, "Building A Dream," the acclaimed documentary on The Oprah Winfrey Leadership Academy in South Africa. Most recently Brasch executive produced five seasons of VH1's hit franchise "Love & Hip Hop." Inspired after meeting Nelson Mandela in South Africa, and filming in his prison cell of 27 years, Brasch founded VUSI Filmworks with a focus on filmmaking for social change. For more information on the Peacemaker Organizing & Awards Summit June 21 at Google's Venice office or The Color of Conversation visit livefreeusa.org or www.colorofconversation.com. To view the trailer or schedule a screening visit letmypeoplevotemovie.com. Contact: Edrea Davis Phone: 818.613.9521 Email: [email protected] SOURCE VUSI Filmworks Middle Eastern Ministry of Defence Orders 70 DroneGuns Sydney, June 14, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - DroneShield Ltd ( ASX:DRO ) ( OTCMKTS:DRSHF ) ("DroneShield" or the "Company") is pleased to announce that it has received an order for 70 units of its DroneGun(TM) tactical jammer product for use by the Ministry of Defence (the "MOD") of a major Middle Eastern country allied with the Western governments. This approximately $3,200,000 order was placed for the MOD with the Company by the Company's distributor Zariba Security.- A $3,200,000 order for 70 DroneGuns(TM) for use by a Middle Eastern Ministry of Defence received.- A sophisticated user with one of the largest defence budgets in the world.- The largest known order of its kind in the industry to date, globally.- The largest order in the history of the Company.- Larger follow on orders in the pipeline.- Cements DroneShield's leadership in the industry.This is the largest known order for tactical drone mitigation equipment of this kind globally in the history of the industry. This is also the first order for multiple DroneGun(TM) units, the largest order in the Company's history, and the Company's first multi-million dollar order. This is significant since the drone detection and mitigation industry is only several years old, and allocations of substantial governmental funding for anti-drone equipment purchases have only commenced in size in the recent 12 months.Oleg Vornik, DroneShield's CEO, commented "We believe that this is a company-making sale and a game-changer for DroneShield, for the following reasons.- The MOD has one of the largest defence budgets in the world. We view this order as just a start of our relationship with the MOD and expect to receive substantial (and substantially larger) additional orders for this product and other products of the Company for the MOD and for other ministries and agencies in-country and elsewhere in the region.- This sale, the largest ever in the industry for this kind of equipment, establishes DroneShield as the leader in the industry, globally, and places DroneShield well ahead of its competitors in the global anti-drone industry "land grab".- A large order by one of the most sophisticated users of security and defence equipment in the world validates the quality, effectiveness and competitiveness of our products.- DroneShield's sales pipeline includes dozens of contracts that DroneShield is pursuing, in various stages of advancement, in dozens of countries. These range from a few tens of thousands of dollars to tens of millions of dollars each. Necessarily, not all, and there can be no assurance that any, of these sales opportunities will result in sales. However, DroneShield expects that this validation by a demanding user will accelerate the adoption of our products by a range of governmental and corporate users globally and accelerate the execution time-frame for our sales.- We have previously advised the market of our discussions with larger industry participants about a range of potential corporate transactions. These discussions are on-going. Larger defence "prime contractors" and security integrators are looking to ascertain which companies emerge as the winners in the anti-drone "arms race." This order places DroneShield at the forefront of the industry and is likely to have a substantial positive effect on DroneShield's corporate discussions with larger industry players."This order comes against the backdrop of significantly intensified nepharious drone activity in the Middle East. By way of example, among the dozens of reported drone attacks reported in the region since the beginning of the year were the following:- Israel was reported to have intercepted an Iranian drone.- UAE was reported to have intercepted an Iranian drone.- Yemen's Houthi rebels were reported to have attacked a Saudi Aramco facility.- Saudi Arabia was reported to have shot down (using conventional small arms) a drone in the vicinity of a royal palace.- An attempt to attack a Saudi Arabian airport with a terrorist drone was reported.The Company's ability to fulfil the order is subject to approval by a U.S. regulator overseeing defence exports. For clarity, only some of the Company's potential orders require such approval since sales of some of the Company's products to a number of countries allied with the United States do not require U.S. regulatory approval. The Company expects to receive such approval, if it is granted, in the next two months, using the established U.S. defence product sale approval process. There are, of course, no guarantees that the approval for this particular order will be granted.To view figures, please visit:About DroneShield Ltd DroneShield Ltd (ASX:DRO) (OTCMKTS:DRSHF) is an Australian publicly listed company with its head office in Sydney and teams in the US and UK. We specialise in RF sensing, Artificial Intelligence and Machine Learning, Sensor Fusion, Electronic Warfare, Rapid Prototyping and MIL-SPEC manufacturing. Our capabilities are used to protect Military, Government, Law Enforcement, Critical Infrastructure, Commercial and VIPs throughout the world. Through our team of primarily Australian based engineers - we offer customers bespoke solutions and off-the-shelf products designed to suit a variety of terrestrial, maritime or airborne platforms. DroneShield is proudly exporting Australian capability to customers throughout the world and supporting Australia's defence, national security and other organisations protect people, critical infrastructure and vital assets. . ST. PETERSBURG, Fla., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The Poynter Institute, a global leader in journalism, is pleased to announce the media organizations selected for its fourth annual Media Innovation Tour of Washington D.C. and New York City from Nov. 11 through Nov. 16. Poynter's tour will return to The New York Times, The Washington Post, NPR, Quartz, The Associated Press, Chartbeat, and the Pew Research Center and include new stops at Twitter, Chalkbeat, The Wall Street Journal, The Atlantic and Politico. "When you can go to these places, and meet people face-to-face, you start to get a handle on not just the ideas, but the cultural dynamics that either build the idea or defeat the idea," Poynter president Neil Brown said. "I've been a participant on two of the tours before coming to Poynter, so I'm an organic believer in it. The honesty and candor the small group size allows is incredibly valuable. I'm still learning from the innovations I saw three years ago." Click here to see the full tour schedule and session information. Exclusivity is key to the program's continued success and relevance. Tour groups are no larger than 12 people to allow for intimate, honest conversation. Poynter's relationships with leading media organizations give participants behind-the-scenes access to both the places and the people. Participants will be able to sit in on an editorial meeting at The Washington Post and then they'll talk with executive editor Marty Baron and managing editor of digital Emilio Garcia-Ruiz. Diversity is also an essential factor for Poynter's tour selections. This year's stops include print, digital, broadcast, research, social media and analytics organizations. Some represent the biggest brands in journalism and are consistently recognized as innovators in the field, like The New York Times and NPR. Others, like Twitter and Chartbeat, will add insight into social media, a crucial component of success in 21st century media. Sessions at The Atlantic and Politico will give participants real world examples of creative revenue diversification and product development. Neil Brown and Poynter digital tools reporter Ren LaForme will lead this year's tour. Through their guidance, participants will be able to translate these innovative examples into practical, scalable takeaways. Poynter added daily debriefs to the 2018 schedule to further enhance participants' ability to process and apply what they learn. A key lesson this year will be better understanding audience. "We call it the 'media innovation tour,' but so much of it really is about audience," Brown said. "Whether that's how to reach them for revenue or reach them for content audience is a major theme throughout all our programs." Applications for the Media Innovation Tour are now open, and early-bird pricing is available until July 13. The tour is open to anyone interested in the future and success of news media. It will be particularly beneficial for publishers, editors, educators and media leaders around the world who are responsible for revenue, digital content, audience development or new product lines. "I was overwhelmed by the sheer diversity and depth of exposure to some of the biggest names and brands in American journalism, as well as the ringside view of the contemporary challenges faced by news and media organizations and how they are responding to them," wrote one participant in the 2017 Media Innovation Tour survey. "It was very much worth the time and financial investment, and I do regard participating in this tour as an investment." About The Poynter Institute The Poynter Institute for Media Studies is a global leader in journalism education and a strategy center that stands for uncompromising excellence in journalism, media and 21st century public discourse. Poynter faculty teach seminars and workshops at the Institute in St. Petersburg, Florida, and at conferences and organizational sites around the world. Its e-learning division, News University, www.newsu.org, offers the world's largest online journalism curriculum in 7 languages, with more than 400 interactive courses and 330,000 registered users in more than 200 countries. The Institute's website, www.poynter.org, produces 24-hour coverage of news about media, ethics, technology, the business of news and the trends that currently define and redefine journalism news reporting. The world's top journalists and media innovators come to Poynter to learn and teach new generations of reporters, storytellers, media inventors, designers, visual journalists, documentarians and broadcast producers, and to build public awareness about journalism, media, the First Amendment and protected discourse that serves democracy and the public good. Contact: Tina Dyakon Director of Advertising and Marketing The Poynter Institute [email protected] 727-553-4343 SOURCE The Poynter Institute The Company refutes the claim of Jared Berry and CBD Naturals and denies that any known agreement exists, signed or unsigned, between CBD Naturals and The Company. There is no known "signed exclusive agreement" between The Company and CBD Naturals, that allows it to distribute or sell "Hops derived CBD isolate." The Company further clarifies that The Company has no known current agreement with Jared Berry , CBD Naturals, or the company he founded, Isodiol. Humulus kriya is a patent pending plant from the Humulus family. The scientists filing for these patents are employees and principals of The Company. They have no affiliation with CBD Naturals or Isodiol. "Hops" is normally referred to the Humulus lupulus plant. Humulus kriya, the plant that contains CBD, is a variant of Humulus yunnanensis. While "Hops" can be a marketing term loosely applied to any Humulus species, The Company wishes to clarify that it did NOT find CBD in any of the Humulus lupulus plants it tested. "ImmunAG" is the trademark under which a fraction of the Humulus kriya is sold and marketed. ImmunAG has a license as a "Food Ingredient" by the Food Safety and Standards Authority of India (FSSAI). There is no "Food Safety and Standards Institute" for the agreement with CBD Naturals "to fall under", as their press release claims. No "Food Safety and Standards Institute." No Agreement. Therefore, nothing to "fall under." The Company does not sell "Hops"/Humulus derived CBD isolate or oils. The Company has no distributors, representatives or agents who are authorized to sell Hops/Humulus derived CBD isolate or oils. Other than The Company, anyone who claims to have Hops/Humulus derived CBD isolate or oils, either have nothing to sell, or are selling non-Hops/Humulus derived CBD. So buyer beware. The Company grows Humulus kriya plants, processes them, measures them for bioactivity, publishes results in scientific papers (https://doi.org/10.31013/1002b), standardizes all products to the highest purity and bioactivity standards, and produces unique time-release tablets, tinctures and capsules. The Company has complete control and knowledge of its manufacture and process from beginning to end. The Company has been focussed on the medical market, where access to highly standardized products, with the highest MEASURED quality, with scientific research, of LEGAL source, is critical. The cGMP standard for medical research, and use, requires end to end measure, repeatable control, and standards. By definition, if a company does not have end-to-end measurement and control, it cannot claim to have cGMP qualifications, nor a medical API. The Company has measured fraction "G" extract of Humulus kriya, by X-Ray Crystallography, and determined it to have the same configuration as Cannabidiol reported by Jones et al. (1977., Acta Cryst. B33, 32113214.), Ottersen & Rosenqvist (1977., Acta Chem. Scand. 31b , 749 755.) and Mechoulam et al. (1967., J. Am. Chem. Soc. 89, 45524554.) The results are being published in a peer reviewed journal. The Company only has distributors for its end products and collaborates with multinational companies directly to formulate ImmunAG into their products. Any company that wants to incorporate ImmunAG into their products should contact The Company directly at +1-408-650-4245 or +1-844-960-PEAK (7325). "I was surprised when a company claimed that their scientists had spent millions of dollars creating Hops CBD. Now its founder is claiming that he has an exclusive distribution agreement," said Ashutosh Kotru, Director, ImmunAG, LLP, Goa, India. "This is a stubborn exercise in idiocy and, potentially, lunacy. We own Hops/Humulus based CBD and I don't know Jared Berry, CBD Naturals or Isodiol. They haven't spent a dime on R&D for Hops/Humulus CBD." "I texted and emailed Jared Berry as soon as I saw the CBD Natural press release. I haven't heard from him yet. We have definitely not authorized anyone to sell our Hops/Humulus isolate," said Bomi Joseph, one of the individuals who has filed for the Humulus kriya patent. Only press releases issued, jointly or singly, by Peak Health should be considered an authentic press release on Hops/Humulus derived CBD. So far, the two press releases done by companies that are not Peak Health, have been blatantly spurious. Peak Health Center Is a 501(c)(3), Not-For-Profit Corporation, based out of Los Gatos, CA. Its charter is to improve human health, with the least use of pharmaceutical drugs. Its researchers from around the globe are volunteering efforts to enhance our knowledge of endogenous health and Phytotherapy. Press Contact Name: Jerome Meyer Phone: (408) 650-4245 Email: [email protected] SOURCE Peak Health Center Related Links http://www.peakhealth.center BOSTON and LONDON, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Recorded Future, the leading threat intelligence provider, was announced winner of the Best Threat Intelligence Technology category at the SC Awards Europe, which took place at The London Marriott, Grosvenor Square on June 5, 2018. Recorded Future arms security teams with the only universal threat intelligence solution, powered by patented machine learning to lower cyber risk. Its technology collects and analyzes information from an unrivalled breadth of sources, aggregates customer-proprietary data, and provides invaluable context in real time, which is packaged for human analysis or integration with security technologies. Recorded Future Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer Staffan Truve stated, "We are honored to have won the SC Awards Europe Best Threat Intelligence Technology category. This award is a testament to our ongoing efforts in helping companies to tackle the cybersecurity threats they face on a daily basis. By providing them with actionable and contextualized threat intelligence we empower organizations to make informed decisions that better protect networks and delivers a real return on their security investment." The SC Awards Europe are the information security industry's most prominent recognition. Winners in the Threat Technology categories are decided by a panel of expert judges, hand-picked by SC Media UK's editorial team for their breadth of knowledge and experience in the information security industry. The awards honor both the cybersecurity professionals working behind the scenes, and the products and services that help protect today's corporate world from countless, ever-changing threats. SC Media UK Editor-in-Chief Tony Morbin commented, "We are really delighted with the high caliber of entries this year. Our winners have had to be really exceptional to stand out in such a vibrant and dynamic industry, and we offer them our fullest congratulations." To learn more about Recorded Future: https://go.recordedfuture.com/demo About Recorded Future Recorded Future delivers the only complete threat intelligence solution powered by patented machine learning to lower risk. We empower organizations to reveal unknown threats before they impact business, and enable teams to respond to alerts 10 times faster. To supercharge the efforts of security teams, our technology automatically collects and analyzes intelligence from technical, open web, and dark web sources and aggregates customer-proprietary data. Recorded Future delivers more context than threat feeds, updates in real time so intelligence stays relevant, and centralizes information ready for human analysis, collaboration, and integration with security technologies. 91 percent of the Fortune 100 use Recorded Future. Learn more at www.recordedfuture.com and follow us on Twitter at @RecordedFuture. SOURCE Recorded Future Related Links http://www.recordedfuture.com WOBURN, Mass., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Resolution Development Services Inc., a leading provider of product development services to the medical, life science and consumer markets, today announced the completion of the 510(k) pre-market submission for FDA review by a class II medical device customer for their next generation device. Resolution played an instrumental role in the process to reach the submission stage. Over a two year period, Resolution worked closely to not only develop the product but to also develop the comprehensive medical device documentation for the product needed as part of the regulatory submission. This includes steps such as passing 60601 emissions and safety testing. "We are pleased to see that this customer has taken the next step in their process", said Leo Carayannopoulos, CEO of Resolution Development Services. "It is these types of complex, medical device projects where Resolution is truly able to show our breadth of capabilities and deep regulatory knowledge." Class II medical devices require stringent adherence to regulatory standards. The product development process requires total coordination between development and documentation to reach the submission stage. To learn more about 510(k) Clearances, visit the FDA website at www.fda.gov. About Resolution Development Services: With offices just outside of Boston, Resolution Development Services provides best in class hardware, software, mechanical, machine vision, and systems engineering outsourced services to clients in the United States, Canada, and Asia. Our regulatory compliant quality system makes Resolution the best choice for complex development programs. To learn more about Resolution Development Services offerings, our charitable giving, and other partnerships, visit www.resolutiondev.com. Contact: Leo Carayannopoulos [email protected] SOURCE Resolution Development Services, Inc Related Links http://www.resolutiondev.com TORONTO, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- In 2018, RICS is celebrating 150 years of work in the built environment. The global professional body brings together leaders from construction, infrastructure, valuation, investment, real estate and facility management to help shape the cities of the future. RICS is also a leading developer of standards that promote quality and efficiency in the built environment. In 1868, a group of distinguished surveyors came together to consider the impact of urbanization on the public interest. Today, as in 1868, cities are undergoing massive challenges like rapid urbanization, climate change, infrastructure deficits and resource scarcity. These issues require a multi-faceted approach from qualified professionals with a diversity of experiences and backgrounds focused on the public interest. RICS is stitching together professionals through collaborative roundtables, summits and research to inform the leaders who shape the world. Sharing this thought-leadership with decision-makers, industry professionals and the next generation gives RICS the opportunity to build on past accomplishments and adapt to yet another wave of changes that will impact the built environment: brought on by digitization. In June, RICS will toast 150 years of thought-leadership in New York and in Washington, D.C. with distinguished industry professionals who will discuss their visions for the future of cities. Panelists include Sameh Wahba PhD, Director of Social, Rural, Urban and Resilience Global Practice at the World Bank and Kat Grimsley PhD, Director of the Master of Science in Real Estate Development program at George Mason University with remarks from RICS President John Hughes. Learn more about the celebrations in Washington D.C. and New York. For more information, please contact: Amie Silverwood Writer and Media Relations RICS 120 Adelaide St. W., Suite 2202 Toronto, ON M5H 1T1 p 437-990-4695 e [email protected] w rics.org About RICS RICS promotes and enforces the highest professional qualifications and standards in the valuation, development and management of land, real estate, construction and infrastructure. Our name promises the consistent delivery of standards - bringing confidence to markets and effecting positive change in the built and natural environments. SOURCE RICS Related Links https://www.rics.org MIAMI, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) has scheduled a conference call for 8:30 a.m. Eastern Daylight Time, Thursday, June 14, 2018. The call will be available on-line at the company's investor relations website, www.rclinvestor.com. To listen to the call by phone, please dial (877) 663-9606 in the US and Canada. International phone calls should be made to (706) 758-4628. There is no passcode or meeting number. A replay of the webcast will be available at the same site for a month following the call. Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. (NYSE: RCL) is a global cruise vacation company that owns and operates three global brands: Royal Caribbean International, Celebrity Cruises and Azamara Club Cruises. We are a 50% joint venture owner of the German brand TUI Cruises, a 49% shareholder in the Spanish brand Pullmantur and a 36% shareholder in the Chinese brand SkySea Cruises. Together, these brands operate a combined total of 50 ships with an additional eleven on order as of May 31, 2018. They operate diverse itineraries around the world that call on approximately 540 destinations on all seven continents. Additional information can be found on www.royalcaribbean.com, www.celebritycruises.com, www.azamaraclubcruises.com, www.tuicruises.com, www.pullmantur.es, or www.rclinvestor.com. SOURCE Royal Caribbean Cruises Ltd. Related Links http://www.royalcaribbean.com DES PLAINES, Ill., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Honeywell (NYSE: HON) announced today that Shandong Wonfull Petrochemical Co., Ltd. will use Honeywell UOP's C 3 Oleflex propane dehydrogenation technology to produce 250,000 metric tons per year of polymer-grade propylene at its facility in the Huantai Economic Development Zone in China's Shandong Province. Honeywell will provide licensing, the process design package, proprietary and non-proprietary equipment, on-site operator training, technical services for startup and continuing operation, and catalysts and adsorbents for the project. This is the 34th award in China for Honeywell's Oleflex technology. "The tremendous growth in propylene production in China is being driven by surging demand for polypropylene and other propylene derivatives that are used to make resins, fibers and plastics," said John Gugel, president of Honeywell UOP. "The Oleflex process converts propane into high-quality propylene that meets the strict purity requirements for these products." Honeywell UOP's C 3 Oleflex technology uses catalytic dehydrogenation to convert propane to propylene and is designed to have a lower cash cost of production and higher return on investment among competing technologies. Its low energy consumption, low emissions and fully recyclable, platinum-alumina-based catalyst system minimizes its impact on the environment. The independent reaction and regeneration sections enable steady-state operations, improved operating flexibility, and a high on-stream factor and reliability. Honeywell UOP also licenses C 4 Oleflex technology, which converts butanes to butylenes, the primary ingredient for making high-octane fuel additives and synthetic rubber. Including this project, Honeywell UOP's Oleflex technology has been selected for 52 out of 64 propane and isobutane dehydrogenation projects globally since 2011. Since the technology was first commercialized in 1990, Honeywell UOP has commissioned 29 Oleflex units for on-purpose propylene and isobutylene production. Global production capacity of propylene from Oleflex technology now stands at approximately 6.8 million metric tons per year. Shandong Wonfull Petrochemical Group Co., Ltd. manufactures and distributes gasoline, diesel, liquefied gas, petroleum coke, sulfur, propylene, and other petrochemicals. Located in Guoli Town, Zibo City, Shandong Wonfull Petrochemical Group also conducts heating, logistics, international trade, and retail terminal businesses. Honeywell UOP (www.uop.com) is a leading international supplier and licensor of process technology, catalysts, adsorbents, equipment, and consulting services to the petroleum refining, petrochemical, and gas processing industries. Honeywell UOP is part of Honeywell's Performance Materials and Technologies strategic business group, which also includes Honeywell Process Solutions (www.honeywellprocess.com) , a pioneer in automation control, instrumentation and services for the oil and gas, refining, petrochemical, chemical and other industries. Honeywell (www.honeywell.com) is a Fortune 100 software-industrial company that delivers industry specific solutions that include aerospace and automotive products and services; control technologies for buildings, homes, and industry; and performance materials globally. Our technologies help everything from aircraft, cars, homes and buildings, manufacturing plants, supply chains, and workers become more connected to make our world smarter, safer, and more sustainable. For more news and information on Honeywell, please visit www.honeywell.com/newsroom. SOURCE Honeywell Related Links http://www.honeywell.com ST. GEORGE, Utah, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- PrinterLogic, a pioneer in enterprise print management software solutions, announced that M. Shane Callahan has been selected as a CXO of the Year for 2018 by Utah Business magazine. Callahan has served as PrinterLogic's CFO since joining the company in March 2016. "Shane brings extraordinary talent and leadership to his role," said Ryan Wedig, CEO of PrinterLogic. "His experience helped mature the company's finance processes and procedures, which supported our rapid growth and global expansion." In two years, Callahan has built a world-class finance team from the ground up, providing a framework of support and resources for one of the fastest growing companies in the state and nation. Previously serving in CFO and VP of Operations positions, Callahan brings with him the understanding of how to scale a technology company and contribute as an expert and leader in the industry. "I am deeply honored to be recognized among so many talented executives who are making a difference in Utah businesses," said Callahan. "PrinterLogic is doing incredible things in St. George's expanding tech community and on a global scale, and this award is a recognition of the amazing teams at this company that bring their best to work every day." The Utah Business CXO of the Year program recognizes Utah's executive leaders that are driving quantifiable results for their organizations while providing unbeatable skills and mentorship to their teams. For more information about PrinterLogic, visit the company website or connect on Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn. About PrinterLogic Thousands of enterprises use PrinterLogic's patent-pending printer and driver management platform to deliver mobile, pull and virtual printing, while eliminating print servers and providing a self-service portal that empowers end users to install their own printers. The company has been included multiple times on the Inc. 500 and Deloitte Fast 500 lists of fastest growing companies in North America. Media Contact Zachary Allen Method Communications (801) 461-9751 [email protected] SOURCE PrinterLogic Related Links https://www.printerlogic.com TOKYO, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Shinsei Corporate Management Analysts have said that the Shenzhen-based Tencent could head to new highs in coming months, possibly overtaking records set in late January. So far this year, its shares have shed $70 billion in value, a stronger bear run than the rest of the technology industry, as markets priced in the costs of the Tencent's massive spending spree. "We've yet to eclipse the high in the owner of WeChat, so I take current drop, which comes amid apparent profit-taking among heavyweights, as a short-term positive. We should be able to move up and break through the recent highs," said Muranaka Ryushi, Head of Research at Shinsei Corporate Management. Despite the challenges, the Chinese e-commerce company is still a consumer staple and the business of making it is largely recession-proof. Tencent is particularly attractive because of its bargain valuation and because its recent metrics were also led by the company's forays into multiple markets. The majority of analysts on Wall Street have a buy rating on Tencent and an average HK$455 price target, according to according to the average of 11 estimates compiled by Bloomberg. That target implies 6 percent upside to Tuesday's close. There are some Tencent bears, though, including Citigroup Inc. and Deutsche Bank AG, which have lowered their sales or earnings expectations over the near and long term. The company's fundamentals give some brokers a reason to feel bearish in 2018. Specifically, recent reports suggest that rising costs and investments will hurt profitability at Asia's biggest listed company, which has a market capitalization of roughly $560 billion. Analysts at Shinsei Corporate Management are also concerned that Tencent could sacrifice margins in the next years to spur future growth, yet it won't able to generate enough cash from its new ventures to offset a decline in its established segments. "One thing I would caution though, is Tencent tends to be a short-term proxy for weak performance in PC games coupled with weaker ad seasonality," says Michael Brooks, Head of Sales & Trading at Shinsei Corporate Management. The Shenzhen-based firm, which is one of world's most valuable technology giants, runs China's most popular social-networking platforms, with more one billion million users, mostly in mainland. SOURCE Shinsei Corporate Management Kurnalpi Nickel Project Update Adelaide, June 14, 2018 AEST (ABN Newswire) - Mithril Resources Ltd (the "Company") ( ASX:MTH ) advises that it has received formal notification from Chesser Resources Ltd ("Chesser") ( ASX:CHZ ) that it intends to withdraw from an existing Farm-In Agreement (effective date - 11 July 2018) on selected tenements at Mithril's Kurnalpi Nickel Project (located 70 kms north east of Kalgoorlie, WA - see Figures 1 and 2 in link below).- Mithril to have 100% management of the entire project following notification from Farm-in partner that it intends to withdraw from an existing agreement over selected tenements- Kurnalpi contains over 7 kilometres of a poorly - explored nickel sulphide - bearing ultramafic with drilling and EM geophysics scheduled to commence late June 2018 / early July 2018From the effective date, Mithril will have 100% management of the entire project which includes over 7 kilometres of a poorly-explored nickel sulphide-bearing ultramafic unit.Mithril is planning to recommence nickel exploration over the ultramafic in late June / early July 2018.A Reverse Circulation drilling program (as an initial test of a newly identified off hole EM conductor lying adjacent to nickel sulphide mineralisation) and EM geophysics (to define further drill targets along strike from the EM conductor) are planned (see Figure 3 and ASX Announcement dated 30 May 2018).Mithril looks forward to updating the market when this work commences.To view figures, please visit:About Mithril Resources Limited Mithril Resources Limited (ASX:MTH) is an Australian resources company whose objective is the creation of shareholder wealth through the discovery of mineral deposits. The Company and its exploration partners are actively exploring throughout the Kalgoorlie, West Kimberley and Murchison Districts of Western Australia for economic nickel, copper, zinc, and vanadium deposits. In the Kalgoorlie District, Mithril is exploring for nickel on the Kurnalpi, Lignum Dam and North Scotia Projects which lie along strike from, or adjacent to previously mined high-grade nickel at the Silver Swan and Scotia Nickel Deposits. In the West Kimberley, Mithril is exploring for zinc on the Billy Hills Project which lies adjacent to the previously mined Pillara Zinc Deposit. In the Murchison, Mithril is exploring for copper, nickel and zinc mineralisation on the Nanadie Well Project and for copper, silver, zinc and lead on the Bangemall Base Metal Project. Mithril's exploration partner Monax Mining Ltd is also exploring for vanadium on the Limestone Well tenements. NEW YORK, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Last weekend, St. George's University School of Medicine celebrated its 2018 commencement ceremony at Lincoln Center in New York City. This year's graduating class hails from 44 states, six Canadian provinces, and 51 countries worldwide. They join a network of more than 16,000 physicians who have earned their Doctor of Medicine degrees from SGU, which opened in 1977. St. George's University Graduation "On behalf of the faculty, staff, and administration of St. George's University, I would like to offer a heartfelt congratulations to the class of 2018," said St. George's University President Dr. G. Richard Olds. "Over the past few years -- with the support of family and friends -- these students have worked hard to become top-notch medical professionals. Now, they'll move on to fill the gaps in America's doctor workforce." The newest wave of SGU physicians will begin residency programs in 46 states and several foreign countries -- including Trinidad and Tobago, the United Kingdom, and Canada. These graduates will play a critical role in filling America's growing physician shortage. SGU is the number one provider of U.S. doctors into first-year residencies. This year, more than 900 graduates will begin a U.S. residency. SGU graduates will be particularly crucial in primary care and underserved areas. The country will be short up to 50,000 primary care doctors by 2030, according to the Association of American Medical Colleges. More than two-thirds of international medical graduates practice in primary care. This year, three in four SGU graduates chose primary care residencies. "Our graduates are uniquely suited to tackle the nation's primary care shortage and provide care to those most in need," said Dr. Olds. "Being a part of this mission and watching these students grow has been an honor for me and the rest of the SGU community." About St. George's University St. George's University is a center of international education, drawing students and faculty from 140 countries to its programs in medicine, veterinary medicine, public health, science, social science, and more. St. George's is affiliated with institutions in the United States, the United Kingdom, Canada, Australia, and Ireland. The University's over 17,000 graduates include physicians, veterinarians, scientists, and public health and business professionals across the world. The University's programs are accredited and approved by many governing authorities and recognized as the best in the region. For more information, visit www.sgu.edu. MEDIA CONTACT: Madeline Auerbach (202) 471-4228 ext. 101 [email protected] SOURCE St. George's University Related Links http://www.sgu.edu WASHINGTON, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The International Brotherhood of Teamsters stand in solidarity with our Canadian brothers and sisters in calling for an end to the personal attacks on Prime Minister Justin Trudeau and a permanent exemption of tariffs on Canadian aluminum and steel. The Teamsters believe that the ongoing negotiations to replace NAFTA provide an opportunity to raise the living standards and improve the lives of workers throughout North America. Implementing tariffs at this critical point in negotiations will only serve to derail that process and to subsequently harm workers including working families in the United States. Negotiations should never be personal. The U.S. had an $8.7 billion trade surplus with Canada in 2017 including a $518 million surplus in the dairy industry. Using the Canadian agricultural supply management scheme as justification for implementing the aluminum and steel tariffs is simply misguided and potentially harmful to steelworkers and dairy workers in both countries. The implementation of these tariffs and the inevitable retaliatory tariffs by Canada will immediately harm workers in both nations. Canada is our nation's oldest ally and we must treat them as such. Now is the time to reverse course, go back to the negotiating table and treat our neighbors with the respect they have earned. Our Canadian brothers and sisters deserve nothing less. Founded in 1903, the International Brotherhood of Teamsters represents 1.4 million hardworking men and women throughout the United States, Canada and Puerto Rico. Visit www.teamster.org for more information. Follow us on Twitter @Teamsters and "like" us on Facebook at www.facebook.com/teamsters. Contact: Ted Gotsch, (202) 624-6911 [email protected] SOURCE International Brotherhood of Teamsters Related Links http://www.teamster.org ROHNERT PARK, Calif., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Financial aid award letters sent out to recent college enrollees are confusing, vague, incomplete and even misleading, concludes a recent study of 515 American colleges by New America, a non-profit specializing in, among other areas, education policy. This study examined more than 11,000 award letters and found that, despite the importance of plainly communicating the total cost of going to college, the letters often omitted and sometimes misrepresented important gaps in funding. The opacity of financial award letters clearly illustrates how students can so quickly become mired in student loan debt. Ameritech Financial, a document preparation service company that helps borrowers apply for federal loan assistance programs, can assist students who find themselves overwhelmed by student debt and sort through the equally vexing challenge of repayment. "Fully grasping the details within a financial aid award letter can be daunting, especially when the institution provides unclear information," said Tom Knickerbocker, executive vice president of Ameritech Financial. "When borrowers find themselves unable to recover from the debt that they have incurred, we recommend that they examine their own situation and find out if they might be eligible for help through a federal repayment program." Exemplifying the confusing jargon used in financial aid award letters, colleges utilized 136 unique terms for unsubsidized student loans, including 24 that did not include the word "loan." Also, more than one-third of the colleges did not include the complete cost of their education. Additionally, 70 percent grouped aid together without defining the difference between grants, scholarships, loans and work-study. Nearly 15 percent termed a parent PLUS loan as an "award." Ameritech Financial suggests that it's best to be proactive about student loans and fully understand them before entering into agreements that will affect borrowers for the rest of their lives. If student debt is already weighing borrowers down, there are a variety of options for managing their loans, including short-term payment delays and long-term repayment plans. Deferment and forbearance can postpone the due date, but should only be used for temporary relief from payments. Income-driven repayment plans (IDRs) are long-term programs that base payments on income and family size and can end in forgiveness after 20 to 25 years of enrollment. "We hope that our clients can adopt an optimistic mindset about their loans," said Knickerbocker. "At Ameritech Financial, our goal is to help borrowers understand IDRs and determine if they may benefit from enrollment. Then, we help with the application and recertification paperwork as long as they wish to remain in the program." 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 woman-looking-at-a-financial-aid.jpg Woman Looking at a Financial Aid Award Letter Credit: fizkes/Bigstock image2.png Related Links Ameritech Financial home page Related Video http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WRza8MbLvuM SOURCE Ameritech Financial Related Links http://ameritechfinancial.com DISCOVERY OF NEW PARALLEL ZONE UP TO 142.0 G AU/T OVER 2.80 METRES TRUE THICKNESS FROM 56.00 METRES TORONTO, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ - Superior Gold Inc. ("Superior Gold" or "The Company") (TSXV:SGI) is pleased to announce additional results from the recently completed reverse circulation drill program at its Hermes South project, which is located approximately 20 kilometres south southwest of the Hermes open pit gold mine, which is in turn located 65 kilometres southwest of the Company's 100%-owned Plutonic underground gold mine in Western Australia Figure 1. HIGHLIGHTS 142.0 g Au/t over 4.00 Metres from 56.00 metres downhole in Hole BHSRC028, approximately 150 metres south of existing resource 37.7 g Au/t over 3.00 metres from 27.00 metres downhole in Hole BHSRC007, approximately 150 metres south of existing resource (previously announced) 13.5 g Au/t over 4.00 metres from 50.00 metres downhole in Hole BHSRC039, approximately 150 metres south of existing resource 6.4 g Au/t over 12.00 metres from 62.00 metres downhole in Hole BHRSRC012, beneath existing resource 11.8 g Au/t over 3.00 metres from 62 metres downhole in Hole BHRSRC017, approximately 50 metres southeast of existing resource All intersections are outside of the existing resource The Hermes South project is within the Bryah Basin joint venture with Alchemy Resources Ltd. (ASX:ALY). The Company's interest is up to 80% in the joint venture. The Company recently announced (April 3, 2018) an initial inferred mineral resource estimate for Hermes South of 1.29 million tonnes @ 1.54 g Au/t for 64,000 ounces (100% basis). The phase one reverse circulation program was completed in May and totalled approximately 6,900 metres in 45 holes. The goal of the program was to expand the existing resource and to explore for additional zones of mineralization. The location of drill holes in the current program are shown in relation to prior drilling and the existing resource in plan and section in Figures 2 - 4. All intersections are listed in Table 2. Chris Bradbrook, President and CEO of Superior Gold stated: "These results are extremely encouraging and suggest the potential to increase the existing resource. In particular, the highest grade intersections are both outside and parallel to, and approximately 150 metres south of, the existing resource suggesting the possibility of outlining additional parallel zones. The purpose of the drill program is to determine the potential for the Hermes South project to become a second open pit mining operation. The project is strategically well located and can be readily connected to the main Hermes haul road. This work is part of our near-term growth strategy to focus on reestablishing the Plutonic Gold operations at a sustainable production level of at least 100,000 ounces of gold annually." Table 1 Key Intersections Drill Hole # Easting (Mine Grid) Northing (Mine Grid) Drill hole collar RL (Mine Grid) Dip (degrees) Azimuth (degrees, Mine Grid) End of hole depth (m) Downhole From (m) Downhole To (m) Downhole Intersection (m) Au (gpt) uncut Est True Thickness (m) BHSRC007 685114 7155443 572 -60 24 220 27.00 30.00 3.00 37.7 2.1 BHSRC009 685217 7155569 574 -60 24 220 166.00 176.00 10.00 2.0 7.0 Including 166.00 172.00 6.00 3.0 4.2 BHSRC012 685361 7155661 572 -60 24 120 62.00 74.00 12.00 6.4 8.4 BHSRC014 685290 7155536 571 -60 24 250 224.00 226.00 2.00 6.5 1.4 BHSRC016 685241 7155427 568 -60 24 186 84.00 86.00 2.00 7.1 1.4 BHSRC017 685511 7155523 567 -60 24 170 62.00 65.00 3.00 11.8 2.1 BHSRC021 685637 7155522 569 -60 24 180 80.00 82.00 2.00 14.7 1.4 BHSRC028 685299 7155421 568 -60 24 80 0.00 3.00 3.00 5.2 2.1 56.00 60.00 4.00 142.3 2.8 BHSRC039 685106 7155425 572 -60 24 80 50.00 54.00 4.00 13.5 2.8 Qualified Person Scientific and technical information in this news release has been reviewed and approved by Pascal Blampain, who is a member of the AusIMM and the Australian Institute of Geoscientists (AIG) and a "qualified person" within the meaning of NI 43-101. Mr. Blampain is an employee of the Company and serves as Chief Geologist. Quality Control Protocols Hermes South drilling has been completed using Reverse Circulation drilling. Samples are collected for every metre directly off the cyclone using a cone splitter, set to approximately 3kg sample size. All gold results were determined by ALS Minerals (Perth) using fire assay fusion (40g charge, lead collection method) with an ICP finish. Drill program design, Quality Assurance/Quality Control and interpretation of results are performed by qualified persons employing a Quality Assurance/Quality Control program consistent with NI 43-101 and industry best practices. Standards, blanks and duplicates are included in approximately every 20 samples for Quality Assurance/Quality Control purposes by the Company as well as the laboratory. Approximately 5% of sample pulps are sent to secondary laboratories for check assays. About Superior Gold Superior Gold is a Canadian based gold producer that owns 100% of the Plutonic Gold operations located in Western Australia. The Plutonic Gold operations include the underground Plutonic gold mine, which is a producing underground operation with a central mill, the Hermes open pit gold mine and up to an 80% interest in the Bryah Basin joint venture. Superior Gold is focused on expanding production at the Plutonic Gold operations and building an intermediate gold producer with superior returns for shareholders. Forward Looking Information This press release contains "forward-looking information" within the meaning of applicable securities laws that is intended to be covered by the safe harbours created by those laws. "Forward-looking information" includes statements that use forward-looking terminology such as "may", "will", "expect", "anticipate", "believe", "continue", "potential" or the negative thereof or other variations thereof or comparable terminology. Forward-looking information is not a guarantee of future performance and is based upon a number of estimates and assumptions of management at the date the statements are made. Furthermore, such forward-looking information involves a variety of known and unknown risks, uncertainties and other factors which may cause the actual plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements of the Company to be materially different from any future plans, intentions, activities, results, performance or achievements expressed or implied by such forward-looking information. See "Risk Factors" in the Company's prospectus dated February 15, 2017 filed on SEDAR at www.sedar.com for a discussion of these risks. The Company cautions that there can be no assurance that forward-looking information will prove to be accurate, as actual results and future events could differ materially from those anticipated in such information. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on forward-looking information. Except as required by law, the Company does not assume any obligation to release publicly any revisions to forward-looking information contained in this press release to reflect events or circumstances after the date hereof. Neither the TSX Venture Exchange nor its Regulation Services Provider (as that term is defined in the policies of the Exchange) accepts responsibility for the adequacy or accuracy of this release. SOURCE Superior Gold PRINCETON, N.J., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Taiho Oncology, Inc. and Servier today announced that clinical data for LONSURF (trifluridine and tipiracil, TAS-102) are being presented at the ESMO 20th World Congress on Gastrointestinal Cancer 2018 (ESMO-GI) in Barcelona, Spain, June 20 to 23. In addition, Taiho announced that data for TAS-120, the Company's investigational compound being studied for the potential treatment of patients with cholangiocarcinoma, will be presented. Key presentations include: A pivotal Phase III trial (TAGS) evaluating LONSURF plus best supportive care (BSC) versus placebo plus BSC in patients with previously treated metastatic gastric cancer refractory to standard therapies met its primary endpoint of prolonged overall survival (OS) (Abstract LBA-002). Results will be shared as an oral and poster presentation on Thursday, June 21 at 12:00 PM CEST in auditorium A, session VII. The abstract for this presentation is available on the ESMO-GI website: http://sched.co/DrlV. plus best supportive care (BSC) versus placebo plus BSC in patients with previously treated metastatic gastric cancer refractory to standard therapies met its primary endpoint of prolonged overall survival (OS) (Abstract LBA-002). Results will be shared as an oral and poster presentation on at in auditorium A, session VII. The abstract for this presentation is available on the ESMO-GI website: http://sched.co/DrlV. Primary analysis of data from a Phase II trial (TASCO-1) evaluating LONSURF in combination with bevacizumab versus capecitabine plus bevacizumab in first-line unresectable metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) patients who are non-eligible for intensive therapy (Abstract O-022). Results will be shared as an oral and poster presentation on Saturday, June 23 at 9:31 AM CEST in auditorium A, session XX. The abstract for this presentation is available on the ESMO-GI website: http://sched.co/DrmR. at in auditorium A, session XX. The abstract for this presentation is available on the ESMO-GI website: http://sched.co/DrmR. A phase I dose-escalation study examining the efficacy of TAS-120, an irreversible fibroblast growth factor receptor (FGFR) inhibitor, in cholangiocarcinoma (CCA) patients with FGFR pathway alterations who were previously treated with chemotherapy and/or other FGFR inhibitors (Abstract O-001). The results will be shared as an oral and poster presentation on Wednesday, June 20 at 2:50 PM CEST in auditorium A, session I. The abstract for this presentation is available on the ESMO-GI website: http://sched.co/Drky. "Taiho is committed to progressing research that will, ultimately, help patients around the world living with a range of cancer types," said Martin J. Birkhofer, MD, senior vice president and Chief Medical Officer, Taiho Oncology, Inc. "The LONSURF data continues to build on our body of knowledge of the safety and efficacy profile of this important therapy in metastatic colorectal cancer and gastric cancer, and we are excited for the presentation of updated clinical data for TAS-120 in cholangiocarcinoma, a rare cancer with limited treatment options." About TAGS The TAGS ( TA S-102 G astric S tudy) trial is a Taiho-sponsored pivotal Phase III multinational, randomized, double-blind study evaluating LONSURF (trifluridine and tipiracil), also known as TAS-102, plus best supportive care (BSC) versus placebo plus BSC in patients with metastatic gastric cancer refractory to standard treatments. The primary endpoint in the TAGS trial is overall survival (OS), and secondary endpoint measures include progression-free survival (PFS), and safety and tolerability, as well as quality of life. The TAGS trial aimed to enroll 500 adults 18 years and older with metastatic gastric cancer who had previously received at least two prior regimens for advanced disease. The trial enrolled 507 subjects and was conducted in Japan, North America, Europe, Russia and Turkey, among other locations. For more information on the TAGS trial, please visit www.ClinicalTrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02500043). The ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier is NCT02500043. About TASCO-1 TASCO-1 is a Servier-sponsored international, randomized, non-comparative Phase II study designed to evaluate efficacy of LONSURF (trifluridine/tipiracil) in combination with bevacizumab and the current standard of care (capecitabine and bevacizumab) for patients with untreated metastatic colorectal cancer, who are not suitable for intensive therapy. For more information on the TASCO-1 trial, please visit www.ClinicalTrials.gov (https://clinicaltrials.gov/ct2/show/NCT02743221). The ClinicalTrials.gov Identifier is NCT02743221. About Metastatic Colorectal Cancer Colorectal cancer is the third most common type of cancer, excluding skin cancers, in the United States, with an estimated 135,430 new patients diagnosed in 2017.1 It is the second and third leading cause of cancer-related deaths among men and women, respectively.1 Colorectal cancers that have spread to other parts of the body are often harder to treat and tend to have a poorer outlook.2 Metastatic, or stage IV colon and rectal cancers, have a five-year relative survival rate of about 11 and 12 percent, respectively.2 Still, there are often many treatment options available for people with this stage of cancer.3 Further, treatments have improved over the last few decades.2 As a result, there are now more than one million survivors of colorectal cancer in the United States.2 About Metastatic Gastric Cancer Gastric cancer, also known as stomach cancer, is a disease in which malignant cells form in the lining of the stomach. It is the fifth most common cancer worldwide and the third most common cause of cancer-related death (after lung and liver cancer), with an estimated 723,000 deaths annually3. Approximately 50 percent of patients with gastric cancer have advanced disease at the time of diagnosis4. Standard chemotherapy regimens for advanced gastric cancer include fluoropyrimidines, platinum derivatives, and taxanes (with Ramucirumab), or irinotecan. The addition of trastuzumab to chemotherapy is standard of care for patients with HER2-neu-positive advanced gastric cancer. However, after failure of first- and second-line therapies, standard third line treatments are limited. About Cholangiocarcinoma Cholangiocarcinoma (CCA), also known as bile duct cancer, is not common. About 8,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with CCA each year. This includes both intrahepatic (inside the liver) and extrahepatic (outside the liver) cancers. CCA can occur at younger ages, but it is seen mainly in older people. The average age of people in the United States diagnosed with cancer of the intrahepatic bile ducts is 70, and for cancer of the extrahepatic bile ducts it is 72. The chances of survival for patients with CCA depend to a large extent on its location and how advanced it is when it is found.5 The main treatment for CCA is surgery. Radiation therapy and chemotherapy may be used if the cancer cannot be entirely removed with surgery and in cases where the edges of the tissues removed at the operation show cancer cells (also called a positive margin). Both stage III and stage IV cancers cannot be completely removed surgically. Currently, standard treatment options are limited to radiation, palliative therapy, liver transplantation, surgery, chemotherapy and interventional radiology.6 About LONSURF (TAS-102) LONSURF is an oral combination of trifluridine, a nucleoside metabolic inhibitor, and tipiracil, a thymidine phosphorylase inhibitor, anticancer drug indicated in United States for the treatment of patients with metastatic colorectal cancer (mCRC) who have been previously treated with fluoropyrimidine-, oxaliplatin- and irinotecan-based chemotherapy, an anti-VEGF biological therapy and, if RAS wild-type, an anti-EGFR therapy.7 LONSURF is also available in EU,7 Japan, and other countries. In June 2015, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. entered into an exclusive license agreement with Servier for the co-development and commercialization of LONSURF. Under the terms of the agreement, Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. granted Servier the right to co-develop and commercialize LONSURF in Europe and other countries outside of the United States, Canada, Mexico and Asia. Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. retains the right to develop and commercialize LONSURF in the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Asia and to manufacture and supply the product. Important Safety Information8 WARNINGS AND PRECAUTIONS Severe Myelosuppression: In RECOURSE Study, LONSURF caused severe and life-threatening myelosuppression (Grade 3-4) consisting of anemia (18%), neutropenia (38%), thrombocytopenia (5%), and febrile neutropenia (3.8%). One patient (0.2%) died due to neutropenic infection. In Study 1, 9.4% of LONSURF-treated patients received granulocyte-colony stimulating factors. Obtain complete blood counts prior to and on day 15 of each cycle of LONSURF and more frequently as clinically indicated. Withhold LONSURF for febrile neutropenia, Grade 4 neutropenia, or platelets less than 50,000/mm3. Upon recovery, resume LONSURF at a reduced dose as clinically indicated. Embryo-Fetal Toxicity: LONSURF can cause fetal harm when administered to a pregnant woman. Advise pregnant women of the potential risk to the fetus. Advise females of reproductive potential to use effective contraception during treatment with LONSURF. USE IN SPECIFIC POPULATIONS Lactation: It is not known whether LONSURF or its metabolites are present in human milk. There are no data to assess the effects of LONSURF or its metabolites on the breast-fed infant or the effects on milk production. Because of the potential for serious adverse reactions in breast-fed infants, advise women not to breastfeed during treatment with LONSURF and for 1 day following the final dose. Male Contraception: Because of the potential for genotoxicity, advise males with female partners of reproductive potential to use condoms during treatment with LONSURF and for at least 3 months after the final dose. Geriatric Use: Patients 65 years of age or over who received LONSURF had a higher incidence of the following compared to patients younger than 65 years: Grade 3 or 4 neutropenia (48% vs 30%), Grade 3 anemia (26% vs 12%), and Grade 3 or 4 thrombocytopenia (9% vs 2%). Hepatic Impairment: Patients with severe hepatic impairment (total bilirubin greater than 3 times ULN and any AST) were not studied. No adjustment to the starting dose of LONSURF is recommended for patients with mild hepatic impairment. Do not initiate LONSURF in patients with baseline moderate or severe (total bilirubin greater than 1.5 times ULN and any AST) hepatic impairment. Renal Impairment: In RECOURSE Study, patients with moderate renal impairment (CLcr=30 to 59 mL/min, n=47) had a higher incidence (difference of at least 5%) of Grade 3 adverse events, serious adverse events, and dose delays and reductions compared to patients with normal renal function (CLcr 90 mL/min, n=306) or patients with mild renal impairment (CLcr=60 to 89 mL/min, n=178). Patients with moderate renal impairment may require dose modifications for increased toxicity. Patients with severe renal impairment were not studied. ADVERSE REACTIONS Most Common Adverse Drug Reactions in Patients Treated With LONSURF (5%): The most common adverse drug reactions in LONSURF-treated patients vs placebo-treated patients with refractory mCRC, respectively, were asthenia/fatigue (52% vs 35%), nausea (48% vs 24%), decreased appetite (39% vs 29%), diarrhea (32% vs 12%), vomiting (28% vs 14%), abdominal pain (21% vs 18%), pyrexia (19% vs 14%), stomatitis (8% vs 6%), dysgeusia (7% vs 2%), and alopecia (7% vs 1%). Additional Important Adverse Drug Reactions: The following occurred more frequently in LONSURF-treated patients compared to placebo: infections (27% vs 15%) and pulmonary emboli (2% vs 0%). The most commonly reported infections which occurred more frequently in LONSURF-treated patients were nasopharyngitis (4% vs 2%) and urinary tract infections (4% vs 2%). Interstitial lung disease (0.2%), including fatalities, has been reported in clinical studies and clinical practice settings in Asia. Laboratory Test Abnormalities in Patients Treated With LONSURF: Laboratory test abnormalities in LONSURF-treated patients vs placebo-treated patients with refractory mCRC, respectively, were anemia (77% vs 33%), neutropenia (67% vs 1%), and thrombocytopenia (42% vs 8%). Please see full US Prescribing Information. www.taihooncology.com/us/prescribing-information.pdf. About Taiho Oncology, Inc. (U.S.) Taiho Oncology, Inc., a subsidiary of Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. and Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd., has established a world class clinical development organization that works urgently to develop innovative cancer treatments and with a strong commercial business in the U.S. dedicated to bringing the company's approved medical innovations to patients. Taiho has an oral oncology pipeline consisting of both novel antimetabolic agents and selectively targeted agents. Advanced technology, dedicated researchers, and state of the art facilities are helping us to define the way the world treats cancer. It's our work; it's our passion; it's our legacy. For more information about Taiho Oncology, please visit: https://www.taihooncology.com. About Taiho Pharmaceutical Co., Ltd. (Japan) Taiho Pharmaceutical, a subsidiary of Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd., is an R&D-driven specialty pharma focusing on the three fields of oncology, allergy and immunology, and urology. Its corporate philosophy takes the form of a pledge: "We strive to improve human health and contribute to a society enriched by smiles." In the field of oncology, in particular, Taiho Pharmaceutical is known as a leading company in Japan for developing innovative medicines for the treatment of cancer, a reputation that is rapidly expanding through their extensive global R&D efforts. In areas other than oncology, as well, the company creates and markets quality products that effectively treat medical conditions and can help improve people's quality of life. Always putting customers first, Taiho Pharmaceutical also aims to offer consumer healthcare products that support people's efforts to lead fulfilling and rewarding lives. For more information about Taiho Pharmaceutical, please visit: https://www.taiho.co.jp/en/. About Otsuka Holdings Co., Ltd. (Japan) The Otsuka group of companies is a total-healthcare enterprise that aims to contribute to the health of people around world under the corporate philosophy, "Otsuka-people creating new products for better health worldwide." Healthcare is broadly and holistically addressed through the two main pillars the pharmaceutical business for the diagnosis and treatment of diseases and the nutraceutical1 business to support the maintenance and promotion of everyday health. Our 46,0002 employees across 183 companies in 28 countries and regions take on challenges across various fields and themes to help fulfill the universal wish of people to be healthy. Our pursuit of these challenges is motivated by the Otsuka' s corporate culture, articulated as "Ryukan-godo" (by sweat we recognize the way), "Jissho" (actualization) and "Sozosei" (creativity), and fostered by successive generations of Otsuka leaders. By striving to provide unique products and services, we seek to achieve sustainable growth and be an indispensable contributor to the world. For more information, please visit the company's website at https://www.otsuka.com/en/. 1 Nutraceuticals: nutrition + pharmaceuticals 2 As of end of December 2017 About Servier Servier is an international pharmaceutical company governed by a non-profit foundation, with its headquarters in France (Suresnes). With a strong international presence in 148 countries and a turnover of 4.152 billion euros in 2017, Servier employs 21,600 people worldwide. Entirely independent, the Group reinvests 25 percent of its turnover (excluding generic drugs) in research and development and uses all its profits for development. Corporate growth is driven by Servier's constant search for innovation in five areas of excellence: cardiovascular, immune-inflammatory and neuropsychiatric diseases, cancer and diabetes, as well as by its activities in high-quality generic drugs. Becoming a key player in oncology is part of Servier's long-term strategy. Currently, there are nine molecular entities in clinical development in this area, targeting gastric and lung cancers and other solid tumors, as well as different types of leukemia and lymphomas. This portfolio of innovative cancer treatments is being developed with partners worldwide, and covers different cancer hallmarks and modalities, including cytotoxics, proapoptotics, immune, cellular and targeted therapies, to deliver life-changing medicines to patients. For more information about Servier, please visit www.servier.com and www.servier-oncology.com U.S. Taiho Media Contact: Craig Heit GCI Health on behalf of Taiho Oncology [email protected] 212-798-9919 E.U. Servier Media Contact: Sonia Marques [email protected] +33 (0)1 55 72 40 21 / + 33 (0) 7 84 28 76 13 Karine Bousseau [email protected] +33 (0)1 55 72 60 37 1 American Cancer Society; What are the key statistics about colorectal cancer? http://www.cancer.org/cancer/colonandrectumcancer/detailedguide/colorectal-cancer-key-statistics. Accessed December 2017. 2 American Cancer Society; What Are the Survival Rates for Colorectal Cancer, by Stage? https://www.cancer.org/cancer/colon-rectal-cancer/detection-diagnosis-staging/survival-rates.html. Accessed December 2017. 3 Ferlay J, Soerjomataram I, Dikshit R, et al. Int J Cancer. 2015;136:E359-86. 4 National Comprehensive Cancer Network (NCCN). Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology. Gastric cancer. Version 2.2018. http://www.nccn.org. Accessed June 2018. 5 American Cancer Society; What are the key statistics about bile duct cancer? https://www.cancer.org/cancer/bile-duct-cancer/about/key-statistics.html#references. Accessed May 2018. 6 The Cholangiocarcinoma Foundation.Treatment Options. https://cholangiocarcinoma.org/the-disease/treatment-options/. Accessed May 2018 7 Lonsurf EU Summary of Product Characteristics (SmPC); August 2017: http://www.ema.europa.eu/ema/. Accessed May 2018. 8 LONSURF [US prescribing information]; Princeton, NJ: Taiho Oncology, Inc.; 2017. 2017. SOURCE Taiho Oncology, Inc. Related Links https://www.taihooncology.com MINNEAPOLIS, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Target Corporation (NYSE:TGT) today announced voting results from its 2018 Annual Meeting of Shareholders. Shareholders elected 12 members of the board of directors, ratified the appointment of Target's independent registered public accounting firm, approved the "Say on Pay" management proposal and rejected one shareholder proposal. The Carideo Group, the independent Inspector of Elections, has certified all voting results for the Annual Meeting, held on June 13, 2018. The final tabulation indicates that approximately 481 million shares were voted, representing 89.8 percent of outstanding shares. The final tabulation of votes for each proposal is as follows: 1. Shareholders elected each of the following board nominees for a one-year term by a majority of the votes cast: Nominee Percent For Percent Against Roxanne S. Austin 96.5 3.5 Douglas M. Baker, Jr. 98.3 1.7 Brian C. Cornell 96.3 3.7 Calvin Darden 97.6 2.4 Henrique De Castro 99.5 0.5 Robert L. Edwards 99.3 0.7 Melanie L. Healy 99.1 0.9 Donald R. Knauss 99.2 0.8 Monica C. Lozano 99.5 0.5 Mary E. Minnick 97.1 2.9 Kenneth L. Salazar 98.9 1.1 Dmitri L. Stockton 99.4 0.6 2. Shareholders ratified the appointment of Ernst & Young LLP as Target's independent registered accounting firm for fiscal 2017: Percent For 96.1 Against 3.7 Abstain 0.3 3. Shareholders approved, on a non-binding advisory basis, Target's executive compensation ("Say on Pay"): Percent For 94.9 Against 5.1 4. Shareholders did not approve a non-binding shareholder proposal to adopt a policy for an independent chairman: Percent For 28.2 Against 71.0 Abstain 0.8 For purposes of determining the level of support needed for a shareholder to be eligible to resubmit a shareholder proposal in a following year the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission uses a simple majority standard. Under that simple majority standard Item 4 received support of 28.4%. About Target Minneapolis-based Target Corporation (NYSE: TGT) serves guests at 1,829 stores and at Target.com. Since 1946, Target has given 5 percent of its profit to communities, which today equals millions of dollars a week. For more information, visit Target.com/Pressroom. For a behind-the-scenes look at Target, visit Target.com/abullseyeview or follow @TargetNews on Twitter. SOURCE Target Corporation Related Links http://www.target.com BUCURESTI, Romania & NEW JERSEY, Wash., June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- Temporatours is announcing the launch of its innovative, reliable and fast B2B travel booking engine that grants immediate access to the best B2B offers, including hotel reservations, flight reservations, car rentals, and transfers. Businesses that want to increase their online booking revenue can quickly integrate the engine into their own travel website and enhance their offering with the best net prices in an instant. Temporatours' B2B travel booking engine comes with a white label solution that allows travel websites to offer all of its inventory under their own brand. The software is easy to implement and professionally designed to create additional sales without much effort. Travel websites can rapidly generate new business opportunities thanks to the great deals negotiated by Temporatours. The admin booking panel in the B2B engine allows to search, filter, and book offers, adjust pricing and markups, view more details, download booking vouchers, print them, or even cancel the booking at any time. The B2B hotel inventory of Temporatours has over 500,000 hotels in 90,000 destinations. There are 3,000,000 hand-picked rooms from budget hostels and all-inclusive five-star luxury resorts alike, and they all come with live availability and instant booking confirmation. The B2B flight reservation offering of Temporatours consists of more than 900 airlines to any destination. Suppliers include all major GDS and all low-cost airlines, while partners do not require IATA accreditation to get flight bookings done. The car rental portfolio holds more than 500 international and local suppliers. Travel websites can easily increase conversion rates with a full car inventory that is always up-to-date. Temporatours firmly believes the need for a single B2B source to offer complete packages that include accommodation but also transportation in the form of flights, airport transfers, and car rentals has never been greater. Which is why there's an obvious need for a B2B engine that includes the most suitable travel offers at the best net prices, but also offers 24/7 support. "We here at Temporatours are delighted to introduce our revamped B2B online travel booking engine," said Mr. Vlad Busuioc, CEO of Temporatours. "Now, businesses can increase their online booking revenue with our unrivaled hotel, flight, car rental, and transfer offers." "Our solutions make Temporatours a true one-stop-shop for all of your B2B travel booking needs. Our team of travel technology experts has in-depth experience in offering B2B online travel platform solutions, which is why our booking engine saves you time and money. Our principle is simple: offer more, sell more, earn more." About Temporatours: For more information on how to enhance travel offerings and increase revenue, please visit temporatours.com. Photo(s): https://www.prlog.org/12713743 Press release distributed by PRLog SOURCE Temporatours Related Links http://temporatours.com The China-Israel Investment Summit, the largest national dedicated technological innovation investment event between the two countries, was held in Zhuhai for the first time last year. The 3 rd China-Israel Investment Summit attracted over 2,700 companies and more than 5,800 visitors from the two countries and led to the establishment of the National Israel-China Innovation Fund. At the event, agreements for 14 Sino-Israeli cooperation projects were signed while 2,653 discussions took place between companies, resulting in the signing of over 1,000 letters of intent valued at billions of US dollars. The summit drew widespread attention from the business communities in both countries. To continue growing the brand influence of the previous three editions of the summit, this year's edition, with the theme of "Cooperating on innovation, and intelligently creating a bright future for the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area", has invited powerful guests from China's and Israel's political, academic and business circles as well as more than 2,000 guests who will gather to share their wisdom and discuss important topics including Sino-Israeli cooperation on technological innovation and furthering development in the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area under the "One Belt, One Road" initiative. This year's summit will include a series of branded events, including the opening ceremony, the main forum, several break-out sessions, guest dialogues and business-to-business matchmaking meetings, covering the gamut of industries in which the two countries excel and have a deep interest, including smart manufacturing, the digital economy, intellectual property, bio-medicine, smart cities, among others. Israeli companies in concert with some of China's leading hi-tech firms will also hold thematic roadshows, giving participants the opportunity to experience the world's latest technological innovations first hand. Zhuhai kicked off a corporate entrepreneurship program this year. At this new historic starting point, the 4th China-Israel Investment Summit, to be held again in Zhuhai, is expected to further expand cooperation in the areas of technology, commerce and trade between the city and Israel, driving entrepreneurship among the city's many businesses through technological innovation, while, at the same time, creating a new area of growth for the Zhuhai Special Zone. The 4th China-Israel Investment Summit is now open for registration. Companies and individuals can visit the summit's official website http://www.china-israel-investment.com, to view the registration details and register online. SOURCE Zhuhai Huafa Group Dr. Vagelos, who chaired the Prix Galien USA Awards Committee of senior medical researchers and four Nobel prize winners until December 2017, was also the first recipient of the original Pro Bono Humanum Award, established in 2007 under the sponsorship of the late Foundation Honorary President and 1986 Nobel Peace Prize recipient, Pr. Elie Wiesel. That first award cited Dr. Vagelos for his unprecedented decision as CEO of a major global pharmaceutical company to donate the drug Mectizan to patients in 34 countries to treat and prevent river blindness (onchocerciasis), a parasitic disease that ranks as a leading cause of preventable blindness in developing countries, for "as much and as long as necessary." As result of this historic act of moral leadership, more than two billion treatments for 250 million people in affected areas of the globe have been donated by Merck & Co. over the past 30 years, resulting in the eradication of the parasite in numerous countries in Africa and Latin America. "The Awards Committee's decision to rename this award in honor of Roy Vagelos highlights how one man can apply the tools of innovation to improve the human condition, donating a life-saving medicine to the millions who needed it. That decision helped transform the mission of today's multinational heath care enterprise to include a commitment to opportunity and equity for all," said Prix Galien USA Awards Committee Chair and the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation CEO, Dr. Sue Desmond-Hellmann. "Through this award, the Prix Galien community worldwide will be able to recognize a still wider circle of contributors around our common goal of fostering progress in health. No one better embodies the spirit of this award -- improving humanity -- more than Dr. Vagelos." said Galien Foundation Chairman Bruno Cohen. "I look forward to working with my eleven other distinguished members of the Committee to make this award a recurring feature of our work and to promote Dr. Vagelos' legacy that medicines innovation and health equity are both essential raise the quality of care and improve patient health." added Dr. Sue Desmond-Hellmann. Other recipients of the Pro Bono Humanum Award since 2007 include two US Presidents Jimmy Carter and Bill Clinton for their work in increasing access to medicines and other life-saving health interventions for the world's poorest citizens. Leaders of humanitarian NGOs like Dr. Bernard Kouchner, co-founder of Doctors Without Borders, and Dr. Paul Farmer, co-founder of Partners in Health, have been recognized, along with distinguished scientists with experience in government, including Dr. Francis Collins and Dr. Anthony Fauci from the National Institutes of Health. In 2015, the Galien Foundation honored its first female Pro Bono Humanum recipient, Dr. Mary-Claire King, Professor of Genetics at the University of Washington, for her discovery of the gene responsible for inherited susceptibility to breast cancer, resulting in improved treatments for this major contributor to cancer mortality among women. MEMBERS OF THE 2018 GALIEN AWARDS COMMITTEE: Committee Chair Pr Sue DESMOND-HELLMANN, M.D., M.Ph. Chief Executive Officer, Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation, Seattle, WA Paul A. MARKS, M.D. Laboratory Head of Cell Biology Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center, New-York President, Emeritus, MSKCC Pr Richard AXEL, M.D. Nobel Laureate Co-director, the Kavli Institute for Brain Science Columbia University Medical Center, New York Dr Michael ROSENBLATT M.D. Chief Medical Officer of Flagship Pioneering, Cambridge, MA Pr Michael S. BROWN, M.D. Nobel Laureate Professor of Molecular Genetics and Internal Medicine UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas Pr Bengt SAMUELSSON, M.D., Ph.D. Nobel Laureate Former President, Karolinska institute Former chairman, the Nobel Foundation. Pr Laurie GLIMCHER , M.D. CEO and President, Dana Farber Cancer Institute Professor of Medicine Harvard Medical School Pr Marc TESSIER-LAVIGNE, Ph.D. President, Stanford University Pr Joseph GOLDSTEIN, M.D. Nobel Laureate Professor of Molecular Genetics and Internal Medicine UT Southwestern Medical Center at Dallas Pr Roy VAGELOS, M.D. Retired Chairman and CEO,Merck & Co., Inc. Chairman of the Board, Regeneron Pharmaceuticals, Inc. Pr Robert S. LANGER, M.D. David H. Koch Institute Professor, MIT Pr Cato T. LAURENCIN, M.D., Ph.D. Professor, University of Connecticut To learn more about the Prix Galien Awards and the Galien USA Foundation and its work, visit www.galienfoundation.org For media inquiries on the Prix Galien 2018 USA and International Awards program, please contact: Giana Gregga at Finn Partners [email protected] SOURCE The Galien Foundation Related Links http://www.galienfoundation.org HOUSTON, June 14, 2018 /PRNewswire/ -- TheBestSchools.org, a leading online publication for higher education news and information, has published a comprehensive source for the best services and resources available for students preparing for the ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT, or LSAT admissions tests. Your Test Prep Source: ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT & LSAT TheBestSchools.org offers a centralized source for ACT, SAT, GRE, GMAT, and LSAT test prep services and resources https://thebestschools.org/resources/act-sat-gre-gmat-lsat-test-prep/ The no-cost website serves as a single destination point for those looking to improve their test scores through the top testing books, web-based programs, apps, tutors, and mentoring services of all kindsself-guided, online, or in-person. "By compiling this information into one location on the web, students can spend the time they'd otherwise use researching study helps and instead start doing sooner what matters most: preparing for the tests," says Dan Edelen, marketing director for TheBestSchools.org. "Tests are stressful enough on their own. We present the best test prep materials and services to students so they can get the help they need without the search for help becoming its own stressor." From high schoolers to college grads considering graduate school to potential future business professionals and attorneys, students of all kinds will find the information they need. Details on the five tests covered include exam formats and scoring, service and material costs, study book links, and prep course availability, teaching style, and duration. With the breadth of material covered, and at all price points, even those students with a broad set of expectations will find satisfying solutions. TheBestSchools.org is a leader in school rankings secondary, college & university, postgraduate, online, and on-campus providing millions of prospective students with the information they need to find the right school for them. TheBestSchools.org is an educational website whose staff and advisory board believe learning transforms lives for the better and should be a lifelong pursuit. Contact: Dan Edelen Marketing Director TheBestSchools.org [email protected] (513) 601-8202 SOURCE TheBestSchools.org Related Links https://thebestschools.org